#au idea

I'll start with Roboute's side of things, which is much calmer and slightly less eventful.

For starters, best believe the AU!Blueberries swarm him (after figuring out that "oh, Dad and his flagship got swapped with this new Dad and these new brothers, but according to them, Dad shouldn't be in much danger in that other universe"). They are... utterly gob-smacked and possibly crying at the fact that—

"No Nails," whispers Romanus Regulus, the Second Chapter-Master of this alternate Ultramarine Legion. He has no counterpart in Roboute’s Legion; Roboute has long run through all the names and faces of his sons in his mind and confirmed it. "You—you have no Nails..."

All of Regulus' surrounding brothers, more unknown Ultramarines, echo him. Their eyes, hidden beneath helms or not, are all wide and locked onto Roboute’s scalp, where only a laurel wreath rests atop his cropped hair.

Roboute does not frown, though he wishes to. Until this matter is solved, he must continue to project confidence before all his sons, lest fear and anxiety crush them and their wills.

"'Nails'? By that, are you referring to the Butcher's Nails?" he asks. It is the only term he can conceive that might drive their current wonder and fascination with his hale appearance.

With a quick glance around, Roboute notes that none of these alternate Ultramarines bear any emblems or symbols of Macragge. Proof that his counterpart did not land on Macragge but elsewhere. On Nuceria, perhaps? Or some other planet with access to the Butcher's Nails?

Regulus nods lightly, as if he's barely registered Roboute's question. Then, he begins to step closer.

In unison, Marius and the rest of Roboute's sons tense around him; their confusion toward this unknown brother is palpable in the air. It is only after he waves his hand at them that they relax and allow Regulus close.

One of Regulus' hands raises. Aimed for his head.

Curiosity—and a hint of compassion for these sons, whose Primarch is... wounded and may be treating them as Angron does his World Eaters—drives Roboute to lower himself, only slightly, enough for Regulus' hand to touch the top of his head and rest in his blonde hair.

A choked gasp leaves Regulus, followed by sudden sobs. Tears rapidly swell in and seep from his eyes.

His brothers quickly mirror him. Some lean against each other as they weep; others draw near to Roboute, as well, to touch him first before they cry.

"You're whole!"

"Our Primarch is whole!"

"No Nails!"

Eventually, after this feast of tears, Roboute manages to get more information from the AU!Blueberries. More specifically, on all the ways this universe differs from his.

He learns:

-> Indeed, his counterpart, "Robouen Lykaros," did not land on Macragge but on Nuceria. Likewise, the XIIth of this universe landed on Macragge, becoming "Angronius Guilliman". Perhaps the two planets are so (relatively, given this is space) close that the primarch pods of the XIIth and XIIIth... switched destinations? Or something along those lines?

-> Robouen Lykaros was found 17th, very late. But! When the Emperor did find him, He found not a slave or a madman, but the Lord of Ultramar! For Roboute's counterpart, just like him, was inspired by the ancient tales of the Human Federation and created the Realm of Ultramar!

-> Unfortunately, Robouen Lykaros does bear the Butcher's Nails, and, much like with Angron, the Emperor of this universe failed to remove them. But hope is not dead! To this day, Robouen Lykaros and all of Ultramar's brightest minds continue to research and toil to invent a solution (bc, apparently, this new Ultramar successfully negotiated for more innovation rights when joining the Imperium).

-> Thankfully, despite being inflicted with the Nails, Robouen Lykaros does not treat his sons cruelly. No. If anything, he is very kind and warm, if always tense and silent. He has trained his sons... somewhat differently from how Roboute has—but, nonetheless, to the best of his abilities!

-> The other primarchs of this alternate universe are much the same as Roboute's brothers, if occasionally found a year or two later/earlier. That's it.

Following these revelations, Roboute orders the entire Legion (+ his own flagship and sons) to make for Terra. The Emperor, hopefully, will be able to help; at the very least, He and Lord Malcador must be informed of the loss of their XIIIth Primarch.

