Chapter 12

Disclaimer: Don't own anything of the Darksiders series. Agony is my own character. Het/yaoi

mentions of torture and other good/bad stuff. Hope you all enjoy.

Azrael smiled as Uriel moved slightly back from the embrace to look up at him. The three angels had left the library to collect the materials for the mixture needed for Fury and Strife to regain their full strength. With their wings and the specific location of the materials it took only a few hours to collect. After that all that was needed was for Muria to brew the mixture. The shaman waved them off stating it would take only about an hour for it to be prepared. Nathaniel asked if the others wouldn't mind if he and Uriel spoke to Azrael during that time.

"Yeah like you three need our permission." Strife waved them off leaving with Fury.

"How do you deal with them?" Uriel was trying not to let Strife get to her. She watched as Fury looped her arm around the gunner's waist bringing him closer to her. War shrugged speaking of endearing this sort of behavior and worse throughout the centuries.

Azrael was a little bit unnerved when the conversation changed from the events in Heaven to a more personal issue regarding them all. Both Hellguard couldn't help but smile at how awkward the former archangel was behaving. Shaking her head Uriel did slap him across the shoulder giving the other a bit of a crossed look.

"You were not the only one fooled Azrael. We all did what we believed to be just for the one we cared for. I just wished Abaddon had trusted me more with the truth, than perhaps the situation would not have taken such a fowl turn." The three made their way down the stairs at a slow pace each one trying to keep the conversation going while they waited.

"Believe me Uriel, his trust in you was never in question. Even in the end you fought to bring him to his senses. I believe the reason he kept the greater part of the truth from you was in case of our plan was found out or as it has come to be in past events. We knew you above all would be a suitable replacement for him in such a case, someone who above all else viewed the same values as he."Azrael sat down on the ledge of the upper staircase leading to the Forge, the other two sitting down on the bench watching him. (1)

There was still a throbbing ache in his chest whenever there was mention of his former lover and friend. They both knew the risks of their actions should anyone had found out, but neither one could have imagined the real outcome that had transpired. Not only had it cost them the third kingdom but the mayhem that rippled through all of creation as well. The Council had set War up with correcting their mistake, Death had confronted a face from the past and the two had nearly perished in their quests. And now when things seemed to slowly return to normal, old enemies resurface with far more vicious intentions to the Riders and who knew what else. But unlike last time, there was hope and allies that they could trust or the very least count on. There was also a new comer to this as well. Maybe not to the Riders but to him and...

"Uriel...when did you even meet Agony?" He remembered when the two entered the library, Uriel stated that she had crossed paths with Agony before. The new general leaned back careful not to catch her wings against the stone railing. She thought back to that day, it seemed like eons ago.

"It was after the near breach to Eden, apparently the first time Belisatra tried to send her creations to retrieve anything from the bodies of the Nephilim, the time Abaddon lost his eye. I'm sure you remember the lost of his sight and the injury that not even our healers could stop." Seeing the nod in acknowledge she continued trying to recall the event. "The Archon had mentioned hearing of a healer hiding on earth with an unusual talent. Of course we were granted permission to visit the earth for this purpose only." Uriel turned to Nathaniel when she noticed the others body go ridged at the mention of the fallen angel. Moving her hand up to his face she tried to sooth the taunt skin cupping her palm on the heated cheek. Nathaniel closed his eyes trying to fight back the guilt of failure. He was told countless times it was not his fault what had happened to Lucien, but still. Even the higher ranks knew the price of failure and he was only a hit away from a streak. Sighing, he placed his own hand onto Uriel, giving it a gentle squeeze before placing it once more onto the bench. Azrael watched the scene in silence trying to hide the smile threatening to show on his face. Turning to the side, he pretended to cough in his hand letting the two have a moment.

"Our apologies Azrael. We didn't mean to..."

He waved them off shaking his head at the needless words. He was more curious at how Agony played a part in the past, let alone their meeting.

