"So, what fresh hell do you think is waiting for us?" Sir Pentious asked, both he and Vox on their way to the forge.
Although the Wretch told them that he'd talk to the forge master about how they helped save Samur's life. The snake demon was leaning more towards the outcome where nothing would change in the slightest. In contrast, Vox, on the other side of this attitude coin, was thinking positively.
"We performed without fail under pressure, designed a body of utmost quality for a Seraph, and the Wretch has by now spoken to our temporary boss. I don't think any hell awaits you and me." He answered.
"Don't underestimate these people, Vox. If there's anything I've learned in the two days we've been here, it's that." Sir Pentious warned.
"I'm not. I base this assumption entirely on the Sentinels' culture. The way to earn respect and
climb higher in society is to prove one's worth through their actions. Furthermore, our instructor has been drilling into us the importance of speed and efficiency in chaotic situations. We accomplished all of that when we not only built a body for someone who was in critical condition, but that same person was also a revered figure from Heaven. So while I don't think we'll suddenly be considered equal to her or anything outlandish like that. However, our situation will improve." He explained.
"Ah, I envy your misplaced positivity..." Sir Pentious replied with a sigh and slumped shoulders. "Since when did you become a pessimist?" He asked.
"When we were pushed down a ten-foot drop and turned into demon hacky sacks being passed around from Sentinel to Sentinel." Sir Pentious answered.
"Oh, come now, it wasn't the worst experience of either of our lives. I'd GLADLY take another beating from them than relive the experience of having Vega hack my body, take control over it, then be thrown out a window to my death by someone I considered a friend who I now realize is an irredeemable bastard." He said, seeming to vent a little.
"Whoa..." Sir Pentious replied, taken aback, "...Do...you want to talk about that?..." He hesitantly asked as their conversation just took a sudden shift in tone.
"No. Or rather, not right now." Vox answered with a sigh, "It's something I'm still working out personally. But when I feel ready to leave myself vulnerable in more ways than one, you and Velvet will be the ones I call." He promised before both men came to a stop outside the forge, "For now, let's focus on the work ahead and what we can do to help." He told him.
"Hmph. I still think you're delusionally optimistic about this." Sir Pentious stated with a smile while placing his hand on one of the doors, "But, I appreciate you trusting me to be there for you when you-"
Unable to finish that sentence as he fell face-first onto the ground, this sudden lack of balance was caused by the doors, one of which he was leaning against, suddenly being pulled open.
"Pentious, are you okay?" Vox asked while kneeling to help him up.
"In every way but my dignity Vox, as usual." He answered as he rose.
"My apologies, Pentious." A robotic voice spoke, causing them to freeze, "I detected your approach a few moments ago. I didn't realize you'd reach out for the door right as I opened it." It explained.
Slowly moving their gaze to the entrance, they were surprised to see Samur standing there.
"Oh...hey...guy..." Sir Pentious awkwardly greeted with a slight wave, "What brings you to planet badass? Did our body fuck up? If so...shit, sorry." He asked, preemptively apologizing.
"Not at all. If anything, your design has...opened my eye, so to say." Samur answered before turning his back to them, "Come. We should talk as we move. It'll save us time." He told them before leading the way.
"Has something else happened in the circle?" Vox immediately inquired as they followed, assuming there had to be an important reason for his presence.
"No. Although the battle for earth still wages on. Nothing severe has happened since the attack on Urdak." He assured, "The reason why I have come to speak with both of you is that I value your intelligence. And I need your help with what I shared with you and the Khans previously." He explained.
"Oh! The whole tracking down the demons plan!" Sir Pentious recalled with a snap of his fingers.
"Correct. At the moment, I've managed to isolate their power to the Gore Nests. That in of itself isn't so surprising. But how their energy is surging at specific points throughout a single day is." He said.
"They're moving between each of the nests. Meaning if we can figure out a routine or pattern, should there even be one, we could use it to target nests that they're not at strategically." Vox realized.
"No. That wouldn't work..." Sir Pentious replied as he put a hand to his chin, "I don't claim to be an expert on how those assholes do everything. But I know for sure that if something as small as a fly so much as flew around funnily, they'd know about it. The bastards are as paranoid and hyper- vigilant as Will." He shared.
