Chapter 14: Making preparations

Morgana monologue:

It begins as always with a desire for power...

Boss man's vengeance, Omne's crave for attention, humanity's desire for control, the Angels' hunger for dominance, the Demons' taste for conquest.

Are we all so different?

I once offered my soul to Boss man in return for unimaginable power and in exchanged I was to be his assistant and glorified babysitter to his daughter Sheba who may have been at least a few millions years old but appeared to be in her early teens.

I served the Boss for centuries even during Omne's betrayal and attempt to force him to bow to his rule or rid him from the Universe forever.

But Boss never bowed and was met with a giant cosmic sword through his chest piercing his heart, I fought alongside the Boss with the World Serpent as our ally and defied all who would wage war upon us.

But I was ordered to stand down by the Boss, knowing I wouldn't last any further than he and the World Serpent he heartbreakingly renounced my service and I was spared by Omne's forces.

The Final battle resulted in Sheba piercing her own father and with his dying breathe he... cursed Omne to forever to dread his return from a union of Light and Dark to spite Omne.

Boss man's death caused a massive explosion sending the universe to shatter into four realities with the Dead Kingdom being a realm to harness all who were dead.

I was placed under Sheba's servitude who dealt a punishment to roam the Earth unable to die until I had proven worthy to her... gotta admit she was a real bitch for that, but hey can't defy a god damn Goddess of Darkness, so what can you right?

I proved my worth and as a reward, I was permitted to start my own clan of Witches, I'll give you three guesses what the clan was called.

However to Balance my clan Jubileus' followers appointed a hunk of a Wizard, Merlin to lead his own clan of Sages, Merlin was named the Patriarch of his clan I was crowned the Matriarch of mine.

The only rule, don't fuck another clan and get pregnant... simple enough if Aesir didn't give humanity free will by splitting his soul in two... but I wasn't bothered, cause now Boss man's rebirth was assured.

I only had to wait for a Lumen Sage and Umbra Witch who couldn't keep in their pants even after I stepped down from being the leader of the clan, those who bared my blood or married into my family would lead.

As for me, I needed a much needed vacation from being a leader, I came to the Kingdom of the Dead and made my old friend's skull my home... couldn't honor him in any better way, damn guy was too big for his own good... I'll miss him.

Crescent valley (500 years before Oblivio's rebirth)

A younger Bayonetta was seen fighting Angels with Jeanne by her side as a Affinity leaped out her but Bayonetta immidiately kicked the side of it's head breaking it's skull with time seemingly slowing down. The Affinity's head bled out before time returned to normal and was flung into a Enchant killing them both, a Fearless pounced at Jeanne who grunted in shock as the Angel's massive jaws opened up.

But a silver claymore was then seen stabbed into the Fearless' head, slamming it into the ground as dust flew up in the air before a dark figure slowly stood up and reached his hand out and ripped the sword out of the Fearless' skull.

Jeanne panted and said "Father!"

The Black Knight walked out of the dust with his skull helmet's eye holes glowing red with anger and said "You bastards killed my wife!"

The Black Knight's claymore which oddly had a metal skull and bones for a guard glowed red as the Black Knight twirled the blade twice walking passed Jeanne and Bayonetta as two portals formed behind him.

Two white wolves climbed out of the portals snarling at the incoming Angel flock, the wolves had chains wrapped around their necks and bodies as the Black Knight kept his angry stare at the angels and looked back at Jeanne and ordered "Jeanne... you know your duty... protect the Left Eye at all costs. She cannot fall into their vile hands!"

Jeanne pointed at her father and questioned with a confused expression "And who are you to order me around?"

The Black Knight turned towards Jeanne and stated in a saddened yet calm tone "I'm your father, Jeanne... you'll never truly grow up in my eyes... you'll always be that little girl running around with pigtails, dragging your stuffed cat..."

Jeanne froze and said in a saddened tone "Father..."

The Black Knight turned away and said "But right now... as leader of the Umbran Knights... my duty to serve the Witches and ensure your survival is most important to me... and you must protect your fellow sister witch from them."

Jeanne shook her head in disbelief of what was happening as Bayonetta called out while pointing at the skies with the Fortitude Angel flapping it's wings "They're coming, Jeanne!"

Jeanne looked at the Black Knight who removed turned his head slightly and nodded before saying "May you die with a hundred enemies at your feet... Black Knight, Bolverk..."

Jeanne and Bayonetta fled attempting to find Bayonetta's mother as the Black Knight whose name now revealed to be, Bolverk turned his gaze towards his wolf companions and said "Freki, Geri... brothers, purge the invaders from our home."

The wolves snarled and barked as four Affinity angels flew at the three before one of the wolves leaped out and bit onto the throat of an Affinity tearing it out as the other wolf lunged at different Affinity biting it's arm. The wolf tore off the angel's arm causing blood to splatter everywhere before Bolverk walked towards the Angel and with a single swing of his sword beheaded the angel and held up his sword close to his helmet and eyed the blood running down the blade.

The other two Affinity shook in fear as the three stood ready to face them as an Acceptance crashed behind them and charged forth at Bolverk, who eyed his blade and spoke to it with respect "My old friend, Rebellion may you be passed on to my daughter Jeanne after this final battle..."

