Chapter 16: Choices laid bare

The Eternal throne

The King was seen sitting upon his throne as a green mist formed around him and the Wailing Host's voice was heard demanding "You dare send the Rider to us?!"

The mist formed a vision of the Wailing Host's head, with long tentacles reach out with the demonic skull mask staring down upon the King who gestured his right hand and assured "The Rider is weak on the path he walks, the Council have not permitted him power, on his current task, and he had from what I heard struggled against Argul. The same Argul who you nearly killed in a single punch if I may add."

Then one of Wailing Host's tentacles pointed at the King and reminded "He is not alone, the only reason he managed to beat Argul was because the Witch that follows him could not interfere with the Death Oath."

The King nodded and agreeing with his master but responded "There is a way you could keep her distracted... if I may suggest master."

The Wailing Host questioned "What information could you possible have for us worm?"

The King gave a sinister grin and informed "The Witch is with-child."

The Wailing Host's eyes squinted in a interested manner as the King continued "If you wish to shock the Witch, I suggest the Forsaken Children, unless you really want the Witch out of your way... I suggest focusing the green soul upon her womb."

The Wailing Host chuckled in a creepy manner before responding "This is good news, when we am done with the Rider and the Witch, we will be sure to reward you, our pet."

The vision vanished as the King's grin turned to a annoyed scowl and laid back in his throne and said "Fool, you will only anger the Rider into slaughtering rampage, and I will revel in it hehehe."

The City of the dead

Bayonetta and Death entered the city of the dead seeing the streets had piles of corpses, young and old from across all the realms, but the recent additions were mostly humanity. The deadly couple walk passed these corpse piles with few sightings of individual undead roaming about, with Bayonetta visibly getting unversed from the countless dead lying around.

Death asked while the two kept walking "So Lilith sent Draven to fight you?"

Bayonetta gestured her left hand towards Death and playfully responded "Seems so, your mother must have an interest in me."

Death gave a low growl as Bayonetta noticed and questioned "So... you have any ideas what your mother would want with me?"

Death sighed and responded bluntly "Too many ideas, unfortunately."

Later the two continued on their search for the individual whom the King spoke of until Bayonetta sighed in annoyance and suggested "Why don't we ask for directions?"

Death turned towards Bayonetta and agreed "We do seem rather lost don't we?"

Bayonetta formed a playful smile and teased "Oh and here I thought you'd argue about directions."

Death squinted in a confusingly and asked "Why would anyone argue over directions?"

Bayonetta sighed and responded "That is a very good question."

Moments later Death and Bayonetta spotted an obese undead angel sitting upon a floating gothic throne chewing on what one could only assume as flesh while Bayonetta called while placing her hands around her mouth "EXCUSE ME MIND TELLING US WHERE TO LOOK FOR SOMEONE?!"

The undead angel turned his gaze towards Bayonetta and licked his rotting lips and said with a hungry gaze "Oooooh... a fine meal indeed..."

The angel's throne floated towards Bayonetta while death walked out from a corner making the angel grunt in fear and slowed down his throe to a complete stop and stuttered "A ri-rider here?! Leave me be!"

Bayonetta looked at Death who ignored the angel's cries and coldly demanded "Do not waist our time, the King sent us here to find someone who knows the way to the Well of Souls."

The angel raised his hands in a fearful manner and informed "Th-th-the Wailing Host has been rumored to have such a soul imprisoned... the only way to the soul is... well through the Wailing Host."

Death sighed while rolling his eyes in annoyance and said "Oh dammit!"

Bayonetta gestured her right hand towards Death and teased "So... we're going to fight another ruler of the dead?"

Death looked at Bayonetta and stated "I do think this will be easier than Argul, despite his claims."

Bayonetta crossed her arms, raising a brow and asked in a curious tone "How so?"

Death cleared his throat and quietly responded "Because you'll be there to fight him with me."

Bayonetta smiled seductively and leaned next to Death's neck and kissed it whispering "Good boy."

Death groaned a response looking at the undead angel and questioned "Now where would we find the Wailing Host?"

The Shadow Lands

Absalom and Morgana were seen entering the Shadow lands with Morgana looking at her surroundings and whistling in amazement as Absalom noticed the Arbiter laying on a cragged tree branch with his right leg hanging off and swinging.

Absalom growled as he walked towards the Arbiter who seemed to be asleep before he was pulled off the branch and hung up in the air by his leg while Absalom demanded "Report!"

The Arbiter's cape draped down as he crossed his arms and joked "Didn't your mother teach you it's rude to wake someone?"

Absalom snarled with yellow steam fuming out of his mouth while the Arbiter scoffed unimpressed by Absalom's attempts to intimidate him and stated "Fine... fine... the Abyssal Forge has agreed to relocating itself on Consumption. However we've been oddly enough distracted by a certain Mad Smith."

Absalom dropped the Arbiter and pointed at Morgana and ordered "I want to if this realm can free our master, there are no room for failure, so take as much time as you require."

Morgana placed her right hand on her hip and teased "Oh are we cute when we're in charge?"

