…...
By morning we had figured out who would be accompanying me into Yokorii; Forge Priest Hanun and Sergeant Laban of the Sons of Thunder, as well as three Blood Ravens and there Librarian Nathanial, the Magos Errant Cog, and finally Lucivus.
As we walked over to the western gate one of the guards demanded. "What is your business here?"
"My business is with the temple." I said as I started digging through my vest pouches.
"Let me see your, Warrant on passage." The guard said holding out his hand.
"Just a minute I know I have it… AH." I pulled out a Ring and showed it to him.
Bowing he said, "Pardon me, Milord. You may enter."
After we entered the City Ellis asked, "Lord? So what your nobility?"
"Hahaha, yeah several times over whether I like it or not. But I own no land and have no servants, just a lot of debtors." I said with a smile as I led them down a few roads and to a warehouse.
"Careful, I feel a strange energy coming from that building." Nathanial said as we approached it.
As I pulled an old key out of a pocket I said, "Yeah, because it's warded;" And opened the door. As I walked it with Ellis close behind… with my Trench Coat wrapped tightly around her. "Feel here to look around bottom floor is my motor pool and workshop; you'll fine my armory upstairs and to the right." I then led Ellis up stairs and to the room at the end of the hallway.
"Wait here, I'll bring you something to wear… and some armor maybe, a blade as well… hmmmm." I said as I walked off.
The room was sparsely furnished with only a dresser, a couple of chests, a table in a corner, and surprisingly a lush lugubrious bed which Ellis immediately went and laid down on after throwing the Trench Coat over a chair.
Why does he have such a nice bed but the rest is just… so… so bland. She thought to her self as she sunk into the bed.
She then heard a soft knocking, and the door open. Immediately she wrapped herself in blankets. Stupid! Stupid! I should have been readied for when he returned not lounging naked on his… She could feel her checks reddening. …bed.
It hadn't taken me long to find something suitable and her size; I'd say she was about 4'9" tops and about a B-cup. I didn't have much in measurements; but it was easy to pick something that suited her.
What I had grabbed for her was a white dress accented in gold with a crinoline slip and a lace up corset top with long sleeves; it had two white tassels like ribbons on each hip, one in front one in back on each side, with beautiful glyphs sewn in gold thread going down the center of each (the Dress should look something like Saber's dress from Fate/Stay). As I walked over to Ellis to hand the dress to her I got my first truly good look at her, she had deep emerald eyes, and long silky platinum blond hair.
"Here, I'll got get you some armor while you get dressed… k?" I said as I gave her the dress, when she nodded I left. Well, she's beautiful… why hide it behind a mask. I thought to myself with a smirk as I left the room.
As he walked out of the room she heard. 'Well, she's beautiful… why hide it behind a mask.' This made her going light headed for a second. Someone thinks I'm beautiful… someone likes me… wait… As she thought this she realized she was hearing a quite din in the background of her thoughts. This was new to her she had just become a full fledged Banshee only thirty of the Mon'Keighs years ago, and had never shown much talent in the psyker arts. She then got up and started going through the clothes.
There was an assortment of deferent undergarments, going through them she found a deep green set she liked and put them on. Moving to the dress, she examined it and found she quite liked its strange design, but was truly surprised to find that both the undergarments and dress were made of some strange ultra light silk like material that seemed pretty strong. As she put on the dress she was shocked at how well it fit.
There was another soft knocking just as she finished putting on the dress, and in walked KenRu. 'Well, at least I haven't lost my touch… well she's that kind huh… interesting.' "Here, this armor was made to go with that dress so it should fit, and…" after he sent the armor down, he reached into a trunk and pulled out a couple of books. Setting them down on the bed next to the armor he said, "Here these should make for some good reading. If you have trouble under standing it let me know, and we'll get you a weapon when your done putting the armor on." He then left the room again.
The armor was a chest plate that would offer good protection but still showed her figure quite well, tasset on each hip that went half way down her legs just past the knee, as well as knee high boots with a thick medium length heel. The whole thing was made of a strange very light gleaming white metal that felt like it had similar properties to Wraith Bone.
