Judgement had known the Slayer was a good person for a long time. She had seen his sins, and knew what he was like. He was almost sinless. She could see why he was heralded as the Second Savior. And the Slayerists, among others, had accepted the Unchrist title, understanding why he would say it. Christians loved him now. Some were doubtful of him being the Second Coming, wanting to argue against it for the very same reasons the Slayer himself did. But now with the title of Unchrist, many of those doubters were silencing themselves. As well as the title of Second Savior, that was going really well. But the man himself was more than she expected. In some ways, he was a lot like her. A hard tough exterior, but underneath that all, he was possibly the sweetest person to exist. A lot like herself in that regard. Watching him rip and tear was intoxicating in its own way, but getting to know his human side over the past few weeks or so was adorable. In a sense, he seemed to be the perfect man, one she found herself fauning over him a bit. So much so she didn't notice the Slayer come up to her, and put a hand on her shoulder. "We should get out somewhere," he says with a hint of a smile. "Any preferences?"
"Actually...I have one idea. A hike, somewhere natural," Judgement says. "Maybe in Europe somewhere? We'd need some preparation, but we could do it," she says as she starts to get ready. The Slayer nods and also goes to get ready.
Later, they're out on a trail, both dressed for the occasion, though with Judgement still a bit revealing. It's a hot day, but both of them can handle it, due to their natures. "So nice to be away from it all," the Slayer admits. "Get to know nature again."
"True," Judgement says. "Especially with all the craziness." She clears her throat. "THE HUMANS SEEK TO CHARGE YOU WITH CRIMES! THEY COMPLAIN ABOUT THE HOLE IN MARS! THEIR MISSING CRUCIBLE! EVEN THEIR MISSING DOCTOR!" She says in her usual, overly loud tone.
"Judgement, there's no need for that, it's just us here," the Slayer says with a chuckle. "But on one hand, I can understand where they come from. I did do all of that. But what are they going to do? Arrest me? Not happening," he says with what seems like a dark grin, causing Judgement to gulp a bit, but continuing.
"Of course not, they're pardoning you for all of that. Many are getting pardons, those still alive," she says, the Slayer raising an eyebrow. "Lots of prisoners got drafted to fight, and admittedly...well, I need not say it," she says. "Now, many at the UAC are being arrested. Those too high in the demon cult. But that doesn't mean everyone in the UAC. Some of the lower ranking people there are getting pardoned. Especially if they have skills that can be used with vim," she continues.
"Makes sense. Humanity needs as many as it can spare," he answers.
"Speaking of the government," she continues, "the Allied Nations is currently a bit of a mess, from what I've heard. Being rather young as an organization as a start. And with so few of them too. Lucifer and Pandemonica have actually been working with them. So far, mostly to help...better things for us," she explains, and continues upon seeing the Slayer's expression. "Legally? None of us are in the system. They're working to fix that. They've already approved of the Fortress, and all of that. But then they had to, and to keep track of it, for the sake of keeping track of all things in orbit." She pauses, and sits on a rock in the shade, fanning herself a bit. "But there's other bits of various news you may not know, but can learn, if you'd like." The Slayer nods, and she continues. "Estimates say it'll take years. Decades even, to rebuild. And there's the big idea that they'll figure out how to do space travel quickly. Find all the lost colonies of the Sentinels."
"Understandable. It'd be good for everyone. Earth gets some resources and manpower. They get a sense of belonging again, after the fall of D'Nur," the Slayer says, sitting next to Judgement. "And everyone can help each other with regards to Hell. After all, Sentinels have done quite a bit better than the humans of Earth."
Judgement stretches, looking over to him. "And that brings me to my next point. There are many who disagree over the best course of action. How to rebuild. Humanity's taken such a beating, with so many societal things destroyed, they have to do it all from scratch. Economy, politics, social structures...in a way, it's a bit like they have the society of cave men, but with the knowledge and technology of today."
"It'll take them years to recover. Decades even. My guess?" The Slayer says with a sigh. "It could even be a century. And they have plans to gather up the Argenta colonies? That's a bit too much for them, all at once."
