darkdemeter

[darkdemeter]

locked in and ready to get the reaper rank? I've decided on 500 victories😄

SERVER UPDATE!

Hey all! I'm excited to bring some info and some screenshots for the Darksiders discord I'm currently working on. This was meant to be posted last night but I was pretty exhausted heh, so apologies for that but now, without further delay, let's jump right into it shall we?

There is still quite a bit to do but I am jam jimming away at it! Though the plan is to get it up and running very soon. I have so much planned for this server and I'm just elated to share with you all what's to come!

There is quite a lot so this update will be a bit extensive just so users know what to expect when joining. I will have have a bit of a guide on my carrd masterlist available when the server goes live for people to join.

The Server

So upon entering, you will arrive at the welcome channel where the rules and basic overview of the server's intent will be discussed.

In order to have access to the server, you will need to complete the welcome. By doing that, you will be given this:

There is a members-log that will update studio members about their progress level ups! These consist of earning keys (not purchased from Vulgrim), and by being awarded ranks!

There is also a server support for anyone who has issues regarding in-server matters, broken aspects or violation of rules. The suggestions channel beneath that is where members can voice their input about what possibly could be added in the future. There will be another log for server announcements/updates for these suggestions and more.

As for Vulgrim's Trade, well yes-- I kind of hired him. And by that he spawned a serpent hole into the server and I can't get rid of him. So yes, he is here to act as the in-server merchant. Just... nobody trade their souls, okay? I don't wanna have to put that in the rules... it might concern new studio members.

"Now wait a second," I hear you ask. "What about roles? What are ranks and keys?"

Ranks and Keys Not Your Regular Roles

Now, there are many keys and ranks to be unlocked. Instead of the usual designation of roles and such, I decided to really tap into the creativity here. Give members a little something extra. These are just teasers (and I'm still contemplating the exacts of the Horsemen Companion) so there are more you're not being shown as of now.

But let's start with keys. So a bit of lore behind this was not only Darksiders from a game pov an inspiration for this, but also from a board game I used to play called Atmosfear that centered a LOT around collecting keys... and I really wanted to weave that into the server.

Keys have their own relative categories being that of "Purchase", "Reward" and "Cameo".

Purchase Keys are able to be bought from Vulgrim.

Reward Keys are earned/won as prizes by competing in games and challenges and by progressing through the server.

Cameo Keys are special and are dedicated to those I consider very good friends of mine I've met through the fandom and I want to commemorate them with their own key as a friend token/cameo nod to them. These keys are given to that respective friend when/if they join. Cameo keys can be earned by studio members from either receiving an invite to the server from that friend/holder of the key and providing that key holder's own and personally made code in the welcome channel.

Or...

If members did not receive an invite and are already part of the server or if that friend is not a member in the server to provide an invite, these keys can be earned as rewards by completing a series of challenges and games.

Keys are overall collectables but there are others that allow you to further access into the server. As an example, this server is a relatively 18+ just to keep it kinda simple. However, I don't want users to be confronted by or bothered by channels that contain nsfw content they have no interest in.

In hopes to counteract this and to allow a bit of customisation for members, there is an 18 Key. This key is a Purchase Key and can be collected from Vulgrim if members want to access nsfw content. But other than that, members can happily go about their business without it, but do note that some channels are by that logic restricted and cannot be viewed.

Moving onto ranks:

Ranks are quite simply level-type roles. Achievements! Shout out to my achievement chasers cause I had ya'll in mind for this also. I want this server to be casual, fun and friendly - but I also wanted to provide a challenge for members who are eager and game for it.

And technically speaking, though the Steed's Headstone is an artefact, it is very much a rank! :D So congrats, you earn your first rank quite easily by simply becoming a studio member!

There are of course your easier to achieve ranks if you want to have a go but not overly commit to grinding out some progress - but beyond that there are ranks to grind my fellow darksiders fans. And the Crucible is one of your friends here in that regard!

I'd like to have some ranks actually grant access to certain parts of the server, but I don't want to feel like it's excluding people, however I - again - want to provide a means of something enjoyable and for members to engage in. This is all meant to be fun in the end.

I want to create as many accessible yet immersive and challenging ranks to get but also leave some on the spare line for future content considering the 250 role limit. Sort of like... dlc content? I don't know. XD

EXTRAS

Just a bit of a sneak peek at the calendar...

Who's excited for Death December? And those of you who know Strife September... Now we've got a calendar where everyone - creators and studio members can come together and post content!

Lookie lookie - to keep it accessible for all, there are regular channels and 18+ channels. and look Jer! War's got two months! (If you know, you know, if you don't... uuuuh- UHHHHHHH 👀)

And let's take a look at the Crucible category, yeah?

So I'd like to incorporate the events system discord has in place to announce upcoming tournaments that are duals and combat related. These can range between powerful and elite enemies against members to even the Horsemen themselves. Compete alone... or with friends of 4.

Mini games are still in the heavy wip stage but they're just little competitions and friendly games to play together.

Challenges are something like what you'd experience in the darksiders games, where you take on waves of enemies, but again, this is in wip mode right now. Not only that however, either in the challenges - or another challenge channel - members can actually initiate creators to compete against one another! Whether that be by writing/art prompts or perhaps to challenge each other/ocs in a dual.

