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 shinros wrote:

 Dayknight wrote:

man Martha's died too! we need more characters

btw noticed a massive shift in your writing? You been reading something recently?

Hmmmm no. Not really is it a bad change? Right going to read the last few chapters got me paranoid now... Also characters are coming don't worry

Plus Adelram is sad he keeps losing his brothers.

Edit:Reading the last chapter noticed a couple of mistakes gotta read more carefully in the future before posting. :X

Haha no it just seems alot more descriptive that's all. Don't forget bout noxious and Lily!

I do like to see the warbands steady progress, 3 steps forward 2 steps back style. With the pool I was thinking you'd start converting other warbands en masse XD

 Dayknight wrote:

 shinros wrote:

 Dayknight wrote:

man Martha's died too! we need more characters

btw noticed a massive shift in your writing? You been reading something recently?

Hmmmm no. Not really is it a bad change? Right going to read the last few chapters got me paranoid now... Also characters are coming don't worry

Plus Adelram is sad he keeps losing his brothers.

Edit:Reading the last chapter noticed a couple of mistakes gotta read more carefully in the future before posting. :X

Haha no it just seems alot more descriptive that's all. Don't forget bout noxious and Lily!

I do like to see the warbands steady progress, 3 steps forward 2 steps back style. With the pool I was thinking you'd start converting other warbands en masse XD

Oh right! Yes funny enough a family member who enjoys reading Stephen king said I could be a little more descriptive about things when they gave a few chapters a read. With the pool that was the plan but something like that can't exactly remain hidden when you have rival gods plotting against each other with their champions. But don't worry the warband will make some progress.

Chapter 18
Nightstalker shot down the hallway with his first claw, his jump pack burned, he wants to get to the enemy quickly. At the moment Alim is leading the second and third claw in attacking another part of the ship. Deep down he hopes that he finds the warband leader. When he does… “I will strip the skin from his face…” he said cooly. He then smiled, his hearts were beating rapidly, it thundered in anticipation. In hunting the third he has learned what aggravates them most, what they fear is their “perfect” forms being harmed. Ruining their image of beauty and perfection that is true terror to them. Unlike the Eater of Despair he dislikes playing back the screams of the dead, he prefers to melt into the darkness. To harry their prey to draw them in and then make the kill. He looked back to one of the members of his claw, as they fly through the hallways they are shooting out the lights plunging them into darkness. It is in darkness that the sons of Curze work best.

His autosenses beeped bringing his attention forward, he saw a group of astartes, the leader looked to be one the in the blue top knot. He grinned, a smile that causes mortals to wail in terror and fear. “Lower output on jetpacks…” he whispered. “Draw in the prey…” his claw landed on their feet. He could see the members of the third looking around, he gestured with his power claw to give the signal. One of his squad members with accurate precision with his stalker pattern bolter shot the lights ahead of them. He made note that many of the third have sensitive hearing so the bolt shells crashing into the lights bought their attention to them. This is needed, he needs to draw them in. As his eyes met with the leader they were plunged into darkness. He nodded “nightstrike formation…” all of his claw leapt to walls and activated the mag-locks on their feet. He did the same, but he prefers to attack from the ceiling.

He could see the third walking towards them, they had to attack at the right moment. His hearts slowed almost to a crawl. Second by second in darkness they came towards him until he hanged right over the leader. The enemy astartes turned his head to what he assumed to be his second in command who had strange tubes coving his armour. “Faust should we do this while closing our eyes?” as the leader spoke Nightstalker could tell his voice dripped with confidence. Like all emperor’s children he believes that he is in control of the situation. He has proven that wrong many times. Nightstalker looked over to the one called Faust. “Is that really fair on them Silas?” He narrowed his eyes at the leader, his name is Silas he wondered what the degenerate was talking about. “We should at least handicap ourselves for their sake. I don’t want them to feel bad.” Faust sighed in return “right, Kakophoni ready sonic blasters. As our leader said close your eyes use your hearing instead.” As Faust spoke all of the third locked onto all of the positions of his claw. Nightstalkers eyes went wide “evasive maneuvers!” he hissed.

He dropped down on the leader, he dodged his attack, around him his first claw are screaming as their armour was ruptured by a terrible, ear splitting soundwave. Their ceramite sounded like it was cracking like glass and after that came the sound of a wet splash. Nightstalker turned his head to see members of his squad reduced to paste and broken armour. His eyes darted back to the leader who drew his blade and pointed it at him. “You are an interruption to the song little night lord.” Nightstalker bought his power claws together sparking them he growled at his enemy. “Be silent! I will kill you!” he charged forward using the thrust of his jetpack, the enemy known as Silas smoothly dodged his attack. “You are so obvious!” he called out “Might I remind you that I am closing my eyes?” that information caused him to scowl. There is no way he is closing his eyes, Nightstalker shut of his jetpack he charged again. This time Silas stopped, he made several swipes with his claws and each attack he dodged he started to hum a strange song. Nightstalker stopped his assault “are you a coward?” he asked, his voice full of venom. The leader of the kakophoni stopped humming he chuckled “I am just having a little fun….if you want me to be serious fine…” he bound forward in two steps he was now right in front of him. His sabre flicked out removing his arm, Nightstalker grunted in pain he staggered back but before he could ready himself Silas was right next to him again. His weapon shot out this time to his leg taking it off in a single stroke. Nightsalker tumbled to the ground, he hissed in pain as he fell to the ground he looked around to see all of his first claw are all dead.

The elite of his warband are dead, all the raids, all the times they have killed members of the third they are stopped here. Silas walked towards him his blade pointed at him. “I am still closing my eyes by the way.” His weapon shot forward like a snake removing another leg, Nightstalker bit his lip. He did not want to scream, he won’t scream for them ever. He barked like a wild animal at the third. “I won’t scream! Kill me sybarite!” Silas in return merely sheathed his weapon. Like he is satisfied “I see...I will sing you a song then.” he started to actually sing, it was aggravating to hear that infernal degenerate sing. “Are you mocking me!?” Nighstalker roared in anger. The leader of the kakophoni was starting to reach a high note, but then it slowly turned into somewhat of a scream and a great force began slamming into his body.

The note was climbing higher and higher, it was unrelenting, Nightstalker could feel his body being crushed bit by bit. The ceramite was groaning under the stress of the sound until the ceramite shattered. The shards then pressed downwards, like a thousand tiny swords they were being embedded in his skin. But then the song stopped he gasped panting he looked up to Silas his blue top knot swishing slightly. He sang another note, this time the force was different, the shards of ceramite instead of moving down began spinning shredding his skin into tiny pieces and finally he screamed, he screamed his lungs out.

Izel waited, he could sense them they are coming towards him. Closing his eyes and opening his witch sight he could see them. Their souls, the small lights pushing back against the darkness. Watching that light it made him want to twist it, tear it apart and make that light scream in agony. The lights crawled closer and closer until it stopped and he heard weapons being aimed at him. Izel slowly closed his witch sight and looked upon the interlopers on the ship. He gestured his hands out. “Welcome cousins how good of you to visit us.” He stared at the night lords, he could see two small squads being led by a nightlord wearing a helmet covered in spikes. He walked forward blade in hand. “I am Alim.” The night lord being so courteous surprised him. “Oh? You are giving me your name?” “Yes” Alim said calmly, he then pointed his blade at him. “You will know the name of the one will skin you alive.” the declaration caused him to frown so he is like all other night lords. None of them consider to be better, they cling to the past, hold it tightly. “I see, I shall give my name. I am Izel.” he bowed slightly “I will make you scream for me.” Alim cocked his head slightly, he lowered his weapon at the same time, Izel could tell his mind is most likely calculating and assessing why he is so confident even when outnumbered.

Izel rubbed his fingers together he spoke, his voice turned harsh he pushed a slight edge to it. Just enough to set the night lords on edge. “I meant it when I said I will make you scream.” In turn the enemy leader barked out his fellows. “He is a witch! Kill him now!” all of them leveled bolters at him and fired. Izel raised his hand forming a shield, it flickers pink as bolter shells impact upon it again and again. The of exploding shells sizzling and shattering on the shield pleased him. But his mind moved to another prospect, his old self would not be able to block this amount of fire. Since coming here he has grown, he could feel it in his bones, body and his mind. But the simply question is why? How did he grow so rapidly? Yes he dived deep into his research but that can’t stimulate growth so quickly. He shook his head “can’t think about that now...I am in the middle of battle.” He looked forward and then he heard several clicks. That was his chance, he charged forward he readied his hands as they charged with psychic energy. He has the opportunity to test something, watching Asriel fight has inspired him again but unlike the human he is far more practiced in sorcery. As he got close to the night lords they pulled close combat weapons.

The first stepped forward to attack him it was Alim, the leader of these small squads, he raised his blade and bought it down but what Izel noticed compared to his brothers in this warband he moved so slow. He gracefully dodged the strike and then he reached out to his opponent with his hand opened wide. It moved through his chest and with that attack his chestplate and chunks organs and flesh splashed to the floor. The night lord collapsed to the ground and then he heard it the scream. His hands charged with more energy in response, two more night lords attacked again he dodged their blows, he could see they were swinging their blades like lumbering apes. Compared to Silas there is barely any technique there as they were about to wind up their attacks again. He stepped in towards the first and slapped his face, the front of his helmet was torn off leaving a face of pulsing red. The son of curze gripped his face wailing in agony.

Izel smiled hearing his torment, to hear demi-gods scream is far more better than mortal. He turned to the second he straightened his hand like a knife. He gathered the energy together to form a purple eldritch blade, it hummed as he held the power. He stepped towards the second the enemy astartes bought his blade down to attack him, Izel parried the strike with the psychic blade leaving the night lord open. He then slashed diagonally as his blade moved through flesh he could feel it. The blade tearing through flesh, the nerves sending signals to the brain to register his pain. The sensation felt wonderous...but it was not enough. It does not compare to what he felt in Adelram’s mind. The night lord then slopped to the ground, his body now in two pieces. As Izel drew his blade back instead of a hum it screamed, it was not his voice but the voice of the one he killed. His technique harms both the body, soul and mind. His experiments with Asriel taught him that you need to inflict all three together to produce the best results.

He then heard footsteps, he bought his attention to the rest of the night lords who likely took a step back. He took one step forward. “Is that fear?” he said calmly. He looked down to Alim and those he killed and the thought repeated in his head he needs to do more. He placed his other hand on the tip of the blade and pushed down, squishing it gathering the energy. Once his hand touched the other he summoned more psychic energy.

Izel then made his blade wielding hand into a fist, he bought his free hand away and smiled. “Allow me to harvest your pain.” the eldritch energy began reforming into a scythe. He then gripped it on both hands. Izel gazed at the night lords, he could feel their souls shuddering and he knows what order is coming. They want to retreat, but he won’t allow them. He charged, some broke away others stood their ground. As he he hit close combat his psychic weapon sliced through bodies, the same sensation before repeating again and again. In the past he found no joy in combat, it was something that just had to be done. To remove refuse so he could get on with his plots. But that was not living, this is living. Being here with his brothers, enjoying war, laughing at bloodshed. He never wants to go back to his old life, “Never…” Izel hissed to himself. He twisted his scythe and removed the head of the last night lord. As the head flopped onto the floor he stopped, he allowed himself a brief moment of respite. Looking at his work, the sliced up bodies clogging the hallway he grinned but this is not the end.

He looked towards the darkness and opened his witch sight, he could still see the night lords who have fled. He gripped his eldritch weapon “you will not escape….” He ran after them, as he chased their soulfires an idea was spawning within his mind.

Adelram raised Eligos and smashed the leg of the Eater of despair. He wailed in agony he has been doing this for almost thirty minutes. Tormenting the young Astartes, teaching him true despair. He raised his weapon again but stopped, blood dripped from the censer the droplets were like his thoughts. He was finally noticing something, each drop as it formed a small puddle he lowered his weapon. Asriel looked up to him. “Is something wrong?” he stroked his chin, he stared at the broken night lord. “Yes and no….” he bought up his weapon and in a swift motion crushed the eater of despair other leg. He yelped his bat like wings flinching in reaction.

Again the droplets left his weapon and as it pooled together he asked himself one thing. How many times have I done this? He bought his eyes to Asriel airing his thoughts. “How many times...have I done this?” Asriel scratched his head and counted “eer...should I include the humans?” “Yes.” “Well...I don’t know. I assume you have corrupted people before I came to you.” “Indeed I have been. But it’s not just that.” He gestured Eligos to the broken night lord. “Heal him but not too much.” Asriel placed his hand over the night lord and began his work. He frowned “what’s the matter Adelram?” in response to his second half’s question he rested the weapon on his shoulder. “We are repeating this insanity.” “So you bought into Marthas’ philosophy then?” “Not...exactly well at first I thought it was correct but now as we work to bring this one in the fold I have been thinking.” “About what?” Adelram could see Asriel was now curious, he also wishes to understand. “We will attack Arash and most likely win and after that in our next task we will fail as we always do.” Asriel furrowed his brow. “Your point?” he moved his hand away finishing his work, Adelram brought up his weapon and smashed a wing. The eater of despair convulsed in pain. “I am tired of it.” he raised Eligos and smashed the other wing but this time, the daemon began singing it was a somewhat pleasant tune. Adelram wiped a speck of blood from his cheek. “Tell me Asriel aren’t you tired of it?” Asriel began thinking for a moment. His arms sagged slightly after a moment. “I….am. To be honest.” his answer caused him to smile. “Now let’s ask ourselves every time we fail what do we do?” He raised Eligos and smashed the night lord’s arm. Eligos voice grew in volume, Asriel scratched his head at his question. “Well we tr-” Adelram shook his head cutting Asriel off “We should not try, we must be better. As you said imagine if I pushed further in sorcery? I would of discovered how to freeze people preventing the death korps of krieg from springing their ambush…” “I see but that’s the past.” “Yes it’s the past Asriel but are we truly learning from our mistakes? Becoming better? I disagree.” he hefted Eligos and bought it down on the eater of despair’s other arm. “Imagine if I took interest in Izel’s research of pain? How much stronger I could become? What if I asked the kakophoni for one of their doom sirens so I can scream like Silas?” Adelram raised up his weapon a river of blood dripping from it he smiled “what if I could sense the sins of others? To make it easier in corrupting them?” He then looked at Asriel who was now lost in thought. “I understand...a part of me seeks to better for myself. Silas said to make myself better...not to think of others…” “My brother is right. Marthas and Silas were right in a sense.” he then looked at the eater of despair and smiled.

He placed Eligos on his shoulder “so tell me night lord do you wish to join me?” his head sagged up “y-yes..j-just stop…” Adelram inclined his head to Asriel “heal him.” “But not too much?” “Exactly.” Asriel hovered his hand over the night lord’s broken form. Bones popped back into the place but he was still heavily wounded. Asriel removed his hand and folded his arms. “The ship is still being attacked.” Adelram looked up to the lights “my brothers will handle it. Come we must find Difillia and Salvador.” Adelram knelt and grabbed one of the eater of despair’s legs. He pulled his new brother down the hallway, Asriel following behind him. For once in a long time he felt sure.

 shinros wrote:

 Dayknight wrote:

 shinros wrote:

 Dayknight wrote:

man Martha's died too! we need more characters

btw noticed a massive shift in your writing? You been reading something recently?

Hmmmm no. Not really is it a bad change? Right going to read the last few chapters got me paranoid now... Also characters are coming don't worry

Plus Adelram is sad he keeps losing his brothers.

Edit:Reading the last chapter noticed a couple of mistakes gotta read more carefully in the future before posting. :X

Haha no it just seems alot more descriptive that's all. Don't forget bout noxious and Lily!

I do like to see the warbands steady progress, 3 steps forward 2 steps back style. With the pool I was thinking you'd start converting other warbands en masse XD

Oh right! Yes funny enough a family member who enjoys reading Stephen king said I could be a little more descriptive about things when they gave a few chapters a read. With the pool that was the plan but something like that can't exactly remain hidden when you have rival gods plotting against each other with their champions. But don't worry the warband will make some progress.

Haha you can tell they have made progress by how quickly they punished the night lords. It's nice to have alot of characters even if they are transient because it gives depth to the world IMO. I like the new description it was just jarring at first, you've seem to have struck a good balance. Watching your growth as a writer is really inspiring. The third seeks perfection!

 Dayknight wrote:

 shinros wrote:

 Dayknight wrote:

 shinros wrote:

 Dayknight wrote:

man Martha's died too! we need more characters

btw noticed a massive shift in your writing? You been reading something recently?

Hmmmm no. Not really is it a bad change? Right going to read the last few chapters got me paranoid now... Also characters are coming don't worry

Plus Adelram is sad he keeps losing his brothers.

Edit:Reading the last chapter noticed a couple of mistakes gotta read more carefully in the future before posting. :X

Haha no it just seems alot more descriptive that's all. Don't forget bout noxious and Lily!

I do like to see the warbands steady progress, 3 steps forward 2 steps back style. With the pool I was thinking you'd start converting other warbands en masse XD

Oh right! Yes funny enough a family member who enjoys reading Stephen king said I could be a little more descriptive about things when they gave a few chapters a read. With the pool that was the plan but something like that can't exactly remain hidden when you have rival gods plotting against each other with their champions. But don't worry the warband will make some progress.

Haha you can tell they have made progress by how quickly they punished the night lords. It's nice to have alot of characters even if they are transient because it gives depth to the world IMO. I like the new description it was just jarring at first, you've seem to have struck a good balance. Watching your growth as a writer is really inspiring. The third seeks perfection!

Thanks, that's something I am trying to work on some say it's too brief others say it's too long. I need to strike a balance and glad you picked up on how fast they killed the night lords. Perhaps them screwing up so much but they kept going had a purpose?

Yeah I'd agree. It shows their growth. Also, it seems like Adelram's started a Space Marine collection! He has them from Space Wolves, Black Templars, White Scars, Night Lords, Thousand Sons, Word Bearers, the list goes on. Is he collecting a full set of 18?

lliu wrote:
Yeah I'd agree. It shows their growth. Also, it seems like Adelram's started a Space Marine collection! He has them from Space Wolves, Black Templars, White Scars, Night Lords, Thousand Sons, Word Bearers, the list goes on. Is he collecting a full set of 18?

That would be a maybe.... It depends on how far this story goes.

