Summary:
In chapter 4 we got a glimpse of the cruelty of Elyria alongside the very shocking revelations of the Thalindra's spirit. The Nepha'lim and the Path of Souls fill the head of the Farseer with questions and conflicting emotions.
The upcoming fight promises to be even harder than the one before, the Succubus preparing something horrible for our protagonists to face, all the while Marcus puts himself in the sights of the Druchii woman in order to preserve the Seer who saved them from Arandur's wrath.
Now our heroes are due to face the sadistic nature of Elyria alongside her new challenge in the arena...
Shadows of the Dark City 5
Thalindra knew very well what would happen now. It was clear in the Succubus's intentions the moment they stepped out of the room that Elyria was fixated on torturing her, intent on inflicting as much pain as possible.
She would be lying if she said this didn't fill her with dread. In her path, she had been trained in many things, one of which was to control the flow of pain through her mind. If she didn't have enough focus after a wound to use her powers, it could lead to a very bad situation. But even with all her training, the Drukhari were known to master the art of torture so well that no one could evade their methods if they so chose.
The Farseer was certain that what Elyria was planning would go beyond simply hurting, and this is what made her try to maintain her focus on anything besides the fact that she would be horribly tortured. Her body ran on autopilot as it positioned itself in front of the despicable Druchii who held her and Arandur's life in the palm of her hands.
Everything was a blur to her until this very moment, trying to avoid giving a reaction to the sadistic Eldar. However, her focus was temporarily broken as Elyria, the Succubus, and now their owner, stood in front of her. Her soul was dark as pitch, flashing red with violence and bloodlust, an empty husk devoid of any real substance aside from the ever-present thirst that consumes the Dark Kin.
"Hmmm. I think I'll start with you, Cousin. I've always wondered what the screams of a Farseer would sound like. What noises someone like you would make."
Her voice, filled with sadistic glee and expectation, almost broke Thalindra out of her stoic poise, the mask of indifference cracking with fear and the reality of what this woman wished to do to them, but especially to her.
She did her best to avoid her gaze, but once Elyria's clawed fingers came close to her neck, the Farseer knew she was done for. She would try her best to maintain her guise of impassiveness, but in the end, Thalindra knew it was futile. But someone from the line broke that off with a movement of his hand. Then, just as the Succubus came, she turned to the one who interrupted her little "play."
"What is the meaning of your interruption?" Elyria asked, visibly annoyed, almost growling, her soul radiating a fiery red stronger than before.
Marcus was terrified of what he was doing. Thalindra knew how deep his feelings were; however, the human still chose to push with it and continue with the bait, hoping to give the Seer more time away from whatever the Druchii had planned.
The Captain acted smug, smirking at her question.
"I find it amusing how your kind sees us as weak. Do you think we are weak?"
Her demeanor shifted from intimidating aggression to skeptical curiosity, her soul now having a new color, a deep dark yellow. 'The Succubus was curious about the way the soldier was behaving,' Thalindra thought, analyzing each aspect of Elyria's being.
"Yes, of course. Many of your kind have fallen by my hands alone, none surviving my skills or my wits."
Thalindra knew what the Captain was about to do was beyond suicidal. If he ever knew at least half of the things the Dark Kin were capable of, he would never even consider doing such a thing. But here he was, taking the bullet for her, at least the first bullet. She knew he had done it out of honor and gratefulness for her stepping up and protecting them from Arandur.
The Seer was now really flattered by this act. Never in a million years did she expect an Imperial to be so open to her existence, and even show honor and kindness to her and an Eldar who he didn't even know had killed billions of his species.
"Oh, really? I survived your previous 'game.' I bet you can't make me scream, no matter what sick things you Xeno frakkers have planned for us. Your worst mistake was underestimating the Imperial Guard, humanity, and especially me..."
Once again he put on an act in hopes to rile up the Drukhari, to give her some time to get a hold of herself. Her soul now burned with a sickly green, the color of malice. 'Oh no,' was all Thalindra could think before catastrophe hit.
"After all, you Xeno scum lost in Arina to a bunch of pathetic and puny... gurgle."
She caught him by his throat as Elyria easily threw him on the cold, hard table. The pain in his back was so strong she felt the ghost pain on her own back, the Seer's mind being completely in sync with his. Thalindra wanted to shut her senses off and meditate while she still could, but after what he had done for her, and the impact of such an act, she couldn't. So she stood there, feeling what he was feeling: the terror, the confusion, and the dread for what was to come.
While Marcus struggled to regain his breath, his torturer threw his coat off, tossing it somewhere around the room, and in sequence rolled up his sleeve. Then he was restrained for the sickening show to continue.
He was scared. Marcus wanted to take his mind off what was happening, and Thalindra wanted to do or say something to quell his despair, but she knew that if she did, it would throw away all his sacrifice for her. So she tried to stay strong for him, to not give Elyria the satisfaction of seeing both of them suffer at the same time.
"Let's begin, Mon-Keigh," the foul Druchii whispered in his ear. Her guards closed in on them, making sure they watched the horrible show taking place.
"The first step is to apply a special concoction of antiseptics to the area to be marked," she said while wiping on his arm a combination of antiseptics and pain enhancers. Thalindra could feel what was coming next, just as how sensitive his arm was.
Elyria then took up a curved ritualistic blade, its serrated edge glinting ominously in the dim light.
"Let the marking commence." With eagerness, she approached the soldier.
"You will learn your place, filthy vermin," she whispered with venom, her breath warm against his ear. And then it all started—the pain and cruelty of each slice. The way the serrated blade cut through his very sensitive skin, how each of his pain receptors flared, overwhelmed by the drug-induced sensitivity. It was horrible, one of the worst experiences the Seer had been through. Seeing the Captain seize in blinding pain brought not only physical pain to her mind but emotional as well.
She was slow and deliberate with each movement of the sharp instrument, making it even more excruciating than it should be. Marcus was struggling to stay awake. The only thing holding him together was his thoughts around two completely strange names: "Romeo and Juliet." Not knowing the meaning of this, she just ignored it, assuming they were people important to him.
However, soon the Succubus was done, and the symbol took shape upon the Officer's arm, perfectly drawn, not one single flaw in the entire design. Thalindra let out a breath she didn't notice she was holding and quietly sighed in relief.
"Hmmmm... You didn't scream even with the pain enhancer, impressive, may I say." Elyria spoke with even more curiosity, the dark yellow color becoming even more prevalent throughout her soul.
Clicking a button on the platform that made the table slowly shift, two bars of metal appeared to hold his head and legs in place. With his back now towards the Wych, he was confused about the reason for the change.
"Next is the implantation of the neuro tracker." Then hell started once again as the vile woman began to tear open the base of his skull. Bone and spine were torn open for all to see. Marcus was struggling to keep himself from blacking out entirely while Elyria made sure to poke each extremity of bone with the point of the sharp object. With it, a surge of electric, searing pain broke out upon his receptors. With a few precise movements, the entire operation was done. The incision was closed with precise sutures, each time the needle made contact bringing forth even more pain to the poor human.
