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Chapter 27
His body ached, he couldn’t open his eyes. He wanted to sleep, he was so tired, weak even. +Wake up…+ a voice said. Inferus knew who the voice belonged to, he hoped it would go away. +Wake up…+ it repeated. This time the voice was more forceful, he felt his eyes opening slowly. What was before him was Cazira smiling to him, hovering over him. +Don’t forget your end of the deal. You haven’t given me any souls yet.+ Inferus blinked several times.

Cazira drifted away, Inferus then took a deep breath. “Where am I?” he remembered the old man stabbing him. Then darkness came after that, as he awakened he found himself chained down surrounded by men in blue robes. When their chant reached its height all he felt was agony, it was like someone was burning his body. The pain was too much and he lost consciousness again. Now he was here, he tried to moving his arms around but he felt nothing. He panicked and sat up, he was in a bedroom a fine one at that. It had furnishings, a balcony entrance and a wine cupboard. “I need to contact master…” He tried to send his mind out, but he felt a stinging sensation around his neck. His astral form would not leave his body. Inferus looked down to his neck, he was wearing a choker with a blue gem embedded in the mouth of a raven. He tutted “a psy-jammer…Cazira!” She came to the bed again and drifted around him. +What is it?+ “Where am I?” +Back with your family of course.+ At the mention of family he furrowed his brow. “I….have no family.” The daemon chuckled, she landed on the bed and relaxed at his side. +I speak the truth, but what I recommend is that you slaughter your way through here, bathe in the blood, pain and violence. Th-+ “I am not doing that, you are aware I have no arms at the moment?” Inferus shifted off the bed and stood up. He looked down to himself, he was wearing a light blue shirt and black trousers. He then turned his head back to the daemon. “Also I doubt you can do something about my arms the dark prince took them.” +I could do something...but I won’t do it for free.+ Her words caused him to frown, it’s clear she wants to add another clause onto their contract. He was in no mood for that.

Inferus turned to the door “If they wanted me dead...I would be. Plus this does not look like a prison…” As he took a step towards the door, he heard the locks of it moving. The door then opened to reveal a woman with long black hair and caramel coloured skin. She had a figure in black armour following behind her. He assumed that was her bodyguard. The guard closed the door behind them, Inferus stood ready to defend himself. Even if he has to use his legs he will fight back. The woman smiled warmly “So...how are you?” Her question confused him, she spoke like she knew him. “I don’t know who you are woman...now if you don’t let me go…” He put a slight edge on his voice.

Her guard did not even move his hand to the curved blade that is attached to his belt, he did not view him as a threat that is evident. The woman shook her head. “You don’t recognise your mother?” At the mention of mother, Cazira started to laugh. But the news floored him, he did not find it amusing at all. “Liar! She is dead! It’s a trick!” She took a step forward, he took a step back. “Look at me, look in my eyes, hear my voice. It is me.” Inferus found himself listening to her, searching his memory she looks exactly the same, her voice, eyes and hair. He shook his head. “Y-You should be dead...d-don’t come near me. I-I d-don’t need you.” He kept telling himself that over and over. His supposed mother kept walking to him and he kept stepping back until he hit the wall.

She now stood in front of him, she was slightly taller than him. But soon as she stood almost a breath away, then came the smell. The familiarity, he wanted it to go away. He did not need this now. The woman reached out and touched his face, she grasped it gently with both hands and for some reason he did not resist. “My little boy...all grown up.” She is making him feel things that he had no desire to feel, his mind wracked that he should kill her and focus on his mission. His head pounded heavily, but his heart told him no. He couldn’t do such a thing, this is what he always wanted.

To the detriment to the mission he listened to his heart, he hated himself, he hated the one before him but he couldn't help it. “M-Mother…” tears started to fall down his eye. She removed her hands from his face, she hugged him tightly. Inferus wanted to hug her as well, but he couldn’t. He was not able to, but what he also found is that Cazira was no longer laughing.

He slowly turned his head to the bed, the daemon was frowning, she did not look amused at all for some reason. +Kill her.+ she said firmly. I can’t...Inferus thought to himself. +Ask me to rip her to pieces and I will. I thought you would be consumed with anguish at the revelation but you are embracing that...false love.+ He turned his head back. His mother let go of him. +She is not your mother...your mother and father is slaanesh.+ Inferus looked down slightly. “What’s wrong?” asked his long lost mother.

He shook his head. “This...is just a dream. A wonderful one at that…” He could hear almost an elated breath from Cazira. “But…” His mother lifted his chin up with her hand. “I am real, whatever plagues you...your father can fix it.” At the mention of father that was another blow, the news hammered his heart. He is hoping with all of his heart that this is real. +Hope is a lie…+ hissed the daemon. But she is right in front of me. +She deceives you.+ I know she is telling the truth. His mother then smiled warmly. “Come with me, dinner is ready for you.” She moved her hand to the stump that it is his arm. He started to walk, for the first time just maybe things will turn out alright. As he got to the door, the guard opened it to let them out. He looked back to the bed and Cazira was gone. .

***

Tetricus had the knife ready, he then placed his bare arm onto his table. The blade has been marked with the correct runes to enhance the pain signals that are sent to his brain. He then slowly pressed the blade onto his forearm, he actually winced. He clenched his teeth, he was used to tormenting others, not himself. But the fact he is doing it to himself and he is not used to it makes it more painful. Tetricus tried to relax “just embrace it…” he pressed the blade deeper. He gasped and drew a line the first part of a basic glpyh. He removed the blade from his skin, his hand trembled, he stared at the glistening blood and in the wound he saw a slight pink glint. He smiled, the apprehension was ebbing away, he could feel a strange surge in his arm. The pain was still there, but his mind said one thing. More. So he continued.

The anguish was fresh, it tasted and felt far more better than committing such things to mortals. He made complex designs, bringing the blade up and down his arm until the table was drenched with blood. His blood held his attention, the lights were also wonderful. He bought his arm up and he smiled. “This is just the start…”

He lowered his arm letting the blood drip onto the floor. “I should check up on him, we still have a planet to invade.” He closed his eyes and launched himself into the astral sea. He sent the call out, he waited for a moment, that moment then turned to minutes. He frowned “he is not answering…” He tried again, no response came.

This time he searched for his aura, or soulfire. He swam through the sea but he couldn’t find anything. He returned to his body and furrowed his brow. “What is he doing?” He is slightly worried, but he trusts him. Perhaps he is doing something important?

***

He sat a long table, Inferus was seated at the middle, his mother was sat at the far left end and his supposed father sat at the right. The guard from before was standing at the door. He then stared at the food in front him, a servant was waiting for him to be ready to eat but he had questions plus he has no desire to be fed. He turned his gaze to the bald man, his brown eyes held great understanding, that he has seen and done many things. “Tell me...why now? Why did you not come for me sooner if you are truly my father?” He was eating at the moment, he stopped and smiled. “Because as the fates decreed you would come to me, if I intereved all I saw was disaster in the flames.” “Flames?” “Oh yes, look around you.” Inferus looked around the dining hall, he saw braizers burning and angelic statues holding smaller braizers of flame. “So you have reverence for the flames, but tell me how are both of you alive?” He is aware chaos is involved, that is undeniable. “My angel showed me the correct path and gave me the power. He also saved me from death.” “Angel?” “Or you could say daemons, but that is a crude term in my opinion.” “They are daemons.” Inferus retorted.

His father chuckled “they are daemons if you misuse their powers. But I built this paradise for us, we have names. I am William.” He gestured to his mother. “Your mother is called Jane and you are…” His voice trailed off for a moment. “I waited years for this...your name is Ansel.” As he heard Ansel, it strangely moved him, he had no idea why. His father nodded. “Ansel Regan...my son.” William was actually tearing up, as a child he remembered when they were alone this would happen. But it was more of frustration back then, this time he saw happiness. Inferus smiled slightly “I see...but. You are aware a different god holds me?” “That has been taken care of.” “W-What? How?” “As I said my angel and the lord of fates revealed many mysteries to me. I did a trade, you are free.” The smiled turned weak, he wondered if he should speak of Cazira? But even if he did free him of his pact the 4th will still attack and end this dream. “I have also prepared for the rampaging super soldiers. Don’t worry.” “What are you going to defeat them with? They are still astartes. The PDF won’t stop them.” William cut a piece of meat and placed it into his mouth. He chewed and then swallowed. “We have more than PDF, as I said don’t worry.” The reassurement strangely made him happy, he wondered if this was true happiness? His father is real, his mother is real.

Despite his reservations, he believes that he could handle the attack that is coming. But what confused him is why is he accepting this so easily? He felt conflict before? But now? He was ready to accept that all of this is real. +This dream won’t last…+ Cazira whispered into his mind. +It’s a boring...horrible dream. What you crave is pain, blood and violence.+ He tensed up, he never wanted those things. +Oh a family? Such a desire is so fleeting...weak and flawed. If you want kinship...look to the one near the door.+ Inferus found his eyes moving to the door, he stared at the guard. “Oh by the way Ansel, he will be your guard from now on. Oktai will watch after you.” said his father. Oktai bowed “I will protect your life my young lord.” The voice that came from his helmet caused his eyes to widen. +Yes...the one who stabbed you remember? He lives in the moment...violence gives him wicked joy. Pain is truth...kill the deceivers and we can return to reality.+ I don’t want to go… +He robbed you of your arms, your mark and soon enough he will sever me from you. He even collared you like a pet. That’s all you are. Seek the aid of your guard, he is the one that truly cares for your wellbeing. Your “father” wants a dream that is already dead...+ “Ansel?” Inferus jolted he shifted to his father. “Yes? What is it?” “I just wanted to tell you...that you are getting married tomorrow.” At the mention of marriage he shook his head, shock playing across his face. “Why?”

He did not know what to think or say, they just came together and now he wants him to get married? “Me and Jane picked out a nice wife for you. After I wish to have grandkids.” He shot up from the table. “I don’t feel like eating.” “Very well, Oktai escort my son back to his room.” Inferus looked to the guard, he opened the dining room door. In silence he walked out, Oktai fell in behind him and closed the door. Inferus stopped and looked back slightly. “I want to ask you something.” “What is it?” “What...do you think of me?” “I am not required to ask such questions my lord.” “Please…” The guard sighed slightly. “I sense a disquiet within your mind. You are unsure.” Inferus could not help but chuckle “Are you really a guard?” “No, but my range of skills are wide.” He then started to walk, Oktai remained a few paces behind him. “Is this just a dream?” The “guard” said nothing. “You know what is coming, what do I do?” “Suffer in liberty than delight in captivity.” “Excuse me?” “Live free or die, it’s far better to be free than to be trapped. To be trapped means death.” “Aren’t you trapped? You serve my father.” He wagged his finger “I am loyal to your family my young lord.” His answer was surprising, Oktai barely knows him yet he is answering his questions so freely.

They soon reached his room door, Oktai stepped forward to open it. Inferus was about to walk in, but he stopped. He stared into the blue eye lenses of his tiger shaped helmet. “When we talked before...was what you told me true?” “Yes my young lord.” Oktai said without hesitation. “Then I should complete my mission then? Get my arms back? Murder everyone in the mansion and escape?” The old man stared at him, he sighed again. “Are you always this afraid?” “Yes, because my choices have ruined many, myself included. I also imagine since my father bargained with daemons he is listening to our conversation. Don’t you fear what he will do?” Oktai nodded “he is, but I do not fear him. Let him hear me, if he wants my head I will drag down as many as I can before he takes it.” His words confused him “If you think like that why serve him?” “For what else am I mean to do? I am a killer, I delight in pain and war. Your father lets me hone and enjoy my craft. I cannot fit into anything else, I am old and I wish to die with a blade or gun in my hand. So I will say this to you, my young lord. If you fear it, do not do it. If you do it, do not fear it. All or nothing and laugh to the end.” His confidence was strangely inspiring. He smiled “Thank you Oktai.”

Inferus walked into his room, the old man closed and locked the door. Cazira then rose from the ground. She tapped her head. +Use your thoughts...but you like him don’t you?+ I admit that I do, but...let me enjoy this dream just for a little while longer. Trust me...I won’t disappoint you. I am sure you roughly know how I feel. The daemon’s face turned neutral, she leaned in and sniffed him. She then leaned back, she shifted in the air to make it look like she is sitting. Cazira crossed her legs. +I will believe it when I see it.+ You think I won’t do it? +No I don’t think you will.+ He did not know what the daemon saw, but he knows this won’t last forever. The daemon thinks he will abandon his duty but she is wrong.

***
Senshika sat crossed legged with the other corpus’ they talked of trivial things but she did not feel like speaking. Their room had various trinkets and effects scattered around it and all of them slept on bunk beds. Resis shifted her gaze to her. “What’s wrong?” Senshika clutched her hands, she did not know how to process how she feels at the moment. When she defeated Inferus she was riding a high, but soon after that came the pain, all sense of sensation was draining away and she couldn’t feel anything.

Now? She is stuck like this, tied to Erastus forever until her death. But she did not want to let it show, not to the rest of them. “It’s nothing…” Resis chuckled slightly “Is it regret?” She did not respond to the question, but Resis kept speaking. “We are stronger, faster and more beautiful than the common mortal. We have been elevated.” Senshika ground her teeth. “This does not feel like elevation, he warned me...I should of listened.” “You speak of the one you were with before? I was interested in him at first but he is indecisive.” She narrowed her eyes, she stared at the ground in front of her. Senshika knew that he was strange, that he was searching for something he could not have. She knows that now.

But he did warn her, Inferus told her that Erastus would not give her what she wants. Senshika smiled weakly. “He gave me what I want...but the cost is high.” Resis shook her head. “You will get used to it, prove yourself and he will give you the medication to administer to yourself. I know you are thinking about him, he is wrong.” Her friend is doing all she can to convince her, but she couldn’t help but feel this way. She gave a weary sigh. “I want to go into battle...so I can forget feeling like this.” “I see, so you wish to drown in battle and violence?” Senshika nodded. “That is when I am happy, so that is what I will focus on.” Resis shook her head, she bought her attention to rest of the corpus’

Senshika stared at the rest of them in silence, this is her family now, she is now stuck with them forever. This is her fate.


***
His father fixed his tie on his suit, they stood in front of a set of double wooden doors. William’s home also had a small chapel built into it like he was preparing for this day. His father was also smiling ear to ear. “I always dreamed about this…” Inferus could not help but frown slightly. He is doing this more for him than himself, he did not want to get married, he can recognise that his father wants to move along quickly, like he also knew this is not going to last forever. “So who am I getting married to?” Inferus asked.

His father removed his hand from his tie. “Cynthia Renwick, she is from a prestigious noble family. Now come along we can’t keep her waiting.” His father pushed the wooden doors open, he gestured him inside. Inferus strangely gulped and walked in, the chapel was small, there was no one sitting on the benches save his mother who was sitting at the front next to another woman. His eyes then moved to a woman standing in front of a blue robed priest, his mouth felt dry as he walked down the aisle. As he slowly walked he spotted Oktai standing in the corner watching him, his stance looked like he was expecting something.

After what seemed like an age of walking he was now in front of the priest. His new wife did not move, she continued to look forward. He could hear someone sitting behind him, then came the whispers. But that was drowned out by the loud voice of the priest. He was barely listening until he told him to face the one he is going to marry. Inferus heart began to beat rapidly he could not help it. Both of them turned to face each other, his new wife removed her veil to reveal a young female with fair skin, blue eyes and brown hair. Her face was ridgid, he could tell that she was essentially forced to be here. The priest then spoke. “Cynthia Renwick will you join your flame with Ansel Regan? To take his family name, to love and cherish him?” “I shall.” Her voice had a slight clip, but it was serene at the same time. “Ansel Regan, will you join your flame with Cynthia Verner? To love for eternity? To be bound forevermore?” The marriage rites were strange, he looked over to where his mother was sitting. His father was seated next to her, both of them were egging him on to say yes.

The unknown woman just held a scowl across her features, he assumed she was Cynthia’s mother. Her green eyes only held scorn. He looked back to Cynthia as the priest said “you may kiss the bride.” He looked into her eyes, he did nothing just for a moment. +She doesn’t love you.+ I am not doing it for her. He thought to himself. He was in no mood to have a conversation for the daemon. She will get what she wants. +I won’t, you are seeking a way out you liar.+ I am not lying. +You can’t keep secrets from me, so enjoy your fake dream, your small and pathetic desire. But I will tell you this, I love you the most, I know you more than you know yourself, If you think I will just sit back…..+ That was clearly a threat, but the daemon can rail and warn him. More often than not they move to threats when they are losing control. So he leaned in and kissed her, it was a light one, Cynthia did not want to do this so he tried to respect that.

He then leaned back. Cynthia gave a forced smile “I am happy to be with you my husband.” He did not know how to respond to that. So he lied. “I am happy as well. No-” His father rose from his seat “I am sure both of you are tired, please Oktai.” He left the corner and stood a face paces away like before. Inferus got the hint he wanted him to take her to his room. His father is in complete control here, as he started to walk down the aisle with Cynthia he could see his new wife is grinding her teeth in frustration.

They left the chapel and started to make their way to his room, Inferus frowned slightly “I am not going to touch you.” Cynthia looked up to him in surprise. But then she narrowed her eyes. “I know your kind, I can smell it. You worship the wrong archangel. Is your assassin going to cut my tongue out for speaking out of turn?” “No, he...is a tired old man.” He then heard a rough laugh behind him. “I am doing this for my parents, not for me.” “You could of said no.” “I...can’t say no to them. It’s complicated.” Cynthia looked on ahead. “My father died for you, our own angels whispered his death to my family.” “What?” “To free you from your god.” Now the trade made sense, it’s evident tzeentch has his grip on these people. The fire motifs, his father scrying the tides of fate and the new information dealing with his freedom from slaanesh. His mark is most likely not on his back anymore. “So what would you have me do?” “Free me...let me run away.” Inferus looked back slightly “You would not get far, the one behind us is a hardened killer.” Cynthia clenched her hands, she said nothing further.

