Hello once again. This 2 good 2 kill coming back with another chapter for New Horizons. I'm sorry I didn't get this posted at the end of September but I wanted a longer chapter that simply got to long. So after speaking with a friend on Destiny, great game by the way, I decided to split the chapter up. This chapter is a bit shorter than the rest and not as action packed, but important to story development all the same.
Anyways I just want to point out that I am looking for a beta reader and if anyone who has any artistic skill wants to try and make a cover I would gladly accept. But, I know what your really here for, so without further ado here is the Fourth Chapter.
June 18, 2014
Location New York City, New York USA
Time 17:20
Designation: Master Chief aka Sierra 117 aka John-117
The Master Chief didn't limp as he was escorted at gun point. He showed no signs of weakness or of the pain he was forced to endure. From the diagnostic, if it was even correct, his entire body was a mass of bruises, strains, and aches. He had several ligament sprains in his arms and legs. The tibia in his right leg was fractured as well as the humerus bone in his right arm and the ulna in his left arm. He had two broken ribs along his left side from where Diablo had sucker punched him.
"Now I know why they were called near unbreakable bones." the Master Chief thought neutrally as he silently analyzed his worsening condition.
The Master Chief walked in front with Rev in the middle and Tech supporting Korra in the rear. Rev and Tech were the fittest amongst them that could fight, but they would not risk the lives of Korra or the Master Chief. Rev could possibly carry Korra and Tech, but that would mean abandoning the Master Chief. Korra was out and simply dead weight that Tech was forced to carry. They could fight, but still that left Korra and the Master Chief vulnerable. Both Rev and Tech were experienced veterans in terms of battle and after seeing the Master Chief in action with Diablo they could tell that the battle hardened veteran did not carry himself the same. No words needed to be communicated as to know that the Master Chief was in pain.
The faceless soldiers around them were professionals. They moved in perfect unison down the war torn city block always out of arms reach of their prisoners. There were twenty in total and there were five rifles trained on them at all times. Rev could have disarmed them in seconds, but that still didn't account for the other soldiers both seen and unseen. Ever since Fury had made touch down even more ships patrolled the skies each equipped with heavy machine guns along their flanks. Escape was moot. All hope now lied with Rtas and Batman.
"Stop." One of the masked soldiers said. The prisoners and their escorts stopped in the middle of the street. Three of the air ships were just a little bit away.
"Why are we sto…" Tech never got to finish his sentence as more guns were pointed his direction.
"Do not speak till spoken to." The same soldier responded.
"So-can-we-speak-now?" Rev jibbed back his feathers were ruffled by the treatment that they were receiving.
The Master Chief simply turned his head back in a simple non-verbal way of saying "Don't tempt them."
"Alright where are they?" Fury's voice came from behind as he strode up to them. Neither of his flashy compatriots were with him.
Where the Master Chief and Tech were silent Rev was vocal.
"Where-are-who?" the Rev responded.
"Do not play games with me." Fury's tone began to cool, as he bit back on his anger.
"Well-wouldn't-it-be-a-game-if-we-sent-you-on-a-wild-goose-chase-for-someone-who-doesn't-exist?" Rev responded snidely as he crossed his arms. Rev was more irked as to how they were being treated rather than the why. A complete group of strangers with no connection to this world or each other had banned together risking their very lives to stop a very real, a very imminent threat.
"We know that there were seven of you here. Three are missing. In the time frame of thirty minutes you turned a New York street into a war zone." Fury said as he turned his one good eye from the Chief to Rev. "I have no idea who you are or who you think you are. All of you appeared after God decided to see what creation would look like if it resembled Swiss cheese. All I do know is that you used unauthorized aggression on American soil by no power that I recognize. You will remain within my custody until I such time that I can determine what to do with you."
The explosion of jets alerted them of character in red and gold as he came on high.
"Iron Man, please tell me that you found them."
"Afraid not, Fury. I got nothing on my sensors. Whoever they are, they are good. The Cap's gone on to see if he can find a trail or anything, but he's not hopeful. Wolverine may have a better chance of catching them, but it will take a while to get him here."
