With a hooded cloak wrapped around him, Vergil walked through the streets of Fortuna, currently void of any residents, which was something he liked. He grunted, easily noticing the swarm of insects crawling onto a sign but paid them no heed just yet. He stopped, his eyes falling onto the statue of his father that was almost finished.
"The Order of the Sword, huh? They worship a demon as a god?" he mused almost in amusement.
As he said this, numerous Scarecrows burst out of nowhere, barring him from going forward. Vergil regarded them with a blank look, merely readying the Yamato by flicking her handle, slightly unsheathing her. A Scarecrow popped up from behind, attempting a sneak attack.
Vergil was much faster, leaving behind his cloak and dashed through the blockade of demons, already in the process of sheathing his katana. They spun around, shocked that their compatriot had been easily killed. They turned back to face the half-devil, who merely held a blank look.
The Dark Slayer grunted as he dashed towards three separate demons, only needing one strike to cut them down. Then, he threw Yamato's scabbard at another, which pierced through and struck two more. With inhuman speed, he dealt with them in instant. Stopping for a moment, he threw Yamato around him, destroying the Scarecrows that surrounded him. Catching her with one hand, he slammed her back into her sheath, bringing up the katana as the demons exploded.
He sighed, running up a hand through his hair. He grunted and took a few steps, just for another swarm of Scarecrows to drop down. Vergil jumped up into the air and drew Yamato, rotating himself as his blade sliced through them all with a war cry. Kicking down the last one, he descended and sliced through it, landing in a kneeling pose as he rose up and slowly placed Yamato back into her scabbard with his eyes closed.
With no more pests to deal with, he continued walking as the rest of the Scarecrows dropped dead. "Just what are your true intentions?" he wondered. Raising his hand, he grabbed his falling cloak and put it back on in one swift motion. As it so happened, some of Fortuna's citizens had started using the path he had come from.
He kept on walking, very glad that the people paid him no mind…except for the woman in red. Turning back, she looked at Vergil with a curious stare. As he disappeared, she smiled and just kept on walking.
Vergil ran his finger across the books lined up on the shelf until he stopped on the spine of one that caught his interest. He pulled it out and looked at the cover, seeing that it detailed his father's accomplishments. And the one next to it was the founding of the Order of the Sword.
The Son of Sparda grunted and took it with him as well, adding it to the growing amount of books he had taken. The public library was almost barren, apart from a few scholars and curious children studying. It gave him a peace of mind and the isolation that he wanted. Vergil seated himself at the far corner and began his own research.
He had come to Fortuna for two reasons: to investigate this so-called Order that worshipped Sparda, and to see if they had any valuable information that would assist him in his quest for power.
As the half-devil perused the book, he lightly muttered to himself a thought. "Where shall I stay for the coming weeks..."
The hours continued to pass by as the people in the library grew less and less until he was practically the only there. Vergil gazed at the window, seeing the sun begin to set. He snapped the books closed and frowned.
He still had yet to think of a place to stay at. In theory, if the people of the island truly worshipped his father, he could reveal himself and he wouldn't have to worry of such matter. But, he hated attention and would rather prefer to remain obscure. It's what saved from getting on Mundus's radar for so long. And besides, he had no intention of ruling over people. He simply didn't want to become helpless like back then.
"Um, excuse me?" said a melodious voice.
Vergil looked up to see a woman in red standing before him. Like all other denizens of Fortuna, she wore a hood that hid most of her features, only her lower face being shown. He grunted in acknowledgement, letting her continue.
"I'm sorry to disturb but I overheard that you didn't have a place to stay, and I thought to invite you over to my home. It's spacious enough to accommodate more than two people. That is, if you're interested."
The half-devil silently inspected the woman, trying to spot anything that resembled a tell that she was lying. But even if she wasn't, he found it odd that she managed to hear something he had quietly whispered. Still, he had nowhere else to go. He just had to be cautious.
"Very well. I accept."
The woman in red smiled, then bowed. Vergil stood up and followed after her, carrying the books he wasn't done reading. The path they took seemed to take them far off from the main city and off to a more isolated forested area. The Son of Sparda stared at the woman curiously, still sending no malicious intent of her.
"If I I may ask, why the offer?" he questioned. "Surely, it's obvious that I am an outsider. What's more, we're strangers, you and I."
She simply smiled and kept on walking. "It's just something my mother taught me. Everyone is just a friend you haven't met, so it's best to treat those with kindness. Plus, it's my way of honoring her, since she's passed long ago."
