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Deus Ex Inferni III: The End War

Alastor blinked. Sitting up he looked around. He was in bed next to Vetis, red sunlight streaming through the curtains that covered the huge window. Rubbing his eyes he swung his legs off the bed, stood up and stretched. He padded over to the door and left the room, heading for a narrow staircase that led up to one of the towers in the house. After climbing the set of steep spiralling stairs he now stood at the top of the tallest tower in Vetis' mansion. It was built upon the summit of the mountain the mansion was built into. The early morning light poured over him like a silent wave. Cold wind whipped the top of the tower as he climbed up onto the wall and stood, surveying the landscape below him. He could feel energy coursing through his body. It was a peculiar yet exhilarating experience.

He could also feel something, something foreboding. The final battle between Heaven and Hell, the most cliché and over done battle in history, would soon be upon them. If Alastor had anything to say about it, it would be very different to how it was so often portrayed. He had already set his plans into motion up on Earth, sending demonic engineers to work their...magic. Alastor didn't really understand the concepts behind the whole magical science stuff; the books he had read were confusing at best. As long as he had people to do the work for him, the plan would succeed. Now he needed to get rid of Adramelech and destroy his assassins. Then he needed commanders that could control Hell's forces, and for that he needed to free Leviathan and Baal from the Malebolge, Hell's eighth circle.

"Nothing to it." He said, and jumped off the top of the tower.

Freefalling was an interesting experience. Plummeting from the sky at over a hundred miles per hour with no way of stopping. Not that Alastor had any intention of stopping. His metallic wings materialised from his back almost instantly. The jet engines fired, rocketing him forwards at colossal speeds. He pulled up sharply and was soon racing into the crimson sky. He had realised that in Hell, the hold of physics and science was much weaker than on Earth, allowing for some truly ridiculous feats. He soared high above the glassy black mountains, circling over the highest peak before streaking back down towards the mansion. He spiralled down, wings melting back into his body. He landed in front of the mansion with incredible force, sending a shockwave of air and dust blasting away from him. The black stone of the mountains barely cracked under the force of the landing.

"Getting better at that, I see."

Alastor turned and saw Vetis leaning against the doorframe of the main entrance to the mansion.

"Ah...yes. I've figured out how to transfer the kinetic energy from my flight and landing outwards instead of downwards." Alastor replied, scratching the back of his head.

"How interesting. But I didn't come to watch your aerial displays." Vetis replied, stepping forwards.

"Of course not mistress. How may I serve you today?" Alastor said with a bow.

"I believe its time you went to find Leviathan and Baal. Bring them back here once you have found them."

"Are you sure you will not accompany me, mistress?"

"No. I have other business to attend to. Don't look at me like that. These assassins are no match for me."

"That's what worries me though. Why would Adramelech send such weak assassins?"

"I have been doing this far longer than you have. I shall be fine."

"Of course mistress. I apologise for my insistence."

Vetis let out a short laugh, and tossed Alastor something. It was his sword. He caught it deftly by the hilt, and placed it on his back. The Infernium surged out of his skin and coated it in a solid sheath.

"Thank you mistress."

"Get going. And do not return until you have Leviathan and Baal."

"It shall be done."

Alastor's wings folded out from his back. Turning, he began to walk away from Vetis, slowly picking up speed until he was in a flat out sprint. There was a roar as his jet engines fired, and he was off, rising into the sky. Vetis turned back into the mansion. It was time to get down to business. She headed back into the entrance hall of her mansion, and her form...changed.

Alastor flew through the sky towards the vast sinkhole at the center of this plain. The circular pit was the entrance down to the other circles of hell. He would be heading straight down to the penultimate circle, the Malebolge. The eight circle, the supposed final resting place for liars, fraudsters and fakers. Of course punishment depended on the amount of guilt one felt. Given the nature of these so called "sins", the people that perpetrated them were rarely ever punished. In fact, from what Alastor had seen of Hell, it was more like one huge party. Which was awesome. The great pit was much closer now, so Alastor angled himself down and dived towards it. He shot past the edge and began his descent. He was dwarfed by the sheer size of the rocky walls rising either side of him as he flew downwards. He soon emerged into the next circle of Hell. The walls around him vanished as he dropped out of the bottom of the pit. He looked around briefly at this level of Hell, but he was soon travelling down the next pit. This went on until he finally arrived at the Malebolge.

The Malebolge was made up of great chasms arranged in a circle around a central point. The entrance to the circle was offset, so that the center of the Malebolge was a great distance away from the bottom of the pit Alastor now flew out of. He landed on the ground and nearly slipped over. Everything was covered with ice. This circle was unbelievably cold, which wasn't a surprise considering what the center of this circle led to. His claws gripped the icy ground and his wings melted back into his back. Steam began to rise from his body as he walked forwards towards the first chasm. Alastor could feel the frigid air emanating from the center of the circle even at the edge. He rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck.

"If I was going to imprison someone here...I would do it at the center." He said to himself. He had considered flying, but for some reason he felt like it would be a bad idea. He took a step forwards and was immediately attacked by the bandaged assassins. Without a moment's hesitation, Alastor drew his sword and killed the assassins that had attacked him in a single fluid motion. The bodies dropped and he continued. He knew his power was now far beyond anything these assassins had, so he had nothing to fear. In fact, he didn't even really know why he was bothering with this fog. He stabbed his sword into the ground and raised his hands. The fog began to swirl around him; spinning faster and faster the higher he raised his hands. With a sudden gesture, Alastor dropped his hands and the fog dissipated instantly.

"Much better." He said, pulling his sword free from the ground. Alastor looked around at the ice-covered landscape before him and frowned. Now he could see clearly, he realised that any one of the deep chasms of the Malebolge could house Leviathan or Baal. Letting out a sigh he was about to step forwards, but a glance down at his sword made him stop. He couldn't help but think that something was amiss. Why were these useless, low-level demons even bothering to attack? Then it hit him.

"Oh. OH! Oh shit!"

With a roar, his wings formed and he was rocketing into the sky, racing back to the mansion as fast as he could. When he actually thought about it, it was all incredibly obvious. It was one of the oldest tricks in the book. He shot up through the circles of hell so fast the air behind him actually ignited. He roared out of the pit in the circle where the mansion was located on a pillar of flame. Screaming through the sky, he raced over the plains below him and reached the mansion within minutes. Without slowing down, he smashed into the side of the mansion with a tremendous bang. The dust settled and Alastor looked up. The horribly mangled bodies of the bandaged assassins surrounded him, and standing by the stairs was a very tall wolf, with black fur and curved rams horns protruding from his head just behind his ears. He wore a rather expensive looking black suit and tie combo, making him look like an extremely wealthy businessman. The wolf looked rather surprised.

"You must be Alastor." He said, his baritone voice resonating oddly.

"And you must be Adramelech." Alastor responded.

"Indeed I am. Tell me, Dragon, how did you foil my trap?"

"Trap? I never triggered anything I would call a trap." Alastor replied.

"What? In the Malebolge, at the center..."

"I never got that far. I figured out what you were planning before I even got past the first chasm."

Adramelech looked taken aback.

"How did you-"

"Because not everyone is as stupid as you would have them believe."

Alastor and Adramelech turned to see Vetis at the top of the main staircase. She was...different. From the waist up she was the same as she had been. But from the waist down she had the body of a snake. Her scales rippled over her undulating coils as she slithered down the steps towards the two.

"Vetis." Adramelech said with barely contained venom.

"Adramelech." Vetis replied.

"Well then!" Adramelech said, clapping his hands together. "I'm not going to try and wriggle out of this one. I don't believe anyone here would be foolish enough to believe me anyway."

"You are of course correct in that assumption." Vetis responded coldly.

"I suppose you're wondering why I've done this?"

"The thought had crossed my mind, yes."

Alastor watched the two rather intently. They clearly knew each other very well to be speaking like this. He wondered how much of a backstory they had together.

"I want you dead because with you back, The Great War will happen all over again. It is as simple as that."

