Crusaders III: The New Age 1.1

Prelude

Revelation 13:11-15
Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon. He exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the broadsword and yet lived. He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.

This second beast is referred to as the False Prophet in Revelation 16:13 and 19:20.

Daniel 9:27 is a prophecy of a future Roman prince who will erect an image known as the "Abomination of Desolation,"

He will confirm a covenant with many for one `seven.' In the middle of the `seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing [of the temple] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.

The All Father beamed away in a flash of lights. Micheal looked at the window screen that showed him the planet Earth in that dimension. Of all the dimensions, this small planet gives him so many issues for centuries. Lucifer was his second in command before he revolted and took off with his followers to that planet. Micheal pursued him but the intervention of All Father stopped him and leaving the revolutionaries there stranded without the means to leave the planet.

Over the centuries, the hundred odd discards have grown their own numbers, with their ever growing followers, converted by influence or coercion and at times, by slavery by domination on their will. The fastest growing sect was the blood drinker; the essence that drove the flesh of Man, and these discarded had found a way to secure their power on it. They had named themselves as the Vampires, among the many names they had adopted. The Faith; the counter force deployed by All Father had been fighting them since their discovery. It was a long fight which neither side was able to claimed victory, nor could defeat be allowed, but bout of battles raged on.

The recent events told of a new threat, that all influential Lucifer may had communicated with the other discards in other dimensions. Micheal fear that if it was allowed, then maybe they would find the means to repair their transporters and with that, they may cross over the dimensions. He recalled the last inter-dimensional war, when he had fought leading the Council of Angels against the others. They were then in full strength, with Lucifer on his side as the trusted Lieutenant. The war ended with victory for the Council of Angels and having the defeated sent to the darker dimension but it also caused a rift among the trusted; losing Lucifer was one of them. He recalled then the event that took place then at the meeting of the Council of Angels.

"Micheal, I would be damned if I ever stand aside to see the banishment of another one of us......" Lucifer stood up from his seat among the Council of Angels.

"Enough!" Brother Micheal interjected in. "His name would not be mentioned again, for his betrayal would never be allowed to be repeated. He would be named from now, as the False Giver, or worse be branded from now as the False Prophet."

"False or real, he was a brother among us." Lucifer spoke up to his other brothers. "We all shared the joys and sorrows here, and for ...."

"That ...False Prophet sided with the others and fought us. It’s an act of treason and unpardonable. He deserved to be banished alongside with his allies."

"All Father", Lucifer looked to the very presence who presided over them. "Please stop this undeserving act. I called upon you to be merciful. And above all, he was your ....son too."

The All Father stood up from his seat and turned to leave the Council.

"All Father, I plead with you." Lucifer shouted to the departing figure that held the power and influence over the Council. It was Micheal who spoke up again.

"I called for those who oppose the banishment to stand up and leave the Council Hall." It was a challenge by the then presiding member of the Council, in the absence of All Father.

Lucifer stood back from his seat, and headed for the doorway. He paused before it, when he noted that he was alone. He turned back to looked at the others seated there, in alliance with him on the same thought but lack the courage to defy the one he had trusted as his brother.

"The real brothers for Lucifer, speak now and showed yourself, or be damned forever to eternity in silence." Lucifer voiced out.

"If anyone of you joined Lucifer, you would be banished and be named ...... Demons." Micheal declared to the Council of Angels. "No true brothers among us here should be called Demons."

Seven close brothers of Lucifer stood up to join him.

"So there are those who think otherwise. Are there more of you?" Micheal glared at the small group that stood at the doorway. There were none, but during the next few sessions, more followed Lucifer. Micheal felt the crush of defeat in his leadership, and sounded out to the one she was close to. They agreed that the brothers shall not fight among themselves, but they could appoint gladiators to serve and fight the battles. That counter measure team was the Crusaders.

The Crusaders had served him well, but of late the new threat had eliminated the order. It also caused the Crusaders to disband.

Micheal was in deep thought when he interrupted by the presence of the arrival of one other. 

"Brother Micheal, I have updates for you." The voice belonged to his brother in the Council, Brother Gabriel. "Brother…~”

“His name shall not be mention in these Halls.” Brother Micheal interjected in. Brother Gabriel bowed his head in reply.  He then continued in his words.

