The Create-A-Hero RPG Season III IC Thread!

[Erin]

I watch as Pinup pulls the phone from her boot and hands it to Acrobat. He takes it weakly, and looks at it as if he were seeing it for the first time. Her gaze never straying from his face, and I think I see a slight smile creep across her face.

I can see that she has things well in hand here, and coupled with the fact that I can tell that she is still seething from our disagreement earlier I decide that it might be best to give her a wide berth. So I nod to Acrobat who is fumbling with the phone, and take my leave. As I go I make eye contact with pinup and flash her a sheepish smile as I pass by her and head out into the hall of the medical wing.

“Icon, wait!” Pinup stands quickly, looking to Acrobat, she adds "I'll be right back." As she crosses the room, a bolt of pain shoots through her leg, reminding her that she is still injured. She really ought to get her knee looked at. She crosses to where he stands in the doorway. With half a glance over her shoulder at Acrobat, she pulls the curtain to the hospital room closed.

The space between the curtain and the door frame is tight, forcing Pinup to edge close to Icon. He looks down at her, waiting for her to speak. She clears her throat, looking away as she becomes keenly aware of the cramped quarters, and pushes back the same feeling she had noticed when they first met and he flew her out of the alley to the headquarters.

“Look...” She turns her face up to him, speaking quietly so the kid won't hear. “Acrobat... he almost died, trying to be like you, and the fact is he's not."

She furrows her eyebrows, squeezing her eyes shut and rethinking the rather accusatory statement. "That's not what I meant." She tries again.

"He wouldn't have survived without you. Vigilante, Youngster...” she trails off, trying to find the right words as she searches his face for a recognizable expression. “We didn't stand a chance against those drones. We're not you. We – The Guardians – need you."

She pauses, taking in his reaction before she finishes. "I can't keep you from walking right into Anderson's hands, but...” She swallows, unable to find exactly the right words. “Just...Come back safely, okay? Please.” Is what she settles on.

A heavy silence hangs between them, waiting somewhere between her final words and his reply, and making itself painfully felt.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

“Icon, wait!” Pinup stands quickly, looking to Acrobat, she adds "I'll be right back." As she crosses the room, a bolt of pain shoots through her leg, reminding her that she is still injured. She really ought to get her knee looked at. She crosses to where he stands in the doorway. With half a glance over her shoulder at Acrobat, she pulls the curtain to the hospital room closed.

The space between the curtain and the door frame is tight, forcing Pinup to edge close to Icon. He looks down at her, waiting for her to speak. She clears her throat, looking away as she becomes keenly aware of the cramped quarters, and pushes back the same feeling she had noticed when they first met and he flew her out of the alley to the headquarters.

“Look...” She turns her face up to him, speaking quietly so the kid won't hear. “Acrobat... he almost died, trying to be like you, and the fact is he's not."

She furrows her eyebrows, squeezing her eyes shut and rethinking the rather accusatory statement. "That's not what I meant." She tries again.

"He wouldn't have survived without you. Vigilante, Youngster...” she trails off, trying to find the right words as she searches his face for a recognizable expression. “We didn't stand a chance against those drones. We're not you. We – The Guardians – need you."

She pauses, taking in his reaction before she finishes. "I can't keep you from walking right into Anderson's hands, but...” She swallows, unable to find exactly the right words. “Just...Come back safely, okay? Please.” Is what she settles on.

A heavy silence hangs between them, waiting somewhere between her final words and his reply, and making itself painfully felt.

I stand there for a moment in silence as her words sink in. I know that what she says is true...all of it.

Acrobat nearly died tonight because of me. Because over the years I've gone out and done the things I do and nothing bad ever happens to me...or at least that's the way it's portrayed by the media.

Icon saves the day. No harm, no foul. Nobody ever gets hurt.

If only that were the truth.

That kid behind the curtain, laying in the hospital bed with several new holes in his body proves that theory wrong. And for just an instant, my mind wanders, and I'm forced to ask myself the question...how many others have been hurt because of what they've seen me do?

I snap out of it almost as soon as the question is asked. Now is not the time to dwell on hypotheticals.

"..."

Words fail me as the final part of her statement sinks in.

When I found them tonight, the drones had them pretty much on the ropes. I know that I can do things that nobody else can do. It comes naturally to me...and maybe, just maybe I have come to take that for granted.

Pinup makes a valid point, one thatI haven't even considered before.

What would happen to the Guardians if something were to happen to me?

I've always just assumed that they'd carry on. But Pinup makes a good point...if something were to happen to me, and I wasn't able to be there for my teammates, would they be capable of moving on without me?

I look her in the eye and force a smile as I gently put my hand on her shoulder.

"I will, I promise."

 

[Hound55]

[BLACKOUT]"...yeah. I think dropping the weapons is a damn good start. Welcome to Guardians Headquarters, contrary to recent events we're not actually running a B and B or tour groups through here, so if you wouldn't mind telling me what the hell you're doing here I might spare you the headache of dealing with the building's defences... Speak fast, you have about 10 seconds..."[/BLACKOUT]

R.O.C.
​

"Rob, power down to nominal levels. If we expect them to trust us, we have to show them we mean no harm."

"Very well, sir, but we are exposing ourselves to their mercy."

R.O.C., the motorcycle portion, powers down to the basic level of power which is not much more then a standard motorcycle of its make.

"OK, we have powered down, whoever you are. It irks the LHPD that this Federal government group decided to come into our city and as far as I know, without the city's permission. Right now we can't officially fight them except through the proper channels via the red tape of beaucracy. What I want to do is chat with your group on a better way of protecting yourselves and maybe figure out why you are being targeted. From what I understand, none of you should be wanted by the LHPD and I think some of you may have even helped out the LHPD on occasion. If I can come in and talk to whoever is willing to listen, maybe we can work something out." ​

[BLACKOUT]“Hmm…”[/BLACKOUT] Isaac watched the cybernetic cop through a monitor behind the solid door.

[BLACKOUT]“Well he sure as hell won’t be coming in here… Between beat-up kids and bull-headed broads our quiet little headquarters is fast turning into ‘Fratparty at Gamma Gamma Guardians’…”[/BLACKOUT]

Isaac probed the wall for the button to the Compound’s defence system, whilst keeping his eyes glued to the monitor. Finding it by touch, his mind calculated the response.

“And in an unmistakable act of hostility, the Guardians opened fire on an LHPD officer in broad daylight after the officer requested a moment of their time.” The TV anchor inside of his head spoke. “Further underlining how big a pack of untrustworthy jerks the Guardians, particularly the Vigilante, shown here cursing out a hall full of children, really are.” As the imaginary anchor grew less formal in his own head.

[BLACKOUT]“Hmm… Well, there’s got to be a happy medium.”[/BLACKOUT]

R.O.C.
​

"Rob, looks like they are interested so let us go home."

"Are you sure about this, Centurion? They might need our help still?"

"They are the Guardians, why would they need the help of one lonely cop when they are going to be wiped out by their own government?"

"Very well, where shall we go?"

"Home, Rob, home."

Centurion gets on Rob and heads back towards LHPD station.​

Isaac moved his hand from the button, contemplating the situation at hand. The police officer turned to leave as a wry smile crossed the black-clad Vigilante’s face.

Moving his hand across to another area he carefully pushed another button on the console. Sparing a second to laugh at his own action, but not the time to see the result. Isaac jogged back through the halls of Guardians Headquarters to check on the others, whilst the button’s action did it’s work.







Some Time Later
Downtown at the Main Precinct – 10 minutes prior to Change of Shift



Sergeant Hammond and Officer Brett Robbins sit in the lunch room, watching the television and drinking coffee while waiting for the morning shift to come in to be relieved. It's been quite some time since Robbins had heard anything from the Vigilante, any of the other Guardians or the Liaison Office which deals with them, as such his life has largely fallen back into the routine day-to-day of traffic beat cop.

"You on tomorrow or is the Lee hearing..."

"Nah, should be on. Prosecution said the lawyer's being a pain in the ass... Lee's getting his money's worth, that's for sure. He's going for every possible opportunity to stall."

Music fills the lunch room, signalling a news update. Both men turn their complete attention to the tv, away from their brief banter.

"Fire takes out public office uptown, one dead and five hospitalized as the blaze terrified hundreds. We have more on last night's scare at the Strip and new Guardians related developments as eyewitnesses claim a metabrawl broke out downtown involving the new law enforcement droids implemented by S.T.R.I.K.E and the Guardians. Details remain sketchy, but it so far remains to be seen whether they were on the side of the angels in this particular incident as this footage shows..."

The camera cuts to external footage of Guardians Headquarters as R.O.C knocks on the door, yells out to any who'll hear him, pauses and yells out again before turning to leave... as the automated sprinklers activate and soak him on their doorstep, before the cybernetic cop leaves on his bike far more irritated than before.

Officer Robbins snorts on his coffee, trying hard not to laugh. Sergeant Hammond glares at him. Robbins buries himself in his cup, trying to avoid eye contact, as Hammond goes back to watching the tv.

"... S.T.R.I.K.E Director Anderson has so far been unavailable for comment, but with his recent taste for giving his own press releases we will hopefully have more on this at 6."

The music stirs again before cutting back to commercial.

"So which one of them do you think did that..?"

Hammond once again glares at Robbins. Maintaining his firm grip of silence.

"Yeah... That's what I'm thinking too..."

 

[Blacklight]

Chapter 20 (Part 2): Blacklight...



As I quickly flew on the scene, approaching the tower, I hastily descended from my rather high altitude to the building's level, and began scanning every open window for where the attempted kidnapping turned hostage situation was taking residence. I wanted to do this inconspicuously and avoid having videos of me plastered all over YouTube within the hour but the moment I looked down, I had taken notice of all the cops below, staring in awe at the black-eyed kid flying around.

Needless to say, that plan went out the window pretty quick.

Stopping in mid-air after searching the second to last row of apartment windows, I quickly began to lean next to the apartment where I saw the two gunmen that were keeping a woman and little girl tied up in chairs, one of the two gunmen pressing the barrel of his pistol against her temple, and the other doing the same to the child.

It was almost instantly I determined that I was going to need to separate them if I had any chance at beating them. So looking over at a nearby gargoyle and an idea sprung in my head.

