Chapter 36

Alcatraz Island was one of the most infamous prisons in American history. In this singularity, it acts as a prison for Celtic rule. It now holds Rama's wife, Sita. The ocean water that separated the prison from the mainland would stand between Chaldea and recovering Rama's strength. Servants wouldn't have an issue crossing the bay; however, the Masters would struggle to make it across even with their C.E.S Units.

"I would suggest we find a ferry to take us to our destination. During then, we should send a scouting party to investigate the island." VEGA suggested.

"I can fly, With my runes I can bring the Slayer with me." Scathach said, and Doomguy nodded.

"Better than me carrying him. Ugh…The salt from the ocean is going to dry out my wings." Elisabeth said, Reluctant to go but was still willing should the need arise.

"I can cross the water as if it were land. I can join you while the rest of us search for a boat." Artoria added.

"You can walk on water?" Ritsuka asked.

"Of course, I am blessed by the lady of the lake." Artoria stated proudly.

"Alright, we got Scathach, Doomguy, Elisabeth and Artoria going ahead to secure Sita. Archer, Mashu, Nightingale and Rama will remain with the youngsters to grab a ride to the prison." Dell said as he sipped some coffee back at the base.

"I think I see a dock nearby. Maybe there's a boat we can borrow? Then we can head to the prison with Rama," Ritsuka said as Scathach traced a rune onto Doomguys' armour.

"Very well, I'll monitor everyone and keep you updated if anything changes," Romani said over the comms. With that, Doomguy, Scathach, and Elisabeth took to the skies, with Artoria running across the water below them.

As they flew through the air, Doomguy looked back as Ritsuka got farther away. The Slayer shook his head. The mission was simple and quick. Most likely, they'll be done before the others arrive on the island, give or take if there are any servants and/or demons running the place.

They managed to get on the island without alerting or security, thanks to keeping low when approaching landfall. Currently, they are standing in a wooded area surrounding the prison. It was time to plan their next move, and thankfully, The Doctor was right on the case.

"Hold up, I got the Auto-map generating…And done! Uploading to your suit now. All these upgrades over the year has really improved out scanners. Alright…Seems to be two servant signatures patrolling the complex. The regular guards are those magical celtic warriors. No sign of Demonic activity…For now at least."

Romani finished uploading Doomguy's suit, allowing him to use its built-in holo-emitter. By tapping on the orange symbol on his chest plate, the auto-map of the prison is shown to everyone else.

"Oooh, can I get one for my next concert?" Elisabeth asked, and Doomguy just shrugged to avoid any awkward conversation. However, that did give him an idea…

The Slayer then got to work on a plan to rock the island in one way or another…

Where are we going...From here?

"Ugh…This is so boring…" One Celt said to his colleague as they sat in the guard tower.

"Tell me about it…All the other warriors are out working for the Queen. I never even got to meet her…" The other said.

"Hey."

"What?"

"Have you ever wondered why we're-"

*BOOM*

The two guards were then interrupted by the sounds of explosions and auditory assaults to their ears…Across the complex, Elisabeth started a concert that caught the guards' attention on the island. Of course, she was delighted to see so many people come to see her. It's good that she doesn't have to worry about her new "Fans" getting too rowdy with her well-qualified bouncer, Doomguy.

"RAAARG! GET THEM! MAKE THEM SILENCE THAT RACKET!" the commander shouted at all the brutes charging at them.

Doomguy cracks his knuckles and equips the Thunderbolt. It was time to start the party, as Elisabeth rocked out, having the time of her life. The music made the false warriors attack him head-on, making it easy to chain many targets simultaneously with deadly bolts of electric justice. It was easy and efficient until the heavyweights showed up. For now, it was time to have some fun, keeping to the beat of the music with each zap and punch.

Strangely enough, The Marine was not negatively affected at all by Chaldea's resident Idol. Carmilla mentioned in passing that her younger self can sing quite well. It's just a matter of bringing out her genuine desire to sing for others rather than for fame. Still, it was hard to imagine that Carmilla and Elisabeth were the same person.

Back to the fight, The Bouncer and the star-struck Idol worked hard to draw the attention of all the prison's fighters, allowing Scathach and Artoria to sneak in and find Sita.

"Lalala-eek!" Elisabeth squeaked after ducking to avoid a boulder flung at her at Mach speed.

"Hey! Who threw that!? That ruined my song!" Elisabeth shouted.

To answer her question, a person landed before them, throwing dust and dirt all around front of the impact.

"Oh, come on!" The Idol exclaimed as her dress was covered in dust. A person walked towards them and threw the dust. Doomguy readied his weapon, knowing what was coming after he slaughtered most of the guard population. His senses told him it was someone of great strength, perhaps someone who shared the same class. Was it the Altered Cu Chulainn? If so, Chadlea had an early victory against Hell.

