Chapter 4

Disclaimer: Don't own anything of Darksiders 1 or chapter might be a bit strange and/or confusing. Since no one really talks much about the rider's horses I thought I'd give them a chapter to reacquaint themselves (and yes I have Despair as the oldest and a female in this). And since there isn't much on Strife or Fury's, I had to make up the names myself (Yes I know not very original)

The sun was shining over the open plains of the Stonefather's Vale. Every once in a while something, a creature of land or air, would be seen making its way along the scenery. Up in the sky Dust circled the wide space waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. Despair was taking her time a bit miffed at the extra weight on her. She looked to her side watching Ruin trying his best not to pull away from the rest of them. Nightmare and Mistwalker were trotting close together looking smug at the discomfort of their older siblings. A pat to her wispy mane helped calm her somewhat as Ruin came up to her side nuzzling the spectral horse.

"Why do I get the feeling Despair is upset with me?" Azrael looked over Death's shoulder at the two steeds in front of him. He winced as the movement jolted his injured wing.

When they had first entered the Maker's realm it was smack dab in the middle of The Scar. Swarms of wasp like insects and strange stone construct creatures immediately attacked them. Death wasted no time in countering the attack as Azrael guarded the others. None of them noticed one of the constructs coming up from behind them. It wasn't until Fury turned her head that she alerted the others to the enemy.

Before it advanced further, the construct's arm disconnected from its body, its ax aimed right for the small group. Azrael grabbed the children and tried to evade the attack. Unfortunately the ax was able to clip his right wing. Death was there in seconds dismantling the construct. Seeing the rest of the area was clear Death put his scythes away and checked the others.

War watched over Death's shoulder at what he was doing to the angel's wings. He knew his brother was only helping but he couldn't help the rise of anger when the angel had to lean against his brother for support. He turned his head away when Death looked at him, his eyes narrowing for a moment.

Azrael checked the damage cringing at the bent feathers. Thanking Death for his assistance he was able to cast a healing spell on his wing but it would take at least an hour for it to fully work. Nodding Death turned to his younger siblings looking at each of them.

"Might as well call on your mounts. Despair won't be able to carry all of us to Tri-Stone." The three just looked at Death not having a clue as to what he was talking about. Groaning in disbelief, Death sighed, turning to Despair and placed a hand on his mounts forehead.

*Would it be too much to ask if you could call on the others? *

Despair reared up on her hind legs pawing at the air in front of her. Slamming down her hooves on the dry dirt floor, rivets of green mist rose around them. Shaking her mane out of habit Despair watched as the space in front of them began to twist and warp. In mere seconds her siblings had come forth. Mistwalker, a lean silvery colored mare, pawed the ground in front of Strife wondering why her rider was smaller than normal. Her pale yellow eyes glared at the others not at all happy.

Next to come forth was Nightmare, a stallion with a well tone pitch black body and a mane of midnight hues, trotting up to Fury nuzzling his rider's face. Unlike the rest of his family, he was always happy to see her, even in this strange state. His purple eyes seemed to fill with anger when Ruin brushed past them nearly knocking them over to get to his rider.

The red horse snorted shaking his head in disbelief. He turned his head to Despair hoof stomping in annoyance. Everyone watched as the four horses seemed to talk to each other by shake of the head, whiny, hoof stomping or snorting. It took a few minutes but the others seemed to calm down allowing Death to help each of his siblings onto their mounts.

"They aren't going to buck us off are they?" Fury asked when Nightmare ran in circles on the spot. Mistwalker butted her head against his chest trying to calm him down. Fury patted the dark mane right behind the ear earning her a deep throat rumble from Nightmare.

"Guess he likes that." Fury continued to pet her horse chuckling as he was acting more like a overgrown dog. Strife smiled at his sister before looking down at his own horse. She turned her head to glare at him with those sickly colored eyes. A bit taken back at the hostile look, Strife just glared at the white horse sneering.

"What's your problem?" Snorting, the horse shook her head stomping her left hoof in aggravation.

"I think she wants some attention Strife." Fury gently pulled on the reins so that her horse was facing Strife's. Rolling his eyes, Strife reached out running his hand through the white mane. He was surprised at how light and cold it was, like a arctic wind was running through his fingers. He clawed his hand running it along the strong neck and back through the mane. Miskwalker closed her eyes in bliss. The others might think little of her rider but he knew how to respect his mount. He would always take the utmost care when grooming her after a wild run in any terrain.

