A few weeks later, the Slayer had been busy with his team. Isabelle's scanner was nearing completion and testing, and she was very eager for when it was ready. Nix's training was also going well, her wings regaining strength, slowly but surely. Marion had also figured out a lot of tech from the probe. Even some information as well, which while she took some interest, she knew the Slayer would take MUCH more interest, and was going to show him.
"Hey, this thing contains some information about your world. Worlds," Marion tells him as she walks into his man cave. "Mind if I sit?" She asks.
"Sure," the Slayer says, but before he can get up to grab a chair, she sits in his lap, holding out her Scroll. He mentally asks himself what it is with girls liking his lap when she starts.
"So, first, it seems they found each other," she begins. "Both are grateful to you for saving them. Though they didn't know where you vanished to after the battle of Immora, they didn't forget about you either. They're helping each other rebuild. There's even a Sentinel colony on Earth. All that happened within the last twenty years or so."
"Twenty years? So I've slept for that long. That might be the most sleep I've gotten in forever," the Slayer says as he sees the intel. "I've come to hate sleeping for two reasons. Time sleeping is time spent not killing demons, for one. Another...," he gets quieter, "Is because with sleep comes nightmares. PTSD, especially Hell-caused PTSD...is a bitch," he admits.
Marion turns around on his lap, hugging him. "Bill, I'm sure you've seen more death than anyone alive. That's behind you now. We're here for you," she says as he hugs back loosely. "Now, to continue..." She turns back around so he can see the screen. "On Earth, the Allied Nations have been strengthening, with their own senate, and even Prime Minister, speaking for all of Earth now. Meanwhile on Argent D'Nur, Commander Valen leading the battle of Immora has redeemed him in the eyes of the Sentinels. In fact, he's taken on the role of Steward-General, and well...he rules the Sentinels now. His first proclamation? Denounce the corrupt order of Deag, claiming their deaths were necessary. The Maykrs have been renounced as well, all who sided, and still side with them, have been labeled traitors."
"So, both planets have healed their political situation," the Slayer comments. "Good for Valen. No longer the Betrayer huh? Instead he leads the Sentinels. Though I'm sure there's still some animosity."
"There is," Marion answers. "Though it seems to be dying down, as he's putting efforts into reconstruction, for both worlds." She scrolls down, and grins. "Now HERE is where things get interesting. YOU have been pardoned for killing all the Hell Priests, regardless of where it happened. So...guess who's king again?" She asks with a smirk. "And it's not just them either. Earth has joined in on the fun, but this thing says it's in a figurehead way, compared to 'the Queen,' whoever they mean by that. Do you know?" She asks.
"I know EXACTLY who they mean," The Slayer answers. "So, King of Earth huh? Well, that's interesting. I had a hunch about the Sentinels, but Earth? Color me surprised."
"The Slayer's Union, they call their new alliance," Marion continues. "Apparently chosen when they realized they could make the acronym SUN." She pauses, then finishes with "And that's all I've been able to figure out, for now. Oh, but there's one last thing. Some on Earth see you as more than a king." She turns around to face him. "They don't just want to kneel and call you 'Your Highness.' They see you as more. They see you as a god. They pray to you for strength, for guidance, and for courage. And the Sentinels don't discourage it either. Some even see that yes, you coming to them maybe was a divine act."
"Well, given what I've done...that's not surprising. Add to that the fact some on Earth were already seeing me as a god, and lots of Sentinel art depicts me with a halo, so them joining in makes sense," the Slayer says. "Thanks for the info."
"Wait, that's it?" Marion asks. "I just told you that some see you as a god, and your main response is it's not surprising? Though….if you really are as old as you say you are, does ANYTHING faze you? Or are you so experienced with things the rest of us can't even comprehend….that it's just another chapter in your never-ending story?"
"My eternal story," he smiles. "But yes, I think that's part of it. I've seen so much, done so much….I'm not sure what, if anything, could surprise me anymore."
"So you're jaded to hell and back," Mario chuckles. She then turns around. "So, what's this?" She asks.
"Well, I've been working on some of the powerups I've used. Berserk, Onslaught, and Overdrive. Making Remnant compatible versions. See, here's the real issue," the Slayer explains. "What I use is quite potent. So much so that if anyone else used one….it would destroy them. Exact details vary, but the short version is yeah, it'd be the end for you. Though I don't believe it's impossible. I've been trying to find a way to make some that you guys can use, and it won't destroy you. Not much luck so far."