*TAP. TAP. TAP.*

Remaining hidden, I tapped on the window. And soon enough, one of the two thugs, as I expected, had played right into my trap.

There's an Admiral Ackbar joke in there somewhere...

He approached the window and opened it, only to be yanked out and hung by his jacket collar on the gargoyle like a Christmas ornament, courtesy of yours truly. His screams of help didn't phase me, because I had him pretty secure. He wasn’t going anywhere, so I had nothing to worry about. Outside of the other gunman anyways.

I levitated through the opened window of the room and managed to take a few steps before noticing the other kidnapper was nowhere to be seen.

*CLANK!*

The sound stopped me dead in my tracks upon it entering my ears and bouncing off my eardrum. He managed to stay out of sight long enough to sneak behind me.

"Stop right there, kid, or this next cap's gonna be swimming through your grey matter." he ordered coldly.

I put my hands in the air, and slowly turned around until I was facing him. True enough he had his glock aimed right at my forehead.

Nice going, Jon. You let the bad guy get the jump on you...

Just as I was about to open my mouth, ready to surrender, I managed to see the little girl and her mother in my peripheral vision. They were still tied to their chairs, crying hysterically. I could see the fear in them as they feared for their lives, as well as each others... and now mine. I was enough to get me to shut my mouth, and urge myself to come up with a solution to this situation.

Come on, Jon! You can't let them die! You can't give up on them! You're a f***ing superhero, now! START ACTING LIKE ONE!!!

From rushing at him and hoping for the best to cracking a joke about his weight, I considered all options, but most of them felt like they would result in someone getting hurt. So I decided not to come up with a plan.

Because if there's one thing superheroes know how to do... It's improvise.

I began to energize my hands with my black light energy. The criminal immediately took notice, his eyes widening as he took a step back.

"Cool, huh? Still feel like pointing that thing at me?" I asked him simply as I began to grin, pointing at the gun with me eyes. His eyes then shifted their focus from me to the gun.

Then, while he was distracted, I fired off a small portion of the energy, what I like to call a 'black-bolt', at the hand that he was holding the gun with, disarming him. He grabbed his hand and clutched it in pain so I pressed on and followed up my attack with a second, consecutive blast to knock him straight into the wall.

"I didn't think so..." I gloated, until I remembered the hostages.

I rushed over to the girl and her mother and quickly untied them. but I was immediately caught off guard by what happened next...

The little girl latched onto me, hugging me tightly.

"Thank you, Mr. Superhero!"

Taken aback, I replied "It... it was nothing, kid. Just doing what's right..."

Right. Doing what's right...

Am I doing what’s right? I questioned myself as the girl let go of me and then ran to hold her mother, who walked over to me and shook my hand.

"Thank you so much, young man. They wanted to take us so my husband would give them money. How could I ever repay you?" she asked, ever so grateful for me saving her daughter's and her own life.

"You’ll never have to." I responded adamantly while I approached the window to take flight when the sounds of loud knocking echoed through the apartment. Clearly it was the police.

"That's what superheroes do. We save people." I further explained, grinning.

As I came seconds closer to taking off, she stopped once again.

"WAIT!! Can you tell me your name!?" she asked, determined to know the name of her rescuer.

"It's err- um... It's..." I stuttered.

I didn't want to tell her my real name, or else the cops or her kidnappers could come after me while I'm at home or at school. That would ruin this whole operation I've started.

I guess that's the whole point of having a secret identity... Duh.

"Mommy, did you see what he did!? He hit the bad guy with black light!" the little girl chimed in, still in awe at what unfolded before her eyes moments ago.


...Then it hit me. My name. Right there, under my nose this whole time.

"It's Blacklight..." I finished, giving one last smirk before I turned back towards the window and took off into the starry night sky once more.


As I began to fly back towards Ryan's, leaving every single person back at the Stavoy Tower astonished, I asked myself yet again.

Am I doing what’s right?

This time, though, I answered.

Yes. Yes, I am. I just saved two innocent people's lives and gave two criminals their one-way tickets to River Styx Penitentiary. If that wasn't the right thing to do, then there is something seriously wrong with the world...

So with that last thought, it was official. I was a superhero now. Not that bad of a first outing if I do say so, myself. Mission accomplished. At that point, however, I began to realize that everything was going to change, and there was no going back. I’ve changed things forever... But I didn't fret. Frankly, I was ready. This was my first time. My first time as a superhero. My first time letting the hero within me be seen... And now? Now I’m ready to do it for as long as it takes to make East City, as well as the world as a whole, a better place.

Why? you ask?

Simple. Because I’m a superhero. Wait. Actually? I take that back. I have a name now.


It's simple. Because I'm Blacklight.

* * *​

 

[Nicodemus]

Noah Walker, the Awesome...ACROBAT

Arc 2: Never STRIKE Twice
Report​

Icon walks in.

Icon. Walks in. To my room. I feel like I should be freaking out right now, but the painkillers are making it difficult to stay focus. He's talking to Pinup a little bit, but seems to be making an effort to speak to me too.

I try to keep calm, but when I open my mouth nothing comes out. Maybe it's because of the painkillers, but I'm pretty sure it's just because I have no idea what to say to THE Hero, the man that almost single-handedly saved my butt yesterday.

Icon seems to think it's the former, thank God. He probably gets enough dumb-struck fans to last a lifetime. If I'm freaking out this hard because of him, I can't imagine what I'll do if I ever see Archangel. Luckily he hasn't come in yet - or if he has, I was conscious to see it.

That's when Pinup holds out my cell phone, offering to call someone for me. It's a nice gesture, but I think my parents would prefer to hear from me personally - I know them, and no matter how much Pinup says I'm fine, they won't believe it. They're worriers.

So I kind of reach my hand out, and Pinup gently places the cellphone in my palm. I murmur a thank you, and grin happily as the phone seems to waver and twist in my vision, like a snake waking up from a nap. The movement fades after a moment, and I shake my head slightly in an attempt to clear it.

I hold down the 1 on my phone, and it goes to speed dial, quietly ringing into my ear. I hear the answering click a moment later, quickly followed by a "OhmyGodNoahareyouok?"

Despite it all, I feel myself smile. My mom sounds stressed and worried, and far too tired, but it doesn't matter - because it's all ok now. I'm ok.

"I'm fine Mom. I'm fine. I got hit once or twice but nothing too bad..."

"You got hit? With bullets? Are you going to be ok? What were those robots doing anyway?"

"Yes, I got hit. Yes, with bullets. Yes, I'll be fine, and to be honest I don't really know," I say. My voice is scratchy and rough, but the painkillers make it easy to talk. "The Guardians saved me."

"The Guardians?"

"I know, right? How cool is that? I'm in their headquarters right now...no, Archangel isn't here...I mean I saw Vigilante...no, no Flux yet. I can ask though. Oh, and there's this new girl called Pinup...yeah, ask Lucy if she'd like that...no, I promise I'll ask about Flux...and Vigilante, yeah, sure, but tell Michael he owes me one. And yes, I promise I'll be fine, I don't even hurt...Yeah, tell Connor and Dani I'm sick or something...ok...love you too Mom...I said love you too. See you soon. Bye. Bye Mom."

I hang up the phone and smile slightly as I internally debate whether to actually ask for autographs. I don't want these people to think I'm lame, but at the same time I might never get another chance like this...

 

[trustyside-kick]

He comes at me quickly and fiercely, but his blows bounce of my shield. He winds up for a powerful strike, and as he does I meld into the shadows of Hell and appear behind him, throwing him off balance. As I reappear I coat my sword in the fire of the Underworld and slash him across the back.

I can tell it hurts him, but not enough. He kicks his leg back, driving it into my stomach, sending me tumbling back. He attempts to come at me again, but I create a wall of shadow that slams into him.

Looking back at Archangel I ask, "So what the hell are we gonna do here?"
​

"I said it before! This supernatural stuff isn't my forte!! We just had to be dealing with crap that will lead to the End of the World. didn't we?! Why couldn't it be like...cat in the tree or, I don't know...Game Genie breaking into the Electronic Gaming Expo or something?!"

Taking advantage of the shadow wall construct Cerberus made, I try to sprint past Gadreel but as I think I'm in the clear his swords finally penetrate the wall and he tackles me to the ground. Headbutting him in the head, and backhanding him with the Shield of Faith I'm able to get some distance and continue to sprint towards Inferno.

"I may be the most experienced hero in this bunch, but I don't know a thing about what we are dealing with!"

"Nor do you seem to understand the true potential of the items you wield, son of Jophiel. How sad."

I turn around and my jaw nearly drops because you know how I mentioned earlier that when Gadreel was laughing I could see some semblance of what he must truly look like? Yea uh...looks like he is now deciding to fully shed his skin as he transforms from a somewhat tame fallen angel look to a full blown demon! An intimidating...disgusting...15 and something foot demon!

"You wield the Armor of God, yet do not understand how to tap into its vast power. Each and every piece swelling with such...'tis such a waste."

My running is futile as with one simple arm is all Gadreel needs and all that distance I created after bashing him with my shield is gone. He clenches tightly and picks me up, bringing me to his hideous face and to my luck, while I can hear the clanking of the armor I wear, it doesn't break and I remain unharmed. I look down, the Sword of the Spirit and the Shield of Faith on the ground.

"It is time, son of Jophiel. The mind can only take so much. The madness continues to swell and grow. The souls of the damned, frozen within this beautiful lake, simply ask to be set free. With him having the power to do so."

"With...Lu--Lucifer...along with them."

"Hehe...yes. My master will be free. Do you not revel in the chance to meet him?"

"You know...if I'm going to be honest...and I've just gotta be...not really. Oh! And, that thing about not knowing the full power of this armor I'm wearing? That may be the case but there's one thing I have learned at least. And, buddy, you really should have made sure that my hands weren't free in this grip of yours."

Smirking, I will the Sword of the Spirit and the Shield of Faith back into my hands, and I attack immediately, slicing off two of the fingers in Gadreel's giant demonic hand. Freeing myself as I land onto the frozen lake, the fallen angel roars as he deals with the pain from the attack.

"I'm the freakin' Archangel! I'm wearing the Armor of God! Don't you think that I wouldn't have been worthy to wield such a thing if I wasn't something other than ordinary?! Oh and...that pain you are about to feel? Yea...that would be one of Cerberus' shadow thingies knocking you senseless."