Eventually they got back to his room, Oktai let them in. Once they entered he locked the door again, Cynthia started to remove her veil allowing her long hair to flow. She then removed the other accessories that adorned her blue dress. She did not even look at him. “I am also not sharing the bed with you.” Inferus shrugged he walked over to the sofa and sat. “Be my guest, you can have the bed to yourself.” She looked back slightly and frowned. “I tell you this now hedonist if yo-” “You already gave your warning. I have no interest in you.” He had to admit that he found Cazira more attractive, but he knows where that road leads if he pursues it.

Cynthia held her frown, she walked over to the bed and tucked herself in. Inferus sat back on the sofa, he shook his head. I wonder what she is doing? He thought to himself.

Chapter 28
Phasing through the palace was easy, the raven is blind, for it cannot see the larger predator moving around the nest. A grin lined her features. +My investment cannot be caught with false hope...I must correct that…+ She passed through each room at a time until she eventually arrived at the metal thing’s lab. His mind was small, his wants were actually rather large. Cazira watched him tinker at the desk, her investment’s arms were held in a vice, one arm is ruined but the other is still intact. She drifted to the metal thing, she caressed his ambitions, his wants and desires. Already she can see that the metal thing is a caged bird, focusing her sight she can see a blue ring around his neck.

A curse, a weak one at that. She could break it, but for now she wants to use it against the tech priest. Cazira whispered into his ear. +Freedom….+ The creature’s large metal form shifted to her, but it could see nothing. In it’s monotone voice he said. “Is an entity here?” She floated to his desk and moved objects around, the tech priest shifted to the phenomena. +A caged bird who cannot leave…+ She watched his eyes whirl in agitation. +He pressures you to hurry your craft, but he traps you in the place with that curse. But you are aware that there is nothing you can do...you can’t fix his son’s arms.+ The tech priest jumped slightly. “I-I can!” +How can you give something back that was taken by a god?+ The metal thing released a dirge of binary, she understood everything that he was saying. “Gods!? Angels!? Daemons!? None can match the omnissiah!” She then whirled around him, she hovered in front of him and lifted up his face. +Have you ever seen the omnissiah?+ “I know him better than you daemon!” She smiled, her investment’s misguided father has not enlightened this one. So he is a valuable piece. She pressed her forehead on his, she showed him the glorious majesty of the dark prince, a sleek amalgamation of ancient technology, every part was perfect, all the gears whined with the music of torment and pain. The tech priest released a long cant of praise to the dark prince, to the “omnissiah”. She leaned her head back and gave a wistful sigh. +If only my investment was so simple as you…but he would not be amusing either...+ Cazira looked around the chamber, the lab held a large cogitator and a stand that had Inferus’ gear mounted upon it. To her it seemed that his father also knew of the location where he hid his equipment.

The misguided mortal knows literally everything about his son, what he can do and what he will do. But her presence is the random factor, the thing that will topple the laid out plan. She looked back at the tech priest. This is the first part of the plan, after that she will now focus on her investment’s supposed wife. She stared into the eyes of the tech priest +You and I have much work to do...listen carefully….+

***
It’s been a few days since the wedding, at the moment he is eating dinner with his parents. Cynthia had no desire to eat with them and he can’t blame her. His father frowned “why isn’t you wife here? Since the wedding she takes all her meals in her room. Why do you allow it?” “Because you killed her father.” William narrowed his eyes at him, he did not expect him to bring the topic up at the table. “Don’t worry Oktai is guarding my room, also I won’t run away. I assured my...guard that I will come to dinner and here I am.” A servant placed a spoon into his mouth. They then removed it, he chewed slowly. He still wondered what Cazira is doing? The fact he has heard nothing for several days worried him slightly. His mother frowned at his father. “He is respecting his wife’s wishes. Let him ease into it.” William frowned he then looked up to his shoulder, like he is listening to someone or something. He then sighed. “It seems the crazed hedonists will attack in three days.” His mother panicked slightly “W-what do we do?” “My angel has left to set things in motion, don’t worry they will die. They won’t disrupt our life here.” Inferus found it quite concerning that he is so relaxed about the attack. His father underestimates his master and the warband.

Underestimating the followers of the dark prince can lead to death, for they will do anything to win. Even if they have to destroy themselves to do it, he is pure evidence of that fact.

***
Cynthia did not eat anything, the food sat on the small table in front of her. All she wanted to do is leave, her mother had no choice but to marry her off to an armless hedonist. The planetary gather holds total control over her family, soon as her father died William seized all his assets, bought up his whole business. They were trapped, for if she refused he could easily have them thrown onto the streets or worse. She bit her nail in frustration. “I need a way out…” She wracked her brain, searching for an answer until she heard a strange hum. It was a song, she looked around. “By the flaming angel what is…” She rose from the sofa. The hum was coming from the balcony. She slowly walked over to the doors, her hand reached out for the handle but it edged back slightly.

But the song was calling her, she was curious where it was coming from. She reached for the handle and grasped it tightly. She opened the balcony doors and what she found standing at the stone railing of the circular balcony was a man, in a fine black suit. She could see his long white hair blowing in the wind, just watching his back she felt strangely captivated. She slowly walked to the stone railing, looking down slightly. She did not want to see his face, it would be too much. Her heart was beating rapidly then came his serene voice. “Ah..this is a fine day.” Cynthia clutched her face with both hands. If she looked in the mirror she would be red like strawberry. She took a deep breath and looked up, towards the city. The wind brushed against her hair. “So...who are you. Should I call for the assassin to kill you?” The man finally looked at her, he was absolutely handsome, his nose, his face, cheekbones...everything was perfect. He looked young as well, but his eyes, those black eyes held her heart. “A-Are you an angel?” The stranger chuckled “Maybe...there are so many terms for them isn’t there?” That sounded like denial to her, maybe he could be a powerful sorcerer? Maybe he could take her away from here? “I can.” Cynthia clutched her chest tightly. “Y-You can?”

Despite just meeting him she believed him. “Who a-are you? How do you hold such power to free me?” The young man faced her, he gave her a gentle smile. “Carisar, that is my name. What is yours?” She found herself looking down again. “C-Cynthia…” “That is a beautiful name, so you seek freedom?” He stepped closer to her, now it was like her heart wanted to thunder out of her chest. The young man leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. She seized up, Carisar leaned back and jumped onto the stone railing. There was enough room to stand upon it, but the height they are currently at it would mean death if you fall. Carisar offered his hand. “I can take you away from here...far away.” She stared at his hand, a part of her screamed to refuse. But she wanted to be with him, in these short few moments, she loved him completely and utterly. Cynthia grasped his hand. He pulled her up to the stone railing. “But first..I want to ask...do you want to be with me forever?” She looked into his black eyes. “Yes…” she mouthed slowly.

Carisar smiled. “You swear you soul to me? You want us to be soulmates? Lovers forever?” Cynthia finally allowed herself to smile. “Yes...my love.” Carisar grasped her other hand and pulled her close. They then began dancing, Cynthia became lost in it, this is her true love. The one who will take her away. The one who will free her. She was never good at dancing, but her love was guiding her steps somehow, they were so brilliant that they retained balance on the stone railing.

Then the moved to the air itself, Carisar twirled her around, then they came apart and then they came close again. They danced in a circle, until she did a misstep and then she found herself falling. She reached up for her love. “H-Help me!” But he looked down upon her, he blew her a kiss. +We will be together forever…+ She looked dow,n the ground was so close, she screamed.

***
He shifted his form, it had its use but she cared for her investment above all else. She watched his wife go splat, her body shattering on impact, brain matter and blood was spilled across the palace grounds. At the moment the guards are circling her corpse and looking up. But what she waited for was what was coming. In but a second her body grew hot, she felt invigorated, Cazira lingered on that soul, tearing it apart within herself, feasting on her despair, her love and her shock. Then she licked her lips. +Hmm...what will you do now darling?+ She relaxed and crossed her legs. +Pain and violence is the only answer...reach for it....I know you can feel what I done..+ Cazira clutched her chest. +Our contract remember? If I grow...I can give you more power.+ She smiled. +Enjoy her torment…+

***
Inferus spat out his food, he grit his teeth. He couldn’t breathe, the heat was too much. His father and mother rose from the table and ran over to him. “What’s wrong with him!? Is he choking!? His mother shot a look to his father. “I-I d-don’t know.” Their voices became muffled, he could feel the torment of another, her anguished scream. But strangely it felt good, the waves of sensation overwhelmed him. What he is feeling now nothing compares to it. His head dropped onto the table, he twitched slightly.

Then it suddenly vanished, he almost cried out for it to return. Inferus slowly sat back up. He was drooling. His mother and father was looking at him with concern. His mother used a handkerchief to wipe his mouth. He blinked a few times. “Huh…?” His father shook his head. “Have the astartes did something to you? What’s wrong Ansel!?” Inferus mumbled slightly in that moment. “It seems time is up….” He smiled weakly at his parents, even his father was confused. He was not expecting this “Cazira!” Inferus called out. The doors of the dining hall flung open. A gust of great wind erupted from it. Inferus rose from his seat, his father started to spit an incantation but a burst of wind would rush out to stop him.

Inferus strangely did not feel resistance, he left the room. His walk turned into a jog, then a run. It only took moments to get to his room. He saw Oktai, standing at his door. “Let me in.” The old man bowed and opened his door. He stepped into his room to see Cazira smiling at him. +See! You liked that!+ He cocked his head slightly “yes, I did. I see your point. But for now we have to get my arms back.” He looked around the balcony doors were open. “That was my wife’s torment wasn’t it?” The daemon nodded. Inferus shook his head, so Cazira made good on her threat. “Oktai!” The door opened again, his guard stepped into the room. “I want you to follow me.” He faced him. “If you follow me you will get what you seek, joy in war. Instead of killing nobles, come with me and kill soldiers, astartes, other followers of the dark gods.” Oktai removed his helmet. He smiled “I sense no fear, your father’s decisions was ruled by fear and possibilities.” “He is a minion of the god of change, I am not surprised but if we are going to escape alive we need my arms.” Oktai placed his helmet back on, he removed his blade from his belt and a bolt pistol. “Follow me my young lord.” He opened the door and stepped out, Inferus followed him, Cazira drifted behind him as they left his room she was chuckling to herself.

Now in the hallway, Oktai looked around. “This way.” They turned left and ran down the hallway. From the sides of the wall, blue ravens emerged they cawed and screamed. From their mouths they shot fireballs at Oktai, he rolled to the side and pointed his bolt pistol at the ravens. In two quick shots he felled both of them. He rose and continued to run. Inferus was surprised he said nothing with what just happened. But considering most of the nobles on this planet are sorcerers he most likely has seen worse.

He continued to follow him, they made twist and turns until they arrived at a room. “I can’t open this door.” Oktai said curtly. Cazira hovered over to the door and waved her hand over the lock. Inferus heard a click. “Now you can.” Oktai nodded and placed his bolt pistol into it’s holster. He opened the door and gestured for him to go inside. “Quickly.” Inferus nodded and ran inside, Oktai entered after him.

As his guard closed the door, Inferus looked around. They were now in a lab. He saw a tech priest a huge one at that. His red robe was in tatters and his mechandrites were messing with his armour. “Get away from there!” +It’s fine darling….I have returned.+ The tech priest looked around, he raised his metal hands up. “Please! Show me more! I must see perfection!” +I can show you more...but have you done what I asked?+ “Yes! Look!” He walked away from his armour, it has been edited. Specifically the right arm. The arm did not look human, it held two large digits and a thumb. The gauntlet was also clawed. “What is the meaning of this!?” +It’s modifications for your new arm, your father had this tech priest ruin one to understand it.+ He cursed, he was down an arm but it’s clear the daemon had something in mind. “What are you planning?” +Just sit on the chair near the table.+ Inferus frowned slightly, he did as the daemon said. Oktai grumbled. “Hurry up, guards are most likely coming soon.” Cazira gestured to the tech priest +go get the left arm.+ he nodded and removed the propshetic from the vice. +Darling get rid of the shirt.+ “I can’t.” he moved his stumps around. He looked over to the old man “Oktai! Remove my shirt!” his guard walked to him and tore off his shirt, he then returned to his original position.

The tech priest shuffled over to his left arm and pushed his prosthetic arm onto the stump. “What are you doing?” +It’s part of the process, but now you have a choice.+ He locked eyes with the daemon. “A choice!?” +Well yes, the tech priest does not have the time to reattach your left arm and he has destroyed the right one. So I pro-+ “No.” +You haven’t even heard the offer yet!+ Cazira pouted. Inferus groaned in annoyance, the daemon put him in such a position where he has no choice but to accept if he wants to return to Tetricus. “Speak then.” The daemon grinned. +I want something simple...you will kill your parents.+ Her demand caused him to hesitate. +What were you hoping for? That they would join the warband? I won’t allow it, they are distractions.+ He looked down slightly, he found his lips trembling. +The dream is over darling. Your father built a box for himself, a “paradise” for his family. Now it’s time to free yourself.+ “Why? I...just got them back. Maybe if I tal-” +No more talking, no more excuses.+ Inferus ground his teeth. He looked up to the daemon. “Fine. Can you also remove the psy-jammer?” +I can, now let’s get started.+ She reached into her gut with both hands.

It phased right through it, she moved them around until she pulled out a white snake. She drifted over to his right arm and bought the head of the snake to it. +This will hurt.+ The snake bit into the stump, Inferus screamed in agony. His veins along his arm turned black, the snake flailed as it sunk it’s fangs into his arm. He moved it frantically trying to shake it off. He felt his flesh moving, the bones in both arms clicking and twisting. +Stop resisting it…+ Cazira cooed. He couldn’t help it, it felt like something was overtaking him, shifting his thought pattern. +I am adding little bit on top of you psycho-indoctrination...don’t worry it’s to our benefit…+ Blood began to run down his nose, he cursed the daemon.

Inferus then sagged on the chair, the pain ebbed away he panted slightly. He tried to move around his fingers but something felt different. He bought up his left arm, it was the same as before. But his right? The flesh was pale, he had three digits like his armour. But instead of simple nails he had black claws. He wiped away the blood from his nose and looked at his hand, his blood was black. He bought his eyes up to the daemon. “I don’t feel any different.” +Relax, get suited up first.” Inferus sat up, the tech priest shuffled back slightly.

He walked over to his armour and began putting it on, he used telekinesis to connect the interface ports. He stopped at the helmet and cloak. He pointed at his neck. “Remove the psy-jammer.” Cazira nodded and drifted over to him, she touched the blue gem with her finger. It blinked several times, it then turned black.

Soon as the colour changed his brain thundered with power, vigour returned to his body. As his powers were released he gripped the choker with his left hand and tore it off with ease. He then placed his helmet on and attached the camo-cloak to his wargear. The tech priest looked over to Cazira’s direction. “You said that you would give me freedom. He pointed at his neck with a mechadendrite. The daemon nodded, a gleeful smile played across her lips. +Darling with your powers restored can you see a blue ring around the metal thing’s neck?+ Inferus turned to the tech priest, he opened his witch sight and he could see a blue flame nesting around it. “I can, what do you want me to do?” +Just grab it.+ He walked over to the tech priest, he started to break into song praising the omnissiah. Inferus reached out and grabbed the blue flame, the tech priests head suddenly clicked and exploded.

The sudden explosion caused him to take a step back. “What!? What di-” Then came his anguished shock coursing through his body, he was alive just for a moment before his head vanished. The betrayal, the agony. Inferus oddly found it...sweet. He fell silent, he nodded. “Let me contact master, we need to attack now.” He closed his eye and sent his astral form out. Once he arrived at the astral sea, he sent out the call. His master responded right way. “What happened!?” Inferus shirked back slightly. “I...it’s complicated.” His master’s form was bigger, it vibrated violently. He then calmed down. “Fine, but what do you want to tell me?” “To attack now, the one in charge of this planet knows you are going to attack. He follows the lord of fate, he thinks you are going to attack in three days.” “We were going to attack in three days, I wanted to wait and see if you made contact. So a change of plans then...I will begin the assault. What will you be doing?” “Taking care of the planetary governor. He is powerful.” His master nodded “So we have a plan. I will see you planetside.” Inferus bowed. “Yes my lord.”

His master’s astral form vanished, now alone he went back to his body. The sound of gunshots greeted his ears, he opened his eye to see Oktai standing over three corpses. “We need to move.” “Yes we do, but first we have to kill my parents.” He walked over to the old man. He offered his hand. “Do you wish to join me?” Oktai looked down to it, he grasped it tightly. “Aye, let us do this.” Inferus then felt an odd tingle up his right arm. Oktai’s head cocked his head. “That was strange.” He released his grip on his hand. He moved it slightly. “I can move my hand more easily…” Cazira floated over. +That’s the first…+ Normally he would think of the possible implications of what just happened but they have no time for that.

He stepped out of the room and looked down the hallway. He could sense his father was within the dining hall. Oktai walked out of the room still flexing his hand. “So where are we going?” “To the dining hall” said Inferus. He then raced down the hallway, the old man followed him. As they ran he could not help but think of those who will try to stop them, he felt sorry for them in a sense since they will not die quickly.

***
Tetricus strapped himself into the drop pod, Cassius, Erastus and Faust was with him. Some of the recruits were held in the other drop pods and Justus was taking the thunderhawk down with the mortals they could muster. “We will work our way up to the palace. On our way there we will smash aside the defenders. After that we will enslave the dregs of this world.” Cassius grumbled “I thought we were attacking in three days?” “I changed my mind brother. Now be ready, it’s likely the ones on this planet follow tzeentch.” Erastus then clapped in an excited manner. “We must capture some alive! I wish to examine their mutations!” “Worry about that after we take the city.” The apothecary sighed, Faust gave a small chuckle. “We are all eager to attack the world. We should take our time.” Tetricus gave a curt nod to the noise marine, he was right they should enjoy this but they can’t forget the objective. The drop pod started to shudder as it was released from the ship.