The sword gleamed for a moment before Acceptance summoned a lance and attempted to impale Bolverk while the wolves attacked the Affinity angels but Bolverk swiped his blade, deflecting the lance and with a single swipe cut Acceptance's chest. Acceptance cantered a few more steps before fall down lifeless before Bolverk flung the blood off Rebellion as the wolves snarled at the sight of more angels charging at the three from the air.

Bolverk took stance as the army of angels clashed with the three, but were for the longest time were outmatched as Bolverk would slash, stab, dismember and decapitate any and all Angels would would dare to get in his way.

The wolves would rip, tear, and bite until a Applaud stabbed one of the wolves causing it to whimper in pain as Bolverk shouted "FREKI!"

Then the wolf Geri lunged at the Applaud tearing it's spear out of it's grasp while Bolverk ran Rebellion through it's chest with an enraged glare in his eyes before grabbed the Applaud's head and crushed it's skull inwards before tossing over his shoulder scaring some of the angels. Bolverk tore his sword out of the dead angel's corpse and quickly turned his head at his Angel attackers with a serious death stare causing the lower ranked angels to tremble in fear.

Bolverk charged at the angels with Geri following after before Bolverk tackled an Affinity and stabbed Rebellion in it's head before tearing it out swing it across four Enchants before two Beloved angel shoved the smaller angels aside. Bolverk panted in a tired manner before removing his cape as it flew away from the wind before charging at the two angels as Geri charged alongside him.

One Beloved swiped it's axe at Bolverk who dropped down sliding on the ground and slid in-between the Beloved's legs and quickly leaped onto his feet and began to climb on the Beloved's back who violently attempted to shake him off but to no avail. Bolverk grunted in anger as he climbed ontop of the Beloved's shoulders and gave a loud battle cry before swinging his sword and decapitated the angel.

Bolverk jumped off the angel's giant's body and stabbed his sword in it's neck dragging it down and slammed it on the ground taunting in a disappointed manner "I can keep this up all day Feathered freaks!"

Geri had taken down the other Beloved and stood up with a proud posture and barked at the angels surrounding himself and Bolverk as the Umbra Elder's was heard "My love..."

Bolverk grunted in shock as he turned to see the Umbran Elder walking towards her spooking Bolverk who said "Impossible I saw you get killed..."

Geri growled at the Elder had gotten close enough to show a sinister grin before stabbing Bolverk in the belly and charged into a Joy Angel who said "Your suffering ends Black Knight."

But the Joy grunted in pain before coughing up blood and looked down to see Bolverk had stabbed Rebellion into her chest and looked up at Bolverk who grunted in pain before thanking "Thanks for the warning Geri..."

Geri nodded as Bolverk tore his sword out of Joy who fell back lifeless but a Glory Angel leaped out and slashed Geri to death causing Bolverk to shout "NOOOO!"

Glory held up the wolf's lifeless body and screeched in a victorious manner before causally tossing the body aside and dashed towards Bolverk who grunted at the speed of Glory who manned to slashed the side of his body making him yell in pain "AAAAAAAAAAGHKKKK!"

Glory gave a creepy chuckle before Bolverk stabbed it in it's hands and pinned it down on the ground before beating it's head into the dirty until there was nothing but a puddle of flesh.

Bolverk began to pant tiredly before standing back up and ripped Rebelion out of Glory and taunted the other angels "Whose next? (points at an Affinity) Is it you? (turns around and points at a Grace) How about you?"

The Angels watched as Bolverk showed how weakened the fight was beginning to make him as Grace leaped out and clashing with his sword and continued to strike at Bolverk until it cut through his armor and gashed his chest. Bolverk grunted int pain before swinging his blade and cut off Grace's left arm causing it to screech in pain before Bolverk began to pant heavier breathes and removed his skull helmet showing that he was an old man with a scared right eye.

He head white hair put into a short ponytail and had a goatee that was stained with his own blood and took stance as the Angels attempted to overwhelm him even after he had kept slaughtering them they kept swarming him. But finally Bolverk was overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the Angels and was pinned onto the ground by them as the Grace Angel placed it's right taloned claw on his chest and began to slowly burn him alive.

Bolverk squirmed in cried out in pain and agony before finally the Angels stopped and left his unconsious body alone and followed the possessed Balder while Bolverk with burned skin coughed seemingly still alive and tried to lift his head. But Bolverk's efforts to get up were in vain as he panted and saw his helmet a few feet away and managed to muster just enough strength to roll over onto his belly and crawl his way towards his helmet.

Bolverk grabbed his helmet and gently caressed it before putting it on and rolled over onto his back and turned his gaze towards a crescent moon shinning through clouds shortly before it began to rain. Bolverk breathed heavily before closing his eyes feeling the cold rain on his burnt body before placing Rebelion over his chest and held onto the hilt and breathed in one last time and exhaled leaving his body lifeless among a massive amount of dead angels around himself along with Freki and Geri's.

Rodin's bar (Present day)

Bolverk had returned to Death with the Umbran Elder and the entirety of what remains of the Umbra clan as Rodin was serving Rosa a drink the Elder assured "We are all accounted for... and we are willing to serve you faithfully... my lord."

