The Slayer shoots a zombie nearby with his energy sidearm as he leads the group inside a large chamber, seemingly the top floor of a chapel tower. Carol was near tired and wanted a safe place for Henry. The eerie environment became dry enough so that she could hear creatures coming for them soon, but this was no place for a child to be right now.
Carol took another deep breath and let it out slowly. She relaxed her muscles and accepted that whatever came would be. She might die here in a few minutes, but she would die fighting to keep people in her life safe along with the others. Everyone could see there was another statue, a knight in armor that held a chainsaw-styled halberd. But unlike the other sculptures, this one had a face of some kind. One of its arms was missing, although the statue looked like it got raised before it had crumbled. Much to the group's surprise, the Slayer paused to observe it for a few seconds before moving onward.
Henry looked at it as well, his eyes wandering all over. "Who is that guy?"
"Must've been an important figure back then in this world," Morgan answered, taking note of the Slayer's actions just moments ago. "The place here aged pretty well over here."
VEGA: {That is King Novik. He was the former ruler of Argent D'Nur, and thus was also once supreme commander of the Night Sentinels. He was able to help the Slayer, giving him a new purpose and a second chance.}
"A second chance at what?" Carol asked.
VEGA: {I can't answer that, Carol. How can a person truly be defined? Much of the reason has to come from the Slayer himself, just like where this unfettered hatred for the demons stems from long ago.}
The Slayer merely huffed and continued onward in silence. Carol, Morgan, and Henry looked at one another, leaving them open to imagine something there but without direction.
Why is this man so determined to kill every demon he sees?
Why is it that he's the only one who can slay these demons with such ease?
What is it that makes the Slayer so impossibly strong and angry?
Ahead of the group was another wolf spirit that howled before running off and disappearing. Carol also noticed that under the statue seemed to be a golden item, radiating in such power beyond everyone's comprehension. The group rounded the cage until the Slayer moved to grab it, absorbing it into his Praetor Suit. His armored fists glowed yellow for a moment before he steps inside the enclosure, motioning everyone to follow him.
As the rest followed, it turned out the spot was an elevator that descends to the next floor. But all of a sudden, the group was immediately attacked by zombies, causing some of them to jolt back while the Slayer groaned mentally. Instead of just destroying them, the Slayer switched out for his heavy assault rifle and kneecapped them before finishing each one off hand-to-hand.
One, he just grabbed its neck and snapped it, then swung a meaty hook to crush through the other one in halves until it fell. With the last zombie, he brought another fist down on its head so hard it got buried inside its chest cartoonishly. The Slayer and everyone else climbed their way and then dropped down through a hole in the floor.
The first thing the group noticed was electric bolts from the wall at points in regular intervals. The next showed some zombies that the Slayer quickly blasted to death with his combat shotgun. The group moved forward, careful to avoid the electric traps until they encountered a group of Hell-Soldiers who charged and fired. Morgan's lips curled into a murderous scowl that would send a shiver up any human's spine, launching himself forward.
Morgan made sure to time, so he missed the electric bolt, slashing and stabbing through their heads with the sharpened stick. A group of about four zombies gnarred after, and the Slayer ran past Morgan and right at them. Instead of shooting, the Slayer punched the one in front, which lets loose a massive shockwave of yellow energy, splattering the rest into oblivion.
"Whoa! What was that?! Is that what you just picked up?" Henry asked.
VEGA: {Data records show the ability is known as the Blood Punch. It absorbs energy from demonic foes by performing standard melee attacks, using the Slayer's left fist once it's charged.}
"That sounds pretty useful," Carol noted.
The group then continues forward, showing no enemies to distract them. Morgan noticed they walked past a flag pole that looked like a swing, followed by a large hole in the wall that led further down. Soon, the Slayer approaches a floating device that seemed to radiate some energy similar to the Blood Punch he picked up previously.
"What is that?" Carol asked.
VEGA: {That is a Rune Terminal, which can allow those who find it to empower themselves. They will serve as a great help on the Slayer's task to bring down the demonic legions.}
The group then watched as the Slayer seemed to ponder something for a moment. The next thing they knew, he reached out to touch the object as its power started transferring through him, surging across his body. As the light left the device, the Slayer took a look at his hands until clenching them tightly. The Slayer could see that he had caught everyone by surprise once he glanced back at them, then motions the group to keep going. He jumped at a nearby flag pole, swinging up through the passage ahead of them. The group carefully climbed and followed the Slayer across the walls until they made it to the other side. The Slayer got done waiting, apparently walking through the hole in the wall, with everyone else following along.
VEGA: {It would be best if you all knew the information about our enemies by the time we encounter more of them at the shore outside. Are there any you all need the knowledge to utilize?}
"We've only dealt with the dead back on our world," Carol said, watching the Slayer uneasily. "And sometimes people too. Some that are just too much to be alive once they had become the monsters they weren't supposed to be."
"We only don't know the names of what you call those demons," Morgan said if just barely, wondering more about the monsters they have seen before. "Like those blade-handled winged ones and the floating meatballs with teeth."
VEGA: {There are many hordes of ferocious demons that you will all encounter in the meantime. But until the point when we find any rowboats suitable for the Slayer's use, I will explain to you all a few helpful tips on how to defeat them effortlessly.}
"Kind of like how you took out those walkers minutes ago, right?" Henry grinned in victory, the toothy smile making the Slayer roll his eyes with a single nod.
Carol sighed but nodded. "Hopefully."
The group descended a spiral staircase that had gotten destroyed. Each person hopped a gap in the middle before the Slayer blasted a Shielder into oblivion. As the survivors could also hear the sounds of fighting coming from further down, Morgan looked down and snatched the fallen Shielder's piece of metallic equipment. By the time he sets it on, Morgan thrusts out a big, translucent blue energy shield. Carol and Henry seemed surprised by what Morgan had prepared.
"Okay, I think this will work," Morgan said, earning a nod from the woman and boy.
The staircase ended at the floor above, with climbing as the only way down. With the Slayer popping out two empty shells and shoving fresh new ones into his super shotgun, everyone else came prepared to fight just as much as the Slayer is right now. They needed to get past through a few more hostile creatures to get outside and find their perfect rowing boat. Initially, the Slayer thought about jumping into the water and being done with it, but he would probably sink to the bottom and lose more time than his temper would take.
"Ready when you are," Morgan said, only to notice the Slayer had already leaped below.
