AN
I am so sorry for making you all wait so long, I truly am. My excuse? Well my computer died for a month and during that time I found myself without any ability to get online, or to even get on word pad to write out the next chapter. Then finally when we figured out what was wrong and got it fixed I was completely out of the DMC zone. All inspiration was drained from me, and I couldn't remember what I'd written or where I wanted to go with it.
However after coming back to f. net and reading new reviews I decided to give it another try and write a chapter for you.
I can't promise it will be any good, but I WILL do my best.
Thank you for being so patient with me!
Thanks to reviewers:
Aoi Senshi - Oooo yes they kissed alright, and yes it's about time they did. Now I just gotta figure out what their reactions will be afterwards which is gonna be tough. I'm glad you are still liking it and I'll do my best to cram in even more lovey dovey stuff this time. Thanks for your review.
Censes - bwa ha ha! Oh I love keeping secrets, but yes the evil dude will either be revealed this chapter or the one afterwards depending on how fast things progress. I'm glad you are enjoying what I have so far, and thanks for your review.
Draqua -Yes the last chapter was short, and I did feel a bit guilty submitting it like that, but I was afraid if I fleshed any sections out then I might ruin the flow of it and I hate doing that as well so…I'll try and make it up to you with this chapter and write a lot of different things, flashbacks etc… Flashbacks are my number one thing to write so that was probably why the last chapter was so short, it never had one. Thanks for your review, tis much appreciated.
Kiki0303 - Yay for Dante and Lady! Thanks for your review and here is the update for you!
Cassandra - Aww thank you, the kiss scene was nice to write since I don't do too many, it made a nice change. Thanks for your review!
Goddess - Thank you so much for your review, it was so sweet and makes me so happy. I try my best to make sure that I know each character very well before I start writing, and I'm so glad that they haven't shifted into OOC'ness. Getting reviews like yours makes it all the more worthwhile!
Chewing Apple Macintosh - are those healthy for eating? -sniggers- let's hope so! Anyways, thanks for your review once more, hearing your point of view on things really helps me write better. Oh and your reviews are always high standards, it's good to have someone who is able to give constructive criticism every now and then, I know that when I review - on that very rare occasion - I always try and give something for the writer to improve on, because let's face it; no one is perfect. Anyway enough of that and back to your review, I'm firstly glad to see that you enjoyed the last chapter, I was a bit worried that due to it's shortness people might be discouraged by it. For some strange reason I had a huge block with the last chapter and then for some reason I couldn't log into - that seems to be happening a lot lately - and that deterred me further. I knew I wanted them to finally face up to their feelings so I can set them up for later but that was my only focus, and it wasn't really enough for me to develop a nice chunky chapter. I am also extremely relieved to hear that I didn't muck up their embrace, I was so nervous that maybe I had rushed it or that it didn't make sense, this sort of thing isn't usually my speciality. I'm guessing there is maybe two or three more chapters, depending on how much I fit into each one, but I'm sure to write more afterwards, the DMC section is filled with such friendly people! Until next time! I'd also like to apologise for the long wait.
Nejithecagedbird -Welcome to the world of DMC fan fiction, I'm pretty new here myself after watching and playing DMC 3 only a month or so ago. There are plenty of good fics here and the people are very nice so I'm sure you'll enjoy your time reading and reviewing people. I'm glad you like what I have and your reviews mean a lot to me, I hope you enjoy this chapter just as much.
Ralph - Thanks for your nice review and here is the next chapter, I'm glad you are enjoying it so far.
Raven - Oh thank you sooo much for your review, I'm glad all my characters are believable, I try and put all my attention into that because reading fics with OOC-ness really annoys me. Here is the next chapter for you.
Kail Angelfire - I'm glad you are enjoying it and I'll try not to make you or the others wait too long for updates. I agree with your point of view on the romance side, and I'm considering doing a one-shot fic afterwards that will take place during this fic as a little extra thing for people who like the heavier romance, it probably won't be to an extreme, but definitely more than what is written here. That'll probably be my next project anyway. Thanks for your review!
Beowulf69 - woo! my friends never understood why I loved the Beowulf boss so much, I always thought that he looked so cute! Anyway sorry for that random moment, but…you've completed it on DMD mode? Wow you must have some talent! I'm on level 8 of that mode at the moment, and I have to admit I'm finding it very hard, I'm dreading the last couple of bosses though, especially Vergil since he recovers health when he's in devil trigger which is going to be a pain. The characters were definitely very nice indeed, Lady was the tough girl that I really liked, Dante was such a crazy fool and Vergil was just so cool, so I'll agree with you there. Thanks for your review, and I'm glad you are enjoying it.