The mood then became sour as they continued their stroll. Vergil's face creased as his lips curled into a frown. Years have passed, and still, the death and loss of his mother still affected him. Though it greatly irked him that there was a blatant show of favoritism between him and his twin. That he was left to die, while their mother saved Dante. And yet a part of him still loved her and greatly admired Eva in spite of everything, mourning her death.
That loss, is exactly, why he wanted power. Since his father left, it fell to him, as the older twin, to protect his mother and brother. And he failed.
"We're here." the woman softly called out.
Vergil looked up and saw a modest-looking cabin. It looked greatly different compared to the other structures within the mainland. It looked something more like he would see in the kingdoms. The woman opened the door, allowing him inside.
The Dark Slayer nodded and stepped in the home. Immediately, he was hith with an aura of homeliness. A feeling he had long forgotten. In a way, it made him feel nostalgic.
He turned to ask something and was more than surprised as the woman ripped off the hood on her head, revealing golden-colored locks and a rather beautiful face. Vergil simply blinked, making the woman giggle.
"I'm sorry. Some of the traditions of this island is just so bothersome, I tend to break them when I'm all alone in my home. If it's not a problem, please keep quiet about this, alright?"
The half-devil simply nodded and took off his cloak, hanging it on the rack. He looked back at the woman with curiosity. It seemed like she was like any other human back in the mainland. Not only that, there was just... something off about her, that he couldn't quite place.
"What's your name?"
She gave him a smile and bowed. "Jeanne Arc, at your service. And you are?"
He grunted, adjusting his ascot with the barest of smiles of his lips. "Vergil."
A Few Days Later
The Son of Sparda calmly read another book that told of his father's many feats in his lifetime. This one, detailing his battle against Argosax the Chaos. He frowned as he flipped to the next page. He had yet to find anything worth of note that he could use to help him achieve his goal.
Vergil looked over his shoulder, seeing Jeanne hum a pleasant tune to herself while she prepared their supper. She had been nothing but a gracious host to him so far. She talked, only if spoken to. And she responded to his questions without hint or pause. Still, she had yet to show any ill will against him.
Going back to his book, he calmly read the rest. He closed it in annoyance, not finding anything remotely useful. He pushed himself off the chair and grabbed his coat, putting it on with a flourish as he headed down to the basement.
He would often practice to keep his mind and skills sharp. And it would put him in slight ease whenever he was irritated, as it was a reminder of simpler times...
Vergil sat down on the middle of the room in a seiza-position as he closed his eyes and concentrated. He drew out the Yamato and began to perform a kata with his dark-forged blade. His mind was perfectly clear, only filled with absolute focus.
Only the sounds of his swings reached his ears. His body tensed up and moved to strike the sudden presence that invaded his space. He stopped by half an inch as he recognized Jeanne standing there, staring down the blade without so much as a flinch.
He grunted and slid back Yamato into her saya as he acknowledged the blonde. "Is there something you need? I'd like to get back to my training."
Jeanne simply smiled and started unbuttoning her blouse, making Vergil quirk a brow in surprise. It then soon grew as she tossed it aside and revealed the clothes that were hidden beneath. It was an almost all black outfit - a pair of black trousers, a black shirt, and surprisingly, black heels. The only thing that wasn't black was her fastened, crimson red coat, which reminded him of his younger twin, and her golden locket.
"No, but clearly there is something that YOU need. You haven't fought much at all, aside from the Scarecrows you've beaten when you've arrived to this island. As a gracious host, I only figured that my guest deserves a battle... And I've been itching for this as well."
She opened up her hand and a gold and white o-katana materialized as she slipped into a battle ready stance, grinning in excitement. Vergil brushed off his surprise and looked at Jeanne. She was right. He hadn't fought an opponent of his caliber in a long time. It would be great to see where he stood at after everything.
Tightly clenching his hands, he got into a fighting stance and smirked. "Hmph! Try me." he challenged her.
Jeanne grunted and dashed forward to attack him. Vergil deflected the strike and twirled around his still sheathed weapon, jabbing her right in gut, pushing her back. She recovered quickly and grabbed onto the scabbard, pulling it out, then threw it back at Vergil, who was moved a bit when it slammed right back onto the Yamato.
Letting out a deep breath, the two readied themselves and slipped right into a comfortable position. Both looked at one another with an impassive gaze, not letting anything give them away.
Without warning, the two charged and drew out their respective katanas. With a loud cry, they clashed blades, exchanged strikes and swiped at each other. Both fighters seemed to be on the even playing field, and despite wearing heels, Jeanne had no problem with her movements. As they locked blades, sparks flying as they ground against each other, Vergil lightly smirked.
"This may be fun." he commented.
