Hello once again my lovely peeps!

So this one was kinda hard to start, i'll admit but once it got legs, it took off running. This chapter will be touching and making clear of some topics that may not have made sense at first but now it will be clarified now.

Been a while coming but here we are, the plot thickens and we get to see some of what is to come.

Quick heads up, we're going to be seeing one of the more, how shall we say "Meatier" parts of one of Xero's trails, which one is it?

No spoilers.

But i will say if you haven't played the game, i say you absolutely MUST play it, i give it five stars easy. Not something i normally do but despite how short it is, it's epic and so well written.

It's a must play easy and if you do not, your missing out big time. But as always i'm going to break these off into two, possible three parts due to how huge it is and how i fear this fucking thing might fuck me over, because of some sort of glitch or something equally stupid as that. So as always i own nothing but my OC.

So please read, review and "What the fuc-BOOM"

Chapter 21: The Sins Of The Past Part 1

"Now then my lovely(And unwillingly) audience with everything now out of the way, we shall get back to our regularly scheduled programming."

Xero rolled his eyes at that, having been seated in Gorgon lap, after the snake woman used her own snakes to grabbed him and force him to remain seated within her lap and tail. He didn't get much of a chance to protest, as the large(Compared to him anyway) woman wrapped herself around him, coiling around him very much like a snake would do...to it's prey.

Hopefully he wouldn't be that said prey.

That didn't stop Jaguar Man from jumping into his vacant lap, acting like an overgrown, over affection house cat rather then a dangerous Servant of the Lancer class. Something he made known, which only made the onesies wearing Servant to curl up into his lap, his stomach really, seemingly falling asleep as he rubbed her head. In doing so however, a certain green haired Archer came over to his side, silently asking for pets too.

Even if Gorgon hissed her displeasure at these little upstarts, that didn't stop the master from giving the two cat themed Servants some loving pettings.

This of course earned him a glare from the youngest Belladonna girl, as he rubbed the Servant's tummy and made sure to get the sweet spot behind Atalanta's lioness ears, making them both purr while ignoring said glare.

Well he did, till his Berserker's glared right back, making Blake flinch and look away.

Coward.

Xero swore that girl was just as bad as that Vernal girl, she talks a big game but in reality she's nothing more then a spoiled, envies brat. The type that couldn't stand being looked down on but was too cowardly to actually take on anyone worth their salt, so the brat targets those that can't fight back in some sort of vain attempt tp make her feel important.

Blake was like that, thinking she could change the world simply because she saw the so called "injustice" of it all and no matter what, everyone else is wrong cause she was always right. It was that kind of attitude that doomed the world ten times over and Xero would freely admit, he wasn't always right, sometimes he got it wrong.

But that's the reason why many considered him a genius, cause he's gotten shit wrong before and rather then try to deny it, he took those faults and improved upon them. He learned from his mistakes, while that may not seem like that big of a deal, one would be surprised at how very little people actually implore such thinking.

Not many, something he was thankful for, as the bad guys often don't learn from their mistakes.

Most of them, the ones that are more dangerous, the ones that are worth their salt however do learn. One of those enemies of course, being the Cultist and his old enemy, HYDRA.

"But then again, it actually did help me do what needed to be done."

Namely, convincing the powers that be of all governments of the world to basically put their bullshit and rivalries aside for the sake of everyone's over all survival. Something he didn't think was possible but then again, he's been wrong before and for once, Xero was glad he was wrong.

Now he just hoped this wouldn't come back to bite him in the ass once it was all over, as Father Vincent told him he will have two Enforcers from the Church to help SHEILD deal with the Cult, allowing him to take a much needed break. Seeing as he's been basically waging a one man war against both the Cult and HYDRA, Xero had long over due vacation days.

That and Florence had all but ordered him to take a break or else, she was going to break everybody in his body to force him to take a break.

It was kinda nice for her to worry so.

"But like i told everyone, the future has change so much i can barely recognize it. Not only did the allies defeat the Nazi's and HYDRA is all but destroyed i'd say we have victory in hand but that's when we need to be on our guard. Now we've got an immortal bitch queen to deal with, a power hunger troll that will target those with magic to steal it and a zealot with an entire fraction of fanatics at his command. That's not even mentioning four god-level weapons, two of which can only be reached by Mikasa and Gudako, with one being vulnerable of being taken by the coward queen, Branwen. Sure we got new allies but we are in uncharted waters, ones where our enemies can get new enemies with new powers at their command. That's not including Chivalric Arms too boot, who are a complete wild card at this point. The damn fools probably side with the Cult, just to spite us! And even then, what will Baron Umber do about this situation and how will he use it to his advantage? Unlike before, the world has a chance to beat back his monsters and plans but even with all the help, it still won't be an easy fight. So what is his next move, what plan does he have in the works?"

Not to mention, how will the world and general populace handle the truth?

Plus they still had to deal with several other factors besides Salem and the more then likely, soon to be rogue fraction of the White Fang. Like the MRD, the Brother Hood of Mutants, the crime syndicates he had terrorized over the years and everyone that would be coming for his bounty set by the drug cartels. Alone they aren't that threatening but once word breaks out of the new Global Alliance, a lot of people are going to get very nervous. Nervous enough to do anything in order to destroy it, stopping the end of the world or not.

That and those that would seek his power and his lovely Servants too.

Ontop of all that, he's going to be swamped with work in training not only Irina and Xenovia, the soldiers of the 104th to face the monsters of the Rotten World, upgrading their weapons, the Arc boy, Ruby if she decided to accept the blood and become a Warrior rather then remain a huntress.

There was just so much that needed to be done and so little time to do it.

"Thankfully i don't have to do it alone. Not anymore."

Plus out of the four kingdoms, Mistral was the only one that wanted to make an alliance official with the Church and more to the point, the Mazoku clan. Thanks to the cowardly lion's actions, they were very short of man power and long story short, they wanted him to take their golden girl as an appreciate, to help strengthen ties between the two groups.

Official anyway.

