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gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan · 2 days ago

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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.

#warhammer 40k #warhammer #adeptus astartes #space marine husbandry sentience #space marine husbandry #oc: hura #oc: Anrir #oc: cedric #oc: Ash'val #oc: Zariel #oc: Khopesh #oc: Oleandros #oc: Jophiel #oc: Kerubiel

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gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan · 2 days ago

Text

Requesting Aid part 1

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

Author's note: More of Kerubiel in Husbandry. Thank you to @c-u-c-koo-4-40k for letting me borrow Khopesh, and Lullaby as well as collabing with me on this fic. Thank you to @sleepyfan-blog for letting me borrow Cedric... Also thank you to both of Sleepy and C-u-c-koo for giving me Some Wonderful Ideas.

Author's note 2: This is set after the events of Draco getting captured. This is a bit of a jump in Kerubiel's time line. More of his early story will he posted later. I was just listening to lore on Primaris Dark Angels and just had to get this written.

Authors Note 3: This will be a two part series. It's all told a little over 13k words! Thanks again to @kit-williams, @sleepyfan-blog, and @c-u-c-koo-4-40k for helping with this part of the story. :)

Summary: Kerubiel, much to his displeasure, has to meet up with some of his older brothers, without any of his fellow Primaris there. So he asks Khopesh for help. It totally won't go wrong.

Warning: kidnapping, torture and interrogation, drugging, truth drugs, mind control, mind manipulation, stabbing, near death experiences, Let me know if I need to add anything.

Kerubiel finds the person he's been looking for and calls out to Khopesh, "Khopesh? Can I speak with you privately for a moment?"

"Sure," Khophesh says carefully. The Cub tended to be growly, but was getting better.

"I need you to stab me up through here and into one of my hearts. It won't kill me, but it will activate my Belisarian Furnace." He states, with a very serious expression on his face, "And we have to be quick about it."

Khopesh blinks before responding. "...Tell me why. I'm not saying no...but tell me why." Khopesh says, of all the things he thought he'd hear from Kerubiel, that…that was not one of them.

Kerubiel scowls, but not at Khopesh, "I am forced to interact with some fellow Dark Angels." He twitches a little, "The pride of lions has an Apothecary and an Interrogator Chaplain." His hands clenched into fists as he prowled around the room, Kerubiel had handed over the knife to Khopesh as he'd asked the question. "The First Borns in M42, especially the Dark Angels," He explains, unhappy to speak of such things to an outsider- but fuck those high handed first born bastards.

"The First Born so called brothers of mine had some /interesting/ protocols for us Primaris marines. Whenever they would have us checked over after battle, sent to the Apothecary to be healed. Or sent to a Chaplain of our Gene-line...." He pauses looking more angry than he's ever been, a flash of hurt on his face, "They would use brainwashing on us, twist our minds to blank obedience and compliance. Then…they would then send us into battle- 'they make good bullet sponges'. Bastards."

He clenches and unclenches his hands, "The only way for - for us to /remember/ what those bastards did to us- to make it so that we wouldn't be twisted into their meat shields is to have our Bellisarian Furnace active. So we - I, can remember what... what they make us do. To ensure that I ... I am myself instead of their /puppet/."

"The stipulations for these brothers is that I have to go myself- none of my fellow Primaris Marines- no, non-sons of the Lion can meet them." Kerubiel's shoulders droop, "please. I don't... I don't want them to take my mind from me.. to- to make me tell them what I don't want to... they could... they could take me away from Gannet Point- from ... from the Pride I have formed with the Primaris here. Please. Khopesh I-... fuck. I don't want my brothers to take my mind from me again. Khopesh please. You- you have helped Claude and the others before... You... seem trustworthy enough..."

Khopesh takes in a deep breath as he processes what he's learning, "Are you Sure you don't want me to just kill them? Cause I can do that for you. I'll make it look like an accident and /Everything/."

He watches Kerubiel for the moment as the Dark Angel mulls over his counteroffer, the more he learns about how poorly the Primaris Marines were treated by their older brother, the more their reactions to everything makes sense. No wonder they could get so... hostile and weird about things so quickly.

Kerubiel responds with a hesitant, but honest, "I'm not sure if they are the brainwashing types or not. If they are, yes I want you to kill them and make it look like an accident."

"Alright fine I'll do this for you. But the Moment! You get back to base, you trot your ass to the apothecary. And you didn't get stabbed by Me. Understood?" Khopesh says sternly. He doesn't want to leave the younger marine stabbed and surrounded by potential enemies who were, on the outside, nominally older brothers and allies.

