How To Start A War

Warning: M/M paring(s), offensive language, alcohol, partying? , blood, suggestive themes… okay how does one tag for any warnings? Kind of an AU and lot of OCs.

I don't own Devil May Cry; I don't get profit from this etc.

Every song and lyrics belongs to Simon Curtis ©

Summary: Nero feels tired and burnt out He used to love demon hunting! Damn, he is a hero or something! But it all seems like just a good old memory; nothing can really spice up his days. He has only one thing left, his love for music and leather pants. Eventual: DxN

Special thanks to PorcelainPills for helping with my grammatical mistakes and for motivating me C:

Note: I don't have anything against Skrillex's music. I do like some of his songs. K thank bye


Chapter One: Golden Ticket

Nero's POV

The train had already reached the next station when I woke up again. After opening my eyes, my thoughts began to wander around today, thinking about the job I did today. It was so exhausting, I thought and placed my feet on the seats in front of me, stretching my arms and gazing at Red Queen's box.

I felt uncomfortably tired, but it wasn't the usual feeling. The whole day and drama was just too much. The mission was about finding a girl who was captured by demons. The damn kid, although she was around fifteen or something, was neither lost nor captured. She was just a young, spoiled brat who has "had enough with her life".

I let out a snort. Yeah, she's done with her life? Then what about me? I'm here, in my twenties, and my life constantly revolves around finding lost kids and kicking out demons from haunted houses.

So, in fact, my job is a disaster. There was no other way of describing or sugar-coating it.

Another grunt escaped from my throat as a man passed by my seats. And soon after the conductor showed up, asking for a ticket. I quickly gave it to him, not saying a word. The man took a short look at me, I could feel his judging gaze all around my form before it drifted away, frowning at the sword's box, but he didn't say anything at least.

"Your station is the next one." The man's deep voice rang in the empty compartment, competing against the noise of the raindrops on the window. "Enjoy your travel."

"Yeah, thanks," I replied and turned back to the window, watching the man leaving in the reflection.

I frowned when I noticed some black bags beneath my eyes. Damn, I was washed out. All I wanted was some coffee, or a bed or just a calm place to sleep, but the next train to Fortuna would only depart in two and a half hours.

Thank God I already decided to spend some time in a little coffee shop I had seen before, the whole setting seemed comfy, and it was empty at that time. The next minute something was vibrating in my jeans pocket, so I quickly sunk my left hand into it, looking for the phone. The flat gadget was in the right one and I took it out, scrolling down the screen.

Kyrie had bought this for my birthday, she has a smaller one, but she said it would help us communicate when I'm abroad. She was worried about me, after all. It was a message, from her actually.

"Please, Nero, where have you been? I called you several times, I hope you're on your way back, miss you!"

I chuckled, and quickly typed a message back to her about my train's info. It was late, I mean, she's always in the opera house at this time, teaching little children to sing in the choir. I'm really grateful that she found something to keep herself occupied, and stop mourning over Credo. It has been… I don't know maybe a year?

However I didn't want to think about this, it was enough for me as well. I scrolled through the gallery of my phone. Pictures of Fortuna, recently uploaded album covers, and the company's original wallpapers.

I remember how the city looked like a few months ago, not really much after the Saviour thing, everything was wrecked, and families lost their home. I doubt they almost rebuilt everything, maybe only fixed the underground system along with the path under the sea.

The tunnel to Fortuna and to this city was about hundred meters under a massive amount of water, and it took nearly three hours to get out of there. Also, there's an under-water highway, next to this train line, which connects the cities and the islands. My first destination was the nearest station from Fortuna.

A huge city, filled with a bunch of factories, only the outskirts were known as livable districts, the town itself was much like an enormous device. Connecting train lines and highways around everywhere as they were it's blood lines, while the heart lied beneath. Only the poor lived in the city, which wasn't quite understandable. It was dark and foggy all the time; I didn't like the aura at all. Surprisingly, the outside districts were the only place where the smog was on a bearable level. But as I mentioned, the poor lived inside, the rich outside, in health and grace. It was ridiculous in my view, so I was grateful I could leave this all behind, just within a few hours.

The family who hired me as a "special hunter" was looking for their lost daughter. Poor mom and dad thought she was kidnapped by some demon classmate of hers, but little did they know. She actually was in the city with her skank friends, in some old facility ruins, listening to those really poorly made pop-electro songs and pumping booze into herself. It wasn't so hard to track them down, the whole place reeked of cheap liquor, so I brought back mom's and dad's precious little "princess" before the little dear would bring some real demons on her head.

