A Devils Heart
IV
A Pact with The Devil
A dark, lifeless place lie within the dreadful royal room of The Devil. The dimmed light from the blood-black candles surrounded the immense dreary yet magnificent throne room of the Dark Lord. Thousands of candles and several dull, gold chandeliers above was the only light that revealed a young, tall and slender man with a death-like appearance standing in the middle of the room. The brooding man stood before the throne amongst growling devils and hissing demons. The wails of the damned could be heard in the background but not seen, locked away in an eternal damnation. The man stood alone with the Devil before him that was sitting on an elegant throne made of bones decorated with melted gold and other precious metals with precious jewels of rubies, diamonds, black sapphires and other precious and semi-precious stones that glimmered from the light flickering off the candles. A large fireplace in a shape of the mouth of a fierce dragon behind him as if to consume the lord unbeknownst. The flames light reflected in the disheveled white hair of the man who could feel its intense warmth upon his cracked face.
Lucifer silently scrutinized at the wretched white-haired creature before him before he spoke in a tone laced with death, "Vergil… Son of Sparda."
Vergil just stood there quietly, his ice blue eyes staring down at the Devil in front of him who was veiled by the bitter gloom as the Prince of Darkness shining eyes pierced through Vergil's soul from the shadows. Vergil wore a dull peacock blue long coat of shades of deep blue and shimmers light blue when the light would hit it. The collar of his coat lifts up to cover his neck and opened at the front to reveal a black hard leather vest over his chest. A black satin scarf which tied about his neck neatly tucked beneath his worn coat. Silver buttons aligning the long coat starting at his collar bone downwards to where it ends at his thigh. The length of the coat ended at his ankles with decorative gold and bronze floral silk align the insides of it. Tethered gold colored thread trim at the edges of the opening of his jacket and on the sides of the sleeves as well with five silver buttons aligning the sides of both of his jacket sleeves. There was a strange silver thread design that looked almost like a spiked snake with no eyes at the rim opening of the right side of his coat that starts from the bottom right and goes up and around the back of his neck to where the design stops at his upper left side of his chest near his shoulders. He wore black snakeskin pants that were tight, but still loose enough around his thighs and legs. Old knee-high tan colored boots wrapped comfortably around his muscular legs and double buckled below his knees; a burned design on the leather flaps that covered his knees. The worn light-tan open-fingered leather gloves covered the deathly pale flesh of his powerful hands that would easily kill any who stood in his way. But he unfortunately could not kill the enemies like the ones surrounding him for they were immortal and he, a half breed of one.
Vergil looked dull and filthy from the cruelty in the bowels of Hell. His body cracked from the torture and the environment that surrounds him, blue veins could be seen through his pale flesh decorating the sides of his face and forehead like a masquerade mask of death. Yet, he still held an aristocratic beauty of his own. His usual nice attire didn't cover his cold, silent demeanor of emotionless indifference but the corruption of the Underworld weighed him down and it soiled his very being. The pandemonium would drive any man mad. There were few times he lost himself to insanity, but his strong will and the memory of his brother Dante, would snap him back into reality and leave him enough sanity to get through this nightmare of an inferno. Rage is what helped him through it enough to fight his way through endlessly, his fatigue clearly shown with his appearance. He gave into his anger, tortured by his desires, plagued by his memories as the past haunted his every thought to torture.
When he refused The Devil's summoning it brought forth an overwhelming number of demons and Devils to attack to enforce him to heal. To heed the Dark Lords summoning was straining and left him feeling exhausted and in despair, though he tried to hide it. He was violated in ways no man could imagine by the hands of a fallen or the Lord of Darkness himself. Vergil was in a constant bitter anger and despair to which at times would break him; but almost every time it had been because he had disrespected The Devil and been imprisoned in a place called "The Pit of Insanity". A small pulsing red room, as if it were the inside of a heart. Every time Vergil had been imprisoned, he was always faced with a number of imaginable, punishable acts. One in particular that caused Vergil deep anguish was a sickening display of Dante receiving their fathers devil power he would then use against him; beating him in a torturing way as he slowly ripped him apart. The torment and mockery pushed Vergil over the edge but his strong will and the thought of revenge against his brother would snap him back into reality and leave him enough sanity to get through this nightmare of an inferno. Now he stood alone in his failure, part of his pride wounded as he wondered what the Dark Lord of Hades wanted of him; to torture him, as many others had done? He would not hesitate to fight back with all the wrath that burned through his very being despite being outnumbered; he would then, at least, get to relish in the notion of punching the monster he so despised.
