#daemon sword

Nidus stepped out of the blood portal to what should have been an empty area under a hive city in the far future, but today it had a crowd of people. Yet they were too enraptured with one speaking to notice his arrival, though the speaker did. His light golden eyes hovering over Nidus a moment too long for his liking as Zo’edax mentally told him to just join the crowd. Interest and caution laced in their voice as he moved toward the back edge of the crowd. The speaker kept going, pulling his eyes off Nidus for the moment but it kept sweeping back to him. So far the crowd hadn’t seemed to notice this fact as Nidus looked around, noting the area had been redecorated for this event. 

Nidus wasn’t sure if it was an improvement or a detriment to the area as the crowd then echoed the speaker’s words for a moment. His golden scripture on his skin shining brighter as did the halo of light around his head. The horns seemed to hold it as if the speaker was a beacon of light in the dark and the cultists were like moths to it. Them surging forward before bowing fully to the floor. Nidus stayed standing, opposing the moment of the crowd. The speaker didn’t lose momentum though Nidus could tell it got under his skin as the cultists rose back up. Still clinging to his words as he went on.

Nidus had put together that the speaker was a Word Bearer by the scripture on his body already and most likely was the head of this cult here. He wasn’t sure about the horns or the unusual light halo coming from the astrate. Was it a gift, a thralled daemon or something else entirely. He was curious yet also was fine without knowing. Some mysteries were best left unsolved. The scarification marks were about average which made sense as there was a balance to the speaker. Nidus had caught all of the four known gods' names being said in the sermon. Which led Nidus to note that this cult was probably chaos undivided, which meant that predicting anything was going to be harder than a single lane cult. 

The cultist bowed once more to the floor as the speaker brought the sermon to the end. Clapping his hands together loudly as the cultist all rose in union. A bit too perfect for Nidus to like when the speaker then looked over the crowd before pointing to a woman next to Nidus. A squeal leaving her lips as she was pulled and pushed forward by the crowd to the stage. The speaker’s eyes hovering on Nidus, letting him silently know it was a choice not to choose him. Zo’edax chuckled as Nidus just kept his breathing even, watching the woman reach the edge of the platform. The crowd scrunched closer together when a small hand grabbed Nidus’. A child who looked up at the sea of bodies blocking the view, so without a thought; Nidus lifted them up and onto his shoulders to see. 

“Mama got chosen.” The child hissed to him with glee and excitement over sorrow, which Nidus wasn’t sure how to feel about.

<<This one is good with his flock. All seem to be fanatically devout to him. You should take notes.>> Zo’edax jokingly quipped as Nidus remained quiet due to what was happening on stage.

The woman had taken off her monk-like robe, revealing that she was nearly naked underneath. Scars and markings littered her body, most seeming to be self inflected if not done by another with care. The speaker then spoke in dark tongue, holding a dagger that was decked out with jewels and charms. The air chilled slightly as the taste of static filled Nidus’ mouth. It reminded him of the coming thunderstorms of his teen years. Yet here he was when the storm was beginning to take place. The woman had kneeled in what seemed to be the center of the platform, the speaker circling her as he carried on his chant; cutting his wrist and dripping blood over the woman. She looked elated to have the substance dripped on her as it crawled over her skin, making symbols and runes. Some Nidus recognized, others he hadn’t learned. Even the chanting was hard to follow, though he got an idea of what was about to go down.

The speaker then stood behind the woman before drawing the blade over the throat, spraying blood out and into a bowl that just appeared on a whim. Nidus glanced up to the kid, to see them engrossed in the ritual if not exhilarated at the sight. He looked back to see the speaker holding the bowl of blood overhead. He began to chant as the crowd echoed it, and soon the chanting became faster, more erratic yet in tune. The candles dimmed as the speaker’s nimbus of light became the shade of blood. The air began to chill more as Nidus could now begin to also taste blood in his mouth while feeling himself get agitated without reason. Zo’edax hummed a bit, seeming to lessen the effects for him as the speaker voice rose louder than the crowds which was already a fever pitch. Nidus wasn’t sure what the speaker had said, but he watched as the bowl of blood was lifted higher over his horned head before being released. The blood splattering the ground, seeming to freeze the crowd at first but as the bowl hit the ground and shattered; a frenzy for blood and battle started.

