A/N: So, what's next for Yang and the Woadian 111th? Something tells me this chapter might hold a few clues! ;)
So, without further ado, MORE RWBYHAMMER 40K!
Book Two: Corruption's End
-Chapter 9: The Weight of Numbers-
"Hate the witch, we are told as children. So we do. With all our hearts, we curse the mutant scum. Then, we learn we are the witch. Tell me Commissar, what do we do then? Tell me! TELL ME, EMPEROR DAMN YOU! TELL M-" Primaris Psyker Alesh Surkan, before his summary execution by Commissar Ingrid Hauptmann
Caolin sprinted out of the barracks, heaving noisily. Yang couldn't do much else other than slump down in her seat. Abaddon the Despoiler. She'd heard about the Gothic War from Vadiik. The last time he headed a Black Crusade, billions died… and the fact that he'd returned…
It explained her earlier uneasiness. Now sober as a tack, she kicked at the tile floor. At least I'll get to kill more Chaos cultists. But what can I do? I'm just a single guardsmen! And I have to keep myself shackled during combat…the second I truly unleash my aura, my friends will turn on me like a pack of rabid dogs! She howled, smashing a fist into her bedpost, snapping it in two. Why? Why did it have to be like this? I just want to help people, and there's chains and pitfalls everywhere I go!
"Yang…" Ros began.
"I'm fine." What a lie. "Is there any word about us deploying?"
"Not yet." Lana said, fingers working a wrought iron aquila. "The Colonel also gave us a regiment-wide warning… there's a rogue psyker loose in the city." Rhain sunk low, fingering the beads about his neck.
"The whole bloody galaxy's gone mad." He murmured, his fingers working mechanically. "Nedi. Cef. Madra. Illys." Ros stood ramrod straight, shocked to the core.
Caolin returned, stumbling as we wiped flecks of vomit from his lips.
"I'm goin' ta bed." He said, flopping down on his bunk. A wonderful idea. Yang climbed into her own bunk, not bothering to remove her bloodstained tank top and fatigues. With the room spinning and roiling, she pulled the covers over her head and surrendered to the exhaustion.
The Lady Inquisitor stared down Longinus, sifting through his mind for heresy and corruption. She found a great deal of fear regarding the Inquisitor standing in front of him, which was all well and good, but alas, nothing substantial. He continued to blather about the honor of aiding and Inquisitor or something, she wasn't really listening.
Further scanning revealed he was the zealous sort, and had murdered his predecessor (one Colonel Crassus) when he suspected him of chaotic taint. The involved memories did indeed point to signs of rot, so she would not investigate the matter any further.
Slicing a hand through the air, she silenced his pious rambling.
"Yes, yes, I thank you for your leal service." The man was perspiring a great deal, beads of sweat running down to his clean-shaven chin. "But this psyker couldn't come at a worse time. If the news about Abaddon's return is accurate…" Her office rang with her words, echoing to fill the vast space.
"It is, I can assure you. The High Lords of Terra have confirmed the reports, and are marshalling the greatest defense force seen since the Horus Heresy." Her kasrkin guard that stood watch at the door flinched.
"Are the 111th included in this force?"
"No official orders have yet been given to us. Our astropaths are working overtime to establish communications with Command."
So there it is. War was a constant in the Imperium of Man, but waged on a scale of this magnitude…
A gauntleted fist slammed into her desk, causing Longinus to jump and quiver.
"Damn! Damn it all!" She rounded on him. "You are aware of my… reputation?" He nodded. "And you know what happens to those I find guilty?" Fearful nodding. "And my tenacity in pursuing those accused of heresy?"
"I do. I-I am sorry if I have displeased you, my Lady." She waved the feeble pleading away. The man before her wasn't the issue. She took a deep breath, letting the stale air of the Scythe of Morning fill her lungs, stilling her frustration.
"Then you know I must go to the front. Any signs of treachery in the defense forces could bring untold doom to the entire Imperium. And I am stuck here, hunting for a psyker." No small psyker, true, one powerful enough to bring forth legions of daemons if they so chose. I must find them before they make such a choice. A shame the most recent addition to the Recongregationalist Inquisitors is not a psyker. She thought, recalling Ezzelino's acolyte. Pushing this matter off on a subordinate with psychic ability would be far more expedient.