Now the leaderboard does act as a bit of a rank in the Crucible, however it's use is to really keep track of competitor's progress, just so then I can keep track of thing. (As of now, I don't have a bot in place to assign roles, so I'll be having to do that manually).

Prizes! Who doesn't like prizes? Tell me, Vulgrim. Yeaaah, he doesn't wanna admit it but the cute plushies are growing on him. As mentioned above, certain keys can be won/rewarded as prizes after competing and winning in the Crucible. Some other prizes are in the workshop, one of which hehe - I'm making a bit of a tarot/deck of cards that can be won and are also collectables. If these do become a collectable for members, I'm just wondering if I should instead do illustrated ones cause I think that'd be cooler and more unique. Level up my art skill tree!

Here's a sneak peek at that... There are 2 variants: Light and Dark to match the server's themes.

Cards backing

Cards front

Also shout out to @scarletknightreterns for giving me an interactive idea to possibly implement into the server which I am keen to do hehehe! I can't promise that it will be available upon the server's first launch. If it's not, it will be featured in the upcoming updates/announcements for the server! As mentioned, the server will get updates to improve member experience and to build a stronger community.

Phew okay, I think that just about covers all that I wanted to discuss in the update. Thank you to those who are eager to join and sending through those 🐴 I really appreciate it. With any luck the discord will be up soon and the guide as well on my carrd masterlist for a more in depth explanation for those who might be a little confused.

Alrighty, take care all!

[darkdemeter]

SERVER UPDATE!

Hey all! I'm excited to bring some info and some screenshots for the Darksiders discord I'm currently working on. This was meant to be posted last night but I was pretty exhausted heh, so apologies for that but now, without further delay, let's jump right into it shall we?

There is still quite a bit to do but I am jam jimming away at it! Though the plan is to get it up and running very soon. I have so much planned for this server and I'm just elated to share with you all what's to come!

There is quite a lot so this update will be a bit extensive just so users know what to expect when joining. I will have have a bit of a guide on my carrd masterlist available when the server goes live for people to join.

The Server

So upon entering, you will arrive at the welcome channel where the rules and basic overview of the server's intent will be discussed.

In order to have access to the server, you will need to complete the welcome. By doing that, you will be given this:

There is a members-log that will update studio members about their progress level ups! These consist of earning keys (not purchased from Vulgrim), and by being awarded ranks!

There is also a server support for anyone who has issues regarding in-server matters, broken aspects or violation of rules. The suggestions channel beneath that is where members can voice their input about what possibly could be added in the future. There will be another log for server announcements/updates for these suggestions and more.

As for Vulgrim's Trade, well yes-- I kind of hired him. And by that he spawned a serpent hole into the server and I can't get rid of him. So yes, he is here to act as the in-server merchant. Just... nobody trade their souls, okay? I don't wanna have to put that in the rules... it might concern new studio members.

"Now wait a second," I hear you ask. "What about roles? What are ranks and keys?"

Ranks and Keys Not Your Regular Roles

Now, there are many keys and ranks to be unlocked. Instead of the usual designation of roles and such, I decided to really tap into the creativity here. Give members a little something extra. These are just teasers (and I'm still contemplating the exacts of the Horsemen Companion) so there are more you're not being shown as of now.

But let's start with keys. So a bit of lore behind this was not only Darksiders from a game pov an inspiration for this, but also from a board game I used to play called Atmosfear that centered a LOT around collecting keys... and I really wanted to weave that into the server.

Keys have their own relative categories being that of "Purchase", "Reward" and "Cameo".

Purchase Keys are able to be bought from Vulgrim.

Reward Keys are earned/won as prizes by competing in games and challenges and by progressing through the server.

Cameo Keys are special and are dedicated to those I consider very good friends of mine I've met through the fandom and I want to commemorate them with their own key as a friend token/cameo nod to them. These keys are given to that respective friend when/if they join. Cameo keys can be earned by studio members from either receiving an invite to the server from that friend/holder of the key and providing that key holder's own and personally made code in the welcome channel.

Or...

If members did not receive an invite and are already part of the server or if that friend is not a member in the server to provide an invite, these keys can be earned as rewards by completing a series of challenges and games.

Keys are overall collectables but there are others that allow you to further access into the server. As an example, this server is a relatively 18+ just to keep it kinda simple. However, I don't want users to be confronted by or bothered by channels that contain nsfw content they have no interest in.

In hopes to counteract this and to allow a bit of customisation for members, there is an 18 Key. This key is a Purchase Key and can be collected from Vulgrim if members want to access nsfw content. But other than that, members can happily go about their business without it, but do note that some channels are by that logic restricted and cannot be viewed.

Moving onto ranks:

Ranks are quite simply level-type roles. Achievements! Shout out to my achievement chasers cause I had ya'll in mind for this also. I want this server to be casual, fun and friendly - but I also wanted to provide a challenge for members who are eager and game for it.

And technically speaking, though the Steed's Headstone is an artefact, it is very much a rank! :D So congrats, you earn your first rank quite easily by simply becoming a studio member!

There are of course your easier to achieve ranks if you want to have a go but not overly commit to grinding out some progress - but beyond that there are ranks to grind my fellow darksiders fans. And the Crucible is one of your friends here in that regard!

