The Inquisitor
Chapter XXIX
Apprentice! My eyes opened fluttering to see several mutants shifted comfortably together leaving me to pry off hands. Vera's limb had been remarkably gentle yet seeing psychic tendrils keeping them all pacified into deepened sleep caused a grin to appear. Explain yourself, or shall I have to clean up loose ends who overhear such delicate matters? Augustus's agent is not exactly what one expects to send a message of indifference.
Sliding out between several mutants who twitched in their enforced sleep gave me one moment to pop a spinal cord gently. Walking out I scratched my neck to see Tartarus standing with her back turned, "What took you so long?" I stated innocently lifting an arm as a four winged creature came descending out of the warp to firmly lift both heads intensely. You don't know when to cease pressing dangers, boy! But this is quite a message to send to my colleague. One whose going to never end a persistence to acquire you.
My legs carried me over past a twitching eyeless man who wheezed in air shallowly. I reached out to lightly grab a fistful of hair and slammed a skull downward to keep him quiet. He'll live to sing grox shit, May and you can make it happen. I only want that guy, Octavian to know it's an eye for an eye and I'm not playing for fun when blood's offered. It's called playing games, right? The Inquisitor hardly expressed anything save for an indifference that continuously either honed itself over decades, or perhaps through will I'd never understand by the Emperor's graces.
"Augustus is many dangers, Marcos." She stated with wry smile as I smirked happily, "But to challenge him with violence, mutilations and sheer gall to desire blood? You are not even close, if I believe right." The woman shook her head mirthfully to lightly draw a bolt pistol to uplift an unconscious Cadian by his chin, "You'll only end up wishing our Emperor turned his favor away from you. But I won't cease to warn you, if anything you'll only end up determined to do more. Restraint and persistence provide opportunity."
One head of a creature pecked air with an audible clack as her gaze passively eyed it seemingly indifferent. Once others learn of your 'miracle', I doubt you'll be granted rest, or peace until death grants you that mercy. I raised a hand to pet the creature's twin necks as it nuzzled affectionately, "Good thing I can make friends, Inquisitor Tartarus. Augustus wants to play games, I'll just make them and see how good he's dropping a shiv from corners, it's always fun to stand in place and laugh at them really."
She hardly missed a moment to retort slyly, "Your ganger attitude is quite vexing. However you're not wrong, if only just knowing where you stand." I smiled serenely refusing to feel too flattered as she dropped the man to inspect a ruined bar. Deck sixty nine is full of scum, lesser humans and it falls onto you to clean them up for use, apprentice. Due to yourself being a newly minted Neophyte, it's expected of you to form a retinue of trusted agents, resources and have them dedicated to my goals, Marcos, as well as your Interrogator who I have to assist personally. No longer can you afford in rushing off on your own, I cannot stress this enough or else you'll risk becoming apart of those who grace our Emperor's side.
I frowned openly humming to point out tiredly, "Emperor! So any friends I make, or friends of Mays who are my friends answer to you?" Tartarus smiled coyly to simply rebuke myself, "Your friends are just assets I can utilize without wasting my time on them, apprentice. Furthermore you shall obey, listen and direct yourself underneath your Interrogator, who I shall pass along information, objectives and tasks you shall complete. I require assets who think independently yet are capable to follow a chain of command, if I deem it so."
Resisting to roll both eyes due to my teacher's stare since I'd be dealing with May's problems soon enough as just entertainment. Throne, I have to save her ass don't I, Inquisitor? My teacher chortled lightly to peer over towards bloodied globs of flesh, "Perhaps she'll do that same favor, if I have to imagine your efforts boy. You're reckless, raw and absolutely hold no fear to tackle forces as she has restraint, caution and insight in which you need to succeed when your time comes to inherit the title of Interrogator, Marcos. You both are flawed, but it is myself who I must decide to turn those flaws into your strengths."
I grinned far too smugly, "You want me as an Interrogator? Throne, I feel terrified!" The woman raised an eyebrow amused to see such hesitation to state confidently, "And that is why I trust you, apprentice. You don't seek power since you aren't aware of what you desire, you crave no ambition because the challenge of seeking a purpose which is your will. I find it naturally intriguing you don't garner glory, since you care not for either."
The Inquisitor wasn't entirely wrong about her observations yet a cruel grin appeared as I didn't technically mind one thing. Glory? I call it reputation, Inquisitor Tartarus and that's something even I can't let go, if no one expects a shiv? They'll skim you, first. She looked over since hearing muffed steps coming from in front, "It is petty, selfish and irrelevant until you someone to be feared or respected, apprentice. Hence glory to you is easily circumvented and I have little to fear, Marcos since you want to go further into the Inquisition. Currently I suspect it is only just to hold true for your ideas of fun, ideas that shall change into horror when you finally realize nothing is without price."
I kept one hand constantly stroking the bird like creature's neck as two heads snapped forward squawking out hisses. Six eyes on two skulls were narrowing all dangerously towards an Inquisitor who raised an eyebrow to give me a look, "But control, timing and understanding how little you know is needed, boy. There's another colleague of mine whose been observing you, who's seen you fight and plan for almost three months I have good reason and faith to say you're not a disappointment." I kept an expression simply a smirk since I felt chills running down my spinal cord.
Alicia, is an Inquisitor? I psychically questioned trying to piece together why she'd been approaching myself and providing harboring hope. Between meeting her at the chapel, to giving me answers and doing a selfish request. I craved that sort of peace, I believed it was worth faith's dedication, to have someone and somewhere to be at peace. But it still didn't make sense as to why she'd been hiding in a corner among the Sororita for so long.
Tartarus laughed quietly to shake her head amusingly, "Apprentice, you are indeed a child." Footsteps shuffled closer as I heard bodies being thrown aside, "But your actions indicate you are far more competent when given resources. You took on overwhelming odds, enemies and never once refused to retreat since my capture had facilitated potential horrors. Horrors and obstacles in which you took an initiative to capably navigate, to assist myself and earn favor from most who'd never aid an outsider, Marcos."
Figures of men walked into the bar as I froze in seeing masks of the Death Korp filling in quietly. Those who survived were told by myself personally, 'We as weapons do not end on this world.' They swore to follow you, to die for you and they have received the greatest of honours to fight until that vow is upheld until you deem it so, Marcos. The Kriegers numbered about eighteen as Tartarus absently mentioned more would appear eventually, "Several more are in medical stasis being repaired and monitored by my orders, I'm sure you'll find use of them down here to curb some of the lesser strains of mutations."
They were all dressed akin to storm-troopers yet their masks were of the Death Korp's signature appearance. Greatcoats hid an entire bag with hoses attached to las-weaponry as they stood rigid and quietly observing us both. They actually wanted to follow me? I psychically questioned slowly staring to see them filling into three ranks of six and held auras of whitish yellow. Pride, respect and eagerness to do the Emperor's work.
"Marcos I cannot stress how rare, or unique one willingly assists the Death Korps of Krieg for nothing but to do what their mission ordains." Tartarus spoke far too bemused to admit a lesser fact, "And they respect those who never retreat, never hesitate to put themselves in deadly situations and they adore those who seek to meet death as you were so reckless, determined and driven to find what happened you ignored sanity to laugh due to their creed inspiring yourself, to go forward." Her expression seemingly became aggravated at first until waving off impatience, "And would you show yourself now?"
From behind an entry pointed opened as I looked over seeing a lho-stick being burned within the darkened hallway. Sigur, by the throne! The man walked over cackling to speak rather impressed, "Kid's got guts, balls and soul but he's not that good. But despite his faults, I'd give it a few years until he's got ya good to keep yourself on your toes, Jalena. Good instinct, not too bad of an imagination and he sticks to the Emperor's favor like lho."
The storm-trooper who I'd believed him to be removed optics, clothe and cracked his neck gruelingly to grin. His darkened lho stick burned casually, "Pleasure to see ya alive and walking, kid." Leaning against a bar while reaching over to open one bottle of darkened liquid, "Sigur Bruckert, Ordos Hereticus and life long seeker of truth's, Neophyte Eius." He introduced himself by taking a mouthful just to reach underneath a coat to casually flatten and air out a blackened hat to wear lazily with the lho burning. Unable to stop staring undeniably stunned, now I couldn't stop trying to believe whether I'd been out played from corners, or outright just was allowed to move around.
Are you fecking with me, Sigur? I questioned almost undeniably resisting to laugh as he gave a rue grin equally amused, "I wish ya think so, kid. You're not half bad, a bit brutal and savage. Yet ya missed a few details in old Sigur's head, sadly you're not aware of who's got ya balls." In response I raised a finger to cheekily grin, "Guess I'll find out Sigur! I fecking hope you try too, I'd get an excuse to turn that skull of yours into grox shit."
Tartarus sourly pointed out to the man who shrugged partially bored, "You and Augustus give him so much effort to emulate your habits, Bruckert. Please cease to encourage him." The Ordos Hereticus Inquisitor only laughed cackling, "I like him, Jalena. He's got guts and balls, so I don't see a reason to suspect him of heresy. He's still alright in the head, or Emperor help ya, I think he's going places one day if he survives long enough. Hadn't had to run this much in a long time, I think my knees crack too often, ya know?"