"Thank you!" Kerubiel almost looks like he's going to cry or hug Khopesh but blinks firmly and his hands twitch, "of course, you are doing me a favor, I'm not going to rat you out for stabbing me because I asked you to."

"While I appreciate that…Oh who am I kidding of course they'll ask questions. Just tell them I got too into it and stabbed you in a spar. They'll believe that. Ah...the Loyalists may not even need to be Told. They'd assume it was one of us. Better they just think it's me rather than Claude or Anrir or Karlsy. Most people know I'm...energetic." Khopesh says with a huff and a shake of his head.

Kerubiel nods, "very well- and they know I tend to say things that piss you off anyways... even though half the time I don't intend to."

"Ah you're getting better. And you haven't reoffended since. No hard feelings, little cub!” Khopesh growls playfully, ruffling the lion cubs short mane.

Khopesh turns the knife over in his hands. “So...am I supposed to stab you Now? Or do you want to like...be a little closer to the meeting point?" Khopesh asks, he feels a little honored that Kerubiel of all the Primaris was starting to trust him. It was a good thing though. He'll tell Anrir about this shit show later.

"Closer to the meeting point. too soon, and I'll heal too much before the meeting happens." Kerubiel says. "I'll take you near where the location is."

"And...what if the meeting goes on for a while? What then?" Khopesh asks, as Kerubiel bleeding out and dying was a very real possibility with this plan.

"I will either heal or die," Kerubiel says with a shrug, then he adds saying, " I can also still use my teleporting power to get the hell out of the meeting if it goes on too long."

Khopesh stared at him for a moment, "Alright, let's go…meet, your older brothers, then.”

Kerubiel nods and begins walking. And though still uncertain about…ALL of this Khopesh follows.

…

They come to a stop near where his brothers set the meeting place. It's near a clearing in the forest where he'd first landed on Ancient Terra. "They are only just out of hearing range. Time to stab."

"Are you sure about this?" Khopesh asks Kerubiel.

"Yes, if you stab me now, by the time I get to the meeting I will have stopped bleeding enough for me to claim it's older than it is while having my Furnace activated."

"Alright, here goes nothing." Khopesh says as he swiftly moves and stabs Kerubiel with near lethal precision, up through the ribs and into one of his Hearts.

Kerubiel grunts in pain and then nods jerkily as Khopesh backs off with blade in hand. Kerubiel shoves a bandage in the wound to keep his blood from dripping on his armor. His blood clots and his furnace is activated. He nods towards Khopesh, "thanks for your help." He grunts before turning and making his way to the meeting location.

Khopesh nods, but he doesn't walk away. He's going to wait a few minutes before following Kerubiel. Because while the Primaris was uncertain whether these brothers were mind stealing assholes or not, Khopesh wasn't going to merely sit back and hope for a better outcome.

Part of him wanted to give the younger Scout some backup, even if he didn't realize he had some. Khopesh has heard that Dark Angels' legion could be paranoid and a secretive bunch. It's likely part of why the Dark Angels had Not come to Stone Flame Base to meet with Kerubiel.

Khopesh is glad to have enough of the surly Dark Angel's trust to help with this issue... even if he's going to sneak along without the primaris 'noticing'.

…

Kerubiel comes upon the retinue of Dark Angels as his feet carry his…somewhat disconnected body to the meeting place. He greets his older, -more experienced, more dangerous, more important- brothers with stiff, polite formality.

"Sir! Primaris Scout Kerubiel." He clicks his heels together and stands at attention, and salutes the highest ranking officer. Who turns to look at him, a grizzled older first born with plenty of battle scars and repaired Armor.

The Lieutenant makes him wait five minutes before slowly saluting back and saying, "At ease, Scout."

Kerubiel goes to ease the rest of the squad of astartes and slowly starts to encircle him, and he does his best not to twitch or growl or follow their movements by moving his head around. He occasionally watches them out of his peripheral vision.

"You are a large one, aren't you?" The Chaplain draws out his grey eyes cold, calculating and assessing.

"Primaris Marines are built larger than First and Terran Born Space Marines, sir." Kerubiel explains steadily, having heard the unspoken question of 'are you Chaos Corrupted?’

"Hm," the Apothecary eyes him, "come closer, I need to assess you for health." Kerubiel's stomach clenched a little.

"I have had a medical check up by Apothecary Cedric recently, sir," Kerubiel says, shaking his head, hoping that they will allow him to say no.

"And was this Apothecary a member of the 1st Legion?" The Apothecary asks, eying him sharply.

"Does that matter, sir?" Kerubiel asks.

"That's a no, then," the Apothecary mutters to one of the others, "Scout, you are going to be given a medical Exam by myself."

