Chapter 7 – An Explosion in the Distance

Training at Aegis was hard at first for Michael Mercer. It was no exaggeration on his father’s part. But going out into the field is a whole different story for the rookie soldier. Or Omega Wolves as the captain of Wolf Squad called them. She was designated “Alpha Wolf” and her squad are her pack, and like a pack they are out on the hunt for prey to kill. Any monsters unfortunate enough to be left behind on Earth after the portals closed.

Michael managed to earn the rank of lieutenant after the success of his second mission, becoming the pack’s beta. He started gaining somewhat of a reputation within Aegis for being the youngest soldier to achieve that rank in smallest amount of time. Some were of course jealous of him and think he cheated or was getting special treatment for being the general’s son. But others believed he’d earned it, especially after the way he dispatched the escaped monster months ago.

Every now and then Aegis would find one or two monsters wandering around and either exterminate or capture it alive for research. Most monsters often obey their instincts and find a place to hide during the day, only coming out to hunt at night like any nocturnal predator. With their connection to their queen severed it was all they could do to survive in this unfamiliar world.

Up until now all monster activity had been low after the war ended. But throughout the five months Michael has been training, there has been an increase in monster attacks in the small towns and villagers far outside Aegis’ reach. Many lives were claimed. Now it was down to the new Wolf Squad to investigate the attacks, track where all the monsters are hiding and destroy them all.

Their investigation first brought them to Gloucester where the first reports of a large gathering of monsters was being held. But by the time they got there it was too late. The town was under lockdown and most of the monsters had moved on, leaving behind a pile of corpses. The soldiers stationed at the outpost there converse with Alice, explaining to her in detail what happened.

Michael splits away from the squad and takes a look around the square the attack took place. He hated how used to it he’s gotten. When he was a child, he was horrified by the sight of a street littered with dead bodies. Now he doesn’t even flinch from the smell. Nobody should have to get used to something like this.

What upset him even more was seeing a mother’s body holding her dead child. Both had three gaping holes in their torsos, implying a huge claw dug into their flesh. It was heartbreaking to look at. This could’ve been him and his mother if his father hadn’t saved him when he did.

Michael: If only he could’ve saved us both…

Alice: Mercer!

Alice called out, drawing his attention back to his squad.

Alice: We’re movin’ out!

Michael: But what about the bodies?

Alice: The Gloucester troops will handle that. We have a lead as to where the monsters that did this may be heading.

Michael nods. But before leaving with the platoon, he addresses the commander of the Gloucester outpost.

Michael: Please make sure these people get a proper burial.

He then leaves without uttering another word.

Every mission was like this. Every time they answer a distress call of a large monster attack; they arrive too late. Even taking Aegis’ personal underground tunnel system couldn’t get them to their destination fast enough. Somehow these monsters are managing to evade them every step of the way.

After chasing down yet another dead end, Alice, Michael and the rest of Wolf Squad were called back to Aegis HQ to rethink their tactics. The general calls his son and captain to the Command Centre to take a look at what the guys have found.

Chase started suspecting that there was something more to these attacks. Maybe it wasn’t random. The more he heard back from the reports, the more he suspected that these may be co-ordinated attacks.

The only evidence they had to go off of were satellite footage of the monsters attacking from orbit. There was indeed method to their madness. The monsters were always attacking in a specific pattern, forcing crowds of panicking people into the town centre, using the buildings as a barrier to keep them all clumped together, whilst tightening the circle around them, before going in for the kill.

Chase: You all see that?

Alice: Yeah. Your hunch was right, sir. These monsters aren’t acting randomly like they usually do. Someone’s co-ordinating them, like during the Monster War.

Michael: Do you think it’s her? The one who killed Mum?

Chase: I wish it were, son. But no. I’ve been searching for that bitch since the war ended. She’s gone back to whatever world the bastards came from… However, given what we’re dealing with, I think one of her generals is still here.

Michael: Which one?

Chase: The one who took my eye… Chernabog… Henderson, playback that last clip, pause it on the winged son of a bitch!

The technician in charge of the surveillance footage and rewinds it to the point where the monsters group the people in one spot and pauses it there. He then zooms the image on the rooftop of one of the buildings a small contingent of monsters were standing atop of. Standing in the middle of them all was indeed Chernabog from the war.

Michael: It’s him! How’s he still alive?

Chase: After losing their queen, the monsters had no guidance and were forced into hiding. Until recently, they’ve just been acting like any wild animal until a commanding presence could guide them again.

Alice: General, even if he were alive, why would he come out of hiding to attack us now?

Michael: Maybe… he wants to be found?

Chase: Perhaps. My gut tells me this may be part of some much larger plot. Maybe a second coming of monsters… We still don’t know exactly why they came to attack us in the first place.

Michael: What makes you think there is a reason? They’re monsters! They don’t need a reason to kill.

Chase: Killing just for the fun of it doesn’t require this much thought and planning. I believe there is a purpose behind it. Question is what?

Alice: I don’t know, sir. But we can’t let this continue any further. We have to find out where Chernabog is hiding and kill him. As soon as we do that, the monsters will have no one guiding them again.

Michael: Please tell us your guys down there were able to get a lock on his location.

Chase: We may have an idea where…

The giant computer screen switches away from footage and brings up more satellite images of the UK. It starts zooming in again until the camera lands on another British city. One that suffered far worse than London had in the war. The damage was so extensive that the entire city was evacuated and left abandoned.

Chase: Reading… Triangulating the direction of the monster before and after every coordinated attack, they all seemed to be coming and going towards the remains of Reading. But we don’t know for sure if Chernabog is hiding there.

Alice: Makes sense that’s where they’d be. Reading has become a dead zone after the war. Everyone who lived there are either dead, missing or relocated elsewhere. My father’s company is still focusing on repairing the other major cities outside New London before work can be done on the lesser ones. His words, not mine.

