Okay. I'm sorry this took so long. But here it is. Maybe kill me later, but read the story for now and decide if it was worth the wait... luv y'all
"Before we go any further, before I say anything else, I suggest you tell me what you saw"
Seraphis's eyes glazed over as his gaze slowly turned over to the candlelight.
"Saw…" he almost whispered, his mind elsewhere in that instant.
"In your vision" the Inquisitor continued, elaborating on his request in an open ended manner, "what did you see?"
It was an immediate reply.
"Darkness"
The nature of Seraphis's abrupt answer was disturbing to say the least, and while the severity of the Librarian's tone was filled with a looming danger, Vownus needed more.
"Darkness?" the Inquisitor repeated, the lilt on his words underlining his need for further clarification.
"Glimpses of the future… and some of what I suspect to be the past… but the danger of my vision was undeniable"
"Tell me" Vownus tempered his impatience. The Vision had obviously affected Seraphis, enough so that even this very moment the Astarte was made uncomfortable even by mere recollection let alone experiencing the vision itself. However, without details Kaede was lost.
He needed to know.
Seraphis stilled himself, letting out a tired exhale before his own eyes sought Vownus.
"I saw you. Dead. Rotting amongst a pile of countless others…" the Librarian said as he held Vownus's gaze for a quiet minute.
The Blood Raven studied the Inquisitor's reaction to the news.
But the Witch Hunter stifled any feeling that attempted to spring up.
Old words from a long dead man tickled his thoughts, the stark truth of them providing some comfort.
'We all go one day'
Kaede nodded toward the Blood Raven.
"Go on"
Seraphis returned his eyes to the flickering candlelight.
"I saw the boy. I could feel his presence in the Warp. Just as I did when he first appeared above Balor… I felt the spirit of our Emperor…"
The fire before them both dimmed.
"Both the boy and the Emperor, akin to a beacon for all that remain just and true, their light brought us… no, it guided us forward, to the final confrontation with our enemy. This final battle saw us allied with enemies, both old and new, with those we thought never capable of redemption or salvation… and somehow, we were winning… against the odds, victory was in our sight"
The Blood Raven trailed off into a disturbed silence.
Vownus held his breath.
The Librarian spoke of this vision as a horror.
Of a warning.
So far it had seemed more of a dream, rather than a nightmare.
Seraphis visibly steeled himself after a few more moments of quiet.
"But unbeknownst to this great gathering of loyal warriors… lurking behind us, there was a… a Shadow, one that loomed above them all. And a mere moment before the coming of the dawn, before the Imperium would finally be saved from our own accursed failings…"
Seraphis waved a hand.
The candles were extinguished.
"The light was snuffed out. And all turned to darkness"
Vownus shook the memory away, his presence of mind returning to the short corridor leading to the entrance foyer of the abandoned hab block.
He didn't need to ruminate on a possible future that was certainly not going to come about. Rather, he directed his immediate and important attention to the upcoming discussion.
Vownus watched on in silence as the leaders of each subset of Imperial Forces discussed their plan leading forward among one another.
"-the Ork objective in the outer city remains unclear. Of what little intel we've gotten through-"
Sergeant Grikken stood beside Germael and Aethod, the other Astral Knights lingering only a few feet behind them alongside the rest of Romeo Squad near the entrance way. While Vownus noticed that each and every Guardsman was braced against some form of cover, seemingly watching out into the gigantic courtyard beyond the Hab Entrance, their attention was most certainly directed at the conversation behind them.
"We must make for the inner city. It is impossible to hold our position, now matter how tenable, amongst the ruins. Regardless of the success we've had, should the Ork's muster a significant force to take this position we will be overrun"
The other Astral Knights didn't even bother to hide their keen interest, each of them having taken a respective distance rendered merely symbolic by the fact they could certainly hear the discussion going down.
"Chapter Master, while I understand your fears, keeping pressure on the neck of the enemy must also be considered. After all, as the Guardsman stated, we do not know what the Xenos are doing out here, but whatever it is I can be sure that it means us ill"
Seraphis, the other face of the conversation, stood with the unknown figure of Mordo, a mystery soldier that until now had seemingly preferred to stick to the peripherals of people's attention.
It was this small little deadlock that Vownus calmly walked up on.
Lynwood and Caius both turned to look at the Inquisitor, the latter rather quick to address him.
"Milord"
Vownus held up a finger at Lynwood, briefly giving Caius the stink eye as he admonished them like an irritated parent.
"Not a word more. Be thankful I'm in a good mood"
He was of course referring to the fact that it was by their oversight that Lucian had "remained with his squad" and ended up in the line of fire.
Their rule bending and tendency to turn a blind eye was vexing, and most certainly a punishable offense, but it had wrought a few net positive results, chief of which was the fact Kaede now knew Lucian was the Emperor's Son.
That was a big pill to swallow, and if Kaede was being honest with himself he was still attempting to digest the truth.
Upon acknowledging his presence, with a nod, Seraphis was quick to turn to the supposed highest authority in the room. Vownus did notice how the Blood Raven's eye drifted over his own shoulder, likely taking in the nature of Lucian for a moment before returning to him.
"Inquisitor"
"Seraphis" Kaede greeted, coming to stand opposite to both groups with Caius and Lynwood by his sides. The Inquisitor nodded to Aethod and Germael, "Knights. What seems to be the issue?"
"We cannot come to an agreement" Germael spoke, his unmasked face still clearly displaying abject displeasure at the nature of the discussion.
Vownus wanted to sigh, "About?"
"Our next course of action" Aethod answered, "to stay and fight, or to regroup with the rest of Hive Primaris' forces"
The Inquisitor crossed his arms and turned his head to look at Seraphis, an eyebrow cocked, "you want to stay out here"
It was not the Blood Raven Librarian that spoke upon his open ended question.
"Killing the War boss should be our only course of action"
Vownus was taken aback by the direct and icy cold voice of Mordo, the sudden burst of words drawing the attention of not just himself, but every other person in the space. Even Seraphis's 'flock' looked at their normally silent comrade. What the Dark Angels were thinking behind their helms, only the Emperor could know, but Kaede was willing to bet they were just as estranged by their companion in this moment as everyone else was.
"Nothing across the Imperial Vox suggests such a beast has been spotted. To pursue a target without knowing their position would be folly, if not outright suicide" Germael calmly remarked. But the unknown Astartes gaze didn't remain on Germael.
Midway through his explanation, Mordo's helmet turned to look away from the Chapter Master and directly at Vownus.
Kaede stiffened.
Germael tracked the movement, his eyes darted between the Inquisitor and the mystery Astartes a few times before settling on Vownus.
Kaede spent a quiet moment looking back at Mordo.
This unknown knew of the report.
He knew what had been relayed by Hageski to the Governor, and then told to Vownus.
'But how did you know?' he couldn't help but ask himself internally, verbally answering the silent prompt he was given to share what the Governor had told him.
"Castellan Harkoden managed to relay intelligence to Imperial Command. Before the southern gate fell, he reported that a particularly… unique Ork had been spotted. One far larger and bigger than its filthy brethren"
Germael digested the words before speaking.
"The size of the beast may not sufficiently determine its nature. Not every Ork War Boss is selected by its mass"
Mordo's helmet remained pointed at Vownus.
Kaede wanted to grind his jaw. Instead he provided further information.
"It also possessed improved armor and weapons, far beyond what any other Ork has been seen with"
Germael quietly mulled over Vownus's reply.
Aethod was the first to speak, "our enemy is intelligent. This may be an obvious decoy of some sort. A target meant to encourage our forces to over extend"
"Perhaps" Mordo's agreement sounded half-hearted, "but we must take the risk. A war of attrition does not end in our favor"
And he was right.
Even if Hive Primaris was still mostly in Imperial hands, it was only a matter of time before the sheer number of their enemies overwhelmed them.
