The Inquisitor
Chapter Ten
A seemingly endless eternity in feeling darkness eased its hold over what I could be aware of as I slowly came back. Something itched behind my own throat making myself coughing loudly while groaning lowly. Opening both eyes to see a bright light forced them closed, Feck me! I can't even move without feeling like I'm dead. Any attempt in moving limbs merely sent waves of dulled out pain to make every action besides breathing a literal stab in the rib. Absently licking dried out lips managed to garner some semblance of will to look around trying to understand where I ended up. Slight pangs of headaches managed to make me less then optimistic it wasn't back on that damnable planet called a shrine world. Blinking groggily I tilted a bruised chin downwards to see a white sheet of sorts pulled over a naked chest belonging to myself.
Even being half awake I couldn't mistake blackened bruises belonging to broken bones and every time I took a breath, it hurt. But I chuckled lightly realizing I wasn't dead, "Guess the Emperor grants small mercies." Whispering faintly to at least try to sit up, I only just managed to drag myself upwards to clutch my own forehead tenderly. Headaches be damned as migraines took over momentarily yet it wasn't as bad to what happened on the planet. Memories came to connect dots once it hit me in figuring out what happened to Sister Theresa, Anora and of course Tartarus.
Throne I wouldn't have panicked until I looked around noticing the room I'd lying in was, I assumed to be apart of this ship's infirmary, I noticed a lot once I came too. Numerous machinery were active in their efforts displaying my vitals, or what not all lead to a heart monitor were beeping considerably in correlation to said organ beating rapidly. The room itself wasn't very large yet I noticed a doorway leading towards an outside corridor given a window provided an answer. Gritting both sets of teeth I managed to sit up breathing in lightly while shaking off an aches that seemingly refused to dissipate.
Glancing down I cringed in seeing tube like contraptions slither into where my wrist met a hand as fluids were running to feed themselves where veins were exposed. Unfortunately I winced once it became clear I wouldn't be able to pull them out due to a personal fear in seeing myself bleed out. I coughed once my own throat became unworldly dry as I swallowed saliva consistently. Even though it hurt to wake up I couldn't stop smiling painfully in knowing those who I cared about had survived that hellish nightmare on that planet, I only wished I could figure out how to destroy those heretical mockeries that held human form. I seriously want to eat the largest grox burger I can find, I feel like my gut is craving food since that shortage back home years ago.
Absently breathing in several lungfuls of air I glanced around the room noticing a time displayed in a golden coloration. It seemed almost like an eternity when I murmured out a date being projected on a panel signifying I'd been unconscious considerably. According to that time I read out-loud, "6.226.900.M41." My eyes strained to guess how long as I groaned feeling what little strength cease to keep myself aware. But then I heard some strange mechanical whirling noise as a door slid open to reveal someone had been monitoring me.
Crimson robes were what initially filled both eyes as I weakly tried to sit up yet a mechanized hand with strands of wrinkled flesh placed itself firmly on my own chest. A slithering contraption moved downwards from where an eye had occupied a socket as a high pitched synthesized voice stated almost completely bored, "Acolyte Eius. Praise be to the Omnissiah as it seems your recovery from mere flesh wounds is finally baring results." This person's voice managed to get me to lightly chuckle in relief as I was realizing that it was just a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus. Throne I never saw him before so I couldn't recognize exactly what role he'd been assigned too, I wasn't too keen on their positions due to a few pieces of information I'd been allowed to read about them as a whole. Truth be told I almost wanted to shriek as it's mechandrite eye slithered to loop around it's owners hand to study my facial expressions with a dull scan of reddish light.
"Optimal motor controls seems adequate, if not inefficient." The lower half of what I assumed to be a man's face was covered by a black mask having at least a dozen blackish rubber like wires in running down the side of his throat, "Inefficient for mere superficial flesh wounds! Skeletal structure seems adequately suitable for a small frame, a pity and as such mending of flesh will be suitably amenable." Groaning somewhat painfully as I crossed an arm to cover both eyes I slurred while asking a bit interested, "Since when did you Mechanicus priests treat injured people? I thought you left it to doctors, or medics?"
Lights above me grew seemingly brighter as I started to slowly try to sit up while listening to something more machine then flesh stare impassively with a singular dulled green orb. It was fairly possibly that was his original organ left I could see visibly, "Under normal conditions it's not advisable for those of my order to treat your fleshly exteriors. However the lady Inquisitor wanted, ah as you'd fleshier ones to how you'd say to have?" I watched an admech seemingly pause to answer on his terms as I winced once it's less then appealing slithering mechanical eye scan my own almost tauntingly, "Ah yes, a series of...errors in your bid for your flesh to recover soundly. As sub-far your organic components go I suppose you'll recover adequately." Apart of me wanted to throw up a few words at him since he seemed to be mocking my wounds yet I settled on sighing heavily to shut both eyes again.
But any reprieve was destroyed when something sharp probed my upper arm! Unable to stop myself I hissed out utterly when flesh broke apart, "What the feck you bastard!" The admech ignored my words altogether by speaking somewhat bored, "Vitals stabilizing accurate and movement of fluids normal. Pity, perhaps your flesh wounds aren't optimal to be of use, I wonder! No matter as retinal internals indicate nothing less." That slithering eye seemingly curled around it's owners arm in order to scan my face again
This time I managed to grind out, "Why are you specialized in treating flesh on people? And don't say Tartarus ordered it, I know you must do something for her to do so." I ignored another urge to try to slap that sharpened point of what I assumed to be a medical needle away! I witnessed small rivets of red were sliding down my own shoulder to stain near white sheets. My memory started to worm it's way back to all that unworldly agony I'd been crushed into it, I thought this admech would kill me based on all this prodding. So it infuriated me to a point where rage started to return back after being suppressed.
"I specialize in reconstructing servitors from fleshly existences acolyte." His answer sent my mind into a sense of confusion when I looked down to a small table set up, "And it'd be wise of you to heed my words that your feeble ears cannot decipher." Whatever man seemingly remained visible to my senses certainly held a distinct loathing for those not covered in machinery, I almost wanted to sit in his face just of being absolute pile of grox shit. Yet I managed to warily reply in order to placate both my own and his aggressive tendencies which I noticed were fully coming close to reality.
"Can I at least know your name so I can be grateful towards your expertise? And to the Mechanicum for providing their knowledge to stitch me together?" Witnessing a member of the Adeptus Mechiancius actually smile wasn't exactly comforting as I learned all too quickly. The mechandrite eye slithered back into it's eye socket while I heard this machine based man gleefully explain, "Val'Fex Tanox of Tanox III at your service, Acolyte Eius." His voice sounded either smug, or incredibly arrogant to assume of his status as I ignored an urge to spit in disgust.
"Tried and tested speaker to machine spirits as a member of the almighty Omnissiah's will." I refrained from rolling an eye in how boastful this man sounded but I managed to weakly laugh, "Sorry, I don't have anything grand to add to my own accomplishments Val'Fex! I believe I'll be much more grateful to those in your order in my near future." Perhaps not being in a bed with several sharpened instruments used in tearing, or repairing flesh would keep any sarcasm at bay. More so I'd rather play humble and not openly show wariness in seeing a needle dripping fluid probably keeping whatever pain at bay, I had literally nothing to imagine otherwise at this point.
