There were too many… Words I never thought I would hear myself… well think. I was the Doom Slayer, The bane of every devil's existence. But here I was getting my ass handed to me by a bunch of disgusting devils. I usually flourished in environments like these. The excess magic leaving their bodys was enough to reinvigorate me.. But I must be losing my touch. My visor was cracked and there were various cuts and slashes in my praetor suit. I was leaking blood like a faulty faucet and I needed to retreat.

"VEGA, open up a por-"

There was a flash of blue light and a portal opened up behind me. It swirled slowly and I heard a voice call out to me. "Slayer, it is time to come home. We will regroup and try again"
It was lord michael. I clicked a grenade and dropped it behind me as I limped towards the portal.

"This isn't over Slayer! I will have your head!"

This voice and the explosion from the grenade were the last things I heard as I stepped through the portal.

The Slayer collapsed as he landed in heaven. Female angels rushed to heal his wounds as Lord Michael paced uncertainly. This appeared to be some sort of battle headquarters. There were various documents and battle plans scattered out across multiple tables. After a few moments of the Slayer having his wounds tended to, he reached up to his helmet and twisted it off with the sound of a hiss.

Underneath the helmet was an old man, sporting a snowy white beard and a wrinkly face. His chest rose and fell as he tried to steady his breathing with methodical deep breaths. He scrambled to his knees and attempted to bring himself to his feet. Upon making it to his feet the praetor suit dissipated and a cane appeared in his hand.

"You've done well Flynn… Though I fear it may be time to look for another… This is the third time we've sent you in and had to pull you out"

The old man opened his mouth to say something but paused for a moment before shaking his head. He looked around the room. His eyes lingered on each angel before him. His wounds had finished being tended to and he thanked the angels who had healed him. Finally the slayer spoke. "Michael… You know as well as I do. The next one may not be on your side. They must choose a path all their own, and I am not to sway them. Once I pass on the heart it is up for them to decide whom to aid."

"I am fully aware Flynn. You have done well my good and faithful servant. You are officially relieved of duty"

There was a soft gasp from the others in attendance. The slayer bowed and a single tear rolled down his had feared this may happen but he expected well… a better send off. It felt like taking your old prize horse behind a shed and just doing the dead. A portal appeared behind him and he stepped through it.

After the Slayer's departure, Michael turned to the other angels in the room. "That doesn't leave this room. We don't want the other factions knowing there is going to be a Slayer up for grabs."

My name is John Kane. I am a fourth year student at Kuoh academy and I am an orphan. I transferred into the school to further my education but I have had to work odd jobs around the town to help cover the cost of my apartment. I am always struggling for cash, not to mention food to eat. Most of these jobs are very labor intensive so I guess I have an alright build. I'm physically fit, and I wouldn't say I was super attractive, but I get buy. I have black hair and emerald green eyes and Some of the girls at the school or even around town will flirt with me and they always make a point to point out how "pretty" my eyes are… and to squeeze my biceps.

I had just finished one of these odd jobs I had mentioned previously and I was walking home late at night, taking a shortcut through an alleyway when I got cornered by three thugs.

"Hey pal…" One of these guys said as they cornered me. There was one in front and two behind me. I was quickly overtaken from behind, each guy grabbing one of my arms and lifting me up off the ground, they pressed forward a few paces before ramming me into one of the brick walls.

"Give us all the money you got and maybe we won't rough you up too bad" The guy in front said, he was clearly the leader of this little posse. Unfortunately they weren't clowns, or insane so I wasn't too thrilled.

