This is a little less than 4000 words but it feels longer? maybe that's just me though.
Uggghhh, sorry for the wait with this chapter. My migraines are getting worse again and it's like? ? can you stop that? It's more of an annoyance than anything lmao. Fuck chronic pain! ! !
But hey!
Its femslash February! If anybody has a request I'm there. I'm already working on some other fics (coughs- Uriel) but I'd be happy to do some more bc everybody knows I love girls!
And if you didn't, now you do, I guess.
Also! ! !
I don't think I mentioned it on this fic, so, I've got a Skype! It's on my profile if you wanna chitchat or tell me about your headcanons. Rn its sybariticreyna but that might change so... The profile one will be updated accordingly.
This chapter is a good one btw, in my humble opinion. Good things are a happening.
Fun fact: I don't know what that one demon is called bc every time I think of it I can hear my brother in the background introducing it "and this is the bad OC miniboss. If that color scheme isn't 2007 deviantart I don't know what is."
So thanks for that, brovyle.
Despite knowing and expecting an Ashworm to smash through the pathway and grab a demon at one point, you still make a horrible noise when it does so, and very nearly miss a dodge.
You forgot how big Ashworms are.
Or maybe you never really knew, considering you only saw them through a screen wherein you control War, who is significantly bigger than yourself.
You scramble as far away from the gap as you can, letting War do all the work for the time being.
"Oh my god." Is all you can say. Pressing your hand against your hammering heart, its very apparent how obscenely lucky both you and War are that the Ashworms seem to prefer demons.
"Samael wasn't kidding about those worms! And the Stygian's supposed to be the mean one." The Watcher cheers, beating its wings excitedly.
"Yes, thank you, Shadow." You snap, rolling your eyes.
It tilts its head in your direction, and you get the feeling it'd be smiling if that were possible. "What will you do, Glitch? I can't imagine you'd survive getting bitten."
It's obviously taunting you, but it does so in such a fake concerned manner you laugh. "God dammit. Shut up, Shadow."
Maybe it isn't such a pain in the ass after all.
You're still smiling when War calls you name, making a vague motion forward.
"Oh, yeah!" You say, quickly getting back on your feet. "We gotta be careful though! I think there's another one? Maybe?"
You can't quite remember, and War picking you up when you're near enough doesn't help your concentration.
There is, in fact, another one that jumps out. You're much less freaked out by it this time around though, instead just scowling at it. "Ready for the puzzle part of this area then?"
He must hear it in your voice, because he doesn't bother to glance your way as he asks, "Are you?"
"Oh, god, no. But you're going to doing most of the work anyway." You shrug.
"That's to be expected." He responds, lips tilting up ever so slightly.
Your own smile is not subtle in the slightest. "Of course!"
Note to self: ash is bad. Water and ash is a godawful experience. Not to mention what a pain in the ass it was to individually put everything that could be remotely damaged by water in ziplock bags.
War is doing what War does (namely, murdering and trying to find a way forward) while you irritably yank on your second choice outfit and try to scrap the ash off your exposed skin. Thankfully it seems none of the angels really notice your absence, and you're able to do so in peace.
"Hey, War!" You call, after the sounds of... War die down.
The Horsemen is allll the way on the other side of the large room, but you make your way over there with little difficulty. You only get irritated again when you realize there's more water.
You glare down at the pool, sighing, "Fuck."
Even diving in at the same time, War beats you across and is already looking to pick a fight by the time you drag yourself onto dry land. He does, however, extend one hand to help you up when you struggle to do so in your wet clothes, and you simply stare at him for a moment before allowing to help.
He's been... oddly cordial lately. You narrow your eyes in confusion, but he remains as stoic as usual.
Huh.
You follow him into the next room in silence, readying yourself for a fight that War (mostly) handles by himself. You only intervene with the occasional shot, and only one demon is gutsy enough to turn its back on War to try and get to you.
It's safe to say that demon does not last long. You flash War a grateful smile, despite the blood splatter.
Near the end of the fight, when the general joins the fray and gets two of those wraith-like demons to help, you shimmy your way around the edges of the battlefield and up the ramp. There's no sense in you staying anyway, considering a few hits from those double bladed beasts would turn you to ribbons. You wouldn't be much help then.
Plus it is sorta fun watching War kick ass.
And by sorta you obviously mean extremely.
He kills the last demon with a bloody flourish, and begins glancing around (presumably for yourself) when the souls are still being gathered.
"Over here!" You wave.
He looks up with an expression you can't decipher from such a distance, eyes the tiniest bit glowier than usual.
You shrug it off after a moment, and hold your arms out when he stomps close enough. War seems amused by this as he scoops you up, but thankfully doesn't tease you again.
