The Inquisitor
Chapter XXII
The howling wave smashed into them without hesitation despite bullets ricocheting off armor that withstood them all too easily. Two chain-swords arose in near deliberate action as heretical humans cried out when serrated edges tore through flesh, muscle and bone in pure gory precision. Alicia sliced down sending several clutching arms, or legs to physically crush their faces inward as she pressed onward crying out angrily flinging enemies aside. The bolt pistol thundered piercing several in such proximity that lines folded immediately. And yet they came surging forward in earnest!
Lunging aside by driving her serrated blade roaring into a sternum and uplifted the man into bloodied shreds. Sharply sensors clicked as a hand was tore free from striking as crude edges hardly scratched an armor unable to pierced by such mundane materials. Elbowing another heretic who spat our praises to some false god came rushing, she merely leaned back to abruptly kicking him powerfully into a wreckage's door and simultaneously crushing a chest. Her armored fist sent half of a skull crushing inward as the corpse slumped over twitching erratically.
Shots rang striking her helm as she glared murderously stomping over dead, or dying heretics who cried out in rightful suffering. The man fired an auto-pistol screaming as flashes barely made her twitch yet they were unintentionally making her blink rapidly, "Fool!" She bellowed happily slicing a chain-sword horizontally sending two massive chunks of flesh topping over. The bolt pistol raised itself gunning down several more as she back tracked to cut down more who'd vainly attempted to overwhelm her fellow Sister of Battle.
Anora's frenzied movements were of a warrior who cared little, or damning enjoyed sending bodies flying in various pieces. Despite straying little from their initial position she'd amassed bodies with heretical foes trying to scale them as if trying to take advantage. But as they fell one by one she contacted her fellow Sister to give an update, "It seems we've garnered their attention, sister! Don't slow down, I can see our presence is affecting most if that lecher's idea proves fortunate by the Holy Father's blessings."
The other user looked upwards witnessing Sigur rapidly jumping from building to building top, "He moves quickly. Who'd known?" She jested unable to believe the storm-trooper's antics while carrying an over weighted bag where various makeshift explosives were fermenting internally. Alicia laughed sending several heretical humans sliding over a wreckage's hood as crimson splatter stained the unholy grounds rightfully, "It seems miracles can happen, if one prays without faithful doubting to slash these heathens into meat! Let us not waste time!"
Aiming the bolt weapon when it discharged she smiled blissfully witnessing throngs of foes falling from one shot alone. They'd been shoving each other trying to throw themselves physically yet failed in bloodied shows of agony, "Come and receive your just penance heretics! Bolt and sword, of blood of faith and to earn your rightful reward of traitorous sin!" Her laughter sent scores backwards as she advanced looming over with the chain-sword drenched in unholy fluids. And the weapon plunged downward slicing, or tearing relentlessly in divine purpose.
Overhead streaks of lasfire came cracking and snapping as wounded korpsmen viciously gunned down stationary targets without mercy. They were in between them and the rest of their kin who'd systematically held ground before coming to stand within twenty meters of another horde. They were making a last stand and effectively gunning down many who'd tried in vain to weather such precision of silent masked Kriegers. Not one heretic body fell close enough as many howled in vain frustrations realizing they'd be killed immediately.
One korpsmen gracefully angled a proton grenade sending an almighty flash as lasfire viciously tore into exposed targets. Engel kept directing sweeping overlapping fields of fire, if one mass of a horde had been thinned and never once looked back despite chain-swords roaring furiously. An entire street filled itself with dead, dying or infuriated heretical humans who were desperate to break what couldn't be willing to do so. Yet not one Krieger stumbled, knelt or remotely ceased in their inhumane precision to hold the line which was in bloody efforts to unblinkingly formed.
"Skit!" Alicia shouted out as a servo-skull floating leisurely above over-viewing an entire turned blood soaked river staring towards those who'd been detained, "How are they doing?" The servo-skull seemingly remained in place as a crackling vox monotonously replied informative, "Life signs from auspect scans indicate increased heart rate and heat influxes of Inquisitor Jalena Tartarus! Wait...error processing...life signs increasing at rapid rate! Probable cause unable to be verified, Sororita Alicia standing by for future prioritization."
Anora caught her gaze far too quickly as they both pressed up their attacks in cutting down heretical men and women. She's aware of something happening, or we've been expected? Questions amounted as the two power armor users joined together in viciously, or slaying brutally any who'd dared to impede their renewed fury. Bolt pistols thundered to pierce multiple corpses as they fellow over in gurgling cries of mercy, or pleas to be saved by false gods. Neither cared for their heathenish prayers by crushing their faces whenever heavy plated boots did their purpose alone.
"Did our lady-inquisitor expect an attempt of rescue?" Anora harshly questioned while throwing aside several foes and whirled around decapitating most in a shower of crimson gore. Even as more failed in sheer vanity to be kicked aside with the chain-sword's precise and unyielding path, "Or is this another sign of foul devilry among us? Another trap, or false hope to make us wish we hadn't thought for the Emperor to guide us?"
Alicia snarled when firing once as a gauntlet tore throat and flesh aside effortlessly, "I don't know, sister!" She crouched to send one heretical man flying overhead screaming and flailing as a chain-sword reversed itself to catch him mid rift. And one swift moment later sent two halves flopping aside as they advanced further. Her heart thundered with adrenaline to fire several more times sending half a dozen to their knees crying out openly for aid. Pleas which went unanswered as a chain-swords edges torn them asunder into crimson shreds.
"They're waning against us and are thus blinded!" She called out seeing thinning groups as the storm-trooper went unseen to reach an end of the street. Her fellow sister scoffed, "Of course that lecher survives because those who place themselves in the Emperor's favor slip past unseen! A disgusting man and I hold no admiration to see his head removed." Neither woman seemingly disagreed in favor of cutting down more and bodies were piled behind them slumping into pieces, or outright fell on top of each other bleeding out earnestly.
Dozens remained as their muscles strained despite the armor's assistance forcing them to gun down most out of sheer exasperation. Alicia noticed the bolt pistol clack signifying emptied rounds to snarl frustrated and dove forward to impale a heretic off his feet. She screamed zealously pleased to see him die dangling and threw him aside swiftly. Securing the weapon in favor of gauntlet and chain-sword she went on a killing spree worthy to be praised by those who'd made the Emperor's wrath far beyond humane means. Her heart pounded furiously as blood surged to cut down the last three in a swift manner cutting and tearing them all into literal pieces. She looked up just to see Sigur roughly slamming makeshift demolitions above those detained forcibly.
