A/N: Long time without writing anything, and like before, this is something that was sitting unfinished on my archives (sadly, without a title, which is a part that I always seem to struggle with). Well, I had this idea a long (read 2-3 years, at least; even I not sure) ago when I first came across a fan comic that sadly, I don't remember the title or the author. Perhaps someone (or even the author) stumble on this and can tell me the name of the author of the comic. I'll tell you guys what I remember of it on the last chapter. This is a short story broke up into three chapter. I'll upload the second and third chapter still on this year. Basically, it's set on the first DMC, and features an alternative universe. Well, last time I checked, they have done the same thing to the series, so I'm allowed a little side tracking too, right? Anyway, enough rambling.
"This is a character speaking" and this is a character thinking, just to clarify.
Disclaimer: I do not own Devil May Cry.
Cold Crimson
1
The sound of sword clashing echoed on the hall. Fast breathing and small grunts could be heard as blood spurred from wounds. Dante was tired, but more than that, he was surprised.
"So, is that what you wanted? Is that the reason you threw yourself on that abyss?" He reflexive blocked a dashing slash, being glad that the memories from the time they trained still seemed fresh.
The azure knight before him clutched his head, letting out a growl. His armor was stained red from the blood of his enemy. "Yeah, that's right. I know you wouldn't be Mundus' bitch by choice. C'mon, fight it! I know you have the strength. Or else I'll have to beat you senseless!"
Dante sprinted, his sword ready to deliver a Stinger. The attack connected, his demonic form flashing as thunder flew from his weapon. His opponent was sent backward, doing a somersault and landing on his feet. He dashed for another horizontal slash, but Dante was already waiting for such move and jumped, avoiding the attack. He heard a swift sound and before he could curse, he felt the blade of his enemy shattering his left clavicula, the attack almost ripping his entire arm off midair. The opponent backflipped as soon as his sword hit the ground, landing with grace. He them provoked the enemy, and the white haired man responded with a chuckle.
"Heh… I thought you were above that, you snobby bastard…" He could no longer feel his left arm, his blood painting the sword of his enemy. Slowly, he got back on his feet. "Well, well… Still won't attack a downed opponent, huh… You're still there, aren't you…?" The knight answered with a fireball, which Dante easily threw aside with a swing of his sword.
Rolling to the side, he avoided the shower of magic swords, jumping as soon as he was up. He could hear the sound of glass shattering as the swords created with his adversary's energy hit one another. "You haven't changed at all, did you… The same attack patterns…"
As soon as he landed, he blocked the attack of his opponent. Staring back to the glowing red eyes, Dante could see a glimpse of his enemy's former self. "It's about time you wake up… VERGIL!" His enemy showed hesitation for a second. Taking this opportunity, Dante reflected his enemy's sword and used another Stinger with full strength. He rolled to the side and avoided an aerial strike from his brother who vanished in a bluish fire, reappearing on the other side of the room. He slowly began to approach the devil hunter.
"Predictable as always…" Dante got up, moving the fingers on his left arm a little while feeling the tissue on his shoulder reconnect. The process was taking longer than it should. "Good thing I was using my Devil Trigger, or else I wouldn't have my left arm anymore… Tell me, Vergil… Is all this power worth it?" His normally mocking face has turned serious. "To throw away who you are… Tell me, are you satisfied? Is that what you wanted, brother…? ANSWER ME, VERGIL!"
A growl that seemed to shout "shut up" echoed as the azure knight vanished in blue fire. Before Dante could react, he felt a horizontal cut on his abdomen, followed by a vertical one. As he was lunched on the air, pain screamed from his right arm as the sword of his enemy hit it, making he let go of his weapon. He hit the ground with his head, his face kissing the floor. As he got up, he was hit by a swift kick, followed by a punch strong enough to pierce his chest. His heart began to burn and before his brain could process, he felt an unbearable pain as an explosion tossed him back, falling on the stairs. The blood that spurred turned the azure knight into a crimson one.
"Shit… You always were… the fastest one, weren't you…?" A half smirk formed on Dante's face. He has been close to death in others occasions, but this time he knew it wasn't like before. Yamato was built to destroy demons, and infused with Mundus's power, he knew it wouldn't let his wounds heal properly. He could hear the bell tolling. "I guess… you really did it this time…"
His enemy looked to his own hand, the blood staining the otherwise blue glove in a vivid red. He covered half of his face, recalling forgotten memories. "Dan…te…"
"Hey, man… Been a while, hasn't it? Heh, took you… long enough, haven't it… And to think that I thought… that you were the smarter one…"
"Dan…TEE!" A bluish thunder roared on the hall as the armor slowly broke. Nelo Angelo let go of his sword and clutched his head with both hands, falling on his knee. "What… what have I… done?"
"You sparred… a little rough… this time… brother…" Dante coughed blood, a smirk plastered on his face. "But it's good… to have you back… You look terrible, by the way…" Vergil looked confused to his brother, and then noticed his whole body was drenched on blood.
"This blood… It is father's… Dante… hang on!" He rushed to his brother's side, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Don't tell me you're dying from these little wounds alone! Where's that strength you used to beat me at the Temin-ni-gru?!" The normally stoic face showed signs of distress for the first time in a long while.
"It's… with you now… Go, brother… and fuck Mundus real good this time, 'kay?" He closed his eyes with a smile on his face. Vergil shook him a few times before giving up. Replacing his usually stoic face with a determined one, he reach out for his brother's pendent, a gift from their mother. "Don't worry, brother… I swear I'll make him pay…"
He got up and grabbed Yamato, who had become a katana once more. Without wiping the blood that stained his sword, he sheathed the blade and reached out for Force Edge. "Father… For this one time… lend me your strength to make right what was wronged…" Putting the blade on his back, he grabbed the twin handguns that his brother loved so much. He turned and left for the Netherworld, his beaten azure trench coat stained with crimson red, turning it into a dark violet tone.
