Darkness, endless darkness.
Something akin to a shadow covered everything, enveloping Arkio's consciousness. He felt as if he were in a world shrouded in eternal night; the heavy, leaden sky was so oppressive it made breathing difficult, and the air was thick with the stench of decay.
Arkio looked around in confusion. He instinctively tried to unfurl the white wings he had recently acquired. Those wings were the symbol of his status as the reincarnated gene-father and his pride. They had brought him endless victories and countless honors. But now, they were gone. Completely gone.
"How is this possible?" In his confusion, Arkio tried to take a step. Immense pain surged through his heart, causing him to stagger and fall to his knees with a muffled groan. He raised his palms in horror, discovering that they were mutating into bird-like claws.
"Wait, this is..." From a puddle on the ground, Arkio saw his current reflection. It was a distorted, bird-like monster of an eerie blue hue; his original features were barely recognizable beneath the mutation.
"No, no, no, this isn't real!" Arkio tried to stand, but a massive wave of fear seized him. At this moment, he felt like a mere mortal rather than an elite Astartes hero. "I am not a fallen one! I am the reincarnation of the gene-father, not one of these twisted traitors!" Fear pierced his heart like a sword. "No, no, no!"
Arkio snapped his eyes open. Emerging from his meditation, he was drenched in sweat, his pupils shrinking in terror. "Was that just a dream?" The sensation had felt far too real. Recalling the omens often associated with Sanguinius, Arkio felt an uneasy tremor in his soul.
"...Arkio, you look unwell." Arkio looked up to see Inquisitor Stele sitting before him, watching him with concern.
"I am fine. It was just a dream," Arkio sighed. He deeply respected and trusted Inquisitor Stele, who had supported his cause ever since he became an Astartes.
"It is good that you are unharmed," Stele nodded, a smile appearing on his kind face. "However, even a dream must be taken seriously. This could be a revelation from Lord Sanguinius. Can you describe its content?"
Arkio did not hide anything and relayed the vivid hallucination he had seen. He began to wonder if this was a warning. Just as alarm began to rise in Arkio's heart, Stele interrupted his thoughts.
"Peace. You are the host of Sanguinius's reincarnation, a vessel of infinite light. This hallucination will not be so simple; you must understand it through its implications. The light of Sanguinius guides our path, and his metaphors require careful thought, not simple interpretation."
As Stele spoke, he secretly felt relieved at his own quick reaction. He looked at the target he had chosen, his hidden malice completely masked by a gentle expression.
"I believe Sanguinius is warning you. As his reincarnated host, the shadows behind the veil of Chaos will constantly seek to corrupt you. He showed you this pathetic future specifically to warn you. You must avoid such a future and stay firm in your belief. You are the reincarnation of the Angel; your mission is to make the creatures of Chaos tremble, not to become the traitor you hunt."
Stele felt his lies flowing more smoothly. As a Great Daemon of Tzeentch, his silver tongue was a professional tool. He continued to weave the narrative. "Therefore, your priority is to remain firm. Do not be like those Daemon Primarchs who fell into lies and raised their blades against their master. That is something you must never do."
Arkio, not having time to think deeply, felt relieved. "I see." He sensed nothing wrong in Stele's words and believed him implicitly.
The Inquisitor continued to guide him. "But I must tell you, a test is coming soon."
"What kind of test?" Arkio asked.
"My acolytes have sent secret reports. That Imperial Battle Barge carries extremely evil forces lying in wait—shadows from behind the veil seeking to corrupt you. They appear as allies, coming under the banner of supporting your crusade, but they will pounce like hounds scenting blood to corrupt you at the first opportunity."
"Is that so?" Arkio was shocked but quickly regained his composure. "I understand."
"Note that they are disguised as allies. Think of what Sanguinius would do. He would handle the relationship perfectly and use his keen insight to root out the traitors. The others will offer their loyalty to you; this is the best moment to demonstrate your discernment," Stele said softly. "Now, go and receive them."
He looked at Arkio, his most satisfying work, with a serious gaze. It was a perfect plan. At this moment, Stele had begun to weave everything together. The arrival of the Iron Hands' Battle Barge was unexpected, but change was the domain of the Changer of Ways. He had handled much more critical situations in his career. This conflict between two First Founding Chapters would surely become a bleeding wound for the Empire, lighting the first fires of a great rebellion.
As Stele fantasized about his grand plan, Arkio received a communication through his tactical helmet. His eyes froze for a moment, then he flared with rage. "Those damned heretics!"
Stele was startled, nearly jumping from his spot. Wait, is he talking about me? How did he find me out?
Before Stele could react, Arkio gripped his hand with burning eyes. "As expected of you, Lord Stele! Your foresight is divine. Those heretics immediately tore through their disguised lies!"
"Right... right?" Stele was stunned. This wasn't how the script was written. This was not part of the plan at all!