The meager material loosely stuck as a pin was pulled making a lecherous man scramble away cackling loudly. Soon enough in a matter of seconds an explosive force sent rock, chain and glowing pieces of unholy enhancements were sent fading away. This went for several times as one by one, those who'd been bound for the Emperor's mercy stood upright and staggered around as if disoriented to such extreme degrees. But as the lone storm-trooper reached where the inquisitor lay upheld highest among all did the symbol of heresy burn righteously into a golden inferno making Sigur personally yelping to throw an armed payload away.
It went off behind yet regretfully did no harm to his personal as Alicia sourly noted disappointingly. But as those who were chained stood to gain senses they stared upward as a voice commanded coldly, "End them, now!" The lady-inquisitor herself stood upright shakily sweating yet nonetheless held a snarl capable to send blood cold hoisted a blade, "They will suffer for this transgression to make them wish I was being merciful. Go!"
The four others of her Order stood upright unleashing a blazing storm of bolters in between Kriegers who hardly flinched being so close to death. But the two other surviving troopers staggered to look up to see Sigur calling out, "Miss me ya fecks?" An unrelenting hail of holy munitions tore through hordes sending them to the knees, or crying out as korpsmen kept their positions adding further firepower to cleanse masses of heretical humans. Not one was spared, given mercy or considered when silence began descending rapidly.
Panting heavily to see Anora nod tiredly as they moved towards an Inquisitor who fell to one knee clutching her side. Skit descended between them as eyes glowering with psychic energy remained active as a hissing demand met their armor's sensors, "Where is the boy?" Neither Sororita willingly wanted to speak yet Alicia answered warily, "Not among us presently, Inquisitor. We were told by acting-inquisitor Eius to secure you as a priority before we...separated when heretical forces ambushed us earlier."
The woman's eyes burned as her voice lowly verified to have blood chillingly slow, "You let him go off on his own?" Anora stared over briefly to coldly inform an almost furious psyker whose control and power weren't to be tested, "No, lady-inquisitor. He let himself go, if only to be damned when he chose to enact our current task. He believed if we didn't you, or those surviving to deal with whatever is happening. He stated he'd provide opportunity, if I'm to assume correctly."
Alicia frowned to point out merely a less than mildly assumed motive, "Marcos was clear in his orders as acting-inquisitor, Inquisitor." Those glowing eyes glared unseen as her chin rose sternly to proclaim confidently, "He understood there was no choice, or we'd die. I fear without his guidance given our experience of witnessing those actions aside...we'd have met a similar fate, but we don't know for certain of his well-being. My fellow sister speaks, truthfully."
Jalena Tartarus stared to only laugh harshly standing upright adjusting her hat accordingly, "Perhaps the most reasonable course that my apprentice shows now inexplicably, how very convenient." Both sisters looked to one another silently as she hesitantly inquired, "May I ask why is that so?" The Inquisitor lightly sealed a small but thick tome which glowered brightly due to seals of holy purification, protection and other such blessings into place. The chain was smoldering a golden yellow near orange as her smile turned modestly impressed, "The boy acts like a fool fairly well, too much of a fool and I suspect it wasn't entirely unwilling given I've noticed several conveniences. They all just happen without cause, or reason yet I suspect again he's been...playing a fool too well."
Anora blurted out astonishingly trying to hide anger and frustration, "You mean you speak of lies as he has deceived us? After...everything he's done?" The woman warily grinned finding such interest in seeing an emotional turmoil, "A rare talent one rarely hones masterfully. I've been watching him seemingly from afar, Sister of the Bloody Rose and while your sisterhood has been nurturing him so fondly? I believe he's just biding time to do what he does best. It only makes sense now why I, or others were captured willingly and left to live when I heard whispers of daemons excitedly returning to the one who summoned them."
The explanation made Alicia pause to stare towards a distant part of the city where musical sounds echoed distantly. No, he's not lied to us but to you. Jalena's gaze flickered onto her own helm to mockingly applaud, "Perhaps. Idiocy is but the mask to not reveal who holds a shiv on hand, or do you not agree with that metaphor, Sister Alicia?" She gazed simply to meet another whose will seemingly pressed into a psyche that familiarly recognized in someone else listening, "You approve of his choices, decisions and do realize why I'm thinking of him...Inquisitor?"
Jalena's smile turned coldly to seemingly find it exactly as such, "Yes, if only he'd not pretend to be that bumbling, reckless and irritating childish fool. But I suppose as a boy, he's too easily read for motive and I can imagine certain memories he's conjured throw many off." Anora looked down to question coldly to barely restrain fury, "Conjuring lies? Deceiving our Holy Order and spitting on us to walk into that daemon's open arms underneath the guide of holiness...Inquisitor? Is that what you're telling me?"
Alicia stared sharply contesting that line of judgment to point out lowly, "And if he were such a deceiver then why is he facing said creature, sister? Even I doubt your reason, if not for the Inquisitor revealing her suspicions of an approving manner!" Both helms met in a contest of gazes as said Ordos Malleus agent smiled rather amused to appraise them both. Neither ignored a colder presence seemingly drifting among their minds, for they'd been exposed to a warmer and kinder sensation to make it obviously simpler.
"Witches lie to deceive us all, for they must burn for treachery." Anora quietly stated much to Alicia's frowning expression, "And yet the truth of his actions speak truthfully louder than a word of lies. If he were truly what you see is the danger, then he's failed to keep faith in people he trusts and I cannot help but feel sorrow to see how it'd make a boy such as he exist." She admitted truthfully well aware of an Inquisitor's bemusement to shrewdly pick out images from their memories. They weren't disappointing to hear when said teacher of a boy complimented his tenacity.
Jalena chortled openly to feel a sliver of prideful precognition, "Ah, I do believe my apprentice has his ways of determining whose faithfully a good person, if I'm seeing what he's done through you both." Neither woman dared to interrupt when a hand musingly tapping one thickened tome to reluctantly admit impressed, "He who believes the lies of truth, or the truthful lie is what I'd imagine to have him seemingly go about fooling many. Shrewd as he is, but I know what his end goal is when that time he has struggled to borrow comes rule circle...he shall run. If like beforehand because he is tired of pretending to think purpose is fun."
