II. Gods and Monsters

Capture

Metatron stood in the warehouse courtyard, exactly where he had been when his first stint of combat had ended. If he knew anything of Hades' old methods he would have fled the scene as soon as Metatron did, using the distraction to his advantage. At a mental command, Metatron's visor sifted through multiple different spectrums as he scanned the area. When he reached a spectrum of the ethereal plane he caught sight of a group of faint, glittering particles swirling in mid-air.

"You never change, do you?" Metatron muttered as he extended his arm outwards.

From an average human's point of view, it would have appeared that Metatron had simply reached out and grasped onto thin air, but ten seconds later, orange sparks started to fly from his balled-up fist. Metatron could see the magical energy he was pumping into what remained of Hades' wormhole. Hades still hadn't learned how to cover his tracks. Such a shame. For him.

Another moment passed and the roaring flames appeared once more, forming their ring and connecting the two sectors. Metatron opened his hand, lowered his arm, then manoeuvred his towering form into the breach. As he attempted to exit, however, he was met by a bizarre network of glowing, golden lines. His visor told him they were of mystical origin. It was then that he spotted the man on the other side of the gateway entrance.

"Amadeus," Metatron growled, "It has been a long time."

"Not long enough, hunter," Amadeus replied. Both his hands were raised towards the entrance, his thumb and fifth digit pressed against each other.

"I see you have not forgotten your little parlour tricks..." Metatron goaded. Both he and the human knew that the mystic arts available to humans was very limited and even a low-level Angel with limited magical knowledge could overcome the most powerful human sorcerer.

"This parlour trick will be enough to keep your arrogant shell at bay," Amadeus replied calmly.

Underneath his visor, Metatron smiled, letting out a low growl.

"Is that so?"

Metatron stepped forward, his body snapping each beam of light like an over-extended rope. He retrieved his spear from his belt, extending it to full length and raising it above his head.

"Am I still the arrogant one, pathetic human?"

"Clearly I was mistaken," Amadeus remarked, almost sounding amused.

"Death humours you, Amadeus?" Metatron laughed.

"No, I am just amused at how sloppy your observation has become.

Metatron rotated back to the entrance to find two metal rods standing either side of the gateway. Lightning arced from both of them, striking Metatron and flinging him across the room. He slumped against the wall, his systems already offline. Amadeus strolled over to him, a small grin spreading across his defined features.

"All too easy. Hades was right, you have grown arrogant over your unchallenged centuries."

He started to prepare Metatron for his master once he awoke from his slumber.