The group climbed down, ready to persevere their way through as the Slayer was already blasting through some Hell-Soldiers. Five blasts made their way into five other heads; the three Blasters and two Imps wouldn't be a problem anymore. Brain matter splattered out of their heads, with each expression stuck in terror. Henry used the time to notice that the room possessed three things worth noting: a pillar in the center with flag poles, a series of support columns making a circle all around, and had fireballs shooting out of them.
"Who makes this stuff?" Henry asked aloud.
"Look, I don't know. But we need to keep going before any of us put ourselves into more danger," Carol said, glancing down at him.
Just then, a red light came from the group's side, and Morgan prepared for a fight. As the demonic teleportation flash finished, Carol nearly froze, spotting another Hell-Knight that roared before charging after Morgan. The monster threw a meaty hook, but Morgan evaded and pierced all around its body. The Hell-Knight let out another roar to punch Morgan, who had his energy shield up and got sent crashing into a wall.
Carol panicked, breathing rapidly, unable to move until Henry aimed to shoot at the Hell-Knight's head. The monster went in for a delivered hook, but Carol grabbed Henry to dodge the attack and fire her rifle in its stomach, making it flinch for a second as Carol followed up with another shot to the head. Everything became a blur once Carol vaguely notices the demon now sprawled with her on top of it. She started swinging her unsheathed machete into its barely recognizable face.
The Slayer broke through a Shielder's energy shield and used his chainsaw to slice the zombified soldier in half through the mid-waist. He then twirled around and landed his fist perfectly inside the Imp's skull, impaling the demon. The Slayer's chainsaw cut upwards, splitting the top half of another Imp's body. With a demonic screech, a Gargoyle aimed green projectiles at the Slayer.
But the Slayer turned back around, knocking the attacks aside with his chainsaw. A combat shotgun blast landed through the Gargoyle's skull, silencing its annoying wails. Cocking the combat shotgun once more, the Slayer turned and saw the group fighting another Hell-Knight, causing more irritation within him. That is until he saw something that caught his eyes, raising an eyebrow a little.
Every slam that Carol could conjure started tearing off the skin and bone of its head that she realized she was screaming. Henry could only look on as Carol showed every fiber of her being onto the already dead Hell-Knight. Before Morgan could manage to get up and do something, the woman finally felt something grab her arm. Carol turned and saw the Slayer had caught her weapon with one hand.
At that moment, Carol's senses returned.
The woman looked down just in time for the demon to disintegrate from right beneath her, but not before she saw the bloody stump that became left of its head. Carol also realized she was panting hard, and she did whatever she could to calm herself down. Carol looked and realized she was squeezing her hand closed so tightly she was hurting herself. And once she slowly released it, her joints popped.
"I-I didn't think that was just me. It felt like...!" Carol's shuddering soon got halted by the Slayer's scribbling on his notepad.
ANGER BLOCKS OUT FEAR
YOU ARE AFRAID
BUT TOO ANGRY TO DIE HERE
AND MIGHT NOT GET HOME
TO YOUR FAMILY
And it was just then that Carol remembered what the Slayer had done before in her last run-in with a Hell-Knight when he squeezed her fist tight while growling. Deep inside, Carol knew he was right. The only thing is that Carol thought that she had not fundamentally changed and believed she poses a danger to everyone. But again, Carol was looking out for what's best for her group.
Carol shook her head and sighed. "Okay, I get it. Now, I'll work on controlling it. I can't freak out like that again."
Carol looked to the Slayer and saw his eyes. They weren't sympathetic, but they were less aggressive than usual. He held out his hand, and she took it, letting him pull her up. He stood there for a moment before turning around and walking towards the exit. After a few steps, the Slayer stopped and looked over his shoulder at the group.
"Fine, we're coming," Carol said, with the rest jogging after him when he started moving.
Oddly enough, the Slayer managed to spot something unusual on the ground. It looked like a collectible figurine of the Arachnotron. He went over and picked it up, brushing anything grimy on the likable toy.
"They got toys of them now?" Henry said, glancing back at Carol and Morgan, who both looked equally perplexed by this.
"All of this is getting too much," Morgan shook his head, watching the Slayer shrug before pocketing the toy. "Where do you put all your stuff in?"
"Oh, my god! Guys, I don't want to know where or how it's possible. Can we keep going, please?" Carol exhaled, putting both hands up in depletion by so many bizarre questions arising everywhere.
As soon as they exited the large double doors, everyone found themselves outside again. The first thing the group noticed was that they were much closer to the dock full of wretched vessels. Thankfully enough, before the Slayer was about to tremble in so much anger, Henry pointed towards a rowboat afar.
"I think I see one!" Henry yelled.
It was large enough to fit the entire group. Calming himself for now at this point, the Slayer peered over at the boy and gave him a thumbs-up. It was the best chance the group has right now. The survivors led themselves to the massively-sized rowboat and gestured everyone to get on quickly. And just when the group does so, with the Slayer planting himself onto the craft, he help push the whole rowboat across the water.
Once the group was far enough in the water, the Slayer snatched two oars in the center and began rowing furiously into the sea. It became a big shock for Carol and Morgan, except for Henry, who merely laughed while getting bounced and jostled. The Slayer was pretty much playing the part of the group's rower: a three hundred pound behemoth of pure testosterone and muscle.
They crossed through islands filled with ruins of Argent D'Nur's long-lost civilization, but the Slayer was not concerned. He even passed by some deserted ships with symbols stitched into them. For the time being that everyone had, VEGA spent it by explaining to them all about the classified legions of Hell. He told the survivors about how each monster becomes spawned to do and listed what their vulnerabilities are.
Their minds became blown yet determined when VEGA mentions how demons won't exercise restraint because they will either destroy, gorge, or ravish them when those monsters get the chance. The Slayer glowered upon the kind of torturous methods the demons use towards their victims, desiring to keep everyone prepared for the worst.
Always.
Inside the Sanctuary's meeting room, it became a deathly silence right after Dr. Samuel Hayden's truthful introductory to the situation that the core lieutenants are dealing with at the moment. Some of them are the lieutenants that Hayden met a while ago, whereas other members haven't met him yet.
And the shocking fact that Hayden is nearly over 130 years old was quite the jaw-dropping spectacle. Everybody else had already sat down, with only Dwight standing against the wall nearby. Since Dwight's cover got blown about Sherry, he knew that Negan has other plans for him. How would he be punished? Negan did hint that it was a lesser fate than being killed.
