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cuckoo-for-40k · 1 year ago

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I'm looking forward to seeing more of Cedric, Vanya is my favorite but Ceddy is a close second.

Poor confused lil buddy. And exceptionally well trained and dangerous buddy.

Window Conversation

Author’s Note: This is the next in Cedric’s adventures in Ancient Terra. First. Previous.

Tagged: @egrets-not-regrets @the-pure-angel @kit-williams

Warnings: none? Ask me to tag, if something makes you uncomfortable

Summary: Cedric is grounded from exploring the human city he’s in, so he is content to look out a window and people watch. He’s approached by a Salamander Scout Captain and they chat.

Cedric stared longingly out of the window of the base that he'd been confined to for the past week and a half, as part of his punishment for dealing with the heretics... Allied Heretics, rudely. The fact that there were allied heretics was... It was wrong. It was against much of what he had been taught. It had been the forces of chaos that had killed untold trillions of innocents and corrupting ten times as many during the Horus Heresy, and the many Black Crusades that had followed. Chaos had created the Cicatrix Maledictum that split the galaxy in half, corrupted half of the Holy Primarchs and killing all but one of the Loyal Primarchs. Those Chaos-tainted Primarchs were some of the most dangerous threats still existing against the Imperium.

He had been reminded by one of the Chaplains he was working under to Atone for his rudeness of how few Marines were on Ancient Terra, of the few resources that any of them had, and the fractious nature of the human nation-states who ruled Ancient Terra. He'd been shown proof of all of this, and that even the most chaos-corrupted Marines who were allied with the Loyalists on Ancient Tera had a better grip of their unholy instincts and bastardized natures... Particularly after they had been Bonded with a human. No one would give him a good explanation as to what a Bond was, only that he would Know when or if he would find his human to bond with.. That these bonds domesticated the twisted parodies that the chaos marines had become.

Cedric couldn't muster up the Faith to believe that all of that was possible. That all of the groxshit that had been so earnestly fed to him by several Loyal older brothers wasn't some insidious Chaotic plot to get them to lower their guard in order to fuck them over and slaughter them all while taking over Ancient Terra... To ensure that the Imperium of Man never rose, or if it did, The Imperium would be a bastion of Chaos and misery, rather than of Order and the Emperor's Light. He didn't want to believe that the loyalists had been fooled so completely...

But to try to begin to believe all of this - that the chaos astartes who had allied with the loyalists weren't plotting to stab them all in the back the moment that they felt that they had gotten everything that they wanted out of this arrangement made his head and his hearts hurt. The very thought that loyalist and chaos astartes could peacefully coexist with one another... It was almost enough to drive Cedric to madness.

Or to incredible, bloody violence.

Especially against those smug, prancing, gaudy purple Slaaneshi bastards. Cedric could see several of them dancing around the humans who were walking amongst them, fearless. Unaware that they were being exposed to beings whose very presence was corrosive and toxic and -

"Cedric, are you glaring at random people out the window and growling again?" Ash'val asked, the Salamander looking at him in a very judgmental manner when Cedric managed to drag his eyes away from the Slaaneshi Bastards.

Rude. Not that the young Apothecary would speak up against the well-loved and deeply respected Scout captain. He blinked at the other and took a breath, realizing that he had been making a low, rumbling sound in his chest and stopped the sound from continuing before he managed out "I... Uhm... I didn't mean to growl? I... I just..." Fuck, where did his words go? He had a perfectly reasonable explanation for his vigilant watchfulness moments ago... Cedric found himself unable to look the older space marine in the eye, bowing his head a little to avoid the other's gaze.

"You seem to have a particular problem with Slaaneshi Marines." Ash'val noted. The scout captain reached out slowly and placed a reassuring hand on one of Cedric's shoulders "You've gone through a lot of changes in a very short period of time and been given a lot of information that would... Be seen as impossible at best, or heretical nonsense worthy of execution after a visit from the Inquisition at worst. But shoving your nose to a window and growling at random marines wandering by isn't going to help you adjust to all of these changes. And I imagine that you're starting to get pretty restless being stuck inside all day with little to do, other than training and chores."

"I... I understand why I've been confined to base, sir." Cedric answered, shuffling his feet a little. The stern reprimand that he'd gotten from his rude behavior towards both chaos marines and how his hostility could put the tentative alliance between the loyalists and the chaos warbands at risk still rung in his ears a week and a half later.... And one of the last things he wanted to do while planetside on a beautiful and peaceful day like this was stay inside and do fuck-all when there was a forest an easy three-hour jog from here where Cedric was pretty sure he could go hunting and foraging for fresh food, rather than the nutrient pastes that while nutritious, weren't nearly as satisfying as a meal made with fresh ingredients. But until he could prove that he could handle interacting with Filthy Chaotic Traitors without resorting to unprovoked violence within five minutes... Not just that, but he could not show any outward sings of hostility when interacting with Filthy Chaotic Traitors, including a change in scent. "... I am still fairly certain that I was being... Cordial. At least to the World Eater. I didn't threaten him or his human once, nor did I try to harm either of them - not that I would have struck out at the child unless forced to... I do admit that I did restrain the Slaaneshi sc-... Marine, but that was for the health and safety of everyone in the building. The poison he was dripping from his hands is incredibly dangerous and corruptive at a soul-deep level."

Ash'val hummed a little before lifting the hand on Cedric's shoulder to ruffle his hair "This is true, however you should have explained to Elam why you were taping jars to his hands... What you did was tackle him to the ground and tape jars to his hands while refusing to explain until one of the other Apothecaries asked you why you'd done it. And you kept Elam in a headlock until directly ordered to let him go by our head apothecary. Emperor's Children - and Elam in particular - tend to be cooperative with Apothecaries and he was being on his best behavior."

"The last time before I met this... Elam, where Slaaneshi worshippers were wielding that particularly potent poison, I lost a squad brother, and my chapter lost dozens of Battle Brother to that poison. And we were fighting against baseline human Slaaneshi worshippers. I shudder to think how much damage an Astartes Slaaneshi worshipper with a possibly endless supply of The Poison of Vainglory could do. He was a clear and present threat and even then, I used a minimal amount of force in containment of such a threat." Cedric huffed, scowling at the floor, crossing his arms over his chest defensively. He knew that if he... Capitulated to... Apologizing to the Slaaneshi Marine for the way he had handled him, his time grounded in the base would be halved - or at least, that is what he had been promised.

