Trish hastily made her way to the phone and started dialling in a number. The phone rang for many times before Trish was relieved to hear the sound of someone picking it up.
'Dante called you, didn't he?' said Trish immediately, jumping straight to the point. She paused. 'You're going to fight with us?' She drummed her fingers on the side table near by. 'I see. When are you coming?' Trish's hand sped towards a pen that lay on the same desk. Luckily there was a piece of paper near by also. 'I'll be seeing you then.' Without another word, she slammed the phone down and then sat down in shock on the sofa.
Though she hated to admit this, she wasn't looking forward to the rendezvous.
The moon was beginning to fade, but Arson was still wide awake as he roamed the streets. Anger fuelled his body, his senses were engulfed by it, and flames consumed his heart. Had he been thinking clearly, perhaps he wouldn't have run straight into the claw of the demon.
Arson snarled and backed off, only retreating a few paces before he crouched down into his fighting stance.
'Out of my way!' The Blade took no notice but only hissed. Just what Arson didn't want to see. Another demon to fight and destroy. He wanted to run away from all this. From all this senseless fighting. Arson continued to glare at the demon, still crouching, ready to fight if need be. The Blade actually looked at him and then considered it and turned tail. Before it fled, Arson imagined that it's beak of a nose was sniffing. The Blade stiffened and then gave vent to a guttural shriek and charged him.
A sudden flash of intuition caused Arson to gasp as he side stepped. Something inside him, possibly his own demon blood allowed him to understand what the Blade had been screaming.
'Angel! You shall die!' The threat itself was not all that imposing. But what caused Arson to be filled with dismay was the fact that he would never be able to escape the endless fighting simply because of the blood that ran within his veins. He cursed and neatly side stepped once more as the Blade launched itself at him with amazing speed. Arson did not escape completely unscathed. The Blade managed to lodge a claw deep into his shoulder and slashed downwards, ripping skin and tissue. Arson cried out in pain and tried to back away. The Blade had other ideas and moved forwards with him, ripping at him with the claw that was still embedded in his body. Arson made the mistake of trying to plunge forward to match his weight against that of the Blade's, only causing the wound to deepen.
The two swayed there, Arson holding one sword, trying to fend off the Blade that was squeezing him tight, trying to force the air from his lungs. The Blade hissed and then sank its teeth into his neck. This attack wasn't one that Dante had warned him about. In fact, the Blade wasn't as stupid as Dante had made them out to be. It seemed a lot faster then even Dante had been able to describe.
Arson cried out again in pain as the Blade dug deeper into his arm, ripping down again so then a large gaping gash had formed from his shoulder, running down to his forearm. Arson tried to move his injured limb, but found that it was excruciating to do so. He screwed his eyes shut in pain as the teeth closed down even tighter.
The Blade suddenly stiffened and drew away, shrieking in its dinosaur like cry, whipping its claws away from the hybrid, causing him to gasp in pain. Arson knew better then to think that the Blade had simply been merciful. Something had scared it off…and that something was here with him. Arson could tell by the demonic taint that it was far from friendly. He turned around, eyes widening as he saw that he was surrounded.
Abyss Goats hovered or crouched down around him, their wings thrumming the air. Arson turned around in a full circle, trying to see whether there was any way out for him to escape. There was none.
Arson knew then and there that he was in a dangerous predicament. Usually blades were no problem for him. Maybe it had been because he had been caught unawares that the demon had been so strong. Maybe it was because he had been shocked with his new revelation. Whatever the case, he would have normally have been able to take care of himself.
Arson held his injured arm with his other hand, wincing. Blood gushed out of the wound, dripping onto the ground. No doubt the new demonic arrivals would find this exciting. If anything, it would make them even more dangerous. Even Dante seemed to get excited at the sight of blood. Once when he was on a hunt, Dante had killed a demon…more came and Dante had found himself caught up in a blood lust. Even the usually ice blue colour of his eyes had turned a faint tinge of red.
Arson remembered this…and feared.
This was exactly the wrong thing to do. The demons sensed his fright. Immediately, two of the Abyss Goats that were flying unleashed a volley of yellow energy beams that spiralled towards him. Arson cart-wheeled to one side only to find that he had to keep running as more were sent his way.
