II. Gods and Monsters

Prelude

Gabrielle watched as Metatron's final parts were put into place. The metal arm supporting its chest lowered the towering creature to the floor, its legs folding into a kneeling position as it prepared for the ritual. She took a deep, calming breath. Metatron was the deadliest thing Heaven had ever created. Its size and presence alone terrified her, nevermind its reputation and the power which it held.

"The Lord has called upon you, the hunter, once more," Gabrielle began, "Hell's dark influence threatens Earth and needs a protector."

The arm holding its metal frame upright detached, allowing the Metatron to lean forward, placing its left fist on the ground for support while the right forearm lay across its knee. This one action caused Gabrielle to pause before continuing.

"The Lord has granted their request and sends you to eliminate the one that calls itself Hades," she continued, Hades' name causing Metatron's head to twitch upwards ever so slightly, " And purge the Earth of any others that would threaten life on Earth. So, the Lord spoke unto his servant: Their world is dying Metatron. Do you seek redemption?"

Underneath Metatron's faceplate, two blood red eyes flared into life, the sound of energy flooding through Metatron's systems as they powered up echoed around the great hall. Metatron reared to its full height, its great wings extending to their complete width.

"My maker... I do..." came Metatron's growling, synthesised voice.

Gabrielle stepped aside to allow Metatron to advance towards the archway behind her. It was filled with crackling energy that would transport Metatron to Earth. Another technological innovation Metatron had invented during its earlier years, before...

Metatron had halted just before the gateway. It had never done this before. It normally walked straight through. It was then that it all happened so fast. She saw a small, glimmering, insect-looking device dart from behind a monitor and head straight for Metatron, landing on its arm just before it stepped through the gateway. Metatron, and the device, vanished in a flash of pure light.

"What was that?!" Gabrielle cried, running over to the computer and seeing a small flashing update on the screen.

UPDATE COMPLETE

Gabrielle just stared in shock for what seemed like an eternity; and since she had lived for all eternity so far, that was quite a statement.

"Who authorised this?" she asked, her voice quiet, afraid she already knew the answer.

One of the scientists approached the monitor, his face mirroring her fear as he almost whispered the words she was afraid of hearing; "No one..."

Gabrielle looked up slowly to stare at the archway as it powered down, signalling the arrival of Metatron on Earth...