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Chapter 14
The cell was dark, it stank of corpses and piss but what troubled Asriel was the fact his master wouldn’t forgive him. He wanted to work for him again but each time he delivers a bowl of food his eyes seemed more distant. “What can I do?” he whispered. “Please...Slaanesh help me…” Silence was the only thing he got in return. He coughed heavily, he felt so tired and weak as well. His eyes darted around the square cell he wondered if this was to be his fate? To waste away to nothing. He then heard a click, excitement gripped him as the cell door opened to reveal his master. He strode into the cell and placed the bowl in front of him. “Eat.” Tetricus said firmly. Asriel shook his head “W-Why haven’t you released me? All I did was f-” “Shut up.” Asriel winced. His master narrowed his eyes at him “all you did was for yourself, do you know what I would prefer in hindsight? I would of liked you to help Cassius. He is my true brother, the one who stayed at my side.”

His master chuckled “do you have any idea how many astartes I had to kill in order to restore some semblance of order? The pile of bad news was too much for some of them. Soon as we hobbled to a chaos controlled station many left, Even Faust to my shock. He refused to follow any of my orders, I suspect he realised I would not give him what he wanted. Base creatures, all of them are…” His master scratched his head in annoyance “but perhaps that’s the reason why Taurus would of never gotten his desire? He was making the 4th into a formidable army but as with all things there was nothing binding us together. We all wanted different things. Well...enough of me rambling...Father! I know you are watching!” His master called out.

Asriel felt a prickle on his skin, the cell flashed with a pink light blinding him for a moment, as the light ebbed away he saw the floating pink orb of flame. It danced around the room. +Look at you...so healthy…+ Asriel’s eyes darted from the orb and then to Tetricus, he had no idea what was going on. His master stood up right. “So what now?” he asked. The lord of the third chuckled +whatever you want my son…Look at how powerful you are. Welling up with stolen power.+ “Spare me father, you sought to create a replacement.” +I did, but we all have back up plans. Your slave acted exactly as I expected him to. You are now more powerful and in a better position, you also still have your pet I knew he was going to survive. He did not break either.+ His master shook his head “I don’t want to work for you, I have been speaking with the Despoiler.+ The flaming orb flared, Asriel turned away due to the heat. +Do not listen to his honeyed lies!+ “That’s rich coming from you, afterall you crippled the 4th and tried to have me killed.” +Yes but I admitted as such, I am being frank with you my son. Do you think the Despoiler will be honest with you? Please…+ The orb shrank, the heat ebbed away as well. +Now stop this foolishness...you have proven that you can walk with me.+

Tetricus folded his arms “we are now heading to a Black Legion station at sub-light speed. We are almost there, I will be free of you and your games. What makes all of this so sad if you would just stop and come and lead us Taurus would have never fallen as well.” +You wouldn’t dare…+ “I already have.” Asriel watched his lord reach for his pauldon holding the icon of the Emperor’s Children. He tore it off and threw it to the ground.

Asriel looked at it shock “M-Master what are you doing!?” He looked up to Fulgrim expecting a response but he simply vanished. His lord then removed a bolt pistol that held bull motifs from his holster, he aimed it at him. “He can do nothing for I have sworn myself to the Despoiler already. I am not taking you with me.” Asriel crawled to the back of the cell. “W-Wait! J-Just hold on a second!”

He stared at the bolt pistol, fear consumed him completely. It wasn’t meant to be like this, Tetricus smirked and lowered the weapon. “I found this gun sitting on my table, like he was expecting me. He ranted endlessly about my choices, I thought I would be angry but it was in that moment the daemon reminded me of Taurus. I like to think of the better times, I blame father for Taurus’ state. I also suspect that fath-no Fulgrim thinks I am going to spare you, that you will somehow change my mind.”

Asriel now soiled himself, he started to cry he wrenched his eyes close until he heard something hitting the ground. It was a stubber. Tetricus then turned away “I am giving you the chance to have some dignity, it was because of the better times that I don’t shoot you now. Be an adult for once.” He then left the cell and closed the door behind him.

Asriel stared at the gun, he wiped his face. “H-He will come back for me.” The denial was better, it comforted him. But a part of him knew that he was going to be trapped in this cell forever, he warred with himself his hand reaching for the stubber and then flinching back.

He didn’t know what to do.

***
Tetricus turned to his right to see Cassius standing there. “Are you done?” Cassius asked. “Just a moment…” he listened carefully. Then he heard the gunshot and a thud on the ground. Cassius whistled “he actually did it.” The sound was like a weight off his shoulders, he sighed. “This is what the gods and a daemons do. We should respect their power...but never should we bow to them. That lesson is clear to me.” The prefector frowned “so are you really doing this?” “I am, as I said on Prolis you are in charge. But can you do me a favour?” “What?” “Take Asriel’s corpse, place it into a escape pod and shoot it out into space.” “May I ask why? I could just leave his corpse to rot in the cell.”

Tetricus folded his arms “do you want to risk him coming back?” Cassius simply nodded as he said that. “I will handle it.” Tetricus placed his hand on Cassius’ pauldron. “Thank you brother.” He walked past him and made his way to the docking bay. That was when the daemon spoke up. +It’s not the end for the human.+ “I don’t care.” +Fulgrim will take his anger out on him.+ “It’s not my problem.” he answered back.

Strangely he felt free, like chains were falling off his body. He hoped the future would be better.

Epilogue
Tetricus stepped out onto the station, pirates and a host of other warbands were plying their trade. But the one he was waiting for was standing in front of him. “Oktai.” Tetricus said curtly. The supposed drifter rubbed his neck, but now he could see the Black Legion marked on his breastplate. “So you made it.” “I did, I also was forced to think about a lot of things on the way here.” “I see...what of Asriel.” “Dead.” “Did you kill him?” He shook his head to the question. “He killed himself, I have him the gun though.”

He watched Oktai grimace “that’s one sort of freedom I suppose. No-” “Wait!” Tetricus looked back to see Cassius running out of the ship with his slave. His brother stopped next to him. “What are you doing?” Tetricus said in confusion. The prefector smiled “I am coming with you, I told Justus he was in charge. He simply called me a traitor and said to get off his ship. Plus she is the only one I need.” Tetricus spared a look at the female, she was hiding behind his brother slightly. As his eyes came back to his brother he asked “Are you sure?” “Stop with the questions I made up my mind.”

Oktai gave a nod to both of them. “Now if you please follow me, we can’t keep the Despoiler waiting.” As he started to follow the mortal with Cassius, he did not look back. Not even once.

***
Asriel’s eyes slowly opened, he was confined in a small space he looked around in confusion. “W-Where am I?” He tried to reach around himself but whatever he was in was confined in terms of space. He found it hard to breathe as well. He recalled what he did in the cell, he placed the gun to his head and pulled the trigger and now he was here. “M-Master?” he called croaked.

As he uttered that word a small orb manifested near his face, once it lit up everything around him he realised he was in a escape pod. +Are you happy?+ Asriel focused on the orb, he gasped in fear. “P-Please w-wait.” +I don’t know why you live but I don’t care. I will break you again and again, I will repair your mind and body so each horror I inflict will be fresh. I am in a foul mood...I hope you understand...+

Asriel felt his bones bending, the cold laugh of Fulgrim filled the pod. Asriel clawed for escape, but all he could do was scream.

I am going to tag this comment because of the proximity of the epilogue post.

Warband: The Zealots of Excess

Ship Name: The Lustful Tyrant

Leader: Azrin the Corruptor, The Sinful lord, Lustgiver and The Black Angel

Champion: Adonis the Yearning

Squad leaders

Aamon - 1st Squad: The Princes of Arrogance

Angelos - 2nd Squad: Gods of Ecstasy

Lazaros - 3rd Squad: The Idols of Perfection

Spizar - 4th Squad:The Masters of Desire

Members of the Princes of Arrogance

Aamon - Squad Leader

Alexandrel The Soulless

Salazar The Enchanting

Efron The muse of Delight

Thalis - Apothecary

Zayden The Bringer of Harmony

The Hellions of Terror

Ashi - leader of the 1st Thorn

Gabriel - Leader of the 2nd Thorn

Adam - Leader of the 3rd Thorn

Queen - Leader of the 4th Thorn

I try to remember what it was like being mortal, all I can recall are the great iron spikes which we used to execute supposed heretics. The spike will go through one hole and exit the other through the mouth. Whenever I think of the human faces contorted in pure agony, I say to himself….I want to try that. With the help of a certain individual that wish came true. Once the spike was through my body I could feel it stretching, my organs raptured and due to my astartes physiology this pure nectar of pain was dragged out to excessive levels. But...there was a problem. I got bored.

My associate helped me off the spike, put me back together again and then I wanted to try something else. I thought to myself what would it be like murdering my brothers? So I tried to do exactly that, the first I removed his head with my blade. He died much too quickly, the second I tore out his spine, to this day said spine is mounted on my chamber wall. As I killed it was exhilarating, soon I became hunted and I killed them too.

The supposed hunters became the prey, but just like before I got bored again. So I tried to be more creative this time, I decided to make some friends, involve myself in being a “brother” to all of them. In the end they just wanted my skill in killing people, I was aware of that but I didn’t care. Soon enough I received an offer from a squad leader, I recommend we share a bath together to discuss how I will become a part of his squad which he agreed to.

So when the time came, we were sat next to each other in the pool and I thought to myself...how should I kill him? What would give me the most satisfaction and joy? When the squad leader started his whole spiel on me obeying his word, that I was a thin blood I got bored again and decided to drown him. It took hours.

After I killed the squad leader I expected retribution but nothing came, I still wonder why to this day. Even so I moved to the next thing, I wanted luster to my life, I hate being bored. So this time I had my slaves torture me. I thought the act of being dominated would add a measure of fear to the exercise. I counted on the hidden hatred of my slaves to take over, for them to revel in anger since they have the chance to do whatever they wanted to their master. Do you know what happened? They simply enjoyed doing the exercise with me, some broke down into tears because they had to harm me. I got bored really quickly.

So I asked my associate, why can I never find eternal joy? It lasts for a few moments and then flutters away. She then told me that I desire to be human, all of astartes who fall under the sway of the dark prince desire it. Most would scoff at such a notion, but to me it made sense. All the vices we do are things mortals seek joy in. We astartes, weapons of war. Art shouldn’t be our prerogative, eating the finest foods should be of no concern. We move to each extreme with wanton abandon. I even heard some among the warband have tried human mating, it all made sense to me now. We try to be wonderfully human and because we are not human we are never satisfied, because we are trying to be something we are not.

Since I learned that lesson, nothing was beyond me and that’s when everyone started to whisper “Soulless” around me. I had no idea what it meant until I joined his squad, but I took the title as my own.

Alexandrel the Soulless...I liked the name, it was a name that became feared on this ship. I reveled in that sweet fear, I breathed it in, I held that lucious taste….But just like always I got bored.

Chapter 1
Aamon’s released a few snapshots down the street, but the Aeldari twisted around each shot with deadly grace, their bone white armour did even hold one nick, one scratch. It would take only moments for the Howling Banshees to reach their position. It did not help either that they had covering fire as well. He cursed and ducked down into cover, he could hear the rounds of the shuriken catapults rattling against the rocks. Aamon reloaded his bolt pistol. As he rose again, the Aeldari guardians shifted their aim to him.

He quickly got down again, that was when the psychic scream started. “Aamon.” Salazar’s voice purred through the vox channel his voice was utterly genderless, he never got used to it. He looked over to the other side of the street, the rest of his squad were hiding behind the debris. Salazar, Efron, Thalis and Zayden. Salazar was known as the Enchanting through out the warband, but his skills in that field are not needed now. “What is it!?” He said with a flare of annoyance. “Why don’t you have the dog charge their position? Make him actually do something useful? Perhaps he could absorb a few shots so I don’t have to dirty my armour?” Thalis their apothecary gave a great laugh to that suggestion, he had to agree with the sentiment. “You know he won’t act unless he wants to….Now Efron how about you sing for us eh?” He gave a nod to the apothecary for the suggestion, he was about the order the same thing. Aamon could hear the noise marine licking his lips, he stood upright. The skin that lined his armour stretched, he also had no idea how he could move around with his boots that were shaped into platform shoes.

The sound of the sonic blaster warming up caused him to bark out an order. “Cover Efron with supporting fire!” save one, everyone rose out of cover firing down into the street. The banshee’s were so close, but he knew they would never get to their position. Efron released an ear splitting scream as his sonic blaster unleashed a wave of destructive sound. Even though the noise marine was not a psyker the sound he generated had a psychic like property to it. Whether it was his cries of worship affecting the sound wave or the weapon itself he had no idea, the voices of the howling banshees were smothered.

The soundwave, cracked buildings as it traveled and when it finally hit the the aeldari they were turned into a red mist, he could see some hints of organs flying up in the air. The soundwave traveled further down the street and crashed into the cover the aeldari guardians were hiding behind. The attack kicked up a gout of dust, when he heard the xeno screams he shouted to his squad “Advance!” They jumped over the debris and charged, Aamon drew his power sword it flashed with a blue light as he activated the power field.

Passing through the mist of dust, the runes on his auto-senses locked onto the xeno lifeforms, he stepped towards them. Once he saw the hint of black armour, he swept his blade in an arc. The guardian had little time to react, his body was bisected. He moved onto the next rune and this time the xeno was ready, he charged at him with a knife. In his experience they always aim for the gorget, as the aeldari came in with a thrust towards his throat Aamon committed to a sidestep dodging the attack. Then with a swift twirl of his blade he removed the blade wielding arm of the xeno, despite the injury the creature faced him and charged again. With no weapon to defend himself Aamon swept his blade out removing alien’s head.

As the body toppled to the floor he looked around, the runes that were locked onto the other aliens steadily vanished, his squad were efficient despite their vices. Once the dust settled, Aamon relaxed. He faced those his led and already they were picking through the corpses like locusts. He could see Salazar wrenching spirit stones from their bodies and placing them into his pouch. He did not exactly hate the space marine but he unnerved him. He his chest plate held a single breast on the right side, which matches what he is now. Everyone calls him he or brother for convenience, if you ever saw his face you would not know what he is. Despite the dust, his armour barely held a spec of dirt, the pink silks and jewels adorning his armour was still pristine despite his complaints from before.

He shifted his gaze to Efron, he was simply on his knees crying praises to his foul deity. Their apothecary like always was sitting on a pile rocks, relaxing after a battle through smoking from a pipe made out of the bones of his slaves. His power armour was a mix of white and pink in terms of colouration, he looked quite plain compared to everyone else but his vices are almost as bad as Salazar’s.

Then there was Zayden, he held his bolter tight to his chest the gold that was welded to his armour shone in the sunlight. He was trying to resist scavenging the bodies but eventually he relented. Thalis calls him the Bringer of Harmony due to the fact somehow he could end arguments between the squad.

He watched all of them, they were so absorbed in what they were doing he could only feel disgust. He had to remember he was only here because he had no choice in the matter, he would leave he could. But in the end it was safest to remain in the warband. Aamon caught the sound of a crunch behind him, he turned and glowered at the individual. “You didn’t do anything.” he said firmly.

The final member of his squad shrugged, his armour was covered in leather straps and the grille was formed into maw of a daemonette. His helmet was lifted up slightly to only reveal his mouth. He was eating the nutrient bars created by their apothecary. “So you are just going to keep eating?” The space marine removed the wrapper from the rest of the bar and threw it aside, he pushed the rest of the bar into his mouth and chewed. Once he was done he lowered his helmet, allowing it to click into place. He then walked past him without a word, Aamon said nothing, his gaze followed the space marine all the way to Thalis who looked up at him. “What!? You finished all of them!?” the apothecary shouted.

Aamon grunted and strode over “don’t ignore me Alexandrel!” Finally he turned to him “You didn’t need my help.” he said curtly. The Soulless faced Thalis again “more.” he said firmly. Aamon could see the apothecary was slightly annoyed, Thalis handed Alexandrel several new nutrient bars “A new recipe, it will give you a kick.” Aamon slapped the bars out of his hand causing them to fall to the floor. He then bought his boot on top of it. “We are a unit, we act together. When one fails…” “We all do.” Thalis finished. “He is not going to listen you know that.” Alexandrel simply grunted and shoved him back, he picked up the crushed bars off the ground and ate them. Aamon blinked in shock, the apothecary whistled “do they still taste good?” Thalis asked.

The Soulless nodded “they still taste good, it shows your skill.” Aamon groaned in annoyance “I wish I never accepted you into this squad.” “I am sure Salazar wonders the same thing, but he was the first and yet he is still here. So you must like him.” As the apothecary spoke he handed Alexandrel a new set of bars. Aamon watched the Soulless place them into his pouch, he allowed his anger and annoyance to drain away. He remembered that the marine has got them out of tough spots, in a sense he was the wildcard of the 1st squad. That was his function and he had to admit he served it well. “We need to move.” Aamon turned to see it was Zayden, he was correct. “You are right, we are here to gather slaves. The Aeldari are a hidnerance.” “Aye, can’t have the 2nd and 3rd squad rubbing in our faces that we gathered no slaves.” said Zayden. Aamon frowned hearing of them, Angelos lead the 2nd squad dubbed the Gods of Ecstasy and Lazaros was in charge of the 3rd squad The Idols of Perfection.

Both of them were jealous of the achievements of his own squad and the fact their leader made them 1st squad. Which means they are the best within the warband, he refuses to utter the name their leader gave them. He detested it, but he takes fancy to naming all of the squads in the warband. He sighed and gestured for everyone to gather, once everyone was around him he could tell Salazar was staring at Alexandrel, the anger and annoyance was visible on his body. “Enough.” he said to him. “What? He did nothing this battle as always.” Already Alexandrel was working through the bars. Aamon did not know what to say that.“Then take it up with him, I doubt he will let you slap the bar out of his hand like I did.” Right away Salazar dropped his gaze, he waved his hand in dismissal “fine, but I tell you this now you can’t count on him.”

Aamon wanted to shake his head, truthfully he can’t truly rely on any of them. Each one is a madman, a slave to a thirsting god. “Well for now he is part of 1st squad, let’s move.” Thalis finished smoking, he breathed out a purple mist. He slotted the pipe into his belt. “To where? No matter where we move the aliens hound us. If we encounter them again they would most likely kill any slaves we capture.” His concern was well placed, he did not have an answer to it though. He was about to open his mouth to reassure the apothecary but Alexandrel spoke up. “We will be fine.” “How do you know?” Salazar seemed annoyed with the Soulless speaking up. Alexandrel looked around, despite his helmet obscuring his nose due to his eating he sniffed the air. “Trust me there are no xeno’s within our vicinity.” Aamon frowned “In the end it doesn’t matter, if we encounter any enemies we kill them. Our task is to gather slaves.” He walked onward pushing past everyone, he could hear pouts or grunts of annoyance behind him but in the end they followed him.

Their annoyance would vanish soon as they meet another enemy, they would become consumed by the thought of more spirit stones to collect they have been like this since the raid started.

***
Halina tried to calm the civilians within the hall, but it was not working. Despite being a soldier of the imperial guard she couldn’t do anything. She was part of the 65th Grilev regiment, known for their stern resolve but that resolve broke in the face of the aeldari attack.

She had to admit she was out of her element all of them were. As a garrison force, they enjoyed the peace despite the great scar in the sky. In the end the only truth was that they got sloppy. Her gaze shifted towards the barred door, the rest of her squad were watching it with commissar Albrecht, just a few hours ago he executed her sergeant for calling the order to fall back against the xenos. He hard sharp features, his cap and long coat was covered in dust. She hated the man, but in her experience the only time you could like a commissar was if they were a bad one. Since she was the most senior amongst the squad she was now in charge. If they survive, her promotion to sergeant will become official.

She gave up trying to calm the despairing crowd and walked over to their vox-caster Dilon, he was cursing as he adjusted the dials, uttering prayers to try and cut through the static. “Any luck?” she asked. Dilon shook his head in return “no, ever since the xeno attack started our vox channels have been a mess. No word from the general either, the last message was to hold out for reinforcements.” “That could take weeks…” Dilon bought a finger to his lips “ssh, don’t talk like that out loud.” He pointed at the civilians, he was right to mention it for if she gave up hope it reflects badly on the regiment and the despair of those they aim to protect will increase. “Sorry…” “Don’t be, after all it wasn’t meant to be like this.” He glanced at the commissar. She knew what he was insinuating, if Sergeant Liam did not give that order they would not be alive, he was just unlucky that Albrecht viewed it as cowardice.

She winced as she saw flashes of his face blown open by the bolt pistol, she shook her head to dismiss it. “So who are you trying to get in contact with?” “Well...anyone. At least to connect up with the main defense.” That was when the static started to clear, her whole squad even Albrecht looked over to the vox. “Spac….ma...ri...are..tear...up…..th…...oh….by…th..em...” She couldn’t make it out fully but she recognised a name “Space marine...” she voiced out loud.

Dilon grinned “by the emperor if they are here the aliens stand no chance!” The commissar walked over to them “Can you pick up that single again?” Dilon nodded and got to work, at times it would clear giving sound to gunfire, but what lit up her heart were the next few words. “They...ar….here….than….th...emperor….he is….destro...the...xeno...witc…”

Halina couldn’t believe it, the tide is actually turning. Even Albrecht was smiling, she could see hope beginning to play across the faces of the civilians as well. “Excuse me.” The voice was somewhat hoarse, it was evident the speaker was old as well. She turned behind her to see an old man wearing a brown robe. His black hair was messy, his brown eyes did not show hope either which was a surprise. “What is it?” Halina asked. The old man smiled, she could see he was using a wooden cane to keep himself upright. “Can I have a few words with you? It’s just about our situation.” Dilon smiled at her “don’t worry I have this covered.” Halina did not exactly want to talk to the old man, she wanted to focus on the vox but perhaps showing more concern for the people might calm them done further? She gave the old man a nod “alright.” They walked away from the vox and approached a corner. The elder then shifted to her “you should move, now.” he coughed as he spoke. “Why? The space marines are here.”

She watched the grip on his the top of his cane tighten. He seemed on edge. “There is no reason to be afr-” A boom on the door almost made her turn, but the old man gripped her wrist. “Don’t look at the door, keep your eyes on me.” For some reason she did as she was told, there was another boom and then came the sound of heavy boots. “We finally found some.” the voice was soft, curiosity fluttered across her heart. She wanted to push the man back but he hissed at her. “Don’t look! If you value your soul! Don’t look!” She sighed and focused on him. “What is the problem!?” Commotion erupted in the hall, cries of praise and prayers were uttered from lips.

The old man frowned “they are not who you think they are...keep your eyes on me.” the way the old man was speaking. How he was saying it with such conviction and authority he reminded her Liam. Halina slowly nodded “A-Alright…”

***
Aamon looked upon the mortals, he almost felt sorry for them. Their lives well be utter hell once they reach the ship, their cries of hope will be full of despair and pain in the next few hours. He found to make it easier if able to play the part of loyalist to avoid killing any. He stepped forward. “Right all of you into sing-” “Wait.” someone interrupted, Aamon’s eyes fell upon the commissar who came forward pointing his bolt pistol at them. His power sword was sparking with energy due to the power field. He watched his eyes dart among them, looking at the icons and the skin stretched over Efron’s armour.

Aamon could see the commissar wasn’t stupid, the rest of the imperial guardsmen were following suit and aiming lasguns at them. He prefered not to murder everyone since so far this was the only batch of slaves they found. “Salazar.” he said flatly. The creature came forward, he knew what to do. As he came forward the mortal’s recoiled at the design of his armour, Salazar started to remove his helmet.

Every single time the genderless marine does this, he has to mentally prepare himself. Aamon realised Salazar could destroy hearts with his supposed beauty it was why he recruited him. Save Alexandrel everyone were averting their gaze somewhat readying themselves for what was coming. A gush of pink mist left his helmet as he slowly removed it from his head, he then held it under his arm and reached for the pin holding his white hair.

Soon as he removed it, a great of amount of hair fell to his shoulders. His skin was pale, and his face was utterly androgynous. You would not be able to perceive whether he was male or female. Aamon could even spot the balm he uses on his lips to cause them to shine slightly. Right away the guardsmen dropped their weapons, all eyes were locked onto Salazar. The only mortal resisting was the commissar, his aim was shaking, sweat was falling from his brow.

Salazar walked over to him and smiled. “Come now...you don’t want to shoot me do you?” “H-H-H-H-H…” Aamon could see the commissar was at a lost for words, the word heretic was dying on his lips. The stammering simply amused the creature. “You don’t want to call me a heretic do you? How could a heretic make your heart swim with desire? How could a heretic make you all obedient in but a fraction of a second?” Salazar removed his cap and threw it to the floor, he rummaged his hair with his hand. “I decided after this war I will claim you. You can bask in my beauty for the rest of your days.” The commissar broke down, he fell to his knees and started weeping. Salazar’s hand was still in the air, he smiled and brought back to his body. Aamon grunted “mortals are weak of heart.” Salazar flicked to him “they understand beauty.” He placed his hand on his chest “they want me, there is nothing wrong with that.” “No wonder your room stinks of mating then. You hide your filth with pretty words and your looks.” his comment caused Salazar’s face to contort into fury, now he looked grotesque, like a statue that has been overdone. Seeing his true face made him feel a little better, but Salazar took a step towards him.

Zayden quickly placed himself in between them. “All of us have our precious joys, Aamon there are many of us who do far worse. Antagonizing Salazar is not helping our objective...as you always say…” Aamon grumbled “I know.” Zayden putting himself in such a position seemed to calm Salazar, he smiled. “Thank you, at least one of you understands.” The bringer of harmony gave a nod “no worries my brother.” Aleaxndrel then mumbled behind his back “I hate him.” Aamon raised his eyebrow at the Soulless. “Why?” “Zayden is far too nice.” “Is that how you perceive it?” he said nothing else, so Aamon dropped the conversation. He bought his attention back to Salazar “gather them up. We are leaving.”

Salazar had all the slaves gather up into a pack, they followed his every word. They wanted to please him that fact was clear.

***
Halina heard the commissar sobbing but she was focused on the words of the genderless individual. He or she caused her knees to feel weak. The old man clutched her wrist tightly to bring her back to reality, he frowned at her. “Focus, keep your eyes cast downward.” She slowly nodded, the old man released his grip and now she slowly turned keeping her eyes down. Both of them walked to the crowd, they were then escorted out of the building.

Fear started grip her heart she had no idea where they were going, but the space marines were making idle conversation. Whenever she looked at the old man he seemed grim in aspect, Halina frowned. “What do I do?” she had no idea why she was asking the old man, he simply chuckled in return. “You still have your weapon?” “I can’t kill space marines!” she responded to the old man without thinking, but that was most likely what he desired. “That is not what I meant.” said the old man. “I mean if you want to save yourself you should kill yourself now. These space marines will visit untold torment upon your body and soul.” Halina furrowed her brow “how do you know?” “I...have been around.” Now he seemed weary, like was struggling to stand. When he said those words, silence fell between them.

The journey was uneventful until they came to what looks like a evacuation point, she could tell by the sounds of mass-carriers. There were shouts and the sounds of aircraft landing and rising into the air. All of this caused her to look up and thats when she shuddered in utter terror, space marines in garish coloured armour were whipping people into the cruisers. The shouts were those of the astartes, mixed in with all of that she heard the screams of the people. There were also humans aiding in herding civilians into transports. They wore flak armour like her but it was covered in bright colours, some wore fur and unholy trinkets dangled from belts.

She bought her eyes to the front of the column and an astartes turned to them, his armour was black and pink in terms of colouration, he also wore a black cloak. Their eyes met and the blue lenses of his helmet caused her heart to break. She turned and ran for her life.

***
Aamon watched one the soldiers run, she didn’t get far as one the Hellions of Terror tackled her to the ground, they dragged the woman to the front. The leader of the 1st Thorn bought the soldier up to him. Ashi smiled showing her golden teeth, since they were creations of Thalis she could speak perfectly. “Caught her my lord.” “Good, have the slaves placed on the carriers.” She nodded and ordered for the units under her to get to work.

They poked the slaves with bayonets and threatened them with whips. It didn’t take much to get them on the ship, many of them were still looking at Salazar as the landing bays closed. It didn’t help he waved at them which caused stupid grins to line the faces of slaves. The annoyance somewhat vanished as he watched Ashi direct their section of The Hellions of Terror cult. She was efficient which pleased him, the woman was one of his personal slaves, each Thorn leader served a squad leader. If any of the slaves on the lower levels wanted to increase their prospects in the warband they joined the Hellions that way once attached to a squad they earn a gold medallion. Even so considering the vices of this warband a medallion can’t always save them if they cross paths with the wrong space marine.

He sighed “at least this raid is over.” “Aamon.” Efron’s voice was distorted, he gestured his head to two advancing astartes. As he saw them he simply just wanted to walk away, he had no time for gloating. Angelos and Lazaros came towards his squad, Angelos’ armour was covered in latex leather and Lazaros’ armour was adorned with jewels. “I could not help but notice the amount of slaves you gathered.” Angelos said with a mocking tone. “We were busy killing xenos.” Aamon responded. The 3rd squad leader gave a casual shrug “we all had to.” He pointed over to the champion of the warband Adonis the Yearning, his feet were hooves, icons of excess dangled from lines of latex leader and his armour was a mix of pink and gold.

His squad were making their way into their personal thunderhawk, he had his phoenix spear gripped in one hand and a chain in the other. His whole squad were escorting chained aeldari. “They sent up ten carriers along with capturing xenos for our lord. Let’s not forget slaying their with leader as well.” said Lazaros. “Angelos and I sent up eight and you...what was it? With that haul it was only three carriers. I am quite sure there is a lot of space in each as well.” Aamon tightened his grip on the handle of his blade, but his grip was loosened as Alexandrel came forward, he was in the middle of eating a nutrient bar. He noticed Angelos and Lazaros flinching slightly at his presence. “You can celebrate in my room. I am eager to discuss how you found so many.” He shoved the rest of the bar into his mouth. The 2nd and 3rd squad leader looked at each other. Angelos was the first to speak up “we...must decline.”

Aamon watched the Soulless swallow, he then removed his helmet fully and walked up to the both of them. “I insist, are you declining a friendly invitation? I want to hear more of your boasting…” He caught the sight of his blue eyes, through the tuffs of his hair, the black slits were tightening. Aamon knew if they accept they won’t leave his room alive, if they refuse him here he might kill them on the spot. At the current moment he wouldn't be against the notion. Squads can’t exactly make war on each other, they do it through the cult hence why the lower levels of the ship are a warzone. But their leader tends to forgive whatever the Soulless does. “Come on...Come on….Come on! Accept!” Alexandrel was now shouting in their faces.

Aamon pushed the Soulless back “now I am sure they have more important things to do...don’t they?” Angelos and Lazaros said nothing, they just quickly walked away without uttering another word. Alexandrel frowned “That’s rude, they didn’t even decline or accept.” he watched his fingers tap the heads of both his blades. “They know they wouldn’t come back alive.” Aamon declared.

The Soulless relaxed “well...I want to get back to the ship. There is a slave I want.” Thalis came over laughing “you didn’t even draw your blade once! You won’t get anything...will he Aamon?” The apothecary was putting him on the spot but he was correct, Alexandrel hasn’t drawn his blades once. “We shall see.” Thalis smirked at his answer.

He then spotted Ashi running over towards him, her autogun was slung over her shoulder. “My lord's your thunderhawk has arrived. If you would follow me” Aamon nodded at the news, he faced his squad. “We are leaving this mudball, get ready.” Everyone seemed eager, but he could tell it was because of the sorting of the slaves. They always burn through many of their personal slaves, he knew their performance was not up to par so they won’t get as much as usual. The hedonists which make up his squad will just have to make do.