"I don't want to be examined by you out here." Kerubiel responds firmly, backing away from the pushy Apothecary.

He spots something in one of the Apothecary's hands…

A Needle.

Hpyno-drug therapy was one of the ways he and his Primaris brethren were dragged further under their elder's control. While his furnace is active, at least he will wake up faster and remember what the bastards do to him, even if he can't stop them from taking over.

Kerubiel backs away from the Firstborn Space Marine. Part of him hopes that Khopesh's inquisitive nature had led the Night Lord to stalk after him. Despite him vaguely insisting on going to the meeting alone.

"Stop moving," the highest ranking brother barks out in a commanding tone.

The pit of stress in Kerubiel's stomach twists in two directions; fear of disobeying, and fear of what may happen if he doesn't disobey. The contrary sensations leave him vulnerable, unable to move, unable to fight or flee or even speak-

There is a soft sound, barely a rustle before- "AHHHRGH!" Kerubiel comes back to his senses seeing a familiar shape in dark blue armor. Khopesh must have been hiding in the foliage and struck just as the Apothecary reached for him.

And that reach had been his undoing as the Night lord mercilessly sank his teeth into the meat of the Apothecary's forearm. One of Khopesh's Claws was braced against the Lion's upper breastplate, partially obscuring his face. Seems these Lions hadn't had the benefit of all of them falling here with full armor.

The sound was almost sickening as the Night lord used his strength and position to sever the unarmored forearm, snapping the ulna and radius as if they were Chicken bones in the mouth of a wolf hound, while shoving the Apothecary back so he stumbles into his brethren.

But Khopesh wasn't finished yet. Even as the Lions rally, and curse and draw their weapons he Still puts on a show of sinking his teeth into the disembodied limp so it CRUNCHES again before spitting it out as if it offended him. "He said No, FUCK OFF!"

Even with the Apothecary down, their perimeter is choked and swords are fully drawn, accusations are being shouted. "Time t'go." Kerubiel grunts out as his vision flickers.

It's all the warning he can give Khopesh as he snags the bloody Night Lord and teleports the pair of them to Stone Flame Base, near the Apothecary Bay that Cedric’s working at and his knees buckle.

"I appreciate the save but...why was biting specifically your first idea?" Kerubiel asks as he leans heavily on the Night Lord, curious as to his answer.

Khopesh smiles in that unsettling way, amplified even more so by the blood still smeared across his mouth and neck, and simply replies. "Gotta use what you've got remember?"

He pulls his lips back with one clawed finger to further emphasize the frankly Disturbing number of sharpened teeth he has, with a doubly disturbing coat of blood. "Besides...those Lions looked like they could use a reminder about having polite hands. Some learn and some don't." He says with a shrug.

If he was fully honest Khopesh had considered mauling a chunk from either the bastard's severed arm or even his Unsevered arm and Eating it in front of them. But he'd probably not had the time for such embellishments.

Given proper time he'd have chewed it with his mouth open, make an even bigger show for those grabby Lions so they had plenty of material to infest their Nightmares. Oh well...ripping a limb off, and snarling while covered mouth to neck in blood did a well enough job for intimidation he supposed. Notes for next time.

"Fair point," Kerubiel says as he leans into Khopesh. He's drained of energy from the grox-shit day he's had and the use of psykery to teleport two people.

“Woah…easy Cub I've got you.” Khopesh grunts, supporting the youngster who does have some height on him.

Khopesh half carries Kerubiel into the med bay and Zariel comes over and fusses over the Dark Angel Primaris Marine. Naturally he asks (interrogates) the pair of them, and gets the story out. Well, a version of the story that has a lot of truth in it.

"There are things you aren't telling me," The almost teal eyed Ultramarine says, frowning at the pair of them.

"Yes." Kerubiel says flatly. "And I'll talk to Cedric about it if it becomes relevant." He huffs, not really wanting to share details of this encounter, however brief.

Khopesh having no such hang ups and Not being the best at room reading chimes in proudly. "Keru was almost kidnapped by Dark Angels," Khopesh says with a wicked grin, some blood still on his teeth, "And I helped stop it."

"Grox-slinging Dark Angels," Zariel swears softly as he rubs his face, "Alright. I'll put out a subtle warning about a First-Born Dark Angel that had his arm bitten off by another Astarte."

He sends out the message to several of his fellow Apothecaries he knows that will be discreet about it, including Hura and Cedric. Hydra help them, because Zariel has a bad feeling this won't be the last he hears of this incident.

…

A few days later Zariel gets a ping on his vox.

