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Longer chapter coming around the weekend. Just letting readers know.

we are eagerly awaiting

 Dayknight wrote:
we are eagerly awaiting

Yeah, the chapter is going to be slightly delayed I fell ill over the weekend, so I could not really write anything over the weekend. I have just done the first part of the chapter. Sorry. >_<

Sorry for the delay, Nurgle thought to stop me. (Still ill, but I wanted to get something out.)

Chapter 10

Inferus could sense them, they were close, very close. He made a corner and he saw them. He saw his captain and his teacher walking together. His stride showed him that victory is assured and the fact his weapon is not drawn. It’s evident that they have won. Taurus walked up to him, he pointed at the inquisitor he is holding. “Who is that?” As he asked his question the inquisitor launched herself at his captain, wrapping her arms around his neck. The sudden action almost caused him to drop her. “Er...this is an inquisitor captain.” Inferus tried to tighten his grip to keep himself from dropping her. Taurus grumbled, “I will hold her.” Inferus transferred the inquisitor to him. He could hear her whispering. “What is she saying?” His captain shook his head. “Asking if I am real or not.” Tetricus sighed “can she be trusted?” “Well it’s evident she is obsessed with me brother, I think this is the one you sensed.” “But she is an inquisitor. Remember the assassin you took a fancy to?” At the mention of the assassin Inferus recalled Ambrosia, she simply waited for the best opportunity to kill Taurus. But he saw her desires, he feels this won’t be the same. “Well she wanted to find you Captain, for whatever reason. I guess she wishes to serve.” Taurus chuckled at his words. “As it should be. Her knowledge and expertise will be useful.” Tetricus sighed heavily “don’t say I didn’t warn you.” “You worry too much. I will interview her thoroughly, now let us leave.” His captain walked passed him still holding the whispering inquisitor. Inferus then wondered what the inquisitor truly wants? He hoped she would serve because Taurus is correct, her knowledge and expertise will be useful.

***
She was forced to sit at the table, she is now on the traitor ship. Avala stared at the anomaly as the heretic set some recaf in front of her and the space marine. The heretic then walked to the heretic astartes side. “So...you wish to join me?” he said. Avala did not know what to think, her heart says yes, she wants to just serve all his wishes, to be near him. But her mind is holding her back, she has questions, Avala wanted to confirm something. “What are you?” “What am I? How about we introduce ourselves? I am Taurus.” She turned that name in her mind, despite his withered and aged face, his blue eyes held a strange vitality. She did not know whether to trust him yet, so she refused to give her name. “I don’t trust you yet, my questions first.” Her answer caused the heretic’s eye to move to her, she could not detect anger, but she got the feeling he would kill her if she is not careful with what she says. The deadly instruments that are attached to the heretic’s strange prosthetic arms shows that he is armed and can kill at anytime. Taurus raised his hand. “Inferus calm yourself, I am not offended.” “Yes captain.” he responded curtly.

The small conversation confirmed another strange anomaly, calling Taurus captain. Treating him almost like a loyalist astartes. “So are you a loyalist?” The astartes chuckled “not for several thousand years I am afraid.” She decided to press on the subject of his age, this time she voiced her thoughts. “The rest of your warb-” “Company.” he said firmly. Avala corrected herself “Your company looks young. But you...look ancient, why is that the case?” Taurus stroked his chin. “Well of course I would look old, I was around during the unification wars.” “That does not matter, your patron normally beautifies those that follow him. You shouldn’t look old.” The astartes looked somewhat confused “Inferus?” The heretic looked down to him. “Yes captain?” “Do I look ugly to you?” “No...you look amazing.” Avala frowned heavily as Taurus eyes moved back to her. “See, no one is my company cares or they hold Inferus’ opinion for whatever reason.” His answer did not satisfy her, Taurus must be using some form of mind controlling agent or trick to get everyone to obey.

In her experience the followers of the serpent congregate around those who hold a dark sort of beauty that annihilates the soul. She has seen many faces that lesser souls would crumble and obey the heretic’s every whim. But this one...is different. Avala stared at him for a moment and now she realises that he has an air of mystery around him, that in order to understand she must follow. Her heart told her to follow without hesitation.

Her training, her mind took over again, she grit her teeth and looked down into the recaf. “I imagine this brew contains the remanments of those you captured.” It was not a question, not exactly but she was stating a fact. The followers of the serpent have strange appetites, but Taurus’ face switched to disgust. “No...I like my recaf brewed with several herbs and special roots. Eating or placing human parts into one’s food is disgusting.” He sipped some and placed the cup back onto the table. Avala’s eyes went wide in shock. “You are lying!” she found herself shouting. “That’s impossible! This drink must have the tears of slaves used as the water!” Taurus shifted to the heretic “Did you use the tears of tortured slaves as water?” “No captain, I was thinking about using Aeldari tears whenever we face them again.” Taurus nodded slowly “that...sounds like a good idea.” he said almost joyfully.

At the mention of Aeldari, she moved to the subject of xeno’s, most heretics would work with them in some capacity if able. “Tell me...what do you think of the alien?” “Aliens are animals.” She blinked in surprise to his answer. “What?” “Xeno’s are animals and humanity is above them, why are you asking me such a stupid question?” Avala shook her head, she looked down to the recaf again. He must be lying...there is only one way to check. She picked up the cup and sipped it. She thought she would taste the suffering of humans, or the backlash of their dying moments. But instead a strong flavour washed around her mouth, it set her at ease. The beverage just tasted like normal recaf, the brew was wonderful. Now her heart began taking over again but her mind warred with it. Both pounded together telling her that he is not a heretic, that there must be some mistake. That he is the epitome of the angel’s of death. Even this very chamber does not match what she has seen on other traitor ships, it looks...fairly normal. She placed the cup back onto the table and took a deep breath. “You are not a heretic.” Taurus frowned “But...I am.” “No...No...there must be a mistake.” “My patron is one of the dark gods, you are aware?”

Avala smashed her fists on the table, anger began to boil through her body for some reason. “You are not a heretic!” She began panting slightly “You...are not a heretic….” She narrowed her eyes at him. “You must be a loyalist, you must serve the emperor...there is no other explanation for you...being strange.” “Strange?” “You don’t match any studies! You destroyed everything I thought about the followers of the mad serpent! So you can’t be a heretic!” The heretic raised his eyebrow slightly at Taurus. “Huh….she is mentally impaired like the rest of us.” Taurus smiled “so what will you do now inquisitor?” She took another sip from her cup, the recaf helped her calm down. “There is nothing wrong with working with an angel of death. I am eager to see you in action up close. I imagine this is the will of the god-emperor.” “I can accept that, Inferus she will be living in your room from now on. It will be extended by the end of the day.” Avala placed the cup onto the table, she crossed her arms. “I am not working with a heretic, they must be using you somehow Taurus.” The heretic shook his head wearily. “I had a feeling this would happen. Also I have a name.” “I do not care for the name of a heretic.” Taurus frowned “if you wish to follow me please use the names of the crew.”

She grimaced at his request this must be a ploy of some sort or Taurus seeks to connect to lost battle-brothers. Maybe he is trying to make do with a bad situation? “Fine. I will refer to the heretic by his name. I will also refrain from burning him at a stake.” Inferus sighed, he then faced Taurus. “by the way, what about the rewards?” “Oh yes.” said Taurus. “Escort…” his voice trailed off slightly. “It’s Avala, Inquisitor Avala.” “Please escort Avala to your room, think upon your reward and ask Senshika what she desires. Lucreitus’ reward should be arriving at his room about now. Once you have decided return to me.” Inferus bowed “Very well captain. Come Avala.” She frowned “I am only doing this because it’s Captain Taurus’ wish heretic.” Inferus narrowed his eye at her. “Just come along.” She rose from the table and followed Inferus to the door, as they got there she turned her head back slightly. Just to confirm it, Taurus did not look mischievous or bared the air of a coward. He was a true astartes.

***

Lucretius relaxed, he shifted on his chair slightly. He wondered what he should request from Taurus? How much blood should he ask for? Or should he ask for a cocktail made from all four? He licked his lips. “I don’t care either way.” He smiled to himself “I should go now…” He rose from his seat but as he got to the door he heard a knock. He raised his eyebrow in confusion and opened it. He could see it was the apothecary holding a large metal jug that was sealed. Silentus pushed it into his hands and walked away, the door slid close. Lucretius looked down to the jug a broad smile then met his lips. “Is this….?” He unscrewed the top and the aroma shot into his nose, he could smell Taurus’ lifeblood within it, but there was something else mixed in with it. He turned to his chalice that is sitting on the side table, he thought to use it. But the need, the thirst was overwhelming.

He bought the jug to his lips and backed the contents, he greedily drank and right away he could taste it. Someone else's blood was mixed with Taurus’. As he drank he saw flashes of a blade moving through the air at high speed, then he tasted….his determination. His commitment to his faith but then he got the hint of something else, something was off.

He stopped drinking, just for a moment. He moved the blood in his mouth, he searched for the hint. He could feel a plot, that the wielder of the blade is plotting something. He looked to do the door, just for a moment. He flared his fangs, the image of the plotter began to form in his mind, but it then suddenly vanished, blew away like dust on the wind. The thirst came back in raging cascades, he went back to his drink. His mind now consumed by the lovely meal.

***

Inferus escorted Avala to the kitchen door, the ex-inquisitor said nothing during the journey but the conversation she had with Taurus shows that she is clearly insane. He guesses that believing that Taurus is a loyalist is the only way she can avoid her mind collapsing. He inputted the code into the door and gestured inside. Avla walked in, he followed in after her. As they entered the kitchen she looked around. “So this is where you work?” “Yes...this is where I work. I am steadily getting back into the habit of cooking.” She turned to him and looked at his arms. “With those?” “Yes, these arms that can easily crush every bone in your body. Now do you want anything to eat?” “No. Where is the bedroom?” “Follow me.” he responded. He walked to the bedroom door, Avala followed behind him. As they entered the bedroom he spotted Senshika playing her violin, she stopped and stared at them. “Is she joining us Inferus?” She asked. “Yes, I suspect she is going to be part of this new squad.” “Squad?” Avala seemed confused. “Taurus wants to put together an elite squad. To range ahead and to complete black op assignments.” “I see, so he trusts us more than his heretical brothers.” She stated it as fact, he has to get used to this “In a manner of speaking, anyway you will be living here from now on. You can use my bed to rest, I don’t need much sleep.”

The ex-inquisitor grimaced “I am...not sure.” “Because I am a heretic?” she nodded. “Then do whatever, you can wait for the room to be extended. It will be done by the end of the day.” Avala decided to sit at his desk. She placed her arms on the table and then rested her head on her arms. “So you would rather rest at the desk?” she did not answer his question, Avala simply closed her eyes. Inferus bought his gaze to Senshika “Right we have to decide a reward. What do you want from Taurus Senshika?” She mumbled slightly “I want a new violin...this one is getting quite old.” She held them out he could see that it has been worn out, she must of had it for a long time. “If I may ask where did you get the violin?” “I killed the person it belonged to, I liked the sound that came from it so I thought if I practiced like the person I took it from it would help me to feel something.” The answer did not surprise him at all. “Very well, you want to a new violin. I will let Taurus know.” Senshika cocked her head “what do you want Inferus?” “I….” he stroked his chin. “I need to think about it. I am quite happy with my piano. Perhaps I will come up with something on the way back to his chambers.” “Ok, I am sure you will think of something.” she gave him a forced smile.

He returned it and left the room, as he entered the kitchen he looked down to his hands. “What should I ask for Taurus?” He then exited the kitchen.

Inferus looked down the dark hallway what could he give me? He thought to himself. He kept repeating that in his mind as he began his journey to his chambers. He moved his fingers “maybe...he could show me something in training?” He bought his hands up. “I have the strength, the power. I can ask him for his weak points, to gain an advantage in order to beat him. ” Inferus smiled. “Yes...that will be my reward.” He briskly walked down the wall and eventually he reached the doors. He pushed them open, as he entered Taurus’ chambers he could see him adjusting the portraits on the wall by centimetres. He turned and faced him. “You’re back.” “Yes I am captain.” he approached him and smiled. “Senshika wants a new violin, that will be her reward.” His captain nodded “easily done. Now what of you?” “I want your weak points, so I can beat you in training.” Taurus raised his eyebrow “why would you want that?” “Why not? Silentus said with these arms I should be able to beat you.” “You won’t win.” Inferus felt his anger flaring up. “Why!?” “What difference would it make?” He pointed at his forehead. “Your mind is slow, mortal, your body is the same despite your new arms. I fought and killed far more powerful psykers than you. You have gotten better I admit that much but you must know your limits.” he spoke firmly.

Inferus knew he was being serious, the tone of the conversation is different the last time they had this discussion. “Who decides the limits?” Inferus asked. “In this case I do.” He drew his hand back, he got into a battle stance and suddenly he felt a cold wind, Inferus could feel something cold on his neck. Taurus was pressing his blade on the side of his throat. “This is the difference, I can remove your head before you even summon a fraction of your psychic powers. I can topple your head from your body before you even blink.” Inferus bit his lip. “It’s not fair.” Taurus blue eyes turned cold, like the void of space.“This is reality, I appreciate that you are different compared to most humans, but that’s all it is.” “Then what...if I was stronger?” “But you are not.” Taurus said curtly.

The quick answer wounded him, his heart sank. Memories came rushing back, he wondered if he was stronger would things been different between him and Adelram? That he could stop him? Taurus pressed deeper with his blade drawing blood. He winced “Stop victimising yourself. You could do nothing, he chose his path as did you.” It was like his captain read his thoughts. But then Taurus sighed heavily, he removed his blade from his neck. He held it out and frowned. “Last time you lost your arms because of your need to chase me. I won’t make the same mistake. So I will offer you this.” Inferus blinked in surprise. “Offer me what?” “A choice.” For some reason he gulped, he knew whatever is coming his life will be on the line.

Taurus still held his cold eyes as he spoke “Abandon this foolishness and accept your place or...” “Or what?” “Or I can free you from your schedule, you will find your own answer. But if you come back to me without one I will remove your head. It will be painless I will assure you, your death will be clean.” Inferus stared at his blade, he knew what path he will take. His gaze moved back to Taurus’ “I will return better...stronger.” “I see.” His captain turned away. “Then leave, don’t come back unless you have your answer.” Inferus bowed and left the chambers.

As he got outside, he mumbled to himself. “I can’t do this by myself….Master will not help me. He will call me foolish for doing such a thing.” He nodded. “I will go see him.” He ran to Silentus’ room. He designed the arms, but he knows that there must be more. No matter how hard he has tried so far he could not even graze Taurus during training. Also captain is good enough to overcome raw power. As he got to Silentus room he knocked. He waited for a moment and then the door slid open. Inferus stared at the apothecary “what is it?” he signed. “I want you to help me become better.” Silentus just stood there at the door, he shook his head. “I already gave you the tools you need.” “Liar, you can do more. You must of known that I would need more in order to be good enough to be equal to an astartes or that I would not be satisfied with this.” “Fine.” He walked forward, Inferus stepped out of his way. “What are you doing?” “Follow me.” Silentus signed.

The apothecary began walking, he followed. They walked for what seemed like an age until they came to a part of the ship he did not recognise. They stopped in front of a set of double blast doors. Inferus spotted a panel, Silentus then typed in a number that took minutes to enter. After he hit enter, the double doors slid open. Silentus walked in, Inferus trailed behind him. What he found inside looked like a huge lab, there were operating beds, tables, cogitators and servitors sorting the shelves filled with strange concoctions and jars that held body parts. But what drew his interest is the large circular glass chamber, you could fit a person in it.

