Black Sheep

Hours had passed by this point.

"You are still nothing more than a lap dog, a man bound by another man's chains."

"As are you,"

The back and forth was grating.

"I was freed when Prospero burned at Russ' hands when he took everything from me."

Kotek remained silent for a moment, the statement clearly going over his head, "you destroyed the Webway Project, doomed Terra to the Warp,"

"I was trying to help! To warn Father of Horus' betrayal!" it roared, "He told none of us what he was doing! He lied and doomed us all to what he was so desperate to destroy!"

"There were other ways-"

"What 'other ways'? Travel via the Warp and never arrive? Run into the blockade formed by Alpharius? Get stalled by who knows what!?" the massive being sighed with regret, "It was the fastest way… the only way…"

"Mistakes were made, the errors of us all still ripple across the galaxy a millennia later," the Custodian let his gaze fall on each and every Thousand Son gathered, "what we thought was right led us all astray; now the Xenos and Chaos are gaining ground, humanities place amongst the stars is fading."

"Arrogance blinded us, Companion," Magnus' single-eyed gaze followed Koteks over his sons, "unlike us your soul is still your own, unable to be tainted-"

"The Lord of Change has abandoned you! Your soul is yours to command once more! Not Tzeentch nor the Emperor!" the Custodian exclaimed, "your powers and yours alone can close the rift on Terra!"

"And when that carcass rises!? WHAT THEN?" the Crimson King grew exponentially in size as his Legion bared arms, "I ruined everything but still wish to live, Father will see to my death, just as he did Horus, Konrad and Alpharius!"

"Horus chose his path! As did the others!"

"NO!" the area shook violently, "Perturabo was forced! He wanted nothing but Father's acceptance and acknowledgment, but he was cast aside all the same! So why me?"

"Your powers are vital," the repetition was getting monotonous, "they can seal the rift."

"I know that." The arrogance lacing his words proved little was learned, or willing to be admitted, "by why not gather the other Traitors, try and reform them?"

"Angron is beyond reason, Omegon is currently unknown, Fulgrim is within She Who Thirst's grasp and Mortarion and Lorgar are hidden deep within the Warp," Kotek looked around, "and this is a fractured piece of the Aeldari Webway; hidden from the Warp enough to be safe, but open enough to allow you and your Legion to live."

Magnus breathed lowly.

Kotek paused, "no use lamenting on the past," the Custodian took a step forward, "look to the future; events have been foreseen by our Psykers, the End Times are approaching-"

"Then go stop it," a single baleful eye bore down upon him, "nothing is left for me with Father,"

Kotek took a breath, "I have asked for years, and will continue to do so till death finds me; the Imperium needs aid, it is falling faster and faster every day. I have failed your Father once, I shall not do so again by letting everything built crumble away,

"Atone for your sins in any way possible as you will after this is done, but I ask you now, Magnus; you are the only one left capable of repairing the portal held closed by the Emperor, it needs to be sealed."

The Crimson King stayed silent, Kotek did not, "in exchange, while I can not guarantee a way to save your Legion, there however may be a way,"

"Continue," Ahriman demanded from Magnus' side,

"By combining two devices, one living, one machine, there may be a way to transfer your consciousness to a new body," his helm tilted up to Magnus' face, "they may die in the process, but has any other way proven any better?"

A deep breath expanded the Crimson King's chest, "no."

Within a moment the Primarch's hand was held palm up, a swirling ball of blue energy that crackled outward floated within, a second later it shot faster than the Custodian could react towards him,

"I must discuss this with the Thousand Sons; unlike how Father- and now Tzeentch- has abandoned us, I will not do so on my own."

The world around Kotek collapsed and simultaneously expanded with the same blue energy before it snapped and was filled with the dull yellows and greys of the Hive outside the Palace.

Hundreds of civilians froze in their daily activities and dropped to their knees, prayers and words of worship filled his ears. Even a handful of Arbites stood at full attention only to get completely overshadowed by patrolling Imperial Fists, who barely knew how to respond to his presence.

Kotek took the Guardian Spear in both hands and marched through the ever-increasing crowds, the odd bob of the feathers drew his brief attention.

If Magnus wanted to contact him for more information, he would.

Leverage was gained and with Valoris recalling the Silent Sisterhood back, the Crimson King would have to play by his terms if he valued his Legion's lives. If the tear can be sealed in any way possible, through any means, Terra would be secure if the Throne fails. And it will fail.

Directing the forces of Chaos into the Webway could potentially take care of the Drukhari within at best, provide a distraction or… the worst wasn't something he wanted to think about.

The Hetaeron Guard silently hoped the plan would go flawlessly despite knowing it never would; plans never follow the outline.

An attempt was made, now hope would only pull Magnus through. Hope that Tzeentch would maintain its distance from the Primarch.

Now, if Cawl would reveal his projects earlier.

