#oc: Zariel

[c-u-c-koo-4-40k]

A New Treatment - Part 2

Summary: Lullaby has managed to treat Most of Lana's issues regarding the invasive bond of the Silver menace, but the issue is by no means resolved. So now the question remains, how does one move forward when the path is blocked by an adversary that is both stubborn and lethally competent? 

Warning: Emotional Breakdown , Eavesdropping

Previous Chapter : Here 💙

Next Chapter: Currently Unknown

First in the Series : Here 💛

I must give the usual kudos to @kit-williams and @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan for use of their ocs!

Other awesome creators in the husbandry sphere include BUT are not limited to...

@sleepyfan-blog @egrets-not-regrets @legionsofthehungry

@passionofthesith @bispecsual @bleedingichorhearts @beckyninja

@moodymisty @boop-le-snoot @angronsjewelbeetle @jaghatai-khock

The guestroom is dark, save for the afternoon sunlight streaming through the shear curtains. You'd asked Khopesh to turn off the lights when he'd carried you in here. 

He always carries you. When will you stop being useless and carry him for a change? 

Shut up! 

Now you're both laying against the headboard of the reinforced bed, you wouldn't ask Khopesh to doff his armor in a strange place, even if you desperately want to feel his warmth and more of his skin against yours. 

You burrow your face deeper into the crook of his neck, and force yourself to drown out those awful thoughts with the sounds from his heartbeats and purring. It's not happy purring, but he's doing it to make you feel better. And you feel like if he stops holding you, your entire self will break apart. 

But you know Khopesh won't do that, but it doesn't stop the pain and the fear and the overwhelming sense that things Just Keep Getting WORSE. 

“Why do things keep getting Worse!?” You ask, partially muffled by the skin of his neck. 

Khopesh doesn't have an answer, nor do you expect him to really. But it does surprise you when he asks. “Are you…truly unhappy with our life?” 

You immediately pull back to look in his eyes. “No!” How could he even Think that? You grasp his face, mostly gently and emphatically tell him. “No! NO! Sweetness you are the Light of this life!” You plead, but nowhere near done. “You Are the warm shadows that hold and protect me at night! You're the laughter I feel in my gut when I see your face each morning and I think about your goofy antics! You're The best damn thing I've Ever been able to hold and call mine!” You promise, and pull his head to your chest. “I'm sick of anything and everything that keeps getting in the Way of that!” You growl. 

You feel Khopesh smile against your chest, as his arms wrap you closer. You both stay that way for a moment. 

“I'm…tired,” You admit, and begin running your fingers through your Khopesh's hair. “We should've been able to just stay Home today.” 

Khopesh shifts his gaze to yours. “Do you wish to leave? Because if so I will carry you out that door and you will Never have to even Think of this place again.” He promises, and you know he means it. 

You smile at his consideration, then sigh. “No…there's still more that Needs to be done.” You'd already told him Who that silver magic belonged to. “Besides…It's not Lana's fault she's caught magic jeebies from an asshole.” Your words cause Khopesh to snort and chuckle. You smile, and take a moment to just breathe in Khopesh's scent. 

“...Do you regret coming here?” Khopesh asks you. 

You take a moment, and then you shake your head. “No…I don't. Because I can't regret helping someone who needed it. I just don't…like being caught off guard.”

Khopesh hmms, adjusting his hold slightly so he can trace his nose along your jaw. He inhales your breath, he can feel the pumping of your blood through your veins.

God you wish you could both be having reunion sex in the shower right now.  

You inhale deeply, and exhale. Then you repeat that a few times. You sit back and look Khopesh in the eye. “We should go back out now. Lana deserves to know what's going on.”

Khopesh smiles softly. “Then so it shall be.” He begins to shift so you can both dismount the bed. 

“But yeah when we get home we're having a LOOOOONG fucking nap. And a hot shower before that.” You declare, sliding down the bed to stand on the floor and offering your hand to Khopesh. 

The Nightlord smiles as he takes your hand and ‘pulls’ himself up to stand. “Hot as in the temperature or hot as in…” He cocks an eyebrow. 

“Both.” 

“Yes!” Khopesh purrs and walks with you to the door. 

At which point you hear some scuffling and whispering. 

“Back up dammit.”

“Can you hear anything?” 

“Even if I did I'm Not telling you and Move your elbow Hydra!” 

“Gee snappy snappy Hatchling.” 

“I am Not your hatchling!” 

“You’re certainly whining like one.” 

“Aren't you all supposed to be giving them some Space?” A voice slightly further away asks the bickering space marines. 

“Shit!”

“I Told you this wasn't your business face stealers!” 

“Oh that's rich coming from you, tell me, who snuck down here and pressed their ear to the door first?” 

“That's not!..I'm not! They are Both my Family! It's different!”

“So eavesdropping is Fine as long as it's Family. Right…”

“You all need to back up.”

“Wait, I think I hear something!” Followed by a few small sounds pressing to the door. 

You turn and smile at Khopesh who can tell you've got mischief on your mind. He smiles back and you take that exact moment to open the door. 

Thunk! THunK! THUNK! 

A stumbling gaggle of Space Marines fall into the room. Claude, then two of the Hydras…it's actually Talos and Keed, you Think. 

“Oof! Ah Brother! Lullaby! We were-I mean I- ah, I was just…” Claude fumbles. 

“Eavesdropping?” Khopesh smiles pointedly. “Really Claude I thought I taught you better.”

Claude sighs, and deflates a bit. “I know…” He works to get to his feet with a quickly muttered. “Get off.” To the hydras, who acquiesce with some more grumbling about Claude being prickly. 

“You got worried,” You address Claude as he stands, and take his armored hand. “I appreciate it sweetie. But Khopesh is right, it's better to give people space when they need it instead of hanging outside doorways.”

“Well no, I mean I taught him how to eavesdrop better than That.” Khopesh corrects. 

You turn to your Love, your Light, your shining moon with that Fucking Audacity and he greets your look with a smile. 

“The damn Audacity on you!” You chastise but there's laughter under your words. “I should make You repair the bathroom door for that!” 

Khopesh's teeth show as he smiles with delight. “Oh but my Love you Know I'm no good with builder's tools! You'll just have to find some other way to…correct me.~” He purrs, bringing his face close.

A blush erupts over your face, and you huff with a “Hush you!” before turning back to the door and proceeding on your way. 

The Hydras make room, and Khopesh follows you like a shadow once more. Claude follows on the other side and you see Anrir in the hallway. 

His ancient eyes regard you with a level look. “How are you feeling?” He asks. 

You quirk a half smile. “I'm well enough to talk about where we go from here.” You reply. “Something tells me this won't be an easy patch of road ahead, for Any of us.” You walk on, shaking your head. 

“Oh joy…” Anrir groans, but doesn't argue. 

Your group proceeds back to the living room, and the attached dining/kitchen area where sounds of upbeat chatter are emanating. 

At the table eating the various take out items the Hydra's had brought, were Lana, Orlys, and Zarius. Zariel was sat there as well, clearly taking some time to have Lana in his arms. 

If he's the busiest of the shoal he may get far less time with her. He and the others are also probably happy to see her eating well. The dining group turns to you as they see you. Lana jumps up. 

“Are you okay?” She fusses worriedly, then turns to grab a mug from the counter and a kettle of hot water. “Here, let's pour you that cup of tea I promised, any preference for type?”

You smile at her generosity. “I'll take green tea with milk and sugar if you've got it.” You pull out a chair and sit down. The others follow suit, sitting or standing in the dining area. 

Lana nods with an “Of course,” before she gathers those items, and gives them to you so you can prepare your cup. While it steeps you fold your hands and take a breath. 

Time to try…and explain. Khopesh is sitting next to you, providing you silent support. 

“So…I'm sure you're wondering why…everything.” You begin, opening your hands. “While I can't explain Everything…I can tell you what I saw. And what I Think is causing your issues.”

Lana holds her own mug, and her face shows concern for your tone. “But I thought you managed to treat me. I already feel so much better.” She assures. 

You smile, but it doesn't touch your eyes. “I've treated your current symptoms.” You correct. “But the root cause is still very much a problem. One that we'll need your input on how to address given…the exact nature of it.” 

“Okay,” Lana agrees. 

How to put this? “So…You've got what Looks like the roots of an intense bond. And the being it came from is a Silver Space Marine who attacked my Astarte friends and family and is now being held in custody.” You say. “And he knows about my abilities because I used them to help defeat him. And if he didn't already know he Definitely knows now because I was somehow able to jump into his head when I touched the main source of the silver magic. Aaaaand I'm pretty sure he wants me dead for that. Well…More dead anyway.”

A moment passes. And Everyone in the room doesn't truly know how to react, even those who already know most of this information. 

“Also I think the invasive bond is messing with the bonds from your Alpha Legion Marines And your life force in general, which caused your symptoms.” You explain further. “So if we can't get rid of the main vine the exhaustion and pain will just keep coming back as the invasive tendrils regrow.”

Lana's face is so…so heartbreakingly hurt and confused looking. Zariel holds her closer, and her other Hydras crowd around her. “But…I don't understand? How could this have happened? I've never even Met a silver space marine, let alone whoever you're talking about!?”

You bite your lip, you'd been thinking about that while decompressing, and a painful Painful possibility had come to mind. 

“I'm afraid it might be…My Fault.” You say, flexing your grasped hands together. It's a soothing motion. 

Zariel looks at you incredulously. “How on Earth could you be responsible for Any of this?” The other Hyrdas murmur similar sentiments. Keed particularly looks concerned or…frightened? 

“Lullaby…?” Khopesh asks worriedly, wrapping an arm around you. 

You take a deep breath. “When my Family had that encounter with Draco- the Silver  Space Marine. I used my powers to absorb his psychery, and empower my loved ones.” You state. “But I absorbed too much, and ended up having to expel it. I was able to ground some of it with help but…” You swallow. “The rest forced its way out in a scream.”

Anrir interjects. “Dear child, do you really think an invasive bond could form from that?”

You look to Anrir then to Lana as you speak. “We know I can help bonds form if the two parties are close enough together. And I have No Idea how far that scream traveled, but it's possible that if you happened to be in the radius it could cause some of the silver magic to…reach your soul and seed the bond?” You explain. 

“This is speculation…but I can't help but feel it's a possibility and I'm so, So Sorry, for pulling you into all this.” You say, feeling tears begin to prick at your eyes again. 

After a moment, Lana reaches out and grasps your hand. “Please don't blame yourself, I mean…you couldn't have known your power would do that. If that's even what happened in the first place.” She pleads with you through her eyes. “This is Not your fault.”

You wish you could believe that as deeply as she seems to. But before you can move to your next point, Keed speaks up. 

“Indeed, it is Not the only possibility.” He states grimly.

The others look at him, Lana included. They note his fear and…like he's remembering something painful. “Keedy?” Lana asks, reaching for him. 

Keed takes her hand, and brings it to his lips. “Forgive me my precious jewel. But I have withheld something from you.”

“Are you sure you wish to discuss it?” Zarial asks his shoal mate. But Anrir interjects. 

“After All that has happened I feel I must Insist that you do.” He says, and you feel your stomach twinge a bit at the growl under his tone. 

Orlys shoots him a look. “The experience was Not a pleasant one. Give him a moment.” 

“I will give him as many moments as he needs, but my patience is Not limitless.” Anrir responds cooly. 

“You needn't tell me twice.” Keed assures. “I did not explain this as I Hoped this could be resolved without bringing it up. In fact I'd hoped to put the entire event behind me and Never have to consider it again. But…I Too have had an Encounter, with the Space Marine you speak of.”

Khopesh's arm wraps around your shoulders just a hair tighter. “You Knew where the malignant psychery came from, and you Did Not tell us?”

“As I said, I Desperately wanted it to not be needed. I could see and recognize the psychery and it's origin…but I had No Idea that it had actually latched onto Lana as an intense bond.” Keed elaborates. “As Talos told you, we noticed Lana's condition began to deteriorate about two months ago and before the most recent Sanguinala celebration. Slightly Before that, is when…He found me.” 

You note how Keed shudders, but he composes himself quickly and continues. 

“I was just walking home after a patrol. And I suppose he thought I was an easy mark.” He growls. “It must've been shortly after he was zapped here. He…he invaded my Mind, he Plundered my memories for information.” He breathes sharply. “And I Know he could've seen Lana, there.”

Realizing what he's implying, you ask a plaintive question. “Do you think Him seeing Lana through Your memories could be enough to seed a bond?”

Keed lets out a heavy breath. “I don't know…after he'd violated my mind. He placed a mental block upon my memories so that I would not remember seeing him. Pfft! It's almost Merciful compared to what most Grey Knights would usually do.” He shakes his head. “After that I went about my normal life until my brothers pointed out the gaps in my memory, and I could get the block removed. The bastard even had the Audacity to attach a small psychic flare to the block, so that when it was undone it would lash out at whoever tried to remove it.”

He rubs the bridge of his nose as he finishes. “Fortunately, it wasn't able to cause much harm due to Ancient Terra's psychic weakening effect. I thought I could put this aside but now I Wonder…could seeing our precious jewel through My memories, or even coming home with the silver bastard's spell still attached to me…could That be the reason our Lana was affected so?”

“I…I don't know…” You hmm, and decide to mix your tea and take a sip. “But I guess no matter how it happened…we have to figure out how to move forward.”

The Hydras glance between each other, perhaps having another mental exchange. Eventually Zarius speaks. 

“What are our options?” 

It takes you a moment, but you are actually a little shaken by them addressing you so directly. I mean up until this point your figured it would be: do your magic removal services and bounce but now…

Now things are far Far more complicated, and this group of Alpha Legion who are far more experienced and dangerous than you could ever be…are looking to you for guidance. 

You glance to Anrir, who gives you a weary smile. “The ball is..How do you say? In your court my child. It has to be as you are the only one here who can affect bonds.”

You take a moment, then you nod, and fold your hands together to think. 

Then you speak. “Well the way I see it we have two options.” You announce. “Option one is leaving the intense bond as it is. I'm pretty sure it would be called…incomplete at this stage, and we develop a schedule where I can treat Lana regularly so the bond's effects don't have a chance to become so severe again. The drawbacks would of course be travel for either of us as Lana would have to come to me or vis versa. I also won't disregard the possibility of diminishing returns…no that's not the right world ah…”

“Medicinal Resistance?” Anrir supplies. 

You snap your fingers. “That! Yes, there's no guarantee my treatments will remain effective, for all we know every time we trim the bond back it could just regrow faster each time. And that's not even considering the risk of jumping into the Silver bitch's brain again by accident.” 

You lift your other hand for emphasis. “The Other option is bond rejection, if you refuse it the bond will die and wither and I'll be able to swoop in and prune it the rest of the way.” You say. “Come to think of it I might have to prune the bond from His side in order for it to be properly removed and not affect the Hydra bonds more.”

Lana leans forward. “Rejection. No question!” She states emphatically. “There's no way I'd want to be bonded to someone like that!”

A beat passes, and you almost expect to get a call from Hura about Draco thrashing in agony from the bond snapping. But…nothing seems to change. 

Lana follows up. “So…how do I do that?”

You chew and shift your lips around as you think. “Good…question. I mean in theory saying ‘I don't want this’ should be enough but…” You pull on your warp sight and…

The ugly silver Tumor is still there. You cuss under your breath. 

“Yeah of course it's not gonna be that easy…” You sigh, putting your head in your hands. 

Anrir strokes his chin. “Well…you did say the bond seems incomplete. Perhaps it must be made complete Before it can be refused?”

You stare at him. “Are you saying we have to bring Lana to Him?”

““ABSOLUTELY NOT!”” Keed and Zarius snarl in unison which startles you and causes Khopesh to grab you into his lap. 

“You must be Losing your Mind in your old age, Nightlord! If you think we'll let our Lana anywhere Near that Monster!” Zarius actually stalks over to Anrir, but before he can get properly in his face (bad idea, bad bad idea) Claude gets in his way. 

Anrir remains completely calm, but does speak slightly louder so he can be heard over Claude's defensive growls. “I believe this is your mate's choice as She is the one affected.”

Zarius's growls cut off and he whips his face towards Lana with a panicked expression. All the other Hydras look at her with similar expressions. 

Lana thinks for a moment then meets Anrir's eyes. “You know what? Yes.”

“Lana!” “Precious jewel you Cannot be serious!” “It's far too dangerous!”

“Enough.” The protests cut off with that single word, and she slides down from Zariel's lap and approaches Anrir with a confidence fueled by rage. 

“Let's go Meet this…what did you say he was?”

“Grey Knight.” 

