A New Friend
Twilight stared at the armored human named Derran Grandel who now stood at perfect attention in the center of her throne room. She really didn't know what to make of him, other than what was obvious. He had manners that gave Rarity a run for her money, he apparently had a prior relationship with Celestia and Luna, and oh yeah: he was the most terrifying force of destruction Twilight had ever seen. He also seemed to regard her as an authority figure to whom he owed absolute fealty. Every request Twilight had, he obeyed to the letter, he also kept addressing her as "Seraph". Twilight was one of the smartest ponies in Equestria, and she just could not figure this guy out.
"Is something troubling you Seraph?"
Twilight almost jumped out of her throne. She had been so lost in thought trying to understand her strange visitor, she forgot he was in the room.
"Oh no nothing!" Twilight responded a little too loudly.
"Does my presence truly bother you that much?" He asked after a brief pause spent processing Twilight's reaction, and guessing at the cause.
"Oh no not at all! I just haven't had guests in a while and I'm a little out of practice." Twilight lied, as she put on a massive fake smile that made her look slightly unhinged.
The truth was Derran didn't so much "bother" as terrify her, not really surprising after she witnessed him kill sixteen dragons in less than thirty seconds. She still didn't understand how he did it, his speed and strength far exceeded that of any human she had encountered in her brief time among them. What's more, he had done it without the slightest hesitation, and though she was grateful for the rescue, it still disturbed her that any creature could take life with such ease. Still, she was the Princess of friendship, she should at least give him a chance, right?
"So, where are you from?" Twilight asked as nonchalantly as she could.
"I hail from the lost planet of D'nur, Kingdom of Kemed."
Twilight was about to ask how he knew Celestia and Luna when something struck her.
"Wait, what do you mean 'Lost' planet?"
Derran's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
"It was destroyed, more than that, I cannot say."
Twilight wanted to know more, but was too scared of angering her strange guest to press him for details. Twilight decided that it would be safer to change the subject.
"So how do you know the Princess's?"
Derran considered how to answer the question before responding.
"They saved my life, and quite possibly my soul, I owe them more than I could ever repay."
Twilight opened her mouth to ask for particulars, but was stopped when an official looking scroll popped into existence in front of her eyes. "Oh thank Celestia!" Twilight thought to herself as she broke the seal on the rolled paper.
Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle,
I write to inform your eminence that her royal highnesses, Lady Celestia, and Luna. Cannot be reached at this time, as they are on a diplomatic mission to Saddle Arabia. With regret, I must inform your highness that they will be unavailable for an indefinite period. Nevertheless, I promise to inform them of this development as soon as they return, and offer my deepest apologies for the delay.
Signed, Grand Chamberlain Silverhoof
Twilight felt her eye twitching as she finished the letter, of all the times the princesses could have chosen to leave, it had to be NOW?!! She considered writing a response demanding that the chamberlain forward the message immediately, but knew it would do no good. She remembered Silverhoof from her days as Celestia's student in Canterlot, and he was the most anal retentive quill pusher that ever lived. Silverhoof would rather jump out the highest window in Equestria than bother the Princess when she asked not to be disturbed. Even Celestia herself found him utterly exasperating at times, and once said that the only reason she didn't fire him, was because she would drown in paperwork otherwise. Twilight's irritation must have shown on her face, because Derran spoke up.
"Is something the matter Seraph?" He asked gently.
"Oh nothing, just that apparently Celestia, and Luna can't be reached thanks to the physical embodiment of tail backward bureaucracy. I mean it's not like it's anything important, just a dragon attack, and the appearance of the god of dea. . ." Twilight trailed off as she recalled who it was she was venting to. A few moments passed as Twilight stared worriedly at Derran, and wondered if her outburst had sealed her fate.
"You really are afraid of me aren't you?" Derran asked, and surprisingly, he sounded a little hurt.
Twilight instantly felt like a jerk, Derran had saved her life, and been nothing but kind to her. Yet here she was treating him like an unexploded bomb.
"I. . . I'm sorry Mr. Grandel, regardless of how you did it, you saved my life, and the lives of every pony in town, I should be thanking you, not treating you like a pariah."
