It's done! Don't own Darksiders! Or Invincible by Hedley! Thanks detrametal! That's it! Enjoy! I'm quitting to become the Pokémon Master!
Yeah… remember when I said that this is where the fun began? That was sarcasm. That was such a huge amount of sarcasm I'm surprised that my brain didn't explode or something.
We stood at the edge of the tunnel, a Chronosphere floating above us, and surveyed the landscape. This place could only be described as a desert, despite the fact that all that sand was supposedly ash. Rocks jutted up from the sand/ash here and there and off in the distance I could see what could only be the Ashworm swimming through the sand, the only thing showing of it were the large spines on its back. But damn that fucker was huge!
There was a stone walkway directly in front of us and I guess that's where we were supposed to go. "Whelp, let's get goin. We ain't gonna find this Stygian dude just standin round here." I took one step out of the tunnel and onto the ash. One step was all it took.
The Ashworm immediately changed its course from the lazy loops it was doing and came charging straight for us, sounding like a mad train. And I mean mad as in crazy as well as angry.
"Aw shit!"
I felt a tug on the back of my shirt as War yanked me back onto the safety of the concrete and the worm turned back to its original course.
I looked up at War, "So how the blood-soaked Hells are we supposed ta get over there then?"
"We use the Chronosphere." He answered, bringing out the Crossblade.
"…I knew that." I'm not sulking. I just thought I'd let Big Red have his moment.
The Horseman readied the Crossblade and I grabbed small piece of concrete and hoped that this would work. We threw them at the same time but he caught his first and set out across the sand and I followed as soon as I could catch the rock and throw it down.
I hadn't realized how deep the sand/ash was until I saw Big Red about thigh-deep in the stuff. I guess I was so much lighter than he was that I just didn't sink down in it. Lucky. Anyway, the worm started coming after us again but was way slower this time.
We made it to the other side just as time was speeding up again. The worm barely even knew what was going on.
"Samael wasn't kidding about those worms!" said the Watcher. Glad I haven't seen him in a while. "And the Stygian's supposed to be the 'mean' one…"
"Pfft, please. That thing wasn't nothin but a little garden worm." Lie. "I used ta go fishin with those." Lie. "This is gonna be easy." Huge lie.
"We need to find where the fool demons are holding the Stygian!" he said before disappearing again. Those of us who actually had to walk continued on our way up the stone path.
It kept going up, up, up, and curving and I could tell already that this was going to be a pain in my lazy ass. Especially when we got to a ledge and War had to throw me over to the other side. Good news is I'm getting better at landing. Bad news is, fudging Fallen Pansies attacked.
"Here he is!" said one of the three.
No dur.
Since I don't really think I can take down angels - even if they are of the fallen variety - by myself, I decided to let Big Red have this fight. That is, until one of them decided to come after me. I tried to keep the higher ground but given the fact that he had wings and could therefore fly, I think I lost it. He didn't say anything, just swiped at me with his upgraded halberd. I managed to block it with Severance but it sent me skidding into the rock wall and the shock made my arms go numb. So dodging it was! Until I was in a corner. My bad.
"Now would be a great time ta discover that other power like Sammy said I would…" I mumbled before bracing for the final impact.
He raised his weapon above his head.
I've been here before haven't I? But last time it was a demon and he was laughin. Fugly jerk.
But that's when I saw a chance and I took it. By sliding underneath him and coming up behind. My ax also came up and somehow managed to slice off one of his wings. Maybe it helped that my ax was somehow coated in… fire?! The shit?!
Momentarily forgetting the Fallen Pansy, I shook the weapon trying to get the flames off before they reached my hand - not sure why I didn't just drop it - only to realize that the flames were coming from my right hand.
"Huh… neat."
That's when I remembered the fallen angel and the fact that he was still trying to kill me. But it's all good cause War stabbed him in the back and killed him! Yay! Or actually, maybe I should say he stabbed him though the back. Either way he was dead!
As the Fallen Pansy disappeared, I turned to Big Red and smiled, "Thanks fer that but check it! My hand's on fire and it don't burn! How cool izzat?!"
"How?" was all he asked.
I thought of the Shadow Man and thought it best not to mention him, "Uh… who knows? Let's move on!"
I thought about the flames dispersing and they went out with a wink. Sweetness. Ignoring the look (glare) War was giving me, I skipped ahead of him down the lower path and into a tunnel, all the while making my hand ignite then go out again.
We hadn't gotten very far into the tunnel when we heard something roar, causing the whole thing to shake and ash to fall from the ceiling.
"Uh, those worms cain't get us in here, can they? Cause if they can we're so dead."
"It seems they cannot come through rock."
"Oh okay. That's good." I still had my doubts.
Regardless, we went on. There were more roars and shakes but the worm didn't burst through and eat us so we were good. Until we got to a ledge. The Horseman took the easy way and just jumped but being human, I had to climb down the icky vines beside the ledge to where I could jump and not kill myself.
As soon as we were down, blue bugs came flying at us. Big Red literally tore them apart while I practiced with my new fire trick and just touched them so they caught on fire. It really was a good day. No sarcasm at all there. Little sarcasm. Always a little sarcasm. Sarcasm is an art form.
We continued through the tunnel until we reached outside. Again the path broken by sand/ash except the worm was even closer this time and the path was farther away. War pointed to another Chronosphere way up and partially hidden behind a metal grate.
"Alright I get it. I won't do somethin stupid like that again." Which was a lie. When do I not do something stupid? "But we cain't hit it while it's behind that metal."
That's when we noticed the wooden walkway to the right and decided to take our chances that way. It led up to the interior of one of the wooden towers. There were more icky vines along the wall to the right and we climbed up those, across the ceiling a bit, to the upper level where the Horseman turned the lever causing the Chronosphere to lower to a more manageable level. Yay.
We went back the way we came, gliding to the lower level rather than climbing, and back to our earlier dilemma.
"Let's do this, shall we?" I asked, not expecting an answer and not getting one.
Either way, I went first this time. Somehow managing to get behind the Chronosphere, I hit it before quickly jumping down to the ash and running across to the other side, the sound of a ticking clock following me the whole way. The worm never even stood a chance.
