Normal Text.

"Conversation."

"Thinking/Mental conversation."

(Author – Song)

(Ager Sonus – Inner Sanctum)

"Just... a little... more... you... can do it!"

For many people, the term "impossible" is a word used to describe jobs that require herculean effort in order to be finished. For others, it is a term often applied to an event that shouldn't be real, because the laws of nature forbid it from happening. Yet for Braylon Monocriffe, that word lost its meaning a long time ago.

How to... describe, Braylon? Not much was known about him as a person, other than the fact that he was a teenager, quite visible from his physical appearance. He was also a Vault Hunter, someone who is willing to sell their soul for hidden treasures, dangerous adventures and a hedonistic lifestyle.

Being a Vault Hunter is a difficult way of life, due to the dangers it brings on oneself. For the sake of our example, some of the best known Vault Hunters out there have a bounty on their heads because they stepped on the toes of several megacorporations one too many times. Those people hide on the surface of Pandora, a galaxy-known planet where only the best and brightest are able to survive its deadly nature, and even those have a hard time doing it properly.

One such individual is Braylon, who learned from a very young age life lessons that some take decades to acquire and whole lives to master completely. Said lessons helped him during his many adventures accross the galaxy, being able to survive even when all odds were against him.

"Hah... ha... close..."

But... why the name Vault Hunter? Why not "Adventurer" or "Treasure Hunter"? A question whose answer can be found on before-mentioned Pandora.

Many years ago, during the era where a corporation known as Dahl built the first ever human settlements, people from all over the galaxy were brought on that wasteland to mine precious metals for the corporation. It was a time, a better time, when people, either out of boredom or unfounded rumors they heard from their comrades, started talking about things that would soon turn into legends. One of them was the legendary alien artifact known as the "Vault".

If you were to ask everyone on Pandora what a Vault exactly was, everyone would tell you a different story. Alien tecnology, power, money... women. These were just few of a whole range of descriptions made by the locals. But when you would gather all the information necessary, you would soon find out that no one actually knows what it is. Strangely enough, everyone would tell you that it exists and that it was hidden somewhere on Pandora.

Well, believe it or not, it turns out that the Vault was actually real. We are not going to bore ourselves with pointless questions like how did the locals knew it existed and yet none could make an accurate description of it. All you need to know is that a team of four brave Vault Hunters managed to find its location. There was only one problem, though.

The Vault was not what everyone thought it was.

Oh no. It was no treasure, no hidden tech. It served a greater purpose. One that required a sacrifice of an entire alien species, only to be rendered pointless by a quartet of humans. Why, for it was nothing more than a glorified cage! A cage for an eldritch beast that could single-handledly wipe out the universe and everything in it. Don't worry, it won't be a problem for at least a hundred more years. What would be a problem was the massive attention Pandora gained from... well... everyone.

Every day thousands died by the hands of that tiny speck of dust in search for other Vaults. Thousands more by the corporations who tried to claim the planet as their own. With force, if necessary. Yes, you heard me correctly. There was not just one Vault. There was three more scattered all over Pandora and all three have been found, with its abominations defeated. What many don't know, is that there was a fifth one, hidden very carefully by the species who built them. And for a good reason.

Vault Hunters like to travel in groups. More capable hands means more probability of being successful. And successful Braylon and his team was. Apart from doing things that no sane man would, they also found this cursed Vault. A mistake that cost them greatly, especially Braylon. A mistake that sent him to Hell.

Literally.

"*Gasp!*"

But... it should be... impossible... right?

You are not alone in that thought. Braylon believed it too. He believed, because he saw it happen with his own eyes. He felt it on his own skin for who knows how long. Time was a concept that was completely unnecessary in a place of eternal torment like Hell.

By his own willpower, and virtually nothing else, the Vault Hunter made it to the black shore composed of material unknown to him, but visually similar to dirt. With skin heavily burnt and mental screams that violently expressed his wish for death, something that would happen several times over in the state he was currently in, he pathetically crawled further inland, towards the edge of a forest, as if he were a human-sized maggot. He couldn't even scream because his throat was heavily injured.