"Kotek," the Vox came to life with the voice of his brother, "while you were gone a situation developed,"

"What is it?

"The Black Templars have been deployed to Armageddon for the third time,"

"Orks?"

"Yes,"

Kotek sighed, "monitor the situation; things are Escalating faster than anticipated,"

"Consider it done,"

Qrow growled into his hand out of frustration. None of which he could show with Ironwood's pet standing a few feet away finishing a pleasurable chat. Instead, he shared a look with Glynda whose normally vibrant green eyes were dark and just as annoyed, though probably for different reasons.

Most likely starting with the stripper, whatever her name was, showing more than she had right to… while covered in blood.

He rolled his eyes at how no one noticed the sheer copious amounts of blood was covering Celestine, the weird, frankly uncomfortable mute and the stripper. Whether it was from the Grimm or the cultists, blood was blood and by the gods was there a lot.

Then being threatened with death by a batshit insane woman would also annoy someone. That works as well. Like the trail of liquid leading out the door that was now being closed by Ironwood's pet.

The door clicked shut.

"The fuck was that Oz? A damn stripper with knives mocks ya and you clam up?" Qrow growled as he pulled his flask out, "what happened to 'get her on our side'!?"

Ozpin took a sip from his mug, eyes hidden behind his glasses he spoke softly, "the sphere of influence around her is vastly stronger than what I anticipated, and the threat of violence is a good reason to back down."

Qrow rolled his eyes, "I watched a nine-foot-tall machine of a man rip entire squads apart faster than what should be possible down there," he took a large swig from his flask, "then she turns up and starts burning shit! Their existence is a threat of violence!"

Ironwood calmly paced across the floor, "the Inquisitor appears to be the closest and most influential, Celestine backed her up and vice versa," the General came to a stop with a hand on his chin, "we can't just withhold information from them if we want them on our side willingly, Oz,"

Oz looked to his cup, "And handing it out is not a luxury we have, James,"

Ironwood rubbed his forehead with a groan, "Well, it was made clear we don't have a choice! It's play on their terms or death!" he took a breath and clenched a fist briefly, "they all agree with the Inquisitor's ideals to some extent, none of them showed any hesitance at her or Celestine's words about purging quote-unquote 'heretics',"

"A rather disgusting line of thought," Glynda's lips peeled back in revulsion, "taking a life shouldn't be that little of a deal,"

"It is to them, how they got to that conclusion remains to be found." Oz clasped his hands together, "this religion that Celestine follows is still an unknown as well. Speaking of unknowns; what happened in Wind Path, James?"

Ironwood stood straight with his hands clasped behind his back, "An informant wanted to meet, I sent Ebi and the Sister of Silence."

"James…" Glynda sighed, having an idea where it was leading.

"They were attacked, the informant escaped. The attackers, however, did not."

Ozpin's brows furrowed, "how did they die?"

The General cleared his throat, "from the report Ebi briefly gave me, the Sister forced insanity upon them."

The three Beacon staff members cast a sceptical look towards the General and Glynda voiced it, "how does that even work? There's been no Semblance capable of that."

"They tore themselves apart, literally; gouging their eyes out, tearing their skin off and mass suicide," Ironwood spoke firmly, "only a few were killed by her physically."

Qrow and Glynda gulped, "and that…uncomfortableness, when she was here, was that at work?"

Ironwood nodded, "I believe so yes, she most definitely has control over it."

The chair Ozpin creaked slightly as he leant back in it, "and the other one," he glanced at Qrow, "the… 'stripper'?"

Ironwood shook his head, "no clue. She's a new addition."

"We didn't see her fight either," Glynda interjected, "she does like provoking reactions, however,"

At the curious looks from Ironwood and Ozpin, Qrow continued for Glynda with a roll of his eyes, "she knows she's got a body and uses it, and has some form of disdain towards Celestine and the others."

Ozpin frowned, "she did appear to be Faunus,"

"A bat one based on her ears," Glynda agreed, "could she be a slave?"

"No, she has too much freedom," Ironwood shook his head, "I can try and dig more information out in Atlas…"

"Just what the hell are we dealing with? A giant, an angel who claims to be immortal, a mute that drives people mad, a crazy bitch and now a stripper…" Qrow lamented as he sipped from his flask again but stopped at Ironwood's silence.

James popped his lips, "I can't believe I'm entertaining this; on the way to Glenn when I showed the Image of the Custodian to them, they brought up that the Imperium is over ten thousand years old and by proxy so is the Custodian."

"Bullshit," Qrow immediately replied then scoffed, "ten thousand years?"

Ironwood cast a glare at Qrow before continuing, "The Inquisitor and Sister mentioned a man by the name of Guiliman as well and now a 'Lord Commander' and his brothers," he rubbed his gloved hand, "this 'Emperor' Celestine worships, having Remnant referenced as a backwater planet… and how fast was this Custodian?"