"That they are. But with so many different energy signatures and power sources present on earth from both sides of the conflict. We could set the groundwork for our assault with some well- executed infiltration and sabotage." Samur suggested.
"I don't know; that still sounds nigh impossible." Vox argued as he closed his eyes to think, "The only way that could be achieved is if the entry into or near the nests was, at most, the size of a baseball or something else in that range." He estimated.
"...HOLY SHIT!" Sir Pentious shouted without warning, managing to startle Samur, Vox, and some Sentinels nearby.
"Is something wrong?" Samur asked as the serpent stared at him with widened eyes.
"NO! SOMETHING RIGHT!" He answered as he turned to Vox, "THE SPICK AND SPAN SPIDER AND THE MURDER MANTIS!" He exclaimed.
"...Oh...OH...Pentious! You're a genius!" Vox praised after slowly understanding what he was
getting at.
"Would you mind telling me what is going on in those demonic thoughts of yours?" Samur requested.
"A while ago, we made a bunch of tiny robots to help us with Will's party, long story." Sir Pentious began, covering the basics, "However, these aren't your robot puppy dollar store toy bullshit robots. With a bit of reprogramming and some modifications, they could be the tools we need to carry out this plan!" He explained.
"How big are they?" Samur inquired.
"They fit in the palm of your hand, about the same size as a baseball, if not a bit smaller," Vox informed.
"Hm, well then. It seems my decision to see the two of you has paid off perfectly." Samur said, "Come. The forge master is waiting for us at the Slipgate here in the building. It'll take us back to the circle where we can begin our work." He shared.
"Wait, what about our training?" Sir Pentious asked.
"The Wretch spoke to the forge master, who then requested an audience with me to evaluate your work on my new body, to which she was beyond impressed." He answered.
"She...She was?" Sir Pentious questioned; both he and Vox were stunned to hear that.
"Yes. However, if you'd prefer to stick to your training of being worked to death rather than help me in a comfortable setting. I'll understand." He responded.
"NO! PLEASE! TAKE US WITH YOU!" They practically begged, desperate to be free, which made him dryly chuckle.
"Then let's go. We haven't a moment to waste." He said.
Following close behind Samur after that, the three super-geniuses would soon leave the Sentinel world to begin their work.
Elsewhere, In The Wraiths' Chamber...
By default, Alastor, Stolas, and Velvet were all confident and proud, not needing any praise or recognition from others to make themselves feel good. They knew their abilities were superb; it wasn't purely luck or chance that they were recognized as some of the strongest people in their circle of Hell. And yet, not one could keep from feeling a surge of pride swell inside them as they received praise from cosmic gods.
"Each of you performed admirably." The Wraiths began, referring to yesterday, "Despite the suddenness of the situation, you showed no hesitation or reckless behavior. We had no doubts that you were capable, but you've proved in the face of true evil you will not falter. And for that, we commend you." They said.
"It is one of the greatest honors of my long life to receive your praise." Stolas humbly replied while bowing, meaning every word he said.
"As it is for me as well," Alastor responded, doing the same as the nobleman.
"Does this mean we get to learn our next new power?" Velvet asked with glee and a grin, which made the owl demon sigh.
"Velvet. We MUST work on your etiquette." Stolas commented with a worried expression, concerned she just insulted them.
"It is quite alright." The Wraiths assured, allowing him to relax, "We find her personality refreshing. We are not offended." They added.
"Hehe! See, Stolas? I'm a delight!" She exclaimed with an ear-to-ear grin.
"Returning our attention to your lessons. Yes, Velvet. It is time for you to begin practicing your next technique alongside what we have shown you so far." They confirmed.
"We've got a solid handle on moving about the place like a lightning bolt. Is our next move a bit more offensive or perhaps defensive?" Alastor inquired.
"Both. But, it is something that you will need to assist your allies with." They responded. "Isn't everything we're learning to help them?" Stolas questioned.
"You misunderstand. When we said you, we were referring to Alastor. And those who need assistance are you two." They clarified.
"Wait...does that mean it has to do with summoning?" Velvet asked while tilting her head out of confusion.
"Indeed. However, you will not be summoning beasts or creatures. As stated, those from your circle, at best, would pose a threat to the lowly Imps of Doom. Perhaps a Hell Knight if they were so fortunate. What we shall be teaching you is the technique to create Lost Souls." They revealed.
