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Chapter 28
Asriel pushed another mouthful of food into Kadir’s mouth, it got to the point it no longer fits and suddenly his heart began to weep, he can’t help Kadir anymore. His lips trembled slightly. He tried to push the food but his body is not moving. He gave a heavy sigh and threw the pantry dish aside. “It seems you had a limit…” Asriel flicked his hand to remove the food, he walked over to the table and picked up a jug of water. To most water should be nothing, but considering the state of the galaxy clean water is a luxury. It’s been fought over and even the imperium is known to harvest all clean sources. He placed his dirty hands in the jug cleaning away the food. His body began ebbing to do something, to make something better, his teeth chittered he felt cold like he is striding in a ice field without clothes. He racked his brain wondering where he could go? What should he do? “I could see her?” The thought just popped in his head. He finished cleaning his hands and walked to the door.

He placed his hand on it and the metal began twisting and buckling, it groaned as it finally shot forward crashing into the wall. He flexed his hand ever since waking in Silas’ arms he felt whole, stronger even. He wondered if it had anything to do with Lord Fulgrim? Asriel could not recall exactly what happened within that chamber, but he remembered his voice and the pain. With the pain he recalled the lessons. He stepped out into the hallway, looking around he had to admit Kadir was smart to place his hideout outside of the anguis cult seat of power. In the end it doesn’t matter, he is now dead if he embraced eating more, the dark prince would of allowed him to eat without dying.

Asriel began walking back to the upper levels, the journey was unfortunately uneventful at most he saw Adelram’s new test subjects walking around, but what caught his eye is that they are wearing a bovine medallion on their armour or robes. The face looked to be shaped into a daemonic scowl and he had to admit it looked quite pleasing. He guessed that Difillia has been successful taking control. He should be upset but strangely he was happy for her, now that she leads something she will be less grouchy and the fact she has no reason to comment on his leadership qualities. He also had to admit not worrying about leading a group is somewhat liberating as well, he can now focus on himself and what he wants.

Asriel stopped walking as that thought crossed his mind. “What do I want exactly?” he repeated that question in his mind. He wanted to make Kadir better, he also visited Adelram to make him enlarge whatever plan he is doing at this current moment he wants to visit Isabella. But what should he do there? He shrugged “I will decide once I get there.” Asriel continued walking down the hallway he stopped again when he heard trotting and light footsteps he has a good idea who it is. His brother and Difillia approached and as always she looked smug. “Asriel it’s been some time.” He could see his brother was looking at each of them in concern, he could understand why, his bovine brother does not desire a repeat of the events of the training room. But at this current moment he does not care, at most Asriel finds Difillia’s smugness to be tiring than annoying. “Yes it has been some time, how are you finding being a leader?” She chuckled at him. “It’s wonderful even your greatest supporters now follow me. What do you think of that?” At the mention of supporters he guessed she is referring to Alma and Vincent. He knew he should feel upset but he didn’t he actually felt happy for Difillia and with that an idea popped into his head. He approached her, the smug smile drifted away to a frown of concern, he knew she is smart enough to sense that something off.

She cared nothing for the colour of his skin but something deeper has been changed and he did not know whether it’s her intuition or her mind playing tricks on her. Difillia could feel it and Asriel knew the best way he could show it. The movement was so quick and smooth he kissed her, just lightly and took a quick step back. Salvador’s mouth hanged, wondering what just happened. But Difillia, she touched her lips her expression dumbfounded and then she flew into a rage. “Y-you dare!” She pointed her spear at him. “I will gut you!” Difillia charged at him. Asriel took a step forward, he dodged to the left and twisted around to Difillia’s back, he wrapped his right arm around her neck choking her slightly. And he used his other arm to hold her body, she struggled in his gripping choking, cursing him. He pulled her towards his body, his nose now touching her white hair and he could smell something. It was scented, it was a pleasant and sweet smell. The fact that such a fragrance was coming from her hair surprised him, he leaned back slightly.”You actually scent your hair? I had no idea.” as he mentioned her fragrance she struggled even harder. He took another whiff “I wonder did Adelram program you to do this or is this a remnant of your old life? Or something that was repressed but in your new found freedom you decided to embrace the small things that were denied to you?” He was about to bury his face in her hair but he felt a large furry hand on his shoulder, he looked up to see Salvador standing over him. “That’s enough...both of you.” his voice was firm, which was rare which means he is threatening both of them. Asriel released Difillia from his grip, she staggered forward slightly coughing and rubbing her neck. She flicked towards him, anger burning in her eyes.

Yet her burning fury was clouded by a small mist of tears she bit her lip and ran down the hallway. His brother in surprise called out “What’s wrong!?” he ran after her he stopped just for a moment and gave him an annoyed look. “Asriel you shouldn’t bully her.” Asriel shrugged “At least her hair smells nice.” Salvador gave a heavy sigh he trotted after Difillia.

Now alone the feeling he had after Kadir died came back he rubbed his neck. “This feeling...won’t go away.” He creased his brow his jaw clenching “I need more…” a tumble of emotions gripped him. He wanted to perfect things and people, he wanted to also drown in sensation and looking at the very walls of the ships also revolted him. Asriel gripped his head “what’s wrong with me?” before he was used to the emptiness but this was different, far more different. It’s still there but there is a desire to actually fill it with all manner of things. He needed to steady himself he took a deep breath “Right, as always she would know what to do.” Asriel nodded, he continued his journey to Isabella’s room.

Once he got there he knocked as always and the door slid open. Isabella smiled at him “So you have spoken to him then?” Asriel nodded. “I have.” “Well that’s clear enough considering your skin colour and I can see you are not lying either.” “Why would I lie?” Isabella turned away not answering his question. Asriel followed her into her room. They took their usual seats, he poured himself and Isabella a glass wine. He repeated his question “As I said why would I lie?” She sipped her wine. “Well you were stalling for so long, but let’s forget about our lord for a the moment. Tell me what’s changed?” “Changed? Wh-” “You’ve changed...again. How many times has it been now?” Asriel looked into his wine glass, from the start he remembered being a normal human, then becoming possessed and after that losing his vision and memories. From that point he becoming a half soul, Adelram using his own thoughts and memories to fill him, but that did not work and soon after that he was reshaped by Silas and his noise marines. His eyes met with with Isabella’s “I have changed far too many times.” “I doubt it was to grasp perfection.” said Isabella. He flexed his hand slightly. “You are right, I shifted to please the astartes. You know, before you joined when I had to fight for my life on Athor...a thought struck me that I wanted to be better than everyone else. I wanted everyone to praise me. But soon after I abandoned that thought, even with Silas aiding me was I truly doing it for myself?” Asriel drank from the glass deeply, he moved the wine in his mouth and swallowed. “I torture people and myself, trying to seek joy in the pain but all joy was gone. Until he gave something back to me.” “He?” “Lord Fulgrim, you see Isabella I was missing a great portion of my soul and Adelram went to great lengths to restore me.” She furrowed her brow “Right that was the time you went missing for almost eight years?” he nodded at her question. “Yes, but he did not truly restore save putting a band-aid over me. At first I did not care, I did not feel any different so I did not think much of it, until now.” He rubbed his fingers together recalling what he did to Kadir. He was disappointed that he could not handle it but thinking on what he did to him he enjoyed it and he enjoyed how Adelram hit him.

He wanted to push him further but knew better since he is focusing on preparing a raid, he does not want his push to be turned into a distraction. “So now Isabella my whole thought process has changed again. Or should I say returned?” He knew this is how he should be, this is how he is meant to be. He grabbed the bottle and poured himself another glass. Isabella chuckled “I see, so I should expect great things then?” “Perhaps.” He sipped his wine. “But there is the problem that Adelram is consumed with using everyone he has upgraded. I assume the reason why he left you alone is because he has other plans in store for you.” “That is obvious enough, how will I move about the nobility if I have stark white hair and a lean muscled body? But you are correct he is hedging all his bets on them and if I was him I would place you far away so you don’t interfere.” “That is likely the case...no I am sure that will be his course of action and I will be fine with that. I am quite curious to see how Difillia handles herself as well.” “That is unlike you. I recall something like this would cause you to spit curses or grumble in annoyance, I bet you even thought of plucking her eyes out on more than one occasion.” Asriel placed his wine glass on the table and nodded. “Well yes but I don’t feel like that anymore. Being thrusted into a leadership role might be good for her. In the end Adelram will turn to me he always does so I am not worried in the slightest.” Isabella sighed, she relaxed in her seat. “Right so now what are you going to do? I guess you came here to sort out your thoughts?” Asriel flexed his hand “You are right. I-” that ebbing sensation hit him like a truck he groaned slightly in annoyance.

He was about to rise to leave but stopped, he looked at Isabella. “I feel like leaving...but.” She raised her eyebrow. “But what?” “I wish to stay here for awhile.” “Stay? Why? You are done I can clearly s-” his meaning suddenly caught on she smiled. “I see I wish for you to stay as well. I do have to say you have changed for the better...” Asriel drank the rest of his wine, he has never been in pursuit of something like this, for the first time he felt rather excited.

Chapter 29
Salvador trotted after Difillia it only took a few strides to catch up with her, He reached out and placed his large furry hand on her shoulder, stopping her run. She struggled in his grip thrashing, spitting curses. Eventually she calmed down, her shoulders sagged slightly, his sister took deep breaths. “Let go of me Salvador.” she spoke calmly, at least he thought she was calm. Salvador then removed his hand, his ears lowered slightly. “Are you okay? Asriel ca-” his sister flicked towards him, she scowled. “I let me guard down, that’s all it was. Still this changes nothing... I am the best. Our lord made me perfect.” He could see that Difillia is trying to divert from the issue. He had no idea why so he spoke his mind. “Was that you first kiss?” In reaction Difillia punched him in stomach, Salvador looked down to her hand in confusion. He tilted his head. “Difillia, Asriel was just being mean. Don’t dwell on it.” She slowly removed hand her fist from his stomach, she clenched the fist tightly. “I don’t know why Lord Adelram suffers his presence Salvador….he is brash, rude and he does not follow orders….he always thinks he knows best…” She ground her teeth. “In the coming raid I shall prove it Salvador. That I am the best, that our lord can rely on me, not him.” Salvador scratched his head in confusion. “But Adelram likes all of us...I don’t think he has favourites.” His sister barked at him. “Of course he has favourites! And I tell you it’s not us Salvador!” “Right so you are trying hard in order to become the new favourite?”

Difillia was about to speak, but she turned away from him. “Isn’t it frustrating for you?” “What is?” She sighed. “All he does is cause our lord worry time and time again. He even tried to lobotomize all of us, turn us into his slaves. But...as always he forgives him. I bet you have also.” Salvador recalled that time, the time he had to fight his brother. He knew he was doing something wrong, but at the same time Asriel felt he was doing everyone a favour. “Difillia...he on-” “It does not matter if he thought it was best for us!” she hissed. She shook her head. “If it came down to me or him who would you save Salvador?” The question threw him off, he did not know how to answer such a thing. But the question truly showed how much she disliked Asriel. He released a small whine “I would try to save both of you…” he played with his fingers slightly, such a thought was uncomfortable, unfathomable to him. He stared at Difillia waiting for her to respond to his answer she said nothing. But he could see a frown forming at the corner of her lips.

Just seeing that caused his nose to flare slightly. He placed his hand on her shoulder again and twisted her around to her shock. “Both of you keep fighting each other! I hate it! You ask me to choose! But...but...how do you think I would feel if I lose both of you! I wouldn’t be able to take it! Our lord...you..and Asriel are my happiness...she...made me big so I can protect my happiness! Don’t tear it up! Please!” He felt his eyes watering slightly, his heart hurt. “I know you hate him Difillia..but if you were ever in trouble Asriel would help you. I know it.” Salvador moved his hand away from her shoulder. He wiped his eyes “Just...stop fighting each other….” He could hear his sister sighing. “Fine...but if he starts something...” with that Salvador removed his hands from his face, he smiled and grabbed his sister, hugging her tightly. “S-Salvador...p-please…” he blinked. “Oh...sorry.” he released her. She rubbed her arm. “As I said if he starts something.” He nodded “I know! I am happy that you are trying!” His sister scowled, but all he could feel is happiness.

Izel engraved the runes on the extremely large and clear jewel with a chisel and hammer, he had the ships craftsman create the large crystal for him to work on. Once the order was completed he made sure to also wipe his memory, per his lord orders none should know what he is doing. He took a step back for a moment. “Should I shape it into something interesting?” his mind raced with possible designs, a mortal intertwined with a daemon, the rune of the dark prince or….he shook his head. “No just prepare the house it will shape itself.” He continued his work, but his mind wracked that he could do more.

Then an idea struck him, he changed the runes slightly to cause the souls within to be tormented by a barrage of sensations from pleasure to pain. He will have the souls be twisted and pulled, the pain inflicted upon the souls would allow a sorcerer to harness a great amount of power. As he finished the rune he took another step back. “More can be done…” he mused to himself. “They can by physically tortured also.” He placed his tools on the table and bought out his notebook. He made notes to detail that those sacrificed should be tortured and on the cusp of being told it would end they will be sacrificed to the crystal. That shock will be useful in enhancing the pain. He stopped writing. He wondered what else he should add? Then it came to him. “The range!” he placed the notebook back back into a pouch and picked up the chisel and hammer, he walked up to the large crystal and coutined working again.

He needed to make sure it could draw in the souls from a whole city, so even natural deaths, murders and even accidents serve their ends. With increasing the range, he also added runes that will stabilise the crystal. Once he finished, he prepared to carve the activation rune. With this the crystal will begin drawing in souls.

Izel carved the final rune into the house, he threw the hammer and chisel aside and took a step back. The crystal just for a moment flashes pink, then he saw it. The crystal shone with a pink brilliance. He saw it filling up with tiny white wisps, he walked towards it. “Now for the final test.” He reached out to the souls within, what he heard in his mind are screams of utter agony, cries for freedom and moans full of rapture. His body ebbed to reach out further, so he dove in he felt the prickling blades on his skin, the caress of a soft hand and a strange pleasurable sensation gripped him. “Dive in further” a voice brushed over his mind gently. His vision was then consumed by a brilliant pink light. But he saw hundreds of white hands reaching out, pulling him in. “Leave it all behind…” “Leave….all…” he saw a flash of his face. He would not desire him to leave, not like this. Izel began trashing, he roared and released a wave of psychic energy. The hands released their grip he began drifting back, the voice called out. “Stay here! You leave endless joy! You are abandoning endless delight!” As he drifted away he chuckled. “Apologies...my lord will be quite upset if I left…” He then gasped he blinked and found himself on his back, on the floor. Looking up to the ceiling of his room. Izel smiled “I wonder what it will be like once it’s filled with thousands of souls? Well...I better let him know I am finished.” He was about to send out a psychic message but stopped. “No someone could pick this up...better see him in person.” he grunted and got to his feet, he turned and walked to his door. As he reached it he gave the crystal a look, that’s brimming with that wonderful pink light, he wanted to touch it again. He clenched his teeth and shook his head. He opened the door and left to report his success to his lord.

She twisted on the bed, she could hear a beeping. It was an annoyance. Isabella opened her eyes. She sat up slightly and opened the drawer next to her bed. Looking into it she could see her harvesting knife. If she was with anyone else she would use it to harvest ingredients but even if he is sleeping he would kill her before the knife even touched his throat. She shifted her gaze to her data-slate which is beeping. Isabella picked up the data-slate and stared at it. The message is clear I want to see you in my chambers. She recognised the initials, she looked over to the one she is sharing her bed with. Asriel is sleeping soundly, to her surprise he handled himself well, better than expected.

But the message is clear that the raid is starting soon, or in other words her role in weakening the planet. She carefully got up of bed and placed one of her gowns on, a simple one that can easily be worn, Isabella freshened herself up and walked to the door. She gave Asriel a look before leaving, staring at his sleeping face most would have no idea that he would be able to do half of the depraved acts all of them get up to on this ship.

She smiled to herself “it’s why some of us blend in among the the sheep so easily..” Isabella left her room and made her way to her lord’s chambers. When she got there, she pushed the doors open to see Salvador sitting and eating from a large pantry dish, Difillia is standing at attention and her lord is waiting in the middle of his chambers.

She approached and bowed “My lord.” His eyes fell upon her he smiled. “Isabella, it’s soon time.” “I see, so what will I be doing this time?” He nodded. “We will be attacking the planet Novum. There is only one great city on the planet, the city of Neveris. But there is not exactly a nobility on this planet.” She raised her eyebrow hearing that, but Lord Adelram would not call her if he had no need of her. He smiled “All of the nobility are essentially gangster families with the strongest being planetary governor.” Isabella tried not to show her concern, but it’s a new environment. “I see, so I assume the cultists you have worked on will be under me I take it?” As she spoke Difillia grunted. “They listen to me, not you. I-” Adelram gave her a look, she fell silent, Isabella tried hard not to chuckle. “So I have to maneuver the gang families, do you want them under your thrall?” “If you are able. Don’t take any unnecessary risks.” “Very well, by the way...does Difillia’s group have a name?” “They do, you just named them now haven’t you?” Difillia smiled “Yes they are the Tauri.” “That’s a simple name.” said Isabella. “Of course it’s simple I don’t expect someone as weak as you to understand.” Isabella narrowed her eyes at the brute. She opened her mouth but calmed herself, she has no desire to disgrace herself before Adelram. So she decided to move back to the main topic. “So tell me if all of the noble families are essentially gangsters. Why does the imperium allow it? I imagine crime is extremely high in the city.” Her lord folded his arms. “It’s quite simple there are no problems with the tithe so largely the imperium does not care. Also the church is essentially a gang family that ensures the “little” people are not harmed, all of them are fanatics though. Now I picked out a building all of you will launch from there. You will be a small time gang and grow from there, with time you will catch the notice of the inner circle.” “Inner circle?” “The inner circle are the gangs that largely control the planet. Now...one more thing. Have you seen Asriel? I haven’t been able to get into contact with him for some time.” Isabella was about to lick her lips but stopped, she wondered what she should say.

She took a deep breath, she knew she should be blunt. “He is in my bed.” As she spoke, her lord’s face flickered with confusion just for a moment. “I see, I am aware he visits you to talk. But do you have any idea why he has been ignoring me?” “My lord...I was sharing the bed with him.” He was about to speak, but his mouth froze. Disbelief washed over his face, Difillia shook her head and Salvador’s mouth fell agape, a piece of meat dropped out of his mouth. Her lord looked away for a moment, as his gaze returned the disbelief vanished. “Are you lying Isabella?” “My lord why would I lie?” “Did you seduce him? No...he would not fall for that...” he placed his hand on his chin. She furrowed her brow. “My lord I-” “Did you drug him? What sort of concoction did you poison him with?” He strode up to her and held her face tightly, she did not resist. “Compared to what I gave him...you don’t look much better...or perhaps it’s his influence...” Her lord began murmuring quietly to himself, he then sighed and released his grip. Isabella rubbed her chin. “He desired it my lord, nothing else. I did not do a thing.” She could see he was now grinding his teeth slightly, he then sighed. “It does not matter, Asriel will be with you.” “What do you mean?” “He will be your bodyguard that is what I mean. He won’t be involved in anything Difillia does, is that clear?” She nodded “Yes my lord...may I ask wh-” “He is to be your bodyguard.” he said firmly.

Isabella looked away slightly, something has happened. It must have something to do with him changing. She bowed. “I apologise for overstepping my lord.” Lord Adelram calmed down slightly. “You meant nothing by it, now you are dismissed.” Isabella bowed again, she turned and left the chambers. As she got to the door, Lord Izel strode past her. She looked at him for a moment wondering why he desires to speak to Lord Adelram, but she knew better. It’s not her place. She entered the hallway, as she walked back to her room she wondered how she will handle Asriel now that he is her bodyguard.

