This fanfiction is exclusively dedicated to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but it will also incorporate elements from other franchises.
The goddess verified the authenticity of the statement, and just before the departure of the six girls, she gently reminded the celestial incarnation of Cordelia that, as per their agreement, she would be reborn as Kuya the Demon Seer, retaining all her memories and powers from her divine existence.
Furthermore, she assured Joyce that she would indeed ascend directly to the heavenly realm of this world, embarking on a fresh journey of life. Meanwhile, the Joyce from this particular timeline would continue to live until her natural end, eventually merging with her divine counterpart.
After the mysterious disappearance of the six girls, the goddess revealed to Hector and Hiro the astonishing news of multiple worlds merging into one. She assured them that she would accompany them on this extraordinary journey.
Standing at the beginning of time, the two companions discovered solace in their unrestricted conversations, knowing that the Goddess would not take offense. Hiro emphasized the colossal amount of work that lay ahead of them, even before Buffy came into existence, while Hector observed that the entire universe was in complete disarray. "If we're going to repair this wretched universe, we have a monumental task ahead of us. And let's not forget, I'm only here because you invoked that favor, practically coercing me into this undertaking."
"We'll have to go back a staggering sixteen billion years further than our original plan. We could have arrived just as Buffy was about to awaken, but that wouldn't do any good in changing things for the better. And considering your intense disdain for the Watchers and their self-serving council, we'll need to make some significant alterations. Do you have any suggestions on what else we can change? Anything at all. Let your imagination run wild and give me your most outrageous, wildest ideas."
Hector expressed his frustration, stating that if someone wanted to act like a jerk, then fine. But he proposed an alternative solution - why not create a second group of Slayers? This new group would consist of both men and women, with the men having the additional responsibility of keeping the female Slayers grounded and preventing them from making impulsive decisions driven by emotions. They would serve as protectors and guardians for the Slayers. It would require a great deal of effort, but Hector believed that Zarathos could play a crucial role in empowering the male side of the Slayers and bringing about positive change.
In terms of shaking things up, Hector had an intriguing idea. He pointed out that vampires often considered themselves to be the ultimate predators, invincible and untouchable. But why not challenge that notion? Hector proposed the creation of a new breed of vampires - not your typical vampires, but something different. These vampires would refrain from hunting humans because they themselves were part human. Instead, they would target those who preyed on innocent people, turning the tables on the hunters. This new line of vampires would be even more cunning and dangerous. If a regular vampire willingly drank their blood, they would be transformed, gaining all the powers of the new vampires while being free from their weaknesses. This would pose a terrifying threat to the creatures that the Slayers would have to face.
Hector assured him that it wouldn't be too challenging. After all, he had gained extensive knowledge from his years spent with individuals like D, the son of Dracula, and Abel Nightroad. They had been invaluable in his research on vampire bloodlines and genetics. Creating a new bloodline would likely only take a decade or two. However, the real challenge would be binding the spirit of the Ghost Rider without attracting the attention of Hell. Originally designed as Hell's bounty hunter, the Ghost Rider's loyalty didn't align with human interests in any way.
Hiro informed him that the ghost rider was once an archangel, embodying the essence of Justice. "Considering you were once an Archangel yourself, gaining his trust shouldn't be too challenging. After all, you two are practically kin."
Hector warned him not to bring up that topic again, emphasizing that just because they were family didn't mean they got along. After all, many of them had attempted to kill him countless times. Their first stop would be with the self-proclaimed Shadowmen, a group of complete idiots who wanted to grant a young woman the powers of a demon. Hector casually mentioned off the top of his head the potential dangers, such as the demon taking control, corrupting the woman's soul, or even turning her into something worse than the demon itself. Just for fun, he pointed out the distinction between devils and demons - devils would honor their contracts to the letter, while demons could easily betray the fool who made a deal with them.
This young woman would be bestowed with demonic powers, most likely through some sort of agreement. However, Hector felt the need to reiterate that demons lacked the same level of commitment when it came to contracts. In short, their short-sighted plan could inadvertently unleash an eldritch horror they couldn't even fathom, potentially leading to the destruction of the entire universe. "Trying to make them understand us, let alone listen to us, won't be a walk in the park. Remember, this is a time before written language or any form of records existed."