“Fuckface, got it.” Lana nods. 

Zarius and Keed both try to plead directly with Lana. “My Pearl Please, you don't know how Dangerous he is!” “He could invade your mind and do Throne knows What to it Please Reconsider!”

Lana turns to the Hydras with a sharp look. “I want to see him. Not because he's apparently bonded to me, but Because I want to give him a damn piece of my mind!” She states. “He's made All out lives so much harder and for What!?”

Claude chimes in. “Ah…at the time he insisted the psychery inclined Scouts come with him to receive more…training. Ugh.”

“Abuse, he was going to ‘train’ them with abuse.” You supply, flexing your fingers with displeasure. 

Lana gestures emphatically at your explanations. “See!? Even if Nothing else can be done. I want to march up to that…that…that Son of a Bitch and tell him! I wanna tell him he's Damn well out of Luck because I've already got some Great Astartes for partners and I Don't Want Him!” 

The Hydras seem touched by Lana's compliment towards them. “Oh Lana…”

Zarius cooes, wrapping her in his arms. 

The others follow soon, they're still unsure but…they love their Lana and want her to get better. 

Also seeing her chew out the Grey Knight would be Amazing, if also stressful and scary to think of her being that close to such a monstrous beast. 

Finally Talos speaks up. “You won't let him replace us right…if the bond ends up sticking?” He asks and his voice is so, so painfully genuine. 

Lana pulls back a bit so she can look him in the eye. “Never!” She promises, bringing her hand up to gently brush his face. “Even if he Didn't do all those awful things and approached me like the perfect gentleman…I'd never oust Any of you for him. You're not dolls or toys to be thrown away when a new shiny one comes. You're Mine, and you're…you're damn near the best things I've ever loved.”

“”’’💙 LANA! 💙""” The Hydras cry in unison and hold her even tighter. They press enthusiastic kisses to her face and she giggles at the ticklish feeling of being overwhelmed by affection. 

You smile at the scene, and feel a familiar warmth bloom in your chest. You turn to Khopesh, who smiles at you but is also wrinkling his nose a Little bit at the abundant PDA going on. But he can't deny he'd do the same to you if there were five of him. So he decides to focus on pressing his lips to your forehead. 

Anrir and Claude stand by, one imagining his own bonded love, and the other well…

“If I ever get bonded will I become so…forward?” Claude asks his adopted father, which causes Anrir to chuckle. 

“Perhaps, perhaps not my boy.” He answers, with a smile. 

[gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan]

Requesting Aid 2

Tagged: @sleepyfan-blog @c-u-c-koo-4-40k @i-am-a-dragon34 @ms--lobotomy @gra93fruit-blog

Tagged: @egrets-not-regrets @felinisnoctis @bispecsual @whorety-k @bleedingichorhearts @thevoidscreams

Tagged: @jaghatai-khock

Author's note: Thank you to @kit-williams for letting me borrow Anrir. Thank you to @sleepyfan-blog for letting me borrow Cedric & Ash'val. Thank you to @c-u-c-koo-4-40k for collaboration on writing this behemoth of an arc... and it's only still at the start and letting me borrow Khopesh. Lol.

Kerubiel had given so much, pushed himself in Every aspect of his training. Aspirant to Neophyte to Scout, watching his lessers die off one by one. Asserting (comforting) himself that He was Better. That He would survive (Praying himself near sleepless that he would survive). 

That their passing was a Mercy to them because they wouldn't survive what he could- Because he would be the Best. He exceeded expectations, and when he didn't he took his beatings, scraped himself up, and kept fighting! Showed just as much promise in Every Mission and Every Training. Pushing himself to the limit of his enhanced body, Every! Single! Day! (Because anything less would mean he'd not be worth keeping.) 

And Yet!

...

“Why wasn't I enough…?” Kerubiel asks, muffling his sobbing into Olly's shoulder. 

“...” Olly doesn't know how to respond. “I don't know.” He eventually says, but he knows he could say something better, and is aggravated with himself that he can't think of it. 

“You were always enough.” 

Both Primaris whip their heads back to see the old Dragon Approaching once again. Soon, Ash'val stands before them. 

“You…you heard?” Kerubiel asks, feeling an embarrassed blush come over him. 

The Salamander nods. “Salamanders may not Prefer Gothic but most of us can speak it.” He explains. “Also my Gothic may be pre-heresy but the language really hasn't changed that much in your time it seems.”

Olly responds with a slight embarrassed “Ah…alright then.”

“But back to the point. You two were Always enough.” Ash'val insists. 

The Scouts look away, clearly not believing him, so the old Dragon decides to try a different angle. 

“Have you heard the tale of when our Gene father Vulcan, long may he Live, rejoined our Legion?”

“...” “I know Vulcan was described to us as one of the Holy Primarchs of the Imperium.” Olly replies while Keru stays silent. “But wait…are you saying, you've actually Met a Primarch!? In person!?” The Ultramarine gasps. 

Ash'val nods. “In the obsidian flesh, here, sit with me and I will tell you.”

Both Primaris do as the old dragon says and he begins the tale. “We Salamanders had been devastated by a long conflict. Our numbers were depleted, our casualties counted in the thousands. What ships we could spare were sent with civilians and what supplies came back never seemed to be enough. We were at our end, but then…he came.” Ash'val's recollection takes on a legendary sort of awe. “He, and the forces he handpicked and armed, cut down our Xenos foe. The enemy we faced for months was burnt to ash in what felt like hours. And at the end, when the battlefield was finally quiet, we of the old Guard faced what we were certain was our replacement.”

“You feared that you would be…discarded?” Olly asks. Kerubiel remains silent, he…he had never heard such insecurities from a First Born. 

Ash'val nodded. “What more could be expected? We held our own, but clearly our betters outmatched us in every way. So…we bowed. To honor our father, and the brothers who would take our place at his side…but do you know what he did?”

The Primaris shook their heads. 

“He demanded we get up, that we stand proud because we had…given so much and saved so many…that We should not bow. Then He…he bowed to Us.”

Olly almost felt a gasp escape him. A Primarch! Bowing low to mere Space Marines!? If his own Gene Father was to bow to him he'd…he'd…

Well he doesn't know what he'd do but the very idea makes him feel like he's about to pass out. 

“And then he Took us in his arms and said we would ALL be his sons! LIKE THIS!” Ash'val says joyfully, and surprises the two Primaris by swooping them into a tight hug! 

“Woah!” “Hey now!”

Salamander strength is really no joke considering Ash'val successfully lifts Both of them in armor, even if only for a moment. He continues once he places them both down. 

“And ever since then, we Salamanders have Always accepted our new recruits with open arms. Terran, First Born, Transfers from other Legions, and the Primaris.” Ash'val explains. “Which is what I wish happened for you, and your brothers…”

Kerubiel bites his lip, “It…wasn't your fault.” He eventually says. 

“Perhaps,” Ash'val responds. “But clearly, more care will need to be taken with integrating Primaris that arrive here. They should feel welcomed, and that whatever abuse they faced in their pasts will not be tolerated by the Alliance, least of all in a territory under My protection. ”

Kerubiel and Olly both feel…stunned. But Ash'val simply claps them both on the shoulders. “The dragon rises on a New Day! Now, let's continue as we were! 50 laps! I'll give you a ten second head start. You both better keep up with this old drake or you'll both be in for barracks cleaning duty!”

“Yes sir!” “Sir yes sir!” Kerubiel pulls out his hydration ration and chugs it properly before getting a move on with Olly. 

Ash'val watches the boys fondly, but his expression does shift as he glances back down at his vox. 

‘Dark Angel Apothecary retained at Clinic. Possible involvement with attempted kidnapping of the Primaris known as Kerubiel. Administering truth drugs as soon as Anesthesia reaches appropriate level.’

Ash’val is glad that he’s able to watch over a pair of the Primaris Marines- especially one of the ones that had been almost-kidnapped. Would be thieves were going to be punished. If the younger cousins do not want to be taken, then they won’t be.

Ash'val grimaces, and seems he will need to remind the other Astarte leaders of this world what happens when you intrude upon a Dragon's nest. 

“10 seconds up! You'll be left in the dust if you don't pick up the pace, old man!” Kerubiel shouts, now much more like himself. 

Ash'val's grimace melts instantly into a challenging grin. “OH-HO-HO! I'll make you eat those words scout!” He replies, doing as promised and picking up a run after his charges. 

Kerubiel had a fierce, but a small smile on his face as he continued to run- making sure to pace himself. He and Olly were running, keeping ahead of Ash’val- for now at least. Primaris Marines are faster than most First Borns.

The more he learns about the boy’s story the more he understands why they are reluctant to reach out to their older brothers- and superior officers. The reluctance to put themselves into the hands of those who, in their time and era have proven themselves unworthy of their trust and obedience.

Still the more Ash’val learns of M42, one thought keeps going through his head is this ‘What the fuck? Why? What is wrong with M42?’

…

“And then the boys came back to reality, and we called the others to tell them.” Lullaby explains to Nanael and Atlas as they show the new arrivals the full image that Claude and Jophiel's vision had produced. 

“...” Neither of the new Primaris speak for a moment, but eventually Nanael produces one… 

“I see…” That doesn't have any curses or promises of violence he Desperately wants to include. Nanael's expression is serious, and even slightly disgusted. His wings are reminiscent of Jophiel's when he'd first seen Lullaby's … interesting looking warp presence. 

“But…What does it mean?!” Lullaby asks plaintively, “Why are they Doing this, Why do they Want to do this?! He's done nothing to them!” They feel another painful spike in their emotions and their psychery, and force it back down so it doesn't cause trouble. They still feel tears pricking at their eyes, and they wipe them away quickly. Not the time for weakness. 

“It will be Alright.” Atlas assures Lullaby. “We've already received double confirmation that Kerubiel is safe with Ash'val and Olly.”

“And Khopesh will be back before you know it. Though he may have to check in with Anrir first.” Claude supplies, giving Lullaby a gentle side hug.  

Lullaby nods. “I know. I just don't understand why…anything with this.” They say tiredly pinching the bridge of their nose. “And I Hate that.”

Nanael's expression takes on a different intense look. He and Cedric will have bastards to Hunt down soon enough. After all- harm given, is harm to be repaid. If those Dark Angels were planning on doing that to Kerubiel. Or whichever other Primaris they got a hold of, well, self defense, even a more active version of it so that those bastards don’t hurt him, or others is understandable. 

And if a portion of the Dark Angels was planning on brutally killing one of his brothers for curiosity. Well then, he’ll make them drown in their own blood. They were going to kill someone he Cherishes. Or may even go after another Primaris, should it prove too difficult to get Keru. 

Threats must be dealt with, and well, there was something in the codex about that, Ruthlessness is mercy upon one’s self. Yeah. Nanael knows he’s not fully of the Lamenter variant of the Son of Sanguinius, what else he is, he doesn’t know, Nor particularly care to find out.

“Jophie, Claude, if we point out the figures do you think you can recall more about their appearances?” Atlas posits. 

Jophiel and Claude look to each other and to Atlas, “Perhaps? I’d like to try to see if I can get more clarity if you do have pictures.”

“It can’t hurt to try.” Claude says. 

“I'll grab the paper and colored pencils!” Lullaby announces. “If we can do a Perp Sketch it could help Kerubiel and Khopesh avoid them. Especially if any of the Dark Angels had scars or other recognizable features.” They say, voicing their understanding of what Atlas was getting at. “And it will help others find them so they can be stopped…”

“They can be stopped…right?” Lullaby asks hesitantly. “Like they intended to kidnap Kerubiel, and even if This crime technically didn't happen I mean…there's got to be Something we can do right?” Lullaby asks. 

Atlas puts a comforting hand on the baselines shoulder. “We will make sure our friends do not come to harm. You have my word.”

Lullaby smiles. They know there's only so far a promise can go, but the words soothe them regardless. 

Squeak Squeak! A chirping bat call ringtone sounds on Lullabys phone and they scramble it out in a flurry. “Khopesh?! Can you hear me sweetness?”

“I am well, dear one! I am just letting you know I have Arrived back at Stone Flame but I must report to Anrir first.” Khopesh explains. 

Lullaby’s entire frame immediately uncoils most of its tension. “Thank Goodness. Also…”

“Yes my Love?” 

“I'm really happy to hear your voice.”

“Awww!”

“But! Once you're back in my arms you're also going to Tell Me Exactly how you got involved with this Dark Angel debacle.” Lullaby says without leaving room for argument. 

Nanael raises an eyebrow. “You mean he didn't brag to you about biting off a Dark Angel's arm when they tried to take Kerubiel?”

“HE DID WHAT?!” 

“NANAEL DON'T TELL THEM THAT! HOW DO YOU EVEN KNOW THAT!?”

“Cedric heard it through Zariel I believe.” Nanael smirked. “It was for a good reason, but still I Think you should have informed your partner appropriately, brother cousin.”

“YOU DID WHAT!?”

“You are getting it the next time we train, little brother cousin!” Khopesh responds through the phone to the still smirking Nanael. 

“You are coming straight back Here after you see Anrir.” Lullaby says strictly. “And you are going to help us construct the sketches of the Dark Angels so you and Kerubiel can avoid coming within 10 Miles of them until they're dealt with!”

“Yes Lullaby.” Khopesh sighs. “However, I Did have a good reason.”

“Yes, and I won't say it wasn't deserved.” Lullaby responds. “But next time just Punch the offending bastard's jaw off! DO NOT! Leave behind teeth marks, and crap tons of mouth DNA for them to find you with!”

“That!...That is fair.” Khopesh allows. “Even better, next time I will make it look like an accident. No witnesses.” He growls slyly. 

Lullaby let's out an amused huff. “Again, not saying they wouldn't deserve it…especially if they’re involved with these bastards.” Lullaby responds, shooting a dirty look at the vision image. 

Ziztz! The light above Lullaby's head flickers for a moment before they pull themselves back again. Atlas doesn't know about…that side of them, yet. 

And if anymore Marines learn about their abilities they're fairly certain Anrir will turn Grey. His hair, they mean, his skin is already pretty much that color. 

“I'm sorry our art day has been impacted in this way.” Jophiel apologizes to Lullaby and Claude as the group seats itself and prepares to make the perpetrator sketches. 

Claude smiles. “I would rather this happen, then we go forward not knowing.”

Lullaby nods, and continues to pass the colored pencils, and paper so Jophiel and Claude can draw the images of their potential enemies. Nanael and Atlas continue to examine the vision image to determine how many unique figures are present, and thus how many Dark Angels they'll need to identify. 

And thus how many graves will need to be dug.

…

“How is our Patient fairing?” Anrir asks his fellow Apothecaries. 

“Vitals are stable, we'll be ready to on-board the Sodium Thiopental in about two minutes.” Hura replies. 

“Dosage is ready when you are Apothecary Hura.” Cedric replies, having just drawn up the syringe. 

“Excellent.” Hura replies before shifting his attention to his vox. “Apothecary Zariel, how are our Other guests fairing?”

‘Sour and surly, but being complacent otherwise… for now.’ Zariel responds. ‘Best to hurry this along if possible though. No telling when they'll decide to burst in and steal back their apothecary.”

“Understood, Cedric,” Hura announces. “Get the Sodium Thiopental on board.” 

“Injecting now.” Cedric replies, double checking his syringe for air bubbles before pressing the mind altering drug into the Dark Angel's IV. 

“Mrph-mm…” The Dark Angel twitches and begins to stir, but when his eyes open they are unfocused and glassy. Perfect. 

Anrir leans over the table, “Can you hear me?” The Nightlord asks in flawless Gothic.

“Yes,” The Apothecary answers, with little to no emotion in his voice. 

Anrir nods. “Good, first of all, Who are you?”

“I am Apothecary Brother Sargent Noctis Aramais, of the Dark Angels,” He replied flatly.

“What is your current mission?” Hura asks.

“To capture alive and as intact as possible a Primaris Space Marine,” Noctis Aramias replies.

“Why have you been sent to capture a Primaris Space Marine alive?” Cedric asks, one of his hands clenching into a fist before unclenching his hands.

“The orders have come from our Chapter Master, Sammath Togroth.”

The tension in the room shifts, and Cedric finds himself stunned for a moment. A Chapter Master had ordered this? That…that would complicate things. 

If Anrir finds that information strange he does not show it. He simply continues the line of questioning. “Why does your Chapter Master want a Primaris?”

“The Chapter Master wants to see how strong and what the differences are between a Firstborn Space Marine and a Primaris Space Marine.”

“And how would this be determined?” Hura presses.