Cedric had been sent the odd message from Zariel about the 'Dark Angel with severed limb'. He can tell that there is a story, one that he hopes he'll get more of if he finds those miscreant Dark Angels.

And as it turns out they might've just got their first proper lead. A squad or so of Dark Angels has come to the clinic with an Urgent Case.

Limb reattachment, as well as to help with a partially infected bite. Cedric asks the older cousins, "What happened to you?"

"We had been talking to a skittish younger brother Keru- something and he didn't want to be checked over by our Apothecary despite us knowing he was injured." One of the other Dark Angel's grumbles.

"We tried to…address his injury and when he became disobedient, and agitated we moved to restrain him. Then this! Night Lord jumped our Apothecary out of nowhere and bit his Throne Damn arm off!" The Interrogator Chaplain says indignantly. "And said 'don't touch him'... then the little brother somehow teleported off with the Night Lord."

That…that indeed sounds like two Space Marines Cedric knows Very well, but he still requests a description.

And indeed, they describe Kerubiel, he had suspected as much with the half a name they'd given him earlier. And while Khopesh can get violent- it's usually for a reason.

Knowing this, the Lion's dismissive and pompous attitude irks something in him, and Cedric finds himself speaking before he can rethink doing so. "Keru has good reason to be wary of firstborn Dark Angels, considering what they've done to him and his fellow primaris," was Cedric's snippy response.

"So, you know the younger brother then…Templar?” The Chaplain drawls, but his voice is anything but mellow. Cedric feels his stomach twist a little, but he forces himself to stay composed.

“I only know him in the medical sense, Sir.” He lies quickly, but convincingly, he hopes anyway. “And as I am Certain you are aware. I am bound by the code of Patient Doctor confidentiality. Even if I Did know him better I would not be able to disclose that information. I'm sure you understand.” He finishes, and there's no ignoring the venomous edge to his tone.

And the Chaplain clearly sees that, and Doesn't back down. “Allow me to tell you something You should Understand Scout.” He growls, low and cold. "Our Chapter Master has requested we take a Primaris, preferably of our Gene Line, into our custody. However you feel of the matter is irrelevant Templar." The Dark Angel veteran narrows his eyes and Cedric tamps down on his slowly building R a g e. "And whether it is Him we present to our Chapter Master or another, the cub Will be brought to heel, and re-educated on Proper expectations of obedience. He is one of the wards of Our Legion, no one else's." He huffed, turning with a step but not before one more barb was thrown. "And trust me, that Night Lord will Also be disciplined accordingly. Once he is found, his fate will belong to Us."

Cedric feels his anger and fear churn in his stomach, hot and cold, ice and burning. He forces himself to Wait, wait and count that (Deadman walking) bastard's steps until his mind settles.

Then he quickly sends a vox to the primaris group chat, warning them of grabby firstborn Dark Angels, and to never be without a battle buddy. While his message is urgent he keeps his movements casual, professional, unsuspicious. Then he takes a deep breath, and puts on his most Accommodating smile. It doesn't touch his eyes in the slightest.

"Fascinating. You should definitely speak with apothecary Hura. I'll go get him for you."

"...Very well," The highest-ranking Dark Angel says magnanimously.

Cedric walks slowly and with purpose until he's certain he's out of the Dark Angel's hearing range. Then he skitters to Hura, eyes wide and anxious. He's learned one of the better tactics to get the slow moving and calculating Chaos Death Guard to move swifter and to aid not only himself, but his other primaris marines, even the ones he's more ambivalent towards.

Cedric explains the Dark Angels, and his concerns, "Hura? I'm worried that Keru could be in danger due to the... paranoid and often scorched planet tactics of the First Legion."

As he speaks he stares up at Hura with very big and sad eyes. One might call them sad puppy eyes. He thanks his brothers who know how to sucker convince older brothers and cousins easily of things with some subtle manipulation of facial features. Jophiel was really good at it most of the time.

"Hmm... that's concerning, I shall see what I can do to make them go away." Hura says.

"Thank you, Hura," Cedric says sweetly.

"You are welcome." Hura says as he pats Cedric’s hand.

Hura gets up and sends a message to Zariel about finding the naughty Dark Angels. Zariel will be nearby to help while Hura looms over the misbehaving space marines. The Dark Angels turn and glower at him as he enters the room.

He smiles in response. Ah…this is going to be Fun.

…

“Okay so the game works like This.” Jophiel explains folding a larger piece of paper several times half by half by half.

Lullaby and Claude sit on the other chairs at the art room table, listening intently with various art supplies of their preference at their sides.