Before Nidus could react, the kid yanked on his hair hard enough to pull out a clump which in turn he grabbed them and tossed them off him, straight into a path of thundering feet. A fist then slammed his face as he felt the flesh buckled and break under impact as he back handed them, snapping their head around 180 degrees. Another charge with a knife that Nidus easily was able to steal and slash the current owner’s throat open, spraying blood over his face and chest. Zo’edax now cackled in delight over the carnage as Nidus did his best to stay to the edge of battle. Finding himself joining the dwindling number of survivors as the fight drew on, till Nidus found he was all that was left, next to the Speaker who then clapped. A radiant smile plastered on his face as blood began to move back towards the platform, to the woman’s dead body on the floor.

The Speaker’s hand was then raised out to Nidus, beckoning him closer but Nidus could tell it was not of good will. His other hand remained out of sight and the lack of the dagger in view heavily hinted to what was going to happen next. Zo’edax encouraged him to go though, whispering that this ritual would fail if he didn’t. He sighed, looking at the Speaker who took a step down from the platform. Nidus thought about running off to see if he would give chase, which Zo’edax chuckled at but requested he refrained from doing so. It wasn’t often Zo’edax pushed him to do something that didn’t benefit him or them directly as he felt the last the blood pull at his legs before it flowed away. Nidus then trudded after it as the Speaker beamed with a pleased smile, but kept a hawk’s eye upon him.

Nidus felt Zo’edax disappear from his back, but he could sense they were nearby out of sight to meet up with his reprinted, or saved, form that would appear after his death. Yet his attention was stolen back by the Speaker wrapping his hand over his shoulder as sweet affirmative words were softly spoken in his ear. If he had been one of the kool-aid drinkers, he probably would have believed the words spoken to him. But he knew better as he felt the dagger now at his throat. Dark tongue chants were muttered as the last droplets of blood pooled around the body, before his blood joined. The ground rushed to catch his dying form as he was shoved into the middle next to the dead woman’s body. Blood coiling over them now as Nidus felt his vision blur and dim before he was back in a tunnel, hearing something out in the cavern tear its way into reality. He shuddered at the bellow while Zo’edax just hovered next to him, staring at the direction the sound came from.

<<Oh, that’s a really good one he got summoned. Good for them.>> Zo’edax chripped as Nidus got a feeling he missed something now.

“Them?” He asked softly, throat feeling a bit tender from being slit.

Zo’edax had slithered in and made themselves home at the table, looking a bit amused as Nidus was dressed in a bright red sweater that had a pattern of trees and antlered beasts. Nidus meanwhile grabbed up a plate that had the pancakes and then the plate of bacon and put it on the table. He then grabbed up the toast and syrup, before grabbing the butter and jam. Zo’edax waited as Nidus also got them coffee before finally sitting down before seeming to realize he never set out plates or silverware. He went to get up, but Zo’edax pushed him down and retrieved them with some napkins to boot.

“You’re in a mood this morning.” Zo’edax hummed as Nidus nabbed up a slice of bacon while grabbing a few pancakes with his fork.

“And?” Nidus retorted with a smile as Zo’edax shook their head at his antics.

“You’re up to something.” Zo’edax pressed as Nidus shifted a bit, but said nothing though his grin said more.

“Fine, I’ll be patient.” Zo’edax huffed, grabbing up themselves a double stack of pancakes and plenty of bacon strips plus four slices of toast.

Nidus always cooked an absurd amount of food for them ever since they told him the aspect of excess was essential to them. Nidus had also begun to take seconds since that conversation, though he always was conservative on how much food he took each time. But today, he was grabbing more than he normally did. Zo’edax said nothing, enjoying seeing the man give in a bit to his greed. Even putting a bit more syrup than he normally did on his pancakes. They also knew he was hiding something from them still, even with their ability to see in his head. It was out of respect they didn’t peek.

Soon though, breakfast was over as Nidus put a plate of food up on the shelf for a habitant that was known, but refused to be seen. He also placed a small box that was wrapped in shiny paper next to the plate. Zo’edax knew it was another creature of the warp and from Nurgle’s section, but Nidus seemed unbothered and actually fond of the mystery guest. It also hadn’t started anything other than helping the compost decay quicker and occasionally making a decent soup to be found after their long missions. So overall, nothing to be concerned about for the time being.