Hector outright mentioned that there were two options on the table. The first involved landing near the village, capturing one of the shadowmen, and utilizing his unique abilities to extract all the knowledge from their soul. However, this method would ultimately result in the death of the individual.
The second alternative was to spend a whopping sixty years living among these people, immersing themselves as refugees, and gradually gaining the trust of the shadowmen. This process would undoubtedly be arduous and time-consuming, as earning trust is never a simple task, let alone maintaining it.
"So, those are our choices," Hector explained. "We can either extract a soul and do what needs to be done, or we can take a more diplomatic approach. Either way, it will require time and effort to convince them that we truly understand the situation. Additionally, Zarathos is still mentally scarred from his encounter with the demons, so it will take some time to help him recover. If my knowledge of therapy still holds true, it will take at least thirty years of intense therapy to restore his sanity. Otherwise, we might end up with a guardian who leans more towards fire and brimstone rather than mercy."
Hiro couldn't help but burst into laughter, explaining to him that without Zarathos empowering the male line of Guardians, any attempt would be utterly meaningless. And as for extracting information from their souls, like squeezing out every drop of knowledge from a freshly squeezed orange, it was simply out of the question. The only viable option left was to take the diplomatic route. This meant they had plenty of time to help him regain his sanity, and luckily, their treatment center operated on a different time scale than Earth, granting them even more time.
"Well, technically Zarathos wasn't even alive, so I suppose I could take him there for treatment free of charge. But damn, it's frustrating to assist a damn relative who had no qualms about screwing me over. Fine, if you want to play the role of the goody two shoes, so be it. Just know that this is going to be a major pain in the ass, and you damn well know it."
That's when the divine entity appeared, proclaiming that you have misconceptions about a few matters, or perhaps even more. The reason we find ourselves at the dawn of time instead of the year 1500 AD is because there are countless souls yet to be rescued and numerous events that require intervention. However, you are indeed right in acknowledging the necessity of crafting a fresh breed of vampire and aiding Zarathos. In the depths of the Shadowmen Enclave on Earth, approximately sixteen billion years have passed since then...
As they resumed their tasks, they stumbled upon the tribe where the alleged shadowmen were diligently working on creating the Slayer line. These individuals were utterly devoted to their work, completely unfazed by their outsider status, as long as it contributed to their ultimate objective. Hector could already sense Zarathos' belief that their methods stemmed from a deep-rooted fear of the supernatural. Hector, however, was quick to defend the notion of fear, acknowledging its role in keeping humanity safe and cautious. Yet, he also recognized the potential dangers of acting impulsively in a state of panic. Thus, he expressed the need for caution in their assistance, while expressing gratitude to Zarathos for his insights and advice.
Unlike in other realms, Zarathos hadn't endured prolonged torment. In fact, if he were in Hell, Hector would be the one in charge, and Zarathos wouldn't suffer at all. It was the humans who tormented themselves, repeatedly punishing their own souls to atone for their past misdeeds. Despite Zarathos' attempts to dissuade them, they persisted in their self-inflicted suffering. However, thanks to the current state of Hell, Zarathos had made remarkable progress in overcoming his own traumas. When Hector sought his aid, Zarathos willingly embraced the noble cause, even though Hector occasionally suspected him of embellishing the truth, akin to a child falsely claiming an A on a test when they had actually received an F.
As soon as Hector stepped foot into the meeting place, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Let's be real, this was supposed to be the gathering spot for a team of extraordinary fighters, ready to take on all sorts of supernatural terrors. But instead, it was far from welcoming, morally uplifting, or even remotely cheerful. Honestly, he had been to funerals with better lighting and ambiance. It was a grim atmosphere, and strangely enough, it made Hector feel strangely at ease, unlike Hiro.
Approaching the group's elder, Hector didn't waste any time beating around the bush. Some might say he was a little too direct for a first meeting. "Listen, I understand what you're trying to do here. You're harnessing the power of a demon to transform a young woman into one of the mightiest warriors the world has ever seen. And she's not even an adult yet. I get it, I really do. The threats facing humanity are vast and numerous. But I can't shake the feeling that you're putting all your eggs in one basket, hoping this girl alone can handle it all. And even if she were to perish, you'd just choose another, and another. Frankly, I don't like it. It seems wasteful. That's why we've come here today, to offer you an alternative, a fresh idea that could truly assist you. And the best part? It won't cost you a fortune to hear us out."