Unofficial however, they wanted Pyrrha Nikos the best protection possible and despite being at the epicenter of it all, Xero was also the most protected person in the world. He could see the idea, seeing as both him and Gudako basically had very powerful bodyguards that were at their beck and call 24/7 and he was known to be very protective of those under his command.

So they were taking a gamble on ensuring Pyrrha's protection but after Lionheart's betrayal and the fact he single handedly picked apart Atlas's best time, while pouching one for his team at the same time, who better to protect their golden girl?

"Well that and if Lionheart, a HEADMASTER of all people could be comprised, who's to say others can't? Like me, they can't trust anyone from Remnant not to be turned by Salem, so they make a dangerous gamble in ensuring her safety. A bit reckless but what can you going to do, when anyone and everyone could be an enemy? All it takes is one person to screw everything up."

Shaking his head to be rid of those thoughts, Xero turned his attention to the screen, as the inevitable confrontation between himself and his mother.

"Hey kiddo, it's been a while."

Lilith Mazoku spoke with a smile, as she walked next to her son and sat down with him on the edge of the balcony. Slipping her legs over the balcony, she looked at her son,"So why Morgan's castle? You always pick the castle."

Artoria, all the Artoria's felt a muscle twitch in their faces, fighting off a scowl that threaten to come to their faces at Lilith's words, as Berserker Morgan just grew a smirk on her face, pure smugness rolling off of her, causing all the versions of Artoria to glare at her for her smugness. Xero however pointedly ignored both parties, not wanting to get inbetween the two for as long as possible.

He knew his next words would more then likely start a war between the two...And BB probably counted on that, wanting to cause as much chaos as possible with little effort on her part. Sounds like something she'd do.

"I can't say for certain. Maybe...maybe this was simply the last place i ever felt truly safe."

And there's the glaring holes in the back of his head feeling along with feelings of...sorrow?

Lilith's smile faded, as she nodded in understanding,"Yeah. The life of a Magus is a dangerous one, especially when you become a Master, it's all but a death sentence for the weak. But those that can survive, come out stronger then any regular Magus could hope to be. But look at you now, you did the impossible and you accomplished your childhood dream, becoming the strongest Magus in the world. There's not a Magus alive or at least any worth their salt that don't known your name."

"Yeah and now that i'm at the top...i don't know."

Lilith wrapped an arm around her son, as she pulled him closer to her,"So, what's on your mind this time?"

With a deep sigh and sliding into his mother's embrace, Xero spoke.

"I'm worried mother. It's been nearly two years since i left Chaldea and no matter how hard i try, it seems the number of my enemies just keep growing, rather then decline. Even with all i've done, i don't think it'll be enough. That no matter what i do, it all ends the same way, with everyone dying. All i'm doing is just prolonging the inevitable."

"Oh i know that feeling. Believe me, i do but you should know better then anyone, the future is not set in stone. As a Magus, mercenary and genetics all rolled up into one tend to make enemies. Even if i did work for the 'good guys' someone's hero will always be someone else's villain. More often then naught, it is because we are born the way we are and with something beyond our control. The powerful will always draw in enemies who fear their power in one way or another."

"Isn't that the truth."

Qrow grumbled, as he took a swing of his flask, as Tony frowned, his mind rolling back to all the people who have always denounced him, even before he became Iron Man. Storm had the same thoughts, while the people of Africa loved and worshiped her as a goddess because of her powers, had caused her to gain her own fair share of enemies.

A few among the group thought the same, Weiss being born as a Schnee, Ilia being born a Faunus thus she was condemned to a life of hatred, Logan begin experimented because of his healing factor, Artoria being born a woman in a time where it was impossible for people to accept women in power, Mash being born a homunculus thus locking her into a certain amount of time to live, the list could go on but i do believe the point has been made.

Now looking down at him, she nudged his shoulder,"Now, why don't you tell me what's on your mind. You only call me here, when you need some guidance or words of advice and seeing what kind of situation your in, it looks like you need some advice."

"I...i, i'm, i don't know mother."

"Don't know what?"

"This. All of this, everything i'm doing, do you think...do you think it's worth it? Do you think everything i'm doing will be enough?"

Lilith raised an eyebrow at that,"I don't understand."

Sighing to himself and pulling his legs to his small chest, Xero spoke in a low tone of voice,"I don't know if all the effort i'm putting into this, trying to stop the hell that is to come will be enough. Some days, i feel like i've finally got a leg up on the Cult only to find out i'm twenty steps behind all along. People i believe i can trust turn on me nine times out of ten with only one percent of those people proving true to their word. This world...the world i grew up in has change so much that i can no longer recognize it or maybe it's just because i did not know the world for what it truly was to begin with. I feel like i'm always playing catch up, always playing Wack-A-Mole with these fuckers. I take down one Cultist base and another pops up, as a result it just never ends! Even while i was in Chaldea, there were just some things i couldn't change and at this point, all i'm doing is making it up as i go along, just winging it and looked what's happened because of it. Lives were lost, ones i swore to protect, only for me to lead them to their deaths instead! No matter how hard i try, someway, somehow they end up getting killed and that's not even the worst part! It's worse because no one knows about the monsters hidden just under the ground, just under one small layer of dirt between humanity and the monsters that dwell below our very feet. Look at what happened to Clarice, Merwin, Joey and all those other soldiers that lost their lives for no other reason then being at the wrong place at the wrong time. That's not even mentioning BITCH Bradshaw's own fucking greed in her search for immortality. Bloody fucking hell, sometimes i honestly think i make things worse then they were before. Look at Steve, we were able to stop Red Skull's insane plan but what did that change? Nothing! It change fucking nothing, cause HYDRA is still very alive and active, which meant that Steve sacrifice's, along with countless others sacrifice to stop them was all for nothing! Just...what the hell was the point of all the blood, sweat and tears me and Gudako shed trying to save this fucked up world, when it seems determined to run itself into the fucking ground?!"

"Kiddo..."

Tony didn't know what to say, what could he say? There was nothing and no one other then Steve, Bucky, Logan and maybe Laura could understand what he was going through. Gudako could too but she had her own problems and leaned on Xero and her beloved Servants to help her.

