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Well I can't wait to get to the planet.

Well damn. Imperial knights. Those are going to be very formidable opponents. Are there gonna be any of the forgeworld knights?

lliu wrote:
Well damn. Imperial knights. Those are going to be very formidable opponents. Are there gonna be any of the forgeworld knights?

Well...the answer to your question is here!

Chapter 21
Asriel stood next to Tetricus’ table with the cart it’s the next day and he hoped that this meal would allow him to glean more information from the sorcerer. He placed the meal on the table along with a bottle of wine and a large metal mug of recaf. His master then removed the cover to see bloodied beef, vegetables and a glaze that shone like the lights of the very room. He raised his eyebrow. “What are you trying to do here?” “Nothing my lord, I woke up slightly early to make your meal to your preference. The vegetables have been boiled in water that held a hint of tortured slave tears and the meat was injected with a slight amount of boiled slave blood.” “Who were tortured?” “Yes they were indeed tortured.” “The wine was aged using my psychic powers and the recaf also has the drop of tears that you desire.” The sorcerer grinned, that is the reaction he wanted. He grabbed the knife and fork and began eating joyfully. Asriel watched Tetricus chew and drink, he swallowed the food that was in his mouth. “This tastes really good, but I am going to teach you things when I am ready to.” Asriel frowned “but why!?” “Because that’s my decision.” the sorcerer dabbed the handkerchief on his lips. He knew that he would not budge on the subject, the plan failed. “I see, but I have a question when will I see my rivals?” “Soon, one should be arriving now actually.” The doors suddenly opened, a figure in a purple silk robe walked into the room. The robe itself obscured their body and the hood itself hid their features. Even trying to look under it all Asriel saw is darkness. Behind the figure two heavily chained and lashed slaves followed. They approached the table and bowed “Master.” Asriel noted the voice was female, it was soft as well.

Tetricus smiled “Lucia, this is Asriel.” The hood shifted in his direction “He is handsome.” “No.” Tetricus said firmly. “B-But..” “No.” he repeated. Lucia’s hood lowered slightly “I see.” “Is something wrong?” said Asriel. His master began drinking some of the wine. “She wants you for her harem.” “It’s not a harem! It’s not my fault I have admirers!” Lucia shouted. Tetricus raised his eyebrow. “You use telepathy to aid in controlling all of them. Right then I want you to hit one of your slaves.” Lucia bowed she faced a lashed slave and suddenly they went flying across the room, they slammed onto the wall. Asriel could see that they croaked in pleasure and started spouting gibberish praising Lucia for giving them attention. “See Asriel, a harem.” Lucia crossed her arms. “I don’t let them touch me.” “It is what is Lucia, now have you done what I asked?” “Yes everyone’s wargear has been delivered. I had my slaves carry the boxes for me. Now...as you promised master.” Tetricus opened his pouch and pulled out a small scroll he threw to Lucia, as she caught it she hugged the scroll tightly, giggling to herself while doing so. She then coughed and bowed “Thank you my lord.” The sorcerer then gestured her out. “You are dismissed.” She turned and walked away, the slave that was sent flying slowly got up and praised Lucia as he followed her out of the room. Asriel faced Tetricus “Wargear? Do I have one?” “Yes you do.” he responded.

He pulled a box from under the table and held it. “I had you armour retrofitted to accommodate your new role.” Asriel took the box and placed it on the cart, as it sat there something dawned on him. “What...how did you get my armour?” Tetricus cut a piece of meat. “I know the code to your room remember? Also I got rid of the camo-cloak.” “What!? Why!?” His master pointed the fork at him, the meat dripping with a slight amount of blood. “Well you have to learn to do it with your psychic powers.” he then placed the fork into his mouth and pulled the meat off, he began chewing. Watching the sorcerer chew all he could feel is his heart sinking into a pit. Asriel then heard the door opening again, he faced the door to see Taurus wheeling in the chalkboard.

Tetricus rose “what are you doing?” Taurus ignored him and wheeled the chalkboard to the middle of the room. He then regarded Tetricus. “Well since you started training with Inferus I there isn’t a gap where you are not here so I am doing it now.” “Doing what?” said Tetricus. “Gathering information.” Asriel watched Taurus call out each of the sirens true names, as each name left his mouth the sorcerer's eyes went wide. “How do you know their true names!?” Taurus called out the final name, he then shrugged. “They told me.” “Told you!? Daemons don’t just give out their names!?” “Brother this is why I do this when you are not around, you ask too many questions. Just be silent and watch.” To his surprise, Tetricus closed his mouth. Asriel then waited for the image to form as always, he wondered what world they are attacking this time. When the energy came together to make a shape his mouth dropped. “A forge world!?” Tetricus echoed his words to some extent “A forge world are you mad!?” Taurus removed his helmet and clipped it to his belt. He stroked his chin. “This is not a minor forge world….interesting. He is truly trying to kill us...Daemons! I desire a population count! Exclude high ranking tech priests!” Asriel heard the song changing and then numbers appeared. “30 billion people….” Asriel mouthed slowly. “Indeed.” said Taurus “We need to convert majority of that population to our side in order to stand a chance.” “That’s...impossible…” Tetricus said in a hushed tone. “I have faith in Lucretius brother, he can do it. But we need more. Daemons I wish to see if is an imperial knight on this world!” The image shifted again, Asriel watched a knight paladin appear. Just by the campaign marks whoever pilots that behemoth is a veteran. Taurus smiled “A freeblade, so we have a chance.” “A chance at what?” Asriel said in confusion. “A chance to bring them to our side. The house markings on the knight paladin has been stricken off, so I suspect the pilot has done something they shouldn’t have. Now at the same time if we are lucky the pilot’s retainers might have Armiger pattern knights.” Tetricus folded his arms. “If we secure the knights and the population….” “Then we can sweep through the city.” Taurus said cooly. “But it won’t be easy, imperial knights pilots rarely fall to the dark gods. So...the first phase of the plan relies on Lucreties, Sagax should easily be able to get our brother on world. From there it’s down to him.” “Tetricus nodded “We could send Asriel as well.” “Why?” “So we can remain in contact, just in case.” Taurus smiled at the sorcerer's suggestion, but Asriel felt a lump building in his throat. It’s growing extremely quickly due to yhe fact he will be on a mission with Lucretius.

Taurus placed his hands behind his back “Well Inferus you should get ready.” Asriel looked at the box, it seems that he will get to use his new wargear soon.

Caroline Liszar stood in a factory, gazing at her knight paladin, her personal sacristans were doing maintenance invoking the holy canticles while they checked and removed parts. Staring at the old machine always causes her hearts to twist in shame. But she fights for this planet to remove it, to show she is still a proud member of house Liszar. “Lady Caroline.” she turned her head to one of her retainers Lorgo Donomich, he was old and watched after her since she was a child. Even now he still stands at her side. “What is it Lorgo?” “I wonder when you will return home.” “I can’t return home, my sister saw to that.” “But everyone knows you didn’t do it! If you could get-” “Enough!” She does not want to be reminded of that, the emperor must of allowed this for a reason. She is here for a reason, this forge world makes the precious weapons from the holy bolter, to power armour to even leman russ tanks. The magos council of this world were courteous enough to give her a place here despite her “crimes”. So this is the planet she will remain on until the day she dies and her knight paladin is returned home to Ligithia. She sighed slightly “Lorgo...I understand your concern, but we can do nothing. My honour has been tarnished, fighting here is the proper way to return it. I will not plunge my home into civil war.” The old retainer bowed “as you say Lady Caroline.” He looked up to the knight paladin, so did she, the red paint looked old, but the older the knight the better. Since that means many heroes of the imperium have sat on that throne, she knows because of the ritual of becoming. She smiled “We have done some good here…” “Indeed my lady, we turned back that heretical attack with the aid of the Skitarii.” “Yes we did, they stood no chance. We saved many lives and we will keep saving lives until my honour is returned.” She continued to stare at the maintenance work, even if this is her life now, she knows it will be well spent.

He paced in their small cramped house, his wife sat on their bed content of what is coming. Adam shook his head. “You have to say no Lisa.” “You know there is no choice Adam, the omnissiah, the emperor wishes for this to happen.” “So you are saying your arm being crushed in the presser is his will!?” “Yes.” she said calmly “and don’t shout such things. Relax...I will still be of use to this world.” “But you won’t be here!” Adam pleaded. He recalled the accident, his wife screaming and the biologist tech priests stating they don’t have the resources to fix her arm but he knew that is a lie. They just don’t want to share their cybernetics, so to his shock they offered his wife a choice since she can’t work. The choice to be killed and broken down into spare body parts or to join the Skitarii, she chose the Skitarii without hesitation. “You can say no.” he repeated. Lisa simply shook his head, she gave a soft smile telling him that she accepted it. Compared to her she has always been more faithful than him, always listening to the sermons and repeating them, always ensuring she completes her work on time. He knew maybe, that’s why she has that offer because the tech priests are always watching, they could be watching them now, but he didn’t care they are going to take his wife away.

He eyed the stump of her arm, soon her whole body will be metal, he even wondered if she will remember him. Then came the hard knock, Adam felt a cold bead of sweat dripping down the side of his face. “Hide Lisa...please…” “No.” she responded firmly. The door slid open, the tech priests have the codes to everyone’s houses to ensure that all of them go to work, those who are late five times are never seen again. Adam faced the door to see the Skitarii alpha stride in, his coat was the same colour as the tech priests and every inch of his body was covered in cybernetics. His voice was cold and monotone as he spoke. “Factory worker 2234567 of factory Sigma, you will come with me now.” Adam noticed his weapons were drawn, he could see him holding a power sword and arc pistol. His wife rose and made the sign of the omnissiah. “I am ready.” The skitarii did not even nod he spoke again in his monotone voice. “Please follow me factory worker 2234567.” Adam felt powerless to stop what was happening, his wife left with the Skitarii alpha, the door slid close and now he dropped to his knees and wept.

Asriel was on the roof with Lucretius, he was sniffing the air. “So much misery to exploit...so much buried hatred…” “If you say so.” Asriel looked around, small houses are closely built together in long rows. At moment they are scouting, they took a large abandoned underground bunker as a base of operations. But he had to admit with a quick paint job on the thunderhawk and Sagax’s piloting skills they easily slipped into the more destitute part of the factory city. Now it’s down to them. “So how are we going to get over 30 billion people on our side?” asked Asriel. Lucretius smiled “well we start with one. Look.” Asriel spotted a group of skitarii escorting a woman out of a small house, they then began walking down the road, her arm was a stump, but he could clearly see she looked sad. “They are going to turn her into a machine aren't they?” “Indeed they are, and I doubt the people have a choice in the matter. At least with us they die in pleasure and happiness. Right now the people serve disgusting machines that slice away all their flesh to be closer to their disgusting god. I never understood the practice and I still don’t.” He could not help but nod in agreement with the angel. Lucretius then pointed “right a man is coming out of the house the woman left, let’s go.” “Is he going to be the first?” “Yes he is.” Asriel watched Lucretius unfurl his wings, he leaped into the air, Asriel used telekinesis to fly with him. “Guide him to a closed off alley human.” He nodded, he focused on the man sending his thoughts to him, subtly guiding him to an alleyway. As he made a corner he looked over to Lucretius “It’s done.” “Good…” the angel licked his lips. “The rest is down to me.”

Adam walked into the closed off alleyway, he scratched his head “why am I here?” he folded his arms, he thought to go to the temple to pray, to set his heart at ease but he knows this is not the right way. He turned away from the wall to see two people, one wore an open black robe mixed with what he assumed to be carapace armour, also spiked leather straps covered his arms and legs. But what truly held is attention is the angel, he was the size of a space marine. He shook his head in shock “a-are you a space marine!?” “Sssh..” said the angel. He leapt forward and suddenly Adam felt a sharp pain on his neck. But the pain soon vanished, he relaxed, his version was turning blurry and he oddly felt good. After a moment he felt himself falling to the ground he groaned. He rubbed his eyes and stood up right to see….his lord standing before him. His wonderful lord. He smiled “Instead of going to the temple tomorrow you will go to the underground bunker at this location.” He handed him a piece of paper. “If you want to see me again you must go there.” He gave him a soft smile and flew off with the robed figure. His hand quickly reached out “W-wait master! Please! Come back!” He forgot his wife, he chased after his lord. But they vanished into the distance, Adam panted. “P-please...come back…” He looked at the paper and read it. His master said in order to meet him again he must go here. He wondered if he should go there now? But his lord said tomorrow. He placed the piece of paper into his pocket he made his way back home to rest, he had to ensure he had the energy needed to make the journey after work.

His mind ran through the stored databanks, he checked the daily productivity of the workers for the gathered council. As always it’s falling. His adepts and other minor Magos’ watched this meeting with interest, all their apprentices do, any tech priest with any power on this world watch these meetings in the grand hall. The three most powerful tech priests on the planet would discuss their points and all the tech priests in this hall would then vote for an outcome. The forge world is ran by this council due to the age they live in. The forces of the traitor target this world on mass so many Magos’ have banded together to protect the works of the machine god. Magos Dominus Ethirus stared at the Magos Reductor Lashira, her huge metallic form is covered in mechadendrites and her red robe obscured her face, the only part that is organic. Her cold voice was speaking out that more should be done to encourage the workers. “Appropriate punishments should be met out to those who fall behind.” “Then productivity will fall even lower.” Ethirus responded. “That is not logical.” Lashira said. “If workers don’t do their jobs correctly they must be punished.” The Magos Prime Lazarus shook his head, the green lenses which were the eyes on his metallic face swirled. “Or perhaps it’s because there are too many accidents.” “Accidents happen at work, we have the appropriate procedures to handle such cases. The imperium needs armaments for war, they need our forges for war. I announce to this council that those who fall behind in their work should be turned into servitors.” Lashira said calmly.

Ethirus creased his brow in frustration “that will cause a rebellion.” “Then the skitarii will put down the rebellion. Then they will force the labourers back into work.” Lazarus nodded in agreement. “That is all we can do Magos Ethirus. Unless you have a way to increase productivity?” “We could give cybernetics to those who injure themselves, that way they can return to work. Their faith in the omnissiah would be renewed and they will be closer to the machine.” A large long screech came from Lashira. “That is a waste of resources.” “I am not saying to give them the best we have, just enough so they can work.” “It is still a waste of resources, I recommend to place a breeding program on the workers, that way replacements will be readily available. Too many laborers are without children.” Ethirus could not help but sigh slightly, the Magos reductor shifted her large frame to him. “You are allowing emotion to cloud your judgement, unlike many in this hall you still hold much of your flesh.” A barb, Ethirus could see it. “We are not here to talk about how much holy machinery is part of my body Lashira.” He could see the other Magos’ eyeing him, even his apprentices were looking at him. “Enough let us vote.” said Ethirus “Lashira wants to start the breeding program and to turn workers who fall behind into servitors, I want wish to introduce cybernetics to the disabled population. Those in favour of my plan?” He raised his hand, Lashira’s and Lazarus’ limbs were lowered. He could see the crowd of tech priests in the stands hands were lowered. Even his apprentices, Ethirus gave another weary sigh. The Magos reductor raised a clawed metal hand. “Those in favour of my program? Please raise your hand.” As she called out every hand in the hall was raised. The Magos Reductor nodded. “Our direction is clear Ethirus.” “So it is….” He responded.

It’s the next day and Adam made his way to the location that was given to him, oddly he saw the angel in his dreams, guiding him to a better place. For some reason he did not think of him as his lord anymore but he knew that he understood him for some reason. His coming was all too convenient due to the announcement by the tech priests. They have introduced a forced breeding program and are going to turn workers into servitors if they perceive that they are not working hard enough. He clutched the piece of paper in frustration, he knows everyone is working hard as they can, but the accidents at work slow everything down. His own wife was a recent case. He then looked around to see this is a more destitute part of the city, all those who live by themselves are holed up here. He guessed he will get moved here soon since a couple might need his small house. He opened the paper again and followed the directions until he came to what looked like an underground bunker entrance. Two large men guarded the entrance, he approached. With each step he was becoming more nervous, a tiny part of his mind was telling him to run away. To forget about this and just...live his life. But he can’t do that anymore, Lisa is gone.“E-Excuse me. I..got this from an angel.” One of the men nodded, show me your neck. “W-What?” “Just do as I ask.” Adam moved his neck showing him both sides. The large man leaned in slightly. “Right you are clear to head in. Just follow the arrows.” The other guard opened the door, he walked inside.

To his surprise it was not dusty, nor did it smell bad like the destitute part of the city, a strange amora tickled his nose and calmed his nerves. He walked down the stairs until he came to a tunnel, where golden brazier stands were burning with purple fire and censer balls hanged from the ceilings which were releasing a pink mist. The aroma he smelt before was far more stronger. His body relaxed further, he continued the journey onward, he noticed that there were twists and turns that lead to other places but he focused on the arrows that lined the walls. He did not want to get lost, eventually he reached an open area that held a stage and closed slik curtains. He could also see other factory workers here, but many of them were from this area of the city. But what surprised him even more is that he spotted the odd tech priest, from their robes they were not high ranking ones but the minor one’s that aid the overseers at their work. He could tell because majority of their body was still flesh save the odd finger or even eye.

He walked around until a tech priest approached him, he seized up. “Y-Yes?” His cold gaze bore into him until he shook his head. “I am sorry for your wife.” he then walked away, Adam furrowed his brow. “What...just happened?” He scratched his head. But hearing that he guessed that perhaps not all tech priests are bad. The fact that they are here must mean they saw the angel also. He bought his eyes to the stage curtains that were now coming apart, Adam saw a hint of him. His body just moved by itself, he rushed forward to the front of the stage and looked up. The silk curtains fully unfurled to reveal the angel he saw yesterday. Just staring at him he must be a messenger of the emperor or a saint. There is no other way. He appeared right at the point of the hardest time of his life, looking upon him all the heartache drains away. The loss he feels due to losing his wife, that emptiness is being filled. The angel gestured hands out. “Welcome...all of you.” He smiled “All of you have been hurt by this world, hurt by the life forced upon you. I have been hurt as well.” Adam was shocked to hear that, am envoy of the emperor being hurt. “They all use you, abuse you and they expect you to obey. But you can’t say anything can you? You weren’t taught to speak out. But I heard you, I heard all of you.” The angel pointed at a man. “You lost both your children to an accident, you felt they were too young to work but the tech priests thought otherwise.” His finger then moved to one of the lower ranking adepts. “You wished to improve the work conditions for the labourers but were told this is the will of the omnissiah. Since then you have never rose in rank.” Finally his finger moved to him. “You lost your wife Lisa. Didn’t you Adam?” His eyes went wide, he wondered how he knew, his mind also raced trying to figure out how he knew his name.

The angel’s smile turned soft. “You worked in factory sigma for over fifteen years and what have you gotten in return?” Adam found tears welling up in his eyes. “I...had Lisa…she was my joy.” “Then they took your joy away. What the tech priests do is suck away all your joy and fulfillment, leaving you a husk that they then break down into parts when they are done with you.” Adam began nodding in agreement. He could see everyone that has been gathered are nodding with him. He speaks true, the only reason why he could bare working is because of Lisa. He has nothing left, the overseers and tech priests expect him to continue like nothing happened. Then after that they will force him to live in a even smaller home and die within it’s poor conditions. Thinking such thoughts a set of words began moving through his mind. It’s not fair. He said to himself, he looked around just by the faces of the people he could tell they were thinking the same thing. One man raised his fist “It’s not fair!” everyone joined in his chant. “It’s not fair! It’s not fair!” The angel nodded in agreement. “Of course it’s not fair, simple joys, simple pleasures are denied to you and the tech priests desire back breaking labour from you. But I care...follow me and I could provide you with so much more.” He clapped his hands from the side curtain robed figures came forward holding trays and large glasses of clear liquid. They walked down the steps of the stage and moved amongst the crowd. They offered the tray and many were confused, some people were not sure if they should take the glass of liquid. The angel gestured “don’t be shy, this is but a small pleasure I am offering you.” One of the robed people approached him, he could see the under their hood slightly. The one in front of him is female, to his surprise she was easy on the eyes as well. Adam reached for the glass it was cold to touch, he bought it to his lips and sipped.

His eyes went wide with shock, it tasted clear, clean and it was...cold as well. He blurted out “it’s water! Clean cold water!” Everyone’s eyes went wide people quickly grabbed the glasses and began drinking. Adam looked down at his glass, something like this would be luxury the fact that the angel delivered something like this shows he must be a messenger from the emperor. He continued to drink, but slowly he wanted to savour this. The tears trailed down his face, he looked back up to the stage. The angel had his hands behind his back, just by his eyes he could tell that he cared, for once someone else other than Lisa cares.

He wiped his face. The angel nodded “now I will do personal confessions.” Adam’s eyes went wide confessions!? He panicked he wondered if he revealed anything about himself he would be judged. He shook his head. “No...he cares for us.” he said quietly to himself. Those give words passed his lips, the angel pointed at him. “You first.” Adam jumped “Me?” “Yes, come and follow me.” He walked up to the stage, the angel turned from the crowd, Adam followed the angel as he began to walk to the back of the stage.

The back of the grand stage lead to a long corridor, he also noted that there were side corridors which lead to who knows where. But they stopped at the first room the angel opened the door and walked inside, Adam waited at the open door, again a voice in his mind told him not to walk inside, yet he told himself why not? Why should he not follow the one who gave him some small measure of happiness? He did not hesitate he walked forward and entered a room that was larger than his house.

Large silk cushions dotted the room, pink silk curtains hanged from the wall and the aroma he smelt when he entered the bunker was far more overpowering. The same braizers were placed in the corners of the room and censers hung from the ceiling. He looked around to see the robed figure he saw in the alley way standing behind the large cushion the angel sat on. The angel then gestured to the cushion in front of him. “Please sit.” Adam gripped the glass and walked forward towards the cushion, he sat, his body sank into it slightly. The sense of comfort made his eyes heavy. Only the angel’s voice kept him awake. “So Adam how are you?” “I-I am fine..” he did not know what to say, this is meant to be confession, so like the temple he is meant to confess his sins. “Should I confess my sins?” The angel nodded “Well...I hate my overseer. By the emperor I want to punch him in the face. Kisses up to the tech priests at the expense of the workers. He did nothing to help my wife get a replacement for her missing arm…” He shook his head. “I...I...hate this world. Dammit...you must think me a heretic.” The angel chuckled “Not at all, tell me why can’t you act on your emotions or thoughts?” “Because...it’s wrong.” “Who says that it is?” “The priests. I am not that into the omnissiah but I am thankful that at least we have temples to the emperor.” “Right then what do you think the priests will tell you? About your wife...about your hate for this world…” Adam sipped his water, he never thought about it before he just accepted whatever the priests said. “He would tell me what happened to my wife is the will of the emperor…to bare it. To be thankful that she has been risen up...voicing that I hate this planet...they would turn me into a servitor.”

Voicing it out loud, he ground his teeth slightly. “It’s not fair…” “Of course it’s not fair, that’s why I am here. To guide you.” “Guide me? What do you mean?” “Tell me do you feel the emperor is worth following if he wants you to accept what is happening in your life? To live a life without joy, to live a life without pleasure? He wants you to grind your body into dust for people that think nothing of you.” What he is hearing now is heresy, it’s clear as day but he could not help but agree. He always thought about it, but pushed such thoughts away. He wanted to accept it, but he was afraid. “Who...are you.” The angel gave him a soft smile “I am a messenger of an envoy.” “Messenger? Envoy? What do you mean?” “The envoy wishes to liberate you from your sad lives, we are the expression of a god that just wishes for you to be happy. Do you want to be happy Adam?” He screwed his eyes shut and opened them slowly “Yes.” he said firmly. He accepted it, he wanted happiness again. He craved it so badly. The angel gave a curt nod. “So you’ve made your decision?” “I have..great angel. I hear your message.” He wanted to be his disciple, he wanted to show others the way. He wanted to deliver the truth to the ignorant.

Chapter 22
Asriel swimmed across the ethereal sea, the tides are reacting positively to the work that is being committed in the city. It’s only been two weeks and the bunker is now full of people, they are even making plans to expand. He would stay and enjoy the song of the warp but he is here for another reason. To make his daily report. Tetricus’ soulfire coascled in the space, he folded his arms. “So is he behaving?” “Master is that the first thing you will say?” “Well yes, I say it every time you make a report. So how are things progressing? Taurus desires to know.” Asriel nodded “we are acquiring many converts, to stave of suspicion to our activities Lucretius is having them work well in their normal lives. The tech priests have no idea.” “This is good what of the imperial knight?” Asriel smiled “we have recently acquired a few of her retainers and maintenance workers, what we hope is that they will draw her in.”

He could see his teacher is stroking his chin. “Why doesn’t he just bite her? Going by Silentus’ reports he releases a toxin that invokes desire and loyalty.” “ Lucretius does not desire to take that risk. He does not want to damager her body or mind. I hold the same opinion as you master.” The sorcerer sighed “do nothing for now, Taurus trusts the creature and so should we.” Asriel nodded, despite his feelings on the matter he had some good news “Well...we do have another hook on her. Going by our tech priest sources a council member is going to deliver some bad news to Caroline. From there she will see the dark prince.” He could sense that Tetricus is now interested. “What do you mean?” “Well...let’s say her home is not exactly in a good state.” He grinned ear to ear, the news should be delivered about now, even imperial knights have chinks in their faith.

