Warrior, mercenary, cold-blooded killer. Those were just a few of the names that referred to the Demon Slayer known as Mariangelis. But in reality she was just a person trying to survive in a world riddled with famine, war, and any other type of in human act people did to one another. Her date of birth unknown to herself as well as others she roamed the earth doing what she did best. Fighting those creatures that tried their best to take what wasn't theirs. And today was no different. The sun was shining and it looked like it would be a beautiful day. But all Mari could think about was what dark creature she would encounter today.
She moved with elegant grace and ease, calculating her every movement in advance. Even if she was not in a battle she was poised. Ready for anything that might come her way. She moved down the path towards a peaceful looking river. She was parched; not having drank anything since the early morning. She removed her pack and staying alert she bent down and dipped her hand into the water. She drank undisturbed for many moments but then something caught her attention. A slight change in the atmosphere told her that someone was nearby. She stayed the way she was, pretending not to notice. But she was ready for her attacker.
She could hear the heavy footfalls of the creature moving towards her. He himself being as careful as he could. She slowly grabbed the sword at her side and when the person was close enough she stood quickly and swung around her sword raised above her head. But as she brought it down it met with the sword of the other. She stood staring at the person, but soon recognition dawned on her and she pulled her sword away from the persons, "You shouldn't sneak up on me like this Koda. I could have very well killed you."
"Do you think you could Mari? Because last I checked I was your mentor once upon a time."
"That might be the case but I have grown in skill and strength since then."
"That's nice. But do tell me why you let me get so close?"
"It is the way I fight. Based on the saying, 'Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.' I have found that if I allow them to think I am vulnerable they get to cocky and trigger happy."
"Ah, I see. Interesting theory. I will have to try it out sometime. But tell me something else. What brings you here to this part of the world?" Koda ran his hand through his dark hair and moved towards the river. He himself wanting a drink of the fresh cool waters that ran through.
"I am hunting. I have been commissioned to seek out a half-breed. I hear no one can defeat him. But I am willing to take on the challenge. I have grown bored with the ones I fight as of late."
"And what is this half breed's name? Maybe I can give you some insight on to how to defeat him. Every creature has their weakness, whether it be physically or mentally." A small smiled played along his lips and Mari knew what he was thinking. The few nights they had spent together suddenly rushed to her mind. She couldn't help but shudder slightly at the memory. It had been so long ago but the memories made it seem like it happened yesterday. But she had vowed she would not go down that road again. She had loved Koda once but not again.
"Vergil Sparda. I hear he has a twin named Dante. Both are descendents of Sparda himself. His sons I think. Vergil however is power hungry like his father and desires to obtain as much of it as he can."
Koda's eyes widened and again he ran his fingers through his hair. A habit he did out of nervousness. He didn't want to think about Mari, his Mari, tracking the most powerful devil there was. "That is all you know of him? Let me give you some advice." He stepped towards her and pulled out a pouch filled with crystals. He placed them in a circle and then moved his hands over them, "This is what you're up against." Mari stared in amazement as a terrifying creature formed in front of her. She barely heard Koda as the creature changed into a very handsome man. His silvery white hair teased into spikes, the light casting shadows on his face, and a Katana held in his hand. "His sword, Yamato, is deadly..." She stared in awe, wondering if she would be able to destroy him if they ever met face to face.
Koda saw the strange light that seemed to appear in her eyes. A Light he had seen once before when she looked upon him. He worried for her, even after their relationship ended he knew he would always care for her, as he had not done for any other. He moved his hand back over the stones and the Image of the man disappeared, "You must be careful at all times and guard your self Mariangelis." Mari seemed to jump from her thoughts when he had spoken her name. He rarely used her full name. Only when she had done something to annoy him or when it was of serious concern and she knew that what she was facing was a serious thing.
Koda and she visited for a short time more and then they both went on their separate ways. She going after Vergil Sparda and unbeknownst to her, Koda was doing the same. He would rather kill the man then have her in danger. Many days passed as she traveled, going over mountains and the rubles of many cities that had once been great. She inquired about the man Vergil Sparda everywhere she went. Making her first mistake when she stumbled into a district filled with Devils who hated the man and his very name. She was pinned down. And everytime she brought down one demon it seemed that three more popped up in its place. Suddenly a flash of red caught her eye but disappeared. She pushed it from her mind as simply the blood of one of the demons she had killed. But soon she saw it again.
She didn't know how to explain how it happened or what even brought it about. The moment she saw the flash of red she instantly thought of Vergil and immediately neglected the demon she was fighting. She turned her back and ran towards the last place she had seen that flash of red. But it wasn't there anymore she heard something behind her and immediately flipped back into fight mode. She turned quickly and brought her sword up to shield herself from the one coming down on her. She stood in shock and awe as she stared into the face of, "Vergil?"
"Vergil? Do I honestly look like my sour-puss brother toots?"
"Brother?"
"No Time, love. Kill the demons and then we will talk. But not till then." He pulled his sword away from her and studied her delicate features and beautiful brown hair. She was an enchanting creature and had they not been swamped with demons he would have said some idiotic thing to her.
Mari stood there for only a second and watched the man disappear into the crowd of demons before she switched back into kill mode and attacked the nearest demon. He put up a grand a fight but she defeated him. Along with several more of the demons. She could see the numbers were dwindling and knew a lot of it had to do with the man who was helping her. IT angered her slightly that he had taken it upon himself to help her. She hadn't asked for his help and nor would she had even if she needed it. So when the fighting was done and the demons who weren't killed had run off she turned on the man, a trickle of blood running down her cheek, and a more open gash pouring blood everywhere, "You stupid, opportunistic fool. I should kill you now."
The man laughed and looked at her, "Nice to meet you too. You're very welcome as well. I am Dante Sparda. Brother of the man you thought I was."
"Fuck you. I didn't need your help and I did not ask to meet you either." She was fuming and the blood that was pumping through her veins only seemed to pour out of her wounds.
"What a pretty name you have. Very unique." He stared at her mockingly as she shot daggers his way.
"Oh shut up you insolent son of a bitch." She cursed him and the way he looked so much like his brother. But she was to pissed to inquire about Vergil. And suddenly she was feeling faint.
"You shouldn't take on a bunch of demons like that. Especially ones who hate my brother. You need to be more careful." HE watched her for a moment and then raised his brow, 'Are you alright?"
"I am fine. I just need to sit down." She moved to a nearby wall and leaning against it she slowly slide to the ground. She watched through her blurred sight as Dante came towards her and hefted her into his arms effortlessly. Her voice was soft when she spoke and not filled with the venom it had before, 'Mariangelis. My Name is Mariangelis."
Dante looked down at the woman who had passed out in his arms and he shook his head. He'd have to take her home to examine her more closely but he already knew she had a wound that was pouring blood from her arm and another that was across her stomach. One she had not noticed he guessed. He shook his head and started walking, "Vergil I am going to murder you for the things you get me into even when you aren't around." And slowly he disappeared into the darkness, the woman Mariangelis, held tightly in his arms.