Everyone was quiet. Everything was still. Samur and his family had rejoined the others. They all awaited a return and an arrival.

As Vega had mentioned, it took a few minutes for those on the other side to be ready for departure. When they were, Vega opened a portal with the device on their end. The first to enter the Ivory Tower were the expected faces. However, there were no greetings or words spoken. Everyone's focus was on the new members of their group.

First came the Marine. As everyone studied his appearance, likewise, he did with theirs. Although surprised to see another human who'd been able to fight the Demons like Doomguy, he wouldn't be the greatest shock. That privilege would go to the last person who stepped through the rift.

The Wretch. His disturbed visage followed the Marine. Many of the group couldn't contain audible gasps or whispered reactions. The mutilated flesh and horrifying mechanical additions weren't the images they had crafted in their minds. They all wondered if it felt pain or had numbed itself to such sensations.

As Vega closed the portal, time remained frozen. Everyone stared at the Wretch, and he embraced their gazes. Yet, one entity among them held his attention the most. The Maykr.

"I...don't...believe it..." Wretch muttered as he moved forward. His body willed itself to move autonomously. The sheer emotion at seeing a surviving Maykr took control. "You...managed to escape...we never knew...we assumed Khan was the only one left..." He confessed when reaching Samur.

Standing a few feet apart, the Wretch would kneel before him. One knee he rested on, the other he laid his arm atop of. The Wretch felt such joy and relief that one Maykr had eluded his Creator. Contrastly, Samur felt very different.

"FATHER!" Gabriel yelled out in alarm. Everyone's eyes widened more than they had already been. Their bodies filled with a mixture of panic and confusion. For a few, fear as well.

In one swift motion, Samur had reached down and swung his arm to find the Wretch's throat. He then lifted him into the air and began squeezing. This differed from his earlier attempt at strangling Doomguy for multiple reasons.

Firstly, the Wretch. He was strong; his Creator made him well. Yet, he was nowhere close to Doomguy's level. Additionally, his resistance wasn't as good, either. So, if Samur wanted, he could break the Wretch's neck with the same amount of ease as snapping a stick.

Secondly, Samur's demeanor was the polar opposite of his prior behavior. The Maykr was calm and uttered not a sound. He stared with an emotionless face at the Demon in his grasp. All the while, he tightened his grip on the Wretch's throat and began to press the pointed tips of his fingers into him. This resulted in the Wretch's blood, which was now entirely Divine energy, seeping out. Tiny golden droplets trailed down his neck and body, burning the skin.

Thirdly, with his remaining hand, Samur slowly raised it and placed it over the Wretch's chest where his heart would be. Even if it wasn't, Samur could still do massive damage. A single bolt or spear conjured with his power would obliterate most of the Demon's torso.

"Do not approach me," Samur told everyone. His tone and voice were calm, mirroring his body language.

"DAD?! WHAT THE HELL?!" Lucifer questioned. "WE JUST TALKED ABOUT THIS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" He asked, speaking the question they all shared.

"To be precise, you shared your feelings and thoughts, and I listened." Samur clarified. "I never once said I'd refrain from harming this abominable thing. Nor did I make any agreement to allow it to live." He stated.

"What the fuck, man?!" Cherri questioned as she pointed a finger at him. "You're seriously pulling this shit?! What is-"

Before Cherri could finish speaking, Doomguy placed his hand on her forearm. Everyone watched as he slowly lowered it back to her side.

"You have no objections?" Samur inquired, intrigued by this reaction. "He's your ally, isn't he? The murderer of my kind? Aren't you partners? Friends?" He interrogated.

In reply, Doomguy shook his head. Afterward, he used his other hand to point behind Samur. Following his direction, everyone made a startling discovery.

The Marine had taken advantage of everyone's attention being drawn to Samur. None of them noticed his brief disappearance as he activated his suit's stealth system. He only reappeared after Doomguy pointed directly at him. Not that he had any issue with being seen. He was already in position.

