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 Dayknight wrote:

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

Thanks, next chapter is being uploaded. I all of you like it.

Chapter 6
Inferus watched his lord speak with Justus and Erastus, Rothac stood a good distance back giving them the room to talk. So far what he has picked up is troubling, Dorene took a host and marched through the gate leading to the vault. To the astartes there is nothing wrong with that, but the issue is if she succeeds. So far he hasn’t done anything in the conflict and if she is still alive the cultists will look to her not him. Deep down he thought that she would die in the attempt but considering how jubilant Justus was at the moment that does not seem to be the case. It’s evident that the worst outcome has occurred.

Oktai placed his hand on his shoulder “stop thinking about it.” “I can’t help it, I gave her my blessing but now I appear weak.” He narrowed his eyes at the astartes “what would they think? A productive slave...a new rising star…” “Your problem my young lord is envy.” “Envy?” “Oh yes, you desire what others have and when you can’t have it you self-destruct. Focus on yourself, everyone is different, everyone has their own paths to walk.” “But I am stronger than her, I could kill her in an instant but...” “So why don’t you do it? You like to speak but you don’t act. Instead of stating that you can, do it instead.” Inferus shook his head “It’s not that simple...I won’t get their respect if I just kill her.” “Why should you care about gaining their respect? As long as you know you are better and you display it, respect should come.” He frowned at the old man “You make things sound so simple.”

Oktai removed his hand from his shoulder, he looked into his eyes. “Do you respect me my young lord?” He mumbled at the question, he had to admit he does. “Let’s focus on the war for now.” Oktai chuckled at his words “as you say…” Tetricus then looked over to him, he gestured for to come forward.

He did as his lord commanded, Tetricus grinned at him “so Justus tells me one of your knights took the first checkpoint.” Inferus fidgeted slightly “I see...” he did not sound enthusiastic, he could not help it. Tetricus spotted it right away “someone is jealous.” “I am not jealous my lord. I thought it was more prudent to deliver your war gear to you.” “But I don’t need it though.” “What!?” his outburst caused people to look at him. “What do you mean you don’t need it!?” He pointed at Erastus “well according to the apothecary if parts of body are destroyed they just regenerate. He even shattered my skull. I could even still see, in a few moments my skull just came back together again.” Inferus shook his head while grinding his teeth. “Why didn’t you tell me before you left!?” His lord shrugged “didn’t seem all that important. Do I ask why you look like a daemon? Or why your hair floats sometimes?” He bit his lip drawing blood “damn you…” Tetricus laughed, but then it came to an abrupt stop. The lights within his hollow eye sockets bore into him, he shirked back slightly. It was not in fear, but it was like he was sensing a greater predator. “But I wonder do you respect me? Do you respect my authority?” his voice turned low, it was even menacing. Inferus looked down slightly, he clenched his hands.

He could feel the power radiating off him, if it was his desire he could reduce him to ash, considering his new personality the death would be slow and painful. “I do...my lord.” “Why?” “Huh?” he looked up “I...I…” “You wish that you were more like me? Minus being on fire all the time.” “Yes…you now make everything look easy. Even when the plan fell sideways it did not really seem to bother you.” His lord shook his head in an almost weary fashion “hand me your sword.” Inferus removed it from his belt and handed his blade over to him, just before it parted his hands he could hear the daemon crying out in jubilation at the back of his mind.

Tetricus gripped the sword, he saw sparks playing over it and then suddenly it started to burn. “W-What are you doing!?” His lord looked impassively at him, tentacles left the scabbard and wrapped around his arm, but the pink tentacles also burned. Now the daemon was crying out in anguish it just took a few moments for his weapon to melt away, the red out iron slid from his lord’s hands. “You are not him…” he hissed.

Inferus could not tell if he was angry, but he did not understand what point he is trying to make. He then reached out and tore his helmet from his face, Inferus took a step foward but his lord eyes shined, flames left the hollow eye sockets. He bit his lip, if he acted now he would kill him. Tetricus melted down the helmet, he tore apart the horns. “You seek perfection...but yet...you are still a follow one who was turned into a spawn by our god. Our captain is a failure, he was weak. Even if I still love him still with all my heart the fact remains that he failed. You shouldn’t follow a failure, I can see now that our...captain is a bad influence on you.” He threw the molten pieces aside.

He then tore off his breastplate, his gauntlets, greaves and boots. Tetricus left him naked, Inferus clenched his hands in anger. He wondered why he is humiliating him before everyone? What did he do to deserve this? Save Justus and Faust the rest of the astartes was looking at him in amusement, like he deserves this. Once his lord melted down his equipment to nothing he moved to his hair, he ripped of the blades on the tips. “You need to suffer, you need to know despair and fear. You need to experience being on the edge of death.” he said in a flat stone.

The ends of his white hair was burnt slightly due to Tetricus touch, he trembled slightly due to the wind. His lord then pointed to the slaves who are being gathered. “You are going in the first wave, the slaves will scourge up some equipment for you.” “W-What!? I-I…” “Silence!” Inferus closed his mouth. Tetricus lowered his hand and leaned in, Inferus winced, now he felt fear, true fear. His lord’s countenance terrified him for some reason. “you are but a slave...you enjoyed luxury for a time….but that stops here. How old are you slave?” Inferus looked down trying to avoid his gave “e-erm...two centuries or more...I lost count.” “So you have battle experience. Go, as I ordered you will be part of the first wave when we attack the second checkpoint. Try not to die.” Tetricus leaned back and turned away from him.

Inferus shook his head, he thought to protest but staring at Tetricus’ back he could see his lord would kill him for attempting such a thing. He is now a slave, not a favoured servant. He hobbled over to the slaves, they looked him up and down. The very people before him are those he and the cult of ending took for their own personal vices. They all stared at him, one even spat at him. As the spittle hit his face he charged his arms with psychic energy. “I recommend you don’t do that. You need people to take bullets for you.” He looked back to see it’s Oktai. He was holding some gear, just glancing at it the gear was clearly poor quality. “Can’t you get me anything better?” “I see what Tetricus is doing, so I will echo his words. Try not to die.” He pushed the gear into his arms. He looked down to see a plain shirt, trousers and combat boots. The only weapons he has is an almost rusted knife and an autopistol.

He found his lips trembling slightly, the second checkpoint will be better defended. It’s obvious and that one fact scared him.

***
Tetricus stood at the first checkpoint, everyone has been gathered and the first wave of slaves was being sent to the second checkpoint. He could see it in the distance, at least three squads of astartes man the defensive position, along with the two gun batteries and a host of scions, the first wave is certainly going to die. He looked down to the mortal woman who took the first checkpoint, she was respectful when she introduced herself. It’s clear to him that Dorene is favoured and with the proper guidance she can blossom. She was also staring at the first wave being marched forward by cultists whipping them onward. They were both staring at Inferus who was at the front, his face looked ashen. He was completely terrified as expected. “He is going to die.” “Is that a problem Dorene?” She thought about if for a moment and shook her head. “No my lord, I am sure you have your reasons. But after following him for some time I can’t help but feel he is a poor leader. So he should die” Her answer caused him to chuckle “He is a poor leader, and he will never be one.”

Dorene raised her eyebrow in surprise “is that why you sent him in the first wave? You saw how useless he was then?” He did not answer that question, if Inferus does not smash through the barrier he will die. It’s very likely that will be the outcome, but he hopes that he is proven wrong.

***
Inferus found his breathing to be hard since he was at the front he has avoided the whip. When they got to the first checkpoint Tetricus ordered him to take the front, to be the first. Now he has no bodies to protect him. He stared at the astartes, a whole squad wielded heavy bolters so he assumed they are devastators, there was also two tactical squads and at least eight squads of scions. As they reached the last mile the heavy bolter battery wound up and opened fire, there was no warning.

The first slave had his legs shot off, he fell to the ground and gripped the stumps screaming in agony. The second had his head blown off by an astartes bolter and a slave next to him essentially turned into red mist by a heavy bolter round. As he was splattered with blood he stopped walking, people were now charging past him screaming for slaanesh. Inferus shook his head “T-This is the e-end…” The loyalists were tearing through the first wave, even the cultists whipping them onwards were shredded. Inferus screamed he unleashed a bolt of dark energy at the enemy.

The tactical squad sergeant removed something from his belt, it was a golden medallion with wards upon it. He raised it up and the bolt he sent at them evaporated. Inferus shook his head in disbelief, his grip upon his weapons tightened, the loyalists then moved their guns to him. Time was slowing down, the screams of slaves were like muffles to him. All he could hear was his own heartbeat. “I-I don’t want to die…”

He kept repeating those words again and again, his heartbeat was slowing, then came the loud chug as bolter rounds were slowly coming towards him. He thought that if he just listened to the rhythm of his heartbeat it would be over quickly, to put his mind away from the fact that he is going to die. His death will be ignoble, pointless and all he has been through is coming to and end. He counted his heartbeat, one, two, three, four...five….six. He lingered on the six, his life flashed before his eyes and he wondered, he wondered truly what was he fighting for? Where others die he lives, for what reason does he live?

He wishes he could just...vanish. It would be simple, no more heartache, no more betrayals, no more dealing with chaos. There would just be an end. He opened his eyes, the bullet was so close, he thought to walk into it. But then he ground his teeth “I...don’t want to die!” he suddenly cried out in defiance.

He slowed his breathing to match his heartbeat, he fell into a strange rhythm. One, two, three, four, five, six...Time returned to normal. He adjusted his head while following the rhythm and the bullet just whizzed past him.

He took one step forward, he started to run onward. His footsteps started to fall into the same rhythm, the screams were also falling into place as well. The sounds of mass-reactive shells leaving bolters matched it as well. To him it was like a song and he was dancing to it.

Inferus raced down the road, black energy started to grip his body. The batteries moved to him but he danced and flipped through the bolter fire, if one was irregular his vision goes dark for just about a second and then he finds himself just a few metres forward. Suddenly everyone at the defensive position looked at him with shock, all of them were now moving to kill him. Such a thing should have him worried but he now strangely looked forward to it, he wanted to test his skill upon them.

At the moment he was by himself, but that did not matter, this was his time and his alone. A force was guiding him, his muscles tensed, no one has the right to interrupt him not here. Las-fire streaked through the air, Inferus gracefully flipped over it. Again bolters barked and somehow he was phasing right through them, now he was just a few metres away.

He let his body obey completely obey the rhythm, he leveled his autopistol at the first astartes. Two bursts, only two. They both cracked into each eye-lense and the astartes fell back. The sergeant who used his strange artifact from before shouted “kill the witch! Don’t let him get over!” The heavy bolter batteries moved, but it was too late he jumped over the small wall. A devastor twisted to him. He raised autopistol, but then there was an irregularity in the song he did a backflip, looking down while he twirled in the air he could see it was the power sword of the sergeant moving through the air. The movement of the servo in the sergeant's power armour was part of the song, as his feet was coming down he landed on the sergeant's arm which was pointing forward. The loyalist’s were now looking at him in almost shock and wonder.

His balance was perfect, obeying the rhythm he shot through the eye lenses of the devastator who was before him, he then twisted on the arm and faced the sergeant. He slashed his throat with his almost rusted knife, warm blood sprayed on his face. The gorget of any space marine was a weak spot, the sergeant gripped his neck with his other hand.

Then like a spring before his enemy could fall to the ground he did another black flip, as he moved through the air he landed behind another devastator, Inferus bought his knife to bare on the back of his legs, another weak point. The devastator fell to his knees, Inferus then bought his knife down on the back of his neck ending his life.

A scion on one of the batteries turned to him. “Die heretic!” he shouted, he fired. This was another thing which was not part of the song. He focused and like before his vision went dark for a moment, now he was above the heavy bolter battery. He came down and stabbed the scion in the throat. Due to him firing before, the mass-reactive shells slammed into the other battery causing it to explode.

Inferus pushed the corpse off and took his seat. The heavy bolter was perfectly aligned before his enemies. Some tried to jump aside but it was too late, he opened fire and not even power armour could protect the astartes. The chugging of the heavy bolter matched the song. This was perfection. “One..two...three..four...five...six.” As he said six, the last corpse fell upon the ground with a wet thud.

The song drifted away, silence fell upon the checkpoint. He blinked in shock, just for a second he wondered what he actually did? But it felt good, he wanted to do it again the force from before vanished like it was never there.

***
Tetricus chuckled, what he saw was beyond his expectations. “Can you see it? Can you see the end? Can you hear his song?” he said out loud. Dorene shook her head “that’s impossible! What trickery is this!?” “There is no trick dear Dorene. He is simply one with the desire of the dark prince.” Cassius strode up to him “so...are you done letting your slave show us up?” “Are you jealous dear brother?” Tetricus said in amusement. “N-No! Anyway most of our forces are preserved for the last checkpoint.” “Indeed it is! No-” He was cut off as a pillar of pink light shot up to the skies.

But what has him worried is that the pillar is expanding from the vault and he could feel the malign presence from before, it was far more stronger. “No more jokes, we must advance quickly.” Cassius looked confused “Is something wrong?” “Obey me brother, we are advancing. No more questions.” He briskly walked forward. His company followed behind him. As he got to the checkpoint he could see Inferus is staring at the expanding pillar of light. He frowned “Are you going to fight it my lord?” “Who are you referring to slave?” Inferus bought his gaze to him, he looked dejected, almost insulted and slightly sad as well. “apologies my lord, I will only speak if you address me.” Tetricus looked on ahead, Inferus is not wrong.

Whatever that presence is they have to fight it. It’s a boon that Inferus took the checkpoint by himself.

***
Solomon removed his blade from a scion, smashing through the three checkpoints was trivial. He looked over to Amanda who was holding an astartes head. “Soon our overlord will be free.” “Yes bondmaster, but shouldn’t we hurry?” He swept the blood through his hair “Yes we should.” Then came the pillar of light, everyone dropped to their knees in joyous worship “look! Astaroth is coming!” Solomon shouted.

They all praised her name, her voice boomed into her mind. +Come to me! The end is in sight!+ They all got up, every single follower screamed for their overlord. “Come! Onward!” Solomon declared. They charged towards the vault, his overlord needs him. She needs him to usher in her glory and he will do whatever it takes to ensure it.

***
Simiel took several steps back from the building, he recalled the forces guarding the third checkpoint leading to the museum wing for what is happening before him might be the end of this world. At the moment they are arriving and looking the vault in shock, the wards now pulsing pink.

A pillar of light then extended from the building, it washed over them. He was blinded for a moment but as his vision cleared everything was normal.



Zophiel shook his head “is Alfred…?” “He is most likely dead brother, prepare yourself for what is coming.” Simiel roared out his orders as he pointed at the entrance of the vault with his power sword “Brothers! Soldiers of the emperor! Open fire on whatever comes through that door!” The seconds ticked by and then the doors flung open, the creature looked utterly alien, it’s tail moved unnaturally in the air and her face is too...perfect. This thing is most likely the killer of Alfred and the veterans. “Open fire!” he roared out.

They unloaded everything upon it, the terminators fired stormbolters, intercessors bolt rifles flashed and the scions levelled everything they had upon it. As the bullets reached the creature it simply evaporated to nothing, she grinned in amusement. +This is my world...my realm...but there is a ruler among you…+ She pointed her strange sword at him. +Face me! Bare your heart and soul! Show me your suffering! Let me see if you are a ruler so I can crush you!” Simiel found his nose bleeding, he saw flashes of his recruitment, enduring the hellish training, reading the six hundred tomes of the grey seekers without rest. He saw the day he became captain, he felt wonderful during that time.

Then he saw the failures, losing brothers, watching them die and that hurt him. He clenched his primary heart. “It hurts…” The images vanished his vision was locked onto the creature. He could hear screams from his right also, he could hear Solomon praising Astaroth. The creature then suddenly enlarged, her form shifted to an angelic figure with white wings, black horns sprouted from her brow and her dress hovered in the air unnaturally. At the back of his mind he could hear the hissing of snakes. “D-Daemon…” Zophiel shouted at him “Captain! Snap out of it!” She swept her sword over them +you hearts are weak, so is your mind and soul. As per the way of the galaxy I should rule you...on your knees!+ The command was like a thunder hammer smashed into his head.

He found himself dropping to his knees “W-What?” Zophiel and many others tried to rise, but they couldn’t.” Simiel struggled, but his body would not obey him. His eyes then locked onto the daemon, Solomon was now striding up to the creature with those he corrupted.

The corruption was evident on their bodies, pale skin, stark white hair and their eyes were slits. Solomon raised his hands and at once all of the heretics fell to their knees. They praised the daemon, they begged to be ordered. Astaroth looked over to her left, she smiled. +Another worthy soul to be dominated…+ Her eyes moved to him and his company. +Forget your oaths…+ The words were like a whisper in his mind, it felt akin to psycho-indoctrination.


Zophiel screamed, in reaction he slammed his head on the ground and reduced it to bloodied ruins, the same occurred to the other intercessors. Astaroth tutted +far too loyal, very well then...the rest of you? Forget the emperor...hate the Anathema.+ Then he felt it, his mind was being rewritten, every oath was turning to dust, every hint of who he was is being torn apart and put together again. Simiel screamed out in agony, but it was a short one. +Rise my warriors…+ He stood up right and looked to his left, he saw the heretics who seek to stand against his overlord. “Rise brothers! Rise soldiers of the Overlord! The heretics are coming!” In a quick motion they stood up right and faced the forces marching towards him.

Astaroth gave a great laugh +that’s it! Test the ruler first! He might not be worth my time!+ Simiel roared he charged towards the heathens. “For the overlord!”

***

Tetricus stared at the advancing astartes, it’s clear to him they were not in their right minds but that did not matter. They are still his enemies all the same. The only issue is the daemon, her influence is strong, at the moment she is shifting the planet to a daemon world he could feel it. Tetricus pointed his staff at them “Kill them brothers! Let none live!” They all ran forward, as they met in close combat it was a charnel house.

He searched for the captain, it was right for him to kill the leader of the loyalists as head of the 4th. Tetricus released a gout of purple flame from his staff incinerating a astartes, his death screams were unpleasant, instead of the normal gurgling sound he was praising the overlord. He twirled his staff and sent a wave of flame at the scions, again it was the same thing. He could not enjoy this, there was no agony involved, no pain. “Death to all heretics!” He turned to his right to see the captain advancing towards him, his power sword glinted as ge raised it up high to attack hm

Tetricus bought up his staff to block the attack, as the sword ground on his staff he chuckled. “Are you that weak to bow to a daemon?” “Silence! Do not insult the Overlord with your blasphemous tongue!” Tetricus then grinned. “Overlord? The creature is not worthy of such a title if it was imprisoned. This daemon is really narcissistic, she displays the most annoying aspect when it comes to the followers of the dark prince. But I guess you don’t care...you seem like the type of person who prefers to be on the bottom than the top.” The captain roared out in anger, he bought his blade back to strike him.

But before the blade could reach his helmet the captain froze, he held him in place. “You are nothing...you haven’t suffered...hence why you have been dominated so easily.” He waved his hand over the loyalist. He then gasped “W-What? Where am I?” “You are about to die.” “H-Heretic! What have you done to me?” “Froze you in place, freed your mind for but a moment so I can actually enjoy killing you.” He pointed at Justus who was stomping on a loyalist’s head. “Also your company is dying. Don’t worry Erastus will scourge up the gene-seed so we can use it. Your legacy won’t go to waste, I assure you that.” The captain screamed at him, he gnashed his teeth, trying with all his might to free himself.

Tetricus walked to him, so they were now face to face. “You fight for a lie...the dark prince is the truth of the galaxy. I will show you the truth...just for a few moments.” He placed his hand on his helmet, the captain screamed as he started to boil within his armour.

The grey paint was scorched, ceramite fused with skin. He burnt him slowly, his scream was a prayer, even though he does not bow to the dark prince. In the end he will see slaanesh’s gullet. The captain crumpled away to nothing, some ash remained on his fingers. He rubbed it together and looked around. Cassius has impaled his blade in the throat of a loyalist astartes, Faust was shattering armour with his sonic blaster and Justus was still stomping heads.

His eyes then moved to Erastus who was pushing his fellow brothers aside, he was ranting and screaming at them that they are ruining precious materials. His own eyes then moved to the daemon prince in the distance, the fact that it was not moving showed that the daemon was expecting him.

He gestured for everyone to hurry up “finish up brothers...we have one last enemy to deal with…”

***
She stared at the advancing flesh golems, her slaves were unsure. She could feel their fear whenever their eyes fell upon the sorcerer. But in dealing with her captors, Astaroth felt that he was worth her time. The army stopped several metres away from her, the sorcerer shook his head, he pointed at her. “You ruined a good plan you know that?” He then gestured to his followers “You also ruined the show that I wanted to put on for my brothers!” Astaroth chuckled +you are a funny one aren’t you?+ “I try.” She nodded and swept her sword over all of them. +Prove your worth! There can only be one ruler! As Overlord I command all before me to kneel!+ She took the minds of the heathens before and one at a time they fell to their knees. The mortal from before gripped his head, he cried tears of blood he was the only one resisting. She frowned in annoyance at the mortal’s trivial display.

The sorcerer looked at her bowing followers and then bought his gaze to her. He slammed his staff into the ground leaving it place. He removed his helmet slowly and dropped it to the ground. A great pink conflagration consumed his entire body, she smirked that showed he is worthy. The little sorcerer opened his mouth. “THEY ARE NOT YOURS TO BEND!” His distorted voice tore right into her, she screamed and wavered just slightly. Astaroth could feel her area of control shuddering, it was burning with hatred and malice. Some of her slaves rushed over to her side, but the gesture proves her weakness. She cleaved them in half as she stood up right again. +Oh? So you have some bite? The Anathema burned away my powers in an instant. I acknowledge that you are strong.+ The sorcerer started to stride towards her, flames poured out of his skeletal mouth. “HE GAVE THEM TO ME! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT! YOU SHALL SUFFER!” Again she winced, he practicing the logic even though he does not know it, they were the fundamentals of her existence and of her race who are now dead.

She watched his armour begin to melt from his body, it dripped from it and turned in molten slag. Now without amour, he was now standing a few paces away from her. None of her slaves moved, they had complete belief in her abilities. The sorcerer looked up to her. “I will give you one chance…” he said in a flat tone. “Only one.” He raised one skeletal finger to press the point. “They are my brothers who I love dearly, I even love Inferus, and you trying to take away their will...trying to spit on the legacy Taurus gave me…so I will count to six. At the moment I don’t care for myself, even if I have to burn myself away to free them I shall do so.” He lowered his hand. “One.” Astaroth laughed +What do you hope to do? I have suffered to achieve this power, destroyed civilisations!+ “Two.” She continued to laugh +Your “brothers” are serving a better master, I can taste your measure, you are weak...pitiful!+ “Three...Four…” Astaroth raised her blade +I wonder what I saw in you?+ She bought it down “five...Six.” A large burst of flame blinded her, she heard a screeching wail. As her vision cleared a large burning pink avian creature was now before her.

The creature did not hesitate, it shot forward into her gut sending her flying. It’s beak was starting to burn through her body. She tried to punch it but the flames were too hot, her hand was scalded. She looked around, now she just realised that she is shooting down the checkpoints in midair, her back then slammed onto the great doors leading to the research wing.

Astaroth roared out in anger, she tried to stab the flaming bird. But her sword phased right through the creature as she bought her blade up half of it was gone. The bird was borrowing in further, now her body was starting to catch fire, her beautiful white wings were also catching alight. +What do you aim to do!?+ The sorcerer’s voice passed through her mind, she could feel his utter loathing, anger and hatred. He was drowning in it. “YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO EXIST.” Her area of control was being overtaken, it was empowering the witch instead of her now. The door started to buckle, it strained under the force being applied to it.

Then she shot through it, now they were flying through the research wing of the city. She screamed, her body was now burning horribly. Suddenly it stopped, the burning sensation on her gut vanished as well along with the burning bird who sputtered away to nothing.

She stopped her herself, using her burnt wings to aid her. She looked around +what are you doing?+ she hissed. A pink light then washed over her, she looked up to see a giant orb of pink fire was above her. She shook her head +W-What?+ Her area of control, she could no longer feel it.

The same thing happened when she faced the Anthema. She ground her teeth, she shouted at the orb. +You have no right to rule! I worked for what I have!+ The giant orb started to move, she cursed and tried to fly out of range. But it was too large, she won’t get out of the area of effect in time. Now she saw flashes of her kingdom being destroyed, her grand statues being reduced to rubble, her slaves being executed. She looked up the orb again, it was so close, then she said something she did not expect to say. +My dark prince help me! Please!+ The orb suddenly expanded rapidly in size as those words parted her lips. It kept growing and growing.

The heat soon became too much, she screamed in agony. Astaroth tried to think quickly, she had to think of some way to save herself. She reached into her gut and tore a piece of herself out, she threw it down to the city. She then searched for a slave, any slave. +Retrive me!+ she ordered. There was no response, +No, No, No!+ The orb fell open her back, it consumed her whole body.

The pain was horrific, she did not crumble to ash, she simply burned for an age. The sorcerer is tormenting her, making her suffer. He is showing his complete dominance, then she felt something strange. She knows it was not the psyker doing, but a certain emotion consumed her even as she burned, she did not know what it was.

Astaroth couldn’t put her finger on it, she then felt something holding her. She strangely stopped burning.

Something large was holding her, she blinked with her ruined eye to see a giant flaming skeleton was holding her. +W-What are you!?+ The skeleton opened it’s maw and threw her in, he started to chew. Her body was broken down, she was ground down to nothing. She felt her power evaporating, she released a yelp and then she felt nothing.