Absalom eyed the Arbiter and crouched down before ordering "And I want you, to return to the Citadel..."

But the Arbiter and Absalom grunted as Oblivio's voice was heard "No, the Arbiter will remain with you both! Once I have resurrected the World Serpent, I will come to you and I have Cereza and Death follow me, in case the Shadow Lands is proven to be a dead end."

Absalom sighed in relief and responded "As you command..."

Morgana cracked her knuckles and said "So let us see if this realm is weak enough for Boss man to escape..."

Morgana's white hair extended with a purple aura as her eyes glowed purple while she was casting a spell to which the Arbiter and Absalom observed unknown to them a black bearded Maker skeleton was seen hiding from the shadows with flaming eyes.

The skeleton rubbed his beard and spoke with a erratic British accent "Intruders here? Within the Shadow lands? Agents of the Makers? Come to finish me off perhaps, well they will try, they are not forgiven!"

The City of the dead (the Inner Sanctum)

Darksiders 2 Ost: the Wailing Host's theme

Death and Bayonetta entered the City's Inner Sanctum seeing ghastly wailing serpents flying around giant housing pillars that acted as homes for the dead that lived here.

At the very center was a well with souls being sucked into it as Bayonetta noticed and asked "Is that the Well of souls?"

Death shook his head and stated "Not exactly... it is a place that is connected to the Well..."

Bayonetta eyed Death confusingly as he sighed and said "Call it a... weaker copy of the real Well, few of them exist, most were created by Azrael the Angel of Death."

Bayonetta looked at the Well and asked "So who created this one?"

Death shrugged and stated "Nobody knows, it's always been here as far as anyone can remember."

The well's entrance cracked as the Wailing Host erupted from it in a swirling motion before turning around showing it's demonic mask and slammed it's right fist in front of Death and Bayonetta and chuckled sinisterly "Hahahahahaaaa! We have been expecting you!"

Death unsheathed his scythes while Bayonetta pulled out her guns and taunted "Then don't disappoint us!"

The Wailing hunched over and summon green souls and said "We will fight on our terms! We will fight only one of you, for we will not be distracted by two small gnats!"

The green souls flung themselves at Bayonetta who scoffed in a disappointed manner and taunted "You do realize that healing me won't do YOU any good?"

But the Wailing Host's only response was a chuckle of amusement as the green souls entered Bayonetta's belly making her grunt in a strained manner before Death turned around and widened his eyes in shock. Bayonetta began to sweat before crying out in pain as her belly expanded against her skin tight suit forcing her to retract her hair leaving her naked while Death ran to her aid.

But the Wailing Host back handed Death away and caused him to crash into one of the pillars and taunted "We decide who lives and dies, and we have decided, you reckoning has come, (raises right fist) RIDER!"

The Wailing Host punched Death though the pillar as his snake-like body slither out of the well revealing that the tip of his tail split apart into tentacles keeping it pinned over the Well allowing itself.

Death crashed into a wall as the Wailing Host pinned him in place in it's right hand and taunted "We are not impressed by your victory over Argul, and we will do whatever it takes to win!"

Bayonetta hair extended and formed loose clothes over her body as Death yelled in anger "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

Death turned into his reaper form and immediately cut off the Wailing Host's fingers, before hurrying to Bayonetta and changed back to crouch down to pick up Bayonetta who was seen flinching in pain as he asked "What has that thing done to you?"

Bayonetta panted with sweat running down her face and responded "The baby is coming!"

Death grunted in shock as the Wailing Host's fingers regenerated and taunted once more "You'll die for that Rider! But first we shall feats upon the witch and your unborn child's souls!"

Death lifted his head as his eyes darkened before suggesting "Bayonetta summon Geryon."

Bayonetta reached out her hand and summoned the time steed as Death mounted Bayonetta on him and ordered in a very cold tone "Time steed, take her back to her mother... (turns towards the Wailing Host who summoned Liches to it's side) I do not wish to have her see at this moment."

Bayonetta panted and questioned "What are you...?"

But Geryon galloped away as Bayonetta groaned in pain as Death summoned the gauntlet with the purple gem in it before clenching his his hand into a fist shattering the gem which caused his veins to glow black. Death's eyes still blackened as the Wailing Host reeled it's fist back and threw a punch at Death causing a enormous shockwave and left a crater where Death was.

The Wailing Host chuckled in amusement but it's hand exploded into flesh and blood making it cry out in pain and held onto it's stump of an arm and looked at Death whose armor had completely changed. Death wore dark armor that had a very dark blue aura his right gauntlet had a violet demonic eye on it, his left gauntlet resembled a demonic head which included horns.

Death's boots had both a demonic and angelic face for kneecaps as his pauldron over his left shoulder had a demonic skull appearance as horns formed over his mask while his eyes had completely vanished beneath the shadow of his mask but fumed black smoke giving him an intimidating appearance.

But at the Boneriven Oblivio was seen with his hands behind his back overseeing the corruption covering the World Serpents' body as he sensed a powerful amount of dark energy and turned his gaze towards the city's direction.