Judgement continues with a chuckle, as she drops the bombshell she's been wanting to drop. "And this is where some humans have an idea. Some are Slayerists, some aren't. All know of your time as king of the Argenta. They want you to repeat that. They want you to rule Earth, as its king. Possibly emperor, once the lost colonies are found."
They sit in silence for a bit, as the Slayer ponders what she just said. Humanity wanted HIM, of all people, to lead them. He could possibly do it, he thinks. Lead them to a golden age. He would live long enough to see it done, and he was willing to believe he could be beyond the reach of the wealthy who would seek to influence him. All would fear him, and fear crossing him. He could influence them in the right directions, make sure the lessons of the past could be learned, build a utopia. And the lost colonies would accept him as well, as they all knew of him. But he was already a god to some. He didn't want to mix politics and religion. Non-Slayerists would feel pressured to convert, while Slayerists would feel empowered. And ruling? It could be a bit boring, and stressful. Especially when unwinnables came up. He wanted to do right by humanity. Protect the innocent, and all of that. Yet he knew he couldn't always do that. That there were times when he'd have to sacrifice few for the good of many. And besides, he also believed that politicians need constant changing up, to prevent stagnation. Humanity's entire experience is based around the idea that their leader will leave their thrones. Their castles, their palaces, White House, and beyond. Kings and Emperors abdicate, Presidents get voted out of office, and beyond. And ALL could succumb to mortality. If HE took the throne for humanity, something that has never been done before, to have one human rule all the world, humanity's throne would never be empty. Humanity would have a static ruler, and that wouldn't do.
"They would be better off if I wasn't," he says after a while, breaking the silence. "Leaders should change, and I wouldn't. I'd never leave the throne in a natural manner. I wouldn't age nor die. Religion would become an issue considering the Slayerists. Non-Slayerists would feel pressure to convert. On top of that...I would be both beloved in many ways, and hated in others. I'd do things that ARE in their best interest, even if they don't think so," he admits with a sigh. "And some decisions would weigh heavy. I'd want to protect everyone, and that would be impossible."
"That just makes it par for the course, as they say," Judgement says. "But any examples you can give?"
"The rich would hate me, as I would want to strip them of money, force them to pay their taxes, force them to make sure their employees' needs are met. I would end any form of healthcare where it's for profit, where people would have to worry about what the cost is. But I wouldn't wa" He says. "And the idiots of the world too, they would hate me. Want to restrict your kids vaccines? Welcome to jail, or at the very least, say goodbye to your kids." He starts to tremble, with what seems like anger. "Or how about that pandemic a century ago? If it was me, there would be no arguing, all the masks and the quarantine and all that would be mandatory. In public without one? Congrats, it's jail." He's now showing a lot more anger. "Or worse, carry one of those fake 'I can't breathe in a mask' cards? Double the sentence. And that's...if they don't meet me. My answer would likely be...less peaceful. And with a hand around the neck." He admits, hands in fists now. "While the other puts the mask on them. And I could see myself saying to 'Breathe through the mask, or not at all.' I wouldn't want the ignorant to ruin things for everyone. Or oh, what's that, police brutality? Guess what, every cop is now out of a job. Whistleblowers are welcome to come forth, show how bad it is. Every cop now has to prove they're worthy for the job. Anyone that gets insistent? Has to deal with me. Oh, and while I bring that up, that's another thing that'd change. Have wealth, power, or status? Happen to be involved in some major crime ring or something? Guess what, none of those 3 things matter anymore, you go to jail. Try to weasel out of it? You have to deal with me. What will they do, stop me?" He asks with sarcasm mixed with venom. "Bribe me? I'm a simple man, with simple wants. And pretty much all those are fulfilled. Purpose in life, a space castle, armor, guns, and more. I'd be a man of the people, not of the money. And only of those intelligent enough to know what I'm doing for them. The ignorant, the racists, the homophobes, would all have to shut up. And there would be a LOT fewer of them, as I'd want to make sure everyone got plenty of school. All the way to college. I would make sure people didn't have to spend all their lives paying off student loans and all that. I'd want them to be free to choose how things go for them, not slaves obeying their debts and their higherups for fear of punishment, job loss, income loss, and all of that." He sighs, then gives a chuckle as he thinks. "'A man chooses, a slave obeys.' Mr. Ryan was right, at least in that regard. Hands off city was doomed however. Same with the elitism attitude. Still impressive that regardless of society, Rapture lasted as long as it did. And continues to last. All that salt water can't be good for it," he says with a small laugh to break tension.