Derran's expression softened.
"It is alright Seraph, I know your world is one that has little taste for war and violence, it is no surprise that my actions should disturb you."
"Is it alright if we start over? I really would like to be friends, if you'll give me another chance?" Twilight said sincerely.
Derran smiled.
"I would very much like that, I have not been in the presence of friends for some time, and I dearly miss it."
Twilight returned Derran's smile genuinely.
"Then why don't you call me Twilight, it's what all my friends call me."
"Very well, but only if you address me as Derran, agreed?"
Twilight nodded, glad to finally feel the tension leaving the room.
"Well now that that's settled, welcome to-"
Twilight was cut off by the throne room doors slamming open, revealing a panicked looking pony possessing a white coat, with black mane and tail.
"PRINCESS, DRAGON'S! THREE MORE COMING FROM THE SAME DIRECTION AS THE OTHERS!" He cried out before Twilight could even ask for an explanation.
Not missing a beat, Derran snapped his helmet into place, and pulled his weapon from his back.
"Just give the command Sera- Twilight, and I shall turn them into a crimson mist!" He snarled.
Twilight shook her head.
"If they were here to cause trouble they would have brought more than just three, but I would appreciate it if you came with me to meet them."
After a moment's hesitation, Derran nodded.
"If you believe it best." He said slowly, clearly uncertain, but unwilling to defy Twilight's judgment.
Derran fell into step beside Twilight, but did not holster his weapon, instead keeping it pointed at the ground, but ready for use. Twilight had some misgivings about taking Derran with her, but given his involvement it seemed best to have him on hand. Twilight and Derran headed toward the center of town, where the three dragons appeared to be heading. Twilight felt a small surge of relief when she recognized one of the trio. It was Dragon Lord Ember, who she had met briefly during the trial to determine the new leader of the dragon nation, the "Gauntlet of Fire". She was accompanied by two larger, older dragons, one grey scaled with red wings and frills, and the other green with black, and Twilight guessed them to be her retainers. It was doubtful they came to cause trouble. Still, Twilight was very glad to see that all the ponies were staying off the streets.
"Princess Twilight right?" Ember asked uncertainly, as Twilight approached.
"Yes that's me, what do you want?" Twilight asked, a bit more harshly than she meant to.
"We don't have much time, Garble is on his way here looking for Spike he-" Twilight cut Ember off before she got any farther.
"We know." Twilight declared, unable to keep a hint of anger from her voice, as she jerked her head at several nearby burned houses.
Ember took a moment to survey the damage with a pained look on her face before replying.
"Was anypony hurt?" She asked hesitantly.
Twilight shook her head.
"No, but if it hadn't been for Derran, there most certainly would have been." Twilight said, gesturing toward the Doom Slayer's imposing armored form.
Ember looked at Derran, feeling distinctly nervous as he regarded her through his helmet's tinted visor.
"What happened?" Ember asked uneasily.
Twilight was trying to think of the best way to explain, when Derran spoke.
"The wretch and his comrades attacked the town, and died at my hands like the cowards they were." He stated in a cold voice.
Twilight winced, clearly Derran didn't feel any need for diplomacy.
"Preposterous!" One of Embers Retainers, the large grey dragon with red wings and frills, barked out. "Garble had at least fifteen other dragons with him, all of them quite strong. There is simply no way a bunch of weakling ponies, and whatever you are, could have defeated them!"
Now it was Ember's turn to wince, as Twilight saw Derran's grip on his weapon visibly tighten.
"Perhaps you would like to see a demonstration of my abilities, I could present your hide to ladies Celestia, and Luna as a gift to mark our reunion?" Derran snarled.
"I'd like to see you try bite sized!" The dragon replied, flexing his claws.
"That's enough!" Twilight and Ember declared simultaneously.
"We're here to talk this out, not start a war!" Twilight stated, placing her hoof on Derran's arm for emphasis.
"Same goes for you Stormfang, knock it off!" Ember said glaring at her subordinate angrily.
Derran and Stormfang each deferred to their respective ladies, but it was clear that neither was happy about it. With some civility restored Twilight and Ember resumed talking. Though Derran, and Stormfang continued to glare at each other.
