I wish to thank detrametal and I do not own Darksiders. So read, enjoy, then review. This in non-negotiable. I'ma go continue to stare at my fish.

I'm not sure how long I had been asleep but I woke up to find myself on a hard cot in a very unfamiliar place. Getting up with a groan, I was able to study my surroundings a bit better. I also noticed that all of my stuff - other than my necklaces and grappling hook - was gone. Great. Anywho, I was in a small room made up of what looked like white marble. Well, except for one wall. It was blocked by a blue seal. It seemed I was in a prison cell. I always thought I'd end up in prison one day. Also thought I'd have to do something bad first. The world is a mysterious and surprising place

What exactly happened after I passed out? Again… I really gotta stop doin that.

Going over to the seal, I started banging on it with my fists. Didn't do anything. Didn't even make a sound. "Hey! Anybody there?! Where the Hells am I?! And where's my damn phone call?!"

As expected, no one answered.

"The fuck, man?"

"I see your foul language hasn't changed, Hope." Said a familiarish voice.

"No, it's changed." I replied. "I think it's gotten worse. Wait… Azzy? Izzat you?!"

The unseen Archangel chuckled, "Yes, it's me."

"Where the Hel- Heaven are we?"

"The dungeons of the White City."

"Woah, the White City? Like, the angels' White City? Like, Heaven?"

"The one and the same."

"Hm. Why does a city o' angels have a dungeon?"

"For unruly angels, of course."

"Of course. But what are you doin here?"

Azrael sighed, "I'm here to await my trial." I guess they didn't trust him not to run. Shame on them. Azzy wouldn't run, he's too righteous for that. Plus he has wings, he would probably fly.

"Your trial? So angels have a judiciary system?"

"But of course. As for my trial… it is to determine my punishment for aiding Abaddon."

"Seems like a pain. Just plead insanity. That usually works. But why am I in here?"

"I heard them talking when they brought you down. The last human is a precious resource. One who can heal the Corruption in others even more so. They're going to keep you down here until they decide what to do with you."

"If I'm such 'precious resource', then why did they put me in here? I think a five-star suite would have worked just as well."

The angel chuckled, "A 'five-star suite' would not be as warded as this prison."

Great. That's just fuckin fantastic. O' course they got wards. "By the by, you're in the cell besides mine, ain'tcha?"

"Yes?" he answered skeptically.

"Cooleos."

Going over to one of the side walls, I put my right hand against it and heated it up until the stone began to melt. Am I awesome or what? And don't you say or what. Anyway, I was rewarded with the sight of a dumbfound Azrael sitting on his own cot.

"The wards are supposed to prevent you from doing that." He said with a sigh.

"Maybe they ain't on the walls separating the cells." I replied, stepping through the hole.

"Why did you do this?" he asked, waving a hand at the new entryway.

"Got tired o' talkin ta a wall." I shrugged. "Now, shall we get down ta business?"

"Business?"

"Ayup. We're gonna do what every classic prisoner dreams o' doin."

Azzy chuckled, "Any what might that be?"

"Escapin!"

The chuckle turned into a gape of surprise, "Hope, we cannot-"

"Sure we can. Cain't be that hard."

He stood then, his wings stretching out behind him, "This place is warded!"

"As you've already mentioned."

"How do you expect to escape?"

"Is the floor warded too?"

"What?"

"We're gonna escape the classic way by tunnelin."

"Tunneling? But that's-"

"Probably the only way. The seal is an auto-no since I seriously doubt I can melt it or that you can destroy it. No offense but otherwise they wouldn't have put you in here. But same goes fer the wall between here and outside. The ceilin is also a no since bein an angel, goin up is your usual way out. But they must figure that since there's no real reason ta go ta the others cells they didn't bother puttin wards on the wall in between. And again, bein an angel, they don't expect ya ta take the underground path. So, logically, that's the only way. Then again, earlier ya said 'down here' meanin that we're underground so that means the back wall may be an option. But what if beyond that wall is more cells? Hm, there are too many variables."

The Archangel just stared at me for a moment before speaking, "You have… given this a lot of thought, haven't you?"

"Yeah but never fer an angel prison. Figured it's always good ta have a plan."

"I can agree to that but you are wrong about everything else."

"Hm?"

"There are wards covering every wall, the ceiling, and the floor."

Well, ain't that just a rain on my parade. "Aw man, I had such a cool reasonin. But how'd I melt the walls then?"

"It would seem that you melted the wards as well."

"Sweet. My powers are gettin upgrades. But does that mean I can just melt the seals?"