His auto-senses counted down the time it will take to make impact. His staff was mag-locked to his back, he was eager to put into practice the things he learned thus far. “You seem excited as well.” said the palatine blade. “I won’t deny it, I learned a few things...I am eager to put it to use.” He looked at the countdown again. 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...The drop pod shuddered violently and grew still.

The door opened, Tetricus undid his belt, so did his brothers. They jumped out of the drop pod and looked around. The city was gorgeous, great spires, finely carved buildings and the statue in the distance near the palace. He pointed to the statue. He updated everyone’s tactical objective. “We will congregate at the statue and then move to the palace.” As his autosenses chimed with confirmation he looked to his brothers. Cassius twirled his saber, Erastus loaded his needle gun and Faust adjusted the frequency on his sonic blaster.

From the skies other drop pods landed around them, his brothers hopped out. Then from a side street a group of PDF along with a blue robed priest came out. The priest wore a halo that burned with fire, he pointed his power maul at them. “These machines of war have come to ruin the paradise of the flaming angel! Kill them!” The recruits chuckled slightly, the PDF raised their las-guns and fired.

Instead of a red beam it was an orange and it felled two astartes. One shot blew off an arm and another disintegrated a head. Right away everyone fell into battle stance. In that single moment they all knew that they must not underestimate them. Tetricus made a call order to all squads. “Do no underestimate the mortals! They are followers of the changer of ways!” Tetricus readied staff, he spat out a fell verse. A sliver glistening fog enveloped their enemy, the PDF started to cry out to lost loves, things they missed and to sensation itself. But the fog was suddenly consumed by a inferno. The priest shouted “Do not listen to fell whispers of the god of greed! The goddess of depravity! The flaming angel is watching!” The flame vanished and the PDF looked ready to fight again. Tetricus cursed “their priests are psykers…” The blue robed priest then sprouted wings of fire. He leapt up into the air and fired a great fireball from his hands. Cassius shouted “Do something witch!” Tetricus raised his staff, he drew the fireball into his staff, the power was great. “Go and attack them already! I will deal with the priest!” His brothers charged at the mortals, they cried prayers to slaanesh, they whooped and screamed. All of them wanted to experience the sweetest joys of combat.

He bought his attention back to the priest, he drew the rest of the fireball into his staff, unbinding the psychic power. The priest began to babble his religion at him. “All return to the flame! May my ashes spur the circle of change and purgation!” Tetricus twirled his staff, he summoned a host of dark bolts. Twelve in total. The priest grinned, he knew what was coming. “Even if you change me from alive to dead...we are one small piece in a grand plan. You will not get to the palace!” “Be silent, scream mortal.” He launched the dark bolts, they sought out the priest no matter how hard he tried to dodge, they pounded into his flesh. He screamed in pure agony, it was like music. The runes on his arm started to thrum as the foolish priest fell to the ground, his body covered in burned scars. The best part was when he cracked onto the floor.

Tetricus then looked upon his brothers, the death of their priest broke the mortals, now they were essentially playing with them. Carving off flesh, tearing out eyes and tongues. He strode to them. “Enough, all of you will get your time once we take the city.” They all grunted, some ignored him save the veterans. He could tell there was a measure of disgust whenever he gave out orders, most likely because he is a witch. Cassius shook his head “Stop complaining and get moving! Now!” The recruits ceased, they got back into position again. Tetricus gave a curt nod of thanks to Cassius, he did not react. Tetricus sighed, he pointed his staff at the statue. “Move out!” His brothers started to run down the street, he wondered that if in the future he might have to deal with a rebellion? Even Taurus was not immune to such things.

So the battle is starting. (Also ignore my avatar there is no meaning behind it. )

Edit:Also Dayknight, when you offered feedback that the ship should feel more lived in and that there should be minor characters I think I misunderstood what you meant. It's only now reading Lords of silence (people should read the book it's great.) that I think I am now grasping what you want. So when this war is over I will work towards that properly this time.

Haha i figured!

Honestly this is one of the more tragic stories. I kindof feel bad for asriel's dad. All he wanted was his son back

Edit: so when you first started the story way back on page 1 it felt like there was alot more atmosphere. There were more characters and more moving parts and more setting in a sense.

 Dayknight wrote:

Haha i figured!

Honestly this is one of the more tragic stories. I kindof feel bad for asriel's dad. All he wanted was his son back

Edit: so when you first started the story way back on page 1 it felt like there was alot more atmosphere. There were more characters and more moving parts and more setting in a sense.

I get what you mean thinking about it, reading lords of silence book I think I am learning a few things to get more grit and atmosphere into the ship. What has been happening is that I have been focusing too much on the characters themselves. When essentially when I first started this the story it was more about the warband than the characters in it.

Chapter 29
They raced down the hallway which is now filled with guards, He could see six in total. Inferus raised his left arm, the grapple hook flicked out and shot forward impaling one of the palace guards through the neck. His gurgled cries thrummed through his body, his inner death scream echoed within his skull. He pulled the blade back, a gush of red hot blood spilled onto the floor, he could not remember the last time he had fun killing someone. He could not recall what changed, or perhaps this has something to do with the contract? He looked over to the daemon she was simply smiling, but a orange las-shot whizzing past his vision drew his attention back to the guards in front of him. Oktai leveled his bolt pistol at the one that shot him, he fired two rounds, one hitting his chest and the second blowing off an arm.

As the soldier tumbled to the ground he felt that as well, he could also see the old man shifting slightly as they ran.“That was different…” Inferus was about to answer why that is. But a hail of las-fire flew towards him, he bound to the right using his left leg, then he bound to the left with his right. With each jump he was getting close to the enemy, he removed his flick knife from his belt it danced from the digits of his new arm. Now that he was a few paces away, the four remaining guards flinged their lasguns over their shoulders, they then drew glowing combat knives that held an orange flame. The first of the four went for him, he gripped the knife in both hands, he sought to stab him in the gut. As the blade came in Inferus dodged to the right, taking quick steps to get behind the attacker. He then heard footsteps behind him, he could sense that one wished to attack him from behind. He sent a surge of psychic energy to his legs, strengthening them, he then twisted around at high speed to the shock of the guard, in a swift movement he sliced the guard’s throat with the flick knife. His hands went straight for his neck, he gasped and choked as he fell back onto the ground, twitching as his lifeblood pooled on the floor.

He felt that death as well, a burning sensation across his neck. The heat almost overwhelmed him. Soon as he died the remaining two in front of him took steps back, As he stared at them he felt another death, a gurgled cry came from behind him and then he could hear two objects of different weights hitting the floor. The burning sensation he felt on the front of his neck consumed the entirety of it. Oktai stepped to his side. “I took care of the one that sought to stab you.” he twirled his blade. “He lost his head.” “I know.” The two remaining guards looked at each other and broke into a run, they were fleeing.

Inferus raised his left hand again, he released the grapple hook it shot through the neck of the first, it then diverted to the one who was slightly behind the one he killed, stabbing him in the face. The blade was lodged tightly, both guards dropped to their knees. Inferus then released the smaller blades held in the main one. They flicked out and severed the fleeing guard’s head. The death of both of them tasted sweet, he could get used to this. He wondered if he was having fun as his master said? He drew the grapple hook back. Oktai stared at it. “That’s quite useful.” “It is I barely have to think to summon it and controlling it with telekinesis is quite simple. Now let’s move.” They continued running to the dining hall, he hoped that Tetricus is doing well outside.

***
The attack force moved down the street, it was a slow process. Tetricus could see that the enemy were adequately prepared for an invasion. Their las weaponry and priests were also dangerous. The strategy he decided to employ is that he will focus on unbinding the psychic powers of the priests while his brothers advance upon the PDF. The issue is that if one is distracted a stray shot can take out off a limb or even a head. He did not expect a grinding battle with mortals. A priest screeched at him. “Foul sorcerer! Be purged by fire!” He launched a gout of fire at him, Tetricus raised his hand sucking the flame in. Cassius rushed forward and in a simple blade movement he removed the head of the flaming angel priest. The prefector grunted and looked over to him. “So many witches…” While he was looking away a PDF soldier aimed at him and fired. Tetricus shot a beam of energy at his brother forming a shield, the orange las fire caused the psychic wall to crumble. The palatine cursed “These mortals….” He sprang towards the PDF soldier, first he cut off his right arm, causing the human to scream in agony, then he moved to the left and then to the legs causing the soldier to tumble to the ground. The prefector lifted up his helmet slightly and spat on the corpse.

The gesture to the mortal caused him to chuckle for some reason. “What’s the matter Cassius?” The palatine blade pointed his sword at him. “Pick a better world next time.” Tetricus shrugged “can’t keeping attack easy worlds. You would hate my captain.” The prefector lowered his helmet he grumbled. “Well at least we can advance.” Tetricus looked down the street, he was right his brothers have cleaned up the rest of the PDF. “Right let’s move!” They continued their advance to the golden statue.

The closer they got to it, the amount of forces they encountered was lighter. Eventually they reached the golden statue, they found Justus with the mortals standing over priest corpses. Tetricus briskly walked over to the phoenix guard. “Brother.” Justus nodded. “Thou art well, The priests wast doing some strange ritual hither. But we did deal with 't.” Tetricus looked down at the corpses. “I see…” He then looked at the palace that was in the distance. “Right now we advan-” He then heard the flapping of wings around him, the air changed, all he could hear is cawing. He found himself looking up to the statue, nothing was amiss. Faust walked up to him. “Something is wrong isn’t it?” Tetricus bought his gaze to the noise marine, he shook his head. “I...don’t know.” The sounds of ravens increased, then came gasps from everyone around him. They all pointed up. The dismay caused him to look up again as well, what was before his eyes was the angel wings of the statue caught fire. A halo of fire slowly manifested around the skull.

Tetricus simply stared in a mix of wonder and dread. The skull head slowly moved and looked down towards them. He blinked just once, then the gears of his mind started to turn trying to understand what was before him. As the wings took on a life like movement, along with the robes and hands his heart’s began beating rapidly. “Oh...gak.” He looked around to his warband. “Fall back!” The hollow eyes of the statue started to glow, from the sockets two orange beams shot out and reduced a squad to nothing, all that remained of them was rocks flying up and a raging inferno.

Everyone started to panic and run. Justus looked at the statue and got into battle stance. Doth not worry I can taketh this foul contraption of tzeentch on! Gaze at me! For I am immortal!” Tetricus looked back “Run you stupid bastard! That’s an order!” Justus sighed, he started to break and run with the warband. As they got some distance, the golden statue started to walk. It continued to fire at his forces. Tetricus looked on ahead and shook his head “What were the odds of them having a walking statue!?”

***
They were now in front of the dining room door, they were drenched in blood. His chest moved up and down. The adrenaline that consumed his body was somewhat intoxicating. Oktai chuckled “killing has never been so much fun. What sort of spell did you put on me my young lord?” He could explain his deal with Cazira, but that would take time. He will inform this guard once this war is over. +This is it…+ The daemon was giggling with excitement. Inferus placed his hand on the door handle. Soon as he touched it, the intoxication from before drained away, the gravity of what he is about to do now slammed into him. He was hesitant, just like before. “I might be able to convince them…” +Don’t fo-+ “No you can’t.” said Oktai. Without even knowing it the old man cut off the daemon. “He spent years building this for you, he has his vision and he will not waver.” Inferus sighed heavily “very well…”

He knew the old man was wise, there is only one path. He opened the door and they walked in. As they entered the dining hall he saw his father sitting in his usual spot, his mother was standing next to him. They both just looked disappointed, he could not sense even one trace of anger from them. His father sat back on the chair. “I don’t blame you, I blame the war machines.” “I have come to kill the both of you.” Inferus could detect a measure of sadness in his voice. He did not want to let it show. His father shook his head. “I know...this is the worst outcome, it had a miniscule chance of occurring...but it did come to pass. As I said neither of us blame you. I blame the imperium, I blame the astartes and their pea sized brains. They have been the bringers of ruination, no matter if they are a loyalist or traitor. So...I will take solace in this….my angel will annihilate your warband.” His mother gave a sad smile. “Gavizel carries our last remaining hopes…” “Yes he does, so kill us but I know when you return to them, they will be a smouldering ruin. I have seen it. This is fate and I walk to it gladly.” He rose from his seat, he walked over to him with his mother. They stood impassively.

Cazira started to laugh +Oh how should we do this!? Tear out their eyes!? Should we cut their tongues!? Sever their limbs!?+ Inferus frowned heavily. “Shut up daemon.” Cazira tutted in annoyance. He approached his parents and hugged the both of them. They did not resist, they have fully resigned themselves to fate. He whispered into their ears. “I enjoyed this little dream...but you underestimate them. The changer of ways cannot see all…” He began manipulating their bodies with his biomancy, he could not detect any resistance. He slowly shut down their bodies, their deaths will be painless. Both of them slumped to the ground, he bent down with them grasping them in each hand. They were both smiling, their eyes now looked absent, they are now dead.

With their death’s he felt a hollowness. He could feel his humanity bleeding away and an ebbing sensation on his back. Cazira raged at him. +They taste disgusting! Why did you make their death’s painless!?+ Inferus ignored her ranting, he gently set down their bodies. He rose and faced the daemon. “I have done as you said, you did not state that I should kill them in a specific way.” Oktai rubbed his neck. “Who...are you talking to?” “A daemon.” “Oh..I assume you made a pact with it like William?” “Yes I have. She talks a lot. Now we must return to my master.” He left the dining hall with Oktai and Cazira, the daemon was consumed with rage. The one thing he can take away from this is that he has annoyed the neverborn. Now it’s time to go home.

***
Tetrius panted, his armour was covered in rents and gashes due to dodging the explosions left behind by the statue. None of the warband could entirely dodge the debris left behind, but it seemed to him that a presence within the statue wants to kill them slowly. They could of been annihilated at any time. But the statue is holding back. “Do something witch!” Cassius roared on the vox. Justus grunted “I can visage him, let me tryeth!” “No you can’t!” Tetricus shouted. The phoenix guard shook his head. “But I am im-” “Shut up about being immortal! If you are hit by those lasers they will be nothing left of you! Or if you are ground to paste by it’s feet how sure are you that you will come back!?” Jutus fell silent due to his words. Cassius was right though he did have to do something.

He wondered what would Taurus do in this situation? His captain would do something daring and also stupid. But stupid is what they might need to get out of this situation. They did not have the firepower to level the giant statue. But there was one thing in his arsenal that could. He opened a private vox link to The Great bull. “Sagax!” He heard a yawn on the line. “Yes lord?” “Can you detect a giant structure chasing us on the ship auspex!?” “I can, but why do you ask?” “I want an orbital bombardment on it now!” “You will be caught in the blast, you won’t survive.” “Just do it dammit! A giant statue that can shoot lasers is chasing us!” The vox fell silent for a moment, the shipmaster’s voice then came back. “Very well...priming batteries. Timer being sent to all squads.” A fifteen second countdown popped up on his visual feed. Tetricus turned and stood in place, he shouted. “Gather around me! All of you!” Everyone did as he commanded.

He slammed his staff into the ground, he raised his arms and pushed his psychic powers to the limit, he could hear the daemons screaming at the back of his mind. Waiting for a crack, waiting for a chance to take his body. As all of this was happening the countdown started. 15…..14….13… He summoned a purple of dome of energy. Cassius shouted “What is with the coundown!?” 12...11….10... Erastus started laughing. “Calm yourself prefector! Just enjoy the show!” The mortals, even the corpus’ were shuddering in fear around him. 9...8...7...Faust started to pray for the dark prince to deliver them. 6...5...4…Justus grumbled in annoyance. “ I couldst of taken him….” Tetricus watched the statue stop. He looked down to them, it’s eyes started to blaze with fire. 3...2...1.

The skies split, a great lance of energy fell upon the golden statue. He could hear a daemonic scream erupting from it. The waves of energy washed over them, Tetricus dropped to knees, rocks, heat and pieces of gold battered the dome. But all he could see his white ahead of him, his eyes burned. For a moment he wondered if he made the right decision? His limbs felt tired, weak. The screaming of daemons within his mind increased. He could feel holes starting to form in the dome. He roared out a cry of defiance and restored them. But in that white light, he saw blue feathers descending. Despite being blind, he could see them. +Such a fool...your fate could of been different...if you took the offer of those clad in black you would of won glory. You are not wrong...we are using you...there is no end to this game…now you will die...+ His hearts began to beat rapidly, he strangely felt more weak.

His arms was falling. +You have no hope...no faith...I see your father destroying your legion further...you bleed for an entity that seeks endless decadence. This is your fate...embrace it...+ Tetricus grit his teeth, he wanted to defy the one speaking, but he knew it to be true. It is true. He blinked, once and then a second time. In the white light he saw planets, hundreds of them. All touched by the dark prince, all weaving in excess. There is an end...A sensuous voice said. “There is no meaning in what we do!” He shouted back. There is always meaning, that is why we play the game. But for there to be and end...to be an eternal victory...champions are needed. I need champions. Make every world like this...glory will come, prestige will come...power will come. And you will enjoy doing this every step of the way. So count...count and I will be there. Tetricus grit his teeth. “One...two…” He slowly raised his hands, power began to thrum through the dome. “Three….four…” He slowly got up. “Five….” he gasped out, the daemons in his mind scuttled away in fear, he felt a brand being burned onto his forehead. He gazed at all of the planets he will deliver to his patron. “Six!” He roared that number at the top of his lungs..

The pain was overwhelming, but he grasped it, made it his own like he learned. His body wanted to collapse but he willed it onwards. This went on for what seemed like an eternity then the planets vanished with the white light, all he saw before him was a ruined statue and the destroyed buildings surrounding it but everything was blurry. Tetricus let out a long rasp, he sagged back but he did not fall. He looked up to see the foggy form of Justus holding him up. “A-Are...we alive?” he asked the phoenix terminator. His blinked several times, trying to clear his vision. “So thou hast faith….Thou did do well mine lord.” “Faith..?” His forehead was still burning. He just wanted to stop, he wondered if Taurus felt like this after every hard battle? His brother helped him stand up straight. He looked around, many of the mortals were now blind, but his apprentice could easily fix such a thing. Cassius strode up to him and pointed. “That plan was insane! Why didn’t you consult us!?” He was not in the mood to argue. Justus growled. “Beest more respectful cur! We art standing only by the wilt of our lord!” Tetricus frowned “I can stand myself...thank you Justus.” The terminator let go of him, His legs wobbled slightly. “Cassius…” He could tell he was sneering under his helmet. “Shut the hell up. We are going to the palace.” He strode forward his body was still aching him. He grabbed his staff and continued onward, he did not care all that much if anyone followed him.