"Well, Well…I wondered when you were going to show up…" A gruff voice echoed.

Through the dust, a man appears, covered in scars and tattoos. His dirty blonde hair flows in the wind as he wields two massive blades in each hand. The man's shirtless form reveals his battle-worn body, proof of his experience in combat.

"I've heard a lot about you. You can wipe out platoons of the Queen's warriors and those hellish beasts. After seeing the reports, I wish you a merry band of misfits would appear." The man said with an entertained smile on his scarred face.

"Ugh…This servant doesn't make me feel well. I feel it in my horns!" Elizabeth said as she swapped her microphone for her trusty spear.

"I'm sure, young lady! After all, my True Name is Beowulf - The 'Dragon Slayer'"

"*Gulp*" Elizabeth dashed behind Doomguy.

"The famed hero of the oldest English epic poem, Beowulf! He's a formidable enemy, so don't hold-"

"He's not the only one here." A familiar voice called out from nearby buildings, interrupting Romani. Another person leapt into the air and landed next to Beowulf.

"Wait, isn't that who I think it is?" Elisabeth asked, and Doomguy nodded. It was Fergus—a different version due to an aura of hostility and standing beside their enemy.

"Fergus…I was wondering when he was going to show up." Romani said as he observed the others approaching the island.

"This is the one. The one Ranak called the Doom Slayer." Fergus said as he summed his weapon, Caladbolg. Considering that he didn't recognize Doomguy, they didn't have to hold back. The Celtic warrior of the rainbow sword was just another servant on the wrong side.

"Doom Slayer, Finally, a real fight. I've waited long enough. I don't know what brought you to prison, and frankly I don't care." Beowulf then looked to his ally.

"You joining?" Beowulf asked, and Fergus readied his weapon.

"Of course. We have to put this beast down for the Queen." Fergus said without any hesitation while his drill sword spun up. Already, he was opening with his Noble Phantasm. The ground beneath their feet was about to get engulfed in deadly rainbow energy waves.

Without waiting another second, Doomguy grabbed the songstress and threw her into the air before the blast hit them. The Rainbow Sword decimated the surrounding area and the industrial building of the complex. Fergus pulls his blade from the ground. Content with his assumed victory, he begins to walk away…

"Hold up." Beowulf grabs Fergus by the shoulder…

Then he pushed the Saber servant out of the way of a flaming hook aimed at his head. The hook was the ground between them and pulled their adversary out of the heavens above.

Doomguy slammed his fist into the ground, barely missing Beowulf as it gazed at his cheek. The warrior counters with a broad slash of both his broadswords, Forcing Doomguy to raise his arms to block the mighty blows.

"Now's my chance!" Fergus shouts as he thrusts his sword into Doomguy's back with extreme strength. Sparks flew against the Praetor Suit's resilience even after taking the full strength of Caladbolg. The Slayer shoots a rocket at his feet, blasting his adversaries away while standing him back into the air.

Without missing a beat, Ballista bolts rained down at Fergus. A bolt grazed his shoulder, giving him a taste of the searing pain the Slayer can dish out.

"His weapons use the same energy as the demons, Ironic. According to Ranak, you tried to destroy all sources of Hell Energy, yet you wield it yourself." Fergus said, unimpressed.

The Marine's response was nothing more than a hailstorm of bullets from the mobile turret. Both warriors scramble to dodge the Bulletstorm as Doomguy closes the distance. Swapping for some micro missile on one hand and the Crucible on the other.

"Haha! Now this is a fight!" Beowulf shouts as he charges forward with Fergus in tow.

Doomguy launched a swarm of mini explosives at Beowulf, slowing him down so he could take down Fergus first. That noble phantasm will be a deadly problem when Ritsuka and Gudao's group reach the island. Those with Anti-army traits or skills must be eliminated first. The Slayer raised his blade and clashed with Fergus—the argent fuel blade of kings against a mystical weapon of Celtic legend.

"Gah! Your strength is admirable, a man like you would serve Queen Medb well. It is a shame that you chose serve weaklings." Fergus said with false pity.

The wise and gentlemanly retort Doomguy gave his opponent was a face full of flames.

"URGH!" Fergus covered his face as it burned in agony; Doomguy then slashed his arm. Severing everything below the elbow and dropping the drill like a sword.

"Y-you…!" Fergus dove for his sword and barely grabbed it to block a blast of buckshot narrowly. The Slayer pumped his shotgun to load some sticky to deal the final blow; then, Beowulf tackled him and pinned him to the ground.

"ARGH!" Beowulf grabbed himself by the boot and swung him into a wall with immense strength. The Bane of Grendel doesn't let up as he cracks his knuckles.