Silentus then turned and faced him. “This is the lab where I study the assassins of the imperium.” just by his hand movements he could detect some measure of excitement. “I assume Ambrosia is among the body parts? “Yes, along with the task force sent to kill Taurus. I studied each of them thoroughly, it’s a shame that I couldn’t get my hands on the Eversor he exploded upon death.” “I see..what how are you going to aid me?” “I am going to use all I learned on you. Psycho-indoctrination, stims, and increasing your brain power. But it will be dangerous.” “I don’t care, Taurus will kill me if I return to him with nothing. I want this. But...before we start. Tell me something.” “What?” “Why are you helping me? It can’t be only for this new squad.” Silentus nodded “well I am doing this for the sake of the black ops squad but I have other reasons.” “Other reasons?” “Taurus will hit a wall, I want him to realise it sooner rather than later.” “That’s it?” “Yes. Now let us begin.” The apothecary walked up to him. He removed a medical gun from his pouch that held a strange multi-coloured liquid.

He pressed the gun onto his neck. A servitor then suddenly turned to him. In it’s cold monotone voice it said. “Memories that are useless will be cast aside. I just want to warn you. Do you still wish to proceed?” Inferus looked at Silentus, he stared at the blue eye lenses of his helmet. He thought about Adelram for a moment, the term useless was so broad. But then he remembered what Taurus said to him. Stop victimizing yourself that thought played in his mind as he said. “Do it.” Silentus pressed the trigger, he felt the contains of the medical gun entering his body and right away he could feel his mind coming apart, his body turning slack and finally darkness washed over his vision.

Some character development for a certain two people! (Illness clearing up, just a chesty cough now. )

Chapter 11
He could feel a presence growing on the ship, over the past few weeks it’s been growing steadily almost like a tumour. Tetricus could feel it at the edge of his thoughts, smothering idle ones. He knew what is happening, he knew his old apprentice is involved. The meals have stopped, that is expected while he is training with Taurus, but something felt wrong. Plus captain and Silentus said Inferus would need him. So far he hasn’t graced his chamber. He rose from his chair and walked to the door. “I need to talk with Taurus…” He then entered the tunnel and began walking to the door, he still felt the presence. It lingered around him constantly he wondered if Inferus is doing something foolish again? As he got to the door he opened it and made his way to Taurus chambers.

Now standing in front of the doors, he pushed them open. His brother was sat at the table looking at a dataslate. Tetricus approached “Taurus.” His captain looked up. “What is it?” “I wish to talk to you about Inferus.” “What of him?” “I am just wondering how is his training progressing.” Taurus shrugged, that simple gesture showed that Inferus is truly doing something foolish. But he won’t allow himself to get angry, Captain would just brush him off otherwise. “I could not help but notice a strong presence is lingering at the edge of my thoughts. It has steadily been growing over the past fe-” “I don’t really care, If you want to search for him be my guest.” Tetricus frowned heavily, he walked to the side of the table and looked down to the dataslate. He noticed that it was a list of planets. Taurus was grumbling in annoyance. “Is something wrong?” “These planets are far too easy. Garrison is too small or soldiers are subpar.” “Why should that matter?” “It matters if we want to be the best company brother.” Taurus said curtly.

Tetricus sighed “I will leave you to it, I have a good idea where to look next.” Taurus said nothing, he continued to scroll through the planets. Tetricus walked away and left Taurus’ chamber. Now standing in the hallway of the ship he decided to head to Silentus’ room. For some reason he should feel angry, but he could not muster the hatred. He just felt weary of his antics. As he made his way to his room door and knocked, the door slid open to reveal the apothecary. “Where is Asriel?” he used his actual name, he not in the mood to play words with Silentus. A servitor trudged up to the door. “He is fine. Do not worry.” Tetricus sighed, he flicked his finger sending the apothecary flying into the room, he walked inside.

Silentus struggled to get up, He made a downward movement with his fingers to keep him in place. “What mad experiment are you doing this time?” Tetricus asked. Another servitor shifted from a bed and faced him. “It was his desire. His desire to be perfect.” “Then take me to him.” The servitor said nothing, Tetricus applied more force on his brother. The metal ground began to distort around Silentus. “Fine.” the servitor said in a monotone voice. As his brother agreed he released him, the apothecary staggered to up to his feet.

He walked to the door with one of the servitors, he opened it and faced him. “Follow me.” Tetricus walked out of the room in silence, after that Silentus exited with the servitor. His brother began walking down the hallway. “So where are we going?” The servitor turned to him “Just follow.” He sighed and followed as they walked he noticed that the amount of people working in the hallways steadily vanished until there was no one left. But what he also noticed is that the presence got stronger, it was like it was drawing him in. He had to actually make some effort to resist it. As they arrived at a set of double blast doors. Tetricus frowned, he said nothing. His brother began to enter a code in the panel, the fact it took minutes it’s clear he wants no one getting in. After waiting for a moment more he heard a hiss as the doors came apart slowly. Silentus gestured inside. “You first.” He grunted and walked inside, what he found is a lab, an advanced one. But what drew his eyes is the glass cylinder full of bubbles, foam and a strange multi-coloured liquid.

Silentus walked into the room and stood at his side. “There he is.” Tetricus did not know what to say. He could only think of one thing and he voiced it. “Why?” “Why not? I am giving him what he wants and I am getting precious data in return. It will be a boon if he survives.” “That can’t be the only reason.” “No, that’s not the only reason. It’s for Taurus sake also.” At the mention of Taurus he wanted to crease his brow in frustration. “He is fine.” “For now he is. But he is someone with grand dreams, a great want. When the hunger comes and it will, what do you think will happen?” As he mentioned hunger, he knew that he referred the need to chase what you desire. He disliked agreeing with Silentus but he could see his point on that front, he just saw that Taurus is struggling to choose a planet to attack. But he did not see how Inferus could aid their captain. “Tell me, how is a human going to help with that?” “A human would be perfect, to make Taurus realise it sooner. Tetricus compared to us, our captain is still...fresh when it comes to the ruinous powers.” Again he agreed. “But can you explain the smothering presence that is seeking to cloud my thoughts?” His brother nodded.

He gestured to the glass cylinder “Inferus is resisting the treatment. The first few weeks went smoothly, the psycho-indoctrination, the acceptance of the stimulants but when it comes to the memory removal he is resisting.” “But you said he wants this.” “He does, I suspect this is more or less his instincts pushing back. The mind or perhaps the soul does not like relinquishing certain memories that can divide his loyalty. The psychic phenomena you feel is most likely a call for help.” “He needs my help?” “It’s just a theory.” “I see…” He strode up to the glass cylinder, he could not see his body due to all the bubbles and foam. He gently placed hand upon the glass. “What are you doing?” Silentus asked. The voice of the servitor held no emotion, but he could sense that his brother seemed agitated.

He turned his head back to him. “I am helping.” He then dove into Inferus’ mind, there was no resistance in place. His astral form shot through the darkness, as he dove deeper and deeper around him he saw moving images of his time with his old warband. Just looking at them for a moment he could feel the pain emanating from them, he then looked ahead to see a white light. He shot towards it, his vision then became awash with colours. His vision then cleared, he found himself standing upright. His astral form was now normal, he flexed his hands. “Right...what is going on here?” He looked around to find himself in a white space but his eyes were drawn to a large bench. He could see someone sitting on it.

Tetricus walked over to the bench, as he reached a few paces away he spotted that the the one sitting on the bench is Inferus. His apprentice smiled at him. “So what are you doing here?” He walked towards him shaking his head. “According to Silentus you were calling for my help.” “Was I?” “Well...it was his theory.” He shrugged “do you want to sit?” “No, I am fine.” He looked around again. “I do have to say your mind space is quite boring.” “Excuse me?” “I said it’s boring, but I assume the bench must be important.” Inferus said nothing, that was the confirmation. “I want to ask you something Inferus.” “What is it my lord?” “Do you care for your old warband?” He frowned heavily “No...I do not. I killed them, I aided in the purge. I felt nothing.” “That’s nonsense.” “Huh?” “You have been with them far longer, considering I saw images from your time with them you must still care on some level. If you didn’t, you would not be resisting having your memories taken away.” “I am not resisting.” he said firmly. “Well according to Silentus you are, I assume he wants to take your memories of your old warband away from you. Only those in this company should matter.” His student looked away slightly.

That simple movement confirmed it, he sighed at sat next to him. Right away Inferus faced him and smiled. “Thank you.” he said. Tetricus raised his eyebrow “For what?” then he felt it. His mind splintering, parts are being pulled forcefully. He gripped his head “w-what are you doing?” “We...understood each other. Out of everyone on this ship you came for me. I…” Tetricus ground his teeth, he saw flashes of the leader of the warband. Now it dawned on him what he is trying to do. “I….w-won’t...replace him.” “I am not doing anything.” Inferus responded. “Y-you are! Even if you don’t realise it!” The accusation caused him to frown. “I am not forcing anything on you.” “S-shut up!” He took a deep breath, what Inferus is doing is forcing his way in, trying to rewrite who he is. He has dealt with far more powerful attacks and minds, at most this is like a child lashing out. He calmed himself, he began pushing aside and diverting each attack back.

Inferus shook his head “what are you doing!?” he almost shouted at him. With one great push from his mind, Inferus’ attack on his mind sputtered away. Tetricus relaxed and bought his gaze to his foolish apprentice. He had the look of a beaten child. “You are such a child.” he said coldly. “I am not!” he shouted back. “What did you hope to accomplish? Why do you care for the one that was going to sacrifice you?” “I….” he looked down to the ground. “It’s...my fault. If I was stronger, maybe if I was perhaps an equal things would of not turned out like this. He would of not been eaten by your father...I could of done so many things differently if I was bett-” Tetricus did not let him finish. “Could, maybe...you are lamenting the past.” “I…..” “You don’t want to let it go, now that you realise that you will lose it forever.” He voiced what he was thinking, he watched Inferus slowly nod. “It’s easy to say you will give up something, but when it comes to the time to commit to that path...most would hesitate. Like you are now.” Tetricus spoke firmly. Inferus sighed in return. “When I felt the first memory crumbling away to nothing, I hesitated. I was scared, I can’t even remember what exactly I lost.” as he spoke, Tetricus could hear him choking up slightly.

A tear fell down Inferus’ eye “I want...to let go.” Tetricus slowly rose from the bench, he looked down to his apprentice. “Then get up from the bench.” “What do you mean?” “Get up from this bench, this is a remnant, it’s a regret.” Inferus looked down slightly. “I can’t.” Tetricus shook his head. “Who do you wish to serve Asriel?” He looked up to him. “I...se-” “You serve a long dead memory at the moment. You serve the 4th, what would Taurus say if he saw you like this? Are you that weak? I thought you wanted to be an equal?” “B-But y-you said that it-” “I know what I said, but are you going to throw away your desire for one that wanted you as a sacrifice? A you going to stop walking the path of perfection for memories? You should be ready to sacrifice anything, or anyone for perfection. Taurus desires victory, how is you sitting here helping you?” His apprentice said nothing, he closed his eye. Tetricus continued to speak. “I can’t even remember my own parents, I gave up my mortal memories to serve Taurus’ company, I shed away my past life to be part of the third.” “But you had no idea...didn’t you?” “True, but memories stay with you in a way. I don’t feel regret. I know I made the right choice, even when no one trusted me and hissed slurs behind my back. But Taurus believed in what I could do and I also now know this. He would not allow you to do this if he felt you weren’t up to the challenge. Are you going to falter here my apprentice?” Inferus eye then opened, it began to smoulder with pink energy, Tetricus could also see the veins on the side of his face pulse with the same energy.

His apprentice rose from the bench, the white background began to crumble, it gave way to darkness and the images of his past. One by one they were enveloped by pink flame, he could see those who were not part of this company are being removed, bit by bit. As an inferno raged above their heads, Inferus turned and faced the bench. He raise his hand over it. “Master...I have a request.” “A request?” “Help me burn it.” Tetricus turned and faced the bench also, he raised his hand. “You start it.” His apprentice nodded, his eye released gouges of energy as the the bench began to be enveloped by flames. Tetricus focused, sending his thoughts to the symbol, he saw flashes, important moments of his life and without hesitation he began tearing it apart. He rummaged through the memories, with just a small thought it sputtered out. Until he came to one memory. He could see Inferus standing in front of an astartes, his apprentice looked scrawny, weak and without direction.

But he could see that this moment is important, he lingered on that memory until a voice passed through his mind. “To serve me I will give you a name since I cannot refer you to a serial number you are too valuable for that. A proper name as you serve your new lord, your name from now on shall be Asriel.” He thought to crush it, to burn it to cinders, but he decided otherwise. For some reason he couldn’t, he could feel waves of happiness from this memory. At least he should allow him to keep his name. Tetricus reached into the flame, he grunted in pain. “What are you doing!?” Inferus shouted.

Tetricus pulled out a small piece of charred wood from the inferno. It was a fragment. As he took it out the rest of the bench crumbled to nothing. His apprentice frowned and faced him. “I shall burn it.” He offered his hand out. “No.” Tetricus answered back. “Why?” “Because this is your identity, if you burn that away...what is left?” Inferus thought about it “what memory is it?” Tetricus placed the small piece of wood onto his hand open hand. Tears began falling down his eye, “I...feel happy. I don’t even know who that astartes is. Asriel….it’s a nice name.” “It sounds like a name from Chemos.” “Yeah...it does.” He clutched his hand and brought it to his chest. “It hurts...but I feel...light.” “No more regrets.” “I have nothing to regret master.” Inferus then began to fade away “What is going on!?” “It’s fine, he answered.” He wiped his tears away, the pink energy began dying. But his eye still held a slight glow, along with his veins. “I will see you soon master.” He then vanished.

Tetriucus was now alone in darkness, he then began to sink down into the ground. He struggled “W-Why is this happening!?” He continued to sink steadily until darkness enveloped him. He then gasped, he blinked several times, he found himself standing in front of the glass cylinder. The presence is now gone, his thoughts are not being smothered. Tetricus turned to his brother. “I have handled it.” “Interesting, you were only standing there for a few seconds.” Silentus said through the servitor. He strode up to the apothecary “time does not matter to the warp, you should know that.” “True, now I can continue with procedure.” “About that, I want in.” “I assure you it’s fine.” “I want to guide him, he is going to be far stronger when he wakes up. He might not even be the same anymore. So I want to be there.” His brother still protested. “No I-” This time he charged up his body with eldritch power. “I am not taking no for answer.” Silentus shook his head slowly. “Very well, I will provide you with updates and the code to this lab. Once he awakens you will be there.” “Good.” He turned to the glass cylinder, the foam cleared slightly displaying Inferus’ face he was smiling, oddly Tetricus found himself smiling as well.

Got a little worried about you there man. I sacrificed a few fruit flies around my house to nurgle to make sure you came out ok lol.

Love the chapter and the direction its going. You seem to be a strong fan of sacrificing memories for power, its interesting and a plot device i dont think ive ever seen before. I wonder how our old friends are fitting into the new company.

 Dayknight wrote:

Got a little worried about you there man. I sacrificed a few fruit flies around my house to nurgle to make sure you came out ok lol.

Love the chapter and the direction its going. You seem to be a strong fan of sacrificing memories for power, its interesting and a plot device i dont think ive ever seen before. I wonder how our old friends are fitting into the new company.