"Your turn! Good luck!" I yelled back at War.
Taking out the Crossblade - Where does he keep that thing anyway? - he charged it up before throwing it at the Chronosphere. For a moment nothing happened and I got worried that it didn't work but then I remembered that it was his time that was slowed. Or sped up. Or whatever. Point is, everything was slow for him. Despite how far he had sunk into the sand, he was still moving pretty fast. I blinked and he was there, with the same speed of time as me. Whatever speed that may be.
So we continued on our merry little adventure off into the sunset! Never to be seen again…
Kidding, we just followed the path.
"Soooo this Stygian dude, the King Garden Worm, how're ya supposed ta fight him? I mean, no offense, but ya cain't even beat the other worm."
"I will find a way." Was all he said.
"If ya say so."
And that's when some wild Fuglies appeared!
War ran up to meet them and for whatever reason the Garden Worm thought it would be a good idea to take a chunk out of the walkway and a demon or two with it.
My reaction? "Holy- what the fuck?!" My doubts were right!
Big Red's reaction? "…"
Anyway, he took care of the demons but I helped! I actually managed to cut off one of their arms! I'm so proud of myself!
Ahem… Anywho, we went on - going around the new bite shaped hole in the path - and I noticed something odd. There were floating rocks everywhere. Nothing special about them other than the fact that they were floating.
"Why're there floatin rocks everywhere? How did they get up there? And how do they stay up there?" I asked, mostly to myself.
"It doesn't matter human! Move it!" yelled the Watcher. Couldn't he just have stayed gone? And who says it doesn't matter? These simple floating rock could hold the secret to the universe.
"Excuse me but ya ain't my momma, my daddy, er my grandparents. I don't take orders from ya. So just go back inta Big Red's hand and leave me alone."
He looked as if he was about to say something back, though I'm not sure how he could look like he was about to say something since he doesn't have a mouth, but the worm jumped up again and split the walkway in half. Maybe not actually half but ya know what I mean. That worm is a jerk. At least the Watcher went away.
We made it across without being eaten and continued on. Where we were attacked by more Fuglies who zip lined down on a rope. Looked like fun.
After them the path split. One way led down to two pillars at the edge of a cliff. The other way also lead to a cliff but it was a lot smaller. Also on the other side was another wooden tower where the Fuglies had come from. That was the way to go!
We glided onto the lower level of the tower. There was something spinning in the middle of this one that hadn't been on the other. Above us, beams with spikes attached were also spinning, making it impossible to get to the upper level from the inside.
The Horseman led the way to some icky vines on the outside of the tower and we climbed up those to where a lever to a Chronosphere and a Fugly 2.0 were. After killing him and turning the lever, we jumped - climbed – back down. If Big Red lands like he did anymore he's gonna break the whole damn thing. Then we're worm bait. Shoe on the other foot and all that.
Knowing I wouldn't be able to hit the Chronosphere, or even climb fast enough by myself, War let me hop onto his back. He threw the Crossblade at the… we'll call it CS for short from now on. He threw the Crossblade at the CS and started climbing the icky vines before it even came back to him. He waited until the first beam passed before climbing the vines on the ceiling and dropping onto the upper level. I also dropped down so he could go deal with the Fugly 2.0 before time sped up again.
We jumped off the ledge where the demon was standing and grabbed onto the icky vines on the rock face opposite and climbed up those. It just led to another walkway where more demons ran out to greet us. Unfortunately, their form of greeting was very rude and violent so Big Red had to put them down. Don't feel bad for them. It was for the best.
Going across the bridge the demons had come across, we made it to the next tower. That's where we got stuck. No CS on the inside. No icky vines leading up on the outside. This sucks. Behind us though there was another tower with a blue orb that would take us to the lowest level and red rocks blocking something. Guess we had to go there first instead.
We jumped down to the - hey this is rock not sand/ash, guess we're safe here - ground and made our way to the orb and up onto the tower. War dealt with the demon there and we went up the icky vines on the outside wall. I oughta be pretty buff after all this climbing and shit. Can't forget leg day though. Anyway, as soon as we got up to the highest level, three more Fuglies showed up to join the one already there guarding the lever. Then our way back down was sealed by orange.
"These fuckers wanna play, let's play. What say you Big Red?"
"Let's… play." He said before pulling Chaoseater from its place and started slashing.
I had to take a moment to process the fact that he gave a kinda fun answer. I wasn't even expecting an answer! Shit! What's the world coming to?! After I got over that, I went around to get the Fugly 2.0. It was surprisingly easy. I guess the fact that my weapon was on fire may have helped. It went like this: I ran at him and he swung his weapon down trying to hit me but I dodged it and managed to cut his leg off. He stumbled, of course, and then… Off with his head!
But then more showed up and kept showing up until we were cut up and breathless. Well I was breathless, I'm not sure if the Horseman actually breathes.
Anyway! After they all died, the seals disappeared and we were free to leave. But before turning the lever to take the CS down, he hit it with the Crossblade before grabbing the bomb that was up there and running to the ledge and jumping down.
What the Hells is he doin?
That's when I heard an explosion from down below and remembered the red rocks.
Oh, that's what the Hells he was doin.
Instead of being useless, I turned the lever for him - which was really hard by the way - before climbing down and meeting him. Then he slowed time as I clung to his back and climbed the vines on the inside to the upper level. Then we were outside the tower and climbing more vines leading even higher and to another walkway, another bridge, another tower, and another demon. Wait… damn…
As the Horseman dealt with the demon, I went ahead and turned the lever to take the CS down. Instead of going all the way back we came, War had the bright idea to tuck me under one arm - without my permission - and jump. I'm pretty sure I screamed. Just because I like heights doesn't mean I like jumping from them. When we landed, Big Red actually made his own little crater and I felt like puking. But since I haven't eaten anything besides dream food in, oh, a hundred years or so there was nothing to throw up.
Wait, I haven't eaten or drunken anything in over a century. How am I not dying of starvation or dehydration? Hm, sounds like a question for Sammy.