"What? What are you--OOOFF!"

Cerberus' attack does wonders, and as Gadreel tries to counter and the two remain tangled in battle, I make way once more for Inferno.

 

[wiegeabo]

"I see our guy. I got him."

"Got who?"

"Keep eyes on him."

"Right." I bump Hawkes with my elbow as I cover my comm. "If you screw this up, Broiles will can you. And, let's face it Hawkes, you've pretty much run out of agencies. So why don't you walk away, ok?"

Hawkes looks hurt. But I'm too angry at the idea of him screwing up my first chance at getting some freedom from the Agency to care.

"Walk."

"I'm walking."

"Good. Go."

"Can't you see I'm walking?!" He starts getting angry, and I feel a pang of regret. But I'm angry too and shove that pang aside.

"Good."

"I'm walking! But I'm not leaving until we talk."

"Fine." I roll my eyes as Hawkes walks away and focus back on the target. I watch him settle into one of the poolside lounge chairs. A hostess talks to him, and he orders something. And then he's left alone with his newspaper.

"Hey, um, our man is settling in, but I don't see a briefcase."

"Don't worry about that. Open yours. The combination is 8-4-9."

"Alright," I say, wondering how we're going to salvage the mission. "You're the boss."

I set the case on the ground in front of me and get on my knees. I spin the dials and pop it open.

There's a dismantled rifle inside...

And I grab the back of my head as a sharp pain hits it...

"The hell is this?"

"Welcome...to your new career..."

Oh crap...

"Up yours, Broiles. I'm no hitman."

"Well, of course not. You're a red-blooded American patriot in the service of his country."

"Hey. I'm not killing for your or anybody else." Suddenly, the stabbing pain in my head shoots down my neck.

"How're you felling about now?"

"Like my head's on fire."

"Sounds like the start of Quicksilver Madness to me."

"Yeah, right. Can't be. You just game me..."

"Sugar water. Placebo. Wanted to make sure you stayed in the proper state of mind."

"You son of a *****."

"Look at it this way. You do a shot for me, I do a shot for you. That's going to be the nature of our relationship from now on."

Sick ****ing freak!

"Goddamn it, Broiles. You can't do this!"

"Wrong, see-through boy. I can make you do whatever I want. Unless you decide to leave the real world behind and spend the rest of your life in a rubber room."

"It's your choice."

I roll my head around, trying to think clearly enough to come up with a way out of this.

"But given the amount of pain probably rolling around in that head of yours, I'd say your just about out of time."

Slowly, I reach out, and pick up a piece of the rifle. It feels odd in my hands. Suddenly my head shoots with more pain, this time not letting up, and I realize I am royally screwed.

***

The target finishes off his drink just as the hostess drops him off a replacement.

"Thank you."

He takes a sip, sets it down, and gets up. He walks over to the pool and dips his foot in the water to test the temperature.

BANG

He falls into the water as the people scream and run...

Broiles smiles...

 

[Mr. Majestic]

Walking into my quarters I’m a bit surprised to see everything is still how I left it. I thought for sure that maybe they probably changed it but it seems that I was wrong. Good thing to because I have AL connected to the Guardian’s network from here.

After what happened to the kid today I have to see what I can find out about those robots. I should have taken them out without Icon having to help. But it seems that I’m still afraid to go all out. Last time I did I lost control of my self and almost crossed the line. If Icon didn’t stop me there is no telling where I may have ended up.

I sit down in my chair and turn on the computer and pull out the earpiece from out of the desk drawer.

“Al it’s me are you online?” I say waiting to hear my artificial intelligent friend on the other end.

“Hello sir, I see you are back at the Guardian headquarters. How is your first day back?”

“I’ll tell you about that later right now my friend I need for you to analyze some information I’m about to send you. Let me know everything you can about these machines. Also I ran across some tech I have never seen. See what you can find out about that.”

“Right away sir.”

I use my decisive memory ability and began typing in all the information that I had received. Hopefully AL will be able to tell me something interesting.

 

[Carnage27]

The Angel of Death is wounded, but he's still insanely powerful. I can't let my guard down, or he'll stop Archangel from getting to Inferno. He slashes at me with a sword, and I roll out of the way.

"Let's turn the heat up a little," I say as I send a stream of purple flame his way. It slams into him, but he painfully pushes his way through, and tries to intercept Michael. "Oh no you don't!"

I lash out with shadow tendrils, wrapping them around his legs and slingshotting him back towards me. Once he reaches me I slam the edge of my shield into him with a wicked uppercut. He then slams into the ground hard, and spits at my feet, "You fool. You dare strike me. The progeny of lesser gods. You forget your place in this world. In this Universe."

"Yea?" I respond with a smirk. "Well this fool just kicked your ass."

I slam my sword through his shoulder, pinning him to the ground and head to help Mike with Inferno.
​

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Dylan reviews the purposed S.T.R.I.K.E budget as given to him the Office of Budgeting and Accounting.

He shakes his head.

It's amazing that these people can do anything with the Budget they've been given. This won't work at all!

Katy enters his office and says, "Mr. chambers your 1pm appointment Senator Daniels is here."

Dylan says, "Show him in Katy."

The two men meet, exchange pleasantries and have a drink.

Dylan says, "Senator there is no way that the STRIKE can function on this budget. They're going to need a much larger operating budget and lot so of next gen equipment to carry out their mission."

Daniels replies, "I understand that Dylan, but with the economy the way it is what else can we do?"

Dylan replies, "You will devote your every waking moment to finding the money in the budget."

Daniels says, "Absolutely the need all the help they can get."

Dylan says, "You will e-mail me a list of those who have influence over the budgetary process and who need to be convinced to see to it that STRIKE gets a larger budget."

Daniels replies, "You'll have it in 24 hours."

Dylan replies, "Excellent."

The two men make some more small talk as Dylan begins planning his power play to get S.T.R.I.K.E a new budget.

 

[sabetoonth]

The Angel of Death is wounded, but he's still insanely powerful. I can't let my guard down, or he'll stop Archangel from getting to Inferno. He slashes at me with a sword, and I roll out of the way.

"Let's turn the heat up a little," I say as I send a stream of purple flame his way. It slams into him, but he painfully pushes his way through, and tries to intercept Michael. "Oh no you don't!"

I lash out with shadow tendrils, wrapping them around his legs and slingshotting him back towards me. Once he reaches me I slam the edge of my shield into him with a wicked uppercut. He then slams into the ground hard, and spits at my feet, "You fool. You dare strike me. The progeny of lesser gods. You forget your place in this world. In this Universe."

"Yea?" I respond with a smirk. "Well this fool just kicked your ass."

I slam my sword through his shoulder, pinning him to the ground and head to help Mike with Inferno.
​

It was near agonizing to hear their screams echo in his ears, in his head, just crying out for liberation. It was agonizing. And still he persisted in trying to claw through his armor, rip through it, it was like a terrible itch he couldn't scratch. He tried to get his back, his arms, everywhere.

"Make it stop!" He swung out, his vision clouded over by this sudden unexplained madness, but he kept fighting, finding the strength to refuse to scratch and claw, gripping the sides of his head. "No! I'm not bringing it on!" He struck the ice, it cracked and tiny pieces broke off but it all filled in with new ice. He took to a knee, holding his head and repeatedly punching the ice. "I am not his son!" Why hadn't Grim told him something like this happened? He'd mentioned being the Devil's spawn, but never once did letting the devil out of his prison.

The voices persisted, but they were not nearly as loud. Through gritted teeth Inferno could utter only, "I have a choice!"

And as if by magic that was it. The fight between his new comrades and Gadreel came into view and Inferno was angry. Angry at the fallen angel for getting him to listen to the voices. Angry and his mentor, the Grim Reaper for not warning him about this. And he was angrier at himself for not thinking that any of this could have happened all the way back when he first joined this crusade to save an archangel.

Getting to his feet slowly he clenched his fists, if you'd be able to actually see his knuckles under the armor they'd be white. Seeing them both coming his way, Michael and Cerberus, he let them know he was alright, or as alright as he could be.

"I'll be fine." That was all he said with angry determination before he started moving their way, and then past them picking up speed as he grew closer to Gadreel.

The demonic creature tore the blade out of his shoulder with a sound of great pain. The nature of the sound Elijah couldn't quite describe right, somehow it was like a scream and a roar at the same time, from the same mouth. He was back to his feet and ready for a fight in little to no time, picking up the weapon which had been through his shoulder.

Elijah vaulted Gadreel, his forearms changing, morphing into blades. Gadreel swung over in a back reaching arch, the sword glancing off the cambion's forearm blades. With the landing a quick duel began, blades meeting and glancing off each other. They went back and forth, attacks, parries, counters twists. Taking opportunities to punch, kick and grab at each other if they could. Elijah incorporating more acrobatic movements as he was smaller. Skilled, but this was no dance.

Gadreel parried circularly, spinning to bring around the blade to the outside of the guard, Elijah saw and opening and he took it, shaping one forearm back to normal he grabbed hold of the end of the demon's sword, spinning towards the monster himself and ripping the blade from his hands, passing it between hands before he ran it through his chest. The creature fell to its knees and Elijah removed the blade, twirling it in his hand before slicing through the neck cleanly.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Elijah vaulted Gadreel, his forearms changing, morphing into blades. Gadreel swung over in a back reaching arch, the sword glancing off the cambion's forearm blades. With the landing a quick duel began, blades meeting and glancing off each other. They went back and forth, attacks, parries, counters twists. Taking opportunities to punch, kick and grab at each other if they could. Elijah incorporating more acrobatic movements as he was smaller. Skilled, but this was no dance.

Gadreel parried circularly, spinning to bring around the blade to the outside of the guard, Elijah saw and opening and he took it, shaping one forearm back to normal he grabbed hold of the end of the demon's sword, spinning towards the monster himself and ripping the blade from his hands, passing it between hands before he ran it through his chest. The creature fell to its knees and Elijah removed the blade, twirling it in his hand before slicing through the neck cleanly.