"How do you mean? Why would my presence make a bit of difference? The War must take place."

"The Archangel Michael and myself have an...accord. Once all of humanity is gone, the Earth will be divided equally amongst Hell and Heaven. There will be no need for a pointless and bloody war. But you were always a violent bitch. Always interested in blood and destruction. This way everybody wins."

"Then you are a fool, Adramelech, for the Archangel has already betrayed you. His forces even now roam the Earth."

Adramelech's mouth opened and closed a few times. He was clearly shocked.

"This...you...you lie!"

"Why should I lie? I have just come from the Earth. I know what is happening upon it."

"No no no! This is not how it's supposed to go! My plans cannot be foiled this quickly! This is not how it's supposed to work!" Adramelech shouted. Vetis laughed and licked her lips with her long serpentine tongue.

"This is the real world, not some cliché fantasy world where the villain has plans within plans that get foiled one by one by the mighty heroes. This is how reality works." She said, gesturing at Alastor. Adramelech turned as Alastor drew his sword.

"No! I will not die no-" Adramelech was cut off when Alastor plunged his sword through the Wolf's throat. Black blood spurted everywhere, coating Alastor in a thick film of hot gore. The wolf let out a hideous gurgle as blood poured from his mouth and neck, dropping to his knees. Alastor pulled out his sword and slashed downwards, carving open Adramelech's chest, revealing his heart. With a gristly, wet popping sound, Alastor tore the muscle from the Archdemon's chest. The body of the wolf fell to the floor with an anticlimactic splat, where it melted into a puddle of black slime.

"Huh." Alastor said, clutching the heart.

"What?"

"That was...anticlimactic."

"How so?"

"I was kind of hoping for some kind of epic duel, maybe for him to monologue about his evil plans or something."

Vetis slithered over to Alastor and licked some of the blood off his face.

"This is how the real world works. This is how people die. Like I said earlier, this isn't a cliché fantasy story."

"I suppose." Alastor said, looking mildly disappointed.

"Hurry up and eat that heart." Vetis said, patting him on the shoulder "Then meet me in my chambers."

"Of course, mistress." Alastor said with a grin as she slithered away. He looked down at the heart, and swallowed it in one go.

He had not been expecting the result of this. The surge of power that ran through him was the most agonising thing he had ever experienced. It knocked the breath out of him, and all he could do was lie on the floor and gasp. When the feeling subsided, he lay there, aching. An Archdemon's power was no laughing matter. He could feel it coursing through him. Wisps of darkness issued from his mouth as he stood, a strange dark mist pouring off his body. His eyes smouldered with hellish fire. Clenching his fists he let out an earth-shattering roar that, quite literally, shattered the earth. The ground around him cracked and split like fragile glass. His roar ended, and he stood there, shoulders heaving. The darkness that had surrounded him had gone, and he had returned to normal. He did feel slightly...larger. He looked down at himself and saw his muscles were less wiry now, like they had filled out more, but were still lean. He shrugged and headed to Vetis' chambers as the wall behind him began to repair itself.

Entering the room, Alastor saw Vetis lounging on her bed. She flicked her tail at him and smiled. Her smile faded quickly when she saw his face. Alastor was looking decidedly dissatisfied.

"Whatever is the matter now?" she asked

"That was too easy!"

"Oh please! Still going on about this?"

"Yes! I just...that was too easy, I really was expecting a huge climactic battle where my powers and skills would be put to the test against a mighty adversary. But it was over so quickly...I just can't help feel disappointed."

Vetis sighed and sat up.

"Shall I settle your disquieted soul?" She asked, staring directly at Alastor.

"Please do."

"You have a sword that permanently kills Demons and Angels. The speed of your footwork is startling. Most Demons would not be prepared for it, so you took him by surprise. I can tell you now if he had been expecting you to return so soon from the Malebolge you would have gotten the fight you desired. Adramelech, as you are no doubt now aware, was immensely powerful. He was just a little...misguided. Even the most powerful can be tricked and used."

Alastor idly kicked the ground, pouting slightly.

"I...suppose that makes sense." He said, grudgingly.

"Don't let it get to you. If it makes you feel any better, the Archangels will be expecting you, so you will have to fight as hard as you can."

"Well, I've still got a score to settle with Saint George. I'm not gonna let that one go."

"Don't worry, we shall return to Earth soon. I have one final thing to do before we depart however."

"Very well...wait...I still haven't found Leviathan and Baal."

"I rather suspect they were working with Adramelech. Those two are the only ones that can keep Hell's forces in line. They were probably the ones that had to prevent the lower level demons from running riot..."

Alastor suddenly began to grin. His fangs gleamed in the red light from the windows.

"I'll be right back." He said, and ran from the room.

Vetis blinked. This was the first time he had ever run out on her. She wasn't entirely sure what to think. At first she felt incredibly angry, but that quickly faded to confusion. Where had he gone in such a hurry? What could he possibly be scheming? Needless to say there wasn't a whole lot she could do about it anymore. Her control over him was gone...somehow. Yet she still felt oddly connected with him, which was mildly disturbing. There was no point in dwelling on it though. As long as he continued to serve her, there was very little chance of her losing this war. Vetis couldn't help but feel slightly concerned however. Alastor had told her his plans of course, but it seemed like he was holding something from her. Something important. He had been spending a great deal of time in the library as of late, reading through the tomes of knowledge Vetis had collected over the years. She rather suspected he was becoming as knowledgeable about Heaven and Hell as their own denizens...perhaps even more so.

With Adramelech out of the way, Vetis could now focus on figuring how to get Leviathan and Baal onto her side. Adramelech must have promised them something quite spectacular to get those two warmongers to agree to a truce with Heaven. Or maybe they had been tricked too? Perhaps they had even been killed. That was a worrying scenario if they had. According to Hell's traditions, to become the leader of a faction or group, the old leader had to be defeated in a duel and killed. If Leviathan and Baal had been defeated in such a way, whoever had done so would now control all of Hell's forces. As eager as she was to return to Earth to get this war properly started, she would need to investigate the situation in Hell. That of course meant finding out if her sources were still active. Turning towards the door, she saw Alastor standing there. She hadn't heard or felt him return; yet here he was.

"That was quick." She said.

"Well yes. It doesn't take long to kill someone if they don't know you're coming."

"Wait...kill?"

"Leviathan and Baal are no longer a problem." Alastor said.

It didn't take a genius to figure out what he meant. Vetis could practically taste the power flowing out of him.

"But how did you find them so quickly?"

"They were already headed here. They must have realised that Adramelech had been killed."

"Well...you certainly made my plans a lot simpler."

"I aim to please mistress. Now then..." Alastor extended his hand to Vetis "We have a world to conquer, and some songbirds to crush."

Vetis smiled and took his hand.

"It would be terribly impolite to keep them waiting." She replied.

Persephone stood atop Exeter Cathedral and surveyed the city. It had taken months, but the city was finally free of the living dead, and construction of a great defensive wall surrounding the city was growing. After what had happened at Stonehenge, Persephone had spiralled into a sea of despair. What Alastor and Vetis had done...she shuddered now just thinking about it. She had been in a near comatose state for four days before she finally came to her senses. Realising she couldn't dwell on the deaths of her comrades, no matter how horrific, had forced her to become less naïve. She knew Alastor and Vetis would return, and she knew they would return with an army to visit far greater horrors upon the world. She needed to be ready for that. She needed to be prepared for whatever came their way. She let out a long sigh and leaned against the walls, resting her arms on the crenelated walls. The sun was setting, and the workers from the wall were beginning to return to the main city. The creatures that now roamed the land had begun to change recently. When the sun set they became faster and more agile, with a dull red fire burning in their eyes. They were still not able to move as well, or to the same extent as a human, but because of this it had become extremely unsafe to stay on the wall after sundown (unless you were armed and in a group, of course). Persephone enjoyed watching the sun set. It was one of the most beautiful sights this world had to offer. She stood there for the next hour, watching the golden disc turn to a dim red as it slid below the horizon. But as the sun vanished behind the curvature of the earth, the sky went red. A deep blood red spread out from where the sun had set, bringing with it a foul wind and a rush of oppressive heat. Persephone gasped as the vile wind hit her. She gripped the fortified walls of the cathedrals roof so hard, the stone cracked beneath her fingers. Then, as quickly has it had come, the wind, heat and evil sky were gone. Persephone looked up at the deep blue night, stars twinkling down at her, the moon casting its silver-blue glow over the city. Persephone turned from the walls and ran down into the cathedral.

