To the music
Come on get up and dance to the music
Get up get up and dance
If you feel it in your bones, yeah
I suggest you get it on girl
Yeah you better not blow this chance now
Here's the music get up and dance yeah
Yeah yeah
Move move move to the funky beat
And we're groovin
Groovin groovin groovin
Till you're hot as heat
And we're move
Move move move to the funky beat
And we're groovin
Groovin groovin groovin
Till you're hot as heat
~Get up and dance, Freedom
Luce ed Ombra
Chapter Ten
Take a Chance
[By Ultema and Guo]
It was amazing really, as a number of huge red eyes watched the pair move on somewhat passively. Perhaps they knew it or not, but the splitting of the ceiling wasn't a direct effect of Dante's bullets alone. It had gone unnoticed surprisingly enough, but the northernmost wall of the open area was partially the body of an enormous bird. So large, in fact, that one of its deeper breaths seemed to have jarred the foundation of the upper level the same time that the Demon Hunter had fired so accurately.
Inconspicuous and completely obvious at the same time, as the two humanoids shuffled out of his field of view, the bird shifted a pair of eyes in the general direction of what was apparently its left wing. These quarters were extremely cramped for something of its size, and he had been there quite some time.
"They're gone." An unusually low, ebbing voice poured forth from between the multiple pairs of beaks that somehow formed a single mouth.
A few moments after the voice stated the obvious, hands emerged from the wing section of the "wall." Spreading the feathers apart, the dark mask of Vergil peered through the space.
"I can see that..." Having a large amount of trouble getting in between the feather shafts with his immobile suit of armor, he tripped, staggering forward and catching himself right above one of the largest pieces of the creature the two had just defeated.
"Are you sure it was a good idea to let them leave? ... After all, I'm sure he would have liked to have them brought to him." The tone of his voice was one that suggested arrogance. A surprising comment from the man who actually helped the two's cause before ... of course he didn't know whether anyone knew that or not, namely the bird he was talking to.
"We're here to observe, not interfere -- yet." In response to the tone of voice the masked figure used, the feathers seemed to push outwards slightly as the massive bird aired them out. His caustic tone reverberating more loudly than before, as he was sure the duo was out of range by now.
A single crimson eye turned to consult the figure of Vergil from a distance, as he was still unable to move from his spot just yet. A clawed foot appeared from under the wing, before the beast of an avian pushed himself up with a low groan, as it seemed even demons had their shares of aches and pains in physical bodies. The "wall" removed, an open courtyard appeared on the other side, slick with rain.
"And since when have you wanted to turn her in?"
Vergil turned his head slightly... very slightly, in fact it seemed as though that was as far as his armor would allow it to go. The "humph" resounded a few times in an odd, artificial sounding echo, was all that was given in response to the bird. He reached down and retrieved a piece of what looked like the brain.
"I still can't believe they were able to take out that disgusting concoction of death that Mundus loved oh so much, so quickly..." Throwing the piece down, it splattered into multiple pieces with an odd squishing sound. Vergil almost seemed to shudder within his armor when he talked about the creature. He didn't quite understand what was so appealing about rotting flesh.
In a flash of light, and he was facing the other direction, standing in the middle of the courtyard. Not too far forwards seemed to be another exit, perhaps even right out of the castle -- which would probably annoy Dante beyond belief if he found he could circumvent the whole tunnel process. The courtyard was perhaps the exact opposite of the area they were just in. It was clean, fresh smelling, and absolutely gorgeous -- lush greenery, marble fountain, a true pleasure to the senses.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Vergil's arm rose up above his head, and cupped his hand towards the bird, signaling it to come follow him.
Without response to Vergil's lack thereof, the bird ambled towards his current companion, looming stories above the shorter figure with his feathers still fluffed outwards; beads of rain repelled by the resistant, ridged-but-fluffy-soft quills as his footsteps brought a slight shaking sensation to the entire ground. Truthfully, it was a wonder that the whole place hadn't come down already. It didn't take too long for him to come abreast of the other, where he paused and took an idle glance towards the swirling clouds above.
"Don't forget, Euryon is one of us, as well. And the other is not exactly useless, either. Omniselciaxi is only so effective. It was bound to happen, we simply must come up with something better, next time." Strangely calm for the massive, multi-headed bird, he turned again, to bring half of the many eyes that surrounded his mouth towards the Knight so many feet below. Though his calmness wasn't entirely out of character, it depended on whom he was dealing with.
