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 shinros wrote:

 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.

I quite appreciate this. A lot of the time, stories repeats themselves without some kind of randomness as authors are fixated upon the single traits their character should have. I'm glad some randomness cuts that by forcing authors to adapt to an unpredictable change.

lliu wrote:

 shinros wrote:

 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.

I quite appreciate this. A lot of the time, stories repeats themselves without some kind of randomness as authors are fixated upon the single traits their character should have. I'm glad some randomness cuts that by forcing authors to adapt to an unpredictable change.

I am glad you do because I just rolled two mutation's for a character and it made me swear out loud. It's going to be interesting weaving this into the story.

Entry ten
These past few weeks have been interesting. The recreational hall has been setup as our new base and with the weapons provided by my lord and with the alliance I made with the Corpus’ we have been pushing back against the Black Capra. At the same time we have been recruiting, I have dubbed our....fraternity as the knights of Luxus. We have to above the filthy Black Capra in both name and how we conduct ourselves. So we can’t accept everybody, for I desire to be the best and the best should rule the ship. But I am not one not to give someone opportunities, slaves also have the opportunity to rise. If they prove themselves and serve well their master might take them on as a squire of sorts if that is their wish.

Then after that if they stand out their master can vouch for them to join us fully, in the end I still have the final say. Taurus overall approves on how I am handling things, so does Oktai. Never seen the old man so excited before.

In the end when we carved a place out for ourselves we rebuilt the kitchen, the Black Capra thought it amusing to attack our carts but sending a knight of two with them is normally enough to keep a group away. What I have noticed is that the cultists can’t fight at all, some can the supposed elite houses but the rest are just chattel.

Still I have noticed when I am running a cart the cultists give me a wide berth, they shudder in fear to my features or some wish to offer their fealty to me. Those that swear to serve are enslaved, for all must go through the process. Only those we specifically recruit are not made slaves.

What I have also found is that Tetricus is responding well to what we are doing. After giving us the supplies he is not supporting us overtly, I can see what he is doing. My lord wants to use my knights and the Black Capra. he keeps us somewhat balanced and at each other throats so he can use both of our forces. Such a ploy should annoy me but for some reason it’s not. At least this situation keeps things interesting.

Chapter 34
Today he wanted to do something different. It’s rare when all of them are gathered in his chamber but today they are. Tetricus looked upon each of his brothers, Faust, Cassius, Erastus and Justus. They all sat around a larger circular table with him while Inferus set food in front of them. Tetricus noticed that the prefector had over six large meals sitting in front of him he wondered why the palatine blade eats so much?

Once Inferus was done he walked to Justus side. Due to his armour he can’t use a knife or fork so his servant has to feed him. Tetricus tucked into his meal, so did everyone else. There was silence for a moment but he wanted to strike up a conversation. “So what do you think of the mortal’s warring with each other?” Inferus did not react, he knows he is going to pay close attention to this conversation. Cassius grunted “with one of their leader’s right here?” “What are you afraid that he will kill you?” Erastus started to laugh, the joke wasn’t that good but perhaps he was serious? If he ordered it Inferus would kill anyone for him. “I am not afraid of a mortal.” Cassius stuffed a piece of meat into his mouth. He chewed while staring at his servant. In a sense he is not his apprentice anymore, he has his own path now.

At times he does notice that Cassius’ eye twitches just slightly whenever he looks at Inferus. His new visage even took himself some time to get used to. Faust smiled, Tetricus was surprised that his features were not defaced by speakers. “I find Inferus knights more interesting. At least they have a love of music, they sponsor and protect many who play in the theatre.” Inferus said nothing to the praise, it’s evident that he is trying to detach himself from the conversation they are having.

He picked up the wine glass and sipped it. “What of you Justus?” His servant stopped feeding him, he grumbled. “The Black Capra.” The answer strangely surprised him. “May I ask why?” “They art free with themselves, they understandeth pain and torment. The cook of the 4th acts like he is above what the Black Capra art doing. This dost not mean that I dislike him.” Tetricus nodded that was a fair answer, his servant simply smiled at Justus’ words. It’s clear he disagrees but he would not voice such a thing now. Tetricus moved his eyes to the apothecary, instead of eating he was placing the food into vial’s full of solution.

He was only drinking the recaf that was held in a giant mug. “So what is your opinion Erastus?” “Hmm? Oh the knights of Luxus, it’s simple they understand my work so in turn they understand perfection.” Cassius scoffed. “Oh really?” “Well yes, I see how you sneer at my beautiful work.” “They aren’t beautiful, their masks and bodies are ugly and for one they don’t know their place either.” Erastus rose from his seat. “You take that back!” Cassius got up as well. “Make me.” His hand moved to his blade.

Tetricus smiled “it’s wonderful that we all get along.” He shot both of them a look, the prefector and apothecary got the hint, he does not want his meal interrupted by a brawl. They slowly sat down grumbling to themselves. “Now tell me Cassius who do you prefer?” His brother was still upset, but he answered the question. “The Black Capra, for one they know their place and they are aware of their station.” “I see...but can you really call Inferus a slave though?” “I can and I will for that is what he is.” Tetricus looked over to his servant, he is taking everything in stride.

All them begin to eat in silence, it was good to gather their opinions. He knows where Cassius obviously stands, he is aware of what he is doing but strangely he can’t bring himself to care. His own wish is that he abandons his silly plots and join hands with him on this adventure to mark the galaxy. Faust then looked over to him. “What of you? Who do you prefer? The Black Capra or the Knights of Luxus?” Tetricus smiled “neither, they both serve my ends. I don’t mind if they murder each other, there are things I like about both of them.” Everyone looked at him in surprise save his servant. “You thought that I would support Inferus? God’s no, I have to think about conquest and bringing excess to the misguided. Both forces have their ups and downs and I aim to use them. Now….”

He gestured to the air, the map above them shifted to display a planet. “This is the planet Alam.” He moved his hand again the image shifted to show a city, adeptus sororitas were marching the streets. The noble district had grand temples, mansions and great statues of imperial saints. “This is the city of Dariszar, the covenant of the Burning Rose are the guardians of this world and with the PDF they have a great iron grip on the city.” Cassius nodded. “So are we going to attack right away or bring corruption?” “Bring corruption, this is an opportunity to test both groups.” He shifted the image to the south of the city, it looked more destitute instead mansions lining the streets there was factories along with mortal’s whose eyes are cast downward. “The Black Capra will corrupt the south and the Knight’s of Luxus will handle the nobles at the north of the city.” He could see Inferus narrowing his eyes at the conjured city. “I can taste resentment.” “Taste?” “I don’t know how to describe it...people feel trapped. They want to let loose but they fear the sisters of battle.” “You will change that won’t you?” “I shall, do not worry my lord.” Justus grunted. “We shouldst just attack, they wilt know the dark prince at the hour of enslavement.” Tetricus smiled “Justus you of all people should know that we should take things slowly. The terror of the loyalist forces will be greater when corruption surrounds them completely.” The pheonix guard cocked his head, he then nodded in almost an excited manner. “Thou art right, 't's unfortunate that the sisters of battle cannot see the true god.” He had to agree it is a shame. The adeptus sororitas are blunt. They have no idea how to see alternatives, but they still make good sacrifices. “Right we have a course of action. Let’s enjoy our meal.” His brother’s began to eat again, at the corner of his vision he could see Cassius’ eye glinting with opportunity.

He tried not to sigh. Dear brother, don’t be stupid. He thought to himself.

***
Dorene danced through the bullets, the daemon within her lasgun was crying out to her in frustration and rage. She could feel her intentions as she gripped the weapon. The daemon had loathing for all mortals, even her. But the daemon knows that she is a gift, one placed upon her by the dark prince. She pointed her gun at the first Capra cultist and fired, the beam was purple it cracked into their chest gorging it out. They tumbled back with a thud. “To your right!” Wade called out. She shifted her aim to the right, a cultist stepped out from the corner his gun moving towards her but she was ready for them. She fired again, this time the las shot hit the head causing it to explode in a shower of chunks and purple flame.

With just two of their members dying the cultist’s broke and ran away. She flexed her clawed gauntlets. “All of them are cowards.” Wade strode up to her holding his autogun tightly. The blue eye lenses of his helmet glowed slightly due to his new sight. He can now see souls. “They are still running. They are not going to to gather reinforcements.” he hissed. “Good, teaches them to move upon our lands.” She smiled, since Inferus got them organised they have been taking the fight to the Black Capra, now barely any of them come to this part of the ship. They now own it. “So do you think we will invade their territory? They hold most of the crew lodgings on the upper levels and they pretty much own the lower levels of the ship. I want more slaves and I can’t get more in this situation.” Wade sighed “we have a long way to go, we are few in number. They will overtake us in time.” “Don’t talk like that! We just need fresh blood.” “And new gear, the Black Capra uses whatever they can get their hands on. But imagine if all the elite houses unite? Even with the Corpus’ we will lose.” “You are such a downer, might be the reason why you are not blessed yet, not truly.” “It’s just a daemon weapon.” Dorene showed it to him, the blinking eye, the smooth purple coat that held an unnatural sheen. “Just a daemon weapon? Also my features changing? My body hold traits of a man and woman.” “Fine, what is your secret?” “For one, I brutalize and violate my slaves. I don’t make them into squires. Also I make sure I enjoy myself if we capture any cultists.” “That’s just a waste Dorene.” “No it’s not, only those recruited directly by us are worthy to join. While you can now see souls and...your nose and your tongue have been changed. You just look slightly like a snake.” “You are aware I am a little stronger because of it?” “Just a little dear Wade.”

He hissed at her, the tentacle on his back flailed slightly but she ignored it. “We have cleared this route, I wonder if Inferus is at the lodge?” The lodge is the place where they gather, only full members can enter the converted recreational area. “Remember he is serving food to the astartes?” “I was.” They both straightened, they made the sigil of their order, they place their arm across their chest and leaned two of their fingers forward like horns.

Out of the hallway their head appeared, drenched in blood. “I assume the fleeing Capra cultist’s were your doing?” His burning eyes moved between them. “Yes lord.” Dorene responded. Inferus smiled at her “good, now we have a task walk with me.” He walked past them, she fell in behind him with Wade. “We are assaulting a world and we have the task to soften it up. But there is a problem.” “Problem?” asked Wade. “Yes, the Black Capra will be there also. They are handling the more destitute area of the city, which suits them. We are handling the nobles.” She almost sighed in relief, in the past few weeks she has been living a life of finery, dresses, jewelry and wine. Along with slaves to give her relief. Their head picked up on it. “You are eager?” “I am, we might get fresh blood I want to wage a proper war against the Black Capra so we can teach them their place.” “So do I but you must have patience Dorene. There is more to war than numbers.” She could see Wade shifting, just by his walk he was pleased that Inferus said that. “We are blessed sire. They are just rabble.” The head stopped and faced her. “Do you think you can win with just blessings?” “Slaanesh is with us sire, we are strong and beautiful while they…” She thought of the random blessings held by the Black Capra, their tentacles hold spikes, they grow multiple limbs and claws. “They are just...ugly.” “All true, but we need equipment, numbers and the new bloods have to be trained. Will you do it? As I recall you have no squires.” She grimaced slightly. “I...see your point.”

The head turned away and started to walk again. She could tell Wade is smiling ear to ear after that exchange. Even so she could not shake off the nagging need to dominate the Black Capra, to bring them to submission. The filthy cultists should be serving their needs and desires that should be the way of things.

***
Clavin hacked at a knight cleaving off his arm, he screamed. They had several chained to the walls of the grand hall at most he is using this to kill time. Today there was meant to be an announcement. The queen’s throne which was made out of the finest’ marble was empty save for her two blind guards standing next to it. There was a set of double doors behind the throne, he had no idea where it lead but Joan said the queen normally comes from there. How she knew he had no idea.

He stepped back from the knight and looked around. By his observation there are only elite house members here. It was evident by the fact that almost everyone in the hall has some form of blessing. Joan strode over to him, she was smiling. “I can smell it, war is coming.” “War?” “Aye, doesn’t your body tingle? Do you not hear the distant screams and the baying of those who are blind to the true god?” He thought about her words, he closed his eyes and listened. At the edge of his hearing he could hear a sound, almost like a beating heart. It pulsed, it thumped and his body was caught in it’s rhythm. His own heart matched the beat, his blood quickened and he could smell fire. Mixed in all of that he saw the followers of the corpse god were running and screaming in agony as they harvested them to enjoy the bounty they provide.

He opened his eyes slowly, he could feel drool on the side of his mouth. “When?” “Soon your senses have been expanded remember?” She was right all six of his eyes now glint with the light of the warp, what most would find terrifying he finds to be mundane and the fact he can sense things. People’s intentions and glimpses of the future. “I...see people running before us, screaming in agony. We will harvest them and we will enjoy the bounty they provide.” He doubted that he would have to do anything to get what he needs from the meat sacks they capture. These days people literally throw themselves at him. Ever since joining house Devirgino his body has changed, he has a single breast and the rest of his body has become a blur between genders. “I just wonder when queen Shidonai will come.” “I agree, but we sho-” “You have no right to be here.” Joan hissed and turned, Clavin could see another house walking up to them.

They had metal rodes imbedded in their skin, piercings and spiked leather straps attached to various parts of their body. This was their rival House Cruciatus. The leader who he knows as Fabian pointed at his mistress. “As always your soul is sick! I can see it!” Joan hissed at him. “Just because I don’t like scaring myself does not mean I am sick! You are the one that will destroy your body!” She then chuckled “after all you are the one that stinks of stale perfume.” “But you see Joan, you still have fear. So you stick to the more perverse pleasures just like the rest of your house. Self-mortification is the way forward, but only those without fear can pursue that path.” Clavin eyed a gylph on his arm, it was neat and the lines were thin. They also held a purple sheen, such a glyph could only have been placed by the lord of the warband. He frowned “shove off, we don’t want your posturing.” Fabian looked at him. “You are shedding yourself of fear, why are you with her?” “He is mine!” Joan shouted. “Oh? Remember you left my house because you feared our path, you wanted something simple so you drew in all those who obsess over carnal delights.” Joan raised her hand. At her order Clavin removed his blade from it’s sheath, around him his fellow house members drew weapons.

Fabian’s group stood still. “So you would spill blood within the queen’s hall?” “Do you think she will care? You of all people should know that. After all the leaders of every house here shared her bed.” Clavin watched Fabian shudder, just slightly. He could sense a tiny amount of fear. “We..don’t speak of that. You kno-” “I know and I enjoyed every bit of it unlike you. Who fears pain now?” The leader of house Cruciatus clenched his hands. “You da-” he didn’t get to finish, the doors near the throne opened. Everyone dropped to one knee. The depravity in the room stopped, everything grew still.

The only sound that could be heard is the queen’s footsteps. Clavin cast his head down as is their custom. “All of you may look.” The voice was wet, not in the same way as Joan’s but it drew him in, it was like silk moving across skin. It’s been too long since he has last seen or heard her speak. Everyone rose their heads in unison, her radiance caused him to cry, his heart swelled with desire.

The queen gave them all a soft smile “We have a task. War is coming and we must prepare a world. But the foolish and misguided Knights of Luxus will also be there with us.” At the mention of their name Clavin tensed, so did everyone else. “But the demands of the...witch comes first. Selected houses will come with me to planet Alam to bring corruption to it.” Clavin’s heart started to beat rapidly. Please be us, Please be us. He repeated over and over again within his mind.

Their queen began to list off houses, with each name his heart sank until… “Now the two final houses...Devirgino and Cruciatus.” He had to try hard not to shout in happiness as those words parted her lips. She nodded “that is all.” Their queen rose from her throne, she then left the hall with her guards. Right away bedlam erupted, people weeping in sadness that they were not chosen, others were screaming in jubilation that will be part of queen Shidonai’s grand design. Joan grinned at him. “Are you excited for fresh bodies Clavin?” He smiled back to her. “Oh yes I am. Can’t wait my mistress.”

His heart began beating rapidly, bringing corruption to a world covered in the false emperor’s light. The need to descreate it consumed him utterly.

Mutations/Gifts! (Doing it in text form it's quicker. :X)

Dorene (She got extremely luckly with her rolls.)



Wade (He did not get lucky with his rolls, but he got some cool mutations IMO)



Clavin. (He got lucky as well.)



Fabian

Chapter 35
He ran through the streets, the bringers of ignorance have come for him. He thought that he could lose them but that won’t happen. He looked out ahead, despite it being dark the fortress where the PDF and the sisters of battle are housed loomed over them all. The great torch that burned at the top of the fortress burned bright, he smiled. “It represents destruction...the end of creativity and the joy of worship.” “Stop heretic!” The sister superior shouted. It’s evident they want to capture him alive. “Now we are few..our purpose still drives us…” He turned into the corner, it was a dead end but he knew that. He slowly turned, he looked upon the misguided, the ignorant. Their armour is black and red power which matches them. They are minions of evil, of a false faith. The sister superior raised her bolter at him with the rest of her squad. “Aron Dovis of House Dovis. You will come with us.” Even if he is wearing his featureless mask and robes they knew who he is. The only reason that can be is if one of those captured talked. Even so they would not speak without reason, the divine is at play here. He sighed. “Even death..cannot stop us...” “The death of your cult will be the end heretic!” Her face was full of venom, hatred and the scars lining her face did not help either. Aron removed his mask and dropped it to the floor. “Have you ever felt faith coursing through your bodies? True faith? When I pray to her I can feel that she is with me. I can hear him whispering in my ear. The broken priestess showed us the way it’s unfortunate that you are eternally blind.” The sister superior grunted. “Sister Agatha take him, we will keep weapons trained on the heretic.” He offered his hands. “The broken priestess has seen this, you will get nothing from me. All she saw in your future was fire...all of you burning and screaming in agony. Your screams coming together as an offer to slaanesh!” The battle sister squad before him tensed as he uttered the name of the dark prince.

The battle sister known as Agatha punched him in the face as she approached. He felt his nose rupturing, but it was a joyous thing. His body thrummed with true faith, he groaned. Aron bought his face back to the sister, his nose now bloody and bent in a different direction. “She has seen it!” He was hit the face again, this time he fell to the ground.

The rest of them fell upon him soon as he hit the floor. They placed cuffs onto his wrists. He could even feel the odd kick. It did not hurt, the pain they were giving him was pleasure. Also he could feel his faith soaring. The sisters of battle have no idea what is coming. They will fight and they will die slowly, by their own form of weapon.

***
Inferus looked upon the mansion they bought as always planets eagerly accept new investors and they barely ask any questions even with the cold gaze of the sisters upon them. Even the PDF had that same look about them. He brought up his hand, the rituals to hide the blessings among them have set in well. Oktai chuckled while looking around “This is a nice place.” Inferus frowned heavily, he found all the temples disgusting and he could sense that the nobles feel restricted. All of them are dressed modestly and wore icons of the false emperor. “Tell me head of my personal guard what do you think of our mansion?” He looked at it, he smirked. “Look’s terrible my young lord.” “Do you do that just to annoy me?” “Yes my young lord because you always take the bait.” He sighed at his answer he was not wrong. But strangely he likes that about the old man.

He turned his gaze upon the rest that were with him. Dorene, Wade and a few others. Unlike the Black Capra a small force works better for things like this. Too many people and you might show your hand. All of his knights are his guards, every noble has them and it would be strange to arrive without any. “Greetings.” The voice held a slight edge to it, he turned down the road to see a squad of battle sisters has approached him. The sister superior’s face was scarred, she held her bolter tightly.

In good practice none of his knights reacted, they simply stood at attention. Inferus smiled “Greetings, I am blessed to have one of the sisters of battle gracing me on my first day.” He gave a small bow to the squad. The sister superior gave a curt nod. “I am sister superior Maxine, I have come to inform you that we do things differently here.” “Excuse me?” “Agatha.” A battle sister stepped forward. “Remove your clothes.” she asked firmly “What?” “Remove your clothes.” she repeated. Save Oktai he could sense the anger bleeding off the rest of his guards. Especially Dorene and Wade.

Inferus knew that he needed to act the part. “Why? I am not going to strip for you! That’s uncalled for! I just arrived on this planet!” Right away Agatha punched him in the face, he made sure to fall to the ground. But the blow surprised him. Oktai removed his bolt pistol from his holster and pointed it at the sisters. The battle sister squad responded in kind and aimed their bolters at his group. “Hold! Oktai...you can’t shoot them. I-I will do as you ask.” He started to remove his clothes, once he was naked Agatha roughly looked him over. “He is clean.” “Good.” said Maxine, she then went into her pouch and removed a strange metal device. “This is a portable branding iron. We shall mark you, if you are not a heretic you should accept this gladly.”

Inferus’ eyes went wide with shock, genuine shock. The sister superior removed a vial from her belt and began to pour a strange liquid over it while muttering a prayer. Inferus found himself staring at the iron aquila at the end of the branding iron, Maxine pressed the button and the iron aquila turned red instantly. “It has been purified. My sisters hold the wretch down.” At her order they surrounded him, they placed him onto his back. His first instinct was to lash at them. How dare they!? He raged to himself. He did not want to be marked by such a crude symbol, he ground his teeth. “Let me go! This instant!” Oktai was trembling, they all were. Their fury was bubbling to the surface.

Maxine walked over to him and knelt “The god-emperor is watching.” The rest of the sisters intoned those exact words as well. The sister superior placed the branding iron on his back, his skin sizzled on contact. The pain was exrectuaiting for some reason. He screamed in agony. “All nobles scream when we do this, because you carry so much darkness within your heart. Know that now you are here you cannot leave. You will work to the benefit of this planet and if you don’t….you will be deemed a heretic.” She removed the branding iron and rose, the rest of her squad released their grip upon him and did the same.

All of them walked away in silence, Inferus groaned in pain, his back hurt. He waited until they vanished into the distance before rising, he then slowly sat up and gathered his clothes. He then dressed himself and stood upright. Dorene stepped forward and whispered. “I will butcher her…” “In time...dear Dorene. C-Come let us see our new home.” He slowly walked into the mansion with his guards.

As they entered it was empty and run down, they will have to do much to make it worth living in. He looked over to Oktai, he was still trembling. “Are you that angry?” Suddenly he burst out laughing and slapped his thigh. “That was so funny! Your face as they placed the branding iron upon you!” Inferus frowned “S-Shut up! I don’t know why I put up with you! Stupid old man!” He kept laughing, Inferus grunted in annoyance. This is going to be a long mission. He said to himself.

He shook his head wearily a part of him wondered how the Black Capra is faring? He hoped that they had such a greeting, he would enjoy watching the queen being put in her place.

***

Shidonai grimaced slightly, the stench of the sewer was terrible but it was the only way to move her forces. The tunnel was empty as expected, the auspex scans showed that there should be a ladder which leads up to the most southern part of the city where the poor meat dwell. From there she will slowly bring them into the cult, they will worship her eternal beauty and bask in her radiance. She smiled to herself “One thing at a time…” It’s evident that it won’t be easy, the sisters of battle go on hunting trips in this part of the city to kill mutants but soon they will realise that they will be the prey.

They shall be hunted, gutted and tortured. As they made a corner the smell suddenly changed, instead of the smell of human waste a strange perfume tingled her nose. She breathed it in deeply and right away she could taste something strange, this was holy corruption. She was sure of it. “You are not the one I seek….” The voice was soft, each word gently passed through her mind. Shidonai curled her lips in disgust. “A witch...they should be collared…Lucien!” One the elite stepped forward, his hair was styled into a mow-hawk and held multiple colours. He bought his dog with him. Lucien’s house is known for taming psykers and putting them to use.

The witch was chained and bound, it whimpered uncontrollably “Lucien have your pet sniff out the one who spoke to us.” He bowed. “Yes my queen…” He slapped the dog across the face, he cried out in pain. “Seek them out!” The dog nodded, it’s body pulsed with energy. It sniffed the air and after moment it shook his head. “M-Master...I-I..c-can’t f-find them.” Lucien slapped the creature across the face again. “Why!? Lady Shidonai commands you! Find the psyker!” “S-She is t-too strong! S-She pushes me back!” The outburst caused her to sigh. “It seems we can’t find her for now. Let’s focus on finding the ladder up.” Lucien bowed deeply. “My humble apologies my queen, I will be sure to discipline this animal later.” Shidonai smiled “Be sure that you do.” He stepped back with his dog.

She focused on the route ahead, after a few minutes walking they found a ladder leading up to a manhole. If they exit through here they will be outside an abandoned building they can use as a base. As queen she should be first. She climbed up the ladder, as she reached the manhole cover she pushed upwards. Her muscles bulged and tensed up with the motion.

She slowly moved the cover off, revealing the light of day. She climbed out and looked around. The general area was empty which was good. She turned to the building and stared at her base.

The building looked bland, the colours caused her to gag. “Who would use grey? These filthy loyalists have no taste…” She wondered what she could do to improve it? To make it worthy for her to stay in? She became lost in thought as the houses came up from the sewers and then it hit her. She clapped to get their attention.

All of them dropped to one knee. While still staring at the building she gave her first set of orders. “Find the local gangs and end them! Begin the corruption! Find the weak willed and make them bend!” She could hear all of the houses rising and running in different directions. Only her blind guards remained. “We can use red...the blood of sacrifices will be a lovely colour...”

***
He stretched as he left work, his back was killing him. He frowned. “At least no one was killed today...” Jonathan scratched his neck. He wanted to curse his new overseer. Due to productivity dropping they were replaced with one of the adeptus sororitas. The worst outcome for any factory in the southern city. The battle sister sent to watch over them uses neural whips to ensure they kept working, if they caught you being distracted the whip would crack out and lash your back.

All of them were forced to work without tops on, after work they would get dressed into their own clothes. He found it strangely degrading, his departed mother told him that the Burning Rose covenant saved the planet from heretics with the PDF. So they should be thankful for their presence. He did not know why she thought such a thing. Even now as a man he just wished that they would mind their own business. It’s got to the point that there is a battle sister within every southern church.

