Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

So corruption is in full swing. What's going to happen next? How will the loyal servants of the emperor respond?

Nice. Patience is key I guess. Hopefully we get to see the fruits of his labour soon!

lliu wrote:
Nice. Patience is key I guess. Hopefully we get to see the fruits of his labour soon!

Yup soon like today soon.

Chapter 43
Salvador stood with his master in Asriel’s new room. Since he took control of the cult he decided to increase the size of his quarters.There is a bookshelf containing all his journals, his skull helmet sits on the desk and his bed is in the corner, but what they were here for is to look upon the rack that his lord had made for his brother. “So what is it?” asked Salvador “what do you mean what is it? You don’t know what a rack is?” his lord looked at him in confusion. “No, I never heard of it before. It looks interesting though, I think my brother will be happy with it.” he stared at the wooden device, the leather straps at both ends, the strange wheel. All of it was confusing to him but he had one question. “You had it made even though you don’t know if he succeeded yet?” “I know he will succeed, I can feel it Salvador, in my very bones, even on this ship I can feel the excess spreading and soon it will be time.” as his lord finished speaking Asriel’s door suddenly opened it was Lord Izel. Both of them turned to look upon the sorcerer.

Purple and pink lights trailed across his armour as he strode in he looked around and then bought his gaze to Adelram. “I see I was correct that you were here.” his lord raised his eyebrow “Correct? How could you be sure that I was here?” “I was sure by the very urges and pain you radiate. Anyway I am not here to explain my experiments I wish to talk you.” “Very well Izel, Speak.” Izel bought his gaze to him, Salvador grumbled slightly “I wish to speak you in private, just outside.” his lord sighed “very well. Stay here Salvador I will just be a moment.” He nodded to his master “yes I will wait.” his lord then left with Izel, he wondered what they will be talking about. He scratched his head and looked upon the rack. “I wonder how it works…” he walked up to the contraption and placed his large furred hand on the wheel handle he turned it just slightly he noticed the leather straps moving. He kept turning the wheel until suddenly it snapped off, he gasped and lifted the broken wheel to his bovine face. “Oh no….I broke brother’s present….” he began panicking, the wheel should go back on. Salvador began shoving the broken piece back in its place but all it caused is more damage. The panic within his heart began increasing he gripped the rack with his other hand and pushed the wheel back in. But it won’t fit, splinters of wood fell to the floor, he then heard a crack.

He looked to his hand gripping the device and he realized that his grip has snapped the wood. Salavdor shook his head “no…..no….” he released his grip and stepped back. He looked around the room and eventually bought his eyes to the desk. “He might having something that can fix it!” he went to his brother’s desk drawers and pulled one out he saw some tape and smiled. “That’s it! I can use this!” he took the tape out of the drawer and walked over to the rack. He gripped the rack again to hold it in the correct position and placed the wheel back in it’s correct place. But before he could do so he heard the door opening again he tensed in reaction causing even more of the wood to snap in his grip the tape and wheel fell from his hand. “M-master I-I…..” he turned his head slightly to the door Adelram’s face is completely neutral as he strode into the room. “You broke it….” Salvador tensed again in terror causing the rack to splinter and break even further. “I-I am sorry….I just wanted to see how it worked...” “come over here.” Adelram said flatly. Salvador released his grip on the wooden device and walked over to his lord. Despite being taller than him he felt small, he trembled in fear. “Lower your head Salvador.” he did as he bade and closed his eyes, his lord is going to punish him, he is going to hit him but instead he felt him stroking his head to his confusion he opened his eyes. “Y-you are not mad?” “no, what’s done is done. How about I feed you extra this time?” at the mention of extra food the fear vanished “extra food?” his lord nodded “yes, I will give you extra. Now come with me.” he removed his hand and walked to the door. Salvador looked at the broken rack and back to his lord “what about the rack?” his lord did not even look at it as he stood at the door “a slave will clean it up. Now come as I said I am giving you extra food.” the mention of food caused him to forget the present he trotted to the door with a big grin on his face.

Vincent stood in front of a strange garage with Asriel, he felt the nagging need to eat something or do anything but the head needs him for some important. He watched him unlock the garage shutter and lifted it slightly. “Right vincent in we go.” Asriel stepped under the garage shutter and into darkness, he scratched the back of his head and followed the high prelate in. Once inside he looked around he saw tons of stacked steel slabs, strange jewels and in the corner is a buck-bed, on the garage table he saw tools that he normally used at work, welding guns, welding masks and a host of other tools. What was the most interesting thing about the garage is that there was a set of steps leading downwards.

He then bought his eyes to Asriel who is now closing and locking the shutter he then stood up right and smiled. “Right, we are going to make something.” “Make something?” Vincent asked. “Yes, tell me have you ever heard of the Adeptus Astartes? Space marines in layman terms?” at the mention of the emperor’s angels of death he nodded “who hasn't heard the stories? But they will most likely kill us. They will side with the Arbites and the government if they ever caught wind with what we are doing.” the head gave a grin “not all Astartes follow the emperor Vincent. You know of the “holy” primarchs?” “Yes, they are covered in almost any scripture you can find.” “well let’s just say there are more of them and they follow the truth over the lies of the imperium. An Astartes is coming to this world soon he will lead us against the government and bring degradation to this city but he needs tools. Weapons of war.” “war…” he said quietly to himself. In any other instance the thought of war would frighten him but he felt strangely excited at the prospect. At this moment he feels like he is being held down, he can’t exactly do what he wants or what his impulses tell him to do.

Asriel noticed this and smiled he placed his hand into his robe pocket and pulled out a sheet of folded paper, he opened it up and bought it in front of Vincent. “We are going to make this for him.” he stared at the designs drawn on the paper it looked like a giant contraption with spiked and bladed wheels. “It’s a chariot no-” before he could say anything further Vincent heard a large bang coming from down the stairs. “What was that?” “Well those are the beasts that are going to be pulling the chariot, I had to use the corpses of the dark sworn for something.” “I see, I am actually quite excited to work on this with you.” at the mention of his excitement Asriel chuckled “I knew you will be interested. Now while we steadily recruit we will be working on this in the meantime trust me Vincent it will be worth it…”

Virgil looked over the reports on his cogitator the eradication is going smoothly, but the issue is that it’s going too smoothly there is barely any resistance. What normally happens is that an outrage occurs flushing out traitors and those who break the laws of the god-emperor but in the reports all it details is the movement is growing less in number which is good. Yet the outrage is not coming, nor the anger just a slow acceptance which is rare in his line of work. He began typing

Good work Abitrator, there is query how has the general populace responded to this? Are they back to work and doing their duty to the god-emperor? While on eradication how have the families of the guilty acted? Is there resentment? Have the lawbreakers shown themselves?

He sent the query to Shevila, he felt tense for some reason that he is missing something, such a feeling is causing a great sense of unease. He then heard a knock on his door, before he could say anything further it opened to reveal the planetary governor along with his guards. Uriel features were aqualine, he also wore a fine leather jacket and boots. He strode towards his desk hands behind his back. “Judge Virgil.” Uriel gave a curt nod “I caught news that the lower levels have discovered the wa-” “it’s being dealt with.” Virgil said firmly. He had the authority to ask him to leave but he knows of Judge’s who step on too many toes they soon become isolated and it becomes harder to deliver justice. It’s a balance, the governor has a right to know what’s going on but he can deal with the situation as he sees fit. “I warned everyone this will happen and now I am dealing with it. That’s all I will say.” “very well Virgil, I do hope the situation does not escalate further for the sake of the hive city. If this turns into a rebellion I don’t want to send a request to… “them” we all know of their reputation.” At the mention of them he creased his brow in frustration “you are aware they they care not for ranks? Or the nobility? They will act as they wish and if you send a request you should prepare yourself for the consequences.” “I am sure there will be nothing to worry about Judge. They are dedicated to the god-emperor and will ensure order is kept. If the gutter rats rebel I have reason to call them. Now good day.” Uriel left his office with his bodyguards.

At the mention of calling them, Virgil clenched his hands, the governor has the right to “request” aid when a rebellion occurs. Knowing who is in charge of responding to threats in this sector they will come for sure. The situation must be dealt with swiftly. As he thought his cogitator chimed showing that Abitrator Shevila has responded he opened the message and looked at it.

The family and close kin of those who have joined the movement are quiet at the moment. We are steadily progressing in destroying the movement. The general populace seems to be following the curfew and going to work. All is well reading of your concerns I can extend the eradication to close kin and family members. The god-emperor’s justice should be cold and unflinching the fact their families allowed them to protest they must bare connections to the movement.

He read the message and turned it within his mind, the situation must be dealt swiftly before he calls them.”very well it has to be done..” he sent a message detailing the importance of extending the eradication to family members. Just mentioning them will get the hint across. Once done he leaned back in his chair and sighed “May the god-emperor help those nobles if they come to his world…”

Difillia stood in front of the garage it’s been a few days since the massacre and Asriel’s plan to her surprise is working. The churches are almost bursting with people, eager to serve her lord, she knew the time is now. The time is ripe to take down the Arbites she knocked on the garage shutters several times with the coded knock. It took only a moment for the shutter to rise slightly allowing her in. Once inside the garage she saw a giant chariot sitting in the middle of it, it could easily fit a few Astartes. The chariot itself bore serpentine designs, multi-coloured jewels and paintings and runes of the dark prince. She then bought her eyes to the wheels of the chariot there were bladed tips that lined the wheel and small swords protruded through the centre of the wheel. The vehicle caused a strange emotion, she only considered one thing to be beautiful in the whole galaxy but the sheer killing power she saw before her warmed her heart. Defillia reached out to touch the metal she felt a strange heat that eased her. “Do you like it?” she looked up to the direction of the voice, Asriel hopped off the bunk bed still holding his stupid grin. “So you are really making something for him...why?” “why not? He does a lot for us so I will give him something in return.” “How sure are you that he will like it?” “because it’s from me.” hearing that caused her to scowl “you are not special, I am.”

Asriel shrugged in return “we are special for as long as he feels we are. He only made you because I did something he did not expect. It’s like our thing I do something he reacts badly, Adelram then realises my point and acts accordingly. Unlike you we share a bond.” Difillia frowned, he does not think she is special but her lord has told her things. Things that would break him utterly she smiled “even if you may possibility might not be real? He mentioned some things in his bouts of anger at your vanishing for several months.” she watched for his reaction he merely scratched his head to her disappointment. “what is real or fake? How do you determine that?” Asriel spoke in a whimsical manner “how sure are you that your current self is real? Adelram tries to mold and shape us.” he walked over and held a tuff of her white hair. She allowed it for some reason wanting to hear what he has to say, she watched as his one eye slowly changed to the colour of the void. “You have threads of white hair and my eye is like his. I imagine at times I feel the same way he does, do you imagine why this is the case? He feels if we are more like him things will be better.” he released her strand of white hair and looked upon the chariot “yet there can’t be any expectations with chaos, I imagine he wants us to experience the joys he saw in the dark palace but this is reality. He will never get that again so what I hope to do is defy his expectations again, he will be confused as always or perhaps might even react badly but he will be happy by the end. I found he learns new things or finds joy when something unexpected happens.”

Listening to Asriel she hates to admit it but slowly she is beginning to understand she looked upon the chariot “did you make this by yourself?” “no, Vincent helped me, he is away at the moment the urges were too much. When we were working on it he talked about his wife. He wants to see her.” Difillia largely did not care all that much for the new converts as long as they serve well that is all that matters “I see, are you going to grant his request?” “yes, he did help me with this after all.” “I see, so do you know that your cult is bursting at the rims? They bay to move against the arbites.” “I know I was just about to give the order. We need to control the underhive and the lower hive utterly. Now is the time I will give the order, they will finally be released from their cage.”

Difillia turned away “right, I will update our lord then. I imagine he will be pleased.” Asriel did not say a word she could tell there is nothing more that needs to be said. “We just need to only act…” she said quietly to herself.

Maric Lasdir chased a perpetrator with his fellows they held riot shields and shock prods, the Abitrator in charge of their station Shevila wanted them to chase down and terminate family members and close kin to those connected to the movement. She was also quite aggressive in her orders. In the end the fact the person before them is running shows they are guilty. Looking around as he ran he did notice it was strange that the streets seem far more empty than before, there are a few people walking around but it’s almost like a ghost town compared to the bustling movement he is used to.

He shook his head “focus on the perpetrator…” he said quietly to himself, with his fellows he chased them down a alleyway off the side street. He smiled “there will not be many places to go…” they ran into the alley and eventually they cornered them when the path ended. The perpetrator turned panting and sweating. Her face was dirty with grime that shows she has been living rough, many of those they are seeking have left their homes in hopes of avoiding them due to many being executed at the doors when they burst into their homes.

Their target stammered “p-please don’t kill me…” Maric walked forward shock prod held tightly in his hands “the law demands your death. You have broken it so you will die.” “I think not.” he heard a woman’s voice behind him he turned and he saw a crowd of people began entering the alley way. His two fellow arbites with him readied their weapons, he did the same the people before him wore bronze masks. They looked similar to the wooden ones they spotted with the movement but the mouth looked like a snakes maw and the rune on the forehead caused a small headache.

He clenched his weapon and bellowed “clear from the area! Bef-” the crowd of people ignored him as they surged forwards holding metal bars, bats and knives. They readied their shields and took the charge he began swinging away with his shock prod but there is a problem as he hit them there were not gasping in pain they were enjoying it. They kept rising and attacking. His fellow arbites were dragged down being beaten with crude weapons. The woman who called out shouted “don’t kill them! We need them remember!” at her word they removed themselves from his fellow arbites what he saw is a bloodied face beaten half to death but they were alive.

Now the attackers bought their masked faces to him he held his ground “who are you people!” The woman came forward and folded her arms “we follow the true god, it’s time the lower hive became ours. Demi-gods, angels will come to give us the freedom we need to get revenge on you all. You will all suffer…” the crowd surged on top of him, despite the shield he could not hold their weight, he crashed upon the ground. Fists came down on his face, weapons hit his body he howled in pain. “Look at the powerful arbite agent of the emperor’s law being taken down!” the woman called out.

His vision was going dark, he cursed that there is a grim possibility that the movement is connected to heretics. He gasped as another fist came down onto his face plunging him into darkness.

Maric blinked his head hurt, it felt like it was split open but the smell in the hall caused his blurry vision to clear. He found himself sitting and chained. His fellow Arbites are also in a similar position, they were in a warmly lit room and he saw people wearing thin pink and purple robes that were almost see through along with bronze masks chatting and eating. What he also spotted is that they had small knives at their waists. He shouted “who are you people!” but they ignored him and kept talking and eating. Those who he was chained with looked confused as well one spoke out “we have been captured by heretics….” at the mention of heretics he looked around the room he saw symbols that were on the masks are covering the hall. Along with bovine and serpentine statues dotted around the room. Staring at them for too long caused his headache to grow even worse “w-we have to escape” Maric stammered. “No you won’t.” he heard a familiar voice he spotted a female striding towards him. “You! If I was free I would kill you heretic!” the female shrugged and removed her mask displaying a youthful face, fair skin and aquiline features she flicked her brown hair “I wonder if my daughter felt similar in your situation. I can see the creeping fear…” Maric raised his eyebrow and laughed “I am not scared of you heretic. I am aware that I may fall in the line of duty. It’s what’s expected of those who follow the go-” “shut up! Shut up! Don’t say it here!” she drew the knife “don’t speak that disgusting name here!” Maric shook his head he smirked “you mean god-emperor? If saying his holy name bothers you so much it shows how far the darkness runs. More Arbitrators will come to deliver the go-” before he could say the name again she slashed downwards on his face, he could feel it was a flesh wound he grit his teeth. Blood now running down the side of his head he chuckled “Is that all you can do heretic? I am disappointed.”

He watched the heretic’s cheeks flush slightly “it was just shallow...one more…” she bought her knife up again but someone called out “Alma!” she froze “yes Carita?” the person who came forward horrified Maric he felt bile lining his throat but at the same time he felt drawn to the creature. A woman that bore the legs of snake came slithering forward they wore a golden mask that looked far more embellished than the rest. Also a chubby male walked by her side, he guessed Carita is the mutant he did not know who the chubby man is. “Alma patience, you will get your time just like everyone else.” Alma pointed the knife at him “why wait? I don’t want to wait….I now have the chance….” “Alma we all have the chance have patience as spoken by the head prelate.” said the chubby man, he watched Alma point her knife at the chubby male “I now have the people who steps on us...ignored us...I refuse to wait! I was the one who bought them in!” Kadir shook his head “Yet it’s in my establis-” “enough.” Carita said firmly “you may have the one you just cut. Your impulses are roaring and won’t be satisfied any other way.” “I am not some object to be traded about heretics! I swear i-” Alma jammed the knife in his shoulder cutting him off he yelped in pain.

The knife in his shoulder was burning him he grunted but soon he felt himself moving, the heretic known as Alma is dragging him through the hall by the chains that are holding him. He wondered despite her looks she is moving him with ease just with one hand, they entered through a set of doors that lead to several smaller rooms, she walked to one and and opened the door. As she dragged him into the room he looked around and he saw a bed and the side walls filled to the brim with all manner of tools and torture devices. Maric shook his head “w-what is this?.” he watched a thin smile play across the heretic’s face as she closed the door. Her cheeks are now burning as she picked up a pear like device from the wall. “So many fun tools to make you scream…” the heretic said gently to herself. She walked over to him and twisted and pulled the knife out of his shoulder he tried not to scream he can’t allow himself to he panted “is that all you can do heretic? Are you that small minded? I sp-” Alma then jammed in the knife into his eye and finally Maric screamed fearing for his life.

Chapter 44
Shevila grumbled in annoyance as she sat in her office, the notion that the planetary governor would called them caused her to shake her head. “This is not a full blown rebellion…it can’t be...” she looked at the reports on her desk whole squads of arbitrators are vanishing on the streets and barely anyone walks them anymore. Judge Virgil is pressuring her to get to the bottom of this “it can’t be a rebellion can it?” her mind raced with the possibility that the kidnapping movement could have rebellious connections this is the only thing she could think of. The disappearances happen in random locations but for simple men and women to take down trained arbitrator’s is ridiculous. She then heard a knock on her door “come in!” Shevila shouted.

The door opened and an arbitrator walked in, he saluted “ma’am, unfortunately there is another case…” Shevila slammed her fist on her desk “another one!? Who!?” The abitrator stammered “S-several squads h-have not reported in for days…” “Several!? Are you serious!?” Shevila bit her thumb to the point it bled. She was about speak bark out an order but her cogitator chimed. She eyed the saluting arbitrator “I want a recall order and headcount. You are dismissed.” The arbitrator lowered his salute in silence and walked out of the office. She then bought her eyes to her cogitator, judge Vergil has sent her a message. She quickly opened it and what was contained within caused her frustration to increase.

This is a recall order for all arbitrator's in the lower hive to return to the upper hive. The order has been sent, planetary governor Uriel Dathmos has sent out the call and received an answer. They are arriving, The Death Korps of Krieg are making their way to Vestos.

Shevila creased her brow reading that message, she knows of the stories once they get here they might not even have a populace left no matter which hive level you live on. “She sighed heavily “well it looks like I have to get the order out…”

Victor sat at the table with Laura in his apartment, once they got here despite being depressed at the loss of her sons he saw some glint in her eye when they arrived. Since where he lives is close to the top of the lower hive you have decent living spaces and work. Along with owning his own glass and cutlery business he has great living standards compared to most people.

Over the past few days he has noticed she has slowly began to eat and that pleased him. He knew that her sons will be found eventually and keeping spirit up with well places comments helps as well. He watched her placed a piece of food into her mouth, slowly chewing once she swallowed she spoke her voice almost like a whisper “it’s my fault…..” Victor placed his knife and fork down “it’s not your fault! Please don’t say that!” she shook her head “it is…I….” she began coughing frantically. Victor quickly got up from his seat and walked over “are you okay?” he placed his hand on her shoulder. Victor watched Laura pick up her glass of water and drain it completely. Yet she kept coughing, he guessed that the mental stress along with not eating is getting to her. “I will get you a refill…” he picked up her glass and walked down the corridor to the kitchen. He opened the door and walked inside he sighed “never had kids...can’t imagine what she is going through….” he moved towards the tap and began refilling the glass. As the glass slowly filled up he felt a cold breeze at the back of his neck which caused his hairs to stand up on end. He rubbed his neck “what is that? I am sure the windows aren’t open…” as he spoke he heard a shrill scream. He dropped the glass and rushed out of the kitchen once inside the living room Laura was gone, nothing was disturbed save that a window was open. “S-she wouldn’t…..” Victor ran over to the window and looked down but no body could be seen on the pavement. He breathed out a sigh of relief he bought his vision back to the living room, the panic rushing back “but where did she go!?” said Victor. He did not hear the door opening, the scream came from this room.

He began running frantically around his apartment “Laura! Laura! Where are you!?” panting he ran out of his apartment and stood in the apartment block corridor “Laura!” Victor called out. His forehead drenched with sweat he wiped his brow “where are you….” he said quietly to himself.

Vincent wore his ritual robes and mask as he walked down the stairs to the basement the more he learns from high prelate Asriel the more he understands. Their very lives crafted by the imperium is to be a mere cog to be used and replaced. If a part gets worn out it’s torn out and replaced but in chaos, in the dark prince those who push further, those who seek joy can rise, no matter their station or who they are. The past few days his heart has stopped hurting, all that fills him now is the nights underneath the churches, learning more about the truth about this dark galaxy crafted by the gods.

Only those who embrace the dark prince are the ones who can find true happiness and a place in this age. Ever since meeting Asriel things have become simpler which he is thankful for and the good about about today is that he wants to see him in the basement. Vincent smiled “I wonder what he wants to see me for?” his mind raced wondering what secrets the high prelate wants to grace him with. While thinking he got to the basement door and made the coded knock, he heard the locks undoing themselves as the door slowly opened.