"Then it'd be best to cease making pointless noise through your mouth, acolyte." I wisely bit my tongue when the man reached over to place down several tools. Closing both eyes I took a breath while trying to get feeling back into two hands which idly twisted themselves to ward off stiffness. But it seemed my actions caught the caretaker's attention all too easily, "Motor control from your nerve endings will be sporadic and considerably hindered while underneath aesthetics. It's highly advised to not move around until your flesh heals." An eye narrowed either sadistically gleeful, or possibly irritated at my frown, "But if you insist to move, I shall not cease your endeavors. It's very entertaining to watch you organics stumble into pain, I must grant the Omnissiah an offering for giving me such blessings to see lesser ones struggle in their fleshly forms."
Maybe my mind wanted to loosen it's grip on sanity because witnessing a man who seemed twisted by metal enjoying pain seemed surreal. Regardless I forced myself to thank him for his efforts, "Thanks." His mechanical serpent like eye seemingly hovered my own face briefly, "Not even a challenge worthy of my skills. Your flesh will mend in time, despite their pitiful inefficiency." All too happily I wanted this man, or whatever by the holiness of Terra away from me as soon as possible, I hated how absolutely he'd insult me all too casually.
Several more incisions of similar objects probed into my arms, legs and one even onto my neck's side ever so delicately. I hissed out every time before Val-Fex proclaimed mildly bored, "Inevitably your nerve endings will be up to optical capacity within several standard days, acolyte. I trust you'll not return to my care in that time?" His lone natural eye a darkened brown pointedly stared as if daring me to say anything else save for a simple answer, "No, sir." He stared down at me for a few more moments until turning about as mechandrites tailored in instruments meant to slash through flesh, or to weld mechanical contraptions into said flesh veered around purposefully.
The door's panel glowered briefly as internal mechanisms wheeled it upwards yet he turned his head slightly speaking loudly, "Do not move from your current position. Your Inquisitor made that specifically prominent to those seeking news of your...state, acolyte Eius." And with that he stepped out into what I assumed to the medical ward of a corridor leaving me alone. I sighed aloud thankfully to finally make sense as to what happened, I needed time to figure out what exactly I remembered and what not.
That's right, I think it's all coming back to me! That chaplain dedicated to the God Emperor, a massive chaotic battle and damning to see actual daemons cross over into our reality. I saw it all in perfect clarity, more so I saw brutal deaths and yet I felt proud knowing I'd saved the Sororitas despite disobeying Tatartus. Although I had a gut feeling such acts weren't without cost, "Better to be alive then dead, I guess." I muttered staring upwards to see nothing except medical equipment monitoring all my vitals and ironically enough their sounds were very soothing at least.
Yet how many had I gotten killed? Those troopers bodies, I got them killed. I looked away in shame mainly because it was the truth, or fact mainly. Because I wanted to save my friends, people who I'd grown to like and respect despite revelations in me being a psyker otherwise. It brought me back to that creature's words about the Sisters, "They'd burn me alive for being a psyker, huh? It wasn't lying, I could feel it's twisted glee."
Did I feel guilt knowing I'd gotten people killed? Possibly yet I wasn't going to linger on it, I'd known inevitably I'd be making choices involving people's lives and even when living in that under-hive it'd been close. Stealing to eat, to earn a few thrones or maybe getting an edge over competition and what more did I have to lose? I had people I liked, I wanted to like more and have some sort of peace regardless of what hellish creature's I faced. I made my choice when destroying a daemon when Tartarus found me, I'd sworn an oath to the God Emperor on that planet and as such I wasn't going to regret shit.
A sudden interjection ceased all musings on my part, "Your thoughts are quite amusing to read, Marcos." I practically jumped to look up in alarm seeing the Inquisitor herself looking rather bored as a doorway closed shut. I locked both jaws together refusing to blurt out a shout of surprise as she walked over inspecting my form, "Enjoy your time being among those closest of the dead?" Tartarus's lack of emotion scared me because there wasn't a damned thing I'd be able to guess, or imagine due to her eyes staring pointedly at my own.
After several tense seconds I responded a bit clipped, "I'll live." She hummed thoughtfully finding those two words merely truth, "Indeed." The Inquisitor waved her hand as a stirring sensation tingled up my spinal cord when seeing one lone chair pulled itself behind, "It seems Val-Fex's work is on par even with most apothecaries underneath my employ. Be fortunate his expertise is second to none on this vessel, Marcos or I'd suspect you'd have been subject to mechanical augmentations for limbs for your remaining life." That little piece of information got my heart pounding since I looked to numerous bandages, surgical lines and stitches on said limbs which had been broken previously like brittle sticks on a path way.
You're fearful of my wrath, aren't you? I heard her voice echo knowingly inside my skull as I nodded stiffly, "For good reason, right?" She sat there apparently bored before a knowing smile appeared sending my heart into righteous anxiety, "Normally you'd have awakened inside a torture chamber until let's just say that my satisfaction for discipline would be set." Obviously that hadn't happened which begged a question of me replying warily, "And what am I not in one?"
The woman crossed her legs comfortably settling in on a lecturing caution, "Because I do not punish value nor waste it's intended results despite it's source, Marcos." I looked wary given how her smile seemingly widened by a fraction due to my guarded pretexts, "The fault is not entire of your own doing, I've admitted been lax and taking on a wayward apprentice is not familiar to my own experiences." She admitted quite humbled based on an urge that came close to me experiencing torture no less from disobedience yet what was stopping it all? If she wanted to hurt me, I'd have no choice but to endure it naturally.
I'd admit I was absolutely terrified to what she'd be able to me, period. Tartarus must have been reading my psyche due to how amused her voice sounded internally. Your sense of respect your betters is most fortunate to manifest from this experience, Marcos. Perhaps my expectations of you aren't so miscounted after all yet don't be worried, I'm not going to enact any consequence of your actions because you provided me ample value to overshadow your...recklessness. I blinked owlishly at first unable to process everything until it all became clear, she said I wouldn't be punished despite all that madness planet side?
"Why?" I asked quietly not risking to sound hopeful much to a casual wave of her hand, "Your actions inadvertently have exposed more answers to questions older than yourself, so as such it also provided insight then I'd have admittedly...foreseen." She said that last word sparingly as though to her it were an off setting problem, "Alas we'll go right to the root of it all." Her eyes seemingly stared head thinking intensively leaving myself unsure what she'd ask yet it got answered too rapidly, "What do you know on your own accord of that creature who stalked your body and effortlessly broke you physically on that planet, Marcos?"
That series of questions caught me flat footed much to my internal disbelief at first. Yet I replied simply shrugging, "Nothing except it made Sister Theresa beyond furious! Hateful, I'd think?" Trying to remember it's exact appearance caused my spine to quiver in absolute disgust, terror and feeling colder then sleeping on ice itself. My throat burned when feeling whatever that sick snake like tongue cutting off air and forcing me to choke, "I don't know the feck to call it! But I do know it summoned daemons, yeah it definitely summoned them." I shuddered again to remember those unnatural beings which had winked at me tauntingly.
My inquisitor's voice hardly seemed faze given it's coldness, "A fact you'd need to drill into that cranium of yours, boy." Unfortunately I refused to look away from those eyes which promised enough pain and I saw it clearly given I had nothing else to do, "Exposing yourself to beings whose very presence corrupts all? Your fortunate I had to convince your dearest friends from placing a bolt shell between your eyes when they came aboard." She took deliberate pause to possibly gauge, or relish as a tightened expression forced myself to close both eyes. I didn't want to show how much that hurt regardless if I'd lived.
