Chapter theme: UNDERTALE 5th Anniversary Concert- Once Upon a Time - YouTube

Terminology:

SDT: SUBTERRANEAN DEMON TRIBE, often used to describe sentient and non-aggressive demons.

USF: UNITED SUBTERRANEAN FRONT, the recognized sovereign citizens of the Ebott. Valley demon association.

NNH: New New Home, the town's name. The only city located in the USF.

Central: Central Government, central city, the main human settlement where the Grand Senate is instated.

WG: World Government, The coalition of governments, cities and island states, headed by the Grand Senate.

WM: World Military, the standing widespread military for the entire world bar a few states and countries.

OTS: Order Of The Sword, a religious faction mainly situated in the city of Fortuna, radical Sparda worshippers.

Disclaimer: Certain aspects of this story are based on a loosely fictional and exaggerated version of reality, of what is possible, of what could be, of the relationships we see day to day, between people, nations, and anything in between, to understand this is to understand that there is no agenda… Make your own conclusions, what you think is right.

I own nothing.

Sin Trigger.

Vergil had faced all sorts of challenges and hurdles in his short life, facing a God? Simple. Facing his heart? A little harder, but he still managed to do it… Learning to love? Okay, perhaps a little challenging. But… At this very moment in time, he felt as if any power of understanding he had would be lacking against the being in front of him…

"I am Diana, the Green soul."

Vergil merely glared at the woman as she uttered those words, "Is that supposed to mean something to me?" He could see her eyes quite well, it wasn't an exclusive title to her.

She pursed her lips, "Maybe not, but time has a way of revealing secrets." The half-devil felt his brows furrow, he was already regretting coming here if this was the vague nonsense he was being faced with.

"Right…"

Vergil glanced around the room without the commotion of dozens of courtesans to block his view, he noted how relatively simple the decor was compared to the extravagance of the dresses worn by the courtesans. But that wasn't to say this place wasn't well on the eyes, maple walls of wooden brown were soft on the eyes… A comforting glare.

Ifalna brushed against him suddenly, "Exalted one, you wanted our help didn't you?" The minute shock of her calm and gentle touch flushed through his body like static, his heart flushed with rare anxiety.

"Don't call me that…"

He brushed a strand of silver hair back into place, "However… Yes I do, but I'm far more curious about Diana knowing my father." The wood creaked as Diana took a long stride towards him, a soft and gentle stride… Yet with the confidence of a true master.

He blinked a few times, his breath hitching as the Mistress reached up to cup his face. Vergil felt the warmth of her gentle caress, his breath quickened as Diana hummed to herself.

"The resemblance is uncanny… All you're missing is the monocle my dear boy, wonderful."

Vergil snapped to attention suddenly and slapped her hands away, standing to his full height and glaring down at the headmistress. "I do not know what games you are playing Diana, but I shall not partake."

She poked him in the nose, stunning him momentarily. "A game? Is that what you call it?" Diana giggled as Vergil gnawed at his teeth agitatedly, circling the half devil with a wry smile on her perfect features.

Vergil felt himself stiffen against her slight touch, "You are shorter… Thinner. But that's to be expected, hehe." Diana ducked underneath Vergil's enclosing palm, casually avoiding his rebellious grip.

She looks at his attempt to grab her arm, "Not exactly kind are we." Chuffing.

Vergil grumbled, retaining his coolness. "How droll…." She could only press her fingers together in delight at his temper, batting her eyelashes.

Diana took his hands in her own, "Oh don't be such a stick in the mud, your father had such a nice smile." Again she'd referenced his father, how could she possibly have known anything about him? Much less his smile? Vergil let his imagination run wild, but nothing… Nothing came up, this woman before him was draped in a mystique he couldn't unravel with the mind's rationality or logic.

She defied common reasoning, an anomaly. Ifalna seemed just as confused at her behavior, the younger of the two women had stifled into the edge of the lounge. Vergil knew regret now for his actions.

Eyes beginning to glow dimly, Vergil etched a menacing glare in her direction. "I won't repeat myself a third time, how did you know my father?" Diana chuckled mirthfully, almost condescending.

"Your father? This city was born in his image, of course I know your father."

