The Inquisitor

Chapter Thirteen

"Feck me, well this town's gone to hell." Sigur commented rather expectantly still covering his mouth as we'd arrived at the place all had gone to drown in sin. I stood staring rigidly in seeing a complex of cargo containers fused, or welded together where various shots of auto-guns unloaded onto hordes of shambling humane figures. As shocking I'd imagine in seeing people surviving this kind of infestation it didn't bring me relief, but only foreboding since Chaos's tendrils were oozing through and out of said location.

I reached outwards noticing wisps of thickened smog none but my eyes witnessed. It'd barely lessened since our initial encounter despite all Sororitas zealously incinerating most who'd we come across without abandon. I took no chances in dealing with this disgusting plague which seemingly recovered no matter how many times they'd scorched everything into ash. It only lead me to one conclusion based on how ineffective it'd be on a larger scale. We'd have to find this vile source, incinerating it and doing it twice over for good measure!

Anora, please hold fire until I root out information needed to find out where our target might be located. Once I find out however, I trust you and your sisters to do our God Emperor's work in purifying these heretics. I projected coldly to which I felt immense pride in her thoughts yet only matched by holy fury in eliminating so much filth. I need not worry about their doubts, or questions except they'd do their task assigned. Nothing could remain standing if I even saw as much as a single wisp of blackened taint in front of my eyes.

"Sigur who controlled the Pit? What gangs?" I questioned quickly trying to imagine a familiarity in knowing what kind of people created their power base. Every piece of information would need to be used as leverage, or throne I'd tear it out of any skull to get this infestation eradicated. I couldn't afford to waste time, Tartarus's mole kept an eye on that probably. So to show mercy wasn't practical, I'd be pressed for time just to pick out who'd been tainted or trustworthy to remain if I had any opportunity to rid myself of this place.

The man mused for a bit as if debating himself, "Ah feck if I know really. Only one big enough is these folk called the Rippers." Unwillingly I started pressing into his skull with an unseen force making him hiss angrily, "Throne, kid! Alright, alright ease off my brain would ya?" My expression hardly made it appear I'd humor that request based on his exhale of irritation. If he'd think I'd tolerate anything less he'd have been right.

"Only groups are the Rippers, Shivs and some other group called...ah, what the feck is it?" He gruffly mumbled before snapping to a realization, "Ah right! Psycho's!" Inwardly I'd desire nothing more then to somehow crush his skull into pulp, a real temptation I overcame by thinking about what these groups signified. It didn't take long for me to come to single conclusion and it always seemed to fit right in with gangs as a whole.

They'll probably feck me over first chance they get, I bet! Occasionally gunfire snapped my thoughts to reality in peering through what smog had been burnt away. Reaching outwards I felt a multitude of half shaded figures within this mass of containers. Within scant moments my mind calculated an exact number much to an internal exasperation. Two hundred sixty six, I'm shocked so many have survived this infestation really.

Walking forward I spoke verbally to my friends who were standing vigilant, "Anora can you and the others guard this door? Burn anyone trying to approach, Sigur and I'll go inside to hopefully...discuss where Jov is at." Her armored helm looked over towards myself before to the man who kept swatting away smells. Even I didn't need to see her apprehension yet I gave a small nod of encourage knowing an unspoken answer.

If they try anything you have all authority to incinerate everyone inside. Even my reassurance didn't alleviate worry inside her thoughts yet it didn't matter if we didn't find anything useful. Preparing myself I moved quickly motioning the man to hurry it up, "Kid! I'd hate to be ya pain in the ass even if I'd like it, how in fecking Emperor's name are ya going to get them to open up?" We approached barricaded doors with slits as I peered beyond it seeing several signatures of reddish forms, I only smirked ever so thankful to hone in on lessons.

Two words kicked started a chain reaction, "Slime Gut." I stated aloud making Sigur and the other Sororitas glance over at me as if I were insane, "The feck?" I heard a man behind that door scream in shock. Without even noticing I'd linked up into their own minds enjoying all too easily their confusion. They had no idea which was ironically entertaining yet it was also unnerving, if normal humans couldn't feel someone else inside their psyche? Well to be honest, now I'd worry about myself naturally.

"Who in the shit are you?" Angrily a voice of the guard demanded as I walked up to see two glinting eyes above my short frame, "Someone whose walking through this door, or I'll force it open. Slime Gut!" Bright red near orange lit up naturally as I closed both eyes to forcefully cause a grown man to gasp out in silent agony. I wasn't going to waste time pretending to think these guys were civil, or remotely willing to go through with information I'd obtained.

Shouts of shock and disbelief echoed immediately when double doors opened without resistance. I stood staring directly into half a dozen armed men and women. The person who'd been tasked to open said entrance was rigidly gagging on seemingly nothing, "I have business with your bosses inside this place. Step aside, or I'll walk over your corpses." That was a threat I'd be able to do immediately given how none couldn't even imagine what was inside their heads collectively. With one thought I'd be able to cut off blood to their brains which seemed surreal given I had so many opportunities to do worse, if not less.

To sweeten my deal I only gestured with a nod towards Anora, "Or I can have them do it." Four power armored individuals sent eyes widening in apparent terror as they recognized I wasn't just a kid spouting grox shit. Showing any hesitation resulted in this build up of forceful persuasion useless and I wasn't going to outright slaughter hundreds. Gangs respected only two things based on my past experiences, an ability to get them in line through firepower and with enough fearful respect to know not to feck with said person in league of said firepower.

"I'd listen to a kid whose got some huge throne sized balls." Sigur cheekily warned enjoying how many were ready to piss themselves due to this first impression, "He's not fecking around boys. Trust me, if ya want too!" Resisting to roll both eyes since I knew without a doubt he'd enjoy every second in seeing what was going to pass. Plus said person didn't have to do much except being an irritating ass who found it all too rich to pass up.

None even dared to deny such a claim due to my eyes never leaving the group entirely. They were unnerved due to how little they could see a face either bluffing, or confidently. It seemed their lack of facial proved to be enough for one to grunt out, "Fine. Show him to the bosses." I called over my shoulder towards the ever silent servo skull, "Skit! I want you to inform the Sororitas and myself if anyone tries to pull a weapon, I trust you'll communicate it." Obediently if not outright unchanging did he reply, "Acknowledged."

Three of us moved forward with Anora glancing back again before we disappeared underneath dimmed containers. Crudely wired lights hung overhead along some corridor towards an ever bright orange lit area where numerous people hunkered down. Fortunately the air itself lacked putrid odors enough to where I found it tolerable, if not outright reliving in one sense. Yet I was under no illusion things would go smoothly given gangers who were leaders often to be very aggressive. So I felt right at home if not seemingly it being surreal to think of said place again.

Turning a corner Sigur, Skit and I witnessed an entire hollowed out exterior of dozens of containers welded together to form what seemed to be a brothel. Crude chipped bars stood out along walls where metallic poles and enclosed rooms stood out everywhere. Ragged chairs, sofas or anything remotely capable of sitting a body were mixed together with said occupants sticking to their chosen preferences. Women of mutant and somewhat lesser forms drifted in near non-existent clothing despite hellish conditions forcing so many inside said establishment. Most were armed with rusted auto pistols fiddling to have them capable to fire miraculously, or jagged shivs capable in cutting human flesh in their unique fashions.

The gangster who nervously eyed my silent form went up to a particular group. Bottles of fractured glass poured some sort of concoction of booze, or throne knew what specifically. Words were exchanged hotly between three particular individuals who gestured angrily, or came close to throwing shivs in a brawl tensely about to happen. Tattoos of various meaning aligned faces, arms and legs exposed to dimmed lights swaying overhead. Very few dared to realize what was among their midst as I ignored most whispers of harsh questioning.

"Why the feck aren't you..." One man bellowed due to a guard asking him until he noticed our small group standing not even an arm's length away. The bulky gang leader hissed lividly, "Sigur the fecking bastard himself! You picked a shit day to how your ass in this place." I enjoyed seeing said man shrug all too casually, "Beats getting shot at! Town's gone to hell and you're digging up old blood, I'd hate ya your face too if it wasn't by choice."

A scar marked woman spoke up irritably, "The feck you want?" Her hair seemed frayed given it wasn't naturally colored yet there was half of a human jawbone underneath her neckline. I only peered further behind to see another man dressed in semi-ragged clothing with pieces of metal drinking quietly. I saw two magenta eyes glinting as they washed over us all, I found out quickly who their little ring leader was in keeping them together. It'd always be the ones hiding out because they were smart enough to avoid attention.

"Maybe I wanted to see your beautiful ass again?" Sigur teased licking both lips as his latest attempt of digging up anger proved successful, "Feck off! Your little dick couldn't handle my teeth making ya a limp dick bitch." The trooper whistled loudly unwrapping his clothe to raise both eyebrows expectantly, "By ya a drink? You'll be begging me to stop!"

While their banter only served to increase an unseen tension I kept my gaze honed in one man who remained quiet. Smirking I found myself subtle inside a psyche seeing an entire line of thoughts unguarded, too loud and very easy to gauge. So you're worried about me? Never seen me before yet capable to get past their codes, I'll give him credit but Tartarus was right. Being an open book to those capable of sensing thought is too damned easy, I like it.

Two gang leaders stood up together angrily getting tired of Sigur's running mouth. He'd been running it during my musings to such a point where the bulky man thundered, "What the feck do you bastards want? I've had it with your mouth especially you sick bastard, tell me or I'll cut it and eat it myself." I only looked over towards said trooper who innocently shrugged despite getting a silent order. I ignored him in favor to notice several members drawing auto-pistols and I figured it was time to let them all know who they were fecking with now.

Immediately everyone within three meters of us dropped to their knees suddenly! Only three remained unaffected due to my effort as two eyes burned with raw power. They were partially glowing due to how bright everything seemed to get yet I managed due to a tingling sensation creeping along an arm down to a spinal cord. Among the three standing only one stiffened due to possibly a similar experience which proved to be fortunately expedient. Sigur whistled merrily walking towards one closer table to help himself with several drinks knowing he'd enjoy another treat. I found it helpful if not somewhat reasonable given he kicked one person aside sitting down

"I'll make this very short and clear." I intoned very confidently while gesturing to the side, "Unless you want everyone to die! I'll be asking one question that needs to be answered." It came off rather eerie given how small I was opposed to these people, but I might as well have been a giant. Tidal waves of fear, confusion and outright anxiety smashed into me fueling an ever damning desire to make them see what was sent down here.

Both leaders unaware of the danger drew their knives in response trying to save face. I raised an eyebrow rather condescendingly to only do something similar to them as they cried out dropping to their knees. I spoke again rather coldly, "That was your only warning." Two pairs of eyes angrily tried getting up which proved to be impossible, I held a solid hold to have sharpened objects prodding directly into their brains. They were not too smart apparently.

