The Wayward Son

After ascending the elevator, the group wasted no time making their way towards Melisara's lab. Seiras ignored their various conversations and comments during the trip. As they entered Melisara's lab, Mokaela was quick to announce their arrival, "Melisara! We need to equip Seiras!"

The haemonculus was nowhere to be seen for some reason which caused them all to exchange uncertain looks.

"Is she here? I don't recall her being in the palace," Nelfaera commented as she looked around. To their confusion, the lab was also eerily absent of any of Melisara's wrack assistants.

Moments later the sound of a massive vault opening caught everyone's attention. Melisara levitated out of it and sealed the vault immediately behind herself as she approached the group. She looked irritated that they were there and spoke with annoyance, "Why do you children bother me?! I'm working on something very important right now! You better have a good reason for wasting my time!"

"Forgive the intrusion, Melisara. We just need to equip Seiras with his armour and weapons," Mokaela explained.

The haemonculus' terrifying dark mood lightened up when she spotted the librarian with them. It was as if a switch flipped in her personality as Melisara then began to smile. Ignoring the others, she addressed the librarian politely, "Oh that's no problem at all then. One moment Seiras. I'll take care of that immediately."

Nelfaera looked shocked by Melisara's instant mood change as the haemonculus took Seiras by the arm and guided him over towards the mechanism that could equip him. They watched with fascination as it put his armour on him in literally no time at all.

Melisara proceeded to hand him his weapons and hooked up a few extra pieces as well. She finished by placing the Kabal banner back over the powerpack. She then turned towards the others, "Where are you going, exactly?"

"Faelan suggested we bring Seiras with us to recruit the Hellions and Reavers for the war. He said it was a good idea since they'll be fascinated by his ability to use a skyboard. Plus he's a terrifying symbol of influence," Mokaela answered.

The haemonculus nodded, "Ah yes…well be on your way then. Don't bother me again unless it's to unequip him."

"What are you working on that's so important right now, anyways?" Nelfaera couldn't help but ask.

Melisara sent her a chilling death stare, "If I wanted you to know…then you would."

"O-of course…my apologies Lady Melisara," Nelfaera replied fearfully.

Turning back towards Seiras, Melisara addressed him respectfully, "When you're done with that chore, Seiras, I'd love to have a nice chat with you about several unique space marine chapters. There's something interesting I wanted to share with you."

"As you say, Melisara," the librarian nodded stoically.

Without even offering a farewell to the other eldar there, she immediately returned to the massive vault door and went back inside.

"What's gotten into her? Is Melisara working on something for Archon Faelan?" Mokaela wondered.

"Not that I'm aware of…she hasn't left her lab in a while from what I can tell. The fact that she sent her wracks away means it might be something secret though," Nelfaera responded.

"Archon Tahril brought her a bunch of crates earlier. I'm not sure what was in them, but I'd wager that's what has her so preoccupied," Kaerith added.

'She's working on that necrodermis that Archon Tahril brought her…is she really going to recreate Ferrus Manus' iron hands with it? I wonder if that's even possible? Well it is Melisara…I'd wager she found a way. If she was human, she would probably have solved half the Imperium's problems by now,' Seiras thought as he stared at the vault door.

He was fully equipped with everything now except his helmet that was clipped to the side. He had his storm bolter on his forearm, his sword holstered to the side, and the nemesis halberd on his back. Melisara had also provided him with plenty of ammo magazines attached to his armour magnetically. Content with his equipment, the librarian turned towards Nelfaera now.

"I'm ready when you are, Nelfaera," he spoke up.

The syren looked away a bit bitterly before responding, "Let's get this over with…"

"I can't wait to see how the gangs react to you, Seiras! This is going to be so much fun!" Mokaela exclaimed excitedly.

"Pfft…at least Aelendriel isn't coming. She'd probably burn every bridge I have down there," Nelfaera shook her head as the group departed for the exit.

"Well we're lucky that you're in good standing with the lowborn in Mid-Commoragh. Hopefully the plan works out," Mokaela added.

Nelfaera scoffed, "Just leave the good parts to me…I'm counting on you to play your part."

'What are they talking about?' Seiras thought to himself as the group made their way towards the Foundry shipyard.

Mid Commorragh skies, Many hours later

"And then she asked, 'but why didn't you become a harlequin like your father?' I told her it's because I take more after my mom. You remember my mother, right Nelfaera?" Mokaela asked the syren.

"All too well…she was a gorgeous and admirable succubus. I would have preferred her as a mother as opposed to my own," Nelfaera responded.

"You don't mean that. My mother was great, but she was nothing compared to yours. Your mother was the greatest wych I've ever known, and she was undeniably the most beautiful Eldar ever," Mokaela remarked with admiration.

Nelfaera scoffed, "What a shame it is that I take after my father more then. I don't look like her…I get it alright?!"

"Hey now, I never called you ugly. You're dazzling, aesthetic, and athletic. I happen to think you're uniquely beautiful. It's just…your mother was literally perfect. She was one of my inspirations back when I was a debutante. Was she one of your inspirations too?" Mokaela replied.

Nelfaera rolled her eyes, "That's what everyone assumes isn't it? That I aspire to be like her…perhaps I did once, but I'm my own person. I don't need your comparisons. I proudly wear my father's face…he was the better parent anyways."

"Someone has mommy issues…" Mokaela sighed.

"Shut up! That vain bitch got what she deserved! If she was so amazing then why isn't she here anymore, hmm?" Nelfaera spat.

"Who was Nelfaera's mother?" One of the unnamed bloodbrides asked inquisitively.

"You don't know?! I'm shocked she never told you! Nelfaera's mother was Nelia Aeduna…the Emerald Queen," Mokaela answered.

The bloodbrides all looked shocked by the news. One shook her head incredulously, "THE Nelia Aeduna?! I used to watch vids of her! She's so beautiful! How could Nelfaera possibly be her daughter?! They look nothing alike!"

The syren shot a visible look of disgust over her comrades as she shook her head, "You just had to tell them that, didn't you Mokaela?"

"I always wondered what happened to the Emerald Queen. There's a bunch of old recordings of her. Did she die?" another bloodbride asked.

"Unfortunately, she was killed in the arena by Lelith Hesperax back when I was a bloodbride. I'm amazed you never heard about that fight." Mokaela frowned.

"Why did she fight Lelith Hesperax?" Kaerith interjected with interest.

The succubus shrugged, "Well Lelith challenged her actually…apparently there was some debate over who was prettier. Lelith took great offense to it and killed Nelia. If you ask me, it was pure jealousy."

"How did the fight go? I'd love to see a recording of it." the unnamed wych beamed.

"It was the most amazing duel I've ever seen. I really thought Nelia had a chance, but Lelith won in the end. I guess nobody can beat that insufferable red-haired bitch! She even disintegrated the body too! If I ever see her, I'll find a way to kill her." Mokaela said hatefully.

"So let me get this straight. The Emerald Queen Nelia Aeduna married into the Aeshul Family?" Kaerith gasped.

"She did indeed. That means Nelfaera is descended from two great families and a legendary succubus. She's practically royalty," Mokaela smiled as she placed a hand over the syren's shoulders.

"That would explain her high and mighty attitude," another bloodbride muttered under her breath.

Mokaela tilted her head, "I'm surprised none of you knew that. I can't believe Nelfaera never told you. Surely Renfaeda might have mentioned it at least."

"That's strange. I thought the Aedunas were a much more prestigious family. Why would someone as famous as Nelia marry down?" Kaerith asked confused.

"Maybe Nelfaera knows…I actually have no idea why Nelia married her father. It certainly wasn't a political marriage. From what I understand, the Aedunas didn't approve of it," Mokaela shrugged.

Kaerith turned towards Nelfaera now who was seething in disgust, "How come you never told us about your mother Nelfaera? That's actually something worth bragging about! Why'd she marry your father?"

"Shut up about my stupid mother already. She's dead and I don't care! Also, don't speak to me, Kaerith…I'm still mad at you for sabotaging me. You're lucky Renfaeda won't let me kill you! At least not yet!" the syren growled.

Kaerith sighed, "Serves you right. You got outplayed and now you have to deal with it. Even without adrenal combat stimulants, Seiras probably could have beaten you anyways. So spare me your bitter contempt."

"Shut up! It wasn't a fair fight! I would have won!" Nelfaera shot back.