"Lost Souls...hmm...I'm sorry. I don't think I remember that particular demon." Alastor confessed as he rubbed his chin.
"That is not surprising. Lost Souls are the lowest form of creature in Doom's hierarchy. They wander creation aimlessly; their only purpose and drive in existence are to find a vessel that they might overpower and obtain a life of their own. Less, of course, they are under direct control and order of the Dark One. By teaching you how to summon your own, you can infuse them with your power. Then you may use them as bombardments, a means to safely possess lesser demons from afar and protect yourself by using them as a shield. But we are sure that you will think of more creative uses." They said.
"Forgive me." Stolas spoke up while stepping forward, "I may sound ignorant by asking this; it may also be strange coming from a demon who before enjoyed the suffering of others like any proper Hellspawn. But isn't it cruel to create a new form of life if its sole purpose is to commit suicide via an explosion?" He asked.
"If you were a demon known as the Pain Elemental, then it would be as the Lost Souls of Doom do possess basic sentience. The Lost Souls that you will create are nothing more than extensions of your soul." The Wraiths answered.
"Sounds good to me!" Alastor exclaimed as he clapped his hands, "So! Where should I start? The basics of summoning? How to channel your power? Or should we decide on what you shall call me
so long as I am your instructor?" He suggested while looking to his companions. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Stolas asked while crossing his arms.
"More than you could know!" He answered with a grin.
Elsewhere, At The Divinity Machine...
Have you ever taken a good long look at the bugs splattered on a windshield and how their bodies, due to the impact, were turned into a chunky liquid? Imagine if one time, despite the odds and the factors in play, one of those bugs managed to remain intact but was battered to kingdom come.
That insect was Valentino, who laid on the floor as though he were a corpse.
"If he wasn't such a bastard, I might feel...anything," BJ commented, both he and the Wretch standing over him.
"Our deepest apologies, sir." A Templar who stood near the door spoke to him while placing an arm across their chest, "It may take some effort getting him to talk again. Not long after he agreed to share information with you, which brought his punishment to its end, he passed out." They explained.
"No need to feel bad. All of you did what we wanted." He assured as he squatted beside the demon, "Just give us the room so we can have our chat, okay?" He requested.
Responding with a silent nod, the Templar left.
"So, should I kick him, or are you planning to punch him in the face?" The Wretch asked.
"Far be it from me to pass up the opportunity to punch this SOB." BJ answered as he rolled Valentino onto his back, "But if we want to get as much as possible without bringing in the Templars for round two, we need to be gentle for right now." He explained.
"And when we get what we need from him?" The Wretch inquired.
"The whole planet could have a turn, and I wouldn't think twice about it." He said before lightly slapping Valentino's face repeatedly.
Slowly the moth demon returned to the land of the living, waking with a startle as he now FEARED the WW2 vet more than anything.
"Hey now, take it easy." BJ told him, doing his best to get Valentino to calm down, "We just want to talk to you. Like before." He informed.
"W...W...Where are they?..." Valentino asked, looking frantically around for any trace of the Templars.
"They're not here. The Templars only showed up because you needed a lesson. So long as you aren't stubborn anymore, then they won't come back." He promised.
"No...I'll talk...I'll talk...don't send them back in..." Valentino pleaded, now willing to be fully cooperative.
"That's good, Valentino. I'm glad to hear it." He said, "Now, we don't need to know THAT much. Our top priority is the Gore Nests, the Marauders, and the mastermind behind it all. Fill us in on
those three things, and we're even." He instructed.
"There's five...not counting the sixth, which is the biggest one..." Valentino began, starting with the Gore Nests, "They're not big on patrols or security...which makes sense since if they notice any intruders, they can send a small army to deal with it...but that also makes it very easy to sneak around if you know what to expect...avoid the shamblers and the Imps, and you'll be fine..." He told them.
"Why does the sixth one not count?" The Wretch asked, finding that detail concerning.
"That's...where the Dark One is...after we got control over the planet and the other Gore Nests were empowered...his soul was placed in that one, and it's acting like a siphon..." He answered.
"The Dark One plans to acquire a new body." The Wretch realized.
"So any attack, no matter how well planned or covert, would immediately be noticed?" BJ inquired.
"Let's just say...you could be a whole city away...and you so much as touch the ground with a toe he'll know..." He explained.
