Chapter 25:
With the power of Sparda sealed, it seemed like Astaroth was a bit slower and not as strong as before, but still the fight was uneven since his armor was impenetrable nevertheless. The demon looked like he was only prolonging a match he could end in seconds given Dante was wounded and already exhausted. Helena noticed Vergil's trembling had stopped but he didn't look ok at all, he was just looking into space absently, lost in his own memories.
- Vergil please snap out of it and help Dante! – She begged him but he didn't move an inch and kept that faraway look in his eyes
He couldn't believe he had been used like a puppet, used to hurt not just anyone, but people he actually had cared about. Even if he hadn't seen Helena in over fifteen years he still cared about her, if it wasn't for her and her family he wouldn't even be alive now. He could clearly remember the promise both him and his brother made to her back when they were kids, a promise he had intended to keep until things went out of control between him and Dante. But now it was too late, the damage was done and he was going to have to live with that burden the rest of his life. That thought made something inside of him burn like fire, trying to force its way out.
The following second Helena heard a growl of pain which made her turn around, but when she did she wished she hadn't. Dante was back into his human form and had Astaroth's sword going through his stomach. Blood was pouring out of the wound and dripping from his mouth as he fell to the floor almost unconscious.
- I wish I could say it was fun while it lasted, but it wasn't even that – Astaroth said as he faked a yawn and got ready to give the final blow
- Don't kill him! Please! – Helena ran to where they were and stood between the two of them – I'll do whatever you want… you can take me to Hell, but please don't kill him
A smirk formed on the demon's face, he loved seeing her beg, seeing her so desperate she was actually willing to go through an indescribable torture in Hell just to save her lover.
- No… - Dante said almost in a whisper
He tried to stand up, one arm clutching his stomach and the other one using Rebellion as support to help him get up. He could barely stand and was starting to look pale due to the significant amount of blood he was losing every second. The wounds on his body were not giving any signs of healing and pain was filling every part of his body but still, using all his strength, he managed to take a few excruciating steps and stand between Astaroth and Helena.
- Dante, please stop fighting! – Helena went to his side and tried to grab his arm – You are going to die!
He turned his face to hers and gave her a strained smile.
- I rather die protecting you than live without you - He replied as he felt more blood making its way up his throat
Helena broke down into tears as she saw the two fighting once again, she felt so useless at the moment because she couldn't do anything but watch. As expected, it only took Astaroth a couple of seconds to beat the already injured Nephilim, but this time was for good. His sword went through Dante's heart as his body fell to the floor for the final time.
Helena immediately ran to him and sat next to his body. He was unconscious and a pool of blood had rapidly formed around him. Carefully, she pulled him into her lap as she caressed his face.
- Dante… - She said as tears poured down her face like a waterfall and fell all over him – Please wake up
The sound of her voice made him slowly open his eyes. A very unfamiliar numbness was beginning to crawl over his body, he knew the fatal wounds were still there even though they didn't hurt anymore.
- Babe… I'm sorry… - He muttered hoarsely, his breathing beginning to come in shallow gasps - I couldn't do it
Helena shook her head, not willing to accept the dreadful truth, Dante was dying.
- You don't have to apologize, just… stay awake please … you are going to be fine – She tried to lie to herself – Everything is going to be alright
Even on the brink of death he couldn't bear to see her crying and wanted to reach out his hand to wipe her tears away but he couldn't even do that. He was too weak to move and knew that the only thing keeping him alive at the moment was his will to protect the woman he loved. All this time he had been so scared to lose her and now he was the one dying in her arms.
- Step aside – Astaroth suddenly commanded her – I don't want to damage my new plaything so soon
Helena didn't even flinch, if Dante was dying then he was going to have to kill her as well. There was no way she was going to leave his side.