Oblivio squinted his four eyes and began to leave the Boneriven, following his senses which would lead him to Death and said "Somebody has used one of my Chosen's essence... Death... this is an opportune moment."

Back at the city Death's panted in a animalistic manner as he eyed the Wailing Host whose hand began to regenerated before growling in anger and ordered his liches in a commanding tone "GET HIM!"

The Liches began to fly at Death who raised his right hand and summoned a massive scythe forcing everyone in the area to freeze as one of the Liches uttered "The Harvester..."

Death crouched down and lunged at a lich and with a single swipe slashed the undead in half but his soul emerged and was completely absorbed into into the Harvester completely leaving the lich unable to be reborn from the Well of souls. The Wailing Host shivered in fear seeing how ruthless Death was at the moment and slowly began to remove his tentacles off the well in an effort to escape his wrath.

Death quickly raised his head at the Wailing Host who flinched in fear noticing Death's cold demeanor and only hearing his heavy pants before Death teleported behind the Wailing Host brutally slash at his flesh. The Wailing Host screeched in pain and began to shake his entire body attempting to force Death off him to which Death was seen flung off it's back but his reaper wings grew out allowing himself to fly.

The Wailing Host's wounds quickly regenerated but souls erupted from the well and entered it's back forming fleshy wings as the Wailing Host began to take flight threatening "I WILL RETURN AND I WILL FEATS UPON YOUR WITCH AND CHILD'S SOUL!"

The Wailing Host flew off but Death chased after it, seemingly fixated on killing the Wailing Host to which the giant noticed and growled in anger before flying backwards while crossing his arms while summoning portals around itself.

Wailing serpents erupted from the portals screeching at Death as they charged at Death "CREEEEEEEEEEHAAAAH!"

Death quickly reacted by cutting down the Wailing Serpents one by one until the Wailing Host snapped it's fingers and summoned an ethereal fist punching Death away. When Death managed to gain control over his movements he tilted his head in a disturbing and creepy manner as the Wailing Host flew towards the Tree of Death attempting to use it to escape from the Reaper of souls.

With Bayonetta who was seen exhaustingly rode Geryon looked up to see the Wailing Host fleeing with Death chasing after and grunted as her belly expanded more making her scream in pain while holding onto her belly "AAAAAAAEEEEEEEEHHHHH!"

But within the Shadow realm Oblivio was seen walking out of the Boneriven and onto the surface and looked up to see the Wailing Host and Death flying and noticed Death's aura was black within the Shadow realm. Oblivio scoffed amusingly as her heard Geryon neighing and turned to see him riding straight for him, but remained still as he noticed Bayonetta's belly and grunted in shock before Geryon phased through him.

Oblivio had groaned from pressure of the Time Steed's power as he bent onto one knee and panted as he envisioned Omne holding up Bayonetta like a puppet while he saw himself within the Shadow Lands freed from his prison with both Bayonetta and Death chained up before him.

Oblivio sighed before slowly standing up and telepathically calling Absalom "My Avatar of Chaos..."

Absalom responded in kind "What is it my lord?"

Oblivio turned around with his hands behind his back watching as Bayonetta rode off on Geryon and ordered "I want you to come to the Kingdom of the dead, and send one into the Shadow Realm."

Absalom questioned in a curious tone "Who my lord?"

Oblivio's eyes glowed yellow and stated "Death, I want him alive Avatar, I do not care if he is bruised or battered... so long as he lives he will be of use."

Absalom growled in anger but responded "As you... command my lord."

Oblivio chuckled amusingly and said "Omne wishes to play the puppeteer with Cereza, then I will take great pleasure in ripping him apart, atom by atom."

At the Bridge of the dead the Wailing Host was seen flying over as Death caught up and slashed off it's wings making it screech in pain screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaahhhhhh!"

The Wailing Host fell crashing into the river of souls which began to feast upon his flesh while it flailed it's arms around before crawling out of the river before Death crashed onto his right hand crushing it and made it cry out in pain "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEEEEEEEEEEEEH!"

Death slashed his scythe across the Wailing Host's mask tearing it off it's face which was now revealed to be a pink fleshy skull-like face without a mouth while Death stared coldly at it before raising his Harvester up and with a single swing cut off it's arm. The Wailing Host forced back into the river before Death dived after leaving only the royal guards who were stationed to safe guard the river to be left in both fear and awe as blood began to rise up to the river's surface.

Rodan's bar

Bayonetta managed to return to the bar as Bright Eyes entering the bar cawing for Rodan's attention who noticed and followed her out to see Bayonetta on Geryon and asked "What the hell happened to you Bayonetta?"

Bayonetta gritted her teeth and shouted in pain "THE BABY'S COMING!"

Rodin grunted and immediately pulled Bayonetta off of Geryon and carried her back into the bar with Rosa entering and seeing the two questioning "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!"

Bayonetta groaned in pain as Rodin responded "Bayonetta's havin the baby!"

Rosa grunted as she followed Rodin into Bayonetta and Death's room question "How? The Baby isn't due until nine months from now!"

