First Contact (07-07-2022)

## Sanction, Immortal Realm, CRDNCE-218 [07/07/2022]

Archangel wakes up, but not in a place he recognizes. It’s bright, however he can’t see the sun above him. He looks around and sees people walk around. One notices him and walks towards him. They smile and hold out their hand, to which Archangel takes. He asks, “I’m sorry but…where am I?” The person responds, “Welcome to the Sanction. Your consciousness was transported here.”

“What is the Sanction?”

“A place where the Angels, Valkyrie, and others live.”

“...so does that mean I’m-”

“No, you’re not dead. You’re alive. In fact, Lady Priestess healed your wounds. You’ll be just fine.”

“Why am I here, if you know?”

“You are Hakim Marshall, yes? The Archangel?”

“Y-yes. That is me.”

“You have a special meeting. I will take you.”

After they finish the sentence, they unfurl their wings and begin to flap them. They both begin to lift into the air and the angel takes him to a beautiful temple, with rushing water and life surrounding it. They drop him off and wave while saying, “They are waiting for you!” They take off, leaving Archangel to enter the temple. He slowly walked in and stands in awe as the ceiling opens up to Multiversal space. Scanning with his eyes he counted thousands, even millions of universes all sitting peacefully within space. Between the universes are ginormous stars, and bodies of debris from other universes. He then hears a calm and endearing voice call out to him asking, “Amazing, isn’t it?” Archangel looks ahead and sees Pollyannus, laying on his side, staring directly at Archangel with a warm smile. They motion for Archangel to come forward, to which he does subconsciously. He looks upon Pollyannus, amazed at their elegance and regality. Pollyannus notices and says, “I’m not the Pillar of Love unfortunately, although she does get jealous of me at times.” Archangel replies, flustered, “I-I’m sorry. I did not mean to stare so much…”

“It’s not an issue. You don’t need to apologize.”

“You mentioned the Pillar of Love. So does that mean…?”

“You would be correct. I am Pollyannus. The Pillar of Dreams. I created Creed’s universe, as well as Cadmael’s and many others.”

“It is an honor to finally meet you. I want to ask, why have you brought me here?”

“I suppose to warn you. The Multiverse is “shaking up” as the One Below Creed coined it.”

“What’s happening?”

“Along with the Leviathan gradually gaining power, the Rogue Pillar Ah'li is also on a conquest to seek more status within the Multiverse. You may have heard of him as The King With Violet.”

“I thought the Seraphim had terminated him?”

“We all did. But that was just a puppet. As well as Pharaoh Hebi, the giant snake that landed on Grail and changed the Unified Frontier. There might be many more puppets on the way to CMLT-919. I, as well as Arthur, your Pillar, are keeping close watch of any moves Ah'li might make.”

“Arthur? As in *Arthur Dracano?* The first Sovereign of Camelot?”

“The very same. He is now the Pillar of Heroes. A respected Pillar amongst us.”

“Astounding…I thought he died of old age.”

“Hakim…I also feel…something else. From your universe. I’m not sure what. But I feel it.”

“Another like The King?”

“I…don’t know. They are hiding well. I can’t find him in my sleep either. I usually can see all beings in my point of stasis. This one has found a way to hide even from me.”

“We will keep watch then.”

“I thank you, Hakim. I apologize for not letting you know I would pull you to the Sanction. However, I felt it was urgent.”

“Thank you for warning me, Pollyannus. I will let the CACG know of the King With Violet.”

“I wouldn’t focus on them too much, as I have tasked the Seraphim to take care of him. However, if they request your help, I advise any of you to assist.”

“Understood.”

“Your Group has done well, even through the roadblocks that come your way. You’re some of my favorite Ones Below. Please take care. Your dream is nearing its end. Now you must go back to the world of the awake, and make Arthur proud.”

With that, Pollyannus puts out their hand and blows stardust into Archangel’s face. He begins to feel dizzy and suddenly jerks awake in the CACG infirmary.

## GEO-7, Arthur’s Bay, Camelot [07/07/2022]

He looks around, and sees the In and Out Unit keeping themselves busy. Royal looks over and her eyes grow wide. “Guys! He’s awake!” She rushes to Archangel’s bedside, as well as Crown and Tsar. She tears up and says, “Welcome back, Archie. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more…” Archangel smiles and adjusts Royal’s tiara. He responds, “You kept me alive, Agent. You did a fine job. All of you did.” Royal smiles and notifies Tenma. Malik walks over to Archangel and pats his shoulder. “Gave us a scare,” Malik says as he grins. Archangel chuckles, “Gave you guys a scare? You took an icicle to the stomach. I was worried sick. How are the others?”

“They’re back on duty. Cherub Priestess came and healed most of the team up, including you. What an ability she has. Think we can ask her to find a way to bottle it up for moments like this?”

“I’m sure she would give some to us if she could. I’m glad to hear everyone’s alright. I should get back to work. Should you need me, I’ll be in my office.” Archangel gets up and walks out of the infirmary. The Unit and Tenma watch as he heads off into his office. Tsar comments, “Did he realize the gown was….backless?” Royal, now with a slightly reddish face, responds, “I…don’t think he did.” The Unit then signs out of the infirmary and heads back to the Roundtable offices. Archangel dresses as he thinks about his conversation with Pollaynnus. He nods to himself and says under his breath,

“I won’t let anyone down.”