Death sighed while palming his mask as Bayonetta was seen leaning against the wall observing with a amused chuckle as Death responded "I am no one's lord, refer to me as, Death, Rider or Horseman."

Bayonetta gave a seductive stare at Death eyeing him from behind while Rosa noticed and had a proud smug look on her face and thought "That's my girl."

The Elder sighed and nodded and said "As you command, Horseman."

Death raised his fist as it glowed purple as did the dead Umbra clan which caused them to vanished in everyone's eyes as the Skeleton with a bandana on said "So that's how Necromancers ties us to them..."

A Wraith waitress eyed the Skeleton and asked "You didn't know that?"

The Skeleton shrugged and stated "I've never been summoned before, so I lack the experience you could say. But hey the more you know right?"

The Wraith waitress shook her head and called "Loser."

Rodin served Rosa a drink as Death walked in while Rodin called him over "Yo Horseman, I've got info for ya."

Death walked over as Rodin informed him "I've learned the source of Argul's power. That Dragon of his that Bayonetta describes perfectly as Frostbane, a Soul of the Abyss not tied to the Well of Souls, he only serves those who summons him... I don't exactly know how Frostbane came to be but his ability to return from beyond his own death is similar to the cosmic gods."

Rosa froze hearing about Frostbane's power and asked "Are you saying that Frostbane is an actual Cosmic God?"

Bayonetta payed more attention listening as Rodin gestured his hand towards Rosa and suggested "Perhaps... but only a recent one... and seeing his association with the Abyss, what remains of Sheba's Darkness I can speculate that Frostbane is perhaps directly related to Sheba... I would even go far as to say he is her son."

Rosa rubbed her face and thought "Oh that's just wonderful news, we literally have a god among us serving to a lowly Mad King."

Rodin then suggested "If you slay Frostbane, you'll weaken Argul enough to deal a devastating blow."

Death rubbed the chin of his masked giving an interest look in his eyes and said "That is useful information... but if I go try to slay Frostbane, Argul will most likely fought along side his pet. I wouldn't be able to face both at the same time..."

Death pulled out a piece of paper and stated "I'll need you to bring me a list of these ingredients, I need them for... a weapon I will require to face Argul."

Rodin lit his cigar and took the paper and thought "Four chunks of Adamantine, a Fortification shard, seven Strength shards, a Thorn Shard, a Frenzy Shard and... An Essence of a Chosen?"

Rodin eyed Death who crossed his arms and asked "Can you handle that?"

Rodin blinked twice in a shocked manner and declared while pointing at Death "You sir are fucking crazy... (sees Death's unamused stare and rubs the back of his head) Yeah I can get these... the Essence won't be so easy... but I think I can convince Vulgrim. It should take me at least three days four at most."

Bayonetta had a worried look on her face as she looked at Death who remained focused on defeating Argul while Rodin puffed out smoke and pointed at Rosa and said "Yo Rosa, I wancha in charge while I'm gone."

Enzo grunted and questioned "HEY WHY DOES THE NEW GIRL GET TO BE PUT IN CHARGE?!"

Rodin walked away responding "Cause she ain't stuck in no jar Enzo, plus, Bayonetta and Death would still do better at taking care of things while I'm away."

Bayonetta agreed and asked "Enzo you wouldn't know how to take care of the Gates of Hell, even if you had been given a chance."

Enzo grumbled in a defeated manner "Stupid jar, Fuggetiboutit then!"

Later after he had left the bar, Rodin had come to the Tree of Death and grunted as he felt an ominous cold presence passing through him and immediately entered the Shadow realm and saw Oblivio himself walking with Morgana. Rodin began to drop a sweat as Oblivio turned his head slightly and fully turned around to see Rodin the two having an epic stare down leaving Morgana to observe with a slightly curious expression.

Rodin and Oblivio remained silent in their epic stare down until Rodin's hand clenched into a fist while Oblivio noticed and turned around and said "I won't interfere with Death's plan... The Nex Sarcramentum is a law that even I cannot defy."

Rodin sighed in relief as Morgana followed Oblivio whispering "What was that Boss man?"

Oblivio stated as the two kept walking "A exchange of the mind."

Oblivio and Morgana entered a portal to his Throne room while Rodin walked towards a portal and sighed in a hesitant manner before walking through and entered a different world.

This realm had an Heavenly aura to it, with a towering spire in the distance and Rodin sighed and thought out loud "I'm coming for ya lil brother."

A few hours later a heavily armored Angel with dark skin and white tattoos on his face, his wings large and white and wielding a large curved sword at his hip, the Angel sat in a praying position as Rodin was seen walking in the distance behind him.

The Angel opened his eyes showing his white eyes and stood up to see Rodin with his hands in his jacket's pockets the two kept silent as Rodin said "Nathaniel."

The Angel now revealed to be Rodin's younger brother responded in kind "Rodin..."

Rodin eyed the spire and asked in awkward tone "So... you guard this place?"

Nathaniel nodded and pulled out his sword and pointed it at Rodin warning "And if I must... I will die to defend it from you, brother."

Rodin nodded and raised his hands up insisting "I'm not here to fight ya, lil man."