"…You called for me… my lord," Vergil quietly said in a chilling tone, as if the words were ice through tightened teeth, the last words he said forcefully from his thin pale lips.
There was a deathly silence that Vergil could hear his own heart beat from his chest and wondered if the Fallen could hear it too.
A hiss in reply came from the Cimmerian throne seat of where his master sat. The white-haired man stubbornly stood silently, waiting patiently for an answer and keeping his defiant demeanor; as to show no weaknesses to this creature he deeply loathed with every fiber of his being.
Breaking the silence, the monster spoke in seething arrogance, "I have an important task that needs to be attended to. I wonder if you are the one to fulfill my desire and can successfully accomplish this particular task that I call upon you for,"
Vergil shook his head, annoyed. He was about to leave when the Dark Prince casually gestured, which Vergil could faintly see, a pair of demons walked out of the shadows past Vergil towards the Pit of Insanity. All the attention in the room shifted to the rusted valve like door of the Pit opening to reveal a skeleton-like man filled with maggots inside the loose rotten flesh, screaming, holding his head in his hands as the demons tossed the poor man into a sea of blood and fire. The Devil enjoyed listening to the agonizing screams of those in the Pit, especially Vergil's, which he blatantly took great pleasure in. "I sent a group to handle this task last night but there was... interference." He finished as he gave a deathly glared of dissatisfaction towards all before him.
Virgil turned back and bowed his head with the respect that was expected of him. Eyes on the floor, he looked at the faded, yet still beautiful art beneath him depicting The Devil ruling the World in a collage that changed every so often, "…What is it that my master wishes of me?" he asked quietly, uncertain in accepting the unspoken task, his face stern.
Pleased with Vergil's obedient allegiance to him he continued, "There is a young woman that is of great interest. She is known as Angelea Sanctus and is under the protection of the Ordo Pius Sanctus Caelestis, formally known as the Order of the Holy Saints of the Divine." he answers in disgust, frowning as if the very mentioning of the Order left a bitter taste in his mouth.
He continues, "All my other… efforts… have failed me," his master replied with a growl as he glared at his followers that stood around his throne, the demons and devils only winced, bowing their garish and disfigured heads while backing away into the darkness of the throne room, out of sight.
Vergil noticed the creatures disappearing into the cold black void as few whimpered and others growled and hissed in defiance. Vergil snorted at the pathetic sight, a wicked yet satisfied smirk crept onto his noble, hardened face.
"It seems I have no other choice but to call upon you to do this simple task? Are you interested?" the Dark Prince finished in a calculated quiet tone laced with venom.
There was a deafening silence, clenching his jaw Vergil considered on the dark lords' words carefully, word's that sounded almost a plea for his assistance. 'A woman… is that all?' he thought, a brow raised in a silent question.
It seemed too simple of a task but knowing The Devil, it was most likely far from it and would be difficult; however, Vergil didn't object to the notion and loved a challenge, he was indeed interested. Especially if it meant the opportunity to leave this godforsaken place.
"…This woman, what is it you want from her that you need to involve me?" Vergil boldly questioned coolly, wanting to learn more of this assignment in question.
The fallen prince frowned in irritation as he bore down angrily at Vergil for being too inquisitive, of course Vergil couldn't see his master's expression and only stared back intently, waiting for the answer.
The Dark Prince replied in a growl, "This woman has something that I must have, and I will stop at nothing to have it!" he banged a clawed fist on the bones of the armchair he sat in, cracking it with a hiss then shifted his tone monotonously, "She will prove to be a precious addition to this family of ours. Though to retrieve her… I would use caution..."
