The Inquisitor

Chapter XVI

Emerging from a thickened cloud of dust I ran forward over rocks, crimson stains and scorched metallic beams. Immediately surging to summon psychic links I discovered everyone had made relatively unscathed, or suffered no crushing effects on our demolition. I smirked since forty Kriegers all voluntarily formed a line keeping in contact while rushing over derbies, a few larger granite chunks were suitable for cover and we'd advanced loosely but still within sight. Blurred figures came within sight stumbling, or almost utterly disorientated. Their auras were tinged with reddish blue indicating they weren't friendly.

Open fire, quickly! Volley after volley of precisely aimed reddish beams snapped and crackled in a low roar skimming humanoids who fell back screaming in shock. I bypassed them effectively sensing more ahead as I reached outwards clamping down to have them stubble downwards. Master-sergeant, do you have any recommendations? I questioned to rely on his experience alone to determine whether we'd advance, or regroup signifying I'd defer to him willingly. His thoughts hardly missed intentional desire to seemingly meet an end.

Gain ground rapidly, to eliminate all opposition and determine your next course of action, acolyte. Engel rigidly regressed into a colder outlook, I understood and relayed everything to those I'd been linked psychically. There wasn't any complaint, or hesitation when progress along several streets picking off stunned and unaware enemies who'd heard such an entrance to their city. Expanding quickly I'd almost stumbled when a number instinctively reared itself, I almost wanted to laugh since none had expected a wall to be blown to ash.

Hardly any enemy had prepared, or even imagined gaining entry beyond their main gate sealed. Fifty two! I recognized as we pushed through clean streets gunning down, or crushing heretical forces that been fortunate to meet the Emperor to be judged. Dozens seemingly appeared looking at a beloved icon reduced to ruin allowing retribution to fall upon them, I knew without doubt the Death Korps would eliminate to purge out all traitorous humans. I needed not to worry about an entire city falling into open warfare of their own choosing.

I sprinted keeping just behind Engel who viciously ducked underneath a swing from an enemy chain-sword. He ducked to angle himself just to plunge both bayonet and mono-knife to end a man all too simply. As an enemy fell I kicked aside the weapon handle first spiraling away while running past as heavy thudded boots came from behind. The Sororita sporadically gunned down anything not a Krieger, myself of Sigur dedicating to support our detachment's entirety. I never found myself so grateful to have ears ringing from bolter's going off, I'd never imagine anything less as we pushed through several city blocks successfully without losing a soul.

There was no slowing down for possibly a near half a mile, or more between weaving into side streets. Engel and every Krieger seemingly could run further except he raised a hand towards the concealed safety between structures. They towered overhead eerie dark, quick and seemingly no sign of humane life at all. No enemy is near us, we can gather our strength and figure out where to go! I can have Skit pinpoint our location with vox coordinates to find out where, or when the last from Tartarus had been detected.

Again none question that course of action to regroup accordingly as we slipped into a secured position. Five pointed their lasguns between scanning street corners, or looked above searching for any disturbance to unleash precision support. It was unnecessary yet I didn't counteract them in favor for everyone else to check themselves, restock and coherently gain their bearings after adrenaline ran its intended desire. I hunched over panting heavily trying to garner feeling in numbed legs for running so much. And apparently I wasn't the only one impressed!

Sigur loudly exclaimed after heaving in air heavily, "Damn, kid! Fecking old Sigur needs a lho stick after that run." The storm trooper sat back against a stone wall relieved to lightly pad his neck as I replied rather bemused, "Thought your mouth would stop, if it had a reason too!" I got a cackle for that heartless insult when he nodded thoroughly approved, "Wait till you find a reason to haul ass from gun fire. You're going to be a lady killer kid, if you don't die sooner than later...I'll bet a lho-stick on it, sound good?"

Alicia warily warned us both all too less than pleased, "Don't corrupt him with your lecherous habits, filth." Sigur whistled approvingly to hint slyly, "Ah, don't worry girl. I'm still ready to make you a woman, if you'd give me a kiss!" The power armored Sororita leveled her bolter accordingly to make me laugh lightly trying to defuse an almost fatal confrontation. Enough you two, I get it! Let's keep the Emperor's blessing on what matters, until we got a reason to kill each other back on the ship. I'll get Skit ready, he'll be pleased to float around...I think!

Unstrapping the smaller bag I heard Anora speak curiously interested, "Will your servo skull be capable to guide us, Marcos?" I unzipped the flap to flick on said servo skull's power while confidently grinning, "He's got ninety five percent to work with, or did you forget?" Both Sororita chortled openly towards Sigur as various Kriegers stared, or tilted their heads. But the storm trooper who as expected raised a middle finger in telling me mutely. If he'd run his mouth, I return said favor and only remind him why he still breathed presently.

Skit's mechanical eye glowered red before hovering steadily as his machine spirit verified, "Acolyte-acting inquisitor Marcos Eius." His eye gleamed to scan my face briefly to proclaim in a monotone, "Sanctioned mission as per Ordos Malleus protocol decreed until search for Inquisitorial superior established, acknowledged and is complete. How may I assist you as per your will, acting inquisitor?" My entire spinal had a electrified shiver running up it's length either shockingly uncomfortably, or how naturally imposing said title was upon both shoulders to uphold until Tartarus was found alive hopefully.

Throne, I hate being responsible for something that I'm forced into! I sourly imagined to only reply clearly for Skit to establish his own usefulness, "How are you doing, Skit? Get any sand, or rock lodged in you while on my back?" I joked lightly to see my servo skull process said request, "Acknowledged acting inquisitor Eius, running diagnostic of machine spirit and current frame as per mandated order. Stand by...processing, machine spirit and frame are suitable to conduct mission parameters at your behest."

Ignoring to roll my eyes at his correction of a title again which wouldn't go away. I questioned him lightly ignoring several curious minds about my personal treatment of a machine, "Skit can you triangulate Tartarus's last vox communication from our present location? And how accurate do you think you'll get us there?" Several Kriegers still stared in stationary positions observing the servo skull whose eye brightly crimson socket processed itself. I didn't need to wait long to feel relief to hear him, I gave ample gratefulness towards Skit, who seemed to be made of sturdy blessings and I internally thanked the machine god for every bit of it.

"Acknowledged acting inquisitor..." I cut him off sternly to correct a tiresome title I'd not want to hear constantly, "Skit, enough of that until Tartarus is found! Verify!" The servo skull replied all too obediently, "Confirmed order, acolyte Eius. Present location from last known coordinates of vox caster designated, 'Ghost' is confirmed at exactly five point six kilometers north east, near central hub of city and holy palace of Ecclesiarchical sanctioned representative and overseer of sub sector. Shall I determine a suitable route for haste, or subtle infiltration?"

My face froze along with those who'd been onboard as a chill froze blood in veins alone. What the feck is the Ecclesiarchy doing on this planet? It's a not shrine world, or holy place! I looked towards both Sororita who'd probably know more yet they shook their heads negatively. Sigur commented rather sourly impressed, "Oh feck yeah! Great timing because if I'm hearing voices inside my damned skull, I bet our local priest sees and hears our ballsy kid? Shit fecking grox shit, I bet he'll have a holy session over an alter to cleanse his soul!"