Chapter 2
Halina muttered every prayer she knew as the carrier shuddered, now she wished that she followed the old man’s advice. Her eyes darted to the heretics who surrounded them. Each one looked like a parody of an imperial guardsmen. Leather was hooked into skin, some wore masks made of skin and others were covered in pelts. But what truly made her uneasy was the sweet smell, every single heretic soldier held the scent of perfume. Halina looked around, now the civilians were panicking. Even her own soldiers were uttering the same prayers that fell from her mouth. Whatever spell the traitor marines placed on them was lifted.

She thought it was strange how many of them held strange grins or had dilated eyes when coming on the ship, perhaps she guessed reality finally graced them? She took a deep breath and let the words of worship pass from her lips. “He is our light, our torch and sun...he gilds the righteous and protects the fait-” A hand on her shoulder caused her to jump, cutting off the litanty. Her gaze moved to her right to see commissar Albrecht, utter fury was lining his face. “Trooper Halina…” he whispered. “What is it?” she whispered back. “I have been among your fellow soldiers, if we work together we can attack and take some of the heretics down. Even in this situation our duty doesn’t end.” Halina spared glances at the traitors, they seemed disinterested in watching them. She then gave a slow nod to the commissar which he returned, her heart began to harden and the resolve her regiment was known her started to swell in her chest. She bought her eyes to where the landing bay was supposed to be, three heretics were standing there holding autoguns and there was six each standing on the right and left wall. At the current moment she could see Dilon moving towards the three heretics with the rest of her squad. “Right so we will take the three at the landing bay down…” Halina mused “then take their guns and kill as many of the bastards as possible.” Albrecht finished.

The act of attacking their captors will cause some measure of chaos and regretfully the civilians will get caught up in the altercation, but that will give them precious seconds. “I wouldn’t recommend you do that.” Her eyes along with Albrecht’s fell upon an old man, it was the same one who said she should shoot herself. “Are you a coward?” The commissar accused. “If everyone here fights with us we can over take this carr-” the old man chuckled interrupting Albrecht, she wondered if he was brave or stupid. “Do you know why these...heretics look so lax? They want you to try something. They simply want to lure in prey. They will act swiftly and without hesitation, plus they are trained. If you start something here it will give them reason to kill or maim you.” The old man sounded absolutely sure that was the case, she wondered how he knew such a thing. “Still it’s not a bad plan, better kill yourself now while you can.” he said dryly.


Halina was about to rebuke him, they couldn’t give up hope. Not while they can still fight, but she was not unable to utter those words because the carrier shook roughly again and the landing bay opened. As the bay came down the carrier became filled with a far stronger smell, it was sweet like the perfume she smelt before but it was more of the sickening kind of smell. The heretic started barking out orders, poking the civilians with bayonets. “Out of the ship!” one heretic shouted.

Due to the force of the crowd she was swept up, she staggered down the landing bay to arrive on a ship. The docking bay was adorned with silks, jewels, gold and horrifically skin lined the walls. Bile began to line her throat as they were gathered together with others the heretics captured. Because of the swarm of bodies pushing and shoving she lost sight of Albrecht and the old man. She wondered, she prayed if she could spot an avenue of escape but there were a host of more mortal heretics pointing guns at them, surrounding them in a wide circle. Behind them stood traitor astartes that was when her hope was crushed.

She could run and perhaps the heretics might gun her down, but fear of dying kept her place. Halina started to pray again.

***
Aamon stepped off the thunderhawk and onto The Lustful Tyrant, saying that name within his mind to this day fills him with disgust. But knowing the kind of warriors that walk this ship he shouldn't be surprised.

Even so he found what was about to happen next to be the worst thing about this warband, for the allocation of slaves is dubbed the dividing of meat. For that was all mortals were to them. Meat to be used, meat to be abuse so they can taste some measure of sensation. He could see all of the squads and even the champion Adonis have been gathered, they stood behind the Hellions waiting for the dividing to start. Lazaros smiled as they approached, his white hair was cut to one side and he had several piercings lining his ear. “You’re late.” “We aren’t late, we all left about the same time” Aamon said in annoyance. Angelos nodded in agreement with Lazaros “you gather the least amount of slaves and you make all of us wait for you? Our glorious leader won’t like this.” “You shouldn’t assume what the Black Angel wants.” The voice belonged to Spizar, leader of the 4th squad called The Masters of Desire. His armour was a both a striking purple and pink, his palatine aquila was also defaced. From his knowledge Aamon knew him to be the eldest among them, for squad leaders come and go depending on the mood of their leader.

Many clamour to be the 1st squad, their ranks rising and falling based on their deeds. Adnois tapped the haft of his spear on the ground, bringing their attention to him. “Spizar is correct Angelos, or do you forget the reason why we no longer have a 5th or 6th squad?” Aamon heard of tales about them, they thought to speak for him on many occasions and during a meeting he simply killed them. Truthfully no one knows the reason why he had them exterminated but that was the assumed reason why they were killed. They haven’t been replaced since. Efron grunted behind him “we are going to end up with the weak slaves aren’t we?” Aamon didn’t care for weak or strong, he personally desired stable minds to surround himself with. Compared to those that followed him his thralls actually aren’t abused. “Then...we have to do better. We are 1st squad after all.” he did not look back as he uttered those words, they weren’t only for Efron but his whole squad.

Adonis nodded and gestured his spear to Angelos and Lazaros “for my squad service to our great master fills me pleasure, so I will renounce our dividing rights. Angelos and Lazaros, you will decide between yourselves who will go first.” Angelos smiled to the 2nd squad leader “after you brother.” “With pleasure Lazaros responded. His squad strode past the cultists, the space marines treated the mortals like animals their squad grabbed hair and limbs. The cutlists under them helped.

Once Lazaros and his ilk was satisfied, they left and stalked back into the bowels of the ship. Next it was Angelos and then Spizar. Throughout the dividing Salazar was praying that no one touched the commissar. Aamon thought it would be a good idea to take him for himself. It was evident he had a keen mind and Ashi could put it to good use. But he had to remember he was leader, he had to keep the desires of the madmen that followed him in mind. Salazar was useful in slave gathering, antagonising him would not be a good idea.

Once Spizar’s group had their fill Ashi’s unit were guarding the small throng of people left. Adnois shifted his gold helm to him. “I trust that you can handle it from here?” Aamon folded his arms “Yes, your presence is not necessary.” Adonis gave a nod of acknowledgement and left the docking bay with those who followed him. He then faced Alexandrel “you will be going last by the way.” The Soulless nodded “alright.” He seemed confident, he didn’t like that one bit. As leader he had first pick, he approached the slaves and scanned them. Efron was right. They were left with the weak ones but surprisingly a few guardsmen were left over including the commissar.

He pointed at a young man, he had black hair and green eyes. “You.” Members of his Thorn walked over to the man and bought him before him. “What is your name?” Aamon asked. Terror consumed the guardsmen, he was stuttering his words he sighed and gestured at the cultists. “Take him to my chambers.” the cultists nodded and dragged the man away. He faced his squad and pointed at Salazar “Salazar you can take one extra, it’s your turn next.” The apothecary raised his hand. “Why is he going next?” “Because if it wasn’t for him we wouldn’t have any slaves.” The apothecary grumbled, accepting his answer.

Normally each raid an astartes would take two to five slaves at max, but with what they have a member of his squad will be down one slave. Salazar smiled at him, his genderless face caused him to wince and it annoyed him that he enjoyed his reaction. Aamon then returned to his squad. Salazar then approached the slaves, he went right for the commissar and grabbed his arm. He only resisted for a few seconds until he caught sight of his visage. The creature kissed the mortal on the head, everyone grunted in disgust save the Soulless which Aamon didn’t find surprising. “We are going to have such fun together!” Salazar exclaimed “now…” he grabbed the arm of a female guardsmen she started shrieking in horror rather than desire which he found surprising.

Salazar smiled at two of the cultists “help me take the third one.” They both gulped, Aamon noted that he would most likely never see those humans again. Mortal’s that enter Salazar’s chambers rarely leave. Salazar then left the docking bay, he was smiling ear to ear. “Alright, Efron you are up next.” said Aamon. His decision was based on breaking the aliens, they need to know he rewards good service, helps keep them loyal.

The noise marine grabbed two slaves and left, next was Zayden and then Thalis leaving only Alexandrel. The only mortal left was an old man who could barely stand. “Well he is yours, he’s the only one.” he tried to keep a measure of satisfaction out of his voice, he wondered if perhaps getting a weak old man will make him participate more in future battles? The Soulless smiled, he clapped a few times as well “how lucky I am!” Aamon raised his eyebrow at how jubilant Alexandrel was. “Excuse me? He is a weak old man.” “He was the slave I wanted!” The Soulless declared.

He rushed over to the old man who seemed weary, Alexandrel grasped his arm and roughly dragged him away. He watched them leave, Aamon only felt confusion at what just happened. Ashi then walked up to him shaking her head “Poor bastard.” she said out loud. “Indeed.” he responded.

***
He wondered if this was a cosmic joke? What exactly did he do this deserve this? The marine knew who he was, he also knew who the astartes was as well. He grimaced as the space marine dragged him down the hallway, he started explaining topics he had no interest in. “So...each squad controls a portion of the ship and everyone's chambers are in the same general area. Each squad member have their own personal slaves an-” “Just...shut up.” he interjected. The astartes stopped walking, he looked at him while frowning. “I thought you would be happy to see me? I mean you look like a shriveled prune now but I can work with this…” “I don’t care, just hurry up and kill me already.” he said bitterly.

The astartes was shocked by his words, he placed his hand on his chest. “Oh my...are you okay? Tell me...do you remember my name?” “I do…” “What is it then?” “Alexandrel….Alexandrel the Soulless.” Alexandrel smiled as he said his name. “You and I are going to be such good friends!” “You don’t have any friends! Or brothers! Or companions!” he barked back.

Now Alexandrel frowned “what’s the matter As-” “Don’t say it! Just shut up! Shut up! Hurry and do your business! Torture me! Mutilate me! I don’t care!” He looked away, he doesn’t want to see the space marine’s face.

***

Alexandrel stared at the mortal, he couldn’t help but lick his lips. He was so defiant and arrogant as well. He dragged him to his chamber door, as he approached the door it opened with a click due to the sensors. Once he stepped inside his slaves as always were waiting for him. His chamber were several large rooms connected in a circle, the corridors in between were spare rooms for his slaves and special chambers for certain delights. The lounging area was full of soft sofas, silks draped from the walls but his focus was mainly on Garim, the supposed leader of his thralls. Two slaves stood behind him ready to help Garim.

His favoured slave was a middle aged man, fair skin and bald as well. He wore a fine purple robe threaded with gold. Along his hands leather was hooked into skin, but what he liked the most was his blue eyes. That showed he understood him, the rest of the slaves only held patches of the colour within their eyes. Garim bowed with the two slaves “welcome home master, should I ready your bath?” Alexandrel grinned and dragged his new slave forward “Say hello...to..what should I call you?” The old man grunted “just call me an old man.” venom lined his voice as he said his name.

Alexandrel watched Garim’s face tuck into a frown for a second. He knew having the old man here would be interesting. “Garim.” He rose with other slaves in unison. “Yes my lord?” “Prepare a bath for the old man. Also use the main pool.” He pushed the slave towards Garim. “He stinks, I want him cleaned.” The slaves looked at the old man with cold hard stares, Alexandrel tried to avoid smiling. He didn’t want to display he is getting a sense of amusement out of the contempt his slaves are showing the new addition.

In a motion that clearly looked practiced Garim gave him a wide smile “very well my lord, the old man will be spotless the next time you see him.” His slaves then escorted the old man to the corridor, once alone he looked around the longue. “Where is she? I wanted to introduce him to my new slave.” He pouted, but he knew his associate will greet him in her own time.

He started to feel weary, he was about to reach for one of Thalis’ bars but decided against it he has other tools to help bring a measure of vigour to his body. He walked over to a wall and pushed a purple button that nested upon it. A section of the wall flipped to display a keypad, he entered a code and then a large section of the wall came apart to reveal his tools. From thumb-screws, blades and even pears of anguishes that were of various sizes. All of them were for personal use, he took a few pleasure devices and walked away.

The wall closed due to its proximity sensors, he knew Garim would be upset if he had other slaves help him with the devices but that was the point. He smiled joyfully “I can’t wait...this place is going to become quite interesting…”




***
Garim walked down the hallway while holding the old man. His brown hair was a mess and like his lord said he stank. He stopped and then allowed his fellow thralls to hold him. He walked a few paces forward rubbing his hands together, he then quickly turned and slapped the old man across the face. The shriveled thing winced in pain, he was held steady by his fellows. “You seek to disrespect our lord?” He slapped him again this time with the back of his hand, blood began to drip down the old man’s mouth.

Garim shook his head in annoyance “do you have anything to say for yourself?” The old man’s head spat a small measure of blood on the ground. He chuckled through bloodied teeth. “I used to be like you…” he croaked. “Thought myself important, thought that they cared…But I was wrong. Your master can rot for all I care.” Garim raised his hand in fury, the hooks in his hand tightened as he started to slap the old fool repeatedly. He wanted to kill the creature, but he knew his master wanted him alive, but he also understood what his master was aiming to do.

He knew he would be jealous and upset at this...thing. But he didn’t care he panted as he drew his hand back. The old man simply frowned at him, his brown eyes held the look of someone staring at a child. “Don’t look down on me!” Garim hissed. He slapped him one more time. “I am special! There is a reason why I am the most favoured among us!” he shrieked. One of his fellow thralls then spoke up, he was a muscled man, his skin was dark just like the old man. “That’s enough, we might bring the ire of our lord if we break him.” said Eamon. The second thrall nodded in agreement, her skin was fair and a snake tattoo dotted her right cheek “Aye, we can kill him later or perhaps the master will when he gets bored of him?” Haley added.

Garim agreed with both of them, he relaxed. “You are right...I forget myself.” He brushed his robes and escorted the old man to the main pool as instructed. As they reached the bathroom holding the main pool he frowned, the old man should use the slave baths. Not the personal pool of Alexandrel. Even so being here set him at ease, his lord’s scent always lingered wherever he goes. Plus the chamber was pleasing to look at. Leering gargoyle statues dotted the bathroom, golden snakes were embedded on the walls, the bathroom also held several small sinks that were dotted with the finest soaps and oils. Best of all he recalled the fact at times their master shares a bath with his favoured.

He personally didn’t want this dirty thing to sully this holy place. He sighed “I will get the water ready.” he said to Haley and Eamon. He then strode over to the circular pool that was several meters long. He then turned the tap on which was shaped into snakes, steadily the tub began to fill up with water. Once it reached close to rim he shut it off and walked over to a sink and grabbed the soap, he walked back to the pool and poured it in. Once the container was empty he chucked it into a nearby bin.

He then returned to the old man, he snatched away his cane and threw it aside, after that he derobed him with the help of Eamon and Haley. Once he was stripped of clothes Garim stood aside and gestured to the pool. “please throw our guest into the bathtub.” Eamon and Haley approached the pool and roughly threw the old man into the tub.

Garim smiled as the old man crashed into the water. The old thing coughed and kicked in the water, it took several minutes to steady himself. “I hope you can handle yourself from here?” The old man simply grunted at him, he took that as a yes. He turned away with the other two thralls but as they faced the door he had to adjust the rim of his robe.

His master’s pet was staring at them. The xeno was one of the drukhari, she had a slender figure and a hawkish beauty about her but what what he found most attractive and troubling to deal with was the smell. The intense heady smell sent kill singles to his brain, it was taking all of his willpower to hold back, he needed to kill her, he had to end her life. By how Eamon and Haley were fidgeting they were feeling the same urge as well.

Chershi walked over to him while fluttering her bladed fan at the same time he also had to keep an eye on the eunuchs that followed her. Each wore golden feminine masks and they wore no clothes save a purple loincloth. He noticed two eunuchs were carrying the back of her purple dress. The rest were holding weapons and platters filled with beverages and wine glasses. The alien tends to claim men and women who seek her out. “So tell me Garim, you enjoy slapping old men?” Chersi said with her silky voice. Garim raised his hands “I didn’t d-” She closed her fan and suddenly the pointed end of it was pressuring underneath his chin, he could feel his skin being gently pierced by the weapon. He couldn’t allow himself to shudder with pleasure, not from an alien. “I was teaching him his place.” he hissed.

Her predatory green eyes looked him up and down, she smiled thinly. “Jealousy can get you killed.” Garim narrowed his eyes at the creature. “I am not jealous of him!” he shouted. Right away her servants reached for weapons, he could see within those grin orbs she was considering letting the eunuchs slice them to pieces. Chershi removed the fan from his chin, Garim rubbed it, he noticed that there was wasn’t any blood. He then looked back at the old man, and then at the xeno. It’s quite clear that she was interested in him, that means he is not leaving the bathroom alive. He relaxed and brushed his robe, trying to push her smell away from his mind. “We should be leaving, I assume the...old man wishes to be left alone.”

He walked past the alien with his compatriots, he didn’t like how she watched him leave. In the end he was satisfied that the drukhari will tear the old thing apart.

***
The old man watched the fool leave, he thought he was more than he is. Garim thought he was on top of the world, most likely the idiot thinks he was in control of his destiny. But he will soon learn that was not the case. His eyes then drifted to the alien, the old man’s eyes were held on her luscious hair and the two golden hair clips that held it. They were shaped like horns. He narrowed his eyes at them, but he did not get much time to stare as the drukhari regarded him. She smiled as she walked around to the other end of the pool, his eyes followed her all the way.

He watched the alien dip her toe in the pool, she then nodded and placed her fan on the platter and right away her slaves began to undress her. Once she was bare she stepped into the pool slowly while a slave poured some wine into a glass. When the alien seemed relaxed the slave lowered the platter to her. She smoothly took the glass and sipped, after a few tastes she placed it back onto the platter. The alien’s green eyes then became fixated on him, the old man frowned. “What is it?” “Chershi” she said flatly.

He shook his head as she said her name “I don’t care for your name alien.” as he spoke the muscles of her slaves tensed. Chershi placed a finger her lips “be careful what you say, they get offended easily.” “I don’t care.” he grunted back. “It would be helpful if they kill me, dump my corpse into an escape pod and shoot me out into space.” “Then won’t you be dead?” she asked.

The old man scowled and placed his back to the cold wall of the pool. He couldn’t allow himself to get comfortable or get drawn into a conversation. The drukhari desires information, that was evident. He had no desire to be caught up in this life again. “What do you want? Leave a bitter old man be if you have nothing to say.” The alien gave him a menacing grin, his heart did not jump even once. He has seen far worse, endured far worse than whatever she can do to him.

The drukhari swam over to him, he stayed in place. It was better to show no fear, that way she had no sway over him. Once they were face to face she placed her hands on the edge of the pool. Being in such a position will keep him from moving away save going under water. The old man narrowed his eyes at her. “Leave me be.” “So bitter...hateful…” she hissed at him. She leaned in and breathed in deeply “you hate Slaanesh as well…”

The old man watched as suddenly a long snake like tongue slithered from her mouth. Chershi’s muscles started to tense and bulge. Even her face took an androgynous quality, she-it’s fingers dug into the panels of the pool cracking them it seemed like it was holding itself back. The old man held his place, if his heart faltered he would die right here or worse. The shining tongue then reached for his cheek, he found the sensation cold as the creature drew it’s tongue up it.

Once it had his fill, it drew its tongue back into its mouth and swam back. Slowly it changed back into the alien he was conversing with before. It was now clearly a she again, the old man frowned. “Of course he would have a creature such as you as a pet.” Chershi was now back to her original spot, she smiled and reached for the wine glass again and sipped. “You’re tasty do you know that?” She gestured the wine glass to him. “More tasty than this wine I should add, you have quite a vintage flavour.” The old man scoffed “you trick the other slaves with your alien stink, why hide?” “Getting right to that are we?” “Yes.” “But I don’t know a thing about you? Why should I tell you anything?” “Because you already know everything about me, it’s why you licked me in the first place.” Chershi nodded to his point “because it amuses me, that’s it. Anyway I have a measure of you now.” The old man said nothing, he simply watched the monster leave the pool.

Her slaves rushed over and wiped her down with towels until she was dry, a new purple gown was then placed onto her body. Chershi then removed her fan from the platter and fluttered it while briskly walking out of the bath chamber with her slaves. Now alone he bought up his old weathered hands “never again…” he said under his breath.

***
Alexandrel sighed he was sitting within one of his many torture chambers, the room was bare save the chairs and the tables to hold tools. His slaves were at at work placing the devices upon his body. With each knife stab he rolled his eyes as a few of his slaves started to cry. Some were also consumed with the thought of inflicting pain on him they weren’t even doing it properly. The urge to rise and kill them for boring him was trickling in, but he held back he wasn’t doing this for immediate pleasure. He tried to imagine how Garim will react, he was such a frail man, Alexandrel wondered how many of his thralls he killed in order to be the “favoured” slave? If the old man was still who he expects him to be, then Garim will die marvously.

He sagged into the metal chair slightly, the spikes on the chair tore his skin with the movement. He frowned as a barely felt even a flicker of pain from his back. His eyes then rested upon the slaves working.. “Leave. All of you.” The slaves bowed and left the chamber, now alone he shifted his gaze to the blade embedded on top of his wrist. Alexandrel grasped the handle a made a few quick turns, again he felt nothing. He sighed and released his grip on the weapon. He then creased his brow. “I need more luster in life...basic torture is so...so...bo-” “Boring?” His associate finished.

He looked up to the door to see she has entered, he found it amusing how she did it without him noticing. The creature softly walked up to him and grasped the blade in his wrist, she pulled it out roughly. He gasped as it left his body, a thread of pain graced his nerves, his wound throbbed and ached even though Chershi cannot give him eternal joy he will take it where he can. “Thank you...companion.” She smiled as at him and threw the blade aside. “You’re welcome, I talked with the shriveled slave.” “Oh? What did you think?” He did not hide the curiosity in his voice, Chershi will not be speaking with him if she wasn’t interested in his newest slave.

She took one step closer and began removing each device one by one, this time she took her time. Alexandrel winced, but raised an eyebrow. “Are you in a good mood today?” “Oh yes, now...to talk about the old man. He will not act as you expect him to.” He grunted as a blade was pulled from his chest, he smiled as that information. “So what makes you think that?” “I tasted him.” she said curtly. “He is far too resentful and full of hatred to do what you want. He will never rise against Garim’s provocations. Your father is to blame for that.” At the mention of Fulgrim he tapped his fingers on the arm of the metal chair. He most likely broke the old man in ways he might not be able to repair. “That is where you are wrong.” her words made it seemed like she read his mind but considering what she is the creature most likely did. “Approach this issue from a different angle, your slave will die every few days due to how ancient he is. But with each death your father is waiting for him to mutilate and taunt him, then he shoves his soul back into his body and waits to do it again.” Alexandrel listened but what has him giddy was the fact the old man upset the lord of the third. That could be the only explanation for his situation. That made him even more interesting.

When the last contraption was removed, Chershi stood aside. Alexandrel rose from his seat he looked down to his associate. “He knows nothing of pleasure does he? Not true pleasure.” His companion gave a small nod. “You are correct, his desire was basic, the issue was the fact those he was with in the past allowed that desire to grow so it became like steel….” “And now the steel has been battered and broken beyond repair, he is now an empty and unfeeling thing.” Chershi simply smiled, he returned it. “I know what to do now.” He walked to the door and grabbed a fresh towel, before he left he looked back to his companion. “I assume you want something in return?” She shook her head to the question. “I serve you in all things...as you well know.” Alexandrel gave her a sad look, she was trapped in a box. Such a being does not deserve such a fate. “Do you want to try again?” That was when her face split for a moment, he saw the daemonic visage. “No. I will not be shamed again.” it hissed. “Too proud then. A shame.” He tutted and left the the torture chamber.

Oooh a squid, call of the cthulhu perhaps? Damn asriel is in a bad way, i feel bad for him. Maybe this is where he starts to serve the prince of pleasure directly as master instead of his servants.

 Dayknight wrote:

Oooh a squid, call of the cthulhu perhaps? Damn asriel is in a bad way, i feel bad for him. Maybe this is where he starts to serve the prince of pleasure directly as master instead of his servants.

See I was going to say something, but that would've been a spoiler.

Anyway a new chapter will be up in a few moments.

Chapter 3
Halina was sat in front of a large mirror she tried to block out the howls of anguish and possibly pleasure. She tried to focus on the Emperor but it was hard with the musk that scented these large interconnecting chambers. She also tried to avoid looking at all the pieces of art that lined the walls of her enslaver. It was obvious that it was there for its own narcissism, Halina knew staring at them for too long would have one admit that the creature was beautiful. Which was the highest heresy.

Halina even tried to dismiss the sensation of the purple silk gown caressing her skin, she wanted to revel in how soft it was to wear. Yet the hardest thing of all was to be rid of the heretic’s slaves, who moved around her combing her hair, spraying perfume onto her skin and placing makeup on her face. Each slave looked as horrific as the traitor astartes who keeps her here. Halina also tried not to think of the two others, her gaze shifted slightly down the chair. Albrecht was here with her about thirty minutes ago until he was dragged away, worst of all he did not resist. The commissar was taken with their fellow captive once they were redressed, cleaned and spruced up by makeup. “They must be all so happy…”

Halina’s eye twitched as that voice graced her ear, it’s voice was almost as sexless as the traitor astartes, but it belonged to the supposed leader of this group of slaves. She tried not to look at it’s face in the mirror, the face was far too perfect and genderless. Like it was sculpted by the hand of a god, it’s long white hair covered one eye and it wore purple lipstick. “My dear lady…” said the creature. “You now look beautiful for him…” it said. Halina forced her mouth open to respond, soon as she did she tasted the musk in her mouth. It almost tasted like honey, despite the smell being different. “I don’t want to look good for him. R-Release me...you are slaves like me right?” The creature smiled “we are all slaves here...even him. We are slaves to our passions, tell me have you ever been treated like a queen? For that will be your life here.”

At the mention of queen confusion fell upon her, sensing this the slave smiled. “I am Ira, the head of your personal aides. We are your slaves and it’s a pleasure to serve you mistress.” At the mention of slaves she shook her head. “No! This is wrong! I don’t want slaves!” Ira frowned at her shouting as it brushed her hair. “Morality always keeps one from the greatest pleasures. Tell me you were a soldier, was it easy? Did you choose to be a soldier?” The question threw her off, admittedly since the great scar her planet had a lottery for the PDF. She actually prayed not to be chosen, but the Emperor had another plan for her.

Admittedly she hated being part of the defense force, she was forced to leave her family and live in the garrison, but it got worse from there. When the representatives of the tithe came, again she was forced to be something she never wanted to be until she met her squad within 65th Grilev regiment. Thinking of them she prayed for their safety, then her mind drifted to Liam. “You hate him don’t you?” Ira’s question startled her. “I-I don’t understand what you mean.” Halina stammered. “Don’t be coy, Albrecht killed someone you liked, someone you respected. Your whole squad looked up to him.”

Right away she saw flashes of Liam’s death, giving his order to fall back. Once they were safe the commissar shot him for cowardice. She hated him for that and as a scream graced her ear she felt a small spike in her heart. “No…” she hissed. “I can’t think that. It’s not...not...” “Right?” Ira finished for her. “Don’t deny the joy you are feeling now. Listen…” the other slaves stopped their work, Ira was still brushing her hair humming to the screams. Halina tried to block it out, she placed her hands on her ears. She screwed her eyes shut and now in the darkness the screams became even worse. She could hear Albrecht distinctively, Halina picked out the sounds of bodies breaking and a tide of bodies writhing and heaving as one. Then finally the words passed through her mind. You deserve it. She kept repeating those three words again and again, her heart throbbed at that fact.

She slowly opened her eyes, tears began to trail down her face ruining the makeup. The eyeshadow began to even run down her cheeks, Halina knew she sinned. To wish for a warrior of the Emperor to suffer under the heretic. It was a heinous sin, one that could see her executed if she escapes.

Ira stopped brushing her hair. It gestured to one the slaves to hand it cleansing wipes. As Halina watched the slave hand the wipe to the creature from the dressing table, it began to gently bring the wipe down her cheek. “Ssssh my lady. It’s alright. You are being human right now, the one who thrists loves it when we are human.” Halina wondered if Ira was a witch, somehow it knew her thoughts and she hated it. She could hide nothing from the monster if that was the case. But at the same time the gentleness it was showing her comforted her.

Ira bought the cleansing wipe away and threw it on the table. “Now how abo-” the sound of a chamber door opening cut the genderless creature off. Halina could hear the sound of someone being dragged. Halina got up from her seat right away, Ira stepped back. As her gaze fell upon the corridor entrance her eyes went wide. The traitor astartes was wearing a white robe, his hair and face was matted in blood and gore. He was also holding someone by the ankle, they bore no clothes and they were drenched in blood, but staring at the face Halina covered her mouth with her hands. She was shivering in pure horror as she recognised Albrecht. His eyes were dilated, a grin of rapture lined his face.

The heretic astartes looked around, his eyes fell upon Ira. “Ira, my dear.” said the astartes. Ira bowed and as it rose it smiled. “Yes my lord? What do you need?” The heretic astartes frowned. “More pleasure tools, the blood rite is getting boring.” “I see, I will retrieve more tools right away my lord.” Ira said in amusement. The heretic then looked at her while smiling. “Oh you look so much better now.” It then glanced down to Albrecht. “He didn’t last long, but not to worry you won’t be involved in the blood rite. You are to be my helm bearer a high honour I am giving to you my beautiful bride.” Halina dropped her hand from her mouth. “Bride!? I-I...No! Stop this please! Re-” Ira placed it's hand on her shoulder, strangely she now felt relaxed and at the same time her lord...it-he does not seem as terrifying as she remembered.

The traitor astartes gave a curt nod to Ira who returned it. “I am Lord Salazar, this is your paradise my bride.” The mention of bride strangely filled her with pride. At the same time the sensation of reveling in Albrecht’s suffering increased. This time she did not feel the need to push it away, she let that wonderful sensation hang in her heart.

***
Dilon tried not to look at his captor, setting at the desk in front of him was terrifying but then the heretic’s aide the female soldier with gold teeth shouted. “Look up!” Right away his gaze came up, the space marine sighed at the traitor. “Is that necessary?” he said. The female with gold teeth frowned “he should show respect and strength if he is going to help me.” The heretic astartes nodded in agreement, he then faced him. His brown eyes strangely seemed relaxed. “Now you need to understand a few things….” he slowly trailed off, that was when Dilon stammered out his name. “D-Dilon.” The space marine smiled at his answer. “So you have a voice after all. You may call me Aamon, when you are in front of my...brothers it’s my lord. As I said you need to understand a few things, how this ship works and how to survive in this place.” He watched Aamon reach into his pouch, he then placed a gold medallion on the table with a crown on it. “This is yours.” he pushed it towards him. “If any of the space marines give you trouble, show them this. That means you are part of my squad. Yet be aware that this won’t work on everyone.”

Dilon took the medallion right away, if it increases his chances of the surviving he will do anything. Aamon strangely seemed pleased at his eagerness. “So you have sense, you want to survive. I will tell you if you still want to worship the emperor you can. But only...and I stress only in your private chambers. If anyone outside of my chambers catches you breathing a single praise to the emperor you will die. Even that medallion won’t save you.” Dilon slowly nodded, he wondered if Aamon was actually a heretic? Maybe the space marine was on a top secret mission for allowing such a thing. He heard stories how traitor astartes spit upon the master of mankind and were bringers of destruction. Yet the astartes before him did not have that look about him. His fair skin was not covered in mutations, he just looked tired and weary. “Y-Yes my lord. I understand.” said Dilon.