"I uh, don't have any money…" I kind of mumbled my reply. This got a rise out of the goons. They cackled with laughter. The ring leader walked up and socked me in the stomach, knocking the wind out of me. My body tried to instinctively curl up but the other two thugs were holding me in place. "If I had a nickel for every time I heard that excuse… Well, then i wouldn't have to be doing this anymore HaHA" The leader pointed to my waist as I gasped for air. "Pockets"

The two guys pinning me against the wall, emptied the contents of my front pockets onto the floor, my phone and keys clinked onto the ground. Lastly they reached into my back pocket where I kept my wallet and yanked it from its resting place. They presented it to the ringleader. He opened it up, and if a moth could fly out, it would have. My wallet was completely barren except for my ID, not even a credit card. "Hmmm" He said as he dropped my wallet to the ground. "The kid wasn't lying… You know boys, we haven't had a single score tonight. And that makes me kinda mad. What do you say we take our frustrations out on this kid…"

The others nodded in agreement and a beatdown ensued. I was thrown down against the ground, my hands flew out to try and steady myself, but it was no use. I managed to get two or three punches off but I was quickly overtaken. They were stomping a mud hole in me and all I could do was try to hold my hands up to protect my face. Then the thug leader got this strange look in his eyes. He wanted blood. Well more blood I guess. I was already bleeding from a bloody nose, and I couldn't see very well in the dimly lit alley but I was sure I was bruising pretty bad as well. The leader produced a flip knife from his pocket.

"Woah, I don't really want to kill him" one of the goons said. The leader shook his head and replied "Not kill him, just give him a little parting gift for wasting our time."

I felt a sharp pain in my stomach. I reached down and could feel the warmth of blood trickling from the wound. I felt another sharp pain above my collarbone, I had been stabbed in the shoulder. Before I could react, or even cry out in pain, I was dragged and thrown against one of the concrete walls in an upright sitting position. There was this strange tapping sound I could hear off in the distance, but It was beginning to get louder.

The dim light shined on the head-goons face. He had this strange look in his eyes as peered directly into mine. "You know I might just take one of those pretty little eyes of yours and keep it as a trophy" He said with a chuckle. The tapping grew louder. The other goons started to notice and they looked down the alleyway. "Hello down there! … I said, hello down there! Can one of you young whippersnappers tell me how to get to the dennys?"

Just an old man. He was struggling to walk with his cane and he stopped for a moment. The thugs huddled up for a moment. Whispering something about making a quick score. They weren't really about to mug this old man were they?

The leader moved in, I could still see him clutching the knife behind his back. No… Run old man run… I watched in horror as he closed in on another unsuspecting prey.

"Sure thing buddy, you're gonna wanna head on out to the street there, then tak-"

POW

I didn't believe my eyes. The old man swung and clocked this wanna be gangster right in the side of the balls on this old fool. The gangster dropped like a sack of potatoes, and the knife clattered to the ground

I expected him to get up,I expected the gangster to retaliate swiftly, but he didn't. I could see a dark puddle forming around his head. He must have hit it real hard against the concrete.

The other goons finally processed what just happened. I mean I don't blame them, I'm still in shock myself. They rushed this old man. His stance changed, from feeble old man to 'predator'. The first goon took a cane shot to the leg, which stifled him long enough for a follow up shot to be given to his comrade. The shot connected against the side of the other guy's head with a deafening crack. I was honestly surprised his cane didn't just shatter against his head.

The old man turned and looked at the final gangster, who immediately began backing up. He backed up so far he bumped into the wall. If only I could see the look on his face, or even hear what was running through his mind at this very moment. I bet it would be pure gold.

The goon, realizing this was a lost cause, scrambled away, He fled from the scene without daring to look back. This left just me, 2 unconscious gangsters and this dangerous old man. Please just let him go away, and not come after me next. I … oh god no he's coming right for me. This old man moved with a purpose, not hesitating in the slightest as he closed in on me. I'm done for.

"John? John Kane? … How bad did they get you boy?" The old man spoke, his tone had shifted to that of someone of power, which really suited him after what I just witnessed. Wait, how does he know my name? That doesn't just happen. Weird old men don't just show up and save you from a beat down. I have to be dreaming.