"Who are you?" The only man sitting asked roughly as though his voice had been scratchy, "No...what are you?" I smiled despite it being hidden to reply simply, "Someone whose going to make you think what's happening down here is going to get a lot worse." His eyes narrowed due to my head slightly tilting over to the side as thoughts arranged themselves all too clearly. It provided an ample opportunity to set who controlled what exactly.

I only heard another scream of shock when a person fell from behind the wall. I told him specifically, "Don't try to signal your friend. Next time you move your right hand telling someone to take a shot? Well, I'll liquefy your fecking brains and watch it leak out of your face." Undeniable fear and confusion were most prominent when he sat up straighter seeing whatever I was it'd gotten cooperation all too mutually assured of death.

Sigur clapped loudly from behind cheering me on, "Throne! Keep it going!" I had my person of interest in mind when I stepped forward causing several to flinch back. Smiling pleasantly I asked my question, "I'm here for one man. Just one!" I enunciated an entire intent with a single snap of fingers, "And I'm well informed he usually visits this location. So if you have reason to think I'll be gone, then please tell me where I can find Jov Varlid?"

Immense recognition surged in various psyches I kept a hold onto with next to utter bewilderment. The gang leader gruffly suspicious inquired seeing this wasn't a social call, "Jov is protected flesh down here. No one touches him, or else they get spaced." Memories of familiar consequences once applied to their knowledge as I only smiled. Tartarus wanted that man to be judged, I'd obey and I'd carry out that sentence if only to relieve my rage.

"He's actually expendable flesh presently." I informed those willing to listen as their eyes blinked realizing that protected status had been revoked, "Now answer me! Where...is he?" I peered around seeking to find out if my target was indeed hiding away inside this establishment. A pub of any sorts had back-doors and I wasn't keen on finding out where until it became relevant. If this man was an agent of Tartarus he'd have survived somehow, or else I'd be stuck here longer than necessary to fuel a growing internal rage.

None spoke aloud except grunting underneath weights unseen barely allowing them to live another minute. I glared hardly lowering my head threateningly in piercing a gang leader down who winced realizing his mistake. Slowly through guarded expectation he replied stonily, "Jov's hasn't been seen here for weeks. Most of us didn't care until all this happened ever since he'd disappeared, I thought he'd gone back up decks to whoever he answered too." If it weren't anyone else I'd have believed him yet lying to someone inside their head wasn't smart. There was a lot more to that story which I'd likened to find out why.

Three people suddenly shrieked when they started convulsing all too openly and fell over gagging on bile. I didn't even turn my gaze to see a full grown man exhale sharply as I spoke for a fair warning, "Lie to me again and I'll put everyone under." I felt two other leaders panicking due to a fact they next to no idea what I was, or remotely found to be capable to do. Too many were frightened in fear of dying suddenly without warning and most looked to the three bosses who found themselves facing down a literal monster.

"What in the Emperor's name are you, boy?" I heard clearly much to an innate amusement given I replied just as simply, "The boy whose going to leave this place with what he wants. Your next words better be what I seek, or you're going to realize I'm only humoring my patience." There wasn't a single lie in my own statement given how Skit hovered nearby seemingly observing all occupants. His red glowered as though scanning every individual much to my relief, if anything I felt more at ease with a servo-skull who'd warn me.

Thoughts churned internally debating whether withholding information pertaining to Jov lost to what had been displayed. Shakily he got onto two feet saying a revelation that got me startled, "Varlid calls the shots down here. He answered only to some woman above deck, if he's a dead man walking so I'm asking whether we're going to wonder if we're next." I knew what that meant whether Tartarus would flat out deny, or acknowledge she'd keep tabs on a deck so full of degeneracy and lack of order, a middle man needed to be put into place for minimal safeguards.

Even gangs answer to people who have enough force behind them, if they get pushed to do anything remotely. Opportunities were swarming inside every thought I held ranging from absolute destruction to possibly manipulating gains into my hands. There wasn't any reason to think I'd be tempted to walk out ripping more information yet I had a hunch this man wanted a guarantee. It seemed even the lowest of people cared about something they'd call their world, home or whatever made their lives better to be in charge.

"Given what I heard about him many down here wouldn't be more happier to see said man gone." I hinted rather factually much to a wary nod, "Yeah we'd be more willing to send up information about anything to whoever reports above us. Long as we're left alone you can fecking do whatever you want to the guy." My shadowed face hid gleaming eyes which looked down to see broken bottles idle rolling back and forth. As long as I obtained my target's whereabouts then their fates would be decided by the Emperor and their own actions.

Why waste resources in eliminating pointless obstacles when they can be used for your own gain? I rhetorically pondered in seeing merit in utilizing my own sources of information. If anything having numerous eyes once this venture had been concluded to look out for another infestation, or future signs could save efforts alone. One person allowed all of this madness to flourish which meant someone not aligned down here needed to be charge, a balance of indifference whenever contrasted to keeping themselves restrained to act if things got out of hand. It seemed Tartarus's lessons were also granting assets that were valuable in a sense.

An unexpected dilemma forced me to chuckle briefly, "I'm honestly torn whether I should get what I need and let you die from this plague." His face painfully tightened considerably since it wasn't going to be pleasant to know eventually whatever outside would get inside, "Or...perhaps there's something to be gain for you to keep your territory from dying. If you think I'm going to humor that choice? I'll have to admit there is a price for that potential benefit."

If I had accomplish Tartarus's task with every means to my disposal then I'd get it done. Uprooting her supposed resources would be an ideal way to get back at her for this madness, if not I'd be able to play it off due to sheer coincidence alone. You sent me down here with my friends for all a throne forsaken test, I won't ever blindly accept your word! You want to push me? So be it just to make that monster that I hate inside come out, I'll do it as promised!

The man wasn't fortunate to hide his uneasiness as I stared without blinking for moments allowing once confident aggressive tension to boil into outright anxiety. I only asked one question, "Well?" Hesitantly I got an answer although it sounded almost uncertain, "You'd call shots down here in Jov's place? Leave us mainly be to do whatever if you...take over?" My muffled chortle made it sound devious which wasn't too improbable given I knew what these people thought both literally and coming from a similar home world?

I sweetened my civility just enough to reassure his internal doubts, "Put it this way! If you give me information about anything useful, I'll just ignore what's going on down here." Basically for most if they did what they were told whenever I needed anything, I'd let them do their own down here in this throne forsaken place and consider whether to spread the Emperor's faith in an immediate future. If anything a little humility might change their thoughts but I held that task for another day, I'd let Anorna and her fellow Sororitas do their order's will on said day.

"Feck this little shit!" The scarred woman grounded out trying to stand in sheer futility. I only glanced over staring her eye to eye, "Little bastard thinks he can..." There wasn't much a change to myself except I only looked back over a shoulder towards where I'd need persuasion. Anora, can you come inside and demonstrate what happens to those who refuse to be underneath our Emperor's divinity, please? It seems we need a faithful act to carry out his holy will, if you'd be willing of course to do what's just?

Crossing my arms I just stated a fact finding it idiotic, "I'd wouldn't envy to be in your place!" Behind I heard yells, or attempted screams of terror when an audible pair of armored legs moved inside. They can either assist us in our task, or we'll show them what happens if they fail to hear the Emperor's will through us. The steps grew closer audibly in starting to make eyes widen in either confusion, or outright terror when a massive frame with glowing eyes embedded in a helmet grew visible. All too naturally I smiled simply even as Sigur stomped his feet due to muffled laughter from swallowing liquid wrong, "Oh shit, oh shit! Throne your mouth is gonna be fire, by the Emperor you know I'd so feck it hard and good now woman!"

Anora's power armor utterly sent waves of terrified men and women who found my presence lividly before openly. Now they went pale as a corpse when seeing someone who'd they never imagine in their nightmares and based on what she'd been carrying? The scarred one kneeling refuses to abide by our holy task, so please remind those who stray from our Emperor's light...their just due? Please, I'd rather not act on a provided blessing to inspire faith in this filthy place. I didn't need to be a psyker to imagine an almost gleeful expression whenever heretical acts would reap what had to be done to be purified in flaming retribution.

The man tried to say something to divert what had been intentionally provoked out of self preservation and natural panic. However I exerted enough pressure to have him freeze in place just enough to where his own disbelief mixed with utter horror. Anora's gaze swept over disgusted in seeing so many frightened and utterly horrific gazes as a flamer's barrel leveled quite expertly. The blue flame innocently angled just enough to where it'd avoid too much of collateral, I felt a slight flutter in my stomach yet suppressed it because what needed to be done was done. If I hadn't blindly accepted the Inquisitor's word then no one would have to be statistics yet if anything, I'd have told them to blame Tartarus for concocting up this test.

Casually I forced an ever defiant to lift her face directly upon a looming barrel's hissing entrance. I almost could taste every emotional response in a fraction of seconds. Anger, terror, disbelief and...I can see the rage because you're about to meet our Emperor. It struck me as surreal to feel a person realizing they were doing to die and I couldn't escape such chilling sensations of a rapid beating heart. Yet there wasn't any desire of my part to feel pity, remorse or even sympathy because these gangs weren't people who struggled to live.

They survived to die whether it seemed prudent to keep themselves from falling into despair. If there was nothing to live for then survival was an excuse to slowly rot into insanity. Humoring myself I only questioned simply, "Any last words?" The example only scowled defiantly refusing to bend before spitting a wad of saliva and bloodied mucus onto my cloak. An entire crowd went utterly still breathing as eyes only widened when Anora took an affront to such heresy.

"You vile heathens invoke the stain of heresy to mark a holy son of our Emperor?" Her voice boomed through vocalize slots on sides of a helmet which barely constrained to convey such disgusting disbelief, "You dare! Heretics such as yourself crave the flames of absolution! Gladly I shall deliver them through our Emperor's divinity and by order of sanctum to do this galaxy a blessing to remove your vile existence!"

Orange flames roared into life as I allowed control to receded giving the gang leader scant moments to realize it. By then shrieks of undeniable agony, rage and panic arose when a flaming figure got sent backwards into a metallic wall. Metal itself became white as it slid over flesh burning into ashes with screams turning into primal shrieking and screeching as I watched on without looking away. Eyes popped in their sockets when blackened flesh boiled blood into hissing vapor even when Anora stood over crying out righteously fulfilled, "Rejoice as you hear our Holy Father's decree for your penance of embracing heresy!"

Human flesh being scorched far too rapidly started a near trend of various gangers to either gag, or outright stop themselves from vomiting. An array of reasoning hit me enough to where I got a general opinion seeing someone scorched alive wasn't common down here. But it was their combined weight of utter horror in seeing something being done without regard, or any sense of belief to think which suited my needs adequately. They didn't need to respect, or admire who I was because these were luxuries few in their lifetimes ever dared to imagine. Fear, caution and horror were critical to keep those from slitting throats in line at all times.