"He started the fight unarmed and unarmoured and battled against multiple opponents. The fight was actually unfair for him and he still prevailed. There would have been no glory to claim even if you had killed him. You don't see Renfaeda boasting about it," Tullarias spoke up for the first time.

"Nobody asked you, Incubus! Why don't you go back to being quiet and piloting the ravager!" Nelfaera hissed.

"He has a point though…I mean we were all on drugs too. I even shot up before jumping in," Mokaela pointed out.

"I will not endure this condescending nonsense! You will not make a laughingstock out of me! I might not be my mother, but I'm not a joke! The space marine is skilled and deadly! None of you would have fared better! I told you he was smart too…and guess what I was right!" Nelfaera shouted.

"Nobody is questioning that now, Nelfaera. He even beat me, so I'm not laughing at you or demeaning you," Mokaela replied with a smile.

Nelfaera shook her head, "Whatever…are we almost there yet?"

"Not much longer…thankfully," Tullarias answered. He was currently piloting the Ravager that they were all flying on. He was definitely over the wyches' gossiping too from what the Seiras could tell.

The entire trip had been complete torture in his opinion. Unlike his mostly quiet flight with Mairan and Tullarias, the wyches never shut up. He was thankful at least that they didn't talk to him much. As if fate cursed him for even thinking that, Kaerith glanced in his direction.

"Hey Seiras…what was it like having sex with Renfaeda?" Kaerith asked him out of nowhere causing everyone to stop talking and look at him.

He tried to pretend like he didn't hear her as he stared off into the much more interesting landscape of Mid-Commorragh.

"You jealous, Kaerith?" one of the bloodbrides teased her.

The silver eyed wych shook her head, "Not jealous…but definitely curious. Besides, even if I was, what's the big deal? Lady Renfaeda fancies him, doesn't she? He can't be bad stock if she took an interest. Renfaeda's the biggest prude I know."

Seiras could tell Mairan was getting annoyed by the conversations as a low annoyed grunt escaped her. She remained silent, nonetheless.

"It was what my master wanted," the librarian finally answered so that they would all stop staring at him.

"Hahaha! He's so well-adjusted. I didn't realize space marines were this easy to tame. I rather like having one of them follow us around. He doubles as a trophy and a bodyguard," one of the bloodbrides remarked in her own language to the others.

'I can't wait to kill her for saying that…I'll get the last laugh in the end you vile aliens.' Seiras thought annoyed.

"I mean did you like having sex with her? Renfaeda is the sexiest and most gorgeous wych I know. She's usually prudish to potential suitors. I never imagined she would be into a monkeigh…let alone a space marine," Kaerith noted.

"That makes two of you, doesn't it?" another bloodbride teased.

Kaerith glanced at her, "Perhaps you want to run that comment by Renfaeda? I'm sure she'd appreciate you calling her a monkeigh lover."

"But I…it's weird! I mean, don't say anything to Renfaeda. I don't really care, okay!?" she countered.

"I have no opinion. It was simply another duty to me," Seiras responded distantly.

"Hey Seiras, I'm curious about something. Who do you think is the prettiest Eldar girl out of all of us that you've met in Commorragh? Be completely honest…you won't offend me." Mokaela asked Seiras out of nowhere.

All of the wyches went wide eyed at her blunt and unusual inquiry and Seiras could almost feel the incubi rolling their eyes at the question.

"I have no opinion. You're aliens to me and that is all I see you as," the librarian replied blankly.

Mokaela chuckled, "C'mon…surely we're past this now aren't we, Seiras? Just answer the question. It's nice to have an outside opinion about our beauty."

"If you insist on this childish nonsense then I will tell you who stands out the most to me. It's Nelfaera…" he answered.

In truth he was doing this to go along with Melisara's plan to get on the syren's good side, but deep down he actually did think that Nelfaera was the most unique and good-looking based on pure aesthetics. He would never admit it even in his own thoughts, but he liked Nelfaera's hair.

"What?!" Nelfaera gawked at him as if angered by the statement.

"Interesting choice. So you really do think she is prettier than Aelendriel?" Mokaela remarked with surprise.

"The best looking Eldar I've ever seen was a Farseer named Taldeer. My chapter killed her, and I tortured her in her spirit stone. Your species is certainly 'beautiful' and 'graceful' compared to humans. Very few of you are unattractive by an aesthetic standard, but that doesn't really mean anything to me since I find almost all xenos repulsive. However, if you insist on me ranking you all based on my own objective opinions then I would say Nelfaera is easily the best looking wych I've ever seen. She's more muscular than the rest of you," Seiras replied.

"I'm a bit sad to hear that you don't think it's me, but I can understand your reasoning. You have a thing for muscular girls I'm guessing," Mokaela grinned.

"So it's true then! You WERE eyeing me up when we first met! I knew it! You all thought I was making it up!" Nelfaera spat.

"Not in the way you think. I just believed you were unique looking. That didn't change the fact that I still wanted to butcher you the moment I saw you as well," he replied.

Nelfaera smirked at him, "Well you got to that, didn't you? I'll give you props though…you're better than I thought you were. Hmph…so what about me do you like exactly? Just my physique?"

"I'm certain your imagination has a far more interesting answer than the actual truth. I don't care enough to comment further. I would appreciate it if we can discuss something that has actual relevance now," Seiras sighed.

"I thought you said I was too pale…" Nelfaera trailed off.

'She remembers me saying that? Of course she does…Eldar.' He thought briefly.

"Ughh…" Mairan grunted as if she was about to die having to listen to this.

"You really think Nelfaera is the prettiest female you've met in Commorragh? Where would everyone else rank then? Who is number two? Renfaeda right?" Kaerith cut in.

"Duke Khestri's daughter, Shiralyn, would be second and Renfaeda is probably third. Obviously both of the other succubi are good-looking as well, but I don't care to rank you past that. Your aesthetic superficial looks are completely irrelevant to me," Seiras sighed again. He wanted to cringe in embarrassment and shame from this conversation now.

"Oooh, yeah I did see Shiralyn Khestri earlier. She is gorgeous. I won't argue that at all. Did you get to rape her? I would if I got the chance." Kaerith asked Seiras way more casually than he expected.

'I can't believe she asked me that…' Seiras thought horrified.

"Why would I?" he countered.

"We've finally arrived," Tullarias announced to the group with relief evident in his voice.

He glanced at Mairan as they landed, "One of us should watch the Ravager while we're here. Would you like to, or should I?"

"You're the better pilot and the better warrior. The choice is rightfully yours to make," she responded immediately.

"I will stay in range with the ravager and listen to broadcasts. If you need backup, I'll bring it in," Tullarias replied.

Mairan nodded without another word as she turned to follow the wyches and Seiras out into the streets of Mid-Commorragh. It was truly a different world down here. To Seiras' fascination, Mid-Commorragh had no natural lighting at all as the light from the captured stars didn't reach this far down from the upper spires. This place reminded him of a massive hive world in some ways.

The only major difference was the alien architecture and the curious lack of people freely walking around in the open street. The librarian found that a bit unsettling as he looked around with extreme caution.

"Where is everyone?" Kaerith wondered as she glanced around with a similar cautiousness.

Nelfaera shook her head, "Probably hiding from our line of sight. I doubt anyone except the gangs would even dare to cross our paths down here. Ravagers only come down here to kill people typically. Anyone with a brain would hideout until they knew what was going on."

"So where exactly is this place that we landed?" Mokaela wondered as she glanced over at Nelfaera.

The Syren spoke seriously, "I gave the incubus pilot the coordinates for District 98. This is the border of hellion gang territory. Specifically, this is the Bladewind Sisters' territory. See the Kabalites strung up right over there. It's a warning to bounty hunters."

"Bladewind Sisters? Aren't they outlaws? I thought the nobility had death bounties on this gang. Why are we here recruiting this one?" Kaerith wondered.

"Because they're the strongest Hellion Gang in all of Commorragh. The rest of the gangs around here are sure to join in on our war if they see the top gang join up. They'll assume there's spoils and status to gain from doing so," Nelfaera replied.

"So how do you intend to convince them?" Kaerith asked doubtfully.

Nelfaera glanced at her briefly before smiling, "My cousin Karyphea is the Heliarch and their leader. I already cleared it with Faelan…we're going to absolve them of all crimes against the nobility. I doubt the nobles will like it, but nobody is going to question Faelan after he had the Khestri Family wiped out."

