This fanfiction is exclusively dedicated to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but it will also incorporate elements from other franchises.

The goddess took the time to confirm that the statement was indeed true and accurate. Just moments before the six girls prepared to leave, she turned her attention to the celestial being known as Cordelia. With a gentle tone, she reminded Cordelia of their prior agreement. According to this pact, Cordelia would undergo a rebirth as Kuya the Demon Seer. This new form would allow her to keep all the memories and powers she had acquired during her time as a goddess.

At the same time, the goddess spoke directly to Joyce, offering reassurance about her future. She confirmed that Joyce would ascend to the heavenly realm of their world, which meant she was set to embark on a brand-new and exciting journey in life. Meanwhile, the Joyce from this specific timeline would continue to live her life until it reached its natural conclusion, at which point she would merge with her divine counterpart, creating a unique unity.

After the sudden and mysterious disappearance of the six girls, the goddess found herself sharing incredible news with Hector and Hiro. She told them that multiple worlds were converging into one, creating a fascinating and complex situation. The goddess further assured both of them that she would accompany them on this remarkable journey, providing guidance and support along the way.

As they stood at the very beginning of time, Hector and Hiro found comfort in their ability to talk openly and freely. They knew that the goddess would not be offended by their discussions, allowing for a sense of ease in the conversation. Hiro pointed out the immense amount of work that lay ahead of them, a task of great significance that needed serious attention even before the arrival of Buffy. Hector then noted that the entire universe seemed to be in a state of chaos and disorder. He remarked on the daunting challenge they faced, stating, "If we're going to fix this troubled universe, we have an enormous job ahead of us. And let's not forget that I'm only here because you called in that favor. You practically twisted my arm into joining this mission."

Hiro continued to share his thoughts, explaining how they would now need to go back a staggering sixteen billion years earlier than they had planned. Although they could have arrived just as Buffy was about to awaken, doing so would not help bring about the positive changes they hoped for. Given Hector's strong feelings against the Watchers and their self-serving council, it became clear that significant changes were required. Hiro then encouraged Hector to think beyond the usual limits. "Do you have any ideas on what we should alter? Think big and let your imagination be wild. Share your most outrageous thoughts with me; I want to hear everything you can come up with."

Hector voiced his frustration clearly, stating that if someone wanted to behave like a jerk, then that was their choice. However, he proposed a different approach to solve the ongoing issues. Why not establish a second group of Slayers? This new team would include both men and women. The men would take on the added responsibility of helping the female Slayers stay grounded. Their role would be to prevent the women from making impulsive decisions based purely on their emotions. Thus, these men would act as protectors and guardians for the female Slayers. Hector recognized that forming this new group would demand significant effort and commitment, but he firmly believed that Zarathos could play a vital role in empowering the male members of the Slayers. This empowerment, he argued, could lead to meaningful changes in how they operated.

In the spirit of bringing about real change, Hector had a bold idea. He observed that vampires often regarded themselves as the ultimate predators, believing they were invincible and beyond reach. But what if they challenged that idea? Hector suggested creating a new breed of vampires—these would not be the typical vampires people were used to. Instead of hunting humans, these new vampires would actually be part human themselves. Their targets would be those who preyed on innocent people, effectively turning the tables on traditional hunters. This fresh breed of vampires would be both cunning and dangerous, posing a new threat to the Slayers. Additionally, if a regular vampire chose to drink the blood of one of these new vampires, they would undergo a transformation. This change would grant them all the powers of the new vampires while freeing them from their usual weaknesses. This development could create significant challenges for the creatures that the Slayers would have to confront.

Hector was confident that bringing this new bloodline to life wouldn't be overly difficult. He had gathered a wealth of knowledge from his years spent with important individuals like D, the son of Dracula, and Abel Nightroad. Their insights had been essential in his exploration of vampire bloodlines and genetics. He estimated that creating this new lineage would likely take only a decade or two. However, the real obstacle lay in safely binding the spirit of the Ghost Rider without drawing the unwanted attention of Hell. The Ghost Rider was originally designed as Hell's bounty hunter, and his loyalty did not align with human interests in any way.