"...You just kick and punch, whoever is left standing is the winner! GRENDEL BUSTER!" Beowulf yelled as he unleashed a torrent of punches and kicks; unlike Fergus, his swords weren't his Noble Phantasm. It was the famous battle technique used to kill the Giant Grendal. Each blow left little room to react and counter; The Slayer was pinned as he took the beating. However, he endured it as he waited for his opening. Bewoulfs fists became bloodied as he bashed against Praetor Suit, but he was no stranger to strong hides as a monster slayer. He kept going, impressed with his opponent's tenacity.

"Show me! Show me why the only one they fear is you!" Beowulf said as he struck the weak points of the suit.

"Stand aside Beowulf! Let me finish him!" Fergus shouted, ready to use his sword again.

"No! This battle is between two Slayers!" Beowulf said Before taking an armoured punch to the jaw.

The force sent him barreling across the yard, Knocking him unconscious. Doomguy pulled himself out of the crumbling wall of the industry building.

"RAAAAH!" Fergus shouted, smashing his sword right into Doomguy's torso and right into between armour plating. Drawing blood.

"Hah…! You are not invincible! I will use all my strength to destroy you!" Fergus shouted with rage as he powered up his Noble Phantasm again! Drilling into the praetor suit and the man wearing it. The situation called for Doomguy to end the fight right then and there. As much as this was a servant he worked with in the past, this incarnation did not do the legend justice.

This man was not Fergus, just another slave to Hell.

*BOOM*

And all who allow the Demons to roam free meet the same fate as the beasts of the damned.

Fergus's body fell over, headless, after a 12 gauge lobotomy via the super shotgun. The Slayer pulled the sword out of his body. Grunting through the pain, he saw the blood dripping from his wound.

"Hey! I nearly froze up there when you threw me!" Elisabeth said as she descended from the skies.

"Just give me a heads-up next time. Oh no, are you okay? " the Idol said after seeing his injury.

"He just took about two and a half Noble Phantasms; both were not demonic in origin; taking a little chink in the armor is the best-case scenario." Romani said. The doctor then informed him that Scathach and Artoria Secured Sita without incident thanks to the concert dawing all the guards.

"...That just leaves Beowulf…He seems to just be sitting there." Dell added, and the two servants approached the man in question. He just sat on the ground, seeming satisfied.

"I surrender." Beowulf said as he coughed up some blood.

"Huh? You don't seem like the type to surrender." Elisabeth said, not buying his act.

"Nah, I know when I am beat. Besides, you were after that guy wife right? She's all yours. To think you caused all that ruckus for a single servant. Whatever the cause, I glad I got an interesting fight out of it." Beowulf said with a smirk.

"You don't even care that they've killed your comrade?" Romani asked.

"Hah! Most celts they've summon got twisted, Fergus may have not been used for experimentation, but he was hollow. Just an imitation of the real legend. Most of them were. After what they encouraged, I think I'm done serving them." Beowulf then leaned back to look into the sky.

"I'm just a guy doing his job. Anyways, you take care. Especially you Slayer. Mind that wound. The king will no doubt try to exploit it, all he cares for is strength and nothing else…."

Beowulf then passed out.

Doomguy thought about killing Beowulf; however, killing a surrendering servant wouldn't be something Ritsuka would approve of, and he didn't detect any hell energy on his person.

"He and Fergus were not contaminated by hell energy. Perhaps not all Celtic forces agreed to be augmented by Ranak." VEGA spoke over comms, signalling that the others had finally arrived at Alcatraz. Doomguy looked at his hand, covered in his blood. He's about to get an earful when he checks in.

...Where do we go?

"Oh come on! How was I supposed to know they had wyverns in the water?! And why wherever we go we run into them?!" Ritsuka groaned as she wanted to investigate a rumour that was told to them by the mariner that let them borrow their boat. According to them, there was treasure back on the shores of the mainland. That resulted in a swarm of winged lizards to swarm them once they started digging.

"Ritsuka-Senpai, I know we are running low on Saints Quartz but we can go searching after the mission…" Mashu said while Gudao just shook his head.

"Oh hey it's Doomguy and Liz!" Gudao said, noticing the duo coming into the woods.

"Hey guys! Glad you've made it! Come on! Time to get Rama back on his feet!" Elisabeth said.

"Thank goodness…we must make haste so that I can see my beloved once more!" Rama said as he freed himself from Nightingale's back.

He is determined to make the last trek to his wife alone. No one can stop him, so everyone agrees to let him do this once.

Ritsuka then walked over to Doomguy to check in with him.

"Hey…Are you okay?" Ritsuka said, eyeing the bloodstains on his armour.

Doomguy nodded.

"According to Dr Romani, he took about two and a half Noble Phantasms worth of damage. His battle continuation might've been spent, I would recommend letting the other servants face off in non-demonic encounters for now." VEGA started, getting an eye roll from Doomguy, but Ritsuka put her hands on her hips.