She shut off after that, not bearing to continue witnessing such a vile act. Thalindra had seen many things upon her walk in her path, but never once had she seen such an open display of brutality with someone so undeserving of such treatment. In the past, she believed that humans were a close second to the Dark Kin when it came to this sort of thing, but after what they had just done to Marcus, she was certain that there were no equals or even those who came close to such vile monstrosities.
Eldrad had already taught her the dangers of following the path of damnation, how much life could twist one to be the foulest of the foul. And here firsthand, the Seer was witnessing how this path could change her kind to be worse than the nightmares that live in the warp. And the worst part of it all was that now she felt responsible for his pain, even though he chose to put himself in line for her.
'He never knew peace, but here he is, sacrificing himself to allow strangers to at least have some semblance of it,' Thalindra thought sorrowfully at his attitude.
Then she was snapped back from her inner musings once she felt a cold, clawed finger touch her cheek.
"Look what we have here... A single lonely tear." Elyria said in a fake empathetic voice, inspecting the small droplet of liquid, then proceeded to drop said tear on her expecting tongue.
"Hmmmmmm... Sweeter and far more reinvigorating than the most expensive wine in my specialized exotic wine cellar," the Succubus exclaimed, pure ecstasy in her voice.
Thalindra's eyes could only widen in sheer abject horror at the sadism shown by the Wych. Her mind was screaming to put an end to the existence of this foul creature, to deliver the much-deserved justice to this horrid woman.
She could feel her psyker might start to manifest in the background of her mind; however, soon Elyria's entire demeanor shifted from cruel elation to murderous intent.
"If you are thinking of smiting me with your witchery, I would think twice before doing so."
Then the Drukhari made a gesture mimicking the squashing of something, which instantly reminded Thalindra of the power they held over their fallen souls. In an instant, the Farseer was back to her impassive posture, refusing to give Elyria any further reaction.
"Oooooh. So she's back to her shell once again! Just so you know... I hate that."
With a swift movement, she was holding her neck, the metal claws digging into the Seer's marble porcelain-like skin. The Farseer couldn't help but gag at the sudden pressure upon her throat.
"What should I do to you, little witch? What should I do to you to receive more of these sweet tears?"
The pressure only grew closing her windpipe entirely, Thalindra did not even register the Wych's last words as the pain and the privation of oxygen in her brain were threatening to leave her unconscious.
For a second the Eldar considered that this would be her last moments, her feet dangling in the air as she was choked by a sadistic demon of a woman, but soon those thoughts were cut short as Arandur had enough and pushed Elyria away from her.
Her body fell on the ground, the relief of finally being able to breathe shutting down any feeling of pain she could have from the said fall. Thalindra turned to look at her loyal friend who was now trying to hold his own against the two Incubi who were cornering him against the wall, their blades zooming really close to the Dire Avenger.
Elyria steps just in front of her blocking her view, her expression is serious, as she dusts her clothes off in annoyance. Staring down at the Seer in sheer disgust.
"Order him to stand down, or I'll personally order him to be tailored into a new set of battle clothes for me."
Without thinking twice knowing full well the Succubus was not playing around, Thalindra screamed.
"Stand down Arandur right now!"
She could not see what was happening due to Elyria's whole body right in front of her but Thalindra could hear the Dire Avenger's mind.
'Thalindra they will hurt you!' His voice exclaimed, determination and anger present at the forefront of his mind. She replied to his thoughts mustering all her energy to calm him down with her answer 'I'll be fine Arandur. I'm stronger than anything they can throw us, so please just stand down.'
With that, the noise of struggle was cut short just as a body hit the ground, not so long after the sound of punches and kicks could be heard as the Incubi were certainly hurting the Eldar warrior.
Elyria was the entire time just watching her with an analyzing gaze trying to asses every micro-expression on her face. With the snap of her fingers, the Incubi stopped dragging Arandur to them, the Succubus stepping aside to show the farseer what her guards had done.
The Dire Avenger was a mess, his helmet was removed and thrown somewhere in the room, giving place to his bruised and bloodied face. One of his eyes is shut down due to the swollen skin, but the other grey one blinks slowly while staring at her dazed. His cascading platinum blonde locks with some black meshes flew behind him in disarray after the rough beating.
Thalindra once again had to use all her training to focus her mind away from the gruesome image of her battered friend. Her impassive stare resumed as she entered a semi-meditative state, staring at the other side of the room.
"Interesting...Put him on the table I want to test something." The Succubus spoke with a cold analytical voice, as if she was to make some kind of twisted experiment.
The guards took the unconscious guardsman lying on the table, throwing him somewhere in the left corner of the room.
She slowly approaches her, with a feline grace in each step. Stopping once again in front of the Seer the Druchii knelt to look right at Thalindra's eyes.
"Let's play a small game shall we?" Taking another razor-sharp knife from her sash Elyria put the blade on the ground just in reach of the Farseer. For a second a very dark thought went through her mind, one where she took this accursed blade and cut the throat of this damn creature wearing an Eldar face. But just as it came Thalindra let it be, opting to just keep her impassive stare.
"I'm going to go marking your little minion right there." The Wych spoke with a contained glee as if she was describing some kind of child's play.
"However... I'm going as fast as you carve yourself! If you take your sweet time or simply don't do it, each cut will be infernally long!" This made Thalindra snap her attention back to the Druchii woman who had a sadistic ear-to-ear Cheshire smile alongside a glint of pure malice in her amethyst eyes.
"Now if you make it quick and also without failing the suffering of your partner here will be just as fast. So it is all on you Witch! You can make him suffer far longer than needed to be or make it to be even quicker than I would like it to be. Your call on 3..."
Then Elyria raised 3 fingers with her left hand as she prepared to start the procedure going to the side of the table. Thalindra stared back at the dark blade on the ground, her eyes widened in panic.
"2..."
The Seer quickly took the sharp instrument in her hands, rolling up her sleeves to her shoulder in order to carve the symbol.
"...giggle...1!"
And with that, she began stabbing the junctions of the wraithbone armor exposing the black undersuit underneath, with quick precise movements the Succubus had exposed his forearm. Then she started with the ritual, taking the cloth with the accursed pain enhancer to his skin, in slow rythimic swipes.
The Farseer could only stare in suspense as Elyria took the carving knife to Arandur's skin scrapping his epidermis with each serrated part of the blade. The Dire Avenger instantly screamed bloody murder, a mix of wrath and agony. And this was all before the instrument could pierce his skin.
The hand holding the knife shook intensely while the Seer stared at her long-time friend struggling with the blinding pain, his mind screamed rupturing through hers which prompted her eyes once again to threaten to release tears.
Elyria applied pressure to the blade connected to Arandur's arm finally piercing his skin, the scream resulting from this rang throughout the room. The Incubi only laughed gleefully at the warriors' maddening pain.
Thalindra started carving her arm letting a small whimper as she did so the serrated blade cutting her perfect epidermis. It hurt, but not as much as Arandur was feeling right now, however, due to her empathic capabilities she could understand the effects this pain was causing on him, which made her experience far more painful than it was.
She tried to be as quick as possible in drawing the symbol of the Cult of Strife upon her arm, however, the pain became unbearable in the middle of it, having to stop to take a breather.