Ruin watched the others and their riders. He felt War pick at his reins eyes taking peeks to his older sister and her rider. Ruin narrowed his eyes at the angel that was sitting on his sister. Feeling eyes on her Despair gave him a calming look. She knew how overprotective her younger siblings could be. Making her way to both Ruin and War she lay her head on the boy's lap much like in the Kingdom of the Dead. War grinned enjoying the way Despair's mane went through his hand. Ruin just stood still enjoying having his sister close to him once more. He still remembered the time he and War were separated and that low class demon dared to try and claim him.

Ruin had never in his life been more humiliated and ticked off. Even after War had managed to free him he wasn't about to make it easy for his rider to just jump back on the saddle. He rushed into War a few times knocking him flat on his back until he overheard the argument from the strange black creature. War had looked him in the eyes and apologized (in his own way) for what had happened and while the Watcher was safely in his gauntlet War had explained everything to him.

"Hate to interrupt, but would it be too much to ask if we could get a move on." Ruin looked at Death. He snorted pulling away from his sister to stand beside her instead. War rubbed Ruin's ear enjoying the calming effect it seemed to have on both of them.

Despair waited for Death to climb on, still not sure of having the angel on her. It wasn't that she didn't trust him but she wasn't use to the feathers. They felt strange brushing along her body and not to mention they were close to her legs. The last thing she needed was to trip on them and tear them off (not that she didn't have her fair share of stomping on enemy angels in the past).

To say she was relieved when the clearing came into view would be an understatement. Ruin was by her side and her other two siblings were giving them knowing looks. If she had to guess this was just the beginning of a very long adventure.

()()()()()()()()()()

Death watched as his siblings rode onto the open field. Fury and Strife were riding side by side each trying to out run the other. He had called out to them to stay close but it fell on deaf ears. War stayed beside him trying to wash the mud off Ruin. Both rider and mount glared at their siblings not at all amused at their antics. Death shook his head as he placed the pots of water on the ground by Ruin's hooves.

"Why aren't they helping? It's their fault Ruin's a mess. No offense Ruin." War gently pulled out a twig from Ruins mane. Ruin nodded in agreement still glaring at the others.

"Would you really have them even consider helping to wash Ruin?" Death watched as War's face soured at that thought.

"Probable shear his mane or turn it pink." War whispered into Ruin's ear chuckling at the cross look the horse gave him.

Death watched his brother from atop his perch on Ruin. The sun was high over the field signaling late noon and past lunch time. Azrael had gone a few minutes earlier trying to see if he could use his wing. Seeing that it was just the four of them for the moment (I count Ruin and Despair) Death let his guard down a bit. He brushed a few loose strands of hair behind War's ear. Grabbing the long hair he used a piece of string to tie it back in a ponytail so it wouldn't get in his brother's face. War moved his head side to side shaking to make sure his hair didn't come loose.

"Better?" War nodded smiling at him. Leaning closer he gave Death a quick hug before returning to clean Ruin. Death had to close his eyes, his body going stiff the moment War hugged him. He wanted to keep War safe even if it was from himself. But the bond was starting to take a toll on him, his body reacting strongly to them being so close. He'd damn himself before he did anything to hurt his brother.

"Death, are you ok?" When he opened his eyes Death was face to face with both Ruin and War staring at him. A nudge from behind had him pinned between two horses. Death turned to glare at Despair not at all amused with her at the moment. The decaying horse just looked at him before nipping at the side of his face. Before he could react, Despair ripped the mask off Death's face and trotted away.

All three were left speechless as they watched Despair move past Nightmare and Mistwalker, the two stopping their race to watch. Strife and Fury looked back at War and Death than at Despair. Death had to act fast when Ruin pivoted toward Despair throwing War off his back. Death was able to grab his brother before he fell to the ground and War was clinging to his neck. Turning his head around he watched Ruin gallop away chasing Despair.

"How about some warning next time!" War shouted to the horse not at all happy. Grumbling to himself War stopped, noticing for the first time how close he actually was to Death. Daring to take a peek at his brother's face, War felt his own heat up. Feeling Death start to pull away War panicked clinging on tighter.

"No!" he buried his face into the side of Death's neck. He hated it when Death was away from him, his body felt too hot, like something was trying to claw out of his chest. Trying to calm his breathing down War saw the mark on the side of his brother's neck. He remembered Death always touching that spot of his body at times when he looked at him. Shaking fingers traced the mark on top of cool skin. He traced the same mark on his forehead a jolt going through his body. He heard Death hiss as if in pain before his hand clutched War's. Taking a deep breath he tried to calm War down and his own pounding head.