“First examine, open the body cavity and study the biological mechanics…”

“But that isn't all, is it?” Anrir prompts. “What about anesthesia?”

“No…no anesthesia. Only…hypno drugs, Chapter Master Togroth, wants…the Primaris awake. To measure stress response…Cut and take till there's...nothing left. Record findings till the Primaris expires…Collect and store usable organs as normal.” The Apothecary drones on.

Cedric feels his hearts pick up and a hot searing knife of rage cuts through him. He has to firmly hold himself back from latching his hands around the Fucking Bastards NECK and wringing it till his eyes pop out and it Snaps in his hands. 

What Cedric doesn't realize is that Anrir is not far behind him, after all if this is what they planned to do to a random Primaris, who's to say what they'd do to Khopesh who had actually offended them. But the old Nightlord is much better at keeping his emotions unseen. 

“What happened when you attempted to take the Primaris known as Kerubiel?” Anrir prompts. 

“Scout disobeyed, was antsy but…almost had him…just had to…apply the hypno drug but then-” A small amount of panicked lucidity comes back to the Dark Angel, but not enough to wake him fully. “Wretched monster with a grinning scarred mouth…lept from the trees, Teeth sinking into my Arm. Snapped it off. Get him off! GET HIM OFF KILL HIM BROTHERS! RIP HIS ARMS OFF AND WATCH HIM BLEED OU-”

Shink! Anrir jabs another dose of knock out juice right into the near thrashing Dark Angels neck, not gently at all. But the Apothecary does go limp a moment later. 

“I've heard Enough.” The elder Night lord surmises. “The amnesitics will ensure he does not recall Any of this. As for the Other issues at hand…”

“A band of rogues is one thing, but if his words are true, then we are dealing with a Far Worse conspiracy.” Hura adds. 

“No Primaris is safe…” Cedric mumbles, his tone belying the sheer overwhelmed Panic he feels. “Even if I can keep those who are already Here informed…Any new arrivals could be- They could be taken. I can't…”

“Cedric?” Hura asks, seeing the emotional outburst coming. 

“THRONE DAMMIT ALL!” Cedric snarls slamming and tossing the tray of used surgical items into a wall. (Thankfully avoiding the other medical equipment.)

“CEDRIC!?” 

“I SWORE! I-SWORE! That I wouldn't-!” Cedric feels an angry sob threaten to break through. “That I wouldn't, Let them be hurt again!” 

Both elders look on, they know a meltdown like this will need to run it's course. 

“And NOW I learn…that a fucking CHAPTER MASTER, wants to cut open one of my brother's like a fucking science experiment!?” Cedric continues to rant. “WHAT THE FUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO DO!?”

“Is this a bad time?” 

Cedric whips his head around to the door opposite to the one that lead back to the waiting area with the other Fucking Dark Angels, only to see a familiar dark eyed face staring back…

Carrying a bunch of grocery bags. 

“Khopesh, good to see you have returned.” Anrir greets his son, the relief just barely detectable in his tone. 

“But do Not step any closer, this Is meant to be a sterile zone.” Hura adds quickly. 

Khopesh snorts but does as he's told. “That's rich coming from you Death Guard. Anrir would you like me to drop these off at your quarters instead?” Khopesh lifts the bags filled with cleaning supplies, and Anrir nods. 

“In a moment. First of all…” And with surprising smoothness and speed the old Nightlord wrenches the still Very drugged Apothecary up into a sitting position so Khopesh can see his face. “Do you recognize this one?”

“Ah…yep,” Khopesh affirms, smiling in that unsettling way. “His bones made the most Satisfying crunch when I tore into them. But wait… if He's here, does that mean…?”

Cedric nods. “The other Dark Angels are through the opposite door.” He says stiffly. “You Cannot under any circumstances let them see you! Do you understand!?” 

“Cedric,” Hura calms the Black Templar from going into another spiral. “I suggest you leave the way you came, and avoid the more…public areas of the base until you receive word that our Guests have departed.”

Khopesh nods. “No worries! The only other place I need to go is the art rooms. Lullaby has asked me to come see the vision images, so that I may, ’go no closer than 10 miles to the Dark Angels until they are dealt with.’” Khopesh shakes his head a little, but he still smiles. “How am I meant to hunt them if I cannot get Close to them?”

Cedric chews his lip in response. Anrir and Hura don't respond either, and this makes Khopesh curious. 

“Hey, I'm not hunt stealing if that's what you're worried about. Kerubiel did say if these were the brainwashing type of first borns, that he'd Like me to take care of them and make it …why are you all looking so dour?” 

“Because a retinue of grabby Dark Angels are only the tip of the spear that is our problem, my son.” Anrir responds, approaching Khopesh. “The one wielding that spear is someone of higher importance, someone who will not be so easily snuffed out given his position.”

Khopesh leans in, listening intently.

“If the words of this…patient are accurate, it is the very Chapter Master of the Dark Angels, Sammath Togroth, that has given the order. An order which then spurred the events that caused You to become involved.” Anrir announces solemnly. “I'm afraid I will have to deny you your right to hunt in this case my son. We cannot move forward until we better understand how to approach our enemy.”

Khopesh's frame deflates, but surprisingly he doesn't whine or argue. “You truly believe that is all we can do? All I can do?”

Anrir smiles wryly. “I Know you are capable of much more. But I will not risk losing you to some bastard who thinks himself a man of science, when he is truly a mere sadist. And a wasteful one at that.”

Those in the room turn their attention back to the sleeping Dark Angel, each of their minds mulling over their options. That is until a ping comes over Hura's vox. 

The Death Guard reads, and an interesting smile begins to pull at the corners of his mouth. 

“What is it?” Cedric asks. 

“It is Ash'val, he is on his way to drop off the Primaris with their fellows, and wants to know what We have found.” Hura hums, and casts a look at Anrir.

Anrir's wicked smile cracks across his face, and Khopesh copies his mentor. “You've got an idea, haven't you father?”

A chuckle from the old Nightlord almost makes Cedric's stomach twist in knots and ice run up his spine. “Send the recordings we have obtained to Ash'val. Spare no detail. And make sure he sees the vision image. We want to share Everything we have found.”

Cedric feels the realization dawn. “...You're planning on siccing Ash'val on Sammath? Will that work?”

Anrir hums. “Those who think they are above justice will always try to prove their delusion my boy. What Ash'val can do that we cannot, is ensure our prey Knows there will be consequences if his paws wander too close to the Dragon's den.”

“In other words,” Khopesh supplies, “High level prey needs a high level hunter. Use a Chapter Master to Beat a Chapter Master.”

Anrir nods astutely. “Quite right. This evidence can also push him to open an investigation, which will also give Sammath pause. I'm sure he'd prefer his reputation remain untarnished, lest he bring the anger of the alliance to his doorstep.”

“So…he will be warned? Is that it?” Cedric asks incredulously. 

“For the time being.” Anrir replies dryly. “After all, we're not able to play with our prey Directly given the circumstances. We'll have to play politics first.” Anrir sighs. “Loathsome business, but if we play our cards right, we can indeed entrap our prey.”

Hura puts a comforting hand on Cedric's shoulder. “Protecting your brothers and ousting Sammath will have to be a long game, my apprentice. But take comfort that it is not one you will be playing alone.”

Cedric mulls over his next words, unsure what to say next. “I know…you are right. But I still don't like it.”

“That's bureaucracy for ya!” Khopesh chortles. “The most tedious of necessary evils, as my Lullaby says anyway! Speaking of which!” He says turning on his heel. “I've got bags to drop off and my Lullaby and other Little Brother-Cousins to see. I'll catch up with you all later~! And Cedric,”

The Black Templar perks up, and listens. 

“When you eventually get to rip those Bastards’ spines out, save a few for me, kay?” The Nightlord asks cheekily. 

Cedric, despite his worry, finds himself smiling at the Nightlord's humor. “You have my word, Brother Cousin.”

Khopesh giggle-cackles at that. “Perfect!! Kay Byyyyyyyy!” And with that the Nightlord departs the way he came. 

Cedric will link up with the other Primaris Marines, and see what they have managed to glean from the vision. As well as inform them that they have to wait on finding grave sites for the Dark Angels who had tried to steal Kerubiel, and those who had issued the order. 

The others won't be pleased about the evil necessity of bureaucracy… Well maybe Atlas Or Olly would appreciate it somewhat. But Nanael is going to be a tough one to talk down, same with Thressl. The Space wolf and the Dark Angel have rather bonded with each other hard. 

However, they will be rather pleased that Captain Ash’val will be sent to *remind* the Dark Angel Chapter Master about the Alliance between not just Chaos and Loyalist. But also between Loyalist chapters and why trying to pull some twisted shit to sate curiosity is a bad thing and that reprisals and consequences will occur should such a thing happen.

Captain Ash’val receives another message. He reads it and nods. He was just finishing The last lap with Oleandros and Kerubiel.

“Alright, come with me.” Ash'val says assertively, “training is over For now.”

The two Primaris were indeed challenged by the old Drake in their run, and they pant when they come to a stop. Where they have strength, Ash'val has experience and stamina built from years on the battlefields of the Imperium. 

“Alright- But where are we going?” Kerubiel asks. 

“To the Second Floor Art Rooms, I am going to make sure you are escorted to your fellow Primaris safely.” Ash'val clarifies, knowing it is best to be as honest with Kerubiel as possible. “We also Cannot go the direct way as certain…Guests are currently in the clinic.”

“Guests?” Kerubiel questions the emphasis put on the word. “Wait…you don't mean?”

Ash'val nods seriously. 

Kerubiel's face drains of color. “Oh…no. No no NO!” 

“Keru…” Olly puts a hand on Keru's shoulder. 

“I will Not allow them to harm you.” Ash'val swears. “If they tried I would Crush them underfoot. However, that conflict could cause collateral damage, so I would prefer to avoid that.”

Olly nods in understanding. “Right, of course.”

“Why are they even Here!?” Keru hisses, they shouldn't have any idea where he resides. 

Ash'val, despite himself, cracks a smile. “Well because their Apothecary was afflicted with a certain…malady, that he was unable to repair himself.” Then his expression shifts to one more serious than before. “Although, now that you've mentioned it, perhaps they hoped to do some reconnaissance by bringing the Apothecary Here for treatment.”

“UuuuuuAurrgh! Dammit!” Kerbiel snarls. 

“Keru…please,” Olly pleads. 

Kerubiel whips his gaze to meet Olly’s and…he softens. He forces himself to breathe. “I'm…I am alright. And I believe you, Captain.” He says, pulling himself back into order, and even stands at attention. “What is our next plan of action?”

Ash'val nods. “We will take the back way to the second floor, and meet with the other Primaris. Apparently two of your fellows received a vision, which had something to do with your run in with the Dark Angels currently stinking up our Clinic.” He explains. “You will be delivered to your fellow Primaris, and we will examine the image your brothers have drawn of the vision. Then we will plan our next move from there.” Ash'val concludes, picking up his pace again and leading the way. “Let's move out!”

“Sir yes Sir!” Both Primaris say in unison as they follow the Salamander.

…

The Art Room door opens with a creak and Lullaby whips their head up immediately. The other Primaris take notice, and stand as if to intercept a threat. 

“At ease Scouts, it is only me,” A familiar Salamander enters the room. “And I have brought your brothers.” Ash'val gestures as the two other Primaris follow his path. 

“Keru! Olly!” Lullaby books it over and immediately starts checking them for injuries, though most of their questions are aimed at Kerubiel given what they've seen. “Are you okay? Did they hurt you? Did any other Dark Angels see you?”

“Ack! I'm fine…why is it always hugs and touching with you?” Kerubiel grumbles but doesn't push Lullaby away. 

“Ash'val led us safely, we were not spotted.” Olly replies, smiling as he's fussed over.

“And what's this about a Vision?” The Dark Angel Primaris asks. 

Lullaby bites their lip and glances back to the table. “You better go see for yourself.” 

Nanael nods affirming that statement. “Indeed, this is something you Need to see.”

Olly and Kerubiel do as instructed. Leaving Lullaby and Ash'val for a moment. “Thank You, Captain” They say, sincerely. “For getting them here safely.”

Ash'val hums. “No thanks necessary, it is my duty. And my duty here is nowhere near its end.” He replies. “I also want to see this vision image.”

Lullaby nods. “Of course, but if I may ask…have you heard from or seen Khopesh? I know he's back on base…I'm probably just worrying too much.”

“I know that Khopesh is going to arrive back here soon. Anrir informed me that he's finished his delivery of requested items.” Ash'val says kindly to the concerned human, then turns attention to the Primaris and joins them.

And indeed the sight before him on the page makes his mouth twist in disgust, but he tamps it down. “How many hostiles are we potentially dealing with?” He asks. 

“We have counted at Least seven to possibly ten unique individuals in the vision, not including Kerubiel of course.” Atlas responds. 

“And we have done our best to draw individual sketches of each.” Jophiel adds.

“No vision is perfectly clear, so these are our recollections as best we could manage.” Claude says 

Ash'val nods. “I will need copies of these. And the originals will be archived for evidence.” He declares. “And None of you should approach any wandering or unfamiliar Dark Angels until this is resolved.”

“Why?”

Ash'val's attention turns to Kerubiel, who has been painfully silent ever since he laid eyes on the vision image. 

The Dark Angel Primaris's eyes are full of fire. “It was me they wanted, why do All of us need to take precaution?”

Honesty. He must be Honest for these Scouts’ safety. “Because we have reason to believe this goes deeper than a rogue group engaging in kidnapping and torture.” Ash'val responds, and then pulls up the audio logs from Anrir. 

The room goes silent as the ‘interview’ plays. Lullaby is the only one who doesn't understand because it's primarily in Gothic but again they parse certain words. 

Cut…Examine…Take…Expires…KILL, BLEED! RIP!

And they can see the horror and disgust and Rage the others feel as the message goes on. 

They'd even say they can almost Feel it. Nanael's expression actually makes it feel like cold blood it racing up their spine, it's just that chilling. 

“None of us are safe.” Claude murmurs. 

“Are you saying…they're going to try to do This,” Lullaby asks, gesturing to the image. “To someone else?”

Atlas nods grimly. “If they can capture a Primaris, be it any of us or a new arrival, I have no doubt this is what they have planned.”

*ZzztZtztz* The light flickers overhead again, as Lullaby's breathing and heart rate pick up. “They can't…” They say, trying desperately to hold in their spiraling emotions. 

“Lullaby…” Claude says worryingly, but the baseline doesn't hear him, not really. 

They're going to take them away. They're going to steal your loved ones in the night and rip them inside out…

They're going to hurt your family. 

The psychers in the room sense the shift. But before they can think of a way to diffuse the tension (And keep Lullaby from blowing their secret in front of Atlas.) Lullaby speaks again with an honestly frightening finality behind their words. 

“I Won't Let Them…”

“They Are a Nasty bunch aren't they?” The sound of a door opening and another familiar voice cuts through the tense air which seems to knock the baseline from their trance. 

“Khopesh? Khopesh!” They cry, running to their tall dark scarred love. They practically jump into his arms and kiss him, finally relieved. “You weren't seen or followed, right? They didn't hurt you?” The baseline asks, gently running their hands over his face. 

Khopesh responds by…purring. He Loves the feeling of his Lullaby's warm hands. “Rrrrrrrr, I am whole and well. But I Do find myself Drastically low on kisses.”

“...I just kissed you bat-winged Dork!” Lullaby retorts with an incredulous laugh. 

“Mmm no, Ghosk is the one with Bat Wings. Oh No! My Lullaby has forgotten me! I will have to just keep holding and Kissing you till you remember!” Khopesh cackles, as he starts peppering Lullaby's face.

“Ack! Be serious!” Lullaby can't help but giggle due to their ticklishness. 

Meanwhile the others in the room watch with varying degrees of Aw to Ew. 

“They truly are an odd pair aren't they?” Atlas hums. 

“They're a bit…overexcitable.” Nanael shrugs.

“Khopesh is over-excitable, period. It makes sense he'd find someone like that.” Jophiel responds. 

Olly nods. “They do have a tendency to amp each other up. Not a negative per se just…observing.”

Ash'val doesn't reply, simply smiles at the Scouts' reactions as they are rather funny. 

Lullaby does pull themselves together to firmly but kindly say. “But for real, there's something Awful that…didn't happen but Could still happen??” Lullaby sighs, clearly frustrated and anxious. 

Khopesh looks to the rest of the room, before bringing himself over to look at the vision image and- “Curze shit Damn that is VILE, Brilliant but VILE.” He growls. “And So fucking Wasteful to use it on anything less than the Worst of bastards. Definitely should have made those fucking Scout snatchers swallow their own fingers! Or used that severed hand to dig out their intestines or-”

“Khopesh,” Claude chimes in politely, but insistently. 