He then rubbed his neck, he wondered if he should voice his thoughts. “Speak, if you have a question.” Aamon said curtly. Dilon gave a small nod. “My lord...are you a heretic?” The question caused the female to chuckle. Aamon stroked his chin, thinking on the question. “I have no choice, for me...this is survival. This warband is simple sanctuary to hide...nothing more than that.” His answer caused Dilon to relax, he knew that technically he would be shot for being on a traitor ship. Soldiers have all manner of tales, he believed all of them. He then asked another question. “A-Aamon, is it possible to save my squad?” “No.” the answer quick to his surprise. “Forget about them, they are most likely dead or worse.” “But can’t you save them? You are in charge of the astartes squad, I saw all of them.” “It’s complicated, as I said this is about survival and I won’t jeopardise it. Be glad I am allowing private worship of the Emperor, even though I detest it.” Now Dilon furrowed his brow. “You detest the Emperor my lord? Yet you allowing me to worship him?” “Yes, because times have changed. I have seen the Emperor, he was but a man to me. He still is in my eyes. He is powerful, but that does not make him a god. But I understand my era is over. That’s all I will say on the subject. Now...Ashi, take Dilon to his room.”

The female standing next to Aamon walked around the table. “Up you get.” Dilon stood up, now he finally allowed himself to look around the fear he felt before has evaporated slightly.

The chamber was circular, but it was..plain, utilitarian in a sense. There was a bed, the desk he was standing at and a weapon stand. “Enough gawking!” Ashi shouted. Dilon jolted and nodded. “Please lead the way.” Aamon kept his eyes on him as they left the chamber.

Entering the corridor as they started to walk Ashi tutted. “Put a lid on your fear.” “Excuse me? What do you mean?” Dilon asked. Ashi frowned at him. “There are people on this ship that will kill you for showing fear, there are even worse things on the lower levels and we will have to go there to deal with squad matters. The...things down there will exploit your desires, make you see things. So chin up...by the way I hate when people introduce me to other people. I am Ashi, Ashi Goldtooth.” She smiled showing her gold teeth for emphasis.

She then picked her ear and when removing it she blew her finger. “Anyway, nothing changes. You just swapped you master.” He couldn’t process the information being loaded upon him, but her last comment angered him slightly. “It’s different.” “How so?” she asked. “I kill to ensure the survival of humanity.” He clenched his hand. “You kill for false masters, monsters who would want to see humanity corrupted or destroyed.” Goldtooth smiled for some reason, she then chuckled. “It’s not any different, both sides are corrupted. One side kills for a god who had no desire to be one. Fat men interpret his will and send people like you and me to die for their wars. Let’s not forget the commissars. Hell, even those who work on ships, the supposed heretics here are still doing their old jobs. Dying in the dark, breeding and then dying again. Just like on imperial ships, the difference here is that the workers enjoy what they do in their private time...” she then shivered. “Perhaps they enjoy it a bit too much…” “Enjoy it a bit too much? Wh-” Ashi stopped, she faced him and placed her fist on his heart, the action caused the sentence to die between his lips. “Harden your heart Dilon. I lost good people to their base urges, heck even simple pleasures are dangerous. As Aamon said this was survival. Keep that in mind.” “You lost good people?” “You remember when you mentioned those dark masters? There are greater ones, greater than the space marines.”

Dilon wondered what she was talking about, they continued walking. They passed by more heretics and even made their way through chambers that seemed like training halls. Eventually they reached a door in one of the corridors. Ashi pressed the button and gestured in. “Here is your room, now I got things to do.” Goldtooth sighed and walked away, Dilon did not waste any time entering his room.

He then turned to the keypad near the door and locked it. Once he heard the click he gave a sigh of relief. He then turned around, taking in his new room and surprisingly it was larger than his quarters on their garrison world. He had a double bed, armour and weapon racks, a desk and even a sofa. He smiled “wow this i-” He stopped and recalled he was on a heretic ship. At the same time Goldtooth told him to beware of simple pleasures.

Dilon calmed himself and approached the bed, he got his on his knees and bought his hands together. “Oh emperor.” he said calmly. “Gild me in your righteousness...help me harden my heart for the trials to come…” The prayer was strangely harder to say, he got the feeling that something or someone was watching him.

***
Alexandrel sat in from of the old man in the lounge the shriveled thing now smelled of scented soaps, he also was wearing fresh robes. Alexandrel smiled at him. “So...have you used a pear of anguish before?” The old man grunted “why haven’t you killed me?” The question was not unexpected and he is not even engaging in the subject matter he brought up. Alexandrel decided to be honest. “Chershi said you know nothing of pleasure.” At the mention of pleasure, the old man shook his head. He gave a hoarse laugh. “Pleasure? I had it for a time, but it seemed your dark god had other ideas. Every time I achieve some happiness I am torn away from my home and suffering...pure suffering is heaped upon me. You and the your bloody dark prince can go rot in a pit for all I care.”

Alexandrel personally did not care for Slaanesh all that much, but if anyone in his squad save Aamon heard such a thing the old man would’ve been killed. “I can understand why you are upset, you told me your story after all. But let me tell you what your problem is…” he leaned in towards his face. “You act like a slave...so you are treated like one.” Now he saw a hint of confusion in his brown eyes, he breathed in the scent of the old prune. He could not even detect even a hint of the dark prince’s favour, it’s clear he has been utterly abandoned by the deity. Looking into his eyes again, they have now gone hard. The old man tightened his grip on his cane. “You are also a slave.” he hissed. Alexandrel shook his head “no I have freedom. Freedom to be who I am, to pursue pleasures and sensations to my heart’s content.” “You can’t believe that.” “I do believe it.” He rose from his chair “Slaanesh needs us more than we need him.”

It was evident the old man could not understand such a concept, he was refusing to understand. “He loves us because we provide him with meaning, purpose. Without excess he would not exist, so he needs us to fuel his very being. In return he gives us his love. Worship is not required, shouting his name is pointless...all that matters is one's need.” The old man simply laughed at him. “Oh that’s rich! You simply can’t see that you are a slave. If you disappoint the foul deity he reduces you to gibbering chaos spawn. No matter what you have done for him in the past, we are dancing on the stage of cruel and thirsting gods. I refuse to dance anymore. Fulgrim...the bastard can do what he wants after each death.” The old man then narrowed his eyes at him. “I know your pet daemon has told you everything about me.” Alexandrel nodded “oh yes, you die every few days. How old are you by the way?” The old man grumbled “I lost count of my age. I can barely walk, I have to use minor telekinesis and this cane to aid me...Even then….” The old man bought up his hand. “I lost most of my power, I can’t even defend myself. I can barely move cups or even rocks...” He gestured to himself. “This is what your god does to people after he tires of them. You just haven’t reached that point yet. So piss off if you aren’t going to kill me.”

Alexandrel sighed, Chershi was right. The old man became a bitter and hateful wreck since the last time he has seen him. “Very well, but I won’t kill you. That would be admitting defeat after all.” he said in amusement. Alexadnrel watched the old thing grunt, he then walked away to the corridor and as he entered Chershi was there. “You can’t fix him.” his associate was fanning herself, her back was to the wall. “But if you are so eager to pursue this path...I know of someone who could help.” Alexandrel smiled at her. “Oh? Are you interested in him as well?” “I am, I see the potential. That’s only if he could be put on the right path again.” Alexandrel folded his arms. “So tell me my dearest companion, what do you have in mind?”

Chershi closed her fan, her face then cracked showing the creature underneath. It’s pale pinkish face was covered in piercings and leather straps, it’s tongue lashed in the air. “Listen carefully Soulless…” it said with Chershi’s voice. Alexandrel opened his ears, readying himself for the passing of information.

Chapter 4
Alexandrel pulled the slaves down the hallway, all six of his personal slaves were chained together with a link that was wrapped around his wrist. What he found quite disappointing was the fact that none of them resisted. He was upfront that they are going to be sacrificed. The announcement simply caused his slaves to praise his name, they thanked him that they are using their lives. He sighed in frustration and focused on the journey, he soon passed by Thalis, he saw the apothecary was sitting next to his chamber door. He was smoking with his pipe. As Alexandrel was passing him he raised his eyebrow. “Soulless...what are you doing?” He turned his head back to Thalis. “I am going to get the attention of a daemon. Why do you ask?” The apothecary removed his pipe from his mouth, he breathed out a gout of pink smoke. “Can I come?” he smiled showing his teeth.

Alexandrel thought about it for a moment, he guessed at least Thalis tagging along would make the journey more interesting. “Very well, you can come.” The apothecary chuckled and sat up. He walked up to him. “So what kind of daemon are you summoning?” Alexandrel put a finger on his lips “it’s a secret.” Thalis sighed “can’t you just tell me?” The apothecary pulled out a bar from his pouch, he wagged it in the air. “This is a new recipe by the way...” Alexandrel looked at it and shrugged. “I must decline.” As he refused the treat the apothecary’s eyes went wide. “You must be plotting something big if you are refusing this.” Thalis returned the bar to his pouch. “Let’s go then, I am eager to see what you summon.”

Alexandrel nodded, they continued their journey down to the lower levels. Right away as they reached the bottom of the stairs leading to the lower levels the ship changed. The hallway held fleshly pink growths, he could hear a sensuous voice whispering into his ear. Thalis smiled at this. “The only good thing about the lower levels is the fact the handmaidens can press at the walls of reality.” Alexandrel did not understand the fascination, the handmaidens are boring daemons who always act in the same way. He found the whispering annoying as well. “Let’s just go.” said Alexandrel.

The apothecary sighed, they continued walking. Further in purple forms began to dance around them, disembodied hands phased into bodies and Thalis along with his slaves were shivering in pleasure. The spirits gave him a wide berth, but what became frustrating was the slaves were slowing down. They were being drawn in, slaves were known to be lost to the spirits. He turned and glared at them. “Enough!” he hissed.

The spirits scattered, his slaves shuddered in fear of him but his squadmate scowled instead. “Why did you do that for!” His eyes shifted to Thalis who slinked back slightly. “C-Come on, can’t you at least enjoy minor pleasures?” “Minor pleasures are boring Thalis, you should do better. Even Salazar would not succumb to such idle fancies.” Being compared to Salazar caused his supposed brother to look at him in confusion. “I thought you hate him?” “He hates me, but I don’t hate him. I actually appreciate his honesty in what he wants.” “What he wants is disgusting.” “Have you tried it?” Thalis’ face screwed into disgust. “I won’t low-” “Lower yourself?” Alexandrel laughed at him.

He gestured to the phenomena around them. “We are at the bottom! We are in a pit of wonderful darkness! Shame is also a pleasure you should try it. Have you ever reveled in it? Drank in the sensation? Salazar has tasted it once, accepted it and moved higher. Morality still binds you, Pride still holds you...hence why he is favoured and you are not.” The apothecary looked away, he flared his nostrils slightly. “I can see why they call you Soulless. You are most likely worse than our...brother.” “You say that because you are scared of the unknown, nothing more.

They then walked in silence, as they passed slaves they scattered, clearing the way for them. One was brave enough to reach out to touch him, perhaps to gain some form blessing. After all the slaves on the lower levels think of them as gods.

Then an idea graced him. It was a mere impulse and like always he acts on it. He reached out and grabbed the slave. Thalis frowned at him. “What are you doing?” He could hear the confusion in Thalis’ voice, but he ignored it. The slave whimpered and praised the dark prince, he considered himself blessed for the mere chance of being touched by a astartes.

Even his own personal slaves were cursing the frail slave for they believed he was showing affection to him. Alexandrel did not care for their opinions on the matter, they were going to be dead soon. Slowly Alexandrel opened his mouth, he then leaned into the slaves neck and tore out his throat. He then cast the bleeding slave aside, the slave was smiling as his lifeblood started to pool onto the floor. Alexandrel then licked his lips, his blood had a tangy taste and he could even taste the corruption in the slaves blood. He wiped his mouth slightly with his hand. “That was disgusting.” said Thalis. Alexandrel blinked in confusion at the apothecary. “What do you mean?” “You actually put your lips on a lower level slave. If I mentioned even a word of what you did no one in the squad would want to even touch you. You will even be ridiculed by the other squads.” “I don’t care.” Alexandrel responded.

Thalis shook his head, he then folded his arms. “You don’t care about anything. You are going to end up dead one day, you know that?” “I have died once already, it’s quite boring actually.” The apothecary blinked in shock “wait...what?” “You are aware of my Drukhari slave right?” At the mention of the lie he tells his squad a small speckle of drool fell from Thalis’ lips. “Why haven’t you kill her yet?” Thalis asked. “Because I don’t want to.” “Slaanesh wants her soul Alexandrel.” “Well I don’t want to kill her, don’t make me repeat myself.”

He found the fanaticism in the squad to be a minor annoyance, in the end he was part of the Princes of Arrogance for Aamon alone. He was interesting, the astartes was trying to pretend he was nothing like them. Yet he knew he was just holding back who he truly was, he likes watching him resist, he enjoys his arrogance and pride as it veers up from the surface. He played with the blood on his lips slightly to Thalis’ disgust.

He thought to comment of Thalis’ disgust but dismissed it in but a moment, he had no desire to waste energy on a pointless discussion. Eventually they arrived in an open hall, strangely it did not contain the sound of whispering daemons either. “This is as spacious spot.” Alexandrel pointed to the wall “stand at the wall Thalis.” The apothecary nodded. He seemed eager to watch the summoning. Alexandrel removed the chain from his wrist and ordered the slaves into a circle, he then placed a finger on the blood that matted his mouth.

He drew the rune of Slaanesh on the foreheads of each of the slaves. Each one cried praises to the dark prince, again they praised him for using them. He wanted to break their necks for being so meek, but their fates are going to be far worse. He started to walk around the circle of slaves, invoking the words of summoning. “Va’ish’nilel’casis…” the dark tongue spilled from his lips.

The slaves eyes turned white, they began to chant with him. Steadily through the ritual their voices turned daemonic. Alexandrel began to shout for the daemon “I call Bael, Baell, Buel and Baal! I call for the granter of wishes, the arch-corrupter, the king of sin! I scream for the Lord Of Freedom and Lady of Dark Delight!” Wisps of pink light started to gather, the slaves forms began to break down into black liquid, forming a puddle.

Alexandrel then faced the pool. He smiled at it “I call for Balim...Darktongue.” The black liquid came together to form a humanoid shape. Then it fell away away to reveal a man in a black suit, a purple feather was also nested in his front jacket pocket. Alexandrel then watched him adjust his pink tie and button up his jacket.

The man then adjusted the rings on his red gloves and then gave a flick of his long blonde hair. His black eyes were the only thing that betrayed what he is, his face which was fair coloured was the picture of beauty it was almost like a perfectly sculpted statue. The creature finally brushed his chest. “What does your slave want? That’s why you called me isn’t it?” He said in a flat tone.

Alexandrel could not even sense a hint of his power, most daemons have a strong presence even non-psykers can feel. At the moment Balim seemed like a human he could easily break. Alexandrel reached for him, the need to shatter his body consumed him completely, the thought throbbed in his mind. The daemon summoned a black cane topped with the head of a bull, Balim pushed his hand away with a simple movement. Alexandrel could feel the force inhuman force behind the movement, he smiled at him. “Are you truly Balim?” he just wanted to confirm it as he drew his hand back.

The daemon sighed “Yes...now what do you want?” “I want you to fix someone, make him interesting for me.” Balim raised his eyebrow, he walked up to him “you mean the old thing you keep in your room.” “Yes I refer to him.” Balim began to tap the head of his cane on his cheek, he started to mumble and then said. “No.” Alexandrel frowned “may I ask why?” “I do not see any greatness in the mortal. He is washed up, used and cast aside. Slaanesh released his hold on the old man that is a fate worse than death.”

He could see the point the daemon was trying to make, but he did not believe that. “Why not just talk to him? Try just even looking at him and you will feel as I do. You will be able to taste the potential…” Balim lowered the cane from his face, Alexandrel watched his brow furrow in annoyance to his words. “You don’t care for his potential, don’t lie to me. You are simply an overeager spectator who wishes to see the stage burn.” He bowed to the daemon’s words. “Am I that obvious?” “Yes you are...But...” Balim then tapped the cane in the palm of his hand. “I could take a look, just one look. But if I don’t like what I see I am leaving.” “Very well, I can accept that.” Alexandrel stood upright to see the daemon turn away from him and vanish in a puff of black smoke.

He could not help but smile, he knew the daemon will show interest. The old man’s anger and bitterness will be too hard for him to resist exploiting. “Well that was boring.” He turned to Thalis who was walking up to him. “How so?” Alexandrel asked. “Well, I expected a great monstrosity that radiated power and delight. All I got was a man in a suit, are you sure he is a daemon?” The question was honest, it was clear that Thalis’ understanding of daemons was small. He expected the lithe creatures that stalk the lowest levels of the ship. “The most dangerous daemons are the ones who appear unassuming.” He said calmly. “But I assure you despite looking like a human...Feeling like one….He could tear you in half with ease.” The apothecary frowned “I doubt it, sometimes our brothers hunt the creatures on the bottom levels.” “He is not like the ones on the bottom levels, think of him….More akin to our leader in terms of power.” At the mention of their leader Thalis’ eyes went wide. “Are you sure that you should of summoned such a being on the ship?” “Oh don’t worry, Balim is not a brute.”

His brother seemed unsure, but he had no desire to explain further. Now all he had to do was wait.

***
He stood in a vast field of purple flowers, he wondered how many times he has been here. He thought to stand firm as always the flowers brushing against his legs caused a sense of dread to crawl up his body. He slowly turned to see the grand form of the Phoenician, he looked calm as always but with a simple movement of the daemon’s hand he summoned his blades and pointed them at him. “A-Are you still that bitter!?” he stammered at the daemon.

Fulgrim simply smiled. +No, this is but an idle distraction…+ he did not even see the movement, he was now speared on the daemon’s blade. The pain was horrific, no matter how many times this happens the pain grows. The daemon adjusted the weapon so he hovered over his face, droplets of his life blood fell onto the lord of the third of who gave a sigh of pleasure as each drop hit him. +So angry...forever angry…+ Now he was flying to ground, the flowers did not help break his fall. As he crashed to the ground he felt every bone in his body breaking. He could even see his blood sinking into Fulgrim’s blade, he didn’t have the strength to speak anymore. +Sssh...just fall asleep. Don’t talk...we will meet again...+ The primarch laughed at him. His heart twisted, he has only himself to blame for this situation, this was his eternity forevermore.

He closed his eyes and then they shot open. The old man gasped and looked around to find himself in his room, the soft bed helped him relax but then he bit his lips. I won’t been drawn in! He shouted to himself. He recalled he felt tired and he desired to rest, it was most likely his death was coming and he was right. He grumbled and sat up on his bed, his cane was rested on the wall next to it. He reached for his cane, focusing on it. He wanted to will the object to move.

Soon blood started to trail down his nose, the old man gasped again. He then coughed harshly. “I-I can’t even manage that anymore…” “Hmm…” the new voice caused him to look up, in the corner sitting on a chair was a man in a black suit. The black eyes gave away what he was. “Go away…” he croaked. “I want nothing from you…” The man rose from the chair he twirled his own cane as he walked towards him. He then slammed the bottom down onto the ground and smiled. “I can see the potential.” he said warmly. He then offered his hand “Balim.”

The old man moved the creature’s hand away from him. But he knew the monster was allowing him that small gesture. “I said...go away…” Balim returned his hand to himself, he smiled. “So how was your meeting with one of the dark princes favourites?” “Piss off…” the old man said harshly. Balim nodded to his insult “let me tell you something...you will die eventually.” The old man’s eyes went wide slightly. “W-What? T-That can’t be…” “Oh yes, Fulgrim is slashing away at your soul piece by piece. You think he was just going to torment you for eternity? He has better things to do, but he wants your death to be slow...and painful.”

The old man had a feeling that Balim wasn’t lying, he steeled himself. “That doesn’t change anything. Better to die and be reduced to nothing than play the stupid games of your blasted deity!” He hissed. Balim nodded again, but this time it was in understanding. “I understand your anger…” “No you don’t!” he barked back. “I do, we as daemons and the ruinous entity I serve destroyed your life. After all it’s what we do.” He had no idea why Balim was admitting such a thing, it would not make him return to serving Slaanesh. Serving a dark god was like drinking from a poisoned chalice, the poison acts slowly but eventually it will kill you or worse. At the same time the Imperium’s ignorance batters and destroy any who serve it, in his mind it was bitter to vanish...die in the dark in anonymity than align yourself those forces.

The old man frowned “I am not interested in any of your offers…” “I have come here to talk...nothing more.” Balim turned away from him and began walking around his room. “You know Slaanesh and the gods themselves were many things to different people. The blood god was two gods to an...enlightened people. One was the physical and untamed aspect of war, the second god was one of intelligence, military strategy and generalship. The people who worshiped these two gods had no idea this was the case though. Didn’t stop them feeding the said “dark” diety.” “I don’t see the point in this…” Balim looked at him in annoyance, but he continued speaking. “I am getting to that...these same people viewed Slaanesh as the fairest goddess in this pantheon. She was known as a goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation. What was more amusing that both Khorne and Slaanesh competed against each other to see who was the fairest, what both deities have in mind of what is wanted in a woman was different. Even so the prince declared slaanesh the fairest and gave the woman of the princes dreams as an reward. Yet that caused a devastating war, the gods chose sides but even so they were still celebrated. Despite this war these people had a sense of...harmony.”

The old man laughed as he mentioned harmony. “Look at the galaxy daemon! The gods do not bring harmony…” Balim now smiled at him. “You are correct, for example in another ancient culture the dark prince was known as baphometh or Baffometi. He...was a hermaphroditic being, a dark one that made men and women sell their souls for power, pleasure and even for love. Yet making a deal with him would always blacken the soul and make the person as vile and evil as he is. They become witches agents of his will. But then a witch hunter would hunt and kill them and in turn my lord would claim their soul. This cycle would repeat for centuries, I recall the Anthema putting the first hunts together. He was troublesome back then too. Still even now my lord still likes the number six, he has no idea why though nor can he remember the reason.” Listening to the creature speak he did not know what to make of him. “So you are agreeing with me that Slaanesh is a terrible force.” “I am, but he is also a beautiful one at that. Yet the point I am trying to make is that forces are both good and evil. Slaanesh can’t stop being who he is, nor can the mortals of the galaxy.”

He watched Balim ground to a stop in the middle of the room, he faced him. “Let me tell you that all forces need champions, beings who the god favours. They are people that the god will make a place for in their realm…” “Lies…” the old man hissed. “All dark gods devour their followers!” “Not all of them.” Balim said flatly. “After all some become so favoured that their respective diety never wants them to die. Think of Lucius, or even Kharn the Betrayer….Why not look at the space marine that owns you? He is one such individual.” “Alexandrel does not worship the dark prince, he does not care for Slaanesh.” Said the old man. The daemon nodded in agreement. “But that doesn’t matter to the one I serve, he loves Alexandrel all the same. But you are not him.” At the mention of being compared to Alexandrel he looked down slightly, but his head came up again. He felt the cane under his chin. This time Balim was now female, she smiled at him, her voice was smooth and just as silky as Chershi’s. “You should never try to be like your masters. Doing that will never get what you want.”

The old man allowed himself a moment of weakness, he did not understand why. “Then why are you talking to me? If you can’t give me what I want?” “ Because I am of another mindset, my compatriots in the warp seek playthings, fodder to feed our lord so they encourage whatever fleeting emotion that graces a mortal. My fellow...daemons encouraged the wrong desire in you. I tell you now whether said individual rise or fall they do not care, but I do. I like to make investments I like to get at the heart of a mortal’s needs… Just like the old days. What I can offer you is suffering to give you the ability to make others suffer like you do. You will know greater pleasure and satisfaction on this path, I seek to make agents and champions for our lord.” The offer was enticing, terribly so but he had one question. “Can I make Fulgrim suffer?” Balim smiled at him. “Of course, accepting will ruin his wonderful plan and he will know pain because you got away. But…” “But what?” The old man asked. “You are not ready, not yet.” Balim said flatly. “For now I will give you this...as a taster.”

Balim leaned in and kissed him passionately. The old man closed his eyes, it seemed like it went on for an eternity. Worst of all he was enjoying it, once the sensation vanished he opened his eyes. The daemon was now gone, he looked around but his eyes came to his cane again. He reached for it and suddenly it shot to his hand. “W-What?” He bought the cane to himself, he looked down at it. He didn’t feel all that different, he got up from the bed but he felt slightly annoyed that Balim reigned back. From his understanding daemons never reign back when it’s likely someone will sell their soul. The old man touched his chest “I still have my soul...I just...Know it.” Balim said this was a taster, he wondered what else he had in store for him?

The old man did not have much time to dwell on that until his room door slid open, Alexandrel strode in. “What is it? Are you here to kill me?” The Soulless shook his head. “Oh no! I just had idea though…” The old man wasn’t sure if this was a good or bad thing, he knew that this astartes was an unpredictable individual. The space marine pointed at him. “You will be my helm bearer.” “Excuse me?” “All you will do is walk with me around the ship and carry my helmet. Here! Catch it!” Alexandrel unhooked the helmet from his belt and threw it over to him. The old man reached out and caught it with one hand, that one fact surprised him. He barely had the strength to lift anything, he suspected this was part of the taster. He held the helmet up slightly. “I assume we are going somewhere then?” The Soulless nodded. “Indeed we are! Our leader wishes for all the squads to gather in his chamber and as helm bearer you are coming along!” The old man groaned in annoyance, he knew he was trapped. Alexandrel will not budge on this. “Fine...let’s go then.” The Soulless clapped with happiness but then he turned serious. “When we arrive in our leader’s chamber don’t say a word.” “Why not?” “Because he might obliterate you.” Alexandrel said flatly.

The old man then wondered if Balim simply wanted to increase his own personal suffering. Even so he was curious to see who the leader of this warband was

Chapter 5
Aamon stood in front of the grand golden doors that lead to their leader’s chamber. The other squads were present but as always those under him are late. He sent out a communication for everyone to gather here ages ago and it does not help Angelos kept reminding him that his squad was missing. “So are you by yourself Aamon?” Angelos voice was dripping with contempt for him. He chose not to rise to the provocation, he grunted and kept his eyes on to door. It was obvious the 2nd squad leader disliked the fact he ignored him, he would revel in him being upset but he was not like the rest of them. He had no desire to drown in any sort of pleasure, for to do so would give the head of this warband something to exploit which Aamon wanted to avoid. It’s why he has none of his thralls are with him, most among the warband have their favoured slaves carry their wargear while they walk around the ship. But he prefers to minimise the corruption that his thralls may encounter. He desires to have people to rely on, if he was being honest with himself he trusts Ashi and the members of his thorn far more than his squad.

Thinking of them that was when he heard foosteps, he turned to see his squad have now arrived. Aamon walked up to them, he clenched his hand. “All of you are late.” Efron shook his head. “I got distracted...I was in the middle of a son-” “Save the excuses!” Aamon shouted. Salazar raised his hand “you are aware how long it takes for me to get ready? Plus I had to walk at a pace where my helm bearer can keep up.” He gestured to the female who was surrounded by other slaves. Aamon recognised her, she was the soldier who tried to run when they were moving the slaves. Now to a mortal she was picture of beauty, her most striking feature was her long flowing dark hair that has now been dyed white. Her hands were trembling as she held Salazar’s helmet. Aamon diverted his eyes back to Salazar. “I don’t care. You’re still late, how about spend less time doing your hair and focus on something important?” Zayden then mumbled, he lowered his head. “I am sorry that I am late, I have no excuses.” His admittance of his failure was a surprise, despite whatever vices Zayden possibly gets up to he was the most reliable among the 1st squad.

Finally he bought his eyes to Thalis and Alexandrel, strangely the Soulless had a helm bearer, it was the old man who he claimed after the raid. Still it was strange to see the mortal carrying the helm, someone that ancient shouldn’t have the strength to lift such a thing. He grunted as his eyes fell back upon the two members of squad. “Do I need to ask?” Thalis rubbed his neck like he was holding some back. “I...Wel-” “We were summoning a daemon, you contacted us on the way back and as you know it takes time to return from the lower levels.” said Alexandrel. At the mention of daemon summoning every single astartes looked over to them, they stared at the Soulless.

Aamon felt his anger flare, he wanted to draw his blade and remove Alexandrel’s head. Instead he contained himself, he creased in his brow in frustration. “Can I ask why you summoned a daemon?” Asked Aamon. The Soulless blankly looked at him like he was asking a stupid question, he simply reached into his pouch and pulled out a nutrient bar. He slowly unwrapped it and began eating. The seconds ticked away and the only thing he could hear was Alexandrel’s chewing. “You are not going to answer the question?” Aamon said firmly. His hand fell from his face to his blade handle, as he gripped it he was about to draw his blade to attack the Soulless, but he froze as the chewing stopped. Aamon caught a hint of Alexandrel’s eyes under his hair, they were shimmering. The slits tightened, that was when he realised that the Soulless was daring him to attack. He wanted him to attempt to strike him, a smile slowly graced the face the Soulless. Aamon tensed, just for a moment. That was when he felt a cold blade on his neck. Aamon looked down to it and then to Alexandrel, he was still gripping the bar but his other hand held the blade that was now on his neck. Sweat started to build around his brow, Aamon blinked, he heard a click and the Soulless was now simply standing there like he was before, eating his nutrient bar.

Thalis raised his eyebrow “Aamon are you okay? You’re sweating.” Aamon took a deep breath and exhaled. As he removed his hand from the handle of his blade it was shaking, he clenched it tightly to keep others from noticing it. “I think he is just weary from the raid Thalis.” The Soulless chuckled as he spoke. Aamon then remembered what sort of monster he invited into his squad, it was necessary at the time since many sought to outright kill him in the past. Recruiting the Soulless as the first member of his squad changed that. Aamon turned away from them. “It’s nothing, don’t be late again.” Facing the doors again that was when it slowly opened.

A gush of purple mist rushed out tearing the other squad members eyes from them. Those who were wearing helmets tore them off to breathe the mist in. Groans and sighs of pleasure graced Aamon’s ears. Even members of his own squad were drawn in and strangely whenever this happens Alexandrel frowns. He wondered what the Soulless disapproved of? He was just like the rest of the degenerates on this ship.

Aamon simply could not help but grunt in annoyance to this, he spared a glance to the morals with his squad. The female was not reacting well and the old man seemed unaffected, he hoped that neither would embarrass him within the chamber. “The Great Arzin will see you now.” Aamon looked back to the doors to see Adonis standing there. The champion gestured them inside. “Come do not keep our lord waiting any longer.”

Everyone strode into chamber, Adonis lead them. The champion of the warband then knelt before a grand bed. That was when the giggling entered Aamon’s ears. Handmaidens danced around their lord’s large bed adjusting the pillows, sheets and flesh drapes that lined the walls. Nested on the bed was a great daemon with black angelic wings, his pale pink body was lined with gold piercings and he wore nothing save a pink loincloth.

Adonis raised his hands up in worship to the daemon. “My great Black Angel...your warriors are here.” Arzin’s tail lashed in the air and his purple eyes swept over all of them. +Well done all of you.+ Aamon winced at the daemon’s voice. It would shift to sound of cracking glass and then his words would drip slowly into your ear like honey. +So many slaves have been gathered…+ the daemon purred. +Adonis even gave me a fine meal! But…+ The creature rose from the bed, the handmaidens scattered. Arzin passed Adonis he then stood over his squad. Aamon knew what this was about, he frowned slightly. +My Princes of Arrogance gathered the least amount of slaves...I expected more…+ The daemon prince leaned down to his face. Aamon’s nose was being overpowered by the musk, but he has faced and bartered with worse beings than Arzin. +Explain yourself.+

Aamon nodded, he could see the other squads were eager to see him die. But if the Corruptor desired such a thing he would be dead already. “The Aeldari harried us constantly, we did not get much opportunity to gather slaves...my lord.” The lean creature nodded in agreement. +Yes but do you know why?+ “No I do not.” His gaze then shifted to the Soulless and the old man who carried his helm. +The xenos didn’t want my dear Alexandrel to meet with his new pet. I learned that much after I devoured the gifts Adonis gave me. So tell me my prince do you see something I don’t?+ Aamon shook his head, so far he could tell Alexandrel received the worst and most useless slave of the bunch. But in his experience appearances can be deceiving. “So he’s not just an old man then?”