“The challenge is to make a coherent image or story by drawing one new picture each; one after the other. When one fold is full we unfold and continue the process until the whole page is covered! And it's supposed to be much more difficult doing it with multiple people.” The Blood Angel trills.

Claude nods. “Okay, one question though…”

“Yes Claude?”

“What is this exercise for? Like…what is it meant to train us for?” The Primaris Ravenguard asks, eyeing the charcoal pencils he'd picked out skeptically.

“Fun! That's what!” Lullaby replies excitedly, picking up their colored pencils. “Plus it challenges your brain to be creative and work with whatever marks or drawings the person before you left behind. Adapt, Improvise, Overcome!”

Claude nods again. “Okay. But who starts?”

“We could flip a coin…twice.” Lullaby offers. “Or just go around the table. Jophiel's the one who brought up the game so he can go first.”

“I would be Honored.” Jophie says with a flourish. “I will start with a sigil of Sanguinius!”

Jophiel leans over the folded page and begins making the design, once he finishes he passes it to Lullaby.

But…their face takes on an odd look. “Uh…Jophie? Didn't you say you wanted to make the Blood Angel symbol.”

“Yes?”

“Isn't this the sigil for the Dark Angels?” Lullaby asks, confused and turning the paper back to him so he can see.

And indeed, the symbol for the first Legion stares back at him. “I…That is…odd?”

He truly doesn't remember Doing that.

Lullaby shrugs. “I mean it's fine. I'm gonna try to draw Kerubiel.” They say, happily filling in the page accordingly.

Lullaby's firmly a hobby artist but dare they say it is recognizable as Kerubiel, with the Dark Angel sigil on his Pauldron, and their best execution of his slightly sour face.

Then they pass the paper to Claude.

“Hmm…I think I will draw a forest with a night sky behind him.” He states, scribbling with his charcoal pencils.

Once he's done he passes the paper to Jophiel.

Jophiel's expression shifts. “Claude?”

Something about Jophiel's voice feels unsettling. “Yes? What is it?”

Jophiel turns the image around. “These trees look rather…ominous. Did you mean for them to look so?”

Claude and Lullaby look at the page and…”What on earth?” Claude breathes.

That…that's not a forest at night. Claude sees that his image is indeed much more sinister. As it appears Kerubiel is surrounded by shadowy figures. And behind his form is…something pale?

With how the image is now it almost looks like Kerubiel is laying on some kind of bed. The figures around him make Claude's proverbial hackles stand on end. There is a flash of something, and some blood trickles down Claude’s nose, and down from Jophiel's eyes as witch-fire blue flares in their pupils. Things get… hazy.

“Claude? Jophie? What's wro…ng…?” Lullaby's voice fades into the backdrop

The figures…they feel Wrong. They feel Like Danger. Claude and Jophiel stare at each other, blinking, and at Lullaby's worried face before they look down at the page. A spark of witch-fire flashes into their eyes as they start to mutter feverishly- quickly as they draw, each of them drawing something, grasping for colored pencils and adding more to the scene.

Lullaby watches the pair of them closely- Karlsor had talked about Psyker ‘grox-shite’ to them and how to tell if someone is having a Vision Episode- which it looks like Jophiel and Claude are having- and from the story that’s being painted on the page, it’s a dark one.

Lullaby may not understand their muttering especially in Gothic but they can parse certain words.

“Kerubiel…danger…cut…death…” And rather than intervene, what they hear compels them to keep passing the page back and forth; grabbing and passing colored pencils between the two until the story unfolds.

Lullaby bites their lower lip worrying it a bit, the pictures they are drawing take on a darker and more dire meaning. Kerubiel? Lullaby frowns- oh no. They are drawing more about Kerubiel. That’s not good as Lullaby watches the picture being drawn more of the shared snatches of a vision come into clarity.

Other Dark Angels- from what Lullaby knows of Space Marines- they are likely First Born, and not Primaris, even if Lullaby only vaguely knows the difference between them. Mostly it seems like Primaris are bigger and younger. Or at least, from what Lullaby can tell.

A Surgical Table surrounded by shadows. Lullaby’s eyes widen as the shape of the surgical table and the blood seems to almost drip off the page. The baseline can almost smell it, and their stomach roils.

Dark Angels standing around a surgical table where Kerubiel lies bleeding. Knives- Kerubiel is awake- is screaming- thrashing strapped, and being cut open alive. Awake. Aware. And his brothers are doing this to him. They are watching as they take him apart piece by bloody piece. Until he dies- it takes a long time, far too long for him to die- betrayed by those who called him brother.

First examining, then pushing, picking, prodding and finally, Extracting. Cutting away each useful organ and seeing how long the body of a Primaris holds out. Until there's nothing left but a shell with Kerubiel's face.

