"Oh my gosh! She's SO cute!" Charlie squealed in delight as she and a few others looked at Daisy.
When the Slayer emerged from the room he'd been staying in, everyone was ecstatic to see him. But then they saw the little ball of brown fluff that he held in one of his arms, and immediately their focus shifted to that. As you'd expect, Charlie was the first to be overcome with glee, followed swiftly by Nifty, Millie, Velvet, and Vagatha. Although, even the most unexpressive and reserved of the lot were finding it hard not to smile from the sight, such as Loona and Octavia, who, while also in on the huddle around the Slayer, did their best to maintain appearances.
"Do you want to hold her?..." The Slayer asked, which made the princess of Hell's eyes nearly shoot out of their sockets.
"C-Can I?..." She questioned hesitantly, receiving a nod in reply.
With as much care as Charlie could muster, she gently took Daisy from his arm and held her close to her chest.
"Ohmygoshsheissosoft," Charlie said quietly yet rapidly, beginning to pet the tiny creature.
Daisy responded to this action by nuzzling her with her head, forcing Charlie to bite her lip to keep from screaming due to how BEYOND adorable this was, much to the amusement of her girlfriend.
"Good job Will, you've managed to find something so cute that even Charlie can't compete." Vagatha joked with a smile.
"Aww, no fair! I want to hold her too!" Nifty exclaimed with a pout.
"Shh, let me have this," Charlie told her as she snuggled Daisy.
"If you want, you can take turns...she'll hold her for a while, then you can..." The Slayer suggested.
"I get my turn after Nifty's!" Millie claimed before Velvet could.
"Damn it! I was just about to say that!" The Overlord responded, upset the Imp beat her to the punch.
"What about you two...do you want a turn?..." The Slayer asked, referring to Loona and Octavia.
"No offense Will, but we don't do the whole cute thing," Loona answered for the both of them.
"Speak for yourself," Octavia replied, catching the Hellhound off guard.
"Dude! What the fuck?!" She questioned, completely blindsided.
"Normally, I'd agree with you. But LOOK at that rabbit." Octavia instructed while pointing to Daisy, "Even if she weren't Will's pet, I'd still have to touch her fur at least. She looks INSANELY soft." She said.
"Oh, she IS," Charlie told them, snuggling the lapin even more.
"Tsk, fine then. Guess I'll have a turn..." Loona grumbled while crossing her arms.
"Come on, Loona, just be honest, you wanted a turn but didn't want to admit that you think she's cute too," Vagatha suggested with a smirk.
"Vaggie, I will kill you. That is not a threat. It is a promise." She warned, giving her a death stare.
"D'aww, our favorite Hellhound's finally coming out of her shell! I'm so proud!" Velvet chimed in, although not teasing her. That's precisely how it came across.
With that being the last nudge needed to set Loona off, she started ranting to the others how what they were saying is bullshit, but they all knew better. Not too far away, the rest of their companions talked among themselves, the only one absent being Stella, who left the room with BJ and Vega. Though in all fairness, the reason why Stella went along, besides the fact she couldn't stand being near her ex-husband for much longer, was because Gabriel would be in attendance at the meeting they were going to hold, and she wanted to see him.
"Pfft, would you look at how they're all acting?" Blitzo said as he pointed to the others with his thumb.
"Sir. You have LITERALLY no ground to stand on to say something like that." Moxxie told him.
"The fuck do you mean?" He asked, confused by his statement.
"Remember that time we were SUPPOSED to buy more weapons after our latest assassination went up in smoke? On our way through the shopping district, you saw a bedazzled statue of a horse, and you spent all of our money on it. Your reasoning? Because it was JUST SO PRECIOUS!" Moxxie answered, mocking him with that last part.
"...You didn't need to bring lady sparkle bottom into this." He replied while crossing his arms.
"Right...anyway, something that isn't insane bullshit." Moxxie said as he turned to look at Angel Dust, Katie, Verosika, and Cherri, "I'm surprised you four aren't gushing over Daisy. Or you know, trying to have sex with Will." He admitted.
