Michael: Last Angel of Earth

In the coming months after Azrael’s declaration, hope and a call to arms drastically altered the world’s power structure. With the death of Zarakoth and the first significant defeat of the army of Darkness, Azrael, with his fellow angels, mystics, and human allies, returned home and rebuilt the Vatican. In a few days, the great city of Faith was reborn and more potent than before. Humans from across the Italian peninsula had heard Azrael’s call, and together, the city prospered. However, Rome was merely the beginning. After the city was rebuilt, Azrael and his army soon liberated other towns and cities throughout Italy. Soon all of Italy was under the direct control and protection of the Hidden army, but even this was not the end. Word soon reached the island of Malta in the south and the Teutonic state in the north, and, with the aid of Cathrin and Lawrenz, both military orders made a pact with the Hidden army and soon joined in the fight against the forces of evil. Their occupation of Europe mirrored that of the holy Roman empire of the early medieval period. Outposts were placed at strategic locations across their territory, and various angels and ravagers were stationed at said outposts, protecting the humans and safeguarding the realm. All this down in a few weeks.

As for Rome, the city was full of life again. While the threat of evil still existed, the people did not care, for they had hope again. Children laughed, the markets were full, and the Vatican held its first mass for the first time in a long time. Azrael’s effect lingered on everyone, even the Pope, who now had a smile. Speaking of which, the warrior angel stood above the newly constructed walls overlooking the bustling city. He smiled as he saw the people enjoying their lives, for he and the others had returned it to them.

“Thought we might find you here,” said a familiar voice. He turned his head slowly and saw that it was Margret. She wore a simple dress along with a brightly colored hat.

“Just looking and admiring,” he said to her. Joining her friend, she, too, overlooked the hustle and bustle of the city.

“Hard to believe that this city was hanging by a thread only a few weeks ago,” she said.

“Now, its people are safe,” he replied.

“They are safe because of you. You made them hope again,” she stated. After a few minutes of idle chatter, a Swiss guard approached them and said the others were waiting for them. Following behind, the pair walked back to the Vatican and into the council chambers. Inside, they met all of their allies, some wearing new suits of armor and clothing. The three mystics were some of those people.

The Egyptian prince wore a sturdy and artistically made helmet like an eagle’s head. Parts of his chestnut hair still showed underneath. His armor consisted of bronze and metal plates, warped together with strong linen with the pattern of wings showing. His braces were made of hardened leather, while thin metal plates guarded his legs and shins. A new feature he wore on his attire was a cloak made of fine silk threads and displaying mesmerizing Egyptian art.

Next to him was Ruzla, who, despite strong protest, wore a suit of armor. She only agreed if she could customize it herself and took full advantage of it. Like Horus, she too wore an artistically made helmet. While not covering the whole face, it does allow one’s grin to be shown clearly. As for her hood, it was a deep red color that often struck uneasiness around the others. Her armor consisted of Gothic detailed overlapping metal plates. The braces protecting her arms were hardened, weathered leather topped with a metal of unknown origins. Lastly, her pants, yes pants, were of a simple design and manufacture, consisting of woven leather with intricate patterns. Many considered her attire rather elaborate, while others found it elegant yet deceiving.

Finally, the last one was Vanhildr. While her attire was more Viking, she resembled more of the Varangians Guards, Norse mercenaries who served as bodyguards to Byzantine emperors. She wore a modified conical helmet with a nose guard chin strap on her head. The helmet featured elaborate wings on the sides of the helmet, honoring her status as a Valkyrie. As for her armor, she wore an adamant hauberk with a special leather harness. It took the weight off of her shoulders. Over her hauberk, she also wore a lamellar scale vest of adamant scales. The added protection made her sturdy and thrust-resistant. Her bracers were composite armor using hardened leather and various metal plates. Lastly, her breeches were a combination of plate metal guarding the shins and tailored-made boots and undergarments for mobility. Altogether, Vanhildr was a proper Valkyrie in her own right.

Taking a seat beside the Pope, Azrael grabbed one of Ruzla’s maps and spread it across the table. It was the map that had records and accounts of other gods, goddesses, mythic beings, and others spread across the world. He then also handed Amborss journal to the people, allowing him to see the research his deceased friend had acquired. It was then shown to everyone else.

With their recent success, they needed a game changer to disrupt Lucifer’s plans truly. The problem was they did not know where to begin. They had hoped their spies would bring more intel to go off on.