Astaroth simply shrugged his shoulders and raised his sword, ready to kill them both. Helena just closed her eyes as she covered Dante with her body and waited for the final blow, but surprisingly it never came. All she heard was the sound of metal against metal. When she opened her eyes to see what had stopped the onslaught, her jaw almost dropped because Vergil was standing in front of Astaroth blocking his attack with Yamato.
- How dare you using me like a tool?! – Vergil growled looking livid - You will pay for everything you did!
The demon seemed very irritated by the unexpected interruption at first but his expression quickly changed to a pleased one. He wasn't going to let anyone ruin this moment.
- This should be fun – He replied smirking
Vergil lunged forward unleashing the full power of his Devil Trigger and turning into a demon himself, but unlike Dante, he seemed to be in perfect control of his demonic form from the start.
The two began fighting as Helena was still surprised by Vergil's action, she wasn't sure if he did what he did to save them or just as a form of retaliation for Astaroth using him, maybe it was a mix of the two, but there was no way of really knowing since Vergil was extremely hard to read, unlike his brother. Whatever the case was, it didn't matter, all that mattered was that he was on their side now. They were all on the same side, just like he himself said when they were kids.
She turned her attention back to Dante and noticed he had a very faint smile as his eyes were set on the ongoing fight. She guessed it was because of Vergil, knowing his brother was finally back and seeing how he had just saved them both.
- I told you – Helena said trying to smile – I told you we could bring him back
Dante nodded weakly in reply as his blue eyes flicked up to her. Knowing it wouldn't be long until he died, he focused all his attention on her, taking in every detail of her beautiful face for the last time.
- Helena, I love you – He said in a whisper – Always remember that
- Dante please… stay with me – She pleaded choking on her tears and holding his hand tightly, afraid he was going to lose consciousness again – Don't leave me
- Please don't cry… you… you know what's the best thing that ever happened to me? – He asked already drifting into darkness as she shook her head - Seeing happiness shine through your eyes once again, seeing the spark in your eyes coming back…
A ghost of a smile formed on her face and even if he wished with all his heart to stay with her, he knew he wasn't going to be able to fulfill that request, but seeing her smile one more time was the comfort he needed to go in peace; that was the last memory he wanted to have of this world.
- No… Dante… don't leave me please… - She begged sobbing uncontrollably as his eyes closed and his hand went limp - Please…. I need you
Panic went through her as she frantically checked his pulse. She felt a very weak one but she knew he didn't have long. In that moment she heard a thud as the fight behind her came to an end. She hesitantly turned around to see the outcome, scared of what she was going to see. Sadly, her fears became reality when she saw Vergil's injured and defeated body on the floor. He tried to get back up, but failed and fell to his hands and knees, he gave Helena an apologetic look for a second before passing out. He couldn't do it either, without their healing factor fighting was useless. Astaroth seemed a little tired but didn't have a single wound on him, his armor still intact.
- And now – the demon said looking at her – a one way trip to Hell awaits you… but first – He began walking towards her as he pointed in Dante's direction – I'm going to make you watch as I rip his heart out, he'll die the same way his whore mother did
Helena began to feel a sharp burning sensation growing in her chest as rage was taking over her.
- I'm going to kill you! – She yelled at him out of desperation because deep inside she knew she wouldn't even make a dent in his armor, but she had to fight too, Dante and Vergil had fought to the end, she had to do the same
Astaroth laughed hysterically in response to her threat and watched in amusement as she launched at him. Before she could even hit him, he grabbed her by the neck tightly.
- You are the most pathetic out of the three – He said as he increased the pressure on her throat – I mean, you are not really a human, neither you are really a Nephilim, you stink of angel but you don't have wings… you know, all the things that happened to you serve you right for being a nature's mistake
He began dragging her to where Dante's body was and then threw her several feet away. He proceeded to grab Dante by the hem of his coat with one hand and then pulled him up like a ragdoll. With his other hand he began digging into his flesh to rip his faintly beating heart out.