But the very thought of doing so, of betraying his brothers' memories like that... Comiting such a sin against the God Emperor and the Imperium was more than what the Primaris Black Templar could bear. He'd been told that things her on ancient Terra were very different... But the very thought of apologizing was enough to make him physically ill. So he was going to patiently and penitently wait out the time that he had been sentenced to in the base without complained. He trained when allowed, helped keep things tidy (It was part of his punishment, actually. To aid in the maintenance of the base and the cleanliness... To cook in the kitchens, as well as other similar tasks. He wasn't sure why they were part of his punishment, but he certainly wasn't going to complain. He was surprised that he hadn't been beaten or whipped, for the amount of lecturing he'd gotten for his misconduct against allied chaos Space marines. It felt strange, and like an oversight, but Cedric wasn't going to complain about it, either).

"How would you feel if someone tackled and pined you to the floor because of the very health symptom you were seeking treatment for?" The Salamander Scout Captain prodded.

Cedric tilted his head a little in confusion. He was baffled by this. The young apothecary had heard that Firstborn Salamanders were soft-touches, but this was one of the questions that had One Correct Answer, and to misspeak was a trap. He answered earnestly "I would submit to anything that was being done to me without struggle or complaint, sir, as whoever did that has good reasoning to do as what they are doing, and to struggle would mean that I am fighting treatment, sir." Which means long hours of repentance at best, after the treatment was concluded at best... At worst fighting treatment - especially when one was clearly tainted by Chaos meant that he would be culled and sent to the Emperor's side before the Chaos could corrupt his soul further. The Mechanicum - and his older Black Templar brothers had both made that very clear during his training with them. "Provided, of course, the person doing the tackling and treatment is a loyalist, of course. Otherwise I would fight to free myself."

"Even if you were worried that this other loyalist may be tryign to hurt or kill you?" Ash'val asked, a complicated series of emotions flashing across the older marine's face before settling on concern for reasons Cedric couldn't begin to guess.

"If I have committed a sin, or breach of conduct, or was exposed to something that was corrupting me, or could potentially corrupt me, yes. I would still submit to treatment, if I was in full command of my senses. The Slaaneshi poisons alter one's mind, as well as body, as well as certain Nurglite diseases and Tzeenchian curses. And of course, The Infectious Rages of Khorne." Cedric responded, knowing the Correct Response to this question as well. Not that he didn't mean what he was saying as well. "Even if I was unaware of what crime or sin I committed, or if I did not know what I had recently encountered was so corrupting."

"I... I see. A large part of your training involved adherence to orders, I am guessing? apart from your combat and medical training." The scout captain asked. The older marine's face was free of emotion, but his voice was strangely shaky.

"Yes sir. Obeying orders is important, no matter one's personal feelings on the orders given to them." Cedric answered earnestly. Orders were to be obeyed, though were also subject to change. Especially on the battlefield where preliminary orders - like plans - went to die as soon as contact with the enemy was made.

:"Oh. Okay. I've got another question for you: are you a Primaris Marine?" The Salamander Scout captain asked, looking oddly intense as he asked it. "You're one of a handful of known Primaris Marines in this era, if you are. And by whom were you trained?"

"As with all Primaris Marines so far in my tie period, I was strictly trained by the Adeptus Mechanicus. They told me that I trained on Mars, specifically in their Astartes gene-labs." Cedric answered honestly. Disobedience had been harshly punished by both the Mechanicus and his Black Templar older brothers, though in different ways. The punishments here were much lighter and easier to handle. Not that Cedric intended on misbehaving to the point of testing their mercy He wasn't trying to cause problems... Though that never mattered to the Mechanicus or the Black Templars... And the Astartes here had given him more leeway than he'd ever been given. It was making Cedric nervous as to what might happen if he found the end of these marines' patience for misconduct.

"Ah. The... The mechanicus operates in a very specific way, and though what they do works for them... As for we Astartes... We are supposed to be trained in a different matter. Not that you're wrong for behaving for how you've been taught, given that I'm guessing that no one's really gone over our expectations for marines staying with us." Ash'val mused, looking Cedric over assessingly. "Follow me to my office. We're going to talk about what expectations you've been working under, and I'll explain in detail the rules of the base and for allied astartes, that way you're not tripped up by anything."

"Yes sir." Cedric responded, giving the Salamander a salute, obediently following after him.

#warhammer 40k #space marine husbandry sentience #salamander #black templar #sleepy fan blog

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cuckoo-for-40k · 1 year ago

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Now technically I originally meant that the dolls literally resemble space marines, not just having Astarte armor available on the typical build a bear.

But when you responded and an artist did that Blood angel build a bear my heart MELTED. MELTED LIKE A TYRANID UNDER A MELTA BLAST!

So now when it comes to literal Astarte Dolls or Bears dressed up like Astartes I say...

Heloo, it Cuckoo.

Time for Literal And Figurative Fluff.

You take an Astarte to Build a Bear, or perhaps you and your big fella wander in while browsing.

You chatter to your Astarte as you walk. Nostalgia is a Powerful force but you're certain you can resist the temptation to actually Make an overpriced doll, no matter how sweet and soft they look. Nor whatever cool promotional "bears" they've got on display. You're just gonna have a quick look for old times sake and...

What's this? This display plushie that now holds your full attention infront of a bin of others just like it, though the skins are yet to be filled with fluff.

A cartoony soft version of Your space marine, stares back at you.

The detailing is pretty great for a mass produced corporate product made to entice children into begging their parents for it. Perhaps the design team consulted a Blood Angel or Emperor's Children. You could imagine an Iron Warrior or Ultramarine being contacted for the logistics.

You feel a deep, yearning in the pit of your soul. Like your inner child is pleading with big puppy eyes. You begin to reach into the bin of unmade plushies.

NO! You are Stronger than this. You do not Need an overpriced plush. You've got the real deal right beside you.

You hurriedly pull back. You're leaving right now and your inner child will have to find something else to ask for. Something more reasonable.

"Come on buddy, I think we need to head...home...?" A gauntlet clad hand reaches past you, pulling out one of the unmade dolls.

Your Space Marine doesn't say a word, seemingly examining his miniature self.

Eventually, his gaze does turn back to you.

"Don't give me that look..." He gives you exactly That look. Can Space Marines do puppy eyes? Well you're not sure you'd call it that but your stubbornness softens regardless. Perhaps you're too tender for him, but really what's the harm in indulging your inner child now and again? "...well...if you really want to."

...

You both walk out an hour or so later with a few accessories, a "build certificate", and a newly adopted Astarte you cheerful dub, Lil Fella. In honor of your Big Fella.

Now the Astarte type here is unspecified, but I want to know what your favorite legions do once Lil Fella gets brought home. How do they get the little guy in on their usual Astarte shenanigans in your opinion?

No one tells you that night lords like their macabre crafts as you soon find the small plush with tiny bits of leather, you don't know where he got it from, stylized in the shape of a tiny bear face, stretched like skin and tiny needle felted bones adorning its armor.

Your word bearer got out a sewing kit and started to sew symbols on the cloth armor. The black and gold thread looking so good but certain symbols look so precisely sewn. You don't bother to ask questions.