I'd like to have some ranks actually grant access to certain parts of the server, but I don't want to feel like it's excluding people, however I - again - want to provide a means of something enjoyable and for members to engage in. This is all meant to be fun in the end.

I want to create as many accessible yet immersive and challenging ranks to get but also leave some on the spare line for future content considering the 250 role limit. Sort of like... dlc content? I don't know. XD

EXTRAS

Just a bit of a sneak peek at the calendar...

Who's excited for Death December? And those of you who know Strife September... Now we've got a calendar where everyone - creators and studio members can come together and post content!

Lookie lookie - to keep it accessible for all, there are regular channels and 18+ channels. and look Jer! War's got two months! (If you know, you know, if you don't... uuuuh- UHHHHHHH 👀)

And let's take a look at the Crucible category, yeah?

So I'd like to incorporate the events system discord has in place to announce upcoming tournaments that are duals and combat related. These can range between powerful and elite enemies against members to even the Horsemen themselves. Compete alone... or with friends of 4.

Mini games are still in the heavy wip stage but they're just little competitions and friendly games to play together.

Challenges are something like what you'd experience in the darksiders games, where you take on waves of enemies, but again, this is in wip mode right now. Not only that however, either in the challenges - or another challenge channel - members can actually initiate creators to compete against one another! Whether that be by writing/art prompts or perhaps to challenge each other/ocs in a dual.

Now the leaderboard does act as a bit of a rank in the Crucible, however it's use is to really keep track of competitor's progress, just so then I can keep track of thing. (As of now, I don't have a bot in place to assign roles, so I'll be having to do that manually).

Prizes! Who doesn't like prizes? Tell me, Vulgrim. Yeaaah, he doesn't wanna admit it but the cute plushies are growing on him. As mentioned above, certain keys can be won/rewarded as prizes after competing and winning in the Crucible. Some other prizes are in the workshop, one of which hehe - I'm making a bit of a tarot/deck of cards that can be won and are also collectables. If these do become a collectable for members, I'm just wondering if I should instead do illustrated ones cause I think that'd be cooler and more unique. Level up my art skill tree!

Here's a sneak peek at that... There are 2 variants: Light and Dark to match the server's themes.

Cards backing

Cards front

Also shout out to @scarletknightreterns for giving me an interactive idea to possibly implement into the server which I am keen to do hehehe! I can't promise that it will be available upon the server's first launch. If it's not, it will be featured in the upcoming updates/announcements for the server! As mentioned, the server will get updates to improve member experience and to build a stronger community.

Phew okay, I think that just about covers all that I wanted to discuss in the update. Thank you to those who are eager to join and sending through those 🐴 I really appreciate it. With any luck the discord will be up soon and the guide as well on my carrd masterlist for a more in depth explanation for those who might be a little confused.

Alrighty, take care all!

[darkdemeter]

Drop this sunflower 🌻 into the inboxes of the blogs that make you happy! Let’s spread a little sunshine. ☀️

Awww this is so sweet, thank you! 🫶

[darkdemeter]

I’ll have a full update on the server + some screens sometime tonight but I just wanna inform you all that are interested in this discord that it’s going very well!

you know at this point I'm so down and ready to make a darksiders discord. I've got that itch...

just a little place for us. Maybe create a little hub thing for my darksiders related stuff, even allow others to create their own little hubs too for their own content?

Apoca Pony Club? 4Horsemen Studios?

give this a little 🐴if you like this idea

[darkdemeter]

Yesssssssssss

*noms on popcorn*

YALL I JUST THOUGHT OF SMTH-

Imagine Jay and War get into a big argument because Jay has been with him after killing the last 3 chosen but War doesn't want her to go with him to Silitha's lair. So when they head to Ulthane's place, she finds out that War plans to go alone and Jay is against it. In the end War walks away and Jay is left silently crying in the rain.

[darkdemeter]

Hahahahahaha! You gotta add the sprinkle sprinkle of angst in there.

And injury and guilt paired with aftermath/reconciliation????

Gold. I need this. Yes! War would feel so baaaaaaaaad!!!! 😭😭

YALL I JUST THOUGHT OF SMTH-

Imagine Jay and War get into a big argument because Jay has been with him after killing the last 3 chosen but War doesn't want her to go with him to Silitha's lair. So when they head to Ulthane's place, she finds out that War plans to go alone and Jay is against it. In the end War walks away and Jay is left silently crying in the rain.

[darkdemeter]

I heard angsty thoughts between your oc and your red hooded boi and I came running over!

YALL I JUST THOUGHT OF SMTH-

Imagine Jay and War get into a big argument because Jay has been with him after killing the last 3 chosen but War doesn't want her to go with him to Silitha's lair. So when they head to Ulthane's place, she finds out that War plans to go alone and Jay is against it. In the end War walks away and Jay is left silently crying in the rain.

[darkdemeter]

I know you’re going to write stuff starting in December, so that means…MORE ISSUES ON GUIDE HER WAY HOME?! I love that! I can’t help but fangirl aqueal every time I reread that series! Please December! Come quickly! I wanna see more brotherly War and Strife! I wanna see sisterly Fury! I wann see Daddy dearest Death! Also is it okay if we try doing future fan art of Guide Her Way Home in the future?

Yes, that means MORE ISSUES FOR GUIDE HER WAY HOME!!!

