The Bad Batch: Gargoyles

Chapter Ten - Parting Ways

After defeating Demona, the Bad Batch took the petrified Gargoyles back to the Clock Tower on the 23rd Precinct. Once the Gargoyles were put in place, the Clones of the Bad Batch waited for daylight to fall. After a few hours, the Gargoyles awoke from their stone slumber. As the Gargoyles awakened, they went straight to business.

Hunter: What happens now between us?

Goliath: Do you still intend to take the Sword Of Beowulf?

Hunter: That's the plan. We were hired to retrieve it.

Hudson: Do you know the significance of this sword? It belonged to one of the greatest warriors to have ever lived. According to legend, only the purest of hearts may wield this sword.

Tech: I did some diagnostics and I noticed something strange. There's a series of abnormal energy signals coming from the sword.

At this point, it became clear to Hunter that whatever this sword was, it wasn't anything he had ever encountered.

Goliath: I know you're obligated to retrieve this sword, but what does your heart tell you?

Hunter: My instincts tell me something's out of place. I don't know what the hell this sword is. But you seem to know a thing or two about it. Keep it.

Upon hearing this, Omega as well as the rest of the Bad Batch were caught off guard by this. After going through this much trouble to find and retrieve it, Hunter essentially gave up the sword.

Wrecker: Cid's not going to be happy about this.

Hunter: It's for the best. Whatever that sword is, I don't want any part of it.

As Hunter says this, he grabs the Sword Of Beowulf and hands it to Goliath.

Hunter: Something tells me that this is safer in your hands. And besides, I owe you for helping me rescue Omega.

Goliath: Think nothing of it. You and your allies have proven yourselves to be honorable warriors. And besides, there is no debt among friends.

As Goliath was given the Sword Of Beowulf, he and Hunter shook hands as a sign of friendship. Though they initially distrustful of one another, the Bad Batch and the Manhattan Clan eventually came to respect one another.

Omega: So this is goodbye?

Hudson: Aye. But know that you and your Clan are always welcome here.

Goliath: Agreed.

Echo: Given the state of the Galaxy,  it's unlikely that we'll see each other again.

Goliath: Then it has been an honor to fight by your side.

As Goliath says this, Omega walks up to Bronx. With a smile on her face, Omega scratches Bronx's chin much to everyone's enjoyment.

Hunter: Looks like you made a friend.

Omega: He was a big help.

Brooklyn: You can always count on Bronx to be handy in a situation.

With that, the Bad Batch readied to depart from Earth. Before they left, Elisa spoke with Hunter.

Elisa: Looks like I was wrong about you. I didn't think Omega would be safe with you. But after last night, you proved me wrong.

Hunter: I can't say I blame you. A part of me is wondering that myself. I spent my entire life on a battlefield. It's what I was bred for. I never thought I'd find myself in the position I am now. But here I am.

Elisa: I get what you mean. It's not easy adjusting to something like this. But it's clear that Omega cares about you and you care about her. In the end, I guess that's all that matters.

As Elisa says this, Hunter takes a moment to reflect on all that has happened to him. A part of himself still wondered if he really could take care of Omega. Much like the encounter with Cut Lawquane and his family on Saleucami, Hunter felt that he was obligated by both honor and bond to protect Omega.

Hunter: I don't know what the future holds for us. But I know that as long as I'm breathing, nothing will ever happen Omega. 

Elisa could see that Hunter was willing to protect Omega with his life. She smiled at the Clone's resolve to protect Omega. 

Elisa: Omega's lucky to have someone like you protecting her. Just....just try to give her a good life. She looks up to you. She deserves that much. 

Hunter: I know. Believe me I know. 

With that, the Bad Batch and Omega boarded the Havoc Marauder. As the Havoc Marauder took off, Omega looked out the window and gave one final wave to the Gargoyles and Elisa. In an instant, the Havoc Marauder blasted off into the stars. Inside the Marauder, Hunter spoke with the rest of the Bad Batch. 

Tech: Was it really wise to just leave the Sword? 

Hunter: I don't know, but I trust Goliath. He's about the only person I trust to hold that Sword. 

Echo: What exactly are we going to tell Cid? Her client won't be happy if we come up empty handed.

Hunter: I'm sure we can come up with an excuse. 

With that, the Bad Batch decided that leaving the Sword Of Beowulf with Goliath and the Gargoyles was the right call. As the Havoc Marauder jumped into Hyperspace, Hunter met up with Omega. 

Hunter: How are you holding up, Omega?

Omega: I'm fine, Hunter. I'm going to miss our new friends. Do you think we'll see them again? 

Hunter: I don't know. 

Omega: I hope we do, Hunter. They were all really nice. 

Hunter: I guess we'll see what happens. 

In that moment, the Bad Batch's mission to Earth ended. Though they didn't acquire the Sword Of Beowulf, the Bad Batch felt it was for the best. As for Hunter, his resolve to protect Omega has only grown stronger. But for now, the Bad Batch's mission was over. But another one would soon be on the horizon.