Gadreel's head cut clean off of his neck and body, it goes flying through the air for a brief moment, and lands on the freezing ice. The gargantuan body of his, tumbles over, making a loud thud as Inferno's attack seems to stick. We all are silent for a moment. This is Hell after all. Can you truly kill a demon?

I mean...isn't that just--

"Hahaha...I am...impressed, Elijah. Who would've thought...that you could muster up the will to...could this be my punishment?"

Suddenly, the headless body of Gadreel starts to sink into the ice as though it were quicksand, freezing over at it does this. And...I cannot believe it. As his body starts to sink and freeze over, as I look back at his decapitated head, I see such fear in Gadreel's eyes as it looks like he looks into a vast nothingness. He continues to call out to...seemingly no one. Although it is obvious that he is in fact speaking to his master: Lucifer. He should be overjoyed then. Joining his 'precious master' in this graveyard of frozen water.

Yea, I'll admit it. And if need be I'll be the first to say it. I don't feel sorry for him right now.

"Why, my master? Is it because...had I not brought the son of Jophiel, would I had been instead reborn in glorious and agonizing fire? You value the captivity of St. Michael this much? I did not fail you! I--I brought you your son! This...this was NOT how it was supposed to be! Please! I can still serve you!"

Who would have thought. Who could've guessed? An eternity this fallen angel has served in Hell, ever since he assisted Lucifer in his rebellion, and the thought of being frozen into this lake scares even him. Then Gadreel looks over at me, as his head is now sinking into the ice as well. He suddenly smiles, laughs manically, and speaks out to me.

"Hahahaha. You may have won this battle, son of Jophiel...but if you listened at all to a thing your mother said, you will do well to remember that I was her one ally in this eternal pit. With what you and your colleagues have done, as I will now be forever entombed with my master and the other pitiful souls of this realm of Hell, think back on what you have just done. You will never see your mother again, now."

I grit my teeth, wanting to kick him down so that he will sink faster, but Cerberus holds me back and I don't have it in me to curse the words I'm thinking right now. I just want to get out of here. Just want to get out--

He's gone. A new tenant in this frozen lake. The crisis is averted. We can now get on with our mission.

"I'm fine, Cerberus. You...you can let me go."

I sigh, and I start walking forward. Inferno walks up to us, and for a split second there are no words among us. Can only imagine what he's feeling right now and what he just went through while we were trying to fight Gadreel. Yea, he didn't tell us about him being the son of...well, you know...but, hey...not like he apparently knew that that meant he could've freed his father. So, I decide to be the first to speak; not even addressing it.

"It's time to save St. Michael the archangel. It's time to get the hell outta here."

We tread for a few more minutes, and then we see him. My G--geez. St. Michael the archangel. We get to where he's being held captive, and he's chained to the ice, hellish spears keeping his wings pinned down. He looks up at his from a short distance, and he looks in shock.

"Who...who are you?"

I gesture, and immediately Cerberus and Inferno work on pulling the spears out of his wings. Slowly walking over him, his eyes locked on mine, I kneel down before him, and with the Sword of the Spirit I slice the chains that bind the rest of his body with ease.

"My sword...my...armor. Who are you?"

"My name's Michael, uh, Michael. Or do you prefer St. Michael the archangel? Sorry, I, uh...I'm not sure how you will grasp this since you've been held captive here well before I was even born but--"

"You are Jophiel's son. Seldom times, as she makes her way across this frozen wasteland, she visits me when the eyes of Hell are not watching...to try to comfort me."

"We came here to free you. To take you back to Heaven. Although, I...don't know how. Heh, was kinda hoping that you would know the way back. You do...don't you?"

He starts to chuckle and to be honest...it's kinda creepy. Like I mean...really creepy. He smiles at me, spreads his wings and spreads out his arms and speaks.

"Slay me."

...

...

...

"...WHAT?"

"Slay me so that I may return to Heaven. Then I can summon the powers to transport you out of here. Did you not wonder why of all the things that these hellish creatures could have done to me, they simply kept me chained and pinned down? Rather than brutally mutilate me and submit me to harsh agony? To slay me, would set me free. So...slay me, Michael. Set me free."

I look over at Cerberus and Inferno, who both shrug their shoulders at me. Looking down at the Sword of the Spirit in my hands, I take a deep breath.

"Free me so that I may give you my blessings this day, Michael, and have you return to the realm of the living."

"Here goes nothing."

I dig the sword into his chest, and I thank God that he doesn't scream from the blow. That would've made this a whole lot more difficult. He simply nods at me, and I dig the sword deeper. Then I take a step back as he brings his hands together, clasped as though he is about to pray. He mutters something under his breath, and his body starts to glow an enchanting white aura.

The aura illuminates to the point of its light enveloping the very scenery around us, and the Armor of God along with the Sword of the Spirit seems to vanish away and I stand with Inferno and Cerberus in this endless gaze of white for a moment.

"...Something tells me that I did that wrong. I mean--WOAH!!"

Energy surges around me, my body starts to lift, my back starts to tingle and then burn as the angelic symbol of Faith becomes branded onto my skin. I smile. The transformation. The Archangel State. This is it. I'm receiving the blessings.

I saved St. Michael the archangel and I'm receiving my blessings I was promised. Before the transformation is finished, St. Michael the archangel appears before us in this white space.

"Thank you, son of Jophiel. Now, before I rejoin my brethren in the Court of the Archangels, I shall return you and your allies to the realm of the living as promised. Should you need my guidance simply tap into the Pax Dei. On this day in which I bless you, you can wield the awesome powers of Fire and Water together in harmony. As though they are one. Farewell."

"Bye."

He illuminates once more, and suddenly we are teleported, landing back in Lost Haven where we met up in the first place.

 

[wiegeabo]

"Up yours, Broiles. I'm no hitman."

"Well, of course not. You're a red-blooded American patriot in the service of his country."

"Hey. I'm not killing for your or anybody else." Suddenly, the stabbing pain in my head shoots down my neck.

"How're you felling about now?"

"Like my head's on fire."

"Sounds like the start of Quicksilver Madness to me."

"Yeah, right. Can't be. You just game me..."

"Sugar water. Placebo. Wanted to make sure you stayed in the proper state of mind."

"You son of a *****."

"Look at it this way. You do a shot for me, I do a shot for you. That's going to be the nature of our relationship from now on."

Sick ****ing freak!

"Goddamn it, Broiles. You can't do this!"

"Wrong, see-through boy. I can make you do whatever I want. Unless you decide to leave the real world behind and spend the rest of your life in a rubber room."

"It's your choice."

I roll my head around, trying to think clearly enough to come up with a way out of this.

"But given the amount of pain probably rolling around in that head of yours, I'd say your just about out of time."

Slowly, I reach out, and pick up a piece of the rifle. It feels odd in my hands. Suddenly my head shoots with more pain, this time not letting up, and I realize I am royally screwed.

***

The target finishes off his drink just as the hostess drops him off a replacement.

"Thank you."

He takes a sip, sets it down, and gets up. He walks over to the pool and dips his foot in the water to test the temperature.

BANG

He falls into the water as the people scream and run...

Broiles smiles...

"Go, go, go! Everyone clear out! He's still firing." Hawkes fires a pair of rounds into the bushes, and that gets the stragglers finally moving. He runs over to a cabana and rolls a message table out towards the pool.

I reappear a safe distance away and grab my head. Going see-through this close to madness was not a smart move. The last thing I needed was even more quicksilver in my bloodstream.

But I push through the pain and grab the lifeguard's rescue poll as I run up to Hawkes. I reach out with the poll and bring the body closer as Hawkes reaches down to pull him up. I try to help, but flinch at the shock running down my spine.

"What's the matter with you?"

I help Hawkes get the man on the table. "I need a shot. Like right now."

"Not now, come on."

"No. Now!"

"...Hang in there and help me."

So, Bobby fired his own gun, while I went invisible and knocked my 'target' into the pool. Good enough to fool Broiles, and scare the crap out of fifty people. And now we're rolling they poor guy out through the lobby to Hawkes' van in the parking lot.

"Get this, Broiles gave me a fake shot of counteragent."

"Real sweetheart. Just what the Agency needed."

The guy I just gave a headache to starts coming around as we load him into the back of the van. "Ugh...what happened?"

"We just faked your death to save your skin."

"Wait...what did you say?"

"We faked his death. You were there."

"Faked-" I almost collapse to my knees as I grab my neck.

"Oh, come one. Not now..." Hawkes helps me into the van beside the other guy. "Come on, get in. There's a pillow, take a nap. Just don't go red eye on me We'll talk about it later."

 

[Hound55]

1 week earlier – A S.T.R.I.K.E facility, location undisclosed

Heavy eyes fought their way open, looking up to find a smiling man in a medical mask. This was not the warm smile of a friend, but the smile of a successful participant in a game that Henry Patton could not appreciate.

The mask was once again secured over his nose and mouth, as the man turned a dial, presumably controlling the flow of gas, from somewhere below him.

“It’s alright. You need more rest.”


5 Days Ago - A S.T.R.I.K.E facility, location undisclosed

Henry Patton sits in a light, paper thin medical gown. His legs dangle high off the ground as he sits on a medical bed covered in butchers paper. He scans the room for the 20th time, looking for whatever minor entertainment or distraction he can find to quell his nerves while he waits.

A doctor in a labcoat walks in, clipboard in hand.

“Morning Hank…”

The ex-head warden cringes at the informality and presumed familiarity.

“Henry.”

“Or Mister Patton to you.” Henry thought to himself, immediately regretting his compromise. It was this room. This situation which made him feel powerless, a feeling that he had known all too well and hated since the dreams started.

“Sorry. Henry.” The doctor dropped himself into a slightly too low chair and scooted towards Henry across the linoleum floor.

"Well, you've had a couple days to recover. Have you noticed anything different?"

Henry Patton glared at the doctor, before garnishing his expression with a sprig of contempt.

"How would I know? You people don't let me DO anything. You didn't even let me walk here." Patton said, pointing to a wheelchair in the corner.

"Well, Henry, you've just undergone a major procedure involving gene therapy... For a few days afterwards we want to let your body try and recuperate..."

"So, when are we going to know if it's worked?"

"Well, in a few days time we'll start testing. See if we can find out just how stable your own particular situation is. As you're no doubt aware, we've had... rather limited success with our past attempts at this procedure."

