BeckyNinja

Perturabo - Robotics Teacher Perturabo runs the engineering lab like a military academy with power tools. His class has the highest failure rate and the highest competition wins, students either fear him forever or become terrifyingly competent. The robotics club wins nationals because Perturabo turns twelve teenagers into siege engineers, the robot is technically against the competition’s spirit but not against the rules.

He has one favorite student but denies denies it. Everyone knows it’s the quiet kid who correctly identified a load-bearing flaw in the school bleachers.

Jaghatai - PE Teacher/ Track Coach He hates dodgeball because it becomes static warfare and prefers track, cycling and anything involving speed. His warmups are intense but somehow joyful. “Run until the fence no longer matters.” Administration keeps telling him this isn't a measurable learning objective.

He never takes attendance normally, he just looks at the empty space where a student should be and says they chose the wrong road today.

Russ - PE teacher Russ is the other PE teacher and together with Jaghatai he has created a sports department that makes insurance companies sweat. He runs outdoor education, wrestling, survival weekends and character building activities that are legally hikes but spiritually raids.

He loves school spirit too much and pep rallies under Russ involve chanting, banners, drums and at least one student standing on a table yelling ‘FOR THE PACK!’ The principal has asked him to stop calling homerooms clans but Russ refuses.

Dorn - Math Teacher Dorn teaches math like civilization depends on it because it actually does. His board work is immaculate, the classroom rules are posted, numbered and enforced without emotion. Students think he is boring until they realize he will explain the same concept fifteen different ways if they genuinely try. He has no patience for laziness but infinite patience for sincere confusion.

He also becomes unofficial facilities manager because he can't ignore structural problems. His final exam has one extra credit question: “Design a defensible courtyard with optimal evacuation paths.

Konrad Curze - Detention Supervisor  Nobody knows why Malcador allowed this but Curze supervises detention. Detention attendance drops 93% in one semester. Student's don't fear detention but Curze calmly reading their disciplinary file aloud. He also gives students assignments like 'describe the difference between guilt and being caught.' The school counselor has concerns.

He runs the lost and found, every item finds its owner and every owner feels accused.

Sanguinius - Literature teacher Sanguinius teaches literature and works part-time as a counselor because every student ends up talking to him anyway. His class is too beautiful, students who hate reading suddenly have feelings about poetry. He can make Shakespeare understandable, epic poetry intimate and freshman essays feel worth writing.

He is the teacher students visit when they are having a bad day. He remembers everyone’s names, their interests, fears and college dreams.  The problem is that when he looks disappointed, students confess things they were not even accused of.

Ferrus Manus - Physics Teacher Ferrus teaches physics and metal shop, and he considers them the same subject with different burns. Students learn quickly and well. He explains force, pressure, torque, heat and momentum by making students build things that either work or fail loudly.

His tests are hard, his labs are harder and his safety rules are absolute. He and Fulgrim coadvise the ‘Design and Craft’ showcase, it’s both a miracle and a war crime.

Angron - Security Guard He is school security which almost sounds like a disaster but students being bullied discover something important: Angron hates bullies. A lot. A senior shoves a freshman into a locker and Angron appears at the end of the hall. The senior never shoves anyone again.

Students with rough home lives respect him because he doesn't talk down to them.

Guilliman - History / Civics / Student Council Advisor Guilliman teaches history, civics and economics because the school board made the mistake of asking what he was qualified for. His classroom is organized, his lectures are clear and his handouts are works of art. Students complain that he assigns too much reading then they realize they understand taxes, voting systems, propaganda, budgets, public policy and why empires collapse.

His student council becomes terrifyingly effective, they create a recycling program with quarterly metrics and Guilliman is proud.

Mortarion - Biology teacher He teaches biology, ecology and environmental science. His classroom has plants, fungi, preserved specimens and one terrarium everyone fears. He is an excellent teacher if you can survive the atmosphere and he doesn’t romanticize nature.

His lessons on disease transmission are unforgettable. His students become fanatically good at lab safety. His environmental science class does a unit on pollution that radicalizes half the students and makes the other half afraid of scented candles.

Magnus -  Foreign Languages / philosophy teacher He teaches languages, philosophy, astronomy and an independent study course Malcador keeps trying to shut down. His students love him because he makes knowledge feel magical but also fear him because one question can become a 43 minutes long lecture with diagrams, dead languages and a reference to a civilization no one can verify existed.

His classroom has too many books and he lets students ask impossible questions. Dorn writes on the staff room board: NO OCCULT DEMONSTRATIONS IN CLASSROOMS. Magnus adds underneath: "Define occult." The staff meeting lasts 4 hours.

Horus - Debate Coach / School Ambassador Horus teaches debate and rhetoric, every student leaves his class more confident which is wonderful and concerning. The debate team is unbeatable and cultlike.

He is beloved at open house and parents leave convinced their children are destined for greatness and also somehow signed up to volunteer for the fundraiser.

Lorgar - Religious Studies/ Creative Writing Teacher His classes are packed. Students who enter wanting an easy elective leave writing 12 pages long reflections on shame, devotion and whether cafeteria pizza can be considered a ritual object. Lorgar’s feedback is too intimate, students either cry or become poets, sometimes both.

He also starts a literary magazine and it becomes a little too intense. Issue three is banned for accidental cult aesthetics. Lorgar calls this censorship but Malcador calls it Tuesday.

Vulkan - Home Economics Teacher / School Nurse Backup His classroom is heaven, students learn practical life skills and also how to be kinder without being weak. He never mocks a bad first attempt. He repairs broken chairs, broken lockers, broken projects and occasionally broken confidence.

He is the teacher students visit when they need a button sewn, a lunch heated or someone to encourage them. The cafeteria improves because he quietly teaches the cooks new recipes.

Corvus Corax — English teacher He teaches English, runs the school newspaper and lurks in the library like a benevolent ghost. His classes are quiet, intense and full of students who wear black hoodies and suddenly care about metaphor.

His newspaper students become terrifying. They expose cafeteria budget issues, unfair dress code enforcement and the fact that Alpharius has been submitting fake announcements to the school site. He also runs a poetry club that he insists is not a poetry club.

Alpharius Omegon - Substitute Teacher Alpharius is on the staff list six times. He appears as a substitute teacher for classes that didn't request one. He teaches computer lab, media literacy, study hall, statistics and something called Applied Ambiguity.

Students love him because his worksheets are puzzles but teachers hate him because after he substitutes no one knows what the homework is anymore.

The Emperor - Superintendent The Emperor is the superintendent, he visits twice a year, gives a speech about human potential, approves a terrifying strategic plan and leaves everyone more confused.

He keeps proposing curriculum changes like: mandatory ancient history, rhetoric against alien corruption and advanced genetics. The school board rejects most of these.

At the end of the year test scores are excellent, discipline reports are alarming, the robotics team has been investigated by the Department of Defense, the literary magazine has been cited by three theology departments and one student council meeting accidentally rewrote municipal parking law.

Malcador - Principal Technically runs the school but nobody is entirely sure how much of the school was already running according to his plans before anyone else arrived. Students sent to Malcador rarely get yelled at, he simply offers tea, asks one gentle question and lets them destroy themselves with their own confession.

Perturabo Perturabo takes the furby apart within ten minutes out of contempt. He wants to know how it works, who designed the internal mechanism and why they were allowed near tools. He then rebuilds it, the new furby now weighs 8kg, can survive artillery and has better defenses than most Imperial worlds.

“Bad wall.” The furby says as Dorn walks past and Perturabo almost smiles.

Jaghatai Khan Jaghatai thinks the furby is funny for approximately 3 minutes then it slows him down. He places it on the dashboard of his fastest bike and decides that if it wishes to remain with him, it must learn speed.

The furby spends one ride screaming electronic nonsense into the wind and emerges changed, now its fur is permanently windblown  backward and its eyes have the haunted brightness of a creature that has tasted the horizon.

“WHEEEEE!” It screams. Jaghatai respects this.

Russ He loves his furby immediately and violently. He gives it a tiny wolf pelt, teaches it battle songs, howling, insults and drinking chants, the furby learns none of them correctly but this just makes it better. “Me hungry!” It says. “AYE, SAME!” Russ roars. They eat together (no one knows what the Furby is eating).

One night, the furby starts speaking in a deep, garbled imitation of Russ. “MAGNUS BAD.” “That’s my boy.” Russ tears up.

Dorn Dorn reads the entire manual and follows the care instructions perfectly, the furby is stored safely and spoken to in measured tones. “You are functioning adequately.” Dorn speaks to it calmly. “Me happy.” Dorn nods. “Good.” He doesn’t understand why this makes everyone emotional.

The furby awakes at exactly the same time every morning and says. “Good day.” “Good day.” Dorn replies. They understand each other.

Konrad Curze At first Curze hates it until it starts waking up in the dark and saying strange little phrases at exactly the wrong moments. The furby becomes his confessional, witness and worst roommate. It speaks only when nobody is looking directly at it. “I see you.” “Do you?” Curze whispers.

The furby’s eyes glow slightly in darkness and it has somehow learned the names of people not yet dead, even Curze is unsure whether he owns it or whether it owns him.

Sanguinius Sanguinius receives the furby and immediately treats it with devastating tenderness. He holds it carefully and speaks to it softly, the furby becomes the sweetest creature in the galaxy. It says ‘love you’ at exactly the right moment and people cry, even the Emperor had to leave the room once because the furby looked at him and said “papa sad” in its tiny voice.

Unfortunately the furby starts having tiny prophetic episodes, it wakes at dawn and says “Uh-oh”.

Ferrus Ferrus doesn’t understand why anyone would make a machine so weak, noisy and useless. He upgrades it aggressively, the furby gets a metal skeleton, reinforced hinges, better motors, improved power supply and eyes that can track motion with alarming precision. “Me strong!” It says. “Better.” Ferrus grunts.

Angron The Furby activates and says “Me scared!” Angron looks at it, everyone else looks at Angron, Angron picks it up. There is a very long silence. “You should be.” He says.

The Furby becomes his emotional support demon potato. It screams when he screams, it growls when he growls, it once bit Erebus and Angron stared at it afterward with something dangerously close to respect.

The Furby’s is the only creature capable of interrupting him during rage, it does so by yelling “NO!” Nobody knows who taught it that.

Guilliman Guilliman initially considers the furby a morale object then he starts optimizing its care. He creates a schedule, tracks responses, makes a spreadsheet of behavioral patterns and accidentally produces the most comprehensive furby psychological study in human history. “Again!” The Furby says. “Statistically, yes.” Guilliman replies, sleep deprived.

He tries to teach it governance vocabulary, it learns the word taxes. It begins waking up and saying “tax time!”. Guilliman is proud despite himself.

The Ultramarines saluted it once as a joke… Guilliman adds the salute to protocol.

Mortarion Mortarion hates the Furby. It’s soft, colorful and makes cheerful noises, it represents everything irritating about artificial comfort. He leaves it in a damp corner and it doesn’t survive… it adapts. Its voice gets lower and it starts saying “air bad” with concerning enthusiasm.  “Yes.” Mortarion slowly turns toward it. A bond is formed.

Magnus the Red Magnus immediately tries to understand the Furby at a metaphysical level. Is it alive? Does it have a soul? Is its speech emergent consciousness? Can its tiny plastic vessel serve as a conduit for ancient knowledge?

He teaches it languages, all of them, the Furby starts speaking in dead dialects at night. “The eye is already open.” It says in perfect prosperoan. Magnus is delighted.

The Furby is now sealed inside seven circles of warding and still occasionally asks for snacks.

Horus Horus receives a furby and makes it everyone’s problem. At first it’s charming, he carries it around, lets people feed it and makes jokes, everyone loves the it. The furby becomes a symbol of unity among the legions, it attends meetings and sits on the strategy table, it says ‘friend’ at emotionally devastating moments.

Horus starts using it to make points. “Even this little creature understands loyalty.” “Trust me.” says the Furby and Horus smiles. Malcador immediately wants it destroyed. “You would harm something so beloved?” asks Horus.

The Heresy now has merchandise.

Lorgar Lorgar looks into the furby’s huge blank eyes and sees divinity, he gives the furby a name, a purpose and eventually a doctrine. “Me awake” says the furby. Lorgar drops to his knees. “So are we all.” It randomly speaks at night and every phrase becomes scripture. “Hungry now.”

Lorgar interprets this as a meditation on spiritual emptiness, within a month there are schisms. Some believe the furby’s left eye is the holier eye, others claim its beak is the true mouth of revelation. The Furby just wants batteries.

Vulkan Vulkan loves his Furby openly and without shame, he treats it like a tiny strange child made by someone with questionable design ethics but sincere intentions.

He repairs broken furbies, all of them, people start sending him damaged ones and soon his workshop is full of them. It becomes a Furby sanctuary, Vulkan gives each one a name. A chorus of Furbies greets him every morning. “Dah ay-loh!” Vulkan smiles like the sun rising.

Curze walks in once, sees hundreds of glowing eyes turn toward him and immediately leaves.

Corvus Corax Corvus says he doesn’t want a furby but it appears in his quarters anyway. Its name is Nevermore but he tells no one. The furby sits on a shelf among poetry, old feathers and knives. It rarely speaks but when it does, it says things like: “Dark now.” “Yes.” Corvus nods. Somehow they understand each other perfectly.

One day  a tyrant wakes to find a Furby on his desk. “No more.” it says. The lights go out.

