The Inquisitor

Chapter XXVI

The chapel's interior which had been long since vacant was filled unusually beyond more than anything I'd ever witnessed. Hundreds, or a near thousand sat praying murmuring in low, or high-gothic among wooden and stone benches all facing the Emperor's towering statue. An aquilla loomed overhead glinting in golden beauty, dedication and had been polished due to my efforts whenever I'd assisted masses for faithful to arrive whenever it'd been prudent. Marble white stone never once stained, or dirtied when the Sororita had delegated tasks for myself to uphold, I'd done them all without hesitation and not once asked for anything in return.

Data-slates, or rare parchment I'd worked diligently with them were copied, judged and eventually blessed to be used for those in prayer. Three months, it looks more beautiful than ever. Good to know I wasn't coming back to a fecking unsuitable place of the Emperor's worship. I inhaled slightly on a lho-stick absently looking over to see the Interrogator observing said interior rather impressed with an indifferent expression, "Your work, is this what you did by yourself? My, my, my...Marcos, you're quite adequate to giving our Faith light and here I thought you'd live among rabble who mingle among mutant blood."

I grinned slyly to convey psychically to be honestly humbled, if only avoiding prideful relief I hadn't been wasting free time. Oh you want a place like that? Go down to deck sixty nine! I revealed snorting as Willen's smirk mirrored a hidden joke since she'd probably had similar locations on her Inquisitor's vessel. If you want mutants, who eat your throat out, gangs and all other easy fun to get the lho-high worth for the Emperor. It's not that dangerous if you aren't an idiot who doesn't see shivs in pockets, least to what I've seen.

The taller girl pondered briefly, "Perhaps. Is it secure for private conversations?" I shrugged dismissively not putting much of thought into the obvious, "If you know where to look. Need to head down there and make sure idiots don't get ideas, I made sure last time if I show up...they better know who gives them, when and where to spill blood." Her eyes coyly narrowing in intrigue when I stood rooted in place searching for any of the Sisters who'd be leading mass presently. Like I said May, we'll talk and I have a feeling you and I...we'll find some common ground.

She gave off a pleasant gentle laugh that made my eyes look over exasperated, "Careful, little boy." It was a subtle warning of temptation given I shot back lowly, "You play bold...I play a bit dangerous, girl. Just not here, please." I dipped my voice minimally looking towards Skit who hovered past towards a familiar position to record, or observe based on orders Tartarus hadn't rescinded which an Interrogator subtly inclined her head. So you're aware of your master, a unique advantage to choose when and where they'll...watch.

I psychically spoke in favor to wave kindly towards Skit whose eye gleamed brightly while hovering in a distant corner getting an overview. Believe me, it's not hard to choose your corners and skim them to keep a shiv hidden in plain sight. Tartarus for all my fun, isn't stupid and you know how much fun it is to drive them into open sight to make it look easy. May raised an eyebrow peering towards Skit who kept himself in place without moving an inch. Smoke lazily exhaled through her nose calmly taking in the lho's strong effects casually.

Think about it, if everyone knew what I did? What fun is that for them to get the shiv to my neck? I looked around brightly seeking out who I'd been searching and it seemed mass was only gathering luckily enough. Tartarus couldn't pin me down, least what she thought was myself and as a result I get to smile in plain sight driving her into a corner. Every corner, two skims, every skim you get two more shivs and as such, she's too much fun. Eventually I walked around, I tell you because it doesn't tell you how, or you can find that corner yourself.

The Interrogator kept her voice psychically intrigued to find merit in such simplistic words. You're telling me because you'll move in place, if only just to keep me thinking I'd know. I grinned replying fairly sly to warn her playfully. Or maybe you're already in place? Since you're so sweet, I'll be kind and tell you...wait. I couldn't deny an adrenaline rush even with a lho-stick to have a smile curling ideally interested. I grinned when May winked finding kinship to know games within games were just satisfying by doing so little.

Clever little boy, I can imagine if you weren't as kind. Very frightening! She praised allowing a hand to dip closer to have my head look over hearing chimes starting to gently ring above. Oh you're too sweet, I kissed the Omnissiah's ass and now you think I'm playing Emperor? Her lips twitched concealing earnest desires of laughter to my growing grin, I really felt rather flattered convey said sweetness in lightly tracing a gloved hand teasingly to wonder why. Work on your timing, girl and I'd have to kill you...maybe.

The harmonious chimes grew gradually getting people into a chapel urgently, or speaking in hushed opening prayers of the Emperor's divinity. Yet none of the Sisters of Battle were out beginning preparations leaving me frowning slightly. It wasn't odd to not have them late, so it left a question whether who'd be performing said ritual of worship, I sincerely prayed it wasn't Anora, or one who'd found myself tempting to cleanse out of sheer necessity. Eyeing an open bench near marble pillars I glanced over motioning towards the Interrogator who followed wordlessly, if anything leisurely viewing patrons of faithful indifferently.

Oh throne, I get it. The angle left little to imagination yet it had an overview of the Emperor's statue and everything in beautiful admiration. It seemed someone among the Sororita weren't going to deny my efforts of assistance, so they'd been prepared and possibly willing to keep me within arms reach because I'd never lied to them. I worked to restore faith, to bring others and as a pilgrim seeking faith I'd been granted a right of passage. Hadrian Kern's words were far too honest, I liked that a lot and I also was wary to heed them openly.

Your old master's influence May, to seek no doubt? I inquired blandly to have May raise an eyebrow naturally amazed I'd picked that out easily. You know his ways, so easy? I shook my head negatively inhaling on a lho to puff out smoke viewing faithful patrons taking seats. One, or two seemed to shift ahead of us making my smile turn upwards. Now, I do! You just gave me answer, I guess that explains why so many are appearing...he's interested, a lot. And I can't say whether I should be flattered, or outright amused to think he believes I'm blind.

An Interrogator hardly seemed fazed taking in various individuals who shied away from her gaze knowingly cautious. Most would ignore such small signs, so what gave it away? I leaned back knowing it'd be a bit until someone truthfully would greet me, or it'd be a danger given Hadrian Kern's faith wouldn't be tolerated for doubtful intentions. Tartarus and him were dropping hints, if only to really force me into a corner. Turns out she isn't happy, but I guess probably he's been interested because of what happened on deck sixty nine, few months ago.

Nothing stood out due to careful events I'd been forced into rather conveniently from my teacher who'd been giving opportunity. I had ignored them mainly to see what else was around myself, she'd been impatient enough to recognize I wasn't one to move without caution and that played right into her hands too deviously pleased. She'd given me enough to wait and see, to gauge, to determine and I wasn't one to skim corners without knowing enough to find a shiv behind myself. So it was a game to her, a game I found funny and we were pressured to do what had to be done...if only I didn't trust her for throne's sake.

But her impatience had created a corner for herself unintentionally much to my sly grin. Every habit I orchestrated, every place I'd gone and whatever I said always had been a mask upon another mask. Layers of skim corners, levels of mischief and not once did it get her a shiv to seemingly pin me in place for I'd been careful. As a result she was placing trust in what little she'd known because I'd probably go right back to her as per that twisted bastard. Augustus Octavian, I had a funny feeling he'd been too amused to not see he'd given me a challenge to spill blood and I'd do myself with Tartarus a favor to get him a shiv in place.

Your encounter with that daemon who came through gellar fields? May mentioned psychically leaning back as I grinned in seeing an answer plainly. They'd all been watching with Tartarus apparently, I'd imagine she'd been irritated enough to seek out other avenues to pin me in a corner. But she knew I would see it, so it was an ultimatum unseen and I gave her credit because the corners were tightening save for one little detail. I had set the corners in place, she didn't and as a result I had no reason to not get a laugh to pull one over Augustus's seemingly kind mannerisms.

But I shrugged causing an Interrogator to notice obviously since it wasn't important enough. Yeah, I'll tell you more when we get down there to see for yourself. Trust me, I think you'll find it...interesting to know what happened, if you think you can handle a corner in place. What else I have to make things fun enough to get Augustus to think twice, I'd garnered he and Kern weren't too indifferent in having Tartarus put Nero into place. Yet they were all playfully pretending as if I wasn't aware to set a score into place telling them all off.

Yet that wouldn't be enough since they'd view it as defiance in all possibility. Guess, I'm going to have to work with you, Tartarus. You are too much fun, they just think they're funny because...trust is something I want because I can't get it. Tapping fingers against my thigh while viewing chimes descending as a figure emerged from the Sororita's inner-sanctum. It wasn't Anora, or Alicia but Katherine who smiled serenely invoking open prayer having everyone including us form an aquilla in response obediently.

"Praise the Emperor for he shields us from shadows, enemies who seek our demise and where our Faith shines do we not falter..." She began leaving me to smile less than amused knowing her gaze swept over everyone including myself. Thanks for saying you care, I tried my best. Least you never lost faith in me, but you're not the one suffering for truth. I invoked the prayer of protection and cleansing murmuring lowly, "Seek not a xeno, not a daemon and hold fast to the Emperor's light for he is our divine protector, guardian and never shall I go astray when darkness holds firm to make thoughts turn to treachery."

May quietly followed soon after as we lowered our heads basking in the sermons opening to be at peace for different reasons. She only remained silent respecting holy decree to confess our sins, doubts and what was spoken remained only in the Emperor's will. Thank you, Interrogator Willen. I psychically spoke respectfully making her smile briefly as a reply of equal understanding approved of said respect. My pleasure to see kindness to be given, Neophyte Eius. For the Emperor protects, as we believe without doubt.

We listened to Katherine's voice majestically lifting hands as flames arose behind in a show to illuminate the Emperor's features destroying darkness. Every week I'd set sacred oils, blessings and tributes to warm an entire chapel's interior far more than necessary. I'd gotten burned when one, or two embers ignited prematurely yet I kept at that routine without wavering to know it'd been a cost for adhering to faith alone. The Sororita only criticized my efforts, never dissuading mistake and as a result they'd been set perfectly after months of learning through blood spilled, they'd always smile approvingly to endure trials of unseen purity.

"Fear not the darkness, hate it and loathe the enemy who seek our rightful faith as we worship without fear of their tainted ways." Her gaze hardened to bellow without hesitation inspiring courage, zeal and not one hint of doubt to proclaim, "Hate them, I say! Despise them and never fear what lays within the heart for souls are pure, defiant and never unwavering to loathe the mutant, for the xeno and forces of darkness which invoke heresy. Death is mercy rightfully ordained, heresy is damnation and damnation is eternal suffering for those who embrace the darkness, for faith alone shall never go astray!"

The Interrogator conversationally pointed out rather impressed to see such faithful inspiration and zealotry surging hearts of worshiping patrons. They trust you immensely, don't they? You must have indeed endured trials, then and now, Marcos. I smiled bitterly wishing if that were even possible, or remotely hopeful which turned into cynical amusement. Leaning back to make another aquilla gesture lowering my gaze reverently couldn't deny truth alone.

No, they don't at all. She eyed myself curiously when I snorted lowly finding it all lip service and half promised lies of sanctuary. They tolerated what they'd known, but they knew I wasn't lying. Trust is something they'll never give, or can I garner without suffering for Faith in which I did so, not without cost and they understand to approve of my actions of holiness. Price of success is only a glimmer to remain only as thus, a price of consequence Katherine believes in me to know I won't be turned away to Chaos's ways.

Simply put Tartarus wasn't wrong to assume I'd seen warnings yet I simply didn't care to defy what many considered madness. As a result of unwavering faith alone, I'd been granted a miracle and sly fondness for those who'd never expected it. And my teacher had painted herself into a corner within my own creation. I only had to stand in place, to see a corner shifting and skimmed because she'd shifted into the box without having myself lift a finger. So for that effort alone, I had friends in a place where few dared to believe, so Katherine's speech was just them telling me they cared enough and were willing to speak on friendly terms of faith alone.