A few minutes after I left the room Ellis came out resplendent in her new armor with the two books I had given her in her arms.
"Ah yes, we will need to get you a pack of some kind." As I said this I ducked into one of the side rooms and came out with a white pack to match her dress. "Here you go my dear."
I then led her down to the Armory where the Astartes were. Inside I noticed Nathanial was missing. "Hey where's Nathanial?" I asked them.
One of the Blood Ravens replied, "He said something about a library."
"AH, ok. Ellis take a look around see if there's anything that catches your fancy. Any of you got any questions?"
"What does this do?" Hanun asked dubiously as he examined a large pistol.
"That would be the Revenant… lets just say it's a rare Partial Disruption weapon and leave it at that." I said as I turned to Ellis, "You find something you like?"
Nodding she held up a short sword and asked, "What is this short sword made out of?"
Taking the sword from her I said, "It's made of a metal called 'Mythril', but what I think will catch your eye is this." I then unsheathed the sword and flicked it out causing it to separate into a bladed whip. "It's called a whip sword, and actually I made this one myself." I then flicked my wrist and brought all the parts of the blade back together and sheathed it. "It's a good weapon if a bit hard to master."
"Then I'll take this." She said as she raised a long white 'Dueling Blade'. I found this particularly odd; I don't remember ever picking up a sword like that one…
'I don't remember ever picking up a sword like that one…' There it was again. She couldn't be hearing people's thoughts… could she?
"As you wish, anyways I almost have everything we need so I'll meet you down stairs in a minute." I said as I walked out of the room.
First thing I did was go back to the room at the end of the hallway. Entering my room, I walked over to a trunk and pulled out a new trench coat. This one was also black but it was made of a strange material that moved like liquid shadow. I then retreated a few bags of gold and headed to the library.
As I entered Nathanial looked over to me and said in a happy tone, "Your library is most fascinating. Is it true that there is a power that doesn't come from the warp?"
"Yes, we call it magic. It's a form of quantum mechanics that runs off of energy we call mana. It is something that anyone can learn but few can master; why?" I said as I looked around; to my surprise a lot of the books had been looked through. I could see the residual aura of him on them.
"Interesting… judging by your library you could teach people a great deal about this, no?" It was more of a statement then a question.
"Hmmm, maybe but I'm not sure I'd be the best for it. You Astartes… Your minds seem too narrow for what I teach, but maybe I can find someone who could do such…" I said as I motioned for him to follow.
As he followed me out the door he asked, "What do you mean by that."
"I just mean that I teach more then just magic when I teach it; I teach principals, and knowledge that the Astartes would have trouble accepting." I said as I led him down the stairs to where the others where waiting.
"I see… then what if I said I would like to learn them anyways?" Nathanial asked before we got to the others.
This made me stop to think for a second… then an idea hit me. "I will teach you, on two conditions. First, you will cease to use your psychic powers for anything but warding yourself. Second, you will study under a 'Magus' of my choosing until you have mastered the basics. Then we will see, but your people may turn against you for it…"
After a seconds pause he said, "As you wish." And we joined the others.
"Ok, so… you-" I pointed at one of the Blood Ravens, "What's your name?"
He looked over to Nathanial who nodded and said, "I am Battle-Brother Shepard."
"Okay… Shepard… seems a little odd for an Astartes, but I digress. Take this gold and go find Astrum at the general store on 'Slate Street'. Tell him KenRu sent you and he will get you everything you and the rest of the troop needs for the gold in that bag… also… he's Xeno… even by my standards; just treat him like a human and you'll find he's quite agreeable, on the other hand the last person to try and kill him… well they're still finding pieces of… it five hundred years later." I hesitantly said as I tossed him a bag of gold then you the rest I said, "You were all picked because your Brother-Captain said you are the ones that can most control yourselves; do not disappoint him. That being said; treat this like if you were in… never mind. Let me rephrase this. You see a thug or some crime you are in your right to stop it with whatever force you deem fit. If you wish to ignore it that's your choice, but remember this. These people will hold no hostility against you unless you give them cause."
"Then where are you going?" One of the other Blood Ravens asked.
