Title: Till death
Project: Tales of the 101st, Chapter 1
WH40K fanfiction novel
The alley was cold and dark. Rain drizzled off the pipes and ladders that clambered up the walls like rabid jungle vines. She stood at the dead end. Her pale features shone in the light giving her a radiant glow. Her wet blonde hair clung to her face. Her clothing was drenched. Her black t-shirt was soaked through as were her black jeans. The small jacket she had on did little to protect her from the cold. She was scared, cold and frightened.
Like a pack of wolves the gang surrounded the fragile bundle of nerves at the back of the alley. Nobody noticed the sudden movements on the roof tops. As the group closed in cat calls and howling were issued from those who did not have the respect of the leader and his subordinates. ‘Look at her boss! She’s ripe! I can smell her from here! AROOOOOOO!’
‘Shut it! Ya shit! I don’t want no one calling the cops!’ the leader smiled. His lopsided face covered in scars. He was tall, 6’4’, with a chest like a barrel as was his belly. He was known by everyone and even the law was afraid of him. His tattoos shone in the light. He hated women but loved the feel of them.
She was all alone. Surrounded by twenty males ranging in age from 16 to 35. She knew what would happen next. Curfew was installed and she was stranded. Curfews were emplaced for the protection of the people from these, incidents. She whimpered in fear. Her blonde hair was still against her face. Her eyes were full of tears, her mascara running due to her tears and those from the heavens framing her face in the light of the alley.
The gang formed a semi circle around the entrance of the alley way. To stop the cops getting in and her getting out. The calls still issued from the lustful hungry mouths. The leader stood before her whimpering figure. ‘I won’t hurt you sweety,’ he said in a small kind gentle voice ‘much.’ he ended his sentence with an insanely cackle.
She would of screamed but she was to frightened. No one could hear her and if they did they wouldn’t reach her in time. She held onto her little backpack in front of her chest. The second last barrier between her clothes and her skin. ‘Don’t act like that baby.’ the leader scoffed. He leaned forward. She saw his eyes. They shone in the lamp light filled with lust and malice.
She unzipped her bag and placed one dainty hand inside it. ‘Hey look!’ cackled one of the lesser members ‘she brought her own protection!’ as one the gang roared with laughter. With that she whipped out an ancient Auto pistol IMXI- and fired at the leader. He roared in pain as he charged her.
‘You bitch!’ he screamed ‘ya gonna pay for that little stunt!’ He grabbed her wrists squeezing until she let go of the fire arm. She squealed in pain as he did this. His shoulder was a bloody mess but he didn’t seem to care. He then roughly placed both of her small hands in one of his massive fist. His other hand came down in rapid motion and hit her. The slap echoed throughout the alley.
‘Oh yeah!’ shouted one of the gang members.
‘Give her another one!’ shouted another.
‘Leave some for me when your done.’ called another.
The leader lifted his hand again. ‘That wasn’t very nice.’ Came a voice from above the gang in the alley. A storm begun to roll over the city and the alley. Lightning flashed and illuminated the alley for a second. Nobody in the gang saw who spoke.
‘Come on ya shit! Show ya face!’ the leader shouted up into the sky. With that the vast array of weaponry left belts and jackets. An assortment of shotguns, pistols, club ball bats, sledge hammers, lead pipes, chains, knuckle dusters and knives appeared. Seeing no reply, the leader raised his hand again.
‘As I said, that wasn’t very nice.’ the voice said again closer. The lightning flashed again. This time for a couple of seconds the gang saw who was talking. A small figure in a black trench coat with a black scarf covering his mouth and a black hood covering his head.
‘KILL HIM!’ Roared the leader. The gunners of the gang shot at the figure but he had vanished into the night like the lightning. ‘Since that little shit is trying to save you might as well get it over and done with now.’ The leader pulled out a desert eagle and pressed it on the girl’s head. ‘Time to say bye-bye now.’
She screamed. Before the leader’s finger could pull the trigger his eyes were caught on one of his men. The man was gurgling and clawing at his stomach. The lightning flashed again and all could see. The black figure was standing behind the leader’s brother. A short sword was protruding from the man’s chest. ‘That was for hitting her the first time.’ the figure issued as he slowly pulled out the sword prolonging the agony of the dying being in front of him. The dead man dropped to the ground with a thump.
‘YOU KILLED MY BROTHER!’ bellowed the leader ‘KILL THE GAKKER!’ with this, guns blazed and the gang headed toward the figure and the corpse. As before the figure vanished into the night again. The gang stopped. One dropped to the ground. The others looked at him strangely. The lightning flashed again revealing another corpse sent to the hell gates by a throwing knife.
‘That’s it I’m gone! Gak this shit!’ one of the lesser members yelled as he headed for the main street. An almighty explosion was heard and the man that was running away pitched forward. Another and another and another explosion occurred. The corpse spat out blood each time it was hit.
‘Gakking coward.’ breathed the leader. His gun smoking from the barrel. ‘If you shits think you can abandon me then you’ll end up like that little Gakker.’ With the commotion of the gun shots the girl had broken free. ‘Come here bitch!’ yelled the leader as one of his more loyal members tackled her to the ground from behind.
The pair landed behind a dumpster. The girl got up first then ran out the exit of the alley. The gang member scrambled to his hands and knees but all he could do was scramble back on his arse. Then another flash of lightning showed the rest of the gang why. He had a IMXI auto pistol pointed to his head. The figure in black had another aimed at the leader. ‘Thank you for your hospitality.’ said the figure as he again vanished into the darkness.
‘GET HIM!’ screamed the leader as his men scrambled towards the exit. Once they were out of the alley they could see no one.
‘Boss he just vanish…’ the gang member’s sentence was cut short by a slug to the brain.
‘I want that bitch back and that Gakking little shit! NOW!’ the leader holstered his pistol and hopped into his car. The gangers rang to get the rest of the boys out on the hunt.
The girl ran as fast as she could away from that place. The rain hid her tracks but the lightning was a curse. Every time the thunder rolled by she squeaked and ducked for cover. She found another alley. This one was more open than the others. It cut through two streets and in the middle was a t intersection for deliveries. She ran down it and hid.
‘Take this,’ came a voice behind her. She spun around. The figure was there behind her clutching a IMXI auto pistol. Her father’s auto pistol. ‘I picked it up after they left the alley.’ He shifted his weight. She could see he was bleeding.
‘Thank you...?’ she replied to him asking a question.
‘Pathos. Just Pathos, nothing more.’ He breathed out through his scarf issuing a tendril of steam. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette and placed it in his freshly uncovered mouth. He then retrieved a lighter from a different pocket. He lit up the coffin nail. He inhaled and exhaled. It didn’t do much since it was wet.
‘That stuff will kill you.’ said the girl taking away the cigarette and throwing it to the ground. ‘I’m Cat by the way.’ she held out a hand for shaking. He took it firmly in his cut off gloved hand.
‘As I said before, Pathos.’ he replied with a smile. He then tilted his head. ‘We better get out of here. They’re getting close.’ As Pathos finished the sound of running foot steps was getting louder and closer. He took her hand in his own ‘you better come with me. I saw you with that thing and it wasn’t pretty.’ He replaced the scarf to his mouth.
‘I’ve never used a gun before or stayed out after curfew.’ Cat called back as they ran down the lane way. Before they reached the street, a car screeched to a halt at the end of the lane way.
‘Shit! They got us cornered.’ Pathos breathed. He pulled out his pair of IMXI’s. At the other end of the lane way another car had pulled up. Doors were opened and the sound of heavy foot falls reverberated around the lane. The safeties on Pathos’ pistols clicked off.
The scraping sound of metal on concrete filled the air. The knocks of wood caressing the walls was also another feature of the pre battle sound. The lazy clink of chain also chimed in on the noise like a pesky mosquito. The clicks of hammers being pulled back and the noises of the safeties switching tried to drown out the rest of the makeshift weapons cries. ‘if you wanna stay alive get ready to run and hide.’ Pathos said through gritted teeth.
‘I’d rather help you than run.’ Cat piped up cocking her own pistol.
‘It’s kind of you to help. But it’s best if you run.’
‘I’m staying.’ Cat replied coldly. She aimed and shot her pistol. One of the club ball bat wielding gang member fell to the ground. Dead. She aimed it again pulling the trigger in rapid succession. Two more fell before the pistol started to click loudly.
‘Please tell you bought more than one mag.’ said Pathos through gritted teeth. His pistols yet to be fired.
‘No, I just thought a couple of warning shots would be good enough.’ Cat still aimed at the oncoming horde.
‘Emperor’s bones!’ Pathos let out as he aimed and fired his left pistol at the northern half of the horde. He switched to his right and fired another shot. Each bullet took a life. Twelve shots later, there were twelve dead or dying gangers. Pathos holstered his pistols. ‘Note to self: next time bring more ammo.’ With one fluid motion he reached into his coat and pulled out a twin set of auto gun SMGs. ‘Here take this. And watch out for the kick, it’s like a mule.’ with that he turned and sprayed the south side with led.
The hammer hit the final round before restarting on a new one from a fresh clip. ‘Take these.’ Pathos tossed two spare mags to Cat on the ground. She was to busy firing in bursts in a two handed grip to notice. When one mag was spent she reached out and grabbed the other. The booming of shotguns and pistols joined in the choir. Suddenly Pathos was flung through the air. He’d been hit in the shoulder.
‘You ok?’ shrieked Cat rushing to Pathos’ side Auto gun SMG still in hand.
‘I’ll feel better in the morning. Take this one too.’ he handed her the other Auto gun SMG. She took it and reloaded it before placing it in her backpack. Then she fired the one in her hand at the still oncoming horde.
Pathos stood up before being blown to the ground again by the deafening sound of a shotgun. Before the owner, who was so intended on killing Pathos, could reload a throwing knife lodged itself in his eye through to his brain. He slipped to the ground with a loud thud. Pathos finally stood up. His trench coat had been torn shreds but the shotgun cartridges. He threw it to the side revealing an armoured chest plate and shoulder pads. On his right shoulder pad was the number 101.
‘Hey boss! He’s a 101er!’ shouted one of the gunners.
‘Gak it! Kill him anyway. Before he calls for back up or whatever. I don’t want to face the imps!’ Replied the boss in a sneer.
Before the gunners could pull their triggers again, Pathos pulled out a pair of Mk VI bolt pistols. One whirled as it fired rapidly into the group of gangers. The other fired single shots at certain targets. Cat pulled out the auto gun SMG and fired in bursts at the other hooligans behind her and Pathos. By the time the twin pistols stopped screaming death half the number of the gangers where either dead or wishing they were dead.
Out of ammo, Pathos holstered his compact bringers of death and pulled out his twin short swords. He bellowed a battle cry and lunged into the melee gang members. The light flashed like the storm above off the blades in the narrow thoroughfare. The blades fitted snugly into Pathos’ hands their teeth pointing down and forward. With a quick punch thrust, the right one pierced the jugular and oesophagus of one of the gangers. The other arced downwards and slit the poor soul in two, a perfect diagonal cut through shoulder to waist.
The other gangers rushed towards the whirling tornado of death. Most of them faired little better than those who had received the messages of death from the lead. Limbs were severed. Heads rolled. Each step they took was another step closer to the grave. Blood sprayed the walls so thickly that it looked as though they were crying.
As time wore on more and more gangers met their maker. Cat fired her auto gun SMG again and again at those who still had firearms and were aiming at Pathos. Shells rained down all around her. The shells winked at her as they fell to the ground. The defiance in her face was awe-inspiring.
‘Stop!’ shouted the boss. Pathos was breathing heavily now as were the gangers he was locked in combat with. They all looked at the leader. From a gang of one hundred, half of the number had fallen to lead with ten others who fell to the folded steel. Forty were left in hand to hand combat or were busy firing at the girl who caused this all. Pathos noticed something slightly in the corner of his eye before performing a short ballestra and swiping his blade through a ganger’s neck.
The boss roared as his prize-fighter had lost his element of surprise and had another member of his gang killed in this action. The prize-fighter pulled out a street sword, razor sharp. He lunged at Pathos blade first. Pathos retreated a half step to his right narrowly missing the blade. In turn Pathos lunged and performed a shallow cut from shoulder waist on the assailant. The incise spat out blood. Immediately after the first slice Pathos thrust home cleaving the attacker in two in the reverse of the first score. The chunks of quivering flesh fell to the ground.
With this the gangers that were alive and could use their legs ran. None of them cared if they were shot in the back, as long as they could die in one piece. ‘Cowards!’ screamed the boss after them. He whipped out his own pistol and fired at Pathos. Pathos performed a ballet of survival as he moved closer to the boss. He dodged and weaved through the streaks of death.
Nine shots latter the gun clattered to the ground. Pathos was heaving for breath. The boss lay on the ground. His left hand inching closer to the firearm. His right was useless. It had been severed at the elbow. Pathos hadn’t fared much better. Three bullets had entered his torso. Each screaming their wicked song. Encouraging death.
Both men were exhausted. One of Pathos’ swords lay on the ground crying off the blood. He held the other with his right hand. Weakly. With one rapid movement the boss was on his feet gun in hand. Pathos saw this and pounced forward. Sword in hand. With a quick flick of his wrist the sword rammed home.
The blade entered the bicep of the boss and exited into the wall behind him. The boss fired the last round into Pathos’ shoulder. Pathos roared in pain as he was flung to the ground. His pitiful chest plate had given up. Then the boss did something unexpected. He laughed.
His insanely cackle filled the night. ‘Cat, Run.’ Pathos breathed through harsh ragged breaths.
‘I’m gonna stay with you.’ She said defiantly with tears in her as. They dropped to the ground as she looked down on her shattered saviour. Blood seeped through his armour. It joined that of the others that lay dead and dying in the ally.
‘You stupid bitch I’ve got you now!’ laughed the boss man. Revs of car engines could be heard to the south.
‘Cat! RUN!’ Pathos shouted as he tried to stand up.
‘No!’ she shouted back.
‘Cat, run. Save yourself before you try and save me.’
‘NO!’ she whimpered ‘I’m going to stay with you.’
‘For the sake of your family go. I will find you later. Just go now.’
‘NO!’ she shouted boldly.
‘You stupid bitch. You should of left when he told ya.’ The boss interrupted.
‘Cat go. Now! For me. Go, for me.’ Pathos barely able to stand up.
‘NO!’ Cat screamed ‘NO!’
‘Well if you love me then you’ll leave me.’ Pathos turned his back to her and pulled out his bolt pistols. He prepared to reload them, singing the ritual songs for their temperamental spirits. He shut out what she was trying to say with the clicks and the song. When he was finished, he dragged them to his face and waited for the oncoming blitz. ‘Cat, Go!’
‘I’m staying!’ she screamed again.
‘If you love me then stay away. We’ll be together soon. I promise.’ He said defiantly. To the south of the alley the cat calls and howls of the more ferocious members of the gang. From the sound, an even bigger one than before. ‘I promise.’ He said under his breath. Then he charged into the darkness.
‘NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!’ screamed Cat as he ran to a certain doom. The boss just laughed as he saw what was going to happen. The lighting flashed and his face turned into pure terror. He screamed. An awful scream.
The boss’s life ended the way it had begun, with a scream. His face or what was left of it was forever imprinted in the wall. ‘He would have done well as a bone head. Pity.’ The loudly dressed man who had just killed the gang boss said to himself.
‘Who are you?’ asked Cat looking at the man whose massive iron fist had just pulverised her attackers head.
‘Commissar Kojax Aramac of the 101st at your service ma’am.’ The man bowed as he said this. The fist at his side. In his other hand was a storm bolter.
‘Sir!’ came a voice from the darkness ‘we have them cornered down the end of the alley.’
‘Good.’ Replied the Commissar ‘protocol 37 me thinks. Tell the boys.’
‘Yes sir! Very good Sir!’ the noise of footsteps heading towards the end alley was all that was heard. Cat stared at the strangely dressed man as he tried to clean his claws. In the background the sound of battle recommencing was heard.
‘Sir! He’s in bad shape. If he wasn’t dragged back from the fight he was surely gonna die.’ A pair of black and green men clad in flak jackets came towards the commissar with the limp figure of Pathos.
‘Damn that chivalrous lieutenant. MEDIC!’ the commissar bellowed the order. Half a minute later a medic had appeared and started to tend to the unconscious form of Pathos. The rain cleared the blood away. ‘He loves you, I could tell it in his voice.’ The commissar said gently to Cat as she stood and stared at this spectacle
‘Will he die?’ she asked her voice quivering.
‘No, he is strong and will stay away from the light. He keeps his oaths, vows and promises. He would rather die than give up on a promise. Hopefully he is only scared.’ The commissar looked fondly at the broken form of Pathos again. ‘He will find you. And that is a promise. Just look to the sky.’
Cat was about to question meant when the faint whir of aero engines could be heard. The gun battle was over bar the screams for mercy and single shots. She looked down the alley to see if anyone there. Nothing. She looked back at the shell of Pathos but he was no longer there. Then she looked to the sky and saw the underbelly of a Valkyrie lift into the sky.
Tears once again caressed her sweet young fragile face. The tears of the angels embraced her on the journey to Holy Terra. ‘I love you too.’ She whispered ‘I promise.’
Like a pack of wolves the gang surrounded the fragile bundle of nerves at the back of the alley. Nobody noticed the sudden movements on the roof tops. As the group closed in cat calls and howling were issued from those who did not have the respect of the leader and his subordinates. ‘Look at her boss! She’s ripe! I can smell her from here! AROOOOOOO!’
‘Shut it! Ya shit! I don’t want no one calling the cops!’ the leader smiled. His lopsided face covered in scars. He was tall, 6’4’, with a chest like a barrel as was his belly. He was known by everyone and even the law was afraid of him. His tattoos shone in the light. He hated women but loved the feel of them.
She was all alone. Surrounded by twenty males ranging in age from 16 to 35. She knew what would happen next. Curfew was installed and she was stranded. Curfews were emplaced for the protection of the people from these, incidents. She whimpered in fear. Her blonde hair was still against her face. Her eyes were full of tears, her mascara running due to her tears and those from the heavens framing her face in the light of the alley.
The gang formed a semi circle around the entrance of the alley way. To stop the cops getting in and her getting out. The calls still issued from the lustful hungry mouths. The leader stood before her whimpering figure. ‘I won’t hurt you sweety,’ he said in a small kind gentle voice ‘much.’ he ended his sentence with an insanely cackle.
She would of screamed but she was to frightened. No one could hear her and if they did they wouldn’t reach her in time. She held onto her little backpack in front of her chest. The second last barrier between her clothes and her skin. ‘Don’t act like that baby.’ the leader scoffed. He leaned forward. She saw his eyes. They shone in the lamp light filled with lust and malice.
She unzipped her bag and placed one dainty hand inside it. ‘Hey look!’ cackled one of the lesser members ‘she brought her own protection!’ as one the gang roared with laughter. With that she whipped out an ancient Auto pistol IMXI- and fired at the leader. He roared in pain as he charged her.
‘You bitch!’ he screamed ‘ya gonna pay for that little stunt!’ He grabbed her wrists squeezing until she let go of the fire arm. She squealed in pain as he did this. His shoulder was a bloody mess but he didn’t seem to care. He then roughly placed both of her small hands in one of his massive fist. His other hand came down in rapid motion and hit her. The slap echoed throughout the alley.
‘Oh yeah!’ shouted one of the gang members.
‘Give her another one!’ shouted another.
‘Leave some for me when your done.’ called another.
The leader lifted his hand again. ‘That wasn’t very nice.’ Came a voice from above the gang in the alley. A storm begun to roll over the city and the alley. Lightning flashed and illuminated the alley for a second. Nobody in the gang saw who spoke.
‘Come on ya shit! Show ya face!’ the leader shouted up into the sky. With that the vast array of weaponry left belts and jackets. An assortment of shotguns, pistols, club ball bats, sledge hammers, lead pipes, chains, knuckle dusters and knives appeared. Seeing no reply, the leader raised his hand again.
‘As I said, that wasn’t very nice.’ the voice said again closer. The lightning flashed again. This time for a couple of seconds the gang saw who was talking. A small figure in a black trench coat with a black scarf covering his mouth and a black hood covering his head.
‘KILL HIM!’ Roared the leader. The gunners of the gang shot at the figure but he had vanished into the night like the lightning. ‘Since that little shit is trying to save you might as well get it over and done with now.’ The leader pulled out a desert eagle and pressed it on the girl’s head. ‘Time to say bye-bye now.’
She screamed. Before the leader’s finger could pull the trigger his eyes were caught on one of his men. The man was gurgling and clawing at his stomach. The lightning flashed again and all could see. The black figure was standing behind the leader’s brother. A short sword was protruding from the man’s chest. ‘That was for hitting her the first time.’ the figure issued as he slowly pulled out the sword prolonging the agony of the dying being in front of him. The dead man dropped to the ground with a thump.
‘YOU KILLED MY BROTHER!’ bellowed the leader ‘KILL THE GAKKER!’ with this, guns blazed and the gang headed toward the figure and the corpse. As before the figure vanished into the night again. The gang stopped. One dropped to the ground. The others looked at him strangely. The lightning flashed again revealing another corpse sent to the hell gates by a throwing knife.