But only questions on what else Hayden could do to make Negan pardon him for what he tried to do. Speaking of which, Negan was seated at the opposite end of the table. He had Lucille on his right shoulder, chewing on the inside of his cheek while taking in every word that came out of Hayden's speech. Honestly, everyone in the room looked tense at this point, for all Hayden was doing was discussing what needed to become heard.
Although Laura felt utterly hurt when Hayden kept his secret from everyone, she was still grateful that he supported her during the fight. Negan stayed fixed at Hayden, showing an evil glint in his eye. Hayden's story about the Doom Slayer made everyone's skin crawl, apart from Negan, who found the situation unusual. Hayden had spoken about the Doom Slayer being a lone-surviving yet terrifying Marine who brutally dispatches every demon he finds.
Whoever this Slayer was to Hayden, Negan could tell that he sounds like he would kill anyone in the worst way possible and that he is still out there when nobody could kill him. Even the rest of the inner circle could tell that the Slayer was somebody who brings tidings of death and torment worse than anything seen by God. But how can one man singlehandedly do things in the most shockingly violent way possible?
"It sounds like a bear hopped up on crack that's way too angry to die." Negan imagined the Slayer in his mind, though still attending to listen more.
"I couldn't tell any of you why I was here, but thankfully, that conundrum has come to an end," Hayden said, gesturing towards all notable members that were facing him. "And now we need to get your Earth ready to bring together the Armored Response Coalition."
All eyes were onto Hayden as he continued and walked around Negan's inner circle. "As chosen Elite Guards for the resistance that I have deemed reliable, I will tell each of you plainly: we need every possible volunteer, every recruit available for this struggle against Hell's armies."
"Their numbers will be great, but we will have the technology and the tools to overcome them." Hayden moved past Laura and Eugene, glancing at each member of the governing council.
"Fight with me," Hayden then turns his attention to Dwight, placing his robotic fingers on his shoulder. "Fight for each other. Because everything you've worked for can create a perfect federation, but it's going to take all of our strength, determination, and courage to get there."
Walking right back to his original spot, Hayden gave Negan a look of promise. "Eventually, the demons will break through every community's defenses here on this Earth sooner or later. Because if we don't push forward, we have nowhere else to fall back to at all."
"Well," Negan spoke afterward, showing a rude smirk on his lips as he finished hearing Hayden's story. "I got to say, Dr. Killjoy, you have my gang here left open-mouthed and clogged by your tinman-sized balls. Not to mention what you've told me about this Doom Slayer because it sounds to me that he's pretty fucking badass. Oddly enough, but badass overall. And you're saying that you let Mr. Badass take the Crucible from you?"
Hayden hummed in exasperation before answering, "Yes, because it's for him to use temporarily for how much time we have left to act now. The Slayer's only current goal is to locate his Fortress deep within the islands of Exultia. Rest assured that he'll figure a way back here on this alternative Earth by the time VEGA logs himself into the ship's systems. That way, my creational plan for the Sanctuary's teleportation pad will initiate once its construction is complete."
"Wait a minute," Laura held her hand up. "We know you and Dwight were able to get as much machinery and implements as you could, but how long do you think it'll take for you to finish building this invention of yours that could help us?"
"I'd say roughly..." Hayden starts dragging out his vowel for too long, with everyone looking annoyed for a bit. "...six to seven hours until next morning arrives."
Eugene shook his head, "That can't be scientifically possible." he looked at Hayden as if he were looking through a microscope, trying to figure out what he could.
"Not unless you are a surgically built-in cyborg with almost an entirety of the human body replaced with cybernetics, Dr. Porter," Hayden said with a dark chuckle, revealing a remote control device. "I will dismantle my interdimensional tether device to network a power grid for the teleporter pad. Seeing how you people have operated with solar power and battery storage, I will have help with the generators here. That way, it will grant us the dimensional use of teleporting from this world to mine."
Everyone had hard stares at Hayden's words, with Simon taking the silence as a chance to stand up. "So, you're saying that our accommodation with the other communities has changed. Now that the demons are coming here, a new conflict has begun. Regardless of your secret impulses, you still want to assist us in our darkest hour. But then again, us helping alongside the rest of the other districts? Not such a good idea. So why is it that we can't personally lead our men against those hellish mongrels, huh?"
"Simon's has a point, doc," Everyone turned their eyes on Gary, who frowned smugly. "And this Slayer guy is just one man? He shouldn't be playing our game. We can't let him run free and try killing any of our people if he comes near us. I wouldn't mind outnumbering the asshole and bringing him in chains."
Regina, another high-ranking lieutenant of the Saviors, nodded, "We'll have to prepare and devise plans on what to do with him after we take him."
"I'm afraid it will not be that desirable," Hayden shook his head.
Negan's inner circle in the room had their undivided attention on the cyborg.
Regina's eyebrows twitched up. "And what do you mean by that?"
"Trust me when I say this: you are the lowest, pathetic form of life on this Earth if any of you think you can stand a chance against the Slayer alone. Not one single goddamn shot in Hell. The Slayer also knows very much about the actions you've each done to keep yourselves alive this far. It'll be an embarrassment you'll never, ever live down for the rest of your miserable lives until you die."
"Even if that man is already combat-ready, we can still bring the fight to him. We can outnumber him!" Regina said.
"The Saviors have the numbers, but it takes more than numbers to win against the Slayer himself. He's much more intelligent than you think and has stayed bred for wars that could tower above anyone here. The Slayer possesses a physique of hard, corded muscle that not a regular human being could achieve. With the Slayer shielding the other communities from demonic harm, or possibly from you, it is sure enough that he will gather enough inspiration to strike you all down. All of this is not a war that will end soon."
Everyone was looking at Hayden with wide eyes, and some had gaping mouths. The lieutenants did not honestly expect the cyborg to think so far ahead and so thoroughly. Even Negan became taken aback by Hayden's astute observations and wondered just how active the cyborg was to evaluate so far ahead. The only one that showed the tiniest surprise was Dwight, who still kept a neutral face. Hayden wasn't just a good fighter, but he was also the most brilliant. Everyone was impressed with Hayden's tactical mind. They believed he was just some crazed scientist that followed orders, but apparently, he was crazier than that.