"I have to get a few special supplies, and talk to a few old friends. If it bothers you so much, feel free to send who ever you wish with me." I said as I rolled my eyes. These people are more paranoid then a kobold… on a caffeine high…
"That sounds like a fair plan." Hanun said thoughtfully, "Take Laban with you."
Before I could respond Nathanial cut in with, "I shall also go. I wish to learn more about these… Xenos."
"As you wish." I said as I motioned for Ellis, to follow me.
Their first stop was at a smith named Slag, but to her surprise the Space Marines didn't try to kill the Greenskin on sight. Instead they just eyed him while he and KenRu talked.
After a few minutes this greenskin… Slag as he was called moved off to a back room. When he returned he gave a small bag to KenRu. The four of them then left the smithy.
Once in the street again, I pulled open the bag and pulled out a necklace with a clear crystal the size of a human index finger, and a silver ring with words in arcane script worked into the band with gold.
Turning to Ellis I handed these to her saying, "You will need these focuses for magic while you learn it."
Then turning to Nathanial I pulled the last item out of the bag. It was much the same as the necklace I gave Ellis. A six sided obelisk with bands of silver which were inscribed with arcane script inlayed with gold. The only deference's were that this one was as thick as a childes wrist, and was on a thick steel chain; instead of a fine mithral chain.
"Here, Nathanial. This focus should suit you well. The chain is enchanted to protect and ward against most things, while the focus stone is a source of purity and should help fend off the powers of the warp I've heard about from you and your people. It is also your channel for arcane energies while you learn how to harness them, and probably once you have mastered them." I said as I handed the necklace to him; as he took it he studied it intently, after a couple seconds he nodded and put it on.
He gave her a necklace and a ring, they were beautiful. She marveled in there perfection and beauty. After a couple of seconds of this something in the back of her head asked 'What are you doing? This is not the way of the Eldar, this is not the path fate had in store for you. You must find your way back to the path fate has laid out for you.' The voice was unfamiliar to her it was dark and hard yet it felt of the light. I-I-I choose to make my own fate. I choose to make my own way. She mentally screamed at the intruding voice as she put on the ring and the necklace.
They were off again. This time they where making there way to the middle of the city. Once they reached it Ellis was amazed by the scope of the… temple? It had a wall around it with a big front gate. When they went inside they saw all kinds of people walking around going about there business, but what really caught her attention was the fact that the people that were tending the grounds looked like humans except they all had strange fox like ears, and one or more tails.
"What… What are they?" She asked.
From right beside her KenRu said, "They are called the Kitsune-Jin, translated into the common tongue it means Fox-Folk. They have run this city for tens of thousands of years. They are the peace keepers and arbiters of Zellos."
The only response to this besides a nod of acknowledgment from Laban was Nathanial saying, "Interesting." KenRu then walked into the temple and up to one of these Kitsune. After a short talk the kitsune bowed and hurried off.
When the Kitsune returned with a man in brown pants, white robes that when light directly shown on them shined black, and… Wings (Robes and wings like this; http:/ .com /u /f43 /13 /73 /63 /84 /arch_). He had Platinum white hair that just like his robes, when light directly touched it showed as metallic black. There was also another Kitsune as well this one in immaculate robes.
The two Kitsune bowed and the other one just stood there and blinked several times.
Then the Kitsune in the immaculate robes said, "It is an honor to speak with you Lord Kerashana; what is it I can do for you?"
"First off just KenRu if you would, secondly I need to find someone." He said as he bowed his head slightly.
"As you wish our diviners are at your service." The prominent Kitsune said before he took a step back then turned and walked away.
The other one bowed and said, "This is the mage you asked about, milord."
"Thank you; that is all I needed for now. Please take this letter to your head diviner." He said as he handed a letter to the kitsune who took it and hurried off to a building.
This was amazing he had never seen the high priest bow to anyone, be they lord or king; who was this strange elf? The elf held himself like a soldier, but he could feel the immense arcane power flooding from him.
"So… you have a job for me?" He asked.
"Yes, I would like you to teach Nathanial and Ellis here magic. I will pay you three hundred platinum coins and will give you the 'Tome of Kalsinorm'." He said as be handed him a pouch.