Oh yeah, memories are important. Well I think so, especially to a human would you be more than happy to lose all your important memories? I mean it happens to every single space marine, most of their past becomes a vivid dream in a sense. The process to become an astartes is not just forging the body into a weapon, but the mind also. Hence why the psycho-indoctrination and the mind wipes. Assassins also go through that same process hence why they are so deadly, they have no distractions and are only focused on their mission and craft. In the case of Asriel, in the past his memories were taken from him, by no choice of his own to fuel the plots of a primarch. Here? It's his own choice, his own will in order to become a better weapon, or perhaps a "better" person. At the same time when it comes to following slaanesh, the question is what are you willing to give up for your desires? Slaanesh will make you burn the things that are valuable to you in order to get what you want. Taurus would never kill the members of his company if they had a different opinion than him, unless they attacked him. Now? He is more than happy to do it. (I am going to get into Taurus' insanity soonTM. Everyone in the company is insane on some level, I mean following a chaos god you gotta be insane to begin with.)

Now back to Asriel...At the same time he is doing this BECAUSE of a his memories in a sense, he thinks that maybe if he was stronger things would of been different? If he was more powerful would Adelram respect his opinions more? Would of have turned out the way he did? Stuff like that. He fears because he is not equal, he won't be taken seriously by the astartes around him. Also I am going to be dealing with the old members soon, because they also have those sorts of questions. Did I do the right thing? Maybe things could of been different? Marthas shows this, also Asriel burning his memories in a sense is him...well moving on.

At the same time Tetricus never really cared about anyone or anything. This human has somewhat impressed him and shockingly he is nice to be around. If you remember at the start Tetricus did not care for him at all, but he saw that he had potential and he feels now that it's kinda being wasted by the schemes of his brothers. (Well Taurus is not scheming he is bull-headed. It's hard to change his opinion on things.) At the same time he is a loner, he thought that he would not get on with anyone save Taurus. That's the only bond he has, until a certain human came along. Anyway glad you like the direction.

Chapter 12
Tetricus stood in front of the double door he was here because he wants to deliver his gifts to Inferus. The main one was in a box that was floating next to him, it took barely any effort to carry the box with telekinesis and the other gifts were in his pouch. He then entered the long code in annoyance. “Why did he make it so long?” he grumbled. After he finished he hit enter and the doors slid open. He walked inside to see Inferus sitting on a bed. Various parts of his body was covered in interface ports. Since the procedure was finished and they began their training sessions his body has become lean and strong. His gaze moved to Silentus who stood in front of Inferus with a servitor, he was going through a dataslate. Tetricus strode up to them, he faced his apprentice. “So...you feel you are ready?” He smiled at him in return, that said everything. It’s been a few weeks and just going by the basic exercises he could see he is far stronger, or more focused. “I am ready, I want to show him my answer.” He clenched and opened his hand several times, the gesture caused his eye and veins to glow and then dim with the movement. “You are aware putting on your armour will now be painful?” Silentus said through the servitor. “If it helps me to become better I am more than willing to suffer for a moment.” “Very well. I just want to test a few things before we proceed.” Inferus nodded. “Ok.” “Tell me, what is your opinion on the alien?” Tetricus watched his face twitch slightly, his eye began to smoulder with energy, it was like he was trying to contain himself. “You kill them. Aeldari are also the worst.” “Good, how do you feel about the 4th?” he then asked.

His apprentice rubbed his neck. “It’s my home, my place is to kill and serve the 4th. My other duties is to cook meals for all of you.” The apothecary nodded. “What do you think of your old warband?” Tetricus never heard Inferus speak of his old warband after the procedure finished, he was oddly concerned with what his answer would be. “They were failures.” He raised his eyebrow. “I thoug-” He did not get the chance to finish, his brother cut him off. “Can you elaborate?” “What else is there to say? Marthas and Faust are here that should tell you already that they were not worth being alive. If they were truly strong or truly sought perfection they should of defeated the 4th.” “I see...but what of the one who tried to sacrifice you? How do you feel about him?” Inferus reached for his chest slightly, where his heart is. “I can’t remember his face, who is he is or what he stood for. But my heart hurts slightly thinking of him. But...it does not matter how I feel. He lost so he is not worth remembering. Yet when I think of the 4th, when I recall Tetricus’ broken form in the kitchen...the pain in my heart turns into anger. When I think of the time Taurus came to save me...I feel happiness but at the same time I feel...bitter.” “Bitter?” Tetricus asked. He did not know what to make of that. “Why do you feel bitter about that event?” “Taurus sacrificed lives of the 4th to get me back, so I feel bitter. If I was better...more perfect I would of not been taken in the first place. You would have not been hurt master.” He then smiled weakly “I am sorry.”

Tetricus grumbled, he did not know what to say. He felt the same when he was bound to a wheelchair, he was angry with himself during that time. His brothers lives had to be burned away for his sake. Taurus would do such a thing for anyone of them. “Don’t blame yourself, if Taurus heard you say such a thing he would get upset.” “But it’s the truth my lord.” “Perhaps, but sometimes we have no control over things. Our captain charged head long to save us because he cares for this company. If it happened to anyone who is truly of the 4th he would get them back. Don’t doubt that.” Silentus turned his head to him. “You are actually being mature.” “Shut up!” he barked back. He cleared his throat. “We seek perfection so we can have ultimate control, so become better so it never happens again.” Inferus nodded, his brother handed the dataslate to the servitor. “Your mental state is healthy, you have responded to the psycho-indoctrination well. Now your wargear…” He stepped aside as servitors in the room came forward holding a dark inlined suit that had connection ports that lined up with the ones on his body. The servitors were also holding pieces of black armour that held a strange sheen.

His apprentice hopped off the bed, Tetricus took several steps back to give the servitors room. They surrounded Inferus, the first handed him the suit. His apprentice put it on. “This suit would give you protection from the void, I designed it with the tech adepts on the ship.” said Silentus. After the suit was on the servitors began placing the pieces of armour onto the connection ports. They then inserted their mechandentrites into the ports and the small needle tips began spinning. “Integrating armour with nervous system…” the servitor said in a monotone voice. His apprentice winced in pain as the armour plate clicked in place.

The servitors worked up from his feet, then to his legs and so on. Until finally they reached his forearms. Inferus frowned “The suit has slots for the weapons placed in my arms...how can it protect me from the void of space?” His brother said nothing, he ignored the question and continued his work. The servitors then handed Silentus the first gauntlet, he could see that the actual gauntlet formed an elbow and connected with the plates on his biceps. The apothecary began doing the connections he spoke as he worked. “I have designed these to fit around your prosthetics, think of it as the muscle and skin needed to cover those bone like limbs. The left gauntlet has a chamber that flicks open to allow you to use your grappling hook. And the gauntlet itself will react if you enter the void, it will keep the chamber from opening.” His apprentice slowly nodded in understanding “I see...but I don’t have a grappling hook, it’s just a blade Silentus.” Inferus looked confused. His brother then gestured, a servitor came forward with a rather large blade. Silentus opened the chamber and reached into the side of his left forearm. His apprentice gritted his teeth as his brother pulled out the blade, he handed it to the servitor and took the larger blade. He held it and applied some pressure, from both sides of the blade smaller ones flicked out. He pushed the small blades back in and inserted it into the left forearm.

As he did so Inferus’ wincing increased, Tetricus guessed that because it’s part of his body he could feel the parts that are removed and taken from his prosthetics. Once Silentus was done he moved to the right arm, he took the second gauntlet from the servitor and set the second into place. The gauntlet was set around the rainguard, it poked out of the top of the gauntlet. “A cover will flick over it if you enter the vacuum of space, the armour is linked your your nervous system, so your instincts will be important.” Silentus then took the helmet from the servitor. It had one eye, but the face was shaped like a skull, the teeth have been warped into daemonic snake-like fangs. He handed it to him. Inferus placed his helmet upon his head, it clicked into place. “Thank you.” his voice purred through the vox. His brother shook his head “I benefit from this as you know.” His apprentice signed something at his brother, he did not react, he did not move an inch. Inferus then turned to him. “So...what’s in the box master?”

Now that the focus has come to his floating box, his student squeezed through the servitors and approached him. “It’s a gift Inferus.” His gaze moved to the box, he walked to it and looked into the box. He reached down and pulled out a cloak. “It’s my old camo-cloak!” Tetricus flicked his hand and incinerated the box, his student went to work attaching it to his back as he finished his eye met him. “I thought you got rid of it?” “I did, I just secured another one.” “In other words you murdered the owner.” He shrugged. “I did not get any blood on it. The exercises we have done has shown me you have great control and precision with your psychic powers. Also I want to give you this.” He reached into his pouch and pulled out a flick knife. The grip was black and had runes that glowed with a soft pink light. “The blade is made out of mono-steel, words of power have also been inscribed onto the blade. It should be able to pierce most shields and armour.” He handed it to him. His apprentice began almost playing with the knife, twisting it through his fingers, bringing the knife in and out of the handle. He then gripped the handle, the knife was out pointing upwards. “Thank you master.” his thanks was genuine which oddly pleased him. He then pushed the knife back into the handle, he then placed the knife into one of the pouches.

Tetricus pulled out the last gift, it was a necklace that held a dogtag along with small fetishes. He placed it around Inferus’ neck. “You are also a soldier of the 4th now, not a baying cultist, not just a cook. An actual warrior.” Inferus picked up the dogtag and gazed at it. “What happened? Why are you so sentimental?” Tetricus grumbled in slight annoyance, he had to admit he cared for some reason he did not want it to show too much. “I could just take it all back.” “Alright! I am sorry my lord.” “Good, now are you ready?” Inferus looked back to Silentus who still stood like a stone. “I am I ready Silentus?” said Inferus. Finally his brother jolted slightly. How he is acting is strange, he wondered what Inferus said to him?

The apothecary faced them. He nodded “he will do what has to be done.” “Right then, let’s leave master.” Inferus began walking to door, Tetricus followed him, his eyes were still on his brother for a moment, but he could see his stance was slightly ridgid, he was clenching his hand. He thought to ask what is wrong, but part of him is eager to see how Inferus preforms. So he left the lab with his apprentice. As they got outside he looked down to him. “What did you say to cause Silentus to become stiff?” “I just said Taurus won’t react like he expects him to.” “So you are aware truly of what my brother wants?” “I am, he won’t get it. Taurus won’t become like them. Now...he should be training with those two about now.” He began walking down the hallway, Tetricus watched Inferus for a moment. He wondered what he meant of them? He shook his head dismissing the thought, he began to briskly walking to catch up with him.
***

Taurus dodged each fireball erupting from Avala’s hands, it’s clear she is not subtle when it comes to her psychic powers. Before she could fire a burst of flame, he stepped in quickly and placed the blade on her neck. “You lose again.” “Does it matter? I haven’t won once against you captain Taurus.” “I know, but you are getting better. Keep trying to decrease the time it takes for you to summon a fireball.” “I see, I will endeavour to do that.” She walked away, Senshika came forward with a blade in her hand. He had to admit she is the most difficult to fight, since he can’t exactly get a read on her due to her mannerisms. But due to centuries of warfare if it came down to it he could easily kill her. Taurus walked around her blade out, she stood in place. He wondered how is she going to attack? From what angle? What form will she take? Suddenly as he came face to face with her, she charged, their blades clashed several times, but with a simple parry his blade was now on her neck. “You lose.” She frowned. “I want to try again.” Taurus shook his head “the same will occur.” he said curtly. He then removed his blade from her neck.

Senshika held her frown she was about to turn away, but then she flicked towards him again and moved to attack him. He blocked her attack, but in a swift movement he drew his bolt pistol and planted it on her forehead. “If this was war you would be dead.” “Do not forget you will work in a squad.” She was still frowning, her shoulders sagged slightly. “I taste something bitter in my mouth…” she then turned away from him again. This time she did not attack him, Senshika stood at Avala’s side. Taurus looked at both of them. “You have been do-” “Captain Taurus.” Avala interrupted him, he was about to praise them but he has a guess where this conversation will go. “What is it Avala?” “I wish to lead this squad, I have the expertise to do so. You also can’t trust the heretics.” For some reason he smiled at what she just said. “True, if Inferus does not return that will mo-” The training room door opened, his brother entered with a mortal wearing almost skin tight armour. The plates held a a strange dark sheen also. But he recognised the cloak. Taurus chuckled “so an answer was found. Took you long enough.” “I am here captain.” said Inferus. He stood with Avala and Senshika.

His brother approached him “he has been improved.” “I can see that, I will still crush his answer.” “I am...not so sure about that.” “How so? You of all people should know certain things cannot be changed.” “But isn’t following the dark prince about reaching for impossibility?” Tetricus retorted. “Not all reach it.” he said firmly. “Now let’s see.” His brother stood aside, Inferus came forward. “So how do you want to do this?” The company cook pulled a flick knife from his belt. As he bought out the blade it thrummed with a purple light. “First blood.” he answered. “Very well.” Taurus charged, he will not hold back for if he fails that will be his end. He bought his blade up, Inferus was still standing still or perhaps he is moving too fast? He then slashed downwards, with a small movement he dodged the attack. “What!?” Inferus did not waste the chance, he stepped in and tried to slash him with the knife. He thought to punch him, but the fact he dodged the first attack means he will be able to see it. Taurus hopped back. “I suspect Silentus has been doing some work on you.” Inferus said nothing, he lifted up his left arm up, the side slid open and a large blade popped out. It then shot forward.

Taurus slashed the blade aside, as it went awry in the air it suddenly straightened itself and moved to attack again. He slashed again to send it away, but then he heard footsteps, Inferus was charging forward, he threw the knife. Taurus cursed and dodged while still defending himself from the blade that had a mind of its own. The only reason why it could be moving in such a fashion is due to Inferus’ telekinesis. The blade he threw clacked on the ground, but his company cook was still coming towards him, he moved the two fingers of his right hand. The flick knife then came back to him, again Taurus had to move, for if he didn’t he could of been hit in the back. He also did not like how the knife was glowing.

But now Inferus was close again, Taurus had very small windows to attack due to the floating blade. He even doubted that he could cut the wire and even then that might not change anything. Inferus began making rapid stabs with his knife, he grunted as he dodged each one and defended from the blade assault. “So you’ve gotten better, you truly have gotten better.” He is only speaking to distract him, anything to cause him to slip up. Inferus did not respond to his words, he just kept attacking. This time he jumped back slightly to give himself some room, he drew his bolt pistol.

Inferus froze as he aimed it at him. “I can defend and shoot you.” The blade came in, he smacked away the floating blade and fired at him. Somehow he dodged the shot by rolling to the side. He quickly got to his feet again. Taurus frowned he is quick enough to dodge bolter shots. He thought to himself. He continued to fire, he dodged each one. Until he came to the last round. As he pressed the trigger he heard a loud clanging sound. He looked down to his bolt pistol to see a knife lodged into the muzzle. The bolt pistol exploded, a wash of pain poured through his hand as the weapon fell onto the floor.

Then he heard it, droplets. He blinked and he could see blood leaking from his gauntlet, small drops of blood are falling onto the ground.