Hiro reminded him that the Ghost Rider had once been an archangel, embodying the essence of Justice. Given this connection, he suggested that gaining the Ghost Rider's trust should not be too difficult, especially since they were practically family.

Hector was quick to caution Hiro against bringing up that topic again. He insisted that just because they shared blood did not mean they were close. In fact, many of their family members had tried to kill him on several occasions. They needed to be focused. Their first destination was the self-proclaimed Shadowmen, a group known for their foolishness. These individuals wanted to grant a young woman the powers of a demon, which Hector casually pointed out could lead to serious dangers. Possibilities included the demon taking control of the woman, corrupting her very soul, or even turning her into something far worse than the demon itself. For emphasis, Hector highlighted the difference between devils and demons: while devils would honor their contracts to the letter, demons were notorious for betraying those foolish enough to make deals with them.

The young woman was destined to receive powers from demons, likely through some kind of pact or arrangement. However, Hector felt it was crucial to emphasize a significant point: demons do not adhere to contracts with the same level of seriousness as humans. Their understanding of agreements is often shallow, and this could lead to unforeseen consequences. This reckless plan could potentially unleash a monstrous force, an eldritch horror, far beyond their comprehension. Such a disaster might endanger not just their world but the entire universe itself. "Getting them to understand us, or even to listen to us, is going to be incredibly challenging. We must remember that this is a time before written records or any form of documentation existed."

Hector laid out two possible paths they could take. The first option involved positioning themselves close to the village, capturing one of the shadowmen, and using his distinct abilities to pull all the knowledge from his soul. However, Hector made it clear that this approach would come at a grave cost—the life of the shadowman would be lost in the process.

The second option was significantly more demanding. It required them to spend an entire sixty years living among these people, acting as refugees, and gradually working to build trust with the shadowmen. This method would be slow and difficult, as earning someone's trust never comes easily, and maintaining that trust is an even greater challenge.

"So, there are our choices," Hector explained. "We can either take a life to extract the necessary knowledge, or we can try a more diplomatic strategy. Whichever route we choose, it will take great effort and considerable time to prove to them that we genuinely understand their situation. Plus, we have to consider Zarathos. He is still dealing with the mental scars left by his experiences with demons, and helping him recover will require patience and attention. From what I know of therapy, it could take at least thirty years of focused care to bring him back to a stable state. If we don't help him properly, he might end up protecting us with a vengeful spirit rather than a desire to show mercy."

Hiro found the situation amusing and couldn't help but laugh. He pointed out that without Zarathos to empower the line of Guardians, any attempts to extract information would be pointless. It was akin to trying to squeeze out every bit of juice from an orange—impossible without the right tools or conditions. The only feasible option left standing was to take the diplomatic path. This decision also meant they would have ample time to help Zarathos recover, and thankfully, their treatment facility operated on a different time scale than Earth, which provided additional time for healing.

"Well, technically, Zarathos hasn't even been alive in the traditional sense, so I suppose I could take him to that place for treatment without any expense," Hiro mused. "But it's incredibly frustrating to assist a relative who has caused me so much trouble. Fine, if you want to take the moral high ground, go ahead. Just know this is going to be a monumental headache, and you are fully aware of that."

At that moment, the divine entity made its presence known, revealing that there were misunderstandings surrounding various subjects, possibly more than just a few. The reason we found ourselves at the beginning of time rather than in the year 1500 AD was quite simple: there are many souls still in need of rescue and a great number of events that require urgent intervention. Despite this, you are indeed correct to insist on the importance of creating a new kind of vampire and providing support to Zarathos. Deep within the Shadowmen Enclave on Earth, a staggering sixteen billion years had elapsed since those pivotal beginnings.

As the group resumed their activities, they encountered the tribe engaged in the process of developing the Slayer line. This tribe was wholly committed to their mission, showing no concern for their status as outsiders as long as their work contributed to their ultimate goal. Hector could sense that Zarathos believed their methods were driven by a profound fear of the supernatural. Although Hector understood and respected the role of fear in protecting humanity, he also recognized the potential hazards of acting rashly when gripped by panic. Therefore, he expressed the need for a cautious approach in their assistance, while also conveying his appreciation for the insights and guidance provided by Zarathos.