Then like wings of a raven- a bat or something. Cackling Mischief, playful, fierce, protective, vicious. And the vision- the drawing fractures. Kerubiel. Khopesh. The possibility of the future still potentially, dangerously close, but stopped. By the talons of a Bat. For now, at least.

Oh shit. The colored pencils drop, the blue witch-fire in their eyes fades and they groan clutching their heads with pain, and confusion.

By habit Lullaby brings their hands to each of their shoulders, their warp pacifying touch quickly lessening the pain of the vision.

“T-thank you.” Jophiel gasps. “What…happened?” Claude follows, each wiping blood from their noses, and faces.

Lullaby doesn't immediately respond, instead their trembling hands grasp and hold up the finished drawing. Jophiel and Claude take it in, and though they do not shake, their dawning horror is the same.

“I'm hoping it's what hasn't happened.” Lullaby says bleakly. “We need to find Kerubiel, and Khopesh. Now.”

“Yes” “agreed” Both boys say as they get up. They both sway a little- using Psykery on Ancient Terra is very draining. Visions take a lot more out of a person in this time and place.

“I’ll send a message to Khopesh over vox,” Claude says.

“I’ll send a message to Cedric- I think he or Olly knows what Keru’s up to today.” Jophiel says as he sends a vox message to Thressl and then calls Cedric waiting on him to pick up the phone, trying to keep the panic from rising.

“Cedric speaking,” Jophiel hears his brother-cousin’s voice, “what did you need Jophie?”

“Do you know where Keru or Khopesh are? I and Claude had a really bad vision- and Keru’s… his brothers are going to-.” Jophiel takes a deep breath to steady himself. “Live dissection until there’s not but a hollow shell and his face left.”

“Technically I think it's a…Vivisection, since he seems to be…Awake and Aware…oh Lord I think I'm going to be Sick.” Lullaby swallows the lump and the bile threatening to come out of their throat, and turns the image away.

“... Keru’s fine- he’s training with Olly, they are being overseen by Captain Ash’val,” Cedric says, his tone both soothing and concerned, “did you see the faces of the… of his potential tormentors?”

“Vaguely,” Jophiel says, “Claude and I drew the vision down on a page. It was- it would have happened, might still happen, but Khopesh… did something and the path is fractured- for a time.”

“Where are you and Claude now?” Cedric asks, “I’m going to send Nanael and Atlas over to talk to you two and see this… vision picture art piece.”

“We’re hanging out with Lullaby in the second floor Art Rooms.” Jophiel says, and the one they'd chosen is mercifully empty.

“Khopesh was supposed to run some errands for Anrir today.” Lullaby speaks so the vox to Cedric can pick them up. “You don't think…you don't think he's in danger Right?”

“Hopefully no more so than Khopesh ever is. See if you can get through to him, he's more likely to respond to you immediately.” Cedric replies. “We will find them both, and make sure they are safe. For now please also tell Nanael and Atlas what you know. It will help protect them.”

Lullaby nods, pulling themselves more together with a deep sharp breath. “Okay. Stay safe Cedric.”

“Always.”

Lullaby does as advised, practically ripping their phone out of their bag and speed dialing their Khopesh. It rings more than three times and every ring causes a new twist of anxiety in their gut.

Click “My, my~ To what do I owe the Pleasure of this call my sweet Lullaby.” Khopesh purrs in the way that would Normally drive Lullaby crazy but their fear is overriding any other sensation at the moment.

“Are you safe?” Lullaby blurts as they see one familiar winged shape and one unfamiliar and not winged coming towards where they, Claude and Jophiel are standing.

“...I am in the Cleaning Aisle of the Supermarket…why would I not be safe?” Khopesh asks, and indeed, the hum of the store comes through the phone.

“Jophiel and Claude had a vision. A nasty one, and I'm pretty sure it involves You.” Lullaby replies, wincing as they look over the vision drawing. Beautifully rendered, horrific in subject. “And Kerubiel…and a Bunch of other Dark Angels??” Lullaby explains. “Please get back to base as soon as you can. And Whatever you do! Do not approach any other Dark Angels.”

“...” The pause on the other end makes you nervous, until you hear Khopesh growl under his breath. “Should have let me finish the job, and make it look like an accident!”

“...what?”

“Nothing!” Khopesh sing-songs in reply. “I will purchase Anrir's items and spirit myself back to you Lullaby, see you soon.”

Lullaby exhales, feeling as if they can breathe more easily…just a bit. “Good. See you soon. And Khopesh?”

“Yes my Darling?”

“I Love you.”