Don't pretend you weren't aware of their Order's ways, apprentice. My teacher warned me from falling into blissful ignorance as I'd been aware during the education sessions from Theresa specifically. Yet I still did what I chose to do, I'd refuse to regret it. Your valor isn't commendable! I'd peg it foolishly misplaced as it were yet it has held considerable influence, I do believe they requested you be properly 'cared' for underneath my personal lessons
Rasping out words I asked somewhat hopefully, "So they'll kill me if I approach them?" Tartarus's expression turned meaningful to scoff aloud, "Hardly." Confusion seeped through my facade as she explained almost flippantly, "You'd be a fool to believe they haven't fought, or worked along psykers outside their Order's burning obsessions with purging heretical witches." I must have been going insane again because I swore the woman loathed that hard yet I didn't comment about it, I allowed a tired smile to appear all too easily.
"Wipe that smile off your pitiful face, for it's unbecoming of an Inquisitorial Acolyte." She warned me swiftly to continue on what I'd been missing out on, "Your situation among them is fortunate yet practically in my favor." This time I wasn't going to crazy because her voice turned rather humorous as if finding the situation expected, "They've requested to remain aboard this vessel, if certain conditions are met and I wanted more in return. As such due to your own foolish actions, I've gained considerable amount of favor and influence to have them continue their task of educating yourself Marcos and in return they'll offer all information, secrets or my personal expertise in pertaining to a certain creature's gaze you've caught interest."
I blinked widely unable to understand even what she'd imply, or rather didn't get why it was such a huge deal. What does that all mean? I thought tiredly not even bothering to sort through it all as my inquisitor merely smiled partially, "It means your value to me is improving in an unorthodox sense." I officially gave up trying to understand half truths, or vague hints since on a good day I'd be able to guess something yet not today. I wasn't in any condition to think too seriously, so I just went with what she was saying and leave it at that.
Yet a lingering question did spark an ever growing cold disgust inside me, "What was that thing, Tartarus?" I referred to what had put me into this broken state, "You still haven't told me by the Throne what it was!" Just remembering being tossed around became infuriating, it scared me and absolutely sent whatever confidence I had into space's cold void. Nothing I could do changed my fate, Emperor alone I couldn't fight it to destroy it and I sure knew I couldn't wound it, or rather I desired to wildly kill it preferably.
Silence reigned between us for several moments at best. Her gaze seemingly stared ahead again as though carefully selecting words, or answers that were possibly left to consequences. One of her hands idly tapped against an inscribed holy book musing internally. Several of it's ingrained seals clinked together all too naturally. So I swore again I had to be insane to think she'd take effort to leave me in suspense. But it inevitably passed once a decision was made.
"Before I reveal what you ask, I require an answer for an answer." I nodded visibly causing her eyes to narrow suspiciously before asking me gravely, "What were you conversing with on that planet? If I sense you're lying? " She leaned forward to whisper very vindictively causing my spine to curl in warning, "I will have you flayed, until I deem otherwise. Speak wisely, for if you don't reveal what I seek I shall extract it, painfully." Her voice became absolutely serious to such an extent I gulped audibly unable to hide how much that affected me, I knew right away she wasn't lying about sending my sorry ass into that torture chamber.
Slowly I thought back to what happened inside that city's under-section, "It sounded like a woman but I know it'd had to be a daemon." There wasn't any other sensible explanation on my part other then going mad, "When I found those heretics hideout, I...I think I fought something off. It was like a dream yet not really a dream, but it was well, uh real, it was fecking real!" I went into further details trying all that I could to remember, I tried to forget it but I knew it was impossible. So for a bit I continued onward about my time into that city, seeing what was happening to the chapel and basically what I knew what happened from that time during an entire ordeal.
I spent possibly half an hour, or maybe more explaining in great detail about everything I'd been going through. But at that last part when Anora and Theresa I found my voice quivering, "Yet after that I could hear it's voice taunting me to speak it's...it's name." Looking down towards my right hand I saw it shook from either terrified sensations of adrenaline, or maybe from pure phantom sensations of blissful temptation. Regardless I continued feeling sick, "You said daemons have true names but why was it asking me? Next thing I knew I was falling I'd think, I felt twisted but I remember knowing a word yet I know for sure I never knew it!" My sense of rationality just died away after that point since it felt so right to say that word.
Tartarus had remained quiet throughout my entire tale not giving anything way save for narrowing her eyes at times. But she took in every piece of information, detail and sensation I'd been describing rather attentively. No questions on her part were ever spoken, or allowed once my entire experience had been told until I'd passed out. My throat was dry after speaking so long, obviously hoarse and yet I still had strength to muster an urge remain awake. I wanted to sleep after reliving that nightmare so fresh and so soon.
The Inquisitor peered long and hard to stare me down pointedly, "Your recklessness is far more then I'd ever grant it, I'd say your own is akin to sheer stupidity." Her hand clenched absolutely furious to such an extent a sudden rush flickered across my vision as a light above the door way exploded! Sparks and pieces of glass fell aimlessly onto a ground fading away as Tartarus's eyes glowered a pure whitish cyan before settling down in mere moments. I practically felt her power from being so close and by Terra itself, I swore once more it was unnerving. She inhaled openly calming down emotional impulses which would have possibly ended up with me being pulverized.
"But it seems our God Emperor has you in his favor, if your survival is a blessing." The woman relented just briefly to acknowledge how ludicrous my ordeal had ended up, "Make no mistake your decisions will be rectified if I as so much see you think to do this again." She sounded beyond livid if her stiff wording could account to so close of distance in being flayed alive, I'd thank the Emperor if I could in person much to my internal relief. Perhaps prayers weren't such a tedious lesson to learn more if Tartarus's restraint was to be said as much.
After taking an additional moment to compose herself did my inquisitorial teacher reveal a dangerous line, "Conveniently daemon's do not reveal their names. They will not ever do so, if anything they'll guard it until their banishment or destroy those foolish in seeking it." She continued once my attention wasn't going to be persuaded otherwise much to an approving nod, "But Chaos inevitably allows it's whispers to corrupt those open to such suggestions and inside the Warp itself. When the veil of reality meets the Immaterium you'll hear such words, for if you utter a name of a God then you'll lose your soul to their whims, Marcos." My eyes went wide once it was too clear, I'd been talking to an actual god of all things? That twisted yet beautiful thing which had been taunting me, giggle no less had been an actual God!
Tartarus all too knowingly put up with my anxiety, "Gods of Chaos, Marcos." She sternly intoned such information should never been spoken casually, "The Warp itself gives meaning to anything and everything. If words alone are gateways to your soul, they'll become so and through a name alone it'll corrupt your very being, if so spoken to let them in." Her explanations alone had just wanted me to vomit because I'd been talking to a damned god of all things. I felt sick just knowing I'd been nearly face to face with a fate beyond death and my teacher had all but confirmed my greatest nightmares coming to life.
"So...in the chapel...I..." I voiced out brokenly terrified since a singular word had eluded narrowly yet it almost damned myself. Yet Tartarus again dashed that exaggeration partially confessing, "Not entirely I'd say you were conversing with it. Your account is similar to when psykers interact with projections, or perhaps they're mere reflections of Chaos itself due to it's servants worshiping it for aid, I'd guess accurately." It was too much for me to take in all at once, I wanted to sleep everything aware but my mind refused to give in. I wanted to know more and how to actually stop it, hell I wanted to prevent it altogether!
Coughing lightly to clear my dry throat I croaked out, "Can I stop hearing them?" The Inquisitor stared intensively before shaking her head negatively, "Not entirely." She explained patiently despite resisting an urge to fling a chair behind herself, "We of the Ordos Malleus are often exposed constantly to this at all times, even as psykers or not to these whispers and it's our duty to resist them! As per holiness is required to be enacted with our will." These were no doubt warnings I needed to obey absolutely, to adhere too and always remember prices would be paid if I failed to heed her words. I was facing death regardless among the living, or those lingering beyond reality.