He sighed and started walking home, he tried to keep his head cast low. The gangs like to pick at people who walk upright. Despite the sisters purging mutants, they don’t have time for the thugs for some reason. Jonathan looked around, peddlers were on the streets selling wares, the pavement is cracked and falling apart as always and the factories are churning out smog from the work being done within them.

This is his life day in and day out. Sometimes he wishes that he could just relax and not worry about work. For everyone in the southern part of the city this is their life, hard labour, hunted by gangs and getting lashed. Luckily that has not happened to him but it could so he makes sure he is attentive at work.

He has even seen someone get lashed to death once, the servitors cleaned up the corpse like it’s a piece of trash. “It’s that how they see us? Trash to be used and cast aside?” He shook his head, despite not liking the battle sisters they are still the god-emperor’s holy warriors. There must be a reason why they are harsh.

He found himself looking around again and strangely, he hasn’t seen any gang members on the streets. He raised his eyebrow “I wonder what is going on?” The only reason he can think of is that they must be warring with each other again. He continued walking until he heard a sound, it was gurgling sound. It was coming from his right, he found his head turning. The pathway led to an alleyway, there was a corner to the left at the end of the path. As he stared down the somewhat narrow walkway the sound kept playing within his mind, a strange perfume filled his nose and as he listened the sound called to him. He was about to take a step into the alleyway but stopped, he shook his head. “What I am stupid?” A gang was obviously here, he has no idea why he is so curious but normally he would ignore such things.

People being beaten, stabbed or tortured that is what happens when a gang set’s their sights upon you. But something was different, the musk strengthened, people began shoving past him, then he found himself taking a step. With that one movement he found himself walking into the alleyway slowly. His breathing started to slow, he bit his lip, the back of his neck tingled.

He edged down the path and as he walked around the corner he saw a group of people tearing apart gangsters, but they weren’t normal. Some had spiked tentacles, others had multiple limbs. He could see a large creature on top of a person, whoever they were on top of were flailing to free themselves. Jonathan yelped “M-Mutants!” All of the mutants froze and looked over to him.

He trembled with fear, the musk vanished from his nostrils, the need to wander vanished. All he felt is cold fear. The creature that was on top of the gang member rose, his eyes moved to them. They were torn apart, they were wearing no clothes either. “Why hello.” The voice held drew his attention, it captured it completely. His gaze moved to the abomination, the fear was evaporating, crumbling away to nothing.

The mutant bought it’s claw’s against the wall, making a grating sound instead of scaring him it caused his heart to quicken. The mutant licked its lips with their spiked tongue. “You seem tired…” The mutant’s voice was wonderful...it-she had a sensuous voice. Now staring at her visage it was not grotquese but beautiful. “I-I-I…” Jonathan stammered. His lips quivered, her velvet eyes were enchanting, his voice was stuck in his throat. “P-P-Please…” “Please what? You don’t have to be afraid...” She was now close to him, the smell of the blood covering her body along with her musk filled his nose. He started to relax slightly. “Those...evil and ignorant sisters of battle threaten all of you...I can sense it. You just want to relax...be in bliss instead of thinking of this disgusting place…” What she said is true, just for one day he desired bliss, he wanted to do what he wants without anyone judging him and he doesn’t want to worry about the next day.

The beautiful mutant wrapped one of her arms around him and brought him to her body. Strangely he started to cry, the day’s work just vanished in an instant. His back no longer hurt. “Just...relax…” Jonathan slowly nodded to her words, she then leaned her head back. She stared at him, her bloody face was coming towards him and soon as their lips touched he knew bliss.

***
Inferus tried not to yawn during the sermon, it was boring incredibly so. He found his eyes moving around the church, the golden statues of the primarch’s dotted the side walls, cherubs fluttered around swaying censers. He found all of it to be ugly he just wanted to get this over with. He is only here due to the pressure the sisters of battle, they arrived next day early in the morning telling him that they will escort him to the grand temple. Soon as he arrived from idle conversation it’s known that the burning rose ensures all of the nobles attend service.

A register is taken before any sermon. He found this whole situation ridiculous, the nobles are meant to have freedoms. Far more than a common man, but it seems to him that no matter what class the sisters of battle hold everyone by an iron grip. At most he could guess this zealousness exists due to the cicatrix maledictum, the galaxy is in a state of total war.

He looked found, but then at the corner of his vision he spotted something strange. A noble looked at him and tapped his mind. Then he felt it, a gentle push. Nothing lethal, he wondered if he should let him in? His eyes held a strange glint, he thought that perhaps he knows of the truth faith?

Inferus focused on the priest at the altar in order to appear as a good imperial servant. He lowered his inner defences just slightly, so if it is a trap he could easily push them back. The noble’s voice was cool, confident. +I know who you are, we worship the same god.+ Inferus tried not to smile, this might be an opportunity. +Oh, so how can you help me?+ A small chuckle passed through his mind. +Moving to straight to that? The Broken Priestess was right about you…+ At the mention of Broken Priestess it took his entire willpower not to raise his eyebrow. +Broken Priestess?+ +Yes...she is the last remaining priest of the cult of ending.+ +Cult of ending? What do you want to end?+ +We wish to end false worship and false gods that goal consumes us. As you can see here...faith is empty, they feel nothing. They sing to a god that does not answer back, a false god that gives them no joy.+ He agreed with the noble, he was right. +You are not wrong...so tell me how can we help one another?+ +After the service we will speak, we will be free after that.+ The voice faded away.

He tried hard not to look back at the noble, there is no telling how fervent those in this hall are. Any of them could report him to the PDF or even the sisters of battle if he does anything strange. So he sat through the boring service.

After almost an hour of inane rituals and prayers, the priest closed the service. They all rose and made the sign of the aquila. “Praise be the god-emperor.” they all intoned. Then they all dispersed, he made his way out of the church and waited at the bottom of the steps. It only took about six minutes for the noble from before appeared before him. His black hair was swept back, his blue eyes still held that glint. “Follow me.” So he followed, they walked through the northern part of the city, even though the service ended some prayed to the statues held in the plaza, soldiers marched the street looking for a possible crime.

The noble then took him to a closed off path, he then faced him. “We can speak, soon as we approached this path we don’t exist to the others.” “How interesting, I assume this is the work of your Broken Priestess?” “It is, her power is great. We have...waited for so long.” As he said that he could see that the nobleman looked somewhat aged, most would assume rejuvenents but the more obvious answer is that he is blessed. The noble bowed. “My name is Nolan Welton, I am pleased to make your acquaintance.” Inferus folded his arms. “Asriel...Asriel Regan.” Nolan smiled “now if you follow me.” He approached a manhole and started to remove the cover. “You are based...in the sewer?” “Trust me, our abode is far more extravagant...just be patient.” As he pulled away the cover he gestured to the ladder. “After you Asriel.” He walked to the manhole and climbed down the ladder.

As he got to the bottom he noticed right away that the sewer does not smell. The fragrance was actually quite nice. As Nolan came down, he covered the manhole. Inferus wondered how such a man could move the large slab of metal, truly then this cult might be blessed. Nolan slowly came down the ladder, as he reached the ground he smiled. “Follow me, stick close.” With that they started walking down the tunnel.

Soon as they made a turn, torches lined the walls that burned with purple fire. The intensity of the fragrance increased, if a lesser soul came here they would be entrapped. “So how many of you are there?” “The sisters of battle are hunting us, Aron volunteered to be the sacrifice.” “Sacrifice?” “Why yes, he will leak information that a cult is setting up in the southern part of the city. The adeptus sororitas will become consumed with that and with them distracted we will grow here.” At the mention of the cult he could only mean the Black Capra. Since Nolan knew of him the cult of ending must be aware of what is going on in the southern part of the city. “The Broken Priestess sees much, who you work for and your aim, but there are things you should know.” “What should I know?” they came to a crossroad, the tunnel lead in multiple directions. “Can you answer my question?” “Sssh!” “What’s the matter?” Then he heard a scratching sound along with gasping and cooing. The voice does not belong to a human. Nolan closed his eyes and listened carefully for a few moments, the scratching sound along with the voices vanished.

Then came a joyful giggle, the noble frowned slightly, it came from all around them until it suddenly ceased. He pointed to the middle path. “We are heading that way.” He started to walk, in confusion Inferus raised his eyebrow. “What was that about?” “The handmaiden’s guard our sacred pathways, they have made a pact with the Broken Priestess. But if you take the wrong path…” “You will land right into their arms.” “You are correct. Back in the old days members of our faith used to intentionally take the wrong path, some come back alive changed and warped by the divine, some don’t come back at all.” That made sense to him depending on the disposition of the handmaiden she might tear you limb from limb or you might find new delights.

Soon enough he spotted statues lining the sides of the tunnels great bovine monstrities stepping upon a mound of loyalists, androgynous figures engaging in depravity and the smell intensified further. Inferus found himself panting, just slightly. “We are almost there Asriel, be patient.” said Nolan. And he was right, they reached a grand hall. There were various tunnels leading out, but dotting the area was temples large and small, they were spiked and draped in silks and he noticed figures wearing robes. The colours were mainly black but it held hints of red and purple. They were walking around while wearing a featureless mask, the brows were moving down slightly in the form of what he could see to be sadness. “We will be heading to the grand cathedral.” He pointed to the largest church, then he heard it. A guitar plucking it’s strings, a violin playing a soothing melody and a wonderful church hymn that sang to the soul. All of it mixed together made him feel something, it was strange and he could not put a word to it.

All he could think of is that it is a travesty that these people need to hide their faith, the true faith. As Nolan started to walk he followed while looking around. This whole area was breathtaking. When they arrived at the cathedral doors a huge and hunched back figure looked down upon them while gripping a giant power flail in both hands, how he could see while wearing that mask he had no idea. “What’s this? Who have you bought to these hallowed halls Nolan?” His voice was hoarse, it grated on the ears. Nolan gestured to him. “This is Asriel, he is the head of the knights of Luxus.” The hunchback reared upwards. “Is it...time? Finally?” he said almost joyfully.

Inferus raised his eyebrow. “Is there a problem?” “No there isn’t.” said Nolan. “This is the guardian of our faith, Booker. He fought during the purgation wars.” At the mention of the purgation wars Booker almost growled in anger. “Cursed she-devils! Followers of a false god!” “Calm yourself Booker, let the head of the order see the Broken Priestess.” The large man calmed down “O-Oh yes...apologies.” He walked over to the door and opened it. “You may enter.”

Without saying anything further Nolan moved onwards, Inferus felt apprehensive as he took a step to the door he then felt a wave of power. It almost caused him to drop to his knees, Nolan kept walking like nothing was going on. He grimaced and pushed himself onward, he can’t look weak here.

Entering the cathedral the hymn was far more soothing. Inferus looked around despite the energy placed upon his body. The large hall held benches to the right and left side of the hall, the floor was marble and held a great sheen and the statues dotted at the sides of the hall were in the visage of daemons. “You are here.” The voice was soft, disturbingly so, she sounded absolutely serene. His eyes moved to the altar, a woman in the robes of the cult stood in front of a statue. Instead of a hood she wore a habit, despite her back being turned she radiated power.

Despite such power his gaze moved to the statue, from his understanding he assumed that the statue is the cult’s idea of the dark prince. One half was female and the other was male, in the left hand which was the male side held a sword and the right which was female held a eldritch flame that was coloured pink.

The work done upon the statue was perfect, it could not of been shaped by human hands. The pink stone glinted and if a lesser soul looked upon such a thing, if one who does not have faith in the true power saw this beauty their heart would be lost, scattered to the winds. He followed Nolan up the aisle, as they reached the altar he kept a few paces away. “I have bought him.” “This is good…” She turned, she wore the same mask like the others. But it perfectly fitted her face.

“I have been waiting.” Right away Inferus detected that her voice did not sound muffled either, looking upon her he could only ask one thing. “Who are you?” “I am the Broken Priestess, the oracle was my old title or the flame that leads to true faith.” “I-I see...are you a psyker?” “Yes I am, according to the imperial assignment I would fall under the Gamma level. If our departed Cardinal did not find me when I was young I would of been put to death, this church also helps to oppress my powers. Keep me hidden from the ignorant.” He payed attention to that word, her psyker assignment is gamma. This priestess is truly a prize. But he was aware that she would not serve him, it’s evident she is looking for something else. “What do you want from me?” “Liberation.” “What? If that’s the case work with me.” “It’s not that simple, when the astartes come the invasion will fail.” “I assume you have seen it? Since you are an oracle?” The Broken Priestess nodded. “A great conflagration will come to the sanctuary of the adeptus sororitas. Your master will be at the center of it.” “He is not my master, not anymore.” “He will be again, your master will burn. He will be tested and if he fails he will die.” At the mention of death he shook his head. “You are speaking of Tetricus? Just to make sure.” “I am, now he walks the path of champions. The tests will never end. Taurus failed, if you want the 4th to survive Tetricus must prevail in the face of this trial.”

Inferus did not know what to think, or what he should say. “I see...I shall warn him.” “It won’t make any difference. This test is ordained, by the sword and by the flame.” “Excuse me?” “The dark prince exists in two halves the sword and the flame. Normally people are one or the other, but the best have to be both.” He got the feeling that the broken priestess truly believed what she is saying. Strangely he found himself coming around to her way of thinking. “Are you affecting my mind with your powers?” Asked Inferus. “It’s your faith, not my powers. You are a sword, you can’t stand anyone controlling you. It’s in your nature so I am not upset you are questioning me.” He grunted at her answer. “Very well...tell me then. Why am I here? If there is not point warning him what do you expect me to do?” “You will do...nothing.” “What!? I have a mission!” “That mission shall be done, Nolan spoke of it. While the adeptus sororitas murder the Black Capra we will recruit. But you will cut contact with you master until the right time.” “Right time? I...don’t understand.” +Listen to her.+ It came from behind him, he looked back to see Taurus trotting slowly down the aisle. He was sure that he left him on the ship but considering he is a daemon such boundaries should be no issue. “Why?” +Don’t be stupid, betrayal surrounds...Cristian.+ Just for a moment he thought that he heard an edge of worry in Taurus’ voice. +He needs loyal warriors, loyal fighters so listen to the oracle.+ “I can’t let him down again. Not after...” he thought of his parents, that was a stain in a sense. “There will be only two groups that will let him down, that’s if he succeeds with his trial.”

Inferus looked back to the Broken Priestess. He warred with himself, but Taurus added comment swayed him. “Fine...I will trust you.” “Good in the meantime you have much to learn.” “I don’t have to learn anything.” “Are you sure?” Inferus suddenly dropped to his knees, a great force was pushing down upon him. “A-Alright!” The force vanished, he slowly rose while rubbing his neck. He stared at the featureless mask “I have people up top, what of them?” “You can let them know, for they are loyal. As I said…” she gestured to Nolan. “You will work together and recruit more converts. We...are just priests and we require a knights expertise.” Nolan smiled at him, it seems he was eager to get to work.

But what has him worried is the test, what sort of tribulation is the dark prince going to put Tetricus through? In the end all he could do is prepare like Taurus and the Broken priestess said.

Long chapter today, oh boy I am quite excited for this arc.

I haven't commented in a bit, but your story continues to deliver.

I like the way you are having Inferus/Asriel and Tetricus evolve.

 complex57 wrote:
I haven't commented in a bit, but your story continues to deliver.

I like the way you are having Inferus/Asriel and Tetricus evolve.

I am glad that you are enjoying the story! I hope people like where this arc is going to be heading.

Really enjoying how you are weaving these story arcs together. And right when you wonder where a character has gone they appear again. Well done chapter.

 Dayknight wrote:


Really enjoying how you are weaving these story arcs together. And right when you wonder where a character has gone they appear again. Well done chapter.

Thanks! I am quite curious what you will all think when it all comes together in a sense.

Chapter 36
Everyone has gathered within the chamber, soon everything will come together. Cassius folded his arms and stared at each of his supporters. The room was full of astartes, he could see many were made up of recruits. In a sense he expected it’s the psycho-indoctrination, what is happening around them does not match up with what they saw. A witch is leading them and since he an exemplar of the third legion they wish to follow him instead. Vardas stood next to him, he was smiling “So it’s going to be soon.” “Yes...but I hope he bows to me.” “You don’t want to kill him?” He grimaced slightly, just slightly. He does not hate Tetricus as a person, but if he wasn’t a witch he imagined they would be tight knitted.

But some things in the third doesn’t change, many of them have a dislike for witches. Their father decreed it. He remembers him hearing say those exact words that they can never be perfect. Cassius shook his head, it’s too late if this plot is discovered we are all dead anyway. Tetricus would kill us without hesitation or he might do worse. “We will kill him. But we cannot fight him directly...” He took a step forward “Brothers! Your attention!” Their eyes moved to him, he saw it in their gaze the hope of him leading them to true glory, to stand above all others as the third was meant to.

He liked that notion, he knows of many lords would have gathered small fleets and that desire started to kindle within him. “As you all know...we have to end the witch. But we cannot fight him directly, his sorcery is strong.” They all nodded in agreement, there was also murmurs. “So..only I will try and get close to him when we launch our attack on the world. I will surprise him and end him as the sisters attack us. ” One of his brothers grunted “So you will attack him from behind?” “Why not? He is a witch not a bladesmen.” His words caused everyone to nod in agreement.

All of them easily move to his words and will. He liked it, before he just listened to their concerns. Now? They are looking to him to lead.

***
Jonathan quickly worked at his section, filling up the bullet with powder and then passing it down along to the next person. But the sounds of the servo’s behind him was still distracting their overseer was watching them work. But he did not care, he just wanted work to end so he could go back to her. He has been visiting her group almost every day now, Joan tells him things. She tells him about the planets beyond this world, that there are more primarchs and a host of other information.

She tells him that the imperium denies them information and simple pleasures to control them. The overseers are just another means of it. “Hey psst...” He looked to his left, Jimmy was smiling. He then whispered “So what’s got you smiling?” “I...just want to finish work.” He whispered back. “We all do mate...but you met a girl haven’t you? I know that look.” He started to get flustered slightly, he did not know whether to admit it. He found his eyes moving to the scar on the back of his hand, a parting gift from Joan. “It’s not that...I just..know people who can make you forget.” “Forget about what?” “Everything, work, my back ache and...the overseer.” “Sounds like an interesting group of people.” He knew what he was insinuating but he did not mind many people are joining them all the time. “I can take you there after work if you want? They have a place they hang out at.” “Really!? Alright then!” Jimmy faced his work, Jonathan then touched a bullet but then it tipped over onto the table.

The powder spilled out of it, he stared at it for a moment and he knows what is coming. He heard the brutal overseer stopping behind him. “A mistake…” the vox of her helmet made her voice sound harsh.

He then heard a crack, Jonathan readied himself for what is coming. After just a second more a searing pain greeted his back. But it didn’t hurt, it strangely felt good. Another lash greeted his back he winced in pleasure.

Then the third came, he grit his teeth trying hard not to shout out. He did not want to look strange to the others. The sounds of servo’s started to disappear, once they vanished completely his body felt tense, hot even. Jimmy looked over to him “Y-You okay?” “Y-Yeah I am fine.” His colleague smiled “you took those lashes well, most would cry with just one.” He couldn’t say that it felt good, so he simply smiled back. “Do you still want to go to that place I told you about?” “I do, if they can make me handle lashes like you can that would be a godsend.” He clearly meant it as a joke that was evident by his somewhat jovial tone.

But Joan has done worse to him even without scarring his body and it felt good. In time Jimmy would be like him and strangely he did not think that was a bad thing.

***
The interrogation room held the scent of incense, blood and holy oils. The heretic was strapped down onto an operating table so far he has given them nothing. Sister Joyce of the Order Hospitaller has been working on this one for awhile now but it’s only now he decided to speak. Joyce turned away from the bloodied heretic “Canoness Edith I just want to let you know that this might be a trick.” Her white power was covered in blood due to this aggravating task but she couldn’t risk it. “Joyce we need to end the cult once and for all. Despite driving them into the ground they keep popping up.” Edith’s eyes moved to the heretic, one of his eyes have been removed and surgical scars covered his frame. Joyce even tried to remove the cursed brand upon his body, but as it was cut out it simply appeared somewhere else.

She has even heard from Joyce that two of her assistants went insane due to gazing at it for too long, they drowned themselves in excess and they were forced to execute them.

What she also found surprising is that truth serums don’t work, torture is a joy for this one and even using sedative the cult’s worst nightmare does not have the desired effect. The tainted noble gave a weak smile, his lip split slightly. “S-So you are h-here…” “I am heretic are you going to speak?” He slowly nodded and coughed up blood. “I-I am...tired of this. I-It’s not worth it…” She could sense regret but she would give none, he will be judged within the fires of the emperor after his usefulness has ended. “If you tire of this...speak. So that the emperor can judge you.” He nodded “w-we moved our operations. Our holdings is in the southern part of the city the deepest parts of it. We are growing...i-it’s too late. The a-astartes are coming...” He started to chuckle “y-you w-will all die.”

The news of heretic astartes was troubling, but the heretic was confident of their victory. “We beaten you once, even with the aid of heretical astartes we of the Burning Rose shall end you.” She looked back over to Joyce “So we have what we need. Have this one burnt at the stake within the courtyard.” As she spoke of his judgement the heretic’s head sagged back. Joyce nodded to her. “Yes canoness. It shall be done.” She turned away and was about to walk out of the chamber but stopped. She looked back to the hospitaller “Prepare the sacred wood it seems that we might be judging astartes soon.” “I will let the priests know.” “Good.” She then left, for she now has a purgation to prepare.

***
Clavin stood in the corner of the hall, the new arrivals are being put through their paces. Some are stuffing themselves full of food that lines the tables and others are caught up in other excesses. The building they are staying in at the moment was owned by a gang they murdered it was just big enough to allow each of his fellow house members their own rooms. The hall is reserved for delights and what he finds strangely perplexing is how Joan dotes on Jonathan.

He could see them together, his mistress is not going all out on Jonathan, but the one he bought with him is already dead he could not even handle simple pleasures. Soon as he died she left his corpse the rest fell upon him like mad animals. He thought to join in but decided against it, for some reason he just got bored after the first several set of days. He did not understand why that’s the case, he did his part bringing in new hopefuls as per their orders but beyond that he just could not get into it like the rest.

So he simply watched the others, after almost thirty minutes Joan left Jonathan, he crawled into a ball. His mistress walked up to him. “Is something wrong?” “No I am fine. Why do you ask?” “I just can’t help but notice you don’t get involved anymore.” “I just can’t get into it. All of this…” he gestured to the hall. “Is so boring.” Joan nodded slowly “that is understandable you prefer to excess of war.” He raised his eyebrow at her words. “What do you mean?” “It’s quite simple, you prefer the rush of destroying a foe and toying with those that remain alive or dead. So be patient Clavin, endure this for now and soon you will get your time.” Her words caused him to relax, he smiled. “Very well mistress I will endure this boredom.” She bought one her hands to his face. “Good, now stop being moppy! Look ahead to good times!” Clavin grasped her hand. “I thank you for your kind words mistress.” He started to feel somewhat excited again. His mind drifted to the vision he saw. The Black Capra driving the sisters of battle back, bringing desecration and darkness to the foolish warriors. He can’t wait for that day.

***
Inferus sat at the table of the dining hall within the mansion. It’s been almost two weeks since he has informed the rest of his plans. Save Oktai none of them like this course of action. They will be separated from the other knights and they will most likely die due to his presence not being there when the battle starts. So far recruitment has been steady, watching Nolan he had such a way with words that gets people eating right out of his palms he finds the noble impressive.

His attention then moved back to the book, he desired to understand the people he is working with and Nolan was happy enough to give him a copy of the cult of ending’s holy word. It is dubbed the book sorrow or the litany of terminus. Just by the name most would think of it to be a book of despair and such a name would belong to something coined by the plague god.

The book spoke of false worship, the emptiness that it brings. The sadness and heartache of following a deity that cannot do nothing. No matter how much you ask or desire for the false emperor to do something it won’t happen. Your gut will feel empty praying to him, your heart will clench when it's shown he is not divine, not truly.

It then moved to talk about the worship of the sword and the flame, the dark prince is the true diety a galaxy dedicated to him wholly would be paradise. Every joy would be reachable every excess can be fulfilled. But what he found interesting is that in order to get this outcome they must stand and dominate others.

To dominate something else is the correct thing to do to something that is lesser, for you are strong and they are not. Inferus moved his finger down the page. “The weak shall not prosper...the meek shall fall...giveth all to the desire of domination and through following the sword victory shall be granted.” He remembered that the broken priestess said he represents the sword. He flicked through the tome, he wanted to discover the meaning of the flame. After searching he found it. “The flame is free...it draws others in to grow into an inferno. They are exemplars and paragons. They are the flame that guides others on the path of the dark prince.” He frowned as he read that section. “So I am terrible at leading and a bad example? Is this what the book is trying to say?” +That’s what it says…+ His eyes moved to the window to see Taurus eating the curtains. He would fume in anger considering how hard it was to get the right ones but since it’s him he does not exactly mind. “But I am wondering if there is any truth in this tome?” Taurus stopped eating, he shifted to him +despite your misguided reasons in the past to improve yourself you still did it without hesitation. You almost enslaved your old warband to your will in the guise that it’s “better” for them. You hate losing control and only follow someone who is worthy.+ “Like...you.” +You never followed me before.+

Inferus mumbled in annoyance “hurry up and remember already…” +what do you want me to remember?+ “That you led us, you gave us victory time and time again. If you coul-” +I don’t want to lead a group of mortals, I care for perfection. I also have no desire to take a body.+ Taurus shot his idea to pieces, he shook his head. “Alright then...I have a question. Which aspect does Tetricus embody in your opinion? +Both but he needs an extra push, he has the desire to take worlds for the dark prince and to stand over his enemies but he could do more. He still holds back. He can get people on his side but plots surround him. Everyone on that ship should love and respect him. He should command respect and adoration.+ “That’s...quite harsh.” +It’s the truth.+ Taurus trotted over to the table +you are also correct that many of your knights will die. But you will be stronger for it I can guarantee you that.+ The daemon’s confirmation calmed him slightly.