“The False Prophet had gone missing after he evaded his guards. He may have crossed the dimension. The war on Earth was his work. We were deceived by him once again, lending his influence to wage another war and camouflage the threat to us."

"Micheal", Gabriel continued on. "We have contacted the Faith on Earth. The Crusaders would be called on once again. They would take care of the False Prophet."

"May the All Father protect us" Micheal sighed. He feared that the Crusaders may not be all that loyal to his cause. The last time, they used the direct descendants of the original Crusaders, they were doubts raised among them on their task. He had to intervene if need be.”

"Brother Gabriel, monitor the Crusaders. If there are falling in the ranks, or trust, act upon it. We cannot failure at this stage. It may end the era of the Angels." With that spoken, Micheal walked off to his own chamber.  

Othello the Legatus Act 2 Part 1.8

Prologue 8

"Father, you have a visitor." Emilia told her father who was attending another sick person. The older man nodded and told the sick person that he would need to take the herbs.

"It would eased your pain." The healer told him.

"Thank you, healer." The sick man replied. "My son should be back. His legion had returned from the campaign. I must leave now to see him."

The sick man stood up and left the place. Emilia then brought in the new guest. He was a man with a hood over his head. He stepped in and removed his hood. He was a tall man with a dark mask over his face. She shuddered on seeing his face.

"I am sorry. I am still not used to your look." Emilia looked away. The man smiled and approached the healer. It was not his first visit there, and he had once stayed there for a period to recover.

"Your scars are healing but it would not be the same." The healer told him. He had been treating Othello for over a year now, but the wound was deep and with his campaigns, the healer could not do much. He had saved the eye but its vision of sight was short.

"Emilia, prepare the guest room. He is staying here." The healer told his daughter. Emilia ran off to prepare the room, and waited for him to come in.

"I am sorry if I still scared you." Othello told her. "I still find myself uneasy with it. It had been over a year now, but yet I asked myself was I glad to be alive or better of dead."

"You should be happy to be alive." Emilia told him.

"And to spend the rest of my life lonely." Othello replied. Emilia stopped in her works of folding the towels. She felt his hands that held her hips from the rear. She shuddered as they been having these touches before, but it never ventured beyond that. The man was handsome but he was also holding back for some reason. Maybe it was here. She was not that beautiful unlike others. She had her doubts.

"I am happy to see you." Othello snugged up to her but Emilia pulled away.

"It won't work. You are a Legionnaire." Emilia paused. "Father had treated many of your kind. You cannot be trusted. You are not a good lover. Once out on the campaign, you forget your heart. You only loved the battles and then the victory."

"Shush! I am different." Othello told her. "I am a Primus Pilus. I need to be their leader and we have to be an example."

"But you are still a Legionnaire." Emilie pulled away and left the room. She was distraught when he left her the last summer, and her father had cautioned her.

"You mother once loved a legionnaire but he never made it back after one campaign. She was heart broken and then she found me." Her father told her. "Don't make the same mistake. More so him who had a face scarred. They are the worst. They only sought the gullible ones. "

She did not. She only defiled her father when she met Iago later that winter. It was to end her search for the perfect man. She loved those in the armor and Iago was one without a scar. She soon regretted her rush.

"Father was right."

Preys & Predators II; Chessmen ( Rated for Mature Readers ) 1.49

Dark Knight

I had arrived just in time to see the same SUV pulled out. I was driving the Camarro with the shades over my eyes. I reckon she would come back here before she pulled out. I was not wrong, and that time, I did not plan to lose her again. She was not alone and had a bodyguard.

The more the better.

I was in the mood to kill since Mitch had died. I pat the Glock with its full clip. I intend to empty it into that Agent; the whole full clip. I intended to trail them to their destination but the siren behind me told a different tale. This was the second time, in days I was stopped by the Police. I pulled over and then waited in my car. I saw the officer exit from the car and approached mine from the rear.

It was a lady officer. .

Damn!

“Officer, was I speeding?” I asked while my eyes were on the SUV which have turned at the intersection.

“No, but I need you to~” The officer saw my Glock aimed at her chest.