"What of the Marauders? What is the extent of their presence on Earth?" The Wretch asked.
"The head honcho...the Cyberdemon...he won't leave the central Gore Nest unless the Dark One orders him to do so...the two silent brutes who usually accompany him will also be there...it's the two witches who're constantly moving around between the Nests to oversee everything you'll need to be worried about..." He answered.
"Is there any pattern to their movements?" BJ inquired.
"They hang around each Nest for five hours...each one at a different Nest to be more efficient...so there's a window where neither will be at three of them...but if they even smell something weird, they'll send everything into high alert..." He informed with a warning.
"Are there any weaknesses in their defenses? And are they any new demons that've been made?" The Wretch asked.
"They've been tinkering with some shit...but I never knew anything about it...never saw any new demons fighting the Sentinels...so they might have them working in the Nests..." He answered.
"I thought you said only shamblers and Imps would be there?" BJ questioned.
"The last time I checked, yeah...but shit might be different now...it's been a while since I've seen the insides of each Gore Nest..." He explained.
"And this is all you know? Everything of absolute value?" The Wretch asked.
"Yeah...I don't know anything else...and as for weaknesses...since you asked...I can't think of any...not trying to brag...but our plan pretty much guaranteed our control of the planet...it gave us a perfect advantage..." He answered.
"Hmph. I'm impressed." BJ said as he stood, "Well, we'll keep our end of the bargain. Take a while to rest up." He advised before he and the Wretch exited the machine.
Waiting until the door was fully sealed behind them, with no chance of Valentino hearing them
now, they started a new conversation. "A penny for your thoughts." BJ offered.
"He was entirely truthful. And I don't believe that solely because he was beaten." The Wretch started while crossing his arms, "Everything he shared falls in line with what I'd expect from our adversaries. And should he be lying or withholding some information, Samur has a plan that'll fix that issue and then some. As for our approach, I believe it'd be best if we spoke to the Slayer, our allies, and held a conference where everyone can speak their mind on the matter." He suggested.
"Agreed. We all need to be on the same page here. We screw up at all, and it's everyone's ass." BJ replied.
"When are we going to resume his punishment?" He asked, referring to Valentino.
"Give him a few hours to think it's over, then start letting the others and anyone else who wants beat the shit out of him. When this is all over, Gabriel's got a claim to his soul for his court." BJ answered.
"Even I fear what the archangel of justice has planned for a soul such as Valentino's." He responded with a small laugh as they began walking away.
"Nothing like some old testament divinity to make you repent," BJ said.
Sometime Later, In The Wilds...
From a distance in any direction, should a person or beast look up into the sky, they'd see something that resembled a fireworks display happening above the planet. But in truth, it was something far more impressive, as it was God himself battling with his granddaughter. Although Lucifer hadn't shared anything about his siblings or his past in Heaven with his daughter, at least nothing that went into too much detail, he did teach Charlie how to summon her wings and fly with them. To Vega, this gave Charlie a massive advantage on the battlefield.
However, she'd need to learn how to fly with expert evasion while maintaining an offense. That is what brought them to their training for today. Vega would remain stationary in the sky as Charlie flew around him, evading his attacks while throwing out some of her own.
"Steady now, Charlie." He told her as five small spheres of light appeared above his left hand's fingertips, "You'll only be able to fly for so long before a strike meets its mark. You need to hit me." He said.
"I'm trying! I've never had to fly this fast before! I've also never needed to attack something while I fly!" She responded before sending a dagger of Argent at him.
Slowly turning his head to the right as the dagger flew past him, off by about five feet, Vega returned his attention to Charlie right as she started cursing herself.
"Hm, a bit off." He commented, "Here, let me show you how it's supposed to go." He offered.
Not a second after Vega said that was Charlie struck, all five of the candy size spheres he summoned above his fingers hit her at such a high speed she couldn't see it. Of course, Vega wasn't trying to harm his granddaughter; at worst, they felt like someone aggressively poking her.
"Thanks for not making those explode like the others..." She said in a defeated tone while coming to a stop.
"The exploding ones are to hone your dodging skills. I'd have to be out of my mind to throw one with the intent of hitting you directly at your person." He replied as he moved closer to her, "Plus, I don't think your parents would be too keen if I blew you up." He joked, managing to make her laugh.
"Pretty sure Will would have a problem with that too." She told him with a small smile. Which sadly disappeared after a few seconds went by, "Vaggie's training is going a lot smoother than mine, I bet..." She assumed.
"You're too hard on yourself. I'm honest when I say you're progressing fine, Charlie." He assured.
"It's hard to believe that when I can't hit a STATIONARY TARGET after trying for nearly an hour." She replied.
"Which, and I mean no offense, is strange." He admitted, "You had no problems throwing daggers or spheres at me when we were on the ground. Is it truly so much more difficult for you when you're in the air?" He asked.
"I RARELY use my wings. Like, at all." She answered before pointing at him, "On top of that, having to focus on dodging, summoning attacks, and aiming at my target all at once is REALLY hard. Is there some way we could maybe simplify it?" She inquired.
"Hmm..." He hummed, giving it some thought, "...Oh! That's it! Vega, how could you not think of this sooner?" He said to himself while snapping his fingers, "For all of my children, I crafted them each a weapon to their specifications and desires. It only makes sense that I do the same for my granddaughter." He decided.
"Wait...you're...going to make me a weapon?..." She asked with widened eyes.
"Mhm. Anything at all that you want. Even if it's completely outlandish and impossible, I can make it a reality." He promised.
Holy shit, this was a BIG deal to Charlie. Her grandfather was going to create a weapon of HER choice, and it had to be remarkable. But she was completely blindsided by this; she had nothing prepared, there were so many possibilities which one could she choose?! Then, of course, it didn't help that he said it could be ANYTHING, even something that doesn't EXIST, like, what is a princess to do in this situation of infinitives?!
Then she thought about Vaggie and how she wielded a very impressive-looking spear as a weapon. Not a gun, not some high-tech invention, or something based on magic. Vaggie kept it simple and used something easy to understand but challenging to master. That, in turn, helped her to decide on what weapon she wanted, and the more she thought about it, it seemed...right.
"Grandpa...I think...I've figured out what I want..." Charlie slowly said as another smile appeared on her features, though much bigger than the last, "I want a-"
Stopping before she could finish her sentence, she saw Vega holding a pure snow-white bow in his hands as she looked at him.
"Sorry." He apologized while looking down at the weapon, "I made an educated guess. Was I accurate?" He asked.
Remaining silent rather than responding, Charlie reached out and grabbed onto the weapon to take it from him.
"It's...beautiful..." She muttered, bringing it closer to her body, "It's so smooth, shiny too." She noted.
"I opted for an ornate design. Something I've done with all the previous weapons crafted by my hand." He explained, "You may notice a lack of arrows and a quiver. That is because the bow is tied to your soul. Only you will be able to wield it unless you allow others to use it. Even I cannot wield it now that is bound with you. Thus ensuring it can never be stolen or misused." He informed.
"Wow..." She said, still at a loss, "So...that means like the daggers and the spheres, the arrows will be made with Argent?" She guessed.
"That they will. And much like how you made the dagger explode yesterday when it was in my hand, you can imbue different properties or cause various effects with them." He told her.
Noticing a few tears begin to form in her eyes, Vega wasn't surprised when Charlie threw herself forward to hug him.
"Thank you, grandpa." She said to show her appreciation.
"Think nothing of it, dear. If anything, this is the first in a LONG list of overdue presents from me." He responded, "But before we get started on making up for all of the birthdays and celebrations I've missed. Let's resume our training by shifting it to learning and mastering your bow; sound good?" He suggested, receiving a nod in reply.
A Few Hours Later, In The Capital City...
"Why the fuck do we have to come along with you again?" Husk asked Nifty. He and everyone else who wasn't participating in the training walking together towards the arena.
This motley group was the same as yesterday, with one new addition, comprising Husk, Nifty, Azrael, Stella, Octavia, Verosika, Nifty, and Gabriel. The only absence was that of Loona's and Daisy's, but for a good reason. Nifty spent the morning learning more from the chefs in the dining hall; Husk and Azrael explored the city alongside Octavia and Stella, then Gabriel was busy up until now with his duties regarding the ongoing war. But when lunch began creeping over the horizon, they all gathered at the dining hall as was the norm, only to find Nifty waiting for them with two large baskets of food.
"Because Husk! I thought it'd be fun if we had lunch in the arena today!" She answered with a grin.
"Nifty, that makes NO goddamn sense." He countered while crossing his arms, "What about Alastor and the others? Or Vega and Charlie? How about Will's grandpa and the Wretch? THEY don't know we're doing this." He pointed out.
"That is true. It will be odd seeing how few of us are gathered in the dining hall today." Azrael agreed.
"You need not worry about BJ and the Wretch." Gabriel spoke up, "They sought me out earlier telling me what information they extracted from Valentino. After which, they returned to your circle to convene with the Khans and Samur." He informed.
"Alright, so two people won't be confused. That still leaves most of our group, though." Husk replied.
"Eh, it's not like they'll go hungry or anything." Octavia said with a shrug, "Nifty's learning her cooking from the Sentinels, who are insanely good chefs. So in regards to the food quality, they won't go hungry." She reasoned.
"And who knows, perhaps having a far less populated meal will be better for all of us," Stella suggested, joining the conversation.
"You're just glad your ex won't be glued to Gabriel," Husk responded.
"Hmph, I won't lie, that IS a significant benefit." She admitted before looking to the archangel, "How did that happen, by the way?" She inquired.
"He is eternally grateful for me saving you and Octavia. Now he's gone from hating me to wanting to be the president of my fan club." Gabriel explained.
"Pretty sure that position's already OW!"
Wincing in pain as he pulled his tail closer to his body, Husk shouted like that and was in pain due to Stella "accidentally" stepping on his tail.
"Will all of you PLEASE stop saying such nonsense?!" She requested, speaking in a harsh tone, "How many times must I get it through your thick skulls?! Gabriel and I are ACQUAINTANCES!" She nearly screamed for emphasis.
"You SURE about that?..." Octavia muttered to herself, unable to forget this morning.
"Sheesh, ya crazy bitch." Husk said with a hiss as he looked over his tail, Azrael doing the same out of concern, "Ya didn't need to try and separate my fucking tail over it." He told her.
"I don't know; I think I'll have to side with Stella on this one." Verosika chimed in, taking her gal pal's side, "You guys have been SUPER pushy about her and Gabriel. It's a little weird, honestly." She commented.
"...I could throw you off of this fucking bridge." He told her. For at that moment, she was the biggest fucking hypocrite in existence. Regardless of any love potion.
"Try it, and I WILL sever that tail." She warned.
"Guys! No fighting before lunch! You'll get upset stomachs!" Nifty intervened before pointing ahead, "Also, we're here!" She added.
"Good. Now we can hurry up and eat." Octavia said as she put a hand on her abdomen.
However, before they got closer to the arena's main entrance, they were stopped. Shooting out of the building and into the sky like a poorly made firework, soon a familiar face, albeit dressed in a high-tech super-suit, crashed in front of the group.
"God fucking damn it! This is the fifth fucking time I've done this shit!" He angrily shouted as he dusted himself off, which is right when he noticed the others looking at him, "Oh hey! Nice to see all of you. AND you brought food!" He greeted, taking notice of the two baskets Nifty was carrying.
"Blitzo...what the hell are you wearing?..." Verosika asked while pointing to his suit.
"Hm? OH, this?" He questioned with a shit-eating grin while gesturing to the outfit, "Nothing special. It's just a suit that WILL had specially made for ME! He even made more for the rest of us who are training with him." He revealed.
"He...He what?..." She replied as all the life in her face flushed out.
"You heard me." He said as he got up from the ground, "Anyway, I should hurry back in there before we take a break for lunch." He told her with a snap of his fingers and a click of his tongue before walking away.
Watching the lean Imp head inside as if nothing happened, everyone had their own thoughts and feelings about this information.
"Huh, so Will decked everyone out with suits like his...that...DEFINITELY won't come back and explode in all of our faces..." Husk said.
"Who CARES about that?!" Verosika asked, BEYOND frustrated, "That smug son of a bitch received a gift from William before ME!" She exclaimed with a pout as an idea came to her mind, "But...maybe he'll give me a suit of my own! William!" She called out before she hurried inside.
"We should stop her before she somehow convinces Will to give her one. Which is practically impossible but not entirely." Octavia suggested.
"If that happens, then we WILL most assuredly die," Stella replied as they followed after her.