Branwen shuddered, "Couldn't track his movements, only the trail of bodies in his wake,"

"Huntsman level then-"

"No!" Glynda interrupted, "imagine standing at the end of the hall outside with the man at the other end, right?" Ironwood and the others nodded, "you blink and he's in your face, Kotek is that fast,"

"Jimmy, don't fuck with him, or any of them there. We didn't see the rest in a fight, but they can't be far off," Qrow took another swig, "Celestine can melt people with her mind and teleport for fucks sake, that other woman was unnaturally hard to look at, Greyfax is insane and the stripper is a bitch."

"That's all you've got for her? A bitch?" Ironwood deadpanned,

Glynda nodded, "and vain, but no doubt dangerous if Greyfax was watching her the entire time,"

Red eyes rolled, "And us as well…"

"Inquisitor Greyfax lives up to her title, then." Ozpin stood, "watch for her, she'll be a thorn, especially if she learns of Salem. Or us knowing of Her."

Ironwood cast him a look, "where you going?"

"I want to speak to the Custodian and the other woman, the 'stripper'."

Qrow cast him a look, "Oz, they want nothing to do with you if how they ignored you is anything to go by." Qrow crossed his arms, "What makes you think the giant killing machine wants to talk to you?"

Ozpin stayed silent.

Qrow rubbed an eye and sighed with a sour look, "look, what's his name? Kotek? Kotek has had more interaction with me than you. Ever. I'll try." he finished off his flask, "then I'll try to talk to the woman,"

The Headmaster continued his silence but gave permission with a nod.

Ironwood ran a hand through his hair, "very well then, I'll see to my ship and most likely Vale's Council as well, if there's nothing else?"

Glynda shook her head, "I don't believe there is." she cast a disgusted look at the trail of blood of both Grimm and Human, "I'll clean. As always."

"If that is the case, I shall see to the hospitals and defences," Ozpin finally spoke as if it were a rehearsed line.

Qrow paused on his way to the door then faced the grey-haired Headmaster, "Celestine burnt a Seer. She was watching Oz. "

The old man stayed silent, his breathing nearly nonexistent.

The wind brushed past his armour, lit by lights from the buildings on the campus. Not a single muscle moved nor flinched, seemingly locked into place.

A distant silver ship floated in the sky, the remnants of the sunlight shone off its hull.

"So, how old are you really?" Greyfax questioned without removing her gaze from the distant Drukhari, "the last Custodian I met let Alecia Dominica into the Throne room,"

"Yes, Longinus was the one to do so," Kotek settled his gaze one Greyfax's hat, "I was there the day Horus slew the Emperor, Inquisitor,"

Greyfax stiffened and he could feel the gears turning, "that leaves you as old as the Imperium…"

"Hesperax was right in her conversation with the Saint," his gaze settled on the Drukhari who was now paying attention to him, "I am ancient beyond most mortals understanding,"

Lelith crossed her arms as she approached, "You heard the conversation, Mon'keigh?"

"And the threat to remove the Saint's wings,"

Lelith's muscles tensed. She had at minimum, twenty different forms of attack she could use, yet he only had to stare her down to subdue her. How long that would work for before confidence was gained enough for her to attack, he didn't know. Though a few months would be enough time to prepare for an eventual attack.

Greyfax faced him with a rare look of open curiosity, "what was it like? The Siege?"

Kotek looked back to the skyline of the Kingdom, "loud beyond measure. Billions died with each bombardment." a little back bird landed on the ground in front of him, "men and women of the Guard died in droves, as did the Loyal legions and other Custodians. Terra would've fallen if it weren't for Him aboard the Vengeful Spirit,"

"Vect once told me the suffering fueled Commorragh for a century, roughly up until my birth."

Asdrubael Vect. A personal acquaintance? Leader; most definitely. Few have talks with a being like him and live. Or leave.

Information lies within this Drukhari's mind. Kotek noted then glanced at Lelith, "unsurprising, Drukhari. The casualties numbered after the Purges up to four trillion. The Imperium still suffers in the aftermath a millennia later."

"Suffers how? You Mon'keigh are predominant in the galaxy."

Kotek stayed silent. The Inquisitor would not take kindly to his, nor Roboute's thoughts on the current state of the Imperium, "there are many things you are not and will not be privy to, Hesperax."

Lelith shrugged and turned her attention to studying Alexea, who gave her a warning look that went ignored. The little bird pecked the grass a bit more then took off.

"A question, Inquisitor."

Greyfax craned her neck to meet his helmet, "yes?"

"Where did you retrieve your armour? Only Orders Militant Sororitas wear such variants."

It was unmistakably a customised version of the Sabbat pattern of armour, the last of Vandire's legacy still within use of his private army turned Ecclesiarchal Military.

Greyfax's face and voice hardened, "you answered your own question, Custodian."