Pulling back, he swiftly slammed back Yamato into her scabbard and smacked her twice with it before quickly drawing her out and unleashing an upward strike. Luckily, she managed to stand her ground and moved to retaliate. The blonde moved like lightning, striking at Vergil with a flurry of slashes, expertly tossing her sword back and forth in quick succession.
Using his Dark Slayer techniques, Vergil danced through her attack, though he couldn't help but be impressed at her skill. Tricking up, he descended down for a devastating overhead strike. Jeanne managed to parry the attack, leaving the half-devil open for an attack. Much to his astonishment, she threw her blade down to her heels...and used them to grip and swung it around ferociously, cutting him up.
Vergil grunted, jumping back and sheathed Yamato as his wounds closed up. Slipping into an Iaido stance, he drew out his blade and called upon numerous Summoned Swords, blistering them at his opponent. She batted them aside with her own scabbard, but some managed to nick her, which was enough to make her hiss and distract her.
Dashing forward, he drew out Yamato and performed a relentless slash, then followed it up with a spiral cut, lifting the two of them into the air. With one swing, he dealt out multiple sword strikes that crashed her back down to the ground. Twisting himself, Vergil mercilessly slashed down at his host, giving her a large gash on the chest.
Then, the wound immediately closed up as he sheathed back Yamato. He Tricked back, letting the woman recover as he realized that she wasn't exactly human.
"You're not human...are you?"
Jeanne grunted as her body healed up. She looked at the Dark Slayer and simply shrugged. "I guess one can say...you and I are the same. Now, show me more of your power!"
The Son of Sparda raised his hand, blocking the bright glow that began to emanate from her. He put it down, and least to say, he was very surprised. Her skin grew chrome-white, she lost her pupils, with lines running down her eyes, and she had gained white, feathery wings. Seeing them, Vergil could only make one assumption.
"An angel... No. A nephilim." An excited smirk crossed his lips, tightly clenching his fist. "I was right. This is getting fun. Now, I'm a little motivated!"
With that declaration, a burst of dark blue lightning crashed down onto the cambion, transforming him into his Devil Trigger form, Yamato's scabbard being grafted into his skin. They grinned at each other, and clashed once more with blinding speed. They were nothing but streaks of white and blue, emitting sparks of light and darkness every time they crashed.
Vergil was relentless in his attack furiously swinging his blade with so much ferocity. Jeanne could only barely dodge his attacks, managing to avoid them by the skin of her teeth while she countered some of his strikes.
The Dark Slayer surprised the Nephilim with an unexpected attack, stabbing his scabbard into her stomach. This gave her pause, something he quickly took advantage off. Pulling it out, he struck her with the scabbard, before drawing out the Yamato and dealing her a flurry of blows. He struck her upwards before slashing downwards for a devastating overhead strike that greatly wounded her.
Jeanne cried out in pain as she was sent flying, flinching at her injury. While she recovered, Vergil simply taunted her as he drew out the Yamato with a swing.
"Show me your motivation!" he said as he slid his blade back into her scabbard.
Jeanne glared at him for that before breaking into a grin as she dispersed into feathers that shot at him like bullets. Vergil twirled around his blade, blocking the deadly projectiles.
The Nephilim reappeared, dashing forward for a lunging stab. Vergil prepared to intercept, only to hit an afterimage, the real Jeanne already behind him to strike his back, following it up with a rising slash, spinning around for a rotating cut, then going for powerful lunging stab that knocked him back.
Vergil rolled up to correct himself, impressed at her fighting skills. He allowed a grin on his face as he made a come hither gesture at his opponent. "Come on!"
She had a similar grin of her own as the two met right in the middle once again, exchanging blow after blow, their movements far too fast to be tracked. The two soon skid to a stop on opposite ends, moving to sheath their respective swords. When they did so, numerous cuts appeared on their bodies, making them drop their respective forms.
Vergil winced as his wounds sizzled due to Jeanne's holy nature. Luckily, his healing factor got to work. Looking back, he saw that she was in the same page, albeit more injured. Pushing himself up, the Dark Slayer grunted and approached her with no malicious intent.
The blonde was prepared for a surprise attack, but was shocked that she was just being offered a hand up instead. She smiled and accepted, pulling herself up with Vergil's help. The Son of Sparda offered her the smallest of smiles, complimenting her ability.
"Appearances can be deceiving, I suppose. You're better than I expected. Had we continued on, one of us would have ended up dead."
A light blush appeared on her face as she brushed away a strand of her. "I... That's quite the compliment from someone like you. Thank you, for giving me that fight."
