Yay, an actual story update! Sorry it took so long, I'm lazy (yup, that's my excuse! ^_~)
Thanks for all the R&R everyone!
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Chapter 12: Inside the City
Within a small, square, metal room, a dozen TV monitors flickered back and forth as images of people entering a gate came and went. The City had security cameras scanning every person that entered through various gates in order to keep any devils out. Suspicious looking characters were stopped and questioned, although there were very few incidents of actual devils trying to get in. The three men who were on duty were watching the people for anything unusual, were, as usual, were very bored. Until…
"Stop," A woman's voice said.
One of the men gave a jerk and froze the image that was on a current monitor. He blinked at the sight of a silver haired man in red leather and carrying a large sword on his back. He looked like the average guy in this city. The man on duty gazed up at the woman who had ordered the freeze frame. "You see something, Preda?"
Preda, a young woman in her mid-twenties with a shock of dyed purple hair that fell across her face, leaned forward to stare at the image. "I've seen that face…where I have I seen that face?" She chewed on her lip as she tried to remember, then her eyes widened with recognition. She gestured at a computer. "Quick, bring me up the list."
In recent years, hunters of the City had stumbled upon a strange thing. The humans had always had a Most Wanted list for devils, yet they were very surprised that the devils had a Most Wanted list for humans too. The hunters had been unable to receive any information about those on the devil list other than a photo, however. Many were easily recognized, such as world leaders and religious figures like the Pope. A few were still unknown though, although every now and then one would come to light.
Preda's eyes narrowed as ten images came up on the computer including one of a silver haired guy in a red coat. "It's the same guy?" one of the men said in disbelief. "But who is he? No one makes it onto this list within out a reason."
Preda smiled to herself. "I have no idea. But I intend to find out."
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Dante, Ray, and Catullus, meanwhile, had found a place to spend the night. Before entering the city, Dante had stuffed Catullus under his coat (against much protest). While the little dragon might not be a devil, he did stand out. So Dante and Ray had wandered around seeing what the city had to offer. And it was a lot. Since it catered to people from all over the world (as well as a variety of types of hunters) the city was divided into sections for the comfort of each. There was a modern day part of skyscrapers and strange buildings that looked like something from a spaceport, there was a Chinatown area, there was a rustic 1700's looking area with wooden buildings, and so on. Dante and Ray opted for a rustic inn. The beds were creaky and the place was probably a nasty fire hazard, but it also had waitress in full traditional tavern wenching outfits, which Dante fully approved of.
Now, in the depths of night as the sounds of late night drinkers rose up from below, Dante shifted in his sleep, caught in a dream. He dreamed of a red and black twisting landscape, of dark creatures, and of blood that flowed like a river. And he saw bodies piled high with staring face, devil and human alike. And he saw himself sitting on top, grinning with crimson eyes.
Dante woke suddenly in a cold sweat and jerked upright into a sitting position on his bed. He closed his eyes and sucked in a few deep breaths. Damn it. He looked over at Ray who was on a bed next to his, and who still slept soundly. Catullus was apparently passed out on top of the TV again. Dante let out a long breath. Ever since he'd picked up the Staff in that temple, he'd been having these weird dreams…disturbing dreams. He fingered the gold hoop in his ear. Everyone told him the damn thing was important, but so far all it seemed to do was wake him up in night with dreams of killing people. He sighed and laid back down. For some reason he didn't want to tell Ray about the dreams, or Catullus for that matter. He didn't know why…it just seemed…like he should…keep…them…to…himse…
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From atop his perch on the TV, Catullus watched Dante's awakening as well as his rapid passing back into sleep. A smile crept up the dragon's face. Nothing stunned that boy for too long apparently. The smiled quickly fell away. Nothing had stunned him for too long yet, but…Catullus stretched suddenly, flaring his wings before settling back into place. The boy was, even if Sparda's son, still only half-breed. He was also apparently unaware of what exactly this meant for him. Catullus let out a breath through his nose. The poor guy would find out soon. Catullus was not looking forward to it. He had actually become quite fond of Sparda's wayward son. The boy reminded him so much of his father, but without the often stuffy genteel attitude the father would sometimes take. Catullus closed his eyes. I really should not being calling him a 'boy' at all, the dragon realized. He really is a man…a man I hope can survive himself in the times to come.
