The Custodes, after the enduring battle, returned to Terra. No fanfare, no celebration, just the knowledge of the failure and loss. . . The Captain General has met with the High Lords, expecting to be judged for his failings as a leader, but he emerged from the council as he entered; a warrior, with a shattered weapon, and blood on his armour. . .

Afterwards, the Captain General Convened with an old friend within the Imperial Palace; The Lockwarden. He would always make time convene with his allies, and he would always treat them as friends.

Upon entry into the Vault, he took the Captains damaged weapon and marched it and him to the Palace forge. There he begun to work, repairing the weapon.

'A shame to see such a thing. . . this state can tell me so much. . .' Warden said.

'It was a hard-fought battle, there was much more damage than just to my Spear. . .' the Captain explained.

'Who said I was talking about the Spear? The cost. . . I see it weighs on you. . .' the Warden saw more than most, he was known to be like that. . .

'I regret not pulling back earlier. . . Constantin Valdor-'

'Would have marched you all into the grave. . . A Warmaster would succeed. . . only to fail in other ways. . .' the Warden made clear, 'He was a great leader, but at times he'd choose to lead men to the slaughter.'

'But is that not what the Emperor would demand of us?!' the Captain asked, speaking up to the Warden.

The Warden was silent for some time, contemplating his question.

'. . . It has been so long. . . I can't remember whether he would have done what you did, or marched on. . . but, if I were in your position. . .' The warden turned to the Captain, holding his refurbished weapon to him, 'I would learn from this. Grow from it. Let this forge the leader we need.'

The Captain stepped forward, taking up his weapon. With a resounding steel-on-steel tap, the end of the spear struck the palace floor. It was whole once more.

'. . . Thank you, Lock Warden.' The Captain thanked.

'Anytime. But, I wish you'd tell me what else lies on your mind.' He requested, as they marched away.

'. . . During the battle. . .'


'We employed out tactics. We struck from afar, from behind, and even in front of them when stealth was permitted.' Shadowsun reported, 'But, I'm afraid those tactics were no longer an option as the battle raged.'

'Why was that?' the Ethereal asked.

'. . . We were beset by the creatures of the night, and it seems the world itself was crumbling due to our efforts. At some point during the battle, we were driven to a single place where the enemy was as well. These humans. . . I've never faced them before. . .'

'Yes, the revered "Adeptus Custodes".' The Ethereal added, 'Knowledge on this faction is greatly limited. . .'

'We adapted to the situation as it unfolded. The Kroot were sent in first, and. . . were massacred. . . after that, they came for us. With Combat suits and all available fire power, we held them back. . . but it was not enough. . . and at that moment. . .'

'What?' the Ethereal asked.


'Things turned far worse. . . the Xenos had begun to fire on the positions we were attacking. They started killing eachother as well as my men. . .' The Captain explained as they walked through the palace.

'What was the purpose of this? I doubt their plan was to eliminate you there?'

'Apparently not. At the conclusion of battle, it was discovered the Tau's conscripted forces had begun an uprising during the battle.'

'That seems. . . fortunate.'

'Not so, a third faction entered the battle, gutting the enemy's long range defences, resulting in them all getting slaughtered. That forced the remaining Tau into our position.' The Captain went on, tightening the grasp on his weapon, 'That was the point where the cost was at its highest. . .'

'I see. . . then what?'

'. . . We fought to the point where the battle had gone almost completely silent. . . there I saw her-.'

'Her?' the Warden interrupted.

The Captain couldn't help but scream internally. . .


'. . . He. . . was the leader of the Enemy faction.' She covered herself, picking her words carefully.

'You fought?' the Ethereal asked.

'Y-yes, and. . . we were held at a standstill. . . but, during the battle we were separated and. . . he ran. . .'

'Odd, if you faced him alone I would have expected him to fight to the last.' The Ethereal thought.

'I believe. . . he was perhaps called away. . .'


'Well, considering how the battle was going. . . perhaps that was the point they sounded the retreat. . .' the Warden thought.

'I. . . suppose. But, I can't help but feel. . .' the Captain hesitated, struggling to form words.

'. . . I suppose when the prey escapes, you feel that dissatisfaction. . .' the Warden deduced, 'But no matter. Cast that doubt aside, and move forward.' The Lock Warden carried on, moving forward, 'I recommend you forget your foe for now. Forget, and focus on the present, friend.'

The Lock Warden left the Captain to return to his post. The Captain would dwell on what had happened, and thinl.

. . . How. . . can I forget?


'Cast out these thoughts. The Greater Good needs you. These distractions will serve you none.' The Ethereal declared, 'I'll take my leave, I expect you to repair your armour and be ready. We will have need of you.'

The Ethereal left her alone to dwell.

She would stand before he armour, seeing the damage left. The Scars. . .

'. . . I can't. . .' she said to herself, running her hand along the armour, 'I can't. . .'