“Pass me your gun.” I told her. “Or have your Insurance to pay for a new heart.”

The officer did as she was told. She was about in her mid thirties, and may have been a mother of some young ones. They are the harder ones to kill. I had her took me to the Squad car. We drove in it, and then I asked her to call the Precinct.

“Tell your Precinct to run the car license for you. I need to know where it’s.” Within a minute, they found the SUV at a meat factory nearby from the GPS coordinates. I left her in the boot of the Squad Car soon after.

Dark Pawn

I looked at the place; a freaking meat factory. As if I have not seen enough flesh in my life. I sneaked in and went to the scheduled meeting place. The place was closed recently when it was found to be contaminated and had to be cleared of the offence. There was one thing about large structure with idling machines, and when it had stopped production. You would expect a silent mausoleum of equipments, till its new owners take over, but the place was hardly silent. You would hear the occasional screeching or whining sound. It’s erratic as the cause of it could be the blowing wind or the isolated pigeon which came to roost.

That was what greeted me as I was earlier on my meeting and figured the extra timeline would give me time to prepare for any eventuality. The words of the Chessmen being wiped out by their Queen flowed through the network faster than the breaking news on the channels. Maybe there are no editors needed to approve the drafts.

I came prepared that time; dressed in black and carried a MP5.

Where I came in was the Warehouse and was practically the scheduled meeting place. There were the three levels metal racks for storage lined all the way to the rear wall, but they were only a few racks which were occupied. The racks were layout in ‘L’ formation with the shorter end towards the warehouse office. It was a single structure which holds two windows and one doorway. Above the office structure was a temporary storage area for their packaging materials. There was the lifter machine which was parked near the main doorway. The door I walked in was at the other end of the place.

I found my hiding place.

Othello the Legatus Act 2 Part 1.7

Meanwhile back to the tavern, after the third goblets, Cassio turned the subject towards Desdemona again.

"I don't understand these ladies." Cassio lament on the weaker sex. They were discussing the battle and then Casio wanted to talked on the women. "They are...."

"Unpredictable. I ought to know." Iago replied. "I am in union with one."

"I am no judge. My only woman in my life was my mother and blessed her soul, she left me not a clue to who she was most times." Cassio was with his father most times, learning the trade. And then he joined the Legion. The only other women he knew then were the ones that followed the camps or offered themselves at the occupied towns for the coins in his pouch. He may be a trader, but not of that trade.

"Of what that made me unpredictable?" That voice belonged to Emilia who was leading the Legatus love down the stairs. The ladies had rejoined them at the bar.

"Centurion Iago, I am asking you." But it was Desdemona who interjected towards the Praefectus.

"How fare my love in the battlefield? I need to know again. " Desdemona asked.

"Legatus Othello is fine. He had excelled himself once more. Our wounded and deaths numbered not more than three hundred, while we had captured as I was told over five hundred with others dead or escaped." Iago replied. He was to hug his wife when he saw Cassio bowed to them.

"Welcome to you,ladies." Cassio produced his dandy behavior as taught to him by his father when he meets the ladies. He did asked why, but the answer was more mysterious; they liked to be pampered on.

"Forgive me, my dear friend Iago. Its my first concern on them since we landed. I had not seen them with their retreat to the rooms, and now they are here again." Cassio told his friend while smiling at the ladies. "Its my courtesy to do so."

"Aye, your courtesy I have made many acquaintances of." Iago replied. He looked at his love and smiled. "If she had welcomed you with her lips as she was to me, then you would be soon under her."

A cynical remark which Emilia took within herself, as she had known her lover was one of jealousy among the other traits he held in him. Desdemona defended her lady friend known on the voyage but it was her only other companion then.

"Iago, you have no care in you." Desdemona spoke out in defence for Emilia who had remained silent by her side.

"Nay, I am with care. I loved the lady, but she does keep me stirred in some places. She also unstirred me in others." Iago continued on. "When I am silent, she cursed at me. When she is silent, she is laying her venom on me inside of her."

"You have no reason to talk like that of me. I am your love." Emilia felt hurt by the remark of her lover.

