As the snowstorm blasts across the white mountains and barren snow deserts. A subtle silhouette of an aircraft pierces through the foggy atmosphere.
"HQ, this is Stalker - 001, we are approaching LZ. ETA - 5 mins, over." The pilot informed.
"Copy that, Stalker - 001, LZ is clear and ready for landing, over."
With a flick of a switch, the blacked out aircraft revealed itself above the large military compound. Its rotor engine hummed quietly on the end of each wings as they turned vertically upward and began its descend.
The wheels softly touched the landing pad and it's engines were switched off as they turned horizontally.
Soldiers lined up next to the door of the aircraft, their rifles pointed upwards as they saluted with their right hand.
As the door opens, a General stood in ease. His wrinkled face held many scars and the chest of his coat were full of medals.
Simon and his remaining squad walked out the aircraft, their suits covered in blood and helmets held alongside their body.
"Good evening, General Harold." Simon greeted, offering a handshake rather than a salute.
"Good evening, Captain Simon." The General shook Simon's hand. "It's an honour to meet the Reaper squad themselves."
"The honour is yours. General." Simon nodded.
"As you see, the compound has gotten a little bit bigger." The general bragged.
Simon nodded though he did no care for it. The general and Simon exchanged conversations as they made their way to an underground hanger
Inside the underground hangar, the air buzzed with chaos. The Shrieks of wrench-tightening steel, the growl of trucks hauling munitions, and the distant hum of engineers shouting over the sound of jet engines. The reaper squad along with the general, moved through the busy hanger, their boots clicking against the grated floor as they approached a steel-plated elevator.
The general stood besides the team with a stoic face as the elevator ascended with a hydraulic hiss.
"Welcome home, Reaper squad!" The general said, his arms spread towards a long hall way. Two rooms lined on each side as a larger supply room loomed at the end.
"This floor is made especially for your squad." He explained.
Simon and his squad surveyed the large hallway as they quickly noticed people entering and exiting each rooms at a quick pace.
"These four rooms are your individual bedrooms, with bathrooms and lockers attached. The room at the end of the hallway is your armory and medical supply." The general explained.
"How are these people?" Reed asked, his voice cracked as if he talked for the first time.
"Well, they are here for sanitation and maintenance so that nothing is compromised in the facility." The general answered with a deep exhale.
"What is there to maintain in our rooms? General." Simon added.
"Well, faulties, cracks and the security cameras" General Harold replied. "Now, go and clean yourselves up. The briefing room is upstairs from here, you will be called when needed. Until then you are ordered not to leave this floor without permission." He added as he head towards the elevator.
The general gazed back the squad for a brief moment, "I do have to remind you that, one step away from this floor will be considered an act of betrayal and you will be killed on sight." He warned.
The elevator closed with the maintainence crew and the general inside it while Simon and his squad were left alone in the hallway. They looked at each other, confused by the general's odd behaviour.
"What..just..happened?" Fin asked, shrugging his shoulders.
"I do not know," Simon began. "But we are being carefully watched it seems." He answered with a sign.
"Hey," Connor called. "There are four rooms here and only three of us. You reckon we are getting a new member on the team?" He noted, pointing to the rooms.
"The general has yet to inform me of a new member but we might as well, since Victor went K.I.A." Simon replied, his voice filled with grief.
"There's not point in grief, is there?" Connor's voice softened for a moment. "Well, might as well settle outselves. Big day ahead of us tomorrow." He sighed.
Putting their sorrow thoughts aside, they went to their chosen rooms. On their table, they rest their armour and weapons. But an unplasant feeling lingered in the back of their minds.
As the new day dawned, the team were called to the briefing room.
"Gentlemen, today is a good day." The general began. "But it will be a great day when you show the capablilty of the renowned Reaper squad, to the descenders of Celestia." His voice strict and straight.
"Now!" He continued. "England right now, is in a tough situation. If we dont do anything, the demons will have officially swarmed eighty percent of the entire planet."
"Now, Your job is to go there, give them support and represent the power of A.O to the angels."
Simon raised his hand, "The angels? When did they arrive?" he asked.
"A few days ago. This time with the champion of Celestia, Ms. Samuel herself." The room grew quiet as the drone picture of Samuel was displayed across the big screen.
"Her arrival is not as random as we thought. Our scientists who studies these sort of stuff believe that, there's something bigger looming under the ground. I don't personally think it is true but best to believe it than to be a dumbass. Now, this big thing is likely a world ending threat, so I am currently arming our nuclear aircrafts, in the event that the angels are too weak to handle it." He paced left and right across the screen.