Give everything whether they say it, or not and ask for nothing in return. I mentioned fondly making an Interrogator look over staring intensively. The corner isn't just a corner, you make the wall and if you're backed against a wall...well, sometimes I guess corners just so happen to expose themselves, whether you like it, or not. Doing so much for so little, for nothing and sometimes the shiv just 'drops' into your hands, May...how's that for doing nothing for our Emperor's work? I theoretically questioned to look back grinning impishly to see her smile curling deviously fascinated to nod subtly, if she'd expected me to play dangerously, I wasn't going to kind enough to not lie.

"How frighteningly kind of you, little boy." She praised to which I shrugged innocently to point out a flaw in said walls. Sweet of you to think it's fool proof, but not really. You just think to see a corner, when you believe the wall is already in place, or doubt what skimmed corner is really the wall itself has already been in place. I cheekily giggled while inhaling on a lho-stick to have her merely hum thoughtfully finding such deliberate misconceptions almost a lie, for I wasn't going to be that kind and not tell her where it'd started though.

Katherine's voice rang out again causing us both to watch when patrons arose to kneel before a podium ingrained with skulls, gold and the aquilla. I stared to see her eyes drift to linger briefly upon my blinded folded form, "Seek penance, redemption and fear not of your sins to which you fight to remove from our purity of the Emperor's Imperium. Holiness lays not of mere words, but actions to send the darkness from within screaming in terror as the light seeks to ordain itself, for we worship our Holy Father as he who protects us from all who crave our souls of faith. Praise the Emperor, for he protects and we shall never falter as our destiny to rule above all!"

Again an Interrogator pointed out mildly with a flick of lho being ashed onto lazily upon a stone bench. I never reacted outwardly save one small gesture, I subtly smirked finally getting the corner in place. Blind faith, is that right? They believe so strongly in words of truth, no power holds sway as you'd understand Marcos. To struggle is what makes us rise, to uphold and never falter when struggle of mettle is met in trials to provide us...strength. I couldn't fault said logic considering I'd have believed it, if not for one little detail to make it just seem boring to understand.

"Then fight daemons and see how that'll work, May." I countered smugly to see her gaze coyly agree, "I intend too, for I cannot listen to mere words of hollowness." I looked over seeing an inner-sanctum entrance opening with a white veiled Sororita gently closing said object. Glancing over towards an ash pile I reached over past a stiffened girl to carefully place it into another palm. Small flickering embers stung yet I clenched them all tightly to feel pain, penance and suffering alone in silence to keep said holy chapel clean.

You might want to leave now, I think they're a little angry. I mentioned absently keeping those embers burning to inhale lightly as raised an eyebrow. Behind us shifting figures amounting to veiled Sisters who'd come from another entry point. May eyed them indifferently despite my growing smirk to know they'd been listening, or rather observing for signs of unholy purity. She'd broken said sanctum given but a single action of carelessness, I kept my fist clenched feeling fire and heat burning flesh to look over smiling impishly impressed.

One veiled sister clothed in blackened and gray had quietly requested, "The chapel is a holy place of cleansing and free of desecration...girl, please remove yourself and await for word for a holy son to grace your presence." I looked over exasperated when I recognized that voice all too easily. Awkwardness aside it wasn't going to be heart warming, I bit my cheek to appease tension or risk potential dangers not needed presently.

Warily exhausted to psychically convey what I'd been warning her to avoid doing entirely. May, why did you have to get out of all people, Anora pissed off? The black veiled sister stood looming behind a shoulder as I viewed her cautiously to see holy knives, blessed and clipped underneath clothing. They were too close, too close and I wasn't going to pretend it'd end in peaceful hope. Now she's going to kill me if only in thought, go outside, please! We'll talk more in private on deck sixty nine, Emperor help me since I told you they're watching us in corners, I only gave you Tartarus included so you'd get it...throne!

The Interrogator hardly seemed concerned glancing back as if debating whether to obey out of respect for myself, or amusement to anger her former master's influence. Please, Interrogator Willen. This is my business and my fight to finish as I said, I expect you to give me that same respect, if I encounter your fights to do as you'd ask. She glanced backward when I stared ahead while dropping a lho-stick to have it put out by my hand, I smashed the ember and flesh burned to give off a sense of enforced patience to know...she'd been marked.

"Words are hollowed lies, I suppose." May Willen mentioned absently flicking more ash between us as she got up underneath armored escort. Holiness is not of words, but of actions. Don't risk my neck again, or you'll find out why I'm saving your ass, May. I used my only free hand to cup ash and embers straining to keep them burning. I kept my head lowered hearing the words of prayer and worship inhaling consistently to keep pain for senses sharpened, I should have waited but this had to be done to determine my efforts.

Those who were clad in veils of black, or gray moved an Interrogator out of sight to close doors when one shut them gently. They were sealed until mass would be concluded, or rather what happened next determined whether I should lose my faith entirely, or keep it burning for something which never dared to be imagined. But they'd been placated by another who'd intentionally defiled a place of holy protection, sanctuary and it'd been enough to warrant tolerance. I found my relieved because it'd saved my neck from being slit, or tempted entirely. Least that corner was made by your own doing May, saved you from your old master's desires, don't forget it as a friend looks out for another in that same spot.

Breathing calmly I bowed my head when Katherine's voice rang out bestowing blessed forgiveness upon those harboring sin, "Pray and repent. Fear not your hearts darkest thoughts, for your sins are sins of heart and soul. The Emperor forgives those who repent and strive to unshackle themselves, though he shall not forget and penance of soul is damning to those who seek the faith of our beloved courage to endure. Seek to guard, to defend and whether darkness surround us, we shall endure in silent faith of mind!" In response when her voice died down with others doing what they'd been told, I made an aquilla struggling to keep ash and ember consolidated yet it came partially hindered to still praise the Emperor's faithful.

Five veiled sisters in gray, or blackened stood within several arms length except Anora. She hadn't moved an inch in favor of staring battling temptations due to an exposed neck. I didn't bother psychically reaching outward to instead speak quietly, "You going to do the Emperor's work? Nice way to say thank you, if I'd guess." I kept my voice level avoiding bitterness, or gleeful provocation to simply do what they'd taught me after months of studies. I wasn't seeking conflict, hatred or forgiveness save for clarity.

For the first time I heard Anora reply without lying to anyone, "Do not speak of the Emperor as if you were a faithful son...mutant." I winced momentarily if only to leer looking over a shoulder daringly to harshly remark truthfully, "How scathing to hear you speak of sin, sister." The warp revealed an ever churning red building upwards as loathing, hate and anger met my eyes giving everything what had be said entirely. She'd kill me without hesitation all because it'd been expected, I'd fight back only just because I was damned, I chose it and yet neither of us weren't holy enough to enact said conclusion due to will.

Feck you, Anora! I psychically whispered coldly in favor to stare over faithful masses who'd never understand what price others paid. Thanks for telling me something! If next time when a daemon shows up? Grox shit, I'll let it take your fecking eyes out and Emperor help you, to see if you enjoy it. Throne to hear from her personally didn't hurt in all honestly, it just made me believe I should have known success had it's own consequences. But I took that hit knowingly, I'd seen it coming and as a result I praised the Emperor for granting me pure strength of will to endure.

"A witch who lies and uses sorcery?" She whispered chillingly to make my neck stiffen angrily as I looked back partially, "Does not have right to live...Marcos." Fists clenched out of sight making my eyes narrow unseen to snark impishly, "Least this witch doesn't slit a throat when I'm knocked out on a bed after saving your life. Cowardice, or hypocrisy...take your pick, or go back against that wall you put yourself on."

Her arms angled when I followed hands subtly dipping, they came to rest on a hilt beneath robes all too obviously. If it came to do putting her into a coma, I'd be do it and the Emperor alone knew I'd kill what little faith I had left inside. Kindly enough I commented grinning to see an aura surge of reddish murderous intentions, "Oh please, try it. You couldn't even get close to a daemon, when it'd tore me apart long before you got around to show up. So how's that going to help you in failing to absolve your sins?"

The gray veil sisters observed from their sinned sister's flanks eyeing us keenly awaiting a sign of intervention. I hope you find your faith, Anora. I psychically said cruelly pleased to know what I'd feared to come to know as truth revealed itself. Because you just killed mine, so keep your mouth shut or I'll show what's underneath this fecking blind fold. I turned around staring hatefully refusing to show any signs of weakness, doubt or even natural urges to have liquid form. It wouldn't matter to someone who'd vowed to kill said unholy creature, I looked like a mutant and I couldn't even fault her for many would do honestly.

"Throne." I whispered hearing chimes as various worshiping patrons came forward kneeling and to be blessed by holy oils. No amount of effort could be done for success, I knew all too well and as a result I knew who had shivs in plain sight. Well maybe that's what needed to be heard, I guess that clears that up thankfully. Everything never seemed what anyone wanted it to be, still I made an aquilla towards the Emperor's statue looming high above gracing all to see the divinity, when Katherine's calls for unified worship became apparent.

A white veiled sister moved along sides looking past rows seeing bowed heads, or murmuring prayers of those seeking strength. I followed said gaze equally bitter and relieved knowing they'd not been exposed to Chaos's lies, an irony I'd wish I enjoyed. Behind I heard a faint click of metal escaping as I rolled both eyes psychically linking to gray veiled Sororita. You both know Anora's going to try to slit my throat in three, two, one and...

Muffled grunts of gruelingly hatred rasps spewed not even a few inches from a neck. I didn't even need to visibility see a dagger's tip straining, curling and trying in vain to pierce my skull as psychic might channeled had only overrode her will. Your welcome, Anora. I stated coldly refusing to see someone I'd believed to be trusted get hauled away. They disappeared behind pillars masking a doorway within stone wall and left me in silence.

Emperor bless you two, so thank you. Only two gray veiled sisters remained standing calmly observing, at ease and I nodded kindly to them for their faith to remain true. Among two a singular inclined nod gave me peace to rest at last. They were kind enough to allow me peace, I'd down enough to earn a chance and I kept my word to keep a place of holiness unstained. Faithful decree, or not I smiled happily to look up seeing someone in a white veil.

An aura of whitish met my straining eyes when I inclined a nod respectfully and faithfully obedient, "Forgive me, sister...for I have sinned and seek to confess." She gracefully sat down replying warmly amused, "And what does a holy son have need to confess? Whereas sin is only penance not of his own will?" I gnashed both teeth refusing to stare in favor of hearing sermons of litanies being praised, I couldn't stare at someone who'd had every right to kill me, to damn me and throughout it all hate me entirely.

Don't pity me, or give me sympathy...Alicia. I psychically stated as a veil lifted to see loosened hair framing a bemused expression. She seemed ideally pleased to give me exasperation when I scowled muttering, "Stop it! It's awkward enough...Emperor, help me." I resisted to stare ahead not evening humoring her attempt to have me guilty of myself, I saw it worse and last thing I decided it'd be to know it felt strange entirely.

"You're evil for saying those things to me, Alicia." I grumbled openly to have her hum knowingly to say simply my name, "Marcos." I huffed irritably to grudgingly glare through clothe to her smile grow marginally amused to say fairly impressed, "Must you pretend again? Stupid boy, do you not have faith in those who harbor your hopes?" She questioned amusingly to have me groan loudly to again grudgingly retort, "I'm regretting it."

Her serene chortling indicated I'd been missed enough to tease, or perhaps more likely adored to dissuade doubt. Three months, what a nap! I shot back psychically to have an agreed response, "And yet you come to one place, you knew needed to be assured. Holy Father I must confess, you're a child indeed." It'd been expected since I found myself surrounded by monsters who gave me a laugh, I needed some privacy to reflect on whether it'd do me good to have faith. Turned out, I was wrong and smiled impishly.

"Better to find out now, or risk a shiv on my neck." I joked shrugging to have Alicia's eyes narrow knowingly to speak my name once, "Marcos!" Despite a spine stiffening I couldn't stop smiling, especially when she looked down giving a simple questioning look as I grudgingly showed palms of burnt flesh. Gently taking a hand closest to lightly trace burnt out blackened embers, gray ash and discolored flesh of reddish white to only shake her head, "Foolish. You wouldn't have brought that girl into our sanctum unless you weren't aware...right?"