Vergil knew he was right. Dante was most likely a formidable opponent for either of them. But nevertheless, it wasn't helping his situation with his master, Mundus ... or with Isabella, and therefore, he had a reason to be upset, in his mind.
"Well, we aren't to let them out of our sight... " The clanking of his feet made an interesting combination of sound and vibration when combined with the fluttering of his avian companion. In other words, just about anyone who wasn't deaf and had half a brain could tell they were coming for miles away.
It was around dinner time they finally arrived to the part of the castle where Dante and Isabella were staying. It wasn't a long walk or anything, but the difficulties of moving within the castle with an enormous bird, as well as a 'coffee break' every couple minutes just to talk delays one's actions quite a bit. When Vergil made it to the outside of the door he crouched down, at first attempting to look through the keyhole, and later decided that he'd have to remove his helmet in order to see anything.
"Ah, they're about to eat dinner."
For some reason, it just didn't seem like much of a surprise considering they had seen the butler bring them food from down the hallway just a few minutes prior.
Lucky for the both of them, the mammoth bird had found it more economical to not squeeze himself through too much of the more populated corridors, and remain outside away from any windows or prying eyes. The last thing anyone needed was for some small child to come up and proclaim that a big "birdie" was sitting outside, staring in the windows. The weather seemed to be in their favor, thankfully, as the rain continued to pour heavily.
"I'm surprised," the bird cooed coolly as yet again a single huge eye bore down on the walking suit of armor. "At meal times here, the humans put on a dinner and dance for their guests. I wouldn't think Euryon would pass that opportunity up." But then again, it was also surprising that Euryon had passed up the opportunity to devour the Hunter. After all, it tended to work in such a way where despite the ends Isabella wanted to meet, Euryon was sure to want a snack or two.
The intelligent beast's voice was easily heard through the window, to just about anyone within a 50 foot radius, luckily some sort of argument was keeping the pair's attention in the room, although one of them did stutter when he had spoke.
"Would you be quiet?! At least talk quietly..." Vergil had started in a shout and ended in a whisper. "It seems as though they're arguing about something... maybe whether to go back? ... I can't tell -- no wait ... it's about..." He trailed off, as Dante's voice got louder.
"For the last time, I'm NOT going to the dance!" Dante's arms crossed over his chest for a moment, before glancing down at his food, and deciding to take another spoonful of the slop that they were having.
Vergil couldn't help but chuckle, luckily the sound of his laugh was not quite as distinguishable, nor as loud with out his helmet on.
" ...... " The bird simply refrained from speaking, though thoughts of not being a parrot were swimming through his mind as he sat in the rain, watching his companion take up what could have been the flag of a voyeur and stalker. Keen ears trained on the voices within, several brow-ridges cocked on each of the many heads perched on his shoulders.
"Why are you so disagreeable!?" Isabella bellowed out, now standing at the door with her hands on her hips, her backside in full view of the keyhole for a moment or two before she proceeded to storm her way towards her partner.
"Come on, we're going!" Her voice rang out again, as Griffon found his mind wandering aimlessly on the fact that a demoness could be so human. He would have laughed, would it not have been an utter giveaway and completely out of his personality.
Vergil seemed to have almost drooled when Isabella was near the door, beads of sweat beginning to form on his forehead. His hand lifted to loosen his collar, unnoticing of Isabella's new intent. By the time he looked back through the keyhole, she was basically opening the door. Having stayed there probably wouldn't be a good idea, and hiding against a wall or pretending he was a butler wasn't exactly a great choice either, after all, it wasn't like a large man in a clunky black, neon glowing suit of armor was incon-fucking-spicuous, was it? Grabbing his helmet and teleporting in a flash through the window at the last second, reappearing above the griffon, who's back he soon fell onto. Scrambling not to fall of the incredibly large bird, he got into a position to view the hallway.
Dante's eyes had refused to even look in her general vicinity since she even suggested the idea. Unfortunately for him, he didn't have much of a choice as to whether or not they'd be attending the ball. Every excuse imaginable failed miserably:
"I don't have the clothes."
"I can't dance."
"I hate crowds."
"I have a broken leg."
