I appreciate the positive reviews so far. I originally wanted to have Nero as the main character but I would've ruined some portions of his character development in DMC5. I might reconsider this choice for another Devil May Cry/Guilty Gear story in the future. Let me know if any of you want me to do that.
SixToNine: Yeah that would be a cool Idea. I think we all want to see Sol Badguy and Dante go at it.
Joelwalker786: Thanks. I like to put the characters first and the action second. In my opinion I find it to be a major flaw in a lot of Devil May Cry fics. Everyone focuses to much on the surface level aspect of the series and make Dante act cool for the sake of overshadowing the other characters.
Now without further ado...Lets Rock!
The feeling of aching sores coursed through his muscles. Dante really started to feel it the moment he regained consciousness. Groaning the silver haired man lifted himself up from the ground as dirt poured down from his clothes. Shaking his head to lessen his pounding headache Dante took in his surroundings as best he could.
From what he could gather he was standing in a mountain range that was very wide terrain. Cliffs lined up in the distance making everything seem larger than it actually is. The rays of sunlight shining over the towering over the geological rocks. While it was definitely an eye catcher, it left one simple problem...
"Um, Vergil? I think you might've teleported us just a little bit to far from my shop."
He expected an annoyed response from him and he in turn would reply back with a mocking one of his own. Dante's brow furrowed in confusion when his brother didn't engage in what would be their usual verbal banter. He looked all around him and discovered that Vergil was nowhere to be found.
"Vergil if this for me upping my score in our last match then your bein' a sore loser right now." Despite the lighthearted way spoke he couldn't help but feel worry and anxiety.
As the silence remained said worry was starting to grow. Frantically looking around Dante couldn't spot a single trace of his brother.
His shoulders slumped in a resigned fashion. "Great. Not only am I lost but my only means of transportation isn't here either."
At this moment Dante could try and only go over what had happened since he woke up. Stepping through the portal he somehow ended up in this canyon instead of the front door of Devil May Cry. Which pretty much sums everything he knew so far.
Considering his options the silver haired half demon could only shrug his shoulders. "Welp, no point in standing here all day. Might as well get to walkin'."
With that Dante headed in a random direction. Hoping that the path he was walking in would lead him to civilization. And try to find a phone and contact Morrison if he can.
Dante shook his head and heavily sighed. Today certainly wasn't one of his luckiest.
Thankfully he finally managed to spot a city out in the distance. Relief flooded Dante as he had been walking for a better half of five days. Hoping that the path he was walking on was the right one. He got a break when saw towering spires from his position.
As fast as his worn out legs could carry him Dante made a beeline for the city. When he arrived, he definitely wasn't expecting any of the things he saw. The people seemed normal and carefree. Enjoying their day as they entered shopping businesses, mingled with each other at cafes, or walking their pets. The city definitely had a warm inviting feel to it.
Despite that however, something was off. The architecture of the city itself was very peculiar. Some buildings and houses resembled something of an old cathedral. Spires, tolling bells, and sculpted statues made up ninety percent of the infrastructure from what Dante could see so far.
But what truly caught his attention was something he wasn't expecting. He walked past a couple of people who were using some sort of blue illuminating circle like a cellphone. Dante blinked and shook his head. Certain that his mind was playing tricks on him. Choosing to ignore what he thought he saw the half demon continued his walk in the city.
Then he stumbled across a group of what he assumed were female college students using the blue light the same way the pedestrians were. He walked deeper into the town and soon enough he spotted more people using those strange phones. Thats when he knew for sure that he wasn't going insane.
Finding himself at a mildly crowded market place Dante leaned on a metal railing that was near the edge of the sea. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to make sense of everything he had seen.
"Ok...out of all the crazy shit I've seen in my life, that was surely a new one." He mumbled out loud. Only to look up at the sky and spot a small fleet of strange aircrafts patrolling the sky. "So's that one."
Ok, if there was any time to figure out where he was now would be the best time. Dante looked everywhere that could at least give him some clues or something that could help. Thankfully he came across a vendor that sold vegetables along with newspapers. Picking it up the article the red coated devil hunter read the publisher.