And thank you so much, eeeeeeep! It means a lot to me when people reread my stuff, it’s so amazing and I feel honoured that I’ve written something that had readers coming back for another read. 🫶

In regards to GHWH fanart, my answer is yes! I already have a plethora of fanart/mini comic pages I wanna do for the series.

[darkdemeter]

hello there! when the next chapter of 'A fate worse than death" is going to be uploaded? 🥺🥺🥺

Heya anon! Thank you for your ask, I much appreciate those who anticipate the next chapter. It is in the works I assure you, there is quite a bit of story behind the scenes stuff going on that I’m going to address/tease towards the start of December!

But it is coming! 😊

[darkdemeter]

you know at this point I'm so down and ready to make a darksiders discord. I've got that itch...

just a little place for us. Maybe create a little hub thing for my darksiders related stuff, even allow others to create their own little hubs too for their own content?

Apoca Pony Club? 4Horsemen Studios?

give this a little 🐴if you like this idea

[darkdemeter]

Dont mind me, ill be going through your fics like a ravenous beast tomorrow, Ohhh i adore darksiders and i love how you write Death with the few fics ive seen!

Hahahah, that's honestly amazing! I'm glad that you're enjoying my stuff and thank youuu so much! When people tell me they love how I've written any of the Horsemen, it makes me so happy😭

[darkdemeter]

yesss, I always picture Absalom being either a sandy type blonde colour? or even ashen white....

I can't find a damn reason why he shouldn't be a blonde, help. _

[darkdemeter]

This is accurate to how I look at Cindeath when they're just so wholesome and cute!! Seeing these two together will always be a highlight of my day 😊

It... It genuinely makes me so so happy seeing how many people like either my art of Cinder and Death or the ship itself. No idea, no clue, I know some of you adore these two, and just.

Y’all are amazing?

Truly.

Have a cute 💜

[darkdemeter]

Darksiders - The Graphic Adventure (comic) price: $way too fucking expensive

My reaction:

[darkdemeter]

AHHHHHHHH! (my notifs didn't go off about this nueeeeeee!)

I LOVE LOVE LOOOOOOVE HOW YOU WROTE THIS! IT'S SO FUCKIN GOOD

as you know by now, I got a TON of ideas, prompts and more that will give us both brainrot for DAAAYZ 😂

I loved how sulky Absalom got in this and to see Cinder perk up like a little kitten when Death gave her the leviathan head!!! I could see it in my head and her expression was SO ADORABLE!

It's so cool to see how you wrote this out, super amazing Scarlet! 😊

Trophies

Spelunking the head-canon caves off to find diamonds~~

Amazing prompt @darkdemeter threw at me at Mach 5 and slapped me right in the face so hard I now have brainrot of the entire scenario ehehehhehehe No warnings I don't think? A dead monster, that's about it :)

——-

You could only wrap up the same gift in different packaging so far before the meaning behind it stared to rot and decay like soggy bones set out in the sun for too long. It dried out.

She felt like it was the same shit all over again, just presented in a different form that, honestly, she saw right through merely due to the amount of disinterest palpitating within the very walls of her heart, twisting and writhing with such sheer disgust she could taste it on the tip of her tongue when he tried to, again, swoon and woo her with his attempts at courtship; so foul that, they might as well have been a mockery of how angels appealed to their desired partners.

This entire thing was a joke.

“Absalom, this never was flattering to begin with, but now it’s getting to be way too much. You know I’m not interested in being your spouse, right?” She expected the answer to be more then disappointing, so much so to the point that seeing his expression both validated and proved her point exactly.

Instead of the rational, normal course of action expected of someone, that being to accept the losses and just move on, what she was met with was an inferno so hot and explosive, it could melt the stone bricks of hell’s finest manor off their foundations. And even for that, it was still a quiet reaction.

“What do you mean?” the growl of frustration was cut short only for the brief moment it took for him to nudge the weapon closer towards her. “Is it not fine enough for you? This is the best weapon the forge can make, it’s very nature and battle prowess is revered by my people! It’s matched by no rival when it comes to bloodshed and gore capabilities! Your foes will be left more then dead in your wake-“ he was grinning proudly in the way that managed to unnerve her. “Dismembered and spewed about in little pathetic pieces they will be, like seeds tossed on a plot of land!”

Reserved was she still, but had to take a step back. Being in the face of such love for bloodshed was equivalent to leeches crawling over her skin; the tingles, sheer discomfort, and ick of being covered in filth, visible or not, was very tangible to her senses right now. Or, maybe, it was more the fact that she felt as though such was being forced upon her, ideologies she refused to adopt.

The weapon was gorgeous fundamentally speaking, yes. The craftsmanship was on par with that of angels with the silver and steel, decorated with purposefully-tattered banners of purple and black, but the maliciousness and dark energies crackling and rolling off of the metal-hooked blades of the prongs screamed of it’s birthplace in Hell, some trench far beneath the infernal surface. It pulsed and writhed with an obscenity that tickled her flesh as though it had a conscious and was trying to worm it’s way into her mind.

Cinder knew what such an abhorrent thing was. It was an Abomination; Nephilim craftsmanship... forged with the resources from... once living... or legitimately living sources. People, animals, slaves and fodder used to craft weapons; quite literally crafted into, weapons.