Didn't matter, his hand was grabbed without his knowing and forced through the doorway. Being dragged down the hallway by a woman half his size wasn't exactly in good taste, nor helpful to one's observational skills. Nevertheless, he managed to catch a glimpse of something outside of the window. Something a lot larger than he probably realized considering they were several stories up. Ignoring it for now since his concentration was placed in his wrist, which he was about to gnaw through himself if she didn't let go.
"Al- Alright! Gah! Ok!" Gave in just like that, with the mere threaten of the loss of a hand; must make Isabella wonder how much good he'll be after all. Attempting to regain his footing, the hand that was still intact was used to brush off a gleaming cherry trench coat. His chin raised slightly towards her, grinning as if impressed by her strength. "...I hope you can dance...". Almost sounded like a challenge. His eyes narrowed and quick friendly nudge was offered to her shoulder.
"Oh, I can. I just hope you can.." Isabella's response was in kind to his, friendly by all means and designs as she looped an arm between that of her partner's. It seemed that, even if he hadn't the clothes to bring for their little evening excursion, she had. At least they were matching now, since her own attire had changed from the shining black (and subsequently torn) every-occasion dress to the fire engine red tango gown. It was about as impossible as anything to tell, only a short while beforehand she had been in the bowels of the area fighting for her health and her partner's life from a decaying conglomeration of body parts, and she'd been torn up a good deal -- bright and buoyant, not a single cut visible anywhere on her body.
She'd even apparently found the time to fix her hair - all pulled upwards atop her head, a few curled ringlets plastered to high boned cheeks, and down to the nape of her neck. Plum lips glistening, bare legs and red stilettos - she'd gone all out and it was obvious by her demeanor this was something she truly looked forward to.
A few steps ahead was an extremely ornate door, a servant waiting to receive the guests for the night. As Dante grew closer his feet began to move less and less.
"Uhh... Y'know I think I saw something back ... near our room ... I mean, we want to get the jump on any of those, things that could be ambushing us, right? ... So we better ... y'know, go back babe. Really, we can dance later." He smirked. It was actually a rather intelligent idea, however he somehow knew it wasn't going to work. He began to turn around and walk the other way when the butler spoke.
"Oh, you're late Miss Isabella..." Of course they were, it took a fight just to get him out of the room. It seemed as though they were all waiting for them. "You're the guest of honor..."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Notes
Sorry for the lack of updates, we = lazy. Sexy dancing Dante and much more to come, so ... yeah. -Gup
Come on get up and dance to the music
Get up get up and dance
If you feel it in your bones, yeah
I suggest you get it on girl
Yeah you better not blow this chance now
Here's the music get up and dance yeah
Yeah yeah
Move move move to the funky beat
And we're groovin
Groovin groovin groovin
Till you're hot as heat
And we're move
Move move move to the funky beat
And we're groovin
Groovin groovin groovin
Till you're hot as heat
~Get up and dance, Freedom
Chapter Ten
Take a Chance
[By Ultema and Guo]
Inconspicuous and completely obvious at the same time, as the two humanoids shuffled out of his field of view, the bird shifted a pair of eyes in the general direction of what was apparently its left wing. These quarters were extremely cramped for something of its size, and he had been there quite some time.
"They're gone." An unusually low, ebbing voice poured forth from between the multiple pairs of beaks that somehow formed a single mouth.
A few moments after the voice stated the obvious, hands emerged from the wing section of the "wall." Spreading the feathers apart, the dark mask of Vergil peered through the space.
"I can see that..." Having a large amount of trouble getting in between the feather shafts with his immobile suit of armor, he tripped, staggering forward and catching himself right above one of the largest pieces of the creature the two had just defeated.
"Are you sure it was a good idea to let them leave? ... After all, I'm sure he would have liked to have them brought to him." The tone of his voice was one that suggested arrogance. A surprising comment from the man who actually helped the two's cause before ... of course he didn't know whether anyone knew that or not, namely the bird he was talking to.
"We're here to observe, not interfere -- yet." In response to the tone of voice the masked figure used, the feathers seemed to push outwards slightly as the massive bird aired them out. His caustic tone reverberating more loudly than before, as he was sure the duo was out of range by now.