"As I've said, you will go there to give support to your fellow brothers. First you will board a carrier. Then you will also be deployed via an attack cargo aircraft, with some supplies. You will not be extracted for the next two months, but supplies will be dropped every now and then, along with air support."
"Another thing, speak to the angels with respect, especially their so-called champion. She'll wipe out the entire planet within a nanosecond if she wanted to, so I suggest you make a good name for yourselves there. Relay any important information you find and come back safely. Meeting dismissed." The general ended the brief, his lips pressed against each other as they walked towards the elevator.
As Simon and his squad geared up for their mission, Connor leaned over Simon's shoulder, "There is something they're refusing to tell us." He spoke in a lowered tone as he looked over his should to Reed.
"We don't have time for this, Connor." Simon replied, unmindful about his volume unlike Connor.
"I heard that the exterminator squad saw Victor." Connor claimed, giving up his attempt to share it secretly to Simon.
"Impossible, we saw the city getting turned to dust. He would not have time nor protection to escape." Simon replied, putting explosive bullets into his assault rifle's drum magazine.
"Yea." Reed agreed as he passed a gun to Connor. "Even if he did make it out, how would he reach the UK withing a few weeks? It will take atleast a two months to go from New Zealand to the UK." He continued as he put on his armour.
"Not only that," Simon interrupted. "The general would have reported about his return to us." His hand placed on Connor's shoulder. "I know you missed your boyfriend but you have to get over it." He joked then walked towards the elevator.
"You motherfucker." Connor chuckled, licking his lip.
Connor stood along with his thoughts for a moment before Simon called for him to hurry. He joined Simon and Reed at the elevator, his helmet's tinted visor hid his empty face as the elevator closed.
As they approached the helipad, they noticed general Harold was present with another heavily armoured solider who wore the same suit that Victor did before his disappearance.
"Ah... Simon, let me introduce you to your new heavy gunner, Ivan." The general informed. "I would've liked to introduce him earlier but he arrived moment after the breifing. Anyway, he will be accompanying your squad as the new heavy gunner. So he is yours to command, Captain Simon."
"Ivan, call me Captain Simon." Simon introduced himself, follwed by his squad. "Lets head to the carrier, we will have our time to tell our tales later." He announced to his squad.
The aircraft began its ascension as the general looked up. Soon the aircraft disappeared among the heavy artic clouds.
"So. You have no memory of us?" Samuel asked Victor, her helmet held on her side as her hair cascaded down her shoulders.
"Why do you lot keep asking me that question? I have no memory of anyone of you." Victor answered with a sigh of fraustration.
"Is it not obvious? This is not the first time we have come across each other." Minos replied, his arms folded as he stood with his back leaned against the living room wall.
Victor, who sat on a couch with his elbow rested upon his legs, shook his head.
Just as their conversation was about to continue, the front door opened as Elara entered the house. Their focus immediately turned towards her as she knelt on the living room floor
"General Samuel, the humans have been taken care of, they await your announcement." Elara informed, her head bowed.
"Thank you, Elara. I will be there soon." Samuel replied, her head then turned towards the rest of the group. "I will be back." She informed as she nodded.
"You told an outsider about this realm?" Minos asked, annoyed by the presence of Elara inside a secretive realm.
"Elara can be trusted, Minos. She is the one who delivers my letters to my mother." Samuel ensured before she and Elara left the house.
"Well, I hope we do meet again, dear. We have lots to talk about." Evangelina waved her hand. The door on the ruined house disappeared as it closed behind Samuel and Elara.
"So, what news do you have for me, Elara?." Samuel asked as they head towards the military camp in the east.
"We have given the humans their well needed medical aid. However, there is something you would be quite pleased to hear." Elara informed her footsteps matched that of Samuel.
Samuel nodded, "I can guess what you're about to say." She glanced towards Elara for a moment, then back.
Her helmet hid her smile as well as her excitement,"It seems the elders stand corrected. I am most certainly looking forward to it." She replied.
"Also, their general requested to have a meeting with you. Shall I attend it for you, in case any problem arises?" Elara suggested.
"Don't bother." Samuel replied plainly.
"Do you suppose we can trust him? After what happened a few centuries ago?" Elara asked.
"I trust that general's words as much as I trust a demon's. But he is the only general left, I suppose." She sighed with fraustration.
"What's wrong, General Samuel?" Elara asked with a concerned voice.