During this travel, Roboute's learns even more shocking info...

Because why does his counterpart have access to a direct channel to the Emperor (as in, the moment an astropath of the XIIIth Legion contacts Terra, the Emperor will be informed and receive the message personally—unless He's in an extra important meeting, ofc)?! Is Robouen Lykaros actually close to/favored by the Emperor?!

His counterpart even had/has Custodes assigned to him (bc, when he first joined the Crusade, he asked the Emperor to "borrow" some; now, alongside his "Victrix Guards", the Custodes help protect him and keep up with him in battle, when the Nails are especially loud)! Custodes that were on his flagship and, thus, also swapped! In fact, Custodes from Roboute's universe have actually landed on Terra, in the Imperial Palace, and made the Emperor aware of Robouen's loss before Roboute even contacted Him!

Yadda, yadda, yadda.

Roboute arrives on Terra and meets the Emperor, who is quietly shocked by the sight of him (because THIS is what He planned and crafted His XIIIth to be, only for Nuceria and the Nails to break him—). He gives his report and theories on how/why this happened (read: warp shenanigans), then requests assistance on returning home. In exchange, Roboute shall fulfill all of Robouen's duties whilst he is here.

Ultimately, the Emperor agrees. Mostly out of pragmatism (can't be losing another Primarch, can He?), but also out of sheer curiosity of how this untouched, healthy XIIIth will operate in comparison to His XIIIth (Emps is still a scientist and researcher at heart, even if He rarely shows it).

They also agree to have all the AU!Primarchs gathered on Terra to be told the news of Robouen's loss and also be introduced to his (hopefully) temporary replacement, Roboute Guilliman.

While he waits, Roboute rounds up the canon!Custodes who got dragged into this. They all gotta stick together now, even if he knows the Custodes have never liked him or the rest of the Primarchs. They're all from the same universe!

At the same time, Roboute also agrees to help the AU!Blueberries with developing a cure for the Nails—in that, he lets them scan his brain and body a ton, to serve as reference for what a healthy XIIIth should look like.

He also (after politely requesting to and going over all his counterpart's notes/plans/etc.) begins optimizing the AU!Blueberry Legion (since his mind is whole and he can dedicate more time to it). In a slightly different direction from his own, of course, to account for his counterpart's affliction (for this displacement will be undone, and Roboute's kindness of improving the Legion will not be a kindness at all if his counterpart cannot use those new/changed systems).

All nice things to busy himself with.

Finally, the AU!Primarchs all arrive on Terra. Many of them (especially those close to Robouen) are utterly shocked and enthralled by the sight of Roboute. At first, some of them even mistake him for Robouen, whose plans + research have finally succeeded and the Nails have been removed—but, ofc, that notion is quickly shot down...

This is when Roboute realizes... how much more well-liked his counterpart is by his brothers.

And that... kinda hurts? Not because he's jealous (ok, maybe only a bit)—but because of what it implies: he needs to have hurt (in a similar way to them, in a way they can empathize with, in a way that doesn't threaten their egos) for them to understand or like him.

... Roboute hopes that's just his tumultuous emotions causing him to jump to conclusions, but he doesn't know.

Anyways! Onto the interesting bit!

By the time Roboute meets Angronius Guilliman, he already knows some bits and shit about him and his past (he had a lot of free time on his hand these past weeks and felt the need to prepare for meeting these other primarchs). But only some things because, tyrant that he is, Angronius has covered up or destroyed a fair amount of his past. He doesn't like being reminded of it (read: his happy childhood, Konor's death, and how he fucked up thereafter).

Roboute will, at first, greet Angronius kindly. They both are Guilliman's and, thus, kinda brothers two-fold (created by the Emperor and raised by Konor + Tarasha).

Then he asks:

"Where is Lady Euten? Is she here with you, or is she on Macragge?"

And everything quickly goes downhill.

