"How is he? Is everything going well?" Lilith inquired, speaking to Samuel.
After Gabriel's departure, Samuel and the others remained near the Slipgate. Samuel could monitor the Archangel's status and keep everyone else updated. He had suggested that they return to his office or go to the commons of the office building. But everyone, even the Goetias, and I.M.P., who barely knew either Gabriel or Doomguy, wanted to be present when they were safely back on Mars.
For the unfamiliar ones of the group, it was mostly curiosity. Any concern they felt was aimed at Gabriel since he was the Brother of their Lord and one of God's children. If anything happened to him while he was inside of Doom, a shitstorm would be waiting for them back in their Hell. Even with Azrael, Lilith, and Michael, they had doubts they could quell Lucifer's anger and God's Divine fury.
As for those who were familiar with Doomguy, that was where their worries were aimed. However, that didn't mean they weren't concerned for Gabriel. Not at all. But the Archangel wasn't the one who was submerged in an ocean of acid. The unknown status of Doomguy, combined with most of the group's familiarity with him, made him the priority of their anxious minds.
"Yes. Everything is fine." Samuel responded. "Currently, Gabriel has begun his ascent back to the entry point. We can assume that he's carrying our injured mute." He stated.
"Oh. That's wonderful." Lilith replied with a smile and a sigh of relief. Many of the others also exhaled their held breaths when they heard that. "So, I suppose this proves that Doomguy wasn't meant to be bait." She said.
"Indeed. If this were a multi-staged ambush, Gabriel wouldn't have made it far before getting attacked. Unsurprisingly, the Demons only had one target." Samuel replied.
"Even so, it is a little weird that it's going so smoothly," Vagatha commented, joining the conversation. "After so much fighting, the Demons finally have Doomguy where they want him. You'd think they would send all their forces to ensure he's killed." She said.
"Hey! Don't fucking jinx it, Vaggie! The fuck is wrong with you?" Angel Dust exclaimed, followed by a question.
"Don't get snippy with me, spider boy," Vagatha warned while placing her hands on her hips. "All I'm saying is there's something odd about the situation." She told him.
"She's right." Samuel chimed in, surprising everyone.
"I am?/She is?" Vagatha and Angel Dust spoke in unison, each equally caught off guard by his statement.
"I'd like you all to remember that the bulk of what you have seen or been told about does not represent the entirety of Doom's inhabitants. Yes, their legions are mostly mindless, with a few exceptions. Yet, ask yourselves this question. Who or what is leading them? Currently, the notable Demons of Doom elude us. Even my partner has no idea who they are. He's encountered significant creatures such as the Icon of Sin or the Mother of All Demons. But neither of these entities could be described as rulers. The true intelligence behind the hordes is still unknown. We've recovered inscriptions that depict leaders of each species. However, mentioned scarcely among these records is an entity above all. Doom's equivalent of a one true God." Samuel explained.
"Oh...joy...that sounds lovely..." Husk groaned. Fuck. He wished he had brought alcohol with him.
"Would that be Doom's version of the Devil? Or, shall I say, our Lord?" Paimon asked, greatly curious to learn more.
"I suppose so. Although, this entity isn't described so simply." Samuel answered.
"Could you elaborate?" Paimon pressed.
"Of course. But be warned; it's incredibly vague. The information I give will only create more questions." Samuel began. "The entity is said to be formless. Ethereal. It is Doom manifested. The realm developed sentience. Not long after, it started to shape parts of itself into different molds. From these, the Demons were brought into existence. This entity is evil incarnate. It cannot be killed, only managed and contained. Be aware that the last part is me speaking and not reciting the records." He told them.
For the next few minutes, everyone was quiet. How could they not be? The description of this mysterious being was beyond grand. Evil incarnate, who was simultaneously the realm of Doom after gaining consciousness? The mere thought of that sent everyone's heads spinning.
Luckily, this was a good thing for Samuel. During this conversation, he noticed Gabriel's flight behavior had become sporadic. By keeping the others' minds off of the duo in Doom, he didn't need to inform the group that they were likely in a fight. Of course, Samuel would speak if something happened, but the pair seemed to be out of harm's way now. Indicated by Gabriel having switched from flight to walking.