"I am certain this beast is the War Boss, but if you require further assurance than my word alone, I know how to prove I am right"
Kaede, while cautious, was curious.
"How?"
Mordo's helmet adjusted right, now clearly looking over Kaede's shoulder. His declaration was firm and final.
"The boy"
Vownus blinked.
"Lucian?"
Mordo was perfectly still as his modulated voice directed itself at room at Large, even as Kaede was certain his eyes were locked upon the Emperor's Son.
"Through the Warp he can, and has, observed the beasts. He understands their nature and is capable of locating the War Boss"
Before Vownus could really make heads or tails of what Mordo was trying to say, the honest and surprised tilt in Lucian's voice bloomed up from behind the Inquisitor.
"What do you mean?"
Vownus looked over to see that his young protegee looked upon Mordo with a healthy dose of suspicion, but also wonderment wrapped up in confusion.
"In the Manufactorum, you encountered an entity within the Warp. From your own mouth, you said this being was connected to all of the Orks. This being is the Warboss"
Pushing aside the fact that Lucian had made mental contact with some kind of Xeno entity, Vownus asked the youth directly.
"Is this true?"
The golden eyes focused on him.
"Yes. I… I saw through the Warp, I saw the souls of every being on Balor, including the Orks… and one in particular could see me as well"
"It spoke with you?"
Lucian nodded slowly.
"I can't say if it's the War Boss, but I observed it as we spoke. I could see that it was connected to every Greenskin"
Vownus looked to Aethod, "did you witness any of this?"
The Librarian nodded, "after the connection was made, young Lucian was able to detect Ork's within the Manufactorum"
Kaede grumbled for a moment before turning back to Mordo and Seraphis.
"This is a gamble, but if you're right…"
"I am right," Mordo calmly asserted, " this war ends. Today"
He pointed toward Lucian.
"We will kill the War Boss. But the boy must lead us there"
Vownus and everyone else looked toward Lucian, the youth cringing slightly at all the attention suddenly given to him.
"Right…. And how exactly do I do that?"
Vanella Castelius remained two steps behind the Canoness Preceptor, the brisk gait of the older woman that she attempted to match taking her far from The Indomitable's Church in short order.
They'd long since walked through the larger corridors designed for greater numbers of personnel that inhabited the gigantic warship. Now they were in the rooms and galleries denoted to those of particular importance. Individual spaces, ajar doors and open gates that revealed studies, common rooms and social spaces, rather than shared bunks and a general military presence.
If Vanella knew nothing about what the Inquisitor was capable of, she would have felt an overall welcoming warmth from the decor and design. Instead the Helios native felt as if every shadow watched her, every flickering candle light casting another patch of darkness to hide an eye of judgment.
Ever since the Cannoness Preceptor had led them into this section of the ship, Vanella clearly observed how the number of wandering individuals had dropped down to none.
"Almost there"
The quiet murmur of the Adeptus Sororitas caught Vanella off guard, her figure startling for a moment at the sudden noise sparking toward her.
Even though the silence was shattered by the comment that the Helios native couldn't make heads or tails of, it was quickly subsumed into the uncomfortably palpable eeriness of the empty corridors and rooms.
Unless of course, there were-
A shadow darted past an open doorway.
The mere sight of an individual sent a shiver up Vanella's spine for reasons entirely unknown to the girl, but before she could even broach the sighting-
"We have arrived"
Since she was watching the shadowy figure, Vanella nearly bumped into the back of the leading warrior once the Cannoness Preceptor stopped.
Quickly composing herself before the warrior turned around to face her, Vanella was taken by the sight before her. Now it wasn't the gigantic black door inscribed with blue and gold high gothic symbols that ensared her attention, but rather the immense figure that stood before it.
Even though twin pairs of branching pathways filled with shadow flanked either side of the door, Vanella only had eyes for the figure before it.
Something about this gigantic, semi-armored guard… a primal fear and disgust worked its way into her. He easily cleared seven feet, towering over both her and the armored cannoness.
A shiver passed through her body as her eyes met the icy blue pools partly hidden beneath a mangy head of dirty red hair and accompanying beard that hid all expression.
The eyes of the giant shifted to the Cannoness.
Vanella's guide addressed this disgusting beast.
"Einar"
The guard stepped forth, his immense size and width extended by the impressive girth he spouted. His armor was… of a wretchedly simple nature. Patch work pieces of steel plated his wide shoulders, decorating the outside of his arms and wrapping completely around his forearms.
Every exposed piece of his large body was creepily similar to the door behind him. Runes of high gothic decorated his skin, their designs snaking behind the cover of the archaic clothing that covered his form.
Vanella guessed that this guard, 'Einar', was likely completely decorated by these odd scribbles.
"You're late"
His voice was a rolling growl, softly spoken but with a clear drawl of rumbling authority.
Vanella felt sick. Her stomach lurched as her body attempted to recoil in revulsion.
It was horrible.
She couldn't stand to be in his presence any-
"Cease this foolishness, Pariah" the Cannoness snapped, "she is a wayward servant, yes, but not one deserving of your presence. Lord Rykehuss has summoned us, and we have presented ourselves. Now. Let. Us. Pass."
In a heartbeat, the feeling of illness lifted off of Vanella's entire body.
The guard grunted quietly, but said no words of meaning. Instead, he tapped the door with the knuckles of one of his giant hands.
As he stepped away, slowly lumbering into the shadows of the corridors beside, he nodded to the two women. His eyes flickered to Vanella briefly.
The young Helios native couldn't hold his gaze for very long.
However, she did pick up on the threatening whisper the giant delivered.
"Be seein' ya"
And then he was gone, the threshold of the doorway suddenly passing them and exposing Vanella to an entirely new space.
"We should be fighting for every inch! Every grain of earth should be soaked with their filthy blood" Skorn growled, keeping pace beside his Brother's as he occasionally glanced back over his shoulder toward where they had come from.
The decision to pull so far back from the wall did not sit well with him. Even as all the Space Wolves began their jogging march up the Imperial pathways toward the central fortress, Skorn so dearly wished to rejoin the melee. They had been the last segment to retreat from the wall as well, each of the other sections and their leading Wolf Guard's having departed earlier at Lord Grimblood's command.
He never was one for waiting around.
"Perhaps" Joran hummed, "but that decision is not yours to make"
Freyr remained quiet as the blade masters conversed with one another.
Skorn scoffed, "leave the glory for the mortals then. Let them stay behind and-"
Joran's voice exploded outward with threatening intent, "not another word! They have gone to their deaths, with their heads held high and bravery in their hearts. I will not let you mock them"
For once Skorn's mouth failed to come up with any kind of response, the embittered warrior instead focusing on the path ahead with a hefty grunt.
"And you, Freyr?"
The Lone Wolf was quick to turn his head toward Joran, the sudden question and obvious change in topical direction catching his attention immediately.
His puzzled expression must have told Joran to elaborate, for not even a moment later, the Wolf Guard grinned and said, "what do you think about the fall back?"
Freyr wanted to grimace.
He didn't particularly want to be a part of this conversation. But… Joran had asked him directly. Still, he tried to find a way out.
"My opinion matters little"
Joran didn't let him weasel away.
"And yet I have asked you"
Freyr bit back a sigh. So much for the attempt to relegate himself to the sideline. But if Joran wanted to hear his opinion, then he would give him the truth.
"The retreat serves no purpose"
Skorn twitched, but showed no other outward reactions to Freyr's agreement with him. Joran however, had a bushy brow cocked in humorous interest.
"Really. And why is that?"
"Because a war of attrition does not favor us. While the fighting will be extended over time, we merely prolong the inevitable"
"Time can be a valuable asset. It buys us the many chances to achieve a victory, and perhaps for reinforcements to arrive"
Freyr frowned, "I'm sorry Brother, but I do not think we will have that much time. How many battles can you think of, where we had arrived too late to make a difference?"
Now it was Joran's turn to swallow a bitter truth.