'Illyria times?' Dante's brow was scrunched in confusion. Illyria? Where the hell was that?!
"You okay there sonny?" The voice of an elderly woman broke Dante from his thoughts. He looked up and saw a woman dressed in a work apron, who appeared to be in her early sixties eyeing him with concern. "You've been staring warily at that news article for quite awhile."
The red coated man blinked at the words. Had he really been standing here a long time?
Dante rubbed the back of his head and chuckled. "I have huh? Guess I'm still trying to get used everything around here."
"Tourist I assume?" She asked with a greeting smile.
"You could say that." He replied. The red coated man took on a considerate expression, hoping that what he was about to ask her didn't make him seem crazy. "Say...you know where this place is right?"
The elder woman raised an eyebrow at the strange man. "You mean the local food market?"
"Uh...no. More like...where specifically is this market located in the region?"
Now she was definitely regarding him with a questionable look. One that Dante wanted to avoid but seeing as how he needed to know where he was he had to go the extra mile.
"The United Kingdom Of Illyria." She replied unable to keep the squinted look from her eyes.
"Ah! Right, thats where I am!" Dante exclaimed with relief in his voice. Though internally he was screaming with even more questions then before.
He was in The United Kingdom Illyria? Where in the hell was that?! He had never heard or been to the place before. So the dimensional portal from Vergil's sword had landed him in unfamiliar territory. This was definitely not good. Another thought came to Dante's mind, one that he was afraid of confirming. His gut was telling him something that he couldn't accept quite yet.
With that in mind he asked the elderly market vendor something that no one in the world would ever hear him say.
"Ma'am?" Dante gave her a firm look, giving him her undivided attention. "Can you please point me to the nearest library?"
Illyria castle was busy as it usually was. Vigilant knights and operators worked diligently to keep the peace, order and stability within the castle. While the three kings did the same for the people and the nation they governed.
Ky Kiske sat quitely in his office doing the usual mundane task of paperwork. A month had passed since the G4 summit was interrupted along with everything that followed with it. The first and original magic user in history held the White House hostage along with a time warping woman who ascended into godhood. Because of the recent incidents world leaders had agreed to hold the summit in Illyria. With the White House still looking to be rebuilt it would be best to have it here.
Things certainly haven't been dull in the world as of late.
Contrary to popular belief a part of Ky often hoped for these world threatening incidents that would occur from time to time. While he was a peace loving and righteous man he did enjoy the thrill of battle every so often. He always saw himself as a warrior first and a king second. He knew that Leo and Daryl shared this sentiment as well.
Nevertheless the world was entering into a new era. An era of peace. While the scars from the crusades still remained many people were making an effort to move forward into a better world. Demilitarization and peaceful relations between humans and Gears was becoming a reality. They weren't at that threshold with second half just yet but working towards it will be worth it in end. While this may come with some consequences the only thing they could do was be ready for whatever comes with it.
A smile graced Ky's face as he thought of the man who had made this all possible. Sol Badguy...or more accurately Frederick Bulsara. Once rival now friend and father in law.
He remembered the last time he spoke to him and was genuinely surprised by how happy he sounded. He had changed since the first time they met during the war. Before Frederick was surly, bitter, and alone. Keeping everything and everyone at arms length. And to see how far he's come in his long life was definitely admirable. He was glad that the former bounter hunter had finally managed to find his place in the world with someone he can cherish and love by his side.
And no matter how much he tries to deny it, Frederick in the eyes of many was a hero.
The sound of his magicomm suddenly ringed, interrupting his thoughts and work. Recognizing the number of the caller the first Illyrian king set his pen down and raised his hand towads his ear activating the glyph.
"Daryl is something wrong?"
"What gave you the impression that was my reason for calling?" The third king smoothly asked?
Ky lightly laughed while leaning back in chair. "Isn't that the only reason we call each other?"
Daryl snorted at that. Knowing what Ky said was true. However he knew now was time was to get to the real reason for his call. "We need you in the war room Ky. This is an urgent matter."