My teacher narrowed her eyes briefly to remark, "You're certain of your evaluation? I trust none of your fellows will respond to inquires of my apprentice's actions?" Sigur's expression lightly turned expectant to throw out grinning, "Buy ya a drink? Old Sigur been lonely, Jalena in case you missed me so much to babysit your kid, so consider it done and over. Emperor knows how much ya missed me and you getting into glorious trouble, right? Just like back when you and I got lost on that hive world together."
I winced to see Tartarus smile faintly amused to state lightly, "If you behave, I'll consider it." My stomach churned violently when two heads of a creature hissed loudly as both Inquisitors heard a psychic question. Sigur, I mean...Inquisitor Bruckert, I have one question. Is Alicia your agent? I stared trying to avoid an anxious sensation since he'd hear everything I confessed to someone I trusted, or possibly damned myself at his expense. I didn't know how much this man knew about me now, if anything I'd be concerned officially.
His yellowed teeth revealed an overt playful grin to flick ash into a glass, "Oh don't worry about your girl, kid." I blinked as Tartarus shook her head tiredly, "Alicia's impressed with you, I figured to throw her a bone of faith for yourself and her. And as a result, ah well? I guess she's officially your agent in that chapel, kid." I stared equally uneasy and amazed to hedge a cautious guess, "And why are you giving up some of your friends to me?"
An Inquisitor laughed openly to drink down liquid happily, "Because you earned a friend in myself, her and I all just like pissing off Jalena, sometimes." He raised both eyebrows dramatically to make a woman scoff lightly, "But really kid, it's because you found something interesting between Kern, Augustus and Salvus's little arrangements. Let's just say for your efforts alone to Kern's sake and Salvus who provided that daemon a way in which is your little bird now, I'd say that's proof enough to warrant a trial. Soon enough as a result they'll be facing a trial by others in my coven, I can assure ya both they aren't folk as kind like myself to just happily look away."
He raised a glass half full to cheerfully proclaim towards my teacher, "He's been judged as pure of heart, soul and in mind...of good faith. If anyone of my fellows comes sniffing around, Jalena you call me back and old Sigur will play some games of his own." I cringed openly when his eyes trailed downward as Tartarus turned aside inspecting the hallway I'd arrived from earlier. Really Sigur? If you want to tap her ass that bad just fecking go somewhere else, throne you're terrible! I can't even imagine why you'd want inside those pants!
The Ordos Hereticus Inquisitor laughed simply downing a drink, "When ya balls drop, dick raises and your heart races? I think old Sigur will guide ya, kid." Tartarus hardly sounded amused when stating yet again, "Behave for once to have some dignity, lecher. Will you rescind any inquires based on my apprentice's unsanctioned paths as a psyker, I don't need mundane doubts in your fellows who see shadows move from their own eyes. You are aware of how much powerful he'll become in years, so therefore I'll need your trust to keep him gradually attained to control and will his own discipline to guide himself."
I found myself standing rigidly when his eyes normally mischievous, or outright playful turned into a sterner glare. Feck, I should have crushed that skull of his months ago. Almost feel like Skit's ghost is haunting me again reminds me of him, a bit. I thought when he took another sip of drink to rub a chin thoughtfully, "He ain't throne bonded, or been through the Scholastica Psykana officially. I say unbound is quite dangerous to say mildly, Jalena. I like the kid, but after what's been stalking him it'll be hard to sell off but if you throw in that Ecclesiastical information you gave off to Kern I'll make it happen, again if you're willing to deal with the Ordos Hereticus in our futures for mutual cooperation as well."
My teacher looked away momentarily to acquiesce a guarantee I'd see him again, "That can be discussed in detail later, Bruckert. But even you cannot deny how much he's grown since acquiring him on that planet or, am I wrong to assume your fears aren't obvious?" He only tilted a wide brimmed hat to conceal an eerie smile of condescending mirth, "Kid's got balls, Jalena but even I doubt our Emperor is gonna make him, or you afraid when he's a man. Want my honest opinion? Especially on where I view him on a scale to get you, shall we say a bit...wet?"
Tartarus's expression hardly changed save for a narrowing of eyes finding that crude offer irritating all too easily. Sigur's eyes trailed to where I stood as two avian heads hissed to expose teeth as a grin appeared on my face, "He's maybe at least a Gamma presently, but when really pushed?" He gave me a once look over to whistle lightly, "Beta potentially. If our Emperor favors him, I dare say the boy is going to draw some eyes and ears whenever he hits maturity, so consider yourself having friends to keep a lenient opinion Jalena."
I voiced myself a smug question, "What scale? Shivs, blood or fun?" Sigur barked out a laugh as his counterpart warily revealed, "Psyker scales of power, potential and destruction apprentice. Unbounded psykers are fundamentally different from those bounded to the Emperor, or sanctioned via programs the Imperium utilizes to assist on battlefields, ship communications or even navigation of the warp itself to garner favor to be allowed to live. Simply put, if you potentially keep living and maturing I'll imagine your worth shall be dangerously noticed."
Sigur also added in snickering while downing another mouthful of liquid, "Your navigators have been curiously looking at him, Jalena. Heard one of their houses wants to oh yeah, to expand the bloodline." I raised an eyebrow shooting back disbelief, "Are you fecking...oh, Emperor!" He kept chortling lowly to himself to again start happily, "Don't worry about your purity, boy! Old Sigur got ya covered, so enjoy being innocent until roughly thirteen, or fourteen when they'll seriously look at ya. Navigators are an odd lot, so don't be surprised if one of them ever wants to ya know checks ya out!"
Tartarus mildly cut short his fun to lift a pistol dismissively, "Don't be alarmed, apprentice. Astropaths and Navigators are slightly different though neither will attempt to breed outside those who don't have a confirmed gene for their roles. But if your psychic strength grows in time, I dare say they'll be interested just to see if it'll boost their offspring." She amended blandly to make Sigur raise a glass bottle all too cheerfully, "Kid's got balls, so if they start dropping sooner he'll be singing praises to that Sister of his for purity and strength, if she has any say in it. Alicia is one of those good sisters, I hate to say it but she's got heart and soul."
I found myself wondering if being an Inquisitor was worth all this grox shit! Yet I kept my hands stroking a creature's neckline to hum thoughtfully, "Is that normal?" Both Inquisitional figures either shrugged, or outright smiled faintly, "More, or less, kid. It's best to speculate now, or risk finding out when things can get dangerous quick. But presently you got a deck to iron out, flesh out and decide whose going to help ya for Jalena's missions on future planets. So you got plenty of work, fun and all that Emperor blessed tasks to get done."
He tilted a hat approaching upwards to reveal stern eyes glittering in unseen interest, "Thing is with retinues and friends?" His gloved finger pointed towards an eyeless Cadian who twitched even while unconscious, "That can happen to your friends, remember this isn't just streets and going for blood, kid. You're not foolish, or an idiot but it doesn't mean I can't look out for ya. Jalena is going to have her hands full with that May girl for our Emperor's favor, or feck throne knows how you didn't kill her for getting herself nearly set up."
I smiled innocently making both Inquisitors narrow their expressions accordingly, "I'm too kind." The four winged creature extended wings to settle protectively over my shoulders, "I like May because she's a friend. Personally I make friends, Inquisitor Sigur and they live to be the best of friends. It's better to have plenty, I tend to help out whenever they need it. Nothing more, or nothing less until I get selfish eventually."
My teacher only smiled faintly to see her colleague grow pensive, "His masks are what make him capable and fairly trustworthy. Marcos may be a child, but he's not innocent." She looked over a shoulder to gesture towards a Krieger who moved back outside, "And as a result he's garnered favor, trust and capability to be among men who none dared to befriend out of genuine will. Naturally I cannot overlook such results, if anything any future regiments of Krieg will be surprised and welcoming to our presence for potential incursions."
She stared right at me to smirk openly, "Use them well, apprentice. They are your weapons, you are their will and the Emperor is with you to do what needs to be done. But it is your ambition..." She trailed off to muse slightly to simply huff out a laugh, "To be a nightmare? Then I have suitable attire and appearances for you to learn, subtly in both mannerisms as well as conduct to master and inevitably become what you're seeking to instill games of far more dangerous potential. You cannot be what you claim to aspire too, if being a ganger is what you're successful in doing since it will not last against those who mock you too nimbly."
I looked over towards the Kriegers briefly as I wanted to wear something without having to close my eyes every day, "I want a mask like them, Tartarus." Eyes still closed I grinned, "I'm tired of keeping these closed, I'd rather have a surprise whenever I take it off. Think you can make that happen, or should I do the Mechanicus some favors?" I questioned coyly since it'd be an interesting suggestion considering I owed them nothing.