"Far too many"
Not wanting to let him stew in a nihilistic silence, Freyr shrugged and offered the honest words he held within his mind.
"There is always a chance, I admit that, but with what we have now, and what our enemies bear down upon us with…"
"Perhaps the Inquisitor's Psyker could start doing a thing or two?" Skorn's voice suddenly barked out, "lazy bastard's probably been sitting on the sidelines while Ivur tears the Xeno's a new one"
Joran was about to admonish his Brother once more, but Freyr's bark of laughter caught him off guard.
"Perhaps indeed" Freyr smirked, his gaze going forward as his attention returned to the path they moved along.
Joran couldn't make heads or tails of the look that Skorn was giving the Lone Wolf. But it didn't seem to be one of ill intent or will, merely a glare that-
The sudden howl of a voice far behind them snapped Joran out of his musings.
"ORKS!"
Staccatos of bolter fire erupted all around Joran, these sudden shots joined by the feral roars and battlecries of the Greenskins. Springing up from the side passages and corridors that lay beside the causeway the Space Wolves marched upon, the Greenskin attack was swift and sudden. How so many of them had suddenly sprung up upon their flanks was…
A thought came to Freyr in a second.
These Orks had not come across them.
They had been waiting.
This was an Ambush.
How had they gathered so deeply into Imperial Lines, and with such numbers….
Joran's chainsword was already revving as he swung towards the nearest skirmish, "to me!"
Freyr was only a second behind Skorn, pistol in one hand while his own blade was found in the other.
A tide of Greenskins had crashed into his brethren only twenty meters away, a fight he was more than capable of joining. Sighted up and forward, his eyes were able to discern the beasts amongst his kin.
Freyr's pistol claimed the lives of three Orks only a heartbeat before Joran and Skorn were tearing into the Xenos.
Eventually the throng grew too thick, and rather risking the life of another Astartes, Freyr too charged forth into the melee.
The fighting was brutal. Suddenly thrust into the fight of their lives, the Space Wolves proved every bit the formidable warrior that their namesakes suggested. Savagery was common amongst their ranks, but honed by their instincts they impressed upon the Orks the nature of the wolf.
They were predators, first and foremost.
Even as some of their numbers fell to the onslaught, every bolt, every tooth of their chainswords, every vicious roar struck back tenfold.
"Hold them back!" Joran shouted above the throng, his seniority and command still recognised even now.
"Back!?" Skorn growled to his Brother, "we must take ground! Kill them all!"
Freyr could only watch as Skorn drove forward, his weapon striking any and all that it could. He was beginning to push away from their position, slowly cleaving his way into the nearest Ork bottleneck he could.
"Skorn!" Joran roared, quickly dashing after the warrior in a fruitless attempt to pull him away.
Doing what he could, Freyr stood alongside the newly formed battleline, dealing out quick deaths where he could, trying to alleviate the sudden Greenskin attention that was given to the Wolf Guards.
For a moment it seemed Joran would be able to drag Skorn back, returning him to the protection their numbers provided.
And then the funnel of Orks that flowed from the nearest pathway split in two.
A new beast strode forth, taller than the others of its vile spawn and swathed in rags and flanked by a sturdy cluster of Meganobz.
Freyr knew what he felt before he ever saw it.
The beast's eyes exploded with electric blue energy, a crackling storm of which Freyr had only ever seen in Ivur's hands.
This Ork was a Psyker.
And its deadly attention was upon the Wolf Guards before it.
And all Freyr could do was watch as it stretched out its disgustingly mangled limb toward the center of its attention.
He didn't even have the time to line up a shot before a tunnel of lightning exploded outward into the Space Wolves before it.
But he saw Joran.
He saw how the blademaster swung his body while powerfully shoving Skorn behind him. The tendrils of lighting reached out long and far, their sharp cracks of light howling as they struck arms, faces, stomachs, legs and chests.
But Joran, at the heart of the storm, was consumed.
The lightning ripped across his armor, the repulsive energy corroding him and also burning him.
Freyr knew Joran was dead.
It happened in an instant.
The lighting ceased.
And Freyr saw what remained.
Rendered a husk of ash that barely resembled a warrior, Joran's charred corpse fell backwards against the ground.
A second later, the world turned to madness.
"Focus"
Lucian's eyes were still tightly closed as he nodded, "I am"
"Good" Seraphis slowly replied, his open palms still held upon either side of Lucian's head. A soft glow emanated from them, the light of which intermingled with Lucian's subtle golden aura.
"Now. Breathe in deeply, and exhale slowly"
The two of them stood together in the entrance foyer, only Vownus and Aethod near them as Seraphis attempted to display his keen skills of Divination. All the non-Psykers had taken leave, each of them taking upon defensive tasks until a battle plan was formulated. For now they held the defenses while the Blood Raven helped Lucian perform the intricate and dangerous magic.
Vownus and Aethod watched the crash course Lucian was receiving in near silence.
"Of all the places to have a lesson" the Inquisitor couldn't help but scoff.
His comment drew no reply or response from Aethod.
The Astral Knight was as keenly focused on the sight before him as Seraphis was with his sudden pupil.
"This Magik that allows you to see the nature of things" Seraphis quietly asked, his attention still focused upon the energy that wafted around Lucian's head, "does it have a name, an incantation perhaps?"
The youth, eyes still closed, was quick to answer.
"Soul sight. And I don't need an incantation. I can just do it…"
"Old magik" Seraphis hummed in understanding, "a complex and ancient ability… how is it that you know this talent?"
Lucian did not answer.
Vownus felt his hackles rise. Seraphis had suspicions, that was certain, but how close was he to the truth of it… Vownus could not tell.
"Regardless" the Blood Raven promptly moved on, "I am ready to begin. Use your sight, locate the War Boss. I will follow you every step of the way"
To the untrained senses, nothing changed.
But to a Psyker, the very air undulated with the rippling miasma of warp energy. Unlike active displays of power and destruction, like Warp Lightning, Lucian's sight seemed to permeate not just the room around them, but space itself. Tendrils of energy twisted itself through the material universe, the long strands suddenly blooming into existence everywhere, but all of them branching from the boy.
Seraphis' presence in the Immaterium flared.
And then all was still.
As the mysticism of the world was revealed in its truest form, it wasn't just Lucian now subjected to the view.
"By the Emperor…" the Blood Raven whispered, steadily composed beside the boy, his own sight now predicated on Lucian's. The youth could feel the connection between himself and Seraphis, their gaze now shared.
Even as the Librarian slowly but surely got used to it all, Lucian was quick to complete his task.
Seeking out a pocket of life, his gaze brought them both upon the nearest pack of orks. Sensing their presence in the Immaterium and seeing the jumbled yet connected nature of their souls was a profound experience.
One that Seraphis wasn't quick enough to take note upon before Lucian was dragging them up the tendril. The same line of spiritual energy that was attached to every Greenskin.
The very same line that sought back to one, singular, point.
"That's it" Lucian calmly stated, Seraphis still reeling somewhat from the nauseating experience.
"Aye" the Blood Raven affirmed, steadying himself, "I see it"
The youth couldn't help his curiosity, nor the question he had for what the Blood Raven was about to do.
"Now what?"
Seraphis's power started to frothily present itself, Lucian's sensing picking up on the Warp energy traveling through the soul that stood with him.
"Now that I've sensed it, I'm going to find it"
If Lucian was capable of expressing his physical frown at that insufficient answer, he would have. Instead he just had to make his annoyance known.
"We know where it is. We're looking at it right now. What do you mean you're going to find it?"
"I suppose it was Inquisitor Kaede that taught you patience?"
Lucian was completely taken aback by not only the comment itself, but by the sass-filled voice Seraphis had delivered it with.
Even as the Librarian conducted his own power with extreme focus and proficiency, he continued his banter with Lucian.
"It couldn't have been Librarian Aethod. No. He seems to be a competent instructor, if not somewhat dry at times…"
Lucian's mouth didn't work.