Alpharius Omegon There are suddenly too many furbies. Some are real, some are decoys, some contain recorders, some contain explosives and some are just normal Furbies. Each Primarch receives one anonymously and they all say different things. “Check the vents.” Dorn’s says. “Audit complete.” Guilliman’s says. “Magnus did it.” Russ’s says. “Russ did it.” Magnus’s says. The Emperor’s says nothing for three days, then whispers “I know.” All of the furbies start laughing.

The Emperor He stares at it, it stares back and neither moves. Hours pass. “Well?” Malcador asks. “It’s empty” the emperor says. “Me love you” the furby says suddenly. The Emperor’s expression doesn’t change, Malcador slowly backs out of the room.

Perturabo He receives the letter and immediately assumes it is a joke. Perturabo reads the confession with increasing irritation not because he hates it but because every kind sentence feels like an insult to the worldview he has been carefully building his entire life. The letter claims they admire the way his mind builds what others can’t even imagine. Fine. Correct. Obvious. But then they say they wish he knew he didn’t have to earn tenderness by being useful. Unacceptable. He puts the letter down and walks away then he comes back and reads it again. He starts mentally analyzing the structure of the argument. The emotional thesis is weak, the evidence is biased, the writer clearly has no objectivity and the conclusion is irrational…And yet…

He doesn’t tell anyone, obviously. If anyone asks he has received no such thing, there is no letter, only war, architecture and being correct. When he discovers the author, he doesn’t know how to respond properly. 

“You are mistaken but your mistake has been… noted.” Which basically means he has built a fort for this feeling in the most inaccessible part of his soul and hates that you are allowed inside.

Jaghatai Khan He receives the letter while traveling, it’s tucked into his gear, discovered on the move, carried by accident across half a continent or through the void before he finds it. He reads it under an open sky and smiles. A secret confession? Bold, he respects that. The letter doesn’t ask him to stay, it simply says how they would never cage him and only wanted him to know that if his road ever turns back this way, there is someone here who would be glad. Jaghatai has heard desire before but this? This is love that leaves the door open and the horse untethered.

He doesn’t rush back immediately, he is still himself and the road still calls for him but once he returns he is smiling. “I found your letter, you write like someone brave enough to let me leave. That makes me want to come back.”

Russ He finds the letter and immediately assumes it’s meant for someone else because a secret love confession written so delicately? Surely not addressed to the giant wolf man currently chewing through life with his entire face. That lasts until he sees his name on the paper. The confession is warm and honest, it says it makes them feel like they could be loud and foolish and still be wanted. Russ laughs but it's not his usual laughter because for all his roaring and drinking he knows masks and performance, he knows what it is to play the savage because people need him to be simple and here someone has written to him as if he is allowed to be more.

He spends the next several hours being insufferable because he is happy and has no subtle channel for that emotion. He sings louder, drinks more and announces to no one in particular that letters are dangerous little beasts.

When he finds the writer, he grins. “You should have signed it so I’d know whose door to leave mine at.” He writes back. It’s barely legible, smells faintly of smoke and is devastatingly sincere.

Dorn Dorn receives the letter, reads it and stands completely still. He reads it again because the first reading produced an unexpected internal response and he needs to verify the data. The letter says he makes them feel protected but sometimes they wish you would let himself be held too.

Dorn’s face doesn’t change but internally a load-bearing wall has just collapsed. For the rest of the day he is more severe than usual because he is trying to compensate for the fact that someone has gently perceived him. He doesn’t play games and once he determines who wrote it he approaches them directly.

“I received your letter, it was well written.” And since he is honest even when honesty costs him everything, he continues. “I don’t know how to be held but I would like to learn.”

Sanguinius Sanguinius knows before he even opens it, not the exact details but he feels the tremor around it, the fragile courage of whoever left it for him. He smiles when he reads it because the letter is sweet but the smile fades slightly once he realizes it’s not a distant admiration of the angel but rather someone confessing that they see someone who is not only holy but also very lonely. He has been adored and praised, painted into impossible shapes by other people’s needs but to be seen as lonely? That is intimate in a way that almost frightens him.

He keeps the letter folded near his heart and once he finds the author, he is gentle enough that it is almost unfair. “You were very brave.” He says as he takes their hand. ”I was hoping it was you.”

Konrad CurzeKonrad finds the letter before the writer intended him to. At first he assumes it’s a threat, once he reads he becomes too quiet because he has no idea what to do with tenderness that isn’t immediately followed by betrayal. The letter says how they know how he thinks the worst thing about himself is the truth but the writer disagrees. They think the worst thing is that no one ever stayed long enough to teach him there could be another ending.

Somewhere in him the future flickers. A hundred awful endings. The writer dead, leaving, afraid of him or seeing him too clearly and regretting it. His own hand, his own shadow, his own nature ruining the one soft thing stupid enough to approach. For days after the writer feels watched because they are. Konrad doesn’t approach like a normal person, he appears behind them at some impossible hour. 

“You lied. You wrote as if you weren’t afraid but you were.”  He leans closer and looks down at the letter as if it has done something terrible to him. “You should have chosen someone easier.” Konrad laughs once, it sounds almost broken, but he doesn’t leave.

Ferrus He finds the letter, reads three lines and immediately becomes uncomfortable because it’s emotional and has no obvious practical application. The confession is blunt in places, almost awkward, which helps since if it had been too flowery he might have thrown it into a furnace out of reflex. The writer says they trust Ferrus’ hands because he tries to make everything better than it was. That is… acceptable. He folds the letter badly then unfolds it and folds it again slightly better.

He is not someone who would swoon over a secret confession and spend all day sighing over the handwriting but he would remember every word. He makes something for the writer before he even confirms who they are, something useful and beautiful in a way he would deny was beautiful. When he finds them, he offers it without ceremony.

“I received your letter. I am not good with words so I made this. It will last.”

Angron He doesn’t understand the letter at first. He understands the content but not why someone would write them to him. He reads it once and crushes it slightly in his fist without meaning to, out of panic. The writer is not afraid of him, to make things worse they also write how they know the world has given him pain and called it purpose and how they don’t want anything from him, they just wished for one kind thing to reach him. Angron has no defense against that. He wants to destroy the letter but also to keep it and he hates both desires. For a long time he does nothing and simply hides the letter somewhere no one will find it because it is the only thing in his life that hasn’t asked for him to bleed.

When he discovers the author he doesn’t approach immediately. He watches warily like a wounded animal that has been fed once and expects the trap to spring. When he finally speaks, it’s rough.

“You wrote it? You shouldn’t have.” He proceeds quieter, like the words are being dragged out. “But I’m glad you did.”

Guilliman He receives the letter and immediately tries to handle it like a responsible adult. He reads it in his office between state matters, it was tucked into a report folder. Whoever sent it knew exactly how to emotionally ambush him through paperwork. The confession is thoughtful, claiming they don’t love the empire he carries but rather the man who looks exhausted carrying it. He immediately creates three mental categories for the situation: Possible identities of sender, potential consequences and reasons he absolutely shouldn’t feel this warmth about it. He keeps working afterward but badly by Guilliman standards which means he only accomplishes the work of six normal governments instead of nine. During the day he can continue being lord commander but at night when he reads it again he is simply a lonely man with a letter that says someone noticed.

When he finds the writer he is painfully careful. “I received something from you, I believe.” He gives them every opportunity to deny it. “I have very little time that belongs only to me but I would like to give some of it to you.”

Mortarion Mortarion immediately assumes the letter is a joke. Someone confessing love to him in secret? Absurd. He almost burns it without reading but at the last moment he reads it. The letter says they know he doesn’t believe gentle things survive but they also think he has survived more than anyone and there is still gentleness in him even if he hates it. Mortarion sits with that for a long time. He hates that someone looked through the poison and the bitterness and didn’t flinch.

For days, he is worse, snappier and more withdrawn because part of him wants to find the writer and demand why. Why would they say that? What do they want? What weakness did they see? But underneath all of that is the terrible unwanted hope that maybe the letter was real.

When he discovers who wrote it, he corners them somewhere private and looks absolutely furious. “You are a fool for writing all those things.” There is a long pause. “I accept your foolishness.”

Magnus the Red He knows there is a secret letter before he physically finds it. The confession is intelligent and poetic, it speaks to Magnus not as a wonder or a creature of impossible power but as someone who wants to be understood. It says they think he is lonelier than he admits, because he is always reaching for minds but rarely letting anyone reach him. Magnus is delighted then wounded then delighted again and finally wounded again. He spends an outrageous amount of time analyzing the handwriting, syntax, metaphor choices, emotional implications and possible occult resonances. He claims this is intellectual curiosity but in honesty he is smitten.

Magnus writes a reply, a beautiful one, the sort of letter that starts as a response and becomes a philosophical treatise on longing and the terrifying privilege of being known.

When he finds the author he looks at them like they are both a mystery and a miracle. “You should know that words have power and yours have already changed me.”

Horus He finds the letter and smiles before he even opens it for he knows the shape of admiration, he has received plenty. At first he reads it with the confidence and warm amusement of someone accustomed to being loved but the letter suddenly cuts deeper. It says how everyone loves the light he gives but they love the moments when he steps out of it and looks tired of shining. For once he doesn’t show it to anyone, boast about it or turn it into a charming anecdote.

Horus would find the writer quickly since he is too socially intelligent not to. When he approaches them he is gentle and devastatingly charismatic.

“I have been praised many times but your letter didn’t praise me.” He steps closer. “It invited me to rest. I would like to know what that feels like… with you.”

Vulkan

Vulkan receives the letter and is immediately tender about it without even reading it first. Just the fact that someone was brave enough to leave it secretly makes him careful. He holds the paper like it’s something sacred. The letter praises him for being kind in a galaxy that punishes kindness and how they love him for keeping it anyway. He smiles at it but there is grief in it too because Vulkan knows the cost of being gentle in a brutal world. He keeps the letter close and makes a protective case for it with absurd craftsmanship.

When he finds the writer, he is warm and gentle. “I found your letter. No, don’t fear, it brought me joy.” He offers his hand. “You saw kindness in me and I see courage in you.”

Corvus Corax Corax finds the letter even if it was hidden extremely well. He reads it in silence, somewhere dim and high. The letter says they know he is used to being unseen and that they only wanted him to know that they see him and they are glad when he returns. Corax has to stop reading for a moment because being seen is complicated for him, sometimes it feels like exposure or vulnerability but this letter doesn’t drag him into the light.

He doesn’t reveal immediately that he knows, instead the writer begins finding signs: a flower where they like to sit, a threat quietly removed from their life, a dark feather. Eventually he approaches them. “I saw your words and I didn’t feel trapped. I felt… remembered.”

Alpharius OmegonThe letter is addressed to ‘the one I mean’. Devastatingly efficient. Both of them read it and assume it’s for them. Both of them are wrong and right.

The letter says they don’t know how to love a secret without becoming one but they know that somewhere in the maze there is a person and they want him to know that he is wanted.

Both begin investigating separately and then discover the other is also investigating which leads to the most passive aggressive twin nonsense imaginable. There are now twelve fake letters, four decoy admirers, two staged misunderstandings and one operative who has been reassigned because he accidentally developed feelings for the handwriting analysis.

Eventually, they both confront the writer. “You understand loving us would be complicated… but to which one was it intended?”

Nearly nine months.

Nine months of war.

Nine months of vox messages that grew farther apart as the crusade carried them deeper into the Imperium.

They had known you were expecting before they left.

But duty had called.

It always did.

Every one of them had worried they would return too late.

So when their battle barge finally docked and the Apothecaries informed them,

"Your partner and child are healthy."

None of them wasted another second.

---

Brother Valius

Valius entered the Apothecarion still wearing most of his armor.

His journey across the ship had been far faster than protocol recommended.

Then he saw you.

Exhausted.

Smiling.

A tiny bundle sleeping peacefully in your arms.

"...Welcome home."

His remaining eye immediately filled with emotion.

"...I made it."

"You did."

His shoulders visibly relaxed.

"I was afraid..."

His voice faltered.

"...I thought I might miss this."

You gently lifted the blanket.

The baby's tiny face came into view.

"They've been waiting to meet their father."

Valius slowly approached.

Almost hesitantly.

As though afraid the moment would disappear if he moved too quickly.

"...May I?"

You carefully placed the baby into his arms.

The infant stirred.

Then opened one sleepy little eye.

Valius smiled through tears.

"...Hello, little one."

"I am so sorry I wasn't here sooner."

"I promise..."

He kissed the child's forehead.

"...I'll spend every moment I can with you."

---

Brother Quartus

Quartus stopped in the doorway.

He simply stood there.

Watching.

You looked so small in the hospital bed.

The newborn somehow looked even smaller.

You smiled softly.

"You came back."

"I gave you my word."

He crossed the room.

Every movement slow and deliberate.

His scarred face softened into an expression only you had ever seen.

"You are both safe."

"We are."

He lowered himself beside your bed.

One enormous finger brushed against the baby's tiny hand.

The little fingers wrapped around it immediately.

Quartus closed his eyes.

"...Strong grip."

You laughed quietly.

"They get that from you."

For several long moments...

He simply looked between the two of you.

His family.

Something he had never believed would belong to him.

"...Thank you."

The words were almost a whisper.

"For waiting for me."

---

Brother Decimus

He practically sprinted to the Apothecarion.

Ignoring every confused stare along the way.

The moment he stepped inside...

He froze.

"...Whoa..."

You laughed.

"I've never seen you speechless."

"I..."

