BJ Blazkowicz was a man who'd been treated in many different ways. To the Nazis, he was a terrorist, to everyone else in his world a hero, and in Heaven, he was shown respect by even angels and other divine beings. But this was the first time he'd ever been treated like royalty, as he and his grandson walked past futuristic-looking knights, both men and women, who were all knelt at their sides. Following not too far behind were Gabriel and the Wretch, the latter of whom received curious and suspicious looks from the Sentinels, which he expected.
"I've seen a lot of crazy things in my day." BJ spoke as he looked around them in awe, "Towering monoliths of concrete and steel. Technological advancements that seemed far too alien to be made by human beings. Yet even in those moments, there was something...natural about them. But this..." He stopped as a set of massive doors opened for them, revealing a world that was almost impossible to describe, "It's like something from a fantasy novel..." He said almost breathlessly.
"Wait until you see the weapons..." The Slayer replied.
"King Novik is waiting to greet you, m'lord." A Sentinel guard, one of the two who opened the doors for them, informed.
"And the Wraiths?..." He asked.
"Wraiths?" BJ questioned with widened eyes.
"They're ready to speak with the archangel at any time." The guard answered.
"Then I should go see them immediately." Gabriel decided for himself, walking ahead of the group to be on his way, "I shall rejoin you all at the arena. By the time we're through discussing the matters at hand, your training should be underway." He told them.
"Sounds good..." The Slayer responded, "This way..." He said to his grandfather and the Wretch before leading them.
"Hold on, what are these Wraiths?" BJ asked while walking beside the Slayer.
"You seemed surprised." The Wretch commented, slightly amused by his reaction, "You've faced great evils yourself and defeated a Balgaar demon. Surely something like this shouldn't surprise you." He said.
"There's a big difference between Nazis, demons, and ghosts." BJ countered.
"They're not ghosts..." The Slayer interjected, "Despite the name, they're not ethereal...or to be more accurate, not enough to the point where you can see through them..." He explained.
"Just when I think I'm starting to get a handle on everything, another loop gets added." BJ sighed, becoming overwhelmed.
"Wait." The Wretch told him, unintentionally sounding ominous.
For the remainder of their trek, the trio remained silent. BJ kept his mind busy by absorbing everything that surrounded him. The Wretch did the same but by focusing on how he'd show respect to King Novik and how he'd earn the Sentinels' trust. As for the Slayer, his mind was at work with his usual thoughts, which were the current actions of the Dark One, his newly dubbed
Marauder demons, and Valentino.
Eventually, they found themselves standing in a rather large throne room. A handful of Sentinel guards surrounded them, while the throne to their front remained empty.
"Didn't the guard say the other king was waiting for us?" BJ asked.
Right as he said that, all of the unlit torches that lined the walls of the room came to life with blue fire, and in the throne appeared the ghostly visage of a king.
"Speak of the devil, and thou shalt appear." King Novik greeted while placing a hand on his chest, "You must forgive the dramatics of my appearance. I merely wished to impress the ancestor of our greatest champion." He informed.
"Uh...yeah, no...impressed is an understatement..." BJ replied, at a loss of what to say to that.
"I am King Novik. The leader of the Sentinel people in the absence of the Slayer. It is an honor to meet you." He introduced.
"William Blazkowicz," BJ said, doing the same.
With his introduction out of the way, the king turned his attention to their second guest. Upon feeling the Sentinel leader's ethereal eyes fall onto him, the Wretch immediately knelt and bowed his head.
"I am sorry." He apologized before the king could say anything, "My kind took so many of your people's lives. Took more from other worlds across space and time. No words can express the gratitude I hold for your allowance of my presence in this most sacred of places. And it is my greatest hope that I can prove to you and your people that I am not the same as the abominations I refuse to call my species. As well that I hold no intent or desires remotely similar to the accursed hand that gave me life." He said.