Chapter 19
Izel stood amid the corpses of the night lords that ran away from him. The reason why he was so eager to catch them is due to one reason. He held up a tiny pink jewel to his face, within it a white light wrestled. The jewels held a portion of the night lords souls. He had several of them stuffed in his pouch. One thing he did enjoy about them if you hold them close to your ear you can hear their screams. The sound prickled one’s ears like tiny needles. He clutched the gem and placed it into his pouch. He looked around and opened his witch sight he searched for more souls belonging to the night lords. All he saw were pink souls in the distance, but three souls were coming towards him. Two of them were pink, but one was shifting slightly, the white was flickering like it was trying to push something back.

Izel shut off his witch sight and readied his sorcery. He waited, until out of the darkness he saw Adelram and Asriel. He lowered his guard. “Ah it’s you two.” His lord smiled at him, the human merely shrugged at his greeting. But he noticed something, Adelram was pulling a night lord by the leg. “Who is that?” asked Izel. Adelram looked over slightly, his smile did not leave his face. “This is our new brother. I have to give him a name.” “May I ask why?” Asriel then pointed at the astartes. “He is called the eater of despair at least that’s what he called himself as we tortured him. It would be quite annoying to refer him to a title all the time.” Adelram then gave Asriel a look, Izel could see the clear displeasure. “We did not torture him. I was teaching him to enjoy the despair he craves so much. Plus he has wings…” Asriel smiled “oh yes his wings are quite impressive.” Adelram then bought his gaze to him. “By the way Izel I wish to ask something.” Izel raised his eyebrow. “What is it?” “I want a copy of all your research.” “Oh I see it would take some time…” “Can you do it in a few hours?” Izel’s eyes went wide in shock. “I can’t make a copy in a few hours! It would take days!” “Izel…” Adelram said firmly. “I want your research. You can do it in a few hours.” his lord pressed hard on can. Izel sighed and gave a small bow “I will compile my notes for you.” “Good, come Asriel we must find Salvador and Difillia.” The human nodded, Adelram then began to walk past him. As they left Izel could not help but sigh heavily. The rush of combat has now drifted from his body, now he feels weary and tired as the crushing workload his lord placed on him now consumes his mind.

Salvador cleaved one of the night lord cultists in half. His body crashed to the ground with a splash. The hallway was clogged with blood. “They keep coming!” His sister twirled her spear and removed the head of another enemy. “Does it matter? We are better than them. They are the ones running into the meat grinder.” His sister stabbed another in the gut she kicked them back. “Anyway we did not get to kill anyone the last time we were attacked.” Salvador flared his nostrils as his sister spoke. “True...but I am worried about master…” Salvador grabbed a cultist’s head and crushed it in his hands. “I am worried about my brother as well…” His sister grunted in annoyance as he mentioned Asriel. She removed the head of another attacker. “Nothing can kill our lord. Though I loathe to admit it Asriel can fight, he can do it well so do not worry Salvador.” He grumbled he did not have his sister’s confidence especially after Lord Marthas’ death. People come to destroy their happiness, they come to ruin them and that angered him. He recalled Asriel and Adelram looking so sad. He couldn't do anything. He hated that, he looked upon the night lord cultists that were now taking a few steps back. Their fellows dying to their weapons have shaken their resolve, Salvador could see that.

Still he felt angry at them, they threatened his home, they sought to harm his brother, his sister and master. He gave a bestial roar as he shouted “Get off the ship!” he charged towards them, his vision turned into a purple haze. He crashed into the cultists, as he moved through them they went flying, limbs were being torn off, bones were broken and his hooves crushed the night lord cultists into red paste. Slowly the anger was drifting away like the wind, he started to enjoy it. Charging through the enemy was...quite fun. He increased his speed he trampled over the humans with his large frame. Some started to cry out, others screamed but he enjoyed it, he enjoyed breaking the people who sought to ruin everyone’s happiness here. He became like this in order to defend them, to defend his happiness he won’t let anyone ruin that.

He closed his eyes and smiled he shouted “I will smash you to pieces!” he roared and charged onwards. He tore through even more bodies and then he crashed into something hard, he fell to his bottom with a thud. Grunting he rubbed his bottom slightly. “W-Who did that!?” he opened his eyes and looked ahead of him. Asriel was standing before him, his hand was out. “Little brother you should not run in the hallways with your eyes closed.” Salvador scratched his head “I...got distracted.” He then panicked, Adelram was not with his brother. “Asriel where is master?” his brother looked back out the darkness Adelram came forward dragging one of the night lords. “You are alive Salvador.” as he saw him he got to his feet he smiled. “Both of you are okay! I was worried!” Asriel tapped him on the arm “you worry too much.” He released a bestial whine. “Well...lord Marthas just died so….” His lord gave him a gentle smile. “You were that worried? So loyal always.” Salvador found his ears lowering. “If both you and Asriel died I would not know what to do…” his brother chuckled “then get stronger then.” “Huh?” “If you want to ensure no harm comes to us make that your new obsession. Become stronger.” “I...don’t know how. Will you train me Asriel?” “No, you must find your on way.” Salvador grumbled slightly, he would know where to start doing such a thing. He could see his lord is also nodding in approval to Asriel’s words.

He then heard panting behind him, he turned his head slightly to see his sister running towards him. As she stopped a few paces away from him, she rested on her spear. “Y-You r-run too fast.” Asriel began laughing at her. “Perhaps you should learn to run faster then?” Difilla scowled at his brother. Her face relaxed as she looked at their lord. “My lord you are well, who is the astartes you are holding?” “This is my new brother. I need to do more work on him. He has joined us in mind but not in spirit.” Salvador cocked his head slightly. “So he does not want to be here?” His lord nodded. “In a manner of speaking but that will change in time. Now...” his master looked at the trampled corpses. “I think Salvador has largely dealt with the human forces. Have the slaves clean up. We will be assaulting their ship and taking all their resources.” Salvador nodded “I will let them know.” His sister saluted “It shall be done. What will you be doing my lord?” “I will be placing my new brother in a place he can’t escape from and then my true work upon him will begin.” Asriel stroked his chin “what do you mean true work?” Adelram smiled “to give him the tools needed to inflict greater despair on our enemies.” Salvador gave a curt nod “well I hope you succeed in your work master. He seems pretty interesting and I like his wings.” His lord grinned “Don’t worry Salvador I will be quite thorough with this one…now come Asriel. Salvador and Difillia have their orders.” Asriel nodded, both of them walked past him and vanished into the darkness.

As they left he cocked his head slightly. His lord stating that he will be thorough captured his interest Salvador wondered how he will change the night lord. Still he can’t wait to speak to him he had a good feeling that he will fit in well.

Silas blade danced through a night lord, he collapsed to the ground with a wet splash. Faust blasted the last of the enemy forces with his sonic blaster, rupturing their armour. Silas walked over as he sheathed his blade. “That was quite easy. I thought it would be more fun to kill them.” his second turned to him. “They thought they were more than they are. What do they know of suffering and true failure? They do not wish to improve themselves this was just simple revenge.” “You can tell?” “Yes, by how they screamed, moved and yelled their curses at us. There was venom backing their words.” Silas shrugged “a lot of good it did them they are now dead.” “Indeed they are...now the song is shifting.” “Is it?” Silas said in surprise.

He closed his eyes right away and listened the song is now slightly whimsical, joyous even. It got louder as he heard footsteps approaching them and the scrapping of metal. He opened his eyes and turned to the sound. He saw Asriel and Adelram, he was also pulling a night lord. He guessed that Adelram took interest. What he found it’s always something so superficial that draws him in. “He is so desperate as always...he already found a replacement.” Faust chuckled “it’s a deep wound it won’t go away.” “Do you think he will get all 18 at some point?” “Perhaps...I would not put it past him. Still corruption is something the dark prince enjoys seeing and he provides that in spades.” Adelram approached with Asriel, he smiled at them. “You are actually fighting?” Silas shrugged “why not? We did not move before because it was not necessary last time.” “I see...Silas I wish to ask you something.” As Adelram spoke the song started to pound in his ears like a drum. A great smile then lined his face, Adelram is taking a big step. He tried to respond in a calm matter. “What is it?” “I want you to assault the night lord ship. They sent majority of their forces to attack us...when you come back? I wish you to give me something.” “Give you something? What do you desire? Can you tell me now?” Adelram began walking past him with Asriel. “When you get back I desire a doom-siren.” Silas chuckled, the song screeched in his ears, it was a pleasant sensation. “It shall be done my lord.” As he left with the night lord, Silas turned to Faust. “Hmm, perhaps Marthas dying was good for him.” “It’s in painful moments and in failure that growth happens.” Silas nodded in agreement “and in turn allows one to grasp perfection.” As his lord’s footsteps grew distant he nodded “Right Faust it’s time to sack a night lord ship..” “You mean gather slaves?” “That as well but we should enjoy doing it!” He gestured to the rest of the Kakophoni. “Let us go! We must bring the song of slaanesh to the mewling slaves of the night lords!” All of the kakophoni cheered at the prospect but what was truly on Silas’ mind was Adelram’s progress.

Entry 8
It’s just been a day and everything is changing, after the Kakophoni assaulted and sacked the night lord ship the lower levels are now packed with slaves. But what came after? Adelram took the night lord to his chambers after that Izel entered with his notes and soon after came Silas holding a box. Since then they haven’t left, all I can hear are the screams of the night lord from his chambers. Considering his doors are locked I guess he does not wish to be disturbed. Perhaps this is him trying to be better? The thing is even if I gave Salvador advice I am just like him, in a manner of speaking I don’t know where to go from here. Silas was the one that helped me to become like this. How can I become even better? What can I do? Thinking of my past it’s always someone else making me better. Meliva, Lord Fulgrim and now Silas. As I write I am thinking at this very moment and I am drawing a blank.

I am strong as I am now, but I am not perfect. I am far from it…

Chapter 20
Asriel closed the journal, he looked around his room every single torture tool that lined the table he has used. The iron maiden is also useless to him, he barely feels it anymore. He racked his brain wondering what he can do. He grumbled “perhaps I should visit her? I got nothing better to do. I wonder if she is still alive?” He hopped of the table and chained the journal to his waist. As he left his room he saw all the slaves staggering around. The corridors were stuffed to the brim with them. He would have more if Carita did not grab a portion of them, even with Ivan dead she took control of the anguis cult. But from here on they should be easier to kill since the pool he created is now useless. But what concerned him is that the members of said cult are rarely seen walking the lower levels. Asriel shrugged “not my problem anymore…” he continued walking to the upper levels. As he got there he could see the halls were rather empty, he guessed that people are captivated with the captured slaves.

It happens every time a large amount of slaves are gathered, he continued walking to her room. As he got to the door he knocked. A part of him wondered what her reaction would be to this visit. The door slid open and as always Isabella is wearing a fancy dress, this time she wore a multi-coloured gown with white tassels leaving the back of it. As their eyes met, she smiled to his shock. “It’s been awhile since you last come to visit.” Asriel grumbled “you are actually happy to see me?” “Well I enjoy our talks, more guests are always welcome.” Asriel raised his eyebrow “you have guests?” “Yes now please come in.” She then turned away to enter her room, Asriel sighed slightly he hoped he would not have to deal with anyone else, he walked in as the door slid close behind him. He then saw Isabella’s guests, it was Lily with her children. As he entered Lily frowned heavily “what is he doing here?” Isabella walked to the table and sat she picked up a filled wine glass. “He wanted to visit me, why would I turn him down?” Lily narrowed her eyes at Isabella. “After what he did!?” Isabella sipped from her glass, as she spoke her voice was firm. “What of it? Are you too weak to handle a little pain?” Asriel could see she was about to speak but bit back her retort. Isabella kept drinking “you only come here for my wine not for conversation. So please don’t tell me who I can entertain as guests.” She then gestured to a chair “Come Asriel, sit with us.” As she spoke Asriel walked over to the chair and sat. He bought his eyes to Lily’s kids who were running around the room. “Don’t look at them.” Lily hissed. Asriel looked over to the captain, he could see the venom in her gaze.

Some would say the venom is deserved but if he had to be honest to himself? He did not care. “What’s the matter? I am not going to do anything.” Lily in turn frowned “I am surprised he hasn’t killed you yet.” Lily coughed slightly bringing their vision to her. “Asriel how about you have a drink?” Asriel smiled and grabbed the bottle, he picked out a glass on the table and poured himself a drink. From the corner of his vision he could still see the captain is upset with his presence, but in the end she has to deal with or leave. Asriel picked up his glass and took a sip. As always the wine tastes good, he wonders how she makes such a beverage. Isabella gave a warm smile “So what’s the matter this time?” Asriel almost choked on his drink as she spoke. “It’s nothing.” “Liar.” she retorted.

Asriel carefully placed the glass on the table. “I said it’s nothing.” Isabella held her smile and looked over to Lily. “Tell me how is Elizabeth?” Lily folded her arms “Well now she acts like she has never been strapped to the navigator throne. Why do you ask?” “For no reason, I am just making conversation until Asriel comes clean.” Lily looked over his direction “why do you care about his problems?” “Because Lily his problems are actually interesting. Aren’t they Asriel?” The conversation they are having caused him to drain his wine glass. He is now reminded why he sometimes does not like coming here. “Are you just going to make fun of me?” said Asriel. Isabella cocked her head slightly “I will until you are honest about why you are here.” He grumbled slightly, he then sighed. “I don’t know how to be better.” as he spoke Lily laughed at him. “You are saying that after the stunt you pulled!?” Asriel gave her a look, the type to let her know she is treading on dangerous territory. “I did that for him not me.” “You did it for yourself!” Lily spat back. “I felt...what you wanted. I know what you wanted and it was disgusting. My only family is my two boys. Just because you lived a lonely life without the love of parent does not mean you can push what you want on us.” Asriel rose from his seat, his hand snapped out and grabbed her throat. He began choking her, in reaction her children ran over and started hitting his legs. Trying to make him let go.

Asriel looked into her eyes. “You know...nothing.” As he choked her Lily smiled “y-you..c-choking m-me p-p-proves my point….” “Asriel, I feel Adelram won’t be pleased if you kill the captain of the ship.” He looked over to Isabella who was casually sipping from her glass. She then placed her glass on the table. “Also it’s quite rude to strangle someone at the table.” Asriel tightened his grip slightly, Lily jerked in her chair. Staring into her eyes he saw it. That perhaps she wanted him to kill her, that once she dies that might spur Adelram to punish him harshly. Asriel tutted in annoyance and released his grip, Lily started coughing and gasping. Her children ran over and started baying about her well being.

As he stared at her, he slowly sat down, he grimly looked at Lily and her kids and just for a moment a thought crossed his mind. It’s not fair he tore his eyes away from her and looked at Isabella who seemed utterly calm despite what just happened. Looking into her eyes they glinted slightly like jewels, that told him she knew he was going to do that. “Tell me Isabella why did you stop me from killing her?” She gave her signature smile “I did not stop you. It was you who decided to release her.” “No if you said nothing I might o-” Isabella reached over and placed her hand on his. “I know you...always putting your achievements towards someone else. Always making excuses for him or saying it’s for his sake. You said that you wanted to be better?” Asriel slowly nodded “I...want to be better. If I was perhaps…” “Marthas wouldn't of died? Maybe...but sometimes things happen for a reason. In my eyes releasing Lily was you being better.” She moved her hand away and continued to drink from her wine glass. Once she drained all of it she placed it on the table. “I am also surprised you are that vindictive Lily.” Asriel looked over to the captain who is now stroking her throat. “Isabella...he is animal. He will keep putting us in jeopardy. He will never get better, he will never change. It’s just an unfortunate fact that our lord cannot see that.” Asriel ground his teeth when he heard that. “Shut up.” Both women bought their eyes to him. He clenched his hand on the table. “At least...I am trying to be better. Better than anyone. Compared to you...who is content with what they have...that is why I am important to him compared to you. I bet he does not even remember the old captain, your grandfather.” Lily rose from the table “You dare! He saved us! Before you came here! When we were outnumbered in the void he took us to safety! When our lord was down he offered his wisdom! Don’t you dare insult him!” Asriel narrowed his eyes at her, he did not want to bark back at her. He won’t shout either, he now knows deep down he is better than her, he will keep rising while she will eventually grow old and her children will replace her.

He then folded his arms he spoke in a calm manner “but it is true. You are training your children to replace you when you should be doing the opposite. Perhaps Adelram would take you more seriously if you aspired to be the perfect captain.” she then flinched, in the reaction he knew he hit the right spot. “I promise you now Lily, when you grow frail and old if you decide to remain content I will kill you. I will grab you neck with both of my hands and strangle you to death. Perhaps I will ask Adelram to watch, then we can test how much our lord truly cares about you. We will see if he punishes me at most he will shoot you out of the airlock like Carmilla and have one of your children take your place and then get on with whatever is holding his attention at the time. So I will give you this advice captain of the canticle of sin….be better.” Asriel then relaxed in his chair, he poured himself another glass and began drinking. For some reason he felt a little better, he watched Lily take the arms of both her children and storm out of the room. Isabella gave a coy smile “That wasn’t nice.” He placed his glass on the table. He looked at the dark purple liquid moving in the glass. Suddenly he thought of Alma “I think I realized something…” Isabella chuckled “let me guess there is nothing wrong in using others to perfect oneself?” Asriel turned his head to Isabella “well...yes. I don’t know why I was thinking about it so much.” “There is nothing wrong with that I imagine the lord of the third was the same. I am quite sure he needed the help of his sons at various points to get what he wanted.” Asriel rose from his chair “True...perhaps coming here was a good idea?” Isabella frowned “you are leaving now?” He nodded and snatched the bottle from the table. “I am, thank you Isabella.” he left the room this time he felt sure on how to proceed.

Chapter 21
He trashed on the table, the chains held him in place. He could hear muffled voices speaking but one voice terrified him the most. The voice that releases waves of agony and despair. He could tell when it was coming, he would hear a small screech. The soft whisper telling him to give in. With each scream he sees flashes of weakness. Of his past as a mortal showing that all the frailties are still there. That all he is was another child taken and forced to become a machine of war.

To other’s it would be an ordinary scream but he could sense the intentions behind them. The screams tell him that his place is here, that he would find happiness here. That he could enjoy the nectar of despair in this very ship. Before he only gave in to stop the pain, perhaps even finding a chance to escape or fly away but such an opportunity did not present itself.