"A land mass? Doom does have quite a few floating aimlessly." Samuel pondered, continuing to track the Archangel's signal. "They might be gone for a bit longer. They'll want to lay low for a while to get any attackers off of their trail." He reasoned.
"Samuel?" Charlie spoke, getting his attention.
"Yes, Charlie?" Samuel responded.
"If what you said is true, that this entity can't be killed, what does that mean for Doomguy?" Charlie inquired with a look of worry. "He won't stop fighting them until all of Doom is dead. But if the creator of these Demons can't die, it could resurrect them and create more eternally. So, Doomguy wouldn't stop fighting, would he?" She added.
"No. He wouldn't." Samuel confirmed, not needing to consider his response. "Furthermore, if there ever came a time when Doom has assuredly been sealed away from the rest of Creation, but that murder-happy madman still wanted to fight them, that would be the end of our partnership. My goal is to protect everyone and everything from Doom. Although similar to my associate's objective, they aren't the same. Even with absolute certainty that Doom would no longer be a threat, my partner will elect to be sealed away with them. He'd become their warden, they his prisoners, and Doom the prison they share." He told her.
Oof. That was a depressing thought. The idea that everything could work out and Doomguy would still opt to be trapped with those monsters was heartbreaking. Was his anger so insatiable? Would nothing soothe his wounded soul except for Doom's extermination, which might not even be possible?
No. Charlie didn't accept that. No matter what, she would give him something better to live for. That was the whole reason she started her hotel! To give the hopeless hope and show that there was always something brighter and better waiting for them! Doomguy was no exception to this!
A new passion ignited inside the Princess of Hell. A priority whose importance was equal to that of dealing with Doom. No matter what, that silent suffering soldier would re-learn happiness! Even if Charlie had to drown Doomguy in joy and overwhelm his soul with dreams, optimism, and rainbows!
FWOOM
The...Slipgate...it turned on. Everyone was surprised by the suddenness of its activation, including Samuel. But before anyone could verbally react, something came through. When it did, two starkly different assortments of emotions were felt in a very precise order.
First, everyone immediately recognized the radiant visage of Gabriel. The glow of his person was undeniable. Once the group realized it was him, they were excited and happy. The Archangel of Justice was safe and sound.
Then, after identifying Gabriel, everyone's focus shifted to what was being carried in his arms. It was big, covered in many green armor plates, and appeared to be made of flesh and muscles.
...
...OH.
That was the exact mental reaction every single person present had. The burned and battered form of Doomguy was finally recognized. When it was, the previously felt happiness and excitement were replaced with overwhelming alarm and anxiety.
"DOOMGUY!" Charlie was the first to shout, nearly scream, at the top of her lungs.
After that, the air was filled with a deafening bombardment of shouts, yells, and other high-volume exclamations. Additionally, nearly everyone swarmed Gabriel and the severely-wounded Doomguy. The whole scene was a chaotic mess that neither the duo nor Samuel could understand. As such, someone needed to regain control over the frenzied group.
FWOOSH
In one quick motion, Gabriel unfolded his wings. Apart from startling everyone and forcing them to step back, he surrounded himself and Doomguy with them to form a barrier.
"Everyone! Please! Regain your senses!" Gabriel commanded from behind his feathered appendages. "I know this is a very shocking scene. I'm also aware that seeing Doomguy with such injuries is cause for alarm. However, all of you shouting and surrounding us will do neither he nor I any favors. Please, one at a time, speak." He stated.
"IS HE FUCKING ALIVE?!" Angel Dust shouted, unable to control his voice when asking the question.
"Yes. Doomguy is alive. Despite his time in the acidic waters, he is stable and conscious." Gabriel confirmed, ushering a MASSIVE wave of relief over most of the group.
"But he's still injured! He needs medical attention!" Nifty exclaimed. Due to her shorter stature, she tried her best to sneak under the Archangel's wings. Unfortunately, even now, he was vigilant and kept her at bay.