***
Cassius’ vision was dark, he could not see. He was trapped in this well, he could not move either. But then he heard his power armour chiming, he strangely felt warm as an orange light burnt away the darkness, it seared the void to nothing. He was being hefted up by someone, he blinked several times to clear his vision.

He saw a grinning skeleton. “W-What happened?” “Nothing. We won by the way.” “Huh?” He looked around there were no enemies left, the pale mortals were also dead. It looked like their throats were slit. “What did you do?” “Oh...after I defeated the daemon the humans started crying and committed ritual suicide or some such.” “I...see.” Cassius noticed that his brothers were rising, they were rubbing their heads, all of them looked confused.

He raised his eyebrow at Tetricus “what happened to your armour? Why aren’t you wearing anything?” His skeletal lord simply shrugged. “Dunno.” “What do you mean you don’t know!? It goes dark for a moment and now...you are here.” “As always.” Tetricus let go of his arm. “Now stop with the questions.” He pointed at the building “we are taking everything from the vault. Eidolon wants the artifacts.” “Can you explain at least what happened?” “Oh I can.” “Right tell me then.” Tetricus placed his hand on where his heart should be he looked slightly upwards, like he is telling some grand story. “I faced the daemon in single combat! I told it that I loved all of you! Thereupon I turned into a giant bird and sent the daemon flying across the city! I was fabulous I tell you! After that I became the sun itself and burnt the vile daemon with my giant and inflated animosity! But the best part is when I became taller than a building! I devoured that cursed creature and ground her into dust with my jaws!” he said all of this in a jovial tone, he was not serious either. Everyone save his favoured slave looked at him in confusion, even Justus shook his head.

At the current moment Tetricus looks like a fool. “So what actually happened?” Cassius asked. Tetricus looked down to him while still holding his hand upon his chest. “That’s what happened, you don’t believe me?” He looked almost hurt, again he is acting the fool. “No, so how about we finish what we are doing? Since you only like to tell silly stories and make terrible jokes?” “B-But…” “Also she looked like a daemon prince, you don’t have the power to beat one.” “Why do you have to kill the mood all the time Cassius!?” Tetricus said in annoyance. He walked past his childish lord “because someone has to be serious if you are not going to be.” He then gave out the order for his followers to advance upon the vault. He was tired of this world.

***
Clavin hid with his Overlord within the research wing of the city. At the moment the heretics are picking over the remains of the city. When he heard the order he left right away, he gripped the slithering snake tightly and kept it close to his body. He could see her, a small part of her dwelling within the Vermis. Her soulfire was but a small ember.

He could tell that it was different compared to the other Vermis, the rune of slaanesh was carved on its forehead. It was more larger as well. He wrapped a black cover around his body, he left the allway and stared at the mass carrier. Just looking at it for a few moments the Vermis slithered in his hands, commands formed with his mind. “I shall do it mistress.” He walked to the carrier, he was just another slave. A slave that will find his Overlord a host.

Damn i was hoping she died foreal and he absorbed her essence. Btw why did tetricus do that to asriel? It wasnt exactly clear for me.

 Dayknight wrote:

Damn i was hoping she died foreal and he absorbed her essence. Btw why did tetricus do that to asriel? It wasnt exactly clear for me.

It will become clear, preparing the next chapter and about the essence? Heh, you are half right.

Chapter 7
He panted as he moved the shell with the other slaves, somehow he landed back in his old job. Inferus grimanced, he wondered what Tetricus is planning here? He robbed him of everything. Dorene is now head chief, she is leader of his fraternity. The bullet was then hefted onto the lift, it will then rise and slide into the macro-cannon.

He wiped his brow, it took so many of them just to move the bullet and that was just one. He looked to his hands, he could see dark splotches upon it along with wrinkles. He is aging, he could feel it not even his biomancy could force it away. He then swept his eyes over his workplace, slaves were at work filling the giant ammunition, after that it’s bought to a lift, he could see some were followers of the dark prince. They smiled as they worked, they think the pain of work is blessing, that the masters favour them.

They even praise slaanesh when one of the astartes come and drag them away. His eyes then moved to Oktai, he took all of this stride. He asked Tetricus that he wanted to be by his side and his lord obliged the old man’s request. He did not understand why he wanted to live in the muck of the lower levels, but as always he could not understand Oktai’s intentions. The horn then sounded, it work was over for now.

Inferus walked up to Oktai, he smiled “glad that's over.” “For the moment my young lord.” The old man wiped his brow, they were both wearing essnetially rags. A dirty shirt, trousers and boots. Seeing Oktai’s bare arms they were powerfully built, there were no blemishes either. “Oktai...how old are you?” His grey beard pinched slightly due to his smirk “why do you want to know?” “I am just curious.” “Hmm, about eighty.” “Eighty!?” He looked around the old man, his legs were strong, so was his back and hands. “How!? Your body is shaped like a young man in its prime!” Oktai shrugged “don’t know, I don’t think about it. Before I met you signs of age did creep over me but your father used his sorcery to reverse it. Since joining you I no longer feel it at all.” Inferus stroked his chin, the only reason this could be the case is that he is favoured.

But he has never seen the old man praise any god, he also feels he is not going to start now. As he finished his inspection he returned to the front of Oktai. “What’s your secret?” “Excuse me?” Inferus leaned in slightly “I am aging…” he whispered “Oh…is that a problem?” “Yes!” he said in a hushed tone. “I see, but why are you whispering?” “Because the others are watching, all of my enemies. I know that one day they will come to kill me. I am a slave now, they have that right. I will be just another corpse within this grand ship.” “Let them watch, Tetricus hasn’t abandoned you.” Inferus leaned back, he frowned slightly “how do you know? He is most likely making bad jokes at the current moment.” “So you still can’t see what he is doing?” “No I can’t, my skin is returning to normal and I am aging. I am losing favour.” The old man gave his standard shrug and turned “let us return to our room my young lord.” He started to walk, Inferus rubbed his neck in annoyance. He ran slightly to catch up with Oktai, he then wondered what is his lord’s game here? He wondered what he should do? Then it clicked.

He could ask Taurus, he is wise he would know what to do. He always helps him even if he does not remember who he truly is.

***
Shidonai looked over the small remains of her cult, her throne felt uncformtable to sit on. All those sent to the research wing did not come back, there were only two houses left and it was those of lower rank. Only twenty members each. The rest that survived were either cut down by the cult of ending or converted upon their return to the ship. She clutched the arms of her throne, she needed an answer. A way to take back power. +I can offer it…+ The voice brushed over her mind, it was soft, there was a hiss with each word spoken. She rose from her throne “Show yourself! If you wish to speak! Speak Plainly!” Among the crowd someone rose “so it was you?” The figure removed his hood “no my...queen.” She narrowed her eyes at them, his six eyes were now slits, he looked pale as well. “Clavin?” She was surprised she remembered his name, she guessed the reason why is because he worked with one of her favoured. Clavin bowed “My queen, there is a reason why we are losing. We have no sponsor.” “Sponsor?” “Yes, you know of the daemonic bull that supports the cult of ending?” “I do, but what does it matter?” “It does matter my queen. What secrets is he giving them? What power? I hate to say it...but we are in a weak position. The astartes have also given up on us.” All of this was true, she gestured for him to come forward.

Clavin approached the throne, he got to one knee. “My queen…” “What do you suggest we do?” He looked up to her, he smiled. “We get our own sponsor.” He held out a thick snake-like creature. It’s pink eyes met her own. +Such will...such strength…+ “So it was you, what do you want? If I dislike what I hear I will have both you and Clavin killed.” The creature slithered around in his hands. +I have come to offer you pow-+ “What do you want in return? I know how your kind likes to barter.” The creature narrowed it’s eyes at her. +I am now lesser forevermore I see that now. A great part of myself has been devoured. That piece has been lost forever to the one who has not realised what he has gained. I tell you this now...the cult of ending is coming here to kill you. So make your decision quickly. I can give you my remaining essence! You will rise!+ She then heard the screams outside of the doors, everyone in the hall and her guards readied themselves for battle.

For once in a long time she hesitated, the snake frowned. +You used to dig out of the trash for food. The sorcerers were the elite, you are weak...powerless. Can you even defend yourself here?+ The doors flung open, cultists, Corpus’ and knights streamed into the room. Guns flared, swords flicked out, the hall descended into a brawl. Shidonai shook her head. “N-No...not here.” +Make your choice. Devour me and become strong.+ The snake said firmly. The Corpus were hacking through her people like children, her guards charged forward. But before they could get into close combat their heads were blown off by the knights who now wield bolters. Shidonai snatched the snake from Clavin’s hands and stuffed it into her mouth.

She swallowed, the snake was huge but it was trying with all it’s might to slither down. As it finally moved down her throat she felt something. A change, her mind warping. She saw memories that was not her own, but her past in the slums was also true.

It was confusing, she gripped her head. “I….I….I….” then she saw herself burning, with that vision she felt her body changing. She was rising slightly in height, a sharp pain erupted from her lower back. She blinked several times and in still images she could see the enemy forces advancing, they are destroying everything she built. That angered her, she reached out with her hands and let loose bolts of purple lightning. It washed over enemy and foe, causing bodies to burst and crisp. “I am still queen!” she roared out.

***
Clavin watched his overlord unleash her power, she was now beautiful. Her tail flailed in the air. She was now slightly taller, her frame was strong and also slender. Her face was soft and his overlord’s white hair floated in the air slightly. Desire swept through his heart.

Once the heathens were eliminated she lowered her hands. She gestured “rise Clavin.” He did as ordered, he bowed. “What do you wish of me?” His overlord stroked her chin. “I am not her.” She said firmly. Clavin raised his eyebrow in confusion, through the snake worming within his body he could tell that his overlord is still before him. She played with her ear slightly “I am...Shidonai..but also...Astaroth...and the Queen of Heavens. I am still Inanna.” She walked past him “we also serve our leader, Tetricus.” Clavin turned to her “but you are my mistress.” Her gaze slightly moved to him as she stepped on a head crushing it. “I am your queen and Overlord, you serve me but you also serve him. He owns the logic, so he rules this place. That should be respected.” Clavin bowed again, such a thing did not bother him as long as he serves Astaroth. “As you say.” She then looked to the doors “Things have to be improved around here, the houses need to be reformed. But they will be stronger this time. I will make my presence felt...Come Clavin.”

She started to make her way out of the hall, Clavin hurried after her. It’s his duty to be by her side.

***
Tetricus tore into an apple, he was in a good mood due to the invasion going well. He felt so happy that he is having dinner with his brothers again. Cassius looked over to his apples “what are they? You seem to be enjoying them.” Tetricus shrugged “they just taste good, they give me that tingling feeling as well.” “But you are a skeleton.” “So? I can still interface with my armour when I shouldn’t be able to. Some things just can’t be explained.” His brother sighed and tucked into his meal, Cassius smiled as he took the first bite. “You cook well slave.” Dorene placed the spoon into Justus’ mouth. “Thank you my lord. Your words bring me joy.” “So respectful unlike the other one…” Dorene smiled “unlike him I worship your glory and seek to bring the dark prince to all. Plus the...servants you gifted me are helpful my lord.” Tetricus chuckled “you are smitten with her as well? I thought you had the painters?” Cassius frowned “I can complement and give gifts to slaves if I desire. You are the one who threw the mouthy one aside.” Erastus smiled “I also wonder about that as well, what was your reasoning for such a thing? I don’t regret you doing that since he can no longer manipulate my Corpus.’”

Tetricus burned the core of the apple, once it was ashes his eyes moved to each of them, at times he has to be serious for their sake. For sometimes they can’t look beyond the horizon. “I want to ask all of you something...how do you view this legion? What are we good at?” Cassius laughed “well we are the most perfect and magnificent. Also we are the most dedicated when it comes to perfecting the art of warfare.” “Don’t forget broken, we have been shattered.” Erastus said wearily. Faust joined the conversation “that will change once our father rises. Will he brother?” His eyes moved to the phoenix terminator. “He likes to doth other things. I noticed him speaking about Roboute Guilliman a few times.” Faust nodded “he might send us against the Ultramarines? That’s if he rises?” Justus shrugged slightly.

Tetricus smiled “so are all of you in agreement that we are the most perfect and magnificent? That we are the most dedicated to perfecting the art of war?” They all nodded, Tetricus shook his head. “Alright then...what do you feel our weaknesses are?” “We have none.” Cassius said firmly. “I am asking a serious question brother.” Erastus gave a small laugh “Fine, I will answer the question.” Tetricus wondered what his answer will be, he gestured to him. “Go on then.” Erastus coughed slightly “for one...we act like lions when we should be wolves.” Cassius scoffed “is that a joke? I have no desire to be like one of the disgusting wolves.” “That’s not my point, our brothers have trouble acting in a unit. They are far more concerned with showing off than focusing in being better in warfare. They fight by themselves rather than fighting together.” Tetricus took in his answer, he then swept his eyes over them. “Do you agree with Erastus my brothers?” Begrudgingly they agreed.

Cassius sighed “what is the point of you asking these questions? What is your view on the matter?” Tetricus closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them. “I shall answer...I think you are all wrong.” Cassius rolled his eyes “of course you disagree, ever the exception as always.” “You may think that...but all I hear is denial. All of you got it the other way round, we haven’t been about mastering warfare in centuries...but we are still lions. That’s the core of who we are.” He picked an apple from the basket and bit into it, he started to chew. “None of you follow me, but you respect me that’s why I lead. Each of you has their own idea about perfection, it’s an impossibility without shape or form. So you pursue that ideal in a ruthless manner.” His gaze moved to Cassius “so tell me have you ever decided to use your combat knife over a blade?” “Yes I have.” “Why?” His brother fidgeted slightly in his seat. “If I can’t kill while disadvantaged, what’s the point? I will never master the blade if I can’t do that. Plus I desire to look beautiful while doing it.” “Have you done more than that?” “I..to-no I still take stimulates, all of my palatine blades engaged in narcotics to improve ourselves in our old warband. I still take them to this day.” “Has all of that worked out for you Cassius?” “It has, it helped me survive after being stranded and at the same time others admire me.” “I see...but some would call that extreme.” The prefector turned visibly angry. “It’s not extreme! I need to be the best! Limits...are for fools.” Tetricus gestured to him “bonafide lion right here my brothers. I do not desire Cassius to change, no one else can tell him how to be the best. I can’t tell him how to push past the barrier to achieve his ideal. He wants to prove that he is the best to everyone else in the company.” Justus grunted “I doth not desire such a thing, I wanteth to worketh with mine brothers. I am nay lion.” “You desire it even if you don’t say it Justus, I ask you how many times did Rothac have to pull you back from running out of position due to your...immortality? The first thing you did when I picked you up is that you wanted to prove it to me, to the point that you charged a trench. You even wanted to take on a giant golden statue that would reduce you to nothing, to prove that you are immortal to everyone else. To prove that you are a true champion of the dark prince who can rejoice in any pain or suffering.” He pointed at the head sitting the corner. “I still have the head by the way.” Justus looked away, he had him. He is just like the rest of them.

Tetricus gave a weak laugh “it took myself some time to realise this, now that I am burning...I want everyone to see me. I want us to be great. There are no extremes...no limits. Limits is heresy, let that be known now.” Faust shook his head “so how does this relate to Inferus?” Tetricus smiled “it’s quite simple, he has to learn to be a lion like the rest of us. At the current moment...he is a dog, a wolf that desires to be in a pack. As Erastus said before. Such people have no place in our legion, in this company. He will remain at the bottom, in the muck unless he changes.” Dorene raised her hand “what is it?” Tetricus asked. “He won’t change, he is far too stubborn.”

Tetricus said nothing for a moment, he could strangly sense something moving. He did not know why he felt such a thing, someone or something is attempting to disrupt his rule here. He bit into his apple again. “It is most likely nothing…an echo” he whispered to himself. He moved to answer Dorene. “He is stubborn, it’s why I tore everything away.” “What of Oktai?” “He won’t help him.” “How do you know?”

“Because...he is just like me.”

Interesting, i wonder why everyone tries to break asriel's loyalty. That seems like the best part about him and his own "excess" for the dark prince.

 Dayknight wrote:

Interesting, i wonder why everyone tries to break asriel's loyalty. That seems like the best part about him and his own "excess" for the dark prince.

Heh...I would say something but it would be spoilers.

Chapter 8
He stared at the bubbling black pool, it was circular and across the top of it he could see hands reaching out, screaming for freedom. But those were just echos, afterimages of their enemies who were sacrificed. He clutched the top of his cane, the golden skull top vibrated slightly as he grasped it. For he knew it would be soon time for them to leave the shadows of this place. He could feel it, God wants them to show everyone what they can truly do. Everyone here in the murky slums, the name of their home calls him Elder. More or less as a sign of respect, but he knows if he shows even a moment of weakness the challenges would come, people want to test themselves, become better and break through new heights.

But if such challenges come he would never kill them, in a sense all of them are his children. Small flowers he carefully raised. +I can make your flowers blossom further…+ Elder smiled slightly “I knew you would came here.” He could now hear the trotting of hooves, he looked to his right to see one of the neverborn was now standing next to him. +This place is interesting, there is no order, it’s complete entropy yet you thrive.+ “Because the weak cannot survive here. It has to be that way. Only those who are the strongest, the most perfect can survive in the slums.” The neverborn gave a cold chuckle +what do you know of perfection?+ “I know it’s not you...my old lord.” +Ah, another who thinks me to be this...Taurus.+ “I can sense it, you are him. But...you may not have known of me but I knew you. The angel would preach daily about your glory, how perfect and wonderful you were. I believed it wholeheartedly, I was even a priest of that old cult.” +So what changed?+ “You were reduced to a spawn, God deems you are failure. Even now...looking in those eyes you are still a failure.” The neverborn flicked to him, pink flames bellowed out of his nostrils. +mind your tongue mortal. I can end you here.+

“Can you? You see I feel God has a plan at work. We don’t make totems, shrines or temples. God is formless but I can feel her rattling my old bones, causing my teeth to chitter. What I see before me...is something shaped to aid in the growth of others.” The bull-like creature nodded. +We agree on that front, those I devour are improved. In me they know perfection.+ Elder shook his head “no, we are not the same. Unlike you...I am truly selfish. You think that eating people is improving the one that is being devoured, but that sounds like excuses. You simply seek more power, power to better yourself and your standing before God.” The neverborn blinked his maw then opened wide, wide enough to devour him completely. He stood there, he knew nothing would happen.

The neverborn took one step, but froze in place. He struggled to move +why is this happening!?+ Elder did not even look at the daemon. “God has a plan at work. Cash can feel it too, so he moves. You should go too.” The daemon’s mouth closed, he looked up slightly. +He calls me…+ He then turned away and left the hall without saying anything further. The Elder smiled to himself.

“you sought to use us...in order to make him a wonderful meal. But God’s plan will not be stopped.”

***

Inferus kept calling for Taurus, they were within their small room. Oktai said nothing to his screaming while he checked over his weapons. He was sitting on one of the mattresses. Sometimes he would look at him, Inferus could sense disapproval but this is the only way. He is now his normal skin tone, his actual age was catching up with him and his toes are now five digits even though they end in small talons. All of this was happening so quickly, the worst outcome might actually be coming hence why he needs his captain.

“Taurus! Come to me!” he called out again. This time his captain phased through the wall. He was chewing something. +What is it?+ “I need your help again.” Taurus cocked his head slightly, +hmmmm.+ “Is something wrong?” +No. Come forward.+ Inferus walked towards the daemon. +Now drop to one knee and close your eyes.+ He did as he was ordered. While closing his eyes he smiled, he wondered what Taurus will show him? A new path to perfection? +You are correct mortal. That is what I will show you.+ Inferus nodded, he waited for whatever is to come.

He most likely guessed that Taurus will show him a vision, a path to take so he could take back and unite his knights. He will regain his position and Tetricus’ approval. The seconds ticked by, nothing was happening he thought to open his eyes but then he was suddenly shoved aside. His eyes slowly opened as he was sent to flying to the floor what he saw was Taurus’s maw has extended, it was wide enough to swallow someone whole. Oktai was in the middle of it. Inferus shook his head “W-What?” His captain’s huge mouth wrapped around Oktai, the daemon then drew him into his body. “O-Oktai?” Taurus shook his frame in annoyance +Damn mortals! No matter…+ He looked at him. +You would’ve known perfection. You being aimless after losing everything shows you must be with me.+ Inferus slowly stood up. “Give him back…” +The one I just ate? He is alive for now.+ His captain then blinked rapidly, he smiled. +Or you can become better...stronger...I will hold this one in my gut for six weeks. Only six weeks. If you don’t come to me in under six weeks I will digest him, I will take his wonderful talent, his mind and make it my own.+ He then walked away phasing through the same wall, he was wagging his tail.

Inferus simply stood there, he could not take him on. Not as a daemon prince. But what hurt him more was his captain’s betrayal. He clutched his shirt “w-why would he do this?” There is only one way, he needs to see Tetricus now. He rushed out of his room and ran to the stairs leading to the upper level. As he got there he encountered guards, they were a mix of knights and the cult of ending. He approached them, they leveled their weapons at him. The leader was one of his own, he wore a golden helmet. “Back to your pen slave!” Inferus stopped “I need to see our lord.” All of them gave a small laugh, the leader shook his head “you are now a slave, our lord has said if you step past this point he will kill you.” The news caused his lips to tremble slightly. “Even if you force your you way through, he will kill you. Since you show with your actions that you do not respect him.” “I need to talk to him, I have important information.” “I don’t care, back to your pen.” Inferus narrowed his eyes, he thought to break through but decided against it. He turned away and walked back, he stared at the ground he only had six weeks. Only six.

He bumped into someone, he looked up. It was an middle aged man with short black hair and a stubble. He grinned “hello brother.” His accent made it evident he was from an agri world, he walked past him. He was in no mood for ants who want to prove a point. “I hear that daemon of yours took somethin important.” He froze and looked back. “Who are you?” “Name’s Cash, Bessy and I have come to...lend you a hand.” Inferus frowned, the man’s jacket was slightly covered in dirt. But something was off, he could feel it.

He turned to the man fully, he also faced him. “I tell you brother...if I was you I would’ve broken through. But...you don’t have the resolve do you? One man tells you one thing and the other tells you his own truth. They try to break who you are...” he shook his head. “Minions of the light sure like to impose don’t they?” Cash walked up to him. “But if you want to realise your potential, you should come with me.” “Potential? What could you show me?” Cash looked back where he came from, the straight hallway was rather dark but Cash removed his rifle from his back. He pointed it down the hallway, he fired six times, adjusting slightly with each shot.

Inferus then heard screams and echoes of a thud. Cash quickly reloaded and flung the rifle around his back. He faced him again and smiled. “All head shots, I guarantee you that brother.” As he said that he ran past him, he headed back to the stairs leading to the upper levels. As he arrived his eyes widened, all of the guards were dead. Each one was shot in the head. Inferus then heard the clacking of boots behind him, he turned to see Cash still smiling. “You can head up there brother, to the light. Where people pray and follow false icons, but I guarantee you that they will not help you get what you want. After all...you need to hunt a daemon.” “Can you help me save Oktai?” “Whatever you want...after all doing what you want is God’s will.” Cash offered his hand, Inferus walked over and took it. “Welcome to the darkness brother, you will see how far this pit goes.” Inferus had to admit that the one before him is unnerving, but if he could get him what he needs he doesn’t care.

The journey was uneventful, but they took twists and turns it caused his head to swim a bit. So Inferus decided to strike up a conversation to take his mind off it. “So tell me Cash, what cult are you a part of?” “Cult?” “Yes, cult. It’s evident you are a part of one.” “Well..I am a shadow. It’s what we name the elite of the slums but there is no cult. Tell me brother how do you view God?” Inferus raised his eyebrow “you refer to the dark prince?” “Indeed I do brother.” He rubbed his neck at the question, he was not sure how to answer it. “Well he is the power I follow.” Cash snorted in amusement “power…you are so funny.” “Excuse me?” “God is the only power, excess exists in everything. So he is the only God. People make all these temples, writing down prescribed notions and holy texts? Pah!” Strangely he found himself interested in what Cash is saying. “So is everyone else is doing it wrong?” “In a manner of speaking...by the way that is your name? You never introduced yourself.” He looked away slightly, the betrayal of his captain stung him. He bit his lip just lightly for a moment. “Asriel.” “Help of God?” “What?” “That’s what your name means brother, help of God. Or it could mean prince of God.” Cash chuckled “you must care a lot for people.” “Sometimes I care too much, to my own detriment.” “Oh yeah, some people are just selfish. But I tell you what brother? Change is a thing belonging to a false deity, don’t let someone change you because of their own notions. You follow your gut, God exists within you.”

Strangely he felt better, he smiled “thank you cash.” Cash nodded “but don’t get me wrong, some people are bastards. So you gotta be strong and bold at the same time in order for em to follow your lead. Or put a bullet in the head of the largest guy in the room.” “I-I see.” They then arrived at a grand hall, it was several miles long. Small crude iron buildings dotted the length of this hall, There was also a giant building situated at the end of it but he noticed is that the buildings were placed in such a way to form roads. Overall the place they have now arrived at looks like a city. Cash gestured to this place “this is the slums!” Inferus looked around again, he could spot people peddling wares on the roads, people killing each other and pleasure girls plying their trade.