Izel walked up to Adelram, he could see the beast eating as usual and another one of his pets standing near his throne. He gave a small bow. “My lord.” “Adelram gave a curt nod. “Right, Salvador.” His beast perked up “Yes?” “Can you eat outside for a moment?” Izel could see he is confused, but he did as he bade. He picked up the giant pantry dish and trotted out of the chambers. He even closed the door behind him as well. His lord gestured to Difillia “Please come over.” She looked confused somewhat, but if she is still here that means he is letting her in on the plan. “Adelram are you sure that she can be trusted?” He smiled at him. “I am sure, now tell me Izel is it finished?” He gave a curt nod. “It is, the crystal is being filled with souls as we speak. Once it’s placed on the world it will drink far more.” Difillia looked at both of them in a confused manner. Adelram looked down to his servant “Difillia, there is an important task you must do on the planet. You cannot tell anyone.” She stood at attention. “You can rely on me my lord.” “Right, my brother has created something special that can suck in the souls of the dead. I aim to use that to turn the planet into a daemon world. I wish to offer the world to the dark prince. Now since you control the armed forces, you need to feed this crystal. Even sacrifice the homeless and useless to it as well. I picked out another building that's in the same area you will be based in. Izel will be there in order to look after the crystal. You must also ensure that no one takes the building.” Izel listened to the plan, but what caught his attention is that he wants to convert the world into a daemon world. An offering to the dark prince.

Compared to past raids, this is huge. At most they attack a planet, ransack it for slaves and supplies and then leave. For once they are attacking a world to serve their god. His lords eyes met his. “Izel, do you understand your role in this?” “Yes, I will ward the building as well, if anyone gazes at the building they will ignore it. Never can be too careful.” “That’s a good idea, now Difillia do you understand your role?” “Yes, I assume this is because of Asriel right?” Adelram sighed. “You are observant, I tell you this because he can’t be trusted.” That piece of news finally caused his pet to furrow her brow. “I understand my lord.” “Good, now we will begin the operation in a few days I want everyone to be ready.” Izel folded his arms “If we are lucky our brothers might not have to step one foot onto the world.” Adelram shook his head. “No, they might. Think about it thousands of souls gathering in one place. That will draw attention, I will have everyone battle ready at all times as the operation is running. Now Izel go and prepare the crystal to be moved. I will send you the coordinates once everyone is ready to head to the planet.”

Izel smiled, he gave a small bow. “It shall be done.” as he turned to leave, his body was gripped with excitement. Adelram using what he made in such a grand plan, deep down he truly felt it’s a shame that his brothers would have no idea about their true goal until it comes to fruition.

So it begins.

Hahahaa I like this. I wonder how Asriel will get wrapped up again...

Chapter 30
Difillia suited herself up in the docking bay, she has chosen the members who would go to Novum, those who are heavily mutated are staying behind. She looked over to Lord Izel who is preparing the portal, he said he could hide mutation with sorcery but she does not want to take any risks. She prefers that the main objective, the soul gathering goes as smoothly as possible. She also had all of them wear gas-masks, how their lord shaped them could also raise alarm bells. Her lord has placed a great deal of responsibility upon her, she does not want to let him down. At the current moment she is also wondering how she should approach Asriel, Adelram said he can’t be trusted.

Given what he has done in the past it’s clear he cannot be trusted and she is glad her lord has finally seen it. Difillia looked around all of the chosen Tauri are fully suited up, the supplies are also ready. She nodded and placed her gas mask on. “Now we have to wait for “her”” Difillia disliked Isabella, she understands why Lord Adelram uses her but she knows that she will be cast aside in time. The Tauri are the future, she will be a dusty old relic if her lord improves all of them further.

She gripped her spear “taking far too long…” Difillia walked up to the sorcerer. “Izel will you be coming with us?” He shook his head as he made the hand gestures to summon the portal. “No, I will go some time later. You know why.” “I see. You can rely on me Lord Izel.” “I know I can, compared to Asriel you are far more reliable. That is plain as day. Now, allow me to concentrate.” She turned away giving the sorcerer his space.

She tapped her foot in annoyance. “Where are they!?” she hissed, as she spoke out of the hallway they finally arrived. Her hair was now brown instead of black and her features was shifted slightly. She wore a fine dress and as always she held an air arrogance. Next to her she saw Asriel, he was wearing a black suit with a tie. His hair was now also black and like Isabella his features have been changed. She frowned as she stared at him “he is not wearing any wargear…” Both of them approached, Asriel looked smug as always. “Tell me Asriel where are your weapons? Your wargear? How are you going to guard Isabella without any weapons?” Isabella frowned “Asriel assured me that he can protect me. Wh-” Difillia cut her off. “I wasn’t talking to you.” she locked her eyes to Asriel. “Is this some joke to you?” He shook his head. “No, I am taking this quite seriously but I am eager to see how you handle yourself. It’s clear Adelram doesn’t trust me.” Difillia tried not to react, she does not want to confirm his suspicion. “I-” “It doesn’t matter Difillia, I know him he doesn't trust me and it’s fine.” He gave a soft smile, but for some reason she thought she saw a hint of sadness. “I am used to this.” She sighed slightly “Fine if you can do you job I won’t say anything further.” She turned towards Izel he has finished his work, the portal is now open. “Right it’s time to g-” “Wait!” Difillia frowned, Asriel sighed slightly. Out of the hallway she saw another person wearing a suit, she recognised them and she has heard the stories about this person. Asriel shook his head. “Sitri…” She ran up to them. Her hair is no longer white, but brown like Isabella’s. “You weren’t going to leave without me?” Asriel folded his arms. “I should've known you would involve yourself. Is it under his orders?” Difillia watched her give Asriel a coy smile. “We all serve him you of all people should know that.” Isabella raised her eyebrow. “We serve Adelram not whoever you are speaking of.” For once Difillia agreed with Isabella. “She is correct, you are not coming with us.” She frowned at her. “Why not? I will be useful. I could guard Isabella with Asriel.” “I don’t trust you that’s why. My lord did not mention you so I don’t want you anywhere near us.” Sitri folded her arms “I-” “just let her come.” said Asriel.

Difillia gave him a look “This is why our lord put me in charge. We can’t trust her.” “I know, but I tell you this now she will involve herself whether we like it or not. It’s better that she is close to us than far away.” She mumbled slightly in annoyance, Asriel is correct she can tell that she seems like someone who would find some way to get involved, plus going by the stories Lord Adelram told her, she will find a way. “Fine, but if I see you step one foot out of place…” Sitri shrugged “I understand, I will be a good girl...just for you.” Difillia shook her head. “Right everyone! We are moving out!” They walked towards the swirling vortex, as everyone began walking through she stopped in front of Izel, she gave him a look and then eyed Sitri slightly as she walked through the portal. Izel simply inclined his head “I will let him know.” She nodded and walked through.

As she stepped through the portal a strange sensation tingled her body, but it was just for a second until she was greeted with an empty room. She could see the Tauri are standing at attention, Sitri and Asriel are standing close to Isabella. She then nodded as the portal closed behind her. “Right, Tauri secure the building! I want it under our control!” All them went to work setting up the supplies in their respective places, two squads left the room to secure the building. She looked at the windows she could see they were on the top floor. “Isabella just stand somewhere and let us work.” Isabella scoffed “Don’t worry I know what I am doing.” She turned to Asriel “I desire information, I want to know the general feel of the populace. Sitri will remain with me.” Asriel nodded “It shall be done.” As Asriel took a step, Difililla tapped the haft of her spear down onto the ground. “We have to secure the building! What are you doing!?” “Difillia I am just following the order of the head of our gang.” “Yes I heard her! Before we move we have to make sure the building is clear!” Sitri shrugged “I don’t see the problem the building is empty. Our...lord would not place us in a spot where we have to kick up a racket. That would draw attention.” Difillia curled her lip in annoyance, before the operation has fully begun, people are undermining her. She touched the communication bead. “Have you seen anything squad bravo?” the bead sparked slightly. “So far all the rooms are clear, we have not encountered any hostiles.” With that piece of information she sighed heavily. “Fine, Asriel can leave. But don’t do any-” “I know.” Asriel cut her off. “I will be careful. As Isabella said I will observe and gather information.” He gave Isabella a nod and left the room.

Difillia wanted to crease her brow in frustration but held back, she knew the true reason why they are on the planet. All she needs to do is make sure the harvesting goes smoothly. Everyone else, Isabella, Asriel and Sitri are distractions to keep eyes away from the true objective.

He gripped the handle of his sword, they have come to this planet because he received visions of dread and destruction. What was most fortuitous was one of the major families on the planet is willing to aid his investigation. At this very moment he is standing in his home with his retinue, they are waiting in one of the rooms. What pleases him is the fact that it’s full of icons and scriptures dedicated to the emperor, but he did not approach him for his faith but the fact he is tirelessly working to make the planet better. “Inquisitor Belaris?” he turned to Shevila, she now wears carapace armour stylized to look like gear worn by the arbites. Technically that is no longer her vocation but she likes to stay true to her old life. That is something he could appreciate. “What is it?” Her eyes diverted away from him, it seems she is holding something back. “Speak freely Shevila.” She nodded and locked her gaze with his. “I understand the head of this family is devout and dutiful to the word of the emperor but…” “They are still a crime family?” She slowly nodded. “Yes.” “The Isembells are a syndicate but they “technically” have not committed any crime. They have the support of the ecclesiarchy in turn that gives them access to resources. They wish to turn the planet into a cardinal world. Which you should agree is far more preferable to how it is now.” The arbitrator said nothing. That is all he needed to know that she agreed. “Also they have the support of the Adepta Sororitas.” That piece of news caused her eyes to grow wide. “Really!? How!?” “As I said many wish the planet to become a cardinal world, to be free of crime and depravity. To be more specific they have the support of the order of White Chalice. Now as I said we have approached them under the guise of commiting general investigation. At the same time the head of the family wishes for my...support. ” Belaris then heard a grunt, at the corner of the room he saw Leon, since becoming a crusader he had little to no patience. At the moment he is checking over his power sword and storm shield. “Leon, I understand that people should freely help us but as with all things there are complications.” He shifted his gaze away, not saying a word. Belaris sighed, his associates were quite thorough, he is now a weapon of the emperor that hates all darkness. So a softer touch is obviously not agreeable to him.

He shook his head and went over the vision again in his head. It came to him a fever dream and he sees flashes of that catastrophic event. In the vision he sees a swirling pink vortex in the sky sucking up souls unless people commit depravity to each other. Gazing at that dark maw the words kept repeating in his mind. The snake will be severed from his home. That is what confounded him. It’s those words that eluded him, at times he wished Michael was here to help him divine the meaning. Even though he is also a psyker, Michael had far more better skills in using the emperor’s tarot and divining visions. He was about to sigh until the door opened, the head of the family entered with his guards. Unlike many of the “nobles” on Novum Loram Isembell wore a modest black coat, trousers and combat boots. His black hair was swept back and his face was stern. But what sold him to the head of the family is the scars that line his face. That tells him he fought for what he believed in.

Belaris approached and offered his hand. “Loram Isembell, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Loram smiled and grasped his hand tightly. “It’s rare to get a visit from an inquisitor. I will do whatever I can to aid you. You have full access to my resources” He then released his grip and placed his hands around his back. “I pity the fool who has also caught your attention.” “As do I, but what of the other families? My presence will be discovered eventually.” “I suspect they already know, but that should make your work easier since they want to hold onto power. No one wants to be marked as a heretic.” “Don’t underestimate the darkness of man Loram, I have seen many fall.” “Well then my compatriots in the inner circle should be careful. Now I am sorry that I have to leave since we just met but I have a meeting to attend to, my fellows are most likely eager to question me about your presence. I wish you luck in your investigation.” Belaris smiled “Thank you, Emperor protects Loram.” “Indeed he does Inquisitor…” He turned away and left the room.

Belaris tightened his grip on the handle of his blade, he faced Shevila and Leon. “Right time to gather information. If my vision has any weight I suspect heretics might take interest in this planet.” Leon sheathed his blade and hefted his shield up. “Finally.” Shevila frowned at him. “Aren’t you being a little disrespectful?” The crusader grunted again. “Corruption is insidious we have to be careful around everyone. Anyone who hesitates in giving aid is suspect.” Shevila raised her eyebrow. “Loram is an ally.” “And a possible enemy.” said Belaris, the arbite faced him in confusion. “How so?” “How? Leon might be hasty but he is not wrong. The great enemy aims for the best of us. It delights in seeing the righteous fall. Those who bend to such powers are used and discarded at the whims of dark gods, even their so called “champions”.” The arbitrator slowly nodded. “I see….I am only used to hunting criminals or insurrectionists.” “Do not worry Shevila, you will understand with time…” He loosened his grip on the handle of his blade. “Now it’s time to get to work.”

Asriel stepped out onto the streets, he looked at the door of the building. “So the building was empty…” he knew it would be empty. Adelram would not place them in such a place where they have to fight. He would ensure they could start the task on their own terms. The only question is what Adelram is hiding from him. He could investigate but part of him felt he shouldn’t, not this time. “He wants a victory for himself.” he repeated that thought in his mind as he bought up his hands. He stared at them. “He fears his own father….he fears what he has done to me.” Asriel frowned, he did not feel any different. “But what Adelram may fear is what he has possibly changed…” He shook his head. “Doesn’t matter now...let’s get to work.” He walked the streets, the building work was not bad for the houses and businesses but what he did see are people walking around heads down. All of them reek of fear.

He continued walking and sat down on the bench. Asriel continued to watch the people, he then suddenly heard screaming. Across the road a man ran out of the allway begging for his life. “Please don’t kill me! Please!” As he shouted he tripped and fell to the ground, he looked up slightly and turned to the allway as a group of people in red flak armour walked out with autoguns. The leader was a man with a mechanical arm. Asriel guessed that they must be a crime family that rules the area they are in. The leader walked up to the man trembling on the ground. “You thought to run off to Isembell’s territory? Thought you would be safe there? You thought the Letasis family would not find out?” The man stammered “P-please forgive me...I-I…” before he could utter another word the man drew his autopistol and fired at the man. Several rounds hit his head, he collapsed to the ground. The soldiers of the Letasis family then turned back to the allway, leaving the corpse on the pavement.

Asriel frowned, but what he found interesting was the fact that people just went on their business like nothing happened. Not even a head turn or a look. People are even ignoring the corpse. He stroked his chin “there is no hope here...we can exploit that. Plus it seems that Isembell is well liked if people are trying to get to that area….” “Indeed they are.” Asriel flicked to his right a woman is setting next to him. A young woman with light brown skin and black hair. But what has him on guard is that he did not notice her. He can’t let it show, to rise and leave would draw too much suspicion. He needs to change the topic if she overhead him. “I don’t know what you mean.” “Don’t be silly, You want to corrupt this planet. But you feel something more is going on.” Asriel narrowed his eye at the woman, he felt tense. He wondered if this woman is linked to whatever Adelram is doing. “Who are you?” he asked. The woman shrugged. “I could actually be here? You could be talking to yourself or talking to air. Does it matter? I wish to at least be fair to you.” “Fair to me?” She nodded, she then looked into his eye. “The dark noble will sever the snake from his family.” “What?” Asriel blinked and now she was gone. He rubbed his eye and looked around. The woman was now gone. “Was I talking to myself?” his eye darted to the people, no one was giving him odd looks. Asriel scratched his head. “I can focus on who she is later..I have to get back to Isabella.” he rose from the bench and began walking back.

Right, I am not sure if people are going to like where I am taking this but....I am committing to it.

Cause chaos is not fair.

Chapter 31
Izel stood in the empty building, he gazed at the crystal thrumming with energy. Almost every second a soul enters the house, it just shows how violent and short lives are on this planet. It’s no surprise that his lord chose Novum for this project. But Adelram did not like the small detail that Sitri has come along, plus the fact Asriel supported her joining in this mission. “He can’t be trusted...who knows what he would do if he knew about this…” Izel then walked around the crystal to inspect it he drew wards on the ground around the crystal to aid in containing the spirits. Since taking it down to the planet small lashes of pink energy grips the house. “Adelram is right...we can’t hide this for long…” “Indeed you can’t.” Izel flicked behind him. The voice was quite morose but he could feel the power behind it, then from the darkness a sorcerer of the third legion stepped out.

They wore an open black robe and their armour was covered in scripture that looked to be the dark tongue. The text was neatly laid out on certain sections of his armour. His helmet also had dark tongue scripture covering it. The sorcerer took a step forward, Izel bought up his hands, charging them with psychic energy. “How did you get in here….” he hissed. The sorcerer shrugged “Am I really here though? I could be a warning…I could be an echo of the future...” Izel relaxed slightly, he walked towards the sorcerer and reached out to touch the sorcerer, he had to confirm something. As his hand touched his pauldron it phased right through it, Izel bought his hand back. “You aren’t real.” “Of course not, you are smart enough to see that…” the sorcerer shifted his gaze to the crystal. “That crystal if he succeeds your lord will become great. But there will be obstacles and sacrifices he has to make in order for that to happen.” Izel narrowed his eyes. “Obstacles? Sacrifices? What sort of obstacles? What should he sacrifice?” “You know of what I speak. The human is the obstacle and sacrifice, just think of the past and you can see why.” Izel folded his arms “He would either enlarge the plan even further….it would blow up in our faces somehow...or he would destroy it if he perceives it as a threat to Adelram... At the same time he keeps our lord from being great with his antics...he cares too much for him.” “Exactly. So your job is important.” Izel stared at the sorcerer he then blinked and suddenly he vanished. He frowned and faced the crystal. “He must of been an apparition generated by the house. So it’s starting already…”

Graham Letasis sat in his study, he looked over the reports of a mass exodus to Isembell’s territory. He grumbled in frustration “I can’t take on an inner circle member..I just have to keep them from leaving…” He looked over to his cogitator and went through the hunting squads. In the last few hours he has been unable to get into contact with them. If he sends anyone to search for them they disappear too. Graham bit his nail slightly “It must be Loram Isembell….he wants to take my territory….” He rummaged his hair in frustration. “I can’t take him on...what do I do? Perhaps I should seek out one of the inner circle families for support?” He shook his head dismissing that thought. “Then I would be under their thumb forever…” He let out a trouble sigh of frustration. “What do I do?” he wracked his brain but then he heard a muffling sound from the double wooden door. He pushed aside the current issues and narrowed his eyes he was about to rise but doors then flung open. Men and women in black armour who wore gas-masks came surging in. Graham rose from his desk “w-what is the meaning of this!” “We are taking over.” the voice was female, soft and for some reason set him at ease slightly. A woman with brown hair and aquiline features entered his study with two bodyguards wearing suits. He guessed the woman that is now before him is the leader. All of his squads suddenly vanishing is starting to make sense. “I am Valerie Tauri, head of the Tauri family and all you own now belongs to me.” Graham ground his teeth. “Do you know who I am!? I-” One the black armored figures shot the table with an autogun.

He jumped back slightly he licked his lips, the situation is bad. There is only one way out. “I-I can be of some use to you. I-” another shot landed in his cogitator. Valerie smiled “I don’t need you. A fat and disgusting little man...what use do I have for you?” Graham looked down to his round belly. “P-please I-” “Stop speaking.” she said firmly. Graham closed his mouth he began sweating heavily, he can’t die here. Not like this. She then gestured to the soldier who shot at his desk and their gun shifted to him. He gulped as the gun sparked to life, he felt then felt a sharp pain on his chest as he fell to the ground.

Graham’s teeth chittered, it feels like he has been stabbed several times as his blood pooled on the floor it was like all his ambitions is drifting away. All the power, wealth and money. He gasped and suddenly it turned dark, then a great brilliance of pink light engulfed his vision. He no longer felt pain, but a strange sense of ease, like a hand caressing his body. But the sensation soon vanished as he felt a thousand swords piecing his body. He screamed, he thrashed but he felt confined, these sensations kept repeating over and over again. Each time the sensation growing in intensity. He wanted freedom, but there was no escape, none at all he let loose another shrill scream of utter terror.

Isabella smiled and looked around the study, the Tauri have now removed the corpse of the now deceased Graham Letasis “I like this mansion.” “You do?” said Asriel. “Yes, Difillia can have the building our lord placed us in for her Tauri. We will live here from now on.” Sitri looked around and frowned “the colour is disgusting though.” “Yes but you have to deal with that for now my “bodyguard” we can’t rouse suspicion.” “Exactly.” Difillia came walking into the study. “This gang was disorganised and weak. So they were dealt with quickly but now we will draw the eyes of the other families. What you will do from here Isabella will be important.” “I know you don’t have to tell me, the first order of business is to distribute some of the basic supplies to the people.” Isabella could see Difillia seems to be for the plan, she is not barking so she is on the right track. “That way we get more recruits to fill out the lower ranks of the family. At the same time the people will love us and in turn serve our lord at the same time.” Asriel smiled “sounds like a good plan.” Isabella returned his smile she bought her gaze to Difillia who sighed slightly. “The Tauri will work on that along with removing any minor family that gets in our way.” “Right you have your orders.” Isabella then shooed Difillia out of the study, she grunted at her gesture as the Tauri within the study fell in behind her as she left to enact her orders.