Shamoo - Eep I used to update quickly, not so much anymore though! I apologise! And thanks for your review!
Shadowsonic137 - mature ratings aren't bad, I'll see what I can do for yah.
WilliamDafoe - Sorry for the long wait and I'm glad you like the decisions I have taken. Thanks for your review!
EyeoftheTigerKissoftheDragon - Thanks for your review and sorry for the wait.
Camron - Your review was just amazing! I can fully appreciate what you mean and it makes me really happy that you spent your time conveying your thoughts to me. Criticism like that doesn't come everyday, but when it does I try my very best to act upon it. The main reason I have kept the villain a secret however was because I was split between two decisions and have still not quite decided on what one to go with. Hopefully that will change with this chapter. Thanks again!
Anonymous - Here's the update, sorry for making you wait so long!
Stephanie - I'm glad you liked this story, I read your review and decided that it was worth continuing after all, so thank you!
Dan Klosterman - I was so happy when I read you review, I always try my very best to make my stuff detailed - sometimes too much however - I am thoroughly glad you are enjoying it so thanks!
Ann - I'll try my best to get it finished, I am feeling inspired again that's for sure.
- I shall finish it! I promise! Thanks for your review!
Lady 102 - Here's your update and thanks for your review, sorry about the wait though.
Haru - Update is finally here! Thanks for urging me to continue!
Arianni - Welcome to my fan fiction and I'm glad you like it, I have been slow with my update but here it is! I hope you find it as enjoyable as my other chapters!
KOX -Your wait for the update is over! Here it is! Thanks for your review.
Sesshy's Soulmate - Update for you! Thanks for your review! Heh heh I rhymed!
Phew…lots of reviewers, thanks so much and I apologise again for the long wait.
Chapter 7
The swirl of smoke rose up into the sky, shadowed fingers coiling upwards like a mass of dark-skinned snakes. The scent of burning wood was powerful enough to alert all those around to the blazing inferno that was tearing through the human inhabitants, and sure enough the screams of burning residents rose up to send shivers of fear down the spines of all who heard. The steady clicking of a thousand clawed feet could be briefly heard above the roaring of the fire, but to most it would have gone unnoticed. Those still alive were trapped between two enemies, leaving their burning homes to run into the weapons of demons. How did the saying go? Out of the frying pan and into the fire.
The smell of burning flesh, of death and destruction was an adrenaline rush to the demons that lurked the shadows, flames licking up to touch at them as they moved amongst the fallen rubble, eager claws searching for a human that might still be alive. At first it seemed that perhaps the humans had already died, or perhaps run away like the cowards they were presumed to be, and with these thoughts the demons relaxed their senses.
A distant explosion erupted, glittering embers sent clouding into the air and swirling around the form of a slender human girl, shortly cropped hair flapped around her finely featured face, anger glowing deep within the pools of her eyes. The weapons that hung draped from holsters around her form reflected the deep orange light from the fire around her, smooth metallic bodies glittering with a fire of their own. For a moment she stood as still as a statue, her eyes fixed ahead on the burning carcass of what had become her new home during her lonely childhood. Had she done something terrible in a past life to deserve this sort of torment? She clenched her jaw, eyes narrowing as she raised her head to glance around her, suddenly aware of movement in the shadows. They were out there, and they were waiting for her. Well if it was her that they wanted she ought to not be rude! She shifted her position, feet setting more firmly on the ash bathed ground beneath her. If they had set even one dirty claw on someone she cared for then she would make them live to regret it.
In a swift movement the bazooka strapped to her back was in her hands and being swung to stand in a vertical position, its base pressed into the dirt as she prepared to make herself known to all who were around. A moment later and the trembling of the kick rattled up her arms, shaking the teeth in her skull as she watched the multiple missiles stream through the air, their almost erratic paths locating a gathering of demons and turning them into ash, their remains becoming lost amongst the rubble.
It took a moment for the great swirls of ash to settle once more and then above the crackle of flames a high-pitched shriek tore through the air. It rattled through her body and muscles tensed as she awaited its arrival. A Hell Vanguard - as they had been appropriately nicknamed - could be a fearsome opponent if underestimated, but she would never be accused of doing such a thing. They were larger than the average demon, towering above many of their opponents and using an incredible agility to duck and dive before moving in for the kill. She herself had never seen one without a scythe held in it's hands and as this certain beast made an appearance, that too held one of the customary weapons in its filthy hands.