The Tome of Kalsinorm… that was an offer he couldn't refuse. Bowing slightly he introduced himself, "My name is Thornstromb, or just Thorn. It would be my honor to work for you."
"I am KenRu Kerashana, this is Ellis'Val Esu'Dalna aspiring Swordmage-" This got a raised eyebrow from the female elf, "This is Battle-Brother Laban of the Sons of Thunder, and finally this is Brother-Librarian Nathanial of the Blood Ravens."
Meanwhile, the group led by Battle-Brother Shepard found it hard to hold anything but wonder. As they made their way down third street even Lucivus was amazed at what he saw.
The streets were full of so many different races yet they got along with heretical ease. It was the Adeptus Mechanicus that were the most shocked; the city had technology that was so primitive at a glance, yet when the Magos Errant stopped at a store front to study a strange gun he realized that it was a plasma gun, an elegant one at that, and motioned for the other Tech priests to take a look. It wasn't long before they went into the store to find it was being run by a squat little humanoid with a long beard. When they enquired about the gun he said he had found it in his younger days as an adventurer, and that it was a relic of a world called Gon-kori. Eventually too much time had passed and Shepard was forced to drag the tech priests out and along.
Eventually they reached Slate Street and found the general store there. But when they entered they found something that had everyone but Shepard reaching for their guns.
A huge creature built like a mountain with no mouth looked over at them and… said 'Greetings what may I do for you?' It could not really be called "speak", Shepard realized. It was felt, not heard, and yet it was not a mental intrusion. It was as if… no it was that the words were formed as vibrations in his body emanating from the creature.
Taking a breath to steady himself and marveling at the fact that this thing stood at least three heads taller than them, "Stand down brothers." It was an order he didn't have the authority to issue, but to his surprise they listened.
"Are you Astrum?" Shepard asked in his most diplomatic tone, which still came out of his vox as a threatening growl that made him want to wince, but he was Astartes and so did not.
'Yes, why do you seek me so armed?' Astrum rumbled but some how Shepard new it was more accusation then question.
"We were sent here to retrieve supplies by KenRu." Shepard said as he tossed the bag KenRu had given him to Astrum.
'Take what you need, and let me know if I can get you anything.' With that everyone snapped into action, going over all the items in the rather large store.
After an extended period of time they had gotten enough supplies to last them several weeks.
The vox crackled "Brother-Librarian we are ready to leave."
Nathanial replied into the vox "Understood, Shepard meet us at the gate we entered from." Then to KenRu he said, "They have the supplies we need and will rendezvous with us at the gate."
To this KenRu nodded then said, "We should get going then. Thorn, get your stuff. We shall wait for you."
"K" was all he said as he left.
After Thorn was out of earshot he turned to KenRu cocking an eyebrow and asked, "You would have me learn from a Daemon, what treachery is this."
As KenRu shook his head he said, "First off, he is not a Daemon, nor even a Demon, he is a Devil. He is not from your warp, in fact his species is native to the material, and being a scholar you should know better then to think race is indicative of good or evil." This made Nathanial stop for a minute and think about it. It had never occurred to him or his brethren to think of it in those terms. KenRu then went on to say, "I will grant you that you have been at war for ten millennia, and the warp is nothing but hostile to you. But I ask you this. Have you ever tried to make peace with any of your enemies?"
It didn't take anytime for thought Nathanial immediately responded with, "The Xeno is traitorous, naught but disaster can come from any dealings with them."
This made KenRu laugh, "Yeah that's real nice but take into account this; one, what you just spouted out is indoctrinated rhetoric used to control you by the powers that run your Imperium. Two, you have been dealing with me and I have not harmed you, none of those around us have harmed you. I ask you this, why does your religion repress you so? Could it be that people are using your Emperor as a tool to maintain power over you? Maybe your Emperor actually wanted to make peace with those he could but that was wiped from your history because of xenophobic bastards that want power not to allow the Emperor to lead?"
Nathanial had no response to this, but for some reason it struck home. It couldn't be.
"Well, here Thorn comes we should meet the others." I said. We then headed for the West Gate.