He let the silence settle between them for a moment as he pieced the story together. Psyker hid amongst the Sororitas, inducted into the Inquisition after being outed by accident or design. Her lack of worship of the Emperor as a god suggested design or betrayal. Or she could have simply used her status to gain it; but with far better alternatives out there, sentimental ownership was likely.

"Four."

Her brow furrowed, "what?"

His fingers on the Guardian Spear flexed as he switched the conversation's direction, "There are four of us who walked alongside Him left."

"Whatever you're talking about, that's not many, big guy,"

Both he and Greyfax faced the gruff voice of Qrow.

His helmet shook gently, "No. But there are still a great many of us performing our duties."

Qrow gave a small nod, "fair enough." he glanced at the Sister of Silence and the Drukhari glaring each other down, "what's up with them?"

Greyfax growled and stormed over, stumbling ever so slightly as a wave of nausea hit them. Lelith snarled and backed away rapidly, dodging a shove from Greyfax and shoving her own blade in the Inquisitor's face. The Inquisitor raised her Bolter with a snarl.

A loud bang echoed off the Academies buildings as Kotek fired his Guardian Spear into the air once.

Screams could be heard from the dormitories and Qrow jumped out of his skin, "Fuckin hell!"

"Enough!" His voice echoed just as loudly as the Bolter shot as took a heavy step towards them with electric blue light bathing over him, "Hesperax, death awaits us all, however, I shall be the one to deliver you to the afterlife if necessary."

Lelith eyed his every move, even as she slowly, and surprisingly, backed down without a fight. Restraint will break eventually.

It always does.

His gaze and Grefax's Bolter followed Leith as she wandered over to a hose and she washed the blood off her.

"'Bout damn time she did that," Qrow mumbled to himself as he rubbed his ears rapidly, "smelt horrible…"

"Filthy Xenos," Greyfax mumbled to herself.

Kotek looked down at Branwen, "what're you doing here?"

Qrow shrugged, "you helped save our lives and many others, can't I just chat?"

"You may,"

Branwen's eyes shifted over his armour, taking in every aspect he could before settling on his right shoulder, "you a bird hunter?"

The giant glanced at the feathers, "no. these are from something vastly more dangerous,"

"Well…" Qrow stared sceptically at the red and blue feathers, "after seeing you fight, I'm sure it's dead,"

"No," a couple of distant defences that lined the Kingdom's walls fired, "It still lives within the Inmaterium,"

Qrow scratched his neck, "I, uh, I don't know what that is…"

"Consider that a good thing," Greyfax barged in as she came up next to Kotek, "the less you know the better,"

The caped hunter glanced at the Bolter in her hand and nodded, "noted," he cleared his throat, "so, what Faunus is the stripper?"

"Aeldari." he didn't know what a Faunus was, but a type of species was likely, "specifically Drukhari,"

Qrow blinked slowly and Kotek cast a glance at the topic's subject, "she is dangerous and never to be trusted,"

"She's a bitch but, uh, why?"

"Lies are second nature to the Aeldari, her kind even more so," Greyfax spoke flatly, "they thrive off the suffering of others."

"What, she'll laugh if I stub my toe?" Qrow snorted,

Greyfax stared into Qrows red eyes, "Then flay your family alive if she felt like it,"

"Correction, I care little for families," Qrow jolted at Lelith's voice behind him, he spun around to find her drenched and wringing out her top. Qrow and Kotek went ignored as purple eyes locked onto Greyfax, "there are things you are not, and never will know about me,"

Greyfax rolled her eye, "Mimicking the Custodians words, cute-"

"I know I am."

-"However, you do not have a choice. I will know everything,"

Lelith snorted, "you may try, Mon'keigh, but if you can't even follow your own history, what makes you think your simple mind can follow mine?"

Lelith pulled her top back on swiftly and in a very controlled manner; only certain muscles under her skin moved, and when they did it was precisely as needed, nothing more; nothing less. Unlike when in the Null field.

With a small motion of his hand, Kotek called Alexea next to him and whether it was conscious or not, the Drukhari backed away, her motor controls lacking the finesse her kind normally have. But most importantly, just as vulnerable as the rest of the Aeldari.

"The galaxies history is vast and largely unknowable to all, from the Webway to the Inmaterium, not just personal history," Kotek chimed in before one of them escalated to the fight they wanted,

Lelith's demeanour switched from defensive to almost smug as her eyes flicked to the feathers, "I know those feathers. I know of his mistake and his Fathers," Lelith rolled her shoulders, "history is easy if you let it be; and the Imperium's is out in the open if you know where to look,"

Kotek remained silent for a moment, "as is your kind's, Hesperax. Stones and glasshouses."

The woman's eyes narrowed but held a spark within, a hunger, even craving, "when every glasshouse is a diversion with only one being correct, no one knows anything. Least of all with the small, primitive minds you Mon'keigh poses,"

No Aeldari was that forthcoming about anything, least of all themselves. Everything was a whim for them; all in the span of a few seconds one could go from playful to serious, kind to unforgiving, ally to enemy. Their mind was an enigma wrapped within an enigma, every emotion was immense in feeling and size.