Before anyone could speak, Hayden concluded his two cents. "Do you know what the Slayer can do to a human body? You'll get torn to pieces by his variety of weapons or ripped to shreds by his bare hands. Some of you may even lose control of your bowels. By the time you meet the Slayer in person, you'll be wetting and defecating on yourselves right in front of your friends and loved ones. It's going to be flat-out terrible. Because if you don't join sides with the other communities now, this is what you got."
"Looks like somebody's been doing his extra homework," The smile never left Negan's face as he points Lucille right at him. "I'll admit, I am envious of you. Though I'm not so much as a foremost expert on solar power and battery storage, is there a 'but' in this perfect teleporting scheme of yours, Hayden?"
"Amusing. But unfortunately, yes," Hayden sauntered over to Negan as all the lieutenants began to watch him. "Despite the conventional power that the Sanctuary sustains, it won't be sufficient enough to make even a single portal within the teleportation platform. That is why we would need the Crucible's excessive amount of demonic energy to double your energy source into a full-fledged power unit."
"No offense to your arrangements, Dr. Hayden, but our people will get shit on by the Slayer if we take it from him. I'm sure we can find another way to work this out." Gavin cleared his throat, running a hand in his curly hair, unsure of what to make of their situation.
"I second to that," Arat chimed in as well, nearly shivering at the visions she had to experience through the demonic artifact.
"Of course, I will handle bringing back the Crucible from Hell's destroyer if I ever see him once more." Hayden glanced at both Arat and Gavin, turning his attention to Dwight next. "Now, with that matter settled, onto the next topic."
All eyes turned to Dwight, to which the scarred man himself remained as poised as possible. To the point where it looked like nothing bothered him in the least.
"You all should know that Dwight and I paid a visit to Alexandria previously. We met Rick Grimes and his assemblage to talk about the demons invading this version of Earth. I'm not requesting immediate capture now that we know Daryl is currently living in Alexandria Safe-Zone. Rick, on the other hand, is still wary about you people on their side. Dwight and I were able to explain our thoughts about the whole ordeal-!"
"Whoa-whoa-whoa, Dr. Killjoy! Did you find my Daryl?" Negan interrupted, turning his attention towards his now-former lieutenant. "I want Dwight here to answer this one for me. And this is the last time he will ever keep something from me."
"I have nothing else to confess to you, Negan," Dwight grimaced. "You know now that I didn't kill Sherry when you told me to find her. But yeah, you already knew that way before killing Dr. Carson, right?"
"Whoa!" Negan bounced, marching up to eye Dwight down with gritted teeth. "I don't like the way you're acting as if you are a canary in this here coal mine. And I had to do that to make a statement with the doctor. Sure, he was worthwhile, but no one can ever be safe. Even Eugene here is valuable, but he doesn't cross me like you're doing right now."
"Fuck you," Dwight said under his breath.
The room falls silent as Negan was stunned for a moment, where a disappointed face turned into an angry, smiling one. "Well, look who's finally got back those massive-sized nuts with a crunched-up penis here and now. You think you're so tough now, don't you? Your pride was your downfall last time, Dwight. And it'll happen again with the likes of me. Because you're making it harder enough to forgive you, thanks to the situation we're talking about here."
"My pride is long gone. And I don't want your forgiveness, so go shove it," Dwight seethed, glaring daggers at Negan's faltered face. "You can kill me if you want because Sherry could either be alive, or dead, or a walker, or raped by those demons. I don't give a shit what happens to you or what Hayden has planned for you. One day, you will die for this. Just like your wife, Lucille."
With the lieutenants watching in awkwardness or fear, Negan's voice lowered until his face became visibly disgusted. "What the FUCK did you say to me? Say her name one more goddamn time. It might be the last word to fall out of your mouth-!"
But suddenly, Negan's entire body was abruptly pushed away by a blue telekinetic force that belonged to Hayden. The room had gone silent as all eyes turned to the only cyborg here. Despite having the eyes of Negan's inner circle on him, Hayden remained tall with his hand on Dwight's shoulder.
Laura stared incredulously at Hayden. "Holy shit!"
"Forgive my intrusion, but Dwight's punishment won't be necessary, Negan. Everything that Dwight has done was solely for his wife. He will still be a part of the ARC's personnel, so we can finally do what we became meant to do. Be who we are all meant to be. Don't you all see that this is good news?" Hayden clarified as if what he was saying was reasonable, though many were reluctant to agree.
"But what would we get out of all this if we help you here and now?" Gavin asked.
"I'm glad you've reminded me about such repayment provided for you all, Gavin. By the time we arrive back on my Earth, the UAC shall give you weapons regarded collectively, ranks that can grant you recognition, and brand-new sets of cosmetic functioned armor from my program called Project Triple-S. They have become improvised to enhance your natural attributes in strength, speed, and stamina. You'll wear them with pride as Elite Guards of the ARC."
Negan said nothing and continued to narrowly stare right at Hayden, tilting his head slightly down.
"Look, you couldn't know the truth, Negan," Hayden said to him, directly raising his voice. "Not until I could see that your world was about to get overrun. Not until I was sure that you would believe in my words. Sure, this Earth isn't my home dimension, but with the UAC, I can aid you as I've done before. We can help stop wars, eliminate global hunger, give out medical technology centuries ahead of what you have now."
Everybody else looked curiously at the cyborg as they contemplated his words. They could see that Hayden's words had merit. Even the stubborn ones like Simon and Regina could see the benefit of having armor on their side in any conflict to come. Some of the lieutenants seemed to nod and show signs of approval, with only fewer that didn't give a reply and gave Hayden a suspicious look. While Negan remained silent, Hayden could tell he was still too stubborn and became used to people bowing down to him until Rick bruised his ego.
"The Slayer and I have already been doing this before any of you people even existed." Hayden's arms stayed crossed as he stares at Negan, offering one of his hands to him. "If it weren't for us, this dimension would have been enslaved or in flames by now. All we have to do is welcome your Earth into the UAC. I do agree that I can help against the demons. Plus, I'm sure everyone here would love nothing more than to put Hell in its place because this is the only way for your people's survival, Negan."
Negan looked to Hayden, then to his inner circle, and then back to the cyborg. "Everyone, do you mind getting the fuck out of this room for a moment? I need to speak with Dr. Hayden here alone. And don't go running off either, Dwight."