"Foolish, you described his features perfectly. You know something more."

"Mhm, well assuming I do… What good does that do you? Sparda is long gone."

"I'd learn just what kind of witch is before me, for one…" The bite in his tongue is ever amusing to the witch. But to Ifalna, she hopes to pull his ear for that remark.

"Haha, a witch you say?" Diana twirled as if complimented by his abbreviation, her eyes sparkling with hidden mischief. Vergil merely clenched his fist, an electrical aura rolling off his shoulders and filling the room with a heavy electric charge.

And yet, Mother Diana… She held an unearthly stature, a woman who even in the face of his power… Was not afraid or threatened in the slightest, he could feel the shaking Ifalna and the fear she felt… Yet Diana couldn't stop smiling at him.

She caught his eyes, one for one. "I have a bigger question for you, why of all times has a son of Sparda decided to come to this city?"

Looking away, Vergil scoffs. "That is none of your concern."

She grabs a nearby photo, "So on edge…" Sighing, she begins to caress the portrait.

"I'm-"

Placing it down, she flicks the young man on the nose. "Tut tut, you want our help don't you?"

"... That would be appreciated, yes." He wasn't ashamed, yet it felt wrong to ask for help from her. Especially from her of all people. But he knew better.

Chiding him, "A bit of kindness goes a long way, it's always best to be confident and such… But helping others can bring you joy."

Vergil… Vergil knew this, he knew it well. Letting his body fall lax and his gaze softens, the half-devil finally relaxed. "My apologies, it has been a stressful day…"

Diana smiled warmly at him, pulling Ifalna into her arms and squeezing her tightly. "You rescued this darling did you not?" The shorter woman tried to squirm out of Diana's hold, mewling like a young child being held to tight against her mother's bosom.

"M-mother… What are you doing?!"

"Hush now, you got into trouble again, didn't you?"

She stopped struggling, "Well… Yes."

'Hm… Ifalna must've had a past of troublemaking.' Vergil mused as he watched the two women, although very clearly not related, behave much like a mother and a daughter would… Oddly, Diana appeared to be no older than Ifalna herself. Vergil knew how to handle these situations with pinpoint precision, you couldn't let someone get too distracted when you needed their assistance. Which Diana was obviously attempting to play games with his mind, a foolish endeavor.

Of course… That's what he told himself anyway.

Vergil speaks up, forcefully. "She was in the clutches of a demon; I saved her and came here in search of allies… But I've found a mystery instead." His eyes concentrate entirely on the being before him, a being of certain mystery. "Just who are you? Diana of the green."

As if she was mocking him, "You just answered your question, but I take it you want to know what that means?"

Vergil crossed his arms, steadfast. "I want to know how you met my father; he was a very elusive figure in the time before his passing."

Waving him off, Diana leaned against the table. "Every woman has her secrets; you wouldn't deny this old crone that would you?"

"... You seem no older than Ifalna."

"I'm going to take that as a compliment, isn't she just the cutest little dear?"

"..."

Vergil was not one to consider the attractivity of others or their features in general, the only feature he felt drawn to was the eyes of a woman engorged in flame… But will power mattered more, far far more. He supposed that Ifalna was a respectable person for her brave if reckless actions, a kind soul compared to the cruelty of Fortuna.

But that was all she was, a kind soul. She couldn't change anything by merely being kind, some men would not listen to reason, and some men could not.

Vergil knew that in the end, some men had to be punished.

He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose, "I gather you wish to remain secretive..." Vergil could only grumble at the idea of her meticulous deflections, she must've been a woman who enjoyed playing games with the minds of others… Or maybe just the minds of half-devil Sparda spawn'. Regardless, he had no time to play these games. Regardless if the urge for knowledge was so great or not. She was a curious entity.

Either way, his curiosity has peaked.

And that curiosity was not enough to overrule his duty.

"I need to find a boy, he's gone missing and the more ears listening… The better."

Vergil cracked his neck, "What do you know about the Order…" His lips parted, but no other words came out for a moment… "And their-" As if a weight greater than any he's ever felt landed squarely on his shoulder, Vergil felt the sudden glare of a being far greater than he initially imagined.