“Ahem! Ah right…” He hums awkwardly at getting too into retribution planning…again. 

No one in the room necessarily disagrees with his statements, but they do need to focus on Defense for the time being. 

“As I said. Unfamiliar or wandering Dark Angels are to be Avoided at all costs, and travel is Never to be undertaken without a Battle Buddy, even for short distances. That includes you little one.” Ash'val says to Lullaby, “They're looking for a Primaris and the Nightlord who slighted them. And there is no feasible way to separate your scent from his.” He explains. 

A more angry rumble starts in Khopesh's chest. He wraps a protective arm around his mate's shoulders. “If they even Try to lay a hand on you, I'll make them Wish for the mercy of the grave. Might take some inspiration from their own playbook…”

“...I know you would. But for now we should focus on not letting ourselves be ambushed.” Lullaby replies solemnly, and squeezes Khopesh's hand to calm him. 

“Indeed. I also need to discuss something with Anrir and Hura. Cedric should be coming around soon.” Ash'val states. 

“Do you know where Thressl is?” Olly asks. “He's been… Quiet. Recently.”

“Thressl is on Patrol.” Ash'val Replies. “He should be back in three days.”

“Thank You sir.” Olly replies with a polite nod.

Ash'val nods back and heads to the Apothecarium where the five problems are. You wouldn't know it by his stoic face or his measured stride but he is furious, absolutely seething but he's also not a fool. The words of a drugged Dark Angel and the vision are...not enough for a Conviction. They need something more.

But these items are enough to convince him to take extra care around those Dark Angels and the Chapter Master especially. Added security and sending out a warning to be wary, as well as starting an investigation on the down low.

For now he promises to commit himself to helping the Primaris feel more of a belonging. 

But first, he'll have to schedule a certain…visit. He manages to get to the room where Anrir, Cedric, Hura and Zariel are. 

“When the Dark Angel awakens, I will accompany you in seeing him and his squad off the premises.” Ash'val addresses the Apothecaries leaving no room for argument. 

“We were going to request your help in this matter,” Hura says with a smile, his tone is professional, but the edge of satisfaction sets Zariel’s teeth on edge.

“The Dark Angel should be waking up soon,” Zariel informs Ash'val.

There is some noise and arguments, the Interrogator Chaplain is snarling at one of the other Astartes who is manning the front desk. The Chaplain is trying to loom over the Iron Hand and use his rank and specialty to bully the battle brother.

“In the system it says that he's still waking up from anesthesia.” The Iron Hand says in cold apathetic tones. “Please go back to your seat or security will *remove* you from the premises Interrogator Chaplain.”

“And I am telling you, that it's taking to long!” The Interrogator Chaplain growls out.

“Surgery time can take longer, depending on if there are complications.” The Iron Hand retorts. “Please go back to your seat or leave.”

“I will not-.” The Interrogator Chaplain hisses out. Cutting himself off as he looks towards the area where his Apothecary had been whisked off to.

The argued over Apothecary is being helped by a large Salamander, with Captain markings. The Interrogator Chaplain frowns a little bit. 

“What are you doing with one of my pride?” The Chaplain asks.

“The Apothecaries who were tending to him requested that I help guide him back to his squad. Once he was mobile enough to move he insisted on being returned to you.” Captain Ash’val says levelly as he eyed one of the others involved in something unwise.

He keeps his thoughts, and Rage hidden deep within His hearts. The rest of the pride of Dark Angels approach and look over their Apothecary. Ash'val helps guide them out of the base.

“Just a random question, Salamander,” one of the battle brother Dark Angels ask, “have you seen any younger brothers of the 1st recently?”

“Perhaps, why do you ask?” Ash'val asks levelly.

“Because they need to be sent to our Base, especially if they seem… overly large, training And socialization with their brothers is important.” The Chaplain says smoothly, “and we have… concerns that a Night Lord might be trying to corrupt One.”

“That is concerning,” Ash'val says. “If … such a thing is happening. I will speak with the younger cousins.” The Dragon lies through his sharpened teeth, which he then turns into a smile. 

“In fact I think I would like to speak with Sammath, Chapter Master to Chapter Master.” Ash'val states. “So we may be certain all relevant issues are being…appropriately handled. I will of course send him a message myself, but I know his schedule is likely to be Very busy. If you could mention it in your next report to him. I would be exceptionally Grateful.”

The Chaplain seems to mull over Ash'val's words before replying. “Of course Chapter Master. We will deliver your message.”

Ash'val smiles, were he a real dragon the smoke twisting up from his maw would give him away. “Thank You. I so Appreciate, your cooperation.”

“Was there anything else that you needed?” The Chaplain asks.

“For the meeting with your Chapter Master Sammath, to be Within the month if possible.” Ash'val says pleasantly.

“We will send the message along.” The Interrogator Chaplain says with annod as they head off.

Ash'val watches them leave and wonders if they will actually go back to their base or wait for their wounds to heal and then try to steal Kerubiel or one of the others. 

[dirgecomic]

[c-u-c-koo-4-40k]

Ah Draco...charming as Ever.

He's Such a pouty bitch.

Lana: I want the Hyrdas in my life and I value their bonds just as much as I value yours.

Draco: *shocked Pikachu face*

My response. Cope Seethe Kick Rocks Chew Gravel.

Is that the Consequences of Myyyy actions??

Yes, yes it is dumbshit, welcome to your wake up call.

Sharing is (not) Caring

Of Fin and Feathers/ Living Waters AU: Lana is wounded in the aftermath of forming an intense bond with the Grey Knight during Claude's rescue. She's brought back to the gannet roost to recover. Zariel and Draco Kai (Grey Knight) learn to share, even though they don't like it at all.

Author's Note: Promise this is a lighter, if a tad silly, fic written with @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan. I wanted to know what happens after Claude's rescue with Lana's new polycule. To say the least, these boys learn to get along, just barely, for Lana's sake.

Also, the Grey Knight goes by Draco and Stormbreaker which are used interchangeably in the fic.

Tagged: @shadowfirecat , @kit-williams , @bleedingichorhearts , @barn-anon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

@sleepyfan-blog, @c-u-c-koo-4-40k, @bispecsual , @ms--lobotomy , @whorety-k

In her unconsciousness, Lana heard muffled growling, arguing, then she felt carried in somebody’s arms. They were flying somewhere, she could feel the rushing air move through her feathers. Then she felt like she was home or close to it. she could hear the busier than usual clamor of voices in the distance. There was suddenly more arguing and then she heard the familiar voice of Zariel sending all his brothers away, leaving him and whoever was holding onto her. A hand gently wiped away the blood from her face with a damp cloth. 

Lana opened her bleary eyes, seeing the familiar surroundings of the nest she shared with her bonded Alpha Legion brothers, “Zariel?” She croaked. Her throat feels dry and thick. 

Her bonded came to her side immediately, stroking her cheek and nuzzling her.  

“Lana! My Lovely Lana…” Zariel breathed, pressing his forehead against hers. He saw that the internal injuries caused by her rejection of the bond between her and the Grey Knight had wounded her badly. When they went to give her a healing potion, Stormbreaker, ever mistrustful, guarded over Lana, preventing them from helping her. Only when Mara stepped in, had he allowed them to give Lana the potion. 

“Zariel!” She nuzzled back, “You’re alright.” She smiled, her eyes watery, but with relief in her voice. 

The Alpha Legion mer chuckled, “It’s you who was injured, my love.” Wiping away her tears that were threatening to fall. 

“You shouldn’t have rejected our bond.” A deep grumble sounded above her. Lana looked up to see the intense white eyes of the Grey Knight staring back at her. Immediately, she started to tremble and her breathing came out stuttered and panicked. Lana let out a shrill cry of fear and tried to push away to reach for her bonded Alpha Legionary. The large silver mer tightened his hold on her and commanded gruffly, “Stop moving and calm down! I’m your bonded, remember? I won’t harm you!”

The harpy froze, panting and wide-eyed. Zariel grabbed her claw in his hand, “Easy Lana.” He cooed, “Focus on me. Breathe with me, sweet one.”

Frightened pale eyes met his teal as Lana followed his instruction. Zariel placed Lana’s claw to his throat and purred, watching as his bonded slowly calmed down. 

“Better?” He asked. 

Lana relaxed in Stormbreaker’s hold and smiled at him, “Yes. Thank you.” 

Zariel placed a kiss into her palm, “Good. Do you remember Stormbreaker?”  

“I…” the harpy slowly sat up with one hand from each of her bonded supporting her back. Memories of the intense bond striking through the core of her soul, of her trying to reject their bond, the promises Stormbreaker made, the promise she made in return, floated into her mind. Lana looked at the large silver mer, his gaze a little more tentative, not wanting to scare her further after her panic attack. “I do…” she replied hesitantly. 

“We are bonded, you are safe. I vowed to protect you and your colony. You need not fear me.” He stated, his tone more gentle than before. 

Lana looked away, feeling conflicted and embarrassed by her panicked reaction, “Right… yes… I’m sorry.”

Stormbreaker kissed her forehead and purred, “Apology accepted, my Lana.”

That purr turned into a growl when he saw Zariel reach for her again. Lana grabbed his nearest hand, her brows furrowed with worry, “Please stop. I’m their bonded as much as I am yours.”

Stormbreaker huffed gently, “Fine.” He’ll tolerate the Hydra’s insistent presence for her sake. 

Zariel glumly stated, holding onto Lana’s claw, “Nerian said that since your injuries were caused by the rejection of your bond with Stormbreaker, he will need to stay with you so your bond can rebuild and help in your recovery. Healing potions could only supplement the recovery for injuries like that.”

Lana squeezed his hand, giving her bonded a faint smile, “I understand. Thank you for telling me.”

A shuffling of claws drew their attention as a younger gannet harpy entered their nest area. She held a bowl of soup. 

“Hello, Leto.” Lana weakly greeted. Zariel moved aside for the young harpy to sit by his bonded. 

Leto gave the bowl of soup to her older cousin, “Pa made this fish soup for you.”

“That better not be poison, whelp.” Draco stated, his voice full of suspicion. 

Insulted, Leto immediately hissed at him. He growled back at her, baring his teeth slightly. Lana opened her wing protectively, hiding Leto behind it and scolded her newest bonded merAstartes, “Stop it, Stormbreaker! She’s not here to poison me! Her father is one of the healers in the colony.”

”Why would I want to poison my cousin? That’s so stupid!” The younger harpy piped up, poking her head over Lana’s wing. 

Zariel snorted at the Grey Knight’s surprised and irritated expression. He got up. He needed to do a round to check on the other injured mer-Astartes who were staying with the colony until they were well enough to move or be moved. It shouldn’t take him long. The Alpha Legionary felt a tug on his tentacle and looked down to see Leto hanging onto it.

“Cousin Zariel, do you have to go?” She asked, her eyes kept nervously glancing in Stormbreaker’s direction. 

“Yes, Leto. I will be back shortly.” He reassured her, understanding her wariness around the Grey Knight. He was rather intimidating, and gave off the most icy attitude. Even Erriox, with his ever so stern demeanor, was more approachable than Stormjerk here. 

“But…”

Zariel sank down to pat her head, “You’ll be safe. Lana’s here. Stormbreaker won’t hurt you as he promised.” He looked at the Grey Knight. 

“Under the threat of bond breakage.” Lana stated.  

Leto gasped, worry colouring her face. Her pa had told her what happened earlier, “But wouldn’t that kill you too?”

“Yes.” Draco answered, his grip on Lana stiffened, trying hard to keep the sneer out of his voice, “It will kill both of us. Does that dissuade your worries, young one?” 

He felt disgust (It cannot be envy, he is beyond that feeling. Especially over an Alpha Legionnaire.) watching how easily that traitor interacted with the two harpies. How familiar they are with each other to the point that the two-faced traitor took the title of “Cousin Zariel”… And the audacity of that whelp to disrespect him… nothing a good beating or harsh training couldn’t solve. But Draco won’t speak these thoughts, lest Lana become even more displeased with him. It felt like needles stabbed his hearts seeing her react so fearfully to his presence when she woke up earlier. At least now that she’s calmed down, Lana made no move to get away from him. He needed to build her trust in him, not destroy it. 

“Oh… uh… yes.” Leto mumbled, deflated, as if the wind was taken out from under her wings at the seriousness of the Grey Knight’s promise. 

Zariel ruffled her crest feathers playfully, “You’ll be fine. Help me keep an eye on them.”

“Fine! Okay! Okay!” The young harpy giggled trying to ward off the ruffling by ducking under her wing. 

Using a tentacle, The Alpha Legion mer lifted Lana’s claw to his mouth, gently kissing her knuckles, “I’ll be back soon. Finish the soup that Leto gave you.”

“Will do.” She answered, smiling at him. Zariel smiled back then turned to leave. 

Leto turned her attention to her older cousin after watching the squid-like mer leave, “Cousin Zariel is right, this soup should give you a boost of nutrients that you need after taking that healing potion. You might feel sleepy after but you need rest after all that craziness.”

Lana slowly drank the bowl of soup then passed the empty bowl to Leto. Grateful for the medicinal supplement, she said to her, “Please give Soren my thanks.”

The younger harpy smiled, “Will do.” she then added, “Pa said that you should hold off on eating anything solid until you take two more doses of the mid-grade potions. Just so we can make sure you’re okay.”

Lana shuddered as a sudden wave exhaustion washed over her, “Wow, this didn’t take long.” she commented, relaxing against Draco’s chest. The warmth emanating from his body made it a struggle to keep her eyes open. 

The Grey Knight quietly dismissed Leto, “Go, we will notify your father once Lana is awake.”

Leto nodded and got up to leave. 

Lana’s eyes kept fluttering as she struggled to stay conscious as she felt Draco lay down, holding her, “Don’t we…?” She yawned. 

Draco purred, “It’s alright. Sleep Lana. I will watch over you.” Feeling pleased when Lana hummed and pressed herself against him as she drifted off to sleep.  

**************

“Where am I? Why am I so tired?” Lana asked groggily when she woke up again. 

A deep voice rumbled, “We’ve returned to our nest. You are still healing from internal wounds.” 

That voice resonated with her soul, but in her exhausted, still sleep-addled state, Lana didn’t recognize it; it certainly wasn’t one of the Alpha Legion brothers. She turned her head towards the voice and was met with the giant silver form of the Grey Knight curled up next to her. Lana’s eyes widened in shock and fear, and tried to scramble away from the silver mer. 

Draco held onto the frightened harpy, frowning at her reaction. It’s as if she forgot that he was her bonded. Again. Learning from the first time when Lana panicked, Draco purred instead, mentally sending calm waves through their bond trying to comfort her, “My Lana. You are my bonded, remember?” He pressed his forehead gently against hers, “You fell unconscious and I carried you back to our nest. Relax, you are safe.”

Lana instinctively pressed back against him, slowly relaxing as she could feel a calm thrumming through the core of her being. She wasn’t sure where it came from, either their bond or the Grey Knight himself. And as much as she didn’t want to admit it, whatever that was, it was comforting. Draco’s purrs grew deeper, pleased that his Lana was reciprocating his affection. He tightened his embrace. 

Slowly, the memories of what happened resurfaced in her mind. Lana blinked, gazing up at the hooded white eyes of the Grey Knight. She whispered weakly, “It’s you.” A troubled expression crawling onto her face. 

“Yes. Your Stormbreaker.” He answered, nuzzling her, his lips grazing over hers. 

“Lana?” Zariel called out as he returned, “Are you awake?”

She immediately turned towards the sound of his voice and called back, “Zariel!” 

The Alpha Legion mer was quick to reach her side. Taking advantage of the Grey Knight’s surprise at Lana’s reaction, Zariel pulled her into his arms from the Stormbreaker’s hold, wrapping his tentacles around her. Lana clambered onto him, draping her wings over shoulders, her claws grasping onto him tightly. 

“Zariel… oh Zariel!” Her voice unwinding from worry to relief as she buried her face into his neck, breathing in his familiar scent. 

Zariel kissed her temple, ignoring Draco’s glare, “Don’t you sacrifice yourself like that ever again. We… I can’t bear to lose you.” he whispered desperately. 

“I will try not to do that, unless it’s necessary.” Lana let out a muffled warble; she didn’t have the heart to tell him that for the good of the colony or flock, any and all harpies would gladly sacrifice themselves.