He saw the golden mask of the high prelate who gestured in “come in Vincent.” he nodded to the head of the cult and walked into the room. As he watched Asriel close the door he asked “you wanted to meet me?” “Yes I did want to meet you. I have a present.” he gestured to the centre of the room “Look and see what I got you.” he turned to where the high prelate is gesturing and in the middle of the hall he saw his wife bound, her mouth taped over struggling to free herself. He staggered towards her “t-thats…” Asriel walked forward and grasped his shoulder “your wife. You have one final step Vincent. What is your impulse telling you to do now?” instantly he clenched his hands “I wish to kill her….” he sensed that Asriel is smiling as he walked over and knelt he tore the tape from her mouth causing her to gasp. She sniffed “w-who are you people….?” Asriel pointed at him “he is going to kill you. I think you might know him.” his wife looked at him in confusion “I-I don’t understand….” Vincent removed his mask and stared at her, he could see she was awestruck “L-leonard? How? You look young!?” he drew his knife from his belt “that’s not my name anymore…” he slowly began walking over to her he watched his wife began trashing “W-wait! Please! I-I..!” “because you our children are dead! Because you...Because of you….!” his chest began hurting again he clenched it. He could see his wife’s eyes growing wide in surprise “w-what do you mean they are dead? What happened to Adrian and Jonathan!?” “shut up! Just shut up!” he needs to stop this unpleasant pain he needs to end it, to cut the ribbon. Stop thinking he told himself. He placed his mask back on and knelt before his wife, all he has to do is stab her in the heart and twist then it will end.

He stared into her eyes that are now filling with tears “Leonard whoever these people are they are turning you into a murderer! Please! You are not a killer! J-just stop! Think for a moment!” no more thinking he told himself. He plunged his knife into her chest his wife began screaming, gaggling in pain, the noise caused the pain in his heart to slowly wither away. As blood ran down her body she went limp, he stood up his knife still embedded in her chest. A sense of euphoria gripped him, the pain is gone, finally he can focus on happiness. The high prelate stood up right and looked down at the corpse “well done Vincent. Your old life is finally dead, go to Carita, she is located at Kadir’s church tell her the demi-gods are coming.” the news caused his heart to jump in excitement “really? They are coming?” Asriel reached down and pulled the knife out of the woman’s chest and handed it to him. “Yes, they are. I have to get the chariot and beasts ready, have everyone prepare for war.” “war…” Vincent said to himself, the past few days it was hard to feel anything during the nights of darkness even with the arbites struggling. He learned a few things during that time how to fight and wield a blade. Thinking of putting them to the test to actually kill and fight people who can possibly attack back caused his hands to tremble he bowed “it will be done!” he raced off towards the exit not even giving the corpse a glance.

Adelram breathed in and out while he placed his helmet on, everyone who is important is in the war room and Salvador stood at his side fully geared. He passed his eyes over Marthas, Izel, Silas and Ivan. “right we are attacking the hive city Vestos. The cult largely controls the underhive and lower hive save the upper area’s. We will launch from the lower hive and work upwards spreading entropy and excess as we go up.” as he gave the order Izel coughed “are we going to do the thing we discussed?” Adelram nodded to his brother “yes set up the beacons to the lure daemons to twist and distort reality we should make it hard for any imperial force to dislodge us from the lower hive.” at his outright confirmation of the plan he could tell Izel is smiling. He looked at the map of the hive city “Noxus will be launched right away to spread carnage and mayhem. I already briefed him if it gets too hot he will link up with Marthas’ and Silas’ forces. Now….Ivan…” he looked upon him. He still dislikes that Asriel killed Tarkhan to bring him back but he will make use of him for now. “Round up the cultists and send them upwards I imagine they want to sample the finer meat of the upper hive…” his old apostle gave a small bow “it shall be done…” Adelram folded his arms “right are there any questions?” Marthas raised his hand “Adelram what will you be doing?” “I will be meeting Asriel at specific coordinates, since Salvador is with me I will be taking a thunderhawk down.” Silas grunted “that human of yours better not cause any trouble…” “He won’t” Adelram pressed. The head of the terminators shook his head “tell that to Marius, Tarkhan and Sebastian…also have you forgotten Athor?” He narrowed his eyes at Silas he placed a slight amount of psychic power in his voice “be silent Silas. Don’t ruin the mood go to the planet and enjoy yourself….” at his word Silas grumbled and left the war room. He looked upon everyone again “you have your orders.” one by one everyone left until he was by himself with Salvador. He looked up to his bestial servant. “Salvador, don’t mention the rack to Asriel.” Salvador tensed slightly while holding his axe “w-why? I broke it.” “I know, don’t mention anything about it. That’s an order.” his servant nodded “ok, I won’t mention it.” “good now come with me.” At his word Salvador followed him to the docking bay, once there they stepped on the thunderhawk and took the gunship down to the lower hive. Due to Lily’s skill with void warfare they easily broke past the planet’s defenses, the nova cannon easily destroying escorts and disabling the smaller ships at most they are sailing through wreckage.

One thing he wondered is why Asriel gave a specific location for the meeting point, it’s nowhere near the churches that are filled with the dark princes corruption or the cult’s main base. He shrugged “guess I will find out….” It only took a few minutes before they landed the bay door opened and he stepped out with Salvador. Adelram looked around “where is he? Wh-” before he could say anything further he heard a sound, the sound of beasts hissing and snarling. He looked to his left and in the distance he saw six large reptilian creatures with snake heads coming towards him pulling an extremely large chariot as it got closer the speed began slowing down until eventually the chariot stopped before him. Adelram looked up to see the driver “Asriel?” he lifted his mask slightly and smiled “indeed it is Adelram. Difillia is with me as well.” “I don’t need you to greet our lord for me.” she stepped forward to the edge of the chariot and smiled “It’s good to see you my lord. There is space for you and Salvador.” Adelram stared at the large chariot, the intricate designs and the bladed wheels that could easily slice a man to ribbons “why did you make this?” he asked. Asriel frowned “I made this for you. It’s a gift.” at the mention of gift he tried not to curse. He hoped he would not bring up the rack, if he does he will make an excuse. “I see I thank you for the gift. Come Salvador let’s hop on.” Salvador nodded as they both stepped onto the chariot, surprisingly despite all of them being on it, the contraption was spacious you could fit a few Astartes on it. “The chariot is wonderful...I….” “I am glad you liked it! Now….” Asriel lowered his mask. “Shall we go? There are a few non-believers walking the street let’s take it for a spin…” Asriel flicked the reins sitting the beasts off, the rush of speed caused a smile to line Adelram’s face. “Faster Asriel!” he shouted at his word he whipped the reins again increasing the speed as the chariot moved through the streets he saw mortal’s running for their lives. “Break them Asriel! Run them over!” at his command the chariot ground over the fleeing mortals. Hearing the crunch of bone, the slicing of limbs via the wheel blades caused him to chuckle.
“Faster!” Adelram called out again, Asriel whipped the reins one more time increasing the speed, he unsheathed his blade and walked to the side of the chariot. He began slashing and dicing those that they passed by. For a moment he made note of his auto-senses, all the names of the leaders have engaged mortals and are spreading the delight of the dark prince. He looked over to Defillia who was standing still “Difillia! Stop standing around and kill!” his command caused his servant to ready her spear she stabbed and slashed at those that passed them by she did all of this in silence. He could see that she would rather test her abilities on stronger opponents but she must learn to enjoy the small things, he bought his eyes to Asriel “Right Asriel! Go faster we need to work our way towards the upper hive!” Asriel whipped the reins, the serpentine beasts hissed as they pulled the chariot even faster.

As they reached high speed he looked over to Difillia who is doing as she was ordered but Salvador stood like a stone. He frowned “what are you doing Salvador!? Kill those who don’t follow the dark prince!” his bestial servant stood still, not moving a muscle like a statue. Asriel turned his head back slightly “oh dear…” he began pulling back the reins to slow the chariot down until eventually it stopped. Adelram scowled and walked over to Asriel he hefted him up by his cloak “why did you stop!?” he pointed to Salvador “my brother is sick.” he turned to Salvador who rushed to the edge of the chariot and began vomiting violently Adelram lowered Asriel slowly who then walked over to Salvador. He went to his belt and pulled out a bottle of water “this is why I came prepared.” Salvador gagged and coughed as he faced Asriel “I-I a-am s-sorry” he stammered. He grasped the bottle and unscrewed the top and drained it in a few seconds. He gasped “I-I feel a little better…” “good” said Asriel he then bought his eyes to him “by the way Adelram. Has my rack been made yet?” as he mentioned the rack he cursed “well how could I make something when I haven’t seen the fruits of your labour?” “you did make it didn’t you? I know you, why are you lying?” Adelram grumbled in annoyance he is wearing a helmet how does he know he is lying? “It’s because you do that thing with your feet.” said Asriel.

Adelram tried not to clench his hands “the rack was not satisfactory, it kept breaking, I will have the ships craftsman punished. So you have to pick something else…” “Salvador broke it didn’t he? Also I am guessing you forced him not to say a word.” he shook his head wondering how Asriel is unravelling all of this information just by his body language. “See I made you a wonderful chariot and yet you don’t want to give me a simple rack.” “once a week.” Adelram said firmly. “Three times a week. You have been in the dark prince's palace and yet you are turning this down?” he eyed his servant “I have done far more interesting things than torturing someone with a simple rack! It’s boring! Twice! No more! I won’t take anything else!” Adelram shouted. “Fine, but I expect a well made rack then.” Asriel walked back to the reins of the chariot he whipped the reins to get the chariot moving again. Adelram found the previous discussion souring his mood slightly, racks are boring, even the punishment he inflicted on Asriel was light yet he finds joy in it. He sighed “let’s just enjoy the raid.” he called out “Asriel increase the speed!” as he barked Salvador shook is head “P-please...I-I can’t…” Adelram ignored him he would have to get used to it. He will enjoy it soon enough.


Ivan readied his barbed whip that is wrapped lovingly around his left gauntlet and held his blade at the ready. The cultists have been gathered and the prelates along with himself are whipping them into a frenzy as they are pushed onwards to the upper hive. Ivan could tell the mundane excess were a trifling thing compared to what they are feeling now, he could hear the yelps and praises to the dark prince as the whips flicked out. As they moved any mortals they came across that has refused the call of the dark prince the cult piles upon them like frenzied beasts, tearing them apart and gratifying themselves on what is left. It’s a pleasing sight that sings to his soul, Asriel, who was such a little serpent has created something wonderful. “He should be careful not to lose it…” he quietly said to himself.

As they marched through the lower hive, praises to the dark prince was sung as the tide consumed and devoured all they crossed. Yet he could taste something in the air, the barriers between reality and the warp were weakening, corroding and buckling under great weight he guessed the sorcerer is setting up his “beacons”. What Ivan found most interesting is how eager he is to experiment with his powers under the dark prince, before the war room meeting they spoke a little and he could feel the excitement bleeding of Izel. He wondered how Adelram breeded such an excitement that now grips the sorcerer and the rest of the warband, thinking on the past how Adelram was before it’s like night and day.

Yet he knows for sure that he would not be who he is without the little serpent, a part of him wondered if he was removed from the picture suddenly would his lord change? How will he adapt? How will he blossom or rise further? In the end Asriel is mortal, he is special for now but chaos can be whimsical, he knows that more than anything. He never expected his death or resurrection but such is the way of the dark gods. “They can give and take at any moment…” he lashed a cultist who screamed in joy at his attention “Onwards! Kill! Slake your thirst on those who don’t accept the dark prince!” he frantically lashed the mortals as they rushed forward to deliver entropy to non-believers and infidels.

“The beacons are working well….” Izel said to himself, his robed attendants were at work dragging the slaves from the rhinos each point he picked for the ritual will have six slaves that will be ritually tortured and killed upon said sites. Ever since delving into Adelram’s mind he saw the majesty of it, the power of pain and torment. Before when he looked to the great changer sorcery had to be done with complex keywords, pacts and rituals in order to complete certain invocations. Now none of that seems to be required, the daemons of the dark prince and the sorcery you employ under the power merely require you to bring great torment and pain and that is more than enough to generate the power for whatever you are doing.

The added bonus is the euphoria that comes with it at first he resisted but now he realised why Aldemra has done this to him. When he summons his sorcery his nerves burn, his senses become more acute, even more so since he went under the procedure to change his gene-seed. Thinking about it he had to remember he almost died, he felt himself crumbling inside, his body breaking apart. “Perhaps it’s the rubric? It affected all of the legion maybe it was a reaction?” despite the outcome of the ritual he knew that rubric in a manner of speaking is now intrical to the legion, he guessed the blood was fighting against it if Adelram was not a psyker he would of most likely died during the operation. In the end it’s been done, he stripped away the last vestiges of his old life with fifthteenth and started his new one with the the third. He smirked under his helmet as his attendants went to work torturing the slaves in the ritual site, each scream, each voice begging for freedom he could feel the walls splintering. Izel could hear the sound of claws belonging to daemonettes scraping across his armour and their voices crying to be let loose. “It will soon be time...worry not…” he tried hard not to get distracted at the sound he needed to focus to make sure his servants are working correctly. As blood spilled on the site via ritual knives the blood began bubbling, leaving behind a trail of pink flowers. In surprise he walked over to it, He plucked one from the ground “this did not happen at the other sites…” as the slaves expired their split blood left behind even more flowers that began sprouting across the street, every split in the pavement or concrete a flower popped out. He placed the picked flower in his pouch and tapped it “it seems the neverborn approve of the ritual. In time they will come into reality and do as they wilt their presence should be enough to corrupt the lower hive to accommodate the warband….”

The ease of summoning daemons and working sorecy through pain caused him to chuckle the imperium will have no idea how to respond even if reinforcement comes. The idea to transform the pain of mortals into power he got from the human. His own experience within the mind of Adelram jogged the memory of what the human Asriel committed on the tribals on Athor he wondered if Asriel even remembers such sorcery and whether he is pursuing it at the moment? “I guess not...he is too consumed with pleasing him…” he knows just by watching the mortal if it does not benefit Adelram or aid him he won’t do it. It’s clear enough why he delved so far into biomancy just by the power he displays. He sighed “enough thinking about him…” he looked upon the site all six slaves are now dead. “Right all of you onto the rhinos! We are moving to the next site!” at his word his servants made their way to the rhinos leaving the bodies behind. As he turned away from the corpses and walked back to the vehicle the sound of claws scratching at his armour increased in intensity. Entering the rhino and sitting on his seat the sound vanished the silence caused a small frown “onto the next site! Quickly!” he shouted at the driver they nodded as his personal rhino began moving towards the next location the frown turned into a smile at the thought that his work is nearly done, he can’t wait to see the results.

Hey ho! Excited to write the next few chapters and I can't wait for the ending.

Yes! My personal army! We get some hardcore fanatic against fanatic action going on now. Gotta love the death Korps for literally living in war.

lliu wrote:
Yes! My personal army! We get some hardcore fanatic against fanatic action going on now. Gotta love the death Korps for literally living in war.

I hope I do them justice I read the book dead men walking loved them right away. A chapter should be coming up sooooon.

Chapter 45
Virgil sighed as he waited for the Death korps of krieg with Uriel on the precinct-fortress landing platform. Uriel should be more worried but he held a strange confidence as he stood with his house guard. The fact that heretics are running rampant in the lower hive and those who live in the upper sections of it are surging into the upper hive shows that Uriel was correct to call them. A fact he keeps reminding him every time they start a conversation the attack has been going on for a few hours at best, reports of giants and masked heretics hacking apart civilians now fill the cogitators of the precinct-fortress.

They were lucky that the Astra Militarum arrived so soon he looked up as the gunships that are now piercing the skies and landing on platforms around the upper hive. The one that is landing on this specific platform holds the command company. The winds as the vessel landed caused Virgil to cover his eyes, as the wind died down he lowered them and as the vessel bay doors opened soldiers wearing gas masks and trench coats walked out. He stared at one wearing a breastplate mixed in with his uniform he guessed that he is the regiment leader as they walked towards them Uriel smiled and approached them. The Soldiers ignored the governor and walked towards the fortress to his shock not even sparing a glance “what is the meaning of this!?” he shouted. “They don’t have time to entertain you.” a voice called out.

Walking down the bay door Virgil spotted a commissar who wore a gas mask they approached Uriel his hand resting on his power blade. “I am Commissar Aldabert Kord, I shall be your liaison for this conflict.” Virgil walked towards the Commissar in confusion “liaison? If I recall correctly that is n-” “not my job?” said Aldabert, he chuckled “well let’s get a few things straight, be glad Colonel 102 did not shoot the governor. Also we will be taking control of the operation from now on. Any concerns you have you will come to me. Any orders you receive will also come from me. Is that understood?” Virgil clenched his hands, he could see Uriel’s face in the picture of fury “is that ho-” “I don’t care for your title governor you called us. We have a job to do.You allowed heretics to run rampant and in this instance I have your very first set of orders.” Virgil sighed “the Adeptus Arbites will aid you however we can.” his words caused the Commissar to give a curt nod in his direction “as I was saying I have discussed the first part of the plan with Colonel 102 of the 102nd regiment of the death korps of krieg. The first part of our strategy, being an infantry regiment we need bodies and the first decree is to run mass conscription in the upper hive and spires. Since word has it that the lower hive has been consumed by heresy those that have not escaped by now are to be killed. The rest are to be pressed into the emperor’s army. They will be trained and outfitted and sent to fight the enemy.” Uriel barked “you can’t conscript from the spires! The houses won’t allow it!” The Commissar drew his blade and pointed it at the governor “it will be done if you wish to save this planet. Those who refuse are traitors are you a traitor governor?” watching Uriel squirm slightly made Virgil want to smile but considering what they are contending with smiles have no place. The Commissar pointing his blade caused Uriel’s guards to point weapons at him, seeing this Virgil shouted “lower you weapons!” a guard gave him a look “we do-” “that’s enough, I understand commissar Aldabert.” Uriel said quietly as he spoke the Commissar sheathed his blade. “It’s good you understand. Now Judge Virgil, make sure the Arbites let no civilians through. If anymore come shoot them.” Virgil nodded “very well, shall I have the ones that we are holding transferred to you?” “Yes, once they are handed over we will take it from there. Uriel will handle getting people from the spires” at the mention that he will handle the transfer Uriel shook his head “i-it won’t be easy…” “We live in a age where heretics and foul xenos seek our destruction! Do your duty planetary governor!” Aldabert shouted, Uriel flinched at the words he sagged his arms in defeat as the Commissar continued speaking “Now, all of you know what you have to do. The death riders will also be heading out to do scouting runs in the lower hive or harassing the enemy. Once we have information we will act from there and soldiers will be sent. That is all.”

As the Commissar finished speaking Virgil turned away “looks like I have work to do.” as he left he could still see Uriel shaking his head looking downwards to the ground in shock. He found himself chuckling “you thought you could order them around?” he said quietly to himself. The prospect of taking “orders” from the Commissar did not exactly bother him in a manner of speaking. After that whole event surprisingly this regiment holds a similar mindset to him. Working with them is a prospect he is slowly starting to find enticing.

They crashed through another set of people, riding with Adelram, Salvador and even Difillia was pleasant the speed, the sound of people dying bought a smile to his face. As they moved upwards Salvador has stopped vomiting with time he actually got used to it. It only took a few stops to his lord’s annoyance.

As they rode he started to see Astartes forces heading upwards via rhinos or dragging people to thunderhawks to be enslaved. For once things are going well and he could feel the walls of reality tearing down slowly the neverborn are coming and if the imperium's forces come they will be ready. Asriel turned his head slightly to Adelram who chopped someone in half “are you having fun?” his lord looked at him and silently nodded, no words really needed to be said. The excitement he displayed in his blade movements said everything. He looked ahead as they made a corner and moved down the street he heard the trotting of hooves. Hooves belonging to horses, from the side streets horses ridden by soldiers wearing gasmasks and trench coats surrounded them. They held spears and in silence began thrusting the weapon at them. Asriel cursed “dammit!” he heard Salvador grumble he turned his head to see his brother bringing his axe down on the head of a horse that got too close to the chariot.

The animal losing its head caused the rider to tumble off, Asriel could hear the breaking of bones as they crashed to the ground. Difillia began laughing “finally! Real opponents!” she aggressively thrusted her spear trying to push some of the attackers back. Finally his lord he spoke his voice low and harsh “you dare….” he raised his hand and began firing balls of purple energy as it crashed into the riders they began to expand and mutate, they fused to their horses and crumpled to the ground, such an attack did not dissuade the enemy they kept up their assault not even one broke. A spear jammed into Salvador’s shoulder he grunted while with one hand raised his axe and slammed it into the riders horse. The horse gave a cry causing the rider to pull back with the spear. As the spear left his brother’s body Salvador roared in anger “you will pay for that!” he was about to attack another rider until Adelram called out “duck!” at his word all of them ducked they are on a straight road so it should be okay for a moment, he watched his lord release a wave of pink fire. “Now up! All of you!” as they rose he could see the riders are now on fire what Asriel found surprising is they barely screamed or perhaps the gas-masks are muffling their voices.

Despite being on fire one who looked to be the leader leapt from his horse and latched himself onto the chariot. His lord was about to strike him until he pulled out a melta bomb to Asriel’s shock. The soldier slapped it onto the chariot while shouting “it’s better to die for the emperor than to live for yourself!” Soon as he heard the chime of the explosive Asriel released his cloak to consume of them. Then he felt himself tumbling in mid-air while consumed in darkness he grunted in pain as he could feel the heat from the melta charge from his cloak. Crashing to the ground with a thud, the cloak dispersing some of the impact he gasped as he released it. Blood trailing down his brow he staggered up and looked around, his lord quickly got to his feet and removed his helmet. “It had to be them….” Asriel frowned in the distance he saw the chariot he made for Adelram was now in pieces, various sections are melted to scrap and the beasts themselves were blown to bits. “They will pay…” he hissed.

As he fumed with anger he heard Difillia and Salvador grunting as they got up “they are cowards for doing that!” Difillia shouted. Salvador rubbed his bottom “that hurt...did you save us Asriel?” Asriel ignored him he felt too angry staring at the chariot until his lord poked him in the head “pay attention. It seems we are fighting the death korps of krieg.” “they destroyed the chariot…” he hissed. “That means I don’t “have” to get you the rack. As I said pay attention, what I know of them they will not give us any quarter they are so far from the dark prince they are sickening to look at.” Asriel sighed “alright so what’s next?” “I will call for a rhino the plan has not changed we will be moving upwards. I will call Marthas’ forces to us as we head into the upper hive. I will have Noxus and Silas be the spear heads to clear the way” “Are you sure that those two will work together? I am slightly worried.” said Asriel. He watched his lord smile “they are both resourceful you of all people should know that they will be fine or is that true concern I hear?” “what’s wrong with being worried about those you care about?” his words caused Adelram to frown slightly he placed his helmet back on “now I will make the call be on guard.” Asriel folded his arms in annoyance grumbling holding his gaze on the chariot “it did not even last long….” he then felt his brother’s large hand on his shoulder “why not make another one? After the battle is done?” “It won’t be the same. Oh well, things come and they go.” he looked up to his lord who is now nodding “right a rhino is on the way, we will link up with Marthas part way the enemy forces should be weakened by the time we meet up with Silas and Noxus.” Difillia tapped the haft of her spear on the floor “the rhino needs to hurry up. I am eager to get to grips with the enemy.” in a rare instance he saw excitement playing across Difillia’s face as his lord spoke he could hear clear approval. “In time Difillia, once the rhino arrives we will be heading stra-” before he could finish a black and pink rhino came down the road towards them. It stopped in front of them “Well look at that…” said Adelram. “Now all of you get on.” at his command Asriel gave one more look at the ruined chariot as he stepped onto the rhino with Salvador and Difillia.

