Chapter 4: New Things Learned As Some Things Are Forgotten

Rumi dragged her friend and husband to the nearest bar with the intention of getting completely wasted. She hadn't had any alcohol for centuries and it was one of the main things she wanted to get if she ever got back. But Unlike her husband Ryuko, her dear friend, her sister in all but blood was complaining. One of the things she remembered from her friend was that she was not against getting smashed. But then again, She just had her first encounter with hell's forces and was forced to go through a boring meeting. But that isn't right, wouldn't that be more of a reason to get smashed? So as they approached the nearest bar They entered it and she sat her friend down at the nearest table. she then took off her helmet then spoke.

"Okay, Ryuko what's got your panties in a twist?" Rumi said as she looked at her friend curiously.

"Rumi you stink, You are covered in blood and guts. We should have changed and got in a shower before coming here." Ryuko said annoyed at her friends one track mind. But Rumi looked confused and when Ryuko saw her confused look a thought crossed her mind and made her worry.

"Rumi, what was the last time you took a bath or changed out of that armor?" Ryuko said with worry lacing her voice.

"Ahhh, I don't know... Ahhh, vega help me out here." Rumi asked Vega because she too did not know the answer, Which was weird.

"Due to your armor's self-cleaning capabilities as well as it's capabilities of maintaining your Hygiene in a volatile environment. You have not removed your suit of armor or have taken in any shower or bath, since your honeymoon 500 years ago. My hypothesis is due to your demigod status and your non-stop battle with hell's forces. The armor became like a second skin for you and due to it maintaining your hygiene as well as its self-cleaning Features. You forgot about such things." Vega said a little amused.

"Oh yeah, that's right. can't really get a good romp in with the armor in the way." Rumi said shrugging.

"Rumi, at least tell me that you have been eating properly." Ryuko Asked defeated. But when Rumi gave her that same confused look from earlier vega decided to chip in knowing the next question going to be asked.

"Mrs. Slayer, as well as the Doom Slayer, do not need food or water to sustain themselves after their time in the Divinity machine. This does not mean they can't eat or drink, it just means they no longer require it to sustain themselves. The last time Mrs. Slayer ate was the night before she entered the Divinity machine. Slayers I do have to warn you though, if you do eat or drink you will eventually need to relieve yourself. but do not worry your suits Have a waste disposal function." Vega said, which just caused Rumi to smile.

"Sweet, I don't have to take off my armor If I'm going to get wasted." Rumi said with a smile causing her husband to laugh and for Ryuko to face Palm. So Rumi Started ordering the strongest drink that they had. but after three bottles in and not feeling even slightly buzzed she started to get frustrated.

"Why the fuck can I not get drunk." Rumi said as she started to cry in despair. Ryuko would be amused if it wasn't for the clear despair in her eyes. It was Like something she wanted all her life was now forever out of her grasp. Her husband though seemed to have it under control as he hugged her and whispered calming words into her ear. After she calmed down The three left the bar. But it was as they were leaving when Rumi asked her husband a question that shocked her.

"So when are you going to call your mother?" Rumi asked Izuku which made the giant of a man pause, Before he continued walking.

"I don't know even if I should?" Izuku said causing Rumi to sigh heavily.

"Look babe, If Billy came back to you all grown up would you really care?" Rumi asked Izuku very Softly As she held his arm in a comforting way. But even with this act, she could feel him stiffen at her words.

But he did not respond to her question, so after she let out another sigh she dropped the subject and Led him to her apartment. They did not need to sleep but izuku made his way to the bedroom so he could just be alone for a bit. Rumi knew that was probably going to happen after she brought up one of his Darkest Days in his life. Taking off her helmet she sat down at the dinner table and she pulled out a rifle out of her hammerspace so she could clean it. But Rumi was not expecting Ryuko to sit in the seat across from her with a worried expression on her face.

"So are you going to tell me what that was all about?" Ryuko asked as Rumi started dismantling the gun so she could clean it.

"What was what about," Rumi asked playing dumb. As she started cleaning the inner barrel of the rifle, Ryuko just rubbed her forehead at her friend's obvious attempt to dodge the question.