Seraphis let out a quiet chortle, "I should have you know, that it's bad manners to ignore the questions of your elders, young Lucian. However, I shall let this transgression slide for the moment in favor of answering your question"
Seraphis strengthened… whatever he was doing. A sudden strand of Warp energy bolted into non-existence, forming and disappearing just as quickly.
"As of this moment, we know where our target is. Through use of my talents, I can also pinpoint where it will be, and when it will be there. The beast is not static and it can move. What I've done is make sure I am tracking it for where it is now, but also through time"
The bolt fired again.
Wheels turned inside of the boy's mind.
"That sounds… difficult"
"It is" Seraphis sharply replied, "not an easy skill to master, if I could even be considered proficient"
"And dangerous"
"Yes"
Lucian thought it through, "incredibly dangerous"
"Indeed" Seraphis tartly affirmed, "but like fire, the skill has come to me naturally. Time and training has honed it into a keen weapon within my personal arsenal"
Lucian felt another bolt of energy fire.
"You make it seem easy"
Seraphis laughed again, "don't be fooled young Lucian, I've had a lot of practice"
The bolt fired again, but this time Seraphis stiffened.
Lucian saw as the Librarian suddenly focused in, his presence withdrawing from the young Psyker's sight.
"Lucian" Seraphis hummed, processing some form of information, or gleaming some sort of understanding.
"Yes?"
"..." Seraphis's presence twisted and turned, seeking something out between all the nothingness. Away from the battle and the war, he was focused on something.
"We're not alone"
"Very perceptive"
A crimson miasma surrounded them, engulfing every sight, sound, taste and smell. It felt like being in a sandstorm, with hundreds of millions of dusty particles swirling around them in a rictus of chaos.
"Lucian!" Seraphis yelled from within the storm.
But the voice that had preceded it... The same voice that projected itself within Lucian's very mind from the all encompassing storm, belonged to someone he hadn't spoken to in some time.
"Brother"
And Lucian addressed him as he knew him.
"Magnus" the youth calmly stated, "what do you want?"
"LUCIAN!" Seraphis called out to him from somewhere within the storm, "DO NOT-"
A rolling wave of power separated them, and now it was just Lucian and the mist of energy that was his brother.
"Want? Can't two siblings just have a nice chat?"
A little spark of rage flamed up within the youth.
"You want to chat? Fine. When were you going to tell me?! You knew right?! You knew this whole damn time-"
Magnus's powerful voice flowed over his rage.
"I told you. If it had come from my lips, you would not have believed me"
Lucian could feel the storm considering him.
"But you have addressed me by name. So I'm guessing Father finally clued you in on things. That perhaps he's also told you some of the truth… maybe…. If I may, what happened, exactly?"
Lucian was angry at the underlying deception… but this was his Brother… and he still had so many questions, he still needed to know everything.
"Khorne gave me a gift, or something of the kind. A being took me from the Blood God's realm. He called himself Malcador"
The mist that was his soul bound sibling seemed to ponder to itself even as it spoke aloud.
"Father didn't even come for you himself then. Sent the old codger instead… hmmm… that sounds about right"
Lucian felt as if he was missing out on something. Magnus was openly considering details and drawing meaning from them, a meaning that Lucian couldn't make heads or tails of. So he spoke out.
"Magnus"
The cloud was cut from its musings.
"Yes Brother?"
"I'm not as stupid as you may think. You didn't come here to just talk to me. So I'll ask you one more time"
His own power flared. Flecks of gold light cut brilliant incandescent shafts through the mist.
"What do you want?"
"I do in fact want to talk, Lucian…. But not to you. Not yet. We'll have words later, but for now I'm going to borrow your Blood Raven"
Lucian's deft confusion remained for only a moment as the shroud of his Brother passed through the Immaterium the force of yanked the youth back into the real world.
Lucian was flung across the small space as Seraphis snapped upward. Immediately on Guard, Vownus rushed for the fallen youth, Aethod already drawing a weapon in Seraphis's direction.
The Blood Raven looked possessed.
His body writhed in painful motions, the rictus of agony dressed across his silently screaming features.
"Lucian!" Vownus called out to the dazed youth, his eyes constantly snapping back to the twisting Seraphis, "what happened?! Kiddo! What-"
And then the Blood Raven relaxed.
"Vownus" Aethod rumbled.
"I see it" Kaede said, standing and quickly bringing his own weaponry out. There was a touch of steel to his voice as his mind reached out to examine Seraphis.
He couldn't feel any demonic energy.
In fact, the Librarian seemed as if he'd just been released from whatever horrid torture he had been suddenly subjected to.
But Vownus had a poor feeling in his gut.
Likely Aethod did too.
Because Seraphis didn't attempt to address them or speak to them.
Instead, the Blood Raven kept his eyes calmly closed as he took in a deep breath of air. And when his eyes opened, even before speaking to them, Kaede knew it wasn't the Librarian that now controlled his own mouth.
"Nothing quite like fresh air. Is there?"
Kaede could have attacked right then and there. But instead he held back. He sensed nothing from the being that now inhabited Seraphis's body. Still.
And that made him nervous.
Daemons usually exploded into the material realm with obvious violence and intent. And the ones that subtly corrupted their hosts… there was always something to detect, no matter how obvious or how insignificant.
But this wasn't subtle.
Seraphis was obviously possessed by something, and whatever it was made no attempts to hide, or reveal itself.
So Vownus held back, and he chose to use words instead.
"Identify yourself"
'Seraphis' ignored the barked demand, instead locking eyes with the Inquisitor and directly addressing him by name.
"Inquisitor Vownus Kaede. What a pleasure to finally be acquainted with you"
Kaede said nothing.
That seemed to annoy 'Seraphis'.
"What? Not going to talk? Not even a quip? Or perhaps a self indulgent monologue? You're just going to stand there and attempt to look menacing?"
Kaede wasn't going to bite.
No games. Not now.
"Identify-"
"Come now Inquisitor. You know who I am"
Kaede remained stoned faced.
'Seraphis' shrugged his shoulders, moving his hands into a wide and opening gesture, as he gave the Inquisitor a clue "from one Teacher to another, I promise I just wanted to chat"
And Kaede quickly figured it out.
His gaze turned furious.
"I would not waste my words with the likes of you, traitor"
'Seraphis' cocked an eyebrow, "for both your own sake, and the boy's, I highly suggest you at least listen to what I have to say"
"You are in no position to make demands," Kaede snapped.
"But I am" the body of Seraphis softly spoke, "and if you Ignore my warning now, Vownus Kaede, the Imperium will be destroyed"
Where Vownus failed to speak, Aethod found purchase, his vitriolic snarl booming out around them.
"You lie!"
And 'Seraphis' rebuffed it with ease, "I do not. But if you will not speak with me rationally, then you will listen, in whatever capacity you can. Don't worry, I'll make this quick and painless"
In an instant, Vownus felt his body lock up.
Aethod's sudden grunt meant he must have also been repressed by the sudden burst of Warp energy.
'Seraphis' slowly twisted one of his open hands through the air, revealing that he was indeed responsible for the invisible restraint. Vownus hadn't even felt the power of the Immaterium shift until it had settled upon him.
"Lucian is as much your student as he is mine, Inquisitor. While I accept that you will never understand why I hold myself responsible for his education, know that my Brother must be competent for what is to come"
Seraphis sighed.
"You do not understand what is before him. Not truly. Because what comes next is the beginning of the end. The end of all things. And into the Dark, Father has bid him to march. And he will go forth, not knowing any better because he's young and foolish"
The energy was beginning to retreat.
Vownus, while unable to speak, was clear to see that Seraphis's body was beginning to shake.
"But you know better. You'll be able to steer him straight, even if you can't teach him any Magic worth a damn. We both know the days for those kinds of lessons are long behind you. But you can prepare him in other ways"
Seraphis spasmed, his eyes flickering randomly with pinpricks of light.