She killed, yes. But never had that been done with disrespect, before or after the fact, and never did she use her fallen victims to..... further some sort of sick agenda. She slew an enemy to sometimes make a pact with it and hold as a summon- always achieved by the spirits free will and choice.

“I will say it only once more, no,” she shook her head, feeling like turning away was the only thing that could truly shield her from the worst of what rejection could have to throw at her in the moment, busying herself with picking back up the cloth she’d been using to polish her armour, intending to continue where she’d left off when interrupted.

Absalom simply stood there, fuming silently while staring at her. Back straight and like he faced a battle strategy that eluded his intelegence, he could not come to understand why she had rejected his every attempts at courtship. For months he had tried, and every time he heard that word, just the one, 'no'.

Nobody else had these issues from what he’d seen; and he’d seen how she fought. To have her by his side on the field of battle would truly be remarkable and a turning point for the Nephilim. They could storm Heaven, conquer Hell, and own REALMS. So then, why did she choose to sit there, polishing her gear and otherwise not do anything worthy of her life? Everywhere he looked, he gazed to seek some truth, some revelation, but each path turned back around to the one he’d been on before, with no closure, no understanding, and not a step forward.

Perpetually out of reach she was, but she was right there in his view! He could touch her, if he so wanted to! But... to ruin the potential of having her? The thought of finally touching that pale flesh with his fingertips, to hear her soothing voice in the middle of the night when his mind was restless, and to feel the raw power rolling off her during battle, her beside him tearing creatures apart... and so much more? It almost drove him mad.

She was his prize, his grand achievement waiting for him, Hell, she was even in the spotlight, so why then was everything blocking him??

And why the Hell was someone else stealing the show...?!

“I think it would be wise of you to back off before she emasculates you.” Oh that familiar voice of gravel, young but tall a mountain; steep were it's sides, and strong it's form. It was one to both love and hate, and respectively, it wasn't hard to understand who felt which aforementioned emotions. Cinder's head and attention snapped over to the sound of heavy footsteps all too eagerly, Absalom's simply being that of irritation to being interrupted which swiftly morphed into surprised anger at the sight of what the young Nephilim hailed over his shoulders. Death had been impressive before, but never had he stolen the breath right out of Cinder's lungs by merely being a sight to behold, let alone a clear force to be reckoned with. His gait was broad, but nothing was more so in size then the behemoth of a head slung over his shoulders, hefted by arms of muscle which rippled and flexed with the smallest of movements. It was massive compare to Death, yet he didn't appear to break a sweat at all. Almost giddily she abandoned her things to hurry over, a sight which left Absalom seething quietly, but also in disbelief. "Is this what you meant when you said you were going hunting for something worthy?" Those fiery eyes were both calm and gentle while also gleaming with pride of such recognition from her. Her merely impressed with a victory in and of itself to him, but still. He glanced silently to the side in a way of telling her to move out of the way a little, which he was thankful she was astute enough to notice, and moved out of his way enough for him to safely remove himself from under the hulking trophy. "Yes. I sought a worthy gift for you. Out of the multiple I slew, this one I deemed the best, he was also quite the foe." "You fought, decapitated and brought back a Leviathan for me??" Oh, her tone did not reveal anything in the way of displeasure or disbelief. In fact, she could believe it, but she did not believe he knew just how much this meant to her. The masked man simply puffed his chest out proudly, momentarily baffled by the bubbly noise that filled his ears, only to find out it was her giggles of what he might call being elated. And because of him. Oh it stirred something strong and warm in his chest, something that wrapped and pulled on heart, and ignited a fire in his gut. She stepped up closer to the frightening creature who made it's home between the plains of existence, The Abyss, and Void realms. Never had she seen it in such broad daylight, although many had she seen from a distance in her life save for one she long called friend. It's sharp and jagged scales glinted like emeralds tainted by the ink of a Kraken, running her fingers over them threatened to pierce skin. In it's skull were eyeballs that had long glossed over like milky frost, pearly and dead. It's fangs were sharp and foul with gunk and gingivitis, but if cleaned and polished, those serrated edges would make a fine sword or weapon of any sort. The hide was also of prime interest, ebbing with such energies of prime magical affiliation. There was much she could do with this. Not to mention the tethers of a soul she could still sense woven like threads through it's scales, the very essence could be pulled out and woven back into something more useful; like a summon.

And the skull? She knew the perfect place for it- the pond, home to all her fish and critters, would make a fine home for it when she was finally done. It would grow over with algae and moss, become one with nature again. She simply could not wait!

Cinder was more then amazed, she felt a certain way that she couldn't accurately put a name to, nor would anything justify how these feelings felt but... pleased, if that was one word to use. Death's eyes did not leave hers when they met, their attentions focused on one another, and the words that he heard her say both burned his ears and made his chest swell with so much pride he was convinced he might pop.

"I accept your gift, Death. It's spectacular in my eyes, and you've more then proven yourself as worthy." Absalom... could not believe that she was accepting Death as a spouse-- surely she knew that, right?! She knew what she was doing, but how could she accept something so useless? What could one do with a SKULL-- a trophy, yes, he understood, but something this large? And had it been that simple this entire TIME?? "Have you ever had Leviathan grilled meat before?" Cinder asked Death, forgetting the other man was even there to begin with.