Your blood angel got them a pretty pair of angel wings and the blonde bear in the armor... he just likes to hold it when he feels anxious.

#cuckoo anon #space marine husbandry #space marine husbandry sentience #warhammer 40k

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cuckoo-for-40k · 1 year ago

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Seriously still love this so much!

Hello! The Cuckoo Anon is back again!

Something more Fluffy with some existentialism sprinkled in I've had stewing in my mind. Could also be interpretted as soft yandere. Hope you enjoy.

You'd never considered getting an Astarte, and quite frankly you'd have to admit it came down to both reasonable and unreasonable factors.

Reasonable being cost, both in time and finance. Even if most Space Marines could care for their own basic needs, you'd feel bad if you couldn't provide other enrichments. Art Supplies and Makeup for Emperors Children or Blood Angels, a proper training area for World Eaters and War Hounds, nests dark and secluded enough for Night Lords or Raven Guard. All things to consider when bringing home a new large friend.

Even if you weren't financing a personal sparring ring in your back yard there would be fees and regulations to consider, not to mention travel to and from these places alongside your already cramped schedule.

In less reasonable factors, or so you thought them to be, was fear.

Dying to an Astarte was seen much like dying to the mishandling of an exotic pet or by an unfortunate encounter with a wild animal.

At worst more onus seemed put on the human for poor decision making, at best it was deemed a tragic accident that nothing much could be done about in the aftermath.

There was still culling of known human killers. And your mind wrestled not with the morality of putting down a dangerous being, but how strange it seemed for such powerful intelligent beings to be at odds with their niche.

Some feral, some domestic, some neither, yet all of them...all of them had to be human on Some level right?

They're just larger, and speak differently, but all are hominid forms under that ceramite so why...why-

You could feel your brain starting to hurt, as it often did when these thoughts surfaced.

Well right now you didn't want to think deep hard thoughts about the mysterious beings you shared the world with.

Instead you were going to let your skates do the thinking for you, and let your brain get swept along in a sea of bright colors, cheesy music and dancing on wheels.

Your local roller rink wasn't as close as you might like it, but the drive was worth it so you could practice your hobby. After a long hiatus due to personal life things, you needed to clear your head with some mindless fun.

While not a professional by any means you'd become a regular here, and you have to say, you picked up some nice tricks over the years.

As you walked in the place was a buzz with the weekend crowd. Sunday might be the less busy of the two days, but there was still a lively population within.

You didn't mind though, the rink was actually a place you preferred to visit while busy. Too few people and it just felt dead, too many and you'd struggle to not feel overwhelmed.

Truly, the perfect happy medium.

...aside from the hulking Astartes accompanying their various humans both on and off the skating floor.

This was something you were used to at this point, but it still felt awkward maneuvering not just around regular sized people, but their gigantic body guards, especially when you needed the restroom and already had your skates on.

Then there were the times children would approach you asking how to do certain tricks. Explaining to a child how you learned to skate backwards was already difficult with the loud music, now you had to sweat under the intense gaze of their family Space Marine keeping an unflinching eye on you.

And don't even get started about the encounters you had accidentally bumping Into others.

People are clumsy, people on wheels even moreso, and you'd be a damn rich fool if somebody paid you for everytime you narrowly avoided a child with no situational awareness while on your own set of wheels.

Now multiply the fear of harming someone else by accident, by the fear of an angry protective space marine seeking retribution. Not a fun concept.

Fortunately, any mishaps you did have hadn't ended with a bolter stuck in your face or a chain sword through your spine. The rinks owners didn't allow weapons on the premises.

You supposed most human and astarte were intelligent enough to understand that a roller rink carries a higher than average risk of collision.

"Thank the throne for that." You muttered with a chuckle, using a phrase common enough amongst Astartes to have been translated. You pondered what kind of throne deserved such reverence, as you slipped on your pads and skates.

Once geared up, you stood, and with practiced ease carried your bag to the cubbies.

But now a new issue. The lower cubbies were full, you'd have to stretch to get your bag into the higher ones.

Shuffling onto your toe stops, you clumsily lifted your duffel bag upwards. Your balance was well enough, but it was a strain, and your bag seemed to protest by sagging down against your lifting, like a wet sack trying to fall out of your hands rather than overwhelm you with weight.

Which is exactly what Almost happened as your next bid to push/throw the bag into the desired cubby resulted in it bouncing and falling back to you.

If not for a large magenta ceremite hand coming over your head and catching the duffel with ease.

Your surprise was palpable, as you slowly turned your gaze; sliding up the arm to the hulking shadow behind you.

Note to self, don't wear both earbuds while distracted Ever again.

The magenta and gold clad space marine met your gaze. His helmeted face betrayed no emotion, and despite the chorus of the skating rink around you, it felt like all you could here was his breathing. Just that raspy...Breathing behind the mask.

Surely, he could hear your heart hammering, as he stood above you, arm still holding the duffel bag you'd been struggling with a moment prior against the cubbies.

More or less holding you against the cubbies as well.

Neither of you moved.

...

........

..................

Okay you couldn't take it anymore. "Can...can I help you?" You asked, trying to swallow the nerves that made your throat tight.

The marine, Emperor's Child your brain noted, twitched from his stillness and actually looked...surprised?

If you hadn't known any better you'd think he was just a stunned as you were a moment ago. As stunned as fully armored astartes could look anyway.

The minor expression passed in a moment, before he simply pushed it the rest of the way into the high cubby.

He said something in his Gothic tongue, seemingly an apology, then turned on his massive heel to walk back towards a small group of mostly other Emperor's Children.

As he left you found your voice. "Uh hey!"

The Astarte turned for a brief moment.

"Th-Thank you! I appreciate the help!" You called brightly over the music, making sure to smile inspite of your still frayed nerves. You even gave the big fella two thumbs up incase he didn't understand.

And then your embarassment won out and you quickly hurried onto the skating floor with your face burning and heart racing for an all New reason.

Maybe...maybe having an Astarte wouldn't be so bad.

---

Meanwhile the space marine returned to his group of battle brothers. They'd discovered this recreational location, and more or less set up operations here after their leader bonded to one of the business's owners.

The influx of humans and their space marines made it an ideal location to conduct trades of goods and information.

While their situation was...unorthodox, I Ithio couldn't find it in himself to raise complaint.

His brother's were content, some even more so having found their bonds. He wouldn't deny he'd felt a certain yearning for that closeness. And now he may never get a chance to Feel that with how he'd fumbled his introduction.

"So...your little Bird of Paradise has finally reappeared." Salvali chortled.

Matisse chimed in. "They seemed to take the encountee better than you did brother! Regardless, I think a celebration is in order tonight!"

"Please stop," Ithio groaned, embarassed though he was grateful the humans around them couldn't understand nor see his burning face.

All he had to do was say Hello, and he couldn't even do that!

