Bullets & Blades [Solo] [Uriel/Joshua]

The loud whirr of Helicopter blades seemed to drown out the rain outside. The vehicle which housed Joshua and three other males, all silent in their own thoughts. Each with their own mission, each entrusted with a great burden. It was perhaps reflex that Joshua's gloved hand would go to check the rifle in his hand, checking to see that he had a round chambered. His heart beat steady, the slow drum of his blood in his ears. Everything was set in motion, his ritual of war complete. Everyone had their own, for some it was a prayer to a God, while others it was looking at a family picture.

For Joshua, it was hearing the sharp click of a round being chambered. Like stepping over an invisible line into a realm that few lived in, and even fewer returned from. He was within the top one percent in the world for what he did, and it was through that he became the lethal force Vastime made him. A poor African boy give the chance to turn the tides of war, to enact righteous vengeance upon the enemies of mankind.

How could he have possibly refused?

When he underwent the augmentations, the pain he felt was indescribable. His body pulled apart and rebuilt from the ground up, his genetic code changed. In truth, some part of him wondered if he was even Joshua Palliser still. Or if he was a ghost, a specter, merely inhabiting the body of a man formerly known as that. It didn't matter, really. Not to the soldier. His head would turn to look out the window, seeing the compound which he was to be dispatched to. Supposedly housing another key demonic leader, surrounded by followers. Perhaps even innocents. France was falling, piece by piece.

And his comrades where the deadly orchestra which signaled such a thing.

The course of WWIV was victory, but the small battles fought for that victory had an immense price. Blood of humans and demons alike spilled onto the Earth in unforeseen amounts. A bitterness harked in the heart of Joshua. He'd lost friends, perhaps even family with the attack in Vastime. That malice, was channeled into the cold lethal strokes which would be performed tonight. The intercom on his head buzzed to life.

"AO is clear for drop-off, T-minus two mikes. Prepare for deployment. Over."

Joshua would stand up from his seat and in one smooth motion clip the d-ring unto the rope, preparing to hot-rope down. As the side of the door of the helicopter was opened the roaring of the wind was heard. He'd lean back against the rope securing himself, speaking into the mic.

"Archangel-1, ready for deployment."

A second paused, the helicopter approached.

"Authorized."

"Archangel-1 going dark."

He fell backwards, the rope catching, as the loud ZZZZ sound of metal and rope happened. The elastic and powerful rope able to handle his weight as he quickly plummeted towards the ground. His descent slowing slightly as he landed with a loud 'THUD' on the ground. Immediately he'd detach the d-ring from his kit, bringing his rifle up. His Zanpakatou secured in a completely black wrap on a sling behind him. Hopefully he wouldn't need it.

Joshua Palliser began his nightstalking through the woods, approaching the compound.