"Interesting way of saying 'Everyone who we've done this to has died.'"

"Mmm, quite..." The doctor admitted, looking down sheepishly before seeing the clipboard in his hand.

"Ah, that reminds me. You've still got some more paperwork to sign."

The doctor leans over and puts the clipboard in Henry's right hand before looking into own pocket for a pen. Henry took the clipboard and braced it against his left forearm, before holding his right hand out for the pen to come.

"No."

"What?"

The doctor took the clipboard back from Patton, before turning it around and giving it back to his right hand, following it up by stuffing the pen in his left hand.

"Sign it." The doctor said with a wry smile upon his face.

"I will." Henry said to the Doctor, giving him an expression as if he was a madman, before positioning himself to sign it once more.

"No."

"Now what?"

The doctor took the clipboard and pen and gave it back once more.

"Sign it."

Henry Patton held both of his hands up, with the writing implements in each hand.

"Make up your mind, do you want me to or not?" before looking at the "paperwork".

"What's this all about?" Henry asked, referring to the clipboard which contained nothing but a blank sheet of paper.

"Just sign it. Like that. Now."

Henry propped the clipboard up with his right this time, and let pen fall to paper in his left hand. The unnatural became instinctive. Flowing from the pen came the type of handwriting that would have rendered his right hand envious.

"Well, maybe we can start some non-strenuous testing..."

3 Days Ago - A S.T.R.I.K.E facility, location undisclosed

Air is cut by a dart as Henry Patton proves his worth.

Thnk!

Bullseye.

A man in a white lab-coat with a clipboard etches a note.

“Was that seven or eight?!”

“Number seven of this batch, Henry.”

Patton sighs, twirling another dart between his fingers, with a speed that causes the flights to fan the fringe out of his face.

“I don’t think you realize just how boring this is… Can’t we try with something else? Sniper rifle? Archery? Playing cards?”

“Just have some patience, Henry. Only three more sets after this one, and three more darts in this set.”

With a push of his wrist and deft flick of his fingers the dart spiralled its way to the board.

Thnk!

Bullseye.

The man who would become known as SureShot sighed audibly. “Thirty-two to go…”

“That’s right…”

Twirling the next dart, he checks its weight.

"Hmm... The ninth dart in every set isn't perfectly balanced..."

"What was that?!?"

The man which Henry Patton had become allowed for the imperfect dart, which took an arced route to the dartboard.

Thnk!

"I said 'Pretty tricky giving me an unbalanced dart in each set'!" SureShot yelled.

Fifty yards away, standing next to the dartboard the man in the lab-coat smiled and made a note in his clipboard.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

As the sun rises over downtown Lost Haven, Alexander Anderson sits at his desk reading the briefings from the previous night's operations over a cup of coffee. He is happy to see that his drones were extremely effective. They took down six dangerous metas all over the city, and would have had another if it weren't for interference from The Guardians, and the very man who he would be meeting with in this very room at any moment.

He also notes that his new agent Rick "Piston" Hunter was very impressive in his first official mission with the Vanguard in apprehending a wanted meta felon.

He also notes the capture of an extremely dangerous meta who has been wanted since he wrought destruction all over the city several years ago by dropping "astroids" on populated areas. The derranged "hero" thought he was doing good by eliminating dangerous threats from the city; however, the civilian casualties were hard to ignore, and the agency has been actively surching for the menace for years. However, he has eluded capture until last night. Anderson is happy to see that he is slated for immediate termination.

As Anderson goes through the pages of his files, there is a sudden "rap, rap, rap" at his window. He looks up and smiles to see the Icon's form outside his window, silhouetted but the sun. Anderson reaches over to his desk and hits a switch, and the massive window slowly slides open.

"Good morning son, I wasn't sure you'd make it." Anderson says as he steps forward, extending his hand to the hero.

 

[wiegeabo]

"Go, go, go! Everyone clear out! He's still firing." Hawkes fires a pair of rounds into the bushes, and that gets the stragglers finally moving. He runs over to a cabana and rolls a message table out towards the pool.

I reappear a safe distance away and grab my head. Going see-through this close to madness was not a smart move. The last thing I needed was even more quicksilver in my bloodstream.

But I push through the pain and grab the lifeguard's rescue poll as I run up to Hawkes. I reach out with the poll and bring the body closer as Hawkes reaches down to pull him up. I try to help, but flinch at the shock running down my spine.

"What's the matter with you?"

I help Hawkes get the man on the table. "I need a shot. Like right now."

"Not now, come on."

"No. Now!"

"...Hang in there and help me."

So, Bobby fired his own gun, while I went invisible and knocked my 'target' into the pool. Good enough to fool Broiles, and scare the crap out of fifty people. And now we're rolling they poor guy out through the lobby to Hawkes' van in the parking lot.

"Get this, Broiles gave me a fake shot of counteragent."

"Real sweetheart. Just what the Agency needed."

The guy I just gave a headache to starts coming around as we load him into the back of the van. "Ugh...what happened?"

"We just faked your death to save your skin."

"Wait...what did you say?"

"We faked his death. You were there."

"Faked-" I almost collapse to my knees as I grab my neck.

"Oh, come one. Not now..." Hawkes helps me into the van beside the other guy. "Come on, get in. There's a pillow, take a nap. Just don't go red eye on me We'll talk about it later."

Broiles stolls into the lab, a self-satisfied smile on his face. And he's surprised to find the Doctor working at her old terminal. Especially since she's not supposed to be in the lab.

"Working on something?"

"My resume," she says snarkly. "Just needed some of my old notes."

"Oh re-"

***

"-aly?"

The lab door suddenly opens behind Broiles, and Hawkes nearly drags me inside as he supports my weight.

"Got him. Blew his head clean off," I say almost like a drunkard.

"Good job."

"We need a shot, right now!"

The Doctor rushes to put on some gloves and grab a syringe. Broiles reaches into his jacket and pulls out a vial. He puts it in her hands.

"Here. Don't worry, it's real."

"What?"

Bastard.

Hawkes helps my into my exam chair and a wave of pain, the REAL wave, washes over me. Even though I can't see them, by the feel of that last burn, and the looks in their eyes, I can guess the color mine are turning.

But the Doc keeps working and fills the needle as Hawkes holds me down.

"Who next?" Hawkes asks Broiles. "Gonna send him to Cuba? Iran? Guy could really make a mark with this."

"At least someone is happy in their work." With that, Broiles leaves the lab.

"There we go," the Doc says as the coolness spreads through my veins.

I slowly raise my head, my eyes clear again. I look around, making sure Broiles is gone. "You know...he's right about one thing. I am starting to like my work. So let's say we kick his slimy ass outta here and get the Fat Man back?"

"Now you're talking. A mission you can get behind."

"Damn right. So...what do we do?"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Dylan makes his way to his private health spa when a group of reporters come up to him shouting questions about his recent involvement with S.T.R.I.K.E

Dylan finally stops and says, "I am merely doing all that I can to help a valued Government Organization. My law practice should not be affected too much I have released some of my clients from their retainer fees and we are still on good terms."

He looks straight in the camera and says, "I've got no doubt that it will be a most frutiful realtionship for each of us, and the our city will be far safer without these dangerous Metahumans running around playing judge and jury."

Dylan gives an evil smile and heads off to his workout.

 

[Carnage27]

I appear back in Lost Haven, still trying to gather myself from the previous few moments. I'm pretty sure we just killed two angels. Well, we killed them to the extent that you can kill an angel I guess. I dunno. Things are a lot less confusing on my side of the deity spectrum.

"So...we met a fallen angel, beat the hell out of said fallen angel, killed an archangel, who then brought us back here," I sigh. "And we also prevented the end of the world, right? Mission accomplished? Cowabunga!"

The other two look around at each other, and I'm guessing they're thinking the same thing I am, "Yea...that seemed kind of easy didn't it? I mean if preventing the apocalypse is that easy, I don't think we have too much to worry about."
​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

As the sun rises over downtown Lost Haven, Alexander Anderson sits at his desk reading the briefings from the previous night's operations over a cup of coffee. He is happy to see that his drones were extremely effective. They took down six dangerous metas all over the city, and would have had another if it weren't for interference from The Guardians, and the very man who he would be meeting with in this very room at any moment.

He also notes that his new agent Rick "Piston" Hunter was very impressive in his first official mission with the Vanguard in apprehending a wanted meta felon.

He also notes the capture of an extremely dangerous meta who has been wanted since he wrought destruction all over the city several years ago by dropping "astroids" on populated areas. The derranged "hero" thought he was doing good by eliminating dangerous threats from the city; however, the civilian casualties were hard to ignore, and the agency has been actively surching for the menace for years. However, he has eluded capture until last night. Anderson is happy to see that he is slated for immediate termination.

As Anderson goes through the pages of his files, there is a sudden "rap, rap, rap" at his window. He looks up and smiles to see the Icon's form outside his window, silhouetted but the sun. Anderson reaches over to his desk and hits a switch, and the massive window slowly slides open.

"Good morning son, I wasn't sure you'd make it." Anderson says as he steps forward, extending his hand to the hero.

Icon touches down in Anderson's office, and walks straight passed this outstreatched hand. He turns to face the Director, crossing his arms across his chest.

"I couldn't pass up the chance, Director. It seems that we have alot to talk about." Icon says evenly.

"Oh, indeed we do." Anderson agrees.

"Such as, why exactly you and your organization have been targeting us."

"Son, we're not targeting you-"

"Save it Anderson, there's a kid laying in a hospital bed in our medical wing with a bullet in his gut that says differently." Icon says incredulously.

"I understand where you're coming from, I really do. But the fact is, the incident last night was nothing more than a misunderstanding. That boy was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. My drones had been tracking a group of armed meta humans in that part of town. Unfortunately for the boy, my drones picked up on him and because of his gifts had designated him a threat."

"A misunderstanding? Just like when your goons tried to abduct Archangel?" Icon says coldly, staring at the Director.

"No, that was no misunderstanding. The fact of the matter is that Mr. Angelo had been involved in a skirmish between my men and a metahuman agent that had gone rogue. We did attack him, yes. However, that was because of the initial confusion of the incident. Once we realized our error, we simply wanted to talk to him, to debrief him to see if we could learn anything from him of the incident. However, your interference prevented us from getting valuable information which would have helped us better contain the threat. Information which would have prevented his escape, and that entire fiasco at your little clubhouse. Because of you, we lost a number of good agents in that attack...and your blood is on your hands." He says with a controlled rage in his voice.