Nothing was small with them and this one's need to fight bordered on obsession, he could see that much; if it may be a verbal fight or a physical one depended on the moment.

Thankfully, she settled on verbal.

"I have seen the insides of many Aeldari skulls, brain matter was nonexistent."

"Brute force is a fast way to ruin an autopsy, Mon'keigh," Lelith folded her arms under her chest, "you wou-"

"Woah, okay, the fuck is going on?" Qrow interrupted, "this went from bitch fight to murder real fast!"

Lelith side-eyed him and he shrugged at her, "I'm confused,"

The Drukhari flicked her gaze back at Kotek, "Case and point, Custodian."

The giant dismissed her argument and looked to the approaching Bullhead, "transport is arriving. Sister, Hesperax, you two will be by my side at all times."

Lelith opened her mouth only to be cut off, "this is non-negotiable,"

Hesperax's mouth formed a small snarl as the Null increased minutely, yet the spark in her eyes grew ever so slightly stronger. Perhaps it would become a fire before too long, something he would ensure he was ready for.

Qrow on the other hand appeared horrified at the Sister's abilities while holding down bile by biting on a clenched fist.

The Bullhead shuddered slightly in the air. It went unnoticed by the two inhabitants of its interior; one because she was used to such experiences over thousands of years, the other?

Because Celestine's hair looked weird. How long had she been with the woman? Two weeks, maybe a month now. All of which the Saint had a perfect bob cut, maybe it grew longer or whatever over time. But now?

With the side where the wound was nearly shaved completely, it looked plain weird. And how Celestine had managed to do it so flawlessly with her sword without hurting herself even more, Emerald would never know, just that it was really weird to look at.

"Strange isn't it?" Celestine smiled down as she fiddled with her hair,

Emerald nodded, "it looks strange,"

The Saint agreed with a nod, "it feels strange; I've always had a bob cut or long hair if I let it grow, but never something like this,"

That much was clear to even Emerald, whose gaze settled on the halo behind Celestine's head. It just floated there somehow.

"What's that?" she pointed at the Iron Halo,

Celestine tried to glance at it over her shoulder, "the Halo?" Emerald gave a small nod, "it is supposed to be an Iron Halo,"

Emerald rose her brows, "what does it do?"

The Saint popped her lips, "well, it is meant to project a Conversion Field to protect me from harm, however," she sighed, "it is more for style than actual use anymore; a few crusades ago it malfunctioned and hasn't worked since,"

"Can't you just fix it?" Emerald tilted her head,

Celestine leant her shoulder on the hull of the Bullhead, "I wish I could, however only a Tech-Priest isn't around and I didn't have time for Cawl to look at it with Cadia falling and all,"

The girl scratched her head, "What's a Cawl?"

Celestine glanced to the cockpit then back, "Belisarius Cawl, the Archmagos Dominus of the Adeptus Mechanicus. I can't say much more than that, really; helped on Cadia before it fell and helped revive Guiliman,"

"Oh," Emerald nodded in understanding,

…

She fidgeted.

…

"Who's Guiliman?"

Celestine chuckled at the girl, "he's our current Lord Commander; the ruler of the Imperium in his Fathers, the Emperor's place," the Saint pushed some hair behind her ear, "you have any more questions?"

Red eyes narrowed in thought for a moment, "who's your new friends?" she tried to not let any of her nerves show.

Judging by the soft look in Celestine's blue eyes, it didn't work.

"Well-" she started but was overshadowed by the Pilot,

"We're coming in to dock with Law's Reprisal now,"

Celestine smiled at Emerald, "well, now you get to see,"

The Bullhead shuddered more as it changed directions, gravity pulled Emerald away from Celestine but she was able to grab ahold of the Saint's hip cape and pull herself towards her. She quickly wrapped her arms around Celestin's thigh, earning a brief laugh from the woman,

"Flight not your thing?"

She shook her head rapidly, "not when it does that,"

"Ironically, neither was I," the Saint's laugh was filled with amusement and self-deprecation, "now I have wings by His grace,"

If she knew what irony was, she might have had a reaction to give but instead clung tighter as the vessel jolted harshly to a stop.

"Touch down. We're in hangar two, bay four. the General is awaiting,"

Emerald jumped a little at the gentle tap on the head she received, "let go, we're here,"

She detached herself with a sigh; more people to get used to. If they were anything like the other lady, Katarinya, life would've just gotten very, very scary.

"Emerald," Celestine called as a door unlocked and the girl faced her. The normally relaxed face of the Saint was firmer, sterner, as was her voice, "be on your best behaviour,"

Such command from the tall woman was foreign, but that made the request all the more important to fulfil. The girl turned back to the door as it fully opened to gold.

