Imperial Reckoning: Humanity Return

Chapter 22: Baal

Baal, a world of desolation and forgotten history, had once been a fertile planet, lush with life. But the horrors of ancient wars and unspoken cataclysms had left it a shadow of its former self, now a barren wasteland. Its surface was scarred with dry riverbeds and cracked earth, and its skies choked with dust storms that howled through the endless plains. Yet even in this deathly quiet, life had clung on.

The Folk of Pure Blood were nomads, survivors of a time when Baal was still vibrant. Their myths spoke of a coming savior, a figure who would lead them from the brink of extinction. They wandered the ruined lands, holding onto traditions of purity, survival, and strength. For them, Baal was not dead-it was merely waiting for a miracle.

That miracle came in the form of a child from the stars.

The day Sanguina's craft descended from the heavens was like any other on Baal. The nomadic tribe had set up their temporary encampment, their day marked by hunting the planet's sparse fauna and maintaining what little they could scavenge from the ruins of old. Then the sky itself seemed to tear apart as a fireball streaked overhead, crashing violently into the wastelands beyond. The tribe's elders gathered immediately, fearing it was a bad omen. Scouts were sent to investigate.

They found the wreckage of a starship, twisted and torn apart by its uncontrolled descent. Smoke and flame danced around the crater it had created. Amidst the ruin, at the center of the impact site, lay a child-no older than a few years. And though she appeared unconscious, her body remained unscathed, shielded by the immense wings that folded protectively around her tiny form.

The scouts dared not approach at first. They feared this was a demon come to test their purity. But even their warriors, trained to fight for their survival, hesitated. There was something about this child-her radiance, her purity-that stayed their hands. When the wind shifted, blowing the dust away, the child's wings unfurled slightly, revealing her angelic form.

News of the winged child spread through the encampment swiftly. Many still feared she was a creature of the Warp, a demon sent to lead them into ruin. But others, particularly the spiritual leaders, spoke of the old prophecies-the demigoddess of blood who would descend from the heavens to save them. They approached with both reverence and suspicion.

It was not long before the child awoke. When her eyes opened, the first sight she saw was a ring of warriors, spears pointed at her. Her expression was not one of fear, but of serene calm. She rose slowly, her wings unfurling behind her like a cloak of light. The warriors stepped back instinctively, their fear melting into awe. The child did not speak. She simply looked at them, and in that gaze, they saw something greater than themselves-an embodiment of hope and purity.

The tribe's elders and shamans knelt before her, hailing her as the demigoddess of blood. In their eyes, the old prophecies had come true. The child's arrival marked the beginning of a new age for their people.

Sanguina Grows

Years passed, and the child-whom they named Sanguina, meaning "of pure blood" in their ancient tongue-grew into a powerful woman, a living symbol of the Folk's rebirth. Under her guidance, the Folk of Pure Blood transformed their society. She led them with unmatched wisdom, teaching them forgotten arts of construction and architecture. With her leadership, they began to reclaim the planet, building grand cathedrals, fortresses, and cities where once only dust and ash ruled.

The people of Baal thrived under Sanguina's care, their lives no longer defined by mere survival but by growth and prosperity. Her blood was a blessing to them, and they revered her not only as their ruler but as their savior.

Sanguina herself, though immortal and nearly divine in their eyes, remained humble. She often walked among the people, sharing in their daily lives, easing their burdens, and healing the wounded. Her wings-once a source of fear-had become a symbol of protection and hope, and none dared challenge her divinity.

Yet, for all the peace she had brought, Sanguina always felt a sense of disconnection, as though a part of her soul was missing. She had no memory of her origins or her place in the galaxy. While the tribe told stories of her being born of the stars, she wondered if there was more to her past than even the Folk could comprehend.

It was not until a fleet from the heavens once again descended upon Baal that the answers to her questions would arrive.

The Arrival of the Imperium

The people of Baal saw the fleet in the sky, black against the red haze of the atmosphere, and their hearts trembled with fear. The fleet was massive, imposing, and carried symbols none of them recognized-save for Sanguina, who felt something stir deep within her at the sight.

Lord Commander Shepard, Primarch of the Astral Knights, led the expedition. He had heard of Baal's transformation from a desolate wasteland to a thriving civilization and knew at once that his long-lost sister must be there. His search had taken him across the galaxy, seeking the scattered children of the Emperor, and now, at last, he had found her.

Upon landing, Shepard was met with an army of the Folk of Pure Blood, ready to defend their demigoddess at all costs. Yet Sanguina ordered them to stand down. She sensed that the man before her was not a threat, but something far greater.

Shepard approached, his armor gleaming in the harsh Baalite sunlight, his presence commanding. When he removed his helmet, Sanguina saw her reflection in his eyes-a bond she couldn't explain but felt deeply. "Sanguina," Shepard said, his voice both gentle and firm, "I am your brother."

The revelation struck her like a hammer blow. She, a demigoddess of Baal, was not merely of this world. She was something far greater-a daughter of the Emperor of Mankind, and Shepard, the man before her, was her sibling. Shepard told her of their father, the Emperor, and the coming wars that threatened all of humanity. "You are needed, Sanguina," he said, "The galaxy burns, and the Emperor calls for his children."

A Family Reborn

Despite the shock of learning her true origin, Sanguina hesitated. She had built something here on Baal, a home, a family. Her people looked up to her as a goddess, and she had sworn to protect them. How could she leave them now?

When Shepard spoke of the need for her planet's strength and of the protection the Imperium would offer, Sanguina knew she had to make a difficult decision. She loved her people, but her duty to humanity-her blood-called her elsewhere. She agreed to join Shepard, but only if Baal and her people would be defended from the chaos that plagued the stars.

Shepard gave his word, swearing on the Emperor himself that Baal would be shielded from all threats. Yet before they departed, something unsettled Sanguina. She had seen Shepard's brief anger when the people of Baal had referred to him as the "god of blood." His outburst had surprised her, for her brother seemed as calm as she was, yet for a moment, there was a darkness in him.

When she asked him about it later, Shepard explained the horrors of the warp, of gods far more terrible than any mortal could imagine. "Khorne," he said, his voice heavy with contempt, "is the god of blood, but he is no god of purity. He is the god of slaughter, and I will not be mistaken for him."

Sanguina understood. Her brother fought not only for the Emperor but against the horrors of the cosmos that sought to destroy everything they held dear. As the Blood Angels-her new legion-assembled under her command, she knew her destiny lay beyond Baal, but she would never forget the people who had once saved her from the stars.

Sanguina's wings spread wide as she took flight, ascending into the heavens alongside Shepard, the fate of Baal and her people now entwined with the Imperium of Man.