(The Past)

Deep within the most vile of all realms, in a place that even most of its own horrid populace dared not venture, one such soul worked with great focus and care on what was to be his greatest achievement yet. With an audience of but one present to witness this moment, any sounds of his work were overwhelmed by another. This sound was an amalgamation of screams and wails all coming from those who tried to enter. Their bodies and souls being assaulted by weapons of great power, alongside holy markings that quickly reduced their corrupted flesh to charred ash.

It is for this reason neither of the of the dwelling's occupants felt any fear or concern, not even the strongest that were still alive of this realm could get close, allowing them to do all that they needed in peace. However even if their pained howls didn't fill the air no words would be spoken, one of them had vowed to stay silent as part of his mission, while the other had said all he needed to before the work began. So all that was left to do was be patient, for soon two great inventions would be finished by their maker.

(The Present)

The Slayer's footsteps echoed throughout the vast chambers as he travelled deeper into Doom's earth, his surroundings unlike all others were actually welcoming. For there were no statues to lords nor piles of viscera, no pools of blood or glowing sludge, the only thing either he or Gabriel could see was naturally formed stone.

"This place...it appears...undisturbed..." The angel spoke while barely lifting his head so he could look around.

"To my knowledge only one demon ever used the actual ground throughout the entire realm...as for the most part it is used to dump corpses and things from their invasions that hold no value...at least to them..." The Slayer explained.

"Your friend?..." He inquired.

"Yes, since his service to the Dark One was to find use in the things they took...so he decided it would be best if his forge was as close to the materials as possible...but he decided to move it underground for the sake of privacy and quiet...something that would help him betray his master..." The Slayer informed.

Falling silent as to give this some thought, Gabriel never would imagine any creature made in this place could break free from the Dark One's hold, let alone be considered a friend by the Slayer.

But that was something he remembered from when he looked into his past, that when he was discovered by Samur while disguised as a human, there was a strange new suit with him that no one had ever seen before. This was something he wanted to know more about in great detail, though he chose to wait until he was in a far better form to do so. Thankfully that seemed to be getting closer to becoming a reality, for suddenly he felt something deep inside his soul, a sensation he hadn't experience since he was last in Heaven.

"Slayer...I...can feel the energy..." Gabriel said as he slowly raised his head. "From the markings?..." He questioned.

"Yes...it remained...perhaps...we may use that to our benefit?..." Gabriel suggested. "Let's make sure this isn't a waste of our time first..." He replied.

Needing only to walk for a few minutes more before they reached their destination, true to the archangel's claim the markings carved into the stone that laid in front of them was glowing. But there was something remarkable that happened as they approached, with each passing step they became brighter in reaction to Gabriel's presence.

"Slayer...stop..." He requested suddenly able to lift his head even more, "I...I do not think we need to go further..." He said.

"Gabriel, I know what you're thinking and it's not smart..." The Slayer warned.

"Why not?..." He asked.

"The whole reason we've been left alone is because the Dark One knows these markings are here...he can sense the amount of holy energy at all times...the moment it goes away even if it is to make your new body...this place will be filled with demons as he will send them here himself..." The Slayer answered.

"So we cannot use it at all?..." He questioned.

"I didn't say that...but first we need to prepare...and just in case it doesn't work make sure we have a backup plan..." The Slayer told him.

Trusting him for he was the undisputed expert of Doom, Gabriel fell silent again as the Slayer took them into the structure that was being shielded by these markings.

(The Past)

"It's done." The Wretch spoke after hours of work, stepping away to marvel at his creation.

In his lifetime this demon had crafted many things, near all of them he felt hatred for now. But what stood before him and his guest was something never seen before in creation, a suit possessing a myriad of functions and systems that were made specifically for it. Yet of all the wonderous things it could do the most impressive involved the wearer, for it had receptors in various places across its design that would absorb energy from the very souls its wearer would slay. This was by far the most remarkable but also necessary function, for as it seemed he who was to adorn it would need it for an unknown amount of time.