Victor grimaced he wore a strange gear similar to the soldiers, every conscript was lined up, in hours people were surging to the upper hive, he was one of them and soon as he arrived he was held in a special camp by the Arbites. Then the death korps of krieg arrived at their camp an hour later they told them that everyone in the camp have been conscripted to serve. The hours of training was hard and brutal, some even died but the death korps also pushed the prospect of what is at stake during the training. Heretics have come to kill them, to take away all they hold dear and Laura is somewhere on the lower hive.

The only ones who have not been drafted are those below sixteen and the elderly. A part of him hoped that coming to the upper hive that Laura was here but that possibility was dead. A soldier in a gasmask who had a strange symbol on his shoulder began walking down the line and handing people lasguns, from basic training he understood them to be the quartermasters of the death korps of krieg. Even wearing the gasmask he could hear people weeping as they were handed lasguns despite feeling such a way they all knew what was at stake. The training and being in the presence of the death korps was strange, they radiated a fierceness that you could not help be caught up in, even while crying no one on the line protested that was beaten out of them hours ago.

He looked down the line, one suddenly tried to cut and run, the death korps merely executed the runner on the spot. He barely took more than a few paces before lasfire cracked into their back. Out of everyone on the line, only one person ran. He knows there is no use in running, running won’t help him find Laura and won’t remove the heretics from their world. The sight of the man dying caused his heart to jump slightly, he knew he would see more death but the prospect of going back to the lower hive consumed him. This is his chance to find Laura the only information he has is that heretics are rampaging through their homes, they are being given the means and opportunity to stop them.

Once everyone was outfitted a group of men who wore similar clothing but were far more armoured walked down the line they were lead by a soldier whose gasmask had a gold skull on it. He faced a person for a few moments at most it looked like they are speaking a few words before they were sorted into groups. This went on for almost thirty minutes until eventually they reached him. He saluted as he was instructed to, the soldier with the golden skull on his gas mask nodded “at least one salutes. This is good I am captain Alpha of the first company. You will be fighting under me, you have received basic training and now you will be sorted into a squad. You are trooper 3023. Along with your reaction to the execution of the traitor I will be putting you in a squad with a watchmaster and honed soldiers instead of a simple conscript squad.” Victor did not know whether this was a bad or good thing but he held his salute in silence. Captain Alpha nodded as continued walking down the line the person he assumed to be his watchmaster came forward “you are with me. I am watchmaster 33 you will be part of squad 7. Victor lowered his salute “I won’t let you down sir.” “you should have some basic idea of what we expect from you.” “Give no quarter to the enemy. Destroy the enemy without hesitation sir.” “good, it’s strange to find one of you conscripts eager to get down there. At most the ones on the line are putting up a front.” he hesitated he was not sure if he should speak further but his mouth moved by itself. “There is someone down there I need to find no matter the cost.” his watchmaster gestured to follow him, he walked out of the line towards his squad “whoever you are looking for 3023 they are dead. Focus on your duty. Eliminate the enemy, there is nothing else to think about.” “I know sir, even if she is dead if those heretics killed her I will end them.” Victor said firmly. He tried to build some measure of courage. His watchmaster did not say anything further has they reached his new squad.

He could see they are not even sparing the line a glance for some reason all the squads that looked to be full members were merely getting their gear ready. He stared as the rest of his fellow conscripts as they were sorted into squads and assigned watchmasters along with commissar cadets. A chill ran down his spine, the cadets had cold gazes but for some reason he found it strange that none of them were attached to ordinary squads. “How come we don’t have a commissar?” he blurted out without thinking. 33 bought his gaze to him as he flatly said “they are not needed.” as he spoke chimera’s began driving towards them “there is our vehicle” as the chimera stopped before them his watchmaster went to the door and opened it. “Right it’s time to get to the battlefield.” as his squad slinged lasguns on shoulders he spotted one of them wielding a plasma gun. According to the trainers one shot from them can easily take down the foulest xeno or heretic.

His squad mates in single file stepped onto the chimera, Victor took a deep breath and followed.

Vincent held his sword and whip, head prelate Carita is having him, Kadir, Alma and other bronze masked followers whipping followers of the underhive into a frenzy, as they walked silver masked gothi held autopistols and blades at the ready. “I am jealous…” he looked over to the speaker Alma cooed “they are so joyous from such a simple thing...I wonder where is the enemy force?” “They will be coming soon, I can feel them, their hearts quivering in in rage to please a false god. To bring stagnation and darkness...” said Carita

In silence Vincent whipped a underhive cultist, he tried not to think, all he needed to focus on is defeating the enemy and the joy of doing so. Carita looked down at him “you are an interesting fellow.” “Am I? I merely want to kill and lash my whip there is nothing else to it.” the head prelate nodded as she lashed a cultist “do you know why the gothi’s no longer have a mouth piece?” “why?” Vincent asked. “It’s changed to a mask bearing a snake tongue because to delve deeper into excess simple means can’t please you anymore, food, drink or even the finest wine. There comes a time where you need to experience things with your body.” he looked upon the silver masked cultists they wore spiked leather straps he could see blood dripping down the gaps and hitting the ground. “Now Vincent, those we are whipping are not only of the underhive, but of the lower hive as well, those with me reached the point where you can move to being gothi once this battle ends. I watched everyone’s progress in the churches and I must say I am deeply impressed with you...” how she is speaking at the moment it sounded like she was making a pass at him he lashed a cultist “I see. It makes sense why a group of us were segregated.” as they marched down the street towards the upper hive they came together with another horde of cultists whipping them onward he finally saw one. A demi-god one of the Adeptus Astartes.

They wore a helmet that bore jewels embedded upon it, parchment trailed down the armour and he saw a golden mask similar to Cartia’s attached to his belt. As the hordes came together he approached with a group of gothi’s and prelate’s. At his presence he bowed, all of them did. Once he rose he could see the demi-god is staring at them “Carita why are they not with the rest?” “Lord Ivan, these are new prospects to rise to sliver.” “Sliver? Interesting if that is the case everything is fine, if it’s by your recommendation. I have gathered the cultists I assume this is the rest?” “Yes, Lord Ivan, these are the rest that have accepted the grace of the dark prince.” Vincent watched the demigod Ivan chuckle “my...the little serpent has been quite busy. So many new converts…now…” he lashed a cultist, the impact of the whip caused the cultist to fall to the ground as soon as he touched the floor the rest piled upon him. He vanished in a tide of bodies as there were yelps of glee and pleasure. The demigod stared at this scene “my he has done very well…not even a hint of hesitation. Now that is enough get moving!” he lashed the group of people “no more!” the demigod bellowed “onwards you will be able to gratify yourselves on the slaves of the false emperor!” at his word the cultists removed themselves from the pile and ran onwards holding crude weapons. “Now let’s ensure they don’t get bored in the meantime. Come all of you.” at his word they followed the demigod staring at him Vincent was awestruck the scent that came from him was pleasing. His impulses told him to follow, he wanted to follow him. Vincent now wanted to see how a demigod would fight, seeing something so grand fight a part of him felt he could die happy seeing such a spectacle, but he can’t allow that, the joy would end, there are so many things he can experience now.

They drove the cultists onwards, he could taste it in the air, the true god is with them they are close to the upper hive as they marched flowers began sprouting from every crevice in the road. Then he heard it, the vehicles his heart was jumping he was excited his hand trembled on the whip and then they came from around the corner. Vehicles belonging to the false god came down the street and soldiers poured out. They pointed lasguns at them, even from this distance how rigid they stood, their uniforms baring crude colours sickened him. Ivan pointed his blade “go slay them! Tear them to pieces!” the demi-god looked to the prelates “take down the chimera’s! If you pool your powers you can destroy them!” Carita bowed “yes lord Ivan.” she pointed her sword “prelates summon the powers of the true god! We shall destroy them!” Vincent felt the air change around Cartia and the other prelates. Purple energy began surging through their bodies, the demigod then bellowed “onwards kill the slaves of the false emperor!” the Astartes Ivan charged through the crowd, the silver masked gothi’s charged as well. Vincent also found his legs moving with them he pushed and lashed his way through eager to get to grips with the enemy. As lasfire cracked into the crowd he heard screams and groans of pleasure as people died no one took a step back not even one inch. “This is living!” he shouted “this is what it means to be alive!” as he got closer some of the whipped cultists got into close combat. The one he assumed to be the leader who bore a gold skull on his gasmask was cutting them down with a chainblade, and firing shots into cultists.

The soldiers were also slashing and stabbing with bayonets in practised movements but there was one who was odd to him. They fired their gun in controlled bursts but he could not tear his eyes away from him. He could see lord Ivan was also heading in that direction he followed without hesitation. As they got close a soldier fired a gun that held a blue glow he saw a blue ball of energy hurtling towards them. It crashed into several gothi burning them away in an instant they did not even get the chance to scream. As this happened the demigod Ivan readied his whip and lashed it fowards gashing the gas-mask of the soldier wielding the weapon. He dropped to his knees holding his face, even with blood streaming down towards the ground there was barely even a scream or even a yelp. Just grunting, the soldier rose and began firing further despite his wounds. His perseverance allowed him to kill a few more gothi’s but they finally reached close combat. Lord Ivan was like a whirlwind of destruction his blade moved hacking apart the injured soldier his blade then swiftly moved through the air killing another.

Vincent’s instincts told him to pick out the odd one, he needed to kill him as he approached he got his bayonet ready but Vincent flicked out his whip taking him off-guard. He shouted “die! Scream for me!” he bought his sword down, the soldier before him raised his lasgun to block the blow. He could hear the non-believer grunting “I will….find her….” he pushed him back and fired his lasgun, the stray shot grazed his shoulder plate. Bringing a strange heat, Vincent licked his lips he charged again and began hacking with his blade. Again the soldier blocked his blows the slave shouted “I will find Laura!” hearing the name caused the pain to surge back into Vincent's heart. He growled in annoyance “shut up! Don’t you dare speak that name!” he lashed with his whip and his weapon frantically breaking his guard. He drew back his blade before the soldier can react and impaled him in the gut. He gasped “I-I have to find La-” before he could say that hated name again he twisted the blade, He yelped unlike the other soldiers as he died Vincent started to feel better. He kicked him off the blade and leapt upon him as he fell to the ground he bought his blade up and down piercing his body, he heard muffled gargles coming from the soldier.

As he did his work a strange heat thrummed through his body, it’s approval he knows it to be approval. He could feel the sensation of love from the true god. He was almost caught up in the heat until he heard a loud bang to his left the chimera’s were bursting into balls of flame as purple spheres of energy crashed upon them. The heat drifted for a moment which angered him he tore off the gasmask of the soldier he saw a bloodied face, he looked somewhat young but staring at him his heart hurt for some reason. He watched him reach up with his hand despite the injuries he inflicted upon him. “I-I a-am s-sorry L-Laura…” mentioning the name again Vincent bought his fists down upon his face smashing it, ruining it, not giving the chance for the enemy to speak.

Once his face was a bloodied ruin he panted and looked up, his body and mask soaked in blood the heat came back in great cascades it was too much. He then felt a large hand on his shoulder causing it to drift away “n-no! Please don’t leave!” he reached out in reaction, towards the street. “It’s gone but it will come back…. I can see why Cartia grew interested…” the voice caused him to look up it was the demigod now covered in the blood his hand on his shoulder. “M-my lord I am s-sorry.” “you did nothing wrong.” he then heard several more explosions “it seems Carita is done, what is your name?” “V-Vincent my lord.” the Astartes hefted him up to his feet “you obey your impulses, you barely even think about it. I do hope you survive this battle...” he then ran onwards as Vincent looked upon the battle he could see all the enemy soldiers are still fighting despite the odds, when ammo ran out they began smashing and stabbing cultists with bayonets just by their body language he could see their fury. Despite being torn apart one by one they kept fighting and those fleeing are merely being dragged down by cultists or shot to continue the fight. Despite their own gunning them down, some kept fighting relentlessly.

Lord Ivan began whipping the cultists “Keep fighting! We have to get to the upper hive!” at his command the cultists scrambled to redouble their attack some took additional lashes from his observation as they held their attentions to a corpse drowning in the sensation. It took a few more lashes to spur them onward, cultists began whooping with glee, some even begged for Ivan to lash them as they ran over to the remaining soldiers.

Carita slithered over as he watched “did you enjoy that?” “I did.” Vincent spoke without hesitation. That heat he needed that again. The head prelate came over and bought her finger down his mask drawing away some of the blood. “You are doing well. What we faced was mainly conscripts….but do keep it up...the battles are going to get harder from here...” she then joined Lord Ivan in killing the remaining enemy he stared at her as her sword moved through the air. “You like her?” he turned to see Alma drenched in blood “admit it. You do like her...” he bought his vision to the head prelate again “I do.” “wow you just admit it? Perhaps I might find someone nice during the battle...I hope it would be nothing like him….” “him? Your old husband?” “yes, he was useless...he would find time to hit me or my daughter...he eventually left for another woman I am sure I made a passing mention...” she looked upon the dead and those still continuing to fight despite being outnumbered. “War is interesting don’t you think?” Vincent also looked at the mutilated corpses and the enemy who kept on fighting “war... is pretty interesting Alma.”

In these last two chapters I want to display how hardcore the death korps are. I hope you guys are happy it with it. The second to last chapter should be up "soon"

Chapter 46
The war was moving according to plan, Aldabert stood in the war room with Colonel 102, the fortress has been retrofitted for their use. Just walking in an examining the grounds it was not much of a “fortress” the enemy they are facing can easily break in but they are bleeding the heretic forces on certain fronts before they can get here. In the end the confirmation of Heretic Astartes troubled him. Colonel 102 was adamant to enforce the plan right away in orbit by just looking at the traitor ship. At least he recommended to get a confirmation of the enemy before committing to that “drastic” plan. In the end the the plan was pushed forward without hesitation when they finally received the information. Adalbert knew his place with the death korps of krieg his place is to hold back their zeal instead of encouraging it but in this instance he had no reason to stop the Colonel 102.

The Colonel was staring at the map of the city as veteran watchmasters bought him reports from the front. “They will get here.” Colonel 102 said flatly, Aldabert looked at him he considered his words for a moment. “We should not tell them of the true plan.” “agreed, the quartermasters are already at work. There is one issue.” Aldabert chuckled slightly he gave strict orders that the war room can only be used by the Astra Militarum so they could talk somewhat freely. “Do not worry, I am ready, I think your “zeal” rubbed off on me Colonel.” “good, we are of one mind on this. Reinforcements are coming, if the plan succeeds the reinforcements will be easily able to clear the rest of the heretics.” “I see, if everything goes to plan we will slice the head from the serpent…” “Exactly Commissar, in my experience heretics normally seek the biggest target the only reason why I am not on the front lines is for the sake of the plan. They will get here but stepping into this fortress will be their doom.” mentioning doom set him at ease, there is no greater duty to the emperor than bringing doom to traitors and heretics. “How long will it take for the quartermasters to finish?” 102 bought his gaze to him “not long, it’s largely why we are trying to hold the heretics back for as long as possible.” Adalbert nodded “I see, once the heretics get here they will get a surprise they will not anticipate..”

Silas chopped the guardsmen in half he fired his stormbolter into another “there is no joy in this…” even with his father’s blood pumping into his veins, even with his eyes burning the enemy were relentless, they did not scream, many of the squads he comes across they don’t even break and run. He looked down the street leading to the grand steps that go to the upper hive. They need to be taken but a huge block of guardsmen block their way. His terminators with a few normal Astartes forces were meant to be the spearhead, but these mortals are blunting their attacks, even with the cripple helping them. He watched the machine charge reducing a group of the death korps of krieg to red mist. The carnage the helbrute bought did nothing to dissuade them.

He fired his storm-bolter into the crowd of soldiers, even wielding lasguns they are dangerous, being hit with 1 or 2 is not much of a problem. It only becomes a issue when there are several squads rapiding firing the weapons while holding extreme discipline, taking a shower of shots could easily take down an Astartes. One of the terminators released a gargled scream as several plasma shots crashed into his form. “The other issue is that…” he cursed, along with their numbers dotted around the enemy are those wielding special weapons he could see mainly melta guns and plasma guns. The melta guns have kept Noxus from getting too close and the plasma guns were whittling their forces.

They slowly trudged forwards, bodies hit the ground clogging the streets belonging to both forces. Silas had a good idea that this would be a slow process, the death korps don’t die easily. He looked to his auto-senses, just by the stream of information he could see Adelram is arriving soon, he would expect this road to be taken by the time he arrives. He roared “mere humans won’t stop me! We are above them! Charge forward!” at his word all of them broke into a jog firing ranged weapons, he could even see Noxus bellowing “so you stopped being a coward Silas!?” he grunted hearing that “tell me cripple! Who was the one holding back due to their Melta guns!?” the helbrute snorted it sounded like a rumble, he did not say anything further because Noxus knew he was right.

As the hail of lasfire came down the street he roared firing his stormbolter, he saw one of the normal Astartes stopping and looking down to a corpse. “Don’t stop what are you doing!” Silas shouted. The Astartes pointed his bolter at the corpse “he is sti-” then a explosion, he vanished in a mist of dust and blood. Silas watched his name to red. Noxus laughed “these mortal’s are interesting! Even when dying they have tricks up their sleeve!” as the dust cleared he saw marks of a grenade explosion on the dead Astartes, he guessed that the dying guardsmen unpinned his grenade to take one of them down not even bothering to give a thought of himself. He ground his teeth “we won’t be outdone by mortals! Keep pushing!”

Inches, by inches they got closer to the ones holding the street leading to the grand steps, he did not want to admit them as an equal or give them any passing compliments. They are lesser and they are demigods of war. They are children that have a perfect father, he would not be able to even consider himself one of the third if he stopped here. He kept firing, roaring curses and promising to inflict all manner of torments on the foolish mortals, despite his fellows being cut down they will break them. It only took a few more seconds before they crashed into close combat, his blade began hewing through meat, even with their relentlessness, even if they were disciplined they still died like mortals. The only thing that was missing was the screams. As he killed several of the guardsmen threw aside weapons and leaped upon his frame. They drew frag grenades, to his shock and primed them without hesitation. It was just a few moments before he was caught in an explosion he grunted in pain, his auto-senses chiming that several sections in his terminator plate is damaged along with several other injuries to his body. Once the dust cleared his gasped “damn humans….I….I….” he sagged to one knee. He then saw a another warning chime at the corner of his vision he looked up to see several guardsmen are preparing to fire plasma guns. The mortals that sacrificed themselves did so in order to give them this opportunity to kill him he ground his teeth “I won-” before they could fire he saw the cripple charging over them, his power scourge flailing and impaling the humans preventing the attack. “How interesting you were almost killed by the humans you consider to be so pitiful Silas...” He rose and pointed his weapon at the cripple “I did not need saving!” “oh really?” he stomped on a corpse “to me you did. A fact I will never let go. Silas the so called “perfect” warrior was almost killed by mere humans. I will give you one piece of advice my pathetic brother...stop underestimating them...” Noxus turned and returned to the carnage, Silas lowered his blade he was frustrated.

He needed to kill to take his mind off the humiliation. He barked an order “keep going! Don’t let them stop you!” he rushed forward with several others to engage the remaining guardsmen.

Adelram folded his arms while he sat in the rhino, he could see Asriel is still upset about the chariot just by his body language. “Relax, we have linked up with Marthas’ forces when we get to the upper hive you can have your revenge upon them.” his servant grumbled “fine...I will satisfy myself with that.” “good, now I have given the order to Marthas, once we get to the upper hive we need to focus on defeating the enemy then we can sample the fruits of the spires and upper hive. Then we will shore up defences in case of any reinforcements.” “Is that why you are having Izel preparing the lower hive to bring in daemons?” he nodded to Asriel “yes, it’s more a precaution I don’t want to take any chances if we fall on the back foot there is a place we can go back to that is largely secure. I don’t want to consider retreat but the daemons would make a good diversion if it ever comes to that. No-” before he could finish the rhino stopped “ah, I assume we are here. Come all of you, we have people to kill.” all his servants gave a curt nod, they exited the rhino and what they saw is a street clogged with bodies.

He saw Marthas and several squads of Astartes exiting the rhino, he looked around “my these humans did not die easily…” “indeed they don’t.” Adelram strode up to Marthas. “Considering the street is filled with the dead I assume Silas and Noxus have completed their task. Let us move.” before walking onward he heard crying and screams, spilling from the streets he saw masked cult members surging towards them. At the head were prelates and Ivan “it seems I got here on time my lord.” “Ivan you are alive.” he said flatly. “Did you expect anything else my lord?” Adelram brought his eyes over the tide of humans, with Marthas forces and Ivan’s horde it should be enough. “Well I would not be disappointed if you died, now let’s get moving.” his old apostle did not say anything at the remark. All of them marched down the street in the distance they saw them, Silas and Noxus their bodies a utter ruin and what remained of their forces were few in number and there was only one more terminator left from Silas' squad. They were surrounded by the dead. Right away he could tell the battle to break the line was hard, but they have their route to the upper hive, his head terminator staggered towards him. “Adelram, the street has been taken the way is clear.” He looked at Silas’ armour it’s broken in several sections and blood was leaking from gaps. At most he could spot that Noxus was now sleeping “well done. I assume there was not much trouble?” he wanted to prick at Silas’ pride, just to see his reaction. He grunted “it was no trouble my lord. We killed them as requested.” his answer caused him to chuckle it seems his pride was not hurt too much. “I see, we will take it from here keep any forces from passing through. With time you might even have the aid of neverborn.” “I see...Izel must be working his sorcery. I will hold don’t worry.” “I expect nothing else Silas.” he looked upon the host he will be taking to the upper hive “this should be enough…” he said to himself. Looking at the carnage on this street to him it looked like most of their force was placed here. Which means that defence should be lighter in the upper hive, a part of him did wonder why such a strategy was employed.

He barked “onwards to the upper hive! We will bring the grace of the dark prince to them!” at his command all the forces with him cheered he could feel their excitement, those on the upper hive and spires are those of a “finer” taste so his host should fight all the harder.