This time his voice didn't have its usual casual and suave tone to it. Replace with a direct and authoritative tone of command. Disconnecting the call Ky immediately stood and left for the war room. Indeed it was never a dull moment in the world.
Arriving in the war room Ky saw the operaters at their assigned stations trying to respond to whatever was the cause of the disturbance. The blonde knight spotted Daryl, Leo and Dr. Paradigm at the main operating station. If the Gear researcher was also called here then this wasn't an issue of international affairs like before. Ky strided briskly towards his companions who were waiting patiently for him at the monitors.
Leo not wasting anytime got Ky up to speed on what was currently happening. "Approximately seven hours ago our sensors picked up something out of the ordinary." He nodded at Paradigm to take the floor. Knowing that he could explain this situation better than he can.
"We have reason to speculate that whatever our sensors had detected was an open space rift." Paradigm pointed his clawed finger tip at the screen. "And just like before it occurred somewhere within the mountain region."
Ky rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he immediately caught on to what he was thinking. "Do you think something from the backyard escaped?"
"Thats actually the odd thing." Paradigm replied prompting the three kings to look at him curiously. "This dimensional rift didn't emit any information flares. Meaning this rift didn't manifest from the backyard."
This revelation made everyone in the war room pause. While it was a little assuring to know that they didn't need to worry about another Valentine it didn't alleviate peoples worry that something else stepped out. And it was something that no one had a understand of who or what stepped out.
Number of murmurs were spoken through out the room. Words ranging from 'What do we do' and 'Should we call for an evac order'
This new development was putting everyone edge. And with the recent incidents that had happened it didn't ease the tension. If something powerful like the Valentine or the Universal Will they didn't know if they had the time or means to stop it.
"Everyone don't panic!" Daryl exclaimed loudly with authority in his voice. "Let's not jump to conclusion so quickly. The best we can do now is assess the situation with clear heads."
Knowing that their king was right operaters and knights managed to calm down as best as they could.
"What's our course of action?" Ky inquired. This matter had to be resolved quickly and efficiently.
"I'll contact the director of the P.W.A.B to investigate and send in a small brigade team. Just in case if whatevers there is dangerous." Daryl answered seeing that as the best action to take for now.
Leo crossed his arms against his massive frame, a disagreeable look on his face. "Do you think its wise to send director Rage in blind like this? And Ramlethal doesn't have enough experience as a brigade captain to be send on missions like these. Hell, we don't even know whats down there!"
"Relax Leo. Ramlethal might not have been at this long but she's capable and competent with how she's led her team so far. You showed her the ropes after all." A teasing smirk then curled its way at the corner of his mouth. "And its nice to know that your warming up to our ex assassin colleagues." Ky and Paradigm couldn't help but chuckle amusedly at that.
The second king just huffed at that remark. While it was true he wasn't going to the admit that. Daryl was never going to let him live that down if he did.
Daryl just shrugged his shoulders. "Well in any case I'll let the P.W.A.B know whats up. And have Ramlethal and her squad be ready."
Leo, Paradigm and Ky nodded at the third king. They all hoped that whatever was out there wasn't as dangerous as their paranoid nerves were telling them. The world deserved a break from everything had happened.
Dante managed to find the downtown library the market vendor told him about. It wasn't very far from the market place which was a relief to him. His legs and feet were still killing him! He was so happy to finally sit and relax in a chair.
Though that was difficult at the moment when Dante arrived at the library. The place itself was spacious in its large size. At least compared to the ones he had seen and visited. People ranging from school students to scholars filled the place. Dante could only whistle out loud, he definitely was impressed.
The half demon went down the row of shelves at the history section. Scrolling for anything that will help him understand his current predicament. Satisfied with the number of books he felt he needed Dante sat down at a nearby table and started researching. For what seemed like two or three hours Dante had learned pretty much a handful of things he needed to know.