"Hey, I saw that! From now on, you are benched after taking all that damage!" Ritsuka started with a huff. Doomguy got a little chuckle out of her antics and nodded. He can rest for a little while if it puts her at ease.

When they entered the main building…A wave of stench assaulted everyone's nostrils. Bodies lined the halls, some hanging from the rafters. Blood stained the walls that echoed the voices of the damned. While there was no demonic presence…Just cruelty to those who went against the king. To think the Slayer spared Beowulf, who just let this happen under his watch. He was about to return and finish the job, but then he felt Ritsuka grab his arm.

He gazed down to see her frightened, shaking as she held her gas mask in place. Doomguy puts a halt on his place and holds her close as they progress through the unholy terrors of the prison's victims.

Mashu felt her hands trembling; seeing the demons up close was one thing. But this…This horror was something else…It's just pure cruelty. How can anyone stand by and let this happen? Is this a part of being human, being numb to such horrors?

Mashu started to panic but then felt someone take her hand…It was her Senpai.

He held her hand tightly as they walked, his eyes forward. The Demi-servant could also tell he was frightened but did his best to support her.

The farther they went into the facility, the more horrors they saw…Lots of ramblings written on the wall in the blood of the dead.

"Death is freedom…"

"No one will save us…

"THERE IS NO ESCAPE!"

VEGA scanned the area; there was no demonic energy…The Celts themselves did this insanity. Maybe they were imitating the demonic rituals or just a way to express their cruelty to the prisoners.

"I'm afraid this is all the Celtic cruelty, probably encouraged," VEGA said as Nightingale remained silent throughout the ordeal. As much as she found the place unsanitary with all the decay and death, she had to fulfil her duty.

Rama still led forward until they heard a voice.

"Slayer? Is that you?" Scathach called.

"Yeah we are here!" Ritsuka called out.

"We are in the wardens office!" Artoria yelled, and Rama started running.

"Whoa-Whoa! Rama, your're still injured!" Gudao said.

"I-it doesn't matter! I need to go see my beloved." Rama said as the others caught up to him. Nightingale helped him stay on his feet while Gudao cast a healing spell from the C.E.S.

Once they reached the warden's office, they were greeted by Scathach, Artoria, and a young woman with bright red hair in twin tails wearing garb similar to Rama's. All three of them were covered in blood.

"Lord Rama?" The woman asked.

"Is that you, Sita? I've come for you…I've…come…" Rama fell over as his injuries caught up with him.

"Lord Rama!" The woman ran to his side.

"Rama, weren't you listening? You can't run in your condition." Mashu said

"...Ah, Damn it. My vision is all blurry. I can't see a thing." Rama groaned as the pain ravaged his body.

"I'm right here, Lord Rama, it's me: Sita."

Rama's wife revealed herself without hesitation as she stood by her husband's side.

"Where…Sita…Where are you? I wanted to see you. I really, really wanted to see you again. You being there for me was all I needed!" Rama said, but try as he could. His vision would not let him see his wife again, and he passed out. The Nurse then steps in as it is time to treat Rama's wounds.

"—We must begin treatment. I'm sorry we couldn't conduct medical procedures in such an unsanitary place. But you're a servant. Feel free to hold his hand; there is no need for hesitation," Nightingale said.

"What happened to Lord Rama?" Sita asked.

"I'll explain. You see-" Mashu told the story of how Rama went up against Cu Chulainn and lost, leaving him permanently fatally wounded. Sita was shocked but determined to be helpful to her wounded husband as she knew what needed to be done to save him.

"...Are you all familiar with the curse placed on him?" Sita asked

"If I recall…When he killed the monkey Vali with an ambush from behind, his wife cast a curse on him." Romani said, recalling ancient Hindu history.

"Yes, that's the curse that keeps us apart, even as Heroic Spirits…We can never meet again. When participating in a Holy Grail War as Servants, either he or I get summoned as Rama." Sita confirmed with saddened eyes.

"So, even in a Holy Grail war, you both can never be summoned at the same time?" Ritsuka said, distraught at the idea that a curse can even affect a spirit even after death.

"-But it's okay. I'm fine with that. While Lord Rama isn't able to see me…" Sita then takes her husband's hand…

"I'm able to be here and hold his hand. That's enough for me to be happy." The genuine smile Sita had was enough bright light to the dark dreariness of the prison of the damned. According to legend, they were only together for about a year, but Rama refused to give up on Sita. He never took another wife since she was all his heart wanted. Even Elisabeth found it beautiful that even in their short time together, they found true love with each other.

And that was enough to be the key to his revival.

As Nightingale and Scathach restarted the mending process, the culprit reared its ugly head: Gae Bolgs' curse. Even if Sita can close the wound, Rama won't be in fighting condition. Doomguy took this time to stand guard; something was trying to sneak up on them. The last thing they needed was a red portal and a pair of marauders stomping out.