I looked away grinning widely unable to lie to someone I liked honestly, "Maybe?" Alicia stared for a moment before lightly slapping my face all too quickly as I lurched aside, "Ow...bad habits?" I defended laughing nervously trying to rub away stinging sensations, "I tried warning her, I couldn't resist because it was funny to see you scare her off. Plus it gave me something to laugh at, so..." A hand raised meaningfully making my smile widen partially, "...Emperor help me, but that's a mean right hook you got!"

Grinning all too happily fully proved to save my skin from being considered irredeemably damned, "Yes, a three month long overdue consequence I've been tempted to avoid, but your kindness assures you're still yourself." Alicia knowingly pieced together to make my grin lift further exposing teeth since she'd seen the corner I put myself into intentionally. Yeah, I praise our Emperor for you knowing it's me...but admit it, I think you were waiting to slap me long before today Alicia. Throne...that hurt, honestly.

She raised an eyebrow bemusing to admit a small detail I got wrong, "Marcos, I'm right handed." I looked down said limb innocently grasping my palm. Fearfully I smiled not willing to tempt fate to meekly guess, "Bad habits?" I didn't try resisting when I'd invoke pain of a welcomed sort to see her inspect both burnt palms. She only shook her head mentioning in a fond exasperation, "Such a child, Marcos. But you knew why, so what troubles you now?"

I looked upwards not willing to say it aloud yet if I had to do what needed to be done? I scoffed lowly whispering, "Oh Emperor, feck it!" And another slap send me reeling hissing to see a less than pleased expression forming, "Language." The white veiled sister warned knowingly despite resisting a smirk to know I'd been enjoying our fun, "Throne...Alicia! You're mean, I should tell Tartarus!" I jested to have her hum unconcerned since it was understood, I wasn't different save for being more truthful to someone I'd trusted earnestly.

Yet effort rewarded me with three words as small white strips firmly were wrapped diligently, "You little...heathen." I smiled widely cheekily to shrug all too innocently, "Heretical!" Two soft snorts behind indicated others who'd caught on to my fun, I witnessed Alicia look over sternly if only to save face of a smile growing. I know this isn't going to last, I might as well enjoy what little fun I can get out of you Alicia...it's only kind, if I say it!

The woman gave me a piercing stare which I strained to weather against earnestly. I held for less than a moment to grudgingly groan, "I'm not lying." She didn't answer until I prayed internally to the Emperor for what I'd regret doing next. Only way to find out, if it goes bad? Feck it, it's nothing new. Alicia hadn't stopping staring in gauging my doubts, at least until I smiled sheepishly to warn her kindly since she'd put me into a corner, "Fine for Emperor's sake! I'll prove it since you're asking if I'm lying, so let's find out...I'm not."

Shifting abruptly I turned away finally seeking an opportunity to fall backward making the sister freeze briefly as I looked upwards grinning. What? I questioned psychically seeing her hands involuntarily when I kicked up feet to cross them comfortably. A holy son can't rest against someone who he knows isn't going to doubt him, Alicia? Curiously wondering to see an expression formulating disbelief as I leaned backwards comfortably on white clothe, confusion since I wasn't lying or outright exasperation of resignation.

I stared cheekily as if daring her to say something which I found hands settling after several moments of deliberation. Three months is long enough, I'm not lying to you. Alicia's gaze narrowed briefly before I shrugged not moving from a place I'd been hoping, or at least not willingly wanted to prove a point of conviction. Nothing I say is going to convince you, Alicia. So, I'll just nap right here until mass is over and go do what I need to get done!

She gave another knowing stare trying to peer through a smile which kept growing earnestly. Please? A hand gently settled over my forehead when I shifted closer eyes closed, I trusted her enough to show what I, hoped to catch a glimpse one day. It took several moments until a scoff of disbelief made her whisper unbelieving, "You clever boy. Of all things you could ask, or know...why do you choose to act like a child?"

I inhaled slightly turning over to feel warmth as fingers eased themselves up and down my neck all too bemused. Unseeingly enough I found myself enjoying something that certainly was new, I couldn't stop smirking to turn back up seeing a sister's expectant look. Because I never was a child, Alicia. Might as well enjoy what little time I get to think about it, so why do you think I'm lying? I never asked for anything, so...I'll put faith into what it provides honestly.

She began gently soothing sensations brushing aside hair consistently as tremors treacherously betrayed an internal shock. The woman regardless hadn't stopping shaking her head in finally catching onto what I intentionally left open to see, "Marcos." I perked up to see a smile warmly realize it'd been a joke to seek what I wanted to view, "You mean to say to me what you are doing...is you telling truth about you?"

Leaning comfortably on her lap spoke volumes when I leered approvingly, "Yup, Emperor be praised!" I raised both hands bandaged and turned over pressing into white robes praying silently for something to hopefully be possible. I knew Alicia was only startled because I wouldn't have been lying, so I considered best to skim this corner to know it'd never happen again, "Faith alone is but words, if only just hollowed promises and unlike most I guess power and truth do make it something. I really don't get it yet but if anyone knows...it'd be you, right?"

The Sororita hadn't ceased in gentle touches to prop a hand staring downward seeking to find a puzzle in which I hadn't created, "Can faith give something when there's nothing?" I questioned simply nuzzling against someone who'd hopefully give me answer I'd harbored long before arriving on this vessel, "I...I don't know how to explain, honestly. It's strange seeing faith, I don't know if the Emperor is listening or maybe I'm just an idiot in trying to make something when it'd never existed." I explained softly allowing a rare honesty I never showed, I'd done it once and as a result I never had faith to believe again.

For three months I wondered, I questioned and I'm here now...just as lost. I psychically lamented exhausted to find out whether giving everything could amount to simply something gained. Can you tell me, Alicia? If I'm wrong, or right? I had to know before going into a world where I knew if being a monster got me results, I'd get results and ironically I'd enjoy every moment to really get a shiv into those who'd earned it entirely.

Her hand kept gently ruffling hair despite being careful around a blind fold which concealed nightmares no one imagined. I never paid attention to the Faith of our Emperor...I couldn't, or I'd get my throat slit open on a hab block corner if I couldn't see what's in front of me. I psychically explained bitterly knowing it'd been either death, or a slower death which I could skim corners to keep my skin intact for another night. But now I just wanted to know, I had to ask you if what I did for putting my neck on out on a line, do you think it's possible it can give me something...something for someone who comes from nothing.

The sister remained quiet in favor of hearing Katherine's preaching as dozens arose to kneel to offer blessed tributes. I watched anxiously to see a face ponder attentively since it'd been unexpected entirely given what I'd done effortlessly, "Something for someone who comes from nothing?" She pondered openly musing to know it was fairly surprising as I admitted, "I believe in the Emperor, I just want to know if you think it's possible...I wanted to ask people who I trusted, who I know won't lie to me and I get the sooner I find out, I'll leave to get what needs to be done...well, done!"

Her arms dropped to encircle around my prone form as a stray hand stroked a cheek almost motherly in one aspect. I didn't shy away to lean into it frowning seriously, "Marcos." She said simply to warmly grip my face amusingly, "You ask but what a pilgrim seeks on a journey, if I you must seek that answer which in itself is the true mettle of our Faith itself. You are a holy son, a wandering pilgrim who seeks not doubt but of conviction...of purpose, will and you don't ask save for what you have to journey to find that truth."

I tried to retort yet she shushed me firmly, "Hush, child." I grumbled naturally trying to see a sly expression emerge far too easily, "You are the ever silent, worthy and unwavering diligent son of faith, boy. It is not a journey in name, but a sacred rite of passage of which holiness defines your actions as words give them power, I cannot understand why you ask something so meaningful? When you are already have purpose, if not I wouldn't say what is earnest for you to hear."

I struggled to avoid flinching when she lowered herself to gently kiss a brow to laugh warmly, "This is your reward for asking for nothing, Marcos. This holiest of sanctums is a place of rest, peace and I'm telling you...to rest after months of lingering in darkness seeking answers. Your efforts to make it beautiful, cherished and as such...you have earned that rite of scared passage, I trust you and I know you'll never speak of this to anyone else, right?" I nodded clenching fists which trembled openly as I snarled resisting another sensation which treacherously kept growing, I pressed closer and refused feeling uneasiness.

"Rest within holiness of which is earned through faith, it is not given frivolously." I whispered grinning weakly to have her chortle quietly, "Can I polish that aquilla when I get a chance? It's dirty, again!" An answer for an answer met my ears kindly enough, "You may, if you must so. But know well enough, I know your pilgrimage begins once you leave those doors...your sanctum will always welcome you, Marcos and as such as you think?" I perked up intentionally to hear her whisper rather tiredly into an ear far too deviously.

"Your only sin I have heard of your confession...is being you, boy." I laughed nervously noticing an arm raising just enough to understand I had a long way to go, "Thank you, sister Alicia." I respectfully replied to have her hum approvingly, "Blessed by the Holy Father, I pray to see the miracle of hope in you yet. Don't disappoint those who guide you, Marcos."

She went quiet allowing a small taste of what I'd never asked for them to give entirely. I leaned backward closing both eyes basking in warmth, I stopped clenched fists gradually and allowed myself to rest in a place I earned to try too. Whether I'd admit it, or not but I knew there wasn't going back to what I pretended existed. So I only had once choice blessed by the Emperor, to be a monster and laugh at anything which thought I'd break. And as I drifted away I heard calls of faith renewed, I only felt a single warm liquid droplet trailing due to a sensation I found surreal, it dripped past a smile I'd never imagined I could do.


The doors opened when mass of the Emperor's faith ended as I walked out lighting the lho-stick inhaling deeply. May Willen had been true to her word of waiting leisurely outside off to my right side as I inclined her to follow. My business is finished, let's talk Interrogator Willen. I stuffed bandaged white strips for hands into pockets lazily as a psychic connection reestablished itself willingly. I kept my own psyche steeled so nothing leaked, or seemingly gave itself away to see the taller girl indifferently follow without care.

You survived zealotry of Adepta Sororita, I'm surprised. She commented rather curiously as I shrugged replying with a grin. Went as expected for better or worse, so got nothing else to say. So, deck sixty nine? I hedged conversationally to which she agreed rather intrigued, "Lead the way, Neophyte. Kern's influence is quite mundane to be reminded for my tastes, if you'd please!" Her expression gave me enough to agree out of sheer inability to not sympathize, if only just to hide another corner to work around inevitably.

My blessed servo-skull's hovering form appeared descending to follow behind as I smoked a lho-stick leisurely glancing back to remark, "Enjoy the view, Skit?" As May raised an eyebrow casually to speak amusingly, "You must enjoy yourself too much, little boy. I can see why you're...gifted among other such habits." I took that compliment in stride to knowingly smirk since it'd been sweet, I certainly found kinship save for avoiding exposure.

"And you're too bold, girl." I shot back heading towards an open lift gesturing kindly for her to go first as it kept our appearances in check, "Shiv on hand, shiv behind and shiv in front. What's not fun about that really?" I stated snickering to earn a snort of disbelief, if only in name truthfully. Who do you think is best to lose in this game, May? Opinion?

The Interrogator leaned against an interior wall when I punched in a panel towards the place where plans came together. Salvus probably, or maybe Kern in likelihood, Marcos. Both are always constantly at each other's throats, I've seen it firsthand and your teacher...doesn't care mainly. I nodded merely coming to that same possibility save for a detail she overlooked unintentionally. No, your Inquisitor has nothing to lose at all. He doesn't have really anything at stake...probably.

She looked over modestly impressed to wry grin as I inclined my head all kindly. Perhaps. I haven't been with him too long, so it's fun to guess. Again I nodded unbothered to know it'd certainly been fun enough to get back at someone, but again she missed another small detail misplaced. Kern wants you dead, no doubt from what the Sisters implied. Yet he's using you indirectly, Salvus is just cooperating because you're not worth much...apparently, if only to serve another game within to have them grudgingly go through with it.