The Marine's right arm was extended. In its hand, it held a rather imposing gun. Most had no idea what it was or what it might do. Doomguy, the Wretch, Vega, Olivia, and Samuel were the exceptions.

"It...can't be..." Samuel muttered in disbelief.

"Sir...is that?..." Olivia tried to ask, horrified by the truth.

"It...seems so...it's...a BFG..." Samuel confirmed.

"Wait, WHAT?!" Angel Dust shouted in alarm. "BFG? As in THE BFG? The gun that's like a nuke?! The fuck?! How does he have that?!" He questioned.

"I...couldn't begin to explain..." Samuel confessed. "All I can say with certainty is that the weapon this man is holding is identical to an earlier version of the weapon used by my associate." He stated.

"I can also confirm the weapon's function. As Doctor Hayden said, initial scans of its internal construction are identical to an earlier model of the BFG in Doomguy's possession. The biggest difference between the models was greater user control over the weapon's output. However, the first iteration of the design lacked a necessary safety measure to prevent an overload resulting in mass devastation. Doctor Hayden pushed for a revision of the model, emphasizing user safety rather than trying to fix that version. Yet, the weapon in the Marine's grasp has had several upgrades and modifications. Its damage output is on par with Doomguy's BFG. At the user's discretion, it also has the option to disable the newly-implemented safety features for greater output, as previously mentioned." Vega informed everyone.

Click

That small noise grabbed the room's attention. All eyes locked onto the handle of the Marine's weapon. Near his thumb, there was a switch. The kind one might see on a normal firearm.

"Holy...shit..." Husk, surprisingly, was the quickest to determine its function. "HE'S GOING TO BLOW US UP!" He yelled.

In response, the Marine squeezed the weapon's trigger and held it. This led to the appearance of a green sphere of energy at the end of the weapon's barrel. As he continued to hold the trigger, the sphere grew in size. Husk's concern might not be too far off.

"You'd dare aim this at me?" Samur questioned, staring at the sphere and the Marine's visor without fear. "Do you know who this is? Do you have ANY idea what they've done? You'd stand beside them? You'd KILL for them?" He asked.

The Marine did nothing. He continued holding the trigger. The sphere kept growing. Suddenly, his weapon began beeping. It was starting to reach its limit.

But before anyone could scream or run, someone would stop the Marine. And it was the last person anyone would've expected.

"NO!" Wretch hollered at the top of his lungs. He forced his words past the tight grip of Samur's hand. "MARINE! STAND DOWN! PLEASE!" He begged.

Instantly, it was over. The speed at which the scene changed was remarkable. Barely a second managed to pass during the transition. That's how swift the Marine could be.

The presumed BFG? Vanished. Stowed back into the storage of the Marine's suit. As for the man himself, he lowered his arms and assumed a neutral position. Almost as if he was standing at attention for his drill instructor.

SEVERAL thoughts and emotions raced through everyone. However, at the front of most was one question. Why did Doomguy stand there and do nothing? Why did he watch the Marine's weapon charge? The only logical answers were Doomguy trusted that the Wretch would stop him, or he KNEW he would.

"Do you think this makes you good?" Samur inquired, returning his focus to the Demon in his hand. "Do you believe sparing me erases your past? That it changes who and what you are?" He added, loosening his grip just enough so the Wretch could speak.

"No. I am a monster. A torturer. A mistake." Wretch responded, accompanied by a few grunts. "But there is something you must receive. It was a gift for Khan." He said.

Before Samur could question the Wretch, the Marine moved again. This time, he raised his left arm and opened his left hand. In the palm, an object appeared. It was a cube of some sort.

"Another weapon?" Samur guessed, looking at it. "Is that all you're capable of producing?" He asked.

"Yes. I was meant for that purpose. However, this weapon is special. It is known as the Soul Cube. It directly attacks the soul of its victims. Yet, it also requires souls to power it. The apparatus is simultaneously a weapon and a torture device. But that was only its original function. The latter part has since been removed. It now is only a weapon and a home for the souls that operate it." Wretch explained.