Michael: The perfect place to gather an army.

Chase: Hold on, Michael. Like you said, Chernabog may want us to come find him. If we send troops into Reading, we could be walking right into their trap.

Michael: Maybe so, but if we sit around doing nothing, they’ll just leave and give that monster more time to assemble an army big enough to attack New London again. We have to end this now!

Chase: Michael…

Alice: He’s not wrong, sir. This could be our only shot at putting that fucker in the ground for good. If you give us more soldiers, weapons, some heavy artillery, we can-

Chase: No. If Chernabog is expecting us he’ll also be expecting a huge resistance. We need to take him by surprise.

Michael: What are you suggesting?

Chase: Wolf Squad will take a small contingent of troops into Reading on foot. No vehicles. That’ll only alert them to our presence… Bring up a layout of the sewer system that runs underneath Reading!

He ordered one of his technicians. With a few pushes of the buttons, they do just that, showing a blueprint layout of Reading and an X-ray of all the sewers underground. Chase points Alice and Michael toward the manhole a few feet away from a destroyed Aegis outpost.

Chase: Right there! That’s where Wolf Squad will emerge from the sewers and ambush the monsters in the remains of our Reading outpost.

Michael: How do you know the monsters are even in there?

Chase: Take a closer look at how ruined the base is compared to the rest of the buildings.

The computer zooms in a little closer on the outpost entrance, showing a closeup of the doors bent outwards by some big, strong monster hands.

Chase: The damage dealt to the base is newer. Some of out outposts have their own containment unit for captured monsters. Chernabog must’ve broken in and released the prisoners. It would explain how their numbers have grown so quickly. If I was a betting man, I’d say they’re still in there… As far as they know, that’s the only way in and out. But every outpost has an underground escape hatch in case of emergency. That’s how you’re getting in.

Michael: Sounds like a good plan to me. Alright, let’s kill these motherfuckers!

Michael said with a grin as he thumped his fist into his palm.

Alice: Don’t get cocky, Michael. This isn’t like your average monster cleanup. This lot are organised and will be ready for everything.

Michael: I’m not being cocky. I’m just pumped! Chernabog may not be the one who killed Mum, but I’ll be sure to return the favour for what he did to you, Dad. An eye for an eye!

Chase: Don’t underestimate him, son. I blew him up with a car once and it wasn’t enough to even scratch him. He’s tougher than most monsters.

Alice: We’ll have a better shot at taking him down if we work together. Don’t make this all about you, Michael.

Michael: Er- s-sorry, Captain. I’ll try to stay focused.

Michael says sheepishly, much to Alice’s amusement.

Alice: That’s what I like to hear. General, when do you think will be the best time to strike?

Chase: The middle of the day is when they’re less active.

Alice: Understood. I’ll have the men ready to move out as soon as possible.

She salutes her superior and leaves the command centre. Michael takes one last look at the giant monitor, focusing on Chernabog. He was dead serious about killing him. He needed to, to show his father, Alice, and anyone who thought he was a cheater that he’s been training hard for this moment. If he kills the monsters’ general, he’ll be one step closer to assassinating the queen herself whenever she returns. And if she doesn’t, he’ll hunt her down and finish the job.

The next day Wolf Squad was already on the move with a small contingent of over 40 soldiers. Everyone awoke very early in the morning and were instructed to gather the special weapons made to kill even the toughest of monsters. Michael once asked his father about the new, energy-based weaponry Aegis are using, curious to know how they work and what’s powering them. But for reasons unknown Chase gave him a vague answer.

He told him “The secondary energy rounds come from a new power source Magna Tech discovered.” But Michael could tell there was more to this. Why would his dad lie about something like that?

Whatever the reason, there were more pressing matters at hand that prioritise him. Once the transports brought them close enough to Reading, the squad made their way to the city centre on foot through the sewers. As expected, it was dark, damp and reeked of excrement. It’s a good thing they were all wearing masks, because none of them could bear to allow that foul stench enter their nostrils.

Alice was in front, leading the way. She quietly signals all soldiers to switch their night vision goggles on rather than shine lights in case any monsters were hiding down there. As an extra precaution, Michael suggested they put on thermal to check for any heat signatures, easily pinpointing where any possible hiding places the monsters are waiting in. Though some monsters have shown to be coldblooded, according to the researchers at Aegis.

Michael: Why do I get the feeling we’re walking straight into a trap? I swear to God, if we do get ambushed here, I’m gonna drown the monsters in the shit!

Thankfully, nothing was appearing on the thermal vision the whole time they’ve been walking along the edge. Though that alone doesn’t reassure the men. Alice soon leads her squad through the emergency escape exit, leading them through the tunnels until they reach the ladder leading up to the manhole cover. Alice climbs up first and turns the valve wheel in the centre, unlocking the cover and allowing her to push it off. Sunlight from the hole in the ceiling shines down the hole, blinding the soldiers, forcing them to quickly turn off night and thermal vision.

One by one the pack climb out of the manhole and stand tall within the ruins of Reading’s outpost. Most of them were in awe at the state of what was supposed to be the most secure building in the town. The monsters hit this place hard during the war. Judging from how much of the ceiling was missing, something big must have struck, leading to the town’s downfall.

Alice: Spread out. Search for any supplies left behind.

The soldiers all salute their captain and begin thoroughly searching the base. Except Michael who stays by her side.

Michael: What makes you think there’ll be supplies here?

Alice: You’d be surprised what people leave behind in a crisis.

Michael: But that’s not why we’re here. What about the monsters?

Alice: They’re not here… That’s what concerns me.

Michael: They must’ve known we were coming and moved on.

Alice: No. If they left on the surface our satellites would’ve spotted them. And the only way out was through the sewers system we came from. They’re still here.

Michael: I knew it. They are trying to ambush us.

