"You once taught me that this world is tainted, and I doubted you. I had always naively believed that there is a limit to the extent of human malice, that not all actions are as black and white as you had described them to me. But today, what I saw with my own eyes sickened me to my core, humbled my naivety, and opened my eyes to the nature of the enemy we're fighting against. "
Michele breathed heavily, a single knee pressed against the ground as he looked in front of him to a nuclear desert tainted by the shadow of people who once stood there. These civilians didn't know better as they celebrated a local festivity, gathered in the thousands hoping to spend a day filled with laughter and joy. Then, in a single moment, they became forever inked into the ground they once stood on by the blast of a nuclear explosion.
Michele wept, his tears falling to the ground where frost and snow slowly gathered. It was the middle of winter in early January, but the previous explosion brought the light of a hundred summers, forever robbing these people of warmth. All the death and destruction, because of a single Imperial ship stationed in the city the US government in exile sought to bring down in revenge. Yet, the ship still stands, unharmed in the desolate land that now surrounds it.
For once, Marines and soldiers of the Third watched behind the safety of their ship's shield as their Lord mourned the dead. The once majestic angel, now reduced to a single pair of glowing white wings before a graveyard. Even though many didn't share Michele's empathy, his humble action touched their hearts. They may not wish to shed tears for the victims, but they held conviction for the Imperial cause, and this single scene before their eyes only served as vindication for their views; The Old World must fall, no matter the cost.
As another gust of wind, tainted with radioactive fallout, fell on Michele, the dust magically avoided touching him while the deadly radiation particles reflected away from his body, basking him in a white glow that accentuated his divinity. Met with this transcendent view, many Marines and officers took off their helmets and hats before bowing toward the Angel.
Michele stood up as three figures joined him from behind. The first figure carried the same wings as him, blonde-pink hair flowing in the breeze as she placed herself in Michele's arms. Looking toward the victims with a gaze filled with pain and hurt, Raphaela then wrapped her wings around Michele, comforting him in her embrace. She shared his grief and gently placed his forehead against hers while gracefully wiping away his tears.
The second figure was a holographic projection clad in a dark coat and obsidian helmet. He was the polar opposite of Michele's aura, being the antithesis of his light. Where Michele shone as a beacon meant for the world to witness, as a lighthouse of hope and inspiration for those who lived in the darkness, Mike is cloaked in a void as dark as the emptiness of outer space, as the living black hole that consumed existence as we know it. He stood as the unyielding weapon of the Empire, with streaks of golden lining that flowed through his attire like a cosmic circulatory system.
[Mike] - "They will not get away with this, I promise you, brother. "
Said Mike as he showed a small nod of respect toward the victims.
[Michele] - "And they will not, brother. To allow this action to go unpunished is to slander the basis of the National Empire, of humanity. I was naive to believe no man would be mad enough to strike his own people in the hopes of taking his enemy down. I was wrong... I was wrong, and these unfortunate souls paid for my naivety. "
Said Michele, his voice filled with a bitter tone of guilt and sorrow.
[Mike] - "Do not despair, brother. Focus on your mission. It is not like you to seek a personal vendetta against an enemy. I have activated a duo of Knights Exemplar, and they should reveal themselves to you soon. They will find the culprits and bring them to justice. "
Said Mike while comfortingly placing his hand on Michele's shoulder.
[Gadreel] - "The Grand Knight is right, my dear brother. This kind of petty affair is below you. The tragedy of mortals, the unfortunate circumstances of their weakness and the unsophisticated logic of their leaders should not affect the plans of us Gods. You are the best of us, the Angel of War. We need your leadership; let those below us handle these affairs. "
Gadreel stepped beside Michele, clad in the prismatically reflective coat of an Empyrearch, a rank exclusive to the 17 sons and daughters of the Emperor given command of a fleet. In Gadreel's case, the Roman numeral II could clearly be seen on his cape. For a moment, Gadreel looked at the graveyard of shadows before his feet with indifference. However, as he noticed Michele looking his way, he raised his finger to his eye, wiping away a single drop of crocodile tear.