Vergil contemplated what his lord said, knowing he was not finished. "I need you Vergil… how should I put it, persuade her since you may seem to have a better outcome than any of us. She does not trust us creatures of darkness and would always have her guard up when any of us are present. She stands against us willfully," Lucifer shifted in his seat, bringing a hand to rest under his chin, quietly adding, "But you… you are different, you are half human after all," Lucifer said quite amusedly as he smirked behind the shadows, knowing full well that the taboo mention of Vergil's human side hit a nerve.
Vergil flinched at the mention of him being half human, his hands tightened in a fist, jaw clenching as he grinds his teeth behind his tightened lips; feeling the burning rage in his chest that spread throughout his body like a wild fire. He would always show hostility at the demons and devils who dared mention of it in a cruel jape. But here he dared not show his wrath towards the Dark Prince, and instead, stood there in a cold deathly silence.
"She trusts humans more than us Devil's, her ridiculous notion that there is good in everyone, which I find laughable. There is no good in any soul of a human but pride, greed, wrath, and lust among many others vices. Now these things I would consider to be good. …Wouldn't you agree, Vergil?" he asked proudly as he peered down at Vergil questioningly.
Vergil's tired, dull cerulean blue eyes quietly stared at the black silhouette before him and stiffly nodded in reply, his pale brows furrowed in thought. The fallen prince displeased that he couldn't vex the half-breed before him.
"If you are wondering on how you will be released from this place I have it all arranged. We have an informant in the Order who has sworn allegiance to us for a very long, long time… he has accepted to help you," he then stood up from his scintillated seat and with bare feet covered in black sludge, slowly descends down the ivory and ebony made steps inlayed with gold designs towards the waiting man he speaks to and continues delightedly, "A powerful sorcerer. He will summon you out of this dwelling that you have called your home to bring you back to Earth once again."
Vergil glared daggers towards the dark creature who dared call this damnation his "home" as he followed his gaze silently, "Something I'm certain appeals to your pleasure?" Lucifer finishes as he pauses in front of Vergil, a mere couple feet from him and peers down at him with his glowing obsidian.
The Prince of Darkness stood menacingly, towering over Vergil within a few feet above him. The mildly disheveled young man proudly stood his ground, not wavering in his stance as he stood just as menacingly back at The Devil before him.
'Show no weakness or fear, you are the Son of Sparda, give them no satisfaction they so pathetically crave.' He thought to himself, jaw clenching in defiance and pride. 'What he proposes must be some trickery, why would he be so easily willing to free me from this prison?' he wondered quietly in suspicion, his brows furrowed as his cold eyes searched for the answer in the face of the creature of death.
He regarded the Dark Lord before him, a slender yet slightly muscular build of chillingly marble flesh with bluish-black veins snaked his body. He wore loose black silk pants with silver and gold that glimmered in the light. His chest bare, a robe made in the same material lay lightly over his shoulders and descended down towards the floor extended out behind him in a long shimmering dark river. A smooth material of gold in silver decorum align the inside of his robe, the material slightly reflected on his pale flesh. A floral of wicked design in gold and silver decorated throughout the hems of his robe down the train and would engulf around an angelic sigil of his marking on the back between his shoulder blades. Black opals, amethysts and sapphires in an ornate design decorated throughout his robe and the sides and hems of his pants. He looked wickedly exquisite, yet it scarcely covered his sinful nature. His obsidian hair that would shimmer silver and gold in the candle light fell at the sides of his oval thin face and splashed across his muscular shoulders and chest down to the middle of his sinewy back.
The Dark Prince of Hell looked down at the man with careful eyes silently for a moment as he would bore into his empty soul. Lucifer detected wrath to which still lingered in the half-breed and seemed to keep the soul alive, refusing to be destroyed. A half smirk curled upon the lips of the Dark Prince with the realization. The half-breed's spirit still grew strong despite Hell's efforts into breaking him. The Dark Lord was partial to this very fact and believed he would do well for the mission at hand or so he hoped.
A piercing tone broke the silence, "Of course… I will greatly reward you for your efforts Vergil. Grant you whatever your cold, black heart desires…" hissed The Devil, the words rolling off his venomous tongue as he smiled while revealing a couple of sharp canines that glistened in the dim light.