Arzin’s gaze shifted to Alexandrel’s slave. +Both yes and no, looking at the slave I can smell Fulgrim’s fragrance upon him.+ At the mention of the third legion primarch the room broke into a sense of hysteria. Thalis cursed behind him due to the fact that Alexandrel may of acquired the best slave. Now everyone was eyeing the old man hungrily. “Back off.” The voice cut through the murmurs and shouts. Eyes were now in the Soulless. Aamon wished he could just vanish, Alexandrel always does something to provoke the warband. “None of you will dare to touch the old man, he’s mine.” He then pointed at their leader. “The same goes for you.” Adonis rose and faced them, he readied his spear. “How dare you! I will kill you fo-” +Silence!+ The champion dropped to his knee. +Adonis do not presume to think you know what offends me.+ Arzin then pointed at the Soulless. +I own you, all you own belongs to me as well. I may entertain your nonsense since it amuses me but do not forget your place Soulless.+ Alexandrel then bared his fangs at the daemon. “He’s mine!” He hissed.

The old man was now looking at the daemon and to his master, he was panicking. Aamon wondered if he should intervene? But if the daemon kills the Soulless that was one less problem he had to deal with. His presence was useful in the past, but not anymore. Aamon smirked “Alexandrel watch yourself. Don’t forget w-” “Shut up Aamon!” He barked. “What’s mine is mine, not even a daemon prince will get in the way of that!” He drew his blade and pointed it at Arzin, now everyone was gasping and taking steps back from the Soulless. Aamon even found himself doing the same thing. The Corruptor smiled at Alexandrel, he then broke into a great laugh and began walking back to his bed as he sat down he stroked his chin. +This is why I like you Soulless, a creature of pure impulse, lust and greed. You may keep him.+ The Soulless sheathed his blade, he still seemed annoyed but he didn’t look ready to kill someone anymore.

Yet now the Soulless had created a gulf, Aamon took the opportunity. “I can’t overlook this Alexandrel.” His squadmate regarded him, he shook his head while chuckling. “What are you going to do?” “I am going to this.” Aamon pointed at him. “I am expelling you from my squad, you may have not offended our lord but you have embarrassed me. You are not 1st squad material.” Aamon faced Arzin. “Do you have any problem with my decision my lord?” +No, do as you will.+ The daemon prince was grinning at him, but he didn’t care. A problem has now been removed.

Alexandrel nodded “alright, may I go Arzin? Afterall I am squadless.” The Corruptor gestured him out of the room and the Soulless simply left with his slave. The other squads were now looking at the Soulless as simple prey. He could even see the squad leaders calling in favours, most likely to end Alexandrel’s life.

Aamon smiled to himself, he was now no longer his problem. For once in a long time he felt somewhat relaxed despite being in the presence of the daemon prince.

***
The old man shook his head, he didn’t understand the politics of this warband fully but he knew what happened in that chamber was bad. They are now isolated and without allies, Alexandrel did not even protest the decision. He looked up to the astartes “why?” he asked. The Soulless smiled “he will come crawling back to me just wait. Give it week or so, still acting all stropy worked.” “I-I don’t understand.” “I was getting bored you silly old man.” As Alexandrel uttered those words he wanted to sigh heavily, he should of expected this. When they made a corner three astartes were waiting for them. One came forward. “Lazaros wants you dead. If I kill you, he will let us join his squad.” The Soulless offered his hand out to the old man. “Helmet.” The old man handed it to him, as his enslaver took it the space marines before them drew blades. Alexandrel then placed his helmet on his head while chuckling. “It’s been awhile since I last did this…” The old man strangely felt the air change as Alexandrel placed his hands on both his blades. It was like the calm before a deadly storm.

The Soulless then unsheathed his weapons smoothly, soon as he dropped into a battle stance waves of killing intent poured from him like a tidal wave. The old man found it strangely hard to breathe, he staggered back slightly into someone. He looked up to see it’s Balim, he placed his hands on his shoulders. “Don’t look away.” “I-I don’t want to see.” The daemon smiled at him “are you afraid that he might kill you?” The old man could not help but slowly nod, yet hearing the first gurgling scream his eyes came back to the Soulless who was in a throwing motion. His second curved blade was protruding from the neck of the space marine who came forward. He was struggling to stay upright.

In but a few blinks Alexandrel was now in front of space marine he threw his blade at, the Soulless tore the blade free causing blood to spray across the walls. He then stepped forward to the second astartes who readied himself to guard. Alexandrel did not seek to bait him out of it nor did he consider what his opponent was going to do next. He simply bought his blade up and slashed downwards, hewing through the sword and leaving a great gash across the space marine who then tumbled to the floor. The last astartes didn’t even bother to fight, he simply ran. The Soulless simply threw his weapon again, the blade pierced the power pack of the fleeing astartes, Alexandrel then threw the second blade which impaled the enemy space marine’s right leg causing him to fall to the ground.

The Soulless started to laugh and strode up to the astartes on the floor. He removed the blade protruding from his back and started to stab him repeatedly. “He is avoiding his vitals, such is his skill.” Balim said warmly. The old man shook his head to this “How can he avoid them? He is stabbing randomly.” “To the normal eye he is, but each stab is slipping past his organs and considering the enhanced physiology of a space marine it will take awhile before he dies.” The old man frowned, he still wonders why he is attached to such a space marine? He knew he could not get away from him, nor will he kill him either. “This torment...never ends.” he said bitterly. “It can end.” Balim retorted. “Alexandrel does not know torment, he delivers it.”

Now Balim’s voice was like a whisper in his ear, his voice was now female. The old man can now feel her leaning next to his face. “Torment and suffering is such a wonderful thing, inflicting it upon others...To make them understand even a shred of what you feel. But only those who know true suffering can do it it properly.” The old man narrowed his eyes at Alexandrel who was now carving out the gene-seed of the space marine he was stabbing. “Alexandrel suffers? Impossible…” “He does, why do you think he is called Soulless? Living is painful, every waking moment he does not act upon his impulses are like hell to him. He might not be entirely wrong in the fact that he sees a possible...affinity with you.” “I’m not like him, I hate him.” “”Oh yes he hates you too, don’t mistake this kinship for affection, he has none to spare. What he is enjoys is the fact that his normal activities will be far more interesting if there is one extra who understands his vices.” The old man looked down slightly.

He could not believe he was in anyway similar to that...monster. Strangely he dwelled on that one fact, he compared Alexandrel to a monster. Yet...truthly he was a monster as well. One can’t simply wash away their sins and forget about them. It’s never that simple, even if he wished that was the case. “Hey.” The pressure of Balim holding his shoulders was suddenly gone, he looked up in confusion to see the Soulless holding out a small piece of red meat. He was not wearing his helmet, his mouth was matted with gore. “Are you okay?” Alexandrel asked. “You don’t care about me.” the old man spat.

The Soulless’ eyes glinted under hair, they seemed relaxed. He pushed the meat towards him “have a taste.” He said warmly. “N-No…I-I don’t want to.” The old man stammered, the space marine placed his other hand on his shoulder, holding him in place. He started to shove the meat in his face, the scent of blood overwhelmed him. What terrified him was the fact it did not smell revolting either. Alexandrel forced the meat into his mouth, as the flesh touched his tongue waves of flavour erupted across it. Alexandrel bought his hand back, he smiled showing this teeth. “See? Tastes good doesn’t it? Go on! Chew!” The old man didn’t want to admit it but it tasted so good. His mouth began to move, he chewed down on the piece of meat, while moving it around his mouth so he can absorb more of the flavour. After a few moments he swallowed. He felt the piece of meat moving down his body, as it hit his stomach a sense of vigour thrummed through his form. Alexandrel nodded in satisfaction and unclipped his helmet from his belt and offered it to him. “By the way, I have to tell you something.” The old man furrowed his brow as he took the helm. “What is it?” “The meat I gave you was a piece of an astartes heart. Since you are mortal you can’t really chew it, your teeth aren’t strong enough. So...I softened it up for you.”

The old man started to tremble, he didn’t like where he was going with this. “How exactly did you soften it?” “Well...I chewed on it for a bit.” When those words passed his lips the old man frowned at the Soulless. “You’re a bastard you know that?” “Thank you my dear slave, I am a wonderful bastard and I hope I can upset you more in the future.” The old man wanted to shout at him, he wanted to spit on the ground and it revolted him that he enjoyed eating the heart. He knew if he voiced his feelings Alexandrel will simply mock him. “Let’s just...go” he hissed. The space marine chuckled while giving a nod.”

Chapter 6
Aamon sighed heavily, he stared at the stacks of paper that sat on his desk. Each one was a challenge to him from other squads or members of said squads. Unlike the others he likes to control the entire thorn, the degenerates of this warband like to pick favourites among their squad’s respective thorn. Yet despite his annoyance every single challenge has to be answered. Deep down he knew he couldn’t get through all of the challenges, but ignoring them will mean that those who have a grievance with him can challenge him or his squad directly. He found it ironic that all of this happened soon as he ejected the Soulless from his squad. He didn’t want to admit that even now when he has secured a strong position in this warband it pained him to even think that Alexandrel was the one holding all of this back.

Aamon didn’t want to believe that everyone feared the Soulless this much. He grumbled and looked up to Ashi and her unit. Dilon was with her, his new thrall seemed unsure with that was happening but at the end of the day he’s a soldier. The purpose of soldiers was to die for a cause, he hoped that would not be the case tackling these challenges but he doesn’t have any choice but to respond. “Ashi, have all the units under you been sent out?” She nodded and placed her helmet on. “Aye, units two to ten have been sent out to meet their opponents.” “Good, I have picked out a challenge for your to answer.” He picked up a piece of paper from the top pile and offered it to Ashi. “This one is from Angelos, he seems upset that I ignored him when I was waiting for my foolish squad members.” The 1st thorn leader took the piece of paper and read it, she cursed after a moment. “The unit we are to face are waiting for us at the Circle of Flesh on the lower levels.” she almost sounded aghast but Aamon could understand her reaction “They wish to kill all of you before you get there. If the challenge has not been answered it will allow Angelos and his squad to face me directly as you well know.” Dilon then raised his hand. “M-My lord even if this supposed route is dangerous what are the chances that our enemy will be there when we arrive?”

Aamon folded his arms, since he was new this question was expected and he answered it every time a new thrall raises that specific query. “To break a challenge or rein back from it will invoke the wrath of our...leader. This whole system was his idea, if the unit Angelos has chosen does not show our leader will destroy him or worse.” Dilon nodded and lowered his hand, he gripped his new lasgun tightly. Aamon then swept his eyes over the 1st unit of his thorn. “Are there any more questions?” Ashi grinned showing her teeth. “I suspect not my lord, we must leave quickly. I am sure you are going to send us out again after we get back.”

As always Ashi knew his mind, it’s why she’s reliable. “If that’s the case you may leave.” said Aamon. The 1st unit left right away, but the problem was the area they are heading to. It was called the Circle of Flesh for a reason.

***
The old man coughed, the air within Alexandrel’s old chamber had a strange smell and taste. All of his slaves were in the process of cleaning the place up, the silk drapes and sofas were dusty and the walls were covered in dirt. None of this bothered the Soulless, the old man could see he was planning something. The reason why was because Alexandrel had him sat on the sofa within the longue, watching him throw knives while his daemonic servant swats them with her bladed fan.

Technically he should be helping the other slaves clean, his guess was the Soulless wished him to hear his thoughts. Why that was the case he had no idea. “Should be about the right time...” said Alexandrel. He threw a blade casually at the daemon, she caught the blade with her weapon and threw it back, the Soulless seized the returning blade with two fingers. They repeated this motion again and again. “You are going to send me out aren’t you?” Chershi said in amusement. “I am sending you out, since I am squadless I can do what I want. It’s down to the squad leaders and those who follow them to punish me. Which they won’t.” The old man frowned, he had a feeling this related to his old squad leader. The Soulless then smiled at him like he read his thoughts “Aamon is biting off more than he can chew. Plus I am sure Chershi wishes to grace those with eternal joy before she devours them.” As the blade came towards the daemon, she slapped it aside with her fan. “There is only one person I cannot give eternal joy to.” she hissed. The sheer amount of venom in her words surprised the old man, he wondered what sort of history these two share?

It’s known that daemons never truly serve others save the god they are tied to, he could not think of any sort of ritual that could bind a daemon into such a service. It was evident to him that Chershi was not plotting any sort of escape either. “She can’t escape.” The old man grimaced he knew Alexandrel was speaking to him even though his eyes were upon the daemon. “Quiverfang Crazefiend cannot and will never betray me. It’s arrogant boasts were it’s undoing.” Chershi shot towards the Soulless, she jumped and kicked him across the face causing the astartes to stagger back slightly. The daemon landed softly, her eyes shifted from green to black. Her voice became androgynous “You seek to humiliate me further? I know you creature…” Alexandrel licked the blood dripping from his lip, he began laughing at the daemon. “You are too frightened to try again!” He strode over and leaned his head slightly down to it. “We can try...right here...right now.” The old man could see the daemon trembling, he wasn’t sure if it was anger or resisting the urge to do whatever heinous act was swimming with it’s daemonic mind.

He watched the daemon breathe in and then exhale, the Soulless then leaned back a frown tucking at this lips. “How disappointing.” The old man could see Chershi was steadily returning to normal, she opened her fan and fluttered it over her face. “How many of them do you want dead?” she asked smoothly. “All of them.” Alexandrel responded firmly to the question. The daemon simply walked away and left the chamber.

Now alone with the Soulless the old man shook his head. “Why am I here? I should be cleaning.” “Oh yes...right I wanted to speak with you.” Alexandrel walked over, he sat down next to him. “So what do you think of the galaxy old man?” “I...don’t think much of it anymore.” “Why?” “What else is there to say? It’s a hellhole.” “It’s a hellhole of our own making.” Alexandrel sighed. “It’s an evil place where evil people do terrible things to one another. The difference is whether you enjoy it or not.”

The old man narrowed his eyes at the space marine, he knew where he was going with this conversation. “Save it. I don’t want to hear it from you.” All he got was a cold chuckle in return to him pushing back. The Soulless smiled “Fine, I will leave our conversation at this. I will never judge you.” The old man’s heart skipped a beat, he gritted his teeth. “You think I am lying?” The old man said nothing, he wanted to push whatever emotion he was feeling now to the furthest pits within his heart but Alexandrel kept talking. “So many people judged you for the pain you caused, the ruination you bought. I say this with my whole heart I will never judge you, not even for a moment. If you ever bought glorious destruction to this place I will thank you for it, if you ever decide to kill all my slaves and bathe in their blood? I would like to actually join you. If you have decide to attempt to kill me? I will relish our dance.”

Alexandrel then rose from the sofa and walked away. Once he vanished into the corridor that was when the old man tensed up. He knew of an astartes who would make people abandon reason, but there was difference between him and Alexandrel. The Soulless has no chains, no goals, no dreams or hopes. Such things temper people, keep them somewhat sane. He had none of that, it was in that moment he accepted that Alexandrel holds a sea of evil and poison within his soul. This sea leaks out and given the opportunity he wants people to drink from those foul waters. “What’s wrong with being evil?” He groaned as he heard the voice, he shifted to where the Soulless was sitting. Balim had her legs crossed, she smiled warmly at him. The old man found it irritating how the creature swaps genders whenever it likes. “So you wish to make a point?” “I do, as I said what’s wrong with being evil?”

The question was foolish, he did not expect the daemon to understand. “There are plenty of reasons why it’s wrong to be evil.” said the old man. “Looking at my past sins, the destruction I left in my wake...Do you know sometimes I wish could go back to my manufactorum job?” “Why? You are still committing evil.” “How?” “Well you are making bullets for the imperium, said bullets were used to massacre civilians. They weren’t used in any war. I could list off every atrocity those bullets were used in, let me give you an example. Food riots broke out because a planetary governor was starving his people, the arbites killed all of them. Using the bullets your home planet made.” The old man clutched his cane. “There is a difference, I-” “have nothing to do with how it is used? You know evil succeeds when good men do nothing. There aren’t any good men left in this galaxy. I know because I wouldn’t be like this if there were pure souls in this galaxy. What people do is attach excuses to the evil they commit, greater, middling and lesser. In my eyes evil is evil, might as well own up to it.”

The old man listened, he hated that a part of him agreed with the monster. “We can be better.” he said bitterly. To him his words sounded like a lie, in a sense they are lies. There are many opportunities to be better, yet no one changes. Even the emperor’s son cannot reverse the superstition and the archaic practices of the imperium. Balim tapped her knee, she chuckled. “So you are slowly beginning to understand, mortals refuse to change. For example you could of spat out the meat as it entered your mouth but you refused. Your true nature took over.” The old man glared at the daemon “he shoved the meat into my mouth.” “That sounds like an excuse. You enjoyed eating it didn’t you? I doubt you would stop eating it if Alexandrel revealed he chewed on it as you ate.” He wanted to rebuke what she was saying to him, but he couldn’t for Balim was right.

The old man sighed “fine...you win. You are right, what do you want from me?” Balim rubbed her hands together “if you follow me to a table.” They sat up from the sofa and walked over to a table. Balim then summon a large black tome that was bound with silk ribbons, she placed it gently on the table and began to undo them. The daemon opened up the tome and flicked to the recent page. There was a list of names and underlines to write them upon. The old man grumbled “What am I signing for?” Balim nodded “a fair question. Signing this book will allow you to access to greater power. It will awaken your potential, so you can recover what you lost.” “What do I have to do in return for this power?” The old man asked. Balim in return answered his question smoothly “Slake your desires, that’s it.” “I will change signing this won’t I?” “Yes you will, things will come easier to you. Your old master stole much away from you, but with this you can begin a new path. Just...sign your name.” Balim summoned a quill with a pointed edge, sharp enough to pierce skin.

The old man took the writing tool and looked at the page, so many had long eloquent names and titles. He could feel his heart beating rapidly, Balim was now staring him down waiting for him to sign the book. “Will I become a monster?” asked the old man. “Yes, but you will feel no regret.” Balim responded warmly.

He frowned hearing that but at the same time it would nice. Not feeling regret, he imagined the self loathing would vanish as well. “I assume I prick myself with the quill?” Balim nodded to his question.

The old man did not waste any time, he stabbed the quill into his wrist causing him to wince. Blood dripped onto the pages but that didn’t seem to bother the creature. He bought the bloodied quill to a line and signed his name.

It was quick and easy, his name was far more simple compared to everyone else's in the book. “Asriel…” he said from weathered lips.



***
Dilon walked with his unit through the lower levels, he tried to push the whispers from his mind but no matter what prayer he said to himself it was unrelenting. He now even wears his rebreather, it helped minimized the sweet smell. It was only with looking around that he realised everyone in the squad were wearing their own gas-masks as well. His grip tightened on the lasgun, looking around he could see his squad’s armour were in garish colours but unlike the other heretics they did not wear skins, furs or other obscenities. Now he could see the colour change again was most likely for survival. He looked down to himself, his flak armour was still in the colours of the Griliv regiment, brown mixed with grey. He had no desire to change the colours but he would have to if he wants to survive.

Dilon strode up to Ashi “so how close are we to the Circle of Flesh?” She turned her head slightly to him, her eyes told him that it would not be a good idea to describe it. “Let’s just say Dilon it’s better not to ask any questions. Keep your mind focused and clear.” Ashi said flatly. He decided to follow her orders, he returned to his original position and kept quiet. He returned to his prayers, reciting the words within his mind until they came across people sitting on the sides of the hallways. Some were injecting narcotics into their system crying for Slaanesh, saying that name in his head and even hearing it caused a small chill to run down his spine.

He decided to keep his eyes forward, as Ashi said focus, he needed to clear his mind of distractions. They passed by the heretics, the hallway eventually turned empty and now he allowed himself to relax. But that only happened for a brief moment as the sound of a squish entered his ears. He looked down to see he was now walking on pale flesh, actual flesh. “Don’t look to the walls! It’s only one way from here!” Ashi shouted.

He cursed and kept his eyes downward, Dilon wondered what could be worse than staring at flesh? His heart shuddered in terror as he kept his eyes down. He prayed, he prayed with all his might but it was cut short as he heard a scream behind him. He looked back to see the walls were lined with bare androgynous forms. Pale lean hands were reaching out brushing faces and shoulders of those too close to the wall. The one who was screaming was being dragged towards one of the creatures. His screams were slowing dying away as the limbs were tearing off his gear and finally once they were face to face his squad member said that they were beautiful. The creature then transformed into supple lips with pink lipstick and pearly white teeth.

The mouth opened and consumed half of the soldier, but his legs were wiggling still as the mouth was slowing sucking him in. All Dilon could hear was muffled screams of rapture until his squadmate vanished, spittle was lining the mouth, it then licked it’s lips as it transformed back into the androgynous creature who beckoned him to towards it. Dilon soiled himself, he tried to resist being drawn in, but he found it so beautiful. His body was awash with strange desires and sensations he couldn’t help but feel.

He felt the hands touching his side he was about to turn to the one touching him until he saw a red flash consuming his vision and then a shrill fenime scream. The hands were now ash, he turned to the source of the las-shot. He was about to shout at the fool for destroying the wonderful creature, but a hand was coming towards his face. Ashi slapped him hard “Focus!” she ordered.

Dilon shook his head, he felt the sting across his face and the sensation of his rebreather sitting awkwardly on his face. Ashi ran onward, Dilon trembled for a moment and followed as well. He started running, keeping his eyes down. He scampered through the prayers in his mind, trying to dismiss the hands touching him. Now the beckoning turned desperate, the groans and sighs around him reached almost deafening levels. With the increase of pitch the wails of those in his unit erupted behind him.

Dilon now closed his eyes, his teeth chattered and as they slid close the creatures started to call out his name. +Dilon! Dilon! Please come to me! Let me love you!+ “No!” he roared back. He began to be battered with visions of seeing himself being pushed through the guts of the ship fleshy ship, voices told him he would know eternal pleasure. His every waking moment will be full of rapture and the creatures can show him true love. He started to scream, Dilon tripped and fell to the ground but instead of crashing onto flesh it was cold metal.

He slowly opened his eyes and looked up to see he was before Ashi who offered her hand. “So you made it.” Dilon took it, Ashi helped him up but he still felt...wobbly. Dilon’s stomach lurched as he saw flashes of the creatures. He tore off his gas-mask and voided his bowels onto the ground. Ashi was quick enough to step back but she was nodding in almost approval. “That’s the correct reaction. You think they look nice, even desirable but they are twisted mockery of the human form.” Dilon wiped his mouth and slowly nodded, thinking of them now filled him with revulsion. “D-Do we have to go back that way?” he asked. Ashi shook her head. “Yes and no, going back the way we came those...monsters are no longer there. Aamon tells me it’s the ship itself trying to seduce people that’s what we saw.” “Seduce!?” Dilon exclaimed. “Well yes, the ship is...technically alive in a sense.” “Is it the machine spirit? Is it malfunctioning or corrupted?” He could see Ashi was holding something back, she frowned at him. “Some truths are better not said, not yet. I will tell you when we get back.” She then made a counting motion with her finger, like she was pointing at people behind him. “Now...this isn’t good.” “What do you mean?” asked Dilon. “Look back and see.” Ashi seemed deflated as she spoke, Dilon turned to see they lost more than half their number. His heart sank “I...didn’t notice.” “There’s nothing you could of done.” said Ashi. “Now let’s get moving.”

They all fell in behind in behind their unit leader, they eventually arrived at a circular area. He spotted a group of people in similar armour to his unit but instead they wore flesh over their armour. Some had piercings lining their face and others wore white pelts. Ashi had them stop a few paces away. “We are here for the challenge! I am Ashi! 1st Thorn leader and 1st unit leader!” Ashi shouted. Dilon gripped his lasgun, the leader of their opponents came forward.

He was not wearing flak armour but his body and arms were covered in black leather that was hooked into his skin, his veins pulsed purple across his pale flesh. He pointed his lasgun at Ashi, then lowered it while chuckling. “Arim of the 2nd thorn, 3rd unit. Seems the first squad leader sent his best for this. Makes sense since the impure have trouble getting past the Circle of Flesh.” Dilon could see that Arim was assessing their number, he grinned at them. “See if you all of became pure, you could enjoy the vice the ship provides and move on. But since you resit it falls into a frenzy, grasping at the souls who do not know the touch of the dark prince.” Ashi narrowed her eyes at Arim. “So your whole squad partook then? You’re disgusting, all of you are.” Arim shrugged back “deceny is but a chain. Since you kept to it you lost more than half of your squad.” Dilon watched the back forth, he just wanted this to be over he could still taste the bile in his mouth.

Ashi shook her head “I am done talking, let’s get this over with.” Everyone raised weapons, soon as the first las-shot cut through the air the whole area was consumed by red light. Dilon decided instead of firing it was better to move, they were in an open space. The lasgun lacks kick-back compared to a solid projectile weapon, he noted Ashi had the same idea.

Yet for some reason their squad was standing in place or too slow to move. They were cut down by the las-fire from the 3rd unit. Ashi cursed “they must of been still affected by the circle!” His unit leader let loose a few shots dropping two members of the enemy squad. Arim and his squad reacted right away they were abnormally fast. Somehow they danced through the rest of the las-fire Ashi was leveling at them while returning shots towards them.

Dilon had to dive to the floor to avoid being shot. As he hit the ground he fired felling one of the the heretics. Ashi was not so fortunate as a shot grazed her arm and leg causing her to drop to one knee. Arim started laughing “you are outnumbered!” He began advancing towards them, but Arim was focused on Ashi.

He watched the 3rd unit adjust the settings on their weapons, at most it would cause very minor burns. Arim started to rapid fire at Ashi, the las energy gashed her armour but burned through fabric, one by one each member of the 3rd unit started to join in. Ashi started to scream, but it was muffled by her gas-mask. Dilon froze, he didn’t know what to do or think.

He was helpless, he knew that if he moved and brought their attention to him he would be dead, yet looking at Ashi it was obvious his death wouldn’t be quick. He buried his head into the metal floor, he wondered what did he do to deserve this? How did he end up on a heretic ship? Forced to run a gauntlet through a hall filled with disgusting perversity and fight the battles of a space marine? A space marine who may actually be a traitor this whole time. He was about to submit to fate until he heard a large groan, the las-fired stopped. “We are blessed!” Arim cried out.

The screams of adulation continued even as he caught the sound of wet crunches. The shrieks were full of rapture and cheering. “P-Praise! T-The dark prince!” Arim cried out, another crunch caused Arim to cry out. He begged for more, he wanted to be devoured slowly. Dilon wet himself again as tears fell from his face. He kept his head down. He didn’t want to see whatever was there, even as the blood belonging to the 3rd unit started to pool under his arms, smearing his face.

The crunching along with the cries of pleasure lasted for several minutes until eventually there was silence. Now he felt someone breathing on his back, whatever it was he could tell it was large. A heedy musk started to fill his nose as a long talon was brushed up and down his back. The creature then stopped and he felt someone tapped his head. “It’s safe now.”

Dilon slowly looked up, he was trembling as he saw an alien before him. She was sitting sideways in front of him. At this point he didn’t care if she was a alien if she saved them. “I-Is it over?” Dilon stammered. Her green eyes shimmered slightly “yes it is.” The Aeldari petted his head gently “I wonder why the Soulless wants me to do this? But who knows what goes in that head of his?”

The alien stood upright, the blood that stained the ground seem to burn away at her presence. “Now I must be going, I have many more stops to go.” She began to walk away and strangely he watched her leave. He was always taught to hate the alien but he was somewhat thankful that she saved them. He slowly got up and and ran over to Ashi who was on her back, burn wounds covered her body.

Dilon cursed and hefted her over his shoulder. “I-I have to head back.” He looked back to the hallway they came from. He felt apprehensive but Ashi said it should be safe going back. He wouldn’t allow fear to stop him this time, Ashi deserves to live.

Really enjoying how the new recruits make a contrast with asriel, a great foil. If you were to compare asriel's new power to when he fought taurus to a standstill where would you place it?

 Dayknight wrote:

Really enjoying how the new recruits make a contrast with asriel, a great foil. If you were to compare asriel's new power to when he fought taurus to a standstill where would you place it?

He is actually weaker, I will get to that soon.

Chapter 7
Adonis kept his head lowered as he knelt before the great Arzin, he does not even allow his own squad to share this moment. He was his voice, his guardian and executioner. He recalled that fateful time when his captain ascended, yet he chose stay with the warband. He chose to stay so they all could bask in his glory, The Black Angel made this warband stronger and beautiful. He was eternally thankful for that.

Adonis breathed in the musk that claimed the room, even his fragrance sparks the mind and sets it alight. +Adonis.+ As his named was called he looked up. “What is your will my liege?” Arzin was lounging on his grand bed, swaying his tail in a relaxed manner. +What do you think the Soulless is doing?+ At the mention of the thin blood he tensed, he didn’t want his disgust to show. “I try not to think of him.” +Why?+ Adonis looked down slightly, he gritted his teeth. +Is this jealousy I see?+ His eyes quickly returned to the daemon prince as he made that statement. “No! Never! He is a mad beast who does not understand elegance or his place. How can I be jealous of that?” +Hmmm….+ Arzin scratched his cheek with his claw +very well I accept your answer, allow me to elaborate on my first question.+ The Sinful lord gracefully got off his bed and began walking around his grand chamber. He approached one of the drapes made of flesh and brushed the back of his hand against it. +He has his pet slaughtering Angelos’ entire thorn. He has already called back his first unit, right now even Lazaros’ thorn is faring no better. If Alexandrel returns to his squad the Princes of Arrogance will be in a position of power.+

Adonis listened and he was relishing what might be coming next, he hoped, he prayed that his lord will give the order. Yet his black eyes fell upon him, Arzin shook his head. +I don’t want Alexandrel dead, I desire to keep Aamon under my thumb.+ “He is not one of us.” Adonis said firmly. +I know but he is useful, for one he can control the Soulless. I enjoy his games, his bouts of randomness but only he can make Alexandrel productive.+ “Yet Aamon ejected a powerful weapon from his squad.” +It’s no surprise, he thinks he doesn’t need him.+ He watched Arzin return to his bed, but this time he sat in front of him. +Alexandrel needs no one. What drew the Soulless to Aamon in the first place? That is my question, the conundrum I ponder as the days go by.+ “Perhaps Alexandrel seeks to use Aamon to kill you?” His lord’s safety was his concern, as all know the Soulless acts on his impulses. What if one day he desires to kill his lord? The Black Angel laughed, Adonis knew that he could read his thoughts but he let this one flow all the same. +If the Soulless wanted to kill me he would do it himself, he’s not a coward.+ Despite his hatred for the upstart he had to agree. “Maybe...he seeks to corrupt Aamon?” the thought just came out of his mouth, but Arzin’s eyes went wide. +Wait...why didn’t I consider that?+ The daemon smiled +It makes sense! Oh how I adore your black mind!+

At the mention of adore Adonis shifted, he shook his head. “My lord it’s only a guess.” +It is but a good one at that, the Soulless see’s something to be conquered. A man who resits who he is…+ Now the daemon prince began stroking his chin, after moment he removed his hand from his face and opened his palm. He summoned an image of a world. +This is Highsivar a cardinal world. It holds a great metropolis called Axiam. We are attacking this planet next, it’s piety sickens me. Also how the populace conforms to their chains is a great heresy that shall be corrected.+ “I assume attacking this world has something to do with corrupting Aamon?” +Yes. This will be the start of a long plan. The other squads need slaves to replace the soldiers they lost. Allowing Aamon to have a position of strength will keep him from falling, he cannot feel safe on this ship. I will not allow it. So go, go and relay my order to shipmaster Akris.+

Adonis rose and bowed before the daemon prince. “Your wish is my command my lord.”