"The absence of faith is the mark of the weak!" Anora vindictively bellowed allowing all within this confined structure hear nothing else except devote reverence, "The absence of faith is the mark of the heretic! The absence of faith is the mark of...damnation!" That last word followed suite with an ever overpowering streak of flames turning charred darkened flesh into grayish ash, I felt such heat even where I stood behind taking in so many expressions. In mere moments ashy flakes were violently being sent withering innocently into the air itself.

Walls caved inwards scorching anything remotely flammable which solidified just how immense such temperatures I'd be able call out. Less than a minute passed until Anora ceased her cleansing to intone satisfied, "None shall escape the flames of purification, for I am the Emperor's servant and I shall never abide when heresy raises itself to challenge the faithful. Praise to the Holy Father and to his infinite light to be upheld." As she turned around I absently made the sign of an aquila lowering my head when her gaze swept over all commanding intensely. I thanked her for that display, it'd been necessary and I wasn't going to pretend we'd possibly die down here.

Thank you for carrying out my request Anora, I think they'll see their errors now. Stepping lightly I walked to stand just in front of a power armored sister of battle who held enough desire to reign in more purifying. But I spoke rather mildly casual in seeing the man fall back as though I were a daemon itself, "Any more questions?" There wasn't any need to mince my intentions given it was either accept that'd gone down, or try to stall until another person burned alive. It seemed he got an unspoken answer by a tightening expression of guarded uneasiness.

None dared to speak up, or even say a word as ashes drifted aimlessly around an entire room. Flakes of gray settled on surfaces that were once unaffected by human remains, "Good." I spoke up rather impressed to only look upwards to Anora who reluctantly lowered her weapon, "Because the question I'll ask is what are you willing to do to stop this infestation?" Already I felt queasy due to wisps of blackened green starting to trickle behind an exposed doorway. Apparently these people were beyond ignorant of dangers that they'd inevitably fall into, a mistake I'd have to correct presently.

The man tightly bit out not even humoring what would happen to them, "We'll get you to where Jov lives. If it gets whatever the...hell you are away from us, I'll do whatever it takes." I only chuckled finding his hatred of me almost misplaced. I turned away walking as I internally linked up to the power armor wielder explaining very pleased. We may not be numerous, but having additional resources? I dare say it's a blessing to find whose faithful to assist us by the Emperor's will is a practical way instead of wasting fuel, or do you not agree with the results I did, Anora?

Her helm inclined slightly despite being fairly disappointed in not enacting more absolution of holy flames. I gestured for Sigur who got up stretching his arms while downing a large drink contently, "Looks like we're going to be buddy, buddy my friends! I just love when fodder is lying around, I'd almost want to be a guardsmen again...good times!" He laughed shrilly entertained in seeing ugly faces of anger and expectation. His keenly deceptive gaze I noticed drifted to the still gang leader who looked as though someone forced him to eat literally grox shit.

They'll be our first line if more show up, I'd rather have them waste themselves instead of you, or I spending time in cleansing out enemies. I explained patiently seeing merit in acquiring more bodies which would serve as Sigur evidently understood. Fodder for infected heretics to expose themselves without wasting too much ammunition. Only the righteous shall endure a trial of fire for the Emperor's faith in us to do what needs to be done, I know it's unconventional yet I'm taking no chances when it comes to Chaos's presence.

Anora's helm glanced downward speaking quietly as we moved away with Skit hovering behind us, "Unconventional I agree, Marcos but results do not lie. For we are to root out cowardice of heresy only to inspire those strong enough of faith to stand against the vile enemies of our Emperor." They were words so softly mused do to hiding an impression of immense pride in seeing myself utilizing lessons I'd been tutored by them. Faith without question and reason to guide it was something I'd try to emulate whenever I saw opportunity to do what needed to be done. If anything this had to be a test to showcase what could be feasible, or not.

It could easily get us killed, so when we survive...I'll do a ceremonial blessing of prayer to the God Emperor, if his will ordains us so. I remarked concealing a frown to walk past stunned guards who heard several voices recalling them inside. I'd allow them to sort out who'd be accompanying us to destroy the infestation. If anything I'd grant them a semblance of trusting measure to know survival depended only their strongest, sharpest and most desperate to get my presence out of their miserable existence to fight contently.

"It's startling to me, Marcos." Anora quietly revealed as her weapon lay vigilant in sweeping sectors of fire seeking any adversary, "I've seen grown men five times your age buckle and succumb to horrors they've encountered as you'd have. Yet here you stand amiss such deviants...to command them as though it were your right." The other Sororitas had a loose formation when we came to stand adrift in foul odors. I remained quiet to only reply internally to avoid breathing in air contaminated with essences too horrifying to imagine. It did me little good though.

Let's just say I was never one to stick my nose into someone's business, who'd be able to cut my throat open Anora. But now things have changed, I have no choice but to get this task done...or else what could happen would get us all killed. I stared over my shoulder to look up in seeing a helmet dip down acknowledging my tone of reluctance. If it were any other way I'd have not bothered, but our task required additional methods to complete it. Getting the job done was paramount to success, if anyone of us had to leave alive.

Behind I heard distant shuffles of nervous people who'd been delegated to assist us. Taking one long look ahead in seeing various buildings literally starting to sag over, "The Emperor protects." I whispered to which Anora moved past me inclined her own head simply. Closing my eyes I reached outwards without moving hands, or feet to seemingly reign in exactly how much of this foul infestation had spread. The sheer thickness of wisps corroding anything it touched had grown extensively by our time we'd entered that structure.

Why do I feel sick? I asked myself to look in seeing descending greenish blackened fogs. Dimly aware of someone gruffly speaking I ignored it in favor to stare upwards intently. Something is wrong, I can feel my guts churning and no one can see what I see. An overpowering stench started wafting even through senses of smell and taste I'd dampened, I almost gagged to vomit out what little I had left and I wasn't the only one effected. I found myself growing faint and sickly when several of the Sororitas harshly spoke out.

"By the Father!" Alicia hissed out as though filtering inside her armor weakened, "What stench is this?" They were looking around to various side passages, buildings or even those appearing behind who hunched over vomiting violently. Sigur blandly shouted back coughing dangerously, "Feck off woman! Enjoy our misery for once...oh throne, feck this shit!" He kicked some random gang member over desperately trying to press what little cloth into making odors so foul it'd have been an insult to say grox shit.

Wincing due to sheer potency alone I found myself blinded barely capable in seeing forms of outlines nearby. However I questioned sharply despite being muffled, "What's above us?" All eyes looked upwards seeing what they perceived to be dimmed lights swaying overhead. Yet I saw an immense density of this sickened greenish ghastly fog descending slowly but surely. I got a strained answer from the same man who lead inside biting out words as though they were bitter, "Scaffolding made by us to get around if turf wars got too hot. Got tired of being picked off from high ground...so we made it higher and never looked back."

Instinct within me started going ballistic when cold electric shivers ran up both arms and my spine simultaneously. High ground...ambush! I realized horrified once it clicked as I stared with eyed widening. The fog shimmered briefly before shapes started forming, to dip and bend much to my disbelief. Whipping around I screamed loudly yet I'd waited too long as a massive tremor shook us all violently, "Something's above us!"

Metallic plating buckled underneath a weight so inhumane and unnatural I stumbled back in absolute shock. The first thing that stood out was how large and wide this thing looked. Blackened green and yellowish puss oozed from openings akin to half deformed jaws along arms. It stood hunched over yet clearly towered over those encased in power armor. Appendages formed from an innumerable amount of arms, or legs shifted together as multiple hisses of gleeful hunger met my ears. I stood rooted unable to comprehend exactly what this madness's purpose could ever do. But I felt so sick my knee gave out considerably to force me down briefly.

An overt maw full of rotting yet clearly serrated teeth grinned in a mockery of an expression. Eyes variously opened, or close at times but they were keenly staring directly at myself. It tilted itself accordingly before huffing out globs of air, I saw steam infecting anything and yet I knew what it was doing. This creature started laughing gleefully, or happily to lift up appendages reminiscent of humane arms with seven fingers all curling to create an oval like shape. What came next sent anyone with a functional rationality into deep sated disgust and horror yet I managed to stand up bracing for an unseen surge of psychic energies.

"Welcome to my home." A gurgling multitude of voices of both male, female and unworldly tones mixed together guttural but clearly joyfully. I went rigid when I crushed passive attempts to sway me to listen as it clapped happily, "In the name of the plague father, I am happy to see another of the family to join us! Come let us spread the gifts of pestilence to those who are worthy of the Lord of Decay...little cousin!" And without warning I threw myself to the side as it shot forward hollowing with twisted joy laughter but managing through sheer will I screamed to everyone capable of wielding a weapon, "Burn it!"


Loudly Jalena Tartarus hummed thoughtfully while overseeing amusing in an apprentice's latest attempts to undermine what was considered her authority. Sipping on wine ideally growing far more pleasant off set any urges to chuckle in a rather bemused manner. The servo-skull's feed had revealed quite an interesting turn of events as her eyes keenly took in various expressions being monitored. If anyone were to ask she'd have been impressed, if not a bit critical of how her wayward apprentice attempted to appear intimidating. It'd been admirable for a rustic to say in her opinion.

Your apprentice's actions are rather practical, if not a bit unrefined. Words appeared on a screen's surface much to her quiet chortle, "Of that I'd agree! I expected him to rush headlong into madness, so I consider it a learning experience." She replied informatively pleased to colleagues who held their own opinions. The boy may have been drawing forces far beyond his comprehension yet to have some foresight to garner resources for expendable ventures proved to be ideal to her conclusions. It was sound in theory, if not crude in practice.

But lessons she'd been drilling into her thick headed apprentice's skull had shown progress despite all odds. Interesting he'd utilize these plebeian rabble, I see many signs of lack of faith in our Emperor and it vexes me. Her more puritan colleague had stated as factual given most inquisitor's found excuses to find heretical elements. Yet a far more accurate observation kept itself reserved to garner slight approval. The apprentice is wise enough to know his limits when accomplishing a task, albeit crude it shows a developing mindset when most his age, most would try to rush head long into the unknown and given the records...it's fair to acknowledge it.

Jalena interjected pointing out an amusing farce that her fellows didn't find in plain sight, "Considering he's insulting my resources to try to undermine his rage is deviously shrewd. Insignificant it maybe, but to the boy, he's trying to use everything to stem his misplaced hatred due to him...concluding I'd set this entire affair up." She didn't need to be in person to hear laughter, or chuckling of those knowing it'd be petty to try to usurp them. It wasn't entirely uncommon for inquisitorial assets to turn due to hidden desires of vengeance against their practices.