"Fou! Fou!" Fou barked as he joined him in guard duty.

"...In that case, I shall offer this body," Sita said, Shocking everyone.

"I'll dispel the curse with my body. I'll burden myself with the curse, then disappear. Luckily, Rama and I are 'one and the same' It should be simple to take the curse in his place." Sita stated her choice to sacrifice herself for the one she loved.

"P-please wait! That defeats the purpose of us coming here! Rama was able to come this far…because it was all for you!" Mashu said, struggling to understand why Sita had to sacrifice herself.

"...Yes. I'm saying, those feelings…are enough to fulfill me. Also, from what Scathach and Artoria told me. You all need a strong warrior more than anything, isn't that right?"

Sita wasn't wrong. They all needed warriors now more than ever, especially if they wished to try to mend things with the presi-king who commands Karna. As much as Chaldea hated it, sacrifices had to be made to save their friend. No one else could bear the burden; no other warrior had such determination as the great Rama.

…Or maybe another warrior could take on such a curse and prevent the eternal separation of two lovers.

Doomguy stepped forward and pointed to Rama, then himself.

"Huh?" Gudao said, confused.

"One moment." VEGA blinked as he crunched some numbers.

"It is possible. Your body might eradicate the curse once you've destroyed some demons." VEGA said, understanding what The Slayer was suggesting.

"W-wait! Are you saying you'll take the curse from Rama?" Artoria asked.

Doomguy nodded.

"Are you NUTS?!" Romani shouted, and Doomguy just stared at him through the hologram.

"...Nevermind. Is it even possible? Didn't Sita explain why she is the only one who can bear the burden?" Romani asked, confused.

"Perhaps…It might work." Scathach said, giving everyone a surprise shock.

"You can do it?" Mashu asked.

"Of course, with my primordial Runecraft, I can do as I please with any mystical incantation. Even better with a curse I am familiar with." Scathach said, before turning to Doomguy.

"Are you sure about this? You've already taken a beating, from what I can tell." Scathach asked, knowing what the Slayer already hides from the others.

Doomguy looked to his master. She was hesitant but believed in his strength. As Sita said, belief from those you care about is enough.

"I might actually be able to ease the effects of the curse as well." Artoria said.

"Huh? How so?" Gudao asked, confused.

"I have my scabbard. On is The Slayer's possession, being around me will hamper the effects." Artoria revealed that, unlike her legend, she still possessed the other half of Excalibur: Avalon.

"Okay, How the heck do you even have that in the first place?!" Romani asked, still recovering from all the surprises happening in rapid succession.

"It's a long story." Artoria said with a faint simple.

Sita looked between all the people talking and The Slayer. Just who was this man willing to take on her husband's burden? She couldn't believe anyone would sacrifice for someone they had just met.

"As much as I hate the idea of transplanting an illness. I'll allow it with the consent of both parties." Nightingale said.

Sita thought about her husband, all the years they spent apart, and how he never found anyone else to be with. The transfer may be their chance to finally reunite as heroic spirits.

"Are you sure about this?" Sita asked The Slayer.

Doomguy gave her a sincere nod.

"Very well. Thank you for this… I'm sure Lord Rama will be ever grateful, as will I." Sita said

Are we all blinded...By Fear?

Scathach got to work on the transfer procedure. Placing Rama in a magic circle made of her primordial runes as the Slayer stood in another. Fou jumped off Doomguys shoulder and onto Mashu's shield as Scathach stood between them, focused in a trance as the transfer started.

Rama's body started to emanate a dark miasma. Scratch took a deep breath and captured a vile curse.

After first, she attempted to destroy it, but sadly, the cause-and-effect nature of gae bolg was impossible to neutralize.

Then she realized another curse was mixed in with it…She wanted to call it off, but then Sita would die instead. The Queen of Shadows let out a sigh and let it transfer to the Bane of Demons, who withstood the surge of pain.

Behind Doomguy, Artoria had Avalon in her hands, ready to give it to the Slayer. The only negative aspect was that she couldn't access it as a noble phantasm, but she's a highly skilled knight. Relying on trump cards wasn't her forte.

For Doomguy himself, the process wasn't painless; he could feel the wound Rama was dealt with in his chest, impressed with how long the Hindu legend endured such pain. It rivalled his tolerance for extreme pain, Almost.

Cough*

Doomguy coughed up some blood that dripped under his helmet as he nearly lost his balance.

Count to 4, inhale….

Count to 4 Exhale…

The circles stopped glowing, and Rama started to stir awake as Sita held his hand tightly. His eyes flutter open as the curse no longer impedes the healing process, and the pain is gone. He turns his head to his right and widens his eyes in shock…He can see her…Sita was there by his side! For his entire life and afterlife as a heroic spirit, he never was able to see her again.