"The next part is gonna be tricky." You say, only flinching a tiny bit when Shadow is the one to answer. Always has such great timing, that one.
"Is that why you're being so affectionate, Glitch?" It laughs.
"Not really." You answer honestly, flexing your legs out as best you can in this position. "I am a small human. All this work might be fine and dandy for a Horsemen, but for me?"
The Watcher scoffs. "How your kind made it this far I'll never know."
"We've got a way with words. And we're extremely stubborn. Did you know that early humans would just, like, out walk their prey? Because most animals don't have nearly as much stamina as we do, despite being faster." You hum. "We've got ridiculously fast healing rates too, which is why our scars are so ugly."
If you remember anything from your biology classes, its that humans aren't to be fucked with. We're a persistent bunch.
Shadow makes a hissing noise, but War at least seems interested in your "humans are actually pretty badass" talk. He shoves the next group of demons off the ledge while you babble on excitedly.
That is, until the tunnel opens up into the plain and you catch sight of yet another ashworm.
Your voice tapers off into a quiet, "Oh, gosh."
There's really not much else to be said.
You can hear and feel War sigh, but you can't tear your eyes from the ashworm, now burrowing again. It's easy enough to track even then, what with the dust it stirs up. They are big creatures.
You're not quite sure when you move, but somehow you end even closer to War, clutching the edge of his armor hard enough you briefly wonder if your claws will leave little indents. "Okay, so we gotta cross." You say, rather unnecessarily.
"I assumed." He confirms, setting ChaosEater on his back again. "We cannot kill them yet."
"Not yet. We've gotta find... Our friend." You quickly censor yourself. "And then we'll be faster than they are."
War's eyes brighten up again, whether in excitement (unlikely, you know) or irritation (probably because of your damn chain) you're not sure. He doesn't respond before stepping out of the safe zone, and you freeze in place.
He seems less than concerned, honestly. War continues to the first little platform without a fuss, only glancing over at you when the two of you are safe. His lips twitch. "Nervous?"
"Yes. It took me like seventeen times to do this on my save." You answer tersely.
"And how many attempts did the Chosen take on your save?" He asks, and you can practically hear the quotation marks. You explained the concept of a video game to him during one of your rests, but you can't remember if you told him directly that's how you know what you do or if he figured it out on his own.
You don't think it matters anyway. If you hadn't told him now, you would've after this whole mess is over. Hopefully then you won't have to worry about the chain.
You roll your eyes. "My first playthrough can be described with me just yelling 'War' in various tones, honestly. And I think my second was much the same."
"And your last." He says.
It takes you a second, before you scowl, "War! Wai- god dammit, I just walked into that, didn't I?" You sigh, hanging your head in shame. Horsemen. Fricken Horsemen.
It isn't until then you realize he had continued walking as you spoke, and you notice you're nearly on the other side with a start.
"Oh," You breathe, turning to look over his shoulder. The Ashworm is all the way on the other side, too far to get to you before the exit. You glance back at War with narrowed eyes, accusing, "You were doing that purposefully."
He remains impassive, "Walking?
Dammit, War. As if he doesn't know what you're talking about. "Distracting me." You correct with a snort. He makes it very hard to remain angry, to be perfectly honest.
He shrugs, and you instantly tighten your hold on him. "Hey!"
He snorts, "I apologize."
Was that sarcasm? You can't smother your laughter. "Well, fine." You say, pressing a hand to your chest. "Big brother Death would be so proud."
War's lip tilts up into a half smile. What a cutie, you mentally cheer, unable to help yourself.
Unfortunately your little bonding session is cut short by yet another fight club, the demonic barriers flashing to life in front of you. Ugh. War calmly sets you down as the demons scramble off the balcony, and you take to your usual edging the battlefield.
War takes the first four out with little difficultly, but the appearance of an axe general and one with those gun... Things makes it a but harder to manage. You distract the axe wielder while he handles the other. Thankfully the demon doesn't seem opposed to switching its attention from War to yourself, and its heavy swings, although intimidating, are easy to dodge.
War is quick to yank you out of the way when he finishes the first, and while you don't appreciate very nearly tumbling to the floor, you know he's trying to be gentle.
Damn Horsemen. You huff, folding your arms across your chest irritably.
War doesn't even seem to register your anger as he scoops you back up, asking, "Anything to share, Advisor?"
You mentally go through the area, knowing the colosseum must be nearby. "Uh, a cliff shooting range sort of thing? There'll be more demon guns, don't worry. Strife would be thoroughly enjoying himself, honestly."
War seems to accept that, and the two of you continue on in silence. You're thrumming with excitement, while War is... Less than expressive, as per usual. He does, however, offer to carry you once all the demons are slain. You agree with a sunshiny grin, asking, "Are you stoked or what?"
"For?" He frowns, obviously tired of you vagueness.