Vergil averts his attention towards his master, what it said piqued his interests. Those words the creature said repeated in his mind provocatively, 'Anything I desire…' he thought, eyes closed as he pondered.
What did the Son of Sparda want? Love? Revenge? …Power? Yes, Vergil wanted the power he so desperately searched for in attaining that was his father's abilities. He also desired revenge ever since he was trapped here. These two were what he yearned more than anything. And the chance to return into the light of day on Earth seemed painfully too good to be true it made his heart ache. To breath in the fresh air that did not stink of sulfur and smoke that was the air of Hell. To be free from here and languish in the pleasures of life on Earth once again when he almost lost hope of the idea. The things he foolishly took for granted and was denied of since being condemned here, trapped… by his brother. The never-ending torment of longing and memories of a past he wished to be forgotten. The excruciatingly painful hunger and thirst his body yearned for and mourned when it was never satiated. To have a drop of cold, fresh water moisten his lips would be pleasing enough to lessen the pain. You would never find such a simple thing here to satisfy the broken body.
A decision was made out of his roaming thoughts as he looked up at the jet black, malice filled eyes that belonged to the creature he loathed to call his master.
"…I have decided," came the deep, calm reply that was Vergil's.
"And what have you decided on my offer?" came the serious response as if death was in those words if Vergil refused him.
All pleasantness disappeared from him, the smile turned into a grim, tight line across his perfect face. The Devil waited in anticipation, His impatience clearly showing now that Vergil silence did not hint a quick reply to His expectation.
"I will accept your offer in return that I will not be taken back here when I succeed. If you give me the power that I've always desired, do I willing accept this task that you ask of me. Allow me to have my revenge as well; I will willingly serve you without disloyalty." Vergil finally answered strongly in a monotonous voice, arms crossed behind his back.
Lucifer just looked at him in amusement, his sinful grin slowly crept across his face as it transformed into a beautiful glowing angelic appearance for an instant. A reminder of his former glory but is tainted by his wicked, menacing countenance. An animalistic rumble grew from Lucifer's chest and broke through his thin pale blue lips as he laughed loudly in a deafening sound as it echoed in the void of the large room held up by the veined marble pillars. Vergil glared coldly at him wishing he had his yamato, feeling insulted and wondering why the dreadful creature was laughing when it was clear it was towards him.
Walking around the half-breed slowly while smiling, he questioned, "Is that all you want? No kingdom of your own or boundless riches? Immortality or to even physically change who you are? Perhaps the love of someone you so desperately desire?"
"I understand power… unsurprisingly, countless followers always ask for this, but you wish for revenge, too? And freedom…" he chuckled, "Do you not wish for more from me when what you ask is so little? And here I thought you were greedy," he pauses as he stood closely to the young half-breed before him to face again. He observed that his closeness made Vergil uncomfortable and He took delight in it.
Vergil could feel the retched, cold breath that came from the Dark Prince, which gave a tingling sensation on the skin of his face, sending unwanted shivers down his spine. He adverted his eyes away at the peering black orbs that gleamed amusement.
"…That is all I wish of thee, take it or leave me alone..." he finally answered in a seething tone.
Lucifer smirks in reply and moves forward a couple of feet as if he glided without taking a step. His back was now towards Vergil and spoke darkly, "So be it… but I warn you… If you shall fail me to do this mission trusted upon you, I will have your soul once again and you will be returned here whether you are kicking and screaming or fruitlessly fighting your way out. Your efforts will surely be futile and no one, not even you, can help save your worthless soul!" he turned to face the man he was threatening, eyes glowing and the room seemed to have gotten darker with groans and cries seeping from the shadows.
He continued in a demonic growl, "You will burn in the fires of Hell for all eternity, tormented in the ways you never dreamed possible. You will know the true meaning of pain and misery. Forsaken by all that you hold to be good. Do I make myself clear… Vergil?" he questioned challengingly in a chilling tone that made Vergil shiver and feel the suffocating weight of the creature's wrath. Within a blink of the eye, the Dark Prince stood in front of his slave at arm's length.