"Of course. But first, we must find a place for him to lie down. Samuel, could you assist me in that regard?" Gabriel replied, ending in an inquiry.
"I can. Follow me." Samuel requested.
With the horde settled, Gabriel withdrew his wings before trailing behind Samuel. As they walked, everyone followed behind. Well, except for Nifty. Her aforementioned shortness allowed her to walk beside the Archangel and look at Doomguy without getting in the way. Eventually, Samuel led Gabriel to an elevator. Alas, this is where those concerned about Doomguy's condition had to wait since the lift did have a maximum capacity of only a few people.
After descending, Samuel guided Gabriel to the medical room where Angel Dust, Olivia, and Azrael had been treated. From there, the
Archangel set Doomguy down on the examination table in the center of the room.
"How will you be treating him?" Gabriel asked. "If you need it, I can offer my skill with healing magic." He offered.
"That won't be necessary," Samuel answered, his back facing the Archangel as he was busy readying something.
"Oh? Is your medicine so advanced that it equals Divine healing?" Gabriel inquired, amazed and fascinated by the idea.
"I wouldn't call this medicine," Samuel responded. He finished his preparations and was now approaching the table.
"Then...what is it?" Gabriel questioned, confused by that statement.
"A stimulant. My former employees referred to it as Mega Health. Normally, I wouldn't be able to inject my partner with a needle since his skin is too resistant. But with many of his muscles exposed, it allows easy insertion." Samuel explained.
"And this so-called Mega Health is safe, correct? Doomguy has endured more than enough for today." Gabriel asked.
"No. But only for normal people. As you've seen yourself, my associate has long been removed from that classification." Samuel answered before sticking the syringe into one of the exposed wounds.
The second the stimulant entered Doomguy's system, there was a slight shake from his body. This was far tamer compared to how Azrael had reacted with violent convulsions. Then, Gabriel witnessed a true miracle. Doomguy's injuries rapidly healed! Even his hair returned! In less than ten seconds, the space marine was combat-ready again.
"By Father's name..." Gabriel muttered in disbelief. "This...This surpasses healing magic...it could very well be equal or greater to the blessings of the Divine..." He said.
"You flatter me," Samuel said while setting the syringe down. "Now, I suggest we return to the others and let them know that their favorite mute is taken care of. Assuming they aren't already-"
"DOOMGUY!"
That was Charlie's voice. Soon after, its owner came running over to the table. As Samuel expected, the others rode the elevator once it became available. Following behind her were the anticipated suspects: Angel Dust. Olivia. Azrael. Cherri Bomb. Those from the hotel. Etc. The only ones not present were the Goetias and I.M.P., which was understandable since they still knew so little.
Amazingly, Michael and Lilith weren't among them. More than likely, they stayed back with the Nobles and mercs so they wouldn't be left alone.
"Everyone, please, control yourselves," Samuel spoke loudly as the group entered. "There is a lot of equipment in this room that I'd prefer to stay in good condition. Do try to restrain your rowdiness." He requested.
Although his words were heard, no one acknowledged Samuel. They were all too busy checking on Doomguy and his condition.
"Whoa! Holy shit! You're fixed!" Angel Dust was the first to exclaim as everyone noticed the sudden disappearance of his acid burns.
"Uncle, did you heal him?" Charlie asked while looking at her relative.
"Actually, it was Samuel," Gabriel answered while gesturing to the mechanical man.
"Oh, did you use the stimulant you used on me?" Azrael guessed. That was the only explanation for Doomguy's rapid recovery.
"That I did," Samuel confirmed before turning his attention to his partner. "However, there is the matter of your suit. It's in tatters." He mentioned.
"Tatters is being generous." Husk chimed in while examining what was left. "It's little more than scrap now. Ain't no salvaging this." He said.
"Indeed. Which is why I'll have to reproduce it." Samuel replied.
"Wait, you can do that?" Vagatha inquired. "I thought that the suit was found alongside Doomguy?" She recalled.
"It was. But because a barrier of Hell energy didn't surround the suit, my people and I could study it thoroughly. How else could I install various programs and functions seamlessly?" Samuel responded.