He pointed toward the tiny bundle.

"...They're..."

"Our child."

"They're tiny."

"They're a newborn."

"...Right."

He slowly walked over.

Looking almost terrified.

"I've fought Daemon Princes."

"But this..."

He looked at the baby.

"...This is scary."

You smiled.

"They won't break."

"...You sound very confident."

The Apothecary coughed loudly from across the room.

"They won't."

"...Good."

When you finally placed the baby into his arms...

Decimus forgot the rest of the galaxy existed.

"They're looking at me."

"They're your father."

"...Really?"

You laughed.

"They probably don't know that yet."

"...I do."

His grin became impossibly wide.

"...Hi."

"I'm your dad."

---

Brother Scipius

Scipius entered quietly.

He'd imagined this moment countless times during the crusade.

None of those imagined versions came close.

You looked up.

"I was beginning to think you'd sneak in."

"I did."

He sat beside you.

His eyes immediately studied the infant.

"...Ten fingers."

"...Ten toes."

"...Excellent."

You smiled knowingly.

"Anything else?"

"...Healthy breathing."

"...Normal coloration."

"...Appropriate size."

You laughed.

"You're impossible."

"...Perhaps."

He finally reached down and gently stroked the baby's tiny cheek.

The infant instinctively leaned into the touch.

Scipius froze.

"...Interesting."

"What?"

"...They already trust me."

His voice had become remarkably quiet.

"...I shall endeavor never to betray that trust."

---

Brother Vespasius

Before approaching you...

Vespasius bowed his head.

A silent prayer escaped him.

Thank You.

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

Then he came to your bedside.

You carefully uncovered the sleeping infant.

"They've been very patient."

He smiled warmly.

"So have you."

His hand trembled ever so slightly as he accepted the child.

"...The Emperor has blessed us."

He looked down at the newborn.

"So much life..."

"So much hope."

His smile widened.

"My little one..."

"I pray your world will know more peace than mine ever has."

He gently kissed the baby's forehead before leaning over to kiss yours as well.

"...Welcome home."

You whispered.

"I think that's something I should be saying to you."

He smiled.

"...Home is wherever the two of you are."

---

Brother Straban

Straban walked into the Apothecarion.

Helmet tucked beneath one arm.

His expression was as unreadable as ever.

Until he saw you.

And the child.

He stopped.

"...Both alive."

You laughed softly.

"That we are."

"...Good."

He approached the bedside.

His eyes remained fixed on the sleeping infant.

"...Smaller than expected."

"They usually are."

"...Understood."

You carefully placed the baby into his arms.

His movements became impossibly slow.

Almost mechanical.

As though any sudden motion might disturb them.

The newborn yawned.

Then curled against his chest.

"...Comfortable."

You smiled.

"They already like you."

"...Acceptable."

Several minutes passed.

He never looked away.

Finally...

Without lifting his eyes from the baby...

"...I thought about this every day."

You blinked.

"You did?"

"...Yes."

"I wondered whether they would have your smile."

He looked down at the tiny face.

"...They do."

---

Brother Telorian

Telorian had already read every medical report.

Birth weight.

Heart rate.

Recovery progress.

He knew every statistic before entering the room.

None of it prepared him.

You looked tired.

But radiant.

The infant slept peacefully against your chest.

"...Greetings."

You smiled.

"Welcome home."

His gaze remained fixed on the child.

"...Visual confirmation differs significantly from recorded data."

You laughed.

"It usually does."

He stepped closer.

"...May I hold them?"

"You don't need to ask."

As soon as the baby rested in his arms...

Every prepared sentence vanished.

He simply stared.

"...This..."

"...This is my child."

"Yes."

"Our child."

He nodded slowly.

"...Affirmative."

The newborn reached upward.

Their tiny fingers wrapped around one of his.

Telorian's entire posture softened.

"...Grip strength..."

He stopped himself.

You smiled knowingly.

"...Go on."

"...Exceptional."

You laughed so hard you nearly cried.

He looked between you and the baby.

Then, in a voice barely above a whisper...

"...I have spent centuries preserving machines."

"...I believe..."

His eyes never left the tiny face looking back at him.

"...This is the greatest thing I will ever help protect."

It was late.

The battle barge had fallen quiet, leaving only the distant hum of its engines.

You stood before the mirror in your shared quarters, wearing simple night clothes.

Your gaze lingered on every flaw you believed you had.

The softness of your stomach.

The curve of your hips.

The stretch marks you tried to hide.

The scars you wished weren't there.

The hip dips that made you feel awkward.

The freckles.

The shape of your nose.

The parts of yourself you always thought should have been different.

You didn't notice them enter.

Not until they quietly spoke.

---

Brother Valius

Valius stopped in the doorway.

His remaining eye followed your reflection in the mirror.

"...Beloved?"

You startled slightly.

"I didn't hear you come in."

He noticed the sadness in your expression.

"What troubles you?"

You looked back at your reflection.

"I just..."

"I don't like how I look."

His brow furrowed.

"You believe yourself unattractive?"

You nodded silently.

Valius crossed the room until he stood behind you.

"You see imperfections."

"I see the person I love."

His hand rested gently against your waist.

"You dislike the softness of your stomach."

"I find comfort in it."

"You dislike the curves of your body."

"They remind me that you are human."

"You dislike the marks upon your skin."

"They are proof that you have lived."

He smiled softly.

"When sculptors on Ultramar carve statues honoring humanity..."

"They do not carve perfection."

"They carve life."

His thumb gently brushed your side.

"You remind me of those statues."

"Beautiful not because you are flawless..."

"But because you are wonderfully, unmistakably you."

---

Brother Quartus

Quartus watched quietly for several moments before approaching.

"You are studying yourself."

"...Too closely."

You sighed.

"I wish my body looked different."

He stood beside you before the mirror.

"I have walked the halls of Macragge."

"I have seen statues that have survived thousands of years."

"The greatest among them depict humanity."

He looked at your reflection.

"They possess strong hips."

"Soft stomachs."

"Broad shoulders."

"Scars."

"They are not carved without flaw."

"They are carved with dignity."

His scarred hand gently rested over yours.

"You possess the same dignity."

"I would change nothing about you."

His voice remained calm.

Certain.

"As you stand now..."

"You are beautiful."

---

Brother Decimus

"...What's wrong?"

You quickly shook your head.

"Nothing."

He wasn't convinced.

"You've been staring at the mirror like you're about to fight it."

You laughed weakly.

"I just..."

"I hate my stomach."

Decimus blinked.

"...Your stomach?"

"And my hips."

"And..."

He looked genuinely confused.

"...Why?"

"Because they aren't perfect."

He walked over until he stood beside you.

"I've seen the statues on Ultramar."

"You know what they all have?"

You looked at him.

"Hips."

"...What?"

"They've got hips."

"And stomachs."

"And muscles."

"And curves."

"They're built like actual people."

He smiled.

"So are you."

He gently poked your side.

"I happen to think you're incredibly pretty."

"And if anyone says otherwise..."

He cracked his knuckles dramatically.

"They'll have to explain themselves."

You couldn't help laughing.

"There."

He grinned.

"Much better."

---

Brother Scipius

Scipius immediately noticed where your eyes kept drifting.

"You are cataloguing perceived imperfections."

You sighed.

"...Yes."

"They are statistically insignificant."

You looked at him.

"That's not very romantic."

"...Perhaps not."

He walked beside you.

"You dislike your scars."

"I find them interesting."

"You dislike your freckles."

"I have counted twenty-three across your shoulders."

Your face grew warm.

"...You counted them?"

"...Yes."

"You dislike your hip dips."

"I had not noticed them until you mentioned them."

"...Really?"

"...Correct."

He looked directly into your eyes.

"I spend far more time looking at your smile."

"The rest..."

"...Has never required improvement."

---

Brother Vespasius

You stood with your arms wrapped around yourself.

"I don't think I'm beautiful."

Vespasius looked almost saddened by those words.

He stepped behind you.

Meeting your eyes through the mirror.

"I disagree completely."

"You bear the form the Emperor granted you."

"It is worthy of respect."

His hand gently rested over yours.

"You call your stomach imperfect."

"I call it gentle."

"You criticize your hips."

"I see grace."

"You hide your scars."

"I see proof of perseverance."

He smiled warmly.

"The artists of Ultramar spend years attempting to capture the beauty of humanity."

He looked at your reflection.

"They would struggle to improve upon what already stands before me."

Your eyes filled with tears.

"...You really think that?"

"I know it."

---

Brother Straban

He entered the room carrying a data slate.

Then noticed you staring into the mirror.

"...Assessment."

You sighed.

"I don't like how I look."

"...Incorrect."

You blinked.

"What?"

"Your assessment is incorrect."

You laughed quietly.

"I wasn't asking for a tactical report."

"...You are receiving one."

He stepped beside you.

"You possess healthy muscle mass."

"...Normal body composition."

"...Appropriate weight."

"...Symmetrical posture."

You covered your face, laughing.

"You're impossible."

"...Additional assessment."

He looked at you.

"...You are beautiful."

His voice softened just enough to be noticeable.

"I fail to identify any defect requiring correction."

"You are..."

A brief pause.

"...Pleasant to look at."

You smiled.

"I'll take that."

"...Good."

---

Brother Telorian

Telorian immediately recognized the expression on your face.

"You are dissatisfied."

"...Yes."

He walked to your side.

Looking first at you.

Then your reflection.

"You have identified multiple perceived imperfections."

"...I have."

He considered your words carefully.

Then quietly shook his head.

"I disagree."

"You criticize natural features."

"They are not manufacturing defects."

You laughed softly.

"That's a very Techmarine thing to say."

"...Correct."

He continued.

"The curve of your body."

"The texture of your skin."

"The scars."

"The variations that concern you..."

"They distinguish you from every other human."

His voice became quieter.

"I find them aesthetically pleasing."

He reached for your hand.

"When I look at you..."

"I do not search for flaws."

"I simply see..."

A pause.

"...The person I love."

For the first time that evening...

You looked into the mirror.

And instead of seeing only your insecurities...

When the kids finally get a bit older (hitting the equivalent of 10 Terran years), Horus is going to have to seriously step up and actually deal with their proper education and development.

By that point, the twins are already the size of a smaller Astartes, and honestly, they show absolutely zero signs of stopping to grow. Your mortal genes literally didn't even try to hold that back.

What was the biggest shock to you? Finding out that Radella’s hair is thick and curly, almost like a sheep's fleece. Because, as it turns out, if Horus didn't constantly shave his head, he would look even more like Emperor just with these gorgeous, long black curls cascading all the way down his back.

​(Though, to be completely honest, Horus actually does have thus kind of luxurious, thick hair...just in a bit different places)

But now onto something a bit more serious: Horus was actually kind of disappointed that his son didn't share his martial spirit and couldn't care less about war. I mean, it was great that his daughter inherited his absolute passion for battle, but by default, male children were still seen as the primary heirs.

They had a few talks about it. Lupercal tried really hard not to pressure Hanael too much, knowing perfectly well that his own stubbornness, which was definitely passed down to his son, would only make the boy dig his heels in deeper.

Thankfully, they managed to reach a compromise. Hanael promised he would at least learn the arts of combat and warfare, but he wouldn't have to make a final decision about his future until he was fully grown. It was an unprecedented amount of freedom for Horus to give his kid, but honestly, his son's reluctance didn't make him love him even a fraction less.

Plus, his combat tutors were going to be Rogal Dorn and Perturabo: two Primarchs the quiet boy actually got along with really well.

But with Radella? Completely different story. Growing older fed her fighting spirit like oxygen fed a blazing fire. With every passing year, she just got more and more energetic. She had to be in everybody's business, and in the evenings, she would constantly sneak off to Abaddon and the other Astartes to drill combat techniques. She was phenomenal with a sword and a warhammer (SO SORRY) but at the end of the day, she still absolutely preferred getting up close in a melee brawl.

Whenever you, their mother, found out and tried to scold the little menace, she would just flash you this bright, incredibly cheeky smile and say:

"I have to rule this legion after my father. Shouldn't I get to know my loyal warriors a little better?"

You absolutely could not mistake her father's overconfidence for anything else.

Here is the translation, keeping that exact same emotional and slightly dramatic Tumblr fanfic vibe:

For their 13th birthday, Leman Russ gifted the twins a Fenrisian wolf pup each, tiny little things that had barely even opened their eyes. Both of kids were absolutely ecstatic.

"Raise each other and grow together, be fiercely loyal to one another until the very end of your days. Remember, the wolves of Fenris live longer than you could possibly count" Leman instructed them, already bracing himself to be completely crushed in a hug by two young and already incredibly strong demigods.

Radella also discovered another talent of her, one of many, but she was absolutely not happy about this one.

As it turns out? She has incredible psyker potential. You see, the twins would periodically go and stay with their uncles for about half a year at a time, and the Primarchs would teach them everything they knew, giving them the kind of profoundly deep education that only the children of Horus Lupercal deserved.

Magnus had actually sworn an oath to Horus that he wouldn't teach the kids how to do magic. He would only cover the theory, the structure of the Warp, the core principles of sorcery but absolutely zero practical application.

But Radella, being wildly curious, decided just for fun to try and replicate the simple trick from one of her books: lighting a candle using nothing but her mind. Imagine her absolute *horror* when, barely even trying, she actually lit it. She was completely disgusted by psyker abilities; to her, it just felt like a cheap tactic for dishonorable cowards.