The silver haired man couldn't help the befuddled expression on his face as he engrossed himself in many of the books scattered on the table. From what he could gather he was in a country called Illyria. A nation that had built under the ruins of rome and combining all of the cultures of Europe and Asia into one. This made Dante delve deeper. Because he was preety sure after missing for a month a country can't just be established and formed in a short time frame.
As he read through every scrap of information he could gather that gut feeling from earlier returned in full force. This confirmed it.
"Yep. I'm on an alternate earth." He bluntly stated. Stacking all of the books on top of another.
Dante groaned while rubbing his forehead. Everything he had learned was giving him a migraine.
He was on a different earth that was rebuilding itself from a one hundred year conflict that had expanded across the globe. This war was named crusades. The governments of all countries banded humanity together to fight these creatures called Gears. Which the humans came out as ther victors. The war concluded twelve years ago.
Dante was more curious about the Gears. Information about them was scarce and limited but from what he read they were magically bioenhanced monsters that ravaged the world. One Gear that was mentioned the most was one called Justice. Justice had led a massive army of Gears against the human race for a century. The fact that the human race was able fight these monsters for so long and rebuild society was nothing short of a miracle in Dante's opinion.
He also did a little reading on magic...or what people dubbed as 'magic'. Apparently in 1999 all electronic devices across the world were mysteriously malfunctioning. People became fearful of the technology causing the governments of the world to issue a contraband. Unfortunately this irrational fear came with the consequence of a societal decline.
This event was called the dawn of revival.
However saviours in the form of mages came and supplied people with the knowledge of a new powerful source of limitless energy. This newly found source of energy was dubbed 'magic'. They established an organization that allowed them to spread their knowledge across the world. They taught people of all cultural backgrounds on how to apply this 'arcane' ability to all assets of everyday life. Natural resources like oil, minerals, and century old technology were a thing of the past in this earths era. Almost of of the worlds populace were dependent on this powerful source energy. They even found a way to infuse it with modern day machinery.
People seemed to have adapted well to this.
Though Dante knew that there was more to this history than what these text books were telling him. He never accepted anything at face value. Where did this 'magic' come from? And if Gears were bio weapons what was the reason for their creation? Or an even better question would be who created them?
The questions kept piling up the more Dante thought about it. Though ultimately he decided that it didn't matter in the long run. Seeing as how the crusades were long over. As many of the Gears that fought in the conflict were decomissioned or permanently dealt with.
So that answered the question of where he was.
"Now I need to figure out how I got here and how to get outta here." The half demon let out a heavy sigh as he pondered that.
That was the million dollar problem that was gnawing at him. He was stranded in a world not knowing how he ended up in. Dante really didn't want to deal with this right now. He just wanted to be back in his office kicking his feet on his desk while stuffing his face in a magazine. Helping Vergil with his issues and throwing a welcome home party for him down the line.
He knew his brother would've declined but if it was going help him know Nero a little better then he'd drag him there if he had to.
Dante could only sigh heavily though his nostrils whilst letting out an irritating groan. Thinking about what he can't do wasn't going to help him now. What he can focus on was what he can do now. With that thought in mind he left the library.
Walking in the heavily crowded area Dante went over many scenarios in his head of how he was going to find away out of this world. He thought of multiple solutions that could possibly help him out of this predicament. The problem was that he didn't even know how he got in it!
"Out of all the days this had to happen it had to be today." Dante complained as he strode into the nearby local park.
As he walked in the bustling area another issue that he now just realized struck him. He had no money and no home. He was basically a homeless bum in this world.
Dante stopped and facepalmed. Can his luck get any worse?!
Taking a step forward the half demon suddenly collided with someone strolling down the path in his opposite direction. Judging by the soft pitched grunt the person was a female.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Dante looked down at the voice. A blue haired woman dressed in a long sleeved black and white dress was crouched down picking up grocery items that had fallen to the ground.
Dante immediately lowered himself to one knee and helped the poor woman. "Nah, its my fault. Wasn't watchin' where I was goin'."
The woman glanced up at the stranger kind enough to aid her with the fallen groceries. The man had medium length white hair. His face was unshaven as a stubble was evident under his chin and jawline. He wore dark leather pants and boots along with a blue unbuttoned henly shirt. His most striking piece of clothing was the long red coat he wore.