Its black skull was illuminated by a pair of glowing crimson eyes, and its skeletal body was clothed with tattered black garments, the scent of death following in its wake as it soared towards her, gaping jaws opened in yet another battle cry. Lady readied herself, swinging the Kalina Ann back upon one shoulder, and reaching down to grab the pistols slung at her hips. Around the Vanguard moved a flock of the lesser beasts, ones that she had come across many times before. They could cause problems when in mass numbers but other than that a few well targeted shots from the bazooka should indeed take them out with no trouble. It was only when she scanned the buildings around her that she saw yet even more demons taking their place to fight, things were becoming a little more tense than she liked, especially when she caught sight of the blue blades that glowed from them. They would try and take her down whilst she was dealing with the others which would make things difficult...but not impossible.
Her thoughts flickered briefly to Owen, a nervousness stirring in her stomach as she continued to glance around her. There appeared to be no sign of survivors anywhere, and it was hardly surprising considering how many demons were lurking around amongst the burning rubble.
A flash of blue zipped past her vision, startling her into action - a sign that the battle had begun - and she jumped neatly backwards, empty hands reaching to grab the pistols and raise them to fire the first shots. She had the ammunition, the skill and the determination, but did she have the luck to dodge everything and escape completely unscathed? Shaking that thought from her head she squeezed both triggers, tense muscles trembling from the effort as she sent a wave of bullets into the oncoming demons. The Vanguard disappeared within a dark cloud to dodge the attack, leaving the rest of the minions to face the girl alone for a brief few moments. A second or so later however the creature rose up beneath Lady's feet and she let out a small cry of surprise, tumbling sideways to break away from its path.
The demons let out a chorus of triumph, wild eyes rolling in their sockets as they once again turned on her, determined to tear her to bloody ribbons with their scythes.
She turned now, legs madly dashing as she tried to run, pausing to let a wave of blue blades zip past her. That was close, too close! The breath burned in her lungs as she continued, vaulting up onto a pile of burning rubble, pausing to glance back. Sure enough her fans were following, and at terrifyingly high speeds, it wouldn't be long before they had caught up with her and she would be faced with them all once more. She had to reach a place where she the advantage, somewhere she could break up their close-knit group and pick them out easily one by one.
Owen's place?
Yes, there was no way he would ever let them get to him, he had plenty of weapons stored there and if she could just reach it in time they would have to break up to get in the doorway. A smirk of triumph played across her face as she continued onwards, ducking beneath yet another wave of blades. Now at least she had some sort of plan.
However, nothing could have prepared her for the sight of the gunsmith as she rounded the corner, eyes focusing on the burning rubble which had been her haven for so long. A terrible pain tugged at her heart, doubling her forwards in agony. What had happened? How could Owen have let this happen? Was he...was he...? She shook her head violently, not wanting to even comprehend the situation like that. The man she knew and cared for would never fall to the hands of demons, he was too strong, too loyal to life to give up and die.
Tears blinded her as she continued, knees scuffed as she fell to the ground and began to sift through the rubble.
"OWEN!" Her voice tore harshly from her throat as she became all too aware of the demons in their hot pursuit of more blood. Her blood. She turned, eyes wide as she saw the Vanguard leading them, its eyes locked upon her, weapon dragged upwards to slice her in two.
She opened her mouth to cry out, only to have it filled with ash, the explosion of a gun ringing out across the street...
She shifted in her sleep, brow beaded with sweat, short brown hair sticking to her face as she tried to rid herself of the nightmares which continued to threaten her sanity. Her body convulsed inwards and then she motioned out, reaching for something, anything to give her some security. Her seeking fingers found what they had been looking for, the warmth of another body lying beside her and she tugged herself closer.
A moment later and her mismatched eyes flickered open to allow her to fully appreciate what position she had just gotten herself into. A tickle of crimson coloured her cheeks and her heart did a complete flip, rendering her completely motionless as memories began to filter slowly through her mind.
They had kissed, oh and it had been the most wonderful experience of her life.
She squeezed her eyes tightly closed and tried to reminisce the memory, capture it in stone and never once forget it. The feel of his lips on hers, the warmth and strength of his muscular arms as they encircled her. She had never felt so safe before, not since her childhood, cradled in her mother's lap. A faint smile touched her lips, tears beading in the corners of her eyes as she moved her head, hiding her face in the pillow. Then after a moment she angled her head towards the sleeping devil beside her, and drank in the scene.