“Then my brothers and I will make it so you will never have to do that.” He replied, staunch and unwavering in his vow. Zariel pulled Lana up to meet him and kissed her fiercely, passionately, as if he would never be able to kiss her again. 

Lana relaxed into his embrace, and closed her eyes, “Zariel…” a soft moan escaping her. 

Draco's claws twitched at the display of affection. Lana’s moan was the last straw. She had a lovely voice but she should be moaning his name, not that damned Alpha Legionary’s. Throne only knows what witchery these traitors cast on her and her colony for them to end up in this situation. 

“Cease your flagrant display, Hydra.” He growled, deep and possessive, wrapping an arm around his harpy from behind. 

Zariel’s glances up at the giant fucking bastard of a Space Mer-ine. The boys had stutteringly told him and the rest of the Alpha legion squad, as well as Erriox about Gray Knights. What they knew about their chapter and mannerisms and habits. At least, what little the boys knew of as truth, and none of it was good.

Entitled, powerful, and known to exterminatus an entire planet. Demon hunters. Demon slayers. And from what the boys have said, allied with the damned Inquisitors, the Ordo Malleus, the chambers militant. 

All that was able to be done solo- which was a singularly terrifying amount of power. If fear was something that Astartes could feel, at least. Zarius and his squad brothers had to leave, despite really not wanting to do so, not with their Lana so injured, to speak of Gray Knights in person with their Handler- and to the local Alpha legion chapter master.

From what he heard- they were going to be considered a Custodes level threat. “Lana and I are bonded with each other. I am hers, and she is mine.” Zariel growled. 

While he needs to thread the needle from not pissing off a Psyker powerful enough to be able to actually kill demons, he also needs to show that he’s not going to bend over backwards for this shit head.

Also- he bristles at the fact that Stormbreaker is so possessive of Lana- who is her own person, and should be able to make her own choices in regards to the Bonds that linked her and those Space Marines blessed to have them.

Draco growls darkly, deep and low in his chest at the uppity little hydra’s words, “She is mine, we are Bonded together- it's a far superior and more powerful bond than the fragile spider-silk bonds that she has with you. Begone, Hydra.”

Zariel stubbornly holds onto Lana, unwilling to yield her over to the Grey Knight. He sneers, “No. Our bond is just as important to her if not more so. Why do you think Lana kept and protected our bonds with so much effort? You agreed to Lana’s terms in order to stay bonded with her and she had asked that she be able to freely spend time with us. So honor the agreement, Brother-Captain of the Stormbreakers.”

Both Astartes tighten their grip on their bonded harpy. 

Draco looms over the smaller mer, “Don’t presume your witchery and tricks hold that much power over her.”

“Please stop.” Lana let out a strangled whimper, “Both of you. Your grip. It hurts!” 

She felt like she could breathe again as their holds went slack immediately, though not letting go. 

“I’m sorry, my Lana/ Lana love.” Both her bonded Astartes said simultaneously. Then glared at each other. 

Draco growls and narrows his eyes at the damned Hydra, “Begone- you are unneeded.”

“The Hell I am,” Zariel snarls back, teal eyes darkening with wrath, “I’m an Apothecary- and I won’t let you stop me from tending to my patient and our Bonded. Let her go.”

“You two, please stop arguing.” Lana keens softly between them. All this tension and arguing is just adding to her growing headache. She prayed silently to the Skymother that these arguments won’t be something she will have to deal with forever and that all of them will get along soon enough. To be honest, all she wanted was some peace and quiet to sleep right now. 

Lana tilts Zariel’s face downward towards her, his angry glare softens as he watches her. She kisses his lips tenderly, “Patience, Zariel. Can you do that for me?”

“I can, for you, my lovely Lana.” He hums as he kisses her back. 

She gives him a fond smile with a murmured “thank you”, before turning to reach out to Draco. He immediately leans into her touch. Lana pulls him close to nuzzle him, “I know you need to stay close since our bond will help me heal from these injuries faster and I know you hate to share. But please, please let Zariel stay, he is an apothecary and I trust him. He is also my bonded as much as you are and I want him here too. His presence is comforting.”

Draco’s white eyes stare at her in disbelief. Trust him? His presence is Comforting? He watches the Hydra looking at his bonded with a lovesick expression. Touching his mind, the Grey Knight is surprised by Zariel’s sincerity. However, the Hydra’s specialty is in espionage and influencing major events using underhanded means. Draco wouldn’t put it past the Hydra brothers just playing the long game using whatever and whoever to achieve their nefarious goals. 

It stings a little when Lana asks for Zariel to stay though. Isn’t his presence comforting enough? Draco suspects it’s because of her familiarity with the Alpha traitors. At least his bond is the one that Lana needs to recover, though she shouldn’t have rejected their bond in the first place or else she wouldn’t have been wounded like this. However, he isn’t going to deny that this allows him to hold his harpy bonded close and protect her against those traitorous bastards. It’s a selfish thought, but he likes having Lana all to himself.

Zariel let out a big sigh, “I don’t like this as much as he does, but I am willing… to share.” 

Draco’s grip on Lana stiffens watching her glance and smile thankfully at the other mer. The Grey Knight huffs, “Fine… He can stay. I… will share according to your request.”

Gentle soothing waves from his bond quiets the possessiveness and worry in his mind as her soft gaze turns to him, “Thank you.” Lana says, smiling. She kisses him, “I know it is difficult for you to share, so thank you, D- Mmnh…” 

Draco pushes into the kiss, muffling his name that was about to fall from her lips, “I only ask for you to not be afraid of me.” he rumbled lowly, their lips barely parting, “I’m your bonded, I’m not your enemy, so treat me as such.”

“I…” Lana paused. She looked away, guilt eating away at her conscience. Draco was bonded intensely to her (not that she had a choice), she… should technically treat him as her bonded, like Zariel and his brothers. But… he hurt so many of them: young Claude, young Jophiel, the other merAstartes who came to rescue them, some of them wounded so badly that she thought they wouldn’t survive. She couldn’t pretend nothing had happened… even what she’s doing now, she feels guilty for giving in and responding to her bond with the Grey Knight. 

He can see unease cloud his harpy’s expression and feel doubt pulse across their bond. Draco cups her face, his thumb stroking down the feathers on her cheek. He kisses her again, “I will protect you and the colony. Trust me, my Lana.” 

“She barely knows you and your introduction wasn’t exactly a pleasant meeting. Give her time.” Zariel interjects, sneering. He couldn't help but feel slightly envious of the affection Lana is giving the Grey Knight. He understands that the Grey Knight is also her bonded and thus has the privilege of receiving her affection as much as they do. He feels secure in his relationship with Lana, but Stormbreaker demanding to be treated like one of them, despite all he did and all the hurt he had caused, leaves a sour taste in his mouth. 

His instincts were also screaming at him to deal with the Threat. The primaris boys have told them bits and pieces about what he and his Chapter are like. He has sent the information on to the network and really would prefer it if he could drive Stormbreaker off, but he can't. Not with the Bond in place, not without losing Lana. The bastard. Zariel knows that for her to recover Stormbreaker needs to be with her, but he's not going to let the giant silver witch take Lana all for himself. 

Draco was about to say something insulting back at the Hydra when Lana interrupts him, “I… will try, Stormbreaker. But Zariel is right. I need time to be able to trust you fully. And… to get to know you. It took a long time to trust Zariel and his brothers too. You’re not the only one.”

“I… understand.” The Grey Knight mer conceded, displeased, but knowing if he didn’t, it would make Lana distrust him further. He keeps the scathing words he has on the tip of his tongue held behind his teeth- he’ll use them once he’s more settled into the Bond with his Lana… and the Harpy Colony views him as they should: a mighty protector and someone to give respectful deference to.

Lana tiredly breathes a sigh of relief and lays down to rest, closing her eyes, “If you two could just get along and just give me some peace and quiet so I can sleep, I would be ever grateful…” her voice drowsily drifts off. 

“Of course, my lovely Lana.” Zariel murmurs, kissing her nape, shuffling closer before laying down so Lana’s back rests against his chest. He draped a tentacle over her hip and wrapped an arm under her breasts. Smiling, he felt her relax into him. 

Draco glared at the Hydra’s brazen placement of his limbs on his Lana. He shifted closer as well, gently sandwiching their harpy between themselves, and wrapped his arm over her waist. Lana, churring in her sleep, nuzzled into his chest and curled her outer leg over the thin end of his tail, trapping it between her legs. Pleased with her unconscious gesture of affection, Draco kissed Lana’s forehead, rumbling, “Sleep, my Lana.”

The two mers then glared at each other. Each whisper-hissing at the other. 

“Pervert.”

“Hypocrite.”

Lana squirmed suddenly and tried to sit up, “You say something?” She mumbled drowsily. 

Both of them gently pushed her back down. 

“It’s nothing, my Lana.” Draco purred, gently scratching her back. 

“Go to sleep, love.” Zariel hummed, adding his purr onto Stormbreaker’s soft rumbling purr, quickly lulling their bonded harpy back to sleep. 

[dmmchn]

Ko’hasa of Baldur

Our Avernus DM had some leftover content, so we decided to have a two-shot - POV, you’re a Zariel cultist in Baldurs Gate. Meet Ko’hasa - she is a barbarian of wild magic, but she believes she’s a wizard! And no one can say otherwise. She’s a vey happy-go-lucky individual but doesn’t know much of morality. The cult keeps her fed and employed, so she sticks with it. Besides, they said after death Ko’hasa can fight demon in the frontlines of the Bloodwar in Avernus - that sounds pretty cool!

[reagan-the-saunders]

| Cleric, Wizard, Warlock, Rogue.

More classes gifs

[lemongrace]

Lady Zariel, the Benevolent Light 🔆

a villain character for my RP storyline! a Highborne Arcanist who uses just a touch too many illusions to amplify her appearance

[c-u-c-koo-4-40k]

Meant to reblog this before.

Damn these lads have been through hell. Not worth it? Those seem like words that were trained into them and it Sickens me.

Hopefully Zariel and the other medics can help.

Bonded Pairs: Apothecary pt 2

CW: Depression/self-hatred, mentions of past abuse/torture

Language guide: Gothic Battle Sign

More thanks to @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan for the use of Zariel, I hope I did your boy justice with some difficult patients.

Both marines heard the heavy steps on the stairs to the basement. A voice called out to them from around the corner. “Ultramarine Apothecary Zariel, I was told there were a couple of brothers in need of care here?” As he rounded the corner the apothecary could see one of the marines curled up in a corner under a heavy knit blanket. The other was…ah, on top of the fridge, reddish eyes and bared fangs glaring down at him.

Asariel watched the apothecary’s entrance carefully, waiting for him to fully enter the door before signing to him, not shifting out of a wary crouch on top of the fridge.

Why are you here? And where is here?

The blood angel was in enough control to communicate rather than attack at least. You are on Terra, but in a different time. What year is it the last you knew?

Not sure. Been in the warp a few centuries. Not nearly long as my beloved has been though. Early M42 last I knew. This is Terra you say?

Terra in M3.

Asariel tilted his head for a long moment, considering all this information, still poised to attack.

My brother. Can you help him?

I will try. Another moment of consideration, then Asariel jumped from the fridge to land next to his companion, tapping a message rapidly onto the blind ultramarine’s shoulder. Gerhardt was shivering despite the blanket but tapped something in response, leaning back against his companion’s chest. His breathing was shallow and labored as Zariel moved closer.

An ultramarine apothecary, of all the things to find. You shouldn’t be wasting your time with me.

That’s my job, to patch brothers up. Zariel was getting close enough to listen to Gerhardt’s vital signs. He heard the sounds of twin hearts beating rapidly, and a single lung working to bring oxygen in. What happened to your lungs? I can only hear one of the three. For the moment he opted to ignore the implications of Gerhardt’s statement, other than to mentally file a note to recommend a chaplain.

Gerhardt made a noise that could almost have been a laugh but came out more like a sob. Removed to make me less dangerous. Along with several other things. One hand touched the blindfold covering his eyes thoughtfully. The owner of this place. Can you tell me what they look like? Asairel thinks I’m being foolish. Asariel shot a grouchy look over his brother’s shoulder at that remark, wrapping his arms around Gerhardt’s shoulders protectively. Gerhardt leaned back with a slight smile, nestling his shoulder in the opening of Asariel’s robe. Something about the shape of the robe looked wrong to Zariel - he would need to examine the blood angel as well of course.

They’re young, with long red hair and dark green eyes. When I came here they were wearing a grey t-shirt and black jeans and some kind of striped jacket. And sensible boots. Was the ultramarine bonded to this human? Zariel almost hoped so, since it would make his recovery and adjustment so much easier. Especially with a human who was already used to astartes.

They sound delightful. I wish I’d had a chance to know them back when I was useful. They worry too much; they need someone they don’t have to worry about.

Ok so “making recovery easier” might be relative here. I need to take a look at your chest. May I shift the blanket off? Gerhardt nodded at Zariel’s request, even as Asariel looked ready to pounce. Under the blanket he was shaking despite a heating pad and the relative warmth of the basement. Zariel reached out a hand to check on muscle tone and felt Gerhardt tense and try not to flinch.

Asatartes-grade painkillers. He’s in withdrawal. The blood angel signed over his brother’s head. Zariel signed back an acknowledgment. Addiction was more difficult in Astartes, but it wasn’t impossible.

If he’s in withdrawal, and with this much damage, he really needs to be in a clinic where he can be monitored.

Gerhardt pulled the blanket back over himself. No clinic. Not worth it anyway. The blood angel pulled him in closer to his chest, before signing back Will it help him?

He’s stable for the moment, but he needs to be somewhere where someone can keep a closer eye on him. And perhaps also find more answers as to what the hell had happened to these two, but Zariel wasn’t going to say that out loud. I’ll go see what the transportation options available are.

[myrkar]

Desponia, the Warfiend

Supporting women's wrongs even after pride ends is so important actually

[olarce-art]

D&D inspired tarot cards, PART II

[c-u-c-koo-4-40k]

A New Treatment - Part 1

Summary: Lullaby and their new…acquaintances sit down for a meal so they can discuss the matter at hand. The health and treatment of one Lana Talbot

Previous Chapter: HERE

Next Chapter: Under Construction TiS HERE

First in the series: HERE

TW: yelling, threats of violence, out of body experience/dissociation, social anxiety.

This is another collab done with the help of @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan ! Plus characters from @kit-williams ! Big thanks for letting me use them! 

Tag List! Tag List: @kit-williams @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan (all of whom have amazing characters that make cameos here!) @sleepyfan-blog @egrets-not-regrets @legionsofthehungry

@passionofthesith @bispecsual @bleedingichorhearts @beckyninja

“Ah so…party of how many?” The host asks nervously. 

“Two Nightlords, A Ravengaurd, Three Alpha Legion and Myself. Seven please, Astarte sized seating, and preferably an area with less harsh lighting if possible.” You reply cooly, but professionally. 

“Oh ah no trouble! We can't turn off the light but we can dim the one directly over your table. This way please.” The Host gestures for your motley crew to follow them to one of the larger breakfast areas. 

Khopesh follows you like a shadow with well practiced ease; never overstepping but always reliably close. Claude and Anrir  are at the back, not because of any snubbing but because they are keeping an eye on those in the middle of your group. 

Two Very awkward Hydras; who are trying their damndest not to activate their camouflage and bolt. They're also Deeply regretting their life choices as they do Not enjoy having to be out in public without their usual disguises. 

Zariel for his credit keeps his head high and focused, while also keeping his exasperated eyes on his younger shoal members. He's the one directly in front of Anrir and Claude, further enforcing that Talos and Keed are going to Keep Moving and not offend you or your family of Astartes any further if they want to keep their skulls intact. 

You all sit down. Khopesh to your right, Claude and Anrir to your left, Talos and Keed next to each other, and Zariel taking the last seat. 

“Alright, your waiter should be with you shortly. Just flag me down if you need anything.” The host quickly sets down some silverware and menus, and dims the overhead light as much as they can, before scurrying off. 

Then…silence. 

Oh make no mistake there's still a general ambiance. The restaurant isn't empty by any means but your table is…silent. 

Khopesh is happily perusing his menu, seemingly insulated against the awkwardness hanging in the air. Claude is a Bit more aware but isn't the one in the hot seat so he does much the same, the blackberry nutripaste pancakes with bacon sound delightful, maybe he'll get a nice warm cup of tea as well hmm…

Talos and Keed nervously pick up their menus, and at least feign that they're looking through them. 

What do we do? Like…should we order something small or less expensive or would that be rude? Talos asks through their mental link.