"Despite his poor choice of words, Derran is telling the truth. He stopped Garble and his friends from destroying Ponyville, but was forced to kill them to do it. I'm Sorry, I wish there had been another way, but Garble would have killed everypony if Derran hadn't acted."
Ember nodded.
"I understand, Garble actually tried to stage a coup not long after I became Dragon Lord, it was clear he was losing it. I should have locked him up, but I erred on the side of forgiveness. This is my fault. The dragon nation will pay for the damages, and whatever you deem appropriate as compensation."
Twilight was about to respond when Stormfang butted in again.
"What about us?! Garble and his group were members of the Dragon Nation, if the ponies did indeed kill them, a fact I still find quite hard to swallow, we should receive compensation as well!"
Ember was about to reprimand her subordinate, but Derran beat her to the punch. Just barely managing to restrain his anger at Stormfang's arrogant demand, his reply was slow, and deliberate.
"I was the one who disposed of those vermin, the ponies had nothing to do with it. If you desire compensation, then I offer you the opportunity to take it from me, if you have the stones to try."
Stormfang's eyes bulged with rage.
"Why you insolent little-"
Stormfang was cut off when his body was enveloped in a red aura, and he fell to the ground gasping.
"I said ENOUGH!" Ember roared. "The ponies owe us nothing Stormfang, and you know it! Garble's attack was unprovoked and could have caused a war! Now be silent, or I will see you banished to the farthest reaches of the frozen north!" As the red aura receded Stormfang rose unsteadily to his feet, grumbling under his breath, while Ember turned back to Twilight. "I apologize for Stormfang's outburst Princess Twilight, some of my fellow Dragons don't quite grasp the concept of diplomacy yet."
"I can relate." Twilight responded, giving Derran a stern glare. "But as to the offer, just paying for the damage is more than enough, it's not your fault that this happened."
Ember smiled, grateful for Twilight's understanding.
"We'll return in a few days with the repair fund's, hopefully we can talk more after things have a chance to cool down. Again, on behalf of the dragon nation, I wish to apologize for Garble's actions."
Twilight nodded.
"Thank you Dragon Lord Ember, hopefully in time we can put this behind us, and move toward better relations between our respective species."
Ember nodded, as she and her retainers spread their wings.
"I would very much like that Princess Twilight." Ember stated sincerely, as she and her two fellows took to the sky, flying back the way they came.
Twilight sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted from everything that had transpired.
"I need a cup of tea and a nap." She declared, her tone revealing how tired she felt.
Derran replaced his shotgun on his back before removing his helmet, showing a face etched with concern.
"Let us return to the castle, and I'll prepare some tea and a nice hot bath for you then." He stated.
Twilight looked at Derran with a slightly disbelieving expression.
"I can't do that, there's still way too much to do! I have to help with the repairs, make arrangements for sending the bodies of the dead dragons back to their homeland, and let's not forget I still have to explain you! I can't just relax in a bath during a crisis, I have to help my friends rebuild!"
Derran favored Twilight with a kindly smile.
"Then I suppose we best get to work hadn't we?"
"Wait, what do you mean we?" Twilight asked confused.
"You think me the kind of man to abandon a friend in her hour of need? I shall help you in whatever way I can."
Twilight sighed.
"Well unfortunately, the best way you can help is by returning to the castle, and staying there. Ponies are already on edge, and seeing you probably isn't going to improve matters."
Derran shook his head.
"With respect Twilight, your subjects will not be less frightened if I hide in the castle. Only by knowing something can you become comfortable with it, and your people will not know me unless they interact with me."
Twilight opened her mouth to protest, but realized Derran had a good point. If she hid him away, ponies would wonder why. They would begin to speculate, and possibly conclude that he wasn't allowed out because he was a danger to them. Twilight could best assuage these fears by showing that she, the Princess of Friendship, trusted this strange new visitor.
"Ok then, let's get everypony together, we've got a lot of work to do." Twilight declared.
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I need more of this
The Twin
Very interesting so far, i really like it and your writing is very solid. Keep up the good work.
Can't wait for him to meet the others.
Especially Pinkie Pie
moar
Civilized Doomguy? This is great!