The angel thought for a moment, "Perhaps so."

"Nice. No better way out than the front door. Plus I need ta find where they got my stuff. Alrighty Azzy, let's get ta escapin! I'm already startin ta miss Grim…" I added as a mumble.

"…I wish to remain here." The Archangel said hesitantly.

I turned to look at him in surprise, "What?"

He sat heavily back onto his cot, "I knew that helping Abaddon with his scheme was wrong and I am ready to accept my punishment. Whatever it may be."

"But… they could execute ya er somethin!"

Azrael let out a sad chuckle, "They won't have me executed. I am the guardian of the Well of Souls and one of the very few Archangels left."

"I see… Well, I guess I'll have ta change my plans then. Ya were gonna be my lift back ta Earth." I finished with a smile.

He returned the smile with one of his own, "My apologies."

"Eh, no need. But now I'll have ta figure somethin else out… Say, do ya think I could… permanently borrow one o' those griffons?"

"You mean the Orthos?"

"Uh, sure?"

The angel lapsed back into silence, thinking, "I suppose it's not impossible, especially if you've tamed a Grappleclaw. But you must be careful, Orthos are extremely proud creatures and can be very aggressive."

I gave him a thumbs up, "You got it boss. I'll go back ta my cell ta melt the seal. Think I've destroyed yours enough already. I stepped through the hole in the wall but turned back ta Azrael, "Ya sure ya don't wanna come with?"

"I am sure." He answered solemnly.

"Suit yourself."

Back in my own cell now, I put my hand to the seal. Just as I was about to try and melt it, a door slammed open and was followed by someone talking and something being dragged across the floor.

"Throw the traitor in here. We'll deal with him later." One of the new arrivals said.

Okay, someone bein dragged, not somethin.

There was a thump and a muffled groan as the someone was literally thrown into a cell.

"Should we check on the other two?" another voice asked.

Oh shit… No, please no… I'm so screwed if they see the hole in the wall!

"No, they're not going anywhere."

Ha! That's what you think fool!

The angels left then, the door slamming behind them.

Alright, time ta get this ball arollin.

I quickly, and successfully, melted a large enough hole in the seal to slip through. I was free! Or partially so. I still had to find my stuff, get out of here, find an Ortho/griffon thingy, and find a way back to Earth. All without getting caught. This was gonna be fun.

I started down the hall towards the door at the end. Or course they had to put me all the way at the other end. "Wish me luck." I told Azzy as I passed his cell.

"Good luck." He called back.

I guess it wasn't surprising for a city of angels to have so few prisoners. There was only myself, Azrael, and whoever they just threw in here. Speaking of whom, as I passed his cell, I couldn't help but look in. He was sitting on his cot, face in his hands, and one of his wings was hanging limply behind him. He was more casually dressed than I'd seen any other angels with black cloth pants, a chainmail shirt, and boots that seemed to be the only real part of his armor they let him keep.

I couldn't help but sigh. This was just my luck "So what ya in fer?"

He jerked upright in surprise and stared at me for a moment before finally speaking, "Hope?"

"In the flesh, bones, and blood. 'Sup Aen?"

"How… how are you here? Out of your cell?" he asked, getting up and walking over to the seal that separated us. I could see now that he was covered in cuts and bruises and was sporting a black eye as well what looked like a broken wing. Huh, didn't know they could break their wings. But it seemed angels weren't against torture. And here I thought they were the good guys.

"Apparently I can melt these things." I answered, tapping the seal.

"But… how?"

"Don't matter, ya wanna join me in my escape attempt?"

"They'll kill me if I do." He sighed.

Always the pessimist. "Correction, they can try. But if you stay here they definitely will."

The angel hung his head, "I deserve whatever punishment they give me, even if it is death."

"What makes ya say that?"

"They told me I killed Melchio and tried to kidnap you. He was my closest friend in the Hellguard."

Oh… "Ya were corrupted. Ya couldn't help what ya were doin."

"But…"

"But nothin. Corruption had taken over your mind, dude, and was makin your body do stupid shit so it's not your fault. Being blamed fer your friend's death is like one o' your siblins breakin a vase then pinnin it on you." Okay, maybe not but it was close enough. Close enough to make Aen feel better anyway.

"If you say so, Hope." He said with a slight smile. It seemed he would latch onto any hope he could. Not that I could blame him though.

"So ya gonna help me escape er what?"

He thought for a moment, "They probably won't believe me about the Corruption, will they?"

"Probably not, no." Was I being manipulative?

"Then yes, I will come with you." Yeah I was being manipulative.