Bursting through the small door into the cathedral proper, she saw several Angels running towards her.

"Did you see the sky?" Persephone asked.

"Of course we did!" One of the Angels replied.

"Did any of the humans notice?"

"Not that we are aware of. Fortunately humans are not the most attuned creatures."

"Gather a scouting party immediately! I want to know where that portal opened, and if possible, how many demons came through. This is the first sign we've had that Hell is beginning to move, so be on your guards. You are not to engage. Reconnaissance only. Move out!"

The Angels saluted and marched off, the cathedral's door slamming behind them. Persephone took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, clenching her shaking hands. The fact that a portal had opened despite the shielding Heaven had erected around the earth was worrying enough, but a portal of such magnitude that its very presence warped reality? Hell was most certainly beginning to make its move. She headed towards he back of the cathedral, towards the altar. Reaching down she pressed a concealed button and the top of the altar slid back, revealing a compartment with a small stasis field around it. Reaching inside she drew out a plastic box. Opening the box revealed three pulsating black hearts, the hearts that had belonged to her three friends that Alastor had corrupted. Persephone reached down and picked up one of the hearts, bringing it up to her lips with trembling hands.

"Forgive me." She whispered, and bit into the demonic flesh.

A while later, when darkness had fully descended over the ever growing city, Persephone was sat in the Bishop's throne in the Cathedral's quire. It was an impressive structure, carved from ancient Oak, and nearly sixty feet in height. She ran her hand over the dark wood, now has hard as stone. It was an immensely elaborate and gothic piece of architecture, a relic from when the religious caste essentially ruled the country. Persephone sighed and leaned back in the surprisingly uncomfortable throne. Leading these fallen Angels and terrified humans was much harder than she had expected. Nothing Barachiel had said could have prepared her for this level of responsibility. She rather suspected the Archangels were testing her...or were at least planning something. She still had no real idea why they chose her over all the other Angels. With another sigh (something she found herself doing quite often these days) she got to her feet and made her way towards the doors of the Cathedral. Pushing open the door, she stepped into the cool night air. The cobbled square in front of the Cathedral was deserted, which made Persephone frown. The area around the cathedral had been turned into the main base of operations for the Angels operating under her command. There was a hissing sound, and her sword materialised in her hand. Stepping into the middle of the square she looked around. The city was oddly silent, like a heavy blanket had been cast over the entire area. The Cathedral's spotlights covered the area with a bright white light, dispelling most shadows.

"It's been a while, Persephone."

Persephone whipped around, sword at the ready. Standing on the Cathedral balcony, above the doors, stood Alastor. His hand was around the neck of an Angel, talons embedded deep in the pale flesh, silver blood oozing over his hand and dripping onto the stonework. Persephone did not hesitate. She jumped into the air, streaking towards Alastor. She briefly thought about how much more powerful she felt after eating the demon hearts, but her focus quickly snapped back to her target. Alastor grinned and casually tossed the limp body towards her. Persephone sliced the corpse in half with incredible ease, the two halves spinning past her. Alastor sidestepped her next blow, which cut through the stone like butter.

Persephone spun on her heel, sword coming up in a glittering golden arc. There was a loud clang and a shower of blue sparks. Persephone blinked. A sword had appeared in Alastor's hand. The blade shimmered with an unholy iridescence. Alastor grinned at her, before grabbing her by the wrist and hurling her through the wall of the Cathedral. Persephone crashed through the ancient stonework and smashed into the floor, cracking the flagstones as she did. Gasping with pain, she rolled onto her knees, staggering upright. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth and several of her ribs had cracked. There was a leathery thud from behind. She turned to see Alastor walking towards her, the tip of his sword scraping along the ground, cutting a shallow groove in the stone.

"I see you got rid of my thralls." He said

Persephone would rather not talk, but this pause was giving her body a chance to recover. When not exerting themselves, Angels healed at an incredibly accelerated rate. Demons did not have this ability, but what they did have was much greater raw physical power. Except she wasn't fighting a Demon, she was fighting a Dragon, a creature far more powerful than either Angels or Demons.

"It's a shame really. I was gonna have fun with them." Alastor continued, idly running a hand over one of his elegant horns.

"Your plan was painfully transparent." Persephone replied, still slightly winded.

"Oh, they carried out most of my plan to perfection...the first phase anyway."

"I don't suppose you're going to tell me what that was?"

"Hah! I'm not that cliché!"

"Can't blame a girl for trying." Persephone said with a small shrug.

"Can't blame her for stalling with out of character banter, either." Alastor said, and kicked Persephone the entire length of the Cathedral.

Persephone crashed into the organ, sending huge metal pipes flying in all directions with a tremendous cacophony of metal. Fortunately the Organ pipes were less durable than the solid stone wall. Persephone recovered, and deflected Alastor's next strike with her sword. Alastor spun, his empty hand coming round to strike the flat of Persephone's blade. The force of the impact jarred her arm. Alastor took advantage of this and his own momentum, slamming his tail into Persephone's midsection. It was like being hit by a freight train, the force of the impact launched her through the grand stained-glass window that dominated the Cathedral. She flew through the air, striking the ground hard and skidding through the grass that surrounded the Cathedral. Large clods of earth flew in all directions as she ploughed through the ground. Coughing, she tried to pull herself from the crater, but a scaly, taloned hand grabbed her around the neck with an iron grip. Alastor lifted her easily out of the earth and tossed her against the wall of the Cathedral. The stones cracked under the impact and silver blood splattered over the floor. Alastor was suddenly there, pinning her against the wall. Blood trickled out of her mouth onto his arm.

"I'm not here to kill you." He hissed. "I'm here to deliver a message."

Persephone struggled against his grip, her vision was beginning to blur.

"Adramelech is dead, and the War begins now."

With that said, he released Persephone, dropping her to the ground. He turned, liquid metal wings forming upon his back.

"Wait...what...do you mean?!" Persephone coughed, looking up from the floor.

"Why don't you ask Barachiel?" Alastor replied, turning his head and pointing. Persephone looked to where he pointed, and saw a golden portal opening above the Cathedral. There was a loud roar and blast of hot air, as Alastor soared into the sky and out of sight on a pillar of crimson fire. Persephone pulled herself painfully to her feet, just as Barachiel and his Host of Angels descended through the portal.

Alastor soared up through the night sky, the lights of the city dwindling below him. He could see for miles from this height, tiny pinpricks of light showed camps, and small groups of people surviving out in the wilderness, but otherwise the country was completely dark. Alastor felt a shudder run through him. He had always marvelled at the beauty of the world when he was human, and now he was getting a chance to see it as it was meant to be seen. Of course, sightseeing would have to wait until the war was ended and his plans had come to fruition. He let out a sigh and angled himself towards London, which sat on the horizon has a dull red glow. The reason for the glow became apparent once he drew closer. The capital had been transformed into a vast military base. Skyscrapers had been converted into command centers; barracks had been set up in other buildings. The river Thames was filled with warships in various stages of reconstruction. Alastor had sent Engineers from Hell to collect and restore as many military vehicles as they could find. Transport ships were still coming in loaded with tanks and other armoured vehicles. Thousands of tons of ammunition were brought in from around the world daily. Whole areas of the city had been cleared of buildings and flattened to house the vast amount of war machines that were being rebuilt and modified. Hulls were repaired and woven with dark magic to make them stronger. Alastor had noticed that the overall aesthetic of the vehicles were changing as well. It seemed that Demonic engineers favoured black and red colour schemes, and lots of spikes and blades. They did the same to the ships on the river, giving them truly hellish makeovers. Forges and workshops dominated central London, spilling their primal light into the dark sky. The city had been completely taken over by Demons, as well as the humans that had gathered to Alastor's "cause". The parts of the city not being used to prepare for war were now being lived in by the troops. Alastor had made sure that facilities for gambling and other forms of entertainment were made available. A bored army was never something that would stay still for very long. Food was hardly a problem either. Great caravans came in from all over the country, groaning with food gathered from the abandoned country. It was like the city had become a colossal super-organism. Alastor streaked over the city, observing his growing army.

