Post DMC5. Vergil/OC, slight Dante/OC. More of a character-driven story than plot-driven. I want to dig into Vergil's character now that his mind has been cleared of the nightmares and he's more accepting of his humanity. So don't take plot holes/inconsistencies TOO seriously please. It's just for fun! :)
Edit: Yes, I know Vergil killed a lot of people and he's a monster and you're wondering how can he be redeemed. Well, that's exactly what I want to play around with in future chapters.
19th April 2:20pm
Cyra's long chocolate hair swayed in the wind as she marched down the street with purpose. Her destination: Devil May Cry.
Everytime she tried to call, the phone line was what she assumed to be dead or busy.
With a kick, she forced the doors open, revealing a dim room with the devil hunter owner, Dante, on the other side of the room, legs kicked up on the desk. The bang from the door being kicked open startled him enough to jolt him awake. His eyes squinted at the woman, but only saw a silhouette, "Not open," He said, his voice groggy.
Cyra walked further in, ignoring his comment. His power was off, phone line now confirmed dead… This man doesn't pay his bills. Cyra stopped right in front of his desk, glaring down at him.
"Didn't you hear what I said?" Dante rubbed his eyes before taking another look at her, silhouette evolving into a clear image. She looked angry and that seemed to add to her allure. Not that she needed it; her face was quite breathtaking, "Well, hello…" He finished, "What can I help you with?"
Cyra slammed a wad of cash on his desk, her furrowed eyebrows not letting up, "I need protection."
Dante smirked, "Convenience store is down the street. Might be cheaper than buying from me."
Cyra's anger finally let up and turned into a blush, "Wha-? No, you idiot! That's not what I meant."
Dante chuckled, "Payback for waking me up. Now what can I really help you with?"
"You remember holy water?" Cyra asked.
This piqued Dante's interest. He was no stranger to how strong Holy Water used to be. It's gotten so weak, he can't even recall the last time he saw any, "Seems like a legend at this point."
"While it's impossible to create holy water, I've reversed engineered some of the remaining samples of it and found other ways to ward off demons. Ways that can help humans protect themselves from them. I think they found out and want me dead."
Dante nodded, "I heard about you actually."
"Y-You have?" Cyra was surprised.
"Lady and Trish heard of an apothecary that's been helping humans. Never expected it to be someone like you, ah, no offense," Dante said.
"Expecting a plague doctor mask?" Cyra smirked.
"A little bit," Dante admitted lightly, "So what's the wad of cash for?"
"100,000 to let me live with you under your protection. I have weapons and a set of skill to hold my own should I need it, but I'd feel better focusing my time on making the Unholy Water, as I like to call it," Cyra explained, "And to help me deliver them."
"You had me at 100,000. I do have a spare room upstairs. I got a basement you could use if you wanted. Good luck digging through all the spiderwebs though," Dante said.
Cyra couldn't help but grin. Making a deal with the devil hunter was easier than she thought, "Then I think we have ourselves a deal.. Dante. I'm Cyra."
And just that, they developed a quick friendship. A short one, as well. Because not even 4 weeks later, he would disappear into the Qliphoth along with Lady and Trish. Lady didn't seem to get along with Cyra most of the time. Lady was a bit protective of her friendship with Dante. They met each other in such a personal circumstance, for the both of them. It formed their bond so incredibly thick that nothing could break it. This new apothecary would be living with Dante, perhaps knowing things about Dante not even she would learn, threatening what Lady had with him.
One day, Lady escorted Cyra to her deliveries, much to Lady's chagrin, "So how come you're not a real doctor?" Lady asked.
"I was, once," Cyra answered.
"Get fired and now you're working illegally?" Lady pushed the subject.
Cyra rolled her eyes, realizing what she was doing, "Not technically wrong," Cyra answered, not letting Lady getting what she wanted.
"I guess humans shouldn't worry about that as long as they get their demon wards…" Lady said genuinely. She did feel bad for bringing it up. It didn't really matter what her history was as long as she wanted to help the innocent.
Cyra stopped and looked at Lady, making her do the same. She didn't look angry, only a calm content smile, "I snuck in substances like holy water and demon blood to my lab so I could use their equipment. They found out after a while and fired me. Gonna ask how I get all my money next?" Cyra asked with a grin.
Lady smiled, appreciating the honesty, and the fact that Cyra wouldn't let her push her around. Maybe Cyra was as just as much of a hothead as Lady was. Nah, who was she kidding. Cyra seemed like a sweetheart through and through, even with the sass, "We'll trade stories later," Lady said.
Trish, on the other hand, she got along with on the spot. Trish made fun of Cyra's heavy eye make-up calling her a goth, only for Cyra to explain it's part of her look when dealing with customers, "And what's your excuse?" Cyra bit back looking Trish up and down.