How in the Hell would I Know!? I still can't believe we're even IN this mess in the first place! Keed hisses back. Just choose something in the middle price range if you have to! Their eyes keep darting up to look at you, before swiftly zipping back down when you happen to glance back. 

You can't hear their mental exchange but you know they're scared to look you in the eye, or maybe just embarrassed. You sigh before responding. “Order what you'd like, as long as it isn't plated in gold or costs the same as an omophange gland I don't mind covering it.” You speak up, lazily scanning the options on your own menu. 

Talos doesn't know how to respond to that. Oh…well I guess that…answers that. 

Meanwhile Keed feels Beyond strange and feeling so…Stressed? Around a Baseline?? 

Well given that you'd bruised up his face something fierce AND nearly crushed his windpipe, maybe being stressed wasn't so bizarre. Also What the FUCK can they also Read MINDS!?

Their stewing is interrupted when Zariel's mind voice chastises them, alongside a quick elbow jab into Keed's side. 

No you Idiots, they just noticed you stewing over your menu, and not being able to look them in the eye. It's called Body Language and Emotional Intelligence, something you Both are apparently lacking in as well the generic kind! 

Ow! We weren't trying to cause trouble. Keed snipes back. 

And yet here we are because of Your indiscretion! 

You weren't acting fast enough to help our Lana! Keed snarls. 

They would have Gladly helped us AND be none the wiser to our true nature if you had just WAITED A FEW MORE DAYS! The eldest of them snarls, pissed.

Can we please not fight at the table? Talos asks timidly. 

WE ARE NOT FIGHTING WE ARE ARGUING! Keed yells back, a bit too harshly but before Zariel can reprimand him for scolding Talos. 

“Hmm…tell me Zariel, have you tried the blood sausage omelet before?” Anrir posits, noting how the Hydras were becoming more focused on each other than the meal. 

“ArHm!- ah…No, no I have not…” Zariel coughs and returns his focus to the world outside his head.

“It's quite nourishing for those who prefer a more savory option, I Highly recommend it.” Anrir states, in his usual dark cool voice. But the recommendation is genuine. 

Zariel perks up a bit and flips to the page Anrir indicates, soon the two are discussing options involving nutrition, calories, and general Apothecary talk. 

Which again leaves Keed and Talos to stew in their own heads. Talos ‘speaks’ next, and his voice is full of a painful uncertainty. 

...Zariel?

Zariel sighs, he can't stay mad at that tone, not fully anyway. You two made a Very bad choice, so you two have to deal with the consequences. He affirms, but his tone is a bit more gentle. Do as our host instructs and order something you actually want to eat, that's the best option you have. 

Talos nods. Okay, thank you Zariel. He turns back to his menu, not fully at ease, but more so than before. 

Keed huffs, he still believes he did this for Lana's sake and he will not…he Cannot regret that. But he will concede that Zariel is correct that there's no easy way out of their current predicament. He does the same as Talos. 

After a few more minutes the waiter comes back. “ Ah hello folks, can I get your drink orders?”

“Actually, I think I'm ready to make my food order.” You reply. 

Khopesh takes notice of that, normally you take a little longer unless you walk in knowing what you want. 

“How about y'all? Are we good or do we need a bit more time?” You ask, with a clear concise voice. 

Among the general terms of agreement from the table Khopesh's mind gears are turning. Hm…your words are normal, but your tone is a bit more…restricted than usual? Again it isn't something that would be noticed unless someone knew your tones intimately. And indeed Khooesh prides himself on that. 

The waiter rolls with it. “Oh alright, What can I get you?” They ask, pulling out their notepad. 

“Ahem, Well,” You begin. “I'd like the three stack fruity pebble nutripaste pancakes, yes I know the nutripaste pancakes have a different taste, I want the extra protein. And please make sure they're topped with extra whipped cream. For the bacon please make it a five piece, crispy hashbrowns, and…let me also have a Hot Chocolate also with extra whipped cream and marshmallows, after that I'll have water.” You request, folding your menu and passing it to the waitress. 

Oh shiiiiiiit. Khopesh smothers a nervous but delighted snrk-giggle in his throat. The younger hydras look a little bewildered and…concerned at Khopesh's change in expression. He places his chin atop his hand, and grins across the table, further agitating them. 

They have No Clue. Well maybe they have some idea, but it's so funny to think about them being even slightly oblivious. They have no Clue how deeply, Potently Fucking PISSED his Lullaby is at this very moment. 

You only want That much sugar and protein when you're upset. And honestly Khopesh supports your rage wholeheartedly, it makes his emotions curl with satisfaction at being able to watch you make these naughty nest raiders squirm~. 

“Ah…and for You sir?” The waiter asks nervously, perhaps sensing his aura of jovial malice. 

Khopesh sits up with a flourish, and politely orders… “The seven stack nutripaste Fruit-splosion pancakes, Also! With lots of whipped cream AND fresh fruit on top. The usual Astarte sized bacon and hashbrowns are perfect, and for a drink I'll have the raspberry iced tea.” He purrs, passing his menu back before gently placing an arm over your shoulders and resuming his smug leering at the Hydras. 

Zariel is next. “The blood sausage omelet, please make the toast wheat, and instead of hashbrowns I'd like the steamed vegetables.” Zariel passes the menu. “And an iced tea please.”

Keed has a moment of panic. He had thought he wanted one item. But his mind went blank and his eyes landed on a different item. 

‘Shit. They are looking at me!’ Keed tries not to panic. 

This is so awkward and he hates being in such a public Place in his true face. It's… it feels far too vulnerable.

Keed looks over the menu one last time and says, “I uh… would Like the … nutripaste waffles with sausage on the side, Astartes sized portion. And a glass of orange juice Please.”

Talos rubs his face as he says. “I Would like to have the crepes suzette with added nutripaste and lemon wedges. I'd like some pepper bacon, three thick pieces, astartes portion size please. And some water. Thank you.”

Since Keed went first Talos felt slightly less panicked as he ordered something mid priced that looked tasty.

Claude as expected orders his blackberry pancakes, bacon and his warm cup of tea. And Anrir goes for a Blood Sausage omelet with extra green onions, bacon and regular toast as the sides. 

And once again…Silence, but not for long. 

“So…Crepe Suzette and Waffles…ya'll like sweets.” You state simply. 

Talos and Keed seem to hesitate in answering you, but you continue. 

“I feel I should've mentioned this prior to ordering, but if you'd like to bring a few items back home for your other shoal members or your Lana,” you state, with a pointed look. “You don't need to hesitate. And maybe it will be better to order those items closer to meal's end. Unless her appetite is being affected by her…condition?” 

The Hydras understand your prompting. Keed responds. “So far her condition…has not affected her appetite directly. She eats less on days when she is more exhausted and forgets or has not done as much physical activity. We try our best to counter the former by reminding her to feed herself And providing meals for her.”

“Hm, and…on a scale of one to ten, how would you rate the change from her ‘normal’ activity level? Ten being the most dramatic.” You ask, placing your chin over your folded hands. 

“...A five.” “Seven.” The two hot seat hydras turn to look at eachother and another mental exchange happens. 

She's clearly closer to a ten than Five, what do you want them to rescind their aid? Keed hisses. 

I was trying to answer honestly! Talos pleads back. And they wouldn't do that!...would they?

You two are getting distracted again, and it's rude to just stop talking when someone is questioning you. Zariel sighs mentally. 

I still don't know why we're even having to play along with this humiliation! Sitting in a crowded restaurant surrounded by prying eyes it's! It's-!

“Uncomfortable?” You ask, once again noticing the Hydras are getting lost in their own heads. The two Hydras once again turn their startled gazes on you. “...I didn't understand at first…y'all getting all quiet and staring at each other. ‘Til I remembered something Claude told me one day during training.” You idly twirl your silverware in your hand. “‘Hydras can communicate mind to mind with each other, at least when in close proximity. It's part of what makes them so dangerous and…slippery.” You pause for a moment. “I may not be able to read your thoughts, but it seems y'all need more practice in Not wearing your emotions when your true faces are out.” You catch the utensil and make it still. “So I'll ask again. How Much Do You Love Your Lana?”

Both the younger hydra take a moment, but it's Talos who speaks. “We adore her the same way your Khopesh adores you.”

Khopesh perks up at a mention of his name, he'd been reclining and enjoying watching you intimidate these Invaders. His arm reflexively wraps just a bit more tightly around your shoulders, you place a hand to the one resting on your clavicle. 

“...I see. So you must understand my…let's not mince words here, my revulsion for what y'all have done?” Your words are barbed but spoken with a level intensity. “But…I want y'all to understand something…” You look them both in the eyes and speak lowly, but clearly. “I…Loathe y'alls actions, but I am Trying not to Loathe Y'all at this moment. Because on some level…I understand your motivation. I too would do damn near Anything if it meant keeping This batty cheese ball alive.” 

“Hey!” Khopesh protests while laughing. A hint of an actual smile passes over your face as you gently trace a finger under your Khopesh's chin. Claude snickers a little and Anrir rolls his eyes with a smile. 

“I…really, Really wish y'all had just Asked. But regardless of Your transgressions, or whatever others y'all make at this table or in the future…I will not put your consequences onto Lana.” You meet the Hydra's unsure gazes again. “I don't go back on my Word if I can help it. Regardless of how I feel about Either of y'all, I've promised to help Her. And if that's within my power, I’ll do so.”

And in that moment, Keed and Talos suddenly feel like the invisible weight they'd been carrying all throughout this morning vanishes. They still worry about their Love. Their Lana~. But somehow…you'd addressed their pain and stress without even being able to Hear their inner talks. 

What…are you?

And just at that moment the waiter comes back with the first round of plates, followed closely by an Astarte employee with several others. “Hey Folks! This Should be all your food so let's get your items sorted out!”

You turn back to the waiter and flash a large smile. “Excellent, thank you so much.” 

Ah…a chameleon. Keed thinks to his brother, that makes sense. 

A chameleon being someone who can swap their displayed emotions quickly. It was present the other times you'd spoken to the wait staff but it was most obvious now. 

And ANY hydra would kill to be able to shift so seamlessly. It was one of their core tenants being the spymasters they were, and they trained tirelessly to master it.

The food is doled out and your group took a moment to tuck in. Khopesh as usual devours his stack of Fruit-Splosion Pancakes with enthusiasm…while trying to avoid going Too feral as that would earn a scolding from Anrir. Besides, if he made a mess it would be the staff cleaning it (or Anrir making a show of making Him clean it for them), and neither option would be pleasant for Anyone. He could hold off eating like a starved beast for when he'd be the one tidying up. 

Anrir by contrast looks more like his movements belong in a Victorian dinner party. The chunks he slices are cut with precision, and nary a morsel is wasted as he eats. 

Claude's somewhere in the middle, honestly dare you say he's eating the most Normally out of everyone in the Claw currently sat at the table. He did have the odd habit of dunking his fresh berries in his hot tea before eating them. It's a cute habit though. 

The Hydras hesitantly slice into their food, almost as if part of them worried it was poisoned or spat on. But any hesitation quickly melts away when they got past their first bites. 

And my Goodness they hadn't realized How Hungry they were until just now!  

“Worry makes you hungry.” You state, taking bites of your own food and suppressing an embarrassing sound as your own gnawing hunger is addressed. “So…before we get Fully back to the matter at hand I Do have a few more questions. Curiosities really.” You say between bites and sips. 

Talos nods, and Keed makes an affirmative sound. 

“So…there's something that's been, Bothering me.” You say. “You appeared to me yesterday, in disguise, and I can't even argue that you fooled me.” Your fingers tense around your utensil, and before the Hydras can feel the anger of the table focus back on them you continue. “I'm Almost more angry at myself for not realizing something was off. It feels obvious now but…That Aside.” You take a sip of your hot chocolate then continue. “If your plan was to steal me away to treat your Lana…why didn't that happen last night? You know…before Khopesh had a chance to text me and blow your cover?”

That…that was a reasonable question. But…well instead of feeling shame for getting caught, one of the offending Hydras is instead feeling…self conscious for another reason.

Talos turns to his sibling, and he's clearly chewing on his cheeks, nervous or unsure. 

Keed meanwhile…eventually sighs and replies. “That was the original plan, yes but…well…ifellasleep.”

Zariel turns his head to his squad mate with an incredulous expression. “You what?”

Keed huffs, rubbing his face with embarrassment. “I Fell! …asleep.”

The whole table takes a moment to process and then…

“PFFFT-HAHAHAHAHA!” Khopesh's composure breaks and he belts out into laughter, slapping his knee and doubling over. 

Keed's olive skin flushes darker. 

Talos buries his face in his hands, “Keed! I told you that you hadn’t been sleeping enough.”

Zariel groans, “I see I need to do more sleep deprivation training missions with you two.”

“I Swear I was fully awake one moment, planning to contact you so we could proceed with phase two of the plan once they'd fallen asleep fully, and the next thing I knew it was morning!” Keed swears to Talos and Zariel.

“Ah so…it's as we thought.” You smile slyly, and glance in Anrir's direction. 

The old Night Lord smiles and nods astutely. “I will be sure to add this event to my findings.”

The Hydras save for Zariel are once again confused. Until the apothecary chimes in telepathically. 

You didn't account for their power passively siphoning your energy the moment you laid down in the same space as them. Zariel points out. 

Keed blinks with disbelief as he turns back to you. 

“What can I say? I've been told I have a rather…calming aura.” You shrug, taking another bite of your food. 

“Best sleep I've Ever had in my existence has been next to you, my Lullaby~.” Khopesh purrs. “Even on nights when we don't…Engage each other beforehand.”

“Shush! Not at the table Sweetness.” You give a firm but quick and gentle tug on a lock of Khopesh's dark hair for his cheek. But that brings another question to his mind. 

“Well now I have a curiosity. My Lullaby has mentioned you had to…make an excuse as to Not be Intimate.” He pulls himself back from growling at the mere thought of the Hydras pulling something like that. Disgusting to even Imagine them touching his Lullaby under False pretense. “Tell me…what Was that excuse?” 

Talos swallows nervously and Keed glances away in further embarrassment. 

You take no prisoners. “He told me you got in a fight with Karlsor and got kicked in the dick.” You take another bite of pancake. “So you wouldn't be able to ‘perform’ for a few days…” 

“PFFFffttTf!” Claude almost spits out his drink at that as Khopesh breaks into another bout of laughter. Anrir actually has to cover his mouth as he too chuckles at the explanation. Even Talos snickers remembering his brother having to come up with that excuse as he'd listened in through vox. Keed looks as though he wants to fold in on himself and hide in an underwater crevice. 

“SNRk! Ke-heheHahaHAHA! AH! Ah Oh that IS funny! You're funny! Pf-ffff-fff-t! Ah~” Khopesh actually wipes a tear from his eye. “If I didn't absolutely LOATHE you right now I think I might actually like you Hydra.” He states, taking a few more bites of his food. 

Keed, unsure and a Little bit disturbed by Khopesh's outburst replies. “Ah.. Thank you I suppose?”

Zariel speaks next. “He does have a Name Khopesh.”

Khopesh smiles slyly. “He's not there yet, Zariel. He'll get his name back from me If he earns it.”

Talos tilts his head. “Will I also be called just Hydra or…?”

“Hmm…haven't decided yet.” Khopesh reclines. “You directly attacked my Lullaby, even if you had no intention to do serious harm I still abhor you…but you also remind me of Claude.”

Claude stiffens with an “Excuse me?” But Khopesh continues. 

“And you weren't the one Directly invading my nest…So I find it Difficult to abhor you as fully as I do your brother.” Khopesh explains. “Also I already stabbed you, and crushed your shoulder…so in a Way I've already gotten Some of my anger out regarding you. Not Nearly all of it but…it's a start.” Khopesh's lips pull back to reveal his full smile of sharp teeth. 

Talos gulps. “Ah…right then.” And he decides to focus on his food and not render more disturbing words from the Night Lord. 

With that the meal continues in a much lighter mood than the start. Things aren't seamlessly forgiven or forgotten but Talos and Keed no longer feel like they might be jumped from across the table by one of your many attack dogs at any moment. 

As you begin to slow your eating, and consider flagging down the waiter for a take out box you speak again. “I meant what I said earlier. If you'd like to order something for your other brothers or Lana, you don't need to hesitate.”

Talos smiles, it's small but genuine. “Thanks for the offer, I think we will.” Talos says as he orders a spinach and mushroom omelet with hash browns for one of our Brothers and for the other one he would like four Pieces of bacon and a couple of sunny side up eggs and sausages and some sourdough Toast with butter and jam on the side… Thank You.”

“I think Lana would be tempted to eat some of the eggs Benedict with sausage on the side.” Zariel muses.