Rodin laid Bayonetta on the floor and stated "I don't know the details Rosa, cause I'm kinda confused myself!"

Bayonetta screamed loudly in pain "REAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHAAAAAHAAAA!"

Rosa sighed and rolled her neck and said "Ok... I'll take over for this Rodin."

Rodin nodded and left Rosa to help Bayonetta deliver the baby as, Rosa sighed in frustration and trying to calm herself down by speaking to herself "Look on teh bright side Rosa, you're about to be a grandmother... no pressure."

Rosa turned towards Bayonetta who was still groaning in pain as Rosa removed her clothes and said "Ok Cereza... this is going to hurt... push!"

With Death

Half an hour later Death climbed out without a scratch as he was seen at a normal state of mind and form with his Harvester scythe missing he panted heavily seemingly tired from using the Essence of the Chosen before summoning Despair and mounted on him.

Death panted before gently whipping the reins and ordered "Go..."

Death rode off on Despair with his eyes darkened beneath his mask personally affected by the Wailing Host forcing his and Bayonetta's unborn child to unnaturally quicken it's development.

Later Death reached the bar's entrance and noticed the Auditor ominously standing in front of the entrance, Death sighed in annoyance and demanded "Stand aside!"

But the Auditor opened his cloak as Corruption spilled out onto the ground as it formed Oblivio who placed his hands behind his back and responded "Death, I have sent my Auditor of Silence here to return someone back to their family."

Death squinted at Oblivio in a suspicious manner as the Auditor floated around his master and held out his frail hand as Balder's soul was summoned while Death questioned "And why would I want this soul?"

Oblivio's form began to flake away indicating that he had little control over the body he was possessing as he stated "This soul is the father of your lover."

Death grunted as the Auditor cast the soul into Death's possession before floating away as Oblivio ordered "Return to me my Auditor, let them have their family reunion."

The Auditor silently nodded before Oblivio's duplicate body completely turned to dust as the Auditor teleported leaving Death to ponder over Oblivio handing him the soul of Balder.

Death sighed while shaking his head before entering the bar seeing Rodin serving a drink to the heavily armored figure who resides within a maze and pointed at Death demanding "Death mind tellin me what the hell happened?"

Death gave a guilty look in his eyes and responded "We were caught off guard by the Wailing Host... (rubs his right wrist) It cast green souls into Bayonetta's womb."

Rodin rubbed the dimples on his face and sighed and saying "That explains everything..."

Death turned his head towards the direction of his and Bayonetta's room and asked "Is she in our room?"

Rodin nodded and stated "Yeah..."

Then Rosa walked out carrying a wrapped up baby and gently hushed it with a gentle bounce and saw Death and eyed the baby and in a tender manner said "Hey it's your daddy."

Death grunted as Rosa turned revealing the baby who seemed calm in her arms, calm enough to easily fall asleep as Death just stared silently at it, Rosa gave a proud smile and assured Death "Cereza's fine, but she needs rest, (looks at the baby) cause this little girl, just could help but come early did you!"

Death looked at his daughter in Rosa's arms who opened her eyes at the sight of him to which Rosa noticed and smiled in a playful manner before walking over to Death and handed him the baby and said "Here hold her."

Death grunted and attempted to excuse himself "I... cannot..."

Rosa held out the baby for Death who awkwardly stared at her and Rosa before sighing in defeat and accepted to hold his daughter to which Rosa instructed "Mind her head."

Death placed his right hand under the baby's head and held it up while he and his daughter had a intimidating death stare match to which Rosa and Rodin noticed with Rosa teasing in a proud expression "Like father like daughter..."

Death and his daughter continued to have their silent death stare match before the baby yawned tiredly before falling asleep in his arms to which Death gave a tender loving stare in his eyes with Rosa noticing and teased "You're smiling underneath that mask."

Death cleared his throat and asked "Have you two decided on her human name?"

Rosa gently took the baby from Death stating "Bayonetta insisted on Alice being her name, she always was fond of Alice in Wonderland, what do you have a name?"

Death eyed Alice and stated "I figured her Nephilim name would be Fate, Eternity or Destiny..."

Rosa smiled and eyed the baby and said "Destiny sounds fitting enough."

Death scoffed amusingly before holding up his right hand and stated "Oh an agent of Corruption came to me just outside the bar.. he wanted to return this soul..."

Death summoned Balder's soul in front of Rosa who dropped her jaw in surprise before tearing up while Balder opened his eyes seeing Rosa and asked "R-Rosa?"

Rosa smiled nodding and said "Hello my love..."

Balder collapsed while Rodin pulled out a cigar and lit before saying "Well ain't this a proper family reunion."

Death eyed the Dead Lord whom Rodin served a drink to and questioned "Who are you?"

The Dead Lord turned his gaze towards Death and said in a slightly confused tone "I am the keeper of the Crown of the dead, The Soul Arbiter, you fought Argul in Nex Sacramentum and won. For that, Queen Sheba's law is clear, one who bests the King in Nex Sacramentum and risking their own existence or life in your case shall rightfully succeed the King."