Exactly apprentice, I'm only revealing all this because you've exposed yourself. Tartarus's voice warily resonated inside my ears all too irritably. But this fault is not entire of your own doing, it is mine regrettably and as such I have need to correct this problem. She explained very carefully because of my own actions, good or not they had consequences and they reflected upon herself. In short I was being told I had blown my single chance to remain ignorant, I'd get punished under every circumstance. Her sarcasm was evidently obviously as I heard it obviously. Correct Marcos, I'm impressed for you to learn such simplistic lessons are required for myself providing ample detail so you'd never dare to take on this folly, ever.
Despite all that she had said I still hadn't gotten my original question answered. So I asked again but far more respectfully, "So who exactly did this to me?" Tartarus raised an eyebrow finding my tone acceptable for once since I'd known her, "Who indeed." I waited patiently mainly because I'd been going over what she'd been telling me yet I needed more! The more that I'd know now, I'd at least have some sort of warning and understanding to get out alive. I wasn't going to be blindly naive, or damned arrogant to assume I'd live through this kind of hellish nightmare again.
"The one we encountered was a being I hadn't heard about in a long time and when I battled said creature it has led me to only one candidate." The Inquisitor stated absolutely sure in her findings, "You barely survived against the only known Adepta Sororitas whose turned traitor and willingly betrayed her entire Order." That definitely explained such sheer hatred on both Anora, Theresa and other sisters whose expressions didn't do that word justice, "Miriael Sabathiel." She said that name calmly before looking directly at me pointedly, "Like it, or not she is who that has set her sights upon you for whatever reasons, Marcos."
That brought me enough peace to know I had an enemy's name and one I could learn to kill. But again my teacher destroyed an notion of that foolhardy belief. You're not even capable of defending yourself, or anyone yet alone destroying a servant of Chaos. Cease your pitiful thoughts on this subject, or I will make you forget everything I've told you...boy. Her eyes flashed solidly of power again as I gulped down my response to meekly nod back. Last thing I wanted was to be torn apart mentally again, so I listened all too readily.
She made it clear what would happen next, "You're to remain here until your body is full capable withstanding physical training." I watched her stand up to idly send a chair back to it's original position, "And during that time utilize this moment to prepare yourself. Because of your actions I have to personally instruct you on how to fortify your very mind!" She began walking while adjusting her hat reflexively to look over a shoulder, "And rest assured, I will not pretend to be sympathetic when I rip apart your very being. Your honesty has granted me enough to warrant you a warning, so prepare yourself accordingly."
The doorway opened almost immediately once she gotten with an arm's reach. I heard her say one last warning, "Whether you admit fear in the face of those who control you, it is your duty alone and faithful of the pure to preserve your sanity." Jalena Tartarus offered that singular piece of advice before she left me alone inside a medical compartment. I looked down to see something I hadn't expected yet it seemed my left hand had been clenching something unintentionally. I blinked several times before I realized what it was exactly.
Around my wrist a newly minted holy ingrained chain was wrapped it! Turning over I revealed my acolyte rosette glimmering with a dull glow. That's new...I don't remember seeing those seals around the locks! Slowly it clicked into place as I noted runes from my lessons underneath Theresa inside the Sister's inner sanctum. They'd made this...for me? Purity rituals took days, if not extensive long hours and to retain holy blessing required flames of purity to be instilled onto said seals. A lone tear went down my right cheek once I clasped it tightly and laid back to sleep away feelings of relief as I realized my friends hadn't forsaken me at all.
The winds brushed past my face as I stared past several lines of fire that burned everything in a sickly orange. Ash seemingly appeared falling like rain itself, I found myself frozen when roars from possibly millions of weaponry firing from a distance. It constantly sound akin to roaring yet fading away once it got closer and closer. Small bright flashes appeared behind thickened clouds of blackish ash and I found myself turning around.
Bodies aligned in gruesome mockery were nailed to buildings all completely drenched in bloodied entrails. Thousands upon thousands arranged in figures resembling an eight pointed star, I noticed children closer to my age and younger always made up center pieces on every start itself. Organs from intestines looped around every star's edge providing every detail had been intentionally planned, orchestrated and done cruelly in an artistic twisted display. I found myself unable to feel disgust because I kept staring away past flickering flames.
Shapes of humanoids were practically twirling, twisting and never ending in their movements to constantly appear to be apparitions. Lightning of a sick reddish orange flashed ahead revealing severed heads around my feet, I saw too many to count and most had eight pointed stars seared onto their own foreheads. Eyes were plucked out as well, but no screaming faces were frozen, only which I saw smiles mainly out of sheer number alone. Blood seemingly went past my ankles when I continued moving underneath feet which got covered by it all.
Seemingly distance became nothing more than a fickle whim of pointlessness once those humanoid figures came closer. They were moving at such speeds I found myself growing ill, if anything they were twirling and twisting displays of constant blackish gray. They blended around fires seemingly moving in between them as their faceless forms moved around my own frozen frame. Smoke obscured them completely yet I knew I wasn't alone here. Everything seemed so half emptied as though I couldn't react in time when my feet stopped themselves.
All of these humanoid figures twirled around me seemingly taunting, or perhaps extending limbs which no person could understand. I thought they were hands with fingers outstretched by the flickering flames made it impossible to decipher, I looked over a shoulder seeing the horrors that should have broken my mind's sanity. Yet I just stood there watching everything indifferent, it scared me more I wasn't reacting naturally. So what could have caused such a thing, I wondered numbly until hearing another sound.
Musical notes of some surreal origin seemingly wafted through all these nightmarish images and it came from in front of me. Involuntarily I swore a small smile formed on every humanoid figure before their hands, or arms went to the skies crying out silently together. Madness was but a word once corpses with their heads severed, or not were the sources of this music. I couldn't even fathom what caused such depravity, "He who walks among thy for I, she who beseeches thou ist too, oh you are but I in thy."
Lyrical words so soothing, too perfectly sung and absolutely enchanting seemingly appeared from no where itself. It was all around me due to every humanoid shadow moving quicker and quicker to some unseen rhythm. Unable to resist I hurried through those shadows passing through fire, flesh and ash hoping to catch a glimpse of what was singing. Urgency, or lack of caution weren't capable but to obey once I flung myself past impaled bodies on stakes so high up it appeared to be raining blood. On closer inspection every stake were new born babes at least and that fact alone caused all will towards my legs to cease.
Thousands upon thousands were impaled so high above that droplets mimicked to utilized as a storm of blood defied comprehension. Fear finally took root once another course of singing came through the twisted shroud of ash, "Do you seek me, or does thou of I seek you? For I am me, but you are to me nothing but your whims!" Something was getting closer, I felt earth shake and road alike tremble when a figure approached distantly. It moved quickly, too wildly and absolutely dynamic since it couldn't move in a straight line for not even a split second. I had no idea what I was seeing yet alone understanding.
"Seek me, seek me out or do thou's whims take heed?" Laughter so innocently misplaced among all this hellish landscape cooed outward, "Pluck one eye, strike two away and wrap thy hands upon I! For your whims are dim to thine desires, for he who walks among thy!" This being of twisted reality seemingly spun out of sight as though it were mocking any who tried to view it. Yet I remained standing unable to look away due to my own skull tilting to it's side, for I felt amused and tempted to seemingly smile back at it's unseen form.