Caroline stared at the maintenance work as always, she wanted to be ready at all times. That is what her parents taught her, to be ready for war at any moment. It can come when you least expect it. She then heard the factory doors opening, she turned to see the Magos Dominus walking in with his entourage. He stood before her, a quarter of his face was cybernetic and he stood slightly higher than her. He tapped his skull topped walking cane on the ground. “Greetings Lady Caroline.” Caroline gave a curt nod of acknowledgement “Greetings Magos Ethirus, what do I owe the honour of this visit?” The Magos sighed slightly, despite his voice having a metallic edge she could dedicate the weariness. “I will get straight to the point. It’s about your home world.” She tensed slightly as her home world was mentioned. “What about it?” “I have bad news.” “Please..speak plainly Magos.” Ethirus frowned “Your home of Ligithia has plunged into civil war.” The news caused her eyes to go wide. “W-What?” “Your younger brother on one side and your sister on the other. But there is a problem.” He sighed again. “Both sides have been declared heretics.” “Impossible!” she shouted. “Aron is not a heretic!” “What of your sister then?” he said cooly. “Despite the...rumours this forgeworld accepted your pledge. I heard you had trouble finding a cause to fight for.” Caroline shook her head “I have to go home.” “You can’t.” “Why!? My home is in danger!” “The council agreed that it would be best that you remain. Since you are are with us you are free of the charges of heresy. If I had my way I would allow you to leave, but...we can’t always get what we want.” He tapped the head of the skull cane on his cybernetic hand. “If you leave us you will be marked as heretic, at this very moment you are the last of your line. Do you want it to end here?” “With all due respect Magos I am a freeblade. I-” “You can do nothing. If you care for the legacy of your family and the machine you pilot...you will remain here. Think of it from our view? The blessed machines of the omnissiah in the hands of heretics? Tainting the machine completely and utterly...” She began pacing frantically, the Magos simply watched her, she then stopped and looked right into his eyes. “What if the forge world faces aid me to take back my world? Th-” “No, none of the Magos’ wish to waste resources, considering the fact we could be attacked at any time. The prospect of having a knight world fully under our thumb is enticing but we also have a duty to this world.”

She kept her gaze locked with Ethirus, she had the feeling that he felt the same as her. Yet his hands were tied. “At least you are honest with me...I bet they wanted to keep this a secret?” “Indeed, but due to your service I decided otherwise. Let the other members rant at me and block my votes. Their vision is small as always. Now Lady Caroline I bid you good day.” The tech priest left the factory, her arms turned slack. She rummaged her blonde hair in frustration, in anger. First her honour is dragged through the mud...now this. “My lady.” she flicked to Lorgo. “What is it!?” The retainers eyes looked down slightly. “I know of someone who might be able to aid you.” “Aid me!? Who can!? We are...we are...stuck here.” “Trust me my lady.” She clenched her chest, her image has already been tarnished, her family are now marked as heretics. “Take me to them, what do I have to lose?” Her retainer grinned “right follow me my lady.” They left the factory, she noted several of her retainers were waiting outside. She looked at all of them “so you all know?” They nodded, Lorgo frowned “we...are frustrated. Our people are dying and we are here. Now...let us focus on the journey.” She walked with her retainers through the city, they soon came to a rather destitute area. “Lorgo who are you taking me to?” “An angel my lady.” “An angel? Really?” “Yes..now please keep close.” They made twists and turns down the road until they came to a bunker entrance. There were two robed guards, they simply opened the doors. “You may enter.” Caroline furrowed her brows as they walked inside. “What sort of people have you been talking to? They do not seem like people of honour Lorgo” “And we have none my lady.” She said nothing, now she was curious who this angel was.

Entering the bunker a strange smell tingled her nose, she felt her body relaxing they soon came upon a hallway filled with censers and burning braizers. In silence they walked down the corridor until they came upon an open area full of people. It was packed to the brim, but what held her eyes is the stage. The silk curtains unfurled to reveal an astartes with beautiful black wings. Seeing his visage for some reason a tear fell down her eye. “Who is this astartes? I don’t recognise the symbol on his pauldron.” “What matters my lady is that he is a messenger of god.” “A messenger of the god-emperor?” Lorgo folded his arms, he took a moment to answer. “Yes. Let us move to the front of the crowd.” they began cutting through the crowd to reach the front of the stage, Caroline smiled if a messenger of the emperor heard her then perhaps she could get home. Or even get aid. He began speaking but what came from his mouth horrified her, his words bordered on heresy. He spoke of seeking pleasure, the priests of the emperor are liars and what makes it even worse is that the crowd is cheering. She looked up to Lorgo “where have you taken me!?” she hissed in a low tone. Her retainer said nothing. The false angel finished his speech he then pointed at her. “I want to see you in confession. Please follow me” She curled her lips in disgust, she is trapped. All she needs to do is endure this for now and escape. She walked up to the stage and followed the angel but just before she walked to the back of the stage she gave her retainers a look of disgust.

They entered a corridor and stepped into the first room. She said her prayers and steeled her heart. Whatever this heretic will do she must resist. The false angel sat in a large cushion, a man wearing a black robe mixed with armour stood over the astartes. Caroline frowned “I am not sitting in front of you.” The false angel chuckled “please sit, if you want to leave alive.” She slowly walked to the cushion and sat in front of the false angel. “I am not interested.” “Are you sure? You are here for a reason.” “No I am not, my retainers are the only reason why I am here. I also assure you that I will punish them once I leave.” “Very well, but hear what I have to say.” “No.” “I will speak anyway. So tell me what do you think of your lot in life?” “It’s fine.” The false angel shook his head. “That is not what I gather from your retainers.” She narrowed her eyes “Ho-” “They told me they are exiles, that’s it. So tell me do you find everything wrong in your life to be fair?” She did not want to consider his words, but the aroma in the room is making it hard to think.

She tried to repeat the prayers of the emperor but the words would not form in her mind. Instead all she saw was her hardship. That’s all she could see. “You know nothing about me!” she hissed. “Yes I suffer! But the god emperor is allowing it to happen for a reason!” The false angel shrugged “that’s what I thought until I was made obsolete. So let me prove the power of the true god.” “The only god is the emperor!” “Tell me has his power aided you in anyway?” Caroline said nothing, she bit her lip. The false angel gestured out with both hands “You think we spew lies and heresy let me prove that is not the case.” She should say no, but her mind was drifting she was actually curious. “Fine.” “Your hand please.” Caroline removed her glove and offered her hand, the false angel removed a combat knife from his belt and pricked her finger drawing a little amount of blood. “Can I sit back now?” “You may.” said the heretical astartes. She leaned back, the false angel then licked up the blood lining the blade, he looked to be savouring the taste. “Lady Caroline Liszar, 24 years old and born on the knight word of Ligithia. Your father the high king Leon Liszar and your mother Shira Liszar are dead.” Her eyes went wide. “You got that information from my retainers!” the false angel continued “You have a younger brother, Aron Liszar and an older sister Amy Liszar. You thought you always had a good relationship with your older sister but it’s not until recently that you found out she resented you.” Now she shook her head in disbelief “what trick are you playing here!?” The heretic fluttered his eyes. “Always be prepared for war my children, it can come at any point, anytime and from anywhere. You miss those words don’t you?” Hearing those words from his mouth a tear trailed down her cheek. “There is no way... “But it seems your sister cared not for those words since she is now dealing with a civil war. Also she had your parents murdered. You found them and touched the murder weapon just as your sister and brother came into the room with guards. Your brother thinks of you as a murderer and your sister is now in charge of the knight world. You see all knew that Leon wanted you to be his heir but the eldest sister did not like that so she arranged to get rid of you, but by the kindness of her heart she allowed you to be a freeblade to reclaim your honour. So you can die for the “god” emperor. How am I doing Caroline?” She said nothing he is reading her like a book.

The false angel gave a coy smile “Your favourite food is grimix pie, made from the local fauna of your planet. Your mother did enjo-” “Enough!....enough…” She buried her face into her hands. She slowly sat up right again “I….I..want to leave.” “Very well.” The robed figure shook his head “Wha-” “Relax...I know what I am doing.” The robe man stood still, the false angel rose from his cushion. “I will escort you back to the stage.” Caroline slowly nodded she got up and followed the angel out of the room. Now standing in the corridor she felt slightly dizzy, it was not enough to cause her to lose her footing but her mind...felt weak. Her movements were sluggish as she was escorted back to the stage, as they got there the crowd erupted baying for them to be next, for the angel to give his attention to them. All of it she found horrific, she wondered how could a heretic inspire such loyalty? They had no honour, their hearts are full of darkness. The angel waved to the crowd and absorbed their praises, he drank them up like wine. The false angel then leaned down slightly and whispered into her ear, his voice caused the haze to increase. “You may leave...but think on this...my sun, my captain would gladly help you salvage your family. He desires all to be bent to his will, I tasted it. But unlike the false emperor he gives back to those who are worthy.” He then leaned back slowly, rivers of sweat began to fall from her face his words playing her across her mind. Just for a moment, she for a fraction of a second she considered it. The angel smiled “When you see him...his radiance will make you accept. Run along back to your false masters, you already belong to him.” Caroline shook her head. “I-I…” The astartes pressed his finger on his lips silencing her. “You have no choice. You already belong to him.” He then escorted her down the stage towards her retainers, he smiled at them. “She requires rest...but be assured she will make the right decision to save your families.” She looked at their faces, all of them were grim. The false angel gently passed her to Lorgo, who held her tightly. She should hate him, but she couldn’t. The offer kept pounding in her mind, also the fact she will serve his heretical master. Her retainer frowned “Come my lady you need your rest.” She looked up to his eyes, it told her that she had no choice as well. She wrenched her eyes shut as they moved her out of the hall.

Asriel stretched, it should be about the time where the gathering should be dispersed, the last convert has been seen. He looked down to the angel. “You don’t see them all.” “Of course, there is no point in seeing those who already worship our captain and the dark prince. Their praises sing in their blood...I can smell it.” “What of the knight pilot? You should of pressed harder.” The astartes looked up, he smiled “you did enough, wearing down their mental defences is all I need.” He frowned as he heard that, Lucretius wanted him to use telepathy to aid in guiding someone’s thoughts, not too much where he forces someone to do something, but just enough to push a suggestion forward. It has helped them in converting people to their cause and they are almost at the target mark. But the attack can not begin if they don’t have the imperial knight. “I could of broken her. Bend her to the captain’s will.” he said calmly. “Dear Asriel if you do that she will be useless to us.” “How so?” “She still has to pilot the imperial knight, smashing apart her mind would affect her piloting skills or will outright keep her from using the imperial knight.” He nodded in understanding “I see, but...I don’t think she will join us here.” “Of course not.” “Then why did you let her go?” Lucretius chuckled “She needs our captain. She needs to hear his voice and will and then she will succumb, I provided Taurus the crack within her armour.” Asriel frowned “The plan was for you to convert her.” “And I have, Taurus must finish the final phase. So that means….” “The attack can begin soon?” The angel nodded. “She needs to see captain during battle. Only then will she fall and then he will have the power of an imperial knight.” He did not nod, he just stood there as Lucretius relaxed in the cushion. His mind told him that he must act, he can’t allow the plan to fall apart, but he knew that Taurus would trust Lucretius’ judgement.

He clenched his hand tightly, he pushed back that action, the need to fix things. Even if he did not trust Lucretius' plan he had to trust in Taurus. He will make the report that they are almost ready, that’s all he can do.

The pawns are falling into place... Or more specifically, one very large pawn is falling into place. Haha I look forward to seeing what happens next.

lliu wrote:
The pawns are falling into place... Or more specifically, one very large pawn is falling into place. Haha I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Yup, and maybe Taurus will get his glorious victory?

Chapter 23
He relayed the information to the sorcerer he nodded slowly as he digested the information, Asriel spoke of how the angel wishes to handle Caroline and the fact Lucretius believes that she will only fall when she sees the captain. “So what do you think my lord?” “I can understand Lucretius’ point but leaving it till the battle is too dangerous.” Asriel smiled “I thought the same thing!” The ethereal sea reacted to his emotions, his master gestured for him to calm down. “Still I think it can be done. Our captain can reach her.” “How?” “You remember when I talked of telepathy and dreams” “Yes...but Lucretius is worried that might break her mind.” “It won’t, I am sure our captain would be eager to speak with our new imperial knight.” His master sounded confident and assured that she will fall. “For now focus on recruiting the rest of the population.” his teacher ordered. His form then sputtered away into nothing, now alone in the sea of the warp he wondered what exactly Tetricus is going to do.

Caroline sat upon the throne mechanicum the wires were connected to her head but there was a problem. She felt sluggish, the machine felt wrong. At times at the back of her mind she could hear screams of frustration. Screams baying that her honour demands that she returns home. She wrenched her eyes shut, the tech priests voices on the vox was distracting her. “Pilot Caroline, your stats are lower you are running basic systems. Ar-” “I am fine!” she barked back. Since the Magos delivered his message the council have sent their own tech priests to handle maintenance and weapon routine tests. Most likely they are spies reporting her movements to them, to ensure she stays on world. She shut off the vox, she was tired of hearing their voice. Instead she let the sound of the machine enter her, despite the age it carried her. Despite her honour being dragged through the mud the machine stood with her and now it was frustrating that the knight paladin is pushing back for some reason. She ended the routine check, the pilot cockpit opened up the wires disconnected from her head. She creased her brow in anger as the baying of tech priests greeted her ears. She sighed and rose from her throne and stepped onto the metal walkway, the tech priests trailed behind her. “Pilot Caroline your stats need to be improved.” “Lady Caroline you ended the tests early…” Their complaints went on and on until she had enough. She flicked towards them. “I care not for your Magos masters, I have my own problems to deal with at the moment and it’s not making it easier due your chirping in my ears.” she said firmly.

She turned and continued walking, she then walked down the steps towards Lorgo, looking up slightly she could see the tech priests are in discussion. “My lady they don’t care for your interests.” She eyed her retainer in annoyance “and you do?” “Yes I do.” “You are aware who you are associating with?” Her retainer placed his hands behind his back and spoke almost in a hushed tone. “They control almost all the factories and populace my lady.” “What!?” she tried not to shout. She gestured with head, she wanted to speak outside. She left the factory with her retainer and stood near the entrance. “How long Lorgo. Tell me.” “Well it’s been a week or so since we have seen them. So from my understanding about a month.” Her eyes went wide she looked around, the factory workers shuffling to work, the lower ranking tech priests in discussion. Everyone surrounding her is a heretic. “We...have to let the council know.” “No!” said Lorgo. “The council is consigning our families to oblivion, the imperium has denounced them as heretics! What of Aron? My lady please! Think about this!” Caroline did not know what to do, she shook her head. “Let me...sleep on it.” Her retainer relaxed “please my lady...we have nothing left.” She said nothing in response, she turned away from her retainer desperate to return to her home on the forge world. She wracked her mind wondering what should she do. She had to choose, her honour or her people?

Ethirus stood in the council hall he called a meeting due an issue facing the forge world in the recent month. Lashira screeched a metallic noise in annoyance. “Why are we wasting time with a meeting?” Lazarus nodded in agreement. “Yes you said this was an emergency Ethirus.” “It is.” he said to both Magos’, he drew from his databanks. “As you all know productivity has been good this past month.” The Magos Reductor almost shouted at him “due to my suggestions! What are you trying to say!?” “I am trying to say is that people don’t change this quickly. Every factory is running at peak efficiency which is strange.” “I don’t see how, perhaps the workers now properly fear the omnissiah?” said Lazarus. “I doubt it, in the long history of this forge world has the factories ever been at this level of productivity? Every single one?” The Magos Prime seemed to be considering his words for a moment. “You speak correctly but what do you aim to do?” “I wish for resources so I can investigate why this rapid change is occuring.” “No.” Lashira said firmly “It’s a waste of resources this is merely a ploy to undermine the council.” “N-” “It is, you told the pilot of her world when the council agreed to keep it secret. Your interests is in your own gain, you wish to mismanage resources and you allow emotion to affect your judgement. I am calling a vote to adjourn this pointless meeting.” She raised her hand, everyone else followed her. Ethirus looked upon his fellow tech priests, he did not feel anger at their blindness, just pity. “Very well, but if this situation is more than it appears don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He strolled out of the chamber, but his apprentices did not follow him, they approached the Magos Prime and Reductor, Ethirus could do nothing but shake his head.

She twisted and turned in her bed, she saw flashes of the murder, her mother dead on the floor and her father with a knife in his chest. She saw her foolishness in pulling out the murder weapon and they caught her in the “act”. The called her murderer, kin slayer and a host of other slurs. She felt a tear trailing down her cheek and after that everything solidified she stood in a green field, the smell of her home brushed against her nose. It was like she was actually there, Caroline looked into the distance she saw her home, the grand city of Ligithia. Then the image changed, she saw knights marching across the fields, slicing each other with reaper chainswords but what terrified her even more is a skull rune hung over her home. She heard eight guttural laughs slamming into her ears. The scene became dyed with red, the grass burned. The eight voices told her that they can give her honour back, that they can give her the strength needed to take back her world. She was about to reach out towards her home, to embrace the promises until she heard a voice behind her. “This is...interesting?” The voice sounded old, confident and unbowed. She wanted to turn but the voices told her not to, it told her to reach out. “You shouldn't listen.” the voice said calmly.

Caroline shook her head “I need to save them! I want to restore my honour!” “Honour means nothing.” the voice said. She flicked towards the person in anger, the eight voices howled in fury as she made her action. She now saw the one before her, an astartes that was radiant, beautiful he looked strong, dignified and his halo increased the splendour before her. The astartes continued to talk calmly. “Honour gets you killed, honour allows mistakes. Honour is weakness.” She shook her head “B-B-But…” “Your enemies misused you honour in order to cast you off this world.” He began to walk forward the grass turned green again, pink flowers sprouted with each step. The blood red colour that consumed everything was pushed back by his radiance. The astartes stared at the city. “It seems one of the dark powers took interest in your world.” She faced her city, the skull symbol was hanging over it still. “So it’s true...they are heretics.” “As are you.” “I-I am not a heretic!” “But you are, speaking with my brother makes you a heretic, hearing his words makes you a heretic. Don’t be stupid girl.” Caroline closed her mouth. She wondered who this astartes was. “Where am I?” “In your dreams, Lucretius said you needed to speak with me so here I am.” Her eyes went wide, this is who the false angel served. But something was wrong, he did not look like a heretic, he did not fit the descriptions in the holy texts. If he had to be honest with herself he looked like a hero. “He said you would help me save my family.” “I will.” he said without hesitation.

She blinked in surprise. “R-Really? You would take me home? You will save my people?” “Well yes, I did a little research and it seems your planet is also suffering from a daemon incursion along with an attack from a traitor legion. No surprise the inquisition declared you both sides heretics.” “What!? The inquisition!?” He nodded “Yes they are actually preparing an exterminatus fleet, if Roboute Guilliman was not around they would actually try to retake your planet. But due to the knights being tainted due to being used by heretical hands they will gladly destroy it. It seems the avenging son has the adeptus mechanicus actually making things again.” Caroline dropped to her knees, she almost fell into a stupor. “E-Exterminatus? I-Isn’t..” “It too extreme?” he finished her sentence. “The inquisition has destroyed planets for less. But the question is are you going to accept it?” She shook her head “I...want to do something but…” “Following the false emperor bought you grief, not joy. You require a new director and a new master.” Caroline searched herself, she did not want to admit it. Hardship after hardship, loss after loss. She was tired of it. She looked up at the astartes he continued to stare at the city. “What are you doing?” “Thinking on how I am going to take the planet if you refuse me.” “W-What!? It’s a knight world!” He turned his head to her. “And?” he said it without hesitation, like she had the gall to even consider the possibility of failure. “You only fail if you don’t try. You only fail if you do nothing. You only fail if you allow others to misuse you and you will fail if you don’t acknowledge mistakes. I desire victory...victory is truth. Victory is perfection.” he said firmly.

She looked at him in shock, the conviction she was being sucked into it, she started to cry. “How do you do it?” “Do what?” “This!” she gestured at him up and down. “You don’t even consider failure! Or what may go wrong!” “Oh I have failed plenty of times but I refuse to let that stop me. I stopped once before...never again.” He clenched his hand “a certain brother of mine would laugh at me if I stopped or he would get angry or maybe a bit of both. So I ask you Caroline do you desire victory? Do you want to tear asunder those who dragged you through the mud? Do you want to stand tall over those who abused you?” She gazed at her city, a tiny whisper told her to say no. To reject the angel of lies and darkness but her mouth was moving by itself. “Yes...but how?” The astartes walked over and knelt. “Follow my will and you will see your world.” “I..am having problems with basic checks. What used would I be?” “That can be fixed.” “How?” “It’s your frame of mind nothing more...Listen to me carefully dear Caroline...” He began speaking, she listened carefully and slowly the grass was turning green again.

Chapter 24
Asriel floated upside down in the ethereal sea, the daemons are baying for souls, they scream for the sweet nectar of soul essence. Listening to all of this he got the sense that they can feel what is coming, the faith is just waiting to explode at any moment. Sometimes, he thinks to himself can he replicate the music here? Can he replicate the screams for pain and the desires of the faithful that mark the warp? The thoughts to serve Taurus in all things, the need to endure pain for him? He also had to admit that he was the same, it was strange to be devoted to someone else, he thought that he would be with Adelram forever, but with time he is oddly forgetting him. He shook his head “Not forgetting….I don’t need him.” That thought reverberated in the warp, it whispered back sweetly. He owns you… “That’s not a bad thing. He is far more radiant. Who does not want to serve someone like that?” Said Asriel. He did not know who he was talking to nor did he care. He simply waited for his master as he drifted through the ethereal sea. “What is taking him so long?” he said to himself. Just as he spoke those words his teacher’s form coascled together. He was grinning ear to ear. “It’s done.” “What is?” said Asriel. “The knight pilot is ours” “Really!?” “Yes, Taurus convinced her from a distance I can see the dark prince worming her way into her soul.” “That is good news, is the attack starting?” “Yes and there is a bonus.” “Bonus?” “The retainers do indeed have armiger pattern knights.” The news was too much to take in but then he remembered something. “Our my rival’s going to be with you?” “Of course they are.” “I...see..” Tetricus held his hand up. “Do not worry you will be rewarded. You are the favourite in my circle.” “Really?” “Yes now I am leaving. Get ready for war.” His form then sputtered away. Asriel grinned. “Taking a forge world? I can’t believe it.”

Adam was on his knees, he whipped himself as he did his daily prayers, he offered up his pain to the true god, he reveled in the joy of freedom and the delight of the lash. His body is the altar and his own pain is the offering. This past month has been joyous, his sadness is gone, his life is filled with certainty and pleasure. He lashed himself his blood flaking the ground of his new home, the tech priests did move him into this tiny hovel of iron, save a bed and toilet there is nothing else within it. But being here is a boon in disguise in this area of the city he is closer to his brothers and sisters. All of them can hear the pounding music, the music of flesh and pain. In the back of his mind he can hear his call, the envoy desires. He wants him to bring victory. The angel demands they spill blood for him, he demands their sacrifice and in giving themselves to the great envoy they will gain true freedom, true liberation. He then heard a knock on his door, as he lashed himself one more time.

He rose and stumbled over to his bed, he lifted the mattress and pulled out his autopistol, the first rule living here is that despite being among sisters and brothers some of them are foolish. You can never be too careful. Adam staggered to the door and opened it slightly. Through crack of his door he spotted another brother of the cult. His gaze clearly told him something was afoot. “What is it?” “It’s starting brother we are all rising up! The demi-gods are coming! Get ready! We are waiting outside!” Adam’s eyes went wide, he closed the door and went to his bed, he removed some makeshift armour and black robes from underneath his bed and suited up. The armour itself held tiny needles that insert into his skin. This way he can keep praying. Once the armour bit into skin he placed his robes on and got his knife and autopistol ready. “It is time to bring victory for the envoy, it’s time to bring truth to the ignorant…” he walked out of his home to join his brothers and sisters. Now standing in front of them, all had the gaze of liberation, the need to inflict the truth upon the ignorant. All around him the faithful were marching on the streets, singing praises to the envoy and the dark prince. One of his brothers pointed up. “Look!” Everyone’s gaze turned upwards from the skies meteors of fire were falling to the planet.

Adam raised his hands in awe. “The angel speaks true! They come! We need to sing for their coming!” Everyone rushed to the general location of where the meteors might fall, as they ran they sang praises to the dark prince, their lips moving to the rhythm of pain and truth.

The sirens wailed while she sat on her throne. The vox blurted coordinates of the attack. But she has to force the machine to obey, this machine must obey her needs and wants. It is what Taurus told her to do. It is what her radiant sun told her to do. But the machine, the lingering thoughts and spirits of those who used the knight paladin in the past are fighting hard. She roared at them. “Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” she repeated. Blood trailed down her nose, the tech priests were screeching for her to launch the knight paladin. But the voices pressed against her. Honourless cur….heretic...minion of darkness. Those words passed through her mind, pressing, pushing and doing all it can to reject her from the machine.

Caroline kept fighting, Taurus expects her to be there, he expects her to kill his enemies so she can go home. She latched onto that promise, but a strange shock shot through her body, the cords that are connected to her head were thrumming. She coughed up blood, her throat burned, her mind burned. The pain was too much, She couldn’t take it. Pain is truth a voice whispered. Something else was there in the machine, a malignant voice it was new. The voices fighting her became worse, pain thundered through her body the machine was trying to reject her, it was trying to kill her. But the voice said that the pain is truth so she let it happen, the malignant voice gave a soft growl. Good… She felt a strange tingle on her mind, the pain did not hurt as much anymore. She started to feel good, the voices fighting her screamed in rage in frustration. The voice comforting her became more clear, it overpowered the others. Your sun is waiting, your king needs you. Devour the pain, revel in it and become stronger. “Stronger…” she said calmly. The charges of pain washed over her, she got used to it. With each charge, with each stab of pain, she could detect a pattern almost like a song. With each note she heard a crunch and something or someone chewing lovingly. One of the voices that sought to harm her screamed in agony, the voices started to turn distant, it felt like they were running from someone. The presence that comforted and guided her sought out each voice, it chewed it tore, and it laughed as it ate. Now there was only one voice, a voice that licked its lips. I wish to taste more...Go. Caroline nodded, the systems were activating but the throbbing pain was still there. But it did not hurt anymore. She smiled, it’s like a shackle or chain has tumbled from her body.