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The next morning met with a very weary Dante, a very weary Catullus, and a bright and chipper Ray. "I had a really weird dream last night," Ray commented while looking out the window, thus missing Dante going rigid. "I was at the circus, and the clowns were trying to sell me a elephant, but all I had to bargain with was coat hangers." Dante relaxed. "Yup," the hunter said, "weird dream."
After getting ready, and leaving Catullus in the room, they proceeded downstairs for breakfast. They sat down and discussed their plans. They agreed they needed to contact someone in charge and warn the City about Occasus and the approaching army. Having concluded this, they were surprised to have, while sitting around a small table eating bacon and eggs, a young woman sit down with them. She was dressed in black stretch pants, and a black t-shirt with a gray vest overtop it. Strapped to the outside of one leg was some type of short barreled gun. The most striking characteristic of all were the violet eyes glittered at them under a wave of equally violet hair. "Good morning," she said, "the name's Preda."
Dante and Ray exchanged glances. "Morning to you too, babe. No offense but this's not a public table," Dante said waving a fork at her.
Preda flashed them a smile. "Thanks, I figured as much. That's why I'm here on private business." She settled back her chair and got a look that said she was about to launch into a speech or lecture.
Dante gave her a flat stare, his fork in his mouth. "I don't suppose this can wait then." Dante felt like sighing. He knew these type of people. No matter what you said, they didn't leave until they got to say what they came to say.
Another blinding smile. "Nope," she replied cheerfully. Dante really did sigh. She rolled her eyes. "Please. All I'm really here for is to introduce you all to the city. When you entered yesterday you were noted as newbies here. There are so few people that really come and go that first-timers stand out. I'm here to answer any questions you have and to give you a tour if you want."
Dante shrugged. "I think we can manage on our own." Ray nodded.
Preda looked disappointed. "But this is my job…If I go back now I'll get yelled at," she said with her lip quibbling.
Dante popped some more egg in his mouth. "Sorry, but that's really not our problem." Ray shifted his chair suddenly and spoke in Dante's ear, "Hang on a second. We wanted to talk to someone in charge. Maybe this girl can help out." Dante considered it while Preda watched the low exchange. Dante finished his plate and stood up. "Fine, you get to be guide for a day. But we can drop you at anytime."
Preda clapped. "Great! I'll be waiting outside while you guys gather anything together you want to bring." She stood up and walked out the door.
Dante shook his head. "I hope she's worth this Ray. People should no be that cheery so early in the morning. I'll go get Catullus and--" Dante cut off the thought. Actually, there might be an easier way to stay in touch with the mini dragon. Dante tried to remember how to do the telepathy thing with the familiar.
Hey shorty, you there?
Gah! Demons and shedevils Dante, you gave me a heart attack. Of course I'm here, what do you want? The dragon snorted back.
We're getting a tour of the city from some purple haired chick. You can follow from above if you want.
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They'd been walking through the city for about half and hour. Preda was rambling about the City's history and random important buildings. Ray, information junkie that he was, was listening with rapt attention. Dante, being information bored as he was, was decidedly not paying the least attention. Blah blah blah…who cared when the City's courthouse was founded?
"You guys seem used to modern big cities. Where are you guys from?" Preda asked suddenly.
"Chicago," Dante answered.
"Oooo," Preda said. "The windy city. Fun town. Must be a lot there to keep you occupied eh?" Dante shrugged. Preda gave a tight smile. She was having a hellavu time getting information out of this guy. All she knew so far was that his name was Dante and he was from Chicago. She had a work buddy looking up info too and she hoped he was having more luck. Speaking of that, it was about time she contacted him…
"So anyways, over to you left is Kishi's Tavern, where you can buy exotic drinks and--"
Dante broke in and took Ray's arm.. "Excuse us for a second." Dante pulled Ray off to a corner. "This is just wasting time. We need to meet someone in charge, not get dragged through museums and shit." Ray looked disappointed, but he agreed. "Great!" Dante said. "I'll handle this then."
While the two had been having their conversation, Preda meanwhile had called her associate. "Did you find anything about him?" she asked over her communicator. It crackled back a reply: "Not much. His name's Dante, no last name found, and he runs a private devil hunting business in Chicago. He's got a reputation as one of the best hunters out there……There was also a rumor we found that the guy might be a half-breed."