Her eyes burned green, "You wish to go against the Order do you? To uproot the very foundation of this city hm? Are you strong enough to face the storm ahead?"

The world slowed to a stop, Vergil watched as Ifalna became less and less animated until finally… Her face had been frozen in time, the only two beings capable of moving in this expanse… A faint light of emerald, green kissed his skin, and Vergil felt Deja Vu. Just like the time before all of this in the underground with the jovial skeleton brothers, the world around him ceased to act, a stop motion, all stood still.

'Time has stopped… Again.'

The cold hearth of the world matched the change of glare Diana had, her eyes burning with a calculating judgment now… Gone was the smile, gone was the kindness… Diana cut to the chase.

"Then show me it." She asked him in this world frozen in time.

"Show me your true form."

"Your DEVIL TRIGGER."

He'd shown Ifalna who he was, that he was a man behind those demonic scales and no God… But Diana requested he show his devil side, his true form… Almost as if she was testing him. As if she wanted to see if he truly was who he said he was, the son of Sparda.

'Is that it? A demonstration is what she desires?'

"Hm, so be it!"

His transformation was quick and effortless, a flash of lightning, and where once stood a man, now stood a devil. It was always exhilarating to embrace the primal side of oneself, the draw of bloodlust only a single step away at all times…

Vergil controlled his well.

And Diana thanked him for it, "Well… Isn't that just divine, look at you!" She practically teleported next to the son of Sparda, poking at his scales. "I must say, I prefer this to Sparda's true form… It's almost… Regal." Brushing a hand over his inflamed body, Diana took a meager step back and clenched her hands into a fist.

The world thrummed with his power yes, but beneath the skin of the woman roared to life another power…

Diana's elaborate dress began to flow in a storm of her creation, emerald light burning down the line of her arm… Burning into a solid construct. Runes and demonic sigils burn to life as a pyre reveals the form of devil gauntlets, a shining silver metal draped in emerald, a green-light. The gauntlets had several saws imbedded into its mechanisms, almost rippling with energy as it was, Vergil felt the all too familiar thrum of power. A faint whispering from the spirit of a fallen devil.

A devil arm.

Vergil felt his breath hitch… 'A devil arm?' Much like his Yamato. That could only mean that… This woman before him, this being of mystique and forlorn.

She had slain a devil.

When? How? Vergil asked himself these questions as her gaze hardened to the point of violent intent, the kinetic energy radiating from each breath she took… The air vibrated around her before a single step propelled Diana forth, at blistering speed… Vergil grunted and casually raised a hand to cover his face. Catching her gauntleted fist with a resounding crack, Vergil was pushed back only an inch… The half-devil slowly peeled her outstretched fist out of sight, catching her gaze as well.

Impressed, admiration in her eyes. "You're strong… Not even Gilgamesh can harm you, hm." The name of the devil arm, interesting… Vergil felt the pressure on his arm fade away as Diana recalled her blow, the animosity fading away. A whirlwind of questions swirling around in his head, just who was this woman? The question was painful, he wished to know. Just who was Diana, she who was capable of slaying a devil? Just how was that possible for a human to do? With no malice, no LOVE? It simply didn't add up, her powers, her age, her wisdom. It all did not make sense to the half-devil.

The mistress recalls her devilarm, pulling the weapon back into her soul. "We will help you find this boy, and we will do what we can for a son of Sparda… But, I want one thing in return." Diana caressed the still face of Ifalna, her visage still stuck in time.

Her green eyes framed a dutiful request, "Take her with you would you not, Ifalna has a pure heart… She doesn't belong in this place, she never has."

It was admittedly odd to see such a kind-hearted woman living in the slums, and Vergil could not deny the very apt sense of empathy that grew both day and night within him ever since his ascension…

Rolling his shoulders in frustration, Vergil released his transformation and became a man once again. "You'd have me take care of this delicate flower? You think that'd do her a service? Insanity." Vergil quipped with a shake of his head, "I am no bleeding heart."

"Oh don't worry my dear, Ifalna has many talents… I'm not asking for you to protect her, just give her a chance to escape from this life, won't you?"

Hm… If someone was to reach for help, Vergil knew he must… That is what he swore to do back then as well. To reach a helping hand out to those who need it, regardless of who they are… And Ifalna was a pure heart he could gather that much, did she not deserve it?