"I'm not going anywhere War. I just wanted to make sure you're alright." War swallowed trying to muster up enough courage for what he was about to do. Cupping Death's face in his hands War crushed their lips together. Death gasped as his brother's warm lips closed over his. About to pull away he felt some invisible tug toward War. Breaking the kiss he watched War shy away from him almost as if he was expecting to be punished. Blinking in confusion Death sat on the grassy field pulling War onto his lap. Leaning against the rock that Despair was near earlier Death tilted War's chin up to look into his brother's pale eyes.

"Are you angry?" Death shook his head at the question waiting for War to continue. The young rider picked at the sleeve of his new clothes nervous all of a sudden. "Do you hate me than, is that why you won't stay with me?" If Death's body could go any colder it would have, his brother's words more harmful than even the corroding touch of Affliction.

"War," his voice sounded rough even to him almost if he hadn't used it in years. "is there something you need to tell me." He hoped this talk wouldn't be like the one he had with Strife. He didn't think he could handle explaining this to War.

"I...um saw you go outside last night. So when you fell asleep I went to the library and I just wanted to know what was wrong with me." War cringed at his explanation. It was coming out all wrong and he was getting frustrated. He had looked through some of the books that were left on the table especially the one that was written on their race and certain rituals. Thinking back he remembered the other Nephilim boasting about their bonding experience and what not. "You don't want to be bonded to me? Is that why..."

"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" Death hissed staring War straight in the eyes. He pulled War close to him cursing himself for everything. "It's nothing like that War. If anything I'm proud to have you for my bonded. But for the moment you're a bit too young to fully understand what being bonded means and what else comes with it." Death felt War move his head to the side to stare up at him.
"I apologize if I have been too busy for you. But since the attack that happened a few days ago..."

"We were attacked?" War blinked not remembering any of that.

"Yes, that's why I have Azrael here with us. Apparently one of the demons used some strange attack, one that even I am not familiar with, on you and our siblings. It's probably why things seem even stranger than usually." Death smiled as War nodded leaning back on his shoulder.

"So what about Azrael?" War blurted out noticing the angel coming back with Ruin and Despair in tow. Death watched the angel floating over the land coming closer to them. He felt the emotion from War and chuckled. War looked over at him not sure what was so funny.

"Azrael is nothing more than an old friend War, nothing to be jealous about. You my dear brother," Death sat up with War still clinging to his side, "are the only one that I will have with me, no matter what anyone may say. Remember that and trust me."

War was about to say more when a strong feeling washed over him. He closed his eyes and smiled as he felt a part of Death with him. Sliding down the side of Death's body, he grabbed onto his brother's hand and tugged him toward the others. Death let War lead them, glaring at the two mischievous horses. Holding out his other hand Death waited. Despair cocking her head to the side, gaze lingering on War for a bit then turned to look back at her rider.

"Things are fine for now. Thank you for the concern." The last part was said in a sarcastic tone as Death still waited for his mask to be returned. Rolling her eyes at her rider, Despair placed the mask in the outstretched hand nipping at the fingertips. Looking at the mask Death cringed at the state it was in.

"Sorry about that. They thought it would be amusing to play keep away with it." Azrael grunted trying to wipe his hands of any remaining mud. War dug into his pockets pulling out and handing Azrael and Death each a piece of extra cloth.

Cleaning the mask off Death looked over it to make sure there was no further damage. Despair nudged him at the side stomping her hoof in place. Death placed his mask back on making sure it didn't fall off. Patting the front of her nose he turned his gaze to Ruin.

"Thanks for not breaking it. Now than, if we are all done, I believe we were in the middle of something." Ruin shook his head lowering it so War could grab hold of the reins. War crossed his arms not sure if he had forgiven the horse for his earlier actions. Sighing, he grabbed hold of the reins and muttered to himself about his sibling's crazy antics and even crazier horses. Before he got too far ahead he turned and looked back at Azrael.

"Sorry about well, about earlier." Turning, War went back to the spot where they were cleaning Ruin before. Azrael blinked unsure of what he meant. Looking to Death, the older horseman just shrugged still not believing it himself.

"Apparently War thought there was something going on between us. Part of the blame is on me, I was blocking some of the bond." Death grumbled not use to apologizing to anyone but his siblings. Azrael just nodded folding his hands into his long sleeves.

"I was wondering why he was behaving strangely towards me recently. But why block the bond, has it been..." He let the last part open not sure if Death would be comfortable speaking about the other aspect of the rider's relationship.