[Michele] - "You two are right. My duty is not to seek revenge, but to put an end to the root cause of this tragedy. This world does not need an avenger, but a saviour. That is the mission my father gave me. "
Said Michele, his hand reaching for the spear his wife had already held up for him.
[Raphaela] - "The world needs an angel– so please, rise and lead us to victory. "
Said Raphaela as she helped Michele to his feet.
After accepting the spear from Raphaela's hand, Michele turned to Mike with a look of gratitude in his eyes.
[Michele] - "Thank you, little brother. I wish you a smooth crusade on your side, and may the galaxy know that humanity stands above all else. "
The tense expression on Mike's face relaxed slightly as Michele uttered these words.
[Mike] - "Till we meet again then. My fleets have so far pacified the Lunar colonies and the Mars colonies. By the end of the week, we will reach Jupiter's moons. Hopefully, your ordeal will come to an end before I can come back and join you. "
Said Mike in the same usual cold voice, though with a hint of joy.
[Michele] - "I will not disappoint you, my brother. The Old World will fall, and you'll come back to Earth to an utopia under the banner of the National Empire. "
Said Michele with a confident grin.
[Mike] - "The name of the Cyberknight agent is Moore, Knight Exemplar, Chimera-class. And his companion for the mission is Baltazara, a KD-series assassin codenamed KD-628. I trust them, so you can trust them as well. "
Gadreel watched the conversation in the background with a look of envy and disdain. The more he watched the interaction, the more the contempt in his heart began to spill onto his face in the form of a grimace.
[Michele] - "Whoever you confide your trust in also has mine. See you again, little brother. "
Said Michele with a smile as he gave Mike's hologram a few brotherly taps on the shoulder.
Just as Mike's hologram faded away, Gadreel immediately moved in to grab Michele's attention.
[Gadreel] - "Brother, I have also come to see you bearing gifts just as the Grand Knight did. "
Said Gadreel while bowing slightly below Michele to show his respect.
Immediately, Raphaela's wing pulled back from Gadreel before his arm could accidentally brush it. While Michele warmly bowed to his brother as well in a gesture of brotherly respect, Raphaela could only watch with doubt as Gadreel's gaze hid something more than the love and care he intended to show.
[Michele] - "You shouldn't have, my brother. We are no strangers; we are family. There is no need for the formality of gifts here. "
Said Michele humbly as he waited for Gadreel to rise first before he did.
[Gadreel] - "No, no, please accept my help, my brother. I have brought my whole fleet here. It would be inconvenient and wasteful to usher me away. After all, my fleet possesses the expertise to deal with similar nuclear disasters. "
Insisted Gadreel, letting out a laugh as he placed his hand over Michele's shoulder.
[Michele] - "Interesting... What do you propose, my brother? "
[Gadreel] - "As the strongest fleet in our current roster, the Third should not waste its time and resources in such a quagmire. After England, France and Western Europe, my fleet has been sitting idle, waiting for your next move. So how about I handle the cleanup here, and your fleet can move on to the next objective, to hopefully bring an early end to the war. "
Said Gadreel with a smile.
Suddenly, Raphaela noticed the ground before her turning dark as the body of an Imperial heavy cruiser darkened the skies. As the shade of the massive ship moved, it also devoured the shadow left by the victims of the nuclear blast, casting the whole place in near-total darkness. Yet, even in the obscurity, Michele's body and wings glowed with a pure-white light that cast away the night.
[Michele] - "It seems like you made a gift I couldn't refuse, brother. But I will gladly accept your generosity. Indeed, this type of disaster is your fleet's specialty. "
Said Michele, his body and wings still glowing in the darkness like a human beacon.
[Gadreel] - "Who else but me, my brother? I will always be your right-hand man. If anyone in the entire Empire, you can always count on me. This is what family is for. "
Said Gadreel with a grin while his body was almost entirely submerged in darkness.
After the two brothers exchanged a few more words, Michele turned to the field of blast victims, paid his final respects before blasting off into the sky like a bolt of lightning. As Michele and his wife disappeared into the horizon, the fake smile on Gadreel's face abruptly vanished. Lighting up a cigar, Gadreel intentionally stepped over the shadows and allowed the ash from his smoke to fall onto the ground before smearing it with his feet.