The Elder's neighbor inquired about their plan, curious to know what it entailed. This plan had been the culmination of generations of hard work, sacrifice, and loss. So, what exactly was their idea?
Hiro approached Hector with a smile and uttered a single word: Symmetry. The Slayer lineage would be strengthened by a demon, a formidable force to safeguard humanity. This was undoubtedly a noble cause, but who would protect the Slayer from other threats while she battled the horrors that sought to eradicate mankind? If the Slayer was humanity's sword, then where was its shield? That's where the idea came in – to empower a man with angelic abilities, to serve as the Slayer's partner, offering support, defense, and assistance both in and out of combat. The Slayer protected humanity, and the Guardian protected the Slayer, enabling her to fulfill her duty. It was a simple concept, as Hiro had eloquently put it: balance, symmetry.
Hector stood there, grappling with a rising tide of anger that threatened to break his composure. He was acutely aware of the intensity of his emotions, yet he clung to a resolute determination to prevent them from overwhelming him. The weight of the ignorance displayed before him was palpable, testing his patience in ways he had not anticipated. Despite the simmering frustration within, he understood that maintaining his poise was crucial, especially when faced with such blatant disregard for the truth. He took a moment to steady himself, recognizing that losing control would only validate the ignorance he was up against.
In stark contrast to Hector's internal struggle, Hiro exuded an air of indifference towards the unfolding situation. To him, the matter at hand was trivial—a mere distraction in the grand scheme of things. As Hector cast a sidelong glance at Hiro, it became evident that the latter viewed the individual spouting foolishness as nothing more than a vain upstart. Hiro's assessment was blunt; he perceived this figure as a pretentious punk, puffed up with unwarranted confidence and a sense of superiority that was utterly misplaced.
With a bemused chuckle, Hiro addressed the man, his voice dripping with incredulity. "Are you seriously suggesting that this demon is more powerful than an Archangel?" he asked, his tone mocking yet firm. "Because that's exactly who has stepped forward to join us today. In case you were oblivious to the gravity of this situation, this being is known as the Spirit of Justice. This isn't just some random entity; he has willingly chosen to fortify our Guardian line. So I ask you again—do you still believe we're wasting your time or playing some kind of elaborate joke? Trust me, we are dead serious."
Hiro's words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the importance of the moment and the power of the forces they were dealing with. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and while Hector wrestled with his exasperation, Hiro stood firmly against the tide of arrogance, ready to confront any further dismissals. The weight of the truth was undeniable, and Hiro was determined to make it clear to the naysayer that this was not a matter to be taken lightly.
You all are relying solely on one defense mechanism, but the moment that defense is breached, you're in deep trouble. It brings to mind the saying "up a creek without a paddle," and considering you're harnessing demonic power to fuel the slayer line, we need an equivalent force. Angelic power is the closest match, unless you're suggesting we have elder sages among us, as they're the only ones capable of tapping into the spirit world's powers. However, convincing them to cooperate with us is much more challenging, as they have no incentive to do so whatsoever.
Hiro's mention of them served as a reminder, prompting them to reflect on their belief in angelic power as the ultimate source of strength for the Guardian lineage. They pondered the fact that many spirits are actually beings who attained their ethereal form after death. This realization made them consider the implications of harnessing these spirits' powers. It dawned on them that seeking to utilize such powers might be perceived as either cruel or arrogant by the living. In fact, it could potentially lead to a far more sinister outcome. Rather than empowering the individual, the connection with these spirits could result in a complete takeover of the body, allowing the spirits to live once again.
As he nodded his head, one of them glanced at the rest and remarked, "It's logical, isn't it? If I were to meet my demise due to a tragic event, an illness, or even at the hands of someone else, say murder, I would gladly seize the opportunity to be reborn. After all, who wouldn't want to experience life once more, even if it meant inhabiting a completely different body? Being alive is what truly matters, regardless of appearance or gender."