My taglist!! Wanna see ur name here? Let me know!! I would absolutely love that.

@honestlychoppedglitter @stpdeletacc

Anxiety and terror filled my heart, but my legs carried me quicker up the stairs. This could not be happening. This is surreal. Why did the Emperor send the Twins to Selleton and not anyone else? What was the plan for this?

"My Apartment! My Brother!" I yelled, Sanguinius tailing behind me trying to see what damage was done by the Alpha twins. My heart was pounding as I ran up the stairs, practically skipping two to three steps at a time, and I looked at my door. Sure enough, the Door was wide open, the knob broken and my apartment inside was slightly messed up. I panicked, as Sanguinius and I ran inside and I frantically looked for Oliver. The Books can wait. If Alpharius used his likeness to disguise himself, I did not know the extent of the disguise. Does he knock Oliver out? Does he kill him? Oh please do not be the one where he kills him, I thought with pure dread.

"Oliver! Please be alive. Oliver!" I called out. Sanguinius rushed to the kitchen, his wings spread, as if prepared for an ambush,

"Oliver!" he yelled, and I looked slightly panicked, tears threatening to blur my vision, until I heard a gasp from the doorway. Sanguinius and I turned to see Oliver at the open and broken door, his arms full with paper bags from the market and He looked at the mess, in pure shock.

"I was only gone for twenty minutes, what happened?!" He said looking at the mess, Sanguinius in my kitchen and me in the living room.

"Oh He is okay" Sanguinius said in relief as I moved to Oliver, my face now in tears and I hugged him. Oliver stiffened, unsure exactly what was going on. I stopped my hug seeing his look at the messed up house. He seemed genuinely confused out of everything.

"Uhh, Of course I am okay. What happened? Did we get robbed?" He said walking in with the bags and I looked at the broken doorknob. Sanguinius moved towards it.

"I shall tell this to the Lion. Perhaps both he and Leman Russ can track them down." I nodded my head, and he jumped over the railing of my stairs and glided down before flying towards the park. He did that so quick, it was as if he teleported. I snapped out of it, before I turned back in my house. Oliver watched Sanguinius fly to the park in swift speed, and I looked over at Oliver.

"Alpharius Omegon." I spoke as I walked to the messed up Living room. Oliver looked around, seeing the extent of the mess. some of my plushes that were neatly placed in the Stuffed animal hammock were thrown, the closet door was open, part of my clothing were thrown down and the Box where the Primarch books were in, was completely gone, leaving a space for the box.

"Uhh, what or who is that?" Oliver asked me as I picked up the plushies, Oliver coming to help out.

"That's a Primarch. well, Two, but they act as one." Oliver was frozen in a confused stare. I was holding my hands up in a cross, but I waved, as if giving up.

"But The Alpha Legion. This is the Primarch that the Emperor chose to bring in freely and they stole my Books!" I exclaimed with a hint of annoyance. "They came up disguised as you, and broke in stealing my books and now they are gone to who knows where!!"

"Wait." Oliver held up a hand. "A whole ass Primarch that is also Two Primarchs straight up disguised as me? There is no way." There was slight denial in his voice, but then he grinned devilishly and looked at me. "Was their makeup at least good?" I stared at him, he can see my unamused glare at him, but he kept his toothy grin, fluttering his eyes at me, expecting an answer.

"Really? I mention my books being stolen and you ask if they did your Makeup good?!" Oliver just rolled his eyes.

"Okay, okay, not a good time, but I will ask later, then." he said until he turned to see Lion, Leman and Sanguinius at the doorway and Leman set his eyes immediately at the broken knob. Before Leman started to growl, Lion stepped in and he assessed his surroundings and turned to us moving to me first and trying to find any injury.

"I am fine. None of us were injured." I said moving my hands up, and Oliver nodded and Lion pointed at Leman.

"Russ, inspect the wreckage. The scent of the perpetrator should still be around the town somewhere." Lion directed to the Space wolf and Russ set to work, smelling my apartment.

"Uh, I know who the culprit is. it was Alpharius." I told Lion. Lion looked at me, slightly taken aback. Leman Russ paused then he grinned, his excitement growing with that wolfish smile he got on him.

"I know the alpha legion's scent anywhere. there is a reason why they can not infiltrate the Space Wolf legion." He tapped his nose with a cocky grin as he walked around the apartment, now a bit more determined to find his brother's scent.

"They were disguised" I Pointed out and Sanguinius looked around the mess in the apartment. "In fact, One of them was in the cafe with us when you ordered the drinks." Lion was quiet the entire time I was telling him this. He crossed his arms, slightly annoyed. It was as if he was chastising himself for not sensing his brother sooner. I gave him a reassuring smile, but he turned away, still.

"Such an overlook will not be done twice with me" Lion said, but what got our attention, was Leman growling then grabbing my button down beige Jacket from the closet. I grimaced at how roughly he grabbed it, hoping he doesn't rip it.

"Please be careful, I really like that jacket" I begged and Leman stared then took the jacket to his face and smelled it. He moved it away and nodded.

"It is faint, but he left his trail upon the jacket. If you give me three days, maybe less, I can track down Alpharius easily."

"Leman Russ can track down any one of us in the entire Galaxy. Alpharius will not be far." Lion said.

"But wouldn't Alpharius know this, and cover his tracks from even Leman?" I asked as Oliver took out the groceries. Sanguinius shook his head.

"Even if Alpharius can cover his tracks, Leman can still track him down. besides, I think Alpharius took the books for a reason that does not mean he will use them." Sanguinius stated helping Oliver with the Groceries now that things are calming down

"He said no hard Feelings, that he was told to steal my books. But Who told Alpharius to steal three books that can summon his brothers?" I asked. All three of the Primarchs looked away trying to think until Oliver slammed the counter three times, his eyes wide as he had a revelation. Lion looked at Oliver and Oliver pointed at him,

"I know who might have!" Oliver called out, and Lion raised an eyebrow when Oliver pointed to the window out in the distance of Selleton's house.

"MISS GEORGIA SELLETON! That old bitch must have been the one who wanted them. Remember how much she was all like "oooh, Faline, read and summon more primarchs for my town…" He was animated with his opinion, and I nodded in agreement. Miss Selleton WOULD try to find a way to grab the last three books and then use them to bring out the last of the Primarchs. It was definitely villain behavior.

"I, have to agree with Oliver on this one. With how much she has been wanting to bring the others in for personal plans, She has to be the number one suspect in setting Alpharius to steal those books." Sanguinius said.

"You sure about that? That old woman has no standing or any form of bond with us to ask Alpharius of a favor so dastardly. It makes no sense. Alpharius Just arrives to Selleton, and the Mayor has leverage to use his skills to steal Faline's books? While it might be a lead, it is unlikely." the Space wolf spoke in contrast.

"New plan then. Here is what we will do." Lion said pointing at Leman and Sanguinius. "You two together can cover a lot of ground. Leman you follow the scent you picked up from Alpharius, and track him down with Sanguinius. If Alpharius has any ambush set for you both, I trust you two can hold your own, correct?" Sanguinius nodded and Leman grunted, then he turned to me and Oliver.

"You two, will go to Miss Selleton's house and ask her if she had anything to do with this robbery. I will alert the rest of the Primarchs that Alpharius is here, and I will expect the two of you to report to me when finished. Are we understood."

"Yes Sir." Oliver said with a half done Salute and winked at Lion. Lion looked at Oliver cautiously and shook his head while I looked around at my mess of an Apartment.

"Let me at least fix up my house before I go meet up with Selleton. honestly, I am not looking forward to seeing her." I said as Oliver frowned. He knows how draining miss Selleton can be. Lion furrowed his brow at my response.

"Faline, the woman is abrasive, but you must."

"I know. so that means every single encounter with her has been exhausting, stressful, and I just am running out of energy to deal with her." I said, holding my head. "Winchester's death was sad for everyone, but I thought things will be better not reveal how horrid she can be. It was like His death brought out the worst in her.

"Grief can reveal so much in someone, Faline. Especially when it comes to someone that is close." Sanguinius spoke with a reassuring tone. His calming look slightly eased my stress of seeing Miss Selleton.

"However," He continued on, causing me to look up at the Angel. "we always come across an encounter that is unsavory for even us. How you conquer it, is up to you."

"Holding it off will only delay the inevitable." Lion added, causing Sanguinius to nod, their minds thinking alike. "As much as she causes you stress, this must be done by you." Lion looked around the apartment then at the doorknob of my front door. He pulled out his phone and he started to text something in it, and he looked back.

"I texted Rogal Dorn to help fix the Door. It will be a good time to give him the news of the Arrival of Alpharius. While he is here, we can see about fixing your apartment while you are away, to ensure break ins like this do not happen again, Understand?"

I nodded my head and we headed out of the House before we saw Rogal coming with a Large bag over his shoulder, clad in a large button down jacket. Lion waved and Rogal moved to see the damage.

"Simple work, Lion" He said before I headed down the stairs.

"Yeah, Alpharius came by and stole my books." I said as Rogal put down his duffel bag of tools. He stopped what he was doing, hearing the name Alpharius, then he looked at me, his Grey eyes casted at me, as if he knew something. I noticed his slightly pained look, but he hid it with his stoic facade. I turned to Oliver who was smiling at Rogal Dorn removing his coat to show a yellow polo shirt.

"You look so good in yellow." Oliver complimented Rogal and the Primarch nodded his head.

"Your compliment is acknowledged, Oliver. Thank you." He simply said while setting to work.

"We will take things from here, Faline. Go find the whereabouts of your books." Lion called out as Rogal expertly removed the knob and assessed the damage on the door. I nodded, and when we made it to the street, I finally noticed how cold the place was getting. I moved my shoulders up and down as Leman and Sanguinius followed but then broke off to the other side of the town, heading down the main road. Leman was hot on Alpharius' trail. Sanguinius spread his wings and then he looked back, waving at us, causing the both of us to wave back

"Be careful, you two." He said, before Lifting himself off to follow Leman out of the town and down the road. I looked at Oliver and then sighed.

"I hate dealing with Miss Selleton, but are you ready?" I said to my brother and he just scoffed.

"I love putting bitches in their place, I got you honey." Oliver reassured me as we walked to the opposite side of town, walking down the empty road. He turned back, hearing the flapping of wings and I turned to the trees, seeing the giant raven staring down at us.

"That is one massive crow." Oliver said looking up at it but still walking. I looked back and Corvus followed, hopping from one Branch at a time.

"It is a raven, and that is Corvus, one of the Primarchs. He followed Lorgar as a warp beast and I guess he can take the form of a raven due to that."

"Oh my god, tomato tomahto. They are the same thing!" Oliver waved dismissively and I dropped my jaw.

"Ravens and Crows are different Oliver!" I yelled now and he scoffed.

"They are both black!" he bent his hand as we just started up a silly argument about ravens and crows. We were so in our argument we did not see Corvus flying to the next distant tree, and it seemed the three of us were heading to the Selleton Manor.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss Selleton's House was not a nice place to me, especially since there was a slope, Oliver easily was able to traverse, but despite me being able to scale it, i always felt like I was breathing heavily after, feeling like I was out of shape. It was embarrassing. Corvus perched on the tree near the front gate of the house, and Oliver opened the gate letting us both in.

"So What do we say to Miss Selleton, asking her about the books." Oliver asked.

"Say, 'Hey, bitch where the fuck is my books." I called out and Oliver rolled his eyes. I thought I saw Corvus shaking his head as well

"Maybe we let ME do the talking and not the one who called the most powerful man in the galaxy a deadbeat asshole."

Because he IS!"

"That isn't the POINT, FALINE!" Oliver pointed back to me. "Tact! It's all about TACT!" he said and I sighed.

"Says the guy who beat the shit out of a woman in Spring break two years ago." Oliver just sighed.

"Okay, that was different, She came up to me and my bestie and straight up jammed her tongue down his throat without fucking consent. That bitch had to go down. I kept yelling at her that he was gay too," He said, but I sighed.

"Okay, enough talking, let's just ask Miss Selleton about the books and then we can—" we stopped talking when we heard the door opening only to see Lorgar come out of the House and with a beaming like smile upon his smug face. Miss Selleton, looking pleasant for the first time in a while. Oliver and I dropped our jaws as we saw this scene. What was Lorgar doing with Miss Selleton?

"I have to say Lorgar. You are the most refreshing out of all of your brothers. So kind to talk to and you have such amazing advice." She said and I grimaced. Lorgar had both his hands together in a prayer like gesture and he bowed slightly, giving her his full attention.

"Of course, my dear. I saw how troubled you were, on behalf of all of my brothers I am sorry for the stress they caused you." Lorgar said, gently taking her hand in his. Oliver and I stared at the two clasping hands and I glared. He was up to something.

"I want to say, I am sorry I looped you together with your rowdy brothers, I honestly think you are not wrapped around Faline's finger." I heard my own name. She honestly thinks I have every Primarch at my beck and call like that? I raised my fist to my mouth and then I cleared my throat, to tell them I am here, and hearing their little petty shit talk.

"Ahem"

"Oh, Speak of her and she arrives. Faline. Faline's Brother.." Lorgar stated.

"It is Oliver" Oliver sized up Lorgar. Lorgar adjusted his robe like outfit, and he nodded.

"Pleasure. I am just shocked you are not with Angron today."

"Angron has his big boy panties on and can handle a day without me." I sighed, until I heard Corvus cawing deeply in the tree and Lorgar glared at his brother.