"... I suppose that's agreeable, Bianca could use some help with the bar…" Diana had an odd look in her eyes, but just as quickly as it came, it went… Still, Vergil couldn't place just what was going on behind that mirthful gaze of hers.

Diana bowed, lifting her dress just a little. And then time resumed.


It was a flicker, almost. Suddenly Diana had moved without moving, appearing in a different spot than before… The conversation had abruptly ended, Ifalna scratched the side of her head. Her green eyes narrow in confusion.

Tonight surely was one of confusion for her. She suspected it had something to do with the exalted son… Of course, it did. He saved her after all, she recalled this vividly every waking moment since. Ifalna only could hope that the son of Sparda could actually help them all.

Diana was blowing to the young man, "Erm… Mother?" She rubbed her eyes trying to correct her vision, but Diana… The headmistress was bowing to Vergil, it was fitting to bow to a son of GOD she supposed… But still, Diana had never bowed to anyone.

Not even during prayer.

The last thing she heard was Vergil mention something about a boy, who? Just a boy, that's all. But a lost boy was a lost child, and she felt almost as if she was reliving a memory when thinking about it… Scraping through the streets to survive, no one to rely on, no one to depend on… That was all you could hope for.

She wished to pay him back for saving her life, but just to what extent Diana would put her through to do that was met with-

"You want me to do what?" Ifalna practically squeaked, her face flushing red…

Diana pressed their hands together, "Oh come on, don't give me that look…" The mistress wanted her… She wanted her to go with the exalted son, to escape this place.

Her breathing picked up, "B-but what about you and and the rest? I can't just leave you all here!" Ifalna piped up with worried eyes, swallowing suddenly as the idea of escaping… It bombarded her from all sides.

Diana kneeled down with Ifalna's hands in her own, "My dear, dear girl… You've been with us all your life, a light in all our eyes. But you can't stay here forever, I know you yearn to see beyond the slums."

Ifalna nodded solemnly, "Maybe I do but…" She glanced over her home, "My duty is here… Who would play chess with old Avery? Or help Jasmine with her knitting or-" Diana shushed the fretting woman with a single finger, Ifalna released a high-pitched dissatisfied hum.

"You don't want to grow all wrinkly and old like me dear, don't stress-"

"You're not wrinkly… You're the most beautiful person I know!"

"Flattery will get you nowhere, now go along, pack your stuff!"

"..." Ifalna looked towards the half-devil of the hour, noticing how he was tapping his arm in almost impatience.

What did Diana want her to do? She wasn't particularly skilled at fighting or anything, she could sing and tend to flowers… That was it. She was better here, better in the slums where she could help out-

'But…Don't you want anything more?'

Did she?

Was there more to life than this existence of lust and sin? She was… She was tainted by this place, it felt wrong to move away from it, felt wrong to reject it and move on.

But when she saw his eyes… Vergil eyes, the exalted son seemed cold… Emotionless at times, but in his eyes at that very moment… She saw…

Sympathy.

For her?

Vergil sighed, "If it is truly what you wish, then you must take it…" He pulled out a white business card with four letters in bold, two addresses and a phone number unlike any other.

He handed her the card, "RISE?" She inspected it and looked up to see Vergil with his back turned to the both of them.

"Think of it, Ifalna."

"What you want, cultivate your desires… Only then can you help others."

Diana opened her mouth to add onto what he said, but quickly decided against it. His words of advice weren't what she expected to hear from the cutthroat half-devil, his words softened… As did his eyes.

Much like Sparda.

And then the half-devil left, wordlessly and without any warning, Vergil was gone. Ifalna couldn't even shout out to him, couldn't even beg him to stay… It was all too soon, too sudden.

Diana placed a hand on her shoulder, "That boy is struggling to be human… But if he's anything like Sparda, then you would do much better helping him than staying here."