In response, the king rose from his throne and walked over to the Wretch, placing his right hand on the former demon's shoulder.
"When the Slayer was betrayed by three of our priests, eventually left alone with no one to aid him, you not only gave him shelter to mend his wounds and gather himself but also gifted him armor that none had seen before. By this act alone, you have proven your true nature, that your soul, despite its origin, is as pure as any of ours. Although the more skeptical of my soldiers and citizens may look at you with hesitation and fear, know that less you give either me or the Slayer ample reason, you shall not be forced to atone for the sins of your kind. So, you may stand beside us an equal." King Novik told him.
First the creator, next Samur, then the khans, and now a great king of the Sentinel people. These individuals had no reason to pardon him, to show him such kindness and mercy after everything his species had done. And yet, here he was, being told that he could stand among warriors with his head held high rather than on his knees enduring penance.
"Thank you." That was all the Wretch could say as he got to his feet, for those two words encapsulated the emotions swirling inside of him.
"Save your gratitude. I know that you'll want to take it back once the training begins." King Novik jested before becoming serious again as he turned towards the Slayer, "The arena is prepared. The simulations are set. All that is needed now is your presence, and we can start." He informed.
"Let's not waste any time..." The Slayer responded, receiving a nod in return.
Elsewhere...
Darkness parted by violet light; this described Gabriel's surroundings as he walked silently to the Wraiths' chamber.
"I wonder if these shadows hide any bones..." He spoke quietly to himself, unable to keep his thoughts inside of his mind, "Although, this precaution seems only necessary in the event their protectors fail. Yet a scenario in which the Sentinels are either defeated or commit treason against them is so hilariously ludicrous, only a fool would believe it possible." He said.
Continuing to move steadily through the seemingly endless darkness, another source of violet light separate from the torches to his sides appeared on the horizon. A wave of relief washed over the archangel, making him hasten his pace, as he wished not only to speak to the Wraiths but finally look upon their visage for the first time with his eyes. But when he grew close enough to see his destination, a spacious room where the Wraiths no doubt rested on the walls, another figure beside them met him instead.
"Oh, there you are, Gabriel." Vega greeted, much to the shock of his child.
"Father?!" He questioned as he entered the space, his mind filled with questions at the mere sight of his parent, "Why're you here? Are you not needed in the circle or Urdak?" He asked.
"Not much for me to do, I'm afraid." Vega answered, "The angels and drones can handle the creation of the Blood Maykrs. As for the situation on earth, there's nothing I can do to help without alerting our enemies. For there's no way to be certain how they'd react if I suddenly appeared." He explained.
"Hm, true." Gabriel replied while crossing his arms, quickly returning to normal, "But why come here? Do you wish to spectate the training?" He asked.
"That's half right," Vega answered.
"And the other half?" He inquired.
"I needed to speak to the Wraiths regarding two important matters. The first being the Dark One's soul sphere, which we're still researching. While the second is to ensure they have enough accommodations for the other individuals that will be training." He informed.
"...Father...what have you done now?..." Gabriel asked, having become far too accustomed to his parent's unorthodox mind.
"The last time we were faced with a problem of this scale, nearly everyone was left out. Only I, Will, the Wraiths, King Novik, the Sentinels, and the Exterminators were in the know. Not even Samur or the Khan was aware of our plan to seal him inside of Doom." He answered.
"And?..." Gabriel pressed, needing to know more.
"I decided the best way to ensure that those closest to Will aren't excluded a second time is if they are present for his training. And that they also participate in case any of them wish to fight by his side." He explained.
Incredible, simply incredible. Gabriel believed that nothing would ever top his sister casually giving away her spear to a mortal soul, and yet, below and behold, their father decided to do something even more baffling.
"Father...there is SO much wrong with that idea...I think my mind is shutting down trying to process all of it..." He groaned as he shut his eyes.
