Underdoom - Chapter 5

Almost before the cyborg had finished his sentence, the Doom Slayer immediately drew his guass cannon. Hayden had only a second to cross his arms and brace himself before the weapon blasted him back a few feet. His shields held out, though his generators spiked in temperature fending off that great blast. It hadn't knocked him down, but there were two distinct marks where the blast had dragged his feet. While he recovered, the Doom Slayer's accompaniment immediately questioned him in shock, all simultaneously bombarding the Praetor with their apparent surprise.

"Doomguy, what the hell was that?!" Undyne asked incredulously. "We don't even know this guy yet! What makes you think that was necessary?! We need all the help we can get!!" She said amidst the garbled mess of chastising rhetoric being spewed at the Doom Slayer. For all it was worth he really didn't care about what she had to say about Hayden, nor did he mind much of what anyone else said in the CEO's defense. He had no desire to kill him just yet; that blast was meant as a slap to the face as best as he could give it to that man who had been so manipulative and dishonest towards him.

"Save your ammunition." The robotic man said coolly as he closed the space between himself and his new company. "I understand that you may be upset with me, but there is no need for violence. As for this little... mishap..." he continued, looking at the demonic corpses surrounding him, "... Let's just call it a minor setback. The next wave should be coming soon and-"

"Hold on..." undyne spoke up again, this time with indignation leaking into her voice. "So me losing nineteen of my men in one sitting is a quote-unquote 'Minor Setback?!'"

"I understand this attack may have had some devastating effects, but believe me, it will only get worse." Hayden replied, sensing the effects of his tactlessness in Undyne's voice. "The next wave will be coming in any minute. I'll explain our situation momentarily. For now, we have to evacuate the area."

"I've already gotten our people to safety, Mr Hayden." The King replied in regal contempt. "Doctor, My name is King Asgore, Lord of this domain. You say you are responsible for these creatures attacking us?"

"Not directly, but as I said...." before Samuel could finish more flashes and thunder were seen and heard from within the streets and alleyways of New Home. "... We don't have much time. I presume you can lead us to where you led your people, Lord Asgore?"

"Indeed I can..." he replied. Asgore had made his fair share of mistakes, and they were hard to own up to, but as he briskly led everyone to the entrance to the Core, he couldn't help but feel wary of this new addition to the group. In mere moments his mannerism and and viewpoint had been articulated quite clearly. What picture his words painted was of a man with little scruple, one who saw other's lives as tools, or in this case, mere collateral damage. This same feeling welled up in Undyne and the others, albeit without the caution and wisdom of an old king to keep them from feeling actual anger and begrudging.

The Doom Slayer's eyes rarely kept off of him. Part of him wanted the cyborg dead, and he was confident that he knew just how to go on about that purpose. Those shields of his made short work of projectiles, but fists, boots, and chainsaws still were up for testing. Even if that didn't work, He was confident that should the time come where Hayden's blood needed to be spilled, he would be more than able to spill it himself. He had killed quarry bigger and more ferocious than him. On the other hand, he also wanted to see if perhaps Hayden could change. Maybe he could learn how to feel remorse. Maybe someday he'd learn his lesson. Maybe he'd quit his pursuit of Argent Energy altogether, finally realizing that nothing is worth the cost that his experiments have exacted upon the 60,000 employees and 19 monsters who have been killed by Hell's forces as a result of his actions. Perhaps it was the pain of his own mistakes that made him feel this way. Although they were beguiled by different things for different reasons, they were still both drawn in by Hell's power and influence - power that was never to be used or trusted. Maybe Hayden would just have to lose everything. Perhaps he'd have to be brought to his knees before he could finally see the carnage at his feet. It was only a hunch, and in brutal honesty, the Marine doubted its plausibility.

Suddenly, Papyrus' voice called out. "Everyone look out! There's more coming!"

Red flashes and horrid noise once again echoed throughout the chamber. They came at an even faster rate this time around. Entire streets were starting to fill with imps and unwilling while Barons, Hell knights and mancubi popped up in the more spacious part of the city square. Violet spheres of cacodemon mucous and orange and green fireballs filled the air as the armies of hell once again began their assault. Worse yet, summoners began to appear, raising and healing the corpses of their fallen brethren, their ear-splitting shrieks filling the now rancid air. The group stalled somewhat, re-engaging the enemy before Hayden spoke up again. "We don't have time to waste, they won't stop coming! Our priority should be retreat!"

"Mettaton! Call Alphys and tell her to de-activate security long enough for us to pass through!" Asgore said, firing some of his magic at the approaching monstrosities.