Colonel 102 looked at the reports they broke through the main route as expected, the heretic host has now engaged their forces in the upper hive. All the casualties inflicted from here will be a bonus now the final part of the plan is for them to reach the fortress. “Colonel.” he looked up to see Commissar Adalbert resting his hand on his blade. “Tell me Colonel, who are the reinforcements? I imagine the astropaths are getting the word out.” 102 picked up another report recently sent to him. “With the confirmation of Heretic Astartes a artillery regiment, tank regiment and another infantry regiment of the death korps of krieg are being diverted to Vestos. There is even word that an Adeptus Astartes chapter is on the way as well.” “I see, so are you still pushing the current plan?” “Yes, I am leaving nothing to chance, if we also take out their leadership that will be a bonus as well. I aim to take down as many as possible. All our lives are being used to blunt the heretic offence. Do the Arbites know of the plan?” The Commissar shook his head “No, they still have no idea.” “good, keep it that way. I believe if they had an inkling of what we are doing they will not have the conviction needed to see this through.” at most he felt a small measure of frustration he wanted to go and fight but he knows it would not be the correct action, the Commissar would also stop him by any means necessary. His life is needed here, he needs to spend it at the correct moment. “Now...all we do is wait.”

Adelram laughed as they hacked and diced through fleeing civilians, he was correct defences seem light but the fact they are facing the death korps of krieg along with the Adeptus Arbites they still lost people. Even being mortals they did not even give an inch especially in the case of the death korps. For every guardsman that died they took down five cultists, two of them easily took down an Astartes, their use of grenades did annoy him somewhat but they were making steady progress. He looked at the fortress in the distance, going by the new flags and heraldry that covered it he guessed that was their main base. He looked over to Difillia who stabbed a mortal she walked up to him shaking her head “this is too easy…” “why do you say that?” “it’s clear they don’t have the forces to face us. But...I expected more.” “Perhaps the dark prince is with us, you worry too much. Enjoy yourself Difillia as we make our way to the fortress.” He spread his eyes over the battle he could see everyone smiling as they mete out death.

The joy they had on their faces swelled his heart, staring at the horde of cultists he has to declare Asriel’s work a success. Watching the cultists rampage through the upper hive, their true selves being let loose, this is the true state of the galaxy. This is how things should be. He pointed his blade at the enemy base “onward to the fortress! We will break the enemy! Once they are gone you can sample those of the upper layers as you wish!” all of them charged onward. As the fortress crept closer his hearts began pumping rapidly.

Virgil stood in the hallway the Arbites were pushed back all the way to the fortress with the death korps. In actuality the death korps did not get pushed back they all died in battle. He held his riot shield and power maul tightly, the order from Aldabert to fall back confused him slightly. He could see the strategy is to slowly bleed them, it’s clear enough they don’t have enough forces since Uriel’s report was merely detailing a rebellious movement, not a heretic attack. He had Shevila and her men gather the children and elderly and take them to the spires. He knew that would be the last line if they failed here, the house guards and some of the meager PDF this planet has are holding out there.

He did not know why he gave Shevila such an order, perhaps it was his age talking to him in the end he stayed behind. No matter if the death korps are in charge of this fortress it still belongs to the Adeptus Arbites. Sweat dripped down his brow as he heard the first set of screams. Out of the darkness of the hallway he saw them, Heretic Astartes, the reports were true giant monsters, that wore power armour baring garish colours. They were covered in gore, the one he assumed to be the leader came forward as they spoke his voice was at odds with what he saw before him “why do you still resist? Since you are not of the death korps of krieg you should have a medium of sense….I will give you one chance. Join me. Join me and know delight…” as the heretic spoke he could see his arbites sparing glances at each other. “Don’t listen!” he shouted “look at the monster before you! Don't pay attention to it's voice! It seeks to draw you away from your duty! It's very presence is a affront to everything we stand for! The degradation of the emperor’s justice! They represent disorder! Hold fast!” the heretic sighed in response “here I thought you had some measure of sense. Brothers….my dear mortals….kill them.” At his order masked cultists and the Astartes charged down the hall.

Virgil pointed his maul at them “take down as many as you can! For the emperor!”

the last two chapters are going to be shorter but....I wonder if people will like the ending

Chapter 47
Adelram walked with his forces he held the head of the man who refused him, he looked somewhat old and his face was covered in scars. “You are a foolish man...now you are dead.” he dropped the head, just in a few more moments this conflict will end for now. Afterwards they can kill and gratify themselves as they wish there will be no distractions. He looked to his servants who were covered in blood. They held small smiles which pleased him, he then looked at Marthas who had his weapon hefted over his shoulder he walked towards him. “Adelram, don’t you feel it?” “Feel what?” “that something is off.” he cocked his head slightly hearing that “I don’t feel anything. Don’t worry I have prepared a plan just in case something happens. At this moment some of the cultists are working on enslaving those in the upper hive they are lead by someone reliable. So we should have enough slaves if something goes wrong. I realised as we fought through the upper hive that perhaps we don’t actually need much of a force to take this fortress. So relax.” he could see Marthas wanted to speak further “say your piece Marthas.” “that’s all well and good but this is too easy.” Adelram could not help but sigh “considering the number of infantry we faced we are most likely facing a infantry regiment. Going by Difillia’s reports they most like sent a request to deal with a “rebellion” not a attack by us. If such information was given out before hand we would have had a harder fight in the upper hive.” Marthas looked to speak further but closed his mouth. “I see, I won’t say anything further.”

He tapped Marthas on the pauldron “I understand your concerns considering our….history with raids.” “but this is going smoothly there were some hiccups along the way considering how much damage they have done to Silas’ forces but that was merely a trait of the guardsmen we are facing.” those last few words caused Marthas’ face to relax slightly he could tell that he is convinced. Asriel pulled on his fur cloak “what is it?” said Adelram “I think we are close to their command. I think we should get ready.” Adelram looked down the hallway they have not encountered further resistance so he guessed he was right.

If he reached out with witch sight he could see several bright lights gathered in one room. What is happening is clear to him is that this is their last line of defence. He smirked as he walked there is no need to hurry, the last dregs of the enemy are not going anywhere.

After a few minutes they reached a set of double doors it looked embellished so he guessed this is the place. He nodded to Marthas, Asriel and the rest. He kicked the door down and they surged into the room. He saw them, the veterans and commanders of the enemy all pointing guns at him. “Hello slaves of the false emperor….” “shut up heretic.” the muffled voice came from the one he assumed to be the leader. “Now, now I am a kind master so I will give you a chance to serve me. Your soldiers fought well surrender, don’t waste your lives…” “we are not wasting our lives. They are being spent well.” he watched him go to his pocket and pulled out a remote detonator. “Do you know what this is?” Adelram licked his lips “you have quite a fondness for explosives...I guess you rigged the room? Now that you have shown me that I am quite sure I can defend against it…” “are you sure heretic? You are correct and also wrong. Melta, Krak and Frag charges and along with any explosives we had in reserve has been set across this whole fortress. I hold the detonator.” The news caused Adelram’s mood to darken “you are bluffing…” he hissed. “I knew you to be fanatics but this..” “is what? To give one’s life to the emperor is the highest reward one could ask for. Looking at you, I can see clearly you are the enemy leader. So know this as you die. It was the 102nd that gave their lives to end you.” he pressed the button without hesitation.

Asriel shouted “no!” his voice then turned into a muffle as Adelram watched the world turn white, he was then plunged into darkness. He was tumbling, falling but he could feel objects crashing against his body. He coughed blood, his auto senses were chiming hundreds of warnings. He could hear screams all around him in the darkness and the breaking of bodies, the names of the Astartes that were following him were blinking from green, to orange to red. He felt something hard slam into his gut and then he crashed to the ground with a thud. The darkness began receding, he looked up to the blackened skies, around him he could hear cries of pain along with the warning chimes from his auto senses. He grunted in pain, he could not breathe properly.

He tried to rise but couldn’t, he felt something embedded in his waist, so he crawled he looked around and what he saw is cultists blown to bits, legs and arms bent in different directions. Astartes baring large holes in their armour and gore covering their ceramite.

He panicked “Asriel?” he said quietly to himself the darkness must of been him, he recalled he did something similar before. He looked at his auto senses, Ivan’s and Marthas names are orange so they must be in critical condition. He then heard a bestial growl, he turned his head in direction of the sound he saw Salvador, one of his horns were broken, both arms are clearly matted in blood. He is holding Difillia who is unconscious, blood trailed down her brow and her arm looked broken. As their eyes met Salvador ran towards him “Master! Master!” he rushed towards him and knelt “are you okay?” Adelram grunted “pull out the thing that is stuck in my waist....” his bestial servant nodded he lightly placed Difillia down and moved his hands to the object stuck in his waist. With a grunt Salvador pulled it out, Adelram hissed in pain as his body went to work trying to close the wound. “Salvador have you found Asriel?” he shook his head “no….” he could see he almost wanted to cry. “Quickly search for more survivors!” he heard a female voice, he shouted in turn “over here!” as he yelled several prelates came over to him. He recognised one of them it was head prelate Carita. The one he placed in charge of the slave gathering.

She slithered over with several others they had medical supplies. They went to work taking care of Difillia. Carita spoke to him “my lord...please tell me…what can I do?” Adelram grunted “Salvador help me sit up.” his servant helped him sit upright using his body as a balance. “Now Carita, tell me what happened.” The head prelate nodded “my lord, we were gathering slaves until we saw the fortress go up in a ball of fire. The explosion killed several of us but we raced to action to find you.” the news caused Adelram to remove his helmet. He threw it aside in frustration “damn them!” he coughed “damn those humans!” he levelled his gaze at the head prelate “tell me what of my brothers and Asriel?” she removed her mask and looked down slightly “many of them died, we don’t have an exact head count of all those who entered the fortress but very few survived. Lord Ivan and Marthas are being looked after at the moment….” Adelram pressed “what of Asriel? Where is he!?” at the mention of him the head prelate bit her lip slightly “you must see for yourself…” he looked up to Salvador “help me walk.” he nodded as he helped him up. Carita placed her mask back on and slithered onward, slowly he followed with Salvador’s help.

They only walked for a few moments before he saw prelates surrounding someone, at his presence they parted and he saw him. Asriel lay on the ground a piece of metal was stuck in his head, his arm and right leg was also missing. He merely looked up to the sky, Adelram's hearts dropped seeing this. “He is not dead...is he?” Carita nodded slowly “we thought he was I had to kill several of our own who sought to devour his heart but he is alive. His soulfire is still there but it’s faint.” Even with Salvador supporting him he dropped to his knees he grit his teeth and held his waist with one hand, he staggered up and walked towards Asriel’s unmoving form and knelt. “Why hasn’t he healed himself?” Carita slithered forwards and looked down “I guess he used most of his power to keep himself and those he could alive. Looking at the possible brain injury one will not be able to weave even the most basic psychic power in such a state.” the information caused his hand to want to reach out, but he knew better he was in a delicate state. He shut his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath “gather the dead and those who are still alive. We are making a full retreat…” “m-my lord we-” “Don’t question me!” he hissed. Carita bowed and slithered away, he then heard trotting and a bestial whine “is my brother going to be okay?” Adelram stared at Asriel’s face which looked absent of all emotion. “I-I don’t know…”

Epilogue
Shevila waited at the gates for an age but the attack never came, minutes turned to hours and then eventually days she held this post with those willing to defend the young and elderly. The houses lent all their support but she was not sure if they could even hold. Catching a glimpse of the enemy when they were leaving the upper hive seeing their monstrosity from a distance showed that they had no chance. During her whole career up to this point she never thought that. But the attack never came.

One more day passed and she stood with all the others at the gates, hunger prickling at her belly and then she heard a noise. The sound of a gunship she looked up to see a gunship baring the number 44, once it landed everyone pointed their weapons at it. They took no chances her finger rested on the trigger to fire, the ones who stepped down from the bay platform caused everyone to drop their guard. They lowered weapons and breathed out a sigh of relief it was the death korps of krieg their gear held a different colour but the design was the same. But there were two people that caught her attention they did not look like guardsmen.

The two strangers approached her, a man wearing a jacket with a mixed with carapace armour looked upon them. “Who is in charge?” Shevila looked around and stepped forward “I am sir.” The man looked to his companion who wore a open cloth robe along with flak armour he held a sword and stormshield “what do you think Leon?” “they are not corrupted sir. It seems the heretics left this place untouched.” Shevila frowned “who are you people!?” as she shouted the man in the hood looked upon her again “most people would fear to talk to me in such a fashion...you may call me Inquisitor Belaris.” he pulled out his badge of office staring at it caused Shevila’s blood to run cold she saluted “I apologize for my rudeness inquisitor!” “think nothing of it, I have just come to tell you the planet has been liberated, the heretic forces were falling back when we arrived. We cut some of them down and purged the lower and underhive.” The news caused all the guards around her to gasp in disbelief.

She lowered her salute and gulped “is that true?” “yes, while we came here on the gunship I went over reports connected to the heretics. I picked up that you sent several reports before all of this started. You wanted to have the kidnapping “movement” dealt with. Perhaps if the report was taken more seriously earlier the heretics could not used it to catapult themselves into a invasion.” “I don’t understand sir what are you trying to say?” “I shall be clear.” he offered his hand “would you like the opportunity to strike against the enemies of the imperium?” without hesitation she took his hand, Judge Virgil would expect nothing less. “I would be honoured inquisitor.”

So that's the end of lord of corruption!

In the end they did their duty!



But what of our wonderful band of misfits? What happened to them? Find out in book 4 which is coming out...soonish. Like maybe in a few hours after I finish work. XD

I hope I did your army justice in this closing act Illiu

Great work, was a little worried it would of been the end of all books haha! Kindof sad they got caught with the ambush. But the road to the dark prince is fraught with peril. Looking forward to move exciting reading.

 Dayknight wrote:
Great work, was a little worried it would of been the end of all books haha! Kindof sad they got caught with the ambush. But the road to the dark prince is fraught with peril. Looking forward to move exciting reading.

Yup its in the lowest of moments that someone has the oppturnity to shine for the dark prince in my opinion. If it was any other regiment they would of won. It was just a bad match up. One thing I like exploring is how characters can grow from loss or being smacked down.

I do hope people enjoy what I have planned.

Book 4

The Cycle of pain

Prologue

Entry one

With all the changes, It was clear I had to do this, to write down my thoughts as I gaze at the changes on the ship. But should I really call it change? Or are we merely repeating our rise and fall? The aftermath of Vestos was an eye opener, Adelram admitted it was a defeat but in my opinion he did nothing wrong. How can one foresee such an action? He made the appropriate moves to secure a control zone, he had a tide of bodies and we were beating the enemy. Yet in the end, we fell, as always we tumble into the darkness, broken, angry, confused….but we all paid the price in our own ways. When I recovered I heard the news concerning him, but my heart did not sink for some reason, a part of me thought this was “normal”.

Now who do I refer to? Asriel of course, shielding as many as he could from the blast he took the brunt of it, those who were not in the immediate vicinity died. They broke, so they never came with us to repeat the cycle. I wonder if Asriel is also in this category? Perhaps not maybe he has come to the same understanding as I have?

Anyway, the damage he took from the blast reduced him to...an invalid. Writing that word down was not as hard as I thought...now where was I? Right, as I was saying he is an invalid due to Izel’s and Adelram’s efforts they were able to restore some motor function in the brain but all he does is stutter words. Along with that he is paralysed from the waist down, added to that is his missing arm and leg. Now some of this could be restored with cybernetics but considering the general opinion of the third on such things it was rejected. So what did Adelram do? He began heavily studying biomancy in order to restore Asriel’s brain. He wanted to learn enough so he could at least partially restore it. Just enough so Asriel could focus and complete the rest of the process. Yet there is an issue, I watched Asriel practice biomancy for near a century and watching Adelram’s progress it would take near a century for him to get anywhere near to restoring his servant’s brain or even to partially do it.

So Salvador now takes care of his brother while he can. What was not surprising that Asriel being reduced to such a state actually bought some comfort to the Astartes of the warband. In the end the defeat on Vestos has affected them as well, Silas is “improving” himself, Noxus is finally accepting upgrades from Caius, Ivan….simply took advantage left in the void by Asriel. The cult is fully under him, he controls it with an iron fist. Now Izel? His experiments have turned...interesting to say the least.

Now me? I don’t know, since then I merely took a step back and observed what was happening around me. It got me thinking...how many times have we done this? A large event would supposedly grant us new power or insight to strengthen the warband but soon after that we fall, hard and then we repeat the process. Those two are a chief example of this, how many times have Asriel and Adelram broken themselves? Tearing themselves apart piece by piece for each other?

So I decided to seek understanding, perhaps it’s my old habits as an apostle showing itself again but I needed to understand the pain this warband suffers. Why does it happen again and again?

Hence I started this journal, just like Asriel I started to write. Looking through ancient scriptures the first thing I found from an ancient terran philosopher were these words, it spoke to me for some reason. It resonated with my soul.

“Time is flat circle. Everything we've ever done or will do, we will repeat over and over again.”

Then...it clicked, like a switch my eyes opened, all this pain, all this hardship, heartache, misery, death and destruction. Will keep happening, because the gods will it thus, those in the imperium are blind to it. The Aeldari are still trying to this day to free themselves, not accepting that they are stuck in a cycle of pain and misery they entered themselves. The orks? Merely don’t care and perhaps honestly they are enlightened to it, they accept all that this cycle brings. Once I accepted this, I knew he will come back. It’s merely a matter of time.

To push further on my point, the birth of the dark prince, I questioned Ivan on this and he told of it in detail.

The Aeldari’s hedonism, bought the god into existence. Now slaanesh has always existed, perpetuating the cycle forever as is her right as a god. In all those numerous strings of fate that the followers of change like to play with. The Aeldari always, forevermore will be trapped no matter how hard they fight, no matter how hard they try, they will always birth the god and they will always reject it thinking they could push it away instead of embracing what it brings. Everyone in the warband think they are merely improving themselves, but we are dancing in a cycle, if someone told them, no matter how hard they try this will keep happening. What do you think they will say? They will laugh it off, even speaking with Ivan on this he thinks of me as insane. Adelram merely told me he has no time for my nonsense when I told him to stop studying, I found it ironic at the time that the one who has seen divinity does not understand this.

So I write these words, to tell you that we are have been given the ultimate gift, to be trapped in this endless cycle of torment, pain and war and I love her for it. I love her for bringing me to my oblivion and my paradise. Some would be crushed under the weight of realisation, but those who embrace what it is rise. So I am not worried, I am not panicking either, my friend will come back, stronger and more wonderful. I hope he grasps what I now write. Since I know he is somewhat aware of what is going on around him.

Marthas, Exalted Champion of the Harbingers of sin.

Man I hope this is not too nihilistic? But I had the set the tone of this story.

Yes I find his philosophy pretty interesting. Maybe that's why I kill so many characters?

That was really outstanding! I feel like that’s what the death Korps would actually do if given the chance. Great job on the Marthas chapter too, as I’d noticed the cycle by now. Good to know it’s mandated by slaanesh...

Chapter 1
He stopped writing, he perhaps has ended his first entry, pouring his thoughts onto the page, he held his quill steady thinking whether he should write more. When he told Adelram of his realisation his apostle rank was stripped so he became exalted champion. Yet titles are meaningless, it’s meaningless to her the fact that Adelram saw divinity yet he did not understand this confused him greatly. He penned as such in his journal he placed the quill in it’s bottle, he sighed as closed the book. “They will understand...in time…” he then stared at the personal journal he designed for himself, the face of the snarling keeper of secrets as the cover and the book lock was made with silver and embedded with multi colored jewels. He flicked the flap to hold the book and turned the lock. He then attached the book to his belt, slowly he got up from his desk and walked over to Eligos. As he came to an understanding, the song from his weapon changed, his body changed.

It no longer aches, he barely feels withdrawal, he can sense approval, he has accepted his place and what is expected from him. Enjoy the fruits of misery sprung by the cycle and enjoy the things that blossom from it. Asriel’s current situation in a sense was ordained but no matter the trial he always overcame it. It’s the same with his lord, not many would jump into hell itself or possibly heaven for another. The issue is that if they both understood their place they could accept each other more easily. Since they haven’t there is always friction or event arguments. One see’s fault in the other when there is none there. It’s always been that way. So he started this routine of visiting Asriel perhaps encouraging him to sort himself out. He left his chambers and began walking to his room. As he traveled he thought on the current situation, since Vestos their numbers were cut down there was barely a quarter of them left so while they recovered they raided minor worlds. Taking slaves where they can. What is not surprising is many of the Astartes seek to raid larger worlds but he knows that won’t happen while Asriel’s in his current condition. So there has been talk of finding a way to make him disappear, none have tried for no one is that foolish. Everyone knows better than to touch Asriel the reason why is to avoid bringing Adelram’s full fury so for now they content themselves on slaves they capture for the moment.

As he arrived at Asriel's room door he inputted the code to open the door, it was only given to specific people. Only three people know of the code himself, Salvador and Adelram. Entering the room he saw it was clean as always his brother’s doing no doubt. Walking up to the bed he saw him in reaction Asriel turned his head to him slowly “w-w-w-wh-” “what is it?” said Marthas “I am checking up on you as always.” “h-h-h-h-h-” “how can I understand? You keep asking that question. I don’t know when people read your mind it’s a jumbled mess. I have come to ask again have you decided? Have you decided to stop being a victim and claw your way back?” “s-s-s-s-s-” “shut up? I imagine pain is not a thing of pleasure for you anymore.” he leaned down towards his face, it’s hard for him to make expressions but he could tell he is frustrated, angry and even perhaps a small part of him feared for his life. “He will give up.” “h-” “he will, so you have a lot of work ahead of you. I am being plain with you, he won’t find a way, you know that more than anyone. Do you have the time to wait almost a century?” Asriel looked away “see, look at you. You are frightened.” he then sniffed him he could taste it in his mouth, the favor drifting away piece by piece. “You can feel it can’t you? The rejection? The disappointment…” Asriel turned his head to him he tried to raise his hand, he could clearly see the movement straining is straining, Asriel was trying to reach to touch his face. “I-I-I” “you mean you haven’t lost it? Tell me what interest will the dark prince have in cripple who rejects what she wants from them?” Marthas grasped his frail hand, the months of lying in bed are causing his muscles to degrade, plus he expects with time his brain will go with it. “You don’t have time. Stop wasting it Asriel. This pain you are feeling is necessary, it’s needed, not all pain is enjoyable but it has a purpose.” he let go of his hand, it slowly flopped to the bed. He could see he did not have the strength to move, Asriel reaching up in such a fashion Marthas guessed he is angry with him at the moment.