With this Elyria slowed down as well, making sure to slowly twist the knife upon the carving. Each second the Farseer paused was one more twist of the torturing blade, making Arandur scream until he lost his voice.
Feeling determined to end her friend's suffering Thalindra resumed the gruesome act of carving her mark, each movement being as painful as the last, until with a final movement mirrored by the Succubus the Seer finished the drawing dropping the bloodied instrument on the ground. With quick breaths she tried to regain her composure but failed to do so as she looked at Arandur's unconscious form his mouth agape with drooling saliva, his eyes rolling up his head.
Her eyes were filled with tears once again, and her composure due to the pain could not hold back the flow of tears. And just as she let go Elyria was with her fingers upon her cheeks collecting them as if they were some kind of sweet honey.
The Drukhari took her drenched fingers to her lips licking each one of them in ecstasy.
"Such incredible flavors! It is amazing!" She laughed a cruel laugh as the Wych savored the Farseer's pain. Then turned a very judgmental gaze towards the crying Farseer.
"My father was right...You are indeed an empathetic fool, who values others above yourself. But hey at least it makes torturing you far easier."
With another snap of her fingers, the Incubi took Arandur out of the operating table throwing him as a sack of potatoes just beside Marcus.
"Now let's keep our game up since I want more of this exquisite suffering out of you!"
With that, they took Janessa to the table she kicked and screamed in sheer abject horror.
"Remember the rules, Witch? If yes, then I advise you to keep up! Four more to gooooooo!" The last part said by this horrible woman was in a sing-song voice, her eyes piercing her very own soul with unadulterated joy.
Thalindra said a small prayer to Isha, before picking up the knife once again, reading herself to carve the same symbol this time a little lower, her mind focused on being quicker this time to spare the Mon-Keigh of such horrible suffering.
The first thing to greet Marcus' vision once he woke up was the aquamarine of Thalindra's eyes. He blinked his eyes in quick succession to shake off the dizziness from his mind.
"I see you're awake..." her incredibly soft and feminine voice spoke to him, shaking Marcus up completely. Her hands were upon his wounded arm, a soft green glow emanating from the point of her fingers. The soothing rays touched his skin, which felt weirdly good.
However, this raised questions the first being what she was doing exactly.
"Lady Thalindra if I may ask...what are you doing?"
Her mouth turned to a gentle smile as she kept her focused gaze on his arm.
"Estimulating your body to close off your wound. Can't erase the scar it will be left by it but I can close the holes off."
Understanding what she was doing the Captain turned to look around noticing that they were in that same room of the arena where they were left to before the fight. The same smooth dark walls alongside the same symbol in the banner that now was on his arm as well.
He notices that all of the group is still unconscious aside from him and the beautiful Xeno Witch who is now treating his arm. The Imperial struggled to sit due to his numbed legs and arm, but soon the Seer turned to help him assume a comfortable position, his back now being supported by the wall.
"What happened after I blacked out?"
Thalindra's expression turned sour her smile vanishing.
"They marked us..."
She said in a way that clearly showed her unwillingness to dwell on what happened, noticing her clear discomfort at his question. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly, trying to shift the conversation to something else.
"So are they all good?"
While her expression was still one of contained discomfort she nodded at his question resuming her treatment of his arm.
"Yes, they will wake up shortly."
With that she finished her ministrations the green light slowly fading out from her fingers. Then in a swift graceful movement, Thalindra was back on her feet.
Taking a look at his arm he noticed the mark completely sealed as if it were an old scar. Her powers worked perfectly to mend the shredded skin.
"Thanks, Lady Thalindra."
She stopped in her tracks, turning her head to him once again a gentle smile adorning her hypnotic face.
"Don't mention it, I was the one who was supposed to say thank you."
With a small nod, the Seer turned once again this time going to Janessa who was on the ground. Taking an analytical look at the Xenos as she moved to help his fellow guardsmen Marcus noticed a strange thing on one of her arms. The cloth appeared to be damp with some kind of dark liquid, it managed to get his attention since it gleamed with the lights of the ambient.
Shaking his stare away from her figure, Marcus turned to look around trying to find his belongings. Noticing that their things are thrown in a corner of the room alongside a strange dark bucket. He gets up to fetch his military coat, stopping to verify its pockets for his book, which he is very relieved to find intact.
Retrieving everything he needed he turned his curious gaze upon the bucket noticing a muddy liquid upon it, wondering what could it be.
"It is water. They left it in there for when we all woke up."
Thalindra said without turning her gaze from the unconscious form of Jax as if reading his mind. He felt disgusted to see such poor-quality water, looking like something that would be in the puddles of a trench.
"Is it okay to drink this muddy thing?"
Without skipping a beat the Farseer answered back her form still with her back to him.
"No, but is the only kind of hidration we will receive, so we have to grow used to it."
Kneeling on the ground the Officer reluctantly takes a small quantity of the liquid with his hands taking a swig at it, the moment the water touched his tongue he could feel the taste of rust and dirt on it. He felt the urge to spit it out, but knowing that this could be the only water they'd receive for the time being he forced himself to gulp it down.
"Hell, even their water taste like shit..." Marcus couldn't help but comment through some coughs on the poor quality of the liquid, which prompted a small discreet laugh from Thalindra.
"Believe me, the water they are giving us tastes like shit. What they are drinking could range from a strong expensive Eldar wine to literal blood."
She jested while keeping her hands working on the Guardswoman.
The Captain couldn't help but smile at her small joke returning with another jest.
"I believe you alright...if this hell hole could prove one thing is that these bastards would go to any lengths to be absolute dicks!"
Another small laugh left her lips, feeling emboldened by the Eldar laughs Marcus playfully added.
"Now I get why your friend was so upset about being compared to these sadistic idiots. You guys are far better than them in all aspects..."
This made Thalindra turn to him for a moment paying close attention to his words.
"First there is the fact that you both kicked total ass in the arena, hell if it were not for your kind getting their attention, my squad would be done for."
Noticing her attentive gaze at his words, the Imperial kept going.
"Second: you could let Arandur get our asses in any moment, and hell now understanding what these frakkers are up to I would believe myself worthy of such punishment for implying such a thing, even for an ass like him..." Marcus pointed out to Arandur's body laid down with his belly down and his blond hair spread out in all directions. The seer couldn't help but laugh a little louder at the comment made to her friend "But you didn't let him do it, you saved us from his rightful wrath."
This last sentence was uttered with gratitude, the Imperial being certain to communicate that through his eyes as Thalindra held his gaze. His mind threatened to get lost in the sea of Aquamarine once again, blinking to get a hold of himself he concluded.
"Third and last all you and your warriors have far better armor and style than these sadistic frakkers. Everything in both your armors is beautifully crafted from this strange material and the way the black colors mixed with the white is very pleasing to the eye if you ask me, while these idiots wear either tight black leather with spikes, or tight black scrapped armor with chains or a mish-mash of both..." This manages to make her laugh and giggle even harder.
"And don't even let me be on appearance. While they certainly have elegance and poise, their entire thing of wearing spike shit or almost nothing gets very tiring quickly. Let me tell ya Lady Thalindra sometimes showing less is more, just take a look at you... Your robes and armor are well put together, the color is very nice..."
