Sadness, an emotion all beings from every part of creation dreaded. For unlike physical pain that could eventually fade and be a distant memory, when something so tragic happens that causes this, it rarely if ever truly goes away. This was something Vega knew better than anyone, for just as when his children fought each other so long ago, he now felt a terrible sickly feeling fill his form in its entirety. But it wasn't just because the Slayer was his friend that made him feel this way, it was also due to the fact that this was the only way to be absolutely certain Doom was isolated.
Unfortunately there were two things left that needed to be done, and both he needed to do himself. The first required him to briefly depart Urdak and return to his ivory tower, where at the top was the exact point of origin for all creation. It was also here that he could see into every place in reality, and if he needed he could create something new as well, which is precisely what was needed from him. For while their plan had been successful and Doom's connection to Lucifer's circle and the mortal realm were gone, it was still a part of Hell as a whole which was a glaring problem.
Hence why he was here as only known by the Wraiths, the Sentinels, the Exterminators, and Samur Vega would use his power create a new space in creation. It would serve as the new home of Doom as a whole, with the Dark One having no hold on any other plane it wasn't too difficult to separate it from Hell. This however was the reason why the Slayer needed to be sealed with them, if he wasn't then Dark One and his demons would spend their time thinking of a way to escape. But if he was there with a suit and arsenal that would never wear down or run out of resources, then they would fight for all eternity.
So with no further hesitation or delay he carried out the task, using all of his power he tore Doom from its place in Hell and placed it in this new space. Almost falling to the ground from how strenuous this was even for him, Vega took the next few moments to gather himself and make sure he was alright, in addition to ensuring he made no errors.
"It...is done..." He said to himself as he lightly panted, "Now...comes the far more difficult task..." He added.
Even though that was by far the most challenging think physical he had ever needed to do, what was left would be the undisputedly worse. But there was no way he could avoid it, and so not wanting to get through it as fast as possible he opened a portal back to Urdak then stepped inside.
"Everyone, may I have your attention?" The Khan Maykr requested, her face and voice being broadcasted throughout Urdak for all to see.
By this point all of the souls from Lucifer's circle had grown used to being here, and not just because of the calming futuristic cosmic atmosphere. The Maykrs while initially off putting due to how different they looked from most things, were incredibly hospitable, respectable, and did everything they could to make their stay as pleasant as possible. So when the face of the Khan appeared to all of them they weren't shocked or afraid, and thanks to Lucifer and the others they knew she was their leader, which meant if she was speaking to them it must be important.
"I have just been informed by King Novik, the leader of the Sentinel people who have assisted us in caring for you and ensuring your safety, that the Slayer has been successful in repelling the demons of Doom from your home, you will need to stay here for a while longer until it is suitable for your return, but rest assured that this whole ordeal that has felt like a nightmare is coming to an
end." She told them.
Upon hearing that everyone let out cheers and cries of joy, so elated that many of them hugged or even kissed each other to express their happiness. Of course Lucifer and the others were no exception, and as they were gathered in the garden having been brought back here by Samur, they too joined in on the merriment.
"FUCK YEAH WAY TO GO WILL!" Angel Dust shouted while throwing his hands into the air.
"I hope someone recorded the battle, think of how amazing that would be for television! We could even use it as promotional material for Slayer Studios!" Katie exclaimed.
"WE CAN MAKE SO MUCH MERCHANDISE OFF OF THAT!" Blitzo shouted with glee followed by an excited laugh.
"I think you guys have your priorities a little off center here." Vagatha told them, though in a joking way and with a smile.
"Oh come on girl, can you blame us for being excited that everything's worked out?" Cherri asked her.
"She does have a point Vaggie, I mean with Will saving our home if there were any doubters about the hotel or redemption, I'm pretty sure they've changed their minds by now." Charlie said.
"That's a good point dear, in fact I believe our plan to reform our circle will be met with immediate support, if not a total show of willing participation." Lilith pointed out.
"That is true, still there are a lot of things that still need to be taken care of, we can't allow ourselves to fully relax just yet." Lucifer reminded them.
"Agreed, Gabriel is still in their possession and they are still a threat, while this of course a win for us all we shouldn't allow ourselves to become too relaxed." Azrael replied.
"So is Pentious, I know he isn't as important and beloved as an archangel, but we both would like to see him saved as well." Vox said with Velvet nodding in agreement.
"There's no need to worry everyone!" Alastor exclaimed as he gestured to them all, "With Will on our side they're fighting an uphill battle on a sheer drop! It'll take some time of course but I know we'll win the day!" He assured.
"All the while you don't pull anymore sneaky shit, right Alastor?" Lucifer asked.
"You have my word Luci, and I mean that as honestly as I ever have, both to show my regret as well my desire to never be punched by you ever again." He answered with a bow.
"Do you ACTUALLY mean that? The part about regret I mean." Vagatha questioned. "...No." He responded.
"Good enough..." Lucifer said with a sigh and an eye roll, as he knew that was a longshot.
Continuing to talk among themselves and celebrate like everyone else, the lift to the garden raised to the top with the Khan and Samur riding it.
"Well, seems like we're late to the party." She said to him as they saw everyone.
"Yes...it seems so..." He replied in a rather dry and uncaring tone.