He'd tried So Hard to restrain himself when he'd seem them walk in. After so long of not seeing them he feared he'd have to take drastic measures to find them.

But they just Strolled back into his life and in turn he'd Strolled over, intending to help when the perfect moment had presented itself. Practically a gift wrapped golden opportunity to make himself known to his Bird of Paradise.

And he Froze. Frozen up! Iced over the moment their eyes met. By the throne and stars above he wanted to melt into the floor.

"Ah don't feel too bad, there's always next time." Salvali assured patting him on the back.

But would there be?! What if you were so put off you never came back. He'd have to find you, he Wouldn't live without you the way he had the first time you vanished. He couldn't take that! He couldn't-

"Uh Hey!" Ithio broke from his dooming and turned back to see you, calling to him.

Marines in general may not have the best grasp of the ancient terran languages, but Emperors Children are not general Marines. Language is but another artform, and Emperor's Children Pride themselves on their art.

"Th-Thank you! I appreciate the help!" Your sweet voice reassured him, your smile though unsteady was so genuine. You even gestured with your thumbs to show your approval before you scurried to the skating floor.

With his superior sight, and the aid from his helmets tech he could read the blush on your face, the race of your heart. All the other noise faded into the back of his mind as he replayed your words and watched you take the floor.

Oh...oh sweet Bird of Paradise.

FINALLY GETTING TO THIS ASK

I mean I think anything I write gets interpreted as soft yandere because that's what I'm good at. We will see where this goes if he gets thrown into the non canon husbandry (because that seems to be where the yandere husbandry boys and stupid sexy Gabriel hang out)

Husbandry Taglist: @egrets-not-regrets @liar-anubiass-blog

You tried not to think too hard when you skated. Enjoying going round and round doing a few tricks just simple ones and you only fell onto your ass twice. But now you were probably about to eat wall as you skated to not run over a fallen child and you were moving so fast.

You still hit something hard but the way you're scooped up as well decreases the momentum you feel as if you just slammed into the wall or the other barrier. You feel weightless for a moment as you hear the whirl of your skate wheels still go as you brought your arms to your chest to try and minimize the impact damage. You look up at the ceiling with owlish eyes as you look up at green eye lenses that are looking down at you.

Ithio felt his hearts beating hard as he moved fast to get to his Bird of Paradise from smashing into the wall and getting bruised. He feels you move in his arms as you look at the small child who started this all... who was pulled out of the way but not fast enough that you nearly fell over them as you just close your eyes as Ithio watches you lay back in his arms coming down from the rush of adrenaline. The skate ref skates on over to make sure you're fine.

"Yeah I'm fine thanks to the Astarte." You say just patting the twin headed eagle on his breastplate and Ithio feels his hearts flutter happily. You lean on him as the referee skates off and she tries to hop out his arms and Ithio selfishly keeps you just a bit too high for you to feel comfortable to leave his arms. "Um... hey big guy?" You say nervously as the blank look of the helm looking down at her was bringing back that itch in the back of her head...

Ithio was starting to feel nervous... and his mind started to race again... what if she was already bonded? What if she didn't want him around. He feels his mind race and everything about him simultaneously melt as he was actually holding his beautiful Bird of Paradise... sure the dyes at the tips of her hair had faded but they were still so vibrant in his mind.

"Brother... are you okay?" Ithio heard Salvali over the vox.

"I'm fine." He lied as easily as he breathed. As he put her down.

"Well this is twice you helped me out... um I could buy you a drink?" You say trying to not feel the danger that being stared down by an Astartes brings.

"I never..." He finally speaks and his voice is so airy, "never got to tell you how pretty your hair was dyed when I saw you last here." He was happy he finally managed to tell the beautiful bird of paradise that of course her feathers were pretty... how marvelous she looked with her hair long and splayed against her back like a colorful bird's tail.

You smiled up at him not expecting that answer.

Salvali, Matisse, and the others watched from a distance.

"He's doing it... he's doing it!" Matisse said laughing softly.

"Well he's finally talking verses standing there holding her awkwardly." Salvali says as he watches Ithio put her down and her eyes seemed to be focused on him as she talks.

"Do you think it's a bond or just affection?" Matisse asks out loud to no one really but Salvali just shrugs.

"Does it matter? Feels like it's been ages since Ithio has been happy and see him fawn over a pretty bird makes me feel like we've got our brother back. Well it's almost time for Astartes skating are you going to try?" Salvali changes the topic and teases his brother. As the two laugh leaving Ithio to continue to cling to the words of his little bird.

#warhammer 40k #space marine husbandry sentience #space marines #cuckoo anon

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cuckoo-for-40k · 1 year ago

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Cuckoo Anon

Oh you bet your Chain Axe I Do! Had to stop last night because tired but I've got pretty good ideas for some other legions reactions to getting yoinked from their original timeline.

Disclaimer: Apologies if your fav legion doesn't appear here I only know enough about so many of them.

Word Bearers - Another group that's more Aware that the warp has something to do with this, though less able to actively affect it than say the Thousand Sons. Definitely in the group that Wants to establish contact with their original timeline because there's so many souls here in need of the warp's guidance. Until they're able to do that, they spend there time pouring over the various religious texts available here. Would speak up at a theology lecture to correct the speaker about the details of certain figures that they've actually met in their original timeline. Example: Nurgle. They also enjoy yoga for its meditative quality, though its less enjoyable for even the most yoga obsessed humans. The Word Bearers pair yoga with dark ritualistic chanting. Even in Gothic the humans recognize the words are...a bit unsettling.

Rating: Suddenly finding yourself running a...more intense version of a Bible camp as your Word Bearer instructs his group on the proper alignment of ritual circles with the Stars for their next venture. You just hope none of these will ever involve blood sacrifices.

War Hounds/World Eaters - Cut from the same cloth, even stitched with the same pins. Like the Iron Warriors these guys are actually Thriving (as much as they can) in this new environment. You'd think with everything being softened and pacified by the warp they'd go raving mad. But no, because that includes their nails and bloodlust. The nails still hurt, but its like a toothache most days compared to feeling like your brain is being stabbed. And they still crave battle, but there's sparring arenas and Astarte focused gyms in practically every city and marine base here. Plus the occasional chance to Really let loose on some human killer warbands. And if a Marine is sick of their nails completely they can be Removed! The instrument of their torment can be done away with (Chronic pain and migraines remain for most of them but again, far less pain than once was). This new clarity gives them room to reflect. The empire and chaos only found them useful when they were Hurting and Angry constantly. They were never allowed to be anything else. But with the humans here, especially with bonds that can sooth the nails completely, they finally can just....be.

Rating: Laying your head across your bonded humans lap with a fire crackling on a cold night. The scars from the nails twinge for a moment, causing you to hiss. Until your human coos, brushing the hair from your forehead, and at once the pain cools to nothing. You settle, not sure if you deserve this but decide you will accept it. You lean into your humans touch. You are both content.