"Ah, the artisan speaks." Iago added on. "Are to tell me that with them, you paint a picture of the divine lady, while with me, you are an artisan with the penchant for slandering me. You speak of them in the lighter tone, but with me you implied that I was too loud for your ears. You portray the image of the lady to them, but beneath it all you are like the artisan who bares her bosom to the crowd. Yet you despoil my mood with your silent still body while I tried to aroused your senses. I had seen them all."

"Iago, you shamed me." Desdemona spoke in defence of her friend.

"A lady wake up to have fun, and to bed where they work." Iago added on. He pulled away his shoulder leaned on my Cassio. The later was trying to tell him to quit.

"Does that include me?" Desdemona taunt him seeing that he would insult his love, would he do to his Legatus love.

"I am going to decline, my Lady. You would not like my tone." Iago replied while he reached for his fouth drink.

"Desdemona, perhaps you want to check on Legatus? He may be on his way back." Cassio tried to change the subject but the lady was adamant to know the view of the Praefectus.

"Yes, I am concerned. He was to be back by now. But I want to know what do you think of me? Or are you too drunk to speak the truth." Desdemona bait the Praefectus.

"A lady of your....beauty have no concerned on who she may want to bait. She would used her charms that the other may be blinded by her bosom." Iago laughed out loud but Desdemona was not taken in that easily.

"I am a beauty to you, but what if I was not? Would I be that able..."

"An uglier one of you would still win, using not your only charm but the wit in your head." Iago spoke out. "You are good. I have misjudged you."

"What of one who is ugly and stupid?" Emilia cut in before Desdemona could reply.

"A lady who is both ugly and stupid? Preposterous! They are none that would be in that realm. Even the stupid would attract some men. Like myself." Iago looked to his love. He finished his drink and reached for another.

"You speak of ill of those who are devious with their mind or beauty, but what of the ones that are real to the love, and faithful to the vows?" Desdemona challenged him. She was trying to give herself a platform to stand on.

"One who would over stand by her man, dressed to pleased only herself, and walked with him in his arms, radiating her beauty to the others." Iago sighed. "She does not exist. I am the opposite, but there are none of her I had seen."

"If there was another of you, would that...." Desdemona wanted to check on him.

"If there were any, they are all bearing babies and remained behind doors to await their lovers."

"You are despicable, Iago." Desdemona looked to Emilia. "He is yours? I find him insufferable."

"Cassio, is that your Praefectus?" Desdemona asked the other. Cassio was taken aback and stood up. He laid his hand on Iago, pressing him to sit down while he try to cover for his friend. And fellow centurion.

"Pardon his manner. He had been a legionnaire for too long. Crude manners and words are his ways now." Cassio held his hand firmed on the other. "I would correct him for his manners ..."

"And never a finer man than you." Desdemona smiled at the Pilus. She was impressed at that man. She hardly knew him but during the voyage, he was all caring for her. She was truly taken in by his manners. He had held her hands very much at a distance when the times she had taken to walk alone on the deck. He was truly a gentleman by his conduct.

"Cassio, pray do not be my patron. I am my own man. Your fine manners and words ails my heart." Iago spoke out. "Do not beg for me? We are legionnaires; united and never give up on another."

Iago glared at the lady. He held out his right hand with the fingers displayed towards her as if to hold the other lady's one.

"Kissed your hands for an apologies? Unlikely. I would rather kiss the toes of Lucifer than yours." Iago continued on. He was to continue when they were distracted by the cheering of the legionnaires outside.

"Its Othello. The victor have arrived."

Preys & Predators II; Chessmen ( Rated for Mature Readers ) 1.48

Checkmate the King

Dark Pawn

Sylvia Graden

White Pawn

Micheal Darren

Dark Knight - Killer

Billie Diane / Billy Dane

White King - Leader

Marlene Phillips

White King

If I am to cover my trails, I need to report in at the Precinct. After the roadblock mishap which I called in as backup, I went in with a raging mood. I spew my anger at the Agents and their back up for letting the Chessmen get away. I also gave them the Camarro number for them to track.

“Commissioner Glades, your men were pathetic.” I laid out my opinion to the Police Chief. The other sat there and looked grimly at me.