The defiance to surrender gave him a boost necessary to slowly get back on his feet, weak as they were. So weak in fact, that he had to put his back on a tree. And what a tree it was, completely gray and leafless, with legs and arms instead of branches and eyes randomly scattered all over its skin.

Taking a moment to regain his breath, his eyes gazed at the lake of fire from which he escaped not long ago. Others that remained trapped there weren't as lucky as he was. Then again, they didn't have a helping hand, if we can call it like that.

"I suggest you get moving, mortal. You are close to the exit, so stop wasting my time." A voice commanded inside his head.

This pathetic bag of not-quite-dead flesh raised its left arm to stare at the bleeding symbol carved on the back of the hand. A five-pointed star turned upside down. An eternal reminder of the deal he had made.

Braylon the Vault Hunter removed himself from the tree, testing his legs once again. After finding out they were stable enough to hold his weight, he ventured deeper into the eldritch forest.

It was dark, unnaturally so. The only light that ever perforated into the forest was the one coming from the eternally crimson and cloudy sky. Eldritch trees like the one from before were a common sight, just like the people who were trapped in them like a mythical dryad, but now mixed with dead bushes, flowers made of flesh and other horrors that a mortal mind could never create. Strange sounds could often be heard echoing through the forest, mostly something akin to screams of pain or cries of despair.

"Turn right." The voice commanded once again. Braylon followed the orders without hesitation, as if whatever the voice was, it had his best interest in mind.

Walking barefoot in the middle of a supernatural forest is a task not many are willing to take. Those who do, often find lots of trouble on their path. For Braylon, trouble came in the form of a skeletal horned snake that rose up and hissed threateningly. Braylon turned around and ran as fast as he could, or, at least, tried to. It was more of a fast walk than an actual run. He cursed himself mentally for being so weak.

At least he wasn't running around like a headless chicken, but instead followed a light that was closer and closer with each step he took. When he approached close enough to identify it, he saw the source that gave the light. It was a torch attached to a tree. He was about to come even closer but was stopped by a satyr-like creature which let out a high-pitched noise as it ran past him, not even bothering to check who it was. It scared Braylon, though not enough to make him stop and forget the other chaser, so he grabbed the torch and threw it backwards. As he hoped, the "vegetation" erupted into a wall of flame more than capable to ward off the demon, thus enabling him to continue his evasion. What a surprise it was when he turned around only to see that he was out of the forest.

"You are not here to sightsee, mortal. Remember that you are as useful as you are disposable. If they catch you, there won't be a second chance. So get moving!"

The surroundings experienced a drastic change. Everything became bright once more and the irregular ground was now made of some orange stone. There was still the lake of fire, just a little bit farther away and not so much in the focus. Truth to be told, the place strongly resembled a park of sorts, with silvery-gray statues depicting various monstrosities in even more varying poses and literally nothing else. Further away, in the lake, a giant mountain-like island stood out like a sore thumb, yet radiating with overwhelmingly terrifying presence. A gigantic moth-like creature circled around its peak with two pairs of wings that had shapes one could connect to eyes, eternally looking down upon the righteously condemned souls. The hellish sky stretched to the horizon, booming here and there as if massive cannons were fired on a battlefield that no one could see.

Walking few meters forward, the Vault Hunter realized his legs would eventually betray him and he would fall on the ground. And by God, he wasn't willing to let that happen, no matter how ridiculous he looked compared to the monstrosities that roamed freely in that place. Leaning on a statue, Braylon saw a fountain down the gravel road, with the statue depicting a demon slicing the throat of some mortal alien being, blood endlessly flowing from the wound in an arc. As much as frighteningly intriguing it looked, he knew that, in the end, it was just a fake that would dissapear as soon as he moved away from the area, swapped with something completely different. Whole Hell worked on that rule. Things like laws of nature, shackles from which no mortal will ever be capable to escape from, were the laughingstock for everyone in that cursed dimension. We can only imagine the impact of such discovery on a fragile mortal mind, much less on one that is still in development.