All of them wore clothing similar to slaves or even worse. “Looks like a slum.” said Inferus. “Hence why we call it the slum brother.” Cash looked excited he walked forward, Inferus followed the strange man. Entering the slums right away people looked at him, he didn’t like their stares. “Why are they looking at me?” “Cause you smell of the light brother, they won’t try anything since you are with me.” “I don’t need your protection.” “Against these scum? I am sure, but if it was a shadow? You would be a dead man.” “What’s so special about these shadows?” “Asriel, shadows are dedicated to god.” “I am also dedicated to the dark prince Cash.” “So why are you questioning yourself? Why do you look to others to show you the way?” “Some people know more than I do.” “At times yes, but you should not let other people define who you are. Now let’s head to the well.” “The well?” “The well is the place where a shadow’s journey begins. Only the Elder decides when someone is ready or they force their way in. They end up getting eaten by the well.” Inferus mused on what he was just told. He was about to say something until a woman in a lingerie and torn stockings storde up next to him, her long black hair bounced as she walked. “Hey, do yo-” Cash removed his rifle on his back and pointed it at the woman. “Back off sister, find a meal somewhere else. Valerie needs to control you lot.” The woman narrowed her eyes at him, she licked her lips. “I am one of her fa-” Cash shot her, she fall back onto the ground, blood pooled onto the floor due to the bullet wound.

Inferus shook his head slowly “What just happened?” “Follow me for a second Asriel.” They walked forward a few steps, Cash then turned to the corpse, Inferus did the same. “Are we going to see something? He asked.” “Just wait a moment brother.” He clenched his rifle, then from the side roads the pleasure girls fell upon the corpse and devoured it like mad animals. “Oh….” said Inferus. “See? It’s a trap, God blessed them with extreme beauty in order for them to gather their meals. You might know pleasure hooking up with them for a moment and then...Bam! A host of them fall upon you and tear you apart. We call em the Collubet’s. Worse thing of all? You will enjoy being eaten, seen men and women quake in rapture as they were torn apart.” “So I wonder...how many things can kill you here?” “Almost everything.” Cash said in amusement “How can you live in such a place?” “Well...it’s fun. We can worship God truly here. Now let’s go.” They continued their journey, Inferus looked back for a moment, looking at the women he noticed that their features were a perfect blur between the genders or he could not define it at all. If such women were on the upper levels everyone who worked there would be eaten.

They then came to the steps leading to the large building. “So what does this well do?” “You will see brother.” They walked up the steps and entered the building. What he saw caused him to furrow his brow. He saw a old man standing before a great pool, there were also a group of people removing their clothes. “What’s going on?” They stopped a few metres away. “Just watch brother, the group is going to fail.” A large muscled man approached the older man, he was wearing no clothes either. “We will succeed.” “Or you will be devoured and added to the pool.” Inferus could notice the large man wore a necklace made out of eyeballs. The large man returned to the group, the first jumped into the black pool. In a few short seconds he heard a wailing scream. “Well he failed.” said Cash. “How do you know?” Inferus asked. “The screams, everything that is useless about them is being stripped away, the talents and skills they developed in life is being added to the pool.” He nodded in understanding, one by one the group entered the pool. The same occurred, the shrill screams continued until the large man remained. The old man shook his head “Galbert you can still change your mind.” Galbert twisted and pointed at Cash. “I will succeed! Just you wait Cash! I will kill you!” He jumped in.

Inferus could see the water of the pool was oily, faces could be seen running across the top sometimes. “So why does this...Galbert hate you?” “I beat him at cards one time, he likes challenging people and taking their eyes if they lose. He is a cheat by the way.” “But you still decided to face him?” Cash looked at him in confusion “Why not? It was quite exciting facing a cheater. Even so that did not help him.” “How come?” “I cheated better than him.” Now came Galbert’s screams, Cash gave a joyful smile. “So he failed, as expected.” “How do you succeed then?” “You have to understand God, if you do he will empower you. By the way Asriel are you from an Agri world like me?” “Err...no. Why do you ask?” “You have a slight twinge of a country accent.” “N-No I don’t!” Cash shrugged “whatever brother, anyway…” Cash walked over to the old man standing in front of the pool, he followed him.

Cash gestured to the infirm man. “This is the Elder, he looks after the well.” Inferus frowned, it looked like he could barely stand with that sword on his back. The Elder approached him, he smiled with his worn face. “What’s your name lad?” “Asriel.” He nodded “So are you going to enter the well?” “I….” he wasn’t sure, he would not even know what would happen to him. The Elder grasped his hand with his freehand, his grip was strangely strong.
He bought his hand up, it was now covered in wrinkles, he must look like an old man now. “Why do you call me lad?” Now he noticed his voice sounded gruff, harsh even. “Well after all you did not have much opportunity to grow up. You are still a lad within your mind, hence why you are so easily influenced. Loyalty is not a bad thing my boy, when someone needs something they turn to you, when people are stuck in the muck you pull them up even if they don’t desire it.” He wondered how he knew so much about him? He could he possibly understand what he has endured. “So honest, your excess is far too pure for the light.” He bought him over to the bubbling black pool. “I imagine the master above was quite harsh on you?” “How do you know?” “God told me, God is formless. All the statues, daemons and even the palace in the warp are just abstracts, it’s our mind simply trying to make sense of something that is within everyone. Everytime one overindulges in narcotics he is there, if one prefers carnal pursuits he is there, even those who love violence and seek...to excessively protect something precious. That is what God is, the need to seek something more, to overcome limits.” “I need to save Oktai.” The Elder nodded “but the one that holds him is a daemon prince, he was here trying to make you into a finer meal.” “I don’t care, I will kill anyone or anything to get to that goal. Even if Tetricus tries to get in my way I won’t allow it.” “Would you even try to kill him?” He looked down slightly, he narrowed his eyes and bought his head up again. “I would, without hesitation. Oktai stayed by my side, I will not let him wallow within the gut of a daemon.”

The Elder released his grip on his hand, Inferus jumped into the pool. Soon as he entered he sunk, despite trying to hold his breath the liquid started to pour into his body. It greedily went up his nose, he gasped. Flashing before his eyes he saw battles, wars, even bar fights. It was like he was actually there. Sometimes he would find himself holding a plasma gun, next he would be holding a knife while standing in an alleyway.

All of that drifted away, he was now standing in a blank room and standing in front of him was a muscled man wearing a gas mask. His mouth moved by itself “Charlie?” the memories were like fragments, it came together again. He remembered sitting in a cage, the ship was coming apart. Inferus crouched, he screwed himself into a ball, he did not want to look at him. The nagging feeling that he did something wrong started to crawl back. He opened his eyes slowly, Charlie was sitting next to him. “I am sorry.” Inferus said slowly.

The motion was strange, but he sat next to him. He twindle his fingers “have you come to tell me off?” Charlie said nothing to him, he simply stared at him. “What are you expecting? I had to change.” Again he did not speak a word. “I had to change for them! To fit in! They hated how I am!” The walls of the room started to close in around him. “What would you have me do!? I had no choice...” Tears started to fall down his face. “It’s not fair...why do I have to keep suffering? It’s not fair at all…” “So what if it’s not fair? You didn’t care about that before.” Charlie’s voice was distorted slightly. “You did what you had to do no matter what anyone said to you. If you did not agree with them you ignored em.” “I did, but I kept losing things.” “You kept losing things because you thought to mold yourself for them. Asriel...don’t change, not for them, not for anyone else.” Charlie’s form evaporated, Inferus shook his head. He stood up right.

All he could see is Oktai vanishing in Taurus’ maw, he could see his captain joyfully wagging his tail as he walked away. That angered him, he looked up to his hands, they were overflowing with blood. “How many people have I killed? For what I wanted? How many lives have I ruined?” The blood dripped onto the floor, slowly he came to the conclusion that he did not care. Whenever any of them wanted something done they turned to him, why? Because they trusted him. It’s because he is loyal, but now? He will do things his own way.

He bought the blood to his face, using his fingers and nails he painted a skull on the upper half of his face, it ended at his upper lip. His hands changed to the colour white, he bought it down on his lips a few times to mimic the the teeth of a skull. “I will be death to anything that harms them…” The walls crumbled, he walked onward into the darkness, he was determined. There were no more limits, no more hesitation. Not anymore.

***
Tetricus bit into his apple, he sensed another change on the ship. He grumbled slightly “what on earth is going on?” “You are sensing threats to your power.” His chamber doors opened, a pale figure walked in holding two heads. “Those were my guards.” Her tail flailed slightly in the air, she threw the heads to the floor. “They were flawed.” she trode up to the table. She bowed “we got on the wrong foot before…” As she rose Tetricus frowned, staring at her face it was a mixture of Shidonai’s and the daemon he ate. “Oh so you are alive.” “And well my lord.” “You want to get revenge upon me?” The queen of rags shook her head. “Oh no, even though I have become more than I was I now respect your power. As I said I apologize for my disrespect during our first meeting in this room and for trying to kill you on Asex.”

Her words caused him to realise they have fused in a sense, how such a thing happened he has no idea. “My lord you devoured most of my essence, you think you got nothing out of it but you have gained something great.” She walked around the table and picked out a apple from the basket. She bit into it and started chewing. “You have not truly increased in power but you can sense threats to your dominion. Such things are important for a ruler.” “You dislike being ruled...creature.” “That changed, you are a worthy...master. All I take will be in your name. You have to worry about the broken priestess though.” “Why?” “She seeks to become a super power within the ship. When every mortal answers to her what then? Do you think she is loyal to you?” He felt another spike in his mind, he could feel three beings are trying to threaten him. “There are three people. If what you say is true the broken priestess is one...what are the other two?” “What of the slave you sent to the lower levels?” “He would not betray me.” Tetricus said firmly. “But he will resent you. That mortal is a blunt creature, if you don’t explain what you are doing he hates it.”

He hated to admit it but she was right, at times you have to be blunt with him. “What of the third?” Shidonai shrugged “I have no idea, but...I have mainly come here for your blessing.” Tetricus looked at the heads of Senshika and Resis. His brother will be upset but the deaths of those two will just spur him on. “What do you desire?” “To create warriors for you.” She devoured the apple, she licked her fingers. “You need someone to contend with the cult of ending, even if you don’t trust me you want to keep their power in check.” “True, you have my blessing then.” “So easily?” “Yes because I do not sense any foul intent, actually I consider your new state to be a improvement.”

Shidonai bowed again “thank you my lord, I will begin the work.” She then left the chamber. Now alone he tapped his fingers on his table, he needed to deal with those threats. Even so he would rather speak to Inferus first. He sighed “so many issues to deal with.” He took another bite out of the apple.

***
Cash smiled at Asriel sitting on the tinkerer’s chair. It’s only been about five weeks since he emerged from the well and his focus was incredible, his kills with his shortsword are clean and he is quite the sharpshooter.

Tinkerer walked over to the chair and went to work removing one of the last interface ports on Asriel’s body. The tech priest’s black robe was torn at the ends, but his whole body was metal, mechadendrites that ended in claws whirled as he work. “Are they dead?” he asked Asriel in a cold tone. “They are dead, if you want to know I flayed them and left their skin hanging above their gang houses. I offered the meat to Valerie’s girls.” “Good, they did not pay me last time. I am glad that you are so focused unlike someone here.” Cash frowned “Hey! I always do as you ask! Plus I am scavenging for food most of the time!” “There is plenty of human flesh on the market, no need to hunt for more.” “What he says is true.” “Don’t take his side Bessy!” Asriel moved his head slightly, his sclera was still black but his irises are now grey which held a slight glow. But what freaked him out more is the warpaint on his face. “What’s wrong with hunting? It allows everyone to eat.” “See! Asriel understands!” Tinkerer removed the last port he threw it up to the mechadendrite, the claw grasped it in a smooth motion. “It’s done.” Tinkerer stepped back and returned to his desk.

Asriel got up from the chair he rubbed his wrists, he wore similar fibre-leather armour to dancer. The suits were a custom invention of Tinkerer, it offords flexibility and protection. It’s also void sealed as well but Asriel does not wear a helmet due to him not being...normal, also his arms are bare as well.




Asriel then attached the pink slik around his waist, it flowed down at the back obscuring the back of his legs and bottom. “Wait just a moment.” Tinkerer came back from his desk and approached Asriel, he handed him a revolver “Your order is done, Custom made.” Cash watched Asriel take the revolver, he checked it over in a smooth motion. “Thank you Tinkerer.” The tech priest released a strange sound, Cash could only guess that it was a chuckle.

Asriel placed it into his holster “let’s go Cash.” They both left the Tinkerer’s workshop, dancer was waiting for them along with other shadows. “Cash we don’t need to go on another hunting trip.” Cash could hear the annoyance in the Dancer’s voice, he sighed. “Don’t complain when you don’t have anything to eat.” She gestured to the stands “there is plenty already.” “We could always use more.” “Cash! Just say you want to hunt people for sport!” “Tell the truth honey.” he sighed heavily “fine...I like shooting Bessy.” Dancer relaxed slightly. “Good, at last you admit it now let’s go.” “I have to go somewhere.” Asriel said this in a calm manner. “Where?” asked Dancer.

He had idea what Asriel had to do, it’s the second to last day. After he emerged from the well Asriel spoke to him in detail of his plans. He spent these past few weeks buying a host of weapons through exchanging favours, where he keeps them he has no idea. Asriel gave an innocent smile, a black pool emerged around his feet and he sunk into the ground.

When he vanished Cash rubbed his arms as a cold chill ran through them. “Freaks me out whenever he does that…” “He is part daemon after all.” Dancer was shaking her head like he said something strange. “Yeah and I never get used to it. I just hope he comes back alive.” “From what?” “He is going on a private hunting trip, don’t worry about it.”

Cash could sense the confusion, but they did not need to know. Asriel is handling a private affair.

***
He wanted to do this now, now is the time. He ran down the hallway, Asriel narrowed his eyes. He has discarded everything belonging to Taurus, the Taurus he knew would never harm him like this. The daemon walking the halls of this ship is but a husk, even so his captain is now a daemon prince, Asriel knew he should not underestimate him. He did short teleports to decrease the time needed to get to where he needs to go. He has to pick the right spot to kill his prey and free Oktai.

He stopped running, his chest rising and falling. “Here…” He took a deep breath and called out. “Taurus!” The neverborn emerged from the darkness of the hallway. The creature looked visibly excited, Asriel strode up to him and placed his hand on his head. The first part of the plan is complete. +I told you not to mess with my fur.+ Taurus reared his head away, Asriel took a few steps back. “Fine, but if I defeat you I want you to return Oktai.” Taurus chuckled +The old man you care for is still alive. It seems you have grown, I….hunger. Join me, do not fight. Together we can know perfection….+ “Stuff you perfection daemon.” Asriel hissed.

He removed his short blade from it’s sheath along with the revolver Tinkerer gave him. His heart beat slowed, the rhythm, the song started to take over. He walks the path of God now. His grip on the blade tightened, he found himself smiling in anticipation. Taurus gave him an abnormal grin. +Fine...know that I no longer hesitate. After you...I will devour Cristian next.” Asriel ground his teeth “you want it to make it worse for yourself?” He raised the revolver and fired. The first bullet hit the side of Taurus head it exploded in a gush of pink blood. The daemon gave a shrill scream +W-What did you shoot me with!?+ He fired again, blowing off one of his front legs. Asriel smiled, in time he could prepare more ammunition but for now it’s working. “Each bullet is ritually marked to destabilize the form a neverborn.” Soon as he said that Taurus assumed his true form. +You will join me now…+ He said firmly.

Asriel fired the four remaining bullets in quick succession, his hand barely reared back due to the recoil. The first bullet hit his head, causing part of his skull to give way, the other three took out three of Taurus’ six arms. His old captain gave a cry of rage, he charged towards him.

***
He charged Inferus, he is being difficult. His prize turned in his gut, he never intended to return his old man for he was just the carrot on the stick. A way to get Inferus to walk the path of perfection, a way to make him greater before he devours him.

As expected the mortal started to run, he chased him down the hallway until he heard beep. He stopped and looked down, he stepped on a large piece of metal. +Wh-+ A bright light washed over him, his body was sent sprawling to the ground. Taurus struggled to get up +Tricks! He has learned nothing!+ He looked down the hallway, his prey has vanished. He stood upright, he took time to regenerate his body.

The issue is that he is using up the essence he has gathered to do so. +He needs me to teach him perfection...+ he hissed. “No I don’t.” The voice came from behind him. He looked back to see Inferus is upside down, half of his lower body is stuck within a black pool and the upper half is hanging upside down while gripping...a rocket launcher. “Tell me captain...are you going to devour Tetricus?” +Would that matter?+ “It would matter to me.” +I would, then...then….+ He could not think of anything else, he wanted to say something but he couldn’t. +For the sake of perfection I will have both of you join me.+ Inferus fired the rocket launcher, the missile smacked into him destroying half his body on impact.

Inferus was then drawn into the pool, it vanished after a moment. Taurus grunted in annoyance. +Perhaps he got too good?+ He then heard the chug of a grenade launcher, he felt a light tap on his back, after that came the burning. He flicked around to see Inferus now standing before him firing a grenade launcher. Taurus roared out in anger +Fight me directly!+ “Honour is fools, you of all people should know that.” Taurus shifted back to his animal form, he ran away.

He did not want to burn away his remaining essence, he did not want to go back to the warp. If he failed the dark prince will take him back to him. His tormentor.

***
Asriel chased after the daemon, he had to be careful to avoid destroying him completely for he needed to save Oktai. He continued firing the grenade launcher, despite Taurus large bulk he avoided a few but some caught him. He chased Taurus to a bend, but instead of turning the neverborn ran straight into the wall phasing through it. Asriel smiled, no matter where he runs he can find him. He has been marked out for death, he ran through the wall also.

Instead of going straight to Taurus, Asriel returned to his “vault” it was a sealed room where he kept his weapons. The ones he was going to use for this hunt was arrayed in a straight line on the floor, he threw the grenade launcher aside and ran to the line of weapons. He picked out a bolter, he continued running and phased through the wall.

Over the weeks he sought out the song after that he found out he could jump through the warp. Due to his nature for a moment the tides ignore him hence why he sees darkness whenever he does it. He could even bring people through if he concentrates.

Those he marked are like pink lights in the darkness, he can always see them. He could feel them or almost taste them. Somehow he also knew what they are doing at the time. The darkness bled away to reveal the upper levels. Taurus looked back, he could tell it was in shock. Asriel fired the bolter, tearing off flesh and shattering bone. Right away he could tell where Taurus is heading, the issue is why?

***
He ran towards Cristian’s chamber, of all the places he chose to go he came here. Why? He could not say. He has lost far more essence than expected, he started to devour the one within. He could feel him squirming. Taurus grinned he crashed through the door and charged down the tunnel. Strangely the sounds of bolter rounds stopped. He then heard a blade being removed from it’s sheath, now someone was on his back. His eyes were bought to his back to see it’s Inferus, he raised his blade and brought it down onto his back. He kept stabbing again and again, Taurus gave a great cry. +I will devour him!+ Inferus stopped, they crashed through the second door, Cristian looked up in surprise as he charged to the table.

The sorcerer grabbed the fruit basket and jumped aside, Taurus rushed through the table, He watched Inferus flip from his body and land softly. Taurus stopped running and faced the mortal. +How about an exchange? I will give him back...and you can join me instead.+ He watched Inferus relax, he smiled. “Look at you trying to weasel out of our deal.” +You care for him...don’t you?+ “I do.” Inferus vanished in a puff of black smoke, Taurus then felt a sharp pain in his side. The mortal bought his blade across his body, making a large wound. He then reached in with his hand and pulled out his meal. Inferus held the old man close to his chest. Taurus gave a roar of fury but fire washed over him, he gave a shrill cry as he toppled to the floor.

***

Tetricus kept his hand raised while grasping the fruit basket with his other hand. Shidonai was right Inferus is a threat, his mind is singing that he should kill him now. But there was problem, the third threat was Taurus. He strode over to them, his old captain struggled to rise but the continuous flames he is summoning is holding him down. The only reason why is that he assumes he has been using up a great amount of his energy. It’s evident due to the fact his form is flickering in and out of reality. +Cristian! We must destroy him! Stop what you are doing!+ “Maybe if you tell me why you are a threat to me.” +I want you to be perfect!” He looked over to Inferus his skin tone is normal again, but the face paint was strange. He did not takes his eyes off their captain. “Tell me slave why are you here?” His now grey eyes moved to him slightly, a great killing intent smacked into his body.

But as he smiled it vanished right away. “He took Oktai from me.” Inferus voice was distorted, like he was not truly here. Tetricus then bought his vision to the frail old man. It’s like his very essence has been drawn from his body. “I assume Taurus ate him?” “He intended to eat me, but Oktai pushed me out of the way. You are next my lord.” “What?” Tetricus shifted his eyes to Taurus, he increased the intensity of the flames. “Is this true!?” The daemon thrashed on the ground. “He won’t admit it, he views that us being together is better.” Inferus smiled turned slightly weaker “our captain cares far too much even if he doesn’t remember. He wants us to be together forever. Perfection is just an excuse.” “It doesn’t matter.” Tetricus said firmly. Taurus screamed more loudly. “Stop it.” He did not look at Inferus he chuckled. “Excuse me? Who do you think you are talking to?” He could hear Inferus laying Oktai down, he then walked up to him.

Inferus placed his hand on his chest, despite the skin sizzling the threat he felt before returned as the mortal removed his hand. “You have been marked my lord.” “What?” His smile turned innocent. “I can keep you safe.” the smile then vanished in an instant after those words. “I will know your every waking moment from now on, where you are...what you are doing. So please stop hurting our captain.” He could sense the threat behind his words, after watching him take the second checkpoint along with how sure he sounds he relented. “We don’t need him.” Tetricus said with a measure of sadness. “I do, I will make use of him. Also it’s Asriel now.” “What?” “You may call me slave now…” he tapped his head. “But in here call me Asriel please.” He faced their captain and raised his hand, Taurus form broke down and was drawn to...Asriel’s hand. Slowly it formed a pink crystal ball in his hands.

Tetricus sighed “what are you going to do with him?” “Keep him close, also he won’t cause any trouble.” Asriel walked over to the Oktai, he knelt and lifted up his body slightly. A black pool formed around them, they sank into it and vanished. Tetricus looked down to his chest.

“I wonder if this is going to be a problem?”

Chapter 9
His body was being torn apart, his heart was being sucked dry, everything that he was or will be was being devoured. He struggled for release, he gave a great cry of defiance but all he could hear is the laughter of the daemon. But that ended as a hand reached out, Oktai opened his eyes. He was lying on a bed and he could hear small chink sounds, most likely from a blade. He sat up and looked around, the room was quite small, there was a chest of drawers but what captivated him were the weapons lined on the walls, blades, guns and surprisingly he saw human heads mounted on the wall. “So you are awake.” He recognised the voice, it’s far more distorted than normal and it seems the arrogance has left it as well. His gaze shifted to his right, he saw Inferus sitting on a chair picking at his black nails with a shortblade.

He smiled at him, his somewhat glowing grey eyes were those of a hunter, a killer. “Hmm, you got me out?” Oktai rubbed his neck, he still felt sore. “Indeed I did.” They stared at each other for a moment, Inferus was still picking at his nails. “What are you doing?” asked Oktai. His young lord frowned slightly in annoyance “trying to get the dried blood out of from under my fingernails. Also Asriel, please and thank you.” “Very well...where are we?” “The slums, it’s placed on the deepest level of the ship. It’s essentially lawless.” “How lawless?” “Saw a man got defiled and killed soon as he left his house. By pleasure girls mind you.” Oktai raised his eyebrow “I see...” “By the way, we live here now. This is our house.” What he just said confused him further. “Why? What bought this change?” “I desire freedom to do what I want, protect who I want as well.”

Asriel rose from his chair, he sheathed his blade. He walked into a side room and as he came back he was holding a glowing pink orb. He sat back down and stroked it slightly. “Taurus is in here.” “Why haven’t you killed the daemon yet?” “Because I don’t want to Oktai. I will make use of my captain, he does not want to return to the warp.” “How sure are you of that?” “Because when I bought him here he kept screaming about being sent back to him.” “Him?” Asriel shrugged slightly. “I guess he refers to Fulgrim, but who can say? Even so we came to agreement of sorts.” “What sort of agreement?” “This.”

He watched his young lord remove a revolver from his belt, it was black but he could tell it looked rather archaic, but the craftsmanship was superb. Asriel then tapped the orb, it started to break down while pink energy flowed into the gun, the frame shifted into a shape of a bull’s head. The eyes glowed with a soft pink light. Asriel waved the gun “he can watch me become better, while helping me kill people and at the same time. Plus the added fact he won’t go back to the warp.” Oktai chuckled slightly “you did a little growing up haven’t you?” “Maybe, but the ship is being taken over by the cult of ending. I can sense my master is going to ask for my services soon.” “Your services?”

Asriel nodded “to hunt.”

***
Tetricus grumbled slightly, Asriel did not change how he expected. Plus his senses are yelling at him that he is threat. Some measure of annoyance gripped him but strangely he felt this was for the better. He looked down to his chest, he focused with his witch sight and he could see his servant’s mark upon him. It was a black handprint, small threads of dark energy left the mark and according to Asriel he knows what he is doing at this very moment. He knows where he is at all times.