All of this was for a reason of course. Vetis had told him (in great detail) about how Angels and Demons fought in battles. It was basically medieval warfare, using close combat weapons, and some magical technology. Alastor planned to change this. By gathering the creations made by the Human passion for war, he would devastate the Heavenly forces with technology they had overlooked as primitive and weak. He alighted atop The Shard, London's tallest building and surveyed the city once again. He felt excited. It would soon be time to share this world with Vetis...Mistress. Alastor frowned to himself. He had mentally stopped calling Vetis "mistress" some time ago. He remembered feeling utterly devoted to her, unable to resist her commands. But now that was no more. He was his own man. It was like their original agreement had changed drastically. He felt close to her, not in the same way as he did when he was her slave. He looked down at his talons, a strange feeling building in his chest. Maybe it was time? She knew he loved her, but as a slave loves their master, not as equals. Growling to himself, he slid down the spire towards the observatory. The observatory had been converted into a luxury apartment with grand views of the city. Vetis was lounging on the colossal bed in the center of the room as Alastor entered. She was still in her "true" form. Her thick, powerful snake tail was coiled under her as she lay on the bed, reading a book. Looking up, she smiled a wicked smile at Alastor. "I trust the message was delivered?" she asked

"Oh yes. I made my point extremely clear." Alastor said, placing his sheathed sword on a stand, before heading over to the bed.

"Oh good."

"It seems Heaven already knew about Adramelech's death, however. Barachiel arrived as I was leaving."

"The Archangel? The one your pets told you about before we went to Hell?"

"The very same."

"They will begin to move troops through the Golden Gates once they have established a stable portal." "I am aware. But that can wait. I have some...things I wish to say."

Vetis closed her book slowly, watching Alastor as he sat next to her on the bed.

"What is it?" she asked

"I...love you. Now I know...I know you know this, but hear me out."

Vetis had opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again.

"Until recently, my love for you was that of a slave under the control of a master. We no longer share that dynamic. I...I love you more like an equal now. I just...Oh for fucks sake! This is so confusing!" Alastor grabbed hold of his horns in frustration and tugged on them.

"My mind is a veritable maelstrom of feelings and emotions. Giving up my humanity has only unlocked my inhibitions! I have no idea how to deal with these feelings now you are no longer in control!"

Vetis laughed, and quickly pinned Alastor to the bed with her coils.

"I'll tell you what's wrong. You have fallen in love with me. Not some artificial love implanted as a hypnotic suggestion, but real, genuine love. It is confusing to most Demons as well."

She placed a hand on his chest, her talons digging into his flesh. Dark blood oozed between her fingers. Alastor gasped and arched his back slightly.

"We are equals now. Even I could not see it fully. I was just as confused as you before I figured it out, but now...now..." Vetis' expression softened. She leaned forwards and gently kissed Alastor on the lips. It was a tender kiss, the kind of kiss shared between true lovers. It was in that moment, in that kiss, that both Alastor and Vetis felt more connected to each other than ever before. Their tongues danced together as they embraced, blood smearing between the two. With that, a pact far more ancient and powerful than anything Heaven or Hell could dream of was forged. Their very souls entwined to become one, they revelled in each other's being. The sublime ecstasy of their joining was greater than any either had ever felt. Eventually the euphoria faded, and the two lay side by side on the bed, panting slightly.

"Okay...so that just happened." Alastor said.

"Yes...it did." Vetis replied.

There was a pause.

"Wanna fuck then go commit mass genocide?"

"Oh yes indeed!"

Persephone sat up in her bed, tucked away in one of the Cathedral's alcoves.

"I'm glad we arrived when we did."

Barachiel was sitting next to the bed. There was a book in his lap, and his wings were folded neatly behind him. He was wearing a white and gold robe, held closed with a silver belt.

"He never meant to stay long. Just to deliver his message."

Persephone started to move, but pain lanced through her side. She gingerly touched her ribs and winced.

"The beating you took was rather severe. Your bones are fine, but you have some rather painful bruising. You must go easy on yourself." Barachiel said in a soft, yet commanding tone. "As for Hell making its move...we know. It is the reason the barrier was lifted so that I could enter the world."

"How could you know? I thought contact was cut off because of the barrier?"

Barachiel looked pensive for a moment.

"When we sent you here...we weren't exactly honest with you."

"What do you mean? Was there some other reason behind me coming here?"

"No no! We wanted you here to try to rebuild humanity. You and the other fallen Angels, left behind after the last Great War."

"So what were you not honest about?"

"Michael struck a deal with Adramelech, the High Chancellor of Hell. It was a pact of non-aggression. It was agreed after the last Great War that when the Time Lock reset, there would be no war. It is too costly and pointless. Unfortunately Adramelech has fallen to Alastor and Vetis, and the war is now inevitable."

"Wait...what's the Time Lock?" Persephone asked, "I have never heard of such a thing."

"That is because it is a closely guarded secret, and I have already said too much. Your job, as of now, is to continue leading the Fallen, and to protect the humans. The rest of the Heavenly Host will arrive soon enough." Barachiel got to his feet, and turned to leave. But Persephone was hardly satisfied with such a poor explanation. Of course, Barachiel was notoriously tight lipped when he wanted to be, so getting any more information out of him would be impossible.

"I hope Michael realises this won't be like the last war." She said aloud. Barachiel paused, and turned to face her.

"What do you mean?"

"It won't be one glorious battle like the archives say."

"Why wouldn't it? I have been present at the last two Wars, and each one has always been the same."

"Because Alastor is stockpiling all the Human weapons of war. Weapons with only one purpose, weapons made to level entire cities. Compared to these weapons, our swords, spears and bows are laughable."

"How could you possibly know all this?"

Persephone reached up under her hair, and pulled something away from her ear. It was a small headset. Barachiel could hear screams coming from it.

"Because my scout team has just been annihilated bringing you vital information about the enemy." She said coldly, glaring at Barachiel.

"They were updating you this entire time?"

"Yes. They were."

Barachiel looked uncomfortable.

"I will...speak with Michael when he arrives. His word is final on the matter, understand?"

"Yes, Barachiel."

The Archangel left. Persephone sat there, frowning.

"I am not satisfied." She said aloud. She would find out what the Archangels were hiding, even if it meant contacting the enemy.

Alastor gazed out over the city. Red light spilled out from demonic forges as engineers and smiths toiled in preparation for the coming battle. He had studied the records from the previous wars before, and how they affected the very fabric of time and space. According to Vetis, the final apocalyptic battle was fought until only the Archangels and Archdemons were left. Once this stalemate arose, the device known as the Time Lock would activate, supposedly resetting the entire universe. From there, history would repeat itself until a certain point, and then the entire process would happen again. When he had asked Vetis why this happened, she couldn't answer. The Archangels and Archdemons represented some sort of cosmic balance, brought into existence to protect something. When Alastor asked what this thing was, Vetis replied that she did not know. None of them knew. This of course raised far too many questions for Alastor to deal with, so he put them aside and focused on his current plan. There would be plenty of time to figure out what the hell was going on in the story of his life later. Despite this annoying confusion, he had a war to fight, and a contingency plan to prepare.

"Such marvellously simple design, and yet able to unleash such devastation." Vetis said

"Indeed. Humanity had a knack for building things designed specifically for killing everything."