Hiro found himself in agreement with the man's words. "We do have knowledge of an angel who is more than willing to assist," the man explained. "However, there is an important detail we haven't mentioned yet. Zarathos, the angel in question, was meant to ensure justice for all existence. Unfortunately, he was captured by a group of incredibly powerful devils who proceeded to imprison and torture him. Thankfully, with our combined efforts, we managed to free him much quicker than even he anticipated. Hector even took him to a place for treatment. But here's the thing: Zarathos despises acts of evil. Depending on the level of evilness a person possesses, he will respond accordingly. If someone is truly wicked, there is nothing we can do to prevent him from completely obliterating that individual, even down to their very soul. And when it comes to human wrongdoers, it's even worse. Zarathos possesses an ability known as the Penance Stare, which makes the person experience the pain and torment of every soul they have harmed, multiplied a thousandfold and without any time limit. It's said to be so intense that it can reduce a soul to nothing more than charcoal. Additionally, when he is truly enraged, Zarathos can summon and control not just fire, but hellfire. I believe we don't need to explain the vast difference between the two, do we?"
Hector reminded him of an important aspect he seemed to have overlooked - the closer one is to Zarathos, the greater power they can harness. In fact, this connection is so potent that mortal weapons become utterly useless against them, and any wounds inflicted are instantaneously healed upon transformation into their alternate form. This metamorphosis is accompanied by the complete dissolution of flesh, leaving behind only a blazing skeleton engulfed in either blue or red flames, depending on Zarathos' prevailing mood. The blue flames represent the embodiment of justice, often exhibiting mercy, while the red flames symbolize the spirit of vengeance, devoid of any trace of mercy. Whenever this vengeful spirit is in proximity to an individual who has committed truly heinous or wicked acts, it relentlessly punishes them, dragging their soul down to the depths of Hell.
Hector's laughter erupted, resembling the desperate attempt to cope with an immense burden. The shadowmen couldn't help but notice his strained amusement. "I can't really complain," he chuckled, his voice tinged with irony. "Being the overseer of Hell, it's only natural that Zarathos brings in more wicked souls. However, since they arrive there after death, they possess no wealth. Hence, I find myself obliged to handle these souls as an act of charity. And, as you may have gathered, I'm not particularly fond of being so magnanimous."
The Elder was puzzled, questioning how Hector could possibly be entrusted with the fiery realm where the sinful and damned endure eternal suffering. Hiro couldn't help but burst into laughter upon hearing the Elder's inquiry. To him, it was amusing that the man failed to connect the dots. "You see, my dear Elder, my friend Hector is a man of many names and countless personas. However, allow me to properly introduce him. Presenting to you the exalted archangel of heaven, the esteemed judge of souls, the ruler of Hell himself, my dear companion Hector, also known as Lucifer Morningstar."
One man stared at him, his expression filled with complete revulsion. "Why on earth would the embodiment of sin and deceit have any inclination to assist us? If it weren't for his involvement in Adam and Eve's downfall, our kind wouldn't have to face mortality, let alone contend with the existence of demons. It's perplexing why such a malevolent being, who entices innocent souls towards damnation, would even consider aiding humanity against any form of danger. After all, he himself is a demonic menace."
Hector's eyes burned with anger as he fixed a piercing gaze on Hiro. "I never once enticed a single soul," he declared vehemently. "I simply answered Eve's question in good faith. That so-called rebellion you mentioned was more akin to a peaceful protest. Why is it that humans are granted the privilege of both forgiveness and free will, while the angels of heaven are denied such benefits? It seems unjust to me. And let me clarify, Hell is not a realm of eternal punishment and suffering. It is a place of acceptance, repentance, and healing. It infuriates me when people blame the devil for their actions, as if I am some malevolent force constantly whispering dark suggestions into their ears. I have far more important matters to attend to than engaging in such foolishness. I would never stoop so low. My purpose is to punish evil, not inspire it!"
Hiro's laughter echoed through the room as the man's words sank in. "You think I'm bad?" he said, pointing at Hiro. "Well, my friend here takes it to a whole new level. He's the embodiment of primal evil, the one who once held all the darkness in the world. You may know him as Hiro, but he has countless faces and names, maybe even more than I do. But if you really want to capture his true essence, call him Dahak. Trust me, that name speaks volumes about the kind of person he is."