At this moment he had to admit he was trapped here, he will be broken down by the lord of this warband. Then he heard it, the small screech, he raged and roared. “Stop! Don’t! I won’t join you!” The scream slammed into his body, it felt like his brain was being rattled, his bones shook and blood ran like rivers down his nose. He felt his eyes slowly rolling back and darkness greeted him.

“Run Kaiser!” Baris barked at him, He ran as fast as he could. The voices were chasing them. He ran with his gang. Since all of them were between fourteen and sixteen they were all chosen. The masters gathered them up, all the young boys on the ship and told them they have to run to the upper levels. That if they catch them, they will die. Many thought it was a joke, but they started to count from sixty. Baris told all of them to run, to run for their lives as they got some distance they started to hear screams.

The screams of the other boys, as they ran through the dark hallway the screams at times would grow distant, Baris said to use that time to rest, jog and gather your breath. When it becomes loud sprint. Sprint as if your life depends on it. Kaiser looked over to his friend Baris, they were both born to abusive parents and they both ran away to form their own gang to survive on this ship. He had short black hair and his dark skin was covered in grime. He rubbed his nose as they ran. “We have to get to the upper levels...if not…” One of his fellow gang members a fourteen year old boy name Shivos shook his head. Tears were running down his face. “I don’t want to die! Why are they doing this!?” Kaiser shouted at him. “Stop crying! You will run out of breath quicker!” Shivos wiped his face, his lips were still trembling. Kaiser looked over to their leader. “So why do you think they are doing this Baris?” He bit his lip slightly “well...according to the adults they said the masters took a few losses in battle and they need to recruit…” He furrowed his brow hearing that. “But we are barely men! Why would they recruit us!?” “I don’t know! Just run dammit!” the screams became loud again. Everyone in reaction started to sprint.

As they ran Shivos cried out “I can’t run!” he slowly ground to a stop, Kaiser was about to stop as well to tell him to keep going but Baris called out. “Don’t stop Kaiser! Leave him!” “B-but!” “Leave him!” he said firmly. As their leader spoke he upped his speed, Shivos eventually vanished after a few moments they heard him screaming, begging for mercy. After that his cries of anguish were added to the voices chasing them. Kaiser shook his head “we have to keep running…” he looked at all his fellows “Don’t stop or we will die!” all them nodded they repeated the cycle slowing when the screams turned distant and increasing the speed as it got louder.

Eventually they reached steps Kaiser smiled “We made it!” Baris smiled back at him “Aye! We did! Quickly up the stairs!” They raced up the stairs as fast as their legs could take them. Once they reached the upper levels the screams stopped. All of them including him dropped to their knees panting. They then heard a gruff voice “A large group has made it.” Kaiser looked up to see one of the masters staring down at them. He gestured to a group of adults in dark blue robes. “Have each of them checked, the ones that are not compatible will be trained as part of the cultist group and those that are? Bring them to the hall.” As he gave his order he turned away and vanished into the darkness of the hallway.

Kaiser got up to his feet with Baris, he smiled at him. “We made it.” “We did, but...I think it’s going to get worse from here.” “How so?” “I don’t know...I just have a bad feeling.” Kaiser could not understand why he is so worried they have been through many life and death situations. This is just another one, if the gang sticks together they can prevail. The adults then began pushing them he grunted in annoyance. If they did not work for the masters his fellows would of fell upon them and beat them to death for attempting such a thing.

The adults bought them to a white room. As they got there someone wearing a dirty red robe with metal tendrils sticking out of it greeted them. “Oh these are the aspirants...they passed the first trial. This group is larger than the last one I suspect your group is the last. Now I am tech priest Samu. I shall be handling the second phase...now let us begin…” The adults pushed Baris forward, Samu grabbed Baris’ wrist and picked out a strange gun from his robes with a needle on the end of it. Kaiser watched the tech priest place the needle into his arm. As always their leader is the toughest, he barely flinched. The needle gun light then chimed green. Samu then placed Baris to his side. A adult then pushed him forward, the tech priest grabbed his wrist. As his fair skin met his, Samu placed the needle into his skin. It chimed green and he then placed him with Baris. He smiled at him “What is there to be worried about? We both made it!” Baris frowned slightly “this gang is like a family to me I don’t like us being seperated.” Kaiser placed his hand on his shoulder “You worry too much you know that?” His friend kept his frown.

After a few minutes more than half their gang were with him. Those who had the needle chime red when injected were placed at the other side of the room. Once they were sorted the tech priest gestured to the adults. “Take these lot to the hall. The Astartes will be pleased that a great number within this group were compatible.” The adults then began to escort them out of the room, as they left he could see the gang members who were left behind were trying hard not to cry. Kaiser could see that they did not want to be seperated, but deep down he knew this is not the end. They might see each other again he shouted at them before he left “Chin up! Don’t cry! We will see each other again!” he gave a big grin, he could see his fellows wiping their faces trying to remain strong. The adults were merely frowning at him due to his outburst. One even said he is going to die first.

He could not help but chuckle hearing that, these adults must be cowards. They escorted them down the hallways taking twist and turns until they came to a great hall. He spotted one of the masters whose hands were two giant claws. One of them said Nightstalker on it he guessed that is his name. He then bought his eyes to the hall and he could see there were other boys around his age all looking at each other or trembling in fear. The adults then pushed them towards the other boys and walked over to the master. They bowed and mumbled a few words.

Nightstalker then gestured with a claw he spoke out loud. “So that is the last group. Good. Get the weapons.” The adults then walked away vanishing into the darkness of the hallway. Nightstalker then bought his red eyes to them. “All of you are here to earn the chance to become a son of curze! To become one of the night lords! To become astartes!” Everyone began looking at each other chatting in excitement. Kaiser could not help but be slightly excited, to be strong like the masters. Strong enough that no one can push them around, he looked over to Baris. He was not smiling. “Hey Baris, what’s the matter?” “This isn’t a joke Kaiser we need to take it seriously.” “Why? What’s the problem?” “He said earn the chance. I suspect whatever we do now will be harder from here.” “Silence!” shouted Nightstalker. Everyone stopped their conversations and looked at the astartes. Even he bit his tongue.

Nightstalker shook his head “not all of you will become night lords. Now I want all of you to group yourselves into fives. This will be you claws. In these groups you will kill and train together.” As he spoke the adults came back pushing moveable trays holding weapons. He gestured to them “All of you will take a knife. You will train and kill with this weapon.” As the knives were brought to him Kaiser smiled “those knives look a lot better than the ones we use…” He looked around to his gang, there was five of them so their group is already made. He could see all the other kids sorting themselves into groups.

After all the groups were chosen, the Nightstalker called them over one group at a time. Once it came to his group as they stood in front of the trays. His grin went wider he picked up a knife and started waving it around. “I can’t wait to get started!” Nightstalker chuckled “that eager? Aren’t you frightened boy?” Kaiser scoffed as he made the action the adults eyes went wide. “I am not scared of anything! I have killed people before!” Baris gripped his shoulder “shut up!” he hissed. The nightstalker red eyes bored into him he gestured with his head. “Next group!” As they walked away with their weapons Baris slapped him around the head. He grumbled and began rubbing his head due to the stinging pain. “What was that for!” “Being an idiot!” Baris spat back. “Be careful what you say or do. They can kill you at a moment notice!” Kaiser sighed “right...right sorry about that…” After a few minutes everyone was now armed.

The Nightstalker nodded and pointed at two groups. “You two kill each other.” Both groups eyes went wide. Baris shook his head “I had a feeling this was going to happen…” one the members of the chosen group raised their hand. “W-what of t-training?” Nightstalker answered his question calmy. “This is training, now kill each other.” All the groups gave them room. They then nervously looked at each other until one member charged another boy and stabbed him. With that one act it descended into a bloody melee it was over in moments. The group that won had only two members. Nightstalker nodded “now the two final members please kill each other.” The two boys trembled as they faced each other but one charged and stabbed the other in the chest killing him. As they fell to the ground Nightstalker gestured to the adults “Get that one ready for the tech priest.” two of the adults then grabbed the body and dragged him away.

As Kaiser stared at him his eyes seemed...distant. That he was not aware of what he just did. The boy then vanished into the darkness, Kaiser looked over to Baris. He was stoic as ever he smiled at him. “Hey….Baris.” he looked over to him he could not even see a hint of fear. “What is it?” “If you had one wish...what would it be?” “I dunno..never thought about it. Spent most of my days fighting for my life with all of you.” Kaiser frowned at his answer “boring as always…” he looked over his fellows who were all down. “Well I wish I could walk on walls! You know hang upside down! How great that would be!” he could see no one was in the mood for it he frowned and bought his eyes to Nightstalker who called out the next two groups.

The same occured they killed each other, if there was more than one left from the winning group he would have them fight until one is left. After that they were taken away. As each group was called forward he could see the other boys in the hall were trembling in fear. Some were crying for their parents. Kaiser stroked his chin “Hey...what if our whole group survives?” Baris turned his head to him. “What do you mean?” “I mean essentially he put us into squads right? That’s what it looks like, now maybe he wants to see how well we work in a group? All the other boys are flailing against each other. We have to stand out then perhaps all of us might survive!” Everyone stared at him, he could see hope lining their faces. They are clearly onboard with his idea. Baris smiled at him “you have a smart idea for once.” “What’s that supposed to mean!?” His friend chuckled at him he faced the center of the hall.

They then waited for their turn, eventually Nightstalker called them out Kaiser took a deep breath and walked to the center of the hall. He could see everyone else in the gang were also on edge, but they were alert they had a plan. Baris’ eyes changed like always when they were going to start a fight, he prefers to end things quickly than drag them out. Kaiser bought his eyes to the group they were facing, the boys they were facing were trembling. It looks like they have never been in a life or death situation before. This is an advantage to them.

He waited for the Nightstalker’s call. “Begin!” he did not even look at him, the gang charged towards their opponents. Kaiser could see they were off guard with their clear ferocity, Baris closed into the first opponent his knife went straight into his neck, he diverted to the second and slashed his throat. Just seeing him take out two people so easily he could not help but smile. Kaiser gave the others a look, the standard strategy to assist in kills. Adults are normally stronger and faster than them so at times they have to tackle them in twos.

The gang closed in on the first boy they surrounded him and stabbed him to death, they shifted to the next one and killed him as well. The last one started to cry, he cut and run but Baris was faster he stabbed him several times in the back. Once their last opponent dropped dead Kaiser instantly looked over to the astartes. Unlike the other groups he was silent, he smiled they must of succeeded where others failed. Nightstalker then nodded, Kaiser turned to his fellows “we did it guys!” everyone smiled at him. Even Baris who was normally serious. “Now kill each other.” those four words entered his ears. His heart sank like a comet. He turned to the Nightstalker “B-but we killed all of them like a squad!” The Astartes cocked his head slightly “So what? Hurry and kill each other. If you don’t I will kill you.” Kaiser ground his teeth. He turned to his fellows, all of them were crying. Tears spilling down their faces.

Some were crying out that they don’t want to do it, they wailed that they were scared. This whole time they were keeping a brave face. Kaiser shook his head, fear began creeping in his heart. Even though all of them were crying one of them will move first to make the kill. Kaiser gripped his knife tightly, his hands were sweating. Then he heard a gurgle, he bought his eyes to one of the gang members Baris just slashed his throat. He looked at the next, blood splatter lining his face. Unlike everyone else he was not crying, he charged to the next member they could barely get ready before he stabbed them in the heart and twisted.

Kaiser bought up his knife his hand was trembling, his eyes burned as tears ran down his face. He did not want to kill them, the fact that Baris is killing their family, their friends without remorse hurt even more. He stood in place as his friend killed another member, now it was only the two of them. He walked towards him clothes stained with blood. Kaiser wiped his face. “H-hey we don’t have to kill each other...let’s run...come on Baris. W-we ran away many times before…” Despair gripped his heart, he took a step back. “C-come on we can convince him to let us live…” Baris shook his head he frowned as he charged towards him, Kaiser bit his lip he ran towards Baris he held his knife in both hands. As they got close, Baris twisted behind him and stabbed him in the back.

He screamed as the blade was removed, his back hurt, it hurt so much he slowly turned to Baris who’s knife flicked out and slashed his throat. He dropped his knife, he couldn't breathe. His neck burned, Kaiser felt his legs wombling he tumbled back crashing onthe bloodstained floor. Even if it hurt, he bought his eyes to Baris, he was now crying, snot falling down his nose. His face is in the throes of utter despair, he smiled at his friend he gagged “w-w-ha..i..y-y..wi..?” Baris turned to him he sniffed “I wish we all had wings! I wish we could of flied away from here! I wish we could of had a proper family! I wished….I wished….” Kaiser found his vision was darkening as they dragged him away. He gasped and soon he felt nothing at all.

He trashed in the chains he roared in despair and agony, he felt the chains buckling and metal wrenching. The metal links gave way he quickly removed himself from the table. He readied his claws. He shouted at him “You dare!” The leader of the warband smiled at him “Such a sad story. If it was me I would of converted your whole group. What was his name? Kaiser? Such a nice boy.” He roared out in despair he screamed, the screech came back he could hear the walls twisting and warping. He wants the memory gone he does not want to remember, it’s too painful. He could feel his despair, his fear it was too much, far too much. Then came a strange warmth. It felt nice to his utter horror.

He dropped to his knees “make it stop…I don’t want to feel this way! Not about that!” he cried out. “I don’t want to remember…” The lord of the warband walked over and knelt before him. “But it feels good doesn’t it?” “It shouldn’t!” he barked back. The lord of the warband gave a soft smile, he did not want to admit it. Strangely enough it set him at ease. “The night lords turned you into a weapon of despair and terror, they did not see you as a brother. Just as a weapon to let loose they marked your gauntlets red. To show you that you don’t belong. You inflicted despair since subsciously you were trying to deal with your trauma but with us it won’t be. You will be surrounded by brothers who will be more than happy for you to revel in despair. The warmth is approval…” He tried to close his ears, he knows of the third and their honeyed whispers but he could not help it. He wanted this, deep down he wanted it.

The lord of the warband lifted his power claw that is marked red, he placed his hand upon it. The red bled away to black. His armour turned from the colour of midnight to black and pink. He then nodded. “Tell me...what is your name? I am Adelram lord of this warband.” With his introduction he could see he is night and day compared to the Nightstalker. Already he feels like this place is a home that the one before him is his brother. He looked up, his red eye lenses shifting to blue. “Please...call me Kaiser.”

I hope people enjoy his backstory!

Nice. I liked the fact that you explain everyone so you know what their motivations are before introduting him as a character.

lliu wrote:
Nice. I liked the fact that you explain everyone so you know what their motivations are before introduting him as a character.

Yup, at first I was not going to do it funny enough but because I did it for everyone else and it fleshes them out I decided otherwise. Plus it's fun fleshing out those of other legions and chapters get's me to research them so I could do it justice.

I got so confused who originally wanted wings between the 2 of them during the bachk story lol. was this intentional or is my early happy hour getting to me XD. Love the fact adelram is trying to break the cycle.

 Dayknight wrote:

I got so confused who originally wanted wings between the 2 of them during the bachk story lol. was this intentional or is my early happy hour getting to me XD. Love the fact adelram is trying to break the cycle.

That's the point. I wanted to throw a curve-ball.

But to be clear

Is baris going by Kaisers name? I thought Kaiser was the one who bled out? so much confusion lol

 Dayknight wrote:

Is baris going by Kaisers name? I thought Kaiser was the one who bled out? so much confusion lol

Yup, that memory was buried due to the psycho-indoctrination. He is carrying around the name of the friend he killed.

Chapter 22
Adelram hefted Kaiser up, his body seemed weary, his body sagged slightly, Adelram had to admit anyone would be after suffering from a doom-siren backed by sorcery. The ex-night lord also seemed at ease around him which is good. He wonders if he should tell him that it is likely his group would of survived if he refused the Nighstalker’s order. From his understanding night lords present themselves as masters of fear and terror, in accepting the order to kill your squad or claw under their terms they are giving into fear, terror or despair. He wondered if any of the groups after Kaiser’s figured that out.

Adelram tried not to frown, instead he gave a smile “we are going to be attacking a warband soon. You don’t need to come with us.” Kaiser grunted “I am not a child.” Adelram shook his head “You are only seventeen. From my understanding when we were… “talking” you have only been an astartes for two years.” At the mention of his age Silas whistled “I guess they barely did any training. Amateurs, they most likely stuffed gene-seed into him and left it at that. He will make mistakes.” Adelram turned his head back slightly to the noise marine. “True, plus he has been fighting without a squad. How much of the basics do you know Kaiser?” His new brother looked away at his question. “I know enough.” “Which means he knows nothing.” Izel said firmly.

Adelram released his grip on Kaiser and faced Izel “Is there a problem?” The sorceror nodded “We are attacking the thousand sons. We can’t afford mistakes since Arash will have a larger amount of sorcerers compared to my warband.” Adelram gave Izel a warm smile “Then we must be perfect.” Adelram focused and sent out a message to his second half that he wishes to speak with him. He turned to Kaiser “in the assault you will be with me Kaiser.” “Why? I work better alone.” “Perhaps, but you are not alone anymore Kaiser.” Again he did not want to meet his gaze, he guessed he is not used to being treated in such a fashion. Izel then walked to his side “who did you contact? I could sense it.” “I called for Asriel.” “May I ask why?” “As I said...I wish this assault to be perfect. You see Izel, I am sure Arash is confident in his victory, He is most likely searching for possible futures where he is victorious….I want to crush that.” Silas also came over. “I can get behind this show the petty sorcerers that they truly can’t control fate.” “Exactly Sil-.” Adelram was about to continue speaking, but Kaiser was shifting slightly he wrapped his wings around his form. “Is something wrong?” Said Adelram. Kaiser grumbled “I wish to ask something.” “What is it?” “Who was the human that was with you? Was he you personal slave?” At the mention of slave he felt his anger rising just slightly, but his new brother did not know any better. He walked towards him and placed his hand on his pauldon. “He...is special. Now...he is not a slave and you will not refer him to as such.” Kaiser cocked his head “So he is a pet? The members of my old warband had their favourites.” “No…” Adelram said firmly. “Not a pet...I will say he is older and possibly wiser than you Kaiser. Don’t insult him.” he pushed the point on his last three words but that did not get the reaction he wanted. Kaiser was still confused. “But he is a human. We are demi-gods of war. Machines that bring ruination and terror to mortals like him.” Silas chuckled “Asriel has been through a lot. I will say that much….just don’t worry about it for now.” With Silas’s words Kaiser finally relaxed and ceased his confusion, Adelram looked over to the leader of the Kakophoni and inclined his head in thanks. Silas merely shrugged in return. Just as he moved his hand away from Kaiser’s pauldon, Adelram could hear his chambers doors opening.