Marion looks over his results, thinking to herself. "Hmmm, the problem is the side effects, right?" She asks, and the Slayer nods. "Is it at all possible to water it down, as it were? What happens if you make something like it, just weaker? Like...drop of regular strength coffee in a glass of water weak?"
The Slayer pauses, then inputs a few options for weakened powerups. A few billion or so test scenarios later, and results were in, with quite a few positives. "Wow...that might actually work. Why didn't I think of that? Am I finally going senile after all this time?" He asks with a half smile.
"No, it means that you're not omniscient," Marion answers. "It means that maybe you're a god. But you're not a God, if that makes sense. Sure, you're powerful. More powerful than most mortals. But you don't rule all creation. You too, are part of it. You don't sit on a throne, and decide our fates. You encourage us to make our own, to guide us, and shield us from the worst that's out there. You hold the torch, we follow you into the darkness. But at the same time, you're one of us. You're a god, but you're also a man." She pokes his chest with one finger. "Deep down, at your core, buried beneath the years, the battles, the hatred and the rage….you're as human as the rest of us. You can overlook things. Make mistakes. In fact, maybe you're MORE human than the rest of us." She looks up at him. "I bet that under that rage, you can still feel. Under the pain, you can still be happy. Under the hatred….you can still love. Underneath the Doom Slayer….Bill lurks still, waiting to be let free."
The Slayer couldn't help but absorb her words, feeling them hit something at his core. One small mistake of his, one thing he overlooked, that luckily didn't mean anything, and it caused Marion to give a speech, one that spoke to both godhood and humanity. Maybe….she's right. And now the idea of wanting to truly let Bill out….had appeal like he didn't know he could possess. A desire to be as human as Marion said he was, was growing within him, and strongly too. So strong even he couldn't ignore it. "Thank you for that," he got out quietly, hugging Marion tightly, feeling a smile cross his face. An actual, genuine smile, and not some light chuckle or the like, for the first time in….he couldn't remember how long. The hug would've lasted longer, but Marion was making gasping sounds, so he eased up. "I have to work on that, don't I?" He asks with a chuckle.
"Yes, yes you do," Marion says in between gasps, but with a smile on her face the whole time. "No wonder Nix enjoyed that massage that one time. Apparently many of the other girls have expressed interest, once they were told. Even I wouldn't mind one some time," she says with a wink. "So, how soon can you have these ready?" She asks, turning around to look at the powerup projections.
"Likely a few days. I'll need help to test them. And I know just who all to ask," He answers. "So, how's the store? How's business?"
"Oh, it's doing well. Almost too well, with demand starting to exceed our capacity to supply," Marion answers. "Ever since she got outed as a dragon faunus, and you've been training her to use her wings, Nix has been helping a lot more. It's quite surprising how good she is with the accounting side of things. Hey, on Earth….do you have myths about dragons, and do your myths about dragons talk about their greed?" The Slayer nods. "Unless….that explains it. Draconic greed, tempered, and suddenly she's good with money. Wait….that's just her. What about her family?" She asks as realization dawns on her. "Is she secretly rich? If so, are we talking more, or less, than Weiss?"
"Well, good thing for her. Honestly? I think if I had any skills in money handling, they're long gone," the Slayer answers. "I also have to admit, I'm not so eager to get them back. Spend a long enough time, not needing money...and you won't care about it. I still don't. I'd likely be the type to spread it among the people. People go crazy over money, and I refuse to be a part."
"Not to mention, your actual living costs are literally zero. You don't have to eat, and your home is a space castle that can go anywhere. You'd only need money for pleasure," Marion adds. "Also, something something gods have no need to concern themselves with monetary needs of mortals, amirite?" She laughs.
"Fair enough," the Slayer laughs as well. That weekend, the Slayer had his prototypes of the powerups ready, examining their crystallized forms, while others crowded around him. "Let's see here, the first we'll test….is Onslaught," he decides, grabbing the crystal. "Which means Coco, you're the one to test this," he says. "Grab your gun, and I'm going to go find somewhere with lots of Grimm," he orders, going over to the main computer. "Ah, here's a spot, in the middle of nowhere, in Mistral. Perfect spot."