Death had not forgotten, however, and felt proud to show the older one up by leaps and bounds. It reflected in his eyes, the fiery glint of knowing his victory without words. "I have not~" he turned back towards her. "Well, you are about to~!" She giggled and rubbed her hands together. "I'll be right back, time to skin this bad boy-" and she ran off inside her cabin to fetch several things for, presumably, the skinning and cooking.

That, understandably, left both men alone. One seething and the other proud of his accomplishments.

"How?" Absalom's voice was calm but visibly bubbling with rage. "You won her over so easily by a corpse, yet she despised the weapon I presented to her?" The older Nephilim's only eye bore deeply into Death's skull, almost as though he'd wished the other didn't exist at all, but also held a firm amount of respect. He had to give it to the young man; he'd pulled off the impossible. Death, unimpeded while waiting for his spouse's return, simply stared back for a few moments long enough Absalom was certain he wouldn't get a reply at all.

Then, "I did not win her over. I gave her what I knew she liked," Death said matter-a-fact. "Turns out, it actually pays to get to know someone."

"....You two have been courting already before this..." that explained a few things. The way she always seemed to glow like the sun whenever Death was around, how much they spent time together, and how close they acted already. Like best friends, but more. "And I made it official. And now that I have..." Death turned more fully towards Absalom, that pride and joy replaced by a fierce protectiveness accompanied by a chill that seeped into the air like growing frost. "Leave her be."

[darkdemeter]

EEEEEP! honestly if Strife said that to me I'd friggin die..... *slowly slinks back into the bushes*

o, she's kind of a freak?

[darkdemeter]

So, I got a little inspired by that Death x male reader fic you wrote (which was amazing 💖), so can I request the Horsemen with a male reader who knows ballet or something? Haven't seen a lot of fics where the male reader actually dances ballet...

・issue・ BALLET IS A STORY TOLD

⚤ Horsemen x Male Reader a bit of angst, reader has a small anxious before-show breakdown, subtle depiction of broken family/abuse/childhood - young adult trauma, overall the Horsemen are supportive in the end ✎ 3k

✎ Yes you can, dear anon!

↳ MASTERLIST | ↳ TAGLISTS ────────────────────────

By all accounts, you still had the knack of it. It's like you never really stopped dancing despite the apocalypse and it was a given that you'd had your minor slip ups here and there. But overall, you still retained an elegant gate between your twirls, twists and extravagant arcs.

In ballet, it is the art of storytelling. A human's strong point. Creatures who express their life, their hardships, their defeats and their achievements through the practice of the arts. It's the one thing that allows all to become connected. It is why theatre is so compelling. Through the pronounce of each syllable be it spoken or sung, the voice is captured by the spirit of story. The emotion encapsulated through the narrative being told. Ballet is very much the same.

Each recorded twist and drag of your foot, ever single pirouette demonstrates the coming turn of your life, all the exchanges either good or bad you have been dealt.

The bounce of your weight as you lift yourself up, purposeful to fall down to your knees. This is a story of your own inner demons. Your inside turmoil. The journey you experienced to survive the end times.

By far, Strife was the most impressed, at least in terms of outwardly expressing it with much enthusiasm. The others were either more reserved or did not care too much.

"Whoa! Do that again, that-- that move." Strife isn't as fluent as you. After all, he was a gunslinging rider with boot heels too thick to not be qualified for ballet. So you understand his struggle and to prevent him from breaking his own two legs as he tries to copy what you did, you offer an understanding smile and nod.

"Okay, okay," you laugh and retreat back onto the main stage, "Just don't hurt yourself." Assuming position, you balance your weight, keeping your form firm and poise and taking a moment to still yourself you move almost too fast for the four Horsemen to even register before you're already doing the daring move that would surely break your neck if you landed wrong.

Strife lets out a loud cheer in response and pushes into Fury's shoulder, the action enough to rattle her. She bites back a venomous snarl and equally threatening glare.

"How long have you been dancing for?" War asks with a brief inflection to his tone. A surprising note in all honestly, a rare sound. You hum in thought before you answer, shrugging, "Ever since I was little, really. I started dancing with my mom when I was around four."

At this, Death's eyes flare a little. You give him a small smirk in response. "Yeah, ballet takes quite a learning curve. You have to be extremely flexible and you must remain a high level of focus."

You know that the reaper may have his reservations but one thing he does admire is skill and the discipline undertaken to acquire it. He was one to admire in silence more often than not, his compliments served under the cover of you both being together without the interference of anyone else. It was Fury you had the hardest time to impress, the female Horseman still trying to break from that shell. She had her moments where she could see the further beauty in what humans did, but tethers of her old self remained; but that is the case with all living things, is it not?

Remnants of the past are always below the surface and linger as haunting shadows. So you only pushed yourself harder to prove to her that your talent, the artform of ballet, was a thing of beauty and stun. Something so much more than what she may perceive it to be.

War was the youngest and though a strong and resilient warrior, he was rather impressionable when it came to learning about humanity. The further he delved into it, so too did his thirst of knowledge for more.

Around the stage, the other humans continue to prepare for the show tonight. Humanity was slowly crawling its way back into a sense of normalcy and by vote, a performance show was decided as the winner. A first, revolutionary step in the re-progress of your species. And the Horsemen were going to attend it.

Yes, you were quite nervous if you had to admit it but you couldn't let them know that. So you put on the brave face the moment they arrived to see what you were up to, having just finished a scouting skirmish along the boarders of New Haven. That's when Strife had begged you to show them a bit of your dance for the show.