"Heed my words, Inquisitor. Heed this warning. I was the first to find him, but the others are coming for him. All of them. And not all of them intend to be so kind"
And like that, Seraphis dropped to the floor like a puppet with its strings cut.
The moment Vownus and Aethod were able to move and speak again, Lucian also began to awaken from his glossy eyed daze.
Grobgob Gitsmasha and Skrollwazza Ironrukk were two big gits. But they weren't always two very large Orks. In fact, similar to the Big Boss, they'd grown in size. Had anyone else noted this change in physiology, they might have concluded that it had to do with the size of the Ork Horde. Those of a different nature would be capable of noting how the number of Orks was linked with the size of the ruling caste.
But Gits like Grobgob and Skrollwazza were Orks.
And Orks didn't care about silly little things like their own biology.
"'Don't like waitin'"
Or waiting around.
Skrollwazza growled at the other Greenskin, but didn't offer any kind of verbal disagreement.
Because he didn't like it either.
No Ork would. Especially since the Big Boss had gotten a right proper scrap going. The Humiez were fighting for their city.
Really fighting.
The kind of fight that any Ork would revel in joining.
But a fight that they had yet to really partake in. Even as the green tide had swarmed the outer wall, the Big Boss had held much in reserve.
And now the Big Boss, who freely marched and fought within the city, had commanded Grobgob and Skrollwazza to stand around and wait.
And protect whatever it is the Big Boss's techie boys was doing.
But the two couldn't give less of a shit about that.
Yet they could do nothing.
The Big Boss had been clear.
If their smaller kin needed to be protected while they ripped into the flooring and earth of the Humiez city, then they would.
"Even tha' weird boyz is having fun, whyz do we gotta-"
"SHUT IT!" Skroll barked, fed up with the constant complaining.
Silence blossomed between the two.
Only the noise of the techie boyz and their tools could be heard.
Here, at one of the collapsed sections of the central causeway, they waited. Standing around and making sure nothing stopped the other Greenskins from digging.
Freyr was the first to recover.
Even as the Ork Psyker ceased its vile attack, the Lone Wolf was powering forward. Faster than any had ever seen a Space Wolf move, the possessed look of rage was missed by many as Freyr blurred forward.
Joran's corpse, still freshly laid upon the floor, didn't even draw Freyr's eye.
For all he saw was his enemy.
The monster that barely had a moment to recognize an enemy was approaching before the Lone Wolf was upon it.
And the Wolf sunk its fangs deep.
Both sword and fist were quick to cleave into the beast, breaking it down into a lifeless husk in only heartbeats.
The Weird Boyz' guard attempted to punish this over-extension, but the other Wolves surged forth with their Lone brother, weapons firing and swords swinging.
They pushed forward.
Death befell the ambushing Greenskins.
Merciless and righteous, the ferocity of the Space Wolves' armaments blanketed the streets with Xenos blood.
The fighting receded, a swift victory claimed by the Emperor's finest.
As Freyr came back to his senses, he took a few moments to comprehend the world.
Blood Claw packs were securing their perimeter, the entire force having halted to deal with the attack.
But they remained static for another reason.
Many had seen what had happened.
A Wolf Guard was dead.
And Freyr quickly looked upon where the act had occurred.
A small gathering was quickly forming into more, a circle of his brethren having formed around the recently slain.
Even as prayers filtered into the air in Fenrisian tongues, the Lone Wolf barged forward with his emotions bottled tight. A small part of him supposed he knew what he would find even as he broke through to the sight before him.
Kneeling next to the corpse of Joran, was Skorn.
Having been tossed from harm, the vicious Wolf Guard was left before his Brother's corpse.
Skorn's face was… Freyr knew what the warrior had felt. He'd seen that look before.
The same look that had dominated Skorn's face when his Pack Brother, Oggar, had been slain.
And Joran…
Joran had saved him, at the cost of his own life.
None spoke.
They would not dare.
With Joran dead, Skorn was now responsible for this segment of Space Wolves. It was his command they followed under.
But this was a war. They couldn't just stand around and wait for their commander to compose himself.
So Freyr spoke.
"Skorn"
Many heads turned to look at him, but the kneeling Wolf Guard did not, and so Freyr pushed again.
"Brother"
That got a reaction.
Skorn burst to his feet, eyes shifting from their sorrowful dour to fury and contempt. Freyr was subjected to white hot hatred. But Skorn didn't strike him. He didn't say a word.
Even as the anger had filled him so suddenly, the unavoidable reality still lay at his feet. The weight of Skorn's rashness dragged his eyes back to the charred body.
Finally, a word managed to work its way out of the conflicted warrior.
"What" he barely growls out.
"Your Orders, Brother"
Skorn sharply raises his head, looking upon the living that stood all around him.
Now was not the time to mourn.
And in that moment of realization, the hatred dies away. A cold sorrow is all that remains in the eyes and voice of the Wolf Guard.
"See to the wounded"
His eyes glanced down for a long moment.
"Collect the dead. We make for the inner city"
The Imperium of Man, but more specifically the Imperial Guardsman of the Astra Militarum, were known for their use of Artillery.
"FIRE!"
Be it a mounted cannon, tank or heavy armament, they all complied to the command. Shouted from the voices of their commanders, the defenders of Hive Primaris let loose a wave of death.
Arrayed around the Inner City Wall, these hundreds upon thousands of Guardsmen and weapons of war saw that the final stages of the evacuation were kept as safely guarded as they could manage.
Barricades and firing lines ranked across each and every path that the retreating forces flowed through. Tanks were clustered around embanked positions, their many gun barrels sending fresh death into the midst of the Green menace.
And the need for such constant firing was because they were under attack.
Even here, at the center of their great city, they were being assaulted on all sides by the Ork horde.
While the number of Greenskins still sweeping over and through the Outer City Wall was considerably larger, those that were already across saw no reason to cease their charge.
Many of the Ork forces that were deployed from Orbit were finally done causing a ruckus amongst the Hab Blocks and focused their attention on the shining defensive jewel of the hive.
The Inner Fortress.
It's grand battlements towered far above the Outer City's own Walls, the length of which was bristling with not only defensive cannons, but even more Guardsmen.
As the 501st laid down wave after wave of crimson Lasfire into whatever target presented itself, the ground forces continued to beat back the Xenos that swarmed out from between the Hive's many hab blocks and structures.
Explosions and bloodshed blossomed between both fighting forces, the packs of Greenskins taking their fair measure before another would spring up in their vacated assault path.
But the men and women of the Guard, the PDF and armored divisions held their ground.
They had been given their orders.
And only when the outer city had been fully evacuated, would they retreat behind closing doors.
So they continued to fight, the battle growing thicker and more frantic with every passing minute.
Till death takes them, they would hold the line.
Seraphis returned to the real world with a sharp breath of air, his eyes feeling as if they were bulging in their very sockets at the sight of reality before him.
And then he began to violently cough, rolling over onto his hands and knees as his body was racked with pain.
Vownus kept a weapon pointed straight at him, even as he carefully helped Lucian to his feet.
"Are you alright?" he quietly asked the boy.
Nothing was seemingly wrong with Lucian, besides his slowly departing dazed expression at least, but Vownus had felt the need to ask.
"Yeah" Lucian quietly yet quickly affirmed his mentor, deftly shaking himself for a moment or two before looking up and at the gagging Seraphis, "is he?"
Instead of answering the youth's question, Vownus let out a question of his own.
"What happened?"
Golden eyes met him with a veiled warning.
"Seraphis was tracking our target. And then… Red showed up. Took us both by force. He said he wanted to borrow Seraphis"
Kaede sharply turned his attention to the slowly calming form of the Blood Raven.
Aethod had been dangerously close to killing the man once he and Vownus had been released from their invisible restraint, but the Inquisitor had managed to stop him.
… the other Librarian seemed to be fine.