Now alone she looked over to Asriel “is something wrong?” Asriel raised his eyebrow “No, why do you ask?” she could tell he was thinking about something, his eyebrows move slightly whenever he is contemplating something. He then glanced at Sitri “do you know anything about what Adelram is doing?” She shrugged “no, I don’t.” “What orders has he given you?” “I can’t tell you.” Asriel narrowed his eye at her. “Can you at least tell me is Adelram going to be harmed with whatever he is planning?” “I can tell you that, no he will not be harmed.” Isabella looked at the both of them in confusion. “Is something going on?” Asriel sighed slightly “I am just concerned with what our lord is doing.” “If you are concerned why don’t you do something about it?” as she spoke Sitri gave her look. “If he does it will jeopardize the mission. Asriel do you trust Adelram? If so wait and see. At the moment I guess he doesn't trust you so why not trust in him perhaps you standing by is the right decision?” Isabella frowned slightly. “Why should he trust what you say?” “He knows things about me that you don’t. So how about we leave it at that?” “That’s enough, I will wait.” said Asriel. “I will trust in him.” With that Asriel made up his mind.

She knew how he is, she just hoped he made the right decision.

Loram sat at the circular table within the great hall. It is here that the inner circle come to discuss matters within the city. He has always found it too lavish for his tastes. The golden statues, the silk covering the windows. But he is the odd one out of the families. He uses his wealth and statues to spread the word of the god emperor and shield his people from the crime within the city. He prayed that Belaris presence was a sign that he is on the right path that maybe the emperor is on his side. He then gazed at his fellows of the inner circle. Dominic Vilroe of the Vilroe family, known to have a large information network. He always wore a hood and mask hiding his features. The soldiers of his family dress in a similar manner, they all wear masks. The next member of the inner circle, Jezebel Delmisa her family controls the brothels and drug trade. She dresses to impress, her makeup and hair lovingly attended to unlike the people she stepped upon to reach the inner circle.

Even her guards wore pristine gear and held weapons that were spotless and finally the last member of the inner circle and the planetary governor. Dimitri Solnivich, like him he fought for his place going by the scars that line his face, his brown hair held threads of grey due to stress. Out of all of them he has the strongest military and the best weapons money can buy. Oddly enough they agree on many things and get on well save changing the planet from being run by crime families to a cardinal world. A world where normal families don’t have to fear for their lives or pay “protection” taxes. Still he knows they are not here to discuss that, but the issue of why a inquisitor is on the world. Since Belaris approached him, Loram decided to speak first. “He is not here to investigate any of the activities all of you are getting up to.” Jezebel gave a small frown. “The inquisitor approached you. Why not us? We are far more powerful, at most all we know is that he is committing to a “general” investigation, whatever that means.” Dominic nodded “yes, it’s far too...convenient that an inquisitor approaches you out of all families. Out of the four of us you are the weakest. Considering the information I have at my hands it would be far more prudent for him to visit me than you…” Loram sighed inwardly, considering how they act and their disregard for the emperor it’s clear as day why he approached him over them. “Perhaps both of you should look at yourselves before wondering why an agent of the emperor approached me.”

Jezebel almost hissed in annoyance, Domonic tutted, but the only one who hasn’t said anything is Dimitri. “So Dimitri what are your thoughts on this?” said Dominic. Loram narrowed his eyes at the planetary governor what he says here will either make things difficult or easy for him and Belaris. Dimitri tapped the table with his finger he then sighed. “As long as he does not interfere in our business too much, he can do as he pleases. Who are we to get in the way of an agent of the throne?” Dimitri relaxed in his chair slightly. “I am sure all of us will give the inquisitor the aid he needs.” he eyed Dominic and Jezebel, both of them squirmed slightly in their seats. “I am sure the both of you also know what it means to obstruct an inquisitor?” The head of the Vilroe family sighed slightly. “I am aware governor if he comes to me I shall aid him.” Jezebel nodded “as will I.” “Good, this meeting is adjourned.” Loram smiled, he was about to get up but Dominic coughed “There is another issue.” Loram sighed and returned to a comfortable position, if the spymaster is speaking then it must be important. “So what do you wish to tell the inner circle Dominic?” The head of the Vilroe family chuckled slightly. “I just wish to let everyone know that a new family has risen in Letasis’ territory.” Jezebel shook her head “who cares about a minor family? They will fall to the wayside like everyone else.” Dimitri frowned at the head of the Delmisa family. “If Dominic is speaking it must be important. You of all people should know this.” he gestured to the spymaster “please continue.” “Thank you planetary governor, this new family has actually eliminated the Letasis family. Right now they are carving their way through all his holdings and at the same time killing any minor families that get in their way.” Loram raised his eyebrow, this is definitely news at the same time taking almost a whole territory in a few hours requires manpower. How such a family has remained hidden is a mystery. “The question is what are they doing with the territory?” Dominic stroked his chin “that is the question, right Isembell? According to my sources they are spreading some of Letasis supplies to the people. They are garnering a lot of support.” Jezebel laughed “you mean the commoners!? What would they do with it!? They are using and eating things that they haven’t worked for!” Loram clenched his hands, for once a family is doing something good and the head of Delmisa is mocking them for it. “It’s good that for once a family is willing to do the emperor’s work.” “So you are going to ally with them?” Jezebel said in a accusatory tone. “You should watch yourself Lo-” Dimitri slammed his hand on the table cutting her off. “Enough! As long as they don’t go near our territory it should be fine, Loram has the right to ally with them or not. At least he is using his wealth for something productive. Now...this meeting is adjourned.” Dominic and Jezebel rose from their seats, as he was about to rise Dimitri pointed at him. “Loram you will stay for a moment.” both of the families leaving looked at him, he could not tell what facial expression Dominic was making but Jezebel was smiling ear to ear. Both of them left the room their guards trailing behind them, once alone Loram sat in his seat.

The planetary governor gave a heavy sigh “I bet the inquisitor is looking for that new family. Or his nose will be drawn to them.” “Why would you think that? They are helping the people.” “Of course they are, to gather support and I know you are not stupid. It’s not normal for a family to gain control this quickly.” Loram gulped slightly “you suspect them to be heretics?” “Possibly.” “Then why are you telling me this?” “Because you are reliable unlike the other two. Your plans of making the planet better? I have tried it, so have my predecessors. The man I killed for this chair wanted the best for us, but we are stuck in our ways. We are stuck in our cycle of pain and violence.” He shook his head. “You fought for that seat for the sake of a better future. You think it would be better under the priests? I am not pious but I have visited cardinal worlds. Instead of gangs killing civilians priests will have them whip themselves to death over perceived sins. The priests will grow fat with power while those under them will suffer.” “You truly believe that Dimitri?” “Yes, I do. This situation is not ideal but this is reality. This is the hell I know, this is the hell I can manipulate.” Hearing Dimitri speak caused his heart to sink slightly, they have had this conversation so many times. But this time something just felt wrong, like someone or something is tingling his skin. Yet he can’t let such a feeling stop him. “This is a hell of our making, it’s down to us to change it.” “I knew you would say that. But to focus on current matters, I think this new family might be linked to whatever the inquisitor is doing. You know how hard it is to make a name for yourself in this city. It can’t be a coincidence, an inquisitor arrives and a new family has suddenly taken a large chunk of territory?” Loram could not help but agree now that Dimitri pushes this point he has his own scars, he had to kill people to get here. People who deserved death and those who did not. For a family to rise in a short few hours is unheard of. He thought about it and now he understands what Dimitri wants him to do. “You wish for me to point the inquisitor in that direction?” “Yes, you can feel it can’t you?” “Feel what?” “The...air is wrong. In the last few hours the air changed and I don’t like it one bit.” Loram could understand the feeling quite well but he had to be sure. “You feel a strange tingling like sensation on your skin.” Dimitri slowly nodded and that’s all he needed. “I will let the inquisitor know.”

Chapter 32
Belaris walked with Shevila and Leon through the Tauri territory, they have been here for a few days. Loram has pointed them in this direction and he could not help but agree that this area of the city is strange, the people have taken to the Tauri so quickly. Also the added fact they have just rose to prominence in a few days. But what is far more troubling is the visions have grown worse, each time he dreams it’s like a thousand swords are piecing his body. Even now walking in the Tauri territory it’s like a strange foreboding is gripping his body. He shook his head “I must focus…” “Are you alright inquisitor?” he turned his head slightly to Shevila “I am fine. We need to focus on the investigation. I do feel the Tauri are not here to aid the people.” “What gives you that idea?” “Ever since beginning our investigation here my visions have been growing worse…” “Perhaps the emperor is trying to tell you something.” said Leon. “I think so as well. Even now we are getting odd looks, I have not dressed like an inquisitor, arbites are common but are in the pocket of the planetary governor and crusaders are well liked by the people due to Loram’s efforts, even in other families territories. But here? Belaris looked around, everyone is giving them strange looks.

But why they are walking this road today is that he wishes to investigate a specific place, a place that perhaps the Tauri can’t even see. He walked down the road, the same as always and when he tries to turn his head he can’t, it’s like his body does not want to see what is next to him. He stopped walking. “This keeps happening…” Shevila came forward and frowned “why do we keep walking this road?” as she spoke he stroked his chin and nodded. He touched her forehead with his finger and traced a protection glyph across her forehead. As he moved his hand away she rubbed her forehead. “What do you just do?” In silence he approached Leon and did the same thing and finally he did it to himself. “Right we are walking down the road again.” He turned and walked back, both of his acolytes follow him, as he walked his forehead started to heat up and finally he could look to his right. What he saw was a abandoned building. It was a single level, Shevila looked up to the building in shock. “How come we did not notice this?” “Because it was protected by foul sorcery” said Leon. Belaris inclined his head in his direction “Leon is correct. I have seen such a technique before employed by heretics to hide themselves or to keep things hidden.” He began walking to the doors, he gripped the door handle and turned his head slightly to acolytes. “From here no more speaking. Not even a word unless it’s necessary.” Both nodded and drew weapons, he opened the door and walked inside.

As they entered it was dimly lit, but he could feel it. The touch of the dark gods gripping this building. The stench of corruption, the taste of ash in his mouth. He drew his force sword and began creeping down the hallway, Leon and Shevila trailed behind him. The further they got into the building the feeling increased, after a few minutes of exploring he came upon a set of double doors. He turned to Leon and Shevila, he made a few hand gestures for them to keep to the wall as he peeks through the door. Both of them nodded to confirm, Belaris then placed his back to the wall and knelt slightly. He opened the door just a crack. Through the gap he saw something unholy, something terrible.

He saw a traitor astartes talking with a female while they gazed at a strange crystal brimming with power. If he looked at it for too long he could hear the screams of thousands at the back of his mind. But he focused on the two before him and their conversation. The traitor astartes said “this should be it, I think Adelram could come down and do whatever he needs to do.” “I see but...I wonder how he could turn this planet into a daemon world?” The voice, Belaris recognised it right away. It was Larissa, the fact that she is with the heretic astartes must mean she was converted when she went missing. The dutiful scion he relied on greatly is now lost, but what concerns him more is the heretics plan. To convert the planet into a daemon world.

He turned back slightly to Shevila and Leon, he made gestures to signal a evacuation of the building. Both of them nodded, all of them crept back and retraced their steps as they got outside Leon spoke up. “We should of killed them. Whatever heretical plan they were hatching we could of stopped it there.” Shevila nodded in agreement. “Leon is right we co-” “No.” he said firmly. “For one the astartes within the building would of most likely killed us since he is a sorcerer. Plus his fellows must be somewhere in orbit. Soon as we do something the traitors will come down upon us. We are returning to Loram he has the contacts needed to aid us. let us move quickly.” at his order Leon nodded and sheathed his blade, Shevila slung her shotgun over her shoulder.

As they walked away from the building the gravity of the discovery now came crashing upon him. The threat of a traitor astartes invasion.

Asriel watched Isabella pace within the study it’s been almost a month and since they took control of the Letasis territory none of the families wish to speak with them. Even sending word to the kind-hearted Isembell’s is greeted with silence. He knew something is wrong, Asriel could see Isabella has noticed it as well. “Do you think they have discovered us?” said Asriel. Isabella stopped and looked at him. “That’s impossible how could they? We are loved by the people and protect them. What reason would people have to suspect us?” “Unless there might be an inquisitor on world.” Sitri said cooly. Asriel bore his eyes into her “there is an inquisitor on world!? What didn’t you say anything!?” “I said might. That could be the only explanation. Inquisitors are suspicious of everything I imagine if they snooped around us they would find something to pin on us.” Isabella clenched her hands, he could see the fury building. She dislikes failing Adelram and if that failure is cause Sitri did not reveal information that makes it far worse in her eyes. “Sitri….I would of planned around that if there was a possibility of an inquisitor being on world. I would of reeled the Tauri back and had them expand slowly. Also don’t try and lie you knew from the start.” Asriel agreed, it’s clear she knew from the start but there is one question that plagues him. “Tell me Sitri what is he planning?” she rolled her eyes. “Alright, he knew this would happen anyway all he told me is to ensure that Adelram’s plan is successful and it is.” “She is correct it is successful.” Asriel turned to the door he saw the same woman who was sitting on the bench with him. She began picking through the books. “But you chose to trust him. Is that wise?” Asriel was going to answer the question but he was more concerned whether Sitri and Isabella saw the woman before him. But to his shock Sitri has frozen so was Isabella.

Asriel bought his eyes back to the woman “what have you done?” “given us room to speak.” she sighed and walked over to the other bookshelf. “So tell me..if you had the opportunity to have a normal life what would you like to be?” Asriel scoffed “what is the point of the question? It’s impossible to have a “normal” life in this galaxy.” “Why is that?” “Because it’s unfair.” “So the galaxy is unfair is it? Alright then humour me.” He had no idea who this woman was he still believed it’s linked to what his lord is doing on this planet. He sighed slightly “if...I had the opportunity after seeing the galaxy if I had a normal life...I would like to be a chef.” “Interesting.” said the woman. “So what do you think of the dark prince? Do you seek to please him in all things?” “Of course but…” “but what?” “You must be careful.” “That’s funny coming from you…” she pulled a book from the shelf and looked at it. “You twisted Silas arm for possibly doubting him.” “I don’t doubt him but I am aware when it comes to the gods there is always a cost. Nothing is free, chaos is inherently not fair.” For some reason the woman smiled at his answer, she placed the book back on the shelf. “Perhaps things will still be interesting then? Alright...a gift for your...service.” Asriel blinked, the woman was gone instead there was an Astartes standing before him.

His armour was the colour of bruised purple, there was a great golden palatine aquila on his breastplate and the forearms of his power armour is wrapped in chains. The helmet was also purple and a smaller version of the aquila was embedded upon the helmet. But what drew his eye is the pauldron that should bare the legion insignia was gone. The surface of the pauldron was covered in slashes. Seeing this astartes before him he felt...familiar like he knew him. “Who are you?” Asriel asked.

He blinked a few times and the astartes vanished. “Asriel! Asriel!” he turned to Isabella who was calling him. “Y-yes?” “You have been staring at the door for several minutes are you okay?” He frowned and looked at Sitri who gave him a strange look. “What did you see?” she asked. Asriel shook his head “I saw….nothing. I did not see anything Sitri.” She was now staring daggers at him. Isabella shook her head “can someone fill me in?” “It’s nothing” said Asriel. “Anyway we need to focus on important matters, inform Adelram the operation has been compromised.” Isabella looked down to the armband “Perhaps...we could salvage this?” “No” he said firmly. “If there is an inquisitor on world the reason why the families are not making contact with us because they perceive us as an enemy. Contact him now.” She grumbled slightly but bought up the armband she pressed down on the jewel. After a moment a small mirror screen manifested and soon he heard his voice. “What is it Isabella? Why are you contacting me?” “My lord I wish to inform you the operation has been compromised, a certain someone omitted the fact that an inquisitor might be on world.” “I see...” Asriel raised his eyebrow as Adelram spoke, that means whatever he is planning must of been a success if it wasn’t he would be angry. “Isabella have everyone head to these coordinates. My brothers are going to assault the world and I will do what needs to be done to lead us to victory. You will see the glory of the dark prince manifest on this very world.” Isabella picked up a pen from the table and began writing after she was done she nodded. “Right I have recorded it my lord.” “Good, no-” “Tell us what you are planning.” said Asriel. Isabella gave him a look to be careful. He heard Adelram chuckling “Fine Asriel, you were a distraction all will become clear once you head to the coordinates.” The screen vanished, Asriel folded his arms. “Well let’s go.” Isabella bit her lip as she picked up the paper “are you sure about this Asriel?” Sitri chuckled “what choice do we have? All of us are following the great one’s will.” “Shut up! This is your fault!” spat Isabella. “Enough arguing we must leave.” Isabella sighed “yes, to wherever our lord wishes to direct as to.” All of them walked to the door, as Asriel placed his hand upon it he strangely felt apprehensive. Like he did not want to go for some reason, he felt Isabella’s hand on his shoulder “Is something wrong?” he shook his head as he opened the door. “I am fine, let’s go.”

Adelram stood before the thunderhawk, everything is going to according to plan. The house is brimming with souls and his brothers would add to that. Since he came up with the idea he has been preparing a ritual that will make the planet an offering to the dark prince. Now the power for that ritual is in one place. The whole plan succeeded and if he told Asriel about it he would have reservations or a crazy idea of his own that would cause everything to spiral out of control. “Adelram.” he turned to see Marthas walking towards him, his hand was resting on his new blade. “What is is Marthas?” “Can you tell me what exactly we will be doing on world? You are hiding something.” He smiled at the brother that was returned to him by the dark prince. “I had to hide it due to Asriel.” “So you don’t trust me.” “I don’t trust him brother.” His champion sighed slightly “why is this still a problem?” “It’s not a problem, I am just being careful. That’s it, I wish to please the dark prince. Trust your brother over a human Marthas.” Marthas narrowed his eyes “you think I would chose Asriel over you?” “Would you?” he fell silent for a moment. “I-” “You would, your answer should of came without hesitation.” his brother shook his head. “I would choose you over him. Despite our relationship he is not an astartes.” Adelram looked into his eyes, he had a good feeling he spoke truthly. “I….accept your answer..now let us go on world and begin the invasion. All will become clear.” He walked to the thunderhawk, Marthas followed behind him.

As they stepped on the doors closed and it lifted off. The ride was smooth but he could see Marthas was plagued with questions. He sighed “I wish to turn the planet into a daemon world.” his brothers eyes almost bulged out of his head. “How!?” “You will see, Silas and Tarkhan should be on world by now aiding in the process.” The announcement seemed to cause his champion to almost tremble in excitement, but as always Marthas knew how to keep his composure. Adelram then focused on the objective, the ride of the thunderhawk was smooth and in a few minutes they landed. As the bay doors opened he was greeted with the screams of mortals. “It seems everyone is working hard. Come Marthas.” he stepped down the bay doors they now stood before the building he chose with Izel.

Looking around he could see his brothers and his experimental soldiers torturing and killing mortals. Salvador was also among them what swelled his hearts is that they are following his orders to the letter. He bought his eyes to the doors of the house and saw Asriel waiting with Sitri and Isabella. Seeing his father’s creature soured his mood slightly but as long as she does not interfere he would not destroy her. Adelram walked towards them with Marthas, as they approached Asriel folded his arms. “I saw what was inside. What are you thinking!?” “I was thinking of pleasing the dark prince.” “But gathering so many souls in one place!? What reason do-” “To convert the planet into a daemon world, such a ritual requires power and that power has been gathered.” “That...crystal is unstable. Such a ritual can’t be done in a short time frame!” Adelram pointed at him. “Be silent Asriel...now come and follow me.” He walked towards the doors and opened them. He eyed Sitri “you are staying outside.” she bowed “whatever is your wish...my lord.” Adelram scowled slightly, Marthas, Asriel and Isabella followed him inside.

They walked to the main hall in silence, when they got there he saw the brilliant pink crystal lashing with wonderful energy. He could see Difillia standing near the wall and Izel was busy tracing more runes upon the ground to contain the power. As soon as he noticed his presence the sorcerer rose. “My lord...whatever you are going to do...do it now.” Asriel looked up to him pleading “don’t do this..you can see how volatile the energies are…use that energy to release dae-” “What did I say Asriel?” he frowned “Use the energy to release daemons instead. A swarm of them could overtake the planet even with imperial reinforce-” Adelram turned and punched him in the face, he fell to the ground with a thud. Isabella looked away not wanting to draw his gaze. Adelram took a deep breath “that is enough.” he turned to the crystal and walked towards it.