Judgement kept listening as he had went on about what he would do if he ruled humanity. She knew of some of the past events he spoke of, and could understand. Her eyes glowed brighter as she fully activated the Sight of the High Prosecutor, able to see what effects such a rule would have, or at least in theory. She had never done something like this before, only looking at individual sins and intentions. With what she could see now, he did seem correct. He had grand plans. Fantastically idealistic, she had to admit. At least in some areas. Others seemed reasonable. He had good intentions for humanity, he just didn't know if they would work. Or how he'd implement them. The main thing he was sure of involved ripping and tearing. Even religion was an iffy issue for him, she could see. He wasn't fully convinced that he was a god. At least not one worthy of worship. She could tell that underneath all of what he had become, the Slayer was still human, the nicest and most well meaning of them all. She could see some of the Jesus comparisons that had been made. She could see the reason behind the Second Savior title. She leaned closer, and gave him a hug from the side, which he accepts. "Well, I can say, from what I can tell? You would do well." she says during the hug. "You really are still just a man under it all, aren't you?" She asks with a chuckle.
"A man, worshipped as a god, all because I know how to kill demons," he answers. "Though if you asked my modest side? He'd say the reason is it's because I lucked out, is all. That luck is the reason I survived that first invasion, when everyone else died. Luck is why I came out of the Divinity Machine alive, stronger for it. Luck is why I found the Sentinels in the first place. Luck is why I've been able to do this, all of this, for this long." He admits. "And if you were ever to ask...yes, that is pretty much the main thing I tend to believe in. Luck. Sure, I was raised with bible knowledge. But things change when you see a demon before you. Moreso when it's not just a one off thing, but your entire life. And when angels, or at least beings close to them, make it onto the hit list...what IS there to believe in? What higher powers are left? Especially when there's a suspicion that any gods that exist, true gods, will have a spot on the hit list," he chuckles.
"Speaking of religion...what were your thoughts on the Slayerists?" Judgement asks. "They seem nice enough. And from what I've heard, you even got to see the famous Dr. Richardson. I've also heard that not all things that normally happen, happened when you were there. Some prayers, some chants, all that, are still being worked on. Nor did they pass the offering plate." She starts to get a smirk. "They actually take ammo as well as money. Theory being that there's a chance that a bullet or shell they donate might find its way into your guns," she says with a laugh. "Even if you can get your ammo via a chainsaw. Still, the thought counts. And it's fitting. As for what they actually do with it? They keep some stockpiles, sure. But a good bit of it gets branded and sold. Or rather, 'blessed' and sold. Your mark stamped onto the rim, with the idea that it'll perform better if it's blessed ammo. I'm pretty sure it's a touch of a scam. But it's cute, in a way."
"Well, I suppose they need money somehow. And it does fit. Mix in various bake sales and the like and that can help them with an income," the Slayer admits with a chuckle. "And something tells me you could tell me if they...stepped out of line."