The knight moved forward, the factory doors opened to reveal her retainers in their armiger knights. All of them were of the warglaive pattern. “Is everything alright my Lady?” said Lorgo, his voice held concern he smartly used their private vox channel. “I am fine...we should link up with the captain.” the cords connected to her head delivered a another sharp dose of pain. Find the enemy, let my teeth taste their flesh. Let me hear their screams…Her eye twitched slightly. “We will take the centre road.” “But there is a force of Skitarii there. Are you sure?” “Don’t question me Lorgo, just follow.” Her retainer fell silent. The knight marched down the road, she had to resist the urge to crush those passing by heading towards the council building. Instead she will make her allegiance known by killing the enemy. She smiled in anticipation.

Ethirus stood at the defensive line, a horde of heretics streamed down the road. He leveled his plasma gun at them and fired. The burning blue plasma crashed into a heretic burning him, but instead of howling in agony praises to his foul master was on his lips. The supporting leman russ’ leveled shells at the enemy causing a red mist to burst within the crowd. But with each death something felt wrong. The air was changing, the wind had the smell of flowers and strange flowers were sprouting from the cracks of the road with each death. The Skitarii vanguard that held the road with him were firing their radium carbines into the crowd. The heretics burned with radiation on impact, tumours grew, some had their skin blackened but despite such horrific injuries they continued to sing. While the heretics charged to the lines he said nothing. He did not need to tell those here what is at stake, it’s clear they are aiming for the council building which is their main base. The other Magos’ are defending the other two checkpoints, stimming the tide to keep the heretics from overwhelming them. But by his calculations they were utterly outnumbered, it’s just a matter of time, with each death they became more frenized and crept closer and closer to the line.

He shook his head as he fired another shot. “We need the imperial knights…” he said cooly. He knew that she was having issues with basic routine checks, he guessed the news of her world shook her core. But he knew that Caroline is strong, her faith is strong and she is true to her word. He then felt a shudder, he detected, no he felt the footsteps behind him. All of them are here, he would turn but he has to focus on what is front of him. But he could see the heretics slowing, the sight of a grand machine of the omnissiah is too much to bare. “Magos, I am here.” said Caroline. He opened his vox channel with the knight pilot. “This is good, the heretics fear you.” “As should you Magos.” Ethirus furrowed his single eyebrow. “What do you mean?” He then heard an explosion behind him, he flicked around to see the armigers thermal spears are destroying the leman russ’. He shook his head in disbelief. “What have you done!?” He looked up towards the knight paladin, it loomed over his troops. The pilot chuckled. “The voice desires to taste you.” She reared up the reaper chainsword, it whirled with an unnatural sound. She then bought it down tearing through the skitarii that were trying to control the horde of heretics, metal and small pieces of flesh was reduced to nothing. This time Caroline opened the vox of the cockpit, her voice boomed across the street. “The radiant sun is coming! He guides! He wants us to obey!” she began moving the chainsword across the street tearing apart their whole defensive line. “He loves us! And in return for his love we must bring him his meat and wine!” Time was now slowing, the reaper chainsword was edging closer and closer to him. Just looking at it he knew he had no chance to get out of the way. But all he could think of is how the heretics could of done this. How could they get majority of the population and the imperial knights on their side.

The roaring teeth then met his body tearing him apart, he thought it would be painless but instead he screamed in agony. He could feel another presence moving an unknown hand over the parts of his body that was still flesh. What ever was touching him is devouring his pain, it was drinking in his suffering. Then when it had its fill he felt something being drawn from his body and all he now saw was an open maw sucking in white lights.

He flew overhead he could see smoke rising from the middle checkpoint. He called out to the human. “I told you!” He did not look up he was focusing on defending the cultists with his psychic powers as they charged down the street to take the down the second defensive line. Lucretius grinned as he saw the metallic abominations firing into the purple shield Asriel is generating. But what he focused on were the Leman russ’ they needed to be dealt with, but he prepared beforehand. He zoomed down like a bullet towards them, the skitarii rangers fired their carbines, he whirled and danced through the shots. Even the lumbering tech priest who lead them was too slow to follow his movements. His flesh was perfected, sculpted and changed by a god. While the tech priests removed all their potential by cutting away what makes man perfect in the eyes of god. He landed on the leman russ and in a swift movement opened the hatch and dropped a melta grenade in.

He then launched himself into the air, the tank exploding as he left. He danced through the air landing on the next tank and again he repeated the action. Now the whole defensive line had eyes on him. But he was too fast, with each tank his feet touched that was their death sentence until the whole line was full of smouldering wreckage. He could hear the giant tech priest screeching their disgusting code language. But due to having their eyes on him, the cultists crashed into the skitarii. Lucretius smiled “I can’t let them have all the fun!” he shot down and drew his blade, on landing he impaled a metal abomination, he removed the head of another. He cut his way to the leader of defensive line. Now standing in front of the metal contraption she turned to him screeching. “How did you do this heretic!? Tell me!?” “It’s quite simple abomination, we gave what the people wanted. Succor, pleasure, joy and following a worthy leader.” “The weakness of the flesh!” she hissed in fury. She ran towards him, her footsteps leaving small craters. The mechadendrites on her back began slashing and stabbing and at the same time she attacked him with clawed hands. In reaction to her attack, he made simple movements with his blade severing each mecandenrite until he finally removed both her hands. She staggered back. “Curse you!” Lucretius stepped in and impaled her in the throat with his blade, he flicked it removing her head. But he did not stop there, he kept slashing and cutting until she was small chunks. “Never can be too careful with amboniations.” he smiled. But his good mood was soured as a skitarii charged forward with a power sword. He easily parried the attack and his hand flicked out to grasp it’s neck. The abomination dropped it’s blade and struggled clawing at his arm.

He turned his blade downwards and planted it into the ground. Lucretius used his free hand to grab the arm of the skitarii he tore it off with a simple tug. The thing screeched in it’s code language. He raised his fist and began punching it in the face, smashing in it’s metallic helmet. The skitarii stopped struggling and twitched in his grip. The thing spoke in it’s cold voice “A-dam...w-where...a-are..y-you? I-I...am...s-scared.” Lucretius gave a great laugh, he bought her ruined face close to his. “Your husband belongs to my captain. He loves him more than you.” She kept crying for her husband. Then an idea spawned in his head, he scanned the battle that they were handily winning due to their numbers. He spotted Adam shooting a skitarii dead with his pistol. Lucretius pulled his blade from the ground and walked over to the human. Around him the forces of the adeptus mechanicus were flying around due to Asriel’s telekinesis or being fried via bio-lightning. But his attention was on the human, he stood a few paces away and called out his name. “Adam! Come here!” the human flicked towards him and rushed over bowing. “Yes my lord! What can I do for you?” He threw his wife to the ground and stomped on her other arm. “I found your wife.” The human looked confused. “I...don’t have a wife.” The twitching skitarii kept calling for his name, as he heard it his brows furrowed slightly, but he shook his head. “All I have is Lord Taurus, all I have is my brothers and sisters.” Lucretius smiled “You spoke well, do you mind if I crush her head?” “Be my guest my lord.” He rested his boot on her metal head. He then pushed down with his foot, crushing the head slowly until it was just clear fluid, metal and oil. “You have done well Adam.” He bowed “Thank you my lord.”

Lucretius looked upon the carnage, the leftmost defensive line has been taken. All that is left is the one at the right of the city. He eyed Asriel, he wondered how his teacher was handing himself at the moment.

Tetricus easily defended the tide of humans to the defensive line, along with a unit of astartes and his students they made short work of the Leman russ’ and the skitarii forces. At this very moment he is holding the head of the Magos Lazarus. He summoned a small measure of power and distergrated the metal head. He scanned the shattered defensive line to see Lucia on top of a skitarii her robes obscuring her work, all he could hear is the slicing of metal and flesh. He knew that she would find no joy, the forces of the adeptus mechanicus do not understand the true power of the body and what may be drawn from it. But what pleased him is the fact Taurus has his victory right in his hands. At first he thought they stood no chance taking a forge world, but here they are on the cusp of ransacking the council hall. “Master.” he looked down to his second apprentice Raxim, he wore a black leather body suit that covered his whole body save his mouth. Within the suit there are small jagged blades that dig into one’s skin.

He actually personally prepared it to allow him to harness the power of pain easier, instead of using his eyes he would use his ears and body to sense the enemy. Majority of the time Raxim is using his witch sight to look at anyone. “What is it?” “These...things were too easy.” “It’s because our captain is wise Raxim, do well to remember that. Also they don’t experience pain normally so your joy might be hampered somewhat.” “True...their lights are so small...” “Because they removed majority of what makes them human.” “Why would anyone do that!?” he sounded shocked, his question was ernest and innocent. “They are abominations, they are the furthest from our god and because they cut away all their flesh they have no hope of stepping onto the path of perfection.”

Tetricus frowned thinking of the disgusting skitarii, he scanned the line again for his last apprentice, he spotted her twirling a two handed sword in simple motions, leaving trails of eldritch energy. He walked towards her, despite his presence she did not stop her practice. “My lord when will we move?” Tetricus looked at her more carefully across her multi-coloured carapace armour, small wisps were baying and licking up the specs of blood on her armour and weapons. “About now Talra.” She stopped and nodded, her dark skin looked oiled. “This is good, the skitarii here were weak I am eager to face more foes to test my bladework.” “We fought the best already.” As he uttered those words his apprentice looked dismayed. “W-what!? How can they be the best!?” “Do remember we have majority of the population on our side.” “They are chaf master, nothing more.” “Useful chaf dear Talra.” She sheathed het blade on her back shaking her head. “This victory...feels hollow.” He chuckled she was his second favourite, he guessed that reason why is because she reminds him of Taurus. “Do not forget this victory is more for our captain than for you. It’s his wine now.” “Yes my lord I know.” He tapped his staff on the ground to get everyone’s attention. “On me! We march to the council hall!”

All of their forces fell in behind him, they marched onwards to the objective.

Taurus walked down the road with his brothers taking in the carnage left behind by the humans. Noel, Murus, Silentus and several squads of astartes walked with him. He wanted to take time to enjoy the ebb of a plan coming together. He could smell victory is now approaching all that is left is to take the council hall and then it would be done. But at this moment he is allowing himself a minor indulgence. Noel strode up next to him. “Captain why are we walking?” “To take our time walking the path of victory.” He rested his hand on the pommel of his blade. “Look at the works of the adeptus mechanicus being bought low, hear the sounds of battle going in our favour.” He slowly nodded in understanding, the banner that was mounted on his backpack blew in the wind as he moved his head. Taurus found himself staring at it. The banner held an image of a daemonic bull devouring a populace, he had to admit that Noel is quite good at art. “Also you will get to plant the banner in the middle of plaza when we approach the hall.” “Really!?” “Yes, from there we celebrate.” “But what of the knight?” said Murus. His eyes fell upon his brother, his shield now had embedded jewels, from opals, to topazes. The shield itself also had a great silver snake wrapping around a man. “She is with us now.” “How?” he asked. “Well I talked to her and as a show of faith I wanted her to take the middle road. It’s why we are walking and enjoying the scenery. Also I wanted to put the populace to the test. To my suprise according to reports all of them obeyed.” He liked that fact, that means the people of this planet are reliable.

He walked down the road with his brothers and after a few minutes of walking he saw it, her oath to him. A defensive line utterly destroyed. The knight stood over the smouldering leman russ’ he could see all of his brothers were now on guard as they approached the knights. Taurus looked up he opened a communication channel via his auto-senses. “Caroline? How are you?” All he could hear is panting. As she spoke her voice was hoarse “My sun…” “I am here, you did well.” “T-thank you..” He could hear she was struggling to speak. He frowned slightly “Is something wrong?” “It’s nothing...the pain...it’s…” “Too much?” “N-No...I love it. Where is the next enemy? Who do you want me to kill next to prove my loyalty?” As she spoke of the next enemy strength returned to her voice. He chuckled “Rest my dear Caroline enjoy your small victory. A greater one is coming soon.” “A greater one?” “Yes, your world.” “My world….I am eager to return home soon captain.” “Yes we can’t waste time now I have to meet my brothers at the council hall. As I said before rest.” He shut off the channel, he walked passed the knights with his brothers towards the council building.

Walking down the road towards the plaza an idea popped in his head. “I should prepare that.” he said out loud. “What are you preparing?” Silentus signed. “My report to Eidolon. I should write it now.” He started blinking, using his auto-senses he prepared the letter.

Dear “Lord Commander”

I took the forge world in a month.

From Taurus.

PS. I am taking the knights. I am leaving in about a week to move onto new conquests.

He nodded and smiled, it was efficient and to the point. That should be enough and oddly he looked forward to the forge world being put to use by the third despite his grievances with Eidolon. He sent the message to the ship. “Today is a good day.” Taurus said joyfully.

Chapter 25
The plaza was in chaos, the cultists ransacked every house, every factory for weapons and supplies. The great sigil of the adeptus mechanicus has been defaced and corrupted to the worship of the dark prince and the council hall is being torn apart at the moment. Asriel looked up to the roof, Lucretius was looking down upon them joyfully. He had to admit he did well despite his reservations. Now he understood why he put the angel in charge. “Asriel!” a voice called. His attention was brought to one of the main roads, he saw his teacher marching with a group of cultists and a unit of astartes. But what held his attention are the people surrounding him, right away he knew them to be his rivals. He recognised Lucia, but he did not know who the other two were. Tetricus approached him. “You did well.” Lucia scoffed Asriel did not react he held his attention to his master. “Thank you, but Lucretius did most of the work my lord.” The sorcerer looked around “That can be clearly seen. It’s still surprising that he convinced almost 30 billion people.” “Well he is a good at talking surprisingly.” He then bought his eye upon the unknowns “Who are they?” His teacher nodded and gestured his hand to the man in the body suit. “This is Raxim, he is quite sensitive.” Raxim waved at him. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.” He frowned as he greeted him, he sounded young but he knew better, he has to be careful around this one. The nice ones are always deadliest. His master then introduced the armored female. “This is Talra.” He looked at both of them for a moment and gave a curt nod. “It’s nice to meet both of you. I am Asriel.” Raxim clapped “I can’t wait to work with you! What can do you?” “Excuse you me?” His rival smiled. “I am good at making people explode and scream! Talra is very good with enhancing her body with her psychic powers! An-” Talra barked at him “Stop revealing our skills!” He turned to her and cocked his head. “Why? It’s going to be so much fun now!”

Asriel held his frown, he definitely needed to be careful with Raxim. He should gauge him. “I am eager to work with all of you as well!” He lied, he could see Tetricus is now watching with interest despite wearing a helmet. Raxim faced him “Right! Mother always said to be nice to those weaker than you!” Talra rolled her eyes, Lucia shook her head. Asriel folded his arms. “You know nothing about me. I am old enough to be your grandfather boy.” He felt a flare of annoyance building. Raxim nodded “So you're old and weak? Don’t worry I will help you out!” His annoyance increased further, what makes it frustrating is that he can tell that he means nothing by it. Raxim generally thinks he is being helpful.

He clenched his hands tightly and grounded his teeth, he should show him how powerful he is. Asriel was about to raise his hand but stopped. He took a deep breath. “We are all weak and imperfect. It’s why Lord Tetricus is using his precious time to train us. So you can believe what you want.” Raxim frowned slightly “I am just trying to be nice…” “I know, but I have my own path and you have yours.” Tetricus gave a small chuckle “You admire me that much?” Asriel sighed, he is making fun of him, but he wanted to be honest. “I admire both you and Taurus. So yes.” He said it seriously, he meant it. The sorcerer stopped chuckling “Oh? Really?” “Are you questioning it?” “I am, you were so arrogant in the past. What happened? Don’t lose your flare now.” “Flare?” “Inde-” Tetricus was cut off as cultists started screaming that the envoy has come. Everyone turned to the middle road to see Taurus with the rest of the astartes. The cultists rushed towards him, Dominic kept the humans at bay by smashing them aside with his shield, despite the broken bones and being unable to get up they still cried for him. Soon enough they got the hint and instead made way praising Taurus’ name. Asriel whistled “Quite the entrance.” “You should be more respectful!” Raxim did not shout but he was speaking firmly.

Asriel payed little mind to him, Taurus approached he looked relaxed. “Victory.” that word, that single word for some reason caused his heart to swell. This was not a victory by the skin of their teeth, but it was clean and precise. “You did not even have to draw you blade, are you happy with that?” said Tetricus. “Why would I be unhappy? My blade is tool, a mechanism or a pot of paint. Everyone in the company is a component, an important one. So I am happy, happy that a perfect picture has been formed by my company.” “Inferus?” “Yes?” “You and Lucretius did well.” he looked up towards the building Lucretius is sitting on, the angel launched himself from his sitting position and flew down towards the ground. He gave a swift bow “I am pleased that you found my efforts worthy.” “They were indeed worthy hence why you may have a reward.” Lucretius shook his head “Your praise is enough, delivering more people who see your glory is enough for me.”

Taurus nodded, his gaze fell upon him. “What of you? What do you desire?” Asriel frowned he did not know what he wanted, but he recalled Tetricus was going to reward him as well. “I am..not to sure. Tetricus said he was going to give me something as well.” “Did you say that brother?” “I...did.” His captain chuckled “So you will get something from both us, don’t be modest or aren’t you used to rewards?” As he said that he frowned, he is definitely not used to rewards. He is used to giving to the detriment of others, to the detriment of himself. “I-” “I won’t take no for an answer Inferus.” He closed his mouth, Taurus can see right through him. He shook his head “I am not used to this...I don’t need a reward.” His captain strode up to him and placed his hand on his shoulder. “You are not part of your old warband. What I expect from you is to deliver victory to me and in return you are rewarded.” Just hearing him say that for some reason tears started welling up in his eye. “I don’t know how...my lord your praise is enough.” “Choose a reward.” He could see he would not budge on the matter. He tried to think of something, anything. He then recalled the song in the warp. “I...want a piano.” “Done, your room will be expanded to accommodate it. Now Tetricus what are you going to give him?” “I...have an idea. It will take some time.” “I see. Now…” he removed his hand and faced Noel. “Artifex! The banner!” Noel looked around in confusion and pointed at himself. “Me?” “Yes, plant the banner.” Asriel could not help but sigh, but he knew once he understands he will view the nickname as an honour. Noel removed the banner from his back and extended it, he planted it into the ground. “What now?” “We are leaving it.” “What!? I spent hours on it!” “You will spend hours on the next one brother. These banners will be our mark to show we are here.” Asriel looked at the banner swaying in the wind. The banner itself held the picture of a great daemonic bull devouring a populace greedily, he had to admit it looked pretty good.

Taurus raised his fist “All on me!” he shouted. The crowd gathered around the middle of the plaza, their cries were deafening. “Silence!” at his order silence fell on the plaza. He sweeped his eyes over them “You all delivered victory to me! You all obeyed me to the letter! You all praised the third legion! But there are more conquests! More victories to add to our tally! But for now!? We celebrate!” The crowd of cultists began cheering again. Tetricus shook his head “there is not much joy in torturing the remnants of the adeptus mechanicus.” “Well for them it’s different, they have been liberated from the yoke of the false emperor, let them revel in it brother.” “If you say so.” Asriel watched the crowd disperse, as they left he had to agree with Taurus. For them it’s different, they hated the adeptus mechanicus, they want them to suffer. Even meager torments will be like wine to them. They will never be able to understand the pain the tech priests put them through. Just like how everyone here would not truly understand his own personal hatred for his now destroyed home world. His captain folded his arms “still we have to prepare, we have to attack a knight world next.” As he mentioned knight world everyone save him and Lucretius looked at Taurus with shock. His teacher barked at him “What do you mean we are attacking a knight world!? Why!?” “For Caroline and the fact I want to do it. I think it will be an interesting challenge and the added fact the minions of the blood god are crawling all over it.” “But it’s a knight world! D-” “Enough...Tetricus..” Asriel knew it was not exactly a threat, but it’s clear he wanted his master to be silent.

The sorcerer grumbled in frustration, but hearing that they are attacking a knight world a smile creased his lips. Taurus is right, attacking such a world will be interesting.

Part 2 Epilogue
He can taste the anger in the air, the fury of the lord commander tingled his tongue. He wanted to smile but held back, he knew better. Adelram’s eyes danced over Eidolon’s trembling form. He could clearly see he was barely containing his fury. The lord commander tore up letter and threw it to the ground. “He disrespects me! He disrespects the legion and father!” Adelram said nothing, the smart thing would be to lent him vent. Eidolon rose from his throne and began pacing the room, shaking his head. “He lies...there is no way he could of taken it! Not in a month! It’s impossible!” Now he saw the opportunity, he did not know much about the captain of the 4th so this might be a chance to glean something. “Taken what lord commander?” He stopped, his opaque eyes fell upon him. “He took a forge world. In a month.” He had to admit he found that surprising. “With what resources? Also forge worlds tend to be defended by knights or a Titan.” “You are correct but it seems an imperial knight has joined hands with our wayward brother. The fact that he corrupted a pilot...how does he do it?” The anger drained away, Adelram could see Eidolon is now contemplating carefully. “He can’t be easily destroyed anymore if he has a knight on his side...father should of let me kill him…” “Wait...our father held you back?” “Yes, in the past he wanted him dead but a few days later he changed his mind. I find it hard to believe that he has interest in that disrespectful cur!” “Why not ask? You can get in contact with him.”

The lord commander shook his head. “He is silent..I don’t know whether loves him or finds the fool to be a simple amusement. But let us pray that he is just using Cornelius to kill time.” Eidolon walked back to his throne and sat. “So tell me Adelram want do you want?” “Oh? What brought this on?” “You have served the legion well for years, but I can see it in your eyes you crave it don’t you?” He chuckled, Eidolon see’s right through him. “What’s wrong with that? Many in the third desire it.” “Yet many lose their way on that path, be sure it does not happen to you.” Adelram gave a small bow “Do not worry...when I finally walk with my father I will remember you lord commander…” Eidolon said nothing, he knew that he would be above him after he gains ascension, soon he would stride with his father. He can’t wait for that day, the day where the dark prince elevates him. He licked his lips “One step at a time…” he said quietly to himself.

Chapter 26
Taurus watched his brother prepare the ritual, Caroline was with him. They gathered sixty slaves within the chamber. All were on their knees, praying and lashing themselves with serrated whips, eager to be used as a stepping stone to victory. “What is going on?” said Caroline. “We are going to delay the exterminatus fleet. To attack a knight world we need to prepare accordingly, I am having havocs equipped with the appropriate heavy weapons and each squad will have at least one rocket launcher.” “You are really doing this aren’t you?” “I made a promise to you remember?” The pilot gave a soft smile “I wonder...will my brother accept our aid?” Taurus mused on that question, going by what Caroline has told him and what he saw in the dream it’s likely her sister Amy has made a pact with khorne and her brother Aron is fighting against her. In the end it doesn't matter in the eyes of the imperium both are heretics, it would not surprise him that a greater number sided with her sister hence why the imperium came to that decision. “Your family and your people who sided with Aron will be worn down by the civil war. They will accept our aid especially if an exterminatus fleet is on the way.” He placed his eyes on Tetricus who began chanting. “Tell me...why do you want to watch this?” “I thought...I would have second thoughts if I see a heretical ritual.” “I see.”

His brother raised his staff, the slaves prayer turned louder, their lashes turned more frequent and more violent scores of skin began to fall to the ground. An orb of purple energy manifested within the chamber, within it he could see the fleet moving through the warp. Caroline clenched her hands. “So it’s true…” He said nothing he continued to watch, the slaves kept lashing themselves, now chunks of flesh was being torn away, instead of screaming in pain they rejoiced in their suffering. The warp surrounding the fleet began to close into them, as tendrils of pink energy began to violently lash the ships, the pathways also began to bend separating the ships or tides of energy consuming them utterly. The orb grew in size and the violence gripping the imperial ships increased, the slaves being used in the ritual shouted praises to dark prince as flesh gave way to bone. The orb then burst with a brilliant pink light, consuming his vision. The screams of the slaves reverberated in his ears, when the light ebbed away he saw the slaves were now bones, only small chunks of flesh remained. His brother sagged to one knee, panting slightly, he was using his staff to support himself. “How long do we have Tetricus?” His company sorcerer nodded he rose and faced him. “Well the ritual gave us several months, some ships should be consumed by the warp. Even if they arrive they will not be able to commit to an exterminatus, whoever is in charge would have to request several more ships from the imperial navy.” Taurus nodded in approval “This is good, we have time. Also…” he looked down to Caroline “Any second thoughts?” She shook her head. “None...oddly it was quite enjoyable to watch.” He smiled, it seems her loyalty is secured. Now they have time to ready themselves for war.

Asriel played a simple melody he learned “this is the first step…” he wanted to reproduce what he heard in the warp. Each sound was a note and all of it came together to make a song in the ethereal sea. Each time he played he opened his mind and he would find his fingers moving by itself, until his concentration slips and he presses the wrong key. He shook his head “This will take some time…” but such a fact did not bother him, he looked around his room it is now far larger than before, he has space for all his books and other effects. Also he now has a shower built into his room. He smiled “Maybe...if I work harder Taurus will give me more things?” He never really thought that way before, in the past Adelram desired his utter devotion to him, he wanted to mold him into something that is pleasing to him. Yet he always resisted in his own way. The only thing Taurus wanted from him is victory, nothing else mattered. He could be who he wants, he can do what he wants as long as he gives Taurus victory when he requests it.