To Gadreel, war is a necessary evil for peace. There is no need to shed tears or feel for those caught in the crossfire, as their death is an insignificant sacrifice for the eventual result.
[Gadreel] - "What a waste of time... I've personally seen worse carnage, and I still didn't feel a thing. Sighhh... Michele, you shed too many tears for a desert that will never become wet. "
Said Gadreel while the Marines of the 2nd fleet prepared to deploy.
As one of the Marines, whose helmet design echoed the bird mask of a plague doctor, stepped into the light, arm plating crescented with the large green symbol of II, his fleet symbol also came into view. On the dull green metal plate, the sight of a doomsday clock pointed at midnight produced a downward arrow carrying the three most distinct signs of warning in human history; being that of nuclear, biological and chemical dangers.
[Gadreel] - "If only I had your powers, Father would've chosen me to lead the crusade. Then again, I wouldn't mind being second fiddle to you. After all, you are good, very good. But you had to push me to third place with an outsider. "
Said Gadreel in a bitter tone.
Afar, as he watched the 3rd Fleet escort ship leave the area, he also noticed the transport gunships descending from his fleet's heavy cruiser.
[Gadreel] - "Colonel-General Apollyon, keep an eye out for any insurgency operations. Disarm the populace, quarantine the high-risk individuals and pacify the country. We will not make a fool out of ourselves by allowing another surprise attack. Remember, do keep the Third in the dark about our methods; I would not want an argument with my brother. "
Said Gadreel over his earpiece.
[Apollyon] - "Received! Your wish is my command, my Empyrearch! "
Meanwhile, back in Dallas, the 2nd Fleet's ships were already working to contain the nuclear contamination. The Ashen Marines, deployed directly into the zones of contamination, had massive robes, cloaks and capes draping down from their armour, which were electrically charged to repel any airborne particles from sticking to their body. At the same time, with an armour configuration so much different than the 3rd, they didn't even look like they were from the same faction, being only identified as allies by the Imperial heraldry on their chestplates.
Stepping out of his gunship, Apollyon scattered his men with a hand gesture before moving toward the massive black dome that shielded Angela's titan with two massive Marauder Marines.
[Apollyon] - "According to the intelligence shared by the 3rd fleet, this sector might still harbour rebel elements of the US resistance. Secure the perimeter; one warning per individual, no seconds. "
Announced Apollyon over his com.
As the Ashen Marines tore the streets, launching debris around without care, they soon moved into a devastated residential area. With incredible strength, a pair of Ashen Marines easily tore apart the remains of a devastated house, which revealed an underground bunker. Without hesitation, the first Marine reached down before violently ripping the hinges off the hatch, accidentally scattering radioactive dust into the bunker.
[Ashen Marine 1] - "Come out with your hands raised! This is your only warning! "
Yelled the Ashen Marine as he pointed his carbine into the dark.
Slowly, with heavy coughs and screams of fear, a family of four crawled up the ladder. As the group stood with raised hands, the first Marine patted the father down and confiscated his sidearm.
[Ashen Marine 1] - "Clear! No sign of rebels here! "
Said the Ashen Marine as he crushed the pistol in his palm.
Suddenly, the family collapsed to their knees and began to vomit due to radiation poisoning from the earlier dust. However, as the father reached out to ask for their help, the Marine grunted before violently slapping his trembling hands away.
[father] - "Please, you need to help us. You destroyed our bunker; we need help! We're all sick, please, just help my wife and children. "
Pleaded the father as he tried rushing after the Marines.
With one violent strike of his elbow, the second Marine sent the father down onto the ground. As blood spilled out of his mouth while he remained unresponsive, his family began to panic and cry for help.
[Ashen Marine 1] - "What are you doing? We said to be discreet about this! "
With a grunt, the second Marine turned around and walked toward the rest of the family. The wife and her kids could only watch as their terrified faces were reflected inside the gloss, round lens of the monster's helmet. Before long, there were no more screams as the Marine pressed down on the hatch, sealing it through sheer brute strength before covering it back up with debris.