Helena couldn't believe this was happening, she couldn't bear seeing Dante dying in front of her. He was the one person that had selflessly helped her when she was at her worst, and the person that loved her unconditionally regardless of the past. He had given his life to save and protect her and now she was going to do the same for him, she was willing to die for him, so she quickly got back to her feet and ran towards them with the intention of pushing the demon away from Dante.
- Get away from him!
The moment she came in contact with the demon she felt an immense amount of energy irradiating off of her and for a split of a second she also felt a sharp pain on her back. She had never felt anything remotely similar to this before and couldn't believe her eyes when Astaroth was sent flying across the room and crashed into one of the remaining walls. At the same time, a golden heavenly light began filling almost the entire place.
- What the… - The demon grunted as he got up not sure of what had exactly happened, but when he saw what was in front of him he froze completely – Impossible
Helena gazed back at him looking just as confused and noticed he was staring at something behind her. She turned her head and was startled when she saw what Astaroth had been staring. A pair of golden, splendid wings extended from her back and she understood that was the sudden pain she felt just seconds before.
Concern was unexpectedly written all across Astaroth's face. He knew regular angels' wings were pure white and only archangels' wings had that golden glow to them which was the counterpart of the dark energy that emanated from his sword.
From the corner of her eye Helena noticed something moving slightly next to her. The light that came from her wings was healing Dante's wounds and then it hit her, this was just like his Devil Trigger, only an angel version of it and while Dante's full power had initially been triggered by the rage of losing her, hers was triggered by her desire to save him. She also realized something else, her powers were not meant for fighting, they were meant for helping those she cared about.
Dante groggily opened his eyes sure that he was already dead and was surprised because he never thought he would be going to Heaven once he died, but he must be on cloud nine since he was seeing the most beautiful and magnificent angel in front of him. Once his vision cleared completely he sat up and noticed in bewilderment and confusion that said angel had his Helena's face.
He looked around and realized he was actually alive and back in the underground part of the mansion. That warm light that was filling the place was making him feel so at ease, as if his injuries weren't even there, it was only then that he noticed all his wounds were fully healed.
- Helena? – He still couldn't believe what was happening when he addressed her
She looked incredibly relieved to see that he was fine and a few tears of joy left her eyes. She almost couldn't believe what she had been able to do.
- I guess it was time for the damsel to rescue her knight in distress – She said as she smiled sweetly at him and extended her hand for him to take
Dante smiled back at her and the instant he touched her he felt a great amount of energy and power going through his whole body. He saw how the heavenly light began surrounding him and Rebellion. He then looked at his own hands in amazement, suddenly feeling extremely powerful, almost invincible.
- It's the archangel's power – She explained – Now you won't be vulnerable to the power of Astaroth's sword and Rebellion will be able to pierce through his armor
Dante was still in shock as he recalled that she had archangel's blood in her but he never imagined she would be able to trigger that power the same way he did with his demonic one. He then noticed he wasn't the only one that had been affected by her powers. Vergil had also gotten back to his feet and was staring at Helena in complete admiration and astonishment, and he knew it took a lot to impress his normally impassive brother, but something about the way he gazed at her was beginning to bother him.
Helena turned around and smiled when she saw Vergil was healed as well and, just like she did with Dante, she reached out her hand for him to take. Dante seemed a little apprehensive about it, but Vergil had shown his clear intention to fight Astaroth so he guessed it was safe to trust him, at least for now.
Vergil hesitantly took her hand and was also surrounded by the divine light. He felt the growing power going through every part of him. For so long he had been looking for this, for more power and now he had it, thanks to her, which made her even more special and fascinating than he had thought before.
- Amazing – He muttered beholding her and maintaining the hold on her hand
Dante's annoyance grew fast, he hated the way Vergil looked at her like she was a sort of trophy for him to claim. He gently pushed Helena behind him, breaking their hands apart in the process and stood there between her and Vergil. He was going to deal with him later but for now he wanted him as far away from her as possible.