He started to play again, this time he got a little further in the song, the sound of his door opening broke his concentration again. “You are getting quite good at that.” He sighed and shifted on his seat to face the door, his teacher was standing there. “I got a long way to go.” He could also see his master is holding something wrapped in a piece of cloth. Asriel faced the piano and pressed a key. “My old lord used to have a piano...how odd that I am trying to do the same thing. It didn’t work out though.” “Then perhaps you will succeed where he failed.” His teacher rested the covered item on the side of the wall. “I had this prepared for you. It’s a staff.” “Oh? Does it have any special properties?” The sorcerer nodded “It will increase your psychic powers and...I wish to speak with you about the next step in your training.” “Next step?” “Yes...the next step.” he walked over and stood next to him. “We have an advantage over the psykers of the imperium.” “Which is?” “Daemons.” “How can daemons be of aid to us? Neverborns are not exactly trustworthy.” “All true, hence why I am doing this lesson with you.” He pointed at various sections of his armour that held strange script. “Various pacts and agreements made with certain daemons.” “But there is a cost isn’t there?” “There is always a cost, it depends on the daemon and their disposition. For example your eye.” Asriel touched it, the eye he gave up to the exalted greater daemon for knowledge of his people. The tissue was soft but no matter what he did it would not return. “I understand, my eye is lost forever.” “Hence why one must be careful, at times you may approach the daemon or it might happen the other way round. That’s why what you say to the daemon might leave you in a worse position than before.” He nodded slowly “so...should I seek out a pact now?” “No, only when you are ready. But be prepared as I said before daemons might approach you, especially as you become more powerful. Now I have to prepare for our attack on the knight world.” “How long do we have to prepare?” “Well...we have months but Taurus wishes to attack in a few weeks.” Asriel shook his head, while chuckling slightly “barely even a moment of rest…” “But would you have it any other way my student?” “No...I wouldn’t which is odd.” He stretched. “As you said we all have to prepare for war, Taurus desires victory and we have to give it to him.” “Right then, I will let you get on with that.” The sorcerer left his room, he then pressed several keys on the piano. He wondered how exactly should he prepare? After what Tetricus told him of pacts he has no desire to rush into one.

He got up from his piano seat and walked over to the wall his new staff is leaning on. Asriel unwrapped the cloth and as he laid his eyes upon it he smiled. The staff itself was silver and had runes carved along the haft, but what was most impressive is the top of the staff is shaped like a bovine head and pink smog was bellowing out of the nostrils. He threw the cloth to one side and gripped his new weapon in both hands. Just holding it he found new found power thrumming through his body. He twirled the staff in simple movements. “The balance is perfect...it’s not heavy either.” He placed it back onto the wall and returned to the piano.

He stroked his chin. “If I understand the notes of the warp...I wonder…” he continued practicing, with each failure he got further and further into the song. Yet failure was not troublesome or annoying either, what he found is understanding and joy. The taste of getting one step closer to his goal it was like sweet nectar. “Working towards something..is pretty interesting.” He smiled has his fingers ran down the keys of the piano.

He did his rounds around the ship lugging his shield with him. He needed to increase his speed if he is to be Taurus’ shield. He smiled “Murus.” that word stayed with him, that’s the name his captain gave him. He raced down the hall as he made a corner a group of astartes fell in behind him, he frowned. “What are you doing?” One of them ran up to his side “mind if we run with you?” He raised his eyebrow “Why?” “Because it’s clear Taurus favours you. How do you do it?” He did not know how he did it, he just followed his guidance and wanted to be best. “I wanted to be the best, that’s it.” His brother nodded “Laxius.” “Murus.” he responded. They ran in silence, Laxius eyed his shield “It’s impressive that you can ran this fast while lugging that thing around.” “I can only do it through training and diligence, something many lack in the warband.” “True..those who tend not to train are the ones who die first.” “Exactly, I desire perfection, I desire to be our captain’s shield.” Laxius then nodded to his group. “We want you to help us train. We want to fight like you.” He ground to a stop and raised his eyebrow. “You want to fight like me?” Laxius stopped running, he folded his arms. “Well...torturing slaves has been getting boring. Plus we all see you are gaining more glory.” Murus frowned “I don’t want you training me with if that is your thought process. I desire to give captain victory. If you want to learn from me you must discard such foolish thoughts.” His brother raised his hands “easy...I meant nothing by it.” “But you did, what I see is a group who can no longer satisfy themselves on base excesses so now you look to others. Pain is a vehicle of improvement, in improvement there is pleasure and joy.” All of them lowered their heads to what looks like to be shame. Staring at them an idea popped in his mind. “I will give you a goal.” “A goal?” “Yes, you will train with me and our aim will be to become Taurus’ honour guard. We are to be his shield that guards him and the spear that destroys his foes.” Just by all their faces he could see they liked the sound of it. That for once in their small lives they have purpose. “Now come, we must finish our rounds.” he started to run again, all of his brothers followed. He did not know how he came up with the idea of an honour guard and he was not sure whether Taurus would accept such a thing. In the end he believed this would aid him and the company in reaching perfection.

Chapter 27
Sweat covered his forehead, he panted as his knight shifted he swung the thunderstrike gauntlet, the fist planted itself into cockpit area of the traitor knight. He removed the fist and the crater he left caused the heretical machine to topple to its side. Aron breathed out a sigh of relief. He opened his vox “Cousin! Have you taken down the traitor!?” “Traitor has been eliminated high king!” His cousin’s voice was full of static, he could detect the weariness in her voice despite trying to respond firmly. He looked out ahead on his pict screen, he could see the two knight castellans standing at the ready several miles ahead, blocking the way to the city Ligithia prime. Despite the sky being replaced by a red vortex what he found worrying is that the civil war has gone on for months and those two knights are always standing there, blasting anything that gets close. “Shila we are going home.” “Are we not going to assault the traitors?” “No, remember the last time we attempted that? We lost too many knights to those two. We have to endure until reinforcements come.” He could hear his cousin kissing her teeth, he could understand her frustration. His sister has made a bargain with daemons and heretics and they are all paying the price for it.

He turned his knight gallant back to home base, His cousin in her knight crusader trailed behind him. What he found is that the trek home was hardest, the green grass is now burnt, they have lost all their armigers, save a few retainers and civilians that run communications it’s only him and his cousin fighting. But what bothers him the most is that the heretics never go in for the kill. But what plagues him more is the fact majority of his home world embraced corruption. “You are thinking again aren’t you?” said Shila. Her voice was laced with concern, they have been friends since childhood. Despite being only 19 she is two years older than him. “I am, I wonder how our people fare under the yoke of corruption. I wonder...if there is an end in sight.” “The imperium will come.” she said firmly. “Aye, I am sure. If Caroline got a word of this…” “She would come running, right?” “No...she would hesitate. Also I do not desire help from a murderer, both my sisters have fallen. At least Caroline can reclaim some semblance of honour.” “You really think she did it?” He fell silent, he has finished warring with himself. It’s clear that she has done it, since Amy has fallen to darkness that means anyone can be wearing a mask.

He stepped onto a small hill and below was the resistance base. “She did do it Shila, both my sisters desired power and it’s down to us to make things right.” His cousin said nothing, he knows she agrees. The resistance is the only pure thing left of Ligithia, and he will do anything he can to ensure that light endures.

Tetricus watched his brother write on the chalkboard his eyes drifting from his work and to the conjured image by his sirens. His favourite student placed a cup of recaf on the table. He picked it up gently and sipped it. “You’ve been at that for days.” Taurus’ gaze returned to the chalkboard he pointed the piece of chalk at the knight castellans. “It’s getting past these two without heavy losses.” “You are aware it’s impossible? We are going to take heavy losses no matter what we do.” His captain grunted in annoyance, Tetricus sighed at his brother’s frustration. He continued to write complex calculations, graphs and plans, his handwriting as always is neat and the lines are always together. “So tell me Asriel how is your project coming along?” His eye lit up “I am getting closer, the air changes, my fingers move by itself...I wonder what the end result will be?” “There might not be an end result considering the warp itself in unknowable. Have you considered that you might just be playing what the dark prince desires you to play?” Asriel stroked his chin, he nodded. “Is that a bad thing?” “Depends on what the dark prince wants. But I say keep at it.” “I will, thanks for the advice.” He smirked “Or I could be warning you my student.” “Don’t worry I will be careful.” “That’s all I ask.” “Yes! That’s it!” His gaze along with Asriel’s fell upon Taurus. “That’s what?” He began chuckling “The way past the blockade.” “Right will you tell us how do you plan to break the blockade?” “No.” “Why?” “Because I have no reason to.” His captain began to push the chalkboard out of his chamber, but he stopped at the door. He turned his head back to them. “We are deploying in a few days be ready.” he shook his head. “I am not going to like whatever plan you came up with aren’t I?” “Perhaps...tell me brother does the dark prince respond well to song?” “Well...yes why?” Taurus said nothing he left the chamber without another word.

Tetricus sipped his recaf, he felt his stomach turning slightly.


She sat on her throne watching the bout, she had the throne room converted into an area her fellows yelled and screamed behind the cage with the world eaters as blood was poured upon the grounds. She sat above on a vista on a throne of skulls made from those who defied her. She gripped her family heirloom a master-crafted powersword. “Why do we wait?” She looked up to Gonix Skullcracker, his head twitched slightly due to the nails. “We wait for the true enemy to come Amy.” She curled her lips in annoyance “there is an enemy right in front of us. We can take their skulls.” Gonix shook his head “If we strike we will lose the chance at a grand battle, you wish this planet to be a world of khorne? A world of bloodshed and war?” That prospect enticed her, a place where she can trample people with her knight, a world where constant challengers will come where she can sever heads for khorne with her power blade. And soon enough she might not need her knight or her blade anymore. “I see your point, do you have any idea who this enemy is?” The eye lenses of his helmet blazed with fire. “They are coming…” “Coming?” “Yes they are here, right now.” With that she rose from her throne. She shouted to the crowd below her. “Enough!” Everyone looked up to her. “Ready yourselves!” Amy shouted. “The true foe is here!” The crowd cheered for her and khorne.

She was eager to see war, she was eager to spill blood.

Aron watched as thunderhawks pierced the skies, he could not believe it. Help is actually here. As they landed the bay doors opened to reveal astartes, but they looked wrong somehow. His cousin shook her head. “Something is off with them…” He nodded slowly in agreement, the runes that covered the skin of their serfs and the power armour turned his stomach. He has heard astartes have strange practices but what is before him is filling him with dread than awe. But that vanished as an astartes with an halo stepped off the gunship with his entourage, he oddly looked radiant and fit the description of everything he heard about astartes. He approached and looked down at him. “I am Catapin Taurus. This is my company we are here to aid you.” Looked over to Shila, she raised her eyebrow. He could see she was concerned, Aron faced the astartes. “Which chapter are you from?” “We are the Emperor’s children, the 4th company is here to aid you.” he responded quickly. He never heard of the name of such a chapter, at most he has his books detailing the histories and victories of the astartes, but considering their name they must embody the ideals of the god-emperor. “So...do you know the situation?” “Yes, your sister filled us in.” “My sister!?” He nodded. “I promised her we would aid you, as a freeblade she now works with us.” As he spoke a great ball of fire pierced the skies and landed on the outskirts of the camp, it was her knight. He couldn't believe it, he did not know what to feel. “We can break the blockade...with all of this…” “Hold it.” said Shila. “You are aware captain that there are two knight castellans blocking the way to the city?” “Yes, I have a plan to deal with them.” His cousins eyes went wide. “How!?” “Bring your knights to the plains I will show you.” He then walked away, Aron’s heart was beating rapidly. “Shila...we have a chance.” “I know cousin but…” “But what?” “Something just feels...wrong.” He thought about it for a moment, it was just for a fraction that a part of him thought to reconsider the help Captain Taurus is giving him. But he dismissed it, he needed to liberate his home. The god-emperor has guided his angels to him. “It’s fine Shila, with the Adeptus Astartes victory shall come.”

She trudged through the burnt plains of her home with Taurus’ company, she ground her teeth in frustration. She wanted to break, tear, cut and smash those who have ruined the beauty of Ligithia. She felt a sharp spike of pain, from her cords causing her to focus. Soon….Soon… “Yes...soon I will get what I want.” said Caroline. She then heard her vox blinking, it was an old channel. She opened it. “What is it little brother?” “You’ve returned.” “Of course I returned, with help.” “I am...surprised.” “Why are you? The imperium is going to exterminatus our home, it’s only by Taurus’ grace that we have a chance, he delayed the ships.” “What!?” Aron shouted. “Why would they do that!?” “Because majority of our people are now...heretics.” Lie...twist the truth...bring him to our side… “The imperium did not care about the blood we spilled for them, we are just a number on a sheet.” “I….I….” “You know the last group I was attached to lied about the state of our home, they lied to keep me with them.” “Then they are without honour.” “People misuse our honour, they spout platitudes in order to entice us to their side!” That time she spoke the truth, that is what she now felt. Her brother sighed on the vox. “Tell me...did you really kill our parents?” “No.” she said it without hesitation. “Why can’t I believe you sister?” “Then don’t, I am not the one who gave our world away.” Her brother was about to say something, but the vox locked off. Chinks in the armour….The voice caressed her mind. “Soon he will accept the truth.” She shifted the pict screen to the rhino Taurus is riding, she did wonder how he would break the blockade. The doubt soon vanished, for her sun can do anything.

Taurus sat his arms are crossed, at times he would eye the iron box near the exit. Inferus, Tetricus, Murus and Artifex are also riding the rhino with him. “Tell me why is Silentus not here?” said Tetricus. “Because I did not want to risk him.” Taurus responded. Inferus shifted in his seat he eyed the box near the door. “Captain...so what is your plan?” Everyone’s eyes fell upon him, he could tell them now but it would be pointless. This is the only course to ensure the company survives to assault the city. “You will see...about now.” He opened his vox channel. “Stop all of you!” The rhino ground to a stop, the door opened. Taurus got up from his seat he walked over to box and removed the top. He smiled and pulled out the jetpack with both hands. “What are you going to do with that!?” Tetricus barked. He said nothing, he hopped out of the vehicle, everyone followed him. He strode towards Aron’s knight. Behind him he could hear his company sorcerer yelling at the top of his lungs for him to stop. As he got to the knight he placed the jetpack on the floor. He tore off his cape and began attaching the jetpack to his body. His brother kept shouting at him, but he knew this was for the best. This is the best strategy to gain victory.

Once done he looked up to the knight, he faced everyone and pointed. “I am going to have Aron throw me.” Tetricus’ staff began bursting with energy, his brother was trembling with fury. “Don’t you dare….” he said firmly. The rest looked gobsmacked that he is going to do such a thing. “Do not worry Tetricus…” he went into his pouch and pulled out a sheet of paper. “I prepared a song. I will draw the dark prince’s eye due to my dedication to victory. I will be fine.” He then screwed it up and threw it aside. His brother said nothing, it looked like he was barely containing himself. He turned towards the knight and looked up. He shifted his vox channel to Aron’s. “Aron, I need you to do something.” “What do you need of me Captain?” He pointed to the knights that were miles away. “I want you to throw me towards them.” “What!?” “Do as I say.” “Y-Yes…” he responded. “Now deactivate the powerfield on your thunderstrike gauntlet.” The sparking energy left the gauntlet, Aron had his knight open his hand.

Taurus then launched himself upwards unto it. He got into the appropriate position. “Captain? Are you sure about this?” said Aron. “I am. Now throw me.” He switched off his com link, he needed to focus for this. He drew his blade. He could feel the fist rising, then it was drawn back slightly. He started to sing, to get the attention of the dark prince. There is only one goal! One Dream! One Destiny! He was then launched forward like a bullet, he tried to make himself as straight as he can. The guns on both knights locked onto him. He roared higher, he wanted his voice to reach him. We are the highest star! The grandest legion in the whole galaxy! The bullets crashed into his body, he coughed up blood, the halo was somehow holding and the force of the bullets oddly did not slow him down. He could also hear thunder threading the red skies. He activated the jetpack to gain more velocity. We only have one ideal, one path and one grand dream! He kept going, he was getting closer. The knights leveled the plasma decimators at him. He narrowed his eyes, he steeled his hearts. Only the third understands the heights of perfection! The thunder grew intensity, he could feel his body swelling with power. The plasma discharged from the decimators, his vision was covered awash with a bright blue light, the temperature was rapidly increasing, but his body did not burn. He did not slow, he rushed right through it, now only a few metres away he changed his body posture to slow himself down with the jetpack thrusters. Perfection is victory! Victory is perfection! Taurus crashed onto the pilot area of the first knight. He gripped a part of it and began stabbing and carving the face in order to make a hole. He started from the beginning of the song. There is only one goal! One dream! One destiny! We are the highest star! The grandest legion in the whole galaxy! He tore open a small hole and looked inside. He saw it, the pilot, a piece of meat and wires. He stabbed his blade into the head and drew his bolt pistol. He fired at the pilot causing him to explode into red mist. The knight turned slack. Taurus placed his bolt pistol back into it’s holster.

He climbed up and removed his blade, he jumped and launched himself to the second that was just a few metres away. We only have one ideal, one path and one grand dream! He noticed pink flower petals began falling from the sky, the grass was turning green again and flowers sprouted. Perfection is Victory! He reached out and grabbed the head of the second, he repeated the action from before and began carving, making a hole so he could shoot. He removed his bolt pistol and aimed at the disgusting pilot. Victory is perfection! He fired several times, the knight turned slack. He launched himself on top of the knight and removed his blade. He looked up to the skies, the red vortex was now pink. With it a deluge of daemons began falling from the skies, laughing and praising his name. He smiled. “Victory...is perfection.”

Asriel looked up to his master, who was staring at their captain in the distance, standing on top of the knight. He let go of his staff, it floated in the air and he just stared. Asriel thought to say something about Taurus’ amazing feat but he found himself also at a loss of words. Everyone present could not put a word to what they just saw. The whole company was standing at the side of rhino’s staring in awe or simply mystified. Even the knights they were manipulating were silent. His teacher removed his helmet, and took a deep breath, he plucked a flower petal that was falling from the sky. “He keeps...surprising me.” Asriel slowly nodded in response.

Errrr I hope people like this chapter, especially the end I hope it was not too over the top. :X The idea just kinda popped into my head.

The dark prince protects haha. Nice! I really enjoyed all the chapters so far.

lliu wrote:
The dark prince protects haha. Nice! I really enjoyed all the chapters so far.

Indeed he does but the battle will not get easier.

Chapter 28
Everyone was silent in the Rhino, outside they could hear the shrill screams and laughter of the daemons. Asriel scratched his cheek, what he saw before stayed with him, but what has him concerned is what is coming after. “So..captain why is it so important that losses remain low?” “Oh you are asking a smart question.” He frowned “wait, there is something worse?” “Well yes, the sirens could not see the enemy guarding the city.” Dominic nodded “That makes sense, you did not mention anything in the plan save the knight Castellans.” Silence fell upon the rhino again, he tried to think what exactly could block the sirens? He looked over to his master. “What do you think my lord?” “Guessing is pointless, but what surprises me is that the city has no walls. This assault should be easy but if my sirens could not form an image of what we will face we must be careful.” “I see b-” A great roar ripped through his ears, eight voices crying out in fury and rage. The heat that was passing through his mind was too much, he could also sense the eight voices hatred is directed to the vortex captain changed. “W-what is that?” His teacher shook his head. “Those are the voices of daemons...it..can’t be?” Taurus chuckled “So that’s what those eight voices were...this is going to be interesting.” Noel frowned heavily “I just hear daemons roaring, what is so bad about that sorcerer?” “It’s what those eight voices belong to you idiot! The city is guarded by eight Bloodthirsters!” Asriel did not know what to say, the cries of rage kept smashing into his mind. “H-how can we take on eight bloodthirsters!?” “This is why the knights are here Inferus...have faith in Caroline and the loyalists we are using.” “They are not loyalists anymore.” said Dominic. “Well the boy thinks he is. His thoughts are jumbled he can’t bring together what he saw and what is around him now.” Tetricus looked over to Taurus. “But it does not matter to us does it?” “Exactly brother, I don’t care if he dies as long as he gives me victory. Any of them can think what they want.” Asriel watched the exchange, if Taurus says to have faith in the knight pilots who is he to question him? He tried to relax despite the roars of anger pounding in his skull.

She sat within her knight paladin, Amy could see the invaders approaching her city. But all she saw was more skulls for khorne’s throne. But what was a surprise was seeing her sister among them, she would like to face her in single combat but she doubts that the army has the skill to get past the eight bloodthirsters. With their power she easily conquered her world. But before she could acquire their aid they wanted to duel her, the skills she possessed in piloting carried her to victory, but a part of her nags to have her feet on the ground charging the enemy. “Khorne needs warriors...not butchers.” she said to herself. Amy opened her vox link to Gonix. “Are you sure that you want to wait at the palace entrance?” “I am sure...the one who rejected Khorne’s fury, his gifts will come here.” She snorted as she heard that. “You really think they will breach the city?” “Yes.” His answer angered her, she could feel her fury smouldering within her chest. “What makes you say that!? Just because they got past the blockade!? You have no faith in your warriors that march around my feet!?” There was a long silence, Gonix gave a raspy chuckle. “You only have power because of me, all I desire is to fight a true opponent little girl.” “What if I kill him before he gets to you?” “You won’t.” the vox clicked off. Amy felt frustrated, the need to charge forward consumed her, but she took a deep breath. “I will let the bloodthirsters wear them down...then I will charge.” She grinned. “Caroline I can’t wait to offer up your skull…”

Caroline marched with the army, she could see the daemons surrounding her city. The city that should of been rightfully hers. It should be yours. “Exactly!” she barked out. But first she needed to clear the trash. She spoke on her vox. “Shila, Aron with me!” “Aron is High king Caroline...also you made a pact with darkness.” Shila’s voice was laced with venom. But she did not care. “What of it? The daemons scappering on the ground will aid us.” “Aid us!? Are you mad!?” “If it hurts you so cousin why not do something?” She could see her knight shifting towards her, but Aron blocked the way. “We are as good as dead no matter what. Sister if we save this world will you leave with your army?” “What do you mean good as dead?” Her cousin sounded shocked, worried even. “Well cousin the imperium is planning to exterminatus our world. I am just hoping to salvage some of my family and maim those who ruined our planet.” “You are lying…” “I don’t think she is lying.” said Aron. “You are taking her side!?” “I am cousin. Now we have daemons to kill, enough talking.” She smiled at least her little brother has some semblance of sense, but she doubts the warband will just leave, her brother is with them or against them come the end. She hopes that he makes the right choice.

She shifted her vox channel to Taurus. “Captain will we have predator support? We left the armigers at the camp to defend it.” “You will. The daemonettes will support you as well. The daemons will allow us to preserve our forces. Remove the bloodthirsters for me Caroline.” Caroline smiled “acknowledged...I will remove the daemons!” She charged forward. Great doses of pain was sent through her cords. Her brother’s vox signal began blinking. “What are you doing!?” “Follow me or don’t little brother! I want to get to grips with the enemy!” The eight red winged monstrosities came into view. She began firing her battle cannon at the first, several shots hit it’s chest and then it’s head causing it to explode. In reaction the remaining seven roared and began charging across the field. Caroline noticed with each step, they burnt the grass and the petals falling from the sky combusted if it so much as makes contact with their skin.

The daemonettes were scampering and screaming as she ran, the rest of her family soon caught up. “Caroline what do you think you are doing!? We need the predators!” “They will catch up!” she responded. A bloodthirster leapt into the air and went straight towards her. It gripped it’s flaming sword and swung downwards, she shifted her knight to the side dodging the attack. She bought up her reaper chainsword and bisected the daemon. She licked her lips, she could feel the adrenaline gripping her body. MORE! MORE! The voice called. She shouted with it. “More!” She aimed and fired her battle cannon at the third, she riddled it with bullets. The daemonettes climbed unto the daemon and began stabbing and slashing, she kept firing even though she hit her support how they exploded into multi-coloured liquid pleased her. She then blew off arm and leg, the daemon fell back and exploded in a shower of blood.

She grinned “That makes three!” “Caroline!” her brother called her, she could see her brother was having trouble fighting one. Aron’s thunderstrike gauntlet was wrapped in a spiked whip, the bloodthirster was bringing up it’s axe. But before he could strike the daemon was filled with bullets from Shila’s knight crusader and from the supporting fire from the predators that have now caught up. The bloodthirster holding Aron slumped to the ground. Her brother breathed out a sigh of relief as he faced her.“Thank y-” His thanks was cut short, Caroline watched as a daemon crashed into her cousin, slamming it’s blade viciously into the pilot area of the knight. “Shila!” her brother screamed. The daemon removed the blade and the knight toppled to the side.

Caroline used this opportunity to charge the bloodthirster that killed her cousin, she revved up her reaper chainsword and severed the daemons arm. It turned to her, yellow eyes smouldering with anger. +You will fall to khorne’s champion, scion of the hated slaanesh!+ She smirked. “What do you know daemon!?” She bought down her chainsword again, tearing the daemon apart. She faced her brother, his knight was still. “Get a grip Aron! We have more daemons to kill!” Her brother then roared on the vox, he charged a bloodthirster, he readied his thunderstrike gauntlet, the daemon snarled and launched himself at his knight, with a great slash he removed his reaper chainsword, but his fist drove straight into the face of the daemon causing it to explode in a shower of blood.