"Thanks." I managed to choke out after he set me down. "But please don't do that again."
"I cannot promise."
Again, this caught me off guard.
After that you know the routine. This time it was more of a climb on the ceiling and we almost didn't make it. But we did. Only to be attacked by a demon. After him though we could go on. Up to the very tippy-top of the tower. Where we were attacked. Again. War turned the lever up there and the thingy in the middle stopped.
We made our way down to ground level and found out that it was actually a drill and it had gone straight through the rock. I looked down the hole it had made and saw water way down below.
"Ready fer a swim?" I asked.
He ignored me on this one and just jumped down the hole.
With a shrug, I followed him. Except I used my wings the last few feet so the water wouldn't feel like a concrete slab when I hit it.
The Horseman dived down to kill all the little electric fishies swimming about while I just tread water and watched. This water was really clear. He came back up and I followed him the edge of the pool and the beginning of a tunnel. As soon as we got onto dry land, the worm roared again and the whole tunnel shook. Anyway, then we went into another tunnel absolutely filled with Creepy Claws and some red rocks and a cluster of bombs in the middle.
Well, this should be fun.
It appeared that I would be of absolutely no help here so I parked my ass at the edge of the concrete - well away from any of the Creepy Claws - and let my feet dangle as War ran around and did… whatever it was that he was doing.
First, he went over to some blue crystals to the left of where we came in and completely shattered them with the gauntlet he got from the Griever's place. Behind the crystals was a metal block of some sort which he pulled out and pushed beneath one of the claws, which snatched it up.
Standing back a bit, he hit the claw with the Crossblade, causing it to retreat back into the mouth thingy and drop the block. War then grabbed ahold of one side of the block and was lifted up when the claw came back out and pick the block back up. He used the extra height to jump to where more of the blue crystals were and smash them, revealing a Chronosphere.
He grabbed the CS - hm, didn't know you could grab it - and his time was slowed down or whatever. He was just a blur as he ran across the cavern, not even bothering to go around some of the Creepy Claws, and into a little cave that was blocked by two of the things.
I guess there was a CS in there too cause when he came out he was just a blur again. He threw something and as soon as it left his hand it slowed down to where I could tell it was a bomb. And he threw it at the cluster of rocks and inactive bombs in the middle of the cavern. You can see where this went.
It exploded, setting off a chain reaction, and causing a huge chunk of rock to fall from the ceiling and land where we could use it to get out of this infested cave. Unfortunately, four Fallen Pansies decided to fly in and attack the Horseman. It didn't take him long to take them out and we were back on our way out of the tunnel and into another pool of water.
There were more fish, more shaking, more roaring. But it was all made ok cause I got to swim. I used to love to go swimming. Ya know, before the end of the world. At the end of the tunnel of water were more icky vines which we climbed up, up, up onto another stone path and into another tunnel. Is there any place on Earth now that isn't filled with tunnels? Everywhere we go it's tunnels, tunnels, and more tunnels! Ugh!
We entered a large cavern and as soon as we did a huge demon appeared out of the ground on the ledge above us. He looked just like the General dude that was guarding Sammy's prison, just less colorful. And less intelligent.
"Bathe in his blood!" General Knockoff yelled as some Fuglies came out to join him. He stayed up there though while they jumped down to greet us.
"To my side, dogs!" he yelled again when we were almost done with the first batch.
"Ya great, big, copycat! General was twice the demon you'll ever be!" I yelled back at him. All he did was send more demons down to fight us while he stayed safely on the ledge.
Blue portals opened up in the ground and… ladies came out. I guess they were ladies. They had the shape of a woman plus a long flowing dress kinda thing but the face was more skeletal than an actual person. Also, they were dual-wielding swords, very unlady-like. Whatever they were, they were skanks. I know I usually reserve that word for Uriel but I think it can apply to them too.
"My sisters warned me of you." Said one of the skanks in a seductive voice. Yeah, she a ho.
Just like that, we were way outnumbered. War had a trick up his sleeve though so it's all good.
He backed up against a wall, squishing me between him and the wall which was very unpleasant. He let all the Fuglies and the Skanks get closer before spinning Chaoseater and thrusting it into the ground, causing yellow versions of the blade to shoot up. It instantly killed most of the Fuglies and knocked the Skanks back. While he went to deal with the latter, I went to finish off the former.
After I chopped my own opponent in half, I turned in time to see him literally rip his in half then throw those halves off to the side.
"Take this fool's life!" General Knockoff yelled before finally running down the sloping path to join the party. "I will bathe in your flesh."
"How can he bathe in your flesh if flesh is a solid thing?" I asked War as we waited for them to run to us. "Is he gonna liquefy your flesh first er somethin? Throw it in a blender? Either way it's really gross."
"He is a demon." The Rider stated, as if that explained everything.
"So? You're point is?"
He didn't get a chance to answer since General Knockoff - along with two Fugly 2.0 and two Skanks – finally made it to us.
I know my limits so I stuck to going after the smaller demons and let the Horseman handle the big boy and girls. Though I did help him by distracting the bigger demon while he finished off the Skanks.
Finally the only one left was General Knockoff and he looked pretty pissed. Then again, nearly everyone looks pissed nowadays.
He charged at us, dragging his ax thingy along the ground. When he got close enough, he swung it down and we dodged it, going in opposite directions. I distracted him again as War slashed at him over and over until the demon was staggering and he could finish him off.
Big Red started by jumping onto the demon's chest and slashing upward with a spin and finally plunging Chaoseater through his chest and ending it.
I ran over to join him as the demon's body crumpled to the ground, "Yeah! That's what I call teamwork!" I raised my hand for a high-five and waited for him.
He just stared at my hand like I was an idiot.
"C'mon man, don't leave me hangin."
"Hanging?"
With a sigh I put my hand down, "A high-five. Don't tell me ya don't know what a high-five is."
He shook his head and I sighed again.
"Allefty then, raise your hand. No, I said hand not fist. We're not fightin the power here. Hand has ta be open fer this one." Who knew this would be so hard?