He stroked his chin “hmm...Asriel!” He looked around, he wondered what would happen. He folded his arms “maybe it doesn’t work that way?” Tetricus felt a blade scraping on his throat. “Oh...it does work that way.” His servant removed his weapon and stepped to the side to face him. He smiled “what do you need master?” “Master?” “I am your slave, you are my master. Or do you prefer my lord?” “Either is good, but I have a request.” Asriel twirled the blade and sheathed it behind his back. “Ask and I will deliver what you desire.” Tetricus relaxed in his chair. “Can you kill half of the cult of ending?” “Only half?” “Yes, just half.” Asriel gave a rueful grin. “I am disappointed master, I expected more.” Tetricus chuckled “fine, eliminate one of their commanders as well. I am sure Taurus will enjoy being used.” He was aware of the revolver but he could not sense any rage from it which was a good thing, angry daemon weapons are dangerous.

Tetrcius gave a small look at his mark, he then bought his eyes to Asriel. “So is this mark for my own safety?” “It is my lord, I would never harm you. Nor would I remove your head and mount it in my new home.” he said in amusement. Asriel’s threat level skyrocketed, he could not help but shift in his seat slightly. “Master is something wrong?” “No...I am just worried about the fact that my...servant can teleport around the ship and kill people.” “To be fair I need a source of darkness to do it.” Tetricus felt his threat level dropping as he said that, so there is a limitation. Suddenly an idea hit him “I also want you to do one more thing by the way.” “What is it?”

Tetricus laughed slightly “listen carefully….”

***
Asriel pointed the revolver at the sleeping cult member, he was standing in front a bed that held six people, before he came here he handled his lord’s special request the target was sleeping at the time so it made it easy. Why he wanted such a thing he could not say, but now it’s time to focus on the main task.

All of his targets looked relaxed, their chests was heaving up and down while they slept on the bed. He could kill all of them in their sleep but where is the fun in that? +You are hoping that they can fight back.+ Taurus’ voice was like an echo now, but he wasn’t wrong. He counted the people in the circular bed, six in total. “Why hello!” he said out loud. All of them opened their eyes, first came shock, the women covered up their chests. The men reached for weapons, but they were slow. “One.” He shot the male with grimey hair, the purple bullet entered his skull and exploded. He adjusted his aim “two.” he killed the second male, he had short blonde hair, scars covered his face. “Three.” the third was the supposed leader of this little “gathering” his eyes were still full of shock even as his head exploded.

All that remained of were the women, he moved his revolver to the first. The one who he was aiming at raised her hands “w-wait!” Asriel raised his eyebrow, the female started to crawl towards him on the bed, he could see the suggestion in her eyes. “How abou-” “I refuse.” “What? Why?” “You see my fine lady, I love Tetricus more than you. He desires to see half of you killed. So unfortunately anything you offer won’t trump that. Please do scream after this, at least make this interesting.” She screamed as expected, she tried to rush for the door but he shot her in the gut, the bullet caused her body to come apart due to the explosion.

Blood washed over his face and the other women on the bed. “Four.” he said in a calm manner. The last two women screamed, one reached for a knife on the side table. He let her take it, he aimed his gun at the other target and fired. As with the other targets her head came apart in chunks, the warp bullet unravelling bone and flesh, the explosion at the end is quite wonderful to look at as well.

The one who grabbed the knife rolled off the bed and rushed to him, it’s evident that she was trained. Asriel took a step back, he removed his blade from it’s sheath. He faced the woman coming around from the bed, he could see in her eyes that she knew she couldn’t escape, unless she kills him this would be the end. She came at him dagger held in the air, as the blade came down Asriel made a short side step, he then stabbed her in the gut with his blade. He twisted the blade slightly, she coughed up blood upon her shoulder.

She looked up to him, confusion in her eyes. “W-Why?” Asriel smiled “oh well...you got too big unfortunately. You see Tetricus doesn’t care for your loyalty, if you were loyal in the first place.” He twisted the blade further, he did it just a tiny a bit. “I don’t know what the broken priestess is thinking, but I wouldn’t put it past her to try and take the ship. Master’s brothers do like to leave everything to the last minute, hence why he asked me to cut down your numbers.” “W-We are l-loyal, t-to h-him, w-why m-” “I don’t really care if you are loyal or not, I am picking all of you at random.” Asriel removed his blade and jammed it upwards under her neck. The woman’s eyes rolled back, she twitched on the blade. “Six.” +That was boring, you can do better.+ “It was, and I agree I can do better.”

He removed the blade and pushed the woman onto the floor, she landed with a splat. Asriel walked over to the bed he was about to clean his blade with the sheets but stopped. “Oh...I better not do that.” He left the room blade and pistol out.

Entering the hallway, the runes that were carved on the walls were changing. It depicted a man standing near a bed while killing the occupants. “At least the Black Capra did something right.” He walked down the hallway, after a few minutes he encountered a group of Black Capra were advancing towards him.

There were five of them, he frowned. They are refusing God’s number, he charged towards them. Right away the cult members raised weapons, he is letting his killing intent loose. Some were frozen in place, to scared to move. +They can taste your desire to end them…+ “I will kill the last of you slowly!” That spurred three of them in to action, the first ran towards him. He held a mono-blade, he twirled it in the air.

Asriel smiled, as he reached a few paces of the cultist he decided against crossing blades with him. He wanted to increased the fear of the others. He flipped over the cultist, on his way over him he spun in the air, letting his blade run free like a buzzsaw, he felt the blade cutting skin, it smoothly passed through the neck. As he landed in front of the other two he could hear the cultist still running, but in a second he dropped to the floor.

The two in front of him were sweating, their charge was blunted. The first edged forward he gave a great roar as he attacked him. The cultist made a cross cut, Asriel block the first attack, but as the second came in he parried sending his strike awry, Asriel stepped in towards the cultist and planted his blade in his gut. Blood erupted from his mouth, the second moved to attack him. “Oh...I see. You are using your friend to gain the opportunity to attack? How smart you are!” he raised his revolver at him, he froze. “I am a good shot by the way. Not as good as Cash though.” He shot the cultist in both legs, he screamed in agony as the limbs were blown off.

He dropped to the floor, Asriel removed the blade from the one that had the courage to face him one or one. Without looking he sliced his throat open, the cultist gripped his throat and fell to the ground with a thud.

His eyes moved to the last two, one ran but the last member of the small squad dropped to his bottom. “P-Please!” he cried out. Asriel sheathed his blade, he flexed his fingers and through biomancy sharpened them into talons. “Don’t worry, you won’t be suffering alone.” he spared a glance at the one without legs, he was also shuddering in fear.

“I will take my time with both of you, then I will hunt down the one that ran away…”

***
Tetricus ate an apple, he was sending his mind out, watching Asriel go about his work. Despite his threat level rising he knew he would not betray him after talking with him. Looking at him at this moment he is tearing a man’s face off with his talons. He then heard his door opening, he looked up to see it’s Cassius. Right away he switched to his witch sight and he saw it, the giant black handprint on his face.

When the prefector reached the table he could not help but laugh. His brother frowned in annoyance “what is so funny?” Tetricus kept laughing, he found it hard to speak. “W-What is it?” “We are approaching the Lord Commander’s space station. Shall the artifacts be prepared?” Tetricus could not control his laughter, if he could cry he would be at the moment. This caused Cassius’s annoyance to turn to fury. “What is so damn funny!? Have you done something witch!?” He pointed at the prefector “your face!” “My face?” He went into his pouch and pulled out a small mirror, why his brother had such a thing he had no idea. “I don’t see anything…” Tetricus stared at Cassius, watching the handprint move with his facial features was too much. “A-Alright, thank you for letting me know brother. Have the artifacts prepared for transport.” He then slapped his knee and kept laughing, this infuriated Cassius even more.

The anger, his face contorted in fury, the confusion, everything about it bought a smile to Tetricus’ face. The prefector stormed out of his chamber cursing him which each step.

Once he left he finished his apple, he drew in the taste to help calm himself down. He wondered why Eidolon desired the artifacts? Still it’s quite likely that he did not require any of them. He sent his company to Asex to die which is normal for the lord commander when it comes to the 4th. Tetricus relaxed in his chair “I think the meeting that shall be interesting….”

Wow, a happy ending lol yay. Your getting better at describing the violence.

 Dayknight wrote:

Wow, a happy ending lol yay. Your getting better at describing the violence.

Glad you liked it!

Chapter 10
Nolan strode down the aisle with his chosen, the recreational hall of the knights has been converted into a cathedral for slaanesh. Censers hanged from the ceiling bellowing out scented incense, statues of the dark prince lined the walls. But instead of grand prayer thrumming through the hall, the faithful were whispering among themselves, praying for the dark prince to deliver them. Nolan reached the oracle who was standing at the altar, a grand marble statue of the dark prince loomed over them. She did not look him at him but he knew that the broken priestess could tell what was on his mind. “What would you have us do?” He asked.

The broken priestess turned to him, she sighed “it seems our liberation has been delayed. An outcome I did not expect has come to fore.” “An outcome you did not expect?” “She nodded “the Queen of the Black Capra should of been killed by Tetricus. But it seems that he spared her even if she has become one with the lord of snakes.” “I see...but what of..” “Inferus?” She chuckled “our…”sponsor” should of killed him. Or at least he was meant to devour the “ commander”, now we have a murderer roaming the halls of the ship, tearing apart the faithful and murdering the innocent.” The oracle gave a wistful sigh “I saw us rising up...overtaking the masters and going forth to bring the glorious end. But it seems that won’t come to pass…” Nolan kneeled with his chosen. “Send me and I will kill him.” “I have already sent out a squad, Booker will deal with the murderer.” Nolan smiled, Booker is a veteran, a being that lives and breathes for the dark prince. “I understand, I will look forward to when Booker brings you his head.”

The broken priestess said nothing, she simply turned away and continued to stare at the altar.

***
Asriel rolled under the Booker, he was swinging his flail like a fool, as he came under him he slashed the side of his leg. Booker winced in pain “Curse you vile heretic!” As Asriel rose from his roll, Booker twisted to him, he raised his flail and bought it down, Asriel did a side step dodging the attack, the power flail sparked as it hit the ground causing a dent. “God has no form.” “Slaanesh has a form! A glorious one!” Booker shouted back, he twisted the flail to his left, Asriel ducked and rolled to the right cutting his other leg.

Booker buckled slightly due to his injuries. “If God is with you...why did the rest of your squad die?” Asriel could see Booker’s eyes moving to the corpses, throats were cut, limbs have been severed. “Murderer…” Booker hissed. As Asriel rose he did a backflip to make some space between them. “You scream murderer because you cling to an abstract morality. God doesn’t care for good of evil, she cares for...here…” He pointed the tip of his bloodied blade to his chest. “He cares for my joy.” Asriel could see Booker flaring his nose. “The oracle saw your end hence why she sent me against you! The dark prince has form! A will! The broken priestess is the messenger!” Booker declared. He could not help but smile at the large man “you’re a sacrifice, I have already killed half of you, the last part of my objective is to kill a commander.” “W-What? You speak lies!” “Come now...the oracle can see multiple futures.” He licked his blade, the blood had a coppery taste that tingled his nerves.

Asriel chuckled “I can sense your uncertainty…” He took a step forward and teleported in front of Booker, his eyes went wide. Asriel jammed his blade into his chest, the large man dropped his weapon due to the attack, blood dribbled from his mouth. “Does it hurt?” he asked. He twisted gently, the flesh tore at the motion. Booker tried hard not to scream. “All you gave up...all you fought for is coming to an end...and the oracle does not care…” Now seeing his eyes under his hood, he could see he was wavering. He pushed his blade in deeper, blood started to flow down his blade, the red liquid trickled over his blade wielding hand.

He tapped Booker’s face with his other hand. “You head will now be delivered to Tetricus…” He removed the blade and slashed Booker’s throat, he grasped it and twisted around. The large man dropped to his knees, he started to gurgle due to him struggling to breathe. Asriel walked around him, he could sever his head now….+but you want him to suffer…+ Taurus said in a flat tone. “Exactly Captain!” He watched Booker slowly die, once he crumpled to the floor Asriel smiled. “Well that’s done.” He knelt and went to work removing Booker’s head, the blade was sharp enough to work through the bone.

The cut was clean, perfect even. He picked up the head with both hands. He closed his eyes, trying to feel out where his master is. “Docking bay.” He turned and walked into the darkness. “Should only take a moment to get there…”

***
Tetricus snickered as he walked to the docking bay with his brothers, Cassius grunted in annoyance. “Can at least tell me when you find so damn amusing!?” Tetricus shook his head “the joke would be beyond you brother.” The prefector grumbled, he said nothing further and he should keep silent for his face moving with the brand is too much to bear. Justus nodded “Well we hast achieved our objective, I wonder what reward the lord commander wilt giveth us?” At the mention of reward Tetricus cocked his head slightly, he never thought about it. At most he just found his expierence on Asex interesting, he considers that to be a reward more than anything. “Don’t ask for something stupid” Cassius said in annoyance. “What? What would give you that impression Cassius?” he said in amusement.

The prefector sighed “can you be serious for once?” “I am serious all the time Cassius, if wasn’t I would had you strung up on hooks and juggle your eyeballs for reducing me to a burning skeleton.” Cassius looked away, he fell silent again. He did not want to test him, but just for a second he thought doing such a thing would be rather fun, he could have Asriel fix him afterwards. He shook his head dismissing the thought he will get too mad at me.

Tetricus bought his eyes to Erastus who was in a foul mood. “What’s wrong Erastus? Why are you upset?” he asked. The apothecary creased his brow “dealing with the fact that my two prized Corpus’ were killed..” Erastus removed his hand from his face, he shook his head. “No matter I will improve them as always.” “That’s the spirit! Then once they die again you can make more improvements!” Erastus started to laugh maniacally “Exactly!” Tetricus laughed with him, anything to help his brother feel better. Strangely it was working, but Cassius was groaning in annoyance due to the noise.

Faust then plucked a string on his guitar, breaking their laughter. Tetricus coughed slightly. “You have something to say Faust?” The noise marine looked away from him slightly, he was clearly upset. “You did not play for us.” “I said maybe.” “Hmph!” Faust flicked his head away further.

Tetricus was about to say something to ease his brother but they arrived at the docking bay, the artifacts were already be unloaded onto the space station by their slaves. “Come now we must go see Eidolon.” They all made their way to the docking bay hatch, as they reached the door Tetricus heard a voice. “Master.” He turned back to see Asriel holding a head, he pointed at it with bloodied hands. “Half have been killed and a commander.” The head caused him to smile, the cut was clean as well. “Hand it to me.” Tetricus reached out his hand.

Asriel walked over and placed the head on his hand, to a human it would be large but to him he could crush it easily with one hand. Tetricus engulfed the head in eldritch fire, he burnt away the skin, the eyes, until all that was left was a skull. Tetricus offered it to his servant. “A souvenir.” Asriel took the skull and smiled “I will cherish it.” “Good, but I have a question.” “What is it?” “Is there...more of you? You are living somewhere else right?” “I am...but I don’t think they will be interested in working for you.” Cassius scoffed “he is the lord of ship, all of you are slaves. When he says to jump, you jump without question.” In a sense his brother is not wrong, but he could gather what Asriel’s means.

Wherever he is living now, all of them are essentially mavericks. But mavericks is exactly what he needs. “Even so Asriel, see who is interested and bring them to me.” Asriel bowed “very well.” He turned away and sunk into the ground while walking. Cassius shook his head “By Fulgrim what did he just do?” “Don’t worry about it.” said Tetricus. He faced the hatch.

“We have to go see Eidolon.”

***
The throne felt uncomfortable, it was felt terrible to sit on whenever the 4th are in this chamber. Eidolon did not let his annoyance show, it would be weakness. He sighed “So you are alive, you also bought useless trinkets to my station.” The witch smiled “I bought every single artefact, you did not specify which one you wanted.” His skull was so life like, despite the centuries of warfare, corruption and betrayals he has never seen something like this. Even seeing him again he is still surprised that he walks and talks like he is alive.

Eidolon mumbled slightly, even so they did as he asked. He hoped the daemon within the orb would be the end of the 4th but it seems it would take more to wipe them out from existence. They are like a cockroach that refuses to die. He went into his pouch and removed a small pink gem, it bore the essence of a keeper of secrets.

He threw the gem over to the witch, he caught it smoothly and looked down to it. “What is it?” “Make a wish, but within reason. The daemon must give a wish in order to free itself and return to the warp. Think of it as a reward for the service you rendered to me.” Right away those with the witch broke into discussion, telling the walking skeleton what he should wish for. All of them are like children, children that can somehow defeat warfront after warfront.

The witch held up the gem “within reason huh…” He pointed at the phoenix terminator. “W-What art thou doing mine lord?” “Daemon! My wish is to fix Justus’ speech impediment!” The gem shone with a pink light, it then burst into tiny fragments. The palatine blade shouted at the witch. “Why did you ask for such a stupid wish!?” Eidolon had to agree, he could of asked for bountiful excesses, more power or even more favour from slaanesh.

The witch shrugged “I care for Justus more plus wishing for power would make things too boring Cassius. I prefer to develop myself in my own way. Now...Justus say something!” Everyone’s eyes, even his own were drawn to the phoenix terminator who shook his head. “I doubt such a thing would work.” The one named Justus jerked slightly, he touched his throat. “Praise the dark prince!” He embraced the witch in a bear hug even though his armour was scorched slightly. “Wait till I tell Rothac! Thank you brother!” “L-Let me go!” shouted the witch.

The phoenix terminator let go of the witch, he nodded and started rambling, saying any word that most likely came to his mind. Eidolon allowed himself to groan in annoyance, he wondered how such fools can survive such deadly wars?

The witch chuckled “now...Eidolon do you have any other tasks?” At the mention of tasks he frowned, he gestured them out of his chamber. “No...just leave.” The witch gave a mocking salute “Very well! Come brothers!” All of them followed the witch out his chamber, he had to also wonder why the rest of the warband follow such an...imbecile.

I just want to let people know that the reason why there has been no updates is due to the fact I am quite ill at the moment. I hope that it clears up by next week.

Hope you feel better soon!

Get well soon.

Is this an attack by Nurgle due to how your heroes keep smacking down his minions in your stories?

Thanks for the get well comments! I am going to be sort of open about this. I pretty much got destroyed by a virus, decided to go into the GP once I could finally move. When I got to the appointment the doctor decided to call the hospital due to the symptoms I was displaying. (That was monday) They did a host of tests at the hospital and found out that my infection level was quite high(normally it's meant to be in the 10 digits but mine were like in the 200's), they believed likely it could be that my blood or liver was infected with something else entirely due to my liver tests also came back weird. I was held in the hospital until late Tuesday evening. But due to my previous virus symptoms clearing up all I have now is a temperature when I sleep(which can be dealt with), but since my infection levels did not drop all that much and I felt well again they decided to put me on a strict antibiotics course for the rest of week and let me come home. (it's not easy...) Due to some other tests they found my liver to be healthy and my blood pressure within normal levels but the infection level was still rather high hence the antibiotic course.

Anyway....over my time at hospital talked with family and especially my brother who got me to start writing. I want to be an author but my problem is that I spread myself over different stories and I will never get the work that I want to publish for real done in a reasonable time frame or at all. So I came to the decision to stop the other stories I am writing. I will still update this story mainly from now on while I work on my unique story.

Right...new chapter!

Chapter 11
Asriel walked down the tunnel along with the three that his master could work with. It took some convincing but in the end none of them could resist the urge for something new. Cash held his rifle tightly, ready to use it at a moments notice. “We have to be careful.” he said firmly. Dancer sighed slightly “why? You already agreed to come!” “I did but he is the leader of the light followers! He could suck away everything that makes us who we are!” “Oh dear Cash you worry over such small things…” The last member was Valerie, she was a psyker, a weaver of illusions and master of telepathy. She was the leader of the pleasure girls and dressed in kind as well save that she wore a pink silk jacket. She was tidying her black hair while staring into a mirror.

Asriel frowned slightly he had to do several favours for her before she would even budge on the matter of coming here. At least he had to be thankful that he did not have to give any of his body parts even though he could regenerate them. “I am worrying over nothin corpse eater! Isn’t that right Bessy?” He looked down to his rifle, he then frowned slightly. Valerie gave a small chuckle “did not get the response you wanted?” Asriel watched Cash frown slightly, he wondered truly if his weapon was actually alive or was it the man’s insanity at work?

They arrived at his master’s chamber door, he opened it and stepped inside with those he has gathered. Entering the circular room Tetricus rose from his table he spread out his arms in welcome. “Greetings!” Asriel was about to say something but Cash stepped forward, he quickly raised his rifle and shot Tetricus in forehead. The sound of the bullet discharging rang in the chamber for a few moments, then came silence.

Asriel watched his master bring a finger to his forehead, he tapped near the bullet wound. “Inter-” Cash shot him again, Tetricus’ head reared back slightly. Asriel turned to the sniper in annoyance. “What are you doing?” “That can’t be the light lord!” “What? He is the leader of the warband!” “He looks dead Asriel!” Dancer strode over to Cash and slapped him across the head. “O-Ow!” “Stop being an idiot! Put your weapon away!” Cash did not sling his rifle over his shoulder but he lowered his weapon.

Asriel could see he was still on guard, Valerie skipped over to his lord who was now scratching his head. “I did not expect that...” Valerie smiled at his master. “Asriel works for you correct?” “I would like to think so.” his lord answered.

Tetricus gestured “all of you come here.” Dancer shot Cash a look “no more shooting!” she hissed. Asriel smiled when he watched Cash mumble in annoyance, they walked over to where Valerie was standing. Asriel took a step forward “here they are master.” he could see the bullet wounds are now gone, the bone matter has regenerated. “Thank you Asriel…” his master looked over to Cash. “You have quite a quick trigger finger.” Cash narrowed his eyes at him “you are scaring my wife….” “Your wife? Excuse me?” “He is referring to his rifle master.” Asriel interjected.

His lord gave a small laugh of amusement “I see...anyway I have a job for all of you.” Valerie smiled “what is the reward?” Tetricus shook his head “perhaps let me give you the job details first…” “No! I want to know what the reward will be!” She started to pout, Asriel could see his master’s hollow eyes flicker for a moment. “Fine.” said Tetricus. “If it’s within my power you can have your heart’s desire.” Valerie’s blue eyes lit up, she ground her teeth. “Meat!” she grunted.

Tetricus stroked his chin “meat? What is she on about?” Valerie relaxed, she gave an innocent smile “I desire one hundred tons worth of meat.” Cash’s eyes went wide. “Where the hell are you going to store that!?” She placed her fingers on her lips and gave a small laugh “don’t worry about that dear Cash.” Tetricus then folded his arms “am I missing something here?” “Master she is referring to human flesh. She wants one hundred tons worth of human flesh.” as he said human flesh his master shrugged. His hollow eyes moved to Cash “what do you desire?” “A shooting range! One that is at least two thousand yards!” Asriel found it surprising how he excited he is after he shot his master twice.

Tetricus nodded “that can easily be done.” His gaze drifted to Dancer, he smiled “you are not as superficial are you?” “No I am not.” the Dancer responded. “I will give you my answer after the job.” “Very well…” his master gestured to the conjured galaxy above them, he drew in a planet. “This is the world of Calisia. It is a shrine world chiefly.” He zoomed into the city, the temples were extravagant, some shone with marble, others were dotted with grand statues but what held Asriel’s eye were the Black Templars marching the streets. “Your job is simple. Cause chaos, weaken the foundations of the city of Calisia”

Asriel raised his eyebrow at that “cause chaos?” his master dismissed the conjured image. “Yup, it seems detailed plans never work out so I am going this route. All of you may work together or not I really don’t care. By the way Asriel do you want a reward?” At the mention of reward he smiled. “No, I don’t really have interest in such things. By the way why are there Black Templars on world?” His lord nodded “They are Gaviam Crusade, no matter which world they pass they like to make their presence felt.” “So you are saying they wish to put the fear of the emperor into the populace.” “As you say Asriel, now all of you get going you have work to do!”

Asriel watched those he gathered leave the chamber in almost a hurry, he bought his eyes back to his master. “Are you mad that you were shot two times?” “Not really.” Tetricus responded. “At least it allowed me to get a measure of him. I am more interested in the one wearing the black suit.” “Her name is Dancer my lord.” “Dancer…hmm I wonder what she desires, by the way are you taking Oktai with you?” “I am, I wonder what I will do on world though?”

His master smirked “you will figure something out.” Asriel nodded slowly, he kept the image of the Black Templars within his mind.

Glad to see your alive and well. What kindof story do you plan on writing apart from this one?

 Dayknight wrote:

Glad to see your alive and well. What kindof story do you plan on writing apart from this one?

Well I can't post it online unfortunately but it's going to be a mix of sci fi/fantasy. It's going to have humans, dwarfs(renamed), elves(renamed) and the gods in the setting are going to have a lovecraft bend where seeing one can mess you up badly.

Chapter 12
The cheers were deafening, the masses stood at the foot of the stairs while crusaders kept them back. He found their cheers worthless, none of them fought, none of them bled to aid in stopping the cults. The very cult leaders now line the stairway, screaming in agony as they slowly burn to death in spiked iron cages. He found the death of heretics pleasing, to rejoice in the deaths of the enemies of the emperor is wine for the soul. He and his brothers stood at the sides of the aisle leading to the podium where the Archbishop will make his speech, he hoped it would be quick so they could leave. Their task is done, the priests know their place and the stern gaze of the emperor. Marshal Rolan looked at him, he smirked. “Eager to leave?”