Space Wolves - If War Hounds are the abused pups learning to love again, Space Wolves are the...Wolves learning to trust/work with humans for the first time. Space Wolves had interactions with humans in their timeline, but only those on their own planet would treat them like normal people. Everywhere else humans saw them as the Emperors Angels. Dangerous and Untouchable. So to have these humans approach them like neither of those groups kinda throws them off. They're not Afraid of them in a broad sense, but they're also not familiar enough yet. The two are finding their footing with eachother. Having a dog gets immediate points with a Space Wolf, they love pups. All shapes and kinds but they obvious lean towards more wolf like breeds. By the same token Space Wolves don't tolerate animal abuse. Any marine type Might decide to kill an animal abuser, a Space Wolf won't hesitate. If you're lucky they'll just steal neglected animals and leave the abuser with some property damage. At worst well...you get the idea.

Rating: Opening up that animal rehab shelter you've always wanted to Not because you thought you were finally ready...but because your Space Wolf keeps bringing home strays, and neglected animals. But hey, seeing your big guy happily laying in a swarm of pups makes it all worth it. And the time you saw him literally send an abusive owner flying into your trash can for trying to take their dog back.

Death Guard - Weird idea, but they're doing okay. It's just that most of them are feral by choice rather than the Alpha legion's situation. The warp may make their haze of rot less dangerous here, but being near one is still Alot for an average human. Also the cities don't have enough Greenery. So the ferals stick to the forests and overgrown areas. Their presence boosts the cycles of life and decay, and they actually Clean!?!? Well yes, the litter and plastic trash, anything biodegradable can stay...or gets eaten. Yep I see Death Guard as the vultures or millipedes of space marines. They can eat Anything organic, and they enjoy the more fetid pieces. Many humans have been startled to find their garbage being raided after some spoiled leftovers were thrown out. And as far as personality goes they're actually pretty gentle. They see no reason to attack humans, they're natural miasma is still imparting the gifts of Nurgle occasionally so why bother? If a Death Guard bonds to a human that bond is deep and loving. The bond also helps their human resist their smell, and makes the human stronger against the illness miasma. Its not a perfect defense, energy still gets drained, but your Death Guard will always be there to lend a hand, claw, bone growth to help when you need it.

Rating: Hiking through the forest, and suddenly catching an awful smell. Your curiosity bids you follow it, lest it be a hiker that met an ill fate. As you get closer the greenery around you seems to grow larger, and more beautiful with every step. Literally bursting with life. You come to a small open area beneath the trees. The smell is strongest here, and you see a large misshapen green body. It raises its cupped hands, that hold something you can't identify, to a branch. A flower bud slowly opens to full and....a Butterfly flits to the new bloom from his palms. You stand in awe. The shape turns as you watch from behind a tree, your eyes meet through his helmet. You just...stare at eachother. And though you don't notice at the time, the scent no longer has presence in your mind.

Alpha Legion - (Only fitting that I finish off with the legion that gave me my name.) So honestly...kinda struggling. These fellas are so used to spying, and secrecy and playing games of 12D chess (even though doing that wasn't the best choice to begin with but I digress) and now they've been dropped in a place that has...none of that?? They're separated from their spy networks, no matter what side of their Timeline they were fighting on they only really have eachother now. The other legions are Very unwilling to trust them for obvious reasons. And they have a shit time making bonds with humans. Like seriously, f their lives right up. Like at least when they were just a cog in a clusterfuck of war, alliances, battles and betrayals, they didn't have to think and reflect about how Lonely they actually are. But...on the other hand, they're free to do as they please here. Sure the other marines are wary of them, but as long as they don't outright start shit things can go on tense but peaceful. Occasionally snatching some affection while disguised is okay, but still...they want something real. And when they do get that, whether the bond is truly like their fellow marines or slightly different, they Don't let go.

Rating: You came home to an Ultramarine in your house, only it didn't really...act like an ultra marine? It took no interest when you showed it your excel documents, didn't try to organize anything, and shied away from conversing with other loyalists. He Did help you out around the house, and was exceptionally affectionate. Most marines were some flavor of touch starved (except maybe Salamanders), but this seemed excessive. Then one night you woke up, and heard hushed but intense whispering. You peaked out of your bedroom to see your Ultramarine conversing with....himself!? Your eyes did not deceive, and your ears did not lie. Same voice, same armor, down to the same scratches and battle damage...but that was impossible! Your musings were interrupted by one of them getting louder.

"It is still My turn with the mortal!"

"You expanded your timetable in the schedule. That is Unfair brother, and you know it."

"This is not up for discussion, and You cannot be here right now! Do you want us to be thrown out completely!?"

"Maybe if we were simply Honest with them we wouldn't have to worry about that, but You insisted we stick to this charade. Well I'm SICK of it!" The ultra on the right lost his composure, and his form phased and shifted. Royal blue became teal and the helmet shifted to a form more resembling an octopus. An Alpha Legion marine...but that would mean...

The one you assumed to be Your marine spoke up. "Enough! I will not tolerate your insubordination! Leave now!"

The newly shifted marine stood his ground and sneered. "Why don't you Make me brother?!"

"Or you could....Both stay?" The two marines whipped their heads to face you. You stood in your pajamas, as the two armored marines stared in stunned silence.

"I...can explain." Your marine started, but you held up your hand.

"Its okay," You assured him, crossing the distance so you could look him in the eye. "We do need to talk things over but...I think I understand why you felt you needed to do this." You turned to his brother. " Should've let me know we were having company. I think we could all use some hot chocolate."

Your second space marine perked up. "I hope you have enough supplies for us all."

"Two space marines and a human you mean?"

"Weeeeeell...." Knock, knock, knock. You turned to the door, and your space marine let his disguise shed as he reached for the handle. The door opened to reveal...1,2,3,4...yeah you were gonna need more hot chocolate.

Love these I really do you're making me blush

#space marine husbandry #warhammer 40k #cuckoo anon

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cuckoo-for-40k · 1 year ago

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Hello its Cuckoo.

Totally fine with waiting and I appreciate the update.

I will admit my last ask did slant a bit more romantic.

So I've brought full fluff with this. How I perceive legions react to receiving unconditional love and care from human(s) in the husbandry altered earth.

Disclaimer: I don't know all the successor chapters so I'm going broad strokes.

Baseline: All marines Chaos, Renegade or Loyal, Do feel displaced. They're all just some level between coping and thriving.

Blood Angels - Honestly not too bad. They were a decently kind legion before and they still are. There is worry about their previous location but also!! There's so much time for art now, and these humans don't venerate them as untouchable so they can actually be More social. Not to mention their humans are willing to aid in their dietary needs.