"And you think Khan would want something so twisted? Do you think we Maykrs are as morbid as your kind?" Samur questioned.

...Samur...

For the first time during this situation, Samur's resolve faltered. His expression changed to one of bewilderment. Everything around him, including the Demon in his hand, faded from his attention. The only thing that existed as reality slowly darkened was the Soul Cube.

"...It...can't be..." Samur whispered. Anxiety appeared within his soul. He dared not believe this was real. It was a trick. Yes, that was it. The Wretch would do anything to escape his overdue punishment.

Samur...please...don't do this...

Voices. Several at once. They spoke in haunting harmony. They were like a soft breeze blowing through the night.

"No...I refuse to accept this trickery. You're not real! You aren't! This is a deception by the Demon!" Samur exclaimed.

The Marine...he found us...we aided him against Doom...then came the Demon...no...the Wretch...

"HE MADE YOUR PRISON! HE WAS YOUR TORTURER! HE IS THE REASON THIS IS HAPPENING! IT'S ALL HIS FAULT!" Samur yelled.

Yes...he did...but this is not our prison anymore...he changed it...no pain...no misery...it has been our vessel...until proper bodies could be restored...

"THAT DOESN'T CHANGE ANYTHING! IT'S A FALSE GESTURE! IT'S A TRICK! IT HAS TO BE! DEMONS CAN'T BE REDEEMED! THEY ARE FOUL ABOMINATIONS! THEY ARE NOT CAPABLE OF MERCY!" Samur shouted.

Samur...we trust the Wretch...we've seen his efforts...we've felt his pain...he is not Doom...he was its mistake...he can be their end...

"No...NO! I will NOT accept him! I can't! I WON'T! NOT AFTER EVERYTHING HE'S DONE! HE HASN'T SUFFERED ENOUGH!" Samur roared.

Please...Samur...please...

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Suddenly, Samur snapped back to reality. When he did, everything was different. He was still where he had been. However, everyone else had moved. This included the Wretch.

During his unexpected state, Samur released the Demon from his grasp. Or, maybe, someone had pulled him from it. Neither the Marine nor the Soul Cube was behind the Maykr. Doomguy was also absent from view. Although, the same could be said for the rest.

"Where...Where is everyone?..." Samur questioned, frantically searching his surroundings.

"Hello, Samur." Vega greeted, grabbing the Maykr's attention.

"Vega! Where is everyone?!" Samur asked again in a more frantic voice.

"During your connection to the Soul Cube, the others quickly discussed what should be done. It was decided to proceed with the restoration of Urdak. Your children and Doomguy-"

THWOOM

Vega would be interrupted by Samur's wings opening. The Maykr flew as fast as he could to the nearest Slipgate. To his horror, no one was there.

"VEGA!" Samur yelled, anger quickly building. "WHERE IS EVERYONE?!" He repeated in a bellow.

"The Mars complex. Doctor Hayden suggested that they conduct the mission from there. Mainly so that they would have plenty of time to do so without you preventing them." Vega explained.

Rapidly, Samur's mind was overwhelmed. That Demon had managed to convince everyone to trust him! More of his deceit!

"VEGA! OPEN A PORTAL AT ONCE! SEND ME THERE!" Samur commanded.

"Of course, sir." Vega obeyed, immediately opening a rift near him.

In a blink, Samur was gone. He soared through the rift and arrived at the Mars complex. However, as he reached the other side, he found himself alone. There was no one here.

But the portal closed before Samur could turn around to return or ask Vega anything. He'd been duped. Outplayed. Outsmarted. Realizing this, he could only yell as his frustration boiled over.

Elsewhere, In The Main Office Building...

"He's arrived," Samuel announced to everyone. "Hurry, you three. I suspect Samur will break through the building and search for us." He said.