***
Aamon held up the pieces of paper, each one was burning away with a pink flame which meant his forces were winning, but there was an issue. Every single challenge held that colour, if it was a loss the flames would be black. Why this happens he has no idea, Arzin told him what each flame meant but the daemon had no hand in burning the paper. At most he could only assume the ship itself was watching the ritual combat with glee.

Aamon then sighed and eyed his chamber door as the injured continued stagger in, the room was filled with members of his thorn. Each one was being tended by a medicae, his chamber was now essentially a makeshift triage. Men and women were laid out on white sheets, others were sat in the corners and some were mumbling to themselves, their minds broken by the thing that supposedly saved them. It was strange that every story was the same, a great daemon intervened and annihilated their opposition. The creature was described to be lean and a blur of genders, it also had finely toned muscles and a monstrous face wrapped with four lines of leather.

Aamon looked over to Dilon who was sitting over the unconscious form of Ashi, he looked depressed but he was the only one who told him a different story. A aeldari came and saved them, more surprising was the fact the mortal told him that she devoured the unit they were facing. However he might of still seen a daemon, Dilon most likely has no idea what a daemon even is considering he is a guardsmen. He might of perhaps rationalized that the creature was an alien or picked an enemy he has faced in the past.

He sighed and threw aside the burning paper, he strode over to Dilon who looked up at him. “D-Do you need something my lord?” “I do.” he replied. “I wish for you to describe this alien to me.” His thrall rubbed his neck, he then cast his head down slightly. “She had green eyes, her features were aqualine, even hawkish. She also wore a purple dress...I think.” “You think?” Aamon said firmly. Dilon shook his head “No! I...I just don’t want to think about it. I-I-I...” Aamon grumbled he gestured to silence the thrall, the thrall got the hint and closed his mouth.


He then turned away from him and began to stroke his chin. He could only assume that the Soulless was most likely involved, this situation ended highly in his favour. Thinking of the madman it then clicked, he said he summoned a daemon. It’s likely the daemon he summoned was used to aid him. Plus the description Dilon gave matches his Drukhari slave. She was most likely keeping an eye on things.

Now the question was how should he approach this issue? His mind started to run through possible plans, he could confront him directly but it was likely he would not get a straight answer. On the other hand he could use this opportunity to solidify his position in the warband, right now the 2nd and 3rd squad have been disgraced. He could use that to pull astartes away from them and build up his own powerbase. “Announcement to ship crew.” The shipmaster’s voice crackled on the ship wide vox, Aamon frowned he knew what this meant. “We are making a course for Lastrisis sector. Our glorious lord has chosen a new planet for us to raid. Praise Arzin’s name! Ave Slaanesh!” The vox clicked off. As the sounds of pained moans returned Aamon could see his thorn shuddering or even vomiting. Most likely the utterance of the name of the foul deity affected some of them and the added fact of seeing a daemon does not help either.

In the end the announcement was ill-timed, Aamon found it convenient that just as the 2nd and 3rd squad lost most of their human forces they are now raiding another world. He should of suspected as much. Arzin was likely watching everyone’s movements in the warband.

In the end he now only had one course, Alexandrel must return to his squad. He can’t face another situation like this again, next time he wouldn’t be as lucky. He could feel it in his bones.

***
Alexandrel yawned as he walked down the corridor, he felt the nagging sensation to do something, anything. He cocked his head slightly as he thought of the old man, he wondered if Balim has left or not? “No…” he said out loud. He could sense that the old creature was changing, he devoured the heart. It was just a spur of the moment, one that he will try to forget but such vices linger forever in a heart. He pondered that subject as he finally reached the door leading into the longue.

Walking into the chamber he expected to see the shriveled mortal sitting on the sofa but instead he saw a young man. His black hair was now braided, his face did not even hold a single wrinkle or blemish. Their gazes met and his brown eyes seemed...distant. The young man rose from the sofa, he still used a cane to walk whether it was out of habit he was not sure. Standing face to face the Soulless smiled. “Look at you...all young. You seem far more fresh compared to the last time I saw you.” The young man blankly stared at him and brought up his hand. “I want your knife, give it to me.” Alexandrel chuckled “making demands already?” “I said I want your knife.” the young man repeated.

The Soulless gladly gave up his combat knife, he placed it in the hand of his slave. The mortal gripped the blade and bought it to himself. “What are you going to do with it?” Alexandrel asked. The young man said nothing as he gently slit his throat, the knife then fell from his hands as he stumbled to the ground.

The Soulless watched this with a modicum of interest, he walked to his side and knelt. “You slit your own throat without hesitation.” Alexandrel dug a finger into the wound, the young man spasmed but he did not scream, not even a gurgle came from his lips. The Soulless moved his finger around the wound “have you grown tired of me? Are you tired of being here?” The young man did not even move his mouth, but he dipped a finger into his blood and began writing something on the ground. Once he finished that was when his gaze turned absent, the luster from the young man’s eyes ebbed away.

Alexaxndrel removed his finger from the corpse and looked over to what he wrote, he smiled warmly. “Asriel, so we meet again.” “My lord?” The Soulless stood upright and turned to the voice. It was Garim. “What is it?” “D-Did you kill him?” Garim said in a excited manner. Alexandrel laughed slightly seeing his slave becoming hot and bothered. “Are you that jealous? Do you want me to kill you?” Garim said nothing but his eyes said yes, the Soulless’ smile drifted to a frown. “So needy aren’t you? Yet you don’t have the courage to voice it.” The mortal looked away from him, that said everything. “Say it Garim, ask me to kill you.” Now the slave was fidgeting, he breathed in and then out. He did this several times to calm himself down. “I don’t know what you mean my lord, shall I clean up the corpse for you?”

Alexandrel felt only disappointment to the slaves cowardice, he gestured him away. “Leave me, I will handle this.” “M-My lord, I ca-” “Go away.” the Soulless said firmly. The slave finally bowed and left the longue. Alexandrel then bought his eyes back to the corpse, he sat down on his bottom and grinned at Asriel. “When are you going to wake up?” he asked.

***
The flowers brushed against his legs as always, he could even feel the presence of the great daemon behind him. He turned to face the great Fulgrim, he seemed eager, ready to torment him. He didn’t even see the blades move, but they were now suddenly just inches from his face. He watched the perfectly sculpted face of the third legion primarch twist to show the ugliness that was hidden underneath his impeccable form. “Isn’t it depressing?” The young man said wistfully. “The great and powerful primarch cannot act...cannot move even though he sacrificed everything to obtain beauty and power.” Fulgrim said nothing, his fury began to cause the flowers to die. The blades were shaking like a strange force was pushing back or even holding the blades in place. “You know I don’t really care if I vanish here or if the dark prince allows you to suddenly torture me. I just...wanted to see.” He stared at his face, hoping to feel something. He tried to revel in the fact that he can’t do anything to him.

He thought he would feel throes of joy and pleasure but instead all he could feel was a strange coldness. This...did not satisfy him, he then realised this was petty. What use was there in revelling in the anger of a slave? A slave who does not recognise he was one. He turned away and began to walk through the fields of flowers. That was when the Phoenician started to screech. +Don’t you dare walk away from me! Don’t you dare!+ The young man did not look back, not even when the lord of the third’s blades were crashing down around him. Petals of flowers were kicked up in the air and with it came a wonderful fragrance, he enjoyed this minor pleasure as the sounds of blades upheaving dirt raged around him.

It was now that he felt a measure of joy even though Fulgrim was raging behind him. “I am Asriel, that is who I am. I traded and sacrificed much in return for the prosperity of others. I couldn’t help it. So I will walk away from my past, it’s buried now.” Speaking those words out loud made him feel better.

Asriel kept ignoring the daemon causing the creature’s rage to intensify. That was when his body started to break down into flower petals. He had no idea if that means he was going to die, if he was honest with himself he didn’t care. All he could feel was a sense of liberation, like shackles have fallen from his body.

He slowly looked back to get one more look at the Phoenician, just like before anger consumed it. He knew he was not in control here, the daemon could feel he was being held back. Asriel understood that to Fulgrim he was now a broken toy, one that was not working correctly. He smiled at this strangely even as his face was now breaking apart, he caught one last shout anger before darkness claimed him.

***
Aamon trudged through the lower levels with his squad, so far this journey was met with grunts of disapproval and whining, save Zayden all of them were acting like children. “Aamon.” Zayden walked to his side. “I would like to ask a question.” Aamon looked around, the hallways were dimly lit and was filled with the refuse and squalor of humans. “I know what you are going to ask, why is Alexandrel’s old room on the lower levels?” Zayden nodded. “Aye...the lower levels are disgusting.” As he mentioned the state of the lower levels mortals wearing black and purple robes surged out of the darkness. Each one was grubby, their face covered with grime and other obscenities. “Praise the great powers!” They cried out to them. Aamon drew his power sword to this display “Ready weapons.” he ordered.

This was the part he hated most about the lower levels, the fanaticism. The thralls who live on these levels worship them as holy angels or even demi-gods. They wish to touch them, breathe in their scent and even eat their flesh. Salazar tutted in disgust “I don’t want their blood on my armour.” Thalis laughed as he thumbed the activation rune on his chainsword. “You are such a priss do you know that?” Salazar gripped his blade with two hands while shaking his head. “I still don’t understand why we can’t shoot them!” “Ammunition, if all of you learned how to use your voice getting dirty wouldn’t be a problem.” Efron interjected.

Aamon frowned, Zayden simply sighed. The tide of bodies came into them, Aamon sliced the first mortal across his chest. The human cried in ecstasy that he was blessed soon as he hit the floor. What made it even worse that some of the crowd broke away and began tearing the man apart. They held up the body pieces shouting that the part was blessed by the angels and they began to devour it. Aamon simply shook his head and continued slaughtering his way through the crowd with his squad. Once the crowd started to thin eventually they understood they weren’t interested in blessing them, the mortals fled into the darkness.

Aamon sheathed his blade grunting in annoyance. “All of them are fools.” he whispered under his breath. “What are you doing!?” Salazar screeched. Aamon flicked back to see Thalis waving his chainsword at Salazar, the androgynous space marine was stepping back in what looks to be fear. “What’s the matter?” said Thalis. “You cover yourself in slaves blood all the time don’t you?” “It’s not the same!” Salazar spat. “It is the same.” Thalis retorted.

The apothecary started to wave the chainsword more erratically in Salazar’s direction. Zayden quickly got in the way as a few specks of blood flew towards the genderless astartes. The blood was mere trickles but Salazar breathed out a sigh of relief. “Why did you do that for!?” Thalis demanded. “We are here on a mission, while you are fooling around the Soulless can ambush us.” Zayden spoke smoothly, Aamon thought Thalis would not relent but suprisngly he lowered his chainsword. “Alright, alright I won’t tease our little king or queen depending on the mood of our brother.” The apothecary turned in his direction. “Aamon are you sure that you want to take Alexandrel back in?” The question was a good one, everyone’s eyes fell upon him and that meant all of them had the same thoughts. “I am, monsters are needed. If a monster such as Alexandrel can keep the plots of the other squads at bay I just have to suffer his presence.”

His answer seemed to calm his squad, Aamon pointed down the hallway. “Now let’s get moving.” They all continued the journey, Aamon then noticed the air changing. He wondered why the Soulless liked to live to close where the veil was thin. This was the only part of the lower levels his squad enjoyed. This place was part of the ship he most detested.

They were assaulted by flickering forms of the haindmaidens. They floating around them, claws were brushing against pauldrons and the whispers of daemons were constant. One approached him, like always they lie. +Did you enjoy betraying your brothers? I know you did...you felt powerful, strong and it was like a collar has been removed from your neck.+

Aamon desired to slice the apparition in half but his sword would phase right through it. So he tried his best to ignored it. The handmaiden shrieked at him. +Stop avoiding my prince! He loves you need only to accept it!+ He looked around to see if the others could hear the daemon shouting but it seems his squad were too absorb by the ghosts surronding them. Aamon faced the handmaiden. “What I have to show for my betrayal? We were scattered across time and space. Now I am trapped within a warband filled with hedonists.” +The Black Angel would never leak you location to them…+ the handmaiden said warmly. +He wants you to love slaanesh as well.+ “I will give you the answer I gave him. No. He has my skills, my service but I will not give up my soul. Now leave me.” The daemon hissed at him and vanished with a puff of pink smoke. Confusion graced his squad as the handmaidens left them as well. “Come back!” Thalis cried out. Aamon watched the apothecary grasp at the air, he could not help but grimace. He never wanted to end up like that, who could enjoy being a slave to sensation?

The journey continued and he knew they were close to Alexandrel’s room as the hallways became lined with iron spikes. Everyone save Efron winced seeing them, he remembered this was their first time here. “Sooo...what does he use the spikes for?” Thalis said out loud. It was evident the question was for him, he remembered the story the Soulless told him about them. “He tormented people with them.” They soon passed mortals who were wiggling on the iron spikes, the point was protruding from their mouths. The pain was evident on their faces, even worshippers of the snake-tongued god could not handle this. “On Alexandrel’s home world they would impale heretics upon them. They did not commit to the standard burning on a pyre, his people believed once you fell from the grace of the emperor there was no way to return to his light. So what better way to punish heretics than to impale them through the body? Through one hole and then out the other.” His whole squad slowly nodded, but Efron smiled. “Their pain here sings to the dark prince. It forms a beautiful song...who knew that the Soulless’ people were artists? Alexandrel has inherited their talent...even as an astartes.”

Aamon folded his arms the next part of the story was the one Arzin told him. “You aren’t wrong, according to our leader the dark god saw this and sang back to them. All form of human decency crumbled away, nobles formed pleasure palaces and engaged in heinous practices. Yet there was one young man who grew bored of all of the practices that consumed the world. He was the one who made the call to the Black Angel.” “W-Wait!” shouted Thalis. “I remember now! Don’t tell me he was part of that bunch!?” Aamon smiled strangely and continued speaking. “So our warband approached this world, it was already in the throes of the darkest god so why change it? Instead to Arzin’s surprise they offered their sons. He looked back slightly to see the apothecary shaking his head. “We drop hostilities with each other when it comes to recruitment. I remember the carrier Alexandrel was in was full of corpses.” Thalis said coldly. “Our leader should of been livid but he was impressed with the Soulless...I didn’t handle his operation to turn him into astartes though.”

That information was new to him, Aamon added the next part to the story. “According to the Black Angel he wove the gene-seed into him using his sorcery.” That statement caused uneasy frowns. “Whether that’s true or not who’s to say? The other squads have their own flesh crafters and apothecaries.” said Aamon. The rest of the journey was made in silence, they arrived at a set of double doors. They were silver and engraved upon it were images of a grand snake devouring a populace. Aamon was going to the knock but the door came back slightly, it was a crack and then came somewhat wide to reveal the Soulless.

The madman smiled at them showing his fangs. “Hey! How are all of you!” Not being able to see his eyes made it hard to discern what type of smile it was. Alexandrel stepped out into the hallway. “So what can I do for you Aamon?” Aamon cleared his throat and offered his hand. “I want you to rejoin 1st squad.” “Hmmmm.” Alexandrel cocked his head slightly, he then nodded. “If I am going to rejoin you how about we discuss this matter like last time?” “No!” Aamon shouted back. “Why do you have to make everything complicated!?”

The Soulless shrugged “here I am offering a warm bath...wine...and you are rejecting me. Before you accepted right away, or were you really that desperate back then?” At the mention of wine and bath. Salazar came forward. “Take the offer! I need to wash the filth of the lower levels off my form!” Thalis also nodded in agreement. “I don’t normally agree with our little prince but I am with him this time. Also wine, I like wine Aamon..” Efron walked up to the Soulless and pointed at a spike. “You must tell me how you did this, each scream is different and in pitch.” Alexandrel smiled at the noise marine “we can discuss that if Aamon takes my offer.”

Aamon wanted to shout at all of them, this was what the Soulless does as always. Zayden placed his hand on his shoulder. “I think we should just accept.” He knew Zayden was right, the squad would fragment over something as small as this. They were that superficial, Aamon stared at Alexandrel who was still in discussion with Efron, just for a moment he caught a hint of a smile from the Soulless. Aamon tried not to react to it, the monster knew what he was doing and he will not allow himself to fall for his bait. “Very well Alexandrel.” said Aamon. “I accept your offer.”

Right away the Soulless looked over in his direction, he gave a small clap of joy. “Good! I am glad you accepted…” He then gestured to the door “right this way my slaves will help you get ready….”


***
Asriel’s eyes fluttered open, he was lying on a bed. He squinted his eyes slightly, his vision was a blur but he could see someone standing over him. “So you’re awake.” Asriel blinked rapidly to clear his vision, he recognised the voice, he sat up and the one speaking to him took a step back. Asriel shifted himself to sit in front of the speaker, he rubbed his eyes and that was when his vision finally became clear. “Balim?” The daemon gave a swift bow, as he rose again he smiled at him. “So did you enjoy seeing the gilded prince be reminded of the rules our kind our bound by?” Asriel rubbed his neck slightly. “Not really, I thought I would feel something. Only as my body broke down was when I smiled.” “Good, the means you recognise your freedom on some level.” Balim said smoothly. “Now a piece of advice…” Balim folded his arms while frowning. “The desire to latch onto people is still there, the desire to work for another is still rooted within you. But if you feel that nudge of emotion...dismiss it.”

The daemon’s concerns was unfounded, he did not feel the need to create a family or to obey the Soulless’ wishes. “I don’t see myself ever doing things like that again.” Asriel said bitterly. In reaction to his words Balim shook his head. “That old emotion might come surging back. Unfortunately there was no one there to tell you to stop, people exploited your nature and it spiraled out of control. The wrong aspect of your personality was cultivated by vampires.” Asriel raised his eyebrow as Balim mentioned vampires, the daemon sensed his confusion and smiled at him. “Well they are vampires, soon as they saw your usefulness they were on you like a leech. Sucking out your blood like the greedy creatures they are, but they went a step further they broke open your bones and sucked out the marrow as well. Your old master did that literally.” “W-Wait...what did my old master do to me?” asked Asriel.

Balim reached out and touched his forehead, right away Asriel could hear the giggling of daemons and a scratching sound at the back of his hearing. “The sorcerer's you once served drained your favour, power and perhaps even developed talents. My kin are now being drawn to your potential. Since you have no favour you are now essentially fodder. My presence and perhaps the Soulless’ will keep them at bay if we are nearby, but your shouldn't count on that.” The daemon removed his finger from his forehead, the giggling and scratching sounds vanished. He thought his heart would sink at the fact he has to start again, but he strangely relished it. Now he could develop his talents for himself alone, Balim smiled he was most likely reading the expression on his face. The neverborn then turned away, he raised his finger and wagged it. “Now dear Asriel you sold your soul to my dark prince again...don’t disappoint him.”

Asriel was about to say something, hearing the name of the dark prince caused a wave of bitterness and anger to surge through his body. It was like acid but before a word left his mouth Balim vanished with a puff of black smoke. Now alone he sighed and willed himself to relax. He slowly looked over to his cane. He reached for it and focused, the wooden object shot to his hands. He stood up and looked around the chamber, it was smaller compared to his last one but he will make do. He has slept in rougher conditions.

Asriel then raised his free hand and began trying to move around the objects in the room, from chairs, to the chest of drawers and even his bed. He had to admit it was difficult to even do this, after a few minutes his head started to throb and blood began to trickle down one of his nose nostrils. Worse of all was the fact the giggling has returned, it was far louder this time. “They’re like vultures…” he hissed to himself. He returned all the objects to their original positions. He turned to his bed and now wondered how he got here? He recalled that he slit his throat in the longue and he doubted that the Soulless was altruistic enough to move him here. Thinking of him he smiled weakly. “No...he got bored of waiting for me.” Asriel then faced his room door, making his way to leave. “One of his slaves must of put me here. Most likely it was his orders.” He pressed the button to open his chamber door and walked out. Before he could even take a step slaves rushed past him, they were holding towels, bottles and glasses of wine.

Asriel wondered what was going on until Garim stopped in front of him, he was holding a bottle of wine and going by how he was sweating he seemed agitated. “You. Take this.” Garim shoved the bottle into his hand. “Now follow me.” His orders caused Asriel to frown, the desire to break and shatter his bones enveloped him, yet his curiosity was the stronger emotion. He decided to follow Garim and avoid destroying him utterly. +Do it.+ Said a voice.

The voice sounded similar to the giggling daemons, but it was a singular one. +Come on...tear him open...I can help.+ Asriel smiled slightly “lead the way Garim.” The daemon hissed and roared, it’s voice steadily turned distant once he started to follow the slave.

***
Aamon felt uncomfortable, all them were in the bath and each member of his squad were in discussion as they drank wine. So far he refused the thralls that walked around the edge of the circular pool, for one he did not know what was in the wine. He has seen simple mortals corrupted by beverages on this ship and considering this supposed drink was made for space marines he didn’t want to risk it.

He moved to end this gathering as quickly as possible. Aamon coughed roughly bringing everyone’s attention to him. “So Alexandrel I want you to rejoin my squad.” The Soulless gestured a wine glass to him. “How about we talk about that later? Just enjoy the wine.” He pointed at a slave “go, give my brother some of our homemade beverage.” A slaved walked over to his part of the pool, they were holding a tray which was covered with wine glasses and two bottles. The Thrall poured some of the wine into the glass and offered it to him. Aamon’s eyes darted from the glass to Alexandrel, he grimaced and slowly took it.

He then faced Alexandrel and gestured the glass to him. “My thanks.” The Soulless in return smiled to token gesture. “Go on drink!” The call made him wince, he looked down to the liquid to see it was a deep purple. He slowly bought the glass to his lips he could just make it look like he is drinking. Aamon moved the glass upwards and allowed the wine to touch his mouth. The sensation was like a lightning bolt through his body, his mind willed his lips to part so he could gouge on the liquid. He trembled slightly but he refused to commit, he refused to end up like the ones around him.

He lowered the glass from his face and wiped his mouth. “It tastes good.” he said weakly. Alexandrel nodded in approval, but catching a hint of his eyes he could see that he knew what he did. The question was why was the Soulless playing along with him? Aamon tried to return to the subject matter again, but as always Thalis has to open his big mouth. “Alexandrel I want to ask a question.” The Soulless shifted towards the apothecary. “What is it?” “Well...we talked about your origins on the way here. So I wanted to ask who handled your transition into an astartes?” The question was a good one, Aamon had to admit that much and he was curious about the answer as well. Everyone in the pool now had eyes on the Soulless who was now stroking his chin in contemplation. “Hmm...well it wasn’t by an apothecary I can tell you that much.”

Aamon hearts jumped he didn’t want a certain tale to be true but deep down he knew that was the answer Alexandrel was going to give. “Arzin gave me his geneseed and handled my transformation. He simply opened up a hole in his body and pulled them out.” The Soulless said flatly. Right away silence creeped into the room, Aamon did not know what to say to that. Efron was the first one to speak, he clapped in joy, spilling the wine into the pool water. “Praise the dark prince! You must be blessed!” Salazar in turn grunted “yet why do you look plain Alexandrel? You should look more like me then, the only person who I will admit looks more beautiful than me is our leader.” The Soulless shrugged “beats me...now I have a question.” Alexandrel’s gaze fell upon him, Aamon inwardly sighed. He knew he wasn’t going to like this. “Tell me Aamon, where are you from?”

Now everyone was looking at him with interest, the Soulless has put him on the spot now and if he refused that means he may not return to his squad. “I am not one of the third.” said Aamon. No one reacted to that comment, that knowledge was public. “I was...from a loyalist…L-” He stopped himself and continued speaking. “I am from a loyalist chapter, my home is gone. Shattered by the hubris of foolish men. That’s all I will say on the matter.” “Well...no wonder you aren’t like us.” The Soulless said warmly.

The warmth in his words was a surprise, like he was glad that he wasn’t like them. He didn’t have time to ponder what the meant until the bathroom door slid open. Two more slaves entered, one was carrying a bottle of wine. With their entrance Alexandrel raised his glass “more wine please!” In turn everyone did the same. The bald slave started barking orders at the young man, he seemed at least to be between eighteen to twenty years old. Aamon could see that the thrall being shouted at was trembling, like he was holding something back.

The young man walked over to the pool, he removed the lid on the wine and began serving it to his squad. When he reached Salazar the androgynous marine looked over to the Soulless. “Alexandrel you want to trade slaves? I like the one you have here.” “No.” The answer was quick from the Soulless held an edge of threat. Salazar pouted which was the normal reaction when Salazar could not get something he wanted.

The slave reached him, Aamon raised his hand “my glass is still rather full I am fine.” The young thrall nodded and moved on until he finally reached Alexandrel. He stood over the monster as he raised his glass to him, strangely the Soulless’ face was lined with a devilish smile. “You’re such a good slave you know that?” Alexandrel said coyly.

The young man’s eye twitched, Aamon sensed something bad was going to happen. The thrall smiled back, his one was just as cruel. “You’re also a wonderful master my lord.” He then poured the wine over the Soulless’ head. The whole squad gasped or eyes went wide with shock, strangely Aamon found himself grinning to this. Once the bottle was empty Alexandrel scratched his head slightly. “I am not sure how to feel about this….” Alexandrel said with confusion. The Soulless tapped his fingers on his lips “H-How should I feel?” For once to Aamon the Soulless was confused. Alexandrel then nodded and got out of the pool, he stood before the thrall who threw the bottle aside. Zayden shook his head to what was happening. “That slave is a dead man.” Efron nodded in agreement while scowling “he doesn’t know his place.”

Aamon didn’t comment he simply watched and to his surprise the Soulless hugged the thrall tightly and said. “Thank you.” “D-Don’t touch me!” The young man spat. The air changed, Aamon could taste brimstone and now the Soulless was flying through the air, across the pool and then crashed into the wall. When he slid to the ground, The Soulless coughed and got to one knee, he wiped the blood from his mouth.

Silence gripped the room again, Aamon looked back over to the thrall. His nose was bleeding profusely. “Take him!” Shouted one the slaves, right away they all piled upon the young man. He was kicking and screaming. Aamon quickly used the confusion as a chance to get rid of his wine by dumping it into the water, but now there was problem. Alexandrel might not rejoin his squad yet looking at the young man he saw an interesting weapon.

Chapter 8
He was strapped down to a chair, all of his clothes have been torn off. Even his head was held in place. Worst of all was the smell of blood which clogged up his nose. Being in this position would frighten anyone. Lesser souls would shudder in terror being held in this dimly lit chamber but Asriel strangely smiled. He enjoyed pouring the wine over Alexandrel’s head. It was just an impulse, one he obeyed. He hated his new “master” so he wanted to wound or embarrass him in some fashion in front of his squad. Asriel guessed that a part of him desired not to play his game. +He is going to kill you...the space marine will tear out your insides and feast upon them...let me help…+ The voice was different this time, masculine and firm.

Asriel grunted, the daemons were an annoyance. They try to tempt him constantly trying to find chinks in his armour. He decided to focus on the door, that would help show that he has no interest in what the neverborn has to say. +You can’t ignore me, I simply want to help. Together we will be powerful, we can make everyone kneel before us…+ His voice was now like a whisper in his ear. The creature was trying to entice him with promises of power. “You don’t know what I want.” Asriel said harshly. All he got in return was a sensuous laugh +you desire to dominate. You wish to step upon ev-+ the daemon did not get to finish. The door slid open and Alexandrel stepped in with his pet daemon. The daemon speaking to him screeched in anger, Asriel could hear footsteps like the creature was fleeing from something.

Asriel chuckled to himself, Balim was correct that Alexandrel’s presence can keep the voices at bay. Yet now there was another problem, the space marine was pushing a cart lined with torture tools. Both the astartes and the daemon stopped before him, but Alexandrel spoke up first. “Are you comfortable?” Asriel shifted in his seat, he knew what was coming so he tensed to prepare himself. He watched Alexandrel move to his side, he started cleaning a small knife with a cloth. “I am going to torture you.” the Soulless said curtly.

The statement was clear and direct, Asriel frowned. “So you are upset about what I did? Why did you thank me then?” “You are not being punished.” This time it was Chershi speaking, she fluttered her fan. “His slaves think he is punishing you though.” Alexandrel twisted to her he sighed heavily. “Why did you tell him!” “I see no reason to keep such a detail from the human.” Chershi responded.

Asriel could see what this was about, it was obvious. “You wish to break me. I won’t be your loyal slave.” The Soulless’ gaze came back to him, he gave him a warm smile as he stabbed his arm with the knife. Asriel winced, he gritted his teeth to keep himself from screaming. His arm was throbbing, he could feel his lifeblood trickling down his forearm. “So Asriel, do you know of the seven virtues of the dark prince?” Alexandrel spoke in a friendly manner, he didn’t like that. He had no interest in discussing philosophy. The Soulless could see this but he kept talking. “The first virtue is pride, without it why would we choose to tread the path? The second is envy, if we did not envy the gods, why would we try so hard to emulate them?”

Asriel had no idea where he was going with this or how it was relevant to the current situation. The Soulless picked up another blade he tapped it with his finger while smiling at him. “The third is gluttony.” He continued. “With success we reward ourselves and if a reward is good, there should be no limit to how far we indulge.” The blade then suddenly came down upon his leg. Asriel lurched in his bonds, he screwed his eyes shut for a moment. A small yelp passed his lips. “S-Stop…” he stammered.

Alexandrel shook his head to his words, he reached for another blade. He gestured it to the daemon “what was the next one again?” “Lust.” said the neverborn. “For if the gods themselves lust, why shouldn’t we? The fifth is anger, the sixth greed and the seventh, sloth. These are the base teachings of slaanesh.” The Soulless nodded with a satisfied manner, he then bought the tip of the blade to him. “Now in my eyes you have two of the virtues down. Your whole existence is now tied to them.” said Alexandrel.

Asriel narrowed his eyes at the space marine, his lips strangely felt dry. “S-Stow it…” he hissed at his tormentor. “There it is…” Alexandrel said joyfully. “Pride is your cornerstone. You hate to be controlled by those you deem lesser now.” The Soulless walked around to the other side and placed the tip of the blade on his other forearm. The space marine applied a small amount of pressure, pushing in the blade by bit and now Asriel finally screamed. He cursed the astartes who was humming as he pushed the weapon into his arm.

Once half of the blade was imbedded he let go of the handle and nodded. “The second is anger. You hate me, the galaxy and even the dark prince. The question is who are you going to take your anger out upon?” The Soulless then placed his finger on top of the knife handle and moved it up and down slightly. The pain from that action was excruciating. “You are not like the other mortals.” said Chershi. “I won’t beat around the bush like the fool here. Yo-” “Stop!” Alexandrel glared at the creature “I will explain it.” “You won’t, you will get distracted or bored like always.” Chershi responded firmly.

To Asriel’s surprise the Soulless sighed “fine, you do it.” He removed his finger from the tip of blade and returned to the cart. Chershi nodded and took a few steps forward, Asriel did not want to look at the daemon. “As I was saying. Many gain joy and sensation from different things. Most of you mortal creatures start with the act of reproduction when they first walk the path of excess. But soon that sensation dulls to nothing, they move to the next extreme just to feel something. You are in a unique position…” She closed her fan and strapped it to her belt. She reached out with her finger and placed it under his chin. “Your hatred burns brightly, satisfaction and joy will come when you make people suffer as you did. I can sense you mutilated yourself in the past but it was not the blade sliding into your skin that gave you pleasure.” Asriel recalled that time, he didn’t know what the daemon was talking about. He remembered how he felt when a fellow cultists stabbed his hand or when his first master tortured him. Despite how he feels now he knows he enjoyed it.

Chershi’s eyes glinted, it was like she was reading his mind despite the fact he does not feel anyone intruding. “The pleasure you felt was the joy of fitting in. The sense of belonging, it was nothing more than that.” He shifted his head hearing that, he wanted her finger off his chin. “You know nothing about me!” he spat. “I know how I felt! You ca-” Her finger moved to a blade handle, she moved it slightly causing his words to die on his lips. Asriel winced in pain. “See? If you enjoyed receiving pain you would be smiling with glee as we torture you. As I said this is not a punishment, we are helping you grow.”