"Hey, don't lump me together with these two." Katie replied while pointing to Angel and Verosika, "I'm not over there because I'm not comfortable getting all mushy and crap with everyone watching. But these two are currently locked in place because they're legitimately too hot and bothered." She revealed.
"Seriously? Both of you are THAT horny?" Moxxie questioned in disbelief.
"Dude, we already have enough to deal with when it comes to Will. But now that his grandpa's here, the level of masculinity and sex appeal is through the fucking roof." Angel Dust explained.
"Try being a Succubus." Verosika suggested while fanning herself with her hand, "Every part of me is on fire right now, especially my-"
"DO NOT. FINISH. THAT SENTENCE." Alastor sternly interjected, "I'd rather have Husk gouge out my eyes with his claws than hear about the hormonal imbalance you two suffer from." He said.
"Same." Husk chimed in, honestly willing to make himself blind if the pain would block out their bullshit.
"EXCUSE US FOR BEING SUSCEPTIBLE TO MEN WHO ARE LITERAL SEX GODS!" Angel Dust shouted angrily.
"...Okay..." Moxxie spoke again, both shocked and scared of how the conversation derailed to this point, "Um...Cherri...you've been pretty quiet..." He said as he looked at her, hoping to calm things down.
"Hm? Oh yeah, well, I'm just thinking about what's gonna happen next." She replied with a shrug of her shoulders.
"What do you mean?" He inquired, finding that intriguing.
"Will's back on his feet, his nazi killing ancestor has shown up, and the earth we're from is currently being turned into a giant meatball of gnashing teeth and snarling monsters. After the shit the Dark One pulled to try and cripple Will, it makes you wonder what's waiting for him and his grandpa when they decide to fight again." She explained.
"That's...surprising coming from you." Sir Pentious told her, joining the conversation.
"Gee, what a way to call me stupid." She responded.
"No, that's not what I'm saying." He promised, not wanting to send the wrong message, "As long as I've known you, your solution to any problem's been blowing shit up. What I meant is that I'm shocked you're not offering that as a possible solution." He clarified.
"If it were that simple, don't you think the Maykrs and Sentinels would've leveled the planet by now?" She countered.
"A good point. Which is why they're having a meeting right now as we're talking." Vox spoke while crossing his arms, "It's also why Lilith left last night to see Lucifer. More than likely, the Authorities are going to be brought in to help deal with the situation." He theorized.
"And as usual, we're left to stand on the sidelines, our thumbs firmly up our asses." She said with a sigh.
"To be fair, it's not like we could help." Stolas pointed out, for although it was a hard truth, it needed to be said, "We all may have power, and quite a few of us have experience fighting and killing. But what they need right now is soldiers who are trained for this kind of thing. We'd just be endangering ourselves and being a burden." He explained.
"Gee, thanks for the pep talk, DAD." She replied sarcastically.
"Hey, cheer up, guys." Moxxie said to get their attention, "Depending on what comes of the meeting, we COULD contribute somehow." He told them, trying to lighten their spirits.
"Yeah, Moxxie's right!" Blitzo exclaimed while slapping him on the back, "Sure, he might be a hopeful dipshit who's talking out of his ass, but he still makes an argument! It's full of holes, is flimsy as fuck, and has little credibility! But it's better than being sad, right?" He asked.
"...You could have killed me, and it still would've been more helpful than THAT..." Moxxie answered.
"You're welcome." He replied with a grin.
Nearby, In An Adjacent Facility...
Getting a World War Two veteran up to speed on all that's happened to his grandson over centuries is a lengthy process, but ONLY if you choose to do so verbally. Thankfully the one to give this to BJ was Vega, who decided an alternate means of delivery for the information was in order. Using a technique that allowed two souls to connect, much like what he tried with the Slayer when they first brought him back from the earth, he could share with BJ all of the knowledge he had of his grandson in one fell swoop by allowing him access to his memories. However, there WAS a severe drawback to doing this.