"It'd be best to learn of those serving the Machine God, if you dare to consulate them for favors in your ignorance." She remarked cautiously trying to avoid a subject I grinned, "Sounds like the Emperor is with me, Inquisitor." Her expression remained stoic to allow a wry smile by pointing out rather knowingly, "For only he knows until your favor with him is spent, boy. Don't try to lose your mind before truer tests are needed for yourself to undertake, I cannot forestall your inability in tackling foes who'll turn your very mind into liquid."
Sigur chortled loudly to point out much to my inner irritation, "Kid needs to have brains over them balls of his Jalena, so throne help you." He took an overtly drag of his lho stick while leaning onto the table viewing a Cadian groaning mutely, "Things I fecking deal with when someone spreads whispers of heresy, Emperor help ya coven when it's fully summoned. I think the kid is going to have an honest by the throne wake up call, I'd hate to be in your shoes." My teacher hardly seemed concerned despite myself putting together an almost doubtful assumption since I'd have pegged him to be apart of this so called coven.
You're not with Tartarus, or her colleagues? I stressed psychically to Sigur who snorted, "I'm only here watching ya ass cause Jalena needed eyes before ya and it wasn't even entirely planned. Quite a pleasant shock she decided in taking you on as her kid, kid." He moved over lightly coming behind while pulling out some sort of metallic shackles in binding two arms together. The bastard Cadian was probably going to sing grox shit either through him, or more likely to Tartarus much to an internal gleeful satisfaction I realized existed strongly.
"Our fifth coven member is soon to arrive, Marcos." She mentioned absently while gesturing for myself to bloodied eyes expectantly, "Bruckert is a trusted asset who I worked alongside with several times, believe me if anything his testimony and word will keep you relatively...absolved of those seeking unique resolutions." Stressing that last word mainly due to talons tightening on my shoulder, I reached up stroking feathered necks smirking smugly since what I desired remained physically in place. Regardless it seemed games were only just going to be interesting for someone else one way, or another.
"Asset?" Sigur mentioned slightly optimistic leering to tip a hat mockingly, "Oh throne! I feel ya Jalena, we all know the Emperor loves his ways and I like mine! But you'll never deny it." She turned away when he winked at me as I almost shuddered in disgust yet again. You're fecking sick in the head man, but I like you enough that I hope Tartarus makes you regret getting into those pants or else I'll go mad.
Finding an almost rusted cover once I placed them over bloodied eyes to only frown. Looking back I did resign myself in dealing with another issue, "Can I tell Slithe I'll be back? Last thing I need is her, or whoever thinking I skimmed them." Tartarus waved my concern off to remind me knowingly, "She doesn't need to know what is being discussed, but since this deck is now your responsibility? Make it quick apprentice, or else I'll simply cleanse Augustus's work myself."
Settling on holding a plate covered I quickly made way back towards a hallway inwardly grumbling willingly. Throne, I get work done and already you're putting a shiv up my ass! The winged creature lightly nibbled on an ear as I exhaled exasperated, "Yeah! I know, I know!" Both blackened and sharpened beaks nipped affectionately trying to convey an almost amused awareness, if anything somehow I swore by the Emperor it'd be a constant reminder of blind optimism. Yet I couldn't ignore it in fueling my drive to go forward.
Lightly moving I raised a foot kicking the mutant girl awake who looked around blearily eyed, "Slithe!" I barked aggravated drawing her attention, "I'm heading back up to the upper decks for some business I'm taking care of, alright? Whenever everyone else wakes up, let them know and we'll sort out what's going to happen here." She blinked numbly trying to overcome a lessened psychic will due to my Inquisitor whose impatience seemed all too obvious.
And try to clean this place up! We got a lot of fun to hash out, work as well. The girl nodded despite having an exhausted smile, "Yes...Marcos." Throne, I swore I could see that willingness to make wish I'd just ignored her entirely. Yet having extra eyes, or ears running this deck wouldn't be wasteful considering I would need people to finally drop shivs. Either way making friends, or more friends certainly kept me happier in all honesty.
"Now go back to sleep, I'll see you around." Turning an about face while yawning myself to ward off exhaustion due an internal amount of imaginations in running an actual gang. Boss Marcos? Throne, I was never a boss and I guess watching Skit might come in handy after all. But running a hive city isn't exactly easy, so maybe one deck is good practice to figure everything out. Somewhat interested I looked back to see multiple mutants stirring briefly, I smirked when numerous possibilities started creeping up all too naturally.
Runners, oh Emperor this is too good to pass up. Snickering lowly I could imagine what kind of goods were being passed inside the deck itself. Women, weapons, or less than healthier products which were almost too rich of opportunity for influence, pleasures and easier to hold the shiv to someone's neck when they laughed at you. This is going to be worth every throne forsaken moment I dealt with daemons, May and Augustus to give them all one warning. Don't feck with me, or I'll gut your eyes out for fun.
Humming happily I walked back to see Tartarus and Sigur conversing lowly until they ceased when I'd appeared. My teacher wasn't in any lingering mood, "Hurry up, apprentice. Augustus's asset will be debriefed in a torture chamber, but I suspect your gift should be considered. Do not try to agitate a conflict anymore than necessary, so is that understood?" I smiled pleasantly to nod wordlessly much to her exhaling expression as Sigur held no much reservation to laugh openly. He'd find it almost priceless to witness first hand it'd seem.
There wasn't anything more to be said, or done until everything settled in the games these Inquisitors dragged myself right into earnestly. It doesn't matter, I'll be a nightmare to them and more importantly? I have someone whose eyes need to be cut off, I'll find you Esdainn and there's no place in this universe I won't dare search. Smiling pleasantly I walked out of a bar right into what remained of gangs clashing for blood, shiv and faith for the Emperor himself. It seemed the Psycho's were quite literally savage humanoids who rightfully deserved their chance of holy purpose to cleanse the heretic, to kill them and make this deck worthy of worship.
Doesn't matter how many I end cutting into pieces, I don't give a feck out who cries and thinks I'll play nice. I'll piss off who, or whatever gets in my way to find you...one day. Bodies were either littered with slashes, or hacked into pieces making my faith all too stronger. Heretical humans who gave themselves to a Cadian who fled from some supposed fight? I'd make any surviving gangers who were apart of this disgusting place wish they'd die, I wasn't in any humoring mood to play games with those who abandoned our Emperor's light.
"Maybe Slithe's family should be compensated for keeping everyone else in check down here." I mused openly while noticing Kriegers moving in small groups of five gutting heretical gangers mercilessly silent. Kill anyone whose not apart of the Psycho gang, they maybe less than human but their faithful in those who deliver the Emperor's wrath will not be forsaken. I'll find out more when I get back down here, if they're willing to embrace the faith, is that understood?
Masked soldiers looked over before nodding subtly as several sent bayonets into a half alive man who cried out briefly. No matter what tasks, or obstacles I came across in the future? It'd all be obliterated until I found out my goal's location. Xenos wouldn't be shown mercy, no Eldar or Dark Eldar as they were called would be spared my damned eagerness to see if they knew were to find Esdainn. That was my only clue to begin searching which meant several things in all entirety.
"Only one man knows about them." I muttered ironically amused since there was a price to made for this gift I'd being Augustus Octavian, "And Emperor help you! I want to know everything there is too know where to shoot them, stick them and maybe I'll consider you a friend." I whispered far too happily with both eyes closed as I stepped over several corpses whose liquid formed a small stream when stepping over it. Nonetheless the games I'd play were only beginning and the sooner I started winning then it'd be truly a lot of fun to enjoy.
I sat comfortably on a chair waiting patiently with both eyes closed and still hadn't stopped smiling since waiting inside Tartarus's study. My gift had been placed directly onto her desk despite all appearances with said Inquisitor sitting behind it calmly awaiting her fellow Inquisitors arrival soon enough. They all had been summoned for a better of understanding under an urgent matter for their coven to decide appropriately sufficient. Or in others as I understood, it'd been the shiv dropped to get everyone in one place immediately.
My Interrogator stood behind keeping herself in check from either gloating, or smugly expecting to enjoy what came next. Keep smiling May, remember I did all the work. Internally rolling both eyes even if they were firmly closed, I came close to simply wrapping some sort of clothe around them yet I forced myself to tolerate it until I'd received some mask. Still wondering what kind I'd like, a Krieger or maybe something fashioned after one of the Saints? Ironic I'd be a daemonic nightmare wearing the face of one of the Imperium's greatest figures.
Perched above on cases full of books, data slates and several servo-skulls cataloging information was a two head avian observing an entire room. I'll have to come up with a name for you, one that I can use without calling you...bird. I thought absently noticing one head peering down as wings retracted far too casually in response. Six eyes blinked simultaneously even when a second head stared over towards my Inquisitor teacher who typed away commands onto a console. Her stoic indifference hardly seemed deterred when looking up absently at a said winged creature, throne I almost snorted imagining them staring until one blinked.
"Apprentice." I heard her say mildly amused, "Do well to keep your miracle under control, I don't wish for it to showcase a repeat of what occurred to Augustus's agent." Apparently she had some sort of tolerance when said creature above hissed by clacking beaks jointly. The bolt pistol remained innocently in open view when as talons tapped themselves partially aggressive, I still refused to let a grin die finding entertainment in it all.
