Disclaimer: Devil May Cry belongs to Capcom while Evangelion belongs to GAINAX, meaning I do not own these people and may never will.
Author's note: It's been awhile, hasn't it? Sorry for the delay, but I kind of took a break from this story to focus on the revisions of my other main crossover stories, fans of those would know that they are and among other things, it has gotten in the way of progressing this fic. But here I am to give the eager and growing fans the final pieces of this story that will end one of the most unique crossovers I've written. I do hope you like the offerings I have in store for all of you.
Also, I now dedicate this story in memory to one of it's faithful reviewers, X-Over, who will no longer be around to review this story or any of the many other crossover fics posted on as well as other crossover story sites on the net due to him moving to a part of the world where he won't be able to access the net. I know I should have posted this chapter sooner, but problems got in the way and now this happens. I do hope we can all hear from you again someday.
Okay, enough with the sad goodbyes…time to get the bonus side story going, you're all going to love this. I know I did, since this will be focused on my most favourite all time pairing in Evangelion anyway, so this was an extra for me. (Some of you who know me may already know who I'm talking about.) Enjoy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
End of Evangelion May Cry
Bonus Side Story: Lady's Mission
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Inside the darkened chambers of SEELE headquarters, the elderly male chairmen were fuming over what had just transpired. The reports they received from their intelligence and surveillance reports posted all over Tokyo-3 and even from orbit satellite were hard to believe at first, but the video, audio and photographic evidence showed the truth of what has been taken place at NERV headquarters since they have launched an attack on the GeoFront in instigate Third Impact since early morning of that day.
They had control of the JSSDF, a wide platoon of experienced soldiers who were sufficient enough to become an army as well their own Mass Production Evangelion series. SEELE had plans to use these, plus their influential power to pull the plug on NERV's defences and from there, their plan was to overrun the base by killing everyone involved with NERV and its activities and then using their Eva series, they would start Third Impact before Gendou Ikari did.
They were the original writers of the script to be played that will lead to Third Impact. Everything would have gone according to their plan and humanity would have ended up losing their ego borders and become one.
However, today of all days, it had to be the day their plans didn't go too well. Dante Sparda and his female companions in the demon hunting business came to screw everything up for humanity's sake and future.
It all started when the JSSDF were forced back by Dante's otherworldly powers and abilities, before he started to eliminate their very own Mass Production Evangelion series with assistance from Evangelion Units 01 and 02.
Then there was also the report that Gendou attempted to start the Impact before he was interrupted and destroyed by Dante's own hand before it came to be. The details into how Gendou was killed along with Lilith when they merged were almost exaggerating and hard to believe, but were very true for all of SEELE to see and hear.
Keel Lorenz placed his hands on his head, frustration surely showing on the veins on his brow. Not only all the Mass Production Evas SEELE had worked on solely for Third Impact purpose were destroyed, but BOTH Adam and Lilith along them as well. This means there was no other vessels capable enough of causing the Third Impact.
"This is an outrage!" Keele pounded his fists on the table. "Why didn't the scenario predict the arrival of a Sparda HERE in Japan to stop the Impact?"
"Sparda may have been an important individual two thousand years ago, but his lineage was somehow insignificant to record." One of the other chairmen spoke in defence, trying not to become afraid of the situation even more than he had.
"Still, our plan became an absolute failure because of a half breed's intentions to preserve humanity further because of his actions today!" Keele shouted angrily. "It was wrong for Dante Sparda to make a fool of us…"
"But he did kill the traitor after all." Another of the chairmen said. "Gendou Ikari was a stubborn fool, thinking he was worthy of controlling the Third Impact. His death by Sparda's hands was quite the fitting punishment for his past actions."
"But he also managed to destroy Lilith and Adam, along with the Mass Production Eva series." His comrade replied.
"That is true…the only means to start Third Impact obliterated from existence, never to be recovered or duplicated." Another of the chairmen said. "Chairman Keel, what is your final assumption on this matter?"
"We cannot let NERV go unpunished for these acts against us." One of the chairmen said. "Not to mention, our former agent, Kaji must have had a part of this to begin with. He was the one who involved Dante Sparda into our affairs."
"I can assure all of you, gentleman, I have launched an incentive plan towards NERV's actions that will force them to reconsider their rebellion towards us." Keele said.
"And what is that you intend to do, sir?" was one of the chairmen's reply.
"The former Fourth Child was located just sometime ago in seclusion." Keele said. "I've already dispatched a force of the JSSDF who didn't participate in the GeoFront invasion to his location on a capture mission. My intentions for him is quite simple, provoke NERV into doing something they will regret."
"And if Sparda does intend to join NERV in their rebellion?"