Vergil could feel the suffocating negative energy that seem to envelop him. Feeling the pain wrack his body as he cringed, his knees buckled beneath him that he had to put his weight on his left leg and arm to keep from falling head first into the floor. His right slender fingers grasped at the scarf and collar trying to loosen it to help him breath but found it did not help as he gasped in vain. The illusion of choking despite the fact that this place lacked any air. His chest tightening while it felt as though his heart would burst from his ribs. Lucifer stooped down to the gasping man's eye level, noticing that his eyes were turning red and moist with unshed tears.
The usual evil smirk crossed his lips and in a stern tone, "…Do I make myself clear?"
"…Y-ye-yesss." came the barely audible, forceful reply between gasps as he continued to choke.
Pleased with the answer he stood up, the room turned back to its usual appearance and Vergil fell on his hands and knees coughing and gasping. To his relief, he felt the pain slowly ebb away as he slowly stood up, feeling quite humiliated in front of all who silently watched. Facing him, the Prince of Darkness held a bone altheme in his left hand. The hilt was decorated with gold and ruby star sapphires inlay. The edge sharp and pointed in a cream color as it broke into the pale flesh of its wielder. A deep red-black liquid seeped out from the line the knife left behind on the palm of his long hands. The cold liquid drips in several splatters of chaos onto the floor. He hands the knife to Vergil which in turn, does the same to his right hand. After making the same flesh wound, he carelessly throws the altheme. Allowing the blade to fall from his hands and onto the floor, forgotten as it made a loud clang that echoed off into the darkness that surrounded them. His lord held out his bleeding hand as Vergil grasp it strongly. Their blood intermixing for a moment as the white-haired man stares at their hands. His jaw clenched as he slightly cringes at the contact with the monster's hands. Vergil could feel the bitter chill of its blood seep into his veins causing him goose bumps to crawl on his skin. It was a very uncomfortable feeling and he quickly let go of the creature's grasp. He stared at his hand and observed that the wound was slowly closing caused by his demonic-half 's ability to quickly heal.
He stepped back to put more of a distance between him and his lord, letting his hand rest at his side into a fist. He noticed that the Devil's hand also healed instantly, leaving no trace of a scar but left behind a residue of his blood to indicate what was once there. A pact with The Devil was made and it was too late to turn back, now he must look forward and make certain he completes this task no matter what. Nothing would stand in his way and he would kill any who dared.
"The time has come, you will be leaving soon. Prepare yourself and tread carefully once back into the human world. Do what the immortal sorcerer asks of you without disobedience and be wise in your endeavors. I will not tolerate failure lest you crave the wrath from my brethren and I." Lucifer said coldly as he glared down at the half-breed menacingly in warning, raising a hand, "Heed my warning of the woman you are after, she is not like anyone else… And remember my words if you fail me…" he hissed as his bony finger slowly went across his veined neck to cut across his throat.
Vergil nodded in a silent acknowledgement, never flinching as his ice blue eyes stared back into the dead ones, muscles in his jaw tightened and hands tightened into a fist so harshly he could feel his nails tear into his flesh. He stiffly bowed respectfully that was expected of him as he slowly backed away and then lifts up to turn and walk into the shadows never glancing at the snickering demons and growling devils that tried to frighten him but failed.
Vergil began to feel relieved that he was leaving behind this godforsaken place. He speculated how much has changed on Earth knowing he has lost all sense of time since his time here and wondered how life would be like. He was hell bent in showing Dante the torment he had to suffer in this wretched place, for The Pit reminded him of his bitter jealousy and rage towards his little brother. Soon he will have his vengeance and the quicker he finishes this bothersome task the sooner he is free from the Prince of Darkness to return to his life of solitude and its pleasures. He could almost taste the pleasures waiting for him among the living. He forgotten what it was like to taste water and feel the brilliant warmth of the sun and to be able to experience it again. Vergil decided he would never take anything for granted, even the simplest of things as he waited patiently to be summoned out of this nightmare. As Vergil quickly departed from the dead throne room of the Fallen and their Dark Prince, he was suddenly feeling a weight lift from his shoulders.
"Why are you leaving so suddenly, I have not yet granted you the one wish that you so desire… power." Came the seductive voice of his master.