"Um," she glance back at Celestine, "I think the pilot landed too close to a wall,"

"I can assure you, child, this vehicle is not near a wall," her eyes scanned over the mass of gold in front of her, trying to find the speaker. It was a pretty wall, with the patterns and the red gem in the centre.

Suddenly it all moved down, and in the place of the red gem, there was two, "Greetings, child,"

Her eyes widened fearfully and she stumbled backwards, into Celestine who gripped her by her shoulders, "calm, Emerald, Lord Kotek won't harm you,"

The massive helmet slowly nodded as it rose with the rest of his body, "the Saint has chosen you to be her charge, I shall not interfere with that,"

Emerald swallowed deeply, "o-okay," she took a small, timid step towards the giant with an encouraging push from Celestine. She did a small jump from the Bullhead and landed on the floor with a small thud.

"H-hello," she gulped as she craned her head back to look at the man's helmet, "I-I'm Emerald…"

The giant, Kotek Celestine had called him, responded inking, "I am aware, the Inquisitor, who you have already met, informed me only moments ago,"

Emerald looked around for the woman, finding her not too far away, talking to a man in white.

When she faced Kotek again, a new person was standing next to him, "a child, Mon'keigh?"

The woman had pretty hair, even if it was far too long to be comfortable. She was just pretty entirely, but something felt wrong, scary about the way she moved. It was unnerving for the girl.

"Yes, Hesperax, a child." Celestine spoke from beside Emerald, "she is under my protection,"

Emerald's brows narrowed. If they were friends, why did she seem angry with the red-haired lady? And why was she only in underwear?

The lady rolled her purple eyes, "you humans are simple, yet complicated,"

"Oh, you're a Faunus!?" Emerald perked up, trying to be polite,

"No. I don't know what that is." the lady dismissed flatly before walking away to the man in white and Katarinya, leaving Emerald's stunned in silence.

"Don't mind her, she's… like that to everyone," Celestine comforted, "her name is Lelith, and no, she's not a Faunus but Aeldari of origin,"

Emerald nodded slowly. She didn't need to be rude…

"Approaching her alone is also ill-advised," Kotek chimed in, drawing Emerald's attention from Lelith figure, "hostile is her natural state,"

"Okay," she nodded again.

She glanced around the large hangar bay at the many people and Bullheads, all bearing the Atlesian symbol. The whiteness of the walls were kinda blinding to look at and the people looked busy with their buckets of red paint and cleaning gear, so she couldn't talk to any of them. Not that she really wanted to.

But Celestine might want that…

The small dilemma made her fidget. People were scary, they were mean and did bad things. But Celestine didn't, and the man who owned the hotel didn't either. Nor the woman who worked with weapons.

But they could, a little voice told her. They could do very bad things.

She glanced up at Celestine who was talking to the massive man, then observed the hangar again.

She'd be there and maybe Katarinya and Kotek would be as well, right? If they were there to protect her, nothing could go wrong. The worry abided a little, but not much.

A dozen or so metres away stood a tall woman in dark armour, similar but different to Celestines. Instead of gold, it was all black with lines of gold and silver along the edges. While the majority of her face couldn't be seen, because of the scary mask-thing, her eyes could be. And they looked… sad.

She looked like she wanted to be over here with Celestine but couldn't. Emerald looked up to Celestine, who took notice a moment late, "why's she over there?"

Celestine glanced up to where Emerald was pointing, "her Psychic ability, or lack thereof, makes people very uncomfortable and sick,"

Emerald glance back at the woman, "oh…" she tilted her head, "is she a friend?"

The Saint nodded, "yes, more than Lelith,"

"Okay," Emerald responded and wandered over without needing much more of a push, being careful not to get in the way of the workers.

When she got close, a strange feeling settled over her suddenly, like her throat was a bit tighter or something was caught in it. Passive Semblances were common, but ones like this were rare and kinda sad for the person to have. Even other workers were avoiding the woman and every time they did, she seemed a little sadder.

The girl futilely tried to swallow the nonexistent lump in her throat and ignored the growing dizziness, "hello,"

The woman jolted at the unexpected greeting, from a child nonetheless and tilted her head in confusion but didn't say anything.

"Um, your armour looks like Celestine's," she fidgeted, "but black…"

Now that she was closer, it really didn't look like it… and she still wasn't speaking. Was she doing something wrong?

Emerald hung her head slightly, "I-I can leave you alone if you don't want to talk,"

A tap on her shoulder made her look up to find the woman kneeling and motioning with her hands for something. Why was- Emerald's eye widened, "oh! You can't talk?"

The woman nodded.

Emerald reached into her pocket and pulled out the Scroll Celestine got her, "you can use this!"

The woman took it in her hands, the dark red gloves felt rough when they brushed against her skin. Before the woman used the Scroll to talk, she brought her free hand up and detached the mouth plate.

She expected her mouth to be scared or damaged in some way, instead, she saw regular lips.