But a possession…
"Did he say anything else?" Kaede asked Lucian, his gaze not leaving the now upright yet still heavily breathing Blood Raven.
Vownus never saw Lucian's frown.
"No. He wanted to talk, but not with me" the youth slowly looked over at Seraphis, "I'm going to hazard a guess and presume he wanted to speak to you"
Vownus nodded, "through Seraphis. He warned me"
"Of?"
Seraphis's haggard voice snapped between them all.
"The others!"
Kaede's attention swiftly focused on the shaky Librarian. But the Blood Raven wasn't finished speaking.
"Magnus the Red had warned you that the other Primarchs are after you" Seraphis coughed violently, but managed to find his own gaze toward Lucian, "you. Another Child of the Emperor"
Kaede frowned. But his attention was elsewhere, "were you successful in your task?"
Seraphis swiveled his attention to the Inquisitor, "aye. I can lead us to the Beast"
"Right. Then before we all sit down and have a nice little chat, we're going to go kill the fucking war boss and end this stupid war. Then, and only then, am I going to tolerate any conversation that potentially borderlines heresy"
Every other being in the room was silent, Vownus' ample irritation having washed over the space in a sudden burst.
"All in agreement? Splendid" Kaede clapped his hands together before gesturing away from their current location "now. Let's get a fucking move on"
Seraphis stood, a hand gingerly rubbing his throat.
"While I have many questions… I can see that now is not the time. However Inquisitor, we need not go anywhere"
Kaede's eyebrow shot sharply upwards.
"The Beast will be coming here. We now have the opportunity to lay a trap of our own"
"It is fated…"
Lynwood and Caius stood with the rest of the Guardsmen. A few floors above their previous position, Vownus's orders had been precise and quick.
In short order it was revealed to them, the Guard and the other Space Marines present, that the War Boss was indeed within Hive Primaris.
And that it was coming their way.
Whatever tactical importance this segment of the Hive city had no longer mattered. The end was within sight.
Defensive preparations were formed as swiftly as their battle plan was.
Vownus, Seraphis and Aethod would position themselves secretly within the large plaza. As soon as the beast revealed itself, the Dark Angels, Mordo and the Astral Knights would draw their attention.
Seraphis had emphasized that the beast was not alone, but could not for certain discern its entourage.
Whatever came forth with the War Boss, the Astartes would have to deal with. The Guard and Inquisitorial acolytes would provide supporting cover fire, attempting to ease the Ork's vicious interest in the Space Marines.
Once the Xenos ' attention was on them the trained Psykers would reveal themselves in a sudden strike.
They would be the ones to slay the Beast.
And throughout it all…
Caius sent a hasty look in the direction of Lucian, who stood beside him with a thunderous expression.
Vownus wasn't risking him in the line of fire, regardless of how competent the boy was. And Lucian had argued back, the discussion turning to a vicious trading of words between the two. Eventually it had culminated in silence, Kaede saying something or another that deftly impacted the boy.
Whatever it was, neither Inquisitorial Acolyte had heard, but it left Lucian in a particularly foul mood.
Many of the other Guardsmen had backed off as far as they could from the temperamental youth. Even the usually stalwart and friendly Vartic gave the boy space.
Lynwood and Caius stood by their charge.
Caius couldn't speak for his elder counterpart, but he wasn't this close for duty alone. The boy's temper was a dangerous thing… and so he sought to defuse it.
"Did he at least tell you why you're here, and not out there?"
"Caius-!"
Lynwood hasty demand for silence was abruptly shattered by Lucian's snorted comment, "he did"
"And?" Caius pleasantly followed up with.
Lucian turned with an irritated look now, his anger simmering only somewhat.
"And what?" he glared.
"Was he justified?" Caius airly commented, "because Vownus-"
"Inquisitor Vownus" Lynwood quietly growled.
"Because, the Lord Inquisitor," Caius corrected himself, "doesn't do anything without some kind of justification"
Lucian didn't reply for a moment.
He looked out beyond the shattered windows and walls of the Hab Block, both his eyes and attention out toward the sprawling courtyard of the Commune.
"He is" Lucian admitted, his tone of voice far more similar to someone having their nails slowly pulled out than a patiently waiting warrior.
"Then why the mood, Lucian?" Caius pressed on.
In a heartbeat, Lucian seemed to become aware of himself.
The simmering anger dissipated completely, the boy quickly mastering the emotions that had been seeping from him.
And he admitted what was bothering him.
"Even now, after everything, he still doesn't trust me to take part in the fight…" he trailed off, his foot twisting in the floor as whatever words would have followed were silenced.
Caius egged him on, taking Lynwood's silence as acceptance of the small heart to heart between them.
"But that can't be all"
Lucian scoffed, "if only it were"
Caius was greeted to soft golden eyes meeting his own, Lucian's expression contemplative as he decided upon what to say… or not to say.
But he did eventually speak.
"I've been given a gift. Vownus doesn't-"
Lynwood cleared his throat.
"Inquisitor Kaede" Lucian grumbled, "doesn't want to chance this gift… manifesting. Among other things"
Caius was slow to take this information in.
Lynwood wasn't, a question of his own slowly springing forth.
"What kind of gift, manifests..?"
To that, Lucian said nothing more. Instead once more focusing out toward the soon to be battlefield before them all.
"You do not have the power to deny me, mortal…"
As night drew close once more, the Astartes heard the approaching Greenskins long before they saw them.
A thunderous rabble charging in from the southern pathways, the first of their number slowly spilling out of the pathways like the first drops of a thunderstorm. By the tens and hundreds they came forth, revealing themselves to the eyes of the defenders.
Even in what bare light the darkening space provided, it was clear to see that these Orks were different. These were not warriors. Covered in armor like the rest of their kin, yet bereft of weapons, these Greenskins were most certainly not here to fight.
It was the nature of the equipment they carried that identified their technical proficiency.
Some held odd and foreign machines between two, while some carried long poles with flickering lights adorning its sharp and slender surface.
The details didn't matter though.
Because all the Astartes needed to do was draw them in.
Seraphis guaranteed that the War Boss would make its appearance, but until then, every non-psyker was required to draw their attention.
They were the bait.
And they would reel in their true prey.
A singular Ork dropped dead as it's head exploded, showering its fellows and their strange equipment with its blood and cranial matter.
It was the Dark Angels that shot first.
Even as the first fired, another two struck out, sending a pair of Greenskins to their doom.
But now their presence was revealed. As the Astral Knights and the Guard joined in the fight, the Orks madly swarmed toward them. Though they were not adorned as combatants, they were still Orks.
And all Orks sought out a good fight.
The Astartes' weapons fire chopped through many of them long before they ever got close, but meter after meter of ground was being eaten up by their ravenous advance.
Soon they'd be within melee distance.
And three strode forth to meet them, each prepared to become the bulwark before their entrenched position.
The unknown Mordo stood ready with a bolter and sword.
Helmet placed upon his head and occupying the center of their defensive line, was Chapter Master of the Astral Knights. The swordsman had his own blades drawn, the sleek weapons twirling in his readied grip.
And lastly to the Knight's right was Mikail, the Dark Angel. The old warrior had his Calibanite Charge-blade proudly held aloft in the signature stance of his order.
Even as the Green tide swept up to them, their deafening roars of madness could not silence Germael's powerful lungs.
"For the Emperor!"
"A gift is owed… it shall be given…"
"Four hundred!" Tiberec boomed with joyous exclamation, deftly ducking and repositioning as he added a further two to his tally.
"As if!" Rhamine snapped back, "the little ones do- Three Hundred ninety two!- the little one's don't count!"
"Says who?!" the first blared, stepping forth to another madened Xeno seeking a gap in their defense.
It was left wanting… and without a head.
"Eyes front! More incoming!" Sergeant Raduriel cut between the two of them, addressing the sudden influx of Greenskins.
Floors above the Space Marines, the Guardsmen were also treated to the sight of the newly arrived Xenos.