Death crossed his arms and refused "I am no one's King."

The Soul Arbiter eyed Death and stated "You won't have to rule, the Dead Lords have governed these Lands long before you were even a thought, but now you cannot be denied. You serve no Dead, for all that have died will serve you, the Crown beckons you, and as a show of good faith, I have a gift for you... (eyes undead generals) Bring him in!"

The generals nodded as one roared at the portal allowing four wraiths to enter pulling a chain as a strange undead was forcefully pulled through, he wore a brown tattered frabric over his shoulders, neck and most of his face. His wings had their bones ripped off leaving them like a tatter natural cape, his hands were skeletal with three fingers on each, his toes were two and large with his ghastly green glowing eyes gave a defiant stare.

His hair was raven black and oddly enough seemed like Death's hair style but shorter the undead's skin was a decaying dark blue, with his ribcage exposed with Death staring at him in an unimpressed manner. The undead though surprised everyone by break free from the chains and immediately disarmed one of the wraiths and began to cut down the rest and managed to easily slay the undead generals.

The undead began to pant in a tired manner with Death raising a brow, impressed by the figure's capabilities and questioned "And who are you?"

The undead turned towards Death taking stance seemingly prepared for another fight and responded "I am Raziel, the Right Hand of Kain!"

Death rubbed the chin of his mask and questioned "And who is Kain?"

Raziel twirled his blade and stated "The one who will restore Nosgoth to it's former glory."

Death eyed Raziel and looked at the Soul Arbiter who said "Nosgoth is a realm beyond the sights of Heaven and Hell. It's location lies deep within the Abyss, not even the demonic Omniscience of the great Demons and Angels would be able to see through such darkness."

Death scoffed amusingly and walked up to Raziel who still remained ready for another fight as Death offered "You say you are the Right Hand of Kain? I would return you to your master, for exchange of Kain's aid."

Raziel backed away from Death and questioned "Why would you want to ally with Kain?"

Death placed his right hand on his hip and explained "Because I have a feeling that the Will of Corruption will require a powerful alliance if it is to be eradicated."

Raziel eyed the Soul Arbiter who informed him "The Corruption is like a cancer upon the Universe, all that exist are it's enemy. Nosgoth will fall if it does not seek outside assistance."

Raziel eyed death in a suspicious manner and loosened up his stance before reaching out his hand to which death grabbed and the two shook firmly before Raziel coldly warned "I will aid you, only to ensure the safety of Nosgoth and her people, if you betray me, I'll kill you."

Death scoffed amusingly and countered "You'll have no worry from me, but if your people do provoke, you may try to kill, Death."

Later Death with Alice in his arms entered his and Bayonetta's room to see her resting before Alice reached out to her making cute sound "Ahhhwaaah!"

Death eyed Alice and sighed before sitting on a chair with her in his arms and said "Hush, your mother needs rest..."

Alice yawned and fell asleep in Death's arms while he gave a slightly hesitant look in his eyes before sighing in defeat and closed his eyes, the three slept for hours until Bayonetta awoke twitching her eyes open to see Death and Alice peacefully sleeping. Bayonetta formed a happy smile before getting out of bed and formed her skin tight suit over her body and walked out of the room to see Rodin serving her a drink.

Bayonetta groaned in an exhausted manner as Rodin asked "You doin alright?"

Bayonetta laid her head on the counter and raised her right thumb up as Rodin nodded and said "Good... ya still need to head to the city right?"

Bayonetta groaned with her head still on the counter before raising her head and picked up her drink and took a sip and sighed in relief before Rosa walked out with a sexy strut which Bayonetta and Rodin noticed with Bayonetta asking "You seem to have a bright aura about you mummy, how?"

Rosa sat next to Bayonetta and had a fulfilled smile and said "I had forgotten how much fun your father is in bed."

Bayonetta shuttered at the thought but frozen and gave a shocked expression before asking "Daddy's here?"

Rosa smiled and said with a playful seductive tone "Oh yes he is mhmm."

Rodin shuttered and warned "Keep that up Rosa, I'll throw you both out!"

Rosa scoffed amusingly and playfully called out "You wouldn't even if you tried Rodin, we're valuable costumers."

Rodin shrugged and joked "Fair point... but you ain't getting any discounts."

Bayonetta looked at Rosa and teased "So... I saw Death seems to have gained Alice's favor."

Rosa nodded and said "Oh yes, she's going to be a fine woman, just like her mum."

Bayonetta smiled comfortably as Rosa teased "But I have no doubt that you and Death will have more children in the unforeseen future."

Bayonetta blushed embarrassingly and said "Mummy!"

The next day Death awoke to see Bayonetta staring at him and Alice with a smug smile and teased "You two are absolutely adorable when you're sleeping."

Death groaned as he laid his head back and asked "Are you alright?"

Bayonetta sighed and admitted "I'm a bit sore... but mummy believes I'll be fine."

Death sighed in relief and said "Good..."

Bayonetta sighed and asked "So... what will we do with the little one while on our journey?"