Behave bird, we'll have our fun eventually. I looked upward grinning widely as it obeyed by shuffling away over near May who eyed it warily. She didn't seem bothered yet a question inevitably got asked, "Inquisitor is it wise to allow Neophyte Eius's to be viewed by the others? Kern especially given he'll outright try to kill him various reason aside. He's not one to forget, or restrain himself when he learns of this heresy."
I slyly commented far too joyfully, "Heresy in fecking a mutant? Said mutant who turned out to be a heretic for consorting with daemons?" I hummed thoughtfully drawing the elder girl clearing her throat to hide laughter, "Seems like the Emperor worked his favor with my miracle. I'd think he'd probably demand why Slithe's family was loving her sister, a bit too much. He's always welcome to join in for a family reunion."
Tartarus hardly seemed to smile yet her tone indicated an almost bemused humoring of our banter, "It'd be best if you don't speak of his tastes." Her hand reached over onto a data-slate calmly going over information gathered by May, herself and my own work ignoring us briefly. A moment later she continued without concern, "But fornicating with lesser strains of humans is considered very unfavorable in the eyes of faith. Your discovery of said lesser being a host for daemonic influence though is truly fascinating considering you spoke to it."
I pointed out rather reasonably to grin a bit smug, "If speaking in riddles and Emperor knows what? Sure for the throne, I spoke to it." The girt next to me remarked rather concerned, "Daemons don't speak to us willingly without trying something to gain or subvert said person, Neophyte. Even when we exorcised one host in Kern's little lover, it moved back into Augustus's agent and that's something I've never read about in daemonic habits." She explained wryly trying to make sense of an oddity which I found as a sense of surreal flattering if I had I imagine it.
"An oddity is a word I suspect will haunt your steps, boy." The Inquisitor dryly predicted further indicating it wasn't typical for daemonic entities to hound anyone through hosts, "Chaos is ever fickle with relentless pursuit of those who it seeks to corrupt and I will say applying reason to it is a fool's gamble. Both of you will learn in time that our enemy is incapable of being predictable despite numerous experiences in giving those a keen awareness, if there is a will to be made and that which is Chaos is an unholy drive to make all go mad for it's power."
The lecture alone made me smirk since it meant my teacher wasn't in any mood for games apparently. She had been staring at both of us indifferently driving another point by the Emperor's graces, "Every attempt of planning further requires hindsight for you both to draw out Chaos's tendrils which fester and grow within our Holy Imperium. It's not not a matter of how it occurs, but where and when it'll arise to damn those unaware of horrors beyond the veil of the Materium. Be mindful of not just others, but of yourself and those who you believe." I blinked several times getting an impression paranoia was just natural among Inquisition members, if anything it certainly reinforced I couldn't even trust myself due to be exposed to Chaos's attempts.
Eventually I settled on grinning rather happily, "And that's why having good friends who look out for you is something I like! Better friends, better chances to live." Tartarus gave me a dull glare at first yet wryly smirked, "Indeed, apprentice." She returned back to a console typing out several commands, or occasionally raised an eyebrow much to my internal interest. I looked over towards an Interrogator whose expectant glee hadn't faded, if anything she was too happily expecting to see those who'd left her to die standing to gain everything they'd hoped to see fail.
You're going to stick a shiv in their third rib, aren't you? I psychically questioned smirking making an elder girl reply quietly eagerly, "Oh by the Emperor, I'll relish this day." I smirked openly due to considering she had everything setting herself up to become an Inquisitor from Tartarus, I could only imagine being somewhat grateful would be an honest by the throne blessing. Yet she wouldn't be a friend of mine for too long, or else I'd have to put up with this girl's smug belief I'd pull her ass out from being killed again.
Internally I chortled trying to avoid visualizing May getting in over her head and needing someone to keep it on both shoulders. Still hate to say it but I'm curious about something, Tartarus. I psychically mentioned towards my teacher whose eyes flickered briefly to where I sat indifferently. Between Kern and Salvus, I wondered who stood more to gain and lose considering of May's previous expectation to have been eliminated by me as a test in itself. What was the price for any Inquisitor dabbling into heresy whether they knew it willingly, or not?
What is your goal for saving May, in handing off Augustus's friend and what are you getting out of it from Salvus since Kern is losing most? The woman's lips slightly upturned into a smirk as I refused to look away despite everything I'd uncovered. Consorting with Chaos is punishable by death, isn't it? I thought after encountering daemons, heretics and all had gone on underneath Tartarus's very eyes almost coincidentally for so long. I started to wonder whether my encounters weren't just seemingly at all random considering Chaos had been so close to us at all times.
You're in a game of games, boy. She told me knowingly entertained to shift back in her seat comfortably giving little away. There's no doubt Augustus intentionally moved elements of our enemy passively, or indirectly through other events to orchestrate a...coincidence. Whether he implicates himself intentionally is not the question, it's who set events into motion for you to encounter as consorting with daemons is guaranteed execution. Apparently if one of us used daemonic forces, or agents involuntarily means they're closer to be damned than they themselves believed.
My jawline twitched considerably when her expression turned far more bemused when I huffed out air disgusted. He more than likely wanted someone gullible to take the fall for him? Tartarus smiled openly now to lightly nod far too pleased. Yes, not willingly though but exposed a festering weakness in our coven as Chaos seeks to ensnare those regardless of cost. Ironically he's doing myself a service, as well as intentionally being provocative and remaining seemingly free of consequence while allowing others to take consequences into their own hands. You have much to learn to know of dangers, but it is a blessing of our Emperor to see you are listening for once.
I looked right into twelve eyes of a creature that blinked them all simultaneously as I mused what I knew over once again. He's trying to lure out someone dumb enough to consort with Chaos, or rather someone underneath someone who'd get them to bleed without him ever leaving his corner. Feck, I'm really starting to like this guy, Tartarus. I jeered almost giddily much to her less than pleased expression yet I made an aquilla to prove faithfully I wouldn't seek the man out. Or rather until one day once the real fun started to make things worthwhile to play games.
Be mindful his actions while strengthen those who aspire faith to our Emperor, he isn't doing so out of good will. I got reminded placidly enough as I grinned, "Unlike me, right?" May looked over questioningly being somewhat aware of our conversation considering the Inquisitor reluctantly agreed out of genuine assumption, "A line of genuine faith and zealotry is constantly tested for those to never lose sight of their intentions, boy. How one utilizes their zeal to find their place at our Emperor's side and knowing their own pride to stand above all is entirely targeted by those who seek to corrupt your soul into damnation."
I snorted in return hardly concerned given I knew enough, "Pride? Can't hide an exposed neck, or rib if you're that good at it." Above myself talons clacked loudly making Tartarus briefly narrow both eyes at the creature rather shrewdly. I leaned back smugly unafraid of finding out whether my pride would be dangerously exposed for someone to think they had a shiv on my neck, or maybe just enough to stick their own out in return. Pride is just another word for an idiot thinking they got the hive block locked down, so I dare Chaos to keep on trying it.
She remained quiet for several moments to warn me humorously, "Temptation is something you'll recognize indeed, or do you risk your pride?" I smiled widely all the while taking one dagger I'd been given from the Interrogator to idly flip it around, "Don't you mean I'm tempting something called perfection? I dare them to keep on trying, it'll just make it easier for me to send them to ash when the Emperor's faith is threatened. I don't care about Chaos trying it, I just want someone to bleed for making them annoy me too much."
I had one person who I'd gut for all too happily, if given the chance or found them again. Chaos was just another obstacle to my ambition, I'd stick a shiv right into Esdainn's smug face and have it wish fecking me over would be the last thing it'd ever consider. Augustus is the only person I know who knows about Esdainn's race. These Dark Eldar are my only lead on finding her and if I have to get his attention with some unique eyes of a Cadian? I'll just have him earn something if he's going to be interested, Tartarus since I want that Xeno to die and burn rightfully when the Emperor's faith sends it into dust.
The woman raised an eyebrow impeccably amused to quietly chortle finding it all too much to humor anymore. You'll get your chance one day hopefully, apprentice. She stated merely whimsically as if seeking out those xeno were a dream in itself. I wasn't deterred since it'd be that more satisfying when I found out any hints, or clues to really make myself warrant pride. They were fecking with the wrong human and I'd make it happen to see them judged for cursing myself with eyes of a daemon that wouldn't ever cease to corrupt my purity of soul.
"Quiet yourselves." She ordered mainly while setting into place to smirk openly, "Do not speak unless they address us, or if I allow it. Our coven must rid itself of weakness, or potential for Chaos to corrupt those unwilling to adhere to our mandate of fighting the enemy beyond." I rolled both eyes yet exhaled loudly as May stood at attention. Tartarus gestured for her to move behind as an Interrogator took her place behind to safeguard, or rather make a point of being trusted above else as I watched everything somewhat bored.