Rating: Doing crayon drawings with your bonded's youngling while dinner cooks. Life is good.

Imperial Fist - Coping to okay. The most important part of a fortress are the ones who built and man it. And they can't man their fortresses if they're not in the same bloody timeline as them! Still though, so much in need of fortification Here too.

Rating: Coming home to find your Imperial Fist turned your home into a seige proof fortress cause they got separation anxiety while you were at work. Hugs inside their panic room storm cellar are mandatory for the rest of the night.

Thousand Sons - What do you Mean no human here has magic!?!? Utterly baffled by the absence of Psychers. Humans here are even more fragile than back home! Also one of the most aware that the warp is doing something fucky to make this happen. Unbonded TSs are studying this phenomena as much as they can. Bonded ones are studying their humans for latent magic. They are enjoying the many mythological/occult books and paraphernalia available.

Rating: Being coerced into always picking magic themed movies for movie night but not really minding as the way your Thousand Son takes intense focused notes and gets you in on the pantomime is endearing.

Night Lords - What is Wrong!? With!? These!? Humans!? Utterly Baffled that humans here are brave enough to approach them. Did their silhouettes not strike FEAR in the hearts of entire militaries!? Did the mere whisper of their name not bring entire planets into compliance!? Did they not- Wait what are you doing? What is this!?

Affection.

Disgusting

...Okay

...I did not tell you to stop.

Rating: Spooky Scary Tsunderes

Salamanders: Best Day EEEEEEEEVER!!! They are SO happy. There's so much GOOD they can do here. Help the elderly cross the streets, aid lost children, torch human killer warbands into ash...finger painting.And the forging, The Forging! Showing these humans a proper 40th millenia forge (or as close as possible) and there are so many who want to learn! They have a whole new interconnected family to look after and only occasional minor life and death situations.

Rating: Finger painting with the daycare children while your bonded who works there buzzes around giving out snacks and compliments, before the group switches to forge practice. Vulcan Would be Proud.

Emperors Children/Noise Marines: Putting these in the same blurb because they're cut from the same cloth. They both love art of all kinds. Its just the type of art in question. Emperors Children are drawn to classic mediums, while Noise Marines skew more modern. Both groups also partake in much Much primping. Beauticians to special effects make up artists find themselves the muses of EC/NM. EC's are more concerned by the current situation, but they can't deny this Terra has many experiences to offer. And so many cute humans who adore their attention and beauty treatments. It's really quite gratifying. The Noise Marines are much more go with the flow. This world is ripe with new sensations and they're eager to indulge, especially in the music scene. Even if these settlements pale in comparison to those of their universe they still have excellent entertainments like bars, dance clubs and Skating Rinks.

Rating: Having a back and forth home spa day/makeup session with your EC/NM while listening to ya'lls favorite playlist. Then tearing up the dance floor when you go out that night.

Iron Warriors: What is this?

Affection?

... ... what's the catch?

None, you already fixed and improved every appliance in my house. I never even knew things could run so efficiently you did an amazing job!

... ...

You okay?

... fine (literally bursting with joy but has No idea how to handle it and will Not show it.)

Whats that, Appreciation? Legitimate thank yous? Downright basic human decency. Every Iron Warrior is waiting to be pinched, cause this Must be a dream.

So many millenia of doing all the empire's Worst Jobs. So many times they were derided for their brutality, yet they were leaned on for it. They could be nothing else.

But here, Here! In this bizarre Terra, they can be...anything! Forgemasters, engineers, artists, architects, anything! Anything and everything! After so long of getting the imperium's short stick, and then falling into the rot of chaos, Finally they are given what they've always desired. And they will Not allow Anything to take this happiness away be it Chaos or Loyalist.

Rating: (thinking about everybody in their old universe while holding their bonded human for cuddle time) Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you, fuck you, hate you slightly less, fuck you...

Thank you for understanding I really like what you wrote but yeah it leans heavily into the "non canon" canon of Husbandry (GOD DAMN IT I MIGHT JUST HAVE TO MAKE A LEWD HUSBANDRY AU TAG)

SO I love this. And I kinda agree! Though some of these are a bit memey/community fueled slants but honestly legion stereotypes kinda have a curl of truth to them.

EC in my headcanon also make a lot of the clothes as everybody came in just their armor so they make the clothes.

Night Lords are very on point. They never said to stop. And when they bond they bond HARD sure they might act tsundere but they crave that bond.

Iron Warriors are completely on point. Continue to praise them they will siege and burn down everything for their humans.

I love your depiction of these. Do you have more ideas?

#warhammer 40k #space marine husbandry #space marine husbandry sentience #cuckoo anon

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cuckoo-for-40k · 1 year ago

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Ah yes. Flexing my minimal understanding of 40k lore for head canon purposes! But I love it, also doing these made me appreciate the Alpha Legion that much more.

(Hey sorry for double sending this, my connection went bloop so I wasn't sure it sent. Please use this version of the ask if possible. You make great stuff!)

Hello! I'm the person who sent the original Cuckoo ask. I'll go by Cuckoo Anon. I'm glad people liked the prompt.

Alpha Legion are complicated because they're whole deal is being a clusterfuck of spying, secrecy, and betrayals. Here are my theories why they can't bond easily with humans.

1. They're all Alpharius and can only bond with humans He could bond with. Unlike other genefathers, Alpharius and Omegon literally turn their space marines into perfect copies of themselves. This is an inherent ability of their blood. So perhaps the warp fuckery causes it to only form bonds with people the Primarchs themselves could bond with. Much smaller pool we're dealing with.

2. Alpha legion can't make up their minds. Did you know there's an army of hibernating alpha legion under the imperial palace? Well you do now and the way you set their loyalty is by what code word you give them upon waking up. Its why alpha legion seem to be on both sides of everything in 40k. This causes them to literally be unable to Decide who to bond with on a subconscious level.

3. They Could find bondable humans, the problem is they're so used to infiltration they keep doing their Cuckoo bird act. Alpha legions might only be able to bond with a human, who in turn Can't bond with any other space marine type. But because they keep going after humans who Can bond with other space marines they are Doomed to misery until someone figures it out.

Nice to meet you cuckoo anon

So I'm not opposed to this but I'm also not a huge fan of making angst for the sake of angst. Yes my setting is still quite grim but its also the 21st century or M 3 (or however it is labeled as)

But I can agree that Alpha legion are tricky perhaps they do struggle to bond because their pool of potential bonds is much smaller which would leave them the ability to bond.

I know about the boys under the imperial palace. This is another viable option where they don't know how to act. Perhaps the warp shenanigans does something wacky with the Alpha legion where they are painfully aware of how odd this all is but have a desperate need to forge a bond with a human. But....