An unseen breeze caressed one of my cheeks almost intentionally despite all this hellish landscape provided. I found my voice responding laughably curious, "Why are you singing?" All that musical radiance from skulls of dead ceased momentarily, "Is it because I can?" It replied back laughing merrily as though everything around us was simply natural, "Yes, I can! So why not beseech your whims for desire, are thy mute?" Wherever it approached I could only see an outline seemingly unable to remain still, it constantly moved so rapidly that I hardly blinked to hear it speak out behind myself.
"What desire are you asking of me?" I questioned looking behind only to see nothing but fading ash and smoke partially reforming. This voice spoke all too merrily from in front of me, "Is thy desire not perfection, or does thou seek to dance to my whim alone?" I felt my entire body seemingly freeze when I heard that word again, it lingered akin to a taunt. Unblinkingly I looked down to see my hand covered in reddish crimson as a numbness washed over me. I had urge to wipe away liquid falling from my face due to what I was seeing.
A bloodied purity seal which belonged to Anora personally. It looked partially melted as though a great heat had all but destroyed it's once pristine surface. Markings and holy blessing in high gothic were literally withering away. Somehow I witnessed wisps of blackened dust emit themselves due to said words crumbling into dust! Sorrow struck me initially, anger fueled an unseen cause and most of all sheer hopelessness filled me before I had a chance to make sense of it all. I looked upwards to see an outline of a large figure seemingly twirling, whirling and never unable to remain still dashing just beyond ash induced barriers.
"Why do you dance happily when so many have died?" I kept on staring at this half legible purity seal as I awaited a response. The voice didn't answer immediately as though it were gauging yet a presence constantly shifting behind all this ash and smoke hadn't been stilled. It replied as though I'd asked an intriguing question, "Does thou not happily frolic among the dead?" This wasn't just any voice I numbly smiled as it was another daemon, of some kind and it found our conversation almost entirely merry in it's view.
Ash swept aside forcing me to look over to see horrified bodies of men, women and children torn asunder. The sheer amount of corpses stacked along both sides of this street towered even above my own meager frame. Yet the blood alone swirling in symbol conjecture within eight pointed stars went up to my barely covered ankles. So many dead, too many to count and all for what? I had no desire to dance among them but it seemed those thoughts were picked up on by whatever kept spinning out of sight within those ash infested clouds.
"Do thy wish of I to make thee smile?" It laughed energetically moving sporadically around myself as I looked to that purity seal which began burning harshly, "If I say no, would you listen?" I spoke less than amused as it replied unabashedly, "If thou had meant of I to heed thee, of not I'd agree!" Unable to stop I chuckled in agreement making it laugh just as happily, if I had lost my mind I'd say it was far too gone now. Here I stood among hundreds, if not thousands of dead and laughing with something that more than likely orchestrated this massacre.
The purity seal scorching in it's entirety reminded my flesh it couldn't handle the sheer raw corruption around in proximity. A shiver ran down where neck metal spinal cord as though someone's hand had just brushed up behind. Looking back I thought I saw a figure disappearing deliberately slower yet still spinning in place, "Unlike thou's kin of slain by thy hand, is thee of the same ilk, of which I'd agree not so." It asked curiously to beckon me forward in which I obliged going further among the piles of bodies and horrified faces of many.
"What makes you think that?" I inquired blankly staring ahead to see distant figures to which I felt something ease itself over my shoulders. Shuddering from a gentle weight I felt warmth and floating sensations akin to blissful security. Whispering into an ear I heard it ask charmingly, "Thou's heart is of thy soul and of mind, for thee seeks I for what I...wonder?" Hands deceptively placed themselves over each shoulder as warmth clearly of unnatural flesh flowed through, I shifted uneasily in response seeing the dead faces staring upwards in horror.
It wouldn't allow to turn around despite me asking, "You tell me, I'm not here by choice." Wind swept through an entire street of dead yet harmonious laughter soft and kind echoed easily. This daemon wasn't deterred by a simple fact of truth, "Are thy so sure?" Watching one hand casually pull backwards I thought I saw gloved fingers covered in silk coverings, I briefly considered whether I was falling into corruption given who easily I'd been at ease. Yet that notion was brought to heel when a purity seal scorched my flesh giving belief it wouldn't so easy.
"Of thy kin slain by my hand, I sense thee willingly to entertain I!" Being uplifted I found myself staring into a blank faceless shade. The daemon's entirety was covered in sheer silky clothing obscuring all of it's physical features, decorative and beyond beautiful that no mortal could dare to imagine as it's equal. Yet with no face it spoke as though it had everything any human feature offered in the materium itself. So why wasn't I reacting fearfully?
Even my next words surprised me since I had no knowledge of how they came to be, "Let my friends go, if you do so then I'll dance with you." The daemon jerked back in response tilting it's faceless head unable to make sense. Perhaps I was damned to converse with those birthed in the immaterium yet I held firm despite feeling fingers tapping themselves against both shoulders in a pontifical manner. A flutter of unease brought me to wonder if I had dared something too much, a nearly scorching purity seal practically melted underneath my grip and I almost snapped out of this insanity which came back in force.
The daemon giggled suddenly whisking my numbed form so I could face the street of dead corpses. Distantly I witnessed figures surging around those marked in flashes of light, "Such of many requests does I have entertained, but thy asks of me to dance? Never has one mortal of thee ilk willingly desired to dance with I." It hummed either happily, or hungrily to which neither option sounded great for me to consider. Those fingers lightly began tracing towards my neckline where I suppressed a shiver from deliberate temptation, it really wanted something more and yet it wasn't too keen to convey it wanted what I asked.
"I don't believe you." I retorted biting down an urge to flinch as those sensations ceased momentarily before it leaned from behind. I felt hot air being pushed forcing me to clench both eyes shut, "Nay, for I do not lie as many of my ilk." I flinched feeling pressure from it's grip finding my claim to be insulting, I almost wished it'd kill me. However it did part with a factual claim that was worth in it's weight in gold as opposed to it's sincere voice, "The Great Prince has no such need for lies. Remember you will I, yet for we are thou truth in both mind and soul, to those of mortals who lie in earnest."
Breathing out deeply I thought long and hard about what that meant pertaining to some of it's kindred. I wasn't too familiar with what kinds of daemons valued truth and lying, for neither were true yet they held firm in accounts. Simply put they weren't capable of lying, but they could lie and still use truth as a lie itself in order to remain truthful. I found it all too perplexing to humor and consider, so I went with the obvious path to reaffirm my offer. If I didn't try something drastic, I'd be stuck on this world and those sent alongside me would be dead sooner than later. No matter where I traveled those beyond reality would seek me out as I'd been warned.
"I dance with you and my friends are left unharmed." I repeated again staring hardly clenching the purity seal which was nearly a hunk of smelting metal, "Keep your word, I dance until you're satisfied..." Laughter cut me off immediately as a hand tenderly cupped the underside of my jawline. I bit down to feel pain once I got whisked around again in a frenzied circle, I wanted to vomit and laugh loud in one mixed concoction of madness. I only realized how much danger I stood eye to eye with and there wasn't much I'd be able to do.
"Child." It cackled gleefully spinning us both in place at speeds even most people would lose their bearings, "We've already begun our dance, but to satisfy I?" That faceless shade leaned forward appearing to leer, "Embrace I as you embrace the Great Prince, for thy is highly sought among your kin." I shook my head despite being pulled into an ever faster pace as I kept up despite being off the ground. It wanted me to turn, I refused and yet I had to continue dancing with death itself as damnation loomed near.