At the mention of grow he laughed “is this how you help someone grow!? By strapping them down to a chair and torturing them!?” He had enough of this, he focused he tried to summon some measure of power. His brain throbbed, the pain ebbed away. He wanted to push the daemon back, he could muster that much. As he was gathering the power strange runes flared across the straps holding him in place. The psychic energy vanished and in return a wave of sensation passed through his nerves, it was like they were burning. He wailed in agony, once the sensation slowly drifted away he panted and glared at his captors. “W-What d-did you do!?”

The Soulless faced him he was holding a pear like device. “Well..you are a witch. I like to be prepared, don’t know what type of slave I will get.” He turned the handle of the torture device and the metal pear-like shape opened up like a budding flower. “To add on the point of my associate…” the space marine leaned in slightly. “I want to wound your pride and make you more angry...More wrathful.” He turned the handle of the device to close it again. “Also I decided to rejoin Aamon’s squad, yet he had another request. He wants you to join the 1st thorn, I still technically own you and as your master I agreed to his request.”

Asriel frowned while narrowing his eyes at the monster. “I refuse.” he hissed. In return the Soulless smiled at him. “I am sure you will change your tune after I work you over.” Asriel eyed the torture device “I-I might die if you use that on me. Y-You don’t want that do you?” Alexandrel nodded in agreement. “I am quite sure you might, that’s why my associate is here. She is quite good and putting someone together again, don’t worry this is the smallest one.” The space marine stepped aside and now getting a full look at the cart fear started to crawl in. There were a host of strange devices, large and small. “I-I w-won’t do as you ask.” his words sounded hollow, Asriel knew he would break eventually which angered him even more.

The anger and fear he felt within his chest started to mix together, no matter what happens he was playing right into the hands of Alexandrel, it vexed him that in the end he couldn’t do anything about it.

***
Halina sat on the large cushion within the longue, she didn’t know how to feel as her fellow slaves pampered her. Even the basic foot rub felt wonderful, ever since entering the chamber of that...creature. She accepted things more readily, she wasn’t sure what to think of that. A part of her hated it, she should be rebelling and trying to fight back. She held up a thread of her hair, it was now dyed white it was most likely done to make her similar to her captor.

Thinking on that fact revolted her, now she looked around herself each of the slaves tending to her wore icons of blasphemy that hanged from their belts, each slave was mutated as well. Worst of all she couldn’t call any of them ugly, she didn’t feel the hatred that was drilled into her by the priests attached to her regiment. Now her gaze drifted down to her feet, she saw a familiar face. It was commissar Albrecht, he was messaging her feet. “W-What are you doing?” she asked.

He looked up to her, his eyes were glazed. “A-Am I bothering your mistress?” As he spoke that’s when Isa came forward and slapped Albrecht across the face with the back of it’s hand. “Know your station, do you want me to report you to our lord?” The commissar shook his head furiously “p-please d-don’t.” “You want to see him again don’t you?” “Y-Yes…” “Then be quiet, your place is to serve the needs of our lady. Not to speak.” Isa now bought it’s eyes to her, it bowed. “I am sorry that a lesser slave spoke to you.” Halina bit her lip slightly. “It’s fine...You didn’t need to hit him.” Isa sighed slightly “my lady, my glorious mistress...” The creature picked up her hand and held it tightly.

The sensation of Isa holding her hand was strange, it-her hand was soft. In that moment She knew she could trust her. “My lady, to all of us you are like a queen. So radiant….So perfect. This man should be blessed to be in your presence.” Halina found her eye twitching, once then twice and then a third time. Her eye kept moving erratically until the sixth twitch and that was when she relaxed, she gave a warm smile to Isa. “You are right.” Now she recalled how she disliked Albrecht, majority of the guardsmen in the galaxy hated commissars.

This heretical ship was her new reality, there was no hope of escape either. Her eyes came down to the man again, a part of her swelled with joy seeing the roles reversed. It was evident that he now feared her. Isa released her hand, the head of her servants smiled at her. “Do you feel better now my mistress?” Halina nodded “I do.” She removed her foot from Albrecht’s hands. “Tell the slave to get me a drink.” Isa simply glared at the commissar, he quickly stood up right and bowed. He then ran over to the tables, his white robe bristling with the movement.

Now watching him getting the glasses ready made a smile line her face. She thought about her past, the suffering she went through of being forced to be a soldier. Throughout her whole career she hasn’t been thanked once or was even allowed a moment of respite. Strangely she thought that maybe this was a reward for her hard work? Perhaps now she can live her life without a single worry? These questions continued until Albrecht bought the wine glass to her. He offered it, head lowered.

Halina reached out and grasped the glass, she looked down to the liquid to see it was shifting in colour. She wondered if it was safe to drink? One look from Isa the worry vanished and she down the concoction without hesitation. The wine tasted amazing, it burned her throat and then a soothing sensation would wash over it. She could even feel the wine touching her belly and that was when her vision turned blurry.

Halina fell back onto the large cushion, the wine glass was still held in her hand. She could see the outline of Isa, she lifted the glass in her direction. “M-More..W-Wine…” a belch erupted from her mouth. She could see Isa nodding, her head servant clapped and now Halina could pick out the sounds of feet moving.

In but a few moments she was surrounded by jugs, bottles and glasses. Albrecht uncorked a bottle and poured her another glass. Halina bought her drink to her nose and sniffed it, the waves of aroma that came from the wine was wonderful. She then slurped up the drink, it stained her dress but she didn’t care. Her vision was now blotchy, a grin lined her face as she finished another glass. “M-More!” she slurred.

She couldn’t see but the sounds of her glass filling up again pleased her, Halina down the next glass, the need to continue drinking consumed her heart. She kept drinking even as the darkness started to claim her vision.

***
Aamon stared at Alexandrel his eyes then fell upon the old man who radiated an aura of pure anger. The thrall was now wearing a long sleeveless black leather jacket that had a hood attached, he also wore three quarter length trousers and surprisingly he wore no shoes either. His gaze came back to the Soulless “what did you do? He’s old now.” “ I made him better. After a few hours of breaking him in he shriveled. Also he’s my helm bearer, he just look rather scruffy before.” the response came rather quick, he didn’t like that. “So...You tortured him?” “Oh I did, you see with this one…” he poked the human’s head. “He is quite prideful, arrogant and angry as you can see now. For now he will live with you until I can move my effects from my original room to the old one on the upper levels. Plus it would help him to get to know the ones he is working with.”

The Soulless’ eyes drifted to Ashi, who tensed slightly, he could see she wanted to voice a complaint, Aamon gestured letting her know she could speak. “My lord, he’s a witch.” “I know.” “D-Don’t you think he might explode or invade our minds? Maybe he might even turn into a daemon.” At the mention of daemon he stared into the eyes of the old man, he did not seem to be the type of person to let anyone control him. Which was a good and bad thing in his mind. “Do you have a name?” Aamon asked.

The thrall simply grunted, he looked up to Alexandrel. “I hate you for this.” The Soulless did not even glance at his slave, not even a reprimand for speaking out of turn. “He’s name is Asriel.” Alexandrel declared. “Now I must be going.” “Don’t ignore me!” shouted Asriel. The Soulless simply smirked as he turned away from the desk and left his chamber.

Aamon coughed bringing the mortal’s attention to him. “I won’t torture you.” said Aamon. In return Asriel simply cackled at him. “Spare me.” he raised his eyebrow hearing that. “I assure you that if you work me I can have you transferred to be my thrall. You would no longer have to deal with living in the same chamber as the Soulless.” “Look at you…” Asriel pointed his cane at him slightly. “So two-faced, acting like angel when you have fallen as well. I know your kind, you may pretty up your words but you are just like him.”

Aamon could sense the bitterness, it’s evident that this individual has suffered greatly. Yet he won’t allow that to disrupt his thorn. “Here I am trying to be diplomatic, you see my thorn just wishes to survive, everyone in this chamber do not wish to be on this ship. You could make this simple and work with me. Or...you can work and you will live with the Soulless from now on.” “Oh...here it comes the bribes. So tell me how many people have you butchered or sacrificed for the sake of survival? How many times have you used that excuse?” “Shut up!” Ashi raised her voice. “What do you know about us!? Here we are trying to offer you some measure of a life on this ship! Yet here you are spitting in our faces! Stop pushing your problems on us!”

Aamon could see Asriel’s shoulders are now lowering slightly, Ashi’s outburst had the desired effect. The old man looked away while grumbling “just show me to my room.” Aamon nodded and reached into his pouch, he placed the medallion down on the table “take this.” Asriel reached for the trinket and picked it up. “That medal will keep the space marines on the upper levels from harming you. Just show that and they will leave you alone.” The old man nodded and slipped it into his pocket. Aamon gestured to the door “Ashi will lead you to your...temporary chamber.”

The first thorn leader walked to Asriel’s side. “Follow me.” she said firmly. She gave him a nod before leading their new recruit away. Now alone Aamon wiped his hands down his face. He can only assume that Alexandrel broke him in ways he might not be able to fix. In the end this was a calculated risk. He was about to sit down until a bang came from his door, he pressed the button on his desk to allow the visitor in.

The one who stepped through the door was a surprise, but that means the first phase of this raid will commence soon. Adonis approached his desk and tapped the haft of his phoenix spear on the ground. “We will be leaving the warp soon, our lord wishes for your presence. He desires to anoint one of the squads.” At the mention of anoint he frowned “so we are going that route?” “Yes we are.” said Adonis. “One of the thorns will lead the rest in corrupting the world and then we will attack. Also...bring your thorn leader with you.

Aamon raised his eyebrow, this was new they never had to bring their thorn leaders with them before. This situation puts him in a precarious situation, he didn’t want to risk Ashi. She’s far too useful to lose, he sighed and slowly gave Adonis a curt nod. “Just wait for me outside. I will get them.” The champion said nothing in return, he simply turned away and left his chamber without a word. Now alone he needed to think of someone he could risk and was able to lose. It took only a few seconds for a name to pop up in his head.

I feel like asriel kindof falls apart as a character when you take away his loyalty. Theres nothing really likeable about him and he doesn't seem to have any goals or motivations. Other times when you've taken away his loyalty it became difficult to commect with him or understand him. Like i get why hes acting like an donkey-cave but he needs like a goal? Something redeeming? Loyalty was a good excess and central character quality because you knew why he strived to improve, it was a likeable quality, and it was simple and pretty innocent in such an evil world. Interested to see where you take the character in his emotional development.

Love the character of alexandrel btw. Did a really good job of making him likeable yet mysterious and deadly.

 Dayknight wrote:

I feel like asriel kindof falls apart as a character when you take away his loyalty. Theres nothing really likeable about him and he doesn't seem to have any goals or motivations. Other times when you've taken away his loyalty it became difficult to commect with him or understand him. Like i get why hes acting like an donkey-cave but he needs like a goal? Something redeeming? Loyalty was a good excess and central character quality because you knew why he strived to improve, it was a likeable quality, and it was simple and pretty innocent in such an evil world. Interested to see where you take the character in his emotional development.

Love the character of alexandrel btw. Did a really good job of making him likeable yet mysterious and deadly.

On Asriel he has literally fallen apart. The dark prince put him there for a reason.

As Balim said.

“The desire to latch onto people is still there, the desire to work for another is still rooted within you. But if you feel that nudge of emotion...dismiss it.”



Also I am glad that you like Alexandrel, the notes on him was quite long.

Chapter 9
Asriel grunted, he wondered why he was getting a tour of this place. The soldier was meant to take him to his room. “Woman, tell me why are you leading me around?” She turned her head slightly to him. “Ashi.” she responded firmly. Ashi lead him to an open space that held training dummies, ammo and combat servitors. “Here you can train. I am quite sure you don’t want to rely only on your witchcraft. Despite your...age I think you should learn how to at least fire a gun.” He narrowed his eyes at the soldier at the mention of age. “I am not old.” “Well you look old.” Ashi said with a mocking tone. “Let me guess you use your sorcery to look young? Honestly I think looking like a disgusting old man suits you, matches your personality.”

Soon as the insult passed her lips he clutched his cane tightly, he could destroy her here. It would be easy, making her vomit blood and then watch her slowly die. +Do it! Do it!+ cried a daemonic voice. This daemon was feminine, it continued screeching in his mind. +Tear out her organs! Her eyes! Her tongue! Let us show her our superiority!+ His breathing began to slow, he started to summon his power until another slave approached. He looked worried and dejected, Asriel relaxed and the voice screamed in anger as it dissipated. The new arrival approached Ashi “I need some help…” said the man. Ashi folded her arms in return “what is it Dilon?” Dilon grumbled slightly, he then rubbed his neck. “Aamon wants to see me, I don’t know why.” At the mention of the astartes Asriel picked up the concern on Ashi’s face.

His guide was about to say something but he coughed to disrupt the possible conversation, he had no interest in being held up further. Ashi glared at him and then bought her gaze back to Dilon. “Let me show this old codger his room, we’ll talk later.” “Right, I will see you later then.” said Dilon. He then walked past them, Ashi then frowned at him. “You are a bastard you know that?” “I have reason to be.” “Oh really? Why is that?”

Asriel chuckled “tell me have you suffered? Truly suffered?” The leader of the 1st thorn folded her arms. “Yes I have, I was forced to fight in a penal legion. Have you seen people die of overdose? Have you seen someone’s head explode due to trigger happy comissiars? Worst of all I was incarcerated for a crime I did not commit. I tell you this...I don’t like being here, but I am not an arse about it. Aamon is looking out for us, he wants to look out for you as well.” Now he could see it, Aamon has clutched her heart tightly. He gave her a weak smile. “Are you loyal to him?” “Yes.” the answer from her was quick, that was not unexpected. “Then you are fool.” Asriel spoke clearly, with certainty. He did not feel any conflict when he spoke those words. “He will use anything for the sake of his own survival that includes you.” “I know that.”

He did not her expect her to come out with that retort, he frowned at her. “Yet you are still loyal to him? Why? Even if he uses you and casts you aside?” “We use each other, he has his own reasons for the decisions he makes. He does not sacrifice anyone lightly.” Now Asriel hated her, he hated her conviction and surety in her words. “He will abandon you one day, even after you give him everything, every ounce of your being.” Ashi was nodding in understanding, he hoped she at least understood a little of the wisdom he was trying to pass onto her. The space marines don’t care for their lives, they see each mortal life as a resource to be used. Ashi was now smiling at him. “I can see it now, you are pushing your problems on me. Stow your advice, just be quiet and follow me.” The smile vanished, replaced by scorn as she walked on.

He could not help but sigh, he knew she will understand in time. Ashi lead him to his chamber, she said nothing and simply gestured to the door and left. Asriel grunted and pressed the button next to the door, as it slid open he walked in to see his room was largely about the same size as he old ones. He then trudged onward and sat on his bed, looking towards the door as it slid close. He found himself grumbling “she is a fool.” “Indeed she is.” His eyes drifted to his right to see Balim sitting next to him. “Oh...it’s you.” said Asriel.

Balim tapped his thighs with his fingers “it is indeed me. You did well resisting the Soulless’ torture.” When he mentioned Alexandrel a flare of anger rose within him, Asriel cursed his name. “Damn swine! Who does he think he is!? Tell me! How can I get back at him!?” The daemon bought his fingers to his lips, he was grinning ear to ear. “You wish to show him his place...don’t you?” “I do!” Balim suddenly shrugged. “You can’t you are too weak and old, you lost much during the torture.” Asriel quickly rose and glared at the daemon. “Then what was the point of signing that damn book!?” “Signing the book was you giving your soul to the dark prince, it was your declaration to walk the path. In a manner of speaking the Soulless was helping you.” At the mention of help he shook his head “you think he was helping me!?”

The daemon gave a curt nod in return “oh yes, the virtues were explained to you were they not?” “Enough philosophy! I expected power! Now I am old and weak again! You are holding out on me aren’t you!?” Now Balim looked offended “please, do remember this is on you. I have given you the opportunity to walk the path of glory again. That’s it.” Balim rose, he stood over him. “Right now you are disappointing me, I could break you with just a simple movement.” He leaned downwards, now they both a few breaths away. “This is the last time I will see you. So let me give you some advice, impress the dark prince or you will be reduced to a spawn.” The daemon then vanished like always, with a puff of black smoke.

Asriel waved his hand around his face trying to clear the smoke, he started to shout for Balim. “Come back! You owe me!” he hissed. He kept repeating those words again and again, shouting at the air for the daemon to come back.


***
Alexandrel watched his slaves move his personal belongings out of his room. They were lifting blades, torture tools, rib cages, skulls and a host of other items. That was when his associate came over, two of her eunuchs were holding the back of her dress up slightly. “Tell me what was the purpose of that?” she asked. “Of what?” “Torturing the slave you are interested in?” He could explain why but he simply shrugged, which inferuitated the daemon. “Why can I barely see your intentions?” there was a line of menace in her voice, she was still upset about how she was bonded to him, he decided to pick at the wound. “Does this have to do with you wondering if it was my intention to bond you to me or was it just chance?” he said this with amusement, but Chershi was not amused at all. Her eyes turned black like the void, she hissed at him, but that was only for a moment. She removed her fan from her belt and fluttered it over herself. “No, that is not why I asked.” “So you think that I am plotting something?” “Yes I do.” He cocked his head slightly he wondered if he should give her a hint or two?

Giving his plan a small thought he nodded. “I made sure he was angry when I handed him over to Aamon. Now the angry slave is now with a person who won’t put up with his act, who will cut right to the heart of who he is.” Chershi displayed some understanding, but he could still see some measure of confusion. “What of Balim?” her next question caused a smile to line his face. “What of him? He did exactly what was required of him.” “Asriel is not acting like a champion, that’s all he has interest in.” “I know.” As he spoke the daemon’s confusion consumed her face completely. “Your soul is a jumbled mess, so is your mind do you know what? Can you at least tell me why you had me go over the virtues?” “Oh...That was just...Well filler.” Alexandrel was honest about that part, torture alone would of function fine. The philosophy was not needed truly, but it would help Asriel think. Still telling his associate that it was just filler caused her to burst with rage. “Stop playing your stupid games!” “I like games though. Especially the deadly kind...” he said while smiling.

Chershi shook her head in annoyance “can you at least tell me what you are planning with Aamon?” He gave her a shrug which caused her to storm away, her slaves were almost running trying to keep up with her. Now he was back to watching his own slaves work, he found it strange how everyone tries to figure him out or probe is mind. He sighed and pulled out a nutrient bar from his pouch, he unwrapped it and began eating. It was about now he should leave, his slave will most likely might explode at any moment.

He finished the rest of the bar and looked over to Garim who was carrying a box. “I am going on ahead. Finish the rest up.” His slave smiled at him “yes my lord!” His excitement was strange and ill-placed in the end that was what Garim was like. He threw the wrapper onto the ground and like vultures several slaves piled upon it. Some of his brothers would enjoy seeing this but he just found it pitiable, he started whistling and walked out of his old room.

***
Aamon stared at Dilon who was standing in front of his desk, he looked nervous. “Dilon.” As his name passed his lips the mortal tensed. “You are going to do something dangerous, very dangerous.” His thrall gulped, he was sweating profusely. “W-What is it my lord?” Aamon walked around his desk, now standing face to face he placed his hand on Dilon’s shoulder. “We are going to see the leader of this warband he is...not normal.” “I-Is he a powerful traitor?” “Yes he is, so I will teach you something. Repeat after me...Shi’silia’cashina.” His thrall nodded and spoke the words. “Shi’silia’cashina.” Right away the luster in his eyes vanished.

Aamon nodded and removed his hand from his shoulder, his thrall’s mind has been warded or put to sleep in a sense. He was now a doll, this was to protect him but he knew if Arzin desired it he could easily break through it. He sighed and gestured “follow me.” Dilon obeyed, they left the room together and as they got outside he saw Adonis with the rest of the squad leaders along with their chosen thorn leaders. The 2nd thorn leader known as Gabriel had pinkish skin and a rebthreater was hooked to his mouth. The 3rd thorn leader Adam had shining skin that glittered despite the dim lights on the ship. The 4th thorn leader Queen was not dressed as a fighter but as a regal noble, she wore a white dress that is threaded with gold.

The mortal’s were looking at Dilon, they all knew who the leader of his thorn was but he had an excuse ready. “Ashi is still recovering from her wounds, my second in command will take her stead.” Right away Lazaros and Angelos narrowed their eyes at him, they suspected deception and they were right to assume so. In the end the only opinion that matters was the champion. “Is this alright with you Adonis?” he asked. The champion gave a curt nod, that did not stop the staring.

Adonis then walked on while announcing “follow me, do not lag behind.” No one said a word, Aamon liked it that way as they made their way to Arzin’s chamber.

Like always the daemon was the lounging on his bed when they arrived. Adonis bowed before the Black Angel. “I have bought them my lord.” +Good…+ Arzin said smoothly. The daemon opened his palm and conjured the image of a city. To Aamon it was clear that it was divided into three tiers, each one was divided by a wall which was manned by what looked to be PDF or militia. He examined the map more closely and looking at all of the churches he could see right away what type of world this was. +This is the shrine world known as Axiam, it is a grand metropolis separated into three parts. On the surface it looks wonderful...but if we take a closer look…+ Arzin gestured to zoom into the first tier, Aamon could see that it was essentially a hovel. The churches were made of wood and the ones that were made from stone looked destitute. Dirty pilgrims marched to the various churches and before entering the buildings they were placing coins into bowls held by the scribes who stood vigil over the entrances. “This city runs on money…” he voiced this out loud, everyone looked at him.

The daemon dismissed the image and smiled at him +correct, greed is their cornerstone. Various nobles come to the world to pray at the grand cathedral. The pilgrims within the first tier beg them for coin. For if they have no coin they cannot enter a church and the churches hold actual lodging.+ “The question is why are nobles passing through the first tier?” asked Aamon. +Good question, one that I will answer..nobles must go through the tiers eventually reaching the grand cathedral where a covenant of sisters of battle are housed along with the Cardinal they guard. It’s like a pilgrimage to them, but only those with the most money can reach there for to pass a gate it requires money as well. I do have to add children are considered to have monetary value. Unwanted heirs are sold to the churches in the second tier who in turn train them to join the militia. Those who show talent in fighting sometimes join the crusaders if they are male or the sisters of battle if female. Those who are not up to the mark are turned into servitors…+

The information being piled upon him was useful, the question is though which squad will he anointed? He hoped it would not be the 1st for none of them are corrupted and are ill-suited for such a mission, yet there was another problem where everyone has to follow the directives of the one Arzin “blesses”. When the daemon removed himself from his bed that was when he knew it was time. Arzin swept his hand over them +Now it is time my loyal followers...who will be anointed?+ Excitement started to claim the other squads, even the mortals were jubilant.

The daemon prince’s finger was raised, it hovered over each of them one at a time he kept repeating the motion again and again until his finger landed upon him. Aamon felt his hearts skipping, he breathed out a sigh of relief as suddenly the finger drifted to Angelos. “Your thorn shall be anointed. Let it be known that your thorn will be in charge of corrupting the world.” Right away Angelos and Gabriel kneeled, the 2nd squad leader dipped his head slightly. “You honour me my lord.” +I am honouring you do not fail me.+ Arzin’s voice boomed through the chamber, Aamon felt some measure of relief build in his heart for if anything goes wrong it’s Angelos who will be looked at first.

The Corruptor then gestured for them to leave +go, ready yourselves for the first phase!+ Aamon watched Angelos rise with Gabriel, they all left his chamber. Once outside to his surprise the 2nd squad leader did not take time to gloat, the 3rd and 4th squad leaders were grumbling though. Aamon decided to leave quickly, he was eager to remove the ward from Dilon. He walked for a few minutes and once he has alone with Dilon he turned to him. “Etish’nshila…” The keyphrase caused his thrall to blink, Dilon’s eyes returned to normal. He looked around in confusion. “W-What happened?” “The raid is starting in a few hours. We don’t have much time.” His thrall slowly nodded as they began to make their journey back to his chamber. Dilon kept asking questions. “My lord did we actually see the leader of the warband?” The question was not a good one, he hoped that he would focus on the task. “Don’t worry about that, also steel your heart you may have to do something heinous to survive.” “What do you mean?” “You will play a part in corrupting a world.” At the mention of corruption all sense of colour drained from his face. “W-Will I fall? I-I can’t…” “Don’t worry” said Aamon. “Stick with Ashi and listen to her she will guide you.”

That was when the questions stopped, he hoped Dilon understood he could not flee either once they are on world for in the eyes of the imperium he was now a heretic as well.


***

Asriel paced his temporary room, panic was now washing over him as a tide of voices rumbled through his mind. He greeted his teeth. “What do I do?” he whispered under his breath. One voice cut through the others +look at Balim leaving you high and dry…+ It was the masculine voice from before. He frowned slightly “what do you want?” +I want what you want. Domination and suffering...so many have injured you…+ He knew where this was going “I want a pact.” The daemon laughed at him +you aren’t in a position to bargain. Your mind and body is frail...+ Asriel felt his nose bleeding, he clutched it causing his cane to drop onto the floor. +You mind is like an open door...so wide...I can fit right in…+ His hands came away from his face, he couldn’t control them. “W-Why is this happening!?” +Why? We own you of course, you aren’t trained to resist you never was. We respected the dark prince's will not to approach while you serve his champions...but that right has been revoked. Like Balim said...you are now fodder, this ship is like a beacon for our kind…+

A presence was building in his mind, he couldn’t push it back. He gasped and that was when he could no longer feel anything save the presence in his mind. His body began moving by itself. “A bit old…” it was his own voice, but he knew he wasn’t speaking. “Let’s change that.” He could see his muscles returning, the blemishes and wrinkles vanished as well. He watched himself stretch, seeing all of this he tried to scream but no words would come. “Now, now...As I said you are fodder. Be happy that I am letting you have a front row seat. When I said we could accomplish great things together I meant it.” Asriel shuddered in horror as the daemon possessing him left the room. Entering the hallway he saw one of Aamon’s slaves cleaning the floor with a mop, Asriel tried to shout at them to run but as the daemon said he was just a spectator.

The daemon approached the worker and smiled them, “hey what are you doing?” The slave grunted, he seemed annoyed but he had no idea his possible death was coming. Asriel tried to do anything, to scream to take back control but all he could feel was the smothering presence in his mind. He watched himself raise his hand and send a shockwave into the slave, implanting him onto the wall the sheer force of the psychic attack caused his bones to break. “Look at that! See how powerful we are!? Let’s go see Aamon shall we!?” Now the daemon began running through the large chambers and corridors towards Aamon’s room.

Each time they passed someone, he would fire warp lighting from his fingertips burning away all in his path while laughing maniacally. Slaves and servitors were destroyed through the daemon’s rampage, Asriel watched himself storm into Aamon’s chamber. He could see Aamon was in discussion with Ashi and Dilon, but as the space marine eyes drifted in his direction he drew his blade and bolt pistol without hesitation.

The powerfield flared to life, the daemon simply laughed with his own voice. “Get back!” Aamon shouted to his thralls. Like obedient slaves they are they ran to the walls, watching this filled Asriel with some measure of hatred and disgust. +See!? They are slaves! Ones he will cast aside when ready!+ The daemon was now speaking with his own voice. +Dilon didn’t you know he would’ve broke your neck if you became corrupted? Such a perfect little lamb? He would of done it without hesitation! He didn’t want to possibly sacrifice the perfect Ashi!” The space marine then charged, he fired off a few rounds from his bolt pistol. “Be silent!” Aamon roared. The daemon raised his hand blocking the exploding rounds with a psychic shield. +So weak!+ the creature cried. Asriel watched Aamon bring up his sword, Asriel shuddered in fear he didn’t want to die. He didn’t want to die with the daemon he would consume him completely. +Have no fear!+ The daemon sent out a wave of force from his rasied hand sending the astartes flying across the room.

That was when Ashi came forward, drawing her laspistol. “I knew you weak.” At the mention of being weak he tried to lash out, the daemon reacted in kind. The daemon flicked his wrist her hurtling towards the wall, but the space marine got in the way catching her in mid-air. +That felt good didn’t it little pet? Why do you think I am letting you watch? This is what you want right?+ He was about to revel in it, seeing those he hates bought low until the chamber door slid open and someone he did not expect to see stepped in. “Hello everyone!” Alexandrel looked around the room, Aamon growled at the Soulless. “Your slave is possessed dammit!”

Alexandrel merely shrugged and faced him. “How are you Asriel?” The question was a confusing one, he didn’t know how to feel about that. +Don’t listen to him!+ The daemon hissed. The Soulless casually walked over to him. He leaned down towards his face and said. “Piss off, or else.” Asriel could feel the pure malice building within the body the creature stole from him. +I don’t have to listen to you...+ The daemon growled.

Asriel now could see the Soulless’ eyes, pure and utterly cold killing intent radiated from them. He knew that he could removed his head before the daemon raises his arm to summon a psychic power. Alexandrel smiled “so let’s put that to the test. Who does the dark prince favour more? Me or you? Try and strike me.” Asriel could feel the smothering sensation lifting from his mind. Just slightly. +What do you plan to use the human for? You don’t need him.+ “I do I find him fascinating but he’s been a little boring lately. So...I want to fix that.” +I won’t lea-+ Asriel did not even see the movement. A knife was implanted in his neck and the Soulless was gripping the blade. He watched his body stumble slightly but Alexandrel caught him. “You see if I just move this blade slightly…” The daemon winced. +Y-You won’t.+ “I will. If you die you are technically banished and it would take centuries or more for you to reform. Also you are impeding me, who is far more favoured in the eyes of the dark prince. You may drag Asriel with you but in return you will receive an eternity of punishment from Slaanesh. So chose, leave his body or receive an eternity of torment.”

Asriel wondered how the Soulless could make such a mad bargain, the daemon would refuse. +F-Fine…+ The smothering sensation vanished in its place a flood of pain and exhaustion ruptured through his body. Asriel could feel the knife in his neck, that was when Alexandrel removed the blade and dropped him onto the floor. Right away Asriel grasped the wound and staggered up. Even though he was bleeding he could tell the wound was not fatal, he looked up to Alexandrel he frowned at him. “I…” “I what?” the Soulless asked.

Asriel shook his head, he narrowed his eyes at the space marine. “I-I didn’t need you help!” that was when Aamon strode forward as he spoke. Anger spilled from him. “How many did you kill!? I shoul-” “Relax Aamon.” the Soulless said calmly. “Relax!? Your psyker is a timebomb! He needs to be killed!” Asriel scowled at him “you...don’t get to decide my fate. I-” The arm grasping his neck began to rapidly mutate. “Wha…” his legs started to transform into a mass of tentacles. “S-Stop!” The change was painful, he knew what it meant, what was happening. “N-No!” he cried out.

In reaction to the change Aamon raised his blade, but Alexandrel pushed him back. “Look at you..blessed by the dark prince.” Alexandrel declared. His eyes fell upon the Soulless who was smiling. “This is not a joke!” Asriel’s other arm grew spines, the bone piercing his skin caused waves of agony to shoot up his arm. “This is what you wanted isn’t it? You will be powerful...strong and your only master will be the dark prince.” The Soulless said smoothly. “Your will be a bea-” “Shut up! I-I d-don’t want this! Pl-” Asriel closed his mouth before finishing that sentence, he looked away. He didn’t want to think of the people in front of him. Yet the fear was all consuming, he wanted to say it but he was too afraid to speak the words.

His eyes returned to Alexandrel, his clothes were starting to tear. “Please help me!” He pleaded for the Soulless to help him. “I don’t want to be a spawn! Help me!” Alexandrel scratched his head and then shrugged. “I don’t feel like it.” Asriel blinked in shock, almost horror. Tears started to run down his face “I-It’s not fair! It’s not Fair! It’s not fair!” He wailed almost like a child, he couldn’t help it, he even fell to the floor. He could barely move his body. “All I ever wanted was to make them happy! That’s all!” He slammed his mutated fist on the floor. “W-Why do I have to suffer! Why do I have to lose everything!? I keep being thrown around like a used tool! Abandoned and cast aside again and again! It’s not fair! Why didn’t he take me with him! I bought him back! I gave him everything!” Snot fell down his nose, his tears were like rivers.