Since he obviously wasn't getting it, I took his hand and turned it so his palm faced me and hit it with my own open hand. Which hurt.
"See? That's a high-five. Let's try it again. Gently though, I really don't want ya breakin my hand."
I held my hand back up and we hit them together. "Yay! Now let's get movin."
Well… I just taught a Horseman how to give a high-five. What an interesting day.
We continued on up the path GK had come down and into another curving tunnel which came out to a path outside. And more demons. They were easy to take care of though.
As we walked along the path, I watched the Garden Worm swim through the sand. Was it just me or did it seem like it was following us? In any case, more than just its spines could be seen now. Like its head. It had two antenna like thingies and orangish-red frills behind its head. Pretty.
Now was no time for admiration though since when we got to the end of the path we ran into four more demons. They didn't stay for long though and then we were back in another tunnel.
We hadn't gotten very far in this one before we heard a roar and the tunnel started to shake again. War pushed me ahead of him and he dodged rolled out of the way as rocks came falling down and blocked our path going back.
"Thanks fer that." I told him, coughing.
He didn't say anything and we continued on down the shaking, snaking tunnel like nothing happened.
The farther down we got, the more the worm roared and caused the tunnel to shake. I just hope that it doesn't come crashing down on top of us. I was just brushing some of the sand/ash out of my hair when blue bugs came flying up the tunnel. Couldn't help but set these little guy on fire while Big Red ripped them apart. And we were back on our way. Until we made it back outside that is.
We were surrounded completely by rock walls and the only openings were where we were now and all the way across the huge pit. Between us and it was a whole bunch of sand/ash and the worm. The only way to get across without being eaten would be to hop from one wooden platform to the other before the worm could get us. And to do it without a Chronosphere.
We stood there and watched the worm swim around.
"This ain't good, is it?" I asked Big Red.
"No, it's not."
"I knew that thing was followin us."
"It seems so."
"We're screwed."
"No, we're not."
"Good job remainin optimistic. In any case, we better get movin and hope fer the best."
Just to test the ashy waters, I took a step off the rock and onto the ash. Immediately the worm came charging at us and I stumbled back.
"This ain't gonna be easy." With that, I took a deep breath before jumping off the rock and running for the first platform. I could feel the air move as Big Red reached to grab the back of my shirt but missed. Ignoring both him and the worm, I ran as fast as I could and finally made it onto the platform to see the worm coming for me. I ducked and covered my head - not really sure how that would've helped though - but it just sank beneath the sand and the platform.
I fell back onto my butt and laughed, "That's one down! Your turn!"
War jumped and used his wings to get a bit of distance before landing and sinking into the sand/ash where he was slowed down considerably. But he made it before the worm came back.
This time I waited until the worm was far away before running across and it was much less of a close call. Apparently Big Red already knew to do this and he made it across pretty easily. But every time the platforms were farther away and the worm got a little closer to eating one of us until we were on the final platform.
"Last one. Ya ready fer this?"
He didn't answer and I took that as a yes.
Deep breath… Go!
I ran across, not even giving the little Garden Worm a chance to come after me. The Horseman was a different story though.
He waited until the worm was the farthest away that it would get before jumping and doing the wing thing again. He still had to land eventually and as soon as his booted feet touched the sand, the worm came after him. With a vengeance…
Big Red was getting closer and closer but so was the worm. It raised its huge head, ready to eat the Horseman.
When he got close enough, I reached out and grabbed ahold of his huge hand and pulled. Not sure what I would be able to do but I had to help. He said he wouldn't let me die. I had to at least try and return the favor.
We ended up falling to the ground inside the tunnel and the worm turned away.
"Whoo! We did it!" I shouted, jumping up and down and laughing.
War was still sitting on the ground, watching me run around. I'm not sure why I did what I did next but I did. I mean, it's weird cause I don't like touching people or vice versa but I guess relief makes you do some crazy things.
I ran over to Big Red, threw my arms around his neck, and hugged him. I just hope his girlfriend doesn't find out about this. I don't think she would be too happy.
He didn't react and I let go and stood, "We better move on before some demons find us here."
He also stood and we moved on. Down another tunnel… better than out there with the worm I reckon.
We followed the tunnel until it let out into a large room. As soon as we stepped into the room, a gate came up, blocking our way back out to the garden worm. Cain't say I'm too sad bout that. Orange seals appeared blocking our other ways out and Fuglies came jumping down to join us. If it ain't one thing it's another.
War got most of them but I still took out a few. After them, another General Knockoff came jumping down too yelling "He comes."
Then, as if to make matters worse, another one came up out of a red portal on the ground but he had armor a slightly different color and a cannon. Great.
"Die!" he shouted before firing.
"No, you die jerk."
"Is that all?" General Gunner asked as the Horseman dealt the final blow.
No, that's all.
We finally were able to kill them. It was hard and my hair got singed but we did it.
The orange seal disappeared and before we went on, Big Red picked up the cannon that didn't disappear for whatever reason.
So he can use those too. Neatos.
He did a few practice shots by shooting the shards at some cages and boxes lying about. Not long after the shards found their mark, they exploded, taking the unfortunate objects with them.
With War's new toy in hand, we went on. The thing must have been pretty heavy though cause he was even slower than before.
"We do not fear you." We heard something say before we even left the tunnel. Turned out it was another General Gunner standing opposite of the path we were on. Coward.
There was another cannon at the edge of the path but Big Red ignored it in favor of shooting at GG and any other demons foolish enough to get in his line of fire with the cannon he already had. After they were all dead, we went on but we didn't get very far before another GG started shooting at us.
"Die!"
"Ya know, I'm gettin really tired o' these guys tellin us ta die. Ain't once enough?"
He died instead and we went on, War looking for something else to shoot. I think he really liked that cannon.
We made it to where the first General Gunner was before a General Knockoff came running at us along with some Fuglies. The Horseman stopped them before they got even halfway across the bridge separating us. Seemed like fun.
Then more came when we started across. At least we made it down the steep ramp before more showed up. Unfortunately, a General Gunner thought it would be a good idea to jump onto the flimsy wooden ramp and completely destroy it and our way back up. What an ass.