It’s evident that this planet put everything into the statue, the 4th has essentially won. For now they can pretty much do what they want. But he always kept his eyes on the objective. That’s all he can do as leader.

Forgot to put the text edits in, hate when that happens. It's been corrected.

Edit:*Shakes fist at profanity filter*

Part 2 Epilogue
Inferus sat on the stairs of the palace, the 4th has streamed into the plaza and at the moment they are gathering slaves for the ship. Oktai stood a good distance away, Cazira was floating next to him. But what he was worried about was his master who is sitting at his side. His armour is a ruined mess, sections were missing, there were cracks and blood was leaking from various areas. Since he arrived they said nothing to each other, they simply watched the 4th go about their business. He decided to speak first, if he did not get captured Tetricus would of been better prepared, the battle would of been smoother. “My lord I a-” He raised his hand cutting him off. “We won, that’s all that matters. So...did you enjoy yourself?” He wasn’t sure how to answer that question. “I...did in a manner of speaking. I had a nice dream, killing is strangely fun now and I got married.” “You...got married?” “Yes, but the daemon I made a pact with got jealous and had her jump off the balcony.”

Strangely his master laughed in amusement the vox of his helmet made it sound like a roar. Inferus found himself smiling slightly. “So what did you do?” “I defeated a giant golden statue. By dropping an orbital bombardment on it. We were in the vicinity so I raised a psychic shield to protect the remainder of the 4th. It was...an interesting experience.” As he told the story he now understood why he ordered him to restore the vision of the mortal fighters. “So what now?” His master leaned forward slightly he bought his hands together and placed his elbows on his thighs, he rested his face upon his hands. His armour creaked with the movement. “We have a lot of work ahead of us...I wish to lead the third to supremacy and we will be at the front. We have to end the game.” “What? End the game?” “The dark prince must reign supreme over the others Inferus. There is only one true god and I am his champion.” His confidence surprised him, he kicked his feet slightly. “Sounds interesting.” His master started to count. “One...two...three...four...five...six.” “Master is that going to be a thing now?” “It helps me focus.” Inferus shrugged. “Whatever you say my lord.”

So that's the end of the second part of the story. Feedback has been noted and I will build up the ship.

Very good arc. I like the way you handled inferus and his parents, it was nice the way he gave them painless deaths. Showed he still had some humanity. Looks like tetricus is is growing into his lordship!

You were definitely right about building the warband although im sure it is difficult keeping track of so many characters. I can hardly blame you though, you decimate the warband like every week lol. Overall some great character building has been done and your writing improves every arc! Cant wait too see what you come up with next.

 Dayknight wrote:

Very good arc. I like the way you handled inferus and his parents, it was nice the way he gave them painless deaths. Showed he still had some humanity. Looks like tetricus is is growing into his lordship!

You were definitely right about building the warband although im sure it is difficult keeping track of so many characters. I can hardly blame you though, you decimate the warband like every week lol. Overall some great character building has been done and your writing improves every arc! Cant wait too see what you come up with next.

I like decimating the warband, I kid. Onion ninja's get into my room every time. Anyway glad you enjoyed the arc. Been doing some research to help with this problem to inject some measure of life into the ship using lord of silence, dark heresy and black crusade.

Entry nine
It’s been some time since I last made an entry. With things changing rapidly on the ship I have had barely any time to write anything down. This is mainly due to the fact I had the kitchen expanded, I have people working under me and to my surprise Oktai can also cook extremely well. Meal quality has improved and at the same time I can pick out people who seem to have a good head on their shoulders. Those who have concentration and an eye on putting out the best meals I personally train them in the art of war. Those who who languished on the lower levels now have a chance to live with the “demi-gods.” It’s gotten to a point that there has been a sort of...cooking boom. Slaves are scraping together supplies from raids to make dishes, they then sell them to each other. To my shock some now make “designer” clothes, fashion comes and goes at a rapid pace. The lower levels are no longer destitute, steadily the ship has become a marvel in a sense.

But the encouragement of economy was not my doing. A few weeks after bringing ruination to Sithax, someone took the reins of the crumbling cult. They now call themselves the Black Capra, or Capra if you don’t want to use the cult’s full name. I have no idea if the leader is a man or woman, they hide themselves well. But the cult has direction, the depravities that are committed upon the unsuspecting and to themselves even causes Justus to lose his words, then he would offer them praises of approval.

But I know my master is aware of who the leader is, it’s only a matter of time before he desires an audience. How I am so sure? Tetricus power has been growing rapidly, it’s the ritual scarring that is mainly driving his power upwards. He tends to also mark those who he favours, he has no reason to do it to me, for I have started to do it myself. My new arm is covered entirely. When I first did it, I thought I would feel nothing. But the pain was euphoric, I felt my mind expanding, growing and also because of the added benefit of biomancy my master and I can restore our bodies anew and try more complex glyphs that take far more time and are far more painful to place on one’s body.

So overall? Things are going somewhat well.

Chapter 30
Inferus stood behind the serving station that was placed near the door, It was a circular table and those delivering the meals stood at the ready with carts. It’s at this station where the cooked food is delivered to and plated. He also checks the food with the old man, or in other words his sous chef. He tried to ignore the sounds of cursing, meat sizzling, nuts being cracked and the chittering turn of season grinders. Everything has to be perfect for the astartes, they expect no less from him and his team. Three cooks approached the table, one was holding a saucepan full of red wine sauce. The next cook held a platter of lisix meat, a tender red meat that is from Sithix. The third held a bowl of boiled vegetables.

He looked at the sauce, it was perfect. Not too thick or runny, he could also smell the aroma from it. “Dorene this is good, you have been paying attention to my lessons.” She smiled showing her fangs. “Thank you chef.” He looked over to the meat. “What temperature is it Wade?” The pink tentacle that left his back flailed erratically “Medium as you requested chef. Before bringing it here the temperature was 64 celsius.” Inferus removed the meat thermometer from his jacket. He pressed the needle into the meat carefully. The dial ticked up slowly and hovered around between 63 to 66 celsius. He grinned and removed the thermometer. “Good now for the vegetables.” He looked at the bowl carefully, instead of seeing tiny hints of water the vegetables were glistening slightly. He creased his brow in frustration. “Did you put a sauce on the boiled vegetables?” He asked Clavin, as he lowered his hand from his face he could see his six eyes moving around rapidly. “I-I-I…” The other two cooks who have done their jobs were frowning and they should be. This one mistake has set everything back by ten minutes, in those ten minutes the meat will start to get cold. In those precious ten minutes the sauce might develop a hint of skin and the astartes are extremely critical of their food especially Cassius.

Inferus ground his teeth and slammed the table with his fist, sending cracks through the marble. The the kitchen turned silent, he could tell everyone was looking at him, stopping their work. He looked back up to the cooks standing at fires and over sizzling food. “Get back to work!” He roared. The sounds returned and they went on like nothing happened. “Looks like we need to get another serving table. Is this the tenth time you cracked it?” Oktai said in amusement. Inferus was about to say something to the old man but then he felt the dataslate in his pocket vibrating slightly. He picked it out and looked at the message, he cursed. “gak...” “What’s the matter?” Oktai asked. “Six o’clock meal for astartes Jarmir.” “Oh...one of those.” He looked over to the old man. “Can you handle things here?” “I can, I will make a quick fresh salad with the appropriate seasonings that will go with the sauce Dorene made.” Inferus returned the dataslate to his pocket and placed his hand on Oktai’s shoulder. “What would I do without you?” “Smash the serving table to smithereens my young lord.” He grunted and removed his hand. “I take back what I said.” The old man gave a casual shrug, while smirking.

Inferus walked over to a cart and pushed it out of the kitchen. Once outside, instead of the smell of food, the smell of perfume slammed into his nose. Instead of the sounds of roaring flame and sizzling meat, only screams and moans greeted his ears. He pushed the cart down the hallway, mumbling in annoyance. “Why doesn’t he just deal with it? Why take me from my work?”

The annoyance slowly subsided, but as he made his way, he could not help but still feel somewhat surprised at how the ship has rapidly changed, he did not know what rituals the Black Capra have commited upon it but the walls bare hieroglyphics, scrawlings and art. All of this was shown in a mix of paint and gold plating.

If one were to read it, you would see images of depravities committed in these hallowed hallways. He recalled the time he saw a group of capra cultists severing a slave in half slowly, other times he would see grand orgies of pain and vice. One time he saw Justus chasing slaves with an autocannon screaming in tongues for them to give up their souls to slaanesh. Out of all of see’s he finds what Justus does more amusing and pleasing, for he is chasing slaves who still cling to tzeentch or in other words the flaming angel. What most do not understand is some would think he is being brutal. He is just trying to teach them the joy of pain and the perks of following the dark prince. These past few weeks he has been finding himself to be...more devout whether it’s his master’s influence or the daemon he could not say, or perhaps it was the death of his parents that triggered it?

He then made a corner, he saw a group of capra cultists. They were walking towards him. He sighed “and they don’t know their place…” The group stood in front of the cart, they all were wearing spiked leather, he could spot small iron rods inbedded in skin, piercings lined across lips and brows, some even had their entire face covered with spiked latex leather. Among the cultists he could spot glyphs or ritual scarring which was most likely his master’s doing.

A female who had her brown hair swept to one and the tip dyed pink walked around the cart and stood at his right. “So...what are you doing alone?” She did not look at him. He could tell she was trying to charm him, just by the subtle cue’s in her voice. This is how they get most new arrivals in the upper and lower levels. They end up thinking with their lower bodies instead of with their heads. “Forget your job...and come with us. You could have some...fun.” “No thank you.” he said curtly. She now faced him and frowned. “Why? Cooking is bori-” He did not let her finish that sentence, his right hand flicked out and grasped her neck. His eye started to smoulder with energy. One of the cultists shouted. “Oh...gak a witch!?” All of them froze in place.The female was clawing at his arm, gasping for life. “Why aren’t you enjoying this?” Inferus asked. “You like pain don’t you? Or…” He bought her face close to his. “Are you just a sadist? One who likes inflicting pain but not receiving it? Or are you a simple defiler who gets off at base pleasures? How...weak.” He placed his other hand on her head, he sent a spike of energy into her mind.

He then let her go, the veins across her face popped out. It was brimming with a purple light, her eyes roared with energy and her mouth let out a gout of pink mist. Her head then popped like a balloon. Splattering him with warm blood. He felt her death, her mind searing and burning away, she could not even scream, but her inner horror tasted wonderful. He looked over to the rest. They scattered like ants and that’s all they were.

Inferus then stretched his arms slightly. “I feel...a little better.” He looked over to the the wall, a new picture of a woman’s head exploding manifested. He grinned and continued his journey. He then arrived at Jamir’s room.

He knocked on the door lightly, it slid open and he stepped inside. The room held silk curtains and flayed human skin was draped upon various sections of the room. He spotted the one he is delivering the six o’clock meal to. Jamir looked snobbish, he has no gifts, no blessings. But he held a mocking grin anyway. “So the slave finally brings my meal. Was there trouble on the way here? You are covered in blood.” Inferus bowed slightly “Yes lord there was...trouble. Let me set it up your meal for you.” He pushed the cart over to the table, he was just a few breaths away from the astartes. He set the knife and fork onto the table and then a empty plate. The snobbish space marine then placed his hand on the table, and that was the moment he needed.

In a flawless and practiced movement he drew his flick knife from his belt and stabbed it into Jamir’s hand. He screamed, the enchanted knife should inflict far more pain than a regular weapon. The astartes moved his other hand to pull out the blade, but Inferus reached out with his right hand and grasped his wrist. “You filthy slave how da-” He squeezed and crushed his wrist, cutting him off with a great yelp. The strength in his new limb could easily overpower ceramite.

Inferus removed his bloodied hand from his wrist. He scratched his head. “I am quite sure there are others plotting to overthrow my master...but you were so obvious about it Jamir. Hence why he sent me here.” The astartes tried to rise. +Sit.+ The thought he sent to him was firm, he sat back down. “Y-You...disgusting….witch. J-Just like him...” Inferus rubbed the blood between his fingers, he looked at him with contempt. “My father said astartes had small minds, some of you prove him right again and again…” He grumbled in annoyance +Raise your head.+ He ordered. The astartes head slowly went up, showing his neck.

Inferus then brushed his talons across it, up and down. Now the space marine was sweating, he reeked of fear, he could taste it on his tongue. He then grasped his neck, digging his claws into them. His thumb on one end and his two digits at the other. The astartes gritted his teeth, he was trying to resist screaming. “Do you know how I work so well? Because you underestimate me, the simple cook, the simple slave of Tetricus...” He dug the talons in deeper, Jamir winced this time. “How many times...I have to deal with your gak ambitions, your stupid plotting...taking me away from my cooks. One...second away from them means I cannot guide them. They lose time in making something of themselves. The only satisfaction I get from this is that the noisy daemon will devour your soul.” He tore out a chunk of his neck, blood gushed onto the table. This time he gave off gurgled screams, he slumped back onto his seat.

He couldn’t enjoy this, nor the sensation gripping his body at the moment. This was a distraction. He threw the piece of flesh to the ground, he brought up the astartes body, Jamir was dead. Inferus could see the prognoids in the neck glistening. He removed his flick knife from his hand and went to work removing them, the one held in the chest and the neck. He placed them onto the plate, he then returned to the cart and pulled out a bag of ice and dumped it onto the plate, once the bag was empty. He removed a food cover from the cart and placed it over the gene-seed.

He then moved the plate onto the cart, he left behind the knife and fork for he heard that the capra cultists tend to be cannibals as well. They will be able to get hint of the smell of blood from this room, they will come like rats to desecrate and devour the corpse.

Inferus sighed heavily, he placed his hands onto the metal bars of the cart and pushed it out of the room. Now outside he must go see the apothecary and deliver the gene-seed. After a few minutes of walking instead of seeing capra cultists loitering around they were replaced with those of the corpus.

The segregation does not surprise him, from his understanding they view themselves above “petty” mortals. Elvelated by the hands of Erastus. One inclined their head to him “Another delivery one eye?” “Yes Vernon...another delivery.” This corpus is the one that tends to greet him whenever he comes to this area of the ship. But as he continued onward one thing he noticed is the hieroglyphics could been seen on the walls. It’s evident they war with each other, the dried blood on the ground proves it, but he could not help but get the feeling they are losing because the scrawlings which belong to the cult are started to hold sway here.

As he reached Erastus’ chamber door he knocked, the door slid open. Inferus walked inside to see the apothecary standing over several operating tables. There were men and women lining the tables, all of them had limbs missing, some had no tongues or even ears. One thing he noticed is that all of them had bloodshot eyes, he could see some held rapture and others were full of agony.

The jovial apothecary said nothing for a moment, he pointed to the table, his eyes did not leave the corpses. “Place the plate there.” Inferus said nothing he placed the plate in the usual place, but he was curious. Normally he would be at the table tinkering away on how to improve the corpus’.

He strode to the apothecary’s side. “So...what are you looking at my lord?” “Well with the cult taking over it’s been harder to get my hands on slaves. The issue is...I find them like this!” “And that’s a problem?” “Not exactly, but the common thing among all of them is their large intestine is either damaged or destroyed.” He moved his fingers to their jaw’s and pushed them upwards slightly, he did this to all of them. Inferus could tell that they were clearly unhinged, their mouths must of been opened too wide or something broke it. Erastus mumbled. “I wonder what sort of creature could commit such depravity? I am almost impressed. They would make a wonderful corpus...” At the mention of corpus he knew that his attention was returning to them, that was his cue to leave.

He returned to the cart and pushed it to the door. “Oh by the way!” Erastus called out. Inferus turned his head to the apothecary. “Yes my lord?” “Tetricus wants to see you.” Before the cult came into power that would not normally bother him, but now he has to deal with the jeers and sneers of those who wish an audience with his master. Due to his status and role he can cut the line for whatever reason. Even so it’s still a chore to visit him these days. “I will go and see him. Thank you for telling me.” The jovial apothecary shrugged, Inferus sighed as he left the room he hoped that this time the cultists would not obstruct his journey.

One more thing I want to mention. I found something amusing, Slaanesh is the god of masculinity or represents it. I have proof! From dark heresy.





Edit: Check out the symbols, Virility.

Definition:virility
vɪˈrɪlɪti/Submit
noun
(in a man) the quality of having strength, energy, and a strong sex drive; manliness.
"great importance is placed on a man's virility"
synonyms: manliness, masculinity, maleness, manfulness, manhood, machismo, gallantry, chivalry, valour, valiance, fearlessness, bravery, intrepidity, stout-heartedness, lionheartedness, boldness, daring, heroism, mettle, spirit;

Oh and I hope this chapter is moving in the right direction for what you want Dayknight.

Wow you've made changes in a big way! Good job! The ship is thick with atmosphere haha. Now you have more characters to kill if you so choose :,(. Alot of mysteries going at once, i like it. One thing i noticed is because your not allowed to swear on dakka perhaps changing gak to something else might flow a little better? ex: "By the gods" "throne" etc etc. All in all its crazy how much better your writing gets everytime. Honestly makes me wonder if you made a pact with your own keeper of secrets?

P.S. also your dedication to your research is impressive.

 Dayknight wrote:
Wow you've made changes in a big way! Good job! The ship is thick with atmosphere haha. Now you have more characters to kill if you so choose :,(. Alot of mysteries going at once, i like it. One thing i noticed is because your not allowed to swear on dakka perhaps changing gak to something else might flow a little better? ex: "By the gods" "throne" etc etc. All in all its crazy how much better your writing gets everytime. Honestly makes me wonder if you made a pact with your own keeper of secrets?