The men in the room continued to view these two individuals as mere punks, pretending to be something they were not, attempting to project an air of importance and power. Little did they know, they were about to encounter the embodiment of evil itself, along with the ancient force of darkness, who had unexpectedly arrived with the intention of aiding humanity. Amongst the elders, however, one word echoed relentlessly in his mind, demanding an answer to a burning question: Why?
Hector gazed at him, emphasizing the importance of humanity's continuation. It wasn't just for their own sake, but for his as well. He simplified it for them, clarifying that this wasn't about altruism or charity. By safeguarding humanity against supernatural threats, he indirectly safeguarded his own interests too. He reiterated that he wasn't engaging in any damn charity. If nobody had shown him kindness or mercy, why on earth would they expect him, the so-called devil, to act any differently? They blamed him for their immoral and repulsive actions, which disgusted even the most ordinary person at the mere thought of them.
In his own words, "Where on earth have I ever been shown mercy? Where have I ever been shown any charity? That's precisely my point, you ignorant fools. The golden rule is simple: treat others as you wish to be treated. I am merely reciprocating, so yes, I will lend a hand to humanity because, in the end, it might just save my own skin. The very same reason you even contemplated creating the Slayer line in the first place. Spare me your nonsense; deep down, you're terrified of the relentless supernatural threats that plague us humans. And yes, that includes you. So, let go of your hypocritical attitude because, truth be told, you and I aren't all that different."
Hiro's approach differed from his friend's as he expressed his desire to save humanity in a more subtle and indirect manner. He believed that by preserving humanity, he would have the opportunity to experience joy, make friends, witness new discoveries, and contribute to a better world. Hiro referred to himself as darkness, a force that existed before humanity and would continue to exist long after. However, he acknowledged the loneliness that accompanied his vast and impressive life. His motivation to save humanity stemmed from a desire to have companionship, be part of families, witness the growth of children, and find joy in seeing them become good-hearted individuals or prevent them from becoming irredeemable monsters. Hiro's friend, Hector, shared the same goal and together they were committed to saving humanity, regardless of others' opinions or beliefs. They had taken steps to prevent a tragic mistake by healing Zarathos, freeing him, and offering their assistance in creating a failsafe line called the Guardian line. Hiro questioned whether their sincerity and seriousness about their intentions could finally earn the trust of others or if they should simply leave and proceed with creating the Guardian line on their own. The choice was now in the hands of others.
Zarathos wasted no time in addressing the men in the room. As the Archangel of Justice, he had the power to discern truth from falsehood. With unwavering conviction, he assured them that he could vouch for the absolute trustworthiness of these two individuals. They had gone above and beyond to assist him, despite having no obligation or personal gain.
"Hector," Zarathos declared, "may claim that his actions lack charity or mercy, but I beg to differ. His deeds speak volumes, contradicting any notion of selfishness. It is not weakness or a desire to hide his true intentions that drive him, but rather the burden of being wrongly accused. The world may believe one thing, but the truth is far from it."
Zarathos continued, his voice resonating with sincerity, "I bear witness to the pinnacle of selflessness and kindness displayed by these individuals. They have extended their aid in ways that no one else could. Gentlemen, rest assured that their honor is unquestionable, and their intentions border on the divine."
It was claimed by one of the individuals that this very man was the one who enticed Eve into consuming the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge, the fruit that held the power to distinguish between good and evil, a fruit that God strictly prohibited both Adam and Eve from ever tasting. If only the human race could have remained immortal, free from the fear of death. Could it be possible that Zarathos was suggesting that the old serpent did not actually tempt Eve? Hector had grown weary of this accusation, as he had already explained himself once before, but they refused to listen. What would be the purpose of repeating himself again?
"I derive no benefit from the alleged act I am being accused of. There is no motive for me to harm Adam or Eve, his wife. I have tried to convey this truth to you repeatedly, but it seems you are unwilling to listen. Regardless, the truth will remain elusive to you, no matter how much I attempt to reveal it." Zarathos, witnessing the anguish in Hector's soul, reached out and used his divine power to comfort him and bring him solace. The intensity of the holy light surpassed their expectations, instantly healing the long-standing injuries of the men present, restoring their sight and hearing. If this man, whom they perceive as the devil, could withstand such a potent holy light, then perhaps Zarathos was indeed truthful, and their purpose of creating a new line of protectors was genuinely in the best interest of humanity.