Despite the wards the energy, the heat he felt emanating from the house was great. But all he could do is smile. “It’s time…” he placed his hand upon the crystal he felt a rush of energy, great waves of sensation crashed into his body. He was about to chant but something was wrong he felt his body moving, he looked to his hand to see it’s being sucked into the crystal. He grabbed the arm and tried to pull it out to no avail. Marthas, Izel and Difillia rushed forward. “Get back!” Adelram shouted, both his brothers and his servant froze. He looked at the crystal and placed his other hand upon it, the crystal then yanked him in.

As he entered the crystal his vision became awash with thousands of colours it was like he was tumbling until he blinked several times and found himself on his back. He rose to find himself in a white landscape but if he looked above he saw thousands upon thousands of pink coloured balls of light hovering above him. His mouth almost hanged in pure awe “It’s…” “Beautiful?” the voice caused him to freeze. He turned slowly to see someone he was not expecting. “Father?” but he was not a daemon he held the appearance of his state before he was elevated. He walked towards him, each step controlled as always. His smile set him at ease he found it hard not to bow. “Is it really you?” asked Adelram. Fulgrim nodded “it is if you wish to see my true state…” “N-no it’s fine.” He looked away slightly he did not know what to say or do. But he felt a hand his face, his father was drawing his gaze to him. “You haven’t done anything wrong.” He screwed his eyes shut “I….have done plenty wrong.” “But it wasn’t your fault.” He opened his eyes confusion began setting in. “What do you mean?” Fulgrim held his smile. “It was the humans fault. It was you slaves fault that you kept being led astray.” “Y-you mean Asriel?” he nodded “Yes...I know what you are going to ask. All I did was return his soul that’s it.” Adelram relaxed slightly “so you did nothing?” “I did nothing but I wanted to show you something.” “Show me what?” he removed his hand from his face sadness began lining his father’s face. “That you are not compatible anymore. He is an obstacle to your growth. The dark prince and I agreed on this.”

Adelram shook his head slowly “but...if it was not for…” “You speak of the time I was going to use you as a sacrifice? Do you think the dark prince would let you die like that? Yes your life would of been ended there but I can assure you the dark prince would of reformed you. Just like he does for dear Lucius. Perhaps I would of restored your pet earlier at that time if you did not anger me...” As his father spoke he shook his head “so...you are saying it’s Asriel fault? He is the reason why I suffer?” Fulgrim placed his hand on his pauldron “yes, I watched you charge through the dark princes realm. I saw your potential but I knew you would always stumble as long as he exists in your life.” “But...he has saved me.” “You would've never been put in jeopardy in the first place if he did not exist. Yes you needed him for a time but no longer. His use ended after you retrieved my gift. Think about it the second time you went to Athor, if he did not exist you would of never went there and fallen into the trap. If you never tried to reconnect with your slave you would of flew to great heights..” He then walked to his side. “Look up Adelram.” he did as he bade he stared at all of the souls. “This is what you did without him. I want to be proud of you my son...please don’t disappoint me again.” Adelram was about to look up to speak to him but he was now gone.

He bought up his hands and stared at them. He had to admit Asriel was the reason he fell to the dark prince but...it would of happened eventually he knows this now. Whenever he was not in the picture things were good during the time he slumbered due to being possessed by a daemon and he would have never abandoned his brothers and the task set out by Eidolon if he did not exist. Adelram clenched his hands “I know what to do…”


Belaris slashed a traitor with his force sword he burned in a brilliant white light as he screamed. Leon pushed back a cultist with his shield and Shevila shot the heretic with her shotgun killing him. He looked around his power armour wined with the movement, he saw sisters of battle blasting heretics with bolters and meltas. Watching the heretic suffer was pleasing to him but they needed to hurry. It’s been a few days since the order of the white chalice arrived but the skies are in upheaval. The sisters of battle along with the pdf forces were travelling with them to the heretic ritual site.

All of the families threw in their support but all of this support would be for naught of his vision comes to pass. They ran down the street it’s just a few clicks more and they would be there. Shevila panted “We are making good progress, the heretics are doing all they can to defend the site but we outnumber them.” “Don’t underestimate the heretic Shevila. To let your guard down can spell doom.” said Belaris. As always Leon was largely silent but his opinions mirrored his own.

They made their way down the street with the white chalice and PDF. When they got the the building it was surrounded by heretic forces. The canoness of the white chalice pointed her power blade at the heretic line. “Charge! For the emperor!” All of them charged but as they took a few steps a loud bang crashed into his ears. It came from the skies and oddly enough the battle stopped everyone looked up to see a giant vortex manifesting in the skies. Belaris shook his head “how can we be too late? I-” he then heard a scream. He looked over to Shevila who dropped her shotgun, her hands were trembling a white light was bleeding off her body. “What is happening!? Inquis-” A great orb of white energy left her body she collapsed to the ground, he looked over to Leon the same was happening to him. “Did we fa-” a orb of light left his body he also fell to the ground.

Across their side of the battlefield, all of the PDF, Sisters of battle and forces belonging to the families the same was occuring. They were screaming for their lives. Belaris looked over to the heretics they were staring at them in confusion until one pointed up. “The dark prince is devouring their souls! Rejoice brothers!” Belaris instantly looked down to his body, white light was bleeding from it and suddenly he felt himself floating.

He looked down he could see his own body lying on the floor, he was now in the skies. He panicked he tried to move but it was like he was being restricted. He looked up at the swirling vortex and just for a moment he thought he saw a mouth. He could not think of any prayers to the emperor, or meditations or litanies to gain courage in the face of the heretic. All he could do is scream.

Asriel paced in the hall, Adelram has been in the crystal for days and it’s his fault, already Sitiri and Isabella have returned to the ship. He cursed he should’ve of tried harder to stop him. He looked over to Difillia, Izel and Marthas waiting calmly. He frowned “That’s it…” he strode towards the crystal but before he could get close Marthas grabbed his arm stopping him. “Marthas let me go!” “We will wait Asriel. Have faith in him.” “How can you say that!? We have been waiting for days and the imperial forces are trying to get here! We have to get him out!” Izel shook his head “perhaps this is the will of the dark prince? You have seen the skies, perhaps our lord is doing something.” Difillia nodded agreement. “Lord Izel is correct he created this plan. You of all people should trust in him.” He was about to speak until he heard a crack. All of them looked at the crystal, several cracks began suddenly lining the surface of it. But instead of energy lashing out the colour was draining away in a few short seconds the crystal turned black like the void. There was silence in the hall until Adelram’s face phased through it, eventually his whole body came through. He smiled “It’s done.” “What is?” said Izel. “Just listen my dear brother.” Asriel looked around he then heard hundreds of screams coming from outside. “What did you do?” Asriel asked. Marthas now released his grip. Adelram walked towards him hands open “what I set out to do. All those who don’t commit to the dark prince are being devoured. This planet now belongs to him….but there is one more issue that needs to be dealt with.” He pointed at him. “Me? What do you mean?” “I am releasing you from my service Asriel.” “I-I see...I will stay with the warband.” Adelram shook his head slowly “No. You will be with us no longer.”

The news caused him to tremble with fury he ground his teeth, the woman's words on the bench finally made sense. “You can’t do this! Why!? What reason do you have!?” His eyes seemed distant, like Adelram already resolved himself. “I don’t want this Adelram...my place is here…” Adelram’s hands reached and grabbed his head. He found himself trembling. “You’re going to kill me aren’t you?” Again he shook his head. “In light of your service to me I won’t kill you. But as I said you will no longer be with us. I am going to seal your memory, your powers. You won’t remember me or this warband. You will just be a young man, just like how Silas found you.” Asriel began trashing “Kill me! That’s worse than death! Don’t do this!” His eyes darted to Marthas “M-Marthas! Don’t let him! Please!” but his “friend” looked away. He considered this to be the better option. Asriel was going to shout again but he soon felt it. Fragments began disappearing. He started to cry “s-stop!” but he kept going.

All of it began drifting away, his memories of Salvador, his memories of Marthas...all of it began sputtering away to nothing. He clenched his teeth and lashed out all of his familiars leapt from his body but as they moved to attack Adelram they evaporated to nothing. Asriel’s eyes darted around but then his eyes locked to someone that should not be there. He saw the Astartes from before, he walked to him and stopped. He looked to him and then Adelram.

The astartes then spoke, he sounded like a noble, a high class one. But he did not recognise the accent. “What is the difference between a servant? And a slave?” “W-what?” “I prefer servants...but I have uses for slaves. What a fine slave I have now.” he blinked and the astartes is now gone. He blinked again and for some reason he found it hard to think, he bought his eyes to the person holding his face he frowned. “Our pain...ends here.” as this figure spoke his vision was consumed by darkness.

Epilogue
Adelram gazed at the portal Izel is holding, at this moment Isabella and Salvador are saying goodbye to Asriel. Salvador kept hugging him, even if he did not respond. He had Izel place Asriel in a trance and he won’t awaken from it until he steps through the portal.

Difillia and Marthas stood at his side as he packed Asriel’s briefcase. He placed the badge he gave to him, some clothes and long life food. But what was most odd is that Eligos wouldn’t shut up about putting in several cookbooks. Eventually he relented and decided to add several guides to fine dining and exotic food. He closed the briefcase. “Are you sure about this?” said Marthas. Adelram rose, briefcase in hand. “I am. This has to happen.” He looked at Difillia who was smiling ear to ear in joy, to be fair the whole warband are cheering at the fact he is getting rid of Asriel. Very few are going to miss him.

As he walked towards Asriel, for some reason he felt light. Like a great weight has been removed from his shoulders. Since they left Novum, the vortex began spreading over the whole sector and even in this very moment he feels a strange approval swelling in his chest. That told him this is the right decision. As he reached Asriel, Salvador was crying his eyes out, this whole time he begged for him to reconsider to the point he even got to this knees. But his servant knew his place. He knew that he would not go back on this decision. “Salvador it’s time.” He wiped his face and stepped back, Isabella approached Asriel and pecked him on the cheek. He did not respond to it as expected. “Asriel, turn to me.” he turned as instructed, Adelram offered him the briefcase. “Take this.” his hand grasped the briefcase tightly.

He then pointed to the portal. “Please walk through the portal.” Asriel nodded and slowly walked through. As he vanished, Izel gasped dropping the gate. The sorcerer walked over. “So he is gone.” “Indeed he is.” “You could of just killed him.” “I didn’t want to, he did not deserve that. He will have a normal life and I will be free to please the dark prince.” Izel looked at the spot where he summoned the portal. “An Agri world…even in this day and age most would not bother with one.” “Hence why I sent him there. Now...we have things to do.” He turned away, everyone was staring at him, they all wondered if he would go back on this decision. But all Adelram could do is give a small sigh of relief.

END OF ARC 1

Well I am not sure if people are going to like this ending...(story is not ending by the way. But a NEW phase of the story is beginning.)



Oh and chaos is not fair

Chapter 1
Asriel turned the piece of meat in the pan, he smiled. “The customer wants it medium…just a few more seconds...” the seconds ticked away and at the right moment he removed the meat from the frying pan and placed it on the plate. He looked over to the steamed vegetables “I got the timing right…” Asriel removed the saucepan from the hob and walked over to the sink. He slowly poured the water and vegetables into the sieve. He placed the saucepan to one side and picked up the sieve he gave it a good shake and placed the vegetables on the plate. He picked the plate up and walked out of the kitchen. As he entered the dining area it was empty saved for his ma, pa, the guest sat at the table and her guards stood at the doors. This very noble also reserved the whole restaurant. As Asriel approached the reserved table the noble who came from Terra gave him a strange look. She wore a fine dress and was clearly not comfortable here. “I find it hard to believe, such a renowned cook would be on this backwater.” Asriel placed the plate in front of the guest. “I am not really renowned lady Sofia, I just wish give the guests what they need. I am sure after a long days work they just want some good food.” “I am surprised you can cook good food in a poor kitchen as well. I have seen the size of it.” As Sofia spoke his pa was clenching his hand, his fair skin and wrinkles were creasing into fury. His ma tried to not make eye contact as she poured her a glass of wine. Asriel smiled at his ma who finally relaxed and he gestured slightly to his pa to calm him. “Please enjoy your meal my lady.” She picked up the knife and fork and looked at them in a confused manner. “She began eating, she first tried the meat.” as she placed it her mouth he saw it.

Her cheeks turned red, as she swallowed she attacked the rest of the food. She finished it in a few short minutes. Sofia tapped her mouth with the napkin. “So how about you come with me to Terra? I could make you famous.” Asriel frowned slightly, as always nobles come to make him offers. “My lady I must refuse.” “Why? Do you want to waste your talent on backwater fools?” His pa finally shouted, his country accent thick as always. “Now you just wait one minute! My boy made this fine meal for ya! Don’t go insulting the people or this establishment!” Sofia ignored him like he was not even there. “If you want we can take your backward parents also...but going by their skin tones and your name it’s clear you are adopted. Hence why their ways haven’t fully sunk in.” Asriel watched pa take a step forward, but ma held him back. Asriel shook his head. “This place is my home, you are right I am adopted. But these two people are like my parents to me. Ma and pa supported me, they took me in when I had nothing. I won’t abandon them or this home.” Sofia rolled her eyes “considering how many nobles you rejected I should've guessed that would be your answer. Very well...you lost a major opportunity.” She rose from the table and walked to the doors, her guards opened it and she stepped out with them.

Asriel’s arms slackened slightly he eyed pa “You can’t get angry at guests!” “I know! But I could not take her insulting this place! You worked so hard to build it!” he smiled hearing that. “I know but you can never be too careful with these nobles.” his ma nodded in agreement. “Aye, her guards could of shot you and no one would of bat an eyelid.” His pa shook his head “well, at least it’s over with. How about you get some rest my boy?” Asriel inclined his head. He was about to walk away but stopped “Pa, Ma...I do think I should leave soon.” His pa sighed heavily. “We have been over this!” “I know but...I don’t want something to happen.” His ma shook her head “the priests say it’s fine, even an inquisitor said it’s alright! You have been blessed my child!” Asriel looked at his hands he was around his early twenties when he came in contact with ma and pa. All he had was his name, but it’s been almost fifteen years and he has not aged a day. He has seen priests and the local tech priest, none can determine why this is happening.

Even a vaunted inquisitor from terra looked him over and determined that he is free of taint. It came an urban legend that he is blessed by the emperor, perhaps to cook forever. Asriel creased his brow. “Sorry...I bought it up.” His pa nodded “it’s fine, how about you get some rest?” Asriel smiled at him “thanks pa.” He walked towards the stairs to the upper levels he walked to his room and entered it.

His room was simple, a bed, a bookshelf containing all his cookbooks but everyday before bed he keeps going to his briefcase. It’s like a routine at this point, he bent down and pulled the briefcase from under his bed. He placed it upon his bed and opened it up, he picked out the strange golden badge and stared at it. It looked like a wing with an eagle claw, to this day he has not shown this badge to his adoptive parents or even keep it on his person as a good luck charm. It’s like a part of him was telling him it would be the wrong thing to do, yet he could not get rid of it. He has tried since whenever he looks at it a strange sense of foreboding grips him, but despite that feeling he felt like this badge was a part of him.

He sighed and placed it in the briefcase and closed it. Asriel put the briefcase back under his bed. At times he wonders who he was before pa and ma found him, before they built the restaurant by hand. He rose and then proceeded to switch to night garments, once he was ready for bed he said he nightly prayer to the emperor.

He dislikes praying and the only reason why is that whenever he does so he either gets headaches or small nose bleeds. He took a deep breath “I will keep it short….god-emperor plus watch over us and ensure prosperity for the community and everyone within it…” then he felt a sharp pain throbbing in his head. He sighed “tonight it’s a headache….” Asriel then tucked himself into bed. He closed his eyes and hoped that tomorrow another noble would not visit the restaurant.

The dreadclaw drop pod rattled as it hurtled to the planet, he shared it with two other Astartes. He wondered how long he has been fighting with them, pillaging the galaxy, committing torments to mortals. It’s only when he is doing this or listening to his sirens he ever feels joy or happiness. Or perhaps he is only this way due to the changes the dark prince wrought upon them, all of them have changed save his captain. His gaze shifted to Taurus, he barely speaks he is brief and is always to the point. He hasn’t even changed his armour since Horus’ war upon the imperium. Even the palatine aquila on his breastplate is still pristine to the shock and horror of his brothers. Soon his gaze met his own. “Tetricus, what is it?” he looked away. “It’s nothing.” “Focus on the mission parameters.” “Sorry…I don’t thi-” the third member within the drop pod began laughing. His armour was covered in painted skin in various sections, also his armour held garish colours mixed in with the black. “You are such a downer Tetricus! Think of all the lovely skin we will harvest!” “Gavisus, stop being an idiot we are not here for skin.” He gasped in shock and faced Taurus “Captain...do we have time to collect skin?” Taurus shook his head “once supplies are gathered you can collect skin on the ship. Victory celebrations are important.” Gavisus was about to say something but the drop pod crashed into the ground. The doors opened and they all hopped out, Tetricus removed his staff that is mag-locked to his backpack. He was about to walk but Taurus stopped in front of both of them.

He went to his pouch, the chains wrapped around his forearms rattling at the movement. His captain picked out a neatly folded piece of paper from his pouch. But Tetricus’ eyes always was held upon the ornate sabre Taurus never used since the days after the scouring. He also stuck to using a power sword. Taurus then unfolded the piece of paper carefully and pointed at the human in the image. “We are here to retrieve this component for our company.” Gavisus cocked his head slightly “you explained the plan already on the Great Bull.” The captain ignored Gavisus remark and continued. “Our brothers are gathering supplies, we will retrieve the most important prize on this planet.” Tetricus raised his hand “you used my sirens to find a chef.” “Yes.” he placed his hand on his face, what baffled him still is that Taurus said it without hesitation. “Having good food is important for morale in a company and can raise efficiency by 20% even in astartes.” Gavisus raised his hand “But captain as astartes we don’t really need to eat…” “Incorrect, Gavisus in every standard loadout for astartes you have packs of nutrient paste. If you don’t have some I will reprimand you.” Gavisus gulped and began checking his pouches.“but it tastes better than the slop a human will make for us…” Tetricus said quietly.

Taurus folded the piece of paper carefully and placed it back into his pouch. “I have read the reviews on this restaurant Tetricus. He will be better than the other chefs, I went over the stats and compared it to every other restaurant in several sectors.” As his captain mentioned the other chefs he sighed heavily. He recalled that due to his obsession with filling out all the roles in a company and the ship staff he has had them flying around the whole galaxy. It’s gotten to the point that there is a mutiny brewing. “Taurus how about we attack a more valuable world next time? I recall Griffin is trying to turn the wa- company against you.” Taurus turned towards the small town. “It’s within his right to approach me with concerns as a member of this company but it’s down to him whether he can handle the consequences.” Gavisus gave a shrill laugh “our captain he is so kind! Letting us plot!” Tetricus noticed that Gavisus is still looking for the nutrient paste “Focus” Taurus said firmly. “Now let’s go.” Gavisus stopped looking and fell in behind their captain, so did he. Looking at the small town that is now burning he could not help but feel this chef will turn out like all the rest.

I love them already.

Certainly not expected, but I’m glad the story has changed. Haha nice job I thought it would be jarring but it wasn’t to move to a new setting!

lliu wrote:
Certainly not expected, but I’m glad the story has changed. Haha nice job I thought it would be jarring but it wasn’t to move to a new setting!

That was the hard the part, you see I was just thinking it would end no other way. Through out the whole of the first arc Asriel did what he did because he believed Adelram did not see the whole picture, he did not trust his decisions so for better of worse the cycle kept repeating again and again. Now throw in an overbearing dad who has a grudge against a human who has lead his son "astray" and a god who is you know a /popcorn god. I feel it would go this way. I also tried to kinda let people know a new characters are coming.

Now I am a big believer that the chaos gods butter up their followers to make them plunge deeper into the well of corruption now what happens if we see a character who just sips from the well and walks away whenever the hell he wants to? No matter how hard a certain prince tries this supposed follower does not bend the knee exactly but....somehow avoids all the punishments? Now I won't say anymore. I hope you like it and I am glad it was not jarring.