I like the 3rd idea a lot. Perhaps a lot of the people who aren't affected by the warp shenanigans actually are bond candidates for Alpha legion. But I raise you an idea of that they might be able to supplant a bond

Take the gal who went to the Alpha legion. She might have a bond out there she might not but what if the alpha legionary can "force" a bond. This kinda touches on the parasitism (though its brood parasitism for cuckoos) so either someone who never was suppose to get a bond allows an alpha legionary to hang around he can slowly make a bond happen.

At the end of the day I don't want to say that a whole legion is unable to bond (cuz this is a wholesome tag) but I can allow for some intrigue.

#warhammer 40k #space marine husbandry #space marine husbandry sentience #cuckoo anon #alpha legion

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cuckoo-for-40k · 1 year ago

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No lie I was dead tired and half way to sleep when I said this. Wild how it popped off!

Alpha Legion are Space Marine versions of Cukoo birds. They see a human they like, if there's a resident Astartes they wait for them to leave, disguise themselves (lore seems to imply they can basically shape shift their armor or otherwise somehow take on other legions appearance), and happily insert themselves so they can get some love and attention until the Actual resident Space Marine returns. For maximum comedy potential they overestimate how long the resident has left for and the human comes home to the pointing Spiderman meme.

Yes I'll vibe with this

You looked at your marine confused as he was being oddly overly affectionate but you watch him walk into the room and then your world eater snarled as the one holding you snarled back and you looked between them. You were very confused as they looked exactly the same.

You let out a shriek and the one holding you drops you before bolting and your World Eater roars after him before rushing back and picking you up. He's very protective for the rest of the night.

#space marine husbandry #space marine husbandry sentience #warhammer 40k #cuckoo anon #alpha legion

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cuckoo-for-40k · 1 year ago

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Heloo it Cuckoo! Just wanted to send well wishes directly to momrad @kit-williams , the no regrets bird @egrets-not-regrets , a being after my own bloody heart @bleedingichorhearts and one I'd missed in my first post who's got great cuddly Nightlord content @sleepyfan-blog!

And you're right. Side blogs can't do asks. Weird.

But I'm happy you enjoyed the post and though I'll occasionally drop off the map, I hope I can always come back with a little something to brighten your day.

Like birdsong~

(Ps I hope ya'll don't mind if I reblog some of the older stuff from before I had the blog)

Edit: Also how could I forget @barn-anon! May your walls remain strong and your space marines plentiful!

#cuckoo anon #cuckoo bird songs #thank yous to the beautiful people

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cuckoo-for-40k · 1 year ago

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Heloo it Cuckoo!!

Life has been a clusterfluck, but I was Inspired by that recent Custodes bond writing. I got brain worms! Feel free to consider this an alternate ending to the Custode bond reactions by @barn-anon

And general credit goes to a number of husbandry writers like @kit-williams @bleedingichorhearts @egrets-not-regrets

All these creators are Awesome! Enjoy!

Tw: Angst, Death, Broken Neck, Body Horror and pretty graphic description of bugs under flesh.

What did I do wrong?

That's the main thought running through your rapidly dying brain as you lie, crumpled on the ground.

You were so Happy, to see the large Golden knight finally approach. But then again, looking back at your memories, maybe you'd fooled yourself.

The first time was...rather blasé really. You were working outside, and space marines often passed your rural home at a distance.

You even had a few regulars!

A few White Scars that loved your horses. They brought apples that may or may not have been stolen.

An Iron Warrior who liked to pick up any scrap metal he found. Said he could use it better, and he Wasn't picking it up to help you.

And a death guard who liked to raid your compost whenever he passed through. Not much for conversation but he was friendly.

You'd caught sight of something golden and tall. Odd, but not of immediate concern.

It took a moment to process, and more oddity occurred to you. Far taller than a space marine, far brighter with that shimmering gold that dominated their carapace completely, and far more alone.

At least, alone aside from you. But are you not 'alone' just because someone is within line of sight.

A sniper would probably argue "Yes."

Dismissing the hypothetical, you realize the golden knight is looking at you. It was difficult to know for sure at first. But he'd definitely stopped in his tracks.

Perhaps you should've sided with the trepidation you felt. Pushed it aside, not reached out.

But you were a friendly sort, so you gave a genuine wave and went back to your work. Trying to ignore the gaze you still felt upon you.

From then on you'd seen him. Sometimes just a tiny flash of gold stood motionless in the tree line. Other times you saw him moving freely. And at night you could swear you heard large footfalls in the distance.

Each time you spotted your golden Waldo you did the same as the first time. Greeted him with a cheerful wave.

You weren't really afraid. If he'd wanted to hurt you, he could've done so already.

Present you would've scoffed if not for your current state.

Then it happened. He'd been standing opposite to you on the distance, as you again, did your daily chores.

You waved with a smile.

And rather than simply move on or continue staring, he began to close the distance.

You still felt hesitation, but your heart was filled with a sudden flush of excitement.

Soon he stood before you, and the two of you simply...starred at eachother.

You should probably say something. "Umm...hello?"

The golden warrior didn't respond.

Well damn maybe he didn't speak your language? You were stewing in your own awkwardness when he finally did move.

With incredible slowness he raised one huge golden hand. It gently came to cup the entire side of your face.

Oh...oh my!

Could this be...a bond? You'd certainly not be opposed to actually bonding with a space marine it seemed like a wonderful experienc-

CRACK!

You felt the world drop out from under you.

You collapsed in a heap.

Your neck, he'd just, flicked his wrist, and broke your neck.

It would be impressive, if you weren't literally dying.

As you lay there suffering, you thought of your home, your animals. What would they do without you?

Why would the Golden knight hurt not just you, but your home as well.

You looked into his gaze, as best you could. But that damn golden mask just stared back at you.

Before he simply turned away, and left you there, to your fate.

You recalled the sounds of the White Scars speeders. How you'd scolded them for spooking your horses. Then making them laugh by juggling apples for them.

You remember collecting your scrap into one place so the Iron Warrior could retrieve it. And seeing some old fence areas fixed without you touching them the next day.

You remember sending the Death Gaurd on his way with leftovers you maybe kept longer than you should so they'd be spoiled enough for him. And how the maw on his stomach smiled with the long tongue licking over its teeth.

You could almost smell his pungent odor. Like decaying wood and mildew, but after a while you got used to it.

You...you could smell...hear...see...it....as your vision went dark. Such a beautiful life...

Meanwhile at two edges of the property.

"What do you see." A White Scar captain, Esen, asked his battle brother, as he used the enhanced far sight of his helmet.

It took him a moment to respond, as he almost couldn't believe what he saw. "A Custodes, type unknown."

Catching sight of the deadly golden pillar was the reason they'd halted their speeders in the first place.

"What is it doing?"

"It's just...staring at the ground."

"Are you sure?"

"Let me enhance, its...No wait, it's. No..."

The elder white scar saw his brother's body twitch and tense into complete stillness.

"What is it Batu?"