Preda sucked in a breath. "Reeeeaaally…that's interesting. You know what that means." Only high level devils could take on a human form and thus were able to mate with humans. "So he's some bastard nobility who hates his father you think? Damn we know so little for a guy on the wanted list…Damn he's coming back, I'll talk to you later." Preda snapped her communicator shut and turned to meet Dante as he approached. "So?…"
Dante smiled. When in doubt, or in a hurry, he liked the direct approach. "There's an army of devils planning to attack this City, and they are probably very nearby right now. We need to talk to the mayor or whatever the hell you have here."
Preda's eyes almost popped out. That army's approach was classified information that only a few of the cities officials knew! "How do you know about that?" she demanded.
"Because I've seen it," Dante replied. "Now you can either take us to--" Dante stopped as the hair on the back of his neck prickled and a warning went off in the back of his mind.
he heard Catullus call through the mind link. Something's trying to get through the barrier that keeps the devils out of the city!
From the corner of his eye, Dante saw a small purple shape flapping around the rooftop across the street. This quickly went unnoticed, however, as right in front of his view a tornado…bulged…out of the sky and warped a semi translucent thing which Dante assumed must be the barrier. In the streets below, around the hunters, people were looking up and pointing. Preda looked pale. If the barrier broke… Suddenly the tornado seemed to shatter into a hole and was replaced by a familiar looking black vortex, out of which appeared
"Emena," Dante said grimly. The general smiled at him from her new perch.
"You remembered…I'm touched I hold a place in your heart my pet," she cooed.
Dante pulled out Alastor. "Devils don't deserve a place in the hearts of men. They are nothing but leftover street scum."
Emena looked surprised. "Strong words from someone who is half devil himself. But strength is just what I would expect from Sparda's son." This drew a murmur from the surrounding pedestrians. Preda shot Dante a quick look. So the rumor was true. And not just a half devil, but the legendary Dark Knight's son! No wonder he was on the most wanted list!
"Hmph," Dante said with a cocky flick of his head. "What do you want, Emena? I'm tired of chatter." He really was too. All this touring made he crave some action.
Emena gave him a huge smile that gave him the shivers. "Why I simply came to tell you that you are out of time my dear. Now the game truly begins." She raised her arms suddenly, and darkness sprang up and attacked area around the hole in the barrier. As the citizens of the City watched horrorstruck, the major defenses of their city were shattered in seconds. "Now the game truly begins, my pet," she purred before disappearing.
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Next Chapter: The War Begins
Thanks for all the R&R everyone!
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Chapter 12: Inside the City
Within a small, square, metal room, a dozen TV monitors flickered back and forth as images of people entering a gate came and went. The City had security cameras scanning every person that entered through various gates in order to keep any devils out. Suspicious looking characters were stopped and questioned, although there were very few incidents of actual devils trying to get in. The three men who were on duty were watching the people for anything unusual, were, as usual, were very bored. Until…
"Stop," A woman's voice said.
One of the men gave a jerk and froze the image that was on a current monitor. He blinked at the sight of a silver haired man in red leather and carrying a large sword on his back. He looked like the average guy in this city. The man on duty gazed up at the woman who had ordered the freeze frame. "You see something, Preda?"
Preda, a young woman in her mid-twenties with a shock of dyed purple hair that fell across her face, leaned forward to stare at the image. "I've seen that face…where I have I seen that face?" She chewed on her lip as she tried to remember, then her eyes widened with recognition. She gestured at a computer. "Quick, bring me up the list."
In recent years, hunters of the City had stumbled upon a strange thing. The humans had always had a Most Wanted list for devils, yet they were very surprised that the devils had a Most Wanted list for humans too. The hunters had been unable to receive any information about those on the devil list other than a photo, however. Many were easily recognized, such as world leaders and religious figures like the Pope. A few were still unknown though, although every now and then one would come to light.
Preda's eyes narrowed as ten images came up on the computer including one of a silver haired guy in a red coat. "It's the same guy?" one of the men said in disbelief. "But who is he? No one makes it onto this list within out a reason."
Preda smiled to herself. "I have no idea. But I intend to find out."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dante, Ray, and Catullus, meanwhile, had found a place to spend the night. Before entering the city, Dante had stuffed Catullus under his coat (against much protest). While the little dragon might not be a devil, he did stand out. So Dante and Ray had wandered around seeing what the city had to offer. And it was a lot. Since it catered to people from all over the world (as well as a variety of types of hunters) the city was divided into sections for the comfort of each. There was a modern day part of skyscrapers and strange buildings that looked like something from a spaceport, there was a Chinatown area, there was a rustic 1700's looking area with wooden buildings, and so on. Dante and Ray opted for a rustic inn. The beds were creaky and the place was probably a nasty fire hazard, but it also had waitress in full traditional tavern wenching outfits, which Dante fully approved of.