Stretching out a psychic sense I came across familiar presences approaching leisurely. Apparently Octavian and Salvus were on their way, yet Kern was surprisingly absent much to my snickering glee due to a family reunion. Hope you don't mind your woman being loved by the family, Slithe sends her regards and I intend to keep that sentence in place for consorting with Chaos. Faith in the Emperor, or faith in your fecking shit excuse for lying out through your teeth. No one escapes judgment, no one escapes damnation and she'll reap what you have sown to make the faithful cry out for a savior to hear their prayers.
Among three Inquisitors I'd call anyone of them a true title they deserved without doubt. Heretic! I swore internally to gradually savor who'd squirm more, I wanted blood and I wanted rightful retribution for those who were faithful to the Emperor's light. And to think they expected me to fear them? No, I fear only what I can't see in my corner and when there's a wall behind me? I hope they fear because there's nothing but to look out around, so let's play games to see who wins more in being cornered.
Wings shuffled above when I felt a presence lightly flutter downward as they curled around my entire neckline. I grinned when warmth seeped right into skin far too unnaturally, "Miracles. I'll make them happen at all costs." I muttered happily to lean back as an entrance opened due to troopers allowing access. Both Inquisitors hardly seemed fazed, or remotely shocked to see an expected dead girl still breathing and facing them with an almost gleeful expression. All the work and blood had been accomplished, so all that was left was enjoying the show itself.
Reaching with an angled foot in dragging another chair, I propped up one leg as an arm lazily hung over a knee cap. Behind the creature shifted to where talons gently perched themselves onto one shoulder as wings covered my entire chest, "Thanks." I mouthed silently to it as two heads settled above my hair intent on providing protection and unyielding warmth to make these next few minutes entirely worthwhile. It seemed surreal I had someone never willing to let me go, or to not be alone at all ever again.
"Quite the unique pallor trick you've found yourself at your side, Jalena." Salvus commented blandly in seeing his former expected dead apprentice smirk, "Pray tell why I shouldn't demand compensation for absconding an asset I took considerable effort to have value in it." There was a strange sense as the warp flickered angrily when I viewed it all through closed eyes. Angry at being seen through, or annoyed someone just got your balls in a vice? Emperor help me, it's killing me already to keep my mouth shut.
Augustus hardly seemed perturbed by lavishly praising my teacher, "Numerous possibilities existed and yet you chose the most fascinating of outcomes. My dear colleague, if you wanted someone to pass on your legacy I'd have happily instilled..." Tartarus blandly cut short theatrics ever so impatiently, "Enough of your games, old friend. You've meddled quite enough aboard my vessel, I don't particular enjoy daemonic coincidences following your ways. Shut your mouth, or I shall have your kin expose what little he knows to my benefit."
Psychic will channeled to have the warp tremble making even a seemingly pleased smile curl upwards further. She eyed a doorway rather expectantly, "And where is our third colleague? Kern?" Augustus replied fairly bemused, "Running late, I suppose? I'm sure he has his reasons, if you're willing I can send word to get him here soon enough. Or rather are you going to provide ample force on that matter alone?"
Salvus scowled when May was granted a right to speak much to Tartarus's sly entertainment, "Attempting to fornicate with lesser mutations is what you'd mean, Nero? Quite a taste for pleasure, or is that not what is known?" I got an almost pure view of this man's aura turning crimson, I believed due to an almost murderous desire to reach out and liquefy my superior's mind entirely. Heresy is well within the lines of those who consort with a mutant, I'm technically a heretic by that logic alone. But those who aspire to faith cannot be overlooked, or else impeding our Emperor's light is punishable by death.
"Watch your tongue, girl." Nero warned simply as Tartarus made a point to remark mildly irritated with a bolt pistol innocent in view, "My interrogator speaks only truth, be mindful of who you threaten in my presence. Your rustic plans to have her eliminated is hardly worth mentioning save for Willen's value to be molded, I thank you for that work to make my own so much simpler." Salvus scowled deeper when my teacher's eyes glowered partially with psychic might. She wasn't tolerating an idiots gamble that failed spectacularly and said idiot who stood to lose almost everything.
She turned away staring at Octavian who preened underneath the attention, "You'll cease your attempts in meddling on this vessel, or else your secrets will be passed along to our colleague whose efforts in providing me amply trained subordinate. Manipulating our enemy's essence to infect those loyal to our Emperor's faith will not be tolerated as already an interesting plot has been discovered by those seeking to cover the heresy which you all have flirted with...recently." She eyed Salvus intentionally making him snort as if such accusations were simply another day to weather much to my assumption in all honesty.
"And what conspiracy have you uncovered for us to humor these accusations, Jalena?" Augustus impishly questioned to hum merrily as she gave a less than impressed glare, "Funny you should ask out of us all. But I suppose evidence is needed since you cannot accept testimony of my Interrogator, so let us ask another who you assumed who'd do your work." Looking away she gave me an opportunity to make my efforts known, "Apprentice?"
I kept a blessed dagger between fingers while the blade's point lazily spun on a boot, "Slithe sends her regards, Cadian." I smugly hinted in making a pair of magenta eyes narrow playfully in return as he bowed partially bemused. Next time, I wouldn't use daemons to make faithful worship or else you'll be next. I internally vowed happily to lean back when two heads of a creature hissed jointly making both Inquisitors perk up intrigued. Neither of them noticed what shrouded myself between feathered wings as it stood up exposing teeth within liquid of beaks seeking flesh.
"Orchestrating a cover for heresy is one thing, Nero." Tartarus intoned far too blandly in being unimpressed, "But condemning an innocent for one who'd hosted a daemonic possession no less? That is quite a staggering notion to have myself not ignore, if Chaos embedded itself upon my vessel as well and as such caused my apprentice to cleanse it due to a coincidence of an old contact refusing my summons? And for you, Augustus...I believe your games are vexing to an extreme to warrant a gift." She made it clear while gesturing to a rusted plate covered as I got my queue to offer a gift to the man personally.
Throne, I love playing games! I thought excitedly while getting up as a creature retreated above to the previous look out. I flipped the dagger hilt and blade leisurely while coming to stand to the Inquisitors right side. Cadians, I fecking hate you guys. Pushing the plate forward I held out a hand to grin far too obviously, "Don't feck with my friends, Octavian. Or else I'll have a matching pair before someone realizes it!"
Opening the cover were two semi moist eyes rolling half dried crimson as their pupils stared upwards to all viewing them. Salvus recoiled considerably when eyes similar to a man standing next to him remained smiling pleasantly. He physically stepped away from a living Cadian who hummed loudly finding some sort of resemblance as I sheathed my dagger. I wasn't going to pass up an opportunity given what little I'd get, so I found it all too endearing to go low by insulting a supposed loyal agent of the Emperor's faith. If this Inquisitor wanted me so badly, I'd give him enough temptation to make even a daemon savor naturally.
"You know I asked someone if being a Cadian depends on their eyes." Nimbly without hesitation I plucked up both organs up to place right in front of my own closed ones to impishly question him, "Am I a fecking Cadian too? Or am I just another corpse consorting with those who'd make these eyes worthless?" In response Tartarus patiently spoke one word, "Apprentice." I scowled to place them down as I walked partially cackling to say over a shoulder.
Do not antagonize him further, or else you'll risk losing what you seek out of him. It is bad enough his interest in you shall be clear, but I don't wish to humor persistence as of presently. Partially biting my tongue I did manage to sneer aloud to make it clear, "Emperor I hope there's more of his kind! I'd like to get matching pairs sooner than later, Inquisitor." I left that last word directed at either of them as I returned to sit still grinning smugly.
Propping up a leg again, I sat leaning back noticing how Augustus tracked myself ever so animatedly to realize I'd just called him out by the Emperor's graces. I stared right back without an issue witnessing the warp flickering around his form rapidly. I'd say enough would make things interesting, I personally had something to spill besides blood with this man. And by the throne alone, I owed Slithe enough to make it clear to this man who played his games. I was going to make a reunion with family even sweeter, if he chose not to retrieve someone experiencing the love and joys of having loving people lavishing their presence.
"As you can imagine your work isn't entirely without praise, Augustus." My teacher drew out bored as if my provocations weren't openly clear, "Please refrain from spoiling his newly earned responsibilities in clearing out filth to be somewhat worthy of usage. But on that subject alone, Interrogator Willen and my apprentice encountered daemonic influence within two separate hosts which belong to both of you in your employ. Humor my curiosity, as to pray tell why I shouldn't have you condemned for consorting with Chaos?"
The pleasantly animated man hardly missed a beat to proclaim merrily, "Testimony from one is hardly damning considering his unique circumstances, old friend. And your newly acquired subordinate's history of attempting to murder our Emperor's holy agent of will isn't credible to hold, if we have to press those threats in all honesty." He didn't deny influences pertaining to schemes as I grinned widely unable to resist openly enjoying the antics. Tartarus wasn't wrong to say this piece of shit stood on top of them to find little danger in hindsight.