"Please, Elara. We have known each other for eons, you can refer to me as 'Sister,' when we are alone." Samuel's voice softened, to which Elara nodded, "Yes...Sister Samuel."
"Humans...Always so selfish. Even in times of the end, they are still wondering about saving their worldly bodies. Oh how wicked they have become." Samuel pitied as she looked up at the sky.
Elara smiled under her helmet, "Even in the day of Earth's judgement, our chosen sister still cares for the sinners. Sister Samuel, you certainly are a true seraphim."
"Don't praise me too much, Elara." Samuel said jokingly, "I might not be able to concentrate if you keep complimenting me."
As they entered the military camp, the sound of solders being ordered and footsteps rushing from one tent to another immediately stopped. Samuel's presence was noticed by every being as they immediately knelt before her authority.
Samuel walked up a raised platform in the middle of the camp as the rest of the eight archangels other than Elara, stood behind her.
"Raise your head, humans. I have an announcement to make." Samuel began as the soldiers stood at attention.
"There is a archdemon, known as the Champion of Azrathala, who will make an appearance soon." She announced as the soldiers looked at each other with fear in their faces.
"There is no need to fear. In these battles between Celestia and Azrathala, we always emerge victorious. But you all are to be evacuated so as to not interfere in our battles. I will speak to your general about this and I promise to bring back good news." She ended the announcement as hope began to fill the soldier's hearts.
Samuel turned back to the archangels. "Split up in groups of two and cleanse every continent from the unholy demons. Leave none alive and return without harm, especially you, knight angels." She ordered as the archangels replied in unison, "As you wish, General!"
She turned to Elara, "Stay here and watch the humans, report to me any emergencies. I shall go and meet their general now." Samuel ordered before going inside a large green tent.
Inside the tent of the militar camp, the Captains of different divisions were present as they immediately noticed Samuel.
"I see that you heard my request." General Harold greeted, his thundering hoarse voice emerged from the projector that displayed his image on a large white canvas screen.
"Why have you requested to see me?" Samuel asked, her arms folded as she stood still.
"I just wanted to reintroduce myself incase you had forgotten me." The general replied with a hint narcissim as a smile spreaded across his face.
"I do not forget sinners like you easily, Mr. Harold." Samuel replied.
General Harold chuckled as he brushes off Samuel's words.
"General Samuel, I wanted to inform you that a squad our most elite soldiers are on their way to your camp. They are bringing a few supplies along with medical aid kit. I request you treat them kindly." General Harold informed.
"I appreciate the support but the humans are being evacuated." Samuel pointed out.
"And why is that and by whose order?" He questioned, trying to hide the surprised look upon his face.
"One of the Champions of Azrathala will arrive soon, the whole continent will be in danger. If not evacuated, they will be caught in the archdemon's wrath." Samuel explained.
"But who ordered their evacuation?" He insisted as if annoyed by the news.
"I did, General Harold." She answered.
"Listen." General Harold began. "I know you are an angel and all, BUT.. you do not command MY soldiers without MY permission." He stated in annoyance.
"I would agree but the situation right now is dire and the champion could arrive within the upcoming hours. Forgive me, but I cannot waste these precious hours for a mere permission." Samuel argued.
"Whatever the situation may be, you don't give orders like evacuation without speaking to me first." He ordered as voice grew louder.
"Then shall I call off the evacuation? I am sure the soldiers would be please to know that you have denied their safety." Samuel proposed.
"Just where do you even plan on evacuating them?" He asked, his annoyance turned to frustration.
"I believe there are plenty of space in that military compound of yours, General Harold." Samuel claimed.
"Do not jest with me General." General Harold warned.
"Do you need me to recite the exact location of your position in order for you to believe me?" Samuel sighed, as if she was tired of the conversation.
"As if you kno-"
"Northern Greenland, east from a town called Nunatame. Compound inside a large flatland surrounded by mountains, three hundred souls, fourty transport aircr-" Samuel blurted without hesitation. The captains looked at Samuel in panic, their eyes wide opened.
"I get it, I get it. We will ready the compound for the soldiers. Just give us a little time." General Harold snapped as he waved his hand around.
"Then I shall head out and announce your confirmation to the soldiers." Samuel added before exiting the tent.
As the screen shuts off, General Harold looked around each faces of those who were present in the war room.
"That fucking angel." He muttered under his breath then looked at his female assistant. "Tell the whole compound to be ready for incoming friendly soldiers and civilians." He looked back at the large screen.