But who could Xero lean onto for help that wasn't a Servant?

"And that's not even including the monsters already here, man made or otherwise."

Reiner of course, was referring to the vampires down below Iraq and god knows what other places those types of monsters were hidden. First the vampires, then zombies and now Wendigo were actually a real thing too boot. If the vampire tropes came from those creatures, then who's to say other monsters like Werewolves came, not from the realms of imagination but from otherworldly forces?

It wasn't a comforting thought.

The younger version of Xero bit his lip in frustration so hard, it started bleeding with his hands clenching just as hard, as his body shook from either anger or sorrow, it was unclear. It was like he was putting out one fire and another one started someone else, where's he had to rush over to put it out, another one pops up somewhere else, even further away!

So much to do, so little time to do it and he could practically see the dooms day clock ticking down ever so closer to Judgement day.

All the while Lilith gained a look of understanding on her face, as she slowly nodded.

"Yeah, i understand that all too well. The moment i learned you were sick, every minute, every second of every hour i worked on a way to find a cure for you with the biggest time crutch of my life. I never regretted those years i spent working on a way to save you, even if it did end up killing me, i didn't regret it. Besides, your not alone in all of this. You have your heroic spirits to call upon and Gudako-"

"NO!"

Xero's head immediately shot up, glaring at her,"No. This is my problem, my war. I refuse to bring her into this shit. I'll deal with this, on my own. She's already paid her dues to this shit, she doesn't need anymore shit heaped upon her."

"Yeah, no kiddo that's not how this works anymore. While i love the confidence, your not doing this alone. Not anymore. This whole lone wolf thing, while i personal think it's cool, can't go on any longer. Fuck that, i'm not sitting on the sidelines while my kid fights to save the world from a bunch of crazies."

Tony's voice held no room for argument, as Steve pitched in, a smile on his own face,"Yeah, i have to agree. I've been sleeping for the past seventy years and with everything you've done for not just me but Bucky and Logan too, it's the least i can do is return the favor, helping you when you need it. Besides, you know about the Cult more then anyone, so even though you'll be taking point, you can rest when you need too and not because your about to pass out either. I trust you but i don't trust you enough to NOT allow yourself to keep working to the point of exhaustion. You've got friends and people you can trust and i trust you to use it, don't be afraid to lean on us for support."

Sam looked at Xero for a second before he shook his head,"Hey, i just do what he's does only slower. Besides, preventing the end of the world is something a normal person would want to prevent."

"If it wasn't for you, i'd either be on ice awaiting HYDRA's next hit or six feet under right now Zee. Instead you were able to break the hold HYDRA had on me, gave me back my freedom and even gave a new life, a new purpose all in one. It wouldn't be right for me to just leave you out to dry, now would it? Besides, someone has to watch Steve's back, otherwise he just might get himself blown up again."

Bucky smile lightly, ignoring the light punch he got for his joke, as he rubbed his sleek, black metal arm with the Mazoku symbol where the Russia symbol once was. The arm was actually made out of vibranium, a favor he had asked of king T'Chaka for his services of securing all their stolen vibranium and the for delivering the man behind the thief.

Something the king was more then happy to grant him.

Logan meanwhile merely took a drag of his cigarette before he answered,"What can i say, what is there to say? You've done right by me and never once have you ever lead me astray. Besides, got nothing left to do, no where to go and no one left. Much like Sam said, preventing the end of the world is the sensible thing to do. Not sure if the zombie virus would work on me but why take the chance?"

Yeah, that sounded like a good enough reasoning.

"Well, to be complete fair boss, i like living. This world isn't prefect and honestly, it's pretty fucked up at the best times but it's still our world and ya know, we're friends. So i won't just leave you hang out to dry. Not to mention i don't know about any of you but being killed via by being eaten alive isn't the way i want to go out."

Neena spoke simply, the lucky gunslinger reasoning made equal since as Psylocke aka Betty nodded in agreement with her fellow mutant.

Next up was Natasha, who merely shrugged,"Doing it for the same reason i joined SHEILD. I've got red in my ledger, i'd like to wipe it clean. Saving the world from a zombie apocalypse and an entire evil dimension seems like a good way to do it."

"Yeah, what she said. As dangerous as the job is, i don't want it to end in a zombie apocalypse, archers are the last ones to go. I really don't want to end up one of those old men, with a big, bushy gray beard wondering where it all went wrong, despite knowing full well what went wrong."

Clint tried to make a joke but it only came out as a cringed effort.

Jessica was next, as she simply shrugged too,"Well honestly Xero, i don't like the idea of living in a world where the dead walk and if you can prevent that, then i'll follow you. We simply don't know enough and you've proven trust worthy."

"Same here."

Spider-Man spoke, raising his head cheerly,"Besides you taught me everything you could, get me in contact with people who could better help me master my powers and even made me this amazing suit. Plus, it's nice to know people who know me, don't yell at me to shut up and don't threaten me with my one true weakness: Small Knives."

Xero just chuckled at that last bit.

Of couse.

"Yeah, well honestly my reasonings a bit more selfish, as you are the only one that can clam the Hulk down when he gets too pissed off."

Banner spoke simply, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly,"Sorry but your the only one i can trust to control him."

"Trust, Banner. Not control, i don't control anything."

Xero sighed at Banner's words,"Simply put, i have no real need for the Hulk, despite his insane strength. The Hulk i know just wants to be left alone and only attacks when provoked and i dare any of you to say otherwise. Cause i've got cold, hard proof that is the fact."

The leader of the Avengers challenged the world leaders, more specifically Ross, who oh so wanted to say otherwise knew both Mazoku and SHEILD had proof of his 'actions' against the Hulk and wisely kept his mouth shut.

No matter how much he wanted to put the boy in his place, now was not the time.

There was a time and place for everything.

It was well known that the Hulk actually liked Mazoku and during the Battle of New York, many saw the boy talking to the Hulk, giving him orders and the Hulk following them. He was on dangerous grounds and Mazoku had far too many allies for him to actually take on in a head on fight. For now, Ross would just have to bid his time and wait.