P.S. also your dedication to your research is impressive.

Thanks! Yeah I am planning to do that on the swearing front, make up another curse or something. Like by the serpent, or by the dark prince. Well yes I made a pact with a daemon to give me a wealth of knowledge and great inspiration!

*still shakes fist at profanity filter.*

Chapter 31
He continued pushing the cart towards Tetricus’ chamber, but the closer he got, he could not help but notice the hallways has become full of people. All of them belonged to the Black Capra, all of them were clearly excited about something. What makes it evident is that there are groups slashing themselves while praising their queen. He picked up on that word, queen. The leader of the Capra cult is most likely a queen of sorts, but she is a queen of nothing. Essentially all of them are slaves, it is the astartes that rule this ship. This supposed queen can only rule what his master allows her to.

He was about to smirk, but it quickly shifted to a frown. “He wouldn’t be that stupid...would he?” His master is no fool, he would not embrace a queen. That just spells trouble. He soon reached the tunnel entrance, the door was guarded by Senshika and Resis. They were violently pushing cultists back. At times they had to cut them down with cleavers, but the blood spilt on the floor turned them into rabid animals, they fell upon the corpses. The depravity that was happening to them caused him to shake his head, he wondered how Resis and Senshika could deal with this? Even so the cultists praises for the queen reached higher, they screamed in jubilation.

To get to the door, he had to punch and cut with his flick knife, at times he had to even kill. They were a mob of fanatics. Once he reached Resis and Senshika, his old roommate gave him a curt nod of acknowledgement. “Inferus.” She seemed more calm now, he knew something has happened or she has realized the cost of being a corpus. “Hello Senshika, normally it’s a rough line but this is a mob.” She shoved a man back, his lips were sewn shut, he tore the threads holding it down as he hit the ground, his scream of elation for his queen was too much to contain. “It’s annoying, I want our lord to give the order for us to butcher them. I wonder why master gave us this job?” Resis severed the head of another screaming cultist. “Senshika all he said is to keep them from interrupting him.” Inferus nodded “so in other words you can kill them. Please kill them, they are annoying.” Senshika looked over to the man on the floor, she bought her cleaver down upon him, ending his life. “I should pay more attention then, he is waiting for you inside Inferus.” “Did he mention what he wanted?” “No he hasn’t.” Resis opened the door “Quickly, get in.” He rushed in. As the door slid close behind him he could hear blades hacking at meat. He sighed. “I don’t envy their job...or maybe they enjoy it? The corpus hate them after all…” He pushed the cart onward, in just a moment of his trek up the tunnel he heard a sensuous voice whispering into his ear and behind the voice he could hear the hissing of a snake.“Are you jealous?” Inferus grunted in annoyance. Since the cult came to power, ever since the ship started to change this has started to happen.

He hears this voice, picking at his weakness’, his failures or imagined slights. He knows it’s not Cazira, at times he thinks this might be his own insanity? But the whispers are unrelenting. He found himself looking to his right, towards the ground. He saw a snake with pale pink skin slithering with him, despite it’s rather small size it was keeping up with him. “What will you do?” He found it best not to talk to it, but he could not help but stare at it. “What new failure would you perceive this time? Do you doubt him?” He guesses the snake was referring to Tetricus. He did not doubt him, even though he questions the things he asks him to do these days. The snake chuckled “Your mind is weak, your faith is still weak and your body...is weak.” Inferus flared his nose, his felt his anger rising. “I am not weak.” he said firmly. “So why didn’t you brutalise your parents? Do you love them more than the gilded god? The one who thirsts? Do you desire to be the wrinkle in the grand tapestry?” He looked away instantly, he stared down the tunnel and kept his eyes on the door. But no matter how fast he walks he is not getting closer to it. “You can’t ignore me, I am always there. I know your essence, your thoughts and even your heart. Join us in the muck...the swaying of bodies and torment...listen to the song…through that...comes perfection...” He saw flashes of greater depravities that occurs in the dark corner of the Great Bull, hidden away from prying eyes. He saw the ritual sacrifices, people bathing in pools of blood and other obscene liquids. Then he saw two twin double doors, shuddering violently, the screams that erupted from it, the agony, the rapture and the pain. The screams were growing higher and higher and through the seams of the door blood started to leak out. He felt his arm rising, reaching for the door handle, he wanted to see what was going on inside. “Reach for it...show me your fearlessness...are you bold or are you meek?” The snake spoke firmly, it’s words pressed upon his mind.

His fingers started to twitch, he ground his teeth, the blood spilling from the door was coming towards him. He was so close...but the sound of a thud caused the door to drift back out of his reach, Inferus blinked once and then twice. He found himself at the end of the tunnel, his cart was grinding on upon his master’s door and his hand was holding the door handle tightly.

He looked down to his right, the snake was no longer there. He took several deep breaths “Am I...slipping?” He shook his head. “O-Of course not. I am here to see my master.” Inferus opened the door and walked inside, his master’s room has been expanded greatly, most likely to fit the giant golden skull. He considers it a souvenir from Sithix. Tetricus’ room walls also holds human skin that had esoteric text inked upon it. He has found that these days he tends to write in books made of skin instead of paper. That single fact shows that his master is also changing, for better or worse he can’t say. “I am not going to bow.” The voice sounded almost sexless, arrogant and he wondered whether the one speaking had a death wish.

His eyes was drawn to the middle of the chamber, his master stood over...just staring at their back he could not tell what exactly he was looking at. They wore a light violet gown that somewhat fit their slender form, the sides of the flowing dress was cut to display pale legs that looked strong but was almost just as slender as their body. He could also see a golden snake bangle wrapped around their right ankle.

The one speaking out of turn also had guards, one male and female. Their bodies were covered in crude glyphs. The male wore a blindfold and the female guard had spiked leather wrapped around their entire face. Both wore clawed and spike gauntlets, along with leather boots, the front of the shoe also held spikes.

They had hands rested on pommels of serrated blades. Inferus’ gaze moved to his master, the brand of slaanesh glowed with the runes that now cover his face, a pink like smoke that looked more like energy bled off him. “You are my queen Shidonai, on my ship.” He said firmly. At the mention of queen his eyes went wide, he left the cart and slowly walked over. Soon as he took a step Shidonai’s guards turned towards him, gripping their blades tightly. “It’s fine.” said the supposed queen. The guards turned back in an instant. His master looked over to him. “Ah, you are here. Come over.” Inferus walked to his master’s side, he faced the “queen” of the Black Capra. Her hair was blonde, she also had blue eyes and staring at them he knew a lesser soul would bend before her.

She smiled, just that simple movement with her soft lips his heart jumped just slightly and that surprised him. In that moment he could now recognise that the dark prince has blessed the one before him. “A new servant…” At the mention of servant he frowned. “I don’t serve you.” he said firmly. She lifted her hand to her mouth slightly and let loose a small laugh. “In time you well, you are lesser....your faith is weak. So you should be u-” “He serves me…” Tetricus took a step towards her. “Rule the filthy masses, but you are only queen because I allow it.” She curled her lips just slightly. “If that’s what you desire...do I have free rein to dominate them all?” “You already are, I am aware that your followers are overtaking the Corpus’ they are losing.” “So you wish to side with the winner?” “Well yes, I require warriors, warriors who will obey. At the moment your followers number six thousand and sixty, I also have eighty astartes under my command and hundred and twenty corpus’. Finally Inferus’ group numbers at eighteen at the moment. I desire to break stronger world's, corrupt bigger worlds and I want to know if we are of one mind about this.” The fact that he knew the exact numbers of their troops shocked him. He wondered when he had the time to count them all.

The queen of the Black Capra tutted. “We are of one mind on that front.” She then pointed at him. “But he should not get in my way.” Inferus screwed his face into confusion. “I don’t even know you!” “I know who you are, you are killing my subjects. Their blood covers your body. Only I can kill them, only I can defile and break them.” “Then tell your people not to bother me.” “It’s their right to bother you, after all you are lesser.” Her eyes moved to Tetricus. “Give him to me, I will make a dog for you. I will teach him respect, I can remake him into something better.” Inferus looked over to Tetricus, he said nothing for a moment. “Are you actually considering it!?” He shook his head. “No, I just find her arrogance astounding and quite endearing. I will say this one final time...you are my queen, on my ship...” He then clicked his neck. “One...Two…” The air changed instantly, pink crackles of lighting began dancing around them. “Three…” The queen stared his master down. “Four….” Wind began to violently sweep around the room, Inferus could hear the quiet laughter of daemons. “Five...S-” “Fine.” He could tell it took everything she had for her to say that word.

His master relaxed, the phenomena vanished, like it was never there. Shidonai folded her arms. “My offer on the mouthy one still stands, consider it...” She turned away with her guards and left the room. The fact that she left without Tetricus dismissing her caused him to shake his head. “She knows nothing of respect…” His master walked to his table and sat. Inferus faced him. “Did you hear what I said?” “I have heard and I know. But she knows her place and the one who rules this ship. I know things about her that she doesn’t know.” “Like what?” “She cannot eat or drink, food tastes like ash in her mouth and she has no idea why. Excess is her nourishment, hence the corpses in Erastus lab. She is quite brutal on those she takes, very few survives, those that do become her honour guard.” “Wait...that was her?” “Indeed it was her, she needs to support me for without more slaves she cannot feed. But it seems the dark prince has enhanced certain aspects. For one her body is a blend of both genders, but some hint of her feminine aspects remain and her face has been warped with it. A normal man or woman would most likely break down in terror and desire.” He did not know how this information is helpful, he is more concerned whether she can be controlled. Tetricus then spoke, his words seemed like he read his thoughts. “She can’t be controlled, no one in this warband can be.” “Huh? What makes you say that? If they can’t be controlled how can you assure their loyalty?” “Loyalty?” His master chuckled. “The dark prince is about boldness, he builds and adds upon someone’s ego. They will only follow someone who is stronger, more brazen than them.” “If that’s the case why don’t you kill the ones who are plotting yourself? That will get the hint across.”

His master smiled, just slightly. “I am trying to get my brothers to fear you, they already fear me in a sense.” His answer caused him to raise his eyebrow. “Why would you need them to fear me?” “Why not? Wouldn’t you enjoy being feared?” “Is this...just a whim of yours?” He said nothing, that confirmed it. “Deal with it! Why wait!?” His outburst caused his master to chuckle again in amusement. “You sound just like me...in the past.” At the mention of past, his arms sagged slightly. Thinking of Taurus still is painful in a sense, he thought he has moved on. “Have faith Inferus, I know what I am doing.” He wanted to believe it, but for some reason he couldn’t. “Yes...my lord. I shall...”

***
He watched Inferus bow and then rise, Tetricus could see just by his eyes that he doubted him. He is not angry about it he just finds it misplaced. He is aware of every traitor and has already made moves to deal with them when they act. But he saw something else in his eyes, a weariness. “Before you leave I wish to ask you a question.” “What is it my lord?” “You are scaring your arm and I would like to know why?” His apprentice rubbed his neck slightly. “It feels kinda good, also I am getting more power.” “Why do you want to gain more power?” Inferus opened his mouth and then closed it. He then said “I desire perfection.” “No you don’t.” he responded firmly.

Inferus started to become visibly upset, he trembled with fury. “What makes you say that...my lord.” he almost hissed at him. Tetricus rose from the table and walked over to him. “What is perfection to you?” The question caused the anger to drain away . “What are you chasing? Taurus’ form of perfection is counterpoint to how we are doing things. His path caused him to become a spawn. If you were dedicated to “perfection” you would of been more careful on Sithix, I am also aware of your parents.” After that fiasco he pulled at the strands of the warp, he wanted to know exactly what happened. Inferus’ decision to embrace the love of his parents doesn’t annoy him, but that made him aware his heart is not truly committed to that goal. “You killed them painlessly.” “They were my parents…” “And our enemy.” Now came the hesitation, he is second guessing himself. He is mumbling under his breath. “Tell me is that daemon of yours teaching you anything?” At the mention of daemon he frowned in disgust. “She is just getting fat due to the souls I am giving her. She keeps yelling for more.” Tetricus nodded “so you are just being used to gather souls, a quick way for her to get meals without any effort….” he stroked his skin, thinking for a moment. He needs a proper pact partner. Tetricus thought to himself. “You did not gain much from your first pact did you?” “Not really.” He nodded. “I see, you are dismissed.” His apprentice looked confused, he bowed and returned to the cart.

As he left the room he stared at the door as it slid shut. The current state of the ship is problematic in a sense, the queen of the Black Capra will overtake his apprentice. She is favoured and possesses more blessings from the dark prince as well. He needs to find some way to correct that, there is only two people he trusts on this ship. Justus mind is not simple, he knows that now and he is powerful. Inferus is far too careful, he has too much baggage and is unwilling to take the plunge completely with his own initiative, overall he wished that he was head of the cult. But he knew that wouldn’t happen he is too proud to admit when he is wrong sometimes and scarred deeply to commit truly to the path.

He sighed “I wonder...if there is anything I can actually do?”

***
Faust relaxed in the theatre, it’s been modified adequately. The chairs have been outfitted with the bones of slaves and jewelry, the curtains of the stage is made with human skin and he made sure to have a sweet perfume circulating the whole room. His brothers seemed quite excited for the unknown show, even the mortals who sat among them. Many of them are performers, mutation has began to sweep among them. Some had enlarged ears, others had extra limbs to play multiple instruments and there is even a singer with multiple mouths who can sing in different tunes with each.

He opened the schedule and stared at the last performance, it simply said unknown and the performer was unknown. He asked among those who were playing today and they haven’t seen anyone new. A part of him wondered if it’s a trick? Some are so suspicious that they fear what the possible show is and haven’t turned up.

He almost got lost in his thoughts until the curtains unfurled, he looked up to the stage. He saw a rather tall man wearing a violet silk robe along with a hood. But what drew his eyes is the white theatre mask that he is wearing. It held a mocking grin and a golden tear was placed on the right cheek.

The one who strage coughed slightly to clear his throat, everyone murmured but that single cough strangely captured his attention. He then spread his arms out wide. “Greetings!” His voice was somewhat soft, but robust at the same time. “For my show...I am going to tell a story.” Everyone looked at each other in confusion, one mortal even booed. Soon as the jeer left his mouth his head exploded. Everyone froze in their seats, Faust cursed to himself. By Fulgrim what is going on!? He gripped the handles of his chair tightly.

One of his brothers tried to rise, he removed his bolt pistol from his holster and pointed it at the storyteller.. “Get off the stage sl-” His head exploded also, his body flopped onto the seat. The performer sighed. “It’s a good story, just listen.” Faust watched silence reign over the theatre, the storyteller nodded. “This story is about a daemon prince. He was a worthless thing...scrawny...weak and ugly...” Faust then saw something, a emaciated figure with pink skin. He was bound with infernal chains, a bovine skull hid his features. “This daemon prince was on the cusp of being reduced to a spawn, his status as a daemon prince was on a razor’s edge…” Faust blinked once, the image shifted to show the daemon prince being dragged by his fellows who were far more beautiful and strong in stature.

The story was starting to interest him, it’s not music but it’s capturing him completely. “So this daemon prince was bought before slaanesh’s most favoured child…” The next image that greeted his vision was the glorious form of his primarch, powerful and unbowed. He was pointing at the pathetic creature. “Fulgrim, lord of the third, prince of excess pointed at the ugly daemon prince. He asked…” +What is your name?+ It was like Faust could hear his voice, he trembled slightly, around him he could hear mortals crying out in desire.

He needed to hear more, he must know what happens next. “The broken daemon prince looked up slightly he then said…” +I don’t know who or what I am…+ The voice of the ugly daemon prince he did not recognise. It was strangely sensuous, but the voice was strong. “The lord of the third gave a small laugh, he then named the creature…” +You shall be called Canis, for that’s what you are now...my sons can beat and break you like the dog you are..+ “Canis was dragged away screaming…” And that’s what Faust heard, that’s what all of them heard.

The keening wail, the scream caused his ears to bleed. “Then came the violation and torment…” The image shifted, he saw knives, blades and claws tearing Canis apart. The sheer brutality and debauchery that was happening to him. It was almost too much for him to see, around him he could hear mortals tearing out their eyes. “But Canis...did not give up easily, so he waited. He waited for the right moment...he ripped himself from his bindings and devoured a lesser daemon prince.” Faust screamed after what he saw next, the essence of another daemon being devoured, their flesh being torn, the gorging of ichor he felt like vomiting. “As he devoured the first...he thought of something…” +Perfection...is so many things….I must understand more…+ “So he sought out other daemons within Fulgrim’s cohort, he ate them. Tore them apart, taking in their understanding of perfection. For all daemons are part of the dark prince, but they have their own minds. So there was a wealth of knowledge and power to draw from.” Faust gripped his head, he wanted to close his eyes but he couldn’t. “Eventually Fulgrim had enough, he thought to punish Canis personally but he was rabid. The lord of the third is the most favoured of the dark prince’s children. So Canis saw an opportunity, he launched himself at Fulgrim and devoured one of his hands…” Faust then saw Fulgrim’s face contorted in fury, even if the hand grew back after being eaten. He was ready to utterly destroy Canis. “But he was stopped. He could not act...the eye of the dark prince fell upon them. He whisked Canis away, joyful with his antics, determination and boldness…”

Faust saw the eye, fluttering in the sky, he started to drool. His hearts were thundering with his chest. He blinked again, he was sitting on his chair. He looked around, all of them mortals were dead, vomit, blood and feces lined the seats. The humans effectively tore themselves apart.