Nathaniel scoffed and said "I always hated it when you call me that, especially now that I'm taller than you."

Rodin shrugged and said "You'll always be little compared to your big brother."

Nathaniel lowered his guard and asked "What do you want... Demon Lord."

Rodin lowered his hands and stated while gesturing his right hand towards Nathaniel "I want... I would like to ask for your help. A costumer of mine needs to be taught how to control her powers."

Nathaniel raised a brow in confusion and questioned "And who is this costumer?"

Rodin cleared his throat and stated "A... human."

Nathaniel gasped in surprise and asked "A human lives? The rumors are true then?"

Rodin raised a brow and asked "Rumors? What rumors?"

Nathaniel grunted unsure if he could trust Rodin but closed his eyes and inhaled as he responded "Rumors that a human on Earth have arisen..."

A vision of a man with wearing a brown tattered trench coat was seen with a sniper rifle over his shoulder, his coat billowed in the wind revealing his prosthetic leg as nathaniel continued "The Hunter is what he's called... he hunts Demons specifically and some say he even hunts after a Demon Lord."

Rodin sighed and stated "No... this human is a woman... but most importantly she is... a Old One, Brother... she is the template for the Nephilim race."

Nathaniel grunted in shock and warned "Then she must be eliminated, we all know that the Nephilim's conquest had wrought upon Heaven's first gift!"

Rodin sighed and informed "She's... carried the child of Death within her."

Nathaniel froze and rubbed his chin in contemplation and asked "Are you suggesting that a Rider has succumbed to Earthly pursuits?"

Rodin placed his hand over his mouth and cleared his throat stating "More like he's beginning to embrace it..."

Nathaniel rubbed his eyes in a conflicted manner and sighed before saying "I cannot leave here, Rodin... I am sworn to guard Archon Lucien."

Rodin scoffed clearly showing he cared little about the Archon and stated "The Archon is a self righteous ass, lil brother... (pulls out the paper Death gave him) Death asked me to get these for him... and knowing you also have a merchant's sense I'd figure I'd buy these off ya if you've got em."

Nathaniel looked at the list and said "Indeed I do... but why would I?"

Rodin sighed and reminded "I remember when you and me were kids and I took the blame for a certain stupid thing you did..."

Nathaniel grunted and quickly pulled out the shards and said "Fine... just let this be my debt, deal?"

Rodin smirked in victory and reached out his hand and shook Nathaniel's and responded with a satisfied tone "Deal."

Nathaniel handed over the shards as Rodin exchanged some souls while unbeknownst the two brothers Corrupted modern Angels were seen spying on them as Oblivio's voice was heard "Fascinating..."

The Angel flew off towards the top of the spire as a four winged Angel sat upon a throne suspended above a pool on a pillar, the Angel's armor was heavy Ivory white with golden lining with fabric draping over his legs.

The Angel's face was masked by a bright radiance of light yet the light was dimming showing some feature of his face, while his eyes began to blacken with Corruption and spoke in a prideful tone "The Creator has made me, Archon Lucien one of his Champions, he will bring order to this Chaotic universe..."

The Corrupted Angel landed in front of the Archon as he spoke with Oblivio voice "Prophet of Anarchy, you have the Key?"

The Archon flew down to the Angel mentally controlled by Oblivio and held out a giant angelic key and stated "The Hub of the Universe's cycle of Birth, Death and Rebirth is yours..."

Oblivio using the Angel picked up the key and eyed it and asked "Good... now you know, nothing you do is beyond my sight... you killed Rampage, the Horse of Fury didn't you."

The Archon nodded and confessed "I did, the Seven Deadly Sins were free I was ordered to ensure that Fury was motivated so I had the Phantom beast impaled a few times before it was summoned to it's master."

Oblivio sighed in a disappointed manner and warned while handing back the key "This will have consequences, my Prophet, Death will come for you and when he does you will face agony the likes which are beyond your imagination."

The Angel groaned as Oblivio's hold over him had completely vanished the Archon raised his hand out summoning Corrupt Angels who all chanted "For the Glory of the Light! For the Glory of the Light!"

With Rodin (The Kingdom of the dead, three days later)

Rodin had returned to the kingdom puffing on his cigar as Vulgrim's creepy yet sinsiter chuckle was heard "Ehehehehehahaha! (erupts in front of Rodin) Ahhh Demon Lord Rodin, you honor me with your presence."

Rodin sighed and responded "I'm here on some important business, thief."

Vulgrim grasped his hands together and countered "Ohhh you wound me, Rodin, but I'm not the one who stole from teh Dark Prince himself, you stole his favorite sword, the Angel Slayer. In fact some Demons have claimed to have seen it in the grasp of a human woman on Earth during the Apocalypse."

Rodin kept his cool and responded "What can I say, the lady needs a good blade to swing at her enemies. And no blade has earned the respect of Demons and the fear of Angels like the Pigeon slayer itself."

Vulgrim laughed amused by the insult to the Angels "AHAHAHA! Ohhh... what would have from this humble merchant?"

Rodin pointed at Vulgrim and asked "You got a... Essence of a Chosen?"

Vulgrim rubbed his chin and responded "Ahhh yes... Fury sold me a few and I just so happen to have one left for sale."