You take note of the word tempted, and it makes you uneasy. No wonder they were so worried for her. If she's not getting enough calories that would make anyone fear for her health. And you honestly begin to feel your aversion for the Hydras sitting at the table lessen even more. 

But for now the leftover and to-go food is packed up, and the bill received. Yeesh, OUch. You wince a bit at the price but it's manageable.

Zariel takes notice. “Are you Certain you're alright paying this? You're already doing us a rather large favor.”

You smile wryly. “Naw, I can handle this. Besides it's Almost more fair to say Anrir is paying…indirectly.” 

Zariel turns to Anrir sharply. 

“After all, it pays to be a guinea pig.” You state, handing the waiter your card. 

Zariel knew the old Nightlord was overseeing the development of your abilities but…well…

Let's just say the idea of you being Financially reliant on a being as…Morally Grey as Anrir makes him nervous.

Anrir smiles but there is clearly some venom behind his eyes. “It's generally good form to take care of one's test subjects, Even more so when they are Also your In-Laws.”

An Unspoken threat. This one is Mine. Stay in your lane Hydra, or there Will be consequences. Zariel knows better than to challenge that and you Seem well cared for. Damn well guarded on top of that, Khopesh and young Claude naturally fall into standing at your right and left seemingly by instinct. 

“That is quite true,” Zariel says mildly as he shrugs a little- he will see if one of the other Hydras can monitor the situation more closely- one of the ones that hasn’t been caught out and isn’t… attached to the lovely Lana.

“Alright,” You grab your items, and roll your shoulders. “Let's go help your Lana.”

It's a thankfully short trip from the Pancake House to Lana's and the Hydra's residence. And it's at this moment you become a bit…self conscious.

“So…” You prompt as your group approaches the door. “How exactly are we supposed to…approach this?”

Keed's face becomes confused. “What do you mean?”

Your upper teeth worry your lip as you try to think of the right way to phrase this. “Well I mean…normally when I treat bond or psychery issues the patient is usually willing or restrained.” You explain. “And they're given a sedative And an amnestic afterwards so they don't remember I even exist. But…I'm Guessing you don't want that as part of Lana's treatment?”

Talos shakes his head. “No! No, absolutely Not.”

Anrir actually stops walking and turns with an incredulous look on his face. “Is that Not the method we will be using? I brought the sedatives and amnestics for this reason.”

Zariel hisses. “You Always carry those and We are Not doing that to Lana.” 

Claude protests. “But we cannot allow Lullaby's nature as a psycher to be revealed to just Anyone!” 

“To be fair Zariel already informed us.” Talos brings up. “Lana can keep a secret! She doesn't need to be put under greater stress.”

You inhale nervously. “Okay, but even so how are we supposed to swing this? ‘Hullo mam! Your Astartes think you've got a bad case of the magic jeebies, Luckily I'm a specialist in treating the magic jeebies because I have Helpful magic jeebies!’ Like what am I meant to Say Here!?” You demand in a hushed but intense voice. “Her knowing isn't the Only issue I mean…would she even Believe that's possible??”

“Hmm…good point.” Khopesh hums, would the Hydra's human even allow herself to be treated? Did she even realize anything was wrong with her? “Have you Told her about the psychery present on her soul?”

“We have told her about the psychery present in her soul- and what we know of what’s ailing her- and the methods we could try to use for treatment. And then we tried those treatment options… those… failed, but we let her know and that we would be seeking specialists for help with the issue… and that great discretion and secrecy would be needed for safety.” Zariel states.

“She knows that talking about this sort of thing will not be good- either people think she’s mad… or that it will bring… the bad kind of scrutiny.” Keed adds.

That does give you slight relief. “Fair enough,” You concede, preparing yourself mentally to walk up to the door. But Khopesh gets the last word in. 

“But if this gets out, or my Lullaby is put in More danger and I find out ANY of you were involved, Noone will be safe. No One.” He growls, all with that vicious smile still stretched over his face. 

The hydra are momentarily stunned, but their expressions morph into various states at the implications in Khopesh's statement. 

Talos seems worried. Keed's eyes settle into a furious glare and Zariel's is a more subtle anger, but also…there was a certain amount of understanding in his eyes. “And if worst came to worst…we would defend our Lana with our very lives.” The apothecary answers. 

You shoot Khopesh a look, not liking him riling up the Hydras when things were smoothing over. His smile closes but doesn't drop. “I know you don't approve my Darling, but if I lose you I won't promise to hold myself back.” He elaborates. “I won't make promises I cannot keep.”

You huff, “Far be it from me to dictate your manners from beyond the grave. But at least Try not to go on a senseless rampage.” You concede, and take the last few steps to the door, before thinking about something else. “Ya'll got a secret door knock or…”

Zariel approaches and you make room for the apothecary, he opens what looks like an innocuous fuse box next to the door. Instead there's a keypad inside and you politely avert your eyes as to not see the code. 

Beep, beep, be-be-beep, beeeeep. Click

A few seconds pass before the door opens from the inside and an Ultramarine stands in the entrance. His face is guarded at first before he sees his shoal mates standing there. 

Then his voice gets a little rough, but he suppresses it down to whisper. “What on earth are you all doing with your true faces out!? Get inside before somebody sees…you…” 

Ah, it appears he's just noticed the two Nightlords and a Primaris AND a strange baseline all standing there…with his brothers…with their True Faces out in the open. 

“We'll explain in a moment Zarius, but we must hurry. This way please.” Zariel gestures for you and the others to enter. 

Zarius balks, but doesn't have a choice in letting your group file in. He hisses at Zariel “And Why are we allowing strangers into our nest?” 

Zariel turns with an unamused look on his face. “Would you prefer we try to treat Lana on the lawn?”

“I'd prefer we didn't have Other Astartes, Dangerous Astartes.” He growls, eyeing the Nightlord's. “Knowing the location of what is supposed to be our home!”

You are similarly unamused by his attitude, and by his disdain for your family. “Well maybe if Your brothers had respected the sanctity if My home, you wouldn't have to have three ‘dangerous’ Astartes coming in here while I treat your mate's magic jeebies.”

Zarius's wildly bright Teal eyes turn to you with shock. “You?? Are the healer? You're so tiny!” He leans in close, too close honestly as he examines you with disbelief. 

You're about to bark something like. “Personal space please!” But it seems Khopesh is doing that for you as he engulfs his body over yours, and bares his fangs at the new Hydra. The snap of jaws causes Zarius to recoil and his disguise to melt. 

“Feral brat!” Zarius growls with affront, Khopesh responds by holding you closer to himself/away from Zarius and growling/ snapping his jaws again at the Hydra. 

Anrir chuckles, and him being amused rather than stressed is the only thing stopping Claude from jumping between his adopted brother, and the petty Hydra. “Calm yourself Claude. It's just a bit of posturing, once the boundaries are established things will go more smoothly.”

Claude whispers back to his adopted father. “Boundaries?”

Anrir nods. “Oh yes, I've seen this many times. Baselines regularly visit each other's domiciles, when one or both of those baselines also have bonded Astartes, events like this can occur where some…anger or aggression must be gotten out before visits can proceed.”

Talos eventually speaks up. “Enough!” He storms forward and actually pushes Zarius back. “They've come to help our Lana! The Nightlord is their partner, and the two are a package deal.” He huffs, before his voice softens. “I Know you're more upset about our Lana being sick than anyone else being Here.”

Zarius seems ready to retort, but Keed places a hand on his shoulder. “I know it's not pleasant having strangers in the nest. But they Are here to help us.”

The overprotective hydra's posture deflates as he exhales. “Fine.” He allows. “Follow me, Orlys is keeping Lana company.” 

The house you grew up in is older than this one, so the structure accounts for Astartes better, but it's still a bit awkward with so many individuals moving through it. The sound of a TV playing some kind of program becomes louder as your group winds toward the middle of the house. 

Orlys is talking with Lana- and pauses to check, “Zarius? What is going on brother? I hear-”

He eyes the Night Lords, the Primaris Marine and the strange baseline human, and the rest of his squad. All but him are in their true faces. As he focuses on the strangers and their faces he asks, “... Who are these people? Why did you bring them here?”

“Orlys, it's okay, there's no need to be rude.” The baseline with dyed red hair and tan skin soothes, placing a gentle hand on her loyal protector's arm. “You know Zariel wouldn't lead anyone dangerous here.”

“They are strangers, Lana. I will not allow just Anyone to come near you without explanation. Especially given your state.” 

At this point you are getting a Bit fatigued by the attitude. “I'm here to treat your girlfriend's magic jeebies and These,” You gesture to your loved ones. “Are my family. Now are you gonna let me help or are you gonna make me lock up your body so I can do my job?”

Orlys's face scrunches up in confusion, of all responses he really wasn't expecting you to be so…salty. You don't wait for a response from the… ‘Iron Hand’ and decide to roll forward, turning your attention to the baseline in question. 

“Sorry for the rough tone it's been…a bit of a Day. And look at that it's not even 12 pm, joy of joys am I right?” You try to lighten the mood a bit though you Are somewhat out of your depth. Should you tweak your bedside manner? Be more professional? You feel like that ship sailed with taking your would-be kidnappers to breakfast. 

“It's nice to meet you. I go by Lana.” She says, nodding towards You with a small smile. “I do hope my boys weren't… too much to handle?”

She had heard the boys whispering, planning, plotting something. But they spoke too quickly in that High Gothic for her to track. She rubs her face “I have the feeling They were… unwise in their initial approach… and I do hope that they apologized for it.”

She gives a fond but stern look to two of her Hydras that had left a longer while ago, and didn't return until later than they said they would. Which causes Talos and Keed to avert their eyes with an embarrassed blush. 

She's had a headache that has steadily been getting worse all day. But she's trying to assuage it to no avail. “I know what it's like having a crazy day and it feels like it's been so long and still having way too long to go. Haha. It is one of those days where you want to go back to sleep.”

You smile, glad that your patient is taking this so well. “Well then. Let's sit down and see if I can help you sleep a little easier.” You gesture for Lana to sit down so you can both be comfortable. You take a breath, before you go into one more explanation. “I will say this, my usual…patients up to this point have been Astartes, in theory there's no reason I shouldn't be able to treat you. But this is new territory so I'll ask you to bear with me.”

“At this point I'm willing to try almost anything. I'm sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.” Lana replies, and adjusts herself at your prompting so you're both facing each other. You take another deep breath and you gauge how your power feels at the moment. 

Your mycelium still feels depleted, though less than it had been after using your armor locking burst. You turn to Khopesh. “I think I'll need a boost, mind being a battery for a little bit Sweetness?”

Khopesh tilts his head at your request, then he understands. “But of course.” He purrs, but rather than just taking your hand-

“Eep!” He picks you up and plonks you gently back down on his lap, taking your seat on the couch. “Khopesh??” 

Khopesh hums, supremely unbothered. “This way my bond is most directly supplying your mycelium…unless you are opposed to being held by me?” His voice takes on a playfully put upon tone, like a sad puppy begging to be allowed to chew on your curtains. 

You roll your eyes. “Just make sure I can still work, you Casanova cheese ball.” You turn back to Lana but quickly address Claude too. “Oh ah and Claude, I'm still new to using warp sight, get closer so we can both look at this.”

Claude begins to move. “Ah of course, I'd be happy to aid you.” 

“Ah Actually,” Zariel holds Claude back, politely but pointedly. “It was Keed and Orlys who originally detected the malignant psychery. Please allow them to help in this matter as they already know what to look for.”

“Ah…alright, fair enough.” You shrug. “Sorry Claude, you can stand by, my mistake.”

Anrir chimes in before Claude can respond. “Actually I would still like Claude to examine the process.” Anrir turns to Zariel. “This is only the second we have seen of a possible warp based illness. It would behoove us to examine and learn what we can in case other humans or Astartes are afflicted by similar ailments.”

Zarius seems hesitant to allow any of your group closer to Lana than they already are. He turns to Zariel. 

Should we allow this? 

They're already inside the house. And Anrir, though I am…hesitant about his true nature, does have a point. 

If he makes a wrong move I Will not hesitate. Orlys adds. 

Let us hope it doesn't come to that. Zariel turns his voice back to the real world. “We will allow this.” 

So you all settle into your positions, and like you've done countless times before, you grasp your power and visualize. 

Your eyes open and the room before you becomes fuzzy, all non-living objects are mostly dark save for the traces of life energy left by the occupants of the home. The hydra auras all come in varieties of Teal, the psychers being brighter of course. Khopesh's midnight blue aura and his flourishing bond sits beneath you/exuding through you which is…a bit unsettling visually but the energy flowing into your mycelium feels warm and comforting so you focus on that. 

Then you turn to Lana and focus, and what you see amazes you. 

Her human soul is a soft flourishing, nurturing green but the bonds attached to it are so…unique. 

You'd heard dozens of bonds described in dozens of floral forms, from brambles, to vines, to ivy, to sprawling floral arrangements of roses, sunflowers, orchids and almost any other plant or flower you could imagine. 

But hydra bonds were Completely different. They weren't flexible or floral at all, in fact they looked more like…

“Coral.” You say with wonder, and you have to tamp down on your urge to touch the structures directly…because then you might be poking Lana and you don't want to weird her out or cross boundaries. 

They're sturdy but also more brittle than the plant based bonds, perhaps that's why their bonds worked so differently. A coral grows Much more slowly than most plants after all. The structures also seemed to…flow with less warp energy. Or maybe it was the same amount but it was more restricted by the rigid structure. Hence them being less detectable, and less strong overall, at least when starting out. 

If someone were to maintain a lifelong bond with a group of hydras, perhaps their soul would eventually flourish with a full reef of connections that was just as strong as any typical bond. 

And perhaps just like a reef, something could be disrupting the environment, leading to Lana's declining health. 

Imdeed there is a thorny silver something curling around Lana and trying to disturb and disrupt the coral bond. You feel your anxiety twist in your stomach, and the Astartes note your stress hormones in your scent. 

“What is wrong?” Khopesh asks, shifting his grip on you slightly. 

You recognize the psychery, though you desperately wish to be wrong. 

You…you're not certain how to say this. “When…did you say this started?” You ask the hydras. 

Talos hums. “Hmm ah well…it was Before Sanguninala, maybe about…two months ago?”

FUCK! 

Okay stay calm…just…do what you've always done. You slowly start migrating your mycelium up to the thorny Silver vines, it turns out there are Many branching out and strangling the Hydra bonds. But it's so tightly bound that even while you try to only pull from the silver vine, it invariably pulls from the coral as well. 

“I don't think I can just…drain the silver vines…they're too tangled up with the coral.” You explain, taking a momentary break. “And while normal bonds can come back, I'm not sure how my abilities will affect Your bonds. I'm not sure I want to risk it.”

“So…this was pointless?” Orlys says gruffly. 

Claude comes to your defense. “They are still Learning about their abilities! Do not foist this blame on them.”

“I did not Say I was blaming them! No more than I ‘blame’ any of the other methods we tried.” Orlys snipes back. 

“BOYS!!” Lana eventually breaks. “Could you please just Stop and let Lullaby try to work through this!? I mean…unless you really feel that…nothing can be done.”

You think for a moment. “I don't think I can just drain the psychery away like I normally would…But maybe I can do something else…”

So you do, using yourself and your mycelium more like a bridge, you move the power from the silver creepers, into the coral bonds. Some draining still occurs but it's almost like stealing the nutrients back from one and giving it back to the other. It takes focus And both hands but one by one you trim the silver creepers back. 

Lana seems to begin breathing more easily. “I…I can feel it. My headache it's…it's finally going away.” You can feel the relief in her voice. The Hydras even feel the shift, perhaps their stress (and poor decision making) was also from More than just seeing Lana in pain. 

“Remarkable.” Keed breathes, shifting closer as he feels Lana's pain subside. 

Maybe they could feel something was wrong with their bonds, even subconsciously. 

With all the smaller vines trimmed back, there is only one left and it seems to be the source of all the other unwanted growth. You bring your mycelium up to the last and largest silver vine. 

(!)

You just blinked, and now you're…you're, staring at a concrete floor? You can't move, your limbs are Tightly bound and your throat has a shackle that almost cuts off your air. 

But at the same time…you feel like you're sitting on the couch still. But the feeling is, far away…muffled. 

You hear humming…a familiar humming as a large distorted shape makes its way into your…your cell. 

You're a captive. And the humming that makes the stomach that isn't yours twist and boil with rage is. 

“Ah~ Good morning, child of Magnus…tell me, are we going to behave today?” Hura asks will a sickening sweetness. 