The two heard a ding, alarming Jeanne, remembering the stew she had been cooking. She rushed back to the kitchen, leaving Vergil to dust himself off as he looked around the room. It was like a tornado had visited with how much gashes were on the wall. He simply smirked and ascended back up.
Just in time, he saw Jeanne carrying two bowls filled with delicious stew, the scent hitting him straight in the nostrils. She placed down Vergil's share before sitting down. Immediately, he grabbed his spoon and dug in, unminding of the heat. They ate in complete silence, only the sounds of their spoons and chewing being heard in the room. Usually, Vergil liked the silence because it allowed him to think out loud. But this time, it made things a tad awkward. Hesitantly, he decided to start up a conversation.
"You said earlier you had been wanting that fight. Why?"
She placed down her spoon, looking quite sullen. "I needed to see how much more power I need before I can finally look for my little sister. My parents... they were torn from us by a group of fallen angels. My sister and I managed managed to escape. She was still a toddler, and I couldn't bring her with me, so I dropped her off at an orphanage and went off into a journey of power. That day, I vowed to get stronger, no matter the means, so that I may never lose anyone ever again."
Vergil looked at her blankly, but internally, he was a bit shocked. She was right - he and her were one and the same, in some ways. The rest of the supper went along quietly, until they finished. The woman in red grabbed both empty bowls to clean them up. But, before she could leave, Vergil stopped her in her tracks to ask a question.
"Would you mind if we sparred more often? We both have the same goals, so why not kill two birds with one stone, as they say."
Jeanne looked at him for a moment before smiling in agreement. "Of course. But on the condition that I can get to know more of you, Vergil. You're pretty interesting."
A part of Vergil was screaming at him tor stop while he was ahead. That he shouldn't get attached to the woman. That it'll end up in heartbreak. That he should just leave now and forget this all happened. That part was rendered silent as a smile came over his lips.
"I have a feeling this will be a beautiful partnership. I accept the terms, Jeanne."
Vergil and Jeanne were walking through the city, the latter touring around the former to what Fortuna had to offer. Once again, he spotted the statue of his father being built, and it led to his question.
"How exactly did Order come into being?" he asked in curiosity. He may have read about it, but he was still interested in what someone that lived in the island had to say.
Jeanne hummed it over, before giving him an answer. "They're a religious group that worshipped Sparda as a savior because of the rumors that he served as a feudal lord here, which I'm sure you've heard. They seek to eradicate every demon in his name. Of course, not everyone can exactly fight, so those who with the ability of such banded together and created the Order of the Sword to defend the island in Sparda's absence."
Vergil merely hummed in acknowledgement as they continued to walk through the city. "Why exactly do the people here worship Sparda as a god? Surely, it's not just because he served as their fedual lord here."
The blonde shrugged. "Who can say, really. Most deities worshipped are because a group of people witness them or believe they're capable of something extra-ordinary. It didn't matter if they were a demon, or a monster. It all boils down to faith, and their willingness to believe what's told to them."
"And what about you? As a Nephilim, do you worship the Legendary Dark Knight?"
"I wouldn't say worship. Sparda has done many things for this world and saved it from slavery under the demons. Admire, perhaps. But not outright worship. I don't pray to him, I rely on my own strength."
The half-devil remained silent until they came to the sight a large monolith structure right in the middle. His eyes widened by a fraction in recognition of it, based off of his studies and research.
"That's a Hell Gate..." he said with familiarity.
Jeanne nodded and told him of what she knew. "That's right. One of the few gateways that exists that will lead one to the demon world. Sparda had sealed this one off, but didn't destroy it, possibly because of remaining attachments to his old home. One of the evidence that gives credence that Sparda, was in fact, here. It ended up a cultural artifact, but there's been word that someone in the Order is trying to find the key to activate it."
The Son of Sparda said nothing, knowing exactly what was needed to unlock the gate. His eyes gazed at his trusty blade and kept it close to him. The Yamato was the key to activate the Hell Gate, allowing anyone access to the demon world, and the same would be for the demons on the other side.
He had plans to retrieve his father's power that lay dormant in the underworld, but he'd rather go in with the Yamato when he'd take it. That, and he currently lacked an important item to awaken it's full potential.
"You seem to know quite a lot about Sparda." he mused. "I figured you to be an outsider as well, considering your stance on their traditions."
Jeanne shrugged. "Well, I had to blend in somehow. But in all seriousness, I'm still surprised with how isolated Fortuna is. Very old-fashioned, compared to the mainland. It's a miracle they even have internet connection."