"Of course. The trip to earth was still strange even to us, even with the enchantments concealing our appearance. The village we were directed to had a guide that agreed to take us to her. She was living in the mountains away from the inhabitants. Our guide refused to take us any further when we reached a cave stating that the ones dwelling there preferred to be summoned before guests entered their home. He showed us the torch that we had to light signaling someone's arrival." Uriel chuckled remembering at that time feeling insulted by the human.

Flashback

The two watched as the flames lite across the wall descending further into the ice cave. Looking at each other they wondered what would happen, if they should wait or venture in as well. The sound of footsteps crunching on the snow covered floor echoing through the cave alerted them to someone's approach. A cloaked figure shuffled out of the mouth of the cave, the dark wooly material trailing to the ground. The person turned, a pair of mismatched eyes looking back at them. The head moved from side to side taking in the newcomers. A gloved hand beckoned them to follow as the figure turned back into the cave. Seeing no other choice the two entered the cave only a few feet behind the figure.

"It's been awhile since I've seen angels descend to earth. Though I'm sure it's not a social call." The voice was soft as not to startle them.

Uriel suddenly reached for the sword hidden beneath her cloak when a hand grabbed hers, halting her progress. She turned to look at Abaddon's face her sight lingering on the bandages. He just shook his head, turning his attention back to their guide when the figure stepped closer.

"If you don't mind, how is it that you know what we are?" Abaddon watched the figure stay where they were, one slim arm raised, a gloved hand disappearing into the hood. He watched as one finger tapped the spot where the nose would be at least a few time before lowering it back down.

"The nose knows. Much like demons have their own scent so do those of angels. Every race from Makers, to humans, animals even the departed have a scent, be it from the staining of their realm or the very essence pouring from their being. It was my job to determine those presences in case of...misunderstandings." The last part was muttered so lowly that they could hardly make out what was said.

Moving once more the two had to hurry to catch up when the cloaked figure disappeared around the next corner. The hard gravelly ground under their feet soon turned to a soft moss covered floor. No sooner had they turned a corner leading them deeper into the mountain, they were met with a light rivaling the sun. Uriel moved her hand away from her eyes adjusting after only a few seconds and gasped at the scenery before her.

The open area that they entered could very well have rivaled that of one of Heaven's lush gardens. High above taking up the ceiling and a few patches etched in the corners of the mountain were clusters of crystals emanating a soft pulse. Both Abaddon and Uriel could feel the warmth bathing their cold bodies, the cloaks suddenly becoming unbearably stuffy. Below the crystal canopy a good few hundred feet was a quaint stone house surrounded by a different garden on each side. In the front flowers of every hue and growth ran wild along fences, baskets and even growing along the trees. To their right various vegetables were perfectly in line, from the lettuce to tomatoes, even the pea pods and pumpkins were never out of place. Opposite of that were rows of fruits: a mixed array of berry bushes, grapes and a few they had never seen before. Behind the house large trees reached to the walls a few branches being pulled down by some force followed by a snapping and gurgled voices.

"There are others here?"Abaddon looked back to their guide as the hood was pulled down. Long wavy mahogany locks spilled over slim shoulders, a few braided in between. Skin nearly matching the ivory towers of Heaven themselves but it was finally seeing her eyes that put all the pieces together and had Uriel moving back, hand by the hilt of her sword once more.

"What in creation!?" The woman simple stood there silent and steady not at all phased by the outburst. Abaddon on the other hand was staring at her eye wide mouth slightly gaping.

"How is it possible? Other than the Four we were told the Nephilim were..."

"Killed? Yes most of my kin were slayed by the hand of the Riders along with the grand forces of Heaven and legions of Hell. They were a threat to all creation after all. You may, if you see fit, to end my life as well but at least allow me to aid you first. You did come all this way after all. I'd hate to see all that time wasted" The woman turned her back to them already descending a set of stairs carved out of the side wall."Oh and please watch yourselves, we do have other guests here. This is actually the home of a Maker Shaman from Tri-Stone. It is with her permission that me and my companions are staying here. Do show her some courtesy."

Uriel bit her lip not sure what to do. She almost lost her nerve when Abaddon moved forward to follow.