But I did ask it simply to keep it entertained, "You speak of truth wanting me to fall. So why hide behind a mask if I cannot see the one I dance with?" In a frenzied series of acrobatics that could have popped joints and dislocated a shoulder, I found myself keeping pace by sheer focus and ignoring pain that was the fate of numerous people beforehand. It'd explain why many corpses held faces of agony and utterly despair, I ignored them in favor of their deaths. The daemon began twirling in place as I stepped along unable to stop subversive influences.
"Your requests of I are but unique." Side stepping over dead corpses whose eyes remained wide, or were cut from their very sockets did this daemon speak swiftly, "Of your ilk child, you are more then what thou says of thy heart and soul." Frowning tightly I avoided tripping when the creature leaned backwards forcing my smaller frame to hold it in place, I'd expected to feel weight yet I was thrown for a shock. The daemon which stood twice, or three times taller than I'd been presently weighted absolutely nothing and my arms hardly felt any strain from holding this creature in place. Unnatural and unworldly to which both words were literally in my grasp alone.
"Not one mortal of thy kind has asked of I, to remove my mask." Lying partially, or speaking honestly to confuse me to which I replied firmly, "I believe you." Laughter echoed as this daemon sprung upwards twirling us both in a series of loops, angles and inhumane rhythms that were unseen by those born of flesh. It began humming earnestly in delight, "Thou's mind is sound, but thine heart is not so sound. For I must agree because I can!" Again laughter trailed over scores of dead as I strained out rasping for air when we danced in forced synchronization, I couldn't keep up and my legs burned for rest to constantly be strained.
My eyes burned when that faceless shadow leaned forward cooing as though I'd entertained it's humorous personality. A gloved finger traced along my jawline as it asked me, "Will thy remove my mask of I? For it is most fortunate and rare of any to see these eyes of mine." I started biting down on a tongue which went numb when a hand reached upwards. I trembled in fright unable to stop it from obeying forces not seen, or heard of those who weren't touched by the warp's fickle essence. I was literally a damned puppet!
Despite unable to recognize anything in that faceless void I saw protrusions angled upwards from where a forehead would have been. Woven cloth so refined that it glinted in dying light which came little to offer any respite to identity this creature, I found my own hands violently trembling yet somehow finding purchase on something. It's head tilted over slightly in response as grunts of agony were too strong to hide, I heard an audible click. And the next thing I knew I was screaming when a cracking mask smiling hideously broke away into dust. I could only scream in absolute horror as everything became utter darkness itself.
My eyes shot open blinking rapidly as I lunged upwards breathing in hands trembled with droplets leaking down due to sweat alone, I shook absolutely terrorized due to how vivid that dream seemingly appeared. That seemed far too real, far too detailed and I can feel my skin burning from being so close to that...daemon. What the feck am I seeing, it can't be just dreams because something similar happened several times already! All of these twisted thoughts were so contorting I never felt someone's hand lightly grasp my shoulder and as a result I jolted in place looking over alarmingly heart racing internally.
"Marcos?" Anora quietly questioned me with an usually concerned face, "Are you...well?" I looked down since other details from that encounter on that planet came to light. The people who I considered friends would have me burned alive for being a pskyer. It hurt internally knowing this information yet I mustered enough courage to reply just as quietly, "No." Honesty had it's price as always along with it's own sense of consequences given how Anora's hand lifted itself underneath my chin prompting me to look up;
Her expression looked exhausted yet those eyes were looking at me kindly. It shocked me to see this emotion as she told me, "You really can't lie, can you?" I shrugged partially not willing to go into why I had such tendencies. Her palm felt smooth surprisingly given they were just hacking, or dueling with an enemy that was her order's total opposite. But determination filled me to find ways to become even more powerful, if it took years I'd accomplish it! At least I have a name of the thing that wants me to convert, I'll find a way to kill her. I swear it, or Emperor damn me otherwise!
Anora gauged me for something as I stared back trying to put up an unflinching front. Her hand dropped to lightly settle over a fist which was clenched so hard that event I wasn't aware of it's condition, "What kind of nightmare did you have?" Ironically I didn't even consider it a nightmare considering how real that damned sequence of images seemed far too real. I replied far more sure to think otherwise, "It wasn't just a nightmare, Anora." She frowned due to my hand opening to reveal inflamed reddish flesh as though it'd been underneath flames, I should have been scared senseless yet I just stared hollowly.
"How can someone explain just by having a dream so real, real enough that I had something burning and we see my hand is burning?" I asked seeing it fade away to more normalized coloration yet it hadn't been a mere dream. The Sororita's white hair turned gently tracing where she had seen an angry reddish color along my palm. In response I couldn't help it, but I shivered since comparably she'd felt colder somehow. An outline of subtle reddish hue began emitting off her as I blinked several times due to it not being a figment of my imagination. I felt an anger, sorrowful and heavy yet her grip remained firm throughout it all.
Finally after several moments she spoke guardedly, "The sisterhood warns that witches cannot be trusted and often endanger themselves." That hue of reddish tint began to fade into a growing yellowish white as she smiled tiredly to stare me in the eye, "But unlike what I've been told you cannot lie to me, or any of us who've taught you. A witch will lie, deflect and fear judgment as their cowardice guides them." She squeezed my smaller hand into a ball before telling me firmly, "You are a blessed son of our God Emperor, Marcos. No mere witch would have turned back to risk themselves for others, they'd have fled and turned."
Her words were either too good to be true, or I'd been dreaming too much to be consider it lying. I don't think you understand how close I did turn, or from what Tartarus told me. I'm scared, Anora. I thought heavily as I managed to lift her own hand to place it on my forehead. I was scared beyond belief it was something else, but I did feel more firm and sure knowing I wasn't alone in this galaxy anymore. Closing both eyes I leaned forward gripping her like a lifeline replying humorously knowing it as fact, "I don't think I could do that again, for you or anyone since Tartarus said she'd kill me basically."
The elder woman chuckled finding it as a joke on my part. But I said it again smiling, "I'm serious, Anora since she'll probably kill me." We both shared our smiles finding it true, or not. I felt better knowing things had a chance to calm down, I needed time to understand and ultimately find ways to better myself in defending against daemons. Too much danger resided as my Inquisitorial teacher spoke truthfully, even if she wasn't kinder to say it. She gave me what I needed to know because it was required to be harsh, for reality and myself being a pskyer I'd possibly never understand what was against me.
"How are the others?" I managed to inquire hopefully as I looked to see Anora smile a bit more softly, "Alive and recovering." I knew they had lost several of their own but I guess my foolish actions of stupidity paid off for something. The person who'd been tutoring me extensively noticed this relief all too fondly, "Sister Thersea sends her regards, Marcos." Sighing lightly I tried terribly to not smile but it was broken by my friends amused tone, "And she ordered me a bit grudgingly to convey a message to you."
Despite wearing modest robes provided by her sisterhood's order it still held pockets as her hand dipped to pull out a gift. Pulling away she placed something cold and circular into a palm gently opened, "Your faith in both those who stand within our Emperor's light, to those who've never lost and hope faith are feats needed in these darkened times, Marcos." Anora's expression turned gentle which was incredibly odd to witness yet I felt my heart hitch when I realized what she gave me. Shivers ran up my spinal cord and I swallowed heavily since I had just seen exactly what this was not even a few minutes ago.