“Special Agent Phillips, I am sure my officers did all they could, and somehow whoever was chasing you still managed to get away.” Commissioner Glades was holding back his anger. “However, we would do the needed to find out who was it.”

“Do it, Commissioner. I need to report back to my Superiors.” I left the Commissioner to do his own inquiry, and also to clean the mess at the warehouse. I walked to my section when my portable rang.

It was Sylvia.

I ignored it and proceeded to my section. I want to leave as soon as possible.

The phone rang again.

That time it was unknown number.

I ignored that too. I was packing when I saw Micheal.

“Why are you still here?” I asked.

“What happened?” Micheal asked back. “Was it Sylvia?”

I glared at him. Micheal had been a good agent, but he may be a threat. They all are as long as they knew of Chessmen. I need to remove all of them.

“Yes. Sylvia wants to meet.” I replied. It’s easier to get them together and then have them removed.

“Oh my God!” Micheal was relieved. He was having trouble getting in touch with Sylvia and then the lady called. I grabbed my jacket and followed the lady to the car park. 

Othello the Legatus Act 2 Part 1.6

Act Two Scene 1 Part 2

Cassio knocked on the door of the room on the tavern upper level. The tavern offered four rooms to be let off for travelers. It was the room allocated for Othello, but the later was not there as he was still at the valley. However Desdemona had taken her refuge there after they met the legion from the battle.

"My lady, I am just checking if you need any from the tavern?" Cassio asked. Desdemona looked tired and red eyed. She could had been crying.

"Are you well?" Cassio asked. Desdemona shook her head. She motioned to her head but before Cassio could asked more, Emilia appeared at his side.

"Desdemona, are you well?" Emilia asked the lady of the Legatus. She did not wait for a reply and pulled the lady back into the room. She closed the door on the Pilus. Cassio was to walked back to his Legion, but he saw Iago at the stairs. He had just joined him there.

"I can't make out what to do with the ladies." Cassio walked towards the Centurion. Iago laughed at that remark. He followed the Pilus down the stairs. They convened to the bar to take a drink. Iago had brough the main legion towards the harbour upon their victory, as ordered by Othello. He was greeted by Cassio outside the harbour who had marched the legionnaires that was with him.

"Iago, take your men to rest. I would assist the Legatus in the final stages." Cassio told the other, but Iago stopped him.

"I told you before. Othello had said we are to guard the harbour against any reinforcements from the sea. He did not said it, but as the Prime Pilus, you should be here." Iago replied. "As the leader."

The last words tinged in the mind of the Pilus. He would like to assist his Legatus but he feared that his command was here too. He then asked another Centurion to take one cohort to rejoined the Legatus for strength. He reluctantly followed the others back to the harbour. They were met by the relieved Lusitania aides who was joined by the harbour finest including some finer ladies in their best..

"I am Montana. I saw the fires in the valley. Were they there? Are they defeated?" Montana asked.

"Yes, they are. We had routed them and now we are hunting the escaped ones." Iago told the Lusitania aide with glee.

"You are not the Legatus? The one I was told coming was the Dark One. His name I know not forth, but his reputation precedes him." Montana pressed on. "Is he hurt or perhaps..."

"Legatus Othello is well, but he had pressing matters to discussed with the defeated leader. He sent us ahead to rest and recuperate." Iago stepped in. "I am Praefectus Castorum Iago. Third in command."

Iago felt the shamed in him to declared his rank to his aide. He had a side glance to Cassio but his shame was soon shed by the offer of the aide.

"And with that, the people of the harbour opened their homes to all of you." Montana declared to the Praefectus. "And you, Praefectus may joined the other guests in the tavern."

"Ah, yes." Cassio remembered the ladies. He looked to Iago.

"Emilia is there." Cassio smiled. Iago laughed as he removed his helmet.

"One that I am in need along with the soft bedding." It was their first time, the Centurions were allowed to bring their loved ones.

One that Desdemona had openly suggested for them. She had told Othello, that she was in need of friends; unlike men in armor but ladies in gown. He had reluctantly agreed much to his foolishness to agreed in the Senate Hall there that day. He do love her but his idea of her joining him was near the Castra or at times, in a villa after the battles. But she had insisted that she go where he may be, like his legionnaire.