"Lord Abaddon?" He turned to her his one good eye betraying none of the apprehension he felt.

"We have come this far child, and believe me, as much as I detested the Nephilim for the chaos they besieged on creation itself, I have learned that not all are what they seem." Still a bit unsure of the situation but not about to argue with the General Uriel followed.

As much as she loathed to admit it, the area was calming her nerves. There off to the side hidden by a few silver leafed weeping willows was a quaint stone gazebo. Wooden bridges connected the broken patches of islands, a crystal clear river running throughout the hidden land. Mesmerized by the tranquil sensation Uriel bumped into the figure in front of her. About to apologize she bit her tongue when those mismatched eyes landed on her.

"Pardon my rudeness. I didn't mean to stop so suddenly, but we have arrived." Unlatching the door she pushed the heavy wood open, stepping inside. Abaddon nodded, staying close to the fledgling, noticing how cautious she was being. Smiling to himself Abaddon was grateful that they sent someone at least competent with him. She may be young but he could see much in her. With the proper training she would make a fine soldier in the years to come, a survivor against the battles with Hell.

Upon entering the room the first thing that greeted them was a towering figure in the back corner. Dressed in a grayish teal outfit with strange baubles littering her belt and a large knotted walking stick was who they assumed was the Maker the Nephilim had mentioned earlier. The white haired Shaman turned to them, a blue blindfold tied around her eyes for what purpose they were unsure of.

"You certainly try your luck child. You should be more weary of the guest you allow to enter my home." Muria moved the tea kettle over the cups that she placed out. As each one was filled the Nephilim placed it on a tray and taking it over to their guest. The two angels looked from the cups to each other not sure if they should take the offered drinks. A large crack from stone meeting wood startled the three looking over to the Maker. Even with the blindfold they all could tell she was glaring at them, a frown on her face.

"Do they teach you no manners in Heaven. When a host offers you a refreshment you at least accept it. Learn from this Agony, it is what separates us from the truly lower beings of creation." The Nephilim nodded her head still holding out the tray to them. Taking the cups Agony showed them where they could sit, pulling out the chairs for each of them.

Taking their seats Abaddon proceeded to tell them the reason for searching her out. Agony sat down listening to every word the General had to say. To everyone it seemed the tone of her skin grew paler and paler with each word said. Muria had to reach over and lay a hand to keep the other woman from falling over. Sliding off her chair Agony walked over to stand right before Abaddon. The General watched her from his one good eye as she pointed to his bandages. Nodding slightly he watched as her hands began to unravel the wrappings. He could sense Uriel watching everything, her body tense hands clutching her cup so hard he could hear it start to creak. Uriel jumped when the cup was snatched from her grip, Muria smacked the young angel on the back of the head with her staff, muttering under her breath about ungrateful beings. The two both turned when Agony hissed after uncovering the wound.

"Affliction." Agony traced the scared tissue around the empty eye socket with the tip of her finger. Strange enough Abaddon was not as disgusted by the touch or even the close proximity. For some reason he felt calm around her, not at all hostile, much like the other Nephilim, nothing like the Horsemen. There was a strange sensation where her finger trailed along the skin of his forehead and the wound. Her eyes were half closed face set in such a serious tone he felt a knot begin to form in his stomach. Her hand stopped over the sealed socket, just a hair's breath away from the seared flesh. It was brief and he barely registered it, but he felt the soft cool skin against his his cheek as she lowered her hand. Agony turned to Muria shaking her head. The Shaman scoffed, muttering to her self.

"Even I could have told you that my dear. The weapons your kind created were truly..."

"There is a way to fix his sight...just I'm afraid I can't restore the eye itself. I'm sorry if that isn't the answer you were looking for." Agony moved away to sit back in her seat aware of the different looks she was receiving.

"Than we have wasted our time here. We should leave my Lord we..."

"What can be done?"Abaddon sat still, voice calm and steady.

"But my Lord," Uriel looked shocked at her leader not sure what he could be thinking. She watched him take a deep breath letting it out slowly before turning to her. She couldn't help but cringe at the stern look on his face, a hint of disappointment mingled into his gaze.