He started to whimper, that was when Ashi’s voice entered his ears. “Stop acting like a child and accept it!” Asriel looked up to see she was staring at him with scorn. “Looking at you now...I can see why no one wanted you. Aamon you should kill him.” Her master gave her a nod. “She’s right, Alexandrel he is turning into a spawn. If you won’t kill him I will.” Asriel’s eyes now shifted to the Soulless, who knelt before him. He placed his hand on his head and for some reason, he could even see his blue eyes. They were relaxed, warm even. The iris’ were even round now. “I will never judge you. No matter what. I will never cast you aside for that is weakness. You know I am not weak Asriel." Alexandrel said firmly.

Asriel didn’t want to believe this, a strange and familiar emotion began to surge within his chest but Balim warned him about this, yet he couldn’t stop what he felt. “You’re...lying. They all say that.” “Believe me.” The Soulless smiled at him, it looked strange it wasn’t the smile he normally gives him. He wondered if it’s safe to truly trust him? He warred with himself until he screwed his eyes shut. “A-Alright.” That was when he felt his body changing again, the mutations were reversing until he could tell he was back to normal. Asriel slowly opened his eyes, Alexandrel then tapped him on the shoulder. “Up you get.” He nodded and stood up with with the Soulless.

Alexandrel then gestured to Aamon “I think you need to apologize to someone.” Asriel panicked, he could see by the horror filled face of Dilon and the stern gazes of Aamon and Ashi that they were not interested in apologies. He rubbed his nose “s-sorry.” Aamon then glared at the Soulless “get that thing out of here.” Alexandrel didn’t waste any time, he almost pushed him out of the room.

Now standing in the hallway, the Soulless gave a wide smile. “So, how do you feel now?” The question caught him off guard, he didn’t know how to feel, he simply gave a curt nod. “I feel fine…” The Soulless clapped joyfully. “That’s good! Now let’s go take a bath!“ He slapped him on the back slightly he then started to walk down the hallway. Asriel didn’t know how to react to this, he didn’t know what to do. “I am sorry…” Alexandrel stopped and looked back slightly. “For what?” “Causing you trouble.” “But...I love trouble. Keeps things fresh on this boring ship.” Asriel then bowed “y-yes my lord.” “Yuck! Don’t bow by the gods!” Asriel stood upright, he scratched his cheek. “I see, so you prefer me to speak my mind then?” The Soulless faced him and folded his arms. “Yes and no bowing.” “Very well if I can speak my mind you are bastard...but a wonderful bastard.” Alexandrel grinned showing his teeth. “See you are getting it!”

Strangely Asriel found himself smiling as well, he was actually enjoying being in Alexandrel’s presence. +He lies! He manipulated everything to mold you into the perfect pet!+ The voice caused his head to throb, he rubbed his temple slightly. “That’s not right…they should not be able to speak while you are here...” “Is it the voices?” the Soulless asked. He simply nodded to the space marines question. “They must be really mad then, if they are trying to talk to you so badly. But I will get Chershi to show you a few things.” At the mention of his daemon servant Asriel folded his arms. “How did you enslave a daemon?” “That’s...a long story. I will tell you about it later now...I really want that bath.” Alexandrel continued walking, Asriel followed after him and for once in a very long time he felt hopeful.

Holy shi+ i thought you were gonna do it XD XD. I was like damn asriel is going out like that!!?

 Dayknight wrote:

Holy shi+ i thought you were gonna do it XD XD. I was like damn asriel is going out like that!!?

Heh, anyway I am working on the next chapter.

Chapter 10
The pool was warm, Alexandrel relaxed but the questioning glances from his slaves were distracting him. Asriel was now a prune again he still looked worried about something and his associate was most likely still trying to unravel what he was thinking. “Can’t the both of you just relax? Just for a few hours before the raid begins?” Asriel sunk into the pool like he didn’t want to be seen, whether he was embarrassed or had no desire to make enemies he had no idea what was going through his head. Chershi simply tutted.

It was evident they were not in the mood to talk, so he decided to watch the slaves around the pool. They had wine at the ready but the only reason why he involved them was for the jealousy radiating from their bodies. It was the only thing keeping him from leaving the pool. Most amusingly it seemed that Garim was taking serving Asriel in stride, but he knows he is doing all he can to contain himself. The Soulless then wondered how he could strike up a conversation, he was about to open his mouth until the chamber door opened. A slave holding a dataslate ran around the pool towards him and offered it to him. “My lord, this is the compiled information on the raid from Lord Aamon.” Alexandrel smiled and sntached the datslate from the slave, he started skimming through the plan.

It was clear this plan was to created by Aamon, if he was in charge he would be far more careful and he wouldn’t aim for the poorer section of the city. Mixed in the plan notes he could see annotations from Aamon and surprisingly they involved Asriel. “He got over his slaves dying quite quickly...but that’s what I like about him.” He waved the dataslate in Asriel’s direction. “You are going to the world. Asriel.” The prune erupted upwards from the water. “W-What!? I-I can’t! Not after...” The event in Aamon’s chamber was still fresh, after all it was just took place about an hour earlier. “He has no choice.” said Alexandrel. “You see you have one thing his slaves lack...Corruption.” Now the mortal was furrowing his brow. “How is that an advantage?” Asriel asked. “He now knows you are fully tainted, Aamon likes to use all tools to his advantage. Going over these notes I agree with him that we won’t be able to corrupt the poorer area of the city. There is one reason for that.” He could see Asriel was now listening carefully, he smiled at this. “The pilgrims who live in tents within the first tier of the city are poor, but they are fanatics to endure such conditions...now those who live in the second tier? That is where the flames of rebellion lie.”

His associate gave a grin, she nodded in understanding. “I know of this world...Axiam right?” “Yes that is what the planet is called.” he answered with a smile. This was when Chershi fluttered her fan. “Then Aamon is correct, it’s quite disappointing that he hasn’t embraced slaanesh yet. He would make a wonderful champion.” She shot him a knowing look, but he didn’t acknowledge it. He would rather let the daemon think that she knows what was on his mind. He returned to the dataslate and went through the rest of the information. There was a basic map detailing the locations of the Sacred Rose covenant house and the Blades of the Emperor Crusader house.

There was a few notes detailing numbers, the sisters of battle numbered close to three hundred sisters and the crusaders were made up of over one hundred souls. He could not also forget about the Axiam templars. They are the PDF that manned the walls and guarded the gates that lead into the different sections of the city. The issue was that every single arm of the military were fanatics who would gladly martyr themselves to wound them. Alexandrel could see why they are not attacking the planet right away. He tapped the area where the church of Saint Alsia was built. It was the largest church within the second tier and he guessed that's the place where most nobles reach before almost running out of funds for their trip to the world. In a sense all were driven by the need to see the grand cathedral. Some fall into absolute poverty to achieve this. The world exploits this to fill its coffers to build more churches or expand their influence. It’s a cycle that most likely the dark prince enjoys to no end. “Are you actually reading that?” Alexandrel looked up to see Asriel was speaking to him. “Yes I do, well...I am the only one who actually goes over tactical information in the squad.” Chershi rolled her eyes to that statement. “Yet I find that fact unbelievable.” Chershi stated.

Alexandrel could see why some would think he would not care for such information, but in his mind in order to break something you need to understand it. If you understand the subject you are trying to ruin you can find more enjoyable ways to do it. It’s why Aamon always makes sure he receives a dataslate with the relevant information. At the same time it helps him decide whether he needs to intervene in battles, looking at the information in front of him even if the first phase is completed they have a long and hard battle ahead of them. He likes those kinds of wars, the ones that are drawn out so each side reveals their true nature. Normally that was when extremes comes to the table, the one who breaks first was the side that normally grasps victory. His eyes drifted to Asriel “have confidence, think of it as a day out. Now we don’t have much time, Chershi teach him a few things. I have to go and see someone.” The Soulless got out of the bath, his slaves ran over and handed him a towel, once he started dabbing his face he smiled. His mind was already at work deconstructing the notes Aamon gave him and making the appropriate changes. The hard part will be getting their leader onboard with his plan.

Once he was done he threw the towel to a slave and walked around to his associate. “Try not to get him killed with whatever you are teaching him. Do we understand each other?” Chershi simply scoffed which normally means a yes. Now satisfied that things are falling into place he walked to Asriel who was still unsure. “You worry too much do you know that?” Alexandrel declared to his slave. The mortal frowned, he didn’t say anything. “Trust your heart, it will lead you in the right direction. Act, don’t think and all will fall into place.” He wasn’t joking about this, many of his brothers think too much and that’s why they fail. He then took another dry towel from a slave and wrapped it around his waist and left the chamber.

***
Aamon felt tense as he went over the dataslates at his desk, his secured position has fluttered away to the wind. He thought to drown him himself with information to help him forget but the scenes of mangled corpses kept flashing in his mind as he explored his whole chamber with Ashi and Dilon. It did not help either that Dilon was now far more quiet, he was most likely trying to process what he saw. Everything was falling apart, the issue was this was happening at the wrong time. He has little time to recover and he knows he will be questioned on his small forces which in turn will make things hard for Ashi once the cult reaches the planet.

He sighed and picked up dataslate, it held a copy of the information he had send to the Soulless. He was the first he recruited, watching him he knew he wasn’t stupid. Aamon still hated the fact he had to rely on him, but he has no choice. If the 1st squad do well in the first phase that might allow him to recoup his losses and gain the favour with the leader of the warband. “My lord?” He looked up from the dataslate to see Ashi leaving the corridor, she walked over to his desk. “What is it?” he asked.

Aamon could tell by her eyes that she was upset about something and he knew what it was about. “I couldn’t kill the human.” he stated. “Why? He killed many good people...I-I told you!” She was choking up slightly, it was likely she might of been friends with those who have been killed. “Ashi, I would’ve liked to kill him. Yet sacrifices have to be made when it comes to dealing with Alexandrel.” At the mention of the Soulless she frowned. “What is so special about him? I am quite sure if you have your whole squad ambush him you could get rid of him.” Hearing that plan he chuckled. “He would kill us all.” he said flatly. Ashi shook her head “he can’t be that powerful..” “He is and I have no idea why. He is a degenerate like Salazar who is actually far worse when it comes to hedonistic practices. Yet...he is more favoured, I can tell. I have met many champions through my long life.” He didn’t want to admit he was afraid of the Soulless even as his hearts thundered when he spoke of him. “When Alexandrel arrived in this chamber that was when I realised he sent his human here as a ploy. It was a good one as well. The confusing thing about him is that you would not expect such an individual to be intelligent...or perhaps he is merely following his impulses and he is just lucky?” His words caused Ashi to grind her teeth. “You admire him.” the statement from his thrall was firm, Aamon narrowed his eyes at her. “I don’t. Why would you think such a thing?” “So why do you keep forgiving him for what he does to you?” He could understand why she was asking such a question. In her eyes he must be her bedrock and now he is allowing someone she most likely looks down upon to step all over him. Aamon put the dataslate on the table and bought his hands together. He wondered how he should frame his answer?

He gave it a small thought and nodded. “In ancient terran texts there was a snake called the Ophiophagus hannah. This was a creature that would eat other snakes and it’s bite could kill large animals with ease. This snake is extremely deadly, but it’s only deadly when provoked or annoyed, normally their nature is quite mild. Alexandrel is similar to this creature, I would say their natures are exactly the same.” Ashi shook her head “He can’t be that deadly…” “He is, do you know how many squads he has murdered? How many astartes he has killed? Worst of...he is smart. He is a predator on this ship, so I placate him. I would rather have this predator on my side that against me. You remember all of the challenges that bombarded us after he left? This is clear evidence that the others fear him, so for the sake of survival...please understand what I am trying to do here.” Now Ashi relented, her shoulders slacked slightly. “We can’t keep letting him do as he pleases, but I understand.” “Good, I know he is troublesome but you must bear it.”

Ashi sighed and bowed, she then left the chamber, most likely to prepare for the first phase of the invasion. Now alone he bought his gaze back to the dataslates, he thought about the plan he sent to Alexandrel, it would be helpful if it succeeds. His slave dying during the mission would be another preferable outcome. If Alexandrel is interested in the mortal then he must be dangerous. If he actually turned into a spawn or was fully possessed by a daemon he could cause massive damage to the warband, he assumed that it would even warrant Arzin stepping in. He then shook his head, a flare of annoyance washed over him. “In the end I just have to make do with the tools provided…” Aamon declared.

***
Asriel stood in the middle of his room with the daemon, after what happened with Aamon and his slaves he was not sure whether to trust her or not. +You shouldn’t trust her, she seeks to take your body…+ He winced at the daemonic voice trailing through his mind. Chershi shook her head while tutting. “You never trained to resist such things?” “I never had to.” Asriel said firmly. “So...are you going to show me a few things?” “Yes I am.” said Chershi.

The movement was quick, with her fan she turned to one of her slaves and slit their throat with the tool. The second slave holding her dress did not even react as the the one she killed tumbled to the floor. He wondered what did she do to inspire such loyalty? Chershi pointed at the corpse with her fan. “First you must restore your vigor, you don’t have the dark prince keeping you young anymore. Now...cut out this eunuch's intestines.” At the mention of intestines he frowned. “Are you serious?” “Yes I am.” she pulled out a knife from her belt and offered it. “Take it.” she said. “Cut out the organ.” Asriel took the blade and walked over to the corpse, Chershi simply stood aside.

Standing over the corpse he gulped and knelt. He stabbed the stomach of the corpse and began to cut out the organ. Once it was out in the open he looked back to Chershi. “What am I mean to do with it?” The daemon smiled at him. “Now strip off your clothes.” “What?” “Just do it.” Asriel grunted and removed his robes. “What’s next?” Chershi pointed to the intestines “wipe the organ over your body and pray to slaanesh for vigor and strength.” Wiping the organ over his body did not bother him, it was the praying part. He narrowed his eyes at the daemon. “I refuse to pray.” “Stop being stubborn, do you want to be useful to Alexandrel?” With a single mention of the Soulless he sighed and reached for the intestines and cut them out.

He held the organ in his hand and wondered what he should say? “Hmmm…” he mumbled out loud. Chershi smirked “make sure you voice your prayer.” At the mention of speaking out loud it almost made him not want to do it. In the end Alexandrel needed him and he owed him after what he did in Aamon’s chamber. He pressed the organ to his leg and slowly started to work his way up. He decided to keep the prayer simple. “I pray for vigour and strength to be restored to my limbs most holy slaanesh, so that I may do your great work….” His skin started to tingle right away, he then smeared the intestine over his chest. “Ego desiderium puritatis et fortitudo…” The words just came from his mouth he wondered by terra what he just said. Yet muscles return to his chest, his skin tightened. He moved the organ to his face strangely the smell of blood and what the organ contained wasn’t that bad. “Scio et te scire me…” he muffled and that was when he felt it. His muscles tensed, he dropped the intestines onto the ground.

Asriel looked down to his hands, he was young again. His eyes darted to the mirror and he could see he looked about eighteen to nineteen. This was even better compared to when he signed the book. His eyes then came back to Chershi who opened her fan. “Look at you...covered in blood and refuse. Yet that’s not the smells that hold your nose right? Instead something pleasant grips is swimming through your nostrils.” Asriel bought his hand up and breathed in the scent deeply she was right. Once he lowered his hand a voice began to pound in his head. +I can teach you more than this slave...just...let me in.+ “Right you need to tell me how to deal with these voices.” Asriel said firmly. Chershi simply fluttered herself with her fan, she then closed it and slid it into her belt. “It’s quite simple, focus and imagine walls in your mind. Bring up your defenses like a fortress.” Asriel folded his arms “I should just imagine walls?” “Yes, a psyker makes the impossible real. Try it.”

Following her instruction he tried to imagine walls, a high one warded with traps and runes. +What are you doing!?+ a voice called. Soon as the daemon screeched he dismissed the wall and decided to create battlement with steel gates. +You need me!+ the daemon cried again. Asriel focused, he added guns a long row of them and that was when thousands of voices started wailing in his ears. He tried his best to ignore them and moved to make a fortress, it was spiked and had hundreds of copies of himself walking and patrolling the grounds and then one by one the voices started to die. Steadily silence reigned in his mind.

Asriel opened his eyes and for once he felt in control. “Is this permanent?” he asked. “Not exactly, my kin will stop bothering you for a time but if they do just repeat what I taught you. Now for the next part.” Chershi pointed at his cane on the floor. “Pick that up.” Asriel nodded and reached down for his cane. It was covered in nicks and scratches. “What do you want me to with it?” he asked. Chershi approached him, she removed another blade from her belt. “Show me your cane.” Asriel bought the cane up as instructed. The daemon started to carve runes into the tool, some of them he recognised it only took a few moments to realise what she was doing. “A familiar…” he voiced. “Indeed, they are quite yourself for your kind. Now...your hand.” Asriel offered his hand and with a swift movement she made a quick cut, drawing a small amount of blood. “Now place the bloodied hand on your cane.” He did as he was told. Soon as he touched the cane the runes started glowing and the cane transformed into a large a large snake that wrapped around his arm. The scales had a pale pinkish tone, Asriel felt the snake constricting around his arm, it was almost the size of a python. The snake stared at him with it’s blue eyes. It’s maw opened, it was wide enough to swallow him whole. “Control it!” Chershi shouted.

Asriel’s heart thundered he barked at the familiar. “Stop this instant!” The snake closed its mouth. It then nudged it’s face into his while hissing. “It acts all friendly when it was just going to eat me a moment ago..” Asriel panted slightly while speaking.

Chershi smirked “well familiars are alive in a sense, they don’t want weak masters especially the complicated ones. The nice thing about the one I gave to you is the fact it will grow with you.” At the mention of growing he smiled, this creature was perfect. He stroked the snake with his other hand. “I will call you Violo. Also I can’t call you it, your a she.” The snake then shivered for a moment. “What was that?” He looked over to Chershi who chuckled. “Your familiar is accommodating you. Take good care of her, now...I must go.” She walked over to his door, she gestured at her slave. “Take the corpse, we can use it to feed the others.” The eunuch, nodded and let go of her dress and made his way to the corpse to pick it up. He then returned to the door.

Chershi nodded in satisfaction, her green eyes then drifted to him. “You might want to take another bath by the way. Can’t go to the planet covered in blood.” The daemon then left his chamber, Asriel furrowed his brow and looked down to himself. “She’s right... Violo change back to a cane.” The snake shuddered, the movement was abornal as she moved down to his hand and turned into a solid wooden object again. He then lifted the cane up to see the head was shaped somewhat like a snake. Staring at it he oddly thought of the Soulless, he still had to be careful around him. So many have said they wouldn’t abandon him, yet they have. “He’s says that his not weak...so I will trust him...for now…”

***
Alexandrel banged on the golden doors with his fist, he has been at this for almost thirty minutes but he knew it would open eventually. He slammed his fist in the door one more time and that was when it came back slightly. The Soulless stepped back and out of the crack Adonis stepped out. “You have no respect!” the champion hissed. “Respect?” Alexandrel said with amusement. “Can’t our glorious leader take time to see his subjects? Especially when it deals with attacking a world?” Adonis pointed his spear at him, he was ready to strike. “He will call you, his wisdom and grace is beyond question! Those who question...” his voice trailed off. Alexandrel watched this display, he groaned in annoyance. “Ok...I get it. You love our winged leader and worship his very footsteps….I need to talk to him. So I will say this once and only once. Move aside or I will kill you.” His hand was slowly moving to one of his blades, Adonis noticed this, he shook his head and grunted. “You would really fight me?” “No Adonis, if I get serious this would not be a fight I will simply butcher you and give your eyeballs over to Arzin to eat.” The champion grew silent, he lowered his battle stance and turned away. “Follow me.”

Alexandrel smiled and followed Adonis into Arzin’s chamber, right away he saw the daemon prince creasing his brows in annoyance. +What is it Soulless?+ “Your plan won’t work.” He said flatly. The champion growled at him. “How dare you question him! His plan i-” +Be silent Adonis.+ The warband champion simply bowed and closed his mouth.

Arzin then grinned and relaxed on his bed. + Please explain, how will my plan not work?+ Alexandrel glanced at Adonis for a moment he was fuming. The champion will have to eventually learn Arzin’s joy of sycophants was only skin deep. The Soulless came forward and gave a mocking bow to Arzin, which caused the daemon to raise his eyebrow. As he rose that’s when he started detailing his plan. “The 2nd thorn won’t be able to corrupt the pilgrim camps or in other words the slums. Let me tell you why...” The daemon prince smirked at him, it was like he knew the answer already. He guessed that he already did. “They have nothing to lose. We are dealing with the sort of people who would gladly sit in their own refuse begging for coin to enter a church. We can’t do anything with that, there is no desatisfaction or anger there. Just zeal, fanatical zeal to worship their weak god.”

The Black Angel simply nodded in agreement +I can see that...but what is your plan?+ “Simple, you use your powers to send my agent into the second tier. He will target the young men and women who have been sold off to the churches. They will make the bulk of our true faithful who will fight their imperial masters. I also suggest that you regulate the slums to slave fodder.” He could see the daemon prince was thinking about his plan, he knew what he was going to ask next. +Tell me Alexandrel…+ Arzin said flatly. +What do you stand to gain from this? What reward do you seek?+ The Soulless smiled at the daemon prince. “I want...nothing.” At the mention of nothing Arzin clawed down his bed, the handmaidens scattered as he strode over to him. +Nothing!?+ he hissed. Arzin leaned down, his breath washed over his face and honestly to him it did not smell that bad. +I know you...what do you seek to gain here?+ He could tell the daemon prince was serious, he was most likely trying to seek entry into his mind. The questioning looks proved to be the case, Arzin growled in annoyance. +Why is you head a garbled mess of useless thoughts!?+


Alexandrel cocked his head “I am not thinking of anything though, I am thinking how it’s annoying when people try to look into my head.” +Liar!+ The daemon prince hissed. +Tell me what you want!+ The Soulless simply shrugged “what do you want me to say? I don’t want anything. I desire no reward, I simply want you to agree to this plan.” The Corruptor narrowed his eyes at him. +I could torture you, I can make you speak.+ At the mention of torture he turned his back and pointed towards his powerpack. “Are we doing that again!? Help me take this off then!” Alexandrel picked up a groan of annoyance from his leader. He turned back grinning at the daemon prince. “When I say I want nothing, I meant it.” Arzin now leaned back, he folded his arms. +Unless you are playing the long game to corrupt Aamon?+

At the mention of his squad leader, he tapped his lips. “Maybe….Or Maybe not.” A low growl was emitted from the Black Angel. +Stop acting the fool.+ “Wait...you think I am acting like a jester? Or do you think that I act unwisely? Which is it?” +It’s Both.+ “That’s where you are wrong Arzin.” Instead of getting upset he could see curiosity playing across the face of the daemon prince. Alexandrel decided to be serious, at least for the moment. “I honestly wish we were all fools, well my version of fool. We should be seeking new beginnings, we should have a thirst to see new heights and take leaps without hesitation and look at new things with enthusiasm. What many of the space marines are missing in this warband is that we all seek to be more human, if we admitted that we would look at new wonders and joys with excitement. Many still use the excuse that we are seeking perfection...when we are not.” At the mention of human Adonis scoffed, Arzin simply sighed. +Is this...a joke?+

Alexandrel chuckled “yes it was a joke...What was I saying?” He stuck his tongue out. The daemon prince simply grunted and gestured him out of the room. +I agree to your plan, see me when you are ready.+ The Soulless gave another bow and turned to leave the chamber. He stopped when he reached Adonis. “Do you think I was joking?” The champion shook his head. “I wonder why our lord puts up with a fool like you.” The Soulless simply smiled, he looked Adonis right in the eyes. “I would rather be an optimist and a fool than a pessimist and right.”

He left the champion with those words, he knows he wouldn’t understand them. Too many of their kind don’t.

Oh yeah forget to post this. Here is a "wondeful" map I didn't make in mspaint of the city. Well the important bits. If you open image in a new tab you can zoom in.

Map is super helpful thank you. Really enjoy the fact that asriel has some humility now too, really interesting development that he still stands on his own 2 feet. I suspect what makes asriel great at corrupting things is the same reason he ruins warbands.

 Dayknight wrote:

Map is super helpful thank you. Really enjoy the fact that asriel has some humility now too, really interesting development that he still stands on his own 2 feet. I suspect what makes asriel great at corrupting things is the same reason he ruins warbands.

Sssssssh. Stop predicting things. (I am just kidding.)

That's honestly what I was shooting for. Alexandrel is a strange soul but he might be the one who is able to handle Asriel.

Chapter 11
Asriel turned the tap to fill up the pool, the chamber was empty and he was thankful for that. On the way here he also made sure to cover himself up, he wanted to avoid any form of confrontation, but yet he had to be ready. He clutched his cane tightly, it was held in his other hand and throughout the journey he hasn’t let it go of it.

Once the pool was full he turned the tap to shut off the water, he then bought his cane up. “Should I take this in the pool with me?” he voiced out loud. He thought about it for a moment and decided to keep it on his person. He was about to enter the pool until he heard the door opening. He stopped and sighed. “I am not looking for any trouble.” he said flatly.

He waited for a response, he decided to turn and what he saw was a group of slaves holding blades. He recognised the leader, he had dark skin like him. He was one of the slaves who dragged him to this very chamber when he first arrived here. He stepped forward and pointed his sword at him. “This room is reserved for our lord.” The slave said firmly. Asriel didn’t even know his name, but he tried to at least be friendly. “Apologies...it’s just after recent events I thought it would be better to avoid confrontation. Also the slave bathes were in use and it would be quite awkward if I decided to just...walk in there.” He could see what they were intending to do, they were after his life but he hoped they would see reason.

The leader grunted “You offended our master for the last time...Kill him!” The group of slaves charged at him, Asriel raised his hand freezing the the slaves in place with telekinesis. Their eyes were now darting around the chamber in a mix of fear and horror. Watching this bought a small sense of euphoria to him, that only lasted for a moment as blood began to trail down his nose. It didn’t help either that his flesh also started to sag as well. “Look at what you have done, here I am trying to avoid conflict and you are making me waste my energy?” A flare of annoyance ripped through him, he made a fist motion with his free-hand, the frozen slaves tensed because he was placing pressure upon their ribcage. Asriel then made a twisting motion and a sweet sound of a crunch entered his ears as he shattered their ribcage and directed the shattered bones into the slaves lungs.

He then released the psychic power and the slaves toppled to the floor with a thud, blood was pouring out of their mouths. Asriel panted, he was surprised at how much that took out of him. He staggered over to a sink with a mirror and he spotted right away that he was old again. He wondered how much has his old master taken from him? He found himself grumbling slightly, even so he could not hate him. He had his own flaws that he should've taken care of but now it was too late. Perhaps being here was his third shot at making something of himself?

Asriel sighed he didn’t want to distract himself with such thoughts, not before an raid. He looked back to the corpses “it seems I have to pray again…”

***
Halina gasped, she blinked several times to clear her version. She found herself staring upwards to the ceiling. She couldn’t remember how she got in this position, she could only recall that she was drinking wine. Now strangely she was here, she took a deep breath and that was when she winced in disgust. The smell of sweat, blood and perfume began to clog up her nose, she could even feel that there was someone lying across her legs. Halina also shuddered in horror when she also noticed she wasn’t wearing anything either.

Halina decided to sit up, she almost vomited at the scene before her. She was surrounded by a mass of writhing bodies, some were alive and others were clearly dead. Chunks of flesh were missing from bodies, it was clear that injuries were from biting. Staring at the scene before her she looked down to the body that was across her legs. Her mouth dropped to see it was Albrecht, half of his face was gone. This when she looked down to herself, she was covered in blood. Bite marks dotted her body, she panicked, Halina scrambled to her feet, she couldn’t breathe properly, words would not come. She raced towards the door, she didn’t care who she stepped upon. She didn’t even dare to look down, the sounds of pleasure as she stepped of faces was too much to bare.

When she reached the door she pressed the button frantically to get it to open. Tears started to build in her eyes, she kept wondering what exactly did she do in this room? When the door finally opened she ran out and crashed right into Isa who held her tightly. She started crying, almost to the point of wailing. She looked up to Isa who was wearing a bathrobe, she smiled at her. “My lady are you alright?” Halina tried to speak “I-I-I….D-D-Don’t know….”

She could taste blood in her mouth since words began to pass her lips. She buried her face into Isa’s bathrobe. Her fellow slave then began to stroke her head. “Mistress how about we head back inside?” Halina’s eyes shot up to her face. “No! I-I don’t want to go back in!” Isa simply smiled “all of this was your idea my lady.” “I don’t remember ever wanting to do this! I don’t know how I got here! I was in the longue drinking!” “It was during drinking that you suggested this. You said you wanted to tear off Albrecht’s face.” Halina tried to step back in shock but Isa held her in place. “As I said...let us go back inside.” she said firmly.

Halina felt her eye twitching again, she slowly nodded. “Okay...let’s go back.” Isa lead her back into the chamber, the fear and horror was evaporating and in its place excitement was building

***
Dilon placed the brown robe over himself, he tried to block out the images of corpses strewn across the hallway and the words from the witch. He found everything on this ship to be too much. The need to pray gripped him, he kneeled in front of his bed and bought his hands together in prayer. “May the Emperor guard my soul. Please guide my steps on this harrowing path...” He murmured a few other words but his prayer was cut short as someone knocked on his chamber door. He rose and approached the door, he pressed the button to open it and as the metal door slid open he saw that it was Ashi. She was also wearing a brown robe, but what had him on edge was the fact others were with her. “It’s time to go.” she ordered.

Dilon nodded and exited to the room, he fell in with the others and they made their way to Aamon’s room. When they arrived they took positions in front of his desk, strangely the space marine looked weary. Almost tired. “So it begins.” said Aamon. “We’ll follow the normal procedure when one of the other squads are in charge. Keep your heads down, avoid being in the limelight. If forced to do a mission finish it in your own way.” Ashi frowned “this is all we have, might be quite hard to finish a mission in our own way.” “Just...do what you can.” said Aamon. “Now head to the docking bay, you will arrive several miles from the city. Make sure you take valuables from the chests in the docking bay, you won’t be able to enter the city without them. You are dismissed.” They all turned to the door, Dilon thought to voice how uncomfortable he was about this. His eyes locked onto Ashi, Aamon said to stick close to her.

Dilon could understand they were all here due to dire circumstances and he knows that the people he fights with are not corrupted. He took solace in that, there must be a way to resist being pulled in. So he steeled himself for what was to come.

***
Alexandrel whistled as he walked back to his chamber, he was going through the dataslate again. The only problem he could see with his plan was the fact if the sisters of battle catch onto Asriel’s scent it will be difficult to move around. In his experience fanaticism was a double edged sword it could make one do the extraordinary but at the same time it can keep one from seeing the horizon. That was what he hoped Asriel would exploit.

He arrived at his chamber door, the sensors dedicated his presence and the door opened automatically. Walking into the longue he spotted Chershi lying on the sofa reading a book. Alexandrel found this strange and approached his associate. “What are you doing?” he asked. “What does it look like? I am reading a book.” she spoke with a measure of annoyance. The Soulless grinned and walked around trying to take a look at what she was reading but the daemon simply shifted the book out of his sight. “C’mon let me see!” He snatched the tome out of her hands and she simply snatched it back before he could take a look.