***
Inferus drew the blade back into his arm, he is now standing up right. He stared at Taurus who stood like a statue. He simply stared at his hand, it’s a minor injury but within the timeframe of the bolt pistol exploding he would of sent the blade to his neck to kill him if it was actual warfare. Inferus walked to the ruined bolt pistol, he knelt and removed his knife. He lowered the blade into the handle and placed it into his belt. As he rose he now stood a few paces away from his captain. “Taurus.” as he said his name he looked to him. He cursed and threw his blade to the floor. “No! No! I am not wrong!” He pointed at him. “I am right! You are wrong!” Inferus shook his head. “I gave you my answer captain, you lost. I am victorious so I am right.” His captain trembled with cold fury. His reaction does not surprise him, it makes sense. This small victory for him is causing his captain to question everything.

His master approached Taurus. “Brother….” “I don’t want to hear it! The captain is supposed to be the pinnacle!” “I thought you would be happy.” Tetricus’ voice was kept low, he does not want to draw Taurus’ anger. But it’s clear he heard it anyway. He clenched his bloodied hand several times. “A mortal can’t….” “I just did captain, I chased after the pinnacle and I touched the top just for a moment. That means you have to rise higher no?” Taurus looked utterly defeated, his body language seemed similar to the time he killed the whole company. “I have to be perfect….this company has to be perfect...the captain should be the example….” He was almost mumbling.

His master shook his head “w-what is going on?” Avala strode up to him. “What have you done heretic!?” Inferus did not face her as he spoke. “Our captain is just as insane as all of us. You are just seeing it for the first time, all of us are. This is his raw desire” Taurus took several deep breaths his form returned. He picked up his blade and pointed it at Avala and Senshika. “Training is over leave.” They both bowed and left the room. He then bought his blade to his master. “You leave also.” Tetricus crossed his arms. “No, you are n-” “Leave!” he shouted. His teacher sighed and left.

Now alone, with just the two of them Inferus asked. “Should I leave also? Training is over.” He waited for the answer, Taurus chuckled. “No, training is not over.” as he spoke Inferus could detect there was no warmth in his voice. “It should be over around this time.” he responded. “You are correct. But my own training session begins around this time. I will warn you if you don’t fight like you are trying to kill me you won’t survive. But...you don’t die easily in the first place.” He was ready for this, he knew this was coming. Silentus thought that their captain will become a seeker of all sensation, to try different things to fill the void of defeat. But as all should know, Taurus is not like that, he has his eyes on only one goal. His captain walked over to the weapon stand, he sheathed his blade and picked out a bolt pistol. He checked the magazine but what was curious is that he is checking the weight. “Too heavy...must be lighter...just a few grams lighter…or maybe more?” Taurus mumbled.

He checked every single one until he picked out a bolt pistol that had a lower magazine count, the gun itself was also slightly smaller. He then walked back to his original position and drew his blade again. “First blood.” He spoke firmly, Inferus got into battle stance. This time he unleashed the psychic blade from the rainguard. “Very well.” Taurus then charged at him. Inferus narrowed his eye. I won’t die...you will also become better captain. That was his thought as his psychic blade met Taurus’ sabre.

So what will happen from here?

Your getting better at describing the action going on, im digging it!

gak even i didn't expect the captains response to be honest. Could you describe the rainguard a little more? Im confused as what exactly it is and my googling just revealed window wipers for a car lol.

 Dayknight wrote:

Your getting better at describing the action going on, im digging it!

gak even i didn't expect the captains response to be honest. Could you describe the rainguard a little more? Im confused as what exactly it is and my googling just revealed window wipers for a car lol.

Thanks! Also I am terrible at action scenes. Need more practice. Also a rainguard is the small bit where the blade of the sword is inserted, it also protects the blade. A metal one is attached to Asriel's arm and a psychic blade shoots out. Also it keeps the energy contained to form a blade.(I should of explained it further.) Think protoss from starcraft on terms of how it works.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain-guard

Edit:I also have spotted a few errors that need to be corrected in the chapter.

Yea its really hard to write action scenes so i cant blame you.
But Hey you've only gotten better so far! Ahhhh i see, thanks for the description, once you said protoss i knew exactly what we were talking about.

 Dayknight wrote:

Yea its really hard to write action scenes so i cant blame you.
But Hey you've only gotten better so far! Ahhhh i see, thanks for the description, once you said protoss i knew exactly what we were talking about.

Thanks by the way Taurus is...well I think people are going to hate me for what I am going to do.

Daily reminder chaos is not fair.

edit:The end of the first part is coming soon.

Please don't hate me for this. :X

Chapter 13
Tetricus stood in front of Taurus chamber door he wondered what he should say? Or do? After his apprentice defeated their captain, his every moment has been consumed with training. It’s been weeks since they last attacked a planet. He sighed and knocked on the door, of course there was no answer. He pushed the doors open and walked inside, he saw his captain sitting at the table going through a dataslate. He approached him and stood at the other end of the table. “Captain.” “What?” “I have concerns.” “Can it wait?” His words caused him to shake his head, he can’t get annoyed that would be a detriment to what he is about to say. “No, it can’t wait. You have to abandon this...obsession.” Taurus placed the dataslate on the table. He looked up to him. “No, get out.” He held his ground, he would not leave. He can’t allow his captain to be ruined. “You can’t cast aside all your duties because Inferus beat you once!” “He beat me 73 times, I have have beaten him 72 times.” “W-what?” Taurus removed his helmet and placed it on the table.

His face looks far more aged than usual, the vigour in his eyes are gone. He chuckled “When I think….that I have won. He proves me wrong again….and again.” “Why does that matter?” Taurus slammed his fists onto the table. It rocked due to the force greeting it. “It matters!” he roared. “If I can’t beat ONE mortal into submission...If I am having trouble with a human….how can I achieve our dream of a perfect company? How can I prove our “brothers” wrong? If I can’t defeat….one mortal handily? Fulgrim is most likely laughing at me in the warp!” Tetricus bit his lip, Taurus being in such a state is bad. He wondered if he should even speak of the plots that are brewing on the ship? “So the only reason why you have essentially locked yourself away from us is because of one mortal? One...mortal who admires you, a mortal who only pushed himself so far because of you.” “I don’t care Cristian.” Soon as he heard his name, he knew that was it, he was done speaking. “Please...captain.” he pleaded. He said nothing, he gestured him out of the room.

Tetricus turned away, as he began walking out of the room, deep down he felt that he has only himself to blame. It is his fault that Taurus is like this, he has to find some way to fix it.

***

Inferus yawned as he pushed the food cart, his body ached but it was the good sort. He can see Taurus is getting better, plus the constant drills is also helping him improve as well. As he turned the corner he spotted Marthas standing in the middle of the hallway. He raised his eyebrow. “What is it?” The terminator lord strode up to him.

He grunted “you seem awfully happy.” “I am.” “Why?” “Because Taurus is becoming better.” He snorted at his words. “Better? We haven’t attacked anything or anyone in weeks. Faust...tells me to be patient, he tells me not to see Taurus and make my concerns known…” He could detect some resentment there, it was building over time that is evident. “You regret your choices.” he got to the heart of the matter at hand. “Perhaps, many within the company are...unhappy. I wanted to ask you what you see in Taurus.” “What I see?” he thought about it for a moment, he nodded. “He is dedicated, he has a far reaching dream.” “A dream that causes him to abandon his duties?” “I-” “A dream which causes others to plot?” He could not retort what he is saying, he shook his head. “So do you consider the old warband better then?” he spoke firmly, he truly believed in Taurus.

Marhats grumbled slightly “despite how Adelram fell, he lead us to glory, war and excess. I have yet to see it in Taurus. So I am questioning if it was worth it.” He guessed that is the name of the person he could not exactly remember, hearing his name did not froth any memories. At most he knows all the events surrounding Marthas and Faust, but Adelram draws a blank. “What do you expect me to say? The only reason why I have a cause, a goal is because of Taurus. Instead of thinking of gratifying yourself all the time, how about you train more?” He pushed his cart past Marthas, as he got some distance he spoke out loud. “Then I will speak to Taurus then…” Inferus said nothing, he knew he won’t convince him.

He needed to hear it from their captain.

***

Taurus looked at the dataslate, his annoyance flared slightly due to Tetricus interrupting him. He calmed himself and went through the recorded details of his training sessions with Inferus. What he has noticed clearly is that he adapts quickly, his mind is alert and ready to react to anything new he tries. He moved through the screens of the dataslate, going over recorded footage, looking for any mistakes. But it’s evident that Inferus is also getting better, he is also learning and reaching higher and higher. He placed the dataslate on the table and creased his brow in frustration. “What do I do…” he whispered to himself.

As he spoke, a voice pressed at the edges of his mind. He felt a hand on his right pauldron. +Hello...my son.+ “Go away…” he hissed. +Why? I am just concerned for my one my favourite children.+ He clenched his hands in frustration, his lord primarch is here to twist the knife, that is why he is speaking to him. He dared to slowly look to his right, someone was there, a being who was lean and strong. But he hasn’t looked like this in thousands of years. He slowly looked up to his face, the face of Fulgrim before he ascended. His aqualine and sharp features were as he remembered them, but his white hair moved unnaturally in the air. Fulgrim gave him a warm smile. “You are not here.” +Well, yes but I am here to help you.+ “I don’t need your help.” +Are you sure? The dark prince is displeased..you lost your way, instead of conquering worlds you are here...trying to defeat one human.+ “I don’t care for what he wants.” The warm smile dropped from his face. +Fine, I will get to the point. You are standing at the edge of the cliff my son. So I have come with an offer.+

At the mention of offer he laughed hard “what could you offer me?” His lord primarch did not seem amused, he guessed that he would remove his head for the insult if he could. +You are resourceful, dedicated and you seek perfection. But your...mistake is not following your betters.+ “I don’t care for Eidolon, nor do I care for you so long as you don’t lead your legion.” +That’s the thing though...you are boring the dark prince, I can feel his anger. But if I put a word in...he might change his mind since I am high in his regard.+ “Is that a threat?” +It’s not a threat, I am warning you. What is going to happen to you, would've happened to Adelram if he refused me on Novum.+ “Yet he was defeated by me and devoured by you in the end.” +What happened to Adelram was a blessing, it was his desire. So I ask you this...I will only give you one chance. Admit that you are wrong, admit that you were...perhaps not thinking properly. Admit that you are my son and the other members of the third are your brothers.+ He spoke warmly, it was like he truly cared. But Taurus knew better.

He got up from his seat, his lord primarch’s hand moved away from his pauldon. His annoyance from before turned into rage, anger. “You...always do this.” He flicked towards him. “You are wrong! You are still wrong! I don’t care for your “offer”! I reject it!” Sadness began to play across Fulgrim’s face, just for a moment he thought it might be genuine. +This...is most unfortunate. I will remember you fondly my son. Such a waste...+ His lord primarch’s form slowly vanished, now alone in his room the rage subsided. He calmed himself, he needed to focus on training. He turned to the table, he reached for the dataslate but stopped.

His arm began to tingle, the sensation slowly turned to pain. He gripped his wrist with his other hand. The pain began travelling up his arm, it then entered his body he dropped to his knees. He started to scream, he felt his flesh bubbling, warping and twisting. He clutched his head “w-w-what is happening!” he shouted. The pain turned into agony, his body expanded rapidly he rose higher and higher. Then suddenly the pain stopped, he slowly stood up and strangely he felt strong. His limbs had a strange bounce. He smiled “I feel...better.” He nodded and strode to the door. “I need to train.”

He pushed the door open and walked onward. “I need to get Inferus…” He continued walking until he saw Marthas striding up to him, but he suddenly froze. He drew his stormbolter and power sword. “I knew it…” he hissed. Taurus grumbled “what are you doi-” He fired his strombolter at him. The rounds crashed into his chest. A fresh dose of pain washed over him, but it felt oddly joyous? But then that emotion shifted to anger. “How dare you! I knew it! You are a traitor!” He drew his blade, Marthas tried to raise his power sword to block, Taurus bought his sword down, cutting through the power sword as his blade pierced the body of the traitor, he kept pushing downwards severing him into two parts.

A great gush of blood greeted the ground as the two pieces fell to the floor. Taurus spat on his corpse. “I hope Faust is not like you…” He continued his journey, this time he encountered mortals, they ran from his presence, that rarely happens but perhaps they could detect his foul mood? He then made a corner and he saw a few of his brothers. They faced him, eyes full of shock. All of them drew blades and bolters, they charged him. The anger came came back “Were you plotting with Marthas!?” he shouted, his broth-no traitors attacked. But he was stronger, he knew it. His body moved with grace, he cut with his blade severing heads and limbs. One fired at him several times, the bolter rounds hurt him as they crashed into his form, but he did not feel weakened by the attack. He bound to the traitor and severed his head with his blade. As the traitor toppled to the ground he scowled in annoyance. “Why is this happening? Are they all plotting?” He staggered onwards his anger at the treachery still smouldering in his hearts.

As he walked down the hallway, he spotted Lucretius leaving his room with a mortal. He smiled to see someone loyal, he needed to warn him. They needed to prepare a plan to deal with the traitors. The angel turned to him, he quickly drew his blade and faced him. He then barked at a mortal “go raise the ship alarms quickly!” The mortal nodded and ran off into the darkness. Taurus shook his head. “What are you doing?” Lucretius stood in place, he could tell his breathing is heavy. The angel shook his head “Is that you?” he seemed sad for some reason. Taurus nodded “It is me. Don’t tell me you are with the traitors?” “I can’t even understand what you are saying…I will make it quick.” The angel charged him, he leaped into the air and began darting around him slashing and stabbing. Taurus tried to slash him with his sword, but Lucretius was took quick. He raged in frustration, he wondered why is everyone betraying him? Why is this happening?

With pure instinct he reached for Lucretius, he wanted him to stop, there must be some mistake. He would not betray him, the angel is loyal to him and the company. His hand snapped around the angel, plucking him from the sky. He gripped him tightly to keep him from moving. Lucretius struggled, he gnashed his teeth. “Why have you betrayed me?” he asked. The angel said nothing, he kept fighting him. Taurus shook his head “this is unfortunate…” he squeezed and crushed the angel. It was quick, he could give him that much. He threw his corpse aside. “I need to find Tetricus and Silentus...we must prepare a plan.” As he took a step, the lights on the ship turned red, the sirens blared. The vox then erupted with Sagax’s voice. “The ship is now entering battle mode, if Taurus is spotted shoot to kill. He will kill you without hesitation, all squads prepare for combat.” The announcement caused his eyes to go wide in shock. “W-what? Even Sagax? How long have they been plotting?” He grunted “Tetricus was right...I should of focused on my duties. I need to get to him.”

He ran down the hallway, as he made twists and turns he encountered more traitors, he dealt with them, he slashed with his blade. He killed in two’s and three’s once he was done. He raced to Tetricus’ chambers as he got to the tunnel door he saw his apprentices standing ready with their weapons. The one holding Inferus’ staff came forward. “Man...you look ugly. Almost ugly as Lucia.” The one wearing the robe barked at him. “Shut up! We need to kill it! Master won’t fight! We have to end it here!” The female with dark skin drew a blade, it ignited with purple fire. She charged at him in silence.

Their words confused him, but the fact they are attacking him must mean Tetricus is also a traitor. He did not want to believe it, unless the mortals are being foolish again. The female with the sword met him in combat, he clashed with her several times, but he knew she is weak. She is below even Inferus, he easily parried her next attack and stabbed his blade into her throat. He twisted it to remove her head.