Now, here she was…

"Sita…"

"Lord Rama…"

Both embraced each other and were finally able to see and be together again.

"It's Been….Too long. How is this possible? Even with myself recovered, that dreaded curse shouldn't let us be the way we are now." Rama asked

"The Slayer has taken the burden of your inflictions, both from Gae Bolg and the curse inflicted on you from Vali." Scathach revealed, once again getting another round of gasps from everyone.

"Fou, fou, fou!" The little guy emerged from Mashu's shield, joining the crowd of surprised party members.

"Okay, that's it. Doomguy doesn't play by the rules, and primordial runes are hax if I ever seen one." Romani said as he slumped into his chair.

"Doomslayer…You…Thank you! But… Don't you have someone you wish to see again? Were you ever married? Vali's curse is not something to be taken lightly." The reinvigorated Rama asked as Saber handed over Avalon to the waiting Marine.

The Slayer froze for a second; his memory of his past was fragmented. The Echos that haunt him told him that he might've had someone special in the past. However, if they were like a Daisy, they were long gone, and there was no hope of ever seeing them again.

It turned into a golden light in his hands and absorbed into his body with his.

The pain of the Gae Bolg curse was subdued, and he felt much better.

Artoria blinked momentarily, noticing how compatible Avalon acted with the Marine. Regardless, The knight of the sword was happy to see that their plan worked.

Doomguy then faced the sword-wielding Hindu legend and gave him a thumbs up.

"Then…I…I mean we are forever in your debt. I will assist you in the restoration of this singularity and slay any Demons in our way!" Rama said, standing up and summoning his sword.

"And I, Sita, will do the same. I will rain flames from the heavens on your enemies," Sita said, following her husband and summoning her bow.

"Haha! Woo! Having them together is better than we can ever hope for!" Ritsuka cheerfully said before remembering they were in a prison filled with bodies and probably haunted.

"...Can we leave now?" Ritsuka asked, with Gudao nodding in agreement.

The Marine answers by punching open the wall in the warden's office, creating an easy exit so they don't have to go through the hellish hallways again.

"Well, this proves he's doing fine. Let's get out of here!" Ritsuka said. The Masters and Mashu jump out first, followed by the reunited lovers and VEGA. Nightingale walked up to Doomguy to ensure he was doing fine.

"Ms Nightingale. As long as I am nearby, Avalon will tend to all his medical needs." Artoria assured, and Nightingale sighed.

"Okay, if he is not suffering…Then I guess he can go."

Nightingale left, but not without one more look over her shoulder at Doomguy before exiting.

"Are you two coming?" Artoria asked.

"I need to do something first…" Scathach said, and Artoria understood what she meant. Doomguy tilted his head in confusion, then recalled that Scathach is the ruler of the land of the shadows, where spirits and the dead dwell away from the living.

"I see… We'll be waiting at the boats when you return." Artoria then walked out.

Scathach then walked back into the cellblocks with Doomguy following her.

"...When her highness and I first entered, it was crowded with undead. Victims of torture and cruelty. Seeing this…makes me feel ashamed to be a Celt. So I must put these restless spirits to rest." Scathach said as she stopped at the bloody cellblock. She summoned her spear and slammed the pole end into the floor, causing spectral energy stars to rise from the blood and corpses.

"Gate of Skye," Scathach whispered as a small vortex of darkness opened up behind her, and the spectral remains flowed past her and into the void—to the Land of Shadows. Doomguy observed as she fulfilled her duty: to carry the dead to where they belong so they no longer cause trouble for the living.

And she has been the one that had to put them in their place should the spirits become restless in her lands. The Slayer could sense the tiredness in her eyes as she focused her eyes. According to legend, she is still alive and has stood her post in the Land of Shadows. Hanging around with Chaldea has put a new spark in her eternal life as she held a much more delighted face. He can understand that this journey has been a reprieve from his conquest against the Dark Realm, at least whenever the demons don't show up to ruin the moment.

"There, the spirits will cause no problems anymore. However, the haunting aura of this place remains. Perhaps it's an echo from a mirror of this place, far worse than what is in front of us. An endless cycle…Waiting to be broken," Scathach said. Scathach then walked out of the cellblocks. Doomguy took one last look at the prison, feeling sympathy for those who suffered, for he is also a prisoner trying to break out of his chains.

Doomguy gazed up at an open window, and a spectral bird flew into the light of freedom from one of the cells.

The Slayer then left, catching up with Scathach as she was waiting for him.

"Are you alright?" She asked Doomguy, who rolled his shoulders and gave her a nod. Avalon was working and keeping the curse at bay.

"I mean…mentally." Scathach clarified, getting a confused look from Doomguy.