Zo’edax just rinsed off the empty plates and loaded them in the dishwasher while Nidus cleaned off the cast iron pans and griddle. He then beckoned Zo’edax to follow him to the main hub area where it had shifted overnight from its normal state to a colorful bash of mainly reds, green, silvers, and golds. A tree stood covered in colorful lights and decorated with fresh fruit and nuts upon some branches. Plus a few photos here and there with a paper star on the top. Underneath the tree sat a box wrapped in similar wrapping paper to the box Nidus had left the other guest. Nidus walked over to it and carefully picked it up, before bringing it to Zo’edax while looking a bit nervous.

<<I didn’t get you anything.>> Zo’edax stated through their connection as they took the box when Nidus shrugged.

“Gifts are just a plus, not the point. The company and time spent with loved ones is the point. Though I know we do that like everyday.” Nidus brushed off, sitting down to watch Zo’edax who held the gift like it was glass.

“Very well, just know next year I am spoiling you.” Zo’edax proclaimed as Nidus chuckled.

“You spoil me anyways.” Nidus hummed as Zo’edax leaned over to ruffle his letdown hair.

“Hush your lying mouth.” Zo’edax teased as Nidus grinned with all his teeth, playfully.

Zo’edax then began to unwrap the shiny paper, finding it tore with ease except where it had been taped down. A sheet of cardboard protected the top of a wooden box that was painted with a mural of a palace lost to time. Zo’edax’s palace back before their punishment for failing an impossible task for the Dark Prince. Zo’edax then traced the painted building, glancing at Nidus who looked nervous as they still hadn’t opened the box yet. They could hear his thoughts of worry that he might have crossed a line, making Zo’edax flick open the latch and sensed the tension that followed from Nidus. They then lifted it and stared at what laid inside.

Nidus waited, trying to read Zo’edax body language and facial expression as they just ceased any movement. He already knew the building was a risk from the way Zo’edax had sounded when discovery the remains of it. Nidus had spent months studying the remnants and mentally replaying the details Zo’edax drunkenly gave him one evening about the place. He doubted he got everything right in the end, but the item inside was what had him the most worried. A completely random by chance item he had stumbled across and managed to get home without Zo’edax noticing. Hiding it today, and now he wondered if it was wrong for him to do so when Zo’edax suddenly snatched him up into a tight hug.

<<HOW?! WHEN?!>> they squealed as Nidus winced at the volume in his head.

Nidus would have answered immediately but he couldn’t due to how his face was smushed against their collarbone and he was still recovering from the fast movement. Thankfully Zo’edax loosened their grip and set him down while tears wept from their chest eyes, striking Nidus’ boots as it pooled on the floor. Nidus slightly panicked, not meaning to make Zo’edax come to tears but knew they were happy tears. He then took a steady breath before finally getting to answer Zo’edax’s questions.

“So you remember when I decided to test some of my long jumping blood portal cheat papers. Welp, I drew one a bit wrong and not quite sure where I landed, but I saw it there and just knew. It matched the details you gave me, including the engravings. So I took it and got the hell out of there before anyone noticed me despite everything having so much dust and cobwebs layered on it. So yeah, Merry Christmas. Sorry it’s not much.” Nidus skimmed over as Zo’edax burst into a fit of maniacal laughter that flowed with pure glee.

“Oh that’s so perfect in a way I can not describe my dear King.” Zo’edax breathed out, barely recovered from their fit as Nidus had moved back to avoid being accidentally hit or crushed.

“King huh? What happened to Wielder?” Nidus asked, shifting the conversation a bit as Zo’edax nearly broke out in another fit when glancing between him and the bottom of their blade form.

“A King wields a blade that leads armies and kingdoms to either prosperity or ruin, if not both. Correct?” Zo’edax posed through some chuckles as Nidus gave a slight nod.

“If my understanding of required history class is to go by, that statement is true enough but you are more than just a blade. You’re a King too. You help lead the armies to victory and protect the kingdoms with your power and grit. Don’t sell your ass short, got it?” Nidus slightly lectured as Zo’edax just kissed his head like a mother does to a child.