[Ashen Marine 1] - "You better expect a scholding when we return to the squad. The Colonel won't be pleased with us wasting time like this. "
Said the Marine as his comrade rejoined him.
[Ashen Marine 2] - "I'll find an excuse, so just don't be a snitch. "
On the other side, while the two Marauder Marines moved debris out of the way, human auxiliaries equipped with hazmat suits began to set up a quarantine cordon around the Titan's shield. Then, as more gunships, this time carrying long support beams and long sheets of fabric, descended, the workers began to set up a tent-like structure around the dome.
Inside, Cassiel and the few hundred trapped civilians still didn't know that a rescue attempt was ongoing outside. Many tried to lie down and get some sleep despite the dreadful situation. Others attempted to get cell reception, only to be met with failure as all communication towers were destroyed in the blast. Angela, for her part, helped the people stay hydrated and fed by slowly lowering into the crowd the supplies stored inside her titan.
Seeing how people immediately began to show hostility toward each other the moment they saw food and water, Angela drew her pistol and fired at the ceiling.
[Angela] - "Hey, hey! Pass the supplies around like civilized people; this isn't the time to act like animals. "
Called Angela before some semblance of civility returned among the crowd.
Returning inside her titan, Angela sat by the hatch where she watched Cassiel still working on communicating with the fleet. As Cassiel felt her movement, he quickly turned toward her with an excited gasp.
[Cassiel] - "Our cousins from the Ashen Storm fleet came to help! They are currently setting up a protective tent around our shield so we can get out of here safely. "
Announced Cassiel excitedly.
Angela breathed a sigh of relief before showing a smile.
[Angela] - "Yesss! We are saved. I didn't know how long our meagre supply would last for a few hundred people. Thank God they came. "
Exclaimed Angela in joy as she jumped down and pushed Cassiel away to reclaim her seat.
Pressing a few buttons, Angela brought up her titan's sensors and saw that there was indeed a tent being built around her machine. A wave of cheer erupted between the two as Angela high-fived Cassiel before snapping her hand back in pain due to Cassiel's immense strength.
[Angela] - "Owww! Can you control how hard you slap? "
Said Angela with a grimace as she held her hand in pain.
[Cassiel] - "Sorry, sorry! Haha, I forgot you weren't like my fellow men. "
Said Cassiel awkwardly while clenching his palm in guilt.
Angela grunted before reaching into her personal fridge for a few blocks of ice. As she pressed the wrapped ice against her wrist, she expired in relief as she felt the instant relief to her swollen joint.
[Angela] - "Sigh... so? What's your name, Chief Commissar? I told you my name; you still haven't told me yours. "
Said Angela as she shot Cassiel a curious gaze.
[Cassiel] - "Oh, my name is Cassiel Veritas, Chief Commissar Marine of the 2nd Company, 1st Division, the Falling Angels. "
Said Cassiel, immediately assuming a formal stance with a raised chin.
[Angela] - "Cassiel– That's a very interesting name. With normal people like us, it's always something basic like John, Bob, Kennedy or another basic variant of the same thing. With you Marines, it's always something particular, special and... deep. "
Said Angela pensively, ending her sentence with a giggle.
[Cassiel] - "It's kind of a mandatory Gimmick. We are the Chosen of the Emperor, so as his angels, our names must reflect that role. Other fleets have their own rules and quirks. "
Angela lowered her backrest so she could still see Cassiel from the comfort of her seat.
[Angela] - "My parents are hardcore Imperial supporters. I've always wanted to be a Marine, but when I found out that only boys can be Imperial Marines, I went with the next best thing. "
[Cassiel] - "A titan is more powerful than any Marine. I would consider this a blessing. "
Angela lay completely flat on her seat, letting her golden hair flow down like a waterfall from her headrest. Looking at Cassiel's exposed face, she felt her heart skip a beat before she quickly raised her backrest up.
[Angela] - "What do Marines do in their free time? "
[Cassiel] - "Depends on the deployment. As far as I know, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Divisions, being the spearhead of the fleet, will not get a lot of free time once the conflict truly starts picking up in pace. "
Said Cassiel while shifting uncomfortably in the cramped space.
