Author Notes:
I really am not in the mood these past few days. Mom is still in the hospital and I only managed to output a new chapter by using my laptop while staying next to her. I guess we should expect a drop in grammar quality...? And then the bad news just keep on coming every time I open my eyes.
Bloody hell, I dread every time I wake up man.
Just... Enjoy the story, alright? At least that mean I am doing something right, I hope.
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"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!"
"Be good, and be still, Ein. If you can stomach rolling till your body bruises over, then you should be able to handle some ointment being applied." Says Mama as she slathers some blessed medicinal oil onto my scrapes and bruises.
So 3rd Platoon has fought Kharak Squad to a draw, but at what cost? Unironically, I am the only one with a body worse for wear. Unlike the Salamanders who wore their power armor all the time or the rest of my Platoon who were pretty much defeated where they stood, I ran and rolled on the cold hard floor a bit too many times. Such actions do leave a mark on my fair, albeit resilient body. So, while the rest of my Platoon is going around and drinking merry-go-round in the mess hall, I am left abandoned in a corner with my Mama and sister Tsavorae fussing over me. I am happy to receive their care, but by the Emperor this is embarrassing. They would have stripped me down to my panties if it weren't for this being a public setting.
"You were way too reckless, daughter." Mama chides as she slowly massages a bruise on my left arm. "Taking so many unnecessary risks like that, you're fighting as if you're the second coming of Tsavorae over here, and I already have my hand full dealing with one."
I chuckle at Mama's direct jab at Tsavorae. The latter, in particular, sputter. "Hey! Why did I take flak all of a sudden?!"
Mama raises an eyebrow, giving Tsavorae sitting on a corner bench a side glance. "There's only one other person I know of who does a backflip in active combat, Ein got herself all banged up like this because you have been showing her stuff, am I right?"
At the accusation, both Tsavorae and I share a look before the former raises her arms up disarmingly. "I stand by the opinion that learning a bit of parkour is useful in maneuvering the terrains. It did get Ein through for the most part, no?"
"I can't deny that, yes." Mama nods.
I smile, interjecting.
"If not for Tsavorae teaching me some of her moves, I couldn't have stayed ahead of the pursuit for so long, Mama. But I understand your concern, there are better ways for me to fight without constantly putting my spine in danger."
Mama puts a hand on my chin, making me look into her eyes.
"It's fortunate that you understand that, Ein. As a Canoness Superior, I compliment you for showing outstanding bravery and ingenuity, you and your Platoon both. As a mother, I do not want to see you making those... Dangerous stunts, not even as a last resort if possible. Running, dodging, I can understand, but jumping off the side of a building and then freefalling without much of a safety net, if there's any at all, is where I crossed the line. That was just a spar, Ein, not a life-and-death battle. What you did nearly made my heart stop out of concern for you, and that should be next to impossible, given how the battlefield has jaded me."
Tsavorae adds, nodding along.
"I can vouch for that, Ein. It takes me stepping in front of Elyzabeth to prevent her from crashing the whole simulated arena altogether. Big Mama over here acted on instinct she never thought she had."
Looking at the pair's concerned expression, I blanch mentally. Yikes, I never really thought how my plan would affect the spectators, or to be more specific, Mama. While it's surprising that Mama nearly lost it over my well-being, what's with her being a veteran Sister of Battle after all, I do feel bashfulness and love for my adopted mother. However, the more prevalent emotions right now are shame and regret. So, as any good daughter will do, I bow at Mama, expressing my apologies.
"I am sorry, Mama, sister, I can't promise I won't be able to stop doing these stunts, but I will strive to minimize the potential risks... And thank you, Mama, for your concern and the ointment you applied on me, it must have been expensive."
Mama sighs knowingly while Tsavorae nods, saying. "Well, I guess that's the best we can get from you. This galaxy doesn't do well to promises."
Mama then pats my cheek a couple of times. "It's not expensive if it's for my daughter." She then ruffles my hair, an action that makes me close my eyes out of comfort and happiness. "We have a lot of this ointment lying around, actually. Mostly because we never really got the chance to use them much."
"Yeah, because getting a bruise under all this armor is harder than getting our gut pulverized by an Ork's punch." Tsavorae chimes in. "Which we tend to avoid whenever possible, of course."
Mama smiles softly. "What your sister said... However, I would like to see this as an opportunity for us to spend some time together. You know, like family members should."
"Yeah, Ein, you basically scored that draw with the Astartes on your own. That's an impressive feat worth celebrating over." Tsavorae says before looking over to Mama. "You know, maybe with a drink or two?"
Mama spares Tsavorae an exasperated glance. "If you want to join the adult table, then by all means go on your own, Tsavorae."
Mama then turns to look at the big gathering in the center of the mess hall. Jovial, and boisterous, but not chaotic, the scene of JTF members from all service branches mingling and bantering in one big circle is a sight to behold. Of course, it's nowhere near the size of the BBQ party Johnson hosted planetside, but this one is a bit rowdier as people are still riding on the exhilarating high provided by the bout earlier. Astartes, Sisters, Tech-priests, Cadian, Lucifer Blacks... Yeah, there are a whole lot of people, cramping this oddly gigantic mess hall. I can even see that sitting in the middle of the circle, Tu'shan is holding an analysis of sorts, talking and explaining the tactical decisions made by both parties in the spar. He must be speaking facts if even the Tech-priests are pulling out dataslates and notebooks for recording purposes.