"Why can't you talk?"

In a few moment's, the Scroll had something written on it, "ancient vows, Child."

"Oh, uh, okay…" Emerald shuffled awkwardly, the sensation of a tight throat lessened a fraction, "how do you know Celestine?"

A brow rose on the woman, "I met her once inside the Palace during a meeting before now," the words were deleted and new ones took their place, "and how do you know her?"

"She saved me…" Emerald glanced behind herself at the Saint who was now talking to Katarinya, "and protects me now,"

The woman rolled her dark green eyes, "in spite of how little I know her, that is not surprising,"

A loud alarm filled the hangar and the area shook. A voice came from speakers in the walls, "attention all hands, we are leaving Vale airspace and en route to Atlas to await reassignment. General Ironwood, Priority Comms from the Council has been requested,"

"Sister," Emerald jolted at the man's voice and turned to it.

"Apologies, Emerald, was it?" he asked and she nodded, "General Ironwood," he held his gloved hand out for her to shake. She did so carefully and he gave a small nod and smile before turning his attention to the woman,

"Sister, you know where my quarters are aboard this ship, take Emerald to it and stay with her," He clasped his hands behind his back, "your colleagues and I will be in the War Room discussing the Inquisitor's and Custodians positions amongst the ranks,"

He ran a hand through his hair and gave a wry smile, "after I deal with the Council first, of course,"

The woman nodded once.

Celestine came up next to Ironwood, "are you capable of being near her?"

Emerald nodded, "yeah, my throat feels funny and a bit dizzy but I don't feel too bad,"

What she said must have surprised the Saint as her eyes widened a bit, "huh, very well then, you go with the Sister,"

"Okay,"

The General nodded, "oh, and there is a private shower if you want to take one,"

The woman looked down at her armour and Emerald followed her gaze, there were brown splotches and dirt all over it. Maybe a shower was needed for her. At least it's not as bad as Celestine's armour; it barely looked gold, let alone the nice black hers looked.

The woman gave a thumbs up to the General and Celestine just as they began to go their own way. The ship rattled a little more as its thrusters kicked in, the sudden motion nearly knocking Emerald over. The Hangar doors closed slowly as devices rose from the floor and locked the Bullheads in place, while dozens of men and women secured many boxes and crates of all sizes along the walls and in corners.

She felt a gentle tug on her shoulders from the woman, "What's your name?"

"Alexea Vennoris, Oblivion Knight of the Silent Sisterhood,"

Emerald's eyes flicked from the Scroll to the Sister's own eyes, "can I just call you by your name?"

Alexea made the motions of a snort,- but not a sound came with it- as she nodded, "I don't mind," the words were erased, "why did you come to me so willingly?"

"You looked lonely," came the immediate answer, "and, yeah…"

Alexea blinked slowly, "thank you, I suppose,"

"You're welcome," Emerald gave a smile up at her, "what is your job?"

A deep, silent breath was taken as she started to type out the response. And judging by how many times things were typed out and rewritten, it might be a long one.

After a few more moments of walking through the halls in silence, the Scroll was handed to her, "I work alongside the Legio Custodes, Kotek's organisation, to deal with threats the Custodes can't; Daemons, Psykers and other Warp related activities,"

Emerald reread the words once, twice and a third time before looking up at Alexea, "I don't know what a lot of this means…"

The Silent Sister took the Scroll back, "how old are you?"

"Nine,"

"I'll ask Celestine to explain it, written words would be too difficult,"

Emerald pulled her lips into a thin line, "Oh, okay,"

Alexea breathed through her nose, "I deal with things the big golden man can't,"

"Oh! He's really big though!"

"And?"

"He's massive!" she exclaimed as they passed through a large door, "he probable hits like an Ursa!"

"He hits harder, but that's not the point. There are things that my abilities can do, that even a Custodian can't. It's why my Sisterhood exists."

The door closed behind them and Emerald mindlessly wandered over to the large desk and desk chair by the Viewport as she rambled, "but he's big! And really really big! How can't he just, I dunno, punch a hole in its face?"

Alexea didn't respond, just placed her Bolter on the desk as she inspected the room around them.

Wait, room? She rapidly looked around. Oh, yeah, the door.

The room was bare, but it had some shelves and draws lining the walls, even a large screen on the wall to the left. The shelves had many books and folders sat upon them, one had a couple of bottles of a dark liquid and some glasses on it. To the right were a door and a decently sized couch with a pillow on one end and a neatly folded blanket on the other.

Alexea walked counter-clockwise along the wall, taking in a lot more than Emerald bothered to until she stopped at the shelf with the bottles. Emerald watched as she picked up a bottle and looked at it. It looked like it was sealed so she put it back and picked up another, unsealed bottle. With a swift motion that cap came off and a glass was filled halfway.

Alexea took a large sip as she wandered over to the door on the right and entered the room for a moment. She came out with a towel and laid it out on the floor before she began stripping the armour off.

