Vergil-Dark Slayer-Dark Realm's Knight

Carrying on, weariness not an issue for one with demonic blood, Vergil journeyed ever onward towards the ruined city that was now clear upon the edge of the horizon. The Demonic Energies of the realm were focused their, undoubtedly the ruined city in the distance was her abode. From the distance Vergil beheld it, grey and lifeless as though its inhabitants had abandoned it or been slaughtered long ago. The buildings were like elaborate gravestones, street after street lifeless street. Yet at the very centre, upon the very edge of Vergil's Demon Sight was a tower. Not like Tem-Ni-Gru with its menacing exterior, but sleek and smooth. It was a perfect needle of unstained and pure white and atop it was a golden dome that in the days when this realm had strong sunlight, Vergil contemplated, must have shone like a second star. A welcoming beacon of hope to all who sought it, now it served only as a beacon to Vergil and a sign that perhaps his long journey was coming to an end.

In truth, if Vergil were honest, he was tired of all of this. Constantly battling himself and others when really all he truly wanted was to settle down with Lady and live out the rest of their days in well earned peace and pleasure. Vergil also knew he had once sneered at the prospect, just as he had sneered at his dear father for abandoning his Demonic powers for a human. Then again, a wry smile on Vergil's face, even he saw the irony of course his life had taken over the years. Vergil would also need to battle Dante at some point, after the entire promised main event had been indefinitely postponed. Perhaps when all was said and done, in the Underworld away from Humans who could be harmed, they would finally be able to enjoy themselves.

The Cities Gate was now looming before Vergil, this realm was far smaller than any he'd been in thus far, the old and broken road like a dried up river bed, the Gate like a cave that led only to Darkness. Vergil knew however a being was waiting for him on this road, to impede and challenged him and Vergil smirked, it was very boring here. The smirk widened as his senses were proved to be wholly accurate. The being that stood before him took the shape of a young man, flowing dark hair and regal yet imposing robes. The robes, the basic armour were a dull red as though made from a metal or alloy not known to Earth or the Underworld. The being addressed him with a deep voice, power and authority yet malice was absent from its tone cordial with a touch chivalric politeness.

"You have travelled long and far Dark Slayer…yet I fear your journey will prove to be a far greater folly than you imagined."

Vergil resisted placing a hand upon Yamato just yet, after all the being had not started any hostilities and seemed to greatly desire to talk with him at this point in time. Vergil decided to stay calm, and mirror the beings passive nature.

"What do you mean by this?"

"I once sought to stand against her, much like you do, but when the time came to strike her d own my own emotions betrayed me. She enchanted me, ensnared me and took my will to fight. She demanded and eternity of servitude, and despite everything I knelt."

"You willingly became her Slave?"

"I prefer to be called her Knight. I know it sounds absurd, but when you lay yours eyes upon her perhaps you too will be ensnared. Look at me, in my day I was and still am one of the greatest warrior's alive. Yet she could imprison any warrior's heart in a cage for her amusement upon a whim! Beware Vergil, lest you succumb to my fate. She has given me happiness, pleasure and love, assuming she feels such a thing. Yet I in turn have lost my will, my honour and my soul."

Vergil could relate to this, he had worn the armour of Nelo Angelo and pledged loyalty to Mundus. He felt a little sympathy to this warrior's plight.

"What do you seek from me exactly, why tell me all this now?"

"I was sent here by her, she knew she was sending me to my death and told me so. Yet now I can regain my honour and help you Vergil. I shall die in battle, release me from this half life I have lived for centuries and let my withering soul gain rejuvenation in some more blessed realm. That is all I ask, I have no power greater than those which you have already Vergil. Draw your blade, Dark Knight and release me from my long and weary plight."

"I shall not deny you, you are not my Enemy, as though you were a brother we shall battle and I will release you."