Unlike the savage waves that currently buffeted them, there was a clear visual and tactical difference between the newcomers and their slain predecessors.
The first hint of difference was obvious.
These Orks were much larger. Though their height was not uniform, they were heads taller than the now mingling dead.
Meganobz.
Space Marine killers.
But instead of the blood thirsty and battle hungry ones like those that had fallen upon the defenders of the Outer Wall, these ones were organized.
Arrayed in clear rows and columns, each of these beasts moved forward and in step with one another.
And upon a second of inspection later…
"What the fuck…" Vartic couldn't help himself.
For each Ork carried now just a hammer, but a broad shield before itself.
Without needing any further ordres, the Guardsmen and Space Marines started to fire upon them.
Bolters managed to take down some, but not before these Ork's were allowed to demonstrate their purpose.
With a savage roar and stomp, an invisible command was thrown out between all of these large shield bearers.
And they formed a wall, each broad shield coming into contact with another beside it.
Bolter fire and Las shots were soaked up by the shields.
Slowly, and with inhuman grunts for each step of ground they took, the beasts began to advance.
"By the Emperor" Caius blinked, still squeezing off as many ineffective shots as he wished, "what do we do?"
Lucian felt the gaze of more than a few people on his back.
But the youth had taken his order to stand down seriously.
If things looked dire Lucian was sure Vownus, Aethod and Seraphis would step in from wherever they had sequestered themselves.
Until then he was determined to stay the course.
Caius's question wasn't verbally answered by anyone.
It was Mordo that viciously broke away from Germael and Mikail, his figure leaking black smoke from the joints in his armor as he swept up to the advancing Ork line.
The shadow dove into the Greenskins, the shields opening up to allow the hammer wielding beasts a chance to swing at the attacker.
And Mordo swept into the open space.
Explosions and gunfire blossomed between the armored Meganobz, the sudden chaos breaking apart their steady advance.
As the shield wall fell apart, the effectiveness of the Astartes and Guardsmens guns was returned to full. An effectiveness that was quickly exercised with an immediate demonstration. Las fire and bolter rounds struck each and every Ork that turned inward to the sudden chaos within their lines.
While many had initially hesitated to fight, even as strange as the sight of Mordo's actions were… the humans had a battle to win.
And then the earth started to shake.
"This is my will… to deny it, is to deny your true nature…"
As big as the Meganobz were, the lumbering giant that passed between two hab-blocks with a destructive shoulder check to both was in its own league.
It was as the Castellan had reported.
A peerless beast.
Its futuristic and flawless armor spoke to its uniqueness, its size merely further demonstrating the details of difference between it and those that swarmed around its massive steps.
Lucian couldn't take his eyes from it.
A booming voice echoed within his mind.
.I see you, watcher in the shadows.
Its weapon began to slowly rise into the air.
No other words needed to be said. This beast knew them to be enemies, and it would destroy them.
Lucian, foreseeing a sudden demise, drew up power from within himself in order to strike before the beast could.
But not before he felt a wave of energy resonate from the Immaterium. Preceding this wave was a storm of fire and lightning that blasted up toward the monstrosity.
Seraphis and Aethod had attacked in tandem, revealing themselves in the process, but smothering the War Boss in destructive energies.
But… somehow, Lucian knew that wasn't going to be enough. Even before he saw Vownus reveal himself, the youth turned and bolted for the stairs. He was deaf to the calls from Caius and Lynwood.
A horrible feeling had settled in his gut.
Something bad was about to happen, and he needed to stop it.
"Good…. That is good. Your soul sings for battle…"
Vownus had a clear sight to the double sided barbecue the War Boss was treated to. As the beast had approached, Vownus had felt every step.
He had to admit, Hageski had been right.
If any creature among the Ork Horde would hold the title of War Boss, Vownus would've also guessed this one.
But even though the destructive energies of the warp washed across the Beast… Vownus didn't feel anything.
Nothing had died.
The War Boss emerged from the pillar of flame, some sections of its armor still ablaze as others were blackened and crackling with lighting.
It was hurt.
But it was not down.
'Not yet' Vownus thought to himself.
He would be the one to deliver the finishing blow. After all, it was perhaps his best talent, dispatching enemies of the Imperium.
Kaede blinked through the Immaterium, his goal to take it out in one swift-
As he emerged in real space, a colossal fist sent him careening through the air.
'How-?!'
Blasting straight through a crumbling pillar in the gigantic courtyard, Vownus deliriously righted himself.
"Wha-"
But his voice was drowned out as the Beast reflexively stepped back, a lumbering foot put behind it as it stepped back toward the path it had come from.
"Boyz!"
The beast's voice was as robotic as it was fearsome, the helmet it wore likely modulating its already intimidating tone. Vownus managed to fix his attention back toward the lumbering monster, Ivur's lighting and Seraphis's fire finally leaving its form.
"Get 'em!"
Vownus couldn't believe it. Yet his eyes saw it anyway.
The War Boss was slinking back, one armored arm both charred and burned. The limb was dangling limply from its side, a clear sign of a destructive wound, but certainly not a fatal one. It had however prevented the beast from utilizing its dangerously large cannon.
And now that it was injured, it was seemingly trying to get away.
But the Witch Hunter couldn't keep up his pursuit. Because as the War Boss bellowed its command, the Orks responded.
The beasts came surging forward toward the momentarily stunned Psyker. A small part of Vownus's mind recognised that they were likely swarming Seraphis and Aethod as well.
…the efforts of their Ambush were turning on them.
But Kaede didn't get to think about that further.
Instead he blinked away into the fight, slowly gaining ground as he moved in the direction of the staggered War Boss, killing as he moved.
"Almost there…"
Lucian darted toward the Astartes firing line, the powers of the warp swirling within and around him.
His golden aura blossomed as he approached the warriors, his energy lapping against the rest of them. Germael's dance of death continued to twirl and spin before him, but even the most embattled warriors became aware of Lucian's presence.
It was an Astral Knight that addressed the youth first.
"Get back boy! Return to your firing position-"
A bolt of lighting burst from Lucian's finger tips, cutting a long line of electric death through the still attacking Greenskins.
"Well!" a cheery voice announced, "I suppose he could stay here for a bit"
Tiberec's cheer was well deserved, but as if by acknowledging Lucian's presence among them, the Ork numbers swarmed them even faster.
Both Tiberec and his brother Rhamine swept in close to the boy.
As Lucian spat out wave after wave of death, the two Knights easily defended him. Each kept their focus on the numerous Greenskins that attempted to swamp them while Lucian skillfully massacred the Xenos menace.
Rhamine watched a few Ork blades come dangerously close to his Chapter Master, his attention swinging in that direction for only a moment.
Even as the bolt of lighting blasted its ilk into the next life, the trails of warp energy sizzled along the limb of one particular ork.
A big bastard with a body made more of machinery than flesh.
This beast ignored the painful electricity that swarmed it, the agony likely pushing it further into its rabid attack.
And it slunk its way into the blindspot that Rhamine had opened up.
Tiberec's body was hoisted into the air. Blood sprayed in visceral gushes from the wounds that now perforated his front, the lifeblood escaping around the crude and crackling mechanical talons that had pierced him.
Lucian was rooted on his feet, his body incapable of producing any more lighting at the sight before him. It elicited a terrible response within him.
The Ork that had slain the Space Marine was massive.
At least seven, maybe eight meters tall.
Its clawed hand, the one buried in the now dead Astartes, was attached to a gigantic armored limb. The muscle bound and furiously pleased beast roared its glee at the gruesome death it had inflicted.
But Lucian wasn't stunned at the nature and viciousness of the vile act before him.
He wasn't taken by the violence.
No.
Not yet.
As the claws had burst through Tiberec's chest plate, the blood from his veins had sprayed out in a savage burst, the red mist coating the forms of any nearby.
Lucian had been the closest.