"Fine, who's Billy then?" Ryuko asked Causing Rumi to stiffen for a second before continuing to clean her weapon.

"Forgot how good your hearing was, but fine, Billy was his son. His wife and Son were killed by demons in an invasion on an alternate Earth." Rumi said coldly as she continued cleaning her weapon. Ryuko just slumped into her chair at her tone realizing that she really hit a sore subject.

"I'm sorry Rumi I'm just worried." Ryuko said as she attempted to apologize for her blunder.

"It's fine." Rumi said, as she waved off her friend's apology.

As she continued to clean her gun Ryuko Started to grow interested in it. The weapon was some type of heavy assault rifle that looked like it should have been mounted on some tank or truck instead of being wielded by a single person. Ryuko did not know much about guns. But as she looked at the bullets she could tell that they were designed for punching through not just flesh, but armored Targets as well.

"So when did you become a gun nut." Ryuko asked causing Rumi to snort

"Well, when you are neck deep in Demon infested territory, having a large variety of weaponry helps thin they're heard quite a bit. My suit gives me access to a dimensional pocket, What my husband has dubbed hammerspace, and oh boy I got goodies in there. But I think this baby is my favorite. Probably because it was the first one I got. Speaking of which do you mind handing me back my plasma Pistol? You have no idea how rare they are. "Rumi said, without hesitation Ryuko handed over the weapon To her friend, which she started dismantling, and cleaning it.

Looking over to her friend as she methodically cleaned every inch of the gun, she finally noticed that the blood and guts that decorated her armor were no longer present. Then She remembered Vega saying about Her armor having self-cleaning capabilities, and this made her grow kind of jealous. How many clothes have been ruined because some villain decided to make a mess of things? Shaking her head from those thoughts she got up from her seat and started walking to the guest room That was usually reserved for her. After getting changed out of her clothes and having a quick shower. she laid down in the bed and immediately fell asleep.

The Next Morning

As Ryuko woke up she was absolutely groggy. She was never a morning person and it did not help that she had not slept for a whole week. So Stepping out of her room and making her way to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. She was quite shocked when she encountered Rumi still in her armor ( probably never going to remove it) chiseling a block of stone. She also noticed that there were several other small statues that seemed to be carved out of stone right behind her. All the statues were extremely detailed and as her brain finished booting up she started to realize that all the statues depicted all the things that happened Yesterday.

There was one for the meeting which was everybody sitting at a table with everybody who attended having their own individual statues. There was the tackle hug that Rumi performed on her when they met during the battle. There were even a couple of sets of statues that Depicted their various fights yesterday including the ones in the hospital. Looking over to the living room she noticed that her husband (who she still does not know the name of) had his helmet off revealing his forest green hair and chiseled face. He was painting what only Ryuko could call several masterpieces. And just like Rumi's, they were all depicting what happened yesterday. Her thoughts were cut off by Rumi's voice grabbing her attention.

"Nice to see you up Ryuko. Did you sleep well?" Rumi asked without taking her eyes off what she was doing.

"Yeah, I slept well." Ryuko said lying.

She woke up several times during the night due to the nightmares that she had Because of the events that happened in the hospital. That first year who was turned into that thing, even Haunts her mind at this moment. The LIE did not get past her friend it seems, since her eyes narrowed at her.

"You don't need to lie Ryuko, I heard you scream during the night. Even though I'm not good with that Touchy feely crap. I would have come into the room to comfort you if you hadn't locked the door." Rumi said in an attempt to comfort her but failed miserably. This had the effect of causing Ryuko to snort. Deciding to change the subject, she decided to ask a question she had ever since she woke up and saw what they were doing.

"I did not know you were a Sculptor." Ryuko said causing Rumi to snort In amusement. But Ryuko was undeterred as she asked again.

"Seriously, why are you sculpting, and when did you start?" Ryuko asked again.