May smiled serenely finding truth whereas I hadn't given much to offer why. Yet I shrugged since it wasn't too hard to imagine, or just fit a corner within corners. Take a guess, please. The elder Interrogator connected my rue expression to raise both eyebrows dangerously aware of who I'd mentioned indirectly. You're serious, if you know. Whose got the shiv, whose got a corner and whose just smiling while next to a wall?

Doors slammed shut for gears to begin grinding downward as momentum shifted us respectively on opposite sides. Augustus Octavian, a very dangerous and shrewd foe. May commented indifferently signaling my grin to widen ever so kindly. Yup, he's top blood and I think since he pissed me off, I'm going to make him get a laugh...or, two. Fecker knows since Tartarus puts up with him due to a little mole on board her ship.

Inhaling deeply on my lho which offered blissful urges to relax all too easily was too tempting. Considering what you're telling me, May? Salvus, Kern and Octavian are putting a corner up on Tartarus, whose finally fed up with his games. Sure, she could get rid of the problem but it'd be dangerous because as friends...they'll doubt motive, so she's putting me up to do something yet again to aggravate someone else intentionally. I mused openly making an elder girl gradually come to terms to not see an issue in said theory which wasn't wrong.

Yet it's not simple, is it? She humored coaxing myself to go since it'd been solid as a grox getting skinned alive possibly. Feck no, Augustus knows I will do something because Tartarus is laughing to herself. Hence why Kern whose interested in me, for whatever reason is going with Salvus to get you killed by me, or perhaps by Augustus's mole who will know who I am. I've met him, if you think I'm wrong tell me something about that fecking bastard. I dourly mentioned to see her eyes narrow going over what I'd already seen months ago.

She took a moment to reflect on an Inquisitor who I'd ram a shiv into his gut for thinking pissing me off was funny. Hadrian loathes his ways, a bit eccentric and fairly childish yet he wouldn't dare lift a finger at him. Nero doesn't like him, if only because he...taunts our dogma of struggle, I've been annoyed whenever he tries to imply we're dogs of war. I rolled my eyes not caring because it wasn't what I wanted to hear obviously, "May...what does Augustus have on that smug face you, or anyone would rip out?"

Her savage grin almost got me to laugh happily, "His tongue?" I inclined to agree if only because it was something I'd tear out personally, "Perhaps, but I'll give you a hint." I tapped my blind fold to have her blink until chortling, "Oh his eyes? They're exotic, but that's a Cadian for...oh, Emperor." She realized as I raised a lho cheerfully giving her credit, if anything I'd have been worried if she hadn't caught on soon enough.

I've only met one person with eyes that glow specifically...Cadian, most likely whose on Tartarus's ship acting as a 'boss' for gangs. I drew out humorously because he'd been leading a little too well, if I recalled that incident on that deck months ago. Let me show you a memory, I think you'll get how conveniently calm he'd been during...a daemonic infestation? I hedged coyly to allow a tendril of psychic connection filtering memories, details and sensations to have an Interrogator hum fairly impressed to see it.

When I got into that bar, or festering glory of sex and mutants? I revealed pointing with a lho stick quite frankly suspicious to know gangs weren't that coordinated, or least commanded them without massive rewards in place. Fecker was drinking, a lot and only acted like he'd been worried. He was scared of me...I saw into his head, a few interesting things I'd rather not relive. And Augustus's face was one of them smiling innocently.

She raised an eyebrow again unsurprisingly since it was probably well known and that didn't concern me at all. Yes, I'm aware of Octavian's eyes and ears even on Kern's, or Salvus's vessels. But they're expendable, we know of them and they in turn keep themselves valuable to us. I hummed positively not too surprised but unlike their intended purpose, I had a hunch that smug grox shit wanted more priority on Tartarus for personal...tastes.

Well unlike them, I don't think Augustus wants to take their pants off. I hedged slyly as she laughed loudly to my snickering of agreement. So I assume he's really interested, one way or another...Emperor help us. Tartarus probably get him away, or I'd pray shoot him yet again it still proves a point. Salvus, or Kern would move at his word, or would you not agree in that same assumption regardless of pants aside?

May's soft chortling couldn't fault said amusement as I again raised a lho-stick accordingly. Indeed, Marcos. But even if you manage to eliminate Augustus's agent here, how does that help me? I looked at her strangely to blurt out, "Eliminate? The feck you smoking?" I looked between our sticks briefly to shake my head since I wasn't going insane, "Fecker has more value singing grox shit, if anything because he wants out of games being above his head. Cadian agent, or not isn't happy...he fecking hates being stuck around mutants."

I looked upwards exasperated praying internally to take a moment to make it clearer for anyone to imagine. But as much as he hates it here, I get it. He and I can't get out, if anything he's fecked worse than anyone I'd imagine for playing. Augustus probably knows, what I'd know and to be fair...I'm betting on the Emperor's grace he wants you, or Salvus to eliminate his mole because it'll give him favor to have Tartarus wary, if they'd make a move on her vessel. Not to mention you pissing off Anora, or those who are listening for Kern...just made you utterly expendable.

She raised an eyebrow impassively making my expression wince as I resisted an urge to scream out of sheer aggravation. Kern wants you dead, Salvus humors said act and since both listen to Augustus, they'll kill you, his intentional agent out of seemingly 'convenient' excuses, so...do you know Kern gets an excuse to kill you, for Salvus as a favor and I bet who is forced to obey Augustus and Tartarus just laughs because they'll fall for it. I stared lamely to keep going to make a point, if only a point to have her listen fairly carefully. The Interrogator wasn't dumb, or rather she refused to look beyond what was intentionally laid out.

And she has to go that Cadian, who'll pull the pants off because he'll keep them in line...for her. At her own expense for him while getting off grox shit free to keep them at each other's throats because of...you pissing Kern off, again. I exhaled exhaustively trying to avoid obvious problems which were meant to be obvious, I took a long drag of lho and eased myself to slow down to see May's expression turning stoically chilled. I wasn't that far off apparently, or rather I'd bet she expected me to just pretend I wasn't aware.

Salvus knows you're expendable, I know you see it too. I again took a drag of lho to see too many corners in place, if anything meant to make a wall seemingly out of shivs. You almost killed Kern, if what they say is true so there's a motive and corner you're boxed into May. It's obvious, it's too obvious and if I'm seeing all that already...they know you're asking me. Her eyes widened marginally at first until I leaned back calmly speaking, "Do you see what they're trying to do? They want me and you to kill each other...probably despite our friendly personalities."

I nursed an ever growing migraine which the lho assisted to make bearable because I took another breath to explain warily. My tone dipped enough to cease playfulness, "They know most likely since you are aware of your own expendable position. They expect me to help you, in which you try to kill me or pretend too...since I have nothing to lose." A hand rose igniting fire casually as psychic will built up in demonstration, "It's not about me. It's all about you because Salvus doesn't care, or so I imagine for loose ends who have outlived their useful...value? Or do you think that I'm lying because we're having this conversation?"

The Interrogator shifted to smile rather cruelly once I tapped my temple knowingly as it'd been intentional altogether. They know you'd think so, they believe so and they know...I know you'll try to kill me because I'm new to the scene. I raised both hands innocently to make another point to which she'd given away earlier, "And that's why you'll try to kill me. I'm a threat to you, if not presently but eventually...May, I'm just being a friend to point out to you...if I know all of this so far, you're being set up for a shiv to the back."

Waiting patiently I inclined my head allowing herself to take a gamble on whether if we'd play a game by set corners, or make our own. You're certain? She only asked me psychically as I shrugged, "Not hard to see, if you think otherwise. They expect me to pretend to work with you, kill you or you try to betray me...for whatever, reason? All of them think because they just assume to believe, I'm stupid enough to fall for an idiot's trap." I laughed harshly making sure to imagine Augustus's face getting stabbed repeatedly by a shiv for good sport at this point.

"Fortunately Tartarus despite all her aggravation, Interrogator Willen?" I offered pleasantly to have her relax openly finding it curiously enlightening, "She knows I'm going to surprise them. Everything she knew about me was just...what I wanted her to believe, if you'd believe it!" I laughed all too happily to wipe a tear forming underneath my blind fold unable to resist temptations, "I'll give you a hint. What do you know without a doubt, so far about me and how much it just screams being an idiot who openly does what he does?"

There wasn't any hesitation to have her musingly state at first an obvious intentional fact, "Everything." I snapped my fingers whispering almost to cackle rather deviously, "Emperor be praised." I looked over towards Skit who hadn't been recording actively which spoke volumes about his trust I had, or he had in myself flatteringly. They know everything about me, right? How can they force me to kill you, or rather force you to kill me...since they think so? You're being set up, why? Because you will think as you'd do, as they'd know to when we start planning...you'll be expected to betray me since we're talking like this right now.

I whistled innocently when her eyes widened as I gave a look of grim bemusement, "You're already thinking it and I don't even need to hear your thoughts. You lost." I took another drag of lho to make an elder girl speak softly impressed, "Yes, I was planning...which you noticed already?" I shrugged in response to honestly state without doubt, "They're not stupid, Interrogator Willen. Tartarus already knows I'll be saying what I'm saying...since she expects you to see opportunity, I just don't give a feck because you're being set up on every corner."

My migraine came back strongly to ward off feeling as if being an idiot was too easy to play. Success had it's own problems as I imagined to put it clearly, "Salvus, Kern, Augustus and Tartarus are laughing because one way, or another...they'll expect me to convince you like right now, to work together and we do our little planning to have you back stab me, or possibly me to you since you're thinking I'll do said action. It's not hard, if anything to see them getting laughs at my expense." I dourly admitted to see her eyes widening to such an extent, I thought I saw horrific understanding when I just leaning back onto an interior wall.

You're mad to think of such things, Marcos! She believed undeniably in awe to which I flatly found far too expectantly, "Yeah...that's what they want you to think. Hiding in plain sight, I just think it's fun when everyone thinks your mad and that's why, I can see how they'd believe it." Although I frowned suddenly when I hummed perhaps it'd been mad entirely. Smoking deeply I closed both eyes seeing another possibility which I'd have to think upon later, or rather everything between us presently meant it'd been expected.

"Wait! Feck off!" I suddenly blurted out to look over towards May who looked surprisingly hopeful which made my blood chill. How long have you been an Interrogator, May? She looked away indifferently trying to avoid my gaze, "Oh...Emperor, are you fecking with me?" I stared undeniably shocked to see her puff out lho smoke avoiding said question. I didn't consider the most obvious detail until I just caught myself entirely.

They wanted me to explain everything so much to May Willen, I'd outsmart them and she'd agree because it'd get her angry, even if I did what I wanted all because... I trailed off mid thought to ask quietly, "What did Kern and Salvus do to you?" The taller girl harshly laughed realizing I'd caught on a small problem which changed everything because Augustus knew easily I wasn't an idiot, "Clever little shit. You know all too well, don't you Marcos?"

I winced physically to realize I'd almost fallen into Augustus and Tartarus trap of irony. I huffed out smoke to see an angered Interrogator who'd been set up to fail at everything which almost seemed too conveniently. Oh Emperor, I get it. They're setting up someone to fail, if only to fail and I'm going to help them because they'll fail...for being desperate to be set intentionally. I absently commented rather impressed to cause a girl to scowl, "Augustus is a sick feck, I can see why everyone just thinks he's dangerous...he's hiding in plain fecking sight too!"

The Interrogator spat disgusted making my gaze narrow since it'd all sense now, "Stop staring, kid." I lifted a lho-stick less than afraid, "You'll kill me because you're just expendable...fodder for someone to take their place?" I pieced together humming rather easily to at least humor why someone like May would keep a shiv at all times, "Least that explains why I'm explaining when you haven't said anything because they'd known...I'd get you killed. Right?"

