Shadow of the Changeling

Chapter 3: The Inquisition's Shadow

The deeper they ventured into the underhive, the heavier the air became. The stench of Warp taint lingered like a greasy film, growing stronger with each step. Kel'Acthar and Elara moved through the shadows in silence, their eyes and senses attuned to every movement around them.

“This reeks of a trap,” Kel growled, his nostrils flaring. “The Warp stinks of something close by.”

Elara’s psychic senses prickled at the edges of her thoughts, confirming his instincts. “The influence is stronger here. It’s not just residue—there’s something active ahead.”

Kel grunted, his hand twitching toward Truth and Cull. “Stay sharp.”

As they turned a corner, a figure stepped into their path, blocking the narrow alleyway. Clad in black power armor adorned with purity seals and the sigils of the Black Templars, the Space Marine was an imposing sight. A bolt pistol was raised in his hand, while a chainsword hung at his side. His helmet turned toward Kel, the red glow of his visor locking onto him like a predator.

“Halt!” the Templar commanded, his voice amplified through his vox systems. “Declare your allegiance, abhuman, or be purged in the name of the Emperor.”

Kel stopped, his hooves scraping against the rough ground. He stood tall, his crimson eyes narrowing as he stared down the marine. “We don’t have time for this,” he muttered under his breath.

“Your allegiance,” the Templar barked, “now.”

Kel’s hands flexed, his knuckle dusters twitching in anticipation. “I serve the Emperor, marine. But if you get in my way, I’ll serve you a lesson.”

The Templar didn’t lower his weapon. “A beastman serving the Emperor? Blasphemy. Submit, or face judgment.”

Elara stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. “We are Inquisitors of the Ordo Malleus—stand down.”

The Templar’s helmet tilted slightly, his posture unyielding. “An Inquisitor and a beastman? Lies. The Warp twists many forms, and I will not be deceived.”

Before Elara could respond, the Templar holstered his bolt pistol and drew his chainsword in one smooth motion. The weapon roared to life, its teeth spinning with a hungry growl. “I will see the truth in your blood.”

Kel sighed, rolling his shoulders. “Fine. You want the truth? Here it comes.”

The Templar lunged, his chainsword swinging in a deadly arc. Kel sidestepped, his beast-like reflexes carrying him clear of the blow. Sparks flew as the blade struck the ground, and Kel retaliated with a vicious uppercut from Truth. The blow landed squarely on the Templar’s chest plate, sending a resounding clang through the alley.

The marine staggered but recovered quickly, bringing his chainsword around for another strike. Kel ducked, using his horns to deflect the blade. Sparks danced in the dim light as the chainsword’s teeth ground against the hardened bone.

With a guttural roar, Kel drove Cull into the Templar’s side. The power pack flared, and the marine grunted as the force of the blow staggered him once more. The Templar swung his free hand in a brutal backhand, catching Kel across the jaw and sending him stumbling.

The two combatants circled each other, the tension in the air thick enough to cut. The Templar struck again, his chainsword aimed for Kel’s midsection, but Kel twisted his body, dodging the attack. With a surge of power, he brought Truth up in a punishing blow that connected with the Templar’s helmet.

The impact cracked the ceramite with a deafening snap. Kel pressed the advantage, landing a flurry of blows with his knuckle dusters. The final strike shattered the helmet completely, sending shards clattering to the ground. The Templar’s face was revealed—young, clean-shaven, and wide-eyed with fury. No service studs adorned his skull.

Kel froze for a moment, his crimson eyes narrowing. “You’re just a kid,” he muttered, his voice low and incredulous. “Had you a few service studs in your skull, you would’ve put two bolter rounds in me before I cracked your ceramite.”

The marine, his pride clearly stung, swung a desperate punch at Kel. But Kel caught the blow mid-air, twisting the marine’s wrist and forcing him to his knees. The chainsword fell from his grasp, sputtering to a stop on the ground.

Kel raised Cull again, ready to finish the fight, but Elara’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Enough!”

Kel turned, his chest heaving, to see Elara stepping forward. She held her Inquisitorial seal high, its golden surface gleaming in the dim light. “Kel, stand down,” she commanded.

Kel growled low in his throat but released the marine’s wrist, stepping back. The Templar staggered to his feet, his expression a mix of anger and shame.

“You… You’re Inquisition?” he asked, his voice hoarse.

“Yes,” Elara replied, her tone cold and unyielding. “Inquisitor Elara Valenhurst of the Ordo Malleus. And you’ve just delayed a critical mission.”

The marine’s gaze flicked to Kel, his jaw tightening. “This abhuman… an Inquisitor?”

Kel snorted. “You got a problem with that, rookie?”

The marine’s lips thinned, but he said nothing. Instead, he straightened his posture. “I am Brother Tavian of the Black Templars. My apologies for the misunderstanding. Allow me to assist you.”

Kel barked a harsh laugh. “Assist us? No thanks. If I could beat you, the thing we’re after won’t have much of an issue with you.”

Tavian bristled, but Elara stepped between them. “Brother Tavian,” she said, her tone softening slightly, “your zeal is noted. But this mission requires precision and experience. Return to your duties.”

Tavian hesitated, clearly reluctant to withdraw. But after a moment, he inclined his head. “As you wish. May the Emperor guide you.”

“And you,” Elara replied curtly.

The marine turned and disappeared into the shadows, his footsteps heavy with frustration. Kel watched him go, shaking his head.

“Kid’s got guts,” he muttered. “But guts don’t count for much when you’re dead.”

Elara sighed, rubbing her temples. “Next time, try not to antagonize the Astartes.”

Kel smirked. “Hey, he started it.”

They continued their journey, the scent of the Warp growing stronger with each step. The clash with the Black Templar was over, but their true enemy still lay ahead.