He pointed at her clothes, looking at each and every detail. The Xenos kept her curious gaze on him as the Imperial spoke.
"I'm going to be honest I prefer more discreet clothes such as the one of my regiment, but I can appreciate something pretty when I see it."
Then he closed his eyes smiling to himself, finding his next words to be the perfect punchline of this little joke of his, as Thalindra kept her giggles down awaiting him to finish.
"And about the "beauty" aspect of it, I'm a firm believer that showing less is more...Look at you! The only skin I'm seeing is the one on your face and still, you're far prettier than any of these skanks I've seen so far." And with that, her laughter instantly died off to give space to an awkward silence her pale cheeks slowly changing to a rosy color.
Instantly noticing his mistake, Marcus could only be mortified at the words that just left his mouth. He spoke too much, the Captain got carried away in the moment and said something that made her uncomfortable. So he to try and defuse the situation he created.
"Sorry lady-dy Thalindra I did not mean to be rude..." he was cut short by her raised hand.
"It is fine." The Seer then turned away to resume her work while Marcus was stuck there with his gaping mouth looking like a dead fish. 'Congratulations you just had one job and you ruined it' was all he could think after his total failure in trying to entertain his savior.
Well, having nothing better to do he sat down near the bucket fumbling with his book in his pocket trying to shoo away the sheer shame he felt on his terrible attempt.
Thalindra's cheeks were on fire due to his comments, not expecting such a spontaneous flattery of her looks. The worst part is that she knew his thoughts and feelings enough to see that it is genuine, if it were any other situation the Seer would believe that this human was trying to woo her, but having the ability to peer at living beings' souls gave her the truth.
Marcus felt attraction towards her, but not the conventional one built upon lust which is expected from a Mon-keigh such as him. No, it is entirely different, is one based on not only her superficial beauty but also respect and admiration for her actions and capabilities.
For the Officer, she was like an ethereal being, one who chose to protect Marcus and his men when she had all the right to not do so. His attraction was built upon gratitude, a simple yet powerful emotion.
Her musings and embarrassment were shut down by the strong pain radiating from her arm. 'For a second I forgot that' the Farseer thought while sweat dripped from her forehead, the instinct to grip the wound strong, but she had not time to spare as Thalindra focused her healing touch on the Private's arm.
Struggling to keep the focus the Eldar continued pushing through using her energy to leave the Imperial in pristine condition. She opted to treat Janessa after Marcus due to the complexities of the injury the human suffered, not only physically but also emotionally. Taking this opportunity to create a mind connection with her just as she did with the unconscious Marcus.
'With this, I'll manage to calm her in case she loses her grip upon her mind. As well as create a trustworthy means of communication between all of them' The Farseer could not help but capitalize on their current situation to create more tactical advantages for their merry band.
Once satisfied with her work, she went to Kais next who got hit pretty badly by the pain enchancers. The soothing green light left her fingers to touch the Tau's scarred blue skin. He grimaced while unconscious his respiratory organ flaring in mild discomfort as he remained still on the ground.
While in this state he constantly mumbles the name 'H'annava'. The Seer gets some glimpses of his thoughts regarding the owner of the said name but the overall confusion caused by the excruciating pain makes it difficult for her to pinpoint exactly who he is referring to.
She doubles her efforts into soothing the Fire Warrior's pain, her entire mind focused on the healing energy being let out by her hands. Even though her arm was starting to bother her, Thalindra kept going until the wound was fully closed leaving only the ugly scar behind.
Seeing Kai's expression changing to one of peace and calm she turns to help Darius who was closest to the Tau.
Marcus kept his vigilant eyes upon the figure of the Farseer who now was tending to his squad medic. He could not help himself but smile a little at the determination of the Xenos to help his men. But also this line of thinking brought some questions to the seasoned Guardsman.
First was the fact that Lady Thalindra acted completely different from what he was taught Xenos would act like. She cared for their general well-being, hell the Eldar even saved them more than once and now were healing them, so what did this mean?
Throughout his life, all he heard was that the enemies of mankind did not even deserve to exist alongside the mighty Imperium of Man. That they were a blight upon the stars that any who were not human, any who were not the followers of the Imperial creed were deserving of death. Now this single Xeno Witch flipped all he knew upside down. Since well Thalindra was the complete opposite of what he expected of the average alien, besides the fact that she was the most gorgeous thing he ever laid his eyes upon, she was kind and gentle even with those who in any other situation would gladly put a bullet through her skull.
Second was the very fact that this train of thought made him a heretic, one undeserving of mercy, a good bolt to the head his ultimate fate. the Captain knew that from the moment he laid his eyes on Thalindra his entire faith and creed were shaken by her simple yet kind acts. The mere fact he wasn't trying to kill her by using her witchery upon them was the undeniable proof of his apostasy.
But he couldn't do that even if he wanted to, his entire honor as a soldier stopped him from doing so. She defended the most precious thing in his life and that is the life of his men, the least he could do was not to hurt her, and this alone gave space for even more doubts about his worth as a servant of the Emperor. The Officer knew he could not hurt her, the mere thought of doing so made his stomach twist in a funny way.
Third and last was the fact that now they were stuck together so even if he was still a strong advocate of the Imperial creed and tried to start something with the Xenos it would make him one of the dumbest Captains of the Imperial Guard since their true enemy were those who currently hold their strings.
And with that knowledge, he knew that an old saying he read in one of the many books he held in his previous collection applied perfectly to their situation, it went something like this: 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'.
Such a saying summed up perfectly their current predicament, having a far superior and dangerous enemy meant that the only sensible option would be to team up and work together against whatever those frakkers threw at them. It would be easy enough to suggest it, however, there were still some points that needed to be addressed like his soldiers and Arandur's reactions to such propositions, funnily enough, he has a hunch that neither Thalindra nor the Tau Warrior would oppose such an idea, but the other two? Well, this would be far more delicate and needed to be approached wisely to not burn any bridges too soon.
Stopping on his inner thoughts to focus once again on the Farseer he notices that she is already healing her friend, which she left to be the last. None of them until now had awoken, which was strange, yet predictable after such a horrible procedure.
As soon as the Eldar finished with her last patient she turned to look at Marcus a tired expression on her face.
"Sorry to ask you this Marcus, but could you please fetch me the bucket of water, I need hydration."
Her voice sounded coarse, strained as if she had run a marathon. She stumbled a little holding her arm as Thalindra supported herself upon the wall.
In an instant, the Guardsman fetched the bucket bringing it directly to her. She struggled to get a hold of it since the Eldar did not leave her hand on her arm, in a flash she finally managed to get the object out of his hands while taking a generous gulp at the foul liquid and grimacing while drinking it, he then notices the blood on her hand.
"Thalindra...is that blood?" the Captain asked as he tried to take a look at her other arm, the Seer put the bucket away and shifted trying to hide it behind her, but in doing so she ended up scrapping her forearm on the smooth wall which prompted her to leave a short pained hiss.
"...Yeah, but I'll be fine." She replied under her strained breath, Marcus being worried about her well-being, tried to get a hold of her arm to try and look at it, but in a quick movement she managed to release his hold.