Alice: Not unless we get the drop on them first. Gather up the pack and have them exit the outpost immediately, Lieutenant.

Michael: Yes ma’am.

Micheal orders all the troops to leave the outpost and form a perimeter outside. They were unable to find many useful supplies to use against the monsters, aside from a box of grenades and a rocket launcher with only one shot. On top of that they weren’t able to find any monsters further inside. The outpost was empty.

That means the monsters are hiding somewhere in the ruined city. Finding them will be difficult with all the destroyed buildings, torn up roads, and collapsed bridges. They made the right call coming here during the day. The darkness of night would’ve made finding them far more difficult.

Some of the men were on edge. It was too quiet, which is usually a bad sign. These monsters were toying with them.

Wolf Squad Soldier 1: Where are they?

Wolf Squad Soldier 2: I don’t see or hear anything.

Alice: Steady, boys. Keep your eyes open.

All the soldiers draw their weapons and scan the area for even the slightest of movement. Everywhere they looked there was nothing but rubble and an occasional crow or pigeon scavenging for food. Some of them were starting to think this was another false lead and there never were any monsters to begin with. Others assumed they got the wrong co-ordinates. But Michael and Alice knew too well that they’re simply waiting for the right moment to strike when their guard was down.

Michael closes his eyes and focuses on his hearing in the hopes of picking up anything that could give them some indication of where they all were. Until suddenly, for a very brief moment, he felt a shifting in the earth beneath his feet.

Michael: Did you feel that?

He whispered to Alice who nods with confirmation. She whispers back to him.

Alice: There’s something burrowing underground. Nobody move a muscle.

She raises her fist, signalling all soldiers to freeze and be ready for anything. For a while there was complete silence, and the faint tremors stopped. But one soldier furthest away from the group catches a glimpse of something hiding behind the rubble of an old flour mill.

Wolf Squad Soldier: Contact!

He shouted as he started running and shooting at it on instinct.

Michael: WAIT, DON’T!

His heavy footsteps running across the open streets triggered a response from the monster that was burrowing underground to quickly pop out of the earth and catch the man in its mouth. Its elongated body stretches high into the air in full view of the rest of Wolf Squad who watch their comrade get devoured by a giant snake-like monster.

Alice: AMBUSH!

More monsters start coming out of hiding either from underground or inside the ruined buildings. Some were camouflaged and were hiding out in the open. It didn’t take long for them to completely surround the Wolf Squad.

Alice: Multiple hostiles inbound! Shoot to kill!

The soldiers all open fire on the nearest monster in their line of sight, switching on their weapon’s energy pulse capacitors to enhance their bullets with more explosive power. It was the only way to break through their tough hides. The monsters roared and combated them with their own unique abilities.

Alice and her troops employ the same tactic the Spartans once used when they were surrounded by foes on all sides. They form tight circle and hold the line, mowing down monsters from all directions whilst covering each other’s blindspot.

Michael and Alice were in the middle of the circle and provided cover for the monsters coming from above and below. The young Mercer held nothing back and invited his wrath upon any monster unfortunate to be in his line of sight. He wanted them dead, every last one of them. But killing these pawns wasn’t his sole objective. He was on the lookout for their leader.

Despite their strategy, the monsters heavily outnumbered them and were on the threshold of tightening the circle. It may be time to change tactics, but they have to choose wisely. Any mistake, no matter how small, is too great a cost.

Wolf Squad Soldier: Captain! There’re too many! We can’t hold this position much longer!

Alice quickly scans the area for a place they can fall back on, as well as a gap or weakness in the monsters’ offensive wall for them to escape through.

Alice: All units, fall back! Head towards that street! Use the cars as cover!

Chernabog: Not very wise of a leader to shout out their strategy in earshot of the enemy.

The monsters suddenly ceased their attacks and were at a standstill, responding to their leader’s orders to stand down. All eyes were directed upwards toward the roof of the Aegis outpost. Standing atop it was Chernabog, the very monster they sent to eliminate. Dressed up in old spartan armour and even wielding a spear and round shield.

Michael: There he is! The bastard who took Dad’s eye.

Chernabog: The Wolf Squad. We’ve been waiting for you. I knew it was only a matter of time before Aegis tracked us here. Did you really think we weren’t expecting your arrival?

Alice: It doesn’t matter. Aegis has all of Reading on lockdown, there’s no escape. You’re trapped in here with us.

Chernabog: Hahaha! You think we’re stuck in here with you? Oh no no no… You’re stuck in here with us! You’ve fought well against us in the past. But now today is the day we end this.

Michael: I couldn’t agree more, monster!

Chernabog: Hmm? Who are you supposed to be?

Michael: Michael Mercer! Son of General Chase Mercer. The man whose eye you gouged out! I’m here to return the favour!

Chernabog: A boy? Months of attacking cities around the UK, and the general sends his boy to fight me. I can’t help but feel insulted. Or perhaps your old man suffered brain damage from my attack and is making poor decisions.

Michael: You don’t wanna underestimate me. As a rookie I’ve killed more then my fair share of monsters… And I’m about to kill one more!

Chernabog: That arrogant mouth of yours is going to be your downfall. Maybe I’ll do to you what I did to your father.

The demon-looking monster’s words almost got the better of Michael. In a blind rage, he takes a shot at the monster general with his standard pistol. Alice quickly grabs his arm at the last second, causing the bullet to fly off course and fly right past Chernabog’s head.

Michael: What are you doing?! He’s right there!

Alice: Haven’t you learned anything from those months of training?! Last time you let your anger get to you we almost died! We were lucky then because Drake was around. Don’t let him provoke you like that.

Chernabog: Taking a shot at me during a temporary cease-fire? That’s a mistake that will cost you your men. Kill ‘em all!