He was still apprehensive about all of this but Taurus reassurance was helpful. “Can I trust the Broken Priestess?” +You can trust her will to dominate. She desires for her faith to be on top, she wants the galaxy to be held in the vice grip of slaanesh. The cult of ending finds joy in true worship, the joy of flesh is a bonus or byproduct in a sense.+ “So...they are addicted to worship?” +True worship. They desire to feel true fervor, a god whispering at the edge of your hearing, the brush of a soft hand or perhaps a gift? Slaanesh’s touch is upon them so their path leads to perfection.+ He found that comment quite interesting, he stroked his chin. “I have a question then, how does the dark prince find the Black Capra? You said the queen is looking for perfection.” +Yes but they will be found wanting quite soon. You should also get ready and go to the priestess.+ “W-What!? Why!?” +War is coming.+ “This soon!? I thought we would have more time!” +Have faith Asriel.+ His words caused him to tense up. “Very well..it seems I just have to place my trust in him.”

He dislikes working on blind faith he has been burned far too many times. But just this once he hopes that things will turn out alright.

***
Edith sat within the rhino with a battle sister squad, they were on their way to becoming celestians. Maxine’s desire to purge the heretic is strong and she could sense her anger at the heretic hiding out here. “We should purge everything.” she said firmly. “Not yet, we cannot give the weak souls who dwell here the chance to join the enemy. Once the heretics have been dealt with we will slowly purge them over time. Do remember the tithe sister.” Maxine frowned just slightly. “I bow to your wisdom canoness.” Edith then looked over her inferno pistol, the gun looked like a flintlock pistol and the barral was shaped like a brazer.

She went through the appropriate checks, she said the prayers and incantation of maintenance. Once she was satisfied she placed it onto her lap, she went through the prayers hatred and purgation, preparing her mind and body for it is to come. More than half the covenant have been deployed across the southern part of the city the purge has almost most likely started.

Once she finished her prayers if she listened carefully she could hear muffled screams and gasps outside. The weak souls fear them as it should be, they are the raging flame of the god-emperor, they have come to sweep away darkness. The rhino ground to a halt, first they decided to aim for the gang hideouts.

They are not truly hideouts because they know the locations of all of them. One day she wanted to do a clean sweep but it seems that day has come sooner than expected. Edith rose, her visual feed linked with the battle sister squad accompanying her, she exited the rhino with them and drew her mastercrafted power sword Sineater. The powerfield shimmered with a yellow light, when it catches the sin of the heretic they are engulfed by a conflagration. Her blade was passed down from her predecessor who died during the purgation wars, she told her sineater was said to be blessed by celestine and by twenty confessors.

She exited the rhino with her squad and looked up to the destitute building their first target. Right away the smell of stale perfume overwhelmed the recycled air of her power armour. “Do you all small that?” “Corruption…” Maxine hissed. She tightened her grip on her bolter. “Come sisters let us commence our holy work.” They marched into the building soon as they entered Edith shook her head.

The walls were covered in blood, profane symbols was carved into the wall. The hall was empty, the doors leading deeper into the building was several metres away. Soon as she took a step the doors at the other end flung open, cultists wearing spiked leather greeted them. But what was more disgusting is the small iron spiked rods embedded into their skin. “Welcome!” The leader stepped out, his eyes glinted and the smell of stale perfume intensified. “I am Fabian! Come! Give us joyous pain! Pray with us!” Edith curled her lips in disgust. “End them.” she said firmly, her fellow sisters opened fire with their bolters.

As the first three dropped to the ground dead the cultists grew into a frenzy they charged. Streams of bodies left the doors, the cultist leader known as Fabian simply stood back. Maxine and her squad moved their bolters in a clock work fashion taking them down in one or two shots. But what was more horrific was some got back up smiling with glee even if they were missing an arm or a chunk of their chest was gone.

Edith spotted five heretics was coming straight for her but she was ready for them. She leveled her inferno pistol at the first and fired. The beam tore into the cultist burning flesh and setting him alight. He screamed in pleasure and is collapsed to the ground. She moved her pistol to the second and released another stream of fire.

This shot incinerated half his body, the cultist flailed around madly with his blade but he kept running. “My screams and pain for Slaanesh!” The name caused her tense, she could feel someone or something breathing gently on her ear.

She roared out “we are the will of the god-emperor! Burn the heretic! Smite them!” She fired again this time he caught fire, the cultist tumbled to the ground.

The strange sensation vanished, she bought her gaze to the last three. Edith stepped towards them. She bisected the third cultist, as their body came apart the wound started to crisp he still kept mouthing off prayers to their foul deity even if his body was severed. The fourth bought their blade down upon her, the crude weapon sparked against her breast plate but did not piece it. As the cultist raised their blade again, Edith committed to a quick sideways slash severing their blade wielding arm. The cultist yelped, not in pain but rapture. She then kicked them back sending them to the ground, she bought her inferno pistol to bare and fired ending his life.

The fifth screamed bringing her attention to the female cultist, she bought her blade down upon her. She blocked the attack with her power sword. Her eyes were bloodshot, she frothed at the mouth. “Pain for the dark prince!” The soft breathing came back again, Edith ground her teeth. She pushed the cultist back using the strength granted by her power armour.

As they staggered back she brought up her inferno pistol and fired. The cultist screamed, through charred lips she kept repeating that same mantra even though her voice became hoarse. The burnt corpse fell to the ground.

The sounds of bolter fire and dying cultists filled the air, she looked upon the leader who was smiling. “Your prayer to slaanesh was wonderful sister of battle!” “Be silent!” She could see the tide of bodies are lowering, they are winning. “Advance sisters!” They began walking forward, Maxine’s squad continued to fire their bolters. Fabian drew his power sword which sparked in the air. “The queen is watching! Scream for her and the dark prince!” The rest of the cultist’s charged.

A host was cut down due to mass-reactive bullets, the leader came right into her. Their blades sparked as they met. “Know that as you hurt and kill us Slaanesh is gaining more power…” She did not respond to the fiend, he wants her to react. She kneed him in the gut, causing a gout of blood to erupt from his mouth, he staggered back. “T-That was a g-good one.” He stroked the bruise, “power armour sure is useful isn’t it?” He charged again, Edith lowered her guard in reaction. Fabian took the bait by attacking the open area, she did a quick parry diverting his blade strike away. She then came in with her sword and removed the heretic’s head. The body and head was engulfed in a raging fire.

That meant his darkness was great, the battle began to wind down. Maxine’s squad ended the other heretics, their blades did not even get past their armour. The sister superior approached and saluted. “Where are we going next Canoness?” She turned to her sister. “We are going to support our other sisters, we have a great amount of work to do.” She brought up her inferno pistol and started to incinerate the bodies, the work only took a few minutes but she did not want to leave any trace of the cultists. Soon enough proper purification teams will be sent to deal with the base itself.

She nodded satisfied that the corpses are now ashes. “Now we leave.” She started to walk to the exit, her fellow sisters fell in behind her.

***
Clavin advanced down the hallway with Joan. They used the new converts to absorb the bolter fire. He wondered how the sisters of battle knew of their presence unless one of the other houses messed up somehow? But it did not matter, he now had what he wanted. Battle, the flow of blood and the ecstasy of war.

Joan gave a great laugh “isn’t this great! Maybe we will be the first to kill them!” He nodded in agreement, the converts did their job. The squad before them were in the middle of reloading, his whole house rushed forward. Claven set his sights upon the leader, she wielded a bolt pistol and power sword.

Her face was scarred, she also wore an eyepatch with an aquila on it. Clavin stepped towards her and slashed down. She smacked away the strike, she leveled her bolt pistol at him. But just for a moment she hesitated her eyes told him that she was having trouble committing. Clavin used that chance to twist to the side, again she was slow in moving. He pointed his blade and thrust it into her neck. She gagged, he stared into her eyes deeply as blood began pouring from her mouth. They a terror and maybe desire? He was not sure.

He twisted the blade removing her head from her body. As the body tumbled to the ground he looked upon the rest, they were overwhelming the squad with sheer numbers, now they were tearing them apart. Clavin grimaced “I expected a challenge...” He shrugged and looted the sister of battle. He took the power sword and the bolt pistol.

She had a few magazines so he has to be careful with how much ammunition he uses. Joan walked over to him covered in blood. “You seem upset.” “This was too easy.” “This was just a small battle Clavin, not true war.” He shook his head “I will be patient don’t worry.” His mistress smiled at him, he then heard a muffling sound. He turned to the mound of converts and someone was digging their way out. As they left the corpses Clavin frowned. “How did Jonathan survive?” The factory worker was panting heavily, his brown hair covered in gore.

Joan quickly walked over to him, he followed her mistress.

Jonathan staggered upright he was still holding his rusted sword. He blinked a few times “T-that…” “He is going to lose his mind isn’t he?” said Clavin. Then a dumb grin lined his face. “That was fun...can we do that again?” he said eagerly. Joan smiled back “we can but we need to leave.” “For where?” Clavin asked. “We must go back to the queen. I assume the sisters of battle are doing a sweep across the southern part of the city.” “So we are going back to her in failure?” “No, not failure. The queen is wise I am sure that one of the other houses messed up.” He agreed with that assessment, they were careful and drew a great amount of people in.

But he could see the plan is clearly in tatters, since many of them are blessed he knows the sisters of battle will view this as a war than a simple purge.

***
Inferus walked through the sewers with everyone, all of them were fully suited for war. He could tell that all of them wanted to speak, especially Dorene. He shook his head. “Speak Dorene.” She walked up to his side. “We can’t trust this cult.” “It’s not about trusting them, I trust the dark prince.” “Then how sure can you be that they are for the dark prince?” “Taurus vouched for them is that not enough for you?” She bit her lip, just slightly. All of his knights knew of Taurus, he is like their sponsor or patron in a sense. “With all respect…” she looked at his belt, one of the masks was hanging from it along with the cult of ending tome. He knew what she is going to say. “Dorene...this is not betrayal, you think they have converted me?” Her eyes said everything, she did not need to say a word. “This is...for Tetricus’ own good. He might feel this is a betrayal and if he survives his test I will throw myself upon his mercy. Maybe you might be leading if he decides to kill me?” Now she shook her head. “I-I can’t lead, I…” “Or maybe you should have a little faith?”

She sighed “as you say sire.”

He nodded, she took a step back. Inferus could see Oktai was observing that whole conversation, due to his helmet he could not see his face but strangely he got a sense that he approved of how he handled that. They soon reached the crossroads, they all stopped.

Inferus closed his eyes and listened, Nolan taught him how to navigate the sewers and how to get past the handmaidens. The sounds of giggling was coming from the middle and left path so they must take the right pathway. He opened his eyes and pointed to the right “we are are going that way.” Oktai shook his head “are you sure?” “I am unless you want to be torn apart by those who are laughing?” “Hmmm or I could kill them.” “You won’t old man, now come along.” He diverted to the right pathway, everyone followed.

They passed the statues and since it was everyone’s else's first time here some looked upon them with awe. But that awe shot to the skies as they reached the main area. They looked at all the temples in wonder he even heard Dorene gasping. But he was focused on the group gathering at the main cathedral.

As they approached the cult parted to let them through, he has gotten used to the Broken Priestess’ presence but everyone else was shifting slightly. He could also see Nolan and Booker standing at her side as well. Inferus folded his arms as he stood before her. “I am told it’s time.” “It is, now we wait here while the sisters of battle commit to the warpath upon the southern city.” “I assume that will get a response out of the astartes and my master?” “It shall, the queen will contact Tetricus and then he will commit to war. He won’t be able to find you since you are here.” Inferus shook his head. “So tell me...what is the purpose of this test? Do you know the specifics?” The oracle bought her hands together “dark prince has shown me a small fragment of his design. How will Tetricus react to everything falling apart? What will he do? He must prove that he is worthy of the dark prince’s grace.” He would say that he is marked, but such a thing could be revoked at a moment’s notice. “I think I understand what the dark prince is planning.” “I am glad that you understand, we have a tunnel prepared that leads into the courtyard of the adeptus sororitas fortress. Tertricus shall be burned there.” “He shall be burned? Won’t such a thing kill him?” “have patience all will be made clear. When I said he will burn I meant it.”

Inferus found himself hesitant, but it’s too late he has committed himself to this path.

***
Shidonai held the purple crystal in her palm, it was her means to contact the witch. All of the houses she sent out have gathered within her throne room. Some houses have outright been destroyed and others are missing several elite members. She could not let her anger show, she is meant to be radiant and the sisters launched a surprise attack that is evident. She was glad that the houses were smart enough not to lead them here as they were getting away. She sighed and whispered the keywords to the crystal, it floated in her palm and gave off a small light. “Considering you are contacting me I assume something is wrong.” His voice held a slight edge of annoyance. “Yes there is something wrong. The sisters of battle are waging war upon us. They are not holding back.” The crystal grew dim suddenly, she waited for several minutes, the light then crawled back. “I cannot get into contact with Inferus either…” She frowned heavily she guessed the he would be involved in this somehow. “He must of made a mistake to tip them off. You were wrong to place your trust in him.” “Don’t tell me who I should place my trust in.” the witch said coldly. “Despite the reason why I can’t get into contact you will hold your current position we are launching the assault ahead of time.” The crystal turned dim and floated down to her palm.

She frowned at the impertinence of the witch “when will he remove that stain? I tire taking orders from a witch...” Shidonai then bought her eyes to the gang members nailed to her walls, she took a liking to this place it’s a shame that she couldn’t do more with it.

***
Tetricus placed his helmet on, he gripped his staff tightly and looked upon Cassius. He was doing his routine checks as well. He decided to keep Cassius close by so that he won’t try anything. At the same time the astartes that are with them are not his supporters either so he doesn’t need to worry about betrayal from them. “Is something wrong?” asked Cassius. “No, I am just slightly annoyed at two certain things. One the sisters of battle got a preemptive strike and two Inferus has vanished.” “The slave is not reliable, he did not even turn up until the end on Sithax.” Tetricus furrowed his brow. “There must be a reason.” His brother sighed and shook his head “I still don’t understand your faith in the mortal. By my observation he causes nothing but trouble even though he cooks good meals.” He wanted to rebuke Cassius but they don’t have time for that. “Faust, Erastus and Justus will secure the perimeter of the Black Capra base and we will be taking the fight to the sisters of battle. We have to push them back from the southern part of the city. Vardas will be leading the others in doing the same task.” Cassius nodded “very well, let us go. I am eager to kill those blunt warriors.” Tetricus grunted “Eager aren’t you?” He turned to the entrance leading to the dreadclaw. “We shall see…” he said dryly.

Tetricus stepped into the drop pod, he seated himself and strapped himself in. He watched others take their place. But he kept his eyes on Cassius he had a feeling that he would try something, he could not shake that feeling away. But I can deal with it. He said to himself.

The drop pod hatch closed, it shuddered as it launched itself. The countdown started as always but his mind drifted back to Inferus. He wondered what is he truly doing? It’s obvious to him that he is plotting and he dearly hope by the end of this conflict he could still put his faith in him.

His eyes moved to the countdown on his visual feed, now it was only five seconds. He watched the numbers tick away. 5...4...3...2….1, then came a crash. He grunted as he shifted in his seat. The door opened up slowly, Tetricus undid his belts and left the drop pod.

He looked up to the skies, drop pods were dropping in their designated positions. None have diverted. “This is good so far…” He turned to his squad, Cassius drew his sabre. “So are we advancing ahead?” “We are let’s move.” His eyes were brought to street ahead of him, there were no mortals on the street. They most likely scattered soon as they saw red comets dropping from the skies, but in a sense they are worse than space debris. They have come to drag this world to the sphere of the dark prince. “Not let us advan-” He felt a sharp pain in his gut. He coughed up blood, he looked down to see a blade protruding out.

The blade twisted, another gout of hot blood erupted from his mouth. He felt the blade exiting his body and then it entered again and again. A total of three times and each time the blade entered his body the wielder twisted.

Tetricus slid off the blade and dropped to the ground. He coughed again, he could feel several of his organs have been ruptured. Then he heard his voice. “I am sorry that it has to be this way.” Cassius walked to his front, Tetricus could hear bolters being aimed at the betrayer. “Peace brothers…” he looked down to him. “The young ones desire to follow me instead of you. It’s that simple but...I want you to join me.” Tetricus laughed, blood spittled from his lips. “Oh!? It’s that it!? You just desire power! Can’t face me directly? Pathetic...none will follow you.” “Are you sure about that? You thought to bring fence sitters and separate me from my supporters. But the fact that they are not shooting me shows that they are deliberating and I think they will favour me over you.” He was right, none of his brothers have fired their bolters. He clenched his hand “I won’t bend to you...this is the 4th company...Taurus passed it to me…” “The 4th is dead, what remains of it? It’s only you no one else. Trust me I can lead this warband to glory, they all see the third legion in me. I want to tell you this….no one will give you respect in the third. Not Eidolon, Lucius or anyone prominent. For you are a witch I imagine if you weren’t a witch I would be dead right now. Please serve me Tetricus.” Tetricus panted, he ground his teeth. “The 4th is not only me...it’s those who serve it. I don’t know why Inferus is not here...but I know...I have a feeling he knew this would happen. I...should of listened but...I know this isn’t the end!” Cassius sighed “you place too much faith in imperfect mortals…” he raised his blade. “This is not the outcome I was looking for…”

Then came a sound, the roaring of engines and from the street corner two Burning rose rhino’s arrived. Cassius tutted his gaze moved to the others. “We will advance back and link up with the others who are pushing. We will leave the witch with the sisters of battle.” Tetricus could hear bolter’s lowering. Their choice is made, he frowned. I am sorry Taurus. He clenched his eyes shut, he could hear their boots moving away from him.

Then came the sound of the rhino’s it crept closer and closer until they ground to a halt, he heard the doors opening and the marching of feet. “A heretic astartes…” He opened his eyes to see an adeptus sororitas in ornate armour standing before him, she wielded an inferno pistol and power sword. She was backed by several others they are aiming meltaguns and bolters at him. “So...my death is here….” “Not yet heretic, we will turn you inside out and extract information from you. We will know everything about your forces and then you will burn. Your cultists killed a few of my sisters and know this...because of that you will be judged harshly...I also smell the stench of sorcery upon you, your end will be slow and painful.”

He did not want to be captured he tried to rise, he summoned some measure of power...anything. “Sister bring the Null Rod.” A battle sister came forth wielding a rod with a metal end. “A gift from the inquisitor who helped us during the purgation wars. Do it.” The rod came down, the power he summoned vanished instantly. The battle sister smacked him again and again, darkness was creeping in. “N-No…” The weapon rose and came down upon his head and then he saw nothing.

***
Faust fired his sonic blaster at a sister of battle, he had to admit Erastus corpus’ are good at holding them in place. Erastus then fired his needle gun causing those hit to melt inside their armour. Their screams are music but what he found odd is that Justus was just standing there shaking his head. “ I hast a bad feeling.” Due to the theatre he had some understanding of what he was saying. “A bad feeling about what?” Then came a vox transmission. “I am leading this operation now. All forces advance to the fortress.” It was Cassius. Erastus fired his gun at the last sister he tutted. “So impatient...I knew this was going to happen.” Faust frowned slightly. “What do you mean?” “Cassius was plotting, if he is taking command that means Tetricus is dead. He had doubts before and I bet the young ones stroked that doubt.”

Faust relaxed “so what do we do?” “Well...we follow Cassius now. I suspect that the rest will fall in line. You could fight back but I assume that will only lead to death.” He digested that information, he looked upon his noise marines. They are detached as always, but he wanted to do something. He closed his eyes and listened, he has not done this for Tetricus since leadership was passed. But he should have a song, a representation of his soul.

Adelram was a weaving melody that went up and down, Taurus was a raging bull that took down anything in his path. Then in the darkness he heard a piano, then he saw a leering skull, it was then consumed in a raging inferno. The song kept going it turned...sad, incredibly so, he opened his eyes and found tears rolling down his face. “I have a feeling that Tetricus will come back.” Justus grunted “What did do thou heareth Faust? The cacophony of pain and violence?” He nodded “I did, I also think Cassius did not do the job properly. So I recommend we follow him for now.” Erastus sighed “I do wonder how on earth you noise marine’s do that.” “It’s quite simple apothecary, all souls have a song and the stronger ones project a song. I have just learned how to listen to it.” Erastus shrugged “so from my understanding the sorcerer will come back?” “Yes.” Justus nodded “We hast a course then.”

Faust felt the tears moving down his face. “Indeed we do…”

***
Inferus sat within the grand temple, he could hear the world above them shuddering, he could feel those on both sides dying. At the current moment the whole cult is preparing for war and they will move only after Tetricus has burned. “He will kill me for this...if he survives whatever is coming…” He removed his helmet and placed it onto his lap. “Perhaps...if he dealt with the traitors early we would not be in this position?” “It would not change anything.” He looked back to see the Broken Priestess walking down the aisle, she sat on the bench next to him. “He will be captured by the sisters of battle, that fact does not change. The only outcome you should hope for is whether he lives.” “What is the chance of that outcome happening?” “It’s small, incredibly so.” His eyes went wide, he rose while gripping his helmet “Then I shouldn’t be here! Dammit! Why did I listen to you!?” “Because if you didn’t you would die in the attempt to rescue him. In all strings you moving to aid him early means your death.” Inferus slowly sat down, that news floored him. “How could you have such faith? In an entity that only desires excess?” “Because that is what he desires is the reason I can have such faith. If Tetricus desires a galaxy of excess he will be fine. I believe in him because he will bring the end that the departed Cardinal desired. I barely know him but you do, so why can’t you have faith in his abilities?” Her words cut at him, he shook his head. “I can’t afford to lose him...I just...can’t.”

He tutted, he breathed out through his nose harshly. “He will survive. He won’t give up so easily.” He had to believe that with all his might.

***
He was dragged through what he assumes to be the courtyard of the fortress. On his arrival all he saw was mortals chained to wood being burned slowly at the stake through flamers. But now? He could not see, his eyes were taken away away, that’s the first thing they did. They then branded him several times with branding irons and they visited such torture onto his body he could not even muster a basic power. Then came the barrage of questions, the number of his old forces, who are the leaders and a host of other inane questions.

But he gave them nothing, Tetricus coughed, a cold breeze passed through his naked body. The chains bit deeply into his ankles, arms and neck. His split lips trembled. I can’t be scared...no...I am. He knows what they are going to do next, the canoness who took him in is leading this procession. At the start of the interrogation she introduced herself but he could always hear the hint of disgust in her voice whenever she spoke.

Around him he could hear people muttering, cursing him and all heretics. Some rejoiced that he will die through burning. One of the worst and most painful ways to die. Tetricus knows there will be no joy in what is coming, it will just be agony. The oils they used to coat their blades and branding irons caused him excruciating pain. He imagined they mix said oils into the flamer canisters they use to burn people.

He felt himself being dragged, they stopped. “Let us begin.” said Canoness Edith. The battle sisters that were escorting him then fell upon him. They pushed him onto a large piece of wood, he did not even have the strength to resist. They chained his body to it.

As his backed pressed against the wood he felt a stabbing sensation. He winced in pain. “The wood has been coated in sacred oils, it’s been designed to hold spikes. The pain you are feeling now is your sins, the darkness of your soul made manifest. The nice thing about the wood we use...it does not burn easily even at the highest temperatures. It comes from the shrine world Conista, the main holding of our covenant.” Tetricus shook his head. “W-What do you think my death will change?” he wanted to be defiant until the end, Taurus would be. “Do not worry, we will drive the heretics from his world. You lost most of your forces already when we made a preemptive strike. Now...ready the flamers.”

He then heard the servo’s of power armour moving. He tensed, he tried to ready himself for what is coming. Then came the gout of flame, he screamed. His body was burning, the searing agony consumed the entirety of it.

He tried to kick but his legs were bound, he tried to move his hands but they were bound also. “Be judged by the god-emperor…” The canoness hissed.

This felt like judgement, he saw flashes of himself as a child. Memories he did not even think he had. He saw Taurus killing those who were chasing him with pitchforks and torches calling him a witch and a summoner of daemons. Watching his blade move through the air he was entrapped, he was in awe, even when he turned to him covered in blood after he killed all the towns people. He offered his hand and he took it without hesitation. Taurus then picked him up and held him tightly to his chest, his legs were covered in cuts and scars due to running for so long. “Why did you save me?” His voice was so weak back then...tiny even. “Because I need you, you will do great things.” His captain answered back.

Tetricus shook his head “I haven’t done anything great!” he cried out, he was not sure if he actually spoke those words or thought them. By now his voice box should be destroyed by the searing flames. Even when blinded all he could see is Taurus carrying him across the field. “I am not good at anything…” he started to cry. “My own mother tried to kill me...I been running for so long…I did not know what to do...” “I know that feeling, hesitation...indecisiveness. I also ask myself why some of my brothers died instead of me. I recall the time I was forced to jump out of a thunderhawk towards anti air guns. We were first in the assault...the other legions held back.” “What’s an anti air gun?” Taurus grumbled slightly. “It’s a gun that is good at shooting things out of the air. I was wearing a jetpack at the time.” “S-So how did you survive?” He shrugged “I don’t know...but I told myself I would survive no matter the cost. I wanted to meet my primarch, I did not want to die like the rest.” “W-What’s a primarch?” He was so confused back then, he wondered if Taurus found his questions annoying?

But he knows that he is not like that, he had time for everyone. He gave people chances as well...sometimes to his own detriment. Now he saw a thunderhawk, he could see Silentus waiting at the landing bay. His child like self shook his head. “W-Where are we going?” Taurus did not answer, he approached Silentus. “I have him.” “Did you try to reason with the locals?” “I tried and they thought to attack me.” “I see...but are you sure about this?” “About what?” “Giving a...witch our gene-seed.” “He will do great things Jullian.” “Fulgrim said witches can never be perfect. Are you truly putting your hopes upon a psyker?” Taurus chuckled “Maybe he will fail, maybe he may fall down...but I have a good feeling about this one.” He watched Jullian sigh “I hope you are right.”

