I was planning on updating yesterday so I could say its my birthday but I was both drunk and exhausted when I finally got to bed so here it is, a day late!
I did have a really memorable birthday though. Two girls prayed for me in the nail polish aisle in walmart and I got a chocolate covered strawberry for free at the froyo place downtown.
The secret is that I don't even like strawberries I just thought the worker was really cute and couldn't turn her down. Glitter was laughing her ass off but I beat her at connect four so yeah. I had a good time.
But if y'all wanna leave me super sweet belated birthday wishes I won't protest.
Have a good day! ! Be safe too! Winters finally set in and if you're like me the ice is a very annoying hazard.
.
Oh, and if you reveiw and I don't respond it's probably because ffnet is being an asshole. I've had several reveiws where when I go respond it says they can't find the reveiw? ? Hell if I know. If you've got a question you need answered though please just PM me. You know I love to talk.
"We've kept him waiting long enough, don't you think?"
War stares at you a bit longer than you think necessary, eyebrows raised in confusion.
You simply shrug and begin walking towards the drop to Vulgrim's shop. The Horseman joins you after a few moments, and while he chats with the demon merchant for what feels like the millionth time, you weigh the pros and cons of wearing a full cover outfit and drowning in your own sweat, or not getting heat stroke and being covered in the remains of your fellow humans.
Great.
Hiding behind the wall, you yank on your choice of apparel and curse the weather. Water, you can deal with. Blood, you can deal with. You can even handle demons confidently.
But a desert?
If it weren't for Ruin and your desire to help War in any way you can, you'd probably just give him the run down on what to do and hang with Vulgrim. You're sure he's got some great gossip, and goodness knows you're dying to talk about War rather than to him.
You rejoin the Horseman once you're all packed and ready, and Vulgrim looks the tiniest bit pleased when you latch onto War's shoulder pauldron, the frickin shipper. The Horseman himself doesn't care either way, apparently accustomed to your clinginess at this point.
"And how has your human been fairing?" Vulgrim purrs.
You roll your eyes. "What is up with all of y'all and possessive pronouns?"
"Doesn't answer the question." He replies, singsong.
"I've been fine." You say slowly, resisting the urge to frown. "You know, aside from the whole non-stop death threats hanging over my head."
"That does tend to ruin the mood." Vulgrim agrees. "I see you've gotten your hands on another weapon."
"In another weapon, technically." You hum, drumming your fingers over War's shoulder. Clink, clink, clink, clink. "Why?"
"I could probably... Acquire a rune or two for you." He says.
"Ohhhhh, I see how it is." You realize abruptly, laughing. "Trying to talk me up and swoop in for more souls, eh? Don't you get enough from us?"
"I am always willing to go the extra mile for my best costumers." He says mock gallantly. "Although I haven't seen Death in quite a while..."
The mention of Death has your heart squeezing uncomfortably, but you brush it off after a moment. He'll be okay. You couldn't have affected that part of the timeline. Death won't stay dead. As weird as that sounds.
You simply snort, glancing up at War as if to say 'can you believe this?' He shrugs. "We are done here, demon." He says decisively.
You wave Vulgrim goodbye as you follow War out and yank your halberd off your back. You are so ready for this.
...probably, you amend after a pause. You're probably ready for this.
You don't really have the time to second guess yourself again when more demons appear, leaving you to dance around the Horseman. It's easier to let him do most of the work and you've yet to see him tired. Which, really shouldn't surprise you given his siblings stamina, but is nonetheless sort of disconcerting.
Nephilim are so fuckin overpowered.
And attractive.
"So, the Ashlands." You say loudly, mostly just to distract yourself.
War glances over at you curiously. "What of it?"
"I... I don't know where I was going with that actually." You sorta want to tell him about your worries pertaining to Death, but being his younger brother and all, it would probably just distract War. And there's really no reason for you to be upset.
War's eyes narrow (oh, god, he knows) and you fidget uncomfortably.
"Th- the entrance is that way." You finally spit out, pointing at the huge crystalline structure as it wasn't obvious. Please, don't ask.
The Horseman makes a face that isn't quite a scowl or a frown, but doesn't press. "Stay back." He says, striding over the the obstruction.
You do as requested with a relieved smile. At least he trusts us? The more optimistic part of yourself says. You have have to admit they have a good point. Great job, me.
Your self-congratulation is interrupted by crystals ricocheting too close for comfort, and you bring your hands up instinctively.
War doesn't even wait for the dust to settle to call (rather irritably if you're honest), "Advisor."
You roll your eyes. "You know my name." You can count the number of times he's said it on one hand though, and frankly you're getting a little sick of it.
He appears less than impressed when you rejoin him, and the two or you make your way into the tunnel system silently. It's gross, as per usual, and you eye the cracks suspiciously.
"My home," You remark while he breaks the chest open.
"What're you going on about?"
You jump at the sound of its voice, glancing back to find the Watcher hanging over your shoulder. Of course it decides now is the time to chat. At least it's been... Semi-friendly as of late. You have to wonder what the tipping point was. Then again, there's more than enough time for your relationship to sour again. You distinctly remember being downright furious late game.