"I'm sorry Director, but I'm not responsible for those mens' deaths, you are."

"I beg your pardon?" Anderson says, the anger in his voice growing more apparent.

"You created the conditions that put those mens' lives in danger when you agreed to work with that man in the first place. You had no way to control him, and no real plan for containing him. If the Guardians hadn't been there to clean up your mess, who knows how bad it would have been?"

"We can do this all day. Go round and round, playing the blame game...but really, what good would it do any of us?" Anderson says as he casually walks around his desk and takes a seat. "The thing is Icon, believe it or not...we're on the same side."

"Is that so?" Icon asks, unable to mask the skepticism from his tone.

"It is. We both know that the metahumans are a dangerous threat, and we both do our parts to keep that threat in check."

"No, you use propaganda to turn public opinion against metahumans. Over the last few months, I've seen attacks against metahumans and those who support metahumans rise at an alarming rate. What you've done is turn one portion of the population against another for your own agenda." Icon says accusingly.

"All I've done is provide the facts. You can't deny that since the invasion, there has been an increase in metahuman attacks against the populace. The Lost Haven Plaza Hotel, the bridge attack...how many people died in just those attacks? What about all the people who died when that Hybrid creature incinerated the Galleria Mall?" Anderson says, his voice rising slightly.

Icon stands silently as Anderson continues.

"Almost 3,000 people died in those attacks. And do you know how many attacks we've prevented since then? We've stopped more than a dozen terrorist plots that were to be carried out by metahuman criminals using the information that we've gathered in our raids. So you see, we are in the same business, and that is saving lives. The main difference between you and me, is that I don't wait for something to happen before I react. I remove the threat before it becomes a problem."

"By hunting down a group of people because they're different?

"Son, we can do this all day...go round and round throwing one accuasation out there after another. But that doesn't accomplish anything, and it's not why I asked you to meet me here today." Anderson says, his voice growing calmer.

"Which is?"

"To ask you to come work with us. Imagin the good we could do if we were able to put our egos aside and work together."

"No."

"What?"

"I'm sorry Director, but we can't come to work for you. The fact is, I don't trust you. Something about this whole thing isn't right, and we won't be a part of it. Now, if that's all..." Icon says as he makes his way to the window.

Anderson just sits there and watches as the hero slowly ascends to the skies.

"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way son. It really would be a shame if we had any more misunderstandings." He says, and as Icon streaks out of sight, a sinister grin creeps across his face.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Edit.

 

[sabetoonth]

For a second he'd just stood there, watching as the fallen angel sunk into the ice. When it was done he just dropped the sword, the clang ringing through the dark realm.

That summed it up pretty well for Eli, it did seem rather easy. Killing Michael didn't feel quite right, killing the Archangel, watching it happen, something just odd and yet awesome in the traditional sense. It was probably just the idea of killing an Archangel

"Speaking of, anyone else have even just a little sense of foreboding?"

 

[trustyside-kick]

I appear back in Lost Haven, still trying to gather myself from the previous few moments. I'm pretty sure we just killed two angels. Well, we killed them to the extent that you can kill an angel I guess. I dunno. Things are a lot less confusing on my side of the deity spectrum.

"So...we met a fallen angel, beat the hell out of said fallen angel, killed an archangel, who then brought us back here," I sigh. "And we also prevented the end of the world, right? Mission accomplished? Cowabunga!"

The other two look around at each other, and I'm guessing they're thinking the same thing I am, "Yea...that seemed kind of easy didn't it? I mean if preventing the apocalypse is that easy, I don't think we have too much to worry about."
​

For a second he'd just stood there, watching as the fallen angel sunk into the ice. When it was done he just dropped the sword, the clang ringing through the dark realm.

That summed it up pretty well for Eli, it did seem rather easy. Killing Michael didn't feel quite right, killing the Archangel, watching it happen, something just odd and yet awesome in the traditional sense. It was probably just the idea of killing an Archangel

"Speaking of, anyone else have even just a little sense of foreboding?"

I'm so busy just being...ecstatic that everything worked and paid off and that I'm with the Archangel's blessings once more that I only hear of what Cerberus says at first. Now, with the blessings of St. Michael the archangel I can wield fire and water which is awesome. I've managed earth and wind together but not fire and water say for on Sundays when Metatron blesses me. Thing is, every archangel that blesses me...almost has like their own 'touch'. Kinda like even though my control over the elements is via the Cordis Dei...the Pax Dei is a factor in my wielding of them.

But it's time to get out of this fascination and address a good point Cerberus brings up.

"Well...if that wasn't it then what else could all that prophecy nonsense about? It talked about a betrayal...but it wasn't out of any act of pride. Inferno almost spilled his own blood because Gadreel made him listen to the souls of the frozen lake. And that technically wasn't betrayal! Or, well...what then, a betrayal of trust? By not telling us his father was the big bad devil? I'm sorry but...we've just met Inferno. Just met each other. I'd be more taken aback if we had been long term buds but that isn't exactly a grave betrayal in my opinion."

I tread around the area we are in for a while, giving some more thought to the situation, and decide to manipulate the water in the water fountain not too far away; kinda to relieve stress like a stress ball. Then I realize that it's not bending to my will and instead I feel the wind heed my call instead.

"What? That means...today is Wednesday? That short time in Hell in our time was an entire day? Then what went down in Hell definitely could not have been the huge threat, guys. In the vision I was shown, I...I was in the Archangel State. And we were--"

My eyes go wide, and I let the gust of wind in my hand disperse.

"And we were...here. At this very spot when the--"

"When the World meets its End."

All of our heads turn towards Bath Kol. The Angel of Prophecy who has suddenly decided to 'greet' us with his presence. I'm caught in a feeling of relief now as he is now here. I fly over, practically like a child whose father had just come home now seeking guidance, and Bath Kol simply gestures me and I know to stop as he is about to speak.

"Bath Kol. The visions you saw...they are...are they about to happen?"

For the first time in my life, or rather, well...technically for as long as I've known Bath Kol he actually...looks overjoyed. Which has got to be fantastic news because I don't think I have ever seen this dude smile before. It's almost 'doom and gloom' and being overly serious say for earlier when he revealed to me the coming chaos and was actually scared himself.

So if anyone has the answers, Bath Kol does.

"The visions are not about to happen, Michael. They have always been happening. They always are happening. Though I pray that you understand what is about to happen, and join in adoration. Because of you, this world will in fact be saved. You see, by destroying the world it shall be saved. From Sin."

"What? What are you--AAAAGGGGH!!!"

I drop to my knees, and I feel like everything is being ripped out of me. My mind...starts spinning in circles and as I raise my head to look over at Inferno and Cerberus they try to charge forth and get stopped by a circle of white angel-fire.

"What...is...happening to m---AAAAAHH!!"

Suddenly I'm losing control over my body, falling onto my backside, spreading my arms and legs about like DaVinci's Vitruvian Man, and now I can understand what is going as it feels like my hold on the Cordis Dei--the Spirit of God and my very control over the Elements of Creation--is siphoned away from me and transferred to Bath Kol. A few seconds more of this agonizing pain and thoughts of all the people I love and care about, and I feel myself completely drained although still in the Archangel State.

Missing one of my blessings. And I'm too weak to stand right now as Bath Kol towers over me and smiles what I now know is a devilish one.

"Learn to listen, Michael. Understand. You are what I said you are. What I made you to be: The Agnus Dei. The Lamb of God. He who takes away the sins of the world. Now, listen for once."

He removes these golden bracelets that I've always seen placed on his arms above the elbows, and as he does he starts to suddenly glow an angelic and white glow and ascends a few feet in the air. The angel-fire circle surrounding is suddenly ignites with more power and the wall easily exceeds 20 feet of fire.

"When your mother betrayed the Creator, these bands were bound to my flesh. Bound to the flesh of all of my brothers and sisters. Say for the Archangels. And now, with these powers...I am as them. The bands kept us more in check than we already were. Should I had tried to cut off my wings, rather than become mortal like your mother did, they would simply grow right back. Your mother took from me, from all of us the one ounce of free will our Creator granted us. He created us and we 'understood' that it was but a choice to become human, or serve him in Heaven. You know the tale, Michael...so tell me...how many angels cut off their wings before your mother?"

"..."

"HOW MANY?!"

"...None."

"Exactly. It was our one...potential act of free will. When your mother succumbed to her desires for that human waste you call your father, she did what no other angel had done before. Your mother's act defiled our kind! All of the angels in Heaven say for the Archangels were made to wear these bands as a reminder. It was a mark of shame if you ask me! You see, we were never meant to cut off our wings and embrace Humanity to its fullest. That was not why we were told of the possibility! Had that been that case, why...we would have been created as Humans! Not Angels! To put it rather simple, Michael: that ounce of free will...that utterly small ounce...was our one true Test of Faith."

"So, what...my mom becomes human, you have to wear a new piece of jewelery and you are pissed off?"

"I AM AN ANGEL! GOD'S MOST DIVINE OF CREATIONS! DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR THE ONE YOU HAVE SERVED FOR MILLENNIA TO SUDDENLY NO LONGER TRUST YOU? TO LOSE FAITH IN YOU?!"

He almost strikes me and I don't understand why he doesn't. Then he seems to take control of himself, and continues to blurt more nonsense all the while I continue to not see how his actions are justified.

"You see...like just now, then...I was consumed with anger and frustration the day that those bands were bound to my flesh. My only purpose, my...existence...had been to serve He who created the Earth...and then I began to wonder how your mother could have even done it. Not once had I considered the act of cutting off my wings. Lo and behold it turned out to be my kind's greatest Test of Faith but to me it was nothing! Not on the radar! The thought of being human...ridiculous. And then I soon understood what did it. What caused your mother to act in such a foolish way."

"Love."

"Lust! Sin! But...what could possibly draw an angel towards Sin? My kind is educated on the matter of Sin...we are aware of it...but none in Heaven bear witness to it. Have dealt in it, have--"

"You're Sinning right now! You're talking about ending the world!"