Fury clenched his jaw in annoyance before giving each prisoner a critical eye.
"Collar the metas and separate them." Fury said to the soldiers as he turned away.
The soldiers behind Tech, Rev, and Korra produced several collars which they quickly wrapped around the necks of the three of them. Both Tech and Rev gave a cry of pain as an electrical shock to their nervous system put them down. The Master Chief felt nothing for these people but his hand clenched into a ball none the less.
The soldiers picked up and herded the four heroes into the three separate helicopters. One for Korra and Tech with the other two for Rev and the Master Chief.
The Master Chief only hoped that the trust he placed in Rtas and Batman would not be unfound.
June 18, 2014
Location: New York City, New York USA
Time 17:25
Designation: Shipmaster and Detective
Troop carriers patrolled the streets looking for both Rtas and Batman as well as any other extradimensionals or EXDs, as they were being called, that needed to be round up. The heavy rotors of the ships scattered ashes and dust alike that broke apart on anything that they touched. The loose particles collected on two large silhouettes beneath the shadow of a water tower before being broken loose as the bodies moved.
"We have to do something." Batman said as he peered as out as far from the shadow that he dared to see the people he had forged an alliance with were unceremoniously dragged off.
"We are." Rtas said as he watched the situation progress.
"You call doing nothing while they take them away doing something?" Batman bit back.
It was only as he stared up to Rtas's invisible form did he realize how physically imposing the alien was. However, Batman had faced larger opponents and was still able to win. He had seen Rtas take bone crushing blows from Diablo so he couldn't be in the best of shape. However, he had no idea about Rtas anatomy or physiology so he had no idea how much punishment Rtas's body could take. While he had considered that it was possible that Rtas was some form of Meta or mutated by experimentation. He considered that possibility unlikely by the small unrecognizable symbols that dotted Rtas's armor. That left only one other option. An alien.
"If we rush in now," Rtas voice turned deep and hostile as he stared down the less physically imposing human. "We would only succeed in getting ourselves captured or killed in the process. Then what could we do?"
Rtas didn't give Batman a chance to respond.
"Right now the enemy doesn't know where we are or what our intentions are. For now we have the element of surprise. If we want to save them we wait till we know where they are going. From there we can devise a plan that will result in a successful rescue." Rtas's voice going from hostile to sounding like he was schooling an unruly child.
"I can solve our tracking problem." Batman said as he produced a small tracker in the shape of a bat.
"You certainly do love that symbol." Rtas said noting that the recurring symbol was border lining a fetish.
"A symbol that puts fear into criminals and hope into people." Batman countered. "I didn't design it I just work for the guy that did."
Rtas said nothing, but simply logged away that the Batman had a superior that he reported too.
"What's the range?" Rtas said as he noticed the troop carriers were beginning to take off.
"I can fire it accurately up to fifty meters, depending upon conditions." Batman said.
"We'll need to get closer then." Rtas said as he eyed the range.
"No offense but you can't be in the best of shape right now. I saw you coughing up blood earlier. Coughing up blood isn't a good sign in humans and I can only imagine that it's not good for you either. I'm the only one that needs to get close enough to deploy the tracker. You should conserve your strength for when take them back."
"You've convinced me. Now go and don't get caught. Come back after though. We've already been split from the others, no reason to separate ourselves further." Rtas said as he proceeded to sit.
"Great, I traded one batty old man for a batty old alien." McGuiness thought to himself.
Batman moved from cover unhindered by any serious injuries. When he reached the edge he used his enhanced abilities to leap from his rooftop to the adjoining one. He ran silently past Shield Operatives that had been stationed on the roof top. None of them noted his passage. When he had reached the tallest building he could make by the strength induced power alone he leapt off and ejected his wings while still being invisible. He silently glided over the street undetectable to all.