The image faded, now he was in darkness again. All he could feel is the raging inferno engulfing him. He raged why he forgotten such a memory? He felt his jaw opening, he tried to grip something, anything. Some form of power, he searched and searched until he saw a light. He rushed to it and grasped it tightly. “I-I...w-won’t d-die...h-here…” He did not care for his soul, his mind or his body.

He unleashed everything he had, he gave a great roar of defiance. No one will stop him, no one will hold him back...not anymore. He wants to do great things, wonderful things that will make the galaxy shudder.

Now he could see, the darkness evaporated to reveal a cascading fire. He willed his mind to hold the fire coming at him. It flickered from orange, to violet and then to pink in a cycle. “I-I will do great things…” he hissed. Then came the screams, the sisters of battle were burning.

The inferno grew hotter, so did the pain holding his body. But he did not care, he will survive this he has to.

Oh boy I can't wait to write what is coming up next.

Chapter 37

By what means do I still live? My carcass is engulfed in this raging conflagration of great proportions and I keep asking myself by what means do I still live? The great undertaking of having me judged is failing completely and utterly. I should be absolutely elated that the adeptus sororitas are screaming their hearts out. Despite their dauntless demeanor they scream like any mortal. Or maybe...I am just having too much of a good time? But responsibilities...I have to do grand things...great things.

Cassius impaled a sister of battle he pushed them off his blade, they are advancing steadily and they have incurred very few losses. The battle has been going on for a few hours. Vardas approached him dragging a sister of battle by the hair. “They all respect you.” Cassius’ eyes moved to him. “They do, they follow my commands to the letter. I am surprised that Justus is going along with this. I wonder what he is planning?” “Do you think that dimwit with a speech impediment can plan?” “But he is immortal Vardas. No-” He then heard a great explosion.

His eyes drifted to the fortress looming over all of them. The entirety of it was consumed in a raging inferno. You could not even see the building anymore. The flame shifted from orange, to violet and then pink in repetition. Everyone around him looked at it with awe, but he felt a cold bead of sweat dripping down his brow.

When he looks upon it he sees flashes of a leering skull. It was huge, it made him tiny even. He trembled in fear. +WHY?+ The skull asked, he could not recognise the accent exactly, despite it’s booming voice he could hear a slight clip to it. But he knew deep down who it was. Cassius shook his head “y-you should be dead.” The skull was consumed by the same flame that is raging about the fortress. +I AM COMING.+ It then vanished. He found Vardas shaking him, the inferno in the middle of the city was winding down. “My lord are you alright?” He gulped “V-Vardas. We are pulling back.” “Why?” “Just do it!” he shouted.

Everyone started to look at him with concern. “We are falling back now.” he said firmly. He turned back to the Black Capra based and started to walk. Everyone did as he ordered but he could hear murmurs behind him. None of them have any idea what is coming.

***
Inferus rushed down the tunnel with the army of cultists. The Broken priestess is in the back somewhere but she gave him overall command of cult of ending. She said now it’s the time, it only took a few minutes to reach the ladder. Supposedly they should be right above the courtyard of the fortress. He quickly climbed the ladder and moved the manhole cover.

As he got out he blinked in shock. All he saw was ashes and bones. He slowly walked forward, the main base was charred black. The people manning the guns on the walls were also skeletons. He ignored the cultists coming out of the manhole, his eyes just started to search for him. They then landed upon a large skeleton sitting on a mound of ashes.

Inferus shook his head, he raced over to it. “No….No...No!” The skeleton was covered in ashes. He dropped to his knees, his head dipped to the ground. “My lord I am sorry….” “What on earth are you on about?” The voice was strange, it was distorted slightly. The accent he could not put a finger on, he looked up to see the skull is looking at him. Two pink lights could be seen in those hollow sockets. “Tetricus?” The skeleton rose and brushed himself down with bony fingers. “Now can you promptly explain the mystery of why I couldn’t get into communication with you?” Inferus blinked “I-I don’t understand?” “Inferus...rub those brain cells together...try to undertake an actual thought and answer my question. You aren’t dense are you?” He tried to calm himself, he did not speak like Tetricus. But somehow he knew that it is him.

He got up. “Yes my lord.” He looked back slightly to see the Broken Priestess walking over. “She will explain.” As she reached them she bowed before him. “Greetings, my lord. It seems you succeeded” “Apparently you can clarify why Inferus broke contact, speak now.” “It was ordained my lord.” At the mention of ordained a great orange flame consumed his form. He could see the flaming rune of slaanesh hovering slightly above his forehead. He could spot traces of dark energy within the fire. “I endured excruciating suffering...because you saw it?” “Yes my lord.” she answered. “Are you aware..that I am in pain...right now?” “Yes.” His lord’s voice turned low and harsh, the flame shifted to violet. “I should be compelled to bring extinction to your body and soul…” The flame vanished, now he looked like a normal skeleton, his voice then returned to normal. “But I see you have an army. Do they owe allegiance to me?” The broken priestess bowed. “Yes my lord.” His gaze moved to him. “Then all is forgiven, I can see the plan forming in front of my eyes. Quell your heart Inferus.” He found his hand touching it. “I am sorry...that you were reduced to this.” “Do not be sorry..” he walked over and placed his hand on his shoulder.

He felt an intense heat due to his grip. At the moment he is not on fire but he could still feel it. His lord lowered his head to his ear, the heat almost became too much. “Cassius should be guilt-ridden at the moment...if he is not...I will render him to ashes…” He leaned back and removed his hand. “Now let us go, I am eager to greet him. He should be esatic at my return.”

A group of cultist’s then approached and handed him a robe. He took it and wrapped it around his skeletal frame. Inferus looked around at the skulls and ashes. “Did you do all this?” His lord picked up a skull that was nearby, he gazed at it. “In a manner of speaking…” he then threw to him. Inferus caught the skull, it was warm to touch. “She thought to pronounce my sentence, she thought that I would be judged by her weak deity...but she underestimated my need to do great things.” “Great things?” Tetricus then spread his arms out. “Wonderful things! Also keep the skull it’s a souvenir.” Inferus looked down to it. He found it strange that his lord is so jovial. “A souvenir?” Tetricus wagged his finger, his face distorted into a smile. “Souvenirs are important dear Inferus. It helps you recall things..important events and marks on your life.” “Very well, but we should be going.” “Indeed we shall, the sisters of battle are broken. Most of them were here anyway.”

He started moving towards the fortress entrance, Oktai stepped to his side. “My young lord...does he seem all there?” Inferus found himself staring at the skull. “I don’t know. But I think he is better.” He looked up to see Tetricus clicking his fingers. The door suddenly turned red hot and then melted away to nothing. “Cassius should be the one worried at the moment.” “If you say so my young lord.”

***
He walked down the streets, his new army followed him. Any sisters of battle squads they encountered was swept aside. At most all they are doing is raging at the end, the PDF were housed in the fortress and more than half of the adeptus sororitas were at the fortress when he burnt it. He gripped the last battle sister by the neck and hefted her up, her gorget was burning by his touch, she grimaced as it became fused with her skin. “H-Heretic…” she spat. “I never understood the loyalists fixation on that word.” Tetricus said dryly. “A person believing or practising a religious heresy…” Saying the definition out loud he shook his head. “We are both heretics sister of battle. You have thrown aside the emperor’s own creed.” “L-Lies!” she responded. “I can’t even force myself to hate you for your stupidity, but as I know you fanatics dislike using your brain or it’s very cells. I wonder why I am even engaging in conversation with you?” “Y-You will be s-smited!” He could feel himself rolling his eyes, but he no longer has any. “I can see why the primarch’s who have been elevated can’t even muster the need to despise all of you. How can you hate a rotting carcass? It’s just there, at most I feel the need just to push you aside for something better. Can’t you think of anything else interesting to talk or rant about? You know...self-reflection? That maybe you might be wrong?” The battle sister continued to rant and spit curses. “Even when the supposed angel comes down and tells you he is not an angel you still cling to the idea that the emperor is truly divine. I hazard a guess if the emperor got off his very throne all of you would call him a heretic. All of you think this way because you cannot even us the faculties within that hollow head of yours.”

Tetricus tightened his grip, she was consumed by fire. Now she started to flail in his hand. “Does it hurt that much? This is but a fraction of my own agony…” She kept cursing him he groaned in annoyance and threw her aside leaving her to burn to death slowly. He looked down upon her as she rolled on the floor. “Don’t worry it just hurts because you are being purged of your sins. You are being judged at the moment, that is why your skin is crisping, your eyes are melting and your hair is being burnt to cinders. All of this is meant to happen, don’t worry you will be at the side of the god-emperor soon.” he said in amusement.

He placed his hand where his ear should be. She kept screaming in agony and cursing his name. “What is that? The emperor will smite me? Or are you saying that your fellow sisters will avenge you? It’s normally one of those two whenever your kind end up dying slowly.” Once she stopped moving he nodded.

Inferus strode up to him “My lord.” “Yes Inferus?” “Did you...develop a sense of humour?” “Whatever do you mean? Just because I am on fire all the time and a walking skeleton does not mean that I cannot enjoy myself Inferus.” “W-Wait you are on fire all the time?” He moved his hand, to the normal eye he just looks like a walking corpse stripped of all flesh. But the flames still hold him, they become visible with his emotional state. For some reason he just knows this. “Indeed I am I have gotten used to it, being on fire all the time let’s me look on the bright side of things.” “I-I see. Is that why you use big words sometimes?” “ I use such words when I want to make another person appear stupid for my own amusement. But I want to ask you something, are you frightened of me?” “No...it’s just strange to see you genuinely happy considering your current...situation.” He gestured slightly “Pah, all my brothers are so caught up in the glory of the third and claiming they represent it. All of it is meaningless now anyway, all I care for is making a mark on the galaxy.” He shuddered slightly “some even love my father, at most all he would do is laugh at them.” “You don’t love him?” “Of course not! I don’t love him but I respect him. There is a difference, it’s something that many in the third hasn’t learned yet. Thinking on it Taurus thought the same way.”

He looked on ahead. “Now we are almost there! I am eager to see if Cassius actually feels guilty! After all due to his actions I had my eyes torn out!” Inferus looked at him with some concern, he sighed. “What is it?” “You do not care for the legion or 4th anymore do you?” The question caused him to chuckle, an orange flame gripped his frame “I can’t help it...I try to think of how we should be...and I see nothing. The 4th means nothing, the third legion is a laughing stock. Only Fulgrim can fix that when he decides to get off his scaly arse and fix the mirror he shattered.” Inferus laughed slightly at his answer. “I should be worried hearing you say that but...I am not.”

***
Everyone has now been gathered at the Black Capra base, everyone is questioning him. Cassius shouted “Be silent!” Silence reigned instantly. “There is a reason why I pulled back. You all saw it didn’t you? The raging inferno?” There was silent nods, Justus walked forward. “Thou did betray our lord, now he is coming for thou. I can smelleth thy fear.” Cassius furrowed his brow. “What did you even say?” Faust came forward next. “You are scared.” His eyes moved to the noise marine. “I fear nothing, I am just trying to protect all of you. He will come for all of us. I saw it.” He knows what they are trying to, all of them are aiming to save their own hides.

It’s evident that Faust and Justus support Tetricus, but everyone else is still with him. Once they deal with the sorcerer they can focus on ending the sisters of battle. “Greetings!” It was the same voice from before he shook his head. His forces parted to reveal a mortal army and at the head were Inferus along with a skeleton wearing a robe.

Cassius clenched his hands “Y-You should be dead…”

***

He could hear the fear in his voice, he could feel it. Everyone was frightened, all of them. Tetricus took a step forward. “Well...now I am here dear brother. You did not like how I greeted you?” Cassius pointed at him. “Kill it now!” Tetricus grumbled in annoyance. “Sending others to do your dirty work…” Several of Cassius supporters charged him, blades were drawn. He clicked his fingers, the traitors dropped to the ground rolling as fire consumed them. Gouts of flame erupted from their eyes, grille, gorget and the back of their legs. He left them like that.


His hollow eyes moved back to Cassius. “All of you on your knees…” he hissed. Everyone looked at each other. Justus was the first, then came Faust and his noise marines. Erastus sighed and kneeled with his corpus.’ Now it was only the Black Capra, Cassius and his supporters still standing along with the fence sitters. He shook his head “I am going to be serious for a moment...so open your ears...All of you think that you contemplate the third legion...what we are meant to be and who we are…”

Tetricus could see everyone was listening. He bought his hands around his back. “You assume that father cares about his old pretenses, our ways and oaths. But he does not give a wit. He only cares about individuals who do great things and amuse him. On the way here I tried to visualize what we are meant to be, who we should be…” He then casually shrugged “I saw nothing.” He noticed a few started to kneel, the fence sitters chiefly, but he continued. “Look at the one’s rolling on the floor, they supported someone with the thought in their minds that they will gain true glory. In those empty heads of theirs they thought that the one they followed epitomes the tenets of the third legion. Now they will die screaming in agony, they will have ignoble deaths that doesn’t match the “grand” legion. They are dying with a false purpose and dream in their minds.” More started to kneel.

He walked up and down. “In that raging inferno I realised that my old captain sought a false dream. He died for nothing trying to change the mind of someone who views us as toys to move around. Remarkably some of you still love our father and all you should be doing is respecting his power and status because I assure you that he doesn't love you. I feel certain of that now.” Now all of the fence sitters were on their knees, leaving the Black Capra and Cassius along with his supporters. “So...tell me what has this “glorious” betrayal bought you other than my ire? I finding it quite hard to remain in my jovial mood looking at all of you. So I wonder...shall I teach you just a measure of how I feel right now?”

The heat gripping his body intensified, a violet cascading fire wrapped around his form. Those around him stepped back due to the flames. “Even with the great blaze extinguished I am still burning. So I thought to myself that my current situation is not all that terrible? Maybe I should try to understand all of you better? Maybe I should look on the bright side instead of being bitter and assuming I understand everything? Even so...” He turned and faced them. “I feel so….FLATTERED!” His voice shot into everyone’s minds. Everyone dropped to their knees, even the queen of rags fell. “Flattered that Cassius at least wanted me by his side. So I assume you feel guilty? Don’t you Cassius? Now that you see me as I am now?” The prefector looked up, he shook his head. “I...didn’t want it to turn out this way...why couldn’t of you submitted?” Tetricus smiled “There it is...regret. But I let you in on something.” He gestured over everyone before him. “The third is a shattered thing, broken into thousands of tiny little shards that will only come together when Fulgrim wills it. So all of your posturing that you represent what it means to be the third is false...all I see before me now…” He spoke in almost a whisper, but they all can hear him, he has ensured it. “Is crooked wood...hollow...destitute...you are scabbed and broken. All of you distress about things that should not concern you, you torment yourselves thinking you understand everything there is to know about being one of the third. So...how about we just focus on doing great things and delivering planets to the dark prince? It’s simple. So simple even those with hollow heads should be able to comprehend what I am saying.”

He relaxed “now all of you may rise.” His company staggered up to their feet. He looked over to Inferus who was rising. “My lord...what now?” He scratched his bony head. “Hmm, most of the sisters of battle are dead.” He shrugged “We shall return to the ship, we are done here.” His gaze was then placed upon everyone else. “Stop standing around! I gave an order!” Everyone started to rush around, packing and preparing to leave. Cassius was still on his knees, Tetricus sighed and walked over. “How did you do that?” The prefector asked. “What do you mean dear brother?” He looked up to him. “They all followed me! They respected me! But you...just turn up and take the reins back without even fighting! How!? How did you do it!?”

Tetricus stroked his chin “I don’t have an answer.” “What!?” “I just told everyone how I felt at the current moment.” He gripped his arm and helped Cassius up. “Are you going to kill me?” Cassius asked. He sighed in annoyance. “By the dark prince just shut up Cassius and rejoice at the fact I have no desire to incinerate you.” “I-I see…” “Good.” he leaned in close to his face. “Don’t do it again…” his voice was low, harsh even. His brother slowly nodded. He leaned back and released his grip upon him and dusted him down. “Good, ahh...it was nice to get that off my chest.” Cassius turned somewhat nervous. “A-Are you alright...my lord?” “I feel great…” he smirked “I feel positively wonderful! I should add that I did think about preparing all my torture tools, burning them until they were red hot and stuffing them into all of your orifices for what you did.” He slapped his back. “It’s good it didn’t come to that right?” “Is...that a joke?” Cassius asked.

“Yes my dear brother it was a joke.”

Epilogue
Inferus watched his lord drink recaf while he went through a new tome, despite wearing power armour his fingers burnt the edges of the tome. He did wonder how he could wear power armour or interface with it if he is just a skeleton or how he can drink recaf. He tells him it’s pleasurable to drink so in the end he does not mind serving it. Still what he finds strange is how his face is so...lifelike even though his lord’s head is now a skull. “So what are you reading?” Tetricus nodded. “This tome is written by a sorcerer of the Sok’caleth. It speaks about pyromancy in great detail.” “Does this have something to do with your condition?” “Of course it does! Since I am on fire all the time I always have a flame source. Might as well make use of it.” “I see, is there any other reason then?” “For one I want to burn everyone on Conista, the homeworld of the Burning Rose Covenant.” “Why?” “Why not? Plus it would be entertaining to see them die in such a fashion. After all the sisters of battle think the reason why someone screams while being burnt to death is because their sins are being purged.”

Tetricus sat up from the table his eyes glinted “how about...an eternal fire?” “An eternal fire?” “Yes! A great bonfire where they will burn for eternity! My brothers could even take pictures!” “Pictures my lord?” “Souvenirs Inferus.” he said in a flat tone. “I...see.” “By the way do you still have the skull?” “It’s in my room, it makes a good paper weight.” “Hmmm maybe I can mock those there that one of their canoness’ skulls is being used as a paperweight?” He watched his lord deliberate, for some reason he enjoys the fact that Tetricus is now good-humored. But there is some difficulty determining when he is serious or not.

Inferus frowned slightly “are you still in pain my lord?” “All the time.” he answered dryly. “There must be something I could do.” “I imagine if you regenerate my body the flames would just burn it away. I rather not go through that again. Also this pain helps me think clearly, the pain is so bad everything else just seems...so small. Pity arguments, disputes and even betrayal. So I will tell you this...I like being in this state. It puts things into perspective for me.” Inferus bowed “If that is your wish my lord.” His frown turned to a smile, perhaps his lord is truly better like this?

Tetricus' Mutations!



Also thinking about that slaanesh AOS story, I really want to get an AOS story up and running. Third time might be the charm! Also technicality they are getting an update.

Loved the arc, can't wait till see what you "cook" up next! Honestly the forgiveness angle only worked aswell as it did because youve killed so many characters already. A pleasant suprise for sure, i thought we were in for a decimation again! For a second i thought the skeleton was a little wierd but with the robe added and the great power i "warmed" up to it XD. Alright, im done with the puns. Seriously probably the best arc yet!

I cant help but feel like we are in for a long draught although i definetely hope not! Interested to see if eidolon runs into tetricus again now that he has direction. Hoping the scale of the battles increase as the warband grows in power!

 Dayknight wrote:

Loved the arc, can't wait till see what you "cook" up next! Honestly the forgiveness angle only worked aswell as it did because youve killed so many characters already. A pleasant suprise for sure, i thought we were in for a decimation again! For a second i thought the skeleton was a little wierd but with the robe added and the great power i "warmed" up to it XD. Alright, im done with the puns. Seriously probably the best arc yet!

I cant help but feel like we are in for a long draught although i definetely hope not! Interested to see if eidolon runs into tetricus again now that he has direction. Hoping the scale of the battles increase as the warband grows in power!

Glad you liked it! Also no it won't be long I am working on the first chapter of the next story and bigger battles are coming. What happened to Tetricus is the combination of his mutations turned him into a literal skeleton and he is on fire all the time. It's not pleasant but it puts things in perspective for him.

Chapter 1
Tetricus sat on the cushion while he gazed at the plaza of Conista. The temples have been desecrated, the burning rose have been defeated and now it’s time for the eternal fire. It did not take much of his power to get it going. The proper incantations ensures that whoever is thrown into the raging inferno will burn for eternity. He looked around himself, the cushion was now scorched black but at the moment he desires to relax while watching the bonfire. He drank some recaf from the cup, he enjoys the sizzling sensation that passes through his bones, it had no taste but the sensation was positively delightful.

The screams of burning mortals was also pleasant as well. “Cassius keep throwing them in!” he shouted. His brother looked back and grunted. “Why am I doing slave’s work!?” He threw in a chained mortal. “I am doing this by myself!” Tetricus gestured his cup to him “You betrayed me remember? Think of this as punishment.” Cassius shook his head and continued his work.

His gaze shifted to the rest of his brothers, they were looking upon the fire in awe or absorbing the torment of the mortals. He guessed some were even taking pictures via their optics. Inferus and the Broken priestess then approached his side, the oracle raised her hands in prayer to dark prince. Consigning their souls to eternal torment. He had to admit he prefered being with Inferus’ knights and the cult. He was aware of the Black Capra’s antics, so as punishment he had them confined to the ship for this raid. He took no joy in it, he just wanted to press a point. “My lord how long are we going to be here?” Inferus asked.

Tetricus looked down to his recaf, “when I finish this we will leave.” He bought the cup to his teeth and poured some of the recaf into his body. The liquid bounced through his bones and then evaporated. He let out a wistful sigh “it will be rare whenever we get to relax like this.” “Agreed.” said Inferus.

He found it quite interesting that the slaves have resigned to their fate. Some were praying for salvation, others cursed them. The thing is even if they tried to run his brothers would simply gun them down or drag them back to the line.

Before starting this bonfire he made sure to have a group seperated for they need slaves to fill the holds of the ship. “Unhand me heretic!” The voice broke his train of thought, he looked upon the mortals to see the leader of the burning rose struggling uselessly in Cassius grip. The palatine gripped her neck, despite being chained she tried to bite down into his hand. His brother grimaced “you are such a disgusting thing…” he threw her into the inferno.

Her screams was loudest, she was no longer defiant and Tetricus hoped she now realises what being “judged” feels like for she is going to remain like that forever. He then heard a chime from his helmet, he frowned and drank the rest of his recaf. He picked up his helmet that was resting on the cushion next to him and placed it upon his head.

His eyes moved around the visual feed, he could see Sagax desired to contact him. He sighed and opened the link. “What is it?” “We have received a priority message from Lord commander Eidolon my lord.” Tetricus shot up from his cushion, to the shock of the others. “Send it to me quickly!” As he said those words text formed on his visual feed. It was a rather short message.

I will be brief, you seek to prove yourself? That you are worthy to be one of the third? A fortress world is being attacked by a coalition of our forces. Coordinates have been sent.

Tetricus looked over to Cassius “Stop burning the mortals!” “What? Why should I stop?” “Stop asking inane questions! We are leaving! Pack the rest of the slaves unto the ship!” He looked over to both his servants “round up the cultists we are moving to another warfront.” They did not say a word, they both bowed and ran off. He clapped “Alright brothers it’s time to leave! Take any quick photos or recordings!” Cassius strode over to him while dragging a slave by the hair. “What has gotten you so worked up?”

Tetricus grinned “I just received a message from Eidolon. We have a task.”

***

Looking upon the hololith map they are making small progress, but if they make a mistake all they have gained will be for nothing. He looked up the other warband leaders, all of them wanted to be in his position but Eidolon gave him command of this operation. Lord Vahor hissed, his snake like tongue flicked in the air. “Why didn’t you send in the slaves first Helash? We could of preserved more of our forces!” He grunted in annoyance, he disliked relying on mortals. None of his forces hold any mortals apart from slaves for amusement. Victory or death will be theirs and only theirs. He pointed at the map, all of their forces are marching with the heavy armour. The warbands have pooled their resources and they are almost at the gates. “Tell me...what would sending in useless humans solve?” Lord Tastix frowned, his eyes were stitched open, his teeth were a row of fangs. “They would absorb a bullet.” “We are sieging a fortress that holds astartes, an imperial guard regiment and skitarii. One bullet means nothing when they are sitting on supplies that could last them years. We must win decisively, if we crack the fortress open those we are holding in reserve can safely advance. Why rely on mortals when we are the chosen of slaanesh? Why use those that are lesser? This is why Eidolon gave me command.” Vahor was about to say something until the tent flap opened.

His exalted champion Turion bowed “my lord. Reinforcements have arrived.” “This is fortunate, is the leader of the warband outside?” Turion sighed slightly “In a manner of speaking.” The flap opened again, this time a terminator and a mortal walked in. Right away he recognised the phoenix guard. He considered it a blessing that one of Fulgrim’s holy guards gracing them. “Brother...have you bought your forces to aid us?” The terminator pointed at the mortal, he wore dark armour and the helm held bovine horns. He bowed “Greetings I am Inferus, voice of Lord Tetricus. Leader of the 4th company.” Helash scoffed “That is disappointing.” “What is my lord? I have just come to inform you the 4th company will take the walls.” Everyone in the tent blinked in shock. Vahor chuckled “I heard of the 4th weren’t they led by an upstart sorcerer?” At the mention of upstart the phoenix guard shifted. “Still thy tongue snake 'ere I remove 't.” His voice was deep, he did not understand what he just said but he could detect the threat. Vahor strangely held his tongue, what interested him though was how they are going to take the walls. “I consider it shameful that the leader of the 4th company uses a mortal as his voice. I also have no idea why anyone in the third would desire to be lead by a witch either. But I am quite interested to see how he will do such a feat.” The mortal walked over to the hololith map, he pointed to a light near the walls. It was just out of range of the anti-air guns.

The slave smiled “Lord Tetricus is here on a thunderhawk, just watch the lights on the wall disappear in a moment.” Helash was somewhat interested, but he knew a thunderhawk worth of troops won’t be able to take the wall of a fortress world. Whatever this sorcerer will do will mean his death.