A flashlight shined across my body, I squinted as it shined briefly across my face.

"The wounds are minor. Should be a quick fix" I heard a robotic voice say. The man's other hand began emitting a green aura. And he pressed it towards my stomach, There was no direct contact but whatever it was, it was healing me? Alright, Had seen enough.. Getting mugged by a wanna be gang banger who has a thing for eyes. Weird and dangerous old men. Robots Time to wake up John!

The old man's hand moved to my shoulder. After a few moments he pulled his hand away and then repositioned it to help me to my feet. I was feeling immensely better, I felt the previous stab wounds to find them gone. Yes I had miraculously been healed by this old man.

"There's something very important I must discuss with you John." The man said, breaking into my thoughts. I just stared at his hand, dumbfounded by all that I had just witnessed.

My stomach made a rumbling sound, loud enough for the old man to hear as well. I had actually not eaten anything since breakfast. I just didn't have the money for it, so I would just have to tough it up and do without. The old man let out a chuckle. "How about I feed you too? The Denny's is right down the street…" He said, motioning towards his outstretched hand with a nod. Every fiber of my being told me to not take his hand. This man was dangerous. He was going to drug and rape me at that denny's. Okay maybe not that bad, but my mind was running through a million scenarios. He could dispatch me in a moment, what could he possibly want.

My stomach growled again. I honestly didn't know when the next time I would have a meal would be…

I took his hand and he helped me to my feet. Stomach won out this time.

The old man removed his jacket, and handed it to me. "Put this on, so I don't have to explain the blood stains." I slid the jacket around my body, and pushed my arms into place. It was a very nice leather jacket. It must cost a fortune. This guy must be loaded.

The man motioned for me to follow him, and after a short walk we arrived at the fabled Denny's. There were a few people inside but it wasn't packed. Seeing as it was a Sunday night and all. Everyone usually prepares to go back to work on Mondays. We were quickly seated, and after a moment, we placed our orders. "Just some coffee, leave the pot! And whatever my Grandson wants." The old man said with a shit eating grin. I ordered a lumberjack slam, sort of in retaliation to his smug smirk and him just calling me his grandson, but I was also starving, and as I stated previously. I had no idea when I was gonna eat again.

The old man had stated that he had something important to discuss, but while we sat and waited for our order he was silent. No small talk. Just staring around the diner. After almost 10 long minutes. The waitress came with our order. The instant she turned around there was a strange purple pulse that emitted from the old man. It expanded as far as I could see, leaving a soft purple hue. It was like I took the color slider on a video and set it to purple. Wait. Everyone was moving slower as well. Like way slower. It wasn't like half speed, it was even slower than that.
He poured himself a glass of coffee and finally broke the silence "This is perception blocking. They can't see or hear us. Let us begin shall we. My name is Flynn Taggart. I have been the Doom Slayer for the past hundred years or so. I defeated the previous slayer and claimed the title upon ripping his heart from his chest. The old Slayer had sided with the underworld and the Devils. While I chose to side with heaven and the angels. I have been working with them to "keep the peace" so to say. There was a great war between the Angels, Fallen Angels, and the Devils. It's a uh… Very long story and I'll go into it later. All you need to know is the Three factions are at a sort of peace right now and I have been working to keep it…"

My eyes widened as I stuffed my face with food. This man was assaulting me with some sort of fairy tale nonsense about angels and demons. Obviously I was skeptical. But as I continued to listen (and eat my food) It suddenly dawned on me that there may be a sort of validity to his claims. Either that or he was some old rich dude hyped up on meth.

The old man took a sip of his coffee before he continued

"So after all this time it is time for me to retire, and pass the torch so to say… And I have selected you. You have no ties to the three factions and that's exactly what I wanted. I want you to decide for yourself, pave your own path. You do not need to follow in my footsteps, but blaze forth down your own trail. So… What do you have to say about all of this?"