Asriel entered to his surprise it’s only been a minute or so since he sent the message. His second half walked over but his eyes were locked on Kaiser. “So...he joined the warband.” Adelram smiled at him “Indeed he has.” he then traced his eyes over him and on his chest he spotted a new tattoo. It’s shaped into a female feminine face with horns. “Asriel you got a new tattoo. What does it do this time?” Asriel tapped it and smiled “It’s a surprise Adelram. Don’t worry.” Kaiser grunted “he does not refer you as lord either…strange.” Adelram turned his head slightly to him. “Kaiser...enough.” His brother sighed and turned fully away ending the discussion.

He faced Asriel and walked over he grasped his face. “Now...we are going to attack Arash’s warband. But...I want you to know a few things.” As he mentioned attacking Arash, Asriel’s one eye narrowed. He smiled showing a row a fangs. His clear eagerness swelled his hearts. “I know you're eager but I want this assault to be perfect. I don’t want to give the thousand sons a single chance. A single breath, we must be the clean blade that severs the head in one blow.” Adelram removed his hands from Asriel’s face. “Do not say a word and listen. Gather...everyone. All of the cultists...every soul who can fight and go to the docking bay. If anyone refuses this...they are my enemy do you understand?” Asriel gave a curt nod. “Good, if it helps have Noxus do this task with you. That should drive the point home.” Asriel then turned and ran out of his chambers in silence. He faced his brothers “Izel, Kaiser you will be with me and Silas?” “Yes?” Adelram could tell that he wants to hear his order. He is eager for it. “Tell me would the terminators and raptors still listen to you?” Silas chuckled “they would, I can be quite convincing…” “Right I want to implement doom sirens into all of them.” Silas gave a small bow. “It shall be done.” he then left the room. Izel in turn rubbed his neck “we will be with you during the assault what should I do in the meantime?” “How good is your daemon summoning?” Izel lowered his hand from his neck, Adelram for some reason got the feeling the sorcerer is smiling. “My lord do not worry I will give you the daemons you need. I have an idea.” “Well get started then.” Izel bowed and left his chambers now it was only him and Kaiser.
The ex-night lord is fidgeting slightly, he could see that he expects a task to be given to him. But he is new he needs to understand him more. “Kaiser you will remain with me for now.” Kaiser turned to him and inclined his head. “Yes…” His voice trailed off, Adelram smiled “Just call me Adelram it’s fine.” Kaiser finally relaxed. “I see this warband is strange. By the way what do you mean by doom siren?” “It’s a device implemented in our bodies or armour. That allows one to project a wave of sound to destroy one’s enemies. You have one implanted in your throat.” As he spoke Kaiser flinched he unfolded his wings and bought a single claw to his gorget he pressed it towards his throat drawing a small amount of blood. Adelram rushed over “What are you doing!?” Kaiser stopped and slowly moved his claw away. “Why did you put it inside me?” Adelram sighed in relief as he moved the claw away, but the question did not surprise him. “To make you better. Why else? You will understand once you use it.” Kaiser bought his claw to his gorget again digging it in slightly “I can’t even feel it.” he removed the claw from his neck and flicked the blood away. He wrapped his wings around his form and again turned away.

Adelram could not help but chuckle slightly, it’s clear he is not much of a talker or knows how to function around people. That is expected, the night lord’s recruiting methods are poor and ineffective. Hence why they were easily dealt with when they attacked.

Adelram stroked his gorget with his finger he had to agree with Kaiser he can’t even feel it. The doom siren that’s implanted in his throat. But the sheer waves of power that thrum’s through his vocal cords is intoxicating. He can understand the appeal of such device and why so many in the legion went under his teacher's knife in the past. He then heard a knock he turned towards the double doors to see Silas bringing in his old squadmates. Adelram smiled “Well then...let’s get to work.”

Arash paced in his chambers he wondered what was taking the lord of sin so long to attack. It’s been a few days since he lead the Nightstalker to them and now examining their thread it burnt away to a crisp. He stopped and took a deep breath. “Why am I worried? The fates have realigned to show me that if he attacks...I will be victorious. All of them are mad hedonists that can barely function as a warhost...what could they possibly do?” He closed all nine of his eyes and focused he could see the strands, some are burnt or frozen solid. Pulling at the ones dealing with the attack they all look favourable, he will have a clear win,

He opened his eyes, he should be smiling but he still felt anxious. But why? Why did he feel this way? The future is certain, it’s clear for him to see but this is the first time in his long life that he is now unsure. He then heard a knock on his chamber doors, he had a good idea who it was. “Enter!” he called out.

Arash turned to the doors as it slid open to see Fahad, he bowed. “My lord I have come to relay you some news.” “They will remain on guard.” Arash said firmly. The lesser sorcerer looked away. “Many have moved away from their guard positions...my fellows say your obsession with the this warband….” Arash sighed “this is why they will remain lesser sorcerers tell me do they whisper of overthrowing me?” Fahad faced him “yes.” the answer was not firm, but it was quick. That is enough to let him know dissent is quite high. “Tell the them tha-” the ship suddenly shook. The lights switched to red. As the sirens chimed in his chambers his hearts slowed to a crawl. His lips trembled, in a mix of shock and fury. “Fahad…go and ready the defence…I will gather a force and protect the bridge.” The lesser sorcerer bowed and left his chambers without another word. Arash looked down to his hands they were shaking. “I am not afraid….fate is on my side. I have been through worse than this.” He lowered his hands, he then reached out with his right hand to the other side of the room. His force staff shot into his hand. As he gripped it eldritch energy bounced at the head of his weapon. He smiled “I have nothing to worry about.” Arash walked to the door with each step the anxiety was dripping away bit by bit.

Adelram placed his helmet on, as it locked with his power armour he felt at ease. He felt certain of victory. It was a strange feeling for some reason he was about to take his first step to the dreadclaw but stopped. He turned to Izel and Kaiser “Are both of you ready?” Izel tapped his pouch “I am ready I cooked up a surprise for my ex-brothers.” Adelram bought his eyes to Kaiser who merely gave a curt nod. That simple gesture was enough for him, after spending some time with him it’s clear that he is not one to speak much. He faced the dreadclaw and stepped inside, he could also sense Eligos is growing restless. The weapon was vibrating as it was mag-locked to his backpack. The the daemon purred within his mind +What are you going to do to the sorcerer when you find him?+ Adelram frowned he took his seat in the dreadclaw. He made sure not to speak out loud. “You will see when we get there.” +I could just read your mind.+ “Do you want to ruin the surprise daemon?” in response Eligos snarled slightly he then grumbled and fell silent. Adelram looked over to Izel and Kaiser who took their seats. His new brother clearly looked uncomfortable “Is this your first time taking a drop pod?” His blue eye lenses met his. “Yes, in my old warband they did not want me anywhere near them. So I was forced to take boarding torpedoes or gunships to the ground.” Izel shook his head. “I take it that it was over your mutation?” “Yes, because of my wings I was ostracized and my gauntlets were painted red. The Nightstalker could kill me anytime he wanted to.” Adelram sighed “Well they are small minded, do not think of them anymore Kaiser you are with us now.” The ex-night lord nodded and fell silent.

Adelram locked his eyes to the countdown. “Right the dreadclaw is launching we will be making our way to the bridge, Silas will be leading the rest of the astartes forces in causing havoc across the ship. The human forces along with Noxus will take the docking bay.” Izel grumbled “Just the three us making our way to the bridge?” “Yes.” said Adelram. “Three us should be enough along with the daemons you are going to summon.” At the mention of daemons he could sense that Izel was about to speak but held his tongue. “Right, now let us be off.” The countdown hit zero and the dreadclaw doors closed. The drop pod launched, the ride was smooth the coordinates Izel gave them dropped them right in front of the thousand son warband.
He could tell they were not ready for a possible attack, the drop pod shuddered as it crashed into the ship. A second countdown started, the time it would take for the melta’s to cut into the hull of the ship. The seconds quickly ticked down until he heard a click. The door opened revealing a circle cut showing the inside of the ship. Adelram undid his belts. “Let’s go!” Adelram stepped out, Izel and Kaiser followed. He looked around, the hallway looked similar to Izel’s ship. “Right to the bridge. Follow me.” Adelram started running. “A part of me can’t wait to see my old brothers again.” said Izel. Adelram turned his head back slightly “They are not your brothers remember?” “Oh right, you are correct. Cousins, they are my cousins now.” “Exactly no-” before he could speak he heard the marching of feet. It was too heavy to be humans. Adelram ground to a stop, out of the darkness of the hallway he saw a thousand son sorcerer wearing a purple robe with his power armour. He also held a force stuff that thrummed with power, like all sorcerers in the legion he lead a unit of Rubric marines. But what annoyed him was his face, he held a grin that showed he is absolutely in control of the situation.

Just watching him Adelram ground his teeth, just seeing how the sorcerer held himself annoyed him. They sent pawns to take Marthas away from him, they had pawns kill Ivan. The sorcerer chuckled “only three? Are the emperor’s children fools? Well all of you are addled hedonists to be much of a thre-” Adelram charged down the hall cutting the sorcerer off, he ripped Eligos from his back. He kept grinding his teeth. +Such venom...I am more excited to see what you do the leader…+ “Shut up!” he hissed back to the daemon. He does not need it interrupting him, he does not want hear him or distract him when he begins breaking the enemies before him.

The sorceror gestured to have the rubricae lock weapons on him, the enemy sorcerer then clicked his fingers. A hail of eldritch colored bolter shells flied towards him, but he kept running. The eye that he received from devouring Marthas started to bleed. “Faster…” as that word parted his lips the bullets slowed down. Adelram cried out again “Faster!” torrents of blood flowed down his eye, as the bullets were just a few inches away he quickly sidestepped dodging it with ease while keeping up his charge. But this is not enough, it’s clearly not enough he wants to ground down the sorcerer's arrogance, he wants to annihilate it utterly. He kept grinding his teeth. “FASTER!” his voice was cracking he placed one foot on the ground and shot forward, the sound of a loud burst smashed into his ears. He was now in the middle of the enemy squad. Adelram gripped his weapon and uttered two words “Scream Eligos.” In a single motion he twisted the weapon above his head, as the censer crashed into each rubric marine the sound of a screaming daemon greeted his ears. He stopped and in slow motion all of the rubric marines were now toppling backwards dust slowly falling to the ground.

He watched the sorcerer slowly turn, the arrogance now drifting away to shock, his confidence tumbling into the darkness. Adelram swept Eligos towards the sorcerors legs smashing them asunder, the arrogant sorcerer now falling to the ground in slow motion, blood hovering in the air. Adelram brought up his weapon and smashed his chest to the ground on impact time returned to normal. Adelram hefted his bloodied weapon and placed it on his shoulder. The thousand son sorcerer croaked “w-what...j-just..h-happ-” hearing him speak sparked a surge of revulsion, he did not want him hear speak. He raised the daemon weapon and began smashing the sorcerer into pulp cutting him off. Each time Eligos crunched and tore into the sorcerer's body he felt better. A sense of ease gripped him. +I think being with you is going to be a lot more interesting….+ Eligos cooed. “Shut up daemon don’t distract me…” Adelram hissed back.

He wanted no one to interrupt him, this is his. This moment is his alone this warband caused him grief. Too much grief. After a minute he stopped and took a deep breath. “That….felt good.” He placed his eyes of Izel and Kaiser. Izel walked towards him “so...why are we here?” “What do you mean?” asked Adelram. Izel looked down at the bloody remains and then up to him. “Nothing…right let’s get going.” Adelram nodded he looked over to Kaiser who stood like a stone. “Is something wrong?” Izel shook his head “I think your sheer killing prowess left him speechless.” Kaiser looked down slightly “we...stood no chance…” he then walked towards them. “We can’t tarry here, even though you killed a squad in a few heartbeats we can’t loiter.” Adelram nodded “Yes, we have to get to the bridge. I am quite desperate to meet Arash…”

By the way I hope people like the end of this chapter. I feel something like this was a long time coming.

Haha I’m glad that that happened. Definitely a satisfying read, great job!

Chapter 23
The thunderhawk was crowded at it moved through the void towards the thousand son ship. Asriel grunted in annoyance, he had to keep remembering that he can’t use a dreadclaw. In the end he gathered everyone as instructed, even Carita was here in this very thunderhawk. He looked over to her, she was not even making eye contact. He smirked it’s only a matter of time until she joins him, he knows her. The remnants of the Anguis are disorganised and without the pool they cannot create more prelates. They even let him freely walk in their abode since all of them knew he could easily kill them if anyone made an attempt on his life. Noxus just was an added bonus that drove the point home.

Despite the cult fearing him they only had eyes on person in the thunderhawk and he was taking the most space. He could see that many are trying to give his brother a wide berth, none cared for Difillia but Salvador’s presence is making many within the thunderhawk nervous. His brother shifted slightly and gave a great yawn which caused a gothi to tremble in fear, Asriel had to try very hard not to laugh. Compared to most in the warband Salvador is most likely the “nicest” member. The warband saw a great terrible beast the bodyguard to Adelram but to him he is his brother. His younger brother that cried and worries for people around him. Eventually the thunderhawk landed it shook slightly, the bay doors opened and everyone poured out.

Difillia and Salvador fell behind him, Carita grouped with the members of the Anguis. As they stepped onto the docking bay what greeted him were throngs of thousand son cultists and almost three squads of rubric marines lead by sorcerers. Asriel frowned “this is not good…” even with more thunderhawks landing revealing units lead by Vincent and Alma. And the added power of Noxus this situation does not look good at all. His main worry are the astartes and the sorcerer's. Their psychic powers and bolter shells can easily tear through their forces and even Noxus’ chassis. But he somewhat prepared for this he tapped his new tattoo. “It’s your turn.” the new brand peeled off coalescing into the form of the lady of the depths. Salvador cocked his head. “What is it?” Difillia frowned “Do we have to get back for this?” The questions caused him to smile. “Salvador it will turn the battle in our favour and Difillia? There is nothing to worry about.” He created this familiar with ingesting several of Alma’s controlling agents, Asriel could not wait to see his new familiar get to work. He gestured to it. “It’s time to get to work!” the lady of the depths took a deep breath and then blew out a great pink smog that enveloped the thousand son cultists.

He could hear them coughing and screaming in anguish. The enemy sorcerers were barking out orders to form up but it’s too late. Many will succumb, Asriel looked around he could see their forces holding back slightly unsure of what is happening. That reaction was expected, as the mist died away almost half of the thousand son cultists had purple saliva dribbling from the side of their mouths. An eerie quiet greeted the docking bay as everyone wondered what just happened. Until the cultists that were affected turned their weapons on their masters and began firing. Difillia nodded in understanding “interesting, turning a portion of the foe against one another.” Asriel chuckled “yes that is the plan. Doing this would preserve more of our forces.” as they spoke all of their forces charged into the melee, Asriel could tell all of them were excited to be on the offense for once. Even Noxus was eager to get to grips of the enemy.

Asriel stretched “No-” but before he could speak he felt a sharp pain on his right arm he turned his head to see that it’s flying away, blood splattering in the air as it fell to the ground. Next his left leg was greeted with the same pain. Asriel tumbled to the ground and he screamed in pain. He could also feel his familiar dissipating as pain gripped his body. The strange thing about this pain is that it’s nothing like the torture implements used in his room this was different. He looked up slightly to see a group of rubric marines specifically aimed for him. He gripped the stump of his arm. There was no joy in this pain, none at all. His brother rushed over and knelt “no...no...no….” In turn Difillia was smiling “should of been paying attention Asriel.” He wanted to bark back at her, but it hurt too much. He looked up to Salvador whose eyes were watering slightly. But something was different, his eyes suddenly shifted to the colour purple and his irisis turned into slits. He rose and gave a great bestial roar, it was earsplitting. Difillia shouted “what’s wrong Salvador!?” but he ignored her he charged through the crowd smashing and trampling both forces.

He was like a bullet, the sorcerer raised his staff to summon his sorcery but his brother threw his axe it hurtled to the Astartes and crashed into his face splitting it. He tumbled to the ground. Salvador’s weapon was still protruding from his corpse. He then charged into the group of rubricae smashing them aside. He grabbed the leg of one as it flew through the air and chucked him towards the second sorcerer sending him to the ground. He picked his axe from the corpse and rampaged through the cultists belonging to both forces as he got to the second squad. His brother swept his axe in the arc bisecting several rubric marines, as the sorcerer leading them pushed off the rubric marine his brother threw. Salvador was now on top of him. He bought his axe up and began smashing it down on his head several times. He flicked to the third squad, Asriel could see the sorcerer was staggering back slightly in fear wondering what just happened. His brother ground his teeth, he let loose another ear splitting cry as he twisted and threw his axe again. The weapon span through the air like a buzzsaw tearing through the enemy forces. The sorcerer tried to the dodge to the side but it was too late his axe split the thousand son sorcerer in half along with with several members of his rubricae. With that the battle ground to a stop, in other words it ended in a few short moments. Salvador trotted over to the third squad and pulled out his axe from a broken rubric marine. He then turned towards their forces who parted not wanting to draw his gaze.

His brother then slowly walked over to him, Difillia was dumbfounded with what just happened. Asriel could not help but also wonder what exactly just happened. Salvador now stood over him he dropped to his knees and hugged him. It was not a normal one where he almosts crushes him but the comforting kind, he began crying his eyes out. “Asriel!? Are you okay!? Please say something!” Asriel did not know what to say he looked over to Difillia who simply shrugged in confusion. But he could only think of one thing to say. “Hey Salvador.” “Yes?” “Can you...get my arm?” his brother’s jovial grin returned to his face. “Alright! I can do that!”

Silas danced through the beastmen his sabre severing heads and limbs. The tzaangors were like servitors to him..slow and lumbering. But he knew better to underestimate them, their numbers were great a single mistake and they could surround and kill him. He looked back slightly to the raptors and terminators who were covering their flank. As they entered the ship a great host of beastmen fell upon them. Like someone expected a attack on this section of the ship. Considering they are fighting the thousand sons such a thing should be expected.