"I will not return back crippled as I am Uriel. This is not for myself or foolish pride but for the Hellguard as well. I can not lead them into battle against any foe, let alone train them as I am now." Turning to look back at Agony he merely nodded to her accepting whatever needed to be done.

End flashback

"Muria was the one to craft the golden eye. And Agony well, she did all she was able to halt any further damage that was caused by Affliction's poison. I see now that she was nothing like the other Nephilim pictured in our text, that we were taught to treat as nothing more than demons. It seems I've made that mistake twice now. " Uriel paused remember her time with the Nephilim. She regretted it now, how her youthful self was so naive and blinded by all she was taught, that she could have seen Agony for more then what she was. It was once more as well with War thinking of the Rider as the one responsibly for all that had happened to her on Earth. She blamed him for Abaddon's demise, for the Hellguard's entrapment on earth but most importantly at that time, for the emptiness in her being. She told herself that she had to be strong for the others, that they would survive Hell's wrath and once more return to their rightful place in Heaven.

Her mind went back to even before her encounter with The Red Rider. She was skeptical at first when Death appeared on earth seeking the rod. She was still not sure what the other wanted with the relic but would rather see it away from Hell's grasp. Swallowing her pride she aided him how she could only asking a small favor of him. She refused to lose any more of the Hellguard in search of the rod or by the evil that held them captured. The failure still haunted her to this day. Shaking her head it seemed she was constantly repeating the same mistake.

"It seems you have seen the errors of your past, but there are still chains weighing you down. Agony would be most troubled if she believed she caused you any doubt." Muria's voice sounded from behind them. Turning, the three angel's watched the Maker Shaman sitting by the stream of lava flowing into the Forge. In her hand was a piece of cloth that she would twist and fold. Pocketing the fabric she stood walking towards them a grim smile on her face.

"I hope you can find some peace when this is over child. For I fear there is more harm to come before this nightmare truly comes to an end." Turning away they watched her go, the doors leading to the Forge opened Karn holding it for her. Before entering she spoke not even turning to look at them.

"The Horsemen wait by the gateway to the tree with the Crowfather. The time has come to act, our prayers that you succeed. Come along Karn." The young Maker nodded to them wishing them the best of luck.

Azrael sighed, hoping to ask the two a few more questions but knew that there was more pressing matters at hand. For some reason Muria's warning sent an uneasy feeling throughout his whole being. He could feel the others watching him waiting to see what he would say.

"It's best we go. Believe me you do not wish to see them in a mood even fouler then I have witnessed." Stretching his wings Azrael and the others took flight into darkening sky each wondering what the next course of action would be.

War watched as the small specks in the sky drew closer to the tree. By his right he heard the click of Mercy, Strife lowering the pistol to aim at the ground. He eyed his brother's action, the gunner shrugging, muttering something about force of habit before turning his attention to the door in front of them. Fury was sitting on one of the many up lifted roots of the tree listening to whatever it was The Crowfather was speaking of. He turned when the soft thud signaled the others arrival already he could tell the question Azrael wished to ask.

"So glad you decided to join us, any longer and I imagined these three would have stormed off without you." Azrael couldn't tell if the Keeper of Secrets was being serious or not but one look at the Nephilim and he didn't even need to guess. War had already drawn Chaoseater from his back, there were broken branches littering the ground upturned earth and one of the statues leading to Hell's portal was left in a pile of rubble. The same could be said for the opposite side. The only difference was the portal would lead one to Heaven and the statue was full of smoking holes and long strips that seemed to have been burned along the body of stone. From the top of the lower branch of the tree Dust fluttered down, making his perch once more on top of War's hood. The Rider glared at his sibling's snickering not at all amused by the birds recent behavior at using him in such a manner.