"Well I doubt it will go that smoothly…but it is a good deal for them and us," Kaerith nodded.

"The major complication is going to be convincing them to work with the reaver gangs. They've been fighting over the slave and drug trafficking here for years now. Keldorian is going to be the real issue," Nelfaera sighed.

"Should I know who that is? I don't really keep up with Mid-Commorragh politics." Mokaela followed up as she tilted her head.

"He's the most powerful kingpin in this part of Mid-Commorragh. His only real rival down here is Karyphea. We're going to convince her first and then I'll explain how we're recruiting Keldorian," she answered.

"Exciting," Mokaela said as she brushed a hand through her hair.

"Between us, the klaivexes, and Seiras I doubt anyone will be a threat to us down here. Worst case scenario if they refuse, we'll just kill enough important people down here until they get the message," Nelfaera added.

The group continued onward for a short while as they passed more and more kabalite bodies strung up on display. Seiras could also see many reaver pilots and wreckages littering the ground.

After a boring trek further, they finally encountered someone. A reaver was running for his life in their direction as a group of hellions pursued after him. Despite the prestigious and dangerous group in front of him, the reaver carelessly tried to take cover behind their group.

He almost made it before Nelfaera tripped him. The three pursuing hellions all quickly stopped as they recognized the group.

"Hold, sisters!" the lead one announced urgently. Their three skyboards all halted midair before lowering closer to the ground.

"Is that…Nelfaera Aeshul?! I thought she died in the arena recently." one of them gawked with amazement.

"And Mokaela Shanurae too! And…a space marine?! He's the one from the arena fight! He's got the Kabal's banner on his armour! H-how do they have him following them around?!" another one gasped in amazement and fear.

"Well met, hellions. You have our apologies for walking into your territory, but I was wondering if we could speak with Karyphea," Nelfaera began.

"H-how do we know you're not here to kill her?" the lead hellion demanded.

Nelfaera sighed, "We're actually here to recruit her. My cousin Archon Faelan sent us down here to talk to her about joining up with us in the Kabal War against the Bladed Sun."

"What should we do?" one of the flanking hellions asked the lead one.

She frowned, "Karyphea has had many attempts on her life lately. She refuses to let anyone near our base. I'll go tell her you're here though, Nelfaera."

"If we came to kill her, I wouldn't have brought a small group like this. I know she's paranoid, but she'll understand if you bring me and my escort there. I am not so vain as to believe we could take her out with this squad," Nelfaera tried to convince them.

'She's definitely lying. We could easily kill anything down here…' Seiras mused mentally.

The lead hellion sighed, "I suppose you're not wrong…fine, we'll take you there."

The downed Reaver immediately tried to get up and run away during this distraction. He made it about twenty meters before a bolter round blew his head off. The hellions seemed a bit startled by the action as Seiras glanced back at them with a passive look of indifference and lowered his arm.

The lead hellion stared at him for a moment, "This is the space marine that flew the skyboard in the arena…you're allowing him to walk around with armour and weapons?!"

"Absolutely…he's with us now," Nelfaera almost seemed to brag.

The lead hellion got off her skyboard a moment later as she walked up closer to Seiras. She looked up at him with fascination before speaking in gothic, "Where did you learn how to fly a skyboard? I didn't even think it was possible for a monkeigh to do! Are you part of the Kabal of the Twilight Shadow now?"

Seiras didn't answer her as he stared back with a blank reaction.

"Didn't this space marine kill you two in the arena? Why would you trust him to walk around this armed? We all saw what he did in the arena with no armour. You sure this is a good idea?" the hellion asked shocked.

"It's fine because if he disobeys us, I can do this," Nelfaera answered as she pressed the shock function on his collar.

Seiras couldn't help but growl in pain, but he remained standing, nonetheless. Nelfaera released the shock shortly afterward before continuing, "The haemonculus made a shock collar for him. Plus Faelan sent an incubus with us to watch him. Seiras is rather obedient surprisingly though. I think Renfaeda one shotting him might have broken his will or something. The haemonculus definitely did something to him too…he's been so cooperative ever since she reanimated him."

'An incubus…not two?' Seiras thought.

"Amazing…I've never seen a space marine up close before. How do they move in that bulky armour?" the hellion wondered as she circled Seiras with a curious examination.

"Save your questions for later…we don't have very much time to waste here. I told Archon Faelan we would get this done within the stellar cycle." Nelfaera cut in as the hellion began to feel parts of Seiras' power armour.

"As you wish…come." The hellion replied as she got back on her skyboard. She quickly ordered one of the other two to go ahead and send word to the gang that this group was going to be coming.

Later

After an uneventful escort, the group eventually reached a fortified base of some kind. It had tower sentry turrets all over the place and hundreds of corpses impaled around the area. Countless hellions were coming and going around a central area, and further in they saw one a few standing near their skyboards under some type of hanger.

Stolen reavers, countless skyboards, and even a few raiders were parked in the hanger as well as a small ship. The various hellions were all gawking at the new arrivals with amazement and caution. Many circled around them and followed behind the ground as others took high ground points and aimed rifles at them.

"Ah, Nelfaera, I just got word you were coming. Forgive the security here, but I can't be too sure with the bounty on my head being as high as it is," the hellion leader that Seiras assumed was Karyphea addressed the group.

She looked very similar to Nelfaera and had the same hairstyle and colour. Her eyes were also gold as well and Seiras could definitely see the genetic resemblance between them. Nelfaera's differentiating features from Faelan and Renfaeda were present on this hellion which led Seiras to assume that the archon and the succubus weren't blood related to her unlike Nelfaera.

'Perhaps she's Nelfaera's cousin on her mother's side?' Seiras pondered briefly as he glanced around the hanger. The Bladewind Sisters Hellion gang was rather unique looking compared to standard hellions. They all had spiked black and green armour and many shared the green hair of their leader. Almost all of them were staring at Seiras himself though.

"How in Commorragh did you manage to tame a space marine? This is the same one that killed you right? The scout that came back said he had a shock collar built in and that he was part of the Kabal now. Truly impressive," Karyphea stated as she walked closer with her nearby bodyguards.

Something Seiras quickly realized as he looked around at the gang was that the Bladewind Sisters were all female. Part of him began to wonder what all the male dark eldar did around this part of Commorragh, but he quickly assumed they just joined other gangs.

"Yes, dear cousin…this is Seiras. He's technically Renfaeda's property, but she lets Faelan use him when he needs. That's actually why we're here. Faelan wants to recruit the local hellions to help us fight the Bladed Sun Kabal," Nelfaera began.

Karyhphea tilted her head, "Oh? And why would he need our help fighting another Kabal? The politics of the upper spires are of little concern to us. Your other cousin's Kabal must be getting weak if he wants our help in some war."

"Well actually we believe that the Kabal of the Poisoned Tongue is also in league with the Bladed Sun Kabal. Vect even sent Archon Tahril and a force of the Black Heart Kabal to help us. Faelan wants to be as prepared as possible. I managed to convince him to lift the bounty on your head if your gang joined forces with us," Nelfaera explained.

"Really now? Am I supposed to believe that? Both the Udra and Khestri families want me dead…as do many others. You expect me to trust that Faelan can keep them off of me?" Karyphea chuckled.

"Well recently, Faelan sent his two Klaivexes and Seiras here to go wipe out the Khestri family. They butchered the entire family except for Shiralyn Khestri. Faelan is keeping her as a highborn hostage. From what I heard, they returned with the heads of the family right in the middle of one of Faelan's meetings with the nobility. It terrified them a great deal. I doubt any of the nobles will go against Faelan's decree after witnessing that," Nelfaera continued.

Karyphea glanced at Seiras, "Really…two incubi and one space marine wiped out the entire Khestri Family, all of their vassals, and all of their guards? I find that hard to believe."

"It's true…Faelan even took a picture of all the heads for me to show you," Nelfaera countered as she held up an alien device that showed a holographic picture of the Khestri heads mounted around the assembly room.

"That's impossible…I took two hundred hellions to raid them and we couldn't get anywhere near the Duke's family," Karyphea gawked.

Nelfaera glanced at Seiras and spoke gothic to him, "Seiras, tell Karyphea what happened to the Khestri Family."