A voice that isn't yours speaks…well shouts. “VILE ROTTEN NURGLE SPAWN TRAITOR! I WILL GUT YOUR FOUL INSIDES AND HANG YOU WITH THEM YOU- YOU-!”

All at once the confusion leaves and your own rage spikes, you shout without thinking.  “THE FUCK YOU WILL YOU METALLIC HEADASS BASTARD!” And your words come out of His mouth. 

For a moment nobody in the room moves. 

The body you're in speaks again. “Who said that!? What chaos trickery is this!?”

Hura seems stunned at the Grey Knight…talking to himself? 

You're stunned this is actually happening. “The FUCK?” The Grey Knight shouts in your accent followed by. “What in THE HOLY EMPEROR'S THRONE ARE YOU DOING TO ME!?”

Hura leans back for a moment, not out of fear but more confusion. “I am not exerting any power over you Grey Knight.” He then smiles. “Perhaps I should dissect your brain to diagnose the cause.” He says joyfully, drumming his fingers together before producing a gnarly looking saw blade. 

You feel your human stomach drop. “No! NoNONONO HURA IT'S ME! It's Lullaby!”

Hura recoils at your…His…its…His voice but your inflections coming out. “What?”

“Look I was trying to help somebody with  psychery issues and I ah…now I'm…Here.” You glance around the barren walls. “Is this where you've been keepin the fucker huh? I'd say it could use some curtains if I thought he deserved it-”

The body around your eyes shakes as…Draco. You don't know how you know that's his name but you know it, starts ranting again. “VILE WITCH! You DARE to attempt to possess me!?”

Maybe it's reckless but you can't help but laugh at the sheer indignity you feel from him. “HAH! You think I'd want to spend even a MINUTE inside your head by Choice! You attacked my family and friends and had the SHITTING NERVE to act like you didn't deserve it! FUCK YOU YOU TRIFFLIN ASS, ALUMINUM DIPSHIT, I HOPE YOU ROT IN HERE!’ 

Draco snarls back. “Impudent Brat! I will rip your mind and soul to PIECE-”

SMACK!

You feel disoriented as Huras fist clocks across Draco's face. He feels the pain completely while you feel a dampened version, plus some disorientation. 

“Hura what the fuu-” He stops you mid sentence and grabs your/Draco's head and his face is deathly serious.

“Lullaby! If that is really you Get out of his head Now! It's not Safe!” Hura snaps. 

Wait why? It's then you feel something lighting up your nerves. Draco is pulsing his neurons with psychery and it…it Does kinda hurt. 

Actually it Burns way more than the slap and you desperately try to think of a way out. Then you remember your seat on the couch, on Khopesh's lap and you desperately close your eyes and focus on racing back to that distant feeling-

“GASP!” You jolt, and you're back in the living room of Lana's house. 

The occupants look at you with concern, the two veteran Apothecaries are over your body which has been moved to the carpet floor. 

Lana leans past Talos so she can see what's happening. Anrir brings out a small light and checks your eyes and vitals. 

“I'm…ah…I'm okay…I think.” You don't try to sit up. “Ah…what happened?”

“You slumped over after your mycelium touched the largest silver vine.” Orlys explains, with some actual concern coloring his voice. “You spoke but you were here and yet Not here.”

“Not here?” You mumble. “No…I guess I wasn't just now.” You sit up a bit. 

“LULLABY!” Khopesh suddenly appears in your field of view which makes your heart jump. He's been at your head this entire time. 

“Sweetness!” You cry, opening your arms and letting him sweep you up off the floor. And in that moment…everything kinda hits. 

Draco could've killed you. Or made you a vegetable or any other number of Terrible things. You- You start weeping. “I-i'm so s-sor-ry! I didn't mean to scare you! I didn't mean to do it! I don't even know how it happened!” You sob into his neck. 

“Where were you!?” Claude asks worryingly. “Was it really inside the cell with-” 

Khopesh actually does growl a bit, only a little though he doesn't Want to be mad at Claude. “Don't make them answer. Let them recover for Curze's sake.” 

“I know I just-” Claude pleads. 

Anrir steps in. “I know you worry for them Claude, but for now they are whole and safe. Let them calm down and then we can ask them later.”

Lana chimes in. “I have a guest bedroom. They can decompress there. I'll make some tea for all of us.” She hurries off, now more energized thanks to the treatment you were able to accomplish. 

[gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan]

Eel

Author's note: I'm going to be trying to do Mermay 2025.

Summary: Zariel catches some eels for Lana.

Warnings: hunting. eels. cooking. eating. LMK if I need to add something

tagged: @sleepyfan-blog @c-u-c-koo-4-40k @i-am-a-dragon34 @ms--lobotomy @jaghatai-khock

tagged: @kit-williams @whorety-k @bleedingichorhearts @thevoidscreams @gra93fruit-blog

Tagged: @felinisnoctis @bispecsual, @egrets-not-regrets @finchly-tintinnabulation

Zariel is often one of the busiest of the shoal of Hydras that are happily Bonded with Lana as he is, the oldest, highest ranking and an Apothecary. At least he's able to hunt some Eels for himself and Lana to share as he croons out for Lana.

Roasted Eel over a fire- with soy sauce and spices- it smells so good and he cuddles with Lana. Who kisses him while cuddled in his arms as they eat.

Zariel listens to Lana as she talks about her day. He's quietly hums or gives a one or two word response. He's so happy to be back home where his hearts can rest. He loves her dearly.

"... Are you alright dear?" Lana asks, she noticed that he's been a bit quieter than normal and wants to check in with him.

"Oh- I am, I'm happy to be with you." Zariel assures, "Just a bit tired from having a long month away from you and the others."

"And you can't tell me what you were doing?" Lana asks.

"I was helping the Steelix Cliff Base with an issue, other than that, I'm not at liberty to discuss what all I was doing," Zariel says honestly, as due to what he does as a Hydra, such things are classified and he's not able to speak much. "I'd let you know more if I could beloved."

"I know love." Lana says as she leans into him.

[sleepyfan-blog]

In The Medbay

Author’s Note: This is the second part of Pallius’ in Husbandry. First. Other Black Templar adventures here. Thank you to @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan for letting me borrow her oc Zariel!

Tagged: @egrets-not-regrets @kit-williams @bleedingichorhearts @i-am-a-dragon34 

Warnings: none? Please ask me to tag something if I need to.

Summary: Pallius wakes up. He’s surprised by this. This is only the first of many surprises in store for the young Black Templar.

Pallius was pleasantly surprised to find himself awake. Considering how badly He had beaten him, the young Primaris Marine hadn’t expected to survive it. He wouldn’t have been the first Primaris Marine to fall to Petras’ bad temper and lethal hands, though he knew that the medicae would do their best to stabilize him, if he was able to be found in time. How he had ended up on a world with civilians on it, when he had been aboard The Sigismund when the punishment Petras had been delivering unto him moments ago made no sense whatsoever. 

His wounds ached somewhat, but far less than he was expecting them to… Was… Was he being given morpha, to relieve some of his pain? Pallius’ eyes shot open, and the view of an astartes-sized and grade medical bay filled his vision. He spotted a couple of Ultramarine apothecaries tending to other patients, moving swiftly and efficiently between them. 

… How had he ended up on a world of Ultramar? The Sigismund had been deep in Imperium Nihilus, chasing rumors of a second Primarch's possible awakening… And the strange moments of The Dark Angels…

Well, stranger movements of the Dark Angels. That particular chapter of Astartes had always been extremely secretive and unwilling to explain anything whatsoever. The way they operated reminded him of the Silver Bastard Trainers back on Mars. The ones he wasn't supposed to talk or even think about very much.

Despite the odd mysteries before him, his mind wandered back to the young mortal who had first found him, upon this world. She had been scared for him, and so earnestly trying to help. Her light touches had soothed wherever they had landed, and her voice had been a soothing balm to his ragged, guilt-ridden soil. Pallius needed to find her.

The young Black Templar looked down at himself assessingly. He had an IV attached to a clear plastic bag that was dripping… Something into his veins. His wounds that needed it were bandaged and presumably cleaned beforehand, per proper protocols.

And if there was one thing Ultramarines were good at, it was following proper protocol. Most of them, anyways.

Pallius’ body was covered by some egregious thin and flimsy light blue smock-thing and a blanket. He wiggled his toes, finding them free of the Vile Abominations known as socks, and bare. He needed to find that baseline mortal and thank her for what she had done. It was as if someone had tied steel cabling to the deepest part of his soul and tethered him to that mortal girl. He found that he did not mind this tether, but the near-frantic urge to find her and keep her safe and happy was enough to force him up and off of the comfortable bed.

A wave of morpha-induced dizziness hit Pallius hard as he managed to silently heave himself off of the bed and onto his bare feet. His fingers clumsily tied the blanket around himself over one shoulder in a parody of a toga, but it was better than the gown-thing he was wearing underneath the blanket alone.

One of his hands flew over to and grasped the IV pole, allowing himself to steady against it. Some clever soul had attached wheels to the base of the pole, which meant pushing it and the IV attached to him a lot easier. His wounds all protested simultaneously at the movement, but Pallius ignored them with all of the grit and determination that he could muster.

Pallius allowed himself a couple of seconds to breathe silently through the pain before taking a quiet step toward the medbay doors. Then another. Then a third. The young Black Templar moved slowly and with caution, so as to not aggravate his still-healing wounds to the best of his abilities, willing none of the Apothecaries to come over and bother him.

He had a (self-imposed) mission to complete, and by the God Emperor Himself, Pallius would see it done, or die in the process. Nothing and no one would be able to stop him on this righteous quest. Pallius continued to make his way to the medbay doors, and reached about three-quarters of the way there from the bed he’d woken up in, when an amused voice drawled out from behind him.

“Just where do you think you’re going, Scout?” One of the Ultramarines called out, an amused expression on his face and mirth shining in his blue-black eyes. 

“I need to find the mortal who first helped me. She was so nice and worried and I… I need to reassure her that I have survived. Do you know where she is?” Pallius asked, having partially turned to explain himself to the Apothecary before returning to his task of Leaving The Medbay.

“... And you want to find the mortal who helped you dressed like this, do you?” The Ultramarine asked, sounding very judgmental and amused.

Rude bastard. “Do you have any better ideas?” Pallius huffed, scowling (not pouting! He was a space marine, damn it) down at the older but shorter Astartes. “Or know where I may borrow some better clothes?”

“The answer to both of those questions is yes.” The Ultramarine Apothecary answered, still clearly laughing at him silently. “But first, please sit down. There is much to explain to you, and I daresay the explanation will help.”

Pallius blinked, obeying the tone of command without thought. A sigh of relief left him and the gray that had been eating at the edges of his vision faded. The pain ebbed and hey, he could breathe better again. “Will the explanation include how I arrived on a world of Ultramar?”

“Considering who you see in the medbay, I understand why you’ve guessed that. But no, we are not within the Realm of Ultramar. We are on Terra.” The Ultramarine revealed.

The Primaris Marine physically recoiled a little in shock and surprise, a silent gasp leaving him, his eyes widening as he tried to process this information. “H… Holy Terra? But… But I was many years from the Sol system, even by Warp Travel… And I thought that Terra’s atmosphere had long since become thin and heavily polluted. That is what we were told, sir.”

“In M42, this is true. However -” The Ultramarine - who introduced himself as Apothecary Zariel - explained the utterly wild and nonsensical tale of time travel that apparently every Marine currently on M3 Holy Terra had somehow undergone. Allegedly Zariel was from M36. He talked of the alliance, of bonds, of many fantastical and heretical things, ending with “And, as I can tell you don’t believe most of what I say -not that I blame you for that young one, this is a tale I would scarcely believe myself if I did not have proof of it, there are a few other Primaris Marines from M42 on base. I have asked two of them to join us. Cedric - who is an apothecary, and Ramiel, who is a Chaplain-in-training. Both of them are also Primaris Black Templars.”

“... Could you go over what these bonds are? How do you know if you have a bond? They… They aren’t heretical, are they?” Pallius asked, light blue eyes widening in surprise and recognition of the names of two of his Brothers.

Zariel smiled and gently patted one of his shoulders, having sat down partway through the long-winded lecture of absolute nonsense that he’d been trying to feed him. Why the other was trying to lie to Pallius so much, the young marine couldn’t begin to guess. All the other had to say was that it was classified for him to know where he was, and Pallius would have accepted that from the other. “Most commonly, a marine bonded to a baseline human feels the need to protect and care for that human. To ensure that they are happy and loved and that they know this. It is also common to want to spend as much time as possible around the human one is bonded to, and to feel a sense of anxiety or concern when away from one’s human for one reason or another.”

Pallius’ eyes widened and he fidgeted with his hands a little, looking away from the older Marine “And… And these bonds, they are… They are good things?”

“Yes, lad, They are wonderful gifts. Is there a particular reason why you ask?” Zariel asked, and he could hear a smile in the other’s voice.

“I think. I think I have a bonded human. The blue haired human who helped me until medicae got on the scene. I feel… I need. I need to find her. I need to make sure that she’s okay. I want to see her smile and laugh and be happy. I-I need to let her know that her care and concern weren’t wasted on someone who died, or does not think of her concern as the precious gift it is.” Pallius explained, a desperate desire to explain himself rising up within the young marine. “Please… I… I need to find her. To see her again.”

“Easy… Easy… Deep breaths. Follow my lead, lad.” Zariel instructed him, breathing in the manner that he wanted Pallius to copy. “Once you’re in a bit better shape -”

Pallius shook his head, his eyes wide and pleading “No! No, I need to see her now! I can’t… It can’t wait! I… I need to see her again. I will leave this medbay and find her on my own, the moment you leave me alone. Please! Her presence was a soothing balm. I know that I would do much better, heal faster, were she around.”

“Do you want your bonded human to see you half-dead from your wounds and half-delirious from both the morpha and blood loss?” Zariel asked, a sharpness in his voice, but a gentle understanding on his face. 

A chill ran through him. Would she see him as an ill-fitting protector, if she were to be brought to him while he was so injured, so frantic? The urge to find her was nearly all-consuming… But the idea of her rejecting him because he was a weak mess of emotions and injuries was enough to get him to stop dead in his tracks, both literally and metaphorically. “I… No…” He answered, his voice small and meek. “I don’t.”

“That’s what I thought. Now, I’m going to help you back to your bed. There are some gentle exercises that I will be happy to teach you that will help you heal better, but you must listen to me. You also must not push yourself, or you will strain your injuries and cause them to take longer to heal.” Zariel rumbled, a stern expression on his face.

Pallius ducked his head, shame burning in his hearts “Yes sir… Sorry sir…”

The stern expression on Zariel’s face softened somewhat. “I understand your eagerness to meet your bonded again. I, too have a bonded human. They are a wonderful companion, however the baseline you are bonded to would be distraught to see you in such a weakened state. Not because she’d judge you for being so badly hurt, but because she’d worry as to how you got into such a state. M3 is much more peaceful, and isolated from the horrors of the Galaxy. You want to be at your best when you meet her properly, yes?”

“Yes sir!” Pallius answered, nodding. He still felt the desire to go find the human he was Bonded to, but was able to temper that desire with the knowledge that he did not want to find them, only to collapse into a puddle of pain and bloodied meat before her feet. He obediently followed Zariel back to his bed and laid down, a sigh of relief leaving him, his eyes closing as he was stunned by how exhausted the short distance he had moved had made him.

Zariel untied the blanket he’d been wearing and tucked him into bed, running a gentle hand through his hair. “Sleep well, young one. Try not to sprint for the medbay doors when you wake up again, mm?”

“Yes sir…” Pallius yawned, letting himself settle into the comfortable embrace of sleep.

[abyssal-ilk]

by the time my cambion tav meets back up with shadowheart and lae'zel after the ship crashes and begins collecting the other companions, she's actively hiding her devilish nature and pretending to just be a tiefling by magicking away her wings. shadowheart and lae'zel already know she's a fiend but are decent with keeping the secret, and she waves away the other's suspicions somewhat easily when it comes up.

until the group meets up with karlach. the supposed devil karlach. who is actually just a regular tiefling. and who has fought my tav before and knows she's a cambion that serves zariel. messy,,

[vertexline]

DURGE ZARIEL DURGE ZARIEL DURGE ZARIEL DURGE ZARIEL DURGE ZARIEL DURGE ZARIEL DURGE ZARIEL DURGE ZARIEL DURGE ZARIEL DURGE ZARIEL DURGE ZARIEL DURGE ZARIEL

[preventthetoast]

My dnd character, Putrid, kills Zariel by (mostly) accident