“Ah! Your Gothic is improving every day. I adore you, my Lullaby. See you soon~”

Lullaby drops the call and quickly explains to Claude and Jophiel that “Khopesh will be on his way home soon.”

…

Meanwhile in Hell.

“Hold Still, or I will not be able to Reattach your limb.” Hura grouses at the squirmy Dark Angel apothecary. Honestly! Apothecaries truly do make the worst patients even when they're not suspects in some kind of Primaris conspiracy.

“Let go! Let me go you Chaos Scum!” The Apothecary snarls from the medical bed, thrashing against the restraints.

Meanwhile Cedric stands between Hura and the other Dark Angels, using his height and size to keep them from interfering.

“Out of the way you whelp! You will not remove our Apothecary from our sight!” Snarls the Interrogator Chaplain in Cedric's face.

Cedric naturally pulls up his ‘customer service’ smile again, this time there is just a Hint of true enjoyment in his eyes. “I'm sorry Sir, but as you've said your Brother Apothecary was involved in an incident with another Space Marine. He'll need to be separated to go into surgery, and due to the Clear infection his mental state can be considered… diminished.”

There was an indignant noise from the patient behind him and the potential future patients in front of him at his words. Cedric tried to think of something else to say to try to calm the situation down a little.

Cedric supplies. “We must question him alone to ensure your presence does not…distort his recollection.”

The Chaplain is taken aback before the rage returns. “You think we will just allow you to-”

Cedric holds up a hand, cutting the Chaplain off with such satisfaction. “How you, or your squad feel about this is…ah yes!…Irrelevant.” Cedric explains. Oh, but that feels good to be able to say, especially to first born brothers- er cousins, And Especially to threats to his brothers.

“You cannot Force treatment on him!” The Chaplain argues hotly.

“True, but we are compelled to act in the Patient's best interest, and in the case of a Patient with a diminished mental state with a serious injury, We are allowed to use our discretion.” Cedric replies. “We are also able to use discretion if visitors to our clinic are acting in a reckless or dangerous manner. So unless you and your pride would also like to be strapped down and sedated, I suggest you Stand Down.”

The Dark Angel Chaplain's speechless face is almost as satisfying as his last gasps of life would be. But patience, patience, you can't find a hornet's nest if you smash the one that could lead you there.

Cedric turns on his heel once Hura and the still cursing Dark Angel Apothecary have successfully left the room, on their way to the surgery floor. Hura and Cedric clean and suit up to do surgery on the Dark Angel- and they do reattach the limb. As the Dark Angel is still under anesthesia.

Zariel is also helping scrub up- the Ultramarine notices the strange tension in the room and after he finishes helping with the surgery he fades into the background, but close enough to hear Hura and Cedric speak.

“We should call in Anrir,” Hura says calculatingly.

“... Anrir is picky about getting into… heated discussions, like this, without a personal vested interest.” Cedric says.

Zariel closes his eyes and tries not to swear. This sounds like it’s shaping up to be an Incident of some kind, one that could cause a feud that could cause much blood shed. Precious blood that shouldn’t be spent so frivolously on this place of such limited resources.

Hura turns only mildly surprised, but very proud and pleased with that very clear and accurate assessment of Anrir’s character. “True, but they have threatened Khopesh- of which Anrir does not tolerate threats to his sons.”

“That’s true.” Cedric says with a frown, “they did threaten Khopesh.”

Hura nods and calls Anrir, who picks up on the second ring, “Anrir here.”

“I need some Sodium Thiopental, and for you to help me with an issue, discreetly, for the moment, and come quickly we have a Dark Angel to interrogate.” Hura requests with a menacingly happy tone, he’s not threatening Anrir, that the Terran Born Night Lord can tell.

Zariel is most definitely staying for this and he shifts a little bit. Cedric turning to look at him and frowns at him and battle signs. [why are you still here?]

[I heard you were plotting to administer truth drugs.] Zariel battle signs back. [I was the one who sent out the BOLO about the ‘Dark Angel Apothecary with arm bitten off’ Remember? I can help.]

[Don’t interfere with this matter, Ultramarine.] Cedric warns, the way he twists the last sign sounded sarcastic as fuck.

[I won’t. I can and want to help. If only I know what is going on.] Zariel counters.

[You’ll hear more soon enough] Cedric responds.

“Hm… Why would I help administer a drug which suppresses someone's ability to think before speaking, in simple terms?” Anrir asks, he’s got some beakers in his hands as he continues to work, arching an eyebrow on the other line.

“Because this Dark Angel and his Pride of Lions have threatened one of your sons.” Hura says straight and to the point. “I especially wanted to warn you because they seemed to be describing Khopesh in particular.”