A single crimson eye turned to consult the figure of Vergil from a distance, as he was still unable to move from his spot just yet. A clawed foot appeared from under the wing, before the beast of an avian pushed himself up with a low groan, as it seemed even demons had their shares of aches and pains in physical bodies. The "wall" removed, an open courtyard appeared on the other side, slick with rain.
"And since when have you wanted to turn her in?"
Vergil turned his head slightly... very slightly, in fact it seemed as though that was as far as his armor would allow it to go. The "humph" resounded a few times in an odd, artificial sounding echo, was all that was given in response to the bird. He reached down and retrieved a piece of what looked like the brain.
"I still can't believe they were able to take out that disgusting concoction of death that Mundus loved oh so much, so quickly..." Throwing the piece down, it splattered into multiple pieces with an odd squishing sound. Vergil almost seemed to shudder within his armor when he talked about the creature. He didn't quite understand what was so appealing about rotting flesh.
In a flash of light, and he was facing the other direction, standing in the middle of the courtyard. Not too far forwards seemed to be another exit, perhaps even right out of the castle -- which would probably annoy Dante beyond belief if he found he could circumvent the whole tunnel process. The courtyard was perhaps the exact opposite of the area they were just in. It was clean, fresh smelling, and absolutely gorgeous -- lush greenery, marble fountain, a true pleasure to the senses.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Vergil's arm rose up above his head, and cupped his hand towards the bird, signaling it to come follow him.
Without response to Vergil's lack thereof, the bird ambled towards his current companion, looming stories above the shorter figure with his feathers still fluffed outwards; beads of rain repelled by the resistant, ridged-but-fluffy-soft quills as his footsteps brought a slight shaking sensation to the entire ground. Truthfully, it was a wonder that the whole place hadn't come down already. It didn't take too long for him to come abreast of the other, where he paused and took an idle glance towards the swirling clouds above.
"Don't forget, Euryon is one of us, as well. And the other is not exactly useless, either. Omniselciaxi is only so effective. It was bound to happen, we simply must come up with something better, next time." Strangely calm for the massive, multi-headed bird, he turned again, to bring half of the many eyes that surrounded his mouth towards the Knight so many feet below. Though his calmness wasn't entirely out of character, it depended on whom he was dealing with.
Vergil knew he was right. Dante was most likely a formidable opponent for either of them. But nevertheless, it wasn't helping his situation with his master, Mundus ... or with Isabella, and therefore, he had a reason to be upset, in his mind.
"Well, we aren't to let them out of our sight... " The clanking of his feet made an interesting combination of sound and vibration when combined with the fluttering of his avian companion. In other words, just about anyone who wasn't deaf and had half a brain could tell they were coming for miles away.
It was around dinner time they finally arrived to the part of the castle where Dante and Isabella were staying. It wasn't a long walk or anything, but the difficulties of moving within the castle with an enormous bird, as well as a 'coffee break' every couple minutes just to talk delays one's actions quite a bit. When Vergil made it to the outside of the door he crouched down, at first attempting to look through the keyhole, and later decided that he'd have to remove his helmet in order to see anything.
"Ah, they're about to eat dinner."
For some reason, it just didn't seem like much of a surprise considering they had seen the butler bring them food from down the hallway just a few minutes prior.
Lucky for the both of them, the mammoth bird had found it more economical to not squeeze himself through too much of the more populated corridors, and remain outside away from any windows or prying eyes. The last thing anyone needed was for some small child to come up and proclaim that a big "birdie" was sitting outside, staring in the windows. The weather seemed to be in their favor, thankfully, as the rain continued to pour heavily.
"I'm surprised," the bird cooed coolly as yet again a single huge eye bore down on the walking suit of armor. "At meal times here, the humans put on a dinner and dance for their guests. I wouldn't think Euryon would pass that opportunity up." But then again, it was also surprising that Euryon had passed up the opportunity to devour the Hunter. After all, it tended to work in such a way where despite the ends Isabella wanted to meet, Euryon was sure to want a snack or two.
The intelligent beast's voice was easily heard through the window, to just about anyone within a 50 foot radius, luckily some sort of argument was keeping the pair's attention in the room, although one of them did stutter when he had spoke.
"Would you be quiet?! At least talk quietly..." Vergil had started in a shout and ended in a whisper. "It seems as though they're arguing about something... maybe whether to go back? ... I can't tell -- no wait ... it's about..." He trailed off, as Dante's voice got louder.