"Sweet." I melted a hole on the seal big enough for Aen to slip through. He looked even worse than I first thought. "Here, let me heal ya a bit."

He took a step away when I reached for him, "No, my injuries aren't that bad."

"Fine, but at least let me heal your wing."

He eventually nodded and I started my work. "So what happened after I passed out?"

"The Hellguard caught you and captured me then brought us here to the White City. Death tried to give chase but they lost him."

Hm… "Think you'll be able ta carry me?"

Aen flexed his wings as he thought, "Not all the way back to Earth."

"Hey, I ain't that heavy."

"I'm not that strong at the moment."

"Well it's back ta Plan B then."

"Plan B?"

"Yeah. Plan A was to hitch a ride with Azzy, Plan B was ta steal an Ortho/Griffon/angelic beast thingy, and Plan C was ta hitch a ride with you. Plan A and C fell through cause Azzy's stayin here and you're injured so we're goin back ta Plan B."

"You're going to tame an Ortho?"

"That was the plan, yeah." Actually, that's all the plan was. After stealing, sorry, permanently borrowing the Ortho, I had no idea what to do next. Guess we'd have to wing it. Get it? Cause angels have wings and… Whatever. Never mind.

"C'mon, let's get movin." I told the angel as I started towards the door. Which swung open, revealing a lone angel. He wore the angels' usual armor and had a bit of a childish face with platinum hair that was pulled back into a long braid.

I turned to look back at Aen, "Ya know, I thought we'd get farther than this before this happened."

The new angel opened his mouth, probably to warn any others, but I put my hand over his mouth.

"Do me a favor and keep quiet, 'kay?"

He looked at me in anger before ripping my hand away, "I cannot allow prisoners to escape."

"And we can't allow ya ta not allow us ta escape."

His look of anger turned to one of confusion, "What?"

I shot a wink at Aen, hoping he would get it, "Knock 'im out."

Aeneas nodded and drew his fist back to punch the guard. Of course the guard blocked it but while he was distracted, I took the opportunity to hop onto his back. The only thing I had on me was my grappling hook so it would have to do.

Taking it off my belt loop, I held one of the hooks to his throat, "Now, this might not be an actual weapon but believe you me, it's sharp. Now start walkin. Get inta one o' the empty cells."

"Kill me if you must but I will not stand by and let you escape. Especially the traitor." Now that was dedication. But I couldn't kill this guy, he was just doing his job.

"I'm forcin him ta escape. Holdin 'im at gunpoint and all that. But dammit, why you angels gotta be so stubborn?" I asked nobody in particular as I dropped my grappling hook and put the angel in a chokehold. Wasn't easy with his armor and all but I managed.

He struggled to pull my arm away but I kept my grip too tight for him to really do so.

"Just agree not ta rat us out and I'll let go." I told him.

"N-never." He managed to gasp out.

"Beddy-bye it is then. Why couldn't ya pick the easy way fer both o' us?" I sighed. Eventually, he lost consciousness and fell to the floor. "Well, wasn't sure that would work but glad it did." I mumbled, picking myself up off the guard and rubbing my aching elbows which had hit the ground.

"He's not dead, is he?" Aen asked, crouching down to check the guard's pulse.

"Nah, just unconscious."

"What should we do with him?"

"Put 'im in an empty cell I guess."

Aen nodded before dragging the angel guard into a cell. Once that was done, Aen put his hand on the wall beside the cell and a blue seal appeared, trapping the guard inside.

I started bouncing, feeling giddy, "Oh my glob, this is so much fun! We just knocked out a guard! This is so awesome!"

My angel friend gave me a weird look, "I do not believe that escaping from prison is supposed to be fun."

"I know but all this just feels so excitin!" Before he could say anything else, I ran ahead to the door that the angel had come through and had shut behind him. Putting my ear to it, I listened for voices on the other side but didn't hear anything. Of course, that didn't mean anything since the door could be sound-proof or something. Aen joined me as I cracked open the door next. The room beyond was empty of angels but had a table with a few chairs around it. On top of the table was an open book, a helmet, and a halberd.

"They only have one guard?" I whispered.

"Abaddon himself wouldn't be able to escape from this prison." Aen answered, "The guard is more of a precaution than a necessity."

I flung the door open, "Then why're we sneakin 'round? This thing just got a whole lot less fun."

Aen just sighed but followed me into the room. Besides the one we just came through, there were five other doors all around the room.

"So which door leads ta where?"