"When I fell into that portal, I was smack dab in Demon-infested territory. I was only 3 days in and I was already about to die. If it wasn't for Izuku and Vega I would have. Anyway, I had a lot of time on my hands since my leg was broken in three ways. Izuku attempted to teach me how to paint. But it wasn't my speed so Vega suggested stone carving. Since he noticed that I was fascinated by the inscriptions and carvings on the walls of the building we were making camp in. Having nothing better to do I tried it out, it was extremely hard and challenging. But I was stubborn and bored so I kept trying at it and I guess I never stopped. Izuku does it so he can remember everything he wants to and after a century I started doing the same. So yeah that's why I am carving just in case I forget about yesterday." Rumi said, not leaving her eyes off of her work.

Ryuko nodded her head at that, it made sense, especially since her friend Was now 600 years her senior. Ryuko frowned at that thought, if what Rumi said was true Rumi was Immortal. Ryuko knew that she was Rumi's only friend and eventually, she was going to have to Bury her. That is something that she could never wish on-. Her thoughts were cut off by the voice of Vega.

"Do not worry Miss Tatsuma, if I am correct in two more years your body will stop aging altogether. It seems like your cells are similar to the actual mythical dragons that are reported to have longer lifespans, and before you ask no I cannot read minds. But I have analyzed your micro expression and body language so I may predict your thought patterns." Vega said shocking Ryuko.

"Luckily, at least we don't have to build her a divinity machine." Rumi said causing her husband to laugh a bit before he continued painting. Rumi just Pouted at his laughter. She knew why he laughed and that was because the prototype one they modified hurt like a bich when it was used on her. She couldn't move for 3 days and she was so God damn miserable and bored for those 3 days. Ignoring the banter Ryuko looked over the statues and got an idea.

"Hey Rumi do you mind if I paint your statues?" Ryuko asked causing Rumi to freeze for a second as she thought over the question.

If she remembered right, Ryuko had a whole collection of miniatures that she painted for some type of tabletop game. What was it called D&D or something? But she stopped a while ago, Didn't she? So her skills might be rusty. Pulling out a statue of a possessed she decided to kill two birds with one stone.

Rumi Knew the troubles that Ryuko was most likely facing at the moment, and she did not like how she hesitated in that hospital. She knew from experience that carving the monsters that she faced helped her deal with the horrors that they truly were. Placing it in front of her she could see her friend freeze up at the small statue's appearance, and Before Ryuko Could back out Rumi spoke up.

"Ryuko I did not like how you froze up in the hospital. You need to face this head-on. Carving them helped me face my fears because believe it or not I definitely had them, and still do. So try to paint this one in as much detail as possible so you can face them head-on next time you fight them. Also, your skills might be a little rusty in painting, So before you touch my important stuff it's better to get some practice in." Rumi said as she placed the statue in front of her and after grabbing an extra set of paint and brushes from her husband. She set up her friend at a nearby table before she returned back to her carving.

Ryuko did her best in painting the small statue that she was given. Even though Rumi was right about her freezing up, she did not like the fact she was forced to paint something that gave her nightmares all night. But then again that was the point of painting the statue, to face those fears. So she stuck with it, and ended up painting more than one Statue. All three of them Were focused on their work, all the way up to lunchtime, before they headed out to UA for a meeting with nezu.

UA Nezu's office

Nezu was sitting in his office with Detective Tsukauchi, Sir Night Eye, and Toshinori Yagi. The four were listening to multiple Audio logs made by one of the head scientists of an alternate dimension that were attacked by the demons. But A lot of the files have been redacted or classified due to Vega, which pissed off Sir Night Eye. All the information that was redacted, was her Research into what was known as Argent Energy.

The audio files that they had access to was their research on the demons. Which, included the research on the Doom Slayer. Nezu was planning on playing the only 5 audio files that the scientists made on the mysterious man that Miruko came back with. So once the group of people was ready he began the first recording.

"This is Dr. Elena Richardson log entry, 002 subject analysis of Doom Slayer, January 24th, 2163.

There is no chance that the subject is a demon, we have blood samples pulled from the Mars base that show his blood type is B-positive. But he is a male with a genome that makes him very much a member of the human race. But the enhanced strength and athleticism would indicate otherwise. So we decided to do a more thorough analysis of his genome and in doing so we did detect minor Oddities in his genome, but they were minor, very minor. There are also foreign bodies in his bloodstream of Unknown Origin.