"I have organized a trump card for Sparda in the case he wants to stops us." Keele said. "In any case, NERV may have stopped the Third Impact from occurring, but we won't allow them to carry on now with everything that has happened."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Meanwhile, back in NERV headquarters in the Command Centre, Dante was no longer in his red coat, but was in his coatless outfit, his red conjoined amulet hung under his neck. After having a few beers and getting acquainted with most of the people of NERV he saved, he was asked by the female quarter of the base to give them a display of his skills, or at least some of what he used when he destroyed Gendou Ikari down below in the Terminal Dogma. Not ever wanting to turn down a lady's request, he complied.
"You ladies want a show? Heh, I'll give one you'll never forget." He said, bowing to them with a smile. He was shown to one area of NERV which wasn't totally destroyed during the invasion, a training area where computer simulated opponents were generated for the use of hand to hand combat, as well as gun training.
Dante was equipped with his Cerebrus nunchucks and the Rebellion sword, along with the Artemis gun. Before him, a green computer image of a training dummy appeared before him.
"Now, imagine this is wanker man Gendou. Here's what a GunSlinger like myself can really do." Dante smirked as he equipped the nunchucks. Using the Cerebrus Type 1 attack, Dante started to attack the dummy as he started to charge the Artemis gun, mid way switching it to his Rebellion sword and performing his Rebellion Type 2 combo, before returning to his Cerebrus chain combo attack. Once more while still charging his Artemis gun, Dante used his High Time moved after switching back to Rebellion, raising the dummy airborne. Then switching back to his Cerebrus, Dante descended using a repeated attack of his Revolver attack.
Once the enemy was on the ground, Dante used High Time once more to make the dummy go airborne and then finally fires his Artemis on the airborne dummy, causing the Multi Lock attack to hit successive energy shots on the airborne dummy, as Dante jumped back and used a Cerebrus Revolver attack on the dummy to decimate him into shards of glass.
Most of the people, including Shinji, Asuka, Rei, Misato, Ritsuko, Maya, Shigeru, Makoto and Kouzou were amazed when they saw this 'Stylish' attack Dante had just displayed. Asuka couldn't help but start cheering wildly after seeing this.
"That was so awesome!" Asuka cried out.
"You haven't seen anything yet." Dante said as he signalled for another to come. It was a good thing the enemies were set on Dante Must Die, meaning they were very tough to die, but also meant giving Dante a chance to land just as many attacks as he can in his fashion.
Now in his Beowulf gauntlets, he also had his Nevan equipped. Dante performed his Beowulf Type 2 Combo, hitting his dummy with repeated lighting kicks as he charged his Artemis once more, before switching to Nevan and executing a Reverb Shock, lifting the enemy airborne.
Then using an Air Hike from the BeoWulf, he launched his Multi Lock on his falling enemy from above him, before switching to his Ebony and Ivory twin pistols and performing a Rain Storm on top of the falling body, before switching to a short, but powerful Charge Shot, then a Nevan Air Play attack, sending electric bolts and bats at the battered enemy. But he was far from over, Dante landed on top his enemy to execute a Free Ride, riding on the back of his enemy into a corner. After crashing the dummy into the wall, Dante fired a Multi Lock on the downed body, destroying that one as well.
"This is just too incredible." Makoto muttered as he saw this.
"Yeah, now I'm wishing that I was down there with the others when this guy did the Commander in." Shigeru spoke.
"How about one more for old time's sake?" Dante said, now equipping his twin fire and air elemental swords, Agni and Rudra, and his Beowulf gauntlets. He then activated his Doppelganger Style technique, After Image and his shadow comes to life once more using the Beowulf gauntlets.
Dante, now in his Devil Trigger form, rushed the practice dummy with a Agni and Rudra Combo Type 2 attack, while his shadow form entered a Straight input that was held back by the Tame speciality of the Beowulf attacks, as it began charging it's strength while Dante cancelled the final slashes of his attack to perform a Jet Stream attack, slicing into the dummy as the shadow now used its charged Straight attack. After knocking down the dummy flat, Dante then used his Combo Type 3 attack, while the shadow performed its Beowulf Type 2 combo attack, as they suddenly cancelled both into the Million Slash and Hyper Fist at the same time, inducing multiple slashes and punches into the dummy until it was destroyed.
"Amazing…" Ritsuko said as Dante shrugged his arms to this.
"There's really nothing to it. I could have messed Gendou up the same way, but he just really pissed me off so much that I actually forgot I was to have some fun with him before I killed him." Dante said, placing back the dual swords on his back.
"And he looked so cool doing it too." Shinji said, as Dante bowed to everyone, only to stop midway as his nose began to twitch.
"ACHOOO!" Dante sneezed loudly as a piece of wall behind him suddenly crashed, raising dust. "Damn, I must be coming down with something after all that fighting."
"So, he is human after all." Misato smiled as she saw the ovation and laughter that Dante got for the performance.
"Man, I'm beat." Dante said as he perched himself near Trish and Misato. "Send me a cold one, will you?"