Rodin summoned souls which erupted into Vugrim's maw making him moan with pleasure and said "You do know my favorite kind of souls... hmmmm the young ones eheheh spectacular!"

Rodin kept his cool even though he was disgusted by Vulgrim's appetite for young souls to feed on before Vulgrim summoned a purple gem infumed with dark energy and warned "Be warned, the Essence of a Chosen lack the spark of Creation itself, some might even say... the Creator had no hand in their creation."

The gem had an ominous dark purple aura and began to have faint whispers so quiet that even Rodin had a hard time to focus on what was being said and responded "Thanks Vulgrim we need to catch up sometime maybe a drink on me?"

Vulgrim chuckled and playfully joked "Oh behave you ehehahaha!"

Rodin frowned and clarified "Not what I meant, Vulgrim."

With Argul

Argul, Artorus and Frostbane were seen standing on top of a mountain sized spinal cord the arched up into the sky with a literal sea of bones surrounding mountain sized spine.

Argul's cape fluttered in the wind as he asked his Ice Lord servant "Artorus, are thou sure this is the location where the traitor casted his spell?"

Artorus bowed and answered with respect "Yes my lord..."

Argul summoned his scepter and said "Good..."

Argul slammed the pummel of his scepter on the spine causing a loud BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

The slam tore open a rift into another plain of existence as Argul grunted as if the amount of power it required to force open this tear was greatly affecting him before the tear fumed icy cold air blowing his cape back.

Argul sighed in relief from the cold with icy cold steam fuming out of his mouth and said "At last... thine home... thine tomb... thine Frozen Legion hahaha!"

An army of frozen undead was seen staring through the tear an bowed after seeing Argul all chanting "HAIL KING ARGUL! HAIL KING ARGUL!"

Argul ripped his scepter out of the spine and walked through the tear with Frostbane and Artorus following behind as Argul pointed at Artorus and ordered "Artorus, I want thou to invite Death to thine home... I do have a Death Oath to uphold."

Artorus then thought of how Argul abandoned his Frozen Battalion and responded "As you command... my lord."

Rodin's forge

Rodin had returned with the materials Death requested and was seen in his forge with the Rider himself giving him all the material he required and asked "So what kind of weapon are you makin?"

Death began to get to work while stating "A gauntlet."

Rodin watched as Death began crafting the gauntlet and responded "By the look in your eyes, I'd say that this gauntlet is no ordinary one."

Death explained "This gauntlet by itself will be a medium for me to use the shards I asked you to get for me."

Rodin grunted and said with a shocked tone "Y-you crazy bastard! You'll get yourself killed!"

Death responded while hammering at hot metal stating "I only need to use the power to defeat Argul, and that way the Death Oath will be completed and I'll be abel to receive my regenerative abilities back."

Rodin grunted in shock and admitted "It's a risky plan to put it lightly... especially seeing how Argul kicked your ass."

Death summoned his reaper fists to compress the metal into a certain shape as he responded confidently "I have already asked Bayonetta to deal with Frostbane while I distract Argul with our duel."

Rodin rubbed his godly beard and said "Not a bad plan... if it works."

Rosa entered the forge and said "Hey boys... we have a unexpected guest..."

Death finished his gauntlet, it was black, with four holes on each knuckle as Death put it on his right hand and clenched his hand into fist with metallic sounds being heard as he said "Then let's not keep them waiting."

Artorus was seen silently waiting with his arms crossed while the Black Knight along with the entire Umbra Clan entered the bar with the Black Knight and Artorus eyeing each other for a short moment before Death, Rodin and Rosa entered.

The Black Knight and the Umbran Elder bowed along with the other members of the Umbran Clan as the Umbran Elder said "We are ready to be taken intp your service."

Death raised his left hand as all the clan members vanished while Death said "As we agreed upon."

Artorus uncrossed his arms and pointed at Death and said "I am Artorus, the Ice Lord, and... honored servant to my Lord, Argul has invited you to his Tomb and face him in one on one combat and complete the Death Oath."

Bayonetta walked in hearing what was going on as Death gave a cold stare at Artorus he had a very exhausted look in his eyes and asked "You seem weary, Ice Lord."

Artorus sighed and removed his helmet showing his icy rotted flesh and dropped his helmet and stated "I served my lord with honor and respect, but his recent actions of abandoning those who would faithfully serve him... well let's just say that I am tired of royal politics."

Death raised a brow as Artorus removed his tattered cape and pauldrons off his shoulders, his breastplate armor showing his icy ribcage while removing his gauntlets and tossed them on the floor and removed his leg armor leaving his entire skeletal body exposed stating "I'm renounce my loyalty to Argul..."

Rodin puffed smoke out of his mouth with his cigar still in his mouth and gestured his right hand at Artorus and asked "What did Argul do to force this change of heart, gladiator?"

Artorus eyed Rodin as Rosa, and Bayonetta grunted in shock to hear that Artorus was a gladiator as he responded "The Frozen legion were at one time my brothers in arms and they fell for nothing but by a King's Madness... go to the Sea of Bones and scale the World Serpent's Spine, there a portal will be opened for you to enter Argul's domain."