You're tired of being vague too, honestly. Such a pain in the ass. You think over your explanation as War jumps across the gap. No going back now, you suppose. "It's like... pro Fight Club. Advanced asskicking. Perfect for you."
War smirks, and you're almost too distracted by that to remember to cling when he so rudely jumps off the cliff down to the door without bothering to use his shadowflight.
"War," You hiss through clenched teeth.
He doesn't respond until after the colosseum gate slams shut behind you, and even then its only to set you down on the nearest chest and say, "Don't move."
You blink in surprise. "Can I shoot?"
"...Yes." He agrees despite his scowl.
Your halberd hums in irritation as the Horseman stomps away, but you ignore it in favor of grabbing your gun. You're careful to only shoot when you've got a clear shot and the demon is going for War. Infighting really isn't something you'll interrupt, especially when it thins down the numbers with no effort on your part.
The first group is taken out with little difficultly, and you can practically see the lightbulb go off above War's head as soon as the demon riders are brought out. You give him a thumbs up when he glances your way. Yes, you're right.
You have never seen him smile like that.
Oh, goodness.
When you clawdemons come out you know it's near the end, and the only time you actually fight is when War slides over to open the health chest you were perched on. Thankfully its only a few blue demons. Easy.
War steals their attention back after healing, but you nonetheless manage kill one of them. War looks the tiniest bit amused when you flash him a proud grin after doing so. Sure, he kills dozens of them on a daily basis, but he's War.
You make your way to the second chest as War finishes the last of the smaller demons, muttering about lacking popcorn. You can't intervene with this fight anyway. You hop onto your newest seat as the gate's open for the... General?
You think that's its official title. Right?
Whatever, you decide, wincing as the gates once again slam shut. War leisurely makes his way to the middle of the battlefield, obviously unimpressed.
"You disappoint me, Horseman. You look quite small from up here." The demon says.
You have absolutely no fucking idea how anyone could claim War is small. He throws cars around like its no big deal. Not to mention what that would make you. Tiny? Miniature?
What do they call little dogs? Teacup sized?
"You can look me in the eye when I kill you." War replies, interrupting your internal debate with possibly the greatest line in all of Darksiders. That deadpan sass is just... So good.
You're honored to be hear it firsthand.
"Oh my gosh." You squeak, hands curling into fists as if that will quell your excitement. Your halberd buzzes on your back, mimicking your emotions the best it can. You suddenly understand why the Horseman are so attached to their weapons.
Its probably for the best War ignores you for the time being, concentrating on trying to knock the demon off without harming Ruin. It's a sickeningly sweet gesture, and goodness do you love it.
Almost as much as you love when he sucker-punches the demon.
He also kicks the sword back, and you make a note to make sure Fury hears about that. She'll be so proud of her honorable little brother.
The fight is quickly over after that, the demon no match for War's chaos form.
"Now who's small?" You laugh.
War makes good on his promise to, and you only grimace a tiny bit at the bloody mess this makes. You'd think you'd've gotten used to it at this point, but nope. Still grosses you out.
You get to your feet just as War is sent flying by his own horse, making you wince.
"What do you think you're doing?" The Watcher sneers. "That thing has lost its mind! Kill it!"
"Watcher!" You hiss, too far away to really do much else. You're not really quick enough to risk joining them at the moment, knowing Ruin has no idea who the hell you are. He wouldn't have any qualms with killing you.
War remains silent, simply watching the horse.
"Enough, I said! Finish it!" It continues, not heeding your warning in the slightest. What a tool.
War ends up on the floor again, and while that does something horrible to your chest, you know he's fine. Clinking your finger tips together anxiously, you assure yourself, It'll be okay.
"Ruin, I will not fight you." War declares.
The Watcher recoils as War partially buries his sword in the ground. Apparently that doesn't dissuade it though, and you roll your eyes. "You fool! I order you to break that nag!" It snarls.
Drama queen.
"And if I refuse, you'll kill me? I'll take my chances." War responds.
You can't keep the smile off your face, even as Shadow flits over to your side. It circles your shoulders, bringing its hands up to cover both your views as if to shield you from War getting wrecked.
"Why don't you do something?" It asks.
You don't have time to properly analyze this, but you do know immediately how weird it is. "I don't-"
You know as soon as Ruin rushes past War, given how many disgruntled demons start howling. The Watcher lowers its hands.
"What did I say?" You hmph.
"Nothing, that is the problem!" The Watcher seems to revert back to its usual state (that being cranky as all get out) and moves back over to the pair. You have to crane your neck when they trot over, ignoring the pack of demons jumping down.
"Well?" War asks, holding out his hand.