Because Roboute discovers just how bad Angronius' relationship with Tarasha is, including the fact that he harmed her! His own adoptive mother! All because Angronius refused to move on from the trauma of Konor's death and Tarasha dared to correct him!

Best believe, Roboute seriously ponders whether or not to punch Angronius in the face. If not for the political consequences and the presence of his own Tarasha (who Angronius is utterly horrified to see), he probably would have!

(And while he's silently fuming, the AU!Primarchs, Emps, and Malcy all catch sparse glimpses of Robouen in him.)

_____

Now, onto Robouen(or Ben)'s side of things!

For obvious reasons, the moment the canon!Blueberries meet Robouen and his sons, they sorta freak out because A.) Dad is gone and B.) they now have a new Dad, who's not actually Dad but is similar enough that their gene-forged instincts (to protect Dad) kinda start going haywire—because what do you mean Dad is hurt?! What do you mean he has the Nails?!

Just like Roboute, the canon!Blueberries all get a basic rundown on Robouen's past, what his universe is like, etc.

Then they promptly haul ass to Terra.

Similar to AU!Emps, the Emperor has mysteriously lost, like, five Custodes. He is not pleased when He figures out why and meets Robouen (His XIIIth was perfectly sane and competent; now... He might have a second Angron on His hands).

Cue a subtle interrogation by Emps (which Robouen... doesn't really notice, like, at all, since his mind is often foggy from the Nails—unless he deliberately locks in, which this perfectly innocent dinner Emps invited him to does not require). He is glad to learn that Robouen, despite his less fortunate upbringing on Nuceria, is fairly similar to Roboute, in morals and ideals. Also, Robouen and his Emperor actually have an amicable relationship; at the very least, they don't hate each other; unlike Angron, Robouen has, at no point, ever blamed his Emperor for failing to save him in time or for failing to remove the Nails.

Though—

"Why did You create Your Primarchs?"

The question from this new XIII is sudden—so much so that Malcador briefly exchanges a glance with his liege.

So far, since his arrival this morning, the XIIIth has proven to be a silent observer. A single gesture from him and his sons, their armors emblazoned with the constellations of Nuceria yet their scalps unmarred by the Nails, would speak in his place. Or the Custodes would; according to his and their testimonies, they were assigned to him by that other Emperor decades ago. To protect him in battle, should the Nails drive him to acts of folly.

This XIII, Robouen Lykaros, is no stranger to his Emperor. To some degree, he may even be favored.

Yet he asks such an odd question. These are the first words they have heard from his lips, low and raspy.

Malcador sets down his cutlery to inquire on his liege's behalf, "Why do you ask?"

"If I am to remain in this universe for some time and assume the place of my counterpart, I wish to form a proper opinion of the man I will soon serve," the XIIIth explains easily, only pausing to take a mechanical sip of his wine, "hence my question."

He and his liege exchange another glance, then return their gazes to the odd XIIIth.

"... Will My answer improve Your opinion of Me?" the Emperor asks, in a blunt manner Malcador has not seen Him indulge in centuries, since revealing Himself as the Emperor of Man.

Unfortunately, they have both learned in the past hours that subtlety is not an option with this XIIIth—simply because he will not notice or respond to it, and neither his sons nor Custodes can be present for this private dinner. Just as with Angron, the Nails have stolen much from him; even now, they cause visible twitches on his face and tremors in his hands.

"Depends," the XIIIth says curtly. His face is blank; in the Warp, his presence is similarly placid, until— "Was Your reason the same as my Emperor's? I dislike Him for it."

Blunt, Malcador thinks. The slightest urge to smile comes and goes. Very blunt.

With this answer, his liege pivots the conversation. "You dislike Him?"

The XIIIth does not notice. Theirs would have.

"Yes," he confirms, while his hands continue dividing the food on his plate into neat groups for efficient consumption. "He did not create us to be His sons, as He proclaims us. Not entirely. We are His Primarchs, His generals for His Crusade."

Ripples stretch across the surface of his waters in the Warp.