And speaking of Tech-priests, I was surprisingly approached by Archmagos Dominus Belisarius Cawl at the end of the spar and after the debrief. It appears that I am once more on his radar for being quite resourceful indeed. There is much to talk about between him and me, but other than a promise of further academic discussion down the line, I am made a liaison of sorts. So, other than being a part-time sniper and scout, I am also the person responsible for 3rd Platoon's updated arsenal of firearms and equipment, all coming from the Iron Revenant's private stash. We're speaking of giving normal Cadian Shock Troopers things like bolt pistols and Hellguns, which are normally unheard of outside of officers and Kasrkin. That is an upgrade and a half for 3rd Platoon, but it's doubtful that we will use this privilege to its full extent. Why? Well, it's quite simply because we are not too familiar with all the new stuff just yet. And frankly, our well-established battlefield dynamic is centered around lasrifles and portable heavy weapons, the standard Cadian field doctrine. We won't be able to employ our newer toys as well as the Kasrkin or Lucifer Blacks, who live, breathe, and die with them. It's quite weird, but that's frankly the reality, none of us are trained to use or service hellguns.
I am pulled out of my thoughts when Tsavorae replies to Mama. "I will go get us something to drink, and eat, be right back~!" And then hopped away she goes.
"I hope she brings some recaf back..." I say, missing the taste of the Emperor-blessed liquid.
Mama chuckles, shaking her head as she pulls me to lean on her armor. She is very careful in making sure she doesn't touch my bruises, which cover my upper torso and legs for the most part.
"You and your recaf, Ein. This galaxy will stop spinning if you came up one day and shout no to recaf." I grin at that, but then Mama leans down to whisper. "I trust that the slice of cake I gave you before the spar worked to your advantage?"
I lean in as well, whispering conspiratorially. "That's how I made things go boom, Mama, thanks~!"
"That's my girl!" We both share a high-five before giggling at the same time.
Ah, a moment of normalcy in the grimdark universe. Mama by my side, my sister coming back with the chef's recommendation, Astartes and humans alike banding together in a show of camaraderie... On days like this, one learns to kick back, relax, and cherish it, turning it into the fuel of your will against the force of darkness. And that's basically what we all are doing right now, strengthening our willpower by reminding ourselves of what we're fighting for, whether it's some grand vision or the person nearest to us. I am more of the latter, to be quite frank, and I think Mama knows that intimately. She learned from our time together that, while I will no doubt serve the Imperium well, I have no qualms about sacrificing some of the Imperium for the ones I loved. It's a dangerous mentality to be had, sure, but Mama can't say anything when she herself is getting conflicting feelings over her priorities. The fact Mama nearly canceled the spar for me is evidenced enough, even if the situation hadn't quite called for it. Her overreaction meant that my presence in her heart was getting heavier every single day, and here I feared our long-distance separation would have dulled that love somewhat. Now, at the risk of sounding unfilial and manipulative, the love we have for each other can prove to be quite useful. When the time arrives, certain secrets of mine will no doubt be exposed, and I hope Mama finds it in her heart to stomach me then. On the other side though, if Mama needs me to do anything, anything at all, I won't hesitate to give my everything.
Oh, how complicated this love of ours is.
If not for Skillshare and Debuff Immunity, I fear that our innocent love can be twisted by Slaneesh in the future. Although it's already strange enough that I am thinking about my relationship with Mama when we have been nothing but a pair of loving mother and daughter... Is it because I am hugged by Mama as we enjoy the mood with Tsavorae, or is it because I am exposed to puberty once more? Am I still susceptible to puberty with Debuff Immunity event? Could it be that I am coming to an age where I am left wondering about Mama's beauty and since we are not blood-related, we should shout Sweet Home Alabama?
In all seriousness, I have no qualms against getting into a romantic relationship, but I don't think I will be actively seeking a partner. One can say that I already have enough on my plate to commit to something that I won't be able to have any control over whatsoever. Let's face it, in the chaotic 40K universe, only someone in a higher seat of power can actually love in peace without Xenos and Chaos knocking on the front door. I, as a Cadian Corporal, won't be able to have a normal love life, at least not yet. Mama understands this so she never says something about my non-existent romantic distraction. In fact, she seems proud that I am not committed to any romantic relationship whatsoever. She even joked, once:
"If anyone caught your eyes, Ein, speak to me first. They will have to get the 'talk' from the Order of Our Martyred Lady for a measure of... Reassurance."
Right, any love interest I have might have to survive an initiation period from a host of Sisters of Battle. Until someone is brave enough to challenge their positions, Mama will be the closest person to my romantic heart, followed by my goof of a sister Tsavorae. And isn't that nice enough by itself?
Ok. Ok, enough jokes and recaf. Wherever the future leads, I don't know, but for now, these two most precious women in my life, I will never do anything that will result in their disappointment. So yes, any request they make, I will try to fulfill them to the best of my capability. If we, in the Emperor's infinite wisdom, somehow take a step forward, then fuck it, we ball. I am nowhere near experienced enough to plan for something as nebulous as love. So future me? Think fast, chucklenut.
Chatting with Mama and Tsavorae as we dine on our adequately tasty dinner, I can't help but wonder somewhat about the possible rewards I may or may not have earned from the spar. I didn't have the chance to check the System's notifications back then, and I don't have the heart to do so in front of my Mama and be distracted now. I guess I will mull over them in the shower or the bunk then. If it's really a reward of sorts then...
May I ask for something nice, pretty please Emperor? Your loyal Cadians have managed to do something quite great.
There's no way that joking and selfish request will be answered in any favorable manner by, well, pretty much the Emperor and any Gacha out there, I guess.