"You're worried that because they're mortal, most of them are civilians, and at best their combat experience amounts to being fairly skilled with man-made firearms and other assorted weaponry, that putting them up against the demons of Doom would be no different than tossing a tree sapling into a woodchipper," Vega responded.
"You forgot to mention that the training period is but a few days, just short of a full week at about five to six. And whereas the Slayer's ancestor and the Wretch both have a great deal of previous combat experience against our current enemy and many others. Those from Lucifer's circle have no comprehension or skill when it comes to fighting even a lowly Imp or a possessed soul." He pointed out.
"Oh yes. That did slip my mind. Good catch, Gabriel." Vega complimented.
"Why?" He questioned before saying more, "Do you not think that they will be burdens to him? Or that he won't be concerned with their well-being when the time comes to confront our foes?" He asked.
"That is where our allies play their part." Vega answered before looking to the Wraiths, who had been silent so far, "Would you mind explaining it to him?" He requested.
"The seraph Samur. He created new energy through the mixture of our power, that of the divine, and that of the corrupted." They began as Gabriel looked at them as well, needing a moment to take in the astounding details of their appearance, "Argent is the name he bestowed it. A power capable of infinite feats if appropriately utilized. It is through this energy that the Slayer's companions shall be elevated closer to his level." They informed.
"You...can't be serious..." Gabriel said in disbelief, "Although I am not too familiar with Samur's creation. I know well enough that it is in such an early stage that we cannot begin to fathom the results of what you are proposing. While yes, we know that it can accelerate the healing of a body and soul under a controlled situation with limited exposure. But the amount required to not only ensure the Sentinels won't accidentally kill them with a simple sparring match but also will allow them to fight the demons without issue is beyond concerning!" He argued.
"This is true. Unless they receive the Argent from the source." The Wraiths told him. Holding his tongue for a few moments, he thought about their response.
"...That's why you're here." Gabriel realized as he looked back to his father, "You're here to provide a source of purity. The Wraiths, of course, are their power. And the others will be the source of corruption, for that is already what their souls are made of!" He pieced together.
"The sharpest wit of all my children." Vega proudly praised, "They innately are one component of the process to creating Argent. And with me and the Wraiths being the ones to give them the other two, we can ensure a safe and completely controlled application of both our powers. We will also
be using the divinity machine made by the Sentinels and the Maykrs to help streamline the process." He explained.
"Even so, they'll still only have but a few days to train. They may have newly obtained power, but will that be enough time to obtain the skills to wield it and their new weapons properly?" Gabriel asked.
"We have methods that will eliminate all fatigue. Regardless if it is physical or mental." The Wraiths assured.
"They'll be allowed breaks, though." Vega said, "Albeit, they'll need to be short so our time is efficiently used. But they'll have breaks nonetheless." He added.
"And for those who won't be training?" Gabriel inquired.
"They'll have their ways of contributing." He began before listing them all, "Vox and Sir Pentious will work with the engineers and forge masters to make new weapons, armors, and other inventions to aid us in the conflict. Those gifted in the arcane arts such as Alastor and Velvet will learn new techniques, spells, etc. And finally, for those not suited for fighting or spellcasting and potion brewing, such as Nifty or Husk, they'll provide moral support for the others as they train and the same for our troops." He informed.
"Oh, wonderful. The alcoholic's going to make us a brew." Gabriel said with a sigh, "Still, even with the presence of that drunkard, this all sounds reasonable. I assume the Khans and Samur are going to remain in the circle and aid in overseeing everything as I do the same here?" He suggested.
"Correct," Vega confirmed.
"Then, I suppose we have nothing left to say on the matter." He decided before giving his father a VERY disapproving look, "However, I DO wish you'd start sharing these spontaneous ideas with me. It is rather tiresome to be surprised constantly." He confessed.
"It wasn't mine, I swear." Vega replied while raising his hands defensively, "I spoke to Charlie and asked her how she and the others were holding up. And she told me that they were doing okay, but they wished they could do something more." He explained.