“Alright mom.” Zo’edax teased as Nidus playfully pushed their chin away.

“Watch it, I might ground you.” Nidus teased back when Zo’edax whined

“But its Christmas.”

Nidus busted up laughing at that, clapping in approval while Zo’edax beamed. As his laughter wined down, Zo’edax pulled the blade out from the box. The engravings glowed as they closed their eyes and focused before they faded and Zo’edax looked troubled. Nidus could sense why. The bottom piece was too different from them now. A shell of their former self it seemed when they looked at Nidus and sighed. Nidus then got an idea, but wasn’t going to mention it, yet Zo’edax seemed to have noticed the thought. 

<<I would adore it becoming a spear head for me to use.>> they purred, putting the piece back in the box.

“You sure? It could get more broken.” Nidus warned when Zo’edax shrugged

<<Better than just collecting more dust.>> They replied as Nidus gave a nod of understanding.

“Well that will be a later thing then, a-k-a, I mean tomorrow. For now, let’s make popcorn and watch some Christmas films on the television. Got it finally working last night.” Nidus stated as Zo’edax looked excited at that.

He went to get the few recovered media movies that were Christmas themed while Zo’edax put the wooden box into Nidus’ work space for him. He could feel the joy at the thought of it becoming a weapon for them to wield coming from Zo’edax. Still a small part of him mourned the fact that Zo’edax could never be made whole again in blade form despite hearing them lament about it before. He could also sense that Zo’edax didn’t want to ruin the good mood when they were suddenly behind him, startling him when he turned. Laughter followed before Zo’edax kissed his forehead once more.

“Stop worrying about it. I wish to stay in this blissful joy for a bit longer before…” Zo’edax started trailing off as Nidus cupped their chin

“Before the other shoe hits.” Nidus finished, pulling slightly on their chin to kiss their lips before pointing up to the mistletoe that hadn’t been there a moment before,  was overhead.

Zo’edax chuckled, kissing Nidus a bit deeper before scooping him up and carrying him to where the tv was at. Hot chocolate was waiting, still fresh from the stove with popcorn in a bowl ready to go. Nidus knew it was the other house guest as he went to argue with the dvd player without a remote after being set down. Zo’edax just nestled on the couch, watching Nidus argue with the disk tray before commercials began to play. Nidus then got on the couch too, muttering about the dvd player better autoplay the movie or else. Zo’edax just tried to relax and lose themselves in the moving pictures, avoiding the pit of truth that had been clear from the moment they shattered. They glanced at Nidus who seemed unsure if he had done good, prompting them to grab and pull him into their lap for the time being. The movie then began to play as Nidus hummed the opening, seeming to know the first one they would be watching. 

Then it was suddenly late as Nidus ejected the dvd from the machine once the end credits began to roll. Zo’edax chuckled at how lazy they had been, wondering if Nidus would get sleep tonight due to the laying around. Yet a yawn answered that when the scent of rich food entered the air, making both find their way to the kitchen where a small feast sat ready, though a good portion had been taken already. Nidus slightly melted, leading the way to the table. Both eating in a comfy silence before cleaning up and heading their separate ways for the night, when Nidus grabbed their hand and pulled them into a hug.

“Thank you for being home today.” Nidus muttered as Zo’edax pulled them tight.

“I’ll be home every Christmas when possible.” Zo’edax promised as Nidus gripped tighter.

“I’m holding you to that.” Nidus warned as Zo’edax pulled away, moving a few strands from his face before kissing his lips goodnight before turning and slithering off without another word.

Nidus took a steady breath, while he listened, picking up on the noises outside the inner walls. Silence greeted back at first, but soon smaller noises like footsteps marching in union were heard before stopping. Exchange of words like guards changing shifts before more footsteps leading away. Nidus took a chance and peaked from one of the torn open points of the core, glancing out to see it was in a large cell. There was a figure on either side of the doorway of the cell  as Nidus pulled back, knowing the shadows to be the Golden Beasts from the attack on Site 1. He doubted they knew he was here and hoped to keep it that way for the hour till he had a plan or something.

