The 4th Horseman Rides Again (Darksiders X Claymore Quest)

Death looked at the girl and then waved his hand towards the man, "Go on then. If this is what you wish."

Any expression of hurt the girl gives in return doesn't stay long. Her eyes stare into the Reaper's for a single moment more. Then she lets his leg go and starts heading towards the man from the Organization. Her head hangs low as she stops near the stranger's right leg. She grabs hold of his coat while keeping her head pointed toward the ground.

The man tilts his head towards Death, "I thank you for seeing reason. Don't worry about the girl. I promise she'll be taken care of."

"Save your platitudes. Hold up your end of the bargain," Death said while stepping closer to the man, his height advantage affording him the intimidation factor.

The stranger cleared his throat, "Yes, of course. So, what would you like to know?"

"Everything," Death stated easily, "Where I am, what these Yoma are, what your part in all this is, and anything else a stranger to these lands needs to know."

"Hmm. That explanation could take some time."

"Then shorten it as much as you can."

"...Very well," the man cleared his throat and began to explain what he dared to the Horseman. Most of what he said Death had puzzled out already. That he was in some new land, that Yoma were monsters that ate humans and assumed their forms, that there were particularly strong Yoma out there, and that the only people who could tell them apart from humans were the Claymores. Though he did inform Death that they were currently somewhere in the eastern part of the land. But then the stranger began to speak of more interesting topics.

Those who fought Yoma weren't actually called "Claymores". That was simply a name given to them by the inhabitants. Mainly due to the particularly large and heavy swords they wielded. It was these weapons they used to cut down Yoma wherever they appeared. And they wield weapons such as those for good reason.

The Yoma themselves were rather difficult creatures to kill by normal means. Most can withstand losing an arm or leg, with some even being able to regenerate from even mortal wounds. The only surefire ways to put them down is to destroy their brain or split them in half.

The Claymores were particularly suited to destroying Yoma because they were half Yoma themselves. Girls who have lost their families or are given to the Organization go through a surgical procedure that turns them into half-human, half-Yoma warriors. The resulting fighters gain superhuman abilities that allow them to go beyond human limits. It is through this power that they are able to fight against the Yoma.

"And we of the Organization guide them," the stranger ends his explanation with a short bow. The girl has remained silent this whole time, yawning and rubbing at her eyes now and then.

Death hums, "And what do you get in return?"

"I don't suppose you'd accept me saying that we do it out of a strong sense of right?"

Death swears he can see the man's smug grin beneath his hood. He remains silent in response, staring the man down behind his skull-like mask. The man sighs, "Alright. We do take a small fee in return for lending out the extermination services of a Claymore. But you must understand that keeping such an operation going requires quite a bit of funding. It is only natural."

Death grunted noncommittally. Whether he agreed with the man mattered little. He wasn't here to discuss the ethics of what he was doing. Only to destroy his Organization...but not just yet. There were more important matters to contend with. Specifically, the Abyssal Ones that the stranger had failed to mention. Considering they were Yoma, and likely stronger than any others given their titles, then why did he not mention them? It would be prudent to let others know that there are stronger Yoma that need to be purged, wouldn't it?

Unless the Organization was trying to hide their existence. Unsurprising if they are the ones making the Yoma in the first place. The man tilted his head up to look at the sky then nodded, "I'm afraid I'm running low on time, stranger. I must take my leave soon. If this girl would be a Claymore, then it would be better to have it happen sooner rather than later."

Death considered what the man said. He still had more questions, but he doubted this stranger would stick around long. He had other things to get to. What else should he ask? (Pick 2)

[] Are there any Yoma that he should take special care to avoid?

[] How many Claymores are there in this land?

[] Where is the closest Claymore right this moment?

[] Where would the man suggest he go next?

[] Write in...

Once his questioning was done, Death choose to...

[] Follow the man once he leaves. He'll track him to wherever the Organization has itself based out of. Then he'll figure things out from there.

[] Head to the village. He would at least inform them that the Yoma had been dealt with.
- [] He would disguise himself to ensure the village didn't panic.
- [] He do so in the dead of night, speaking to the Elder or whoever led the village.
- [] He'd just walk in as he is, damn the consequences.

[] Followed Dusk to continue searching for his main objective. He still had to find this Priscilla and put her down.

[] Started hunting for one of the Abyssal Ones. He'd start with them, then go after Priscilla.
- [] Riful Of The West
- [] Isely Of The North
- [] Luciela Of The South

[] Start hunting down Yoma. It'd let him keep his skills sharp, stop them from killing humans, and give him a better idea of how strong the monsters were.

[] Start looking for Claymores. He wanted to take the measure of one of these "Half-Human, Half-Yoma Warriors".

[] Go looking for this "Claire and Raki" on his Hit List. It might do him well to find them and be sure they're safe, just in case.

[] Write in...

Death let his arms fall to his sides as he spoke, "To be able to watch over this entire land, you must have a veritable army of Claymores at your beck and call."