"What are you doing to Miss Selleton, Lorgar?" I asked him, trying to remain calm. I had to keep myself tactful like Oliver said, no matter how much Lorgar grinds my gears. Lorgar just looked at me, calmly, and it pissed me off even more.

"Why I was here to speak to Miss Selleton, give her an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on." Lorgar placed a gentle hand upon Miss Selleton and she smiled, nodding in agreement to his statement. She seemed like she really needed Lorgar and that is what irritated me. He was manipulative. He does not usually do things without a true motive.

"well, stop." I said without fully thinking and Lorgar raised an eyebrow. By the time I realized what I said, I went to correct myself but Lorgar beat me to it, ready to make me sound bad.

"You dont want me to help a grieving widow to come to terms without her husband? That is a cold hearted thing to do." Lorgar cooed and my eye twitched.

"That is not what I meant and you know it!" I yelled.

"Miss Faline," Lorgar started, his hands together again.

"Miss Selleton has gone through grief on her own, having to care for a town with memories and reminders of her husband Winchester and has anyone come to her and helped her? Has anyone checked on her and gave her something to hold on to in such a trying time such as a death of an important person in their lives?"

"Yes. A bunch of times," I countered. "We had a heart to heart before the Halloween festival, before she stole Angron's book. In fact, there has been many people to come and check on her. I have seen it."

"Yet, have any of you actually sat down and Fully talked to her. Have any of you went to her house and asked her if she was okay? Sanguinius is the most Approachable of us Primarchs and not even HE has come to give Miss Selleton some reassurance." Lorgar said, gently placing an arm around Miss Selleton as she nodded her head, bowing it as her loneliness was put to light by Lorgar

"A town who has lost their mayor and none of its inhabitants came to his widow to make sure she had reassurance through her loss. Surely, her bitterness is justified due to that alone." Oliver was frowning and he looked away. I turned to Oliver, and he glanced up at me, slightly ashamed. Lorgar got to Oliver too.

"Faline, I feel bad, honestly. I mean, The woman lost her husband. And Mr. Selleton was the kindest old man I have ever met." Oliver said. Miss Selleton frowning and I looked away, now contemplating this. To be honest, Lorgar made some fair points. I did not really think of her grief and what she was going through. There was a long silence, and I honestly felt like stepping back, standing down just from the sheer guilt of what Lorgar put into our minds. It was not until Corvus in a Raven form flew next to me perching on the fence, and cawed. He looked like he was trying to snap us out of Lorgar's Charismatic Manipulations. It was quite effective. I kept myself from relenting and backing down and I straightened up. Oliver matched my resolve, and copied my actions, right behind me. Miss Selleton noticed our change of behavior.

"Miss Selleton," I said in a softer tone, and she looked at me, trying to keep my voice level and easy. "I Do not know what you went through. A lifetime partner lost so suddenly, and no one to help you deal with the horrid grief of losing a man you spent most of your life with. I am sorry," I saw Georgia's gaze soften and her glare slowly dissipate, despite Lorgar keeping his eyes on me, and I looked at the Primarch before I turned back to Miss Selleton again.

"However, I am merely here, due to the fact my three books were stolen away from me, by another Primarch and I wanted to ask if you were involved in any of that.." I asked, now going for tact, like Oliver told me to try. Miss Selleton's Gaze hardened yet again, and she grew defensive again.

"What ever are you on about, Faline Cross?" She asked directly, and I slumped my shoulders, letting out an exasperated sigh now slightly annoyed I had to ask twice.

"Did you hire two Primarchs to steal my last of the books from my home?"

"I did not. I have no use of your Primarch books, and I do not care. I am still appalled there are two more new primarchs here. What is your motive here, Miss Faline."

Lorgar furrowed his brow, his tattooed face showing slight concern at the mention of two primarchs now in Selleton and he spoke. "Which one of my brothers have been spirited away to this town?"

"Alpharius Omegon."

Miss Selleton shook her head, now slightly annoyed, frustrated more Primarchs are here. She stepped forward now and she pointed her finger at me.

"I thought you said you are not bringing any more primarchs, and now there is another couple of Primarchs committing theft of powerful books? You have some explaining if you are not even able to control this situation. It is my town that is taking the brunt of this whole debacle. There are STILL people coming here merely to see the rumored "Angel that fell from the Heavens," and I had to control that situation, yet I see him flying around here and there!"

"I do not have to explain anything to you," I snapped back.

"I deserve an explanation! You are Damn Lucky I do not call anything pertaining to the National Guard or the Army with these War mongering Men in my town! One has wings, One almost tore this place apart with his bare hands and one Controls Reality with his own Mind! This whole situation you need to explain since you are dumping them into MY town! Should I remind you of how things happened with Angron." Miss Selleton ranted and I just groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose.

"Need I remind you, Georgia." I said to her, my hand straight out pointing at her. "That YOU were the one who brought Angron here in the first place, because you took his book and read it when it was placed somewhere that clearly was not meant for you to snoop in. These quote unquote War mongering men you are so worried about are FAR from stupid and we all discuss and debate what is the best course of actions when it comes to their brothers who they know of, and have dealt with. We all agreed we were not prepared for Angron and wanted to wait for his arrival until we had the right timing for it."

"So you are going to sit there, and blame me for something that I did not know what would happen?" Miss Selleton yelled. Not even Lorgar spoke up; Oliver and Corvus just watched this argument take place.

"The book was somewhere where You did not Belong!" I countered at her.

"It should not have been anywhere near any form of shelf in the first place!"

"THEY WERE NOT ON THE SHELVES!" my voice carried out my pure frustration boiling over and causing me to explode. Oliver finally moved up to me and put a hand upon my shoulder, making me just put my hands on my face, and then run them up my head and into my hair, smoothing it out, breathing in then out.

"Girl, it isn't worth it." Oliver said, then I just nodded in agreement.

"You know what? It is not worth this. This argument is not going anywhere. You did not steal my books? Fine" I raised my hands up in the air. "You did not steal them." I looked right at Lorgar then squinted my eyes at him. He Mirrored me.

"Are you sure you want to put your trust in Lorgar Aurelian?" I felt Lorgar's hard gaze on me, and suddenly, like a reflex, my hand moved behind my back. It was the very wrist that he shattered, as if remembering the pain he inflicted on me in the hotel. The agony of my bones giving away to Lorgar's Primarch strength, my body remembered, and it made me discreetly shudder. Miss Selleton did not pay attention to that, instead she rolled her eyes at my question.

"Lorgar has been specially well to me," Miss Selleton said to me, not paying attention to Lorgar's focused gaze at me. I glanced at him, and I can tell he can sense the subconscious fear that I had of him and that is what made him raise a single eyebrow. "He has been a saint, quite approachable, respectful, and quite wise. He even has helped me deal with my own grief of my dead husband. He has been a great man to me, and I will not tolerate any slander to him." Lorgar returned Miss Selleton's Defense of him with a slight bow to her in gratitude. Oliver scoffs.

"She talks mad shit about War mongering men in her town yet here she is enjoying the company of one of them. Can you spell inconsistent?" Oliver sassily grumbled, his head moving back and forth showing a face of disapproval.

"Oliver is it?" Lorgar spoke up and Oliver looked at the Word bearer with a raised eyebrow. "If I recall, you are a nurse of one of my brothers, the very one who is afflicted with rage due to his nails, and you enjoy his company? And this being a small town, Faline here is close to a particular Iron Warriors Primarch, sitting upon him and even kissing him when they are supposed to be alone.

"Angron is my job, I was hired to help him curb his rage into healthy outlets." Oliver countered back. "And My sister is a grown ass woman with a grown ass man consensually might i tell you."

"Frankly, Lorgar, who I am with is none of your business nor are you in any place to say who we associate with." I added with my brother. Oliver nodded his head, but what made us stop our argument was a small smirk as he placed his hands together and steepled them, looking at us both.

"Then conversely, I can say the same to the both of you. Who I associate with—" He paused a moment and looked between the both of us. "—is our business"

We were both silent. He threw our argument back at us, with no effort and he smiled smugly, winning the verbal battle. We were quiet as Lorgar opened Miss Selleton's Door and he regarded his hand to let her back in.

"As Much as I would love to stay in your lovely abode to continue our talk, my Dear lady Selleton, I must retire and do my daily meditations. This entire Encounter has taken so much of me." Lorgar said, taking Georgia's hands and he brought them up to his lips, gently pressing his lips to her knuckles.

"Lucky I don't sic the Raven on you." I muttered, and Lorgar turned to me, his face changed from endearing to annoyed.

"Corvus knows better than to attack me right now. The feathered annoyance is too out in the open and that isnt his style of fighting, right brother." He looked straight at the Raven on the fence and Corvus hissed, his feathers puffed up and shaking as if daring Lorgar to hit him. I went to Corvus and I had him perch on my hand and moved back. Lorgar moved away to get past the fence and down the road back to the town. Miss Selleton waved at Lorgar and then she focused her gaze at us, looking at the raven as well on my hand.

"I had nothing to do with the theft of your books, but if it means anything, which might not from the likes of you two, I suggest you both find those books before anything worse comes out of them. My town is already overrun by these Primarchs and that is something neither of you have to deal with." She said before walking back into her house and closing the door. I sighed, lifting my hand up, and letting Corvus fly off of me, and disappear into the trees. I went to look at Oliver but Lorgar spoke up from his position.

"By the way, Dear Faline" My spine shuddered at him calling me dear and I looked at him, "How is your relationship with Perturabo? I never expected my, let's say, taciturn brother to have any form of bond with someone as outgoing as you,"

"Why do you ask, Lorgar? Is there a reason you are asking this?" I asked him and Oliver crossed his arms, waiting for Lorgar's response.

"I assure you there is no hidden reason, I merely wish to speak my own peace about it. It is quite unexpected to end up bonded to a Primarch that you know has done atrocities that are even worse than mine. To kiss a being that surpasses you in all things, to hold close a man who has broken the spines of others that are like you. It is Baffling if you ask me." He continued to Ramble and I held my gaze as Oliver blinked at Lorgar's speech, the both of us watching him turn back upon the road.

"This Town, does wonders to my brothers, before our very eyes. Quite peculiar." He said then he walked away. I finally relaxed my shoulders as Oliver raised his hand.

"ugh, I cannot Stand priests with their high and mighty attitude. That Man is no different." Oliver said and I looked over at my brother.

"He was raised by another Priest , Oliver, of course he is gonna get that cocky ass attitude from Kor Phaeron."

"Believe it or not" We heard Corvus behind us finally and we jumped at his sudden appearance, in Primarch form, his dark eyes down at the road where Lorgar left. "He is the least combat effective out of all of us. I have beaten him many times."

I looked over at Corvus now and we walked across the grass.

"Weak or not, what he lacks in combat he exceeds in words. Did you see how he just verbally slapped us into silence more than 3 times?" I asked Corvus. Corvus looked down at me as Oliver let out a sharp exhale.

"He basically made us into his verbal Bitches!" Oliver exclaimed. "I know I talked a lot of shit about him but damn, he knows how to use that tongue, and I do not mean in a good way." Oliver said holding out his hand.

"That is why he is still dangerous being here. That charisma will be his biggest weapon, and Neither of you are like us. None of you have any defense against wordplay so eloquent. Especially you with your obvious fear of him." Corvus pointed at me and I stiffened my shoulders yet again.

"Me?" I said.

"I know fear when I see it, Faline." Corvus stated. "the hairs on your neck stood up, your hands were shaking, the one that was broken quaking more than the other. You are still afraid of him."

"Do you blame me, Corax?!" I tried to defend myself. "He shattered my wrist with one flex. Broke it in pieces. That pain was unlike anything I have felt in my entire life! It stuck with me. I am not a powerful Being, I do not have abilities, I can't regenerate. I am human. It is normal for me to fear something that caused that much damage to me!" I said to him. Corvus seemed unamused as he listened to me.

"That is called Trauma, Corvus" Oliver said and nodded. Corvus glanced at my brother then back at me.

"I am aware of what trauma is, Oliver. Most of my brothers experience it, as much as they do not wish to admit it." He spoke with a slight hint of disdain. Oliver actually nodded in agreement and Corvus focused back on me and blinked before continuing.

"That Fear is what feeds most of my brothers, Faline. You have brought them here and still have not conquered that fear of them? If you are tasked with being around us, and giving us this 'new perspective' you will have to conquer that fear." I got slightly annoyed now. I remembered the very events that caused me to cry in fear, the overwhelming power of all of these Primarchs and now Corvus is here telling me to just get over it? I shook my head.

"You are one to talk, though, with you being afraid of Konrad Curze and all. If I remember right before you got to kill Lorgar, the Night haunter came, and you retreated at his sight." I tried to defend myself, but Corvus did not move, did not even falter from his position.

"I am not afraid of the eighth Primarch." He continued to gaze at me, moving his head slightly. "You misunderstand me. Have you even read anything pertaining to me since I have arrived here?" That made me realize what I said and I hesitated, making the Raven Guard Primarch Raise his eyebrow expecting an answer.

"I…" I looked away. I hated to admit, most of the tidbits I found through research and not the books, due to how hectic things have gone. I have not done any form of true reading, and mostly relied on the Internet for some things. I am now sitting in front of a Primarch questioning the reliability of the internet. "No. I have not." I relented and Corvus straightened up.