All the monsters roar and attack the Wolf Squad. What followed was an all-out brawl between the two opposing sides. Their monsters’ superior numbers overwhelmed the soldiers, forcing them to fall back further into the city ruins. Alice activates her distress beacon that Chase gave in case of an emergency.

The further into Reading they went the more they started to realise how gravely outnumbered they were. The satellite footage showed that there were over fifty monsters. Now it seems their numbers have tripled.

Alice: Shit! There’s too many to take on alone! We need backup! All units fall back across the bridge! Head for the Blade Building!

The soldiers all comply and run for the only bridge left standing across the river, Kennet. Michael also obeyed despite his initial desire to kill Chernabog personally rather than go with the backup plan. He didn’t want him taking the coward’s way out.

And neither did the monster general. While his back was turned, Chernabog swoops down and plants his foot into the young Mercer’s back, slamming him into the ground hard and knocking the wind out of him.

Chernabog: I’m not through with you yet! Up we go.

He grabs him by the back of the throat, stretches his black feathered wings outwards and takes flight with an injured Michael choking in his grip. Alice looks back and catches them ascending above the battlefield and carrying him away in the opposite direction.

Alice: Goddamnit Michael! I swear it’s like I’m babysitting a toddler.

Michael struggles against Chernabog’s grip and punches his arm several times, trying to break free. But the monster’s hold on him remains firm. He carries him to the very top of an abandoned university building and throws him hard into the roof with a deafening thud.

Michael groans from the pain of impact and can barely move. If not for his full-body armour he’d might have broken several bones. But Chernabog was only getting started. He needed to put this arrogant little human in his place as well as teach Chase a lesson for sending him to front lines instead of coming himself. He chuckles seeing Michael crawling across the concrete surface, reaching out for his gun.

Chernabog: Your ambition is the only good thing about you, boy. But you’re still just a lowly soldier. Being the son of a general doesn’t make you special.

Michael: Fuck… you!

Chernabog rolls his eyes and kicks Michael’s side, kicking him into an air-conditioned unit. He coughs up blood, spraying it over his chest piece, Michael having bitten his cheek.

Chernabog: Think, boy. I’ve survived much worse than anything you humans have thrown at me. Do you really think you can defeat me?

Michael: I know I can!

Chernabog: You can’t even stand. You humans are all the same. Full of perseverance, but all talk.

Michael angrily growls at his attacker and attempts to get back up onto his feet, using the unit as support. He holds his sides with one hand and wipes away the blood from his mouth with the other. All he does is stand there and stares daggers into the monster general, who wasn’t at all impressed or intimidated by him.

Michael: You may be bigger, stronger, and faster than I am, but I won’t stop until every monster is dead and gone!

Chernabog: Then show me you mean it! Don’t you dare hold back! That’s the one thing I hate!

Michael: Oh, don’t worry, I won’t!

Michael pulls out his knife and holds it in a reverse grip before charging towards Chernabog, yelling determinedly. He swings his knife-wielding arm at him, but the winged monster simply steps to the side, dodging him, thinking he was just acting pathetically again, which was what Michael wanted him to think.

He makes a dive for his gun, grabbing it mid roll and takes aim at him as soon as he nails the landing. Chernabog holds up the spartan shield to block the bullets, but the highly concentrated energy allows them to cut through its surface, putting several holes in the old relic.

Michael: You think a few stolen museum pieces can protect you from Aegis’ high calibre surge bullets? Nothing can block these shots.

Chernabog: Fancy toys don’t make you a warrior. It only makes you look weak.

Michael ignores his comment and fires more shots at him. Chernabog catches him off guard by throwing his shield at him like a frisbee, forcing Michael to take cover behind the rooftop entrance. He uses this opening to take flight again and starts circling the rooftop, evading the energy charged bullets heading his way. Chernabog waits till he was behind him before coming in for an aerial strike with the spartan spear. Michael narrowly jumps out of its trajectory and the long steel blade impales itself into the roof, cutting through the concrete.

Upon landing, Chernabog lunges at Michael with his claws out. Although Michael wasn’t able to dodge the first attack, he does manage to avoid the second by kicking him in the chest, winding the monster and sending him skidding towards the edge of the roof. Michael raises his gun to his face, aiming the barrel over his eye and muttering:

Michael: An eye for an eye.

Chernabog: Looks like you weren’t completely all talk after all. Still, your father is the one I wanted, not you.

Michael: That a fact? Too bad, you’re stuck with me instead.

Chernabog: Your father’s a coward! Sending his son to confront me instead of coming himself. A true general fights, and dies, on the front lines with his soldiers. He’s no warrior either. He’s a fraud!

Michael: You shut the fuck up! My dad is a hero! He’s a better general then you’ll ever-

Chernabog snickers in response to Michael. As he was venting, he was slowly reaching for the spartan helmet on his head, grabbing it by the mohawk and swinging it across the young soldier’s face, knocking his glasses off and onto his ass, allowing him to get up and stand over his feeble body once more as the greater warrior.

Chernabog: So predictable.

He reaches out and pulls his discarded spear out of the crack in the roof and holds it over the downed Michael.

Chernabog: You had me at your mercy. Instead of standing there, saying “an eye for an eye,” you should’ve just taken the shot. That’s the problem with this generation of humans. They feel the need to make themselves look good before getting the job done… You know nothing about war! I was in the biggest war of them all! One your tiny little brain could never comprehend… Now die!

He wastes no time bringing the blade tip of the spear down on him. However, the spear was suddenly shot out of his hands by another surge shot fired by Alice Magna standing by the opened rooftop entrance. Her high-tech assault rifle had smoke coming from the end of the barrel, showing it was her who fired the shot, if the evidence wasn’t clear enough.

Alice: You mess with my Lieutenant; you mess with me!

Michael: Captain? What’re you doing here? What about the others?

Alice: They’re fine. The evacuation is underway. But the General would kill me if I returned without you. You really put me in quite the predicament, Li’l Mercer.