In reply, Doomguy, the Marine, and the Wretch nodded. In unison, the trio leaped through the portal. When they did, Samuel quickly shut off the Slipgate.

"Vega, disconnect every Slipgate across the complex from the grid," Samuel ordered.

"Yes, sir. One moment." Vega responded.

As Vega busied himself temporarily disabling any interdimensional travel in the Mars complex, Samuel turned to face the group behind him.

"I can't believe we're doing this..." Husk muttered with his head in his hands. "We're going against God...this is the ultimate blasphemy..." He carried on.

"My, Husker. I didn't expect you to be such a God-fearing man." Alastor commented with a smirk, proud of that one.

"I'M NOT!" Husk shouted, startling a few of them. "BUT WE'RE FUCKING WITH THE ACTUAL GOD'S FIRST CREATION! HER FIRST CHILD! THIS IS SOME INSANE SHIT!" He yelled before pointing at them. "And it BLOWS my fucking MIND that YOU people are so calm about it!" He exclaimed.

"I agree with the drunkard." Astonishingly, of ALL people, Stella was the one to join Husk's side on this issue. "Samur, although not God as we presumed, is no lower than second-in-command of ALL Creation. What happens when those three resurrect Khan? Do you think she'll be pleased to learn that, as Samur has been saying, the reason for the Maykrs' genocide is aiding us? Divine punishment is the LEAST terrible thing that might come of it." She said.

"That's why I'll be taking the blame," Lucifer interjected. "It's not as if I'd be lying, either. It WAS my suggestion." He added.

"Yeah, but we still went along with you. We could've tried to stop you." Vagatha argued. She wasn't against this plan. She was only offering a point of view that Samur (and possibly Khan) would use.

"There's nothing you could've done." Gabriel countered as he and Azrael moved to stand beside their Brother. "Lucifer wasn't alone. Yes, he voiced the notion. But Azrael and I were already in support of the Wretch's assistance. Had anyone tried to intervene, we would've aided Lucifer. Granted, the only ones in the room that could challenge him were us, Doomguy, and likely the Marine. But, as it turned out, we were all in agreement. So, it worked out perfectly." He said.

"It's kind of a hostage of a situation when you think about it. When the most powerful people in the room decide to do something, there's not much the rest of us can do." Blitzo commented.

"Even if we are opposed to it." Michael chimed in, agreeing with the Imp.

"Michael, surely you can't support our Father's irrational behavior," Azrael responded in disbelief.

"I've known our Father my entire life. As pointless as that might sound to say, it's still true. We've only just learned about the Wretch's existence not long ago. Suddenly, he's here now and claims he wants to help us. Given the threat we're dealing with, I don't think it's wrong to trust our Father, who's been fighting Doom since before we were born. Also, although redundant to keep mentioning, we cannot ignore the Wretch's Sins." Michael stated.

"Yeah, you're right; it is redundant." Angel Dust replied with an eye roll. "Not only that, it's fucking stupid. Everyone seems to be overlooking a REALLY big detail about what Samur's told us. Doom MADE the Wretch. The Wretch wasn't just birthed like the rest of us. Or whatever Samur did to make his kids. My point is that the Wretch was created to do ONE thing, make weapons and torture devices. But once those were good enough, he could start learning stuff. And it didn't take him long to realize, oh shit, my master's a fucked up dickhead. After that, he was done with it." He told them.

"Even so, the man's still a Demon from Doom. We shouldn't be too trusting." Katie responded. "I'm not saying we tie him to a stake and burn him like Samur wants to. But we should still keep our eyes on him." She stated.

"I'm pretty sure our favorite mute is already doing that for all of us." Cherri joked with a smirk. "Speaking of, how do you think they'll do? Even with the Marine and Vega, there will be a LOT of Demons." She asked.

"All we can do now is wait and hope for the best," Samuel answered. "But, if I were a gambling man, I'd feel confident betting on them." He said.

"Pfft. That's the safest damn wager I've ever heard." Husk scoffed.