Even my mood turned less than pleased because of the Ordos Malleus and Ecclesiarchy had clashed over past events. Apparently being a psyker wasn't too far from being considered heretical, or so what I'd studied during my education underneath Tartarus. It ironically would make things incredibly surreal, if my teacher was alive and assisting such a branch of the Imperium's subjects. Throne, I didn't need to hear that Skit but thank you! Glad to know, if I use any power I'm probably going to be burned alive and funnily enough, I hope the Sororita will outright deny such a course of action. But I don't want to take chances to get them branded heretics, Emperor help me!

Still resolved I put aside anxious possibility to focus on what needed to be done, "Infiltration, Skit. We'll have firepower to do something useful, or we'll just die uselessly coming across every enemy. I'd rather not risk tanks, or anything bigger firing at us." I explained patiently while looking towards Engel who seemingly didn't react visibly, or remotely disapproving. He only nodded simply accepting what had deemed crucial for our missions success, if anything we'd be danger considerably once alarm got around whenever we found Tartarus inevitably.

Skit seemingly held little reservation to take on such a task,"Acknowledged acolyte Eius, please hold present location." The servo skull all too readily requested to continue calculations for a suitable route and to cross reference all known reports. I found myself leaning against a wall adjacent to Sigur who casually commented, "Thank that mechanicus ass for being less of an ass. You sure know how to get freaks around ya, I'll have to take a vid-slate one of these days and show the captain to piss him off. Fecking amazing!"

My eyes trailed towards various Kriegers who were adjusting themselves accordingly and subtly checking over weaponry. You want to have four percent, or do you want to stay at five? I reminded him mildly to casually force pressure onto his skull, if he'd think I'd hadn't forgotten which I got a hiss of irritation in return. But he grudgingly relented to stay quiet for a bit. Truthfully, I'd praise the Emperor for small mercies and consider it an honour.

Engel walked among his korpsmen gesturing to equipment, or pointed outward where they'd trade off on watches until Skit finished. None of them were injured, or hindered by our rapid advance to ease down enough into routines. I observed quietly curious when he'd made rounds to all forty grenadiers who seemingly settled in comfortably, or patiently prayed in strict silence. Anora and Alicia were standing over smaller korpsmen occasionally scanning higher locations, if only to pass time while being true to their presences. Sigur shifted partially to lean back to light dip his head, to seemingly nap and wait it out.

How are you doing? I psychically mentioned to Engel who walked by to finally sit next to me. His mask concealed a possibly unworried, or placid expression. Readily capable to die, to fight and nothing less, acolyte. We both looked towards Skit who'd still remained in place idly hovering, I'd imagine it'd be within a few more minutes. My servo skull hadn't ever shown time to configure requests which meant it'd been an incredibly amount of data, or reports to decipher through on the entire Death Korp's vox communications.

"I'd apologize if you want to move quicker, but it's my mission now." I stated knowingly to make him chortle quietly underneath a re-breather, "Indeed." No lingering resentment, or annoyance could be felt as I still remarked truthfully, "But death is awaiting us! Don't mistake my choices since I'm just picking the better option available, we've been fortunate yet if your deaths have more meaning? Then understand I'll do my best to use the resources I have efficiently, I'll need everyone and effectively to know what I have, Engel."

The Krieger quietly digested my intentions to which I observed psychically passive. Practical, but I'd question if you're willing to make those choices. He reflected in his thoughts as I smiled placidly, "You'd be right, if only to safeguard selfish desires I'd want to keep." No lies were hinted, or exchanged yet the man's gloved hand settled on my nearest shoulder. I sensed a faint amusement, if anything he found truth ideally suitable to confront.

"I trust you'll make use of us, acting inquisitor." I rolled my eyes not evening hesitating to warn him mildly exhausted, "Stow it, or regret your words master-sergeant." Engel chortled lightly finding that response approvingly and sat back quietly into natural solitude. I closed both eyes focusing inward on figuring out what path, decisions and consequences I'd potentially encounter. There were far too many, I only warded of anxiety to have flirt with paranoia and I leaned back sharply trying to ward off humane emotions of instinct.

You're worried, aren't you? Engel's thoughts observed even though he'd hadn't twitched as I warily replied equally concerned. I'd be a bigger fool, if I didn't. The Krieger hardly seemed to counteract such concerns given he pulled out a mono-knife idly inspecting sharpened edges, or polished surfaces which reflected his mask back. Yet there was an underlying curiosity which promptly won over familiarity of indifference honed through years of training.

On Krieg, if one worries too much then they themselves will die from smaller signs of their death. We're trained as children to die, to fight and to survive a world awash with nuclear ash, boy. Engel revealed as images fleetingly appeared making me hiss due to imparting sensations of experiences. I gagged slightly when past acidic like burning wormed itself from my lungs, to throat and made my vision flicker all too realistically. I had to snap out of a psyche briefly, or risk being impaired through memories ingrained deeply.

The master-sergeant looked over knowingly with a grim smirk when noticing my steadier breathing. He verbally warned me clearly bemused, "And in that one moment! You'll die nameless on fields of horrors, alone and forgotten by all. Listen to what I say, view what I show since you can see, I don't say this lightly and maybe in time you'll learn worrying is just increasing your chances of fatal consequence." That knife slipped back into a sheath easily leaving me to ponder another lesson in disciplined silence. I almost felt my entire chest explode from memories Engel unknowingly, or perhaps had intentionally brought up somehow.

Everyone sat quietly for another five, or maybe so minutes as Skit's eye began dimming. I observed it closely to finally start getting up as his entire frame descended. Without command he hovered to right where my face went level speaking for the first time, "Request has been accepted, acolyte Eius. Calculated route for infiltration successfully has been determined by this unit's machine spirit...exactly fourty three percent. Shall I search for an alternative at your request?" The servo skull's answer made me smile briefly since we'd have a decent chance to live, or perhaps die later ironically in bliss thinking of hope.

"Forty three is good enough, Skit." I warily chortled since I'd rather not enough every odd to believe falsely, "What's your best bet?" His mechanical optics glowered briefly to face another direction informing me accurately, "Death Korp scout reports over vox communication networks have determined a subterranean tunnel level beneath enemy urbanized areas, it is likely infiltration success with remain at such determined parameters. But lack of specifics make this unit's machine spirit unable to determine of threats, dangers or inhabitants in said environment."

Engel's masked face perked up to speak relatively light, "A wise decision I'd recommend for your mission, acolyte." I glanced back inquiring curiously enough, "Are you familiar with fighting underground, if we encounter enemies? Master-sergeant?" Strangely enough in a surreal manner all of the Kriegers seemingly turned together when they'd overhead everything. Reaching outward I experienced a mild degree of eagerness, or longing which confused me immensely when deciding it'd be suitable for us entirely.

Sigur snorted aloud signalling less than pleased expectations, "Oh feck! Tunnels, darkness and close quarters?" He whistled even through his own mask to stretch comfortably while cracking a neck loudly. Those green lenses focused onto my placid expression which quickly started to become commonly seen through force of necessity, "It's one of those fecking days, kid. Least you know how to keep us on our toes, so throne let's get it done."