"Or you would not have me in your bed forever." A threat he could ill afford to incurred upon himself. He resigned to that of her wish but the condition that she would live as he would.

She showed him her gratitude with a night of love and he was won over on all excuses. It was then but the truth would surfaced once the love tides subsides.

Preys & Predators II; Chessmen ( Rated for Mature Readers ) 1.47

Dark Knight

I wanted to see his expression but he turned away. He started on why he needed me and how he would always support me. I saw the pain in his movements; the same time when he first killed my Father. Sure the old man was a pervert and abuser, but he was my father. I never did find one like him; a fatherly figure but Mitch tried to be one. He was always there for myself, and even in my bed later.

Was it any different?

I guessed it was, as I loved him differently. He thought I loved him like a father, but actually I loved him more than that. He was the man in my life. I wanted to introduce him to the Queen when he came back, but he declined. He kept on saying that he was not ready.

Damn! He was not ready to accept her as he was gunning to kill her.

“Mitch, I saw the files.” I raised it up to him. “It was by ~”

“Like how you knew all my personal issues when we were together.” Mitch hit back hard. He was right; I did check on his personal records when we were together then.

“Isn’t that what a couple does?” I don’t know what made me say that, but it came out.

“We are a couple? Is your brain fried? I am your …” Mitch could not find the word to speak but he knew he was cornered. It was then I knew I was wrong all the time. I pulled the towel over my chest and glared at him.

“I think it’s time for us to go separate ways.” I stood up and reached for my last worn shirt. The Glock was laid by the side table next to it.

Dark Knight

“I am sorry, Billie.” I expressed my apologies while he got dressed. I saw him reach for the gun and my mind snapped. It was an instinct move from years of survival. I grabbed mine off the nearby armchair and turned to face him. He had the same thought and leveled his gun at me.

“I don’t think you are genuine in your apology. Leave the gun on the table while I leave here.” Billie replied. “We can go separately.”

“No, Billie. You cannot be allowed to do it. The Feds must not die.” I tried to reason with him. “You could be killed.”

“You are wrong.” I fired first and then jumped aside. The bullet hit him in the chest. He went down on his knees. I rushed over and held him onto my arms.

“Why did you not shoot?” I asked. Mitch shook his head.

“I love you.” That was all he said before he died.

Preys & Predators II; Chessmen ( Rated for Mature Readers ) 1.46

Dark Bishop

I saw him fall, and then the explosion in the alley. There was where I was heading with the car. He was unhurt when I reached him. I offered him the ride.

“Billie, you cannot fight her.” I held the steering wheel. He got in and I drove to the other end of the alley. I made it to the next alley across before I joined the traffic. I heard the sirens but we were passed the danger zone. I slowed down and looked at Billie. He had his gun drawn on me.

“I did save you.” I smiled at Billie. We drove on in silence.

****

“The Queen was like my own mother. She coached and nurtured me.” Billie protested to me when we were in the rented motel room. I had helped to dress his wounds, and also the bruises from the bike skidding.

“She killed my Queen.” Billie shouted out while seated at the armchair still holding onto the wound. I walked out of the bathroom after having taken a shower to clean the dirt off. I looked at Billie, seated there with his top part of his body exposed. The bandages lent support to his budding breast which he was very proud of. I was aroused by the sight, and had been since he got it done.

Much as the mood was there, I had to shift my mind away. I threw the bathrobe to him.

“Dress up, Billie.” I told him while I turned my back to him to get dressed. I was not keen to show him my aroused state, but he had to taunt me.

“Why, Mitch?” Billie spoke up. “You never asked me to cover up before.”

Both of us sniggered but we knew that the mood was to talk and not fuck.

“Billie, the deal with the Feds would clear us both, and also offered us protection.” I explained while buttoning my shirt. “It’s our new life we are talking about.”

“Screw it, Mitch. Your Feds killed my Queen.” Billie brought up the same issue. I turned to look at him.

“So she deserved to die. All of them do. They are the Chessmen. They killed others for their organs.”

“I am a Chessmen, Mitch. I held the rank of the Knight.” Billie replied. “I killed many of them too. Do I deserve to die too?”