"How many of these devices are there?"

"Enough to turn the entire world to ash. A molten, radioactive wasteland."

"That is impressive. I never would have thought such power could be contained by a simple metal."

"Quite terrifying isn't it? Especially when you consider I have almost twenty thousand thermonuclear devices ready to be lifted into orbit. That is of course not counting the rather crude fission devices."

"What's the difference?" Vetis asked. She was holding a blueprint with an ICBM detailed on it.

"An atomic bomb uses fission. A thermonuclear warhead, or hydrogen bomb, uses fusion."

"That means extraordinarily little to me."

"An atomic bomb is a campfire. A hydrogen bomb is a funeral pyre."

"That much of a difference?"

"Oh yes."

As the sun rose over England, thousands of white cylinders rose with it. Alastor hovered in the air, arms outstretched, eyes closed as he concentrated on lifting his arsenal of destruction. As the missiles rose into the air, he flew up, dragging them slowly into orbit. It was he first time he had flown so high, so when he felt the cold fingers of space wrap his body after many hours of flight, he opened his eyes. Laid out before him was the glittering blue and green jewel that was Earth. If he weren't in a vacuum, the sight would have taken his breath away. He hung there, the inky blackness of the universe at his back, the wondrous jewel of his home before him. He stared at it for almost an hour before he came to his senses. He spread out his arms before him, and began positioning the thousands of megatons of destruction about the world. In all honesty, Alastor really didn't want to resort to this much destructive power. He wasn't even sure he could survive a several thousand-megaton blast. He also couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen. Something that wouldn't just affect him and his forces. He pushed the thought away. For now he had to focus on arranging orbital-based devastation. It took him the better part of a day to successfully arrange the missiles, moving them around and between the sheer volume of space junk that orbited the planet. He'd had to swat multiple satellites away to prevent a premature detonation. He paused for a moment, surveying his handiwork. With a satisfied nod, he slowly spun around and stared out into space. He blinked. Directly opposite him was the International Space Station. He hadn't really wondered about the people in space before the world went to shit. Curiosity over took him. Using his telekinesis, Alastor propelled himself towards the station. He landed on the side and crawled over to a window. There were no lights on inside. Even if the power had stayed active, it was unlikely the Astronauts inside could have survived this long without supply shuttles from the Earth. Pulling himself up to the entrance hatch, he pried open the lock and pulled open the door.

Once inside the airlock, he pulled the outer hatch closed, resealing it. He then kicked the inner hatch open. There was a loud hiss and air rushed into the airlock.

"Well that was surprising." He said aloud. Then giggled. He was aboard the ISS! He felt a surge of boyish excitement well up inside him. He moved through the station wondering if there would be any hideous corpses, but the station was entirely deserted. Perhaps they had retrieved the Astronauts when the dead first started walking? Once the station had been thoroughly explored Alastor let out a sigh, they tore the station apart from the inside out. Once he was done, he let the fragments of the station drift off into space. He turned back towards the Earth, sailing gracefully through the vacuum. He could see London far below him, a glimmering red spiders web of light. He could also see a bright golden glow where Exeter was. It appeared the Angels had started to arrive. The time for war was coming. He frowned, and examined the light more closely. A tiny speck of light was moving from Exeter towards London. Alastor smiled, and began his free-fall back to earth. He soon hit the atmosphere; his body began to heat up from friction with the air. The infernium surged out of his skin and covered his body, solidifying in the shape of an armoured suit. As he passed through the Ionosphere, his wings unfolded and he began to speed up. He angled himself towards the golden dot, which was increasing in size considerably. Alastor grinned behind his visor of metal as the thought of his decent being visible from around the world entered his mind. He could see what the blob was now. It was quite a sizeable group of Angels flying low to the ground and at speed. The one at their head wore shining bronze coloured armour, with a full-faced helm. His wings were golden, and his entire body gave off a shimmering golden light. Just the sight of him made Alastor feel nauseous. His grin widened as his jets formed on his back. There was a loud boom as he broke the sound barrier. The Angels looked up, clearly startled that a huge fireball was headed directly towards them. The one at the front turned and began to shout orders, but it was too late. Alastor hit the middle of the group smashing the Angels aside, before hitting the ground like the fist of an angry god.

The force of Alastor's impact instantly killed five angels. They were torn apart in mid air and the resulting shockwave from Alastor hitting the ground. Red-hot fragments of rock and earth came raining down on the surviving Angels, causing them to raise their shields for protection. A deathly silence followed, broken by the rapid clinking of cooling metal. A glow appeared in the cloud of smoke and steam that rose from the crater. Alastor emerged, his armour glowing red and white. As the infernium cooled, it slowly shifted and reformed into a more intimidating configuration. It was considerably more detailed and ornate than it had been, each piece was intricately and delicately detailed, and the whole thing moved fluidly, the individual plates making hardly any sound as Alastor moved. Of course, making the armour look like individual pieces was purely for aesthetic reasons, considering it was part of his body anyway. The Angels raised their weapons, but the lead Angel stepped forwards, removing his helmet. His long flowing hair billowed out behind him, his golden eyes gleaming.

There was a metallic sound as Alastor's helmet unfolded around his head, blood red hair spilling down his back.

"You must be Alastor." The lead Angel said.

"Why yes. Yes I am." Alastor replied, idly running a hand over an elegant horn.

"Strange that you would show yourself with such an audacious display of power."

"Is it now, Archangel Michael?"

"You know of me then?"

"Eh, lucky guess."

Michael's eye twitched. Was this really the commander of Hell's forces?

"Hmph. I should have guessed."

"But you didn't. Which makes you kinda dumb." Alastor replied, examining is gauntleted hands. The razor sharp fingertips glinted in the moonlight.

"I expected more that petty insults from someone who supposedly wields so much power." Michael said in a condescending tone. Alastor gave him a sidelong glance, before flashing a toothy smile.

"Be careful what you wish for." He said.

Alastor's hands blurred, and six bolts of crimson fire shot forwards, striking the Angel's behind Michael with such intense heat and force, they were turned to ash in an instant.

"Lets talk." Alastor said, casually blowing smoke from his hands.

"You dare...!" Michael roared, drawing his sword. Blue flames crackled along its length, the air around it becoming super-heated.

"Of course I dare! We are at war!" Alastor said with a laugh. "Now then, what was it that you wanted? I assume you were heading to London to speak with me?"

"You expect to change the subject so rapidly without suffering the consequences for your actions?!"

"Uhmm...yes?"

"We were heading to your base to try and talk you out of this ridiculous charade. There is no reason for war to happen. It is utterly pointless."

"Charade? I assure you this is no charade. This is not a game. I will destroy you and your army and then I will rule this Earth with Vetis."

"And what could your rule accomplish? What could ruling the entire planet achieve?"

"I will bring about a golden age, I will advance human technology to the point it should be. Free from the politicians and their agendas, free to explore and experiment. We shall expand into the stars and beyond. I have such grand plans, and you shall not stop them from coming to fruition."

"And who will you rule? Who will follow you to create this utopia? Demons? You know they are created from Humanity's most basic wants and desires."

"Not just Demons. Humans too. Any human who is willing to join my cause will be welcome in my new age."

"I will not allow it. If war must be done, then it shall be done as it has before."

"Hah. I'm glad you said that, now the war has officially begun."

"Wait...what do you mean?"

"I was lying. I don't give a shit about humanity or anyone else. I just needed you to confirm that the war had begun to make the Time Lock appear."

Michael stepped back. A horrible realisation struck him.

"You...you can't be serious?"

"Deadly."

"In that case, I will stop you here and now." Michael placed his helmet back on, which was his first mistake. As the metal slid over his eyes, a colossal impact struck him in the chest. He went flying back, helmet flying off his head and clattering to the ground. He hit the ground and rolled, jumping upright, sword at the ready.

"Have you no honour?!" He spat, anger rising in him.

"Honour? We are at war!" Alastor said, his smoking fist still raised. "I'm gonna do whatever it takes to win."