***
Cassius shook his head as the landing bay opened, he could now hear the gunfire, the sounds of people dying and the launching of shells. “This is insane….” he whispered to himself. Erastus grimaced “I haven’t used a jetpack in years...or is it centuries?” he said dryly. Tetricus turned to them both. “Why can’t you two be like Faust?” He pointed at the noise marine. It was evident to him that he is praying, but he wondered if Tetricus could see he was praying to live through this plan? “We are going to get shot to pieces!” Cassius shouted. “No we won’t, have faith in me.” “I have no faith in you! You haven’t even told us how we are going to get past the anti-air guns! Soon as we jump out we are going to get shot to pieces!” The burning rune of slaanesh shifted from orange to pink. “Don’t you want to be great Cassius?” “Huh?” “I want all of us to great, I want all my brothers to have glory.” He walked up to him. “I want us to be able to say to all of those doubters beneath us that we have taken the wall. We destroyed the anti-air guns on the walls. We have made the beachhead to invade the fortress city of Galithax prime. Plus I want the 4th to make a grand entrance!” Cassius looked down slightly he sighed. “Fine...fine…” “Good!” Tetricus slapped his pauldron. “Now follow me!” He strode to the landing bay. “Keep close everyone!”

They all walked to landing bay, looking down he could see the third legion predators advancing with astartes. He could see the corpses in the dirt broken by shelling and the guns of the loyalists. Just scanning the field it’s evident that the force advancing is too small to take the gate. He wondered why those in charge of this war is using such a strategy? “I want all of you to prepare your power armour for high temperatures.” Tetricus ordered. Cassius blinked through the runes on his visual feed, adjusting his armour as instructed. “It’s done.” the rest also gave an acknowledgement.

Tetricus nodded “We have to do this at once! Sending countdown!” On his feed a countdown number appeared. 5...4...3..2...1..They jumped. As they flew downwards at high speed they all activated their jetpacks. Now the anti-air guns were shifting to them. He closed his eyes. “We are so dead…” he whispered. Then he heard a beep, he opened his eyes to see on his feed that the temperature around him is rapidly increasing. Around him he was engulfed in a raging pink inferno. The temperature shot up, he gasped. Sweat began to rundown his face. Then came the screeching wail of a bird. He could hear the anti-air guns firing at them, the rounds booming with each shell launched, but nothing was happening. They were still alive.

Then came the shouts of loyalists, bolter, las and plasma fire was being launched at them. “What is happening!?” The vox simply contained the laughter of Tetricus, but to his annoyance Erastus simply joined in. Faust was still praying for obvious salvation. After that he heard screams, the bursting of armour and within the recycled air of his power armour he could smell burnt meat.

The temperature started to drop, his jetpack thrusters started to move by itself. He was being shifted to stand up right, Cassius waved his legs in the air. “By Fulgrim’s teeth what are you doing witch!?” The fire vanished now he was a few metres from the ground. He dropped to the ground with a thud, save for him everyone else was standing up right. Cassius looked around and then he realised it, they were on the walls. He quickly got up and looked ahead, all he saw was a host of scorched corpses and ashes. Tetricus pointed his staff at the survivors who are getting up. “Kill them!” He did not hesitate, they all rushed forward on their jetpacks. Cassius launched himself at a loyalist astartes, their armour was a mix of green and red. The loyalist also wore a cape. He did not recognise the heraldry so he assumed that it is a thin blood chapter.

He drew his sabre and as he came into them he severed his arm, the loyalist grunted in pain. The anti-air gun above him exploded. Tetricus was flying above him, firing fireballs at them. The loyalist shook his head. “N-No...H-How!?” Cassius smiled “Know this as you die, only four astartes took the wall, only four is causing your defense to crumble to nothing.” The doubt he felt before evaporated, he smiled rejoicing at the suffering the loyalist must be feeling at the moment. Cassius twisted around him using the jetpack to aid him, he then stabbed the loyalist in the back. He twisted the blade slowly.

The loyalist’s body then slid off and fell to the ground, a pool of blood was formed underneath him. He bought his gaze ahead to see Faust firing his sonic blaster along with Erastus launching rounds from his needle gun. Looking at the wall being in disarray he strangely swelled with pride.

***
Inferus stared at the hololith, the lights on the walls were blinking away, even those that represent the anti-air guns. The leader of the operation from his understanding is called Helash he was now trembling with fury, the smugness from before was gone, his features were clear, pristine but he could see them distorting into anger. It’s obvious that without Justus’ presence all lord’s present would kill him for his supposed impertinence and stealing a great victory away from them. Even the other two chaos lord’s were shaking their heads. “How?” Helash hissed. “You all heard the screeching wail? My lord formed a phoenix of fire to get them to the walls, the eldritch fire melted the rounds of the anti-air guns on contact allowing them to get close. The bird of fire flew low and incinerated all in it’s path along the wall. This was all possible because my lord can wield the powers of the warp.

Helash grunted “very well...now we can advance safely.” Then came a beeping sound, Inferus smiled. “The next phase of the plan is the 4th company will secure the entrance and the first part of the fortress city to ensure of your forces can reach the fortress safely.” Vahor hissed “they seek to steal victory from us!” Tastix shook his head “Eidolon will be aware that the 4th did the most important part…” Helash looked over to the other two, Inferus could see what they were thinking, what they were about to do next. But they will move first, he raised his hand at them and summoned twenty four bolts of dark energy. Everyone drew weapons in reaction, Justus quickly stepped towards Helash’s champion and removed his head. “What is the meaning of this!?” Helash shouted. “My lord examined the battle so far and determined that all of you are incompetent. If all of you pooled your slaves and made them advance you could of preserved your astartes forces that is now in tatters. He guessed that’s partly why Eidolon turned him, if he kept succeeding it’s evident you would kill us to keep the 4th from obtaining any glory...so we decided to move first.” He launched the bolts, they danced around the tent and crashed into all three lords reducing them to nothing, they screamed as they died but Helash spat curses.

Now came the shouts outside as their forces invade and kill everyone in the camp. Justus nodded “I wonder how Cassius wilt react to the plan?” “He will most likely think Tetricus a fool, so to keep him from complaining constantly the only part he knows of is that they will take the walls. He does not know that majority of the loyalists forces have been placed on the walls and the fact we will betray those we are going to help.” He stepped out of the tent with Justus, right now their forces have left drop pods and at work slaying the meager astartes force around the camp. “Plus we can take the slaves of all three warbands. Which is a bonus.” Justus grunted “I wonder what Eidolon wilt bethink of this?” Inferus shrugged “I don’t know, but strangely I think he would be impressed.”

***
Tetricus grinned the walls have been secured, now it’s time for the next phase. Their carriers pierced the skies and landed near the walls. Black Capra cultists jumped onto the walls, he pointed at the heavy bolter batteries. “Man the guns, end our useless brothers. Leave none alive.” The cultists did as instructed, they took the guns placed across the wall and started their work. Looking down he could see the confusion as they were torn apart by heavy bolter rounds. In the distance he could see their forces advancing to flank them. Cassius walked up to him. “W-Wait! What are you doing!?” “What’s the matter dear brother?” “They are our allies!” “Allies? What allies? The 4th took the fortress by ourselves. The incompetent warbands in charge of this war were killed by the loyalist forces.” Cassius shook his head “they are of the third legion.” Tetricus sighed “I doubt any of them care about that. Also we are doing Eidolon a favour, three large warbands couldn’t take a fortress. He will be glad that they are gone. Now...don’t distract me.” He raised his staff and chanted, flame was drawn from his frame and shot up to the skies. He then bought his staff down, the skies parted to reveal large orbs of pink fire.

They then shot down and fell upon the third legion on the ground, predators were destroyed, astartes burned and the great wave of fire consuming the battlefield was wonderful to look at. Especially watching the writhing bodies burn slowly. Cassius looked down slightly “We could of used them to take the city.” “No we don’t need them, majority of the loyalist forces were on the wall.” He blinked to activate the rune on his visual feed to signal the third phase.

In but a few short minutes great orbs of fire shot through the skies towards the city. They were drop pods. “Vardas will lead the rest of the forces in taking the city.” “What of the astartes captain? Won’t he be defending the city? Vardas can’t take such an opponent on.” He shook his head his brother’s questions were perplexing. “Cassius...you killed the captain already.” “What?” “The astartes with the cape was the captain of the company. Vardas is leading in taking the city so the recruits can build up some experience. Also I desire to let them have a little glory.” “I...see.” “Cassius come over here.” The prefector came to the walls fully. “Just...relax. Take a deep breath and just enjoy the sight of our...brothers burning slowly to death.” He did as instructed, he took a deep breath and then exhaled. His rigid form relaxed slightly. “I am...sorry my lord.” The apology came out from nowhere. He chuckled “for what?” “Your state, certain pleasures are denied to you now.” “Oh don’t worry, the titillation gripping my entire body is like bliss to me now. I am burning our “brothers” so they can rejoice and understand some measure of tremendous sensuality that I can now revel in.”

Cassius grunted “why can’t you just speak normally all the time?” “Because it annoys everyone around me. That’s why I do it.” Strangely Cassius laughed slightly. “So all the glory will be ours?” “Indeed.” “I quite like that...I think.” “I am glad that you do Cassius. What I do is for all of the 4th.”

Chapter 2
The ship was docked at Eidolon’s space station, the airlock connecting to it was opening up. Tetricus chuckled “that was fun wasn’t it?” Cassius shook his head slightly “Do you think…” “He won’t. The world fell to the third legion, their defenders desecrated and then sacrificed.” Erastus stroked his chin “we could ask for resources in return for doing this.” “Eidolon won’t give any.” said Tetricus “This was more or less a test to see if I was worth his time.” Faust nodded in agreement. “Our lord is correct, we are still in a somewhat weak position. I would say that we ask for more warfronts build up some status.” “Wherefore shouldst we care for the lord commander when we couldst consult our father for tasks?” Tetricus bought his gaze to the phoenix guard. “Justus, I want him to come to me, not the other way round.” “I see that thou hast lofty goals then.” The door finally opened, Tetricus gestured forward. “I do dear brother. Now let us go.” He took a step but stopped. “No...wait.” Everyone looked at him in confusion. Cassius sighed “what’s the matter?” He removed his helmet showing his face, he clipped the helmet to his belt. “Better.” “Was there a point to that?” asked Cassius. “Yes there was, I want to make an impression.”

Now he continued onward, his brothers fell in behind him.Stepping onto the station eyes fell upon him as expected. He waved at them “greetings brothers!” They all grunted, some cursed him and called him witch. Cassius sighed “don’t antagonize them…” “I am not antagonizing them. I am saying hello.” He continued waving, Faust chuckled. “Leave him Cassius, let him greet them. They cannot act anyway.” “True…” Faust words overjoyed him, but then he thought about something. How loyal are his brother to him? He does not know them, not truly.

He had a connection with Gavisus and Taurus. A connection was built, so he wondered how would he build rapport with all of them? Each of them are different, they all like different things. The only one he does not need to worry about is Justus. He kept waving until they reached the doors leading to Eidolon’s chamber as he lowered his hand he chuckled. “All of them are in such poor spirits. I wonder why?” Cassius sighed he strode to his side “Perhaps it’s the fact you are a walking skeleton?” “What!? It can’t be that!” He stroked his skeletal chin “Slaanesh made me like this.” “Yet even so many will think you look disgusting.” “Cassius has anyone told you that you are a bully?” The prefector scoffed “ever since you were reduced to this you act childish.” Tetricus laughed slightly “and who is to blame for that?” Cassius turned small, he looked away slightly. Tetricus slapped his back “Don’t worry...I forgive you. After all you left me to die and be burnt by zealous mad women that worship a corpse.” He leaned in slightly, Cassius winced as his face came close to his. “But who am I to talk of madness? We are all mad, I am just madder than most. My boundaries and tolerance has just increased due to pain…” He leaned back. “So there is very little that can vex me brother. So doubt shrink back as I throw small barbs at you.”

The prefector frowned slightly “you consider being betrayed, tortured and burnt to be small?” “Compared to how I feel now? Yes.” “Do you enjoy how you feel now?” His brothers now looked at him, even Justus. Tetricus held his chin, thinking about it for a moment. “In a manner of speaking I enjoy it. If I can still be alive like this...how far can the mind or body be pushed? I am eager to find out. Pain does wonders for the mind and soul. Now...we can’t keep the lord commander waiting.” He pushed the doors open and stepped in, he saw Eidolon sat on his throne, he did not look amused. “Are you done talking?” “You were listening? Yes and I have guests that are here to see you.” He gestured in front of him, his gaze moved with his hand to see a group of terminators holding spears.

Justus turned visibly excited. “Brothers!” He ran over to the leader, his terminator armour was covered in leather and jewels, his helmet was the same as Justus,’ he groaned. “I should of expected you to be here…I am Rothac, leader of this unit. Of course you are...acquainted with my brother Justus.” He bobbed his head to Justus. “I trust you haven’t been causing trouble?” Tetricus watched his brother give a great laugh. “Well! I hast finally did prove that I am immortal!” Rothac sighed heavily “how many times have I told you!? You. Are. Not. Immortal.” Tetricus found this conversation interesting and the fact that the leader understood him. He stepped forward “Justus is immortal, despite the great gust in that sometimes hollow head of his...he is quite observant. Plus he is trustworthy. For one he ran across a trench and survived, plasma, bolter and las fire. Also he took rocket’s to the body.” Justus nodded with each word. “See! He speaks the truth! Now betoken me how is father?” “He is well, he...sent us along with a tech priest who owes him to serve the 4th company. At the moment he is on our gunship.” Justus clapped excitedly, all of the phoenix terminators collectively sighed. “Even so Justus you made a good first impression if this...witch trusts you.” Tetricus raised his hand “are you aware that Justus chases slaves around the ship with an autocannon screaming at them to convert?” Rothac chuckled “that’s the only thing I like about him.”

Eidolon then coughed bringing everyone’s attention to him. “I sent you to crush the fortress city of Galithax, so I ask witch where are those that were originally there? I assume you are here because you have completed the task I sent to you?” Tetricus had a good guess that the lord commander knows everything already, but his question put a smile on his face. “Well...they are dead.” “How?” he asked firmly. Tetricus chuckled “I don’t know, they may have been betrayed and slaughtered to the man but that is absolutely preposterous! Who would dare kill three warbands belonging to the great lord commander Eidolon? There is no way that the 4th took the fortress walls and used it’s gun batteries to slaughter those approaching the fortress! I should also add they were not incinerated either, nor did they scream in agony as their flesh was burnt to a crisp! Who would do such a thing!?” He then shrugged “well they are dead who cares? We smashed the fortress and we are now here...” he said in a low, harsh and serious tone. Everyone blinked at him in shock save Erastus who burst out laughing. Cassius face looked ashen and Justus cocked his head slightly. He then raised his hand and declared. “I eke haven't did kill the exalted champion either!” Tetricus pointed at him “See! I did not order the death of anyone! Nor did my human servant use his sorcery to reduce the warband leaders to nothing! I assure you Eidolon, the loyalists killed them to the man! It was the 4th that carried the battle to victory!” Tetricus said in a jovial manner.

Tetricus watched Eidolon slump on his throne, it was like all his energy was sapped from his body. “It’s like our father is in the actual room…” He creased his brow heavily. “Fine. The 4th took the fortress by themselves.” Rothac then strode up to him, he chuckled “I can see why our lord is starting to like you. I think this will be interesting.” Tetricus tried to look surprised. “Oh really!? Father likes me? Can he send me some apples then? I like those.” Rothac slapped his pauldron “maybe if he graces you with his sight again.” Eidolon coughed again, everyone looked back at him. Erastus also has stopped laughing. “If you are done acting the fool I have another task for you. I have already sent the coordinates to the ship.” “A new task? What is it?”

The lord commander sat upright, he now assumed his correct persona. “You will see…” “Oh you...trying to get us killed again?” Eidolon shrugged while smirking slightly “Perhaps.”

Chapter 3
Around him he could hear the the hall bustling with movement, people reading books, brushing down ancient artifacts and tech-seers examining ancient technology. In a sense all of them work for him, he was a rogue trader in the past but he had a fascination with history and the past of the imperium of man. His warrant would keep people looking the other way but he always had to be careful for there are many who wish to have the past wither away to nothing.

That would of been the case until the light of reason came, Roboute Guilliman, Primarch of the Ultramarines created the new order he is now a part of. This organisation was dubbed the Logos Historica Verita, he remembered the day he walked into that office, his whole rogue trader family was going to be dubbed heretics by the inquisition due to them investigating the past and his own “rogue” activities as head of the family. Looking upon the primarch he cried, he could not help it, but the tears soon dried when he told him of his grand plan. The history of the emperor’s imperium is a mess and he needs people to correct that.

So due to his influence he was cleared of all charges to the anger of the inquisitor who was chasing his family. He was then recruited to this new organisation, of course his warrant was revoked as a compromise but in return he received the Primarch’s seal which in a sense is far more powerful and far reaching than his warrant ever was. He sat back in his chair and relaxed slightly “I need to finish this book…” it was penned by a remembrancer who was part of the Salamanders astartes chapter it detailed their activities during the great crusade, the nice thing was the Salamnders were more than happy to receive a copy of this tome and accepted it with thanks.

They were so thankful they crafted him a sword, a fine sword at that. The metal was black and somehow it could even cut through ceramite. “Are you still working Solomon?” He looked to his right to see one of his assistants, she was a young woman. Fair skin, short brown hair. He had to admit he liked her but he prefered to keep his relationship professional, it keeps things simple and he can focus on the task set upon him by the primarch. “I was just finishing this tome Amanda. I just find it interesting how...humanitarian the salamnders are described in this book yet as we all know in a sense they pick the most cruelest method of warfare.” “Death by burning is pretty painful, but if it’s against the enemies of humanity does it matter?” “I will concede to you there, so how is your examination progressing?” “Well the skull is definitely astartes our Magos Biologis is eager to find more samples.” “I imagine so, he gets to examine the remains of the emperor’s warriors. Once we are done cataloging and identifying them we can send them back to their respective chapters.” “Or...we could keep them.” “We could Amanda but we are still a small organisation, we need support. The Historica has many enemies that wish to silence us.” “For poor reasons though.”

Solomon rose from his desk, he smiled weakly “true...but we can’t let that stop us. I turned my home planet into a bastion of history, the primarch was so impressed we now have the protection an adeptus astartes company.” “They aren’t here…” “Yes but they do make regular visits to see how things are going. Also sometimes they have to do...unsavoury business.”

Amanda sighed slightly “we do deal with dangerous artifacts and texts sometimes, procedure is that those that belong to the great enemy are destroyed.” “But the temptation is always there, I have seen it happen in my old rogue trader crew. S-” “So we must temper our desires and thirst for knowledge...I understand Solomon.” He smiled, she says it but does she follow it? That remains to be seen.

***
Inferus watched his lord tear into the apples while drinking recaf, they were meant to be heading to Asex but for some reason Tetricus has delayed the journey. He narrowed his eyes “so tell me my lord. When are we going to do the task Eidolon gave us?” He took a big bite out of the apple, he had a whole basket full of them. Where they came from he had no idea, they were red and vibrant and as they returned to the ship the fruit basket was just sitting on his table. Every time they leave and enter his chamber the basket refills.

Tetricus devoured the apple he smiled “I wonder how they taste so good? I have no tongue...but...I like it.” Inferus rolled his eyes “My lord!” “Oh be quiet! Eidolon gave us no timeframe, trust me...I am working on it.” He then placed his hand on his chest and reared his head up slightly. “La...la…” Inferus watched him repeat notes several times, he has gotten better in the past few days but he wonders why he took to singing? He then looked over to the weapon stand that held a daemonic looking guitar. “Can you tell me what you are using the guitar for?” “It’s a gift.” “For who?” “Faust, you see Inferus for this plan to work I require the trust of my brothers.” “What? You have a plan?” His lord picked an apple out of the basket, he gestured to the map above him to show the planet Asex. “This planet is divided in three sections, the bottom holds museums, art galleries and the lodgings of the artists.” He took a bite and started to chew. “The section on the right is where research is done, there are various facilities and labs. This is also where most of the planet’s lodgings are held for the researchers who are nobles or rogue traders.” “So they live in finery?” “Indeed they do, now the final and most important section? The vault. This part of the city holds only one building that is patrolled and guarded by an army of scions. Oh...there are also patrols across the city and they have armoured support.” Inferus shook his head “this..won’t be easy.” “Indeed it won’t! It also gets worse! This planet is also under the protection of a successor chapter of the Ultramarines known as the Grey Seekers. A whole company actually.” “Then we could attack the planet when they are not in the system.” “Which is a sound strategy if they did not have a burst transmission using eighty linked up astropaths who are located in the vault so they are safe. This vault is also resistant to bombardment.”

His lord breaking all of it down he wondered what sort of plan they could employ here? They will need a great force to take this world. The warband doesn’t have the numbers. Tetricus quickly ate the apple he chuckled “Isn’t this exciting? Eidolon really wants to kill us!” “I can see that, but the question is what does he want from this world?” “Well the artifacts in the vault he wants them delivered to him. He did not set a timeframe so I am not going to rush into it.” Now he understood why his lord is taking things slow, but the question is why does he need the trust of the others. Tetricus wagged his finger like he read his thoughts. “The plan I am going to employ requires trust. So be patient…” He finished the apple and rose. “Saying that...it’s about time I should go see Faust.” His lord drank the rest of his recaf and walked over to the strange instrument, he picked it up and left the chamber without a word.

***

Faust sat in his usual seat within the theatre, he sighed slightly, today hasn’t been all that good. As the last performer left the stage the curtains closed. Faust rose from his seat until a man in a black robe hobbled onto the stage, he knew him to be the leader of the team who set up the theatre his name was Amdusias. Everyone looked at him in confusion. Even he felt the confusion setting in, the man smiled. “Today we have a special show to round things off, it was last minute and it will take some time to set up.” At the mention of special show the mortals started to hurry out of the theatre, save his brothers and others who understand music.

Faust did not have much hope but he sat, if he has to wait for good music he doesn’t mind. Amdusias nodded and left the stage. Then came the clanking sounds and muffled screams, he found himself raising his eyebrow wondering what’s going on. His brothers began to whisper and the mortals that remained were visibly excited.

After almost thirty minutes of waiting the curtains unfurled to reveal someone he did not expect. He saw Tetricus standing on the stage in front a microphone holding a daemonic looking electric guitar. But the contraptions that were on the stage surprised him even more. There were six exhaust pipes grouped together at both ends of the stage and hanging from the stage were huge speakers suspended by chains, they were the size of at least six astartes. Then came the band, or at least he thought it was a band.

He could see people wrapped up in black leather belts and chains. They were also chained down to the stage. One was set next to a bass guitar, the second was set in front of a piano and the last was sat on a monstrous drum kit. His lord tapped the microphone “Hello everyone.” He did not respond, the crowd said nothing he could feel the confusion around him. Faust just wondered what Tetricus was playing at. “Today I am going to play a song for all of you. I hope you find it enjoyable.” He started to play a simple riff he tapped his feet on the ground and then came the lyrics. “One, two, three, four, five and Six...Yeah!” He bought the pick down and then came a murderous riff of astronomical proportions the sound waves that erupted from the speakers slammed him into the back of his chair. Fire started to shoot out of the exhausts, it danced in the air. The riff continued as the flames began to dance in the air and consume the slave near the base guitar. They tried to shuffle and scream but they were consumed in a raging inferno, then came the claws, a feminine form tore itself free and snatched the guitar up in clawed fingers and joined in. Faust found his teeth chattering, he shook his head. “N-No! I c-can’t lose control!” Memories of that time when the daemon prince took away all his autonomy came flooding back, those painful and horrible memories. “Pain everlasting is a grace upon humanity! But it’s a prison and a wonderful vice!” Tetricus began swaying his head as another riff came in, but with the added bass for some reason the sound waves coming from speakers increased. The mortal’s present started to scream in agony, ears were bleeding, skin was bruising and tearing.

The flame then moved to the one bound near the piano and what happened to the bass player repeated, a daemon tore itself free and began madly playing on the piano. Faust slowly moved his hand to his head, he just wanted to let go, to be caught up in the music. Some were already losing it, his brothers were shouting and attacking mortals screaming at the top of their lungs. Humans were engaging in similar activities, Tetricus’ hollow eyes fell upon him. “The dark closes around us! Making us shy away from freeing ourselves I cry out in agony as I flinch away from walking onward to hell!” Tetricus reared his head up and shot a gout of pink flame out of his mouth, people stopped and stared at it in wonder.

Then finally the drummer freed itself as the flame moved to them next. The daemonette picked up drum sticks made out of bone, she gave a shrill laugh as it brought down the sticks upon the drum. The sheer soundwaves started to cause the theatre to shudder, the doors at the back flung open and mortals and slaves poured in a mad frenzy. They cheered and screamed for Tetricus as they joined the mad carnal bloodbath.

Tetricus bought his head down and incinerated a wave of mortals that were approaching the stage with the gout of flames that was erupting from his mouth. His lord then committed to a guitar solo, Faust shook his head. “I-I-I….” Then something clicked, he heard a pop within his head. The daemon prince’s lesson slowly came back, to let go and embrace pain, the shuddering and dirgeful song of the dark prince. Then to push further and higher. The guitar solo ended, the band came back to playing together. The daemons were thrashing their head’s up and down their pink hair swaying in the air. Faust grit his teeth, he let everything in and his body just started to move by itself. He tried to scream the words of the song, he turned and gripped his chair.

He tore it from the ground and hefted it up, he charged to the first mortal and smashed them with his seat. The sounds of bone breaking, blood gushing, the song and his own pain mixed together in a fine cocktail. Several humans jumped on him screaming Tetricus’ name and praising the dark prince, Faust shook them off with great force, he then bought the chair down on the first who grabbed him and then the second and so on smearing them on the ground.

As all of this went on Tetricus continued “Scream! Scream! Scream your lungs out as we dance to hell!” Faust screamed at the top of his lungs, he dropped the chair and tore off his helmet, he threw it at a mortal causing his head to vanished in a tide of gore. Then someone charged him from the side, he fell to the ground with them. He realised that it was his brother, his eyes were bloodshot, he was almost frothing at the mouth. He screamed in his face and grabbed his breastplate, then came the pain. He never knew his brother had such strength as he tore his breastplate from his chest, blood oozed from the black carapace ports.