Artorus turned away and thought "Even in death I am forced to serve such heartless masters..."

Artorus left without further conflict as Death eyed the armor and turned towards Rodin and pointed at the armor set asked "Rodin... mind saving that armor set, it may prove of use later."

Rodin eyed Death and crossed his arms and joked "Hah you're barkin a lot of orders."

The Citadel of Corruption (The Shadow Realm)

Oblivio had returned to his home with Morgana and already had made use of Morgana's power, Morgana was seen with his previous body and began to cast some ritual upon the body with a magical insignia forming beneath the body and Oblivio himself. Oblivio closed his eyes while feeling a sort of strain causing him to grunt in discomfort before the body's eye shot open and roared with rage.

The body flipped onto it's feet and snarled at Morgana who gave a mildly scared expression and said "Heh... scary."

The body whipped it's tailed around in a chaotic manner as Oblivio ordered telepathically "Stand down!"

The body turned to see Oblivio who opened his eyes his aura was like black smoke as his eye shined through giving an intimidating appearance making the body stand down and bow in a terrified manner.

Oblivio readjusted his grip around his throne's arms and addressed the body "My Prosecutor of Calamity, you have been given your own free will, you have two tasks, track Omne and safe guard, the Charred Council."

The Prosecutor growled and simply nodded as Oblivio stated "You and I are far more connected than my other Champions, while I can speak to them through a great time and distance, and see through there eyes at anytime... I can take direct control over you if I need to, and by extension you have a certain amount of my powers in your possession. For example you can grow in size, but only when I am in control."

The Prosecutor gave a low yet scared growl as Oblivio assured "But be assured I will not take control to demean you nor your task."

The Prosecutor kept a skeptical look but nodded as a response before Oblivio raised his right hand out and ordered "Now go."

The Prosecutor walked out as Morgana asked "You didn't tell him that he will act as a red haring for Omne?"

Oblivio leaned back in his throne and stated "He knows..."

Morgana eyed Oblivio and asked "How so Boss man?"

Oblivio then stated while crossing his right leg over his left "The connection is stronger than you realize, remember that was my body before I gave it up for this one."

Morgana scratched the back of her head and said "Yeah about that... really no nose or mouth just four eyes?"

Oblivio had an amused look in his eyes and questioned "And what pray tell is wrong with this look."

Morgana shrugged and bluntly admitted "It kinda feels like your trying to make a statement."

Oblivio scoffed amusingly while shaking his head and claimed "A statement? No... (looks down with a fond look in his eyes) just trying to live while carrying out my... (shows a regretful look) vengeance."

Morgana noticed how Oblivio was acting and asked "You... need to talk Boss man?"

Oblivio shook his head and claimed "I'll be fine..."

Absalom entered the throne room and eyed Morgana while walking passed her and bowed asking "You requested my presence my lord?"

Oblivio stood up and gestured towards Morgana "Yes... Morgana here, my Pariah of Isolation will be your second in command, treat her with respect and heed her words."

Absalom eyed Morgana who watched him stand up and tower over her and joked "Ohhhh... they just don't make em like they used to do they?"

Absalom raised a brow and questioned "This human will be my second in command? I though you'd make the Herald my second in command."

Oblivio then stated "As much as I trust in the Herald's loyalty I need leaders to lead my armies, and with leaders you require far more insight into creation than my Pure Borns."

Morgana placed her left hand on her hip and teased "Oh you do have a way with words Boss man."

Absalom eyed Morgana's relax and proud demeanor towards his master and thought "She seems to know quite a lot about our master..."

Oblivio then pointed out and ordered "The Arbiter has reported a portal to the Shadow Lands has opened and there a new ally awaits, I want you two to head out there and assure that our ally gets what he needs... and also I require you two to test the Shadow realm within these Lands the Arbiter insists that the Shadow Lands has blurred the lines of the Shadow and the Materiel realms."

Oblivio looks out towards his window and said "If this is true I may be able to escape the Shadow realm without the need of two mentally powerful Nephilim."

Absalom and Morgana bowed and said in unison "As you wish master (Boss man)."

Absalom and Morgana eyed each other while leaving while Oblivio heard the Herald's call "My lord, I fear that our alliance with Argul will be short lived, he and Death are to fight once again, shall I intervene?"

Oblivio sighed in a disappointed manner but said "No, Argul made his choice, we shall honor it, despite how I feel about Argul's stance I will abide to the laws of the Nex Sacramentum. But Herald... I do sense a disturbance within the City... a great amount of rage and anger but not in a raw sense... it is refined... pure somehow..."

The Herald then asked "Shall me and the Mistress investigate my lord?"

Oblivio shot his eyes open and whispered "Wrath..."

The Herald then questioned with a confused tone "My lord?"

Oblivio had a serious stare in his eyes and leaned back in his throne and warned "Be warned Herald the only one who could possibly fume this much anger besides myself is Wrath."

The Herald then asked "Wait I thought the Harbinger of Doom and the Prophet of Anarchy had handled the Sins before the Harbinger's demise?"

Oblivio sighed and stated "They did but not directly, Fury was sent to Earth... but lacked a certain... motivation, the cost will affect the Prophet. Herald release Wrath and see if he is... willing to ally himself with us."