Chershi tutted and closed the book. “Do you know that you are annoying?” Alexandrel’s smiled wided. “I try.” In return his associate scoffed and left the sofa. She began walking towards the corridor but before reaching it she looked back. “By the way your human is taking a bath if you are looking for him.” She then left the longue, now by himself his mind drifted to Asriel again. “He’s most likely not using the slave baths…”
He nodded and made his way there, when he stood in front of the door he picked up the smell of blood. “Oh my dear slaves what did you do?” He pressed the button to open the door and when he entered he saw corpses strewn across the floor, what he found interesting was the fact their stomachs were cut out and intestines were dotted around the corpses. Alexandrel walked towards the pool, crunching the bodies underneath his boots. This caused the mortal to turn. “Oh...S-Sorry…” The Soulless raised his eyebrow. “What are you sorry about?” “I killed some of your slaves.” He raised his boot and looked underneath it, he could see a little bit of brain matter and bone mixed in with the blood. “Hmmm…” he picked off a piece of bone and flicked it away. As he bought his foot down his slave frowned. “What are are you doing?” “Showing you how little my opinion is of you killing them. Don’t worry I can see what happened, they thought to pick a fight and they lost. My question is what were you doing with the intestines?” At the mention of the organ Asriel rubbed his neck. “Well...I sort have to wipe them over my body to make myself young again. I mean haven’t you noticed?”

At the mention of becoming young he knelt and poked his head. “Looks are fleeting, your brain is what matters.” Asriel rubbed his forehead. “That’s a strange thing to say...especially coming from you.” “I mean it.” Alexandrel declared. “It’s our brain that that formulates the plans of corruption, it helps us understand joy and pain. It’s the first thing the gods change.” He handed Asriel the dataslate, his slave still seemed confused. “I...don’t understand.” “Read the dataslate Asriel, but from what I understand you will modify the plans despite me telling you not to. You will make the plan more grander and...fantastic. I can’t wait to see it. Now...get ready we are going to see our leader.” Asriel blinked in shock “N-Now!? I won’t have enough time to read the dataslate!” “You can do it it on the way, also make sure you are wearing a robe over your clothes. Meet me in the longue once you are ready.”

Alexandrel stood up right and made his way to leave the chamber. He tried to avoid chuckling to himself. He has to reserve his excitement for when the first phase was completed.

Chapter 12
Sergeant Cade looked down from the Saint Avirus wall, the new arrivals were as always loud and they seemed to not have seen a bath in decades. From his vantage point he could get a good look at faces. The distance was just about right where he could pick someone off if he aims well with his lasgun. If he was honest with himself he felt sorry for the people taking the tithe at the gates, for the mass of bodies were a line of sorts. The vehicles, sisters of battle and squads of PDF watching over the gate prevented any trouble from occurring but as always there was one fool. As that thought ended the sound of bolter round rang through the air, screams erupted from the crowd that caused the line to stall.

The sounds from the unwashed masses grew silent, that as when sister superior Lilia shouted through the aid of her vox. “Do you try to rush through the gate! Only paying the tithe to our most holy emperor will you find entry to this city!” Two more shots rang out which caused the crowd to flinch back again. The two that most likely died right then must of looked at Lilia wrong, from speaking to her she tells him that one can see heresy in the eyes. He wasn’t sure if that was true or not but who was he to doubt a bride of the emperor?

He bought his eyes away from the crowd and down to his squad across the railing who were manning the heavy bolter batteries. “Warm them up!” Cade shouted. Unlike most PDF or citizen militia they did not hesitate. They readied the bolters for if it gets ugly they might have to mow down the whole crowd. He hoped it would not come to that, but he might receive the order from Lilia through his comm-bead.

He waited, the seconds ticked by and steadily the crowd was being let into the city again. The sounds of prayers from dirty pilgrims returned. Cade nodded “stand down, Axiam Templars.” The order was followed right away, the heavy bolter batteries wound down and fell silent.

He was about to return to idly watching until he heard the sound of a jetpack, he turned and looked up to see a squad of seraphim descending to the wall. Upon landing the brides of the emperor received stares from the men and women manning wall Saint Avirus. He thought to bark at them to pay attention but he soon realised it was not awe lining their faces but fear. He just noticed himself that he was tensing slightly as they approached him. He recognised the face of seraphim superior Aliza, she wore an eyepatch with the rune of the sisters of battle embedded upon the leather and a censer swung at her hip. “Sergeant.” she said curtly.

Cade saluted as a sign of respect, once he lowered it he looked back to the crowd slightly. “Only three dead seraphim superior.” “Only three?” she sounded surprised. He personally thought it was a good thing that less people die before they even get into the city. The last group over hundred people were killed. “Yes only three, but my men were ready to act if sister superior Lilia gave the order.” His words caused Aliza to nod in satisfaction, that meant he said what she expected to hear. “Good, the nobles have landed in the pilgrim camp docking port, they are eager to reach the second tier. Keep your eyes open, the upper echelons who wish to supplicate themselves before the grand cathedral ensures Axiam runs smoothly.” He knew what she was talking about the money, as with all things if one wants to crusade and destroy the enemies of the emperor money is needed. “Do you wish...things were different?” He just realised he spoke out loud. He shook his head “Forg-” “Yes.” Aliza interjected. “But the emperor expects sacrifice, this is just one of many. If we have to deal with nobles so be it. The fact you voiced such a thing shows your heart is in the right place, I can see your faith is strong. Carry on sergeant.” She turned with her seraphim before he could say anything else. They ran and jumped off the edge of the wall towards the pilgrim camp. When he saw her shooting through the air with her squad he smiled. “They’re not so scary after all…”

***
Dilon kept close to his unit, those he left the ship with were all together in the mass of bodies but they were a few centimeters apart from each other. After all from his understanding despite being part of the same group they are rivals. It’s just at this point in time they have to work together.

He began coughing and gagging due to the smell of sweat from the other pilgrims. He could see that many were even covered in dirt or worse, he wondered what on earth did they sacrifice to get here? “Too much.” Ashi said flatly. Her eyes met his own like she knew what he was thinking. “How could it be too much? I me-” “Sssh…” lower your voice said Ashi. He got the hint right away. One of the other thorns might be eavesdropping even with the sounds of prayer around them from the other pilgrims. He moved to her side. “I mean after all they come here to pray.” he said in a hushed tone. His unit leader shook her head. “You heard the gunshots right?” her voice was still flat, Dilon could tell she most likely has had this conversation several times in the past. “Yes I did.” said Dilon. “Good, because most likely they must of looked at one of the defenders wrong. Seen it too many times, fanaticism gives way to reason. You will most likely see more of this once we get inside.”

Dilon thought to voice a counter argument but they arrived at the gate. It looked more like a military checkpoint. He went under his robes and pulled out a pouch, he removed a few golden coins. Looking around the rest of the thorns were doing the same, his eyes then came back to the large open gate. The crowd was being funneled into a line, from his observation members of the PDF were holding out bowels filled with shiny objects. Once the bowl was full the soldiers behind them would take the bowel and dump it into a large leather bag.

His main worry though was the sisters of battle, despite their ornate white armour their faces were grim. Like they were assessing each person in the crowd, in total there was twenty of them along with vehicle and PDF infantry support. He started to tense as his thorn along with the others were passing through the gate. They all dropped their coins into the bowl. Dilon felt his steps becoming slow, his heart started to thunder in his chest as one of the sisters of battle told them to stop. They all just had a few more steps to take to enter the city.

He could see Ashi cursing as the PDF dragged them to the wall which was stained with dried blood. The PDF pushed them roughly onto the wall and ordered them to get on their knees and place their hands behind their head. Dilon began to mutter a prayer as he fell to his knees. The one he assumed to be the leader strode up to the line, she pointed her power sword at a number of them. “I can see those who are corrupted among this group. Most likely hiding their afflictions with witchcraft.” she spoke with venom that was when Ashi whispered to him. “Dilon...do you know the hymn of saint Vasiris?” He nodded. It was in high gothic, but he didn’t understand what she was planning. Ashi began to sing, along with the rest of their unit. “Ut qui ambulat in luce, disce sequi eum…” Dilon gulped and joined in.

The rest of the thorns were looking at them in confusion, but the sister of battle was paying no mind to their hymn. She simply walked to the end of those lined up against the wall and started executing people with her bolt pistol. Dilon began crying, the words stammered out of his mouth. “M-Magnus s-s-sanctus, signum e-est, omnes fideles a-animarum...” He wrenched his eyes shut, trying to block out the gunshots. He could hear shouts from the 2nd thorn leader before he was likely riddled with bolt rounds. The screams kept going, so did the protests but the shots kept ringing out until finally they grew silent.

Dilon slowly opened his eyes to see the sister of battle standing before him, a scar lined her face. In her brown eyes he could only see a cold hatred. Dilon also noticed her blade was now sheathed and she was in the middle of reloading a smoking bolt pistol. She leaned down and sang a different hymn while staring right into his eyes.“Celestinus sponsa imperatoris, sancti luce, qui banishes tenebris….” Dilon licked his lips as her voice trailed off. “I-Illa est maximo a-angelus, gladium d-de absolutionem et iustitiam.” She leaned back and moved to Ashi, the sister of battle changed the song and trailed off again. Ashi finished the next part like he did. He took the time to look to his right to see a trail of dead bodies he didn’t get time to react to that fact before the leader shouted. “This group is clear!” The PDF soldier hefted him up and pushed him towards the city.

Dilon found himself in a stupor as he hurried into the city with his unit. They kept walking until they came upon the tents and stone churches in the distance. His eyes then drifted to Ashi who was grinning ear to ear. “They’re all dead…” “W-What are you saying!?” Dilon almost shouted but his unit leader was still jubilant. “Don’t you see? We can handle this mission our own way!” he looked around to see it was only his unit here, they were the only ones who made it.

He should be happy but that was when he remembered they were working for heretics. “Ashi...we could forget the mission.” “No. Don’t think like that.” she said firmly. “You are now with us, you have to understand….There is no going back.” Dilon wiped his face, he took several deep breaths. “The plan won’t involve corruption right?” “No it won’t, trust me.” Ashi smiled as she spoke, he felt a small measure of hope. In the end he knew that this was the only path, seeing first hand how the rest was executed if the sisters of battle get a whiff of who sent them they will meet the same fate.

***
Asriel walked with Alexandrel to the daemon prince’s lair, he was holding his cane under his arm while he went through the dataslate. He could see what Aamon was aiming for, corrupt the young nobles who have been left behind on the harsh shrine world. There would be resentment there to exploit, he just had to be careful moving around the sisters of battle. The last time he dealt with them they branded him with a cattle prod, yet he had one concern. “You have several hundred people working to corrupt this city. I am sure some of them would find a way to get into the second tier, shou-” “You won’t be working with them.” Alexandrel declared. The Soulless gave him a small smirk. “They are most likely dead by now, I doubt that Aamon or our leader would foresee that outcome.” “They’re dead? How?” “Quite simple they underestimate the god we are seeking to fight.” “God? You mean the emperor...but…” “He still has some measure of power Asriel, even if he is a weak one. He might give his brides some inkling, like a itchy brow when looking at certain individuals or just by seeing something in someone’s eyes.” Asriel didn’t think Alexandrel was that superstitious when it came to dealing with the minions of the emperor, but he has seen a saint at work.

That one fact made him take the space marine seriously. “So most of them will be most likely caught out before even getting into the city. But...there is another problem.” He skimmed through the maps and the numbers of battle sisters within the city. He suspected that this warband is not even the size of a company. They don’t have the numbers to face those on the world even if he corrupts the young nobles. “You can’t fight this war, you don’t have the numbers.” he said out loud. Alexandrel smirk turned into a wide smile, he didn’t say anything. “Let me guess I will be handling that?” Asriel frowned as the Soulless continued not to say a word. He took that as a yes. He wondered why the space marine was setting so much on his plate? He sighed as continued to working through the information.

When they arrived the golden double doors was opened slightly, Alexandrel gave a small clap. “Looks like they are expecting us. Hand me the dataslate you won’t need it.” Asriel did as he was instructed, when he handed the Soulless the dataslate. They entered the chamber, the champion of warband stood next to his master who was sitting at the front of his bed. Alexandrel smiled at the daemon. “I have bought him Arzin, he is ready to go.” The angelic daemon gestured his head to the champion. +Adonis, had the mortal the coins.+ Asriel could see the astartes did not relish looking at him or even being in his presence.

The champion removed a small sack from his pouch and walked up to him, he placed the sack in his hand. “Don’t fail slave. Or else.” Asriel simply nodded, Alexandrel grinned at the space marine. “Adonis don’t be so rude.” Adonis grunted and returned to Arzin’s side. He thought it would be best to keep quiet, Asriel didn’t want to draw the ire of Adonis or the daemon prince. +I shall open the portal, I echo what Adonis just said. Don’t fail, you will find a means to contact to me in the bag. Just clutch the crystal tightly, I will be able to sense your intentions.+ The daemon prince bought his hand up, and then clutched it.

A few metres away from the bed a spiralling pink vortex was manifested. Alexandrel winked at him. “Good luck.” Asriel placed the sack inside his robe. “I won’t fail...my lord.” The Soulless simply chuckled to his response, Asriel took a deep breath and walked through the portal.

Oh yeah I am putting the notes together on my AOS slaanesh story. Because of the unique situation slaanesh has found himself in for AOS I think interesting stories can be told. Haven't painted any of my wrath and rapture stuff just in case GW decides to add new colours etc like they did for thousand sons and death guard.

So you have three groups of slaanesh worshippers.

The pretenders - Those who want to replace slaanesh

The Seekers - Those who want to find slaanesh

Invaders - Who just carry on like normal.

I will also add that short story will come out first that will kinda set it up.

Edit:Oh yeah, guess which host am I am going to pick? It's not invaders since that is quite samey in 40k, AOS and WHFB.

Chapter 13
Stepping through the portal Asriel found himself in a alleyway, he could hear the voices of the population belonging to the second tier. Right away he pulled out the sack and opened it up. He spotted golden coins with snake iconography, staring at them his mind started to form a plan. “Greed is the cornerstone of this world...I will start there.” He removed the small pink crystal from the sack and placed it in his leather jacket pocket. He felt a little hot due to wearing his robe over it but he had to look like a pilgrim. He then returned his attention to the coin sack, he clutched it and began chanting. Those who bear the coins will begin to feel a gold lust. It was a small curse for Asriel desired to place chinks in armour, not to batter them down. Subtly has to be paramount, as the Soulless said the sisters of battle might detect his presence.

The sack grew warm in his hands, as he finished the incantation the heat drifted away. Satisfied that the curse held the coins he placed the sack back into his robes.

He walked out of the alleyway. He quickly found himself in front of the Saint Alisia church, the building was huge. Large gothic statues dotted the rooftops, cherubs swung censers around the church and others held skulls up in the air. He guessed they were most likely the skulls of minor saints, but what captured his attention was the crowd gathered outside of the church.

All of them seemed jubilant for some reason, he walked over and started to push his way into the crowd. Upon reaching the front he discovered that a pyre burning was taking place. A man was bound to the pole, hay and tender lined his feet. The man was naked and his body held whip lashes. A priest was speaking from a tome, a servo skull hovered at his side projecting his voice while sisters of battle stood vigilant on the grand steps of the saint Alisia church. He suspected it was the battle sisters not the rail that kept the crowd from advancing further. He turned his head to someone next to him, a young woman with short brown hair, she was also wearing a white robe. Unlike everyone else who seemed excited at what was happening she was upset. “Excuse me. What is going on?” he asked.

The female raised her eyebrow, disturbing her sadness for a moment, but it quickly returned. “Must be new, did your family leave you here as well?” Asriel thought whether he should say yes, but had the feeling if he picked that alias it would be harder to move around since the young men and women are trained to join the military arm of this planet. “I wish to become a priest, I assume I have to work as a scribe for some time.” The young woman slowly nodded. “I see...I hope you have a lot of money then.” “Don’t worry i’ve prepared well. Even so I could not help but notice you were upset at what was happening.” He wanted to gather information, if she was upset that means others were as well. Right now it’s just a theory but going by her white robe he assumed she was one of the young men and women sold to the church. Asriel rubbed his neck “apologies, here I am questioning you when I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Asriel.” he offered his hand but she didn’t take it.

Her head returned to the execution, he could see she didn’t want to talk anymore so he did the same. Watching the one tied the post he seemed young as well, he saw another opportunity. “What I find strange...is how people revel in the suffering of others. I assume the one here was friends with many here, but soon as a pyre is underway they become like frenzied beasts. Eager to drink in the terror of someone who is going to die horrifically.” Now the young woman was glancing at him, he paid no mind to it. “They wish to drink in the horror, the pain of that young man. They tell themselves that it is okay because they are a heretic and it shouldn’t matter. I find such thinking to be hypocritical to be honest.”

He was being honest at that moment, he did find it hypocritical. The supposed loyalists would gladly enjoy watching someone suffer, be they a heretic or an innocent man. He will personally enjoy the young man’s pain and terror, but there is a difference between him and everyone here. He accepted that he was evil, vile and terrible. The people here are masking who they really are, this was like a drug to them. One that is legal. “It’s like a drug to them, one they gladly use again and again…” now the young woman was looking at him. “You should be careful voicing such things…” she said flatly.

Asriel bought his eyes to her again “but I assume it’s what you wanted to hear no? Do you feel better?” Just for a moment she smiled, she then sighed. “I am going to miss him, he’s was a good friend. I hope he goes to the emperor’s side despite what everyone here thinks.” He could say that he was most likely going to be fodder for daemons, but that wouldn’t help. “I hope so as well.” as he finished speaking the priest ended his sermon. Everyone fell silent, eyes were now focused on the young man.

The sisters of battle began walking down the steps, that is when Asriel noticed they were holding flamers. The priest himself walked past the battle sisters and took their place on the steps. Asriel took time to glance at the young woman, she was clutching her chest. When the smell of burning wood graced his nose he looked back to the pyre burning. The young man was panicking, the flames were barely licking his fleet but he was screaming his lungs out. He yelled for help, he shouted for mercy but Asriel could only see fascination among the crowd.

The flames steadily climbed, the sisters of battle aided this by pouring more flame into hay and wood around the young man’s feet. That was when the true screams started, the young man was engulfed by flames. His pain and terror washed over him, Asriel had to tense to keep himself from smiling, Violo was reacting as well but clutching the cane tightly made her calm down. He tried to ensure that he watched the burning in silence, it helped that once the young man stopped writhing on the pole everyone fell into a solemn prayer apart from the female next to him. He spotted a single tear flowing down her cheek as she said. “My name is Stella…” She faced him and gave a sad smile. “For some reason I can’t pray…”

Asriel returned the same smile “that’s alright, but keep him in your thoughts. That might help him reach the emperor’s side.” Stella gave a curt nod.

He could see that he has made a possible contact, a vector where corruption could spread from. He inwardly smiled.

***
Walking around the camps Dilon had to cover his nose, strangely he missed the smell of the ship. Such a fact chilled him, he wondered that maybe no matter what he does he will be slowly corrupted? Was it just a matter of time? He recalled how jubilant Ashi was at the fact the other thorns were dead. He hated the heretics but he doesn’t seek joy in death, it just seemed...wrong to him. He looked around among the squalor, the PDF keep pathways clear but the side roads are filled with tents and begging pilgrims. They were eager to go to a sermon, for even the churches here require fee upon entry.

Those who try to force their way in are normally gunned down by the PDF forces who watch over the local churches. Dilon found this whole system repugnant, the faithful shouldn’t have to pay to enter places of faith. What troubled him were the priests and scribes were encouraging the system, they often stand at the entrance ringing a bell shouting at the top of their lungs the the fee has been cut in half for a week. They all acted like salesmen, he just couldn’t believe such a planet was supported by the ecclesiarchy.

Dilon shook his head “focus on the mission…” he needed to pick out seeds of resentment among the beggars. He needed to find those who hate or resent this system, but despite his mind drifting it was evident that the poor pilgrims preferred to live in squalor. He turned right and stepped off road. He made his way past the tents and begging pilgrims, he gave up trying to find information. The people here were far too...fanatical to be of any use.

Making his way through the sea of tents the smell became even worse, eventually he arrived at the tent his thorn set up. It was rather large for all of them to sleep in but two people had to be on guard at all times, there were stories of pilgrims stealing tents to sell off to new pilgrims. He suspected the one they own was stolen as well.

He gave a curt nod to the guards who held hand stubbers, just waving it around was enough to scare people off. He hoped they would never have to be used since at night he sometimes can hear gunshots in the distance. He sighed when he entered the tent, he saw the others all sat in the middle, they were in discussion. As he approached Ashi looked up to him “I suspect that you haven’t found anything?” He could hear the annoyance in her voice, Dilon knew it wasn’t directed at him. “No, nothing.” Dilon responded. “Pilgrims seem to enjoy living like this. I assume they view it as a test of faith.” “Faith…” Ashi spat with disgust. “No one is watching them, no one cares…they are too fanatical to see that.” He wanted to voice his annoyance at insulting faith, but had to remember most likely everyone here held the same opinion. The nods from the other members of his thorn showed that they agreed.

Dilon frowned “so that means we have to keep our heads down.” Ashi sighed heavily in return to his words. “Yes, that is the best course of action. Our leader will most likely sense that the planet is not destabilizing. In the end the blame lies at the feet of the 2nd thorn since they were anointed. Aamon will shield us from punishment.” He tried not to sigh in relief, that means they don’t have to foster a rebellion. They merely have to survive until the astartes detect that something has gone wrong.

Dilon sat with the rest of his thorn, hope surged through his body. He thought that maybe the sisters of battle might push the heretics back? That means there was a slim possibility that he could return to his old life. Penance and service is the wine and lifeblood of the imperium, he would take that over serving heretics.

***
Asriel watched the ashes being scattered around the front of the saint Alisia church. It’s been a few hours since the execution and it’s now dusk. Strangely he hasn’t entered the church yet he wanted to watch the loyalists disassemble the execution site, he desired to see the grey ash of young man landing on the ground. He wanted to understand why people can lie to themselves? He never was one for philosophy, he assumed hearing Alexandrel speak constantly about such subjects had something to do with it. “They chant that he has been redeemed by the flames, but they are just saying it so they feel better about executing him…” he voiced under his breath.

Asriel grumbled, he now made his way to the church. Stella has already made her way inside, even after it was over she became too upset to speak further. It was evident that the armour that gilds her soul is brittle. But he cannot act too quickly, he still needed to soften the defenses for the warband. When he reached the grand steps he looked up to the skies, this was when he noticed something strange. “Where is the great scar?” The great thread of warp energy that covers the skies was missing. He wondered that perhaps the faith of this planet has kept it from appearing here? “Impossible…” he couldn’t believe it.

He wanted to ponder this subject more but he had to focus on his mission first. Reaching the top of the steps they were guarded by five sisters of battle. Two scribes also stood at both ends of the door. As he approached a scribe, he looked him up and down. “Why are you here?” Asriel could see what this was about, he doesn’t look like someone who’s rich but this would help him at the same time. “I wish to train to be a scribe and eventually a priest. I have studied the word of the imperial creed for years and I wish to take it a step further.” His words caused the sisters of battle to make the sign of the aquila over their chests, but the scribe was still looking down upon him. “The curriculum is expensive, do you even have money to enter the church?” “I do.” Asriel removed the pouch from his robe, he opened the sack and removed a single gold coin. The scribe was about to laugh, but gazing at the coin caused him to gulp. Asriel didn’t want to hold it out too long due to the sisters of battle so he quickly threw the coin into the silver bowel the scribe was carrying.

The scribe looked down to his bowel and then up at him. “You may enter, Pontifex Samson is ushering new trainees at the altar.” he said curtly. Asriel didn’t waste any time, he walked into the church while returning the sack to his robe. Now inside he could see there were rows upon rows of wooden benches, cherubs were fluttering around swinging censers and like all other imperium churches it bore renditions of the primarchs. They didn’t have statues in this church but their likeness was displayed on stained glass windows.

Walking down the aisle he bought his eyes to the altar. He spotted a priest holding a twin eagled staff, he also wore a white habit replete with parchment and purity seals. The priest’s face held lines of age and starting into his brown eyes he could see that he was the person he was looking for. Around the Pontifex Samson he could see individuals wearing fine robes, many were threaded with silver or gold.

He assumed these were men and women who sought to join the church. Asriel approached the group, reaching the altar Samson was in the middle of an announcement. “You are all hopefuls who seek to spread the imperial creed, but I must see your devotion.” Samson declared. He stepped aside to reveal a large bowl on the altar. “Offer everything to the emperor of mankind. Show me your devotion!” One by one people approached the bowl and poured sacks of money into it and returned to their original position. Some were shaking with fear and shook their head, stating they had no money. But they wanted to serve the church, these people were set aside by the Pontifex.

Eventually it reached his turn he was the last one to show his devotion. Stepping up to the altar he looked down to the bowl. Asriel could see coins, jewelry and even small artifacts. He regarded the Pontifex again, he could sense that despite his greed he was a man of faith. The imperium is ran on this lifeblood, people kill for it and they use faith to instill fear in the masses as well. Arriving at this fact he had only one answer. “I have nothing left to give save my utter devotion to the master of mankind. I have come here so I can enrich the souls of others, coins keeps the door open but faith ensures the imperial creed remains alive.” The pontifex smiled at him. “Is that your answer?” “It is.” He then gestured that he stands with the others who have no money.

Asriel quietly walked over to the group. The Pontifex then pointed his stave at the group who placed money in the bowl. “All of you leave.” Right away shock played across the faces who gave up their valuables. Protests erupted from the group, the shouts caused the sisters of battle guarding the entrance to enter and the anger was silenced in but a second. “Leave.” the Pontifix repeated flatly. With the battle sisters at the entrance those who failed left, once they were gone the priest turned to them. “Well done. Now...Antonius!” A scribe who was praying at the bench rose and rushed to the altar. He had short brown hair and blue eyes, he was quite young as well. Antonius bowed “Pontifex, what is your will?” Samson pointed at everyone in the group save him. “Show them to their rooms.” Antonius nodded “please follow me.” The group who passed left with the scribe, but Asriel could not help but feel a little worried.

The Pontifex then regarded him. “Please follow me.” Asriel fell in behind the Pontifex as he guided him to a side pathway. They walked down a corridor, scribes passed them by but all of them gave him worried glances. After a few minutes walking they stopped in front of a elevator, Samson pressed the button to call it down.

He thought to ask what was going on but his instincts told him that it would be better to keep silent until the priest has deemed it okay to talk. As the sound of a ding graced his ears, the lift doors parted. They both stepped inside. Asriel made quick note of the buttons right away, he noticed that there were four floors. They were on the ground floor at the moment but when the Pontifex pressed the button for the fourth floor that was when his heart started to thunder in his chest. The button was far more embellished than the others, it was wrought in gold.

The doors of the elevator closed, it slowly climbed upwards. That was when the Pontifex smiled, it wasn’t the same kind of smile he gave him on the altar but it was devious one. “ We are taking a free lift so we could speak for a moment...So tell me? How much coin do you actually have?” Asriel had to answer this question carefully. “Enough, I assure you that what I have will be of great interest.” Samson grunted “they all say that, but if you are lying to me I will have you burned at the stake. I am quite sure you saw the young man outside?” “Yes I did.” “Good, for that is what happens to liars. He was sold to the church, his marks and scores were low when it came to training so instead he would of found service as a servitor but he sought to run, but as with all liars he was caught easily.” In that moment Asriel now realised that this individual was dangerous. The Elevator chimed again, the door came apart.

The Pontifex walked out of the elevator, Asriel made sure to keep a few paces behind him this time. They were now in a single room, before them was a door guarded by crusaders. Asriel could see this was most likely the personal chambers of the Pontifex. As they reached the door the crusaders let them in, Samson’s office was grand. He had a double bed in the corner the type used by nobles, dotted around the room were golden statues of supposed saints and finally his desk held bottles of fine wine.

The Pontifex moved around his desk and sat down. Samson then gestured towards the desk “come let us talk further.” Asriel approached the desk, he got his sack ready which caused the Pontifex to raise his eyebrow. “That’s all you have?” Samson said with a measure of annoyance. Asriel said nothing he pulled out a coin from the sack and placed it down on the table. “I wasn’t lying about wanting to be a priest, but as I said. I have something worth your while.” The Pontifex stared at the coin, he was utterly enthralled which has given him a window of opportunity. “May I leave then?” The priest slowly nodded while picking up the coin. Just for a moment he thought he was going to lick it, but all Samson did was smile. “The scribe quarters are on the first floor, pick any room but make sure you flip the sign that it’s in use. Your keys will be in your room. You may also watch the aspirants train on the third floor, keep in mind...relationships are forbidden as well.” The priest then lowered the coin and gestured him out. “One more thing before you leave….Since it’s most likely night time, I ask you to refrain from looking out of your window.” Asriel bowed, that was simple enough to remember. “Thank you for letting me know.” He turned and left the room.

As he got outside the crusaders gave him a dirty look but he paid no mind to it. He quickly approached the lift and pressed the button. The lift doors opened, he briskly walked in. He pressed the button for the first floor and once the doors closed he finally allowed himself to relax, he returned the sack to his robe.

He thought the priest was a man of faith but it’s now been revealed that it’s all a sham. In the end that worked in his favour, he could use that greed to his advantage.

When the lift chimed, the doors came apart. He stepped out to a corridor that had three pathways, he decided to take the left corridor. Right away he spotted room numbers and signs that you can slide. Asriel decided to take the fourth room on the left, he reached for the sign and slid it, letting people know the room was in use.

He then turned the door handle and walked inside. Entering his new room he closed the door and looked around. He had a chest of drawers set on the left wall, there was also a mirror on top it. A bed was placed in the right corner of the room and finally what drew his eyes was the window and the soft purple light shining through it. The window sill was even large enough to sit upon.

Asriel was about to walk to the window sill but first he desired to lock his room door, the Pontinex said there was a key in his room. He walked over to the chest of drawers and searched it. It took him only a few seconds to spot the key placed in the third drawer, he took the key and went to lock his door. Once that was done he placed the key in his robe pocket and slowly walked over to the window sill. He sat down and gazed out of the window, what he saw caused his eyes to grow wide. The cicatrix maledictum was seared across the skies, he has never seen it with such...clarity. The scar was bubbling with purple energy, spread across it were black splotches shaped like skulls. Millions of them looked like they were crying out in utter agony, tears started to roll down his face. He had no idea why he was crying, he wasn’t sure if it was due to how beautiful it was or whether it was the only way he could process his horror.

Asriel spoke to the great scar “what are you?” he whispered. +We are truth.+ His own voice was echoing through his mind. “Truth what sort of truth?” he asked. Violo was now vibrating erratically in his hand, he could sense she was excited. +Listen and watch us, understanding will grace you.+ That was when the voice came apart, millions of screams started to cascade through his mind, battering aside his defences and before the voices of daemons could return they would drowned by the beauty of the great scar. Throughout this whole ordeal he kept his eyes on the cicatrix maledictum, he listened to it’s screams throughout the night.


***
Alexandrel sat on the sofa eating a nutrient bar, he was watching Chershi who sat across from him. She was still reading her book, when his associate caught him staring she lowered it. “Do you really want to know what I am reading?” she asked. Alexandrel nodded while taking another bite out of his bar. “Well what I am reading is the mad recordings of those who stared at the great scar for too long. Did you know on Axiam it can’t be seen during the day but it’s full majesty could be beheld during night? It takes extreme faith in the anathema to not be drawn to look at it. Some have even went so far as to board up their windows. No one talks about the great scar on Axiam for it doesn’t “exist” to the people.” Alexandrel raised his eyebrow “that’s it? I knew that already.” His associate closed the book, she frowned at him. “Does your slave know? Mortal minds can’t handle it.” “No why?” “You didn’t tell him?” “I don’t think that fact is all that important for him to know.” The Soulless smiled at the daemon, Chershi sighed in return “I assume Arzin knows...What of Aamon? Is he aware of this fact?” “Nope.” Alexandrel stated curtly. “Most likely the Black Angel also doesn’t see it as an issue either.”

The Soulless took another bite out of his bar, he chewed it slowly savouring the taste. His associate shook her head in disbelief. “I would call you a fool but I know you by now...What are you planning?” she asked. Alexandrel simply shrugged to the question.