The two apprentices chanted and summoned a great wall of fire, Taurus snorted “you think that will stop me?” He charged forward, right through it, his skin burned but the vigour that gripped his body was still there. The male tried to summon a fireball, but his blade flicked out removing his head. Lucia tried to turn and run into the tunnel but he stabbed her in the back, as the cloak fell from her body, he could see she was monstrosity of tentacles and extra limbs. In disgust he cast her body aside. Taurus then opened the door, he almost has to squeeze through it. He slowly walked down the tunnel, he wondered what he should do? There must be some mistake, Tetricus can’t be a traitor. Cristian would never betray him.

He got to the end of the tunnel and opened the door, he stepped inside to see Silentus standing with his blade, Inferus was also here with Senshika and Avala. He also spotted Faust and his noise marines, but Tetricus stood in the middle of the room, gripping his staff tightly. They all simply stared at him, in silence. So he broke it. “I think there is a plot to destabilize the company. W-” Silentus charged him cutting him off, his eyes went wide in shock. He brought up his blade to block his attack, but what was strange is that he found that he loomed over him.

Faust along with his unit pointed their sonic blasters at him. They fired, Taurus jumped forward to dodge the sound rupturing waves. Avala pointed her staff at him screaming. “So you are truly a heretic!” she roared out, she charged at him. Inferus yelled “No! Avala get back!” Taurus chuckled, she should listen to Inferus. In the end it won’t matter, all of the traitors will die. The ex-inquisitor summoned a grand fireball, she launched it at him. But he decided to stand there and take it, the burning ball of fire hit his frame. He smiled, despite the pain it felt good, with a swift swipe with his blade he chopped Avala is half. Her face held the picture of horror as she died. “So Tetricus was right...she did betray me.” He looked over to his company sorcerer he stood like a stone. He was not attacking. “Master we have to fight him!” Inferus shouted. But he ignored him, he did not move from his spot. That single action caused him to smile. “I knew it, you are not a traitor Tetricus.” He then felt a piercing sensation on his back he flicked towards the attacker to see Silentus readying his blade for another attack. Taurus bought his hand up and then down, the apothecary looked up, he did not have time to avoid his attack.

He crushed him with his superior strength, there was nothing left save broken pieces of armour and a red stain. Faust moved with his squad, they stood in front of him and fired a great sonic blast. Taurus roared in fury as the wave hit his body sending him across the room. As he crushed onto the wall he coughed. He staggered up to his feet, the traitors arrayed themselves against him. Inferus did not attack, he wondered if he was with Tetricus? Senshika was also pointing her hot-shot lasgun at him. His company cook walked up to his brother. “We...have to stop him.” His words caused anger to build in his hearts. “Be silent Inferus! Tetricus is loyal!” His company sorcerer shoved the human aside, he turned to him and removed his helmet. All he saw was tears.

Great waves of tears were running down his face. All he said is “Why?” That single word confused him. “Why what? Traitors are plotting to kill me.” Tetricus wiped his hand down his face clearing away the tears. He took a deep breath his gaze turned hard. He threw aside his staff as his eyes locked with his own and suddenly he heard his voice piercing his mind, Taurus roared in agony. +Captain...look at yourself…+ “No!” he shouted back “Don’t betray me Tetricus! Not you!” +Please…+ “I can’t!” +You can…+ Taurus panted, he relented and looked down to himself. What is saw is a mass of pink flesh, his arm has fused with his sword and bits of his armour was stuck to his flesh. He blinked once, then twice. He gave a wail of anguish, a scream of utter despair. “No! No! NO!” Taurus roared. “You lie! You seek to trick me!” He readied his sword, he needed to kill Tetricus he is dangerous. He will attack his mind. The traitor sorcerer gave a weak smile, his eyes were consumed by a purple light, he raised both his hands and great arcs of eldritch lighting erupted from his hands.

As the lightning hit him, he screamed, he felt his body coming apart. The pain was too much, soon he lost all feeling in his body. He collapsed onto the floor.

***

Tetricus watched the mutated form of his captain collapse on the floor, the energy still arcing through his body. He strode up to him, his apprentice called out “It’s too dangerous!” he ignored him. The ache he is feeling in his hearts is overwhelming him. He needed to end it but he didn’t want to, he approached Taurus form and knelt. All six of his eyes met him. In those eyes he thought he saw realisation of what he is. He tried to speak with his six mouths, but as before they were just wet slurs. Tetricus placed his hand on his mutated head which was shaped like the rune of slaanesh. He could feel his life ebbing away. His thoughts are a jumbled mess, but he could feel a part of him is still there. +Captain…+ He prayed that he would answer back, he spoke into his mind again. +Captain…+ +T-T-Tetricus…+ His inner voice slurred, he could tell he is trying with all his might to give him his true thoughts. +Y-Yes...captain. What is it?+ His body trembled, he did not want this to happen. But this is the end. +O-O-One…l-l-last...o-o-order.+ +What is it?” The tears started to fall again. +S-Stop c-crying...y-you...i-idiot.+ +Yes captain.+ He wiped them away with his other hand.

The six eyes blinked +G-Good...y-you...a-are...A-Astartes...you...don’t..shed...t-tears.+ He nodded +W-What..is your last order Captain?+ The blinking started to slow, his breathing with it. +C-Cristian….I-I am...s-sorry. I-I...w-want...y-you to w-walk o-onward...o-our...d-dre-+ His thoughts ended, they sputtered away into the darkness. His mutated form fell still, the tears behind his eyes started to build again, he pushed them back. He rose and faced them. “Our captain is dead.” Faust walked up to him. “What now?” He closed his eyes for a moment and opened them. “We walk onwards, ever forward.” Inferus shook his head. “The company...will collapse. Taurus united us.” He could tell his voice held great sadness, but they don’t have time to be sad anymore. “I suspect they will break in factions, so here….are my orders.” Faust body movement seemed somewhat surprised. “They won’t follow you. You are…” “A witch, my brothers are old fashioned, I am glad you caught onto that. So...I want all of you to kill them.” “Kill them!?” Inferus exclaimed. “Yes, as long as we are alive...the 4th exists. Now go.” Faust turned away and left with his noise marines.

Inferus shook his head. “So...should I call you captain?” “No, our captain is dead. Considering I am a psyker and how I was recruited none of the third will take me seriously. We are technically exiles to everyone still. I have no rank in a legion that places importance upon it. But we will change that, we will make them look at us.” “That we will...master. Come Senshika.” His apprentice walked away with Senshika, now alone he strode up to the ruined form of Silentus. “I assume you did not expect this...nor did I. We...are the ones who indirectly killed Taurus. We thought that we could push him, we thought that we knew better….look at us now.” He bought his gaze back to Taurus’ form, he waved his hand over it to incinerate it.

Tetricus then looked up to the ceiling “Enough self pitying. It’s time to work.”

Part one Epilogue
Inferus walked down the tunnel to inform his master that the purge is done. In the end none of the astartes wanted to follow Tetricus. Now he understood truly why he was so lonely. None of them viewed him as a brother. But as he killed his heart ached, he kept thinking of Taurus who was reduced to a chaos spawn. When that horrible form entered his teacher’s chamber, he blamed himself. If only...he was satisfied with what he had. If only he stopped to consider how Taurus felt. In the end he was wrong, Silentus was also wrong. He arrived at Tetricus’ room door, he pulled it open and walked inside.

What greeted him was a conjured map of the galaxy, certain planets were glowing with a brilliant light. What he saw filled him with awe, he could also see his master standing in the middle of the room staring at the conjured image. He walked over to him. “Master it’s done.” “Did anyone decide to join us?” “No.” “I...see.” “Master…” “What is it?” “I am sorry.” “For what?” “I...killed Taurus.” His words caused him to laugh slightly. “We indirectly killed Taurus. Who knew...that slaanesh would punish him in such a fashion...just for something like that? When I burned your memories with you...I saw so many failures. But the dark prince did not reduce your old warband leader to a spawn.” Inferus did not know what to say, he frowned. “Chaos...is not fair.” “Agreed, I imagine it was just a simple case of our departed captain no longer entertained the dark prince. But even so...we move onward.” “Alright, so what are we doing?” His master pointed at the glowing planets. “We need to rebuild. We lost Silentus so we can’t recruit through mortals.” “I mean no offence my lord, but as you said you have no rank or status, why would anyone join us?” “You are correct Inferus, but the people I am looking for are those like us. The riviled, the exiled and those who have something to prove. They will form our new warband.” As Tetricus said warband, that surprised him. “I thought...we are a company.” “How can we be a company? The 4th exists in our hearts, but to everyone else in the third legion? It’s dead.” Tetricus then curled his lips in disgust. “I imagine Eidolon is laughing with joy at the moment.”

His teacher sighed, he clutched a planet and expanded it. “Our first recruit...shall be here. The planet of Sigithix.” “What’s on Sigithix?” “Nothing really, but I sense a powerful soul here, a lost one. He will join us, he has to.” Inferus nodded “I will get ready with Senshika then.” “Do so, we have a great amount of work to do. As followers of the dark prince we must try to grasp impossibility.” Inferus bowed “yes master.” He then turned away, the pain was still there due to the loss of Taurus, but for some reason he felt hopeful. He smiled “We walk onward…”

I just want to say this.

Entry Seven
It’s so strange...standing here...there are so few of us on the thunderhawk. I have been through this before, but not like this. The unexpected happened, an outcome none of us saw coming fell upon the company. I feel….bitter. Reflecting upon it, that’s all I can feel about our situation. But as master said, we have to move onward, Taurus would not want us to languish. So it’s why we are going to Sigithix, the first is here. The first one who will join us.

Chapter 14
Inferus closed his journal, he chained it to his belt. His master stood in silence next to him, Faust with the noise marines were busy checking the frequencies on their weapons, Senshika was seated and doing the same. His master looked down to him “What are you writing?” “I am reflecting master.” “Hmm...reflection.” he mused on that word. “I have also been reflecting.” “How so?” “I think...of all our trials, the failure of your old warband. These are all lessons.” “What sort of lessons?” Tetricus seemed..tired? Weary? He was not sure how he felt. Inferus guessed he is putting on a front, but his stance suddenly straightened he chuckled. “Those who do not remember the past...are condemned to repeat it. Keep writing Asriel, record what you see or do and if you feel strongly about something...tell me.” His words strangely assured him he smiled. “Yes my lord.” The thunderhawk then set down, the bay doors opened.

A large gout of dust greeted them, Inferus walked down the landing bay with everyone. He looked around to see a devastated landscape. The city in the distance looked destitute and bones littered the sand covered ground. “The one we are looking for is near the city.” said Tetriucs. Faust shook his head. “The song here is...sad. But it holds an edge.” “Interesting...come. The city is a few miles away.” His master started to walk, they all followed. Inferus stared at the old bones. “I wonder what happened here?” “War and death? But there is a way to see.” His master bought his hands up. Purple trails of smoke manifested and left his hand as they walked.

The mist wrapped around the bones, soon after images manifested. He saw guardsmen pointing at a black shadow holding a two handed sabre. The soldiers fired at the shadow with las weapons but the shadow began gracefully moving around them. It looked like dancing for some reason, as the shadow moved past the guardsmen their arms, legs and heads fell from their bodies. Soon after, the guardsmen vanished, a squad of astartes took their place. Their armour was red and yellow, he did not recognise the heraldry. Inferus guessed that they were a successor chapter, but they talked amongst one another. “Brother...the heretic is here.” “Aye, Lirus. We need to kill him to reclaim our honour. There are so few of us left…” The one who he assumed to be Lirus wore a host of purity seals and his helmet was yellow. The image vanished Tetricus shook his head. “Fascinating, it seems they might be ahead.” “So...the astartes are alive?” “No, I think they are dead. But they are the recent dead. Let’s move onward.” They continued their journey, Senshika then yanked on his cloak slightly. “What is it?” “I...don’t like this place Inferus.” “Why?” “It’s just….too sad.” Faust chuckled “so you can hear it also?” Senshika said nothing further. She walked in silence.

Eventually as they got close to the city they started to see astartes corpses. It is evident that they have been cut into pieces. Inferus stopped and knelt he ran his finger over the cut, it was so smooth, far more smoother than what Taurus can do. “Master...whoever we are looking for...might be a monster.” “Perhaps. But we need true monsters if we are going to achieve our dream.” He flexed his hand and released the purple mist again. It danced through the corpses, again images formed. This time they saw the astartes from before, the shadow moved amongst them, they fired with bolters. But the shadow would simply twirl his blade around his form slicing the bolt reactive shells. “Impossible!” shouted Lirus. The shadow moved to the first loyalist, they drew their combat knife. The shadow feinted causing the astartes to attack, but the shadow adjusted his blade just slightly to cause the knife attack to veer off leaving the astartes open. The shadow in a quick movement placed the blade onto the neck of the loyalist then with a simple movement of the blade the loyalist’s head was now gone.

The shadow then darted to the rest, the blade spun, rose and came down. Blood gushed onto the sands and now it was only Lirus left. He reloaded his bolter and shouted. “Traitor! Heretic! For what reason do you fight!? Why do you linger here and kill loyal soldiers of the emperor!?” The shadow stopped for a moment. Inferus watched what was unfolding before him, waves of sadness erupted from the shadow. He felt it, he wondered what has happened to them? The shadow then walked to Lirus, the loyalist fired his bolter, the shadow just twirled his blade around itself again, the bullets sparked, but no explosions occurred.

Sensing that the bolter is not working, he threw it aside and drew his chainsword and charged at the shadow. The loyalist raised the chain weapon, the teeth roaring as it greeted the sabre. Sparks flew through the air. Then they heard a voice a light, soft spoken voice coming from the shadow. “You truly...want to know?” The weapons clashed again and again, but the shadow’s blade movements now that he has watched them for awhile...it seemed so casual, effortless. “I still fight for my war is not over, perfection has not been achieved, even if we were abandoned, even when people think the palatine warriors that follow me to be fools..I will not stop. As a prefector I won’t stop...to stop would be to admit failure...” The shadow then slashed sideways, severing the chainsword. Lirus staggered back. He stared at his broken weapon, he threw it aside and drew his combat knife.

The loyalist charged, but the shadow stepped forward and bought his blade down on top of Lirus’ head cutting it in half. He had the range to do it, the loyalist’s head came apart, the body toppled to the ground with a thud. The images vanished, Faust nodded slightly. “Interesting, a palatine blade. Quite a rare find.” “The question is will he come with us?” said Tetricus. Inferus looked over the battlefield in silence he was looking for something, he scanned it for a moment and spotted what he was looking for.

He ran over to it and knelt, he picked up a bolter round, it was cleanly cut in half. Tetricus strode over. “Truly a monster then.” his master said whimsically. “Let us keep going.” Inferus rose, he nodded and they continued their journey. His master continued his work, they saw more battles, but this time the shadow was not alone, he was surrounded by other bladesmen. Their power armour was black and pink, they wore silk tabards and spiked leather straps were attached to their arms and legs. There was six of them in total, but after each battle they died, picked off one at a time. Until the shadow remained, it fought against the odds that would see most people killed. But the shadow kept prevailing, Inferus now noticed something else in the bladework, the shadow was truly skilled but he also saw weariness. They were tired, unbelievably so.

The images vanished, his master stopped “we are here.” Inferus looked around “really?” “Yes.” he pointed forward. Now he realised that they were near the entrance of the destitute city. But in the distance there was a black spot, his master nodded. “I am going forward alone.” “What.” his response was flat. “Master...you saw what this one can do.” “I know...but I get the feeling we are kindred spirits of a sort. Plus I think approaching him with all us might cause him to attack us. So wait here, that’s an order.” Faust nodded. “Very well, we will wait.” Inferus was about to speak, but Senshika yawnked his cloak again, she shook her head. He tutted “fine, but we can’t lose you. Not here.” His teacher nodded “I know, I will come back.” His master moved onward by himself, despite his reservations some part of him did have a little faith. He had to admit that much.