"You can leave immediately, my Lady. The 111th is capable of handling this rogue psyker."
"Are you?" She asked, pouring another glass of wine. "How many psykers are currently in your employ?" He coughed, fingers writhing against each other.
"None." He managed, in a small voice. Fear bloomed in his mind, white-hot and strangling. Amusingly, he was picturing his own head bursting apart from her psychic power. Blunts always had imaginative ideas on how the warp worked.
"How many?" She growled.
"None." He said, slightly louder.
"As I thought. So, pray tell, how would you manage to find this individual?" No answer was forthcoming. "Would you investigate the entirety of Primum Mobilus? Knock on every single door in the hive city? 'Hello sir or madam, we were wondering if you happened to be an individual of extreme psychic might. You are? Well, if you could come along with us, that would be great.'"
"M-m-my Lady-" Her eyes narrowed, and his stuttering ceased.
"Enough of your simpering. I will remain on Elodia IX until this psyker is found. My conscience will not allow me otherwise."
"Y-you are wise and noble, my Lady."
"I know that, I don't need you telling me so. So now do you understand my need for haste?" Vigorous nodding. "These are dark times, Colonel von Israfel." She poured him a glass of wine. Handing him the dark red drink, she sighed softly. She raised her glass, servos in her power armor whining.
"To the Emperor."
"To the Emperor." He echoed. Their glasses clinked, and she let the alcohol flood down her throat. By the end of this sordid affair, I would be glad to remain in possession of but a single bottle… Wine had been instrumental in keeping her head level and drowning grief under its crimson tide.
"I am trusting you, Longinus. As of right now, you and your woadians are aiding my hunt. You are aware Primum Mobilus serves as a shipping hub, so I require your assistance with a few things. My team is too small to accomplish the necessary tasks."
"The 111th are ready to serve." He answered, now flushed with pride.
"All departing ships must pass through our small fleet. I shall parse them with my talents. If I find taint, we will vaporize them. On the ground, the 111th and the PDF are to seize control of all inter-planetary shipyards and docks. Every single person leaving the planet shall be investigated. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, my Lady."
"I would prefer to desist trade entirely, but with Abaddon approaching, the need for resources and trade makes that impossible."
"I understand, my Lady."
He didn't. He was currently trying to suppress the thoughts that screamed at him, thoughts that denounced the Lady Inquisitor's highly unorthodox methods. 'She's probably reading your mind right now, you blasted fool! Stop it! Wine! Concentrate on your wine!' He thought, downing his entire glass. His raw panic brought her a small, bright laugh.
"You are dismissed Colonel. I shall expect word from you shortly." Bowing low, he hurried out of her office, past her kasrkin guard. Calling them over, she sat them down and poured them some wine as well.
"My Lady…" One started to protest. Darron, a veteran of twenty years, and by her side for ten of them. His wife and fellow guard Chera put a hand on his wrist.
"Your masks, soldiers." They obeyed, pulling away the white masks she'd forged for each of her twenty kasrkin staff. Tears poured down their faces, grief pulling their pupils wide. This was the first they'd heard of Abaddon's newest Black Crusade. Their homeworld was under assault, and they were light-years away, unable to help. They'd remained silent when von Israfel revealed the news, but even without looking into their minds, she felt their anguish spilling from them in choking waves. "Now, a toast." She hefted her own glass. It was the least she could do for her loyal and effective guards.
"To Cadia! May she stand forever."
"May she stand forever!" They cried. With a longing look at each other, they drank heavily of the Inquisitor's wine, tasting sweetness amidst the bitterest news of their lives.
Yang spent the next day engulfed in drudgery. The Inquisitor had ordered the 111th to investigate all passengers departing from Primum Mobilius. This, of course, (being the Imperium and all) was a mind-numbingly massive number of people. They were looking for the rogue psyker, apparently, but nothing ever came of it. All day she stood in her suffocating flak armor, lasgun at the ready, interrogating an entire host of citizens and officials, asking the same questions over and over again. They'd been told to look for signs of mutation or psychic power, but the most interesting thing Yang saw was Mael decking some jackass in the face when he tried to smuggle a lasgun past them. Fucker went out like a light.