"For the last time, I'm NOT going to the dance!" Dante's arms crossed over his chest for a moment, before glancing down at his food, and deciding to take another spoonful of the slop that they were having.
Vergil couldn't help but chuckle, luckily the sound of his laugh was not quite as distinguishable, nor as loud with out his helmet on.
" ...... " The bird simply refrained from speaking, though thoughts of not being a parrot were swimming through his mind as he sat in the rain, watching his companion take up what could have been the flag of a voyeur and stalker. Keen ears trained on the voices within, several brow-ridges cocked on each of the many heads perched on his shoulders.
"Why are you so disagreeable!?" Isabella bellowed out, now standing at the door with her hands on her hips, her backside in full view of the keyhole for a moment or two before she proceeded to storm her way towards her partner.
"Come on, we're going!" Her voice rang out again, as Griffon found his mind wandering aimlessly on the fact that a demoness could be so human. He would have laughed, would it not have been an utter giveaway and completely out of his personality.
Vergil seemed to have almost drooled when Isabella was near the door, beads of sweat beginning to form on his forehead. His hand lifted to loosen his collar, unnoticing of Isabella's new intent. By the time he looked back through the keyhole, she was basically opening the door. Having stayed there probably wouldn't be a good idea, and hiding against a wall or pretending he was a butler wasn't exactly a great choice either, after all, it wasn't like a large man in a clunky black, neon glowing suit of armor was incon-fucking-spicuous, was it? Grabbing his helmet and teleporting in a flash through the window at the last second, reappearing above the griffon, who's back he soon fell onto. Scrambling not to fall of the incredibly large bird, he got into a position to view the hallway.
Dante's eyes had refused to even look in her general vicinity since she even suggested the idea. Unfortunately for him, he didn't have much of a choice as to whether or not they'd be attending the ball. Every excuse imaginable failed miserably:
"I don't have the clothes."
"I can't dance."
"I hate crowds."
"I have a broken leg."
Didn't matter, his hand was grabbed without his knowing and forced through the doorway. Being dragged down the hallway by a woman half his size wasn't exactly in good taste, nor helpful to one's observational skills. Nevertheless, he managed to catch a glimpse of something outside of the window. Something a lot larger than he probably realized considering they were several stories up. Ignoring it for now since his concentration was placed in his wrist, which he was about to gnaw through himself if she didn't let go.
"Al- Alright! Gah! Ok!" Gave in just like that, with the mere threaten of the loss of a hand; must make Isabella wonder how much good he'll be after all. Attempting to regain his footing, the hand that was still intact was used to brush off a gleaming cherry trench coat. His chin raised slightly towards her, grinning as if impressed by her strength. "...I hope you can dance...". Almost sounded like a challenge. His eyes narrowed and quick friendly nudge was offered to her shoulder.
"Oh, I can. I just hope you can.." Isabella's response was in kind to his, friendly by all means and designs as she looped an arm between that of her partner's. It seemed that, even if he hadn't the clothes to bring for their little evening excursion, she had. At least they were matching now, since her own attire had changed from the shining black (and subsequently torn) every-occasion dress to the fire engine red tango gown. It was about as impossible as anything to tell, only a short while beforehand she had been in the bowels of the area fighting for her health and her partner's life from a decaying conglomeration of body parts, and she'd been torn up a good deal -- bright and buoyant, not a single cut visible anywhere on her body.
She'd even apparently found the time to fix her hair - all pulled upwards atop her head, a few curled ringlets plastered to high boned cheeks, and down to the nape of her neck. Plum lips glistening, bare legs and red stilettos - she'd gone all out and it was obvious by her demeanor this was something she truly looked forward to.
A few steps ahead was an extremely ornate door, a servant waiting to receive the guests for the night. As Dante grew closer his feet began to move less and less.
"Uhh... Y'know I think I saw something back ... near our room ... I mean, we want to get the jump on any of those, things that could be ambushing us, right? ... So we better ... y'know, go back babe. Really, we can dance later." He smirked. It was actually a rather intelligent idea, however he somehow knew it wasn't going to work. He began to turn around and walk the other way when the butler spoke.
"Oh, you're late Miss Isabella..." Of course they were, it took a fight just to get him out of the room. It seemed as though they were all waiting for them. "You're the guest of honor..."
Author's Notes