***

Tetricus walked forward, the black dot slowly came into view, what he saw did not surprise him as he finally reached the one he is looking for. The prefector sat on a rock, their sword is planted on into the ground. Both hands rested on the sides of the rainguard and their head is lowered slightly. The astartes power armour was also covered in dust, the leather straps are ruined and the spikes are blunted. The pink that also lined his armour is bruised and his slik tabard is torn. He wondered what he should say here? What would Taurus do? He licked his lips. “I have come with an offer.” The palatine blade did not react, he just sat there. “I wish to reb-” Suddenly the warrior slowly rose, the servo’s strained with the moment. He pulled his sword from the ground and got into a battle stance.

Tetricus narrowed his eyes as he felt a gust of cold rage slam into his body. He wondered why is he angry? What did he do. “Wait! I just wis-” He charged at him, his speed was abnormal, he was faster than his departed captain. He readied his staff, the palatine blade raised his blade, Tetricus stepped forward, from what he understands the palatine blades only respect skill, nothing else. His blade met his staff, Tetricus blocked the attack with the middle of the haft. The palatine blade pushed his blade down, the amount of force being applied on his staff was staggering. The palatine blade then pulled his blade back, he gripped the blade with both hands and thrusted, Tetricus twisted to his right dodging the attack. He panted, if he was just a second slower he would of been dead right then and there. He grit his teeth. “I know you lost your brothers!” he shouted.

The cold rage he felt before increased, the waves of icy anger spilled from him. It’s not the sort of anger shown by followers of the blood god. But laced through it was frustration. The prefector flicked towards him, swinging his blade, the blade movement was so fast. He bought up his staff to block again. The two handed sabre sparked on his staff. “You are lost...you have no purpose...you find no pleasure in getting better. I can see that…” The force on his staff became lighter for a moment. “To everyone else in the legion….I am just a witch. Scum that shouldn't exist within it. I have no rank, no legend or status. But I found joy in following my captain who has turned into a spawn through my foolish actions. He told me...to walk onward.” The prefector suddenly stepped back, he kept his blade pointed at him. Tetricus continued “seeking pleasure...for pleasure sake is pointless. I have a goal...I want to build a warband...a company that would be the envy of others. We...who have been abandoned, exiled and shamed will show everyone else...what we truly are.” The palatine blade slowly lowered their weapon.

They turned the blade tip downwards and planted it into the ground. “Who knew...a witch had purpose of all things. How did you find me here?” Tetricus smiled “I have my ways, I am looking for specific people from the third.” “Tell me...what company are you from?” “I am of the 4th company.” The prefector chuckled “is this the dark prince’s will? I wonder…” “I don’t understand.” “Conerlius had many admirers witch. He had the strength and courage to say what many of us had on our minds. It’s unfortunate that he met such an end, but the fact he passed his light to you must mean something.” The mannerisms of the prefector surprised him, even though he called him witch he did not detect any revulsion. “So tell me, why are you on this world?” He shook his head “I was abandoned with my brothers, my old warband leader was jealous of our skills and our commitment. So he thought it would be amusing to leave us to die in a contested warzone.” Tetricus looked around “well...it seems the war is over.” “It only ended because we still sought perfection, we sought a strong enemy to face. But we found quite quickly there was no pleasure in the kill, the rush of war and ecstasy of violence was not there. But we kept fighting, one by one my brothers fell until only I remained. But the attacks slowly ground to a halt, a squad from a dying thin blood chapter thought to kill me to reclaim their honour.”

Tetricus digested this information “you also had no way off world either.” He nodded to his words. “Well now you will have one, will you join me?” The prefector removed his blade from the ground and rested it on his pauldron. The blue eye lenses of his helmet shone slightly. “You are quite interesting witch, never fought one that could actually fight.” “My deperated captain was quite strict when it came to training.” “Then he was a good man, he cared for perfection.” “That...he did. Tell me do you have a name?” “My name is Cassius, what is yours?” “You can call me Tetricus.” “That is...an odd name.” “Well my captain had a thing for nicknames, you can call me Cristian if you want.” “Very well...Tetricus.” The fact that he is using his nickname must mean he truly did respect Taurus. “Follow me Cassius, I will lead you to those who follow me.” “Lead the way.” Tetricus walked back, Cassius fell in behind him. He is the first, one of many who will make up the company.

Rip the 4th. Not smart to reject fulgrim.

:(

lliu wrote:
Rip the 4th. Not smart to reject fulgrim.

Well that's just how he is unfortunately

 Dayknight wrote:

:(

Yup it's great, three people indirectly killed the person they cared for most because they cared TOO much and from there wrecked the company. Wanted to display the dangers of chaos, it's not fun and games.

edit:I do have to say I teared up slightly writing it, sorry that I made you sad.

Chapter 15
Inferus could see Tetricus coming towards them with someone, he could not believe he was actually successful. As they approached he waved, they eventually arrived, the new astartes looked at all of them. “Is this is it?” he said with his soft voice. “Yes, you gaze at the remnants of the 4th.” “So how are you handling the revival?” “As I said we have to rebuild and prove that we are still the 4th company, to everyone else we are just another warband.” Inferus looked at both of them, they seemed awfully friendly. “So are we leaving master?” “Yes we are.” Faust shook his head “We need to find an apothecary if this is ever going to work.” “I know, but I assume our new brother Cassius is hungry and weary. Let’s get his armour repaired and a decent meal before we move to that.” Inferus nodded he bought his eyes to Cassius “it’s good to meet you my lord.” He said nothing, he sighed slightly “why is the human talking to me?” “Well he is the cook.” said Tetricus.

The palatine blade now looked at him. “I see, but the question is can he actually cook?” “I can thank you very much.” “The mortal has a mouth as well, we normally tear the lips off those who speak out of turn in my old warband. Do you discipline your slaves Tetricus?” “He is my apprentice, not a slave, he has also trained with my old captain as well.” “And he is alive still? Perhaps he is worth talking to then.” “Now enough, let us leave.” All of them began walking back to the thunderhawk, Inferus could understand why Cassius is acting in such a fashion. But he got the feeling he would fit right in.

***
Tetricus stood in his chamber, the books hovered around him, he needed to increase the power of his scrying sorcery, it has to be more accurate, more clear. Cassius is one of many but Faust is right, they need an apothecary. But as he worked, he saw flashes of better times, he saw himself with Gavisus, Taurus and Silentus. Things...were so simple then, they argued, they threw barbed insults at each other...but they were brothers. His hand trembled on his staff. “I can’t….do this…” he said out loud. “I am sure many leaders say that.” he turned and saw Faust at the door he began to walk to the middle of the room “You doubt your ability, you did not want to lead, you were more than happy to follow the one you admired. I understand that.” Tetricus shook his head, he felt annoyed he turned away from him. “How can you you understand?” he hissed. Faust kept walking and stood to his side. “Marius found a broken man, a creature who lost everything because he could not see.” He could hear the strain in his voice, he continued. “He kept giving...to people who did not deserve it. Then he died an ignoble death. So I sought to follow another...it’s what I was used to doing. But now I suddenly find myself leading the troupe. At times I think this might be the dar-” “It’s not his will….what did Taurus do wrong!? Why didn’t the dark prince spawn me!? Why him!? Why do I live when Cornelius wanted….so much….I killed him, I killed him with Inferus and Silentus because we were foolish! I….wonder why I am even leader. He did not even tell me to lead...” He felt bitter, terribly so after the outburst.

Faust looked down slightly “leaders...don’t set out to be leaders. The great one’s at least. They set out to make a difference, it’s not about the role but the goal. If people feel the same they will come to you, the mark that Taurus was a great leader because he inspired you to keep going, to do more, to continue to dream. Despite his end, he made Inferus push himself to the limit in order to walk by his side, his downfall perhaps is that maybe he did not realise that. Maybe as he died...he did.” His words caused the pain to ebb away, just a little. He sighed “Both of us...had no desire for leadership...but as you said. Here we are...” Tetricus said wistfully. He tapped his the haft of his staff on the ground, he conjured the map of the galaxy.

He swept his staff over the books, they flicked through their pages rapidly, the text glowed with a pink light. He narrowed down the recruits. He needed an apothecary, the planets blinked away. Until very few remained. But one place glew the brightest out of them all, it was not a planet but a space station. “We are heading to the brightest soul.” “Is that...a good idea?” “What do you mean?” Faust stared at the glowing light. He rubbed his neck. “I just have a bad feeling.” Tetricus stared at the brilliant light. “But we have no choice, I won’t accept lesser recruits.” he said firmly. If his soul glows this much then he must have the favour of the dark prince, he needs those sort of people.

***
Inferus stood in front of the table with the food cart, at the moment Cassius is sitting at the table they are within his new chamber. It was plain at the moment, but he guessed that would change with time. His armour is now pristine, the black leather straps have been replaced along with the tabard. After that he said he was hungry, so as the cook he must feed him. But the odd thing about the palatine blade is the size of his order, he had multiple meals stored in the cart, all of the food could feed at least half a company.

He placed the first meal on the table, it was a portion of meat that secretes poison, you had to cut it perfectly to keep the poison from leaking into the meat. Along with that he made a salad mixed with Taurus’ favourite herbs. The prefector removed his helmet, there was a hiss and a gust of perfume left the helmet. The room now had a lovely smell as he placed the helmet on the table. Cassius himself looked rather young with aquiline features, along with white hair that is swept to one side. His green eyes were locked onto to him as he picked up his knife and fork and began to eat. Soon as he placed the piece of meat into his mouth his eyes went wide, he almost started to stuff the food into his mouth. In a few short moments he cleaned the plate. “Next meal.” he said curtly. Inferus placed the next meal on the table.

It was a fish dish, the creature hid it’s eggs under it’s skin, but when cooked along with the fish it creates a succulent flavour. Cassius tore through the meal with horrifying speed, it was the same with every single meal, the plates kept stacking higher and higher. Inferus blinked in shock due to how much he could eat. He then placed the desert of the table, it was the crispy cake he baked for Gavisus in the past. The prefector sniffed it, he frowned. “It looks plain...what is it?” Asriel got the metal mug ready and poured Cassius a cup of recaf. “Try it my lord, it’s a delicacy.” He picked up a spoon. “No...you eat it with your hands.” “I am not a barbarian human.” “It’s how you eat it. Trust me.” He looked at him and then the desert, he picked it up with his hands. He bought it to his mouth and bit into it.

He chewed and his eyes almost bulged out of it’s sockets, he took several large bites and devoured the desert in a few seconds. He lovingly licked his fingers. “More.” he said flatly. He was prepared for this, he turned and went into the cart and pulled out a small box. He put a plastic glove on and opened the box, he placed more of the treats onto his plate. Cassius then picked up the mug and drank some of the recaf, he breathed out a joyful sigh of relaxation. “I was wrong about you.” “Huh?” “now that I can see your face, your faze you understand the long war. Plus you can cook. By the phoenician….the food in my last warband is terrible.” “I am glad you like it my lord.” He placed the mug on the table and started to eat. He mumbled with pleasure as he chewed slowly. Watching him eat...he was somewhat happy that there is someone who truly loved his food. But then his heart twisted, it is only because of Taurus that he is here. He won’t eat his meals anymore, the bitterness rose again. But he pushed it down. He would not want him to cry, or wallow in pity.

He told him the 4th exists as long as they do, he will make sure that the 4th stands forever no matter the costs.

***

He gave a maniacal laughter, he kept laughing as he made a new breakthrough on his research. “Mwhahahahahahahaha!” The laughter was shrill and joyful. But he stopped laughing for a moment as thought about the things inhibiting his work. There is always a problem with materials...and the fact the Drukhari hunt him. “Perhaps mutilating those haemonculus for their secrets wasn’t a good idea?” He shrugged, he started to laugh again. “Master…” the voice was serene, he stopped and turned from his work on the table and faced one of his corpus’. She wore a corset with a black leather skirt. Her arms and chest was covered in piercings, she wore a golden mask with the rune of the dark prince engraved on her forehead. Her multi coloured hair flowed at her back. Her form was bulky but her skin was marble smooth. “What is it Resis?” “Master your laughter is waking up everyone again.” He approached her and placed his hand on her shoulder, Resis trembled with his touch. He rubbed his hand on her shoulder, her knees were turning weak. “Sorry my dear daughter, but laughter….makes everyone joyful. You should laugh when you gain new insight, you should laugh when pleasure comes to you and you should laugh as you kill.” He licked his lips. “I hope they attack again, I need materials.” He looked around his lab, it was dimly lit but it was his.

The operating beds needed replacing, his tools were wearing out but that is the price of of being an outcast. The last warband leader he worked for considered his creations to be “ugly” he curled his lips in disgust. “Master are you okay?” Resis asked. He placed his hand on her face. “I am fine now go-” The space station shuddered slightly, the vox flared to life. “Hello...mon-keigh. The haemonculi are offering a large bounty for the head of apothecary Erastus...run mon-keigh...we will hunt you…” The space station vox turned silent. He frowned “Resis.” “Yes master?” “Go gather the others. Get your weapons and kill those aliens. Make sure no one eats them...understand? I need it for my research.” She nodded. “Ok. it will be done.” She turned away and left the lab. Erastus sighed heavily “those who seek to eliminate joy...are terrible…”

***
The thunderhawk shuddered as it landed on the space station, Tetricus frowned at the moment Sagax is engaging the Drukhari ship. They had to move quickly before the xeno’s get to the one he is looking for. The bay down opened, everyone ran down the landing bay, Cassius twirled his weapon. “Been ages since I offered one of the Aeldari to the dark prince, you are taking me to some interesting places witch.” “We will go to far more grand battlefields once we are stronger.” “And I can’t wait for that day.” Faust adjusted the frequency on his sonic blaster with his unit. Inferus one eye lense burned with a brilliant light “we need to hurry and kill them.” “Hey Inferus is killing Drukhari fun?” asked Senshika. “It is, you would want to do it again once you killed one.” “Oh….I can’t wait then!” “Enough talking let us go.”

Tetricus ran down the hallway, they all followed him. As they made the first corner. A group of kabalite warriors flicked to them and pointed their splinter rifles at them. Tetricus gathered up his inner reserves, he thought that perhaps murdering them might make him feel a little better? He unleashed a wave of telekinetic force down the corridor, the Drukhari exploded into a mist of gore. As they died he felt a rush of euphoria, he felt a force pushing him onwards. He continued to run they then encountered a group of wyches, Cassius and Inferus ran forward, the perfector chuckled. “Show me what you can do human.” The Drukhari cursed them in their alien tongue. Cassius sword play almost looked like a dance, he would strike low to sever the legs of an Aeldari then rise, to cut the head and so on. Inferus snorted, he summoned his psychic blade, his body began charging with energy. With one sideways slash he released a line of psychic energy shaped like his arm movement, those Drukhari that were too slow to dodge were cut in half, but even those who tried to jump or duck, an unknown force smacked into them, pushing them with the line of psychic energy. Their faces caved in, their bodies ruptured until they were reduced to nothing.