Unintentionally alarmed I questioned him psychically mainly out of sheer curiosity from experiences I'd hadn't imagined. Anything I should look out for down there, Sigur? The storm trooper adjusted various pockets to double check a functional lasgun reflexively, "Plenty of things!" His sarcasm almost seemed genuinely angry but faded into cynical amusement, "But ya better watch ya ass, kid. Only one way to run, shoot and maybe die face down in fecking shit...not a good day! Yet it's your call, so old Sigur is gonna bitch and moan like a good soldier."

Oddly enough truth stood enough for me to warily retort, "You want to be on point, or take up rear guard?" Again the storm trooper cackled considerably, "I'll stay behind you, kid. Either way I get a chance to haul ass, shoot and not worry too much, ya are too kind but thanks." Again no deception I sensed made my eyes look up to Skit asking due to power armor wielders, "Skit is there a place where someone with power armor can go into these sewer tunnels? I don't think manholes will be suitable, if there's a location you can choose."

Skit hardly seemed to calculate such a request since it'd been already prepared, "Acknowledged, acolyte Eius. Parameters already established, as there is a sub-station less than point one kilometers for accessibility. Shall I begin our route?" Both Anora and Alicia came to stand next to me silently thankful for considering their own capability. I only smiled warily to give my servo skull the go-ahead, "Let's hop to it, Skit. Sooner we're out of harms way, more likely we'll be able to find Tartarus without dying quickly enough to regret it."

My legs were already moving past his optical red eye obediently and immediately following suite floating near a shoulder. I psychically linked up to convey what would be best to do. I'll be on point with Skit, Sigur will cover my rear since he volunteered and everyone else is free to decide their most ideal position. Stay close, watch out for each other and maybe by the throne we'll be able to encounter enemies without wasting effort to hinder our success, understood? Engel, I want to know do you have any objections?

The master-sergeant pointed for five to motion towards myself and made an open palm bending halfway. They'll be your shield, acolyte. I'll be within our center to call out, or spot anything amiss to inform you. Speed, efficiency and heavy support is ideal for close quarters as the Death Korps will feel right at home. I felt a sliver of confidence to know everyone wasn't hesitating, or questioning the best chances to succeed knowing we'd just meet death eventually. Engel knew I'd choose the best outcome so we'd fight closer, or within reach of our objective to make their ends purposeful. A rarity I sensed to eagerly make korpsmen dream for opportunity, to give them meaning in life and absolution when they'd end.

Skit in rare show moved ideally consistent to guide us across an entire street where lasguns raised immediately covering every angle. I scanned upper levels out of sheer desire to quietly inquire to Skit, "What were our chances if I hadn't chosen infiltration." The machine spirit could detect my lower volume to equate such a response, "Ten percent, acolyte." I grimly laughed knowing it was either inevitable death, or a higher probability we'd encounter more closer to Tartarus's last known position all too ironically. Least I knew if things went terrible, I'd be armed with knowledge it'd be a good start and wouldn't overwhelmed on every street.

Bypassing street after street I peered towards one overlooking structure mimicking a tower of sorts. It's apex molded between a sphere and rectangular platforms with fencing yet I felt uneasy. Perhaps none cared to linger on said structure, or had swept it with dozens of lasguns but I absently channeled psychic will to make everything brighter. Every building turned a brighter sheen of yellowish, or calm blue once my gaze settled on an exact location. The warp itself remained as stable as ever, but I kept lingering on it feeling instinct tingle briefly but nothing stood out to warrant my mind to mention it. But ironically enough that calm sensation made me keep staring even as side street, after side street kept us within sight.

"Sub-station entry is imminent acolyte, shall this unit activate auspect array functions?" Skit requested stopping in front of a large metallic door to access it's machine spirit to garner entry. I still stared at that observatory structure answering lowly, "Go for it, Skit." As we waited I stared harder channeling just a bit more psychic strength to make everything turn even brighter, I started to see faint wisps of blackened purple lingering in between buildings. An obvious sign of Chaos's tendrils starting to congregate and expand outwards from an overabundance of daemonic presences which stemmed further internally from within the city's depths, so I mentally prepared defenses if anything else attempted a breach.

Strange, everything's bright but that tower is just the same? I frowned lightly since again nothing seemed out of place, or made my suspect it wasn't unnatural. Chaos's blackened purple hoovered above leisurely yet they didn't go above some structures which indicated fading strength. Yet I kept my gaze held still having my gut tingle, if only just using will to humor it. But nothing stood out beyond a normalized sheen or bluish, or yellow blending together to indicate a destabilized warp, I forced myself to look forward once the doorway uplifted itself.

"Estimated route calculated at exactly two point six kilometers. Auspects detect three alternative routes deemed as secondary, if primary is deemed hazardous. Shall this unit advise when alternatives are accessible to your decree, acolyte?" Skit's modulator arose in volume to crackle briefly as I nodded, "That'd be kind of you, Skit. Don't hesitate, if we have options understood?" He replied equally to proceed immediately, "Acknowledged!"

As we proceded inside we can to a large generator like room where stairs lead downward into darkened tunnels. Lights flickered, or went out from possibly long periods of neglect. Skit's external light which seemed meager covered enough to where I saw a good ten, or fifteen meters ahead as my gaze swept downward seeing no reddish, or orange signatures to indicate hostile aggression. So light's would be suitable until I spotted anything amiss, or if Engel decreed total blackout since everyone relatively saw well in the darkness itself. But as we descending underneath the streets, I sneaked a glance backward to pierce through stone towards that structure again.

As wisps of blackened purple weakened I thought I saw that stabilized portion of the warp expand. Shaking my head I ignored it to proceed further, I didn't need to worry about a fickle nature of the immaterium acting stable, or seemingly so. It wasn't important, I had other priorities and I'd had to focus on what was relevant presently. So I looked away to keep my eyes trained ahead as various Kriegers took spaced out intervals orientating between sweeping ahead, or keeping their weapons trained on rears to keep us secured. Yet as we walked through sludgy waters and mud, I couldn't help but not shake that tingling sensation inside my gut.


High above a deceptive city where inhabitants were all but damned into oblivion stood a lone figure. It'd spotted a significant group cautiously advancing down below, it'd been rather amusing to spot the smallest and ironically youngest of lower beings showcasing perceptive prospects. Unexpectedly gazes locked all ignorantly yet true to a brutish instinct blinded by the most simple, if not subtle signs. The figure kept following this group's trajectory which had been lead by a crude machine, if not simple in design and yet nonetheless adequate to secure safe relative passage. A sign of wit, foresight and ideally rare usefulness.

Stepping forward an unseen figure casually, if not gracefully controlled descended from heights all too capably. It silently reached earth to lightly walk forward unhindered, unseen and ideally bemused when spotting the youngest staring back from his rear. A pause only solidified simple misconception when awaiting for the group to proceed further ahead. Yet brutish nature honed to be alert were ignored in favor of circumstances needed to be addressed, a folly to invite danger but still amusing to observe for what needed to be done. Usefulness indeed, if not a potential tool to be shaped by those shrewdly viewing potential alone.