From here, the conversation would continue to revolve around the Wretch and how things were going in Urdak. All the while, the group waited for the eventual arrival of an unhappy Samur.

Meanwhile, On Urdak...

"It matters not how many times I gaze upon this place. Its Divine beauty will forever steal my breath." Wretch said as the trio made their way to Khan.

To the left, the Marine. To the right, Doomguy. In the middle, the Wretch. Present, although not physically, Vega.

These four were about to undergo a monumental task. Those on the side would handle the Demonic invasion. Vega would focus on Urdak's systems. As strange as it may sound, the Wretch had the hardest job. He'd be the one to greet Khan and take care of her as she arose from the machine.

Concerned, the Marine placed a hand on the Wretch's shoulder. He thought about Samur's reaction. Would Khan do the same?

"Worry not, Marine," Wretch spoke as he looked at his friend. "The area I'd like you to station yourself in is near a particularly useful facility." He shared before looking upward. "Unless it's destroyed. Could you tell us if it is, Vega?" He inquired.

"The Demons obliterated most of Urdak's structures before the barrier expunged them. However, they focused their assault exclusively on weapons and defensive systems. Anything else was left untouched." Vega informed them.

"Excellent. So my plan can succeed." Wretch responded with a smile.

Doomguy tapped the Wretch on his other shoulder, wanting to know what the Demon had in mind.

"Before Urdak was invaded, my Creator had me survey the entirety of the realm. During this, I discovered a building where they'd revive any Maykrs that had fallen in battle. Yet, I did not share this information with my master as it wouldn't affect the invasion. If the Marine can get the Soul Cube to the Resurrection Chamber, the Maykrs within can restore their bodies. They can then assist us with the defense." Wretch explained. "Vega, how quickly could you get the facility online?" He asked.

"Instantly. Part of my preparations has been determining the best usage of the power released by Khan's freedom. The surviving weaponry and shield generators take priority. However, even with them being restored, there is still enough before the rest of the generators are re-activated to give to a few other places and systems." Vega answered.

"Wonderful. Thank you." Wretch replied.

"May I ask a question as well, Wretch?" Vega inquired.

"Of course," Wretch responded.

"What if, even with the revived Maykrs' support, Khan still feels the same as Samur?" Vega asked.

This brought the trio to a halt. Funnily enough, it was near Khan's chamber. It wasn't that the Wretch assumed Khan would welcome him with open arms or anything outlandish. However, he was still hoping for a "good" outcome.

"...If that happens...then...so be it," Wretch answered as he turned toward the Marine. "I am honored that you'd stand against a Maykr to defend me. But you cannot do that again, especially not to Khan. Without her, there would be no Creation. Yet, even when looking beyond that, she, like Samur, has every right to despise me. If she strikes me down during our defense or afterward, you will not retaliate." He told him. "Is that understood, soldier?" He inquired.

A few seconds went by. The Marine just stood there. But, as they expected, he slowly raised his hand and saluted. Even with his fierce loyalty to the Wretch, he knew this was an order that he couldn't disobey.

With that settled, the trio pressed onward. Crossing the threshold of Khan's chamber, Doomguy and the Marine watched their Demonic companion slowly approach her.

"Vega, could you guide them to their posts?" Wretch requested. "You'll each know when it's time, indicated by the barrier's disappearance." He stated.

"Certainly," Vega replied.

On both men's HUDs, a map of Urdak appeared. The Marine had his designated area; Doomguy had his. Each left the chamber via a different exit. Letting the Wretch get on with his work.

...

...

The Wretch...will he...be alright?...

The Soul Cube floated beside the Marine. With Vega's direction, the silver-bodied soldier approached the Resurrection Chamber with his trusted assault rifle. The Soul Cube, piloted by the Maykrs, accompanied him. They also intended to help him combat the Demons until the chamber was ready.

"I'm afraid I cannot offer any input. I know the intricacies of the Divinity. However, I do not know the effects of prolonged stasis within it. If there is any insight you can offer, it would be appreciated." Vega responded, speaking through the Marine's suit.