"Though I understand that multiple things may be true at once in many scenarios, I have also read that parenthood is not considered to be amongst those acceptable scenarios—for an ideal parent is meant to conceive their children for love, not for use."

So the XIIIth refuses to claim his Emperor as his father. An anomaly, considering how eager and proud most other Primarchs were and still are—in their universe and likely his, as well.

"I have disliked Him since our first meeting," the XIIIth goes on. "But I know: this feud is one-sided and petty. Thus, I have never allowed it to affect the Crusade's progress or the wider Imperium."

His blue eyes raise from his plate to meet the Emperor’s, and, for a single second, they are not glazed.

"That will be the same here," he assures—so calmly and confidently that Malcador can almost see the image of their XIIIth, Roboute Guilliman, overlapping him. "Even if Your answer is unsavory, I will only—"

He cuts himself off. In just a breath, his expression has pinched, lips pursed and eyes tight at the corners.

Pain.

The Nails. Punishing him for some unseen crime only they know.

Malcador hears his liege take an audible breath beside him. Though it has been decades since Angron's retrieval from Nuceria, His fury at the Nails and what it has stolen will never truly abate; the sight of this afflicted XIII, whose greatest—healthiest—self they know well, only stokes that old rage.

Eventually, after several moments that were too long and silent, the XIIIth's posture loosens.

But his eyes are foggy again, as if ice has crawled over the windows into his soul, and he does not speak. He only glances around—at the walls, the table, its occupants—as if seeing it anew.

As if...

Now, Malcador must breathe deeply. As he does, he can see his liege's hands tightening atop the table, no longer pretending to touch His plate or goblet.

... the XIIIth has forgotten the past few seconds. Potentially minutes, or even hours at worst. Another symptom of the Nails—once only recorded in the Emperor’s notes, when He still believed the Nails could be removed from Angron, but now witnessed in-person.

Gently, in a way His current golden facade is not so suited for, the Emperor probes:

"If you found My answer unsavory, what would you do?"

The XIIIth does not answer immediately. When he at last does, his voice is faint.

"... Yes," he murmurs, then nods. "Yes, I remember. I would do to You what I do to my Emperor."

Evidently, the effects of the Nails have not completely worn off just yet.

"And what is that?" the Emperor asks, tone still gentle.

The XIIIth blinks slowly. Once, twice, thrice. Malcador almost fears he has forgotten himself again, until—

"I would irritate you."

Which leads to canon!Emps and Malcy learning the specifics of Robouen's, frankly, WEIRD relationship with his Emperor.

As it turns out, Robouen ("to express my distaste for Him in a healthy manner, without putting myself at risk of losing control of the Nails or delaying the Crusade and harming innocents") has been irritating his Emperor for decades now! Ever since being found!

By...

Sending gifts!

This scheme was born in the first few years following his discovery. Here was his thought process:

"First theoretical: The Emperor is OLD (though He will not give me the specifics, even when I ask), so ordinary methods of irritation will not suffice. He has witnessed them all and gained the necessary callouses to weather them."

"Second theoretical: The Emperor loves Mankind. Otherwise, He would not have launched the Great Crusade."

"Third theoretical: The Emperor is extremely intelligent and aware; we Primarchs are designed after Him. Thus, He can notice every tiny detail around Him and may even feel compelled to do so at all times."

"Practical: I will gather fragments of ancient Mankind—be it artifacts, books, or DNA of extinct fauna and flora—and send them to Him as gifts. While they are transit, I shall delay them."

(Yes, Ben does use the whole "theoretical" and "practical" thing, too. It helps keep his mind organized and efficient and we all know how difficult the Nails make that!)

To confirm this theory (and not waste his precious, sparse thoughts on this), Robu just straight-up ASKED (decades ago, when he was first found) if Emps would like to receive some ancient artifacts he recently found and... Emps said YES (so anticipation and interest? Secured)!

So he sent the first gift...