The group of lower beings moved with an applauding sense of subtly, if not too crude in their execution yet amenable. They weren't without flaws as per their natures, again if only being graced by superior existences taking note of them in idle fashion. An honour to be upheld, a rarity their existence can served for purposeful intentions and nonetheless welcomed out of sheer whim. Far too simple, far too ideal and sheer coincidental opportunity couldn't be ignored, if only to applaud the youngest out of sheer humorous irony alone. Besides having to observe suited this figure's intentions all too kindly and it'd be curious to intriguingly witness this group's fate.

Fondly humoring to foster whimsical idle tests to witness, it'd follow to gauge said youngster without revealing itself. Lightly moving underneath structures of crude, toneless and disgusting designs did it grace the closed doorway. Nimbly raising a finger briefly it uplifted itself silently, as per willed and closed without a sound to have it descend onto stairs. The figure humored usefulness to know the youngest had chosen wisely, if not out of desperation and it'd reflect prospects to only to observe keenly to indicate how useful said being would demonstrate itself inevitably.


Again this damned feeling! I scowled openly when I whipped around staring furiously after we'd been traversing for several hours. Winding mazes of smaller, or larger tunnels funneling sludge, waste or excess water underneath to distance locations. Every Krieger fell into routine sweeping corners, or kneeling to peer down an unchecked routes with another tapping their shoulder to move onto opposite sides covering advances. Sigur hadn't seemingly been disturbed to only use goggles where green optics zoomed ahead every now, or then feinting boredom.

I stood rooted to peer behind us where nothing appeared out place for the third time inside an hour. The Sororita brought up out rear increasing an underlying anxiety, if anything happened to us they'd be first targets to pick off. Why am I getting working up, there's nothing behind us! Nothing daemonic, or Chaos influenced which you know what it looks like, so stop it and now you're getting distracted from what's in front of you! I harshly rebuked myself to ignore churning guts which hadn't lightened up, I suspected I'd been flirting with unreasonable paranoia, I'd stopped abruptly after Engel motioned me to move ahead earlier.

It eerily brought back experiences from Mastoria when a presence had almost sent my soul to damnation. But there wasn't any pleasant, or looming sense of doom to get me to react accordingly. The warp's stable presence indicated nothing tried to manifest, to twist it or even indicated hostility to corrupt those into heretical existences. So why, I dared to ask myself! Why did I have an unrelenting thought it all seemed off?

Skit's light dimmed considerably after I'd ordered him to lower it so the Kriegers would be ideally suitable to spot anything. Still have a kilometer to go, or maybe more. I grimly thought since there was no ideal position to flee, or try to out run if anything tried to harm us. Sigur's warning from earlier started to make sense as no visible exit points to the streets above. Not that it'd be ideal to reveal ourselves our my personal paranoia, I'd say sticking to these tunnels were far more rewarding if my patience held firm.

Realizing I couldn't ignore this after another tingling ran up my spine I voiced out quietly, "Skit do a modest pace. Call out anything you detect, to Sigur or the Kriegers." I turned around bypassing masked soldiers who tilted their heads curiously, or unbothered. I came to walk beside Engel who looked down wordlessly. I can't shake something is wrong, master-sergeant. I want you on point, I'll stand by the Sororita to bring up the rear. If Skit says something is off, you react and do what's necessary to prepare us since you know tunnels, I'd be a fool to not pretend that this won't effect my judgement understood?

He nodded simply acquiescing to a fairly reasonable switch of positions and I fell back to stand just in between the Sororita. Their helms dipped to look to me questionably, or outright interested of why I'd chosen the rear guard. Keep an eye on our backs, please! Ever since coming down here, I can't shake something is off and I can't keep ignoring it because of what I've been through. Alicia, Anora just please humor my request, I'll be saner if I hadn't asked.

Anora's thoughts quickly came to a conclusion to look back peering into darkness as helmet ingrained auspects activated. There's nothing behind us, Marcos. I smiled grimly to reply, "And that what's bothering me. I don't see anything, either." Alicia raised a weapon realizing the double meaning to warily speak, "You're certain? Stress on you is not unsurprising, but how sure are you to risk yourself to test said theory?"

We fell in line with myself slightly behind to partially look over as another tingling sensation subtly faded. Yet I snarled happily realizing something had moved further aside, "I just confirmed it." Both Sororita ceased to look down sharply as I hadn't moved while snarling angrily to feel adrenaline pumping into veins. Slowly upholstered a laspistol underneath my coat, I also grasped both it and a mono-knife's handle comfortably. My paranoia hadn't been unreasonable, or even remotely a fluke yet I kept moving forward to psychically convey suspicion.

Whatever this 'tingling' I get is finally reaching my patience's end! Emperor knows it hasn't faded for an entire kilometer, at best. If I were paranoid, I'd have been mentioning it to you, or Engel since the very beginning of our mission! So by the throne, or Emperor willing damned I know something's wrong! I peered through walls to see outlines of faded tunnels in various states of repair, or neglect where droplets frequently met pools. But the warp itself seemed calmer down here yet there was a lingering sense of it being too calm.

Signs of subtle misplacement as we'd gotten further into this city's interior I noticed a lack of wisps of blackened purple. There wasn't any sign of corruption, or even twisted creatures effected by said presence of Chaos. As I deliberately slowed down to lightly again fall behind I whispered, "It's stalking us." Looking around I stopped dead in my tracks peering at an angle as I channeled more psychic power to gradually become warmer. Both Sororita were rigid when my eyes glowered partially illuminating a meter, or two in pale white eerie light.

Engel, if Skit finds a large enough space...rest there for several minutes. It seems we're not alone down here. The master-sergeant's thoughts only solidified into cold awareness to subtly instruct Kriegers to prepare for an inevitable search and destroy task. I was confident enough to know we had firepower, men and plenty of communication to possibly eliminate anything relatively. I couldn't take a chance to not ignore whatever kept following us, if it was an enemy it'd possibly alert more and I wasn't keen on walking into an ambush.

It took another half an hour, or more to where tunnels met into a slightly larger area where streams of muck and water collided. There was a metallic construct filtering liquids to descend further down, I kept myself away to sit down against a less dirtied wall. My sole thought focused on narrowing where exactly this anomaly kept itself, "Nice try." I harshly spat when concentrating on seeing an unseen veil simmering and yet wherever that tingling sensation reappeared. Slowly I saw almost a deliberate calmness masking itself gradually settled.

Five tunnels all lead to this very spot as I inwardly proceeded to imagine herding whatever was behind to move towards us. Reaching out while sitting to concentrate on narrowing a location I spoke quietly, "Engel." The Krieger hardly ignored my voice to settle down adjacent kneeling to receive orders, "What do you suggest to box an enemy in? To get them to move towards us, to force them in a direction to make a kill box from your experience? Don't lie to me, please tell me honestly if you're platoon is capable."

I hadn't moved an inch in favor to relatively gauge where this presence ceased to move. Seemingly nothing stood out yet there was a subtle shift of calmness within where a warp presence met within the materium. Does this mean it's a daemon cloaking itself, or trying to manipulate my senses? I pondered seriously gauging what I knew from tomes, reports and data slates Tartarus had instructed me to memorize. Either way as a psyker, I'd have to draw it out and unveil it to get the Kriegers to unleash enough firepower to destory it.