"I said I'm fine!" Her tone was one of contained frustration her emphasis being on the last word. It was clear that the Xeno hoped that this outburst would be enough to make the stubborn Captain drop the matter, but the Imperial Officer was already used to this kind of behavior, so he did the only thing sensible for him at that moment.
"No, you're not. Now stop with the bullshit and let me see it." Marcus spoke with all the authority he could muster, which prompted her to look at him with shock, her eyes squeezing in annoyance.
Both kept their gazes locked in a silent dispute, none even daring to breathe as they proverbially asserted their dominance until in one swift moment Thalindra sighed turning her head to the other side and signaling him to go for it.
Satisfied and not daring to linger to not push his luck the Officer kneeled beside her and with all the care he could muster started to roll down the sleeves of her black robe. As delicate as someone of his station could he slowly but surely rolled until Thalindra stopped him with her other hand.
"Let me do this part please?" She asked in a way that did not leave room for further arguments as Marcus simply raised his hands out of her. Then in slow and careful movements, she exposed her entire forearm to him and what greeted him was beyond gruesome.
Her forearm had eight bloody marks, all spread throughout the area. The blood dripped down from the wounds making the sight even more grizzly. Her muscles and tender flesh were exposed making him frown in anger at such a cruel sight.
"By the Emperor what had they done to you!?" He exclaimed in shock and anger as he stared at her arm. Having enough of the sight he rushed to Darius in hopes of awakening the doctor, however, Thalindra's voice stopped him in his tracks.
"I can heal myself just like I did with you all. Don't worry, I know is not looking good but I'll fix it." She said in her neutral voice, her stare calm yet focused on him.
"Let me at least have him look at you, all of this does not seem right!" the Officer tried to reason with her, yet, his reply was met with her still calm voice.
"Let him rest, he'll need his energies. I can take care of myself so don't you worry."
The moment Thalindra stopped talking she put her good arm to work as the soothing green light emanated to her wounded forearm, leaving no room for an argument with the Imperial.
He could just shrug in defeat before going back to sitting beside her. The Captain scratched his chin as he pondered their current situation.
"Look I know maybe this is not the best time, but I think we need to discuss a strategy here..."
Closing her eyes the Farseer kept her breathing steady while working on her arm, nodding slowly at the human words signaling him to continue.
"Since we are in this damned room once more, I believe that it won't take long for these frakkers to throw us to the wolves again. And I think we need to be prepared for whatever they may throw at us..."
Once again a silent nod is what he receives in response to his words.
"You and your friend could be of great help against whatever abomination these filthy vermin throw at us."
Thalindra opened her eyes to stare at him, her critical and analyzing gaze piercing right through him. Then she turned her head away eyes closing once again.
"Agreed, however both of our kin are still highly suspicious of each other. So discussing such a thing openly right now could get in the way of what you're suggesting."
Her words were straightforward yet thoughtful, which showed that maybe she had pondered about this before he even made the suggestion.
Marcus sighed as he asked: "So what is your suggestion?"
"For the time being we help each other out while the others aren't aware. You do your thing and we do ours, but through the curtains, we help the other part in what we can, at least until both sides are ready for a compromise..."
Stopping for a second the Eldar Woman turned her gaze to the unconscious figures on the ground. Her gaze changed to one of frustration and sadness.
"Know this: everything that the Dark Kin do has to do with suffering and pain. Everything that they'll throw at you, me, and them is made to weaken and break us. Have that in mind always, since if you falter even for a second they'll know where your weakness is, where they need to pressure to make you break. Don't let them ever know that..."
Thalindra held her arm tightly with the last words, and the bangs of her red hair fell upon her face obscuring half of it. He couldn't see much aside from her dark lips trembling a little, Marcus was not the type to be sensitive but he understood well the meaning of her warning.
"I get it... don't worry I'll not let them break me. At least not before I break them, I swear on the holy ground of Cadia." He said solemnly while staring at the ground.
"This is my first help to you Imperial Captain Marcus...Use this information well." Her tone lacked emotion or substance, with mechanical precision similar to when the Seer was holding herself in the cell.
The Imperial nodded at her words, before letting the quiet take hold of them, waiting patiently for his squad to awaken.
Elyria marched to the VIP lounge to meet with her special guest for the night. It is situated high above the arena floor, offering an unparalleled view of the brutal spectacles below. It is enclosed by walls made of blackened, polished metal adorned with intricate, sinister carvings and dark gemstones that glimmer with an eerie light.
The lighting in the lounge is dim and atmospheric, casting long shadows that create a sense of mystery and intrigue. Flickering, pale blue candles are placed strategically around the room, providing just enough illumination to see while enhancing the otherworldly ambiance.
The air is thick with the scent of exotic, intoxicating perfumes mixed with the faint, metallic tang of blood. Incense burners in the shape of leering distorted Eldar face release tendrils of fragrant smoke, adding to the heady atmosphere.
The furniture is luxurious and designed for both comfort and aesthetics. High-backed chairs and plush sofas are upholstered in rich, dark fabrics such as velvet and brocade, adorned with silver and obsidian accents. The seating arrangements are strategically placed to allow for private conversations and unobstructed views of the arena.
The walls are adorned with trophies of past victories and conquests, including weapons, armor, and preserved heads of notable foes who died in this same arena. Artworks depicting scenes of torment and triumph hang in gilded frames, each piece a testament to her love of cruelty and dominance.
A section of the lounge features a raised platform where performers entertain the guests. These being of exotic dancers made up of a mix of very skilled Eldar and Human performers.
Her guests are made up of Archons and members of the Cult Strife who are spread out throughout the room. All are entertained with some frivolous activity such as the usual and infamous Druchii gossip, the use of some strong psychoactive drug, the usual commorrite politics, or engaging with the dancers.
Stepping upon the velvet-like ground of this room she clapped to get the attention of the attendees to give the important announcement.
"The show is due to commence in fifteen minutes. Today's attraction would be the same merry band of losers of the last fight, which now are officially disposable assets of my Cult. So just a heads up! If any of you were thinking of pulling a stunt today against my slaves forget it, or else risk feeling the complete wrath of the Cult of Strife. "
With that, the Succubus paraded with elegance towards the balcony looking to the arena in front of her and the row of seats that are now being filled with thousands of different denizens of the Dark City.
"Now if you're wondering what is the main course of today's menu? I hope you all like chopped pieces of Mon-Keigh, skewered Witch with a side of Dire Loser boiled in Tau blood. And as of the desert..."
All of them laughed at her joke, some due to finding humor in her metaphor, others simply to not get impaled by one of her knives. Turning in one swift move, her eyes look at each one present there, and with a malicious smirk finishes her jest.
"We count on the chef's special and recently harvested "sweet" green shrooms." Her words dripped with devilish satisfaction, as the crowd ruptured in laughs and giggles.
They were all awake now Marcus opting out to be with his squad remembering well the Farseer's words to him. Both Eldar were now in a corner, Arandur with his ever-present vigilante stare on them, however without his awkward helmet revealing his blond locks with black points and meshes, while the Farseer was sitting in a lotus position with her eyes closed in a meditative state.
Kais at first approached both of them, but Arandur was quick to send him off to their side of the room. At first, his squad was highly weary of the Xeno near them, but once the Fire Warrior simply sat beside Marcus and said nothing they got slowly used to the Tau's presence, although still weary.