He was broken out of his thoughts, as that mutant gambler spoke,"Me? No real reason, none of that mushy stuff. I have a debt to repay and despite what some might say, i do repay my debts."

Personally Xero and Gudako believed he was talking out of his ass, using his so called 'debt' as an excuse to stick around and not admit he wanted to stay, simply because he wanted to stay.

Jennifer was the last of the Avengers to speak, as she merely smiled,"Well honestly, i don't have any other reason to help, other then as thanks. You and Bruce saved my life, then help teach me to control my new form. I would have been either dead or used as a lab rat, so much like Remy, i repay my debts."

It seemed the loyalty of the Avengers and their reasoning to follow Xero ended on a happy note, as he already knew his father and Gudako's reasoning to follow him. Simply because they trusted him and loved him enough to believe in him and trust he knew what he was doing.

He hoped he'd be able to ensure their trust and faith was not placed in the wrong man.

"Those are pretty words but only action will prove those words."

But as always, all good things must come to an end.

The wise queen of Assyria said bluntly, as an evil smile made it's way to her pretty face,"But when the time comes and the chips are down as they say, will you live up to your words or will you turn tail and run? Or worse...will you betray him in the end? Just leave him to the wolves, merely to prologue you're own life."

"I would never do that!"

Summer all but yelled, glaring at the Assassin class Servant, who merely smirked in response,"Words are mere words Rose, as i said. Only action will prove otherwise and i do wonder, will you remain loyal to your words before this is over? Will you stick to your beliefs or will you crumble under the weight of it all and turn your back on my husband just to save your own life? I suppose we shall find out."

Especially when most if not all situations he gets into ends up with EVERYTHING in the environment and everyone in it wants to kill you.

Just straight up kill you at every turn, would Summer stay loyal to her beliefs and side with Xero or would she turn on him, just to make her own life easier? Who knows but Semiramis is more then content to be patient.

It was far more interesting that way.

Off to the side, Yang leaned close to Mordred, whispering,"Does Xero really think mom would betray him to save herself?"

"No but mother has good reason to be more paranoid. Plus that woman is a bitch, so i wouldn't trust anything she says."

Now, one might be surprised at seeing Mordred and Yang of all people being so friendly with one another, but when you look at the fact both their mothers tried to screw them over and the fact their both hot heads, along with having a policy of "Shoot first, ask questions never" with a reasoning that bloody violence solves everything, it was a wonder why they didn't become friends sooner.

In the back of his and Gudako's mind, was how long before half of the world was destroyed under the collective might of Yang and Mordred's bad tempers.

"You and i both know Gudako would want to help you, regardless of how dangerous it is."

Xero just chuckled in response,"Maybe, but that's not how the world works. More often then naught, i end up having to do things alone and no matter how hard i try, it seems someone is going to die in the process. Logical speaking, it's impossible to save everyone but that doesn't mean i can't give it my best shot. But even then it's not good enough, even at the best of times."

Suddenly, a new voice, one that sounded like static and coming in and out of focus.

"They are coming. We must end it here, with fire and gunsmoke. If there is time, i will dictate this diary entry onto tape; perhaps if it is found in the rubble, it can serve as a warning to any who follow us. The bones of this temple are drenched in blood. We have set foot onto an uncharted shore and aroused something ancient and wicked. A blasphemy that comes in indescribable shapes and forms. For eons we have lived as children in this world, unaware of the horrors that slumber beneath our feet. Now we have blindly thrown open the gates to madness. I fear being taken, but i must do what i must. We must seal this place for eternity, for all mankind. Mary...i'm sorry."

SHIREK

BANG

A screech of something unholy was heard, even as the final sound of a gun being fired drowned out all nose, followed by the unmistakable sound of a body hitting the floor.

No doubt it was Randolph's.

Xero and Lilith stayed silent, as the landscape around them shifted and change, to an underground temple, where an older Xero wearing a PASGT(Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops) body armor in M81 woodland camouflage - with water, magazine pouches and miscellaneous gear with dust goggles.

Next to him was four other soldiers, two of them being Armin and Jean with Rachel King and her (Ex?) husband, Eric King.

The five were around an old tape recorded, inside an equally old tent as they stared slack jaw at what they just heard, even as Xero's mind conjured up what kind of scenery that would have looked like with great detail. Images of shadowy people shooting at equally shadowed monsters, barely illuminated by the light of the guns firing, as blood and bodies of both went flying in all directions, as the large machine gun claimed one monster after another.

"Good lord in heaven."

One of the ambassadors drew a cross over their chest, all eyes, expect for those that saw it coming of course, were widen in shock and horror, wondering just what they listened too.

"Just what the fuck happened down their captain?"

The president asked, as Levi simply rolled his eyes and looked at Ellis,"I told you. Vampires or at the very least vampiric creatures attacked us and killed all those that were stupid enough to follow them down there. Still don't believe me? Just watch and you'll all find out just how stupid you really are and that the monsters you fear so much don't come from above ground...There below our feet."

"Well, while i would normally be unapplaud at seeing such a site being destroyed, especially when we known so little of it's history, i cannot disagree with Dr. Randolph choice in attempting to seal the temple from the rest of the world. Unlike Remnant, these 'creatures' are clearly too dangerous to be left alone and are a complete unknown. They are in a sense like Grimm but much more dangerous, as we know little about them, so it is for the best if that temple was indeed sealed away forever."

Oobleck spoke lowly, feeling the lose of such a great chance at learning history but could not fault Randolph's would be actions. These creatures were a clear and present threat to this day!

Port padded his friend's shoulder, understanding how hard it was for Oobleck to admit that but like him, Peter could not find fault in Randolph's choice of action in dealing with these vampire creatures.

Even if he would have liked to have a chance to hunt them himself, Hu-Ho!

Sadly fate had other plans.

"Even when i was still alive, i was not foolish enough to dare travel down to the depths below. Just goes to show how foolish you humans can be when your greed for more power consumes you."

Carmilla smirked, while all the humans were too shocked to say anything, as the video continued.

"What the fuck kind of fucked up hell have we stepped into?"