"Eight five man fire-teams sweeping to draw an adversary into predetermined ground." Engel's voice softly murmured going over what he'd known to be crucial for successful tunnel clearing, "Five go out and maintain silent vox communication, relay it to those dug in so if the enemy bypasses to expose their flank. Given neither we, you or this foe holds familiar ground it'll be risky but suitable for us to eliminate a threat." I kept my gaze on said location to digest the circumstances, risks and refused to allow an unseen danger remain unchecked. To guarantee success we'd have to be hidden as long as possible, or risk having an entire city's forces slam into us.

Proceed cautiously Engel, inform your men that we're all going to get to kill a daemon. He simply stared considerably taking in our newest ask to only nod with an unseen eagerness carefully maintained, "Understood, acolyte." The Krieger got up to begin relaying orders to various Korpsmen who seemingly began preparing themselves. There was an underlying urgency of purpose, a rare sign they'd been all too willing and ideally faithful to carry out acts. If anything they weren't afraid, or hesitating to doubt themselves to get it done.

Anora, Alicia and Sigur gradually came to stand or sit nearby myself awaiting an explanation due to seeing Kriegers prepare quietly. I psychically linked up to convey everything I'd seen, explained and ultimately decided. If anything it's a daemon cloaking itself within the warp's veil, I can't reach out until it tries something and it's been stalking us for an entire kilometer at least. It has to destroyed, or driven off in order for us to proceed without being revealed. Honestly I don't know what else to do, if you have something to say then...please, do so.

Sigur hardly needed prompted permission to cheekily state, "I told you, kid! Tunnels are not good!" I scoffed not remotely offended to remark dryly, "Least you're going to die face first in fecking shit, so be the good soldier trooper and bitch later." He cackled quietly finding amusement to see points been proven, or else he'd have Emperor know pulled out a lho-stick. Even though I didn't sense fear, irritation or resentment except for cynical amusement to be proven right. Rarely those listened to a fool, but Sigur's skill backed a fecking mouth reasonably.

Anora hardly seemed fazed to only proclaim faithfully stern, "The Emperor protects the holy from our unholy foes, we'll eliminate it and succeed as it's been ordained." Her fellow Sororita never doubted that assurance to warmly compliment my actions, "Only those blinded do not see what is around themselves, if woefully ignorant of enemies Marcos. You're actions have never made us doubt your resolve, or willingness to do what's right to succeed, I can only pray for the Emperor to continue to bless us. Don't doubt yourself, so take heart and strike the enemy who dares to spawn heresy in our holy Imperium."

Their various responses not only quelled a deception inside my heart, mind and soul but granted me resolve. Engel had been right, if I didn't take chances and decide on using them it'd be wasted. So now it all came down to understanding if this gamble paid off, or enforced another cruel lesson I'd have to endure as apart of the Ordos Malleus. Daemons never died fairly, or would do anything to achieve their goals to corrupt mortal men. Tartarus wouldn't have hesitated yet she'd been lost, so if I repeated that mistake I'd just realize being human wasn't excusable for failure. The Emperor looked out for those faithful and unwavering in face of Chaos's presence, so I'd stand firm.

"I'll draw it closer, I think as a psyker it'd be tempted enough." I proclaimed warily sarcastic to make Sigur roughly shove me happily, "Throne! And there it is again!" I hardly felt angry to grin sheepishly even if they couldn't see a facial expression find Sigur's crass tone comforting, "Finally your balls are dropping! Throne alone kid, I'll never regret saying you got some brass to back your grox shit and all up to Terra!"

My mirthful retort got him to wheeze all too breathlessly stunned, "I think you got six percent, for once." Both Sororita oddly remained quiet in favor to stare either unusually perplexed, or simply amused to see the typical filth showing compassion. Emperor knows I don't get him either, so maybe it's a sign! I cheekily joked to them who shook their heads bemused, or refused to humor such heresy in a lightened manner of thought. But overall our spirits were far more determined whether we admit it, or not which proved suitably for our situation.

"You shouldn't go off alone, Marcos." Anora advised mainly to look down where we'd traversed unknowingly shadowed, "If it manages to isolate you, or drags you off?" Her helmets slits focused onto my own as I nodded grimly. It'd convert me initially to fail, decide to kill me or do everything to wish I'd beg for death as a mercy. Yet ironically enough that would lead to it's own demise given my next series of decisions, from I understood I'd give it a false sense of assurance that I'd be defenseless and not without assistance.

Idly lifting up a laspistol I placed my hand over it and murmured the litany of protection, "Blessed of be by his light, protect me in the dark and I shall never waver in your name." Light dimly around an entire weapon's frame to have me exhale tiredly. Engel almost situated everyone of the korpsmen who were standing loosely awaiting a command, it'd probably be my most dangerous action I'd decide yet because everything mattered. We wouldn't retreat knowing success meant more, we'd only move forward to achieve our mandate and by the Emperor's will alone, I vowed to dare to face what sought our death.

Acolyte, we're ready to move on your order. Engel's thought aligned to have me close both eyes taking one last breath of calming effect. I got up nodding to everyone to quietly call out, "Then let us atone for our lives, master-sergeant. The Emperor protects!" My legs carried me to move casually, calmly and as eyes were alert to proceed back down a once cleared route. As of now I'd greet death, not out of fear or purpose but resigned knowing it'd follow me anywhere I walked. Unlike before when it sought me out, I'd seek it for once and never once I dared to regret knowing it's what a monster craved to do above all else.


Shrouded within ample concealment did a figure pause rather intrigued as details emerged. Partially amused and equally interested as the lower beings systematically began crudely dispersing. Yet one smaller one broke off slowly heading towards a location it'd been observing relatively distant. Arcane shimmering emitted gradually off the youngest indicating preparation, caution and brutish determination to seek a confrontation. An oddity expected naturally yet unlike previous encounters of similar beings this youth alone wasn't deterred inwardly.

Countless possibilities seemingly emerged to gauge perceptive prospects, a test it'd deem crude and equally capable of grace! Pleased it proceeded to move idly unconcerned away from a youth's ever persistent gaze which adjusted accordingly, to walk parallel yet keep out of sight signifying it'd been noticed obviously. Delighted it'd began to slightly ascend quicker bypassing in between groups of mundane beings driven by no desire, no will and only obeyed like constructs. Useful, but too inadequate for tests purposely designed for what it'd seek. Lesser beings whose natures tampered by brute inferiority were often discouraged, or humored for whimsical outcomes.

Nimbly moving to weave in between groups of inferior construct minds it'd settle on provoking responses to indicate foresight. It wasn't disappointing as groups around adjusted perhaps due to one capable of perceiving it's own self, a true nit of nature yet offset by mundane lesser beings! Such a performance given freely, to dance and weave among them as though it'd been simply natural in itself. Ample amusement never ceased to oblige a host, a stage and quite impeccably kind which proved far too tempting to ignore.

It distanced itself quite capably quick, alert and far too delighted to garner prospects without interference. Weaving among crude placed stone it raised a limb and air pushed subtly towards those closest to await responsive action. Minutes trickled by in an unending sense of joy, shrewd anticipation and never ending potent eagerness. An intended effect began slowly as constructed minds faded gradually with grunts, or shaking skulls upholding minds unable to cope. And then the symphony of perception tested had began in earnest.