"Those two lead to more cells, that one is the… interrogation room, that one is where the prisoners' belongings are kept, and that one is the exit." He answered, pointing out each one.

"Ya sure seem ta know a lot about this prison."

He gave me a small smile, "Every angelic soldier must serve as a guard at least once. Provided that there are prisoners to guard over, of course."

"Makes sense. So let's get our shit and the Hell outta Dodge."

"Dodge?"

"Dodge City is, was, a place in Kansas where they used to make a lot of western shows. It's just somethin that humans say sometimes. Er used ta anyway."

Throwing open the door to the belongings room, I quickly started scanning the shelves for my stuff among all the other stuff on the multiple shelves. There was some pretty interesting things here. Books, scrolls, a myriad of weapons, armor sets, bottles of something, scraps of cloth, a …stereo, and a whole bunch of other things I could only guess at. This place was a regular treasure trove. I had to fight back the urge to start singing the beginning to "Part of Your World".

I finally found all of my stuff in a neat little pile at the end of the last shelf. Putting everything - except my lighter since I don't really need it - back in its place, I made my way back. I found Aen staring through the open door, his hands in his pockets and wings twitching behind him occasionally.

"They ain't got your stuff?" I asked him.

"My armor and halberd were standard issue." He answered, still looking out the doorway, "They've probably been given to someone else or had it melted down."

"Well that's a bummer. But ya didn't have anythin special ya wanna keep?"

"No."

"Well is there any place we can stop by ta get ya more armor er somethin?"

"Without getting caught?"

"That would be preferable."

"Then no."

Aen will have probably have a hard time fightin without a weapon. Havin no armor will make it even tougher. But where could we find those without-… Oh…

"Wait right here." I told him before running out the door. Hm, forgot the halberd out here. Anyway, I ran through the other two cell blocks and found them completely devoid of life besides myself.

So who does all that shit belong ta?

Deciding not to think on that too much, I ran back to Aen, "Do ya know… how ta… use a sword?" I asked him while trying to catch my breath. Man, I was out of shape. Then again, that was a lot of running.

"Of course." He answered skeptically.

"Cooleos." I searched among the shelves until I found a set of blue and silver armor that look like it would fit and took it back. I had to make multiple trips though since it was so big. Despite that, it was surprisingly light.

"Put that on." I told him when I brought the last piece.

He looked dumbfounded by the order, "I cannot take this."

"Look, I just checked this whole prison and besides you, me, the guard, and Azzy, there's no one else here. Whoever this armor belonged ta is either dead er don't want it no more."

"Then I would be stealing it from the White City."

"Fine, ya wanna be stubborn too. Ok, I took it from the White City then I gave it ta you. So now technically ya didn't take it." I know that's some twisted ass logic but it works. "Now put that on while I go find one more thing."

He didn't argue anymore and started donning his new armor as I went to go look for a special something. Finally finding that special something, I pulled it off the shelf and dragged it back to the angel.

"Hm, that looks good on ya." I told Aen who had finished putting on the armor. "How's it fit?"

"Like a glove." He answered with a smile.

"Good. Here's this too, think ya can use it?"

Taking the sword from me, the angel hefted it in both hands and gave it a few experimental swings, careful not to hit anything, "I haven't practiced with a great sword in a while."

"Should we go find somethin else then?"

"No, this will do."

"Great! One more thing…" Going through the scraps of cloth on the shelves, I found a dark green cloak and threw it on. "How do I look? Think I could pass fer an angel kid er somethin?"

"No, but you could pass for a visitor to the White City."

"Good enough then. Let's get movin!"

Aen just nodded but he was smiling too. It seemed he was starting to enjoy this as well.

So we left the prison then, going up some stairs and not bothering to close any of the doors. Maybe someone would notice the open doors and go in to investigate and find the guard in the cell. Maybe they would even see the holes I made and realize that Azrael could have made a break for it but didn't and maybe they'd go easier on him for good behavior. It was a long shot but just maybe.

Anyway, the world outside was, in one word, amazing. Actually, that's an understatement. It was… amazing, beautiful, awesome, magnificent, incredible, indescribable, and unimaginable. But that's seven words, not one. Despite me saying that it was indescribable, I'll try my best. Islands floated here and there, some of them connected by walkways. Buildings stretched into the sky, looking like fingers reaching for an even higher Heaven. Of course, angels could be seen flying between the islands, conducting their angel business. The weirdest thing was the light. There was no visible sun and yet there was a light that seemed to come from everywhere. There were absolutely no shadows anywhere, which kinda made sense if you thought about it.