Rubbing the side of his head, Death let out a slow breath. Watching War now was no different than when he first developed his feelings for his brother. He loved War and would have to keep his mind focused on what was more important.

"It is a bit more difficult since War is trying to understand the bond between us and what it's emitting. I thought by blocking it, it would help, Guess it made things worse for him." Death stopped a few feet away from his brother and Ruin. Looking back he noticed Fury and Strife riding towards them.

"So is lunch ready yet." Fury asked jumping down from Nightmare. Strife followed snickering at Ruin and War. The two just glared at their siblings still upset at the joke they played on them. Azrael rolled his eyes at the two going to Despairs saddle bag and retrieving the food and something else. Watching Azrael smooth out the silver blanket, Death waited for War to finish with Ruin before joining the others. Looking Ruin once over and satisfied at the work done War jumped down and walked over to sit beside Death. The rest of the group started to pass out plates and split the food up. Death took a separate bag and tossed each of his younger sibling a few apples. Strife just smirked twirling his apple on one finger before tossing it to Mistwalker.

Fury smiled as she teased Nightmare, pulling the apple away as he tried to grab hold of it. Doing this a few more times she let Nightmare finally eat from her hand petting his snout. War set the apple down on the blanket waiting for Ruin to lay down beside him. Despair just rolled hers to the side watching the others eat. Death leaned against her watching the others enjoying themselves. A slight chill raced down his back and he spun around looking into the open area. For a moment he had the strangest feeling someone was watching them.

"Everything ok Death?" Death turned around looking at the others. They were watching him closely not sure what had caused him to react in such a way.

"It's fine, enjoy your meal." Taking his mask off, he took the offered plate that War held for him. The rest of the meal was eaten with talks of future plans and a bit of teasing on Fury and Strife's side. War just groaned as the teasing focused on him next. The three young riders baited each other actually enjoying their time away from everything.

Death couldn't stop the smile he hid behind the cup he was drinking from. He watched as Fury fussed over War's hair wanting to do something with it while Strife pulled their brother away from her pretending to gasp in horror at the idea.

"The last time you tried anything with War, I nearly had another sister."
"What's that supposed to mean!?" War crawled away from the two to hide behind Death away from his insane siblings. Death snorted, remembering back to when War was maybe a few years younger than he was now. He never had time to take proper care of his hair so Fury offered to teach him.

Death had been away on a hunting trip and when he had returned he watched as Strife refused to let Fury anywhere near their younger brother. Not understanding until he had seen War's new hair cut Death couldn't believe what he was seeing. She had layered the hair along with some highlights on the bangs. It frame War's face nicely showing more of the angelic nature of their race.

And not to mention the lecherous stares the other Nephilim were constantly giving him. Death had just blinked at his brother's appearance, looked at Fury and Strife than back at War. Not even giving it a second thought, he took War to the nearest body of water (a lake not that far from their campsite) and washed away Fury's work.

"I thought he looked good like that." Fury huffed smacking Strife's arm. Azrael chuckled, enjoying the antics of the two bickering siblings. He now had new respect for all of them, to having to dealing with each other and their antics. He watched Death lean further onto Despair, the horse slowly enjoying her apple, trying to hide a yawn behind his cup. Putting his cup down Death continued to listen to the others not at all realizing he was falling asleep.

"I do believe," Azrael placed a finger to his lip pointing to Death. "that we tired your brother out." Fury and Strife blinked in surprise at their brother's sleeping form. Despair lowered her head down, closing her emerald eyes as well. War turned to look at his sleeping brother smiling at the peaceful look on his face. Moving the cup away, he leaned against Death's side wrapping his brother's arm around him and closed his eyes joining his brother in a late afternoon nap.

"Guess he was tired from all that reading huh?" Strife whispered as he helped Fury quietly put away the plates and cups. Azrael nodded wiping the blanket off and used it to cover both War and Death with it.

"If you two would like to join them, I can stand watch." Azrael lifted a part of the blanket so they could lean against Death's left side. Fury and Strife looked at each other, to Azrael than back to Death. Wasting no time they mimicked War and soon fell asleep leaning against their older brother.

Azrael watched as the rider's mounts got up and moved to sit by their sister's side. Never had he seen a stronger connection in a family. In a way he was slightly jealous, never really having a family or close relationship to any other angel. Sighing he once more looked around the open area and waited for his companions to awaken.

End ch 4
Author's note: Jeez, this one took forever. I think if these four ever had a outing like this it would be hectic (never a dull moment with these guys). But worth everything they have been through I think they deserved a break, especially War and Death. Next stop, meeting the Makers and a special guest. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter.