"Magnus, you call yourself brilliant? You're nothing but the Empire's greatest fool!"
"Leman Russ, I will end you!"
Malcador stood off to the side, fingers pressed to his temples.
What in the Emperor's name had happened this time?
Campaigning for Votes
After leaving the Ministry of State Affairs, Magnus immediately spotted Malcador walking alongside Russ.
Perfect timing.
Yuki had said the brothers would vote on whether he could conduct Warp research. If so, persuasion should begin early.
Magnus straightened his robes, forced warmth into his expression, and approached.
Russ scratched his beard and squinted.
"That smile's fake."
"…."
Magnus inhaled slowly.
Do not lose your temper.
Do not argue with barbarians.
Secure the vote first.
"Brother," Magnus began carefully, "your legion's psychic practitioners—"
Russ exploded.
"Psychic practitioners?! The Space Wolves have no psykers!"
Magnus blinked.
"But your battle reports clearly indicate Rune Priests—"
"They wield the runes of Fenris!" Russ snapped. "They do not bargain with the Warp like sorcerers."
Magnus felt his patience crack.
If it looks like psychic manifestation…
if it functions through immaterial energy…
if it manipulates reality through will…
…what else could it be?
But no.
Votes first.
He forced the smile back.
"Brother, I require a favor."
Russ eyed him suspiciously.
"Say it."
"My sister has agreed to permit supervised Warp research… provided the majority of our brothers approve." Magnus leaned forward slightly. "You are loyal, steadfast, and a true friend to your kin. Your support would mean much."
Russ grinned.
"Just ask."
Magnus brightened.
"Will you vote in favor?"
Russ's grin widened.
"Absolutely not."
A Matter of Principle
Magnus froze.
"…why?"
Russ's expression hardened.
"Because I will not stand by and watch you damn yourself."
Russ had distrusted psychic power since Fenris.
After learning the true nature of the Warp from Yuki, that distrust had become iron certainty.
To him, Magnus's behavior was indistinguishable from stepping willingly into a predator's jaws.
"If you had a necessary reason," Russ continued, "I would hold my tongue. But you risk everything for curiosity."
Magnus's voice sharpened.
"Why does everyone assume I will be deceived? I know what I am doing."
He truly did not understand.
The Warp was not the horror they described.
It was vast. Complex. Enlightening.
He was not a fool.
Russ laughed without humor.
"Every man who falls begins by saying exactly that."
"I am not like them."
"You are worse."
"Russ, I will kill you!"
Palace Grounds
Malcador sighed.
Another Primarch dispute.
Protocol suggested intervention.
Experience suggested fetching Yuki.
He chose experience.
Outside the palace, sand and dust scattered as the two giants exchanged blows — controlled, restrained, but thunderous enough to shake marble and alarm nearby Custodians.
Guilliman glanced once, then returned to his documents.
Neither intended lethal force.
This was brotherly violence.
A corrective ritual.
Still, structural damage was becoming a concern.
A white blur descended.
Yuki struck both of them sharply on the head.
"There are countless battlefields in the galaxy," she said flatly. "Why must you choose my palace?"
Magnus pointed.
"Sister, Russ called me stupid."
Russ snorted.
"If the boot fits."
"Enough."
She turned to Russ.
"I have approved Magnus's request. If the majority consent, he may conduct supervised Warp research. Do you object to the process?"
Russ paused.
Then shook his head.
"No."
She turned to Magnus.
"Russ fears for you. I nearly died to entities of the Warp. He does not want to see you suffer the same fate. His anger comes from concern."
Magnus lowered his head.
"…I understand."
She patted both shoulders.
"Then speak, not strike."
Russ barked a laugh.
"Good fight, brother. Join me for a drink sometime."
Magnus smiled awkwardly.
"I do not drink. But if your Rune Priests have questions, I will gladly instruct them."
Russ froze.
"…Fenris runes. Not psychic power."
Magnus sighed.
"You are in denial."
Russ's eye twitched.
"Magnus—"
Yuki closed her eyes.
Yes.
They were destined to argue forever.
The Watchers
"Did you find Father?"
Ahriman shook his head.
"No."
"Perhaps he slipped into the Warp," Ormuzd muttered darkly.
Ahriman's jaw tightened.
That could not be allowed.
Years Earlier
Before their induction, Yuki had summoned the twins privately.
They had trembled.
They were merely recruits.
Why would the Vice-Emperor summon them?
She smiled gently.
"Achaemenid supplies candidates for the Fifteenth Legion. You understand how unusual that Legion is."
They nodded.
"Other Legions avoid psykers. The Fifteenth requires them."
Ahriman swallowed.
"So?"
"I cannot tell you everything yet," she said softly. "But once you become Astartes, you will understand the burden you carry."
She paused.
"I ask for your help. When your Primarch returns… watch over him."
At the time, they did not understand.
After the Abomination Ritual…
after witnessing daemons claw against their wards…
after meeting their father and seeing his reckless immersion in the Warp…
they understood.
If Magnus fell, the Imperium would burn.
So they watched him.
Always.
Emergency Mobilization
Ahriman stood.
"All Legion units — deploy. If necessary, dig through Terra itself. Find Father."
Ormuzd turned toward the doorway.
"…never mind. He has returned."
Triumph (Short-Lived)
Magnus strode in proudly, robes flowing, chin lifted.
"My sister has authorized one hour of supervised Warp study daily. You cannot prevent my research."
The twins exchanged a look.
"Father… are you certain this is not a Warp illusion?"
Magnus paled.
"This time it is genuine! Ask her yourself!"
Ormuzd inhaled sharply.
"It is worse than we feared. Father has been deceived."
Ahriman turned.
"All Thousand Sons — restrain him!"
"No! It is real! Believe me!"
Moments later, Magnus was again prevented from entering the Warp.
In the Immaterium
Far beyond reality, a vast intelligence waited patiently, holding a carefully crafted psychic familiar.
Tzeentch waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Little Magnus…
Little Magnus…
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