That question surprised everyone. Even Dwight got brought out of his thoughts from the out-of-place question. Simon quirked a dangerous eyebrow before signaling to the notable members and took that moment to leave their seats, exiting the meeting room.
Finally, that left both Hayden and Negan alone together, locking each other in the eye much like last time when they bickered about other matters.
"Listen, doc," Negan let out a sigh of exhaustion. "You still got a ways to go before I believe you're fully on board here. Baby steps. The things I've called you out for were not personal. If the situation got reversed, I'm sure you wouldn't believe me, either. Still, the way you saved some of my people, the way you surrendered to me just now. That is a damn good start. But we got to work on some things, Hayden. But I promise you I will try to make it fun."
"I see that," Hayden said, listening to what Negan had to say. "Is there anything else you would like to tell me right now?"
"Cards on the table, Tinman," Negan chuckles darkly. "A little birdie told me that Rick and the rest of his people are up to no good. And, well, that needs to change. You're going to help me change it, and maybe, we'll find ourselves a win-win."
"How so, Negan? Can I trust that you can maintain your distance and control of the situation?" Hayden asked.
"Aw, everything will be in tip-top shape, Dr. Killjoy," Negan practically waved it off, with his smile already twisted upward. "I'll get some guys to help you with some stuff to make you more comfortable, let you have a taste of what it is we have to offer. Spend the night enjoying it with whatever you're fixing for us because tomorrow is going to be a big day."
"Big day, indeed," Hayden nearly huffed, condescending him. "And here, I'd thought you would feel a bit more disaffected by the fact that I almost threw you off minutes ago. I hate to spoil such a good talk with you about the pleasantness of people's interest. However, things are getting nervous for you. What's the big change?"
"Again, I'm still very envious of how you do things with that thingummy you got going on in your head," Negan had an odd smile, his barbed-wire baseball bat propped up against his shoulder. "Probably overkill, but don't ever fucking use those mind powers on me like that again. Because I got to hand it to you. You've got some beach-ball-sized robot nuts on you, pretending like you own this place and saved some of my people's lives. I got a big question here, and I need the truth on this one..."
Negan pointed his bat at Hayden's face, and he grinned. "...did you think Rick was going to listen to a goddamn word you and Dwight say about working together with me?"
"Not entirely," Hayden's tone showed his faith. "But Rick was acting too confident enough to take my word for it any way possible. Correctly assuming how good of an overconfident man that he was, he should already know this war is bigger than you and me, Negan."
"Either way, you must've thought it wasn't going to be easy enough in the end, coming in there with your sheer awesomeness like that. And that's not the way things go around here. Just the opposite. But like you said, well, this could be the beginning of something else." Negan allowed himself to track anything that comes from the cyborg's perspective.
"And it is, Negan," Hayden placed his hand on the man's shoulder. "That is why I'm appointing you, courtesy of the UAC, Commander of the ARC. The most beneficial that the UAC has to offer will all come down to you, Negan. As you can see, I would spare no expense for victory. All of this will be the greatest confederation ever assembled. And now we need the communities to win this fight against the demons. Tell me you don't want to be part of the UAC's history."
Honestly, to say that Negan looked astounded by Hayden's decision would be an understatement. Negan didn't see this coming or think that someone like him would become something exciting yet intimidating. He wasn't entirely against it, but Negan was skeptical, at least. Hayden had made up his mind and had already made plans to announce it to the Sanctuary's people.
"You fucking serious?" Negan leaned in for a bit.
"Very," Hayden responded with a nod.
"Holy fucking shit, doc," Negan stepped away, his mind seemingly eager but kept his composure. "You do know we're both not on the shiny side of the street, given recent events."
"You don't think that you would deserve such a rank?"
"I mean, yeah, it's quite an fucking honor, and while I'm a man short, I want to harness the heat coming off those beach-ball-sized robot nuts of yours. Because I see now that you can help me run this place one day, all of us together, following the rules, working on the same side of things. I know it's hard to picture, considering what happened between Dwight and me minutes ago. But I guess we all got shit to think over through."
"I'll give you some time to think about it, Negan," Hayden took his time to turn and walk over to the door. "As for Dwight, he will be under my supervision until further notice. Whatever you decide, so it shall be. I can count on you that there will be no pressure between either one of us, yes? And I'm sorry for hearing about your wife, even though I know you have witnessed plenty of horrific circumstances. I can understand that you're not a monster to me, Negan. You are just a man."
Negan stayed quiet for a moment before speaking up. "You are excused, doc. The same goes for the rest outside."
After Hayden carefully exits the room to accomplish his teleportation pad with Dwight, the rest of Negan's inner circle that was still outside soon accompanied Hayden down the hall. Seeing that the Sanctuary has some manner of science, Hayden then pulls out a device to hand it over to Eugene as he went wide-eyed to scroll through the UAC's circular interface. It opened into a three-dimensional holographic information map, with the words "Project Argent" on it.
"If you're going to be of any use, Dr. Porter, you will need to know everything about the situation." Hayden allowed his singular eye to observe Eugene's admiration for such things. "That should cover most of the information you'll need about our situation and the Hell invasion. Be sure to get familiar with as much as you can. We're running on borrowed time. We can go over more of the specifics soon. Right now, I think it's time I get started on my task."
Every little detail left Negan to sit back down on his chair inside the empty meeting room, running one of his hands through his hair. Negan contemplated on what use he could get out of Hayden's promises. Not to mention wanting to know a lot more about who and where this Slayer is right now. Because right now, Negan is in no mood at all to screw any of his wives tonight. Hayden was right about one thing, reluctantly. The Sanctuary is going to need more than the Saviors for this future battle.
Negan knew what could happen, but he wasn't expecting anything like this. He had run this place for almost two years now, and most would look up to him and follow his requests. But god, how did it become like this? The Saviors were going to shit, and he knew it.
They were slowly falling apart, losing more and more every day. It wasn't death keeping them apart, but it was the limits within them. In a world like this, though, how could he blame them? Many will suffer, and many will fail at what they tried to create. His eyes would travel forward to Lucille propped up against the meeting table.
"I'm sorry, Lucille," Negan groaned to the bat. "I should've done better."
After an hour of rowing and weaving through ruined islands, the group had reached the main island. Now, all the Slayer needs to do is find an opening to dock this rowboat, so he can let VEGA perform the task.