Now, in the depths of night as the sounds of late night drinkers rose up from below, Dante shifted in his sleep, caught in a dream. He dreamed of a red and black twisting landscape, of dark creatures, and of blood that flowed like a river. And he saw bodies piled high with staring face, devil and human alike. And he saw himself sitting on top, grinning with crimson eyes.
Dante woke suddenly in a cold sweat and jerked upright into a sitting position on his bed. He closed his eyes and sucked in a few deep breaths. Damn it. He looked over at Ray who was on a bed next to his, and who still slept soundly. Catullus was apparently passed out on top of the TV again. Dante let out a long breath. Ever since he'd picked up the Staff in that temple, he'd been having these weird dreams…disturbing dreams. He fingered the gold hoop in his ear. Everyone told him the damn thing was important, but so far all it seemed to do was wake him up in night with dreams of killing people. He sighed and laid back down. For some reason he didn't want to tell Ray about the dreams, or Catullus for that matter. He didn't know why…it just seemed…like he should…keep…them…to…himse…
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From atop his perch on the TV, Catullus watched Dante's awakening as well as his rapid passing back into sleep. A smile crept up the dragon's face. Nothing stunned that boy for too long apparently. The smiled quickly fell away. Nothing had stunned him for too long yet, but…Catullus stretched suddenly, flaring his wings before settling back into place. The boy was, even if Sparda's son, still only half-breed. He was also apparently unaware of what exactly this meant for him. Catullus let out a breath through his nose. The poor guy would find out soon. Catullus was not looking forward to it. He had actually become quite fond of Sparda's wayward son. The boy reminded him so much of his father, but without the often stuffy genteel attitude the father would sometimes take. Catullus closed his eyes. I really should not being calling him a 'boy' at all, the dragon realized. He really is a man…a man I hope can survive himself in the times to come.
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The next morning met with a very weary Dante, a very weary Catullus, and a bright and chipper Ray. "I had a really weird dream last night," Ray commented while looking out the window, thus missing Dante going rigid. "I was at the circus, and the clowns were trying to sell me a elephant, but all I had to bargain with was coat hangers." Dante relaxed. "Yup," the hunter said, "weird dream."
After getting ready, and leaving Catullus in the room, they proceeded downstairs for breakfast. They sat down and discussed their plans. They agreed they needed to contact someone in charge and warn the City about Occasus and the approaching army. Having concluded this, they were surprised to have, while sitting around a small table eating bacon and eggs, a young woman sit down with them. She was dressed in black stretch pants, and a black t-shirt with a gray vest overtop it. Strapped to the outside of one leg was some type of short barreled gun. The most striking characteristic of all were the violet eyes glittered at them under a wave of equally violet hair. "Good morning," she said, "the name's Preda."
Dante and Ray exchanged glances. "Morning to you too, babe. No offense but this's not a public table," Dante said waving a fork at her.
Preda flashed them a smile. "Thanks, I figured as much. That's why I'm here on private business." She settled back her chair and got a look that said she was about to launch into a speech or lecture.
Dante gave her a flat stare, his fork in his mouth. "I don't suppose this can wait then." Dante felt like sighing. He knew these type of people. No matter what you said, they didn't leave until they got to say what they came to say.
Another blinding smile. "Nope," she replied cheerfully. Dante really did sigh. She rolled her eyes. "Please. All I'm really here for is to introduce you all to the city. When you entered yesterday you were noted as newbies here. There are so few people that really come and go that first-timers stand out. I'm here to answer any questions you have and to give you a tour if you want."
Dante shrugged. "I think we can manage on our own." Ray nodded.
Preda looked disappointed. "But this is my job…If I go back now I'll get yelled at," she said with her lip quibbling.
Dante popped some more egg in his mouth. "Sorry, but that's really not our problem." Ray shifted his chair suddenly and spoke in Dante's ear, "Hang on a second. We wanted to talk to someone in charge. Maybe this girl can help out." Dante considered it while Preda watched the low exchange. Dante finished his plate and stood up. "Fine, you get to be guide for a day. But we can drop you at anytime."
Preda clapped. "Great! I'll be waiting outside while you guys gather anything together you want to bring." She stood up and walked out the door.