You obliged and now here you were. You sit down before them with a sigh, allowing the sun's warmth to bath over you, showering you with a pressing heat that had sweat line the curve of your brow.

"So, front row seats for you guys?" you joke with a teasing grin. War's face stiffens, painted over by a crimson hue and Strife scratches at the back of his neck with a chuckle. "We'd like to but uh..."

Oh...

"You guys aren't gonna come see the show?" you ask, already dreading the answer. "What? No," Fury scowls, "We're all taller than the other humans. We would block the view for everyone else."

The way she says it so harshly as if it's the most obvious thing in the entire universe. And it was.

"Oooh..."

"Did you truly believe we would not come?" asks War, Strife quick to add behind, "The audacity! As if we'd miss it. You're breaking my heart, Y/N."

Sheepishly you comb a lock of your to the side of your scalp, teeth clenched taut and your jaw fixed tightly. "Heh heh... sorry, I just get a little... weird about shows. The nerves I guess."

“You get nervous before all of your shows?” You look to Death even surprised that he took a verbal risk in asking that. With a shrug and quiet tut of your tongue, musing to find the words, you speak.

“I’ve always had a sort of nervous breakdown before every show I did. Since I was around… seven or so, I—“ you freeze. You lock up. Suddenly your eyes become misted over by a blur of tears and you stand, the action abrupt enough to startle the Horsemen.

“Hey, hey, you play?” Strife questions as he reaches a hand out to take hold of your wrist, but you quickly and gently away it away. You assure their concern with a forced smile they barely see because of how you’ve turned away from them.

“Yeah, I’m good. I gotta get back to practising and help the others finish setting up. See you guys later.”

Fury's eyes wrinkle into a pointed, studying glare after you and her hands rise to rest on the plated armor of her hips. "Does anyone else find that oddly strange?"

"Yeah," Strife hums lowly, also looking after you, "really strange..."

Death passes his siblings by with a sturdy pat and jostle to Strife's shoulder, stirring him and Fury from their wonder. "Best not dwell on it. Come, we still have our own tasks to complete."

It was no easy feat to simply leave. Not when there was that mystery hanging over you now, your sudden change in attitude that had you all skittish and avoiding them.

With nightfall finally came, the show was preparing to begin. Humans were setting into their seats which were mainly either carved out limbs of logs or blankets to sit on.

And one by one, your fellow performers went out on stage and without fault nor flaw, they committed to their entertaining act that had the audience in applause in cheers, the Horsemen doing more or less the same. But what you dread most is that they're only here to see you perform. Alya announces the end the of the last performance artist, a pair who did a juggling and balancing act, a funny twin duo you came to know pretty well. Their shenanigans had the kids especially in a fit of laughter.

Bless them. It made you smile to see everyone in higher spirits. But the moment your eyes sought out the Horsemen, sitting off towards the back but not too far, you feel that vile chill run through you as if your soul dissipates within your very body.

"Yer up next," Ulthane says from behind you. You barely heard him over the crowd who cheered on the next performer to come out. Your turn. It was now your turn.

Your eyes glisten with that terrible, telling well of tears. Your breath feels thick and sticky against your lungs and your fingers tremble as they grip tightly to whatever they could on yourself.

"What's wrong, wee one?" Ulthane asks now as he leans down closer. You finally turn your gaze to him and he sees the burning edge of your red eyes and your lips quivering, chin wobbling.

"I-I can't do it."

"What'cha mean ye can't do it. 'C'urs ye can."

You shake your head with adamancy and you slowly, ballet shoes scraping hard to scuff at the wooden boards of the backstage, you back away. "No, Ulthane- I can't do this."

Though Ulthane uses one of his enormous hands to herd you back towards where you would have entered stage from, he doesn't completely force you to stop, though he means to encourage you to stay.

"Is there a reason you're keeping the audience waiting?"

You gasp sharply and now turn yourself completely.

"Death!" you sigh aloud, a hand brushing over your eyes to hide the gloss of tears in your eyes. "I was just telling Ulthane that-- I... can't go out on stage..."

Death's eyes raise up to the Maker and as if silently commanding through a single glance, the old one huffs at the reader, nose seeming to wrinkle with a small snarl before his steps thunder off. Death now steps closer to you and his shadow rises over you, making you feel small beneath his height. You peer up at him through the wetted curtain of your lashes.

"What are you afraid of?"

Your answer immediately dies on your tongue the moment you feel you're about to blurt it out. But the look Death gives you is far more pressing than you'd like, a dark radiance of fire that holds a firm command and sway over you. Compelling you to answer. "I'm just... afraid you're going to laugh at me."

"What? Why would we laugh at you?" Death's hands lift up to rest on your shoulders. His skin is cold to the touch but it soothes the buzzing heat that dwells and clings to you like an awful layer of skin. Your fingers twitch and fiddle with each other, gripping tightly. Death notices it and his one hand covers your hands whole, keeping them still. Your head jerks away, hiding the flow of tears that escape down your cheeks.

"Because I look silly! My- my choreography can be a bit jarring when I'm nervous and-- and I-" Your throat feels like its closing in on itself, choking the words around your sobs. "I'm sorry!"

"Look at me, Y/N," he says coolly, "look at me."