‘That’s it I’m gone! Gak this shit!’ one of the lesser members yelled as he headed for the main street. An almighty explosion was heard and the man that was running away pitched forward. Another and another and another explosion occurred. The corpse spat out blood each time it was hit.
‘Gakking coward.’ breathed the leader. His gun smoking from the barrel. ‘If you shits think you can abandon me then you’ll end up like that little Gakker.’ With the commotion of the gun shots the girl had broken free. ‘Come here bitch!’ yelled the leader as one of his more loyal members tackled her to the ground from behind.
The pair landed behind a dumpster. The girl got up first then ran out the exit of the alley. The gang member scrambled to his hands and knees but all he could do was scramble back on his arse. Then another flash of lightning showed the rest of the gang why. He had a IMXI auto pistol pointed to his head. The figure in black had another aimed at the leader. ‘Thank you for your hospitality.’ said the figure as he again vanished into the darkness.
‘GET HIM!’ screamed the leader as his men scrambled towards the exit. Once they were out of the alley they could see no one.
‘Boss he just vanish…’ the gang member’s sentence was cut short by a slug to the brain.
‘I want that bitch back and that Gakking little shit! NOW!’ the leader holstered his pistol and hopped into his car. The gangers rang to get the rest of the boys out on the hunt.
The girl ran as fast as she could away from that place. The rain hid her tracks but the lightning was a curse. Every time the thunder rolled by she squeaked and ducked for cover. She found another alley. This one was more open than the others. It cut through two streets and in the middle was a t intersection for deliveries. She ran down it and hid.
‘Take this,’ came a voice behind her. She spun around. The figure was there behind her clutching a IMXI auto pistol. Her father’s auto pistol. ‘I picked it up after they left the alley.’ He shifted his weight. She could see he was bleeding.
‘Thank you...?’ she replied to him asking a question.
‘Pathos. Just Pathos, nothing more.’ He breathed out through his scarf issuing a tendril of steam. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette and placed it in his freshly uncovered mouth. He then retrieved a lighter from a different pocket. He lit up the coffin nail. He inhaled and exhaled. It didn’t do much since it was wet.
‘That stuff will kill you.’ said the girl taking away the cigarette and throwing it to the ground. ‘I’m Cat by the way.’ she held out a hand for shaking. He took it firmly in his cut off gloved hand.
‘As I said before, Pathos.’ he replied with a smile. He then tilted his head. ‘We better get out of here. They’re getting close.’ As Pathos finished the sound of running foot steps was getting louder and closer. He took her hand in his own ‘you better come with me. I saw you with that thing and it wasn’t pretty.’ He replaced the scarf to his mouth.
‘I’ve never used a gun before or stayed out after curfew.’ Cat called back as they ran down the lane way. Before they reached the street, a car screeched to a halt at the end of the lane way.
‘Shit! They got us cornered.’ Pathos breathed. He pulled out his pair of IMXI’s. At the other end of the lane way another car had pulled up. Doors were opened and the sound of heavy foot falls reverberated around the lane. The safeties on Pathos’ pistols clicked off.
The scraping sound of metal on concrete filled the air. The knocks of wood caressing the walls was also another feature of the pre battle sound. The lazy clink of chain also chimed in on the noise like a pesky mosquito. The clicks of hammers being pulled back and the noises of the safeties switching tried to drown out the rest of the makeshift weapons cries. ‘if you wanna stay alive get ready to run and hide.’ Pathos said through gritted teeth.
‘I’d rather help you than run.’ Cat piped up cocking her own pistol.
‘It’s kind of you to help. But it’s best if you run.’
‘I’m staying.’ Cat replied coldly. She aimed and shot her pistol. One of the club ball bat wielding gang member fell to the ground. Dead. She aimed it again pulling the trigger in rapid succession. Two more fell before the pistol started to click loudly.
‘Please tell you bought more than one mag.’ said Pathos through gritted teeth. His pistols yet to be fired.
‘No, I just thought a couple of warning shots would be good enough.’ Cat still aimed at the oncoming horde.
‘Emperor’s bones!’ Pathos let out as he aimed and fired his left pistol at the northern half of the horde. He switched to his right and fired another shot. Each bullet took a life. Twelve shots later, there were twelve dead or dying gangers. Pathos holstered his pistols. ‘Note to self: next time bring more ammo.’ With one fluid motion he reached into his coat and pulled out a twin set of auto gun SMGs. ‘Here take this. And watch out for the kick, it’s like a mule.’ with that he turned and sprayed the south side with led.