The voice in her mind gave a wet chuckle. Do you want to watch him die? Look...see… She slowly nodded. She stood still with her knight and watched. The remaining two circled her brother, one wielded a great axe and the other a sword. The bloodthirster with the axe charged first, it slashed sideways with it’s mighty weapon, her brother brought up the gauntlet to block, but the daemon’s weapon severed his arm. Now weaponless, she could see his knight almost shifting to her. “Caroline!” he called. A part of her started to move her knight, she did not know why. Stay! Watch! Her lips trembled, a strange acid began to overwhelm her heart. She tried to push the pain back. No! No! No! Her cords were being overloaded, waves of sensation poured into her body, she felt a strange hollow sensation. She relaxed on her throne and watched, she watched the daemon plant his weapon again and again into her brother’s knight.

The bloodthirster reduced her brother to scrap and she felt nothing save the waves of pain that now grips her body. She smiled “He was useless anyway.” Yes...he was..claim your glory. Claim your just due. She charged onward the daemon who reduced her brother to nothing looked up to her, that was the last thing the daemon saw before she blew away half it’s face and then it’s body with her battle cannon and the supporting fire of the predators. The last bloodthirster roared and ran towards her, weapon held high.

The daemon slashed downward but before it could strike she stepped in and impaled the daemon with the reaper chainsword. She upped the rev on the weapon tearing the insides, the yellow eyes of the daemon turned dark, it then exploded leaving behind traces of fire and blood.

Caroline smiled, the second blockade is gone. But strangely a question burned her. “Captain the way is clear.” “Well done Caroline you did well.” “Thank you but…” “But what?” “Why did we leave my retainers behind at the camp?” There was a small silence just for a brief moment it was eerie. “I left them behind just in case we have to fall back, you never know what may happen.” She accepted his answer, it made sense but she knew that Taurus would never lose. He is too great and powerful for that. “Very well, it still seems I have one more enemy.” “You do, as we move into the city I want you to kill your sister. Can you do that?” She gave a broad smile. “I can do that, I will gladly kill her captain.”

The army now caught up with her, she marched upon the city ready to end the one who had her exiled.

Amy looked at the encroaching army, she ground her teeth in frustration. “How could they lose!?” She slammed the arm of her throne with her fist. She tried to cool herself down, her blood was running hot. She can’t lost herself to her fury. The army around her feet stood at the ready, the astartes from Gonix’s warband heads twitched, their chain axes revved and screamed. Also the lower ranking members of society made the rest of the force. All of them waited for the enemy, but she only had to wait for a few short minutes, she saw her sister and the rhino’s entering the city. She put her vox on loudspeaker. “Charge! For khorne! Skulls for the skull throne!” The army echoed her cry they charged to the enemy, eager to spill their blood.

Caroline saw her sister, she felt more excited, the need to tear her apart consumed her body. Mixed in with the pain she felt the need to correct the slights against her. Amy cried on the loudspeaker, promising their skulls to khorne, screaming that they are not true warriors. She chuckled and turned on her own loudspeaker. “Hello sister!” The knight covered in skulls and runes of her patron deity shifted to her. The shouts ended, instead Amy fired her battle cannon. Caroline raised her ion shield and charged forward, so did her sister she was pleased that she also wanted to get into close combat. “Tell me how did you feel when you murdered our parents and pinned it on me!?” Caroline fired her own cannon as she shouted.

Amy raised her shield and gave a great laugh. “They were weak! We fought for weaklings! Only Khorne is the worthy deity to fight for!” Their knights crashed together, the reaper chainswords sparked and screamed against each other. Caroline narrowed her eyes “You are surrounded by mad marauders! They don’t understand war or battle!” “And you do!? The one who comes home with sybarites and hedonists!?” “My sun is not like that! Did you see him break the blockade!? Have you seen him walk or talk!? You know nothing!” The fact she insulted her captain aggravated her, the threads of pain that tore through her body increased, the hollow sensation she felt before was consuming her body.

She pulled her knight back and slashed sideways severing Amy’s battle cannon. Her sister cursed and launched forward with her knight. Her chainsword streaking through the air, the weapon bit deep into the plate of knight. Caroline cursed and pushed her battle cannon onto the frame and fired. Her sister’s imperial knight staggered back. Amy roared the name of the blood god. Her reaper chainsword screamed like a daemon, Caroline bought up herown chainsword to block, but the attack tore right through it.

As the chainsword crept closer to her, time slowed down. She panicked, she was scared. She shook her head. “N-Not like this…” She felt utterly hollow, the voice passed through her mind one more time. Relax...embrace it. The chainsword tore into the cockpit, the great teeth of the chainsword severed her body. She gave a great wail of anguish.

Taurus had his sword impaled in the throat of a world eater, he then severed their head. He looked up to the knight battle and frowned. “So she lost.” Tetricus sighed “all that work put into corrupting her...wasted.” He nodded in agreement. “Indeed, I will check up on Lucretius’ side of the battle. I will also tell the predators to focus on the knight.” He blinked several times, shifting through the channels on his auto senses he then selected the name of his brother. “How fares your side of the battle?” He could hear grunting and laughter. “He better not eat my students.” He turned to Tetricus. “It seems our angel is enjoying himself. Also your students are smart, they will be fine.” He clicked off the channel and opened his vox to all predators. “I wan-” He then heard a daemonic scream, from Caroline’s knight. The enemy knight staggered back in surprise. “What’s this?” he held the order. Inferus touched his forehead, Tetricus shook his head. “Who knew…” Murus and Artifex looked around. The standard bearer asked “What is going on?” Inferus coughed slightly “something is within Caroline’s knight.” Taurus narrowed his eyes at it, the knight was being torn apart from the inside, he could see clawed hands and a blade tearing it’s way out of the knight until a daemon emerged from it, the daemon’s head held a row of curved horns. It also had a serpentine tongue that flicked in and out of it’s maw like it’s tasting the air. “A keeper of secrets…” he smiled. The greater daemon of slaanesh charged the enemy knight, screaming in Caroline’s voice. “Maybe this is the reason why we don’t see corrupted knights often?” “That might be the case.” said Tetricus. Everyone’s eyes were upon the daemon as it tore apart the khornate knight, it’s hand smashed through the face and tore out a person who he guessed to be Amy.

She struggled in the daemon’s grip, stabbing with a knife and clawing at it’s pink flesh with her nails. The keeper of secrets opened it’s maw and devoured her, chewing slowly. It then looked at him directly, it smiled showing a row of bloodied teeth, it then skipped away slashing and dancing among the warriors of khorne, at times it would pick them out like sweetmeats and devour them utterly. Others could not handle the daemon’s presence and offered themselves up to it.

Taurus chuckled “well it seems the loss of the knight is not all that bad. No-” “I call for you traitor of khorne!” From the vox speakers across the city a guttural voice shouted cutting him off. “The child is dead! Come and face me in honorable combat! I Gonix Skullcracker will offer you to khorne! The palace gates will be our area!” Taurus scoffed “Honorable combat…” He looked towards the palace. “Well we have a destination.” He sheathed his weapons and returned to the rhino.

As everyone took their seats he sat and folded his arms. “Are you really going to take his challenge?” He looked at his company sorcerer. “No.” He called for the driver to get moving, the vehicle started and made its way to the palace. “The fact he called me traitor of khorne means he must know my history, that is what I am actually curious about.” Murus grumbled “What does he mean traitor of khorne?” Artifex nodded. “I am quite curious also…” “It’s a long story.” Tetricus said quickly. Taurus felt no reason to hide it so he answered his brothers question. “A blade of khorne used my faults in order to kill off my company. I killed those who I fought with for centuries, they told me I couldn’t handle the blade and they were right.” A grim silence fell upon the rhino, Murus shook his head. “You did nothing wrong! It was the sword!” “Don’t make excuses for me.” Taurus said firmly. His brother looked away. “I killed my brothers for khorne, nothing can change that. All I can do is move forward.” “You were not yourself. Don’t dwell on it, daemon blades can warp perception.” He flicked towards Tetricus. “I said...don’t make excuses for me. That includes you. I killed Gavisus, I killed Calor. I stabbed him in throat and severed his head, and a part of me did it gladly.” His company sorcerer shrank slightly in his seat. Whenever someone tell him it’s not his fault, he feels a strange pain in his hearts, he guessed that was the mark of failure that will forever stay with him. Only in admitting failure is when the sensansation slowly ebbs away.

The rhino ground to a stop. “I think...we are here.” said Inferus. The door lowered, Taurus rose from his seat. “Come all of you.” They walked out to the sound of gunfire and screams, he could see many of his brothers took the challenge of trying to kill Gonix, they are charging up the steps meeting their end. The world eater stood at the top of the stairs of the palace surrounded by third legion corpses, he swung his two handed chainaxe in mad arcs cutting and slicing heads off. The eye lenses of his helmet burned with eldritch fire, as the world eater killed it increased and eventually began consuming his body.

Taurus eyes met with his enemy, the pain that throbbed through his hearts returned in cascades for some reason. He felt regret, he saw images of him killing his brother. He shook his head. “Why now?” “Because you abandoned khorne! You took the cowards way out!” Gonix roared and pointed his bloodied axe at him. “Come my Sacrifice! I will offer your traitor’s head to khorne and claim ascension!” Taurus looked down slightly. “All of you will stay here.” “What!? Why!? I thought you were not going to duel him!? We outnumber him! We can kill him easily!” Tetricus was almost raving at him as always. “Just have confidence in me...just this once.” “I believe you captain.” He turned to see Inferus standing up straight. He nodded “You will win.” Tetricus pushed his head down causing him to wince in pain. “Don’t encourage him idiot! No-” “Tetricus, please.” he almost pleaded, his company sorceror removed his hand from Asriel’s head. He grumbled “I still think what you are doing is stupid, go to your death then.” “So I take that as a yes?” His brother turned away in annoyance. Murus gave a curt nod. “I am confident you will win.” Artifex then pulled of the banner from his backpack, it was a stylized sigil of the third legion mixed with the rune of slaanesh. Purple flames also covered every inch of the banner. “You will also plant this on his corpse once you kill him.” “That I will brother.” He chuckled and began walking up the steps.

He opened his pouch and removed the chains. He wrapped it around his forearms tightly, they were not large but considering the length it took time to put on. With each step, the din of battle embed away, his brothers stopped their charge and saluted him. He removed his blade from it’s sheath as he got to the top of the steps. Gonix gave a great laugh. “So you haven’t forgotten! Well done!” “I don’t care for Khorne Gonix.” “But he cared for you and you spat in his face. He gave you a strong and young body and you threw it aside, for what!?” “Because Khorne would not give me what I want. He ruined what I cared for.” as he spoke his hearts twisted in a knot. The world eater scoffed. “You do not care for your warband! They are just stepping stones for your own personal glory! The blood god would have turned you into the general you craved! He would of gave you the skills needed to make true warriors!” “I have true soldiers, not warriors world eater.” He gave a casual shrug to his words. “We are servants to our gods, we stopped being soldiers after we turned away from the false emperor.” “Just because we turned away does not mean our function has ceased. We are soldiers, we were made to be soldiers, we were made to win wars and battles. That’s it, there is nothing holy about it. The dark prince provides me the course in achieving that.” “Tell yourself that sybarite but you will end up like the rest, a mad hedonist looking for the next fix.” Taurus stood upright, he placed one hand behind his back and leveled his sabre at his enemy. “sanguis extremis…” He said cooly.

The world eater gave a great laugh. “I haven’t heard those words in centuries! Those words mean nothing to me...sybarite.” “If you were a true soldier of the world eater legion they should mean something.” Gonix grunted and gripped his two handed axe. “At least I am honest, the days of legions and ceremony are gone. Khorne desires your head in exchange for ascension, I used the girl and my own warband to get what I want...I won’t be denied here….” As he started up the rev of his chainaxe, Taurus closed his eyes. He flicked through the memories of him killing the members of his company, he saw their eyes, the light drifting away as the blood god made him ruin his pride. But he is stronger now, stronger than he was before.

He opened his eyes and launched himself forward, his hearts pounded rapidly, the pain that gripped them was overwhelming, it wanted him to pull back. To accept his punishment, but he refused. The world was moving so slowly, the world eater was still, before he got the chance to move his weapon Taurus drew his blade back and stabbed the world eater through the eye. His blade passed through his head, in a smooth motion he drew his blade back, Gonix was now moving to scream in slow motion, Taurus smiled and stabbed him in the other eye.

Time slowly began to return to normal, the world eater dropped his weapon gripping his eyes in anger in fury. Taurus shook his head and did a swift low slash severing his legs as he fell to the ground he did a quick flick of his blade and removed his hands. Taurus sheathed his blade as it made the click, the world eater crashed to the ground with a thud, time now ticking away like normal. The pain that throbbed through his hearts vanished.

He could hear his entourage running up the steps, he faced them. All of them were clearly jubilant. Tetricus shook his head. “How did you do that?” He looked down to the world eater and then up to his brother. He shrugged. “Training. Artifex the banner.” His company standard bearer handed him their banner. “Tetricus remove his armour.” His company sorcerer grumbled, he knelt and tapped the world eater’s armour several times, he was still squirming on the floor in anger. The power armour then crumbled away into dust. “Inferus, consecrate this one as a sacrifice to the dark prince.” His chief nodded and said the words in the dark tongue, burning text began trailing over the skin of the world eater. As it covered his body fully, Taurus slammed the haft of the banner into the back of the khornate lord.

He gave a shrill scream. “Well that’s it.” said Taurus, he looked at the city that is now in flames, he could see his brothers in the distance dragging away the khornate mortals to enslave them. Murus strode up to him. “What of the pilot’s retainers?” Tetricus rose and chuckled “Where do you think the keeper of secrets has gone? That little problem will deal with itself.” As he spoke Taurus scanned the city, he could no longer see the greater daemon. “It seems you are right, it’s no longer here. Anyway let’s leave I tire of this place, everyone can celebrate on the ship with those we taken. ”

A sense of euphoria gripped his body at the thought of another war won, but that only lasted for a moment he lusted for a new battlefield to conquer. New fronts to take and trample into the dust. He smiled “Victory is perfection…”

Lorgo cursed as he patrolled the camp with the other bondsmen, he wanted to be at his lady’s side but he was ordered to stay here. He shook his head. “I should have faith in her, the astartes actually came to save our people.” “Lorgo!” a voice called. It was a sweet voice, the voice of his lady. He turned with his Armiger towards it, he smiled and called out on the vox speaker. “My lady!” his grin turned into horror as a great and...beautiful mostirotiy stepped over the hill, surrounded by feminine monsters. His mind screamed at him to run, to move, but he stayed in place with the rest of the bondsmen. He kept crying out for Caroline, his mouth was moving by itself. “I am right here! Thank goodness you are safe!” The great beast gave a shrill cry in Caroline’s voice and charged down the hill, screaming in rapture.

Chapter 29
She walked through the forge world city with her retinue, save the murmurs of purification teams and tech priests, there is a stillness in the air, a silence that would set one on edge. “This place feels wrong…” said Lucas. “Of course it feels wrong, heresy had it’s way with this place. I am surprised the heretics did not garrison the planet.” said Leeram, he hefted his crusader shield and kept his blade at the ready. Avala nodded in agreement. “Heresy stains this the city, it will be quite some time before it can be put to use again. We are fortunate that the minions of darkness were not wise enough to put the forge world to use. I suspect there was a feud.” “But what has happened here is similar to the last world..I wonder how the heretics do it?” Laira, the death cult assassin under her service took light steps, her head kept moving to watch for threats that may or may not be there as she spoke. “You are correct, save the corpses there is not a single soul in this city.” “So...can’t you talk with corpses inquisitor? I mean...you know...” “Watch your tong-!” Avala raised her hand to quieten the crusader “You're not wrong but such techniques belong to the enemy, and using the powers of the enemy can lead to heresy. It’s that simple.” The ex-gang member slowly nodded. They walked in silence, to the others it might seem aimless but there is an echo, she uses imprints to gather information. She could hear a long scream and that is what she is following. They soon reached the plaza, every wall and building was covered by tech priests, bits of their bodies were nailed on the walls and their faces were trapped in the expression of agony.

She looked around, searching for the thing that was releasing the sound.

Avala’s eyes soon locked onto the banner, she approached it with her acolytes. The art was crude, but she examined it closely the echoes were turning quiet. A part of her hoped that she was not lured here, the worse thing would be to get caught in the schemes of the dark gods. Avala then bought her eyes to the picture that the banner held. It looked like a daemonic bull devouring the populace, everyone in her retinue made the warding sign of the emperor over their chest. But she was used to seeing such things, but what annoyed her was the irony of the art piece was not lost on her, the chaos lord literally devours people, drawing them into darkness. She waved her staff over it, the inquisitorial I that topped her staff burned with holy fire, white sprites left the banner and gathered together to form a mirror, she kept it small she did not want the purification teams to be distracted, the size should be enough for her acolytes to see. “By the emperor…” Lucas said, right away he started the litanies, she smiled. Good he is learning. As the picture took hold in the mirror, she saw him again, the astartes with the halo talking with others in this very spot. Seeing his visage she felt tears building at the back of her eyes for some reason. She pushed it away, smothered it and cursed the foul ruinous powers for trying to grip her heart. Leeram instantly looked away, so did the death cult assassin. She frowned in disappointment, to their actions.

She stared at what was before her intently, the picture shifted showing various parts of the war, it showed the heretics dedication to the chaos lord, their fervour and their joy as they served the minion of darkness. But what kept throwing her off is that he act’s nothing like a servant of the serpent god. It’s common that all of them are seekers of sensation, they carve it like wine. Because they desire to feel something they commit the most depraved acts out of the followers of the dark gods. But the lord of chaos that is before her is different, he does not fit into any of the molds. To everyone around him he appears a hero, a guardian, general and war leader. “W-what is he?” she spoke out loud. She shifted the picture again to the conversation that was held here. She made some adjustments so save her, only she can hear his words. “Why would I be unhappy? My blade is tool, a mechanism or a pot of paint. Everyone in the company is a component, an important one. So I am happy, happy that a perfect picture has been formed by my company.” The astartes sounded ancient, the chaos lord is clearly old. She shook her head. “That’s not right….” All subjects she has interrogated and purified in the past were “beautified” by their deity. A dark beauty that can annihilate the purest hearts. But his words began to resonate within her heart, she could sense his dedication, his righteous to pursue his path. “He is actually praising his company? That is...no it’s a warband...he is not a loyalist.” But he sounded like a loyalist, just by his slight movements and stance. Avala was about to speak, but she felt someone shaking her body. “Inquisitor! Inquisitor!” She tore her eyes away, the mirror fragmented, she turned and could see Lucas is clearly concerned. Leeram shook his head. “You shouldn't distract her from her work.” The ex-gang member twisted to the crusader. “S-she was looking for too long!”

Avala blinked, all the things she felt before began drifting away. Now she can think clearly, she steeled her heart. “We are moving on.” “W-Wait..are you alright?” He was still worried, it’s clear on his face. “I am fine, now come.” She pushed past her acolyte, as she walked away her retinue fell in behind her. As they got some distance from the banner she gripped her staff tightly while shaking her head. “He is nothing…” she whispered to herself.

She kept repeating those three words all the way to the gunship.

Asriel’s fingers moved across the keys of the piano, soon as they returned from Ligithia he dove straight back to his work, with each passing day he can sense his skill increasing, he reaches further and further. The air now had the sweet taste of honey, and a strange musk filled his nose. He smiled “I think I am getting it…” it was like the piano was now apart of his body, but he made sure to take some precaution, the song moves by his will. If he did not control the direction the daemons or other entities watching him will. At times he could hear them laughing or scampering across the edge of his senses. But there was something at the corner of his vision he could see a small pink flame dancing. He thought to look at it but changed his mind, he did not want to be distracted. The flame then began dancing around the piano until it finally stopped in front of him. It shifted into a somewhat female shape, the flame continued to dance. He ignored it again.

Then all the voices that were around him before fell silent, a voice passed through his mind, it sounded playful, joyous and feminine. +The music...is interesting…+ Asriel frowned, he wondered what they wanted. +I want to play a game.+ “I am not interested, go away you're distracting me.” +It has to do with your work...play me a song. Anything and I-+ “Ah I see what this is. Let me guess you wish to give me power? In return for what?” +Just play...I will tell you to stop.+ Asriel moved his fingers down the piano, it was hard talking and remaining focused at the same time. He was curious about the offer but he had to narrow it down, the daemon can make him play forever if he agrees right away. “How long?” +Does it matter?+ “It does to me daemon.” Neverborn are tricksters, no matter which god they belong to. In the case of the dark prince they normally wish to hollow you out, devour your excess and talent. The flame twirled. +twelve hours+ “Six hours.” Asriel responded. The flame flipped and twirled in the air. +Fine, but if you fail….+ “You will devour my soul?”

The flame landed, on its feet, just for a moment he saw a smile showing a row of fangs. +Let us begin…+

Tetricus grunted in annoyance, dinner is late, dinner is never late. “What is he doing!?” he stomped down the hallway. He wondered if he should punish him somehow or he should deny him lessons? He grumbled “I will deny him lessons...Taurus won’t let me punish him.” As he continued down the hallway, he heard a sound, if he listened carefully he can make out that it’s a piano. Hearing that just annoyed him even more. “He is playing the piano...over cooking dinner?” He upped his pace, as he got to the kitchen door he could see a crowd gathering. There murmurs, some wondered about dinner but others talked of the music. He could see Taurus standing at the door, his captain looked over in his direction and gestured him over. “Tetricus.” He approached his brother. “What is it? I assume everyone is looking for dinner?” He nodded “But...listen.” He was confused but he did as ordered. He allowed the music to enter his ears fully. It sounded wonderful, but there was an edge to it, it was almost frantic. But laying on top of each note he could feel a powerful presence. “There is something in there with him.” “So that confirms it.” said Taurus. “How he is playing is different...I felt something was wrong so I waited for you. I did not want to act and provoke whatever is happening in there. Tell me is the presence malicious?” “All neverborn are malicious captain. Daemons always want something out of us.” “I see, do you think this relates to what you have been teaching him?” Tetricus thought about it for a moment, he then cursed. “We have to get in n-” The music came to an abrupt stop, he heard a thud. Taurus did not waste anytime he entered the code and rushed into the room, he followed after him.

He looked around the kitchen. “Everything seems normal.” “We have to go to his room.” said Taurus. Tetricus nodded, they raced into Asriel’s room he was spread out on the floor, sweating and panting heavily. His captain shook his head. “Where is dinner?” His student continued panting. “S-Sorry...m-my lord I made a bet.” At the mention of bet, his hearts jumped. “Did you win the bet?” “Y-Yes..master. She was quite displeased but also happy.” Tetricus walked over to Asriel and knelt, just scanning his body he sensed something on his arm. He picked it up and pushed back the white sleeve to see a tattoo of a baton mixed with two masks. Around it there is black text in the dark tongue detailing oaths, agreements and other pieces of knowledge. His annoyance drifted away slightly. “Good work.” “T-thank you.” “But I still want my dinner.” His student frowned slightly. “I-I will get to work.” Tetricus rose and faced Taurus. “I think everything is fine here.” “Seems so. Inferus get to work my brothers are displeased.” They then left his room. “I wonder what he has gained?” Tetricus mused out loud “I assume he made a pact with a daemon?” “Indeed.” “Well you can talk to him after he delivers your meal.” Tetricus chuckled slightly “Yes I am actually looking forward to it.”

Short chapter today, Planning something kinda big in the story.

Great work so far. Very intriguing stuff. Almost jumped the shark with that move with Taurus lol. Really sad that we didnt add a knight to the team but I guess it all balances out.

 Dayknight wrote:

Great work so far. Very intriguing stuff. Almost jumped the shark with that move with Taurus lol. Really sad that we didnt add a knight to the team but I guess it all balances out.

The idea just popped in my head one day. Don't know why.

Shorter chapter again but it's important. I want to assure everyone the next one will be far longer.

Chapter 30
Tetricus’ Schedule

06:00 - 08:00 - Breakfast

08:00-10:00 - Morning lessons with Asriel

10:00-12:00 - Training session with my other students.

12:00 - 14:00 - Lunch

14:00- 18:00 - Free time

18:00 - 20:00 - Dinner

20:00 - 00:00 - Evening Lessons with Asriel

00:00 - 08:00 Rest/Free time

The chandeliers of the room swayed as each slave died, their screams rebounding within the hall. He has found those who are unwilling scream the best, their wails of terror and anguish always causes him to lick his lips. But he can’t get distracted, not now. “Izel is it done?” said Adelram. The sorcerer cut the throat of the last slave slowly letting their blood pool on the floor. “Just about my lord.” He smiled at him, Izel has worked diligently to give him the means to ascend, he has sacrificed worlds and slaves for years. His flesh has been blessed by the dark prince but he has never been given what he desires most. Now he wants to find out why. +You do not long to live...do you?+ Eligos chuckled. “I did not ask for your opinion.” he did not speak out loud, he sent his thoughts to his weapon. Ever since he started this path the daemon would comment in order to deter him, in the end he considered this to be another test. The daemon fell silent, the room then sparked with the smell of perfume. Izel dropped the slave and took a step back. “The herald is coming.” “So you summoned one that is close to his throne?” His brother gave a curt nod. “Yes, they will have the information that you require my lord.”

Adelram smiled, he stared at the blood that is now bubbling, soon it then coalesced together into the shape of the daemon, the daemonette flicked it’s hair the blood splashing on the walls. The life essence that covered her face evaporated. She smiled +You….+ “It is indeed me handmaiden of the dark prince.” He stepped forward. “I do not desire to waste your time so I will get straight to the point. I am been devoted to our grand dark prince for so long. I drowned worlds in the song of torment, made people abandon reason for me. So I ask...what am I missing? What can I do in order to stride with my father and walk his palace once again?” The daemonette bought her claw to her lips, she cocked her head. +The dark prince requires a sacrifice.+ “I have sacrificed many herald.” +They are not true sacrifices...a trial then. Bring the one you care for most to your world...when the planets align kill him and you will have what you desire.+ Adelram frowned, he cared for nothing save his father and the dark prince. “I don’t understand.” The daemonette gave a shrill laugh. +The human...you must sacrifice the human…+ At the mention of human, it dawned on him.