He grunted, he is not hiding the fact. His brooding could be felt by all his brothers. “The heretic grows strong in the darkness while we linger here. The purgation has been completed. We should move to a new world.” He lifted up his Crozius, it’s golden head was covered in blood and brain matter of heretics, his boots crushed bodies and with his brothers he burned away the darkness that was clinging to this shrine world. Rolan shook his head “Bertrand, relax.” His Marshal’s voice was now stern, even so he remembers the day when he was just neophyte, flinching at his gaze. But his brown eyes always held a sense of determination, that determination made him Marshal of the Gaviam Crusade. “Fine.” Bertrand said in annoyance. “I will kill the Archbishop if he asks us to stay another day.” All of his brothers looked at him, it was not a joke either.

He dislikes mortals who hide behind astartes, they fought and ended the heretic while they cowered behind their church doors. Rolan narrowed his eyes at him and that said everything. “I won’t kill him as long as he does not delay us further. We have greater enemies to fight Marshal.” Rolan said nothing, he knew that he agreed as well. It looked like he was about to say something until the cathedral doors opened, Archbishop Oswell walked down the aisle, he was followed by scribes, servo skulls and a host of crusaders.

The human’s face looked aged, but what he found annoying was the attire Oswell wore. It held blue gems, threaded gold and he carried a golden staff topped by a skull. His whole outfit showed him that he has not seen a single day of hardship.

Oswell walked to the podium and nodded, he waved at the crowd at the bottom of the stairs. The crusaders were trying to hold back the crowd as the Archbishop regarded the masses. Bertrand snorted “crusaders...lackeys to useless priests…” he said that out loud, he did not care who heard him. All of his brothers gave small sighs in return, but they are young they will understand in time, even Rolan.

Some of the crusaders thought to look at him but turned their heads away soon as they got a full look at his visage. Oswell ignored him, in his mind this is his moment of glory because he offered them the most “support” in ending the heretical cults. He wanted this speech to be broadcasted to the entire city, he wanted to send the message that heresy will not be tolerated. He wanted to show everyone the fate of those who fall to darkness.

The message is not a bad one but Oswell did nothing to aid the city save giving them a few crusaders. True priests fight of the front lines, putting their life on the line for the emperor. He has seen it many times and it is those sort of priests that should lead the flock.

Oswell nodded, he opened his mouth but then his eyes suddenly rolled back, blood dripped down from his forehead as he slumped to the floor. The crusaders and scribes instantly rushed over, the crusaders checked over the Archbishops body. One tapped their forehead.

Bertrand gave a long sigh of annoyance as everything descended into chaos. Rolan placed his helmet on. “It seems were are not leaving anytime soon Chaplain.” Bertrand shrugged “at least there are more heretics to kill.”

***
Oktai looked through the binoculars staring at the chaos engulfing the main cathedral. His young lord was also with him, they sat on the edge of the building. “It seems Cash has started first.” Oktai said in amusement. He lowered his binoculars, Asriel did not require anything to see further, after all he is not exactly normal anymore. His young lord frowned “what should we do?” “Have you decided yet?” “No….” He stretched “even so it’s good Cash was first, it will make the mood right in the city for they won’t find him.” “What makes you say that?” “Well...a sniper’s effective range is about 1800 to 2500 yards in most cases, plus you usually need a spotter. In Cash’s case he does not require a spotter and can hit beyond 2500 yards.”

Oktai nodded in understanding “they will expect less.” “Yup, the Black Templars will search the perimeter perhaps...maybe about 1300 yards? Depending on far the Archbishop’s security detail was.” “Cash will be long gone by then, tell me how far can Cash actually shoot?” “With his custom rifle? About 6000. He is trying to push it higher all the time.” “Impressive so I wonder what does Cash intend to do with killing the Archbishop?” “Nothing.” Oktai raised his eyebrow. “Nothing?” Asriel smiled “yes, nothing. For you see Cash is quite simple. All of this is simply sport to him. A hunting trip so to speak. The one we have to actually worry about….” His young lord was thinking for a moment. “We have to worry about Dancer, how she will bring chaos to the city I have no idea.” he started to stroke his chin. “Still...we haven’t decided on a path yet…”

Oktai watched Asriel stare at the chaos, he then clapped his hands. “I have an idea!” “What is it?” Oktai asked. “We can leave the others to destroy the foundations of the city! We can get Tetricus a gift!” “A gift?” “Yes!” he pointed to the distance. “There! Look there Oktai!” Asriel almost seemed like a child in terms of excitement.

Oktai brought up his binoculars and searched for where Asriel was pointing. His vision landed upon a Chaplain, he was grim in aspect. The red eye lenses of his helmet looked to be judging everything around him. He seemed detached to everything around him compared to the other Black Templars. Oktai lowered the binoculars “so the chaplain is going to be a gift then?” “Indeed he is!” Asriel exclaimed “It won’t be easy but the others will make the perfect environment for him to fall.” Oktai grumbled “this isn’t part of the mission.” “Relax old man, Tetricus will be happy once he gets his new shiny Black Templar.” Asriel stood up right, his smile turned devious. “zealots are the most interesting Oktai…” Oktai sighed and went back to scanning the city “if you say so my young lord.”

***

Sitting in the confession booth was not easy, he is but a young priest of a small church but what people come in with at times causes his soul shudder. Adam grasped his holy icon dangling around his neck, in just the few hours of the Archbishop dying people have come confessing all manner of sins. From murder, mugging to even petty things. The whole city is now in a hysteria that despite the might of the God-emperor’s angels the darkness is still here. With that comes uncertainty and uncertainty leads to heresy. This tenet is something all priests know.

Adam relaxed while releasing his grip on his icon “may his grace cowl my heart against the heresy…” He then heard the booth door opening and closing. “Another one…” he whispered to himself. It was late he thought of closing earlier as the amount of confessions died away but due to the events happening in the city he kept going.

Adam straightened himself in his seat. He cleared his throat and looked through the dotted holes at the side of the booth, he could barely see the occupant on the other side but it helps him speak if he does this. “What ails you my child?” he asked. “What ailes me?” The voice was enchanting, it captivated him completely. Adam clutched the icon again, to wade away impure thoughts. “Y-Yes..what troubles you?” He heard a soft chuckle, that confirmed to him the one on the other side is a woman for sure. “Nothing ailes me...I wonder why this city seems so...sick.” Adam gasped he placed one of his hands over his mouth while still gripping the icon.

His mind lingered on those words, the woman stated the city was sick but in what way? The cults were a recent phenomenon, the killers and malcontents gained traction and became a problem, that’s it. The woman continued speaking “I want to fix it, every church I visited so far is disgusting, so are the people within it.” what she was saying borderlines on heresy, but strangely he could not help but agree. There was a strange force of will behind her words, Calisia is not changing because the people refuse to.

The priests who wade in money and sin keep everyone above them down, even he can’t expand his church because it would push onto the land of a far more influential priest. “So tell me priest how can it be fixed?” Her question caught him off guard. He tried to calm himself down, he is a priest of the God-emperor not a mewling fool. “It’s once everyone accepts the emperor into their hearts. Fo-” “That’s not what you think? Is it?” She cut him off, he cursed. Her voice is throwing him on slightly.

Adam wanted this woman out of his church “what do you want me to say!? Heresy is like a weed. The issue is people keep feeding it! When I say that more people should accept the emperor I meant it!” “I see…” Adam could hear the booth door opening and someone stepping out. He breathed out a small sigh until he heard the doors of his church closing. “By Terra what is going on?” He was about to rise until his own booth opened, a woman stepped in and closed the door.

He thought to rise, but he sat like a stone in his seat. The woman before him wore a simple white robe but her face? It was mesmerising, her black hair glittered slightly and her blue eyes held his heart in place. The woman flicked her hair, the size of the booth allowed it. “It seems I will start here…” She smiled as trails of pink mist left her eye sockets and mouth, Adam screamed for his life.

***
Dancer stepped into the alleyway, despite the shining temples, the great statues as always there is filth lining any city. In that muck she will find what she needs. She continued walking down the alleyway as she made a corner she spotted a young woman stabbing a man several times with a knife. Dancer kicked a nearby rock to grab the woman’s attention, she looked up and faced her holding a the bloodied knife. The woman’s hair was a mess, the hand gripping the weapon was shaking as well.

Everything about the one before her showed that she is an amateur. “So tell me why did you kill that man?” Dancer asked. The woman shook her head “h-he deserved it!” “Oh really? Why?” “H-He l-looked at me funny! It’s survival!” Dancer adjusted her head to the corpse, she could see the pockets have been rummaged. “Well you won’t survive for long considering how you kill...so aren’t you afraid of my arms?” She lifted up her lower limbs that ended in crab claws. The woman shook her head “I don’t care if you are a mutant! I-I have killed mutants before!”

Dancer gestured with her normal hand “show me then…” the woman charged at her. She clumsily thrusted forward, Dancer committed to a simple sidestep, she then reached out and grabbed the woman’s stretched out limb which was wielding the blade. She the flipped the woman over her shoulder and pinned her to the ground.

The clumsy murderer gasped in pain as she hit the floor. Dancer then twisted the young woman’s blade wielding wrist in order for her to release the weapon, she then kicked the knife away. “W-What is your problem!” the young woman shouted, she struggled to release herself. Dancer tutted “You could be better, stronger, more perfect.” “I-I don’t care! Let me go you bloody mutant!” Dancer bought her pincer to her neck, the young woman closed her mouth. “Perfection is when you require nothing, no blades, no guns...nothing at all. Don’t you want to be strong?” The young woman started to think. “W-Why? What’s your game here?” “I am just searching for like minded people that’s all.” “I-If I ref-” “If you refuse I will kill you and find someone else.” The young woman slowly nodded “A-Alright! Fine!” Dancer released her grip upon her, before standing up right she reached for the knife and placed it into an empty sheath.

Once standing straight she looked around “we must move. Up you get.” The young woman got up, she grunted at her. “You could of killed me anytime…” “I could, I seek to change that to never. Now what’s your name?” The young woman frowned at her “Lila, what’s yours?” “Dancer.” “Dancer? What kind of name is that?” “It’s not a name I chose, a fool gave it to me and it stuck. Now come.” Dancer continued walking down the alleyway, they stepped around the corpse.

She could tell by Lila’s footsteps that she was nervous, but that would change in time.

Just to let everyone know I am not exactly 100% at the moment so chapters may come slowly.

Chapter 13
Tetricus bit into an apple, he could feel the waves of annoyance from both women. Both were powers on this ship and both felt they have been cast aside in favour for slaves. He personally did not care for their annoyance, he prefers to use the right tool for the right job. He even suspected there will come a day when he will have to eliminate both groups. The Broken Priestess stepped forward “my following would of been the most useful in corrupting a shrine world my lord.” Her guards were always one step behind her, despite being a mortal he could sense or feel that she is a threat if he allows her to reach too far.

Tetricus shrugged “I decided otherwise.” “My lord you would trust the trash of the lower levels with something so delicate?” Tetricus learned forward slightly in amusement. “Does that include Asriel? You could not even protect your own when he killed half of your cult.” “That was under your orders my lord, we served impecibally yet you set that savage upon us. To resist would defy you.” “You could of resisted.” The priestess body language showed that she was not expecting such an answer. “If you were better, more perfect, higher than the “savages”, someone like Asriel should of been easily dealt with. But you were meek...weak even, how can I rely on such people?” He could see her guards were becoming visibly angry, they can display their anger he could easily reduce them to nothing in an instant.

He took another bite out of the apple, his hollow eyes moved to Shidonai or Astaroth. “I don’t trust you.” Tetricus said firmly. The creature raised her eyebrow “but you sense nothing from me.” “I don’t care. Just because someone is a threat does not mean they will betray me.” The creature folded her arms, Tetricus leaned back in his chair.

He stared at the xeno creature, she still had that alien confidence that she was above humanity. He could feel it, his bones were rattling, his mind pulsed with the need to incinerate the creature. The Broken Priestess pointed at Shidonai “she will betray you my lord, I have seen it. For one she is not even truly human anymore.” Tetricus groaned in annoyance, he could see what she is doing. “Tell me...what did you see?” The supposed oracle nodded “the ship will run with rivers of blood, the lord of snakes will gather her brood to take control of the ship.” Shidonai hissed at the Broken Priestess “always with your visions! All you see are strings! Possibilities!” Both of them started to argue, hurling insults, deriding each other.

Tetricus took another bite out of the apple and chewed slowly while staring at them. He then decided depending on the results of the mavericks he will have both cults excised from the the ship.

***

Bertrand walked through the ruined church with a squad of initiates along with their neophytes, the sniper could not be found but the death of the Archbishop showed that their work is not done. They left the priests to deliberate on the next Archbishop, their role is to purge heresy. A broken bench crunched under his boot. He looked back to Renier, leader of the squad. He held his chainsword and bolt pistol at the ready, his red eye lenses glinted in the dimmed church. “Chaplain it seems that nothing is here.” “Indeed, Rolan thought it would be prudent to do another sweep of the churches that housed the heretics but it seems that nothing is here.” “Perhaps we are dealing with a new group?” Renier asked.

Bertrand nodded to his words “that is most likely the case now let’s lea-” “Leaving so soon?” Bertrand flicked behind him to see a mortal sitting on a bench his grey eyes were inhuman, the warpaint looked macabre and he reeked of brimstone and perfume. The smell pierced the recycled air of his helmet. In an instant he bought up his weapon and struck downwards to destroy the heretic. His Crozius tore the bench asunder, splinters flew about the room. As the dust cleared the intitates looked at him with confusion. Renier stepped forward “Chaplain? Is something wrong?” “There was a young man sitting there, a heretic.” Reiner shook his head “you just smashed the bench for no reason, I can understand your frustration Chaplain, the heretic hides in the shadows rather than facing us openly.”

Bertrand furrowed his brow, the young man was right there. He heard his voice as well. “That’s not nice is it?” Bertrand’s gaze was brought to the altar, the heretic was sitting upon it. Bertrand pointed his Crozius at the minion of darkness. “Can’t you see him? Hear him?” The whole squad shook their heads. “Witchcraft…” Bertrand hissed. The heretic smiled displaying pearly white teeth, he could also spot fangs as well. “So the city is now in chaos, but that chaos is just starting. But there is one thing I could not help but notice.” The heretic pointed at him. “You, I get the feeling that you enjoy killing don’t you?” “Be Silent!” “Well you can’t do anything about me, after all you lack Liberians don’t you?” Bertrand trembled with fury, he did not need to hear this.

He turned away from the altar “we are leaving, we must let Rolan know witches are involved.” “Wait! Wait! Let me help you out!” Bertrand then heard a wall moving, Reiner pointed “a wall is sliding away Chaplain.” Bertrand turned back to the altar to see Reiner is right, a wall next to the altar was sliding downwards. The heretic nodded, he puffed out his chest. “You see we are all working individually, there are multiple groups at work and we don’t exactly like each other…” Bertrand ignored the young man, this could be a trick but what is likely is that the heretic is using them to take care of a rival group. In the end it did not matter, eventually he will wring the throat of the mouthy heretic.

Bertrand gestured “come we will investigate.” he advanced with the whole squad to the opened pathway. As they got to it he could see stone steps leading downwards, for some reason he glanced at the altar to see the heretic smiling joyfully. “We will crush any plan you have fabricated.” he hissed at him. The young man clapped “I am eager to see you try.” Bertrand walked down into the darkness, as they marched down the steps he could see they were heading towards a light.

Once they got to the bottom he could see the hallway was brightly lit, they now stood in front of a set of double doors. Bertrand continued onward with the whole squad behind him. Stepping through the double doors they saw heretics wearing golden masks with snake motifs upon it. They also held autoguns, with them entering all of the heretics looked at them.

They murmured to themselves, he could sense the fear dripping from their bodies as it should be. He was about to shout to charge until a heretic at the front raised his hands along with his weapon. “W-Wait!” He stepped forward his weapon still raised in the air “M-My lord...please w-wait!” Reiner thumbed the activation rune on his chainsword “something seems off Chaplain.” Bertrand grunted at the initiate “quell your heart of questions, this is just a trick.” The heretic shook his head frantically “I-I d-don’t even know how I g-got it here! J-Ju-” Bertrand raised his bolt pistol at the heretic. “No pity….no remorse….no fear!” He shot the heretic in the face, his head evaporated in a red mist.

Bertrand charged forward “for the emperor!” his fellow brothers echoed his cry. The heretics before them turned frantic, some tried to run but others opened fire. Their bullets rattled against their armour, he knew that the weak willed always try to make excuses. They say that they did not understand what they were joining, they had no idea this group was heretical. Such people try to appeal to one's humanity but they were bred to destroy the enemies of the emperor, there is not higher calling, no greater joy than tearing the enemies of the emperor asunder.

He smashed aside the head of a heretic with his Crozius, he bellowed out “all those who hide in the darkness the emperor’s light will burn you away!” He fired several times with his bolt pistol, the shells landed in the backs of those who were fleeing. Great crevices erupted from their backs at they tumbled to the ground. The hallway was becoming awash with blood, the deaths of heretics is a sacrifice to the emperor, it’s an offering to show your commitment to the master of mankind.

All of them advanced forward, all of them knew of their joyous duty to the emperor. Bertrand smacked aside the last heretic who was slamming on the next set of double doors. With that the hallway grew silent. Bertrand placed his bolt pistol into it’s holster he turned to Reiner “have half of the squad guard the hallway, this seems to be the last room.” “How do you know?” “The heretic was banging on the door, so it seems this room is locked. Someone or something is hiding in here.” Reiner nodded “yes Chaplain.” Bertrand gave the door a light push with his freehand, it easily opened.

He walked inside with the other half of the squad, he now stood in a dimly lit room and in the middle were women huddling with children. All of them wore masks. “More heretics.” he said curtly. One woman twisted to him, it was evident that she was crying. “Why are you killing you us!?” Bertrand stepped forward “suffer not the unclean to live.” he said in a cold tone. “We aren’t heretics! We just woke up here! Those with weapons were just trying to protect us!” She started to break down, she dropped to her knees. “P-please s-save us...we have c-children.” Bertrand removed his bolt pistol from it’s holster. “So I should believe that somehow you woke up in a known church that is used for heretical practices. The very fact that you are here means you are most likely tainted, including the children. Do you expect pity from me? Do expect mercy as well? We are not here to save you but to burn away the darkness, a duty we do glady.” The woman raised her arms “w-wai-” Her head exploded, the muzzle of his bolt pistol gave of a small amount of smoke. His eyes swept over the rest of them “all of you will be purged.”

***

Reiner could hear the gunshots, the thuds of bodies. But as always his curiosity got the better of him, something was off he could feel it. He walked over to a corpse, his Neophyte Heriot shadowed his every step. “Sir what are we doing?” he asked. “I am checking something.” Reiner knelt and looked the corpse over, his eyes were drawn to their hands, he remembered that the heretic that stepped forward raised his weapon instead of dropping it and raising his hands. That would not change the outcome but he found it strange, he reached for the hand grasping the grip of the weapon, with a slight tug the hand removed itself from the weapon.

Right away he noticed a white flaky substance running across the grip of the weapon, he even noticed it around the trigger part of the gun. He grumbled slightly, “Is something wrong sir?” Heriot asked. He did not want to trouble his Neophyte with such things, he should focus on doing his duty. “It’s nothing.” Heriot nodded but he could hear him mumbling. That normally meant he wanted to ask a question. “Speak your mind Heriot.” “Sir...Chaplain Bertrand seemed to…” He shook his head. “Forget I said anything.”

He knew what he was going to say, he thought the same thing as a Neophyte, his mind has not been changed since then either on the subject. Bertrand enjoys his role too much, he could not voice such things, stronger and wiser powers put the Chaplain in his current position.

But one thing has carried him all the way to initiate and according to Rolan one day he will be one of the sword brethren. “Close your mind to their suffering, do not think of them. Only focus on your duty and nothing else.” He rose from the corpse, Heriot gave a curt nod. “Yes sir.” As he said those words the doors opened to reveal Bertrand covered in blood along with the rest who entered the room. “It’s done, let us move to the next Church.” Reiner nodded “yes Chaplain.” Bertrand stopped before him “you want to say something?” Reiner internally cursed, another reason why he is Chaplain is due to the fact he can read people well. The question is should he voice his concern over the discovery? “No Chaplain.” Bertrand nodded he continued walking, Reiner gave one last look at the corpse and he prayed that they were not being manipulated by a malign force.

***
Rolan advanced down the long alleyway with his sword brethren, he decided it would be a good time to commit to an extermination of mutants and malcontents to prevent them flocking to whatever heretical banner springs upwards in the city. He kept his power sword and stormshield at the ready, as they moved he could tell the air has changed, heretics normally can even affect the recycled air of power armour.

He could tell that something far more dangerous is now here, it’s like a darkness is pushing down upon them. They then reached a somewhat open area with multiple pathways, but his eyes were drawn to the middle of the area.

Walking towards it his sword brethren cursed in disgust, they were right to do so because on the ground were corpses arranged into a profane symbol. It looked like a male and female symbol mixed together, Rolan knelt and looked upon the corpses. What he found strange is that they did not look like beggars, mutants or the odd passerby.

Every single corpse was wearing armour, from skin-tight suits, flak armour to carapace. All of them were wearing icons of the emperor. “They must be death cult members…” Rolan mused. Some cults are clearly heretical but others had the blessing of the emperor, it would not surprise him if some of the groups had support from certain priests in the city. “Astartes…..astartes….” the whispers came from the various pathways. Rolan rose and bellowed “ready yourselves brothers! An enemy approaches!” All of them raised their swords and stormshields.

The whispering kept continuing until out of the darkness people wearing black leather stepped out, said leather was covered in blue, red to even purple jewels. He could even see that some of the suits were hooked into the skin. Other’s had the right side of their chest bare and the other side is covered in leather. But with just one look into their bloodshot eyes he could tell they were heretics, the heretics before him are far more deadly compared to the cults they purged in the past.

All of the heretics drew knives and pistols, one grinned. “I want to be the first to kill an astartes!” With the heretic’s cry all of them charged towards them. Rolan shouted “cover each other’s flanks!” They all came together making a circular wall, the heretics in a mad frenzy crashed upon their shields, clawing and stabbing in a mad frenzy. Rolan pushed a heretic back and stabbed them in the chest, instead of a yelp of pain they cried out in pleasure. “My pain is a prayer, my pain brings my higher to perfection!” The heretic gurgled through a bloodied mouth. Rolan kicked the heretic off his blade in disgust.

The battle was like a charnel house, the enemy did not fear them like the old cults they exterminated, they did not drop to their knees in anguish due to their injuries. They just kept going. Then came a sound a gurgled grunt from behind him. Impossible! Rolan shouted within his mind. He did not have to order it the injured brother was drawn into the circle and it shrunk to accommodate the gap.

Rolan did not look back, not now he had to focus on the heretics before him. He kept hacking and slashing until the area grew silent.

All that was before him were chopped up corpses smiling with glee. Now he allowed himself to turn, one of his sword brethren was dead. His eyes lenses were shot out and he was bleeding from his gorget. He must of been piled upon, but the fact simple heretics killed one of his sword brethren angered him, but at the same time he knew that this new cult cannot be underestimated.

Chapter 14
He conjured a glass like screen in the middle of the table, his brothers looked at it with wonder, even Cassius. But what drew Tetricus’ gaze while he worked is the fact that Eratus’ right arm is a mass of pink tentacles. The dexterity while he handled multiple objects was staggering as he adjusted his knives and forks.

Once Tetricus finished he leaned back in his chair “Erastus what happened to your arm?” he asked. The apothecary looked up to him, he smiled and shrugged “I just woke up like this, at first I was devastated.” Cassius raised his eyebrow “how so? You have been blessed.” Erastus grunted “would a normal person think that they could handle delicate equipment with tentacle appendages? Especially if your dominant arm was changed?” Justus nodded “he has a good point, when my eyes changed I thought it was something minor. Then I found I am immortal.” Erastus chuckled to Justus’ words “indeed sometimes perception causes us to make poor decisions. But me being the intelligent man I am I worked to discover the limits of these limbs.” Tetricus watched Erastus raise the mass of tentacles “I can handle far more equipment and work on multiple projects at the same time!” Tetricus smiled “that’s wonderful! So what project are you working on?” The apothecary frowned, he coughed slightly while looking away.

He knew that he was trying to most likely improve his Corpus project but it seems he is most likely running into dead ends. Cassius tutted and bought his eyes to the screen he conjured, Tetricus stroked his chin at Cassius’ gesture. His brother is most likely jealous, all of them have been changed or “blessed” yet he has remained the same. For now he focused on the show he has prepared. “These screens will show what the Black Templars and the mavericks are doing on Calisia, since my previous show was ruined I at least wanted to put on a show for all of you before we attack the city.” As Tetricus said show Faust grunted and turned away from the screen. “Come now brother you still upset that I won’t play for you?” Faust said nothing and turned his head away further. Tetricus sighed slightly and faced the screen.

He could see the sharpshooter setting up, the fact he required no spotter was impressive but he wondered who is he going to kill? Gazing at the other floating screens the shrine world is steadily falling apart despite the efforts of the Black Templars.

Even so the sharpshooter was drawing his interest he was aiming at a building, it looked like a church but it bore no windows. The building itself was embellished as well. Tetricus shifted the screen to display what is within the building, he saw a group of priests sitting in a circle deliberating on the subject of who will be the new Archbishop. As the priests discussed all the problems happening within the city Tetricus grinned. “I see what you are doing…”

***
Cash was on his belly, he made sure that the daily maintenance on Bessy has been completed since the penetrator rounds tinkerer gave him can do a number on her. He dislikes putting her through such things but she told him it’s okay. “3 inches upwards…” Bessy whispered to him. He did as his wife said, despite aiming at a wall he adjusted his rifle 3 inches upwards. Back on the farm both of them always went sharpshooting, she always had an eye for it even now. He slowed his breathing down. “2 inches to the left….” he said calmly. He adjusted his rifle, he could sense his wife’s approval. “1 inch higher….” Cash nodded, he lined up the shot. It was aimed right at the wall but his target would die he knows it. The target is like a animal, unsuspecting of what is going to happen.