A girl who sneered hatefully greeted my knowing assumption as I whistled dramatically since that changed everything ironically. Well I guess that's strange...so, this is fascinating! I psychically mentioned rather surreal to lean in place glancing upwards, "I can only see one way out of this for us both." I walked towards a panel to stop the lift immediately sending us both swaying place. I punched another deck where I'd have to do an unexpected visit, if not outright grueling disgust because nothing wouldn't relieve myself to believe otherwise.

Throne! Why did I have to believe it'd be too kind of them? I sardonically screamed internally since it'd too easy to just imagine I would work with someone who'd been I knew it wouldn't that easy to fecking think...I hate you Tartarus, I hate this fecking shit! I ranted for several moments since everything made too much sense, if anything else I'd have laughed because it was a game to them. If they really thought I was going to play, I'd make the rules to get them impressed and if my teacher wanted me to listen to her...I'd have to do it.

"Where are you taking us now, Marcos?" The Interrogator lamented coldly as I laughed harshly in response to smile far too happily to pretend I wasn't amused, "Getting us both out of a fecking grox slaughter." Psychic will fueled to make an entire lift tremble openly, I glared spitefully to have an elder girl suck in a breath of shock. Apparently I'd been hiding a little too much, or so I wasn't going to imagine being kind enough to play nice.

How long have you been an Interrogator, May? Please tell me! I psychically whispered having a hard time controlling every rational urge to not fling fire itself. The girl folded both arms to sourly reveal a bit hesitantly. About three months, why? I bit my tongue tightly to slam a fist into metallic with the warp broiling over to shake an entire life violently. Turning slowly to hiss out what I thought was a joke and I strained to smile tightly.

"Did you say...three months?" I repeated even though it'd been redundant to make her warily reply, "Yes, just about three months Marcos, why?" I inhaled deeply to feel a lho-stick partially making my mood calmer to exhale slowly. I slammed my forehead against the lift's metallic door seething internally in finally answering with a muffled groan, "No reason...no reason at all, I think you and I have a big problem."

My headache kept growing larger and larger by every throne forsaken moment when everything snapped into place. Interrogator Willen, may I ask what you're good at doing? I psychically kept my voice respectful against all odds as she stared suspiciously, "Why ask me that now?" I rolled both eyes again to not even humor what she'd failed to even understand, "Because you might get your wish in getting the feck away from Kern, or Salvus...if you don't pretend, or lie to someone whose probably going to be laughing at me soon enough."

Biting both sets of teeth I looked over seeing Skit still hovering in place and that made my anger spike immediately. I pleasantly called out, "Oh Skit..." I merrily trailed off as his form hadn't moved an inch instead focusing on gaining an overview, "...please turn off your eye, now!" I shook my head all too rigidly when his monotonous voice activated, "Apologies Neophyte Eius. This unit cannot accept present authorization, but order can be rescinded with an approval of Inquisitional override as per parameters."

Among all signs I'd been witnessing I had to bite my tongue earnestly, or risk endangering myself and May's skins. It all made sense because I'd seen it, they'd known it and yet an obvious oversight signified something far more at work. I needed Tartarus's help, she needed me to listen and someone among her friends understood if we couldn't start playing games? I smirked coldly realizing I'd be in a position just like a certain Interrogator, who I looked over once again to get a far cruel lesson I'd almost wished to ignore. Clever, real clever...Augustus, if you were half as smart as you'd think? I'd be worried, I almost missed out on getting my timing right.

Internally I applauded such a simple corner to overlook because I'd been prepared. Yet skimming corners had to start somewhere, "Games require friends, indeed." I whispered smoking a lho-stick to calm down gradually, if only just to prepare myself for dangers I'd been thrown right into because they'd sought me out. Daemons, xenos and now monsters who found themselves thinking they'd just be able to walk over my fun. I laughed quietly finding it all too thrilling, I was going to enjoy every moment until I saw someone's face cease to smile entirely.

"Why are we going to your Inquisitor, Neophyte?" May Willen ordered myself coldly despite feeling tremors of psychic energy surging as I replied indifferently, "Because she's expecting us, Interrogator. Take a hint, or shut up!" I kindly gave enough reason to give a sense of hope to someone who probably even deserve it, or rather I'd have to give because I had no chance to even remotely believe it possible anymore. It didn't matter if I knew what to expect from Augustus Octavian, or any other Inquisitor since I couldn't do it alone except risking alienation.

Feck me, I really wish I didn't have to play nice. I lamented exasperated but if I wanted to survive, I'd have to play nice and smart. The lift kept ascending gradually leaving me to wonder, if Tartarus was just lounging in her study. I took a gamble to imagine she'd been viewing Skit again, or rather I'd have to wait until she returned. Either way, we were going to meeting as apprentice and master to discuss our options keenly together.

I almost rushed into something by myself again and I told my Inquisitor I'd listen. Praise the Emperor for small mercies since an Interrogator fated to die, or got herself into said position gave it away. I internally kept praising until I felt relieved to enjoy an interesting avenue of fun. If I had to work for it, I'd make it worthwhile and Tartarus would possibly smile pleasantly since I was forced to do what I hated most. Asking for help, asking for advice and pretending I'd be able to just hide along in plain sight as always.

Still, I wonder how much she's seen since Skit's been active...enough, or too little? My smile lengthened to feel a sense of exhilaration to know a corner, or two had just exposed themselves. It was indeed fun, far too much fun and hedged enough to tease, if only just enough if the Interrogator's reaction proved I'd been hiding too well. Emperor help me, I think I lied to you Alicia, I might have found what faith can provide me...something.

Bluish white smoke blew steadily when the lift started to slow down making blood surge rapidly. Adrenaline, anxiety and pure exhilarating wonder gave me ample understanding to realize I wasn't just going to like games. I was going to love them, a little too much it seemed. And by the Emperor's graces I'd probably go mad knowing one thing. It was absolutely too tempting to not have much when everyone else playing said games had everything, I inwardly prayed thanking my Emperor for providing me a chance to keep faith.

Shivers ran down my arms, legs and spinal cord in a fitting display of chilled excitement. Little monster, huh? I pondered to scoff openly leering as gears grounded to cease a lift from ascending with momentum making myself sway. I think monster is a little too short of what I want, I'd think being a nightmare is far more sweeter...yeah, a nightmare is fecking worth my efforts. There's four monsters who are playing for blood, fun and I'm just another piece in their games...might as well hide in plain sight to keep the nightmare just out of sight.

Eyeing the Interrogator I started humoring possibilities as to why Tartarus would want her around entirely. I couldn't understand if someone deemed to die, or considered expendable would require her to have me notice. Ah, I guess only way to know is to ask for help. I shrugged exasperated not willing to put too much thought into it, I assumed my Inquisitorial instructor would drop some hints to make the corners seem reasonable. But I did have suspicions it was due to a common irritation we shared in Augustus Octavian in all likelihood.

The lift stopped upon a deck all too easily making doors slid open in grinding noises as I stepped out gesturing for May. Let's go, Interrogator Willen. I slyly requested psychically to have her gaze coldly narrow as I began humming a small tune reminiscent of the Masque daemon who'd be number two for the shiv on hand, "What's your game now I dare to imagine, Neophyte? You're acting almost like that man...is he your sire?"

My smile flatly fell when I shot back entirely disgusted, "Are you insane?" I shuddered not willing to imagine if Augustus Octavian had mingled with someone like Tartarus, "Do I have fecking glowing Cadian eyes? So how by the holy throne did you ask a pointless question, does it seem like I'd know him for Emperor's sake?" I shook myself visibly knowing if anyone else theorized a conspiracy, I'd vomit and no amount of repenting to the Emperor would save my damnation if I allowed such things to grace my hearing.

Inhaling lightly on the lho-stick which had plenty to enjoy we kept moving past doorways, or quarters long since vacant. It took a small amount of time turning right onto a corridor where I paused momentarily. Storm Troopers...Tartarus is waiting. I absently mentioned to the elder girl who viewed them warily as half a dozen stood guard outside her personal study. None were happy to notice my presence given reddish, or darkening auras wafting through the warp. That kept my smile plainly pleased since I'd got an excuse to vent out potential motive, if they tried to do anything to waste my time.

They were armed with hosed lasguns onto packs as a difference from when I'd usually seen them lacking them. Seems like friends are given warm welcomes, or else they're just keeping the games interesting. We approached leisurely when I puffed out smoke lazily less than worried, or outright hoping they'd react due to intentional disregard. Psychic tendrils were already latching onto their psyches as I had be able to kill them, or just make them wish death would be an alternative to a walking nightmare.

They turned silently keep weaponry leveled away from May and I almost in rigid tension. I smiled kindly making one clench gloved fists, "Tartarus inside?" I gestured with a lho-stick inquiring politely to see none wish to reply verbally, "Could one of you please inform our Inquisitor, Neophyte Eius and Interrogator Willen wish to speak to her?" Even said mentioned Interrogator looked from behind staring at me warily, I'd never been so polite which meant everything I said to her previous was intentionally doubted.

Hide in plain sight. I snickered internally already keeping that corner in place as it'd been too easy. She believed my word to think otherwise, I just thought differently and she believed everything I'd said was just kind words. Corners within corners, I have to start to learn that soon enough. I sourly admitted internally since it'd make things a necessary complication, if only to keep myself moving in place and just stepping away from shivs. But as long as I had my sanctum in place, I'd be able to tolerate necessary evils to my expense...hopefully.

One trooper finally spoke stiffly when his voice flatly lied to my face, "She's busy Neo..." I sent psychic will crashing into his brain and he fell over limply to convulse in place. They backed away, or had tried too when their limbs locked into place as I spoke mildly pleasant psychically to all five without effort. Busy? Well, I guess now she is...so shut up, or I'll make sure your replacements know what happens. I don't like lying, so remember that from now on trooper.

Walking up to a doorway I simply knocked and waited with half a dozen men radiating shocked expressions. They'd never seen myself react, or be provoked believing the Inquisitor had ordered me to play nice. She never did, I chose too and as a result of being kind...I got a laugh, or two finally. It'd only taken almost an entire year roughly which wasn't too bad. Peering through the warp I saw my teacher sitting lazily at the task before she'd reached over, I heard a private study entrance unlock to slide aside swiftly.

Glancing over to my left did I motion partially aware for May to go first technically due to her seniority, "Go ahead, Interrogator Willen. You're above me, so I'll follow you as respect." She stared merely in either guarded caution, or uncertainty at my words due to six writhing figures of troopers who'd just fallen over simultaneously, "Tartarus wants me to play nice, Willen. So I'll play nice and listen, or do you need me to make anything else clearer?"

The taller girl hesitated briefly since I kept staring directly towards my teacher who held a small growing grin. I apologize for taking my time at the chapel, Inquisitor Tartarus. But I concluded my prayers to our Emperor, if to report back to you...as expected. I kept an innocent smile in place as if I'd been all too dumbly ignorant. The games were already beginning to make me enjoy that my Inquisitorial instructor and I were going to have play together. I only believed it'd be fun for us both, if we didn't kill each other inevitably.


"...and that's my assumptions, Inquisitor." I finished lamely sitting on a chair leaning back with legs crossed as a lho smoke lazily wafted upwards. I'd been discussing as much as I knew towards Tartarus who had leisurely sipping red liquid of wine indifferently. She'd been dressed casually leaving my stomach to churn disgustedly as an aquilla hang loosely in view, "How close did I surprise you, or disappoint?"

Jalena's smile hadn't once faded to remark a bit offhandedly, "An adequate course, apprentice. And nonetheless impressive for one in your position to include an earnest assessment." She'd been patiently disgusting what she'd known as opposed to what I'd revealed carefully, "Playing a fool, Marcos. Why did you wait until now, of all times?" I was questioned rhetorically to which I shrugged openly not willing to let an opportunity slip by, "Bad habits?"