Big Red turned around and started shooting at him before he could even aim at us. After him, more Fuglies came zip lining down. They should have stayed up there. They didn't last long at all down here. It was actually kinda funny to watch him take potshots at them and send em flying. Or it was funny until a GK and a GG showed up and actually got a few hits in. They still never stood a chance.
We watched as a Fugly jumped down on the other side of the chasm and turned a lever, lowering a bridge connecting the two sides. Hey, he can leave his weapon on his back with nothing it holding it there too. No fair! How do I do that?!
As the bridged lowered, General Gunners appeared out of red portals all down the path we were supposed to take.
"We do not fear you." One of them said.
"That's what the last one said. Look where that got 'im." I yelled back at him. What? Big Red has a cannon now. I believe it's only fair to warn them.
Either way, none of then stood a chance. Not even General Knockoff.
Going along the path, most of the time we just stopped and waited as demons came to us and the Horseman shot them. As soon as we started across another one of the bridges, more would show up in front of and behind us. At one point, Big Red was so focused on shooting some that came up behind us that we both failed to notice some coming from the other direction. Good news is that we found out he could hit them with the cannon itself.
It went on like this until we reached to end of the path and had to jump across a gap. War had to drop the cannon or else he wouldn't have been able to make it. Poor guy. Maybe he'll find another one.
We went the short distance before jumping down again. One way was blocked by a gate and the small walkway attached to the wall didn't look like it went anywhere so the only way to go was straight. Right into an obvious trap. Given the fact that I could hear demons roaring for blood up ahead, yeah I believe it was a trap. But we had no choice but to go that way.
As soon as we walked in, the gate rose up behind us blocked our way out. The Horseman went over to one of the lower wooden platforms which I guessed served as stands for the demons. Not sure what he was doing, I followed him and he turned and picked me up and set me on the stand.
"Wait here."
"Okay…" That's when I remembered Sammy telling us about the arena and how the demons made the strongest fight here.
"Wait! Big Red you cain't-" but he was already too far away to hear me. So I did the only thing I could and climbed higher to get a better view. Some of the demons looked at me funny but I glared at them and practically dared them to attack me. They went back to baying for blood. Yeah, that's what I thought. Punk.
War walked calmly to the middle of the arena.
"Bury him." One of the many Fuglies shouted but I couldn't tell which one.
Way up above another gate, a Fugly 2.0 rang a gong with his weapon which was a cue to open up another gate and let something through. I think it was undead but I can't be sure. It was on a horse, I know that much. Given the fact that I could see the horse's ribs, yeah I think it was an undead.
Pony Man came riding out and another demon yelled "Tear him apart!"
I decided it was my turn to join in the cheering, "Yeah Big Red! Rip him ta shreds! Ya got this!"
The Pony Man came galloping at the Horseman, trailing blue fire all the way. He dodged the initial charge and picked up one of the cages lying around and threw it at the undead. I guess it stunned him or something cause the horse just trotted along while the rider slumped in his seat and War was able to get in some hits in.
That woke him up though cause his horse reared back and he raised his sword in the air. Meanwhile, demons jumped down from the stands to join the fight.
"A feast for the worms! Hahaha." One said and I considered jumping down there myself but I knew I would just get in the way. Plus, he told me to stay up here.
Big Red dealt with the Fuglies first while Pony Man ran circles around all of them and occasionally got his own hits in. Looked like the real Horseman would have to pull out all the stops here. And that meant pulling out the gun I didn't know he had.
He shot at the undead from a distance with it and dodged when he got too close. Eventually, the horse fell and so did its rider.
It seemed like that was the end of it but I was so wrong.
"His death will bring us glory." The arena master said. Don't really think that there was an arena master but whatever.
Another gate opened up along with holes in the ground revealing more Pony Men and Fuglies and grate covered lava pits. Great. Can this get any better?
Of course the regular demons got taken out first, then the first rider. It looked pretty hard and more cages were thrown but he did it. He took out the second one by pretty much slicing the poor horsey's legs off and letting both it and the rider crash to the ground. Then another one showed up.
You'd think - and hope - it'd be over by now but no. A couple of Mr. Buttons had to smash out of their cages and jump down along with some more smaller demons.
I love Mr. Buttons but sometimes they get on my nerves.
"He can't kill us all."
"Just watch 'im!" I yelled at whoever said that.
But this was gonna be tough, even for the Horseman. Though the Mr. Buttons attacking some of the Fuglies may have helped a bit. Also it was pretty funny.
"Kill him, KILL HIM!" I guess he was trying to remind the bigger demons who to kill. It didn't work.
The Watcher thought it would be a good a time as any to appear. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were enjoying this murder-fest even more than they are!" he laughed before disappearing back into War's gauntlet.
So what if Big Red likes choppin up some demons? If ya ask me, he deserves ta blow off a little steam every now and then.
Now that most of the smaller demons were gone - with some help from the Mr. Buttons - the Horseman decided to go after the first of the two while the other one was busy.
It seemed it didn't like being attacked from behind as it quickly retaliated. In the end, he was still brought down and Big Red went after the next one which fell like the first.
As it fell to the ground, the demons left in the stands started booing and chanting.
Is it finally the end? I'm not sure how much more he can take.
Another Pony Man came out but this one was obviously a demon. I'm not sure about his horse though. It was big, mean-looking, and on fire. Hm. Let's call him Rider. The rider, not the horse.
"You disappoint me, Horseman." Rider said. "You look quite small from up here."
Well get down from there and see how small he is then, jackass.
"You can look me in the eye when I kill you." War shot back.
Ooooooh! Burn bitch!
"Let's see how you fare, Horseman, with only two legs to carry you."
Which reminds me, where's Big Red's horse? He's supposed ta be a Horseman right? Sooooo…
The fight started so I dropped that train of thought for now. The gun wouldn't work this time and Rider kept riding circles around him so War settled for grabbing another cage and throwing it at him, stunning the demon to where he could hit him.