Death looked at Alice who was still asleep and stated "Our journey will be dangerous for her and it will distract us until it completed..."

Bayonetta placed her hands under her chin and payed attention to Death as he suggested "I think she should leave her with your mother and father, and I'll leave the dog and Raziel too as her bodyguards."

The dog stood up after hearing Death and walked over and sat down in front of him, staring at Alice whining in a cute but protective manner as Bayonetta smiled and scratched his head teasing "Oh how cute, little Alice and her guard hound."

The Dog gave a quiet huff and nodded once while Death looked at Bayonetta and asked "Do think what I suggest would suffice?"

Bayonetta gestured her right hand at Death and Alice stating "We don't really have much options than that one so... yes I think she'll be safer here at the bar."

The Tree of Death (The Shadow Realm)

The Herald, Mistress and Wrath had reached the Tree of Death seeing Oblivio sitting on a branch carving on a piece of wood cut from the Tree itself and eyed the three as he greeted "Welcome to my Dark Crusade, Wrath. I shall make use of your talents in future, but for now you may test you metal within my Citadel's arena, hone your skills if you wish, gain the bloodshed you dream about and of course grow in power from anger my soul in process."

Wrath grinned and said "I'll be indulging myself then..."

Wrath walked through one of the portals as the Herald bowed and asked "My lord what is our next objective?"

Oblivio continued to cut the wood as he ordered "Herald you will head into the Shadow Lands, Morgana has informed me that I cannot use it to free myself, but I am planning a trap for Death."

Absalom walked out of the Shadow Lands portal and eyed the Herald and Mistress as the Mistress greeted in a hesitant tone "Father..."

Oblivio pointed his knife at Absalom and ordered "The Avatar of Chaos and you Mistress shall both bring Death to me at the Shadow Lands, there Cereza wil follow her emotional ties to him and there we shall begin the ritual for my true arrival."

Mistress grunted as Absalom bowed and assured "It will be done, my lord..."

Oblivio magically cast the wood away as his knife melted into his palm and stood up with his hands behind his back ordering "Come Herald, we must begin preparations."

The Herald stood up and followed Oblivio through the portal as Absalom eyed the Mistress and asked "I see the master has sought it fit to spare you... I am... pleased that he sees your potential as I do."

The Mistress lowered her head and thanked "I am... thankful father..."

Absalom held out his left arm and opened a portal out of the Shadow Realm and walked through with his daughter following the two entered the material realm with Absalom inhaled the air and said "That air is thick with decay... and soon our master's Old ally shall arise from his grave and replace Devastation."

Rodin's bar

Death was seen sitting with his arms crossed as Balder was seen leaning towards him with a distrustful stare and said "Why should I trust the man who chose power over his own Kin?"

Death leaned forward and responded "The Nephilim were a threat to all, if I had not, you probably wouldn't be reunited with your family... and gained a granddaughter."

Balder leaned back as Rosa said "Be nice, dear."

Bayonetta also added while pointing at Death while holding Alice "You too Death."

The two men groaned in awkward annoyance of each other but Balder reach out his hand with Death reach his out and grabbed it with both begrudgingly accepting one another as Death said "I assure you that I will not harm your daughter."

Balder squinted at Death and said "I'll hold you to that, Kin slayer."

The City of the dead (An hour later)

Death and Bayonetta returned to the inner sanctum of the City and found a door left open as the voice of the young woman Cereza was heard "But I thought we have to destroy the Will of Corruption?"

But the Crowfather's voice was heard responding "Daughter, I cannot stress enough that you cannot kill the Will of Corruption, only Holy weapons can even make a mark on him, even if you managed to have brought a holy dagger, that alone would not kill him!"

Death and Bayonetta entered the room seeing Cereza and the Crowfather turning towards them as Crowfatehr said "Horseman... Bayonetta, I believe you called?"

Death grunted and asked "Crowfather... you are who we seek?"

Crowfather held out his arms as Bright Eyes and Dust flew passed both Death and Bayonetta and perched onto Keeper of Secrets who stated "Indeed I am, and where else (looks around) would I be, but the City of the dead?"

Bayonetta and death both gave guilty looks as Crowfather joked "Would you like to ask a question, or just stand there like you've seen a ghost?"

Cereza palmed her face and said "Father..."

Bayonetta chuckled and teased while placing her hand on her hip "Dad jokes, Chesire?"

Death eyed the Crowfather and asked "Tell us how to reach the Well of Souls."

Bright Eyes perched onto the Crowfather's shoulder as he petted Dust's head stating "The Well of Souls is a place of unimaginable power... the key to life and death, of Creation itself. (gestures hand out) And that is why the Well has a key of its own... one ghat was divided long ago. The Angels keep one half, the Demons the other. And never (pets Dust) shall the two meet. Unless you two truly mean to save, War and Jeanne from the Charred Council's wrath."

Death looked at the Crowfather and stated firmly "To save War, I would storm the White City."

Bayonetta nodded and added "And you know that I would dive straight into a blistering inferno to save Jeanne."