"Ya lived here?" I asked Aeneas, unable to stop starting, "This is… holy shit. Just… wow!"

Aen chuckled, "It is quite amazing, isn't it?"

"That's an understatement."

"…I missed it…"

I turned to look at the angel then. He had a longing look on his face. Damn near broke my heart. Poor guy. Oh yeah, they were stuck on Earth fer a century. "It must be nice ta be back home then."

"It is."

I couldn't imagine how hard this must be for him. This was his home and he might never be able to see it again. That had to really suck.

"So is there like a house er somethin ya wanna visit before we go?"

He looked at me in surprise, "We can't, the risk is too great."

"Damn the risks. If ya wanna go, we'll go. If we get caught then we'll fight our way outta here."

He smiled at me, "No, it's alright but thank you, Hope."

"…If you're sure."

"I am."

"Then let's go find those Orthos and get back ta Earth. I'm ready ta get back ta Grim." I added as a mumble.

Apparently my mumble wasn't much of a mumble since Aen heard it, "Grim?"

I could feel my face starting to heat up but hopefully my hood was hiding my blush, "Uh, yeah. The, uh, Horseman."

It didn't take him long to figure out who I was talking about, "You and… Death?"

"Mmm, yeah. He's very… persistent, among other things. But anyway, let's go." I said, walking off even though there was no way off this island besides flying.

"Yes, I'd hate to keep you from your Horseman for too much longer."

I turned back to find him grinning, "He's not my- Ah, fuck it!" I stormed off but with a laugh, Aen caught up and kneeled so that I could climb onto his back.

"Ya know, I don't think ya were this mean before." I told him once we were in the air.

"Perhaps all the fun and excitement from escaping from prison is getting to me."

"Whatever." I snorted though I couldn't help the smile on my face.

Eventually we made it to an island where I guess the stables were. The buildings on it looked like stables anyway. There was also a number of angels out and about. Some looked like they were the caretakers of the beasts, others were walking or playing with them, and the rest were flying off or coming back on them.

"So how we gonna do this?" I asked once we had landed at the edge of the island.

"We could try to fool them. Only the higher angels know of what happened to me. But…"

"But what? Don't tell me I need a license er somethin."

"Not exactly. Riding an Ortho takes special training and a bond, both of which could take years."

"We ain't exactly got years."

"Then I suppose all we can do if find one that doesn't have a rider and hope for the best."

"Hey, hopin fer the best is what I do best. There anythin else I need ta know before we do this?"

"You must find one that doesn't already have a rider. If it does and you try to mount it… well, it won't be good."

"Wait, but Big Red rode one after he knocked its rider off."

"Sometimes the Ortho will allow it if its new rider is stronger than its previous one."

"I guess that makes sense."

Now that the crash course of dos and don'ts was over, we quickly made up a plan that I hoped beyond hope would work.

"You!" Aen called out to one of the stable hands who was passing by.

"Can I help you?" he asked, landing in front of us.

Aen pointed to me, "This is the child of the Huldra emissary. She wishes to see the Orthos."

Honestly, I though this whole Huldra thing was a bit overboard since they're supposed to be beautiful seductresses or some shit but they were the only creatures he could think of that looked the most human. At least Aen was playing his part pretty well. I wonder if there are angel actors and actresses. Musicians? Artists? Maybe I could ask Aen about all of it one day.

"Of course." The angel bowed to us, "Follow me if you would."

He walked off then to the nearest stable and we followed him. Inside it was surprisingly clean and larger than it looked with pens that looked like they could hold two of the beasts. Speaking of them, they all seemed to look almost exactly alike but with different colored feathers here or there. This one had yellow along its wings, that one had light pink on its head, this one that green on its tail.

"No offense to you," the caretaker said suddenly, "but I heard the Huldra are supposed to be beautiful beyond imagining."

"That is an exaggeration." I answered, trying to make my speech proper, "But I am still growing into my looks."

"I see, pardon my questioning."

"No problem. Oh, what are these?" I asked, noticing plaques with writing on them beside the pens.

"Those tell the Ortho's name and who its rider is." He explained, stopping at one, "Like this one's name is Kavanis and belongs to Jeramiah."

"Ah, I see."

"We have the plaques because it's so hard to tell them apart sometimes and so that new recruits who come to pick an Ortho will not choose one that already has a rider."

I found one then that had both plaques blank, "What of this one?"

The Ortho inside look to be smaller than average with a few light blue feathers along his wings.

"He was the runt of the clutch and no one wants him because of his size."

"Well that's sad. Aen, we're takin this one."