We arrived to find the others already waiting impatiently. Right before we left the city a kid ran up to me and gave me a note then ran off. As we approached the camp I opened the note and read it.
Dear KenRu
We have found what you seek, it will be found were three lands meet; along the edge of the blood haunt lands.
This was going to be… interesting. As I walked into camp I found Rex sparring with… a Terra-Unas (same species as Astrum). Right as it seemed like Rex had the upper hand the Terra-Unas surged forward throwing Rex off balance, and before he could recover he was knocked out of the make shift ring. To my surprise instead of attacking in rage Rex reacted by laughing.
"AH, Come KenRu; tell me about my strange guests." Rex called over when he saw me. As I walked over I noticed a group of eight more making nine total each had a large shield and some form of weapon, a few even hand plasma cannons.
"Well, for starters they are called the Terra-Unas, and are as Xeno as you will get in most cases. They are known as the dwarf-kin ever since they first met the dwarves." I said as I walked up.
'What you say is true, Milord. We have come to offer our services such as they are.' The one that was sparring with Rex rumbled.
"I will graciously accept. We hunt Templars, they have been causing much trouble for people in these parts and… have been sending assassins after me." I said as Rex nodded his agreement.
'Then they are already dead, they just have yet to notice.' He rumbled as he picked up a great two handed hammer.
"Rex we should talk about our plans, umm…" I said as I looked over at the Terra-Unas.
'My name is, Echo in the common tongue.' Echo replied.
"Ok, Echo; Rex, get who you want for the planning and we shall begin." I said as I pulled out a map.
It didn't even take five minutes to decide we would just march directly on the place, although Fenris insisted he go and scout the area and find out what we would be facing. And so he left with only his Chain-Axe, and Bolt Pistol.
Without the guardsmen to slow him he made considerable time and was able to make it to the small fortress that could only be the 'Templar' base. These Heretics shall burn. He told himself as he took in the details of the fortress.
As he circled around the fortress he found a sight that he did not expect. There was a group of these Templars that were executing prisoners about a mile away from the fort. To his surprise he found himself compelled to go to their aid.
As Fenris silently approached he started to hear cries in a strange language he did not know. Then he saw what was going on and his hate grew a hundred fold. This filth was killing woman and children and leaving them in a pile for the crows. Something in him was telling him to help these people Xeno and human alike, he felt a righteous rage burning in him with such intensity it threatened to consume him if he did not act, and act he did.
He charged into battle crying litanies of hate that he had never heard before, and felt power coercing through him. Not the foul powers of the Warp but a gentle yet firm presence guiding his hand. He took three of the heretics with shots from his bolt pistol as he advanced, and before they even knew what was happening another four had been cleaved in half.
But when they recovered it was surprising how effective their actions were, they fell into a battle formation and slowly began to surround Fenris. When they attacked he was caught off guard by how powerful their mere swords were. The first exchange left his armor with several nicks and cuts but only one dead templar.
The second clash went much the same except that Fenris was stabbed in the gut. The last clash was fueled by a rage and power that filled him with warmth and had him glowing with gold light, but to his dismay one of the Templars managed to severely damage his helmet.
Taking off his helmet he found that the rest of the surviving templars were running for the safety of there fort. He killed that last four with contemptuous ease with his bolt pistol.
Fenris then turned to see what was left of the prisoners running for there lives and felt a strange sense of… pride? He then picked up a few of the swords and started off back to the rest.
On his way back he noticed he was being followed, but when he caught his stalker all he saw was an eight year old child; an eldar… no they were called elves here. What truly impressed him was the fact that this child… this little girl had managed to keep up with him in spite of how swiftly he had been moving and with no food. He decided to see what the Emperor willed.
Stepping out of his hiding place he said, "Why is it you follow me little one?"
There was a minute of silence then the girl said something in a language he did not know. But before he could ask her again, a pack of large wolf like things stalked out of the trees behind the girl. He berated himself for his lack of vigilance; then noticed that the girl was moving behind him. But before he could address this the wolves attacked.
They were almost as big as Fenrisian Wolves, but this bothered him not, grabbing his blessed chain-axe he went on the attack. His first slash took off the head of one, but the others learned and started avoiding it. After a surprisingly fierce fight he managed to kill the last one by stomping on its head. In total the fight only lasted thirty seconds.