This was some red pill/blue pill bullshit. I've seen the matrix. I know how this works. I'm gonna wake up in a pod and then get flushed. God this is so insane sounding but …. He did save me from that beating I was taking… And he did feed me. The least I can do is hear him out, despite how crazy this all sounds. I took the last bite of my food and then a big sip from my drink. Then I threw him what I hoped would be a curveball.

"It all sounds very interesting.. But I'm gonna need to see some proof"

Flynn laughed and nodded. A swirling green portal opened in the middle of the walkway. "Right this way and I will show you all the proof you need" Flynn stood up and stepped through the portal. Alright well here goes nothing.

I stepped through the green portal.

All of my senses were assaulted with bright light as I arrived on the other side of the portal. I shielded my eyes and waited for them to adjust to the insanely bright lights surrounding me. After a few seconds I could finally begin to make out my surroundings. We were above the clouds, there were various floating buildings and shrines. There was a beautiful stone path leading through this "town" and the stones acted as the street. There were breathtaking humans? No creatures? No they must be Angels. They were all extremely beautiful and had the purest white wings I had ever seen. Some of the Angels stopped and stared at us. A handful waving to Flynn and saying hello.

"This is Heaven John…" He said, but before he could continue an Angel rushed up and whispered something into his ear. Unfortunately I heard exactly what was said. Before the Angel skittered off.

"He can't be here"

This realization hit me like a train. The looks of Adoration I had seen on the passersby for Flynn, quickly turned to that of Disgust as they laid eyes on me. This may be Heaven. But In my wildest dreams, I had never imagined these Angels would be this pretentious. What made me any different from Flynn? Flynn was human right? Sure he was damn near superman but he was HUMAN right? I haven't seen any wings on him. A bit of anger immediately swelled up inside of me. No… There was no reason to be angry. I was possibly overreacting… Flynn had fought for them for what over a hundred years? And I was just a nobody. I would brush it off, but it was certainly something I would keep a note of.

The Doom Slayer opened a portal and looked at me. His mouth opened to speak but I cut him off.

"I heard"

He stepped through the portal first and I followed after him.

We landed next inside of what appeared to be some sort of space station. Well that's all I could assume it was, there was a massive window in front of me and I could see earth. All those crazy pictures you see of the blue planet from outer space? That's exactly what I was seeing. My vision then moved around to the rest of the area. It was some sort of hightech fortress, monitors and electronics everywhere. It was quite the sight to behold.

"This is my fortress. And as I'm sure you have guessed this is also cloaked. The humans would have a field day with a magic floating fortress in earth's orbit." The old man said with a chuckle.

I cut right to the chase. "Are those Angels always like that?" I asked. My voice audibly showing distaste on the word 'Angels'

This caused a slight look of concern to be painted on the elderly gentleman's face. He shook his head. "No they are not. In hindsight I could have brought you here and just showed you pictures or video but I was worried you might think I was really good at photoshop… The angels are just a bit cautious about certain things. Which I'm sure I will have to explain later."

"Oh Flynn I saw you returned how did- OH! Hi!"

A female came through one of the sliding doors. She was clearly around my age. She had a pixie cut that was dyed an interesting mixture of purple and pink. She was physically fit with defined muscles. She was wearing this sort of jump suit and up near the top left shoulder there was this weird symbol that I had never seen before. Anyway, Chick was super attractive. But that would also be something that I would also have to put on the back burner for now

"My name's Arlene Sanders. I help out around here"

Flynn replied before I had a chance to. "This is John Kane." He said, and I nodded "We were kinda in the middle of something, if you could just give us a moment"

Arlene raised an eyebrow and then nodded. She walked over to one of the many computers around the room. She sat down and began typing away.

"What is that strange symbol?" I asked.