Come on, he motivated himself, put some more strenght in those legs, you want to get out, don't you? You still have a life to live and nothing would stop you from living it. I am well aware of its meaninglessness, but I simply don't give a damn. Come on!

Gritting his teeth, and ignoring the pain as much as he could, the young Vault Hunter took a step forward. Then another. Then another...

He fell down on the gravel, screaming in pain as some of the tiny rocks opened several wounds on his naked frame, or adding salt to the ones already existing. Nevertheless, he wasn't going to give up.

"I'm losing my patientce here. See that blue sphere?" The voice asked, seemingly not caring of Braylon's suffering. "All you need to do is touch it."

Truly, there was a blue sphere floating in front of the blood fountain, the size of a basketball and the brightness of a lightbulb, with a agonized face screaming soundlessly. The amount of effort it took to reach it was something that could rival the mythical heroes and their quests. He raised one hand weakly towards the sphere, touching it slightly. As he did, the sphere turned into gas of the same color that enveloped his fragile frame. Every wound he had, every damaged muscle, every broken bone, all of it was suddenly gone, replaced by a feeling of blissfulness as his body began transforming into what it was before the nightmare began. It was the first time he was happy that he could breathe the air around him, albeit it reeking of sulphur and negativity.

"Don't worry about it. It was a soul of some nobody forever locked in that small jail of theirs. Now, keep going."

It was fine, it truly was, but now he had a whole new set of problems. For starters, if what the voice said was true, he had just used someone's soul to mend his fleshy shell. It felt so wrong that he had to bend over and vomit, for it was nothing like killing a person physically. It was a murder on a whole new level, one that gifted the killer with all the memories, emotions and pain the soul experienced, unlike the "standard" version. Second, now that his meat shield was restored, his mind went into something that could best be described as malfunction. In what way, you ask? The wide range of emotions, from hatred and sorrow to happiness and ecstasy, suddenly barraged his brain in a synchronized attack. First he would cry, then he would laugh. The brain wasn't supposed to work like that, to feel two conflicting emotions at once. It didn't help that he heard a bull-like cry coming from the forest behind him.

"Oh no. They found me?!"

The increasingly-loud clopping was the confirmation he needed to get up and reach the exit. Still slightly stunned by the after-effects of the soul sphere, he walked towards a set of stairs close to the fountain. Curiosity got the better of him, so he turned his head around.

There it was. The mastodontic hunter in search of the prey that escaped. A monstrous combination of brown-furred goat legs and red-skinned humanoid upper body, with a physique that would make most mortals jealous and with a strenght to crush a truck as if it were the most basic of tin cans. All mixed with a pair of black horns and hooves. Its mere presence urged mortals to go for the nearest shelter.

For Braylon there was no shelter to hide in. His only insurance was his own pair of legs, which sprinted upstairs as soon as his eyes met with the monster's.

"Faster, mortal! Don't make me regret my choice!" Screamed the voice in his head, urging him to go as fast as his legs could carry him.

Because his body got restored, he wasn't as weak as before, allowing him to pass the stairs and jump to a tiny floating island-platform.

"Over there!"

He suddenly felt the urge to move his head towards another floating island higher above. A bright light emanated from something he couldn't see. The only way to reach it was to jump from island to island. Nobody said acquiring freedom would be easy.

The first few islands were easy to reach because they were really close to each other. But as the number of islands he passed grew, so did the difficulty to reach them. After he grabbed the edge of an island and climbed his way to the top, he saw the beast, down to earth, staring at him as if he were a pest that annoyed him. For a moment Braylon thought he was safe. That changed after the demon's hands burst into green flames.

"Uh-oh, not good!"

Not good indeed. The powerful demon clenched his right fist and positioned himself, throwing a green fireball at the mortal teenager. Hadn't he jumped to another island, he would have been pulverized.

"He can throw fireballs?!"

"Why are you surprised? Everything above mortals can pull such tricks."

"You never told me this!"