Michael: It’s not my fault he abducted me!

Chernabog growls and tosses Michael aside so that he could take on Alice next. He unfolds his wings and attempts another aerial attack, but Alice shoots his wings several times, causing him to crash into the rooftop. Alice takes aim at his head and, unlike Michael, didn’t waste any time pulling the trigger. But Chernabog smacks it out of her hands with his pointed tail, leaving her open for a close up and personal slash attack.

Alice, however, surprises him by blocking his claw with two metallic tonfa weapons with blades on the back ends and tasers on the front. She slashes the blade ends against his red chest, cutting him diagonally. Followed by an electrified punch to the face, sending the monster flying over the edge of the building.

With him out the way, Alice powers down her tonfas and rushes over to Michael’s side and offers him a hand up which he gracefully accepts.

Alice: If you say “I could’ve handled it myself” I will kick you in the balls.

Michael: Haha, nah. I was gonna say “thanks.”

Alice: Come on, lets move.

Michael: What do you mean?! We got the bastard right where we want him. We can finish him now.

Alice: There’s no time. I’ve already made the call to go through with Plan B. We gotta get outta here before it hits.

Suddenly, Chernabog leaps over the edge and lands hard on the rooftop on one knee. He used his wings to launch himself up to safety, fighting through the pain of feeling the holes in them growing. He looks back at them and is filled with rage for every black feather that falls off.

Chernabog: You’ll pay for that! Both of you are gonna die! Right here, right now!

He lets loose a rage-induced roar as he charges towards the Captain and Lieutenant of the Wolf Squad. Michael fires his gun from a distance whilst Alice closed the gap between them and went on the defensive with her tonfas. She barely tilts her head to the side, avoiding his lunging claw attack which ends up accidently embedding itself into the rotary fans of the air conditioner unit.

As he struggles to pull himself free, Alice lays down a couple shock punches on him while Michael pumps his back full of bullets. The pain only fuelled the monster’s anger to the point he straight up rips the entire AC unit out of the roof and throws it at the young Mercer, who narrowly jumps out of the way with a yelp.

Alice temporarily backs away from him and was about to swing the blade end of her tonfas across his neck. But Chernabog knocks them out of her hands with his deformed wings. The tonfas fly over the edge, far out of range, leaving Alice defenceless. However, she notices the discarded spear laying a few feet to her left and quickly comes up with a new plan of attack.

Alice: Michael, give me your hand.

Michael: Why?

Alice: Just do it!

Michael nods and grabs her hand. Alice then grabs the spear and plunges it into the roof of the building. She starts spinning herself and Michael around as Chernabog was running towards them. Once he was close enough, she lets go of Michael and throws him towards the monster. The beta wolf stretches his right leg out and kicks Chernabog in the face so hard with his heavy boots, causing some serious damage. The force behind the kick was so strong that it knocked him clear off the building once again, only this time he was too far from the ledge to grab it.

Michael and Alice race to the edge and watch the defeated monster fall to his death onto the hard pavement. The two of them take a moment to relax and calm their nerves now that the fightings passed.

In the distance they spotted a couple large, transport helicopters arrive at the Blade building, picking up the surviving members of Wolf Squad whilst using its machine guns to keep the monsters at bay. Once they’ve collected them, Alice activates her transponder, allowing them to lock onto her and Michael’s location so they can be picked up as well. She then pulls out her radio and reports directly to headquarters

Alice: Aegis HQ, this is Alpha Wolf reporting in. We’re done here. The helicopters will be picking us up shortly. You’re free to send in the bombers to our coordinates.

Soldier over the radio: Copy that. We’ll give you fifteen minutes, no more. The general wants the monsters dead before they get a chance to escape.

Alice: Understood. We’ll get clear before that happens. Alpha Wolf out.

Soldier over the radio: Over and out.

Michael: Huh, they really do say that.

Alice: Nice job holding out this long, Mercer.

Michael: You could’ve warned me you were gonna yeet me at the bastard!

Alice: Hehe, sorry ‘bout that.

Michael: Well, at least its over. We found the monsters and killed their leader. Without him they’re just lambs to the slaughter with no shepherd to guide them.

Alice: I wouldn’t bet on it. Just because we killed Chernabog doesn’t mean its over. There’re still a lot of monsters still hiding out there. This ain’t their only hiding spot… Besides, their queen had multiple generals commanding her army. We can’t rule out the possibility that there could be others trapped here.

Michael: True. But if they ever decide to pull something like this again, we’ll be better prepared for it.

He assured his Captain confidently. Looking back on it, Michael would admit that the plan to sneak into Reading wasn’t the best plan. But it was the only one they had at the time. Most of Aegis’ heavy hitters were busy dealing with monster threats arising from other parts of the world. They didn’t have the resources for a full-on frontal assault.

But, aside from a few casualties, the mission was still a success. With Chernabog gone the rest of the monsters will be easier to deal with. All they had to do was stay put atop the university and wait for the transport helicopters to come pick them up.

One of them homes in on Alice’s beacon and lowers itself close enough for one of the soldiers aboard to lower two cables with metal clasps down. Alice and Michael hook themselves to the cables and tug on them twice, signalling the winch guy to reel them in.

Pilot: Welcome aboard, Captain.

Alice: Is this everyone?

Soldier: Everyone whose survived, yes.

Alice: Then strap yourselves in. We’ve still got ten minutes before the bombing run arrives.

Michael was the last one to disconnect himself from the cable whilst holding on tightly to the handle attached to the ceiling. He was about to take a seat next to Alice when out of nowhere Chernabog appeared, grabbing Michael by the back of the throat again and pulls him out of the chopper. Alice and the others all gasp and poke their heads out the open door, watching the monster general flying away from them. His wings had somehow healed from the wounds Alice placed on them.

Alice: MICHAEL!