As the Sister was continuing that task, Emerald slipped off the chair and around the desk towards the glass on the floor. She sat next to it a metre or so from the Sister's feet and slowly cupped the glass in her hands. She gave the transparent, orange liquid a sniff to find it smelt a lot like a doughnut; an odd flavour for a drink.

She took a small sip and almost spat it back out and coughed; it tasted like cinnamon but burnt the back of her throat. She shuddered as the aftertaste came in just as bad and promptly put the glass back.

Though that didn't stop her face from heating up at the amused look Alexea was giving her, "I thought it was something better!"

Vennoris bent over and picked the glass up and took a large sip before placing it on a shelf and striping the black Fibro layer off, revealing the dense muscle lining her body and the many scars of varying sizes littering it as well.

The light brown marred the dark brown skin in many ways; cuts to rough circles. But it wasn't those that caught the girls attention, it was the two large tattoos, one on each arm. They looked to be the same bird on either side, just with the colours inverted; the left had a gold outline, pitch-black colouring; while the right one had gold colouring and pitch-black outlining.

The only differences were the scars that broke the tattoos up.

A sharp click jolted Emerald out of her staring and she found Alexea staring curiously down, "sorry, I was looking at your tattoos…"

The Sister's brows rose and she nodded in understanding. She pick the scroll up and typed, "Custodes," and pointed to the right one, "Sisterhood," the left.

"That's cool!" a spark of light found its way to dark green eyes, "what about the ones around your eyes?"

Alexea shrugged, "they look cool, I guess," she deleted the words, "now, I smell and need a shower before I clean my armour,"

"Okay!"

With that, the Sister tossed the Scroll into Emerald's lap and went through the door to the shower, leaving Emerald to find something to do.

How long to Altlas? It was at the top of the world and Vale could still be seen down below…

Her gaze flicked to the couch and pillow.

"Fuck it," she got up and waddled over to lie down. Everything still hurt from all the activities she did while Celestine was gone and being woken up just after falling asleep wasn't fun. At least it wasn't by a wing to the face…

"I probably shouldn't tell Celestine of the drink either," she mumble to herself, "for my sake and hers; I don't want her fired,"

The Vaccuan Fireball was nicer than she made it out to be, but adults didn't like it when children drank and Alexea was kinda scary with the weird Semblance she has…

Her throat tightened a little more and the dizziness increased slightly.

Maybe sleep wasn't coming.

The urge to move to the other side of the room pushed its way up, but that felt rude to do. She couldn't help it, passive semblances are a bitch to deal with.

She resigned herself to the long flight ahead with a sigh and pulled her Scroll out to find something to do.

A/N

Surprise, lol. I had a covid scare so I had to take time off work, I.e time to write. Thankfully I'm negative, unfortunately, that means I gotta work again.

Hopefully, the first part explains Ozpin's lack of action in the last chapter; pure caution once the gang walked in after Celestine. He's still gonna try, just in a more sneaky way now.

Everyone is slowly gaining a picture of where the Imperials come from; I was going to do a whole bit that's stereotypical to Crossovers with the reveal of where they're from, but why would they believe them? Why believe them that they're from a galaxy-spanning empire?

I thought I deleted Lelith's "hasn't birthed a Chaos God" line in the last chapter, lol. Guess, she's snarky now.

No, Magnus won't be a thing, I just wanted an explanation for the feathers other than Kotek once fought Magnus and kept them as a trophy. So I mimicked TTS a little but with a bit more serious twist to it, i.e, Kotek and Magnus being at odds with each other, but Magnus wanting to make amends now the future is in motion. I noticed I wrote him not as arrogant as he really is...

but I'm biased towards Magnus, lol. He and Guiliman are my favourite Primarchs with Angron rising to be the third.

Is what Magnus and Kotek said about the Primarchs correct? No, not entirely, but it's what they believe a millennia after it all went to hell and with what information they have/believe.

The gang's finally together and on their way to Atlas where I'll explore them a bit more over a few chapters leading up to the Vytal Festival while setting up points and the eventual power they'll gain in and over Atlas.

While exploring the characters, I want to try and do it from Emerald's perspective as I did with her and Alexea just then. There's a reason why the Null increased a bit at the end and I'm curious to see who guesses it.

Time skips are coming, but I won't skip on a lot because things need to be set up regarding relationships, dynamics and motivation. And of course Ozpin, I need to do more with him and firmly set motivation down now that characters are permanently set and he has concrete stuff to work with, not just speculation like he was before. I'll see about doing a full chapter with Ozpin as I did with Ironwood to try and flatten out the stuff i inevitably missed here.

The title refers to Emerald and Alexea; someone cast out of the people she swore to protect until shit hit the fan, and the child out of their depth amongst demi-gods and battle-hardened warriors.

I got the night shift tomorrow so I'm going to sleep.