When Fenris looked back at the little girl he saw a hint of… fear, awe, and… hope? "Can you understand me?" He said slowly and deliberately.
The little girl took a second then said, "Ver'conmum… Ver… Very… Eshu, iton… ittle… little? Very little?" she then nodded and said, "Very little." Her words were in a horribly broken low gothic with a voice that was sweet and melodic, yet childish, and spoke of naiveté.
Fenris didn't have time for this and yet he couldn't leave her here, something told him to take her with. After a second's pause he bowed his head, and prayed for the Emperors guidance. When the feeling only got stronger he knew what he must do.
Scooping up the little girl he started off again this time faster, a few hours later he managed to reach the main force. He then made his way to were Rex was and started reporting the force distribution.
When he finished Rex asked, "Good work, now why are you carrying that… elf."
Shifting the sleeping girl in his arm he hesitantly said, "She managed to follow me from where I saved the prisoners outside the enemy fort, and I thought she might know something about the inner layout."
After a short pause Rex said, "…Agreed, when she awakes see what you can find out." With a nod Fenris moved away.
Rex wasn't sure how to handle the last week or so. This place… it was changing them all. Showing them a way to live without killing anything that was not human, he had even befriended the leader of the Terra-Unas, Echo. And yet… and yet he did not feel that it was wrong.
I was talking with Commissar Thalis about getting his people better armor and weapons when Fenris came over to us with a little elf following him, but what surprised me beyond all measures, was that he had the aura of a paladin now. Interesting… so Fenris is a paladin for his Emperor?
"KenRu, I was hoping you would help me… communicate with this little one." Fenris said as he indicated the little girl… little elf girl.
"Sure, Adan'ushi. (A-don'oo-she)" I said as I waved the little girl over. Then crouching down I asked her, "Udas? (oo-das)"
"Ti… Titania, U'shad al'kunam. (oo'shod al'koo-nam)" She said with as best a curtsey she could do in her rag of a dress. Then she said, "Fenris, Adoval. (a-du-val)"
This confused me a bit, but I translated it, "Her name is Titania." But I decided to keep the second part to myself.
"Ask her if she can tell us anything about the inside of the fort." Fenris said.
"Eshi'nomanis U'shald U'canom Ifetu. (eshē'no-manis oo'shald oo'can-um Ēfitoo)" I asked as I pulled out a couple of gems.
Nodding her head she said, "En."
Putting an emerald in my right hand I placed my left hand on her head. I closed my eyes, concentrated and was bombarded by images of the fort. When I was finished I let out a string of curses in a wide array of languages. Enough so that more then one of the Terra-Unas looked over at me in shock.
"Fenris… tell your brothers to prepare to cleanse taint as bad as the warp. Echo, Doranum! (doe-ra-num)" As I said this, the Terra-Unas started gathering together. I then hurried over to Rex. "REX, the threat is worse then I though."
"What do you mean?" Rex asked as I jogged up to him.
"They are led by a warlock. We will have to strike hard and fast, there are also innocents in there that they have been sacrificing. We need to get them out." I said as I concentrated on the emerald causing it to produce a three dimensional map of the fort.
"I see, is there a chance that the civilians are corrupted?" Rex asked as he examined the map.
"No, they would need them clean of the taint for the sacrifices. But you must not allow anything that is tar like to touch you while we are in there. It is the taint and will slowly corrupt you." I said.
"Quite the insidious poison." Rex said as he turned to Lucivus, "Advice brother?"
After a few seconds pause Lucivus said, "We shall show them the Emperors Wrath, send the guardsmen to evacuate the civilians… will you be joining us KenRu?"
With a sigh I said, "No, I am bound by my code to insure the safety of the innocent, but I can offer a token to aid against the taint."
After a long pause rex said, "We will take any advantage you can offer us."
With that I pulled off me trench coat and passed it over the ground. To everyone's surprise a box appeared out of no were. "The talismans and gems in that box will absorb some of the taint, but it is far safer to 'avoid the bullet then to let it hit you'." It took another day before we reached the fort.
…