Dante shook his head. "I hope she's worth this Ray. People should no be that cheery so early in the morning. I'll go get Catullus and--" Dante cut off the thought. Actually, there might be an easier way to stay in touch with the mini dragon. Dante tried to remember how to do the telepathy thing with the familiar.
Hey shorty, you there?
Gah! Demons and shedevils Dante, you gave me a heart attack. Of course I'm here, what do you want? The dragon snorted back.
We're getting a tour of the city from some purple haired chick. You can follow from above if you want.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
They'd been walking through the city for about half and hour. Preda was rambling about the City's history and random important buildings. Ray, information junkie that he was, was listening with rapt attention. Dante, being information bored as he was, was decidedly not paying the least attention. Blah blah blah…who cared when the City's courthouse was founded?
"You guys seem used to modern big cities. Where are you guys from?" Preda asked suddenly.
"Chicago," Dante answered.
"Oooo," Preda said. "The windy city. Fun town. Must be a lot there to keep you occupied eh?" Dante shrugged. Preda gave a tight smile. She was having a hellavu time getting information out of this guy. All she knew so far was that his name was Dante and he was from Chicago. She had a work buddy looking up info too and she hoped he was having more luck. Speaking of that, it was about time she contacted him…
"So anyways, over to you left is Kishi's Tavern, where you can buy exotic drinks and--"
Dante broke in and took Ray's arm.. "Excuse us for a second." Dante pulled Ray off to a corner. "This is just wasting time. We need to meet someone in charge, not get dragged through museums and shit." Ray looked disappointed, but he agreed. "Great!" Dante said. "I'll handle this then."
While the two had been having their conversation, Preda meanwhile had called her associate. "Did you find anything about him?" she asked over her communicator. It crackled back a reply: "Not much. His name's Dante, no last name found, and he runs a private devil hunting business in Chicago. He's got a reputation as one of the best hunters out there……There was also a rumor we found that the guy might be a half-breed."
Preda sucked in a breath. "Reeeeaaally…that's interesting. You know what that means." Only high level devils could take on a human form and thus were able to mate with humans. "So he's some bastard nobility who hates his father you think? Damn we know so little for a guy on the wanted list…Damn he's coming back, I'll talk to you later." Preda snapped her communicator shut and turned to meet Dante as he approached. "So?…"
Dante smiled. When in doubt, or in a hurry, he liked the direct approach. "There's an army of devils planning to attack this City, and they are probably very nearby right now. We need to talk to the mayor or whatever the hell you have here."
Preda's eyes almost popped out. That army's approach was classified information that only a few of the cities officials knew! "How do you know about that?" she demanded.
"Because I've seen it," Dante replied. "Now you can either take us to--" Dante stopped as the hair on the back of his neck prickled and a warning went off in the back of his mind.
he heard Catullus call through the mind link. Something's trying to get through the barrier that keeps the devils out of the city!
From the corner of his eye, Dante saw a small purple shape flapping around the rooftop across the street. This quickly went unnoticed, however, as right in front of his view a tornado…bulged…out of the sky and warped a semi translucent thing which Dante assumed must be the barrier. In the streets below, around the hunters, people were looking up and pointing. Preda looked pale. If the barrier broke… Suddenly the tornado seemed to shatter into a hole and was replaced by a familiar looking black vortex, out of which appeared
"Emena," Dante said grimly. The general smiled at him from her new perch.
"You remembered…I'm touched I hold a place in your heart my pet," she cooed.
Dante pulled out Alastor. "Devils don't deserve a place in the hearts of men. They are nothing but leftover street scum."
Emena looked surprised. "Strong words from someone who is half devil himself. But strength is just what I would expect from Sparda's son." This drew a murmur from the surrounding pedestrians. Preda shot Dante a quick look. So the rumor was true. And not just a half devil, but the legendary Dark Knight's son! No wonder he was on the most wanted list!
"Hmph," Dante said with a cocky flick of his head. "What do you want, Emena? I'm tired of chatter." He really was too. All this touring made he crave some action.
Emena gave him a huge smile that gave him the shivers. "Why I simply came to tell you that you are out of time my dear. Now the game truly begins." She raised her arms suddenly, and darkness sprang up and attacked area around the hole in the barrier. As the citizens of the City watched horrorstruck, the major defenses of their city were shattered in seconds. "Now the game truly begins, my pet," she purred before disappearing.
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Next Chapter: The War Begins