Vergil simply grunted as they continued on. Another curious question popped into his mind. "How exactly does the Order operate? Any noteworthy accomplishment, and such?"
"They're kind of the military of Atlas. They're the ones the people of Fortuna look at to for guidance and law, and are the only ones allowed to wield a sword. Strangely, they have reservations against guns, despite the legends clearly stating that Sparda himself, wielded pistols."
The Dark Slayer suppressed his irritation at that. He always thought guns as uncivilized, being a coward's weapon instead of going for more confrontational and honorable means. So, it greatly irked him that his father had such in his arsenal.
Jeanne continued on, not noticing his souring look.
"Supposedly, the vicar is said to be appointed by Sparda himself, receiving a vision in their dream where the knight himself appears before them. But I say that's bullshit."
Vergil lightly smirked at her choice of words. "I never expected for you to have such a dirty mouth."
The blonde simply chuckled. "What can I say? It's liberating after living here for so many years. Though now, I have a question for you - why exactly are you interested in the Order of the Sword? Do you want to join those pompous bunch?"
He didn't answer, instead grunting as more people started flowing in. He started walking off, with Jeanne following after. Once they were far away, Vergil looked at his companion and spoke.
"Right now, if Sparda or his sons could see their actions, do you think they would change?" he could asked.
Jeanne snorted. "Oh, no doubt. They'd immediately defer to their command and do everything they sa-" She stopped herself, just now realizing what Vergil had said. "Sons? As far as I know, Sparda doesn't have any children. He never settled down to live a life with a family."
Her eyes narrowed under her hood as Vergil remained silent. The cambion smiled and grabbed her by the arm, Tricking up onto a rooftop where no one could hear them. Jeanne pulled her arm back and called her blade to her side, looking at him apprehensively.
"Just who the hell are you?"
Vergil simply lowered his hood and looked at her right in the eye. "It is said that Sparda created three blades - the Force Edge, which contains a majority of his power. The Rebellion, a sword who's powers are still unknown." He looked at his trusted blade, drawing it out to stare at his reflection. "And the Yamato. A blade forged from darkness, allowing it to cut through space itself, and is also the key to the Hell Gate."
"How do you..." she trailed off before finally connecting the dots. "Because you're one of the sons, aren't you? I knew you were part-demon, but..."
He nodded in confirmation and slid back his sword into her scabbard. "I came here to investigate the Order's true intentions, as well as to ascertain what's left of my father in this place." Vergil walked over to the edge, looking down as the people minded their business. "I didn't come here to rule these people, I only came here to find more strength, so that a tragedy will never happen to me again."
Jeanne willed away her sword and walked up next to Vergil. "And how do you intend to do that?"
"By obtaining the power of Sparda, locked within the underworld. I intend to take my father's powers, and claim it as my own."
Her eyes narrowed once again, looking right at the Hell Gate in the center of the town. Vergil took notice and shook his head.
"No. There's another Hell Gate that can be used. The Temen-ni-gru. I have...an accomplice, who is gathering the necessary preparations to raise the tower. Meanwhile, he sent me here to see if there's anything noteworthy to be of use, or if the Order will possess as a nuisance against our goal."
"And where do I fit into all of this?" Jeanne asked. "Why are you telling me your plans?"
"The Temen-ni-gru will be swarming with demons jailed by my father to become its guardians. Their souls are yours for the taking." he said. Vergil stretched out his hand, gazing at her right in the eyes. "So, will you help me, Jeanne? Remember, in this world, the strong survive. Any sort of hesitation or mistake can cost you your life. I won't force you, if you don't want to."
Jeanne looked unsure. Sure, she rather enjoyed Vergil's company, but was she ready to step in his world, filled with uncertainty and dangers, with chances of obtaining power beyond imagination. She closed her eyes, and was reminded of her little sister. Somewhere out there, she's still there, waiting for her to come back. The only thing that fully mattered to her...was her safety. The blonde looked over to Vergil and stretched out her hand.
"Well, this wasn't what I envisioned bargaining with the devil would be, but at least he's good-looking."
Vergil blankly stared at her before cracking a small smirk of amusement. He clasped hands with Jeanne and shook on the agreement. "The boat to the mainland will come in two days. Get yourself ready. Soon, you will see a power unrivaled. The power...of a Son of Sparda."
I've decided to also rewrite this story, as I plan to make some changes, or else everything would be confusing. Sorry about that.
This is now the first of the Chronicles, and instead of going through three phases of Vergil and Jeanne's time together in one chapter, I've decided to spread them out. This will have a second part. Don't know yet when it'll be posted. I might have a different chapter up next time.
That's all that I needed to say. Have a good day.