The Herald responded with respect "As you command my lord."

Bayonetta and Death's bathtub

Death and Bayonetta were seen bathing together as Bayonetta leaned against Death and asked "So you'll want to handle Argul alone right?"

Death eyed Bayonetta and stated "In a manner of speaking..."

Bayonetta gave a curious stare and asked "How so?"

Death raised his right hand and gesturing hand movements as he instructed "I'll need you to slay Frostbane for me, I'll be distracting Argul and his forces so you'll have less focus to fighting multiple opponents."

Bayonetta widened her eyes in realizing Death's reason in accepting the Umbra Clan's offer of service to him and gave a smirk and said "You cheeky Reaper... you have an army that could easily outmatch and overpower Argul's..."

Death gave a confident look in his eyes and admitted "But I must be the only one to defeat Argul to complete the Death Oath, and I must match his strength with the help of the Gauntlet I've made."

Bayonetta eyed Death and asked "So what're you going to call this gauntlet?"

Death shrugged and said "This weapon hasn't earned a name just yet, my Harvester scythe has earned it's name and reputation to harvest and destroying souls, War's Chaoseater is known for feasting of the chaos of battle, Redemption is powerful and limited, Mercy fast and unlimited, the Barbs of Scorn are brutal and savage reflecting Fury's... hot headed nature."

Bayonetta turned towards Death and asked "You don't mention Fury that much why's that?"

(Darksiders 3 OST: Fury's theme)

Death sighed and stated "We're close, but after an incident with War which he had lost control over his bloodlust he nearly impaled Fury, but I stood in the way and took the blow. Fury being a bit older than War has developed a regenerative ability like me, but being younger than me, her power of regeneration isn't as comparable to mine, at the time if she had taken Chaoseater to the chest she would have been killed."

Bayonetta then asked with a confused tone "And this answers my question why?"

Death gestured his right hand out and stated "War is still young, despite his maturity his nature as a Nephilim is to indulge in battle, and Fury nearly got killed because of his lack of control and holds a grudge for that still, but she is also universally looked down upon, she is not favored by even the Charred Council, which has caused a rift between the four of us. Fury sees only her steed Rampage as her only true companion..."

Bayonetta noticed Death looking down in regret as he admitted "I... can't even imagine how low she's spent alone on her home, she was easily bored before... but she came to me for guidance as the Seven Deadly Sins were unleashed, and seeing War was blamed for a crime that he is clearly innocent I rejected her offer to take on the Sins."

Bayonetta listened as Death finished "I know Fury enough, to see that her increased antagonism towards me, Strife and War and desire for leadership of the Horsemen are out of a need for her to interact with us more."

Bayonetta grabbed Death's hand and assured him "I see you care for your siblings... and I rather find that... (leans in close towards Death's mask) appealing..."

Bayonetta's lips drew closer to Death but in her own palyful way teased with a teasing smile "But how wuld you know so much about your sister I wonder?"

Death cleared his throat as if he was embarrassed to admit but stated "We... shared a room for a time."

Bayonetta had a playful smile and teased "Oh is that right?"

Death eyed Bayonetta with a serious stare and clarified "My abode was just destroyed by a mad Angel and Maker and I had to wait for my undead to rebuild it and Fury offered to let me stay with her."

Bayonetta her playful smile and teased "Nice save, darling."

Later Death and Bayonetta were prepared to head out to the Sea of Bones as the Skeleton with a Bandana entered the bar and said "Hey Rider, you're not gonna believe this..."

Death interrupted by stating "I have more important matters to attend to undead."

The Skeleton stated "Fury's horse is dead."

Death froze in place as Bayonetta eyed the Skeleton with a concerned look as it stated "Yeah, a group of undead have taken to capturing the Horse's soul and use it as ransom."

Death turned his gaze towards the skeleton with glowing red eyes filled with anger as he questioned in a serious tone "Where?"

The Skeleton chattered his jaws in fear and answered "Th-the-the... The Maw, please don't hurt me..."

Death turned away and stomped off with Bayonetta following and said "Oh joy... detour."

The Maw

Death and Bayonetta had searched for Fury's Phantom steed known as Rampage as Bayonetta was following after Death who seemed to pace in the search as a loud neigh was heard catching the two's attention before Death summoned Despair. Bayonetta reacted by summoning Geryon and the two rode off towards the neighs until they stumbled across a spectral black hosre with a blue flaming main and tail.

Bayonetta noticed the similarities Rampage had with Geryon and thought "Curious..."

Rampage kicked a Undead general's head clean off as a separate one ordered the skeleton trying to chain down the horse "Bring that Colt to behave itself!"

Death eyed the undead trying to bend Rampage to their will before dismounting with his eyes darkening beneath his mask in a serious manner as Bayonetta asked "Death?"

Death stomped his way towards the skeletons and without a word grabbed two of the skeletons' by their skulls as his reaper fists grapped two more and he crushed them in his palms all at the same time.

Death eyed his left spooking the skeletons and then eyed his right spooking the rest of the skeletons as the general shouted "GUT HIM FOOLS!"

But one Skeleton dropped his weapon and said "YOU DO IT I ALREADY DIED TO THIS GUY ONCE I'D RATHER NOT GET...!"