Soldier: I thought you said you’d killed him.

Alice: I thought we did too… His wings have healed. Why didn’t I deduce the possibility that he might have regeneration?

Chernabog slowly brings Michael up to eye level with him. The helpless soldier struggles to loosen to his grip on him enough for him to breathe and spew out the three most obvious words in response to this predicament.

Michael: You’re… still alive?!

Chernabog: You’re not going anywhere, Mercer! Your father still owes me blood!

He then let's go of Michael, allowing him to fall. The sounds of his terrifying screams were like music to his pointed devil ears. But killing him this way would’ve been too easy and quick. No, he wanted to savour this moment. And so, he flies down and catches the young Mercer as he was only a few feet away from becoming a human pancake. Michael’s breathing rapidly, still in shock from almost hitting the ground. Chernabog starts climbing again until they were just as high as the helicopter. He wanted them to watch what he was about to do to him.

Chernabog: Did you honestly think I would go through all this trouble just to let you fall to your death? No. I want the pleasure of killing you myself, in front of your comrades. So I can watch the light fade from your eyes.

Alice quickly undos her seatbelt and attaches the cable to her hip buckle again. Before any of her men could question what she was up to, she takes a few steps back and runs and jumps out of the helicopter. She catches Chernabog off guard by landing on his back and stabbing him in the neck with her knife.

The moment he releases his hold on Michael, Alice lets go and grabs him just in time, saving him from a second fall.

Alice: REEL US IN!

She shouted at the winch operator who quickly does so.

Michael: How is he still alive and flying? I though you shot his wings.

Alice: He must be capable of regenerating. That would explain why he has no scars from your father’s encounter with him.

Michael: Monsters don’t regenerate, do they?

Alice: Not all of them. But the boys in the lab have deducted that Alpha class monsters can. That’s what Chernabog is.

Chernabog: Hahahaha! Stupid girl! Only now you realise that?!

Chernabog says as he approaches the duo and the helicopter. He pulls the knife out of his neck and drops it. The wound in his neck closes up immediately, further proving he is an alpha class monster.

Chernabog: You can’t kill me. But I can kill you!

He then grabs the tail end of the helicopter and attempts to pull it down with his strength. All the soldiers inside hold onto something to save themselves from falling out. The pilot struggles to pull free, putting even more strain on the chopper. An alarm sounds off, warning them that the helicopter is nearing critical damage. If this keeps up, they’ll crash and die.

Pilot: We’re losing altitude!

Michael: He keeps this up we’re gonna crash. It’s me he wants. I’ll stay behind and keep him distracted. Give you time to escape.

Alice: You can’t do that! You’ll be killed!

Michael: If I don’t, he’ll kill us all! I need to do something.

Michael tries to pry himself free of Alice’s hold as they were nearing the helicopter entrance. The soldiers quickly pull him and Alice in once again. Michael attempted to jump out again, but Alice blocks the way.

Alice: You’re not going anywhere and that’s an order!

Michael: Well then, it’s an order I can’t follow.

Alice: What about your dad?

He stops the moment he was mentioned.

Alice: How do you think he’ll feel if I told him his son died doing something foolish? He brought you to Aegis to protect you. He’s already lost so much in the war. If he loses you too it will destroy him… You also made a promise to him and your friends that you will protect them all. Tell me, are you really going to break that promise by killing yourself?

Michael’s mind flashes back to the orphanage and the people he left behind. He thought about Alex and Jason, his closest friends. Wondering what they’ve been doing since he left. He thought about Jackson, May Li, and the other kids, hoping they’re fine too. Most of them at least. He couldn’t care less about Zack, Liam and James.

Then he started thinking about his father, imagining the look of despair on his face if he died here. The same look he wore when his mother died. He couldn’t let him go through that again, not even if it means letting Chernabog live to terrorise another day. He’s been so enthralled with ending all monsters that he almost lost sight of the end goal. He takes a few steps back and sits down.

Michael: …You’re right. But what are we gonna do about him?

Alice briefly looks back at Chernabog still dead set on pulling the helicopter down or at least ripping the tail off. She then noticed a building not too far from their position that was just the right height for whatever she was planning.

Alice: Pilot, can you get us to the roof of that tall building?

Pilot: I barely have control of the chopper, But I’ll try!

Michael: What’s going on?

Alice: I’ve got a plan.

The helicopter inches ever so slightly towards the tall, abandoned building. Alice fires a couple shots from her pistol at Chernabog, forcing him to let go of the tail. The chopper now flies as fast as it can to its destination. Soon it was hovering a couple meters above the roof. Michael and the others wondered what her plan was. It has to be a good one because Chernabog quickly catches up with them and grabs the helicopter again.

Michael: What are you up to? …Captain?

Alice: …Restrain Mercer.

The soldiers nod and grab Michael’s arms, forcing him still in the chair.

Michael: What the hell are you doing?!

Alice: We can’t outrun Chernabog, nor sustain anymore damage to the chopper. If he keeps us pinned, we’ll all be caught in the bombing run. There’s no postponing it either. But there is one last option… I’m going to stop him myself. I can at least slow him down long enough to buy you guys time to escape.

Michael: No! You can’t do this! NO!

He struggles against the soldiers holding him back, but they wouldn’t let go.

Michael: Let go of me, you bastards! Alice, you can’t!

Alice: It’s okay, Michael. I knew what I signed up for.

Michael: No, it’s not!

Alice: It’s better me then you. You have a reason to live. Your father needs you. You have a purpose in this world. My purpose was to help people in ways my father never could, by eliminating the monsters.

Michael: That’s my purpose too! So please let me do it!

Alice silences his childish tantrum by slapping him across the face, shocking the ever-living daylights out of Michael.

Alice: Did you not hear what I just said, you idiot?! Killing monsters ISN’T your purpose! It never was! You only made it your purpose because they killed your mother. Stop being selfish and live a proper life! Be the man YOU want to be!