Her expression lightening itself immensely to continue chortling utterly amused, "A child who thinks is still but a child." Alicia questioned openly pointing out behind them to see hundreds of corpses to curiously realize, "Marcos will try to hide from us? Or that daemon?" The Inquisitor amusingly raised an eyebrow to observe fascinated, "You know him too well, it seems sister of the Bloody Rose. For all his impressive construction of half-truths, misguided lies and seemingly to keep most ignorantly assuming...his childish desires are of the heart."
Jalena looked upward shaking her head almost ideally fond to piece together something so simple and utterly irrelevant, "It's adorable, isn't it?" Her eyes gleefully found themselves staring towards Anora who trembled openly, "To seek affection from those he earnestly kept himself truth around, if only to know it'd break him once that mask is taken off. A child wishing for friends, trust of humans and faith to never break despite all odds. And yet he is unable to understand nothing of those to which leads me to one fascinating conclusion...you both have hurt him, now and soon if only through actions he'd never undertake for someone else."
Her words were colder to cruelly tear apart what made a boy to them seemed doubtfully unimaginable. He'd been honest with them without hesitation yet because of was known now, they'd never be able to trust him because Marcos had been afraid too. Damned if you are, or damned if you don't. Alicia realized to bitterly smile because he wasn't wrong, "I can see why he'll never understand the faith to our Emperor who smiles to bless us, Inquisitor. No one taught him, no one showed him and I fear he'll learn the true mettle of faith by confronting the horror of a daemon whose been whispering to what he's said during our journey."
The lady-inquisitor laughed harshly, "Indeed, he shall. The trial by fire and most effective when one has to prepare themselves to do what's necessary." She still shook her head tiredly to knowingly point out a surreal purpose in place, "And when words alone don't show a child consequences? Then they learn the hard way, for consequence is always behind them no matter how hard they deny or pretend otherwise. If he lives, I might have to reward him for understanding such a crucial lesson we of the Inquisition do not often understand until one is possibly, if he survives distant trials to become an Interrogator who comes across that price and lesson of succeeding."
Jalena's eyes trailed upward frowning witnessing signs that were far too disturbing to mention, "But it seems those who have schemed of temptation are finally bringing themselves to fully commit." Anora spoke up tightly struggling to suppress a poison, or the taint of it to ask softly, "Every encounter he, or us have stood against? You mean to say it was all planned by those of Chaos?" The Inquisitor frowned partially to admit, "Convenience is often the most fortunate one has too seemingly mask intentions and I'm well aware now! They seek to convert him to do an unspeakable danger few in our Emperor's Holy Imperium to understand at first glance."
Alicia understood to whisper horrifically to have an Inquisitor slyly grin impressed, "If he falls then potentially billions upon billions will bend themselves unknowingly, to spread the lie of truths tainted faith and ultimately everyone will call upon him...to save them?" The ramifications were too grave to not be imagined as few indeed understood what was whispered, or said to them with but smiles in place to tempt themselves inwardly. That was a skill and danger of which their enemies had foreseen to put considerable effort to see that weapon against them all.
"Such a subtle thing to fear, isn't it?" Jalena questioned rhetorically impressed to grimly acknowledge her colleagues warnings and observations to grant clarity in this premeditated circumstance, "One has to wonder if our not to easily corruptible Ecclesiarchy's presence is not too surprising after all. Even I was warily, if not suspicious to meet said servant who was sent here to secure holy relics, yet another unique convenience to again for my apprentice to stumble upon seemingly by chance. For it's apparent our enemy is seeking another avenue to make us fall, shrewd are their foresight and tempting indeed to strike where unshakable faith can be exploited perfectly unseen."
Alicia whispered unintentionally making an aquilla praying feverishly, "Holy Father of mankind, please don't abandon your holy son in his hour of need. Blessed is your wisdom, light and I pray you don't ignore what dangers are looming for your Imperium and humanity." The Inquisitor laughed barking to move quickly gesturing for them to follow, "Pray all you wish, but I fear our God Emperor has his ways of testing us all. And I for one do not want to find out when he decides whether, we're worth humoring to be heard, Sister of the Bloody Rose."
The daemons cooed out lovingly when I felt everything come to a stand still and my heart fluttered undeniably in pleasure. Nice...real nice. Stretching lips allowing blood to leak out earnestly I struggled uplifting my head rapidly breathing in shallow breaths, "I can't wait to hold you close to me, little one." One whispered sensually allowing unnaturally smooth fingers dipping innocently to trace patterns across my cheek and I twitched involuntarily, "Your heart craves what will be given in excess, your anguish fulfilled and granted untold desires, for we are your hearts desire to see you loved for all eternity."
I rasped out words biting down a tongue which almost cut itself into two, "Nice...try." Their laughter seemingly innocent were growing far too deliberate to know frustration was on hand, "Why struggle so much when we offer everything, if you only accepted the Prince's will in your heart. Pleasures, pain, perfection and it's all for you to claim...if you say what you seek most!" One had learned to nuzzle affectionately eyeing my own gaze as I snarled mightily to whisper, "Feck...off! You really...need to stay out."
The purity seal burned lividly keeping my sanity in place by sheer force of will. They were utterly temptation at its literal incarnation, I wasn't immune and my body was indeed crying out through bloodied droplets unable to resist damnation. Throne, I'd be lying if this grox shit wasn't too damned pleasing to ignore! Fecking daemons, I swear by the Emperor if I couldn't talk more I'd make you wish burning alive isn't so satisfying.
Their gazes were blackened with an interior eye wreathed in orange, pink and red churning endlessly to seemingly make myself lose strength. Every moment their appearance flickered from monstrosity into undeniable beautiful women who were smiling kindly, warmly and invitingly when hands were offered to have my screams mutely crying out. It hurt without saying otherwise! By the throne pain and pleasure were indeed being offered, so much and I was too close to ignore it. Yet searing flesh from metal blessing of holy protection and purity kept myself from breaking partially.
"You'll never fear us, little one." The one the right promised sweetly leaning back to smile charmingly pleased when I saw a disgusting face insistently grinning as another innocent beauty appeared opposite of myself, "We'll be at your feet, everyday! You shall embrace us as we are holding you close and you shall always will remain what you desire most. Loved by all, feared by all and to have their cries for you never be unheard by the power you hold within. It is all we offer, you crave and in return dedicate yourself to perfection."
I laughed spitting out bloodied coughs to wheeze in air and inhale on smoke far too painfully to speak. Yet I psychically reached outward to have them freeze momentarily when I seethed internally to make it absolutely clear. They stared when words powered by sheer will and absolute loathing sent them giggling loudly as if they were too happy, I knew better though to realize they were getting infuriated openly. Stay the feck out of my head, or you will burn when I get off this grox piece of shit thing you call a ride. Don't tempt me, I've heard enough of your jokes...you piss poor excuse of a shiv for daemons.