Hence why his guest as the Wretch backed away approached it, carefully looking it over just to be certain this was no ploy or trap. However after a near full ten minutes of going over every single piece he found nothing of concern, bringing a slight bit of ease to his otherwise constantly tormented mind. Letting the armor he currently wore fall carelessly to the floor as he took it off, it would take him less than a minute before the new set was on.

"Does it fit well?" The Wretch asked as his guest adjusted it, earning a nod in response "Excellent, I made sure my measurements were exact, now all that's left is to explain to you how to use the various subsystems and we'll be set to go." He told him.

However, as his guest finished making sure the suit was a perfect fit, he looked to him and saw something that caused him to point to the Wretch's person. Looking down the demon could see smoke begin to rise from his person, as the durability of his current body was finally being worn

away by the holy energy outside.

"Managed to last near a full day this time, I'm making decent progress..." He noted as he studied the growing burns, not minding the pain as he was used to it by now, "Though...I suppose I'll only need to make one new body...as we both won't be here for much longer..." He said.

Walking to the farthest wall from them where a massive device rested, this machine was how The Wretch could continue his work while not being impeded by the holy sigils and the purity they exuded. He had used it many times when injured or near death in his experiments, and as he stated this would more than likely be its last use, for once this next one was finished there was only one thing left for them to do.

(Present)

Showing a surprising knowledge of the systems in place the Slayer easily brought the structure back to life. First came the lights, followed by all of the various machines and subsystems coming online, and ending it all with the automated defenses outside being prepared for what was to happen soon.

"Alright...they'll be shot dead where they stand..." He told Gabriel who he had sat down on the floor so he could work, "All that's left is to get the blood bath up and running..." He added.

"That's...what they call it?..." The angel questioned.

"It's appropriate when you consider the process...their bodies either are destroyed by me or maybe just wear down on their own...so their souls then return to the heart of the realm to be reborn by either machines or arcanists...doing so by channeling the soul in the pooling blood and then shaping that blood to make their new body..." He explained.

With that inquiry addressed both men ended the conversation there, as the Slayer needed to focus making sure everything was ready. This process thankfully only took him a few minutes, as the two major things he had to check was if the machine was operational, and if there was enough material to make a new body, which for both the answer was yes.

"Looks like we're set..." He said once he got it all ready, before then turning to Gabriel to explain what was going to happen, "So, this is how things are going to go down...first I'll put you in the machine and get the whole thing started...after it fills with blood which is something you're probably used to by now then it will destroy your current one...at that point you soul will be the only thing inside and that is when do what you need to...normally there'd be a design preset but obviously we're not using the only one it has stored...and since our best bet for keeping the Dark One from getting you besides the machine itself is the energy outside, we'll of course need that to ensure even in your new body there's no possible way he can't just transform you or the demons can't easily kill you...this will cause it to last a longer than it normally would as you'll be in complete control of making your new body...of course as you're doing this I'll be outside doing the obvious..." He told him.

"Let us...not waste time then..." Gabriel replied eager to finally be free.

With that said the Slayer walked over and picked him up from the floor, he then carried him over to the waiting machine and put him into the tube like chamber that was a part of its design.

Stepping away after making sure he was inside, the moment the Slayer was clear of the tube it shut, sealing Gabriel inside. Listening as the machine then began to carry out its function, the Slayer slowly turned to face the door while summoning his plasma rifle.

"Now...the fun begins..." He said with a sinister chuckle, before heading outside to hold off the hordes he knew would come.

"What is he doing?..." The Wretch asked the two Maykrs consumed with curiosity, as all three watched Vega stand motionlessly while having his hands places on a sphere.

But this was no ordinary sphere, much like the sphere that his soul had been concentrated into when he was placed back into his body, this sphere contained all of the previous Khans' souls. Unlike his however it was not kept secret or hidden for the sake of protection, it besides being on display in a sense was also connected to a very complex looking device. The purpose of this contraption was to in a way allow the Khans' souls some breathing room, after all it's already one thing to be stuck with a bunch of people for eternity, it would be even more awkward if the theoretical space they had to live in was comparable to a medium sized box.