Intresting. Wanna see what's next.
Damn man this is great i cant wait for the next chapter i hope its worth. The anticipation
Hm, just sort of picked up reading this out of curiosity, and... well, favorited, mostly because I really want to see how this characterization of Doom Guy works.
Yeah, Ember's subjects REALLY should learn to keep it down a notch and abandon the whole "i'm a mighty dragon, rawr!" mentality, othervise the Dragon population of Equestria will drasticly decrease.
I honestly have to say that I'm greatly enjoying this characterization of Doomguy. The perfect blend of polite, semi-professional civility and rage, and the lack of ripping and tearing is always a good thing. Although, the fact that the ponies haven't seen the chainsaw yet can go both ways.
7820917 THATS WHAT SHE SAID HUE HUE HUUUEE
I'll keep an eye on this but I must confess... It is ridiculously weird popping that helmet off and seeing a dapper lad underneath all that fury and lack of vocals. Somethin to get used to I suppose.
You realise there's a chunk missing from the bottem bit
7821076 Well of course! Why do you think his lava death sequence is him re-enacting Terminator? He could have gone out with a middle finger salute, but he chose to reference a movie instead!
Looking pretty good so far
I personally think the Doom Slayer is the original Doom Marine, but this works just fine.
7822018
I was hoping for the opposite. MOAR RIPPIN AND TEARIN!!!
Aight. Second chapter done. MOAR FEEDBACK!
Honestly, I like the way Doomguy (still not used to the name of Darren, heh) speaks. I dunno why, but you have my seal of approval there.
Wut
I believe that his coffin/prision was found there in DOOM 4, but D'nur is not a planet at all! It's a place in Hell! Doomguy comes from the Earth! (Well technically Mars, since there is where everything started. *cough cough* Doom 1) Please fix.
NOW THAT'S THE DOOMGUY WE LOVE AND KNOW!
WAT?
Seriously that was OOC as Hell (heh pardon the pun) I seriously cringed more than I thought I physicaly could. That's a no-no from me.
Makes sense I guess... But you don't know the character at all. He is a cold blooded bastard that hunts demons for sport and who's main concern is not making friends but ripping heads. But okay, civilized Doomguy it is. I guess that I can take that.
Welp. I'm still looking forward to keep reading this story, cause all cringe appart, I like it.
Play the original Doom plz
Do it for Fluttershy
8060504
give this guy a break. He has obviously not played the previous ones XD
Aw come on
8400349
Doomguy probably does not want them to know he comes from hell so he said “Planet”
Arrangement
Crisis
There probably more but those are the ones I spotted
After giving this a read (for the first time), I’m already liking this so far!! Keep it up!
Only two chapters in... and I’m loving it.
Time to binge.
I’ve never played/watched/read anything Doom related, but this is good shit mate! Keep up the good work!
10074199
Feel glad about not reading or watching anything DOOM related, because the films are shit and the comics and novels don't really matter. The games are all great through.
This is definitely a different interpretation of Doomguy cause I don't remember his name being Darren or talking so casually with someone he doesn't know. Even around the Night Sentinels who he respected, Doomguy never said a word to any of them. All of his communication with them was purely non verbal. So its a little jarring to see him talk so casually with Twilight here
10187161
Trust me when I say there is a very good reason the Doom Slayer is so comfortable with Twilight and Equestria. Unfortunately you will have to keep reading if you want to learn what it is. This story is effectively a re-imagining of the origin and mission of the Doom Slayer, based loosely on what little story could be found in Doom 2016. Expect a more nuanced character in this version of Doomguy, he's still larger than life and the best at what he does, but underneath it all is a human being. Things are different, but I think you'll find Derran Grandel can still rip and tear with the best of them.
10187398
Human ? I DONT THINK SO.
10309836
Course he's human! His home planet is Earth, after all!
Got a few grammar mistakes here and there, but they don't impede reading. No need to change them.
Loving this!
What a way to dodge the usual trope of "fear the new thing." Well, it will probably still happen, but hopefully not as bad, lol.
Hmm...I am really liking this so far.
Sixteen in thirty seconds? Damn, he's getting rusty.