"Already on it..." The automaton replied. "Alphys, we're coming in hot! You're going to need to pull the laser security down for a moment..."

"Did you guys take care of it?" She asked.

"No, in fact...." he said, barely dodging a Hell Knights fireball. "They're on their third wave and so far there's been no end to them in sight. You may wanna make sure the Guard's got us covered so nothing follows us, darling..."

"You've got it!"

As the group ran into a corridor leading them out of new home, they saw the laser system deactivate. "Almost there..." Sans said.

Suddenly, a series of red flashes popped up in their way, leaving them trapped by several imps, two Hell Knights and a Baron. "DON'T STOP, JUST PUSH THROUGH!" The King called out as everyone continued to run full speed, firing whatever they had at the horde as they ran. A few imps were the first to go, and a stun shot from the Doom Marine's plasma rifle kept the rest of them still as everyone ran past them. Even more demons ran in, swinging in down from the rafters above and flashing up alongside and directly behind the group. No one stopped to fight. Just a few blind shots over the shoulder as they  pushed for the door. The royal guard could be seen from inside, firing whatever they had at the horde form their side. Arrows flew past the group and stuck themselves in demonic flesh. A spear ran one of the hell knights through. The lone baron jumped in front of everyone, turning to face them as it touched down. It tried swiping them as they fled, but not before Hayden could put eight bullets into its hard hide, stunning it temporarily before Papyrus dispatched it with one of his blasters. Almost there. The entrance was within a few meters. Alphys, Toriel, and Frisk could be seen behind the assailing guardsmen, calling everyone to go faster. First, the ever spry Doom Slayer jumped in, facing backwards once inside and firing upon his friends' demonic pursuers with his belt fed LMG. He was followed by Undyne and Papyrus. Then came Doctor Hayden, Asgore, Mettaton, and Sans. As everyone stepped foot into the core entrance, the lasers were re-activated, and several demons were split asunder as they attempted to continue their pursuit.

"That was close...." Papyrus said, gasping fro breath.

"You're telling me bud..." Sans said with an arm wrapped around his brother. "Glad to see you're still in one piece-"

"That one's trying to break through!" Frisk called out as a Hell Knight tried to dismantle a laser battery.

"Everyone focus fire on the entrance! Make sure they don't get anywhere near those laser batteries!" Undyne ordered. Her men complied, sending whatever they had through the opening, skewering the knight and several others who were trying to break down the laser defenses. People behind them screamed in terror at more demons appeared trying to assail the defenses before the Doom Slayer and the Royal Guard made short work of them. After a brief crossfire, the demons just stood aback, reinforced by the second as more and more piled up behind them. The guardsmen began to set up barricades to defend the civilians and themselves, preparing to return fire on any demon who was determined to use projectile attacks. More guards guided the civilians away from the scene. There weren't too many in the immediate vicinity, but even afar off, many windows were opened to see the source of the commotion, and many temporary campsites' tents were emptying, their tenants looking out to see just what was happening. Screams and murmuring and barely contained panic could be heard throughout the core. "Alright guys, see if we can get everyone back home..." she said in apparent melancholy in her voice. "Freedom's not coming today it seems."

"Lemme up the ante a bit..." Alphys said, re-working the security systems. "There we go!" she said, as the first seven tiers of vertically constructed laser defenses were supplemented by three more levels of the same, crisscrossed with a last layer in the back that spun counterclockwise.

"Hey Alphys." Undyne continued. "You might wanna do that for the other entrances from New Home too."

"Lock down all entrances to the palace as well, dear." Asgore added. "Don't want these beasts roaming the surface."

"Re-routing power to security systems...Okay, That should do it... Don't want these guys coming in from any of the other entrances either do we?" Alphys said as she put the lock-down in place. No demon was getting out of New Home as long as those defenses stayed stable.

"Okay... Guys, we need a detachment at each one of those points to make sure nothing breaks through." One of her lieutenants saluted her, affirming her order before giving several squads of the guard their new posts.

"I'm so glad to see everyone's safe!" Toriel called out as she ran towards the beleaguered group. "And I see we've picked up another newcomer..."

"We'll save the pleasantries for when we find somewhere to discuss our situation in detail." Hayden replied coldly. "King Asgore, is there anywhere we can meet altogether in confidentiality? I'd like to speak with you, The Praetorian, and the captain of the guard here. We can discuss a possible way to stop the invasion."

"Maybe my lab would work?" Alphys suggested. "It's not too far from here."

"Perhaps... Just who might you be?"