Even with the noise marines supporting they kept coming. Silas sliced another down “where are they coming from!?” Faust blasted another with his sonic blaster. “Considering the thousand sons situation it’s expected that the bulk of any host would be the tzaangors.” Faust sounded completely calm, he always did. Silas sighed “you are right we should focus and they will be dealt with in time.” he stabbed another in the throat.

He had to admit the tzaangors are running into the meat-grinder. They should just keep up what they are doing and eventually the tzaangors shall be dealt with. But Silas heard a whistle sound skimming past his ear. He turned his head slightly to see arrows sticking out of the heads of several noise marines. They toppled to the ground, with their deaths the tzaangors spurred on. Silas cursed in frustration, he narrowed his eyes as a group of tzaangors on discs pierced the darkness. Their hands were on bow strings they released and arrows flew through the air slamming into noise marines and raptors that were covering the flank. Silas frowned, he could not get close to the mounted tzaangors, the horde was in the way. At this very moment the song that guides them is now turning erratic, he is unsure of how to proceed. The tzaangors began placing arrows on strings. Silas was about to charge but Faust called out “Stop.” Silas turned “why!? We can’t let them continue! Their arro-” “Relax Silas, I will deal with it.” To his surprise Faust seemed completely at ease despite the situation. To his shock he dropped his sonic blaster. “Silas...Adelram desires perfection. These beasts won’t stop us. I won’t allow it.” Silas watched Faust activate the mag-locks on his boots. It seemed like he was getting ready for a scream. “Silas...please stand back.” he did as he bade he wondered what his second was going to do. Faust took a deep breath, the tzaangors were piling towards him but as they got within a few paces, his second released a scream.

The tzaangors were pushed back, but something was different the sound was increasing in pitch and volume it climbed higher and higher. The tzaangors began flying off their feet their skin and meat began falling off their bodies. But the volume kept increasing, it got to the point that Silas had to mute sounds coming into his helmet but it did not help. His scream began to even warp the walls itself. Even the noise marines that followed them had to cover their ears. But Faust kept going, now staring at tzaangor’s mounted on disks Silas could see they were reduced to skeletons with strings of meat hanging from their bodies. The whole corridor was now filled with skeletons.

Faust’s stopped screaming the sound vanished in an instant. Silas blinked to return his helmet settings to normal. He walked over to Faust who wombled slightly as he deactivated his mag-lock. Silas ran over to keep him from falling, but as he held him one question filled his mind. It’s something he has asked before. “Why are you not the leader?” Faust steadied himself “I have no desire for it…” “But you are better. That scream it was…” “What? Beautiful?” he chuckled “only if it was. Whenever I do it I see flashes of those moments…” “What moments?” “It’s…. nothing. We need to help the terminators and raptors, then we will press on.” Silas nodded he released his grip on Faust. He picked up his sonic blaster and walked over to the terminator’s position. As he walked that question kept repeating in his mind.

I hope people like this chapter.

Chapter 24
Fahad raced down the hall with his rubricae, Bijan followed behind him with his own squad. As he ran he could feel the lights of his fellow sorcerers or apprentices flickering away sputtering into nothing. If this was any other situation he would be elated that his rivals are now dead, but how fast they are dying concerns him. He turned his head slightly to Bijan. “Four sorcerers have died.” he said flatly. Bijan bought his gaze to him, the eye lenses of his helmet shimmering slightly. “Then they were weak.” Fahad shook his head “we can’t underestimate the enemy. Magister Arash is even worried.” Bijan scoffed “he worries too much we are the strongest. We can easily eliminate the emperor’s children.” Fahad sighed and looked forward, before he was like Bijan. He tried to show concern but it got to the point that he felt Arash is jumping at shadows. But Now? The magister was correct, as always he was right. He continued to run as time passed, more of his fellow sorcerers died. One by one, he stopped. He gripped his staff tightly. “Bijan, we are the only ones left.” Bijan stopped behind him, he walked to his side. “As I said they were weak, no-” Before he could speak Fahad heard footsteps. He gestured to quieten Bijan. “On guard.” his fellow apprentice readied his staff. Fahad narrowed his eyes as out of the darkness he saw two Astartes covered in blood and dust. One looked to be a sorcerer wearing black robes and the other held a strange mace-like weapon. His armour was covered in spiked leather straps, he could also see they were a apothecary. “Bijan, we should be careful.” Bijan chuckled “what is there to be worried about? We are the strongest sorcerers in the warband and along with our rubricae we have them outnumbered.” Bijan readied his staff “watch I will incinerate the apothecary.” Bijan summoned a bolt of multicoloured light and launched it at the apothecary. Fahad watched the eldritch bolt shoot towards the invaders but as it reached just a few inches away the bolt burst into small shards of ice. Bijan took one step back in reaction. “How...did he do that?”

Fahad spat at him “I said to be careful no-” “Enough.” Fahad narrowed his eyes at the apothecary. He just spoke, but his voice purred but at the same time it was cold and menacing. “Izel I am saving myself for Arash. I want them gone.” The sorcerer took a step forward “Very well, I shall use the daemons.” Fahad stared at the sorcerer and the mention of Izel his eyes went wide. He shook his head “it can’t be the same Izel….” he whispered to himself. He was a traitor but a powerful sorcerer the fact he is with the emperor’s children… “We have to fall back!” Fahad barked at Bijan. But it was too late, Izel removed strange stones from his pouch and made a quick chant. They shattered and a great pink mist erupted from it, it swirled in the hallway until it began coalsing together into the form of daemons. The lesser daemons belonging to she who thirsts, also known as daemonettes.

The she-daemons leapt towards them shrieking and crying, promising them agony and torment. Fahad raised his staff to have his rubric marines begin firing, Bijan did the same. The eldritch shells tore into the daemons but they were like a swarm. Fahad called out “we have to fall back!” “I am not a coward! They are degenerates! We can’t lost them to them!” Bijan spat back. The daemonettes then shifted towards Bijan, they piled upon him and began tearing him apart. They also fell upon his rubricae, severing limbs and heads.

Fahad cursed he was about to take a step back but felt a sharp pain around his stomach. He looked down to see power claws protruding from it. He coughed up blood “w-what?” Fahad slowly looked up and turned his head slightly. To his right he saw an astartes looking at him, his helmet bore metal spikes and his blue eye lenses chilled his bones for some reason.

The claws bagan tearing his gut, he threw up a great amount of blood as the claws began digging, twisting and tearing. “I-I c-can’t d-die lik..” he collapsed to the ground. His blood pooling on the floor. He could hear his rubricae being torn apart, afterwards he was surrounded by the daemonettes and they fell upon him. Tearing, slashing and screaming into his ear, he thought the pain would end, but it’s just beginning.

Izel watched the daemons tear apart the sorcerer his screams were pleasant and using the night lord’s souls as fuel he could summon a great amount. He had to remember this for later. Kaiser stepped around the daemons but he kept his eyes upon them, by his body language he could see some measure of revulsion but curiosity was also there. Izel smiled as he approached “It was a good idea to have you travel via the ceiling. How come people never look up?” Kaiser gave a quick shrug “don’t know, perhaps that’s why my old legion prefers doing such tactics. Now we are close to the bridge.” at the mention of the bridge, his lord began walking. Since killing the first sorcerer they encountered he has steadily been growing silent. He would ask if something is wrong, but he knows better, even at this very moment as he walks he is leaving patches of rime. He is desperate to get to Arash. “Come Kaiser, we must follow Adelram.” Kaiser nodded, both of them fell in behind his lord. Izel could see as they passed the daemons Kaiser began staring at them again. “Is something wrong Kaiser?” the ex-night lord nodded. “Don’t you feel disgusted using them?” “No, they are quite beautiful creatures actually. Especially with how they kill.” “You consider those things beautiful? How?” Izel sighed slightly, he could not exactly explain it. He had to admit his old self would never think in such a fashion. “Give it time Kaiser. You will understand soon enough.” Kaiser faced forward as they got some distance from the daemons. “Are you just planning to leave them?” “Why not? They will fizzle out eventually let them enjoy themselves. We have more important business to attend to. Our lord wishes to get to the bridge.” Izel faced his lord’s back, with each step it’s like there is a great weight on his shoulders. He is carrying a burden that he wants to be rid of.

Izel guessed that Marthas’ death wounded him that much and Arash will regret inflicting such a gash upon the mind of body of Adelram. All of them walked in silence, seconds moved to minutes and they have not encountered any forces belonging to the thousand sons. Just looking around the empty hallways it’s clear from here there are no more defences save the bridge.

After a few minutes more of walking, they were now in front of the door. His lord still stood in front of them, in silence. His hand slowly moved to the button to open the door, but for some reason Izel grasped his pauldron. He felt some measure of concern. “Adelram, we must be careful. The others were easily dealt with but Ar-” before he could utter Arash’s name, the hand that touched Adelram’s pauldron was slowly being covered in ice. Despite the ceramite protecting his hand he felt a biting cold.

He tore it away from his shoulder, the ice rapidly melted and heat quickly returned to his hand. His lord turned his head slightly to him in silence, he then faced the door after a moment and pushed the button to open the door.

As it slid open he walked in slowly, Izel looked over to Kaiser who gave a small shrug both of them followed Adelram onto the bridge. What they found are mortals sitting in the seats trembling with fear. In the middle of the bridge he saw Arash standing with his rubricae. All nine of his eyes fell upon them as they approached but mainly he looked at him. He could see the recognition. “Izel….” he said cooly. “Arash.” Izel responded. He looked over to his lord they stopped a few paces away from his cousin. Izel faced Arash “We meet again. Are you ready to die?” Arash chuckled he looked over to Adelram “so tell me what made you take this piece of trash into your service? To take in a traitor? I also knew the third to be soft in the head…” in reaction to Arash’s words he could see his lord gripping his weapon tightly.

Izel could tell Adelram is not in the mood, this was personal. He took a step back “I assume you don’t me to get involved in this?” his lord nodded slowly “yes...also, Kaiser stay back.” The ex-night lord gave a curt nod in return and took a step back. Izel looked over to Arash who was shaking his head. “Are you sure you don’t need aid? I have seen exactly what is going to happen.” Izel did not like the sound of that, he wanted to protest but he wanted to obey Adelram’s wishes.

His lord took a step forward “I don’t care...just...die.” Adelram let loose a scream the sound waves reduced the bridge crew to paste but Arash raised a blue shield blocking the sound wave he gave a small smile. As Adelram’s scream died away Arash lowered the shield. He shook his head. “Tell me are you that upset over me ruining your pool? I truly doubt you also care for you so called “brothers”, now since you ruined absolutely everything with your tantrum I will kill you slowly...” Izel watched him gesture his staff one of the rubricae fired, the movement was so quick. The bolt crashed into Adelram’s pauldron, shattering the ceramite, rivers of blood poured from his shoulder, his lord fell to one knee. It was pure instinct, Izel took a few steps forward he shouted “Adelram!” his lord lifted his hand “Stay back” he hissed. Izel ground his teeth in frustration. “Why if we attack tog-” “Stay back!” he roared. He used his weapon to stand upright. “This...is a test. I grow tired of losing all of you. I can’t take it. Do you know what it feels like to be utterly alone in your legion? Completely and utterly? To the point that your own legion wished to kill you? Then all the people you care about they leave you or they die. I won’t...allow it. So...this is a test.” Izel was confused he wondered what he is testing for. Arash gave a great laugh “I knew this was going to happen! Izel he wishes to die!” Izel looked over to his ex-brother he was chuckling to himself. “He wishes...to die?” “Yes, the strings of fate told me as this battle wears on he begins to question for what purpose his brothers keep dying. He is angry at himself for allowing it to happen, he is angry at his own god for causing him to suffer. He is angry at me for causing it to happen. So he wonders...what will end this cycle? But I can answer your question.” Right away Adelram looked up to Arash. “W-what?” Arash gestured again for the rubricae to fire into his other pauldron fell back slightly.

Izel looked down at Adelram and then to Kaiser, his wings were wrapped around his form. He stood in his original position like a stone. He guessed that the ex-night lord was not truly invested yet, he could tell he was curious just like he viewed the daemons from before. Compared to him, he was worried he watched his lord stagger to his knees coughing. He took a deep breath. “Tell me sorceror...I bet you are going to say I have to die?” Arash nodded “yes.” he gestured again. The rubricae fired again the bullet crashed into his lord’s face he was sent hurtling back.

His helmet a utter ruin, blood pooling onto the ground. As Izel stared at Adelram’s body his mouth fell agape. He flicked towards Arash, anger consuming him “How dare you!” he roared. He charged towards the thousand son sorcerer.

Everything was white he found himself setting on a familiar bench. He was at ease here, he does not need to worry about slaves, the strength of his warband, his brothers...no more heartache. He took deep breath. “I...could be here forever.” “Can you Adelram?” He turned his head slightly to his right, his voice was far more softer compared to the real one. He saw him, but he knew better the rune on his forehead is telling. Adelram looked away he does not want to meet his eyes. “I can.” “So you want to stop?” “Yes...I want to stop.” “Why?” “When the attack began I was sure. So sure, everything was going perfectly but...the more I killed I began thinking. Maybe this is just another high point? Before I tumble and lose everything. I am tired of going through that...” He looked down to his hands they were trembling. “I wish to ask something. Why me?” he was going to turn his head as he asked to question but he did not want to make eye contact. In the end the one he is talking with could force him but for some reason they are not attempting to. “Why you? Why do I take interest anyone? It’s a whim, nothing more, nothing less.” Adelram clenched his hands “a whim...a whim!?” He did not like the sound of that his hearts began hurting again. “I live, while my brothers die for your whims!” “Yes, is something wrong with that?” Now he turned his head, his shape changed to a person he killed.

He frowned “why her?” She flicked her black hair “why not?” her blue eyes glittered slightly “This the woman you loved.” “I don’t love her.” he spat back. She sighed at his answer. “I see, you killed the person you love for him. You don’t love him at all but the relationship is strange. You would do anything for each other why?” Adelram could not help but frown slightly she knew the answer to the question but he found himself speaking. “I don’t know.” “Exactly, you don’t know. That is why I am curious, forget about everyone else, forget your brothers. Tell me why don’t you know?” Adelram could not put an answer to that question, he has to admit their relationship is strange. Incredibly so but now he has to live without him all of them do. “It does not matter. He will learn to live without me, he is strong. Same goes with my brothers.”

She leaned on his legs and looked up to him, her eyes still glittering. “If that’s the case, I am now bored of you. I will kill them.” Adelram eyes went wide “What do you mean!?” She gave him a daemonic smile that chilled him. “If you stop, I will end all of them. I will draw out their screams, I will torment their souls for eternity, while you have eternal peace here.” he clenched his teeth. His hearts began twisting tighter and tighter. “Please..don’t.” “Why not? You don’t care and neither do I. I wonder how Lucius is doing?” She looked up slightly, like she is staring at something in the distance. Adelram felt sweat dripping down his brow, he wondered if she is playing with him. He shook his head “she is serious…” he whispered to himself. “I am.” she responded. “But...perhaps you need incentive? A slight push? So how about this? I will restore you but you must defeat the sorcerer make his death pleasing to me. If not I will wipe out your warband...forget these cycles or meaningless interpretations. Think of just pleasing me. That’s it.” Adelram furrowed his brow “that’s it?” “That’s...it.” she purred. “Stop beating yourself up over something you had no control over...run free.”

She sat upright she bought up two fingers “Please me in this and I will restore two.” at the mention of two he frowned “Two what?” She gave a wry smile. “Two things that are important to you. They will be in your personal chambers. They will only be there if….” her voice trailed off. “If I please you.” Adelram said firmly. “See? You are getting it!” she clapped slightly. “Amuse me and things will go right for you that’s it…” He looked down to his hands they were no longer trembling. “Please...send me back.” She smiled and rose from the bench, she walked to his front. He looked over to her, her hair was slowly changing to blonde. She bought up a single finger and jammed it into his normal eye.

He seized up slightly, it hurt but he felt oddly pleasant. She twisted her finger destroying the eyeball. “I want more to scream my name in praise to me...you are good at that. I want you to keep doing it. As I keep saying…” “Please you and things will be well…” “Exactly.” she removed her finger. Blood dripping down onto the white floor “You are a prized possession just like all my favoured champions. Now go back and do my will.” Adelram slowly nodded “I..shall.” He blinked and suddenly he found himself on his back he could hear bullets flying through the air, the smell of sorcery discharging in the air.

He rose and took off his helmet. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as air filled his lungs the sounds stopped. He slowly opened his eyes to see Kaiser, Izel and his enemy staring at him. In clear shock, in return he gave a jovial smile, by their body language he could tell all of them fear him somewhat. Even Izel, but his brothers have nothing to fear only the sorcerer Arash should be scared right now. Izel shook his head “you are alive...how?” “Don’t worry about it. It’s alright now.” his words calmed his brother slightly.

He faced Arash “you saw my death sorcerer but I guess you could not see past it?” Arash staggered back “Y-you should be dead. W-why.” Adelram was about to reach down to pick up his weapon but stopped. He knew killing him with that won’t please him. He stood up right and kept his gaze on the sorcerer. “She...gave me quite a talking to.” he touched his eye, the one she destroyed, but instead of a ruined mess it was whole. But he could tell something was different.

Adelram nodded “right...let’s get to work.” he took a step and charged towards Arash, his Rubricae opened fire. Adelram dodged each shot gracefully and within a few heartbeats he was now before Arash. He took another step back “you..were just…” Adelram smiled “I was...now...I am here.” His hand snapped out like a flash tearing out one of his nine eyes. Arash screamed holding his face. Adelram looked at the bloodied eye he tore out it glistened slightly as he threw into his mouth and began chewing, He oddly liked the taste, soon as Arash moved his hands away from his face Adelram’s hand quickly flicked forward tearing out another he popped the second one into his mouth. Arash’s hands went to his face again, his screams grew higher in pitch he shouted back at him. “Damn sybarite! Degenerate! Ho-” before he could finish Adelram stepped towards him and grabbed his gorget with one hand.

He swallowed the remnants of his eye and aised his fist and began punching, forcing the sorcerer to remove his hands from his face. His now face in full view, Adelram went to his belt and pulled out a scalpel. He quickly carved the rune of slaanesh into his forehead. He barely even noticed that he did it, his hand moved too fast. He threw the scalpel aside “I offer this one to you my dark prince.” the rune glew brightly and with that he raised his fist and began punching Arash in the face. He knew it would take much to kill an Astartes in such a fashion but that was the point. As his fist crashed into Arash’s face he is greeted with a wet splashing sound. As the meat twists on impact.