Nidus moved from the opening and sat down for the moment to process everything that had occurred so far when something caught his eye. The core point, it was still powered as Nidus reached for it and carefully grabbed it, knowing his strength could break the fragile thing. He had once and well, he was lucky to throw it far enough up that no one got hurt, well except for a major support beam that took months to repair. Thankfully no one was too mad about it, but made it clear he was not designed for such a fragile task. That’s when his heart ached at the knowledge that he failed to save those he truly cared about there. His photogenic memory would forever hold their final moments inside his mind, reminding him he failed his duty to protect and defend the site and its people.

“Fuck.” Nidus breathed out and within an instant he heard the cell doors slam open.

“Come out whoever is there.” ordered a Golden Beast, voice booming as Nidus still, noting the sensitive hearing these things possessed.

“Come out, I can hear your heartbeats.” the voice stated, making Nidus begin squeezing the core point, but it wouldn’t give.

Nidus heard them move past him, a slam to the steel as he continued to try and break the core point when the Golden Beast was heard circling behind the machine now. 

“I believe they are hiding inside the center, nothing has rounded my way.” said a new voice, casually.

“Listen, whomever are in there, come out and you will not be harmed.” the original voice ordered as Nidus felt something snap in him, but bit his tongue to not speak.

“They’re probably scared to be executed like the rest.” the second one commented as Nidus gave up on the core point, when his arm brushed his last grenade.

“Tychor, that is not helping.” The original snapped while Nidus pulled off the grenade, noting it was a suspense grenade though he doubted it would affect their advanced armour.

“Oh please Heracal, they must have heard the Emperor when he told that one damn brave guard the truth. The thing had guts to still fight to buy time despite it being futile.” Tychor said as Nidus felt a bit of pride at the words said.

It had been futile, even now. But Nidus had learned something from the old man that had adopted him in; ‘Don’t go quietly into that goodnight.’. So he wasn’t, despite the odds against him. Nidus prepared himself as he heard the original grab the area he had peered through earlier, pulling on it. That was when Nidus pulled the grenade pin and tossed the grenade through the opening. Both Golden Beasts were heard moving back swiftly when it went off. Nidus was just outside the scope of the suspension field as he rushed out through the now larger opening, seeing the advanced armour had locked up under the grenade’s influence.  Both shouted at him as Nidus kept going, running out into the open as he saw two more Golden Beasts rushing towards the area. Nidus turned and bolted off at his true full speed.

“WHAT THE!” was all Nidus caught, turning a corner and rushing away before stopping at a random cell and forcing the steel door open just enough to get inside and out of view.

Nidus doubted he had long before discovery while he looked around the cell only to realize all that was inside this heavily fortified cell was a chest in the middle. Not only was the chest padlocked but it was also chained shut too while covered in papers that were held on by wax seals. Nidus approached it, grabbing a chain and yanking as it shattered free. He did it to the other chain, before using a trick a friend once showed him that normally defeated any padlock device.  He heft the chest lid open, finding it way heavier than it should have been only to be met with a broken sword, floating in a pool of blood. 

Nidus stared for a moment, seeing the blade was broken about halfway down the steel that was also chipped, knotted, and rusted. The guard looked like a bearded dragon’s chin with the spikes that sprouted out around an obsidian stone in the middle. The hilt also had longer spikes while the pommel was a sharp diamond that was the color of fresh blood. Even in the dark, Nidus noted the runes hiding in the rusted metal when footsteps moving nearby spooked him. Nidus then grabbed the hilt, stabbing his hand on the spikes. But as Nidus pulled up on the blade, an invisible force wouldn’t let him pull it free of the chest.

<<The papers. Remove them.>> whispered something as Nidus jumped back letting go of the hilt while his hand instantly stitched itself shut, faster than ever before.

“It’s in here” shouted someone, causing Nidus to do what the mysterious voice had whispered; tearing the papers off without care nor stopping to read what they said.

Yet as Nidus tore the last paper free from the wax that held it, the door opened. Nidus wasn’t able to move in time as a blast from the Golden Beast weapon tore him into two. His remaining upper arm and upper half of his left chest, neck and head survived as did his lower legs and feet that laid apart from him. Shock kept him still as his brain was overloaded with input from the damage done. Pain didn’t even register as Nidus knew he was dying, yet his attention was grabbed by the blood now gushing up and over the chest side. The Golden Beast rushing to close the chest lid when they sharply stop, seeing the remains of Nidus’ hand having papers clenched within it. It went to call for back-up from the movement when the blood spiked up like stalagmites, killing them instantly. 