"He is conversing with the Maykrs who held the Khan's position before her, doing so in a way that could be described as telepathy, but in truth it is far more complex than that." Samur explained.

"Incredible...so how many souls are in that on sphere then?" He asked.

"Many, enough to nearly fill this room to its capacity, and all of them are both wise and powerful in their own ways, with our current and now permanent Khan being the culmination of them all." Samur answered.

"Something that I and the father must still talk about..." She said. "Nervous are you?" Samur inquired now looking to her.

"I have served longer than any other Khan, but now I am being granted the honor to maintain this position? It is quite a lot to process..." She replied.

"I'm sure he already said it, but there would be no point in making another Khan after you, besides you being the perfect result of the others' experience and guidance, you have shown you are a remarkable leader in your own right, this honor is something you are owed as you deserve it." He told her.

"Thank you Samur, that means a great deal coming from you." She admitted with a smile.

"Something's happening." The Wretch spoke as he pointed towards Vega, whose body was beginning to twitch.

"Ah, the connection is ending, he is returning to his body." Samur said.

Watching his form lightly shake and shift over the next few seconds, when it was done Vega would remove his hands from the sphere and turn to face them.

"They are intrigued to say the least, though this is not to imply they have reservations or objections, if anything for them it is the chance of a lifetime to aid the Slayer in any capacity, after seeing for themselves through me all of his battles against the legions of Doom." He explained while putting his hands behind his back, "However just like we this is the first they are hearing of our new ally, and as you'd expect they are quite hesitant to aid any creature spawned from there, so they request an audience with you before any further progress is made." He told them as he moved his gaze to him.

"Do I just place my hands on the sphere as you did? I've never done something like this before."

The Wretch replied as he came forward.

"Yes, they will establish the connection between your soul and theirs, all you need to do is relax, let it happen, and then have a hopefully pleasant and successful conversation." He said.

Nodding to show he understood he then walked passed Vega and approached the sphere, slowly placing his hands on top of it as he was a bit nervous to be faced with an unknown amount of divine beings. Once they made contact hand were firmly set on its surface, his body just as Vega's had relaxed but did not fall to the ground.

"Heh, it seems they were eager to initiate the connection." Samur said with a chuckle as he and the Khan came closer.

"If Will and his history already was the highlight of their time in that state, then the revelation of a demon from Doom aiding him was the unexpected second act." Vega replied.

"Do you think they'll treat him fairly though? Not meaning to cast doubt on them but we cannot overlook what he is and what his kind are." The Khan pointed out.

"True, but I made it clear that they were to show him only respect and compassion, anything less and I would be quite displeased with them." He said.

"Already having such trust in him father?" Samur questioned even though he knew the answer.

"Of course, everything about him is astounding, his mind, his resolve, and his dedication to setting things right, he and Will are more alike than we could have ever expected." He admitted.

"I noticed that as well, perhaps that was something else that contributed to his trust?" The Khan suggested.

"Possibly, we'll have to ask for more details after we get through our current situation." He replied.

Just then the sound of the door to the chamber opening was heard from behind them, bringing an end to that conversation as they all turned around to see who had entered.

"Father." An angel greeted him with a bow of its head, "Forgive my intrusion, but you asked that someone come fetch you when it was time." They said.

"Hm?...OH! I completely forgot about that! What with everything that just suddenly happened out of nowhere!" He exclaimed as he realized what they were referring to, "Thank you, I shall take my leave immediately." He told them.

"Father? What's going on?" Samur asked for both him and the Khan.

"Unfortunately I had arranged a prior engagement a few days ago, I must attend to it now as it is time." He explained as a portal opened behind him.

"But father what about this?" The Khan questioned as she gestured to the Wretch and the soul sphere.

"Do not worry, their discussion will undoubtedly last hours perhaps even a full day, I will only be gone for a short while." He assured before entering the rift.