The hammer hit the final round before restarting on a new one from a fresh clip. ‘Take these.’ Pathos tossed two spare mags to Cat on the ground. She was to busy firing in bursts in a two handed grip to notice. When one mag was spent she reached out and grabbed the other. The booming of shotguns and pistols joined in the choir. Suddenly Pathos was flung through the air. He’d been hit in the shoulder.
‘You ok?’ shrieked Cat rushing to Pathos’ side Auto gun SMG still in hand.
‘I’ll feel better in the morning. Take this one too.’ he handed her the other Auto gun SMG. She took it and reloaded it before placing it in her backpack. Then she fired the one in her hand at the still oncoming horde.
Pathos stood up before being blown to the ground again by the deafening sound of a shotgun. Before the owner, who was so intended on killing Pathos, could reload a throwing knife lodged itself in his eye through to his brain. He slipped to the ground with a loud thud. Pathos finally stood up. His trench coat had been torn shreds but the shotgun cartridges. He threw it to the side revealing an armoured chest plate and shoulder pads. On his right shoulder pad was the number 101.
‘Hey boss! He’s a 101er!’ shouted one of the gunners.
‘Gak it! Kill him anyway. Before he calls for back up or whatever. I don’t want to face the imps!’ Replied the boss in a sneer.
Before the gunners could pull their triggers again, Pathos pulled out a pair of Mk VI bolt pistols. One whirled as it fired rapidly into the group of gangers. The other fired single shots at certain targets. Cat pulled out the auto gun SMG and fired in bursts at the other hooligans behind her and Pathos. By the time the twin pistols stopped screaming death half the number of the gangers where either dead or wishing they were dead.
Out of ammo, Pathos holstered his compact bringers of death and pulled out his twin short swords. He bellowed a battle cry and lunged into the melee gang members. The light flashed like the storm above off the blades in the narrow thoroughfare. The blades fitted snugly into Pathos’ hands their teeth pointing down and forward. With a quick punch thrust, the right one pierced the jugular and oesophagus of one of the gangers. The other arced downwards and slit the poor soul in two, a perfect diagonal cut through shoulder to waist.
The other gangers rushed towards the whirling tornado of death. Most of them faired little better than those who had received the messages of death from the lead. Limbs were severed. Heads rolled. Each step they took was another step closer to the grave. Blood sprayed the walls so thickly that it looked as though they were crying.
As time wore on more and more gangers met their maker. Cat fired her auto gun SMG again and again at those who still had firearms and were aiming at Pathos. Shells rained down all around her. The shells winked at her as they fell to the ground. The defiance in her face was awe-inspiring.
‘Stop!’ shouted the boss. Pathos was breathing heavily now as were the gangers he was locked in combat with. They all looked at the leader. From a gang of one hundred, half of the number had fallen to lead with ten others who fell to the folded steel. Forty were left in hand to hand combat or were busy firing at the girl who caused this all. Pathos noticed something slightly in the corner of his eye before performing a short ballestra and swiping his blade through a ganger’s neck.
The boss roared as his prize-fighter had lost his element of surprise and had another member of his gang killed in this action. The prize-fighter pulled out a street sword, razor sharp. He lunged at Pathos blade first. Pathos retreated a half step to his right narrowly missing the blade. In turn Pathos lunged and performed a shallow cut from shoulder waist on the assailant. The incise spat out blood. Immediately after the first slice Pathos thrust home cleaving the attacker in two in the reverse of the first score. The chunks of quivering flesh fell to the ground.
With this the gangers that were alive and could use their legs ran. None of them cared if they were shot in the back, as long as they could die in one piece. ‘Cowards!’ screamed the boss after them. He whipped out his own pistol and fired at Pathos. Pathos performed a ballet of survival as he moved closer to the boss. He dodged and weaved through the streaks of death.
Nine shots latter the gun clattered to the ground. Pathos was heaving for breath. The boss lay on the ground. His left hand inching closer to the firearm. His right was useless. It had been severed at the elbow. Pathos hadn’t fared much better. Three bullets had entered his torso. Each screaming their wicked song. Encouraging death.