"I did, however, tell you to be quick, didn't I? Besides, you are in no position to win a combat against my oh so beloved comrade. Not now, at least."

Only one jump divided him from his liberty. One jump to end it all. He could now see his proverbial ticket. It was a rift in reality itself, as if the fabric that built it was torn apart, forming an oval-shaped gate filled with purple light and charged with black electricity. Even light seemed to be absorbed by the phenomena, though whether it actually was or wasn't, remained unknown.

"The rift is about to dissapear!"

Braylon took two steps backwards and sprinted forward. When he reached the edge, he jumped, and barely missed a fireball that was way too close for his liking. Landing harshly, he got up and dashed towards the rift, screaming as he approached the blinding light.

Everything ceased for a fraction of a second. The light was gone, the heat was no more and the cursed noise vanished in thin air. All of it changed by a loud "poof!". Everything returned at the same speed, only... different.

The very first details his eyes caught was the color blue. Blue as in sky blue and water blue! Ah! What a nice change for the best! Much better than the endless lake of fire and torment, that's for sure.

Unfortunately, his happiness ceased once his legs informed his brain that there was no ground to stand on. That meant only one thing...

"Oh shiiiii-oof!"

The pain from falling on the sand is awful, but at least it's not like falling on dirt. Plus the air was kinda cold and he was butt-naked, so warm sand was definitely something positive.

"Ah... you landed there... hmm... this might be more entertaining than I thought it would."

"Yeah, I'm dying of laughter already." Braylon was amazed at how deep his voice sounded. Probably for the fact that his throat needed some "training" before his voice could return to normal.

"Hold on. I'm sending you that toy of yours."

Braylon witnessed a bright, orange flash appearing out of nowhere few meters away from him. When it dissapeared, it left behind a large red chest that could be found anywhere on Pandora. Weirdly enough, people called them "loot chests".

He approached said loot chests and opened it. It contained a silvery, bracer-like device with a rectangular screen on top.

"How..." He tried to ask as he picked it up.

"It wasn't easy, I'll admit. I had to use a favor or two to get it. Don't even think I am some kind of charity. I simply need you to stay alive if I want you to complete my plan."

As they talked, the Vault Hunter placed the device on his left arm, thus triggering its activation. The screen flashed to life.

The device in question is called Personal Digistruct Assistant, or PDA for short. It is a very unique device that gifts its user with powers many would kill for. In short, think of it as a child born from an intercourse between a supercomputer and a Swiss army knife. Like both of them, it has many uses.

Firstly, it contains a gigantic storage space, with small amount of it used for storing every bit of information known to man, from history to all branches of science and arts created or discovered by humankind, easily accesible to its user whenever they wish.

Secondly, aside from being the smallest library in existence, it has many accessories, applications and features, including, but not limited to, medical nanobots designed to heal any physical wounds, cybernetic implants that can be installed into the body through the PDA, high-tech equipment designed for scientific purposes, and so on. It even has functions of an ECHO device like digital inventory and such.

And lastly, the military equipment. The PDA was designed for both civil and military use, so it's no surprise to find out that it has an integrated AI specifically made to help the user through militaristic operations, along with various gadgets that go with that. Since it is also a weapon, it doesn't leave the user defenseless. Quite the contrary, it has a program that enables them to materialize CQC weapons made of solid light, the Holographic Weapon Maker. Braylon's PDA only three tools so far. Those were: Holo Sabre, a large curved blade similar to a claw, very sharp and very deadly. Holo Claw, three smaller blades shaped like claws, for grabbing and tearing. And last but not least, the Holo Ripper, basically a holographic chainsaw, smaller than the Sabre but good for tearing through fleshy targets.

But even a marvelous piece of technology like the PDA has flaws. Only twenty or so were produced all over the galaxy and the painful "first time". The former is a nicer way of saying "you just got a bounty on your head" while the latter... well...

Systems online. Warning! Error! Lost connection to the owner. Rebooting the systems. Please wait...

Braylon felt as if hundreds of mosquitoes stabbed his arm, followed by a feeling that something started travelling through his arm.