With every few strikes he would stop and allow the bruises to heal. For the astartes physiology to begin absorbing the blood. Then he would start again increasing the number of punches. This lasted for several minutes until Arash’s face was an utter ruination. He dropped sorcerer on the ground, his body twitching slightly. Adelram walked over to his head, he could see the sorcerer is still struggling to survive. Seeing this he raised his boot over Arash’s head. “Say hello to the dark prince for me.” Adelram said coldly. His boot came down he crushed Arash’s head.

The sorcerer now dead, Adelram folded his arms, he thought he would feel better. That a sense of approval would grip him. But he felt nothing, but maybe that’s how he is supposed to feel? The sorcerer is an ant a small sacrifice to the dark prince. He knows she would want more, far more. He turned towards his brothers, the Rubricae were now inert since Arash was not in a state to will them to move. Adelram walked over and picked up Eligos. Right away the daemon began speaking +hmm...that was pretty interesting. The sorcerer never thought he would die in such a fashion.+ “That’s why I killed him like that. But it’s not enough.” +You are correct. What are you going to do now?+ As Eligos spoke he turned to Izel and Kaiser who were still in shock. “I am heading back to the ship, gather as many slaves as you can. Strip the ship of all resources. Make sure everyone knows this.” It took a second for both of them to respond. Izel bowed slightly “It shall be done.” Kaiser nodded.

Adelram hefted Eligos on his shoulder and left the bridge. There is one place he needs to go.


Asriel frowned he moved the leg that he regenerated. He planned to use his new power to its fullest extent but instead he was taken out at the start of the battle and his brother took it upon himself to annihilate the opposition. Asriel looked over to his brother he was busy devouring the sorcerers, he checked them beforehand to make sure they are safe to eat. With what Salvador did he deserves the meal.

He sighed slightly, the prospect of battle is now dead many of the cultist forces went to gathering slaves. Noxus simply fell asleep due to the fact there was no one to fight. Asriel wondered how Adelram was doing, in moments like these he wished he was an astartes. He looked at the arm he reattached. “I am still a frail human…” he clenched his hand. “I can’t be frail I have to be better for him…” “After that display you have to be far better.” He folded his arms as he turned to Difillia who bore a smug grin. “I am not in the mood Difillia.” “I know, hence why I am talking with you. You were so sure of your little trick...at most it’s good for slave gathering.” Asriel wanted to hit her ever since the battle ended she is rubbing it in. “Well I do recall you were not involved in the battle. Salvador did all the work.” Difillia nodded “Yes, and he deserves all the praise for it. But I am not the one who was overconfident and got their arm and leg blown off. If you did not know biomancy you would be dead.” Asriel kissed his teeth, he was about to speak but the doors of the docking bay opened.

He bought his eyes to the door to see Adelram covered in blood, both of his pauldrons are ruined. But something was different his normal eye was now like Marthas’. Asriel smiled slightly he guessed that the dark prince rewarded him for the death of Arash.

Right away he ran over, Difillia followed him. As he approached Adelram gave him a soft smile. “So both of you are well.” Difillia bowed “We are my lord. Thanks to Salvador.” Adelram looked over to his brother who is stuffing his face with meat. “Perhaps I need to prepare him a meal once I get back. Tell me..how did both of you fare in the battle?” Asriel grumbled slightly at the question. “As Difillia said Salvador defeated the astartes, the human forces were easily dealt with after that.” Difillia smiled at Adelram. “Yes, Asriel is correct, but he forgot to mention he was down for most of the battle.” Adelram stroked his chin “I see…” his eyes then fell upon him. Asriel sighed he knew she was going to do this. But he rathered it came from him. “I was not paying attention the rubric marines blew off my arm and leg.” Adelram shook his head. “That is disappointing Asriel. I expected more from you.” hearing those words from him, that crushed him for some reason.

Asriel looked into his eyes, he was judging him, weighing him and his uses. He was not used to it, something has changed. He could tell. Adelram then looked over to Salvador and smiled. “I will definitely reward him.” He then faced the thunderhawk and walked passed them without another word. Asriel felt his shoulders sagging slightly “I….” he turned to Adelram. “I will do better!” he called out. But Adelram kept walking towards the thunderhawk, he did not say anything to him. That made him feel even worse.
He looked over to Difillia who is now smiling ear to ear. “I think...our lord has changed for the better.” he narrowed his eyes at her. She could also see it, but he disagreed with her. He was not sure if he has changed for the better.

Part 1 Epilogue
Each step was heavy, Adelram walked to his chamber doors. He wanted to know if he pleased him enough to reward him. He said that if he pleased him, he will restore two things that are important to him. He stopped and placed his hand on the door he began pushing it, strangely enough it was heavy. Or perhaps he truly has not done enough. He closed his eyes as he pushed the doors.

Once they were fully open he walked inside, eyes still closed. He did not want to open them, he did not want to be greeted with nothing. He then heard a voice “Khan? What are you doing?” and then another voice. “I don’t know..he seems upset.” When heard their voices his face screwed up, he could not help it. Eligos chuckled +it should be simple from here? Shouldn’t it?+ “Please her…” he whispered to himself +Exactly...do that and things will go your way….+ Adelram opened his eyes. He saw Tarkhan standing at attention hand resting on on the pommel of his blade. He turned his head slightly to see Marthas folding his arms looking at him with concern his eye is now normal.

Adelram placed his hand on his face, his hearts filling up with joy. “Both of you died….” He lowered his hand to see both of them looking at him with confusion. Tarkhan frowned “I don’t recall dying. I would know. I recall Asriel capturing me but I freed myself, found my gear and made my way here. One interesting note is that the lower levels were empty...so I thought to come here. I thought you would be here.” Marthas nodded in agreement “Yes, I was in my study and oddly enough my weapon was not there. I searched the ship and it was largely empty.” Marthas looked at the weapon he is now holding. “So tell me why are you using it?” Adelram looked up to Eligos. “Do you want it back?” Marthas sighed slightly “Daemon weapons are strange things if it wants to be with you I can’t do much about it.”

Adelram shook his head “it’s not them is it?” he sent his thoughts to Eligos. He could sense the daemon frowning slightly. +It is...in the case of Tarkhan all events surrounding the pool and his death were erased. Same goes with Marthas at the time of his death he was making his way to his room. Be glad the dark prince is doing this for you...she had to wrestle Marthas’ soul from daemons belonging to the other gods...+ With that Adelram smiled. “My brothers we have much to catch up on…” Both of them held the picture of confusion, but he did not care. The words kept repeating in his mind that if he pleases her things will go well from now on. That prospect did not bother him in the slightest.

Entry 9
It’s been some time since I last wrote in this journal...it was hard to gather my thoughts or what I should put on the paper but after thinking about it? I am sure, I am sure that Adelram has...changed. In a manner of speaking for everyone else he has changed for better, ever since Tarkhan and Marthas were somehow bought back he is happy again. He stopped doing his new hobby and utterly focused on raiding and pleasing the dark prince. After the thousand son raid I am not sure whether I should speak to him, because at this very moment I haven’t done as he ordered for I don’t know how to progress from here. I know if I visit him he will bring up, I have a feeling he will.

Now, onto other matters, Marthas does not want this journal back. He said I can keep it when I tried to return it to him. Then our conversation moved to the manner of his death, he had no memory of it. He told me according to Adelram the dark prince bought both he and Tarkhan back. I even showed him his dying words and it did not move him, since he does not remember why should he care? Tarkhan had a similar response when I questioned him, I was surprised he did not seem angry that I captured and killed him. He is just pleased he is back with Adelram.

Still there is one problem, gods do not do such things for no reason. There is a purpose, there has to be. Adelram’s new commitment and drive is most likely due to the dark prince bringing both Tarkhan and Marthas back. Now, I sit in this seat racking my brain on how I should approach Adelram. I just hope I am merely overreacting, I hope that’s all it is.

Chapter 25
Asriel stopped writing, now putting his thoughts to paper he does not feel any better. He thought writing here of all places would set him at ease but at most he made him ask even more questions. What sort of strings were attached to Marthas’ and Tarkhan’s resurrections? Why did Adelram have to give or agree to in order to get them back? He slowly looked up from the journal to see Isabella staring at him, expecting him to say something. He frowned at her and in turn she smiled back. He picked up the glass of wine and sipped it and placed it back down. “So Isabella have to noticed it?” She used her hand to lightly lean on the table slightly, she held her grin. “Yes he tries so hard now, I hear that he is stealing away people from the lower levels to “improve” them.” As she mentioned stealing people away he frown turned longer, he could not put that thought to paper. Adelram is taking people from both cults, Astartes would come in groups to take them away. Some offer themselves, others resist and they are taken by force. At this point both cults have literally broken down, he has not heard from Vincent and Alma in several days.

He has not even heard from Carita which is troubling. He clenched the journal tightly, the astartes haven’t asked anything of him. They simply take his people and for some reason he allows it. Asriel shook his head “I should talk to him.” “You should.” Isabella responded. She picked up her wine glass and sipped it as she placed it down she narrowed her eyes at him. “I bet you haven’t talked to him since the raid on the thousand sons.” Asriel grimaced slightly, as always she sees right through him. “I haven’t, plus I guess he is busy modifying all of the cultists on the ship. He has Salvador and...Difillia for company. I don’t want to bother him.” as he finished speaking he watched Isabella’s eye movements. Out of everyone on the ship he now has a hard time reading her, even picking up surface thoughts is difficult. He sat in silence while Isabella stared at him while she drank her wine. After a few minutes he had enough. “Fine...I will go and see him.” Isabella nodded in approval. “Well...off you go then.” Asriel grabbed his glass and drained it completely, he then rose from his chair and closed the journal and attached it to his belt. Asriel then made his way to the room exit he turned his head back slightly to see Isabella gesturing for him to leave her room.

Asriel sighed and faced the door and he left, now in the hallway he guessed that Adelram would be in the operating theatre since by now the modification process has begun. So he began his journey there, for some reason each step felt heavy. He was not sure what Adelram will say or how he will react. He walked for a few minutes to reach a hallway that had a long line people. Asriel could see cultists from both groups and workers on the upper level in the line. The length of the line shocked him, Adelram looks to be changing almost everyone on the ship. He looked to the other side of the wall to see Astartes standing with weapons out. He could see that they are most likely there to prevent anyone from running. He took a deep breath and walked towards the door, as he got there he saw Vincent and Alma were at the front of line.

Asriel stopped and regarded them, he then frowned. “Are you sure about this?” he asked. At his question both Alma and Vincent bought their eyes to him. Alma smiled “why not, our lord seeks to improve all of us. If we were stronger and more beautiful raids would be a lot easier.” Vincent nodded in agreement “Alma is right, I am surprised that you are not joining us.” Hearing both of them speak he should of known better that this would be their answer. He looked away slightly “I am not sure of this…” Alma sighed slightly “I thought I would never hear that from you. But you must be careful.” He faced her at the mention of danger. “Why?” Vincent claw snapped a few times “Considering what happened during the thousand son raid you don’t think some will make an attempt on your life?” At the prospect of someone trying to kill him he could not help but chuckle slightly. “I am not worried, anyway I hope you get what you want from this.” Asriel gave both of them a curt nod and walked to the door and opened it.

He stepped inside to see servitors moving around the room cleaning away the blood and ensuring the operating theatre is kept neat. Asriel then placed his eyes on the operating table to see Adelram standing over it, he is also wearing his helmet. “Asriel, what are you doing here?” His eyes did not leave his work, despite not looking he knew it was him. Asriel walked over, the servitors trailing behind him with each step cleaning any dirt left by his feet. “I wish to speak with you.” Adelram still did not look at him, he did not say anything which annoyed him slightly. Asriel then looked at who he is working and it was someone he recognised. Her legs are now normal, they were muscled but somewhat slender, the same goes for her whole body, at the moment Adelram has her chest open injecting strange coloured liquid into her organs.

Asriel then placed his vision to her face, it was statuesque in form and beauty. The one who is on the table is Carita. He looked up to Adelram. “So what exactly are you doing?” He stopped his work to turn his head slightly to him. “I am making them better. I am making everyone who can wield a weapon better...for her.” “Her? You mean the dark prince?” He slowly nodded. “Yes, if I am to please her we must be better. With a mix of biomancy, gene-enchanting and the flowers of my chambers I aim to make everyone strong...wonderful…and...perfect.” For some reason Asriel could not help but feel slightly worried. “Adelram are you okay?” his question caused him to sigh slightly. “I am, but what of you?” “I am fine.” Asriel responded. “No you are not. Tell me have you done what I have asked Asriel? Have you reflected on your failure?” He clenched his hands hearing that he started to feel annoyed slightly. “I did not fail! Yes I was distracted I admit that! But I know I am strong I bet I could beat anyone that you have “improved!”. His outburst just caused him to laugh, watching Adelram laugh in such a fashion annoyed him even more. “Then prove it, Difillia has been through the process already. She is training with Salvador I am eager to hear the results.” Asriel grumbled he marched out of the operating theatre without another word.

As the door closed behind him he looked at Vincent and Alma who were now staring at him in confusion. He grimaced and walked faced forward without a word to them. He made his way to the training room. Adelram said that Difillia is training with Salvador, he guessed that Difillia wished to test out the new changes wrought upon her by Adelram. That is something that she would do, knowing his brother he would oblige her, he is nice like that.

As he walked down the hallway he found his heart rate increasing, beating faster and faster. Asriel could attach only one reason to this. He was afraid, that all he gained, all he suffered for is being undone by Adelram deciding to do a most likely simple operation. That all those who are lining up will rise over him through something so simple, without any work, sweat or pain to reach those heights. The fact that Adelram was also confident as he spoke was not good either. With each step the fear drifted it slowly turned into anger, he stopped for a moment and started to grind his teeth. He bought his hands up to see they were shaking he roared in anger and punched the wall causing a large dent. He kept punching in frustration bending and warping the metal on impact. “There is no way they will be better than me!” he spat. “They can’t be better just through an operation!” he kept striking again and again.

Eventually he stopped, Asriel took a deep breath. “I have proved him wrong before...all I have to do is beat her.” He smiled “yes, all I have to do is beat her.” Asriel faced the hall and continued walking. He soon felt better, the fear is gone, the anger is gone. All there is but one fact, he just has to defeat Difillia. After a few minutes he reached the training room door, he pressed the button to open it.
As he stepped inside he saw Salvador in the middle of the training room swinging a padded weapon, the one he was fighting must be Difillia. She looked different, her hair was now white, her face was similar to Carita’s in terms of beauty and her body was the same as well. But what annoyed him slightly is how she fought. She gracefully dodged each of Salvador’s swings, and with each time she dodged she thrusted her padded spear in his blind spots. Each time she gets a hit in his brother would grunt in annoyance.

Asriel frowned as he walked forward, as he approached they stopped their spar. Salvador grinned at him. “Asriel are you here to help? Difillia is so strong now!” He kept his frown as his brother praised Difillia, he bought his eyes to her. Right away looking into her piercing gaze he could see it, she knew why he is here. “So Asriel you wish to spar?” her voice was cool, soft even which annoyed him even more. But it did not surprise him that Adelram would also change their voice box. “Yes...I wish to spar with you.” His answer caused her to smile. Salvador held his grin and walked to one side. Asriel took his place, he fastened his gauntlets. “I assume you wish to use your actual weapon?” Difillia chuckled “you know me so well…” she went to work removing the pads on her spear. As she was undoing them Salvador released a whine. “Y-you are not going to fight seriously are you?” Asriel turned his head slightly to him, he smiled at his brother. “We are just sparing...that’s it. Nothing serious.” he lied. At his word Salvador relaxed slightly, he faced Difillia who could see right through it. She was expecting this. “You know Asriel, I always wanted to bring your arrogance down a peg. Yet you walk by his side, not showing respect...” “My arrogance? Really? Are you that jealous?” She narrowed her eyes at him that said everything.

Difillia removed the last pad, and got into battle stance. “Still I wonder what he will think if I defeat you here? So first blood?” Asriel readied himself. “First blood.” he answered back firmly. He charged towards Difillia, he had to be careful, she wields a spear so she has reach. Asriel watched her activate the power field, she began making rapid thrusts, Asriel dodged to the right, he made sure to land on one foot, using biomancy he increased the strength in his leg and then pushed himself forward to get close to Difillia. Now he is within a few paces of her Asriel began his assault. He did not hold anything back, if he breaks her he can merely fix her later. He let forth a flurry of punches, but each strike she was smoothly dodging, just by her eyes he could see she was reading his attacks despite the speed.

As he pulled his fist back he felt a pain in his gut, he staggered back gripping it coughing slightly. He eyes fell to his stomach and hand. “What happened?” “Pay attention Asriel. You don’t want to lose an arm and leg.” He looked up to see the sparking spear coming straight towards his face, he dodged it but the spear clipped his cheek. Causing a small gash, he felt it. His blood trickling down his face. He touched it while bringing his eyes to Difillia she was smiling ear to ear. Asriel bit his lip drawing even more blood “How have you suffered for what you gained?” His words caused her to raise her eyebrow. “Don’t act a sore loser Asriel. I won. Honestly your punches were quite slow.” Hearing that he clenched his other hand, he wanted to wipe that smile off her face. “Get her Ormir….” he felt him sliding off his body the black balls of energy came together into the form of a snake. Difillia looked up to it “Really? Are you that sore?” Asriel narrowed his eyes at her, he bought his hand away from his cheek and rubbed the blood between his fingers. “Kill her.” he said firmly. Salvador cried out “what are you doing Asriel!?” he ignored the protests of his brother, if he kills her Adelram will just make another one. He will forget her like the rest. Ormir at his command shot towards her, again she dodged gracefully, his familiar was desperately trying to snatch her up with his maw, but she kept dodging and it got to the point she started to laugh. That laugh angered him, she is not even taking the fact that he is trying to kill her seriously. “Fiske.” he said cooly, he summoned the second, he did not even wait the shark dove towards Difillia.

She faced Fiske and ran towards him, she jumped and landed on his back and kept running she flipped off and then threw her spear towards him. Asriel’s eyes went wide, the speed it was hurtling towards him. He could not dodge it, the weapon crashed from his chest spearing his body. He fell to his knees, blood pouring out of his mouth.