Marthas turned away without another word, he can’t say anymore more, if he does not find the means to fix himself he will eventually die. He is sure of that. Adelram will not be able to fix him, not this time he can feel it in his gut. He left his room, once in the hallway he heard humming he gripped the haft of Eligos. “Sitri what do you want?” the white haired female pierced the darkness and walked towards him yawning. “Oh hello. How are you?” “what sort of greeting is that? What are you playing at? What’s your game?” “nothing, I bare no messages and have not been given a task.” “you do not move for no reason, so why are you before me?” she looked over to the door and smiled “how is Asriel?” “what do you think? You are a smart woman.” she gave a coy grin “look at you being so serious again… Have you changed like everyone else Marthas?” “Maybe, I just realised something. That’s it. I will warn you Sitri watch how you step, or you might end up like Naberius…” she sighed in return “I know...you don’t have to tell me. Anyway I was going to see Izel.” the news caused him to raise his eyebrow “why? If I may ask?” a big grin played across her face “why not? Don’t you find his experiments fascinating? The screams coming from his room... when I take a peep I see people speared on walls and they are still alive howling in agony!” she shivered “don’t you want to come?” she offered out her small hand he merely walked past her. “I am not interested in your game Sitri. I will not be pulled in it.” As he got a few paces away he could hear her tutting in annoyance.

The fact she is annoyed is concerning but it could be another ploy just make to make him turn around. So instead he will ignore it, right now he has to visit someone else. As he made some distance he took a turn towards Adelram’s chambers as he reached the doors he opened them and walked inside. As always he sees him sitting on his throne surrounded by stacks of books. Difillia stood at attention and like always Salvador is eating, as he entered his lord did not even look up from the book. “I am not interested.” Adelram said firmly. What he just said caused Marthas to chuckle slightly despite not wanting to hear it he will say it. He made his way towards the throne “so have you actually made any progress?” still not looking up from the book Adelram said “what does it matter? I am working on it. Ever since Vestos you have become like Ivan. Specifically how he was before you killed him.” “does it matter? Perhaps if you listened to him back then things could of been different.” as he spoke Adelram snapped the book shut. “No it wouldn’t.” “Are you sure?” “I am.” his lord bought his eyes to him, he then placed the book on the stack, with this action Marthas looked upon his lords form there were straps of spiked leather laced on his armour and a large shining circle pink jewel embedded on the left breast of the chest area. “Tell me Marthas why do you think you know more?” he rose “I have seen a god, I bought the warband to understanding. So what do you know that I don’t?” as he asked the question he recalled the last time they discussed this he was stripped of apostle and made exalted champion. Since Ivan’s teachings changed somewhat to those of cult he was given the title instead. “You have seen a god but you lack wisdom.” “wisdom!?” Adelram exclaimed, he began laughing. “Tell me dear brother how do I lack wisdom?” Marthas gripped Eligos tightly he licked his lips slightly “you of all people know that you can’t fix him. He is deteriorating and by the time you learn what is needed he will be dead. S-” “I can fix him Marthas, I have done so before.” “yet you still find “problems” with him.” he gestured his weapon to Difillia “if you had no problems with Asriel you not have made her.” bringing Difillia up caused his brows to twitch slightly, he knew he hit home he continued. “So let’s say you do get what you want? How sure are you that it will come out the way you expected? So I say this let Asriel handle himself, if he d-” “he won’t die Marthas…” Adelram hissed. “He might if he flounders like you are. If he acce” “the cycle is nonsense Marthas. So what? Are you saying that the dark prince is causing this to happen? That every time we break is because he wills it?”

Adelram clenched his hands “I understand to grow and gain perfection you must stumble. But what you are saying she is orchestrating our misery intentionally? What of all the champions that are high in her favour? They go from strength to strength never faltering, never failing and always rising. So, where is their misery in all of this? Tell me Marthas!?” “They will stumble at one point but since they know nothing of failure, true pain or anguish they may never get back up.” “How do you know that!? Are you just assuming!?” “I am not assuming Adelram. It’s the truth.” “Truth!?” he shook his head “you sound like a word bearer. There is no truth. The dark prince desires excess and entropy, nothing else. Be meek you fall but spread darkness and joy? You rise. It’s that simple, if I need to break planets to fix Asriel I will do so. If I need to tear the brains out of Astartes I will do it. I refuse to sit and do nothing.” “so you don’t trust him then?” Adelram creased his brow in response “if I did not know you for so long, if you were just any other Astartes and you said that to me I would tear out their tongue…. I know what’s best for him.” “So tell me then? How do you know what’s best for him? I recall you did not trust him during Athor, you did not trust him when our father changed him, nor did you truly trust him when he left for several months to form the cult. Yet despite all these events he came to your with greater things that you thought weren’t worth much until you took a step back.” “get out.” Marthas sighed “wh-” “get out” Adelram repeated. Not wanting to wear out his lord’s patience further Marthas gave a small bow and turned away he left the chamber in silence. Once outside he sighed “Both of them are quite stubborn…” he grumbled slightly as he walked away from his chambers.

The screams bounced within his room, yet it’s not enough, it’s never enough. The ritual on Vestos was not enough either, the imperium’s reinforcements tore through the summoned daemons. Izel folded his arms “what more can I do?” he looked upon the walls of his room, it’s covered in long trailing parchment, slaves are nailed to the walls and their chests torn open, their wailing providing the perfect environment for his work. The more slaves he adds, the scripture on the parchment move and change, at times they even form strange art depictions of battles, mortals intertwined with daemons and other illicit artwork.

He walked over to one of his many tables and pushed aside the mortal working upon it, he picked up a knife and walked over to a slave. He jammed the knife into their body causing the slave to twitch and wail loudly as they screamed he felt it, the euphoria, the power surging in his mind and with it the parchment changed again. It repeated the same scenes, but one was odd, what it showed was the face of a man wailing in agony, after a split second it changed again to show the image of bloodied spikes. Watching this caused him to twist the knife, if he increases the pain it should change and it did. The ink on the page shifted to displaying black tendrils that are moving frantically. Seeing this information bought a smile to his face “what are you trying to show me?” said Izel. Watching the moving piece of art it’s clear it’s a vision of some sort or a prediction. He needed more, he bought the knife upwards tearing through the slave’s flesh but the image would not change it slowly shifted back to moving letters.

He removed his hand from the knife and folded his arms “perhaps the dark prince is trying to show me something?” he guessed this is a premonition, it’s the god trying to divert or show him a possible future in his own way. Back when he looked to the god of change he would dive through threads or look at his orbs to see the various strings of fate. This is far more opaque compared to that or perhaps the dark prince wishes him to figure it out? As he went through possible ideas he heard a knock on his door. He frowned wondering who would bother him, who dares to interrupt him. Izel gestured to one of his servants “answer the door.” they bowed and shuffled over he could hear the door opening and then a gargled scream, the sound caused the words on the parchment to react violently, twisting and shifting displaying the black tendrils again. But this time they look to be consuming figures that look like people, he turned to the door and he saw his servant falling backwards as he hit the ground the parchments returned to normal. Through the gap of the door he saw a white haired woman step through, she held her sabre out and gave a whimsical smile staring at all the slaves.

Izel narrowed his eyes “tell me, why did you kill him?” he knew that she was touched by the lord of the third he could feel it bleeding off her. “You are here for a reason what do you want?” she sheathed her blade and gave a mocking bow “Sitri, we have not been acquainted yet…” “I don’t care for your name what do you want?” as she rose she sighed “even if I want to help with your project?” that piece of information caused him shake is head “tell me is the lord of third interested in what I am doing?” “no, this is...something more personal. You see Izel you are just inflicting physical pain hence you are not getting the results you desire. Breaking the body can only go so far...sometimes you have to break the mind and the heart along with it….” Sitri mentioning breaking the heart and mind he looked upon the slaves nailed to his walls, he gestured to them “you don’t call this breaking the heart and mind?” “I don’t, I have seen people in worse states. If I told you that there is a specimen on this ship that could catapult your...research would you take it?” “it depends, I assume this will have risks.” he knew it would be something dangerous but if it could get him closer to understanding this sorcery and replicating what he felt in Adelram’s mind he is is all for it. The white haired envoy smiled “so we have an agreement?” he nodded “we do, tell me.” she gave another another mocking bow “very well, listen closely….”

Silas sagged in his chair, he could barely feel a thing, he has taken several enhancement drugs mixed with his father’s blood and still he does not feel he is getting any better. He needs to be better, the sting of defeat clinged to him. Through weary eyes he watched his slaves at work cleaning his chambers, he smiled that is the place of mortals, down below to be looked down upon. He yawned “I am tired…” he felt weary, despite all the drugs the time he slays servitors in the training room doesn’t decrease. The drugs are not working, he has to try something else. “Perhaps Izel could change or upgrade the drugs?” he does not fully trust his sorcery but at the current moment he cannot ask Adelram, he is consumed trying to fix his broken human.

It still perplexed him why he dotes on the slave so much, for one he is cripple if it was him he would of killed a crippled slave ages ago. A slave in such a state is useless. He then rose from his chair, all of his slaves got to their knees and bowed their heads, as he walked past towards his door gazing at them caused a smile to tug his lips. This is where mortals should be, on their knees to their betters. Finally at the door he pressed the button to open it and someone stood in front of him. Someone he did not want to see he turned away growling in annoyance “another lecture Marthas?” he went back to his chair and sat down, facing the room again Marthas walked in. He stared at his bowing slaves “are you making yourself feel important?” Silas ground his teeth, he is starting already. “I thought you gave up teaching? Why do you keep bothering me?” “because I don’t want you to break yourself.” “Break myself? The dark prince requires us to shatter ourselves so we rebuild ourselves and find our ideal image!” his old teacher shook his head “tell me how are those drugs working out for you?” he is moving to the drugs right away he grumbled “I am going to visit Izel so he can improve them.” “he won’t improve them, you know that. Are you that sore after fighting the death korps of krieg? You can’t take that they almost killed you?” Silas roared at Marthas “I defeated them! I did what was asked of me!” he then pointed “Blame Adelram for walking into an ambush. I-” “you would still would of walked into it. Don’t deny it, you look down upon mortals so much you would walk into the fortress with a smile on your face.” clenched his hands in frustration “so what do you want me to do? I am the best warrior in the warband, I lead the terminators tell me? What can I do oh “wise” teacher?” speaking in such a mocking manner did not effect Marthas he just looked at him in pity. “So tell me, why do you subject yourself to such pain? Do you learn from your cycle of failing and succeeding?” the question threw him off guard “I want to be the best.” “Why do you want to be the best? Why do you want to be perfect? How many times have you tried the drugs? Training and defeating all out brothers in the temple. Where will you go from here? Drugs is not going to help you at most it makes you feel good for a moment but it’s not making you the “best” or “perfect” you look like an Astartes crumbling under the weight of an superiority complex.”


The lecture caused him to scowl he rose from his chair “you dare insult me? I am superior! I don’t need you! Why am I eve-” before he could blink Marthas was in front of him, his weapon was right next to his face. He tapped it lightly on his helmet “you are not superior, Adelram has surpassed you ages ago. I could also easily kill you if I wanted to, remember I might not be the apostle of this warband anymore but I am now the exalted champion. I thought you were a rough diamond but after my realisation? You are but a crude stone, a ugly piece of rock that tries to appear big but breaks when push comes to shove.” he moved his weapon away from his head “think of what I have told you. You keep pushing against your indequency instead of actually accepting it and growing. All you are doing is trying to appear the “best” when you are actually not.” The deluge of words caused Silas to stand like a statue, he did not know what to say to that. He should feel angry, but he merely felt empty inside he turned away “get out.” he said harshly “get out right now!” as Silas spoke after a few seconds he heard his door opening and closing again.

Entry 2

So this is the next entry, what should I talk about? My brothers and my friend are being stubborn but I expected this. Especially from Silas, he is inadequate but pretends he is not if he truly wants to be perfect he must first accept he is incredibly flawed. But in doing so it would make him realise all the drugs, brutal training and remarkable “skill” does not impress anyone. That he act’s and is in a manner of speaking like a clown prostrating himself in actuality to his betters.

But it’s clear enough he will not accept help from me, not after I disbanded the temple. For a time I thought of remaking it but it would be pointless, none would want to hear what I want to say. None will even think on it. To look deeply at themselves, to accept the parts of yourself that is full of true pain and misery. For me it’s just another fruit to be tasted and experienced. In misery you can learn more about yourself. I shall use myself as an example, deep down I miss my crusade, I regret they did not join me in this journey. But they will never understand, the pain I feel in my chest. This wonderful stabbing sensation let’s me know and understand how blind the imperium is.

As my hearts twist into a knot over them I feel a small jolt of euphoria, then my mind drifts to showing them the pain I experience, along with the true dark and terrible state of the galaxy, to see their whole world view come crumbling. That their fight is truly and utterly pointless.

The imperium exists to make me feel intoxicating anguish, regret, pain and misery. Hence if I ever saw another black templar, I won’t kill him, I would break down his world view utterly. That would be truly joyous. We exist to be shaped and molded, to please the dark prince, he watches to see how we react to this galaxy she crafted for us to find joy in the cycle of pain and misery for if we live or die it does not matter. It only matters if you reject the cycle in death.

For in texts it details that those who die at times are also chosen to be turned into daemon princes, Jedrick is a clear example of this. No matter how much pain got piled upon him, he just kept going and going. He viewed his pain as a gift that she wants to see more of him.

So in a manner of speaking, you still gain favour in “failure” it’s how you react to that failure that is truly important if you are not used to it. Failing once could crush someone. Just look at us, the history of our warband is built on failure, our most pivotal moments is when we fail. We fail all the time yet no one has been reduced to a spawn. The way to truly displease the dark prince is when we stop, stopping is a sin. Adelram stopped once on Zatos he could not handle the despair, pain or anguish at the time he wanted out. He wanted to give up and in turn he almost fell to the clutches of the plague god. A similar thing is occurring with Asriel, he sees no way out, he wants to stop. He thinks someone will save him when he needs no saving.

Being crippled in a manner of speaking should be another experience he savours until he grows tired from it. But he is believes he is stuck in that state he has learned nothing, he merely lets the days go by.

All it is is that he is scared of pain. That’s it, in such a short time of enjoying it he is now frightened of it...

To sum it up on Zatos Adelram should of enjoyed getting his legs broken, he should of enjoyed the trial of winning his warband back. It's merely another experience in that crazy cycle according to Marthas.

You recall that it's been said that more than anything you don't want to bore the dark prince? Yeah don't do it, that way lies spawnhood. According to black crusade Daemon princes have to do even better.

"A mortal could achieve greatness worthy of notice, only
to be ruined and become a mindless Chaos Spawn because
the Dark Prince was in an especially wistful mood."

If you follow a god that has mood swings like that. Make sure you are entertaining.

Chapter 2
It’s like he is trapped within his own body, the days would go by, Salvador would visit and clean his room he would say a few words and then leave. The thing is Asriel can’t exactly remember what Salvador has said. It’s hard to remember things these days, straining himself to recall information hurts his head and what hurts even more is when Adelram comes. He tries various procedures and concoctions yet none work, they never work but he keeps saying that he will find a way and he believes him. He knows that he will fix him, but what worried him is this feeling of disapproval. Staring at the ceiling of his room he could feel it, his heart beating rapidly, he could feel pangs of fear pulsing through his body. Asriel still recalled the conversation he had with Marthas while he still had the memory he went through it again. “H-h-h” he tried speaking out loud it was a reaction nothing more, he still not used to the fact he can’t speak properly. Instead he will think, even if it’s painful. Marthas thought that he could fix himself, but he can’t focus. He can’t use sorcery or his psychic powers. His head hurts too much, it’s too painful attempting such a thing it felt like his mind is going to explode if he ever makes the attempt. So he is stuck, all he has left is his lord, hence why Marthas knows nothing, he understands nothing. He is merely rationalizing the defeat on Vestos, nothing more. Asriel slowly reached for his nose it’s bleeding slightly, thinking too much leads to problems. He tried to relax, clear his mind “d-d-d-d” and there he is trying to speak again.

He took several small breath’s and tried to relax. Then he heard his door opening, he wondered who it would be this time he shifted his gaze to the door and his heart began beating even faster. He had “two”visitors, they slowly walked to the bed. “W-w-w-w” “What are we doing here?” said Sitri, as she spoke his eyes widened slightly, another person who can understand him. Why is that the case? He looked to the second “visitor” it was Izel. He looked to be holding what looks to be a body that’s wrapped in a dark cloth. “Hurry up Sitri, we must do this quickly.” Asriel watched Sitri nod, she smiled “look at you...so scared for once….” she brushed her fingers over his brow slightly he tried to reach up with his hand, to push her hand away but instead she grabbed it. “Trembling with fear also….” “I-I-I-” he can’t be scared not now. He was never scared of them. She gripped his hand tightly “don’t worry...we will take care of you now…” she let go for his hand.

She then reached for his body, to left him out of the bed, despite not having much muscle Sitri easily lifted him out of the bed. She looked down into his eyes and smiled “the fun we will have…” for some reason he felt cold hearing her say that. He did not like it one bit. He turned his head slightly to see Izel placing the dark cloth on the bed. As he removed the cloth what Asriel saw terrified him, the fear chilled him to the bone. What he saw on the bed was himself, but he was dead. The corpses clothes were also exactly the same, everything about it was the same. Asriel watched Izel nodding he turned to him “It took several sacrifices but it’s a perfect replica, I used a slave a base. The cause of death is also brain degradation. That is what Adelram will find.” Asriel found himself panting slightly “w-w-w-w” “he says why are you doing this?” said Sitri. Izel shook his head “for one you are a threat to the warband, I wonder what Adelram sees in you. Second for my research you are a “pure” specimen. One full of anguish, despair and pain. Thirdly? You are going to die soon anyway might as well make some use out of you. Now Sitiri hand him to me, we will move quicker.” he watched as Sitri handed himself to Izel, he gripped him tightly Asriel could tell he was excited. The sorcerer chuckled “Adelram will be none the wiser...plus my research will also help the warband.” while in his grip he hoped Adelram would just walk into the room and see this scene. As he thought Sitri tapped him on the head “he picked the perfect time, no one will be coming. Adelram and Salvador come at certain times.” she moved her hand away and shrugged “plus the code was not hard to break, anyway Adelram will have no idea who it was. But guess who will be the first suspect?” Izel scowled “enough talking let’s get moving!” at Izel’s word they began leaving his room. Asriel had no way to escape, he could not escape. He is a cripple, he can’t use his psychic powers, he can’t shout loudly either. When his door opened and they walked out of his room he felt true fear for his life.

Silas grunted as he walked the hallway, his nerves felt dead along with the frustration caused by the conversation with Marthas he can’t focus properly. His time in slaying sevitors is getting worse. “It’s Marthas, he is the reason why I can’t focus…” he grumbled in annoyance, he needs to return to his room and refill his combat drugs. As he trudged through the hallway he heard a song, it made him alert suddenly. His auto-senses were switching to combat mode, he gripped his blade and bellowed. “Who is it!?” the song kept playing in his head but his auto-sense kept beeping that there was an enemy in his vicinity. He turned and in front him stood and Astartes, silver tubes were laced over their armour, their helmet bore spikes and sections of his armour held leather straps. He bowed “greetings.” his voice was smooth and purred through his helmet. Silas pointed his storm bolter at him “are you the cause of the song!?” as the Astartes rose he chuckled “so you are the one.” he raised his eyebrow “one? What do you mean?” looking at him more carefully he could see mini speakers inserted in his pauldrons. The one before him must be part of the Kakophoni, he has barely seen them since the death of Marius. Silas lowered his stormbolter “considering you are one of the noise marines you want something.”

The Astartes nodded “Indeed, we seek a leader.” at the mention of leader he turned away “not interested. I lead the elite, the terminators of this warband. I have a small fondness for music but not your kind.” “we could easily kill you.” at the threat he turned again to face the Astartes who seeks to mock him “you dare!? Just because you come and go as you please you think to insult me!?” “Faust” “what?” “you may call me Faust.” said the noise marine. “I can see you are struggling with the “wall” Marius predicted as such.” at the mention of wall and prediction he frowned “so what are you saying? That Marius knew of my struggles?” “yes, he knew of his death as well. The dark prince is bringing a great verse to this vessel and if you don’t want to be swept away I suggest you listen to what I have to say.” at the mention of great verse he had bad feeling. “This has to do with the human and Adelram doesn’t it?” Faust nodded “you are correct, at the moment there is only one person on the ship ready to face what is to come.” at the mention of another person he narrowed his eyes “who is this other person?” “I speak of Marthas.” “I should of guessed...if that’s the case why not approach him?” as he spoke Faust reached out to touch his chest, Silas pushed it away “keep your hands to yourself.” he watched his hands clenching slightly as he bought it back “apologies...but your pain is so….pure.” “pain?” Silas scoffed “what do you know of me? I have surpassed doing crude things like exploring pain. What I care for is being the perfect son for him.” “what if I told you what I offer will get you what you want?” at the mention of getting what he wants he grew somewhat interested “so you can make the best? Even...exalted champion?” Faust inclined his head “it will be within your power if you accept my proposal.” he grumbled “fine, I accept.” as he accepted Faust turned “follow me.” he began walking down the hallway.

Silas began following the noise marine, as they walked there was silence between them, but he also could not recognise the paths they are taking. “Where are you taking me?” “To our abode. We live separately from everyone else.” “may I ask why?” “because we conduct war differently, we worship differently. If you could see the galaxy how we do then you will understand why. Many attended the Maraviglia but it’s the kakophoni that accepted it truly.” at the mention of the Maraviglia it bought back old memories, he was there with Sebastian and many others of the company but it was haze to him. He has done far better and enjoyed greater excesses than that show, he is sure of it. “I see, but it was so long ago.” suddenly Faust stopped he turned to him “it should never be long ago, that performance should always be beating in your heart. You will understand soon enough.” As Faust continued walking he merely shrugged, in the end he is only doing this to become stronger and perfect himself. He trudged onwards eventually they reached a set of double doors. The design of it shows daemons and mortal’s singing together and dancing while engaging in great hedonism. Faust walked to the door and placed his hand on his chest he sang several notes. Once he was done Silas heard several notes playing together forming a pleasing chime.

The doors began slowly opening, Faust stood aside and gestured in “you may enter first.” Silas grunted he walked into the darkness and what greeted him was a great dome hall with several levels. The hall itself bore cushions, across the walls there were portraits of both Astartes and to his shock humans. But what gripped him was the sounds, great reverberating sounds of song. In front of each noise marine was a human attendant listening, their ears clearly bleeding. “Isn’t it wonderful?” he looked to his right to see Faust standing next to him, he could hear the doors of the chamber closing. “This is where we can practice our craft and prepare for the stage.” “stage? What do you mean?” Faust chuckled “what I mean is war, it’s during battle we perform for those who are blind to the song of the dark prince. Now let’s gather everyone.” Faust did several small claps, right away the noise died away despite the music overpowering the sound of the claps the Astartes still heard it. “Follow me Silas.” he walked to the middle of the hall, Silas followed.