Faust found his eyes moving to the stage. The storyteller was looking at his hand. One of his brothers rose from their seat. “What happened next!?” The performer shrugged, he then casually walked off the stage. Faust shouted “No! Come back!” His brothers started to panic also. He rushed to the backstage door, he smashed through it and looked around. There was no here, his hearts started to relax. He frowned. “I wanted to know what happened next…”

***
Inferus returned to the kitchen, it was empty save for Oktai who has finished cleaning up. “You are covered in blood.” he said in amusement. At times he wondered what didn’t the old man find funny? “I am not the mood.” he responded. He felt tired and annoyed, Tetricus questioning him did not help either. Oktai placed the mop to one side, “very well I shall leave. I can see you desire rest.” He gave him a warm smile as he left the kitchen.

Now alone, he looked down to himself. He frowned as he saw the dried blood on his body. He walked to his room, as he opened the door and walked inside he saw Cazira lying on one of the beds, it used to belong to senshika. Her form is now utterly obese, she rubbed her belly. +Your people does good work…+ Inferus tutted. “What happened to pain and violence?” +Oh they do that….they kill far more often that you do.+ He then thought of what Tetricus said to him before. “I want to talk about power…” +I gave you power+ she pointed at his arm. +You did not specify how much power I should give you when we made our agreement. So that’s on you. I can give you little amounts or a great amount, depends on my mood...+ She then burped.

Inferus clenched his hands, he ground his teeth. He strode to the door that lead to the shower, he said nothing further to the daemon. He removed his clothes and placed it into a plastic box that sat next to the door. He sighed and opened the shower door and walked inside.

Inferus faced the mirror, he stared at his reflection.”I do look tired…” he could see his eyes are bloodshot and he is developing bags under them. He started the shower, as the water hit his body he heard a hiss. “She is using you…” He tried hard to ignore the voice, then he felt something moving around his feet. He slowly looked down to see a multitude of snakes, pink snakes slithering around his feet. Inferus looked up again. Go away! Inferus raged to himself. “When someone tells you to jump...you say how high...when someone tells you to get on your knees...you say how low...you question but you follow like a dog. Actions speak louder than words.” “I am loyal!” “To whom?” In the mirror he saw Taurus, it then shifted to Tetricus. It kept repeating again and again. “It’s plain to see who you prefer.” Tentacles then sprouted from the walls, they flailed about. “One desires you to limit yourself...and the other one wants you to explore your limits….who is right?” “My master is right of course. I follow him.” One of the snakes moving around his feet bit his ankle, he yelped in pain. “Liar!” the voice roared. Inferus tried to shake the snake off, he moved to the shower door.

A tentacle smacked him back. He crashed onto the the side of the shower wall. “We are having words...you and I.” Inferus started to panic, he needed to get out. “Cazira! I need your help!” “How has she help you? Has she ever help you? At most she is using you as a meal ticket. Your fear is a joyous thing for me to savour, but the dark prince’s champions should have no fear.” A tentacle wrapped around his neck. “Such is my power that I can destroy your mind here, I can inflict such agony that you would wish that you are dead.” Inferus then heard a booming voice within his mind. “ONE.” Inferus gave a great roar, he released his psychic powers trying to free himself, but that did not deter the hold this presence has on him. More of the flailing limbs grasped his body. “TWO.” Fear began to grip him completely, the snakes launched themselves at him, biting deeply into his legs. “S-Stop!” he gasped. “Such a pitiable thing…I seek to show you the way and you resist.” Inferus grasped the tentacle around his neck, he sent a bio-electric shock through it. But it did nothing. “THREE.” He heard a low chuckle from his tormentor. “What do you seek to do? Maybe I am just in your mind? Maybe you are jumping at shadows? Your mind is that frail…” He shook his head, he has never lost his mind like the rest of them. Compared to the others he is normal, while others jump head first, he calls for caution. Taurus taught him discipline and it served him well.

A tentacle then turned his face to the mirror, he saw an astartes he did not recognise. He had long white hair. “You told him to push beyond the limits, where did that get him? What happened? During that time you were the dog of Fulgrim.”“I don’t even know who the astartes in the mirror is!” “FOUR” As the the number four smashed through his mind he screamed. “Because you chose to forget, such weakness..to avoid facing your failings head on...I should break you…” He gasped for air, he couldn’t breathe. “FIVE” He kicked his legs. The snakes bit deeper into his legs, the pain was excruciating. “In the past you embraced pain to impress others instead of using it as a vehicle to push higher. Now you are using perfection instead. Do you even know what it is?” Inferus felt his eyes rolling back. “SIX…”

The tentacle tightened around his neck he let out a long rasp as darkness claimed him.

He slowly opened his eyes, he was standing in front of the mirror, he then coughed frantically. Inferus quickly went for his neck, just touching it hurt. He moved his hand away and stared at the mirror, the bruises around his neck looked like something done by one’s hands. He then looked down, his legs were covered in scratches instead of bite marks, the warm water hitting it caused the wounds to sting. He shook his head “I am not losing it…I a-” “How sure are you?” Inferus looked up to the mirror. His reflection was speaking to him. “We are just like the rest of them, but we are trying to cling to some abstract humanity.” “I...killed my parents. I..” [b]“We killed them painlessly, we did not desire to do the wishes of the dark prince. That hollowness we felt was our doubt, not our humanity ebbing away. The searing sensation on your back was the dark prince scorning your decision.”[/b] His reflection shifted to display Taurus aged countenance. “All of our work here will crumble, we do not have the strength or will to protect our flock. We are not guiding them correctly…” “Shut up! Just shut up and stop judging me!” Taurus chuckled “The black capra now number six thousand and sixty seven...sixty eight….sixty nine…the queen plots to kill you...we both know it...” Inferus punched the mirror shattering it, the shards did not even piece his skin. “Just….shut up.” The seconds ticked by, his own reflection returned to the broken mirror and only the sounds of splashing water gripped his eyes. He then relaxed and drew his fist back to his body. “I am doing nothing wrong…” he whispered to himself.

Some more plot is brewing!

Oh and here are the mutations of the "queen." Along with being marked. From black crusade. (I might do this for characters as they become mutated. )

Chapter 32
Inferus watched the carts go out, today there wasn't any problems. Perhaps because Oktai was overseeing the cooking? He had Dorene with him at the serving table, he could see she had an eye for detail since he also had Oktai purposely make mistakes and she found them all. “Is something wrong chef?” The question came out of nowhere, he smiled weakly as he looked over to her. “I am fine, don’t worry about me.” Her eyes began to shift slightly, she wouldn’t stop worrying, in a manner of speaking he saved her in a sense. She used to run a soup business on the lower levels, when he caught wind of such a thing he went straight to her before the Capra cult decides to ruin her talent. “Speak your mind.” She nodded. “You look tired, are you overworking?” “I…” “Such a sweet thing, her understanding is small, fix it. You are her teacher.” Inferus clenched his hands. “I am glad you are working here.” The complement surprised her. “T-Thank you chef! But…” she rubbed her arm. “I am worried about that cult.” “I told you the routes you should take and train-” “I know, training is going well but there is more of them than us. Who’s to say when they will start breaking into our rooms or even this kitchen?” “They won’t do that.” “They are planning to do that, they believe that every human on this ship should be part of the Black capra, we know this.” Inferus’ eye twitched slightly. “For one, the astartes love the food we produce here, Cassius would most likely kill all of them if they harm any of us.” “You mean if they harm you.” “Excuse me?” “You don’t exactly need us. From my understanding you did everything yourself in the past.”

Inferus shook his head “meal quality has increased, plus you are bettering yourselves being here. So that’s good enough for me.” “They are still going to die. Yet...we do nothing.” Dorene smiled this time, showing her fangs. “You..really mean that?” “I do.” He looked upon the rest of the cooks. All of them are at their stations. He built this. He gave them a future to work towards, skills to make a living on this ship. “Yet all we built is going to turn to dust. The queen is a domineering figure, one who wants everything under her foot.” He felt his anger steadily rising, his eyes moved to Liam who’s iris are slits, he is young but he is good at handling a knife and blade. He squinted his eye, instead of seeing him cutting vegetables, he saw the Black Capra chopping him up with a giant blade. “Let go...power and perfection will come and then we can contend with the cult.” He then watched them began to eat him, they moved up from his legs while he screamed in pain. “They should be the ones screaming…” Inferus blinked, now his vision was normal again. “Maybe...I need some rest.” He looked back to Dorene. She nodded “With Oktai we will be fine, don’t worry. Wade will help also. By the way...before you leave have you seen Clavin?” At the mention of his name he furrowed his brow.

He looked around the kitchen, he should normally be with Liam on the vegetables, Dorene is right. He is not here. “He didn’t turn up for work?” “We normally meet up and come here together as a group. But he didn’t turn up today.” Inferus folded his arms. “Where did he bloody go?” “Where else? We both know the answer.” Inferus tensed up. “Six thousand and seventy….” “Well if he doesn’t want to turn up it’s his loss.” His apprentice cook still looked worried, he placed his hand on her shoulder. “He made his choice.” “Wait...so you know where he is?” Inferus did not answer the question, he did not want to admit that the voice was right out loud to everyone or to truly acknowledge it. “Well I am going to get some rest now, don’t be afraid to wake me up if anything happens.” Dorene slowly nodded again, he removed his hand from her shoulder and made his way to his room. “They are marking him now, he is committing vice at this moment, cursing your name.” He reached his bedroom door, he inhaled and exhaled. Trying to calm himself down. “Now he is leaking information. The Black Capra now know the routes your cooks take, where all their rooms are located.” Inferus punched his door causing a dent, the sounds of cooking grew to an abrupt halt. "He is telling them today’s code, they are gathering weapons.” He turned away from the door and looked over to Oktai. “Oktai.” Save for everyone else he was still cooking. He looked up from the pan. “Yes my young lord? Swap the door code to beta.” He nodded “very well.” “All those who are delivering the food are now being attacked...” He started to grind his teeth. He twisted to his room door and opened it up, he strode inside.

He ignored the fat form of Cazira twisting on the bed. +Oh! You are going to get me more souls?+ Inferus suited up in silence. He filled his belt with knives and attached his camo-cloak to his back. He then walked out of his room. As he exited everyone looked at him with concern, even Oktai. He stopped cooking and walked up to him. “Where are you going?” “Out. Engage defence plan H.” Everyone started to murmur, the old man narrowed his eyes at him. “Who would attack us here?” “Don’t worry about it, just do as I say.” He walked through the kitchen, everyone had eyes on him even as he left.

He faced the door and waited, he stared at the keypad. The digit display rapidly shifted highlighting the word beta. Inferus nodded and turned towards the path onward. He drew his flick knife and started walking down the hallway.

***
Cassius sliced a servitor in half, it was clean and measured slash. He prefers to fight a real enemy, but there is only so much he can do to kill time. He danced through the servitors, one at a time, blocking, parrying and with small movements he would sever their heads in return. As they all tumbled to the ground the training room door opened. He turned his head to it. An astartes strode in, his snake like tongue flicked in and out of his mouth. “Prefector…” He bowed, just slightly. Cassius sheathed his blade and faced his brother fully, he frowned. “What is it Vardas?” Vardas was young, he has been recently made but he is part of a small gathering who wish to put the 4th on the right track. “Jamir is dead, the slaves bury their teeth into his corpse.” “I see...filthy things aren’t they?” “Yes they are, I killed them of course. Can’t have our lessers desecrating one of the third.” “That is good in my old warband such a thing would be punished but it seems our lord does not care.” “He is a witch after all. He can never be perfect.” Despite Vardas’ age he is not wrong.

In a manner of speaking Tetricus is also a thinblood in a sense despite holding pure third legion gene-seed. The 4th was not involved in Horus’ war upon the imperium, nor did they partake of the legion wars. As was discussed with Erastus they have never been in the laer temple either. “So tell me how are the rest of our brothers responding?” Cassius asked. “Some are on the fence but I think they would rather follow anyone than a sorcerer.” “So in other words they will side with the victor, so it’s down to us to do the hard work.” Vartas nodded “as you say prefector, but I wonder...who killed Jamir?” He has a good idea who it was, to allow a mortal to slay an astartes is an affront, to him he is a coward, one who kills from the shadows and commits to ambushes in order to slay a target. “For now don’t be stupid like Jamir, he voiced his dislike too openly.” “I won’t...my lord.” At the mention of my lord he liked the sound of that. He smiled “also I have talked to the leader of the cultists.” “She will join us also?” “Yes, for she does not want to follow a witch either. For you see she was from Sithax. She was kept down in the muck due to psykers. She believes all of them should be on leashes to serve their betters.” “She is not wrong.” “I know hence why she supports us, she will make moves to contain and deal with the corpsus’ I don’t want those ugly things on the ship. At the same time she will tame the cook once she gets his hands on him. We have to at least keep the good food coming in.” “Aye, the cook needs to be broken. He is loyal to Tetricus.”

Cassius folded his arms. “So that’s our plan going forward. Make sure everyone is updated.” Vartas gave a small bow. “I shall...my lord.” He turned and left the room. Cassius gave a small chuckle. “Everything is going according to plan...”

***
Inferus sliced the throat of a Capra cultist, he gurgled in pleasure as he crashed to the ground, he twisted and kicked another. Sending him to the wall. He then bound to them and pushed his arm upon their throat. Behind him he could hear weeping from one of his cooks, their friend is dead. “You attacked my people...why?” The cultist face held random scars most likely self-inflicted. He gave a great laugh. “Why not!? The queen commands it! The meek are there to be used by the strong!” “He is not wrong.” Inferus narrowed his eye at him. “At the moment I am the stronger one.” “Yes...you are. Go on then...butcher me, cut me to pieces.” The cultist was expecting him to, he wanted him to and he would enjoy every bit of it. “So you enjoy being used by the strong as well?” “Yes...it’s just another experience. But I much prefer to be the one above...” Inferus pressed down onto his neck with his arm, the cultist struggled for life as he began to choke. He finally turned slump, Inferus took a step back, his body fell to the ground. He did not want to enjoy his death, so he made it simple.

He faced his cook, the cart next to him is heavily damaged. He was cradling a female. “She said being in that kitchen was the best time of her life….we were happy...” Those words told him she is not just a friend. He looked up to him, tears holding his eyes. “What did we do to deserve this?” “They were weak, it’s their place to be violated by the strong. It’s the law of the cosmos, the cultists were in the right.” Inferus started to tremble with fury. “Cazira! Cazira!” The daemon wouldn’t appear. “Why would she? You are just going to keep going aren’t you? Give her all those wonderful souls...what will you get in return? A fuzzy warm feeling as you kill someone? A high as you slit someone’s throat?”The whispers were aggravating, he eyed the cook. “Get back to the kitchen, quickly.” “I-I can’t just leave her!” “You can and you will, you won’t survive carrying her corpse.” The cook shook his head. “N-No...I…” Inferus walked over to him and grasped his shirt, he pulled him up slightly causing him to lose his grip on his partner. “Leave. Now.” He slowly shook his head again. Inferus released his grip on his shirt. “Fine...stay.” He continued onward, so far he is the only survivor he found. It annoyed him slightly that he wants to throw his life away. “He will die, another group is coming this way. They will tear off his arm and sh-” Inferus roared in fury and punched the wall to his right. For some reason that cut the voice off. “They will use his body parts for obscenities and it’s your fault.” He found it vexing, at times the voice seems like it’s himself talking, other times the language it uses it’s like someone else is talking to him. “We will fail them.” Inferus ground his teeth. He wasn’t sure what he should do or say? Should he respond to it? Does the whispers have an answer? “There is an answer, give up this small crusade. Those who are handling the carts are dead. Let them have their minor victory for now and come to the lower levels.” He shook his head. “N-No...I can’t.” “They are not our family. We killed them...remember?” Inferus looked to his prosthetic hand, a reminder of his foolishness. “How...can I trust you?” “Trust slaanesh…” Inferus warred with himself. He bit his lip slightly. “Alright...alright….you win.”

***
He stood in his new room, it was covered with silk, he had a large bed and everything was scented. He went over his new clothes. The queen is generous, just gazing at her he was filled with awe. Clavin moved his hand over his leather jacket, it smelled rich and this was one of many gifts. He has gotten nothing from Inferus save a rather small room and back-breaking work, along with what is essentially a boy shouting at him.

He was always afraid of the Black Capra gaining power on the ship in the past. Watching them drag people away, the violence they committed upon other people. But after a gathering, his eyes opened. Being one with the tide of bodies now he understands. When he approached them, he was taken to the queen, she was regal, beautiful and wanted to obey her every whim. So he gave her what she wanted, all of the routes the cooks take back to their rooms, the passcode to the door and the path’s taken by those who deliver the meals.

Clavin then heard a banging on the door, his gaze moved towards it. But first he walked over to his bed and removed his blade from it. The weapon was the last gift from the queen, a slick blade with a wonderful silver sheen. He smiled. “I can’t wait to use it...maybe I can cut off Inferus’ tongue? Teach him not to wag it all the time…” He then moved to the door and opened it. The one standing out in the hallway was Kelvin, piercings covered his face and his hair was a mix of blue and green. Clavin was pleased to be part of his house, and he is his lord. “What is it?” he asked. “We are gathering to attack the cooks, code’s not working...they must of changed it but we got something to bust the door down. Want to join in? Might even kill or main a few meat sacks along the way, perhaps we might just spend our time doing that? There are plenty of houses looking to take the cooks heads.” At the mention of meat sacks it’s the word they use for those who are not of the cult, for it is true. Those who do not embrace the queen are just meat for them to use however they wish. Clavin smiled “sure I will like to come!” Kelvin grinned at him “right come on then!” Clavin left his room, he could see the rest of his house down the hallway waiting for them. He tapped his blade on his shoulder. “I prefer living like this…it’s much more fun.”

***
Inferus stuck to the shadows, he used telepathy and his camo-cloak to hide himself from the Black Capra patrols. Even here on the lower levels their presence is felt, there are less stalls than he remembers and he could see people being dragged into rooms by groups of people. All he hears are screams, screams of torment and agony. “I was blind...to all of this…” “At last you can see...” He continued, slowly moving onwards, his feet got stuck to the ground slightly as he took each step due to the blood lining the floor..