Cash grinned “I wish I could see your face….Bessy says you need to die...”

***
Michael sat on his chair, his crusader guards stood behind him. All of the most influential priests have been gathered within these hallowed halls. The grand temple was decorated with golden statues of the master of mankind and the primarchs. Instead of discussing on how to fight back against the heresy and aid the emperor’s angels all of them are clamouring for power. Each priest wishes to be the next Archbishop or are shouting that it’s the end of the world.

Priest Gilford tapped his sliver staff on the ground to grab everyone’s attention, Michael had a feeling what he was going to say and it’s not going to help the situation. Gilford was an aged priest, his face was also wrinkled with age. “This is divine punishment….” Everyone started to murmur, Michael rolled his eyes. “Don’t you think that is the case Priest Michael? Do you know of the strange ritual murders that happen in the cover of night? The dead are arranged into obscene poses and heretical icons. Such things had to be burnt asunder by the Black Templars, anyone who gazed at them had to be executed. We are assaulted by the darkness again and again yet it seems not even the emperor’s angels can push it back. All of this started again just as our previous Archbishop was going to announce our victory….the master of mankind is upset with us...we have sinned...” Heads started to be cast down, Michael frowned. “I refuse to be believe that.” he answered.

Everyone looked at him “you think...that the emperor would allow such heresy to flourish? No, all of this is due to the weak heart of man. Maybe we should of done more, but I refuse to accept this is his judgement. The God-emperor would want us to fight back! All of us should give all of the aid we can to the Black Templars! Instead of squabbling here like fools over a title!” A priest chuckled, everyone looked at him. Priest Ennio was young but it’s open secret he has connections to the death cults of the emperor. He is even guarded by two men in black carapace armour. Their hands were always at their weapons. “With what resources? These cults are tearing at the roots of all our power bases.” Michael narrowed his eyes “hence why we have to pool our resources.” Ennio shook his head “the Crusaders of the previous Archbishop sought to avenge his death, all of them marched to the poorer areas of Calisia and they haven’t come back. I also doubt the emperor’s angels care for their fates either. I will also let you all know something. The death cults are now silent.”

The fact that Ennio admitted such a thing out loud caused everyone to gasp, but it was the fact the secret killers of the god-emperor are also dead caused many to make the sign of the Aquila. Everyone was panicking Micheal ground his teeth, he rose from his seat. “That shouldn’t matter!” He shouted.

Everyone looked at him, he grasped his holy icon. “I will not stand by as everything crumbles around us! I swear upon the name of the go-” He then heard a whistle sound, his head hurt. He let go of his icon and touched his forehead with his freehand.

As he bought his fingers back from it he saw blood, he looked at everyone. They were staring at him with horror. Michael felt his eyes rolling back, he coughed and tumbled to the ground. The last thing he heard were his fellow priests screeching and panicking.

***
Adam stared at his small congregation, all of them looked malnourished and weak. You could almost see the skin on their bones. At this current moment there are blockades cutting this area of the city off with the richer part. In turn the poor and improvised are stuck here, his mistresses claws have swept through the poorer churches and due to her efforts day by day more people join the true congregation. But he knew it took some budging and pushing to even get people moving in the right direction. “Welcome…” The hopefuls all looked at him, he knew none have come for faith not truly, they have come for charity. The food being provided after service can lead someone to the truth. He could see the hunger in their eyes, the same hunger he had. He was filled with revulsion at first when the mistress stuffed the foul meat into his mouth but he got a taste for it in time.

After the first meal he felt stronger, more alert, despite the situation they now face he is not worried. All of them will be protected once the Black templars come. “All of you know how this area of the city has been separated, cut off from the richer parts of the city. Some of you have been sleeping on the streets, starving due to the fact you can’t go home. Plus you fear the murders...” The ritual murders has people fleeing for their lives, many even take shelter in churches which in turns allows better opportunities to show the misguided the truth.

His mistress said not worry about the murders for in the end it’s working in their favour. “I won’t bore all of you with a sermon, you have suffered enough. Please enjoy these halls at least for the night.” Everyone gave a sigh of relief that was the response he desired.

His scribes began serving out the meat and beverages out to the people, in time they will come for more and will soon understand the gift they are being given. Adam stepped off the podium and walked to his study while everyone eats. He could see they did not care what they were putting in their mouths, his scribes were handing the people platters of proper meat and they were just stuffing it down with glee.

He gave a soft smile and walked to the back. As he entered the hallway he coughed slightly and said the appropriate keywords. The ground phased away to reveal stairs heading downwards, he quickly walked down the steps. Going down he could not wait to report the news, new members of the fraternity, new brothers and sisters.

Once Adam got to the bottom of the stairs he was now in front of a set of double wooden doors, he pushed it open to reveal a grand hall. People were wearing masks while sitting on huge cushions stuffing themselves with meat and gouging themselves on wine. Adam ignored this he focused on Lady Valerie, she was bouncing slightly on her on cushion while drinking a glass of wine.

Before he could get close to her the crusaders she corrupted raised their shields. One that looked to be blinded frowned a him. “What is your business?” “I don’t answer to you” Adam sneered at the crusader. “If I willed it our Lady would put you on the meat hooks with the rest of your kind!” He watched the crusader’s head move slightly to the hooks despite his missing eyes. Adam remembered when they barged into his church smashing and destroying everything, blaming them for Archbishop Oswell’s murder. But Valerie used her powers to cow them, to bring the dogs in line.

Lady Valerie chuckled “you can be so mean-spirited sometimes can’t you Adam?” Adam bowed slightly. “He did not know his place…” “True…” Her eyes locked onto the crusader he started to panic. His lady smiled “go plant your yourself on a hook, you will be dinner.” The crusader gripped his head, he started drooling, after that he marched to a hook and impaled himself upon it he squirmed upon it as his lifeblood pooled onto the floor. Like vultures those in the hall swarmed the crusader, but they did not touch his body they lapped up the pooling blood like dogs. Adam sneered at the twitching warrior “it’s what he deserves.” “Well our new converts have to eat Adam.” His eyes shot to his savior, he nodded. “Tonight’s congregation is full of people. The Black Templars are pushing people to our doorstep. The richer priests are in disarray as well.” Valerie stopped bouncing on the cushion.

She tapped her lips lightly with the wine glass. “We can wait it out.” “What?” “The Black Templar’s focus won’t be on us, due to my powers we can easily hide. There is another group that is far more flashy. So we can relax.” Adam bowed “as you say.”

He wasn’t going to ask why, he was fully confident that his savior knew what she was doing.

***
They were gathered in the temple that was gifted to them by the deceased Archbishop Oswell. It has been modified and outfitted for their needs but Reiner felt on edge, he could feel his brothers need to call the full might of the crusade upon this world. He watched Bertrand and Rolan deliberate in front of a hololith map, their conversation could be heard by all of the neophytes and initiates within the hall, they are not even hiding it. Rolan pointed at the map. “The whole city is corrupted, the priests are panicking and another murder of a influential priest is not helping things either.” Bertrand nodded “Indeed, the fact you lost one of the sword brethren is troubling, do you think this is a precursor to something far worse?” Reiner watched Rolan frown heavily “I do, I think we might be dealing with traitors, the cultists are far too skilled and organised. The way things are happening in tandem can’t be chance.” At the mention of traitors everyone turned grim in aspect save for Bertrand.

He gave a small chuckle instead “then we will tear them asunder and feed their bodies to the flames.” Rolan smirked “you have been doing that for six centuries.” The Chaplain looked over to the statue of the Emperor, his hollow gaze staring down upon them. “I think I have a century more in me. But there is a problem.” Reiner raised his eyebrow, he wondered what the Chaplain was going to say.

Bertrand removed his helmet “I should be put on guard and quarantine for the time being.” Everyone started to murmur. Rolan looked at Bertrand with concern. “What are you talking about it?” The Chaplain’s gaze moved down the statue his aged faced turned stern, angry even. Reiner followed where his eyes were going and then he knew. The heretic he could only see or hear is there.

Bertrand sighed heavily “I am compromised. A witch looms around me and seeks to manipulate me. I should be put into isolation for now in order to keep the creature from learning or manipulating our plans.” Marshall Rolan simply nodded, he gestured the sword brethren over. “Escort Chaplain Bertrand to his cell, make sure he is monitored and under guard twenty-four seven.” Everyone was confused but Reiner knew he is doing, Bertrand is old but he puts the crusade itself above his own well being.

Reiner wanted to hit himself for doubting the Chaplain, he was most likely far more aware of what was going on when they purged those churches. As Bertrand was escorted out of the hall Reiner swore he would tear away the darkness covering this world.

***
Tetricus stroked his chin, he watched the Black Templars strip away the Chaplain’s wargear as he was locked up in his cell. Asriel was following the so called Bertrand all the way to his room. The fact the Black Templars could not see him was a surprise but he wondered what his erratic servant was planning.

Cassius grunted as Dorene placed a plate of food in front of him. “Tetricus did you put your slave on a special mission?” Tetricus shook his head slowly. “No...going by what the other mavericks are doing they are causing far more chaos. That is evident.” His brother smiled at him “you are being serious for once aren’t you?” Tetricus scoffed “so I can’t wonder what my servant is doing with a group of zealots?” “Or when unexpected things happen your whole demeanor changes.” If he could narrow his eyes at him he would be at the moment, Cassius is trying to be clever, that he has one over him.

The rest of his brothers were focusing on other events, Erastus seemed far more interested in the mad cult plowing the back alleyways and the poorer areas. They are most likely lead by the one named Dancer, the fact they have Erastus attention he could not determine whether that’s a good or bad thing. Justus seemed eager for the sharpshooter to pick another target and Faust despite his moping has some interest in the cannibal cult hidden under the poorer churches.

But then something clicked, he grumbled slightly. “Cassius why are you looking at the Black Templars?” “Is that a problem?” He asked. “Yes it is, I expected to fawn over the ritual killings.” “Why should I be interested in the mad murders of slaves? I want to get a measure of the true enemy.” The glass screen flickered to display the Marshal of the Crusade, his brother removed his combat knife from his belt and pointed it at the Marshal. “I want his head.” “You think you are good enough to take it?” Tetricus said in amusement.

The prefector became visibly offended. “You think I can’t?” Tetricus said nothing, he let the question hang that inferutated Cassius even more. His brother is so easy sometimes and he strangely liked to exploit that. While he huffed and puffed in annoyance, Tetricus stared at the screen. He smiled slightly while staring at Asriel, watching his projection or ghost sit in the the cell with the Chaplain. He was oddly staring at the loyalist hungrily, like he expected this outcome.

Tetricus nodded “they think that they are now secured.” Everyone looked at him, Cassius frowned “what do you see that we don’t?” Tetricus did not look at his brother, he sat back in his chair and relaxed, he did not answer Cassius’ question either. His thoughts were just running out of his mouth. “You are such an evil and wonderful creature aren’t you? What kind of show are you going to put on for me?” His words confused his brothers, but it wasn’t for them. One part of this plan is drawing his own personal interest.

Chapter 15
Bertrand said his ritual prayers in front of the small statue of the emperor, he said the prayers to sharpen his mind war, the words that spilled from his lips emboldens his soul to burn away the heretic. He bought his hands together “Praise the almighty master that sits upon the golden throne, may h-” “This is boring!” The voice was irritation, one he has been trying to ignore for almost a week.

He knew to acknowledge it was to give the heretic power over him. The creature is now lashing out like a child because he is not doing what he wants. He tried not to look around his cell, save for the mattress, servo skull and the jug of water that is delivered each day his room is bare. The servo skull was a recent edition, it was a means to observe him but everything else was wrought by his hand.

For an astartes should have no distractions, no wants save for destroying the enemies of mankind. That is the only joy a warrior of the emperor is allowed to have. “Why don’t you break out?” Bertrand’s brow twitched as his voice entered his ears again, he focused on his prayers. The creature strangely prefers to sit out of his line of vision he never guessed why that is the case and he has tried not to care for a witch can read minds.

Bertrand prepared to say his prayers again but before a word left his lips he felt someone touching his face. In an instant he looked to the right to see the heretic standing before him, he was tip toeing slightly but was moving back to standing up right again. Without even thinking it his body moved, he made his hand into a fist and punched the creature in the face. Bertrand could feel flesh tearing, bones shattering and like a bullet the heretic flew onto the metal wall.

When he heard the crack on impact, strangely it bought a smile to his face. The body slid down the wall, the heretic twitched. He had no idea how he survived but he did not care, he would visit the emperor’s justice upon this minion of darkness. He strode over to the heretic, his robes brushing across his body with each step.

He picked the heretic up and bought him to his face. It was a mangled mess but it was rapidly reforming. Once his face returned to normal the heretic gave a cold chuckle “that’s it...astartes move right to brutality...it’s what you are….what you were made for….” Bertrand narrowed his eyes, the heretic held a mocking grin. He wanted to wipe it off his face, he grabbed his arm and slammed the heretic on the floor.

Bertrand used him as a rag-doll he slammed him onto the ground and floor numerous times as he said the litany of hatred. Heat began to thrum through his body, the thought, the chance that he could destroy this heretic utterly was in his grasp. Even if he heals, even if he could mend his body he would break him again and again. There is no greater holy task than to kill the heretic, he could feel the emperor guiding him, as his arm moved. The crack of bone as the heretic hit the wall, ceiling and floor was an offering to the master of mankind. His passion, his hatred ran hot, he couldn’t see anything the litanty just spilled from his lips as he did his work.

Once he was finished he stopped and held the heretic up again with the arm he was holding. Despite the rivers of blood and the bones protruding from his body all of the wounds were reversing at a rapid pace.

The body even moved abnormally to allow this to happen, Bertrand felt his rage building higher due to seeing such sorcery before him. “You are such a disgusting creature…” he hissed. “O-Oh? Am I? You are just like us...smiling as you brutalize another, reveling in their torment and horror.” Bertrand flinched, but he did not know why. “I am nothing like you.” “Hmm...true you just do it a little differently, you just call God by a different word.” As he mentioned god and the comparison, Bertrand punched the heretic in the gut. A gout of blood erupted from the heretic’s mouth. “You spout heresy creature! Don’t you dare compare the master of mankind to your filth! I sh-” The creature clicked his neck, his grey eyes bored into him. “Obsession? Or Excess? Such things has many names for different people. I call him God, you call him emperor and others...call him Slaanesh.” The last name caused goosebumps to crawl across his body, Bertrand wanted to say something but no words would come to his mouth.

The name felt and even sounded familiar but some part of him did not want to admit it. He shook his head “More lies.” “You don’t have to believe me, actions speak louder than words you were praying to the emperor just a minute ago. You were praying to our god.” At the mention of “our” he threw the heretic onto the wall. He heard another crack as the creature hit it but this time he was not sure if it’s reflex but he closed his mind.

Confusion started to set in steadily, his breathing began to slow. He shook his head “m-more lies. You a-” He heard a lock twisting, his head turned to towards the door and as it opened two of the sword brethren strode in. He recognised both of them, Louis and Fulco. Louis was covered in purity seals, while Fulco wore a simple tabard. Both wielded stormshields and power swords.

Louis stepped forward “are you well Chaplain?” Bertrand blinked once, then twice. He wiped his brow that was covered in sweat. “the heretic touched me, I just thought to teach the heretic his place.” Louis cocked his head, just slightly. “Chaplain according to feed from the servo skull you were flailing around your room randomly.” Bertrand chuckled he looked down to the heretic who was before him, he has not risen, his chest is rising and falling slowly. “Only I can see him and hear him. At least there should be blood within my cell.” “There is no blood Chaplain.” His head flicked to the sword brethren, he then looked around the room. It was bare, there were no dents either due to him mangling the heretic. Louis continued speaking “we were worried that you were being assaulted by witchcraft. Your actions were so sudden and erratic as well.”

Bertrand did not know what to say, these two have known him for a century. They know how he acts, his general deamour hence why they were most likely chosen as his guards. He tried to relax “thank you for your concern, the heretic seeks to trick me and I fell for it. I am fine now.” “Are you?” The voice came from the left corner of the room, he found his head turning and the heretic was sitting there. He had a bored look about him, Bertrand clenched his hands and looked back to where he threw the creature. To his shock he was still lying on the ground, his eyes moved from both places in rapid succession.

It was only Louis’ voice that broke him out of that repetition. “Chaplain.” His eyes locked on the sword brethren. “What do you see?” Bertrand tried to calm himself “he is in two places at once.” Fulco growled “sorcery!” Louis gestured to calm his fellow guard. “Chaplain, whatever you see...ignore it. I don’t have to tell you this.” His fellow brother in arms was right, he relaxed, he calmed himself down and slowly the confusion vanished.

Once he looked visibly calm, Louis nodded and left his cell with Fulco. Once the locks were back in place he returned to his original position in front of the small statue and started his prayers. He felt serene, light and weightless but all of that vanished as the voice entered his ears again. It came from the corner. “You think what you did would go away with a small prayer? You think that you beaten me by locking yourself up here?” He did not move his eyes to the corner, instead he moved his head to where the heretic’s mangled body was, surprisingly it was gone.

Bertrand tensed, the creature continued speaking. “If you refuse to purge heretics I will attack your brothers, I will sow more chaos if you do not act.” Around him multiple black pools of energy formed and then an image appeared within them. He could see a church, but what has him grinding his teeth is he could see Heriot, Reiner’s neophyte standing in front of a podium with two buttons. Ahead of him was a large contraption shaped into a scale, instead of dishes they were cages.

In one was civilians, women, men and even children crying for their lives. In the other were initiates and neophytes. Their armour looked torn and battered, whenever they touch the cage it would spark with great pink energy causing them to flinch back. Bertrand flicked his head to the corner of his room. “How!?” The heretic was picking his ear, he removed his finger from his ear and flicked the debris away, he then shrugged. “Sorcery I guess?” Bertrand took a step towards him, the creature narrowed his eyes. “What would injuring me solve? Whatever is going to happen will happen no matter what you do.” Bertrand ground his teeth “I need to tell Louis…” he turned to the door. “Oh don’t worry everyone in the city knows this is going on.” the heretic called out.
As he said that Bertrand froze, cold sweat ran down his brow. What makes it worse is the pools of energy move with him so he has no choice but to watch.

Behind him he could hear the heretic laughing.

***
Oktai sat on the edge of the building while staring at the large pict screen displaying a group of astartes in a precarious situation. Even so he could hear footsteps behind him but going by the sound he knew who it was. The sharpshooter Cash sat down next to him. He was scratching the back of his head “so he is putting on a show?” Cash voiced out loud. Oktai smiled, the situation the astartes are placed in it’s evident that his young lord wants to put on a show for the whole city. He could tell the Black Templars are not used to being in such a situation, he doubts that they have ever been caged before. “I assume so, but I wonder how he was able to broadcast this to the entire city?” “You don’t know? Aren’t you working with him?” Cash asked. Oktai shook his head “he just told me to relax, take in the sights so that’s what I am doing.” “So of all of this is on him.” Oktai watched Cash look up to his gun for a moment, he nodded a few times. “Bessy says the city is going to fall apart after this.”

Oddly Oktai wasn’t surprised that such outcome would come to pass so he simply relaxed and enjoyed the show on display.

***
Rolan slammed the table “I want an auspex scan of the whole city! Find that church!” the serfs scattered around the temple trying to get him the information he needs. He has even sent out several search parties. But what makes this issue worse is that the situation his brothers are facing is being broadcasted to every pict screen across the city. The image of his brothers caged like animals. Rolan ground his teeth, now it was confirmed truly that they are not dealing with ordinary heretics.

He tried to calm himself, a portion of the hololith map was projecting what was happening in the abandoned church. He could tell Heriot was wavering, it seems he was stuck in front of the podium. The most prudent action is to wait, soon as they find the church and then he will send the order to bring everything down upon the city.

The plan was sound, he found himself relaxing until a man wearing a top hat, suit and theatre mask manifested in the church. His clothes looked tackey, the colours were all over the place. Rolan raised in his eyebrow in confusion “by Terra what is going on?”

The man bowed he gestured to the camera “Welcome! You may call me shadow! Today I will be putting on a show for this wonderful city!” Right away Heriot tried to charge for the one called Shadow, but soon as he would move black tentacles rise around him halting his movement. Shadow tutted “Now...you can’t do that. I want to play a game...” “Silence heretic!” Heriot shouted.

Rolan did not know what to make of what he was seeing, it’s evident that Shadow is a sorcerer, he also sounded like a young man. Shadow nodded and placed one hand on his chest. “The Adeptus Astartes are the supposed defenders of humanity, the emperor’s angels. The common man hears of their heroics, feeds upon the legends! But I wonder….is all of that true?” Shadow then pointed at the cages “one cage clearly holds civilians, innocent civilians. There are even children in there.” He moved his finger to the next cage. “The second cage holds astartes, the warriors and defenders of humanity.” He drew his hand back to his body. “So I wanted to put something to the test, are astartes truly heroes? Are they what we envision them to be? Or are they violent monsters who cares nothing for the people they are supposed to protect? I am sure many of you are asking yourselves these questions in light of the recent troubles. But I wish to give them a chance.”

Rolan could see where this is going right away and the answer to him is obvious. Shadow then gestured to Heriot “so young astartes you have a choice, save the civilians or save your fellow space marines. There are two buttons on the podium, the button on the left is for the humans you are meant to defend, the button on the right is for the astartes….” Shadow clicked his fingers, above Heriot a timer formed in pink flames. Only five minutes. “Choose quickly….”

Per his namesake Shadow melted into the darkness. Rolan ground his teeth “I need the location of the church quickly!” The serfs redoubled their pace, but he wasn’t sure if they would be found in time.

***

She wanted to punch the small holoscreen, all of her followers could sense her anger but they dared not approach. They took a old church for their base it was dusty and falling apart but it was enough.

She hoped the cult she was forming would sow the most chaos but Asriel is upstaging her. Dancer stroked her chin “I could send everyone out...cause a riot...murder the helpless…do more ritual killings...” She looked over to Lila, she now wore black leather and wielded a two handed sword, she even had a stim system hooked up to her body. She then swept her eyes over the rest, they were hungry for pain, for death but their eyes were also glued to their own personal holo screens. Asriel’s show was captivating them, she sighed slightly. “It seems I lost this one…”

***
Tetricus folded his arms “he is going to save his brothers.” he watched the timer tick down, the astartes in front of the podium was paralyzed he was sweating heavily as well. Erastus chuckled “no...he is going to save the humans. He is still young.” Justus nodded “I agree with the apothecary.” Tetricus sighed slightly, his brothers don’t understand truly how the Black Templars function.

They will easily place their own lives over simple civilians especially if said city is being consumed by cults. More astartes means more soldiers to excise the weeds. He looked over to Faust who was playing on his guitar “what do you think Faust?” He said nothing he simply frowned. “The show is not good enough for you? Asriel is trying quite hard.” Again as he said show the noise marine narrowed his eyes in annoyance. “Okay then…” Tetricus looked over to Cassius he nodded. “He will choose the save the astartes.” Tetricus found his choice interesting. “Why do you think that?” “It’s quite simple his bond is stronger with his brothers and I doubt he was taught to be a defender of humanity. After all they aren’t Salamanders, Black Templars are taught that they are forged to find and destroy the enemy.” He agreed with the prefector’s assessment something has to sway the neophyte’s decision for him to pick the mortals. “I agree with you Cassius, let us see the outcome.”

Tetricus watched the timer countdown, the neophyte’s finger was hovering over the button to save his brothers. Oddly he found himself wondering how the one not chosen will die?

***
Reiner narrowed his eyes, he tried to remember how he ended up here with his brothers but it was just a haze. All he could recall is a mass of shadow tentacles striking from every direction as they were investigating a church. In the end the past does not matter, the current situation has him grinding his teeth. The heretics is using his neophyte to further their dark aims. He could see Heriot is paralyzed, his finger is hovering the button to save them. Reiner sighed heavily, he faced his brothers in the cage. “All of you are aware what the heretic is aiming to do?” His fellow initiates and even the neophytes who remained in their squad grimly nodded. He was glad that they all saw it, this will make what he has to do easier.

Reiner faced the bars “Heriot!” he shouted. His neophyte looked up to him in shock. “S-Sir?” Reiner nodded “The heretic wants you to save us! He is using you to plunge this world into chaos and disorder! The creature desires to uproot the very foundations! If you save us our holy work will become far more harder!” The neophyte blinked in shock “Sir you will die!” “I will die for the emperor! I refuse to play a part in the plans of the heretic!”

Heriot shifted his finger to the other button, Reiner smiled. Hopefully this will cause a resurgence on the world, people will rally together and know the emperor is still there. The minions of darkness think humanity is weak, their soul is weak. Heriot will prove them wrong.

As his finger moved closer to the button to save the crying citizens a booming voice erupted from the church. “Stop!” Reiner furrowed his brow, it was the voice of Chaplain Bertrand. How he could speaking at this very moment he had no idea. “What will saving them change!?” Bertrand’s voice boomed. “Your brothers are needed to cleanse this world! You have most likely seen everything falling apart outside! This is a time of war of fire! Not petty heroics! We are angels of death! We are not Saviors!”