Arson found that he was running in a full circle to escape the spells. The ground under his feet started turning black and then a pillar of evil black souls came reaching up to the sky. Arson was caught up in it and thrown back. He began to run in zigzags. Just as he was desperately wishing that he had taken Trish's present with him, a red shape hurtled into the circle of demons and whirled into action.
With one arm practically useless, Arson found himself standing back to back with Dante. The aquamarine eyes switched onto him for a moment, as cool as ice.
'So…what next?' Arson panted.
'Took a beating, didn't you?' Arson nodded tiredly. Dante's eyes locked on to the many goatlings that hovered around. He felt Arson move slightly closer to him and shiver. 'Scared?'
'Worried. They're smarter than before.'
'Nothing I can't handle.'
'That's what you think…' whispered Arson. Dante allowed a smile to pass over his face. Sparda hadn't done much of a job training him. Blood continued to drip onto the ground. The Abyss goats charged as one. Arson cried out in terror. Only then, did Dante realise exactly how bad the wound was and of how much blood Arson was beginning to lose. He searched the folds of his coat, only to find that he had no items with him.
The two started dodging, Arson trying to concentrate on healing his arm and neck while at the same time trying to attack. Dante was like a whirlwind of red. His sword cut through the air, humming as it moved. Abyss goats fell out of the sky as silver bullets zoomed through the air.
But they could not keep this up for long.
Arson soon forgot about trying to heal as he realised that the demons were ignoring him and closing in on Dante, who was quickly getting weary from battle. Arson decided then and there that he would have to act. He ran towards Dante quickly and stood back to back with him, slashing at the goatlings with one sword, while shooting flames out of his other hand.
Several gave vent to bellowing death cries at once as the two hybrids fought. Four were left. But by this time, they were both exhausted. Arson's arm was throbbing with pain and he began to feel light headed and dizzy. Both his own blood and that of the Abyss Goats splattered the stone ground. The sun was beginning to rise, dying the sky blood red.
The sun rose up over the horizon, momentarily blinding them both. The Abyss Goats chose this time to attack. Arson's vision cleared to see them coming. With another cry, and acting on pure instinct, he teleported away from them, coming to land behind them. He heard a strangled choked cry from his grandfather and turned to see the demons attacking Dante. He snarled with pure rage and ran towards them, a tornado of embers and fire as he morphed into his demonic form.
Four death cries cut through the air like a piercing knife. But the damage had already been done.
Dante was lying face down on the ground. Arson morphed out and blinked at the sight of his elder. He knelt down beside him and rolled him over onto his back. Blood tainted his silver hair red. His eyes lost their red colour and turned back into their aquamarine selves. They flickered slightly as they looked at Arson and then shut.
Arson hung his head with shame. Instead of staying to fight alongside his grandfather, he had thought only of himself and had tried to get away safely. He should have known better. He checked over Dante's wounds and was relieved to find that there was nothing seriously wrong with him. He was just exhausted, as was he. Dante had fought and killed much more than he had in that fight. He himself had been simply running away for the majority of the battle, trying to heal. Arson's sighed and waited patiently by is grandfather's side. After only a few minutes, the dizziness began to grow. He clutched his hand to his injured arm trying to stem the flow of blood. It only gushed out over his hand, making it wet and sticky.
He somewhat unsteadily got up and felt his neck. At least that had healed. He needed to find something that could help stop the blood. He stopped. But he couldn't just leave Dante there. He sighed and knelt down beside him again. Several minutes passed and Arson grew weaker and weaker. He was so tired…and he felt slightly cold. He shivered slightly and then felt his eyes drooping. At length, his eyes closed, and he fell into his side, in a deep faint.