Reminds me of another apprentice, one equally harboring rage underneath an old mad man. One colleague cheekily pointed out to cause her gaze to narrow slightly irritated. The puritan rubbed it in further to remind them all of questionable practices which held merit to most healthier minds. A true radical if I ever met to manipulate Chaos for their own bidding, I find it ironically sweet our enemy is doing what your mentor had attempted against your efforts Jalena. It is simply too coincidental to not enjoy. Your former master's ghost still lingers within you.

Passively gripping a glass that started to boil liquid within only just managed to keep her smile in place. It seemed provoking natures tended to rub off for her to reply neutrally, "An irony you'd linger upon because said master saved another whose folly got an entire world converted to our enemy. Titans are not easily recovered, or looked upon with favorable...disdain." The Mechanicum wasn't too happy to know an entire planet fell and as a result entire sub sectors were pressed so dangerously it'd taken an immense Astartes presence to hold it firm. Thankfully a near century of warfare managed a partial recovery after acceptable losses.

As much as I enjoy your banter of pasts, I'm rather intrigued he'd allowed those lesser mutations to go about their way. His origins could be questioned, if sympathy is a trait to be scrutinized given I approve of his creative pragmatism. Jalena frowned internally noting mutant aberrations were questionable yet exceptions had been made among their Imperium's vast studies of purity. She found most abhorrent despite holding a sly fascination to weaponize several strains which proved to be a boon to mankind's ability to stand resolutely in this galaxy of warfare.

A sign of heresy to hold sympathy for lesser beings, I don't approve save for fire and bullets to purify our race. Her puritan counterpart wasn't without reason in exterminating every mutant as most had been mutated by Chaos's ever damning presences. It festered like a disease unwilling to die out, to take over and corrupt everything that held a semblance of order for the Emperor. Still it'd be a future consideration to implement possible concessions, if her apprentice ever humored his thick headed madness to go to extreme lengths of successful assignments.

"A minor detail to say the least, if results can be weighed." She typed back to her colleagues that more, or less put that matter to rest. The video feed being sent to her console started to reveal another interesting detail when approaching an unsavory series of structures she'd recognize. Chuckling quietly did her gaze leisurely pick out signs of corruption and witnessing a young boy who'd risked damnation without hesitation burn scores of infected humans. An overpowering glow almost consumed a portion of her study as it continued due to scorching flame's doing a service to the Emperor, his Imperium and humanity's vastly overlooked ignorance.

During this incineration of flesh and corruption did both colleagues ideally approve in their most reserved fashion. Such dedication and will to not hesitate when tasks have to be done, I must say your apprentice's character doesn't strike me to do such a thing. Her more practical counterpart mused openly to garner questions which were more, or less hinting at potential for doing extreme acts to preserve human life ironically. Jalena idly brushed aside stray strands of hair drinking contently as screams of dying men, woman and children who'd she seen recognizable being burned alive for falling to Chaos's influences.

Properly orchestrated to demonstrate resolve to our God Emperor's will, a little underwhelming yet I suppose using resources delegated can prove to be...creatively inspiring. The puritan stated pleased with an unseen smile that both could be detect in those words. Her limb leisurely responded by retorting in critiquing her apprentice's brash act, "If he were wiser I'd dare say following a horde to where it originated would have been far more...subtler." Any decent inquisitorial asset underneath every self-respecting inquisitor required as such extensive mannerisms to operate effectively, to embed themselves in all layers of Imperial society and always be rewarded by their efforts.

True! I'll give your apprentice a rash temperament, an oversight for youth but I must say, you aren't exactly a prime example of our refined colleagues in our coven. This had come come from her more practical counterpart mildly pointing out older assignments which weren't exactly fine respites of subtle espionage. But she pushed those memories aside in favor to reinforce exactly why, "Better he learns now in a relatively controlled environment, or face unknown factors that'd conspire to end him prematurely. A lesson we all learned eventually."

Neither of these two dared to repute that humbling knowledge when they themselves had learned via executing protocols to exterminate whole sectors. Still it'd have been far more to garner prospect if such lessons were instilled at an amendable age would prove to be endearingly effective. Softly chuckling to find her apprentice's position so ironically parallel to her own experiences yet similarity didn't equate to a mirror. Marcos was an extraordinary stroke to find, a hassle to mold and utterly blinded by his very twisted morality that had lead herself to come upon his being. A sign from possibly the Emperor, but if she were look back it could have been extreme perhaps sheer chance to lead to either ruin, or success.

Sighing aloud to avoid mundane thoughts she openly mused, "It begs a question why our enemy is so fixated on you, Marcos. Powerful psyker you maybe in time, but I fear I'm missing something that draws them to you...so keenly." The ruinous powers were undeniably impossible to resist given enough exposure of body, mind and soul. It was unnatural, if anything it was also too alien ironically. And throughout both assumptions it never ceased without rest to possess what whatever it wanted, or desired.

Factually sound in theory to utilize this over eagerness yet it was also utterly dangerously reckless to not be wary of future events. Jalena again looked at a live feed when seeing her apprentice garnering a forced audience with local groups which had festered into natural terror. At times he seemed to be so unnaturally silent it lead to a conclusion his competency of lessons being hammered down were baring fruits of successful accommodations. Psykers were notorious in being inhumanely natural to learn through pain and managed to overcome barriers to normal human physiology. A trait so beneficial and damning, all in one line of thought.

Her eyes narrowed in seeing the boy utterly rip out knowledge when saying a password and miraculously he wasn't shot on sight. His back was turned to the servo-skull's vision yet she'd wagered due to being familiarized with such dissidents he'd feel naturally inclined to exploit it. An overt chance of luck and skill which was beyond simplistic factors. She maybe not as inclined to be devout to the Emperor's indomitable will yet respected the master of mankind whose influence always managed to nudge events while entombed on the Golden Throne. Faith rewarded those who held true whether their position ordained it so.

It's fascinating your apprentice is taking this course of action, Jalena. Her gaze lazily flickered to another screen where observations were being noted. Very few inquisitorial assets tended to include resources around them in favor of subtly effective strikes against targets. But those who ventured outside their familiarity either ended up desperate, or were recklessly endangering themselves against impossible odds. Not even my own subordinates chose to associate themselves, or expose themselves to lower plebeians which proved to be their own undoing on some trials.

The inquisitor resisted an impeccable temptation to roll her eyes finding that reasoning rather mundane in hindsight. To traverse all walks of the Imperium provided valuable wisdom, experience and utilizing even the most lowly of subjects could stem a once near impossible objective into feasible successful, if pride was all but removed. In response she replied knowingly smug, "Even the lowliest of our Emperor's subjects can hold merit to stand against our enemies. My apprentice is reckless yet his origins from what I extrapolated are familiar with such...people, a boon and determent that'll have to be monitored."

Another colleague agreed without preamble since it was both true and clear among them all. I concur with you, Jalena. It's reckless as you and our colleague mentioned, but if one is up against hordes of corruption and assets, I'd dare say it'd be prudent to conscript all available resources for the greater cause of success. The woman smirked bemused while taking another mouthful of spiced wine down in enjoying it's after effects. Tingling sensations ran down her spinal cord briefly as she leaned back enjoying the servo-skull's dedication.

"We'll wait and see, I'm curious as to what he'll do." Typing out a request and they fell silent in favor to watch the video feed unveiling an extraordinary course of decisions. An overly pleased smile refused to abide when her apprentice finally decided to grow a spine himself, an irony considering she'd tried to bring out humanity's natural instincts of hatred and anger. But to see it without oversight was quite endearingly rewarding to see progress after being drilled into his thick headed skull. It wasn't refined but being a child added surreal sensations to make grown adults tremble in their very shoes.

Even being separated Jalena could faintly reach outwards in sensing a boiling turmoil of rage that Marcos emitted. It wasn't much of an effort considering his presence yet to see unleashed on rabble being utilized for a higher purpose proved to be exhilarating. To those born in higher standing, or biased in their habits from various organizations whenever conscripted into the Inquisition's ranks few considered even the ragged lowlifes of subjects. Yet here was her apprentice without hesitation in realizing the stakes, a figurehead for some gangs on her ship trembling as though he were herself to which they'd never witnessed.

You'll become the monster that I wished I was? She humored internally to laugh aloud to brush aside a stray tear of joyful entertainment. If endangering those he 'believed' to be friends would push him so hard? Jalena smiled condescendingly taking careful consideration to use this latest information to hound limits to either break, or surpass what this little child thought to be cruel. Too many scenarios were panning out leading to his, or her demise if their current trend continued so it'd be beneficial to perhaps set this accord straight...if he survived, of course.

An entire room of men and women were on their kneels smuggling to get up unable to hide their terrorized expressions. The negotiations in name were only humored because of severity as her apprentice managed an adequate stoic appearance. It wasn't expertly done yet with sheer brute force it'd serve as an underlying promise of swift demise. Overall it wasn't too rustic in practice which was a minor detail to critique on a later date, an irony she'd have to humor due to the dangers of said infestation on that deck. But it seemed her colleagues finally started to share their thoughts which were incredibly moderate in a sense.

Inspiring faith is commendable, if not a little unorthodox with these dissidents who are bordering on heresy. The puritan stated in his observations with both approval and slight criticism despite circumstances forcing said actions on their prospective inquisitorial asset. Jalena swiftly replied offering her amused opinion, "As rare as we've come to agreement, I do suspect he's only doing this due to danger's involving those he's come to...cherish. It seems my contingent of Adepta Sororita have grown rather fondly tolerant of his very being."

That little piece of information offered mixed replies who found it either sardonically amusing, or intrigued. They haven't tried to 'purify' his soul, body and mind from being a psyker yet? Most would have done so once they learned of it, a blessing and damning fate your apprentice unknowingly walks in our Emperor's graces. Her more moderate colleague mused over to themselves as a more traditional reply came forth startling them both slightly. It was rare for compliments to ever be mentioned in an apprentice who hadn't progressed further into their trials.

That is truly a sign of pure faith even I cannot ignore, I'm confident your apprentice will endure trials at our Emperor's behest. Jalena raised an eyebrow finding it oddly unsettling and intriguing for this individual to hint at absolution. To inspire those of weak wills is a divine talent, I see it raw in this boy's very ability to command and alone to hold true despite facing down corruption of Chaos. Commendable for such a boy as he is Jalena, but I agree a bit foolish yet he's genuinely sound when we subjects to our Emperor stand firm against all our enemies.

Truly she'd not dare her colleague in speaking approvingly of anyone for decades. It was either disturbing to see such rarity, or may worrisome she'd had to contend with his meddling on a later day in her affairs. Perhaps the boy's madness of having a purpose drove to inspire many of out misplaced righteousness, an irony if she'd humor given the state of their Imperium. Greater forces were naturally aligning for a calamity not since seen before the Emperor walked among them, a span of ten-thousand years and even his formidable will seemingly started to crack. Heretical only if to those willing to observing subtle signs encroaching both within, or in the Immaterium from beyond amassed aggressively in response.

