The captain for the Astartes Chapter stepped forward and explained that they had intended to use it as a weapon of war, but if Sister Maria thought that this abomination could be of use in another way then perhaps they should reconsider their options. He looked at her expectantly, waiting for her orders.

Maria hesitated, still staring at the Tyranid. It was an impossible decision... If she ordered them to destroy it, there was a chance that it could escape and wreak havoc on the planet.

But if she let it live, even under her protection... It would have to be trained, controlled. She'd have to spend countless hours with it, teaching it to obey her commands, to serve as a weapon for the emperor. The thought both thrilled and terrified her in equal measure.

After what felt like an eternity, Maria finally lifted her chin, meeting the captain's gaze unflinchingly. "I will take responsibility for it," she said firmly. "

Over dinner, as Ythrax tore into the rare and succulent meat that had been brought for him, they discussed their plans in greater detail. It was decided that he would remain with her, serving under her command until such time as he could prove his worth to the emperor himself. Maria promised to train him further in the art of stealth and assassination, while also teaching him about her order's history and customs.

As they finished their meal, Ythrax looked up at her with those unnerving yellow eyes and inclined his head respectfully. "I will serve you well, mistress." His voice was soft but firm, filled with the determination of one who had found their true purpose in life. Maria nodded grimly in reply, satisfied that she had found herself a powerful ally among the Sisters of Battle.

As they began to spar, it became clear that Ythrax was every bit as skilled in unarmed combat as he was with weapons. He moved like a cat on the battlefield, graceful and deadly at the same time. His strikes were quick and powerful, taking full advantage of his heightened strength and speed.

"You're almost too fast for me," Maria gasped between blows, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to keep up with Ythrax's relentless assault.

Ythrax smiled grimly at her words. "You should be glad I'm not faster," he growled, landing another blow on her shoulder that sent her stumbling back a step. He didn't press his advantage; instead, he circled around her warily, waiting for an opening.

"Maybe someday you can try to keep up with me," he taunted. "For now, though..." Another strike landed, this one harder than the last. Maria grunted in pain but didn't go down.

"

Ythrax flexed his powerful shoulders, testing the weight of the new gear, and nodded in satisfaction. He looked every bit the part of a battle-hardened assassin now, ready to carry out Sister Maria's orders without question or hesitation. "I will not fail you," he growled softly, fixing those yellow eyes on her face.

Their training began that very day.

For weeks, they practiced in secret, honing Ythrax's skills as an assassin. They spent hours each day perfecting his archery technique with the bow, firing arrow after arrow at targets set up around the sanctum. He also learned how to use the daggers and knives effectively for close-quarters combat when necessary.

As they walked through the dimly lit halls of the sanctum, Sister Maria began to explain her plans for Ythrax. She saw potential in him that went beyond simply being a weapon on the battlefield. He was strong, fast, and incredibly agile; traits that could be put to use not just against enemies but also within the confines of the order itself.

"You will be my personal assassin," she told him plainly.

Ythrax's eyes gleamed in the half-light, his tail lashing excitedly at the mention of such a role. "I am yours to command, Sister Maria," he growled, leaning forward slightly so that his breath fanned her cheek. The air around them seemed to crackle with anticipation and raw power.

They finally reached a large chamber at the heart of the sanctum, its walls adorned with weapons of all kinds: ranged weapons, melee weapons, poisons and other exotic implements of death.

Maria's face reddened at the creature's words, and she took another step back as she considered its question. It had been many months since the emperor had made any move against their enemies... perhaps even years. She swallowed hard, feeling a sudden chill run down her spine. "But he will," she insisted, more weakly this time. "He's just waiting for the right moment."

The creature let out another low growl before resuming its pacing once again.

Maria jumped to her feet with a startled squeak, whirling around to face the creature. "What do you mean?" she demanded, her hand going reflexively to the hilt of her pistol.

The creature smiled slowly, its claws clicking together in front of it. "I'm offering you an alliance."