"That is the mark of the Slayer. Those who bear the mark will help you on your journey. Despite what you may have thought. You do not have to go it alone. There are more beings devoted to the Slayer than you could possibly imagine"

I had come to my decision. I had seen enough. This crazy new world that I had been thrust into was far too intriguing for me to just go back to my normal life. I would be taking the red pill, accepting this role as 'Doom Slayer' or whatever it was called. I would see what this was all about.
"I want to take the role…" I said.

The old man's eyes lit up, (along with Arlenes) He nodded. "Alright it won't take very long for me to pass this on to you. There are a few things you should know however before we start…" He stared me deep in the eyes, into my very soul. And his tone changed to a very solemn one.

"Should you decide you don't want to go through with it. Or should I decide you aren't fit for the role after we go through with it. I can take the power back. My strength will begin to deteriorate but I will still be strong enough to take you down if you run amuck. Do you understand?"

I would say this was a threat, but it wasn't. It sounded more like a promise. Run amuck? I wasn't really planning on picking fights with people right off the bat… "I understand"

"Alright so your arsenal will probably slowly start to become available to you. I'm guessing you will overtake what I have currently and maybe you will gather more along the way. But until you are strong enough to wield that arsenal, this should help keep you out of trouble"

Flynn produced an old beat up m1911 pistol out of thin air. It seemed like quite the magic trick, but I would ask about that later. He handed me the weapon and I inspected it. My eyes were immediately drawn to the grip. There was a picture on the inside of the clear plexiglass. In the photo was a beautiful woman, but it was kind of hard to see because the photo was black and white, and quite dated.

Flynn noticed I was oogling the grip and his voice broke into my thoughts. "The only woman in the world for me… She's been dead a long time… It was one of the first things the devils took from me… Alright let's do this."

This futuristic green armor formed around Flynn. It covered his entire body and honestly it was breathtaking. He looked terrifying in it. Is this what he used to fight the 'devils' as he called them? It just occurred to me that I had not actually seen what the devils looked like. I pictured a short red creature with horns and a tail.

"This is the Praetor Suit MK2. you will unlock your own Praetor suit as you harness the power of the heart of hell. That pistol I just handed you has been infused with magic. It will damage devils, angels and fallen angels... Basically anything that would be a threat this early, it will damage it. Okay This is the last chance to turn back before you obtain the heart's power. Are you ready?"

: "Lets do this"

I said with a nod. I had never been the kind to back out of something I already decided I was gonna do. So here goes nothing. I pushed the pistol into my pocket and prepped myself.

Flynn reached into his chest. His hand passed through the armor as if it was elastic. There were ripples on his chest as his hand searched for something. After a few seconds and a bit of struggling, he produced a beating heart. I don't know what I expected… Actually I do know what I expected. I didn't expect it to be an ACTUAL heart. I thought maybe it was a gem or something but no here it was. A literal beating heart. What had he called it? The heart of hell? I guess it was some demon heart I was about to receive… god I hope I don't have to do anything gross like eat it.

"Arlene, I'm gonna need your help. Okay John hold still" Flynn said, He placed a hand on my shoulder and Arlene stood up, she quickly made her way behind me, She grabbed my shoulders as well to help me settle myself. This wouldn't be that bad would it?

Flynn thrust this pulsating heart into my chest. It phased into me just like I had witnessed earlier. His hand fumbled around for a moment but I could feel it already. This heart. It was dark. There was darkness and a burning sense of hatred and dread. It was growing stronger. Sparks began to shoot out of my chest. Flynn nodded and immediately yanked his hand from my chest.

"The defense mechanism is active, so that means it's accepted you as the new host… that is good."

As he pulled his hand from my chest I immediately felt woozy… The whole world began to spin. I… gonna throw up? No… maybe… I just need to lay down… metal floor? Yeah that will do.

I collapsed and everything went black. The last thing I heard was. "See to it that he makes it back home. He needs to rest."

AN: this takes place before episode one of the first season. anyway just trying to get some world building in this chapter, Next chapter should focus more on some of the events of the first season