"You took on not only the curse that prevented Rama from Healing but the one that separated him from his wife. Do you understand the cost of your actions?" Scathach explained, and Doomguy looked away, unable to look her in the eye. When he learns about Rama's story, he realizes he will never be his wife again, even as a heroic spirit.

Heartache and pain filled his being; the memories that were sealed away still screamed at him to help, which made him do what he did to reunite the two.

"Did you…ever love someone in the past?" Scathach asked, and Doomguy couldn't give a proper answer. The pain in his hardened heart said yes, but his memories can't recall anything. The Slayer pulled out the one remnant of love from his suit storage: Daisy's paw.

Scatach studied the paw in his hand. It was odd for a warrior like him to carry, but she could tell it was of grave importance to him, not a lucky charm but a reminder.

"May I?" Scathach asked to touch it, and Doomguy was hesitant but let her hold it.

The Queen of Shadows holds the trinket in her hand with reverence, understanding its significance to the Bane of Hell. In her hands, Scatach senses something—a glimpse, a flash, a tiny window into the Story of the Slayer. Focusing on her power, she tries to look deeper.

"Gah!" she recoiled as searing pain filled her mind; images of agony and suffering flooded her mind. Doomguy held her arm to prevent her from falling over, as she still held onto the paw.

"Sorry…I was trying to learn more through the paw. I should've pried into your past without your permission." Scathach apologized as she handed the paw back to Doomguy.

"Are you angered with me? For gazing into your past," Scathach asked.

Surprisingly, the Slayer shook his head and wondered what did she see.

"All I could see were flashes of pain and agony…But…Through all of that…I see you with the bunny and…A shadow ... Standing next to you." Scathach explained, not noticing the tears welling up in her eyes. Doomguy saw this and took off one of his gauntlets. Revealing his scarred hand as he gently wiped them away from her face.

Scathach flinched, not realizing that she was crying. Her face turned slightly red, and the doom guy wiped away the tears, which signified the third emotion in the vision…

Sadness.

As Doomguy was about to pull away, Scathach put his hand in place. Resting her cheek against his palm, it had been so long since she had anyone treat her with such tenderness. Even though his hands were rough from the many battles he faced, she found comfort in them. Her eyes gazed into his visor, wondering what the man in front of her was thinking about at his very moment.

Scathach let his hand go. Realizing she wasn't like herself, she looked away and walked on.

The Slayer sighed…His head was in a whirlwind of emotions right now.

Where was he going with all of this…?

To what end does he seek?

Shaking his head, he pushed forward as it was time for them to face a much more significant challenge that would threaten this world's fate if they failed.

Hell's finale claw in this world.

Where do we go...Do we let go of all we know...

Once everyone returned to the mainland, The Wretch was waiting for them in person in his physical cyber form. Something was up whenever he had to appear in person, and it usually wasn't good news.

"Hey, Wretch! How are you doing." Rituska asked.

"Doing good actually, well as good as Ex-demon can be *Cough*! Ah excuse, don't worry, just a quirk of the cybernetics, heh." The Wretch said while rubbing his throat.

"Have you found out were time Demons in this singularity are hiding?" Gudao asked, and The Wretch answered with two thumbs up.

"Yup, my little helpers scouted out the area over in the yellowstone region and waltzed right through it's cloaking field. Ranak went to great effort into hiding it, cheeky bastard." The Ex Demon explained.

"Wait…Yellowstone…You mean the National Park above the largest subterranean volcano in North America?" Mashu asked, her lilac eyes widened in fear.

"Fou?!" The wise fluffy one spoke his wise observation.

"Oh come on! Ranak rigged a volcano!" Romani yelled over on the comms.

"...Yeah…That one." The Wretch then provided the dire intel that shifted the priority of the entire mission.

Ranak has strategically planted the Super Gore Nest in a way that should be destroyed. If destroyed, it would set off a volcano that could rip apart half the country, resulting in more damage than resolving the singularity could, even with a holy grail. Doomguy clenched his fists in anger, as this was the kind of cowardice expected from the last remaining Hell Priest. Hopefully, the Wretch has devised a plan to subvert such destruction.

"This proves a challenge, when a Super Gore Nest is destroyed the energy wave following is unavoidable." VEGA stated.

"Yes, but I have a solution. Been working on a side project that kills off the Flesh Corruption that Hell spits out when it invades a world." The Wretch then drops a small device onto the ground that covers the group in an energy dome.

"Relax, it's just to keep any prying eyes out. They already know I'm on to them, so we'll need to act fast." The Ex-Demon then projects a hologram from his wrist computer.

"The side project is a passion for the tumor nodes of the Corruption that Nests are made from. I've cooked up as much as I can, but we will need to be precise with were we dump it." The Wretch explained.