"But how long will that take? " Vagatha followed up.
"I can't be sure. The suit's construction is unlike anything I've ever seen. It surpasses even my body in design and technology. I can replicate it, as stated. But ensuring it is a flawless replica will be time-consuming." Samuel told her.
"Well, that works out just fine. Because Doomguy is going to get some R&R for a while." Charlie stated matter-of-factly.
To that, Doomguy looked at Olivia and pretended to write.
"Hm? Oh! Do you want my PDA?" Olivia guessed, receiving a nod in response.
Quickly removing it from her pocket, Olivia handed it over to Doomguy. With it, he could type up messages for them to read.
"No. I need to replace my guns and patrol the complex. The Demons could invade." Doomguy wrote.
"ABSOLUTELY NOT." Charlie raised her voice while issuing a glare at the space marine. "I don't care how tough you are, Doomguy. You fell into an ocean made of acid. You fought against a giant cyborg demon. Your body was severely injured; it doesn't matter that it's healed now. YOU. HAVE. DONE. ENOUGH. FOR. TODAY." She told him while poking his chest with her finger. "NO more fighting. NO more work. YOU are taking a BREAK. Do I make myself clear?" She asked authoritatively.
For a few seconds, Doomguy did nothing but stare at Charlie. It wasn't a look of anger or annoyance. In truth, it didn't convey anything. Was he taken aback by her assertive attitude? Or was it something else?
Then, Doomguy typed on the PDA.
"Okay. You win."
"...Really?" Charlie questioned with widened eyes. She didn't expect this to be so easy. Neither did the others, as most of them shared her expression.
"Without my suit, I could only carry and easily switch between two guns. If the Demons invaded with a sizeable force, they'd only be impaired by the BFG with that limited carrying capacity. Unfortunately, like my suit, there was only one. Samuel will need to build another." Doomguy wrote.
"That is true. There was only one functioning model produced." Samuel acknowledged as he began to scan what remained of Doomguy's suit. "Hmm...I don't think the system used for storage survived...but if I prove myself wrong, then there won't be a need to replace any of your equipment." He stated.
"Even so, we should prepare for this situation again. It might be best to make more than one suit and multiple replications of my guns." Doomguy wrote.
"Piling on the work, aren't you?" Samuel asked in jest, expecting no answer. "But I do agree with your logic. I'll set the drones to work on your weapons while I attend to the suit." He told him.
"May I help, sir?" Olivia requested. "This would be a good learning opportunity for me. It would also help to broaden my skill set and knowledge for later use." She said.
"Hm, sound reasons," Samuel replied, impressed by her initiative. "Very well then, Olivia. Come with me. We need to get started immediately." He instructed.
"Yes, sir," Olivia responded with a smile of gratitude.
Following that, Samuel collected the remains of Doomguy's suit and left the room with Olivia.
"So...what happens now?" Cherri Bomb spoke before pointing her finger at Gabriel. "I assume you've got all the proof you need, right?" She asked.
"More than enough and then some," Gabriel confirmed. "I have no doubts. Doom, whatever it is, is a vile place filled with horrors never witnessed by anyone in our reality. I must speak with Lucifer immediately. I'll drag him here myself if he still refuses to believe this is true. We cannot waste any time in dealing with this threat." He passionately asserted.
"Calm down there, Gabriel. You're meant to be the level-headed one in the family." Azrael said to him. Although she was happy to see her Brother so enthusiastic about helping (and the thought of Lucifer being dragged against his will to Mars), they needed to plan their next steps carefully.
"This coming from the woman constantly trying to wrap her tail around our sibling's neck and thrash him about?" Gabriel questioned.
"Hehe...yeah...okay...you got me there..." Azrael sheepishly replied with a chuckle. "Still, we should have a plan. We only thought ahead to this point. As of now, we've got nothing." She admitted.
"Auntie's right." Charlie joined in. "Dad's the last objective of our current plan. Our next plan will be focused on revealing Doom's existence to our Heaven and Hell. Which will go about as smoothly as it sounds..." She said with a sigh.