"Yet the presence of Chaos on your ship is rightfully concerning, I pray tell you'd be allowed scrutiny if word reached our other friends in covens bordering our own territories." Tartarus raised an eyebrow before simply reaching to activate a vox communications to speak calmly, "Then perhaps those outside your little games would find evidence sufficient to enact said investigation. You can come in now!" From outside a doorway opened revealing Sigur stepping through humming obnoxiously while inhaling on a lho stick happily. His wide black brim hat tipped itself accordingly when he threw a spare one towards myself almost absently since Augustus's agent was singing in some interrogation cell apparently below deck.
"Ordos Hereticus doesn't mind ya spilling guts, Octavian." He mentioned leering to leisurely sit on my teacher's desk exhaling smoke lazily, "But we don't like heresy, if ya think Kern is above divine justice being humored." Immediately a reaction came from Salvus who glared partially wary as a rosette stood out significantly different as opposed to Ordos Malleus's iconography. Augustus though hardly seemed concerned to nod politely towards Sigur who smugly to raise a lho stick, if anything they probably knew each other for whatever reasoning to my assumption.
Tartarus casually informed them while leaning back in her seat despite shifting weaponry from being exposed to falling ash, "Bruckert has been among those affected by outside influences for almost six months, he's had ample opportunity to observe and evaluate my apprentice's circumstances and is quite impressed for uprooting corruption in less savory subjects of our Emperor." Said man laughed briefly as she continued slightly irritated, "Unorthodox his methods and mannerisms maybe but are nonetheless effective in determining heresy among us, my dear colleagues. Yet his Ordos and coven are alerted to these coincidences which conveniently happen to hound wherever I traverse, so is that sufficient for my word to be upheld in testimony?"
Nero held a wry smile even when Octavian started rubbing his chin thoughtfully, "Kern's absence is permanent, no doubt?" Sigur looked over lazily to pat a bolt pistol chained to his leg as symbols glowered in a dull light of golden purity, "Penance of sin, ya mean? He'll work for it, again." The man told them quite casually as if it were a routine occurrence, I had a lingering suspicion they were just setting new boundaries akin to when gangs set up new turf. If anything they were playing mainly for reputation at this point in my mind.
"Those like old Sigur, we'll find out if his dabbling in corrupt habits will get him excommunicated eventually...considering a taste for breeding with lesser mutations. Siblings, I imagine are quite a gift of pleasure in one's own bed, right ya sly bastard?" He lightly tilted his hat upward to leer far too conveniently towards Salvus who stiffened noticeably considering Slithe and her sister respectively were probably given to Kern by him, "Thank the kid, Nero. He delivered a sentence on a heretic mutation corrupted by Chaos and in turn founded faith in many others, if anything your neck is safe but you'd best watch ya ass in the future."
I literally stomped my foot out of sheer frustration since I expected to see the man's head have a bolt shell in it. Are you fecking with me, Sigur? I psychically mentioned as Salvus scowled momentarily to bite out, "I thank you, child." The Ordos Hereticus Inquisitor smugly made it clear to myself and another who almost got himself killed, "Humble aren't ya, friend? Kern will pay for his habits, but you'll pay me in kind when I ask of ya and if Jalena needs a hand...lend it, or I'll lend ya a blessed bolt round by our Emperor's grace."
Tartarus finally spoke up enjoying the discomfort her colleague had placed himself, "I'll remember the consequence for his actions, Brucket. I'm sure we'll have an agreement in place, but perhaps you have something to say to me, Augustus?" She stared stoically to the man who'd escape being literally only a victim of circumstance as I realized it was a ploy to corner him entirely. Everything I'd done, I'd encountered and fought to kill would all be conveniently absolved for Tartarus to get something out of the smiled man. His magenta eyes almost glowered underneath the very light as pondering came to end to reveal expectation.
"Are you sure you'd ask of that item?" He playfully warned as silence met that unwarranted answer, "You're playing with dangers I wouldn't recommend having them mixed into with children at your side, Jalena. But if you're so certain, I can relinquish what you're implying." I lit up my lho stick trying to make sense of exactly what I was stumbling into again. None of my business, I'm just another tool to their games but least I know something was brewing behind the throne apparently. Tartarus either wanted all of this to fecking go down, or just found an excuse to put up with myself since it'd suit her needs somewhat.
Still all these questions I started wondering about did revolve around Tartarus who waved off the man's playful tone, "Brucket, yourself and I can discuss the finer aspects in private later." She then turned towards Nero who glared when May openly smiled, "But my Interrogator has demands to be met by your personal expense, Salvus. You intentionally set up herself and my apprentice to work together until one met their end, by your scheme to rid yourself of Kern's evidence in supporting his endeavors into mixing with lower ab-human to dirty our purity as humanity. She has just cause in which you shall adhere to demands, or is that going to require persuasion?"
I smiled while watching the man scowl visibly yet refused to deny since Tartarus kept a hand close to the bolt pistol laying innocently in open view. More so with Sigur who had his hands close to a similar weapon yet made no hesitation to mouth out a word, "Bang." Somehow I doubted how a man such as him was an Inquisitor of another Ordos, I earnestly wanted to know just how that had happened and ironically I wondered if it gave me a chance. Regardless I took one drag on the lho stick to pleasantly ward of shivering sensations rushing through my arms.
"I have a small list, it shouldn't too much of an issue." The elder girl promised sweetly leaving myself to roll both eyes while they were closed. Throne, I hope you enjoy it May because I doubt he's going to forget until you're a dead woman. Maybe I helped out too much, but least he's going to stick her in a rib more than me! Praise the Emperor for small mercies, or else I'd have enjoyed being too good of a friend for someone.
Ignoring an exchange of a data slate which got handed off to garner an almost souring expression turning murderous almost predictably. Yet I stared far more keenly onto Tartarus who oversaw it without as much as a sense emotional cracks. She remained utterly stoic to merely meet my own gaze revealing nothing save for minor detail that I blinked several times witnessing. She's...oh, throne she's actually smirking. I almost missed it yet a subtle curving of a lip spoke thousands of words to indicate she'd expected as much for Nero to enact future retaliation towards May, an act she'd use to her own ends without giving it away.
I almost wanted to grit both sets of teeth when I saw a glimpse of what the Inquisitor considered of others beneath herself. May's just another tool to be pushed along, I guess! Tartarus will gain her trust, loyalty and won't even hesitate to cut her loose when becoming an Inquisitor as well. Or rather, May wouldn't bare cutting ties with her to foster an almost predictable exploit. Sneaky, I almost like it save I won't need you when I get my chance. Still the more I started figuring out now, I'd have a better chance to find that third rib in someone who'd get it. Thankfully these two were cleaning house quickly and made it clear, if anyone of her so called colleagues tried manipulating events on her ship she'd draw blood on them.
Above clacking talons drew my eyes as well as another who watched bemused from behind magenta eyes glinting in exposed light. Right, I almost forgot! There wouldn't be a safer opportunity without Tartarus keeping an eye on Augustus, so it was either now in gambling risk and hoping I could do something in exchange for information on Esdainn's kind. Or else I'd have to wait until Emperor knew how long to get a hint, if he wanted me to garner some interest in him then asking about Dark Eldar sounded plausible enough. Thanks bird!
Sitting upright I placed both hands into pockets as a creature lightly glided to land onto my right shoulder, "Inquisitor Octavian, may I ask you a question?" I spoke respectfully to a degree as I stood waiting for permission even if he'd almost gotten me killed. Apprentice, be mindful of your words and you just might taste the rewards of learning restraint. Tartarus's psychic voice knowingly lectured while over viewing exactly what May had demanded from Nero, if anything their exchange was merely a front for preventing lines from being crossed too far. The Interrogator would learn a lesson eventually about pissing off too many people, if I guessed correctly.
The man seemed delighted by partially lowering his head, "Is that wise of you, Neophyte Eius?" He questioned partially amused when I gave a crooked smile. I didn't respond to that question by instead going to the point making his expression still just enough to convey an underlying acceptance, "Where does one find Dark Eldar? Is there any way to find them?" I kept myself rigid while wings settled warmly over both shoulders when two beaks clacked loudly yet heads made no move to strike a man who hummed ponderously.
Two eyes glowered visibly over towards my teacher and Sigur who hardly seemed concerned, or had reacted physically. In fact the Ordos Herecticus Inquisitor simply leaned over laughing when pointing out to an item on a data slate, "Ya new girl got some taste, Jalena! Mind if I do her in?" I didn't bother watching an almost livid expression appear on the Interrogator's face when I realized Sigur's lecherous habits were just a front for something deadly lying out of sight. I didn't want to imagine what he'd do to anyone, or someone falling for that mask of agony.
Still I focused on inhaling a lho stick as the creature peered right at Augustus who studied us both far too intrigued. Taking several moments he coyly replied, "Are you sure you'd dare to traverse in places even humans wouldn't survive, if you'd seek out what you desired?" I hardly hesitated to make my intention fairly reasonable, "Esdainn is a Dark Eldar. And you know, if I can trust your word alone on that."