Ear shrieking screams delighting superior senses of perceptive observation arose to echo beautifully timed. Lightly pleased did its own limbs tap to an unseen beat, as a youth rushed alarmed towards the first strike teasingly offered. Arcane energy shimmered fiercely as it watched pleased, curious and ultimately intrigued to gauge which action an inferior brutish mind desired. Would it become angry, furious or blinded to natural urges of vengeance? Too many questions, too many answers and yet none seemed to surprise it so.

Peering distantly did the youth stumble once as it shook a skull briefly until recognition struck it. Quickly aware, if not coy did it ease itself closer to view detailed sensations being unguarded. Simplistic processes were bypassed, or outright predicted yet one outcome stood out relatively unique among various expectations. The youth had chosen a least expected path of compassion, or rather practical forthright ability to stem lost of crude yet effective resourceful constructs. A wise action, if not in vain against it's own desires.

Observing keenly did a youth kneel forcefully wrenching one construct back into relative sanity. It'd been an act of brute force making them all one by one, to regain coherency and feebly begin recovery despite underneath an unseen madness. It watched a youth stare directly towards the location it'd been patiently content to uphold, to only flare arcane energy to simmer and boil away into fading dust which was ideally adequate. But overall still raw, too obvious and fairly limited yet still shrewd enough to clear an obstacle not yet encountered.

Moving rapidly did it sense a youth in vain try to warn others of lesser kin, or perhaps tried to stop it when weak pulls were ignored. Perhaps it'd been too earnest in desire to not notice potential growing intelligence, to work around or adapt to it's whimsical tests. Another group of constructs came within sight as air again drifted leisurely to have them all collapse screaming shrilly, or claw at their own inferior masks of crude appearance. Too long had since brutes entertained it genuinely, a rarity long ignored and believed impossible, but still their natures of inferior development left much to be mused of sheer prospect alone.

However suddenly it froze abruptly when an overt force ceased it into place! Perplexed it witnessed arcane tendrils wrapped, crushing and forever ingrained with undeniable hatred gifted to such brutes to crudely display resolve. Yet it refused to be deterred, or remotely concerned to nimbly summon a counter acting subtle strike. But again mystery, delight and curiosity took hold to realize it'd been expected somehow to thwart desire. Desire and will, which had reigned far longer than a youth intended to realize inevitably.


The Kriegers were undeniably screaming at an unseen horror and were truly in agony! I scanned them writhing in place, wildly squirming and unrelenting at clawing off their own masks. I quickly leaped into action unintentionally slipping to land next to one youthful man whose eyes were murky white, or possibly reddening. I...I can't believe it, what the feck is going on! This isn't daemonic influence, or...Chaos! There were shrouds of murky tendrils drilling into his skull unseen, unrelenting and almost gleefully concealing eyes when I channeled enough psychic might overwhelming it entirely. But more lingered easily around myself.

Linking into four minds I snarled lividly to imagine burning sensations to destroy everything and tendrils faded into grayed out mist. I truly felt unnerved since this wasn't daemonic in nature, I'd have felt anger or rage from what had displayed considerable deliberate intention. It'd wanted these men to suffer, but not out of malice or seeming glee yet merely willed it so. The feck am I dealing with here? Chaos wants to corrupt, to twist and meld men into damnation's of reality yet this is as if someone just figured too...

Danger arose when that presence of calm deception moved as I viciously lunged forward hand stretched pouring myself to stop it in place. Another unfathomable presence delicate smashed into prepared defenses, "Get out." I hissed repelling unconcerned sensations of burning to override it as light burned around myself driving aside whatever had infected these Kriegers. They all gradually struggled to clear themselves from an attack, I did my best but they'd all groaned lowly, or tried to regain sanity's blessings once more.

"You're not running whatever the feck you are!" I vowed lowly feeling a metallic bracelet seethe hotly when I lashed outward while kneeling to come into contact of another mind psychically. Pressure resisted briefly yet relented quickly as a brief familiar thought of surprise filled me, "If it's a daemon it'll strike." I whispered coldly prepared when subtle pricking sensations tried to worm past heat, I crushed downward to see the warp extending back towards me rapidly. Whatever this damned thing was it'd tried to slyly to feint weakness, but I saw through it since daemons were notorious for hiding in the Immaterium's veil.

Gritting both teeth to bite down when unexpected force met my own attempt and I yelped relatively to hold firm. Anora, Alicia, Engel! I called out psychically straining to convey natural urgency seemed into words as I struggled grappling with this whatever damned entity. I have it locked down, it's not going to move...but hurry, I can't hold it...feck! Electric shock sent me skidding backward into muddied waters as I desperately repelled an attack, it'd been too quick and far too deliberate since it'd taken me seriously.

Shaking it off I snarled enraged to sprint after a calming deception as the warp seemingly flickered. It'd forgone subtly, or passive manipulation to seemingly deal with something capable to spot trickery. Water splashed onto my face as I kept within distance weaving in, or out of tunnels trying to catch glimpses of this entity somehow. Yet the immaterium shifted to mold, to blend inward and inevitably shroud itself naturally willed upon thought. I strained trying to keep within sight yet I realized this entity moved far too rapidly.

The sheer distance it'd covered went from closer to almost literally on top of me! I immediately stopped breathing out in shock as another wave came striking from behind, "What the feck!" I bellowed throwing both hands to channel enough psychic will to have it thundering aside. Walls exploded simultaneously as bluish white mixed with yellowish red flames and I braced myself since more seemingly appeared. Warp induced tendrils speeding from an entity sent them in various spots came spiraling in a bright spear like forms.

By the throne, what is this fecking shit? Summoning an image of a wall and circular shield I held both palms clenched to take hits head on. Sparks of hissing fatal intentions were dispelled, or outright sent shooting behind causing internal explosions of psychic energy. Panting lightly I held my ground conjuring flames which burned aside darkness to seeming meld into stone, I angrily sent streaks of fire scorching and blasting aside everything. Just barely I saw it manage to scorch an area I'd guessed it'd have moved, so the warp flickered to reveal a singular shadow of some shape!

Peering through stinging sensations I witnessed a shadow's form turn briefly in response. It'd inspect burning granite, or forcefully melted stone rather curiously. Sweat poured down both singed cheeks when I'd caught a scant image within to have my heart stop cold. Two cyan like eyes glowered considerably in a flashy show of willful humor. I froze when two words tauntingly appeared as though it'd been behind my back, "Seek me." The warp shrouded around an entire shadow again in fading to have it suddenly begin rapidly advancing towards me.

It moved beyond any speed I'd never imagined and it rivaled a daemons too easily,"Oh shit!" I sprinted away not even daring to look behind in favor as I slid around a tunnel's corner to gain some ground. I'd gotten it's attention to hopefully give others more time, chance and hopefully shoot whatever stalked myself. Another electrified sensation of danger forced me dive aside as bolts angrily penetrated from one wall's exterior striking an opposite. My eyes were widened when bluish whitened wisps descended leisurely to sting exposed flesh, if anything it got myself to realize it'd kill me and I bolted slipping sporadically on muddied waters to gain distance.

