The Message

Ethan's TapPad emitted a shrill, insistent jingle at precisely 0400 hours, jarring him awake. Groaning, he reached down beside the bed to silence it. His heart sank with the realization—today marked the beginning of his mandatory two-year service under EarthCorp. It was essentially military duty, though EarthCorp preferred the sanitized term "service commitment" for public comfort.

"Rise and shine," Gabe's voice broke through Ethan's drowsiness from above. Ethan glanced upward, slightly startled to see Gabe effortlessly jumping down from the top bunk, landing gracefully beside him with an energetic grin.

Ethan rubbed his eyes, stretching out the stiffness from his muscles. "I thought you were on the couch," he said groggily. "When did you move?"

"Yeah…" Gabe replied sheepishly, rubbing his lower back with a slight grimace. "The couch gave me a sore back, so I moved up here in the middle of the night."

Ethan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Guess even celestial beings need comfort."

They quickly dressed and grabbed their packed bags, urgency beginning to replace sleepiness. Ethan felt the Halo's presence pulse gently around his neck, its familiar warmth comforting yet slightly unsettling. As he adjusted his backpack, a series of notifications chimed clearly within his consciousness, bringing his movements to an abrupt halt. His breath hitched slightly as the messages flooded his mind, reminding him of the day's importance and filling him with renewed determination.

System Notification: New Assignments Available:

Successfully complete the first day at EarthCorp boot camp (Reward: 25 XP) Successfully complete EarthCorp boot camp (Reward: Instant Level-Up) Execute Guardian Program (When Prompted) (Reward: Instant Level-Up)

Ethan sighed deeply, absorbing the weight of the new missions, a sense of anxiety and determination mixing within him. Gabe immediately noticed Ethan's distraction, eyeing him curiously.

"Everything alright?" Gabe asked softly, concern coloring his voice.

"Halo just gave me new assignments," Ethan admitted quietly. "Looks like I've got extra incentives for getting through boot camp—and something called the Guardian Program."

Gabe chuckled softly, gently nudging Ethan's shoulder. "Sounds intense. You ready for this?"

"I don't think I have much choice," Ethan replied with a faint smile, trying to mask his apprehension.

Just as they moved toward the door, a sudden knock startled them both. Ethan exchanged a puzzled glance with Gabe, his heart rate spiking with unexpected tension.

"Who could that be at this hour?" Gabe murmured, his expression wary.

Ethan approached cautiously, pulse quickening. "Only one way to find out," he whispered, reaching hesitantly toward the door.

"Open up!" Ethan immediately recognized the voice.

"Good morning, Steph," he greeted as he opened the door.

Gabe rolled his eyes, continuing to gather his belongings. Steph was fine—she was just too energetic for such an early hour.

"We have to be at the trolley in twenty minutes," Steph insisted, pointing down the hallway. "I thought we could go together."

"Sure, let's go," Ethan agreed, smiling slightly. The trio exited the apartment.

"Don't forget to put your apartment on LTL!" Steph reminded them loudly, looping her arm around Gabe's.

Gabe leaned toward Steph with a confused whisper, "What does LTL even mean?"

Steph chuckled softly, leaning closer. "Long-term leave—just extra security and energy conservation."

Ethan quickly set his TapWatch to LTL and pressed it against the lock. A red light appeared, indicating the measures had taken effect. He hurried downstairs to catch up.

Approaching the trolley stop, Ethan spotted Mark and his gang waiting. Gabe noticed them too, exchanging a wary glance with Ethan. Today wasn't the day for another confrontation.

Steph scowled. "Let's stay clear of them," she suggested.

But Mark noticed them immediately. "Look who it is—the cute couple and their hag!" he jeered loudly.

"Just ignore them," Gabe advised, keeping his voice steady.

The trolley, a San Francisco tradition dating back to 1892, soon arrived. Even with modern transport pods and drones, the city had preserved these historic cars. Ethan, Gabe, and Steph boarded quietly, settling in for the brief, tense ride to Pier 7C.

At the pier, a massive ship waited to transport thousands of reluctant recruits to Los Angeles Island. Ethan couldn't help but chuckle quietly. "It's funny," he whispered to Gabe, "we're headed to the City of Angels."

Gabe cracked a faint smile. "Yeah, fallen angels."