"I overestimated you, Dragon."

"Go fuck yourself. I'm not here for your approval you piece of condescending shit." Alastor snarled.

"Then no more words! Our fight begins no-" Michael was cut of when the .50 calibre Raufoss round hit him in the shoulder and exploded. Alastor watched casually as the Angel rolled in the dirt.

"That looked like it hurt." He said.

Michael groaned, pushing himself up slowly. The backplate of his armour had taken most of the force. The metal was twisted and fractured. The tungsten rod inside the round for armour piercing was sticking out of the armour. Silver blood oozed around it, dripping onto the floor. Alastor walked over to Michael and bent over.

"Told you I fight dirty." He said. He then straightened up and kicked Michael across the chin, sending the Archangel sprawling.

"Our attack begins at dawn. I hope you are ready. It'd be boring otherwise."

Back in Exeter, the camp was buzzing. Angels were pouring out of the portal at an alarming rate. Meanwhile, Michael was being tended to at the Cathedral.

"We must revise our tactics!" Barachiel was saying.

Michael looked up from where he was sitting.

"This was not enough to kill me, why should we fear it?" He replied. The doctor behind him was cleaning around the wound, preparing to pull out the tungsten penetrator.

"Because I suspect they have more than just...whatever they used to strike you."

"They are cowardly and without honour. Because of this they will fall before us."

"Listen, Alastor has used his time here well. He has gathered as many of the human weapons of war as he could find. I am worried about what we might face come the dawn."

"Barachiel, we are Heaven's chosen. We will crush Hell's armies once and for all. They are being led by an honourless dog."

The Doctor picked up a set of pliers and gripped the penetrator. With a swift yank, he pulled the penetrator out. Michael winced, before letting out a sigh. The doctor cleaned up the blood and left the two Archangels alone.

"That is why he is more dangerous than Leviathan or Baal or even Malphas! They had honour. Like he said, Alastor will do whatever it takes to win."

"You would have me change our tried and tested battle plan because he has some human technology?"

"Listen, Persephone said that-"

"Oh Persephone said, did she? You would take the word of a fallen Angel over my word?"

"Dammit Michael! You're not listening!"

"Enough! I will hear no more of this!" Michael thundered, "The tactics will remain unchanged! We will go to war tomorrow, and we shall crush this fool with our might."

"Yes, My lord." Barachiel said with a sarcastic bow.

The next day, Between Exeter and London, the Angels were assembled. They had set up position next to the coast. The open water provided an easy escape route for the airborne Angels, and also provided a barrier against flank attacks. Michael hovered at the head of the host, sword drawn. He scanned the horizon but he could see no sign of the Demonic hordes. The sun was well risen now, so beginning at dawn had obviously been a ruse. Then, on the horizon, a black line appeared. The Angelic host drew to attention. Billions of them, lined up on the ground and in the air. Armour gleaming and pennants streaming, truly a magnificent sight. The black line was growing larger now, accompanied by a dull rumble. A few stones trembled on the ground below. The black line began to grow rapidly, the rumble turning into a dull thunder. Soon, the source of the noise was clear. Approaching them, black exhaust billowing from Demonically enhanced engines, came millions of Tanks. They roared over the ground, a sea of steel chewing up the earth before them. Behind the tanks came trucks towing stationary artillery pieces. Behind these came the Demonic hordes. Shrieking and whooping, bounding over the ground, their animal forms giving them the ability to cover great distances at speed. A large number of them were carrying long barrelled anti-materiel rifles and cases of ammunition. On the lead tank, Alastor stood, grinning madly. He raised a hand, and clenched it into a fist. All at once, the Tanks opened fire. The sound of millions of cannons firing at once was deafening. The air turned thick with high explosive rounds. The shrieking wail as the shells ripped through the air was enough to shake the Angels, but not for long. The shells slammed into the assembled ranks of angels, explosions and shrapnel tearing the divine beings apart. The Heavenly army was instantly thrown into disarray. Panic began to spread as more and more shells ripped through the host, the Tanks drawing closer and closer. By this time the stationary artillery had been set up, and the ground shook as round after round of hissing metallic death arced over the line of tanks and slammed into the Angelic ground forces. The attack had happened with such ferocity and speed, Michael was still standing shocked at the front of the army. He shook himself from his horrified trance, and ordered the charge. The Angelic army surged forwards, a vast ocean of white and gold. The flying troops raced over the ground towards the oncoming tanks, but then came the Fighters. Out of the sky the came, wave after wave of flying steel and aluminium. Chainguns blazing, and missiles launching, they smashed through the Angels in the sky. The jets had been modified too, demonic blades adorning their hulls, wings now capable of slicing through Angels without damage. The Demons carrying the anti-materiel rifles were also in position, picking off angels and shattering armour and weapons with a variety of .50 calibre rounds.

That was not the end though. A cry went up from the Angels near the coast. Around a headland came a vast fleet of war ships. The great behemoths of metal ploughed through the waves, their now black hulls gleaming in the morning sun. Colossal naval guns were brought to bear, and then thundered. The huge shells devastated the Angels as massive explosions ripped through their ranks. Hundreds of thousands of Angels died in the first assault. The ground was piled high with corpses stained by silver blood. The rain of death continued until there was nothing else to fire. This devastating bombardment had lasted the entire day, ending the lives of millions of Angels. The sheer quantity of death caused the ground to quake. The sky began to darken and lightning flashed through the clouds. The Apocalypse had begun.

Alastor strode through the chaos of the battlefield, carving a bloody path through the Angels arrayed against him. His armour dripped with silver blood as all around him Angels and Demons engaged in bitter and vicious combat. The ammunition for their guns had run out hours ago, but the staggering force of the attack had shaken the Angels. Even with so many of them, their line was slowly being pushed back. Alastor laughed as bodies rained down about him, his war machines crashing in great sheets of flame. With a roar he took to the sky, now a veritable maelstrom of death. It was truly a hellish sight, the sounds of the wounded and dying were an incredible cacophony that tore over a battlefield that stretched to the horizon. Alastor smashed through Angel after Angel, and finally arrived at the epicentre of the battle. Every Archangel and Archdemon was here, at the very center of the battle, tearing each other apart. Lightning and fire flashed though the air, as terrible magicks were unleashed. Alastor landed next to Vetis, and grabbed her in an embrace and a kiss.

"It is more beautiful than I could have imagined!" Alastor crowed, releasing her.

"Ah, my love, I thought you would like it!" Vetis replied, dark fire spilling from her hands. Alastor laughed, and spun away, drawing his sword. Opposite him, Michael appeared, robe spattered with dark blood, flaming sword blazing. Alastor laughed and charged forwards, their blades meeting with a noise like thunder.

"Look at what you have done!" Michael screamed, "All this destruction and death because of you!"

"Isn't it great!? My blood is on fire!" Alastor responded, grinning madly. Their blades whirled through the air in a lethal dance, smashing into each other with such force the air around them was blasted away. Vetis meanwhile was engaged in a duel with Barachiel. Bolts of lightning lanced out of Barachiel's hands, Vetis countering with black flames that consumed the ground they touched.

"Why are you doing this?" Barachiel asked, sidestepping a jet of fire.

"Because I have had enough of this ridiculous task we have been given." She replied, flames billowing around her.

"None of us even know why we do this! Twice this has happened before, and each time we put on a show for our armies until they are all dead and the Time Lock resets everything. I have had enough!"

"We must not go against destiny!"

"You can accept your preordained destiny if you like, but I am going to forge my own!"

"Well said!" Alastor landed next to her, parrying a blow from Michael. The four combatants sprang away from each other, facing each other down.

"We shall not let you have your way." Michael said, "I know you plan something with the Time Lock and we shall not let you succeed."

"Let us succeed? You won't have any say in the matter!" Alastor laughed.

"Oh really?"

Alastor realised something was very wrong. Although the Angels and Demons were still fighting, there was a considerable amount of action coming from the Archangels and the Archdemons. All of who were standing to face Alastor and Vetis.