Jean took a step back, eyes wide and unblinking, his mind trying and failing to make sense of what he just heard.

"It doesn't matter."

Xero said simply, as he started walking towards the pillars that had dynamite and begin to cut it down,"Whatever happened here, it doesn't matter cause it's clear, this temple can't remain standing. We're going to have to finish what Dr. Randolph and bury this place, for good. All those reports of people missing, now it's starting to make sense, these things, whatever they are, are the ones responsible or the cause of it, whatever the fuck it is."

"Pazuzu..."

Blinking, Xero turned to Armin, as he held a chin to his head,"What? What is it Armin?"

Shallowing thickly, Armin looked up at Xero, face viable with fear,"Pazuzu, he's...In ancient Mesopotamian religion, Pazuzu was a personification of the West Wind, and held kingship over the Lilû/Lilu wind demons. As an atrophic entity, he was considered as both a destructive and dangerous wind, but also as a repellant to other demons, one who would safeguard the home from their influence. He is famously known as the guardian of the House Of Ashes. It's the kingdom of the dead, deep underground and in which the souls of the dead would live among the dust and tormented by demons."

"So in other words were being hunted by a demon. Great, just fucking great, can this day get any-"

"Don't you DARE finish that sentence Jean, you'll regret it if you do."

Xero hoped he stop Jean from uttering THOSE WORDS before things became worse, as he looked back at the blonde teen,"Go ahead Armin, what are you thinking?"

"I...i'm thinking there is more to this, then just legend. This place, this temple i think i know what it is."

Waving his hand around, Armin went deeper into explaining,"Centuries, probably eons maybe during the BC era, i believe this temple belong to the Akkadian God-King: King Naram-Sin of Akkad. He had his followers build this temple in order to appease the gods who had cursed his land with plague and famine, as the legend goes. However during this, an invading army called the Gutian. They were swore enemies and Naram-Sin had being using their people as sacrifices for the ritual. But this is where is gets tricky, as no one knows for certain but by the time the dust settled, both armies were just...vanished. Gone without a trace or reason why they just up and disappeared."

"Okay, ya know what, this just went from being creepy and wired, to freakishly wired and completely outlandish. I normally don't like to complain but this needs to be addressed, boss were they're really for real, blood sucking, immortal, burn in sunlight vampires down there?"

Roman directed that question to Xero, as he sighed and leaned back into Gorgon's massive chest, as Petra nodded numbly,"Yes...yes they're were vampires down there. As crazy as it sounds, there was just no other explanation to what we fought down there or what killed Eldo, Guther and Oluo. There is just no other way to describe them."

"If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it is a duck."

Eren said simply seeing some people wanted to rebuff their words but now seeing this, learning just WHAT happened down in the ruins with hard core proof, they could not. He might have been more pissed and anger at those fuckers calling him and his comrades crazy, but the entire thing just drained him down to nothing. It was one of the most traumatizing and he had no intention of reopening old wounds.

"Still, vampires? As in actually vampires?"

Pepper asked worryingly, making Xero sigh again,"Like Eren said, walks like a duck, acts like one it is. Though unlike those movie and book tropes, these things were the real and very much terrifying deal. Though to answer your question Roman, from what we can tell, these vampires were actually aliens. Seeing as we've established aliens are indeed real, these aliens crash landed on Earth millions of years ago. I'm not sure how but something went wrong and this...parasite like creature infected many of the aliens and turned the others or outright killed them. Kinda like how face huggers hump a human's face to grow a new xeno inside them, the parasite infects the host, either recently dead or alive. If alive, it kills the host, so it can use the host's body as it's new home. Telling who is infected it quite easy, given what it does to the human host."

"And might i add, they are the definition of ugly beyond all recognition, like a tooth filled pussy."

Some made grossed out faces at Levi, who ignored them in turn. What, he was telling the truth, they were ugly beyond all belief.

"But i could be wrong."

Xero said, as his face went blank, staring at those that doubted him on the matter,"I could be wrong, i'm not infallible and i am human or well humanish as much as the next person. Yeah but tell me Reiner, did you get the vibe we're wrong to call them vampires?"

"I can't say for certain boss, there are many mysterious in the world."

"Ok, yeah ok that's fair. It's just i just call them vampires cause the only way to kill these sons of bitches is to either stab it in the chest or expose it to sunlight or even ultraviolet light, as that'll burn them right quick. Like fireworks on the fourth of July."

"Maybe it was because they dwelled in the darkness boss or maybe just the enlarged, twin fang teeth that tried to suck our blood."

"Or maybe it was because they kept not only shrieking at us, they climbed over all the walls and even had those fucked up fingers and wings to boot."

"Plus they were blind and clearly hunted by sound. Like how bats live."

"That too and THAT...that is not even the worst part of it all."

"The worst part?"

Ruby looked green, very pale, lima bean green looking ready to throw up whatever was left in her stomach. The entire thing, the recording and now this was enough to make her head spin, as she had to hold onto her mother for support. Yang did too, although more for her own support, rather then Ruby's as she was looking pale/green too.

Xero didn't answer but Historia did, speaking in a low, quite tone,"The worst part is that they can infect you like a vampire's bite. Clarice, she...she didn't make it five minutes before she was taken by them. Jason, Nick and i were trying to help Merwin and it was so dark, we didn't even see what took her before it was too late. By the time we found her again, she... she was already turning."

"There was nothing we could do. We...we left her behind."

Armin felt bile rise up in his throat as he spoke those words, feeling like he was about to throw up for doing such a terrible thing to a comrade. His wife had to rubbed his back comforting, as he shook his head,"Not that it matters, Clarice found us again."

"Wait, she did? Isn't that a good thing? If she found you, then she survived-"

"But she was gone and all that was left, was a monster using her body like some sort of skin suit."

Levi cut off Neptune, who paled in horror. Oh, oh that was bad. No one said anything, not wanting to say the wrong thing, as the screen thankfully started up again, breaking the tension.

"So, what, you think the thing that attacked the ones who came before us, were responsible for it? Are you certain?"