Nidus soon felt the sweep of the grim reaper finally getting to claim him as he watched the broken blade rise from the chest. Blood swirling around it like a magical girl transformation. Nidus felt a slight, genuine smile paint his lips as his eyes grew heavy. He hoped they would rage for him a bit too when the broken blade turned and seemed to float towards him. His eyes drooped shut as he swore he heard a whisper once more as he left this world.

<<Consider it done.>>

Yet then the next moment, Nidus was upright and completely fine right in the place he just expired at. The broken blade jerked back as Nidus stumbled back himself, realizing how close he was to it. The obsidian center now was a dragon-like eye staring at him, looking him over as Nidus gave a nervous wave hello. The alarm still droned on as he realized there were rushing footsteps to the area and the door was closing. Nidus shot past the blade to the chest, yanking it up and tossing it at the door which managed to jam it open for the moment. He looked back and snapped out.

“We need to move. Hostiles are inbound.” 

His hand held out to the blade that shot into his hand as he quickly slipped through the door before it crushed the chest. Blood sloshing out of the remains of the chest and through the door seals when the Golden Beasts turned the corner. A brief pause occurred as Nidus sprung forward with the blade. A Beast went to block them with their spear, but as the blade hit; it rotted the steel, slicing through like butter. Nidus swung again, not used to using a sword when the broken blade barked at him to dodge which he did. Blood surged by him as it slammed through another Beast while Nidus managed to slice back leg open on another by luck. Lowering them just enough he could nearly get their neck as the blade lengthened their reach with blood. Slicing a major vein open as the blood was pulled out only to be interrupted by another attack.

<<We need to get out of here.>> the once whispered voice, snapped as Nidus had to silently agree. 

“Trust me?” Nidus yelled out, seeming to confuse the Golden Beasts though it didn’t stop their attacks.

<<No, but do it anyway.>> the voice called back which was fair enough as more Golden Beasts appeared.

Nidus then bolted to another cell, tearing the panel on it off and pulling at wires. It was a wing and a prayer, but the door opened as something uncanny slammed out, breaking a wall as Nidus sprinted by, doing the same thing to another panel. Nidus heard another alarm join the first while he rushed to a third panel. The broken blade joined, using spikes of blood to break panels down the hallway, if not forcing doors open. It then seemed to lose steam as the sea of blood pulled into the broken blade. Nidus sensed the fatigue as he squeezed the hilt, tearing his hand up more.

“Take five or so. I think we made enough mess to escape in.” Nidus said, hearing the battle down the hallway mixing with the alarms.

<<How? We’ll never get through the door system and it sounds like…WE NEED TO GO!>> the panic in the voice had Nidus at the vent he had noticed, tearing it off as he jumped through after tossing in the broken blade first.

A heavy steel shutter slammed over the opening, catching Nidus’ foot, making him bite his arm to muffle a scream. The broken blade seemed to absorb up the blood, sealing the wound off as Nidus wondered if it would be permanent when he revived again. When his instincts screamed out ‘get away’ suddenly as did the blade that floated down the vent and up. Nidus crawled as fast as he could without one foot, struggling to properly climb up when the blade paused over head. It then slammed down into him, killing him as Nidus felt it slice through his brain, spine and heart. His body hitting the ground before he was back with not only a new foot but the lost boot and sock. He looked up to the broken blade hovering above, waiting.

“Could you give me a warning at least?” Nidus asked, knowing it really wasn’t the damn time or place.

The stare back said everything as it rose up the vent while Nidus was able to follow easier with all limbs intact.  The climb felt like forever as the broken blade would take some  weird turns. Nidus doubted it knew where it was going, but it would be no better if he had led either.  Yet somehow they found their way to another vent grate in the upper levels. The broken blade looked at him to get close to the vent to look out which Nidus did, seeing what looked like a museum of ancient artifacts and no Golden Beasts in sight. Nidus gently ripped the vent off the wall, carefully laying it down before crawling out. No alarms were heard up here as the blade floated near Nidus’ back, watching over his shoulder.