After a few minutes, the noise marines and humans gathered around him. Faust gestured to all of them “I have bought the one who will replace our dear Marius. Who deperated some time ago. No-” “how sure are you that he will pass?” Silas turned to the speaker the one who spoke was an Astartes who bore speakers that were embedded in his legs and pauldrons. His sonic blaster was crafted as a strange string instrument and it looks like there is a flamethrower attached on the end. “He will fail. He has not accepted his pain or misery. To sing you need both. He does not even seem to have acknowledged it.” Faust gestured to him “calm yourself Avidus, he will pass.” “How sure are you? We have been leaderless for so long. We have not been on the stage for months I g-” Silas stomped on the ground bringing everyone’s attention to him “I won’t have you judging me! I fought and bled to reach this point!” he pointed his blade at all of them. “While all of you hide in the bowels of the ship thinking you are superior! I have suffered to get where I am! You speak of pain!? You know nothing of it! I-” Avidus stepped out of the circle and walked around him “what do you know of yourself? Nothing. How can you seek perfection if you don’t explore who you are? You say I don’t know?” he chuckled “tell me do you recall your time before being an Astartes?” “I don’t care it’s irrelevant.” “but it is. I came from a family that forced their children to work, both my mother and father were addicts that would beat me everyday. My father forced me to kill my sister. Even after that they used my schooling money to fuel their addiction, so I ran and joined the Astartes.” the story caused Silas to shrug “what do I care of your pitiful st-” Avidus kept talking. “I joined the trials to become one of the Adeptus Astartes. I actually was hoping to become an Ultramarine but I was transferred to the emperor’s children. I was quite devastated at the time but...it was nice for a time. Until I went through four companies no matter who I bonded with in war they kept dying. So I pushed myself to become better, more perfect to shoulder the burden so that never happens again. Eventually I rose to become captain of the 25th company. Yet soon after that they were annihilated in battle due to xenos but I survived…. Barely with any injury. I was not meek in battle my service was exemplary but I asked myself….why do I live?” Silas scoffed “if you ex-” “soon after that and losing my company I was… “Demoted” and placed in the first company due to my service but I knew I could not be trusted to lead. But then came the Maraviglia, I cried at the fact all the brothers I lost could not see such a spectacle. When I embraced being one of the kakophoni that pain...that hurt became so raw. It was wonderful and I sing to share this with others…. I.. revel in it….” Avidus then stopped in front of him and pointed at him “what I see is a man-child unwilling to face he is not as good as he think he is. Instead of exploring himself and correcting it he pounds his chest in order to get other people to look at him.” Silas leveled his stormbolter at him “shut up. You think your sob story would move me? I knew it all of you are weaklings. This is a waste of time.” Faust then stood between him and Avidus “then prove it. If you can handle the trial of our troupe then we will ackwlonelge your superiority.”

As the noise marine spoke Silas lowered his stormbolter “I am superior I don’t need to prove it.” Faust nodded “I see, but everyone in the room thinks otherwise.” for some reason he looked around even if some were wearing helmets he could see they were judging him. Even the humans, the pathetic mortals were judging him. He ground his teeth “fine...I will do your trial.” at him accepting he began to hear murmurs, some saying that he will die others were outright curious. Faust gave a curt nod “I thank you for accepting now you have to be prepared…” faust speaking in such a manner caused Silas to be on edge slightly, Now he feels somewhat unsure, wondering what exactly this trial will entail.

Izel stared at his captive that is now tied to the chair, Asriel breathing is clearly unsteady, he can see the clear fear. Examining him beforehand Sitri said to check his back for the brand of slaanesh and what he found is that it’s gone. He placed his hands around his back his servants are at work preparing the tools and Sitri is merely sitting gazing at him, waiting for him to start. He walked up to Asriel “we are going to start. I shall tell you I have means to keep you alive for awhile.” he looked over to Sitri “so you will take him after some time? What if he dies before hand?” “then I will tell Adelram of what you have done.” his eyes went wide “he will kill you.” she shrugged “and? Oh and don’t get any ideas about killing me I have people ready to lead him to you upon my death.” Izel grumbled, he knew that she would prepare such a ploy she is not stupid. He bought his eyes back to Asriel and gestured his hand out “thumbscrew.” in a few short seconds his servant placed the thumbscrew in his hand he then walked over to Asriel who was shifting slightly in his seat. “Now Asriel to explain I am going to mentally and physically torture you. I wish to power sorcery through pain, you gave me the idea after what I saw on Athor. When I was blind to the dark prince I gave it no thought but now?” he grasped Asirel’s hand and placed one of his fingers in the vice and began turning it. It only took a few short seconds for his finger to break. His specimen gave a scream of pain, his voice is clearly hoarse due to not speaking. Right way there was reaction on the parchment the words began moving violently. He left the thumbscrew in its position and called for another one. As he began working on his next finger he decided to move to the mental torture. “So I am been observing the relationship between you and Adelram. How do you think he will feel once he finds you dead?” he watched Asriel’s eyes move to him, despite the pain he has his attention. “He might feel sad for a moment but you have to remember we are Astartes we made to move past the death of comrades. We are bred for war.” as he spoke he could see Asriel trying to form words “h-h-h-” “he says he will come.” said Sitri. Izel chuckled “he won’t, screams are the norm on this ship and considering the state of your vocal cords it would be quite hard to discern your screams.” he turned the thumbscrew breaking another finger. His captive screamed again and this time the words on the parchment began changing into images. He saw the flailing tentacles again, the spikes and something new occured.

He saw a contraption, it looked like a torture device, an iron maiden. The iron maiden itself had a scowling face of the daemonette and it looked like to be crying tears. Seeing this he knew he was right to agree with Sitri’s plot. The right kind of pain, inflicted on the right person produces the results desired. He imagined mixed with the torture Asriel’s mind must be consumed dealing with the state he is in, the fact he can’t do anything and the possibility Adelram would be none the wiser. “Get me the knife.” he opened his hand and his servant handed him a knife. He raised the blade and stabbed it into Asriel’s arm, he twisted it. His specimen began trashing in his bonds right away he looked at the parchment and it shifted what it showed concerned him slightly he saw a large man surrounded by what looks to be colchisian dialect. Yet all of this happening caused a smile to line his face, he felt a strange heat in his chest, a voice at the back of his mind to keep going. Izel then felt the the needle from his choker injecting him with the substance it’s filled with. His choker mixed with what he was feeling now he felt euphoric. He then looked upon Asriel while chuckling “the things we are going to learn together….”

Chapter 3
Silas scratched his head he was wearing a simple robe, it was strange to be out of his terminator armour. He was surrounded by all of the noise marines in the hall grunting in annoyance, he looked to Faust who stood a few paces away from him. He was also in the circle. “So Silas are you ready? I do warn you if you fail you can die.” “I won’t die. I will pass.” “right, let us begin then.” Faust spread out his arms and began singing, the noise marines began joining in one by one. Silas sighed, he should of expected this but as the song went on it go louder and louder. It began to tickle his ears slightly. His mouth twitched, the song kept increasing in volume. The weariness from the drug withdrawal was vanishing but his body was starting to feel heavy he sagged to one knee. He couldn’t breathe, finally he dropped to the floor.

Then slowly, darkness consumed him, in the darkness he could still hear the music but it slowly turned into a woman’s voice. “Did you really forget me?” “what? What do you mean?” said Silas he did not recall the voice. He had no idea who this woman was. She began humming, a small tune that set him at ease, he felt tired but then he felt pain. The humming then turned into a song, even in darkness his body feels like it’s being embedded with a thousand small knives. He then howled in anguish “I will help you remember…”

He yawned while walking in the hallway of the dominion of the phoenix, as always he got bored of another one, it’s always that case with with him. In the end Augustus does not bother him since he is focused on the “troublemaker”. As he passed a few Astartes he could hear them talking about him, it’s what the 11th company always talks about but it seems said troublemaker is none the wiser to them speaking behind his back. He yawned again as he passed the Astartes, he does not know why he feels this way but nothing can keep his interest, no matter which remembrancer he makes appointments with none of their work moves him. He took a few more steps and the he heard it, a small hum, it pricked at his attention. He followed it which lead him to a hallway and a female human was resting her back on the wall, merely humming to herself. She looked to be a remberancer.

She was not that old he guessed mid thirties, she also had brown hair and fair skin. As he approached she looked up in surprise. “Sergeant Silas...I…what do I owe the honour?” Silas could see she was not making eye contact, she was afraid. “What were you singing?” She looked away “just an old tune...it’s nothing special…” “really? To me it sounded quite pleasing actually.” as he complimented her she looked at him in surprise. He smiled in return “tell me what is your name?” “My name is Venetia Leclare.” “I see, that is a wonderful name. Now you may just call me Silas no honorifics.” He could see the clear confusion on her face, he placed his large hand on her shoulder “I merely wish to hear you sing Madam Venetia, may I make an appointment with you?” she slowly nodded “y-yes I would love to!” he then removed his hand from her shoulder and smiled “thank you may I have directions to your room?” she smiled back and went into her pocket she pulled out a piece of paper and began writing. After a moment she handed it to him “here, it’s not too hard to find!” as he received the paper he nodded “how about I see you in a few hours? Give you time to get ready?” at his recommendation Venetia bowed slightly “I will!” she then ran off into the bowls of the ship brimming with excitement. For once Silas had a good feeling about this one. “Perhaps I won’t get bored?”

The image bled away he was in darkness again the stabbing pain drifted. “I was so happy then, you were to. Why are not happy now though?” “w-what do you mean?” Silas croaked his body ached, he could not look at himself. This darkness consumed his vision, more than anything he guessed the woman speaking to him is Venetia. “It is me, but it seems you have fallen down. You liked to hear me sing when you were down.” the song came back again and with it the pain.

Silas sat within Venetia’s room he could see she is clearly nervous “what’s the matter?” she looked up to him “just never had an appointment before…” “I see, just imagine that I am not here then.” she nodded and closed her eyes, she began actually singing the words to the song he heard before. He relaxed in his chair, for once he felt moved, it eased his hearts and just for a fraction of second made him forget the great crusade. The song tugged at his hearts but after several minutes it stopped. He opened his eyes to look upon her “that...was beautiful…” “really? Thank you Se- Silas.” he rose from his chair “are you famous? Have you put on shows?” she shook her head “not really...I mainly did small shows and side jobs but I got offered a job here….s-so I took it.” The stutter at the end caused him to raise his eyebrow, it’s clear she is hiding something so he won’t pry further. “I see, but I will let my brothers know. Your voice can’t go unheard I think it’s a disservice that you have only done small shows!” he watched Venetia rub her neck slightly “I...have no desire for it. Plus...I think I am that good.” what she said caused him to shake his head “why? You would not be here if you did not have some measure of talent. I am sure if you reach for the top your voice can be heard by everyone!” he walked over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder “to be honest, it was hard for me to be engaged with artists, singers and even book writers. But your voice captivated me, if you are blessed with something so great you should reach for the top.” Venetia looked to him in shock a tear trailed down her eye.

Silas frowned slightly “did I say something wrong? I must apologize…” she shook her head “n-no you just said something that someone precious to me said long ago…” she wiped her eye “tell me Silas do you want to reach for the top?” her question caused him to move his hand away. He scratched his cheek slightly “well...yes. I wish to be lieutenant of my company and perhaps captain in the future.” she clenched her hands “then I will get better. I will sing for you at your coronation as captain!” he could see her eyes glinting he nodded “then we both must work hard for our futures…” she nodded and gave a great smile in response.

The scene bled away, his hearts began to twist into a knot. “Yet that didn’t happen…” “it….didn’t…” “you tried hard...” “I did….” he could not move, what he is feeling now hurts far greater than the knives. It’s such an old memory but it hurts, it pained him so much when he heard the news. He can’t even remember the name of the planet but he did remember defending the camp. Adelram took command, he should've stepped forward if he did. If…. “you might of died…” “I would of had what I wanted!” he roared back. Do you know how aggravating it was to be in his shadow!? To know the “troublemaker” was made lieutenant!” despite how hard I tried….”

He sat again within Venetia’s room, she sang it helped his mood somewhat but he could not help but scowl, she noticed this and stopped. She walked over and placed her hand on his own. “What’s wrong Silas?” he shook his head “I….found out my brother has been made lieutenant of the 11th company…” he could see the shock on her face, the past few weeks she has been pushing to get more attention and even performed a few shows. She has even told him that Bequa Kynska has taken some interest, but he could not keep his end of the promise. “Silas, I am sur-” “there is no other way….” “then transfer companies! I would go with you!” saying such a thing caused a small measure of surprise. He chuckled “I cannot transfer without a good reason...I thank you for your concern. I am happy at least you are reaching for what you wanted.” Silas could see Venetia bite her lip slightly “well, I have to tell you something.” she moved her hand away and stood up right. “You see, the reason why I accepted the job offer? I became a remembrancer in order to find someone.” Silas raised his eyebrow “to find someone? Who?” “my son.” he blinked in surprise “is he a part of the order? I imagine music must be a thing in your family.” Venetia shook her head “he...left to become an Astartes.” Silas stroked his chin “I see, so you hoped to join the order how sure are you that he is part of the third?” she clenched her hands together “because he said he was going to their recruiting grounds. The thing is he always tries his best, even when he knows he can’t make it. He tries to appear strong...but the day he left he was shuddering with fear.” Silas scratched his head “I see, so if it was his own choice why are you chasing him?”

Venetia looked down slightly “to sing for him again…” “I see...he must of enjoyed your voice greatly.” “he did, he convinced me to go professional perhaps one day to see me singing on the big stage. But being a single mother and taking care of a young boy….was difficult. He was a smart boy he could see I was struggling so he offered himself to the third legion when they were recruiting. I...should of stopped him...but his eyes I could not say no…” Silas rose and placed both his hands on her shoulders. “I imagine he did this so you could focus on your singing.” Venetia began crying “yes….” Silas smiled “so tell me, what is his name? Some Astartes keep their original names.” Venetia wiped her eyes “Eemeli, Eemeli Leclare.” Silas did not recognize the name he never heard of it, he shook his head. “I...never heard of the name.” she smiled “don’t worry, if I become famous he might even hear me sing even if he does not know it’s me.” Silas could not help but smile seeing her determination. “Right, I can’t give up either. You never know what may happen I might get transfered. I might get my chance. So don’t give up either, I want to see you at my coronation.” She grinned “I will be there, I will keep working hard!”

The scene drifted away, he felt like he was floating, he felt empty of all emotion save anguish. “I never got it….” “I never found my son...but...we can’t always get what we want.” “it’s not fair….” “life is never fair Silas…” “I could change it!” “you cannot, pain will always come, misery will be right at its heels. You know what comes next?” “I do…”

The strange xeno’s temple annoyed him, he is no closer to his dream but he will keep working at it. What held his attention at the moment is the music, it was strange. He could not pick out the notes. He hates to say this to himself but it’s better than even Venetia’s singing.

At the moment he is guarding the rembrancers with Sebastian. Even Venetia is with this group, they looked at the statues, some made sketches he could even see Venetia trying to mimic the song but failing miserably. “You made a lot of appointments with her.” he looked over to Sebastian he stood at attention bolter in hand. “So what?” “well...you normally don't last long. You find some sort of problem or get bored. Everyone has been even speaking how you don’t yawn anymore.” Silas grumbled “Sebastian, she is good.” “I know, I heard her, we all have but don’t hog her to yourself.” “what do you mean?” “you haven’t heard the rumors? Sometimes she cancels performances so she can sing for you.” the news caused him to shake his head he stared at Venetia who is desperately trying to mimic the song. He felt the song prickling of the temple prickling his mind “perhaps….I should stop seeing her. I am holding her back.” Sebastian raised his eyebrow “look at you being responsible? What happened?” he shrugged “I don’t know...I will speak with her later.” he kept his eyes on her, his hearts twisted he did not want to say it but for her sake he will.

Silas felt his lips trembling, he never recalled caring for a mortal in such a fashion but that was his weak self, his old weak and pitiful self. Still watching the memory and then how it slides into darkness. His hearts begin to hurt, it won’t stop hurting. “You hurt me…” “I had to.” “I know, you wanted me to be the best I could be. Sometimes pain is needed in order to grow...”

He yawned while he sat watching Venetia, ever since leaving the temple he yawned a lot lately he did not know why. Plus it’s clear to him that she is struggling to finish the song. He held back a yawn as he asked “what’s wrong?” she made practiced mouth movements and cleared her throat “I-I….don’t know...ever since going to the temple I found it hard to sing...I always find something wrong…” Silas creased his brow, as she spoke he remembered the conversation he had with Sebastian. He looked away “I wish to say something.” Venetia bought his attention to him, he could see it from the corner of his vision. “What is it Silas?” he took a deep breath, he rose and walked over to her. “I think...we should stop this…” the news caused her to tremble “n-no please. I can fix my mistakes…if you are getting bored I can try something new!” he shook his head “It’s...not that. There are rumours that you are canceling performances to see me.” as he spoke she slinked back, that clearly shows it to be true. “Remember our promise, I want you to be best, if me seeing you is getting in the way of that...then..” he looked to the door. “Don’t leave...I enjoy singing for you! It calms my nerves to see you smiling! Enjoying and absorbing my song! I…” he tried to block it out, he turned to the door and began walking in silence. He could hear her almost begging for him to stay, but this is needed, he needs to leave and for one he does not want to ever reach the point he gets bored of her.

He does not want that, he refuses to ever feel that way. Blocking out the last of her crying he left.

“I wonder if I made a mistake then….” the panging pain within his hearts was increasing, after that vision he began coughing he could feel blood flaking his lips and his nose dripping with blood. “Did I do the right thing?” “you did...you saw me at my best…” as he heard her voice he felt his memory being jogged, but he did not want to pull at it. He refuses he did not want to see it. It would be too much some part of him knows this. “You forgot my most defining moment….I was chosen as a...support singer for the Maraviglia. The news filled you with joy…” as she mentioned that show, he shook his head “No, I don’t want to.” “please…” “no!” he roared. “I don’t want to!”

He sat in the front row seat next to Sebastian, the hall was packed and due to his connection with Venetia he was able to secure front seats for his company. The day he left her was painful, so painful, art would not stir his heart. Music did nothing for him, so he was excited when he received the message. What vexed him is that the Lieutenant of their company refused to come and instead is spending a great amount of time in Fabius’ lab. Since then his feelings of resentment increased towards Adelram. He barely has interest in art, he barely tries and yet he is second in command. Silas ground his teeth in annoyance, he practices every day, he goes over every single battle-formation and tactics book. Yet still nothing, it’s gotten to the point he believes Adelram is only Lieutenant due to his connection with Fabius. He sighed “let’s just enjoy the show…” Sebastian scowled “be silent! It’s starting!” Silas looked up to the stage, the curtains rolled up and he saw all the singers.

As the show started he bought his eyes to Venetia, he ignored the strange instruments he focused on her. Their eyes met and she smiled at him, he returned it. After a few moments it started the sound that came from the instruments, the song and the symphony that Bequa composed filled the hall. Right away he felt it, his hearts twisting in joy, his nerves burning. Even if Venetia is not the lead singer, she is wonderful, her voice mixed with the instruments, the cacophony of sound. Then around him he heard it, the breaking of bone, people screaming and yelps of humans intertwining, he ignored them he kept his eyes on her. Her voice, her form everything about it was perfect.

As she sang her body began to distort, first her arms bent in various places and her voice began climbing to a high note. Tears began rolling down his cheeks, his hearts hurt he did not know what he was feeling, he felt happy but also sad. Silas watched her body twisting and bending in different directions, he kept crying watching all of this. He ignored the the sounds of hedonism going on around him and people were too caught up in what they were doing to bother him. Seeing her body bent in such a fashion, he now started to hear her bones break, but she kept singing, she is singing for him he can feel it.

As the sound entered his now bleeding his ears he soon felt anguish mixed in with the joy and finally she screamed. Her body distorting and shifting into a pale limbed maiden with a corset. He rose from his chair and clapped he kept clapping as the creature jumped into stands and began killing people. He finally closed his eyes, tears streaming down his face. His lips trembled as he searched for the emotions that played across his hearts. Silas felt, joy, sadness, anguish, terror and pain. His hearts are ripped with pure exquisite agony as he asked himself “why does it hurt so much?”

He gasped and reached up “w-why does it hurt?” he looked up to the ceiling of the dome in his line of vision he saw a hand grasping his own and then her face. She smiled at him “now do you remember?” his eyes now burning he shook his head “please...take it away...I…” “I can’t...that was my last song. I am glad you remember it…” he blinked and she vanished. He clenched the hand she grasped. His eyes now burning for some reason, he could feel what seems like tears trailing down his face he said slowly “m-mother…” he clenched his chest his hearts hurt at the realisation. It won’t stop hurting, it won’t stop.

With that came emotions, he felt admiration for her determination and in those final moments as her body shifted into that of a daemon he had the feeling she knew. He lay on the ground and someone walked over it was Faust “so, you are alive. Most are reduced to paste. Your pain kept you together, you held onto your anguish.” Silas remembered, what he agreed to. He staggered to his feet and he looked around all the Astartes and even humans were staring at him. “Do you all know?” Faust merely gave a curt nod “we do.” he began clapping “your pain was beautiful Silas..” everyone, slowly in the room began clapping for him. Hearing them clap just made it hurt even more. He touched his face, it was tears that ran down his face but it was not the normal kind. It was wears of pure anguish, tears made out of blood.

After a few moments they all stopped clapping, they stared at him waiting for something.

Silas rubbed his blood against his fingers and he started to hum their song, the humming slowly turned to words he let his heart out. Slowly, one by one, everyone in the hall were caught within it.

So....that's Silas' history in a sense. What do you guys think?

Anyway what will happen to Silas? What's going on with Izel? hehehehehe.

Chapter 4
He closed another book, he has learned much but it’s not enough. The more Adelram read’s on biomancy his understanding of why Asriel learned it increased. His servant chose to learn it in order to easily retain their lives in case of extreme injury but the problem is he would not be able to fix himself if heavily injured in this case brain damage. He placed the book on the stack and stroked his chin perhaps he needs to understand Asriel’s physiology further? He bought his eyes to Salvador and Difillia “come both of you, we are going to Asriel’s room.” Difillia gave a curt nod, Salvador stuffed the last piece of meat into his mouth and rose. Adelram rose his throne and began walking to the door, both his servants followed behind behind him.