The buildings were passing by in greater speeds as dozens of their fellows followed behind singling merrily proclaiming festivals of excess. Noise at volumes no humane vocal cords were capable, or naturally to meet endlessly echoed. I shook myself violently unable to resist to cover both ears harshly biting out, "Shut...up! By the throne!" But endlessly they continued as two guiding my path joined in harmoniously make my knees buckle soundly meeting moaning symbols, I'd find no safety or sane reason to see them cruelly lavishing in agony.
Feck, if they can't talk me to death...they'll sing me into insanity! I scowled to feel heat surging as flames began scorching flesh making their grins turn into pleased leering. Musical instruments making the warp twist, churn and violently shudder grew louder to have my eyes go wide when warmth trickled down peripherals. I was crying bloody tears because flesh couldn't handle what my mind ignored, if only just and the sheer noise grew so loud it'd tear my literal brain into pieces! Madness given sound and I was right in the middle of it for the Emperor's sake!
Yet I smiled openly rasping out hauntingly annoyed, "Nice...try!" And throughout every moment I understood all too easily. They'd break me either physically, or mentally and still would think I'd turn to them for mercy. But daemons and mercy were quite an interesting choice as I looked around see walls of fused corpses groaning in a symphonic melody. Yeah, not that stupid but feck if this isn't making me wish for death...it's close enough!
Endlessly this circular madness of noisy music and singing drew ever louder to have my eyes possibly turn bloodshot. Fingernails dug mercilessly seeking an end to crush bone, flesh and utterly make this reality seem too much for someone. Yet my will kept myself centered when I struggled onto both feet hissing instinctively. Chimes being innocently hit, drums perfectly striking in six time intervals and wicked innocent devious chorus's all reminiscing of a festival gathering boomed jointly. More so I witnessed our closer arrival of an epicenter when buildings shifted further into twisted fleshy structures of worship.
So they're all gathering to watch the greatest show of having me break, or die! I laughed harshly going partially mad in realizing they'd never stop, or cease until I showed anything save for desire to be among them. But I refused sternly, I chose to defy it to stand up glaring hatefully into the darkened skies and saw unnatural lightning coursing the sky. If they wanted my hearing to hear what they considered music, I'd give them two signs and one undeniable loathing smile to have them giggle angrily unseen.
Hands trembling allowed the full noise to crush and pierce eardrums when I raised one finger on each hand giving them an ovation, "Nice...fecking try!" By the Emperor I felt numbed from pain, I felt every inch and piece of skin burning when I dropped both hands after a few moments. I stared ahead to see a distant change occurring as a sudden stillness wafted over myself. Blinking rapidly I watched as twisted and unseen manifestations fading into a normalized fashion, I stared again as the chariot I'd been graciously assisted came to an immediate stop.
"Go forth and claim your desires, little one." One daemon whispered tenderly to have a tongue slide out to deceptively wish to tear my face off. It's sheer length beyond inhumane possibility to wrap around my neck and retract sharply in being far too hungrily angered. It openly showcased slits of the truth to rip my head off, it radiated undeniable infuriating rage and disbelief to hiss partially when I cheekily whispered, "You should pray to the Emperor more often. I'd probably like you a bit more, right?"
As human arms extended outward a leg sharply sent me forward growling as I tumbled out losing all sensation to smash face first into dirt. The sheer silence left ringing sensations with my voice muffed saying tiredly, "Wonderful...I'll remember that next time." Groaning I looked through bloodied vision to see the purity's seal insignia returning to a cold touch as I scoffed aloud pocketing it. Breathing rapidly I mustered enough numbed limbs to stand swaying dangerously, I closed both eyes to begin moving forward ignoring giggling behind.
Looking back I exhaustively promised entities which were stopped by something ahead all too obviously, "If I don't kill you...someone's going to do it for me." Their eyes blackened unexpectedly tempted to see if I'd make do on an earnest truth, but I ignored it shuffling and adjusting my over coat to inhale deeply regaining will once more. Pulling off goggles I wiped them clean as best as I'd ever do to keep them in place shaking myself violently to ward off phantom sensations, I'd make it the last time in going through with this madness.
My legs all too willingly carried me away from groups of seething daemons who obeyed an ever greater danger running around. I'm on it's turf, it knows where to go and hide, it'll do everything to have me say yes. And it knows I can't stop myself...fecking wonderful, I'm going to feel every bit of this shit in the morning! Scowling I bit down trying to peer forward to see nothing in the warp except thickened shrouds unwilling to uplift themselves, it wanted to play and I had no choice but to play games it'd desired most.
That word perfection still crawled up my spinal cord whenever I thought about it. If I weren't anything less but myself, I'd have given in without doubt. Laughing harshly I stared upwards seething to know things were inside my head, "And here I thought it'd be fun? Feck no, I'm not dealing with this shit and you can put the bolt to my head...after this, I'm finding new grounds and doing what I'd wanted to do when I got out of that shit-hole hive block." I vowed yet I'd keep my word, I'd get the message and job done because it's what capable gangsters did to keep their street cred invaluable. And as much as I wanted to turn around I couldn't do so physically.
You'll get someone else, my Emperor for I'm done with this grox shit. Things getting inside my head, to get me to think twice and you dare to grace me now? Of all times? I seethed ranting internally to resist screaming as my foot forcefully kicked up dirt obscuring myself in dust. Blood wasn't enough, killing wasn't enough and yet I was willingly going to die for humans on a world which brought this grox shit of a nightmare into reality?
I laughed openly forgoing caution to laugh until I laughed no longer. I whispered into nothing all too vindictively aware of irony, "Where we you when I needed you most, huh? When it mattered! Where?" I bellowed that last word finally fed up with all this madness, I was sick of it and I utterly infuriated to slam a fist into one granite wall. Ignoring pain through psychic will alone I screamed allowing the silence to carry my rage alone, "Why do you think I care about people! Why do you care so much when they are the worst and fecking worst to care...answer me from the throne, my Emperor!"
Silence alone damned me to spit blood and saliva when I slumped against the wall itself. Only when Chaos is around, does something happen! Always and you think I'm stupid enough to believe in you when its fecking convenient? What a joke, it's a grox shit eating joke and you're the one laughing to see us fighting against things that make reality a bitch of will. I laughed again far more coldly to promise myself yet again, "But I'll get the job done, if only to keep you happy. Enjoy it, I'm not doing this shit again and I'm not happy."