"You theorize our enemies are aggressively pursuing my apprentice for greater schemes at work?" She questioned neutrally forgoing schisms to ask for an opinion. It was an opinion shrewdly assured without doubt as letters appeared almost gleefully. Yes, I believe because of faith in our God Emperor is your apprentice being prematurely exposed to Chaos's ever disgusting tendrils of influence. The sheer escalation you've amounted to reporting, I know folly acts when I piece them together. Take care as you should be mindful wherever you traverse, I'd recommend using their intentions and schemes to your advantage, my dear colleague.

Jalena leaned backward to stare simply ahead taking a rare exchange of information on good will alone. It certainly seemed far too convenient for daemonic influences to pursue individuals so aggressively, if as a psyker alone proved very tempting for conversion. But urgency of said actions indicated a greater game at work, it indicated their enemy would go to considerable length for one specific individual whose unseen talent not traditionally in view. For all of her apprentice's faults he held one trait in which few humans naturally excelled, a subtle art of inspiring an ominous sense of fear, devote loyalty and genuine bonds of humane companionship for selfish reasoning.

Her spine curled when an ever prominent scowl wormed it's way through pleasant sensations, "To foster unity among Chaos itself." It made sense because so few dared to work into it's inner mechanisms out of sheer resolution it'd lead into damnation. It'd lead to ruin of a man's soul, mind and body to place themselves so close yet to be nearer to corruption alone, an ambitious plot forming to convert potential leadership. Jalena couldn't decide whether to spit disgustedly, or warily see cunning in it's most terrific form.

That purpose seemed to hold merit even among the vast innumerable thrall that'd be sent both present and future encounters. She only looked towards a sealed doorway where numerous acquisitions she'd acquired over decades eerily seemed to pull towards her own conscious. Unlike traditional foes, I fear daemons have several underlying schemes in place, if I, or any other see's it so easily. There's more to my apprentice's fate hidden beyond my sight, a wretched notion I've have to stomach until I can acquire means to decipher his immediate future. Such a dangerous game we're going to play, it's a wonder they haven't tried...

The inquisitor ceased her thoughts abruptly when noticing on screen of her apprentice crushing numerous gangsters to their knees. Her gaze narrowed perceptively taking in numerous faces of fearful dissidents, it almost seemed prophetic when it was they thought of a foolish boy! Her apprentice seemingly mimicked upon humans to be the very daemons he ultimately feared, an irony not lost since it was an unexpected welcoming sign. Yet it painted an almost eerily foreshadowing due to his circumstances, a mere coincidence of sheer acceleration when not even so long ago, Marcos couldn't even properly begin to fathom what those beyond the Immaterium conspired to influence his decisions along his future.

A servo-skull's sensor picked up words clearly to have her eyes narrow shrewdly taking how radical the boy's actions revealed. Fascinating, I'd dare say you're trying to live up to your little promise apprentice. Perhaps my colleague's approval is far more unsettling then I'd imagine, but you're still raw and fairly inept as you've shown. Your actions maybe a favorable sign you're leaning quickly, but I fear you're merely dancing to the tunes of our enemies, a fact I cannot overlook given how circumstantial these events follow you wherever you walk. Sipping on wine to stem off a rare urge to fling an object into pieces faded into forced stoic observation as the boy conducted negotiations in an effective manner.

The threatens were solidly appraised through actions alone as bodies fell conclusion into catatonic states. It was another sign her own lessons mirrored yet they weren't subtly implied, if anything his brute display of power and fear were potentially dangerous. Yet this brutality was only an ever critical lesson to learn young, if only to prepare any potential Inquisitorial agent, or by the Emperor's grace in molding an actual Inquisitor. It may seemed premature to imagine yet with Marcos's frequent exposure to daemon, or Chaos almost at an unheard rate it'd be suitable to allow it. Jalena exhaled loudly unable to decide if it were expected by those seeking his conversion, or perhaps it was merely a glimpse of this boy's future.

All too knowingly words appeared on her console's screen indicating varying degrees of interest, or approval. He's rather exceptional in acquiring aid creatively, mind you for one so young, I'd say presently it's a rare talent. This came from her moderate colleague that seemingly found it ideally sound. If not for his circumstances, it'd have been a shrewd talent to develop. Jalena responded ever so dourly in finding it ironic, "And yet his brashness only serves he's got much to learn. He's still incredibly naive to expose his presence so early when secrecy is mandated."

That prompted a response which oozed devious approval when she imagined an overt smile. Hardly being fair to your apprentice's progress, Jalena he's certainly young and raw. But you're far too harsh when it takes many decades to have an apprentice, or acolyte harden themselves, I can see without lack of faith that he's safeguarding our Emperor's loyal servants. It's too clear for me to see, so why be cold? Her eyes narrowed briefly finding barbs layered in those words, an ever persistent attempt to root out heretical notions and no matter how commendable among their Ordos, she all too knowing it'd be considered excommunication for death.

"Be mindful of your thoughts, puritan." She warned simply to go back observing an ever increasing conundrum of an apprentice. Absently sending commands focusing a servo skull to magnify on one man's face did she coldly smirk, "How strange your presence still manages to vex me." Among most underneath her employ few had dared, or even remotely attempted to leave prematurely without under a threat of death. But it seemed one lingering past remnant of her previous teacher still persisted, it started ironically with Marcos recognizing, or assuming he'd found a critical figure to be crucial for successful negotiations.

It never seemed far more surreal when people renowned from worlds heroes and destined figures arose. Jalena smiled bitterly finding such notions merely glorified fabrication, "Cadians." She spoke of them ideally amused in seeing a lone stray whose feats were commendable in most Imperial Guard regiments, if only not in fully fledged Cadian regiments it'd considered mundane at best. Still perhaps her apprentice would utilize a discarded tool, if only to reforge it into something considerably useful despite traditional efforts. Among all dissident rabble inhabiting that section of her vessel, a lone renegade and dishonoured veteran was worth preserving, if only barely to humor moral on a vessel of this size.

Marcos's voice filtered through to make her eyes raise ever so unexpectedly, "The boy whose going to leave this place with what he wants." His threat wasn't entirely bravado given how many knelt and struggled to stare him in both eyes. The inquisitor allowed a meager smirk grow despite finding several critiquing mannerisms needed to be redefined, if anything it was sound in theory but seeing the boy do it in practice left much to be honed. Overall not entirely hopeless yet still enough to be desired once far more subtler means became available.

Psykers never seem to fail in surprising norms humans couldn't fathom naturally. Her moderate colleague's response indicated genuine amusement despite imagining a fond smile. She glanced over idly to see an ever approvingly agreement. Agreed, if they're throne bonded I'd have no issues and would welcome such faith. Yet as Jalena's apprentice, I still hold reservation once he enacts his will upon those faithful to our Emperor, a shame I can't have myself acquire him. Thankfully she agreed all too happily internally, a small victory and quite the information her colleagues were willing to divulge among themselves.

Several moments later while finishing a glass of wine did her apprentice finally enact force after lingering on vain hopes. She chortled when an ever defiant plebeian invoked their demise, "Feck this little shit!" Even as an inquisitor she snorted lightly in finding such defiance utterly pointless and misguided, "Little bastard thinks he can..." Whatever was about to be spoken got effectively silenced by a boy whose very power could have ripped a skull off it's spinal column. Still it provided ample evidence again her brash apprentice finally decided to know when and where to apply force, if it required for those willing to be useful tools.

An armored Sororita stepped into view causing untold amounts of anxious fear and disbelief. She hedged a sly assumption if it were an Astartes, it'd be far too amusing to not laugh. But nonetheless an unorthodox like comradely between Marcos and his so called friends, it'd certainly be worth noting they weren't ineffective in aiding him willingly. But his humane sense of hope did amount to mercy. A trait she'd have to hammer out all too eventually, if anything it was an overall successful effort on her part and lessons alone just to see him enact the Emperor's justice upon those unwilling to fight for his Imperium.

And in a few scant moments light blazed off an entire console's screen. The sheer glow illuminated an already partially darkened room yet her eyes never once blinked. Her smile remained in place all too pleased finding his actions somewhat proper of an Inquisitorial agent, or one underneath their Ordos despite not actively hunting heretical elements. She merely began sipping on another glass full of wine contently commenting almost approvingly, "Work on your timing a bit, boy. And maybe...just maybe, I've have to consider your words actually worth something to ponder."

The small show lasted for barely a minute with the Sororita chanting her hymns and praises all too zealously happy. Eventually one of her colleagues commented somewhat mildly based on experience's she'd seen first hand. The Order of Bloody Rose, how I find them utterly loud and far too blinded by their purpose at times. But alas an even interesting question arises! How did you manage to have them establish a mission on your vessel Jalena? As an order they even would consider me to be burned alive, so it is something I cannot even begin to wonder.

An Inquisitor merely smiled to reply neutrally coy, "The Emperor has his ways and I have mine." Yet her puritan counterpart rapidly replied finding it ironically kind. You have something precious of theirs in those damnable vaults of yours! I'd hate to let it slip, but if your apprentice ever found out? He'd be shattered that they're only around by underhanded cohesion, a cruel twist you're known for woman and perhaps that's the real root of why they tolerate him so seemingly, he's a means to an end. Jalena Tartarus only smiled refusing to answer in finding it as yet another lesson to be learned by a child, a lesson meant to always remind themselves they were always alone and not once did those who fought willingly be united in mutual causes alone.

Ah I see now, well I'd concur even with a Puritan. The moderate colleague mentioned far too amused to not have imagine such possibility. Naturally a smug response followed much to her desire to roll both eyes finding their by-play far too childishly. Even among Radicals, a sense of faith and reason? Oh by the Emperor's grace and blessing, how utterly ironic that I must accept your compliment! For these are dark times we live in given we're surrounded by enemies, so I'll overlook your questionable methods, old friend.

In hindsight it'd been far too long since they'd convened over a mere acolyte out of sheer prospect and casual observation. She'd been far too meticulous about another among her peers, if a rarity to actively critique and hadn't been surprised when said individual fell into ruin. It only took several decades but inevitably it'd happened, so she'd take great care and be vigilant about an apprentice she'd taken in among a whim of fate itself. All too easily she'd been able to end the boy's life, an end which would be properly ordained and done swiftly yet that hadn't occurred. Marcos Eius held enough fortitude to at least humor his borrowed time.

As an unexpected conclusion in acquiring resources for his mission came to a close did she hum ponderously. Her side console blinked actively with a message she read bemused, "It's quite fortunate your existence can be used to season new recruits for a potential purge, boy. If you fail to succeed, or if I see signs of corruption you'll be forfeit to live...along with those you influenced? Then you'd best die with a purpose for once in your life, I'll allow myself to humor your petty promise since it's a little known fact that all daemons will always fear monsters among men."