Then a frantic man and woman was running towards him, he quickly placed his back to the wall. The Black Capra emerged from the darkness of the hallway and fell upon them in a mad pile, tearing, cutting and laughing with glee. He edged down the wall, he did not want to take his chances. The queen is blessed and soon enough the dark prince’s eyes will be drawn to the followers as well. As he got some distance he shook his head. “I will be powerless…I can’t protect them..” “You can be strong…” He grimaced “where am I supposed to go? What am I looking for?” He can see the end, the Black Capra will take control. His master has accepted them, now they are his enemy. He wondered to himself, would Tetricus pick the queen over him? If the choice had to be made who will he side with? Now that he is a champion, he has to think on a grander scale. “So you doubt him?” Inferus screwed his eye shut. “I do…” He opened his eye and removed his back from the wall. “Now you are thinking for yourself…Come. Come and see truth.” He suddenly started to sink, he began panicking but he couldn’t move. He started to laugh, how could he be so foolish? Again he is treading the same road, again might come a mad bargain or choice that will give him what he might need. But he knows it’s a lie, he will destroy himself again like always. But he keeps jumping into the pit again and again, and he has no idea why. “It’s because you are afraid..” “I fear nothing!” “You are afraid of losing your place in this galaxy, if your father shattered Tetricus and scattered his host...would you have stayed with him?” He mumbled slightly in frustration. “That is your answer...for your father was also meek. He had the perfect future in front of him, but he was afraid of acting. That future showed a grand ritual that would destroy the great bull. But in that future, there was a possibility that you might hate him completely. He could not risk it.” Inferus roared out. “Who are you!?” his body was almost completely consumed, the ground was at his neck. The whispers did not answer back, from the corner of the hallway a group of black capra appeared. They pointed at him, the leader who wore shabby clothing shouted. “Look a head!” “Oh! Oh! Let’s kick it!” shouted another.

Inferus narrowed his eye at them. He wanted to butcher all of them, tear out their entrails and dance on their corpses. They came towards him slowly, they were licking their lips. His loathing for them just increased further.

Now that they were a few paces away. The leader smiled at him. “Got yourself stuck in the ground? Well we are favoured after all, this ship bends to us. The queen made it so.” “Pour your heart out...” Inferus flared his nostrils slightly. “If I was free...I would go and kill your queen, I would remove her eyes, her tongue and every. Single. Strand of her hair. I will break her arms and legs, then I will remove her organs and force feed her parts to the highest members of your pathetic cult!” All of their eyes went wide, like he spoke some great heresy. Each member started frothing with rage, the leader screeched. “I will kill you slowly you damn bastard! You dare insult the queen with your filthy tongue!” Inferus chuckled “I bet she doesn’t even know who you are…” The leader raised his weapon, but his body was strangely dragged down into the ground before he could strike him.

All he saw was darkness, it was like he was tumbling. Then he froze, his body began making random movements like someone was manipulating him. He was then set down upon his feet, strangely he could move around like normal. He couldn’t see his hands or body, he wondered where he was? +At last…+ the voice sounded similar to the whispers, but instead they spoke boldly instead of in hushed tones. In the distance, he could see something approaching him.

He waited for about six minutes and what came before him looked like a shaggy ox. The fur was pale pink and he could spot smouldering pink flames pouring out of its eyes. “Why have you brought me here?” +You wish to save them? Do you not?+ “So...it was a daemon messing with me. I wasn’t losing myself.” +How else will you see if I didn’t pick at your flaws?+ He sighed heavily “daemons and their games…” +This isn’t a game!+ the daemon roared out. +This is about faith and your denial to seek perfection.+ “Oh so you know what perfection is!? Tell me then! Everyone seems to have a different idea!” +To reach perfection you must walk all paths of excess, the hedonist, the king, the bladesmen, the artist, the cook, the musician, the masochist and the sadist. This is the truth I found.+ His answer stumped him completely. “Essnetially that is what the Black Capra is!” +You are wrong, save the queen none are walking the path. They are impure. The filthy masses who gratify themselves on base urges and desires that’s all they are and all they ever will be.+

Inferus relaxed slightly, but he was still on guard. “Where are we? Are we still on the ship?” +No.+ He couldn’t see anything save the ox, he frowned. “Is this the warp then? Did you drag me here?” +Yes.+ “Why?” +For how else will you be fixed? How else can I free you?+ “Free me from what?” +Her.+ Inferus furrowed his brow, then he heard her voice. +Yes me…+ It came from behind him. He turned back to see Cazira floating, venom lining her pudgy face, she drifted over to the ox. +Who do you think you are?+ He could see she was shrinking, returning to her normal shape. +This human belongs to me, he serves my needs. Get lost before I end you. Damn mortal daemons, thinking they own the place!+ +No. I shall not leave.+ Cazira chuckled +fine, I will end you....+ Her form began to distort, she grew and took her true shape.

Her head held a crown of horns, snake jewelry lined her body and she had multiple limbs. Her tongue whipped out. +Despite this being your small pocket plane, I can finish you easily. I am exalted, high in the dark prince’s regard!+ The ox shook his frame, he collapsed into the darkness and what rose was a thin figure in baroque black armour. He had six limbs that ended in clawed gauntlets, great angelic wings that held a violent tint erupted from his back.

Inferus found himself transfixed with the new daemon, but what drew his eyes is the bovine skull the daemon had as a face. A great pink inferno left the eye sockets. +A new meal, a new understanding.+ He said calmly.

One thing he noted was the ox like daemon was far larger and taller than Cazira, but she was undaunted. +Why do you care for this mortal? He is just one speck in the wind. I ignored you for a time but now you made your intentions clear. He is mine, once he dies I will devour him as well.+ “Whoa! You said that you wouldn’t do that!” he shouted. A mocking grin began to line Cazira's face. +You actually believed me? Anyway you are trapped, even if I am banished our contract stan-+ Her head vanished under the bovine like skull. Cazira started to claw and swipe at the ox like daemon, frantically trying to free herself. But it was like she wasn’t there, the daemon just kept eating her steadily, her attacks were like children waving their hands.

In the back of his mind he could hear her screaming, screaming in true agony that her life is actually ending. For some reason he found that exciting. The daemon ate her bit by bit until nothing was left. The ox daemon then shifted his gaze to him. +Her essence is now mine, she is gone. I am voiding our contract.+ Inferus suddenly felt a line being cut, like a weight was taken off his body. Then his right arm started to crumble he did not even feel it. His right gauntlet flopped to his body. “W-what are you doing?” +Contracts are lies, always lies. My kin use them to trick foolish mortals like yourself. They use treats to keep you hooked onto them.+ Essentially the daemon just called him foolish, but he had a point there. He slowly started to calm down. “Alright...so tell me how am I going to save my cooks?” +First you must be made fit for purpose.+ “No! I am not doing that! If you a-” +I am not like them, I talk of your body.+ Using one of it’s arms the daemon pointed at both his arm’s and his missing eye. +Broken, made useless due to foolish decisions. We shall get them back. We shall get everything and then we can begin.+ He liked the sound of that, but how could he trust him? He has been burned by daemons before. It’s evident by Cazira lying about their deal. The daemon then spoke like he read his thoughts. +I wish to perfect things, that is my purpose, my function and my desire. Trust that.+ With those simple words he trusted him, he did not know why. But there is one more problem. “How long...will this take? My eye was taken by a greater daemon, my arms by a god. What do you hope to possibly do?” +To follow the dark prince is to reach for the impossible, the meek have no right to praise slaanesh. Are you a coward Asriel?+ It’s been awhile since he last heard his name. He brought up his prosthetic “I...will follow.” +Good...this is good.+ The daemon shrunk back to it’s animal form.

The ox turned away from him. “What should I call you?” The ox’s head shifted back slightly. +I don’t know. But….+ The daemon stared into his eyes. +Call me Taurus, that should suffice.+ As he heard that name, he could not call him an it anymore, his mouth dropped.

The ox faced forward and started to walk. The name Taurus bounced in his skull, he strangely started to cry. “You just couldn’t leave us alone could you! Is it really you!?” The daemon said nothing, he stopped walking and grumbled in annoyance. +Follow or you will get lost.+ Inferus rubbed his eye, he followed Taurus to where ever he is taking him.

Well...



edit: Sigh... even gak doesn't work. *Shakes fist at profanity filter.* Chapter has been updated to change a single word.

 shinros wrote:
Well...

Spoiler:

Is it really him?

edit: Sigh... even gak doesn't work. *Shakes fist at profanity filter.* Chapter has been updated to change a single word.

All is as the dark prince wills it.

Ive never seen these before. I didnt know they had D&D for 40k!

Edit: i meant the files you posted earlier. I hope taurus is back!

 Dayknight wrote:


Ive never seen these before. I didnt know they had D&D for 40k!

Edit: i meant the files you posted earlier. I hope taurus is back!

Yeah they have several systems, dark heresy (you play as an acolyte for an inquisitor, lots of dying in that one.) Deathwatch, Black crusade (chaos) and only war. (imperial guard.)

Hmmm that demon reminds me of the new endless spell from AOS for the beast men. That bull if painted purple could be a greater daemon on the tabletop if your opponent doesn’t mind. I’d certainly like to play against that.

lliu wrote:
Hmmm that demon reminds me of the new endless spell from AOS for the beast men. That bull if painted purple could be a greater daemon on the tabletop if your opponent doesn’t mind. I’d certainly like to play against that.

Huh....hmmm. I have been told it's quite big. IIiu don't make me spend money please. Already made a recent purchase.

Chapter 33
It’s just been fifty minutes, only fifty, he counted the seconds away. Oktai scanned the kitchen, the cookers are set in the middle of the kitchen in a square and the tables and cupboards were built into the walls to the left and right creating a funnel. The entrance is at the other side of the room on the left. He nodded and approached Inferus room door there was a keypad. He typed in the code to begin defense plan h.

In between where the cookers were set, small ceramite walls rose from the ground, those who have not been trained looked at them in shock. Oktai nodded, the walls and the cookers can act as cover. He then heard a bang on the door, it held a large dent. “Sixty minutes...in sixty minutes they will get through.” Inferus’ room door then opened, Wade and Dorene exited holding a plastic box at both ends. They set it down in the middle of their area of the kitchen.

Dorene flipped the cover open and took out an autogun and some ammunition, do did Wade. All those who were trained picked up a weapon without hesitation. Oktai removed his bolt pistol from his belt, he walked over to the rest of the cooks. “Everyone pick out a weapon!” Eyes looked around, some rubbed their arms. He sighed he pointed at the door. “When they get through that door they will aim to kill us! Do you want to die on your knees!?” One cook raised his hand. He looked young, most likely only eighteen at best. “W-We could give up, we deliver the food to the space marines they need us.” Oktai chuckled “so you think the cultists will let us live? They will enslave you and use your carcass to fuel their depravties. Perhaps you might still be alive when they do it?” The young man started to sweat, fear played across his eyes. “Or that the space marines will come and save us?” He shook his head. “They won’t, they will most like be upset for about...ten minutes and move on. It’s what they do unless it’s one of their own that is killed. We are like pets to them, pets that can be beaten, abused, used and chucked aside. So take your life into your own hands...and fight.” His words caused them to slowly approach the box, even the young man. They picked out a weapon and some ammo.

The way they are handling it seems they have used a gun before, from his observation his young lord gave them a life where they don’t have to fight and kill to get by. But he knew it was only temporary. With the Black Capra rising it was clear to him that they would have to fight for survival, only the strong can live on heretic ships. That’s just the way of things. The only good thing about this situation is that he will enjoy killing the capra cultists.

Everyone set down into their appropriate positions, their guns were trained onto the door. Oktai listened to the bangs on the door, they all did. Time crept upwards until finally at sixty minutes the door came forward. After that came maniacal laughter, the cultist’s poured into the kitchen, gun muzzles flashed as they released a hail of gunfire upon them. The first wave of cultist’s collapsed to the ground with a thud, but that did not stop them. Their death’s just bought the rest to a higher state of rapturous frenzy, the second group came in swinging blades, some held auto pistols.

The pistol wielders were problematic, they were shooting wildly, stray shots caught the heads of people on their side. Oktai frowned, he disliked frowning when killing. He had to admit he liked some of the people here. In a practiced movement he moved his bolt pistol to each enemy gun wielder and fired a single shot. The bolter round sent them down onto their backs, if they actually wore armour they would’ve survived, but...they did. They got back up again, chunks from their chest was missing. They cried out while still continuing to fire. “More! More!” they shouted with glee. Oktai barked out “aim for the one’s wielding guns!” The trained cooks did as he ordered, their aim smoothly moved to them. In small muzzle flashes they were riddled with bullets, they did not get back up again.

Steadily they cleared the kitchen, it grew silent. No one came through the door for several minutes. A cook relaxed slightly “w-we did it.” He hopped over the cover and looked around. “We did it!” Everyone started to slowly rise, but Oktai had a bad feeling. The cook was brazen enough to continue to walk forward, he approached the cart area at the right side of the room.

He looked down at the entrance, he squinted his eyes. “There is no one in the hallway!” He faced them. “I think it’s safe!” Everyone started to smile, but he heard a clawing sound that pricked at the edge of his hearing. From the door, a large and almost slender figure with violet skin squeezed through it. The form was female, she had long hair dyed in multiple colours, she had six limbs and her nails ended in small black claws. From her back she also had writhing spiked tentacles flailing about. He could see everyone was shuddering in fear, words would not come from their mouths.

The cook who was so brazen was not even aware of what came into the room. “Why are all of you looking at me like that?” “Get back here you idiot!” Oktai shouted. “Huh wh-” the mutant fell upon him he vanished under her large frame, the cook was screaming begging her to let him go. More cultists streamed into the room. That woke everyone up from their stupor.

They opened fire, the mutant looked up, blood matting her face.“Kill them for me! Take their heads for the queen!” she stood up right holding the cook in one hand. He was still alive, but his body was covered in cuts. She started to stride out of the room. Oktai aimed his weapon at her, this was an opportunity. He fired several rounds, but a cultist jumped in the way protecting her, allowing the mutant to leave the kitchen, he cursed in frustration. “We need to save him!” Dorene shouted. “Forget about him! He is done!” Wade answered back.

Oktai nodded, he ducked into cover and reloaded his bolt pistol. “Wade is right! Focus on surviving!” He rose and shot another cultist, the kitchen was becoming a charnel house, corpses were almost rising into piles. Dorene cursed “I am almost out of ammo!” He looked down to his belt, he was in the same predicament. He only had one magazine left.

He was not one for praying, but he hoped his young lord had a plan here. Because it was only a matter of time before they are killed.

***

Clavin stabbed a man, he gasped in pain. He removed his blade and then sliced off his arm. He screamed in agony. He never enjoyed torture before, but now he does. Screams are like music to him. He pushed the man to the ground and stomped on his other hand. He bought his blade up and then down onto his throat. He then felt someone grasping his shoulder, he looked back. “What is it Kelvin?” “Let’s get moving we killed our ones.” His lord removed his hand and Clavin turned fully to see he was right, his house were in the middle of finally killing their meat sacks. Kelvin started to walk past him. “Come on, let’s go.” “Where?” “Anywhere, the queen let’s us do what we want on this ship. Let the idiots die trying to take the kitchen.” Clavin smiled, with his house he followed his lord.

As they made a corner, he saw a mutant with violet skin heaving, her back moving up and down. Tentacles were reaching under on whatever she was on top of. At most he could only hear a muffled scream of a man. Kelvin frowned “Joan what are you doing? Aren’t you meant to be with the assault?” Her head reared up she gasped, her spiked tongue was hanging from her mouth. Dripping with blood, she drew it back in. “Aren’t you meant to be at the assault also?” her voice sounded wet, she smiled at him specifically. “Do you wish to join us? You are blessed.” She stood up right, her black tank top was cut to show her belly, but half of it was slack to one side. Kelvin shot him a look. “He is new, he won’t survive.” Joan chuckled and stared at Kelvin “How do you know?” Joan asked. She hefted the man up from the ground with two of her six limbs, his body was drenched in blood, he was wearing no clothes either. “This one is lasting a long time.” “And he will die of blood loss.” Kelvin retorted. Clavin shook his head. “I-I am not interested at the moment.” Joan shrugged “your loss.” She slowly started to walk past him holding the man at the same time. But she stopped. Her green eyes fell upon him again. “Kelvin is not and we are. Consider joining my house.” She leaned foward slightly and licked his cheek drawing blood. He shivered slightly, she leaned back and continued walking down the hallway with her meat sack.

Kelvin spat on the ground. “Just because she survived…” “Survived what?” “Spending time with the queen. Those that normally do end up as the “elite” the queen even gives them a name for their house.” “Do you want to be one of the elite Kelvin?” he chuckled slightly. “I have to be far more stronger before I can make the attempt. To even get the chance you have to offer yourself as a sacrifice.” At the mention of sacrifice everyone in his house trembled with fear, it was slight but he detected it. Kelvin smiled “now how abo-” Clavin heard a whistling sound. Something zoomed down the hallway and whatever it was crashed into Kelvin’s head cutting him off. His lord’s eyes rolled upwards as he fell to the ground.

Now getting a good look at the weapon, it was a sabre, an ornate one at that. The weapon also started to exude a pink mist that smells wonderful. But that thought ended as he realised someone attacked them. He got his weapon ready with the others. They waited, sweat started to dribble down his brow. “I was blind…” the voice sounded distorted but it was familiar to him at the same time. +But now...you see.+ The second voice was strong, it drew him in but at the same time it caused him to shudder in fear. Out of the darkness, a figure stepped out. They were wearing baroque black armour that fit their form , at the back going down from his waist was pink silk. But what terrified him was the helmet. It sported two horns on both sides curling down slightly and the eye sockets of the helm held a burning violet flame. His eyes were then drawn to the long white braids that left the helmet. They moved slightly in the air. The ends of them also held small blades. “I was weak…” Clavin then heard hooves, a ox strode out and stood next to their possible attacker. +Now...you are strong.+

The black armoured figure raised his hand, his gauntlets were clawed as well. The sabre returned from Kelvin’s head back to his hand. There was only one thing he could think of, strangely the one in front of him looked like a macabre knight. He took a step, he then heard a grating sound and looked down to see that his armoured feet only had two digits. Then came the first scream, he looked up to see the first dying, his throat being cleanly cut. The second member of his house rushed to attack but the knight ducked, but he did not rise. His hair moved upwards and impaled his brother house member in the throat. As they fell to the side, the knight’s hair left the neck, but strangely blood did not cover it.