As the troop carriers carrying his allies lifted he fired. His first shot hit the one on his left and he proceeded to the right marking each one in turn. It was completely possible that they would try detaining them in separate facilities. Using his optics he made sure that each had found there mark and were transmitting. Satisfied with his success he peeled off and used his suits claws to latch onto a building as the carriers passed.
Rtas's eyes were well trained in tracking invisible targets and was rather impressed by Batman's ability, but still thought some of his movements were rather sloppy. He traced him from when he left, to marking the carries, till he returned.
"Your good, but you could use some work." Rtas said as he straightened.
"Oh thank you Batman. Great work you did there." Batman said rhetorically.
"Do you normally compliment yourself?" Rtas asked.
Batman just groaned and held his face in one hand.
"He's acting just like Mr. Wayne."
"All we need to do now is secure a craft capable of flight." Rtas said as he watched the aircraft carrying his allies disappear.
"Once more I got that covered. All we need to do is get to my Batmobile. I could call for it, but I don't want to risk detection with these soldiers still here."
"Batmobile?" Rtas asked rather incredulously.
"Don't you even start."
June 18, 2014
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Time 17:27
Designation: The Red Rider aka The Horseman War.
What fell from the heavens bore the shape of man. It crashed to the ground destroying all in its wake. However, this creature is no man, but something far more ancient.
The people cry out in fear as they do not understand what has happened. They shall receive no mercy from the creature that stirs amidst the wreckage. This being that fell from the sky brings neither peace nor salvation. It cares not for the hopes of the Heaven's nor the machinations of Hell. It cares solely about one thing alone. The Law. All those that break the law whether they be the sons of men, the High Lords of Heaven, or the Dregs of Hell will receive punishment.
It is the Red Rider. His name is War for he is it made flesh. He is of the race called the Nephilim. If Legend that was told were to be true he was made from the dust of angels and demons alike from the demon known as Lilith. What is true however about his kind is their ability to lay all to waste by the sword. However, only he and his brothers and sister remained.
War could feel it. The sights and sounds were there yet it could not be. Before him stretched a city made of man's creation. It was teeming with thousands of them. The humans encircled him like ants would encircle their prey yet none dare venture forward. Lights flashed all around him dazzling him somewhat but still he was amazed by man's presence.
"What is this trickery?" War asked aloud to himself.
The last thing he remembered was fighting on the Destroyer's tower above the charred remains over the Kingdom of Man.
"Could have breaking the seal have undone the damage? But then where are my brothers? Where are the forces of the White City and the Hells' themselves?" War said as he began to walk forward his head turning in a slow circle as his senses honed by an eternity of conflict analyzed his surroundings.
The whooping of sirens and the flash of red and blue lights brought War back to earth. The crowds of people began to disperse as black and white cars began to take to the streets. From the cars spilled men wielding firearms that relied on a controlled explosion to propel metal slugs. The men formed a blockade with their vehicles as they pushed more and more people away from War's area. He was boxed in.
War didn't move as he was curious as to how this would play out.
The man began to speak in a language that War had not heard in a long time or had practiced himself.
"Japanese. I haven't heard this language since I was curious about Samurai." War thought to himself as he began to recall the language.
"I repeat, put your weapons down." One of the lead officers barked into a megaphone.
"No." War responded in the native language, his voice overpowering that of the megaphone. The bite in his voice made the officers train all weapons on him.
"I will give you one last warning."
"You would be wise to let me pass."
"Open fire."
A chorus of gunfire split the air as officers began to shoot at War. The fire continued for ten seconds before the officers halted their fire. When the dust settled War stood unmarked and very annoyed. He simply brushed off the bullets that had clung to him.
"It seems that wisdom is not the trait of mortals." War said as he stalked forward cracking his knuckles.
The gunfire began again and the people screamed.
June 18, 2014
Location: New York City, New York USA
Time 17:30
Designation: Shipmaster and Detective
Batman and Rtas proceeded to the Batmobile with all haste that they could muster. Their progress was slower than normal as they mostly stuck to the rooftops and avoided using the streets as and alleys as much as possible.