"Purity and faith go hand in hand with those of courage and valor to save those in need." A seal blessed of holy ritual and blood glinted beautifully off the lights above. I wanted to scream yet I only smiled seeing a crimson ribbon stitched with High Gothic words along every inch and the metallic skull of the Imperium's iconography in place centered. It fit entirely within my palm plus more as Anora told me absolutely, "And we of the Adeptus Sororitas do not allow those threatened by mankind's enemies to walk alone. Chaos is an evil that cannot be overcome by those who unprepared Marcos, I will do what I must and my sisters will never allow you to fall."
She leaned forward quickly enough freezing me in place to place her chin over my forehead. I was stunned all too naturally because it was a comforting gesture, a rare one if I understood it right. Clutching the seal strongly I heard her speak softer despite closing both eyes trying to believe this to be another dream, "You saved my sisters and you did it without hesitating." I swore I thought I heard her voice crack ever so slightly, "It's strange when you hear of tales of witches running afoul. They'll always lie to deceive, to plot and betray to always be a danger yet I see an exception. How can I not feel so proud in teaching a faithful son of our God Emperor?"
Anoroa leaned away smiling kindly placing both hands in a proper position content in her beliefs alone. I smiled back tentatively trying to keep a warming feeling alive, "I guess the Emperor has his ways and who am I to think otherwise?" I should have been spouting praises for even being alive, or rather considering a change of habit to start becoming more pious! Yet I did manage to have a relived smile knowing something good came out of this mess altogether.
We sat there together for a few minutes as I gathered my wits to inevitably ask another question. A question I knew the answer but did Anora know as well? Only one way to find out, I doubt Tartarus is going to care yet it doesn't hurt trying to get information. This does technically involve them and me, so do it! I exhaled deeply clutching the metallic seal to finally muster enough reluctance to ask Anora about that person who almost killed us both.
"Can I ask something?" I spoke up tiredly staring numbly ahead lost in memorizing an enemy who'd had my life at their whims. I heard the elder woman reply a bit concerned, "About what Marcos?" I shut both eyes again taking in enough prayer and belief to say two words. Two words which held a name of an enemy I'd desperately have to prepare for, she'd have to fight and everyone in between once opportunity arose. Whatever in the feck was happening to me ranging from whispers of daemons, gods, vivid nightmares and what not I had to ask.
Looking right at Anora's concerned gaze I asked her, "Who's Miriael Sabathiel?" Her face hardened when I refused to look away despite two fists clenching angrily. I heard knuckles popping before the white haired woman let out a breath to calm down. I wasn't an idiot to believe she'd know something closely related to the Adeptas Sororita and their history. I only knew what I heard from down on that planet from that creature's mouth itself, to what was said from others and what Tartarus graced me as a name of an enemy.
"She'll never touch you again, Marcos." Anora promised me coldly while leaning back to say more, "I won't rest until I have her heretical head planted on a spike on the holiest ground for Ophelia VII's walls! And to have her body burned to dust!" There wasn't any doubt to believe she didn't know who I asked about. According to my teacher this was the only sister of battle who willingly turned traitor to Chaos, to spit on humanity and the Imperium underneath our Emperor's gaze. But it only prodded me further to ask again.
Slowly sitting up I felt myself drained yet had enough will to ask again, "Who is she Anora?" She looked away briefly refusing to answer at first. I need to know more about her, I want to know who wants me to turn to...Chaos. Staring intently I internally chanted this over and over, I'd even clenched both fists according. Very faintly I felt a tug akin to an ache of my head yet it wasn't so painful when warmth trickled out of it. I could only stare pleadingly to someone who I considered teacher, friend and someone I happened to care about.
Anora's very outline along her frame briefly flashed a surreal white before she let off a sigh. What was that I just saw? It seamed far too coincidental to think it wasn't a miracle as her placid smile indicated a sensitive topic, "What I'm about to say is to be kept between myself, you and Sister Theresa who granted me a decision, if I was willing to part with information." I nodded nervously feeling anxiety knowing I somehow did something moments ago. It wasn't just by chance Anora was going to tell me about a topic only reserved for those in her Ordos of sisterhood, I'd say it put me in a very bad spot eventually.
"Miriael Sabathiel was once known as a Sister Superior of my Order." That would explain why Theresa's incredibly hateful reaction I'd seen once she'd recognized who had defiled the chapel's sanctum, "Back then she was a very powerful and deadly person. I never knew her personally, if you think otherwise." She laughed lightly due to noticing my expression turning ever so diligently curious yet I shrugged helplessly, "No one in recent memory has to my knowledge never seen her in person. More miraculous by our Emperor's light to have fought her and lived, or should I say has survived to tell the tale of her location."
Anora leaned back folding both arms to ward off chills that even went up my spine. What she said next really drove how severe this situation had gotten, "She's the only known sister of all our Orders to have willingly turned to Chaos, Marcos." I stared incredibly in disbelief knowing there was never a recorded fall of an Adepta Sorrorita given my education about them, "The only one?" I mouthed in disbelief as she nodded once letting that information sink in. I almost fell back finding it hard to believe yet Tartarus had warned me of daemon's influencing our fall into ruin.
"Her very name is a black stain upon our dedication, our faith and our very duty to carry the Emperor's light to his Imperium." The white haired woman stated factually stern which was a rarity considering I'd ever seen such a look only on her superior. Her eyes softened briefly due to how tense I'd become taking in the warnings, "As I said to you Marcos, I promise she'll never touch you again. You've done more than enough by simply surviving, I know no one on this ship expected you to encounter her or endure with daemons that were manifesting. You've done more than anyone to give us all a fighting chance now!"
I must have looked bitter considering I rasped out my next words, "I got toyed with and I was powerless to do anything but bleed." Didn't take much of an effort to mince how I got tossed around effortlessly and I was only alive because I was a child! Who took a kid from some half ass under-hive with only a number to their name seriously, I came close to spitting out how disgusting and fecking pathetic it was really. And to top it all off I wasn't supposed to learn how to kill that bitch who'd come after my neck again?
A warm hand placed itself against my face to break all thoughts, "Marcos!" Anora looked firmly right at eye to eye as she'd leaned over the bed's edge, "Don't think for one second you could have done anything else better!" Up so close to her I could see clearly the knowing look in those eyes which were warning me all too vividly, "The fact you're alive now? It means you've done all you could, all you can and now you have to accept the truth about yourself. Do you want to know what I mean by that?" She questioned me softly as I leaned into her touch finding it equally comforting and tiring by my beliefs alone.
I answered only to keep my anger in check, "Pick my fights wisely so I don't my ass entirely kicked?" She laughed openly at those words to embrace me in a hug as I tensed up momentarily still finding such acts unique, "A bit crass to say, but yes!" Her chin settled just over my head as I looked down noticing the purified seal glimmering in the bright lighting, "You'll grow stronger in time, Marcos. But right now you need to know sometimes living another day is a victory that very few learn, so learn from today and hone what you're taught, for in the future you and I both know it's so you can utilize your strengths doubtlessly."
Perhaps the exhaustion of knowing an enemy, surviving said foe and coming to terms with being human hit me hard. I just shuddered biting down tears yet I remained capable to simply lean into the elder woman's body quivering. I don't care if it's okay to be weak, or damned pitiful! I'm going to become stronger, I'm going to become more powerful and I will rip your fecking head off when I'm able to do it! By the God Emperor himself, I swear it! There was no excuse based on what I'd have to do to reach that goal, I had no excuse other then the fact I was weak and powerless against forces who I couldn't afford to be against.
There wasn't any solace that I survived against enemies of mankind which would tear us apart in mind, body and soul. Like Tartarus said to me earlier, I needed to become powerful and to learn how to think like a daemon hunter that she was fully. I had my motivations in order to go through with whatever hell, or damnation coming at me in these next days. But if I had to endure it to protect those who I needed to keep me together? Then by the throne I'd do it without question, without doubt and without hesitation to do so.