- Let's get this over with – He said glaring at Astaroth – I'm fucking tired of you
Feeling almost all her energy drained after passing her powers to the twins, Helena's wings disappeared as she also gazed at the demon.
- You were right Astaroth, I may not be strong enough to fight you, but they are now
- I already defeated them once! – He growled angrily – I will do it again!
- You won't if they fight together
Both Dante and Vergil were taken off guard and stared at each other, it was evident there was still some mistrust between them but they were going to have to set their differences apart and work together if they wanted to defeat the common enemy. As if reading each other's mind, they both nodded at the same time before they lunged forward to kill Astaroth once and for all.
The demon was so fast that he was able to block both attacks and immediately counterattacked furiously. His sword, Exitium, grazed Dante's arm leaving a visible cut. Everyone stared at the wound expectantly for a fraction of a second and Astaroth couldn't believe when he saw the cut instantly healing.
- How?! – He growled at Dante irately
- Well, let's just say I have a guardian angel now – Dante said as his cocky smile appeared on his face
The fight continued and every time the demon managed to hurt one of the Nephilim they would immediately heal as if nothing had happened. With one of his advantages gone, Astaroth's normally arrogant attitude was replaced by worry and slight fear. Now, the only thing the brothers needed to test was if their swords could in fact pierce through the demon's armor.
It soon became impossible for Astaroth to keep blocking all the attacks coming from both Dante and Vergil simultaneously, and just as he was blocking one of Vergil's attacks, Dante saw the opportunity he had been looking for and took it. With one quick and precise swift of Rebellion he managed to cut Astaroth's hand off and therefore made him drop his sword. The demon roared in pain and, immediately after that, Vergil went behind him and pushed Yamato through the demon's heart. Astaroth fell to his knees as he looked at Exitium on the floor near him form the corner of his eye with the intention of grabbing it back with his good hand.
- Nah uh – Dante said kicking the sword away from him - I don't think so
- No… this can't be happening… you can't defeat me! – Astaroth spoke with difficulty
- It's over – Dante declared – You're done
- Wait! – Astaroth exclaimed in desperation looking at Helena – You… you can't let them kill me… that wouldn't be proper of an angel and… your grandfather is the archangel of mercy... you can't…
Helena, who had been simply watching the fight all this time, got a little closer to them as a sardonic grin formed on her face.
- That's true – She said as her smirk grew wider – But sadly for you I'm not an angel, I'm just a "nature's mistake", remember?
Dante chuckled as Astaroth just stared at her with incredulity.
- Besides – She continued as her grin disappeared completely – Four months ago you watched me slowly dying in that alley, now it's my turn to watch you die
A look of absolute despair crossed the demon's face as he was left speechless.
- You should be thankful – Dante told him turning serious – A quick death is far too kind for a monster like you
Without waiting for a response, Dante raised his sword and decapitated the demon with a single blow. They watched as the headless body fell to the floor and it instantly began fading into ashes. At the same time, the heavenly light that had been surrounding the twins during the fight began disappearing as well.
It was over, it was finally over.
- You did it! – Helena exclaimed joyfully as she ran to Dante and pulled him into a tight hug, almost knocking him over
- No, we did it – He corrected her as he smiled at her – I'm so fucking proud of you!
Before she could reply he leaned forward to meet her lips in a deep and long kiss. He was so caught up in the passion of the moment that he completely forgot Vergil was still there.
- You two are together? – The words escaped Vergil's mouth before he could stop them
The abrupt question and subtle angry tone in his voice took the couple by surprise as they broke apart. The look of annoyance returned to Dante's face before he turned and glared at his brother.
- Yeah, you have a problem with that? – He answered getting defensive
- Why would I? – Vergil replied trying his best to conceal his irritation
The truth was he did have a problem with it, but that didn't matter anymore, he had already made up his mind. Thankfully, Dante seemed to believe his lack of interest and proceeded to walk towards the sword Astaroth had left behind.