The process was repeated until Big Red thought he did enough damage. As Rider was charging at him, he jumped between the demon's blade and the horse, deflecting the sword with his gauntlet and pretty much punching Rider off of his horse and onto the ground. War picked Rider up by the head before throwing him. Once he landed, the demon kneeled on the ground, trying to catch his breath and the Horseman kicked his sword over to him. While it would have been easier to just kill him while he was down, I respect his fairness.
Rider picked up the sword and stood and started attacking right away. Jumping attacks, spinning attacks, regular slashing attacks, he got his fair share through Big Red's guard. But War got even more through.
"You honor me, Horseman." Rider said.
I think he's just tryin ta rub in the fact that Big Red ain't got a horse but he does.
"Look how he cowers."
Says the guy who got knocked offa his horse and is now gettin his ass handed ta 'im.
"I will savor this victory."
What victory? Big Red's? And would ya quit talkin and fight already?!
"I will make this quick, but not painless."
Really? Just shut the fuck up dude. There's a reason nobody likes ya.
Rider tried a new trick this time and sent lines of blue and black flames racing at War. They seemed almost impossible to dodge. Despite how many times he got hit, the Horseman kept getting back up.
"Persistent…"
Agreed but that's a good thing here.
Finally, Rider dropped his sword and staggered around in a circle before picking it up again. But it was already too late for him.
War crouched down and sliced Rider's legs off at the knees. He picked the demon up before he could fall and, without a word, ran his sword through him. He yanked it out and let the dead demon fall to the ground. The other demons didn't like this too much as they started roaring even louder while I cheered.
But now he had Rider's mad horse to deal with. Maybe it was just me but Big Red didn't really seem like he wanted to hurt the thing. I can understand that though, he was pretty awesome looking.
The horse would charge at the Horseman, trailing fire, then sink into the ground somehow before springing up and hitting him again.
War stayed kneeling on the ground for a bit this time until the Watcher came floating up, "What do you think you're doing?"
The horse came walking up, daring Big Red to do something.
"That thing's lost its mind! KILL IT!"
Don't kill the pretty horsy.
As if to prove the sprite's point, it came charging at the Horseman again. Big Red raised his sword but before he could do anything, the horse sunk into the ground. All of us in the stands leaned over the edge to try and see where it went and saw it come up behind War before knocking him into the air.
He landed on his hands and knees with a grunt. Didn't look like he was getting back up this time but I knew better.
It's impressive though how he keeps ahold o' his sword.
He stood and the Watcher started yelling at him again, "Enough I said! Finish it!"
Don't listen ta him! There's a reason ya ain't attackin the horse, ain't there?
The horse came trotting up again and War started talking and I yelled at the demons to shut up so I could listen. Don't think they liked that too much.
"Ruin… I won't fight you." He said as he planted Chaoseater in the ground beside him and let go of the hilt. He almost hit the Watcher with it. Too bad he didn't.
Ruin? He knows this horse? Oh… Oh! Oh shit! It's gotta be his horse! But how did Rider get it?
There was a moment where both Horseman and horse just stared at each other, their breathing synchronized.
Of course the sprite had to ruin it, "You FOOL! I order you to break that nag."
"And if I refuse, you'll kill me? I'll take my chances."
Ooooh! Someone get 'im a burn heal! But that's so sweet Big Red!
Ruin reared up before changing at War again and not one of us could tear our eyes away from what was about to happen.
Big Red shifted his feet. The warhorse got closer. The Watcher flinched. And… the horse passed throughBig Red.
Even from where I was I could see the Horseman actually start to smile.
Wow. I've fought demons, been one step away from certain doom, been surrounded by undead in a graveyard, and talked with ancient evil entities, and yet that is the scariest thing I've ever seen.
War and the horse walked towards each other he ran a hand along its side before swinging up into the saddle.
What was left of the demons started to jump down - except for one or two which were shoved - to face the Horseman.
"Are you not entertained?!" the Watcher asked them.
Hahaha. Very original. Asswipe.
The demons roared their disapproval and the sprite flew back into Big Red's gauntlet with a shrug.
War rode Ruin towards the demons and snatched up Chaoseater. Let the battle… begin!
It's easier to say that they just obliterated the demons and we were free to leave through the gate that opened.
I jumped down as they passed by and War wasted no time in swinging me up into the saddle behind him.
I don't like this, I don't like this, I don't like this!
We ran into a few demons going out but War just cut them down. We continued to ride the warhorse all the way down the tunnel and to the right when the tunnel split and out to-
"Wait Big Red! This leads out ta-"
It was too late. We left the tunnel and the gate rose up behind us.
"-the worm…"
We waited for a bit and I actually dared to hope but then it came up out of the sand/ash and roared at us. We rode like our lived depended on it - which they did really - and the worm followed. Great.
It reared its ugly head and I guess we were just barely fast enough. When it slammed its head back down to try and eat us, it only managed to knock us off Ruin. War summoned him again and we went on.
The Watcher came out and surprisingly kept up with the horse, "Did you see that? There was something glowing in its mouth right before it turned you into kibble!"
"Guess ya gotta shoot that then. Looks like it's the only way to beat that Garden Worm." I added.
"You need to stay one step ahead of this thing - because I am not in the mood for picking your bone fragments out of its crap."
"Oh that's just lovely."
The Horseman said nothing and just focused on trying to outrun the worm.
I probably wasn't helping by clinging onto him like I was so when we passed by a rock outcropping, I jumped off from behind him and climbed onto it. At my departure, War started to slow down.
"Don't worry bout me! Kill that thing Big Red!" I yelled to him and he sped back up.
I climbed higher and watched as the worm chased War. It raised its head, getting ready to eat him and there really was something glowing in its mouth. Apparently he saw this too and started shooting at it.
When the worm came crashing down, Ruin put on a burst of speed and the worm completely missed them. It kept going like that until all the platforms were destroyed and the worm fell on top of the sand/ash and didn't move.