As he left the chambers, he made his journey to Asriel’s room, some part of himself does notice he tends to walk more slowly whenever he makes this journey. Perhaps it’s because he hates seeing him in such a state, if he could of discerned the plan of the death korps of krieg he would not be in this position. Finally at Asriel’s room door he inputted the code, the door slid open and he walked in as always the first order of business is to sort the medication. Entering the room he could see Asriel lying in bed, he frowned seeing his state, he wrenched his eyes away and walked over to his desk. He went to his belt and pulled out medication to aid in slowing down both the body and brain degeneration. Difillia walked up to him “my lord, are you well?” the question threw him off slightly “why do you ask?” “I see your face plunged in the books almost everyday. I know you are Astartes but don’t forget to rest.” her concern was appreciated but he did not need rest, he had no need for it. “I see, do not worry I am not weary or tired. It’s just time is against me. Due to Asriel’s degeneration complications could arise, so I have to ensure I find a means to fix him or the degeneration.” his affirmation that he is well caused Difillia to step back. In the end she is only doing what he made her to do. In a manner of speaking he made her to be an example.

As he continued sorting the medication he heard a bestial whine, he turned towards the location of the sound. Salvador is moving Asriel’s body with his hand, like he is trying to wake him. “Stop Salvador!” he hissed “he is in a delicate state!” yet his bestial servant released another whine, he sniffed Asriel and after a moment his eyes went wide. They began watering, the reaction caused Adelram to raise his eyebrow. After a moment Salvador began violently moving Asriel’s body, the action caused him to stomp over “I tol-” as he approached, Salvador started to cry. In confusion he looked at Asriel’s body, right away he saw it. All the signs were there, but he did not want to believe it.

He would not accept it, he scooped Asriel into his arms he shouted “Quickly both of you! Come with me to the operating theatre!” Salvador sniffed “b-but” “be silent and come!” Adelram rushed out of the room, he did not look back to check if his servants are following him he has something far more important holding his attention.

He penned his second entry, it’s becoming easier to write. Marthas smiled “I can understand the fascination with doing this…” he was about to write another entry until a cold chill ran down his spine. His nerves stood on end as a cold voice passed through the meat of his brain. +Marthas, come to me now…+ the voice belonged to his lord. But something was off, the voice held the underlying chill of icy fury but mixed in with that is anguish. Despite not knowing where to go, with the message he felt a location being imprinted on his mind. He sighed heavily and rose from his desk.

Marthas closed his journal and attached it to his built, as he went over to grab Eligos his hand moved away. The song was shifting to one that sounded like a lament of pain and terror. As he gripped the weapon he could feel the daemon inside was excited. That it can’t wait to see or sing about something. Grimacing slightly he left his chambers and made his way to the location. Once there he saw Salvador and Difillia standing at the doors, the beast clearly looked sad, his bovine ears lowered, his body hunched. As he approached, Difillia inclined her heard “Lord Marthas.” He regarded the man-made servant for a moment, her creation is clearly a spur of the moment from his brother. “Is he in here?” she looked to the door “yes...bu-” that’s all he needed he pressed the button to open the door, soon as his finger touched it, he could feel his power armour reacting to cold temperatures. As the door slid open a gust of cold air left the room, both mortals took a step back to avoid the cold. Marthas strode in ready to face what was inside.

Once in the room as the door closed behind him he could see the operating theatre was covered in frost. He was about to walk forward but his feet were held in place, despite wearing power armour the frost which is was coating his feet was causing his power armour to register critical levels of low temperature. Marthas bought his eyes to his lord, standing over the operating table, his body exuded waves of dark energy. He turned to him blocking the body that was on the table, despite not being able to see it he had a good idea who was on it. He sighed “so he is dead?” Adelram nodded. “Yes he is.”

In this moment he had to be careful with what he says “how did he die?” “Brain degeneration…” “I see, I assume you tried to save him? To bring him back?” “yes, I tried to but to no avail…” Marthas stroked his chin “so what are you going to do now Adelram?” “I...I...tell me Marthas. What exactly did you say to Asriel?” he knew this was coming he is looking for someone to blame. To pour his fury into. “What I said to you, he can fix himself I told him to stop being a victim.” the ice began climbing up his legs. “I see, but did you consider the possibility that saying such things could cause mental stress? That perhaps thinking too much could hasten the process?” “does it matter? He was on borrowed time.” the frost began greedily consuming his legs, he felt the frostbite nipping at his flesh. Adelram hissed at him “he could of had more time!” glass jars began popping in the room. “And? You know that you were nowhere near to learning what was necessary to restore him. Asriel could of tried but he was too scared to attempt it. He feared what may of happened to his body. He should of had more faith in himself.” Adelram ground his teeth in response, Marthas watched him seethe with fury for a moment. Just for a moment but he calmed himself. “He is not real anyway…” Marthas raised his eyebrow “what?” “he was my mistake….he is not real….” he narrowed his one eye at Adelram to him it seems like he is talking to himself. “It was a shot in the dark….I should be glad…..” despite his fury dissipating the ice was still creeping up his body. “My lord what is the matter?” Marthas said calmly. Adelram looked blankly down towards the ground slightly. “Perhaps this is a lesson…? He was made from me…..he already died…..the one who is at fault is me….” his voice trailed off. He began murmuring to himself, Marthas could not exactly hear what he is saying, even so the ice was still consuming him he could barely move.

Adelram then leveled his gaze at him, a black tear went down his cheek and in a few seconds the ice melted away, warmath came crashing back into Marthas’ body. He watched Adelram wipe the tear away he smiled “right, I have to work on restoring the warband.” the reaction and the ice melting caused him to raise his eyebrow at his lord. “Adelram are you well?” he cocked his head slightly at his question “well yes? Why do you ask?” “well...Asriel just died.” He scratched his head “you mean he died on Urum? Didn’t I tell you before?” Marthas was not sure whether he should play along or not. “I see...I was quite sure he was on that table.” Adelram stepped aside, what Marthas saw on the operating table caused him to shake his head. Asriel’s body was essentially torn apart save the legs, he guessed Adelram tried all manner of experiments and sorcery to revive him. His lord pointed to Asriel’s corpse “that is nothing, it’s just a corpse. As I said Asriel died on Urum.” Marthas sighed “very well...he died on Urum.” His lord walked over and grasped his pauldron “now, let’s leave we have planning to do.” As he exited the operating theatre with Adelram his servants stood at attention at least Difillia did. Salvador trotted forward “master did you fix him? Is my brother back?” Adelram aised his eyebrow, Marthas wondered what he was going to say. “Salvador, I was doing an experiment. Your brother died on Urum.” Marthas could see the beast’s eyes growing wide with confusion “w-what are you saying? I-” Difillia interrupted him by coughing “now Salvador, don’t worry our lord. I am sure he has a lot to think about.” Marthas could see she is trying very hard to hold back her excitement. “Isn’t that right my lord?” Adelram inclined his head to her. “Exactly, now Salvador how about I feed you?” Salvador frowned “I-I...don’t feel hungry.” Marthas took a step towards him “how about you come with me? We could talk about your brother.” Adelram sighed “if that’s what you want, also Marthas what’s with you always taking interest in what belongs to me?” He turned his head slightly to his brother “I just want to talk with Salvador that’s it.” Adelram shrugged “fine, come Difillia.” As Adelram began walking back into the darkness of the hallway, Difillia followed once Marthas felt he was a good distance away he bought his gaze to Salvador who looked like he wanted to cry but was far too confused to do so.

He tapped him on the arm “now, listen to me. Play along for now if you want to keep your life don’t break the narrative Adelram is telling you.” the bestial servant scratched his head “why is he being this way? I-I thought he would be sad.” “he is Salvador. This is just merely him coping with it. Think of it….as a denial. He does not want to believe he is dead so he is trying to move past it. That’s what I think.” he slowly nodded to him “I..understand, I have to catch up with them. Thank you for the advice Lord Marthas.” he watched Salvador trot in Adelram’s direction as he was consumed by the darkness of the hallway, Marthas began thinking. “The warband will think this is a good thing….but I have a bad feeling about this….”

Asriel gagged, it hurts too much he doesn’t want to be alive anymore, there is no pleasure or joy in this. At the moment Izel is away gathering tools to torment him further, the cowled humans were told not to touch him while he is not there so at most they are cleaning the tools that were already used on him. What concerned him is Sitri is not here, if she is involved there must be some sort of plan, this suffering he is enduring must have a purpose. He coughed up blood, despite the injury placed upon his body Izel has kept him alive. He knows enough to heal his body after inflicting his torture devices upon him.

He prayed that Adelram will find him, he has to. There is no way he could fooled by the corpse that Izel placed on his bed. He then heard a knock at the door his head sagged towards it, his hearts began pounding as one of Izel’s servants made their way to open the door the serf suddenly gagged and fell to the ground. Sitri walked in pushing a wheelchair, killing the human servant caused all those currently in the room to be weary. She still even has her blade in hand as she pushed the wheelchair into the room. Before the rest of Izel’s servants could react, she danced through them slicing limbs and cutting heads as they all toppled to the floor she smiled and sheathed her weapon. She turned to him and said “it’s my turn now.” at the mention of turn his lips trembled.

Sitri went to work removing his bonds, she hefted him from the chair and placed him into the wheelchair. He had no strength to resist as she wheeled him out of Izel’s room. As they moved through the hallway he tried to speak, he needed to know why. “W-w-w-w” in return Sitri looked down to him. “Well you see Asriel, the great one hasn’t been speaking much at all. He hasn’t told me to do anything either. Perhaps with the defeat of Vestos he grew bored with the warband and moved on. Perhaps he abandoned me as well?” she gave a whimsical smile “so me being bored I decided this will be the perfect opportunity to tear down the “stoic” Asriel. You are also the first person to reject my advances as well. So now we can have fun together forevermore. That is what I have decided.” the answer caused Asriel to shudder slightly, considering what Izel has done to him he knows Sitri will do far worse and all he could do is sit helpless in the chair. He tried to shout “A-A-A-A-A” “he won’t come I think he found the replica by Izel. He bought it, he thinks you are dead.” Asriel’s heart began sinking at the news. In that moment he knew there was no hope.

He could tell they were going to the lower levels but he did not recognise the route. They stopped at a set of double doors. “This is one of my many private rooms we will be staying here.” she pushed the button to the open the doors as she wheeled him into the room he saw all manner of extoric toruture tools lining the tables.

But what held his attention is the contraption in the middle of the hall, in reaction he spoke out “w-w-w-w” “what is that? It’s an iron maiden. I had it to prepared for you. It’s made out of a special ore that is found on a planet within the eye of terror. It enhances the pain and torment of the person within it. I also had it blessed Naberius to aid in keeping the one within alive.” As she pushed him towards it Asriel tried to flail his arms to at least knock over the wheelchair to delay what was about to happen. But he had no strength, Sitri placed him in front of the iron maiden, the face that on the device bore the visage of a scowling daemonette. He watched her open it up, staring at the large spikes within the iron maiden caused his eyes to water.

Sitri nodded “right you can’t stand so I will have to push onto the spikes, one feature you may have no noticed is that the iron maiden has slots when you can insert swords so I have to make sure it has a firm hold on you.” Asriel tried to shake his head at what he just heard, but Sitri merely held her smile. She walked over and hefted him from the wheelchair, she bought him towards the iron maiden, again despite her form she is lifting him with ease. Even while holding him upright under his arms.

She then faced his back towards the iron maiden and pushed him onto the spikes, as they entered his skin Asriel howled in anguish and terror. As the metal tore into his body he felt a cascade of different emotions. The despair of being tortured, the terror of not being found in the bowels of the ship. His own weakness for getting into this situation and the fear of not finding the peace of death. He gasped and gagged as Sitri stepped back. “Right, it’s holding now...the doors.”

At the mention of doors he tried to speak “n-n-n-n-n-n…” his broken speech fell on death ears, Sitri held her smile as she shut them, the spikes pressed upon his body and he screamed, in reaction his body wanted to thrash but he couldn't move. Plunged into darkness he panicked, he wanted out. He wanted the pain to stop. But it wouldn’t, this will be his eternity he will never see Adelram again. He will never see Salvador again or Marthas or even Noxus. That thought filled him with anguish he can’t allow it, he just can’t. He drew on those thoughts, he held it close to his chest the thought of being away from them crushed him. He released his psychic powers he did not care anymore. He no longer cared for living or dying he won’t be trapped here. He refused to be held here.

Then he felt it, his mind burning, bubbling along with the pain of spikes his head thrummed with burning sensation of pain. Mixed with the pain due to the spikes being embedded in his body and what he could lose he kept going. He kept thinking of them, the despair of leaving them filling his mind. He could feel blood running down his eyes, nose and mouth. But he felt it, something that was missing was returning, despite the agonizing pain he felt in his head he kept going. Until he heard a pop, right away he felt his head sagging slightly, it was like his mind splintered but he could think clearly. He could think. Then he heard her voice “you are getting awfully quiet in there Asriel are you dead? That can’t be right…” he ground his teeth slightly. “N-no, I a-am not d-dead.” he called out. Forming an actual sentence he could hear Sitri cursing.

He could not see her, but such a fact did not bother him, this pain he felt, the despair that is consuming him. He felt power building in his mind, far more than normal and he lashed out in front of him. After just a brief few seconds, he heard Sitri screaming in actual pain. In his mind he can feel his power holding her in place, as she trashed and screamed in his grip slowly images began appearing in his mind.

What he saw or at least what Asriel thinks he sees is her thoughts, her feelings and possibly her past. The first thing he saw is a young noble girl who had everything she could dream of, but due to her parents political machnications failing they threw her out of the house. Desperate and alone she fell to street begging and eventually was recruited into a cult that worshipped Lord Fulgrim as a god. In turn she met Naberius, they rose and bought daemons to their homeworld and moved on. The great one took notice and scooped them up to be used in his plots. They moved from warband to warband, guiding or bringing them to destruction. But something changed, it was after Naberius death, a death that pains her and as Asriel felt that emotion he realised she didn’t even realise it. He could clearly feel her pain and with it he felt a surge of power. He lashed out again, she screamed and more images came to him. He could feel and see that she feels abandoned by Lord Fulgrim, since Naberius’ death he speaks less and hasn’t given her much in orders. So she wasn’t lying back then.

Dolwine was the last time he has really ever spoken to her, she yearned to hear his voice and do his bidding. But all she gets is silence, a silence that causes pure anguish. As her anguish passed through his mind and body the power he felt within his mind increased further. “T-this should be enough.” Asriel said to himself. While still holding onto Sitri he began the process or regeneration, despite being injured he focused on the major parts of him that is missing. He could feel his brain matter and nerves mending, as they healed he stopped suddenly. The amount of power he has, he recalled Izel’s experiments, accessing greater power through pain.

Thinking upon his current situation it might actually be a boon, an opportunity to also aid his lord at the same time. If he had more power he could of easily saved many from the explosion on Vestos and they could of held the planet, it was his failing that they had to leave. Being crippled also he guessed his lord was consumed with fixing him instead of running the warband. Which is another failing on his part. He clenched Sitri, she gasped, despite not being able to see her, he could now feel her pain, despair and anguish. Looking at her past and her present he was not angry with her, he felt pity. She needs a family, he can provide that, he could also give this gift to everyone. He knew he was alone in the thought of treating the warband as family, some do know but they will never view a human or even him in such a fashion.

If he could change that they would see more victories, if he could give a warband to his lord that cared for one another his dream could be a reality. Asriel pushed his arm on a spike delivering a fresh dose of pain to his system. “T-this iron maiden will help...but I need more people…”

Izel ground his teeth as he thought on his missing specimen, he should of known this would happen, she would take him without even consulting him. The only issue is what she wanted to do with Asriel. if he is still alive and Adelram found out it would be bad news for him.

He sighed and focused on more immediate concerns he looked upon his now empty room, it’s been a few days since he found his servants dead most likely Sitri’s doing.. “I need new ones…” he tapped his feet, there are many in the lower levels that would kill for the chance to serve an Astartes and to live on the upper levels. The only annoying part is training them.

He left his room and entered the hallway, he saw a two mortals walking down the hallway talking to each other, they bowed as they passed him. But after a few moments he heard a scream he flicked his head towards the sound. The mortals that just passed him, one was on his bottom pointing at the wall. “T-the wall just ate him! I-I…” he staggered to his feet. “Graham!? Where are you!?” the serf looked around frantically. As he turned his back to the wall, Izel sensed something, at the back of his mind he could hear the wailing of humans as suddenly a black pool appeared on the wall. A tendril of pure darkness whipped out and wrapped around the frantic mortal. It pulled the screaming human into the pool his form melting into it. As he was fully consumed, the black pool vanished. What just happened caused Izel’s mouth to fall agape he rushed back into his room.

As he entered all his bound and tortured slaves were gone but the words on the parchments were still moving. The phenomena gripping the room confused him, what shocked him even further was the parchment was changing again, this time he saw black tendrils holding dead bodies and skulls. The same image was displayed on every single piece of parchment that hung from his walls. The image change again into words but all of them said one thing “death.” it kept repeating it again and again. Izel shook his head “it must be him….but...he is a cripple…” he rushed out of the room he needed to find Sitri, he had to find her no matter the cost.

So....yeah...stuff is happening. Is good or bad?

Entry 3
So...he is dead. I thought I would be moved, but I am not. I am more disappointed than anything. Another person crushed under the weight of the cycle. In time I will forget him, I know I will because the further one plunges into chaos and our case the dark prince we become utterly enthralled to his will. I feel nothing for Asriel’s death, not even pity, just mild annoyance.

Now to focus on current matters, I am concerned with Adelram’s mental state. He appears well, he is focused on getting the warband up and running and is in the process of preparing the gene-seen to create new Astartes. So far he is sticking to the narrative that Asriel died on Urum for whatever reason. As long as he keeps on track there is not much else to say, perhaps as an Astartes this is merely him moving on.

The next point? I haven’t seen Silas, he is not in his room, his slaves have no idea what he is up to. It’s like he has been spirited away. Perhaps he has been killed and his armour stolen but I doubt a normal warband member could kill him especially since he is wearing terminator armour. Perhaps I should investigate? He is needed since he leads the terminator unit, I doubt Adelram will rely on another.


Chapter 5
He penned his third entry, he searched his hearts again for a measure of sadness, he found none. Marthas closed his journal and fastened it to his belt, what he needs to do now is find Silas or a trace of him. He rose from his desk and retrieved his weapon. As he gripped it the song hasn’t changed since last time and that worries him. He grimaced as he walked to the exit as the door slid open someone stood before him. It was the sorcerer Izel “I need to talk with you.” Marthas raised his eyebrow and moved aside “come in.” Izel entered the room and looked around, Marthas approached him as the door slid close behind him. “So what’s the matter?” Izel faced him and asked “how dangerous is the human? How far does he normally go?” the question caused him to frown, he wondered why Izel is asking such a thing. “Do you mean Asriel? If you are talking about him, he normally doesn’t hold back if he feels it’s for the sake of the warband.” as he ended his sentence the song from his weapon suddenly changed, it was becoming excited, the daemon yearned for the sorcerer to speak. “Right I see. To move to the main topic, I have come to you because I need to find someone.” “who?” Izel placed his hands behind is back “I hear Sitri has worked with you for some time do you know where she normally hangs about?”

Mentioning Sitri caused him to crease his brow in frustration, he recalled that she wanted to visit Izel. He lowered his hand “did you agree to anything?” the sorcerer looked away “perhaps…” “you did didn’t you? That was your mistake.” Marthas said firmly. “She is on-” “It doesn’t matter! You know who she serves and you made a pact with her!?” Izel pointed at him “so what? The primarch’s easily discard pawns when it suits them! I have seen it happen myself! Now as I said I need to find her.” The fact he is here means something is wrong, it’s clear enough Izel is desperate. “Now Izel, tell me have you done something?” “no I haven’t” he said quickly. Izel then folded his arms “I don’t need you prying into my business I just need to find her.” Marthas stroked his chin, he then remembered he asked about Asriel at the start of their conversation and then it clicked together. Sitri wanting to visit the sorcerer and her curiosity with Asriel, and now he is here. He leveled his gaze at Izel. “you made a grave mistake are you aware of that?” “I know I shouldn’t have worked with Sitri bu-” “I am not talking about her, I am talking about Asriel.” “why are you diverting the conversation to him for?” Marthas sighed heavily “enough being obtuse, you have done something to Asriel haven’t you?” the accusation caused Izel to shift slightly “he is a danger to this ship and this warband. He goes to-” “there is never too far when it comes to the dark prince, you should know this by now. I assume he is alive?” “I….think so.” “what do you mean you think so?” Then he heard a scream from his door, Izel sighed. “I assume you are visiting me about that?” The sorcerer gave a curt nod. Marthas left the room without hesitation, Izel followed as they entered the hallway he saw a serf being dragged into a black pool by a tentacle made of pure darkness.

He was screaming for help as he was utterly consumed. The pool then vanished without a trace. “Izel, whatever you have done, know that Adelram will likely punish you for this.” he heard him scowling “I can fix this. Still this proves my point! Asriel is a threat! Whatever sch-” “his schemes are normally for the sake of improving the warband, if this is him then he must be well again if he can use his psychic powers in such a fashion. What is bothering me is what Sitri is playing at?” Izel then stood in front of him “it’s not for the sake of the warband! Through my experiments whatever Asriel is doing means the death of us!” Marthas partly could not believe him. He hatched a plot with Sitri to most likely use Asriel as a specimen for his experiments. In the end the event has most likely restored Asriel, but he knows his friend is not one to waste an opportunity if it’s before him.

The issue is how would Adelram react, that’s the main problem. He stroked his chin “we will not go to Adelram yet, we will investigate ourselves, if what Asriel is doing is a threat then I will convince him to stop.” He could see Izel’s shoulders sagging slightly in relief. “Right, Sitri has various “rooms” she takes people to we will investigate those first.” “right, lead the way.” “Yes I will lead you have done enough damage already sorcerer.” as he began walking down the hallway he could hear Izel scoffing.

Adelram sorted the jars of gene-seed in the chiller with Difillia he felt well, like a great weight has been lifted from his shoulders. A smile lined his lips, Difillia placed a jar in a freezer next to him. “My lord...are you well?” he kept on with his work “I am, I feel great actually!” His servant nodded “I see, that is good. Now when will the next raid be?” the mention of a raid caused him to frown slightly, the defeat on Vestos crippled them but they will recover in time. “We have to raid minor worlds for now, it will end as soon as we have enough Astartes to hit bigger worlds.” “very well my lord.” he guessed that she asked the question because she wanted to test herself against better opponents. She wants to make herself perfect for him, something which should be expected from her. Once the last gene-seed was sorted he closed the freezer. “Right we should take stock of the equi-” his sentence died on his lips. He felt strange, like blood was slithering down his body and at the back of his mind he could hear screams. +my lord I am here…+ as he heard the voice he clenched his hands.