Watching in stunned silence as both he and the portal disappeared after a few seconds, both Maykrs were dumbfounded as to what could be just as or perhaps even more important than this?

"...Alright...enough games...whichever asshole here did this shit better come clean now or I'm gonna start shooting..." Angel Dust warned as he crossed his arms.

Much like in a movie when series of insane events all happen to different people in the same location, or in this case the same friend circle, everyone unintentionally gathered in the hotel's lobby. Questions were asked, fingers were pointed, and accusations were flung at each other like a verbal war. Luckily it didn't last all too long as the last member of their group arrived, for to everyone's surprised Lucifer was the most clueless one of them all. But once it was explained to him as to why they were all in a frenzy, he then suggested it would be best to continue this in the room that had been reserved, so that way they could do this in a hopefully more calm fashion.

Sadly this was not to be, for whoever had reserved the space had also gone to the trouble of having the kitchen's chefs, without Nifty's knowledge mind you, make everyone's favorite dishes which were waiting for them when they entered. Resting hot and ready on a table that had been setup, everyone assumed this was a bribe on the culprit's part to lessen the thrashing they were due for.

Which regardless of who it was is exactly what they were going to get, none of them were ready to talk about this yet at least in any amount of exceptional detail, and the culprit had to know this for a fact as they wouldn't have been so secret otherwise. So now they all simply waited in folded out metal chairs that were arranged in a circle, which besides being the exact same as the meetings allowed them to see everyone.

"Now Angel there's no reason to be so quick to shoot..." Charlie said with a nervous smile as the air was INCREDIBLY tense, "I'm sure that whoever is responsible just wanted to try and help us all deal with this, so we can't be too mad at them for that right?" She asked.

"This isn't the time to sing a song disney princess." Katie told her as she too crossed her arms, "We ALL agreed that when the time was right we'd meet and talk, but we're still all dealing with it in our own way and NONE of us here are happy about this, right?" She asked looking to the others.

"Oh yeah, and I swear if it is you three I'm gonna fucking kill you." Husk said as he looked to Charlie, Vagatha, and Nifty.

"This isn't us we swear!" Nifty exclaimed defending them.

"Yes, if it were them I surely would have known about it." Alastor assured.

"You're not out of the woods either deer boy." Cherri said while pointing at him, "Out of everyone here YOU'RE the biggest possible suspect you know!" She told him.

"I'm well aware, but I have an actual alibi that excuses me of all possible participation." He reminded her, he and the others having told their side of this when everyone first arrived.

"Oh please, you think out of all the crazy shit you can do that voice manipulation isn't one of them? You're the fucking radio demon for shit's sake!" Blitzo pointed out.

"Hm, that's a fair point, maybe I AM the culprit?" Alastor suggested with a playful smile. "Is that a confession?" The Imp questioned as he pulled out his flintlock.

"When did you bring that?!" Stolas asked him shocked that he was able to do so without any of them noticing.

"Doesn't matter, what matters is if this toothy son of a bitch is fucking with us again I'll shoot those teeth out like it's a fucking carnival game!" He replied.

"Sir please calm down!" Moxxie exclaimed joining in, "Violence isn't going to help us figure out who's responsible!" He added.

"Then what do you want us to do then huh? Just sit around here hoping that whoever's behind this just decides to step forward so we can beat the shit out of them?!" Blitzo questioned.

In that moment a portal suddenly appeared in the center of their circle, and while that on its own was surprising by itself, who stepped out from inside was so shocking it caused all of their jaws to drop, in addition to Blitzo's pistol which fell from his hand.

"Oh no, it appears I arrived a bit too late." Vega said as the portal closed behind him, "Forgive me for my tardiness, I hope to be here when you all entered the room." He explained.

A moment of silence came over the room as everyone was just frozen by this development, with the sole exception being Alastor who looked towards Blitzo with a grin spread ear to ear.

"Well? What're you waiting for?" He asked him as he gestured to Vega, "Go on, beat the shit out of him!" He urged enjoying this WAY too much.