In contrast to the experiences of others in different planes of existence, Zarathos had not suffered long-term torment. If he were in Hell, Hector would have been the one in charge, and Zarathos would not have experienced any suffering. It was humanity itself that inflicted pain upon their own souls, engaging in cycles of self-punishment to make amends for past wrongs. Despite Zarathos' efforts to convince them to stop this behavior, they continued to endure unnecessary suffering. However, with the current state of Hell offering a different atmosphere, Zarathos had made impressive strides in overcoming his own past traumas. When Hector sought his help, Zarathos embraced the noble cause wholeheartedly, even though Hector sometimes suspected him of stretching the truth, much like a child who claims to have received an A on a test while actually earning an F.

Upon entering the meeting place, Hector felt a wave of disappointment wash over him. This was intended to be the gathering site for a team of exceptional fighters, all set to tackle various supernatural challenges. Instead, the setting was anything but inviting, uplifting, or cheerful. To put it bluntly, he had attended funerals with a more pleasant atmosphere. The grim surroundings were far from comforting; oddly, they provided Hector with a sense of ease that stood in contrast to Hiro's unease.

As Hector approached the elder of the group, he wasted no time in getting straight to the point. Some individuals might have deemed his directness a bit too abrupt for an initial meeting. "I see what you're trying to accomplish here," he stated clearly. "You're harnessing the abilities of a demon to turn a young girl into one of the strongest fighters the world has ever seen. And she isn't even fully grown yet. I understand, really I do, the multitude of threats looming over humanity. But I can't shake this feeling that you're putting all your hopes into one person, believing she can tackle it all on her own. And if something were to happen to her, you'd just move on to another girl, then another. Honestly, that doesn't sit well with me. It feels wasteful. That's why we're here today—to present you with an alternative, a new approach that could genuinely support your efforts. And the best part? It won't cost you a fortune to listen to what we have to offer."

The Elder's neighbor was filled with curiosity and approached them with questions about their plan, eager to understand what it all meant. This plan was not just a random idea; it was the result of many years of hard work, sacrifice, and loss from those who came before them. It had been a journey built over generations. So, what was this idea that had taken shape over so much time?

Hiro stepped forward, a smile on his face, and simply said one word: Symmetry. He explained that the Slayer lineage was about to become even stronger by including a demon, a powerful force that would help protect humanity from darkness. This was a noble mission, but it raised an important question: who would watch over the Slayer while she faced the terrifying monsters that threatened to wipe out mankind? If the Slayer was meant to be humanity's weapon, a fierce sword against evil, then who would serve as her shield? This was where the idea truly blossomed – to empower a man with angelic powers, making him the perfect partner for the Slayer. He would be there to offer support, defense, and assistance in and outside of battles. While the Slayer fought to protect humanity, the Guardian would make sure she stayed safe, enabling her to carry out her important role. It was a straightforward idea: balance and symmetry, as Hiro had clearly described.

Meanwhile, Hector stood there, wrestling with a growing anger that threatened to take over his calm demeanor. He felt the intensity of his emotions rising within him, yet he focused hard on keeping them in check. The weight of the ignorance being displayed before him was almost too much to handle, testing his patience in a way he had not expected. Even with his frustration bubbling beneath the surface, he knew the importance of staying composed, especially when confronted with such blatant misunderstandings. He took a moment to gather himself, understanding that losing his cool would only give power to the ignorance he was facing.

In sharp contrast to Hector's internal battle, Hiro appeared to be unfazed by what was happening. To him, this situation was trivial—a mere distraction from the larger matters at hand. As Hector cast a sideways look at Hiro, it became clear that Hiro saw the person making foolish claims as nothing more than an arrogant fool. Hiro's opinion was direct; he viewed this individual as a puffed-up punk with misplaced confidence and an inflated sense of superiority.

