Faklis the Loyal

III

I found myself being led into unknown regions by this strange, tempting voice. Whispering sweet nothings into my ears, I know it is of Darkness, but I am only going where it is leading me to destroy it. I must return, I can't let myself get killed, she awaits my return and I can't disappoint her. The voice leads me to Europa, but not in a known area next to the already known Pyramid ship, I am being led somewhere far away. I land on the ice, stepping out I am immediately hit by the cold Europa's air, but the suit should be sufficient enough to protect me. I walk and walk until I come upon a entrance leading down into the depths of the ice. The structure is clearly of Darkness origin, dark stone and geometrical shapes. As I start walking down into the depths I feel the air around me change. It is no longer the natural air, it is oppressive, filthy and tainted. The voices are becoming more and more apparent, easier and louder to hear. I finally reach the end of the stairs and walk into a large room, many artifacts scattered across the room. Strange shapes of what can only be assumed are some figures, in some rock are beings trapped. I walk around, examining the room carefully for any traps or signs of danger. On a table some kind of artifact floats, it is emitting strange aura, the voices only grow louder. It beckons to me, tempting me to interact with it. 

Voice: This is, Faklis, a tool that can help you protect your superior, to ensure her safety.

I know these are all lies, for it told to everyone the same, it promised only good, but delivered death and evil. But maybe I could use it for something. 

Voice: You only have to let it into your body for all the power in it to be yours. It will grant you what you couldn't even imagine. Let your foes fall before you and protect those who you see worthy. 

Faklis: I wish not to depend on powers that are not of my own making. I despise both of you, you the filthy darkness and it, the bright traitor. 

Voice: Then why follow us. For what reason would you follow other than to gain the power we so generously present you.

Faklis: At first I only wished to destroy you, but now I have other plans. Much grander plans. 

Voice: Why are you so difficult? Would you let her die just because you didn't accept the power we grant you. You would become more powerful than you ever will without us. 

Faklis: Because, I know what you stand for, what you are- And I do not wish to become a puppet, a weakling. Our people became strong on borrowed power, but lost it when it betrayed us and left. 

I grab the device and immediately upon picking it up I could feel it wanting to corrupt me. It feels wrong and vile, like a thousand insects that had just crawled under my skin. I need to bring it to a research facility here on Europa, one of Clovis's. I will use it how I wish to, not how it wants me to. I run out of the ruin, I can feel it wanting to corrupt me, my mind, I can feel the tendrils grasp my mind, wishing to make me their puppet like it did to so many people. But I am strong and a strong will must resist to it's temptation. I get in my ship and fly towards the massive Clovis labs. I find a suitable place to land and make my way towards one of them. There are still remnants of the House of Salvation forces all around, one thing must be given to them, they are persistent. I run into the facility, avoiding the forces as much as I can until I come across a area in which I cannot avoid them so I am left with no other option then to fight them. I grab my rifle of my back and take aim for their captain, only a single one. He is in charge of a group consisting of 2 servitors, 12 shanks, 1 heavy shank, 6 Vandals and 18 Dregs. I charge the shot, putting my crosshair right in between his eyes and let go. The shot flies through the air, cutting it as it passes and finally lands on the helmet of the captain but the shot carries so much energy behind it that it just passes right through him. A Ether explosion erupts from his skull as his body thuds against the cold metal floor. The rest of the group is alerted but having the distance advantage I am able to charge another shot and fire it at the heavy shank as it will be the most dangerous of the group. Pulling out my swords I charge at those who are charging at me, vandals staying in the back protected by the servitors. I cut the Dregs one by one, my blades easily cut through their bodies, my strength more than enough to overpower the others, crushing and slashing the shanks as I dash between them all. Some shots do land on me, but my armor more than sufficient to take them, many flaws of the wire rifles that my people use. They are outdated and in a desperate need of improvements. I jump at the remaining forces, primarily to take down the servitors, thrusting my blade right in the center of the servitor, breaking through the outer shell and damaging the inside components. It explodes and by this moment the others realized that their efforts are in vain as they watch me destroy the other servitor. It's husk falling down on the ground and rolling down the stairs. Turning my attention to the remaining I can see the fear in their eyes, but they forfeited their life the day they chose this house and to fight me.