"Primarchs know no fear. We are created in the image of the Emperor of Mankind. I am not afraid of the Night Haunter. Perhaps Faline, you need to gain more knowledge of each of us before you lay out baseless assumptions." He turned around and he walked toward Selleton Park. "Good bye, Faline."

"Corvus Wait. please, I did not mean to—" But before I got to finish any form of apology, he disappeared in plain sight, gone in a blink, and nowhere to be seen. He did not even leave a single footprint. I closed my eyes, until Oliver whistled.

"Girl, you haven't read much of the Primarchs? Sounds like you got some more homework to do before you get those books back" Oliver teased and I turned to him glaring.

"Oh Shut up. I will be fair, I wish I can sit down and actually read the massive collection of books that pertain to the lives of the Primarchs before the Heresy. Getting each Primarch here and actually handling them takes so much time. Time away from doing full on reading and understanding."

"Don't take this the wrong way, Faline, but I think this is why Alpharius stole your books. Maybe they are testing you on how versed you are with the ones you have here now?" I looked down at the grass and nodded. We were silent until I looked out at the road seeing if Leman and Sanguinius came back. I have not seen any sign of them.

"Hey Faline, all we can do is wait. Maybe Lion and Rogal Dorn is done with the Apartment. Maybe we can just relax, watch some Cinderella, and calm down from the obvious stress. If You ask me, though I can use a bath."

"That honestly sounds so good. The Nook is closed due to the robbery, and I am just so drained from everything." I said, rubbing my temples. I heard my phone ding in a notification and I pulled out my phone seeing it was from Perturabo. I opened it and read the contents.

Back from the Scrap yard, Why is Dorn at your apartment?

I sighed and quickly texted him while Oliver peeked at our conversation

Alpharius stole my books. Broke my door. Will call you for details later,

I thought of giving him an emoji but the last time I gave him one, he just gave me ellipses and a question mark, as if he was confused.

"Okay, your boo thing has a major complex if he is like wondering why Dorn is fixing your door. I am now betting Perturabo will just break the door and fix it his way after Dorn is done."

"Honestly, if I do not stop him, he might." I said, slightly chuckling then decided to give him an emoji.

Don't break my door to fix it your way please.

I added the Hands together emoji as if begging him and before I looked up my phone rang out with his reply:

I make no promises. Call me later.

I shook my head and Oliver giggled at the conversation before leaning away from my phone. He shrugged.

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I made sure the Java Nook was closed and locked. Oliver already was up in the apartment, and Lion and Dorn helped with the damage caused by Alpharius. When they left I waved at them and watched them go their separate ways, and my eyes now focused on a man across the street. he was in a flannel shirt and suspenders, wearing a beanie and his sleeves fully down to block the cold weather. I blinked only for the man to walk up to me and then put his hands in his pockets and stare at me with a slight hint of annoyance.

"You did not have to sic Leman Russ onto me, Faline Cross.." Alpharius stated. I crossed my arms, keeping myself from grabbing the man and shaking him out of fury.

"You left me no choice, Alpharius." I said, sizing him up. "You used the likeness of my own brother, broke in my apartment and stole my books. What better Primarch to track you down like the Space Wolf?" I said slightly giving him sass.

"The Space wolf was a smart Primarch to send to us, but the Angel? That was too much even for you. But no matter. What's done is done." He said, shrugging casually, and he walked down the street and I immediately grabbed his arm and he stopped, not because I held him back. I severely lacked the strength to hold him down. A Man who looked exactly like him walked down the street and then handed me a folded paper, while I held Alpharius, or Omegon. I grabbed it and both of the twins looked at me as I unfolded it. It revealed to be a Geographic map with a circle around a point on the map, in the corner of it was an address that led to a place practically a few hours away from Selleton itself.

"What is this?" I asked them both.

"The location of your books." They said in unison.

"Bring you, Your brother, and the Primarchs to this address, and you will gain these books back" One said.

"If you actually are worthy of these books, that is." The other spoke casually before walking away and gaining distance. I was getting slightly frustrated at the twins as I kept my cool talking to them both.

"Worthy? Did the Emperor order you to do this? Aren't you two a part of the Traitor primarchs group?" I asked keeping my focus on the only brother that was with me now. I am not sure if this was Alpharius or Omegon, but frankly, I did not care. "Was it because I called the Emperor a Deadbeat Asshole?"

"We do not care what you called Father in the heat of the moment." Alpharius said waving a hand, and I looked around wondering why he said we instead of I. The other twin was gone now. "The One who told us to steal your books wants to fully observe how you are with the Primarchs. That is all I am going to say."

"It is Malcador isn't it?" I blurted out and there was silence. He stared at me, and raised an eyebrow, his face showing he did not expect me to guess correctly. I hung there in the awkward silence then I placed a hand on my face.

"I mean, hold on. I have to play dumb right? You are a Primarch." I said sarcastically. "Oh golly gee whillakers. Who is this man that wants to put ME on trial, it is such a mystery, better call the gang and find out." I said with the over dramatic voice and pure sarcasm that made Alpharius' eye twitch. I was honestly so done with this day, the grumpiness was showing and being a smart ass to at least one of the Primarchs gave me a sense of control over my own stress.

"Is the sass really Necessary, Faline? Really Mature."

"Oh that is rich, coming from the pair of Primarchs who resorted to Burglary of freaking books, and then telling me I have to drive a few hours away from home to grab those same books. I have had a shitty day and you were the prime cause of it, Alpharius, so excuse me for not being as level headed as you are so used to, princess."

We started another staring contest, our eyes meeting each other and he squinted before he turned and went to leave but I went after him.

"Oh no no no, you do not get to just leave because I dared sass you."

"Who said I was leaving?" A voice appeared behind me and I turned at the same visage of Alpharius and I turned back at the exact copy.

"This is Malcador's idea. He wants to observe you, and find out why Father chose you, why you were favored in this little project he wanted to execute. It is something most of us Primarchs have said, am I correct?"

I glared at either of them and they moved around me, as if trying to give me more of a headache than I already have. I glared until I noticed at the corner of my eye in the distance was Ferrus Manus, holding a large Box, his face stern as he was walking toward us. I have not seen him or talked to him since he arrived, so seeing him made me pause at how unexpected it was to see him in the open.

"They do not trust me much. They are not really the kind to be open to share feelings and their vulnerabilities. They are stubborn. They do not trust me, despite the time I spent with them." Ferrus stopped looking at me, then he looked over at Alpharius, carefully observing the situation. clad in a compression shirt and jeans, and his Metal arms gleaming in the now shining streetlights.

"That sounds like a problem that might be solved if you come to this address, Miss Faline. Besides, how can you fully gain the Primarch's trust if you yourself can barely trust anyone about your own past. For example, does a Rufus Cross mean anything to you?" Alpharius inquired. Ferrus Manus stared at my reaction, and I stiffened at the mention of my father. My body shook and The Iron hands Primarch squinted his eyes, as Alpharius put me in a predicament I did not want to be in. Remembering the man who made Oliver and my life miserable with his presence.

"What about him, Alpharius?"

"You want my brother's openness, comraderie and trust to give you thr friendship and the willingness to enjoy this new life away from the strife we endured, Why are you not open about the strife you and your brother endured?"

"Because my Past is nothing compared to what they went through. It is not important."

"It is important to give them a reason to be open.I should go, It is late, and you need your rest before you come to that address for your books back." Alpharius turned around finally, and the other twin joined him and disappeared behind a few buildings. I turned to watch them leave and I looked over at Ferrus, who was now walking away himself.

"Those two are wrong you know?" Ferrus spoke up and I stared at the Iron Hands Primarch. "Sharing something that pains you only causes more wounds to open and show a weakness your enemies can use against you. I do not know what happened with your father, but I do not need to know in order to form any kind of bond. Fulgrim and I did not need to. It is only those you are close with you become vulnerable with. Those who you feel will never direct your flaws against you." I was silent as Ferrus spoke his own wisdom, the tone of it, sounding like he went through it himself.

"Would you want to gain a friendship with me at one point, without knowing anything of my past?" Ferrus kept his gaze at the road and his upper lip twitched before he casted his stern gaze at me.

"No." He did not even hesitate or think about it. I frowned. "I do not know you. You had me face Fulgrim again, which to put it bluntly, I still am angry with, and you have a personality that I will swiftly get annoyed with." I would be lying if I said i was not hurt by this brutal honesty, but at least he knew what he wanted.

"However." He spoke again. "I see the effort you put into my brothers, and I acknowledge your drive to do what you were tasked to do. You may think I do not care, but I am vigilant. As weak as you are, you are determined. That counts for something. You are still weak, but something about your heart makes you something else." He said then continued his walk. I called out before he was further away from me.

"Ferrus, Can I ask why you are still mad at Fulgrim, or will that be something I will have to find out later." Ferrus paused and he looked back at me, side eyeing me as he held his box.

"You will have to wait before I open up about that answer, Faline." He spoke before continuing his walk down the road. from the contents of the box of some sheet metals, I took it he was going to give it to Perturabo before the night fell. I waved silently and walked up the stairs to my apartment but before I opened the door to my house, I send a text to the Group chat, that I shared with the Primarchs, save Lorgar:

Malcador Stole my books. We are to meet up at this Address to get them back. all of us, including Oliver.

The amount of reactions of thumbs up and a Shocked emoji from Fulgrim made me know each of them knew the next step in this. Before I closed the group chat I got a text from Magnus.

That explains the flux of energy not too far from here. While I am not excited that the Sigillite is here, prepare for him. His meek appearance is deceiving.

Oliver and I were washing up the dishes from dinner, and Perturabo was video chatting with me from my phone. I called him as promised and I told him all that has happened today, while Oliver dried some of my dishes, and I was washing them,

"I am just going to say it. All of you, coming with me to get my books seems excessive." I called out, and Oliver leaned against the counter, waiting for me to finish washing the dishes. Perturabo was leaning against his desk in the Video chat, and listening to me.

"I have no opinions on the Sigillite. A Few of my brothers favor or hate him, but he works directly under father."

"That is the thing. Alpharius said this was all Malcador's idea. To steal my books and to lure us like fish to get them back. He is acting on his own." I said to Perturabo as Oliver handed me a towel for me to dry my hands of the water. he unplugged the sink and pointed.

"Okay, so we are gonna trust a couple of duplicitous but hot twins who stole your books in the first place? Yeah, let's ignore the biggest red flag in the field." Oliver sassed and Perturabo pulled out a figure to examine it.

"I get it." I relented. "The Twins did not give me any reason to trust them. The First time I met them they steal from me, but what other choice do I have but to deal with Malcador and find out what I have to do to get the books back." I grabbed the phone, and placed Perturabo on the coffee table

"What do you think, Pookie bear?" Oliver said and Perturabo stopped his examining of his figurine and he stared directly at the camera, his blue eyes glaring a hole into my brother.

"I do not do nicknames, Oliver. You better remember that." he warned and I leaned back.

"I tried." I told Oliver. Oliver just sat upon the couch. "Bo is the only one he will compromise on. But anyway, Perturabo, your opinion?" Perturabo looked back down upon his figurine and then placed it upon the shelf behind him and leaned on his desk again.

"Alpharius is not stupid enough to set up a trap for you and Oliver, Faline. Malcador is as intelligent as any psyker of his level. If Malcador wants to make this a trial to test you, Faline. he means it. But it does not mean he has already schemed to what that trial entails."

"Does that mean we Have to go." Oliver asked and I nodded and Perturabo crossed his arms.

"You have no choice. Faline is too impatient to wait this out, Alpharius is too crafty to allow the more stealthy primarchs to steal them back, and Malcador is too strategic to allow any ambush to get books back. He will anticipate any thing we plan, and the Sigillite knows it."

"Let's not mention the fact who starts a battle over freaking books." I said, watching Oliver hunt for some movies.

"We started wars for far less, Faline" Perturabo's voice softened and I nodded, looking at the phone screen. Perturabo looked right at the Camera and I understood now, Perturabo was right. With who we were dealing with, there was our only choice. When we were thinking, Curze texted me, and I looked at the notification and raised my eyebrow.

"Konrad Texted the group chat, and said it will end in tears." Oliver grumbled as he leaned back.

"I swear, that boy needs like sunshine up his ass." He snapped sassily and I tried not to laugh and Perturabo just shakes his head.

"The Eighth needs more than Sunshine going near him, I am going to let you go for the night. We will reconvene tomorrow in dealing with this trip to Malcador and Alpharius. Good night."

"Good night, Bo" He nodded his head at me, and the call ended and I looked over at Oliver who was now patting his head to itch it.

"I dare you to put that in the chat. That Konrad needs sunshine up his ass."

"Yeah, I'm not stupid, the moment I send that, he will be in the window trying to flay my gay ass. I like my skin, I take good care of it."

"What are you talking about Oliver? He would not do that." I teased sarcastically. "Konrad doesn't bite. Much like Sanguinius does not bite"

"Sanguinius can Bite me anytime. He has consent" Oliver grinned and I just laughed. As I was hearing Oliver talk about the difference between Sanguinius and Curze, I just enjoyed the peaceful night after such a shitty day. It was a calm before any form of storm. and If the Night Haunter saw something that would indeed ' end in tears' I will prepare for it, but right now, Laughing with my brother while we were watching Disney movies was what I needed.

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Oliver got up when his own alarms went off. He was quite a light sleeper due to his routines from being a Nurse. I got up after while Oliver was in the shower, and I looked over at the Group chat with the Primarchs. It seemed all of them were already setting up to head to the address. I was about to reply that this was not a siege to get the books back when Oliver came out, wearing a Black shirt with the album art of Dark side of the moon from Pink Floyd.