He coughed and gagged, the damage was extreme, he needed to remove it and heal himself. He looked up, he was about to grip the spear but someone’s hands were already upon it. Difillia frowned at him. “You know how come you did not offer yourself to our master? With your current changes and your improvements…” “Shut up! Don’t lecture me!” he hissed back. He looked to the side to see Fiske and Ormir are now dissipating, he cursed in frustration. Then he felt a sharp pain in his chest, Difillia is twisting the spear, Asriel gagged. She chuckled “I was never one for torture, but since the operation I can’t help but feel the need. Seeing you like this...is pleasing.” He was about to say something but Salvador came running over. “Stop this! Right now!” Difillia tutted slightly she twisted one more time and removed the spear.

Asriel collapsed on his chest. The impact upon the ground bought another dose of pain, but there is no joy in this. None at all, he felt hollow and angry. He pushed his psychic powers to begin healing the wound, he staggered to his knees, while gripping his chest. Slowly he got to his feet and turned away without a word. He did not want to say anything, he does not want to see her face. As he got to the door he could hear his brother calling out, he ignored him as well. Asriel exited the training room as the door slid close behind him. He took a deep breath, the wound slowly healed, even if he could not feel the hole in his chest it was like it was still there. He clenched his eyes shut. “It was a fluke…” he told himself. He began walking down the hallway repeating those words, trying to convince himself that he allowed her to win, that if he pushed harder he would of defeated her. But each time he said it, each time those words left his lips it became more hollow. Even with his chest wound healed, he still clenched the area.

He could walk up right, but for some reason his body was slouched slightly. His mind wracked with the prospect that everyone on the ship will be at least on par with Difillia and he knows they will keep improving themselves from there. That he knows for sure. As he kept walking he found he was doing it aimlessly but he did not care. He kept walking through the hallways until he saw two figures. The fact they are in his path did not surprise him exactly, perhaps as always they knew this was going to happen. “Faust….Silas...what are you doing here?” Silas chuckled at his question. “Tell me what’s the matter Asriel?” He frowned at the astartes and kept walking. “I don’t care for what you are planning.” “Not even if it can allow you to rise above the warriors Adelram is developing?” Faust said flatly. With that Asriel stopped, just for a few seconds. “How would you do that? Considering what you put me through to get me like this? I thought…” he turned to face them. “I thought I would be the best. People came to me, but I don’t see that happening after Adelram is finished with his project. The fact that Difillia defeated me also…” Faust nodded “The path to perfection is long and hard are you just going to give up here?” Asriel grunted “why are you trying to manipulate me?” Silas shrugged “fine I will be honest with you. Adelram has found his peace with the dark prince, but you have not.” Asriel narrowed his eye at him. “What makes you think that I don’t worship the dark prince? I am just…” “More careful?” said Faust. “It’s clear enough you care more for Adelram than the god we all follow. If you wish to retain Adelram’s interest you must make your peace with the dark prince.”

Asriel sighed slightly for some reason he has a bad feeling, but he knows if he sees Adelram now he will just send him away back to the task of bettering himself. Plus the fact Difillia defeated him when he tried to kill her does not help either. “What do you have in mind?” Silas folded his arms “We will have to see someone.” “Who?” “Well we are going to see Sitri.” At the mention of her name he wanted to keep walking. “Why her?” “Despite your encounters with her she will have the means to get you on the right track. Now follow me.” Silas and Faust walked past him, Asriel wondered if he should walk in the other direction. But then he recalled his discussion with Isabella, that sometimes you need help.

He finally stood up right and followed.

Silas walked with Faust, Asriel is following behind him. After raiding the thousand sons he thought this would be the end of the song, once they sacked the ship it grew quiet. But he sensed approval behind the notes as it drew to a close. With Tarkhan and Marthas being bought back Adelram has gained a new fervour with the dark prince. As he said to Asriel he made his peace, but soon after that the song came back and swirled around the human. Both he and Faust discussed this at length whether they should bother, but in the end Faust pushed the point if the dark prince is pulling them in this direction it has to be done. For whatever reason he desires to go in this direction they must follow.

Listening carefully to the song it told them to bring Asriel to Sitri, to be honest with himself they also talked beforehand how they could improve Asriel. But they exhausted everything they had the first time. But as he bought up Sitri the song pitched upwards hence why they are going there. To be fair he was not entirely sure whether they should visit the creature, a creature formed and molded by his father. It’s not that he hates her, it’s more the fact of just being careful. Eventually they reached her main room, Sitri has several rooms where she lures in slaves and serfs, they enter and are never seen again. But something was different, from the door he could hearing crying and the smashing of objects. Asriel spoke up “are you sure about this?” Silas kept his gaze on the door and he was not sure about this at all. But if it’s the dark princes desire he has to follow through. “I am sure. Just a moment.”

He knocked on the door, the crying stopped and the door slowly slid open. “I will go in alone, just a moment.” He could hear Asriel sighing “why? Are you trying to hide something?” “No, you can see she is agitated how would she react seeing you?” He turned his head slightly to see Asriel rolling his eyes. Faust gave him a curt nod “take your time.” “I know.” he responded. Silas entered her room and what he saw were men and women crucified on walls their chest split open with their organs hanging out. Their dead faces stuck in the throes of agony. But he paid no mind to them he scanned the room to see Sitri crying and throwing around vases, torture tools and even cutlery. He approached her as he got close she regarded him, tears were trailing down her face, her hair was mess he wondered what happened after Asriel’s attempt to convert the warband. Silas coughed slightly “Sitri.” at the mention of her name she rushed over and placed her hands on his chest. “Tell me!” she roared. “Tell me how to talk to him!?” Her question caused him to raise his eyebrow. “Excuse me?” She turned away and grabbed her head. “It’s been too long! Far too long!” He had no idea what she was talking about he folded his arms. “Who are you referring to?” Sitri removed her hands from her head. “You know of who I speak...how can I see your father again? You are his son….”

Her words confused him even more, he had no idea how to get into contact with him, many in the legion are searching for him to this day. There are even rumours his father has been sighted with Lucius. “You of all people should be able to talk to him. You have spoken to him far more than I have.” Sitri hicked and coughed “Ever since that time...he doesn’t speak to me...anymore...I wish to hear him again.” If he put what she is saying together he guessed after what Asriel did she has not received any orders. The reaction is not surprising, back in the day during horus’ war he did that to mortals. He would dote on one for a moment and discard them. Most would kill themselves because they can no longer see him, some go mad with desire. The fact Sitri has not killed herself means she is stronger than most. “So you desire my father’s attention again?” At the mention of her father she flicked towards him. “Yes...please! If you know anything!” Silas smiled perhaps her being in this state is actually making things more easier. He rested his hand on the pommel of his blade. “He stopped talking to after what Asriel did. Perhaps it involves him? Maybe my father desires him?” At the mention of desire she shrieked at him. “Why would he want that!? He gave him everything and spat in his face!” “It was not his choice but the choice of my brother.” “It does not matter! Once he was well again he should of went crawling back to him!” Silas tried hard not to sigh. But soon enough an idea struck him. “So why don’t you offer Asriel to my father? That should get his attention.” at the mention of the idea the song pitched up slightly, he is on the right track. “Imagine it...the one who spat in his face, offering up his soul would get you back into his graces.” As he spoke Sitri’s eyes were going wide. “Why didn’t I think of that?” She wiped her face “That’s perfect...but tell me what do you stand to gain?” Silas expected this, she is not stupid even if she is consumed by her love for his father. “The dark prince wills it. It just so happens Asriel is outside seeking aid in bettering himself. Ever since Adelram has come to terms with the dark prince Asriel is now being left in the dust by his fellows.” Sitri slowly nodded “I see, so we have an advantage..right. I will aid you just wait for me outside.” Silas inclined his head “right.” he turned and left the room, once he got outside he could see Asriel leaning on the wall folding his arms. “So is she going to help us?” “She is. Sitri desires us to wait for a moment.” Asriel sighed “Fine.” Silas made his way to Faust. He opened a private communication and closed off his vox. “I think our father might be involved. Don’t react, act normal like we are waiting.” Faust stood like a stone “I see, I expected as much since we are coming here. I wonder what the dark prince wants? Do you think it’s his death?” “Maybe since Sitri desires to offer up Asriel as a sacrifice. Do you think our father will take it?” “He will, his soul is bright enough. He is still a daemon after all.” At Faust’s confirmation he could not help but feel slightly apprehensive, but that was smothered by the prospect that he might see his father again.

They ended the conversation and waited for what seemed like an age, Sitri’s door then opened to reveal her now pristine form, her face is clean and her hair straightened. Asriel frowned at her “what was taking you so long?” Sitri smiled at him. “Don’t be that way, Silas convinced me to help you. Now let’s get going.” “To where?” “Asriel it’s a surprise, but I tell you that you will get what you want.” Silas looked over to Asriel who seemed unsure, but after a moment he nodded. “Fine lead the way.” Sitri held her smile and began walking. Silas followed, all of them fell behind her.

As they walked he remembered the path they were taking, it was the same one he took with Naberius and Sitri when his father gave him the right to rule the warband. With that thought he shuddered in fear slightly, his father said he should rule the warband but now he is noise marine. He wondered if he would be pleased with these turn of events. In the end it doesn't matter the dark prince wants this to happen. They soon reached the room, Asriel looked around “where are we?” Sitri nodded “this is the place that will help you get what you want.” She then clicked her fingers the door slid open. They all walked in, Silas looked around the runes on the wall were exactly as he remembered it.

He could also see Sitri skipping around the room in excitement. Asriel narrowed his eye at her “what are you so happy about?” Sitri stopped “Don’t worry, now let’s start.” “Start what?” Sitri did not respond she began to chant, the runes on the wall began glowing. With that her chant became louder, Silas had a feeling she did not expect that to happen. Asriel walked over to him clearly annoyed. “Tell me what exactly did both of you agree to?” Silas wondered if he should answer someone who is most likely going to die. He cocked his head slightly “Just wait and see.” Asriel shook his head. “You are hiding something are-” before he could finish a flash of pink light engulfed the room. Silas had to cover his eyes, it was so bright after a moment he then heard his voice. +It’s been some time…+ without even looking he got to one knee. He could even hear the servo’s of Faust’s power armour moving to make the same position. As the light died away he looked up to see the giant orb of pink flame in the middle of the room. Asriel staggered back slightly in fear. “W-what is this?” Sitri then called out she is now on both knees. “Great one! I bought you a sacrifice! The one who spat in your face! The one who rejected your gifts!” Silas then heard his father chuckle, it was smooth to the point it set him at ease. Asriel shook his head “You tricked me…” He pointed at him “You…” +On your knees….now…+ His father did not shout, he did not raise his voice. It did not even sound like a threat. Asriel looked up to the orb of flame, he slowly got to one knee. He was trembling in fear. +I have forgiven him...but not you…+ from each rune spears of purple lightning shot towards Asriel’s body. He screamed and wailed as he fell to the floor trashing in agony. +Because of you...my own son betrayed my wishes…+ the lightning increased in power so did Asriel’s cries of agony.

Silas watched all of this in silence, at this very moment the song is prickling in his mind that this is the right path. So he watched and said nothing. After a few seconds the lightning died away. Asriel crawled on the ground, towards the door his body is beginning to heal rapidly. +Aurelius...guard the door.+ With that Faust rose, to Silas shock he walked over to the door to keep Asriel from leaving. But what surprised him is the name he used to address Faust. He turned over Faust’s real name in his mind. Silas then bought his eyes to Asriel who was still crawling he was now on his knees, but as soon as he got near to the door Faust kicked him back towards the middle.

Asriel crashed back to the ground on impact Silas could hear several bones breaking. But yet he struggled, he kept fighting to get to the door. The question is why. +Mixed in with his fear of me, he does not wish to leave Adelram’s side Silas.+ As his father regarded him he dipped his head lower. “I see, I thank you for your wisdom father.” The pink ball of fire flared up slightly. +Yes be glad I graced you with my wisdom..but the question is how I should punish him? Or…+ At the mention of or he knew his father is now calculating, forming a plan. +It seems I need to remind him of the lessons I granted him before…+ Silas furrowed his brow. “Lessons?” he found himself speaking out loud. But Asriel began desperately trying to get to the door. He cried out in terror. “Please no! Anything but that! I beg you!” +even with his false memories he remembers..his body remembers…+ Asriel then began floating in the air, he hovered upside down in front of the ball of fire. Both of his gauntlets popped off by a strange unnatural force.

Even in midair he kept struggling, but then both arms froze in place, the skin of both arms began twisting bending into unnatural shapes. With that he screamed, his screams pierced Silas’s ears, with each cry of pain he was begging his father to stop. He screamed that he was sorry, but watching the scene playing out before him. Silas could not help but feel how lucky Asriel was to be in such a position.

Long chapter today! Think of it as an apology, I am caught up in making my own setting for a story and work. This has caused updates to have fallen behind slightly.

Also the events of this chapter? Mwahahahahahaha *cough* mwhahahahaha.

Hahaha. And so the interests of the daemons and their gods move. I wonder what Adelram is doing to those people...

Chapter 26
Adelram closed up another subject, he carefully stitched them up. As he threaded the needle he wondered if he should name them. Just like how his teacher named the gland-hounds. He shook his head “I am not one for naming…” but even so he was proud of his work. Once everyone has been upgraded corrupting and raiding worlds will be much more easier. Adelram chuckled “I am surprised Asriel did not ask for me to improve him...that would be the path of least resistance. But..I know how he is.” with that he then heard the doors opening he turned to see it’s Difillia and Salvador. His bestial servant looked concerned while Difillia seems pleased with herself. She strided over to him, brimming with confidence. “Let me guess, Asriel sparred with you?” She nodded “Yes my lord I defeated him soundly, he left the room sulking.” “I see, that sounds like something he would do. I am eager to see what he will do from here.” Salvador grumbled slightly, he looked up to him. “Is something wrong?” Salvador played his large fingers while shaking his head. “I am worried about him...he...tried to kill Difillia.” Adelram looked back down to Difillia she is completely unfazed by what Salvador just said. “Is this true?” She nodded “Yes, he even tried to use his pets against me.” “And you defeated said pets?” he knew she spoke of his familiars if she circumvented those that proved this project to be a success.

Difillia smiled at him. “They were quite slow actually I threw my spear at him when I got clear of them.” Adelram smiled approvingly to her. “This is good I also wish you to do something.” “What is it my lord?” “When we go to the next world I wish for you to lead our human forces. I want the rungs of society under our thrall, can you do this?” She bowed. “I can. But the question is will the ones you are improving obey? They have divided loyalties.” He is glad that she is asking the right questions, but she already sorted out that issue already. “I will spread word of you defeating Asriel. No one will question you after that.” “I see, but what of Asriel then?” “I will have him do something else. Do not worry. The raid will not come any time soon but for now I wish you to position yourself as leader of my new forces.” Difillia bowed again. “I will not let you down my lord.” “Good, both of you are dismissed.” Difillia and Salvador turned away and left the operating theatre.

Adelram then faced the subject on the operating table. They have now been tested, they are clear for use. He then wondered if he should force Asriel through the procedure? He shook his head. “He will do what I ask I know he will.”

Silas watched blood rain down from the air, he now stood upright gazing at the work of his father. He had to appreciate his methods. He knows how to make one beg for something and then at the same time inflict pain. He could see Sitri on her knees still staring in awe of what is happening. To be honest he was also in awe, he looked up to Asriel. His body now twisting in unnatural directions. The fact that he somehow kept Asriel alive despite the extreme injury is also a testament to his power. But it got to the point he no longer screamed. +He will Silas. Watch.+ his body twisted, all that happened is that Asriel gagged, blood falling from his mouth. +Scream, mortal.+ Asriel then whimpered he gave a gaggled scream at his father’s command. Now he could see what his father is trying to do. “You wish to make him yours. But…” his voice trailed off he did not want to question him further, that has lead to many members of the third dying. Eidolon is a clear example of that. +I know, he cares for Adelram too much. I can feel it…do not worry my son. I am aware he will always be loyal to him.+ a small part of the pink flame separated from the main body and turned into mist. It floated forward and entered Asriel’s nostrils. He began jerking in the air, thrashing uncontrollably the colour of his pink skin began draining away turning a shade of brown again. His mouth sagged open like he was gasping for air. After that he winced and cried in pain. Once the mist fully entered his body, Asriel flopped to the ground with a wet splash.

He twitched slightly on the ground. Sitri raised up her hands. “Great one what do you wish me to do?” Silas watched the flames soften slightly. +Sitri, from now you will work with….Asriel.+ Sitri bought her face to the ground. “It shall be done my lord…” Silas watched all of this and looked down to Asriel. “If you don’t mind me asking father...what exactly did you do to him?” The flame shifted slightly. +You really want to know?+ Silas nodded slowly. +I made him better.+ He was about to open his mouth to ask another question. For his father to be more specific but he knew better. “I see, I thank you for your wisdom father.” The flame flared slightly, he could sense approval, it then sputtered out and the room grew dark again.

Silas then walked over to Asriel, but Sitri hopped to her feet and pointed at him. “Hey! What do you think you are doing!? He is with me now!” He ignored her and picked Asriel up. “He now works with you. You don’t own him.” She began trembling fury “he belongs to the great one…” she hissed. In turh Silas shrugged “you heard my father he will never betray Adelram. So be silent. You got what you wanted, you have the attention of my father again.” with that Sitri began thinking. “Good point…fine take him.” Silas grunted in annoyance the arrogance has returned. He walked over to the door, Faust gave him a curt nod. “So it’s Aurelius then?” Faust sighed “Please don’t.” Silas chuckled “if you say so.” he left the room with Faust. They walked back to Asriel’s room on the upper levels. As they made their journey, Silas noticed that Asriel’s body was slowly healing. But suddenly he slowly opened his eye. “S-silas…?” “What is it?” “W-what happened?” Silas turned his head to Faust who shrugged, he faced Asriel. “Well..my father tortured you.” he shifted his head slightly “Oh? Is that what it was?” “What do you mean is that what is it was?” “Oh..it just felt so good…” Asriel slurred slightly. Silas recalled the scene that played out before him, his father working on Asriel for hours. He did not look like he was enjoying it, but he had to admit he was not sure what was going on in Asriel’s mind.