"I was sent by Archon Faelan along with the Incubi Mairan and Tullarias to kill them. He wanted me to go since it would send a stronger message to the nobility. We captured Shiralyn Khestri alive and returned in the middle of Faelan speaking to the other nobles," Seiras stated as he made eye contact with Karyphea.

The hellion leader beamed with amazement, "Wow…how did you ascend the spire though?"

"Level by level…the guards there couldn't do much damage to my power armour and the incubi were vigilant in detecting traps or taking out high priority targets. The inner spire was easier to fight in than the bridge or outer plazas since they couldn't mobilize any heavy counters to me in close quarters," he elaborated.

"So you're Renfaeda's pet space marine then? Amazing…I do have a few questions I wanted to ask you though. Do you mind, Nelfaera? I've been curious about it ever since I saw him in the arena," Karyphea asked.

"By all means, ask away. I myself would love to hear what he has to say," Nelfaera nodded.

The hellion leader took a step closer, "How exactly did you manage to fly a skyboard. I've seen a few monkeigh try to steal some before down here in the streets, but they always fall off or crash immediately. You're way larger than them and yet you had the dexterity to maneuver it. You even knew how to use the foot pedal. How?"

"I'm a Deathwatch Space Marine. I specialize in killing aliens and learning about them in order to make that task easier. My knowledge on Eldar is the main reason why the Inquisition recruited me into the Ordo Xenos. As for how I flew the skyboard…I watched how your kind used them and tried to emulate it," he answered.

"I want to see you do it again. Use her skyboard over there. I want to see your stance," Karyphea spoke somewhat enthusiastically as she pointed at a nearby hellion who was standing next to her skyboard.

"That isn't something I'm capable of doing in power armour," Seiras replied blankly.

Karyphea chuckled, "They're anti-gravity. Your weight won't matter on it."

"He's not a circus animal, Karyphea. Don't go giving commands to our space marine," Mokaela interrupted much to Seiras' relief.

The hellion sent a glare at the succubus, "Who do you think you're talking to like that? You might be a big deal in Upper Commorragh, but I'm the queen around these parts, Mokaela Shanurae! Mind your manners and show me some respect!"

"I do hope that wasn't a threat…" Mokaela smiled wickedly.

Every nearby hellion guard tensed up or flinched slightly from the new tension in the room. Thankfully, Nelfaera immediately alleviated it as she spoke up, "Shut up, Mokaela! Don't be a bitch to my cousin. She was just asking…"

"I don't waste my time threatening people. I just kill them…if it wasn't for Nelfaera I wouldn't have even humored this meeting at all. Nelfaera's the only reason I even associate with your wych cult anyways," Karyphea scoffed.

"You were a wych once right? Back when your aunt Nelia Aeduna ruled the Cult of the Emerald Star. I wonder…how come you never stepped up to fill her spot. Was it because you didn't have the skill?" Mokaela taunted her with condescending amusement.

Seiras half-expected Karyphea to get pissed from that statement, but much to his surprise the hellion shook her head, "Of course I didn't have her skill…nobody did except Lelith Hesperax. You think you're so high and mighty just because you're a succubus, but my aunt could have beaten you, Renfaeda, and Aelendriel all at once by herself without even trying! Get out…I have no interest in working with the likes of you!"

"Wait! Karyphea, you don't want to turn this deal down! Not only did Faelan offer to lift the bounty on your head, but he even said he'd give your Hellion gang a base on the Kabal spire!" Nelfaera tried to salvage the situation.

Karyphea cocked her head for a moment, "Really…are you actually being serious?"

"Yes, I am. Plus you get a huge sum of spoils from the war, access to our wych cult's best drugs, an invite to all the future raids, and you're allowed an audience with the haemonculus for whatever you want," Nelfaera nodded.

'It almost seemed like Mokaela was trying to sabotage this…or was she trying to be rude so that Nelfaera could come across as desperate? The Meridian arbites called this Good Arbite and Bad Arbite. I never expected to see Eldar using such a tactic,' Seiras thought as he watched the scene unfold.

"Sounds like quite the deal. If I do accept however, I want one more thing…" Karyphea trailed off.

'Why do I get the feeling this is going to be something troublesome?' Seiras sighed mentally.

"Of course…" Nelfaera nodded.

Karyphea smirked as she pointed at Seiras, "I want him."

"Well…I doubt Renfaeda would let you keep Seiras. He's a priceless slave and has already proven himself invaluable to Faelan as well," Nelfaera sighed.

"That's not what I mean…I want to fuck him," Karyphea laughed.

'Why?! Emperor why would that be the extenuating condition here? I just don't understand why these aliens get sexual gratification from molesting me…' Seiras thought horrified.

"What?! That's…an unusual request," Nelfaera stammered as if she couldn't believe it herself.

Karyphea crossed her arms, "Is that a no, Nelfaera?"

"It's just…why though?" Nelfaera asked confused.

"Because he killed that bitch over there…and because it's something new and fun to try," Karyphea laughed as she pointed at Mokaela.

The succubus' playful attitude soured into a hateful one, "If you're looking for some exhibition, I can impale your birth canal with a sword."

"Oh she doesn't like that idea…I definitely want him now. Ask him what he thinks about that," Karyphea smirked at Mokaela before eyeing up Seiras.

Nelfaera glanced at Seiras and spoke to him in gothic, "Karyphea said she would join in the war on the condition you mate with her."

"I regret to inform the hellion that Astartes are incapable of mating. We're chem-gelded and sexually inactive," Seiras half-lied.

Seiras could almost feel the approval radiating off of Mokaela from his lie as Karyphea frowned. The hellion stared at him annoyed, "So you're saying you can't get erect?"

"Correct…I also feel no sexual desire to even my own species," he continued.

"Damn…why didn't you just tell me that, Nelfaera?! That's a shame," Karyphea groaned.

Nelfaera glanced over and gave Seiras a stealthy but curious look. He had no idea what she was thinking on the matter, but fortunately for him, the syren went along with his lie.

"Anything else we can do for you?" Nelfaera changed the subject.

Karyphea nodded, "You could kill Keldorian for me."

"That's going to be an issue. We're recruiting him too…" Nelfaera said slowly.

"No deal…I refuse to work alongside him!" Karyphea scowled.

"Please, reconsider Karyphea! You'll have plenty more resources to oust him from Mid-Commorragh later. But we need his reavers for the war. Don't throw away a good deal just because you hate him. Play the long game," the syren responded.

Karyphea scoffed at her, "Even if I did agree to that…there's no way he would. He hates me just as much as I hate him. What kind of deal do you plan on offering Keldorian?!"

"Access to our planetary raids, slaves, and some other stuff. It's not as good a deal as yours. We'll probably offer him any favor so long as it's not counterproductive to the hellions," Nelfaera answered.

"You're out of your mind if you think he'll agree to those terms. He's far greedier than I am," Karyphea shook her head.

"Let's just say I convince him…will you agree then?" Nelfaera asked.

"If by some miraculous probability you do, then I will…but my special condition will be access to all of your arena shows. At least one of the main events per show…" Karyphea bargained.

"Deal," Nelfaera smiled.

"What do you think of that, succubus?" Karyphea asked Mokaela.

Mokaela pretended to be interested in fixing her hair as she pulled out a mirror and began brushing her long mohawk mullet. She glanced over a moment later, "Sure, whatever…skyboard events are actually more popular now ever since Seiras' stunt."

"Well I won't hold my breath, but you should probably go see what Keldorian thinks. Don't bother coming back unless he's with you. I want to hear it from his own lips that he agrees to this," Karyphea dismissed them.

"Thank you for your time, dear cousin. We will return shortly," Nelfaera waved before the group turned to leave.

They walked in silence until they were finally out of range of the hellions and their base. Once clear, Nelfaera glanced at Mokaela, "Good work back there, Mokaela. I was a bit concerned she would notice what you were doing, but thankfully you have a way with irritating people."

"I do my best. You're quite diplomatic yourself. I never knew that side of you," Mokaela laughed as she playfully twirled her finger through one of Nelfaera' twin tails.

'I knew it…good arbite and bad arbite,' Seiras mused.

"So what are we really offering Keldorian?" Kaerith cut in.

Nelfaera sent her a brief glare before answering, "Faelan already sent him a call the other day thankfully. He'll know we're coming. Keldorian wants us to help him deal with a threat his reavers can't handle by themselves."

"Oh? What threat would that be?" Mokaela interjected.