"You could have gotten it yourself before instead of showing off." Trish replied, throwing a beer can to her partner from the cooler as he caught it as she turned to Misato. "See what I have to put up with every time he slacks off?"
"Yeah, he reminds of a certain someone." Ritsuko said, referring to Misato who instantly knew what she was talking about.
"Don't go there, Ritsu." Misato sighed as she looked at Shinji, who seemed relaxed now that he was with Asuka and Rei who are both okay now. "I think after today, I got to start cleaning up my act…for Shinji's sake. If I had been a bit more supportive to him before, he wouldn't have been so troubled. So many mistakes I made and it almost cost us all our lives."
"Yeah, we all messed up big time. And it wasn't just Gendou Ikari, but we didn't take the steps necessary to help the children in their time of need." Ritsuko said. "Especially for Shinji, who needed it probably the most?"
Trish was listening to the two Japanese women admit their mistakes and looked upwards to the open sky with a small grin to her face. "You know…I can say I really envy you two. It takes a lot of heart to say that you've messed up in raising Shinji and these kids well during the time when the Angels were attacking."
"How can you say that?" Misato asked. "Surely you never had to be a guardian before, am I right, Trish?"
"You're right. I really don't have any kids of my own. Well, probably because Dante and I really haven't settled down yet to consider having any." Trish said, causing Dante to spit out his beer.
"Aw, hell no, Trish. You didn't have to go and say that now." Dante muttered as Trish smirked a bit and suddenly looked serious once more.
"But that doesn't mean I haven't experience the consequences of the mistakes in my past. I'm sure Dante is capable of making mistakes as well, despite the fact we both have demon blood in our veins." Trish said sullenly. "It really doesn't matter who or what we are, our mistakes isn't something that discriminate ourselves from one another, we all make them at some point, even if they are really stupid ones."
Misato and Ritsuko glanced at Trish seriously as they knew that she was right.
"What I'm really trying to say is…I'm not wholly sure what happened in your pasts with Shinji and it really doesn't matter now." Trish said. "You at least got to admit you didn't do a good job taking care of him or the other children and that really in itself is a brave thing you can do for now. It doesn't make you any less than you are now."
"It would be best to tell them the same thing you told an old friend, Trish." Dante said as she shook her head.
"I guess so, Dante." Trish said as she stared at not just at Misato and Ritsuko, but everyone else who was with her from NERV and her demon hunting partner. "Misato, now that the Impact is no longer going to be anyone's problems, you've been given a chance to start over at least. Just remember one thing, that no man or woman can never claim to have made a mistake. It is how we recover from them that make us human."
"I…I think I understand now." Misato nodded. "Yes, things should be getting better from here on out. I got to be more responsible with Shinji, Rei and Asuka from now on. I may be able to learn from the mess I made in the past, but I don't want the children to be doomed to repeat them."
"That's all I needed to hear, I know you all will do fine." Trish said, patting her shoulder. They both seem to be enjoying each other's newfound companionship now that things settled down.
"That was some sweet advice, Trish." Ritsuko said to her. "It struck a chord within me too; I think I'm going to do my best from now on with them as well."
"And I'll be there to help you, sempai." Maya said, nodding her head next her senior.
"We'll all pull in anyway we can, Misato." Makoto said as he and Shigeru nodded their heads at her.
"Thank you, everyone." Misato smiled back at them as Dante stood up to stretch himself.
"Well, isn't this nice?" Dante said, shrugging his arms. "This air is much more pleasant than the last time we grouped together like this."
"Lady would have enjoyed seeing this." Lucia said. "Too bad she is busy having to go the Fourth Child at a time like this."
"The woman who was here with men following her?" Maya asked.
"Yeah, before we came over, we did some digging into the children's profiles, hope you didn't mind." Dante said. "We guessed that SEELE bunch will eventually try and go after the kid and those associated with him, since he was related to you guys since that incident with the Eva being taken over and your former asshole commander almost getting the poor kid killed. Damn, just thinking about it almost makes my Devil Trigger tick."
"Easy, Dante. You know just setting off your Trigger can obliterate everything close to you." Trish warned him as several people backed off.
"Sorry about that." Dante said, rubbing his head. "In any case, she said she'd handle in protecting the kid while we dealt with things here. Of course, she didn't go alone."
"The army following her probably wouldn't be enough to defend where Touji is staying." Misato said.
"That's right, in a case like this; she had to take along an old friend of ours." Trish said.
"Is something the matter with Suzahara?" Rei's voice spoke as she, Shinji and Asuka came to join the adult group.
"Yeah, we heard you guys have been talking about him a lot." Shinji said as his face looked serious. "SEELE is going after him, is that's what's happening?"
"I'm afraid so, Shinji." Misato said. "It would be obvious since they now know that the Third Impact's been diverted."
"So why are we here still? We should be over to help him!" Shinji said, but Dante waved his finger at him.