<<Don’t speak loudly. Use your mind>> the broken blade stated as Nidus opened his mouth to speak before closing it.

<<Okay?>> Nidus tried, having to think as he felt a strange connection the moment he did.

<<Hm, better than most do on their first try. It seems we got a moment to collect ourselves.>> the broken blade commented as Nidus nodded while scanning the room again now he was upright.

<<To be honest, I got no plan really. Do you?>> Nidus asked, nearly speaking as he closed his eyes to focus on the mental speaking, finding it harder the more he tried.

<<Not exactly. I need more energy, blood, psyker blood in particular, to make a blood portal to escape.>> the blade said as Nidus noted the I part meaning he was to be left.

“Copy that.” Nidus breathed out lowly, not able to get another mental message out as his head suddenly hurt.

<<You lasted longer than my last wielder doing that.>> the broken blade mentioned, but Nidus didn’t ask questions, getting a feeling they needed to move to the shadows.

“Follow.” Nidus whispered, moving quietly and hunched towards a pillar shadow.

The broken blade followed quickly, bumping Nidus’ shoulder once they hit the shadows. Nidus opened his hand for them as they just dropped, trusting Nidus to catch them it seemed. And caught them he did, reminding himself not to grip too hard as the spikes bite into his palm and fingers. Then a strange pulse was felt going through him as Nidus felt warmer. He also noted the pain in his head had subsided for the moment when footsteps were heard approaching with the sounds of a metal walking stick. They stopped as Nidus tensed, before turning and striking a Golden Beast he hadn’t heard come up on him. Unfortunately it was only armour he had struck.

“Shit.” Nidus cursed under his breath as he just fell straight to the floor on instinct while something passed overhead, barely missing them.

<<Use that bomb on your belt.>> the broken blade ordered while Nidus rolled to his feet and bolted to the side.

“What?!” Nidus hissed a bit louder than he meant, grabbing at his belt to feel the already used grenade on it.

Nidus felt his brain hit overdrive with questions despite being in a life or death situation, but he quickly reminded himself he needed to be alive to ask the questions. So Nidus turned and pulled the grenade pin, noting the Golden Beast was ready to stop, when Nidus tossed it at the old man he had seen when bolting out in the open. Another Golden Beast shot out of nowhere, knocking it of course before it could go off. Yet Nidus took the gamble at rushing the Golden Beast that hit the grenade away, slicing through thigh armour into flesh on the inner leg while sliding underneath. Nidus threw a punch at the old man when it slammed something invisible that resisted the blow.

<<GET BACK FROM HIM!>> the broken blade snapped when Nidus felt like a power mech punched him as he slammed through a pillar and into the wall behind it.

Still as it occurred, Nidus death-gripped the broken blade’s hilt, finding it able to hold against his true strength. He managed to land when falling from the wall despite the mild daze from the blow. The broken blade suddenly snapped something in his head. Nidus somehow followed it without quite understanding the command but it worked since the sniper-like shot only grazed his body armour. He tracked where the shot came from to a human in a skin tight suit near the ceiling when another shot struck him through the back. Nidus felt his legs disconnect as he crashed to the ground, shoving the broken blade under him, shielding them from view.

<<I’m going to kill you when all hopefully get close.>> the broken blade warned, slightly surprising Nidus as a chuckle was heard with the footsteps mixing with the metal staff again.

“Left behind after your usefulness has been used, how sad if not for the mess you have made and the creatures you just let loose.” said the old man, as Nidus saw the human from above land while another was heard out of sight.

The Golden Beast was near the other who was dead as they stood up with a grimace in their eye which turned to rage at Nidus. Their footsteps approached as Nidus winched, acting like he was now scared. Him even managing to slightly tremble while goosebumps appeared on his skin. The sniper had moved closer as had the other when the old man then paused. Nidus realized he was going to warn the others, so he blurted out.

“Do it now!”

Blood spiked through him, jetting out in thin tentridle drills which tore through anything in its path in a half dome of a yard and a half or so. Nidus was not really able to see well with a half eye working while waiting to die when the air chilled greatly as his final moment came. He awoke to the other side of the room and was able to see his breath now as pressure seemed to weigh upon the entire room. The feeling of electricity was in the air with the taste of metallicness to boot. Nidus saw the broken blade suspended in the air, shielding itself from attacks coming from each direction while a circle of light seemed to slowly tighten around them.  Sharp pain then faintly echoed his entire body as Nidus realized this was what the broken blade was feeling.