"Space Marines apparently. Not sure what chapter, but they've wreaking havoc in his territory. I don't think Karyphea knows about it otherwise she would use the opportunity to attack him," Nelfaera answered.

"Space marines?! Ooooh maybe we can catch a few more!" Mokaela beamed as if it were Sanguinala.

'There's other space marines here?! How in the warp am I going to explain myself if they see me working with these dark eldar?!' Seiras thought horrified.

"Should we tell, Seiras?" Kaerith cut in as she glanced at the librarian who was maintaining a stoic expression.

"No…I kind of want it to be a surprise. It will be interesting to see how he reacts to them," Nelfaera laughed.

"You think they'll try to kill him? I mean he's got the Kabal banner on his back after all! I'm actually more curious to see how they react to him!" another bloodbride laughed.

Mairan had been silent the entire time, but Seiras noticed the incubus looking at him. He quickly looked away, 'Damn…they're going to use this as a loyalty test.'

"It's dishonourable not to tell him…he is a warrior and deserves the respect of being told what awaits us," Mairan spoke up for the first time.

"Nobody asked you, Scarface…that is you right? Your voice is a bit masculine and it gets confusing sometimes," Nelfaera dismissed her.

Mairan turned towards Nelfaera as she drew both demiklaives, "I am sworn to protect Faelan and to watch the space marine. Nothing is keeping me from killing you if I have to…or want to."

"You dare raise your blades against me?!" Nelfaera growled as she raised her hydra gauntlet and drew a dagger in her left hand.

"I dare…" Mairan said darkly.

"You think Faelan would just let you live for killing me…or attempting to?!" Nelfaera countered.

Mairan's tormenter helm glanced over all the wyches, "No, but I will gladly accept my fate just to murder you all."

"Mairan…don't do this. Nelfaera apologize to her!" Mokaela tried to intervene.

"I…" Nelfaera looked like she was struggling to back down.

Seeing where this was going, Seiras spoke up in gothic, "Why are you two drawing weapons against each other? I have no idea what's going on here, but we don't have time for this. There's plenty of people to kill in this war."

Mairan glanced at Seiras as she lowered her demiklaives, "True…"

"You made your point…Mairan. I won't call you Scarface again," Nelfaera finally backed down.

All of the wyches looked a bit relieved as Mairan sheathed her weapons. Nelfaera would certainly never admit it to anyone, but Seiras could tell she was actually worried that Mairan would kill her.

"Tell him the truth or I will…" Mairan spoke in gothic after an uncomfortable silence.

None of the wyches said a word until finally Nelfaera did, "We believe there's space marines in reaver territory, Seiras. Will that be an issue for you?"

"No…" he answered blankly. All of them eyed him with evident shock.

"Really?" Kaerith gawked.

He maintained his stoicism as he responded, "Why would it be an issue?"

"You would fight against them then?" Nelfaera asked for confirmation.

"Yes…" he nodded.

"Wow…I'm rather shocked at how well he took it. What the hell did Melisara do to him?! He's completely loyal to us!" Kaerith remarked.

'Emperor forgive me if I have to take up arms against my cousins…my honour is already forever stained. The least I can do is ensure I succeed in this mission,' Seiras thought to himself as shame filled his heart.

"Yeah, I've noticed that…we don't really need to punish him all that much. He and Melisara are rather friendly with each other so I doubt she tortured him all that much. Strange isn't it?" Mokaela mused.

'This is not good…they're getting suspicious now,' Seiras thought concerned.

"Why are you so…agreeable Seiras? Even normal monkeigh don't fall in line as fast as you did. Is there a reason you've accepted your servitude so willingly?" Nelfaera asked.

Seiras remained silent as he tried desperately to think of something to say. Finally a thought came to his mind as he spoke up again, "I don't want to die again…when I was dead, daemons were trying to claim me. Since I'm a psyker I was a beacon to them. I would have had the fate of an Aeldari had I remained dead in the warp."

"You're afraid?! Hahaha! That's hilarious! So much for space marines 'knowing no fear' right?" one of the bloodbrides laughed at him.

Seiras looked away, "I never feared death until it actually happened to me. Now I think about it all the time…I think about the eternity I would spend in that hell. It's far worse than whatever your kind has subjected me to."

"Isn't that the fate you wished on me the first time we met? How ironic! Though I'm a bit amazed Melisara could pull your soul from the warp. Are you afraid of She-Who-Thirsts?" Nelfaera smirked.

"Yes…" the Astartes replied. In truth he didn't even know if it was a lie or not. Part of him was afraid of dying, but another part believed it was what he deserved for all the heresy and sin he had committed. Those dark thoughts were of course doubts that he heavily repressed. Deep down he believed that if he could redeem his soul by resurrecting Ferrus Manus…then perhaps the Emperor would save him again. Only this time from the warp. Ultimately however, the only thing he knew he feared was failing his mission and damning his soul and honour for no reason.

"Well that got gloomy all of a sudden. I was really hoping he would just say that he's loyal because he likes having sex with Eldar. That's a pretty good reason isn't it?" Mokaela lightened the mood.

"About that…why did you lie to Karyphea, Seiras?" Nelfaera wondered.

The librarian shrugged, "Why create the complication of possibly angering Lady Renfaeda? Why indulge her fetish if we didn't have to?"

"Fair points…though I didn't expect you to be so good at lying. Just don't go thinking you can manipulate us like that. I know you're cunning and I'll be able to tell if you're lying to me," Nelfaera pointed out.

'These damnable Eldar are way too perceptive…I have to be careful doing things like this in the future,' the librarian chastised himself.

"Not cunning enough apparently or I wouldn't be here," Seiras countered.

"One more question before we go, Seiras…why does Melisara like you?" Nelfaera asked.

The librarian stared at her briefly before responding, "Because I'm not like most humans or other Astartes. I accept knowledge from all sources and I'm not overly zealous or blind to objective facts and science. Melisara and I share a similar obsession for intellectual pursuits. When I first spoke with her after being revived, we had a long talk about the Imperium of Man. I listened to what she said about it and I am genuinely curious about her insight into a lot of matters. I admire her in some ways…and she likely appreciates my receptiveness to her knowledge. I suppose we're like-minded in some ways."

"So…what? You two gush away over technology and history? That explains a lot now that I think about it. Well enough chatting for now. Let's get a move on. Call in the ravager, incubus, so we don't have to walk," Nelfaera laughed.

Reaver Territory

The ride had been mostly silent after Mairan and Nelfaera's standoff. Mokaela mentioned it to Tullarias earlier in the flight but he seemed indifferent towards it. Other than Mokaela's random comments or Nelfaera coordinating with Tullarias about where to go, nobody had said anything of note.

"So, how did Mairan become a Klaivex? She wasn't one before we captured those Craftworlders. Didn't Sorellia kill that other one? I forgot his name…but I thought you had to kill a Klaivex to become one," Nelfaera asked Tullarias.

Mairan was at the front of the Ravager and was ignoring everyone. Tullarias glanced over at Nelfaera, "Mairan defeated Sorellia who killed our other Klaivex. This allowed her to assume the role of leadership if she passed the test. She requested the Rite of Proving. It is a holy ritual in which a leader must battle against everyone they command and win. I oversaw it as Mairan bested the other 10 incubi from our shrine that serve with us here. If she failed, she would have been subjected to the Rite of Domination and then flayed with her Demiklaives. Mairan succeeded."

"So if she failed, then she would have been raped and skinned?" Nelfaera asked rather casually.

Tullarias nodded, "Yes…but she prevailed and earned her rank."

"Which of the two of you is stronger? You think she could beat you in a duel?" Nelfaera wondered.

"I have beaten her in duels. She has also beaten me. Of our five duels, I won three out of the five. I am stronger and more experienced, but she is faster and far more versatile. Mairan has the same fighting style as Drazhar. She is highly regarded by our kin for her mastery of demiklaives. In a true battle to the death, I would consider Mairan my equal. If our hierarch ever dies, she and I will likely battle to the death to assume leadership of the Shrine of the Bleeding Eclipse. Only then will we truly know." Tullarias explained.

"Do you guys think you could beat Seiras in a fight if he actually tried to escape or kill us down here?" Nelfaera couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, I do…but I don't disregard his combat prowess. Having seen what he was capable of during our purge of the Khestri Spire and his durability in the arenas, I would not take him lightly. He an observant opponent and likely memorized our fighting styles just as he memorized all of yours. He would actually have a slight chance at defeating us," Tullarias answered with a nonchalant stoic tone.