"Mistral. Sure, let's go visit another kingdom. Always amazing how with you, we can just hop around the world like it's no big deal. Normally, this is where I'd ask about if we'll be missed. Though, I think YOU have charmed Miss Goodwitch in that regard, haven't you?" She asks, looking over the top of her sunglasses with a smirk.
"I claim no such thing," he responds as he activates the portal.
"No armor?" Coco asks.
"I'm here to observe," the Slayer answers, though he does grab his Scroll, as well as the prototype scanner he was making for Isabelle. "This is all on you. Though let's face it….if the situation requires me to step in…."
"The Grimm won't have a chance," Coco finishes as they step through.
They were in the middle of a forest, surrounded by Grimm, who all immediately took interest. "So...how does this work?" Coco asks as the Grimm close in, the Slayer holding up the scanner.
"First, catch," he says as he tosses her the powerup. "In theory, crush it in your hand. Then let the effects happen."
"Ok, well then," Coco says as she holds the purple crystal in her hand, seeing strange, skull-like patterns within. "Taste THIS!" She yells as she crushes the crystal.
The effect was immediate. Energy flooded her body, supercharging her Aura as it flowed into her gun. What was also a shock was she could see the reflection of her eyes in her sunglasses, glowing a brilliant purple. Though there was no time to worry about that, as the Grimm were upon her, her weapon's barrels already spooling up.
When the first bullet left the gun, Coco could swear it glowed purple, as did the rest of the rounds as they hit their targets. The effect was noticeable, as the Grimm that charged her were OBLITERATED by her weapon. Topped off with her own Semblance, and the Grimm never stood a chance. Didn't matter what they were, just that they died quickly. She knew she was good at taking down Grimm. Though with the power of Onslaught, even the toughest Grimm were no match. She almost felt sorry for them. The effect on her was noticeable as well, as it felt GOOD to be under its effects. Though she couldn't tell if that was just the thrill of slaughtering Grimm, or if it was the powerup itself. Nor could she tell what kind of pleasure it was.
Eventually though, she could feel its effects wear off, just as the last of the Grimm died. Though she was still eager for more. "Good timing. So, I have my data. There's adjustments to be made for the general populace. But how was it on your end?" He asks.
"Well, a supercharged Aura, for one," Coco starts off with, and the Slayer nods. "I could see my eyes reflected in my sunglasses, glowing purple." She lowers them. "That's not permanent, is it? Are they still purple, and/or glowing?" She asks with worry.
"Relax, they're back to dark brown. Also, the powerups do the same thing for ME when I use them. OK, keep going," He tells her, and she sighs in relief.
"Other than that? It's a rush. It felt GOOD, to be under that thing's effects. Though I can't tell if that's from the thrill of Grimm death, or the powerup itself. When's the next one?" She asks with a gleam in her eyes.
"Later. I have to refine things. Also….I feel addiction is all too possible," the Slayer answers, which bums out Coco a little. "Though I have good data. Thanks."
"No, thank YOU," Coco says with a smirk, looking him up and down. "We really need to get you to a good clothing store someday. Why are you wearing a shirt that says 'Will kill demons for beer' and blue jeans? You need to up your style."
"Hey, it's comfortable. My armor isn't," he chuckles. "Besides, it helps make sure people don't suspect anything. I mean, look at me. Dressed like this, would you guess I'm billions of years old with an insane amount of kills under my belt? Would you suspect me of being a king, and/or god?" He asks with a smile.
"I see your point," Coco admits. "But that changes nothing. You NEED something that advertises those parts of you, for those times when you need it."
"Well, we'll find time," the Slayer says as they walk through a portal back to the FOD. "Alright, next up….Overdrive. Ruby, it's your turn. Now….where's a good spot?" He asks, mostly to himself as he grabs the yellow crystal, and Ruby gets ready. "Ah, here we are. Nice open area, and it's relatively local. Well, it's in the south of Vale."
"So, what will this thing do?" Ruby asks as he activates the portal.
"Make you even faster than you already are. And also grant infinite ammo," the Slayer explains as they step through.
They were in an open field, with plenty of Grimm all taking notice, and starting to charge. Ruby felt nervous as she catches the yellow crystal tossed her way, but reasoned that she was in the best company in case things went wrong. "So what do I do with this?" She asks, and once she hears the answer is to crush it, does so.