And DELAYED it! By, like, a week (he was still experimenting on what length of delay would cause maximum irritation)! So Emps would not know when it'd arrive and spend days constantly wondering about it (so irritation? Achieved), possibly counting down the seconds themselves and checking ship arrivals!

To check if his first gift(?) was successful, Robu, again, just asked Malcador bluntly if Emps was annoyed by the "unexpected" delay. Malcador eyed him weirdly but said yes.

So success!

And Robouen's kept up this (essentially) campaign of annoying gifts ever since! Even after Emps and Malcy realized what he was doing ("why would I halt my actions? That You are now aware will only heighten Your irritation, for You know I am doing this deliberately and succeeding. Furthermore, You desire the gifts I send You; You do not want them to stop. And this is ultimately a harmless outlet of my dislike of You, so You will not command me to desist")!

And now, Robouen's sorta threatening/promising to do the same to canon!Emps—if He earns his dislike!

(And yes, canon!Emps and Malcy have just been staring at him as he explains all this. Like, why is this XIIIth unironically closer to his Emperor and knows Him better than most Primarchs?)

...

But onto what you really want to read about!

The confrontation between Robouen and Angron (because, oh, it IS a confrontation)!

However, I must set the scene first!

Just like in the AU universe (where Roboute now is), the canon!Primarchs are all recalled to Terra to meet Robouen and learn about Roboute's disappearance. Important logical shit, yknow?

Naturally, all the Primarchs are very surprised by Robouen (this XIIIth Primarch, their... technical brother from another universe, who landed on Nuceria and not Macragge... It seems the XIIIth is not lucky in every universe) and the Nails in his head. They're even MORE surprised when they begin learning about his childhood on Nuceria and realize: Robouen is a LOT like Roboute, in spite of their differing childhoods. They both are so hopeful; they both built empires (Ultramar); they both are so precise and composed (or rather, silent in Robouen's case); etc.

(Best believe the canon!Primarchs are MOST surprised by the squadron of Custodes following Robouen. Because, apparently, HIS Emperor made accommodations for him and his condition. They're... close? Or, at least, don't have a fraught relationship—unlike Angron and the canon!Emperor?)

In short, Robouen... is not like Angron. At all. When Robouen suffered and failed on Nuceria, he did not break or surrender to the Nails. When life was cruel to him, he chose to fight and build a better tomorrow—for himself, for those around him, for those after him.

This is best exemplified in all the medicine he and Ultramar have invented + produced to alleviate his painful symptoms. For example, there are pills he can take that will help clear his mind and sharpen his thoughts temporarily; some will allow him to sleep for a few short hours; another will dull his pain; etc.

Another example is that, over many years of research, Robouen and Ultramar have found and are exploiting a slight loophole in the Nails. Instead of always fighting physically when the Nails demand release (which will require Robouen and his Legion being constantly near battlefields or garden worlds he can safely hunt on), Robouen will sometimes use (essentially) advanced VR technology recovered from the Dark Age of Technology (the same strategio-simulacra from Lord of Shadows) to simulate and fight battles—which TECHNICALLY fulfills the Nails' desire for blood.

There is also, ofc, Robouen's stasis plan for the future, when the Nails inevitably steal too much from him to continue living! Which just goes to show how much hope he still has (though he has placed a one thousand years' time limit on the stasis plan; if a cure is not found within that time, it is best to just... pull the plug on him; no need to prolong his suffering unnecessarily or keep wasting Ultramar's resources; he's not naive)!

But anyways! Anyways! No more random world-building and lore! Moving on!

Robouen is sharing his past, details of his most recent life updates, and is just getting to know the canon!Primarchs, who he knows he'll soon be working alongside in the Crusade.

Eventually, he reaches Angron. Robouen initially has a neutral (even empathetic) opinion of him. Due to the Nails and all the ways they hinder him mentally, Robouen did/could not do any in-depth research on the canon!Primarchs before they arrived on Terra. He just knows the basics—aka, that some of them were found earlier/later than his brothers, that very few of them are actually close to his counterpart (Roboute Guilliman), etc.