Big Red back Ruin up until they were a fair distance away then charged at the worm. War threw Chaoseater into the air and hit the worm before sending his horse away. He landed, caught his sword, and ran towards the worm. He then stabbed the worm and jumped, cutting the thing open from navel to jowl. Ya know, if it had a navel. Or jowls. Either way he slashed it one more time across the throat before falling back down and landing in the saddle.
The worm gave one final roar and fell to the ground, dead, and sunk into the ash.
"Yeah! Great job Big Red! You too Ruin!"
The gate next to where I was waiting for them lowered and we had our way out.
"Well done." The Watcher said. "But that was only practice for the Stygian. The biggest, and meanest of them all."
"Who're 'them all'?" I asked as War helped me into the saddle behind him. "All the worms? Cause we've only seen one o' 'em and it's dead now."
"We ain't leavin' here without the Stygian's heart. Keep looking." He said, ignoring me and trying to sound menacing.
"Ay, stop tryin ta talk like me."
He ignored me again and flew back into the Horseman's gauntlet. We rode on.
"So, Big Red, this is your horse."
"Yes." He answered, patting the horse's neck.
"And his name is Ruin?"
"Yes."
"Cool name fer a horse. Betcha missed 'im huh?"
"…I did."
"Then it's a good thing ya got 'im back."
He didn't answer that time and we entered the next tunnel and Ruin disappeared. War landed on his feet while I fell on my ass.
"What the Hells?"
"It is too small for Ruin in here."
"Oh, okay. A little warnin would be nice next time though."
He just grunted and walked on while I picked my aching butt off the ground and followed him on down the tunnel.
As soon as we jumped down the small ledge, demons came running up to us.
"Come, Horseman." General Gunner said from way up above us.
War picked up one of the cannons lying around and started shooting at the Fuglies coming at us.
After they, and the General Knockoff, were gone we continued on down the tunnel, shooting anything and everything that moved. And once we entered another cavern, that included a Mr. Buttons.
As we made our way out of the cavern, down another tunnel, and past more GGs and Fuglies, I noticed another Mr. Buttons standing on a walkway near the ceiling.
I pointed him out to Big Red who shot him down and continued to shoot until he was dead. Poor guy but it's a dog eat dog world I guess.
Another GK showed up along with some more smaller demons but they didn't stay for lunch. Ah well. We went on, was attacked some more, kept going on. This is getting really boring. Then again, I'm not doing anything.
Finally! We came to the end of the tunnel and the edge of another pool of water. We jumped in and swam to the other side - had to go underwater for a bit - but we made it. Out of the water, down the new tunnel, and past the Fuglies. I used to be surprised by the sudden appearance of demons. Now it's just a normal, everyday thing. I wonder if that's a good thing or bad…
Either way, they just kept showing up the farther we went down the tunnel until we finally made it to the end. And finally to the Stygian. Once again, we stood at the edge of the tunnel and surveyed the scene before us, ignoring the Vulgrim spot to our right.
Fuglies that looked like ants from here could be seen surrounding a huge ass worm being held by chains to curving stone pillars on either side of it. It didn't look as if it enjoyed it too much.
"So that's the King Garden Worm, the Stygian, ain't it?"
"Yes, it is."
"I'll go ahead and tell ya good luck then."
He just nodded and stepped onto the sand/ash and walked towards the third Chosen. Of course, I followed him. Why we didn't ride Ruin out there, I'm not quite sure.
As we got closer I could hear the clanking of metal and see that the worm was bleeding and that a metal muzzle was covering its mouth. I would feel sorry for him but no sympathy could be wasted on this thing.
We walked right up to the demons but they were so focused on the worm that they didn't even notice us until one of them turned and roared at us and then they were all coming our way.
"So, that's the Stygian. Looks like they worked him over pretty good. Now you just have to get in there and finish what they started." The Watcher said.
"That's great but cain't he wait till after we deal with all these Fugly little bitches?" I asked him.
He just snarled before going back into War's gauntlet.
We killed demon after demon and still more came until we were bloody, bruised, and breathless. Or at least I was.
I leaned on Severance as Big Red pulled Chaoseater out of a demon's chest and more crowded around. Then the worm broke loose.
We turned to watch as the Stygian broke the chains, one of them crushing a demon too slow to get out of the way. He rose up farther out of the ground, breaking the rest of the chains before he began to hit at the demons that had trapped him. Once he was satisfied, he turned to War who was walking even closer and roared. He dived under the ash and I guess the real fight started.
"Ride Horseman! Do what you were born to do!" the Watcher commanded.
"Agreed! Kick his wormy ass!" I shouted as I ran over to the wooden structure where the Stygian was held.
War summoned Ruin and rode.
The King Garden Worm stayed underground for the most part but came up once or twice and swam on top of the sand/ash. I could see that he had much prettier colors than the other worms with metal spikes stuck in his back with a couple of impaled demons there as well. Gross.
While he was aboveground, the Horseman rode as close as he dared to the worm's head and hit at the muzzle that was still there until it finally broke off and the Stygian's mouth was free.
Why in the nine rings would he do that?! I wondered before remembering that Big Red had to shoot the glowing thing in the worm's mouth to kill it. Once it was off, it roared and dove beneath the ash before rising straight up out of the ground with another roar. You'd think it would be thankful but nooooo.
He went back beneath the ash where he stayed. In his place, Big Red had to fight baby worms that actually jumped out of the ash trying to hit him. All he could do was ride and shoot until they either left or died and the Stygian came back out. What a coward. Sending babies - his own children no less - to do a worm's job. I'm just amazed that War's gun never ran out of bullets.
The fight went just like with the other, smaller worm except the King Worm had a penchant for bursting straight up out of the ground at odd times.
Finally he fell on top of the ash and I knew it was the end. For the worm, not the Horseman.
War rode back to the fallen worm. As he got closer, the Stygian reared back up and struck at Big Red who jumped… into the worm's mouth.
I watched in horror as the worm sunk beneath the ash with the Horseman.
There was a roar and the ash where the worm went under started to darken and a geyser of blood shot up.
I fell to my knees, assuming the worst, "Big Red… oh wait."
Kneeling on top of the sand/ash, holding the third Chosen's heart and covered in blood, was the Horseman himself.