At least the constant questioning and examining kept her mind from wallowing on Abaddon. After sixteen hours, Gamma Platoon's shift at the docks ended, and they shuffled back to their barracks, throats raw from speaking and bodies sore from standing.
But now, her mind was free to focus upon Abaddon, and the coming war. How could she protect the citizens of the Imeprium from a monster of that magnitude? No, I can't think about it. I have to push it away, or I'll go insane. Maybe I can go play dice with Ros? I would, if she hadn't been absent for most of the day. Their loyal, inspiring corporal, vanishing halfway through the most miserable day of their careers as guardsmen... what on Remnant happened to her? She turned to her other friends. Caolin was already sleeping, snoring comically with most of his body still off the bed. Rhain and Mael were busy discussing the finer points of knife sharpening, with Rhain's boisterous voice, and sharp, insistent gestures from Mael.
In short, there was nothing to take her mind off her frustration.
She stormed out of the barracks. The building they'd been billeted in was an old warehouse, with a low, broad ceiling and a few empty floors. She looked around to make sure she hadn't been followed. She hadn't. With a blast of her aura, she rocketed skyward, landing on the building's roof with a soft and practiced step.
With a deep breath, she settled into a sitting position, letting the noise of the city wash over her. Lights pulsed and danced around Primum Mobilus, accompanied by the scream of traffic and bustle of humans, flowing about the city. The sounds were distant, but Yang could still hear them, bouncing off concrete and plaster, echoes of life and luster.
Abaddon would rob them of it. Not just Cadia, not just Woadia, not just Elodia. Terra too would fall if he was left unchecked. How many people lived on Terra again? Trillions? She shuddered in the night air.
Remnant's problems seemed laughably small in comparison. Even that bitch Cinder just wanted control, not the total eradication of order and peace. Her fingers laced together, a suitable mockery of the position Ren showed team RWBY in their sophomore year.
"Meditation helps me focus. It sharpens the mind as a whetstone sharpens a blade." He'd said. So she sat, reflecting on life and this strange new universe. Normally, she'd punch things until she felt better, but last night's escapade had shown that to be a futile effort.
The Imperium of Man…it had been a difficult adjustment arriving here, fraught with blood and grief. At least her duties in the guard were varied. Just two weeks ago, she'd fought tooth and nail to fight off a band of orks, and today, she stood and interrogated countless civilians, hunting for a psyker. How is questioning them going to reveal that? Psykers are supposed to be like magicians, wielding invisible power and letting the warp course through them… like… like… Aura.
The realization struck her like lightning. It was me! We were looking for me the whole time! It's me! I'm the psyker! Even that fucking traitor marine knew it! Holy shit! The thought pounded through her, making her heart hammer against her chest and sweat bead on her forehead. Think… I need to think!
She unbound her aura, letting the energy flow and bubble within her. It was a warm sensation, and brought her immeasurable relief. Her hair ignited, soft yellow flames caressing the golden locks. She couldn't help but notice her aura felt… different in this galaxy. There was a snapping to it, a sizzling sensation, and she could see pulses of power crackling and pouring off her skin. It never did that before. Is my aura still aura? Or is it psychic energy? Could it be both? A deep breath.
What should I do? Should I come forward with my powers? I remember Vadiik saying she fought with someone called a Primaris Psyker before. Maybe I could pass off my aura as something like that. But that probably meant leaving the 111th and her friends behind. Also, the sheer hatred and vitriol expended over psykers gave her pause. She didn't know what it took in order to be officially approved as one, but it was probably something horrific. Brainwashing at the best, lobotomies and torture at the worst.
She dug into her wallet, withdrawing a few photos from within. One was a copy of the pict from last night, her new friends in her new world, in blurry grayscale. The other was of Team RWBY, vibrant and happy in front of Beacon Academy.
"Ruby." She said, the whispered word fading into the night air. "What would you do, sis?"