Every bone ached unnaturally brittle, every inch of flesh cried out to rest and yet I mustered will to keep going forward. Ordos Malleus, purpose and faith? What a joke as far as I care, to die and to die slowly with nothing but silence. Now I see temptation, it's a way out and I'm only saying no because I could care less about whatever the shit these daemons want...feck them, I'll die not a heretic and at least I'll get answers one way, or another. I clenched both fists tightly feeling fire springing unintentionally vivid in order to drive away colder sensations creeping closer and closer, I stared lividly to know whatever nightmare lay out of sight was getting close.
"Come out." I demanded hotly striding past corpses of masked korpsmen who'd probably gotten to where Tartarus had been caught, "You wanted me here? Here I am!" I raised both ears peering at the warp veiled sight to see churning again, "Got anymore fun surprises I should laugh at, or do you want to play a game of whose the best liar on this city fecking excuse of a hab-block? Trust me, I'll play and I'm going to enjoy ripping that mask off..."
Musical humming made the hair on my neck stand as I looked upwards sucking a breath. Oh...shit, I just had to do it. Temptation invoked, glad to know! The entire road began to shimmer partially winds of dusty blew innocently leaving me to scowl enraged. Slowly standing upright I glared piercing the warp's blackened surroundings to see a shape looming ahead, it gradually grew and stood far taller than anything to be considered humane.
The massive shadow weaved seemingly at random fluttering intervals, or nimbly ignoring all as I walked towards it flames on hands. It darted towards my right phasing in between buildings as my eyes followed it shrewdly expecting giggling, or laughter expected. Yet only humming of sorrowful pleasures echoed endlessly once said shadow came behind briefly. But it continued onward knowingly driving myself towards wherever it'd wanted to play games, I had little choice save for igniting fire potently to prepare inevitably.
For months you haunted my nightmares, I never understood why and I still don't! But I know when someone's fecking around with me, so let's find out whose got the guts to pretend. I slowed down looking down each alleyway seeing corpses with faces clawed out, or those who were unable to stop themselves from literally tearing each other apart. Hundreds were piled in neat arrangements of six, always in six and all were facing upwards in mute terror.
Musical humming came from behind too close and in turning around it'd moved further ahead bordering on whimsical laughter. Clicking my tongue irritatingly I kept moving seeing stakes of twisted design impaling hundreds, or thousand all aligned to leisurely drip blood akin to bloody rains and I almost wanted to sneer. Men, women and children of all ages were put on display with faces torn asunder leaving little to imagine. They'd scared to literal death, unseen horrors tortured or possibly made to do so to each other as mockery of family possibly.
"And they chose it." I remarked sneering to ignore newborns being placed on display as offerings from those who'd turned their backs willingly. No sense in pitying those who were weak, no pity to feel and I snorted to leer rather appreciatively, "No wonder, I get it! You're too perfect in making people thinking they had a chance, right?" I questioned loudly to hear humming from behind again as I ignored it to knowingly keep going further for it showcased all efforts, all effortless joys and yet held no remorse for those willing to seek out desires.
Desires which were given out of half truths because daemons couldn't lie entirely. Power, will and purpose were too solidified to deny that very existence, or so what I imagined. Based on what little I knew and from Tartarus, a daemon was bounded by that existence and their names controlled drive to some extent. Yet I had nothing except death awaiting me, if damnation didn't claim my soul and I was walking right into it literally. Nothing but my damned mind, will and thought to pray for even a sliver of hope to walk away tomorrow.
And Emperor knows how much I loath being apart of something risking my skin. I scoffed to glare when a soft touch graced itself on my shoulder. I stared quickly enough only to see nothing but air making me smile grimly amused, "Thanks for caring! But nice try, when I know you'll pretend to lie, right?" My skin crawled when gentle laughter came from ahead and quickly appeared behind, it'd been listening to every thought I held. Every word, every action and I'd assume it'd been expecting due to nightmares alone.
It ironically gave me enough of an answer,"Hope no longer exists because it never existed." I whispered smiling to feel right at home as silence met that declaration. Far too much did it'd remind me of an under-hive where nothing gave anything a chance, you'd get a shiv in the back or you'd be the one doing said shiv. I kept shaking my head quickly wondering whether it'd been a great idea to stow and bide time to only imagine, if home wasn't so bad to leave and yet I was struck playing the tool to an Inquisition which cared little save for destruction of threats.
And now I'm fighting daemons for thinking I have a chance? Fecking wonderful! Another light touch all too kindly sent my shoulders to stiffen rigidly. Yet again I ignored it resisting to turn around to hear humming harmoniously to mask a dangerous entity taking it's sweet old time. Throne, it's fecking really pissed to have me sweat and I can't say I blame it. Someone kicks your door down, blows it up and laughs in your face thinking it's too much fun...which I don't think makes one have a happy welcome and that's the true joke.
One corner with a series of buildings meant to house many held a Chaos star of corpses all looking ahead with eyeless faces. I paused looking upward to see them either nailed, or seemingly fused yet they were left relatively intact when indecipherable words were burned on their skin, I stared to snort as I continued rightward bypassing corpses stacked along sidewalks with people hanging on light posts which were always younger children. Yet as I passed by I swore faces subtly followed making me grin rather flatteringly, "Lively crowd." I cheekily whispered seeing similar sights along entire sides as I marched towards which promised so much, to give everything and these humans fell for it like a shiv placed behind on exposed necks.
Soon recent signs of those who'd gotten further were made apparent. Korpsmen of Krieg had fallen into places where they'd once stood, "Tartarus got this far, so what stopped her?" I noted seeing silent horrors of bloodied hands from tearing their faces off, I looked to see dozens upon dozens with weapons thrown about, or some torn into shreds where lines dug deeply into walls as if they'd been gouged by unnatural force alone. Not one man survived as more kept appearing in greater consistency indicating I'd been lied too about numbers alone, she didn't have an elite number of korpsmen but fodder meant to push themselves into death.
They died knowing their ends were guaranteed yet none of them expected to face something to make them wish death was sweeter. So many loyal men who were kinder than most, better than all and they'd been forced to die in horrific agony which distantly reminded myself of Engel Aladwin. Their faceless corpses stared upward while angled in sharp contortions, "You died for sins of your home? What fecking sin is worth reliving them, or being forced to wish it'd only as such to die without atoning for them as others have done?"