I ran as hard as I'd ever done forgoing caution allowing those to hear my voice bellow out shrilly, "It's not a daemon!" Another series of electrified dangers made me dive sliding several feet as light struck akin to natural lightning. Granite exploded as though it'd been hit by an artillery shell, I got up to blindly fire a las-pistol backward since I didn't need to physically see how close an entity gained ground. It's very presence shrouded the warp deliberately to snuff out psychic attempts of communication, I relined on verbal strength to continuously echo a warning, "It's not a fecking daemon! It's something else, not human and not daemon!"

Snarling angrily I abruptly skidded across mud to launch myself furiously down towards an end of another tunnel. The warp uplifted itself yet to my growing terror it'd consolidated where I'd been fleeing, "Fecking throne!" I veered right just barely avoiding to see an ever looming shroud nimbly keeping pace, I felt genuine desperation kicking in naturally as more lightning like spears came to strike akin to several serpents hungrily lunging for their kill. Channeling enough power I conjured a flaming wall to launch it forward meeting bolts as a brief lull cemented struggle for supremacy, I saw it all falter too quickly.

Lightning came streaking in hissing buzz as I turned bracing to get slammed backwards! Too strong, too fecking heavy to hold! Enraged I cried out unable to gain traction on sludgy infested waters, I felt one knee pop and my vision blacked out briefly. One moment later I came crashing into solid granite slumping over coughing haggardly, I struggled with trembling arms to get up but the shroud casually descended. Wildly scanning for any signs I looked in front to both sides of tunnels where their enclosed spaces loomed overhead, a darkness creeping forward even with viewing the warp's darkening exterior inside this shroud's created purpose.

Anora, Alicia, Engel or anyone! I pushed mentally in trying to hear thoughts but only eerie silence as water started to part ways around myself. The shroud itself masked everything to blur everything into swirling shadows, too numerous and far innumerable to decipher. Patterns of unknown images partially exposed themselves, as if willingly to showcase iron clad control. My heart thundered when I managed to kick up mud back peddling, I'd been gnashing both sets of teeth tightly just to see a shadow gracefully appear on an end of tunnel, an entire length of open ground in which I'd been thrown around within easily.

Reflexively I tried shooting the pistol yet I only saw muddied fingers pulling at nothing. Where's my knife! Both weapons were no where to be found as I frantically looked only to feel cold edges lightly come underneath my chin. I stopped breathing to look down to see a mono-knife being lifted without unseen hands lightly tapping flesh, a pistol's barrel floated to settle between my own eyes and I realized something else had control entirely. Wisps of bluish tainted green leisurely began creeping towards myself as I threw up what little control to defensive will alone, I'd at least be able to die saner to see what in the Emperor's name of this creature's face.

Don't panic, Marcos, don't panic and concentrate on summoning your will's power! Imagine flames, unable to be put out or to never fail to burn our Emperor's enemy. Breathing in deeply I waited rigidly to see those wisps turn to bust as it came into contact with my own will's extension. Each weapon nimbly remained in place as I refused to give away build up in favor to get a visual of what stalked me. It wasn't a daemon, I'd know that much now and it quite frankly horrified everything I'd ever encountered. This was an unknown entity, it'd been capable to bypass my own skill and psychic ability as if it'd been nothing at all.

"Come on." I voiced out hoarsely easing myself into a forced calmness to see the warp's shroud bending inward again, "Show yourself." Water being parted seemingly started to meld upwards to be forced aside exposing drying earth. This display signified an intentional amount of control, effortlessness and conveyed I'd have been dead naturally. Yet I refused to give in to despair to stare hardly into a shroud of the immaterium starting to spread outwards concealing all outside details, or potential for interference. It wanted me alone, so I gave it that chance and I prayed everyone else heard my warning.

Heat pulsed simmering to gradually build up yet I strongly suppressed every urge to unleash it. I'd let it get closer, to think it'd won and I'd been defeated. My eyes burned strongly to pierce layers of shrouded immaterium veils to see a figure finally. Closer it walked, to make said eyes go wide in as a humanoid like appearance faded into detail. It stood taller than Sigur, or any of the Kriegers by a slight margin and every limb looked a bit slimmer. But nonetheless this humanoid like shadow stopped roughly several meters in front of my downed form peering downward.

"You're no daemon, aren't you?" I questioned harshly trying to rid myself of any deception to think of falsified hope. I'd never encountered an entity capable of shooting lighting, to move faster then men and have enough psychic control to literally bypass everything I'd thrown up. Not even daemons were that nimble to close in so quickly, I'd known they toyed and taunted yet this thing hadn't spoken once except for two damned words. Two words I inwardly knew haunted me, terrorized everything I'd held dear and yet it'd spoken them casually.

The shadow tilted where a head should have been visible,"Seek me." As though it'd been peering into my exposed mind I'd heard it faintly. Fiery sensations were growing potent by every moment when I shot back, "And have I succeeded?" An ever subtle nudge of a mono-knife's edge teasingly tapping where blood rushed underneath inflamed skin. Tendrils tried slyly to slip past what little barrier I'd maintained and I pushed them backwards refusing to cave in, I'd make it work for whatever it desired of myself.

"Show yourself, I want to see your face." I snidely provoked to have it lean back as though intrigued yet I got clear warnings. The las-pistol discharged to fire once next to my cheek, I winced yet refused to break eye contact suppressing urges to unleash psychic build up. Inwardly I taunted to have it hear words unseen and unspoken to make it pause briefly. What's wrong? Can't stand to look at someone who's not afraid to die, eye to eye?

The shadow stilled to stare wordlessly as I kept my words psychically conveyed. What are you? Some daemon playing games, or just waiting to have me beg for mercy? Every word seethed with an internal hatred, too strong and unable to be hidden. But it fueled my will to remain locked into control building further and further until heat started to smolder flesh's exterior. However all senses were dulled willingly to await an opening, I'd been careful enough to realize it'd been fooled and lulled into complacent superiority.

One limb eerily mimicking a human's lightly remained outside the barrier which burned strongly. It traced patterns alien in origin, or perhaps my mind's unfamiliarity of channel so much of the immaterium made it loosely similar. Yet letters formed within the shroud making my eyes go wide briefly as it was all in high-gothic. They combing into phrases which idly wafted past an entire shadow as an inhumane voice replied, "No. Why?"

Frowning spitefully I harshly demanded an answer to questions, "Why follow us? And stalk me?" The shadow's word mixed together into letters and it again replied, "Why? I do, I can to you?" It was mocking me far too easily, to begin applying pressure onto a barrier which started to buckle. I hardly kept it reinforced in favor of suppressing flames lightly scorching my palm, I refused to play it's game all too naturally. I warned it once to earn echoing faint laughter of amusement, "You picked the wrong monster to feck around with."

Bright blue cracks akin to glass straining as it'd inevitably shatter appeared around my vision. I stared unfazed when words drifted far more smoothly. It replied fairly intrigued, "Monster? Seek I, or seek you to be monster?" The barrier psychically placed shimmered rapidly to seep in wisps of bluish green innocently trying to descend. I smirked when both of it's limbs were placing themselves to push through effortlessly unaware of a trap I'd conjured subtly.

In one fleeting moment my psychic barrier seemingly disappeared causing it to lean back. It hadn't expected my action as clothe slipped to expose a leering grin, "Burn you fecker." Flames roared outward slamming point blank into a shadow which screeched so shrilly, too inhumanely and clearly shocked of painful recognition. My ears bled freely when I screamed pushing heat so immense, akin to a star going super nova exposing every single inch in yellowish light and I roared persistently glad to provoke it smugly, "Try and outrun that fecker!"