Inferus folded his arms “so how did I do my lord?” Cassius nodded “Good enough.” Tetricus ran onward “we have to keep moving, I suspect the Drukhari are looking for the one I seek.” His entourage fell in behind him again, he could sense the soul of the apothecary, it’s rather jubilant, it jumps and darts about which is odd. He could see a group of souls moving toward the decadent Drukhari, Tetricus noticed that they were abnormally large. As they got closer to the large souls, the Drukhari souls flickered away. They made a turn and found a group of rather tall and muscular humans who wore little clothing were holding heads and limbs of the Drukhari.

They all wore golden masks, the eye sockets were slanted upwards slightly. The rune of slaanesh engraved upon it was also engraved on the forehead. He could also see piercings covered their bodies as well. Faust raised his sonic blaster with his unit. Tetricus also stood at the ready to battle. The one who he assumed to be the leader stepped forward, she held the head of the Drukhari leader and a jagged blade in the other hand. The weapon was slick with gore. She pointed the weapon at them, despite her body her voice was soft and serene. “Are you guests?” “Guests?” said Tetricus. She nodded “You all smell like master and you hold the lovely stink of Drukhari carcesses, so are you guests?” Tetricus relaxed “We are indeed guests. Can you take us to your leader? Or the one who made you?” She gave a soft chuckle “Follow me.”

She turned, Tetricus gave everyone a nod as they walked up to the group of abnormal humans. As they got together, the female sniffed his apprentice. “He smells nice.” Inferus shook his head. “What?” The way her pink eyes moved, it was like she was smiling. She said nothing. “So tell me what is your name?” “Resis.” “Can you tell me anything about your master?” “He is joyful.” “That’s it?” Resis said nothing further on the subject, she lead them to a door. Tetricus stared at it. “So he is here?” “Yes, since you look to be the leader you must enter alone.” “No.” Inferus said firmly. “You can’t go alone.” “Inferus, enough. It’s fine.” He faced the door, Resis pushed the button to open it. She walked inside, he followed.

As he entered the room it looked like a normal lab save all the equipment is poor. He spotted an astartes who’s armour is a mix of white and pink. His power pack had a torch and two mechanical arms moving around, it was too lifelike. Attached to one arm was a strange needle gun and the second arm held a mechanical drill. Tetricus coughed, the apothecary turned, he was not wearing a helmet. His face was quite angular, the skin was also smooth just like Resis’ and the others of her ilk. His hair was cut like a mullet, and the sides of his hair have been shaved. Around his neck hanged charms and runes of the dark prince. The apothecary smiled “Thank you for helping me clear out the infestation. And you are?” “My name is Tetricus, I want to recruit you, I wish to revive the 4th company.” “4th...company. Oh...the exiles?” “Yes...the exiles.” “Tell me are you a psyker or you just studied sorcery?” “I am a psyker of the third legion stock. I was recruited during the heresy.” The apothecary’s eyes brightened “may I….take a blood sample?” Tetricus could see he was drooling, he frowned. “I don’t even know your name yet.” The apothecary wiped his mouth, he nodded. “Oh yes...I am Erastus. Now may I take a blood sample?” “Why are you so eager to take my blood?” “Why wouldn’t I be!? Our legion shunned psykers...they are a rare breed!”

Tetricus grumbled slightly, he needs to move the conversation, Erastus needs to join him. “If you join my warband, then I will give you blood samples. You will also have a lab and tools to do your research.” His eyes glinted as he mentioned research. “Oh! You have heard me! I Erastus the great! The wise! The master of flesh crafting!” “You just introduced yourself…” “But! You don’t know of my wonderful repertoire of skills!” He clenched his hands “If you give me what I need...my studies will grow...my understanding will grow...then I will show them!” He then started to laugh “Mwhahahaha!” It was a rich, deep laugh. Tetricus did not know what to make him. Resis nodded. “Master are we leaving the space station?” Erastus dropped the laughter. It was abnormal “Oh yes, we need to pack our things.” “So you are joining me?” The apothecary waved him out of the room. “Yes...Yes.. let me get my things. This is exciting! An actual lab!” He started to hum to himself, he grabbed a ruined bag from a nearby locker and began to throw test tubes, notes and other effects into the leather bag. Resis faced him and bowed “My lord we will be joining you.” Strangely, he felt drained from that whole exchange. “W-Welcome. My warband will be happy to have you.” Now he understood what Faust meant.

I like writing a certain character. He is so much fun.

Btw what was your motivation besides killing taurus? And marthas is dead again damn that made me sad lol

 Dayknight wrote:

Btw what was your motivation besides killing taurus? And marthas is dead again damn that made me sad lol

It's the dangers of chaos, it's stated in black crusade that if you bore the dark prince if you stop for a moment he would not hesitate to spawn you. Same goes for daemon princes. What I wanted to show is that even though a character is "great" chaos would not care or hesitate to spawn you and at the same time Inferus' desire for perfection had devastating consequences. Fulgrim tried to use this to his advantage to get Taurus under his thumb, but Taurus is well... Taurus.

Also what I wanted to show is that no one really understands chaos, Silentus thought he did but now he is a red stain. Chaos takes everything from you and at times it will make you ruin something you care for the most. In a manner of speaking Inferus and Tetricus blame themselves but in slaanesh's eyes they did nothing wrong.

In the end many chaos lords fail, mistakes can happen in the most offhanded ways. Also this was bought up in Adelram's arc he questions why he hasn't been spawned yet after the constant failures? Because he entertained the dark prince and he did not stop. Illiu in a manner of speaking was correct Taurus should of accepted Fulgrim's offer but if he did he would of ended up like everyone else and deep down Taurus felt that is the worst outcome.

Also the book is called path to perfection, the question is how much will you give up or lose to obtain an impossibility?

Also the fact you are asking for my motivation and you feel sad, is exactly how the characters in the story feel. They just keeping asking themselves why? It's not fair, what did he do wrong? Why did he take him from us?

Entry Eight
Next entry, with the addition of Erastus it seems...things are getting back in order. Recruitment has begun. But the apothecary runs all manner of tests, his bodyguard who he are referred to a the Corpus unit are always following him about. Especially Resis, whenever I walk by her she sniffs me. Considering how mad the apothecary is I dread to see what is actually under her mask, or any of the corpus unit. Senshika strangely seems to get on with Resis whenever they get together which is a mystery to me. Still...the ship is started to feel...homey again.

Chapter 16
He breathed in the incense made from the tongues, eyes and blood of those who worship him. He sits in this small shack, on this pathetic agri world chasing a vision. His brothers forgot themselves, there is a place for pleasure, but they are the third legion. Perfection should be their highest concern. He sat on the metal throne that his slaves made for him, he stuck his snake-like tongue out to taste the air. It aggravated him that he had to wait like this, for the all feeling and sensation drains from his body if he is not waring and tasting the nectar of combat. He grumbled “At which hour will they cometh?” he sighed, he hated hearing himself speak one day he could speak normally and suddenly his words become warped. Partly the reason why he left his brothers is because of their mockery, they always said he talked too much. He wondered perhaps this mutation is some cruel joke of the dark prince? He gripped his phoenix power spear tightly. “The vision says he wilt cometh to me…I tire of this lodging..” He shook his head. He said his daily prayers of promising torment and pain to his foe, but unfortunately no foe has come to this world.

He could torture mortals but he feels nothing, he then heard the coded knock. “Thou may enter!” The door slowly opened to reveal a farmer, or in other words the high priest belonging to the cult of slaanesh on this planet. He did not even know his name. The mortal got to his knees and crawled to him. “What doth thou wanteth?” The priest praised his name, he was scrawny thing. “Praise lord Justus! Hail the herald of the dark prince!” Justus rolled his eyes. “I did tell thou not to bother me….what doth thou wanteth?” “I...eer…” Again he is getting confused by some of the words he is using. He gestured him away “Wrent aroint…” The mortal still looked confused. He grunted and rose from his throne, he gripped his power weapon. He got the hint and ran out of the shack, locking it behind him.

Justus sat back onto the throne “Mortal’s art annoying to deal with….”

***
Inferus knocked on Erastus’ door the apothecary only requests recaf, so he is happy to oblige. The door then slid open, he pushed the cart inside. The lab bore the smell of light perfume and medicine. Resis stood in the corner, soon as he entered she walked over to him and sniffed him. He leaned back slightly “er...hello.” She sniffed him again and walked away. Erastus lifted up a vial containing blood and another with black liquid, he poured the black concoction into the blood and shook the vial lightly. He then placed the vial in a stand. Inferus pushed the cart to him. “My lord, I bought you your drink.” The apothecary turned, a big grin played across his face. “Good! Place it on the side table.” Inferus removed the iron mug from the cart and a cup, he placed it on a side table. “So tell me...Inferus. What do you think of Tetricus?” He blinked in surprise to the question.

He frowned “what do you want me to say?” The apothecary walked over to the side table, he picked up the iron mug and unscrewed the top, he poured himself a cup of recaf. “Well for one, he is not used to leading that is evident. The air of the ship also holds despair and heartache.” He sniffed the air, he breathed in deeply. Erastus then took a sip from his cup. “Golivor root...delicious. Now...I believe that you should do everything with a smile on your face.” His smile from before widened to emphasize the point. “The stink of pity and sadness clings to you and Tetricus, makes it quite hard to work.” he said curtly.

Inferus folded his arms he did not want to talk about it, his shoulders sagged slightly. “My lord...I don’t want to talk about it.” “But I do! The hallways also bare the smell of blood, the stink of failure and the smell of a...chaos spawn.” Inferus clenched his teeth, power thrumed through his body as arcs of lightning leaped from it, Resis was going to move, but Erastus stopped her. “Ah...how interesting. No wonder the ship was empty. Who was it? I suspect it was your leader since Tetricus has no idea how to lead. He did not have that...air of arrogance or prestige he has not earned.” “Don’t you you dare mock him or captain!” he shouted. Erastus sipped his recaf. “So you haven’t moved on, I have seen plenty of good astartes transformed into chaos spawns. It’s never easy, of course I wish it upon my old warband leader...but some did not deserve it.” His words seemed genuine, he could feel that much from him. Inferus relaxed, the energy ebbed away.

He shook his head “what do you expect me to do...or how to feel?” The apothecary placed the cup onto the table. “I am quite sure...whoever the captain of the 4th was. He was important to you so…” He pleased his finger on his heart and then on his forehead. “Hold the best parts of him in your heart, remember the best of him in your mind. If you feel it’s too much…” He drew his hand back, he spread his arms wide. “Just laugh...laugh and let it all out.” Inferus stared at the apothecary he smiled weakly. He took a deep breath and laughed hard. “That’s it!” said Erastus. As he laughed, he saw better times, he remembered Taurus giving him focus and direction, the tears started to build at the back of his eye. He did not push then away this time, he kept laughing until his voice turned hoarse. Once he finished he wiped his eye, he felt...better. The apothecary picked up his cup and drank a bit more of the recaf. He drained the cup, he leaned head back and stuck his tongue out, he shook the cup over his mouth. Once he got a few drops to land on his tongue, he closed his mouth and bought his head forward.

His placed the cup back onto the table and nodded. “Inferus can you give Resis a better tour of the ship?” “Er...do...I have to?” “It’s a favour boy, just a small favour.” He smiled, the strange apothecary did help him feel better. “Alright, I can do that.” He approached the cart, he gestured “Hey Resis follow me.” She looked at Erastus and then to him, she nodded slowly and walked to his side. Her pink eyes relaxed slightly “Now come along.” He pushed the cart out of his room. As they entered the hallway the corpus bowed. “Thank you.” “For what?” “Giving master a place, he would often complain about the equipment and the poor lab. He also really enjoys your recaf.” “I...see.” Her words caused him to smile slightly, he looked at the door. He had a good feeling about Erastus, he felt...far more warm from him than Silentus even though he is strange. “I wish to thank you and Lord Erastus for joining us...I think things are going to be interesting.” Resis eyes held confusion, but that was okay. “Now...let’s start that tour shall we?”

***
Tetricus felt weary, the apothecary has taken his blood samples, but maintaining the map is draining. He looked up, it is far more accurate. But he felt so...tired. His body ached for some reason. He shook his head “I can’t rest. Even if recruitment is starting again...I must push forward.” He raised his staff, he needed brighter souls. Stronger souls who will lead the revival of the 4th. The map shifted, planets were removed but one planet burned like the sun itself. As he reached for it he then found himself suddenly floating, Tetricus had no control over his body. “W-what is going on?” He then shot upwards, through the ship, through space, reality bled and warped and suddenly he found himself lying on his back. He slowly got to his feet, he looked around and found himself in a forest. But the trees...were not normal, there were mouths, faces arms and legs sticking out of the trees. At times hands left the mouths that lined the life like trees, all of them moaned in rapture and torment. They called to him, they called for him to join them. The smell that filled his helmet was perfume, the filtered air was changing, the musk made it even harder to resist.

He shook his head “no…” he hissed. He ran through the forest, he had to escape, he did not know where he is or how he got here. As he ran he saw a light in the distance, but then vines erupted from the trees, they were covered with gaping mouths. Tetricus cursed, he spat words of power and pointed his staff back, a gout of purple flame erupted from his staff. The vines screamed in pleasure, but they relented, they slunk back. He looked onward and ran to the light. As he entered it he found himself in a city, all of the buildings were made from marble, they had a strange pink sheen that would hurt one’s eyes if they stare too long. But what surprised him were the “mortals” wearing theatre masks, they were dancing with daemonettes, with each step they would hack each other to pieces, they would then reform again and repeat the dance and so on.

Tetrichs shook his head “where am I?” He walked down the road, he could sense that the middle of the city had a...strange power or aura about it. It was like he was being drawn to it. As he reached the plaza he saw a giant cushion set at the middle of the plaza, next to it were the same mortals he saw before a group of them were holding up a giant fruit basket full of brilliant red apples. Dotted around the edges of the plaza were warped golden statues of men and women intertwining.

But what held his eyes is a troupe of dancers wearing little clothing, they were entering the plaza, flipping and dancing. Screaming and offering prayers to the dark prince. They danced around the cushion, waiting or expecting something. But one flipped to him, they danced around him in mad and erratic movements. The dance was captivating, it swelled his hearts but he shook his head. “Who are you. Where am I?” he asked. The dancer stopped in front of him, they did a backflip, they now stood a few paces away. The dancer then made flamboyant to even erotic poses. The dancer spoke their voice was like the splitting of glass. “Come now...why don’t you dance with us?” Tetricus was about to speak, he was about to say yes but he clenched his mouth shut. He had a feeling if he said yes, he would be trapped in this place forever. “I have to go back...I have something to do.” “Oh? You don’t want to stay here with us? Forever?” He shook his head “I have a goal to achieve.” “The “perfect” company.” the dancer said mockingly. “You gather broken people, to turn them from bronze into pure gold?” The dancer struck another pose. “That is the plan, they all think of us as broken. But we will prove them wrong.” “Who will you prove wrong?” “Eidolon...Lucius...everyone.” “Why?” the dancer asked. The mask shifted to having a mocking grin. “Why do you seek this ideal? Because someone else told you? That’s so...boring.” Tetricus felt a flare of anger wash over him. “Are you mocking my desire!?” “It’s not your desire in the first place.” The dancer stopped posing.