Unloading that much information onto a soul, regardless of who or what it was, would overwhelm the recipient's mind and leave them in a comatose state. Luckily for them, an odd yet fitting way to describe it, BJ spent fourteen years in a coma after taking some shrapnel to his head, so it was no trouble for him. Plus, he was a Blazkowicz, and at this point, everyone accepted that this lineage was made of sterner stuff for whatever reason. And this proved to be true even now, for although the knowledge dump did incapacitate him, it only took fifteen minutes before he was back on his feet, something that astonished everyone present.
"This...shouldn't be possible," Samur stated as BJ dusted himself off, "The shock alone should've lasted an hour, the time to process what you've learned two to three. How are you standing?" He asked, which made him chuckle.
"Sorry. I don't know what to tell you if I'm honest." BJ replied, "From my perspective God, er, Vega, put his hand on my head, I blacked out, went through a sequence of events showing Will and all he's been through as though it was a movie, and then I woke up." He explained.
"...Your family is the antithesis of logic," Samur told him, this time causing Vega to laugh.
"Come now, Samur, after everything Will's accomplished, can you truly be surprised by anything a Blazkowicz does?" He questioned.
"YES. Because this is not NORMAL!" Samur stressed as he put a hand to his head, "After all of this is done, I am conducting an immediate investigation into why your family is...whatever YOU are." He told BJ.
"On that note, could we perhaps get to the matter at hand?" The Wretch spoke up, wanting to start their meeting.
"Of course, thank you, Wretch." Vega replied, sharing his desire, "Are you ready to begin?" He asked, addressing BJ.
"If I weren't, I'd most likely still be on the floor." He answered.
"Fair point. And what of you, Stella?" Vega inquired, turning to look at the bird demon, for none of them anticipated her appearance.
"Forgive me. I didn't know I would be intrusive." She began with an apology, her tone respectful for only a true dumbass would be rude to actual God, "I came seeking Gabriel. It is simply unfortunate that I arrived right as your meeting was starting. If you want me to leave, I'd be more than happy to do so." She explained, ending it with a suggestion.
"There's no need to be so formal or rash, my dear. None of us have any problem with you staying." He assured, "Besides, I'd dare not to be so inconsiderate of your situation that I'd send you back to the company of your former spouse." He added.
"I...thank you." She replied, left without words that he'd even care about her personal affairs but grateful all the same.
"You're very welcome." He said, "Now that we're all settled, the Khans shall inform us of everything that we know currently." He told everyone before moving away from the center of the room.
"Thank you, father." The current Khan responded as she took his place, "To begin, we turn our focus to the ongoing battle for the earth associated with Lucifer's circle." She opened with as the other Khans activated a series of holographic projections to serve as a presentation, "At the moment, forty percent of the planet has been overtaken by the demons, the Gore Nests' expansion, and the corruption from both. The Sentinels, angels, and drones we have fighting against them to hinder their progress are performing as expected. Unfortunately, the Gore Nests, which produce more and more demons every second, cannot be targeted by any of our forces as those on the planet are busy with the growing horde. While in contrast, the others in the planet's atmosphere cannot fire due to the hostages." She informed as pictures of the Cyberdemon, the Hell Guards, The Mother of Demons, The Resurrector, and Valentino all appeared, "The location of these six individuals is unknown. Finding them is our top priority as they lead this invasion due to the diminished state of the Dark One. However, we only have pictures of what four of them look like as we've yet to see the Mother of Demons or her sister, and we assume Valentino has not altered his visage." She continued before pictures of the Gore Nests replaced them, "With that being said, the Gore Nests must not be allowed to continue accumulating energy. For in our opinion, we believe that they shall use the gathered power to restore the Dark One to his former self. Or at the least something similar. If this should happen, there will be nothing we can do to keep him from destroying our barrier so that he many open rifts to other places throughout creation, such as this circle." She concluded, the projections disappearing once she was done.
"What about Urdak? If I were them, I'd try invading the part of Heaven that's been kicking my ass first." BJ asked.