Also this is the the end for the harbingers oh no.

ok ok, first off, Fanfics ALWAYS SUCK.... but yours has changed my mind, good job mate

 Formosa wrote:
ok ok, first off, Fanfics ALWAYS SUCK.... but yours has changed my mind, good job mate

omg! Thanks! Trust me I look at my first story and there are so many things I want to improve, but people offering me feedback helped me get to where I am now. Thanks for the kind words.

Chapter 2
Taurus ran down the hill with his two brothers, both had their quirks but were reliable, unlike many others these days. But he has to admit he is closest with Tetricus and Gavisus. Many in the company make sneers at the fact that he does not treat Tetricus poorly because he is a sorcerer, but they forget it’s because of his sorcery that they are alive.

As he ran he made a quick check of all his equipment. He noted the two sabres at his waist, one he uses regularly which is a power sword and the other held far more sentimental value for it was a gift. A mono blade crafted personally by the one he is estranged with. He dislikes dwelling on the blade because it causes him to lose focus he shifted his gaze to his bolt pistol worn from use but he cared for the weapon like it was a child. Considering the state of the company, equipment is hard to come by. He then tapped each of the pouches with one finger checking the weight and balance, making sure the right amount of ammo and nutrient paste is in each one. “Captain why are we running?” He turned his head to Tetricus who was panting. “We are running in order to get to our objective quickly.” “But there is no defenders on this planet. It’s an Agiri world….” as always Tetricus is underestimating what they might face. “I am going to increase your training time with Ambrosia.” said Taurus. His brother then panicked he shook his head “what does that have to do with what we are doing here!?” He noted when it comes to training with Ambrosia is the only time he raises his voice by a few decimals. “I am going to double the time if you don’t focus.” Again his brother was about to speak but held back. His body relaxed slightly to aid in running. Watching all of this happen Gavisus began laughing. “It looks like a certain someone is in trouble…” “Shut up you-yo-!” Tetricus was trying to come up with an insult but it was dying on his lips, he shifted his gaze to his laughing brother. “Have you found the nutrient paste Gavisus?” He stopped laughing and began searching his pouches quickly.

Tetricus chuckled slightly, Taurus shook his head annoyance, both his brothers can act like children sometimes. He pointed “right we are almost at the town. We have to hurry.” a few minutes of running they entered the small town, it was mainly made up of wooden houses so his brothers who landed close by decided to set fire to them. At the very moment they are maiming the supplies they are going to take to the ship. But what bothered him even more is the fact that many of them are not wearing helmets, nor do they have a standard loadout. He scanned the town and spotted Griffin. He is a poor example of a soldier and an astartes. He has grown out his hair to the point it’s beyond what is normal for a soldier and he ignores guidelines on loadout. But what is unforgivable is that he is drawing others to his bad example. “I should speak with Griffin.” “May I ask why?” said Tetricus. “He is not wearing a helmet, he is obsessed with being a bladesmen and ignores all practical loadout for an astartes.” his brother sighed. “You are choosing that hill to die on instead of the fact he is planning a mutiny.” as he bought up the mutiny he shook his head. “He is not that foolish, there are proper channels if he has concerns on how I handle things. Now if he does not use the proper channels there are consequences. Still I will have words with him.” The sorcerer gave another heavy sigh of annoyance. Taurus ignored it.

He approached Griffin, he held a human by the throat squeezing slowly, but now being up close Taurus found his annoyance increasing further. He could see his skin is now oiled, another failure to add to the list. Also his hair is few centimeters longer than he expected. As always he held an air of superiority, that he is always in control. His aquiline features and smile showed it, he called out to him. “Griffin!” he turned and threw the human aside. “Oh...captain.” Taurus made note that he spoke his formal title in a mocking tone, another mark against him. “I can’t help but notice you lack the proper loadout.” Griffin rolled his eyes “Captain Cornelius, I have my way of fighting.” “Taurus.” he responded. Griffin folded his arms “I am not going to use your stupid nickname, those two and that silent apothecary follow through on such nonsense but don’t force me to utter stupidity.” Taurus made note that’s another mark of failure, insulting those who engage in being comrades. “Nicknames bui-” “camaraderie.” Griffin finished his sentence. “Clear disrespect is another mark of failure Griffin.” his brother tutted “who cares for such things? The dark prince wishes us to explore and reach perfection. All of your “rules” hold us back.” Taurus cocked his head and pointed at the hill in this distance. “A sniper could be on that hill and blow your head off.” “Cornelius we are on a Agiri world to find a pathetic human chef. There would be no proper defence or any snipers.” He shook his head “all of my brothers underestimate what could possibly happen…” Taurus took a quick step forward and in a swift movement drew his bolt pistol and planted it on Griffin’s forehead. He did not even get the chance to reach for his sword. “Tell me Griffin what is the probability of you surviving a point blank bolter round from my bolt pistol?” his brother began sweating slightly. But he said nothing, as always he is far too prideful to admit he is wrong. He removed his bolt pistol and placed it back in it’s holster. “We have standard loadouts for a reason, we wear helmets for a reason. You desire to reach perfection? Try following the basics first so you can survive to reach that pinnacle.” “Captain I found my nutrient paste!” he turned to Gavisus who held several sachets. “See Griffin? Gavisus can follow basic procedure. Why can’t you?” his brother bore into him with his eyes. “This isn’t over captain…” as he walked away with a quick flourish with his blade he sliced the throat of the human while he was on the ground. Taurus sighed “He also has wasted movements in his bladework…” his company sorcerer raised his hand. “Well how about we get moving instead of antagonizing the leader of a coup plot?” He gave a curt nod to Tetricus “Yes we are wasting time, the objective could escape let us move.”

Asriel packed his bags, they have to escape. The town is being attacked, he guessed it might be pirates. Once ready he rushed out of the room, ma and pa was waiting. His pa gripped the autogun “right we are using the back entrance! Let’s move!” Asriel nodded “right!” he rushed downstairs with his parents as they reached the dining hall the restaurant door was suddenly kicked in. Three armoured giants walked into the restaurant. Two of them looked terrifying, but the one who seemed like the leader looked almost majestic. The aquila was pristine and the gold shone slightly with the lights within the dining hall. Asriel relaxed just a tiny bit. “Pa...ma...I think these are space marines.” as he spoke their gazes locked to them. He raised his hands “I-think they might be here to help us.” his ma gulped “a-are you sure? O-one of them is wearing…” Asriel made note of the human skin, it looked like skin but the colour was abnormal, he could understand why his mother was frightened. According to the books he read space marines have strange practices but are heroes of the imperium.

Asriel took a step forward, he remembered that you have to refer to space marines as my lord. “M-my lords...are you here to help us?” The one he thought to be the leader drew his gun and fired two rounds in quick succession he barely saw the movement, but behind him he heard a splat Asriel slowly turned to see his parents, his caretakers dead. Their heads are gone, blood was pooling on the floor. He dropped the briefcase and rushed over to their twitching corpses tears trailing down his face. He couldn’t speak, he was trying to form words but nothing would come. “Gavisus secure our objective.” “Aye captain.” Asriel turned, the space marine with skin covering his armour walked towards him. Asriel crawled back in fear “S-stay back!” the space marine picked him up like a child and flipped him over his shoulder. From his back he could see the one who killed his adoptive parents nodding while placing his pistol into the holster. “Right it’s time to leave. Tetricus, signal our brothers.” The astartes that wore a black open robe nodded he touched his helmet. “It shall be done Taurus.” watching them talk in such a casual manner disgusted him. “Curse you! May the emperor smite you for what you have done!” he thrashed in the grip of the one named Gavisus. “Let me go!” all of them ignored him.

The leader of the space marines, Taurus walked over in his direction and picked up the briefcase he dropped. “Don’t you dare touch that!” Taurus turned his head to him for a moment and then back to his suitcase. He opened it slightly and looked inside. “How...interesting. Tell me boy are you a heretic?” he then closed it and gripped it tightly, Asriel frowned “I am not a heretic! In my eyes you are the heretics! You are most likely behind the attack!” He then felt his leg being rubbed. It felt wrong “S-stop it!” “Hey Taurus, can I have some of his thigh? Silentus could fix it on the ship.” said Gavisus. “No. No harm should come to the objective. Tetricus have our brothers been notified?” He nodded “yes, they are packing the slaves unto the thunderhawks.” “Good, let’s move.” both Taurus and Terticus began leaving, Asriel still felt his leg being rubbed, the space marine holding him stood in place, ignoring what his leader just said. “Gavisus! Come on!” His captor finally jolted to attention “alright!” he started jogging after his fellows, Asriel grunted with each step the space marine took his body bobbing up and down slightly. As they got outside, he heard the screams, the burning buildings and the smell of blood and smog filled his nose.

He started to cry again. “Why are you doing this….” the leader of the raiders did not even look at him as he spoke. “You are going to be a chef on my ship.” Asriel ground his teeth “you killed my parents...you destroyed my home...for…” “Yes, you are quite important you see. Now Gavisus please silence my new chef.” “Right.” Gavisus threw him to the ground, Asriel tried to stagger up and run but the astartes hand flicked out grabbing his throat. He lifted up from the ground, Asriel struggled he couldn’t breathe. “S-Sto…” all he saw was the helmet of the astartes strangling him. The pink helmet covered in iron spikes, but that colour drifted away as darkness consumed his vision.

Why did he leave me behind? What did I do wrong? What should I have done? It’s my fault...it’s my fault…..

Asriel slowly opened his eyes he found himself on a bed in a small room. He looked around to see it was similar in size to his old one. He spotted an empty bookshelf, wooden table but the ground and walls were metal. He quickly got up “where am I!?” he hopped off the bed and looked around. “No….am I?” he looked around the room again. “It’s a ship…” he rushed to the door it had no handle. He panicked “how do I get out!?” his eyes darted around the door, he saw a red button he pressed it and the doors slid open. He rushed forward into the next room but all the fear and adrenaline drained away, it was replaced with pure awe. He was now in a huge kitchen, it was spotless. He could not see a single speck of grime on any surface. But what gripped him were the tools he walked over to the knife stand and pulled one out. He turned the blade, just a single graze could cause a wound. Asriel was about to speak but he heard a cough. He turned in the direction it came from, he saw one of the raiders, the space marine Tetricus. This time he was not wearing a helmet seeing his face caused the fear to come crashing down again.

His eyes were pink that glew with a soft light, his cheek was covered in a strange text and his short white hair was swept back. But what was odd is that he looked rather young, not a hard bitten raider or heretic. Asriel slowly placed the knife back in the stand. “W-where am I?” The astartes looked around “you are in a kitchen.” “I-I know that but w-wher-” “I don’t have to answer that, from now on refer to me and my brothers as my lord.” Asriel bit his lip slightly, he took a deep breath to calm himself. “My lord..why am I here?” “To cook I want you to make a meal for my captain” “Why should I? You killed my parents…” the astartes sighed “it seems this one has a little back bone...fine. Come with me.” He walked to what looked like a large freezer door, Asriel slowly walked over. “W-what’s inside?” In silence Tetricus opened the freezer and gestured in. “How about you go and see?” he could see his captor was smiling, Asriel walked into the freezer and looked around. The cold did not bother him, he is used to it since his old kitchen had one. But he wondered what the space marine wanted him to see all he saw was boxes. He looked around until his eyes locked onto one of the shelves, his legs began to feel like jelly his teeth finally chittered to the cold or perhaps it was his fear? What he saw was several heads in a neat line. Some held a face full of terror, others sadness and some looked even neutral like they did not expect to die.

Asriel tore his eyes away and faced the entrance, Tetricus was now standing before him. “Our captain...tends to remove the heads of chefs he finds unsatisfactory. Now you will cook a meal for him. If you refuse I will drag you to his chambers and he will execute you now make your choice.” As he spoke, Asriel clenched his hands for some reason the fear was drifting away again, annoyance came creeping in. “My lord what will happen if...Lord Taurus likes the meal?” the space marine shrugged. “He has never been happy with a meal.” he yawned “I believe he will kill you like all the rest.” The annoyance turned into anger quickly. “I see...so you think I have no chance.” “Yes, so please hurry up and cook something so I can get this task over and done with.” Asriel turned and looked at the boxes. The heads did not exactly bother him anymore, he wanted to prove the heretic wrong. He closed his eyes and tried to recall the look of Taurus, his armour was pristine, even if the purple was slightly bruised. His accent was also that of a noble, the way he talked he seemed like someone who is always on point and likes things to be in the correct place. He slowly opened his eyes “I will make him some steak and vegetables with a sauce.” He then heard laughter behind him. “Why are you going to make something so basic?” Asriel turned his head slightly to Tetricus he was wiping his eye. “Slave you just signed your death, I rarely laugh so thank you for giving me the opportunity.” He turned his head back to the boxes and said nothing. He will let his meal speak for him.

Asriel picked out a box of fresh vegetables and steak he walked back to the kitchen, his captor followed behind him. He placed the boxes on the table and folded his arms. “Now we wait.” The space marine stood over him “Why? Hurry up and cook.” “It will take a few hours but I want the meat and vegetables to defrost. I refuse to use a machine because it might harm or cook the food slightly.” Tertricus snorted in annoyance he waved his hand over the food and the ice simply melted off. Asriel looked up to him “M-my lord a-are you?” “Yes a witch, sorcerer hurry up and cook.” He nodded and went into the cupboards and pulled out the seasonings, bowl, a saucepan and a frying pan. First he prepared the seasoning, mixing several to create a blend of flavour that will complement the meat. But he stopped just for a second, he looked over to the sorcerer. “How does...your captain prefer his meat?” He shrugged, Asriel sighed. “So medium it is…” he continued his work, once the rub was completed he placed his attention on the vegetables. He picked them out of the box and placed them in a saucepan and walked over to the sink and filled it with water he approached the stove and placed the saucepan on it.

Asriel looked at the dials and adjusted it gently, he wanted the timing to be right. He then returned to the meat and clicked his fingers. “Oh yes! Oil!” he went into the cupboard again and pulled some out. He removed the meat from the box and placed it on a plate, he then got a teaspoon of oil and poured it over the steak rubbing the oil into it gently. Afterwards he placed it into the rub seasoning. Gently easing the seasoning onto the piece of meat. Now that it was prepared he grabbed the frying pan and placed it on the stove.

He made sure the heat was not too high, he then picked up the steak and placed it on the pan. While all of this was going on he began preparing the sauce making sure to turn the steak over at the right timings. At the final minute he noticed a shadow over him as he cooked the steak, he looked up to see Tetricus looming over him. He could see it, he is curious. “My lord I can make you another one if you want.” his eyes went wide slightly he mumbled “stop trying to be smart human...I am just making sure that you are taking this seriously.” he turned away.

Asriel smiled, he could easily kill him but the only reason why he is doing this is in order to prove him wrong. Once the final minute was up he got a plate ready and placed the food upon it. He then used a spoon to drip the sauce around the meal. “It’s done.” The sorcerer turned and looked at the plate. “Right, time to go to your funeral. There is a cart over there.” he pointed in the corner of the kitchen. Asriel nodded, he opened the cupboards again and picked out a small circular pan and a food cover, he placed both on the table and transferred the plate to the pan. He looked at the meal and gulped slightly. “This is it…” he put the food cover on top and bought it over to the cart.

Once the food was on top of it, Asriel wheeled it over to the sorcerer. “My lord...what do I do now?” “Now you follow me.” He nodded, the space marine escorted him to a door with a number pad. He pushed in a code and Asriel could hear several locks opening, the door then slid open. As they walked out of the room, a strange heedy smell smashed into his nose, the smell of blood, honey and other obscenities. He gagged just for a second but in just a few short seconds he got used to it, like such a smell is familiar to him. He looked around to see they were now in a hallway, so he was right he is trapped on a ship.

His captor began walking “follow me and don’t fall behind.” Asriel quickly followed, as they walked he spotted humans, they wore robes but their bodies were covered in cuts. All he could see in their eyes was pure fear. If they were in their path they scurried away like rats soon as they caught sight of Tetricus. One was even too slow and the astartes smacked the human aside like a rag-doll. The way he so casually did it unnerved him but he is a heretic and witch so something like that should be expected.

They journey lasted for a few minutes until they came upon a set of double doors. The sorcerer stopped “Right, it’s time to die slave.” Asriel looked upon the doors, his heart was beating rapidly. He muttered a small prayer to the emperor that he would get through this alive.

Taurus, adjusted the weapon on the stand by a few centimetres. He smiled “that’s the last item to be corrected.” He looked around his chambers, he had the table which is covered in white cloth and the chair prepared. The portraits of immaculate pieces of art developed by the talented servants in the company was also in their correct positions. He folded his arms, his mind drifted to the chef they captured. As he thought of him he looked at the briefcase in the corner. “I wonder who he is?” he shook his head “no matter I bought him in for a specific role. I hope he performs it correctly.” Taurus then heard the door opening he turned to see Tetricus has bought chef Asriel and the meal he requested. He smiled “I trust there wasn’t any problems?” As they approached his company sorcerer shook his head. “Why do you keep bothering with this?” “Bothering with what?” He pointed at Asriel who jumped slightly. “Just kill him now so I can go back to my sirens.” “You can go back to them after this.” His brother sighed. “Alright...but tell me how is getting a meal more important than dealing with a mutiny?” Taurus looked over to the table “I am prepared so don’t worry.” “What? You have?” “Yes.” “How?” he said nothing, he just wanted to test his new chef. “Tetricus I want to eat.” the sorcerer rolled his eyes. He walked over and sat at the table, Tetricus walked to his side. “You know you won’t like it captain…” He ignored him “Now please give me my meal.” The chef nodded, he approached the table with the cart and removed the cover. He placed the plate in front him along with a knife and fork. Taurus looked at the plate, in silence he removed his helmet and picked up the cutlery and cut himself a piece of the steak. He placed the meat in his mouth and began chewing, his eyes widened slightly. He wanted to smile but held back. He simply chewed and swallowed.

He faced the human and asked “why did you cook such a simple meal?” Terticus groaned in annoyance. “I tol-” he raised his finger to silence him. “Please answer my question.” Chef Asriel tried to put on a brave face. “You are someone who appreciates the basics. You don’t know me so cooking something exotic would be foolish to do. It seems you also have been looking for a chef for a long time. Just by how you speak and look you examine every detail carefully. Hence why I chose to make a basic meal, to show my technique and my fundamentals.” Taurus cut another piece of meat, this time he had some of the vegetables mixed in the sauce. As he placed it into his mouth and began chewing he allowed himself to smile. As he smiled Asriel relaxed, once he swallowed he placed the knife and fork down. “Well it seems you passed. I am eager to eat more of your meals.” Tetricus raised his eyebrow in confusion “you can’t be serious?” he pushed the plate towards Tetricus “why don’t you try some?” the sorcerer frowned and stared at Asriel. “Slave, hand me my cutlery.” Taurus watched the chef give his brother a knife and fork. His brother mumbled slightly and began eating, he kept eating until he cleaned the plate. He placed the knife and fork on the table. “It...wasn’t that great.” he knows he is lying he just doesn’t want to admit it. “You cleaned the plate Tetricus.” “I just want-” his chamber doors flung open cutting him off.

Several astartes strode in and at the head of the group was Griffin. Taurus frowned “I am tasting my chef’s cooking.” Asriel quickly walked over to his side, his eyes darting from him and to the group. His company sorcerer wiped his hand down his face in annoyance. Griffin drew his blade. “I am taking over the warband.” Taurus nodded “I see.” “It’s that all you have to say!?” Griffin spat. He gestured to the group of astartes “look at us...many of us want you gone! You don’t understand the dark prince! You still wear that pathetic icon of the false-emperor and clean it with pride!” Taurus watched Griffin rant, he scanned the group and again, none of them have a standard loadout, none of them are wearing helmets. Taurus grabbed his helmet from table and placed it on his head. “Griffin, I understand your concerns but you still ignore my advice to use a standard loadout.” As he spoke Tetricus groaned in frustration, Griffin shook his head in disbelief and the astartes that followed him chuckled. “Cornelius...you are a fool. Do you know that? How you kill is ugly...how you talk is ugly and how you act? Is simply revolting…” Taurus raised his finger to address that point “I kill systemically, focusing on the joy of combat only distracts you from your technique.” Griffin curled his lip in disgust, he pointed his blade at him. “It’s time to die...captain.” Tetricus was about to move, but he gestured for him stop.