She watched with vivid dedication to see him walk out with a Sororita at his side. They were conversing based on what a servo-skull recorded visibly and verbally. Her smile grew a little wider in seeing signs of fond friendship, an ever crucial detail he'd learn to regret and understand what he should have investigated immediately. Those who treated each other with kindness often, or not held a greater twisted motive that would destroy any sane being. And for children especially it'd often fracture their very reality all too keenly. The Inquisition didn't seek friends, allies or even closer bonds to keep a purpose which superseded above all petty, individual and personal needs in order to keep back the darkness in the galaxy.

"What's above us!" She heard him yell out muffled when his instincts hadn't failed to not realize something unnatural was amiss. The lone Cadian renegade harshly strained his voice trying to starve off older nightmares of horrors similarly experienced. She only smiled openly now once it was clear that her apprentice's lingering notions of saving others came at a price, "Scaffolding made by us to get around if turf wars got too hot. Got tired of being picked off from high ground...so we made it higher and never looked back."

The servo-skull peered upwards following it's intended master's sight as a static screen indicated interference. An interference from a presence not meant for reality, or even machinery to comprehend without utter destruction. Let's see if your ability to inspire can stand firm Marcos, if you wish to play the savior then you'll end up like many of our beloved martyrs. Show me why, my compatriots and those you care about...to go as far as you can to banish a daemon, a foe you'll inevitably succumb or triumph over.

The boy screamed a warning far too late, "Something's above us!" An incredibly large and unnatural body dropped crashing sending metallic plating to buckle underneath solid mass. Once the image partially cleared she only spoke condescendingly, "Now give us a good show, boy. If you wish to survive then you'll have to prove me right, Marcos!" An Inquisitor only raised a glass of cooled reddish wine to consume it undisturbed, while casually watching her apprentice began possibly his most dangerous fight ever since being chosen by the Inquisition.


I yelped when a tendril of sleek greenish blackened flesh literally missed decapitating myself by mere inches! This hulking monstrosity radiated bloated mounds of boils, horrid stenches as eerily colored puss seeped out of pores exposing rotten organs and flesh all too unnaturally. In response I rolled away unleashing volley after volley of las-fire from a pistol that strained, I kept pulling the trigger as sizzling cracks were absorbed. I must have fired a dozen, or more times literally meters away as it laughed joyfully in response.

"Oh, thank you!" It gurgled happily defying anything normal to sprint as various shots of auto-pistols and guns went off immediately. The sheer amount of rounds sent pieces of rotting flesh off in chunks of blackened green and I saw mist oozing off each to land harmlessly. My eyes were widen when it came barreling so quickly that I bolted off to the right as it slammed it's bulky form into metallic barriers and I heard metal groan under sheer duress. But it's head literally snapped around with eyes bulging as a lop sided grin remained openly in place.

I shakily back peddled unable to shake a cold feeling as it's gurgling voice happily proclaimed, "Why so fast? Isn't it better to be slow, to enjoy and endure as the Plague Father little cousin?" I cried out grasping my skull trying to alleviate a pressure so strong, unyielding and utterly impossible to ignore. Gnashing both teeth I pushed back struggling to stand as knees shook unnaturally weighted, I snarled finally after it started to slowly lumber underneath volumes of bullets which barely seemed to be distract it at all.

Inhaling deeply I stood upright to stare it right where humane eyes should have been yet all I saw was a greenish blackened void. Let's find out whose got the real guts, daemon! Heat surged underneath my fingers to tingles up my spinal cord as a sharp pulse sent the hulking monstrosity back in a wail of agony and guttural anger. Pressure shifted from my enough barely as my hand snapped upward to sharply fire reddish beams again and again. But I aimed intentionally into eyes which started to pop in a series of hissing cracks.

"Ow!" This daemon literally roared before accommodatingly ending the assault, "Stop it!" It bellowed out annoyed as I froze when a tendril came sweeping out from literally behind and I yelped out in shock quickly diving away. It barely missed again yet I felt literally sick when this daemonic monstrosity started lumbering over. It's sheer size almost made my heart explode when kicking violently to keep away while managing to lock a psychic pressure away, if only just when a series of voices found my efforts kindly appreciated.

An inhumane pair of limbs started clapping joyfully while still being shot from various terrified gangsters, "Your resilience alone is too much, little cousin!" I bared both sets of teeth hissing back utterly enraged, "And your mouth needs to close that hole of yours, daemon!" It's guttural laughter of joy hardly seemed to be fazed as it effortlessly sent tendrils impaling several slower gangsters who all screamed in apparently agony. Their bodies began convulsing when greenish blackened lines started consuming what was possibly their souls, body and mind jointly.

"The Plague Father has need of you, little cousin!" It gurgled out all too happily as tendrils retracted to slither back into place when victims of it's actions suddenly shrieked inhumanely. I watched in open horror to see several once barely human corpses starting in molding together and I cried out shrilly, "Burn everything it touches! Don't let it make more!" Torrential mouths of white hot and yellow flames scorched the pile into a mass of shrieking agony. I barely caught glimpses of Sorortias moving in a line scorching anything in sight!

Focus fire on this thing, Anora! If it touches you, or anyone it'll make more daemons possibly! I sent out urgently as I rolled away sprinting when four flamers all simultaneously struck a hulking daemon's body all too easily. It roared out flinging itself in blind rage crying out angrily, "Fire bad! I'll give you all the joy of grandfather's blessings, I hate fire!" The limbs swung wildly knocking away gangsters who tumbled away in loose piles of limbs and started convulsing similarly. I screamed out ordering another target when Anora, or Alicia got too close as greenish black ooze started rising, "Burn the corpses quickly, or we'll die faster!"

One power armor user rapidly scorched every corpse and convulsing human which burnt to grayish ash. I panted heavily standing upright to point my weapon downward as I focused heavily on sheer burning sensations. It centered above where a bracelet started to pulse in agonized intervals and I raised a hand to conjure enough psychic might to unleash wrath alone. Not enough, not enough...push it you stupid feck, or die down here like Tartarus wants you too! There's no way out, no place to run and feck it all for the Emperor's sake!

Both eyes snapped open when a bright blinding ball caught everyone's attention. Sheer heat so potent and utterly defying almost burnt my damned fingers off! Yet I sharply yanked my arm back to shout lividly, "Burn you ugly feck! Burn!" I threw my hand forward when a spiraling spear of whitish light struck the hulking daemon in conjecture with three streams of orange flames. I felt literally air itself cave when metallic plating buckled like paper alone and without warning, I found myself horrified when I shot backwards!

Screaming when my skull met something hard did I groan and roll over numbly seeing a wall stopping me instantly. But it seemed pushing myself further to channel raw energies not capably done by humans worked. The daemonic hulk started shrieking wildly in flailing about, it blindly and without reason tried clawing flames of a brighter make off itself. Yet it failed when I lividly got up shakily clearing away blurred vision as warmth trickled down my nose. I wiped away blood and prepared myself again.

Keep up the fire on it, Anora! Tell everyone to open up on it, I'm going to make sure it goes down and if it doesn't...kill it regardless. I thought savoring an image of seeing a daemon burn to dust as I inhaled deeply this time raising both arms. I used the mere las-pistol which started to glower yellowish white in my vision as I aimed center mass. Intently I focused on an image of fire surging into a piece of metal, I felt it grow hotter and hotter once it began to channel an unfathomable amount of confidence to empower of what I held in hand.

I chanted to the machine spirit and prayed to my Emperor seeking aid. Blessed be a spirit of machines, blessed by you my Emperor, to grant me this strength of holy fury and righteous fire! Dispel this daemon in your name, or by my death alone! I felt heat so utterly condensed I swore I heard metal hissing in absolute rage. I felt liquid fire seeping down singing fingers, I couldn't contain it and as a result I screamed angrily in trying to ignore it's sheer heat alone.

The daemon reared around screeching sending men to their knees bleeding from ears! I withstood it in favor to narrow my gaze hatefully seeing it's massive greenish blackened form steadying itself. It refused to die underneath flames to which a scream of joyful revealed, "I'll see you again, little cousin! And I won't play nice next time!" That sheer happy like laughter alone caused me to bellow out damning it's existence to fire and ash, "In the Emperor's name there won't be a next time, burn and go back to the Warp, daemon!"

My fingers squeezed a trigger as an inhumane force sent me upwards! Shit, shit, shit! Loudly I cried out flailing desperately when several solid streaming lines of reddish, white and yellowed fire struck the daemon sending it streaking backwards laughing. But I found myself being burned alive to blindly catch something solid and I held on dearly once gravity almost took me fatally below. I panted shakily in seeing myself entirely above an entire deck as I saw fire burning indiscriminately. It was then I realized what in the name of the Emperor happened.

I'd gotten sent upwards so high I was literally hanging onto the very scaffolding. What in the feck happened to me? I was, I was down there...I was just down there, oh throne! Rapidly I started pulling myself upward just barely as metallic bars strained, I managed to roll over onto rusted plates and coughed violently. I inhaled heavily while spewing out vomit as the sheer exhaustion hit me full, I couldn't even move yet alone think what had happened! I remained paralyzed for several minutes as gunfire continuously erupted, I saw four streams of bright flames still striking a failing bellowing hulk below.

Head spinning violently I shakily grasped a railing keeping myself steady. Numbness literally circulated yet I managed to pant shallowly, "Control." I laughed almost a bit delusional finding an answer once lessons cynically reappeared. Tartarus's cold voice distantly reminded me from memory alone, I knew I should have listened but I didn't want those who I cared to die. Control your will if you dare to use a gift that is your own to command, Marcos or you'll learn all too easily there's consequences for pushing yourself for raw power. Remember as psykers we can do such more, but even we are not immune to fatality alone.

Blood trickled leisurely both nostrils as I wiped them clean to down. I grimaced in tossing a melted las-pistol which was little more than twisted pieces folded over. Great, real smart you fecking genius! Now you've got only your head, a knife and the Emperor's blessing to hope you don't kill yourself. I scowled slamming my fist down trying to ward off rage, I barely managed to breath in heavily and avoided panicking because it was what a helpless kid did. So I focused on observing the battle below and I witnessed lines of men being directed into a rigid formation.

Distantly I heard a man shout, "First rank! Second rank, fire!" Auto weaponry unleashed torrents of bullets as it roared in stuttering fashion. The daemon's bulk shuddered before yelling out below, I looked around seeing no signs of any other daemonic entity. So taking a deep breath I sat down to cross both legs and shut my eyes whispering, "Every mind always has a way in, if I can't kill it with fire...I'll kill it with my mind."