"Well I guess it's good I have this collar remote to keep him in check then," Nelfaera chuckled.

"The coordinates you gave me are within range up ahead," Tullarias changed the subject.

Nelfaera nodded, "Bring in the ravager and keep it down here in that plaza. Keldorian is waiting for us inside."

Tullarias said nothing as he piloted the ravager into a large open area. Many reavers were coming and going, but a large group quickly flanked them and followed behind as the ravager came in for a landing. Countless guards were surrounding the entrance into the Reaver headquarters from all elevations and angles.

What Seiras found interesting about the guards were a lot of the ground guards were humans much to his disbelief. Kaerith seemed to notice that as well as she quickly voiced her confusion, "Why are there so many monkeigh around here wearing the gang colours?"

"Keldorian has a huge militia of monkeigh in addition to his reaver gang and the Syndicate of Shadows cartel. He's a kingpin in mid-commorragh," Nelfaera replied as the ravager landed.

Without even being told, everyone immediately got off the ravager minus Tullarias. He was undoubtedly going to stay with the ravager in case the gang tried anything.

Guards everywhere raised weapons as they surrounded the arrivals and gestured for them to move inside. A female reaver along with a few males met the group at the entrance, "Stay where you are!"

"Is there some problem? I thought Keldorian knew we were coming. Archon Faelan sent us," Nelfaera spoke up.

"Oh yeah?! Well what the hell are you doing with a damn space marine here?!" the female reaver demanded.

"See the Kabal Banner? He's one of ours," Nelfaera practically boasted.

"Impossible…h-how?!" one of the other reavers interjected as he looked between Seiras and the female reaver.

The human militia slaves there all had eyes of sheer disbelief. They were looking at Seiras like he was a living saint.

"I recognize his face…that's the one that killed a bunch of wyches in the arenas! Wait…that was you that he killed. Then you're Nelfaera Aeshul?! The Archon's cousin?!" the female reaver immediately realized.

"Yep, and this is Mokaela Shanurae. The haemonculus resurrected all of us after the battle," Nelfaera added.

"Keldorian will find this…interesting. Come inside! He is waiting for you. Don't mind the guards…we'll let you keep your weapons, but ours will be trained on you the whole time you're here." she responded.

"As you say," Nelfaera nodded as the group followed behind them.

After a brief and awkward escort past disbelieving guards, the group came into some type of estate. Guards were everywhere in there and all of them had weapons pointed at the group as they came up to some type of overlook that was looking out a massive window.

Sitting on what looked to be a couch, a handsome dark eldar male with long red hair was relaxing with a bunch of nearby slaves. He had multiple slave girls leaning up against him. Some were human, some were eldar, one was an abhuman that matched the description of a felinid, and one was even an alien Seiras had never seen before. She had a purplish skin colour and was eerily humanoid in appearance. She had reverse jointed legs with taloned feet and wings much to Seiras' curiosity. Her 'hair' if one could call it that was very avian-like with long feathers stretching from her head and the wings on her back.

'I've never seen that species of xenos before. She bears likeness to a humanoid bird. I don't think she's an abhuman…strange,' Seiras thought curiously.

The felinid was sitting on Keldorian's lap as he drank some type of booze from a cup. With his other hand he was petting her ears like she was a house pet.

"The envoys I assume?" Keldorian addressed them casually without even bothering to get up from his comfortable position.

The heavy thuds of Seiras' footsteps quickly caught Keldorian's attention and drew him from his blissful comfort as he tensed up and pushed the felinid off himself. Every guard in the room primed their weapons before Keldorian calmed down.

He stared at Seiras shocked, "A space marine?!"

"Wow that sure startled him didn't it?" Mokaela laughed as she elbowed a nearby bloodbride.

"Yes, this is Seiras…he's with our Kabal now," Nelfaera stated.

'I know she's getting tired of repeating that to everyone. I'm certainly getting tired of hearing it,' Seiras thought as he watched Keldorian stand up.

The reaver leader stared at Seiras for a moment, "Archon Faelan said that the haemonculus reanimated all of you, but I didn't realize she brought him back too. How's that possible?"

"It's Melisara the Immortal Revenant…surely you know of her?" Nelfaera answered.

Keldorian nodded, "Ah yes…I thought was Asdrubael Vect's haemonculus. I didn't realize she worked for your Archon. Regardless, I must admit I find it incredible that you could tame one of these super monkeigh. I've seen what they can do in combat. They're no joke."

"If you're wondering how we keep him under control…observe," Nelfaera pressed the trigger switch again.

Seiras howled in agony as it actually forced him to his knees. He was even expecting the pain this time, but couldn't stop himself from showing weakness.

Nelfaera held the switch down a bit longer than necessary before finally releasing it. Seiras panted in agony as he immediately rose to stand again.

"That looks incredibly useful," Keldorian smirked.

Seiras took this time to look around at the various reactions of the room's inhabitants. The nearby reavers were clearly scared of him as they would flinch from his eye contact. The humans in the room had a mixture of awe, fear, and disbelief.

"Isn't that the space marine from the arena match?" one of the human slaves on the couch asked Keldorian in gothic.

He glanced back and nodded at her, "Indeed it is Mika…apparently he serves the Kabal now."

"So as much as I'd enjoy filling you in on all the fun little details about what's going on, let's cut to the chase. You know why we're here…Faelan accepted your terms and we're here to help you deal with your little problem," Nelfaera changed the subject.

Keldorian sighed, "As much as I detest the idea of working with Karyphea, I would certainly be in your debt for helping me."

"We heard that space marines were wreaking havoc in your territory. What else can you tell us about them?" Nelfaera asked.

"They're Ultramarines and White Scars…I believe there's roughly ten or more of them and they have two gunships. I don't know how they got here or what they're after, but they've been massacring my gang…one of my scouts bugged their vox channel temporarily. All he learned was they seem to be looking for other White Scars," Keldorian explained.

Nelfaera glanced at Seiras, "He says Ultramarines and White Scars are here with two gunships and that they are looking for something…got any ideas, Seiras?"

"If they're here in two gunships, then it's likely they have ship somewhere in the webway as well. The Ultramarines and White Scars are both First Founding chapters and remnants of the thirteenth and fifth legions. From what I know of them, White Scars don't often work with other chapters," Seiras answered.

"What chapter are you from?" Keldorian asked Seiras in gothic.

"The Blood Ravens," he responded simply.

"Do you have any clue as to why your kin would be in Mid-Commorragh? I would understand if they were attacking the spires, but it seems unusual for them to be down here," Keldorian trailed off.

"What I find unusual is how they got into the webway…it could be possible they're working with the Ynnari," Nelfaera pointed out in gothic.

'Why would space marines work with eldar? And what could they possibly want in this place?' Seiras wondered.

Keldorian frowned, "Yes…and the Bladed Sun Kabal has ties to the Ynnari as well. It is very likely not a coincidence. Considering the fact that it's connected, I see no reason why we sohuldn't join forces. I need you to get rid of those space marines…and if you can find out what they're doing here, it would probably benefit you in this war as well."

"Sounds like a plan to me, we'll go take care of them," Nelfaera nodded.

"Will he fight his kin?" Keldorian pointed at Seiras.

Nelfaera shrugged, "He said he would…but we'll see I suppose."

"I'm coming with you as well. I want to be there for this," Keldorian followed.

"Want some revenge I take it?" Mokaela laughed.

Keldorian shook his head, "No…I want answers. Reavers mobilize the gang! We're heading out!"

The entire room dispersed as they moved to grab weapons and head outside onto their bikes. Seiras and company wasted no time remounting the ravager.

Keldorian drove his reaver up next to them, "I'll take point and lead you to the last sighting. Their last known location was near the Spiral Gate."

"You think they're searching for something in Lower-Commorragh?" Nelfaera questioned.

"Possibly…I control all the traffic between mid an lower Commorragh from there. The space marines poking around and killing everything near it has been quite annoying," the reaver said as he revved his bike.

"Lead on then…we'll take care of them!" Nelfaera laughed wickedly.

The Spiral Gate

The ravager party and what looked to be over two hundred reavers wasted no time moving towards an unusual structure. Seiras found its architecture strange as they passed through an outer gateway into a vast open area. In the distance, he saw a vast descent far beyond what his eyes could see. Several lights flickered down below as it looked like an Underhive was walled off in multiple architectural dimensions down below.