Of Angron, Robouen only knows that, in this new universe, the XIIth and XIIIth Primarch switched planets. Robouen's counterpart landed on Macragge, becoming Roboute Guilliman (which Robouen's... so happy about; it's so good to know that in at least one universe, that young XIIIth Primarch got a happy childhood, instead of being chained in the Pits and forced to fight in the Arenas). The brother Robouen knows, Angronius Guilliman, is just Angron here because he landed on Nuceria and... was also branded with the Nails.

So Robouen is being very understanding and empathetic with Angron. They both come from Nuceria and have the Nails, after all. Robouen even offers to share all the medicine and methods he and Ultramar have invented to manage the Nails (once he learns that Angron did not go down the same stubborn path as him of continuing to research the Nails for solutions, even after the Emperor Himself failed to remove them).

All in all, their first meeting goes well (on Robouen's side, at least; on Angron's side, he... may/may not be jealous of Robouen, especially once he sees the LIVING AU!Oenamaus, who serves as Robouen's advisor on his flagship).

Then, one day, Robouen meets some World Eaters.

Who have Nails.

And he learns ANGRON gave his own sons an ultimatum of joining in his pain of the Nails (and well, we all know just how gene-engineered the Astartes are to obey their Primarchs' every command)! He WATCHED his Legion split into opposing factions and kill each other to, ultimately, accept the Nails! He spread the same pain and suffering he went through on Nuceria to them, his sons! He has become a High Rider, another slaver and oppressor!

Robouen is PISSED. His calm is GONE. (Which the Nails immediately seize and fan the flames of.)

He tracks down Angron.

And begins beating. Him. Up.

By the time the canon!Emperor and Malcador get brought the news—

Malcador and his liege are still discussing the new XIIIth, Robouen Lykaros, and his interactions with their Primarchs when a Custodian all-but-barges inside the office. Even before they turn to face her, an omen has grown in the air.

"M'lords." The Custodian salutes. Unlike usual, the placement of her hands is millimeters askew. "A conflict has arisen in the Palace."

They both straighten in their seats, out of their previously casual slumps and leans.

"Between?" the Emperor asks.

"The XIIth and the new XIIIth."

By the next second, they have both risen and crossed the office. Constantin Valdor and his subordinates immediately settle into position around them and follow them out the doors and into the hallway.

They are led by the Custodian who delivered the news.

"Do we know the reason for their conflict?" Malcador urgently asks her. He has long swung his staff over his shoulder to take quick, long strides to keep up with the Emperor.

"None," the Custodian answers. "My squadron and I—" Assigned in the wing of the Primarchs' quarters, if Malcador recalls correctly. "—only witnessed the XIIIth locating the XIIth and initiating combat with him. There was no prior warning."

Malcador and his liege share a look.

The XIIIth? Calm, silent Robouen Lykaros initiated this conflict? Not Angron, whose envy was palpable from the day he arrived on Terra and met Robouen?

"There must be a reason," Malcador remarks.

His liege nods curtly. "His sons and Custodes. We will question them."

In all the weeks the XIIIth has been here, they have never truly left his side; at most, there were shift changes. If anyone—aside from Robouen, who is likely in no mood to converse—knows the source of this conflict, it is them.

Soon, they enter the wing of the Primarchs' quarters.

Horus, eyes wide, nearly collides into them. "Father!"

Judging from the fact that he is facing them, he must have intended to leave the wing to find them and inform them of the fight, the sounds of which can be faintly heard from here.

The Emperor only asks, "Where are they?"

Horus' posture immediately loosens as he turns and gestures them after him. "The Aqualis Courtyard."

The boy is still using that nickname, Malcador can't resist thinking wryly.

In his youth, after being found and brought to Terra, Horus had explored the entirety of the Palace and given names to all the chambers and courtyards that did not already have one. The Aqualis Courtyard was named for its many streams, fountains, and statues carrying hydrias.