But damn, it was a painfully boring and long mission. I left as soon the girl's father gave me the money, not even looking back. I was pissed, the whole aura, the music they listened to: it was dry, over-filled with special effects, no lyrics behind, just meaningless 'eh eh eh' and unrecognizable words from some dude named 'Skrill' producing this bunch of… Never mind. I won't piss myself off because someone's shit taste in music. I have my own and that's what matters anyway.

My thoughts wandered back to Kyrie as I received another text from her, to my surprise.

"Just be safe and don't do anything unnecessary, text me before you get to the station!"

She's worrying again, oh God.

I didn't want to text back, so I tucked the phone away into my left pocket. I just wasn't in the mood for this. Still, some things still bothered me.

Kyrie and me, me and Kyrie.

How strange, not so long ago there was this slight feeling of affection between us, and I was the one who took a step backwards, probably hurting her feelings in the process… But in the end it would have turned out awkwardly or even worse, painful – mostly for her. We're siblings, best friends, whatever we called it, but this thing between us never turned romantic. Yet I partly blamed hormones for the random affection, being young is not easy, especially when you have a demonic voice inside your head. Just as I mentioned my nowadays really active companion – the demon – gave me a mental purr, sounding unsatisfied and rather pissed.

I just shook my head in response. Great, just what I needed.

"Artemia Train Station, Artemia Train Station. Please get your ticket or pass ready. They will be expected at the exit. Thank you for choosing Artemia Travel!"

This would be my stop. I stood up and quickly stretched my arms, grabbed my gear and left the place. As I headed to the exit, a furious woman ran past me, yelling something about musicians and management into her cell phone. But she was too fast, literally just sprinting towards the exit, causing trouble to other people who looked at her angrily but she just didn't care.

A person like this makes me shake my head in annoyance. They think they have so much privilege and they can do whatever they want but in fact they're just as tiny, vulnerable beings just as everyone else.

However, when I got to the inside of the station I noticed my train was already in. The billboard said the exact departure time is 7 PM, a half hour earlier, at least. I turned back, I have to look for that little coffee shop and relax a little bit.

I was grateful when I found the place but after entering, I wasn't so happy anymore. The whole place was filled with people, not even leaving air to breathe. I huffed in annoyance. There was one table tough, with two seats, like the ones in those 50's styled restaurants. A couple just decided to leave the table, so I was quick, and sat down after they had left. I was ready to order, when somebody sat down in front of me.

"Excuse me, boy, but I just need a quick coffee, I hope you don't mind."

"Wha–" When I looked at her I recognized that woman from before. She had curly brown hair, solid, straight jaw lines, and really tired grey eyes. What a coincidence.

"So?" she huffed.

"Sure, I have to stay for at least two hours." I didn't think the last part was necessary at all but said it anyway.

"Thanks." She smiled, and turned away to get a waiter. I regarded her face beneath her curly hair, she wore a grey trench coat along with a blue scarf. She looked like some highly paid agent.

"What can I get for you, ma'am?" a young waitress finally noticed her and stepped next to the table. "And for your –" She looked at me and Red Queen's box "– for your partner?"

"Listen here dear, I just need a strong coffee and I'll pay it for myself." she followed the waitress' gaze – the girl's eyes were glued onto my frame. "I don't know what he wants."

She wasn't friendly at all, I let out a sigh and said: "Same, please."

"Alright, I'll be back in a minute." she finally tore her eyes away, giving me a wink before walking back behind the counter.

The woman opposite to me opened her purse, searching for something. It was her phone; she typed something, frowned then dialed a number. I placed my hands on the table, only noticing the stare she gave me when my Devil Bringer was visible. Yeah, yeah, the usual frown that humans give me all the time. I didn't pay attention to her too much, I felt like occupying myself with my lyrics.

When I was climbing up the stairs to the station I finally figured out a matching rhyme for my song. I've been writing it for a long time and it was time to continue it and bring it to an end. In the past months I spent my free time writing lyrics and sometimes composing music with the piano in my apartment. It was a good way to get over my work stress, to relax and stay focused at the same time.

You're a devil

You're a filthy piece of trash

Gotta brush you off my shoulder

Gonna let you kiss my ass

You're a Diablo, you're a Diablo, you're a Diablo

Your shit is evil

Are you crazy?

Because you're so out of line

I swear someday you're gonna freak and claw out my eye

Oh wait, you did

Oh baby, baby

Does she take a piece of lime?

For the drink that I'mma buy her

Oh wait this song isn't mine

"You're a musician?" The waitress was standing next to me, giving me a mini heart-attack with her high-pitched voice. As I looked up to her furiously, she placed my coffee on the table with a delighted smile. Some people just can't go around without disturbing other's private sphere.

It took me a moment to realize she thought inside Red Queen's box was an instrument, and after seeing me writing my lyrics it would've been obvious.

"No I'm…" I'm still a soldier, right?