With a laugh that carried a hint of disbelief, Hiro turned to address the man, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Are you seriously saying this demon is more powerful than an Archangel?" he asked, his tone both mocking and firm. "Because the being that has chosen to stand with us today is indeed an Archangel. In case you haven't grasped the seriousness of this moment, allow me to introduce him: he is known as the Spirit of Justice. This is not just any random spirit; he has willingly come forward to strengthen our Guardian line. So I ask you again—do you still think we're wasting your time or playing some kind of elaborate prank? I assure you, we are completely serious about this."

Hiro's words lingered in the air, emphasizing the critical nature of the moment they were experiencing and the immense power of the forces they were confronting. The atmosphere was charged with tension, palpable enough to make anyone feel uneasy. Hector was grappling with his frustration, feeling the pressure of the situation weigh heavily on him. Meanwhile, Hiro remained steadfast, resolute in his stance against the tide of arrogance that threatened to undermine their mission. He was ready to challenge any dismissive attitudes that might surface. The reality they faced was unmistakable; Hiro was committed to ensuring that the skeptics understood the seriousness of their predicament.

"You all are depending entirely on one defensive tactic," Hiro asserted with urgency. "But let me caution you: if that defense is ever compromised, you will find yourselves in serious jeopardy." He evoked the saying "up a creek without a paddle," suggesting that without an effective backup plan, they would be stranded in a dire situation. "Given that you are drawing on demonic power to strengthen the slayer line, it is crucial that we find a comparable force to counter it. The most fitting counterpart would be angelic power." He hesitated before continuing, acknowledging the complexity of the next point. "Unless, of course, you are suggesting that we have elder sages in our midst, as they alone possess the ability to tap into the powers of the spirit world. However, persuading such beings to work alongside us presents its own set of challenges; they have little reason to help us."

Hiro's comments struck a chord within the group, prompting them to reflect on how they had previously viewed angelic power as the ultimate source of strength for the Guardian lineage. They began to recognize that many spirits are actually entities that achieved their ethereal forms after passing away. This insight led them to consider the ramifications of channeling the powers of these spirits. It became clear to them that attempting to harness such energies could easily be interpreted as either cruel or arrogant by those still living. The potential consequences of this connection were troubling; rather than merely empowering individuals, summoning these spirits could result in a complete takeover of their bodies. In essence, the spirits could reclaim a form of life once more.

As he nodded thoughtfully, one member of the group exchanged glances with the others and remarked, "It makes sense, doesn't it? If I were to face an untimely death, whether through a tragic accident, a severe illness, or even at the hands of another person—say, in a murder—I would welcome the chance for rebirth. Who wouldn't want to live again, even if it meant taking on a different form? The essence of being alive is what truly matters, regardless of how one looks or what body they inhabit."

Hiro found himself resonating with the man's perspective. "We do actually know of an angel who is quite willing to offer his help," the man explained further. "However, there is a crucial detail we haven't discussed yet. The angel's name is Zarathos, and he was destined to uphold justice across all existence. Sadly, he fell into the hands of a group of exceptionally powerful devils, who captured him and inflicted unspeakable torment upon him. Fortunately, through our combined efforts, we managed to free him sooner than even he expected. Hector even took him to a safe place for healing." The man paused, clearly weighing the seriousness of what he was about to say. "But here's the catch: Zarathos has a strong aversion to evil acts. His response to individuals' wickedness can be severe. If someone harbors true malice, there is little we can do to stop him from utterly destroying that person, down to their very essence. The situation is even more dire when it comes to human wrongdoers. Zarathos possesses a unique ability known as the Penance Stare. This power compels the person to experience the agony and suffering of every soul they have harmed, multiplied a thousand times and without any limit on duration. It's said that this experience can reduce a soul to mere ashes. Moreover, when Zarathos is pushed to his limits, he can summon and command not just regular fire, but hellfire itself. I think we can all agree that there is a significant difference between the two."