Systems online. Playing "Introduction". A warm welcome to you, my newest owner! My name is Personal Digistruct Assistant, model A7-938412. You can, however, call me as you wish! Now before we begin, allow me to get a quick scan of your genetic code... please wait... and done! You may be wondering why did I perform a scan of your DNA, with or without your permission. It is all for your safety, because now you, and only you, are allowed to use all of my features, as the system will only accept you as its legal owner.

You may also wonder why did you feel as if your skin got pierced by tiny needles. You must know that the PDA doesn't take its owner's life for granted, so it installed dozens of tiny tubes which will connect themselves to every important part of your body! Heart, lungs, liver, even brain, all of them are now directly connected to the device, making transportations of informations and resources a reality. Don't worry, it won't hurt you anymore!

And now for the basics you need to know. You can access your PDA features either through your thoughts, verbally or by typing on the screen, whichever is easier for you. Should you need important information that you never knew about, but the database has it stored, the AI will download that information into your brain through the help of a chip that the nanobots are building right now.

You also need to know that you probably aren't the first owner of this device. In fact, the device has an in-built battery that will last for several thousands of years, can survive up to ten thousand degrees either positive or negative, it is bullet and waterproof and immune to most acids known to mankind. This means that there is a high chance that someone already used this device. Don't be sad though! The more owners it had, the more of its features are unlocked and free for you to use! Please note that, should you wish so, the PDA will automatically block and remove any and all informations it acquired during its time of activity.

If you are impatient, you can skip the tutorials by tapping on the button that will appear on the screen. Doing so you will allow the PDA to download all commands directly into your brain. Skipping tutorials. Downloading instructions... please wait...

Braylon let out a sigh. First time is always the worst.

Instructions downloaded. Basic scans completed. Systems online. Hello, Braylon Monocriffe!

The Vault Hunter wasted no more time and decided to reinstall every implant he had before losing the PDA, effectively returning to his transhuman form, for the implants drastically changed and improved his body. To name a few...

Beginning installation sequence.

Installing Implant Y-017 "Monocyte Breeder". Improving treatment of physical injuries.

Installing Implant B-015 "Subdermal Armor". Silghtly increasing resistance to damage.

Installing Implant C-066 "Thermal Adaptor". Improving resistance to temperature changes caused by elemental ammunition.

Installing Implant A-045 "Cationic Insulator". Shields will now have increased performance.

Installing Implant X-077 "Hazmat Protection Agent".

Improving resistance to corrosive chemicals.

Installing Implant O-012 "Reflex Booster". Enhancing physical agility.

Installing Implant L-090 "L.O.G.I.C.". Increased mental performance of the owner.

Installing Implant D-019 "Digestive Filtration System". Any toxins or harmful agents will be removed from consumed food and liquids.

Warning! Following implants may cause harm. Enabling forced comatose.

"I can feel it. This is going to be an interesting day." He said out lout before dropping down like a rock.

Hello and welcome to the rewrite of my previous fic "A Chance to Live". This was the first of many chapters of the story. As you may have noted from the description, this is a triple crossover (Borderlands, RWBY and Doom), so why the change? Well, the very original idea was to make a crossover between Borderlands and Doom, but then it got changed to Borderlands and RWBY, now I decided to make it a triple crossover, because why not?

So what can you expect from this rewrite? Why I made it a triple crossover?

First of all, I will start with the second question. This fic is not going to be just a crossover between those three I mentioned. The trio build the "main" story, but because my method of writing is making stuff up as I go, there might be a possibility that other things may pop up in the mix (although not something terribly big that will make a giant impact, more like items or one-time events or whatever, which may or may not count as references).

As for expectations, there will be action, bloody action, soundtracks for atmosphere and many more. Also, some characters and/or scenes will make a return, since they are important. Like one reader mentioned in the other story, I decided to leave it on the site instead of deleting it. If you feel like it, go take a read over there.

This is all I can think of for now. Should I remember to mention something, I will write it down here, after the chapter. As always, feedback would be appreciated. See you next chapter, where things will start to get interesting.