You finally allow your eyes to meet his and you sniffle loudly. His eyes invite you with a certain warmness you've never seen before. It makes your heart melt.

"Nobody is going to laugh at you. I promise."

A short hiccup interrupts what you meant to say and you hear the reaper conceal a deep, throaty chuckle. "You'll do well. Now go on, get out there. Everyone's waiting to see your performance."

You finally take to the stage's center not too long after Death retreats as if he moved one with the shadows themselves, almost making you second guess yourself and if he truly had been there; giving you those inspiring words of affirmation and willing you to be brave.

Death comes back around to his siblings who each look to him with a questionable look. "You cheer for him and you cheer loudly. Am I understood?"

"What?" Fury asks with a roughened course to her voice. Strife means to butt in with, "Course I'll cheer, why wouldn't I-- oww!" He only earns a smack upside the head.

"No questions about it." Death's eyes drift aside until they focus on Fury. "Cheer."

When ready, you assumed position, the arc of weight balanced in the hips. Your chest rose and fell with full, steady and slow breaths as you counted yourself in. Thankfully there were some musicians among the survivors to provide an ambient track to your dance.

Like all stories, you start at the beginning. A story of love and family, your movement flows with a graceful softness. Each turn and twist a gentle caress that lays out the foundation of your inspiring upbringing, the love that you parents held for each other and you. The story how they met and fell for the other amidst their dances. Two solos that combined as one and brought in the unification that conceived you.

To every sway of the portrayal, the Horsemen watch in silent awe. War and Strife allow their entire attention to be taken with you, invested in the happiness of your tale. Fury's eyes remain as stern as ever, critical of every possible flaw you could make, the minute detail of humanity's disaster that fell into your life. Her interpretation leaves her with no visible moving.

But then your narrative takes a darker turn. Your movements once slow, each step paced with peacefulness turn jarring and ragged, sharp and winding until your body is lashing out at itself. You fall repeatedly, your body trying to cope and recover but you keep getting beaten down.

Your muscles become tense under the skin, your hands clutch at the scalp of your hair until they claw downward the column of your neck.

Your audience sinks into an eerie, sorrowful silence. Your feet drag with the hefted weight of your burdens and failures. You become more aggressive in your pirouettes and high turns that leap into the air, catching your weight with the vent of your pent up anger. Once prosperous with love, the garden of family died with the shame and tearing of that unity. Torn apart and rendered poisoned, the flowers were lost into a wilted fray.

You came to resent life outside of ballet. You were a bird caught on a wire, tethered to a post repeatedly beating itself into a bloody mess.

The Horsemen are finally given insight to your history through the passion of your art. Your story not as bright as they thought. Much laid hidden beneath the smiles and kinder words you offered. A scarred body was wrapped up inside the bandages you call a shell. It's haunting and beautiful they find.

Even Fury's brow line creases, troubled by the story you confess now. How wrong she's been so many times to judge you simply because she did not know you well enough to know that the tears in your eyes held a deeper pool of concealed secrets. Ones that were scared to come to the surface and breath for the first time in seemingly forever.

The milky white hue of her own eyes waver, glistening with a streak that paints her waterline. Such pain you express, how lonely you were in those times where you needed another's aid so desperately but sought out none.

She leans forward in her place, now joining the longing to know more of you. Many times you come to meet their eyes through your performance, uttering your apologies through your connected stare. You're sorry you've kept them guessing, that you kept them at arms length when you yourself tried to get closer to them; only to then push them away when they set forth a devoted interest.

The aggression. The abuse continues. It builds, and builds and builds until it finally and so abruptly stops. You fall to your back and lay still for a moment, a series of gasps echo over your audience.

Craning forward, you arch and follow the curve of your spine, your frame tucked firmly and smoothly. You sit up to curl in on yourself, sliding around to present your side's profile before you push yourself up, leading your weight through the guide of your hips and the strength hold on your legs. You convey the strength it took to get back up after your death.

After the apocalypse. The final arc of your story. Your moves blend between the constricting sharpness and the delicate softness you expressed before. Unity is found but at a cost you thought at the time too much to pay and endure.

But there was hope here in this part if your life. Found and cared for by the Horsemen, guided safely and onward to a better tomorrow, promised it would be okay.

You spin fast and many, incapable to slow like the whirlwind of your internal thoughts. A battle so baffling and maddening that the Horsemen feel their breath become lost within it until you finally slow. So too does their anxieties.

At the stage's center you enter your final form.

Poised, calm and collected. Safe and at rest at long last. Surrounded by unity and love. No longer alone and suffering.

'Nobody will laugh. I promise.'

Your audience breaks into an eruptive applause. With a smile that stretches into the corners of your lips, your brows fall into a grateful furrow. You give a humble bow before you meet the eyes of the Horsemen.

Fury, moved by such an intricate retelling and inspired by your bravery to step forward into the light with your truthful tale, stands up to clap. Her brothers follow suit, Strife more or less bouncing on his feet until he shakes the foundations of the realm itself. War gives a loud cry akin to a fearsome battle cry that praises your performance.

You're thankful that Death encouraged you to brave the moment. Had he not, then you would forever be running instead of dancing.

It's finally understood that a human's most natural and influential talent is the art to tell stories.

source of inspiration for this fic request: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozs_f4ZT9sw