"Not possible at that level of power." She answered, "To even begin attempting an assault on Heaven, the Dark One would need to conquer at least two circles of Hell first. This is why six months ago, he invaded Lucifer's Circle. Furthermore, due to the type of corruption they are producing, which is the same found here, they'll be able to form a link instantly once they have the required energy." She explained.
"Then it would be in our best interest to make more preparations by constructing additional facilities and bringing the Authorities into our ranks," Gabriel suggested.
"Our thoughts as well. We've already ordered the drones here to begin construction. As for the Authorities, they're responding to the Sentinels." She replied.
"Pardon me." Stella said while raising her hand, "But what about the public? Surely they'll grow suspicious once they see the Authorities doing certain activities. Or if there is a significant reduction to their numbers." She proposed.
"A valid concern. But we're in the process of finding a way to lower the number of Authorities we need." Vega responded instead of the Khan, "We're creating a new breed of Maykr. One specifically meant for combat purposes, and appropriately they shall be deemed Blood Maykrs." He revealed.
"What's their ETA?" BJ asked.
"A few days at most. We need to be sure nothing is wrong with their bodies upon their creation, and we have to have a reasonable amount before deploying the first batch." He answered.
"Any other additions or upgrades to our forces that we should know about?" BJ inquired, his military experience steadily starting to show.
"Well...yes, but you and the Wretch may not like what I have to say." He warned.
"How does it involve the both of us?" The Wretch questioned.
"Simple, it's training." Vega replied as he put his hands behind his back, "I do not mean to insult either of you, but each of you requires training to fight the demons properly." He began, choosing to focus on BJ first, "Between the two, BJ has the most combat experience. And while you have clashed with a demon from Doom once before, that was the only time your enemy wasn't a human being, a canine, a robot, or a mutant. In addition, although the weapons you used during the war would affect the demons. They wouldn't be the most efficient as their original intention was human targets. So you need to be trained to wield more appropriate firearms alongside learning a few new close-quarters combat tactics." He explained before turning to the Wretch, "As for you, you need training the most. You aren't helpless, Wretch, but the fact is it has been centuries since you were a normal Baron. Those savage instincts instilled into your breed have all but been lost, both on a mental level and biological, due to your recent reincarnation. You also lack any weaponry beyond your shoulder-mounted cannon, wrist-mounted blade, and the magic you wield, which the demons have resistance to. So you will need to be given new weapons as well and be trained in how to wield them properly." He told him.
"I understand." The Wretch replied, not having anything else to say, for what the creator said was the truth.
"So do I." BJ said, feeling the same way that he did, "But I do have one concern. Won't it take too long for us to reach a point that we can fight alongside Will without slowing him down?" He asked.
"Not at all. Both of you, by default, are natural warriors and are quick to learn. Plus, the Sentinels are a race of fighters, hunters, and warriors themselves. They managed to turn the Authorities, who at the time were known as the Exterminators, into a proper fighting force in the span of a few weeks. And their skill didn't go beyond that of an average serial killer." Vega answered.
"Does that mean we should be done about the same time those Blood Maykrs you mentioned are ready for deployment?" He asked.
"Yes. As long as you do exactly as they tell you, this won't take much time at all." Vega promised.
"...Wait..." Gabriel interjected, a confused look present in his eyes, "Father. Did I hear you correctly? The Slayer's ancestor has encountered a demon hailing from Doom before?" He questioned.
"You did. The nazis attempted to wield powers far beyond their capabilities and comprehension. In doing so, they managed to open a portal to the worst possible circle of Hell. That is when the demon came forward and began to slaughter them all. Leaving BJ to clean up their mess, as usual." Vega explained.
"I see..." He muttered before moving his gaze to the soldier, "Tell me, what demon was it? It is not my intention to doubt your combat skills, but the species of Doom are quite varied, so unless it were an Imp or something in that same category, I'm having trouble understanding how you defeated it." He admitted.