Relaxing forcibly I shut both eyes as a warmer sensation comfortably went through my body. Reach out like you can, lock this daemon's mind down and make it suffer. It wasn't difficult to find a revolting sign as I imagined spears and crushing clamps. The daemon wasn't aware as it'd been blinded by pain alone, so I exhaled deeply preparing myself. If anything I was going to be exposed to corruption and possibly Chaos itself at least. Already I prepared mentally to link to it's vile sensations, if anything I'd do what I could regardless of where I stood physically.

The sensation crept up my arms long before I shuddered in feeling how pleasantly it seemed to be attuned and slowly I eased myself inwards. Inwardly praying the litany of purity, I managed to exhale calmly preparing as thoughts trickled into my psyche. Spread, pestilence! Glory to the grandfather of decay...spread, pestilence! Those words oozed to a point whereas I kept both eyes tightly closed as I found myself faintly viewing images not meant for mortal eyes. Literally I almost vomited explosively when a vague impression entrenched itself.

Garden of Eden...fecking pain...too much decay! I cried out silently whipping my head back and forth gnashing both teeth unable to speak! Blood rushed down ears, nostrils and I gagged when it began pouring like a fountain through my mouth spitting it desperately aside. I flew back screaming in utter agony bashing my skull against anything hard, a pain to match an unspeakable insane filled agonizing existence and it barely got my thoughts coherent, somehow through sheer will I continued purpose in mind to push further.

Find...little one...welcome to family! I wailed silently realizing it'd been searching for me specifically! It was driven by a madness so potent, by the Emperor alone I involuntarily literally started clawing at my very face! My flesh burned so damned sickly, hotly and it was utterly being flooded when acidic like sensations made fingers inwardly brittle. I flailed unable to control limbs and yet my eyes remained tightly shut among rivulets of crimson blood seeking an answer I harbored. I needed a name to stop this monstrosity, a sign or hints to make sure it'd never be able to return to the material reality we'd inhabit.

I battle endlessly seeming without time passing by yet gunfire refused to die down. Screams of dying men and women alike filtered to keep myself anchored. The daemon hadn't realized I pushed further into it as sensations of seeking pestilence, to spread decay and fighting to welcome more to it's demented cause took root over my location. It was being pushed to measure itself, a resilience to endure and I felt all of it unable to cry out for relief. Where...is...it? I strained out words internally in seeking out a pull, I had purpose and meaning to finally drive towards images of what needed to be found!

The Garden like image appeared where I saw glimpses of foliage so alien and utterly defying anything I'd seen appear. Bushes of rotting beauty, a cesspool and various figures bathing to reemerge into creatures my mind refused to rationalize! But it kept pulling me into some concoction of a cauldron where hands of innumerable billions arose upwards, I saw a shadow loom over booming with laughter and in response I started slamming fists downward possibly snapping bone! I didn't care because all I heard was mad laughter, joyful disgusting intent and nothing came close to having me fall into panicked madness.

Nothing I'd ever encountered came close and not even that creature on Mastoria held a candle to this glimpsing beast. The...other...eals! My eyes snapped open when I let out a hollering scream that echoed as acidic like power infected me! Throne's mercy it seemed like every vein imploded, every artery became unusable and my own blood down to it's last existence boiled away. Yet I clung to life unable to understand as another pull appeared, all too willingly I went towards it instinctively to starve off this pain.

It didn't help as I was trapped in this cycle of madness! No more...please, no more! I cried out unable to mask a screeching which mimicked the daemon below! It was unnatural, it was too much and it was all too crushing! I wanted to end it, I wanted to escape and yet I was entrapped unable to pull back. In vain I shrilly yelled, "No more! No more!"

Rolling around I managed to smash my forehead without preamble desiring in a fit of insanity to cave a brain! I smashed downward hard, relentless and yet it barely did anything to stop it. Instinctively I rolled around in a fit of feral notions clawing at exposed flesh, all pieces of acidic sensations to stem it away and throughout every second it'd still persist damning without regard. Openly I cried out in allowing tears to fall unable to cope with it, I'd made a terrible mistake and I was paying for it with my very own soul. I felt myself caving in against such decay, it was too much and I prayed crying hoarsely for release, "Please end it!"

Garden...garden...garden! That word appeared over and over again as I wildly pulled myself into a myriad of sensations. I found my mind being torn apart as I almost gave in, I kept going unable to stop and within seconds I froze mid scream. My body literally locked into place without myself controlling, or willing it so. I held both eyes open staring ahead to see darkness shifting above as lights flickered all too damning clear, I feared I'd drawn something far more dangerous and utterly incomprehensible shift its attention from a vast distance away.

I whimpered trying to close eyes frozen unable to blink, or look away when light appeared strongly blinding everything. Something among that shifting bright yellowish light shifted subtly, I couldn't look away as it burned and I watched in stunned horror. Heal. I heard a voice state solemnly pitiful and kindly surprised, it was just a damned single word. With but a word itself did I feel sanity in life inside grow. It was unbelievable to feel sensations driving me to death seemingly stop, with but a singular word.

Light descended as though it were a mere finger, or of that shape due to my battered sanity. Weakly feeling strength I called out gurgling on blood fresh receding into veins, "...who..." The light faded slowly but I heard it speak softly. Cage. And it vanished leaving me to go upright gasping desperately for breath alone as though I hadn't been dying moments ago. Greedily thankful I dared to take in huge lungfuls of air, I'd been unable to comprehend what happened yet it was though I'd awakened from a living dream itself.

Sweat fell helplessly as I reached upwards lifting myself upward to look tiredly below. The daemon still hadn't fallen as bonfires of corpses, itself and various buildings were ablaze. Seek out little one! I paused momentarily hearing thoughts not of my own, I looked to my hand where energies sparkled and my fingers twitched when an unspoken series of words entered rational processes. I grinned when something not humane of words reared itself, "I know your fecking name, daemon. The Emperor protects!"

Knowledge flooded me with sheer confidence and absolute power alone. I looked around eagerly in spotting a rope meant for descending hanging tightly on an outlet of solid metallic railing. Walking over I wiped away sweat grinning weakly. Let's see you talk big now, daemon. You're going to wish I hadn't been born, so here I come! I pushed the rope off seeing it descend onto a building's upper roof and without hesitation I gripped it fully renewed to end this infestation. It seemed this creature was the very source of everything save for an entry point, I'd have to destroy it and it'd make everything become saner again.

I only looked towards a far wall bulkhead before I snarled in allowing gravity to do it's natural assistance. I slid down possibly twenty, or so meters feeling air blowing past my face. Heat and smoke blinded me briefly as gloves burned, I held on until reaching a solid surface. Panting heavily I looked up whispering, "Fecking heights! I hate heights!" I turned around shakily to rush exhaustively towards an edge where a ladder led down into an alleyway. Thankfully whispering a prayer to the Emperor for small mercies, I climbed to reach where burning corpses and hundreds of shell casings blended together in puddles of smelted union.

Stumbling briefly I stepped over horrified faces of once humans and kicked aside smelted bundles of shell casings. I kept my hood low to avoid embers which flickered dangerously into eyes, I lowered a chin to keep myself shielded. Roaring of inhumane agony, rage and joyful praises met both ears once I moved down a smoked induced street. My eyes burned with an internal rage, a rage unable to be quelled and there was nothing on this ship that'd be able to stop me. I felt it, I knew it and I embraced it without hesitation to move towards a foe with an unhampered purpose.

Smoke and flames parted from my path with but a flick of will alone. The bracelet burned yet it wasn't uncomfortable when I side stepped smoldering corpses. They were gangsters most likely who'd been torn asunder by sickly jagged tendrils, malformed brutish like limbs or unnatural claws based on wounds alone. I silently prayed at least offering mercy for their service, if not conscription since I knew I deserved to burn in damnation for forcing it upon people. But without their presence I'd have died, or those who I'd safeguard to keep me stronger for a future I'd decide eventually.

Inquisitors are not chosen, they're not molded but simply become who they've honed themselves to do what no other human chooses. Tartarus's words smoothly returned as lessons about advancing into our Ordo's hierarchy meant theoretically. I was supposed to do things no human could achieve, I was supposed to do what no man could ever imagine and if I couldn't? I'd die, I'd die and not a soul would care to shed a tear about another statistic in the entire Imperium. We were all expendable in hindsight yet it mattered what could be done before that death, I knew I at least bought myself time because I wasn't dumb enough to believe otherwise.

"Daemons don't fear mortal men." I quietly whispered smiling bitterly as bright orange flames smothered themselves when I walked past. I knew without a doubt once the inquisitor heard of what I'd do, she'd demand and never relent as to how. Men fell to daemons because they were unnatural existences, a total impossibility yet they existed and as such I was no different when exposed to be driven mad. But regardless humanity, myself and those with power became something even men and daemons alike feared.

Flames died down once I stepped over fresh corpses which seemingly clawed at their own faces. I say myself in their burnt out eyes and yet I walked over them. There wouldn't be peace for what I'd do, I would never know it because I was trapped by those who molded men into something worse. I learned enough about the Inquisition from Tartarus, from my friends and lessons when I'd been left alone to educate myself whenever I had time. Months of being absorbed into it left a fairly clear impression and answer alone.

The daemon's burning form smashed aside several gangsters who cried out dying in terrible agony. Their corpses convulsed openly expected from vile diseases alone even as four barreling flames barely halted it. They can't keep up, if they slow down then they'll die from a source which won't die naturally. Absently tired I only reached out snuffing out life and ending them in a show of mercy. But gunfire continuously kept up with flames in taking out flesh which regenerated immediately, it'd never die conventionally and I understood why finally. Daemons were simply will empowered into reality, a manifestation of wicked purpose and they'd never die unless fully consumed by firepower to end it's connection to the materium. With only blessed flamers, auto-pistols and gun's it'd never be vanquished absolutely.

"Glory to the plague father, for I'm resilience incarnate and unyielding!" A daemon bellowed happily stomping closer to power armor wielders who were struggling to hold it back. They were running low on fuel as dozens to dozens of gangsters were desperately trying to buy time for them to reload canisters and yet it'd be in vain. This daemon wouldn't stop once flames let up, a purpose and will unable to be quenched by meager fire power. It was only how much it'd possibly take did it refine my courage to approach without fear, or hesitation.

While it seemed to boasting I heard the truth in it's words alone. It'll never stop until it finds me, it won't lie fully but it'll say enough truth, if only to keep it anchored to will itself alone. I humored calling out yet it'd be best to allow my friends to have time once it sensed my presence. I'd been concealing all signs psychically despite being connected to it's very being, I only had to pause just behind smoldering corpses to wave off flames. The very flames themselves were pushed aside by forces no mortal man, or human could convince rationally only because I was beyond a human as I was presently.