Crowfather smiled as he responded "Of that I am certain. But there is no need. (scratches Dust's chin) The Angels have realms beyond their White City, as the Demons do, beyond their Dark Kingdom. (raises left index finger) All will become clear once you reach the Tree."

Death grunted as did Bayonetta while Cereza sat down listening toe the conversation with death stating "We've already done that Crowfather!"

Crowfathe responded calmly "Nevertheless, you must find the Tree again. And go wherever it takes you."

Death lowered his head as Crowfather noticed and asked "What troubles you Horseman?"

Death looked at the Crowfather and asked "Is it true... does Absalom live or was that just my imagination?"

Crowfather gave a worried look as he stated "Yes... Absalom lives on. His rage and agony spread alongside his Master's Corruption, and they will unmake all of Creation to destroy the balance."

Death nodded as he stated in a guilty tone "I killed Absalom once... Crowfather... if I could go back, I would see him spared..."

Bayonetta looked at Death in a worried look as Cereza closed her eyes respecting Death's remorse while Crowfather stated "I doubt he would grant you the same courtesy."

Death nodded as Bayonetta asked "Ho can we restore humanity?"

Crowfather gestured his left hand and stated "The Well of Souls is where all life begins... where the souls of the dead are born into their new lives."

Death looked up and assured "I killed the beast that haunted this place. I freed the souls of humanity."

Crowfather nodded but regretfully stated "And in other times that would be enough. But something draws power from the Well, leaving only void where there once was life. (rubs beard) I fear you have only released the souls into further torment."

Death backed away and said with a despaired tone "Then... there is no hope... humanity is lost."

Crowfather waved his left index finger in a refusal manner stating "Not so. Even now you carry with you the power to restore the Well."

Death reached out his right hand onto his chest where the souls resided and asked "The Nephilim?"

Crowfather nodded and stated in a saddened tone "If you sacrifice their souls... yes. They alone have the power to undo what was done, and resurrect humanity."

Bayonetta gasped slightly as Death pointed at the Crowfather and questioned "So I must sacrifice the Nephilim... my Kin, to restore mankind?"

Crowfather pointed at Death and reminded "The Nephilim are dead... by your own hand. That broken talisman is all that remains. Would you leave to eternal torment in that cage upon your chest?"

Death rubbed his chest in a quiet manner as Bayonetta asked "Are you alright Death?"

Death turned around and walked away as Bayonetta turned towards the Crowfather and asked "Chesire... isn't there another way?"

Crowfather gave a regretful expression and stated "I'm afraid not... not unless you still hold that Grim Talisman and are willing to sacrifice your own clan."

Bayonetta grunted and stated "I... freed their souls and they now serve Death..."

Crowfather closed his eyes and apologized "Than I am sorry, old friend... if Death seeks to save his brother... he may have to sacrifice himself along with the souls of the Nephilim to save him."

Bayonetta teared up and asked "But... why would you put him... us on this journey?"

Crowfather sighed and stated "Because Omne wishes to stop The Will of Corruption... Oblivio."

Bayonetta grunted and eyed Crowfather with a confused stare and asked "Omne... commands you?"

Crowfather noticed Bayonetta's anger expression and asked with a confused tone "What is wrong, I thought you and Omne would get along?"

Bayonetta scoffed and stated "You're being used! Do you know it was Omne's fault for Oblivio's fall into his madness and rage?"

But within the Shadow Realm Omne appeared before the Crowfather denying "She does not know of my plan to save the universe!"

Crowfather gave a confused stare and denied "No... not possible... Omne embodies existence itself he..."

Bayonetta leaned towards the Crowfather and stated "And he would do anything to rule over the universe himself, even murdering his own daughter to frame another cosmic god."

Omne scoffed and continued to deny "I never have murdered any of my children, they all chose their lives and some have died for it."

Crowfather grunted in confusion as Bayonetta stated while Cereza stood up noticing her father's inner conflict "Omne is driven by his ambitions, he knows he can't kill Oblivio alone now, he is too weak now, Oblivio is killing him slowly by devouring planets and spreading his armies across the universe!"

Omne leaned closer to Crowfather and stated "And that is why we cannot be divided! Oblivio would end all of Creation for the sake of "True Peace" which only means nonexistence!"

Bayonetta pointed at Crowfather and stated "I will not be use as a puppet again to a selfish and evil deity, been there done that! What about you Chesire?!"

Crowfather's eyes twitched around conflicted as Omne demanded "YOU KNOW THE PRICE WE MUST PAY TO RESTORE THE NATURAL ORDER!"

Crowfather eyed Cereza who asked "Father... do you trust (points at Bayonetta) her?"

Crowfather eyed Bayonetta and responded "I do trust her... I would even trust her to keep your safe..."

Bayonetta walked up to Crowfather and held his hands and said "Then it's time to finally become your master, I showed you once that destiny isn't predetermined... now you must show me."

Crowfather looked up at Bayonetta as Omne shouted "NO YOU MUST OBEY ME! OR ELSE ALL IS LOST!"