I vowed this while taking refugee in the arms of a friend who wasn't going to allow me to die, I'd endure and I'd kill the very thing which I feared most! Killing a god, feck me but I can't deny I like the sound of it! I clenched both eyes shut to fall into a sleep as warmth enveloped me. I was never aware that overhead my servo-skull Skit was recording every little detail, if I were aware I'd have been his lone eye glowing red before it faded away. Yet I remained blissfully unaware in order to set myself on a path where I needed power to achieve something worthy.
Jalena Tartarus watched a live pic feed from her apprentice's servo skull while sitting behind the desk in her private quarters. Her expression remained indifferent for a time before an entertained smile appeared, "Information is power, boy." Typing several commands to store away yet another means to an end did the Inquisitor pull up a prompt where another conversation ignited itself. Despite Marcos's blunt endeavor that was in truth a fool hardy and suicidal act of defiance! She begrudgingly accept it through divine luck alone. Also it'd been an ideally unexpected opportunity to be very rewarding due to exploit it to her advantage.
The first message coming online in a yellow string of words made an indifferent expression return naturally. Recommended course of action? Their time on that bubbling world dedicated to the Emperor's light couldn't be allowed to fester. Yet despite traditional handling to simply order a cleansing of that world through Exterminatus fleets, it seemed her apprentice's decision had sparked an observation based on the local planetary defense forces. They were fodder in larger pictures yet they were efficient fodder in avoiding wasting resources to combat the small warp rift where she enacted its closing moments.
A single hand absently sent a reply back while she grudgingly accepted her apprentice's actions had changed traditional protocol. Establish as per recommendation of verified Ordos Malleus, reinforce planetary body infrastructure of Astra Militarum in allocating resources of recruitment center of training regiments, all to increase strategic value for future investment, benefactors and requesting immediate inquisitorial acolyte cell! To establish critical watch and maintain vigilant investigation for confirmed Chaos influence and verified presence, effective immediately! The lengthy parameters sent out were a far cry from the usual request of armada's dedicated to cleaning life in any sub sector, or sector of space itself.
The woman waited patiently for sometime in allowing herself to ease away from constraints conventionally in place. She needed eyes to watch over a future location so those had something to gain from her encounter with Miriael Sabathiel. It was troubling, if not outright disturbing to see her of all creatures making a move to increase their power base. Something was stirring in the depths of the Immaterium, the warp and within the very twisted fabric that Chaos oozed corrupting human will all too effortlessly. She had to be prepared given the small warp gate had been sealed, all daemons banished or faded from the materium itself yet it'd be reopened again. At least that planet would have warning hopefully.
Confirmed parameters in place underneath Inquisitorial authority of Jalena Tartarus. Safeguards were in place to see if an enemy foolish enough to reappear would be tempted to take a stronger world. Based on what information known about this particular threat, it'd be interesting to have an off handed wait and see approach. Time was both an ally and enemy, so it wouldn't do much good to remain on what-if's considering Sabathiel's intentions. It seemed her reckless apprentice's lack of foresight, or common sense in her justified view of him had humbled that drive of childish insolence. Just enough to actually think...for once.
An ever entertained thought graced itself to have a meaningful lesson prepared for future dates. Inquisitorial acolyte cell upon verified date and authentic of completed apprenticeship, Marcos Eius, to inquisitorial interrogator shall oversee sub-sector for future educational lessons. Confirm acceptable parameter? She wouldn't clean up the boy's mess once it was time to return to this particular planet, it'd be on him to do so in an efficient and effective manner worthy of an inquisitorial interrogator underneath her tutelage. All lessons had purpose to them, all actions had consequences and rewards yet maturity needed to be reinforced at all times.
The reply came back swiftly to have her smile knowingly. Parameter for first preliminary trial inquisitor title verified and...authorized. It seemed that her apprentice would learn one way, or another that sometimes being a fool had its worth. And with that she closed the console to reveal yet another planetary body on screen. She read a glaring red warning flashing above the top of said screen and could only frown in contemplation.
It seemed things were going to be questionable yet again. However unlike previous she'd make sure her apprentice would be adequately prepared to face a threat. If he didn't improve she'd have to motivate him and sometimes pain was a critical factor to establish discipline. It'd be a shame if the contingent of Sororitas had to meet their ends despite pledging loyalty to safeguard a foolish boy, so why not make use of them all? In the end it mattered little as she turned off the console to garner sleep for yet another long road ahead. Only time would tell if her apprentice would learn a lesson pertaining to what was worth sacrificing.
End Chapter Ten
Author's Note: It's been a while, so forgive me if I was a little off. What's there to say that you don't see? Becoming a psyker exposes one to the many horrors, or gifts of the Warp pertaining to viewing events either in vivid detail, or yet again too detailed sequences to be considered visions. Who, or what is coming is up for interpretation considering what was viewed in another sequence that translated partially to the experience on the planet. I'm operating underneath the impression seeing future events aren't as clear cut when they do go down, so it may not or may happen, it just won't occur in the exact manner considering the future is an ever shifting river of outcomes/choices.
Regarding the decision to simply not hit the 'Extertminatus' button is ideally comedic, but this is to show you what Tartarus views as practical. She's made some glaring errors which is both my lack of correction (untrained psyker plus warp gate with daemons) made me slap my own face as to how suicidal that is. Considering how stupid I made it out to be, I did my best to work with it and go with the flow in making an Inquisitor seem humane enough to overlook something they have endured, or at least that's what I'm trying to get across. Someone is too accustomed operating a certain way, they tend to naturally forget that starting small and guarded is beyond them because they've experienced it too many times. So it leads to this topic!
Is she a radical, puritan or perhaps something else in terms as an Inqusitior's belief. Personally viewing a planet with one small outbreak of daemonic incursion is grounds for Exterminatus yet the curious decision to fortify it is a unique decision. Why bother trying to waste resources finding a target which will be tempted to attack the same place they failed to claim? Why start at nothing when you have the ideal tools at your disposal, to send in small inquisitorial cells of acolytes, or using the Officio Assassinorum? That view is a startling contrast on how one looks at a situation, molds it and is pragmatic enough to invest for future endeavors while maintaining the Imperiums ability to muster resources. And considering that I gave an official Imperial date in this chapter...
This story's setting is right before the second of the three Tyrannic Wars, yes it's about ninety years before the start of it and roughly a bit further from 8th Editions current time frame. Cadia still stands! So, ha! The reason why I set this story is because I wanted the long term goal of rising from rags to riches, a long buffer for a character to develop and to explore the Imperium at it's decayed status quo without the massive warp rift splitting the Galaxy, or the true scale of that insane Tyranid threat which will come in handy eventually. Ironically enough I started in the most 'peaceful' settling of 40K, a funny enough opinion some might share and see it.
I'm thinking potentially speaking we might witness the initial incursion of said threat, if I manage to get this story into the eastern fringe of the Imperium. I believe it's Ultima Segmentum that this story will take place in bulk. Or that's my official goal, its clear if not outright suitable for what's to come. Which leads into more question, whose going to make an appearance and what's going to change as opposed to canon where the 2nd Tyrannic war kicks off within ninety years of this story's origins? Can't say yet, it's too far and I'm sticking to a grounded attempt for making an Inquisitor arise from ashes. Overall there's enough information to clarify where, when and what could happen for you readers to assume.
Until the next update, I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter and let us see when the real horrors amount in future events!