Hector pointed out something crucial that his companion had seemingly missed - the proximity to Zarathos directly correlates with the level of power one can command. The bond formed when one is closer to Zarathos is not just a simple connection; it is a source of immense strength. Because of this, traditional weapons wielded by mortals are rendered completely ineffective against them. Any physical harm inflicted prior to their transformation vanishes almost instantaneously as they shift into their alternate, more powerful form. This transformation is a dramatic process where their flesh completely dissolves, leaving behind a fiery skeleton that burns brightly either in blue or red flames. The color of the flames signifies Zarathos' current emotional state: blue flames symbolize justice and are characterized by mercy, while the red flames represent a relentless spirit of vengeance, showing no mercy whatsoever. When this vengeful presence comes near someone who has done truly wicked deeds, it does not hesitate to exact punishment, dragging that person's soul down to the deepest pits of Hell.

Hector burst into laughter, though it sounded more like a struggle to cope with a heavy weight on his shoulders. The shadowmen nearby observed his laughter, recognizing the strain behind it. "I can't really complain," he remarked, his voice laced with irony. "As the overseer of Hell, it stands to reason that Zarathos would bring in more wicked souls. But here's the catch: they arrive after they die, and they bring no wealth with them. So, I find myself in the position of having to handle these lost souls as an act of charity. And, as you've probably guessed, I'm not particularly fond of being so generous."

The Elder was left confused, wondering how it was possible that Hector could be trusted with managing the place where sinners and the damned experience eternal suffering. Upon hearing this question, Hiro erupted in laughter, finding it amusing that the Elder was missing the bigger picture. "Ah, my dear Elder, let me clarify," Hiro said with a smirk. "Hector is a man of many names, with numerous identities. But allow me to introduce him properly. This is the exalted archangel of heaven, the prestigious judge of souls, and yes, the ruler of Hell himself, my friend Hector, also known as Lucifer Morningstar."

One individual stared at Hector with a look of pure disgust. "Why would the very embodiment of sin and deceit have any desire to assist us? If not for his role in the downfall of Adam and Eve, our kind wouldn't have to face death, let alone the threat of demons. It makes no sense why such an evil being, who leads innocent souls toward their doom, would consider helping humanity against any threat. After all, he is a demonic menace."

Hector's eyes blazed with anger as he fixed a sharp gaze on Hiro. "I never led a single soul astray," he declared firmly. "I was only responding to Eve's question honestly. That rebellion you spoke of was more like a peaceful protest. Why do humans get forgiveness and free will while angels are denied those same privileges? It seems deeply unfair to me. And let me be clear: Hell is not simply a place of torment. It is a space for acceptance, repentance, and healing. It frustrates me when people blame the devil for their failures, as if I'm some evil force endlessly whispering dark thoughts. I have far more important matters to deal with than engaging in such nonsense. My role is to punish evil, not to inspire it."

Hiro's laughter filled the room, bouncing off the walls as the man's words took hold of the audience. "You think I'm bad?" the man said, his finger pointed directly at Hiro. "Well, let me tell you something. My friend here takes it to a level you can't even imagine. He's the living proof of primal evil, the one who once possessed all the darkness in the world. Sure, you might know him as Hiro, but he carries many names and hides behind countless faces, probably even more than I do. But if you really want to grasp who he truly is, just call him Dahak. Believe me, that name carries a weight that reveals a lot about the kind of person he really is."

As the man spoke, the others in the room continued to view these two as nothing more than punks, trying desperately to be something they were not. They thought these boys were just pretending to be big shots, trying to create an appearance of importance and strength. Little did they realize, they were on the verge of encountering the very essence of evil right there in front of them, along with an ancient force of darkness. This darkness had shown up unexpectedly, but it was there with a surprising goal: to help humanity. Yet, among the elders, one word kept echoing through the mind of one man, demanding an answer: Why?

Hector stared intently at the leaders, stressing the crucial need for humanity's survival. This preservation wasn't just for their sake; it was for his as well. He broke it down for them, making it clear that this wasn't about being nice or helping out for free. By protecting humanity from supernatural dangers, he was really protecting himself too. He emphasized that he wasn't doing anything out of kindness. If nobody had ever offered him a hand or showed him mercy, why should he, the so-called devil, do anything different? They pointed fingers at him for their own nasty and twisted actions, which would make any decent person shudder at their very mention.