I ran over to him even though it rank of worm blood and he was covered in the stuff. Mostly because I didn't want to get left behind.
"I guess there's nothing left to do but get the Stygian's Heart back to Samael. Still, all these hearts the power he'll get from them… I hope you know what you're doing." Said the Watcher.
"Who cares?!" I told him back. We should have cared but like I said earlier, relief makes you do some crazy things.
"Go on, take the Stygian's Heart back to Samael. What other choice do you have?"
"Keepin it fer 'imself but that don't seem like a very smart thing ta do."
So the sprite disappeared and we walked back to the tunnel entrance and the Vulgrim spot there.
"Bravo Horseman… Even the ash crawling Stygian lies dead in your wake. Who can stand against you?" the merchant asked as we stepped into the Serpent Hole.
"Hey Big Red?" I asked, standing as far away from him as the narrow path would allow.
He grunted and I took that as my cue to go on.
"I ain't quite sure how this thing works but do ya think ya could drop me off and that other ash covered place? I think there was a spot there too."
"Why?"
"I wanna check somethin out. Ya ain't gotta come with me. I'll just meetcha back at the Prison."
He didn't say anything and we exited the Serpent Hole together and found ourselves exactly where I wanted to go.
"Thanks, see ya in a bit." I told him, starting out of the tunnel where Vulgrim had his shop.
I didn't get very far before I heard heavy boots crunching behind me. I turned to see War following me.
"I said ya ain't gotta come with me. I'll be fine on my own."
"You'll get yourself killed." He answered, walking past me.
"Gee, thanks fer the vote o' confidence." I caught up to him and went past. "I'm takin point this time. Try ta keep up."
Reaching the end of the tunnel, I jumped out and glided across to the wall opposite and grabbed onto the icky vines there and climbed up. I didn't wait for War to join me and kept walking. I even took down all the zombies by myself and the lone bat by throwing a fireball at it. Yeah, apparently I can do that too.
We - I - retraced our steps the way we had come forever ago back through the small tunnel and into the room with the fan turning slowly on the ceiling. We jumped down from the tunnel and went down the stairway.
I heard heavy footsteps in the next tunnel and stopped War before he could go any further.
"Wait here." I told him as I started on the way out.
He grabbed my arm to stop me. So he knew what was out there too. "What are you doing?"
I smiled at him and handed him my ax, "Makin a new friend."
With that, I slipped out of his grasp and ran out of the stairway and into the next tunnel. Where a giant blue Puppy was stomping around.
Luckily, he was facing the other direction and I was able to sneak up on him. Until he turned around that is, to find me standing like a creep.
"Hey there boy." This was sooo not a good idea.
The Puppy roared and tried to hit at me with his paws but I rolled out of the way.
I got up to see the Horseman standing at the edge of the stairway, my ax in hand. I shook my head at him. No, this was my fight. Though, if I didn't get my head in the game it would be more of a slaughter.
The Puppy came at me again, and again I rolled out of the way. This time, as soon as I stood I grabbed one of his horns and swung myself onto his back and held on for dear life while he tried to knock me off.
Please, please, please let this work.
I reached down between his head and his horns and started petting it.
"Shh boy." I whispered to him. "It's okay. I ain't gonna hurtcha. That's it. Good boy."
By some miracle, it actually worked and the demon started to calm down. I continued to pet him as I slipped down off his back and walked around to face him.
"There's a good boy. Ya wanna come with me? We'll have lots o' fun and kill lots o' things together."
He licked my face and I took that as a yes.
"Alright, I'll call ya Mayhem then. Ya like that? Ya like that name, Mayhem?" I asked as I scratched him under the chin. His club of a tail started wagging back and forth and I also took that as a yes.
"See that man over there Mayhem?" I pointed to War waiting in the stairway watching the whole thing with something close to amazement. At the sight of the Horseman the demon started to growl but I tapped him on the nose to get his attention back. "That man is my… friend. Don't attack my friend now okay?"
He licked my hand and his tail went back to wagging and he looked just like the giant demonic puppy that he was. He still didn't like War though.
Big Red joined us in the tunnel and handed me back my ax.
"Told ya I was gonna make a new friend. Didn't think it was gonna work though."
"Why did you do this?" he asked.
"Hm? Oh, well, ya found your horse so I figured I needed a ride o' my own. Plus, no offense, but ya reek o' worm blood. And these guys are just so cute. Isn't that right Mayhem? So let's go give that heart ta Sammy."
I jumped back onto Mayhem's back and rode him while the Horseman walked and we made our way down the tunnel and past the huge gate which had one of those oddly placed stained glass windows on it. There was another Puppy and two Fuglies on the other side and it appeared that Mayhem really didn't have any qualms about killing his own kind.
He had to squeeze into the next, much smaller tunnel, and I had to walk in front of him and keep coaxing him forward. War paid us no attention and went on ahead of us. Not all of us can summon and banish our rides ya know.
Eventually we made it out of that tunnel and into a larger one and we were back at the Prison.
I got my own little demon puppy now! Yay! This almost makes up for all that crap in the Ashlands.
Super happy for once,
Hope
Briar folded the paper and stuck it in the little bag she had taken to carrying along with all the other notes. She sat on top of a cliff close to where the Stygian was held. Even if this human girl was running around with her Horseman and even hugging him, she couldn't really hate her. Not now that the she demon had calmed down anyway.
She knew that she wouldn't be able to catch up to them now and even she didn't know where Silitha's lair was. Even if she did, going there would be like a fly going into a spider's web. Not that Briar was a fly. She considered herself more of a butterfly, or at least a dragon fly.
So, with a sigh, she resigned herself to waiting until they got her heart and come back to Samael with it.
She laid back onto the rock, her hands clasped behind her head. It felt good to just relax and not have to rush hither and thither.
"Took a long hard look at my life. Lost my way while I was fighting the time. A big black cloud, stormy sky, followed me while I was living a lie. So heartless, so selfish, so in darkness. When all your nights are starless, you're running outta hope." She sang.
Now that this is finished, I really can become the Pokémon master!