He ground his teeth. “Even now when he is not here he is causing me problems…” +It’s that simple champion, kill him at the appointed place and time and you will have what you desire. You will gain what you crave the most.+ The daemon’s form then collapsed back into blood. He thought he would feel joyous that he now has a path. At the moment he seethed in annoyance, but then he calmed himself. “Izel.” The sorcerer stepped forward. “What do you require my lord?” “Take Marthas and the terminators. It’s time for Asriel to return to me.” “Very well...it shall be done.” He left the chamber, Adelram did not need to give him specifics. His brother is doing all he can to please him, he desires to lead when he ascends and so far that might be the case. He creased his brow slightly. “I wonder? How should I domesticate him when he arrives?” Adelram chuckled to himself. “I won’t tolerate his antics anymore…”

Asriel prepped the ingredients, captain was disappointed that dinner was late yesterday but he was ecstatic that he made a pact with a daemon in his favour. “I think you should focus.” He looked over to Tetricus who stood in the kitchen folding his arms. “You don’t have to be here.” said Asriel. “Captain feels otherwise.” “Dinner won’t be late again, I assure you.” “Well it seems that he does not want to take that chance.” Asriel frowned, he got to work chopping the vegetables, he also mixed in a special root from a world they raided. “But I am impressed with what you did yesterday.” His head left his work, he looked right at his teacher. “Thank you...my lord.” Asriel sighed slightly. “I am sorry that dinner was late. I know how everyone on the ship looks forward to it.” “Even Dominic?” “Even him, he is quite stingy with his food.” His master shook his head. “Why does that not surprise me?” “But I think he truly enjoys it.” Silence then fell upon them again, he continued his work.

Once the vegetables were done he set them aside to prepare the meat. As he placed the red flesh on the cutting board a question spawned within his mind. “I have a question.” “What is it?” “Why don’t you call me Inferus?” The sorcerer shrugged “for one you haven’t accepted it so what’s the point referring you to a nickname you don’t like?” “True...I think the name is quite bad actually.” “So is mine but it is how it is. At first I thought it was stupid but captain earnestly believes that it works after all we have been through I can allow him this. If it gives him so measure of happiness who am I to deny it? I imagine it’s the same with Silentus. Only...Gavisus truly enjoyed his name, it fit his personality. Plus he only gives nicknames to people who he feels are important to the company.” Hearing his reasoning, it oddly made sense. “I see but I don’t think I am all that important to be fair. I just cook.” “Well...now that you are here I would miss actually having good food.” His master shiverred “the slop we had to deal with in the past..it got to the point I preferred nutrient paste.” Asriel smiled “I am gl-” The air suddenly changed, he stopped what he was doing.

He took a step back from the table and looked around the kitchen. “Master...did you feel that?” “Yes...I do.” He got into battle stance, his arms were engulfed by purple flame. Asriel then hear a wet splash, he turned to the sound and at the other side of the kitchen he saw a purple vortex manifesting. He shook his head. “No..no...it can’t be.” Out of the portal Izel stepped out, he recognised his jacket and surrounding him were terminators. “Get down!” Tetricus yelled. Asriel ducked great balls of purple fire was flung across the room. Izel raised his hand, the eldritch fire sizzled away to nothing. “Marthas get rid of him.” he heard familiar grunt, the sounds of discharging bolter shells greeted his ears, he then heard a shouts and screams. The gunfire stopped he stood up and looked back to see Tetricus slumped on the wall, great holes covered his frame and blood was pooling on the floor. Asriel’s body moved by itself, he rushed over to Tetricus, he panicked he reached his hand into one of the holes and grabbed his primary heart. The heartbeat was slowing down, he released a burst of energy, he needed to heal him quickly. He can’t allow him to die here.

Asriel then felt himself being yanked back. The leader of the terminators picked him up. “Our lord desires you to come home.” His eyes went wide. “Marthas?” He slammed him to the ground, several of his bones fractured. “Izel the collar.” Asriel tried to rise, but a large boot came down unto his leg. He screamed in agony. Soon after that something cold and heavy was locked around his neck. He felt his power ebbing away, his wounds began to heal more slowly.

Asriel turned his head upwards slightly, grunting in pain. “W-why?” Izel chuckled “As Marthas said our lord requires you.” He picked him up and flipped him over his shoulder. “We need to leave, quickly.” Izel ordered. As they made their way to the portal, Asriel looked at the form of his teacher, he was still, unmoving, his heart twisted in the pain seeing him in such a state.

As they passed through the portal, Izel threw him to the ground. A familiar smell met his nose, but it was far stronger than before. It was the smell of the Canticle of Sin. His old home. “Welcome home!” the voice caused tears to well up behind his eye for some reason. He looked up to see he was in the docking bay and standing before him was Adelram. He had horns now, his feet were hooves and the gauntlets of his power armour were clawed. He gave him a soft smile. “Asriel...I need you.” He did not know what to think of that, he should feel happy, he looked back to the portal that is now collapsing. All he felt now was sadness.

Chapter 31
He stared at the broken form of his brother, he lay on the operating bed, tubes and life support machines were connected to his body. His life signs were low, according to his apothecary the damage is far more severe compared to what he sees in front of him. “Will he wake up?” Silentus came over with a tray of medicine, he placed it on the side table. “Yes, I-” “No cybernetics.” Taurus responded quickly. “Then it’s a no.” He began pacing in the chamber, doing all he can to contain his fury and anger. When he rushed to the kitchen due to Tetricus’ emergency call he found him slumped on a wall covered in bolter wounds. He wondered if he was just a second slower at getting his broken form to Silentus his brother would be truly dead. “So whoever did this to Tetricus took Inferus as well….” It’s clear they were aiming for him there is no other explanation, his brother Cristian was just in the way. “Silentus...Julian.” “Yes captain?” he signed slowly. “Whoever has done this is our enemy forevermore, no more raids until they are ground into the dust. Until I shatter their bones and bodies…this I swear as captain of the 4th.” He clenched his hand, he looked at it for a moment and an idea hit him. “There is a chance Tetricus can be healed.” “How so?” “We get Asriel back. He has skills.” “Ah..his biomancy.” Silentus signed. “So we have two objectives now.” Taurus nodded, he turned away from his brothers and approached the door, he needs to find the ones who crossed his company and there is only one place that will have the answers.

Asriel fell to the floor, blood trailed down his nose and mouth. One of the people who he hated most walked around him grinning ear to ear. “I am quite enjoying this.” said Difillia. Her hair is now stark white, both sides of her head have been shaved. She also had two piercings on her lip and right eyebrow. Difillia kicked him in the gut. “You have forgotten the joy of pain, Difillia will remind you.” She repeated the words of Adelram, after that he was thrown into this cell. It was small, but what aggravated him more was the iron collar, at most he can do minor tricks and his healing has slowed almost to a crawl. He sat up while grunting, he spat blood on Difillia’s dark armour. “That’s not nice…” a deep voice said. Asriel turned his head to Salvador he flared his nostrils. “Master wants you to be with us again...why are you resisting? We have been at this for days? Brother don’t you want to be with us?” The questions sounded so innocent, he did not know why he was holding on. Adelram wanted him to revel in this, but he couldn’t if he tries to an image of Tetricus’ broken body flashes before his eyes. “You dare!” Difillia backhanded him across the face, she then punched him in the face. “This armour was made pristine for him! You got blood on it!” She kept punching him again and again until he fell to the ground coughing. She chuckled “If it was down to me I would skin you alive and let the slaves have their way with you…” She knelt and lifted him up by his hair, Asriel could barely see her face.

Despite a measure of darkness clouding his vision he frowned and spat blood on her face. Difillia slammed his head on the ground. He felt his head rising again but for some reason she stopped in mid-motion. “That’s enough.” The voice set his heart at ease, Difillia stopped her assault, she walked out of the cell with Salvador. Asriel coughed and got up from the floor, he tried to rise but fell on his bottom. He looked up to Adelram smiling at him. “So how are you?” he looked down slightly. “I-I am fine…” “What happened you used to enjoy receiving pain? Did something change or was it his influence?” Asriel seized up slightly. “I d-don’t know.” “Maybe..you found other joys? Tell me what are they?” He did not know whether he should answer he bit his lip. Adelram knelt leveling his pink and black eyes at him. “You can trust me...you are home now.” Tears started to well up in his eye again. “W-why did you throw me aside!?” He just blurted it out. He reached for the bars “Fine! It’s my fault! Is that what you wanted to hear!?” He wept, he couldn’t control the tears. Adelram smiled “At least...you understand. Look at me.” He looked directly at him. “I do this for you, but I need something in return. Just this one thing.” Asriel furrowed his brow. “W-what?” “Your life.”

He froze, he hesitated. “Don’t hesitate Asriel, how long have you been with them? Almost everything you have in your life is because of me. I named you, I strode into the very warp and made the journey to the palace to save you. Now...all I ask in return is your life, before we parted you rathered that I kill you. Just...give me this.” Asriel stared at his face, he could see he was almost pleading for him to say yes, his eyes told him of all his hardships, the battles he fought. It would be a crime to say no, not after all he has done for him. “I...I...will.” His lord smiled. “That’s it. Now Difillia will continue I want you to enjoy your remaining time.” He rose and walked out of the room. He almost reached out to call him back, but he stopped as Difillia entered the cell again with his brother. She cracked her knuckles “For once...you are doing as you’re told.” Asriel shook his head. “Please...stop.” “No.” she responded, Difillia raised her fist and the horrific pain started again.

Taurus stood in Tetricus’ chamber he began calling out the siren’s names, all of their faces fell upon him. He gave one single order. “Find those who have taken Asriel!” The sirens did not sing, eldritch power did not grip the room. He frowned in annoyance, he repeated his order. “Find Asriel! Give me his location!” the sirens still stood still. Taurus strode up to one. “One are you refusing me!?” She cocked her head. “Because we can’t see, our sight is blocked.” “What do you mean you can’t see!?” “Our sight is blocked.” “By who!?” “You’re father, he is disappointed that you are choosing this course.” Taurus drew his bolt pistol and aimed it at the daemonhosts head. “Give Asriel’s location.” The siren said nothing. He fired without hesitation. Her head exploded in a shower of gore, one siren curled her lip in disgust. “Far too quick.” He moved over to her next. “I want Asriel’s location.” He pointed his bolt pistol at her head. “He is one human.” “He is a human who is part of my company, a human who can fix my brother. Give me his location now!” he said firmly. The siren smiled, he pulled the trigger. The head shattered due to the bolt reactive bullet.

He went to every single one and the answer was the same, their refusal proved them to be an enemy so he ended them. Now standing in a gore drenched room, he threw his bolt pistol to the floor in frustration. “Why is this happening!?” +because the cards are stacked against you…+ The blood pooling on the floor came together in the form a daemonette, it began dancing around him. “What do you want!?” +I can provide the answers you seek…+ “Then tell me!” The blood drifted away to reveal the daemon itself, it wielded a baton with masks on both ends, the daemonette also had long flowing black hair. She stopped in from of him twirling around in one spot, while covering her face with a mask that looked somewhat neutral. +But by the end of this thorny road there will only be death...you’re father and the dark prince wants to see him rise…+ “I don’t care.” +So arrogant...so prideful…+ Taurus drew his blade and pointed it at the twirling daemon. “Are you an enemy?” he asked firmly.

The daemonette then began dancing around him again, flipping and twirling in the air. +Those who don’t align with your will are an enemy, those who follow your will are an ally...such simple thinking.+ “My company follows orders to attain victory. I haven’t forgotten the past of the third or our calling.” +And you’re “father” has?+ “He has, it’s why I do this.” +So you are willing to declare war on the dark prince and his chosen?+ “If they are involved in taking my cook away then they are my enemy…” The daemon gave a great laugh, a long laugh that rebounded within the chamber. +I see why so many in the cohorts adore you! If only I knew my dark princes mind…+ “Wait...then how do you know he is involved?” +Nothing happens unless he wills it to happen. It’s that simple...that one fact hasn’t changed.+ The daemon stopped in front of him again, she danced in one place as she swapped the mask to one that gave a somewhat mocking smirk. +So tell me creature will you declare war on the dark prince and Fulgrim? To get what you desire?+ “I will...give me the information.” +Head to the planet Novum...that is where you will find him.+ Taurus nodded he sheathed his blade. “One more thing.” +What is it?+ “Why are you giving me this information?” The daemonette swapped the mask again. +It would be a shame that I would no longer hear his music...also I am an exile. Your success is a boon to me as well…+ She then began twirling, turning into pink mist that dissipated in the air.

Now alone, he smiled. “I have a location.” He turned and left the room as he entered the tunnel, he blinked in surprise to see Murus and a group of astartes standing in front of him. All them held spears and shields. “Captain, I wish to inform you of something.” “What is it?” “I...have formed your honour guard.” If it was any other time he would be happy, but he wanted to know their battle applications for he will have need of them soon. “What can you do?” “Well we practised shield formations. We developed techniques to allow the bladesmen to enter battle safely and to protect you.” Taurus smiled, he liked Murus’ initiative. “This is good, but get back to training we are marching to war soon.” “I know...the whole ship is aware of Tetricus’ state.” “Not a surprise considering how I was racing down the hallway with his body. But there is a way to fix him, I have a feeling the battle will be hard so for now keep training.” All of the astartes bowed in unison, that one simple gesture showed him that they were serious about what they are trying to achieve. They all walked away, Taurus watched them leave the tunnel. He clenched the hand that held the dark prince’s brand. “I don’t care if you are my patron...if you get in my way…if Lord Fulgrim gets in my way...” He began briskly walking down the tunnel. “I will trample you or anything you throw at me into the dust.”

He felt the song again, it’s been years since he last heard it. The great song ended when Asriel was cast out, there was much rejoicing within the troupe and the warband, but now it’s come again. This time the song is distant, instead of a smooth and joyous melody, it was a savage one. One that consumed, trampled and devoured anything that was caught in its path. The melody roared in his ears, it cried out in fury and declared all that stands it it’s way to be enemies. Faust opened his eyes, he looked around the chamber searching for Silas. Once he spotted the blue top-knot he approached the leader of the troupe. “Have you sensed it?” “Sensed what?” “The song?” “What are you talking about? It ended years ago. We have to prepare for the defense of Novum once we land in the ringed city.” “Just...search for it.” Silas sighed slightly he lowered his head for a moment, he then looked up to him. “It’s distant.” “Exactly, but do you know what this means?” “It has nothing to do with us. Adelram will soon complete his journey, once he ascends then we might investigate it.” Faust sighed “It’s coming straight for us!” “When have you been so worried about the song?” Faust looked away, Silas is correct he always looked to someone else, but this time the song felt...wrong.

At the moment he got the nagging feeling that if he waits, whatever the song is surrounding will destroy them. “The melody started again soon as he returned to the ship. Perhaps we should interrogate him?” “Hmm, you can do that I don’t feel there is much point. He will die soon.” Faust shook his head and left the room, he walked down the hallway, the slaves gave him a wide berth or praised him. As he got to the door leading to cell he spotted someone at the door. His censer swaying at his hips. “Marthas.” the lord of the terminators and exalted champion faced him. “You have a bad feeling as well?” He nodded. “I need to see the human.” Marthas grunted in frustration. “For some reason I haven’t been able to walk in.” “Makes sense out of all us you were close with him.” “But I don’t care for him anymore. So I wonder why can’t I step in? I even crushed his leg.” “Or perhaps you don’t want him to confirm your suspicion?” “Maybe...Adelram told me of Cornelius...he said he was not a threat but perhaps I feel otherwise? Izel agreed with Adelram as always.” “Does that surprise you? He wants to lead, he has a great many supporters unlike…” “I know.” the terminator lord said firmly. Faust shrugged and approached the door, he pressed the button to open it.

As he stepped inside he detected large footsteps behind him. For some reason he could not help but smile. Asriel launched himself at the bars “Adelram!? Is that you!?” Looking at his face his lip was bleeding and there were small gashes across his cheek. As their eyes met he could see a great dullness, after a moment disappointment crossed his face. Asriel moved away and sat. Faust approached the bars.

He could see Asriel holding himself, shaking his head. “I need to ask you a few questions.” said Faust. “Something...or someone is coming right towards us. I need to know what.” As he spoke the human seized up “W-why? Why would he come?” “So you do know...tell me about him.” Asriel looked up, some luster was returning to his eye. “Taurus...is coming for me?” “Taurus...that is a strange name.” “I think it means bull, ox or some bovine creature in old terran. It is a horned creature that could turn violent if roused.” Marthas giving him that info was helpful. The description matched the song “Were they...dangerous creatures?” “Not really...but there was a sport dealing with the creatures, from my studies they could easily kill a man. Also there is some symbolism related to it.” Faust found it strange that he knew all this information. “I wonder if you put in front of me for a reason?” “Everything happens for a reason..the dark prince wants us to experience every sensation. Now...back to my point. In the past people tended to associate people with signs or...animals.” “That’s stupid.” “I know but just listen. Those marked by the ox tend to be stubborn, determined and are known for persistence to their path.” “T-that...sound like him.” said Asriel. “So that confirms it he is definitely coming for us.” “What makes you say that?” said Marthas. “Even if he did not care for the human, he would not take this slight lying down. Tell me did you injure anyone as you took Asriel?” “There was a sorcerer but we gunned him down.” Faust could see the luster in his eye growing again. “You wish to return to them.” “N-No! A-Adelram S-said!” “Forget what he said…Marthas we have a choice on our hands.” “Excuse me?” “This Taurus fellow will destroy us. Tell me Asriel how strong is he?” The human looked away slightly “He is strong.” “I need more than that. His past and history.” “Well he was around during the unification wars.” “And he is still alive!?” “Yes.” Faust cursed.

Marthas looked to Asriel and then to him. “Is that a problem?” “If it was any other legion...it would not worry me. But in our case…in the past we suffered from the blight a disease that ravaged the body until we eventually died. So before we were reunited with our father the legion was charged to do the most dangerous assaults and missions..to at least get something out their lives. By that point there was only two hundred left, they did not suffer from the blight but they survived all the missions that were thrown at them. The fact one still lives, this...Taurus is truly dangerous.” Marthas then cursed as well. “We caught his attention…we should of just taken Asriel and left. Dammit!” He punched the wall causing a large dent. “Not at this crucial time! Wh-” “He won’t achieve it.” Marthas flicked towards him. “What are you saying!?” He ignored his anger, he stared at the human. “Tell me more of his victories, the lord commander was livid that he took the forge world. He was meant to die in the assault.” Asriel approached the bars. “Why do you want to know?” “I want to make the right choice for the troupe if Silas doesn’t. So tell me.” “Well...we corrupted the populace all thirty billion, we hedge our bets on the knight, it’s gone now though.” Faust shook his head “Is majority of that thirty million still on Taurus’ ship?” “Yes.” Marthas sighed “imagine all of them wielding autoguns or las weapons…” “Exactly. Now tell me what sort of person is he?” “He..is strong. Unbowed and always looks forward.” The human gave a soft smile. “He had a knight throw him towards two knight castellans...watching him streak through the air on the jetpack while singing. I thought he was going to die. But despite being fired upon and charging right through plasma...he did it.” What Asriel just said caused him to shake his head. “He is favoured also…” “That story can’t be true! It’s impossible!” Marthas exclaimed “It happened, I was there.” Asriel said firmly. Faust mused on all of the information in correlation with the song. He could only come to one conclusion. “We...are a trial.” “Excuse me?” “Think about it soon as you took him.” he pointed at the human. “A determined lord of the slaanesh who does the impossible comes straight for us. Tell me are you confident that you will win in a battle with him? After what we just heard?” The terminator lord fell silent for a moment. “Adelram will be victorious.” “Perhaps, how is his relationship with our father human?” “Taurus doesn’t view Lord Fulgrim as his father. He is his lord general, he aims to prove him wrong. Also he does not view anyone in the third as brothers save those in his company.” The fact he viewed none of the third outside of his warband as his brothers was concerning. But he wanted to know something else. “So is proving Fulgrim is his obsession?” “Yes.” another puzzle piece clicked into place, Adelram has Fulgrim’s favour. He shook his head. “Well I have learned enough.” “What?” He faced Marthas. “I hope you make the correct decision when it comes.” He left the room, as he entered the hallway the song started pound in his head. Already it’s closing onto them, he could sense others who were caught in the melody are being smashed aside. “We...are doomed. Unless…” He began to form a plan within his mind, he has to ensure the survival of the kakophoni, nothing else matters.

Taurus stood over the one who sought to stop him, he is bleeding out on his own bridge. He could sense that he belonged to his lord primarch’s circle. As they made their way to Novum, the chaos lord known as Valinus attacked them. He was so arrogant before the attack, now he is bleeding out on the ground. “You are mad!” his primarch’s slave spat. Valinus’ power armour was cracked in several sections. Blood pooled on the floor. “Why are you going against him!? You wish to die!” “Fulgrim went against me.” Taurus walked around him and stopped at his head. “You are just here to delay us I guess my general can sense that I am after one of his “favourite” boys. Is that why you attacked us to be a favourite?” The warband leader frowned. “There is nothing wrong...in wanting his attention. He is perfect...wonderful.” “Fulgrim is not perfect, nor are you. Perfection can only be achieved through victory and destroying one’s opponent. Lord Fulgrim prefers to lounge in the warp than direct his legion as is his duty.” The chaos lord gave a great laugh. “You are wrong! Perfection is the pursuit of sensation! You seek to stand against our Primarch!? And our god!?” Taurus scoffed. “How can you be right when you are the one who lost? You’re view is wrong, invalidated. Only the victors are correct.” He raised his boot and swiftly crushed his head. He wanted it to be quick, to deny him any sensation. Taurus looked up to his honour guard. “Has there been any casualties in the company? “No captain.” Murus responded. “Good we are leaving.” He walked off the bridge, his honour guard following behind him. He needed to get to Inferus quickly, he is an important component to his company and his powers can save his brother.

Chapter 32
Asriel sat in the corner, he tried to push away the painful headache, cuts and bruises he received. He resigned himself, he was ready to give his life away, but speaking of Taurus, hearing that he might be coming. A corner of his heart and mind told him to hold on, that he didn’t have to do this. “No!” he shouted to himself. Adelram wanted his life, his very life would not exist if it was not for him, despite all he has done to him, all that he put him through he asked for little in return. He always forgave him, when others called for his death he chose otherwise. “Am I...being selfish?” he lingered on that question. Held it tightly to his chest, in the past he would not hesitate to die for him. Now he only has questions, he questions why he wants Taurus to save him. If he is honest with himself he has only known Taurus for a short time. “But I...miss the company.” he missed it, being there he had a sense of purpose and reason. A goal, an endless goal but a goal nonetheless.

Asriel felt confusion, he did not know what to think or do. He buried his face in his hands. What do I do?, What do I do? What do I do? He repeated again and again in his mind until he heard a voice. “It’s been some time.” His hands slowly drifted from his face, he looked to the bars to see Isabella, her hair is now blonde, it shimmered slightly. She was also holding a bottle and two glasses. She walked over to the cell door and unlocked it, she walked in and sat next to him. “So how are you Asriel?” He stared at her, he did not know what to say. He shook his head. Isabella smiled and began pouring wine into the two glasses, she then offered him one. “What’s the matter you lost your taste for wine also?” Asriel hands slowly reached for the glass, he took it. But he did not drink he simply stared at the dark liquid. The colour was a dark purple, it almost looked black. He frowned “I don’t know what to do.” “Makes sense.” his eye went wide, he looked at Isabella. “I didn’t expect that answer.” “What else am I meant to say? Another chaos lord hammered his own teachings and thoughts into your skull. You would not come back to us the same.” She touched one of his bruises, Asriel winced, her hands felt cold but she rubbed his cheek gently. The pain vanished steadily, not the physical pain, but the uncertainty it was slowly eroding away. “Difillia is such a thug...she should be teaching you to enjoy it. Not brutalising you.” Her hand drifted from his face, as she bought it back to her body he yearned for her touch again, he desired the comfort. “If...you saw him Isabella.” “Who?” “Taurus...my..he is..” he couldn’t say captain, the word would not leave his lips.

She nodded “He must of been interesting if you like him.” “He is!” he blurted out. Isabella sipped some of her wine. “But Adelram cares far more for you. Where most would kill you for what you did in the past he let you live.” “I have told myself that several times.” “But you don’t believe it, not truly. It’s well enough to say something to yourself but you must believe it.” Asriel shook his head. “How am I meant to do that?” “Think back to the better times...how did you feel then?” He lowered his head slightly, he remembered when he first gave him his name, he recalled when Adelram showed him his garden full of vibrant flowers. Soon after that the memory of him showing Adelram sorcery came to mind. He smiled “those times were good…” The uncertainty began sputtering away further. He looked down at the wine and sipped it, as the dark purple liquid touched his tongue it was sweet, then it turned slightly bitter and then sweet again. He felt a rush of energy, his eye went wide. “That tasted good.” He took another sip, he wanted to savour the taste, his nerves thrummed. He breathed out a small sigh. “You’ve gotten better at this.” “Thank you Asriel.” “So tell me, what of Lily?” Isabella looked away slightly. “Well she took your advice.” Asriel furrowed his brow, he looked back into the past for a moment and then he remembered. “So she is improving herself.” “She is, Adelram was more than happy to do it, but in exchange he wanted her children to become astartes.” “Are they astartes?” “No, they died during the trials.” “I..see.” “But don’t worry she doesn’t care, she spends a greater amount of time with Elizabeth, they talk and hunt slaves in the lower levels when they get bored. She has been laughing far more lately, like a great weight has left her shoulders.” “So she is happy?” “Yes Asriel, she is indeed happy.” Isabella sipped her wine, Asriel mused on that piece of information he just received it seems he won’t strangle her after all. He looked down at the wine again, he felt at home now. It’s like he has never left for some reason. He smiled “So I have to die for him.” Any of us would gladly die for him.” He bought his eye to Isabella, she looked assured or almost even disappointed that it’s not her. “You want it to be you.” “Am I that obvious?” “Maybe.”