Taurus reached down under the table and pulled out a storm bolter and rose from his seat. Griffin and his supporters froze. “Griffin, this is a storm bolter it holds about one hundred rounds per magazine. Now, you know me I fought in the unification wars lead imperial troops, I left terra with our legion master to find our primarch. I was one of those two hundred that survived the blight. You know all of this and how long I have been alive, what is the probability of me landing headshots with this weapon?” Griffin trembled with fury “It’s-” “A low accuracy weapon? Yes, in untrained hands it is. But in mine?” The movements were quick, practiced he fired short bursts into each of Griffins supporters. They barely got the chance to move before they were dead on the ground.

Griffin looked around, his face was now ashen, sweat lined his face. Taurus nodded “you had the advantage, if all of you had a standard loadout you could of killed all of us with a volley from your bolt pistols or bolters. But let’s say you ignored my advice on that and attacked with a helmet. The probability of survival would of increased.” Griffin roared in anger he charged blade in hand, Taurus fired another short burst, all them were headshots. Griffin’s head was now gone, blasted to smithereens due to the exploding bolter shells. His body collapsed to the ground, blood squirting out of the wound. Taurus placed the stormbolter onto the table and sat. He looked up to Tetricus “Can you go and get Silentus so he can harvest the gene-seed of our fallen brothers?” His company sorcerer shook his head. “I have known you for centuries and you still surprise me….” he sighed “It shall be done.” he walked over the corpses and left his chambers.

Taurus bought his gaze to his new chef. “Apologies, that was a poor introduction to my company, the rest are more dutiful I can assure you. Now how about we get to know each other better?” Chef Asriel gave him a look of clear worry, he slowly nodded.

I hope people like this chapter, especially the end.

I haven't commented in a bit, but I just want you to know that I continue to find this story entertaining.

Good work.

 complex57 wrote:
I haven't commented in a bit, but I just want you to know that I continue to find this story entertaining.

Good work.

Thanks! A new chapter should be coming some point tomorrow.

Chapter 3
Taurus sat before his new chef his eyes darting from the corpses and to him, at the moment Silentus is cleaning up the corpses with the servitors. Oddly enough he found his eyes being drawn to his company apothecary. He still wore his mark iv armour but save his helmet being pink the rest of his armour was white as normal. At the current moment he is extracting the progenoid glands from the corpses. His brother rose from aa corpse and walked towards the table and began aggressively hand signing at him. “Why didn’t you convince them to back down!? Do you know how long it will take to replace them!?” Taurus shook his head. “I suspected more would of survived if they wore helmets Silentus.” Silentus continued to sign aggressively much to his confusion. “You let things get this far!? Why did you allow him to rebel!? You ignored the issue until it blew out of the proportion!” Taurus tapped the table with his finger, he looked at Griffin’s headless corpse. “He had the channels to approach me with concerns. Mutiny against the company’s captain has consequences he had a choice and he made it.” “Taurus we are not a company! We are raiders in service to a mad and thirsting god!” He nodded in agreement “yes we raid planets for supplies but we are still a company. Also we are in service to a god but it’s more of a business transaction or a form of work.” “Form of work!?” Silentus shook his head to what looked to be clear disbelief. He then calmed himself. “You are aware chaos, the dark prince has no rules?” Taurus raised his finger “That’s where you are wrong, there are rules. But the gods like to abuse loopholes and that’s how they get you.” his began brother slowly making hand signs to get his point across, he always does this in order to display he is speaking firmly. “You just have avoided being punished. We all had to change...but you...you still act the same…” he turned away from the table and stomped towards the corpses to continue the clean up.

Taurus faced Asriel, his face held the picture of confusion. “Is something wrong?” He cast his eyes down slightly, he could see his new chef is afraid to speak. “Do no worry, speak your mind. You are a valuable member of this company now.” His chef began speaking his voice was almost squeaking “valuable? After you attacked my home...killed my parents…just for my cooking... I would of rather you took me and left everyone be...” He nodded in agreement “well considering the god we made a pact with he would be unhappy if we just took you and left.” he noticed the fear quickly turned to confusion, when Taurus mentioned god. “Pact? Gods? There is only one god.” “Well the emperor is a god, not sure if he likes the title being placed upon him. He was obsessed with the imperial truth, I remember killing people over it, at his orders mind you.” As he spoke Asriel’s confusion grew further “You met the emperor?” “Yes, he shone with a golden light and he was quite good at inspiring us to do our duty.” “If you served the emperor why are you heretics?” Taurus sighed slightly. “That...is a long story.” Asriel nodded “right then, who exactly are you?” That question he could answer, “I am Captain Cornelius of the 4th company. Titles I earned during my years of service, Merciless king, Genius of Slaughter, Old one and a Natural born Killer.”

As he named his titles Asriel turned white like a sheet. “What’s wrong?” “Considering how you look...I didn’t expect you to have such titles, also you aren’t old either.” Taurus rubbed his chin “people always point that out first, but I used to look incredibly old, even had a beard and wrinkles but it seems my...contractor desired me to be young. It was just something that happened over time. Now why I am called the Merciless king? I tended to slaughter anyone who showed any sign of deviance against the human genome during the great crusade.” “B-but what of the ogryn’s, ratlings? The abhumans? I am sure they were around back then.” “Back then I believed they could not be trusted, the things I saw during the unification wars...coloured my vision. But I took no joy in it, I just thought it was something that needed to be done. Some derided my decision others sent glowing reports to my primarch.” “Primarch? Which one?” Taurus mumbled slightly “it’s not one of the nine you know of my primarch i-” “Fulgrim….” Asriel said his lord primarch’s name slowly, his eyes were dilating but after a moment they returned to normal. Taurus raised his eyebrow “Yes..that is his name…” “Who’s name?” Asriel scratched his head “w-what were we talking about again?” He tried not to let his confusion show, yet his eyes drifted just slightly at his chefs briefcase in the corner. He drew his gaze back to Asriel. “We were talking about my titles...now Genius of Slaughter and a Natural born killer? I got those from the world eaters and blood angels respectively.” Asriel folded his arms. “I think...I heard of the blood angels. It was a passing mention in a book I read, it’s how I learned about space marines. I have no idea who the world eaters are though.” “Well the blood angels are loyalists, the world eaters are a traitor legion like us.” “I understand a heretical legion giving you such a title, but loyalists? I don’t understand.” Taurus chuckled, it’s rare when he does but speaking like this brings back old memories. “Tell me, have you heard of the name flesh tearer? Not the chapter...but The Flesh Tearer Nassir Amit?” His company chef quickly shook his head. “N-no..but he-” “Can’t be a loyalist?” “Yes.” “The galaxy is mostly grey and the deepest black. Considering you lived on an agri world it’s no surprise you think like this. Anyway my company was attached to his fleet and after bringing several worlds under compliance he called me a Genius of Slaughter, he said the way I killed was so quick, so clean but at the same time I cause the fields of battle to be awash with blood. I really never noticed it but it seemed he payed attention when I was fighting.” Asriel looked back at the corpses suddenly. “I can see why he gave you that title. I guess it stuck?” “Yes it stuck to me.” “Now a Natural born killer? I received that title from the gladiator pits of the world eaters, to understand them better I challenged those who are willing to a sanguis extremis duel. Respect is hard to come by with the world eaters, especially since I was member of the third legion. I wished to change that, once I did I left their fleet with these.” He raised his forearms to display the chains. “It was a gift from Kharn, a gift that….I will cherish.” as he spoke detected a measure of sadness. All he could feel is sadness when he recalls the world eaters, he saw and fought with them before they found Angron, he still fought with them even after that.

Asriel frowned “you seem sad?” “I am sad. The potential that was squandered saddens me, their pride as warriors...their skill stripped away due to a disgusting piece of technology. Even to this day if such a device was not in their heads...even under the service of khorne...they would of been amazing….” his company chef seemed confused by his words, considering he just met him it’s no wonder he is confused and all of this information might be new to him. “Well it’s in the past...also by the way the title Old one was not given to me because of my age, that title was placed on me by the Word Bearers.” “Word Bearers?” “It’s another traitor legion, to be more specific it was given to me by Erebus, to be honest my company would not be alive if it wasn’t for him.” “So is he a friend?” He sighed heavily “not...exactly. But I respect his dedication and commitment. That’s all I will say on the matter.” his chef scratched the back of his neck. “Alright...but may I ask why are you called Taurus my lord?”

He smiled as he asked that question, “It’s a nickname, I decided to implement it into this company to build camaraderie.” “Does it work?” “Yes.” Taurus then heard a large bang where Slientus was working. He looked over and saw a servitor that was standing next to his company apothecary, it was having trouble staying on its feet. “Is something wrong Silentus?” The company apothecary signed firmly “It’s nothing.” Taurus looked back to Asriel “right you have learned a few things about me, what about you?” Asriel rubbed his nose. “There isn’t much to say...ma and pa took me in. I had a fancy for cooking and built a restaurant with them.” “So tell me did your...parents come up with your name?” The company chef mumbled slightly, like he was holding something back. Taurus continued talking “It’s just interesting that your name is from Chemos.” Asriel’s eyes met his in surprise. “W-what do you mean it’s from Chemos?” “As I said your name is from Chemos, whoever named you must have some relation to the planet, but in this day an age that's impossible.” His chef was becoming more nervous. “H-how so?” “Well for one, Chemos is gone and everything related to it. It could just be coincidence though.” Taurus did not want to push this subject, not yet.

Asriel then relaxed as he mentioned his name being a mere coincidence, he gave a weak smile. “So what now?” “Now you receive your schedule.” “Schedule?” Taurus opened one of his utility belt pouches and pulled out a dataslate. He placed it on the table. “This belongs to you, it has your schedule on there and I can communicate you with it.” Asriel took the dataslate and began going through it. “So I have to feed all of your fellow space marines?” he nodded “yes, I imagine none of them have had balanced meals, this will be good for them. Now...” he rose from his seat “I will give you a tour of the ship.” Asriel’s weak smile still lined his face. “I-I am looking forward to the tour my lord.” Taurus returned his smile “I am glad you are, I am sure this will be a wonderful start to a great working relationship.”

Great book 1, did not expect Asriel to be cast out but it seems for* the best! Love the new setting and the new captain. Also to be honest with you I hated asriel's douchey attitude by the end of book 1, to see him humble again is refreshing.

 Dayknight wrote:

Great book 1, did not expect Asriel to be cast out but it seems for* the best! Love the new setting and the new captain. Also to be honest with you I hated asriel's douchey attitude by the end of book 1, to see him humble again is refreshing.

Maybe this new captain might sort out that douchey attitude? Hehehehe, glad you are enjoying it. Also I love Taurus as well, funny enough I built him off the chinese zodiac somewhat(well it's how I first got the first few points of his character), guess which animal he is? Anyway I am working on the next chapter, it might come later tonight. (late night)

Chapter 4
Asriel walked with his captor, he seemed excited showing him parts of the ship, the crew working, the innocents who are captured and tortured by the heretic astartes. But everything that is going on he should find it abhorrent, disgusting as per the priests tell him in church. But minute by minute he feels at home. He didn’t like it one bit. Asriel looked up to the leader of the raiding host, every time he locks eyes upon him he can’t help but feel he looks completely at odds with everything that is going on around him. But yet his mouth began to move, he wanted to ask questions. “M-my lord I wish to ask about my personal safety.” Cornelius or per his nickname Taurus, he looked down at him, his blue eyes were like daggers stabbing one’s heart. “You do not need to worry about your personal safety, none of the crew will harm you. Plus you will begin training at a specified time.” “T-training!? Why...I…never...” “Everyone on the ship needs to learn how to fight in some capacity, do not worry I will be handling your training personally.” Asriel began panicking, he never even held his pa’s autogun and his enslaver expects him to learn how to fight and possibly kill. “B-but I am a cook, I can’t fight!” Taurus stroked his chin like he was thinking. “I wonder about that though.” “What do you mean by that?” His captor lowered his hand. “It’s nothing, now about your training…” He was about to speak, until Asriel began to hear laughing, out of the darkness the Astartes that strangled him came towards him grinning ear to ear, he was no longer wearing his helmet but what caused Asriel to shudder is that he looked...normal.

His skin was smooth, he had short white hair and green eyes, but he looked jovial, like how one would be doing their favourite pastime or enjoying their favourite meal. He kept chuckling as he walked over. “Captain...I could not help but overhear you want to train the chef.” “Yes, considering the state of the ship it would be wise to ensure that he can defend himself.” As they talked, Asriel took a step back, he did not like the space marine Gavisus. The human skin that covered his armour, the strange colours and the way he looks at him. Taurus raised his eyebrow “Is something wrong?” He quickly shook his head “n-no my lord. I am fine.” Gavisus gave him a soft smile, he licked his lips. “Don’t worry your little head, I won’t harvest your soft skin for my work.” he then chuckled “I already did the rounds so I don’t need anymore…” Taurus then gave him a firm look, “Gavisus, don’t you dare be foolish. The company worked hard to aquire Asriel.” Asriel watched the astartes take a step back in surprise. “Captain! I would never touch Asriel…” he placed his hand on his chest “I swear on both my hearts, that I won’t skin the chef like the last one.” Asriel began panicking “l-last one?” His captor frowned “Lieutenant Calor.” he said firmly. Soon as he mentioned his rank and name, Gavisus jolted to attention. “C-captain...I mean it I won’t touch him….” “See that you don’t...come Asriel, we must visit Tetricus’ abode.” Asriel quickly moved to Taurus side as they walked away, he did not want to be anywhere near Gavisus.

As they got some distance he looked back slightly to see the astartes is still staring at him hungrily he flicked back to his captor. “Will I truly be safe?” Taurus said nothing for a moment, he looked down at him and smiled. “Hence why training is a part of your schedule.” He gulped “I don’t think I can take on an astartes my lord.” “Call me captain, you may use that title as well.” Asriel slowly nodded “alright...captain. I don’t think I can defend myself against a space marine.” Taurus nodded “true, but with time you can. I am sure many on the ship would like to kill Ambrosia but they are confounded at every turn.” “May I ask who that is?” his captor stroked his chin “No, you will not meet her I would like you to actually be well for work.” “What is that supposed to mean?” “It’s nothing, let us focus on the journey.” Asriel frowned slightly, he wondered who exactly Ambrosia is but what has him apprehensive is that they are visiting the room of a witch. So far Taurus has showed him all of the astartes room locations on the upper level save the one belonging to the sorcerer. He is not exactly thrilled going to such a place.

After a few minutes of walking they reached a large door. “What is this place?” said Asriel. Taurus pushed the button to open the door, as it slowly slid open he shrugged. “It’s where Tetricus likes to relax, especially after a training session with her.” “Her?” “I mean Ambrosia, now come.” Taurus walked through the now open door, Asriel followed as they walked down the hallway he could notice that actually it’s a tunnel. “Erm, captain where are we going?” “To Tetricus’ room as I said. He has the largest chamber on the ship.” “May I ask why?” “Because of his sirens, whenever he finds a strong female psyker...well you just have to see for yourself.” Asriel raised his eyebrow, considering Tetricus is a witch he could only guess what he has possibly done with others of his ilk.

He faced forward, he could see they were approaching double doors. But what was odd is that as they got close to the doors he could hear a muffled sound. He frowned and rubbed his ears slightly. “W-what is that?” “Tetricus’ sirens are singing that is the sound you are hearing.” “I see...so Tetricus likes music then?” “Unless it comes from his siren’s no.” Asriel scratched his head in confusion. “I see.” They soon got to the doors, as he stood before them he looked up to Taurus who pressed the button to open the door. As it slid open the sound died instantly, it was not the case of a song ending but an abrupt stop. Once the door was fully opened, both of them walked inside. As Asriel took a step inside with his captor, he saw something that horrified him. They were in a circular dome hall, but around the walls of the room were chained females in silk gowns. They also wore a strange iron contraption around their heads blocking their vision, you could only see their lower lips.

But what freighted him even more, is that for some reason they were all looking at him, despite having their vision blocked. He was about to speak but was cut off by the master of the room. “What are you two doing here?” Asriel’s eye tore away from the chained women and was placed unto the middle of the room. He saw the sorcerer sitting at a table, his face stuck in the fixture of annoyance. At the same time he held a white cloth that he was using to clean his nose. He approached the table with Taurus. “Tetricus, I am giving Asriel a tour, since he will be delivering everyone’s meals he has to know where everyone’s rooms are located.” The sorcerer frowned. “I don’t want to eat his food, also your presence has disturbed my sirens.” “But you like his food though.” “The slave’s food is okay captain. That’s it.” Taurus nodded “right I might just increase your time with Ambrosia.” To Asriel’s surprise Tetricus began panicking. “Why are you always like this!? This has nothing to do with her!” “If you aren’t going to eat, then the time you have your meals can be used training with her.” The sorcerer grumbled “fine.” he continued cleaning his nose nostrils with the white cloth, looking carefully Asriel could see hints of blood upon it. “Captain, can you please tell me who this woman is?” he found his mouth moving by itself. He cursed, he wondered why he was so curious. Tetricus raised his eyebrow as he spoke. “You are seriously allowing him to call you that?” Taurus folded his arms. “Why not? He is part of this company.” “He is not part of this company, he is a slave. You will kill this one like all the rest.” Asriel bit his lip, he recalled the heads in the freezer. Taurus placed his hand on his shoulder, he jumped slightly. “Do not worry, you won’t end up like them. I know it.” “R-really?” “Yes, trust me.” The sorcerer scoffed “how many times have you said that with the chefs you actually liked?” Taurus shook his head “As I said, Asriel is different.” “How so?” The sorcerer narrowed his eyes at him. “I don’t see anything, he is just a normal mortal.” as Tetricus spoke, Taurus removed his hand from his shoulder and gestured at the sirens. “For once when I bring a chef here all of your daemonhosts are silent. That should tell you something.” at the mention of daemonhosts, Asriel frowned.“W-what are daemonhosts?” “One thing at a time Asriel.” said Taurus. “As I said your daemonhosts are silent and staring at our new chef. You are intelligent Terticus that should be a sign.” The sorcerer said nothing, he sighed. “Fine, but when you kill this one…” “You will say I told you so.” Asriel watched the sorcerer give a curt nod. “Now our visit is completed, come Asriel I will escort you to your room.” Asriel nodded he turned away from the sorcerer, but he called out “Captain!” Taurus turned his head back slightly “yes?” “I….am sorry about Griffin. I should of trusted that you had a handle of the situation.” Asriel looked up to Taurus who said nothing, he faced forward and continued walking.

As they walked to the door, it still chilled him that the supposed sirens were still looking at him, following his movements. Finally when they exited the room the muffled sound returned. Asriel then had a question plaguing him “My lord...how come you did not say anything?” He oddly smirked “Why should I? He has apologised enough times, even when I tell him not to.” “Enough times what do you mean? Do you two argue a lot?” “Well not really he just yells at me and I listen. The only time when I am wrong is when it comes to your job placement.” he shook his head. “We searched the whole galaxy for a chef that meets my standards and now my company has one. Also said chef is somewhat interesting.” “Interesting?” “Yes, it’s just a hunch. Now enough questions.” Asriel closed his mouth tightly he followed Taurus back to the kitchen, once they stood in front of the doors he gestured to the number pad. “The code to the door is on your dataslate, only me and Tetricus know the code to the kitchen. So that should give you some peace of mind.” Asriel smiled “It does, So I start tomorrow essentially?” “Yes your duties begin effective immediately so make sure you read the schedule I prepared for you before you rest.” Taurus then pushed in the code to open the door, he gestured inside. “Rest well, you will need it.” Asriel found his shoulders sagging slightly at the thought that he will now be put to work by heretics. “Yes my lord.” he walked into the kitchen, the door closed behind him. Now alone he looked around the kitchen, his heart twisted slightly. “This...is my home now.” he walked to the middle of the kitchen. He frowned “ma...pa...I am sorry..I have to work for heretics to survive. The home you gave me...is gone.” “It’s not gone…” Asriel flicked behind him, he saw one of the sirens standing before him, her hands were together, her pale skin almost looked oiled, but what held his eyes is her long blonde hair that shimmered slightly. “H-how did you get in here?” She cocked her head slightly she spoke, her serene voice entering his ears “I am not truly here, I am still singing for my master. But...as I said your home is not gone.”