"Is something wrong Samur?" She inquired as his attitude perplexed her. "I'm just dreading what comes next...for them...and for you..." He explained.
That response only managed to worsen her confusion, as well as make her concerned that something was amiss. But before should press him further on it a portal suddenly opened, and from it came Vega who held his hands behind his back.
"Oh hey there he is!" Angel Dust exclaimed with a smile, "Was wondering when you and Will would join us, though I can see he didn't come with you, is he still blowing apart skulls and ripping out spines?" He asked.
Looking towards him that is when everyone noticed something else was absent, it being any show of excitement or joy that they possessed. In fact, as they looked at him more and more they realized that...he actually seemed sad?
"Father?" Lucifer spoke as he stepped forward along with his sister, "What's wrong? Did something happen after the Khan's announcement?" He asked.
"No...nothing tragic or unexpected has occurred in the short time since her announcement..." Vega answered.
"It Lucifer's circle then? Is the damage worse than we assumed?" Azrael questioned.
"No...just as the Khan stated it won't take long for you all to return...and with the aid of both Maykr and Sentinel all damages shall be fixed..." He replied.
"Then what is it? Because something is clearly upsetting, I of all people should know as-" Lucifer stopped mid sentence, as a realization hit him in the face.
"Lucifer?" Lilith spoke with concern as his expression had changed to one of shock. "...The only time I've ever known you to be upset was when me and Gabriel fought...which
worsened as we all picked a side and the war happened as the result...seeing your children fight like
that made you retreat into isolation because you cared about us so much...and seeing us act like that tore you apart...I remember it as clear as when it happened so I'd recognize it again if I saw it...so Father I need you to be honest...is Will actually coming back?" Lucifer asked.
As he said this everyone including the Khan had the same expression come to their face as they now focused solely on Vega, Samur being the only exception as he knew the answer.
"...I'm sorry." He said first which made their hearts drop, "We lied to you...or rather didn't tell you everything...the only way we could ensure that Doom would never be a threat ever again was to separate it from Hell and cast it into isolation...of course they could have returned if nothing kept them distracted or focused on something else...so Will had to be sealed away with them...hence why his armor and weapons are powered by him...so he may fight them for the rest of time." He explained.
A horrid silence then came between them as they tried to fully grasp what he just told them, and despite the fact they knew he wasn't lying they just couldn't believe it.
"Vega...this isn't funny..." Katie spoke as she clenched her fists, "This is a really fucking sick joke you're trying to pull!" She exclaimed.
"I understand that it is hard to accept this, I know the first stage of grief is denial and-"
"THIS ISN'T GRIEF!" Angel Dust shouted angrily, "Grief implies that you've lost something or someone, but we ain't lost a fucking thing! We've got our home back and it's because of Will, so we know that he's just helping to clean it up or some other shit like that!" He argued.
"I wish that were the case Angel, believe me I would like nothing more than-"
"STOP IT!" Cheri shouted at him while pointing her finger, "Stop saying this stupid shit Vega! We know it's not true! There's no fucking way that it is! Will beat them before and he could do it again!" She exclaimed.
"True, but the circumstances were far different than before, their numbers are greater in addition the Dark One's power had been increased, if we had waited for the Icon of Sin or the Resurrector and her sister to be brought back as well, then there would have been next to nothing we could do to stop them." He explained.
"You don't know that for sure! We could've helped come up with some new ideas! If you had just told us we could have...we could..." Charlie tried to continue their refusal, only to slowly stop as their shock was subsiding, being replaced by despair and tears welling in their eyes.
"Again...I'm sorry..." He repeated as he could see they had no more fight left in them.
What followed was a mess of crying, pained expressions, and for some like Husk, Alastor, or even the Khan a state of detachment from reality. The Slayer, Will, their friend who had done so much for them, was gone forever.
You know, there's a lot of things that make the demons of Doom unique, beyond their appearances and powers of course. And while a list could be made of every single thing that genuinely made them a remarkable breed of flesh based entities, quite possibly the most incredible was how they didn't need anything that all others like them did. To be precise what that means is they didn't need to sleep, eat, exercise, and in general maintain their health, whether it was just how they were made or the power the Dark One granted them, they did not require any of this to survive. Of course this also included breathing, which made sense as the Slayer had thought them on Mars when they first met, and there was many times either on the surface or just in parts of the base that were heavily damaged, where no oxygen at all existed and yet they were still fine.
However all of this is only relevant when talking about those who hail from Doom, not the figure hidden by a tattered cloak who currently stood on one of the remains of the Slayer's world. For if anyone else were present they certainly wouldn't be able to see any notable details, from head to though this entity was completely hidden as they somehow stood in the midst of space, not bothered by the lack of air or gravity. How they were there, why they were there, and so many other questions were of far greater importance that needed to be answered, again if someone were there to see them. But as they stood on a fairly decent chunk of the former planet known as Earth, they seemed to have fulfilled whatever purpose brought them here, as a portal black in coloration opened behind them.
Though again, if someone else were present, if any single entity in creation had been looking at this specific point at the exact moment they entered the rift, before it closed they might've seen a rather strange looking symbol drawn on the cloak's backside, that bore a shocking resemblance to the Slayer's own.