He wore a easy going smirk on his face as he handed her everything that she had dropped. Despite his disheveled appearence his grin gave off an air of lightheartedness around him. She was suddenly reminded of certain blonde sky pirate captain but she kept that to herself.
"Thank you." She said, adjusting the bag strap over her shoulder.
Dante merely waved her off. "Don't mention it. Like I said, it was my fault. Least I could do was help out."
The woman smiled in gratitude for his act of kindness. She then reached into her bag and took out a loaf of bread. She then crumbled it into tiny pieces and tossed them to the ground. Dante cocked an eyebrow in confusion at her actions. The distinct sound of a 'quack' caught his attention. Turning his head Dante saw a small family of ducks swimming to the discarded crumbs in the pond.
A calm radiant expression lit its way to her eyes and lips, allowing herself to enjoy seeing the birds eat and share the scaps of bread she had given them.
"Got a soft spot for the city waterfowl huh?" The sudden question almost made her jolt in surprise as she turned to the stranger in the red coat, who was giving her a knowing look though the teasing smirk was still present.
The blue haired woman blushed as she bashfully glanced sideways. "Yes I do. I've always had a fondness for animals." She replied. Not seeing any harm in tell him that.
The white haired man brows shot up. Telling her that she managed to peek his interest. "Any reason why that is?"
"I was raised in a forest so you can imagine how I turned out." She bend over lightly petting one of the ducks. "And I guess on some level I always admired their instinctive need to protect their family and be there for one another."
Dante looked at her with widen eyes, amazed by her admittance "Really?"
"Mhm." She nodded. The woman raised herself fully, looking at him directly with a soft gentle gaze in her eyes. "Its an example I try to follow with mine."
Her eyes then widen slightly. She suddenly realized that she was dumping all of this randomly on a man who she doesn't even know. "Oh excuse me! You probaly don't want to hear all of this! Considering we just met!" She vehemently said as she bowed her head in apology.
"No it's fine!" Dante raised his hands, gesturing for her to calm down. "I can get behind something like that actually."
She blinked. "You can?"
He nodded. "Yeah, though I haven't been livin' by example from those words like you have."
His smile became softer and his eyes had a faraway look in them. The blue haired woman could see that her words resonated with him on a deep level. There was also a underlying sense of regret in his eyes as well.
"I wish I could go back time and tried harder." He frowned as he thought deeper. The half demon shrugged as he continued. "But you can't turn back the clock."
The woman stared at him as the words sank in. She gazed at the ground in a thoughtful manner for a few seconds before snapping her eyes up at him again. "Theres something my husband once told me."
"Yeah? Whats that?" He asked curious to know where she was going with this.
"Do you have a chair in your heart?"
Dante couldn't help but scratch the back of his head like an idiot and look confused. "Uhh...come again?"
"It took me awhile to understand myself." She smiled gently at the man, placing a hand over her heart. "While it is true that you can't go to those past moments, what matters is what your willing to do now. One cannot have a intimate discussion standing now can they?"
Dante tried to rack his brain at the cryptic meaning behind what she said. Unfortunately he wasn't much of a philosopher so he couldn't come up with an answer."
The woman giggle lightly at his perplexed expression. "Well I should get going. This dinner isn't going to cook itself."
"Sure. " He snorted while offering out his hand. "It was chatting with you Mrs..."
"Dizzy. No need for a Mrs." She shook it firmly. "And yes it was Mr...
His taunting smirk returned. "Dante. No need for a Mr."
"Well it was pleasure to meet you Dante. Perhaps well meet again." Dizzy said with a hopeful tone.
"Maybe we will." Dante nodded. Also hoping that their paths will cross again.
With that the blue haired woman left the park and the white haired stranger she enjoyed talking with. Dante watched her until left his field of vision. Turning his attention back to the ducks who were still sharing and eating the bread scrap crumbs.
He couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle. "Wow, a family of duck has a better familial unit then mine. Wonder what Vergil would think if he saw this?"