They stood straight, their body began to distort and click, limbs bent in unnatural directions as the whole body split open. The body came apart to reveal a serpentine figure, that rapidly grew in size. They towered over him. The feathered wings, the white hair and horns. The beautiful features and finally the four arms. They smiled +We haven’t met have we?+ Tetricus legs felt wobbly, he has never met the one before him before. But deep down he knew him, he knew who it was. “F-Father…” he stammered. He clapped slightly +There you go!+ The weakness in his legs grew, he felt his heart and mind being overridden. His legs grew even weaker, he tried to use his staff to steady himself, but he could not help it. He dropped to his knees, he dipped his head low. +Oh...here I thought that the 4th did not know of respect?+ Tetricus slowly raised his head, Fulgrim slithered to the cushion. He relaxed and picked out an apple from the basket. He took several large bites devouring the apple completely he licked his fingers. Tetricus narrowed his eyes. “Why...am I here?” +To figure out whether you are boring or not.+ He shook his head “whether...I am boring or not?” +Well yes, I normally don’t care for those who have sprouted from my loins, but the galaxy is changing. It’s becoming exciting again.+ Tetricus said nothing. His heart raged to obey his primarch’s every whim, but his mind tempered him. He had to be carefully here, if he says the wrong thing it would mean his death or even eternal slavery to his father.

Fulgrim yawned +so what makes you different?+ “I don’t understand…” +Do you know how many of my children bay that they understand me? That I am wrong or they are out to prove something?+ He could sense the hint of annoyance, this is clearly a question. But then he thought of everything he has seen, all he has been through and the memories of Inferus. His father waited expectantly for him to say something. He bit his lip slightly, he realised something. A truth most would not want to admit. “You don’t care. You still don’t.” His father clapped again. +Bravo!+ “You don’t care for our sacrifices, you don’t care if we break ourselves to prove a point to you. Do you...even remember Cornelius?” +Who?+ Tetricus shook his head wearily. “It’s just a grand show to you isn’t it? We are just...a distraction.” His father nodded +Oh yes, I have far more entertainment with my consorts than leading all of you around but…+ He tapped his lips. +My brothers...are coming together again. All of them are moving. That...is interesting. But...I am not ready to move yet.+ Tetricus began forcing himself to rise, he ground his teeth. His father shot him a look. He felt a force pushing him down again. “Taurus….cared for the legion...it’s identity...our soul….he could of ran off to join the black legion with the rest of the traitors...but he chose not to. He believed that you would see!” His father shrugged casually.

Tetricus pushed against the force holding him down, he felt annoyed. He wondered what exactly his brother saw? Why would he readily obey his orders if he gave them? Why does he want Fulgrim to lead them? What did he see? +It’s fun...watching you struggle. So I will allow it.+ The force vanished, he shot up right. He clutched his staff tightly, his father smiled. +I don’t care that you are a psyker, I don’t care for the opinions of my sons on the subject. I don’t care...if you spill your blood in some misguided crusade to prove me wrong. For in the end…what was his name again?+ Tetricus seethed, the adoration before is gone. He still has respect for his power but his love he felt before is dying. “Taurus.” he said firmly. He clicked his fingers +That’s his name! Taurus fell...so I am right and he is wrong. So in the end what you are doing is pointless. It’s boring. But I will tell you...when the call is made not all will be worthy to join me...+ Tetricus froze “what do you mean?” His father gave a coy smile. +It’s as I said...not all will be worthy to join me...if you are too ugly, weak, disgusting…+ he went on and began listing off traits. Tetricus found his mouth moving suddenly “Those who do not remember the past...are condemned to repeat it….” His father stopped talking. +All those who died...are wrong my son.+ “They...did not look at the bigger picture...that’s why they failed. My goal has not changed...but.” +But what?+ “Fine. I see what you are doing. With the 4th I will give you a grand show, a show so great the 4th will be the company that will stand over the others when the time comes to muster. But I will do it my way.” he said firmly.

Fulgrim chuckled softly +interesting…+ he picked out an apple from the basket. He threw it to him, the apple shrunk as it traveled in the air. He caught it and looked at the brilliant red fruit. +Eat it my boy, fruit is good for you.+ His helmet began moving by itself, it came off with a hiss. The helmet floated in the air, right above his head. Tetricus breathed in the air the musk was stronger, he then opened his mouth and devoured the apple. With each bite his nerves burned, his body seared with pleasure. It was too much, but he kept eating. He knows what his father is doing, he is giving him a small headstart. Once left with the core, he ate that as well. He felt his mind bubbling, expanding he gasped. The sensation would not end, it kept rising and falling constantly. His body trembled he wondered if he is going to feel like this all the time? But as the sensation rose in his body, his vision was darkening. He dropped to his knees again. His staff fell to one side. He could see his father smiling in his hazy vision, he gave a small clap. +Before my son leaves...give him a good time all of you.+ All of the dancers stopped, they faced him, the masks shifted to a daemonic smile the last thing he saw was the mob running towards him.

***
Inferus walked down the tunnel with Resis, he has shown her the kitchen and now he is going to show her his master’s chamber. He smiled, Resis was not that talkative, but she was polite which was a surprise. But suddenly she sniffed the air. “I smell...roses, honey and….” she continued to sniff. “Something else…” Inferus furrowed his brow. “Is something wrong?” She shook her head “I don’t know.” Inferus looked at the door leading to Tetricus’ room, he started running, panic played across his heart. Resis ran with him, as he got to the door he quickly opened it and stepped inside. He saw his master standing in the middle of the room, his back his turned, he was not wearing his helmet either. But one thing he has noticed is that the map of the galaxy is extremely detailed, the names of sectors and sub-sectors floated around a group of worlds. He saw miniature ships flying around and the stars? Were brilliant and bright. But what was strange in the ultramar system, on one of the planet’s he saw the sigil of the Ultramarines. Also he spotted the legion rune of the Death Guard on another planet nearby. He then found his eyes moving to another planet, he did not recognise it but he spotted legion symbol belonging to the thousand sons. He was still staring as he approached his master. “So...you improved it.” He said nothing, Resis grabbed his shoulder stopping him, he looked at her. “Be careful.” “Why?” “He has the smell of a hungering predator.” His teacher shook his head, he turned to face him. His eyes were now black like the void. “The stakes have been raised my apprentice.” “I don’t understand.” “None of us did…” he said sadly. “Look to the map.” He obeyed. “What am I meant to see?” “Three primarch’s are now in real space, with their coming and the 13th black crusade over...we are in a precarious place.” “How so?” “Many in the third view this as a chance to pillage, raid and slake their base desires due to the Cicatrix Maledictum.” He looked at the warp scar running across the galaxy. “Why is this our problem?” His master sighed slightly. “It seems...my father is picking favourites.” “Is that our concern?” “It is, imagine this a reviled company a broken warband who many hated did not earn a place to fight at the side of the lord of the third?”

He hanged on that question, Inferus thought about it. Then he realised something “they will gang up on us like wolves.” “Exactly, so it’s far more important that we gather the best. This...galaxy is our stage, my father is watching it, he watching every single of of us. We have to make those we face choke on their screams, we have to break and humiliate those who stand before us.” Tetricus placed his hand on his chest. “We...remember him fondly….but the galaxy moved on. My father moved on...he never truly cared to begin with. He only cares for those who are entertaining, nothing more.” “So...we hold nothing back then?” “Yes, we can’t hold back. For if we do, anyone of us can be turned into a chaos spawn. What happened to Taurus is a lesson. If we are to see success we must follow the nature of the dark prince, we must follow it’s currents…” As he stared at his master, he seemed more confident. That he is ready to lead them. He pointed to a planet. “My next brother is there.” The planet then burst with a brilliant pink fire. “As we retrieve him will offer the screams of the populace to mark our beginning.” Inferus bowed, oddly Resis did as well. “Yes my lord.”

I had actually meant "what was your motivation *for* killing taurus but the answer you gave definetely explained it. I just thought taurus would be around a little longer, he was a damn enigmatic character.

You've been churning out these chapters very quickly recently btw, good job! Im glad you enjiy writing them as much as we enjoy reading them. A couple of my friends have also started reading these and are enjoying them immensely, keep up the good work. One of these days ima head over to the kinkos and make a tome for you.

 Dayknight wrote:

I had actually meant "what was your motivation *for* killing taurus but the answer you gave definetely explained it. I just thought taurus would be around a little longer, he was a damn enigmatic character.

You've been churning out these chapters very quickly recently btw, good job! Im glad you enjiy writing them as much as we enjoy reading them. A couple of my friends have also started reading these and are enjoying them immensely, keep up the good work. One of these days ima head over to the kinkos and make a tome for you.

I intended for Taurus' story to be a tragedy. A straightfoward emperor's children astartes is quite rare. I alway felt that Taurus is what they should of been as heretics. If there were tons of Taurus' they would of been united by now.

The story of the astartes side of the first book started with Tertricus. The deaths of Adelram and Taurus are lessons is a sense, lessons I want to show. Lessons that Tetricus is now learning slowly. Also I am glad you and your mates are enjoying the story!

Chapter 17
The town burned, humans are impaled on stakes, they have been beaten, lashed and tormented. Tetricus strode through the town, searching for his brother. His warband are off doing other things and Inferus’ companion is travelling around with Resis. His apprentice looked up to him. “Is this...necessary?” He asked that the first time they began the offering. It’s mainly due to the fact that the humans in this town abased themselves before him, they were clearly a cult belonging to slaanesh. He is having them killed, tortured and mutilated because they follow the dark prince. He saw it in their eyes, their hope disintegrating, being replaced by utter horror and if he brushed his thoughts over the dying they call him traitor. But he knew, that slaanesh would smile on him instead, their agony is greater, their pain is greater and the torment they are feeling now mixed together with what is happening to them? It’s most likely like wine for his patron.

He gave a weak smile “I kill them...because they follow the dark prince. It’s all a show Inferus, we are the actors. The galaxy is our stage.” “But they could of been useful.” “I know, but we require favour, we need to draw his eye to our warband. I imagine my father is clapping in amusement on his cushion.” “What...cushion?” He sighed heavily “it’s a long story, but I tell you this. Faith is pointless, praying is pointless, I saw my father Inferus. He is the window showing me the mindset of the dark prince. He...doesn't care if we die, I imagine it’s the same for all of the gods. We are their pawns in a game, in our case we are putting on a show, a show where we drown in our excesses and desires. If the dark prince finds it too boring? Look what happened to our captain.” “I understand master.” “No, none of us understands anything, I would be lying if I said I did not enjoy tormenting these people, but the more we act, the more the dark prince shapes us…” the flames whipped in the wind. The purple fire held the smell of perfume, even wearing his helmet it pierced his filtration system.

As they walked he spotted a human in the distance, he looked at them. He then turned to make a run for it. Tetricus raised his hand to hold him in place. They strode to him, he made a small gesture with his hand to twist the man around. Gazing at his eyes he could see he was the leader of this little cult. He allowed him to speak, he stammered “W-why are you killing us!? We serve you!” He looked at the man, he could not bring himself to care. He frowned I am becoming like him. He shook his head. “We are all slaves, slaves to darkness. The followers of the emperor slave away for a corpse that did not want to be a god. Atrocity...after atrocity. The difference between us and them…” He leaned down and whispered into his ear. “We enjoy it…you thought yourself as some king...a ruler...the community bowed to your every whim. Now you will die...forgotten, a broken thing that bit off more than he could chew...” He leaned back. The mortal was now soiling himself “The dark prince will smite you! He will protect us! Our lord will avenge us!” He ranted, he wailed at the end. Deep down he knew that slaanesh would do nothing, his life is just a spec in a wind to a hurricane that can devour civilisations. Tetricus placed his hand on his head, he drew all of his pain to the front of his mind, dealing with a divorce, being empty, the joyous pain of torture and finally the sting of having everything destroyed. He took all of it away, he then drew it into himself and he felt invigorated somewhat.

Tetricus released his head and the power that held him, the husk toppled to the ground giving a silent scream. He will die slowly, watching everything he built burn to ashes. His apprentice stared at the man. “Do you care?” Tetricus asked. “No, I am worried about you.” He shook his head “I just see clearly now, how the galaxy truly is. I wonder...when the legions attacked terra...what were they thinking? When the loyalists fought tooth and nail to win against them I wonder if they knew what they were fighting for would turn into a mockery? Some of us amongst the legions think ourselves as enlightened masters, risen up by powerful gods. While the imperium fights to preserve a rotten carcass. There are no winners here...only losers.” Inferus folded his arms. “You are bitter.” “I am bitter. Things….were so simple in the past. My father forced me to see. To see who he truly is, what he is.” “What he is?” Tetricus nodded “Adelram...your old master, he fought for Fulgrim’s approval. He thought he was following a divine will. He would do anything for the dark prince or my father. But he got battered by the storm in the end, he was mangled, destroyed and then devoured. Taurus….our Taurus, he thought that he could change our primarch’s mind, that he could rescue the soul of our legion. But the lord of the the third would never think that he is wrong, nor would he care to be proven wrong either. Captain...was just another interesting show until he bored the dark prince.” His apprentice sighed heavily. “So tell me then. Why do we fight? Why do we continue?” “We continue because we have no choice in the matter. For if we stop trying to reach for that impossibility the storm will come and consume us. Since I am flawed I still desire to see the 4th be prominent.” Inferus said nothing, he could see his words have caused him to think.

Tetricus continued walking. “Now come, we must find the new recruit.” They continued walking then suddenly from a large shack, a astartes in Tartaros pattern Terminator armour smashed through the wooden wall. He held a phoenix power spear, his armour was black and pink. Black leather straps dangled from his arms and were wrapped around his legs, he also wore a silk tabard. The terminator shifted to them, the eye lenses of his helmet burned with a blue inferno. He spoke with a cool and deep voice “Are thou a foe? Whence hast thou cometh from?” Tetricus could not recognise the accent, but he understood what he said. He recalled reading several books that spoke in a similar tongue. “I am not a foe, we are of the 4th and I wish for you to join us. I am Tetricus lord of this host.” “The 4th? Wherefore hast thou burned down this town? They art loyal meiny of the dark prince despite being annoying.” He knew meiny meant group or followers. “I know they are loyal, it’s why I burned them. Their torment will be greater.” The terminator shook his head disapprovingly. “I can sense thou are troubled, haply the dark prince did send me the vision because thou art wandering astray?” Tetricus gripped his staff tightly. “I am not wandering astray, now will you join me or not?” The terminator looked at him and then Inferus. He relaxed and stood upright. He tapped the haft of his spear on the ground. “I am Justus, the immortal, Justus the dateless and the guardian of dark desire. I am eager to guide you back to true faith.” As he said dateless, he guessed it’s meant to be a far more grander title.

He walked up to him. “Tell me...why do you talk like that?” Justus groaned in annoyance. “One day, I just did find myself talking like this. Nay matter what I bethink, or how I wanteth to declare the word 't cometh out in this strange dialect.” Inferus chuckled “I think how you talk is great.” “I doth desire this mortal is not annoying, if 't be true he is I wilt killeth him.” “I am the cook, I assure you I am not annoying my lord.” The terminator shifted in surprise. “Thou can understandeth me? This is a joyous day! Praise the dark prince! I did knoweth 't wast right to leaveth the side of mine brothers, to leaveth mine lord primarch.” He placed his hand on his chest. “Tetricus I shalt beest loyal to thy warband to mine dying breath, I wilt tender up thy enemies to the dark prince in rapturous prayer.” Tetricus rolled his eyes in annoyance, it’s clear he is one of the phoenix guard. That fact outweighs him being a fanatic and his speech impediment. He offered his hand “Well...let’s hope this works out.” Justus grasped it. “'twill worketh out, the dark prince did desire us to meeteth.” His annoyance grew, he reminded him of Silentus somewhat. He was not sure whether that was a good thing or bad thing.