Death teleported behind the skeleton talking and coldly stated "You should have thought of that before trying to chain my sister's steed."

The skeleton froze as Death stuck his fingers through his ribcage and tore it apart scaring the dead and left Bayonetta to think "He really does care abut his siblings..."

Death reeled his fist back and punched a different skeleton's face shattering it's skull before elbowing an incoming skeleton in the face before grabbing it's head and slammed it face fist into his knee shatter it's skull.

Death gave a cold stare at the rest of the skeletons with one stepping back while Death interrupted "No, there is no escape from me."

Death teleported behind the skeleton and slammed both hands on it's skull exposing it to explode from the sheer force as Death quickly turned around and head butted a skeleton in the face knocking it down before curbing stomping it's skull into pieces. Death eyed the last remaining skeletons before summoning the Lords of the dead to deal with them as he casually walked passed eyeing the Undead General who was terrified by Death's skill.

The General stuttered in fear as Death's reaper form had formed behind him with it's arms crossed as it began to throw bliding quick punches at the general who held up his shield block the punches. But each strike Death's reaper form would make hit harder and faster than before and began to crack the General's shield who screamed in terror before it broke apart with the reaper fist punching through.

Time seemingly slowed down as Death's reaper fist collided with the Undead General's head causing it to explode in a bloody and gory mess, with time restore back to normal as Death's reaper form vanishing and Bayonetta nodded with an impressed expression and said "That was wow... I almost felt sorry for them."

Death turned towards Rampage who sorted at him but he eyed Despair who raised his right hoove and dug at the dirt and huffed at Rampage who stared at both Despair and Geryon who shook his head at him causing Rampage to ease up.

Death patted Rampage's neck and said "Good boy, don't worry you'll be reunited with your Rider soon enough."

Rampage neighed in a saddened manner causing Bayonetta to give a saddened look towards the horse and admit "That's... depressing."

Dust and Bright eyes flew in as Death held out his hand with Dust perching on his hand and ordered "Go to to Rodin and get him to the Horsemaster."

Dust cawed as a response and flew off as Bayonetta asked "The Horsemaster?"

Death petted Rampage and explained "A old friend, he gave us the Horsemen their Horses."

Bayonetta nodded and said "So you respect him?"

Death nodded and stated "He could give both of us a run for our money in a fight. And I mean that as in, he could put up a fight before defeat."

Bayonetta raised her bottom lip and said "Good to know."

Later Rodin had come with Dust and the Horsemaster who eyed Geryon and said "Ahhh so you did accept her as your master eh?"

Bayonetta looked at the Horsemaster and said "It wasn't that hard."

The Horsemaster scratched Geryon's chin and stated "Death said the same thing, and I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't have seen it. The Phantom Steeds are, majestic creatures, respect their power and character, and they in turn will respect you and grant you their speed."

The Horsemaster eyed Death and nodded saying "Horseman..."

Death nodded as a response while the Horsemaster saw Rampage and sighed in a saddened manner and said "Poor thing... (reaches out hand) who would dare to kill you?"

Rampage walked closer towards the Horsemaster and let him pet his snout while the Horsemaster turned towards Death and said "He'll have a physical form again, but it'll take some time, and if you need me to I'll take Rampage back with me to the Far Fields."

Death nodded and said "So long as he can to Fury."

The Horsemaster took possession of Rampage's soul and began to walk away and said "Good luck you two."

Bayonetta scoffed amusingly and thanked "Thanks."

Argul's Tomb (A few hours later)

Death had entered a chamber used both hands to push the doors open revealing a large group of Icy Undead with Argul sitting upon a frozen throne slowly clapping his hands saying "It's the Reaper of Souls himself! The Dark Soul of Eternity! The Pale Rider! Thou has surprised me Horseman, not many can say they fought against me and live."

Death walked towards Argul as the Undead laughed at him countering "I suppose I did, after all I am known for surviving."

Argul leaned forward and taunted "Thy will to survive is strong but thou is weak here and alone."

Death eyed the undead and taunted "I thought you were with honor, having your thugs fight alongside you against myself."

Argul stood up and removed his cape and let it drop behind him stating "It pains me, but sacrifices must be made, if I am to retake my kingdom from the triator and his master, even my own pride cannot be a liability and my honor... well has held me back as I can see. I only need to give thou the final blow, if thou is smart thou could have a swift and painless end."

Death scoffed amusingly and eyed straight up seeing Bayonetta climbing a tower and thought "I'll provide a distraction for you..."

Death opened out his arms as countless coffins erupted from portals behhind him as he stated coldly "As you said... honor only holds you back."

The coffins exploded revealing the Umbra Witches, Knights and the Three Lords of the Dead armed and ready for battle as Argul growled and said "Then so be it... fool."

City of the Dead (Prison cell)

A orange skinned humanoid creature was chained up as the Herald appeared before him and said "Awaken Wrath, the Molten Lord!"

The creature now revealed to be Wrath raised his bald head showing his toothy grin as a fliker of flames erupted from his mouth as he spoke "Who dares to rejuvenate my power?"

The Herald leaned closer towards Wrath and said "A servant to the Will of Corruption!"

To be continued