Both men were exhausted. One of Pathos’ swords lay on the ground crying off the blood. He held the other with his right hand. Weakly. With one rapid movement the boss was on his feet gun in hand. Pathos saw this and pounced forward. Sword in hand. With a quick flick of his wrist the sword rammed home.
The blade entered the bicep of the boss and exited into the wall behind him. The boss fired the last round into Pathos’ shoulder. Pathos roared in pain as he was flung to the ground. His pitiful chest plate had given up. Then the boss did something unexpected. He laughed.
His insanely cackle filled the night. ‘Cat, Run.’ Pathos breathed through harsh ragged breaths.
‘I’m gonna stay with you.’ She said defiantly with tears in her as. They dropped to the ground as she looked down on her shattered saviour. Blood seeped through his armour. It joined that of the others that lay dead and dying in the ally.
‘You stupid bitch I’ve got you now!’ laughed the boss man. Revs of car engines could be heard to the south.
‘Cat! RUN!’ Pathos shouted as he tried to stand up.
‘No!’ she shouted back.
‘Cat, run. Save yourself before you try and save me.’
‘NO!’ she whimpered ‘I’m going to stay with you.’
‘For the sake of your family go. I will find you later. Just go now.’
‘NO!’ she shouted boldly.
‘You stupid bitch. You should of left when he told ya.’ The boss interrupted.
‘Cat go. Now! For me. Go, for me.’ Pathos barely able to stand up.
‘NO!’ Cat screamed ‘NO!’
‘Well if you love me then you’ll leave me.’ Pathos turned his back to her and pulled out his bolt pistols. He prepared to reload them, singing the ritual songs for their temperamental spirits. He shut out what she was trying to say with the clicks and the song. When he was finished, he dragged them to his face and waited for the oncoming blitz. ‘Cat, Go!’
‘I’m staying!’ she screamed again.
‘If you love me then stay away. We’ll be together soon. I promise.’ He said defiantly. To the south of the alley the cat calls and howls of the more ferocious members of the gang. From the sound, an even bigger one than before. ‘I promise.’ He said under his breath. Then he charged into the darkness.
‘NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!’ screamed Cat as he ran to a certain doom. The boss just laughed as he saw what was going to happen. The lighting flashed and his face turned into pure terror. He screamed. An awful scream.
The boss’s life ended the way it had begun, with a scream. His face or what was left of it was forever imprinted in the wall. ‘He would have done well as a bone head. Pity.’ The loudly dressed man who had just killed the gang boss said to himself.
‘Who are you?’ asked Cat looking at the man whose massive iron fist had just pulverised her attackers head.
‘Commissar Kojax Aramac of the 101st at your service ma’am.’ The man bowed as he said this. The fist at his side. In his other hand was a storm bolter.
‘Sir!’ came a voice from the darkness ‘we have them cornered down the end of the alley.’
‘Good.’ Replied the Commissar ‘protocol 37 me thinks. Tell the boys.’
‘Yes sir! Very good Sir!’ the noise of footsteps heading towards the end alley was all that was heard. Cat stared at the strangely dressed man as he tried to clean his claws. In the background the sound of battle recommencing was heard.
‘Sir! He’s in bad shape. If he wasn’t dragged back from the fight he was surely gonna die.’ A pair of black and green men clad in flak jackets came towards the commissar with the limp figure of Pathos.
‘Damn that chivalrous lieutenant. MEDIC!’ the commissar bellowed the order. Half a minute later a medic had appeared and started to tend to the unconscious form of Pathos. The rain cleared the blood away. ‘He loves you, I could tell it in his voice.’ The commissar said gently to Cat as she stood and stared at this spectacle
‘Will he die?’ she asked her voice quivering.
‘No, he is strong and will stay away from the light. He keeps his oaths, vows and promises. He would rather die than give up on a promise. Hopefully he is only scared.’ The commissar looked fondly at the broken form of Pathos again. ‘He will find you. And that is a promise. Just look to the sky.’
Cat was about to question meant when the faint whir of aero engines could be heard. The gun battle was over bar the screams for mercy and single shots. She looked down the alley to see if anyone there. Nothing. She looked back at the shell of Pathos but he was no longer there. Then she looked to the sky and saw the underbelly of a Valkyrie lift into the sky.
Tears once again caressed her sweet young fragile face. The tears of the angels embraced her on the journey to Holy Terra. ‘I love you too.’ She whispered ‘I promise.’