Eric asked the flinching blonde, feeling like he needed to say something but didn't know what, as Xero cut in,"If Armin believes that's what happened, then i'd stake my life on it. Young as he is, i have faith Armin has made a very plausible theory on what happened to them. Crazy as it sounds, the truth is often stranger then fiction. Now i don't know about you but i don't intended to end up like sir bone head over there and if things are as bad as i think they will become, then we will need all the fire power we can get our hands on."

"Crypto...you don't sound too shocked at what we're hearing."

"Crypto? I thought your name was Xero?"

Xero merely made a 'so so' with his hand at Sun,"I'm technically not suppose to be there at time and as such, need to hide my real name till it was safe to be revealed, as messing with time in ANY form is very, very, VERY dangerous. Basically time travel rules, blah, blah, blah, that kind of thing. Don't worry about it monkey boy, it'll only make your head hurt."

Rachel said slowly, as she approached him, while he fiddled with the wiring on the sixty year old dynamite,"Have you encountered something like this before?"

Xero stopped for a minute, as he lowered his head and let out a deep sigh.

"Once."

"What?"

All eyes looked to the screen, as Xero off screen copied his on screen self, as Gorgon's snakes coiled around him as if to comfort him, as his hands were gripped by Jaguar Man and Atalanta. All the while Mash flinched and cuddle Fou like a stuffed animal, her mind going back to how her senpai looked after that particular adventure.

Like something right out of a nightmare.

AND THEY HADN'T EVEN GOTTEN CLOSE TO THE REAL HELL YET.

Xero went back to working on the cables, as he explained,"I was in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Just a short break from my work, i decide it would be a good idea to go cave exploring. Namely i wanted to explore unmarked and unexplored cave systems, mostly cause i was a little arrogant in my belief i could handle anything and as fate would have it, i wasn't alone in that regard. Met a small group of women wanting to do the same and long story short, we decide to explore together. But it didn't take long for us to realize something was wrong and twisted with the place. I should have realized it earlier, that we weren't the first ones down there but by the time i did, along with realizing something else was down their with us, it was far too late for us to turn back."

"So, am i the only one who thinks that everything that can go wrong will go wrong if Xero-sensei is involved?"

Irina asked uneasily. Make no mistake, she was still ecstatic to be able to train under a living legend like him and Xenovia even cracked a smile when their shared sensei put those Atlas's assholes in their place. Normally Irina would have liked to talk things out and do it the easy way but they were all so mean!

They were mean and rude for no other reason then to get a rise out of Xero-sensei and for what?

Because that Harriet woman was angry at Xero-sensei for being stronger and more experienced then her? Because her pride couldn't handle someone that was stronger then her, that wasn't a huntsman?

How shallow can you get?

"Your not wrong, being around the kid is bond to get the entire universe to come down on your head."

Clint of course, had to open his mouth, which earned him an elbow from Natasha and Historia. Ymir and Sasha however just laughed at that little jab, as did the demonic Oni duo.

"What happened?"

Rachel was almost afraid to ask but had to ask anyway. Xero's eyes glazed over, gaining the thousand yard stare,"The same thing that always happens. Before we realized what was happening, we were attacked by a sub-species of humans, native America if i had to guess, given the tribal tattoo's i saw on their deformed bodies. We had little to no weapons to speak of, besides climbing equipment but because their bodies were so deformed, killing them was quite easy just one good punch or stab would be game over for them. Their bones were more brittle then my own funny enough. But we were on their turf and because of the pitch blackness, they learned to live in the darkness perfectly relying on their sense of hearing to hunt their prey. Out of the six of us, i was the only one to make it back to the surface alive. They picked us off one by one, when we were at out weakest. From what i can tell of the monsters that attacked Randolph's group, they learned how to live in prefect darkness as well, so hopefully they are just as blind as the CRAWLERS, the creatures that attacked my group, we can use their sense of sound against them. But we're going to need to be careful about it, these creatures...their different. Bigger, stronger, faster and a million times worse then the ones that i encountered back in the caves. I've already fought and killed one, proving that they CAN be killed but it will be difficult."

"Are you serious? Do you honestly expect us to believe that, are you sure your not jumping at shadows? Cause this is just crazy."

Eric of course, didn't believe a word Xero said, as the younger man merely looked at the ceiling with a thoughtful look on his face,"Believe it or not, that's the truth. This world's been around for a very long time and all myths and legends, no matter how insane they sound, have some grain of truth to them. You just have to find it. Besides, the truth is often stranger then fiction."

"That is very true, just look at where were standing and what's been going on for the past few weeks. We were not only attack by honest to god aliens, they were lead by a Norse god no less, after he stole a magic cube from a super spy organization. Then the world was saved thanks to a group of people that consists of super soldiers, spies, a radioactive gamma strong man, mutants, said Norse god's brother, an honest to god deagon and even Magus who can not only use real magic but can summon the legendary figures back from the dead."

Erwin smiled as he spoke,"That is of course not including their leader, one who is a hybrid of a human and a monster that once hunted our kind. So hearing this, learning that their are actually monster living beneath the Earth isn't all that shocking and is honestly a lot more believable. Now we've got another world, a parallel world no less that has merged with our own. As insane as that all sounds, that is the reality we now live in, so what would once be called crazy or insane, isn't as insane as it once was. My father always theorized that their was more to this world then recorded history had to say."

"But we never knew just how much of the First Age of history has been lost or how much of it we have lost over the eons."

Hange finished, as she wrote in her note pad,"By the way, where is the temple anyway, Levi wouldn't tell me, not to mention that freak weather storm that suddenly sweep Iraq, destroying several-"

"Mt. Zagros and everything underneath it is no more."

Arjuna cut in, as the Archer's sharp voice cut off Hange,"Master feared other would attempt to, as Dr. Randolph described it, throw open the Gates of Madness and doom everyone else. Given humanities track recorded in dealing with such things and how easily it could get out of hand, it was decide that the best course of action would be to destroy ANY trace of the vampires or their ship remain. Not to mention how these creatures were able to so easily take down two armies in less then ten minutes, it would be down right stupid to allow someone else foolish enough to reopen the gates once again."