"He's a soldier, sweetheart. Now please – give us a break, will you?"

The woman's action surprised me. But I was thankful she got rid of the girl. I was too tired to even bother telling her to piss off. The waitress gave her a meaningful look then walked away to another table. The woman in front of me took a sip from her coffee, and instead placing her gaze back onto a newspaper, she turned to me.

"You're from Fortuna?" she asked with a light frown. "I thought you're from a better place than that."

"Why do you say that?" Her question confused me.

"I'm planned to go there to find some talent, you know." She sighed. "That place is filled with talented kids, but the religious bastards hold them back, forcing their talent into their own machinery and they have no choice but to obey."

She was right after all.

"If you need some guidance better not ask from someone from the Order." I huffed, guiding my hands around the mug in front of me.

"I can take care of myself, kid." She laughed, suddenly her voice turned so peaceful. "You're writing lyrics, right?"

"Why?" I realized it was a stupid question but I was curious.

"Because I could use helping hands in my job, and you seem really motivated with your work."

Those grey eyes, framed with dark circles from tiredness and lack of sleep, seemed like shining stars for a minute.

I wasn't sure how to respond, but the demon inside me started to motivate me with a loud screeching sound. At least, I felt it was motivating me. But what would happen? Maybe she wouldn't like it. Maybe she'd think I have no talent at all, so why bother in the first place? I could refuse and walk back to my train with Red Queen over my shoulder.

But do I want that?

Do you want to go back and be slaughter machine?, I asked myself, Because here and now would be excellent chance for a breakout. And to be honest, I wouldn't like to miss it.

"So? Interested or not?" She looked at her watch "The train will leave soon."

"No it won't." I frowned in curiosity.

"Ah, yes." The woman smiled at me suggestively. "The regular train won't, but I'm taking the private one."

Then, she held out a ticket in front of me. Suddenly, she slipped her finger, and the single ticked somehow copied itself, because in the next second she was holding two tickets. "But let's just say, if I like your lyrics, you come with me, will you, little soldier?"

"And why should I go with you?" I asked, my icy blue eyes boring into her grey ones. "How should I know you're not a demon who could suck my soul out or something like that?"

Even though this looked like a good opportunity to break out from the daily routine, I realized my lack of awareness of the situation. Let's be realistic, I met her less than five seconds ago so it was risky to trust her. This woman could be anything I've met so far in my job. She has to prove her guileless intentions somehow.

She looked bewildered at my accusation. "Well, as far as I'm concerned I'm nothing but a human being. Still, I do know you won't trust me just by this."

I nodded in response, and she turned silent for a moment, eyes wandering to my arm for a second, proceeding towards Red Queen's box.

"Let's settle it down like adults. If I get too suspicious for you, you can end my life."

Her words caught me off-guard, nearly choking on a sip of my coffee.

"Why would you give your life up so easily?" I cleared my throat, tried to not sound too skeptic.

"You see, soldier boy it's really hard being in the industry, the whole system basically chews you then spits you out without even saying goodbye." The woman took a sip of her coffee and finished it. "I've been on the other side myself and it was enough for a lifetime, if you'd ask me."

"Are you a singer?" I asked, noticing how fast she finished her mug. I looked at mine, and it was still almost full.

"Was, I was a singer." She corrected me and laughed, sounding so light at first, and just like that, the laughter faded into a sigh. "But it was many years ago. I don't think you were even alive at that time."

With a humming noise in my the back of my head, I looked back at my life for a minute, seeing if I remembered something, but my memories were only centered on Kyrie's and Credo's family.

I still wasn't convinced by her words though, even if my Bringer didn't give me the usual pulse whether it sensed inhuman activity. This woman might be a human then. But that's everything I know about her so far.

Fuck, I'm hesitating. Trying to analyze this situation further. I always knew that it was hard to get into the music industry – it has its own difficulties, ups and downs, bright sides and dark ones.

But it didn't matter whether I had enough reasons or not, being part of the Order felt just like being in a cage.

My hesitation caused her to sigh again, and she took away the tickets. But her gaze immediately turned back, when I pushed the notebook to her side. I saw the little fireworks in her look again pairing up with a bright smile. The hands immediately took the notebook, pointing finger positioned on the lyrics, reading them with a careful move, sliding the digits along the lines, just if she was looking for something.

However, her bright gaze turned deep dark when she was in the middle of my song. I felt frustration building up in my ribs; my heart suddenly began to race, pumping my blood up to my cheeks, turning them red as her lipstick. I scratched my nose and took another, last sip, just to hide my blush.

"Grab your luggage, boy. You're coming with me."

End of chapter one


Woah! I'm pretty content with this story so far, I can only hope that you, dear reader, enjoy it as much as I do. Feel free to comment and review the story!

See you next time!

-Molly