An entire tunnel of projected fire sped downwards further and further as I pushed harder to hear satisfaction. Explosions rocked akin to miniature earthquakes, I saw granite white hot and smouldering to drip into glass like pieces due to sheer heat alone. I panted but clearly enough to start laughing realizing a shroud had been reduced to flickering pieces, I'd broken whatever spell it'd been maintaining through sheer surprise alone. Veins carrying blood boiled causing flesh to darken to crisp tones yet I'd dulled all pain receptors, all effort collectively pooled just to vaporize an entity, one which had severely believed I'd been helpless to not enact retribution for harming us.

Seconds dragged onward with my will reinforcing thought after thought as stone caved inward incinerating matter into glass. You got to be fecking kidding me, it's still alive? Slight pulls and gradual resistance formulated, to cease being pushed backward into an inferno of my will manifested. Here I sucked in a breath sharply, straining openly when lightning broke free around yellow majestic flames to ensnare all angles and a myriad of bluish white began seeping outward. Lightning and flame met together hissing fiercely to kick up granite, or water into grayish dust as the immaterium and materium literally struggled for supremacy had visibly appeared.

Metal glinted innocently to have my burnt hand clutch a freed las-pistol to aim it as another hand kept will constantly to focus channeling fire. The entire warp utterly boiled in silent agony as air became mist due to water fleeing existence, more so I aimed partially to fire snapping shots through flame. It struck true as lightning recoiled considerably, "Throne! Just burn and die, do me a favor!" I harshly bit out firing every moment trying to strike a body, or force it to cave against unrelenting flames seeking to incinerate it entirely. But bluish white spots of light seemingly absorbed said fire of las-shots too rapidly!

Pressure started to snuff out my own will gradually but nimble arcs of light wrapped around flaming tendrils. They curled when I screamed lividly realizing it'd undermine my will, by it's own dwarfing mine to resist caving. Las-shots reddish beams snapped and fizzled when meeting an ever growing sphere of pure blue to step out from melted stone. Beams of yellow, blue and greenish lights molded from glassed material matter to blind me partially, "What the feck are you?" I hoarsely demanded to see an entire tunnel's worth of flames being snuffed out forcefully, I had to cut my link or else risked fatally flirting with the warp's own dangers.

Feck, feck, feck! I shouted psychically unintentionally to see a figure stepping through flames finally exposed and it's entirety had made my blood absolutely chilled. Blackened robes stained with crimson, white and blending hexagon like tailoring whipped partially behind. Gloved hands ironed in metallic symbols, or brass like pendulums swaying easily glowered in bluish white. They were enchanted to withstand possible harm, or rather blessed in a foreign presence I'd know not what to imagine. It wasn't daemonic, or tainted with Chaos's presence at all.

Yet it remarkably appeared human in sheer appearance and body tone alone. There was a cowl concealing something glimmering underneath boiling and simmering air, I strained to see as it walked forward pushing aside flames into minuscule embers. It was unharmed relatively with blackened fringes along most of it's body, eerily silent and had it's head lowered rather keenly rigid since it'd not expected my resistance to harm it. Ironically my underhanded attack had give me full view of something not daemon, or mistaken human absolutely.

You're a fecking xeno and a psyker! I realized numbly horrified as a weapon glimmered along shoulders secured tightly. There was a metallic tip brightly burning, angrily and willingly with an internal power, a strength I'd never dared to wish to duel as an extension of projection washed over every natural sensory. As orange light burned lower due to sheer will quenching it, did a face arise encased with but silver plating in revealing a blanked out mask of it's own design. No facial features were exposed yet a necklace with an icon of eye dripping in blood and encased of a triangular shape met my own terrified orbs.

One delicate gloved limb raised a mere finger sternly and without preamble performed an eerie forewarning. It curled to viciously to send both weapons I'd held in reach to shatter into pieces, a light forcing me to yelp nursing said hands. That said finger traced a simple smile over said mask, a deliberate action signaling nothing less but genuine amusement. And it walked forward unbothered with a glimmering silver plate glowering subtly. It clearly began wagging back and forth, to make another gesture as a frowning gesture followed to signal a less than amused mood. But I got the message to freeze mid breath.

By the throne, I just pissed you off...didn't I? The silver mask only perked upward to indicate with but one finger that deceptive smile again. Another hand swiftly unclasped a glowering spear which lowly hummed, a tip intentionally dragged alongside heated stone. It'd sunk inwards too easily, I only felt hollowed surreal insanity to not understand what was coming to kill me. But my gut coldly betrayed myself to fear, an ever assured sign to be human and only to a source rightfully clear that it was not of daemonic origin.

I laughed tiredly to slowly stand onto two feet not entirely willing to roll over. It's slowed pace eerily pressed down as a shroud returned thicker and far more volatile than ever I'd imagined. Yet I exposed bloodied teeth to haggardly feel crisped flesh slowly returning to normalized appearances. But I wasn't going to delude myself now, or ever to understand something. Monsters existed without a doubt, I'd just pretended to be one and this was my result of thinking I'd be capable. Unfortunately I just realized to be a monster, I'd have to fight one to pray to the Emperor that I wasn't going to die, especially whenever I had willingly enraged one said monster...coming to kill me.

End Chapter XVI

Author's Note: Yup, Marcos did something new and unexpected. So in fairness I wanted to have a far more brutal encounter involving Chaos yet sometimes when one looks around themselves...it's best to throw a curve-ball. Believe me, I do enjoy showcasing growth and maturity in characters yet sometimes it's a fleeting step to understand an inevitable understanding of Warhammer 40,000. There's always something more powerful and dangerous than what you'd expect, if one just happens to cross paths thinking they're going to kill it.

And as a result, I wondered since I do endearing love the Death Korp. What makes even a Krieger scream in genuine fear, or forcefully makes them relive horrid memories they'd all harbor? It took a while, I'd admit but I found something relatively close to make one think daemons are lesser in such capability. Oh, I'd hate to see your thoughts because you'll all probably have eager grins, or shake your heads at the misfortune of rolling scales between forty three and ten percent chances. It wasn't going to end either way in a good way, but we're all aware and let's see in that aspect alone.

So to those who'd secretly desired something incredibly unique, I'd say you struck gold and I'm laughing my ass off to a bank metaphorically. Dark humor aside, I do believe this sets an entire stage of what's coming, of what's around and if you look at it from the outside...it's relatively reasonable. Beyond a bunch of angry people thinking they'd seen someone emerge a stronger person, I hate to say it but children don't tend to realize obvious signs of another telling them otherwise. Mistakes are made, blood is to be paid and I'm but humbly bemused.

Xenos and humans...I'll say they have a fun way to not encounter each other. But that's the beauty of it, if I'm just playing devil's advocate. So we'll find out if Marcos understands, or if I humor enough imagination to display a cruel yet obvious lesson to be learned. If anyone recognized what he technically pissed off, I'll tip my hat and leave it in the review section. I can certainly be assured not one story has this kind of encounter on this site, I researched this possibility and now we're going to see this very surreal moment pan out.

Have a good day, leave a review and pray to the Emperor as always.