Asriel then drained the glass, a warm sensation filled his body, he relaxed on the back of the wall. He felt certain now, but he wondered about a certain individual. “What has happened with Sitri?” Isabella frowned slightly. “She a guardian of the ringed city.” “Ringed city?” “Do you remember Novum?” “Of course I do, it’s the planet where Adelram sealed my memories. What of it?” “Well it’s a home of a manner of speaking, a city separated into six rings. Adelram was inspired by his travels within the domain of slaanesh.” At the mention of the dark prince’s realm his heart twists, he only went there for him. “So what exactly is a guardian?” “Well..each ring has a guardian, some are on this ship. Izel is guardian of the first which is the most defended, Tarkhan the lord of blades is guardian of the second, Kaiser the eater of despair is guardian of the third, Noxus is guardian of the fourth ring an-” “Let me guess Sitri is guardian of the fifth?” “Yes, but she is not here on the ship.” “Why is that the case?” “Because her ring is...special. Only the most devoted to Adelram can get past it, Carita, Vincent and Alma are casualties of the ring.” “Casualties?” “Yes..and I don’t really want to talk of it.” Asriel picked up the bottle and poured himself another glass. “I assume Marthas is the guardian of the last ring right?” “Indeed he is, he defends it with the noise marines and in the middle of the city is Adelram’s palace where the greatest excesses take place on the planet. Adelram somehow can always get the gunships to land in the middle. If anyone else tries to attack they always land in the first ring.” He placed the bottle down and sipped his wine. “Okay, I understand. I assume Adelram used some sort of sorcery on the city in order to force attackers through the grueling rings.” “I believe so but you are lucky, you get to see the palace. It’s...beautiful.” Asriel smiled “Yes that is most likely the last thing I will see before I die I guess.” Isabella placed her hand on his leg. “If you seek anymore comfort before we get there...” “No..I am fine. Just speaking with you has made things...a lot more easier. I am ready.” Asriel drank the wine in almost one go, he placed the wine glass to his side. “Can I be alone?” Isabella gave him a soft smile, she picked up both glasses and the bottle. She walked out of his cell, she kept her eyes on him as she locked it. She then left the room.

Now alone, he took a deep breath and then exhaled. “I have only been with Taurus a short time. Adelram needs me more, he needs my life.” He looked up to the ceiling. “Please...don’t come.” He prayed to the dark prince that he will change his mind, but he knew better.

Taurus would not stop and that is what he found unfortunate.

Adelram played the violin, he walked around his chambers. The beaten slaves who are chained to the ground roared in rapture to his tune. The flowers swayed and sighed as he worked his magnificent skills on the instrument. He smiled, he allowed himself to smile. Soon he will have what he wants. But there was a disturbance, he stopped playing, as the music stopped the slaves began smashing their heads on the ground, crying for the music to return. In just a few head movements his audiences brain matter now lined the floor. He looked over to his chamber doors, Marthas strode towards him. He inclined his head downwards, clearly apologetic. “My lord, I am sorry that interrupted you but I wish to raise a concern.” “What concern?” “The noise marines believe that the warband we took Asriel from is coming right for us and they are dangerous.” Adelram frowned he started up the melody again. Marthas quivered slightly at the sound. He coughed “I think we should place more defenders on the first ring once we arrive.” “So you believe Izel can’t handle it.” “N-no..I desire for you to ascend. But all the rumours surrounding this Cornelius…” “I have the support of my father. I have the favour of the dark prince, with that arrayed against him do you think he will stand a chance? I doubt he will even get past the first ring if he does reach Novum.” “M-” “No Marthas.” “Bu-” “No buts...no questions. Don’t question me.” Adelram said firmly. He shot him an annoyed glance, his exalted champion shrank slightly due to his gaze. “Enemies surround him Marthas, all of the third hate him. Father hates him, do you think he will leave something he hates alone? Before he was an amusement...but now he wishes to stand against me, to stand against Fulgrim. You know what happens to those who stand against our primarch?” The terminator lord was still silent, soon he got caught up in the music. “I bow to your wisdom my lord, I wish to speak of another topic.” He knew what he was going to say but he already handled that. “You speak of the creature?” “Yes, of Asriel.” “He won’t try anything I assure you.” “H-” He narrowed his eyes at him, what he was going to say died, ebbed away to nothing.

Adelram heard his doors opening again, he smiled. “There you are!” Isabella held herself tightly her eyes began to dilate due to his mastery on the instrument. “M-my lord.” “Is it done?” She nodded. “H-he has no doubts.” “None?” “None at all.” “See Marthas, the creature has been handled. You are dismissed.” His exalted champion stood still for a moment, he clearly wanted to stay and listen. “Do you wish me to ask again?” Now he shifted, he walked slowly out of the room. Taking small steps, drawing in the sound until he left his chambers.

He placed his eyes on Isabella “You may stay, a reward for your work.” His servant dropped to her knees, tears trailing down her face. “Thank you my lord! Thank you!” After that she became lost in the music, she loved him completely and utterly, everyone in the warband does. But Marthas is oddly an annoyance, always questioning, always raising counter points. He did it in the past and he is still doing it, soon he will no longer need him, he won’t need anyone on this ship. He smiled again and let his annoyance fly away, he focused on the song and his goal of ascension.

I am so excited for what is coming up, I am not sure if anyone else is. But I am! Can't wait to write it out!

Very very nice. Not sure if anyone else shares my opinion, but I don’t care if you alter the cannon, so you’re welcome to take some creative liberties when it comes to the universe. But it was an interesting chapter, I look forward to what comes next.

lliu wrote:
Very very nice. Not sure if anyone else shares my opinion, but I don’t care if you alter the cannon, so you’re welcome to take some creative liberties when it comes to the universe. But it was an interesting chapter, I look forward to what comes next.

Hmm interesting, since I am aiming to be an author I sort of try to make sure I remain in the framework of the setting. Since I don't want to do a diservice to the faction I am writing about. But at times I can't help myself like when I had a knight throw Taurus. I will keep your opinion in mind Iliu.

Love it so far, I'm sensing the end is nigh. I've always hated adelram so I hope he receives his comeuppance. Wish Taurus had those knights smh.

Counter point to illiu I do hope you stay true to the source material, that knight throw was pushing it lol. Ofcourse you are the author and I'm sure whatever you write is going to be great.

 Dayknight wrote:

Love it so far, I'm sensing the end is nigh. I've always hated adelram so I hope he receives his comeuppance. Wish Taurus had those knights smh.

Counter point to illiu I do hope you stay true to the source material, that knight throw was pushing it lol. Ofcourse you are the author and I'm sure whatever you write is going to be great.

Right so I have to strike a balance, I do appetciate the feedback both of you are giving. On the knights I wanted Taurus to keep them BUT I felt I would always have to create a random enemy to keep it busy since they are such a strong force on the battlefield.

Also traitor knights turning into daemons is quite common going by my reasearch hence why I went for that outcome and its the reason why they are rare.

Also it was good of you to mention the knight throw, so now I have a general gauge of how far I can push things. I do hope everyone likes whats coming next as I said I have been planning it for awhile.

Chapter 33
He stood on the gunship, it is landing in just a moment. Adelram was smiling ear to ear in anticipation, his wardens stood like stones pointing storm-bolters at his back. “I won’t run.” “I know.” said Adelram. Asriel frowned, he did not know what to say, he wondered if he should apologize again. “I am..sorry.” “I am glad that you are.” He shook his head, he was the reason for the turbulence in Adelram’s life. Asriel looked down to the white robe he is wearing. “So how is this going to work?” His..lord smiled. “Well the planets are shifting at this very moment. Going by Izel’s studies on the phenomenon all those that have died in the sector their souls are being gathered to this one point hence why the planets within the sector are moving. My efforts on Novum in the past caused this to happen, once the planets align your death will be the trigger to release the essence. I will take that essence, devour it and remold my flesh...I will ascend.” Asriel nodded slowly, in a sense he will be always a part of him. Strangely he felt more assured. “I see...I understand.” “You will be reduced to nothing.” said Adelram, he eyed him, Asriel could see he is testing him. “I won’t run.” he said again “Good.” The thunderhawk then landed softly, the bay doors opened. Adelram walked forward, Asriel stopped and just stared for a moment he stared at the ground ahead of him. Then his wardens shoved him slightly with their storm-bolters, hebegan walking.

As he left the gunship, a sweet smell greeted his nose. His eyes then drifted up, he beheld a grand palace, black spires with jewels embedded onto every surface. The sounds of excess emanating from the structure caused him to shiver slightly. “Isn’t it beautiful?” His eyes drifted to Adelram who was staring at it in wonder. “I sacrificed so many slaves to build this if they got one thing wrong I had them killed. That’s how much I cared about perfection.” “But what of those who are coming?” said Asriel. His lord’s face screwed into disgust. “He won’t get here...this….Cornelius will be stopped.” “People have said that before. They are now dead.” Adelram tutted in annoyance, “you sound like Marthas, no wonder you got on well with him. Each ring is shaped by the heart of the guardian...to get here you must essentially defeat their mind and soul...I doubt he will even get past Izel.” “Very well.” Adelram frowned at him, he gestured. “Come.” They continued to walk, they approached the grand steps, as they walked up the stairs each step felt heavy. His heart began beating faster, Asriel looked up, the skies are clear, you could see the stars in the night sky and the planets are slowly moving. He then looked ahead, he was now at the top of the stairs.

His lord made a gesture, his hand glowed for a moment and the grand doors began to open he faced his wardens. “Return to Marthas in the fifth ring, you aren’t needed.” The terminators inclined their heads and began walking away. Asriel looked back to see a large mechanical gate, he guessed that leads into the city. He sighed and faced the door that is now fully open, all he saw was darkness and he guessed that’s all he will see once he dies.

Adelram gave a broad smile “In we go...my second half.” Asriel smiled back. “Yes my lord.”

Murus stood with Laxius and Artifex in the war room, for once their captain is not using the chalkboard which is strange. “What do you think he is doing?” said Artifex. “I don’t know.” said Murus. Laxius grunted “we should pay attention.” He nodded in agreement. Taurus stood, tall and strong as always. But he could see he was geared for all out war, utility belts were wrapped around his thighs and across his chest. He even spotted melta bombs on his belt. He frowned “he is not sure.” “How do you know?” said Laxius. “I have that feeling as well.” said Artifex, Laxius looked at both of them in confusion, he then shrugged. Taurus then began speaking. “We are assaulting Novum, we will be using everything at our disposal. Save Tetricus’ students and a few armed personnel all who can fight are going down to the planet.” There were murmurs throughout the whole company. Taurus then removed his helmet, showing his wrinkled face worn by war, his eyes held a sheen that pierced his soul. Those blue orbs swept over them. “Augur readings come back false, we are going in blind. I...have been through this many times. Many of you will die, but...we are here to recover a means to fix our brother and recover a valued member on the company.” Murus nodded, it was aggravating not having Asriel here, not having access to any decent food or nutritious meals that he needed for training was annoying. “But we are also here to show the whole third what they have lost. They strayed from the path of perfection, they have all become base creatures who forget themselves in the middle of battle. Our lord Primarch is watching, the dark prince is watching...I don’t care for their power, or their goals. They stood in the way of the 4th company!” He gripped his helmet tightly, he ground his teeth and then he roared out. “We will trample them! Grind them into dust! We will utterly annihilate them! As long as one of us reaches the end of the battle that is victory! As long as one of the 4th breathes we still live!” The angel raised his fist. “For the 4th!” Everyone began echoing his words, “For the 4th! For the 4th!” He joined in, everyone joined in. They all wanted to victory, they all craved it, they lusted for it. He could sense everyone was of one mind and of one cause. This is their strength and what will take them to victory.

Adelram looked down to Asriel who is now lying down, chained to the stone slab, he looked resigned as he stared upwards to the sky. He always prefered his throne room to have no roof, letting the air of pleasure and excess move through the palace and now his ascension is creeping closer and closer. He reached up to the skies “Oh father...I will join you soon.” He then looked down and picked up the knife from the stone slab, he looked it over. The blade is serrated, ensuring the skin will tear, he wondered if he should stab Asriel several times when the time comes, despite his apology he felt the need to work out his frustration due to their past. “So Asriel can I stab you several times?” He did not know why he asked, he was going to do it anyway. “It’s fine my lord, it’s your time.” He sighed heavily at his answer. “Why couldn’t you been like this all the time?” “I...don’t know.” He was about to respond, but something pricked at the edge of his senses he could feel thunderhawks piercing the skies, the drop pods coming towards his city and the angry brutes howling that they would be victorious. He gave a great laugh, at their foolishness.

Izel watched the comets of fire spearing down towards him, he could sense battle happening across his part of the city. But he was ready, the buildings howled in agony fueling his powers. He had slaves infused in each building block. Their very souls screaming in agony for release. Due to Adelram also binding his soul to this ring, he could feel each scream passing through his body, giving him strength.

Each house, each store and building took on a purple like sheen due to the process which is also pleasing to look at. He walked forward a few paces and faced his supporters, they all knew he would be leader once Adelram ascends and they were all eager for that time to come. They held bolters and blades at the ready, the mortals checked over their las-weaponry and autoguns. “Do I need to say anything!?” He called out, they all began laughing, singing with the wails of torment. He faced forward and smiled “Good..” The first set of drop pods and thunderhawks landed several metres ahead, kicking up dust he held his hands behind his back ready to face the animals of the 4th. Everyone readied their weapons and screaming in excitement.

As the dust settled what he saw was a row of tall shields in perfect formation. Predators began turning cannons upon his army. Izel laughed he raised his hand at one of the tanks, he drew in the pain of the souls and fired a bolt of eldritch energy at the first tank, the din of battle then crashed upon them. Autocannon shells vaporised his human infantry, but their deaths fueled his sorcery even more, he felt more souls welling up his form.

The line of shields advanced slowly, gunfire smacked into them but they did not budge even an inch. Izel frowned, “This is unexpected…” he thought that they would fight like mad lions, eager to prove who is the best. But what is before him is clockwork, practiced and drilled. He shook his head. He charged his hands with purple lightning, he launched it into the second predator, causing it to explode in a gush of flame. “None of you understand the dark prince!” he roared over the sounds of battle. He then bought his gaze to the shield line, he launched another bolt killing two enemy astartes. A gap was formed but it was quickly filled by a set of two new shields.

He grumbled in frustration. They truly do not understand... He told himself. He pointed, he was ready to give the order to charge, but at the corner of his eye he saw a black feather. His eyes went up and a shadow shot down, he then felt a sharp pain. He couldn't breathe, his gaze then went random, he saw a figure now flying upwards. “What..hap….” The last thing he saw was the shield line beginning to rapidly advance, before his head tumbled to the ground.
Taurus nodded “Sorcerer has been defeated. Good work Lucretius.” “Thank you my lord.” he said over the vox. Soon as he died the shield line advanced, they ran forward, bullet fire crashed onto shields, but through his honour guard the bladesmen were protected. He eyed the names of squad leaders on his autosenses they were turning red. “We are losing on other fronts push forward!” Those with him did as ordered, Artifex readied his eviscerator, the bladesmen gripped handles. The shield line crashed into the enemy line. “Flank!” With Artifex and many others he moved around the shield line and began slicing and cutting the enemy. Every single one howled in pleasure as they died.

His company were surgical, at times one of his honour guard would knock an enemy down with their shields Lucretius would then come down and stab them with his blade. Dealing with the enemy in front of them was quick, easy even. Once they were all dead, he looked ahead to see the buildings are now moving, revealing a large mechanical door that is now opening which leads into darkness. Lucretius landed next to him. “I think this leads to the palace in the middle, I saw it in the distance.” Taurus shook his head “I am quite sure I made sure to send everyone to different locations...” He looked up to the skies to see planets shifting. “This city is not normal...it does not show up on augur readings and for some reason we all land here.” “Does it matter?” he looked down to his brother. He pointed his sword at the door. “All we can do is move forward.” He could not help but agree. “Murus!” he approached and stood at attention. “Casualty report!” He nodded “My second Laxius is dead and several others. The sorcerer killed them.” “And we don’t know what is ahead...well we must go on.” “What about the rest?” said Artifex. His new banner swayed in the wind. “We must get to the palace, whatever the planets are aligning for I don’t like it so time is against us.” They all nodded, they ran into the darkness, with each step more names changed from green to red. But he was used to this, such things happened all the time before the third legion found their primarch. Everyone did their duty to the bitter end.

Adelram creased his brow, he could feel Izel’s soul has now drifted away he shook his head. “How did he kill him?” “What?” said Asriel. “It’s nothing.” he mused on what just happened, only the guardians can allow people through, Kaiser’s ring is slightly different but it still has the same rule. He has free access everywhere but with the death of a guardian the way becomes open. “No matter, Tarkhan will deal with them.” He smiled “My master of blades will end them. He does not require an army.” He continued to play with the knife in his hands, he wanted the planets to hurry up but this is the will of the dark prince at play.

As they ran down the tunnel, he saw a light in the distance. Taurus wondered who else will stand in their way. Once they entered the light they were now in a large white room. Ahead of them sat an astartes who’s back was turned. “So...you are now here.” Taurus noted he sounded like someone from Chogoris, his accent was thick. The astartes rose and faced them, his armour was covered in spiked leather straps, he then placed his hand on the handle of his blade and removed it from its sheath. The weapon was curved slightly, but not like his sabre. He gripped it in both hands and leveled it at them. “Cowards can’t exist in this place.” Taurus raised his eyebrow. “Who are you?” He nodded “I am Tarkhan, master of blades and loyal to my Khan. To be perfect is to be without fear, as long as you know fear perfection will never come.” For some reason he somewhat liked the enemy in front of him. “I can’t help but notice you are by yourself.” “I require no aid.” After he spoke a name in his squad suddenly turned red. He looked over to one of honour guard to see a sword is now lodged in his head, he fell to the ground. Soon as that happened several more died. “What is happening!?” an astartes called out. From the ground a blade shot up and pierced his body, after that single blade from the walls, ceiling and ground more instruments of death shot out, riddling him with pointed weapons.

He bought his head slowly to Tarkhan. “Calm yourselves! All of you!” He ordered. Everyone stood at attention. Some still died, but the deaths steadily stopped. He nodded. “So cowards die is that right Tarkhan?” In silence he slowly returned the nod. “I see...Charge!” All of them ran towards the enemy. But even more of his company died, now there was very few left of his squad. Tarkhan then rushed into combat, his blade movements were a blur severing limbs, arms and heads. With each sword stroke from the master of blades, more of his brothers were impaled by a multitude of weapons that left the ground. Murus charged the blademaster, but he twisted around him and did a quick stab at his waist, he dropped to his knees and in a swift movement he removed his head. Taurus watched Murus’ head roll on the ground, Tarkhan flicked the blood off his blade.

Taurus seethed “stay back! That’s an order!” more names turned red. He walked towards the blade master. “You and me.” He chuckled “Ah...this will be interesting. Killing has become boring lately, only one has given me joy.” Taurus gripped the handle of his blade, he stood straight and placed one hand behind his back. He leveled his sabre at him, Tarkhan charged, he focused and began to learn his pattern, he could tell the blade master was skilled extremely so. Just fighting him, he liked him even more. “Why do you serve the one who has taken Inferus?” “You refer to Asriel?” “Yes.” Taurus pushed Tarkhan back. “Well..he does not belong to you. Second my Khan seeks a higher state.” Just for a moment he sounded sad. “You are wrong, Inferus belongs to the 4th, not me. Plus I could not help but notice sadness.” The master of blades came forward again, sparks flew through the air as their blades crossed. Just for a moment he was slow bringing up his guard, Tarkhan’s weapon bit into his shoulder, as he drew his sword back he tore a small piece from his pauldron. For a moment he wondered how the attack got through the shield produced by his halo, but considering how strange this city is he is not surprised that happened. Taurus grunted slightly, he moved to attack thrusting several times, his enemy shifted slightly dodging them with small movements, Taurus then flicked his blade causing a large gash across his chest. “Interesting…” said Tarkhan. They continued to dance, blocking, parrying and attacking.

Soon the master of blades began to laugh. “Tell me...what is perfection to you?” “Victory.” “That’s it?” He nodded. “So you seek nothing else?” “No.” They clashed and pushed against each other. “I am surprised you can do this with one hand.” “Thank you. But I wonder why you serve Lieutenant Adelram. I recall you were with him along with the sorcerer my brother killed..” Tarkhan shook his head. “My purpose is to serve my Khan…” “But there is a problem?” “Yes.” They pushed each other back, Taurus thought to look down to himself he held back. His autosenses displayed the damage he has now taken, he smiled. “You should serve the 4th.” “I refuse.” “Why?” “Because I exist as long as my Khan does, without him I am nothing. I purged myself of fear for him. I honed myself for him. Once he ascends...I will no longer be needed.” “So what then?” “I will die.” Now realising that Adelram seeks to become a daemon, the planets moving now makes sense. They are truly on a time limit, he needed to do this on the next parry to end this.

He lowered his guard just slightly, sensing this Tarkhan attacked, Taurus parried and quickly drew his bolt pistol and planted it into his neck. “I thought you would have some measure of honour.” Tarkhan said dryly. “Unfortunately no.” “So you made the move out of desperation...why aren’t you dead?” “I don’t know, I do not care. I just think it’s a shame you chose the wrong cause to fight for.” He fired causing the master of blade’s neck to explode, his head messly fell to the ground, his body then collapsed to the floor. Taurus placed his pistol in his holster.

He stared at Tarkhan’s corpse “Such a waste.” he looked ahead, the wall bled away to reveal another large mechanical door leading into darkness. Artifex approached shaking his head “So...we are moving on.” “You are sad that Murus is now dead?” “I...am. Honestly I am not sure if we were friends on not.” Taurus nodded “You weren’t friends you were brothers. I also think he would want us to plant the banner in the palace.” “Yeah….he would get mad if we stopped here.” Taurus smiled at his brother, he looked up to the company standard, it had a large stylized 4th painted on it, along with a bovine beast stampeding forward.

He then began walking forward, what remained of the squad and the last vestiges of the honour guard followed behind him.

Adelram slammed his fist on the stone slab, cracking it slightly. Asriel did not even flinch. He then took a deep breath, he is not worried in the slightest. He looked up to the skies his ascension is creeping steadily closer. Even if Tarkhan and Izel are now dead, they bought time with their bodies, he has no need of them. Kaiser will end whatever is coming.

Taurus ran, he kept running through the darkness towards the light but he never got closer to it. “What is going on?” This is my domain… A cold voice passed through his mind, Without hope...there can be no despair. Run to light...run as fast as you can. Then came the first scream, he heard the flapping of wings. “Lucretius are you flying!?” He looked back, he couldn't see anyone. But the angel answered back. “I am on the ground, something is here with us.” “Dammit I can’t see!” shouted Artifex. Taurus heard the flapping of wings getting closer, it zoomed passed him quickly and suddenly a burst of pain gripped his leg. He grit his teeth, but he kept running. You are odd….I taste nothing from you. A sharp pain then fell upon his arm. Why do you not despair? Taurus focused on the light, despite names blinking to red he kept going. “Captain!” Lucretius called on the vox. “I can distract him.” “How?” “He is around us, I can smell his foul blood.” “What you expect us to just leave you behind!?” Artifex shouted. “Do it.” he ordered. He heard another set of wings, just a few moments later he heard the same voice cursing out loud, he saw sparks in the air. He then looked ahead to see the light is now moving towards them. “You won’t leave! I will not allow it!” a rasped voice called. “Keep going!” Lucretius shouted.

The light was just now a few steps away, as he touched it he hesitated just for a moment but pressed on, he did not want to waste the chance his brother gave them. The blinding light drifted away to reveal a large field of green grass, flowers and butterflies fluttering around in the wind. Despite the field being bright like it’s day, the sky was dark and stars lined it. He turned his gaze ahead to see in the middle of field is a helbrute that is leaning forward slightly. “Is that...a Helbrute?” said Artifex, he looked back to see his brothers exiting the door, it slid shut behind them. “Yes it is, be careful. Now let’s go.” They ran down the field, he could see the door at the other end. “Stay away from the helbrute.” Taurus ordered. They gave it a wide berth, but soon as they passed it the machine sprang to life, the power scourge sparked, flames left the exhausts. “Who dare disturbs my rest!?” The plant life began dying, the butterflies burst into the flames, the great machine roared and charged after them.

It’s clearly faster than them, the helbrute grabbed the last of his honour guard with its power fist and crushed him in his grip. He then threw the corpse aside. “I am Noxus! I crave Silence! I crave the restful slumber!” He wailed in fury. He continued to kill with both weapons. “We must face it!” Taurus called out, everyone turned and stood their ground. “How!?” Artifex barked. He tapped one of the melta bombs attached to his pouch, “If I can get close enough, I will be able to deal with it.” All of his brothers fell silent, they stared at him. “You need a distraction?” Artifex said cooly. “Yes.” His brother removed his banner from his backpack, he extended it and planted it into the ground. “Right let’s go!” Artifex called out. His brothers charged, they died in droves as they entered close combat with the helbrute.