VEGA: {Scans of the area indicate a possible clearing two miles to the South. However, I have detected a demonic presence just offshore. Most likely fodder and heavy enemy monsters.}
The Slayer nearly huffed, knowing those demon grunts were dead meat if they decided to go against his willpower. Soon, after the rowboat docks its way onto shore, the group sprung out to start their trek towards the Slayer's Fortress. And if VEGA's scans were correct, then his property was currently buried under a mountain.
How cliché.
At least it's not at the bottom of an ocean.
Smashing through trees and rocks, the Slayer won't become hindered from reclaiming what was rightfully his only. Not even the undead creatures could try to ambush the group. All that got to them was having their heads stomped in, as well as bodies torn open. The next thing the Slayer saw was some Gargoyles, Imps, and Cacodemons racing at them. As they got close enough, the Slayer jumps in and crushes an Imp's fragile skull until its brain splattered, then fires his combat shotgun through a Gargoyle's braincase.
Another got pierced and whacked as Morgan barged in before launching the sharpened bo-staff directly through a Cacodemon's eyeball. The Slayer and Morgan wasted no time, rushing forward to meet and end their enemies. While they were fighting, Carol decided to test out the Slayer's advice once more, finding any reason to be angry as she attacked much more aggressively now.
With Henry covering her from behind, Carol shoots her rifle at the Gargoyles, both dodging their acid spit until taking one out. As the two survivors ran by the corpse and went straight at a Cacodemon, Carol aimed before blasting out the eyeball, earning a cry of pain as the one-eyed demon falls.
Seeing that the other demons hadn't noticed them, Carol and Henry raced past the dead Cacodemon and shot at a group of Imps and Hell-Soldiers that got overwhelmed by Morgan's energy shield. He was busy intruding and stabbing through the zombified soldiers while Carol fired her way through the Imps before they could even react, looking for their next target.
The Slayer stopped just long enough to jump up and pierced his chainsaw through a Cacodemon in mid-air. The one-eyed creature screamed, its two halves falling to the ground just before the Slayer did. He then lobbed a grenade down a Gargoyle's throat, kicking it across a bunch of undead creatures until exploding on impact.
The Slayer launched himself at the other Gargoyles, managing to dodge their green projectiles. His momentum was just enough to deliver two Gargoyles a clothesline with both arms out. Then, the Slayer throws the winged demons against a giant boulder, crushing their bodies until blood got sprayed.
The group suddenly caught sight of an Arachnotron as the Slayer used his heavy assault rifle's tactical scope to blow off the stinger turret. Everyone watched as the Slayer charged after the spider-like cyborg monster, causing it to notice its destroyer coming.
The Arachnotron opens up its side compartments and launches missiles at him. The Slayer used his thruster boots to zoom past them and shove his fists into its eyes. Deeply as the Slayer's hands penetrated through, the blinded Arachnotron screeches in pain before dropping dead. He then turned to find his next target but saw that everything got taken care of for now. Both Carol and Morgan panted, taking deep breaths to calm down. And before they knew it, the Slayer came right next to them, indicating a look to see if they got done.
"Yeah, we're good," Henry replied with a smile. "We can keep going."
The Slayer immediately turned, and the group continued on the path until they came upon the mountain that housed his Fortress. First things first, there's got to be a cave passage here that leads into the core. So, the Slayer made sure to order VEGA to start scanning while wandering around the base to speed up the process. It wasn't until ten minutes later that VEGA perceived a sign.
VEGA: {I've located access into a cave 1.2 miles from your position. It may lead you all to the Slayer's Fortress. I will mark the location in the HUD now.}
The Slayer grunted, and alongside everyone else, bulldozed their way to where this location became pinpointed. Upon reaching the cave's passageway, the Slayer suddenly stopped when they got close to the walls. The group wasn't expecting the sudden stop, with Carol almost running right into his back.
"Is something wrong?" Carol asked.
As always, the Slayer didn't answer and walked towards the cave surfaces. It was the first time they saw him like this, and it was worrying.
"Did he find something inside the cave?" Henry asked, watching the Slayer poke around a wall.
VEGA: {The Slayer is searching for a specific type of clue, mainly something that indicates where the Fortress' entryway is determined.}
After another moment, the Slayer gazed at a distinct wall and then punched a spot with all his might. The hole revealed a hidden passage that led underground, and he quickly hopped into it. The group became perplexed, with Carol using her flashlight to light the darkness within the entrance as everyone followed the Slayer inside. The stairs led downward for quite some time. Soon, the group noticed a curve to the descent, meaning they were spiraling further into the ground.
"So... what's down here?" Henry asked after a moment.
"I don't know," Morgan said. "It looks like a lab or storehouse."
The interior wall of the staircase opened up into a large cavern. Several rows of empty cases and shelves were carved out of stone on the floor below, lit up by mysterious lanterns that popped back to life at their motion. The Slayer was far ahead of them, so the three opted to zip straight down as they could.
The lights continued to turn on until they revealed what looked like a spatial castle, partially buried in the stone. While it looked much older than they thought, Carol could see what looked like large, modern glass windows lining a section higher on its wall. Below them was an indentation that looked like an entry, surrounded by innumerable scars and blemishes.
As the group assembled at the door, the Slayer strode over to stand before the supposed entrance. Henry leaned around him to try and see what he was doing. To his shock, one of the red lights on the Slayer's Praetor Suit flickered to blue for a moment. The Fortress hummed to life after the systems confirmed his return. His mark on the door glowed a crimson red as the door slowly hissed open. Unperturbed, the Slayer entered, whereas the group behind him tried to recover from their awe and followed him inside.
Once they got inside, the door hissed again, closing behind the group. The inside was pitch black, so Carol lit her flashlight again. She found Morgan and Henry since this appeared to be a narrow passage with only one path. Curiously, despite the ancient-styled exterior, the inside was made of smooth metal. It looked downright futuristic.
The Slayer was at the front of the group and showed no haste in his movement. His head was down slightly, unusual from how he kept it up and scanning for threats. Soon, the passage ended at a set of steep stairs leading to a hatch. The Slayer mounted and swung the hatch open, and the others followed.
The room they emerged into looked like the bridge of a ship, and Carol could see the cavern they just left out of the giant window lining the wall behind the consoles. The ambient light allowed them to see, but there was still no light coming from inside.