"Pull up a live satellite feed of General Samuel's location IMMEDIATELY! And call the Reaper squad while you're at it!" His foot tapped rapidly against the steel floor.
Simon's image appeared on the screen as he answered the general's call.
"Good evening, General." Simon greeted, his voice, laced with static as it echoes through the war room.
"Good evening, Simon." The general greeted back. "We have changed the initial plans. Unfortunately, there is a rat that thinks she has a higher authority than me."
"Well, what is the new plan? General." Simon asked.
"The AC-145 will come back for refueling and return the supplies as it seems that they won't need it anymore. Meanwhile your squad will be searching for someone near the camp who is wearing an old armour of the Orca squad that existed way back before your team did. Your mission is to terminate the individual by any means necessary. This information is unique to only your squad and the exterminators, so I advice you do it quickly before news gets out that our fabrication machine was compromised." The general explained.
"SIR, YES, SIR!" Simon roared, then hanged the called.
Simon turned his gaze from his wrist gauntlet to his teammates.
"Hear that boys? Change of plans. We are searching for a guy wearing an old Orca squad armour. We are to eliminate the individual on contact. Air support will be delayed as this aircraft will be returning to base for refueling and return the supplies as they are no longer needed it seems." Simon briefed as the whole squad listened carefully to the information.
"That must be Victor." Connor pointed out with the little hope he had left.
"Connor, please. As we have said, Victor could not have survived the carpet bomb." Reed reminded Connor who gave a look of lost hope after hearing Reed's words.
"Reed, you will scan the whole camp area from afar and make sure no soul sees you. Connor will be your guard, and Ivan, you're with me. We will stay inside the camp for any emergencies and question the descenders for any information regarding this individual." Simon elaborated.
The three nodded with Ivan who, remain unmasked, stared blankly at the aircarft's wall as if his mind was elsewhere.
"Connor, please do not hesitate to kill this person. Don't let your delusions make you do some stupid shit, please, for the sake of our team." Simon requested, his concern on Connor grew.
Connor replied with only a nod.
Back on the camp, as the soldiers readied themselves for evacuation, the ground began to shake violently. Panic spread throughout the camp as soldiers tried to reassure the civilians. The sky began to turn red and clouds began to form above the city, followed by thunder and lightning.
Elara gave a look of concern to Samuel, who stood still, arms crossed and her focus aimed at the clouds across the horizon.
"The time is near." Samuel mentioned as she turned to Elara. "Call back the mage angels and tell them to make a portal to this location." Samuel ordered as she handed Elara a piece of paper.
Elara took the paper and quickly recited Samuel's order to the mage angel via telepathy.
Specks of light began to emit from Samuel's hand as her longsword materialised from the light. Samuel knelt, planting the longsword on the gound and began to whisper a prayer.
Meanwhile, the soliders gathered for an upcoming battle as they start the engines of their tanks and vehicles. Others lined up with their rifles in hand, while others relayed information.
As Samuel finished her prayer. The sound of a large aircraft roared above the camp with Simon and Ivan appearing right in front of Samuel.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, General Samuel." Simon greeted, his hand waiting for a handshake.
"Likewise, Captain Simon." Samuel replied, shaking Simon's hand.
"How did yo-" Simon muttered before stopping himself. "We will give you necessary support but we are mainly here for our own missions." He informed.
"What are your missions?" Samuel asked out of curiosity.
"We are looking for a wanted individual, wearing an old A.O armour." Simon explained as his eyes scanned the camp.
Samuel paused for a few seconds before replying, "I'm sorry, I do not recall any human that fits your description. But you are welcome to scan the area as you please."
Just as Simon walked to the camp. Minos appeared beside Samuel. "So it's Victor, they are looking for." He pointed out, arms crossed as he focused his gaze on Simon and Ivan.
"Is he still with my mother?" Samuel asked with a hint of concern in her voice.
"Ms. Evangelina is trying her best to bring back Victor's memories...might take a while." Minos replied.
"But most importantly." He continued. "I am excited, seeing you fight an archdaemon who holds the same title as you. It has been a while since I last saw you draw out Judgement."
"If it deems the champion worthy, you might see the silencing power it holds." Samuel replied, her hand placed upon the hilt of the katana.
"Well, I am certainly looking forward to it." Minos stated as he grabbed his joint scythe and walked back towards the direction of the ruined house.
"I too, look forward to it..." Samuel muttered under her breath. "In fact... I desire it from every fibre of my being."