He stormed out of the room, Difillia followed him in confusion “My lord what is it!?” he ignored her he kept walking. He ignored everyone and everything around him. Adelram kept following the voice. +that’s it...you are on the right path..+ his teeth chittered. He felt his hearts constricting. If he took a brief moment to look around him he could tell he was heading to the lower levels. But something was off, he felt his nose bleeding, the screams got worse. The scent of blood permeated his nose.

He blinked and he found himself at a door, Difillia was panting “m-my lord w-what’s wrong?” he ignored her he pressed the button to open the door. What greeted him was a cascade of anguish. It was...refreshing but something was off, it felt ordered. There should be no order in such anguish. That one fact brought him back to reality. “Be on guard Difilia” he said coldly. His servant readied her spear “yes my lord!” they both entered the room and what he found caused his mouth to hang open.

He saw people stuck on the walls, black mucus keeping them in place. He swept his eyes over the room and he could see familiar faces. He saw Isabella, Lily, Elizabeth and even Sitri along with a host of servants from the upper levels. +do you like it? It’s but the first step+ the voice again passing through his head. His voice, he should feel happy but what is before him set him on edge. He could tell this room was used for torture, but he held his eyes to one place. The iron maiden, he approached it. “Is that you in there?” +yes+ “so come out then” +no+ “why?” +because my work is not done yet+ it’s clear enough that Asriel, the servant who is supposed to be dead is doing one of his “plots”. “It’s good that I don’t see any Astartes but you must tell me what you are doing Asriel.” +Astartes will be added soon enough.+ at the mention of Astartes he creased his brow. “We have the pool what more do you need to do?” +excise all pain and thought? Make all love each other as family?+ what he just said caused him to sigh. “Not all feel that way you should know that. Plus to excise all pain and thought…?” he could not put a word to it.

All pain and sensation to be taken away, along with the whole warband loving each other as family. “That...sounds dull…” +it would get us more victories, if all obeyed your every word, if all did not question….+ “but you are questioning me. You seek to impose a form of “order” on my warband. Do you realise that?” +I have, we are but tools, tools that love you. Well...I do. Do you know I think of you as a replacement for my dead father? I have done a lot of thinking in this iron maiden.. I can feel the rivalries from those here...their anguish...their pain….I will give them joy.+ “it’s not joy! You are taking it away!” he roared.

Difillia now stood in front of him and pointed her spear at the iron-maiden “he is a threat my lord.” +Difillia, you will make a good sister. I have decided. It’s good that you followed our lord.+ Adelram watched Difillia raise her eyebrow “what?” +Salavador will be happy…he should be coming now actually.+ Adelram frowned “why have you bought us here then? There must be more to this.” +oh yes, you see thanks to Izel I have realised how much power there is in pain. Using it and extracting it from those I have taken I have grown powerful. In turn I will rewrite the brains of those here but there is a problem.+ “problem?” +yes, I haven’t reformed my body yet.+ Adelram recalled that with the brain damage he has other injuries. +Now since I have so much power I see this is an opportunity. You always complained that I have flaws so I will keep you here until I correct them. Don’t worry my lord I won’t hurt you.+ Adelram chuckled hearing all of this he only has himself to blame, something must've gone wrong in the restoration process. Asriel did die on Urum due to his mistakes. He has to end it.

Adelram drew his blade “stop this. I will give you one chance. What you are doing is against my dream.” +but I thought you wanted people to be able to do what they want? I am not doing anything “wrong”.+ “you are going to destroy my brothers, strip all will and reason for your...fantasy.” +it’s not a fantasy...why do you doubt me? Things have always turned out for the best.+ “this is different. I am warning you again...” +I see, I expected this.+ Around the iron maiden dark energy erupted. From every corner of the room black tendrils lashed out, Difillia tried to divert some away but several grabbed her dragging her to the wall screaming.

Adelram released his psychic powers burning some of them away but they quickly reformed. He began slicing away at the tendrils but they were too much. Several latched onto him holding him in place. From the iron maiden a wave of dark energy came crashing into his body. Then he felt it, pain, but this was difference instead of being hot it was cold. All his old memories came to the surface of his mind. All his failures and mistakes from even the time before he was an Astartes. Memories he did not even know he had.

He howled in agony as he felt a dark hand beginning to shift through each and every memory. Pulling and searching. He tried to push back but the force was too much, he heard a cold voice passing through his mind. It was the voice of hundreds of people +I have my work cut out for me...where should I start?+ Adelram felt his eyes rolling back, he could not resist he felt his body going slack. As his mind drifted away into the darkness.

They walked down hallway, they have checked several rooms and found nothing. He knows of one more on the lower level but Sitri barely uses it. But it was strange as time passed less and less people walked the hallways of the ship. “I told you!” he turned his head back to Izel “he is a threat as I said! It was just a matter of time!” Marthas looked ahead grumbling as they investigate slowly a part of him has to agree with Izel, something is wrong. He can feel it in his bones. “We will go to the lower levels. She has one more room there.” “right, let’s hope we find them.” They both nodded as they made their way to the steps of the lower levels eventually they came across two Astartes talking, they gave them a look but as soon as they passed them he heard grunts and weapons being drawn. Marthas turned and they were gone. The sorcerer shook his head “that...human is mad.” “Enough! we have to focus on what we are doing!” he continued to walk Izel followed, once at the steps leading to the lower levels he spotted a familiar face. “Ivan.” at the mention of his name he turned towards them “ah I assume you are investigating also?” he raised his eyebrow hearing that. “You mean you are looking for Sitri?” “The envoy? By the dark prince no. In a matter of days many prominent members of the cult have gone missing. Even Cartia, I assume you know what’s going on?” Marthas gave Izel a look he bought his eye back to Ivan. “I think it’s Asriel.” “I see...he is the sort not to think small.” “Exactly, hence I believe this is his doing. Sitri is involved I am going to check her room on the lower level.” The apostle placed his helmet on “I assume we will see battle. Right let’s head to the lower levels.”

He gave him a curt nod as they all walked down the steps. Once on the lower levels it was quiet, you could not hear the bustle of people. Or the screams of excess, it was just quiet. “This is wrong….” said Marthas. “I agree..” Ivan intoned. Izel merely kept his silence. As they made their way through the lower levels they saw a big shadow standing in the hallway. At once they all readed their weapons, the shadow walked towards them, the closer it got he heard trotting. “Lower your weapons.” said Marthas. The one that pierced the shadows is Salvador holding his axe. “Salvador what are you doing in the lower levels?” asked Marthas. His lord bestial servant shook his head. “My brother told me to come here….but...it feels wrong.” Izel chuckled “it looks like the beast is actually smart.” “be quiet Izel!” said Marthas the sorcerer tutted in response. “Now, Salvador what else can you tell me?” “I did not go further because all the people that were vanishing...but...I can hear him screaming...” “who?” “M-master. Asriel wouldn't hurt him would he?” Marthas stroked his chin he knew Asriel would not do such a thing. He would not dare to but if it was for the betterment of all. If he thought as such he would do it, along with whatever Izel has done to him he might not be in the right state of mind. “I see..so this is serious…” “he will kill him” said Izel. “I have to agree with the sorcerer. Adelram will kill Asriel for this.” both of them are speaking like they know what Adelram will do. More than anything Izel is to blame for the situation but considering what they are dealing with Salvador will be useful. “Enough! Let’s just focus on the objec-” before he could speak further he heard a deep voice. There was a strange force about it. “Ivan.” said the voice it came from behind them.

As Marthas turned he could see Ivan trembling with fear “i-it’s i-impossible…” he shook his head “he can’t be here!” Ivan was not facing where the voice was coming from but everyone else held their eyes to the darkness. Then they felt it, heavy footsteps, out of the darkness came a extremely large man wearing crimson armour, parchment trailing from his back and he held a large mace shaped into a censer. “Turn my son or should I not call you that anymore?” “it’s a trick!” roared Ivan. He looked to the ground.

As Marthas held his gaze on the large figure he felt his hearts constricting in genuine fear, true and utter terror. The aura this being was radiating caused him to hold his place. “Tell me Ivan why haven’t you killed yourself? You spat on my teachings, you allow yourself to live in a desecrated body? How many daemons did he bargain with to bring your soul back from the warp?” Marthas tried to speak to yell, but whoever this is they cannot face them. He knows trying to fight them is certain death. Forcing his mouth open he said “R-run!” he stammered.

He tore his eyes away and ran, all of them started to run. But Ivan was too slow, he heard a scream. Marthas took one look back he saw the crimson figure placing his large hand on Ivan’s face and smashing him to the ground. But to his shock the figure turned into darkness and collapsed on the apostle consuming him until there was nothing left. Marthas panted “s-stop!” they all stopped. Izel shook his head “w-was it really?” “I-I don’t think so. Considering he turned the same colour as the tendrils I assume it was Asriel’s doing.” Salvador released a sad whine “I don’t like this…” Marthas took a deep breath “let’s keep moving. We can’t stop.” they all nodded and moved onwards. As they walked the empty halls he heard a humming, it was a strange tune but it was pleasant. Strangely enough his weapon was singing with it.

As they made the corner he saw something he did not expect to see, Noise marines. Several squads of them. The humming was coming from the middle of them, he recognise the voice but he knew he was not a singer or has much interest in music. Marthas approached the kakophoni they parted revealing an Astartes, their power armour bore leather straps on the thighs and arms, mini speakers were embedded in the pauldrons and the helmet bore a blue top knot. As the Astartes regarded them, they had their hand is resting on a sabre. “Hello Marthas.”

As they spoke it confirmed it, to his shock “is that you Silas?” he nodded “indeed it is.” “what happened to your terminator armour?” “I gave it away.” the news caused him to shake is head in clear disbelief. He would never part with the suit, to him it was like a badge. “It was a false badge.” said Silas. “Do you just read my mind?” “no, you were just obvious with what you were thinking. Now let’s go we have to stop Asriel from destroying the soul of the warband.” Silas began humming again as he was just about to start walking, Izel called out “w-wait you know what’s going on!?” Marthas watched his old companion stop and turn his head slightly “can’t you hear the song sorcerer? You are the psyker. But in the end this situation is largely your fault.” “my fault!? I did nothing wrong! What is happening now has proven my point!” the noise marine laughed “what point? If you left things be Asriel would of either recovered or died and we would of all moved on with our lives. Yet….you kicked the hornets nest and now the dark prince is eagerly watching for the outcome.” Marthas raised his eyebrow “he is watching for what?” Silas rubbed his neck slightly “the song is circling around Asriel, he might be starting a process he has no intention of doing. But once it begins it can’t be stopped.” Marthas took a step forward “what process!?” “what do you think old friend? He is drawing in all the agony and anguish of the warband growing in power.” he shook his head as he mouthed slowly “apotheosis…” “Exactly” said Silas “if it keeps going the warband will become souless husks and the playthings of Asriel but in his excess in his mind it would be his “family”.” Salavdor frowned “he wouldn’t do that! He does not want to hurt us!” “of course he doesn’t but he does not realise what he is doing. I guess in the dark prince's eyes there is no right or wrong in this situation. There is a chance she gets a new servant that can devour pain and turn people into puppets or the warband keeps doing what it’s doing in giving souls to her... Now let’s get moving.”

Marthas nodded right, he walked onwards Salvador grimaced and he fell behind him and Izel merely sighed and began walking.

As they made their way he walked beside Silas who is humming still, being in his presence now whatever the noise marines have done to him he seems...reliable. “So you joined the Kakophoni?” Silas turned his head to him. “Well I do lead them.” “Lead!? You are the leader!?” “yes, don’t know why they chose me but...things are better. I understand and see so much more…” “how so?” “first, every waking moment is agony but it’s the sweet kind.” at the of his agony and the joy of it he smiled “s-” “no Marthas that is merely your interpretation, it’s a good one though. It’s so...nihilistic it fits you. You wallow in pain and agony your own way. I merely sing of it to others so they can know the joy I do at feeling such things.” he grumbled but he could accept it, in a manner of speaking Silas is enjoying the cycle, he is not fighting against it but riding along the waves smoothly. In the end he has to be happy for him, this is an improvement. “I see, but you do seem happier.” “thank you, now what I want to ask are you prepared to kill Asriel?” “what?” “I asked the question are you prepared to kill him? If he past that point that might have to happen if you want the warband to survive.” Marthas sensed no malice in his voice, it was a mere statement. “If it comes to that I will do it.” “good, now that is out of the wa-” “Izel!” a voice called from behind them. All of them stopped and turned, Izel shook his head “it’s a trick.” “No it’s quite real in a manner of speaking.” said Silas. “What do you mean?” asked Marthas. “I mean, that Asriel is capable of manifesting the anguish, regret and the pain of an individual. So Izel break a leg we can’t help you.” Izel shouted “what do you mean! I can’t face him I have no chance!” “who says you have to fight them?” Marthas raised his eyebrow to Silas statement as out of the darkness a robed thousand sorcerer came foward.

Power thrummed through his body as he tapped his staff on the ground. “Izel, have you forgotten?” Izel took a step back “you are not Ahriman.” “I am Ahriman and I am disappointed. Have you given up on our brothers?” the sorcerer stammered “I-I-I…” “You travel with sybarites, degenerates that has also destroyed who you are!” Izel looked away “they are dead Ahriman….” “They are not dead!” he roared power began erupting from his body. “They are only dead once you have given up! I thought better of you! The eagerness to restore them! The hope you had in seeing them again!” Marthas could see Izel trembling, he faced Ahriman and released a blast of eldritch power. Despite the energy he released at the enemy sorcerer he blocked it with ease. “I am disappointed…” his form broke down into dark energy and rushed towards Izel consuming his form. He howled in anguish as he melted into the ground. As he vanished Marthas shook his head “we...couldn’t do anything?” Silas nodded “indeed, they can’t be destroyed by conventional means. Those… shades have assaulted us already. They have been dealt with.” “how?” he shrugged in return “It’s different for everyone. Now let’s get moving.”

They continued walking, Marthas looked up to Salvador who looked like he wanted to cry. To him all of this must be a great shock he has so much faith in Asriel. But just by what Silas is telling him it looks likely that they will have to kill him. He sighed, as they took a few more steps ahead of them he heard a female voice. “Salvador…” out of the darkness came a woman with fair skin and brown hair tied in a ponytail. She gestured hands out “Salvador...it’s me…” Marthas looked up to his lord’s servant, right way considering what has happened to Ivan and Izel he knew Salvador will be taken. “Salvador...I am your sister. You...tortured me to death…” Marthas watched Salvador narrow his eyes in confusion. “I….” “don’t lie to yourself. I am your sister.” “I only have a brother…” said Salvador. “My head...hurts..” he gripped it.

Silas chuckled “this should be interesting…” “why?” said Marthas “just watch old friend…” he placed his gaze on what was before them. The woman continued to speak “Do you remember my name? It’s Fatima. I looked after you when times were hard.” Salvador shook his head “I-I...d-don’t…” he began crying, tears ran down his fur. He trotted towards the copy and looked down at her. “Fatima….I….” “it’s alright Salvador I forgive you. No-” before she could say anything further Salvador hugged her. “Fatima...I….you are my sister. But you...are not the sibling I needed.” he leaned back and grasped her head and crushed it without hesitation. The body collapsed to the ground, it dissipated and melted away. Salvador clutched his chest “it hurts….” “as it should be.” Salvador turned to Silas “that pain will never leave you. Hold to it, revel in it. For you moved past her now.” Salvador slowly nodded “I-I will try..” Marthas eyed Silas “did you just compliment him?” “I did is that problem?” “yes, it is.” “as I said things are better. Now let’s get going.” he nodded as they continued their journey.

As they walked he could tell they were just a few paces away but what he found strange is that he has not been assaulted by anyone from his past like the others. “Because you hold onto your pain and woe dearly. You don’t try to push it away hence why it’s difficult for him to latch onto anything.” he looked over to Silas who just spoke “I see..I assume it’s the same for you and the rest of the noise marines?” “yes, hence why we could wait for you. I assume the tendrils work the same way.” the information caused him to stroke his chin it would be useful. They continued to walk as they made a corner what he saw caused his eyes to almost bulge out of his head. Across the whole wall of the hallway were humans and Astartes crying out in agony. Black mucus was holding them in place. Silas merely walked past them “we can’t help them now. Let us deal with Asriel.” Marthas agreed with the assessment they continued onwards and stopped in front of the door. He gave everyone a look “are you ready?” all the Astartes present and Salvador gave him a curt nod, he pushed the button to open the door.

The waves of energy that erupted from it, all the agony that crashed into his system almost caused him to sag to one knee but Silas merely walked in. Marthas grit his teeth and followed in, Salvador gave a shrill whine and pushed on with him. As they entered the room what he saw shocked him further. He saw Astartes and mortals attached to the walls, he even saw Adelram who looked emaciated his eyes opaque. In the centre of the room radiating a strange cold was an iron maiden. As voice that sounded mixed with hundreds of others passed through their minds. +the ones who resist..I expected Silas but not you Marthas. Also I am disappointed Salvador..+ Marthas took a step forward. “Stop this Asriel! Stop before it’s too late!” +so...you don’t trust me? Very well.+ black forms began rising in the room, they looked like Astartes. +these are the first I have changed. They have been enhanced as well. This is my last warning...all I seek is to make everyone strong and happy…+ Silas chuckled “you are not helping anyone Asriel. I wonder what the dark prince thinks of this?” +I can feel her approval Silas. So I know I am doing the right thing+ “what is “right” to people like us? All the dark prince cares for is excess and you are for filling that. I imagine what is happening is a great show!” +shut up, don’t worry I won’t kill you. I want all of you alive.+ The Astartes flicked to attention and charged them. Salvador called out “Asriel! Stop this you are hurting master! You are hurting everyone!” +sometimes families go through pain. This is a necessary process+ Marthas hissed at the beast “focus Salvador! If you want to save Adelram fight!” then the melee began. Noise marines began shouting and firing sonic blasters. Marthas twisted Eligos he tried to avoid killing them. They had no idea what they were doing.

As the melee went on Silas, was merely dodging and slicing his way towards the iron maiden. One Astartes controlled by Asriel tried to attack Silas from the side. He turned his head and screamed releasing a sound wave that sent the Astartes flying. Closing onto the iron maiden black tendrils surrounded it, Asriel roared. +Get back! I won’t let you stop this!+ Silas charged onwards the tentacles lashed out but they melted impact to Marthas’ shock. The noise marine shook his head “your pain...your excess is nothing compared to mine….” no matter how hard Asriel assaulted Silas the tendrils were dissipating. +no! This can’t be! How!?+ As Marthas smacked aside another Astartes, Silas reached the iron maiden and gripped the doors with his hands. He grunted as he began pulling the doors open, at once all enemy Astartes stopped and turned to attack Silas. But it was too late, Silas wrenched the device open and gripped something that made a large squish sound.

He pulled something out and threw it to the ground. Marthas looked down he saw a person with long talons, spines on his back and a face that was half distorted. “Asriel?” said Marthas. The one eye regarded him “w-why?” he then heard gasping and people crashing to the ground. Marthas looked around he saw all the people who were stuck to the walls were falling off. Asriel tried to rise “I-I...wasn’t doing anything wrong…” Salvador released a whine as he rushed over to Adelram, his cheeks were now full and his void like eyes returned. He blinked like he was trying to clear his vision. “M-master are you okay?” “S-Salvador?” croaked Adelram.

Marthas smiled seeing this, his lord is well he placed his weapon near Asriel’s head. “No funny business you hear me?” “I-I...was trying. To make everyone better for him…” Asriel cried. “No you wasn’t” said Marthas “what you were doing is absorbing everyone’s pain and turning it into power. You were ascending to a daemon prince.” Asriel’s one eye looked frantic “I-I didn’t want that!” “well that’s what was happening.” he looked upon Adelram who was staggering to his feet. “Where is he…” he hissed. Marthas looked down to Asriel who was shifting in fear. As Adelram placed his eyes on Asriel’s broken and twisted form he picked a blade from the table and strode towards him. “What do you have to say for yourself?” he could tell his lord was angry, he was surprised he is allowing Asriel to speak perhaps it’s only because of their past he does not execute him right away. “I did this for you…” croaked Asriel. “I would of rather you fixed yourself and return to me than….” he gestured to everyone who is rubbing their heads. “This. Ehat you have done. You almost destroyed us. No one will accept you living, you have gone too far this time….” he gripped the blade in both hands. Some part of him thought he should stop this, but he couldn't once the whole band is aware they will all call for his death. Even Salvador is looking away, not saying a word. Adelram took a deep breath to prepare himself “you died...on Urum.” Asriel closed his one eye waiting for the sword to fall. As the blade began moving someone called out “wait!” Adelram stopped, everyone looked at Silas who walked towards them. “Are you really going to kill him?” Adelram raised his eyebrow “Silas?” he nodded “yes it’s me. I am going to repeat my question are you going to kill him?” his lord looked down to his now broken friend. “Yes, I have to.” “why?” Adelram narrowed his eyes at the noise marine. “You of all people waited for this day!? Why are you stopping me!?” “The song wants him alive.” he said firmly “The song has changed from one where he rises as a daemon prince into something else.” The mention of Asriel changing into a daemon prince caused everyone in the room the murmur “I don’t believe it.” said Adelram. Silas shrugged in return “think of it this way. He is a potent weapon with the sorcery he is using. He will be under our “care” from now on.” Marthas mouth felt dry for some reason, he could see Adelram is thinking. “Fine, I don’t want to see...this thing..he is but a slave like the rest of the chattel. He lives on the lower levels from now on.” Silas inclined his head “that will do.”

His lord threw aside the blade, he clasped his pauldron “thank you Marthas.” he looked at Salvador “you as well, both of you have done well. Now Salvador go grab my sword we will look for and tend to Difillia.” Adelram’s bestial servant nodded and went to work searching the room. Adelram sighed “I wondered when this day will come...when he goes too far…” “but isn’t that the point of following the dark prince?” said Marthas. “Yes, but he serves me he can’t make such decisions by himself. In the end he has reaped what he has sown. Come we have to get everything in order.” Adelram began walking away, Marthas looked at Asriel for a moment who was weeping. He took his eye away from Asriel’s broken form and followed his lord.

Oh boy where will the story go from here?