- I'm going to keep this – He said grabbing the weapon – So it doesn't end up in the wrong hands
The moment he mentioned the last part he shot Vergil a glare, implying that he was talking about him. Vergil simply gazed back at him with a fed-up look on his face. Had he been a more expressive person, he would have rolled his eyes at Dante.
- You can do whatever you want Dante, I'm not planning on staying here
- What do you mean?
- I'm leaving – Vergil answered as he took a look at the still open portal
- You mean you're going to…
- The demon world
Dante was certainly not expecting to hear that, somewhere deep inside he was wishing they could start all over and be the family they once were, but Vergil's plans didn't involve any of that and that kind of pissed him off.
- What for Vergil?! So you can look for "more power"?! You've seen what your senseless search for power has caused! It has only brought pain and suffering to people you used to care about!
Vergil looked down to the floor for a brief moment, he knew Dante was right and he actually felt guilty and sorry for everything that happened to Kat and Helena while he was under that demon's control.
- I know, and I'm sorry about that, but it's not power I'm going to look for, I just can't stay here, I still don't share your view on mankind and never will, I don't belong here amongst humans – There was complete hatred in his voice when he mention the last word - They're weak and they're…
- You're wrong! They're not – Dante replied and then he looked at Helena – She survived a living hell as a human and I'm sure she's the strongest person you and I will ever meet!
When Vergil set his eyes on her, a flash of pain and sorrow showed on his face, failing his attempt of hiding his feelings.
- And I'll forever be in debt to her for that – Vergil said and then turned around – But after remembering what happened to her, I despise humans even more now
Dante noticed the guilt in his brother's face, which confirmed the fact that Vergil knew exactly who Helena was all along but never said anything about her while they were fighting Mundus.
- Wait… I have to ask you something – Dante stopped him - You knew about Helena all the time but you never told me anything about her so that I wouldn't remember her, why?
- What good would it have done? Knowing how impulsive you are, if I had told you about her you would've immediately gone running to her, jeopardizing the mission
- Jeopardizing the mission?! That's all you fucking cared about?! – Dante raised his voice in anger – Vergil, we promised her we would find her as soon as we recovered our memory! We could have protected her! We could have saved her!
- I know! – Vergil shouted back in exasperation – That's what I was trying to do! If you had gone to see her back then you would have only made her a target for Mundus! Have you thought about that?! Of course not! Unlike you, I did remember her and I did find her. I had members of The Order following her to make sure she was safe, but tell me Dante what did you do for her back then? Nothing!
- You did what? – Helena finally spoke in disbelief of the fact that there had been people following her without her knowing it
- I only did it for your own safety, if you had been in any kind of danger I would've gone myself
Dante's rage only seemed to increase, it angered him that even when they were fighting together as a team, Vergil had kept information from him, information that could have changed everything, and even worse, something was telling him there was more to it than what he was being told.
- You know Vergil… I have the feeling you still wouldn't have told me about her even after defeating Mundus
- You're right – He admitted - Probably not
- So you just never really wanted me to remember her, why? – Dante asked even when he already suspected the answer - Spit it out Vergil
- You want to know why? When I found you Dante you were just a bum living in an old trailer, you slept with every woman you could get your hands on, do you think she deserved that? – He made a pause and Dante's expression hardened – I, on the other hand, could have given her the life she deserves, the life of a queen, but you ruined everything!
Helena was taken aback by Vergil's words as she just stood there, completely stunned and speechless. But for some reason Dante didn't seem surprised at all, his suspicions turning out to be right.
- I fucking knew it! – Dante spat angrily as he stepped forward to start a confrontation – I swear Vergil if you…
Vergil snorted in amusement interrupting his brother.