As Cassiel finally found purchase against Angela's mini fridge, she pretended to stretch before clearing her throat. With a deep breath, she looked away from Cassiel and asked her question.
[Angela] - "When you return to the cruiser, would you want to grab lunch with me? "
Said Angela while hiding her flushed face between her hands.
Cassiel felt his heart skip a beat before he opened his mouth with an awkward grimace.
[Cassiel] - "Oh, unfortunately, I won't be returning to the cruiser. The Angel wants his forces returned to their usual posts as we prepare for the next stage of the crusade. "
Said Cassiel, his eyes drifting away from Angela in guilt.
[Angela] - "Oh... Right... I always forget about this, haha... You are a Marine of the 1st Division; the mother carrier is your true home. "
Said Angela in a disappointed voice, her limbs tensing up as she spoke.
[Cassiel] - "Yeah, and we Marines of the elite Divisions aren't so easily let off the leash either. "
[Angela] - "Alright, that's fine! I mean, after the war, we'll see each other again, right? It's just a few months; we'll have a flawless victory over those assholes running the Old World. "
Said Angela enthusiastically as she compressed her emotions under her big words.
However, being a trained therapist and psychologist, Cassiel could immediately feel the hurt in Angela's words.
[Cassiel] - "Hey, just do your best while I'm gone, okay? If I end up surviving after the crusade, I'll come back for that lunch, I promise. "
[Angela] - "Sigh... sure. However... "
Angela leaned over her seat and reached inside a personal cabin where she produced an art book. After flipping through a few pages, Angela pulled a page free and handed it to Cassiel.
[Angela] - "I know, I know, I'm old school with how I do things. This is the art you could find on my titan's dorsal side; I painted it myself, much to the dismay of my commander. "
Cassiel held the artwork up to his eyes and noticed the beautiful signature Angela made on the piece of paper. Even though it was just a stylized version of her name, she decorated it with small drawings of nature, which made it look like a complete piece of art.
[Cassiel] - "It looks amazing! You really have a talent for this. "
Said Cassiel as he analyzed the art repeatedly, each time finding more little details he had previously missed.
[Angela] - "I believe in fate, Cassiel. I believe that whatever must happen will happen. Like a waterfall, you can't expect it to flow the other way. Water will always go downward. "
Said Angela as she traced her finger down a small waterfall she drew on her art.
With a smile, Cassiel began to fold the artwork with a precision Angela didn't expect from him, considering his brute strength. As Cassiel reduced the paper to a perfect little square, he reached into his backpack and sealed it inside one of the pouches like a personal treasure.
[Cassiel] - "Let's hope fate works in our favour then. "
Said Cassiel with a smile.
Outside, as the tent was completed, Angela was ordered to drop her titan's shield. In an instant, the black dome disappeared, exposing the survivors to the blinding floodlights installed all over the tent's ceiling. Immediately, groups of workers in hazmat suits ordered the crowd to begin moving toward the decontamination showers set up in a row of seven.
Above the titan, Cassiel exited the cockpit and looked in complete surprise as his sensors showed only a background level of radiation in the environment around him. Jumping down, Cassiel didn't even have the time to greet Apollyon before he was sprayed with a white foam by a pair of workers. Then, while Cassiel was getting wiped clean by the yellow suits, Apollyon stepped toward him, looked him up and down like an inspector before pointing at the exit with his thumb.
[Apollyon] - "Take him to the gunship and bring him back to his company. "
Ordered Apollyon before walking away.
Cassiel tried to speak to Apollyon, but was immediately confronted by a Marauder who towered over him intimidatingly. With a gesture of his massive hand, he pointed at the exit where Cassiel could see a gunship waiting for him outside. Turning around one last time, Cassiel saw Angela, who waved at him on top of her titan. Cassiel quickly tried to wave back at Angela, only for the Marauder to push him forward, grunting in annoyance as he pointed at the exit again. Left without a choice, Cassiel obeyed and boarded the gunship, watching as the dome around Angela's titan slowly faded out of sight. He reached out toward his backpack once more, feeling the pouch as relief washed over his heart.
To be continued...