My teacher hummed in agreement absently enough, "Perhaps." Her stoic indifference hid signs of subtle bemusement since I'd been rigidly sitting in place unusually quiet, "Interrogator Willen." Her gaze flickered over to a girl who'd been struggling to weather that knowing tone, "Any thoughts, or anything else to add to my apprentice's evaluation of your situation? Kern and Salvus aside, I do believe I trust you are more than willing to say we shall...be absconded for better use, or be of value to myself?"

May's cold tone brokered no doubt to mention myself in a concerned manner, "I think Neophyte Eius is a tad bit...concerning if I'm wary, of you both." I smiled innocently to point out rather kindly, "Well, I'm being friendly. I like friends, so what's wrong with that May?" My teacher's smirk subliminally relished to know she'd never been on attempts of irritation itself enough. Yet I bit my tongue grudgingly when I heard speak once, "Apprentice."

Her facial expression seemed aloof save for a stare to have my exhaling groan be known, "What she wants me to say...you're fecked." I resisted sneering because if this Interrogator tried anything else I'd hedge a guess she'd be dead tomorrow, "I don't know why, or what they're up too. Tartarus is offering you a place to be an Interrogator because she's happy to stick a shiv into Octavian. To learn from her and have me learn from you, if only to have me hate her...a lot more." I sourly assumed to have said Inquisitor merely sip on wine indifferently.

I inhaled on lho irritably to mention more kindly to say, "I don't know the games they're playing Willen, I'm just in my corner and keeping a back shiv free." I pointed out further to have said girl coldly narrow her own gaze suspiciously, "But after all I said to you? You still think like they want you too, to get you killed by me...or is that, too hard?" I leaned back exasperated not evening willing to put effort into what was clearly a corner within a corner.

Tartarus spoke up mildly to reaffirm my less than assured doubts, "Kern and Salvus tend to work together whenever Augustus is up to his usual antics, Willen." She swirled wine leisurely within a glass to merely mention, "And as a result Nero has sent you for your intended purpose. Seduce my apprentice, earn his trust because of misplaced reports and work together...for you to kill him to get him further into Augustus's interest." She sounded bored much to my surprise as I stared simply to see an almost smirk forming again.

"Normally it is vexing to tolerate his antics, if only in name." I cheekily retorted to cause an elder girl to cough loudly, "Told you he wants in her pants, May." My teacher looked over raising an eyebrow as I cackled deviously raising a hand signaling unseen warnings, "Indeed. Be mindful of crass language apprentice, I tolerated it enough between and him on a daily basis. Yet despite my colleagues unique eccentric outlook, I caution you...to admit he's quite dangerous."

She gave a pointed stare with a wry smile indicating shrewd approval, "But you knew to go for what many cannot imagine as sanity, Marcos." I scowled since she'd been observing our conversation in that lift all too clearly, "You almost fell right into his hands, if but a thought of someone else who'd you seen ready to eliminate you at no expense. I expected you to realize later, so perhaps Augustus's instincts are indeed treacherously exposing what he views as a...challenge."

I raised an eyebrow beneath my blind fold to feel flattered dispelling anger for mutual respect, "Emperor be praised. Think I can go to him?" Tartarus and Willen universally stared with their own answers to have a shrug of indifference, "If I have to learn to skim corners, hide shivs and play for blood...I'm tempted to talk and hear him out. One day, if I'm bored." I admitted with no shame to know I'd probably almost like him naturally, if anything else he reminded me of Skit back home and those were fun days.

"Perhaps in future endeavors apprentice, if favors are aligned for such opportunity." Tartarus acquiesced with a hidden grin as I smiled happily catching an approving ambition, "Your recommendation for removing Augustus's agent, is a sound and very clever alternative as opposed to elimination to safe guard his interests." She returned to the matter on hand making an Interrogator scowl faintly to which had been noted, "You were deliberately sabotaged Willen. Everything you know as you'd think, believe and taught by Kern, or Salvus means you were always going to be a means to an end...inevitably."

My Inquisitorial teacher smiled deviously which signaled clear opportunity to make them regret otherwise, "But that is your saving grace, May Willen. Your convictions of holy protections, litanies and unwavering will is what I need of an Interrogator to mold into an Inquisitor all too easily...as my apprentice desperately needs discipline, respect and someone as Nero would say, 'to keep on his toes', for practical assumptions." She complimented the girl who looked up relatively hopeful to which my teacher earnestly mentioned, "Do you think of yourself so invaluable, girl? It's what you were taught to believe...so, is that difficult to accept?"

I rolled my eyes realizing May wasn't going to believe her either as I spoke up dourly, "I don't know how to interrogate prisoners, heretics or cultists. I don't know anything when you have everything in place, May to really be a monster. Tartarus isn't lying, if anything she's scaring the fecking shit out of me personally...for using what everyone expects to make them think twice." The elder girl refused to outright give in to an honesty I wished I lied about ironically, "They're giving you a shiv to use when they already know about that shiv in your pocket, if someone gives a shiv and you use said shiv, I think you know...why, Interrogator Willen."

My smile kept growing regardless to mention rather exhilarating to whisper, "So why use corners when you're on a wall and someone can flip that wall behind them?" Willen's gaze narrowed coyly when I pointed to Tartarus who leaned back sipping on wine indifferently, "She wants blood, you want blood and I want to be their...nightmare. How's that sound for being friends, May?" I giggled uncontrollably finding the greatest of fun in hiding right in plain sight, I started to wonder if I made a mistake playing the idiot for too long.

Why would we waste our time, or effort talking to you? I psychically reached out grinning deviously because adrenaline kept making blood rushes pleasantly. I don't get it, if you can't see what Tartarus is saying and what I'm thinking...you're just blind. Emperor help me, I wearing a blind fold and yet you're blind because they wanted you to believe it. I looked towards my Inquisitorial teacher who smirked since she'd been listening due to a psychic tendril linking up into a psyche. She was gauging things I wouldn't ever imagine by the holy throne itself.

How can you possibly expect me to trust you, or her? May Willen questioned coldly refusing to give in a sensation I never wanted to forget, or cling too. Have a bit of Faith! I slyly mentioned by looking impishly innocent to grin knowingly. Chaos is our enemy, if Kern and Salvus are setting you up now...you were dead the moment you believed to consider them enemies. Daemons play games fecking worse, I'd know because my eyes were gouged out as a joke. I flatly mentioned to tap said clothe to sneer rather amused to know it'd been funny, I'd been pulled into games I knew which haunt this girl for an eternity.

"Trust me, Interrogator." I cynically admitted to tug on holy inscribed incantations of protection and purity weaved by powerful psychic will, "You don't want to see what's underneath this blind fold. It made them all unsettled to say it kindly." The Inquisitor nodded openly to have me continue to do what few dared to believe possible. I would make monsters realize nightmares were real, I'd be that nightmare literally and she knew I was going to have too much fun to not wear a smile to have monsters, or daemons quiver.

You'll see them flinch, or drop their masks thinking nightmares aren't real...May. My smiled turned cruel to see her stare transfixed as words smoothly came to pass carrying a dangerous sense of knowable possibility, "They fear me presently because I can simply believe so. Tartarus isn't stupid, or foolish to know she has something, or someone who can make the games...flip. But I'm not interested in games, Interrogator or being someone apart of it...I want to make games. Games to have monsters, or daemons and xeno's at all times to realize their worst nightmare isn't just a dream, but right in plain sight."

The girl's face froze considerably not out of horror, terror or anything mundane as I stared smoking a lho-stick lazily. I saw a lone tear drip down involuntarily as she spoke uncertainly, "How you can both promise that so easily?" An Inquisitor intervened rather mildly to reveal my innocent shrug of mischief, "Because my apprentice gains nothing, Interrogator Willen. I gain everything, I allow him what he wants...a laugh because of his unique gifts of fun which is indeed unsettling. It also shows why I need someone who can listen, learn and teach in my stead when we have missions of interest to complete...so I can trust you, girl."

Jalena's expression turned expectantly to make a younger girl stiffen which made my smile fade due to the final blow. A hand extended itself all too casually, "Do you accept my word, May Willen? Are you prepared to become an Interrogator of Ordos Malleus, we who fight our enemy from beyond and within, if you're willing...to trust me in your education." I looked away smugly to give an illusion of indifference as I'd certainly found my first friend, I thanked the Emperor and his faith in me to do what few dared to imagine.

"I...I hope I can live up to you, Inquisitor Tartarus." The Interrogator who'd been fated to die had been skimmed aside as I embraced consequences all too willingly. Games were only as boring as one who'd found them fun to twist into unknown corners, "Splendid to hear, so I trust you...my Interrogator. Let us make our dearest friends find out, shall we?" An elder girl nodded nervously despite having a trailing tear fall past her cheeks as eyes drifted over towards myself. I raised a lho stick impishly to look away smiling contently.

You were right, Tartarus. I psychically spoke softly to find a certain amusement which I hadn't felt ever since leaving home a year ago. It's too much fun, I'm sorry for being...playful. I apologized innocently to which my teacher stared knowingly in response. My eyes drifted away humming lowly as I thought about other such simpler things, I'd find out whether eventually it'd help or just make me laugh in some fashions.

"What's your next course of action, Inquisitor?" I heard my colleague inquire respectfully sitting upright much to Tartarus's smile of satisfaction, "Where were you and my apprentice going together before arriving here at my study?" I went rigid hissing trying desperately to not reveal what I'd rather not get said person enraged. Uh, oh...shit, fecking shit, throne shit! May not realizing mentioned a bit hopefully garnishing trust at my expense, "Neophyte Eius stated he'd give something to me on deck sixty nine...I was curious, Inquisitor."

Whistling innocently I tried ignoring an Inquisitor's glaring stare which caused me to cease, or risk fatal consequences. Apprentice! That lone word strained rather obviously as I shrugged inevitably not willing to pretend it wasn't expected, "Remember that daemon on deck sixty nine?" I only stated to which Tartarus stood up abruptly tightening a robe and immediately made off towards her private study with the warp shimming in boiling impatience. The Interrogator who was my superior technically looked a bit confused seeking clarification.

"I pissed her off again." I said flippantly cackling since I really didn't expect anything different save for getting rid of a headache, "She's angry because I pulled a fecking joke on them all." The lho-stick burned casually as another migraine starting forming up again. She's either going to be really surprised, or disappointed...either way, I just gave you the best chance to be useful to her and she's really going to appreciate you a lot more.

We sat patiently until Tartarus returned with a bolt pistol chained to a familiar tome and had her hat obscuring a stoic expression. She exhaled visibly already reforming everything about myself to speak one word, "Apprentice." I got up stretching to nod simply as May followed behind just on Tartarus's right side torn whether to be alert, or outright amused when I hummed loudly contemplative to ward off headaches. They'd getting frequent despite the lho-stick doing wonders to just ignore it, "Let us find out what madness you found yourself into this time."

Whether I should have felt fear, or uneasiness proved too far boring to consider in hindsight. Die well, or die atoned. I psychically whispered to my Interrogator who failed hiding a smirk since she'd grown to know that Tartarus wouldn't doubt her. She'd would be given everything, I asked for nothing and in return she would be someone worth something...I guessed? Shrugging indifferently I lead them on past convulsing storm troopers as my teacher sent their unseen wills back into sanity, or rather told them to accompany us.


Deck sixty nine still seemed no different after three months from a daemonic infestation as I inhaled lightly smelling odors. I still smell that grox shit, I guess it's tolerable! Wincing to move casually down the ramp towards metallic streets where residents fled immediately. I ignored eight people behind who all held various sensations of anger, curiosity or rather stoic indifference when I hopped over debris seeking a suitable location.

Peering through the warps stilled and calmed folds I frowned trying to find someone who'd know of said area. Where is she? I moved lightly bypassing cowering humans who outright screamed, or ran when I looked past curiously trying to spot a signature. Auras of varying panic, terror and horror spread akin to an infestation when word spread of my return. Taking an immediate right turn between darkened alleys I stepped over half eaten corpses, or rather rotting burnt remains to hiss out incredibly unsettled, "Emperor help me that is gross, real fecking gross!"