"So how long till something happens? My ass starting to hurt sitting on this hard ground." Ellias said while trying to adjust his back to a more comfortable position.
"Dont know...I don't even have a clue for how long we are here, to begin with." the Officer replied to the Corporal inquiry.
Darius was occupied inspecting Janessa's mark, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"Whatever they used to treat these marks is beyond me! It is perfectly closed as if it were a very old wound." He continued his inspections as the Private just kept her bored stare on the wall.
"Yup...they have the technology to seal wounds instantly, but can't spare something decent to pass the time." A long sigh left her mouth as the Guardswoman kept her gaze on the wall.
"They would never do that. Everything these frakkers do is tailored to make us miserable, so don't expect any sympathy or "decent pass time". Expect only that they'll try to find a way to better break you."
All of his soldiers turned to him, as the warning left his mouth. Their gazes were confused and puzzled by his ominous words.
"Don't give them any reaction, be strong and avoid giving them what they want."
His eyes were serious with the familiar authority of a Captain forged in the fire of war. Making the message clear to them, Thalindra's warning had a clear purpose, one to make them step ahead of their enemy. If they refused to show fear, pain, or despair this could give them an edge since this would deprive them of their tactical advantage which was their psychological warfare tactics.
"Be strong and hold yourselves together, give them no quarter. Make them break before they break us."
He rose from the ground pumping his fist to the air fire in each word leaving his mouth, this was enough to make his companions rise in determination.
"Let's show these freaks what happens when they cross Cadians! Let's make them curse the day they decided to let us live. May our shots never miss, may our blades be drenched in our enemy's blood, and if the Emperor is feeling grateful today...may these hands choke the life out of one of those vermin!"
All of them pumped their fists in the air, their morale high and mighty. Their pride as Cadians and members of the Imperium flaming high. But all of this is cut short as the Farseer words reach their ears.
"Our enemy today is not the Dark Kin."
His squad turned to her, suspicion still obscuring their minds. The Farseer was still in lotus position her eyes still closed but her dark-painted lips moved letting the perfect almost mechanical low gothic reach their ears.
"Orks are our enemies today."
The moment the word left her mouth, Thalindra's aquamarine eyes opened up looking at each one of them including Kais who was silently looking at their exchange. Darius gulped down before wearily shooting a question towards the Xeno woman.
"Do you mean the big and muscular green bipedal beasts?"
She nodded before in an elegant swift movement that appeared to be something out of a ballet dance standing up once again.
"Yes. The ones who come in huge numbers branding weapons made of scrap. The ones whose main strategy is to overrun their enemy's position and crush them under overwhelming numbers. The ones that..."
A voice rang through the walls cutting Thalindra short, the same as the previous fight.
"Meat the battle will begin shortly! You have one minute to fix your gear and the necessary tools for the next fight. Hope you all have a very slow and painful death on this glorious day!"
The moment the wall behind them shifted to reveal an armory with their battle gear all of them jumped in as quickly as they could to get ready for the next fight.
All of them did not have time to think as each one of their weird group fixed their weapons and clothing. Jax struggled a little to put the Lasgun bandolier on her back due to her lacking one hand, however, once Marcus reached her to help the Private out, she raised her hand to stop him.
"I can do it. Focus in your own gear."
Not having time to discuss the Captain turned on his heel back to his previous position where he could finish fixing the strap of his gun. He finishes quickly, managing to earn some seconds to verify his weapons for any malfunction or mishandling something he got used to on his time on the frontlines.
Noticing that everything was fine he cocked his gun, looking around the room expecting it to shift any time now. All of them clump together in the center, in expectant silence.
Thalindra silently stepped beside him her eyes focused on the ceiling, determination on her features. Then she opened her mouth whispering to him:
"This is my second help to you Marcus. Hope that the information I gave you helps guide your men to a swift victory."
The Captain nodded acknowledging her words while maintaining his battle-ready stance. The room started to shift once again giving space to the blinding light of the ceiling of the arena. The deafening screams of the crowd reached them as the ground vibrated with their noise.
"Denizens of Commorrogah I'm elated to present to you our second timers here! The Meats who managed to survive the last fight come back to fight once again this time a far more menacing and savage enemy!"
Once his eyes got accustomed to the light again he took notice of the entirely new layout of the arena. They were atop a tall hill and all around it there were dug-out holes in the very muddy ground simulating trenches.
Throughout all the walls that there were previously spikes were now holes with metal bars on them. At least 6 different holes all around them, and he knew what was behind those bars, and what awaited them.
"Tonight show is themed ladies and gentlemen! Today we will recreate something that happens all across the galaxy many times each cycle. And that is..."
Drums ruffed around them in a haunting rhythm as the speaker made suspense for his next words...
"TRENCH WARFAREEEEEE!"
Thunderous applause and laughs reverberated throughout the air.
"Now who are they up against you may ask?"
Once again the drums play ominously at the pause made by the speeker.
"YOUR FAVORITE MURDEROUS BEASTS! THE OOOOOOOORKS!"
With that, the drums raised in volume as the gates started to slowly rise. Seeing this Marcus did not waste time and started to bark orders to his squad.
"Make a perimeter! They'll come from all directions, focus on making them far away from the first trench line. Once they manage to earn the first line the others will soon fall as dominos!"
With that, they spread out in all directions each guardsman taking a position in the first line. Kais took a position in a higher position of the trench watching all the battlefield with his pulse rifle.
Thalindra and Arandur kept their position in the south next to Marcus. All in silence expecting the slow bars to raise themselves from the ground.
Sweat fell from his brow, his lips already dry his heart thumping on his chest. The Captain had been on this rodeo far enough to know the ins and outs of trench combat, but no amount of fights could prepare you for the silence before the battle. Then all of a sudden rupturing the morbid air the sound of a war horn vibrated loudly.
Silence once again, however, this time Marcus felt it, deep in his being the faint rumble. The pebbles just in front of his position started to shake as if it were an earthquake. Then he heard from atop the hill Kais's voice, although he did not understand his language for some unknown reason he could understand the overall meaning of what he was saying 'They are coming from the north and south' is what he could gather.
The moment his mind acknowledged this information he saw it just in front of their position a slow but still coming horde of green dots.
"Orks too many to count!" the Officer screamed at the top of his lungs, trying to warn the other positions.
Then a scream ruptured the air, it was Ellias.
"North position multiple contacts!"
Jax screamed in reply:
"Still nothing here! Moving to the south line!"
Darius was next to inform them.
"Nothing here! Changing positions!"
In a matter of instants, the Private was just beside him, supporting her Lasrifle upon the muddy ground. Both soldiers nervously stared at the sea of enemies coming slowly towards them.
"So this is it?" Janessa asked in fearful jest.
"Yup...Remember me if we get out of this alive to buy you guys drinks!"
She nodded while keeping her aim on the upcoming horde. Marcus turned his head around taking a head count of the ones in his position, it was him, Jax, Thalindra, and Arandur. However, those two were positioned in each extremity of the main line staring stoically at the incoming enemy.
"Soldiers hold fire until they are close enough to hit home. Don't waste ammo and make every shot count!"