I hardly cared to provide one ample piece of fact,"From what you know, I'd be a fool to disregard someone who knows the block they own. I want to find her somehow or someway, then I will kill her and maybe have it rid myself of these before I make it suffer for damning me." Lightly pointing towards closed eyes, I vowed incredibly clear to where I stood, "I will make her suffering worthy of any Xeno who taints humanity as the Emperor's will decrees, Inquisitor. Chaos, or Xeno alike will not survive in the Emperor's light above all."
Augustus laughed merrily to lean forward animatedly, "Then you have no chance of surviving what you seek to discover, boy." He raised a finger teasingly even when one beak along a feathered neck snapped froward with a beak trying to cut it off, "Eldar as a rule of thumb are far more dangerous, smarter and are quite devious to kill yet alone dream to capture alive. But opposed they are unparalleled phantoms who snatch men, women and children away off to the horrors of this galaxy. Yet I could actively seek out those who'd be willing to meddle in fate, if you dared yourself to accept there is no respite for ambition to rest."
My lips twitched into a grin, "I dared fate by tempting, Esdainn." He nodded absolutely in agreement despite seeing his fingers twitch excitedly, "Indeed, child. And that alone is dangerous since you cared not for cost, but only results needed to spare others thousands of times in facing their demise which is a lesson few dare to learn willingly. Perhaps your fate will be of the many who seek out their ends, but more so I have faith in those willing since we cannot hope to know ourselves without seeing how far we'll go to achieve ambition."
His eyes looked upwards towards a creature which remained protective on my shoulders, "Find what little peace you can harbor, child. But do not allow it to consume you, or else you'll find your matching set mirroring your own on another platter." I didn't do much save for stroking dual feathered necks as those magenta orbs glinted far too unnaturally, "Your gift is appreciated but it is merely another spectacle upon on a man such as I. Jalena chose you perhaps on whims of fate, but I see destiny in place of whim and I can only oblige your opinion of myself. Enjoy your rewards, Neophyte but true value is something only we as men can hope to imagine."
I inhaled on the lho to puff out smoke lazily wafting upwards as he seemed to care little, "I'm just a child, so I have plenty of time to learn." Augustus hardly seemed to agree considering one head snapped out as a hand got too close, "In name, I'd believe boy. Children are optimistic, they are naive and cannot hope to see what they'll become. But you are neither, if only pragmatic if not raw to assume otherwise. I'll be looking forward to the man you'll become one day, if you survive yourself and not create too many miracles."
Brushing past myself I eyed his back warily to see him approaching Tartarus who hardly seemed concerned. Sigur kept a hand on the bolt weapon openly, "I'll deliver what you ask of me, old friend. Keep an eye on your child, or else someone will all too happily snatch him to give what he seeks under careful consideration. These games never cease to have me humbled, or wise to the grander picture at work when it comes to humanity enduring in this dark future we've set ourselves to face from eons past it seems." The eccentric man turned again beaming happily even when I noticed a sheen of darkened purple slipping around his form indicating genuine desire.
You're top blood, I'll pluck those eyes out when I need too. I silently promised grinning widely finding his attention almost akin to Skit's back in my hive city. Surviving him, his so called angel and numerous others who'd put a shiv in my back? Can't wait until the Emperor delivers me your head, I'll do what I do best...Octavian. Stand right in my corner happily, back against a wall and we'll see how much you think you'll pretend in hiding the shiv in that pocket.
Tartarus obviously noticed our exchange to lightly remind him, "Be mindful of your intentions, Augustus or I will enact my right to safeguard my apprentice." He raised both hands in a gesture of dramatic theatrics, "No need to be so crass, or cruel Jalena. Time is your enemy, as is mine and therefore we have plenty to assume our enemies will move against this child considering he harbors a gift of miracles. Priceless indeed, if darker times are amounting to what a storm is looming upon the horizon that we've assumed come to pass."
Even Sigur narrowed his eyes slightly in seeing the enigmatic man bow kindly before turning away to vacate a private study. He expected us to succeed, or else he's just too happy I did everything to make it seem we lost by winning. I thought momentarily impressed to see that unless someone literally pulled a bolt round into his head. No one was ever going to win, or risk being damned for killing a supposed loyal agent of the Emperor's divinity. Who else knew this man to seemingly have him manipulating Chaos, mutations and Xenos to be allowed to walk out that damned door? I didn't have a clue, but I was tempted enough to find out somehow.
"Your games never cease to amaze me." My teacher informed him with a wry undertone of respect to which he grinned smugly, "Well, if they weren't you'd be bored of my presence." Clapping both hands several times he nodded his head towards Tartarus, Sigur and promptly hummed happily in collecting two bloodied organs as if they were a treat to be savored. The man took little time to simply leave without hugging sort of tune to himself, if anything his mood had been exuberant even more when leaving the very room intended to be his corner.
He really wants in your pants, Tartarus. I psychically mentioned absently while going back to sit comfortably as I stroked the creature's neckline lazily. The Inquisitor gave me a less than amused look despite myself smirking slyly. That man's interest in you is not something to wear as a badge of honor in your terms, apprentice. His fickle tastes, interests and fancies are nothing sort of a mask that hides the horrors you've only been allowed to glimpse. Expect nothing less of horrors, expect more than gains with him and one day if our Emperor shows you mercy...you'll learn that truth is far too dangerous to harbor within.
I kicked both feet up while leaning against the chair's solid back, "The Emperor protects." I whispered fondly to watch over the last exchange between May and Salvus. She'd have to learn I wouldn't do everything for her again, if anything it was an ever complicated mess of fun and games to see what I shouldn't have been doing. To be exposed in my corner, I only had to step out of it and the best solution was to have no room to run save for facing down who had that hidden shiv. I knew what I wanted to accomplish, I'd make no secrets of it which in turned created the corners anyone believed would get me me killed.
As long as everyone thinks what I want, I'll be perfectly safe with someone watching my back. I felt talons digging into my shoulders protectively as I saw six eyes peer right into where my own would have been opened. I think you and I will be fine, if anyone has anything to say about it. The heads nuzzled right against my face all too fondly considering it had a purpose which couldn't be broken, manipulated or cease to fade as long as I lived. I lived to serve the Emperor, to bring back faith in places no one dared to imagine and I would be the worst nightmare to anything less that dared to prevent the Emperor's light being spread.
My goal hadn't changed regardless of how much supposed good I did to those who'd rightfully meet their ends. Slithe, May, or who else wanted to believe in me for various reasons? They were inconsequential to what I strove to achieve, I wanted to kill those Xenos, I wanted to destroy daemons and nothing less would make me happier to have them beg for death. Even if daemons couldn't killed, I'd find a way to make them regret fecking with a nightmare would be anything more than just pleasant dreams. I had a long way to go, but that was what made my smile continuously grow since it left too much time to have a bit of fun.
Walking along seek darkened corridors a cowl hid one singular blank mask concealing facial expressions underneath. Gloved hands wrapped in trinkets of varying symbolic meaning nimbly lifted a small square like container where various runes glowered in audible degrees of potent psychic energy and illuminated consistently. Turning a corner bypassing armored kin of it's very nature whose duties in obtaining screams of delightful nutrition from those destined to be sustenance hardly, if the various cries of mercy and begging for death indicated. Yet it was simply another solar cycle for those to endure torment for those above them to be sustained.
Bulwark doors slid gracefully aside revealing a bridge overlooking the vast distance of a colorful yet dying cosmos. Orange, red and yellow blended together in streams as various plunder of living beings to sustain themselves for centuries were collected without abandon. Yet the masked entity smiled beneath a silver mask as various younger specimens reminiscent of another who endured so much more, so much agony and did it all freely. An endearing sense of hunger remained to relish in it naturally, but some spoils had to season themselves before being indulged upon sadly.
"Did you find what you sought to reclaim, seer?" A smooth cruel voice inquired amusingly as another masked kindred appeared before hiding pleasantry. Turning over to the side addressing an individual dressed in sleet yet cruelly perfected armor capable to inspire horrors, or awe of lesser ones to find it beautifully terrifying. Replying in the same language which sounded akin to music, "I have found that and more it seems. Truly mon'keigh are surprising, I was given quite a meal you'd find absolutely delectable to taste one day."
An amused hum returned to naturally question, "Oh? It's not like you to share, esteemed seer." The muffled chortling beneath the mask found that ideally true, "Only to you, dear brother." Kindred at first glance yet shared the same blood stood next to one another overlooking a planet whose populace would sustain more of their kin remarked, "Must we use such mundane titles, sister? You're acting quite lively in decades, I wonder what poor soul gained your tastes."
Casually opening a container where two glowing sons made an ornate mask dipped in blackened bone perk up curiously, "Two?" A nod of absolute smug delight returned that disbelief, "Indeed. But more interesting is who answered a call of aid, I dare say the agony that one put himself through was simply too sweet to not enjoy. I rarely indulge if I admit, but I couldn't resist naturally to ignore potential." While handing over a container to someone trustworthy to inspect stones of the soul, did one gloved hand gracefully dip below into a pocket to reveal an almost smoldering ember of orange within a vial of clear liquid.