"I AM PURGING SIN! I AM SAVING THE WORLD! Now, as I was saying...it was Sin that made your mother act. I do not blame your mother for becoming victim to Sin. I blame the very existence of Sin: Man. Man is Sin, Michael. I have lived since The Beginning to prove it. Man. Is. Sin. Eradicate man and you eradicate Sin. By eradicating Sin, Lucifer, Satan...whichever form of the Devil you wish to label I do not care...grows weak and becomes vulnerable. Without the wicked and sinful souls of Man to perish in Hell, he has no souls to feed off of and grow stronger with. Kill the Devil and...obtain True and Eternal Peace. You see, Michael...I am going to do what the Archangels have failed to do since Lucifer first started his foolish War."

"Alright...let's look at a scenario where I buy your load of crap, because frankly I'm not right now so knowing that I'm not while continuing to talk to you would just drive me nuts: how is taking away my abilities going to allow you to do all of this?"

He chuckles for a moment, and I can start to feel some of my strength returning to me. Gotta keep him talking.

"Hahaha. Michael. Did you not wonder what happens when one of the Archangels bless you? Did you not ever wonder why, one doesn't simply bless you every day or why they simply do not all bless you every day? It's not because they fear you would be unable to handle the power...it's because of the the vulnerability it would bring to Heaven. The Archangels are Heaven's greatest defense. They must always be prepared for the day where Lucifer or one of his minions might somehow make their way into Heaven again and defend it. When, say, Ariel blesses you...for that moment and time she herself is powerless or rather...not quite at her peak. So what I simply plan to do is--"

"Siphon all of their power at once so that they are all weak. Take them out and..and..."

"Yes...yes...Finish it! SAY IT! SAY THE GLORIOUS WORDS YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!"

"You're going to defeat the Archangels, and with Heaven defenseless kill God and recreate everything."

"Precisely, Michael! And with you, oh...you make that all possible! Do you not see how you are indeed the greatest gift to Mankind? The Lamb of God! He who takes away the sins of the Earth! Removing Sin entirely! All those years ago while you were growing in your mother's womb, I was devising this ordeal. The problem was, that even with Metatron and the other 5 'living' Archangels, the power I'd need to slay the Creator would not be enough. Not without...St. Michael the archangel."

"You...you son of a bi--you were waiting all this time...the training, the guidance, the lectures and...this entire time you were waiting until I was ready to save St. Michael the archangel so that you could do...I'LL F***KING KILL YOU!"

Springing into action I try to clock Bath Kol right in the face but he's so damn fast with my abilities that he easily trips me and elbows me in the back. I feel like I've just been hit by a bus with that one blow.

"My my, Michael...what is this? Losing your temper? I believe that's the second time you've ever actually lashed out and cursed like that. How did it feel? Embracing that little sinful part of you that you always try to hide? It felt good to you, didn't it? DIDN'T IT? You're just as bad as the wretched humans. Half-breed."

I remain on the floor, weak, but I can stand up. I could stand up right now and yell back at him once again. I could try to foolishly attack him once again. However...just like before the trip to Hell, I'm practically useless. Only part of the Archangel State in the palm of my hand and...I can't do a thing.

Then, suddenly, the ring of angel-fire around us disperses but when I turn to look over the other direction I know it wasn't Bath Kol's doing.

"That half-breed, in which you say such with such disdain, has more of a right to have angelic blood flowing through his veins than you, Bath Kol: defiler of all that is held sacred and just."

Woah. The Order of the Archangels. Here...all at once. I've...never seen them assembled together before. From left to right, I've never personally met each of them but I could list them easily: Zadkiel, Ariel, Gabriel, Metatron, Michael, Raphael, and Uriel. Though...they don't all seem to be armed. Without the powers of the elements, could they really be so defenseless?

"We may not have the Cordis Dei on our side, as you have somehow concocted a way to strip it of us and pollute...but we are not without our weapons."

"Ariel's just been itching to whip out that blade whip of hers. You wish to take us all on, Bath Kol? Well then, enguarde!"

Suddenly I see Gabriel summoning some sort of shepherd's staff, Raphael pulling out a double-headed staff, Zadkiel busting out these HUGE battle gauntlets, Uriel wielding a two-handed hammer that...by all that physics teaches us looks like he SHOULDN'T be able to be able to pick up, and...Metatron not a thing.

"My brothers and sisters...you think me a betrayer. You think me a liar. I am none of these. All those years ago...when I came to you with the idea of what to do with the son of Jophiel's life, I told you that what was in store for him would be great. To be the Lamb of God. I guided him when it was time, and he even started to become worthy to wear St. Michael the archangel's armor; a thing that few of you can even do! I told you of a vision I had, where Michael would cleanse the Earth of Sin. THIS IS THAT DAY! So you see, I did not lie! This it it!"

"NOW YOU CAN EITHER JOIN ME IN CREATING A WORLD WITHOUT SIN AND SLAYING THE DEVIL ONCE AND FOR ALL OR YOU CAN ALL FACE MY WRATH! The choice is yours."

St. Michael the archangel's sword ignites with even more intense angel fire and Ariel readies her blade whip, spinning it about above her head.

S**t just got real.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Katy calls Dylan to tell him the Senator Daniels has gotten the budget increases he was looking for.

Dylan replies, "Excellent put him on the Christmas Card list. I'm on my way to a meeting with D.K. Williams head of Williams Technology."

Katy says, "Sounds intense from what I understand Williams is a very tough negotiator and not exactly the warm fuzzy type."

Dylan replies, "I've heard the same thing as well, but he is on the cutting edge of weapons tech something S.T.R.I.K.E needs more of instead of these Government handouts and gifts. We need to be making our own roads."

Katy says, "Fair enough Mr. Chambers. I'll send any messages to your voice mail."

Dylan says, "Thank you Katy talk to you later."

He hangs up and walks into the waiting area for Mr. Williams. After a few minutes Dylan is ushered in and after a few minutes of pleasantries Williams says, "I'll cut right to it Chambers. I don't like you. I find you to be a fast talking snake in the grass and the organization you represent is twenty times more dangerous than the metahumans could ever hope to be so you'll get my hands on my weapons and tech the day after North Korea agrees with President Blake on Governmental Philosophy!"

Dylan chuckles and says, "Well your reputation certainly is well founded, but I disagree with you. You're going to do anything I say."

He then stares at Williams and says, "You will furnish S.T.R.I.K.E with any weapons and all tech that you have at your company free of charge."

Williams replies, "Absolutely."

Dylan then says, "You will give them the right of first look at your weapons and tech for the next 20 years."

Williams says, "Sounds good to me."

Dylan finishes with, "You will appoint me to the board of directors to oversee that S.T.R.I.K.E. is given it's proper respect."

Williams nods and says, "Welcome aboard Mr. Chambers." The two men shake hands and Dylan leaves shortly after.

 

[Hound55]

Yesterday – 08:00 – A S.T.R.I.K.E facility – location undisclosed

“I can’t…”

An uncomfortable silence filled the air as Director Anderson allowed his presence and glower to speak for him.

“You- you don’t understand…”

“He scares the hell out of me, truth be told. I said before that his psychological testing ruled him out as a viable candidate.”

“The tests aren’t the only determining factor for selection…”

The doctor sensed that this was to be the end of the matter, but self-preservation of life would not let his self-preservation of career leave it there.

“I can’t do this. I can’t tell him this. You haven’t seen him when it happens. His eyes… The way he looks at me...”

Director Anderson toyed with a knick-knack upon the doctor’s desk, an old hourglass styled egg-timer containing green sand, further demonstrating his power. As if saying that this was his organisation, his building and everything within it was his to survey. Half-filled he would turn the doctor’s time-piece over and over, as sand would drain from one half to the other and vice versa. Anderson looked past the doctor whilst doing this, pausing for effect to see if the doctor’s resolve would truly hold. And then lowered his gaze back to him.

“No, of course not. I’ll handle this one…” The Director spoke, whilst the sand drained from one side, with only a few grains left he flicked his wrist and let the fuller side return some semblance of balance draining back into the empty.


Yesterday – 12:30 – A S.T.R.I.K.E facility – location undisclosed

Black ink drains from a plastic cylinder, revealing the image of a naked girl, just before her painted clothes disappeared completely the girl did a handstand and dressed herself again in the process. Henry Patton sat in his boxer shorts on butchers paper holding the pen he picked up to avoid boredom whilst he waited in the doctor’s office. With a flick of his wrist the girl began to undress once more, whilst Henry Patton painted his own mental picture for another flick of the wrist later that night. The door began to open and his eyes raised in anticipation as he turned his head to the door, but it was not the doctor who walked in but his employer – the esteemed Director of S.T.R.I.K.E.

Henry Patton snapped to his feet from the high-bed in Pavlovian instinct at the sight of the Director.

“At ease…”

“Aww hell…” thought the former warden. “Whatever the news is, its big enough that Anderson was to be the one to tell me.” Henry Patton’s heart sank, yet strangely his greatest disappointment was that he would miss his chance for revenge.

“Now I’ve got good news and bad news…” Said the director, with a stony faced expression that projected the fact that despite the opening, this would have no punchline. Just as direct was his tone, which made it quite clear that he was neither asking a question nor offering a choice as to which he could hear first.

“…now the good news is that we appear to have perfected the process. We have recently acquired new resources in the field, who seem to have unlocked the problem.”

With this Henry Patton breathed a sigh of relief and his smile began to grow whilst the Director spoke.

“Not so fast… the bad news is that you were the last volunteer for the old flawed method.”

Henry Patton’s heart sank, over the next six hours he’d suffer extreme gastric distress and dry retch from the tension.

“What this means, is that your condition is dangerously unstable. Fortunately, since we have perfected the process since our doctors predict that we MAY be able to stabilise you with several more sessions of intense gene therapy.”

“More?!? I barely survived this!” Henry Patton screamed inside his head, but his mouth trapped the words within. The heat and anger burned its way out through his eyes, which smouldered with a rage far beyond that of any sane man.

“Unfortunately, what that will mean is that you will have to remain and reside on the premises for an indefinite period of time… So that we can monitor your condition, of course…”

“Of course…” agreed Henry.

“And obviously, because your condition is… extraordinary, we wouldn’t be able to tell you how long that period of time will be.”