"I'm just being moody." You answer slowly, narrowing your eyes at the strange creature.
"Over what?" It looks around as if that will provide answers. War taps your shoulder as he moves on ahead, apparently less than keen on interrupting your conversation. You appreciate it.
"You know for literally Watching us, like, constantly, you really don't listen do ya?" You ask, slowly trailing the Horseman.
Shadow just seems even more confused by that.
"Earth was my home, Shadow. Even though this isn't... My earth, it hurts. Seeing it like this." You tell it, making a vague motion to the devastation. You're not sure why you're even explaining, honestly. Maybe thinking of Death made you a little more touchy feely than usual.
"I... Do not understand." It says, all six of its eyes watching you with something akin to irritation.
You don't what you expected.
Sighing tiredly, you simply continue on your way. War is yanking a bat down when you meet him in the larger room, and you shoot down the next. One slash and its done for.
"Chronosphere." You chirp, motioning to the second group of crystals. "I can get through easy enough... I think."
It turns out you can, in fact, make it through. It takes War two tries though, and you bide time by inspecting the demon you can see on the other side of the room.
Demons are so... Weird looking. Honestly. What the hell is up with their evolutionary line. Their forms vary so much you sort of doubt they're all one breed.
Maybe you're just over thinking things though.
You'll ask Death next time you see him. Or maybe Samael. He should know.
The weird-ass demon doesn't take notice of you, thankfully, until yo- the Horseman rejoins you and promptly throws the Crossblade at it. One second you're on your own and the next he's there sort of thing.
"Spooky." You say, glancing over at him in shock. He's too busy to humor you.
War takes care of the demon while you move on ahead, your halberd already at the ready. Only two Wicked, which you carefully avoid, and another chest. Of course. Where else would someone store their souls but an abandoned tunnel?
Demons will never fail to amaze you.
"Treasure!" You call as soon as War enters.
He kills the Wicked before opening the last chest of this general area (you think). You then point out the torn up wall and pipe above and War wastes no time jumping up to the first ledge.
You blink. "You know I can't jump that high, right?"
You can practically see the moment War remember. He jumps back down without a word, and you laugh. "Did you forget about me?"
"No. I assumed with your claws..." He says, handing you ChaosEater (still as heavy as ever) before setting you on his back.
"That'd I'd have super strength?" You finish. "War, please."
He forgot I'm human.
That's just adorable.
You're too busy laughing to walk on your own when you make it into the pipe, and while War is practically radiating annoyance, he doesn't shove you off. "Hey, War?" You say, still trying to control your giggles even as you slip off his back.
"Hey, Advisor?" He responds, a bit sassier than usual but just as deadpan. You can't imagine War using the word hey unironically, and the advisor bit is an obvious dig. It bounces right off your love-struck self though.
"That was really cute." You can't look him in the eye, pressing your hand against your mouth as if that'll stop your laughter.
War is frozen when you get the nerve up to glance at him, his hand still held out for ChaosEater and his eyes bright.
You broke him.
Great fucking job.
Your lips quirk up without permission as you give ChaosEater back to its owner, and that seems to be the trick to getting your usual War back. He stomps on ahead and you follow closely behind.
You're hardly surprised when the tunnel open up into a large canyon, but that doesn't stop you from being amazed by the scenery. It's so pretty. For a barren wasteland, in any sense.
You marvel at the sudden change as War takes care of the nearest batch of Wicked and bats, only stepping in to help when the... Corrupted, you think is the word? They're not healthy, that's for sure. Corrupted angels begin to make an appearance.
You catch the attention of one while War kills the other, moving out of its range while you can and using your halberd to block when you can't. The pole of your halberd probably takes more damage than you do.
Easy peasy.
The next two are handled in a similar fashion and then you begin the arduous task of exploring the rest of the area for treasure. You admittedly spend most of the time making faces at the ash, which is definitely ash. It's much finer and softer than sand, and you know it's gonna be a pain to scrub out of your clothes. Not to mention your hair.
Then again, isn't Silitha next on the list? Which means spider webs. You might as well just plan on wearing the same outfit for the next two Chosen and burning it afterward. Not like you didn't bring multiple sets.
You're thankful that the Black Throne, at least, seems clean.
There is the deal with the beams though.
That is, if you make it that far.
There's a lot of potentially fatal situations before you get to that point, and even more afterwards. You take no small amount of comfort in the fact you've made it this far though.
But speaking of Silitha...
Somewhere along the line War scoops you back up, and you manage to send him a grateful smile before returning to your plotting.
You're only brought back to the present when the two of your reach that room, with three of those gross teethy ceiling hanging demons just waiting.
War seems to be contemplating how to go about this while you get to your feet and steady yourself.
"Well, Advisor?" Shadow says, breaking the comfortable silence. "Got any ideas?"
"How about..." You cringe. "I go first, and you keep those... Things off me while I cross? I'm pretty sure I can make it by myself."
"That seems dangerous." War remarks, nonetheless holding his hand out to throw you to the cable.
You flash him a bright smile. "Hell yeah it is."