"Fascinating." The smooth blackened mask voiced out genuinely impressed, "Our god answered and that lesser being survived? Is that a sign you've sought out, or was it merely your cruel nature that made us proud of your past life?" Looking towards a window peering over the vastness of space did one lone smile curve deviously entertained. How long had it been since personally interacting with the mon'keigh? Centuries at best, or maybe less considering the nature of feasting upon themselves to remain whole at such wonderful expense of souls themselves.
Inspecting a smoldering ember proved to entertain notions of amusement, "I expect to have myself a laugh one day, or two if those who I serve find it so. I trust you'll take me to my trope's location, we did manage to secure you a fairly sizable bounty, brother." The container closed as it was handed back simply after being inspected to a less than assured curiosity. Yet an answer foreseen came to pass as expected when it came to those seeking endless joys of cruel rewards.
"And as such we'll escort you to our cousins, sister." The armored individual spoke swiftly towards others upon manning stations monitoring their collection of sustenance. So easily swayed, so easily consumed by hunger and yet you're endearing to keep me in sight. Humoring ties of blood hardly seemed an effort to maintain while looking over as screams filled a bridge causing shudders of joy and addiction to hear more rang out. Mon'keigh being stripped bare to have their flesh skimmed off from whips of serrated bone and metal hardly couldn't be described as musical noise worthy to be inhale upon their horrors of soul's shrieking for an end.
"Tell me what you savored, sister." Eyeing the armored kin who held a smile curling similarly to what another saw to make their heart race in absolute terror, "I find myself tempted to seek out what makes you smile, I have not seen your face in many decades beneath that mask of yours." Said being laughed quietly finding that lust hadn't been forgotten despite their relation, a flattering prospect yet hardly worth pursuing considering it was far more entertaining to have one seek what couldn't be desired unless prices were exchanged. Yet if temptation came calling naturally, it'd be sated one way or another in hindsight.
"Jealous of a lesser being?" Speaking amusingly to another who casually slipped out a bone like knife lazily, "Disgusted that it remains alive after seeing perfection, sister. What made you reveal yourself after eons of being shadowed midst those who laugh?" Humoring curiosity alone made such a question tempting to leave in absolute obscurity. But a tease had be left behind, or else temptation would have its cruel persistence met prematurely in one who sought rightful rage.
Walking over to teasingly stroke a cheek plate while whispering dauntingly coy, "Because I feasted without abandon, or concern in one to face those who serve She Who Thirsts, brother. It was so sweet, so refined and I cannot share what I desire to lavish as it ripens into perfected agony. Agony of mind, body and soul entwined. Let me show you a taste of what I witnessed..." Trailing off almost shuddering in utterly delight proved far more enlightening when psychic tendrils gently melded into another who stiffened immediately in response.
The blackened mask tilted upwards as an inhale of breath loudly met strained grinning, "How kind of you, sister! So young and raw, I can imagine how potent those emotions must have been to feed upon. Those younger ones, I dare say they're a real treat if one manages to keep them ripened." Images and sensations were sent without abandon making even another shudder in perfected delight as a kindred whispered, "I must say, I'm impressed a lesser being can be so...fulfilling." Laughing almost certainly wicked in order to step away as shoulders rolled to have one stare upon another almost fondly entranced.
"Yes, but witnessing the mon'keigh's mind being splintered and unraveling himself through such agony alone before a daemon of She Who Thirsts?" Implying coyly hungered left little to image as an exhaling breath of resentment followed resentment, "You wound me, sister. Tease me, I believe mother would be proud of your smug circumstances." There wasn't much to do save chortling as an elder looked upon a younger sibling before they stood aside over viewing an expose window leading into space's vast distance.
Nimbly rolling a cylinder of liquid and smoldering ember did prompt another question. It wasn't entirely without suspicion, "Why would even an elder being such as that monstrosity humor a lesser being of blood?" Eyeing the small object less than curiously followed it being handed over for personal inspection for humor's sake alone, "Because it's the greatest of jokes, brother. You wouldn't understand yet I only know because I orchestrated such amusement, if only to reveal a component of what might come to be truly a joyful occasion. An occasion I shall personally look forward too, if only to savor what I tasted that night."
Eye sockets glowered ominously as a pitying response met little of concern, "Such greed and selfish impatience, I hear in your words. I'm jealous such an inferior creature has tasted you, seen you and I have acquired neither, but I also pity the wretched being since you taught me how cruelty is it's own pleasures." The compliment alone brought back fonder memories of a time before traversing the paths of humor, shadow and never would it fade until one collected their due. If anything it'd been a reward of importance to reflect upon, if only just to savor how much of that reward replenished itself until an end came upon them both.
"Young ones are often overeager, I made sure it'd seek me out." Another low series of chortling followed by a head shaking met that assumption, "I'd imagine, esteemed seer. Mon'keigh may lack in everything yet they always provide that ample surprise to make one relish in their unique capability to garner eyes of their superiors. Shall I show you to your quarters, it'll take some time to reach your trope's designation." An offer which got accepted by taking back a cylinder full of liquid left little to say afterword.
Such promise I offered to you, child. But fate is fickle, destiny is absolute and yet you are eager to find me again. Smiling pleasantly while turning to follow a kindred full of lust, jealously and eagerness would prove similarly worth in entertaining the finer aspects of patience. Forces are at your whether you, or I deem to view them in our respective mannerisms. It's no matter, one day I'll reap what I have sown and you will dance to my tune upon the leisure I desire. But two instead of one, I suppose you have value to remain left alone until I deem it otherwise.
Absently licking lips where a distant sweetness remained wouldn't ever be forgotten for as long as it'd be possible. Delightfully worthwhile to only be unresistant once age matured youth into a finer aspect of wonders, it'd be a shame to not enjoy spoils as it were! But for now grander events were slowly coming into place far above a personal investment. Inevitably paths would cross one way, or another yet until that day it'd be best to continue on the way determined. For nothing remained in place until fate deemed otherwise to have future's set into motion.
End Chapter XXIX
Author's Note: This will be the last time we'll see Esdainn for what I believe until circumstances arise to have meet for Marcos. It's a large galaxy, even if one is searching for Eldar and more so trying to uncover where their Dark Kin inhabit? Not exactly subtle, or advertised in my mind yet we'll reach that point inevitably from what I hope to achieve. There's options for one to go into the Dark City that even many cannot comprehend in their worst nightmares, I can assure you all...I'm not thrilled about imagining such a place.
Regarding the fifth Inquisitor, technically it's not Sigur but I do have a small warning as it does involve one particular character in 40,000 canon. Or rather the speculation of said conclusion, I'd rather not spoil it yet someone reading is either going to be curious, or slightly angered. Either way, I'm only making what a Coven of Inquisitors do on their days when away from hunting down daemonic incursions, or heretics invoking rituals summoning. Personally, I haven't seen anyone try to attempt it yet I'm doing it because I have a fun time trying too.
Marcos's fledgling group of assets, I will say in advance he has to form his own retinue sooner than later because of his ability to cause such disruption. How it'll form is one to ask, it'll be of those unlikely considered and more so said retinues will be trial and error for him to discover. From what I gather, I don't see anyone less than Interrogators in the Inquisition having their own retinue underneath their respective Inquisitor yet I'm willing to bet it's a hierarchy of those underneath answering to those above as simply such.
But he has two advantages over most in this situation. The cursed gifts and believe it, or not Alicia as an Adepta Sororita who was an informant of the Ordos Hereticus. Sigur's story seemed believable, if only just convenient yet it wouldn't draw attention from you readers which is what I hoped since few have commented about it. Every character has their purpose, but within the lines you could get hints considering what has happened throughout this story. Truth be told, I'm hoping to wrap this up within two chapters and begin a sequel where I have one goal entirely.
In the next story: Marcos searches for Esdainn. There's your end goal, an end most are eagerly looking forward too since I did somewhat of an alright job depicting Dark Eldar. What happens in between that start and finish is where I say, I have room to make the universe expand in what we accomplish but again trying to pace that out is quite irritating. Yet the events of this story will ripple forward, if you think wielding Khaine's flames as a human is simple normal. Not to mention Chaos's persistence as what you see now will find consequences in the future, hopefully.
Questions will arise more as to how things will develop, as both person, psyker and what the cursed gifts will make Marcos's character stand uniquely among most. Considering this is before the events of 8th Edition, I have time canonically to work out events that may, or might not effect what happens when the latest events take place. Personally, I'm just happy this story is coming to an end. I learned much, I hoped what I wrote was genuinely interesting for people for various tastes and surprisingly most enjoyed with their respective dislikes...which is what I wanted to see.
Next chapter, I will hope wraps up everything and sets the stage for the sequel yet I do have one thing left up my sleeve. It'll sate the need for someone who have an itch for combat scenes, I guess people enjoy what I describe and envision which I do intend to leave off on a good note. Either way, I wish everyone a safe holiday and have a safe time among family, friends and loved ones. It's been an interesting year to say the least.
Leave a review as always, I'll see you on the next update.