Trish simply summoned electricity to change her outfit and Cyra gawked and fangirled until they both giggled and drank some wine. It was like meeting your first friend in elementary school.
Dante was probably the most insufferable man she's ever met. He didn't take anything seriously enough, which also made him the easiest man to get along with. However when she needed a straight answer, they were hardly given. Dante was gone for a 2 day mission. Cyra spent those two days secretly putting in a mat and a punching bag in the basement of his shop, basically turning it into her gym to let loose. Dante wasn't kidding about the spiderwebs. That alone took a whole day, but at least the deed was done in time for her to deliver her lab equipment.
It also only took her a few days to learn that Dante hasn't paid for pizza from his favorite pizza joint in over 2 years. As another favor, Cyra paid the tab which made them so ecstatic, they have her 5 free pizzas.
Cyra came back home shortly before Dante did, setting the pizzas on the kitchen counter. The clean, kitchen counter, all thanks to her. It's amazing Dante made it this far in life without a woman taking care of him.
As if on cue, the front door opened and the quiet agency suddenly started echoing with barrages of complaining.
"Hey Dante," Cyra purred, leaning against the doorframe of the kitchen, eating a slice of pizza. She was looking at him drop his weapons on his desk. He was covered in blood and looked filthy.
"Pizza? I hope you have enough to share," He said, not dropping his playfulness despite how disheveled he looked.
"Maybe, but I'd rather not eat with a man who reeks of blood and guts," Cyra said taking a bite.
Dante groaned, unsure if he was more jealous of Cyra or that slice of pizza, "Just one? I had a really hard day after all," He tried to reason.
Cyra took another bite before answering, "You'd eat a lot better knowing you're clean, but this is your home," She said with her mouth full, turning around the corner to go back into the kitchen, Dante following her, "Also you'll be happy to know that I paid off that ridiculous tab."
"Ciacco's?" Dante asked in disbelief.
"You have another pizza place?" Cyra asked.
"You paid off my 2 year tab with them?" Dante repeated to make sure he got it right.
"Yes, and don't worry, it's not coming out of that 100,000," Cyra reassured. Dante stared at her with a blank look, "Neither is the exercise equipment I put downstairs. That's more for me anyway. Need to let off some steam after I spend all day dealing with demon blood."
Dante had to let it all register. Not only is his home the cleanest it's ever been, but she brought home 5 boxes of pizza, paid off a 2 year tab, and casually announced that she made a gym in his basement, which she also cleaned up herself… "So, should I ask you to marry me now, or…?" Dante said.
Cyra let out a single big laugh and playfully slapped him on the arm, "Get yourself cleaned up already!" She said and went back to grab another slice of pizza to hide her blush. He was obviously kidding, but her face didn't seem to care judging from the blush.
There were a few moments where he'd casually hit on her, but he knew he wouldn't make a move considering he was working for her. He had morals on the job, but what a mistake it was to allow a woman to live with him. At first all he heard was the easy job description and the cash. He didn't think about all the pros and cons of just living with a woman. The place was the cleanest it's ever been, but his mind not so much. Sure, he'd make a remark here and there, but it was mostly just to get a rise from her. She was a smart confident woman and when her face started to blush while her eyes tore to the ground, she looked like prey. Dante had to remind himself not to play too close with fire.
Although Cyra liked the attention and has thought about his remarks on occasion, she'd never think to get too involved with a man she worked with. If only he didn't parade around without a shirt after a shower.
4th May 1:15pm
Dante was sitting at his desk, enjoying not being in the dark. He was pretty glad Morrison came back when he did. Cyra paid 100,000 for Dante but it was only a matter of time before Lady and Trish found out and took the money that he owed them. Ho boy, if Cyra got home and saw that the power and water were out during the several days she was gone, she'd dig into him. Now that'd be something… Maybe he wanted to see it. Cyra came up from her lab downstairs, taking a break from making her new round of Unholy Water supplies. Her and Lady went on a delivery trip taking the Water to random clients. It was only until a couple of days ago that Dante learned Cyra hands them out for free. Where does she get all her money from? That was for another day.
"Hey, Cyra?" Dante called over, "I need to talk to you."
"Yeah, what's up?" Cyra said with a smile and sat on his desk, something she's seen Lady and Trish do a million times. She didn't even realize she did it then, but he didn't seem to mind.
"Morrison stopped by yesterday with a job offer…" He started grimly.
"Yeah?" Cyra asked when he wouldn't continue.
Dante looked down at his hands. Maybe it'd be better not telling her, "I guess it's a big one. I know I still have your job, but this is a big deal. I'll just be gone for a bit. I guess Lady and Trish are coming. Just wanted to let you know so put up wards to keep yourself safe," Dante said.
Cyra shook her head, "Well, thanks for the warning, but something tells me this isn't just any big mission."