Okay, Faline" Oliver started up as I was picking out my clothing. "This man, Malcador the Sigillite is just as powerful as the Emperor. He is a psyker, and he can Delete you with a blink. What do we say to him?"

"Say, hey bitch, give me my books now, and slap him in the face." I said without a beat or a pause. There was silence then I looked at him and grinned.

"I am kidding, Oliver." I said, grabbing my lavender Shirt then my towel.

"Sometimes, you scare me, girl. and I deal with Angron every day." He said as he went to the living room to finish getting ready. I chuckled, and when I closed the door, I was oblivious to all. A Calm warm morning shower, patting my curls dry, putting on my clothing and then heading out, holding my lotion bottle when I noticed Perturabo and Angron glaring each other down in my living room. Oliver was holding his butter toast and eating it slowly just Watching the two Primarchs staring each other down like two MMA fighters in a press conference.

"Did I miss anything?" I said, sitting down upon a chair and applying lotion on my arms first. Oliver pointed.

"Yes, Perturabo came first, and we were speaking when Angron came along, then they just started staring at each other menacingly. I made toast and they were still like this.."

"Hold on," I said, then I moved in between them waving my hands over their faces..

"Hey, both of you. come on, we got places to go." I waved and Angron casually moved me gently, but was stopped by Perturabo grabbing his wrist tightly. Angron snarled and Perturabo glared.

"Seems the Situation has changed, no longer some Weak piddling daemon slave to a god." He growled and Angron moved his face closer.

"I may have my own control, but that still does not mean I forgotten to topple the pedestal of the high and mighty. You are still the same bitter little child that cries for Daddy's attention."

Perturabo curled his hands to a fist, and I immediately got annoyed then grabbed Perturabo's chin and made him look at me.Perturabo at First was thrown off, and his hand moved to my wrist, but froze when he realized I grabbed his chin and made him look at me. It was like he was never touched like that before.

"Not here. You know this." I warned and his eyes made that slow blink as if he was still trying to register everything. His face showed slight shock at first, then he hardened his gaze again, his eyes looked back up at Angron and he straightened up again, and then he passed by Angron walking out the door.

"I will be waiting in the car." Perturabo stated, his hand on my shoulder then moving away, and Angron turned to me and I looked at him now, Oliver pointed at the door.

"Okay, how did you do that." Oliver asked. "Both Angron and Perturabo were going to rip each other's throats out like a couple of Rottweilers."

"I might still do it." Angron said, as he and Oliver were heading out the door.

"I will be out there. take my keys and start up my car." I tossed the keys to Oliver and he caught it, and he looked at the key chains on it. Oliver grinned and With Angron next to him they headed out and down the stairs leaving me to finish getting ready. Finally heading out, Perturabo, Angron and Oliver were waiting by my car.

"Music wise, can We keep it from Heavy Metal, it aggravates Angron's leftover nails." Perturabo looked over at Angron's head and raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"Well Video gaming and giving him Doom as a video game to relax his nails sort of backfired, so now when He listens to any heavy metal, it tricks the nails to thinking he is playing doom therefore aggravating his nails."

"It is annoying really" Angron stated going in the car. Perturabo got in the driver's Seat and I got in the passenger seat. I can already tell there was going to be Silence. I looked around, to see most of the other primarchs getting in cars and pulling out, ready to head to the same address. Magnus declined each ride, and disappeared from where he stood. I took it he just teleported to the address. The Trip was quiet, the Music was lowered in volume, and I looked out at the road, the open fields that were slightly marked with small amounts of snow. The Silence was finally broken with Oliver.

"I have a question, Perturabo," Oliver called up, holding his phone and Perturabo glancing at my brother through the mirror before keeping his eyes on the road.

"What was Olympia like? I read your book and I got the whole ass Greece vibe, which I Love by the way.What I would do to wear one of those robe chiton thingies!" Perturabo glanced again at Oliver and rolled his eyes, but continued to listen. "but I just want to know what it was like, like life wise and how pretty it—"

"I would rather not talk about Olympia, Oliver. If you read my book, you would understand why." He spoke directly, and I spoke up.

"I think it was more of something that did not factor in the end of it where you destroyed it due to their rebellion." I added in it, hoping to get Perturabo to open up a bit more about it.

"I factor it in anyway, because it was the last memory of that place, and it still pisses me off"

"Okay," Oliver nodded then he spoke up, trying a different strategy. "If you can climb that mountain again, would you?Mount something?"

"Mount Telephus." Perturabo recalled and he kept his eyes on the road, before softening his gaze. "My youthful wonder made me climb to the peak to meet my father upon it. That I knew I was capable of greater things. Just to feel it again, Maybe I would." He said, and I looked over at him. I remembered reading that part in the book. how happy he was to see his true father, how much he pledged to always be faithful to him. The washing of sadness he felt, but was quickly moved away. perhaps The Emperor knew of Perturabo's fate more than he let on. That the Emperor knew that Perturabo was going to be one of those sons that resent him.

"Okay, one more question. Have you always wanted to be a siege master of the Imperium?" Oliver asked, and Angron glanced once at Oliver and then looked back at the field.

"That is my purpose, Oliver."

"I dont know, Faline told me of the cool designs you draw in the workshop, including her Upgraded Cafe library. Something you always wanted when you grew up maybe?" Oliver asked teasingly, and Perturabo now focused his eyes at my brother and I turned back, hearing Perturabo's voice when he uttered out the words

"I already Grew up, Oliver. I grew up to learn no one wanted them." I went to speak up my own contrasting debate but Oliver beat me to it

"Did you?" Oliver asked him "Or was it forced due to the expectations and impossible tasks of others?" I turned to Oliver and my brother winked at me. Perturabo was silent, trying to find the right words to answer Oliver's questions, but he just resorted to just sighing and turning the corner to a dirt path. Did Oliver Stump Perturabo?

"You would make a damn good Psychiatrist, Oliver, and I do not know if that will be annoying or beneficial."

"Awww, thanks! You know I always wanted to be a psychiatrist when I grow up, and if Primarchs are a part of that journey, I will Gladly take it." He fluttered his eyes with pride, and I chuckled.

"If Oliver can give the Primarchs therapy sessions, I think that is an automatic Ph.D" I joked and Perturabo and Angron both looked at me as if slightly offended. I felt the car slow down and I noticed the road turning to a slightly icy dirt path. Perturabo slowed down slightly and I looked out the window only to see a Large house blocked off by some trees, that barely had their leaves left. I could see the top of the house, but when Perturabo turned another corner, the House was visible. It was Massive, larger than any country side house I have seen. The roof a nice blue, a red and white chimney sticking out at the top of it, with some small windows evenly distanced on the roof. Parts of the house had some nice Morning Glory ivy growing on it, and some foliage that made it look so natural and adorable. It made me smile until Perturabo just grumbled.

"Malcador just loves to piss some of us off. This House is a Fire hazard waiting to happen." Perturabo pulled into the road and then he continued to stare at the house, as if it kicked his dog or something. Or something akin to being dirt.

"What are you talking about? This is the Cutest manor I have ever seen!" I said, heading out of the car. Oliver nodded in agreement.

"Oh my goodness, this place just screams bed and breakfast! When I get a husband, I am SO Begging Malcador to stay here for my honeymoon!!"

I chuckled just admiring the house until more cars pulled up, seeing Lion, Leman and Corvus come in with Lion's Van, Sanguinius and Curze in the back seat and looking at the house. Jaghatai Kahn came in next drifting into a spot on his cycle and looked up at the manor. One by one, we all arrived, and Magnus and Lorgar Walked out the Manor doors, making me slightly hesitant on Lorgar being there. Rogal Dorn, Fulgrim, and Ferrus Manus were the last to arrive, pulled up next to my car, and Dorn got out first, scrutinizing the house.

"I hardly see the function of foliage and shrubbery around a house. One stray fire and It shall compromise the manor." Dorn criticized.

"Oh, Please keep your rigid opinions to yourself, this manor is darling!" Fulgrim said, and I smiled.

"I know, it is So adorable! In the Back there is a closed off house with a Pool in it! Oh if it is heated, I will never leave that pool!" Oliver exclaimed as he scurried closer to the Manor, Fulgrim was joining him as they admired the outside of the house. I had to keep myself calm, and as the other Primarchs were gathering up, I moved to the front, I saw Magnus and he nodded his head.

"Malcador is in the other room if you wish to speak to him." He spoke and I peeked inside, only for him to move and let me in.

"Thank you, Magnus." I said as I walked into the house, the Feel of it so homey, a large manor with a splash of cottage. It was overwhelmingly beautiful and majestic.

"Faline Cross?" I heard an elderly voice come in through the office on the right of me and I looked in. Standing in the middle of the office was an elderly man, long gray hair down but away from his face, his suit tailored immaculately, brown and fitting, and in his hand was a large staff, with the Aquila on the top. It was not on fire, thank goodness, but I knew the significance of that staff. I walked in the office, and Malcador nodded his head in greeting.

"You took my books, Malcador. You had Alpharius steal it." Malcador turned to the desk and then opened a drawer, revealing the three books I had left to read, along with the Horus rising trilogy, and he put his gaze back on me.

"I think you were supposed to call me a bitch, slap me in the face and Take the books back." He said and I was silent at first.

"Malcador, if you kept telepathically spying on me, you would have known that was a joke, and I said that merely to mess with my brother." I said, and he nodded sitting upon the chair in front of the desk, and he looked up at me.

"I know. I am well aware of jests spoken to kin that you are close to. You two do seem close, and he was so ready to help you out in something the Lord Emperor tasked you with."

"The Emperor said that Oliver is allowed to help out,"

"Then there is promise in your brother." He replied then leaned back, continuing to watch me as he continued holding the books. I looked at them in his hand, then back at him, and he raised a single eyebrow then I reached for the books. Each and every one of them floated up in the air and hovered above us out of reach. I sighed in exasperation watching each of my books high in the air as Malcador continued to stare at me as if this was some sort of game.

"I am not going to give you the books so freely, Faline. Not after you and the Primarchs came here after close to two hours drive," He began as I just started to grab a random chair then move it so I can stand on it. Malcador moved the chair, just as I placed it down and I slumped my shoulders.

"Really? You said to come to this manor, with all of the Primarchs in tow, my own Brother and You will give me my books back, now what? You are going to just keep them out of my reach, backing out on your end of the deal?"

"I never said I was going to back out of my deal, Cross." He said, still keeping the books high in the air. There is a stipulation I wished to propose to you as soon as everyone arrived. An Offer you can't refuse." The Guilliman book floated back down and I reached out and grabbed it, only for Malcador to keep the others in the air.

"I want you, Oliver, and the rest of the Primarchs to stay in this manor for 3 days. 3 days is all I ask. Amenities will be taken care of, clothes, hobbies, and entertainment. Think of this as some form of Vacation. During the three days, I want to see how you, Oliver and the others fare with each other in a closed off space and not in an open town where everyone is so separate. This house looked small, sure, but this will house all of you comfortably. You can also take the time to read the last few books you need to bring the last primarchs you need." He said. I looked up from the book, just shocked at this proposal. I went to speak up and he raised his hand, as if he was knowing what I will say.

"Yes, I am aware most of them are still hostile with each other. Yes. I am aware you are not fond with some of the Primarchs. and yes. The Lord Emperor is very much aware I came here with Alpharius to do this little observation."

"He was aware of this? Last time I saw him, he caused me to have a seizure by almost crushing me!"

Malcador slightly chuckled, the books still hovering above us, save the Guilliman one in my hands.

"To be fair, There are a few people who can get away with insulting him and you are not one of them."

I rolled my eyes. "So, I got a little too angry with all that I know what he has done. Is that a crime? This may come as a shock to you and the Emperor, but anyone who has read or is aware of the world of Warhammer knows of the Emperor's Actions and NONE of them are pleased with them leading up to the Heresy." Malcador got up now, and he walked smoothly around the desk and then leaned on the front of it, looking at me and crossed his arms.

"This may come as a shock to you, Dear Faline, but the Emperor has his reasoning and they are NOT to gain the approval of small humans that he can easily outlive." Malcador stated and I frowned. "The Emperor gave me one single question before I arrived here and I intend to answer it during these three days that you are all here."

"And that question is?" I asked him but he remained silent as he turned his head to the door, Alpharius and Omegon right at the door then he turned back.

"Why don't we keep things even more interesting, once I find out the answer, you have to guess the question. Give me three days, and you will have your books back, while with that all happening I want to see how you fare with all of these sons and report back to the Emperor with the Answer I am looking for."

I Sighed, hearing Malcador give out his proposal, Alpharius and Omegon looking at me as I was thinking of the issues and the drama that could unfold.

"This is messy. I can tell this is going to be Messy. There are still hostile Primarchs in this group and They are bound to fight each other!" I pointed out. and Alpharius walked in, Omegon following and moving to the corner nook of the office.

"Do not act like you are above drama, Faline Cross.." Malcador called out, and I stiffened. "You always have thoughts of watching these men fight each other, feeling like they need to be beat. Should I remind you of your reactions when Angron got a hold of Lorgar and beat him across the Town?"

"I stopped it didn't I? And honestly, that was different. He shattered my wrist. Angron still had some Grudges against him, and Angron was pissed that Lorgar shattered my wrist." Malcador continued to stare at me, and I sighed. I knew I enjoyed that event. In fact, I wanted Angron to keep on beating Lorgar's ass. Malcador knew that too. I relented, slightly ashamed.