Vergil stopped in his tracks hesitantly, perplexed that what took place earlier of the blood exchange did not give him the power he sought. He anticipated Lucifer's move; uncertain by his intention in bestowing him The Gift. As he slowly turned to peer at the Dark Lord, his eyes widened, disturbed to see The Devil appear before him as a child beautiful and glowing. His hair shimmered gold in the candlelight and dragon hearth. A beautiful smile danced across the child's perfectly formed pink lips. He wore a long grey dressing-gown that covered His small feet. His skin glimmered like opal under the dim light as the delicate colors slightly changed and glowed with His movement.
There was nothing in the world more lovelier or more delicate as this small creature before him. The child chuckled in response to Vergil's behavior who was frozen in place. Vergil could feel his heart racing, his breath quickened with anxiety of where the creature of darkness was leading this. For he knew that what his eyes witnessed was truly something angelic, a creation of God, the representation of perfection and beauty none could ever know. His ancient name that He was once known for truly signified the "Morning Star, bearer of light." His former splendor as the greatest of the angels, blinded Vergil.
"If you want your power, then you must kiss me." Came the sweet voice of the grinning child, as if to suggest a game that Vergil was not interested in participating in.
Vergil tightened his jaw as he looked on grimly, hesitant with the prospect this evil child infers.
"Come forward half-breed." Came the adult like growl rumbling from the Dark One's throat as Vergil felt a force push him forward a step.
Vergil walked towards the child, his fists lay calmly at his sides staring down on the grinning child awaiting him. The child looked up at him with bright bluish-green eyes that glowed like flawless jewels framed by golden lashes and pale brows. Eyes he has never witnessed before on the Dark Prince in which he saw the infinite intelligence there; the wisdom and knowledge far greater than any human could possess.
"Only a kiss." Came the calm, gentle voice as he pursed His lips awaiting to receive the sweet kiss from the Son of Sparda.
Uncertainty written on his face, Vergil slowly stooped down and pressed his cold pale lips to his master. As their lips met, a sudden surge of power moved from the Dark One into Vergil. Vergil felt the strong energy envelope his entire being that exhilarated him, awakening a flame within his soul he long forgotten. As he gazed into his master's magnificent eyes, he found himself lost in them. As Vergil peered into those inhuman eyes, he found the gaze of Death; the gaze of the Beloved. The gaze of mismatched eyes of a stranger; the gaze of his twin, his other half to which he shared the womb; the beautiful gaze of the only woman he allowed himself to love when he was younger, now unknown to him and forgotten; the judgmentally shrewd, calculating gaze of his father, Sparda, and behind it, infinite Darkness. The overwhelming intensity of the gaze and tingling intensity of emotions that led him to feel his blood course through him with new life and power intoxicated him that he fell to his knees. Panting as he collected himself with his new-found Gift, with moistened eyes Vergil looked up to see his master returned to the familiar manifestation of evil.
"Let us celebrate our unholy covenant. Remove your garments." He turned to walk towards a large iron door.
Vergil flinched with the demand to remove his clothes, an unwelcomed tear streamed down his cheek as he bitterly glared at the retreating back of Lucifer, rising to his feet to salvage his pride.
"Come and feast with me. I promise you the long-awaited release that I have denied you and has always craved these past years. For I'm a generous god who blesses those who serve me well; and to always remind you that it is I who awarded you freedom and power." Came the seductive hiss as He turned to return His gaze on the servant.
Vergil knew not to test the Dark Lord as he reluctantly loosened the ascot around his neck disdainfully, anticipating the hell that awaited him; his Dark Prince stood silently in wait. Patient to the needs of His desires as it rekindled once again as he watched the Son of Sparda slowly undressed, a snake-like smile slithered across his perfect oval face.
Author's Note: This was a fun one to write that I'm really proud of and enjoyed too much in writing. Hope it is as appealing to your sinful aspects, although I think writing this revealed some creatively dark aspects, I didn't realize I had. ;3 Please leave a heartfelt review and let me know how this has affected you or lead you to believe in the direction of this story. Much appreciation to my fans with love~ Cheers~