Khan will be in a weakened state...even with recovery after the fighting is done...she could be unresponsive for days...weeks even...

"I see. Perhaps Argent Energy will be able to accelerate this process. But that is a matter better explored afterward." Vega suggested. "Now then. I would advise securing the areas leading to Khan's building rather than the Resurrection Chamber. This area of Urdak was left relatively untouched. It possesses a plentiful amount of the autonomous defenses. As you and the Soul Cube fend off the attacking Demons, I can fully protect you once they are online. After reviving the Maykrs, I suggest retreating and lending aid to Doomguy. His section is far less advantageous. Despite his prowess, assistance would be valuable." He told them.

The Marine nodded. With his rifle in hand, grenades at the ready, and the Soul Cube active, they were as prepared as they would be.

...

...

Doomguy's heavy footsteps walked across the grounds of Urdak. In his hand, his trusted double-barreled shotgun. A shell was in each barrel, and he was mostly studying the gun rather than readying it. He was always ready. Doom ensured it.

As he surveyed his surroundings, Doomguy noticed a lack of...anything. No buildings. Little vegetation. This location perfectly resembled a battlefield. A fitting spot to greet his awaiting enemies.

"The Marine is in position," Vega spoke. "I've instructed him and the Maykrs within the Soul Cube to rendezvous with you once their area is secure. Furthermore, I've taken the liberty of sending the sentry drones in Urdak to your location. I assumed you'd appreciate the additional firepower." He stated.

In reply, Doomguy nodded. He didn't know how much time was left before the barrier was gone. So, he decided to take stock of his resources.

"Two Fragmentation Grenades. Two Holographic Decoys. Two Siphon Grenades. You're fully supplied with ammunition for all of your guns. The BFG has three shots. I am also ready to administer any Power-Ups, should you need them." Vega told him, wanting to be as helpful as he could.

Again, Doomguy nodded. Alright. The only remaining things were the incoming sentry drones and Khan's removal from the Divinity. Now, it rested on the Wretch.

...

...

Clawed fingers danced across a terminal's keyboard, despite being the second time the Wretch had ever interacted with Urdak's technology. His history and intelligence made this a non-issue.

"Vega, are you ready?" Wretch asked as he laid his hands atop the buttons and keys. "Once I do this. The barrier will be pulled back into Khan. We won't have even a second before the Demons' arrival. It'll be a torrential downpour." He said.

"Yes, sir. I am ready to begin my efforts once the available power has been released from the Divinity." Vega assured. "Also, are you sure you'll remain undetected? Your Creator will undoubtedly be watching this once it begins." He inquired out of concern.

"Being in Khan's presence is enough to mask my soul. Even if it wasn't, the Corruption within it is subdued as much as possible. It's never failed thus far." Wretch told him.

"Understood," Vega responded.

With that, nothing was left to be said or done by any of them. Wretch raised one finger, placed its claw on a specific button, then pressed it.

...

...

The air of Urdak became deafening. Regardless of position, everyone could hear everything. Roars. Screeching. Gunfire. Explosions. Bones being broken. Flesh tearing from muscles. Urdak was thrust into war yet again. Hopefully, this will be the last.

On both sides of Urdak, the skies were filled with bright green light. The Marine and Doomguy knew opening with the BFG was the only logical decision. When each of them ran out of ammunition, the Demons' forces would be massively reduced. Providing the precise numbers that they could handle on their own.

How each man fought was a stark contrast to the other. The Marine was precise with EVERY shot. He only fired the necessary bullets from his rifle to kill his targets. Additionally, he aimed for their hearts, brains, or other vulnerable areas. The man was an assassin. A sharpened knife that only needed one strike.

Doomguy was more akin to a cannon. Who needed precision or deliberate strikes when you could destroy whatever was before you? Brutal shotgun blasts. Obliterating rocket detonations. The tried and true chainsaw through a Demon's torso. Like a sharpened cleaver through lunchmeat, the serrated sword of the Slayer cut down his enemies.