You're airborne in the next second, and you scramble to grab the thick cable. Thankfully War has excellent aim, and your claws catch on the ribbed cord without difficulty. You hear the Crossblade digging into the demon a second later, and War does the same to the other two as you make your way across. Slower than he would've, of course, but nonetheless impressive.
You smile when you're able to latch onto demonic growth, half because you made it across and also because you no longer have to feel the growth under your fingers.
The only time you really worry is when you reach the jump between the walls of demonic growth, but it proves much easier with claws. You really have to thank Ulthane again when you see him.
You reach the other side of the pipe without a fuss, and War joins you only a few moments later. Show off.
You almost want to ask him to carry you the rest of the way to the nearest Vulgrim location, because your feet are starting to hurt, but your pride tells you to suck it up.
You wouldn't say no if he offered though.
"Chest." You tell him as the trail opens up again, vaguely motioning to the crystal cluster as you try to navigate the rubble. War seems to have no such trouble, but he's also much bigger than you. He just steps over everything.
Vulgrim is just as talkative as usual when you finally make it over to his shop, and while War debates getting another upgrade you munch on a granola bar and try to reason with your legs. It hasn't been that long a walk.
You're still pretty stoked the Ashworms give you a solid excuse to be carried around by War for good chunk of the future.
Not that you'd admit that out loud. God, no.
Still, you immediately hold out your arms when the two of you reach the "main" area, and War picks you up without hesitation. "Hit the Chronosphere and book it." You say, already catching sight of an ashworm. Granted, its nearly a hundred yards away, but those spikes are intimidating as all get out.
War hits the Chronosphere and... You're not quite sure how you feel. It's not like last time, and you can only assume that's because of proximity. It takes you a second to get your bearings, even after the two of you are on solid ground.
"Ohhh, that was not pleasant." You tell him, trying to blink away your dizziness. Head rush.
"Are you well?" War responds.
You blink, taking a second to say, "Yeah, I'm... fine. Unsteady, but what's new?" ...At the start of this whole mess you don't think War would've bothered asking if you're good to go, but you've gotta admit you much prefer this.
Its probably not helping the crush situation though.
You mentally file that away as War continues on his way, only setting you down to break the chest open. That, of course, triggers the approach of several angels yelling about the Horseman.
The only thing shocking about it is when the mention the human. You and War exchange confused glances, both obviously wondering when you caught the attention of the angels. Uriel, maybe? She doesn't seem like the type to gossip though...
Then again, its not like War is secretive. Everyone and their mom probably knows about this quest and War's thirst of vengeance, so you suppose it makes sense for them to also know about his advisor.
"Hmph." You distract yourself with shooting down the nearest angel, only wincing a tiny bit when it screams. War is quick to put it out of its misery, and the others fall swiftly afterwards.
You glare up at the mouth of the cave while he does so, knowing you'll be alternately between the rather chilly cave systems, and the hot and ashy plains.
You hold your arms up as soon as he's done, scowling when you notice the blood. He smirks, but the edge is taken off when he asks, "Where are we going?"
"Down. And then into this weird demon structure. I think there's three? Or two that are connected or something like that." You try your best to remember, but its clouded by the annoyance and excitement you experienced playing the game. Annoyance from getting lost (don't ask how) and excitement from Ruin! !
War frowns when you don't elaborate but you don't pay it any mind, instead trying to shield your face from the falling ashes. The worms are pissed, apparently.
Upon reaching the ledge down, War sets you down near the wall of demonic growth and jumps down. Probably remembering you don't exactly enjoy falling ridiculous heights. You flash him a grateful smile before starting your descent.
Thankfully all the bugs re dead by the time you make it down, and War is waiting at the edge of the safe zone, glaring at the Ashworms.
"Don't worry, we'll get to kill them." You assure him, making finger guns.
He simply raises an eyebrow.
"War, we both have a gun." You thought you made it pretty obvious.
You swear to god he rolls his eyes, despite having no discernible pupil. "How?"
"How to kill them?" You reiterate unnecessarily, sighing. "They've got a weak spot. We've just gotta get a little more speed. You know. The other creatures Samael mentioned." Your chain burns threateningly, but you just can't help yourself.
War looks down at you curiously, assumably taking in the sunshiny grin and obvious excitement. "I see."
"Do you, Horseman?" You nudge him forward, and although you have no hope of getting him to move by your own strength, he moves nonetheless.
He leads the way up the shoddily crafted ramp, and even knowing theres no reason to, you follow him up the switch. You have to admit the demonic growth really isn't that bad when you don't have to directly touch it and its on the ceiling. Swinging your way across makes you feel sorta like a little kid again. You don't mention this to War.
You do, however, mention how much you hate the Ashlands. He says you say that every time and you can't disagree. It's true.
He scoops you up again to jump back down, mercifully using the shadow flight to make it easier on you. He doesn't even bother to set you down before hitting the Chronosphere.
The trip across is just a horrible as earlier, but you get even less time to recover as demons start running over. Thankfully War meets them in the middle, and you briefly wonder if that's because he wants to protect you.
He's probably just being impatient though.
Yeah.