His words resonated with Ethan, who repeated softly, "Fallen angels…"

Los Angeles Island was massive, situated a mile off California's coast. Decades earlier, catastrophic wildfires and a devastating earthquake had sent Los Angeles sliding into the Pacific. EarthCorp's founder, Blackstone Rocker, quickly purchased the unstable land cheaply, turning it into one of several isolated training facilities. Here, young adults endured mandatory training designed to mold them into "good citizens." EarthCorp controlled virtually all media, relentlessly bombarding the public with pro-EarthCorp propaganda, while anyone daring to criticize the corporation vanished without a trace.

Ethan and Gabe sat quietly on the ship's upper deck as Steph went inside, searching for snacks. Gabe stared thoughtfully at the endless waves below. "What happened to Earth, Ethan?"

Ethan exhaled heavily, recalling the devastating conflict with Europe that rendered Eastern North America irradiated and largely uninhabitable. "Scientists are still working to reduce the radiation, but nearly seventy percent of EarthCorp territory is wasteland now," Ethan replied softly.

Gabe's eyes filled with emotion. "Humanity was given a world filled with endless potential, yet look what became of it. Billions died because people prioritized greed and power over compassion and wisdom. They abandoned their principles, worshipping technology and empty ideals instead."

Ethan lowered his gaze, feeling a pang of guilt—he, too, had lost sight of his values. "My father never lost his faith," Ethan confessed. "He always believed deeply in something greater."

Gabe placed a gentle, comforting hand on Ethan's shoulder. "Your father understood more than most. Much of what people believed was true, but not all of it."

Ethan turned sharply toward Gabe. "Not all?"

Gabe sighed, carefully choosing his next words. "It's time I shared the real reason I'm here. Humanity received a message of profound truth long ago but distorted it over time, molding it to serve their own interests. After generations of misunderstanding, a pure truth was sent directly to humanity."

Ethan's eyes widened with realization. "You're talking about Jesus?"

Gabe nodded solemnly. "Yes. A messenger came to Earth, spreading a single, clear message: love one another. Accept each other, show compassion, offer forgiveness—simple and profound guidance."

Gabe stood, gripping the railing firmly. "Yet humanity twisted even that simple directive, judging harshly instead of offering empathy. People condemned others based on who they loved, their personal struggles, or their mistakes. Humanity chose cruelty over compassion, and now they are paying the price—wars driven by greed, devastated lands, overcrowded cities, and unimaginable loss."

A single tear traced down Gabe's cheek. "We were taught to see only the goodness in humanity. But the world has become deeply infected by hatred and corruption."

Ethan felt a chill ripple through him. "So… the Creator doesn't judge us for our flaws or whom we love—as long as we choose compassion and acceptance?"

Gabe nodded earnestly. "Exactly. Compassion, empathy and acceptance are the foundations of all that matters. Yet humanity continues to hold onto greed, prejudice, judgment, and hate."

Ethan fell silent, deeply moved. His father had always shown unconditional kindness—perhaps he had truly grasped the deeper meaning all along.

Gabe's expression grew serious. "But Ethan, understand clearly—we face challenging times ahead, conflicts that will test your strength. Those who profit from suffering won't give up their power willingly, there will be sacrifice and death."

A cold dread filled Ethan as he stared out at the horizon, imagining the unimaginable trials awaiting them on Los Angeles Island. He'd never taken a life, never considered himself capable. He swallowed hard, anxiety twisting in his gut.

Marbas cautiously entered the grand throne room, footsteps echoing ominously across the polished obsidian floors. Azazel sat brooding on his towering throne of dark stone, ornately carved with twisted engravings depicting lost souls and celestial battles. Flames from a massive fireplace cast eerie, dancing shadows across grotesque sculptures of monstrous creatures adorning the cavernous walls.

"Master Azazel," Marbas began, bowing deeply, voice quivering slightly. "I bring news of the mortal who now bears your halo."

Azazel leaned forward, piercing crimson eyes narrowing with anticipation. "Speak quickly, Marbas," he commanded in a resonant growl.

"We've tracked the mortal, Ethan Blade. He's preparing to join EarthCorp and is on his way to Los Angeles Island for training." Marbas hesitated, carefully observing Azazel's reaction.

Azazel's sharp claws scraped menacingly across the throne's armrest, echoing chillingly through the hall. "EarthCorp," he repeated, an unsettling smile twisting his dark lips. "Interesting... and convenient."