Reiner clenched his hands, Bertrand was not wrong. Everything is falling apart and he knows the full crusade is most likely being called upon the world. But playing in the heretic’s hands would make things far more harder than they need to be. He opened his mouth to say something but then he heard a click, he could see Heriot has pressed the button to save them.

Reiner shook his head he looked over to the other cage, the faces of the civilians were frozen in horror just before they were consumed in a raging pink inferno. Their screams echoed within the the abandoned the church. He did not even really notice their cage lowering to the ground until he heard the clang when it hit the floor. The front bars then crumbled away, Reiner strode over to Heriot.

He seemed unsure that he could move from the podium but the fact he was standing next to it allayed the fear. He hopped off and faced him, head cast down slightly. “Sir…” “It’s fine.” Reiner responded. “We must head back to the Marshal.” Reiner looked back slightly at the cage containing the humans, they were still burning and somehow still screaming. In the end he could not dwell on their fates, he has a war to fight a war that is coming very soon.

***
Bertrand just found himself shouting at the conjured image and Heriot reacted to his words, he chose the right path. But even so the creature was just chuckling to himself in the corner. “Wonderful you swayed him to save his fellow brothers.” Bertrand narrowed his eyes at the heretic. “We will unite and sweep across the city. Everyone of your ilk will be thrown into the bonfire as you deserve! Your bodies will be broken and torn asunder by us! I will rejoice at the day when your carcass is his a blackended husk!” “You would like that wouldn’t you? Are you visualling that moment right now?” Each time he blinked he could see it, the sun high in the skies, heretics burning in iron cages. That would be a glorious day but they have to work towards it.

Strangely it was like he was there, walking up the grand steps of the main temple with his brothers. As they got to the top a large man was being placed in a cage, he was howling, screaming that they are all heretics and betrayers. Bertrand took a step back as he digested the voice, he realised it was his own. What he is seeing is himself being forced into the cage.

He blinked again and suddenly he was behind bars, he was looking ahead to his brothers. “W-What are you doing!?” He called out. His words fell on deaf ears as hay and wood was placed around the cage. Once that was done he heard heavy footsteps coming from the steps, Bertrand found both his hearts quickening. Each footstep was heavy and purposeful, he knew who it was and he wondered why is this happening?

He looked down for a moment at the hay and wood, he knew what was coming he has personality subjected many to such a punishment. He glady meted it out but this time he felt something strange, a burning sensation ran across his chest. “Fear….” he hissed. “Only heretics feel fear.” Bertrand looked up, he now saw Rolan in front his cage holding a torch. “I am no heretic.” Bertrand answered back. “Do I need to list your crimes? Escaping from your cell, summoning daemons and the use of sorcery. You are a stain upon the Black Templars Bertrand, one I will burn away gladly.” He said all of this in a flat tone, he did not even raise his voice. Bertrand shook his head in disbelief “I haven’t done anything of those things! You know me Rolan! I saw you rise from an neophyte to Marshal of the crusade! I have been with this crusade for six centuries!” Rolan was impassive, his words would not sway him.

His Marshal simply lowered the torch and set light to the hay. Soon came the black smoke obscuring Rolan completely. Bertrand grasped the bars of his cage “I am not a heretic!” he roared out. The bars were getting hotter, his skin was now burning. He just kept shouting again and again that he wasn’t a heretic. Even as the fire started to rise and char his skin he kept repeating those words, but those words turned to screams.

The raging fire consumed his body, Bertrand tore his hands away from the bars, tearing his skin. He grasped his body, the agony was horrific. He questioned where did he go wrong? What did he do wrong? The only thing he could think of is the crusade doubting his joy of going about his holy task, but is that so wrong? To find joy in serving the emperor? Unless they did not feel as he do? Somehow he could think of all these things despite the pain, despite the agony. He finally thought that it was a travesty that his brothers found no joy in serving their god. He felt a dark seed being planted in his mind as he heard the hissing of a snake. It was just a small thought. Maybe? Just maybe they are heretics?

Bertrand gasped, he staggered back to the wall he was sweating. He touched his face, his skin was still there. “So what did you see?” His eyes moved to the heretic, instead of the smug look he normally held he looked generally interested. “W-What manner of sorcery did you use of me?” The heretic brought up his hands in denial “I did nothing you just started spazzing out and talking in the dark tongue.” Bertrand looked around his personal cell again, the black pools of energy were gone. “Dark tongue?” he asked. “The language of daemons and chaos.” As he heard that Bertrand cursed, everything that is happening in his cell was being recorded. Then came the sound of his door being unlocked, Louis strode in with Fulco.

Both sword brethren looked to be on edge. “Chaplain the Marshal wants to see you.” Bertrand stood straight he tried to remain calm. “May I ask why?” “I am afraid I cannot tell you. To inquire further will be proof of guilt. Just follow his order.” As he mentioned guilt his hearts twisted. He nodded slowly. “Very well.” As he left the cell with the sword brethren the heretic followed him out to his displeasure.

***
Tetricus nodded “he chose the Black Templars, me and Cassius was right.” Erastus grunted “he only chose them due to that Chaplain. What is your servant doing with him anyway!?” He shrugged at the apothecary’s question. “Maybe he wants to corrupt him, but choosing a Chaplain is a poor choice.” Cassius nodded in agreement “we are of the same mind, they are far too zealous and single minded to ever consider the majesty of the dark prince.”

Tetricus stroked his chin “but it would be interesting to have a Black Templar to be part of the third. After all the last one was chopped in half by my old captain.” “He would never be one of us.” Cassius responded. Everyone looked at the prefector, Tetricus frowned at his brother “what is that supposed to mean?” “I meant what I said he will be an outsider, he won’t be one of the third, he does not bare our blood. That’s if he joins us which I doubt.” “You are aware that all of the legions are fairly mongrel about our recruiting standards?” said Tetricus.

Cassius shrugged “you have the opportunity to have actual standards.” he answered back. Tetricus wanted to stick it to him, he is being difficult again. “By the way Cassius you have a black handprint on your face.” The prefector blinked at him in confusion. “Excuse me?” “I had Asriel mark you with his handprint, anyone with the appropriate sight can see it. Your supposed beauty is forever marred do you know that?” Cassius smirked at him “you are being stupid again, I don’t believe you.” “Like how you don’t believe that I turned into a sun?” Erastus raised a tentacle “that is quite hard to believe.” This time he got annoyed, pink flames erupted around his body. “Come on! None of you believe that I saved the whole warband from being mentally enslaved by a xeno daemon prince!?” Everyone around the table looked blankly at him as Dorene set down new plates of food down. “I love all of you and you lot can’t take me seriously! I was really angry back then you know! I was so angry that I turned into a giant flaming bird!” Justus raised his hand “why not turn into a giant flaming bird now?” Tetricus flinched slightly “well...I don’t want to harm any of you, plus doing so would destroy my wargear.” Cassius gave a great laugh “see! He acting the fool as always!”

Tetricus grunted in annoyance “fine...be difficult. Just watch the damn city falling apart.” Normally he would enjoy watching mass riots, people engaging in wanton excess and streets running red with blood. But his mood has been soured too much.

Brilliant use of choice. Asriel is getting devious indeed! Honestly GW should let you publish this and make it canon.

 Dayknight wrote:

Brilliant use of choice. Asriel is getting devious indeed! Honestly GW should let you publish this and make it canon.

Thanks for the praise! But here is the issue the fact it's on the internet means that it can never be published since there will be issues on proof of who's work it is. It's why many of the black library writers have said during the sample competition to not upload it to the internet for critique or for people to read because it will invalidate your entry. But I do have to say if I ever get to work for Black Library and an opportunity to write and emperor's children story comes up? I will take it in a heart beat.

Anyway some good news, I feel better I am still sticking to updating this story and working on my own work but now I can write more consistently, I can also go back to work.

Chapter 16
The sounds of gunshots and screams filled the air, despite being near their main base the sounds were unending. If Reiner looked up he could see thunderhawks piercing the skies, bringing down more battle brothers and their heavy armour. All of this shows him they have committed to the extermination of everyone within the city. Baring all of this, hearing all of these sounds he clenched his hand in frustration. He understands what the Chaplain said, he understands why he called for his neophyte to make that decision, but at the end of the day they have been manipulated by the heretic.

Every single part the city was now in chaos, every single priest is falling to darkness because now they believe that they can be killed at any moment. The faith of everyone in the city has been crushed, now the minions of darkness are exploiting that to draw people into heresy. He felt frustrated, he couldn’t hide it.

No one attempted to approach him, he imagined everyone in the squad felt the same. Looking over to his neophyte, he could see it in his eyes that he was still not sure if he made the right decision. Thinking back to that terrible event there is the question of how they heard Bertrand’s voice? Was it divine intervention or something more insidious considering a creature of darkness is following him?

Reiner tried to slowly relax as they reached the temple, he could see battle brothers marching out, ready to bring war and death to everyone. As he approached the steps, despite his brothers focusing on their mission they gave him looks of what he could assume is disapproval. He tried to pay no mind to it, he entered the temple and walking to the main hall he felt a strange weight falling upon his shoulders.

He didn’t like the sensation, it made him grit his teeth slightly. Reiner began asking himself that maybe, just maybe the Marshal is of the same opinion as Bertrand? He wondered what he would say? How would he reprimand him? He tried to bare this weight, even as he entered the main hall.

He saw the Marshal of his crusade, he was wearing his helmet. Serfs also held his weapons at the ready as he stared at the hololith map. Reiner walked up to the table with his squad. He did not say anything, Marshal Rolan simply looked up. “We are commiting to extermination of the populace. Their actions after what happened to your squad proves they are of weak of heart and will.” Hearing his words, Reiner clenched his his hand tighter. Due to his armour being a wreck, everyone in the hall heard the movement.

Rolan folded his arms “is something wrong?” He could clearly hear the accusatory tone in his voice. That confirmed he was of the same mind of the Chaplain. Reiner thought to say something, but to say anything would most likely end his path to the sword brethren. But his mouth was just moving, he could not help it. “We failed in our duty.” He said firmly.
Every single serf in the room froze, battle brothers who were preparing to leave bought their gazes to the middle of the hall. Reiner continued “I hate and despise the heretic. Our...role as Adeptus Astartes is to the destroy and stop the plans of those who threaten the dominion of the emperor. I am ready to die for that cause.” The Marshal said nothing, he simply stood like a stone. “For the sake of duty I was ready to die, the whole squad was. But...we just handed everything the heretics wanted. We had the chance to prove we were better, to prove that we were stronger and willing to die for the sake of our duty...and we failed, completely and utterly. The chaos that grips the city now is our fault.” Rolan gave a curt nod “get your equipment serviced, your squad will be heading out towards the poorer areas of the city. You are dismissed.”

Reiner bowed slightly and walked away with his squad, but then the Marshal pointed at Heriot. “You wait.” His neophyte stopped, he stood straight in front of Rolan. The Marshal then moved his finger to another squad. “You will be attached to initiate Gawain, your current teacher is inadequate.” Reiner thought to stop walking. He could see that Heriot was trying to keep his eyes on Rolan, his neophyte wanted him to say something to the Marshal but Reiner kept walking. He knew what this meant.

The Marshal said it thus, he is inadequate. Strangely enough, he felt a tiny measure of anger. But his duty to the emperor comes first.

***
Bertrand was escorted down the hallway with the two sword brethren but what made the journey hard was the heretic kept talking. If he reacts to it, or even moves to silence him that would implicate him further. The creature smiled “so he is going to put you in a traitor cell. Do you want to bet on that?” At the mention of traitor cell he tensed suddenly, he made them, crafted each by hand. It could even hold an astartes. Bertrand shook his head, again the heretic is trying to make him consider an impossibility, it’s what he does. “Oh by the way Bertrand, if you stay here I am going to kill your brothers.” The heretic saying his name in such a casual manner caused his anger to rise.

It was taking all his willpower not to punch him. The creature wants him out there murdering his own people. The only reason why the creature desires such a thing is because he believes they are the same, that they worship the same foul entity. “You know...if you escape by yourself I will tell you where I am.” As he said that his eyes widened slightly, but the heretic could be lying. “I am not lying. But the issue is you won’t be able to stop me if you are trapped in a traitor cell.” Again he is mentioning the traitor cell, the heretic thinks he knows the mind of Marshal Rolan. He has known him for a long time, they have faced far more insidious things than whatever the creature is doing now.

As they entered the main hall the bustling movement stopped, there was just silence. Everyone looked at him like he has done something wrong. Looking into his brothers eyes more deeply he could see scorn, the same look they give heretics. “You are a heretic.” The creature interjected.

Bertrand ignored the remark, he was bought before Rolan who faced him. The Marshal sighed slightly. “I will get to the point Bertrand. How did you speak to Heriot?” The question threw him off guard, he did not know how to answer it. He thought about it for a moment and nodded. “The heretic that hounds me summoned black portals, with them I could see what was happening to our brothers. I could not escape the sorcery, I was forced to watch. But what I saw within them was frustrating, so I shouted at the neophyte.” The Marshal of their crusade pressed a button of the table displaying a recording. “By my observation and that of your guards you were shouting in the middle of your room. There are no black portals, image projections or the like. Also we have to talk of the reports and recordings of you flailing about your room randomly.”

Bertrand tried not to look at the creature who was smiling joyfully. “He is going to put you in a traitor cell.” The heretic said in amusement. Bertrand shook his head “the heretic is using sorcery to mess with me somehow. But I can resist.” “Can you? Or have you succumbed already?” The accusation angered him, he stepped forward but the sword brethren’s blades met his throat. “You know me! Do you th-” Rolan interrupted him by holding up his hand. “I want all serfs to leave the hall now.” They did as they were ordered, once they were all gone Bertrand narrowed his eyes at his Marshal. “Six centuries...you think one heretic can corrupt me?” Rolan said nothing, he pressed another button on the table.

Another recording was displayed, it was him standing in his room and strange words were being spilled from his mouth. At the back of his mind Bertrand could hear hissing of a snake, he tried to relax. He knew this must be some mistake, his brothers are being manipulated by the creature. But as the recording played he could not help notice every battle brother in the hall was tensing, hands were moving to weapons.

He could even feel the blades on his neck wobbling slightly, even Rolan was shaking just slightly. The Marshal pressed the button again to stop the recording. He breathed out a small sigh of relief. “You know what those words are?” Rolan gestured for the sword brethren to removed their blades, Bertrand rubbed his neck as the weapons left them. He thought about what he just heard for a moment. “I….don’t know.” “You don’t know? You seemed quite relaxed hearing the words of heresy Bertrand.” “I am not a heretic!” he answered back.

Rolan did not seem convinced, he could tell by his body language. “Now comes to question of how you conducted your duties in the past.” “What!? Why does that matter!?” His Marshal folded his arms “it does matter, compared to the other Chaplains in other crusades your take a strange joy in your duties. I wanted to overlook it due to your time with the crusade but in light of what is happening now...I wonder how long has corruption nested within you?” Bertrand looked around, he could tell that all of his brothers thought the same way considering how they are looking at him.

The creature began dancing on the spot, spinning while chanting “they are going to put you in a traitor cell…” Bertrand knew if that happened that was it. In time he would be executed with the other heretics in the city, then came the vision of him in a cage being burned. Sweat, cold sweat began to run down his face. “I...am not a heretic.” Marshal Rolan shook his head “look at how your demeanour is changing. Chaplain’s would not wear the face you displaying to me now.” “W-What?” “I see fear Bertrand, complete and utter fear.”

He did not know what to say that, what he is feeling now is so strange but the sound hissing entered his mind, it was like a whisper. Then that same question came crawling back, that maybe they are the heretics? Why can’t they see what is happening? He did his duties for the emperor, everything he did was for the emperor and now they are judging him for it? As that last question came to him, he chuckled “you always were judging me...all of you.” “Yes, we were because so many of us had to ask ourselves are your acts upon the heretic were for your own sick joy? Or for your duty? After watching your cell I know the answer.” Rolan said firmly.

The Marshal gestured to bring over several more of the sword brethren “take the heretic to a traitor cell.” As Rolan said that the heretic stopped dancing, along with his chant. “See? They were always judging you. You are the other...they are mocking you for doing your duty...and for being who you are…” The heretic words and what was happening caused the hissing in his mind to envelop it completely. Slowly from the hissing, words were forming in his mind, something was speaking to him. Escape...you must do you duty. Bertrand felt his teeth chitter, his brow twitched. He started to feel strange, a sense of euphoria was gripping him. He feels such a sensation whenever he prays to the emperor or is doing his holy duty. They are the heretics, they mock your holy work. Bertrand slowly nodded “they were always judging me…” The sword brethren grabbed his arms roughly and began to pull him along. You are my favoured servant, working diligently, with fervour and commitment… Bertrand found himself looking up for some reason, covering the entire ceiling was a pink eye gazing at him. He started to seize up, the strength in his legs left him, the sword brethren started to drag him. The supposed creature made you see, allowed a crack for me to gaze at you my faithful servant. Bertrand shook his head, the voice was strangely familiar, he never heard it but felt it’s presence whenever he acts in his name.

He was there whenever he said his litanies, he was there whenever he crushed the head of a heretic, he was there whenever he burned people in cages and breathed in the scent of their burning flesh. The emperor is here right now at this very moment. No one else can see or feel him right now? He wondered why is that not the case? Because you know what they are...Bertrand narrowed his eyes he mouthed the words slowly. “They are heretics…”

Finally they left the hall and entered the hallway leading to the traitor cells. The presence he felt before waned slightly, but it was still there. A renewed sense of purpose gripped him. He knows what he must do now, he got back to his feet, the sword brethren allowed it. This time he searched the hallway for the crea-no servant. He was there walking by their side, but this time instead of his jovial mood he was looking at him with concern, like something unexpected happened.

Bertrand had to admit he enjoyed seeing him making such a face “did you see something unexpected?” The young man frowned slightly “you’ve changed.” “As I said….I am not a heretic.” The sword brethren looked at him in confusion, Fulco finally spoke up. “You are going to die Bertrand. Not now...but later.” “You seemed quite excited to see that happen Fulco.” The sword brethren grunted “it seems you are the one not aware of what is going to happen. You looked devastated when Marshal Rolan announced that you were placed in a traitor cell. Now you seem...happy.” They soon approached his cell door, Bertrand smiled because strangely he was happy. “Because Fulco, the emperor guides me.” As he said that all of the sword brethren became visibly disgusted. His cell door was opened and he was shoved inside.

Bertrand looked around, the cell was tiny, there was no bed or the small effects of his personal cell. There is also the addition once the cell door was closed it was dark as well, but he could see perfectly for some reason. He turned to the door to see the young man phasing through it, confusion still lining his face. “What happened?” he asked, he was generally curious. He was almost like a child seeking the wisdom of an elder. The arrogance has vanished, same with his sarcasm. He nodded at the young man “I need to escape.” the young man blinked at him with surprise “o-oh I see.” “Now move aside.” The young man stepped aside.

Bertrand started to charge and bring his weight upon the cell door. The metal is thick enough to stop an astartes from breaking it, even in power armour. But the emperor is with him, he needs him to do his duty. “By the way creature do you have a name?” He grunted as he asked the question while taking a step back to charge at the door again. The young man seemed generally confused by his question. “Is this some trick?” Bertrand charged at the door again “no trick. You aren’t a heretic, the heretics are outside.” As he took several steps back he could see the dents. The young man mumbled slightly “Asriel, I could help you escape.” “I decline, the emperor wishes me to go through this trial.” He charged the door again.

He could feel something scratching at the edge of his hearing, he knows once he gets out of this cell he would have the help he needs to get out of the temple. Asriel could not understand what is happening at the moment, the divine is at work.

***
Tetricus gave a small chuckle “my little servant doesn’t understand what just happened.” All of his brothers looked at him in confusion save Faust, he was simply staring at the screen. Cassius coughed slightly “the Chaplain just changed suddenly.” “Ah..to the normal eye.” Tetricus responded. Erastus pointed a tentacle at Bertrand “care to explain then?” “I shall, you see Asriel simply put small holes in his armour.” Erastus began stroking his chin “I see where you are going with this. It seems our god became interested and exploited those holes without your servant’s knowledge.” “Exactly! Knowing Asriel he is going to be slightly disappointed that he did not bring him down entirely but in the end he provided what the dark prince needed. But there is just one question though…” Cassius raised his eyebrow “and that is?” “Why is the dark prince interested in a Black Templar?” As he said that everyone nodded in agreement, there are implications if the dark prince intervened on some level.

Suddenly Faust bought his hand on the mirror, he smiled slightly. “I am going planetside.” Tetricus bought his gaze to the screen, it seemed about the right time anyway. The city is in chaos, the Black Templars are mobilising. But what has him worried is that Faust had no interest in his show before and now he does. “Did something draw your interest brother?” The noise marine looked at him he gently smiled “I found a lost soul. I need to show him the song of the dark prince.” Faust got up from his seat and left his chamber.

Next Justus rose “I assume the assault is starting now?” “It is.” Tetricus responded. “Right, I need to go see Rothac he said that he has a surprise.” “A surprise? What sort of surprise?” Justus shrugged “he is not the sort of person to plan such things.” The phoenix guard left his chamber, now it was only him, Erastus and Cassius. The apothecary pointed at the screen “I am going to approach the murderers, they might need my...help.” “You mean you want to experiment on them?” Cassius said in amusement. “That’s still helping.” Erastus said firmly. As he said that he rose and left.

Tetricus bought his hollow eyes to his brother “So do you want to kill the Marshal?” Cassius nodded “I assume you want to come with me?” “Well yes to stop you from doing anything stupid.” His words caused his brother to fold his arms in annoyance “ironic for you to say such a thing.” “Oh really? I recall someone stabbing me in the back, leaving me for dead and now I am walking skeleton because of it” Tetricus placed one hand on his cheek “oh dear...my brother mental faculties must of been broken during his mind enslavement if he can’t remember such a thing…” Cassius gave a great sigh in return to his barb. “I regret betraying you.”

Tetricus gave a small chuckle and rose from his seat “it’s good that you do. Now come let us go hunting!” He pointed at the image of the Marshal, he was boarding a rhino with his sword brethren. Cassius frowned at him. “Why do you have to be so dramatic?” “Shut up Cassius and stop being boring. I will even let you duel the Marshal if such an opportunity appears.” At the mention of duel Cassius got up from his seat. “Hmm you would let me duel him.” “Yes because I am quite sure your ego would not be able to handle it if anyone else kills him.” Again annoyance flared across the prefector’s face.

Dorene started to clear away the plates, she looked up at him. “What of the cults and my special forces?” “Spread the word that they are staying on the ship.” “W-What?” Cassius raised his eyebrow “we could use slaves to soak up bullets.” Tetricus smiled at the both of them “I am not going to repeat myself.” He then walked to Cassius and wrapped his arm around him. “Now Cassius, forget about the slaves. Focus on the hunt.” Dorene was still confused by his decision but he had his reasons. Despite the order Cassius’ eyes were drawn to the Marshal he stared at his image intently within the conjured glass. What Tetricus could see in his brother’s eyes was desperation.

He wanted to be blessed, he wanted favour and because he cares for his well being he wishes to provide that for him. After all the 4th need to be the best within the third legion.

Chapter 17
Oktai looked up to the skies with Cash while sitting on the edge of the building, meteors were falling but he knew better. What was coming was the end of the city and the end of their role. Overall he did not do anything but it found it nice for once to relax. He watched the sharpshooter stretch “seems our work is done.” “Indeed it is, but I wonder…” “Wonder what?” “I wonder what the astartes will do to this city. I know once they see it they will still consider it to be too pure.” “After what everyone has got up to?” Oktai chuckled at what Cash just said “this is all sport to them, entertainment in a sense we think on a human level and they do not.” Cash stroked his chin “I see your point, the Black Templars have been drawn down to the planet, the city is in chaos and the power of God is steadily creeping in.” “Now you see, with all of this together how will they bring true chaos to the city?”

Cash shrugged “well we got front row seats old man.” Oktai nodded in agreement. “Indeed we do.”

***
Adam heard a crash outside, every single person in the church rushed to the other side of the hall, but he stood tall on his podium, Valerie will protect him. She will protect the flock. As the sound ebbed away he strangely found his heart beating rapidly, his eyes were locked on the doors. His breathing started to oddly match his heartbeat, it fell in into a rhythm that strangely caused goosebumps to crawl over his body, after that came a strange scent.

Not the smell of cooked flesh and wine but a musk, he then found himself gulping, a bead of sweat crawled slowly down the side of his face. He thought to calm his congregation down, perhaps he thought that it would help quell his heart?

He raised his hand to bring their attention to him, but before he could say something the doors of his church swung open. What came through the doors were giants, each were covered in leather straps, their armour was a mix of garish colours that caused his eyes to ache. Silence reigned in the church, his words died in his mouth as they walked to the podium.

Staring at them, allowing his mind to process what is before him he now recognised them as astartes. But they were not like the Black Templars, he has only seen them from a distance but he could tell they carried an air of dread. To even make a wrong move would mean death. But the ones before him now? He got the feeling that they wanted to be looked upon, they desired to be basked in adoration, they strangely seemed...welcoming.

As they reached the podium the one he assumed to be the leader stepped forward. Strange metal tubes covered his armour and he held a monstrous looking instrument. Adam felt his mouth drying, he wondered if they were here to kill him? Or maybe they are part of some other group that was sent to purge them? The leader swept his eyes over them, his gaze then returned to him. As he did that he removed his helmet, the astartes had white hair that was somewhat long but his features caused him to relax.