"...So like where the Gore Keys are held?" Mashu asked.

"Bingo, someone's been doing their homework. Yes, once we secure the key, we swap it out for one of my injectors. They'll have to be defended, or it won't be enough to shut the nest down without a big boom, " the Wretch said.

"...How long do we defend them for?" Rama asked, surprising the Wretch, considering he played human backpack the last time he saw him.

"Until the surrounding area has been calcified in a stone-like substance.

Pillars of salt. I'm glad to see you on your feet, by the way. I can tell you're a strong fighter." The Wretch compliment.

"Thank you. My wife and I will do our best," Rama said, Sita nodding in agreement.

"What the next step in removing this tumor?" Nightingale asked.

"While the surrounding Corruption is being Calcifed, a team will take the gore keys and go after the heart. No doubt Ranak has set up his laboratory there, so feel free to vent some anger at Ranak's stuff. I'm sure he won't mind." The Wretch then focused on the heart of the nest.

"...Now hears the tricky part…Once the area is calcified, you only have a small window to kill the heart before it goes into overdrive and rip a bigger hole into this world. Slayer, Remember what Olvia did to that mars base?" The Wretch asked as he noted what happened after The Marine re-awakened from the cursed sarcophagus.

Doomguy nods with an annoyed grunt. Olivia…That woman was a pain in his side next to Hayden himself.

"Yeah we are talking that bad. So we are going to need all hands on deck for this one…Hey were's your other pals?." The Wretch noticed some missing faces, referring to Geronimo and Billy The Kid.

"They've taken on a mission to assassinate the celtic King in order to secure the grail before Edison." Gudao said.

"They've also gone with another friend, he just goes by Archer." Artoria mentioned.

"I see… We'll make do with who we have. I got three servants working with me and will be glad to help you guys out. So that makes it about…eight servants. Yeah we can work with that."

The ex-demon started to run the numbers on his computers. Leaving Ritsuka and Gudao wondering about their duties

"So…What about us?" Gudao asked.

"You two are going to be running medical support. I got the stealth field generator similar to VEGA's so we'll go in pairs to support the groups. One with VEGA and the other with me." The Wretch answered.

"Senpai…Are you sure about this?" Mashu asked, worried about Gudao being in such danger.

"Don't worry, Mashu. I can do it. We've been through that whole ordeal when we've met Shiki." Gudao assured his friend that he wasn't a novice master anymore. He knew what was at stake and what was needed.

Doomguy was tense. He didn't want Ritsuka involved with his operation. The threat was too great, and he didn't want her to die and have her soul consumed by the dark realm. There was also the issue of the command seals not working with him; if there was an emergency, he couldn't be there at a moment's notice.

The Slayer then felt a hand on his arm…it was Scathach's soft touch.

Count to four…Inhale…

Count to four….Exhale…

The Marine can't always be there to protect her, and she wasn't the scared child he met in the burning city anymore. The young girl has honed her battle instinct and has been through many dangerous situations while restoring the eras. Right now, she needed to know that Doomguy had faith in her as she put so much in him.

That train of thought was interrupted by footsteps behind the group.

"Huh? Ah, What are you doing here!" Elisabeth said with disdain as Beowulf followed them off the island.

"Figured I'd pay my penance after letting what happened back on the rock." Beowulf looked behind him.

"-And You guys look like you are prepping for a huge fight. Right?" Beowulf asked.

"Yes, but what's it to you?" Elisabeth asked.

"...Are you looking for someone to thin out an army?" Beowulf asked, cracking his knuckles.

Meanwhile…In a distant field of endless blue, Archetype EARTH stands, waiting for the outcome of the coming battle. It's only a matter of horse until the Slayer faces his test.

To prove himself that he is beyond what this world wants of him.

Beyond Rage.

Beyond Anger.

Beyond Torment.

"... Slayer…What will you choose? To continue on this path of perpetual torment…Or will you be tempted by what Alaya can propose…"

She gazed at the stars above, and…a small smile appeared.

"...I believe you'll choose wisely…Savior of humanity…"

AN: Welcome to Hell-catraz. I hope you enjoyed your stay. I'm sure those well-versed in the zombie slaying genre can pick up the vibe of what I was going with here. Anyways, as you can tell, things are ramping up once more as Chaldea faces off the final foothold. Hell has in the world of Grand Order; would this mean the end of the demonic threat? I think we all know the answer to that question.

Moving on: As we can see, Instead of Rama being separated from Sita, they are together again. Thanks to the Slayer's Sacrifice, their curse has been lifted...But at what cost? What does it mean for Doomguy? Breaking the rules tends to lead to consequences...Other forces may be a wildcard, such as doomguy, a threat. One that must be reined in...

It's up to hold the chains to decide how to chain a beast that is mankind's only hope.

So...As always-

Actions have consequences...