"Excuse me," Katie spoke up while stepping forward. "I don't mean to interject, but regarding the whole "tell all of Hell about a far worse Hell filled with scarier Demons" part of this operation. Isn't that why you brought me into this? Every Sinner, Imp, and Demon will be hooked with one broadcast. Provided I have access to all the materials, information, and other things I need." She told them.
"Now, hold on!" Alastor swiftly stepped forward while pointing his cane at her. "Don't think you're going to hog the spotlight. Must I keep reminding everyone that I am the Radio Demon? My voice will reach every Sinful soul in Hell! Some people don't have televisions, but EVERYONE'S got a radio!" He exclaimed.
"Maybe old folks' homes and asylums meant for the mentally dysfunctional. But we don't care about those people." Katie said, dismissing him with a waggle of her hand. "We have to make sure Nobles, Royals, and Overlords hear us. Who do you think they'll pay attention to? A recognized, beloved, and trusted source of information? Or a cannibal with a crocodile smile?" She asked.
"Flattery will not win my favor, Katie." Alastor started with as his grin grew. "Furthermore, I don't know how we'll involve Tom Trench. Or why we'd need to." He said.
"What are you talking about?" Katie questioned with a raised brow. "When did Tom become a part of this?" She added.
"You stated that a recognized, beloved, and trusted source of information would be listened to. Were you not referring to Mister Trench with that description?" Alastor inquired.
Oh. This smug mother fucker. Slicker than oil and smoother than ice. Like a skilled boxer sneaking in for an attack, Alastor hit Katie with a snarky uppercut that nearly left her speechless. Sadly, someone intervened before the Mantis Demon could bear her mandibles to spit back a scathing remark of her own.
"Okay, you two, that's enough," Vagatha told them while getting between the pair. "We're meant to be COOPERATING, which means no sarcastic comments, mean-spirited jokes, or cleverly-worded phrases with mocking intent. Am I understood?" She asked.
"I have no problems being a team player. Just ensure that the one with the appetite for people meat wears his muzzle." Katie answered.
"I suppose a team of one is still technically a team." Alastor joked, causing their mediator to pinch the bridge of her nose.
"Ugh...this is going to suck..." Vagatha groaned with eyes tightly closed.
"Ahem." Gabriel cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention. "If I may, I'd like to say something about the reveal of this information to both Hell's and Heaven's populations." He said.
"Please, by all means." Alastor welcomed.
"Yeah. It'd be helpful to have one of God's children join the conversation." Katie agreed.
"Thank you," Gabriel replied before continuing. "In my opinion, regardless of how the information is delivered and by whom, no one in either realm will believe a word without evidence immune to skepticism. Even though we'll have me, Azrael, Michael, Lilith, Lucifer, and Charlie to assure all of it is legitimate. That won't keep idiotic and close-minded people from denying it nor prevent them from ignoring us. They may also challenge our claims despite all of the proof we currently have and what can still be offered by Samuel and Doomguy. We need something so certain of what we'll present that there can be no doubt whatsoever." He stated, then turned to Doomguy. "Is there such an item? I know that is a lot to request of you after all you and Samuel have done thus far. But it would make what comes next far easier for us." He inquired.
Upon hearing this, Doomguy closed his eyes and began thinking. The corpses, artifacts, and scriptures, combined with the approval of legitimacy from Charlie's family, should be all they'd need. However, despite not being around people for so long, Doomguy remembered how stubborn and stupid they could be. He assumed that much would remain the same regardless of what reality the people came from.
But was there anything better in Samuel and Doomguy's possession? Something that would convince the thickest of heads and the slowest of minds?
...
...Yes. There was. It never occurred to either Samuel or Doomguy to use that. Admittedly, they might not have the right to. Yet, if they did, no one could ignore them.
"Hey, big guy?" Angel Dust spoke, making him open his eyes. "You okay? You suddenly got a weird look on your face. It's like a mix between mad and sad." He told him.
For a second, Doomguy debated whether or not he should share his idea. The reactions from the others would be fully justified. Still, they needed something, and something is what he had to offer. Slowly and with a hesitation that everyone noticed, Doomguy typed into the PDA. Olivia had left it with him since she knew he'd return it later.