In his own blunt way, he declared, "Where in the world have I ever been shown mercy? Where's the charity in my life? That's exactly my point, you clueless people. The golden rule is straightforward: treat others as you wish to be treated. I'm simply giving back what I've been dealt. Yes, I will help humanity, because it just might save me in the end. That's the same reason you even thought about creating the Slayer line in the first place. Don't feed me your rubbish; deep down, you're scared of the never-ending supernatural threats that haunt us humans. And yes, that includes you. So drop the hypocritical act, because, at the end of the day, you and I are not all that different."

Hiro's perspective was different from his friend's. He wanted to save humanity in a gentler and more indirect way. He believed that if humanity thrived, he would truly have the chance to experience joy, make meaningful friendships, discover new wonders, and contribute positively to the world. Hiro saw himself as the darkness, a force that existed long before humans and would continue to exist long after. Still, he recognized the loneliness that accompanied such a vast existence. His goal to save humanity was fueled by a longing for companionship, a wish to be part of families, to witness the growth of children, and to find happiness in seeing them become kind-hearted individuals instead of turning into irredeemable monsters.

Hector shared the same vision. Together, they were determined to save humanity, regardless of what others thought or believed. They took decisive steps to avoid a grave mistake by healing Zarathos, freeing him, and working on a backup plan known as the Guardian line. Hiro pondered whether their genuine intentions could finally win over the trust of others, or if they should just move forward by themselves to develop the Guardian line without assistance. The choice now rested with those around them.

Zarathos wasted no time in addressing the assembled men. As the Archangel of Justice, he possessed a unique ability to see through deception and discern the truth amidst the chaos of human beliefs. With a stance that radiated confidence and authority, he assured everyone present that he could fully vouch for the unwavering integrity of the two individuals standing before him. These two had gone above and beyond in their assistance to him, offering their help selflessly, without expecting anything in return or having any personal motives.

"Hector," Zarathos stated firmly, "may claim that his actions lack charity or mercy, but I urge you to reconsider that viewpoint. The actions he has taken tell a different story, one that contradicts any accusations of selfishness. It is not out of weakness or a desire to conceal his true motives that drives him, but instead it is the heavy burden of being unjustly accused. While the world around us may hold a different belief, the reality is far more complex and far from what many think."

He continued with a tone that carried sincerity and depth, "I bear witness to the highest expressions of selflessness and kindness that these individuals have demonstrated. They have offered their support in ways that no one else has dared to do. Gentlemen, take comfort in knowing that their honor is unquestionable, and their intentions are almost celestial in nature."

Among the whispers filling the room, it was mentioned by one individual that Hector was the very one who had lured Eve into eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge. This fruit represented the power to tell good from evil, a power that God had strictly forbidden both Adam and Eve from accessing. The thought lingered: if only humanity could have remained immortal, untouched by the fear of death. This led to an unsettling question: was Zarathos implying that the old serpent did not truly tempt Eve? Hector, already weary from facing these accusations, had once before provided his explanation, yet it fell on deaf ears. He wondered what the purpose was in repeating himself.

"I gain nothing from the accusations leveled against me," Hector insisted, his voice firm yet weary. "There is simply no reason for me to harm Adam or his wife, Eve. I have tried to share this truth with you time and again, yet it seems you refuse to hear me. Regardless of my attempts, the truth remains hidden from your sight, no matter how much I strive to reveal it."

Seeing the turmoil and pain etched on Hector's face, Zarathos was moved with compassion. He reached out, channeling his divine power to soothe and comfort Hector's troubled spirit. The holy light that emanated from him was far more intense than anyone in the room could have anticipated. It washed over them, healing long-standing wounds, restoring their sight and hearing in an instantaneous miracle. If this man, whom they labeled as the devil, could withstand such overwhelming holy light, then perhaps Zarathos was indeed speaking the truth. It raised a glimmer of hope that their endeavor to create a new line of protectors was genuinely aimed at benefitting all of humanity.