Taurus ran after them, he watched them fight, he watched them die and he was proud of them. The only member of his squad that was left is Artifex. His brother ran to its side slashing aggressively with his eviscerator. The helbrute shifted it’s large frame to him, exposing its side. The machine stabbed his brother several times with the power scourge, he gasped, his name turned yellow on his autosenses. But he gave him the time he needed, Taurus primed the bomb and attached it to the disgusting machine. He then turned and ran diving to the ground as a large explosion gripped his ears. After a moment he rose and turned to see a smouldering wreckage.

He shook his head and looked around. He is now alone, Taurus then nodded and approached the banner. He took their company standard and held it tightly. “This...will not leave my hands. Not until the end.” He removed the banner from the ground, he also could clearly see Artifex’s name is now red. Lucretius’ name has a question mark, which means his communication interface can’t reach him.

He faced the large door that is now opening, he continued onwards.

He wiped his hands down his face, he pointed at Asriel. “Who is he!?” “I-I don’t understand!” He stabbed his arm, he winced in pain. He twisted the knife, Asriel was doing all he can not to scream. He knows how to inflict pain so one finds no joy, it’s a common punishment he employed in the past. Adelram frowned and removed the blade. “Are you working with him somehow!?” He took a deep breath, he slowly began to calm down. He knew Cornelius’ warband won’t get past the 5th ring, but he knew better the creature is always planning, always seeking to undermine him. He dealt with it in the past, he will deal with it now. “She will not let me down...my father will punish her for eternity if she does.” Asriel shook his head. “I am not doing anything! I bet Marthas warned you! But you ignored his advice didn’t you!?” Adelram stabbed his leg silencing him, he cried out in pain.“Sitri will deal them.” he said calmly.

Taurus walked through a pink mist, the recycled air within his power armour now had a tangy taste. It was sweet, he could feel something or someone brushing against his nerves. “Why hello!” A female voice called. It came from all around him, all the sensations he felt before got worst. He drew his blade. “Why are you moving to violence? Is that what you enjoy?” He heard several snarls, from the mist humans in white dirty clothing shot out wielding swords.

Their eyes were white, pink saliva covered their lips. “Alma showed me a few things...and I improved upon it. Revel in violence astartes…” Taurus began slicing away at the attackers, they came from all angles, he kicked, slashed and stabbed. But they did not die normally they burst into pink flower petals as he severed arms, heads and legs. Yet there was too many, some would get in stabbing at the gabs of his armour. The female laughed “Why are you holding that ugly banner? I am sure if you get rid of it you would be able to do something…or you could submit and serve as you are meant to...” “Never! This is the 4th’s standard! We plant it into the ground after victory! Victory is perfection! I serve the ideal of perfection! Nothing else!” He removed the head of another mad human. “Victory is perfection? Perfection is Lord Fulgrim...you of all people should know that.” Taurus snorted. “Then you truly know nothing of my lord primarch.” The female voice roared in anger. “You dare insult him!?” “If me pointing out his flaws is an insult then yes, but to point at one’s mistakes is the only way to correct said flaws.” As he spoke a bullet flew through the mist and crashed into his helmet, He cried out in agony. He gripped his face, a part of his helmet was now missing.

The mob then piled on him, he pushed through them, still holding the banner. The attacks were unrelenting, unending. He had a feeling she is sending forth just enough to wear him down, but if he loses focus he might die. “Take back what you said.” she said firmly. “No!” he roared back. “They declared war on me! They made themselves my enemy! You’re master is flawed! If he is so grand, so great why isn’t he leading his legion like he is meant to!? Why are fellow members of the third baying for the attention of one who has no desire to lead them!? Destroying all sense of their agency!? Making them lose sight of Perfection!?” The waves stopped, the mist parted revealing a female wearing a corset and leather trousers, her hand rested on her blade. Surrounding her were three people, two females and a male who had pincers for hands. “Please kill him.” The three of them charged forward, the two females removed serrated whips from their sides. They lashed him from a distance, while the male was quite quick trying to slash him with crab like claws. “I am Sitri.” said his primarch’s slave. “Those three are some of my best pets...this mist gives me some measure of control the longer one is within it. These three thought to challenge me. Lower your guard slightly, just stand there.” His body moved by itself, Taurus lowered his guard and stood still, but this caused the claw to pierce his chestplate. He coughed up blood, the whips were also an annoying distraction.

Sitri nodded “Everyone here are my slaves, we all worship Fulgrim and so will you.” The male stabbed him several times in his chest. He thought to drop the banner but shook his head. He curled his lips in disgust “I am going to lose to the slaves of my primarch!?” he roared in disgust to himself. “Am I not going to bring this banner to the end!?” he shouted. To be stopped here would spit on everyone who gave their life to the goal of perfection, he will not allow it as captain of the 4th. He won’t allow misguided mortals to impend him. He bought his head back and smashed it upon the face of the male, shattering it utterly. The disgusting man fell back. “This is nothing!” he roared, he charged onward shouting for victory and the 4th. He aimed for Sitri, he ignored the whips. Sitri removed her blade from its scabbard. “Stop running!” she shouted. Taurus felt a spike within his mind, he felt his legs slowing but he pushed on. He is not like the baser members of the third, he has purpose, a goal. “Protect me!” Sitri shrieked.

The tides of humans blocked his path, he slashed with his sword and smashed them aside with his banner. He will kill the mortal, she tried to shame his company, she tried to shame him. She tried to cause him to discard his reason, his ideal and that was unforgivable. As the last human blocking his path died, he was now before the foolish woman. She tried to attack with her blade, but he is faster and stronger. It’s also clear she did not expect this. Taurus thought to end her with his blade, but such refuse did not deserve it. He shifted his blade to the side so he can punch her, he drew back his fist and caved in her face with one single strike sending her to the ground. On impact he heard bones breaking, the body bounced slightly as it hit the ground. Her battered frame was sprawled on the floor, she did not even twitch but he is glad such refuse has now left his world.

The mist began clearing and what he beheld was a destitute city covered in filth and excrement. He saw the bodies of all that he killed, the wounds that ended them were clearly visible. Also the attacks ended, the females and others who are still alive dropped to their knees and cried out, yelling that they wanted to breathe in more nectar, they called for their queen to guide them.

He bought his eyes to the supposed queen, a queen who wore rags and dirty clothing who seemed to have lived in her own filth. He kicked her aside and walked ahead to the large doors that were now opening.

Adelram paced his throne room, he smashed vases, tore apart paintings he even destroyed his topaz throne with telekinesis. He flicked towards Asriel who looked him in the eyes. “You find this amusing don’t you?” “No, I do not.” He walked towards the stone slab and looked up. If his enemy continues at this pace it will be close, far too close. “Why do you have to kill me when the planets align?” “I have explained why.” Adelram said firmly. “All you have is the word of Izel and perhaps a daemon...maybe.” “Shut up! You keep doing it! You can’t help yourself can you!? Questions! Always with the questions!” He pointed the knife at him. “What do you know!? I have killed planets, enslaved populaces! I have the favour of the dark prince! Father loves me!” “On Lord Fulgrim how sure are you that he loves you?” His eyebrow twitched, he thought to stab him for his insolence but decided otherwise. He sighed “Let’s hope those in the last ring don’t prove to be useless…”

Faust looked at the doors, he knew he will come. He could feel it, all of the kakophoni could feel it. “Silas.” “I know. But our path lies with him until he ascends.” He looked over to Marthas, he seems on edge like he knew Taurus will make it this far. He could not also help but feel a tiny measure of fear, the song is crashing and stomping through his mind. Trampling all thought, screaming that he should submit or die. But when that time comes he will make the right choice for the troupe. He then scanned the “ring”, or small battlefield. Marthas’ part of the city was made of concrete and there was scattered rocks and debris dotted along the huge hallway. One thing he respected about Marthas is he disliked tricks, he wanted to face his opponent head on, to revel in the joy of combat in its pure form.

He was about to express his concern to Silas again, but he heard a click the door at the other end began to open. From the darkness an astartes in ruined armour stepped forth, he held a banner tightly in one hand and a blade in the other. He guessed that is Taurus, but he is alone but despite that one fact he felt a strange pressure, even from here. He stared at his amour for a moment more, a piece of his helmet was missing showing a cold blue eye, gashes covered his armour, pieces of his pauldron was missing and blood leaked from various spots. But he walked forward, unbowed, undaunted. He radiated an air that you should respect him, and oddly he did. Faust looked over to Marthas who stepped forward with the terminators. “You have come!” he roared out, he used his vox to carry his voice to him. Taurus stopped, he narrowed his eye at them. “All of you are different. Why are you with him?”

His voice sounded aged and ancient which matches his status as one of the two hundred. His question strangely made him feel like a child. “I am not here to answer questions! I-” “So you none of you care for perfection? I see.” The old astartes cut Marthas off, he got into battle stance, just that simple movement it was like a wave came forward and slammed him in the body. The only thing that repeated in his mind is that if they stand against him now, they will die. They will die and he will forget that they ever existed. He looked over to Marthas, he also stared at him. It was like they had and understanding a clear one. No words needed to be said.

Marthas got to one knee, the terminators looked confused for a moment but they followed suit. “What are you doing!?” Shouted Silas. “Don’t let him intimidate you!” “Silas think about this for a moment. Do you think we can stand against him?” He flicked towards him. “Why are you saying this now!? We outnumber him!” “So did everyone else and yet he is here.” Faust did not hesitate, he faced Taurus and got to one knee. Silas shook his head and looked down at him “I refuse to bow to him!” he pointed at Taurus. “He has no respect for the third and for father!” “How can you say that? You feel it don’t you?” The kakophoni grumbled, but slowly they all got to one knee. He looked up to the leader of the troupe. “Make the right choice, Marius would do the same.” Silas trembled with fury. “I ref-” he did not get to finish, he heard a whistle and a blade slammed into his head.

The leader of the troupe fell to the ground, he died instantly. Faust slowly turned his head to Taurus who was in a throwing position, he slowly stood up right again. He walked over to them and pulled his blade from Silas’ head. Faust found his hearts beating rapidly, he was sweating. His new leader looked down at him. “You are now a members of the 4th, all of you.” Faust nodded slowly “Yes...my lord.” “Call me captain. Now get up we are brothers you don’t kneel to me.” Everyone rose, confusion set in. “What...do you wish us to do? He asked. “For one I want the door open.” Marthas approached “It will be done.” He faced the door leading to the palace and spoke in the dark tongue after he finished speaking the door began to open. Their captain nodded. “All of you will stay here.” “Why?” Marthas asked “You might need help! Look at you!” “Perhaps, but I want to end this war alone. I will retrieve Inferus alone.” The terminator bobbed his head. “If that is your wish.” Taurus walked onward, as he vanished Faust looked down to Silas’ corpse. “So quick...it’s not even fair.” “War is never fair.” Marthas grunted in response. “Perhaps...you are right.”

He stared at the doors which are now closing, even if has just met his new captain he felt assured that he will be up to the task. He was sure that he is going to win.

Chapter 34
Asriel’s Schedule

06:00 - 08:00 - Prepare Breakfast

08:00-10:00 - Morning lessons with Master

10:00-12:00 - Piano practice

12:00 - 14:00 - Prepare Lunch

14:00- 18:00 - Piano Practice

18:00 - 20:00 - Prepare Dinner

20:00 - 00:00 - Evening Lessons with Master

00:00 - 06:00 Rest/Free time

Taurus looked up to the skies as he approached the palace, the planets are almost in alignment. As he got to the palace he rushed up the steps. He had no to time to stare he had to get inside. As he got to the steps he approached the door, it would not open. There are no buttons or handles either, he grunted. He sheathed his blade and attached the rest of the melta bombs to the door. He primed them and ran back down the stairs. After a few short seconds there was an explosion.

As the dust cleared he could see the way is now open, he ran onward.

Asriel looked up to the skies, the planets are moving, in a few short moments there will be an alignment. Despite this Adelram is agitated he shook his head. “Come on…..Come on….” “You should do it now.” Asriel said firmly. “No! Shut up! Just shut up! N-” A large muffled bang cut him off. “No...no...how can he be here!? It’s too soon!” He placed the knife on the slab and removed Eligos from his back. “You are working with him….aren’t you?” He said nothing, nothing he will say will convince Adelram otherwise. So he waited, he waited for him to come even if he did not want him to.

After a few short minutes the doors of the throne room swung open, Asriel shifted his head to the doors to see Taurus panting, his armour is an utter ruin yet he held the banner proudly. Adelram shook his head. “How did you get here so soon?” Taurus approached, he drew his blade “members among your group had some sense.” “Let me guess Marthas?” Asriel blinked in surprise. “W-what?” “Be silent you.” He did as ordered. Taurus said nothing further, he charged his lord they engaged in battle, Adelram was frantic eager to kill Taurus quickly. But Asriel knew better, fighting Taurus in such a manner is a mistake, he will exploit it. His master released bursts of energy, but Taurus smoothly dodged each psychic blast, each weapon swing he simply waited for an opening and in a swift motion severed Adelram’s legs with a low slash.
His lord screamed in agony, Taurus then cut off his hands keeping from using his weapon. He left him squirming on the ground spitting curses and insults. “You bastard! Curse you! I curse you!” Taurus ignored him he approached the slab and used his blade to cut the chains, he then sheathed his blade. Asriel sat up and shook his head. “Why?” He picked up the knife, but he did not stop him. He looked up to the skies, the planets are now in alignment he then bought his gaze to Adelram who smiled. “Hurry! Kill yourself! Do it! You said you would give your life to me! Don’t deny me this!” He nodded and placed the blade to his neck, still his supposed rescuer said nothing. “You are not going to say anything? You are not going to stop me?” “No, I am judging you.” “Huh?” “Mistakes...happen in the most off-handed ways. Are you strong enough to do the right thing Asriel?” His hands trembled on the blade, tears began to build in his eye but he held them back. “Was...it worth it? Coming here? Why are you here by yourself?” “Yes it was. Most of the company died so I could be here.” “What!? Why would you do that!” “All of them gladly gave their lives for victory.” He said it without hesitation, he wondered how he does it. Tears fell down his face, his nose became clogged with snot. “I ruined his life! I need to do this!” Taurus shook his head. “Stop victimising yourself due to his weakness. You’re home is with the 4th company, your role is to cook food for my company and aid Tetricus who is now bedridden.” “W-what...he is alive?” “In a manner of speaking...but I need you skills.” When he heard need that...touched him for some reason, he needed him. His face screwed up due to his foolishness, he readily discarded everything Taurus gave him, the gift of focus, the need to chase perfection and belonging to an ideal. “I am sorry.” he said. “Enough apologizing, assaulting this city was somewhat interesting. I learned much.” said Taurus.

The knife slowly fell from his throat, Adelram screamed “No! What are you doing you idiot! You always ruin things for me!” He threw the knife aside. “I...don’t want to die captain.” “So that is your answer.” said Taurus. He faced Adelram who now looked ashen. “The most miserable people are those who care only for themselves, understand only their own troubles and see only their own perspective. That is why you fail at everything you do Lieutenant Adelram. A self absorbed person like you can only see the the faults of others but you are utterly blind to your own failings. Squirm and rot there.” Adelram wailed and screamed “You know nothing about me! It’s his fault I am like this! I did nothing wrong!” +Bravo!+ a soft voiced passed through his mind.

They all looked up, the planets are now out of alignment but a deluge of souls came crashing down. It gathered together into a form, a terrible form he hoped to never see again, but he was not fully there his body phased in and out of reality. +Hmm...this is not enough...we won’t have long.+ he looked over his hand, he flicked his shimmering white hair, his androgynous features held extreme beauty. A dark one that told him if he did not worship it he would die, Asriel slowly got off the slab, he moved to his knees but Taurus pulled him up. +Why did you have to do that? He is bowing before his betters.+ He chuckled. His captain said nothing, he just stood there and stared at Lord Fulgrim. +Anyway, I am not here for the human. I am here for you...my wonderful Cornelius, so beautiful and unbowed…but there is so much you don’t understand.+ Again Taurus did not respond, Adelram cried out. “Father! I-I…” The lord of the third shifted to Adelram. +So...you wish to be with me?+ He nodded. +Very well.+ Asriel did not see the movement, Adelram was just screaming on a impaled blade that Lord Fulgrim was now holding over his mouth. His mouth then unhinged, it opened wide. He shook his blade slightly, Adelram fell in and Lord Fulgrim chewed, he chewed slowly and then swallowed. He then faced them, Asriel shuddered in fear as the daemon primarch licked his lips. +I gave him what he wanted….now...bow to me my son.+ “No.” Asriel felt a rush of wind as a blade hovered over Taurus’ head, just a few inches away. The primarch tutted +Why does he like you so much? You are so arrogant to think you know better than me...you are just like Fabius.+ His captain stood his ground, he wanted this to be over as soon as possible. But on Taurus’ slashed pauldron, a pink flame gripped it, the ember shifted to eventually display the third legion insignia. The lord of third’s eyes went wide, his face contorted in fury he instantly looked up. +How dare you! I-+ His face then shifted into rapture +This feels...wonderful.+ He lowered his face to Taurus’. +I hate you...and love you so much my son….+ He then shrugged +It seems time is up keep doing well my boy….+ His form dissipated, sputtered away to nothing.

Once he was gone Asriel started to hyperventilate. “Why are we still alive!?” “Because we won the war.” Taurus said cooly. “Now….” He slammed the banner into the ground. “It is done. Let’s leave.” Asriel nodded, he followed his captain out of the palace as they got outside, they began walking down the steps but Taurus stopped. He sat on the stairs. “Is something wrong?” “Yes, I am tired so we will sit here for a bit.” He nodded and sat next to him. “How can you be so strong?” Asriel asked. “Training, Inferus.” “I don’t mean that way.” “I just try to do what I feel is right. The 4th is focused on perfection, that’s the goal we are focusing on. So I aim for that.” “But...you have to rebuild the company.” “I know, but it will be better, we will look to past and search for flaws and improve from there.” He then bought his eyes to the flaming third legion sigil. “So...you got your pauldron back in a manner of speaking.” “Seems so, perhaps the dark prince felt differently about the matter.” They sat in silence, the great door in front of them opened, from the darkness he saw Marthas and Faust with their units. But to his surprise he saw Lucretius holding a head. They approached the steps, Lucretius almost almost launched himself at him, but captain shot him a glance that held him in place. He coughed “so mission accomplished?” “Yes, also our primarch popped in to say hello.” said Taurus. “Really!?” said Marthas. “What of Adelram!?” “He ate him.” Faust shook his head. “Well...he got what he wanted.” Lucretius then showed Taurus the head. It was covered in multiple eyes and had large bat like ears. “By the way I killed the one hounding us in the darkness.” “Is that Kaiser!?” Asriel exclaimed. “Yes it is.” said Marthas, the angel shivered slightly. “Such a disgusting creature. Anyway now that we have Asriel are we leaving?”

At the mention of his name he thought about it for a moment. He corrected him. “It’s Inferus.” Taurus looked at him in surprise, he chuckled he then laughed heavily, he has never seen him laugh in such a fashion before. The angel nodded “Very well...Inferus.” He turned his head to Taurus. “Lucretius is right, what now?” His captain removed his knife from his belt and began working on removing the iron collar. “Well...Adelram’s ship is still in orbit. Everyone must be given the choice.” “To serve or be crushed beneath the hooves of the 4th?” said Inferus. “Exactly.” his captain responded. The collar popped off, he felt a cascade of power greet his body. He felt alive, strong. He rubbed his neck. “I doubt they will listen to me. I am not exactly liked.” “I don’t think anyone is, everyone on that ship are obsessed with Adelram. They will all die.” said Marthas. “So they will die.” Taurus said coldly. “Will you be able to kill them Inferus?” “Yes I can, don’t worry.” “Good.” He stood up “let us begin.”

Inferus walked the hallway of the ship, the soldiers belonging to Difillia essnetially combusted as they approached him. They rolled on the ground screaming in agony, it was good to be in his wargear again. But when he saw Tetricus’ broken form and oddly...he felt hatred building now that he is on the enemy ship again. Sagax easily out-maneuvered the nova-cannon and allowed them to board and at the moment he has already been to the navigator room and dealt with Elizabeth. The astartes are scouring the other parts of the ship. His own next stop is the bridge. The battleship is largely empty save a few personnel.. As he got to the door he opened it and walked inside. What greeted him were Salvador and Difillia, the crew were cowering. Lily sat at the command throne, venom lining her face. “I heard the reports of the boarding action...you killed Elizabeth first.” “And?” he responded. “She was given the choice, just like I am going to give everyone here the choice. Serve the 4th or die.” “Why are you doing this?” said Salvador, he looked over to his brother. “Because it’s my captain’s will.” “What of master? Do you hate him to?” “No I do not, I regret that things didn't work out but I have stopped blaming myself for his failings.” “Shut up!” Difillia screeched “Salvador his warband killed everyone! He is the enemy!” “I know…” he readied his axe. Inferus gripped his staff. “So that is your choice?” Difilla charged, he tapped the haft of his staff on the ground, causing a small chime, the thug stopped. She dropped her spear and began to dance, she kept dancing breaking her arms and legs until she was a mangled mess.

Salvador roared in anger seeing his sister die, he charged and brought up his weapon but it stopped a few inches away from his head. “I-I can’t move!” “Brother please change your mind.” “No! You are evil Asriel! You are destroying my happiness!” “You would be more happy with the 4th, Adelram just treated you like a pet. In the company you would be a val-” “Shut up!” he cried out. Inferus sighed, he made a twisting motion with his hand. Salvador’s head matched his hand movement, his head turned quickly in abnormal directions. He fell to the ground, now dead.

The crew were now hurling insults at him, calling him betrayer and for the dark prince to smite him. He frowned and waved his hand over them incinerating the bridge crew. He then strode up to the command throne. Lily chuckled “I knew you would destroy us.” “You are destroying yourselves. My captain is giving you a chance you are not taking it.” “Ah...so you found a new master? Does he give you treats?” He had enough, he made a crushing motion with his hand, the captain of the canticle of sin gasped for breath. Her eyes rolled back, she slumped on her throne. Now there is silence, a stillness he touched his heart for a moment. For some reason he didn’t feel regret, he left the bridge and made his way to the last stop.

He sat before him, like always. This time they are not drinking wine, she listened but disagreed. “You could take the ship...it could belong to us.” “No.” Asriel responded. “You only have two choices Isabella, join the 4th or die.” “Would you really kill me?” The the one purple eye lens of his helmet began smouldering power, he said nothing at all. She could tell he was serious, she sighed and let her heart out. “I hate you for what you did.” “Adelram did it to himself.” She scoffed “is that what you will tell yourself?” “Yes.” he answered without hesitation. “Whoever you work for now has turned you into a robot do you know that?” “And you are a mad sensation seeker without any direction. That is what Adelram has done to you. I am giving you a way out, a way to be better.” She smiled and relaxed in her chair. “My answer is no Asriel.” “Change your mind.” “No.” “I see.” He then got up and walked out of the room. As the door shut Isabella felt blood running down her nose, it fell from her eyes and ears.

Her chest now burned in pain, there was no joy in it. She screamed. “W-wait A-Asriel!” She tried to rise but fell to the ground. Her mind felt like it was going to explode, her body burned on the inside. “I-I-I…..” her voice trailed off into nothing.

His back was to the door, he heard a thud he could hear Isabella screaming his old name. “It’s far too late.” He walked away, to return to his home. His part is done.

Epilogue
He grunted in annoyance as he pushed him down the tunnel on the wheelchair. “He should just heal me in one go.” Tetricus said in annoyance. “Silentus said that would be unwise, it should be done in stages.” his captain responded. He sighed “Fine. So….you assaulted a city that essentially matched the person who ruled that section?” “Yes.” “You got almost the whole company killed, just to get Inferus back so he could heal me?” “Yes.” “Why?” “Why not?” “You should of just let me die.” “You mean to let an enemy attack us and take it lying down?” He shook his head “It….wasn’t worth it. I am not worth the company” His captain stopped pushing the wheelchair, Tetricus frowned. “I am sorry.” it started to move again. “It’s nice that Asriel accepted his nickname.” Taurus moved to a more positive topic. “True, he is now part of us. But what of those who joined us?” “I like Marthas he has an...inquisitive mind.” “Then you two will get along well. What of the noise marine?” “He likes to be with Inferus, he enjoys his cooking. All of the kakophoni do.” He nodded, that is good so they don’t have to worry about betrayal.

After a few moments they reached his abode, Taurus opened the door and wheeled him in and what he saw caused him to fume. The smell was also terrible “What is with all the corpses!? Why are my sirens dead!?” He looked up to Taurus. “What did you do Cornelius!?” “They were enemies of the company.” “Enemies!? W-what...Why!?” “They refused to give Inferus’ location so I shot them in the head. They sided with our primarch.” Tetricus creased his brow in frustration. “Maybe...just...maybe Fulgrim kept them from looking? Perhaps it’s not their fault!?” “Then they should’ve tried harder brother, a dancing daemonette gave me the location easily.” He knew what daemon he was referring to but that did not make it any better. “She is an exile! She can do that!” He sagged in his wheelchair slightly “I will figure out a replacement...I...need to rest.” His captain wheeled him to his table, he felt weary. “I will get some people to clean up the mess.” said Taurus “rest well brother.” He then left the room, now alone he thought about it for just a moment. He knew Taurus couldn’t bare losing him or Silentus, he wouldn’t be able to handle it. He chuckled “But...you are the best captain we have...it’s only with your guidance and grit that we live now...I am only alive now thanks to you.” He promised himself, that no matter what happens he will follow Taurus. He knew that Inferus also felt the same as well. Taurus is their guiding star and sun.