When they reach its adjoining halls and step outside—

Malcador grimaces.

—the damage is immense. Pillars and statues have been thrown about or crashed into, now laying shattered and broken across the courtyard. At the center of it all are the XIIth and XIIIth, kept only separated from each other by the wall of their fellow Primarchs.

Angron, eyes bloodshot with rage and bleeding from more than a dozen wounds, is in the process of being grabbed and restrained by Leman, Ferrus, and Vulkan. Some others must have tried before them but are now lodged into trees or laying on the ground in defeat. Horus leaves their side to assist his brothers.

Robouen... is surrounded by his gene-sons, all barely half his height and forming a loose circle around him, with their arms spread high and wide. Oddly enough, they appear to be having more success than the Primarchs, who are being swatted away and even bitten by Angron. Their gene-father, despite the blood oozing from his nostrils and snarling mouth—all signs of the Nails' persuasion—does not raise a hand against them, only continues to growl and pace inside the circle. Whenever he attempts to step past them, they only need to tighten their ranks and close any gaps. He, a Primarch easily capable of crushing them with a wrong step, is trapped.

Not far away, forming an even looser secondary circle, are the XIIIth's assigned Custodes. They... are not nearly as tense as the situation demands, standing straight instead of in any battle stances—as if this is the inside of the Palace and they are guarding their charge, as per usual, and nothing more.

One Custodian even glances over at them—Malcador, his liege, and their golden entourage—upon their arrival.

The Emperor signals him over.

The Custodian, though from another universe, only looks to his charge for a second, nods at what he finds, before complying and marching over.

"Your Majesty," the Custodian greets.

"What is the reason for the XIIIth's actions?" inquires the Emperor. "He has harmed My XIIth."

There is silence for a brief moment, as the Custodian organizes his thoughts. "My charge is moral and sentimental," he says first, as if to warn them, then adds, "Less than an hour ago, he discovered the XIIth's... treatment of his Legion."

Malcador closes his eyes.

The Nails. Again. This time, the ones implanted in the skulls of the World Eaters, against the Emperor’s outlaw of the wretched devices years ago, at the bidding of their own gene-father, the XIIth.

And of course, the XIIIth—who often hugs his gene-sons and even hands his Custodes desserts, however stiffly and stoically—disapproved. Raged, which the Nails must have only amplified.

Which led... to this.

"... Is your charge under control?" Malcador hears his liege eventually speak.

He opens his eyes and watches the Custodian nod.

"Yes. He only intends to kill the XIIth," the Custodian says composedly.

Malcador raises a brow at the wording. "He has conditioned himself?"

Again, the Custodian nods. "Over the years. He will only harm his appointed target. His gene-sons will keep him restrained until the Nail's sway abates and he calms."

Which seems to be soon.

Robouen still paces between his sons but is no longer snarling like a provoked animal. His pupils have also narrowed, and the flow of the blood from his nose and mouth has slowed. When his lips next pull back, it is to speak at Angron, who has finally been grabbed and pinned to the ground by his brothers.

"You have not left the Pits, nor the Arenas. Only now, you sit in the theatron."

The XIIth shouts back: "Shut up! How dare you—you—judge me?! The High Riders—"

"You have become them," Robouen cuts him off, snarling once more. He tries to stalk forward, toward Angron, only for his sons to block his path again. "You watch your sons suffer for your entertainment and attention! You branded—mutilated—them with the Nails, just as the High Riders did you! Did us!"

For a single moment, the XIIth freezes beneath his brothers, something warring in his eyes—then shakes his head and begins wrestling against their grips and growling at the XIIIth. But Robouen gives him no chance to retort.

"You're still a slave, Angron," Robouen spits. "Enslaved to your past, blind to the future. Too hateful to learn. Too spiteful to prosper."

(Yes, I took some of the dialogue from Betrayer. In some ways, the XIIIth remains the same, regardless of universe.)