Even so, this was the greatest opposition either had faced thus far. You'd think there wouldn't be too much to worry about after disintegrating the first few waves of the horde. But when Samur and the Wretch emphasized the importance of Urdak to Doom, they hadn't exaggerated. Thousands of Barons and Mancubi were at the initial frontline. Yet, when the fighting truly began, there were still SO many.

The Marine had the Soul Cube at his backside to fly through the unending tide of Demons. It pierced their hardened flesh like a bullet through paper. The sentry drones supporting Doomguy focused on the other enemies. As they did, Doomguy had Vega give him a full dose of Haste and Berserk.

Fireballs. Plasma Spheres. Acidic Globs. Rockets. Chaingun Fire. Fists. Claws. Gnashing Maws. Weaponized Digestive Juices. Arcane Energies. Everything. It was impossible to see outside of the onslaught. Both soldiers were bathed in the attacks of the opposition.

Bullets flew. Punches and kicks were sent out as counterattacks. Their armored suits did their jobs, yet they weren't indestructible. Dents and dings started appearing. Impact after impact. It would still take more than this to break through the protection. By then, Vega would be done with his duties.

Suddenly, Urdak began to move. It was Doom's pull. Doomguy recognized it from his original encounter. The Marine barely paid it any mind. He adjusted his movements to the shifting ground.

"One moment," Vega spoke to them. "To sever Doom's connection, a burst of energy is required. It'll take a few minutes for the necessary charge to be reached." He informed them.

Neither man needed to nod; there was no point or opportunity to do so. The Marine changed his weapon to the Plasma Rifle. The bulkier of his adversaries were gaining momentum. He needed to push them back.

Doomguy had a similar idea. He brandished his triple-barreled Chaingun. Then, after the activation of Quad Damage, unleashed the Mobile Turret Modification. All three barrels spun at their maximum speed. Doomguy's vision was filled with flashing lights and viscera flying in several directions.

Inch by inch, the Demons got closer. The fodder was used as a meat shield, allowing the greater units to advance. By now, Archviles and Summoners were at the back of the army. They began their revivals and empowerment of their strongest.

"I apologize for what's about to happen." Vega preemptively said. "However, it cannot be avoided. My best advice would be to cease firing immediately, lest you damage your weapons or accidentally shoot yourselves." He told them.

Upon hearing that, the Marine and Doomguy immediately put away their guns. As the Demons lunged at them, they braced themselves. Not for their enemies, of course. Although, it's not as if the Demons would've known that.

In an instant, Urdak was enveloped in a blinding blue light. A massive explosion of energy exuded from the center. Doomguy and the Marine were lifted off of their feet and flung elsewhere. As for the Demons, similarly to the BFG, they were vaporized. Barely any ashes were left.

Doom's connection, as predicted by Vega, was temporarily severed. However, it wouldn't take long for it to be re-established. They needed to work fast.

"I will now prioritize the surviving defense systems," Vega spoke. "Marine, please take this time to revive the Maykrs. Doomguy, I'd suggest preparing for the retaliation with your Gauss Cannon. The size of the responding force will not be as great as before. Long-range target prioritization will be key to holding your position. The sentry drones will deal with the weaker Demons." He stated.

The Marine, who'd managed to land on his feet, nodded in response. He was as acrobatic as he was nimble. With the Soul Cube quickly racing to his side, they hurried to the Resurrection Chamber.

Doomguy wasn't as fortunate in his landing. Getting up from being on his back, the armored powerhouse checked to see where he'd been flung to. Close by, there was a severely damaged turret. Its size was that of a small building. Which, as the gears turned in his mind, gave Doomguy an interesting idea.

Hurrying over to the structure with the sentry drones not too far behind, Doomguy ascended the disabled weapon. Getting onto its barrel, this position provided the perfect sniping spot.