The man shrugged, "We have as many as we need."

"And how many is that?"

"So curious. Is there a particular reason you wish to know?"

"No. I am merely interested in getting as much out of our deal as I can. Especially since you plan on leaving so soon," Death didn't hide the impatience in his tone.

The man didn't respond at first. Likely considering whether telling the Horseman was the right idea. Or if he should lie to keep their true capabilities secret. After a minute, though, he finally spoke, "There are a total of forty-seven Claymores spread across this land."

Death scoffs, "Hardly seems like a large enough force if Yoma are that much of an issue."

"Oh, I'd say that we do well with that number," he chuckles at a joke only he thinks is funny.

Death waves his hand through the air, "Then tell me this, where is the closest Claymore at this very moment?"

"Now why would you want to know that?"

"I believe I already stated why. Now speak."

The man held up his free hand, a placating gesture, "As you say. You will find her farther to the east of here. She should be cleaning up a separate Yoma outbreak nearby. If you happen to run into her, do be careful. She is rather inexperienced. Likely to attack anything that isn't human on sight."

"Your warning is appreciated. Now, I believe you have somewhere to be," Death turned away from the man and started heading in the direction of the village.

The man hummed as Death started walking away, "I believe we do. So long, stranger. Come along, girl."

Death didn't even bother looking back. He focused entirely on his next destination. He wished to make his trip to the village as fast as possible.

...He hoped he still had his cloak from before.

---

The reaction Death got from the villagers was unsurprising. When the normal mode of dress is open shirts and plain trousers for men, and long warm dresses for women, then someone wearing nothing but a dark, full-body cloak and mantle will stand out. Didn't help that he towered over all the other mortals in the village. He counted only six buildings and could see about twelve adults with a few children spread out between them. All gave him baleful looks, their eyes filled with fear. Mothers pulled children away while men sneered as he walked by.

Ah, yes. The standard reaction when Death walks amongst mortals. He knew it well.

Dusk crowed overhead, heading towards a building directly ahead of the Horseman. It alighted upon the rooftop, just above the front door to the squat thatch home. The door opened to reveal an old man with a limp who used a stick to help him keep his balance. Death kept his head low and made a b-line for the man, who he assumed was the Elder. If he was not, then Death would have words with Dusk later. He noticed a few men take steps toward him, but simply turning his head in their direction was enough to cow them.

The limping man forced a smile onto his face when he saw Death approaching him. Sweat was already falling from his brow by the time the Reaper stopped within arm's reach of him. His tone did little to hide the fear and worry in his voice, "H-Hello there, stranger. Might I ask why you're here?"

"The Yoma are dead," Death opened his cloak and tossed one of the heads of the Yoma at the older man's feet. All the villagers gasped at the sight of the inhuman monster's head. Some turned away, their faces turning a deep shade of green.

The old man's mouth hung open in shock. He looked from the head at his feet to the cloaked Reaper in front of him. It took a few moments for him to find his words once more, "You-You killed them?"

"Yes," Death admitted easily.

"Are...are you a Claymore?"

"No, I am not. And I do not need a reward either. I simply wished to inform you that the monsters are dead. I will leave now and not trouble your village any further," Death turned away from the man and began to walk to the exit.

"W-Wait!" the old man called, but the Reaper didn't listen. The human pursed his lips and cried out, "At least tell us your name!"

Death stopped walking. He felt the eyes and ears of the villagers all focus on him as he contemplated the Elder's words.

A name.

Not something he truly needed.

But...if he were to travel through this land...perhaps it could be useful. He bore many titles already. There could be little harm in adding to them. Not to mention that it could be a useful tool in his arsenal. Word of his deeds would spread sooner or later. Whether among the mortals or these "Claymores" and their Organization. He doubts they'd be willing to allow an unknown factor to start making their warriors appear ineffective. And while the notoriety would bring trouble, it would also bring opportunity.

If his name and legends of his prowess were to reach his targets, then it would increase the likelihood of them coming to him. Would make it easier for him than simply tracking them all down through information gathering and guesswork.

On the other hand...it wasn't needed. And could be annoying.

In the end, Death chose to...

[] ...not say anything. Let them remain ignorant of who he is. He needs no more titles.

[] ...give the villagers a name. One that would reach his targets sooner or later.

- [] "Death."
- [] "The Horseman."
- [] Write in...

Then he left the village, with his next move being:

[] Follow Dusk. Find one of his main objectives.
- [] Priscilla
- [] Riful
- [] Isely
- [] Luciela

[] Hunt for more Yoma. There were bound to be more to kill nearby.

[] Look for Claire and Raki. Ensure they are safe.

[] Search for a Claymore. Any would do to sate his curiosity.

[] Search for the Claymore that the stranger spoke of. He was curious to see how these warriors behaved.

[] Travel the land searching for anything. And filling out a map of the land.
- [] Head North
- [] Head East
- [] Head West
- [] Head South

[] Write in...