He grinned and leaned his head on his chest “Silas...he gave it back to me…” “What?” “My soul…” he whispered. “Right that’s great. So tell me how exactly did my father make you better?” Asriel looked like he was going to speak, his mouth closed. He then mumbled in annoyance. “Can you tell me...why does the world seem so grey? The pink on your armour is nice though…” Silas frowned slightly, but he understood what was the problem. Asriel’s nervous system has been overloaded. But to many in the third that’s normal. “Don’t worry about it. That’s normal.” “Really? I never thought that everything looked so...so…” he could see he was trying to put a word to it. But he had the word he was thinking of. “Disgusting?” Asriel slowly nodded. “That’s it! Everything just...looks...terrible.” “So you want to change it? Perfect it?” “Exactly!” As he spoke with Asriel slowly he began to understand what he exactly changed. “So what do you think of the dark prince Asriel?” His arm clicked back into place as he bought his finger to his lips, he began thinking. After a moment he lowered his finger. “Well..she is the best.” “That’s it?” “She is the best at everything? Is that what you want to hear?” “Oh I see…” “What do you mean oh I see? She can kill better than anyone, sing better and is the most beautiful thing in the galaxy!” With that Silas smiled “Tell me do you trust the dark prince?” “Why is that even in question Silas? Wait...you distrust her…?” He bought up his hand and touched his arm, suddenly warming lights chimed within his helmet as one of his arms froze in place.

He dropped Asriel to the ground, Silas gripped it his arm with is other hand. “W-what are you doing?” Asriel’s one eye narrowed at him. “You are asking foolish questions.” the arm that was frozen twisted, the ceramite bent and buckled, he felt his arm tearing. He grit his teeth, Faust took a step forward towards Asriel, Silas gestured to stop him. He panted slightly “I never questioned the dark prince, not even once. Everything I do I do for him.” He did not seem convinced he bought up his finger and moved it slightly the arm twisted even more. Silas dropped to one knee, blood was leaking from his arm. “I...trust her to the point I offered you up to my own father. I cared nothing for your fate or the possibility of you dying. I manipulated and used you.” With that Asriel lowered his hand, his arm twisted again Silas grit his teeth as his arm somehow bent back into shape.

The ceramite was now pristine, his arm no longer hurt he then rose. Asriel also got up, with each movement more bones were clicking into the place. Silas frowned at him while clenching the arm that was almost destroyed. “So tell me how come you never did that before?” Asriel then stretched slightly he yawned. “I never thought of it before. I just wondered if I could twist the arm with the ceramite using a mix of heretech and biomancy.” “When did you learn the heretech discipline and why have you never used it?” He shrugged in return “I only used it to fix up Noxus. From time to time.” He then wiggled his fingers. “My gauntlets...where are they?” Faust looked back slightly “they are back in the room. Do you desire them?” He shook his head. “No, leave them. I suspect he most likely wrecked them.” Asriel rubbed his eyes “dammit…” “What is wrong?” asked Silas. He knew it’s most likely him getting used to deprivation plus the fact he was in his father’s presence is not helping either. “It’s nothing...I must go see Adelram.” “So..before you see him how about you return to your previous skin colour?” He hoped he would do so, it’s clear if he visits Adelram now he will ask questions. Plus he has no idea how he will react if Asriel speaks of their father. He looked down to his body mumbling slightly. “Maybe.”

His answer caused him to shake his head. At the current moment the song is quiet, so it’s a precarious time, he has to be careful. Faust placed his hand on his pauldron. “I think it will be fine. We have done our part. Let us leave.” With that Silas sighed slightly he knew to trust Faust’s council. He slowly turned away from Asriel who was still looking at his body still murmuring about the colour. Finally his back was to the human he walked away with Faust, hoping that he was right.

Adelram hummed as he watered his plants, at the moment Difillia is making herself known to all the other subjects. Salvador’s presence will also aid in that. Plus it’s nice no longer needing to wear a helmet. He wore it during the operations to ensure his hair does not get in the way. As he thought of the procedure his mind drifted to Asriel, just like before he wondered what he will do from here? He is intelligent, but he knows that at times he could go to far. “Should I check on him? Just to make sure?” His pondering soon turned to worry as he recalled that he kidnapped everyone on the ship. “I should check.” He turned to his chamber doors to see that they were opening to reveal a man with dark skin and white hair but he recognised the face and attire. “Asriel?” he looked up and smiled at him. He walked over each step was careful and controlled which was absolutely strange. Something has definitely changed. His second half approached “Hey.” Adelram furrowed his brow. “Have you done what I said?” He scratched his head in confusion. “What did you say again?” Adelram sighed he wondered if this one was of his games. “I said to better yourself or don’t you take my orders or perfection seriously? Do you wish to please the dark prince?” He then shrugged back.

Adelram clenched the watering can in annoyance. “So..you haven’t done as I ordered and you come back with your skin a different colour.” He also noticed his gauntlets were also missing as well. Asriel placed his hand on his lips “Well I think your father changed my skin colour.” At the mention of Fulgrim he dropped the watering can. His heart beat, slowed to a crawl. “What...did he do?” Asriel shrugged again. “What do he do!” he roared at him. In turn he covered his ears due to raising his voice. Adelram walked over he narrowed his eyes at Asriel and asked again. “What….did he do…” he hissed. In turn Asriel frowned “Does it matter?” Adelram’s hand snapped out and grabbed his neck, he lifted Asriel from the ground and bought him to his face. “I order you to tell me what did he do…” Asriel smiled as he gasped he then frowned. “N-nope...t-this...is nothing.” He ground his teeth, Asriel has changed, his father has ruined him again. That thought kept repeating in his mind. His grip slowly loosened on Asriel’s neck as he dropped to the ground. Adelram turned away. “Get out.” “No.” with that he clenched his hands, he turned to see Asriel getting up to his feet. “So...tell me..do you think your project will pan out? What will you do when they fail?” Right away he could see his father’s hand in this. He pointed at him. “You will not make me doubt...they are far more better than you...the test proved it.” He watched Asriel’s teeth slowly turn into fangs. “So what if I kill them then?” “You can’t. Difillia defeated you soundly and you will not lay a finger on anyone! You will not ruin this plan!” He wondered why he is now arguing with him, he should just discipline him and leave it that. He shook his head at that thought, he will just mock him. That won’t work. He needs to figure out what his father changed and work from there. He walked over and placed his hand on his head. “Tell me Asriel will you ever betray me?” He shook his head. “Even for my father?” This time he shook his head slowly, that wasn’t good enough. He squeezed his head, but he seemed utterly unfazed. “That should of been quick. So you are unsure.” Asriel licked his lips. “What sort of question is that? If you father came from the very heavens and told you to jump you would say how high?” “I…” Asriel narrowed his eye at him. “You would. To be fair if you are talking from a distance you might disobey but if he appeared before us in his full splendor you would do anything for him.” Adelram squeezed slightly tighter. “It doesn’t hurt.” Asriel said flaty.

With that he had enough he removed his hand from his head and punched him in the gut. He could see the clear internal bleeding as Asriel dropped to his knees. Adelram got to one knee and placed his hand on his shoulder. This time he spoke softly “My father is not here at the moment. You are part of me...not him. Stop this now.” His second half looked up to him, in his one eye he clearly looked apologetic but then it hardened he gave a toothy grin. “Compared to him...you hit like a child.” Adelram backhanded him, he could hear bone breaking but Asriel looked back at him, the damaged jaw clicking back into his place. He licked the blood flaking at his mouth and to his annoyance he kept speaking. “This project of yours do you think it’s enough to please the dark prince? Think...bigger.” He backhanded him again. “I know what I am doing Asriel.” His second half coughed and laugh. “What you think upgraded a few people is enough!? You are hitting me because you don’t want to hear it!” This time he slapped Asriel across the face. His cheeks should be swelling, such a hit would break a normal human’s neck but he knows something like this won’t kill him. Again he spoke softly. “I don’t know what my father did but I will reverse it again…this I promise you.” He chuckled back. “Even if he gave the rest of my soul back?” That piece of news caused Adelram to rise. He shouted and pointed at Asriel who was still on his knees. “You lie! He will never give back something that he has taken!” His second half rose and shrugged. “Believe me or don’t. Well I am bored now.” he turned away and and began walking out, with each step Adelram could see he took everything that happened in these few minutes to be a mere distraction. But the news that he is whole again should make him happy but all he felt was anxiety. Along with that doubt now pricked his heart it reminds him of the old days. He always does this. He hated it.

But yet for some reason he is acknowledging it. He took a deep breath and sent out a psychic message to Izel, the plan will be bigger and his new soldiers would be a part of it.

lliu wrote:
Hahaha. And so the interests of the daemons and their gods move. I wonder what Adelram is doing to those people...

Hmmm asking the right questions here.

Chapter 27
Izel now stood in front of the doors of Adelram’s chambers concern creasing his brow. “What could he want or need?” He noticed the improved humans walking the ship, he wondered if it had anything to do with that? Izel shook his head, sighing with the movement. “I doubt it...must be larger.” He placed both his hands on the door and pushed them open, as he stepped inside he could see his lord pacing and frantically murmuring to himself. Izel could clearly see he was on edge. He took a few steps forward “Adelram?” his lord stopped pacing and regarded him. Right away he could see the stress. “Is something wrong?” said Izel.

Adelram’s features relaxed slightly as he spoke, for whatever reason hearing his voice calmed him down. “Nothing Izel, but I do wish to speak with you.” “What do you need my lord?” Adelram nodded. “I noticed those crystals you used during the thousand raid just examining them from a distance I can see they store souls.” Izel inclined his head slowly. “Yes, I am quite proud of it actually.” “Right can you make a bigger one? Something that can store a multitude of souls?” For some reason he did not like where this discussion is going. “Well...in theory I can but storing so many souls in one place might be dangerous.” As he spoke his lord gave a small frown, he corrected himself quickly. “But I can do it if you will it.” Adelram then smiled, his weariness vanished slightly with his words. Whatever was troubling him must of been great, Izel can see that. “Now Izel this is important to me. What I aim to do requires a stable house for thousands of souls or perhaps even more. I don’t want any mistakes.” With that Izel gave a small bow. “As I said it will be done, I understand your desire Adelram. If I may ask...what are you so agitated about?” “Nothing.” Adelram responded firmly. “Nothing that concerns you at the moment.” Izel sighed slightly he knew it would not be wise not to press further. “Very well, I won’t pry. I have work to do.” His lord gave a curt nod, Izel turned to leave but Adelram called out. “One more thing Izel.” He turned his head slightly to Adelram. “What is it?” “Don’t breathe a word of what you are doing to Asriel. Make sure you leave no hints. Don’t even give Asriel a chance to enter your room, Even our brothers should have no idea of your work. Do you understand me?” His orders made it clear what set him on edge. As always the human is involved and he knows more than anyone he is dangerous especially if he gets wind of a task like this. “I understand Adelarm.” His answer caused his lord to breathe out a small sigh of relief. “Good I expect results.” Izel nodded and left his chambers his mind already at work formulating and devising on how he will give Adelram what he desires.

She cracked the haft of her spear against the face of another challenger, they fell to the ground with a thud. Difillia pointed the point of her spear at him and looked around amongst the crowd. They circled her and the challenger. “Who else challenges me!” she shouted There was silence, save for her brother clapping for another victory. She could of used him to gain control but she would rather prove that she is the best, the strongest. For her master made her the deadliest out of those that were upgraded.

She can feel it in her bones, flesh and with each movement. She called out again. “Who wishes to challenge me! Step forward!” the one she she defeated crawled back to the crowd. But another stepped forward, his hair was now white but his hand was a crab claw. Difillia pointed her spear at him. “So you are next?” “No.” he said firmly. “I wish to ask a question.” She lowered her spear. “What is it?” “So you really defeated him? Asriel I mean?” at the mention of his name there were murmurs. She did not bring it up when she aimed to take control. Difillia guessed this is her lord’s hand, he said he would spread word. “Yes, quite handily actually.” “I don’t believe you. There is no way you could of beat him.” She looked into his eyes she could see he respects Asriel, it’s clear as day. “Tell me what is your name?” “Vincent.” “Right Vincent, do you doubt the word of our lord?” He grimaced, he knew it to be true but he did not want to believe it. His eyes locked with hers, his gaze is hard. “Tell me how would you lead us? Many of us follow the ways of the Peccatraxium why should we throw that aside to follow you?” Difillia could see many are now nodding. She tapped her spear on haft on the ground. “For one I would change that name. It’s a mouthful” A smile then lined her face. “Second, I bet Asriel filled your head with nonsense, but in my eyes we should focus on only two things. One, Being better than the followers of the false emperor, honing our bodies and minds until we stand above them. And two? To serve our lord in all things.” Vincent curled his lip into disgust. “What of the dark prince then?” She knew this would come up, she sighed. “It’s quite simple, our lord is favoured by the dark prince so in serving him we serve the god of excess. I personally care not for religion I just wish to be better for him.”

Difillia circled the room pointing her spear at people. “He did not give us these bodies to spend all our time eating, engaging in carnality or other petty vices. You would waste our lord’s gift on that?” She could now see people are looking at themselves, examining their muscles, flexing arms and hands. Some were even pulling at their hair. “All of you know it, we are bulls that trample the weak, we are great and beautiful beasts that stand above the followers of the false emperor and we serve the whims of our master. There is no higher calling than that….” now people are starting to agree with her she could see it in their eyes. She faced Vincent “I bet he had you wandering aimlessly killing people? I saw you during the area, if you got proper practice in I bet you could beat Asriel.” He narrowed his eyes, but they diverted slightly to a woman in a the crowd, she nodded at him. Vincent’s eyes then came back to her. “We shall see what you can do. But…” “I won’t show weakness, trust me.” He frowned at her and took his place back in the crowd.

With that she could now see everyone was no looking at her to lead them. There were no cheers, for they weren’t necessary they knew in their minds who is the best and who is in charge. That’s all she needed.

Kadir smiled to himself, He bought his gaze around his hidden room, the lavish curtains the tables holding pantry dishes full of food and he has many slaves ready for use as well. All of them were beaten and chained. He relaxed in his cushion while a slave fanned him. “I knew this was going to happen…” he recalled when the masters were gathering everyone. He sensed a great amount of them coming. So he had his slaves take him to his current safe room, once he started to hear the screams of people being dragged away he knew this was the correct course of action. “Once it all has blown over I will come out when I am good and ready….” He yawned, his mind then drifted to the state of the Anguis cult. They suffered so many losses and Prelate Carita is trying her best to keep everything together but he is smart enough to know the cult won’t last much longer. “Perhaps I should join Asriel?” he nodded “that is a great idea...Alma and Vincent are with him he would let me join…” He grinned “but for now I am content to relax.” Kadir barked at a slave “I want another treat!” the beaten thing cried and popped a sweetmeat into his mouth. He closed his eyes and started to chew, he never gets tired of eating theses. The juices and the tenderness of the sweetmeat always sends a shiver down his spine. But something was off he felt a cold draft at the back of his neck.

He groaned in annoyance. “Slave rub my neck!” he waited for a moment but he felt no hand on his neck. He grumbled in frustration, again he has to use his sorcery to punish them he swallowed the treat and opened in his eyes. But he jumped in the cushion, there was now someone standing in the middle of his room. He smiled. “Hello Kadir.” Kadir blinked in shock it was Asriel his skin colour was different but it was him. He shook his head. “H-how did you get in here!?” he made sure to put wards on the door that hid it and protect it, even the greatest sorcerers in the cult could not piece it. He shifted slightly to look at the door, it was closed. But he did not recall hearing the door opening or closing.

He licked his lips, he had to be careful here. Asriel might be following the orders of Lord Adelram. “It’s nice enough of you to visit me. But why are you here?” Asriel folded his arms, he gave a chilling grin. “I just wanted to see how you were doing.” “Well I am fi-” one of the chained slaves whimpered interrupting him. He was about to shout at them, but the slave began gagging as their neck suddenly twisted in unnatural directions they flopped to the ground dead. A bead of sweat dribbled down Kadir’s brow, he bought his eyes to Asriel who was still smiling. “I did not do that…” Kadir whispered to himself. “No I did.” Asriel said out loud.

Kadir gulped, if that’s the case he barely did any movements, no he did not move at all. He did not speak either. Asriel took a step forward, another slave died. “Hey Kadir.aren’t you bored here?” “O-oh n-no, I have plenty of food and slaves. Why don’t you try one of the dishes?” Asriel stopped he cocked his head slightly “Hmmm….” he seemed to honestly be thinking about it. But he kept walking, more slaves died, their bodies twisting and bending. The slave that fanned him began pulling at their chain screaming to be let free. Kadir shook his head “H-how a-about we relax, just for a moment Asriel?” Again he stopped and it looked like he was thinking for a moment, he turned and walked to a table. He picked up a pantry dish full of food and began walking to him.

Kadir tried to rise, he knew what was happening can’t be good but his frame was too large, his heart hurts whenever he tries to move. He panted “S-so Asriel are we going to be sharing the food?” he said nothing as he reached his cushion the slave that was fanning him and the one that was feeding him sweetmeats, their necks began twisting, their eyes rolled back as they fell to the ground. Asriel leaned forward with the pantry dish “Why do you put limits on your eating Kadir?” “W-what?” “What do you mean what? I asked a simple question.” Kadir gulped again he raised his flabby hands and screamed verses of power. Purple energy shot from his hands at point blank range, but the power died as soon as it reached Asriel’s skin. It just sputtered away to nothing.

Asriel gave a gentle smile “How nice you were going to inflict pain on me but...compared to Adelram and the great one I don’t want you touching me with your sorcery.” Kadir’s lips trembled, he felt cold, weak even. Like someone poured ice all over him. “W-what are you going to do?” Asriel chuckled like he said something strange. “Feed you of course.” He then felt a great pressure being placed on his body, he could not move his arms. But his mouth was opening like someone was prying it open. Asriel then began stuffing food into his mouth, Kadir almost vomited, he felt the bile at the back of his throat. But Asriel just kept going grabbing handfuls from the pantry. Soon enough he felt sick, the food pushing against his stomach.

He did not want to eat, he did not want anymore food. “Why? Why are you denying this? Why?” asked Asriel, it was like he read his mind. How he asked his question it was almost child-like he could not fathom what is going on in his head right now. All he could do is give his tormentor a muffled scream to tell him to stop. He could not move, or even scream properly. Asriel just continued stuffing food into his mouth until the pantry was empty.

Kadir started to cry, he wanted him to beg him to stop. But he simply threw the pantry aside and went to grab another. He struggled with all his might, when Asriel returned to the front of the cushion he grabbed another handful. He gave another muffled scream as the food was roughly stuffed into his mouth