I cannot as a contributing member of the scientific community agree with the assumption by some of my colleagues that he is for lack of a better word a god. An avenging angel, the right hand of doom here to save humanity from its sins.

but I cannot ignore the timing of his arrival, the identity of his enemies, and the fire and brimstone element of this catastrophe we currently find ourselves in, has.

It has definitely shaken my scientific resolve." Dr. Elena said As the audio file Ended And once it did the next one began.

"This is Dr. Elena Richardson log entry, 003 subject analysis of Doom Slayer, January 29th, 2163

In the ancient Scrolls and tablets that we were able to get our hands on. They spoke of this man, the demons they call him the Destroyer, the Slayer. But there's always been a constant name that is passed around and that name is THE DOOM SLAYER. The demons even inscribe a phrase onto his prison where they kept him in stasis.

I quote: The evil that hell can conjure, all the wickedness that mankind can produce. We will send unto them, only you, So rip and tear until it is done.

After looking into this quote the only thing I discovered was that the phrases rip and tier, it was a chant that A group called the night Sentinels did to cheer on the Doom Slayer during his time in the arena. I do not know what arena he was fighting in, or the reason why he was fighting in an Arena. But just like his name, this phrase, this chant for victory is just as integrated into the Doom Slayer's lore." Dr. Elena said As the audio file Ended And once it did the next one began.

"this is Dr. Elena Richardson log entry, 005 subject analysis of Doom Slayer, February 2nd 2163

Maybe he is a god, maybe he represents humankind's rage, their will to persevere, to overcome that which would threaten our survival. He is uncompromising, a relentless being of violence that knows no mention of the hesitation shown by our many leaders and politicians during our time of judgment. But can he overcome them alone? if he can't we as a species, NO, all species will not survive." Dr. Elena said As the audio file Ended but before the other one could begin the group looked at each other a little uncomfortably. There was just something in her voice that made them uncomfortable. Pushing that feeling aside Nezu began the next audio recording.

"This is Dr. Elena Richardson log entry, 006 subject analysis of Doom Slayer February 9th, 2163

The only thing they fear, is him.

We watched as the horde overwhelmed the very best and most advanced machinery and weapons technology that we could muster against the opposition. but it was useless, they moved too quickly, and they cared not for themselves, But only for spilling the blood of humanity. They were willing to sacrifice their own to get to the heart of our world, we slaughtered thousands and millions but more, But more still came.

But then he came.

he cut through them like, like a sickle through a field, his fury surpassing their own, he is faster and more relentless. I believe him now to be more than just a man.

He Is, DOOM."

Dr. Elena said As the audio file Ended. Like before the group looked at each other and it seemed all of them had noticed the change of tone in her voice. It was less scientific than the other ones. There was just something in her tone for that last word. It was almost like she said it in a mixture of realization and desperation. It was unnerving, extremely unnerving. But like last time nezu pushed those feelings aside and started the next and final recording.

"This is Dr. Elena Richardson log entry, 007 subject analysis of Doom Slayer March 3rd 2163.

And with him lies our salvation, for as he gains in strength so do they fall in numbers. The priests command the armies to the north and south but he controls the fight. The inner circle of death is where he resides. Hunting them at the far reaches of the earth and beyond.

I am a believer now, I feel it is in doom that I have faith. The Slayer is the spear that stabs at the heart of our attackers and those that would seek to harm us should feel warned.

For there is only one dominant life form in this universe and it carries a steel barreled sword of vengeance.

All hail the coming of the destroyer, the Slayer's time is now." Dr. Elena said as the final audio file ended.

All Might finally recognized the tone that she was starting to produce and he knew instantly why it made him uncomfortable. It was the same tone of voice that some of his fans would use when mentioning him.

Throughout his career, he had to deal with people practically worshiping him as a god, and it seems that the Doom Slayer had attracted the same attention from this scientist. Although it was quite understandable if he thought about it, the world was coming to an end. All their strongest weapons and Technology could not fight this Demonic foe and one man came along and started decimating their forces single-handedly. Looking over to nezu it seemed that they were thinking the same thing and before they could voice their thoughts. Sir Night Eye got up from his chair (angrily) before speaking.