She could feel the energy flood her body, her Aura supercharging with yellow energy. She thought she was fast before, but even without her Semblance, this was something else. Her Semblance had limits, only boosting movement speed, but nothing else. What she felt now was a boost to everything. Sure she could run faster. She also felt she could shoot faster. Swing faster. And she did so as the first Grimm rushed her, everything feeling so fluid, so smooth. It was as if she had felt resistance all her life, and now that resistance was gone. Combined with her Semblance, it was almost unfair for the Grimm, as Ruby could now zip around with ease, Grimm barely having a chance to see her before she was somewhere else. Not to mention that he was correct, Crescent Rose's magazine never lightened, no matter how many shots she fired.
She also had to admit, it felt amazing to be under the effects of the powerup. She normally didn't get THAT much of a thrill from killing Grimm, but this was something else. Not even the best cookies made her feel this great.
Though eventually, it did wear off, with her finishing off the stragglers the regular way. "Wow….that was something," she tells him. "I was so fast! Did you see me?"
"Yes I did. Even as fast as you were, I could keep up. Got some good data too," the Slayer says as Ruby hovers around him excitedly. "So, let me guess, you felt so fast?"
"Yes. Strangely pleasant as well," Ruby tells him, and he nods.
"Interesting," he notes as they head back.
"And now, only one left," the Slayer says as he picks up the final red crystal.
"Why do I get the feeling this one's for me?" Yang asks, holding her fists up.
"Because it is. Though, if I'm correct? You will NOT need Ember Celica," He tells her, which caused Yang to worry. "Fear not, because I'll be there," he adds as he looks for a spot, when something grabs his attention. "Hold up. Is that a Sentinel locator beacon? Somewhere in Mistral?" He asks. "And surrounded by Grimm?"
"Wait, so MORE technology?" Marion asks.
"No, I don't think so. I think...someone is here. And possibly in trouble," the Slayer answers as he sets the portal destination. "Once through, take this, crush it….and you'll know what to do," he says as he activates the stone.
Yang was excited, but worried, as she felt naked going into battle without her weapons. The scene on the other side of the portal was another forest, with a lot of Grimm taking notice of them, many turning away from something else they were chasing. "Here goes," she says as she takes the Berserk crystal, crushing it in her hands, still slightly afraid of being unarmed while surrounded by Grimm.
Though once the Berserk's energy flowed through her, there was no fear. There was only anger. How dare these Grimm exist, preying upon humanity? Red energy flooded her Aura, and she could feel herself enter her usual angry mode, with her eyes turning red, and hair catching fire. Before she used the crystal, she was in a forest with Grimm. Now, Grimm were in a forest with her, and she rushed towards the nearest one, punching it right between the eyes.
This caused the ugly black creature to explode into a shower of what would be meaty bits, if they didn't dissolve right away. She grabbed a Barboartusk by its tusks, with the intent of ripping said tusks off. What actually happened instead was the soulless creature was torn in half, right down the middle. With the next Grimm to come her way, she tore off its head. The next one she just pulled apart, right down the middle.
This felt GREAT, Yang had to admit. This was a high like she had never felt. She was invincible, ripping and tearing Grimm like they were tissue paper. Her entire body was alive with sensation, as she fully enjoyed the Grimm slaughter. Oh, it would be a shame when this was over.
And eventually it was, feeling herself calm down as the last Grimm got torn in half. "Woah, those were some tear-ific kills, amirite?" She grinned. "That felt amazing. I sure can't wait for the next one."
"I'll have to make some adjustments. Also, can't have you getting addicted, can we?" The Slayer responds. "Have to temper the desire."
"That was an impressive display," a voice from above them spoke, and both of them looked towards the trees, their guards up. Yang really wished she had Ember Celica right about now. "Thanks for drawing them off. So this is what you natives have to deal with on the regular?" A figure drops down from a branch, coming into view. Upon a closer inspection, they could tell the person was tall, about six feet or so. Dressed in a green bodysuit, one that hugged a toned feminine body, complete with combat boots. Obscuring her face was a mask over nose and mouth, goggles on her eyes, and a hood covering everything else, with a cape behind her. The Slayer noticed the red light on her chest, in the same position as it was on all Sentinel armor. Though the rest of what she was wearing was unfamiliar to him.
"Who are you?" Yang asks, fists still raised defensively.
"Ophelia," she simply states. "31st Scout Division, Virgil Squad, Argent D'Nur, on mission for the Slayer's Union. Your turn local."