Faust hesitated, a almost heretical thought crossed his mind that maybe they have gone to far? But that only lasted a moment as Tetricus started the song again. “One, two, three, four, five and Six!” Faust screamed back at his brother, he headbutted him several times, his face was reduced to a bloodied mess, he gave a rapturous cry and rolled off his body. Faust rose and looked over to the chair he grabbed it and bought it over to his brother and smashed him with it.

It broke due to his armour, but that did not matter it felt good. He looked to his hands and tore off his gauntlets and pauldrons, he wanted to feel this. He ran back to the crowd and started killing people with his fists. Knifes entered his body, he did not care, fists met his face and that did not bother him either. He became lost in the cacophony of pain and violence, the song of slaanesh consumed him completely.

***
Inferus stood before the theatre doors, it’s been an hour since the ship stopped shuddering. He wondered what was going on within the theatre, but all he knows is that very few left according to the rumours that are now flying.

Even so his lord appeared at the kitchen and told him to deliver some recaf to the theatre. He sighed and opened the door. As he stepped inside it was essentially a charnel house. Bodies were strewn everywhere, blood and other unidentifiable liquids covered the ruined seats, he even spotted half eaten corpses. His eyes moved to the stage to find a group of astartes sitting in a circle, they were looking down slightly. Inferus pushed the cart to the stage steps, once he got there he removed an iron mug from the cart and some cups.

He then slowly walked onto the stage and approached who he assumes to be the noise marines, their armour is in utter ruins. Inferus moved to the circle and set everything down, he poured the recaf into the cup and handed it to the noise marines.

The last of the kakophoni to receive a cup of recaf was Faust, he wasn’t wearing anything. His somewhat long white hair was covered in gore, his eyes were also bloodshot. Next to him Inferus could spot the gift Tetricus prepared. “Faust...are you okay?” He ignored him, his hands were shaking almost uncontrollably as the cup met his lips. He sipped once and then twice. Then at once all of the kakophoni breathed out a collective sigh of relaxation. “Why would he do such a thing?” Faust said out loud.

Inferus looked around “are you asking me a question my lord?” He shook his head, the motion was slightly jerky. He continued drinking in silence until he finished, he then placed the cup to his side and picked up the guitar. He played it but the sound was strangely not right, all of the noise marines started to cry. “I can’t remake it….why? Why!?” Faust cried out. One of the kakophoni suddenly vomited and slumped to the side, he groaned slightly.

Inferus shook his head “what on earth was he thinking?” “Yes what was he thinking playing a masterpiece!?” Faust cried out again. Inferus frowned he wanted to get as far away from here as possible. “I think...I will be leaving now. Please enjoy your recaf. You can keep the cups.” They all ignored him as he moved back to his cart and left the theatre. He hoped that his lord knew what he was doing.

I found this chapter quite fun to write.

Hahahahahha you know the ghost rider from the earlier movies? Yeah I had an image of that guy with a purple guitar singing. Hahaha I just can't this is too funny.

The last chapter was crazy, "i had welcome to the jungle" playing in my head the whole time XD

Well I had heavy metal/rock music playing while writing this chapter to get myself into the right mind frame. From tenacious D, Metallica, Black Sabbath etc

Edit:Also I feel the theatre is turning into a sort of running gag now.

Chapter 4
Cassius was within the training hall running his drills, due to the shuddering stopping he could now concentrate. He had a good idea who was responsible and he wonders what exactly the witch is planning? As his mind ran with possible plots Tetricus might be hatching he removed the head of several servitors in clean flourishes. As the last head touched the floor the room door opened, he grunted. “What do you want?” He could hear the sounds of sizzling, the scent of faint perfume was in the air also. He turned to see the witch grinning at him with his abnormal face. “I just wanted to see how you were doing.” “Well I am fine.” Tetricus fully walked into the chamber tutting “So confrontational...here I wanted to get to know you better.” Cassius snorted in amusement “Oh I know what his is about…” he sheathed his blade. “You want to ensure my loyalty.” The witch clapped in amusement “you are indeed correct! You are so smart Cassius…” his tone was mocking and jovial, something that annoyed him slightly.

He shook his head “why do you act like this?” “How many times have you asked me that question? Is your brain so small that you cannot comprehend the answers I am gracing you with?” Cassius frowned, he is like this because of him. The somewhat serious and bitter psyker has shifted to the opposite of his original personality. His skeletal head then became consumed with orange flames, he could spot the black energy flickering within the dancing orange light. “I just have to accept it….” “Accept what?” asked Tetricus. “That you are favoured, the phoenix guard joining you...the victories...and the fact you still walk after being incinerated. So many blessings heaped upon you…” he looked down to himself for a moment and then he realised his body has not changed, not truly like some of the slaves, it’s one fact that annoys him.

He rested his hand on the pommel of his sabre “you have nothing to worry about...my lord.” Tetricus then wiped his brow like he had one, he breathed out a sigh of relief. Whether he is mocking him or that the emotion he is displaying was genuine he could not say. “By slaanesh I thought I would have to duel you or something!” “Excuse me?” The witch chuckled “here I am worrying about your loyalty when you have done so much reflection. As a gift I will put on a grand show for the whole warband.” “A show?” Tetricus placed a finger to his mouth “it’s a secret. But it has to do with the world we are assaulting, don’t worry the ship won’t shake this time.” He then left the training hall without saying anything further, Cassius raised his eyebrow slightly in confusion. “I wonder what he is talking about?”

***
Erastus examined Senshika’s DNA sample under a microscope, he wanted to find some way to improve it. His beautiful Corpus’ are now essentially used as fodder by the new cult of ending. It did not surprise him that Inferus controls their armed forces, they now enforce a sense of “order” on the ship. A form of order they exploit, to engage in vice and “hunting.” A form of hunting where they release slaves and hunt them down for sport, especially those of the Black Capra. He grimaced and switched the slide under the microscope to Inferus’ blood sample. The cells are not normal that is evident. They divide and then rejoin together, some blood cells are spiked and others have mouths that devours others and then engage in the same activity as the other blood cells. “Perhaps I can fuse his DNA with my Corpus’?” He mused on that thought but then dismissed it, if he infused anything of that creature into his wonderful creations he would find some way to control them. He does not show it well but he desires’ domination, he can see it on those void like eyes.

Erastus even finds the daemon the cult considers as it’s patron to be unnerving. The bull that eats anything or anyone. He had not desire to see it’s true form. Then he heard his door opening, the scent of brimstone made it evident who it was. “You can’t give me blood samples anymore so I don’t care for what you want.” “I have come for a full examination.” At the mention of full examination he froze, his mouth started to hang slightly.

He left his current work and looked upon Tetricus “Is this a joke? For I am not laughing.” The walking skeleton strode over to the operating table. “I am absolutely serious, I trust your skills hence why I recruited you. Tell me has any of those you worked for before allowed themselves to be examined by you?” Erastus smiled, he gestured to summon the servitors, they strode up to Tetricus and began removing his armour.

Once it was all gone, Tetricus hopped onto the operating table and laid down upon his back. Erastus strode up to the table and looked up and down the wonderful specimen that was now before him. He prepared for this possibility hence why the table is also fireproof.

He brushed his fingers up his skeletal arm, his power armour detected a spike in temperature. “I wonder how your bones are not burning..” “Hmm?” “Even bone cells are affected by high temperatures.” Erastus went into his pouch and removed a scalpel and a petri dish, he scraped some of the bone into it.

Then he noticed something peculiar the part that he scrapped was slowly regenerating. He walked over to the microscope and placed the sample onto a slide. He then inserted it into the apparatus and looked down into the eyepiece. What he saw was amazing, the bone cells were burning, it was breaking down but they were regenerating rapidly healing the damage at the same time. “So Erastus do you like shows? Like holodrama’s for example?” The question annoyed him slightly, it was distracting. “No. Also I have no interest in whatever you are doing so stop asking.” He heard a grunt of disapproval from the psyker, pink flames began engulfing the sample he was staring at. The cell was burning more intensely “you can’t see a show for me?” “No.” the fire increased even more. “Why? Come you will like it.” “If it causes the ship to shake then I am not interested.” The eyepiece suddenly felt hot around his eye, he stepped back as the microscope was suddenly consumed by a raging conflagration. He looked back slowly to Tetricus who’s hollow eyes were upon him. “I am allowing myself to be examined and you won’t even attend a show I am planning for the whole warband!” The flames consuming his desk started to rise. He found himself looking from his desk to Tetricus “Why is it that important!?” “Because it is!” Now his whole desk was burning, his precious work is burning. “Fine! Fine! I will do it!”

The fire died away in an instant, the psyker’s face distorted into a grin “You may continue your examination.” Erastus could not help but sigh to his words, in a sense he wants to know more about Tetricus’ new physiology but at the same time he would use this to rope him into more inane tasks.

He shook his head “let us continue then…”

***
Solomon sat his desk while sipping a cup of recaf, some like to drink wine but it prefers to save that after work when he is back in his mansion. He also likes to be alert whenever looking something over that is from the vault. What he is reading at the moment is a battle report from the great crusade, it detailed the Imperial Fists’ campaign of extermination against xenos who called themselves the Evincos. They owned several sectors, but what was truly mortifying was the fact they owned human slaves. The report then spoke of the Overlord, the ruler of the Evincos species.

Solomon placed his cup on the table and started to read carefully, the report then moved to the horrors the xeno’s inflicted on the human slaves. Cages with bars made of spikes, public humiliation, violation and torture. All of this was to prove that they were “better” in a sense, being stronger and dominating another validates their existence. For in killing and breaking another their existence is true, and the recipient is false. The report details that the xeno’s got a strange joy out of this strange logic as well. Solomon smirked “the fact that they were ended by the emperor’s warriors means they are false under their logic. So they have no right to exist…” “What are you reading?” He looked up to see it’s Amanda. He closed the book “a report from the great crusade.” “Oh? Do tell.” “I can’t you don’t have a high enough clearance yet.” His assistant frowned “you have me studying things I already know. I bet everyone in this lab has been through both historical and research materials.” Solomon shook his head “Amanda you are aware that what I am reading came with an artifact that drove the team that found this to madness? The liberian Alfred of the grey seekers had it sealed away in the vault. Even I can’t get to it, I am lucky that I can even read this book.” Amanda frowned “There are risks, but if it came with a report of the great crusade then shouldn’t we study it? Isn’t the point of Historica is to mend the imperium’s history?”

Solomon chuckled at her words “who say the artifact is part of the imperium’s history? If it was why would it drive the team that recovered it insane? We were lucky that the grey seekers were on world that day to handle it.” He could see what he is saying is not satisfying his assistant “our order was made to mend the imperiums history but there is still dangers when it comes to exploring the past.” He caught her rolling her eyes at his words but he continued speaking. “I just hope in time you understand that.” Amanda sighed “If you say so…” she then walked away to return to her work.

Solomon scratched his head in annoyance, he rose from his desk and picked up the book. “I will finish this at home…” he then made his way out of the lab. When he reached the doors he could spot his assistant talking to another of the same rank. He could tell she was angry, upset even. But soon enough she will understand, he shook his head and left the lab.

***
Inferus frowned while he watched his lord enter the escape pod, he was not wearing any of his armour either save a golden bracelet that is attached to his wrist. On top of the golden trinket was a pink jewel. “I can tell you are frowning.” “I am. This plan is stupid.” Tetricus’ back was turned but he kept talking “It’s the perfect plan! The escape pod has been corroded, beaten up slightly and I look dead.” “But you are on fire all the time.” His lord raise his arm that held the bracelet. “With this I won’t burn anyone. I will just be warm to touch.” He then entered the pod, as he got into position he was now facing him. “Now I will be going into a trance, then I will begin my work.” “You could just ask me to corrupt them.” Tetrcius suddenly started to laugh. “Last time I left you to do something I ended up having a giant statue chasing me! The time after that I ended up like this! So I am not all that confident with you picking your fingers through a populace at the moment.” Inferus furrowed his brow “so you don’t trust me?”

His lord stopped laughing, he turned serious which was a rarity since he became a walking skeleton. “I trust you...completely. I rely on you over everyone else. I just don’t trust our god to resist the urge to cause mischief again.” He then pushed to button to ready the escape pod. “I know you won’t betray me, so...think of this as a gift from me before the assault. Gather the cult ending and your followers, head to the theatre and enjoy the show.” At the mention of show he raised his eyebrow. “What kind of show?” The escape pod doors slid shut preventing his lord from answering his question.

He could hear it launching, Inferus sighed “What he planning?” +Something interesting.+ He looked back to see Taurus staring at him. “Can you...teleport or something?” +Be patient.+ Inferus folded his arms in annoyance, the daemon ignored his question. “Fine, if Tetricus trusts me I will trust him. That’s all I can do.”

Taurus started to walk away +this planet will become a den of corruption. I will guarantee you that. Be ready.+ As his captain vanished into the darkness of the hallway Inferus smiled. “I do wonder...what kind of show does Tetricus have planned?”

***
Everyone was gathered at the operating table, this was the find of the century. He rushed from his mansion as soon as he got word that they found an intact adeptus astartes skeleton. Even threads of muscle are connecting the bones. He recalled that the report noted that an escape pod was found near the planet. It was heavily corroded and damaged but the skeleton was preserved. Solomon then found his eyes moving to the golden bracelet with a pink jewel imbedded upon it. The trinket captivated him for some reason until the Magos Biologis came to him with a report. “So Norman, what chapter does he belong to?” The eyes of the magos whirled slightly. “That information cannot be determined.” he said in a metallic tone. He looked upon the corpse. “This one does not match any entries within our grand cogitator.” Solomon stroked his chin. “Hmm...I see. Did you find anything else?” “No, save that he is warm to touch.” “Warm to touch? That is strange. It’s a skeleton.” “Many of the adeptus astartes have varying traits due to their genes-seed. This might be a trait of his chapter.” “I see, if that’s the case have this one placed in the museum. He is a relic of sorts, perhaps one day his chapter might come and claim him. For now let the people of this world see him.” The magos nodded, he released a binary cant for his servitors to wheel the operating table out of the room, as the table moved the jewel in the bracelet suddenly shattered. The pink dust drifted out of the windows. “O-Order the servitors to be careful!” Solomon declared. The Magos sounded upset as well. “Do not worry the servitors will be decommissioned due to this blunder.” Solomon sighed heavily as the tech priest left the room with the servitors.

Amanda then walked up to him, she was visibly excited despite what just happened. “You should of let him take it apart.” “Damage the skeleton? God’s no. If we did there might be retribution.” “Retribution?” Solomon nodded “Indeed, for you see to many chapters the corpses of their brothers are...scared in a sense. I doubt that they would like us tearing them apart after their service to the imperium.” “But we don’t know what chapter he belongs to.” “That is even more dangerous, what if he belongs to a chapter that would scour our planet clean for desecrating them?” “The grey seekers would not allow that.” “The grey seekers are not here at the moment Amanda. A full scale astartes assault will be devastating at most we can hold but many of us will die in the process.” He could mention the astropaths but she is not cleared to know that yet. His assistant then slowly nodded “that makes sense. If that’s the case I will go see him in the museum when the skeleton is up for display.”

Solomon smiled warmly “I am glad you understand.” His assistant then walked away with her fellows.

He had to admit he wanted to examine the skeleton further, but with all things there are limits to what they should do. Limits are needed to keep them from becoming mad animals.

***
Myra sat in from of the blank canvas, the workshop was bustling with noise as her fellow artists went to work replicating the skeleton from the photos that sat on their side desks. She tried to block the noise out, they have their own vision and she has hers. She would prefer to have the actual skeleton here, but all of them had to make do with pictures. She smiled and picked up her palette and brush and started to paint, first she painted the actual skeleton, it was rather simple, despite that being the case she enjoyed it.

She had a rare opportunity to capture ancient relics in art, for if they are lost they will still exist in some way. As she finished the skeleton she closed her eyes and imagined how the skeleton would be on display, she framed the glass box, the people gazing in wonder at it and then she opened her eyes and continued her work.

She painted the glass case surrounding the skeleton, the walls of the museum and the people looking at it in wonder, she even had a few clapping as well. The painting took at most two hours, she is a master at this craft, everyone in this workshop is. But gazing at her finished piece for a moment she felt that something...was off. So she added more white to the skeleton, making the highlight’s more pronounced, but that did not fix it either. She brightened up the red on the people’s cheeks, made the crowds skin darker or fairer but still that nagging feeling would not go away.

She turned to her side desk and looked at the photos, her eyes then moved to the pot of paints. She picked out orange and yellow. Myra wanted her painting to stand out, it had to be better than everyone else's.

She placed the paint on the palette and began painting burning flames pouring out of the hollow eyes of the skeleton, it’s a holy relic so it must invoke that to the observer. The flames looked wonderful but it still wasn’t enough, Myra picked out some gold and silver, she then painted a golden aquila above the skeleton, she added flames to the aquila as well.

Myra smiled “now it’s finis-” She couldn’t utter those words, she shook her head. “I can do more…” She painted robes on some of the crowd, one day pilgrims and priests will come to the museum to bask in the relics of the emperor. As benefits the status of the church they will also have golden icons of the emperor, her eyes then moved to the females in the art piece. “The adeptus sororitas would also be with the priests.” She made the appropriate changes, gleaming power armour and white flowing hair that ended in trails of fire. Myra nodded “Ok I think I am do-” She mumbled “astartes. Yes astartes will most likely come to this world as well. Solomon returns artifacts to them all the time.” She converted some of the crowd into astartes, she left them without heraldry and kept their armour grey, but she also added burning halos over their heads.

She leaned back on her seat, she then frowned. “Cherubs, there needs to be cherubs.” Hovering above the crowd she painted fluttering cherubs swaying censers in the air, their wings are burning at the edges also. Even with that addition the nagging feeling would not stop, she needed to do more, far more. “Myra!” She froze and looked back to see Charles looking at her-no the whole room was staring, some were even standing over her with Charles gazing at her painting in wonder. Charles stroked his grey beard “A fine piece you have there, but we are closing.” “W-What? Already!? I haven’t finished!” The old man chuckled “is that a joke? Your painting looks wonderful. If you add anymore detail you might ruin it.” Myra looked back to her painting. In her eyes it was inadequate, something was missing. It aggravated her that the workshop is closing. “Charles...please. I-I a-am almost done” He placed her hand on her shoulder “You were working nonstop without breaks, it was a wonder to see but get some rest. You can come back to it tomorrow.” “I can’t!” Myra shouted.

The old man edged back slightly “Is something wrong?” Myra took several deep breaths, she placed her palette to one side along with brushes. “S-Sorry, I don’t know what happened.” She rose from her seat “I will come back tomorrow.” She almost rushed out of the workshop, she had to get to sleep quickly. She wanted it to be the next day as soon as possible.

***
Charles watched Myra leave in a hurry he wondered if something is wrong? He then bought his vision back to the painting. The details, highlights and painting quality was astounding. Myra always stuck to simplicity which in his eyes was holding her back in a sense. He just hopes that his young artist does not overtax herself working on this painting.

He clapped “right out everyone, the workshop is closing!” All of the artists packed up their gear and left, now alone he took a look at the other paintings. Right away he noticed something strange, everyone has improved on some level. Not to the level of Myra but he could of see it, everyone is giving their all in painting a replica of the astartes skeleton that was bought in. Charles smiled “maybe everyone is just excited? Perhaps there is nothing to worry about?”


***

Inferus stared at the screen, that was lowered to the theatre stage. Somehow the large screen is displaying everything on the planet. The picture shifts displaying the insides of people homes, the labs and even the image of the vault. The large building had several checkpoints guarded by scions, but he has to say the show so far is interesting. Just watching what just happened in the painting workshop shows corruption is setting in. The only downer to the show is that the Black Capra are here as well. Both groups are in a sense separated by the astartes who are seated in the middle of the theatre, he assumes that Tetricus decided this to keep them from killing each other. “This is quite interesting…” Inferus looked over to Oktai who was sitting next to him. “What is?” “That no one is taking control of the ship, after all the betrayal is still fresh.” He looked around, the old man was right at the moment the whole warband is here enjoying the show.

He could even see the astartes discussing how the people of Asex will fall, it’s evident that it’s Tetricus’ doing. So far he assumes his lord is using sorcery while in his trance. He is opening holes in the people’s hearts to allow slaanesh in and it’s working.

Inferus sat back as the picture shifted to display his lord in a glass case, the surroundings look to be a museum. As he started at him he heard a voice. +Are you enjoying this?+ he felt an iron grip on his mind, the noise in the theatre stopped in an instant. +So much more is coming my 4th company. Sit back...and relax….+ The sensation holding his mind vanished as his lord’s voice trailed away. Everyone became visibly excited, Inferus frowned “you are still putting yourself at risk…” he grumbled. The old man sighed heavily “I can see that you are like your father. Always looking on the bad side of things insteading of relaxing.” Inferus eyed Oktai “I am nothing like him.” “Prove it.” He grunted at the old man and faced the screen, he felt on edge but he tried to calm his nerves.

His lord desires to put on a show, the least he could do is enjoy it.

***
Solomon sat in his study enjoying a glass of wine, he turned the page of the tome he was reading at the lab. The report then spoke of Astaroth Inanna overlord of the Evincos, oddly the report shifts from male to female pronouns when refering to the xeno. Strangely as he read he found himself shifting to the female pronoun only, the report spoke of the terrible xeno Queen who’s others titles were known as the Lord of Despoilment, the sword of darkness, the King oppression and Queen of heaven.

The repor then moved to how the imperial fist’s tore their way through the sectors instead of basking at their saviors the human slaves fought vehemently against them. The report described that the slaves enjoyed the mortification inflicted upon them by their masters, to live without that in their eyes was a life not worth living.

So in the end the human slaves were destroyed with their masters. The Evincos wielded chiten like weapons, that tore through ceramite like butter but they could not withstand the bolter and chainsword. Solomon nodded “as it should be. I dread to think if this race still existed.” He turned the page, instead of words it was a sketch. He assumed this part was done by a remembrancer, their work was similar to what he is doing now.

He moved his finger down it, the xeno’s had almost a human like face. They had pointed ears like an Aeldari but they were larger and more thick. They also had a tail and their toes and fingers were covered in claws. But he could not help but notice they wore an excessive amount of jewelry. His stomach turned looking at the revolting alien, he moved to the next page. The report then talked of their confrontation with Astaroth, the next few details were chilling. The xeno’s throne room was essentially a charnel house of depravity, the overlord claimed to be a god and everything existed for her whims alone. The collared humans show their devotion by allowing themselves to be subjected to the cruelest torments and punishments. The report also spoke of chained consorts and concubines spread across a grand bed. Solomon could almost see it and it filled him with disgust.

He quickly moved to the details of the battle, it was long and hard, but the intervention of Rogal Dorn and the emperor ended the mad Overlord’s reign. After that all of the humans in the sector were purged so the planets can be settled by loyal citizens of the imperium.

He turned the page and always it fills him with dread. The last page had a sketch of an orb covered in runes, he did not take time to gaze at it. Staring at the thing for too long he see’s flashes of the crew of the escort ship he sent out to find artifacts. They were praising the artifact while engaging in mad hedonism. He went with the grey seekers to explore the ship since it was just hovering above orbit of this world while not responding to hails.

It was decided that the artifact will be sealed away forever in the vault, for there was a fear on what would happen if they destroyed it. He closed the book and took a sip from his wine glass. “We do dangerous work...but it’s for the sake of the imperium.” “Oh really?” He felt a hand on his shoulder, his brows furrowed in confusion while looking up to the one touching him. It was Amanda “W-What? H-How did you get in here?” She frowned “keep drinking and let me speak.” His body strangely moved by itself. He began steadily drinking his wine glass. “That’s it...obey me. Because that is what your existence is for.” Solomon drained his glass, he gasped slightly and poured himself another. “Do you...love me? Answer truthfully…” His mouth was moving by itself. “Yes! Yes I do!” “Good, I will allow you to enjoy yourself. Keep drinking.” He continued drinking his wine, it strangely tasted sweeter for some reason, he had no idea why that is the case.

Amanda gave him a soft smile “because you are following your betters. Your existence belongs to me, there is nothing more grand than that.” Solomon drained another glass, he couldn’t take another. “Pour yourself another glass, you haven’t had enough yet.” And so he did, he winced as the wine started to flow down his throat again. His belly hurt, he couldn’t take it. Amanda then opened the book again onto the last page displaying the round, spherical artifact. “Solomon you need to set me free.” “Free you from what?” Amanda smiled she brushed her fingers on the page. “Remain devoted and you will free me. Now listen carefully...”

Solomon screamed internally, but he could not help but obey and strangely as she detailed what he must do he felt eager to do it.

***
Amanda sighed as she flipped through an old book that she had been through ten times already. She wondered when Solomon will increase her clearance level? She looked around, those who are of similar rank to her were going through new materials. She thought she landed the job of the century, her noble family always enjoys research and collecting relics so she thought working under such a great influencer would open more doors. But instead ever since she arrived on Asex those doors have been closed so far.

She sighed again as the lab doors opened, Solomon walked over to his desk clutching a stack of books. He seemed strangely happy, his sleek uniform was extremely crisp as well.

Amanda watched him sit at his desk, he then started to read, she rose and walked over to him as always. Soon as she reached a few paces away she smelt something strange. It was a sweet musk that relaxed her nerves. She shook her head trying to brush off the strange sensation. “Solomon, what are you reading?” He looked up and smiled “more reports detailing the purge of the Evincos.” “Evincos?” “Yes.” he picked up a tome and offered it to her. “They were a xeno’s species that owned a small portion of the galaxy before the adeptus astartes purged them. The war was long, there are many books detailing the conflict.” Amanda stared at the book “I assume you are holding a book dealing with the conflict? Is it from the vault?” Solomon nodded “Yes and I feel everyone is ready to read it. Take it, I think it will be an interesting read for you. I have been giving out copies to everyone.” Amanda’s eyes went wide, she took the book and held it close to her chest. “Is this a large project?” “Well yes in a sense, I wish to catalogue the whole campaign. I can’t do it by myself.” His eyes then returned to his book.