“Everyone, I’m not going to sugarcoat our current situation. While we have been visitors in our previous campaigns, Lucifer has brought us to a standstill in Europe. I hope we will need more allies if we continue in this war. The question is, where do we begin first,” stated Azrael. Everyone debated their reason for who.

“We should send a team to the nine realms. I can name a few Asgardians and dwarves who would be happy to help us,” said Vanhildr. Naldak objected to this.

“The only access to the nine realms is in the north, and those lands are under the direct control of the fire giant Surtr and numerous Jotnar warlords. Not to mention his sons Fenrir and Jormungandr patrol the very outskirts of the realm. Even if we did not go unnoticed, it would still be no good. The portal is tied to Hela’s magic. Only she allows people to pass through the nine realms,” said the Varg. There goes one plan out the window. Now it was Horus’ turn.

“We could try my beloved Egypt. My brother Anubis, last I heard, was very outspoken about the ruling of our uncle Set. He, along with many other Egyptian gods, openly rebelled against him and his wife. If we could liberate Egypt from his grasp, I’m sure they could aid us, not to mention Egypt is much closer to us than the north. Many nodded in agreement with Horus’s plan. It was true that Egypt was closer to Italy, but Egypt also had food and material they would need to continue a war. All were in favor of this plan until Ruzla spoke up.

“Your plan is enticing, friend, but you forget one crucial detail. Your uncle Set doesn’t solely rule Egypt. He rules North Africa, parts of Arabia, and the Levant region. To even attempt this plan, we would need to sail through the strait of Gibraltar and enter through the Ivory Coast. From there, miles upon miles of unknown regions, not to mention neutral gods that may not want us there nor bring the war to their doorstep,” exclaimed the gargoyle. Horus grunted in defeat, but he knew his friend was right. He longed to return home soon. As the debates dragged on, Henebul and Margret provided new options.

“What about further east? Why not try Central Asian, South Asia, China, and Japan? Surely not even the army of darkness has reached them?” inquired Henebul. It was a wise question to ask.

“We run into the same issue as before with Egypt. We cannot advance through Europe without engaging in more conflict, nor can we cross the Mediterranean into the Levant region without Set knowing,” stated Vanhildr.

“So why not focus on Europe? Even if there aren’t as many gods in Europe, we can still recruit powerful mythical beings and beasts to our cause. I’m sure with Ambrose’s notes, we can find them,” stated Margret. Many in the council nodded at the girl’s strategy. It was more practical, and they were closer to their territories. As many talked among themselves about Margret’s plan, Azrael remained silent. He listened to everything that was brought up. The council approved Margret’s strategy when a familiar voice spoke up.

“I think I have something that will be of some interest to everyone.” Azrael and the others turned their head and saw two of their spies who had just returned from a mission

“Nascalo and Thrialulkrich. You both came at a perfect time,” said Azrael. Early in their campaigns, Azrael and others received a letter from Berlin. The letter was from their dark elf and half-orc friends who were now blacklisted by the army of darkness for their role in “aiding the enemy. They expressed protection in exchange for services to the light, but Azrael offered more than just protection. He offered them and many others a new life in Rome. Many jumped at the opportunity to flee the city—many, including Dr. Crow and his wife, Necromi. Now serving the light, Nasaclo and Thrialulkrich operated as spies, gathering Intel on the army of darkness and Lucifer. Today, the half-orc had Intel, which could greatly shift the rebellion in their favor. Walking over to the table, he reached into his pouch and pulled out the dispatch he “acquired” from a scout from one of Lucifer’s lieutenants. He then handed it over to Azrael. The warrior angel ripped the envelope open and read the contents. As he read, the biggest smile appeared on his face. He turned to the half-orc with wide eyes.

“And you are sure this is accurate?” he asked.

“A hundred percent. Nascalo even verified with a few bounty hunters we crossed paths with on the way here.”

“What does it say?” asked the Pope. Azrael then read the contents of the dispatch aloud. It read:

BY ORDER OF LUCIFER, THE ONE TRUE LORD OF EARTH, THE GREEK GOD HADES, LORD OF THE UNDERWORLD, IS TO BE HUNTED DOWN AND EXECUTED. THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH HIM OR WHO AID HIM WILL ALSO SHARE HIS FATE. A REWARD OF TEN THOUSAND POUNDS WORTH OF SILVER WILL BE PAID TO THOSE WHO BRING THE HEAD TO LUCIFER.