New York had more or less turned into a ghost town as people sought shelter from what they believed to be an invasion. People clustered together within their homes, dwellings, shops, or grouped together in the streets in front of TV screens. News channels of all sorts were issuing reports of strange lights in the sky and of stranger figures appearing. Videos of what the news channels were dubbing the "Event" were streamed in constantly from all over the world.
Batman paused momentarily to catch a glimpse of a large TV screen to see what was happening on a global scale. He was momentarily shocked into silence. This was bigger than he had expected.
Rtas only paused when he sensed that Batman was no longer following him. He stared back at the young hero with his eyes assessing him critically.
"Focus on the mission at hand. We can't deal with all of the world's problems." Rtas said keeping his voice level as he began to determine the hero's actual age and nature.
"But…"
"We already have people depending on us. We can't abandon them. If we are going to have any chance we need to do this as a team. When the mission is done and we have a chance to recuperate then we can determine our next step. Until then, everything else is secondary." It wasn't the first time that Rtas had to inspire his men.
Batman was silent for a moment as he continued to watch fear, hate, and other unsavory emotions played out on the faces of the people below.
"You're right. Let's go. It's not much farther."
June 18, 2014
Location: Japan
Time 17:32
Location: New York City, New York USA
Designation: Imperious
Imperious had fallen. As an Arch Angel he couldn't believe how far he had fallen. No he literally couldn't believe that he had fallen so far. Hitting the ground had wounded him somewhat, but it had injured his pride even more. He was creature capable of flight, but had fallen like a mortal to the earth.
Clutching his head in one hand he moved he rose to his feet. It was then as he rose to his full height that he had still been in battle with Diablo.
Taking the famed Spear of Valor, Solarion, in both hands he readied himself to be attacked. It was then that he realized that he was already being assaulted. All around him were tiny flashes from devices of all different types as…humans pointed and stared at him.
He readied himself for some magical spell to assail him as humans were also the offspring of demons and could be just as treacherous if not worse. Nothing happened. The humans stayed where they were and were speaking in tongue that was completely foreign to him.
It was during this time that he began to notice more of the surroundings around him. Tall pillars extended into the sky confusing him for a moment as to whether he was still in Heaven or not. The pillars while tall enough to challenge those of Heaven were constructed from primordial materials such as steel, concrete, and other earthly elements. Upon further examination he saw that the tall pillars did not shine with their own beauty but from emissions of light from excited gas from within small bulbs. How like humans to cover up the ugly with a falseness of beauty.
He failed to understand why his brother Tyrael did not see humans for what they were. They were an opportunistic species that would easily fall to the demon's allure of power if given the chance. The only relation that humans and angels had in common in their…highly polluted blood was the physical form. It seemed as if he was the only one that wished to remove the infestation before it became a threat.
As of right now these people were no threat to him so he would spare them for now.
This realization did not help him as Diablo still remained a great threat to his home. As he looked around he could tell that even though he and Diablo had fallen through the same portal he could not detect the foul demon's stench. So despite the inopportune moment of the portal perhaps Heaven was safe. That still did not help him get back home or deal with Diablo.
Imperious was brought out of his musing as the pitiful screams of the humans grinded against his hears as the bumbling confused animals bundled into one another as they ran like rats from a large predator. A series of small pops and an explosion grabbed his attention. Where mortals fled the Arch Angel of Valor would be sure to charge into battle.
June 18, 2014
Time 17:35
Location: New York City, New York USA
Designation: Shipmaster and Detective
Rtas began to wonder on the nature of Batman's vessel and how he was able to hide it in such a large human city. It wasn't long before Rtas got his answer.
It was subtle at first but eventually Rtas was able to make out the silhouette of an invisible form. As Batman approached the unknown figure de-cloaked. Upon examining it he was rather impressed.
The size of the Batmobile was equivalent to that of a Seraph fighter. Rather than have the hard edges that seemed standard among human craft this one seemed to have rounded edges much like Covenant vehicles. It was black and had red trim along its belly. Its fearsome look combined with its technological capabilities made him recognize what it was. It was a predator.
