A Meeting With Fate (06/03/2022)

## Jericho, Moon of Grail [06/03/2022]

Archangel comes through the gate into Angel’s Outlook. It’s bustling with humans and Elysians alike. The settlement is covered in neon lights and riddled with wind towers and solar powered panels to power them all. He looks around and sees children playing with each other at a nearby playground. Some are watching a few show off their abilities and others are play-fighting with them. He smiles then looks at his map of the area. He identifies the barracks and heads there, welcomed by a few Dominion soldiers with a, “Evening, Archangel”. He greets them in response and asks one of them, “Is Ms. Paladinia here?” The Dominion soldier checks his tablet and answers, “The Domination is in her quarters. I’ll notify her of your visit.”

“Thank you.”

“Have a good evening, Director.”

The Dominion soldier opens the Barracks door and lets Archangel walk in. The inside is intricate and cozy. The floor is covered with soft carpet and the walls are a pleasant pattern. There are plants and paintings littered around the halls and softly illuminated by LED lamps. He takes in the majesty of the building and walks towards the receptionist desk. The worker looks up and gives a warm smile and says, “Welcome to the Dominion’s Regards. How may I assist you today?” Archangel smiles back and responds, “Hello, I’m looking for a Ms. Paladinia? I have a meeting with her.”

“And what would your name be?”

“I go by the name of Archangel.”

“Archangel….right right! You’re the Director of the CACG am I right?”

“That is correct, yes.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard about you. You’re doing a great job keeping your planet stable.”

“I thank you. It’s been a bit challenging but I think we’ll manage.”

The receptionist nods and looks through her computer. After a few seconds she chimes, “Ms. Paladinia is in 3A. The elevator is right next to me. Have a nice evening, Archangel.”

Archangel thanks the receptionist and enters the elevator to head to the third floor. He arrives at the door labeled 3A and knocks. The door is answered by what looks like twins. They look at Archangel and then at each other. The one with the golden laurel crown smiles and says, “Greetings, Director of the CACG. Lady Fate has been waiting for you.” The one with the obsidian crown smiles as well, “Yes, she is meditating but she is very aware of her surroundings.” Archangel nods and they let him in. He looks around the room. It’s like a small forest, with vegetation growing naturally and a variety of animals thriving in the miniature ecosystem.

At the center of the room is Here Lies Fate, meditating in midair over a lake with her holding an orb that looks like it’s containing an entire universe in itself. Archangel is led by the twins to her and they both walk away. Archangel gazes upon Here Lies Fate. He remembers that she is now a Druid. Ivory antlers sit atop her head, decorated with ornamental jewelry. Her hair flows a beautiful verdant  and her blouse a soil brown and with it, the Seraphim symbol stitched onto it. Around her neck is a pure white snake that coils gently along her body. Her right eye is covered by bandages and her left eye completely uncovered. She is a beautiful sight, and it takes Archangel’s breath away.

“Arch. Good to see you,” Fate says, unmoving from her meditation. Archangel snaps out of his awe and stammers, “Hello Ms. Paladinia. I’m sorry to come on such short notice.”

“It’s fine. I’m on no mission. I have all the free time right now.”

“I see. I was wondering-”

“If you could see your future?”

“...Yes. That is correct.”

“Of course. But first, may I ask why?”

“Well, ever since I had that dream and was given abilities beyond my understanding, I’ve been…nervous. Unsure of what direction I should take. What will happen to me and my friends. It’s been bothering me ever since and I was hoping you would shed some light, if it isn’t too much to ask.”

“An understandable reason. Very well, I will tell you.”

The room warps around Archangel and Here Lies Fate. The orb in Fate’s hands begins to expand and envelop the two. The orb expands to the point where they are now both in the fabric of the universe. Archangel can see every star and galaxy from where he stands. His eyes dart around, collecting as much information as he can of his surroundings. Then, a blue light trails around them both, forming a ring.

Here Lies Fate speaks up, “It seems that the CACG go on to combat an extremely terrifying threat. One that will trump every threat you will ever encounter. A being that can wipe out your universe within an instant. There is also another fate. You will become an Aspect and will be placed among the Omnigenie’s Guardian Collective. Like your counterparts, and me.”

Archangel looks down and looks back up at Here Lies Fate. he speaks up and asks, “So will my universe ever be safe?”

“That is unknown to even me for now.”

“How strong is the threat?”

“Levi cannot control this threat without effort.”

Archangel shakes at the thought of it. A threat like Levi? And it’s coming from this universe? Do all universes have a threat like this at this scale? He stammers and as he tries to find the words, Here Lies Fate opens her available eye slowly and asks, “Would you like to change this fate?” Archangel stares back into her rose tinted eye and looks down. What would happen if he said yes? Would it be selfish for him to do so? What are the consequences of doing this? All these questions ran through his head within seconds. He decided that he wouldn’t risk it, and that he’ll face the threat head-on if he needs to. He looks back up at her and answers, “No, thank you.”

Here Lies Fate smiles and closes her eye again, “I see. Then is that all you wished to know?” Archangel thinks for a bit and shakes his head. The universe shrinks back into her hands and they are both back in the forested room. She says in a happy tone, “It’s good to see you Arch. You and the rest of the gang should visit Jericho more. Our gates are always open to you. Though, the ghost one might need a chaperone. I’ve seen the way they act.” Archangel chuckles and responds, “Yes of course Ms. Paladinia. I apologize, I’ve just been busy dealing with things with the Group. I will try to visit more often.” Fate nods and says, “You can call me Aaliyah you know? You’re so formal all the time. Loosen up a bit will you?”

“Sorry, Aaliyah. I thank you for accepting my request. I hope to talk to you again. I must go back to Headquarters. There is something I must attend to, I just received a message from the Rescue team-”

“Yes. It’s starting isn’t it? I won’t keep you any longer. If you need assistance. The Precocious Squadron is always a call away. The Dominion will also assist if needed.”

Archangel looks a bit surprised but then remembers that Here Lies Fate’s abilities allow her to see any event and what has happened and what will happen. She knows about what happened to Wizard. And she knows what *will* happen afterwards. He waves goodbye and walks out of the room. He checks his phone and sees that Specter, and Void’s trackers are approaching Geo-7. They have returned from The Zone.

He walks to the gates and it takes him directly to Arthur’s Bay upon inputting the coordinates. He’s now inside the Roundtable office. He looks around and settles himself then walks to the aerodock, waiting on the rescue team in possession of Wizard. He also spots the AV approaching the aerodock. The first mission to save his World has begun.