"Excellent decision." Vega praised him as he got into the proper stance.

Doomguy gave the AI a thumbs up in appreciation for the compliment. However, he wasn't done. He produced his Holographic Decoys and tossed them as far as he could. They'd help to guide the Demons where he wanted them.

As for the Marine, he was inside the Resurrection Chamber. Vega would have the automated defenses restored when the Demons appeared again on his side. All he needed to focus on was reviving the Maykrs in the Soul Cube. They'd also be assisting him by offering instructions on how to get things moving.

...

...

The Wretch stood in silence. He didn't move. He barely breathed. All he did was stare at what lay before him. The unconscious form of Khan.

"...Vega," Wretch spoke. His voice was quiet; he didn't want to disturb her. "I'm sorry to bother you as you're so busy. But could you tell me about her condition? Do I need to do anything?" He asked.

"It's no trouble, Wretch. Give me a few seconds, and I'll have an answer for you." Vega replied.

Those few seconds felt like an eternity to the Demon. Was Khan healthy? Was there perhaps brain damage from being so inactive? If something was wrong, would there be anything the Wretch could do to aid her?

"A quick scan shows that Khan is perfectly healthy. The Maykrs' form of stasis is different from what you and I know. In addition to its standard effects, it also sustained her. Her muscles have not atrophied. Her organs are no worse for wear. Although she will be aware of the time that has passed, Khan's body is no different from when she entered stasis. She, as stated, is as healthy as can be. Her recovery will solely be on a mental level." Vega informed him.

thud

That was the Wretch falling backward onto the ground. He landed on his posterior. He released the biggest sigh of his life. Khan was safe. She was healthy.

"Wretch? Are you alright?" Vega inquired.

"...Yes..." Wretch slowly responded. "My greatest fear...ever since I left Doom...was whether or not Khan was okay..." He started, regaining his composure. "I wondered if she'd be little more than a corpse? Would her soul have regressed as a result of her stasis? Even with my efforts to atone, were my actions so Sinful that the Creator of all was beyond saving? But no, she's fine. Khan has survived." He said.

"Wretch, I have one more question I'd like answered. If you don't mind." Vega requested before proceeding. "What will happen to you should Khan seek your execution? So far, our understanding is that souls cannot be destroyed. Unlike the rest of your species, you have a soul separate from your Creator. But where would it go? Furthermore, do all souls go to Doom when weakened enough? Or, in the case of mortals, when their bodies expire?" He asked.

"Souls do not leave the spaces they inhabit. Doom can only lay claim to a soul if they take it for themselves. Even in a reality like the Marine's where Doom has claimed all life, if anyone were to die within its space now, their soul wouldn't go anywhere. But I, of course, am a different story. My soul is forever attached to Doom's power. If I were to die, there is the possibility that my former master could sense it and pull me back. Although Khan might prefer eternal imprisonment, maybe even torture. Whatever should happen upon her awakening, I doubt it'll be pleasant. My story was never meant to have a happy ending. I made peace with that long ago." Wretch answered.

"Are you sure? Do you truly want for nothing else?" Vega inquired.

"Wanting and deserving are different. What I want is to gaze upon a Creation that is without strife. All of the beauty I've stolen to be reborn. I want to see people with smiles and feel content. I want the nightmare I helped realize to become an ever-lasting dream." Wretch told him as he looked down at himself. "However, what I deserve is misery. My efforts are to change, but that is not possible. Redemption? Salvation for my soul? Wistful thinking. The hopes of a desperate creature not wanting to face oblivion. Not because it is scared or yearning for continued existence but because it wants to correct the mistake of its life. I only want the opportunity to do something good. To feel as though I am more than the architect of suffering. But again, that is what I want. Not what I deserve." He stated.

Silence followed. Vega wasn't sure how to respond to that. Could he respond at all? The Wretch had fully resigned himself to an unavoidable death. Was that truly what awaited him?

...

...

"No."