Crowfather turned towards Omne and said "Shove it..."

Omne grunted and gave an petty enraged expression as he pointed at Crowfather and claimed "You will regret and suffer for this! Luka Redgrave... all of Creation will hunt you all down!"

With Death who was seen walking in the city sighed as he decided to sit down on a large stone pondering over what he was just told as Absalom's silhouette was seen through the mists within the city.

As Death lowered his head while Absalom called "We meet again... brother!"

Death quickly raised his head to see Absalom tower over him with his axe out and with a grin as he questioned "And where is your lover, brother?""

Death stood up and lied "Not here..."

Absalom scoffed in a disappointed manner as he lifted up death's chin with the blade of his axe and said "Oh I would kill you now and be done with you... but my master wants you alive..."

Death eyed Absalom and said "Absalom... (Absalom grunts) please..."

Absalom growled before removing his axe from Death's chin and said "You wish to talk? Well... (looks up into the horizon seeing the mountain sized spine being covered int Corruption before looking back at Death) too late..."

Absalom punched Death into the ground as the tentacles on Absalom's back, digging into the ground and erupted beneath Death coiling around his waist pinning him in place as Absalom chuckled sinisterly. Absalom grabbed death by his waist and began to brutally smash him onto the ground leaving blood pools of death's own blood before hold him up to his face and huffed yellow steam from his nostrils into Death's face.

Death began to coughed as he was begining to pass out while Absalom held him over his shoulder and called "Come daughter, we are done here!"

The Mistress walked out with a sadistic grin and said "My my, I expected him to put up more of a fight."

Absalom scoffed amusingly and stated while the two walked away "He cannot face his own sins in person without feeling the guilt freezing him to a halt."

Moments later Bayonetta, Cereza and Crowfather came to the area seeing Death's blood everywhere as Cereza joked "Jeez... somebody was getting their ass beat."

Crowfather gently smacked the back his daughter's head and said "Not now Cereza!"

Bayonetta looked around and asked "Where is Death?"

But the began to tremble as Bayonetta struugled to maintain her balance before she summoned Malphas' wings as Cereza said "Wow... you were right father, mother's wings are pretty."

Crowfather floated up as Cereza changed into a crow and three flew up to see the giant spines covered in Corruption as the earth broke around them while a massive serpent head rose up and gave low yet very loud growl which caused huge waves of sound. The serpent shook his massive head flinging rocks, boulders and debris off it before two massive wings opened up and flapped causing huge gusts of wind blowing away dust and ash around itself.

The serpent now taking flight flew up into the atmosphere of the world opened up it's massive jaws and shot out a large orb of energy which exploded and opened a portal for the Serpent to fly straight through.

Bayonetta, Cereza and Crowfather all stared in awe as Bayonetta asked "What... is that?!"

Crowfather responded not staring away "A improvement over Devastation..."

The Shadow Lands

Death was taken to the Shadow Lands and had his arms and legs impaled by large spikes on a large tree as the Herald's voice was heard "Ahhh our guest has awakened..."

Death grunted and looked up to see the Herald with a spiteful tone said "You..."

The Herald gave a cold chuckle as he said "It's been quiet sometime hasn't it Rider?"

Death attempted to free himself as his blood splattered out of his impaled body parts while the Herald suggested "There is no point, now I suggest you settle down, my master wishes to personally speak to you..."

Death shouted in a angered tone "YOU KILLED THEM TURNED THEIR OWN HOPE AGAINST THE MAKERS!"

The Herald froze and turned around as he stated "Like you have any right to judge, must I remind you of the species you committed genocide towards? Or just simply state the Nephilim for they were the one that hurt you the most personally."

Death growled as he attempted to summon his reaper fist but he gasped to see he was derpived of his power as the Herald stated "Those pikes are specially made by the Abyssal Forge here, modified to leave you powerless yet keeps your natural power of regeneration intact."

Death growled in anger as Oblivio's voice was then heard ordering "ENOUGH!"

The Herald turned around and bowed as Oblivio's stomps were heard as he walked over to Death with cold stare in his eyes.

(STOMP STOMP STOMP)

Oblivio eyed Death and said "So at last we finally meet face to face, Kin slayer... I am the Will of Corruption... I am the Dark Lord, Oblivio! And I require your assistance."

To be continued

Next (mini) arc:

The Abyssal Forge arc


At this time the spin off of the Darksiders franchise, Darksiders Genesis has been announced, ensuring that the series can live on after Darksiders 3, and I look forward to news about Bayonetta 3.

So for those who are worried that I might leave this cliffhanger to go back to work on Jeanne a Quest to redeem War, have no fear, I plan to complete the next mini arc since it's mostly based on the Abyssal Forge DLC from Darksiders 2.

I feel that I owe you readers who had patiently waited for this recent arc, so I will keep working on this next arc until it is completed and then I will return my focus on Jeanne and War's story.

So don't worry I will won't leave you hanging for long, until then hope you enjoyed the chapter and arc, leave some comments if you desire to do so and have a nice day or night which ever.