She had never once expected him to look so angelic, an innocence brightening his features that could capture even the most hardest of hearts. It wasn't hard to comprehend that she too had fallen for his charms, denying her feelings for so long, trying to convince herself that she didn't like him. Oh how wrong could she have been! She was head over heels! She loved him!
She moved to prop herself up on one elbow, reaching out with her free hand to trace the powerful jaw line, cheekbones, the bridge of his nose, lowering her touch to trace the line of his lips. Something fluttered within her, and her look softened to one of complete adoration.
He moved then, eyes frosted with blue ice as his gaze settled upon her, a devilish smirk replacing the innocence that had been there before. She contained a bout of laughter, shaking her head slightly; there was nothing innocent about this man...this demon.
"What? I have something on my face?" Dante said, letting his head move slightly so that his eyes could focus solely on her. Then in a fluid motion he pushed her sideways and rolled so his body loomed over hers, hands pressing into the pillow beside her head as he gazed down at her. The feeling of being completely powerless to him filled her with warmth and a strange security that she was slowly learning to love. Last night had been yet another occasion where his strength had simply overwhelmed her, the twining of their unclothed bodies in the dark.
Her face flushed with pleasure rather than embarrassment as she slipped her arms around his waist, curving one palm over his tapered hips to rest on his thigh. It seemed that they hadn't done anything to hide their nakedness after their union last night, but she wasn't that bothered about it.
His lips came crushing down upon hers once more and she winced a little before leaning against him, apparently the kisses they had indulged in during their height of passion had left bruises on her mouth that were determined to make themselves known. Mouths parted and the kiss extended, ardour rising once more as they refused to part.
The devil's hand crept up to cradle her cheek, caressing the skin there with callused fingers before tracing the downy furrows of her neck lower to the dip between her collarbones. His fingers teased the sensitive area there, dwindling just a moment before moving lower to cup a breast, the touch sending a shiver of delight down both of their spines. Once where Lady may have felt shame at such actions with a demon she felt nothing but sheer excitement. This desperate longing to become one with this man overwhelming her mind and sending all negative thoughts far from comprehension.
She loved him...but wait...did he love her? Or was all of this just lust driven, a way to quench his demonic hunger?
Her eyes snapped open, body tensing in a way that let him know something was wrong, and after a moment his own cool blue eyes opened to regard her. A questioning look filtered from his icy orbs as she pushed him back away from her, sliding off the bed and taking the blanket with her to drape it around her body. She cursed her mind for thinking such a thing, especially when she gazed upon his own pale-skinned form, his body well toned and beautiful to look upon. If she hadn't been so foolish he could have been hers, but...she couldn't take the risk of having her heart broken by him.
By a demon.
Her heart was too sensitive and still healing from wounds suffered as a child. Anymore pain like this and she'd probably crumple and die.
"We should keep a look out for the message." She said with a frown as she moved to retrieve various articles of clothing that lay strewn about the room. Her shorts and underwear had found various places on the floor but as for her blouse there was no sign. So instead she lifted Dante's faded shirt and slipped that on over her shoulders, buttoning up the front with nimble fingers.
"Message? Don't give me that! Lady what the hell is wrong with you? Last night you were all for it and now?" He grabbed her shoulders and shook her, the scowl on his face slightly frightening. However Lady was having none of it. She gave him an unimpressed look and shook the hair from her face.
"Get dressed Dante." She thrust the blanket at him and vacated the room.
Mismatched eyes filled with tears as she turned on the shower and stepped in, clothes once again shed to try and rid herself of his scent. The shirt had smelt of him, her skin smelt of him and right now she wanted to clear her mind of all things Dante. She had fooled herself if she thought a demon could possess the emotions to make it capable of love. He may look human but he was not one and she had to try and remember that no matter how hard it was.
The water purged her, steaming about her slender form and without wasting anymore time she was out of the shower, drying herself with a towel and dressing into her clothes - minus the blouse. Instead of that she wore the bullet proof vest that was usually hidden beneath it, the black material firm and padded around her frame. It wasn't very warm or comfortable but it was better than wearing nothing but underwear or Dante's shirt.
A knock on the bathroom door caused her to jerk upwards suddenly, cracking her head on the cabinet that hung on the wall.
"Ah shit." She cursed, rubbing at her scalp and checking for blood.
"Are you okay?"