Stained and drenched in the hot crimson liquid of life, Lucian's mind flew back. He was taken to a dark place, an outcropping beneath a pipe… when he was smaller and younger… weaker… when the cultist had killed Alena.
He remembered how his mother died.
Carved up by a jagged knife.
He could recall the warmth against his face… and even though the blood that stained his forehead, cheeks and eyes was not her's, it reminded him of Alena's death. The details meant nothing to his suddenly enraptured mind, the memories seizing his physical form.
And then the large Greenskin, having tossed the corpse aside, laid eyes on him.
Lucian's gaze twitched, his golden orbs swiftly flickering to meet the Orks beady gaze.
The youth no longer saw a beast.
Through the haze that descended upon his mind, a dark pit of savage cold rose up.
He saw a man in rags, wielding a jagged knife, spouting madness and chaos.
As the Ork took a lumbering step toward him, it would not find a quivering boy, afraid of the world.
Instead it found fury.
It found raw, putrid and vile, blood soaked anger.
One of Lucian's empty hands dropped to his sword.
A rippling wave of energy broke the haze of combat in every direction, the sudden pressure of a howling vortex of invisible energy twirling around a singular point. Lucian was at the epicenter, the raw force of the warp currents twisting from his palm and into his blade.
The non-descript weapon, a standard issue 501st Guardsman's sword and its sheath… changed.
Curling, coiling and warping tendrils undulated in a rictus of ocean blue and steel grey strands, the likes of which found purpose on the length of Lucian's weapon. The scabbard flowed through a series of colors before it eventually settled on a deep black, a leather of some ancient and distant design.
But as Lucian drew the blade, now thicker and longer than it was before, the length revealed itself to be of a mysterious make. None would know of the language written in glowing blue symbols that were inscribed across the entirety of the damascus sword.
All that took note of the weapon did understand one thing.
The sword exuded a limitless well of power.
And as Lucian grasped the elongated pommel with two hands, this power flared while the runes glowed stronger still.
The Ork had a second to note how the boy's eyes were twisting rings of coiled blue and gold, before the boy vanished from his view.
"Blood…"
Lucian moved like lightning.
He came in close to the beast, the swing of his sword coinciding with his rapid movement.
The air snapped as the sound barrier shattered like an artillery gun firing.
And the Ork was blown away in two pieces, the bisected chunks of its dividing form colliding with others of its kind.
It's death was both instantaneous and gorey.
But Lucian didn't wait to observe his work.
By the time heads were turning in his direction, to observe what the sudden loud noise was, the youth was already upon another cluster of Greenskins.
His shoulder collided with the first one, the weight of force behind the motion caving the Ork's armor into its chest.
Even as it fell back in gurling agony, the youth removed its head in a swift follow up strike.
This same swing proceeded into the next Ork, who had only a moment to recognise it was being attacked as its ally's head sailed into the sky above it. The beast's body was cleaved from shoulder to hip, a fountain of blood and visceral essence spurting into the open air as it fell in two.
The third swung its large hammer at Lucian.
The youth twisted on his heel, his sword twirling to meet the head of the hammer dead on.
Cleaving into the weapon, Lucian split it right down to the handle.
His sword, now stained with blood, guts, and gore, explosively divided the hammer's wielder in half.
As the remains of his enemy slurped onto the ground in a barbaric rawness, the youth's eyes darted to the next pack of Orks.
More…
With a similar viciousness, he killed four in a heartbeat.
His thoughts tried to wash away the act.
"Too… much…." he quietly gasped, a hand coming to grip his suddenly aching head. Lucian could not see his eyes flickering with a golden madness, the very light of his form bleeding away from him.
More Orks came toward him, the inevitable clash resulting in him ignoring the violent vertigo, and instead swinging his blade back into those that rose up to meet it.
He killed five only a few moments later.
It was so… easy….
Darkness seeped in, the words from his lips now coming unbidden.
"Not enough….."
Crimson spouts and droplets rained around him. He slew each and every Greenskin he set his eyes upon.
But the beasts kept coming. Undaunted, restless and relentless, he killed one after one after one after one-
One of the beasts attempted to flank him, but by an instinct not of his own, the young psyker sensed its approach.
Lucian's off hand darted out. His fingers broke into the Ork's chest, his digits parting the armored chest piece and easily slipping into the cavity of its green torso.
The youth ripped the heart from the beast, giving its soon to be dead form a moment of peace before slicing its body into pieces.
His blade danced on the edge of a whirlwind as everything around him died. The force of his strikes alone flung many back, injuring Orks if not outright killing them. With a moment finally given unto himself, the youth looked at the hefty organ in his blood and gore drenched grasp.
Initially pushed away by the attack, the Orks came stampeding toward him, many more now easily identifying the youth as a dangerous and deadly opponent.
Lucian didn't care.
His breath was uneven and his eyes were glossed over, the one hand that gripped the strange sword slowly tightening around the handle.
His memories and thoughts were twisted.
These creatures wouldn't stop coming.
They'd kill whoever they want.
And Lucian felt powerless to stop them.
He couldn't stop… not now… he had to keep going… but even then…
The golden glow had fully left his form, his eyes receding into their natural blue.
Even now, with a limitless well of strength coursing through him, the youth understood that this planet was doomed.
He couldn't save Balor.
The people… he wouldn't be able to save them…
Orm had died for nothing.
As did Ostus.
The ragged man appeared in his thoughts once more.
"And Alena"
…he had failed her, failed to protect her.
Even with all this power, he couldn't stop the fighting…
And now he'd fail the people of Balor, because even though his intentions were right and good… there was nothing he could do…. except….
The Ork's continued to stream toward him, each and every one of them intent on rushing the maelstrom of destruction and putting an end to Lucian's rampage. Their monstrous cries were ignored by the boy, who's mind was latched onto far more important observation and contemplation.
As the endless tide swept in from all sides, the youth realized that regardless of his great power, he was helpless against this unending enemy.
By sheer number alone, the Orks would win…
All that was left for Lucian was the promise of a slaughter.
All that was left was the certainty of bloodshed.
Spilt crimson and violent deeds.
Only death was guaranteed.
Glowing blue receded into a deep and violent red, the runes of the blade inflicting the terrible maelstrom of madness that had worked itself into Lucian's thoughts.
The youth crushed the heart into his hand, his eyes wild and manic as gore erupted from between his clenched fingers.
He faced death by drawing upon the strength of endless wars, seeking the infinite promise of glorious combat.
"...Say it…"
Looking toward the charging beasts, each as gruesome and horrid as he himself most likely was…
Lucian cackled madly at the circling Orks having not realized he'd pushed way beyond the defensive imperial line. He was now completely surrounded.
But, as he realized now, that was a good thing.
…S a Y… i T…."
This just meant that there were more enemies to choose from.
His cry was delivered with feverish tears, a painful joy rippling through him as his blood soaked thoughts exploded outward into the universe around him.
He said what he needed to say.
Sword held high and before him with a pained cry of joy, Lucian couldn't help the scream that left his body.
"BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!"
Reality shuddered.
AN: Funnily enough. The end of this chapter was one of the first things I've ever written for the Mortal Son. Besides Vownus being Vownus, I was always going to have a moment like this. Sure the scene's evolved any which way, but I always intended for Lucian to go berserk at one point. What that means from here on out, well you have to wait and see.
But, importantly, to all of you.
To those that have waited.
To those that have reviewed.
To those that have blessed me with your attention, energy and time, thank you for giving me the drive to continue this story. It's hard to write with what little time I have left, but I'll do my best to get as much of it down as I can manage. And as quickly as possible.
This shouldn't have taken so long to write, but it did. We're almost at the end of this act, and with that, the story of Balor will be coming to a close.
Mayhaps we'll finally leave this planet within the year...
but that all depends on my lazy ass.
So who knows.
Much love, lemme know what you liked and what ya hated,
The Emperor Protects,
Freedom.