"One word Strife." As soon as the chuckling began it ended, the clip tone of War's voice clear that he was using all he could not to lash out at the moment. The sound of the blade's tip sinking into the ground a clear warning. Fury slid from her spot, walking to where Strife was standing. Azrael could tell just by the way the two seemed to relax that they were communicating through the bond they shared. He looked over to War still rooted on the spot, Dust looking at them all with ruffled feathers and a slow hiss escaping his beak. Azrael walked over to him catching War's eye. He raised his arm up and not even a second did Dust flutter onto the offered limb. Turning away from the crow he looked straight into War's eyes, his own steeling themselves for what they may face.

"I believe we have wasted enough time. If you know the way let us be off. Our plans can be created as we travel." Walking to reach the Crowfather the other two angels followed careful not to aggravate War.

"But are you prepared for what a waits you when you reach your destination Gatekeeper? Be weary for your enemies in this battle, they are not just those made of flesh or soul. You may be forced to relive a nightmare long since buried. Your weapons will not be the only means of defense you must use. No doubt with what Agony has mention to us you three must face off once more with your brethren."

"The Nephilim, save the Horsemen and Agony, are no more. These are mere vessels being used by Corruption and the Chancellor." Even saying this the look the Crowfather was giving Azrael made it seem his words held no meaning.

"Are you so certain? Remember not all the souls of the Nephilim were trapped at the battle of Eden. No one knows, not even I, if the Well has claimed them. Should any still wander this may be the call they seek to reclaim what was taken from them." With that said the Crowfather turned his back to the others walking towards the door. Placing his spectral hand between the different wood of the door, he muttered to himself bony fingers tapping along in some code only he knew.

The others looked at each other disturbed by the news. Never did they even think that what was said could be remotely true. Uriel was about to ask Azrael if any thing the Crowfather said held any meaning to them but the large creaking of the door opening had everyone's attention turn to the front. Instead of the usual pitch black long corridor there was a swirling gray vortex.

"It seems the tree already knows where you must go. Do be careful, who knows what awaits you on the other side." Giving his final warning he moved allowing them entrance.

War moved past Azrael's barley brushing his arm. Taking the hint he moved to catch up to only a few steps behind him. They didn't even bother waiting for the others or even stop to observe the strange mode of transport. Strife moved along with Fury, fingers already on the triggers of Mercy and Redemption.

"Move it kiddies, lest you get left behind."

Uriel had to grit her teeth her wings going stiff at the childish antics. Muttering to herself she followed the last two Horsemen only nodding to the Crowfather as they passed him. Nathaniel was the only one to thank him properly before entering the vortex as well. The Crowfather watched them go shaking his head. He stopped head only slightly tilting back sensing the presences watching from the shadows. He smiled moving away from the door, hand stretched out to show the other he would not bar his progress. He watched as the figure moved out from the shadows only to stop in front of the vortex.

"This will not be an easy task for you I am sure. This will end your journey one way or the other and may very well end theirs. The choice of course is yours to make, but time is a luxury you do not have."

The figure just turned looking a the Crowfather a grim smile on the translucent face.

"I've had plenty of time to think about this ya old hermit. Believe me I'm ready to end it once and for all."

Wasting no time the figure vanished into the vortex before it sputtered and faded out. The Crowfather was surprised at first until a laugh burst from his lips. It lasted a good few minutes nearly bring tears to his eyes if he wasn't already dead. Shaking his head still chuckling he sat down on the root Fury had abandoned. Here he would wait for the others to return...should they return.

"It...it can not be." Azrael nearly fell to his knees at the sight before him. If he was dreaming he would pinch himself but he knew this was no illusion. Everyone looked at him but War. He too looked on surprised that the land before them was once all too familiar with but in a more horrid state of transformation. The once lush gardens that were already in a state of ruin when he had escaped the Black Throne with Azrael now warped into some twisted mountain fortress. Patches of Corruption oozed along the mountain, every now and then they could see a patch pulse to its own beat.

"How is this possible Azrael? I thought you sealed off Eden ending its existence." He watched the scholar reach out a shaky hand grasping the crystallized shrub.