Asriel furrowed his brow in confusion “w-what do you mean!? It’s been ransacked by the people who enslaved me!” The siren smiled “it was never your home to begin with. As you said before this is your home. This is the home he intended for you.” “He? He who?” “I speak of our lord and master. He does not desire you to be a slave, hence why you are here. Learn, perfect yourself with the old ox and hopefully you will remember soon. You can depend on him, you can trust him.” Asriel shook his head “I have no idea what you are talking about! Speak plainly!” She said nothing, all she did was give him a warm smile and with a simple blink she was now gone. Asriel sighed heavily “I don’t feel safe at all….” He staggered to the room he woke up in.

Now within the small room he pulled out the data slate and went through it. To his shock the timetable is reasonable and he has plenty of free time as well, to his surprise there is a listing for music practice. He frowned “this could be a trick...I can’t trust Taurus...he is a heretic. But I have no choice.” He walked over to the table and placed the dataslate upon it. He then moved towards the bed and tucked himself in.

He did not want to close his eyes, no one would be able to sleep on such a ship. But he needed his rest. Asriel did not want to end up like the over chefs in the freezer, his ma and pa would want him to survive. “I have to survive…” Asriel said firmly to himself, with those words he closed his eyes, slowly drifted to sleep.

Taurus stood in front of the training hall door, he was pleased that he finished the tour on time to allow another training session, he feared that showing chef Asriel around the ship would take far too much time. He was about to open the door but stopped, in a swift movement he drew his sabre and placed it next to the cheek of the person behind him. The woman before him had her arms folded, as always she was in her black synskin but her most distinguishing feature is her short black bangy hair and the somewhat dark circles around her eyes due to lack of sleep. But even with that, despite being what is considered an abomination to many on the ship, if he focuses he could see the beauty, that’s if he focuses. “Ambrosia, what is it?” She frowned, her voice was cool but it held a slight edge, the sort of edge that she could kill you with just a word. “Why is your sword on my cheek?” “It’s just my reflexes apologies.” he sheathed his blade, “good news I found the chef I was looking for. I think you will like him.” Ambrosia held her frown “No one likes me on this ship for obvious reasons. You are the odd one.” “Odd one? Why is that?” She curled her lips in annoyance “my very presence should invoke dread and horror especially in one touched by the warp. That is my role, my function.” “But I am not a psyker, we have been over this.” “Training sessions shouldn’t allow you to overcome it!” “Well we trained together for several months, we still do but less often these days.” Taurus can now see she is actually starting to get visibly angry, but she is correct a culexus assassin is specifically trained and equipped to kill daemons and psykers. At the same time his flesh is kissed by the warp he should feel revulsion and even dread but now at most he just feels a slight disburting breeze caressing his skin. A sensanation that he finds hardly distracting. “So, tell me how did your training session with Tetricus go?” Her anger subsided, she smirked. “He is a child, he cursed me throughout the whole session because I gave him a nose bleed. I am actually impressed that’s all that happened I recall when he used to vomit in my presence.” “It’s because he can now focus, Tetricus needs to be ready to fight in such conditions and the off chance he fights a blank.” “True, these astartes are lucky to have a chaos lord with a head on their shoulders.” “Someone has to think ahead, times are changing and I want to be ready.”

The assassin placed her arms to her side “ready? Ready for what?” “my lord primarch will move some day and he will make the call for all of us to gather.” “How sure are you that he will call you?” “I have to ensure he does, my company must be at it’s best…” Taurus placed his hand on his slashed pauldron. “I will show him what the 4th company can do...I know he is watching.” Ambrosia looked at the pauldron “you are the only one that does not have the third legion insignia. Why is that?” Taurus lowered his hand “because it was taken away.” “Taken away? By….” “Yes. Don’t bother probing for more I won’t say. It’s in the past I must look forward.” “Very well...I admire that about you. The lack of hesitation...the decisiveness were you always this way?” “I hesitated once….just once.” “Once?” Taurus said nothing, he dislikes bringing up events surrounding a certain dark apostle. But he had to admit if it wasn’t for him he would not be alive. “It’s in the past.” “You always say that.” “I always say it because I can’t let the past distract me, but I have no regrets regarding the choices I made.” Ambrosia raised her eyebrow “you really are bull-headed aren’t you? So have you ever made a wrong choice?” “I have made plenty of wrong choices, but I never let that stop me, I always moved to correct them.” The assassin chuckled “my..you are interesting. Well I have things to do.” She stretched and walked away without another word as she vanished into the darkness of the hallway Taurus faced the door. “Hmmm, I lost a few minutes. Unfortunate.” He pressed the button to open the door and walked in. He looked around and all the servitors were in position, some wielded power blades, others had melta guns attached to their limbs and a few even had heavy bolters. Before getting started he checked each servitor to make sure all the equipment that is going to be used in the training session is in prime condition. Once satisfied He drew his bolt pistol and sabre, Taurus walked a few paces and stood in the middle of the training hall. He took a deep breath as he announced “servitors all weapons free, combat mode engaged. You will not desist until all life forms in the room are extinguished.” All of the servitors then intoned at once “warning….warning...only lifeform in the vicinity is captain of the 4th company...shutting down...” “Override.” “Override...engaged…” All of the servitors locked their weapons onto him. “Kill systematically….” Taurus whispered to himself.

I suffer...for it was my fault.

Asriel heard a loud beep, his eye slowly slid open he yawned and rubbed his eye. “Time to get to work.” he hopped out of bed, the beeping still ringing in his ears. He walked over to the desk and picked up the dataslate, he switched off the alarm and placed it into his pocket. He left his room and entered the kitchen. “Right, breakfast.” he got to work, he walked into the fridge and then the freezer to get the ingredients he needed and went to work cooking. As he worked he frowned slightly “This is what I will be doing until I die…what kind of life is this?” Regret began to sink in, he recalled the offers from the nobles, if only he accepted his ma and pa would be alive and he would not be here. What makes it worse is that Taurus desires for him to train, considering the state of this very ship it’s not a surprise that the captain wants him to be able to defend himself. He sighed as he began plating and placing the food on the cart, Asriel crossed his arms. “Okay, sausages and bacon made out of grox meat, eggs and….” He snapped his fingers “recaf!” Asriel began quickly brewing a tea, he stopped for a moment. “Do space marines require energy?” he grumbled slightly “oh well..just have to wait and see.” he focused on ingredients that reduce fatigue and keeps one alert. After the hot beverage is finished he placed it into a metal mug to retain the heat. Asriel quickly grabbed cups for the recaf and placed them upon the cart.

He then nodded it’s time to go. He pushed the cart to the door and put into the code as the door slid open he stepped outside to see a large group of astartes staring at him. He looked around in confusion “m-my lords. Is something wrong? I thought I was going to deliver the food to your rooms...” They said nothing, one pointed at him. “Slave I wish to try your food.” an astartes walked towards the cart he pulled off the cover and snorted. “I bet the meat is pre-packed…” he shook his head “n-no, I made it by hand.” The space marine grabbed a knife and fork, Asriel used the opportunity to pour him a cup of recaf. The astartes frowned “I am not going to drink that.” “I-I see..” he placed the cup on the cart. The space marine began eating the food, cutting a small piece of the sausage and placing it into his mouth. He chewed slowly and then swallowed. He then continued eating, until in a few short moments he cleaned the plate. He then stared at the recaf and sipped it. The space marine smiled, as soon as the smirk lined his lips the rest of the group rushed in and began taking plates from the cart. Asriel took a step back as the space marines got to work, some ate at the cart others stood up right. All of them were laughing and smiling as they ate. Once they were done all of the plates were stacked neatly on the cart and they walked away without a word. All that was left was three plates of food.

Asriel sighed slightly, he walked back into the kitchen and placed the stacked plates to one side. He left the kitchen again, this time he will be actually able to deliver the food to people. He picked out his dataslate and went thought it. “Taurus wants me to deliver food to Tetricus first…” he began pushing the cart, as he made the journey he thought about the space marines that surrounded his cart. All of them left with smiles on their faces. It was odd he felt pleased with himself, the fact that heretics of all things are happy with his food. Asriel smiled to himself. “They liked it…” he chuckled to himself as he walked to the tunnel entrance. But as he got there he froze, he recalled those strange sirens. He gulped “I almost forgot about them..” he pressed the button. The tunnel door opened, as he walked down the tunnel, towards Tetricus’ door as he got close he could hear the muffled sound. But as he got to the door it stopped. Asriel then heard a voice ranting in annoyance. He slowly pushed the button to open the door. As it slid upon the ranting smashed into his ears. “Why aren’t all of you singing!? For what reas-” as Asriel stepped inside again, the sirens were looking at him. Tetricus was sitting at the same table as before, but this time he was looking at him in clear annoyance and frustration. “You.” he said firmly.

Asriel made himself small as he approached the table, he did not want to anger the sorcerer. In silence he placed the plate and cutlery on the table along with a cup of recaf. Tetricus looked at the plate and frowned. “I am only eating this because Captain will complain if I don’t. Know this human, he will kill you.” Asriel said nothing, he kept to himself as the sorcerer began eating. But he could see he was trying very hard not to smile, like he was forcing himself not to display any joy in what he is eating. Asriel noticed that he finished his meal quicker than the astartes who tried his food in the hallway. As he sipped the recaf, Tetricus gave him a look. “I bet he told you to come to me first?” Asriel slowly nodded. “Y-yes my lord.” “He is always like that…” he did not know whether to speak, but from the looks of it it seems he desires conversation. “Always?” “Yes, when he sees something he wants other people to understand. Perhaps it’s the reason why his insignia was taken…” “His insignia was taken?” Tetricus kissed his teeth “your food is causing me to ramble slave.” he sighed. “Fine, it’s good. Are you happy?” He stared at him expecting an answer, but instead Asriel smiled again, the same smile that played across his lips in the hallway. “I am glad you enjoyed the meal my lord.” “Don’t let my praise get to your head.” He looked around the chamber “but do tell me...how do you do that?” “Do what?” He placed the cup on the table, “for one my sirens are staring at you, second they stopped singing and the fact considering what they are that could either be dangerous or beneficial.” Asriel looked around the room, they are indeed staring at him still. As he scanned the room, he spotted the one who he saw in his room. She smiled at him and placed a single finger on her lips. “Is something wrong?” Asriel bought his vision back to the sorcerer. “It’s nothing. I-” “So tell me how did you lose your eye?” as he mentioned his eye he touched the soft scar tissue. “I don’t know.” “I see, perhaps captain is right? Anyway you may leave.” he drained the rest of his recaf and placed it on the table. Asriel then picked up the empty mug, plate and cutlery, he placed them on the cart and bowed. Tetricus then gestured for him to leave, Asriel turned and left as instructed, as he walked the sirens were still looking at him. He didn’t like it at all, he quickly left the room and as the door closed behind him the muffled sound returned.

Asriel gave a sigh of relief “I am glad I am out of that place…” he walked down the tunnel, he looked at the cart. “Two more stops…” he frowned as he stared at the cart. One of the plates of food belongs to... “Gavius…” he said quietly to himself. He began walking slowly, his heart began beating rapidly. “I don’t want to go anywhere near him…” “You don’t have a choice.” the voice came from his right. It was the same serene voice from the siren he saw in the kitchen. He slowly turned his head in that direction and there she was walking with him. His teeth chittered slightly “w-what do you want?” “Your heart bleeds, yet you don’t realise it.” Her hand reached out, Asriel moved to the left slightly. “D-don’t touch me!” “Why not? She moved towards his side again.” he grimaced “j-just leave me alone!” “Why are you afraid?” “You are a witch! I don’t want you touching me!” as he called her a witch she gave an unnatural chuckle “you of all people shouldn’t be calling me that…” “I am not a witch! What are you talking about!? Leave me alone!” “I wonder what you will do once you recover it? It should be soon...just in a few moments..” she gave a soft smile. “But he will take care of you.” As Asriel blinked the siren vanished. He looked forward to see he was now at the door leading to the hallway. His hand reached for the button, but strangely it was shaking, he gripped it and a wave of emotions began swimming through his heart. “Regret, sadness and...anger.” He ground his teeth “she must of done something….I..” he shook his head he took a deep breath and pushed the button to open the door. “Don’t dwell on her. I will just inform the captain that Tetricus’ witches are bothering me..” He walked through the door and and someone he did not want to see was now standing before him.

He smiled “Greetings.” Asriel gulped “L-lord Gavisus…” the space marine walked towards him. Asriel took a step back in reaction. “Tell me chef Asriel, what’s wrong? I just want my food.” “I-It’s nothing...please help yourself my lord.” He walked to the cart and lifted the cover, he picked a sausage off the plate and placed it into his mouth. He chewed, while smiling at the same time. “This is so good….” his voice sounded muffled while he spoke with his mouth full. He then swallowed “It’s going to be unfortunate...the captain just found you…” “W-what do you mean my lord?” His hand then suddenly flicked out, gripping his neck. He couldn’t breathe, Gavisus smiled “I want your skin badly...I need it for my work…” he picked him up from the ground and drew his face to his. The astartes licked his cheek. “It’s….. perfect. Now...sleep.” Asriel struggled for his life, but the darkness utterly consumed his vision.

Gavisus hummed to himself as he got his tools ready, he needs to best skinning knives and sewing tools in order to create a canvas. He stood at the table and unfurled the cloth holding his precious tools. All of them were in neat pockets, cleaned and maintained to be in perfect condition for his work. But what he had to watch out for is controlling his own excitement, he turned his head to the chef they captured, he is tied to the chair at the moment, he made sure to even ensure his head was held in placed with a leather strap. Gavisus licked his lips “I am sorry captain...I couldn’t help it...you will just have to reprimand me…” He pulled a skinning knife from the cloth and walked towards the slave. Before he got to work he looked around his room, it is covered in skins of all colour and along with his paints he adds to them they are pleasing to look at. But the chef’s skin? It’s something else, when he saw him on the agri world, his wonderful skin was even, smooth and he knew he could paint something wonderful with it.

But now comes the hard part, controlling his joy for his work. Holding back the excitement to keep himself from making a mistake. He began chuckling to himself “It’s a shame I can’t preserve you...you are beautiful…” His knife went for his cheek, suddenly the slaves eye opened it darted around in panic. “W-where am I?” Gavisus licked his lips “scream if you must, It actually helps me focus while I skin you.” The slave began thrashing in his bounds, “someone! Please! Help me!” He struggled with all his might but all it did was amuse him. He pressed the blade on his cheek drawing blood, the chef screamed. The blade began biting in deeper but he stopped, the air changed. The slave was hyperventilating, Gavisus shrugged and continued. He gave a shrill scream again “Stop….stop, stop, stop, stop….STOP IT!” Gavisus blinked in a brief second he was no longer in front of the slave but he was now flying through the air.

His back slammed upon his room wall, but he did not fall he was held in place. A great force then smashed into his body pushing him into the wall. The furniture, his work and all his tools began floating, some burst into flames others flew around the room smashing into the walls. Even his chamber door began opening and closing rapidly until it tore itself off its hinges. Gavisus cursed “the slave is a witch….I should...of...p-prepare-.” The force kept increasing cutting off his words, his nose began bleed. The chef kept screaming for it to stop. Gavisus placed his eyes on the chef, his bonds began twisting and tearing, he is using his psychic powers to free himself. As the bonds gave way, the slave gripped his head he kept screaming in anguish and misery. “Stop…..stop….stop! Kill me! Please kill me!” Gavisus gasped again the force felt like it was increasing ten-fold it was going dark. He couldn’t see, darkness filled his vision.

Taurus ran down the hallway, the doors on several of his brothers chambers have literally tore themselves from its hinges. He had a good guess why it is happening and who is the likely culprit. He made sure to hover in the general area of Gavisus room because he knew that his brother would not be able to control his impulses. He raced down the hallway and stopped in front of Gavisus door, he saw Asriel is now standing, walking towards the other side of the room his hands are consumed with psychic energy. Taurus stepped inside “That is enough.” His company chef turned his head to him, tears trailing down his eye. He ground his teeth. Asriel bound towards him, Taurus got into battle stance, his chef was fast but it’s clear his movements are not practiced. Asriel launched his fist at him, Taurus sidestepped and grabbed his arm. He hefted him in the air and slammed his body face down onto the ground. “I am not going to kill you, you are part of my company.” “S-shut up!” Taurus staggered back, due to a telekinetic force. He released his grip on Asriel’s arm. His chef rose panting slightly. “I don’t belong to you! He...left me behind…” he charged again. He tried to rapidly strike with his fists, at times he would catch furniture and it would simply warp and disintegrate into ashes. “You don’t belong to me, you belong to my company.” “I said shut up! I don’t belong to your stupid delusion!” He threw another punch, again Taurus repeated the movement and placed him on the floor. “You are weak.” Asriel roared in anger. The force crashed into his body again, but this time he did not move. The power he is displaying is nothing compared to Tetricus. “You are weak, whatever happened between your old master or who owned you...I don’t care. We have rules on this ship and I won’t have you damaging it.” Asriel suddenly blinked in clear shock “w-what?” “Yes, you are damaging the ship with your tantrum. I found our legion insignia in your briefcase so I assumed you must of served our legion. Since you had such a trinket you must of been good at whatever role you had in the past. But...since you are a psyker? And how you fight? You most likely served a combat role...and I have to say I am disappointed. Your schedule will have to be adjusted.” “Schedule…? You don’t own me. As I said you are a delusional fool..” As Asriel insulted him he dislocated the arm he held, his chef winced in pain. “Interesting your pain tolerance is high. But I suspect that is the case for all the wrong reasons. Oh and you don’t insult the captain of the company. Now calm yourself, you are smart enough to see I haven’t even drew my weapons.” As he spoke Asriel relaxed slightly, the forced died away he then heard a large crash. He turned his head to see that Gavisus is now on the floor out cold, and there is large dent in his wall.

Taurus sighed, he popped his arm back into place. Asriel grunted, he then rose. “Right, you will not be cooking again today. We need to talk.” His chef sat upright rubbing his arm. He could tell his chef is still cursing him in his mind just by his gaze. He pointed at him. “You have poor manners, I can tell you are also rebellious and….that you suffer.” This time Asriel looked at him in surprise. He then frowned. “Don’t assume you know anything about me.” “I know plenty just by how you acted here. Now get up and follow me.” His chef cursed and got to his feet, Taurus walked out of Gavisus room. Asriel followed behind him. “What about the idiot?” Taurus turned “you will use honorifics.” He rolled his eyes. “Right, are you just going to leave “Lord” Gavisus there?” “Yes, what you did is a sufficient lesson and I am letting you know that your schedule is being adjusted again.” “I don’t care about your schedule.” “I am sure you will follow it after our talk.” Taurus faced forward, he began the journey to his chambers with his rebellious chef.

Chapter 5
They now stood in his chambers, despite the journey Asriel is still rude, undisciplined and arrogant. He walked with him to the table. Taurus took his original seating position, just like the time he introduced himself. He gestured to at the other side of the table “sit.” His company chef sat down. “I am not interested.” he said firmly. Taurus smiled “I have done this so many times, even with my own brothers.” “What? Sit them down like a child? Do I have to remind you that you murdered several them in these very chambers?” Taurus did not react, at the very moment Asriel is acting like a child and it’s clear enough he is in service to the dark prince. He holds a similar air to Griffin, from how he talks and acts. “Griffin had the appropriate channels. He made his choice, but all those who are here now are soldiers.” “I don’t care for what you are doing here. The fact you still wear that symbol on your chest with pride shows me that you are fool.” Taurus looked down at the palatine aquila, he felt nothing for the symbol he scratched his cheek. “I have no attachment to the symbol, I just clean it because it’s my armour. Wouldn’t you want to maintain yours?” Asriel slammed his hand on the table. “Stop being reasonable! I know your type, you are just like us! But you cover it up to appear “normal”, have you looked around you? The hedonism? The torture? I won’t be drawn into you delusion, so you just have to kill me.” He shook his head “No, my brothers spent a great amount of time finding your planet. They endured much to fill out the chef role.” Asriel began laughing at him. “You...are truly a fool. Your brothers could care less.” “But they smiled as they ate your cooking.” “You were there?” “So it seems the memories you made on this ship are still there yes, I was watching from a distance. But what I want to know is who exactly are you?” The company chef clenched the hand that was on the table. “I should’ve of known better….if I acted….then I wouldn’t be here..stuck with you.”