"As you should known, days after father and the rest of the troops escaped the temple, father had me, Archer and Lancer return to the Mt. Zagros to ensure that what happened down their would never happen again."

Little Altera's red eyes narrowed at the world leaders,"And don't you dare blame father for his actions. Mt. Zagros was a bad civilization and had to be destroyed before anymore blood could be spilled. It was just too much of a risk to be left alone in the hands of fools who clearly do not know what they're doing."

So using the combine power of Arjuna, Karna and Altera's power, he was able to completely obliterate the mountain and it's lower inhabits.

"Huh, so that's what happened to it. So i'm guessing that insane weather and the so called 'sinkhole' that seemly sallowed the entire thing was actually your doing?"

When Gudako and Xero nodded, Fury butted in,"Never the less, i do agree with Mazoku's actions. Weather you like to admit or not, the creatures...Vampires and what was beneath the Zagros were a clear threat to Earth and had to be destroyed. If Mazoku had been working for me at the time, i would have gladly ordered the destruction of Mt. Zagros. It was just too dangerous to be left alone."

"That it should."

Ember spoke, in agreement with her step little brother's actions,"I have been alive for centuries now and if there is one thing i have learned over the years, it's this: Somethings are just better off left buried and forgotten. It's not fair but that's life for you."

Any and all protest, those that wanted to find out just what was beneath the mountain and wanted to blame Xero for it, found the wind knocked out of their sails once again. After hearing what happened, even if it was just a small part of it, could not find any fault in his actions. So they grumbled and reluctantly accepted something else Xero would be getting away with.

Even if it was an action that was for the best of mankind, they didn't have to like it.

"A good move all things considered husband. Human greed, no matter what world, will always play a massive part in human downfall."

Berserker Morgan knew better then to say it out loud, knowing full well it lead to a full blown and quite frankly, pointless argument but couldn't quite keep those thoughts to herself. Sith was the same, if her mocking smile was anything to go by, as she childishly blew a raspberry, much to certain people's anger.

"That and the fact i personally known that the gods are real. At least the Sumerian goddess of death exist, along with several others though Ereshkigal is not as evil as she is depicted. She's actually very sweet and nice, if not a bit socially awkward but then again, when your left alone since the beginning of time itself, that's bond to happen."

"Yes, Connie, Sasha. Despite being the goddess of death and the underworld of Sumerian, Ereshkigal is basically that affection kitten. You can talk to her yourself if you like."

The two pranksters gained 'Umm' looks, not sure if they wanted to face the goddess of death or not.

Since when could their boss summon gods and goddess in the first place?

Everyone else's nerves were just so thoroughly fried and after several earth shattering revelations at this point, no longer questioned Xero's claims. If he could summon the actually goddess right from Sumerian myth, then he could do it.

Seriously, why not?!

Even the more cynical members of the audience like Kelly, Weiss, her sister, Blake, Glynda, and the mayor of Vale didn't bother to question it either. Like everyone, thoroughly nerved fried on the subject. It just wasn't worth the argument.

"Ya know, out of the three trails, this one was one of the hardest."

The young Xero spoke, as the scene froze, while he and his mother sat on the sidelines, watching his older self talking to the soldiers. Lilith merely frowned,"Because out of all three, this one is one where it strikes at home for you. Unlike the last two, you hardly knew the people you fought alongside but not this time. This time, it's not just people you knew but people you loved and care for. Not in this life but in another life, regardless of whether of that fact, you still loved them just as much as Avenger Xero loved his own soldiers."

"Not that it mattered, unlike the Crawlers, these vampires were much more...persistent."

"Persistent my ass, those fuckers were acting like they're bald asses were on fire trying to break into the temple."

The 104th members groaned and gagged at Levi's unneeded commentary. But that didn't stop Ilia from asking,"So...when you say persistent, how persistent are we talking about?"

"Your about to find out."

Ilia's brows furrowed, only to nearly jump back when she heard Jason yelling.

"NO...ONE...IS...HOME!"

The scene changed once again, to show Jason, Eric, Nick, Rachel, Historia, Ymir, Jean, Armin, Eren, Reiner, Levi, Sasha, Connie, Clarice, Petra, Eldo and Xero himself doing everything they could to hold the massive, wooden doors to stay closed.

At the moment, Xero(Who by the way, was completely and utterly caked in blood from head to toe) Jason, Eren and Jean were trying to keep the large door closed. However it was clear to everyone who could see, the door wouldn't hold for long as the vampires kept throwing themselves at it, in what looked like a sheer desperate need to break the door open wide.

"Oh what the hell dude? You look like-"

"Like i took a bath in blood? Yeah, i did in a sense."

SMASH/CRACK

The two soldiers, CIA agent and Magus were nearly thrown off the door, as the vampires slammed into once again, causing them to scramble up to it, trying in vain attempt to keep it shut.

A futile attempt.

"These fuckers got a real hard on for getting in here! Fuck, there worse then sewer rats!"

Jason gritted his teeth, as he slammed his body against the breaking door, trying to hold it back as long as he could.

"Damn, those things must be strong to do that."

Yang winced at seeing the massive door violently shake, nearly breaking the wooden bar that held it close, almost break.

"It's not going to hold."

Ren, ever the clam and collected one, finally spoke after several viewing of silence, just trying to soak all the information in.

"Still, it is shocking to see a wooden door, after centuries, maybe even eons of being sealed away in an underground cavern still standing at all is beyond remarkable. The ones who built that temple must be very proud of their creation."

Oobleck commented on the impressive state the temple was in, even after so long.

"Umu, no it's not. Then again, it held out long enough for my praetor and his friends to escape, so the door did it's job. Besides, those foul creatures are no match for my beautiful praetor, those creatures should count themselves lucky they didn't have to fight me! I'd burn them to a cinder, umu!"

Nero nodded her head, as if to agree with herself, which to be fair she probably was.

"Then maybe it's time to bug out and regroup! If anyone's got any suggestions, i'm open to them!"

Xero gritted his teeth, feeling the centuries old wood start to give away. The bagging and the creatures enraged roaring didn't help much at all, barely giving Xero time to speak, let alone THINK of anyway out of this new hell.