“Lucifer can’t be serious, can he? Hades is one of the original members of the Greek pantheon. Why would he want him dead?” exclaimed Fiona.

“Because he did not join him in earth’s downfall,” stated Jupiter. All eyes focused on the Roman god as he explained.

“Contrary to popular belief and fiction, while Hades rules the underworld, he is not malevolent. In truth, he cares deeply for the well-being of the souls in his care, not to mention his wife Persephone and his beloved Cerberus. When Lucifer gathered for his conquests, he approached the Greeks for their aid. Likewise, the Greeks refused. Lucifer and his army dealt with them, leaving Hades and his wife the last two living Greek gods on earth.”

“How does this relate to the note?” asked Colum.

“Because Hades did not oppose Lucifer, he did not join him either. Hades remained neutral. Now it seems that neutrality and our success thus far greatly concerned him. If we were to get his aide...”

“We would have an army of dead warriors and heroes at our command,” finished Jibril. Jupiter nodded. The idea of recruiting more gods to their cause was tempting. Though they already had surviving members of the roman pantheon, they needed more men, or more specifically, more gods. Placing the letter down on the table, Azrael cleared his throat.

“All of you have presented excellent ideas for the future, and I agree with them and understand the risks involved. That is why I believe we should do all of them.” a loud gasp filled the room.

“Azrael, you cannot be serious!? We would be stretching ourselves too thin,” protested Judonius. Azrael raised a finger at the Cardinal before continuing.

“I’m not suggesting we divide the army. I propose we create small teams. These teams will be given specific instructions and constantly communicate with the other teams through Rome. The next part of this plan is deciding who goes where and with whom,” stated Azrael. He then turned to the Swiss guard and asked him to bring several chess pieces of varying kinds. The guard did so and returned with several dozen chess pieces. Placing them on the table, he began creating the teams. He started in Greece.

“I will take a team with me to Greece. I’ll take Margret, Romulus, Ansa, and Jupiter. Any objections?” he asked. No one said anything and allowed him to continue.

“For the northern expedition, Vanhildr, Jibril, Naldak, Fiona, and Nascalo. Egypt will have Horus, Khamael, Thrialulkrich, Colum, and Bellonna. For the east, Henebeul, Mars, Februus, Virtus, and Venus. For the European expedition, Ruzla, Matteo, Catherine, Lawrenz, Disciplina, Morta, and Fortuna.” After he was finished, if anyone wanted to switch places. No one brought up any objections to the teams, but his holiness did bring up his concern about the overall success of the plan, not to mention what would happen if Lucifer got wind of their plan. Azrael acknowledged the Pope’s concern.

“I understand your position, Holy Father, and what I am asking is a considerable risk that could end our rebellion in its infancy. However, we have to try. We may have the hidden army, but Lucifer has legions of different armies from different gods. In a war of attrition, we would lose. Even if one of the expeditions does not bear the fruit we want, there’s a chance the others may succeed.”

“If we go along with this, then I must ask who will be in command of the army if we are gone?” asked Khamael. That was an important question to ask with himself and the other angels away, who would take command in their absence?

“Henebeul, that elf huntress of yours, how long have you known her?” asked Azrael.

“She served as one of my mother’s entourage. In truth, she has been at my side since I was born. She taught me how to use a bow and design my elf weapon. I trust her with my life. Why?” Azrael turned to his lieutenants.

“If I give her authority to command the angels in my absence, will the army follow her?”

“Then men would obey the command of any angel you see fit to lead them,” stated Jibril.

“Then it’s settled. Until we return, she is in command. What is her name?” stated Azrael.

“Geminara Leorona,” replied Henebul. With everything settled, the meeting was adjourned, and everyone went about their regular routines. While many left the council room, Azrael and his fellow angels stayed behind. Once they were alone, Henebul spoke freely to the others.

“I did not want to bring this up with the others, but Azrael, you realize these missions are, in essence, suicide missions. Even if we get these allies, Lucifer has fought hundreds of thousands of other gods on this planet and won all of them. Can you honestly tell me that we have a fraction of a chance to beat him?” Azrael stood for a moment and thought about his response.

“I don’t care how many he’s fought in how many hellish battles and wars. He has never fought us. Not us united.”