Nidus hurried to get his feet under him, charging the old man who was focused purely on the broken blade when he noticed Nidus a moment too late. Nidus tackled the old man, his body remembering how from his football days in high school when a crackle of energy was heard. Nidus was slammed to the side, feeling his head erupt in agony, but it ended quickly as Nidus' eyes then clocked his headless body before resurrecting again. The pain echoed dully now as the broken blade floated near him, absorbing his blood, while Nidus hand brushed the second time used grenade that was back again. His head still shrieking that it should be impossible as he looked to the old man who was slightly bleeding from every facial orifice as Nidus paused, his ears picked up on the heartbeat and saw the chest rising and falling when he remembered unconscious people need to be laid on their left side if possible. 

Unfortunately before Nidus or the broken blade could do anything, the doors to the area slammed open followed by a towering man in golden armour. Nidus felt his blood run cold upon seeing the self-acclaimed Emperor of Mankind while the horrific memories poured in once more. The bitterness and self-anger at his own failure to protect those who depended on him, only to survive. His fear grew to rage as the broken blade was now in his hand, seeming to echo his anger, though for their own reasons. The Emperor had also taken a moment to pause and take in the scene, also seeming to grow enraged too. The Emperor struck before Nidus could realize it, slamming through walls before crashing and tumbling on the ground. The blade finally being knocked from his grip as he skidded to a stop.

“You good?” Nidus asked, scrambling to grab the blade that spat out curses for the moment.

<<We’re fucked.>> They answered back as Nidus heard the rushing footsteps.

“Trust me.” He stated, knowing what he was about to do was stupid, but he had played chicken with bullet trains once before, it had to be no different.

<<What are you not think…>> was all Nidus caught as the Emperor slammed through the wall, sending brick, steel, and other materials everywhere.

Nidus then put everything into his sprint, pushing off the ground and using debris to aid him up when a near invisible force came flying at him. Nidus twisted to land against it, pushing off and grabbing a beam to swing out of the way only to get hit by a second blast, crashing him and the broken blade to the ground. Golden Beast surged as Nidus quickly turned to the defensive as the blade aided him in taking them down. The few remaining Golden Beasts then surged back as Nidus jump-rolled to the side as heat licked after him. The Emperor drag- pulled the flaming sword from the ground, sending heat materials at Nidus who grabbed a piece and flung it back. Flesh cooked off his arm and hand, but it was worth the strike to the Emperor’s hair, which in turn caught flame. The Emperor's attention instantly switched to the flames as Nidus used the last bit of energy he had to rush at the giant’s leg, the broken blade catching on his aim as he felt a boost flow through him. 

As Nidus shot across the golden floor, he swore he heard whispers once more but shut them out. Snarling in his head that this was the broken blade and his doing, no others. Gods, ghosts or whatnots be damned. The broken blade seemed to feed off his words as Nidus swung home hard, slamming the rusted blade into the golden armoured leg. Resistance slammed back, but Nidus kept going, screaming in his head that this was going to work for them both. And somehow that worked as the broken blade shriek in victory as a mirror of blood suddenly appeared in front of Nidus which he crashed through. Him landing face first into sandy-ash, before tumbling onto his back. Nidus got up, dazed and confused about what just happened when a crackle of energy was heard behind him.

Nidus turned to see the blood mirror and noted the broken blade wasn’t in his hand. Nidus rushed toward it, seeing it closing as he reached out, trying to feel for the connection he had felt to them. A thread faintly came to mind as Nidus grabbed it and yanked, feeling silly yet had that same old gut feeling. The broken blade then shot out, slamming his chest and knocked him to the ground. Pain racked Nidus’ body as the broken blade pulled from him and hovered overhead, whispering out.

<<You’re sacrifice won’t be forgotten.>> as Nidus noticed his body dissolving ever so slowly, yet it didn’t hurt; in fact, it felt peaceful for once as he closed his eyes.

“Not a bad note to die on.” He muttered, preparing to hopefully rest now as he felt the pull of death upon him once more.