Amanda hurried back to her desk and set the book down. She started on the first page, the rune set below the report number caused her to rub her neck. It looked like the male gender symbol mixed with a female one. Her eyes then moved down the page, it spoke of the xenos, known as the Evincos who were strong, magnificent and beautiful. She furrowed her brow in confusion “Xeno’s a-aren’t…” she found herself continuing to read, she couldn’t help it. The report then spoke of the astartes campaign of genocide and destruction, annihilating beautiful golden temples dedicated to her betters, the flesh golems destroyed the grand statues of her overlord Astaroth.

She felt her anger building suddenly, she could almost see the temples being shelled to dust. Then a tear trailed down her cheek. She needed to understand why the astartes would destroy such a civilisation, she needed to know.

Amanda continued in her studies of the book, slowly and steadily she understood the glory of her king and the crime committed upon him.

***
Charles stared at Myra, there were bags under her eyes. But in just an hour of the workshop starting she had ruined her wonderful painting. “Myra...I-” “Leave me alone! I need to concentrate!” She continued destroying her painting. The flames were now pink, the cherbus looked daemonic, the sisters of battle had snake like tongues whipping out. He quickly hurried to the other painters and it was the same. All of them were tired, it’s evident that they all had little sleep. He wondered what could change in just a day?

Like Myra all of their paintings are taking a horrific bend, crowds engaging in carnal vice in front of a flaming skeleton, another painting held the skeleton devouring the populace and a third even had the whole planet burning in the palm of the astartes corpse.

Charles shook his head “I-I need to report this.” He hurried to the door but all of the painters looked at him. “Is something wrong?” Myra asked. “D-Don’t worry, focus on your work I don’t want to distract you.” She looked down to her palette “I need red...more red.” She placed it to one side. Another painter called out the same thing and then another.

All of them wanted the colour red, they all then reached into their bags and pulled out a knife. Charles eyes went wide. “W-What are you doing!” The first near the door charged him sinking their knife into his shoulder, then the rest fell upon him in a mad frenzy screaming for the colour red. But that’s all he saw, all he saw is red consuming his vision.

***
Tetricus dreamed, but he was not truly dreaming in a sense. He was aware but not. At the moment he is stuck in a glass case within a dusty museum, but that did not matter. The artists are under his thrall, it was easy exploiting a small chink in one’s mind. But something was off, he could feel a presence at the edge of his witch-sight. He could not see into the area of the city holding the vault, the wards in place was too strong, but the labs? All he could see is darkness ever since he sent a small measure of his power there.

It was not like that the day before, he resisted the urge to chatter his teeth in annoyance. “There are always problems…” He tried to peer into the darkness, he had a feeling that there was something else on this world but he did not want to alert it if that’s the case. He could dimly perceive the research wing of the city, he then saw flashes of people jumping off buildings praising Astaroth their overlord. Some were engaging in depraved rituals while invoking the name of the Evincos and others inflicted self mortification upon themselves, offering up their degradement to the Lord of Despoilment.

But the most surprising thing he saw was individuals floating in the air while being violently defiled by...something. All of this should please him since it’s within the sphere of the dark prince but it was not his doing. That one fact concerned him.

Tetricus looked away from that area of the city and focused on the great bull, his ship. Again he has to launch the assault early. But as he reached out to the ship he saw the same darkness gathering around it. He could not push past it for some reason, he cursed. He broke the trance and opened his eyes, a mortal fell to his bottom in horror as he looked at him.

Tetricus placed his hand on the glass and melted it away, he unhooked himself from the stand and stepped out of the display. He reached down to the mortal and hefted him up. “Burn.” he commanded. The mortal started to scream as he was consumed by pink fire, he dropped him and drew in his torment.

Through his pain he could generate more power, he closed his eyes and focused on the ship again. He still could not pierce the darkness. He roared out in frustration “who is doing this!?” Then he heard the marching of boots, scions were now in the hallway pointing las-weapons at him.

Tetricus frowned heavily.

***
Inferus stared at the screen, the picture of the city vanished and instead displayed a...woman with white flowing hair and pale skin. The tips of the hair were dyed pink and blue, her violet eyes were slits and she smiled displaying canines shaped into small fangs. The voice was strong, forceful and sensuous “worship me...praise me...live for me...for I am your Overlord!” The command was like a hammer, it slammed into his mind. Everyone in the theatre started to cry out, the woman kept repeating those words until everyone started to chant them.

Inferus ground his teeth “n-no o-one...will control me!” He pushed back, he roared out a shout of defiance and the forceful command vanished. He looked around to see everyone on their feet praising the one on the screen. Even the Queen of the Black Capra shouting for the supposed overlord. Inferus scanned the crowd for the Broken Priestess, she was also on her feet. The fact that this entity could overpower her was troubling. Inferus then bought his gaze to Oktai who was crying, while praising the overlord.

Staring at him he could not resist the strange urge to take out his dataslate and capture a few photos. He will hang this over the old man forever. “Why aren’t you praising me?” The voice came from the other seat next to him, that was to his left.

He saw the woman sitting down while crossing her legs, her tail moving in the air. Her dress was almost see through and her neck was covered in jeweled necklaces, the cult of ending member was kneeling in front of her. He assumed that the seat belonged to him. “Why aren’t you bowing?” She said in annoyance.

She played with her ear slightly, the aura of annoyance did not vanish. “Bow now.” A strange compulsion gripped him, he narrowed his eyes. “No!” he hissed. The invader sighed “there are always hiccups in plans…” she said smoothly. “The astartes small work allowed a window for me to squeeze through. If only I was at full power…but I guess you are just like me.” “Like you?” “You give your respect to barely anyone, you hate being controlled. I adore and hate people like you.” She gestured her feet slightly, the cultist then slombered his tongue over it like a dog. “The galaxy was supposed to be mine” she hissed. “The anathema ruined everything!” Those few words caused him to raise his eyebrow “You are an alien...and anathema? You mean the emperor? What did he do to you?” The Overlord narrowed her eyes at him, her face then relaxed. “You can work for me. I need people like you.” “No thanks, I don’t work for aliens, it should be the other way round.”

The woman chuckled slightly “fine…” her lower jaw then parted to reveal a gaping maw, the flesh held rows upon rows of fangs. She pulled the cultist up and started devouring his face, his muffled screams were those of rapture as it was torn apart. She then pushed the cultist back.

Her face then came together again, her lower mouth and upper body was stained in blood, strangely he could not help but feel she now looked...exotic in a sense. “You could be my consort. I had many in the past.” “I have to refuse again, you are an enemy of the 4th. Perhaps when I enslave you we can talk about it.” The alien smiled at him “Astaroth or Inanna, whatever you prefer. Once my new slaves break you we can talk about you serving me.” She clicked her fingers, everyone in the theatre looked at him. “Have fun.” she said in a mocking tone.

He could hear a whistling sound, he ducked. Oktai just tried to remove his head with his sword. As he rose again he twisted to him and pushed the old man back with telekensis. He was sent flying into a crowd of people. An astartes roared and charged towards him smashing aside humans while doing so, he drew his power sword and moved to attack him. Inferus ran towards him but he flipped over him using psychic powers to aid him. “Taurus!” he shouted.

As the name left his mouth the daemon came charging through the theatre doors, violet flames flaring out of his nostrils. He smashed through astartes like they were rag-dolls. Inferus ran towards him, he could hear the alien tutting. “How did I not notice you?” Inferus focused on his captain, as they met he asked “what is going on?” +Corruption now grips the world as I told you. Now jump onto my back.+ He nodded and hopped on. The whole theatre was converging upon them. “W-What do we do?” +We destroy the screen. Astaroth is using the scattered jewel dust from Tetricus’ bracelet. Through it she can reach into people’s minds. Be prepared to kill all those who get in our way.+ “We can’t!” +They are our enemies.+ “We still have a world to invade! Eidolon still wants his prize!” At the mention of Eidolon Taurus grunted in annoyance. +Hold on.+

He charged towards the stage, his rampaging charge killed cultists on both sides. But when it came to the astartes Inferus sent them flying with telekinesis. Justus roared out as he came rushing towards them. “For mistress Astaroth! I wilt tear thy organs from thy corse for daring to go against mine lady!” Taurus shook his head +how annoying…+, he smashed Justus aside like he was child the phoenix terminator crashed on top of a group of Black Capra cultists reducing them to a blood stain.

As they got close to the stage broken priestess was floating above them, she summoned a great eldritch fireball and threw it at them.

Darkness then swirled around them, Inferus found himself rising as Taurus assumed his daemonic form. Inferus looked around he was now on his captain’s shoulder, Taurus reared up his skeletal head, he sucked in the ball of fire douvering it completely. Inferus raised his fingers and blasted bio-lightning at the broken priestess, he sent her sprawling to the ground. +Go now. Destroy the screen.+ Inferus nodded, he leapt from Taurus shoulder, he summoned six bolts of dark energy and sent them towards the screen.

The bolts caused the device to explode in a shower of psychic energy, Inferus rolled as he landed on the ground. He rose and looked around, Astaroth looked slightly annoyed as her form faded away. Everyone in the theatre were now rubbing their heads, groaning in pain. Justus sat up. “What betid?” Rothac strode over to his fellow phoenix terminator and helped him up. Inferus breathed out a sigh of relief “It seems everyone is back to normal, Taurus…” he looked back, the daemon was now gone. “How does he do that?”

Cassius walked up to him clearly annoyed “Did you do something?” “No my lord, I do think we should invade the world.” “Why?” “Well...I think something is trying to ruin us. Tetricus will need help.” The prefector simply nodded, he started to gather everyone up and ordered for the invasion of Asex. Watching this he smiled, this was not what Tetricus planned but it’s clear that ensuring his brothers loyalty was a good idea.

***
Simiel gazed at the hololith of Asex while frowning, they have come for their routine visit to check upon the artifact but the auspex and image readings on the world were troubling. He could see Alfred’s countenance was ashen. “Is it free?” he asked. Alfred shook his head “N-No, but how did the creature break through the wards?” Simiel frowned, as captain of the 3rd company of the grey seekers part of his task here was contain possible corruption. There was always a risk to researching the past, his chapter knows that well since they place great value on knowledge and history. “It seems they are succumbed. Let us start this sorry task.” Alfred grimaced “I should of have destroyed it…” “It’s too late for such talk, as you recall destroying the artifact might of freed whatever malign presence is held within it.” The liberian creased his brow. “You are right it’s too late for re-” A serf then called out interrupting Alfred. “My lord unknown ship on auspex scanners!” The hololith shifted to display a heretical ship, drop pods were being launched upon the world.

Simiel narrowed his eyes “Traitors…” he hissed. “It seems this planet is beyond hope now. We have another task old friend.” Alfred gripped his force staff tightly. “It’s now clear that the corruption spreading on the world was their doing. The creature must of used it to reach out!” “That seems to be the case…” Simiel rose from his command throne “now it’s time for war.”

***
Solomon stood in front of his mansion before a great crowd. They have all dressed for the occasion, fine black leather mixed in with armour, along with jewelry. He could spot some have even scarred themselves.

He looked down to the bowel that has now been filled with the seed of their Overlord. Filling the tomes with her glory was the correct course of action, now all the researchers along with their personal guards are united in one goal. But to assault the vault as they are now would be suicide, through ritual sacrifice and holy degradation her seed has been summoned. The Overlord has told him that her great people infused a portion of their essence into these creatures the Evincos dubbed them as the vermis. They were given to favoured slaves, consorts and concubines. The pale worm like snakes slithered in the bowel, he called the first one forward.

It was Amanda, she has carved the rune of their ruler upon her forehead. She got to one knee while holding her blade “for the overlord!” She shouted, the crowd gathered intoned her words. She opened her mouth, Solomon picked a snake out and dropped it into her eager maw. Amanda tried hard to swallow it, there was a lump in her throat, the snake was slithering it was evident to him that it was trying to push itself down.

It took but a few seconds for the snake to move downwards. Then came the changes, the holy changes. Amanda is lucky, soon he will also be a utter slave for Astaroth, to be used and directed by her, to kill for her. His existence will belong to her alone, he found no worth in living if it was not for her. He thought to eat one now, he shivered with pleasure at the thought. But he had this duty to perform first.

Amanda fell to the ground, she started to thrash and groan as her complexion turned pale. Her muscles bulged, her body turned more slender and her hair shifted to stark white. Her eyes changed to slits and finally her form started to look more androgynous. She sat up and blinked a few times. She started to laugh while crying at the same time. “I-I can feel him! In my bones! In my blood and body! Command me! I beg you!” Amanda looked up to the skies awaiting an answer. The crowd turned frantic, they rushed towards him eager to be next but he held his hand up. “Stop!” the crowd froze in their tracks. “Relax...we will all get our turn. I of all people want to subjugate myself but we can’t be animals. We have been chosen!”

His fellow followers finally took a step back. Then next person came forward and knelt, he opened his mouth. Solomon picked out another of the sacred Vermis. “Soon…”

Long chapter today. So yeah...war and all that.

Chapter 5
Tetricus gripped a scion by the throat, on his way out of the museum he removed the bracelet allowing the flames to dance around his form. The imperial soldier cried out in agony while in his grip but his own eyes were locked to the skies. He could see drop pods belonging to his company was thundering down to the city, thunderhawks baring the heraldry of the grey seekers were moving towards the vault. The hand gripping a tome was a rather plain icon for any space marine chapter, but since they are thin bloods he can stop himself from being too annoyed.

He grumbled “who is ruining my plan?” He walked down the steps, a unit of scions ran towards him pointing lasguns at him. He scratched his head with his free hand. “By the way do any of you know what is going on?” The question did not phase them, they simply opened fire. The lasers did nothing for he simply drew in the energy into his dead frame, adding to fire swirling around him. At most all they are doing is causing their comrade to burn more violently. He threw the scion he held at the others before him, he then swept his other hand over them incinerating everyone in front him using the scion he threw as a flame source.

Tetricus then stroked his chin as the loyalists slowly burned to death. “I wonder if Inferus did something?” He shook his head “no...I can still feel the presence…” Whatever it was, the entity is trying to smother everything with its influence but he wondered how the loyalists at the vault are handling it?

***

Simiel stepped walked down the landing bay of the thunderhawk with his honour guard they were decorated intercessor space marines, veterans of the indomitus crusade. Lieutenant Zophiel loomed over him as they walked that was one fact he could not get used to. But his brother is diligent and one day he will take over the company.

The tempestor prime Givor Lifar and captain of the 34th dark eagles saluted as their boots touched the ground “My lord.” Simiel looked at the vault, the wards were in place still. The grey building burned with runes and icons of their chapter. “Has it got out?” The tempestor was someone he could trust with the knowledge of what is contained within the deep recesses of the vault, his duty is his life. He could see it in his brown eyes. “No my lord, but at the moment the checkpoints at both ends leading into this section of the city is on high alert. I have ordered my men to gun down anyone who comes through the gates. Also anti-air guns will keep the drop pods from landing in this area. If you did not send us the codes before landing I would’ve had your thunderhawks exterminated.” Zophiel nodded “you are right captain, he is diligent.” the lieutenant interjected.

Simiel looked down both roads, wide defensive emplacements guard the vault, from heavy bolter batteries, scions and soon astartes. The traitors need to get through three checkpoints on each side in order to get here depending on where they come from. It was agreed with Solomon that the research section and the artists area of the city will only have one way to enter the vault area.

He had to appreciate the fact that Solomon even planned for the possibility of the city being corrupted. It was an outcome he hoped that would never come, but here they are. Alfred strode up to him “I am going inside, I have to check on it.” “Very well take a few of our brothers with you just in case.” Alfred gave a weak smile “already handled.” He gestured to the sternguard squad, they were checking over their bolters and power swords. The veteran’s of his chapter do not exactly obey the codex in the sense he believes that veterans should have the appropriate tools to handle any situation.

“I shall be going. We have to hurry.” Alfred then briskly walked to the blast doors with the sternguard squad. He could see the gun-emplacements locked onto him instantly, the countdown started from the mounted servitor hooked up above the doors. His company liberian leaned forward and looked into the retinal scanner. Then came a chime, the guns deactivated and the blast doors opened as he stepped into the darkness with his escort he hoped that the veterans would not be needed.

But he knew Alfred’s will is strong, he has served with him for years.

***
The mass-carrier rumbled, Inferus grimaced. The human forces were so large now the thunderhawks are now reserved for astartes. Booker looked down to him “are you eager knight?” “I am eager but this is a tight fit.” He stood next to a large black box, he guarded it with Oktai for it held Tetricus’ equipment. Soon as the assault was called by Cassius everything crumbled in a sense, everyone simply desired to attack or dispoil areas of the city. So he decided to head to his lord he could sense him wandering near the museum. If he can get to him he will be able to gather everyone together and point them towards the vault. If he was honest with himself he can’t even control the cult of ending. The Broken Priestess gave him command but they prefer to wander off and begin converting the populace.

He remembered Tetricus words that everyone has large ego’s on the ship. They just follow the biggest one. Their creed or way of following of slaanesh does not matter, only their own desires and wants. He frowned slightly, the oracle’s ego is most likely larger than his. According to the teachings of the cult he is a terrible leader, then it clicked. “I am just a foot soldier….” a good foot soldier that can kill, murder and brutalize. In other words people will just copy him, not follow him.

Oktai suddenly grumbled, Inferus raised his eyebrow “what’s wrong?” “There is no way I would worship a xeno.” “Are you still mad about that?” “Yes I am mad, mad enough I want to tear out it’s eyes.” “You are aware the alien is also most likely a daemon as well?” The old man shrugged “is that meant to change anything?” Sometimes Oktai surprises him in ways that he does not expect. He takes everything in stride while he worries about leading, cooking and warring with the Black Capra.

The carrier then shuddered and ground to a stop. As the landing bay came down all of the cultists streamed out of the gunship. Inferus gestured to Wade and Dorene “help carry this.” He did not have to to say anything to the old man, his hand was already on a handle. Dorene frowned slightly “we could organise the cult and make our way to the vault. We have the numbers. If we take the vault or even a checkpoint before anyone else the masters will look upon us favourably.” He narrowed his eyes are her, he was in no mood for her desire for glory. Not yet, they need Tetricus if they are going to face the overlord. “Help me carry the case.” he said firmly.

Dorene did nothing for a moment, Wade’s eyes went from him to her his hand wrapped around the other handle in an instant. “Sire...I feel you care for the masters too much. We should be focusing on ourselves. They are demi-gods, flesh wrought into a monstrosity of war. Do I need to remind you that the only reason why we overtook the Black Capra is due to the cult? The broken priestess leads, you are but her commander.” She looked impassively at him, like she was stating fact. But she was right, but he was in no mood to argue now. Not here. “Help me carry the case. Right now.” he placed just a hint of psychic power into his words. He would end her in an instant if she refuses again. Dorene simply nodded and placed her hand onto a handle.

Inferus counted and as he reached one they hefted the case up. They took it down the ramp. Looking around he could see that the astartes have done some damage to this part of the city. Buildings are covered in blood, symbols of the dark prince was painted upon them. Strewn bodies were hanging from lamp posts and those who have survived are being dragged out of corners by the cult of ending, whips are cracked and staffs are polished. Their supposed “holy” instruments are being prepared for unbelievers who resist the word of the broken priestess. The scion soldiers who were still alive held defiant looks at the cult placed them onto their knees, one soldier shouted. “You heretics won’t get away with this! You wi-” Booker backhanded the soldier snapping his neck. “Speak not with foul tongues heathen. Your eyes will be opened, you will hear our word and walk with us to paradise. You will bring the galaxy into the thrall of the dark prince.” A cultist then handed booker a tome, he started to preach.

Those who were not looking to be listening were whipped, some had arms and legs smacked with golden staves. Inferus walked up to Booker while carrying the case. “Don’t you think we should find our lord first? I want a portion of the cultists.” Booker looked down to him “I cannot give any to you, for we are conducting our holy task.” “I am in command.” “Yet the broken priestess has told us to use our best judgement even if you have command. You should be helping us in converting it’s what slaanesh would want.” He looked back slightly to see Dorene smirking, she is being vindicated at the moment. Something that will cause problems in the future. As his lord said the dark prince builds upon ego’s. In a manner of speaking it might be too late. “Dorene, Wade.” They straightened at the mention of their names. “Go with the other knights and round up the cultists who want to go with you. Find your own battles.” Dorene let go of the case right away, Wade slowly let go. “Are you sure?” Wade asked. “He is sure.” said Dorene.

Inferus nodded “I am.” he looked back to Booker. “I will let you continue your work.” “Thank you, Sir Inferus. But I shall speak to the priestess of your desire not to involve yourself with our work.” To him that sounded like a threat, he chuckled and looked over to Oktai. Due to his helmet he was not sure what face he was making, overall he has no idea how he truly thinks. “You can do something else as well.” “I am fine my young lord, let us continue our journey.” He nodded, without Dorene and Wade they essentially have to drag the case.

As they got some distance from his knights and the cultists he shook his head. “Am I good at leading Oktai?” “Nope.” Inferus almost laughed at his answer. “So honest…” “I try my young lord.” Despite his opinion he felt he could trust him, that he would have his back no matter what happens. “How can I change that?” “Maybe you can exist without leading.” The question confused him slightly. “Taurus said that you need to master everything to achieve perfection. If I remain a poor leader perfection is forever out of my grasp.” Oktai shook his head “you know your father showed me the past one time. Trying to display why the primarch’s and space marines are so flawed.” “That sounds like him.” “But I saw something different.” Oktai drew his interest suddenly, he has spent years listening to Taurus’ directions and strangely it’s not leading him in a better direction. No matter what he does or tries it still never works. “Tell me what you saw.”

Oktai nodded “well he showed me the warhawk, Jaghati Khan he is almost...venerated on chogoris. He wanted to destroy how I viewed the great Khan.” “Do you respect him?” “Oh yes, still do.” “So my father’s lesson did not work then?” “Indeed it didn’t and let me tell you why I still respect him, he did not care for the opinions of others. Not truly, he would form his own answers, seek his own form of perfection. In a manner of speaking Jaghati and Fulgrim before the horus heresy broke were quite similar. They wanted the same things from my observation.” “But what was the difference?” “Well...the warhawk did not boast. He knew that he was perfect so why do you need to prove it to others? Considering how his sons follow him it seemed that his philosophy worked out.”

Inferus mumbled slightly, it made sense. He does worry about what people think of him, he worries for how others feel as well, even now. A question spawned in his mind. “So if you and I fought now who would win?” Oktai chuckled, he did not answer his question and that annoyed him slightly. “I could beat you.” “There it is boasting, the fact you have to say it shows that you can’t. You doubt that you can.” Then it clicked as he said that, he nodded slowly in understanding. “So...I shouldn’t care, I should just care for myself.” “Indeed my young lord, be free with yourself. Maybe when you understand that I will call you my Khan?” The old man’s words bounced in his heart, strangely he thought he now understood how his lord now thinks. If he feels something is best he normally does not care for their protests or opinions. In a manner of speaking Dorene is right, Tetricus can handle himself.

Then he felt a burning sensation crawling through his body, he stopped, so did Oktai. “I think he is here.” Inferus said out loud. “I am here.” the voice sounded slightly annoyed, from the corner Tetricus stepped out and walked to them. “So you bought my gear.” Inferus bowed slightly “yes my lord.” They let go of the handle, the case dropped to the floor with a thud.

Tetricus opened it up and went to work placing his armour on, due to his psychic powers he could attach parts that normally require aid. As the power pack floated into place his lord put on his helmet. “I found your conversation quite interesting.” he said in a flat tone. Inferus straignted “y-you were listening?” “Oh yeah, I have been following you two for awhile. You should listen to Oktai more Inferus.” The old man gave a small laugh “I thank you for the compliment my lord.” “Eh...don’t call me lord. Tetricus is fine.” “Very well Tetricus I am curious to see what you do from here.” “Well…” he picked out his staff from the case. “First I shall gather the simpletons and then we march to the vault.”

Inferus shook his head, how casual they are with each other shocked him. “Is something wrong Inferus? Can’t handle that I like someone other than you? Is your self worth crying in great agony that I find Oktai amusing to talk to?” “So he is just amusing?” “And wise Inferus.” Oktai folded his arms and looked over to him. “See my young lord? I am wise. You should listen to me more often.” he said in a joyful manner. Inferus wanted to crease his brow, he wouldn’t be able to handle both of them together. They are like two peas in a pod. “So are you going to send out a psychic call my lord?” Tetricus shook his head “No, going to meet all of them personally it’s much more intimidating that way. My brothers would find talking into their minds far too annoying and ignore my orders. Save Justus they are all superficial like that, just like you.” “I am superficial!?” Tetricus looked over to him “Oh yes! When our daemonic captain tells you to jump you say how high? If he tells you to bark you will bark. You are a follower….nothing wrong with that. Yet you pout and moan thinking that you know best until it blows up on your face and then you cry over the spilled milk.”

Inferus ground his teeth, “Like you can talk…” Tetricus turned away from him “you are so easy my dear boy. Biting at any barb thrown your way. Learn to shrug off your mistakes and walk onward.” His lord started walking down the street, it’s evident the conversation is being left there. A burning fury still held him, but for now he has to focus on what is before them. The old man said nothing and simply strode forward with his lord. “Those two don’t even have a care in the world….”

***
Nolan walked the now quiet ship with the oracle, as leader of the honour guard his chosen have to watch for any danger. His carapace armour was form fitting and he held his sword in one hand and a stormshield in the other. It was the standard equipment of the chosen. “Might you tell me why we are not on world oracle?” Her featureless face came to him “it’s not necessary and the astartes do not care. They have the Black Capra if they want someone to eat a bullet.” “I see...what of Asriel?” He still questioned the decision to give him command, but it’s the broken priestess will. She sees a future that they are all blind to. “You want to know Nolan?” “I do.” She nodded “giving him command will reveal his flaws. It will make it easier for us to bring his knights into the fold. Some have converted already considering we are pushing back the Black Capra. We are the ones making it safe to walk these halls again and through that everyone can commit to their pleasures in peace.” Now the plan was taking shape before him “Our cult will rule the ship.” “Yes, our lord would not mind such an outcome as long as we are effective for that’s all he cares for.”