He did not receive any reply but he knew that his team had heard him, at least he hoped so. Soon the rumbling on the ground becomes even stronger as the pebbles move from side to side, the sea of greenskins now getting even closer to their position.
The Orks were now close enough for Marcus to make out their crude weapons and wild expressions. He could see the glint of madness in their eyes, the eager anticipation of violence. Each step they took felt like a drumbeat of doom.
"Hold steady," he called out, his voice firm. "Wait for my command."
The greenskins thundered forward, their guttural war cries blending into a terrifying roar. The ground shook under the weight of their charge, and Marcus could see the frenzy in their ranks. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. The fate of his squad depended on his leadership.
"Ready... Aim... Fire!"
Lasrifles blazed to life, the bright beams of light cutting through the dimness of the arena. The first wave of Orks faltered, several falling to the ground as the precise shots found their marks. But more kept coming, undeterred by the casualties. They climbed over their fallen comrades, the scent of blood driving them into a deeper frenzy.
"Reload and keep firing! Don't let them close in!" Marcus ordered, his voice barely audible over the din of battle.
Next to him, Janessa fired with grim determination, her shots methodical and accurate. Darius was a blur of motion, his lasgun spitting fire at a relentless pace. Kais, from his vantage point, unleashed precise volleys with his pulse rifle, each shot taking down an Ork with deadly efficiency.
Thalindra and Arandur held their positions with stoic calm, the Farseer's eyes glowing with a faint inner light as she chanted softly, weaving protective invisible wards around the squad. Arandur's shuriken catapult sang in a deadly rhythm, the monomolecular discs slicing through the air and Ork flesh with equal ease.
Despite their combined firepower, the Orks were getting closer. Marcus knew they needed to make a stand at the first trench line or risk being overrun.
"Fall back to the trench line! Prepare for melee combat!" he shouted, moving back while keeping his weapon trained on the advancing enemy.
As they reached the trench, Marcus drew his combat knife, ready for the inevitable close-quarters battle. The first Orks were almost upon them, their brutish forms looming large and menacing.
"Here they come!" Janessa yelled, gripping her weapon tightly.
The clash was brutal and immediate. Orks leaped into the trench with reckless abandon, swinging their crude axes and clubs. Marcus dodged a wild swing, plunging his knife into an Ork's neck, feeling the warm spray of blood on his face. Beside him, Janessa fought with fierce determination, using her lasgun as a makeshift club when the Orks got too close.
Kais remained a deadly presence from his elevated position, picking off Orks that threatened to overwhelm the trench. His calm precision was a stark contrast to the chaotic melee below.
Arandur moved with the grace of a dancer, his movements fluid and precise. His shuriken catapult fired in controlled bursts, each shot hitting its mark. Thalindra wielded her staff with deadly efficiency, the ethereal blade on top cutting through Ork armor and flesh with ease. Her psychic powers created a shimmering barrier around the trench, providing a brief respite from the relentless assault.
Despite their best efforts, the sheer numbers of the Orks were overwhelming. Marcus knew they couldn't hold the trench indefinitely.
"Fall back to the middle line! Don't let them get too close!" he roared, driving his knife into another Ork.
And with that both he and Janessa retreated, running as fast as they could to the next dug-out hole, taking the position once again both started with the volley of fire into more incoming green skins. Thalindra and Arandur kept to the first line fighting with grace and agility both managing to keep the bulk of the incoming crowd at bay, at least for the time being.
Both Imperials took this opportunity to reload their weapons. Once he heard the familiar click of the mechanisms of the lasgun, Marcus started engaging once more delivering shot after shot in the approaching savage orkoids.
Then another loud horn reverberated throughout the entire arena with it the loud noise of the crowd resumed as they cheered for something. Having a hunch of the reason for all this ruckus Marcus screamed at the top of his lungs at Kais.
"Look west and east! Verify for any new points of contact!"
A greensking rushed them which Janessa dispatched with a precise shot to the head. Not having the luxury to wait he kept his focus on the quickly crumbling frontline.
The Fire Warrior screamed something back, and that same strange feeling took hold of him, he did not understand exactly what he meant but he knew the content of what he was trying to say.
The east and side gates were being opened... 'Shit' was all he could think of with this news. That meant that enemies would come from all directions at the same time, and they were barely holding the front and back as it is.
Not having any other tactical option aside from ensuring a better perimeter he barks an order.
"All retreat to the top position! We need to set a perimeter and pray to the Emperor that they do not overrun our..."
Before he could finish a green skin jumped on their hole branding a crude axe made of scrap, the Xeno swung the weapon in all directions trying to hit both soldiers who evaded its blows.
"Oi! Stop wrigglin', ya puny 'umies, so I can chop off yer legs!"
It roared as it tried to angrily attack them, both tried to raise their guns but the Ork was fast in its blows, so they simply backed up while retreating, the raging savage running after them.
Marcus and Janessa kept retreating, their backs pressed against the muddy walls of the trench as the Ork lunged at them. Marcus parried a blow with his combat knife, the force of the strike sending vibrations up his arm, making him let out a scream of pain. Janessa managed to get a few shots off, but the Ork's crude armor deflected most of them.
Suddenly, Kais appeared, a blur of motion. With a swift and precise shot from his pulse rifle, he sliced through the Ork's neck, the creature's head rolling to the ground before it even realized it had been hit. Kai's eyes, focused and determined, met Marcus's for a brief moment before he nodded and moved back to his previous position.
The squad regrouped at the top of the hill, forming a defensive perimeter. The higher ground offered a strategic advantage, but they were still heavily outnumbered. The Orks were relentless, and now, with the eastern and western gates open, they were coming from all sides.
"Hold the line!" Marcus shouted, his voice carrying over the chaos. "Conserve your ammo, and make every shot count!"
Kais fired from his elevated position, each pulse rifle shot taking down an Ork with deadly accuracy. The Fire Warrior's calm demeanor in the face of overwhelming odds was a stark contrast to the frenetic energy of the Guardsmen around him.
Thalindra stood beside Arandur while they retreated, her psychic powers creating a shimmering barrier that provided a brief respite from the Orks' onslaught. Her eyes were closed in concentration, her lips moving in an ancient Eldar chant. Arandur moved with lethal grace, his shuriken catapult and sword dealing death to any Ork that came too close to them.
Despite their best efforts, the sheer numbers of the Orks were starting to tell. The first trench line was overrun, and the Orks were beginning to climb the hill. Marcus knew they couldn't hold out much longer.
"Fall back to the center! Keep them off us as long as you can!" he ordered, his voice hoarse from shouting.
The human squad retreated in a controlled manner, firing as they moved. The Orks surged forward, eager to close the distance. Marcus felt a surge of determination. They might be outnumbered, but they would not go down without a fight.
"Captain, they're breaching the perimeter!" Darius called out, his voice filled with urgency.
"I see them," Marcus replied, his eyes scanning the battlefield. "Hold the center. Don't let them through!"
The Orks were almost upon them now. Marcus raised his lasgun, aiming for the biggest of the greenskins. He fired, the beam of light piercing the Ork's skull. It fell, but more took its place. The noise was deafening, the ground trembling under the weight of the charge.