“Obviously…” agreed Henry mindlessly, he was too deep in thought – blaming himself for his haste and eagerness to proceed with what could be a painful vengeance-less death.

“But more good news, so long as you remain here, we might as well put you to good use…”

Henry gave Anderson a quizzical look, he was growing tired of this rollercoaster.

“Tomorrow, I think… yes. Tomorrow we’ll have you meet some of the first new ‘assets’. It will take some more testing to determine your genetic stability, but I’m thinking you should be well enough for the mission that I think you’d really enjoy…”

“Yo- you mean?” Specks of drool flickered from Patton’s mouth in excitement as Anderson rang Henry’s own ‘bell’.

“The pieces aren’t in place yet… But I think we’re all getting a little tired with his meddling...”

A dark grin crossed both men’s faces, but not for the same reason.

Henry Patton would have his shot…

But Director Anderson had his “SureShot”…

 

[trustyside-kick]

Had I the strength to fight back, had I the agility...I still couldn't act as quickly as the Order of the Archangels do as Bath Kol was about to strike. I do manage to roll out of the way, though, and the second that I look back Uriel strikes with his mighty two-handed hammer and Bath Kol absorbs the attack as he summons a wall of stone. Ariel manages to use this distraction to her advantage to ensare Bath Kol's legs together and pull him down. Dashing with intense speed Zadkiel comes forth wielding his battle gauntlets. As he goes forth to plummet Bath Kol into the ground with a fury of blows, he manages to summon a gust of wind to push Ariel back, which causes her to tug on her blade whip, and Bath Kol is pulled in time to dodge Zadkiel's strike. His gauntlets keeping him pinned in the ground as the attack was great, Zadkiel tugs to try to be free and by now Bath Kol has untangled his feet and pulls Ariel foward, flying into the air which causes her to collide with the stuck Zadkiel.

"It's sad, really, how...graceful you would be had you been at full strength. My brothers and sister...surely you realize now how futile this is."

In his arrogance, Bath Kol gets hit by Raphael as he swoops down, spinning his double-headed staff about. One of the blades at the end of his staff at Bath Kol's throat, Raphael smiles as he has Bath Kol at his mercy.

"Do you know that I have always found something suspectible about you, Bath Kol? It was your silver tongue. Always so slick with your words and able to sway others to your cause. Like the day you proposed us to bless the son of Jophiel. When you told us what you had foreseen. Tell me, cretin, did you foresee this!"

Raphael raises up his double-headed staff to drive it into Bath Kol's neck, and from his finger tips Bath Kol ignites Raphael in flame. As the Archangel cries out in pain, Bath Kol stands up and chuckles.

"AAAAHH!! AAHHHHH!!!"

"Something the matter, Raphael? Heal yourself, Raphael! Use your soothing hands! Hahahaa--ARGGH!"

Damn right Uriel uses that moment to take another swing with his hammmer. Bath Kol goes FLYING, crashing into a nearby tree that cracks at the trunk and tips over him. As Gabriel helps Raphael up, the flames now ceased, Raphael takes a few steps, then tips over and passes out. Angered, Gabriel levitates, nodding at Uriel as he starts to spin his staff.

"Shatter the Earth, brother, and I will guide it."

Raises his hammer high and crashing it back down, Uriel does just does, and a chunk of rock bursts into the air. By now, Gabriel has brought forth enough force and wind, that like a projectile the pieces of rock shoots forth at where Bath Kol had crashed into the tree. Uriel continues to strike the ground, over and over, and Gabriel continues to spin his shepherd staff. A few seconds pass and Uriel is exhausted. Over-exerted himself. He takes deep and heavy breaths and Gabriel stops twirling his staff.

All is silent. There is no movement over at the destroyed tree. Uriel smirks.

"Well done, brother. It would appear that the snake has been cru--AHHH!"

Burst from the ground beneath Uriel Bath Kol rises, as though the very ground he moved through was water, manipulating it to his will. He grabs Uriel by the neck and before Gabriel can even react he too is being choked by Bath Kol's other hand. Sucking in air with his mouth, manipulating the very wind as he does so, he sucks out all of the oxygen from both Archangel's lungs, and soon lets go as they drop. Totally unconscious.

Now, all that remains is St. Michael the archangel and Metatron. Who, for some reason, have stayed still this entire time. Metatron calm and steady while it's obvious Michael had been wanting to strike sooner.

"Let me slay him, Metatron."

"I do not believe it is you who will bring Bath Kol to justice, brother."

Slowly flying towards Bath Kol who sadistically smiles with glee, Metatron approaches.

"What is this, Metatron? Has the Voice of God suddenly developed the gift of foresight? You speak as though one will stop me. Though I shall admit...you are correct that it will not be that punk."

"You deserve to BURN, and I shall send you to the rightful to place to do so!"

"Michael!"

St. Michael the archangel halts once more. What does Metatron have up his sleeve that Michael would still not attack?

"Surrender this childish tantrum, Bath Kol, and release your hold over the Cordis Dei...or I will sadly have to remove your body, mind, and spirit from this very plane. I do not wish to do this, brother...stand down."

"If you wish to stop me, Metatron...then stop me. I shall not falter."

I stand up, finally having the strength to do so, and limp towards where the action has been taking place. St. Michael the archangel looks over at me, and he suddenly goes white as he is struck with some sort of unknown fear. He gestures at me with great caution and yells.

"Michael! Friends of Michael! COVER YOUR EARS!"

"Wha?"

I then look over at Metatron, and he seems to take a deep breath. But I see something else. Suddenly...a whole lot of water vapors are forming. Oh crap.

"Metatron, don't!"

But it's too late. I now understand it. Duh. Voice of God. No onder Metatron wasn't wielding a weapon like the other Archangels were. Even without his full strength and other attributes like the Cordis Dei, he is, after all...the Voice of God. Cerberus and Inferno cover their ears. Just in case I still cover my ears, and as Metatron lets out a sonic scream the water vapors I saw encase around his head, solidifying with water. As Metatron unleashes his attack of what I can only imagine is of biblical porportions, Bath Kol has successful encased him...entombed his body with water. Using it against him. It doesn't take much longer until Metatron passes out. The water disperses and his body limps over. Blood coming out of all orafices.

"You bloody fool. Sound travels faster in water. And as you all know, the Cordis Dei, the Spirit of God that I have stolen from all of you...is absolute."

Bath Kol then looks over at St. Michael the archangel. He teases him, gesturing him to come at him with all he's got, and simply smiles as he steps on Metatron's chest with one foot.

"You get your wish, brother. Swing your firey little sword. Charge with your fragile shield. This will be fun."

"I'm going to beg the Creator, that He lets me be the one. The one to escort your spirit when He damns you when this is over. So that I may smile as you are put through the most horrifying of pains imaginable in Lucifer's Kingdom."

St. Michael the archangel dashes towards Bath Kol with such speed and attacks with such ferocity. This entire fight, seeing the Archangels in battle...has been awe inspiring. Even if I had my full powers right now, I...I might still be standing here on the sidelines. Completely dumbfounded. If St. Michael isn't successful...then it's up to Cerberus, Inferno, and myself to then stop Bath Kol.

How the hell are we going to pull that off?

Angel fire is a crazy thing. Won't burn you if you are of pure heart...but sure as hell will if deep down you are wicked. In which case it can literally burn through anything at that point. So I wonder...as St. Michael makes attack after attack with his sword and shield...when he managers to hit Bath Kol's flesh...will he burn? I'm not going crazy here. I know that what Bath Kol intends to do is evil...eradicate all life, kill God, and recreate it all and kill the Devil...but why hasn't God intervened then?

Is it because...Bath Kol is not wicked but rather misguided? So, when St. Michael is successful with his blade...will it do nothing? Might it as well be blunt?

"There was a time where you were the fiercest warrior in Heaven...and then you became the greatest Hero with your sacrifice that encased Lucifer into that frozen lake in Hell. So you have risen, brother, as heroes always do. So you know what comes next..."

Bath Kol catches St. Michael the archangel by the wrist as he strikes once more with his flaming angel-fire sword.

"A hero must...fall."

"AAARGGH!"

He grips tightly, with the strength he possess of all of the Archangels combined, and with the loud crack I can only imagine he shatters St. Michael's wrist. He brings him down on one knee and spits in his face.

"The Order has fallen. Heaven is defenseless. And now...I must leave, brother. But...I shall leave you on your knees and still breathing. It is a sight I will enjoy greatly as I sit upon the Throne of Heaven, bathed in the blood of the Lord."

And then Bath Kol...vanishes...teleports away and it is obvious that he is on his way to Heaven to continue his onslaught.

I walk over to St. Michael the archangel, slump as I drop to my knees, and look at the horrified look in his eyes.

"...It's over. Done...finished...soon he will be smashing down the Gates of St. Peter, plow and ram through the remaining Choirs of Angels with little effort...and undo it all. Undo Creation. It is done. Unless you and your friends can stop him. The way into Heaven...I can open it to you."

I've never seen an angel this way. Every time I gazed upon their astral forms as they would guide me with the Pax Dei, they seemed so magnificent. So brilliant. Kings of Heaven. That's what I thought of the Order of the Archangels. Like royalty. And now because of me, because of the lie that is my life...crafted by one of their kin...the End of World is just around the corner.

"If you guys don't have the strength...how am I to? How are we to?"

With his other arm, St. Michael the archangel lifts up the Shield of Faith, and slides it over to me. Wincing in pain, he tries to reach for the Sword of Spirit but with a broken wrist cannot but I know what he means to do and I pick it up.

"Caelitus mihi vires. I am an angel, Michael. There is no recovering from these wounds for me. Or for any of my kin. As Bath Kol ravages through paradise, I shall grow weaker and weaker...soon I will cease to be. I have no strength left. Caelitus mihi vires means that...my strength is from Heaven. Find where your strength lies, Michael..."

He pauses for a moment, as it seems he is slipping into an unconscious state.

"Find where--"

I catch him as his body slumps over, laying him gently onto the ground. He looks up at me, gestures his hand, and summons a beam of light. As he passes out, I look over at the wide beam of light as it seems like it is slowly becoming thinner and thinner.

And then I look over at Cerberus and Inferno.