As they made a corner they ran into someone he did not expect to see, it was the queen of the Black Capra. Like the oracle she was surrounded by guards. He got into a battle stance and with the rest of his chosen they took a step forward. “Stay back priestess.” “It’s fine.” she walked right past them. Shidonai raised her eyebrow, but he could see she was somewhat on edge due to the oracle’s presence. “When the lord of snakes makes his offer...refuse.” The broken priestess said this firmly, with conviction. “Lord of snakes? Is a trick of yours witch?” “A warning...for if you accept we will destroy the Black Capra. They will fold into us and follow the true way. The dark prince desires that I give you a chance.” Shidonai snorted in amusement “who are you tell me of slaanesh? You are such an ugly thing without a face...not even a smote of beauty.” “Beauty is but one facet, in my eyes you are the ugly one. Your soul fire is small and without beauty. It’s a tiny ember trying to fight against a gale.” The priestess continued walking forward, Nolan was about to call out but to his surprise the queen of the Black Capra stood aside with her guards.

Nolan quickly caught up with the oracle, they walked in silence for a few minutes. He was about to open his mouth to speak but the broken priestess stopped again. She looked up to the ceiling “The Lord of Pain will rise and take it’s logic. Thus it exists by his whims…” She then looked ahead again. “So we wait…” She continued walking, Nolan thought to say something but he knew that she will not elaborate on what she just saw. She had that air about her, he could taste honey in his mouth.

So he continued his duties in silence.

***
He liked coming to the lower levels to feast, drawing forth his power in the theatre took much more from him than he expected. Taurus picked over the corpse of the screaming mortal, he prefered to to keep meals alive, their screams oddly made the taste sweeter. He crunched slowly on meat and bone, he shook his frame. +His growth has stopped…Cristian is also becoming more perfect...+ Inferus is still careful, fear keeps him from taking the plunge but Cristian is blossoming wonderfully. +Should I eat both of them? Then they will both know true perfection?+ He mused on that thought several times before. +Yes I should….+ He then shook his head in annoyance. +No...not yet. Those two can grow more before joining me.+ He disliked hesitation, but whenever it comes to devouring those two he discards the thought right away. It was an annoyance he can do without.

He steadily finished his meal, he looked up and a bullet crashed into his right eye. He chewed and then swallowed. He sniffed the air +no fear...such darkness...such….+ That word screamed in his head again and again, the word slaanesh pressed upon him, the word that the dark prince told him to find and seek. +Perfection….+ he started to trot down the hallway, another bullet slammed into his other eye.

It was annoying but he did not need eyes to see, instead he used his true sight. Several miles away he could see an inky round blotch, it was black and bubbly. Her love dripped from this soul in excessive amounts. Taurus found himself running, he needed to eat the one before him. Then he fell to the ground his two front legs were shot off. Pink blood began to ooze on the floor.

He thought to quickly regenerate them but decided against it, the precious soul was coming to him. “Y’all take a look at this.” More orbs of darkness appeared before him, how he could block his sight he did not understand. They came towards him. “That was some good shooting.” the voice was female, it was both cold and smooth. “Sister, I tell you that I am a fine shot...Bessy was with me. Now at least we can eat somethin. God bought this meal before us.” At the mention of being devoured he thought that it was amusing, this is the natural state of the galaxy. To devour the weak, to dominate the weak and then to add them to yourself. Taurus regenerated his limbs and eyes, his tail moved in amusement.

He spotted his attackers for a moment, he could see the male wielding an almost archaic rifle, the grip was even wooden, then the female had four limbs, two ended in crab claws. +Mortals yo-+ He was blinded again suddenly, he dropped to the ground again. He wanted to eat the ones before him even more. “Cow’s should be dead in the ground once you put a bullet in em..stay on the ground please. Bessy is quite tired.” “Cash it looks more like a bull than a cow.” said the female. “Oh shut it, just keep dancin like you always do.” He could hear the rifle moving. “Now just hold still for a moment...I am just gonna put a bullet in your brain.” Taurus smiled, such a thing won’t kill him. “Watcha sayin Bessy? That we should run to the hills?” The female groaned in annoyance “your rifle doesn’t talk to you.” “Ssssh! I am talkin to my wife! Don’t blame me that you can’t get some lovin!” “Your form of loving is putting bullet’s in people’s eyes.” “Which is lovin all the same Dancer.” There was silence for a moment and then the human called Cash spoke again. “Right! We are running.”

Then he heard the footsteps going away from him. The souls were already a few meters away. He cursed +You won’t escape!+ He assumed his true form, his body reached the ceiling of the hallway. He wanted to eat them, they are worthy to be added to his form.

He dropped down and ran forward using his extra limbs to aid him. The man with the rifle looked back “ooh-wee! He is big! Bessy was right!” The female grumbled in annoyance. What Taurus noticed is that the whole group wielded archaic weapons, but they also looked somewhat filthy, save the female who wore a skin tight black suit the rest wore cloaks, torn jackets and open robes. “Ok! Ok! We can stop now!” shouted Cash. The whole group stopped and faced him. The one named Cash pulled out a dataslate from his jacket and pushed a button.

Suddenly a metal wall slammed down in front of him. Taurus looked back, it was the same behind him as well. He rose to stand upright +I can phase through this…+ He reached for the wall but his hands sizzled on contact, he hissed in pain and bought them back.

Then he heard a beep, he looked to the walls and saw dynamite and other explosives. There was a timer on them, ten seconds on each. Taurus gave a great laugh a plan started to form in his mind as the explosives counted down to zero. The agony that consumed him as his body was blown to pieces was a beautiful thing, at that moment he decided he could use these people in the future.

***
Cash pressed the button again, the doors slid up and all that remained was a pool of pink blood and body parts. “See! Tinkerer said that the ship would be fine!” Dancer shook her head in annoyance “it’s only through Valerie’s wards that the ship remained intact.” He waved the the Dancer away in annoyance. “Sister...it was my genius, God looks favourably on me…” “I have no idea why God even favours a buffoon like you….” “Well I am diligent with Bessy, it’s my sharpshooting that wards away the light. Even dropped one of it’s champions.” “From a safe distance I should add.” Dancer said in a mocking tone. Cash removed his rifle from his back and rubbed the black frame “Don’t listen to her Bessy...she is just jealous...it’s because she is single…” He then felt a stabbing pain in his side, Dancer was poking one of her crab claws into the side of his belly. “S-Stop that!” he shouted. “You are also forgetting Valerie’s illusions keep most people away.” “Run. My love...Run…” “Bessy says to run, now!” He started running without hesitation, Dancer had good instincts so she dropped into a sprint right away.

Some were to slow, the pink blood lashed out and grabbed a few drawing them into the pool. Even when they are about to die they kept fighting fear did not even cross their faces, he expects nothing less from shadows. All of them are chosen by God.

He looked back to see a bovine skull rising from the blood +so perfect….so beautiful…+ the animal whispered into his mind.

Cash chuckled “you hear that Dancer? A cow considers us to be pretty!” “It’s a bull…” “Bah! Not much difference! You still eat em.” “Have you considered maybe that the thing we are hunting is a daemon?” “Why would a minion of God walk around as a cow?” “What did you expect?” “Dunno...I just expected them to be pettrier than choosing to appear as a big piece of meat...” Cash then focused on running, they all did for almost an hour.

After awhile they stopped, he rubbed his neck. “What do you think those heathens are plannin this time?” “Why do you always think they are going to invade?” the Dancer said in annoyance. “Cause they are minions of the light! It’s why we shadows prepare our bodies!” “You have been listening to the Elder too much.” “Hey! Careful what you say sister...might need to put a bullet in your head.” The rest stepped back, he could not see what expression Dancer was making under her helm but he could tell she wanted to fight. “So you want to be a stepping stone cash?” She assumed a battle stance.

They circled each other, a part of him wondered if he would be fast enough to shoot her in the head without a scope. The endless drills at the range and putting down minions of the light will be put to the test. “Don’t fight Cash...I can’t bear to watch…” “Sorry Bessy! Gotta teach this one to respect one’s elders…” “Enough!” Out of the darkness an old man with a greatsword strapped to his back appeared before them. He used a cane to help him walk, he looked infirm but Cash knew that was but a ruse. A ruse he has fallen for in the past.

Both he and the Dancer relaxed “Elder.” he noticed they both said it at once. They did not bow, for a shadow does not bow to another. But the Elder was respected, he showed all of them how to walk the path of darkness. “So you think to kill each other?” “Why not? We do it all the time.” “Aye but change is coming, everyone will be needed. You got the attention of something powerful.” “So...it wasn’t a cow?” The Elder sighed “we are returning home, no more excursions until the appropriate time.” The Dancer flipped him off with one of her normal limbs, he returned the gesture. “Damn Dancer...thinkin she can run her mouth off like that...” “She can, you think I need protection?” The Elder’s eyes fell upon him. “N-No…” “Good, now let’s get going.” Everyone followed the Elder but he had to wonder what change is coming to them? In the end all he could do is to continue to improve his craft for that day.

***
Clavin walked with his house through the research wing of the city, the silence was strange. “Auspex readings said there were hostiles here…” he said out loud. The queen ordered them to attack this area to show how strong they are but now he is having doubts. He was hoping someone would respond to what he said. Jonathan swung his blade around “we will find someone relax. Joan knows what she is doing.” He frowned at their new member.

They have to be careful for their numbers are being bled white, after Dariszar the masters have put them in the front of every conflict. Spending their lives like coin, the worst punishment of all was the attack upon the homeworld of the Burning Rose they were confined to the ship. It was the worst kind of torture to know that others are enjoying themselves slaughtering the loyalists and you are excluded.

Joan shook her head “we are being watched…” Clavin focused he could spot souls hiding in pathways and behind statues. He signaled his mistress, she nodded and gestured. The house members who had grenade’s removed them from belts, he could see the plan forming before him.

They will be thrown in the general area where the enemy is hiding and in the confusion they will advance. But as they grasped the grenades the enemy shot out from their hiding places. Their speed was abnormal, they wielded serrated blades and held autopistols.

In almost perfect unison they fired their pistols taking down several among his house, Joan roared out “kill them!” Clavin was about to take a step forward but stopped. He got a better look at those they are facing, all of them were pale in complexion and they had white hair. But their bladework was uncanny, they flipped over people with grace and bisected people in clean strokes.

Jonathan almost flailed trying to hit them as a female literally punched his head off. Atthat moment he looked more deeply into their souls and he sensed a strange influence. It was strong, powerful and far more glorious than the queen. Voicing such things would be heresy but he had to admit he is getting bored of Joan’s antics.

His mistress shouted at him as everyone around him were being sliced to pieces. “Fight Clavin! What are you doing!?” She was slightly turned to him, but the female that punched off Jonathan’s head stabbed her in the gut. He watched his mistress's eyes go wide, the female then gripped her head and tore it off with ease.

She removed her blade and kicked the corpse, she bought the head over her face and let the blood flow down to her face and body she then cast it aside. Their attackers then converged upon him, he looked at his bolt pistol and power sword.

He dropped them and raised his hands “Wait.” All of them approached him weapons raised, but the female sheathed her blade. “Stop.” they all froze. As she spoke it was evident that she is the leader of this group or perhaps unit? She walked up to him her boots clacked on the ground with each step, she wore a black leather tank top showing her belly and tight leather trousers.

She leaned in and sniffed him “No fear on this one.” She placed her hand on his shoulder and she pushed him to his knees with a slight tap. Clavin looked up she was toned, strong even. He could see and feel that she is blessed. “Are you going to kill me?” he asked. She stared at him, her eyes were slits and for some reason he thought someone else other than the woman before him was staring at him.

She blinked rapidly, but in a few short seconds her blinking slowed. She then nodded “you are worthy.” She reached into her mouth, he saw her hand moving down her neck. Clavin flinched back slightly, he saw something press against her belly. She then pulled out a worm like snake that flailed her grip. “You will join my unit as an neophyte.” He did not like the look of that creature, it chilled him to the bone. But the other option is death, and he has no desire to die like a fool. “So...what do you want me to do?” Clavin asked. “Open your mouth.” she said in a flat tone. “This one was birthed from my own vermis within my body. It will grow and if I feel you are worthy you might lead your own unit.” At the mention of increasing prospects that didn’t sound so bad.

So he opened his mouth, the female before him gripped his neck and pushed the creature into his maw. She then stepped back, right away he felt like he was choking. He could feel something slithering in his throat and it was pushing downwards. But for some reason he wanted it to enter his body, with all his might he tried to swallow it.

After a few tries the creature went down, he felt it hitting his belly and then came the feeling of euphoria. His body started to heat up, drool fell from his mouth. He felt thousands of hands caressing his body, then an iron grip clamping down on his mind. +Obey me...worship me...praise me…+ her voice was like the song of heaven, each word she uttered caused his heart to soar. “Y-Yes…” The sensation increased, he felt his bones bending, his body was changing.

He could feel it in his heart that this was a being of the dark prince, that he is serving something greater than astartes. Then he felt that same hand picking through his mind, pulling at information. The sensation was strangely painful but all he felt was love for her. Once it ceased a sense of dread gripped him he longed for her touch. +I must act quickly...follow Amanda my wonderful slave.+ Clavin nodded.

He got up, right away he noticed that he was now pale and his hair is now white. “Are you...Amanda?” he asked. She nodded and smiled “how does it feel to serve him?” “Good, I feel...strong...whole even.” “Come we are hunting for more people who are worthy, then at the order of the Bond master he will march on the vault to free our Overlord.” Clavin picked up his power sword and bolt pistol. He clenched them tightly, he fell in with his people. Some eyed him with uncertainty and he could understand why. For he is new and a traitor but he felt he would fit right in with them compared to the fools who sought to stand against his overlord.

***
Cassius charged down the hallway, he had to be careful the scions had good aim. Several of those who followed him were taken down by a shot cracking right through an eye lense or landing in the gorget. He almost danced through the las-fire to get to close to combat, once there with quick sword slashes he sliced heads, arms and legs. Right away he noticed his brothers were not with him, he severed the head of the last mortal and flicked to them. He was about to shout at them but they were clapping, even Vardas was impressed.

He smirked, they were awestruck by his swordplay “now, now..we are searching for slaves. Enough showering me with praise...” They continued through the building, he noticed that it was an art workshop. Crude paintings lined the walls and a part of him thought to actually execute the mortals if any are found for creating such a travesty.

They searched each of the rooms but what was inside each of them caused him to raise his eyebrow. Blood lined the floors of every room, there was the smell of excrement also if he removed his helmet. It’s evident people died here but there was no corpses. As he arrived at the last room door he gripped the handle and opened it. “We should be careful…” it was Vardas speaking. Cassius did not even look back “what is there to fear?” “The favoured slave of Tetricus said something on this planet seeks to ruin us. What if it’s here?” Cassius chuckled “are you taking his opinion seriously? Calm down, once we get our hands on some slaves you will forget your worries.”

He opened the door and stepped into the room, what he found were mortals painting frantically, next to each painter was several buckets. Cassius sheathed his blade and walked around, the humans ignored him. But looking into the buckets he could spot that some held the colour red, others were white and some were brown. There was a whole host of colours but as he arrived at a woman covered in gore, he spotted a skull floating on the surface of the bucket holding what is possibly red paint. His eyes then moved to the painting and it was magnificent.

He saw a burning skeleton reaping the souls of a populace, a crowd of people joining in the carnage with snake tongues jutting from their mouths, he could also see astartes who were multicoloured who were whipping and killing cowering mortals, he could even spot terminators stomping on what he assumes to be loyalists.

The highlights and blending were perfect. These people need to belong to him. Cassius placed his hand on her shoulder, the female stopped and looked up at him. Her eyes were bloodshot, the bags around her eyes were almost black.

Just by her garb it’s evident that she most like defecated in her seat because she was dedicated to this piece he found such a thing admirable. “How would all of you like to work for me?” She looked to the painting and then at him. “T-That’s you…” Cassius bought his eyes to where she was staring and strangely he saw himself stabbing a pale human. He furrowed his brow, behind him he could also see Vardas, in the corner was Justus and his fellow phoenix guard stomping on astartes in grey armour. He could even see Erastus picking through the corpses, Finally he saw Faust playing his strange instrument. His eyes then moved to the skeleton then he remembered the boring show. He hoped it would get good until his mind went blank for a moment. He removed his hand from the painter’s shoulder he gestured to all of them.

“We are leaving, come with me.” They will craft the finest paintings for him, he could even leverage them against his brothers.

***

Tetricus waited outside the workshop, he should be coming out soon. He could sense him and the fact he seemed awfully happy. Since he is so kind to his grumpy brother he wanted to allow him to be joyful for a moment more hence he has not entered the building.

He looked over to Faust who was standing next to him, on the way here he ran into the noise marine and his squad. He was among a group of mortals playing a song, they were obviously dead but he did not care. His brother wanted to finish the song and he allowed it. “My lord are you going to play in the theatre again?” “What?” Faust clenched the guitar “what do you mean what? You have talent and everyone should see it.” “Oh that was the only show I will ever do.” He could sense that Faust was absolutely mortified at his words. “W-Why? Don’t you care for us? We enjoyed hearing you play!” Tetricus chuckled “I love you brother but I don't love you that much.” Faust trembled he started to weep. “But...if you do well in this conflict I might just put on a show.” All of the kakophoni collectively gasped and turned eager, they began adjusting frequencies and preparing themselves for war.

Behind him he could hear Inferus sighing heavily, Tetricus grinned he knows that he won’t do it. He has far more important things to do. The doors of the workshop then opened to reveal Cassius and his squad. Around him were humans in filthy clothing as the prefector looked at him he tutted “what are you doing here?” “Getting my wonderful brother so we can attack the main objective on this world!” he said sarcastically. The prefector walked down the steps, he held a woman closely to him as he approached him. Tetricus bought his gaze to her. “Look at you! Do you love her dear brother?” “I love her work you idiot.” “I see so you are not going to flay her?” At the mention of flaying her gripped the woman more tightly. “No, she is...all of them are special.” “Look who is now not treating pathetic mortals like slaves?” Cassius grumbled in annoyance “sometimes I regret betraying you…” “I am glad that you do because if you didn’t I would of got my toture tools ready!” “I thought that was a joke?” he could detect a hint of nervousness in his voice. “Maybe it is? Maybe it isn’t? Because you care for your new humans so much we will pass by a carrier first. After that we will head to the gate leading to the vault.” “What of Erastus and Justus?” “Unlike you…” he then gestured his head to the eager noise marines. “And them, they don’t get distracted easily. I suspect that Erastus already has his samples and Justus is waiting at the gates with his brothers like a good family member.”

He started walking, now that everything is in place any of the cult of ending that they encounter will fall in at his order.

Now they can retrieve what Eidolon desires, he then stroked his chin. “He wasn’t specific was he? What artifact did he want?” he then shrugged “we will take everything then…”

***
Sergeant Daro fired his bolt pistol over the defensive placement, it was stone but it was enough. His squad’s bolters roared as heretics burst into pieces in a shower of gore as mass-reactive shells tore into them. He had no idea why a host was advancing into them the batteries and along with scions aiding them were enough to turn back even astartes.

The doors leading to the museum wing opened again, more cultists streamed through but this time figures in black and pink armour were among the robed cultists. He saw a heretic who’s armour is decorated. He assumed she was the leader of the cutlists, he pointed at her. “Kill the leader!” The batteries moved, the cultist leader raised her daemonic looking las-gun and aimed down the sights. She fired, a pink laser trailed across the battlefield and cracked into the first heavy bolter battery, it shuddered, warped and suddenly exploded in a gout of purple fire taking the gunner with it. She moved her gun to the second and last battery and fired again.

The gunner this time anticipating what was about to happen tried to jump away, but his lower body was caught in the blast. At that spectacle the cultists re-doubled their assault, hail of autogun fire poured into their defensive position. The leader shouted “Kill them! Take the first checkpoint and claim glory!” The tide of human bodies protected the cultist leader keeping her from being eliminated, eventually those wielding crude blades were jumping over the stone wall.

Daro readied his power sword, he sliced and hacked at the cultists, his brothers smashed heads in with the butts of their bolters and sliced off limbs with combat knives. But it was too much, the scions were getting overwhelmed, some were riddled with bullets and others were surrounded and dragged down by the heretics.

He fought with all his might, but heretics started to jump onto his back and stab his neck repeatedly with rusted knives, they screamed for their foul deity. Daro was then drowned in a tide of bodies, he swung his sword wildly, he caught a few but when a blade entered his eye he shouted in defiance “We will not fall for th-” he did not get to finish a blade entered his throat, he gagged and fell back. As he touched the ground, he could hear heretics screaming as his armoured bulk crushed them. With a blade stuck in his throat, he tried to speak but no words would come. There are only two checkpoints left, it’s down to his brothers now.

A swarm of blades started to hover over him, but the finishing blow did not come the heretics looked at him in almost wonder that they took him down. He slowly raised his bolt pistol, but before he could shoot the blades fell upon him.

***
Alfred took the lift down, the artifact is held on the bottom level. He could see his brothers holding their weapons tightly. “I hope you won’t hesitate.” The leader of the squad a veteran of several campaigns stepped forward, his face was scarred. Alfred knows Nobius would do his duty, it’s why he chose them. “It won’t come to that.” Nobius said firmly. He smiled at his brothers words “buf if it does you might have to pull the trigger all the same.” The elevator ground to a halt the doors opened.

Right away he could feel the entity trying to push into his mind, Nobius and his squad readied themselves for battle like something was attacking them. They walked out of the elevator and the hall leading to the artifact was covered in pulsing runes and wards. Alfred gripped his staff tightly, sweat dribbled from his brow. Whatever is in the artifact has grown stronger, it most likely fed upon the corruption within the city.

But what bothered him is the reason why it has not attempted to spread its influence in this wing. That was the reason why he wanted to check on it. Making his way to the warded door he winced, he placed his hand and muttered the phrases to unlock the door. As he spoke the final word of power the door opened. “Guard your mind and souls brothers…” the sternguard squad nodded. Alfred stepped in with them, the room was completely bare save the golden sphere that sat upon a stand. The pink runes on the object almost pulsed like a heartbeat. He decided that the most appropriate course of action is to place runes around the object to contain it’s influence.

As he started the tracing on the ground Nobius frowned “we should destroy it…” “We can’t.” said Alfred. “Why not? This...thing has caused great harm. Even now it’s exploiting the corruption caused by the heretics.” “Hence why I am adding more wards, what is with the questions?” Nobius looked ashen, sweat was falling like rivers down his face. “It’s talking to you isn’t it?” He shook his head “N-No..I am fine.” Alfred frowned, he continued his work and after a moment he heard gasps. He looked back to see Nobius holding the sphere, the liberian raised his hand at his brother “put that back.” he said firmly. His hand pulsed with psychic energy.

Nobius pointed his bolter at the sphere. “We must destroy it!” his fellow stenguard raised their weapons. “Wait! You might damage the sphere!” Alfred shouted. They relaxed slightly but fingers were still a breaths away from their triggers. “Nobius...don’t listen to it. Whatever it is saying refuse it!” “She says that she is almost free! The locks are breaking!” he held the sphere out “Look! Look at it pulsing with energy!” He then raised the sphere, Alfred shook his head “N-No!” Nobius smashed the sphere upon the ground.

Small balls of pink light left the shattered sphere, Nobius blinked in confusion “w-what?” That was the last thing he said before the lights wrapped around him, he screamed as a dome formed around his body. “Open fire!” Alfred shouted. He could not see through the dome, all he could hear is Nobius’ screams. Bolter fire that went into it was just eaten by the sphere and the bolts of lightning he sends launches at the dome just vanishes.

Nobius screams then ceased, the dome shrunk and took a humanoid shape. Alfred could spot the outline of the race described in the report that came with the artifact was forming. The light bled away to reveal a creature with pale skin and white hair, she wore an almost see-through silk dress, she started doing practised stretches. +Curse that human for imprisoning me... Curse the white haired one haired one as well…+ Alfred could not sense the power he felt before. He could not feel anything. This might be a chance to end the creature. “Kill it brothers!” he unleashed bolts of energy, the sternguard did not hesitate, they unloaded their magazines but their attacks were simply evaporating to nothing. Despite this the creature was still casually stretching. She stopped mid-way in middle of a stretch and looked at the sternguard. +This is my realm now...you are weak, your hearts are weak, your body and mind are weak...so you shouldn’t exist. I am true, you are not. I exist.+ His brothers simply broke down into nothing, they did not even scream.

Alfred shook his head “D-Daemon!” She stood up right and bought her gaze to him. She summoned a savage chintous looking blade. +My purpose is to dominate, to rule. What is your purpose?+ Alfred gripped his force staff in both hands “I serve the emperor!” +A weak purpose..+ She charged and jumped, Alfred raised his staff to block.

But her blade extended, as she came down she slashed downwards, her blade cut right through his staff, he barely felt what happened next. He was alive for but moments before his he felt his eyes rolling back and then his body came apart.

***

She challenged his existence, as she suspected he was weak. But she stopped for a moment +he...or...she…+ Then came the face of that mortal who defied her. +She it is.+ Now she needed to do her duty as Overlord, her slaves are slaughtering their way through the checkpoints to get to her. She could feel her essence worming in their bodies. Astaroth played with her ear, the runes in the room shifted to pink. Through them she will spread her influence through the city, those who have a weak hold on their existence will falter as it should be.

I am sure some of you can spot that I am setting stuff up.

Your foreshadowing is getting better! I suspected taurus might have a plan like that but did not anticipate the sphere would be so dangerous. I just thought it was gonna be the grey seekers that would pose the most threat. Looking forward to whats next.