Why did I have to admire such men who were probably the most unreasonable soldiers to grace the Emperor's service? I smiled sardonically because they'd didn't care for anything but to die knowing service was their rewarding grace, "I like you guys too much. Too much to say I don't admire you because you get your purpose done, no questions and no hesitation save to fight and die, for it is the Krieg way...indeed." I gently scoffed to pause when one Krieger with a partial face had been assisting another and I knelt down among the dead who stared vacantly. I closed an eye to have him seemingly rest as a mouth was closed when a re-breather concealed what was once horror, "The Emperor protects and rest easy."
You didn't die just for sins, didn't you? I thought to see a glinting piece of metal and I reached over pulling the Imperium's symbolic iconography. One eye closed and one opened along the head of a golden aquilla greeted my half attempted smile, "And silence is what we're rewarded." I exhaled exasperated to let the golden metal fall back to an owner who'd be at peace, of if the Emperor granted such miracles when we faced our ends. But not to me, not for me and I knew I'd be damned regardless of whether I wished it so.
"Guess the shiv is hidden, so time to find out whose got the guts to get who first." I joked standing up brushing aside dirt off knees and stretched accordingly. No need to ask pointless questions, I'm just another dead man walking into Chaos's arms. Should have ran back to my old spot, least I'd be able to enjoy laughing for once. Flames churned within both hands brightly and potently molding to trail up an arm as it scorched itself internally. Flesh hardened, blood boiled and yet I still inhaled deeply noticing embers being sent gently into the air.
Coming to snicker indiscriminately I moved past scores of dead to reach an opening where a street met others jointly. Ahead lay an open central area surrounded by buildings and it was there I witnessed a bloody fountain around a thousand joined people. They'd embraced each other as if lavishing the carnage, as stakes and spears with younger children where all arranged sporadically. So, this was the cult that summoned, or got noticed by something so much worse? Wonderful, glad never knew my folks or else I'd probably be crazy enough to love them to death...literally. Throne and everyone thinks I'm just an idiot, least I'm not grox shitting mad yet!
Above said fountain high above were skies unhindered save for massive clouds churning and wreathing around except for one location. Gloomy orange near yellowed skins with dust being violently skewed effortlessly meant I'd reached an epicenter of sorts. Hard to believe Chaos has a sense of humor, to have one peaceful location of reality unhindered by their own hands, if anything it's a joke to those dead to see it was perfection. And now where the feck is this thing hiding...oh, throne it's right behind me isn't it?
Closing both eyes twitching my smile dangerously to sneer I went rigid when pleasant sensation began crawling on up a spinal cord. Shaking in mirth I voiced an earnest question, "What took you so long to find this funny?" Wind caressed myself to deviously mask a joyful giggling and it refused to answer at first. I looked around refusing to turn knowing it'd just taunt myself again, it'd wanted a show and it was giving one without hesitation to enjoy every moment.
"Seek I, of you have I awaited, or have you sought your heart's desire?" The question harmoniously was stated to make my knees bend enough as I replied smiling deviously, "Or have you sought me, or do I care not of desire?" It'd speak in half truths unable to lie, or fully say what it'd been sent to do given I'd angered it immensely. All effort to mold whatever it deemed perfection by a God of Chaos and I'd effectively just kicked down the door making with a shiv on hand as I grinned knowing I wasn't walking out.
The shadow drifted from behind to move within peripherals dancing and weaving at speeds which would kill anyone tempted. I felt beyond tempted to feel tremors of instinct, blood and will caving to move as I struggled with just openly staying still. This daemon lovingly cooed hissing far too pleased, "Thy heart sound, full of grief and pain, of thou mind not so sound yet I must agree! For it is what I must, if only of will itself." Through psychic will alone I stared to see eyes utterly pitch blade of whole sclera withholding yellow slits iris, both which had predatory narrowed hungrily. I froze when it never once broke our gazes to make my entire body in shivering.
"Whose lying to who, I wonder?" I provoked straining to maintain a grin which threatened to fold and break into horrific terror, "The one who hides out of sight, or the one who hides in plain sight?" It laughed loudly sending harmonious sound making eyes bleed, I felt flames being snuffed out as the entire warp seemingly caved inward signifying it'd been far too tempted. Tendrils started snaking to seemingly tease, or crave to embed themselves to take control of flesh which had no natural resistance to forces beyond human understanding.
Feck...I can't even move yet alone think to fight this damned thing! It's horror and beauty, it's a perfected daemon who loves and hates, to dance and sing. I shuddered when that massive shadow drifted seemingly behind out of sight and it's voice whispered lovingly from only an arm's length away behind over my shoulder, "Thy invokes truth of I, of which I must agree! But is thou heart so sound, if not of will and desire alone?" Every word was layered in psychic strength to have my knees buckle onto the ground hard and I struggled maintain a grin worthy to make even an Inquisitor proud to witness.
I looked up underneath an unseen force as the warp became heavier to stare through, "Nice...try." Everywhere I stared tendrils and wisps of Chaos's presence were solidifying themselves underneath another being who commanded, manipulated and never once seemingly appeared angered. It only laughed pleased when I shook myself vigorously yet limbs betrayed themselves when outright shaking to such extent it'd been literally overwhelmed in sensation, "The Great Prince has tasked of I, if of will to beseech his gifts upon those desiring perfection and embrace him as his own, for you are but one of many given of your ilk."
Unwillingly I imagined a face smiling lovingly with such surreal detail I cried involuntarily when the shadow moved across dancing merrily. That thing...that thing is what it wants me to see? I gnashed both sets of teeth tightly when it proclaimed, "Few who desire seek what is of the heart, of soul and mortals alike give everything and yet you, little one?" I bit out a scream when nightmares began looming beyond as it cooed intrigued, "Are raw, to be molded and yet you refuse to offer what so few can ever imagine! The Prince's eyes do not drift without purpose, of love, of desire and you have earned his attention."
My eyes bled freely clogging goggles in a vision of red and pain, "Earned? The feck you mean by how I even earned to get myself here?" Laughter seemingly appeared when a loving hand placed itself eerily of another on a world when I found my body and mind shattered, "Heart is pure, will is sound and desire is earnest, for you cry out unseen and the Prince has heard your cries to be loved by which you fear, little one." Those eyes narrowed far too happily save for an unyielding desire to have my head be torn asunder, it'd do out of spite or envy yet it's voice cooed longingly when cold sensations drilled into my own psyche.