'I'd do whatever it takes.' She'd respond. Tears came to her violet eyes. And that's what you did. You did what it took, and it took a blade in the gut and your blood washing over us. It took your death. But the thought gave her pause. Ruby gave her life to save the entirety of Remnant -a single world! And here she sat, squeamish and blanching at the possibility she might suffer torture or loneliness in order to save millions of worlds.
Packing away the photos, she made up her mind. I'll turn myself in. If she could become a Primaris, she could fight at her full potential. She'd bear whatever atrocities the Imperium put her through, and come out stronger for it. Then, she would tear Abaddon and his legions apart. Rend them limb from limb, and burn the uncountable bodies.
She grinned. She was nervous, but weighed against the thought that she might save billions of lives it was a negligible concern. Plus, getting approved as a psyker… it'll be interesting, that's for sure. She slid off the roof, landing on her feet after falling for several stories. Her aura absorbed the impact, causing dirt to shoot up around her. Her hair extinguished itself, flames fluttering down about her shoulders, but she nourished the warmth her aura brought, basking in its glow for a little while longer.
"Time to say goodbye." She muttered, heading towards the barracks door. Benighted citizens of the Imperium though they were, she'd miss the friends that she made. If they find out I'm a psyker, I hope they don't think poorly of me. She sighed. Caolin, with his scarred smile, Rhain, with his fatherly airs, Mael, with his rockets and his joyful, silent laugh. And Ros with… Ros with…
"Ros?!" She cried, seeing the woman in question approaching the barracks. Accompanying her was a large, broad-shouldered man, with a tall peaked cap. They neared her. Ros seemed nervous about something, but the Commissar's strides were long and purposeful.
"Sir." Yang said, standing straight and saluting him. Killing a warboss or not, you'll be damned if you get any more respect from me. Asshole. But why was he with Ros?
"Is this her?" He asked the red-head.
"Y-yes. This is her." Dark, beady brown eyes searched her.
"As you were, Trooper." He said to Yang, raising his bolt pistol to her head and squeezing the trigger.
A/N: Well, Book Two is starting off with a bang! Ah? Get it? Anybody? No? Ugh, philistines, the lot of you. Yang would appreciate it. :3
So yeah, sorry for the shorter chapter. I couldn't help but end on that cliffhanger. I hope you guys liked this chapter! Do you guys have thoughts? Predictions? Particularly vehement opinions? Drop a review, and let me know!
Speaking of which, this story has officially eclipsed Time to Say Goodbye, as my most reviewed/faved/followed story! Wow! Thank you so much for sticking with me this far! You guys are seriously the best. And we're just getting started! ;)
Review Replies:
Firem78910: You're welcome!
The Walrus of Eden: Yeah, the Crusade probably began when the Woadians were just landing on Elodia. Astropaths and interstellar communications actually do have a very important part in this story! I'm glad you're liking it so far!
DanAbnettFan1997: Yes, a nice, relaxing beatdown. :3
Nemris: Aww, you're much too kind! As a hint, you could probably work with her stats... those won't change too much! ;) But damn, if you do get stats... I'd wanna see a model sometime. Damn, that would be cool! :D
giodan: I'm keeping you on your toes! Hope you enjoyed today's chapter!
L4 of the WEST: See you there!
DeusImperator92: Thank you! And you're welcome!
RED Roman Pyro: That tends to happen, doesn't it? :D
Zedicus101: Thanks!
aznxa21: Probs exterminatus. Too many mutants! XD
OBSERVER01: Yang's weapons... hm...
CrimsonHeresy: Thanks! And you're good haha
Yoshtar: If it's killing you, it's murdering me! You guys are gonna get a kick, I can promise you that!
Guest: There is a reason The Lady Inquisitor is so powerful. Believe me, I KNOW what Beta-Level entails. You guys keep thinking I don't realize what that implies, but I definitely do! :l
revanchists unite: Oh, it was intentional. I needed a ganger name that absolutely no one could take seriously! XD
Champion of the Hive: Thanks so much! Your words mean a lot!
Lost Guy: You gotta tell me, what line of his was it? Just curious! :D Thanks for enjoying the story!
Whew! and HOLY GOD EMPEROR AND THE THOUSAND SAINTS OF TERRA! Over 100 reviews! You guys rock! Keep 'em coming! More goodness is coming your way! Until then!