"Eden? But we were told it no longer existed after man was cast out. Are these more secrets you kept from everyone Azrael?" Uriel looked at the large landscape before her. It was not the same Eden she remembered in the tomes and scrolls. Every inch of the once fertile land was in cased in gray-blue crystals. The crystals themselves seem to emanated a sickly light that even reached the makeshift sky. Feeling a sense of vertigo begin Uriel tore her gaze from the sky shutting them tightly to help ease the feeling.

"Destroyed sealed away who gives a damn. Has it occurred to anyone just how we're suppose to get into this place? Because I seriously doubt knocking on the door and asking nicely is going to work." Strife moved back when a pool of Corruption lashed out at him. About to shoot at the tendril Nathaniel called out to him. Glaring at the bulkier angel he was about to tell him off when the rod was pulled off Nathaniel's back.

"If it was one word of caution that Death mention to me about this Corruption is that weapons have no effect on it in this state." Slaming the rod down on the tainted soil the bright flash blinded them for a brief moment. A shrill cry echoed in the dead realm, the Corruption recoiling from the small area seeping into the cracked ground.

Nathaniel face was grim as he watched the darkness recede, not the outcome he was hoping for. Sighing he strapped the rod once more onto his back turning to the others. Strife was still glaring at him, though the angel couldn't tell. About to tell him off they all turned to a loud creaking from the front of the fortress. A large crack formed at the bottom left corner curving upwards and down to the other side. A large groove descending from the top straight to the bottom forming a rugged door. They watched as it struggled to open a musty smell followed by a gray fog escaping the dark corridor from within.

"Seriously, do they think we're that dumb."

"Well you did ask for a way in." Fury commented slowly walking to the entrance. Uncoiling her whip she focused for a moment eyes narrowed trying to look further into the open door. Before anyone could even see, a quick twist of the wrist had the whip lashing in a straight line though the corridor, the weapon flaring to life, light reflecting in the cramped entrance. There wasn't much to the room from what she could tell. From what she could see, the Corruption had weaved itself along the walls and ceiling, a few pools littering the floor. Shaking her head she walked back to the others explaining what she saw.

"Is there anyway that could be more useful?" Fury asked Nathaniel, pointing to the rod.

"I am afraid my strong point is not in these sorts of relics but I believe it may work better for you Azrael." Once more removing the relic from his back Nathaniel handed it to the scholar not at all surprised at what happened next. The rod itself seem to come alive as the light blue glow traveled from the center up Azrael's hand and to his face, the glyph throbbing in sync to it.

Azrael shuddered feeling the mystic energy travel through his body. He felt the warmth start in his chest spreading through the rest of his body. He even felt the tips of his wings curl as the energy reacted to the ruins at the ends of them. He could see the sparks jumps between the feathers the normal blue turning a shade darker.

"Azrael?" He felt War's hand on his back the pressure pulling him back from the source of power. Shaking his head to clear it he turned back to stare into the concerned face. Looking back at the opening he clutched the rod moving to stand in front of the doorway. The others watched as he slid through the tight opening. The two Hellguard were about to move forward before anything happened to Azrael but their path was blocked by the Riders.

"Let him be. He knows what to do." War didn't have to look back to see the scowl on Uriel's face. He could already feel the same reaction on his own, hoping the scholar could handle this task. From what Death had mention from his discussion the Rod of Arafel was not easily mastered. It's power could easily render ones mind, leaving them empty in mind and the body slowly left to die. His concern grew hearing the strange noises spilling forth from within the entrance and the flicking of light. Even Strife's posture tensed at the current actions.

And just as soon as it began there was only silence. The door creaked open Azrael brushing dust and cobwebs from the sleeves of his robes. Dusk fluttered from out of nowhere landing on the clean shoulder pecking loose at a spot Azrael missed. War grasped at Chaoseater walking toward the two, placing a hand on the empty shoulder. Barely glancing back at the others, he nodded his head, ready to end this nightmare once and for all.

End chapter 12

1. Ok, Uriel in the game I can not stand, I'm sorry but to me they made her so closed minded. And as much fun as it is to bash a character, I believe after all that was said and done at the end of DS1 she took the time to question herself and the way the situation was handled. I think after all of this she won't be so judgmental and hopefully more open minded.