3rd POV – The Aftermath, Skarnok's Fortress
Smoke spiraled lazily above Skarnok's ruined fortress, drifting into a dull red sky. The battle had ended hours ago, but the battlefield still breathed chaos. Salamanders moved slowly among the wreckage, weary but resolute, collecting Ork trophies and tending wounds.
Tahak sat alone near a crumbling wall, eyes closed. The air around him shimmered subtly, his Observation Haki reaching beyond sight, sensing more than merely the material world. Visions flared behind his eyelids—molten eyes staring back, a whisper of something ancient and powerful.
Vulkan?No answer came, but the warmth lingered.He opened his eyes, thoughtful and troubled.
Shawn Newman POV
I knelt at the edge of the battlefield, Spirit Projection swirling lazily around my fists like smoke. Every use of my power refined it further. It wasn't merely a weapon; it was becoming part of me, fluid and responsive.
But I knew more was possible.
Slowly, I stood, letting my spirit flow freely outward. Liquid silver-black threads formed around my shoulders, extending into a rippling cloak. Its edges shimmered in the dim light, almost alive.
Then I pushed harder. Wings formed briefly, then collapsed. A phantom figure stood beside me, then faded.
"Not yet," I muttered, breathing heavily. "But soon."
I looked upward at the smoky sky, my heart aching with sudden nostalgia. Flashes of another world—Mariejois, the towering figures of the Five Elders, Sengoku's stoic face—assaulted my thoughts.
I shook myself free of them. That world is gone. Yet, deep down, I wondered: was it truly gone, or merely waiting?
Inquisitor Valen POV – Command Post, Inner Sanctum
Valen stared at the flickering holoscreen, the blinking cursor demanding his decision. This was no ordinary report. One wrong word would ignite an inferno back in the Imperium.
Subject: Shawn Newman.Classification: Unknown.Threat Level: Omega.
He sighed. To name him Heretic would endanger his men. To call him Ally would risk even more.
The Magos entered silently, red lenses glowing faintly.
"The STC fragment?" Valen asked without turning.
"Partially recovered," the Magos rasped. "But it reacts… oddly around Newman. Almost reverently. As if his Haki resonates with some lost technology."
Valen felt a chill. "Could he be… a relic of Old Night?"
"Perhaps something greater," the Magos murmured. "But no less dangerous."
Valen made his choice, finger hesitating before finally typing:
Status:Under Observation.Further Assessment Required.
The screen flickered off, the truth left unspoken.
3rd POV – Training Grounds, Salamanders Camp
On the sandy flats near their makeshift camp, Salamanders lined up, determination burning in every gaze. Vulkar stood before them, a mentor now more than commander.
"Feel your Will," he said calmly, "not as rage, but as certainty."
Beside him, Basur watched carefully, correcting postures. The Salamanders followed, their fists occasionally darkening with faint Haki—but slowly. They lacked Vulkar's finesse, Tahak's vision, Basur's primal power. Yet they refused to surrender.
Tahak joined quietly, his voice low. "Not all fires burn equally bright. But even the dimmest ember may ignite a blaze."
Vulkar nodded approvingly. The trainees surged again, fists flashing black, voices ringing.
3rd POV – Warp Breach, Northern Ridge
Far away, unseen eyes opened.
A ripple twisted space, spilling forth something foul and hungry. From the darkness stepped a slender figure, graceful yet monstrous—claws dripping with iridescent energy, eyes seductive and vile. A Daemonette smiled cruelly.
"Haki…" it whispered, tasting the word. "Show me this power that resists the Warp."
Its presence spread like poison, unnoticed—for now.
Shawn Newman POV – Nightfall, Meditative Isolation
I sat beneath starlight, Spirit Projection coiling gently around my body. I let my mind wander, seeking answers.
Who was I truly? A Vice Admiral, displaced through space? A warrior meant to forge a new destiny?
Behind my closed eyes, memories of Roger surfaced. Our endless battle, the strange connection forged through conflict.
My spirit surged with a sudden clarity—I was neither prisoner nor pawn. I was Will embodied, identity chosen through strength and conviction.
The Warp whispered at the edges of my mind, attempting to corrupt, but my Haki resisted effortlessly. Identity, not temptation, defined me.
I rose, confidence renewed.
3rd POV – Tahak's Vision
Tahak stirred uneasily in sleep, eyes darting beneath closed lids.
In his mind, flames parted to reveal a colossal figure—majestic, burning like a star, eyes wise yet heavy with sadness.
"Father Vulkan…" Tahak breathed.
The figure spoke silently, resonating through Tahak's bones.You inherit more than blood. You inherit hope. Protect it.
Tahak awoke gasping, heart pounding. He knew his path now.
3rd POV – Daemonette's Hunt
The creature moved closer, its presence distorting the air. Ork stragglers collapsed screaming, sanity unraveling instantly. Its hunger grew.
It paused, sensing something greater ahead—Vulkar and his brethren. Souls of strength. Pure and incandescent.
It would enjoy defiling such purity.
3rd POV – Valen and Magos, Ship's Reconstruction
Deep below, the STC hummed gently. Repairs neared completion, plasma coils glowing dimly.
Valen gazed thoughtfully. "Will it fly?"
"Within weeks," the Magos confirmed. "The Machine-Spirit grows strong."
"Good," Valen whispered. "We may need to flee soon."
"From the Orks?"
"No," Valen murmured darkly. "From something far worse."
3rd POV – Salamanders, Unity
Vulkar, Basur, and Tahak stood together at midnight, feeling their souls resonate. Their Haki—united yet unique—seemed to ignite brighter than ever.
Tahak finally spoke. "We're changing. Becoming something new. Is this what Vulkan intended?"
Vulkar smiled slightly. "I believe he gave us not answers—but choices."
Basur nodded gruffly. "Then we choose to protect."
The three clasped forearms, Haki briefly blazing together—a silent vow beneath distant stars.
Ending Scene
Shawn stood on a high cliff, overlooking the sleeping camp. His wings of fluid silver-black finally formed fully, extending proudly behind him. Beneath him, countless fires dotted the wasteland—the embers of hope in a galaxy drowning in darkness.
Far below, a figure stalked silently closer—the Daemonette grinning wickedly.
Shawn opened his eyes, silver glow meeting Warp-born malevolence.
"Come," he whispered defiantly. "Test your corruption against my Will."
To Be Continued