Dante finally made eye contact with her. Not even three weeks and she already knew him, much to his dismay. Another con of living with a woman. They're too perceptive, "Some demon king is going to resurrect… He, uh… Look, I don't even know if it's real, but…"
Cyra put her hand on his trembling fist, "You can tell me," She said softly.
Dante took in a breath of air and exhaled, "He might be my brother."
Cyra's eyes went wide, "The one that you killed?" She heard a brief version of the story. He died when they were teens. Temen-ni-gru. She was young, but she remembered that massive tower in the city. Apparently Dante's brother summoned it, only for him to fall to the underworld. The next time Dante saw him, he had to kill him… again. He's back?
"The only and only," Dante smiled grimly, "I don't know if I could go through that for a third time…"
Cyra spun so she was facing him directly and crossed her legs, "Maybe it won't be him, but… are you hoping that it is?" She asked.
Dante wanted to see his brother again so badly, but he knew that he wouldn't be the same. Maybe another Nelo Angelo. Vergil is… was always too obsessed with power. Seeing him again would only mean more heartache that he couldn't handle. But just a glimpse of him would be enough. Dante couldn't admit what he really wanted. He didn't know how to answer her question.
Cyra smiled, "When do you leave?" She asked.
15 May 11:00am
"Don't worry, I'll take care of the place," Cyra said. Her and Dante were standing by the door, Trish and Lady already waiting outside.
"I'm more worried about you taking care of yourself," Dante grinned.
"I got the wards up, demons won't even know i'm here," She winked.
Dante let out a chuckle, "Good. I'll see ya when I get back then," He said but didn't budge.
"Yeah…" Cyra said but also didn't move. She wasn't sure what was going on, but he leaned over and pulled her into an embrace. They didn't know each other for very long, but Dante did feel close to her. He held tighter, and Cyra didn't understand. They've never hugged. Was he saying goodbye for good? She wrapped her arms around him softly, "You are coming back, aren't you?" She said quietly.
Dante pulled away from her with his usual grin, "Judging from that big tree sticking out of the ground, I'd say 2 weeks tops."
Cyra smiled, "I'll have pizza ready." Dante nodded and headed to the door, grabbing the knob, "Dante?" She called out and he looked over once more, "I do hope you get to see Vergil again."
Way too perceptive… He didn't have to say it and he wasn't sure of it, but he truly did hope to see his brother again. He nodded and was off.
15 July 10:24pm
No sign of him. He said two weeks tops and it's been two months. Morrison came by every now and then. Mostly to introduce himself, but also to check-in on the chance that Dante showed up. It was always nothing. Lady and Trish came back in the evening of June 15 and she thought Dante would be coming up right behind them. But no such thing. Cyra couldn't even bring herself to cry.
Dante was gone. Not dead, they guessed. He went to cut down the Qliphoth to seal the demon world once again. Nero told the others, which Trish passed on, that only Vergil had to go, but Dante went with him. Cyra smiled when she heard that. That means Vergil wasn't evil anymore? Cyra would have to get the full story later, but it didn't matter. Dante was finally with his brother. All she could hope was that they were getting the time they missed out on while they were busy hating each other. It hurt that Dante was no longer in her life, especially when they were getting so close, but she'd move on as long as he was happy. Vergil was the most important person to Dante.
Cyra continued to borrow the space of Devil May Cry to work on her Unholy Water. After a while, being alone in there was only a constant reminder of Dante. One night she had a conversation with Morrison telling him that he could keep the money she left for Dante, some for Lady and Trish, but that she would find another location to work out of mostly. This wasn't goodbye. She loved Lady and Trish and she'd never abandon them, but living in Dante's shadow was unbearable.
"We all miss him, Cyra," Lady said not intentionally saying it in a condescending tone.
"I know," Cyra said packing up her vials.
Lady wanted to say more. She had a feeling Cyra and Dante had something going on, but Lady knew him longer. It wasn't fair that Cyra was the one moping around. Instead of instigating her further, she left.
Cyra knew what Lady was thinking; she's alluded to it more than once. But Cyra didn't need to prove it to anyone. No, she wasn't in love with him or anything like that, at least not in a romantic way. Dante gave her a chance when anyone else may have said no. She was able to help humans protect themselves. She'd be lying if she didn't think he was completely attractive, even with how dirty and disgusting he was, but perhaps his cleanliness, or lack thereof, helped keep her sane and not foolishly fall in love with him.
It wasn't love.. but she was soon going to find it where she least expects it.
Prologue was to set up exposition with my OC and established characters. Vergil coming up :)
Edit: Thanks to a reviewer for pointing out the stronger than intended Dante/OC elements in the prologue. My reasoning is because if this is going to be Vergil/OC, and Dante is the most important person to him, I wanted the OC to have a strong bond with him as well. There's a few things in future chapters that will explain their friendship more.