"Whoa, kid. Take it easy. And here I was thinking I wasn't the only one with stamina remaining for the day." Dante said as he tried to relax Shinji. "Look here, Shinji. You don't have to worry about your buddy, I know you want to help him and I admire you for that. But really, man, don't push yourself any further than you already have. I'm sure after running through a base that was invaded, only to be pushed into a giant robot to fight several other robots and then come back to see your father turn into a giant white turd bent on killing humanity, you must be pretty tired by now."
Shinji almost tried to speak, but Rei placed her hand on his shoulder and nodded her head at him. "He is right, Shinji. You need your rest from all that has happened. It must have been very hard on you."
The Third Child hung his head as he knew he can't refuse Rei's gentle tone. Sighing a bit, he agreed.
"Fine then, I'll let Dante and his partners do what they can." Shinji said, staring at Dante who smiled at him.
"You have nothing to worry about. Lady has got the best vampire hunter working with her on this." Dante said. "I'm sure some of you have heard of Alucard, am I right?"
Some people widened their eyes as they heard this. Among them was Asuka.
"You're kidding…the famous immortal half breed son of Count Dracula who fought against his own father with the help of Ralph C. Belmont?" Asuka lamented. "Mein Gott, how is that possible?"
"Relax; he and I are on good terms. We do hunt the same breed anyway." Dante said.
"His father and the vampire hunting clan, the Belmonts and those who followed in the fashion used to go venturing in castles around the world where some of the most powerful demons other than Mundus existed." Lucia said. "You can say they share quite the history."
"We've heard of some of the legends, but it's hard to believe that even Alucard can still be alive up to now." Misato spoke. "Some of the databanks in NERV have even said they said someone fitting his description several times here in Japan, though he'd always carry another alias."
"That's not surprising that a hunter of his kind is hardly sought out." Dante said. "It wasn't until I did some searching of my own that I came across some useful clues about him. He is known to have been using another alias, Genma Arikado."
"I see…so we got vampire hunters saving us." Ritsuko said. "This is all hard to believe at once."
"At least believe in the fact Touji's in good hands with Lady and Alucard working on this." Trish said. "It will be okay, Shinji. Soon everything will be truly over once Touji and your other friends are out of danger."
"Thanks, you guys." Shinji said, nodding at them.
"Say, Trish, I meant to ask, Dante mentioned an old friend you said the same advice to you just told us." Misato asked. "Who was it?"
"I'm sure you guys are familiar with Captain Blue and his old action flicks, am I right?" Trish said which caused Shigeru's eyes to widen.
"You mean that action movie/director of those old superhero movies?" Shigeru exclaimed. "I love his works! You guys actually know him?"
"You got to tell us the details." Makoto was the next to jump in and ask.
"Oh, boy, seems we have to gather around a campfire and share the story huh, Dante?" Trish asked.
"I hear you." Dante said. (Then again, I wonder how he, Joe and Silvia will make out of this when they hear about all the mess I made here today? I wouldn't be surprised if a movie was made out of this little venture…)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A few days before, in Dante's office at Devil Never Cry…
"So, that's what is going down in Japan right now." Dante said, as he spoke to his partners in the demon hunting business. Lady and Lucia were there with as well. Dante had just finished explaining to them what he found out from Kaji about SEELE's involvement in the Third Impact he was hired to stop. This news was rather shocking for even them to take.
"It's hard to believe that even humans are looking to bring about the end of the world." Lady said, shaking her head. "These guys sound a bit like my old man."
"Indeed. These people all wish to ruin mankind with evil power, just as Arius almost did before." Lucia said.
"And as usual, you're going to crash these guys' party?" Lady asked.
"But of course. The pay is good enough." Dante said simply.
"Is that your only reason?" Lady said, putting her hands on her hips. "This is probably bigger than anything we've faced in the business, you know?"
"Yes, I have taken note of that, Lady, which is more the reason why I'm going to Japan to stop this Gendou from turning humanity into toilet fluid." Dante said. "I may be a half breed, but there are people like you to consider in this. Can't have my best human partner in the business joining the number of people losing their psychical form now, can I?"
"I suppose you have a point." Lady said.
"Son of Sparda, have you been informed what we will be up against?" Lucia asked. "We may not be facing demons here, but humans with armaments."
"VERY BIG armaments, I must add." Lady said. "Being in the service of the U.S Government can have its good points. I've seen just what the JSSDF are capable of. They are serious-as-hell-professionals."
"She's right, the JSSDF are nothing to laugh at." Lucia said.
"So what? They still sound like a bunch of pussies to me." Dante said, standing up. "What is it we have that they don't?"
"Manpower for one thing." Trish finally spoke. "They outnumber us easily four to over a hundred, even more considering how big the GeoFront is."