The stable hand looked at me in surprise, "You can't just-"

He didn't get to finish he protest as Aen hit him over the head with the flat of his new blade, rendering him unconscious.

"Hope, are you sure you want this one?" the angel asked.

"Yup, he may be too small fer angels but he's the perfect size fer me. Now, any advice before I try ta make a new friend?"

"Watch out for the claws and the beak."

Well no dur. "Thanks, I guess." I opened the door to the pen and slipped inside, shutting it behind me.

The Ortho perked his head up and watched me with golden eyes before giving out a loud screech and laying his head back down. Thankfully, there was a bunch of others screeching outside so I doubt his was noticeable.

I crept towards him, "Hey there big guy, how's it goin? Ya wanna come with us? We'll getcha outta this dank pen."

I guess deciding that I had come close enough, he stood and stretched his wings out behind him. I also guess he was trying to look threatening.

These guys were supposed to be prideful, right? I've learned that you can beat pride with pride. My pride won't allow me to back down so I stood up straight and threw my hood back, "Come at me bro. Don't just show it, ya need ta bring it."

He screeched again before rearing back on his hind legs and clawing at the air but I refused to be cowed. Back on all fours, he charged at me. Or he tried, he couldn't really charge in the space given. He stopped just short of hitting me though and instead looked at me before butting his head into my stomach, making me release the breath I didn't know I was holding.

I reached out a hand and he pressed his head against it. "Aen, tell me this is a good sign."

"This is a very good sign. He's accepted you as his rider."

"Oh, that is good. I thought he was gonna kill me." I admitted, petting my new Ortho. "Allefty then, now we just need ta give ya a name. Aen can ya go find me a pen er somethin please?"

With a nod, he left to go get something to write with.

After he left, my Ortho screeched again before nudging me towards the door. It seemed someone was in a hurry to get out of here. I wonder if he's happy to finally have a rider, even if she is a human. I just hope that he can get along with Mayhem.

"We need to find him a saddle and harness as well." Aen said, coming back with a quill and ink.

"Thanks. We can find those after I name him." Dipping the quill in the ink, I quickly wrote down two names on the plaques.

"Concord and Hope." Aen read aloud.

"Yup. Ya like that name, Concord?" I asked the Ortho. "We'll call ya Con fer short."

In answer, Con screeched then started nudging me towards the exit. This was gonna be easier than I thought it'd be.

"What's going on here?!" someone yelled.

We turned to see an angel leading an Ortho into the stables. Well, there went easy.

"This ain't what it looks like. Okay, this is exactly what it looks like. Let's bail!" With that, I threw my hood back up and ran the opposite way, Aen and Concord close behind.

"Stop!" the other angel commanded.

"No chance!" I yelled back. What? Comebacks, lame or otherwise, are in my genes.

As soon as we were outside, I hopped onto Con's back and he immediately took to the air, screeching his happiness. I should have looked for a saddle and all that instead of writing our names.

"How do we get back ta Earth?" I asked Aen once he had joined us.

"We go to Lostlight."

"Whazzat?"

"It's an outpost connected to the Tree of Life.

"Then lead the way!"

We somehow managed to get away from the stable island without being chased. Nothing short of a miracle. That changed though when we actually reached Lostlight. Or I guess it was Lostlight. It was where Aen lead us so it had to be.

Before we got too close, an angel flew up into our path, stopping us in our air tracks. "Who are you?" he asked.

Well now I've see three angels with actual feathers. "Tourists." I answered quickly. "I think we may be lost. Do ya know the way ta the Tree o' Life?" Which was a pretty stupid question since it could be seen from leagues away.

"What's a human doing in Heaven?" he asked instead of answering.

"Tryin ta get home. What's an angel doin in Lostlight?"

"Guarding the Crystal Spire."

"Oh… okay. Well… good luck with that." I nudged Con to go around the angel but he moved to block us again.

"I cannot let you go to the Tree."

"Hey, ya said you're guardin the Spire, not the Tree."

"Master Nathaniel," Aen jumped in, "please forgive Hope but we really need to get back to Earth. I fear to think of what the Horseman Death will do when he learns that his human was being held captive in the White City."

I had a lot of problems with that but decided not to voice them. Instead, I gave the larger angel my best puppy eyes, "Please Mr. Nathaniel Sir? I really wanna get back home ta… Grim."

He just stared at me for a moment and I threw in a quivering lip for added effect. "Why were you being held captive?"

"Uh, fer nothin more than bein a human!" I slightly lied. "Can ya believe that? I mean, this is discrimination!"