"What is this?" Vetis said, looking around.

"You did not seriously think you go behind the Council of Devils without repercussions, did you?" Said one of the Demons. He then burst into crimson flames, melting to the floor with a hideous scream. Alastor lowered his hand.

"I defeated Leviathan and Baal. I control Hell's armies. I brought about the end war. Yet Politicians are once again messing things up." He hissed.

"There is protocol in Hell, yet you threw it out the window and went to do your own thing. We could not control Hell's armies because of you, so we went to Heaven. The war will continue the way it always has, and the Time Lock will reset as it should."

Vetis looked over at the Demon who had spoken.

"Behemoth. Even you would betray me?" She said coldly.

The huge demon stepped forwards, black armour gleaming.

"It was I who approached Heaven. We imprisoned you after the second war because of your bloodlust. This time we are forced to kill you. Attempting to change destiny is a foolish endeavour."

"How long have you planned this?"

"Since Alastor released you." Michael said, "We knew you would go behind the council's back, so a contingency plan was put in place. We had hoped you would be unable to defeat Adramelech, thus keeping the pact between Heaven and Hell, but upon his death the pact was broken."

"Huh. Talk about a stunning revelation." Alastor said.

"Alastor, this situation is dire." Vetis hissed at him.

"Not really." Alastor replied.

Alastor opened his mouth and let rip a massive blast of crimson fire. It spilled from his jaws and engulfed the assembled Angels and Demons. At least half of them, the weaker ones, went down screaming as the impossibly hot Dragon fire seared flesh from bone, and fused metal armour to skin. Alastor leapt forwards, burying is sword into Behemoth's chest, heaving the blade upwards, splitting the huge demon in half. He somersaulted away, landing on the shoulders of an Archangel, crushing his spine. The Angel collapsed to the ground with an agonised cry. Alastor sprang back next to Vetis, facing the remaining Archangels and demons. Vetis unleashed a torrent of black flames that engulfed the Angels, but the Demons came leaping through it unharmed.

"Hellfire does not affect Demons!" She called over her shoulder.

Alastor spun around Vetis and cut the attacking Demons down, his sword carving easily through their flesh, causing it to rapidly decay. Three Archangels dove in from above, Lances poised to strike. Alastor raised his hand, clenching it into a fist and making a tugging motion. The Angels suddenly slammed together, before being ripped out of the air and slammed into the ground, where Vetis hit them with a column of black Hellfire. The Angels screamed and writhed, yet through the Flames came Michael, sword swinging. Alastor parried and riposted, catching the Archangel in the shoulder. Michael staggered back, his armour beginning to dissolve around the impact. Alastor took advantage and struck him in the chest with a bolt of fire. Pressing the attack, he drove the Archangel to the ground. As he was about to deal the finishing stroke, Michael rolled out of the way, leaping into the air. Alastor was about to follow when a scream from behind him made him turn. Vetis had been overwhelmed by numbers, and was being pinned to the ground. Barachiel stood over her, a spear raised above his head.

"No!" Alastor screamed, hurling his sword as hard as he could. The blade flew straight and true, spearing Barachiel straight through the throat, cutting his head clean from his shoulders. There was a fountain of silver blood, and his body toppled. Before it could hit the ground, Alastor had engaged the Angels and Demons surrounding Vetis. He tore into them, armoured talons ripping through armour and flesh like dry paper, washing the ground with silver and dark red blood. His power was overwhelming as he shredded his opponents. The carnage was so great, the surviving Archangels and Demons began to scramble away, fleeing up into the battle that raged above. Alastor stood, surrounded by corpses, armour dripping with gore, panting. He turned and helped Vetis up. Vetis looked his blood soaked form over and giggled.

"You are my sexy god of war." She laughed, hugging him. Alastor smiled back at her.

"It is not over yet, however." He replied, kissing her on the cheek, before walking over to his sword, pulling it free from the ground. Vetis rolled her eyes.

"Fine, go and destroy Michael. I will handle things down here."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course." She replied with a lighthearted smile, black flames rising about her body. "You've given me a veritable feast of Archangel hearts."

Slithering over to Barachiel's body, she plunged a hand into his chest and tore out his heart. The corpse burned away into ash as soon as the heart was free of its confines. She tossed it to Alastor, who caught it and swallowed it in one go.

"Finish him quickly." She said.

"Anything for you." Alastor replied, spreading his metal wings and roaring into the sky.

Michael found Alastor first. Dropping down from above, through the throng of violence, swatting demons aside as he came. Alastor saw him coming and rose to meet him, their clash sent out a shockwave that pushed the surrounding combatants away.

"This time you will die!" Michael roared, brandishing his sword. "I will cut you down and rip out your heaaaAARGH!"

Alastor cut him off by hurling fire into his face. The flames ignited his hair and the Archangel flailed around. Alastor rocketed forwards, piercing Michael through the back. His sword punching clean through back and breastplate, exploding out of the Archangel's chest with a spray of silver.

"Never monologue until your opponent is completely and utterly fucked." He hissed, pulling his sword free, kicking Michael down to the ground. The Angel slammed into the earth, where he lay, unmoving. Alastor flew down, jets of crimson fire blazing from his hands, burning the earth. He slowly descended, keeping up the constant stream of flames until he landed. All that remained of the Archangel Michael was a smoking crater. Alastor began to laugh, and then a flaming sword was thrust through his shoulder. He let out a cry of pain, spinning around and lashing out with his own blade. It connected with flesh and bit deep. Michael stumbled back. His body was severely burned; his armour was twisted and deformed. A hole in his chest was slowly opening as his flesh decayed from the wound inflicted by Alastor's terrible weapon. The second wound in his side was beginning to decay at a much faster rate, the Angel's holy regeneration failing. Alastor punched the tip of the flaming sword, knocking it out of his shoulder. He let out another pained cry as the sword slid from his flesh. He dropped to his knees, panting as his own bright red blood trickled over his armour. Michael was crawling away from Alastor, who rose to his feet, a look of determined hatred in his eyes. He grabbed his sword in his good hand, and picked up the flaming sword with his tail. The flames scorched his armour, causing Alastor to grind his teeth with pain. He spun on his heel, launching the flaming sword at Michael. The blade pierced its owner through the leg, pinning him to the ground. He let out a sharp gasp, but that was all he could do. Alastor was soon upon him. Raising his sword into the air, Alastor drove it through Michael's skull, nailing his head to the ground. With that last blow, the Archangel Michael was dead. His body began to burn, golden flames engulfed his corpse and soon he was naught but ash. All that remained was his heart, glowing faintly in the pile of ash. Alastor picked it up, breathing heavily. He looked up and saw Angels staring at him with terror. Some were already fleeing. Heading back to the portal. Soon enough, a great cry had arisen in the ranks of Heaven that the Archangel Michael had fallen. Slowly but surely, the Angels began to abandon the battle, trying to escape back to the portal. The Demons took advantage of this and fell upon them in a howling slaughter. The once relatively even battle had now become wholesale carnage, and the Demons were the dealers. Alastor smiled, and Saw Vetis coming towards him. She was also covered in blood, smiling broadly. But that changed rapidly. What happened next seemed to happen in slow motion. Alastor had taken a single step towards Vetis, when an Angel dropped out of the sky behind Vetis. Alastor's smile faded into a look of horror. He began to sprint forwards, yelling out a warning, but it was too late. The Gladius ex Carmen, the Sword of Songs, pierced Vetis' heart, the shining blade thrusting through her chest. Vetis looked surprised, turning her head slowly to see Persephone, a look of grim determination on her face, drive the sword deeper. Vetis spasmed, her body going limp as the sword was withdrawn. Alastor screamed, smashing into Persephone with tremendous force, sending the angel flying like a ragdoll. Alastor turned and dropped to his knees scooping up Vetis into his arms.

"No no no no!" He said, tears beginning to well up in his eyes.

"Oh...Alastor..." Vetis said, blood trickling from her mouth.