"Yang Xiao Long. And don't call me 'local.' It feels weird," Yang says, slightly lowering her hands, though still keeping them ready.
"Good girl, drop those hands. You wouldn't want me to have to use this, would you now?" Ophelia asks, reaching behind her to pull out a Ballista similar to the Slayer's own, aiming it at Yang's chest.
The Slayer steps in front of Yang, walking closer as he orders "Stand down."
"Local, I fear nothing. I'll shoot you too," Ophelia continues defiantly.
"You dare threaten your king?" The Slayer asks angrily.
At the realization of who she was talking to, Ophelia drops her weapon, right arm over her chest as she drops to one knee. "Your Majesty, my most sincere apologies. I did not realize it was you. Every description of you talks about you in your armor. I did not expect you to be dressed so….plainly," she says as her head's lowered.
"Had trouble with the Grimm?" The Slayer asks.
"Yes sir," she responds. "These dark creatures are unlike anything in the old records. Not even experience with Hell helps here. Not that I have any of experience with demons."
"As you were," the Slayer says, and Ophelia gets up, picking up her Ballista and stowing it behind her back. "Your outfit is unfamiliar. It does not appear like any Sentinel armor I've ever seen."
"Co-developed sir. Sentinel engineers working with those on Earth, to create something light, more suitable for scout work than the normal heavy armor worn by rank and file Sentinels," she answers. "I was chosen to field test it, due to high aptitude scores during training sir."
"Well I have to say, it looks GREAT on you," Yang says with a smirk. "Hugs your curves nicely," she continues, with a low purr.
"Anyway, we should head back, and debrief you. Where's the rest of Virgil Squad?" The Slayer asks.
"Unknown sir. I arrived here solo, and I've been trying to raise them. No luck," Ophelia answers as the portal opens. "Where are we headed?"
"Home," The Slayer answers as they step through. Once back on the FOD, they were at first about to bombard Yang with questions, until they noticed the green-clad figure behind them. "Welcome to the Fortress of Doom, Ophelia."
"Thank you sir," Ophelia answers, crossing her arm over her chest in salute. "Permission to be at ease sir?" She asks, glancing around at everyone else.
"Granted," the Slayer answers, and Ophelia visibly relaxes, pulling down her hood to reveal a mess of short dirty blonde hair. Her goggles then left her eyes, revealing baby blues that stared down everyone else present. Then she pulled her mask down, revealing a roundish face that felt familiar to the Slayer somehow. "That gets quite uncomfortable, after a while."
"You'll have to explain it all sometime," the Slayer tells her. "I can get the goggles. But why a hood, or mask?"
"The hood helps with stealth. And the mask is infused with Wraith energy, filtering anything harmful, be it biological or chemical. Even water is no match," Ophelia explains.
"Well, another one not from this world! I'll be eager to scan you," Isabelle admits, her tail wagging. "And once I get my hand-held scanner, we'll have so much fun. Or at least I will."
"I'm not a science project, beast girl," Ophelia answers. "I'm not letting you experiment with me. Not unless ordered. My father would be VERY upset if undue harm came to me."
"Oooh, a daddy's girl huh?" Daisy asks. "Why does that sound familiar?" Eyes glance between Ruby and Yang.
"Because I have no wish for my fate to be the Icon of Sin's power source. Such was the fate of the brother I never met," Ophelia answers coldly.
It was then that the Slayer realized exactly what she meant. And why her facial structure looked familiar. "You're Valen's daughter?" He asks with wide eyes.
"Yes sir," Ophelia answers with a Sentinel salute. "However I am only half Sentinel. My mother is from Earth. I myself am native to a rebuilt New York City."
"Wow….Valen starting another family. I would never have guessed," the Slayer says as Ophelia stretches.
"Sir, I'm requesting to freshen up," Ophelia asks. "I would like a shower and clothes sir."
"Granted," the Slayer tells her, and Coco chuckles as she stands next to Ophelia, eyeing her up.
"Close enough. Hope you like light brown for now. Come on, follow me. I'll even help you out of that thing," Coco tells her. "How DO you get out of it?"
"The fabric can split, then reform itself seamlessly," Ophelia answers as she lets Coco lead her away. "Just be wary, I must activate all the safeties before I do so. I'd rather not have the claws or the blades come out when I'm not in it," is the last thing the rest hear as they see the pair turn the corner out of sight.