Nathaniel looked at me for a moment more before laughing.

"Is this another good sign?" I whispered to Aen.

"I think so." He whispered back.

"I cannot let you go to the Tree." Mr. Nate said after he stopped laughing. "But there is a portal to Earth at the top of the Spire."

"Cooleos, thanks man." Nudging Con again, he flew around the angel, who let us pass this time, and up to the top of the Spire where Aen joined us. Landing on the balcony, I dismounted and led Concord inside into a throne-like room. In the middle of the room sat a pool of darkness.

"Where's the Archon?" Aen asked, I guess thinking out loud.

"The who?"

"The Archon. He's a very powerful angel who is supposed to be watching over this place."

"The Archon is dead."

We turned to see Mr. Nate standing at the entrance.

"He was taken over by Corruption and killed by Death."

"See there Aen? Even super angels get corrupted so it's okay that ya were."

"You were corrupted?" Nathaniel asked, looking ready for a fight now.

"…I should really learn ta keep my mouth shut, shouldn't I?" I asked Aen.

"It would probably help."

"…Inta what I assume ta be the portal! Bye Mr. Nate!"

With that, Aeneas, Concord, and myself jumped onto the portal. We were instantly surrounded by some liquidy stuff and sunk down into the floor. The next thing I know, we're coming up out of the pool inside of a crumbling building. Guess it worked. We were back on Earth. Now to find Death…

Con immediately got behind me and started pushing me outside.

"My, you're an impatient one."

Aen chuckled, "He must be eager to get back into the air."

"Probably." I couldn't help but sigh then, "Thing is, I need ta go find Grim. And though flyin might help, I don't even know what city he's in. Er if he's even in one."

"Perhaps your demon can help."

"Mayhem?"

"Uh, yes. Grappleclaws are supposed to have an incredible sense of smell. Maybe you can find the Horseman that way."

"Wunderbar Aen! It's worth a shot. Plus this is a good a chance as any ta introduce 'im ta Con."

"I do not think-"

"Too late!"

I summoned Mayhem and Con instantly reared up on his hind legs in preparation to strike at the new demonic arrival. Likewise, Mayhem roared and crouched, ready to pounce. Even when they're trying to kill each other, they're adorable. Knowing they wouldn't hurt me, I stepped in between them. As predicted, Con fell back onto all fours and Mayhem rose from his crouch.

"Alright Mayhem, this is our new friend Concord. Con, this is Mayhem. I want - and expect - ya two ta get along. Got it?"

In response, Con screeched and Mayhem growled at the other.

"Stop that, both o' ya. Now you're both very precious ta me and I want all o' us ta be friends." I reached out to either side and started petting them, "Can y'all do that? Please? Fer me?"

Both creatures snorted and I took that as their version of "sure".

"Goody! Alright Con, go get some rest fer now. Ya did great." I told the Ortho before banishing him.

"Hope, perhaps you should be the new liaison between angels and demons." Aen said. I think he was in shock.

"Nah, too much work." I turned to my demon, "Mayhem, I need ya ta find Grim. Can ya do that boy?"

Mayhem started wagging his tail and licked my face. If I knew my demon, that was a yes. Then again, he could just be happy that Con was gone.

"Allefty then! Lead the way!" I told him, jumping onto his back. He sniffed the air then took off down the street and over a pile of rubble.

Aen soon caught up with us, "I'll stay with you until you find the Horseman."

"Thanks."

So off we went to find the Horseman, the wonderful Horseman of death. We ended up leaving that city and passing through three more. We actually ran into a few demons and undead. Maybe I should say we ran through them. When they got in our way, Mayhem didn't even slow down and instead just ploughed through them. Good boy. It's amazing though how he never seemed to get tired.

We'd gotten pretty far into the countryside when Mayhem finally stopped.

"Is he nearby?" I asked the demon. "Er are ya finally ready fer a break?"

Out of nowhere, a crow came swooping down and landed on my shoulder before letting out a loud caw.

"Well hello Dust, good ta see ya too. So I guess he is nearby." I hopped off Mayhem's back, Dust taking to the air, and scratched my demon under the chin, "Thanks boy, get some rest now. Ya deserve it." With that, I banished him. But in a good way.

Then we heard the beat of hooves on asphalt. Coming down the road, sitting atop a pale horse, was Death.

"Hey look, I found 'im."

"I think he found you." The angel corrected.

"Whatever. Thanks fer your help and all that. And be careful out there."

"You as well."

"See ya 'round." We shook hands and I took off running towards Death, waving at him. "Hey Grim!"