The Slayer walked deeper inside the building until he became lost in the darkness. Carol was about to call after him, but there was a sudden noise, like something powering up.
Soon after, interior lights came on, revealing everything made out of futuristic metal, but styled as if it was wooden. The Slayer stood in front of a bright blue pillar of energy, which pulsed and spread that same blue glow across barely visible circuits in the walls, ceiling, and floors.
Carol was agape. "What in the...?"
Henry seemed thrilled. "Whoa, it looks like a spaceship! Is this the Fortress you were telling us about?"
The Slayer did not answer and instead walked past them to the consoles. He tried to press one of the screens, but it turned red at his touch and displayed a message in a language that the group couldn't read.
Morgan walked over out of curiosity. "Is something wrong with this... place?"
The Slayer nodded, then reached into a compartment on his Praetor Suit. He pulled out VEGA's backup copy on a data chip and plugged it into the console. The screen turned blue, and a progress bar started to fill up. When it was complete, it offered a prompt, and the Slayer pressed one of the options.
The lights flickered, and the screens flicked off before coming back on, now displaying an odd circular emblem. Another progress bar filled up, and once it became done, the screens returned to their previous state, unreadable messages in blue.
Suddenly, VEGA's voice spoke throughout the chamber.
VEGA: {I am now successfully logged into the Fortress' systems. As of now, the ship's power levels are low, but I can redraw energy from the ground and air around us. That way, I can have just enough power to send you all back to your alternative Earth. I will commence on a full diagnostic check – standby.}
The group whirled around, hearing the source of VEGA's voice all around them. Henry looked equally confused but was taking glee in that fact. Letting out a huff, the Slayer tapped his foot impatiently, both arms crossed for the AI's answer. Another progress bar filled up on the screen. When Henry looked closely, she could even see a similar bar working within the Slayer's visor.
VEGA: {Systems check completed and examined, Slayer. It appears that your Fortress has settled for an approximated 15,000 years since Dr. Samuel Hayden conducted it here. Everything is in working order, dispensing eight Sentinel Batteries from the Fortress' central power core. Thus, most of its primary functions, such as the Rift Drive systems, are in operation.}
The Slayer had finally succeeded. The Fortress was his once again, and he could return to his Earth now. Hopefully, the demons still haven't invaded, and if they did, Hayden better hope he did good, or he's scrap metal. Though the Slayer still had the intent to return to Alexandria, making his fist clenched at the thought of Negan's tyranny, especially if there are still more demons connected to that version of Earth. They would also have to figure out something that will help keep the demons from overrunning the other communities. The Slayer then turned to the already involved survivors.
VEGA: {Now that we are fully versed in the current situation, due to prior events, I may gladly take any more of your questions about the Slayer's mission now.}
"I need to know if everyone back in Alexandria is okay," Carol said soberly. "I asked you or the Slayer before, whatever happened with those monster dogs, that I wanted to know what was going on while I've been gone."
"Do you want to know what happened in Alexandria?" Morgan asked her.
"Yeah," Carol replied, finally ready to hear the truth after Daryl lied to her during his last visit.
"I...I killed Richard, and I strangled him. He was the one who got Benjamin killed. As for Alexandria..." Morgan said, his eyes turning towards where Henry looked quiet and unhappy. "...Negan killed Glenn and Abraham."
"W-What?" Carol uttered, tears welling from her eyes.
"Beat them to death with a baseball bat," Morgan continued. "Now the Saviors have Alexandria and Rick and everybody else. Everything they do is for the Saviors now. And they killed more: Spencer and Olivia. Eugene got taken. They even took Daryl after you left, but he escaped. And every second he's out here, he's a target. Jesus won't reckon the rest here because Rick wants to fight them."
Carol was crying now, tears sliding down her cheeks. She knows the truth, just as much as Henry knows now about what else caused his older brother's demise. The Slayer just stood there, his eyes seemingly modest right now. He could see that the events between Negan, Abraham, and Glenn had struck Rick's group, riddling their minds like nightmares about the situation every night.
Henry then comes over to lean against her, hugging her stomach tightly. Carol tensed again but relaxed sooner than last time. Carol could not help the small smile that twisted the corners of her mouth. She placed her hand into the boy's hair and began to run her fingers through it rhythmically. Henry felt the tears trail down his face, but he did not make a sound. The boy did not sob nor sniffle. He just stayed there silently and hugged Carol.
"You wanted to know," Morgan sighed sadly. "Now you do."
After the group's moment of recuperating and wiping away tears of wretchedness, the Slayer still made no sound as he stood there.
"VEGA," Morgan asked, "Do you think that our world will be safe from the demons if we help you close the portals? And is Alexandria dealing with the same demon thing that the Kingdom and Hilltop have too?"
VEGA: {Initial data shows that there is a demonic presence within the area afar where Alexandria remains. Hell's expansion in both of our worlds will spread like wildfire if this doesn't become stopped, at all costs. When a Hell portal is closed in either one of our worlds, results will show that demonic activity should cease almost entirely in both ways. After that, it will be up to you if you desire to proceed in aiding the Slayer's mission.}
"Then we should get moving," Carol said. "The sooner we leave from here, the sooner we can stop this attack and warn everybody back home."
VEGA: {Slayer, there are upgrades to the Praetor Suit in your vacated quarters within the ship. You can also make repairs and improvements to your Praetor Suit from the previous battle against the Marauder. Many more armor sets and battle weaponry have gotten left behind in the large room at the back of the Fortress. Would you like me to show everyone where to find it?}
As soon as the Slayer nodded, he then catches what appeared to be VEGA's ModBot hovering over to the group, where Henry stared in excitement. Both Carol and Morgan were already absentminded about their surroundings and focused on what VEGA requested them to do.
VEGA: {While the Slayer will stay occupied with other matters, follow me, and I will show you where to have yourselves equipped with the ship's armor and weapons. In the meantime, we will discuss more on what we can use to save both our Earths.}
Agreeing, the group soon began their stroll and attended the ModBot over to wherever this arsenal endures in right now. As for the Slayer, he withdrew by himself and exited at the back of the room, taking the stairs down. The Slayer stood in front of the already sealed door, opening up from his presence immediately.
Taking a look inside the Slayer's previous quarters, he stepped forth and down a small staircase to find a workshop with enough tools and implements suitable for his Praetor Suit's repair. A section of the floor raised, opening up an arm-size protrusion and a small cannon, which the Slayer snatched both quickly.