"Bastard was no Imp, I can tell you that much." BJ swore as he crossed his arms, "As for what it was, I couldn't begin to know. My mind's still sorting through all the info Vega gave me, so I can't put any names to any faces yet. But I remember what it looked like..." He trailed off while closing his eyes so he could picture it in his head, "It was a big son of a bitch. Skin as black as charcoal or gray like stone. It also had natural armor plating that seemed like it was made of obsidian. It didn't have eyes per se, but instead empty sockets illuminated by fire. As for its exact size, I'd say about that of a building. Not a skyscraper or a supermarket, but a coffee shop or a diner. I can recall that he had two horns sprouting from his head and a sizeable blade-like bone on one of his arms. The fucker could even shoot out some kind of energy from it. But that's all I got." He described.
Reopening his eyes now that he was done, BJ was met with a room filled with shocked expressions, Stella being the only exception.
"Did I say something?" He questioned, not expecting such a reaction from his tale.
"No. Nothing much. Only that you somehow managed to defeat a Baalgar demon. Otherwise known as the Cyberdemon. Who just so happens to be your grandson's archenemy and has clashed with him since his fight began." Vega clarified.
"Wait, seriously? Heh, guess I instilled a hatred for any Blazkowicz after I whooped him." He joked with a proud smirk present on his face.
"As I said before, NOTHING about your family makes any sense whatsoever," Samur repeated as he, the Khans, and the Wretch were all baffled by this revelation.
"I...how...I don't even know where to start with my questions..." Gabriel confessed as he gripped his head, "Please, explain to us how in the world without any advanced weaponry or divine item, you managed to best one of Doom's greatest champions." He requested.
"But I did have a divine item. A spear that the angel of death gave me." BJ responded.
Before anyone could even attempt to ask him what he meant by that, BJ extended his right arm out to his side, opened his hand, and with no issue at all summoned a spear. But it was no ordinary weapon, not by a long shot, much like Gabriel's own, this spear was a sight to behold. From top to bottom, the first thing everyone saw was a long dark shaft, the same dark violet energy that Azrael herself possessed coursing through it as though it were alive.
At the top of the shaft is where the design transcended that of a typical spear, for it had not one tip but several. Bearing an identical resemblance to the angel of death's hand, multiple sharp unbreakable claw-like extensions pointed outward, which left an opening large enough for a moderately sized sphere to pass through. But do not misunderstand; the spear did not produce or summon any magic-based attack to fire from the midst of these claws. Instead, the opening was meant for a soul, whether it be that of a person's, animal, or otherwise, this spear, when embedded into the vessel or even the soul itself, would pull it in and trap it inside.
And because it was made from her power, which could be described as "True Death," only the spear's wielder may release any souls trapped within. In short, there was no escape.
"I managed to slice off a leg and an arm. But I couldn't finish the job as another portal opened up, and it was pulled inside." BJ told them, "After that happened, I ended the ritual the nazis performed to close the first portal. I kept the spear with me both in life and in death, and when I made it to Heaven, she came to see me and told me that I could keep it. For in her words, and I'm quoting her here, I am death. What possible reason could I have to use a spear?" He explained.
Silence overtook the room. No one knew what to think of that nor what to say. But as the seconds passed, they all noticed something happen with Gabriel. His hands balled into fists and progressively got tighter, even lightly shaking due to the rage building inside him.
"My...sister...the angel of death...gave a mortal being one of the single most powerful weapons in all of creation...and she didn't believe it important enough to tell me?..." He questioned, seething with anger.
"Gabriel. Remain calm." Vega advised worriedly.
"Don't worry, father...I am calm...or at least I will be...once I have STRANGLED MY AIRHEADED SIBLING FOR GIVING A MORTAL THE SPEAR OF DESTINY!" He shouted before turning around and storming out of the room, "AZRAEL! WE NEED TO HAVE A TALK! AND IT INVOLVES MY HANDS SQUEEZING YOUR NECK!" They heard him say.
"Stella. Please follow him. He listens to you." Vega requested with a sigh, receiving a quick nod from her before she hurried after the archangel.