They were not stern and grim like the Black Templars, the astartes face was soft and actually looked well groomed. All of the apprehension and dread he felt before vanished in an instant, even those of the congregation were relaxing. The leader smiled “I am Faust, where is your mistress?” Adam blinked in surprise to the question, he did not know what to say but in all instances he has denied her existence to protect her. How the astartes knew of his mistress he had no idea. “I don’t know what you are talking about...my lord.” Faust nodded, he then frowned. That single frown caused him to shudder in fear, the dread he felt now paled in comparison to the Black Templars, he did not know why.

At the current moment he feared for his soul, even the people in the church were looking away. Adam rubbed his neck “I-I d-don’t even know who you are…” Faust smiled again, the dread he felt passed away like a breeze. “We are on the same side, you should be glad that you are talking with me instead of my brothers. Everything that is happening on this planet was wrought by my...troublesome lord. You only see the dark prince due to his will now take me to your mistress, I won’t ask again.”

Adam strangely believed him, he felt his shoulders sagging slightly. “Y-Yes my lord.” Adam stepped down the podium he lead the astartes to the back door. As they walked to the door the people parted in both awe and fear.

Now entering the hallway they walked to the appropriate spot, Adam said the keywords and the stairs appeared. As they walked down he looked back slightly to Faust. “M-My lord what is your business with my mistress?” The astartes did not answer his question, his face was neutral. Adam sighed slightly, once they reached the door he pushed it open.

Soon as they entered the hall everyone stopped what they were doing. Meat fell from mouths, eyebrows was raised. It’s only his mistress who looked oblivious until they walked to her.

Faust stepped forward but before he could approach his savior the crusaders barred the way. The space marine raised his eyebrow, he clipped the helmet he was holding to his belt and as Adam blinked once and then twice and suddenly the heads of both crusader guards were gone. A few seconds later he heard two splats at both ends of the room, Adam looked to the right and left wall, he all saw was blood stains.

Finally he bought his eyes to his mistress who did not look impressed at all. The crusader guard’s toppled to the floor with a thud. His savior stood upright and threw her glass of wine aside “how dare you!” she screeched. Adam flinched slightly, he could hear the power building in her voice but Faust was unfazed. He simply bought his bloodied hand up “I want meat that is held in all of your churches. Gather it in the plaza, now.”

His mistress raged, abnormal winds began manifesting within the chamber. Her eyes started to glow with a pink light, she pointed at Faust. “You will kill yourself! Right this instant!” Faust’s fellow astartes started to chuckle at her outburst, but their leader simply cocked his head in confusion. “Your power is weak and feeble. Cease your tantrum and do as I ask.” Right away the power died, his mistress looked at Faust in confusion. “W-What? Why aren’t you dead?” Faust sighed, Adam then watched his hand move at superhuman speed. The astartes grasped his mistresses hair, she winced in pain as Faust bought her closer to him.

Everyone in the room froze, Adam felt if it was any other circumstance he would help her, everyone in the room would. But Faust’s presence held them in place. He looked down to his mistresses face “I want the meat that is held in all of your churches. Gather it in the plaza, now.” Adam watched his mistress nod, tears were building in her eyes slightly. Faust let go of her hair, she staggered back slightly.

The astartes then turned to them. “Enough eating! You heard my will! Get to work!” Adam looked over to his mistress who was slowing nodding to them and then to Faust. He did not know what to do despite Valerie’s go ahead. All of his brothers and sisters were confused as well. All of them stood like stones, it took one of the astartes aiming his weapon at one of his brothers. The weapon unleashed an ear splitting soundwave, it caused everyone to cover their ears.

But the one the astartes was aiming at suddenly exploded in a tide of gore and blood. Adam slowly removed his hands from his ears, they were bleeding profusely. But that single action caused people to rush to work, they removed the dead from hooks and went to work fulfilling the will of the astartes Faust.

Adam then wondered that maybe, just maybe the ones before him are worse than the Black Templars?

***
Justus stood in front of a set of double doors he clutched his spear tightly, Rothac told him that their squad is meeting here, why? He had no idea. Justus grumbled in annoyance “We should be gathering in the docking bay to make war...to bring the voice of the dark prince to the masses…” He pushed the button to open the door. As he stepped inside he could see right away all of his brothers have been gathered.

But what held his attention is the room itself, cables covered the floor and in the middle of the room there was a teleport pad to stand on. His eyes moved to a large dark robed figure that was using mechadendrites to press various buttons on a console near the teleport pad. He could only assume that they are a tech priest.

Rothac turned to him. “You are here, finally.” Justus stepped forward in confusion “You had a teleportarium built?” “I did.” Rothac gestured to his fellows brothers “all of us had to endure taking thunderhawks with slaves, it was degrading.” “Is Tetricus aware of this?” “Does it matter? He would see the practical use once he finds out, now come.” he watched his brothers step onto the pad.

Justus shook his head and took his place. As the tech priest started up the teleportarium he strangely started to feel excited he could see an opportunity in front of him. “Rothac…” His squad leader looked at him, the blue eye lenses of his helmet flickered slightly. “No.” Justus grunted in response. “You don’t even know what I am going to say!” The phoenix champion did not seem interested he sighed in annoyance. “You are not immortal. I won’t allow you to charge in first.” “Why won’t you let me prove it!?” “Father’s orders.” At the mention of their father confusion set in. He shook his head in confusion “why would father tell you to do that?” “It’s not your business to know yet. Also he explained how your so called immortality works, now be silent.”

Justus was about to say something else but his vision was consumed by a bright white light, after a few seconds it drifted away. They were now within the city, looking around he could see churches and statues have been desecrated, symbols of the dark prince even covered the buildings. Justus was going to step towards his brother to push the point, he has always obeyed his orders but he had the desire to prove himself.

He had the feeling others in the squad looked down him and he felt they still do despite the fact he can now speak normally. As just approached Rothac a bullet whizzed past him, then came the roar and shouts of loyalists. “Traitors! Kill them brothers!” In a clockwork motion all of them shifted down the road to see terminators.

Rothac chuckled “how lucky we are...it seems the dark prince is smiling on us. Now brothers be careful when advancing, they are only five of them and even if we outnumber them by one more one ha-” Justus growled in annoyance. He charged forward, he wants to prove truly that none can harm him.

The enemy terminators leveled their weapons at him, one had an assault cannon. He could hear Rothac shouting behind him “You idiot! Come back!” “Sorry Rothac! The dark prince is carrying my feet!” He gripped his spear in both hands, he waited for what was coming next, glorious pain. The terminator wielding the assault cannon began readying to fire he watched the chamber spin and the bullets began flying towards him.

He took every single shot, one hit him in the chest causing his primary heart to explode, his terminator armour gave way in an instant, the second hit his head blowing half of it away and the third destroyed his left hand. Justus gagged, the pain that was washing over him was glorious, yet as always his body moved on. He also has practiced in making sure he keeps hold of his weapon as well.

The agony that consumed hist body felt like it went on for an eternity and he wished he could enjoy this for eternity. But the pain vanished, he could feel his body reforming again, he could feel his primary heart pumping blood through his system again, he could twist his left hand and he could see with two eyes. Even his armour was now pristine again, he knew that he was truly blessed by the dark prince.

But he could see the loyalists did not understand this, he could see the Black Templars taking a step back, he knew it to be fear but what most loyalists do is rationalize it away. That single step and uncertainty only lasted moments, now the whole squad was firing their weapons at him.

He took all of it, Justus let them empty their magazines into his body and second by second with his battered vision he could see them stepping back. “More! More!” he screamed. While all of this was happening he kept running, if his leg was shot off he would rise a moment later and continue onwards. First he aimed for the terminator with the assault cannon, he charged towards him and rammed his spear into his gut.

The Black Templar unfortunately did not scream, all he heard was a gurgled sigh as he pushed him off his spear. Justus turned to the rest, the second charged at him, his power fist sparking with each step. Before the Black Templar could launch his clumsy attack, Justus simply twirled his phoenix power spear, severing the arm. The blood gushing on the floor from the stump did not slow the Black Templar, even if he could not fire his storm bolter he aimed to use it as a club to kill him.

He had to appreciate the tenacity of the Black Templars but it was a foolish display, to prove a point in a smooth movement he severed his other hand. As it toppled to the floor the Black Templar staggered back, but before he could step in and finish his opponent his brothers crashed into the enemy squad.

Their deaths were quick which was unfortunate, but he felt satisfied. His brothers saw him in action, he felt jubilant as well. He expected praise and adoration like the last time he proved his immortality to Tetricus, he could not wait to see what Rothac and his brothers think of his blessing.

He watched the phoenix champion remove his spear from the last Black Templar but instead of happiness he could see his brother was visibly angry. Rothac strode up to him “are you an idiot Justus?” Justus furrowed his brow in annoyance “what’s the matter? I am immortal.” “You are not immortal!” Rothac roared at him.

His outburst caused him to stagger back slightly, Justus grunted. “But you all saw it! I did not die! I took damage that would slay any other astartes!” “Yes! You took damage that would kill one of us normally! But have you ever considered the nature of your blessing!?” Justus stopped for a moment, he never questioned it but simply accepted it as a gift. “What do you know of my gift from the dark prince?” He watched Rothac calm himself slightly “father tells me much. You charging off means you disobeyed father...do you understand the gravity of what you just did?” Soon as he said that Justus shuddered slightly, he started to panic. He did not want to disobey his father, the glorious Phoenician. But a question spawned within his mind. He shook his head in confusion “why does he not want me to shine then?” Rothac pointed his spear at his chest “You can’t die, not yet.” “What do you mean?” “Your immortality runs on faith you idiot. If you doubted yourself for even a second you would of died and father wants you alive.” As his brother said that he felt both of his hearts dropping for a moment.

That if he doubted himself for even a moment he would of succumbed to his wounds. Justus bit his lips, drawing blood. “Lies…” he hissed. That can be the only reason why Rothac would say such a thing, he is jealous. Justus narrowed his eyes at his brother as he lowered his spear from his chest, but just for a moment his brother seemed...tired. “Justus...just listen to me for once. Follow my orders and ensure you stay alive, father wills it.” As his brother said father, he took in that word.

He held that word close to his hearts and slowly nodded. “Fine...if it’s father’s will. But I don’t understand why he doesn’t want me to be who I am.” Rothac sighed heavily in return “In due time you will understand.” Justus watched his whole squad advance, he lingered for a moment and brought up his hand. “I am immortal...I know it.”

Why would he tell himmmmmmm. This ruins the immortality!

 Dayknight wrote:

Why would he tell himmmmmmm. This ruins the immortality!

Cause he is stubborn? Maybe I am setting something up?

Chapter 18
The docking bay was bustling with movement, the cults were eager to get to battle but they were being barred by his brothers from entering the thunderhawks and mass carriers. Tetricus stroked his chin while staring at both leaders in the distance. It would be easier to send them down to the planet and kill them that way but he knew his brothers would be bored after the conflict.

He wondered how they would all react once he announces that all cultists can be hunted and killed? “Well...they would be happy but let’s focus on the conflict.” he said in amusement. Cassius grunted bringing his attention to him. “What is it?” “What are you plotting?” he snapped. “I am planning a party for my brothers after we ruin this planet.” At the mention of party Cassius looked at him in confusion. “I see..it has something to do with the slaves?” “Indeed.” “You are going to have them killed aren’t you?” Tetricus grumbled in annoyance “why do you have to do that?” Cassius smirked at him “I like annoying you. It’s the only pleasure that beats killing people, after all you like to make a joke out of all of us.” Tetricus tried to calm himself, he can’t let Cassius get a rise out of him. “Keep it a secret, it’s meant to be a surprise.” Cassius shrugged in return “anyway are we done here? We are wasting time.”

Tetricus agreed with his brother, he just wanted to get a look at the cults before leaving and making sure they don’t step onto the world. He turned away and walked to the hallway with Cassius, he thought to give the mortals another look but he shook his head. “What’s the point looking at the dead?” He said quietly to himself.

***

Asriel watched the Black Templar run at the door for over thirty minutes, he was sat in the corner wondering where did he go wrong with his plan? Some part of him thinks Bertrand is lying, he must be. There is no way a Black Templar would fall so easily, it’s impossible. He went over what he was going to do, he expected the Black Templar to refuse, then he would pick off his brothers forcing him to act.

He would even help him escape and then guide him into being lost in the slaughter of heretics. But what is before him now confused him greatly. “You know I could just open the door for you.” Asriel called out. Bertrand charged into the door again “no, it’s not necessary. The emperor says I can break it, so I shall.” Asriel scratched his head, Bertrand is almost as one track minded as the last Black Templar that was part of his old warband.

He sighed and sat back, watching him work. Bertrand continued to slam his body on the door again and again. When he did it one more time an idea spawned within his mind, he narrowed his eyes at the Black Templar and opened his witch sight, he could verify truly if he has fallen. Slowly he peered into his soul, he heard a hiss and suddenly his third eye shut.

Asriel furrowed his brow he blinked a few times and suddenly the Black Templar was looming over him, how he got there without his notice or how he moved so fast he had no idea. Bertrand looked down at him, his expression was icy. His hand flicked out, Asriel gagged as he large hand wrapped around his neck.

He struggled for release “w-what are you doing!?” Bertrand gave a frown that caused him to shudder, Asriel started to claw at his hand but his grip was too tight. “Are you judging me Asriel? You think me a heretic?” His grip grew tighter, Asriel felt his eyes starting to roll back he thought to teleport, to get away but for some reason it wasn’t working. “The emperor will not allow you to escape from my gaze, you think...to look inside my soul? To find a shred of weakness? There is none there...” Bertrand bought him close to his face, Asriel started to panic, he did not know what to do. “Let he without sin cast the first stone...before you judge me Asriel...look at yourself. I see a feeble creature clinging to others, you have no path, no commitment. Just a fake love to others...but the emperor says that is fine. So you aren’t a heretic, I won’t remove your eyes and tongue.” The Black Templar threw him to the ground, Asriel felt his arm dislocating as his hit the ground.

As he lay on the floor, he bit his lip in annoyance, he stared down the Black Templar “you can’t judge me! What do you know!?” Bertrand turned back to the door he spoke in a calm manner. “I know enough just by looking at you. The emperor chose me to do his holy work because he needs someone sinless, a person who truly understands what it means to punish the heretic. The joy I feel for my work is the emperor approving of what I do, you can’t understand that. They don’t understand it either.” Asriel watched him charge at the door again, this time it buckled and gave way.

Bertrand stood up right, Asriel could see him nodding in satisfaction. “Supposedly that door can’t be broken by an astartes, I used the strongest metals and locks I could get my hands on, such is the power of the almighty.” He gestured to the the door that was lying on the ground. “See and look Asriel, gaze at what the power of the righteous can do.” Asriel stood up right and popped his arm back into place, his anger was draining away somewhat he was somewhat interested to see what Bertrand could do. “Fine...show me more then. At the current moment you have no weapons.” The ex-Black Templar chuckled slightly “I don’t require any, everyone in this temple will die. Come let me show you.”

Bertrand walked out of his cell, Asriel followed. He could easily get away if things get too dangerous, yet he wondered how will he kill everyone in the temple?

***
Rolan sat in the Rhino with his sword brethren, reports were streaming in that traitors are now attacking the city, bringing down everything was the correct course of action. At the current moment they are on the way to link up with the predators, they will then advance through the city and cleanse the taint away. Fulco suddenly grumbled, everyone looked at him. “What is it?” Rolan asked. “The traitor lives.” he said curtly. “For now, I hope it’s merely a sorcerer playing tricks with Bertrand but I had my doubts.” Louis shook his head “we all had doubts for a long time marshal, we just never voiced them. He smiles as he breaks the heretic.” He did not want to have this conversation now, not at the current moment.

They had a war to fight and he did not want anyone to be distracted. “Forget about him focus on the enemy in front of us.” Fulco clutched the handle of his blade. “What if he uses sorcery to escape his cell? Louis and I should be watching him.” “I said forget about him.” Rolan said firmly. His brothers grew silent, as he should be. All of them should be reciting their personal prayers and litanies, he understood Fulco’s concerns but that’s the reason why he had a few initiates stationed in the temple main hall.

The traitor cells have only one pathway you can walk which leads to the main hall, if Bertrand somehow escapes that proves he is truly lost and once he is executed he will suffer for eternity in the warp. He will never join the side of the emperor in death.

***
Bertrand walked down the hallway, he steps were slow and purposeful. He could see a light at the end of the hallway, he could also hear the footsteps of his heretical brothers and the serfs moving into firing positions. He smiled “they cannot harm me..” Bertrand said warmly. Asriel started to grumble slightly “they will shoot you to pieces.” He turned to the misguided creature “the emperor’s presence is here in this temple, can’t you feel it? Can’t you hear him sending forth his power to aid us?” Asriel did not look convinced, but that is the way of things he could tell he is not a man of faith, not truly. “You are such a base creature do you know that?” He stated it as fact, he knew it to be fact.

He turned and continued walking, as he approached the light and entered the main hall his heretical brothers and serfs were all aiming guns at him. He could even see Heriot among them, his face was stern and full of venom. He swept his eyes over them, some were wearing helmets but he could tell they held the same faces as Heriot.

All of his brothers said nothing, but strangely he felt relieved. His brothers are being honest with him now, all of their spite is now in the open. They have always looked down upon him, they talked behind his back, ridiculing how he goes about his work. He thought to ignore it in the past. He let his brothers have their opinions he did not judge them for it but through Asriel’s actions he allowed them to show their true thoughts.

As the seconds ticked away he found his brothers perplexing to look at, the need to correct their thinking started to consume him. He could feel the emperor telling him to confront them, that they are not worth talking to but a part of him wishes to give his brothers a chance. They might not be truly heretics, so he spread out his arms and said. “Brothers...lay down your weapons. You are walking the path of corruption, please…don’t do this.” Gawain suddenly shouted at him. “Corruption!? How dare you! Can’t you see what you are doing!? What you have done!? Ignore his words! Open fire!” Bertrand held his ground, the emperor won’t allow him to be harmed, not here.

His heretical brothers readied their guns, that proved they are lost. Bertrand shook his head “you will not kill me…” They all unloaded their weapons, the bullets flew through the air but none reached his body, they curved away into different directions. But this did not stop his brother’s false fervour, they kept firing until the first click was heard to note that their magazine was empty this was what caused them to stop.

The serfs looked at him in horror, the gazes of his brothers were full of hatred but they were all frozen in place. The bullets have landed around him, not even one has hit his body. Bertrand closed eyes for a moment, he could feel a strange warmth in his body. The emperor did not even need to say a word. In order for him to bring his power forth the heretic needs to suffer.

He then opened his eyes and launched himself at a serf, his speed took everyone by surprise. His brothers moved to reloading their weapons but compared to him they were moving far too slow, the mortals were moving even slower. Bertrand grabbed one serf by the neck, he shoved his fingers through his mouth breaking several teeth, he then gripped his lower jaw and tore it off his face. The tearing of flesh caused the warmth to increase, he could sense approval as well. The blood pouring from the destroyed mouth of the serf pooled onto the floor, as it touched his feet he began to hear the galloping and a strange shrill laughter. Everyone in the hall heard it, he knew that was the case as his heretical brothers took several steps back.

Still what he found fascinating is how blood kept pouring from the serf’s mouth. It looked to be unending, his brothers were trying not to step on the blood but as it stopped pouring from the serf’s mouth his brothers pointed their weapons at him again. Bertrand smiled and threw the corpse aside, it sank into the ground like the blood absorbed it. Bertrand found his eyes moving to the statue of the emperor it was also crying tears of blood, it flowed like rivers. Gawain shouted again bringing his attention to him. “Sorcery! Hold fast!” “Sorcery!?” Bertrand barked back, his brothers are truly blind. The emperor’s power is here in this room, his power will soon be manifest. “Repent brothers! This is your only chance! You will know eternal suffering if you don’t throw down your weapons and accept his majesty!” Gawain pointed his bolter at him “you speak only lies and heresy traitor! Advance brothers!” Everyone started to edge towards him, walking over the blood but soon as the serfs took a step, several pale hands reached out from the blood and dragged them down.

The shrill laughter became higher in pitch, the screams of the serfs became mixed in with it. His brothers froze again as the blood began moving between their feet. Bertrand shook his head “they will know eternal suffering now, it’s a shame I am not handling it personally.” He looked over to Heriot “you are a smart, why are you with them? You listened to me before.” The neophyte said nothing, he was clearly on edge it’s evident that he has not experienced such things before. Gawain looked over to him “don’t listen! He seeks to confuse you! All of you ignore his words! Recite the vow! Suffer not the unclean to live!” The initiates and the neophytes started to regurgitating the mantra, trying to drown out the laughter.

They started firing their weapons again, the bullets curved away like before but the laughter turned to screams of frustration and anger, but what he noticed is the galloping sound is now closer. Bertrand felt a flare of annoyance rising in his chest “you have one last chance brothers…” They ignored him and continued their pointless assault, so they sealed their doom. From the blood several magnificent beasts rose, their limbs were abnormal, leather straps covered their bodies which was hooked into flesh and long red tongues flicked in and out of their mouths.

His brothers diverted their fire to them, they gunned down a few they collapsed into the blood but another would take their place. The beasts charged at the heretics, their pincer claws reached out to embrace his fallens brothers. He saw one stab his brother through the mouth and slowing bringing it’s claw upwards destroying his head. Another heretic was stabbed in the gut the ceramite plate could not withstand the power of the beast, Bertrand watched as his guts fell through his plate, while he collapsed onto the blood.

With each step from the beasts Gawain and his remaining forces was making their way back, they were trying to reach the door leading out. In the end it was pointless the blood now consumed the whole room the emperor won’t allow them to escape. Those who died are now offerings, each death increased his power. The more they suffer for their sins, the more power the emperor can manifest. All of this started with him, it started with just one death.

Bertrand watched a beast advance to Heriot, he was having trouble aiming, like he could not shoot the creature before him. Seeing him act in such a fashion caused him to smile, now he knows his folly, but it is too late. The beast severed his right arm with a flick of it’s claw, that broke him out of his stupor, the neophyte screamed while dropping his bolter. He gripped his stump while staggering back, the beast was raising it’s claw again but it was gunned down by Gawain, the creature gave a cry before falling to ground with a thud.

Bertrand growled in annoyance, he charged at the initiate for daring to impede the divine entity. The initiate noticed him and drew his chainsword, Bertrand bought his fists up to his face, he needed no weapon to stop the one before him. The emperor is filling him with power, just for this moment. It was the reason why he could break down his cell door, the master of mankind wishes him to punish the heretics before him. As he reached close combat Gawain bought up his chainsword, the teeth were roaring as it came down. Bertrand could see Gawain was left-handed, so he dodged to his own left side stepping strike.

He then moved in, his fists were like bullets as he planted two punches upon his face. His ceramite helmet caved in on impact, Gawain gave a gurgled cry as he fell to the ground due to the force. He then let get of his weapons, his brother was now clutching his face, trying to remove his ruined helmet. It’s evident that he is panicking, he is experiencing fear at the moment.

Bertrand shook his head “you can’t remove it, I assume shards of ceramite are lodged into your skin. You need an apothecary brother.” He walked over to the chainsword, he picked it up in both hands. Bertrand thumbed the activation rune and bought the weapon down on both of his legs, his heretical brother gave abnormal cries as they came off. “Now you can’t move. We have much to discuss, you must learn the error of your ways before I leave to meet Rolan.” He then looked over to Heriot he hoped to educate the young astartes as well. Yet what he saw was several beasts were now swarming him, he did not even realise that he was screaming, nor did he notice the emperor’s servants attacking him.

He thought to say something to the the beasts to stop what was happening, but he dismissed such thoughts right away. The emperor wants him to suffer, the false creed of his brothers might be too ingrained in his heart. He scanned the room and it was the same for his other brothers, they were being tormented as well. Some were even being dragged down into the blood by pale hands. He decided to focus on Gawain, he readied the chainsword again he raised the weapon but stopped. “No...far too crude.” He chucked the weapon aside and knelt, he removed Gawain’s combat knife from his belt. He turned it over “this is better.” He then moved Gawain’s hands away from his ruined helmet, the damage he inflicted on his legs drained away his power to resist.

Bertrand then jammed the knife into a gap, he began working on his brother’s face. He gave a yelp and right away he started moving his hands around again. It was annoyance but there was nothing he could do. “Livtius 6:17 pain is a window to confront one’s sins...but I suspect none of you commit to self-flaggation when saying your prayers…” He adjusted the knife, this time Gawain gave a great scream. His scream, mixed with everyone else's was like a song, even the shrill laughter came back.

As the knife moved through the gaps on his brother’s face he felt...exalted, even elation with what was happening. This was the path of the righteous, he knows this now.

***
Asriel watched from the hallway, what just happened confirmed it. He has truly fallen, he folded his arms. “He did not fall like how I wanted him to…” He then wondered what would his master make of him? Considering his personality Bertrand might consider him a heretic and try to kill him. He sighed is annoyance “I would not like to kill Bertrand after all the work I had to do…” he rummaged his hair in frustration “maybe I should of just focused on corrupting people? Something more simple?” Asriel looked over to the fiends of slaanesh who were tormenting the Black Templars. “Anyway if he does side with Tetricus we have extra forces we can use….”

Nice! Wierd that he calls slaanesh the master of mankind lol. Btw whenever you say "more better" you can just say "better" instead. Use CTL+F to mass replace and save you some time.

 Dayknight wrote:

Nice! Wierd that he calls slaanesh the master of mankind lol. Btw whenever you say "more better" you can just say "better" instead. Use CTL+F to mass replace and save you some time.

Thanks for the tip! Also Bertrand is pretty strange, you'll see soon.