GET OUT! I summoned psychic will steeling every possibly thought refusing to bend, or even react yet a whispering still wormed itself contently. Such agony in your heart, so much pain and your grief I taste is beautifully. But still so raw, to be molded and the Great Prince's desire shall make you perfection in all. I laughed brokenly to sneer glaring while jerking my head just enough to hiss back fairly impressed, "Feck...off! You should pray to the Emperor...I'd think you might just make me have some faith."
The daemon's eyes narrowed as a shrieking wail sent me reeling backwards immediately! Tumbling to the side groaning and turning around staring into that shadowy figure which seemed enraged enough, so I laughed harshly, "Nice...try!" Muscle spasms were uncontrollably sending me back to breathe in quickly and heavily when it loomed overhead, "You can promise everything, but it's all or nothing in the end. Death is death!"
As soon as I realized what I'd just done when it started giggling adoringly when I ceased breathing,"Thy wish is accepted, for I must agree!" Pain came lunging down as I screamed sending fire which smoldered into hissing smoke as a limb crushed my leg furiously. And it laughed happily sending me flying back first across an entire open area, I saw only blurred images as a thunder inducing force sent bloody vile spewing when I fell overwhelmed by crushing agony alone.
Throne bad idea, that really hurt! I blinked aside tears unable to laugh, or cry as it literally was too much to react save for twitching numbly. Slowly a hand pulled off goggles stained and full of crimson to stare vacantly to see the daemon twirling in place humming happily, or seemingly without care when it'd just practically fractured every bone I held. But those yellow and blackened eyes never left my own as I gurgled, "I...get...it."
Psychic will alone just barely got my limbs to shakily stand as I openly swayed trying to clear away flickering spots of light. Every moment counts, so fecking make it happen! Pulling out an auto-pistol I leaned away using a blood soaked wall for leverage, "You better enjoy my suffering, I know one of us has too at this point!" It wouldn't matter if I hit it, or not it'd just laugh off whatever grox shit to understand I wasn't folding over yet. If anything I'd just piss it off further which was entirely a great idea yet I figured to try regardless.
"Thy will is of desire, but mind is not so sound!" It declared moving upward as shadows began fading away rapidly leaving me to stare right something out of a nightmare. Robes of darkened purple concealing twisted deformities of a man, or woman with trinkets of it's patron god aligned itself in golden glints of wealth and beauty. Silvery chains wrapped themselves around one arm as it held some sort of masked staff, or weapon of faces smiling and frowning. But one hand revealed itself for fingers into serrated blades pulsating with warp energy crackling, or shifting around to seeming make air itself shimmer.
"What's wrong? Don't like someone telling you off?" I questioned grinning firing merely to have the rounds hiss into dust, or it waved one staff lazily taking hits far too amused. That's right, show that fecking shiv in your pocket! I hobbled using the stone for support to fire as it danced swaying leisurely, deliberately and not once did those eyes break to shy away from an unseen horror it'd promised sweetly on desirable whims.
Bullets met psychic will dismissing them all too unnaturally as the weapon clicked as I tossed it aside. An arm angled teasingly with fingers for serrated edges as I laughed weakly. Oh fecking grox shit. This is gonna hurt! Serrated limbs stiffened and one moment I saw them shimmer until three massive waves of fire had me crying out bloodied globs when I found myself leisurely off my feet. Despite overwhelming urges to pass out, or outright shriek I kept my psychic will holding firm, if only just to have me convulse wildly to wheeze in air sporadically, "Nice...try."
Three blades were in between a leg, rib and through an entire shoulder pinning me in place as it hummed innocently pleased. The masked daemon leaned forward cooing utterly intrigued, "Is thou heart beating so strongly, if only of will to mask desire? For I must agree, or do thy wish of glee to endure?" It stood probably three times over from any man fully grown yet with a mask just as larger as my entirety wickedly smiling and frowning in a subtle gloom of light. Those damned eyes were only an arm's length away to see burning yellowish horrors flickering as the wisps of blackened purple faded constantly out of sight.
"Maybe...a bit?" I teased slipping a hand into my coat's drenched pocket to grasp the last pistol tightly as possible, "Can't say the Emperor's lending me a hand!" Those eyes narrowed awfully keen to flick as I lunged screaming happily jabbing and punching a barrel point blank. Even so close the bullets managed to send it jerking back as I fired without giving myself relief to know I'd just overtly pissed it off further.
Moments later the prominent clacking and clicking an empty magazine just sent an ever damning desire to shift the pistol. And I sent it grip first smacking that horrific gaze aside, "Your...move." I provoked wheezing when a dented auto-pistol was dropped below clattering to see the daemonic entity lean forward again. The holes inside said mask covering themselves rapidly yet there was a subtle shift of the warp wailing in unseen terror. Tendrils of blackened purple were forming rapidly, I watched transfixed equally horrified and eagerly mad as they reared themselves backward underneath a cowl with the mask's smiling expression still in perfect display.
"Insolent." It proclaimed oddly awed to giggle loudly sending waves of piercing nails and blades to make my heart lurch, "Thy will is pure, thy heart struggles and thou soul screams gleefully for I must grant a unique request, if I may?" I spat blood at its face giving an answer without having to waste time since I'd seen this several times. That proved far too much of sheer temptation when a limb lazily raised one portion of some grotesque staff of millions crying out within, "Of many of your ilk have I slain, none have but requested to remove my mask so willingly and is nothing but unique of your desires, little one."
An arm unwillingly raised itself convulsing when tendrils of warp energy were physically uplifting fingers. I smiled shakily unable to resist whimpering gasps of terror, expectation and sheer maddening laughter to break free. It watched without hesitation, no sense of mercy or anything short of wicked cruelty to know one thing for certain. I would have to be broken long before I ever gave in to temptation, so it'd do it and it wasn't shy to find creative ways to make sure being broken didn't just apply to pain itself.
"Finally...a lie, I can believe!" Fingers betrayed will alone to clench a portion of something soon fake yet smooth it almost seemed surreal. Stars of Chaos were appearing in glowing pinkish near purple coloration as if they'd been enchanted to filter what lay beneath. My eyes were pouring bloodied streams at this point faith be damned yet I smiled toothily to wheeze out, "Let's find out whose the real liar! The truthful idiot who loves to laugh, or an idiot who lies since they can't laugh until they see they made a wrong choice."