Batu didn't respond verbally, but transferred his helmets image transmission to his Captain.

No more hesitation. "Men, speeders in Gear on the Double!"

By then the Custodes had turned and strode off. They'd worry about him later. For now they raced their jet bikes as fast as they could.

...

Malkos the Iron Warrior was no stranger to hardship and violence. In fact he was so used to it, it made adjusting to this ancient Terra quite...frustrating.

Everyone was so...Nice?? He didn't trust it for a second, he Had to keep his guard up...and yet.

He couldn't deny that he...appreciated this humans efforts to make his life easier. Even if it wasn't needed At All.

He could find the scrap just fine! He could find it anywhere! Just...the human was so foolishly sweet, they made it easy.

And foolishly sweet enough to let one of those Golden Demons get close. And now look what had happened!

He swore in five different languages as he bolted across the field.

That wretched monster was already far off. As if taking something that tried to put joy into the world and ruining it was as benign as tossing away subpar scrap.

He wouldn't stand for it. He'd find him, he'd make him pay, just as his precious corpse Emperor had for his cruelty.

But for now, he had more important things to worry about.

...

Closest of all, a Feral Death gaurd waited within the compost pile on the opposite side of the barn. He'd originally planned to surprise his favorite farm hand, having buried himself here last night to sleep.

It was fortunate Grandfather's gifts allowed him to stay undetected, as the Custodes would likely have killed him on sight.

A deep dissatisfied sound rumbled from his fanged gut, as he could do nothing but listen in until the knight was at distance.

The Emperor's golden designer lapdogs. He supposed it should be natural that some of them would end up in this place.

But whatever deep displeasure he might've already felt, it did not hold a candle to the Bile churning Hatred and LOATHING he seethed with upon witnessing the Custodes actions.

He may not stand much chance alone. But...if the response of the other regular visitors were anything to go by he may not have to. He could hear them closing distance.

For now he gently scooped this dear human into his arms. Poor thing.

If anyone deserved a bond it was them, who welcomed his kind with open arms, expecting nothing in return.

The holes in the back of his armor buzzed with vibration, as large carrion wasps crawled to the surface of their burrows.

At the same time the hum of jet bikes finally reached his position. The small convoy of White Scars drew their bolters.

"What in the Khan's name are you doing!?"

He replied simply, with both his voices. "Saving...them..."

Some wasps merely krept over his fetid carapace, others began hovering around him. He urged his small companions to the farm hand's body.

They stepped gently, even politely, but he could see their antenna twitching at the farm hand's neck. Saving the scent and trail of the Custodes for later.

Now came the more gruesome work.

First it was only one, but with its powerful mandibles the carrion wasp dug into the flesh now marred with bruising.

It burrowed in followed by a few others of its kind.

Batu could feel his own skin crawl. He couldn't just stand by. "I mean it you chaos mutilated Traitor! Put the mortal down or I swear-"

"Enough!"

The White Scars turned, to see the renegade Iron Warrior approaching the group. Half of them turned their bolters to the new perceived threat.

Malkos did not flinch. "Unless you want to lose them, I suggest you step back, You Infants." He snarled to the younger loyalists.

Esen was taken aback, but kept his bolter trained on the Death Guard.

The Iron Warrior continued. "If he drops them, they will die. Humans have approximately 7 minutes before brain death occurs and their paralysis means they cannot breathe."

"But the apothecary- "

"Is too far away! They will expire before you arrive. And even if your bikes were fast enough, transporting them like that would only do more damage!"

Though still poised for attack, the White Scars could not deny the Iron Warrior had a point.

Malkos took a shuddering breath. Tempering his rage and willing himself to speak more calmly.

"I do not like this any more than you do. But we are out of options."

A beat passed, a tense drawn out moment, before Esen lowered his bolter. It was reluctant, painful even, but the others followed just the same.

All they could do now was watch, and hope.

But rather than devouring, the insects began shifting. Using their strength and their precision to adjust that which was misaligned or broken.

Their saliva and venom held healing properties that kept his own body functional despite the rot. And now they would do the same for their Farm Hand.

Snip, push, spit, stitch, over and over. It took intense focus and patience to guide them.

But soon the work was done. And just as they'd entered the insects returned, closing the wound with one last dose of their healing ichor.

"Done...all...I....can.....Now...."

The Death Guard rumbled shifting the farm hand in his grip as he moved closer to the other marines.

Batu stepped foreward quickly. "Scanning vitals... heart rate and breathing are returning to Normal."

Esen came forward next. "They may be stable, but we will still be taking them to an apothecary. They will also need to be questioned...about what happened."

Malkos's face took on an even more grim expression. "A human killer Custodes, I imagine your superiors will not be happy to hear such a thing exists."

Esen made no comment, he didn't need to.

The Death Gaurd made a motion to hand the mortal to Batu, but he paused. "No...Angels..." He spoke firmly in his rumbling double voice.

Batu was confused. Before the realization dawned. "No, no Dark Angels."

"Or Templars," Malkos hissed.

Esen nodded in agreement. "We are well accustomed to keeping to our own goings on, inspite of what the more....rigid imperialists would prefer."

The Death Gaurd seemed satisfied, and passed the unconcious human to Batu.

He'd need to balance them carefully on his jet bike.

"When the time comes, how do you propose we go about finding the Custodes?" Malkos asked the Scar captain has they readied themselves to depart.

"I don't know. We'll have to contact our superiors, and the other legions. Match known sightings against the already bonded Custodes we have on record."

"Hrmm...no...need..." The Death Gaurd purred with a uncomfortable delight. His carrion wasps stirred again. He held a few in his hand as they crawled and writhed over his palm. He whispered to them sweetly as a beekeeper would their own charges. "Find...him..."

The trackers took their buzzing flight off in the direction the golden knight had departed. Their would be no place he could hide, and beings so small would not likely rouse suspicion.

The other marines stood there stunned, but honestly it was the Least disturbing thing they'd witnessed so far.

"Just...don't engage without backup. This isn't a normal space marine we're dealing with." Esen stated, thoroughly done with this situation.

"Of course not....patience...is Grandfather's....virtue." The bloated corpse walker purred.

The White Scars repressed a shudder. Malkos felt his jaw clench, but tuned his distaste away as he glanced at the farm hand. They looked so small, so fragile.

The Death Guard let out one last thing raspy rattling word. "We will watch...and listen. Until...you are...ready...to Hunt."

Now That sounded much more enjoyable for everyone involved. Malkos could see the younger White Scars twitch and fidget with anticipation. He couldn't deny the part of him that felt like letting his rage frenzy out. Give the Khornate berserkers a run for their skulls.

But patience, patience.

All things in due time.

#warhammer 40k #space marine husbandry sentience #adeptus custodes #cuckoo anon #s #death gaurd #iron warriors #white scars

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