Ifalna remained still for a moment, eyes glaring at the wooden door. "I… I know, he saved my life… He is the son of the savior, but… I can't just-"

Diana placed a hand on her shoulder, "My dear, you've given to this community all you have…" Her knuckles burned white, "Don't deny your heart, don't deny the call." Ifalna grit her teeth in worry, shaking her head before running off into the next room…

Diana sighed as she went, turning to the gigantic portrait behind her… A man of familiar regal stature, the sight of a lover once lost. But she did not look towards the larger than life portrait, no- Diana reached for a smaller portrait, a humbler depiction of a smiling group of friends, numbered seven in whole… Diana saw him with a smile, saw herself standing next to him and the others… She wished they were here, all together.

She brought the portrait up to her breast, hugging it close. "Oh Dialou, how I wish… How I wish things were different."

The so-called Dialou had piercing red eyes and shoulder length auburn hair, his smile was enough to send butterflies fluttering through her gut… But the forlorn memory of rage and brimstone settled it quickly. For every virtue, there was a sin…

"If only you were here to guide him… I was never as strong as you…"

To guide a son of Sparda… One needed to be resolved above all else, to persevere against the cruelty of the world… Without the kindness of humanity, Sparda could've never awoken to justice.

If his legacy was to follow, then they must see the kindness of man…


The sun grew twice as bright every moment, edging over the clouds and casting his shadow across the empty street… The shadow of a devil, not a man. Vergil suspected that this wasn't the last time he'd meet Diana of the green, the mystery of how she knew so much… An old soul. Vergil could only wonder how she was so young seemingly, and yet, she held the wisdom of an elder.

'No matter… I've wasted too much time; my venture last night was a message to the order… They will see.'

'The strong shall win this war, not of body… But of mind, of the heart.'

Vergil thought back to Ifalna, a woman with a heart of gold from what it seemed… Yet unable to reach out for what she wanted. She was strong of the heart, yet weak of the mind… She could be kind, but how could the woman teach others to be kind? Not here, not in the comfort of the norm. One had to move beyond their comfort zone to truly make a change. It was disappointing to the half-devil, he imagined that in another world… Without the fear of the new, the unknown, the beyond… Humans could move past their nature just as easily, to accept their heart. But how? How could he convince them? How could he convince them to see others as the individuals they are, to value those even if they are lesser?

Just as Vergil had long ago.

Tap!

Tap!

Tap!

Each ear jostled at the sound of soles striking the asphalt, his soles coming to a stop and leaving him still in the center of the road… He could hear huffing and puffing behind him, laboured breaths being exhumed….

"You walk… Too fast!"

His lips curved into a small smile, but the half-devil quickly stifled his growing elation. Turning to face the kindly woman who he'd saved hours ago, "So, you chose." She didn't give a response at first, now wearing a pink dress much less sultry looking, her hair was tied into a ponytail with two bangs hanging over and covering those green eyes of hers from sight.

Ifalna raised a finger, keeled over from running so far… Vergil merely smirked and rolled his eyes, approaching the out of breath woman who propped herself up with the suitcase, and in her other hand a basket of… Flowers?

The son of Sparda took the suitcase from her causing Ifalna to release yelp as she fell to her knees, she tore her gaze from the ground and looked to the-

He held a warm hand out to her, his face shadowed by the golden glow of the sun… Ifalna's eyes trembled at the sight of his kindness…

They couldn't be more opposite… Ifalna quickly realized as she stared long into those blue eyes of his, the eyes of the savior. He didn't wear his heart out for all to see, Vergil hid his heart from others… Unlike her, but his heart shined just as bright did it not? Looking into those eyes of his, they seemed different… Like he had remembered something he had learned long ago.

"You choose well, humans are surprising in how they go against expectation, no?"

Ifalna finally smiled back at him, taking those words to heart. "Thank you, Vergil." She finally used his given name.

They could learn from another, she could teach him to be kinder, and he could teach her how to act out her will… Her wants and desires. The son of Sparda couldn't help but wonder just what her relation was with Diana, and who Diana was for that matter… But for now?

"Come on, we have much to do."

Vergil lifted Ifalna to her feet and turned to continue forward, walking towards the sunrise. They couldn't be more different as people, but that contrast was a good thing in the end… Vergil suspected that her kindness could be vital to the liberation of this city. If they would not listen to his strength, then maybe... They would listen to...

The liberation of the heart.


A/N: I love final fantasy 7.