Hura hears the sound of breaking glass on the other side of the call. “What?”

“Yes the Dark Angels mentioned a bitey Nightlord with a Mouth Scar.” Hura's voice is as sweet as poisoned wine. He then sends over the video/audio recording of one of the Dark Angels describing Khopesh- and what the Dark Angels were going to do to him when not if they find him.

Anrir breaks something else as he hears that. All blasé attitude going out the window the moment he hears the Dark Angel's are targeting his son. Before when Hura was discussing the situation Anrir had been acting a little dismissive because his empathy only goes so far until Hura expounds that the Dark Angels plan on finding Khopesh and "deciding his fate".

“I am on my way.” Anrir says his voice is dark and dangerous.

“Oh excellent, because you are going to be here, we will be more in the right with our actions. Those Dark Angels made a threat, and with you here, we will be more able to retain the Apothecary at the clinic to get the information out of them.”

Retain in this situation meaning keeping captive, drugging and interrogating the Dark Angel. Of which Hura, Anrir and Cedric are well aware is something that is going to happen. Hura turns towards Cedric and eyes the younger Apothecary.

“... Have you gotten your training in enhanced interrogation techniques yet?” Hura asks Cedric.

“I am a fully qualified and trained Apothecary, Hura,” Cedric says, looking Hura straight in the eye levelly. “That includes interrogation and application of medications and methods of discussion and compliance.”

“Wonderful,” Hura says, sounding quite pleased.

“Oh- so you have more teeth than I thought,” Anrir says, having almost seemingly teleported over to the clinic.

“Yes Sir,” Cedric says politely nodding to Anrir, “He’s waking up from the limb attachment surgery soon.”

…

“Break!” Ash'vals voice cuts through the air in the training gym, causing both participants to halt their match.

“I can keep going for longer.” Kerubiel announces, rolling his shoulders to loosen them. “These bouts are so short, I'm barely getting winded.”

“You said that last time we trained too, right before you nearly passed out. Besides this isn't a reward, you're both on Basic drills until I say so.” Ash'val responds, grabbing some hydration rations and tossing them to the two Primaris. “And knowing how to Pace Oneself is also vital in combat. You would do well to remember that, lion cub.”

Kerubiel grouses under his breath, and catches the ration. Olly shrugs, before cracking open his own and chugging it.

But Oleanderos notes that…Kerubiel does not drink his, simply stowing it in his pack when Ash'val glances away for a moment.

“5 Minute Break, then we'll be doing laps.” He tells his charges, before a ping on his vox takes his attention. “Take a moment to meditate on your training and where you can improve.” The old dragon steps off to the side, and into the hallway to answer the message.

Kerubiel seems to become more aggravated and mutters that last phrase under his breath mockingly. Olly does catch the last thing he grouses and it…concerns him.

“I don't need to meditate I Need to train!” Kerubiel growls spitefully, standing up.

“...What are you doing?” Olly asks carefully.

“What does it Look like Oleanderos?” Kerubiel snarks, shifting from a poised stance to drawing his sword. Miming his movements on an invisible opponent.

So the full name came out…interesting. “It looks like you're going to get in trouble.” Olly points out. “Ash'val said-”

“RrrgGh!- SO WHAT!?” Kerubiel shouts, turning vitriol on Olly and swapping to Gothic. “WHAT DO I CARE WHAT SOME FIRST BORN COMMANDER BASTARD THINKS!? IT'S NOT LIKE THEY ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT US!” Kerubiel insists, ranting and pacing. “IT'S NOT LIKE THEY'VE EVER SEEN US AS ANYTHING MORE THAN TOOLS OR ABOMINATIONS TO BE PURGED!”

Olly sits back, not expecting…this.

“AND WHY SHOULD WE EVEN TRY TO FOLLOW THEIR ORDERS!? WHEN NOTHING WE DO WILL EVER BE! - WILL Ever…be Good enough…”

Ah…now he understands. Olly stands up.

“No matter…how hard we t-tried…” The rage is still there, but more prominent is a deep pit of sadness that is finally welling up to the surface.

“Why wasn't it enough…why were we Never enough…”

Olly enfolds his sniffling brother in a huge Ultramarine hug.

“Do- Don't You! Pity…me..” Kerubiel half heartedly tries to push Olly away, but deep down he knows…he needs this, and he stops trying.

#warhammer 40k #adeptus astartes #warhammer #space marine husbandry sentience #space marine husbandry #oc: Khopesh #oc: Kerubiel #stabbing #oc: hura #oc: cedric #oc: Ash'val #oc: Anrir #oc: Oleandros

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