"Father. That is a conversation. In no way at all did she put this plan you've shared with me into your head; that was all YOUR doing." Gabriel argued.
"Pointless details." He refuted, trying to wave away the blame, "Let us not focus on that. Instead, let's turn our attention to preparing for our arrivals and assess the current status of the conflict." He suggested.
"Very well, father." Gabriel agreed, planning to give him another stern talking to later.
Meanwhile, In Lucifer's Circle...
"You want to do what?" Stella questioned with widened eyes, for what Helsa just said came out of nowhere.
Being delivered by the Slipgate to the front of the Eldritch manor, Stella, Octavia, and Verosika
were not even a foot inside the building before Helsa greeted them by revealing what her big plan was.
"A party. I want to throw a party." She repeated, "But don't get the wrong idea. It won't be like the one Will had. Think of it more like a banquet for all of our followers and supporters to meet at and talk about the movement." She clarified.
"Not that I'm against throwing any kind of party, so long as there's booze, but do you think that's what we should be focused on right now?" Verosika asked, referring to the situation with William.
"It'd be suspicious if we stayed COMPLETELY silent." She answered, "Think about it, we've been nothing but vocal this entire time, AND we don't know how long whatever's going on with Will is going to last. So we need to keep up appearances not to raise any suspicion." She argued, "Which, by the way, I still don't know what the fuck's going on." She reminded.
"You know, she makes a decent point." Octavia chimed in, "I know I'm not a part of any of this. But if you guys suddenly drop off the face of Hell for no reason at all, everyone from every corner of our circle's going to look into it. And it'd be bad if Channel 666 News of all people gets involved." She said
"The LAST thing we need is Tom Trench and his lackeys poking their noses into sensitive business." Stella replied, agreeing with her daughter, "And so long as this party you're proposing is nothing more than a banquet or something similar, it shouldn't raise too many eyebrows." She continued, "But keeping this entirely quiet is going to be a challenge. Even with all the resources, we have at our disposal." She noted.
"Which is why I think we should use this as an opportunity to have a sit down with the Magnes as well." Helsa proposed, "If we can get them to join in, then they will easily keep every mouth shut about the whole thing." She explained.
"Hmm, that could work. But we'd need to contact Lucifer or Lillith and tell them about this." Stella said.
"That won't be a problem. Our family has a direct line to their home number, one call, and we can get this whole thing set up." She replied.
"Then I'll get started on that while you get things going on our end." Stella volunteered as she walked further into the manor to find a phone.
"Sounds good. Tell them that I want to have it here at the estate for absolute privacy!" She told her, receiving a thumbs up from Stella to show she understood.
"Ugh, am I going to have to get dolled up in some stupid dress or something?" Verosika asked with a groan.
"Not at all." She answered, much to the succubus's relief, "But, if you could be a dear and call all of your friends, employees, and anyone else you know to come as well, that'd be appreciated. Have to make this look official and everything." She requested.
"Oh yeah, sure, those bitches will be up for it the moment I mention free food," Verosika assured before she took out her cellphone to start making calls.
Watching the succubus also walk away and go into the nearby living room for some privacy, this left Helsa and Octavia alone with each other.
"Nice cloak." Helsa complimented as she looked the teen over, "Seriously, it's almost radiant somehow." She added.
"Thanks. It was a gift from a family friend." Octavia said, leaving out that it was Gabriel who gave it to her as she didn't want Helsa to make a big deal of it, "I like your suit. I don't think I've seen you wear that one in any of the interviews before." She pointed out.
"That's because my daddy just gave it to me~" Helsa explained with a blissful, almost lustful sigh.
"Um...okay..." She replied in an awkward tone, for it weirded her out that she'd refer to her dad like that, "I'm...going to go see how mom's doing..." She decided before walking away.
"You do that," Helsa said as she watched her leave, a slight smirk appearing on her face once she was gone.