"I forgot how tall your horses are." You admit, ignoring Shadow's taunting 'are you not amused?'. Hilarious reference there, buddy. You carefully take his offered hand, and bite down on your lip as he yanks you up. In front of him, just like when you rode with Strife. The familiarity is... Nice.
War keeps one arm around you, and while you're confident enough in your equestrian skills to not need that, you don't protest.
It is a little tricky trying to get your halberd into a position that doesn't limit War's slashing range or poke anyone, but you figure it out eventually.
"Your little reunion brings a tear to my eye-"
"S." You quip.
The Watcher gives you an award worthy glare. "Eyes, now can we go? That filthy beast might be our only hope of finding the Stygian."
"He's not filthy." You protest. "And besides he was taken by demons. Goodness knows what he's been through." You pat the horse in question comfortingly and War snorts.
"He will be fine." The Horseman assures you. "Do not patronize him."
You only roll your eyes, not even bothering to explain its not patronizing to care about someone. You're not surprised, considering how very affectionate his older siblings are. Fucking ridiculous.
You find yourself repeating that curse when your little group makes it back to the cave system and War banishes Ruin.
"We should just run." You tell him, hardly surprised as he grabs ChaosEater and prepares for a fight. "They won't follow us."
War casts you a disbelieving glance, "Now you suggest we flee?"
You roll your eyes and pull your halberd off your back. "If we had run from the colosseum then you wouldn't have gotten Ruin back."
He doesn't respond, but you didn't really expect him to either. At least he doesn't sass you like he does the Watcher. You don't think you'd have been able to make it this far if he did, considering your 'fuckin fight me' attitude in such situations.
It's for the best.
You not-so patiently wait for him to clear out the room, only jumping into help when a demon gets too close for comfort or they give you an easy shot. Your halberd, at least, seems to be enjoying itself.
Speaking of which...
"Hey, War?" You ask when they're all dead, dutifully following said Horseman. He seems to have a better idea of where you're going than you do honestly.
"Yes?" He grumbles.
You hesitate, pouting as you argue with yourself. Just ask him! "Do you believe in fate?"
He stops midstep, and although you can't see his expression, you know he's baffled. "Do you?" He finally asks, voice layered with confusion.
"Yeah. I mean, to an extant." You nudge his arm, and he begins to walk again. "How else could you explain this? I'm... Not supposed to be here, with you. Unless some higher power brought me here, or it was just meant to be."
There's a beat of silence, the only noise that of your footsteps. You don't mind at this point, War's not the most talkative and he does have a tendency to think over his words before responding (albeit only when he's calm). The silence is comforting, in a strange way.
"How very romantic," The Watcher crows, interrupting whatever reply War had planned.
"I've told you a million times, babe, I'm not interested." You tell it, mockingly apologetic.
Shadow looks positively scandalized by this, while War's shoulders hunch like he's trying not to laugh. "Must you antagonize one another?" He asks.
"It's the foundation of our friendship." You respond, flashing it a smile. "Right, Shadow?"
It simply returns to the gauntlet with a disgruntled sigh, and you mentally put a check mark next to your name. One point for the human.
The rest of the walk over to the Ash Titan battlefield is quiet, broken when you reach the edge of the safe zone and you say, "So..."
"So." War repeats, glancing over at you with one eyebrow raised.
You nod towards the ashworm, "We have to stay in front of the worm. Their hides are too thick even for ChaosEater, so you gotta pull a Strife and shot em."
His lips quirk at the mention of his sibling. You wonder if that's because you said 'a Strife' as in one singular Strife or simply because he's fondly remembering him. Either way you're smiling.
He summons Ruin without another word, and once offers to help you up onto the gigantic horse's back.
"Wait a minute." You say, briefly resting your hand on War's before moving to look at Ruin directly. Both horse and rider look confused. "We haven't been properly introduced." You say, holding your hand out for Ruin. "I'm War's Advisor, and its a pleasure to meet you."
War actually laughs, saying, "You don't have to do that."
Ruin nudges your hand a bit, pressing his nose into your palm and huffing. Adorable.
"Shush." You tell the nephilim, very carefully moving to pet his horse. He seems to like his neck being pet more than anything. You're extremely aware of how much force you use, making sure you don't injure him with your claws. Not that he seems thin skinned, of course.
"Done acquainting yourself?" War asks after you give Ruin one last pat and return to his flank.
"I would kiss him too but he's been with demons, so I think I'll wait till he's freshly cleaned." You grin. Ruin snorts in reply.
War just seems amused as he pulls you up.
"Are you ready?" You demand excitedly, looking down at the arm wrapped around your midsection. To keep me from falling off, obviously, you reason.
You still have the strangest desire to put your own arm over his, but you shove that in a corner of your mind where it will stay.
War doesn't even pause before asking you for the second time today, "Are you?"
You roll your eyes. "Of course not."