Vergil drew Yamato, held it ready as the Knight did the same. He wielded a Zweihander similar to the one he had used as Nelo Angelo. Yet his blade was a pure and bright one, imbued with magic and ancient lore. Vergil could tell it was nearly as remarkable as his own weapon of choice. Vergil felt the tension; felt his own heart beat in anticipation. The Knight, Vergil knew, would not make this easy for him. Vergil leapt forward suddenly attempting to use a basic two hit combo, yet even with Vergil's speed and accuracy it was blocked effortlessly. The Knight in turn slammed is blade in a downward swipe, then spun it for another swipe. Vergil felt some awe; The Knight wielded the weapon with grace and finesse Vergil thought impossible for such an impractical weapon.

Both warriors backed off, warm up was over, before running at each other as their blades clashed and sung as they met each other again and again, near warrior giving any ground or gaining any. It seemed they were equal but Vergil smiled, the Knight seeming somewhat confused, and unleashed a Rapid Slash that cut through his opponents armour, blood dripping to the floor. The Knight gave a groan of pain before swiping horizontally at Vergil, a wave of energy shot towards him. Vergil dodged but was hit by the second and third blast. Vergil grunted as he hit the floor, searing pain from the burns erupted under his clothing but the pain began to ebb as his Demonic Healing kicked in.

"Ah, so Dark Knight you do indeed have Demonic Blood. I admit I did not believe a half breed was even possible between Demon and Human races. It would seem you posses the best features of both. It is pity then that my own abilities can suppress your demonic power."

The Knight held up what appeared to be a strange amulet that was engulfed in green flame as it activated. As Vergil laid eyes upon it the searing pain from the burns returned in full force, his Demonic Senses were stripped off him. Vergil felt weak and strangely sluggish and thought to himself with some disgust this is what it's like being a human! Vergil fell to his knees, the feeling of weakness engulfing him. The Knight remained stood, placing the Amulet around his neck, and suddenly leapt forward with a attack that would hew open Vergil's skull. Calling on what his mother had called a "Gut Instinct" Vergil flung himself to the side, raising his own blade and slashing. Vergil couldn't even combo, had to fight human style with basic slashes and thrusts. The rage that usually lead to his Demonic Form emerging was impotent, clouding his mind and judgement. Vergil attempted to clear his thoughts and remain calm. The Knight once again attempted finish him, unleashing a three hit flurry. Vergil barely managed to block the attacks, sparks flew and his own blood splattered the ground beneath him, and Vergil was physically knocked back by the force of the hits. Realising just how fragile he now was Vergil backed off gritting his teeth in agony, waited like he had seen Dante do sometimes when they fought, and looked for the right time to strike. The Knight ran a him and suddenly Vergil saw it, he simply dropped to his knees as though accepting defeat and as the Knight slashed dodged to the side and slammed Yamato forward into the Amulet. The green energy in it flickered and died, Vergil own powers awakened in a violent explosion as Vergil transformed.

The Knight was blown back, blasted away and smoking by the sheer power Vergil had unleashed. Vergil towered over him, he no longer had his weapon, poised to impale this warrior's heart and finish him.

"You have not escaped your fate."

"Nay Dark Knight I embrace it. At last it is over."

Vergil struck, the Knight gave a cry of pain as blood spurted out of his mouth. Vergil looked down sadly upon the fallen Knight and watched as the Knight looked back at him.

"I think…I think I can see…"

A strange smile played across the Knight's features, a singly hand lifting up weakly before it fell to the Earth. The light in the Knight's eyes was gone and in an explosion of energy so too was any trace of the Knight ever being there.

Vergil's own Demonic Form retreated back within him, revealing Vergil's darkened features. Vergil's heart was heavy that's the first time, he thought, I've killed someone that I thought should live…Vergil turned towards the gate and walked through the mouth that seemed to swallow him. The tower loomed in the distance, looking down mockingly at him. He scowled back and continued his journey through the dead place, hoping to see a friendly face soon. There was something sinister about being the only one alive in a dead place, Vergil felt, and though he couldn't put his finger on it was like he could feel them in the shadows full of malice and hate as though the fact he was breathing was a huge betrayal to be dealt with appropriately.