I lightly jogged looking down in between containers ignoring sounds of growling, or hissing when darkened shadows kept looming potently. No, left...right then...ah, left! I whistled lightly when shuffling movement behind as my Inquisitorial superiors, troopers and Skit kept pace relatively to eye surroundings uneasily. Or rather Tartarus's stoic expression kept them from gunning down mutants who'd be around eventually.

Taking another right opposite to when Sigur lead myself months ago, I came across bloodied remains all too interested. Ah throne, they're around! Inhaling on a lho-stick I closed both eyes stretching senses to pick up on hundreds, if not thousands to tap fingers impatiently. Where are you...where, oh Emperor thank you! Humming happily I stepped over half eaten bloodied dead men, or women whose faces were in pitched screams. I nodded assured to realize I wasn't too far off, if anything they were being careful to try to get away.

"Mutants." The Interrogator whispered disgustedly as Tartarus replied less than surprised, "Indeed, a stain which is a necessary evil for those to learn. Pay attention to your ward's habits, Willen. You'll have to tolerate his...gifts." They both knew I'd been dangerously coy, or grinning all too kindly to not speak back giggling, "Bad habits!" I only said to step over several organs which had been hastily dropped, or dragged when going further into near pitch darkness. I kept in sight almost two dozen auras of panic as another paused.

Oh there you are, throne! Stop running! I lamented to whistle loudly to catch someone's attention as shuffling snarls of feet, or mutated limbs ceased. I came around a corner finally catching sight of glinting eyes among twisted, or extended jaws hissing in various guttural noise. I stopped cheerfully to wave them forward as if they'd seen me before which they'd did so, "Can you stop running? Fecking throne, if I wanted to kill you...I'd have done it!"

Blood dripped with organs, or pieces of them from fresh kills as a victim lay gagging for air. It was a woman who reached out weakly, I ignored her mainly to stare smirking towards an aura of whitish gray that signaled curiosity, or interest. And there you are, girl! Throne, I should have known you were telling your family to get away...right?

Raising a hand deceptively kind I called out, "Hey mutant girl! It's me, I'm back!" Drifting in between horrendously disfigured, or malformed humanoids which hissed and clicked menacingly. I saw my eyebrows lift up delighted when a familiar face with blood dripping along greenish blackened scales spoke slowly, "Mar...cos?" Her butchered low gothic was still as terrible as ever despite all odds I nodded, "Yup it's me for Emperor's sake, I wanted to ask you a question."

Storm troopers behind leveled weapons instantly when they'd came around a corner sending dozens of shrieking mutations into panic. Irritated I barked out as Tartarus and May stood behind observing, "Put those fecking things down, now! Are you trying to get me killed, or yourselves?" I scowled shaking my head trying to ignore a shaking mutant who tried to back away, if I hadn't raised the lho-stick to keep her attention, "Ignore them...they're idiots."

That bewildered expression torn of absolute catatonic terror and panic hardly did me favors, "Do you know of an open area in this place? Real large, out of the way and full of grox shit?" I questioned seriously inhaling on a lho-stick trying to ignore urges to scowl as not one trooper behind lowered their hosed weaponry, "Please! Your family will be left alone, I know you're smart and all...but don't play stupid with those people behind me."

She bared sharpened teeth hissing lowly meant to tear throats open when I raised an eyebrow, "Nice try." Even if she had desired to eat me, I looked less than impressed since she'd only been curious months ago and I found that opportunity quite unluckily, "You help me now? I get an excuse to keep you alive, or have some use down here to keep your family happily from being cleansed by the Emperor's divine rights." Her eyes narrowed into feral slits when hissing as I stared tilting my head all too innocently amused, I certainly missed dealing with mutants since they loved to hide in plain sight with smiles and deceptive words.

"Fo...llow." I heard her scathingly hiss by storming aside sloshing over organs and bloodied bones leaving me to brightly chirp, "Thank you!" Her dirtied dress once white as a mix of red, black and had intentionally been sizes two small. I stared all too disbelievingly since Sigur's warnings down here rang true, so I owed him deeply to keep it clean. Oh you and I, we're going to have so much fun playing hide the shiv with these people.

While I followed casually humming I only looked up to see a coy smile invitingly. Pieces of torn fabric revealed only intentional portions of flesh not obvious of scales, or mutated exteriors. I tipped my lho-stick all too kindly, "Yeah...don't think so, girl." She'd been good in leading those looking for a close encounter right into a family's loving approval, "Work on your timing, I'd be worried. So you got a name, if I may ask?"

Her sly slithering voice incredibly made hair on my arms stick up in warning all too sweetly, "Sli...the." I nodded gratefully to pleasant point forward, "Nice meeting you, Slithe. Thanks for warning us last time, I owed you that same favor." An inhumane grin stretching past cheek bones found ample hunger to make me whistle approvingly. I had plenty of plans involving her, if only to keep others from doing obvious things once Augustus's agent vacated said area.

Apprentice, why must you emulate and use that man's habits? Tartarus's voice psychically questioned less than amused yet again. Might as well learn from the best, Inquisitor. I replied kindly to see my teacher's stoic gaze indifferently motion towards her Interrogator, "Now you understand why I require trust and obedience, Willen." Said girl looked loathing to grip a bolt pistol tightly as if restraining every natural urge to cleanse filth. Yet she obeyed even if said Inquisitorial superior wasn't considering similar thoughts.

"He's literally...a nightmare." She retorted much to Jalena's nod of resignation as I lifted one finger only speaking truth, "That's my ambition as I said. It's too much fun, if can't try!" I hopped over another half eaten corpse which had been holding smaller remains. It seemed family was indeed used, if only for meals of happier times. Apparently Slithe had been busy from those who'd fled a daemon's infestation and had found solace in their home.

Slithe hissed trying to tempt my wandering eyes as she deliberately stepped over two corpses. Bold, aren't you? I psychically mentioned shaking off exhaustion, "You must like attention!" I joked kicking aside human skulls which became occupations avoiding closer encounters, I started to notice signs of someone being capable already. Wonder what else is hiding down here, I'll have to find out eventually when I get time to relax.

Eventually it became a routine to follow the mutant who kept relentlessly finding joy to my humming challenge. Usually she'd step over corpses allowing tears, or tightened fabric to reveal enough as how effective hunting showcased itself. Slithe, please for Emperor's sake! There are others behind us who are seeing everything...you know? I mentioned casually when eyeing various troopers who kept las-weapons trembling for other reasons, I shook my head because despite all appearances this mutant knew what to use effortlessly.

"I think she's very useful, Tartarus!" I chimed out laughing awkwardly to make my teacher dourly reply, "Yes, I'm aware." She need only to see a trooper stumble lightly to agree out of indifference since I'd just kept on giving her opportunities, "But as you're having fun, which I sense in you, Marcos? That is another discussion for another time!"

Slithe had kept trying regardless of what had been said hissing in frustration whenever I stepped aside, or hummed happily. You'll get better, so give it time Slithe! I psychically mentioned helpfully causing an ear wrenching shriek of frustration echoing partially. I suspected she'd never encountered denial, or failure before which spoke enough of potential. I had a far larger priority when finally got us to a place I'd been hoping entirely.

One side alley lead into an opened square where hundreds of skeletal remains were thrown into dumps of rotting flesh. I glanced around twitching both jaws debating internally, "Wow, Slithe." The mutant girl's teeth were leering when she stood next to a container's exterior, "You and family really keep yourselves fed...throne. And here I thought I was wrong!" I shook myself involuntarily when stepping over rotting flesh, or ripped out internal organs which mixed between a corpse and smaller one being held desperately.

As troopers filled into the square sweeping I heard one gag openly and vomited when Slithe hissed pleasantly twitching. Why do you have a place like this on your vessel, Tartarus? I offhandedly questioned inhaling on a lho stick calmly to have rue smirk, "Augustus's antic's no doubt." She only replied eyeing the mutant who shied away hissing openly, I'd imagine his agent had warned several of my teacher's presence. Good to know they wouldn't be missed, or glad to see said Cadian disappear finally.

"Emperor...Marcos." May's disgusted voice brought my eyes over partially raised, "How..how can you even...throne! You're as mad as that man!" I tilted my head curiously enough as Willen's expression looked undeniably horrified. I looked around intentionally taking in what amounted to someone else doing as I shrugged, "It's gross, May! I told you Augustus is a fecker I'd shiv in his gut, so why are you terrified of him since he's interested about...me?"

The Interrogator looked away shivering as Slithe leaned forward hissing in low gothic to have a bolt pistol aimed immediately in response, "...cu..te..sme..ll.." Tartarus's expression hardened after humoring enough of said mutation when I called out blandly, "Slithe! Go back to your family, I'll find you on another day. Throne!" My exasperation for mutants never ceased to amaze, if only they hadn't tried killing me beforehand.

An interest mutant girl hissed angrily as I shooed her away flippantly to huff infuriatingly stalking away. But her movement garnered a trooper's optics who followed and dipped leaving me to cringe externally. Oh Emperor, help me! I'd enjoy tearing apart Augustus Octavian's games, if it meant I didn't need to be concerned over idiots who fell for temptation. But Slithe was entirely one person, I'd have to keep an eye on without a doubt.

"May, do you have a blessed knife?" I called out simply to which a pale Interrogator looked to Tartarus who nodded simply, "Throne...you're a monster." She stated shuddering when unsheathing a weapon which glowered in golden hue, smiling faintly flattered I only reached upwards and it got tossed quickly. I caught it flipping over knuckles checking balance, weight and offhandedly remarked rather amazed, "You're good at making shivs, Willen. I like this a...lot!"

Flipping to inspect holy inscriptions in high-gothic melded on each side made me grin appreciating how faith provided opportunities. Keep it, Neophyte. I dare not imagine what sins you'll commit in our Emperor's name. The Interrogator psychically stated grimacing as I grinned angling said blade towards an exposed palm, "You chose to be my friend, Willen and as such, please enjoy my misery." Her ashen face looked more horrified when my teacher's stoic expression hardened slightly as I backed away carefully taking steps over corpses.

The warp around began trembling violently since the Gellar Fields around an entire ship hadn't been active since being rooted in the Materium. Heat surged within my core burning, writhing and I looked down to an arm encased in molten flames of orange, yellow and red which swirled rapidly. The holy blade's metallic edges glowered angrily when I pressed a sharpened tip into flesh, crimson liquid freely fell as it hit the metallic deck. Headache, indeed...I guess someone hates being ignored, so might as well get this over with soon.

Clenching one tight fist to have red ichor fluids touch psychic flame and I pushed hard feeling bracelets along an arm sizzling. If I'm damned, so be it! No need to play games, for games I'll make and being the nightmare that makes a daemon tremble. They don't fear us humans, why would they...for we're a joke to them and xenos just love our misery. I watched with a smile to see blood dripping when the warp began quaking as I began grinning exhilarated to know someone else wanted to be heard, I wasn't going to ignore it like my Emperor had done when I needed him most.

Psychic energy trembled sending tremors as bones splintered, metallic plates buckled and I stared hard right into that mixture glaring. Monsters who play games, I get it...I never wanted to go back into something I hated. Yet I have faith...faith alone will give me purpose, so let's find out if I can make a miracle happen for those who deserve them! I snarled digging the blade's tip further and further until a migraine ceased throbbing when I stared upwards. I had to see if everything I'd denied, I'd bled and hoped to one day end for something of faith's reward.

Every storm trooper backed away in panic when flames licked towards a blind fold as bright yellow began turning into an eerie coloration. Come forth to where I stand, come forth and heed your desires you wish to be heard...Kel'oics'saz'bazw. I decree you return, or remain silent. Shock-waves sent bones and corpses quivering aside when my migraine ceased entirely, I smiled kindly since a daemon had heard my offer all too happily.