"You're gonna be okay! Look, I have Michael's heart!" Alastor said, trying to smile. He held up Michael's heart. Vetis smiled weakly, raising her hand to touch Alastor's cheek. Alastor took her hand and held it tightly.

"It is...too late...a holy blade...through the heart...my death is at hand..."

"No! No! Please no! I...we are winning! The war...the world...it was supposed to be for you!" Alastor said, tears running down his face, his armour slowly melting back into his body.

"Do you know...with you...first time...I ever felt...real...true...love..." Vetis said with a gasp. Her hand went limp in his, and her body slowly began to melt away.

"Vetis? Vetis?!" Alastor looked down in horror as his lover's body slowly durned into black dust, only leaving behind her heart. Alastor reached down with trembling hands, and carefully scooped up the heart. His entire body shook; his mouth gaped open, as if trying to form words, yet none came. He held the heart to his chest, threw back his head, and let out a scream of anguish so wretched and incredible, the clouds above him split, and the earth shook. The scream ended, and Alastor hung his head. Then he slowly rose to his feet, eyes burning with rage and sadness.

"Everything...burns." He snarled, crushing Michael's heart in his hand.

The heart shattered into dust, the power being absorbed by Alastor. In the skies above, thousands of pinpoints of lights appeared. The assembled Angels and Demons who had been stopped dead by Alastor's primal scream looked up at the sky as the lights grew brighter. Persephone slowly pushed herself out of the dirt, her armour destroyed and her sword broken in two. She lifted her pain filled gaze to the sky, and saw the missiles. Each warhead carried enough destructive force to destroy a small country. A surge of panic filled her. She had to get away from here, but where would she be safe? Where would anyone be safe? Then she saw Alastor rise from the ground, flying up into the sky. With a grimace, she spread her wings, and began her own painful ascent. Alastor rose slowly, gazing up at the sky, tears still falling from his eyes. He shot past the missiles as they rained down onto the Earth, arriving in the upper atmosphere as the first missile struck, and stopping in orbit as the rest detonated. A sheet of intense white light covered the entire planet as hundreds of thousands of megatons detonated at once. There were no words to describe the awesome force of the detonation, although Alastor could feel the heat even up here. He did not care how many were perishing right now. The world was meaningless without Vetis. As the light faded, all that could be seen were great mushroom clouds rising over a molten planet. Alastor looked down at the heart in his hands. He raised it in front of him, and it began to glow. It slowly began to change from bloody flesh, into hard, white, crystal. Alastor pressed it in his hands, fusing it with his own power, the power of a dragon. With a quick motion, he used his talons to slice the crystal into three. The three shards of crystal floated around him, and then dived down towards the planet, vanishing in the radioactive fires.

"You will live on in our children." Alastor thought, his tears freezing on his face. He turned away from the Earth as satellites rained from the sky around him, plummeting back down to the planet. Above him and the planet floated a large platform of jagged rock. Patches of it glowed with a strange blue crystal. He rose up to it, and alighted upon it. He drew in a deep breath. This rock had an atmosphere, it seemed. The top of the rock was a large flat space with small clusters of glowing blue crystals. In the center of the rock was a raised dais with a bluish black anvil resting at the top. Alastor drew his sword and began walking towards it. The rock was completely silent, a thick layer of dust on the rock's surface muffled Alastor's footsteps. As he was about to reach the dais, Persephone stepped into view, holding Michael's flaming sword.

"Oh. Its you." Alastor said, his voice heavy with disgust.

"I will not let you destroy the time lock." She replied, raising the sword.

Alastor snorted, and carried on walking. Persephone let out a war cry, and slashed with the sword. Alastor caught the blade with his bare hand, wrenching it out of Persephone's grip. He kicked her in the stomach sending her sprawling in the dust.

"So where were you, when the battle started?" he asked, tossing the flaming sword aside, walking up the dais towards the anvil. The anvil was inscribed with a heavily runed circle. The circle and runes represented time.

"I was...here...learning of your plan." Persephone said with a gasp, getting slowly to her feet.

"Oh good. Then I won't have to explain."

Alastor raised his sword and rammed it through the anvil, through the center of the circle. He gripped the hilt of his sword and twisted. There was a clunk, and the anvil began to glow. Alastor pulled his sword free, and space began to move. Planets began to race past, and the sun started to glow brighter. Time was being reset to the beginning. Not the entire universe though, the time lock wasn't that powerful. But the solar system was being rewound. The Earth below them burned and smouldered, volcanoes beginning to erupt on its surface. Then, with a single stroke, Alastor cut the anvil in half.

"With this, time has been reset. Now the Time Lock is destroyed Earth will progress as it always should have done. Heaven and Hell are locked away, and the wars are over." Alastor said, stepping down from the dais. Persephone had already retrieved the flaming sword.

"I thought you said you didn't need to tell me?"

"It made me feel better. But not as much as killing you will."

"I did what had to be done."

"You killed the only woman I felt any connection to!"

"She was controlling you, Alastor! Making you feel those things!"

"You are wrong! She controlled me at first, but then it became something more! We loved each other, she told me as she died!"

"Oh Alastor...how blind you are." Persephone said sadly. Alastor's face twisted with rage. His lips curled back and he rammed his sword into the ground. He strode forwards, knocking aside the flaming blade and grabbing Persephone by the throat.

"FUCK YOU!" he screamed in her face, slamming his fist into her stomach.

"Fuck you fuck you fuck you fuck YOU!" He yelled as he rained savage blows on her.

"How fucking dare you! You bitch! You utter bitch!" Alastor was frothing at the mouth; his eyes were black with incandescent rage. He smashed Persephone around the rock with savage intensity. Persephone could only cry out in pain under the intense beating. Her bones cracking, organs rupturing, blood pouring from hideous wounds torn into her skin. Alastor dug his talons into her forehead, raking them down, gouging thick grooves into her face. Persephone couldn't scream anymore. Her lungs had collapsed. Alastor staggered back, breathing heavily. He wiped his mouth, staring down at Persephone's broken body.

"You fucking bitch." He panted, "How dare you decide if my feelings are real or not."

Persephone twitched, a groan escaping her torn lips.

"You will live. Live in the world I created. I want you to see the 'evil' we would have brought. I want you to go mad at the sight of the beauty I will create in her name."

Persephone's wounds were already beginning to repair. Loud cracks announced her bones were slowly moving back into position. As soon as her lungs healed, Persephone let out a ragged cry.

"It will take years for your body to fully recover. I hope every second is agony." Alastor spat, before kicking her hard in the stomach, sending her skidding over the dusty ground, leaving a trail of blood in her wake.

"Oh it will...but there is something you should know..." Persephone gasped. Alastor was stood in front of the dais when he turned.

"And what is that?"

"It's a trap."

"Wha-"

From underneath Alastor, a huge blue stone sarcophagus exploded from the ground, trapping him. The walls of the sarcophagus were glowing with golden runes.

Persephone dragged her self over to Alastor's sword, wrenching it free from the ground. She pulled herself to her feet, crying with agony. Raising the sword, she plunged it through the sarcophagus. Then there was silence. She slumped against the stone and slid down it.

"Its over..." she said.

The rock the time lock had been on broke apart shortly after this. Sending Alastor's sarcophagus plummeting down to the molten planet below. Persephone drifted slowly through space, gazing down at the planet. She new Alastor was not dead. The prison he was entombed in was the real Time Lock. She had learned that it was actually a prison designed by a race almost as old as the universe itself. Persephone did not know why it had been made, only that she could use it. Alastor destroying the Anvil had broken a time bubble surrounding the solar system, so now time would flow normally, instead of to a certain point before repeating. Persephone took one last look down at the planet, and fear gripped her. Upon the molten surface of the planet was the shape of a dragon. She shook her head and looked again, and this time she was sure it looked at her before it vanished in the swirling, molten rock. It would be a few million years before the planet was inhabitable. Drawing her wings around her, Persephone closed her eyes. It would be interesting to see what time would bring.