"I-I'm Dr. Alphys, the royal scientist..." she said meekly, somewhat intimidated by Hayden's cold demeanor and chilling voice. "I could definitely help us c-come up with countermeasures..."

"Can you now...?" The CEO asked scrupulously. "King Asgore, is she telling the truth?"

"She is."

"Interesting.... Well then, Dr. Alphys, I'm glad to see this kingdom has some manner of scientific credence. That being said, I assume you're capable of retaining new data on the fly. If you're going to be of any use, you'll need to know the what and how of the situation." he said as he pulled out a similar device to what the Praetor had used earlier. It opened into a three-dimensional holographic information map, at the center of which were the words "Project Argent." Alphys scrolled through its circular interface, going wide eyed as she view the UAC's handiwork. "That should  cover most of the information you'll need about our situation and the Hell invasion. get familiar with as much as you can. We're running on borrowed time."

The Doom Slayer watched and listened as Hayden continued to brief Alphys on the subject. His brow furrowed, knowing that the CEO had no intention of doing anything other than secure hell's energy fro himself. This wasn't about saving the underground. This wasn't about keeping these people safe. It was surely another sad attempt to try and conquer Hell. Another sad attempt to trifle with that which should only be destroyed, that which only brings death and destruction upon all who are foolish enough to tamper or consort with it. He kept listening to the ensuing conversation. He scanned the cyborg's every word, looking for anything else he could read, any hints of any hidden agenda or endgame he could prevent before it was too late. All the while he drew closer, wanting to see if Hayden's intonation would change, or if any perceived innuendos towards ulterior goals would be cut off in fear of further angering the Hell Walker. Hayden seemed to notice him as he spoke, turning ever so slightly in his direction. As he had spoken to Alphys, mentions of Argent energy and its importance dotted his sentences. Now, those seemed to be vanishing. Good. He had better shut his mouth.

"Now, we can go over more of the specifics when we enter Dr Alphys' lab. Captain, Your Majesties, I think it's time we get started Doctor, if you would lead the way?"

"Do we get to come?" an eager voice called out from behind them. Hayden turned around to see Papyrus and Sans facing him."We can help, Dr Hayden!" said Papyrus.

"Really now..." he said dismissively.

Undyne was first to defend them. "Hey, they put up a pretty decent fight today! You saw pap take that big red one down when we were coming in, what gives?"

"What we're up against is not for the faint of heart, Captain-"

"And those young men have plenty of heart." Asgore retorted. "Are you saying you have doubts about these two when they've proven their gallantry in battle?"

"'Gallantry' notwithstanding, I'll be perfectly blunt when i say we do not need any more than you two, The Praetorian, The Doctor, and The Captain on this."

'That's not your call though, is it?" Toriel replied with sass in her voice, her arms crossed in regal impatience.

"...No your Majesty, it is not."

"Good! Now that we have that settled, I assume there are no further objections?"

"Why of course not." Hayden replied, barely masking the venom in his voice.

"Good! Now, I think it's about time we got underway. Frisk, come with me, dear."

"You're bringing a child with us?!" Hayden asked incredulously.

"I will not leave her all alone. Not again, at least. Worry not, she won't be embarking on our little quest. I just wish to keep her safe."

"Fair enough..."

"Alphys dear, what would you have me do while you're off with Doctor Hayden and the others?" Mettaton asked.

"I think it may be best for you to come with." She answered. "You need recharging anyway."

"'Recharging'... so he's an automaton?" Hayden asked.

"yes."

The Cyborg eyed Mettaton over, his metallic head tilting somewhat and his hand under his chin. Unlike all the other times people had "checked him out" this instance was far less enjoyable to Mettaton. he couldn't help but feel somewhat nervous around the enigmatic CEO, especially as he was being so probing and esoteric. "Interesting...." he said before turning his attention to the King and Queen. "Well now, I think we have enough in our little party. I think it's time we got going."

"Indeed." Asgore replied. "Alphys, if you would?" he said, gesturing Alphys to lead them on.

"Come along , my child..."

As they all began their walk towards the lab, the Doom Slayer retained his suspicions. If Hayden was planning at all to sacrifice these people for the sake of his gain, that would be the end. He swore in his mind that the cyborg would die if he ever even hinted at letting these innocents die. At the same time he eyed everyone in front of him (save for Hayden) with protective concern. Those guards had been turned to dust before the demonic horde. Something about these monsters made them obviously more fragile than humans or demons. Once more, he had something to protect, and this time, he was determined to not let them down. he had already let the innocent suffer once before. That was never going to happen again.