"Just give me a minute to talk to my partner. He doesn't deal well with strangers."
"While three is better than two, but I can't imagine what coward wouldn't join his partner in battle when it was needed most." Rtas said as he crossed his arms.
"His capabilities are limited." Batman responded.
The hatch of the Batmobile lifted and out popped a black furred four legged animal. It's hair was on end and its teeth were bared. Saliva flew from its maw as it barked relentlessly at Rtas.
"Down boy. Bad dog. He's a friend." Batman said to the barking animal.
"What's his name Batdog?" Rtas asked sarcastically.
"His name is Ace." Batman said as he was able to quiet the animal to a low growl.
Rtas didn't respond as Batman calmed the dog down enough that he was able to get inside before motioning Rtas to join him.
"Just to let you know I haven't installed the second safety belt." Batman said as Rtas crested the lip of the cockpit.
Rtas only gave a growl of annoyance as the Batmobile didn't even have a second seat. He would make do however. He was Sangheili, a warrior of the finest caliber and he would make do.
Once more Ace gave a low growl as Rtas situated himself. Rtas had to give the four legged creature credit for its courage, but not for its senses. The size of its fangs didn't even come close to his own.
"Proceed to pursue, but maintain a safe distance. We must be careful, and can't afford for our enemies to catch wind of us." Rtas said from behind Batman.
"Aye, aye Captain." Batman responded.
"The Sangheilian term is Shipmaster."
Batman merely hung his head as once more his attempts to sass Rtas flew right over the alien's head. Firing up the engines he set the Batmobile at a 30 degree incline and proceeded to gain altitude. The instruments in front of him lit up the tracker showing that it was moving at a steady pace out to the ocean.
"The mission comes first." Batman thought to himself.
June 18, 2014
Time 17:37
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Designation: The Red Rider aka War the Horseman
War stalked forward as the officers continued to pelt him with their small arms fire. When he neared their barricades he didn't bother drawing his sword as he simply smashed their cars apart with his gigantic left fist. Several officers who were standing to close were swept aside as their own vehicles smashed into them.
One of the officers that had thrown himself away from the smashed vehicles rolled over with gun in hand to see War standing above him. Before he could fire off a round War had torn the weapon out with his right hand and crushed the officer's pistol. After casually casting off the useless weapon he picked the officer up by his collar.
"Tell me where I am, Officer Katasi." War said as he read the officer's name.
Katasi to his credit did not waver as the seven foot tall warrior hoisted him off the ground and brought him close to his face.
"Tokyo, Japan."
"Impossible. It was ransacked by demons." War returned in Japanese.
Before War could question the officer further he sensed movement behind them as the officers from the other side of the barricade advanced forward.
"Your firearms are ineffective as are the rest of your weapons. If you wish to hold onto your lives you will answer my questions. Then when I am satisfied I will leave you." War said in accent-less Japanese.
The officers didn't reply as they charged forward replacing their pistols for batons. They came at him from all sides but they didn't understand how outclassed they were.
Without dropping Katasi he "lightly" swept aside the first officer that rushed him before grabbing the second that had charged him from the front and then tossed him at a third one behind him.
Two others were swept aside by his massive gauntlet and six others were battered aside by kicks. Two officers screamed in pain as he crushed ones arm and bent another's leg at an awkward angle.
With one hand and his two legs alone he took down a force of twenty men. At some point one of the officers had the sense to call for back up as already War could hear more sirens as more approached.
Officer Katasi had tried to free himself from War's grip, but found it impossible to do so. Now however, War's attention was upon him once more.
"Again where am I?" War asked.
"Tokyo, Central Shopping area. If you put me down I'm sure we could talk this over." Katasi replied. He was trying to get this crazy giant to calm down and hopefully give enough time for others to get here to help his fellow officers.
"What is the year by your calendar?"
"June 18, 2014."
War was silent as he contemplated this. When he had landed it had been in the year 2007 by the human calendar.
