296. I'd Rather Die

[You can read the last chapters in advance, OP and GOT fic on -patreon.com/misterimmortal.]

"Move! We can't get any electrical readings from the President's office!" The Secret Service tried to run into the Oval Office to see what was happening.

But they found Kennedy standing in front of the door and blocking the way. He looked at them seriously and shook his head. "Don't make noise. I will go and check."

So, he turned around and opened the door. The first thing he noticed was the darkness in the room, with only the large panel of windows letting the sunlight enter. Then his eyes fell on Hector's large body, sitting as if he was preparing for a meeting. His hair fluttered from the breeze coming from outside while the stars on his shoulder shone as bright as ever. But a look in the eyes made it clear he was no more.

"Fuck you, old man. I prepared myself, but you're still making this old boy cry." He felt emotions develop, and his heart beat fast. He felt suffocated, knowing he needed to announce it.

But first, he walked over and noticed the documents. There were a few, the first being the three documents he signed, letters in the name of a few people such as Logan, Steve, Tony, Peter, Natasha, Jean, Fury and Peter Quill, and the last was the long letter for the world he wrote, titled "The Last Speech.".

Kennedy breathed in a sigh and looked back. Logan had also arrived with Steve Rogers as they worked for Hector. The various Secret Servicemen and the White House also gathered.

He just nodded toward Logan and Steve and announced. "Call the White House photographer. Mr President has... passed away... in peace."

Thud!

The faint-hearted female staff stumbled back and fell. Especially August Wick, his Chief of Staff, cried and was escorted to the back by others.

"Don't let anyone enter this premise. Put the White House on lockdown. The news should not be announced by any third party media." He ordered the Secret Service.

Logan and Steve walked forward and saw the calm face of Hector's cold body. This time, it was no bluff. He was truly gone.

"He still looks so intimidating," Steve muttered.

Logan went forward and put a cigar on the table. "Have fun on the other side, old man. Will see you there someday."

Logan knew that Hector was not dying or going to any after-death realm. His wife, Lady Death, had told him that she had no knowledge or control over his soul, so that meant he could be anywhere.

Kennedy took the documents from the table and put them in a different briefcase. "Well, I know my end game is also close. So, I will wait for you two there with this old man."

Soon, the photographer entered and clicked the final picture of Hector. After that, under the strict supervision of the Secret Service, his body was taken to a different room and put in a coffin. His uniform was not removed as it was not necessary since he had many others he wore every day.

"Let's announce it." Kennedy decided. He was the last decision maker left in the White House as the office of the President was now abolished.

Soon, the flag on the White House was lowered to half-mast, and within an hour, American flags around the world on all office buildings were lowered. As per protocol, the leaders of all United Terra districts were also notified.

Eventually, no matter where, all flags flew below the horizon that day. It didn't go unnoticed by the media, so the announcement was made before any rumours could rise.

...

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of ex-President Hector King Washington. He was a light in this world, and now we need to continue shining his light by carrying it within us in our own lives. 'I leave the world in your hands. Yours to ruin and yours to raise. - Hector King Washington'"

The tweet was made with the last image of Hector in it to ensure no speculations arise. In a matter of seconds after the official White House handles on social media posted the photo, the internet blew up with questions, confusion and total pandemonium.

It reached a point that, in seconds, people started dismissing it as something impossible, and it was a joke from Hector. But then Kennedy had to speak about it on television openly.

By then, everyone had found the newly posted video on Hector's channel with a billion subscribers. It became clear as day that the news was real. Hector was gone.

Soon after, his body was taken to the Capitol to be placed in state for those who wished to come and pay respect. Even the general public was allowed.

No doubt, it was a sad day for the world as only this news was visible everywhere, on every chat, and on every page. His face was... everywhere. Every single social media handle changed its profile picture to something from Hector.

There were no memes, but only people paying respect. Of course, there were a great many tears as he was popular everywhere. The man behind unified Korea, the man behind modern Japan, the man behind a happy Vietnam. The man behind the death of many dictators, the man behind the peaceful world.

He had done so much that it was hard to count in one go, no matter who. And this was just about his deeds on Earth.

But then another shocking news came as Diana's letter was read by a media spokesperson, which revealed that she was leaving everything behind. As the time of Hector was gone, she had no wish to keep reminding the world of him.

The world needed to learn to live without its guardian angel, one way or another.

...

Unknown Void

What happens after one dies? Of course, Hector didn't have to ask that question as he had already gone through it once. But, for some reason, he found himself standing in an endless void of darkness. There was nothing, no hell or a hell lord, to greet him.

"Where am I?" He wondered.

"I'm sorry, Hector, my brother." Satan's voice came.

Hector looked left and right in his translucent form. "Satan? What's going on? I thought I was going to return to work. Did I do something wrong that I'm being damned or something?"

"No, No... Never, my brother. You did a great job. In fact, I was honestly hoping you'd become a shitbag, but it seems I was wrong. But, I ask for forgiveness, for I never revealed to you why you went on this vacation. It was not just for fun, Hector. It was also a test for you... and you have passed all stages except the final one."

"Test?" Hector scowled.

"Test to see if you can remain in the higher dimensions or not. Test to see which side you serve. But, the last one remains, and if you are to pass it, you shall have an audience with the big old man, who shall decide your fate. I'm sorry, Hector, I can't help you with this." Satan apologised.

Hector didn't mind, however. "It's okay, bud. To be honest, I am happy to give everything up as long as I get to be with my family. For the first time, I feel whole again, and I'd hate to lose that."

Satan, after a moment of silence, spoke. "Then... you must fight this being and win by slaying it. Failure to do so shall deem you unworthy and banish you to lower realms. Good luck!"

Hector silently awaited for this challenge to appear. "Who is it going to be? An angel or a demon? Or maybe someone else? Interesting."

"Woof!"

Hector's ears rang with bark so recognisable. He happily turned around and found Moony, now appearing to be a giant like an elephant. "My boy! What are you doing here?"

Woosh!

However, a long sword appeared in Moony's jaws all of a sudden, and his fangs made themselves visible.

"What are you doing, Moony? Come here and stand by me. We're meant to fight a monster." Hector called him.

"Grrrr..." But Moony only showed aggression.

Hector frowned as a realisation dawned over his mind. "I-I... am I supposed to fight you?"

Bam!

Moony jumped and swung his head with the sword at Hector.

Clash!

Hector stopped it using his palm easily. "Moony! Wake up... we're not supposed to fight."

But, the good boy didn't stop and kept attacking again and again. Hector was careful to only block and not hurt his son. Moony was indeed like a son, a lifelong companion to him, one whom he spoiled and shared a million joys with.

He'd rather kill himself than harm Moony.

Clash!

He pushed Moony away and jumped back a reasonable distance. His and Moony's eyes came in contact for a few seconds.

Thud!

Hector sat down instantly, crossing his legs and his arms. Then he closed his eyes as if surrendering himself. "I love you, my son. I will not bring myself to harm you, no matter what. If this will get me banished to the lower realms, so be it... as long as you're happy and safe, I will do anything."

"Grrrr... Woof!"

Moony leapt over him, sword aimed at his head. He had no intentions of stopping, but even then, Hector didn't move and stayed still with his eyes closed—in total surrender to his fate.

"Harm my son? No, I'd rather die!" He boomed and expected the strike to kill him.

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