"Although the complex sustained damage in numerous facilities and systems, certain things were maintained by a third party. I can't disclose the party's identity right now, so please, don't ask. As for the things this person helped keep functional when the invasion happened, they all had to do with the personnel. Surveillance. Monitoring each individual's status. Audio and Visual Recordings. The number of people killed, transformed, or unaccounted for. If we showed all of this, there's no way anyone could refute it." Doomguy wrote.
When everyone was through reading Doomguy's message, a sickening feeling washed over them. They knew precisely what the space marine was suggesting. Although it was the premium-quality proof they were looking for, none of them, not even Katie or Alastor, knew how comfortable they'd be showing it.
"...If Samuel permits it, then we should," Gabriel stated. His approval of the idea stunned everyone, including Doomguy.
"Uncle? Are you sure?" Charlie asked with a look of sadness. The mere thought of what they would do unsettled her greatly.
"Gabriel," Azrael spoke, feeling the same as her Niece. "I...don't believe it is our place to use something like this, regardless of our situation. All of those people, how they suffered and died, we don't have the right to display it." She said.
For a moment, the Archangel pondered his response. He didn't want to sound commanding or rude.
"Let me ask one question. If we are met with backlash and resistance by Hell, Heaven, or both, regardless of number, what will our approach be then? Before Doomguy was pulled into Doom and I was sent to rescue him, I still had my doubts about the legitimacy of all of this. But once I was inside that accursed place and gazed into the soul of one of its creatures, those uncertainties were gone. The corpses and artifacts are unable to convey the nature of Doom's existence. However, we cannot afford another demonstration nor risk trying to obtain a live specimen. So, I repeat my question to all of you, what will our approach be?" Gabriel asked.
A contemplative quiet overtook the room. Everyone, including Doomguy, did their best to think of something. But what Gabriel had pointed out was without flaws. The only thing that could convince the doubtful of their reality was to see Doom and its Demons firsthand.
So, after a full minute of no words being spoken, everyone came to a silent agreement. All that was left was to decide who would ask Samuel. Although, the choice was rather obvious.
"Hey, don't get into another fight." Angel Dust said as Doomguy got to his feet.
"Also, when you're done, you better come back immediately. Remember, you're meant to be resting." Charlie told him.
In reply, Doomguy nodded his head to both. Afterward, he'd depart the group to talk to Samuel. However, as the space marine left the area, leaving the others to their thoughts and to talk among themselves, one of them realized something.
"...HOLY FUCK!" Cherri Bomb suddenly shouted, startling the group.
"Jesus, Cherri! What the fuck?!" Angel Dust responded since he was standing next to her.
"Guys! Did NONE of us process that we just fucking SAW Doomguy's face?! Or that he's nearly naked?! Without his suit, the dude's walking around in boxers!" Cherri Bomb exclaimed.
...
...Holy fucking shit. Holy fucking goddamn shit. Cherri was right. They were so worried about Doomguy and focused on what they needed to do that NONE of them, not even Olivia, Lilith, Michael, the Goetias, or I.M.P., noticed that Doomguy's face was finally revealed! Also, he was one article of clothing away from being All-Natural~
When this realization set in, the women felt a warmth rush to their faces. So did Angel Dust, which was a rarity for the Spider Demon. However, the arachnid was the first to make another realization. When he did, his slight embarrassment was replaced with blood-boiling anger.
"GOD FUCKING DAMN IT! I DIDN'T EVEN PAY ATTENTION TO HIM!" Angel Dust screamed as he gripped the sides of his head. "THINK STUPID BRAIN, THINK! WHAT DID HIS FACE LOOK LIKE?! WHAT DID HIS ABS LOOK LIKE?! COULD YOU SEE HIS BULGE?!" He cried out.
Sadly, Angel Dust's brain refused to cooperate. The same could be said for the others whose minds couldn't help but consider the questions (and many more) that he asked. Hopefully, for the curious, Doomguy wouldn't stumble upon a set of clothes or a new suit to conceal himself. That'd be far too cruel.