"Is this seriously all we have on this man, mad ramblings from a scientist? This has to be some type of joke." Sir Night Eye said angrily.

"I assure you Sir Night Eye this is not a joke. And this information actually tells us quite a lot." Nezu said sternly which only Caused Sir Night Eye To get more frustrated.

"I highly doubt this information tells us anything about this... Doom Slayer." Sir Night Eye said With a frustrated sneer.

"On the contrary, it does. First, it tells us that the technology of the world that this audio file came from Was ineffective against this threat. I also might add that this technology that they had was twice as advanced as ours. Second, it tells us that the Doom Slayer not only single-handedly pushed back the Demonic threat but also ended the Demonic incursion of that universe's Earth. Third, it tells us that this man isn't a demon and must be as strong as All Might perhaps stronger. Fourth it tells us that he could be quite brutal in his tactics on dealing with this threat to the point where the demons actually started to fear him on an instinctual level." Nezu says as he sips his tea. Sir Night Eye wasn't convinced

"You would believe the words of a lunatic, the fact she worships this man removes all credibility that she has, And what about audio files of 1 and 4, why didn't you play those?" Sir Night Eye said.

"What do you expect from a person who is seeing the world start to end By a literal demonic threat? Then see a man as strong as All Might come in and end it. As you probably already know All Might have his own share of worshipers due to his unbelievable strength. And as for the other audio files they have been marked as classified due to Vega. When I asked him why it was because those files were on the topic of Argent energy." Nezu said as calmly as possible in the hopes of not Railing him up even further. But this didn't seem to help since Sir Night Eye was not pleased in the slightest.

"What, is even this Argent energy in the first place? the fact that they're hiding such a crucial detail from us means they are obviously a threat." Sir Night Eye said still angry.

"It is also possible they're hiding it for our own safety. Sometimes information is too dangerous to get out. Especially if my hypothesis is correct." Nezu said but before Sir Night Eye spoke up detective Tsukauchi asked his own question.

"What is your hypothesis then, but don't tell us if it's too dangerous for us to know. For one I can understand the wisdom of not handing out dangerous information." detective Tsukauchi asked With All Might agreeing.

"What I was able to gather was that this energy was used by the inhabitants of Hell to power their Weaponry And as we all know their Weaponry is quite destructive." Nezu said but before he could continue his hypothesis Sir Night Eye cut in.

"I knew they were hiding weapons technology from us that we could use to fight this demonic threat on our own. We will need to figure out how to harness this energy for ourselves so we can properly defeat these demons." Sir Night Eye said but before nezu could interject or say anything a deep and rough voice from the doorway cut through the air like a hot knife through butter.

"It is that type of thinking why we did not give you any information on Argent Energy, to begin with." Izuku said practically growling at Sir Night Eye. They did not even notice that he entered the room. This statement only made Sir Night Eye bristle in anger, but Before he could say anything All Might spoke up.

"Perhaps you can tell us why this energy is extremely dangerous." All might said in the hopes of settling his old sidekick's temper.

"Fine, look the reason why this energy is dangerous is because it attracts them like bees to honey. And the only way to get a hold of this energy is to open portals into their dimension or use a process that only somebody as fucked up as the demons would use. And before you say 'Oh we just have to open portals and get this energy.' Yeah, portals are a two-way Road all you are doing is making it easier for them to invade us. Right now they're isolated to one location. Normally they would just open portals all across the world and invade in every direction. Your guys are lucky right now so don't fuck it up by suggesting stupid shit." Rumi said growling just like her husband had a moment ago.

"Now listen here I don't know who-" Sir Night Eye was about to say before being cut off.

"Leave, Mirai, NOW!" All Might said in a tone that broke no room for argument. Sir Night Eye attempted to rebuttal his orders but seeing the dangerous look in his eyes stopped it in its tracks. *Huffing* Sir Night Eye left the office and Once he left nezu spoke up.

"Now why don't we start talking about how we're going to defeat this demonic threat?"

Notes:

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This is cross-posted on Archive of our own.