"I could," she says with a laugh. "High Prosecutor does have its benefits, sin reading included. Though it is limited. It's not like I can just look at Earth and see every last sin there. Unless a war is happening, or some other major thing," she says, then sighs. "On one hand, I should thank you. I'm sure that by now, you know I have the job thanks to you. Because you killed the Icon of Sin, and caused Justice to get fired. Granted, he was being worked on at the time, some of the best fleshmancers in Hell were busy creating him, and they were almost done. Enough that the Icon was fully alive, and could still work its evil, but not complete, hence the condition you found him in. I gained control of the Sin Machine, our primary source of torture at the time. The original method to torture humans, turn them into the Corrupted, and to harness the souls for energy. It was a good time, of sorts. But it wasn't the job I really wanted. I didn't...really have it in me. Or so I thought. Until I buried who I was. Overcompensated. Etc," she admits with a sigh. "But there was also a mix of fear and wonder. I had only gotten the job because of you. And we knew what you could do by then. The Icon of Sin was on its way to becoming immortal. It was tough by that point in time, but the finishing touches weren't done. And you killed it, something that was technically possible, but was thought nearly impossible. And then there's the bit with the Makyrs. If we had taken the deal they offered, we'd've been under their thumb. But they forced it anyway. We fought back, but well...they imprisoned us. Locked me up in that infernal thing, forced me to subconciously run the Sin Machine for what seemed an eternity. And augmented it with their own tech. But...all that's behind us now. I can be me now, not a High Prosecutor. Though my skills might be useful, if you DID take the political job. I could be the enforcer or something. If anything...," she smiles a bit, and covers her mouth with her hand, making some exaggerated breathing noises. "I COULD FIND YOUR EXCESS OF SIN...DISTURBING!" She says in an overly loud voice, making a pinching motion with the other hand.
The Slayer laughs a bit, and so does Judgement, noticing how late it's getting. In fact it was almost dark. "Hey..." she says, checking her watch. "If we stay a bit, we can watch a Doomrise. You'll see," she says, noticing his raised eyebrow. Half an hour or so later, just before the sun sets, he sees what she means. The glowing green mark of his, rising over the horizon. The one the Fortress was projecting as the indicator of where he is, as the proof he's keeping them safe. "Holy time for Slayerists," she says with a chuckle. "Shall we head back?" He smiles, and they make their way through the portal, back to said Fortress. As Judgement makes her way back to her room, she's intercepted by the others.
"How'd it go?" Lucifer asks. "I take it you've mentioned...the job?"
"Yes, but he doesn't want it," Judgement replies. "Says that humanity needs leaders to change, and he wouldn't. But if he DID take the job...he'd be good at it. He'd want to fix all societal ills. He'd want to keep things balanced politically, without leaning too far one way or the other. He didn't say that part, but I could read his intentions," she admits. "And he's unsure if what he'd do would work. Or how some of it would happen. Bill really is a big softie underneath the Doom Slayer exterior," she admits with a smile.
"Like you," Azazel says with another smile. "But I can also understand why he hesitates to take the throne of humanity. Could you get anything about what his time as the Sentinel King was like?" She asks, taking notes.
"He was beloved, but then they are a bit more of a warrior society," Judgement answers. "The best warrior they've ever known, taking the throne? They'd be all for that. And they didn't exactly seem to have the politics that the people of Earth do. And I think his greatest fear is that he'd become the people's worst enemy. That while he'd mean well, power would corrupt even him."
"Then we need to find a way," Azazel answers. "It's possible that he might accept a form of indirect rule." Her eyes then light up. "Maybe it's more like, someone rules on his behalf. Think England."
"That could work," Lucifer says. "Luckily, in other news, we might all have ID's soon. AN's finalizing their latest agency, the Bureau of Extra Dimensional Affairs. BEDA will keep track of anything not from this universe. That includes us," she says, looking around the room. "One of the things promised is ID's, to put us in their system, because you know how governements are with their paperwork," she continues, earning a few chuckles. "Even for Him."
"There is one thing they can do too, but likely in secret," Azazel says. "Slayer ID is one thing, but Bill needs one too. Issue is they'd have to explain why they're handling it, to the rest of the AN. And then the secret would get out. In fact..." she says, tapping her chin with her pen, mostly thinking out loud, "it might be a good idea if there were multiple people, in various positions, that could keep a secret. Just enough connections that Bill can fit in, but not so many that his secret gets out. I might run that past him, when it ends up being my turn on a date. We may even know someone already that could fit in said secret society," she says with a bit of a grin. "You all know who I mean."