As the last of the ships set sail, the Grey Ghost took a deep breath and spoke, head downcast. "My only condition is that those who have left, my friends, my family, are to be spared... no matter the outcome."
God looked upon his creation, this... Grey Ghost, as he'd proclaimed to be, wasn't begging for his life, nor was he repenting for his sins. Rather...
"Michael, come, fight in my stead. Should the... Grey Ghost... lose here, make him watch as you eviscerate everyone he holds dear... starting with his lover and Grandpa."
The Grey Ghost looked at the Archangel Michael with a look of terror. However, much to Michael's surprise the Grey Ghost took a deep breath and mustered up a smile. "I did say I'd fight heaven and hell for the one I love. What better way to test my resolve..." He paused a moment and kept his head lowered. "God, all I ask..." He swallowed his fear and looked up shielding his eyes, "All I ask... is that Patricia May bear witness."
God turned slightly and chuckled. "Fine, if you wish her to witness your death, so be it. Michael has never lost any battle I have commanded him to fight. Tell me, son of Scott, grandson of Archie, what is it that drives you? Why fight to such a meaningless end?"
The Ghost exhaled and smiled. "You, an omnipotent being ask me, a moral, such a question? Sure, I'll answer that." The Grey Ghost chuckled, "There is no greater display of love, than self-sacrifice. I have lived a life of pain, so love doesn't come naturally to me... but I could never be more grateful for the people in my life. I am not so foolish as to not understand the weight of your challenge, and while I shake with fear, it isn't a fear of you, a fear of Michael, a fear of the Devil, or even of death. It is a fear of failure. A fear that I'll fail and they'll suffer because of me."
God nodded and walked away from the trio. Within seconds, the Grey Ghost was impaled by holy and demonic blades from the two, but neither managed to piece his heart or soul. He shattered their blades as memories of his life slowly faded in and out of his vision. He began to chuckle softly as his mind further raced towards insanity. "If this is how I am to meet my end... LET ME CRUSH THEM SO EVERYONE ELSE MIGHT LIVE!"
As God was walking away, a sizable release of energy had him look over his shoulder. His holy eyes widened as an outcome he hadn't foreseen had come to pass. The Grey Ghost was injured, which was apparent from the crimson blood on the ground. However, Michael and the Devil found themselves impaled by the Grey Ghost's fists now wrapped around their souls. Humanity had been made to overcome even the most dire of circumstances, but this... "The indomitable Human Will. It has been a while since such a feat has inspired me. Spoke God as the Grey Ghost threw the two to the ground, vomiting up blood as he did.
However, before the Heavenly Host could turn away, the Grey Ghost, albeit shakily, stood up. He screamed at the top of his lungs as broke a horn off of the Devil and a wing off of the Archangel. Gasping for air, he spoke to the Heavenly being.
"I wish to save those I love from the darkness within them! I SHALL TAKE IT UPON MYSELF! EVEN IF IT MELTS MY FLESH! CRACKS MY FUCKING BONES! I WILL KEEP THEM WARM IN THIS HARSH FROZEN PLACE YOU CALL REALITY!"
Moments earlier... Dr. Sue and those aboard the USS Wisconsin pleaded with and begged Admiral Nolan to turn around.
"We have to help him!" Said Vik, grabbing the Admiral by the shirt collar.
"DON'T YOU THINK I WANT TO!" Tears streamed down Nolan's cheeks, "THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND! FIGHTING GOD AND THE FUCKING DEVIL SO WE CAN ESCAPE! I WANT TO STAND BY HIS SIDE!"
Dr. Sue smiled and whistled. Suddenly Constitution picked up the battleship and turned it around to head back. As they pushed the ship to its limit to get there in time, they came upon a sight never seen by human eyes before.
Back with the Grey Ghost, the Heavenly being thought for a moment and then fired holy energy at him. The Overkill armor began to crack and break away as the Grey Ghost defended the ports.
"You fought well... but I will not tolerate sin in my world. Die like the guard dog you..."
The Heavenly Host was cut off by a sixteen-inch shell whizzing past his head. "Today seems to be full of surprises."
Dr. Sue rode on the Automaton's shoulder and had her fire at the Heavenly being. Constitution's lasers, guns, and missiles seemingly had zero effect on the deity. However, they provided a great distraction for Sam, Archie, and Nolan to help the Grey Ghost.
"You beat the Archangel and the Devil?" Asked Sam.
"All... for... you..." Said the Ghost weakly.
"Come on, we have to..." Nolan had started to say when he was tackled by the Ghost with Sam in his other arm. Archie had taken up the angelic sword and managed to slash open the Grey Ghost's back. Vik, Dr. Sue, Mike, and the few others all looked at Archie in horror as the Ghost's back was bleeding.
"Grandpa... why?"
"Your Grandma and I have devoted our lives to serving the Lord, serving in raising our children, raising you and your sister... I shall not stray from the path of righteousness."
The Grey Ghost stood up weakly and raised his fists. "I don't... I'd rather not fight you. However, seeing as you'd openly threaten my friends... I suppose I have no choice in this matter." He shook his head as he managed to pour the last of his strength into his body, refusing to back down from his own Grandpa.
The Heavenly Host grinned and spoke to Archie. "My devoted servant. If you wish to be reunited with your departed wife... departed son, and your brothers too... Kill the boy, and bring him to me."
"As you command, Lord."
As Archie began marching toward the Grey Ghost, both of them lunged at each other, both not wanting to die/disappoint those around them.