"Well, it seems I will be asking for overtime pay on this job as well." Dante said, rubbing his chin. "I told you before, Trish, I already made up my mind to go a little wanker hunting and even if the Japanese Army comes, they don't have the cock and balls to take me down. It may give me a chance to brush up my skills a little before I can face the main objective."
"Nothing I can do or say will change your mind anyway." Trish said, as she then saw Kaji stepped in. "Ah, good morning, Ryoji. Hope you had a good rest."
"Well, a couch isn't the best recommended for a bed, but at least I got some sleep." Kaji said groggily. He still looked rugged and improper as ever. "Oh, and who are the guests with you?"
"My long time partners in the business. This is Lady." Trish introduced her to Kaji, which he soon recognised.
"I heard about you. You're one of the few remaining human demon hunters who are working for the U.S government and are head of a special force that hunts them, am I right?" Kaji asked as Lady nodded.
"That's right." Lady said. "Dante and Trish had already told us about you, we need to talk about what we really are going to do about this SEELE trying to bring about mankind's extinction."
"We'll get to it eventually." Kaji said as he gazed at Lucia. "And this is Lucia?"
"Yeah, she handles most of the overseas hunting." Dante said. "She now has bases set up in the England area, where most of the demons and their like have been causing havoc. She even went as far to bringing a close friend ours for the mission."
"That would be me." A deep male voice said as Kaji leapt up. The figure was tall with grey, long straight hair. He wore a trenchcoat that concealed a near casual uniform. He had pale looking skin and a serene look on his face.
"Whoa, I didn't even see you here." Kaji said.
"Arucard, you shouldn't sneak up on my client like that." Dante shook his head. "I bet that is how you'd get your customers."
"Unlike you, Dante, I go and hunt without waiting for the valour." Arucard said, as he walked past Kaji. "How's it been, old friend?"
"You know the usual." Dante replied, shrugging his shoulders. "Except for today, we got something big cooking. I'm sure that is why Lucia brought you here, right?"
"Wait a minute…THE Alucard who went up against his father twice?" Kaji said, backing a bit. "How come he's here with you?"
"Relax, man. He and my old man worked together in the hunting business in the past, not to mention he also had run-ins with the Belmont bloodline." Dante said.
"The Belmonts…they are the famed vampire hunting group that through history has been fighting Dracula for hundreds of years." Trish said to Kaji.
"They owed my old man for having helping each other take down the demons in the long past. When Alucard and my father worked together, they made a truce to continue that demon hunting alliance tradition going after I was born." Dante said. "Of course, the guy should learn to be a bit more sociable, that's one complaint I have about him. But, he's not as bad as I am."
"All he as spoken is true. The Sparda bloodline is highly respected among the Belmont bloodline, as he was among one of the only demons to have ever worked along them for all these years since I slew my father." Alucard said. "In any case, Dante, what is it of this level of importance that you require my help?"
"Well, since all of you are here…" Kaji stood up and stretched his arms. "I better say in a nutshell that humanity is in big trouble, because the people, who were supposed to protect the world from its extinction, are plotting the opposite."
"You have no need to explain the details once more, Mr. Ryoji Kaji. I've heard everything while I was in the shadows." Alucard said simply.
"Ditto. Just tell us what we should do and how to do it." Dante said.
"Basically, NERV will be under serious attack by the JSSDF, but I've also gotten intelligence confirming the whereabouts of the former Fourth Child." Kaji said. "Since the base will be the main point of focus since that is where the Impact will most likely happen, the Fourth Child will most likely be targeted. No one from NERV would be able to defend him if SEELE chooses to come after him and they most likely will."
"In other words, someone has to be there to watch out for that kid." Trish said. "And considering what has happened to him some time ago, he won't be able to move around fast enough to run from the danger."
"Remind me to give that wanker Gendou Ikari one for almost dismembering the kid like that, will ya?" Dante said to Trish.
"Yeah, I surely will." Trish smiled at him. "But Dante, you won't be able to get there in time, even if you managed to stop the Impact."
"Yes, these humans will most likely attempt to take the boy's life during the attack at NERV." Alucard said.
"As much fun as it would be to watch over the kid, I can't be in two places at once. My priority is NERV and Gendou Ikari first." Dante said.
"I already said I was going with Dante to NERV, sorry." Trish said.
"Well, since Dante says he's going to do this, I am going with them as well." Lucia said. "I owe Dante a lot for saving me from Arius's clutches and this is probably one of the best ways I can repay him. I also won't allow another man who is corrupted in power to turn the world into his fashion at the cost of the humans I had sworn to protect from demons."
"I got to notify the government of the conspiracy of the Angels that Gendou and SEELE have been hiding before I can arrive with reinforcements. This may as well be a priority since the President's been bitching about SEELE's activities up to late regarding the sudden funding and development of the Mass Production Evas." Lady said seriously. "Then there's also that disappearance of the second NERV headquarters awhile back…it won't be hard to be surprised to find out if they are behind these events."