Colossal sentry towers covered the horizon and all of the walls, but what Seiras found unusual was a great number of them in one location looked to be destroyed or heavily damaged. Keldorian pointed at the razed towers as his voice broadcasted loudly over the comm, "There…that's probably where they are."

"I've never seen the Spiral Gate before…this is how to get into lower Commorragh in our part of the city, right?" Kaerith asked.

"Yes, it is…the automated defenses were set up millennia ago. They attack anyone unless they go to the actual gate itself," Mokaela answered.

Seiras stared at the colossal gateway in the distance. It was easily hundreds of meters tall. Heavy traffic seemed to be coming and going from the gateway, and countless guards were stationed all around it.

"My private army guards the entrance to control who comes and goes from Lower Commorragh. I have a deal with the mandrakes, and I maintain a profitable trade here. Karyphea wants my territory so she can control the trade. She doesn't like me sitting on top of the entrance to Lower Commorragh. Only I get access to Lower Commorragh supplies. I've gotten rich controlling the trade here." Keldorian explained as the group continued flying.

"So when did these space marines first attack?" Nelfaera asked him.

"Not too long ago. They've never actually showed an interest in the Spiral Gate itself until recently. Perhaps what they're searching for is in Lower Commorragh," he theorized.

As the raiding party got closer to the damaged towers nearby ones began to shoot at them, Keldorian quickly pressed a few buttons on an alien wrist device causing the towers to stop. Once they were out of range of the active towers, they closed in on the several damaged ones. It was then that Seiras and the others noticed a chunk had been blown out of the wall.

The group didn't have time to talk about what to do before a rocket exploded off of the ravager's shield. Nearby reavers began to start falling out of the air as bolter fire opened up on them from multiple angles.

"A trap?! Move!" Keldorian commanded as all the reavers dispersed and tried to outrange and outmaneuver the gunfire.

There was no sight of space marines anywhere much to their concern. Seiras immediately put his helmet on as the Ravager banked hard and distanced itself from the area.

"Fall back!" Keldorian commanded as more and more reavers were shot off their bikes and crashed into the ground.

After putting his helmet on, Seiras checked his HUD and traced the trajectory of the bolter fire. It was coming from three adjacent areas. One of which looked to be tarantula sentry turrents concealed beneath xenos architecture.

'They were expecting a counterattack…they set up an ambush,' Seiras thought as the reaver formation regrouped a safe distance away.

The female reaver from earlier flew up next to Keldorian's flank, "We lost about forty riders back there. What should we do? I didn't even see any of the space marines. There should only be a few of them!"

"Those shots came from three directions. Two of which were undoubtedly Tarantula Sentry turrets. The top of the wall near the tower is where the rocket and the rest of the bolter fire came from. They're likely up there," Seiras spoke up.

Keldorian glanced at him surprised, "Your insight is helpful. I wasn't expecting them to be this fortified. They wouldn't have set this trap up unless they knew we were coming!"

"It's possible you have a traitor feeding them information. Maybe an Ynnari agent masquerading as one of you?" Nelfaera suggested.

"No…my reavers are loyal! I'd damn well know if one of them was with the Ynnari! How do I know your space marine didn't warn them? Can't they use vox broadcasts with their power armour?" Keldorian growled.

"If I had warned them, then why would I have told you which direction they're actually shooting us from?" Seiras countered.

"Okay then…space marine. I have a suggestion. Why don't you go in and distract them so we can ambush? Drop him off down there behind that tower and let him approach. The towers shouldn't fire on your ravager. Go past their line of sight so they won't know you dropped him off and let him approach alone from the top of the wall. If he's truly working for your Kabal, then he can draw off their fire while we approach from the other side," Keldorian suggested.

"If that's what Nelfaera wants, then I will do it," Seiras responded.

The reaver leader turned towards the Syren, "Let's put this space marine of yours to the test."

"Fine…we'll drop him off and keep the ravager further back until he gets close and engages. You go around the back side with your forces, and send some others to take out those turrets," Nelfaera nodded.

Without another word, they all dispersed to fulfill their assignments. All of them flew several kilometers away in various directions before turning around and setting up the next attack. As the ravager flew up to the top of the wall, it lowered behind a tower to take cover. The tower where the space marines were at was at least two kilometers away now.

Nelfaera looked at Seiras and smirked, "Make your way there…when you get closer start walking so that they don't attack you. Also, don't get any funny ideas about running away. Your collar has a tracker built into it."

Seiras nodded as he hopped off the ravager and proceeded along the top of the wall. He ran for about a kilometer and a half before slowing into a walk. Several minutes passed as he got closer to the Space Marine fortification on the destroyed tower.

He half expected a lascannon to blow his head off at any moment as he got closer. Finally, a warning shot blasted the Kabal banner off of his back causing it to erupt into fire and fall off the top of his power pack. It was then he saw the glowing red eyes of Ultramarine helmets. They were taking cover and had bolters pointed at him.

What looked to be a Captain walked out from cover as Seiras got within ten meters of the fortification. Tarantulas were aimed at him from two sides as the Ultramarine Captain walked up to him.

"What is the meaning of this?! You're Deathwatch? And yet I saw you on a ravager with these dark eldar? You even wear their banner?! Are you a traitor!?" the captain asked him with obvious disgust.

"No…" Seiras replied slowly as he noticed several more space marines coming from the fortification. One was a White Scar, and another was an Ultramarine Librarian.

The White Scar stared at Seiras and spoke up, "A librarian too…Dark Eldar aren't known for keeping psykers alive here. This is quite unusual…they let him approach us. I expect an ambush. Don't trust him."

"We'll deal with that in a moment…I need answers first," the Ultramarine captain replied.

The Ultramarine librarian wasn't wearing a helmet but did have a psychic hood attached. He had short brown hair, three gold service studs in his forehead, and blue eyes. His face was as handsome as one could expect an Ultramarine's to be and he had eyes of sympathy much to Seiras' surprise.

The librarian spoke with cautious wisdom, "There's an alien device attached to his neck and his psychic hood…they might be controlling him. Don't attack just yet…I don't think he wants to kill us."

"If you claim to not be a traitor, then explain yourself, librarian! What is your name…and what are you doing in Commorragh, Blood Raven?" The captain asked Seiras with hostility.

"I am Epistolary Seiras of the First Company Blood Ravens. I am also the librarian of Kill Team Calamity from the Ordo Xenos," Seiras began.

"Have you heard of this marine before? You're the one who has worked the most with Blood Ravens." the captain asked the librarian.

The Ultramarine librarian nodded, "I know who he is, but I've never met him before. He was in charge of a squad that his chapter sent to help repel Tyrannids in Ultramar. From what I understand, he's also the only librarian within his former chapter master's inner circle that didn't turn traitor."

"Yet here he is in the company of xenos. How would explain that, Titus?" the captain shook his head.

"Titus?" Seiras spoke the librarian's name surprised, "as in Captain Titus?"

"It's epistolary Titus now. I was formerly 2nd captain of the Ultramarines. You know of me?" the Ultramarine librarian asked.

"The hero of Graia…my chapter spoke fondly of your efforts in repelling the Ork Waagh and the Daemon attack. I heard you were executed by the inquisition. Yet now I see you are a librarian?" Seiras responded with disbelief.

Titus shook his head, "No…I was kept under watch by Grey Knights. They suspected that I had been tainted by the daemon attack. For some reason I had some immunity to the warp. One of my brothers…he turned against me and reported me as a heretic to the Inquisition. They eventually discovered I had latent psychic abilities and decided to train me. That's where I was for nearly a century. After Lord Guilliman's return, I was reinstated to the chapter and we were sent by the primarch himself to search for something."

"Lord Guilliman is truly back then? I had heard…but to hear it from an Ultramarine. I can truly believe it now. That's good news for once," Seiras replied.

"Why are you working with Dark Eldar, cousin?" Titus asked.