- I never thought you were the insecure type Dante – He said in a lighter tone, but then went back to his usual serious one - Relax, none of that matters anymore. I already told you, you can do whatever you want. Besides, I understand that given the way things have unfolded you two hate me now – Vergil said as he made his way to the pedestal where the amulets rested
He grabbed his own and put it around his neck, he then took the red one and threw it back at its owner. Dante caught it with ease as he saw Vergil walking up to them with something in his hand, he extended his palm to Helena, giving her the necklace back. She thanked him as she took it and then Vergil began making his way to the portal.
- Vergil wait! – Helena was the one to stop him this time – We don't hate you, this wasn't your fault… I mean, you may have made a few mistakes but… we forgive you because in the end you did the right thing… you don't have to leave… please stay – She knew that deep inside that was what Dante wanted too, but also knew he was too proud to actually say it
Vergil turned around slightly and gave her a faint smile. He was glad to hear that, he felt as if part of the burden was being lifted off his shoulders; but more importantly, he was glad to know that even after all the horrible things she had been through she hadn't changed at all, she was still as sweet and innocent as the little girl he had met years ago.
- Thank you, it really means a lot, but I can't – He told her with an apologetic look on his face – The demon realm is where I belong, is where my father is
- You are going to look for Sparda?! – Both Dante and Helena asked unison
Vergil just nodded once in response.
- I'll go with you then – Dante said hurriedly as he walked towards the portal as well – I want to see him too
The following second Dante found himself with Yamato pointed at this neck and Vergil giving him a severe look.
- Don't even think about following me. I might not belong here, but you do, with her. Also, I know you wouldn't leave her here alone, and Hell is too dangerous for someone like her – He said referring to her angelic nature – I won't let you put her in that kind of danger
In that moment Dante began to remember his nightmares about them in Hell. Vergil was right, it would be too risky for Helena. They just couldn't go with him.
- Don't worry about me – Helena tried to reassure Vergil – I'll be fine
- No, he's right – Dante told her – For once, I have to agree with Vergil
A pleased expression appeared on Vergil's face as he put Yamato back in its sheath.
- Once I leave, you have to destroy this gate so no one else crosses it
- Are you ever coming back? – Dante asked with sadness and bitterness in his voice as he just stared at the floor
Vergil was taken by surprise, he could expect Helena to ask him to stay but never thought Dante would be upset to see him leave, especially after they almost killed each other the other time. Dante had definitely changed a lot since then and he was sure Helena had to do with that. He walked to his brother and placed a hand on his shoulder.
- I'm sorry Dante – was all he said
Dante just stared at him in silence trying to accept the fact that this would probably be the last time he would see his brother. He had just come back and now he was leaving again most likely forever. Yet another loss he was going to have to cope with. He couldn't help but remember when they were separated as kids, it was as if he was reliving that moment. He took a deep breath as he forced himself not to cry this time.
- Goodbye Verge – He told him trying to smile through the pain
Vergil gave him a melancholic smile for a second before he turned around and began walking towards the portal. Just before he crossed it he stopped and turned his head slightly.
- Please take care – He told them both
An image of seven year old Vergil saying the same thing just before entering the orphanage crossed Dante's mind and, just like that time, he watched his brother disappearing, not knowing if he was ever going to see him again.
It was clear by Dante's face that he was hurting and upset about Vergil leaving.
- Vergil is such an idiot… – He muttered clenching his teeth – I don't think I'll ever understand him
- He's a little complicated yes, but he's not evil
- I know that now – Dante replied looking down – Thanks to you
- Don't be sad… despite what he said, something tells me we'll see him and Sparda again one day – She said rubbing his shoulder in comfort
He seemed to think about it for a moment and then a ray of hope appeared on his face. If he had managed to see his brother again after they were separated when they were seven then there was a chance. There was always a chance.
- It's like taking detours, right? – He repeated the words she once told him when they were kids – If it's meant to be, it'll happen – He said taking one final look at the Hell Gate before destroying it forever