"Then, that leaves…"Trish said as everyone looked at the only vampire in the room.
"Alucard, you think you're up for a babysitting mission?" Dante asked.
"I don't sit too happily with children." The vampire replied simply.
"Aw, come on." Dante said. "I'm sure it will be worth the time. I'll make sure to send my back up if things get too hot for you."
"I doubt I may need the assistance." Alucard said. "But, for the sake of this Fourth Child, I'll go to him."
"He's named Touji Suzahara. He's supposedly staying with a girl named Hikari Horaki and her two sisters." Kaji said. "Both his younger sister and best friend are with him currently. Ever since the incident involving the 13th Angel, Touji had been receiving treatment and therapy for the limbs he lost and Hikari is volunteering him in the recovery stages."
Kaji showed the demon hunting group a range of pictures that showed Touji Suzahara, Hikari Horaki and Kensuke Aida's faces, along with the pictures of Hikari's sisters, one of them happens to be the oldest of the three, while the other was young enough to be in elementary school. Looking at the three of them, they almost looked like twins with identical looks to one another; the differences though were their ages.
"The oldest of the three is Kodama, while Hikari's the second youngest." Kaji spoke. "Nozome is the youngest, turned nine this year."
"You said that a friend of Touji is staying with them too?" Lady asked.
"Yes, that is Kensuke Aida. Both of Touji and Kensuke's fathers worked for NERV." Kaji said. "After the…incident involving the 13th Angel, I got reports that Touji's father was laid off by the Commander."
"You got to be kidding me." Dante scoffed. This has now only raised his hatred for Gendou Ikari. "Why would he do that?"
"Sure, it would give him a chance to be with Touji to support him through his recovery, right?" Lady asked, as Kaji shook his head.
"It may seem so, but the report also stated mental instability within Touji to have caused the Unit 03 to go berserk. Commander Ikari made this statement to be passed on to Dr. Ritsuko Akagi." Kaji said, causing everyone's eyes to widen in shock.
"He…he would dare pin this accident on the victim?" Trish muttered. "That's terrible!"
"I know…and the worst part is that he hardly paid the compensation needed for Touji's surgery to replace his lost limbs. The cost of the surgery was paid out of his father's pocket." Kaji continued. "He acted as if this was no longer his problem, considering he was the one who put Touji in the hospital in the first place."
"This is…too cruel for even a child to bear." Lady shook her head. The facts of this new horrid truth are more for her to handle. "That man is a living monster to have done this…just like my father used to be."
"Hey, no use dredging up old memories, Lady." Dante said.
"In any case, Touji and those closest to him are still getting protection by a small portion of NERV's Section Two security, employed secretly by Misato after the 16th Angel." Kaji said. "The downside to this is how incapable these guys will be when its time for the fighting to start, it's a sure thing that he and those with him won't survive if NERV is taken over."
A silence followed Kaji's last statement, Alucard let out a loud and long sigh.
"I've heard quite enough to motivate me, Mr. Kaji." Alucard spoke seriously. "I will go to this Suzahara boy and protect him until Dante has cleared his business in NERV. I happen to have some unfinished business in Japan anyway that needs clearing up."
"What kind of business?" Kaji asked.
"You wouldn't like to know." Alucard said, his blood red eyes glowing under his hairline. Kaji stepped back some as Dante spoke.
"Then it's settled, I got NERV to clean up, while Alucard can handle the small fry that will be after Shinji's buddies." Dante said, cocking his shotgun on his shoulder.
"Will you need backup over there?" Lady asked.
"Hardly." Alucard said sullenly. "I'll let you know when it comes to that, but by the looks of things, I'm highly doubtful of the skills these humans will have when they attempt to endanger the children's lives and I'm there to greet them."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Present day back in Japan, at the Horaki residence…
"Come on, Touji, eat up." Kensuke Aida said, as he sat in a room with his close school friend, Touji Suzahara. Kensuke was dressed in a casual t-shirt and short jeans, while Touji was resting on a sofa in the room he was staying, wearing only a vest and short pants which accommodated the areas of his lost left arm and leg. Both of them has been helping Hikari with the house-sitting for about a week now, and Kensuke was busy around the house keeping this steady as Touji's younger sister, Mari was also staying with them.
Since the 13th Angel, both Kensuke and Hikari had been putting extra effort in helping Touji recover, both physically and mentally. The first two weeks since the accident were very hard on him, as he had to endure two painful surgeries before NERV can finally offer him replacement artificial limbs. While it was easier said than done for his body, his mind was broken in spirit due to the fact that not only he would be looked or move like as the same Touji he was before, but he knew his best friend, Shinji, wasn't responsible for hurting him. Still, he had always felt he was solely responsible for what had happened.
If it wasn't for their perseverance, Touji couldn't have gotten some of his confidence back. Most of that was thanks to Hikari, who has now gotten closer to him since the incident and has spent most of her time caring for him.