She then leans in a little bit closer and speaks to him more calmly like a caring older sister figure.

Alice: Don’t make my mistake, kid. Don’t go blindly following orders all your life. Think for yourself whenever you’re in doubt. Stop being a Mercer and start being you. Figure out your own true purpose.

Michael was stunned by her words but knew deep down that she was right. He wanted to avenge his mother more than anything. But he promised his father he wouldn’t lose himself in the process. Feeling defeated, Michael relaxes and sits back in his chair.

Alice grabs another soldier’s knife and steps towards the edge of the helicopter. As expected, Chernabog is once again clinging to the tail end, pulling it closer to the rooftops. It was now or never. But first she takes a moment to temporarily glance back at her Lieutenant over her right shoulder.

Alice: Take care of my squad for me, okay? And when you see your dad, tell him I said thank you.

Michael: I… I will.

Alice: Oh, and one more thing… If you ever see Drake again, tell him i’m sorry I won’t be around to listen to his accomplishments anymore… See you on the other side, Lieutenant Mercer.

With those final words to her second in command said, she leaps out of the helicopter and slams right into Chernabog, tackling the winged monster and forcing him to let go. The helicopter immediately pulls away once the pilot’s regained control and flies full speed ahead in the direction of Aegis.

Chernabog: How nice of you to drop in. I guess I’ll have to deal with you first.

Alice: Not this time you ugly bastard!

She slices through his wings with the knife held tight in a reverse hand grip. Feathers gently float in the wind whilst the two of them end up falling straight down to the rooftop. They hit it so hard and fast that the ceiling collapsed under them, causing them to continue falling through several floors of the building. Alice made sure Chernabog was taking the full force of the impact to shield herself from the inevitable contact with the solid ground. She doubts that’ll kill him, but hopefully it’ll at least keep him down long enough for the bombing run to finish him off.

As the helicopters fly away from Reading a bunch of fighter jets come into view in front of them.

Michael: What’s going on?

Wolf Squad Soldier: That’s the bombing squad. They’re here to annihilate the whole area. They’re gonna wipe out all the remaining monsters hiding down there.

Michael: Bu-but that means Alice will… We have to go back!

Pilot: We can’t! The whole area is going to be obliterated in a few minutes. We’ll get caught in the blast if we turn back now or slow down.

Michael: But our Captain’s still down there!

Wolf Squad Soldier: She knew what she was getting into. Don’t forget we’ve lost other good men and women today. All of us came here knowing there’s a high chance we won’t come back alive. That’s the price of becoming a soldier of Aegis.

Michael sighs with frustration. He hated to admit that he was right. Still, he wished there was another way for Alice to live as well. She claimed that his life was more important than hers, but he knew she was just as important. She was the only child of Magna Tech’s founder. Did she not think how he would feel about her sacrifice? Or what her close friends would react? All he could do was watch the jet planes fly past them and continue on course for Reading, and ready their missiles for bombardment.

On the bottom level of the building, Alice and Chernabog lie greatly injured in the ruins of the building’s lobby, both of them groaning in pain. One of the first things that stood out to the alpha wolf was the sign on the wall displaying the Magna Tech company logo. A sleek metal M with a sword stabbed through the middle shaped like a capital T. She was inside one of the expanded corporate buildings her father’s company owns, or what’s left of it.

It was ironic that this was gonna be the place where she meets her end. Now she can’t help but think about her parents in her final moments. Truth was she did think how they would react once news gets out about her death. But she’s always had their blessing to put her life on the line for Aegis. They should know that there was a high possibility that she would die one of these days. She was lucky to have lived this long. But all luck runs out eventually.

Her ears detect the sounds of the approaching jets prepping to eradicate the monsters and what’s left of Reading. She tried to sit up to get a good look only to cry out in pain. She quickly realises that her legs have been pinned under the debris of the collapsed roof she and Chernabog fell through. She couldn’t move. Not like she could get very far without transport anyway.

She soon spots Chernabog laying a few meters away from her who was also pinned under debris. Though he was almost completely buried. And to add insult to injury, he landed on a piece of rebar, impaling him through the torso. He struggled to push the rubble off and pull himself free, but the fall really weakened him.

Chernabog: Argh! What is that sound?

Alice: That, Chernabog, is the sound of your inescapable demise. The bombing squad is here.

Chernabog: What?! No!

Alice: Yes. This is how it all ends. You and I trapped in this rubble, waiting for the fire to consume us.

Chernabog: Then you will die with me, human!

Alice: I know… But everyone else will live. That’s all that matters to me.

Chernabog: But your loved ones will suffer!

Alice: Maybe. But they knew what I signed up for. I’m prepared to die for them and humanity. And I know things will be easier once you’re gone.

Chernabog: No! Not here! Not now! Not without completing our mission! I REFUSE TO DIE IN A PLACE LIKE THIS AND LET OUR PEOPLE GO UNAVENGED!

Alice quietly giggles. Though her curiosity is wondering just what this mission he mentioned is. Unfortunately, she won’t have much time to ask. The jets were passing over them right of now. Rather than ponder about that, she chose to spend her final moments thinking about the people she holds dear.

Alice: Forgive me, Michael. Chase. Mother. Father. Drake… I gave it my best shot, but… I guess I’ve gambled too much with my life.

She slowly closes her eyes and accepts her fate as the missiles impacted Reading in several spots, unleashing powerful explosive blasts that almost completely consume the city. The shockwave shattered any windows still intact after the war. Any structures closest to the blasts’ origin broke apart and fell to the ground. All the monsters in the city were killed instantly, including any soldiers who were lucky enough to survive them but unlucky to get evacuated.