He didn't slow down or even acknowledge that he saw me. As he drew closer, he leaned sideways in the saddle and once he was right beside me, he snatched me up to sit in front of him on the saddle. He then wheeled Despair around so that we were going back the way he came.

"So is this like a ride-by kidnappin? 'Cause I think I've had enough kidnappins in general."

He didn't answer. He seemed mad about something. Wait, why does this scene seem so familiar?

"Well sheesh. Missed ya too."

After a few minutes, Death finally pulled Despair into an old barn way out in the country. Helping me off the horse without a word, he banished his mount before shutting the barn door. Now it was too dark to see anything besides Death's glowing orange eyes.

"Wanna tell me what the Hells this is 'bout?" I asked, conjuring a bit of fire to see.

Still not saying anything, not even about the fire in my hand, he looked at me for a moment before walking over and wrapping me in a tight hug. Aw, he just didn't want to be seen hugging me in public. Not that the countryside is exactly public but whatever.

Hugging him back the best I could with my free arm, a thought suddenly occurred to me, "Wait, ya ain't corrupted, are ya?"

"What makes you ask that?" he finally spoke, pulling away a bit to look at me.

"Well, ya weren't talkin and was kinda actin funny. I mean, we're huggin in a dark barn in the middle o' nowhere."

"You were kidnapped. I was… worried."

"Aw, how sweet. But that still don't explain what we're doin here."

"I was trying to get you away from the angel."

"Aen? Why?"

"He was corrupted."

"Key word there bein was. I healed his Corruption."

"You can't get rid of Corruption that easily."

"Who said it was easy? I had ta hang on fer dear life and then I passed out."

"That's not what I meant and you know it."

I pushed away from him then and kept the fire in between us, "Do I? Despite how easy it may er may not have been, I did heal 'im. He don't even remember what happened while he was corrupted. Plus, he helped me escape from prison so I'm pretty sure he's okay now."

Death looked at me in surprise, "Prison? Where? Why? Tell me what happened."

So, with a sigh, I told him everything that had happened since I woke up in my prison cell to when we got back to Earth. By the time I got done, I had built a small fire away from anything flammable, Death was leaning against a wall, and I was sitting on a box.

"…So you have an Ortho named Concord now?"

That's the only thing he got outta that? "Yup, wanna meet 'im?"

"Not right now." He chuckled.

"But see? Aen ain't corrupted no more. I totally cured 'im o' that shit!" I told him, getting excited.

"Yes, but you need to be more careful. You could have been killed by your 'friend'." And just like that, my excitement was dead.

"Maybe but I wasn't."

"But you could have been."

"But. I. wasn't."

"But you could. Have. Been."

I was standing now, glaring at my… boyfriend? Huh, first time I've referred to him as that. "Who cares?! I wasn't and that's all that matters!"

Death stared at me, a bit shocked at my words, and stalked over. I think I made him angry. "I care dammit! If you had died I…"

"But I didn't!"

The Reaper actually groaned, "Why are you so stubborn?"

"How the Hells should I know?! Blame fuckin genetics!"

"Never mind. You need to be more careful."

"Fuck that! Life without risks is just borin! But if ya cain't handle the fact that I'm an idiot that takes stupid ass risks then maybe this whole thing was a mistake."

What the blood-soaked Hells am I sayin? Shut the fuck up, Hope! Ya don't mean any o' this! Apologize right now!

Despite what I was really thinking and the tears about to spill over, I moved past my ex, "Bye Grim."

Grabbing my arm, he pulled me back and practically crushed me against himself, "My name is Death."

"Who gives a damn?!" I yelled, trying to push him away. "Leggo o' me!"

"No, I… I can't lose you again." And on that note, he removed his mask and kissed me. It lasted only a second and then I broke it, still trying to get away.

"Stop it! I don't like ya no more!"

"Liar." And he kissed me again. It lasted much longer than a second this time and he pulled away first.

"I'm still pissed at ya." I breathed.

He chuckled then kissed me again, "And now?"

"Yeah."

And again, "How about now?"

"Shut up and kiss me."

"Say my name."

"Shut up and kiss me, Death."

Reaching up, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him down for another kiss. I could feel his lips smile against mine as his hands came to rest on my hips. Accidently - or perhaps it was on purpose - Death fell back onto a pile of hay, taking me with him. I felt him pop the buttons on my shirt/vest thingy one by one and then…

Oh shit…

…

Hope

P.S. Kavanis is actually the name of my D&D character. He's a goliath and adorable! Just wanted to letcha'll know.