One by one flames died away into sputtering white sparks as it advanced hollowing joyfully pleased to see itself preserve. Through smoke alone I'd barely witness hands rapidly trying in vain to switch out canisters, or reach for chain-swords which spelled certain death. Guns began locking up due to exertion of heat, or jammed due to rare usage spoiled by complacency. All signs which I'd overlooked because of my own damned impatience, I should have learned that nothing went to plan and if it involved daemons I'd have to become more than a human. If there was one thing I understood about daemons was that they obeyed power, a power not of humans or men, but of another called a monster to end their entirety.

The final torrent of flame died away as flesh smothered scorched flesh to make its host bellow with joyful anticipation. I kept walking calmly to stand not even several meters away, I'd await until it sensed me finally. At first it lumbered forward clapping hands gleefully, to exert spike like tendrils and claws lengthening for forceful conversion. We'd need a lot more fire power to end it conventionally, so I had to do what most humans considered as insanity, or perhaps madness. Either way, I knew no mere man was capable to do what needed to be done.

It's limbs angled itself preparing to charge until I called out, "Enough!" An entire hulking went rigid before it slowly turned to reveal multiple eyes healed and regenerating for it to smile pleased. It called out ignoring sporadic gunfire hitting a thickened hide, "Little cousin!" This daemonic entity had all but exclaimed happily widely in extending several arms, "Ready to join the family? Grandfather is pleased with me to do so, I can offer that the Lord of Decay welcomes you to our circle...little one!"

My expression hardly changed from a calm yet determined gaze once it stood above me rasping in laughter. I only spoke quietly, "In the name of the Emperor, I command you to return and never again appear before me, daemon." The entity tilted itself rigidly at first as I remained psychically composed to hear it bellow in absolute laughter. Not out of joy, or happiness but of coy humor to insult the Emperor personally, "That corpse has no power here, or over me, little one. He's nothing but waste in the eyes of decay, for we're eternal and he is not."

Tendrils shifted on arms ready to impale me as I spoke again louder, "In the Emperor's name do I invoke your name!" It stopped all suddenly when shrieking erupted as I dropped all my will to smash right into it's own mind. It shattered without effort when I sent images of spears, clamping irons and burning fire to smolder it's own very ability to think at all. I watched it with an ever pleased sneer to have fall onto mutated knees ripping itself apart. Inhumane shrieking once used to bring men to their eyes as a weapon, they'd know become death thralls of hatred and fear which proved far too satisfying to not enjoy.

"Impossible...little one...NO!" My voice descended into syllables which were a mix of hissing sounds, teeth clenching into clacks and whistles. To most it'd be a series of babbling sounds yet to this daemon it was clear as Gothic. It began screaming to back peddle away furiously into structures as I followed it with a hungry gaze. In response I'd begun walking towards it continuing to speak in babbling sounds of quickening pace, I witnessed a being so formidable to grow frantic and ever so damned hateful. Since it was technically being invoked by purpose, meaning and will alone by an inferior being of flesh and blood.

Limbs flopped helplessly onto sides when flesh started to vividly unravel rapidly leaking out puss and rotten blood of innocents. Here literally it roared out angrily cursing my existence, "YOU DARE TO COMMAND ME!" The once joyful tone had shifted in outright hateful desire, I'd peg it to be insulted and fairly enraged. Yet I stopped in response to merely tilt my head smiling pleasantly to have it shrink back fearfully, "No, I will not command you. For I have no need to invoke a daemon, I have no need of you and neither will you have need again."

The daemon's expression shrank back in an unnatural fear as I smiled widely. With it's entirety of a name I spoke several clunky words and sounds that all heard. My friends, gangsters and Skit heard something so constrained and utterly unnatural it still came out in low gothic as simply, "Kel'oics'saz'bazw." I wasn't expecting to be disappointed to witness it scream utterly inaudibly enraged, fearful and beyond hateful naturally, so much so to a point where I'd sense it desired strongly to kill me several hundred times over in sheer vengeance. For I no longer had to fear something that was so pitiful and meaningless.

I raised my hand enclosing a fist to feel power building internally again, "In the name of the Emperor, I command you to speak your name!" The beast screeched shrilly once limbs fell off in droves to deteriorate into blackened pools of sizzling flesh. Pressing both mental and verbal assault I bellowed out in demanding strongly to have an echoing voice of power iron-clad seal it's wretched fate, "Speak your name to me in by name of the Emperor! Now!"

Almost forcing out words once gleefully spoken it bit out, "Kel'oics'saz'bazw!" I glared angrily to demand it again, "Say it again!" The daemon roared out shrilly collapsing inwardly exposing pulsating organs of hundreds, or so of humans which died in terrible agonies despite willingly giving themselves to Chaos's perverted nature, "Kel'oics'saz'bazw!" My laughter quietly started up to a point where it venomously wished to slay me, I'd never give a damned chance in this reality or in my future because I'd end it's purpose always.

"You will never set foot in my presence on any world, any ship or dare to strike those who I will safeguard... Kel'oics'saz'bazw." I commanded it to adhere to my will as it hissed out, "I...will." Smirking in seeing something so terrifying becoming almost harmless I whispered lowly to have it's eyes shrivel into dust, "You will never fulfill your purpose to convert me, I banish you to the Immaterium where you'll never set foot outside it until, I decree it so. In the name of the Emperor...SPEAK YOUR NAME!"Suddenly did I shout once power unleashed itself due to flames churning behind my back to strike it center mass akin to missiles as flesh, bone and everything about it started to disintegrate into harmless dust.

The daemon bellowed out in it's fading tongue forever bond by my will and fate alone, "Kel'...oics'...saz'...bazw" And almost like a mirage did Chaos itself vanish into another realm no longer threatening our existences. Infestations began merging into dust, to fade and inevitably return to the point of entry where I'd destroy it personally. I breathed heavily to fall to a knee wiping away sweat, blood and tears once I knew it'd been banished entirely.

My body wanted to sleep desperately yet I forced myself to hiss out angrily. I still had one more objective to complete given how a shaky humanoid form dropped from behind dust. It was a half alive man, sickly and weak which also happened to have the name of Jov Varlid. I sneered since it was clear he'd given himself to Chaos, an already certificated death sentence and not excluding what disgusting existence he'd inflicted upon many. I wasn't a saint to claim I was right in my actions. But safe to say by the Emperor's grace, I'd bet neither was he yet I'd be able to enact justice all too sweetly to make up for my misery.

Stalking forward after getting up as I pulled out my knife which glinted ominously from flames still burning fiercely. I came to stand eye to eye due to him on both knees wheezing shallowly, "Jov Varlid." I spoke rather coldly amused since he'd caused me so much harm, he'd done terrible deeds and I knew many would celebrate as I'd do myself privately. His eyes were fading orbs unable to comprehend who, or what just damned himself further into oblivion. I'd savor every moment because that's what monsters did to make men fear them rightfully so.

"By the Emperor's holy inquisition I sentence you to death, by consorting with daemons and allowing Chaos to corrupt his servants, holdings and our species." I held the knife to his throat by humoring a just question, "Any last words?" The man mumbled something incomprehensible to which I smirked finding it oddly funny. He couldn't even speak, or even think rationally because he'd already lost everything that made him what he'd been, so it was more of a mercy and it was a shame I'd have to admit it.

I spoke one word clearly bemused, "Noted." And the knife sliced his entire throat open sending his lifeless body off onto a pile of flames. I kicked him closer to will flames to burn his corpse and stain of life to ash. It'd do some good to have it purified, but I felt incredibly exhausted to finally fall back breathing heavily to cope with strains no human ever imagined. It hurt, it hurt so much yet I couldn't help to smile happily knowing I just passed a test that I'd been expected to die, I'd feel a lot happier to sleep better officially.

I looked upward still trying to make sense of what happened entirely. So much occurred almost in moments yet it felt like a lifetime. I inhaled gratefully to rest easily, "But what was that?" I questioned quietly recalling that bright burning light, it'd saved me if I had to guess. Yet I held a thought to think it'd only done so because I was in pain naturally. It felt surreal to wonder if the Emperor had reached out himself, a fickle hope yet still whatever happened occurred for a reason I'd have to search for because I wanted to know why.

Regardless I only looked over fondly grinning stupidly pleased when four Sororitas lead the way. I felt peace knowing I'd done something few dared to imagine. If anything I found my purpose to do whatever was necessary to protect, to endure and to never falter. One test was over as I reasoned, I found myself growing lighter to sway over. But when darkness took me I dared to hope I'd never lose faith knowing I had something to keep me anchored to purpose. I closed both eyes allowing sweet rest to claim me as Anora's gauntlet reached outward grasping my shoulder.

End Chapter XIII

Author's Note: Alright, a little again inspired by Dark Heresy experiences as you can imagine. But nonetheless I'm pleased I got around to the version I wanted to write out, a fun fact about the 'daemon' name, if anyone is curious look at the sequence of words. They mirror the god's favored number, also the tier tends to make me believe the longer it is in said intervals, the stronger it is rationally. I can't exactly gauge daemons based on names, so the best I can do is make it a tad bit dangerous and slightly capable to do some serious harm, if it left unchecked. So this leads to the potential of a lot of things, which could or may not happen...I'm one to spoil but it leads into bigger things.

Obviously if you're lore experts, it's not entirely impossible for a psyker to reach into the warp and almost go insane. It's actually common, but sometimes if one pushes then sometimes they can't get that rare and impossibly perfect roll, believe me...if I ever get those, I go giddy with grateful luck. So, where will that lead into if anyone is curious? Well, I'd like to think whenever we reach a later date Marcos is going to get some interesting attention from those who know what to see, if they know of it. Can't say, but based on what and whose reached out, it's safe to say others who are more attuned are going to be either disturbed, or fairly curious.

Hopefully in the next update, we'll get something pertaining to those visions, or not. The thing is with psykers, as I've understood, if they're prematurely awakened or don't naturally manifest...it leads to growing pains, a lot of them. Now I'm not saying I love insanely overpowered sorcery as the next guy, or gal does respectively. But one must learn, control, technique and earn that right to become someone very bad for anyone on any given day. At least Warhammer 40,000 doesn't lose most in that regard...because I'd love to make some characters have a bad day, if this character inevitably survives long enough to become someone worthy of recognition.

Regarding the Inquisition, Tartarus and her colleagues? Well, let's just say this is just a lazy sunday to them in all honesty. But they're perspectives lead into more questionable avenues of future development, I mean in the lore you do need several Inquisitors to sign off on your ascension to said title and Marcos has got a long way to reach that point, if ever. When it comes to the Warp, Chaos and the Emperor personally, I'll say things tend to get very confusing and utterly irrational it's what makes this universe so damned enjoyable. Nonetheless that's all I got for today.

Leave a review, please and thank you, I'd appreciate it.