All the blasts soon converged on one another and combined to form a blast much larger than the initial ones. There was no guarantee anyone would survive it, even a powerful monster like Chernabog. Under normal circumstances Michael would have been pleased to see him get his comeuppance. But his mind was flooded with despair over the loss of Wolf Squad’s Captain.

Michael: ALICE! NOOOOOO!

Heavily distraught over her sacrifice, Michael lowers his head and stares blankly at the floor. A few tears leaked from his eyes and fall to the floor in between his feet. He couldn’t bring himself to look back at the explosion behind them, though the brightness of it shining off through the helicopter’s windows made it impossible to drown out.

What is he going to do now? Alice asked him to lead Wolf Squad in her place, but he didn’t feel fit to take on that role. Not after the mistakes he’s made on a few missions they went on. One of which still haunted him to this day. How is he going to explain this to Chase? What is he going to say to her father?

The bombing of Reading ended up being much more devastating than Wolf Squad were expecting. Aegis wanted to be absolutely certain that the large army of monsters were exterminated with their leader. Many would argue that they went a little too far, but they couldn’t take any risks of Chernabog surviving and getting another chance to amass more monsters and restart the Monster War.

The explosion was so powerful that those who lived in the outskirts of New London just in between the city and Reading could see it in the distance. One of the first to spot it was Omnius. He was spending some time in his meadow on the highest point of his mountain valley, feeding and tending to the wild animals that shared his home with him.

The brightness and loud bang of the explosion scared some of the animals. Omnius calms them down with his soothing, caring voice. Assuring them that there was nothing to be afraid of.

Omnius: Do not be afraid, my friends. It will pass… Still, I am curious to know what caused such an explosion.

Meanwhile, those who weren’t close enough to see it for themselves got to see it broadcasted on the news instead, such as Violet and her parents. They were in the middle of closing up the pub after another successful day of business. The anchorwoman reported the explosion and explained that it was the work of Aegis wiping out the monsters that have been terrorising the small towns and villages of England whilst showing them video footage from a news helicopter filming live from a safe location a good distance away.

Violet: Huh? What’s going on?

Steve: Looks like Aegis have dealt with the monster uprising I’ve been hearing about. Never would’ve suspected they’d been hiding in a city like Reading.

Helen: I feel so bad for all those people who lived there. Some of them told me they had hope Magna Tech would rebuild it someday and allow them to move back in. But now it looks like there won’t be anything left to rebuild… If only Chaos Man was there. He could’ve stopped this.

Violet: Chaos Man can’t be everywhere all at once, Mum. I’m sure he was busy protecting someone else at the time.

Steve: Aye. No single man, no matter how powerful, can do everything.

Violet nods in agreement and helps her dad lift another chair onto the table, placing it upside down, while Helen continues cleaning the floor.

The day of the Reading attack happened the same day Jason went to his first, and possibly last, group therapy session. After the outburst he had with the other patients he feels he won’t be invited to another one. On top of that he was in trouble with May Li for not meeting up with her at the coffee shop across the street from the group meeting, choosing instead to stalk Alex and Violet.

As soon as he got home, he quickly ran upstairs and locked himself in his bedroom. Jackson was currently out for his afternoon walk, leaving the tired and annoyed asian woman to clean up after the children until he gets back. The TV was on in the background. A couple of kids were watching their favourite show when all of a sudden, the show was interrupted by the news reporting on the Reading explosion.

Young Orphaned Boy: May Li! The TV just switched itself to the news!

One of the annoyed kids shouted, forcing her to stop what she was doing and go see what they were fussing about. Her eyes widened when she saw the footage of the explosion.

May Li: Oh my god! That’s Reading!

Young Orphaned Girl: Is that where you used to live?

May Li: No, but I had a friend who did… This is awful.

The last one to notice the explosion in the distance was Chaos Man himself. He was flying around the city, keeping an eye and ear out for signs of trouble. Nothing had arisen for a few hours now, so he figured he finally had some free time to pay his friend, Jason, a visit.

Then, out of nowhere, the explosion lit up the part of the country where Reading once stood, catching him completely off guard. He begins to lose focus and starts falling. Unable to pull up, he crashes in the field by the orphanage on his way to Hillside House. And of all the fields he crashed into, it happened to be the one he found the giant emerald in.

He shakes it off and stands up, dusting the dirt off his suit and cracking his neck. By now he’s grown accustomed to crashing headfirst into the ground. It didn’t even hurt like it used to during training. Maybe his body has grown strong enough to take hits hard enough to kill a normal person.

But that wasn’t important right now. He was more concerned with the explosion in the distance. His suit reverts back to his regular clothes and his hair and eyes change back to their natural colour as he looks on in shock.

Alex: What the hell was that? That explosion is coming from Reading. But that city had been abandoned after the monsters came. Why would anyone set of an explosion in a city that’s already destroyed? … Something isn’t right here.

He said aloud to himself. So much for visiting Jason. It looked like he had another job to do.

Jackson: Alex?

But before he had the chance to reform his suit and take off, a familiar voice calls him out, startling him. Alex gulps and slowly turns around. He recognised the voice instantly as Jackson Hills, his carer. He was on his way back to the orphanage from his walk when he saw Chaos Man flying by and decided to follow him out of curiosity. But nothing could have prepared him for this.

Jackson: You’re… Chaos Man?

He saw everything. His suit fading away, revealing the boy he raised underneath. There was no point denying it. No excuse or explanation he could give him to convince him that he was seeing things. Jackson is the kind of man who isn’t easily fooled by anything. And he wasn’t old enough to develop poor eyesight.

Alex didn’t know what to do in this situation. He promised Omnius that he wouldn’t tell anyone he was Chaos Man. Technically he hadn’t, but he failed to anticipate the idea of someone walking in on him changing out of his costume. It wasn’t nobodies' fault but his own. Knowing this, there were only three words he could muster.

Alex: Uhhhh… I can explain?

To Be Continued