Dante could only just stand near the moderate sized pond and take in the relaxing nature. He thought of his recent conversation with Dizzy. She was the first person that he had long conversation since arriving on this alternate earth. His impression of her was positive to say the least. Whoever her husband was he was a lucky man to have a gentle and kind woman like that.
"Do I have a chair in my heart?" He whispered to himself. He crouched and pet the ducks who nuzzled their heads in his palm "Guess we'll wait and see if I do."
"Did you manage to find anything peculiar in this sector?" Ramlethal inquired, spotting Millia and Zato-1 with a small group of bureau agents in tow walking towards her and the small team of Illyrian knights under her command.
Millia placed her hand leisurely on her hip and shook her head. "Just like other ones. No traces of dimensional portals of the sort."
The Valentine could only sigh at the directors report. They had been searching theses barren mountains for than more half of the day. Moving from one area to the next in hopes of finding anything that could help them in their mission. The P.W.A.B assigned as scouts and intel gathering while the brigade unit was their offensive support for precautionary reasons. So far their searching had come up fruitless. Nothing from what both parties could see could be used to supply Illyria castle with anything useful.
"While there isn't much for us to go on out here we aren't ruling out the plausibility that something did appear here, correct?" Zato-1 calmly muttered looking at both women who were giving him their undivided attention.
They both nodded signaling for the shadow wielder to continue.
"So it would be logical to believe that who or whatever came through this portal has moved on from here."
Millia's eyes narrowed as she hummed in thought. Zato's theory sounded sensible. Given the lack of leads they had it would make sense that their target had fled from here. And her intuition which was usually on its mark told that who or whatever came her had entered into the city.
"Hey!" A loud voice broke everyone from thoughts. They looked up and saw Ramlethal's familiar Lucifero hurriedly flying towards them.
"I'm guessing you were also unsuccessful in your efforts also?" Ramlethal asked as if she could already predict the answer.
"Nah! I actually found something, its not much but its definitely a clue!" That perked all of them up. Feeling reprived that their mission wasn't a total failure. "Follow me!"
Both groups followed behind the winged familiar in tow. They arrived at a mildly wide clearing, nothing out of the ordinary...except for the nearly faded footprints.
Millia quickly kneeled in front of them and examined the prints. The blonde director lightly traced one with the tips of fingers. Judging by the size and the withered indent this was done by a man long before they arrived. Most likely when the castle sensors detected the anomaly.
"These prints were headed west. Right directly towards cities capital." An agent standing next to her said. Millia glanced up seeing he was right.
'This isn't good.'
Seeing as how they had the evidenced they needed the only thing to do now was to call it in. "Good work Lucifero! Captain Ramlethal contact king Leo and report our findings!"
"Y-yes director Rage." The Valentine stuttered. Finding it hard to keep up her professional demeanor. Since she was calling the man she secretly admired.
Lucifero lightly snickered at the sight of the blush on her tanned cheeks. Though quickly he quickly stopped when she glared at him. Warning him if he knew what was good for him he'd keep that chatter box shut.
Millia sighed exhaustedly as she stood. While the intel they had collected wasn't alot it was better then nothing.
The ex assassin crossed her arms as she stared out into the distance. Her outer appearence showed off her usual steel calm stoicism. Internally however she was filled with warriness and apprehension. Millia could sense that darkness was coming. As someone who once dwelled in it and she still does to small degree she could practically smell it in the air.
However she could also sense something else that lurked beside it. It was another form of darkness but blended together well with the light. And this darkness wasn't suffocating.
A form of eternal darkness and a mild one contrasting into the light had entered the world. And Millia knew that deep down that these powerful forces would collide eventually.
She closed her eyes, praying to whatever god that would deem her worthy of answering her prayers that the world would survive this inevitable encounter.
Chapter is complete! Sorry that I didn't update last week, I was trying to make the scenes authentic as best I could. I also think I have some story bits wrong but if the Guilty Gear fans who like its lore inform me please.
Anyway constructive feedback is welcome. And I'll see you in the next one.