Light flared driving darkness aside when I stared less than bemused to hear something land heavily behind roaring hatefully. Every storm trooper fell backwards either screaming, or crying out in undeniable horror. The Interrogator held firm if only just due to Tartarus who blinked indifferently as her frown turned into a twisted crooked grin, "Augustus...your antics are quite amusing." She revealed all too knowingly irritated as I inclined my head since Jov Varlid had been reporting to his agent on this deck constantly.

Jov Varlid came out of this thing behind me, Inquisitor. I psychically stated old news to which she walked forward hand on a pistol to inspect a chained entity. I looked back disturbed since I expected her to be concerned, "Your will and faith purified Chaos's taint. How peculiar...is it not?" The Inquisitor asked myself to see steam, or burning tendrils of smoke from a brute's hulking form indicating extensive damage. I glared back not willing to humor what I'd do next, I simply did what no one expected again.

The feck you want, daemon? I stared right into burnt out eyes which struggled beneath red and yellowed chains keeping it pinned on trembling knees. Unlike beforehand when it'd been seeking to convert, spread and infect those of Chaos's corruption it sounded begging. Purpose! Purpose, of will...truth...purpose!

My smile returned cruelly pleasant to find out how far, I needed to push until someone got the corner in place. You want purpose, is that right? I noticed Tartarus who stared sharply before quickly backing away since flames of psychic will kept burning hotly. Grasping a bloodied blade I glared when the cloth around two eyes burnt searing off in flakes of ash, or outright couldn't contain what refused to be hidden no longer. Daemons feared nothing we could throw at them, they'd take hits and bullets until force alone doomed their wills.

But they were horrendously horrified without having purpose to guide their wills of truth's desires. I didn't know whether, if it wanted me to end it's existence...or desired something new. You want a purpose to remain here, daemon? Speak truth, or return to that hell I put you into! The beast borne of the warp's vast maddening existence cried out verbally, "Yes! Seek will, purpose and desire to be given...truth!"

Signatures of panic, horror and one lone keen stoic indifference awaited my response in various emotional urgency. Well, I guess I can only be too kind and grant you something...worthy of Faith's rewards. Reaching outwards I smiled brightly with a bloodied limb to smear an unseen anchor of my desires, ambition and I pushed strongly when psychic tendrils came slamming into the daemon's bulk without mercy. It reared bellowing in either horror, or perhaps undeniable shock as I gave it one purpose to give me cruelly assurance.

Become my weapon, my will and you shall never be alone...daemon. Forget all, forgive none and give me what I seek...something from nothing! I laughed gently when the warp trembled and churned above as flames engulfed the hulk of a daemonic terror. I'd give terror new purpose, if it wanted to endure or incessantly cry out it'd matter not. I wanted something far more sweeter to have fun, to lavish and never doubt it'd be there with me if I were too be damned.

I...accept. It moaned happily when my hand sank further into flames of burning flesh as light flared scorching the very place it'd been birthed. Slithe would answer for this heresy, Jov was expendable and that Cadian agent were going to learn one way, or another never to piss me off! Augustus spent three months preparing May Willen to die by my hands, he'd expected me to come after him and I almost did save for crucial fact he'd never understand. I had faith to guide my actions, I believed in my Emperor and no daemon would dare try to unravel that holy steeled conviction.

"Become...my literal friendly nightmare!" I whispered when a tear slipped past my burning blind fold as psychic will surged forth sizzling bracelets into liquidized metal. They snapped when I shouted far too exhilarated to know my fun was just beginning, "Become my nightmare which will make men, daemon and xeno realize monsters are only words! I want you to realize they're dealing with someone who can never stop us in having too much...fun!" I laughed loudly when flames condensed as an arm trembled out of sheer agony and light exploded outwards sending everything stumbling backwards in genuine terror.

Flames sent pieces of flesh sizzling akin to grenades detonating as air hissed past rapidly. My smile never faded save for flames dying down gradually and ash remained bringing the warp into a pacified state once again. Yet I felt clothe burning when it'd fell seemingly to the ground. I shuddered brushing off pieces of flesh turning to dust, or outright faded back leaving a hushed silence. Forming an aquilla I kept both eyes praying for strength, clarity and only kept them closed while calling out calmly, "They're closed if you're worried about it...Inquisitor Tartarus, I apologize if I alarmed anyone for a selfish desire."

The bolt pistol's barrel touching my skulls back certainly came too close, if I didn't speak truthfully and I wasn't regretting it. My teacher wasn't frowning to shoot me for heresy, or remotely angry I'd pushed myself to a point where I needed to go. Yet despite all odds there was a playful approval, "Too close, apprentice." I smiled faintly since I'd tempted death again, "Next time speak your intentions early, or I shall...ordain what many strive to believe is heresy, or faith in which you tread all because you seek something which no Inquisitor can garner. Do not shadow what made me believe otherwise, Marcos...understood?"

Her answer proved only to have myself wonder if I chose wrong. She had faith in me, if only in name yet I frowned externally. I replied respectfully grateful, "Yes, Inquisitor. It won't happen again, I swear it on the Emperor's faith and will." A weapon retracted with my teacher chuckling quietly finding an irony I'd never understand, "Indeed, apprentice. Hurry along soon enough, I trust we have our games to play and you shall learn there are consequences of success...boy."

I felt two tears which granted me a surreal sense of relief. They were falling because Tartarus alone had faith to trust someone. And she chose to trust me. I could only imagine whether the Emperor damned me, or had his ways to know I'd never turn my back on what I should have done. Faith alone was something I'd seek out, I'd find it and determine whether it could give me something when I gave everything for nothing asked.

Storm troopers outright backed away awaiting my departure fearful when I looked over seeing the shroud descending from darkness. It moved gently to encircle above me as I smiled, "Maybe I can have faith after all." I lifted an arm as a soft screeching came down to land gently and comfortably upon a forearm. Friends, I like having friends...don't you? I questioned fondly to see someone worthwhile to give me strength.

Two heads with three eyes on each side greeted my own as I opened mine to smile kindly. Feathers along four wings curled around my neck, shoulders and rubbed affectionately against a face which gave something a purpose never to be broken. Talons dipped in golden black settled harmlessly, I saw an insignia embedded on breast of an aquilla with one eyed opened and closed, a faint subtle coloration as a friend emerged to keep my company. Skit and I were close, but I wanted more to be with me until I faced Chaos's awaiting arms.

Keep your name a secret, I'd rather not have someone take you from me. I psychically spoke fondly giggling as two heads blinked to wink accordingly. Turning around with eyes closed I hummed happily bypassing trembling troopers who refused to move until I spoke innocently, "Relax! The Emperor protects and I don't intend to fail in his will to make daemons think they'll win, I'm having too much fun to love a monster's game."

Moving past them I opened both eyes seeing only brightness to begin helping my teacher win a game which had to be won. Whether I chose damnation, or remained true to faith seemed only a choice to be made. I would never turn to Chaos, I would never turn away from the light of the Emperor and those who couldn't enjoy to look into a nightmare. But sometimes someone had to stay in the dark to make sure something knew it's place. I smiled cruelly exhilarated to know I wasn't going to stop until I had something else to enjoy...hopefully, one day.

End Chapter XXVI

Author's Note: You can all drop those, 'badass, badass, badass...' signs now please, I can hear the screams of either disbelief, or those laughing for daring to imagine how far one shall go. This was quite hard, if not outright insane to consider many things. But after taking a few days, I decided let's go the challenge and the thrill of knowing we're going into places view dare to try. It's a fictional story, so it's not like I'm sweating over what shall one wonder, or whether we can debate the merits of faith, or sacrifice considering what's happening. So, I'll ask a question which everyone knows is quite unsettling.

What is a hero who cannot stand in light, but not stand in darkness for neither can commit without understanding each other? Marcos's dynamic of choices, is not because it's whether you chose to stand, or believe...but the truth of understanding light, or darkness cannot be together. They can co-exist yet there's always someone who'll say, 'Well, does that mean you choose one, or the other?' I say, 'Sure, if you're boring and want to pretend there isn't a line where someone has to tread for ether's sake.' The very idea of the Imperium in this universe, there's no light or darkness...it's grim darkness because the light's have been snuffed out due to unimaginable terrors which make us pale in our sleep.

The Inquisition's sheer existence whether you want to say, or not is the worst thing that has happened to the Imperium. I say you're wrong, if only because of events which transpired to get humans in this universe to that point, if one has to damn themselves they'll do it without hesitation. Why? Because no one else is capable to do what needs to be done, it's expected to be done and I can say to anyone whose read the Horus Heresy...He who is the Hero, is but the nameless shadow who asked for nothing and chose to do what needed to done. I'm not saying Marcos damned himself, I doubt it because he's done everything to prove otherwise and sometimes Faith can rewarded...if you make something through choice to earn a place.

Also, not trying to carbon clone either, if anything this character is a myriad of madness and just finally dropped his gloves. And he isn't even the best of what others can do, if catch my drift. Marcos is like a box, inside said box...he's good, but outside said box? Good luck, he's not all knowing and I know someone out there is going to call, 'Bullshit...he's like a god man...' And I'm going to reply with this little amusement, 'If he's god...why is he wrong about most of what he assumed?' He only knows what's around him, if anything and in the grand scheme of things?

Marcos is a neophyte, a beginner and has potential if...he doesn't go flat out off the rails! So look at what Tartarus is doing, if you pay attention to the dialogue, she did not want him to go further because people who are smarter want him to get recklessly alienated. Clues are there, if you think the Inquisition is just some paradoxical snarky elitist club of idiocy...how the fuck did they survive for 10,000 years and still a secret? I know realistically it's silly, but in a realism sense, they're good at what they do to the best of worst, or not. It's not easy, but I love challenges.

Which leads me to a question: Why did I choose something incredibly convoluted? He could have helped the Interrogator, worked together and out of Tartarus's sight to give her what she needed...killed her, but what does it prove? Nothing, Marcos wouldn't give a damn and he chose to make something happen because the fun in it, is making everyone realize the truth. If you do it, you're going to get it done and I can say, this is the true depth of fun when a character just knows...he can do things, if he has friends, resources and has people watching his back...as he'd do it for them. Intrigue, is deadly but loyalty is invaluable in said world. And as a result, I put in the effort to make something really get us all grinning like bastards.

Cliches are cliches, but it's how you execute them to make that little shall we say, spin to make people see the fun in it. So I chose the greatest challenge of all, to let this character go right into the Darkness not because he chose to turn away, he didn't turn or fall into damnation...he chose self-respect to do what no one else will do. If he's damned, well...I laugh at you, if you can damn yourself for having the respect and mettle of faith to do what no man can ever do. He's not a hero of light, nor a hero of darkness but the messiah of shadow who'll make even the ones who reside in both tremble when someone else, just so happens to smile back from a place where the abyss meets you.

He walks the path of madness. Not because he forced himself into, not because he loves it, but chose for necessity to know someone can do it...if no one else can't dare to face themselves. Marcos isn't a God, I'll say it again...because people will think, or believe just because it all seems unbelievable. It's not, it's just him being aware and keeping track of things you'd believed otherwise earlier in the story. Like for example, 'Slithe' and the gang 'leader' who I really made an effort to just flip on an angle to make you think...they were just there, for no reason. Even that little 'side' story, with the Daemon, that was the birth of someone who could break themselves, throw themselves and just smile with a laugh to say, 'I am angry.'

There was a saying I humored, "He who fights monsters..." Is not a man, he's not a monster but he's a nightmare because neither can hope to imagine how, or why he can do such a thing naturally. That's Marcos, more or less...but I digress, it's all open interpretation for you as a reader. This story is made to have you think, ponder and just keep on going because, 'Fuck it, it's good and I'm happy to read it.' So fear not, we'll keep going and I trust everyone to know one thing...enjoy the story, enjoy the thrill and the depths we'll go together into what makes the Imperium of Mankind shudder with fun.

Leave a review, I demand it (joking), I'd like to hear more of your thoughts as it's my pleasure.