Arson…Arson…wake up, Arson…arise…
I can't…just let me sleep…I'm so tired… But Arson…if you don't wake up, then something terrible will happen… Nothing can happen…it's so peaceful here…I feel warm…and safe. When I sleep, I don't have to fight…just let me stay like this…forever. I can't allow that. You will wake up. Pain blasted through his body like a cannon. Arson's body jerked and he opened his eyes. The pain began to fade away almost immediately. He was somewhere he didn't recognise. Even worse was the fact that there was some girl standing over him. He didn't recognise her either. He sat up quickly and looked around. 'Dante?' He's not here. He's safe. As are you. 'But he was with me. I was watching over him.' The girl smiled. The curly black hair seemed to crackle slightly with energy as her calm deep brown, almost black eyes looked down at him. Arson shivered slightly. We found you. You were dead. Arson's eyes widened. But we couldn't determine whether you belong with us…or elsewhere. Arson shivered again and lowered his eyes. 'Because of my blood, right?' Yes… Arson watched the woman for a little while longer, trying to think, trying to understand what was happening. The girl smiled and turned away from him slightly. A single brown feather floated down to the ground. Arson looked down at it, realization dawning on him. 'You're an angel?' Yes…we had to know whether you were really pure of heart.'Who are you? What's your name?'
I am an angel of the highest order. An archangel. My name is Ara. Arson looked up at her and smiled suddenly. He felt happy here and completely at peace. No more fighting. A sudden thought entered his mind.
'I'm not allowed in Heaven yet, am I? But you aren't sending me to Hell…what's going to happen to me? Will I be stuck in Limbo or something?' Ara laughed softly and reached out towards him to hold his hands. Arson smiled happily as he heard her laugh. Her hands felt so nice and warm against his own cold ones. Suddenly, a burning pain entered his arm.
This will hurt…squeeze my hand tight if need be…
For a few minutes, Arson felt nothing just the burning pain. He blinked and looked at Ara, who had closed her eyes as though in concentration. Suddenly, his body seized up. He tried to move away but pain ran through him each time he moved. His vision was blacking out with pain. Eventually, he could hear nothing but his own screams of pain. Something was sliding down his cheek but he wasn't entirely sure yet what it was. He felt someone's arms wraps around him, holding him close. The pain began to fade again. His vision became less hazy and became more clear. He realised that Ara was hugging him close, and that he had been forced into tears.
I know…it hurts a lot. But it had to be done. Arson was shaking with pain. His shoulders heaved as he drew in deep breaths, trying to calm himself.
'W-why?'
We needed to unlock your powers. The ones that have been hidden deep within because of your impure blood.
'Ara…'
You won't feel any different at first…but soon you'll realise what a help this will be.
'What's going to happen to me?' Arson found he was unable to think straight.
I'm sending you back. You've been given your life back. We need to determine where you belong. Arson pulled away slightly, and looked up at her. He wasn't free yet. The only way he could ever be free was if he died.
'Please…please don't send me back. I can't do this anymore. I just can't…fight like he does.'
Your grandfather?
'He can do that…fight day after day after day…on and on? I can't.'
Arson…don't you ever think he tires of it? For he does. But he fights all the same. Because he doesn't want anyone to go through the pain of what he did. Arson's eye narrowed.
'He has a reason…I don't.'
So you say…what about those you love? You need to protect them. Or help them. Arson sighed and then nodded. Pain returned to his arm. He could feel something wet trickling down it again. His eyes closed and he leant against her. Ara seemed to know how he was feeling and wrapped her arms gently around him.
It will all work out for the best…you'll see, Arson…Arson didn't open his eyes. He was slumped against her. No move or sound came from the hybrid. Arson…Arson? Arson, wake up! Please wake up!
Arson's eyes snapped open to find himself lying on a bed. A bandage had been wrapped tightly around his arm. Xyphos and Trish were bending over him, Trish dabbing at his forehead with a warm but damp towel. Xyphos was standing behind her, watching him nervously. When she saw he had opened his eyes, she flung her arms around him and started crying.
'Arson it was awful…' Arson moved his good arm so then he was holding her, despite still lying on his back. Trish looked relieved to see him awake. Arson arched his back slightly in pain, screwing his eyes shut.
'Argh…my whole body aches…' Trish continued to gently wipe at his forehead. Xyphos looked alarmed by this and looked at Trish, who only shook her head. She gently placed a hand on Arson's chest, feeling his heartbeat. It was somewhat weak and unsteady but Trish had a feeling that Arson would be okay. Which was amazing considering when she had brought him in, Arson's heart wasn't beating. His body had been ice cold and limp. Trish had thought he was dead.
Arson's eyes had closed again, but now thinking about the beautiful angel that had visited him, he couldn't help but wonder whether it was all a dream.