The Earth should have been caught between the battles between Heaven and Hell unable to fight back against the forces that rallied against it.
"There have been no angels or demons that have assaulted the Earth?"
"We've had problems dealing mutants and aliens, but never have we had to deal with them…" Katashi said clearly perplexed at what War was asking.
"Who are you? What are you?" Katasi asked in turn.
"I am a Nephilim. My name is War of the Four Horseman. I am The Red Rider."
"I must leave here before my presence is known. I must find my brothers." War thought to himself. He cared not for mankind but he didn't care for the senseless slaughter that his presence would bring.
As War dropped him and turned to leave in a direction opposite of the sirens he was overcome by glowing light. Turning he saw that the worst possible outcome that could be had already come to pass. The angel grabbed War by his collar and used him as an impromptu battering ram as he went through one of the skyscrapers.
The onlookers that had watched War's fight with the officers from the safety of the windows shrieked in terror as they ran for their lives. Office cubicles and other parts of the building were torn asunder as they two towering goliaths began to wail on one another with their fists. War scored a lucky hit and they were separated as they crashed through the other side of the building onto the street below.
"So this is who the White City sends?" War asked he wiped away a drip of blood from his split lip.
"Know this creature who bares the form of man, I am Imperious the Archangel of Valor and today you have met your match."
"All have claimed so, but none have been able to fulfill their boasts. I am the horsemen War and both angel and demon know that I am not to be trifled with."
"I do not fear death." Imperious said hefting Solarion.
"It's not death you should fear." War said he drew his famed blade Chaoseater.
From far above a spectator got comfy to watch what was sure to be an epic battle.
Thanks again everyone who has read and reviewed thus far. If you want to ask me a question go ahead and send a PM.
Anyways if you were wondering the purpose of the chapter here it is. I wanted to focus on Rtas and Batman as they develop the dynamic of their relation to one another. Each is a very capable warrior in their own right, but Rtas has more experience in warfare than Batman. Rtas for example has fought against military competent foes rather than Batman (Terry), who has simply had to deal with street thugs. Thus Rtas more or less establishes himself as leader and Batman as a subordinate.
Also several of you may ask as to why Master Chief, Tech, and Rev didn't fight. Simply put Master Chief has been fighting since the beginning of Halo 4 and is experiencing severe fatigue. The battle with Diablo didn't help as he physically and mentally hurt him. Tech and Rev are not the types to abandon their allies, thus they stuck with the Chief. Korra was out cold so she doesn't count.
Now we have two "god class" contenders duking it out in Japan. At first I wanted to have this short little intro battle take place in America, but I wanted to establish that the "Event' was a global phenomenon. I also hope to use regular broadcast from their world so that you get an idea as to how the people are reacting to the EXDs. Some of it will be negative and some of it will be positive.
Also since this chapter was short I'll do a little teaser for the next bit.
"Why are you here?" Fury asked.
That was actually a question that the Master Chief could not answer. He didn't know why he was here or any of the others for that matter. It was as if they had all been selected. It sure as hell hadn't been random. Each of them had been pulled safely and successfully from…wherever they had been before. That was one question he had as of yet to ask himself. Once more though he said nothing.
"Alright then. Last question." Fury said he pulled out his pistol.
The Chief tensed his body but didn't move. He still didn't know if he could do anything even with Mjolnir.
"Is this the beginning of an invasion?" Fury's tone was dead serious.
It then occurred to the Master Chief that Fury honestly didn't know why he was here either. These people could have possibly had created a technology capable of pulling him out of his…home dimension. He had suspected it might have been a ploy to try and get him to reveal information about the UNSC.
"Is this the beginning of an invasion?" Fury leveled the pistol…at Rev. "I'm going to ask you one more time."
The Master Chief and Fury continued to stare one another down. Fury's hand did not waver as it was pointed at the unconscious Rev.
"Is this the beginning of an invasion?" Fury voice had dropped all polite curiosity as it took on a savage roar.
The Master Chief didn't respond.
Fury pulled the trigger.