"I don't feel like eating." Touji replied, looking out to the window. It was getting close to sunset now over the hills overlooking the Horaki residence.
"Even if it's Hikari's cooking?" Kensuke asked. "It's not like you to be like that, Touji. Not ever."
"I have good reasons why I can't eat right now." Touji said, hanging his head. After some speculation, he already had guessed about the fighting over at the GeoFront. When they heard reports from a few of the Section Two's sentries that were guarding them, confirming an N2 mine hit on the GeoFront, they knew things were serious. It was enough to make them worry for Shinji and all of there friends are alright.
Kensuke looked on at Touji in silence as he sighed. "Hey, Touji, I wouldn't worry about Shinji and the Devil Girl. They would do just fine, and besides, I don't want you to be worrying too much."
"You…you could be right." Touji said, moving his right hand over his face. "But then again, we were told by those Section 2 guys that NERV's outnumbered by those JSSDF guys."
"Haven't heard from their headquarters in hours…" Kensuke said. "Guess things must have…"
"Kensuke, let's not talk about it anymore, okay?" Touji winced as stood up using a crotch for his missing left leg. Kensuke understood that it was painful just to talk about the matter and went on to finish his meal. He seemed to be enjoying it so far.
Touji sulked on in silence as he stared out the window of the room. He knew he want to avoid any negative thoughts about Shinji, Asuka's and Misato's fates, but with how things are looking, they don't seem to be looking up.
"Excuse me, guys, I'm coming in." a young girl's voice spoke from the outside of the room.
"Sure, come on in, Hikari." Kensuke spoke as the door opened and Hikari Horaki stepped in. She was wearing a pink t-shirt and blue overalls over it, and her usually seen pony tailed hair was now loose and straightened. It flowed behind her head, and ended over her shoulders.
"Touji, I was wondering if you were finished with your plate as yet." Hikari asked, as the taller boy looked back with a small grin on his face.
"Nah, I really couldn't eat anything right now." Touji replied. "Guess I'm a bit uneasy with this tense atmosphere, huh?"
Hikari's eyes looked onto the ground in sadness as Kensuke realized they needed to be alone right now. Clearing his throat, he stood up, taking his and Touji's plates.
"Uh, gee, I wonder how's Nozome's doing outside, I bet she must need a hand around the kitchen as usual." Kensuke said as he rubbed his head. "Touji, give me a holler if you need anything else from the kitchen, I'll just leave this in the microwave."
"Sure, man." Touji replied to his friend as Hikari knew Kensuke's intention of leaving. She smiled at him and nodded her head at him as he left, which meant she can have some time alone with the former Fourth Child.
(Thanks, Kensuke.) She thought as she turned her sight to Touji's direction, then to the window he was gazing at. She fumbled with her fingers, trying to think of the words she can use to at least comfort him during this time. She can see it clearly in those deep, serious eyes of his that he needed the companionship and support of another person closest to him that even Kensuke or his little sister couldn't give.
(Poor Touji…even when you're like this, you're still thinking of Ikari and the others?) Hikari thought to herself, knowing he was more compassionate than he looked. She had always known he was a caring person, but it surprised her that he'd be angsty in worrying about Shinji after hearing what's been going on since morning at the GeoFront. It was because of this side of Touji Suzahara that grew Hikari's crush on him even more.
It was so much of a burden to her to take, that it broke her heart every time that she thought about Touji's current condition and that he had done nothing evil or harmful to anyone to deserve it. To the outside world, he was just another casualty of war, but to Hikari, it meant more than just that. He may still be alive, but he's hardly the same person he was before the incident. But even still, he would commit himself to do his best for those he cares about. It was enough for Hikari to press on to be closer to him now than ever, but also enough that it often brings her to tears.
Even standing close to him now, she can feel her heart ache seeing him like this. She tried her hardest to keep back the tears, ever maintaining her upright stature she was known at during school days. But standing next to him like this…she surely could break down emotionally in front of him.
"Ah…Touji…" Hikari muttered, her lips even quivering as she spoke. "Do you think…Asuka will be alright too?"
Touji suddenly turned to his class representative and saw the sad look in her freckled face. He was expecting her to ask this. Hikari was probably worried about Asuka herself, not a moment passed during the day that she hoped her classmate would at least be okay. When she heard the seriousness of the situation worsen when the JSSDF attacked, her hopes for seeing her friend again seemed to have gotten dimmer.
"No one can really say, I guess." Touji replied, in what he hoped was the best answer he can provide for her for now. He didn't want to see her sad in any way, he knew on his part that she was probably depressed over everything that has happened. "Even with some of the guys from NERV watching us, I feel uneasy, just as you are probably."
"They told Kensuke that they haven't been able to contact the headquarters for hours." Hikari said. "Maybe something…something has happened to her, to Ikari, to all those people at NERV!"