There was the sound of whirring machinery, and then he retracted his arm, and the floor lowered again. The Slayer's left wrist had now integrated a wrist blade. However, when he flexed his arm and extended it, the length rivaled any regular sword.
VEGA: {That is called the Doomblade. It has become designed to increase your short-range striking power. Strong enough to sever demonic flesh and bone, the blade's serrated edge will allow you to break through enemy defenses and attack wherever conventional weaponry is ineffective.}
He seemed satisfied and retracted the blade. It'll cut through any demon scum's flesh like butter and defenses that are impervious to the Slayer's conventional weapons. Custom-built to mount on his Praetor Suit's shoulder, the Slayer checks out the small cannon that will help him provide support fire whenever he mows down demons with his primary weapons.
VEGA: {The Equipment Launcher is a shoulder-mounted ordnance system modified to serve a variety of combat roles. Designed as a universal munitions platform, it's capable of alternating the armament configuration with the press of a switch, activated by a reflex sensor located on the interior of your Praetor Suit's gauntlet.}
The Slayer nodded, and with a click of his nearly damaged helmet, the Slayer slowly took it off and got placed on a table close to him. He began to ponder the prior stuff with how the Marauder, who betrayed his oath to only came back from the dead as an equal match of the Slayer's power. It made his blood boil over in rage at the travesty that became committed against him. The Slayer's eyes burned with unbridled fury, knowing fully well that there won't be anywhere for the Marauder to retreat once he finds him and ends him.
But before the Slayer could get started on his Praetor Suit, his attention was caught by a strange cabinet nearby. He made his way over to investigate what is inside, causing his eyes to widen at the sight of his old UAC Marine uniform. The Slayer could tell from the damaged green armor and a light brown space helmet, causing a memory of when he got stationed on that UAC Mars Base. He could tell something else stayed hidden inside a pocket in the pants. The Slayer sneakily peeked in the patch and held out what appeared to be an old, withered picture of a family.
It was his family.
A husband.
A wife.
And a child.
His sharp eyes soon clenched tightly, grabbing his head in a trembling fashion. The Slayer could remember from the jovial giggles that gathered so many happy families who spent time together to the trail of barbecued victims piled everywhere around the bloodsoaked destroyed houses. By the time they noticed the forthcoming onslaught, it was already too late. Brains splattered all over the place, women and children ravished into bondage, with men squashed into gore with their heads put on pikes.
Screams.
That's all there was.
And then they got louder.
And louder.
More screams rang into the Slayer's ears, all begging for somebody to help them or vilifying him for leaving his family home. He pushed it all down, refusing to show any of it since that wasn't who he was anymore. Whoever the Slayer was beforehand was gone, and nothing could bring that living person back.
Still, this was a story the Slayer didn't like thinking about at all. He never thought about the past unless he had to. And it's not just that story, but the other ones, the ones of who the Slayer lost. But those stories, those memories, were all he could think of right now as he started ripping the husband's half off the photo, leaving only the woman and child on it.
Daisy.
The Slayer's eyes snapped back open, his grief melted into cold determination, placing the half-torn photo on his desk. He began guiding on how to disassemble himself from the Praetor Suit piece by piece. Time passed as the Slayer started using the collection of hammers and equipment to change the shape of the metals to what was necessary, to protect him from heavy impacts.
The Slayer even knew that Hayden could interface and manipulate his armor remotely, so he had to strip it down for parts while keeping some original protective qualities. That way, he will ensure that it couldn't become hacked like before. The Slayer was also embedding some new thick abdominal plating for when he needs to hide his abs.
He reinstalled a deep space interim to regulate the air mixture for specific environments, followed by some adjusters to help maneuver effortlessly while in midair with the stabilizers and Delta-V Jump-Boots. Lastly, he fixed the torso's scratches, marks that became sustained, and started repairing his helmet's visor into a more advanced version of it.
After some more time, the Slayer looked at his work, seeing the entirety of the suit now looking like it would be more bulky and suitable to his stature. The Slayer took the time that he needed to put everything back on, revealing the form of a fixed, massively armored man that was more than unhesitant enough to go back and save Alexandria.
But he'll also have to make a few pitstops to the other communities as well. The Slayer is sure that Carol and Morgan will get Henry back to the Kingdom before anything else happens. Furthermore, VEGA might have a plan to figure out how to place force fields in each community he'll arrive at next.
The Slayer takes a glance over to his repaired helmet, picking it up to wipe a bit of dust from the visor before flipping it around in his hands and slipping it over his head, clicking it into place with the rest of the Praetor Suit. The HUD came online with data scrolling across different languages before shifting to English as it calibrated.
Health and armor monitors appeared below the left corner and an ammo reader for his weapons on the bottom. Rolling his shoulders, the Praetor Suit fits like a glove, comfortable enough and light despite how large and heavy it seemed. The Slayer flexed his fingers into a fist as a mere smirk came to his face.
It's time to RIP and TEAR.
The Slayer starts walking up the stairs to the door. But he stopped when he noticed much of this room looked like they had been collecting dust for a long time. He should probably do an immense spring cleaning later on inside his Fortress. Picking the Arachnotron toy from out of him, the Slayer placed it on a shelf somewhere for safekeeping or perhaps for something as a hobby of some kind in the later future. That is if there are any more of these cute little figurines. The Slayer left the room and retraced his steps back to the main bridge, where everyone else waited.
A/N: [Jeez, this chapter took longer to write about the Fortress and Hayden's meeting with Negan's inner circle. But yeah, another chapter got finished. Now, I suppose I should try to answer a few questions before I go.]
[The thing about romance for the Slayer is that he has shown he can express much to rage, anger, insanity, and annoyance. So shipping the Slayer with anyone while having him heads over heels for someone makes it strange and weird. And the thing between him and Tara is that they don't share any romantic feelings for one another. It wasn't about romance or what they could give each other. It was like a caring, cute yet loyal friendship they have going on. They might have so many cute moments together later on, but the Slayer is not a romantic type of guy.]
[Now, about the skins from Doom Eternal being on here like the Zombie Slayer. Sorry Cat, but no, I'm sure that isn't likely going to happen. Right now, for me, I'm having Doomguy settle with the Praetor Suit in a more customized yet bulkier kind of demeanor. Anywho, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and wish you all a good day. And I'll see you in the next updated chapter. Later.]