"Not that you actually care!" Lady yelled in retaliation, stepping back and unlocking the door before swinging it open. The demon almost fell through, apparently he had been leaning against the wooden panels at the time. She greeted him with a stern look.
"What the hell is your problem? Can't I do anything right?" His eyes flashed with frustration.
"You treat me like some possession, like some whore you found on the street and wonder why I'm pissed?" She yelled into his face, side-stepping around him and moving into the main room. He followed closely at her heels, taking her by the shoulder and swinging her around to face him. "Well I never heard you complaining, quite the opposite actually." He snarled, glaring down at her with a look that could surely kill. He was frustrated and so was she, both of them stubborn and with tempers that would clash. However Dante usually hid his anger behind jokes...not this time though. This time the comedian façade had been lost to his complete irritation of the woman he cared about.
"The medicine must have messed with my mind. There's no way in hell I'd have slept with you...touched you in that way if I was thinking straight." Her face twisted in disgust, but on the inside her heart was shattering. How could she be speaking to him like this? Was it her own insecurity? Her own confusion? "You're a demon! I'm supposed to kill things like you not...not..." She trailed off as she caught a look at his face.
"So we're back to this again. I thought we had moved past that whole: 'all demons are evil' kick. Apparently not!" He shook his head in disbelief, releasing her shoulders as she struggled and taking a step back. What the hell had happened! The last few days had been great between them, sure they had argued, but it had been an almost affectionate arguing...this was something else completely. Lady was closing herself off from him again. What was she afraid of? The question repeated and echoed in his mind again and again as he returned her cold glare and as she moved over to the door he decided to word it.
"Just what are you so afraid of, huh!"
She paused, leaning against the frame, turning her scarred face to gaze at him, eyes brimming with tears that she refused to shed. She looked simply beautiful at that moment; vulnerable and feminine. He craved her, wanted to protect her but he couldn't if she didn't let him. At first he thought she wouldn't answer but then her lips parted and she spoke.
"You."
The single word hit him like a physical blow and his eyes widened in complete and utter shock. His mind shut down and he didn't even try to stop her as she left.
She was afraid of him?
Why?
He would never hurt her...never...the injuries he had done to her all that time ago had been his way of protecting her from the imminent possibility of death if she had continued on her quest for revenge. He would never stoop to that level again and surely...surely after their passion last night she realised that? He had been strong but not forceful or violent with her and she had reacted to that with a strength that had surprised even him.
He had bedded many women in his time but no one who had satisfied him like she had done.
So why then would she act so coldly towards him now? It didn't make any sense.
Lady moved swiftly, red boots making barely a sound on the cobbled streets. She knew where she was going and no one was going to stop her, home was safe, home was secret. No one would know where she was and seeing as she had lost Kalina Ann there would probably be no more demon hunting for her. That weapon had been her confidence, her reason to continue fighting when everything looked bleak.
She was alone again, walking in the drizzle with no weapon apart from the pistol at her hip and no Dante.
No Dante.
The tears that had been dwelling in her mismatched eyes wobbled dangerously and as she lowered her head against a blast of wind they came free to tremble down her face.
Things had been going so well between them, their arguments had clearly been done in jest and their partnership in battle as well as being friends had proved valuable. Then when things had taken a turn into something deeper she had gotten cold feet and backed out of it. The ache in her muscles proved that she had accepted his advances eagerly and with equal passion; and that she didn't regret. She'd have a night she'd always remember, but that was as far as it would go.
One night would last a lifetime.
Her heart trembled and she let out a choked sob, shaking her head sadly.
"Mother...what have I done? I fell for a demon...I-I tried not to, I honestly did but..." She stopped as she felt the salty moisture gather on her lips and reached up with one hand to wipe them away.
"Now, now dear...don't cry." A noble but sinister voice spoke up causing the young woman to raise her head almost instantly. Eyes widened fearfully as she backed up away from the shadowed figure before her, light from the pale sun catching his fine features.
"Y-you!" Her breath caught in her throat, muscles freezing and refusing to move. Fear gripped her and her body convulsed as she watched him draw closer, one hand outstretched for her, fingers curled in a beckoning gesture.
"It's time to send the message."
"N-no!" Her heart jerked painfully in her chest as the hand closed about her shoulder, and suddenly the town around her began to darken, streaming down into nothing like paint on a canvas. No more rain, no more wind...just an endless abyss that consumed her.
Consumed them.
The cogs had started turning and it was only a matter of time before the chimes struck.