"Oh shit, they're breaking through from the West gate!"

"FUCK!"

With a growl, Xero looked at Jason,"All right new plan, Kolchek, find us a way out of here! This place is fucked! We need to get out of here, otherwise we'll be overwhelmed!"

With his own teeth gritting, Jason yelled, as the door rattled again against the creatures slamming themselves against it,"Rachel! See anywhere where we can bug out?!"

"Hang on, hang on, han-got it! We can escape through the catacombs!"

"But that's going down, we need to go up!"

"It's either we leave and live or stay and die! You all heard the lady, everyone move to the east gate!"

The remaining soldiers all ran for the gate, as Xero looked at the old WW2 machine gun, as the wood begin to break.

"They'll be all over us before we can get to catacombs. Someone needs to hold them off and the only gun powerful enough to actually make a dent in these creatures is that machine gun. But it's probably jammed and out of ammo...oh fuck it!"

"Husband...your not going to do what i think your going to do, are you?"

Morgan narrowed her eyes, as the off screen Xero didn't answer, as they all watched his on screen self confirm the Berserker's thoughts, as he got on the old gun, trying to prime it for firing. Ruby, normally would have been excited to see a new type of gun but was too emotionally and mentally drained to get up her enthusiasm to get it up.

Sherlock tapped his chin,"Well, dangerous or not, Xero is making the right move here. He has the best chance to survive if one of the creatures grab him or even captain Levi but everyone else? No. None of these soldiers stand a chance, physical wise anyway, could ever hope to stand against these creatures up close and personal."

"I still don't like it."

Berserker Morgan let out a small huff of annoyance, as Tony and Pepper nodded in agreement. While taking risks were important, this was pushing it.

The gun creaked and groaned, as the Magus pulled the hammer back or tried to. Decades of inaction, combinded with continuously exposed to death, darkness and dust had rendered it un-useable.

For the moment.

"Oh bloody hell, this wasn't one of your better ideas Xero."

"While i would say this is a bad idea, i cannot disagree with your actions Lord Mazoku. You are right, even if you did run, more then likely you'd all be swarmed before you could even reach the stairs."

"I hate to agree but Ironwoody is right, thanks to you, we were able to get away relatively unscathed."

Levi hated to agree with the general but he did. Those vampires weren't dumb, god knows that make it far too easy, they were predators and knew full well how to ensure their prey.

"You're telling me, we would have been slaughtered had boss not gotten it working."

Sasha rubbed her arm, feeling the pain of the vampire digging it's claws into it, as it damn near bite her head off before boss opened fire on the freaks. The scene made Medea breath a sigh of relief,"Thank the gods you took that good luck charm i made you, beloved. That could have ended much worse."

"No kidding."

More then once, Xero was certain those good luck charms had saved his hide more times then he could count. Though interestingly enough, Qrow perked up at the mention of "good luck charms", wondering if he could possible get some of his own, to counter his semblance.

Eren however breathed out a loud sigh, as he looked at Pieck,"But fuck, do i wish we had one of your Thunder Spears on hand, That would have taught those double fanged freaks a lesson."

"I don't know about that Eren. It's just like Xero-dono and captain Levi said, these creatures are not foolish, they're predators. They're smart and can think on a human level, even if you had the ODM gear, i highly doubt they would have stayed still."

Off the the side, the camera moved to the side, allowing everyone to see the present, younger Xero and his mother watching the scene.

"It really wasn't one of your better ideas but it worked."

Lilith commented, as the present Xero snorted, watching as his younger self was able to pull the hammer back and open fire on the creatures hidden within the darkness of the tomb-temple.

"Not that it mattered. Half the unit was killed before we even entered the temple and during the madness within the sacrificial chamber, Clarice died then turned and killed Eld. Ya know, when we fell down into the pit, i ended up carrying Historia on my shoulders throughout the Blood River and never once have i ever been more thankful for the fact i am tall."

"Indeed. Historia is only 5'1 foot against your 6'1. Had she been forced to step through that river, she could have gotten an infection from simply inhaling all that mixed blood."

"Err, when you say blood river, do you mean..."

"An actually river entirely made out of blood? Yes, i do mean a real for real blood river. Ture be told, i honestly thought i had gone to hell and dragged everyone else down with me, if only for a moment."

And that wasn't counting the countless bodies littered all over the place.

Xero watched as Clover went a little green in the face, as did everyone else, while Historia had to be held up by Ymir and Reiner, as she looked ready to faint. Not that he could blame her, a fresh out of training, wet behind the ears rookie like her should have had an easy mission:

Help secure the weapon silos and ensure the VIP wasn't hurt.

"B-but to create a river would require over 50 gallons of water to create one, to have an entire river made of blood, you'd-"

"Have to kill more then hundreds of people and animals alike, damn near thousands at worst. It wasn't just humans that those creatures were killed over the years, lots of animals were killed for their blood and many were dumped in the Pit. Why? I don't know but i think it's safe to say, it wasn't good."

Weiss looked ready to throw up again, as did her sister, unable to keep her military persona in place at the idea of so many being killed and drained like...like animals basically.

"I'm going to be sick."

Spider-Man, for all his optimistic goodness was unable to withstand it anymore and it was his spider teacher, Jessica that had grabbed a bucket for her fellow spider themed hero to puke in it. Thankful his suit responsed to his Focus and his lower half of the mask slide open, allowing Peter to puke into the bucket rather then his mask.

"Doesn't help that the blood was still fresh enough to remain watery, so it ended up with me, Rachel and Historia taking an actually blood bath. From both human to animal blood, it took me hours to get all out it out of my hair and off my-"

"HHHHHHHHUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRGGGGGGGG"

AAAAANNNNNNDDDDDDD cue many more puking their guts out at the thought of an actual Blood bath, a real life one or maybe it was just his graphic detail.

Seeing everyone starting to throw up, save for the Servants and Historia deciding to join them, Xero and Gudako knew this was going to take a while.

Done.

And boy, someone is dangerously overworked. Ten guesses who?

So that's all for now folks!

Devil out!