There was no more time to be borrowed, or bought out as my strength faded to feel pleasure when pain surged. All, or nothing! Staring right in the eyes of death, horror and nightmares I grinned as strength unnaturally filled my fingers to rip the damned madness into reality. And the next thing I heard screaming so shrilly, unending and I understood was it me. I was screaming without control when I saw what stared back smiling lovingly pleased. Not even the Emperor could save me from what Chaos had been hiding right in front of us all.
Overlooking an entire circular stage of horrors a silver masked individual stood unhindered by screams of a human who'd like many saw truth. It stood with both hands partially raised as psychic energy warped around itself in a funnel motion ascending to the skies of a doomed world, a world doomed by ignorance and sheer gall to court madness of what was birthed beyond humane influences. An overt pressure sending the structure beneath groaning in stressful yet it'd hold, if only through will keeping it so in place for such crude designs.
"Enjoying your fun, little mon'keigh?" It absently observed feeling every detail with picture clarity and hardly felt impressed for save for stubbornness which often rewarded those unusually well. Lightning begun to crackle into existence, sparking and churning to illuminate a pair of eyes flashing frequently when psychic might few ever achieved manifested underneath a center of control and surreal fashion to glower brightly. But alas inferior beings unable to cope with their own nightmares hardly stood a chance against beings who thrived within themselves.
Clouds darkened overhead churning and wreathing against another force which fled when a being capable announced itself. Humans, so insolent and I only wonder why so many exist. But alas I'll commend this one for at least humoring it's word, I can imagine why so many of my kin find them loathsome and ideally frustrating. It smiled genuinely to see the greatest of entertainers of She Who Thirsts have it's deviant pleasures upon the child, a child who stood when grown members of its species fell so effortlessly.
Yet he stood up again and again knowingly it'd damn himself for scant precious minutes allocated to those who'd possibly assist. There was crudeness, a disgusting loathing and irritating confusion to wonder how such beasts kept themselves capable to stand. They were inferior, of mind, body and soul to fall so easily into Chaos's hands. But they endured, if only just in the most barbaric and disgusting manners which even made itself loath by principle alone. They were far too hard headed to open themselves to what mattered unseen, if they wished to survive which only proved another species cusps of extinction.
"Temptations you harbor will make your corpse-god weep, if only of disgust and yet he stays silent as many of your kind naturally do." But it placed aside those thoughts to conjure a storm worthy of keeping even the children of Chaos fearful of their existences. Nothing less was needed, but more was needed to understand how a mere child kept himself going. Flawed perhaps, but nonetheless commendable for those of inferior to it's own kind naturally.
Yet as darkening clouds grew above to strike down those on a stage it'd smiled lingered. Perhaps a tool needed to be refined, if it's usage had to be honed. It left a pondering thought, if only humored and it watched ever so keenly. For now the human was at death's door, or rather saw what few of their kind ever imagined. She Who Thirsts greatest deception which was of their own doing, an interesting question arose whether his mind would break, or simply cease becoming what it could never hope to understand.
End Chapter XXII
Author's Note: So yeah, you read that right. He just pistol whipped the Masque of Slaanesh and still was crazy enough to laugh at it's face. Literally, he laughed in the face of madness and horror which is insane. I'm not to admit much, but I'll give this kid guts and stupidity to wish half of people knowing they are facing down a daemon that can make you wish death was kinder. He's human, which is again arguably a human thing to do and regardless of how dumb he gets at times...he's got the heart to literally pull something. Again, I'll try to explain something interesting I'm facing eventually.
The Prince of Excess is a vain creature, to the extreme if angered or joyfully happy. Extreme, to such a degree I'm fairly sure I'm underselling this interpretation and I hope people do point that out, regardless of story, it's an interesting thing to imagine. And I can only imagine, if only just what that means for those who are scorned by those unwilling to break whether death, or torturous nightmares are inflicted upon them. Which also would explain why a Nurgle daemon of all things, had popped in to really scout something another within the warp is making efforts to acquire.
I'm not keen on alignments yet Chaos is divided mainly, sort of. But they work against and with each other, so it's just another day. Slaanesh is the youngest but arguably the most twisted of the Gods given that humans didn't technically birth, or influence this monstrosity of said event which is a nod to the warped minds of Eldar and their unique ability to make things worse off. Then again everyone has their thoughts, so I'd rather not debate it because you might as well drink heavily to get into a good time before said conversation.
It does bring into question, why would the Masque say 'earn' the attention? It's not a Greater Daemon technically, I hope I'm wrong because I couldn't find anything solid to say it was, or wasn't. So I'm just throwing a shot in the dark to say it's on the borderline, or roughly equivalent and again I just took a gamble. I'm hoping hard core lore experts who know this shit, inside and out, just point it out because it'd do me so many favors. Regardless things are coming together, which also revealed quite a bit whether you readers enjoy, or hate said character...I just like a good story, so to me it's hit or miss, which I think we all agree for an attempt it's fun to watch and just chuckle whether you think I'm a cruel bastard.
Believe me, if I have plot holes and technicalities I'm hoping they're just common mistakes in hindsight. But I really have an itch for gritty horrors you simply just can't punch into pieces, Chaos has both probably of said things and to each his own in that regard. So forgive my injection of Lutheran Topics, as many could point out it's reminiscent of said events, if only through generalized notions. Yet to look back, if a gangster from a hive whose seen some really cold and twisted things, even I doubt a citizen of the Imperium would not think so closely to find the Faith of the Emperor, which leads into another adventure once this one concludes whether by his end, or otherwise said.
I'm pretty sure he's a damned heretic by traditionalists, I don't doubt that and I'm laughing quietly. So as I continue writing, I'm going to leave a poll up on my profile and you're all going to decide three for my consideration three possible fates, or rather 'endings' that could lead more, or not into things for my general amusement. I pray a lot of hard-core expectations start giggling, or chuckling to know what I mean. Chaos is bad, yes but Imperium is slightly less bad, in layman's terms if this entire chapter has proven to the idolization of hell is a wonderful place. Never ceases to astound myself when I ask table top players, least the ones I've encountered so don't take it the wrong way and let's continue.
(A.) Does he stick with the Inquisition, despite all the hell that is expected to come?
(B.) Go to Chaos, given all that's happened?
(C.) Does he navigate fate through the most damning choice, to find something remotely alien...Esdainn.
This is just consideration, it's not set in stone and I'm just curious how many of you are just as terrible? Personally, I just have fun writing and learning as I go, it never ceases to bring me clarity and wonder, if I could pull a real professional work off. Mainly speaking, ask yourselves whether this suffering of character is worth the reward for which we'll see inevitably. Either way, leave a review please.