Seiras looked away for a moment, "I was part of a task force attached to the Ordo Malleus under Inquisitor Atia Castilla. She requested Kill Team Calamity as backup because we were infamous for our success at fighting other space marines. We took a fleet to repel the Black Crusade and were tasked with stopping an Emperor's Children warband that had been sighted in Sub-Sector Justicar. Upon our arrival, we discovered that the Gloriana battleship, the Pride of the Emperor, was leading the traitor fleet. It was led by Fulgrim himself. My kill team and a number of other Astartes including the Imperial Fists, White Templars, and Four Grey Knights boarded the ship and sabotaged it from within. We then went to the bridge to attempt killing Fulgrim…we failed obviously, but we managed to escape and did enough damage to the Gloriana Barge to force the Emperor's Children to retreat. We then tried to replenish our fleet at the nearby hiveworld Corun before it was attacked by Dark Eldar. I was captured in their raid and have been here for weeks I assume."

"But why are you serving them?!" the White Scar demanded a bit angrily.

"I was going to try breaking out, but I discovered there was something in the haemonculus' lab…something more valuable than a thousand forgeworlds," Seiras trailed off.

"You're pretending to work for them so you can steal some relic? That's ridiculous...typical Blood Raven. If you truly claim to not be a traitor, then help us kill these xenos fiends and join us on our mission. That will be your penance for this heresy," the Ultramarine captain shook his head.

"What mission would that be?" Seiras asked.

"Prove your loyalty and we'll tell you!" the White Scar growled.

"Nothing you're after is more valuable than what I'm trying to take from this place…" Seiras shook his head.

"More valuable than a primarch?" The Ultramarine captain asked.

"What? You're here for a primarch?" Seiras almost gasped.

Titus nodded, "Lord Guilliman sent us to search for Jaghatai Khan…primarch of the White Scars. We joined up with a fleet of White Scars and have been searching the webway for any clues as to where he is. Our search led us here…in Commorragh."

"You can't tell him that! We don't even know if he's loyal or not! There's no telling what these evil xenos did to his mind here!" The White Scar said angrily.

"How did you get into the webway though?" Seiras asked doubtfully.

The Ultramarine captain shook his head, "That is information we cannot trust you with currently."

"I see. Well your purpose here is a holy mission that I would certainly join, but mine takes precedence," Seiras replied.

"Do elaborate, cousin…what are you after that's more valuable than finding our primarch?" the White Scar growled again.

"I also seek a primarch," Seiras said vaguely.

"What?!" The White Scar demanded.

Before Seiras could elaborate, one of the Ultramarine devastors spoke up, "Captain, sensors are picking up incoming vehicles."

"Forgive me cousins, but I cannot leave this place yet. Unlike you I've actually found a primarch here already…and his recovery is my highest priority," Seiras stated.

"Impossible! What primarch?!" the captain shook his head shocked.

"They'll be here soon…I'll try not to kill any of you, but if you don't leave now, I'll be forced to," Seiras followed up.

"You can go to hell, traitor!" the White Scar howled as he charged in with a power sword. The tarantula turrets also moved to shoot Seiras, but he immediately tossed a grenade at one and carved the other in half with his nemesis halberd.

Both turrets were taken out right as the White Scar reached Seiras. He swung with furious hatred as he attempted to kill the Blood Raven. For some reason however, his movements seemed slow to Seiras. The librarian easily dodged and parried his attacks with minimal effort.

'What's going on? Why's he moving so slow? He looks like he's trying to kill me…and those turrets certainly were about to shoot me,' he thought confused as he easily repelled the White Scar.

Seeing them in combat now, the Ultramarines and White Scars in cover wasted no time opening fire in Seiras' direction. With unnatural reflexes, he managed to avoid their shots as he battled against his opponent.

"Captain, vehicles inbound behind us, and a ravager in front!" one of the devastators announced.

Reavers immediately began to swarm over the area as they opened fire on the Astartes. Instead of shooting at Seiras now, they focused their attacks on the reavers.

Time seemed to slow down for Seiras as he saw everything all around him happening at once. Knowing that the ravager was only a hundred meters behind him and coming in fast, he quickly swung his halberd at the white scar's pauldron. To the other space marine's complete shock, the weapon cleaved his pauldron clean off his power armour and left a devasting slash over his arm.

The White Scar went flying back from the attack and barely managed to roll away in time as Seiras opened fire with his wrist mounted storm bolter.

"We need to fall back, Captain…he was holding back against Sergeant Mokai," Titus tried to reason with the Ultramarine Captain.

"Fire up the thunderhawks, we're returning to the ship!" The captain announced over his vox so that only they could hear it.

Seiras continued his farce of shooting at the loyalists right as the ravager arrived. It's cannons immediately opened fire on the fortification attempting to flush the Astartes out.

Titus deflected their attacks with a massive ward of psychic energy as the others fell back. The wyches all eagerly dove off the ravager as they tried to run in and attack, but the psychic ward immediately shot outward knocking everyone to the ground including Seiras.

Titus was quick to take this opportunity to drag the White Scar back. Seiras quickly got up as he ran in to 'stop' them.

His advance was short lived as a thunderhawk rose up from nowhere and opened fire on their location. Everyone took cover behind the ravager and it's shields as the gunship launched several missiles at it.

Mairan immediately aimed a cannon at the ship and attempted to shoot it down, but her attacks were negated as another Thunderhawk flew up from beneath the wall. Titus and several of the others jumped into it as they kept continuous bolter fire on the attackers.

Seiras then heard a transmission coming through a vox call on his armour. It was from the Ultramarine Captain, "We're going to trust you for now, Epistolary Seiras…only because you held back against Sergeant Mokai. But know this…the next time we meet, I better see a primarch with you. We will be watching and waiting."

"Thank you, captain…I swear upon the Emperor's name that you won't regret this," Seiras spoke into the private vox call.

"By the way…we left a bomb in that tower. Do me a favor and let it kill as many of them as you can," the captain added.

"When will it go off?" Seiras asked.

"One minute…" the captain responded before ending the vox call.

The dark eldar present all looked angry upon seeing the Thunderhawks fly away into the distance. Many reavers tried to catch it, but they were easily shot out of the sky as the two gunships flew off into the horizon.

"Damn it! That went horribly wrong! They just…ran away?! I thought your space marine was going to kill them!" Keldorian growled as he landed next to the ravager along with his lieutenants.

"He certainly tried, but one of them was a psyker…I wasn't expecting that," Nelfaera growled.

Keldorian hissed in anger, "Well what are we standing around for, let's go kill them! They're getting away!"

"We're not going to catch those gunships now…and even if we can, they're probably retreating to their ship somewhere. I'll have to relay this to Faelan. I'm sure Lord Vect will also want to know about Space Marines being here. Sorry, Keldorian, but we're not equipped to fight that many of them. You have my word that we'll deal with them later," Nelfaera stated.

"Hmph…I suppose I don't have a choice then…but I expect Faelan himself to come down here and help me deal with this later. Is that understood, Nelfaera Aeshul?!" Keldorian hissed.

Before Nelfaera could respond, Tullarias immediately shouted, "There's a bomb, get on the ravager! Grab him!"

Wasting no time, Mairan immediately ripped Keldorian off of his reaver as the ravager shot away at full speed off the wall. Before anyone even knew what had happened, a massive explosion erupted from the tower killing all of the nearby reavers minus Keldorian who was now on the ravager.

The ravagers shields immediately flickered violently as it narrowly rode out from the blast radius riding the explosion away. Keldorian quickly recovered but could only look back in sheer horror as he saw the explosion had completely leveled a massive chunk out of the wall now and destroyed every single one of the reavers left behind.

"My men! No! Those damned space marines destroyed the wall too!" Keldorian shouted hatefully.

"I believe that was their plan all along," Mokaela pointed out.

Keldorian shook his head, "Great…now I've lost half my damn lieutenants!"

"You should be grateful we saved your damn life," Kaerith shook her head at the reaver.

"Forget everything else…Faelan will have my support so long as he promises to help me find and slaughter every last one of those space marines!" Keldorian cracked a fist.

Hellion Territory, Mid-Commorragh

Sometime later, the group had returned to Karyphea's base along with a massive escort of reavers. Keldorian himself was riding on the ravager and looked pissed off still.

Karyphea looked on with shock as the ravager landed and the group got off of it. The Hellion leader stared at Keldorian curiously, "I take it you've agreed to work with me, Keldorian?"

"Yes Karyphea. Come…let us discuss terms with Archon Faelan. Most of my men are already on their way to the palace spire," Keldorian announced.

Karyphea smirked, "Well…you heard the man Bladewind Sisters?! Let's go to war!"