Suddenly, Thalindra's jumped in the middle of them alongside the Dire Avenger who was too much focused on firing in some rushing Orks
Marcus turned to see her standing tall, her eyes blazing with an inner light. She raised her staff, and a wave of psychic energy washed over the squad, invigorating them. Marcus felt a renewed sense of strength and resolve.
"Fight on, for the Emperor!" he shouted, raising his weapon high. "We will not falter!"
With a roar, the squad surged forward, meeting the Orks head-on. Lasguns, shuriken catapults, and pulse rifles fired in unison, cutting down the first wave of attackers. Blades clashed, and the air was filled with the sounds of battle.
The fight was brutal and chaotic. Marcus found himself in the thick of it, his knife and lasgun working in tandem to keep the Orks at bay. He felt a sense of pride as he saw his squad fighting with everything they had, their resolve unbroken.
But the Orks kept coming. Marcus knew they couldn't hold out much longer. Just as hope seemed to be slipping away, a blinding light filled the arena. The Orks hesitated, their charge losing momentum.
Thalindra stepped forward, her eyes glowing with a fierce intensity. "The moment of truth is now..." her voice was solemn although around her there was only the frenzy and chaos of battle.
With a final, desperate effort, the squad pushed forward, cutting through the remaining rushing Orks. Then something surprised them, the wave of green that was overrunning them fell silent and stopped in their tracks as another horn blasted through.
Silence permeated the battlefield as a lone figure in the distance appeared. The moment their eyes landed on the new arrival they knew that this was their leader.
Then from far away, its booming voice filled the hills of the trenches.
"Who's da boss of dis bunch of weirdos, who's givin' us such a good WAAAGH!?"
It marched its steps heavy and imponent, now that he was getting closer they could see what this figure looked like. This Ork was big, on his body he wore an open and blue ragged Imperial navy coat, his legs were made of a bunch of poorly put together scrap, and on his head an old captain's hat.
His eyes were a bright red his lips were scarred with multiple cuts, and one of his tusks was cracked probably due to some previous fight. On his right hand, he branded a great sword made of a black polished scrap, while crude it has a certain elegance to it.
He was now just some meters away from their party, his blood-red eyes never leaving them.
"So who is it? Who's da git makin' da day fer me an' me boyz?"
Looking around the Officer opted to present himself to the big Ork in front of them.
"It is Marcus Imperial Captain of the 88th Cadian regiment."
The Xeno leaned himself to take a closer look at the human, his eyes filled with critical precision. Then with a booming laugh, the Ork replied.
"HA! You 'umies and yer formalities. Me name's simply Morkfang Da Brutal, Orkboss of da Scrappy Boyz."
He extended his hand, his fingers opened suggesting a handshake. Being highly confused by this and to avoid the unwanted wrath of the Ork Marcus took the hand shaking it, the grip of Xenos being far stronger than his, to the point of almost breaking his hand.
The Orkboss releases his hand, now towering above the Captain, his posture serious and intimidating.
"So, Marcus... 'ere's 'ow dis is gonna go, alrigh'?"
He raised his hand two thick and big fingers right on the human face.
"Oi, we'z keepin' dis show goin', an' me boyz 'ere will finish da lot of ya off!"
"Or..."
He started salivating from his mouth his big white tusks glinting in the light of the arena.
"We settle dis between you an' me. If ya win, da Scrappy Boyz will concede da victory ta ya. But if I win... you an' yer mates will be our grub. 'Ow's dat sound, eh?"
Well, now this was a tough choice, he could risk his neck to save all of them, or just let this fight run its course and all of them go to the afterlife together.
From the beginning, the Captain had no real choice in the matter. Never once he would prioritize his own life and well-being to the detriment of his men. Also deep down the Imperial knew he could win this, he had survived far worse than this green-hulking abomination, if to survive meant having to win against this guy, then it could count him in.
"I agree to a duel between you and me. I'll honor my word and I expect you to honor yours."
It scoffed at his words as if they were a poor-taste joke.
"Wot do ya take me for? Ya fink I'm like dat knife-eared fancy pants ova dere? I'm an Ork! Me callin' is ta fight an' keep fightin' til I'm dead. I ain't got no time fer schemin', only fer fightin'!"
Thalindra and Arandur both could only roll their eyes in annoyance at the greenskin words.
"Then I agree to your terms Morkfang the Brutal..."
The Orkboss eyes glinted with anticipation for the upcoming fight.
"Actually, it ain't just 'da Brutal,' it's 'Da Brutal!' Remember dat well, 'umie, 'cause dat's the name of the one who's gonna krump ya!"
With that the duel was set, and both were ready to claim the victory for their side.
Now as usual we will be here addressing comments as well as opening a space for discussion. But first, let me thank you all for giving me a chance for this story, hope that my vision and the journey of these characters continue to amaze and surprise you!
Also check out the new fic on the Halo universe written by a very talented and special friend of mine BillyFish1409, his new story is called "In a Big Country". It is great so check it out!
Now to the replies!
AConqueredReader - Happy to hear that you're enjoying the story so far, and hope that what I have in store may please you! Now about your theories oh boy! I love it when people bring me questions or their own assumptions of what will happen in the story, and while I may not confirm or deny them, I try my best to answer or engage in a discussion without any type of spoil.
About the spirit guide: Know this and for now the only thing I'll say concerning them...they are of the warp and they know well the heart/intentions of those with who they are interacting. Now if this said spirit wants them to be together and breed the Nepha'lim then I can't confirm that, but just so you know in my story both Eldar and Humans can interbreed, not going to enter details now, but the byproduct of this union is the Nepha'lim (translation: "those who come from ash"), also this knowledge has been lost to time for both species so neither by large knows that this can happen.
And about Elyria, she is a very theatrical character, she loves to put up a show and impress the audience. For her, the main pleasure she drives is to give a bloody spectacle that few would forget. And about the Harlequin, I can't confirm nor deny that, but just know that they are always watching things from the sidelines so who knows :)?
Joel - I'm delighted to hear that you liked my story of "When Duty is Not Enough", and I heard your concerns! Don't fret I'm going to upload it back thx for your determination to see it once again, however, bear in mind that I won't do this now, since after this chapter going to go in a small break of a week. But once I'm back I'm going to upload it as a legacy fic. This means it will not be continued at least this version of it. Like I said I want to work on things better, that first I got it wrong, then I'll start making it all over again.
expert93 - Thx for the compliment, and yeah tried to drink heavily from the Druchii dew before actually writing this story. As I said previously this story is not for the faint of heart since my take of the Drukhari is that they are sadistic assholes who know no limits or bounds, and this will be shown throughout the entire story. So yeah don't expect tall mommy goth waifu Dark Eldar, expect a literal demon wearing the face of a very beautiful lady, one who would go to any lengths to break you not only physically but emotionally as well.
Ferrus - What that Wych said was: "Deanadh iadsan a thig a'm' dhèigh, na trioblaidean fulangais a b'àill leam a thoirt duit", which means translating: "May those who come after me, cause you the thrice of suffering that I would". So it was a curse and a foreshadow of what would come for our boy Marcus, but she didn't manage to actually say the words, so yeah...