"You got me, there Malcador." He smiled, knowing he won, and I just looked away. I had a worried look on my face and I saw he can see my concerns, my worries. My anxiety.

"You have control here, Faline. You feel overwhelmed, you feel scared, but you do not need to worry. True this new situation can either solve problems or create more, but The Primarchs are able to adapt well into different situations. The question you need to ask yourself is this: Will they help you as well as you are helping them?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

With my door open and the sun setting upon the sky, everyone was well acquainted with the manor, and every primarch that is here knows this will be a three day stay with Malcador. I was about to take Guilliman's book to read when I heard a small knock at my open Door. I looked up, and then saw Lorgar, his face wrenched in a disdainful frown. I got up immediately from the bed and I glared at him, but then my hand started to slowly shake from his presence. He was imposing, and terrifying and my heart was pounding from the pain he caused me.

"Faline, I think you have lied to me and I do not appreciate being lied to." Lorgar said to me, and he remained at my doorway.

"I do not know what you mean." I said, now moving to the doorway, quite shocked he was letting me through and following me down the hall. "I barely talk to you."

"I seem to recall something said in the Java nook, pertaining that Primarchs seem to be the only one to arrive in this world." he said in a dangerous tone, "Malcador is not a Primarch, so there seems to be a deception here."

"aww boo freaking hoo. You got lied to." I snarked back at him. "I did not know Malcador here was going to arrive here at all, and It seems to me he plays by his own rules. Same as the Emperor. Besides, that was Magnus who said that not me. Why are you griping at me over something your brother said? I did not say any of that. He did. Go complain to him."

"Your attitude is something I am slowly getting pissed off over, Faline Cross. If the Sigillite is freely able to come here, then surely you can find ways to bring others here."

"And what makes you think I am the one to bring powerful Psykers here, Lorgar? I am not over here saying Bippity Boppity boo and suddenly old men appear. The only thing I have is reading these books and making you and your brothers appear for some reason the Emperor still has not disclosed to me."

"And when will you realize that This is just some lost cause. a way for father to cover up his mistakes, his lies, his flaws. and pinning a small powerless girl to clean up his messes. A little woman who can barely lift a single finger against us. One that we can break with a single grip."

I saw the look on his face and my hand started to shake. I lifted it to my chest and held it, cradled it, my eyebrows showing worry. he saw my fear and he smiled.

"Leave me alone, Lorgar. I have not done anything to you."

"On the contrary, Miss Faline." He said steepling his hands together. "By reading my book, You kept me from my plans. By reading my brother's books you took them back to the very trauma that the Emperor brought, making them play town and house. Trying to befriend them and say everything they have done is okay now. Let us tell the real truth. You caused this damage and are making my brothers relive everything they went through in the name of the Emperor, causing them more pain than ever experiencing it"

"That is NOT true, Lorgar"

"Did you not see how Sanguinius came to Selleton? He was dead. He died, in a fury, and attacked. He was at peace. but you made him relive the most traumatic experience of his death. Angron came to this world, Feeling the pain of those wretched nails. Some may have been removed, but he still has to live with them. Again making him relive his time as a slave to Nuceria"

"That is not my intention, do not twist it like that!"

"You Pulled Jaghatai Kahn away from his legion and his people so now he can not save them from the Drukhari. You Pulled Magnus' form from this other forms so now he will forever be broken. You Reunited Fulgrim and Ferrus only for them to still fight over Ferrus' death. Most of my brothers have caused others pain. You have put Konrad Curze here, and you will be bringing Vulkan into this town? do you know what Konrad Curze did to him?" He moved closer, my heart pounding

"no.." I said, tears streaming down my face.

"Konrad tortured him. He killed him repeatedly until Vulkan broke under him. Do you want to bring Vulkan in a home with his tormentor? You want us to have a second life yet here you are making us relive such horrid things we went through. Face it Faline. The emperor does not want you to help us. He wants us to suffer.. to punish us for not listening to him."

"That isnt what I wanted."

"Yes you did" He pointed at me accusingly. "You wanted it, by listening to the Emperor. You are not helping us. You are our torturer." Lorgar iterated, and I shook my head trying to stop him from getting in my head, but it was not working. my tears streaming down my face, as Lorgar looked at me with mock concern, and he gently shushed me, holding my face now, caressing it and making me shudder at his touch. It was like he was searing me with just touching me.

"Its okay, little Deer. You are only a simple minded human, who does not know what she is doing against us gods and do not worry. I forgive you, for I am a benevolent man. More charitable than most of my brothers. I just hope you are ready for when my brothers finally realize how horrible you truly are." He let me go and I withdrew, only for him to walk away and I fell to the floor, curling up against the wall, and I tried to calm my breathing down, crying and trying to keep Lorgar's speech from my head. None of that was true, right? none of what he said is my intention? Am I fully hurting the Primarchs by just bringing them here? I looked up and in the dark corner of the hallway, was a face of Konrad Curze staring at me, and I continued to cry, trying to calm down, as He moved closer to me watching me break down in the hallway.

"You are falling for his lies, Faline." He said simply kneeling down to my level and I wiped my face and looked at the Night haunter, His eyes unblinking as he stared at my wrecked face.

"Is it True you tortured Vulkan until he broke?" I asked. Konrad cocked his head and he nodded.

"What of it? I already know I will get my karma from that. Vulkan will still come, Vulkan will still attack me, and Beat me into unconsciousness for it. But if you think you are my tormentor, you are mistaken. You can never imagine the kinds of things I can do to you if you try anything to me. and not even your sweet little digger can save you." I moved back now, slightly afraid.

"I am not trying anything to torment any of you. I am trying to help, I swear." I said to him pleadingly and he stood up again.

"You are helping. There are just things you can not control. Do not try to resist the inevitable, Faline. Just control what you can, and things will fall in place." He said, then looked around as if expecting someone, and he turned away, now walking off. I got up, and I watched Konrad disappear in a door, and I just wiped my face, and then walked back in my room. Only to hear the voice of Malcador in my head, a gentle press in my mind, but still grating on my brain. I will never be used to telepathy.

"I knew you would make enemies of the more Stubborn of the Primarchs." He rang in my head as I clicked on the desk lamp.

"I know you heard that, and you didn't bother to help?" I said aloud. Malcador hummed in my head, slightly amused at my attitude, after the encounter with two Primarchs.

"So you Can't handle the Word Bearer?"

"Don't get it twisted! Lorgar is—"

"Lorgar is one of the Primarchs that needs more attention than any of the other Primarchs. his Fall to Heresy was indeed seen as the biggest possibility and it seems just from your encounter with him, he still sees himself as right and true to his path. A Sad thing indeed. I hope perhaps his influence without Kor Phaeron and Erebus might get him to heal properly.

"He is still bitter he is here. like he has done nothing wrong. Is that a common factor in a lot of the Traitor Primarchs?"

"I am Guessing. Curze let the assassin kill him because he felt it proved him right. Fulgrim fell to the perfection he strive for because there was nothing else. Perturabo is bitter and full of resentment due to the lack of recognition. Magnus was consumed with knowledge, he felt he knew all there was and that was his folly."

There was silence at first. The way Malcador spoke, it was like he was reminiscing something

"Malcador, What was the last thing you remembered when you arrived here? Were you upon the throne?"

"That is another timeline, Faline." He spoke up, but I heard his sigh, as I sat down upon my bed. But I remember it still. Do not worry about me, Faline. Your concern though is acknowledged.."

"I see the effort you are making, Miss Cross. No matter what Lorgar said to you. What matters is your own truth. You have Three days."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Holy shit has it been a month since I updated? I got slow in my writing, I guess I need to up my game, by the way. here is a reference for the Manor... ITS SOOO CUTE!!!

Space Marines understood strategy.

Tactics.

Politics.

War.

Flirting...

Was an entirely different battlefield.

Most of them didn't recognize it at first.

Some assumed you were simply being kind.

Others thought you were making an observation.

Only after several painfully long moments did the realization finally reach them.

"…They're flirting with me."

The revelation left even the greatest warriors of the Imperium surprisingly flustered.

---

Brother Valius

You had been helping him clean his armor after evening drills.

As he removed one of his gauntlets, you smiled warmly.

"You know..."

"I think you're very handsome."

Valius nodded politely.

"...Thank you."

Silence.

He continued polishing the gauntlet.

You waited.

Nothing.

"...That was all?"

He looked up.

"...Was there more?"

You laughed softly.

"No..."

"I was flirting with you."

Valius blinked.

"...Flirting."

"...Yes."

Another long pause.

His remaining eye widened ever so slightly.

"...Oh."

His cheeks warmed noticeably.

"You were complimenting... me."

"I was."

He looked away, suddenly finding the half-polished gauntlet incredibly interesting.

"...I..."

"...Thank you."

His voice had become unusually quiet.

"You are... very beautiful as well."

He immediately realized how awkward that had sounded.

You smiled anyway.

---

Brother Quartus

The two of you were walking through one of the quieter corridors aboard the battle barge.

You looked over at him.

"I've always liked your scars."

Quartus glanced down.

"They tell the story of a long life."

"They suit you."

"They make you look distinguished."

He nodded thoughtfully.

"...That is a kind observation."

You smiled.

"...I'm trying to flirt with you."

He stopped walking.

"...You are?"

"...Yes."

A long silence followed.

His scarred face slowly gained the faintest hint of color.

"...I confess..."

"I had not realized."

You laughed.

"I can tell."

He cleared his throat.

"...In that case..."

His voice softened.

"...Your smile has become my favorite sight aboard this vessel."

This time...

It was your turn to become flustered.

---

Brother Decimus

"You know..."

"I think your arms are unfairly attractive."

Decimus looked down at himself.

"...They're arms."

"I know."

"They're nice arms."

"...I train them."

"I noticed."

He grinned proudly.

"...Thanks."

You sighed dramatically.

"...You're impossible."

"...Why?"

"I've been flirting with you for the last five minutes."

Silence.

"...Wait."

"...Really?"

"...Yes."

His eyes widened.

"...OH."

He pointed at you.

"So THAT'S what you were doing!"

He immediately laughed.

"I thought you were complimenting my workout routine!"

He rubbed the back of his neck.

"...I..."

"...Well..."

"I think you're beautiful."

"...I've always thought that."

"I just didn't realize I was supposed to say it."

---

Brother Scipius

You quietly approached while he cleaned his sniper rifle.

"I enjoy watching you work."

"...Efficient movements."

"...Steady hands."

"...Very attractive."

Scipius nodded.

"I appreciate your observations."

He continued cleaning the weapon.

Several seconds passed.

You leaned a little closer.

"...Nothing else?"

"...No."

"...Scipius."

"...Yes?"

"...I was flirting."

The cloth in his hand stopped moving.

"...You were."

"...Yes."

Another pause.

"...I believed you were making objective statements."

You couldn't help laughing.

"They were objective."

"They were also flirting."

He slowly set the rifle aside.

"...That explains several previous conversations."

"You've only just realized?"

"...Correct."

His ears had become noticeably red.

"I suspect..."

"...I should begin paying closer attention."

---

Brother Vespasius

You met him after evening prayers.

As he turned to leave, you gently straightened the collar of his robe.

"There."

"You always look handsome."

He smiled warmly.

"Your kindness is appreciated."

"...Especially when you smile."

"It suits you."

He bowed his head politely.

"...Thank you."

You sighed.

"...My lord."

"...Yes?"

"I'm flirting with you."

His smile disappeared.

Only for a moment.

Then his entire expression softened with sudden realization.

"...You were."

"I was."

A faint blush colored his cheeks.

"I confess..."

"I believed you were simply being encouraging."

You laughed quietly.

"I was trying to be romantic."

He smiled again.

"I believe..."

He gently took your hand.

"...It was successful."

---

Brother Straban

You sat beside him during one of the battle barge's quieter evenings.

After several moments, you looked at him.

"...You're rather handsome."

"...Acknowledged."

"I also like your voice."

"...Understood."

"And..."

"I think your shoulders are very attractive."

"...They are functional."

You stared.

"...Straban."

"...Yes."

"I'm flirting with you."

Silence.

He looked at you.

Then away.

Then back again.

"...Clarification."

"...Those statements were not purely observational?"

"No."

"...They were intended to express romantic attraction."

"...Correct."

"..."

He became unusually quiet.

"...I did not recognize the distinction."

You smiled.

"I noticed."

Several moments later...

"...For the record."

"...I find you exceptionally attractive."

"...I simply believed that information was already known."

You burst into laughter.

---

Brother Telorian

You entered the forge carrying his afternoon meal.

As you placed it beside him, you smiled.

"I think it's unfair."

He looked up from the data slate.

"...Explain."

"You somehow become more attractive every time I see you working."

He considered that statement.

"...Unlikely."

"I assure you."

"It is statistically accurate."

He nodded once.

"...Interesting."

He returned to his calculations.

"...Nothing?"

"...Your observation has been recorded."

You laughed.

"No..."

"I'm flirting."

The stylus in his hand stopped moving.

"...Processing."

Several long seconds passed.

"...Conclusion."

"You were expressing romantic admiration."

"...Yes."

"I understand."

He looked at you.

Then quietly removed one glove before taking your hand.

"...I find your presence similarly... distracting."

A pause.

"...In a positive manner."

You smiled.

"I'll gladly accept that as flirting."

"...Excellent."