Marbas shifted uneasily but continued, sensing a rare moment of satisfaction from his master. "There's more, Master. Ethan travels with Gabriel—he seems to have taken human form to mentor the boy."

Azazel's eyes flared brighter, fury mixing dangerously with opportunity. "Gabriel," he sneered venomously. "Always meddling, even after millennia. No matter—his presence only confirms the halo's significance." Azazel leaned back contemplatively, tapping a taloned finger against his chin. "Tell me, Marbas, is our associate within EarthCorp still loyal?"

Marbas swallowed hard, understanding the gravity of Azazel's intentions. "Indeed, Master. Blackstone Rocker remains firmly in your debt, and Admiral Levine, of course, is still devout, eager to serve for continued power and influence. They remain securely within our grasp."

Azazel chuckled deeply, the sinister sound reverberating throughout the throne room. "Excellent. Contact Blackstone immediately. Inform him Ethan Blade and Gabriel will soon arrive at his training facility. Ethan must be delivered to me alive and unharmed. Gabriel, however..." Azazel's eyes flashed dangerously, "is an inconvenience. Instruct Blackstone to discreetly eliminate him."

Marbas bowed again, voice trembling slightly. "It will be done, Master Azazel." He quickly backed away to fulfill his grim task, leaving Azazel alone to revel darkly in his unfolding plans.

Ethan, Gabe, and Stephanie gathered in the bustling dining hall aboard the massive ship, chatter from excited recruits echoing off steel walls. The scent of cafeteria food mixed with salty ocean air drifting through open windows. Grabbing trays filled with sandwiches, chips, and drinks, they found an empty table overlooking the vast ocean.

Stephanie, always the center of attention, sat across from Gabe, her vibrant energy effortlessly filling the space. Her bright green eyes sparkled playfully as she tucked her wavy chestnut hair behind one ear, flashing Gabe a dazzling smile. It wasn't lost on Ethan how frequently Gabe drew appreciative glances from her.

"So," Steph began playfully, biting into her sandwich, "you boys ready for two thrilling years on illustrious Los Angeles Island?"

Gabe chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Thrilling isn't exactly the word I'd choose. More like glorified babysitting with obstacle courses."

Ethan laughed, his gaze lingering on Gabe longer than intended, heart skipping a beat as sunlight caught Gabe's dark-brown hair. Quickly, Ethan shifted his eyes to his sandwich, cheeks warming.

Stephanie noticed his lingering glance, raising an eyebrow curiously, a playful smirk on her lips. "Something interesting, Ethan?"

"What? No!" Ethan stammered, quickly looking down at his chips. "I was just… spacing out."

"Uh-huh," Stephanie responded skeptically, eyes flicking back to Gabe. "Hey Gabe, do you have a girlfriend back home or anything?" she asked casually.

Gabe paused mid-bite, slightly surprised. "Not really," he replied thoughtfully. "Haven't exactly had time for relationships."

Stephanie's smile widened flirtatiously, glancing briefly at Ethan again. "Good to know," she said, leaning slightly closer to Gabe.

Ethan felt a sudden twist in his stomach, discomfort rising. "Steph, seriously?" he muttered under his breath.

Stephanie turned, feigning innocence. "What? I'm just offering to help our new friend."

Gabe laughed, shaking his head at their playful banter, oblivious to the underlying tension. "Thanks, Steph. I'll keep that in mind."

As Gabe turned his attention back to the approaching island, Stephanie leaned toward Ethan, lowering her voice. "Ethan, do you like Gabe?"

Ethan's eyes widened, panic flashing briefly. "What? No, I—I mean, not like that. He's my friend."

Stephanie studied him closely, skepticism clear. "Are you sure? Because if you're interested, just tell me."

Ethan hesitated, heart racing, confusion clouding his emotions. "I'm sure," he finally whispered, forcing confidence into his voice. "Seriously, Steph, go for it."

Stephanie leaned back, satisfied, flashing Gabe another radiant smile. "Then I will."

The rest of lunch passed comfortably, laughter interspersed with casual conversation. Ethan's mind, however, lingered on their exchange, turmoil swirling within him. Stealing another glance at Gabe, he felt undeniable warmth—and confusion. As the island drew closer, Ethan wondered anxiously how he'd navigate not only boot camp but the complicated feelings emerging inside him.