The knight slowly stood up right, he raised his hand at another, black energy consumed them, they screamed in horror and in pain. It only lasted moments as the knight drew the energy into himself and what remained of his fellow house member was a desiccated husk. Clavin shook his head, he started to walk back. “S-Stay back!” The knight’s eyes moved to him. “I was meek…” +Now you stand tall.+ Clavin looked at the remainder of his house, he cursed and turned. He ran, he ran as fast as he could.

Behind him all he could hear is agonised screams. “By the queen who the hell is he!?” He prayed, he prayed that he would not chase him. He decided that he would keep running until he could not run anymore.

***
The last fell to the ground. This was easy, the battles in the warp were far more exciting. He looked over to Taurus who is now grazing over the corpses. “You have your meal.” Inferus said in annoyance. +We have time.+ “They could be dying.” +Do not fear Inferus.+ He relaxed and sheathed his blade. He bought up his restored hands. They emerged from a warp rift, they spent years trying to put his body together again. Doing favours, proving himself within the eye of terror. His gaze moved back to his companion, Taurus wanted to stick by him for whatever reason even after all they been through and the fact he is a daemon prince. “Tell me again...how long has it been?” +For us one hundred and twenty years. Here? Only an hour as passed.+ He frowned he would never get used to the timeless nature of the warp. But that did not matter now, he has what he needs, he understands far more than before.

He walked over to the shaggy ox and played with the hair that obscured his eyes slightly. +Don’t do that.+ “It annoys you hence why I am doing it.” Taurus shook his frame in annoyance, but he kept eating. “So...do you want to see Tetricus?” +I don’t even know who he is.+ Inferus sighed, he knows that it is him. This is his captain, he can feel it, but any questions that deals with the past he claims that he has no idea what he is talking about. Once the corpses were bone the ox flared his nostrils. +I am done, let us move on.+ “Finally.” His sabre shardspliter vibrated in excitement. The daemon within was eager to continue killing, Inferus started to jog. He was eager to return to his cooks, he has grand plans and he can’t wait to share them. Taurus trotted behind him. +They might shoot you.+ Inferus frowned in annoyance. “It will be fine.” +Good you have confidence. Let us hope they don’t void their bowels upon seeing your visage.+ “You are never going to let that go?” +You were the idiot who had no desire to wear a helmet for a time. Very few can understand glory, even those who bow to the true god.+ He chuckled, the way he speaks he knows that it is him. Even if he does not remember he was glad that Taurus was here.

***
Their side was crying out, people are dying. Oktai fired a round into a cultist as he tumbled to the ground he grimaced. The room stank of blood and rotting meat. Another wave entered the kitchen. Dorene fired almost wildly at them, taking down three cultists. “I am out!” her autogun was empty. Wade gunned down two more. “So am I!” Oktai pressed the trigger on his bolt pistol, all he heard was a click. He cursed. “I am out as well!” those who were not trained ran out of ammunition ages ago. “Close combat weapons!” “What’s the point! We are going to die!” one of the cooks shouted. That was a domino effect all of the untrained started to panic, seeing this the cultists redoubled their assault.

But then a body was sent flying from the entrance door, they crashed into the cart area. Their body a mangled mess. The cultist’s looked back, a man in black armour stepped into the kitchen holding a sabre. His blazing violet eyes began looking around the kitchen, they then flared to what he assumed to be anger. In smooth praticied movements he danced through the cultist’s, severing arms, legs and heads. At times he would place one hand behind his back and thrust taking out a cultist’s eyes.

Dorene shook her head. “Who is that?” “I don’t know…” Wade replied. Oktai narrowed his eyes as he killed the last cultist. He sheathed his blade in a swift movement. He stared at them. “Are all of you alright?” The voice was distorted slightly, soft as well but it sounded familiar. Then an ox strode into the room and started to eat the corpses. The warrior started to approach the ceramite cover. “It’s me..you head chef.” “Hold.” The warrior froze. “How many tables have you broken?” “You are never going to let that go are you?” “Answer the question.” “I broke it ten times.” Everyone relaxed, Oktai shook his head “are there more coming?” “No, I slew many on the way here. But they will attack us again. I assure you.” Inferus strode over to the ceramite wall and hopped over. He walked to the keypad near his room door and entered the code.

The walls lowered themselves into the ground. Inferus faced them, but what he noticed is that a strange musk was coming from his body. He felt at ease, that he could let his guard down. “Gather around, we must speak.” said Inferus. Oktai folded his arms “why don’t you remove your helmet?” “That..wouldn’t be a good idea.” “You want us to believe you no?” His young lord sighed and removed his helmet there was a small hiss as it left his amour. He held it under his arms. His skin was pale with a tiny purple tint, his eyes were black like the void but a violet flame played off them. His face was absolutely perfect and that strangely scared him. He tensed up, the other cooks dropped onto their knees and looked away, they were shuddering in a mix of absolute fear and strangely desire. But their faces kept being drawn to him, most likely due to the musk. “Maybe you just have to get used to this. Eyes on me, now.” Everyone looked at him but many kept eyes cast downward. “We are at war.” he let those words hang in the air.

He then smiled “this ship….will change. Groups will vie for supremacy we are all walking the path of glory with Lord Tetricus and many will want his favour.” Oktai found himself smiling, his young lord seemed far more confident. “So for now we go to ground.” Dorene rubbed her arm. “B-But where do we go?” His young lord walked up to him, he handed him a piece of paper. “Take everyone to this location. You will all be safe there for now.” Oktai looked at it. He could see it was on the upper levels still. “Very well. Up you get everyone!” The cooks slowly rose. “What of the meals?” “The astartes will just have to deal with no food for awhile. Don’t worry I will inform my...master.” Oktai sighed “Right but what’s with the ox?” He looked over to the animal, it made his skin crawl. “That’s my old captain. At least I think it is. He used to lead this warband.” The ox was steadily eating the corpses. It was like he was grazing. “What is he doing?” “Eating souls essence, they linger on the body for a time. Now go.” Oktai smiled “right, let’s get moving quickly!”

***
Inferus watched them all leave the kitchen, he had to admit that they did well. But they could be better, all of them can be better. He placed his helmet back on, as it locked into place the small needles that covered the inside of his armour shot into his skin. He shivered just slightly, it was a small pleasure but one he thanks the maker of his armour for.

His was wargear was put together by the dark mechanicum and he does not require it to be void sealed.

This is due to the fact that his body has been changed. He does not feel “normal” anymore. When the discussion came up Taurus said he is closer to him than a human. What that meant he wasn’t sure, but he was stronger, faster and things were more vivid and bright. The downside is that he tends to get bored easily and his eye for detail shot up to radical degrees.

He called out to the daemon. “We need to go see my master.” +You have no master save the dark prince.+ He stated it like a fact. He is not wrong in a manner of speaking his path is intersecting, he will call Tetricus lord and that’s it. He sighed let’s get going. They left the kitchen and made their way to Tetricus’ abode.

As they passed through the area controlled by the Corpus’ he spotted Erastus looking over the corpse of Vernon. Inferus assumed that he was a casualty of the warring between the Black Capra and Corpus’. Inferus strode up to the apothecary, right away his eyes left his work. He stared at him. “What’s this?” Erastus reached out to touch him he was almost drooling, but he swatted his hand back. He did not want the apothecary to touch his form. Erastus almost hissed at him due to the gesture. “You dare! Who do yo-” “It’s me.” “Oh...you’ve changed.” “I have, are your corpus’ losing?” at the mention of of them losing he grunted in annoyance. “It’s only temporary.” “It’s not temporary, the Black Capra will overtake them.” Eratus knew that he was right, he could see that he agreed with him.

Strangely an idea then hit him. “The Black Capra have attacked my cooks, they seek to become the dominant power amongst the mortals on this ship.” “Aren’t you mortal?” Inferus gave a small chuckle “Not really. But how about this? I will give you my blood samples and your corpus’ will ally with me.” Erastus wiped his mouth, he started to chuckle. “A mortal seeks to make a deal with me? I could just...take what I want.” Inferus stepped forward, his voice turned low. “Am I just a mortal?” “Fine, I agree.” He smiled at his answer. “I will be delivering the blood samples at intervals my lord.” “Intervals!?” his face turned almost red. “Well yes, I am quite busy. I assure you that you will get what you need.” Inferus then heard a crunch, he looked over to Vernon, Taurus was in the process of devouring of his corpse. Erastus growled at him. “Get your stupid animal away from it!” “Well he is not exactly mine my lord.” Taurus kept eating, he looked up. +Make me stop.+ Erastus reached for his needle gun, but his hand edged away it’s evident to him that the apothecary did not want to push it after Taurus spoke.

Inferus started to walk past Erastus “as I said intervals.” He tapped Taurus back, he shifted slightly and started to walk with him. He could hear Erastus cursing as they walked away. +You handled him well.+ “He has an obsession with flesh, if he sees or smells something new he is like a rabid dog.” +You are correct, I can sense his heart, his desire. He is pure.+ “Pure?” +Those who care for perfection. Those who do not care are impure, they should be enslaved and used by the pure.+ He agreed with him, in the past he wouldn’t but after all he has seen he was right. That was the law of the cosmos, those who get in the way of perfection are evil. Those who do not follow the true god are misguided and they either have to be ended or educated to follow the right path.

Also the prospect of enslaving those that cross them was quite pleasing to him. He imagined the Black Capra, chained and beaten, serving their betters. It would be a good dream for his people. He stroked his chin. “People…” +So you have thoughts of ruling. Embrace it.+ Inferus smiled “I shall Taurus.”

They did not speak further until they reached the door leading to the tunnel, for once there were no petitioners he guessed many were part of the plot to kill him and his cooks. He approached the door. Resis and Senshika readied their cleavers, but Resis looked more relaxed. She sniffed the air. “It’s Inferus you look and smell different.” She left her spot and breathed in the air around him. “What did you do to yourself? Also what’s with the animal?” “The ox is a daemon, I must see Tetricus.” Resis nodded “open the door Senshika.”

His old roommate opened the door, she was still on guard. He did not blame her in a sense it’s like two predators meeting, but he knows he is the larger one. He walked into the tunnel with Taurus.

Making their way up to the chamber door he asked the the daemon. “By the way what was the wooden door you showed me?” +That was the room of the queen.+ At the mention of the queen he chuckled, he wondered if the people who were screaming was enjoying whatever was happening to them? +Their joy does not matter, the queen cares only for satisfying herself and her hunger.+ “There is nothing wrong with that.” +You are correct the dark prince wanted her to be that way, she walks forward to reach perfection and enlightenment.+ “So do we all, those who are pure of course. But I will end her if she continues to get in my way, she better not provide me the opportunity if she wants to live.” Taurus bobbed his head slowly in agreement.

As they reached the chamber door Inferus opened it, he walked into the chamber to see Tetricus is in discussion with Cassius. The prefector turned to him. “Who dares to interrupt us!?” He said nothing, he strode to the middle of the chamber. The sorcerer looked to him, confusion lining his face. He then smiled. “Oh my, what happened?” “I got better my lord.” “I can see that.” Cassius frowned “this can’t be the cook! He…” “I can’t be blessed? Do you have such a low opinion of humans my lord?” the question was not genuine he wanted to prick at the bladesmen, he did not know why. But he saw the slight, he placed his hand on the handle of his blade. “I am going to cut off your tongue…” “Enough.” Tetricus said firmly. “You should punish your slaves witch! Not let them run off their mouths! I wil-” “Enough!” his eyes blazed with eldritch energy, Cassius relaxed. The prefector strode out of the room, he said nothing. But Inferus could feel the anger bleeding off his body.

Tetricus sighed “so tell me? What’s with animal? I know it’s not normal.” Inferus stepped aside and gestured to the daemon. “This is Taurus my lord.” “Is that a joke?” “No..it’s him. It’s our captain.” He watched his features relax, almost soften. He walked over to the ox and touched his head, Taurus grumbled in annoyance. +Don’t touch my head.+ He shifted away. +Mortals and their touching…I am not a pet.+ “I don’t want to believe it.” “He does not remember us..but that’s the name he gave me.” Tetricus faced him. “Or he may of looked into your mind.” “I have been with this daemon for more than a century, trust me on this.” At the mention of a century he raised his eyebrow. “It’s a long story, but I want to talk about something else.” “What?” “You are aware the Black Capra attacked us?” “I am.” “Yet you did nothing about it.” Tetricus walked past him, his fingers brushed against the table. “A whole cult over you. It’s that simple.” “I see…” “You aren’t upset?” his lord looked at him oddly in surprise. “No I am not upset. I should of prepared better, but that will change. I would like to be a king of sorts.” He gave a small chuckle “you as well?” “Oh no...I am not like her.” He walked up to the table. He removed his helm and placed it onto the table, he smiled. His lord flinched just slightly, astartes don’t exactly get scared. “I can wear the crown of iron and you can wear the crown of gold. Who would you rather rule the masses? Me or her? I doubt that the Black Capra will be truly ended, much blood will be spilled but we both know that it would be better if I was in a stronger position. And the added benefit of good meals when the kitchen is back up and running my lord.”

Tetricus grinned “who knew you had ambition?” “It’s only thanks to Taurus’ help that I am like this my lord.” “Fine..I will help you, but what do you need?” “For one weapons, some basic gear and supplies. I need to carve out a place for my people on the upper levels, I also have the aid of the Corpus’ as well.” “Done.” “You are agreeing so readily my lord?” “Yes I am for you see I want reliable...servants. The queen is not reliable and I know her intentions so I have a vested interest in you succeeding. Where do you want the supplies dropped?” “At the recreational area, leave it at the door. At most the room is an empty hall but it has the space we need and it’s located near the kitchen. I will take it back in time.” “So that’s the plan then, I will have Justus deliver what you need.” “Thank you and enjoy the show. It’s not often you get to watch a war my lord.” “Don’t worry I will.” Tetricus then looked over to Taurus. “He couldn’t leave us alone...could he? If it is him.” “I am of the same mind, I said something similar my lord. But we must focus on the plan.” “Yes..the plan. Don’t let me down Inferus.”

He smiled as he said that, he grabbed his helmet and placed it back onto his head. “Do not worry my lord I won’t.”
***
Clavin panted, his back was to the wall. He couldn’t breathe, that knight was terrifying and the ox as well. His house is dead, they have all been killed. He then heard a scraping sound, his heart jumped. “Oh hello.” He turned his head right, staring down the hallway. It was Joan, she was approaching him. But she looked a little different, her face was now androgynous, attractive even. He found himself relaxing “Is Kelvin dead? No wonder you are by yourself. But you should be careful, if your entire house is dead another might consider you a sack of meat. Who knows what sort of grudges a house might have against another.” Clavin frowned “I...I am fine.” “No you are not..” she stood in front of him. “Six wonderful eyes, you were blessed and Klevin was not. To have someone with blessings within one’s house is a mark of prestige.” “So I assume people want to join you?” “Of course, for the untouched to be in proximity of me is a blessing. To give their lives for me is an honour. They will know rapturous torment in the afterlife. We who are blessed should stick together...” She licked her lips marring them with her spiked tongue, but then they suddenly healed restoring her soft lips to normal.

Joan grinned “You can join House Devirgino, my house. I can make you strong.” She grabbed his shoulders, the force she was applying held him in place. She kissed him on the left cheek. “I can make you beautiful.” She kissed him on the right cheek. She then leaned back. “W-What if I refuse?” Joan smiled “Then you are meat for me to use how I wish. I wish to try out a new blessing..” Clavin saw flashes of the man from before, he gulped. “I accept.” Her hands moved down his body, she hugged him and pulled him close to her body. He thought she would smell of blood, but her musk was pleasing. She whispered into his ear. “Welcome to House Devirgino..”

Is Taurus a good or bad influence? Who's to say? Mutation profiles coming soonish.

Joan's mutations!


***

Here is how you get special gifts! Gotta roll under your infamy score when you past the corruption threshold, if you fail gotta roll on the normal table.



Inferus' Mutations!



Also there is something I want to talk about. Failing the chaos gods, the black crusade core book goes into this.




So not doing a god's sphere when you have ample chance to do so causes you to get corruption points. Hence why the traitor legions spiralled into crazy dark god worship, they are compelled to do it and if they don't they get spawned. Anyway at certain interval's you have to roll for a mutation when you reach a certain corruption score, pushing past that threshold with failing corruption points will disallow you from modifying your mutation roll with your infamy score. So you could end up with something like....



This mutation is bloody useless and inhibits your character. You get this mutation if you roll 85-86. Now if you push past the score with good corruption points for doing awesome things for your god you get to modify your roll by your infamy bonus. So let's say your infamy is...54. You get to modify your roll by 5. Now you can push your roll upwards or downwards by 5 points, so being a heretic who wants to conquer worlds or become a daemon prince you will instead pick the tail mutation.





Now the tail roll number is 87-89, you would want that one instead of pushing it a little higher to get the tentacle mutation or unless your heretic wants to lose a limb and get a tentacle for some reason.

Hope people found this post interesting.

Very, what book is this? And are you rolling on the book to decide your characters traits? Thats kindof brilliant even using the book to be honest, well done sir. And im so glad taurus is back. And glad oktai lived honestly lol. Im dossapointed cassius is plotting, i thought he was cool with witches smh.

 Dayknight wrote:

Very, what book is this? And are you rolling on the book to decide your characters traits? Thats kindof brilliant even using the book to be honest, well done sir. And im so glad taurus is back. And glad oktai lived honestly lol. Im dossapointed cassius is plotting, i thought he was cool with witches smh.

Essentially yes I am rolling. Sometimes I pick one out if it's important for a character.