Taurus bought his hands together “or perhaps you were put here for a reason.” Asriel’s eyes met his. “Don’t give me that nonsense. You don’t even look religious.” “I am not really religious I will leave it to my brothers to scream his name and debase themselves for him. But I know the gods commit certain actions for a reason.” Asriel furrowed his brow he narrowed his eye. “Yet you are favoured…” “I don’t really care for favour, I am just doing what needs to be done.” “What needs to be done?” “Yes, this company needs to be ready for my lord primarch.” “So you want to make the best company for your father?” “He is not my father, my father was from europa and a general of the emperor’s armies. I was fortunate enough to retain great amounts of my memory when I was made into a living weapon. That is the man who I call father, Lord Fulgrim is my primarch and my general.” As he spoke, confusion began to play across his chefs face. “Bu-” “Does it matter that majority of my body now holds his DNA? That was just a process to give me the necessary gifts and skills to carry out my duty.” Again his eyes grew wide in surprise, he chuckled. “Next you will tell me you don’t consider anyone outside of this company your brothers.” Taurus said nothing, he let that be the answer. Asriel slammed his hand on the table again. “Are you joking!? What kind of game are you playing here!?” “I will go even further, have you heard of the saying he who shall stand with me shall be my brother? I believe those words, it’s the reason why the black legion are so successful. I even view the mortals who serve this company as better brothers.” His mouth hanged in disbelief. He eyed his pauldon “such thoughts are dangerous, I imagine you were kicked out of your legion. Since you were around during Horus’ war.” “Yes, I was kicked out of my legion, I spoke the truth even though my lord primarch did not want to hear it. He tore off my pauldron, he was not even angry, more upset and sent my company away. So I let my actions prove him wrong.” “Wait...this was before everyone turned traitor?” “Yes.” Asriel began laughing “you are really delusional! It would be easy to get his attention you sho-” “act like everyone else? No, that path is weakness. That path is only full of suffering and pain.” “It seems like you are suffering now.” Taurus looked at his hand, it was not shaking it was firm, controlled. His mind and heart is clear. “No, I am not because I am doing the right thing.”

His company chef ground his teeth in frustration “the right thing? I did the right thing! Look where it got me!” with his outburst the heart of who he is revealed itself. “So you were cast out? Because you felt you were doing right by someone?” Asriel looked away. “I hate looking at you.” “Why?” “So sure, so arrogant….assuming that you have all the answers…” “I did not have all the answers.” “What?” “You recall our conversation? I had help along the way. If I was still my old self I would hate Tetricus with every fiber of my being. But then I realised I was making excuses for myself. I was making excuses for my lord primarch.” Asriel’s features began to soften slightly. “This must be a trick or something…” he clutched his white vest with his hand squeezing tightly. “The dark prince must of given you some blessing…” Taurus had a good guess what he is thinking. “You think I am using some sort of power to get you to trust me? I have no such thing, all I have now is due to my hardwork and the efforts of my company. I want to ask you a question.” “What?” Taurus smiled “who do you think is the most favoured astartes in the legion?” Asriel smirked “that’s easy it’s either Lucius or Eidolon.” “Incorrect.” “Right then who is it?” “Fabius Bile.” “He doesn’t even worship the dark prince! How can it be him!?” “It’s him because he has never lost sight of the third legions goal, which is perfection. Both Eidolon and Lucius have stumbled on the path due to distractions.” His company chef sighed heavily “fine, I don’t care about that. So tell me this how are you so sure that you are doing the right thing?”

Taurus nodded, he rose from his seat and walked to the side of the table. “What are you doing?” “Explaining my thought process.” He placed his hand on his blade handle. “I try to do the right thing.” he made a quick draw slash. “Then I do it.” He faced Asriel “do you understand?” “That makes absolutely no sense. You truly are delusional.” “Very well you did not understand the simple explanation.” “I am not an idiot.” “Stop acting like one and listen.” His chef grunted in annoyance. “You see Asriel, one cannot do the right thing unless you consciously try.” Asriel rose from his seat “I tried to do the right thing so many times! Yet...yet…” Taurus nodded “from what I understand both you and your master suffered.” “So..we both weren’t doing the right thing?” “Correct.” He sheathed his blade. “You see...mistakes happen in the most offhanded ways, then you get swept along. Stumbling down that road, then you lose reason and consideration and at the same time you lose dedication in trying to do the right thing.” He could see Asriel is now listening carefully, this is good. “Then before you realise it, you are on the wrong path and you stick to it because trying to do the correct thing is too hard, you push it off you make excuses. Have you ever done the right thing without realising it Asriel?” “I-I...I don’t think so.” “Exactly, because to do the correct action requires intent and you won’t be able to do what is right unless you actively try. If not being able to do the right thing is causing you great pain and suffering then deep down you feel you aren’t doing it and there is plenty of reasons for that.” Asriel rubbed his eye slightly. “What sort of reasons?” “Hesitation for one, fear or even trying to blame someone else, perhaps you can even blame your old warband for one. Some even curse the hand they are given, just like you are doing now.” Taurus walked over to Asriel, he seemed much more small now. “Those who are not doing the right thing should acknowledge that it’s not that they can’t do it...it’s because they are not committing the right action to begin with.” Asriel chuckled “no one is as strong as you...captain.” “I disagree, people just assume they can’t do this or that...when they never try to begin with. What happens is people focus on the second part, doing the right thing instead of trying. When there is an order to things, try to do the right thing and then do it. Don’t try to jump to the second step, start from the first.”

Asriel then looked down to his hands “we...never really did agree on things.” “agree with who?” “Adelram.” “I know him, Lieutenant Adelram of the 11th company.” Asriel nodded. “We fought we argued...so I went over him. He thought he knew best...but...I was wrong.” “You are both wrong.” “What?” “In my eyes casting you out is weakness. Tell me search yourself what was the right thing to do in that situation? Both of you argued but I can sense that you care for Lieutenant Adelram.” His company chef started to cry. “I should of tried...to work out our problems instead of going over him…” “Exactly.” “B-but...Taurus..he wouldn’t listen!” “How do you know if you never tried? Did both of you try? I imagine if you pushed the subject both of you would of come to the correct decision and your relationship would of been better for it. With all choices there are consequences. Now, in this situation what is the right thing to do?” Asriel cast his head down slightly he fell silent for several minutes. He then looked up to him. “I aplogise for damaging the ship...it is through my own mistakes that I am here. You took me in and I spat in your face all the way here. Many of the people I knew in the past I would of got along with them better if I was...more humble. I should be thankful that I also landed in your arms I could of been taken by a far worse warband.” “Company.” “Y-yes...company. I am truly sorry...my lord.” Taurus nodded and pointed at him. “Inferus.” “W-what?” “It’s your nickname, you have a fiery personality but you must remember to consider your actions. Act more humble and doing the right decision will come easier to you. Now Asriel you are dismissed, take the day off.” His company chef gave a small bow “Thank you for speaking with me captain.” “As captain I must do right by members of my company. As always you have the proper channels Inferus if you wish to speak with me.” The chef frowned “this is going to stick isn’t it?” “It builds camaraderie Asriel.” He sighed heavily “I see….”

Chapter 5 is short, but I feel this one is REALLY important for a certain someone. Plus learning more about how our wonderful captain ticks is a good thing. I hope people like it.

I see others watch the juuni taisen aswell hahaha

 Dayknight wrote:

I see others watch the juuni taisen aswell hahaha

Great show more people should watch it. Glad you spotted it! That part hit me the most in the show. As you know i get inspired by my favourite philosphers and shows. Its a shame more people dont talk about that part.

Chapter 6
Asriel walked around the kitchen, the previous conversation he had with Taurus began replaying in his mind, that he wasn’t doing the right thing. He reflected on those words, that perhaps if both he and Adelram talked about their problems and issues...all of the arguments and heartache would of never happened. He would never be here. He folded his arms. “This is my home now.” He then scratched his cheek. “I wonder how captain does it?” to him he radiates certainty, that you can trust him. He has never felt that way about anyone before, it’s such an odd feeling. He smiled “Taurus is not that bad.” He began walking to his room but the kitchen door opened. Asriel turned towards it in surprise, it can only be two people and the person who stepped in is Taurus. He walked towards him. “I changed my mind.” “What are you talking about?” “I am talking about your day off. We are going to to train for the rest of the day.” Asriel blinked in surprise “I-I see..” he didn’t want to fight him. Just by the battle in Gavisus room he is clearly superior to him. “Now follow me Inferus.” Asriel frowned slightly “you are going to call me that all the time aren’t you?” “Yes I am, now enough talking and follow.” Taurus turned and began walking out of the kitchen, Asriel followed him as they entered the hallway he looked up at him. “Is...this necessary?” “Yes. How you fight is sloppy, it might but just because you recovered your memories but I wish to truly test you.” Asriel began feeling small, during that time he was fighting as hard as he could. Deep down a possibility dawned on him that Taurus is stronger than the astartes of his old warband since Taurus pinned him down like he is a child. Or perhaps that only happened because whatever seal Adelram placed on his memories was broken, he nodded. “That..might be the case.” Taurus gave him a simple look, his gaze told him that he did not believe it. He began walking down the hallway, Asriel trailed behind him.

The journey only took a few minutes before they stood in front of a door. “Right, we are here. Let’s head inside.” Both of them walked into the training hall, the stands were full of weapons, there were servitors in their respective corners heads sagged down. Taurus walked to the middle of the room and faced him. “Tell me what you can do.” Asriel nodded, “I am a psyker, I am skilled in biomancy and can easily heal my own wounds and those of others. I am also well versed in multiple weapons.” “I see, do you have a preference?” He smiled and clenched his fists. “Well...I use my fists.” Taurus’ eyes widened slightly, it was not in surprise, he could see it. He knows that look, it’s the same look he gave him as they walked to his chambers. “You think I am an idiot don’t you?” “Yes, you are indeed a fool, I also bet you are using your fists for all the wrong reasons.” Asriel took a step back in shock, he finds it strange how he can see right through him. He always knows what exactly to say. “Y-yes but I am quite good at it.” “Fine, let’s see.” His captain gestured towards him. “Don’t hold back.” Asriel got into battle stance, he allowed psychic energy to thrum through his hands. “Are you sure captain? You might get hurt.” He placed his helmet on his head. “No I am quite sure I will be absolutely fine. I won’t even need to draw my blade.” Asriel tutted in annoyance. “Arrogant like always…” he charged towards him. He let loose a flurry of punches, but every single strike missed, despite his size as an astartes he dodged each blow with very small movements. Then suddenly a burst of pain enveloped his cheek, Asriel then found himself crashing onto the ground. He felt his lower jaw swaying slightly. The pain was absolutely terrible, he has been through so much, but the pain that is gripping his mouth and jaw caused his vision to blur slightly. Asriel then focused, he felt his jaw clicking back into place, the pain that gripped his cheek vanished. He rubbed it slightly and looked towards Taurus’ direction, he was now holding a dataslate and going through it like he was not actually there. Asriel got to his feet, his anger and annoyance building. “You are not taking this seriously aren’t you!?” Taurus looked up from the dataslate. “Yes I am taking this seriously, at the moment I am adjusting your schedule.” “What?” He held up the device. “This dataslate is connected to everyone else's. Each of my brothers have one, through this I adjust their schedule when necessary.” Asriel snorted in amusement “what makes you think they follow it?” “Well...I have a training session with them each month so I can check their progress. I do this for their sake, just look at Griffin and his supporters. If they followed it I would be dead and they would be alive.” Asriel furrowed his brow “seriously?” “Yes, I added notes to his schedule that he should train with a proper loadout, focus more on improving his skill than how he looks with a blade and to cut his hair.” Taurus then placed the dataslate into his pouch, “Now Inferus come over.” “I have a name captain.” “I know, I just prefer to call you by your nickname. Also you can think of it as your callsign. Now please come over.” He walked over to his captain. “What is it?” “Show me your hands.” He did as he was ordered he showed him his hands, Taurus looked them over. “Can you use knives?” “Yes...I can.” “You will train with them from now on. Also…” he turned away and walked over to the weapon stand he picked out a sniper rifle. He came back and placed it into his hands. “You will learn how to shoot with a sniper rifle.” Asriel looked down at the weapon. “I only have one eye.” “You said you knew biomancy?” “Yes but why should that matter?” “Using it you should be able to extend your vision, plus you have witch sight, using both skill sets you should not require a spotter either.” “But...I don’t want to use a sniper rifle I pref-” “You are going to learn how to use a sniper rifle.” Taurus said firmly. “One more thing..” he pulled out the dataslate again and began going through it. “You are going to be training with Tetricus as well. I will also organise sessions with Ambrosia.” He frowned heavily “who is Ambrosia?” Asriel still wondered who she is.

He recalled asking but Taurus never gave him an answer. He did not look up from the dataslate as he spoke. “She is a culexus assassin.” His eyes went wide in pure horror. “W-why? Is training with her necessary?” he began panicking he recalled the last time he faced one, he could not even kill them directly. “You are aware of what sort of effects her presence will have on me?” Taurus ignored his questions, he placed the dataslate back into his pouch. “Right, it’s all done you are dismissed.” Asriel’s lips trembled slightly “do I really have to train with a pariah!?” “Yes now…” he shooed him out of the training hall. “You are dismissed.” Asriel turned away and left the room. As he got outside he looked down at the sniper rifle, it’s well made and from the looks of things has not seen use. Taurus wants him to train with this weapon. He sighed. “I don’t have a choice in the matter...” he slung the weapon over his shoulder. He pulled out the dataslate and went through his schedule and to his shock it’s been changed. He has far less free time than before, he still has his role as a chef but after cooking for everyone the whole schedule is filled with training sessions and specific instructions. “There is no way the whole warband follows such nonsense…” He began memorising his schedule while he made his journey back to his room, grunting in annoyance that he is forced to learn and use a weapon he has no interest in.

The journey back to his room was uneventful until Asriel spotted an astartes waiting at the kitchen door. He recognised the skin laying his armour and the face. It was Gavisus, the space marine who desired to skin him alive. Their eyes met, the astartes took one step back in caution. He wasn’t smiling either. “So...chef, it seems captain has decided your training regimen.” Asriel looked up to the sniper rifle “yes he has, is that a problem...my lord?” “No..it isn’t.” he began fidgeting slightly, Asriel wondered what his problem was. He had little patience for the theatrics of a fool. “My lord is something wrong?” Gavisus grumbled in annoyance. “Sla-Asriel, I aplogise for attempting to skin you alive.” The apology surprised him, but then he narrowed his eye, a member of the third legion would not aplogise in such a fashion to a human. Someone made him do this. “My lord, did Taurus make you aplogise?” This time he jumped slightly, he then mumbled “he will take away all my free time if I don’t….” Asriel heard him speaking under his breath, he wondered if he should point it out. He decided otherwise. “I accept you apology my lord.” as he spoke Gavisus gave a sigh of relief. He grinned “By the way...can I have a mug of your brewed recaf?” “Seriously?” “Yes! My brothers are talking about it, I wish to try it!” He tried not to groan in annoyance, he walked over to the door and put the code in. Both he and Gavisus entered the kitchen, the astartes began humming in excitement.

Asriel wondered how such a person can be a lieutenant, but the fact he is still alive shows that Taurus must trust him in some manner. He walked over to his bedroom and placed the sniper rifle to one side, as he entered the kitchen again Gavisus was still humming. He tried to ignore it and focus on work. He gathered the ingredients and something extra, a part of him told him that it’s wrong to serve someone recaf without some sort of treat or snack. He could see Gavisus brows twitching slightly in confusion. “I am making you something extra.” said Asriel, the astartes then nodded in understanding. He could see his excitement actually growing.

Asriel placed, all the ingredients on the table and got to work, he decided to make a small crisp like cake to go with the recaf. As he prepared the mix he found it strange, he still enjoyed cooking and his mind drifts to the people who took him in. In his mind he knew he should care nothing for them, but his heart twists slightly. It’s a nagging feeling that won’t leave, it’s kind of feeling he could do without. So he threw his mind into cooking, focusing on that, making sure the mix is balanced correctly and has the right amount of flavour. Now satisfied, he grabbed a pan and baking paper and set out the mix down. After that he placed it into the oven and began working on the recaf. Gavisus came over, Asriel could see he was curious. “So...what are you making?” “I am making a snack to go with your recaf, it’s a pastry have you ever had a biscuit before?” “No, I am curious to try it…” he sniffed the air. “It smells good.” “Well...I am surprised.” Gavisus raised his eyebrow. “Why is that?” “N-no reason.” Asriel cursed to himself, he wants to keep that he is from a previous warband a secret. He has no idea how astartes would react or treat him, for the sake of his safety it would be better for them to be ignorant. Gavisus frowned “You think just because we worship the dark prince we should be able to move past normal food? Nothing is “Normal” to us if something is done to the best of one’s abilities we will enjoy it.” Asriel turned his head slowly to Gavisus, the space marine chuckled. “Taurus updated everyone on your...situation.” He frowned at the astartes. “Dammit! Why would he…” Gavisus hissed at him. “Watch your tongue, don’t insult him!” Asriel flinched “Aplogies..but if you would indulge me my lord.” “What is it?” “Why...do you trust him?” The space marine licked his lips. “It’s quite simple human, I want what my captain wants.” “Which is?” “To be the perfect warband. You see...Griffin’s group were new bloods. All the astartes who are alive now have endured hardship and pain to gain that reality. To stand tall over the warbands.” “And you trust Taurus to give you this?” “Yes! Despite our looks, all of us trust him, hence we have no secrets between members of this company.” He chuckled in amusement. “He even allowed Griffin to plot his mutiny.” As Gavisus spoke Asriel realised something, that the fact no one has secrets is the reason why Taurus revealed his past to the others.

He furrowed his brow and focused on making the recaf, once it was finished he placed it into a metal mug and left it on the table near the oven. “Trust...how does he do it?” “Do what?” “He doesn’t struggle...he makes everything seem...so easy.” “He struggled, you just weren’t born yet.” “You speak of Horus’ war upon the imperium?” “Indeed I do, but if you want that story you should hear it from his mouth.” Asriel mumbled slightly, he wants to trust Taurus, his heart is screaming at him that he can. But his mind is forcing him to doubt, he still feels this schedule, being forced to train with a sniper rifle is pointless. He sighed slightly as he walked over to the oven and got the mitts ready, he pulled out the pan and placed it on the table. He then got a plastic bag ready and placed the biscuits inside and tied it. Now that everything is completed, he handed both the bag and metal mug to Gavisus. “I hope you enjoy it.” The astartes looked at the biscuits and undid the knot he placed one into his mouth. His face then lit up like a child. “This tastes….wonderful!” Asriel smiled “I glad you like it, now let me allow you to leave.” Gavisus quickly nodded, it’s clear he is eager to go back to his room to eat in peace. They both walked to the door, Asriel entered the code and Gavisus stepped out without a word.

Now alone Asriel shook his head, “I keep forgetting they can act like kids sometimes…” He stretched I better get some rest. He rubbed his neck as he walked to his bedroom, hoping that he can forget the past few hours.

Gavisus chewed slowly, the flavours bouncing in his mouth, the texture and the ease of eating made these treats wonderful to eat. He placed another one in his mouth as he began walking back to his chambers. This time he tried to deconstruct why it tastes so good, he has tried the food of several chefs all were disgusting and they were killed by Taurus as a consequence. He wondered what the slave did differently? He racked his brain as he made his journey until he saw Tetricus, as always he looks sullen or bored. He stopped in front of him “What are you eating Gavisus?” Gavius looked down at the plastic bag “The slave made this for me.” His brother kept eyeing the bag, he could see the hunger in his glowing eyes. “It’s mine.” his words jolted him to attention. “I don’t want it in the first place!” “Liar….” he said in a hushed tone. “Anyway, what are you doing?” Tetricus held up two letters. “These are messages for Taurus.” “I see. Who are they from?” The sorcerer frowned slightly “well...one is from Captain Eidolon the other….?” “Spit is out!” “Well it’s blank.” he showed him the paper “but I can sense power from it. The astropath was writing on the blank piece of paper so I assume there is a message on it. Eidolon’s letter explicitly states that his letter should be handed to the captain first.” Gavisus placed another biscuit into his mouth “you are aware that Taurus dislikes Eidolon?” “Yes and vice versa, but he would not contact him for no reason.” Gavisus nodded in agreement. “Right, I better come with you then. Since this might be important.” “I am more than capab-” “Tetricus I am just going to follow you despite what you say.” he gave a coy smile, his brother gave a heavy sigh in return. “Follow me then...”

Gavisus began walking with his brother, he hoped whatever Eidolon wants would be exciting for the warband.

Hmm what could this mean? I wonder?