"Hikari…" Touji said as he saw Hikari started to sob, as she placed her hands over her face, hiding it.
"Asuka…I know she was badly hurt after that Angel attack a long time back, she couldn't pilot her Eva anymore." Hikari spoke as she cried. "And Rei…she…! I can't hope for the best anymore, they could already be long dead for all we know! Shinji… his guardian and all those people who were in that base!"
Touji just couldn't stand it anymore. He felt hopeless as he watched the girl who has been caring for him ever since he lost two of his limbs cry desperately in front of him, the one who should be watching over her. He felt pathetic of himself as he felt he had failed her in some way. He wished there was something he can do to rectify the situation in a way to make her feel safe.
"Touji, what are we going to do?" Hikari cried as the handicapped boy simply shut his eyes as he felt there was one thing he can do for her. "Are we going to die as well?"
"You know for sure…that can't happen." Touji said. "They surely can't come to kill kids like us. But…even if it comes to that…"
To Hikari's surprise, Touji stood up on his right leg with only the crotch to support his left side as he walked over close enough to Hikari that he wrapped his right arm around her back and pulled her close to his naked chest. A shade of red covered Hikari's wet face as she felt Touji's tight, warm and comforting embrace. She can hear his heart beating loudly as her ear was pressed against it. She knew Touji had been having trouble showing his feelings for her, as the paced beating of Touji's heart confirmed it. The thumping of it started to sooth Hikari in a way that it eased her of some of her pain.
"No matter what should happen, I'll be sure to protect you and everyone else here." Touji said. "You…you all are important to me, Hikari. I don't want to lose anything else more valuable in my life anymore."
Hikari looked up at him with watered eyes as she smiled lightly at him. "Touji, do you…really mean what you just said? Am I really that special to you?"
"Well, yeah. Sorry if I hadn't told you before." Touji nervously smiled. "It's just that…I really can't understand why you would want to help me through all of this."
"It's because I think the same of you too, Touji." Hikari said. "You're very important to me ever since I've known you. You're different from all the boys in school, because you have no problem putting people's needs before yours."
"I don't think you should make a big deal out of that." Touji said.
"Well, I am. I…really like that side of you, Touji, your compassionate, caring side. You hardly ever show it, but when you do go through the trouble for your sister, I…I just can't help but admire you for it." Hikari said as she touched his face.
"Even if it meant that you would get hurt in the process…oh, Touji! You don't deserve to be suffering like this." Hikari cried. "You're a very good person, so why? Why you of all people had to be hurt like this?"
"Sometimes, I ask myself that up to now." Touji said meekly. "Maybe…I think I wasn't worth of protecting you guys from the Angels. I bet that what that Angel who took over the Evangelion was trying to say to me. I don't know…at least I gave it a go."
"You idiot." Hikari sobbed as she gently punched his chest. "You could have been killed. I wouldn't know what to do if something like that ever happened to you, Touji. I wouldn't live with myself."
(Ah, damn. I made her cry again.) Touji thought to himself as he used his right hand to rub her hair. "I'm sorry if I made you think that I was feeling that way."
"Oh, Touji." Hikari replied as her smile grew a bit wider. "If you just let me stay like this for a little while longer…I can consider accepting your apology."
"Alright then, Hikari." Touji sat back on the chair he was on and let Hikari sit on his lap as she continued resting her head on his chest. She felt a bit more relaxed now that they are getting to show each other the feelings they had for one another like this. Hikari felt that Touji's heartbeats can lull her to sleep any moment, but she wished to stay awake to experience this moment. She may never get a chance like this again with the way things are turning out.
"You know what, Hikari?" Touji suddenly said to her. "I'm…I'm happy that I'm the one you chose me to be considered special to you. I always thought you would go for the likes of Shinji, but I was wrong. Seeing you helping me through my therapy and the times before I when needed someone to be with made me believed that you always were thinking about me. I'm glad to have spent all this time with you, Hikari, it meant a lot to me."
Before he went on, he then saw the young girl, already nodding off to sleep. A small smile came on his face as he carefully lay back on the chair, so he felt comfortable. Her body was pressing unto his as she muttered his name in her sleep and her body's warmth assimilating with his. She never looked this innocent before in front of him in all those times before they were together and it gave Touji some assurance that things would be turning out okay for them.
(You just rest, Hikari.) Touji thought as he rested his head on hers. (If anyone tries to hurt you, they will have to come through me first.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A few meters away outside from the house, Alucard stood on the edge of a hill, using the bats he had already summoned to transfer sonar messages to him about the happenings of the Horaki residence. Nodding his head in silence, he flung his cape open to reveal a new type of armour that has been passed down through generations in his family. Taking out a broadsword in hand, he was prepared to defend the Horaki residence from SEELE's forces, which were spotted nearby in the rural areas.
"I must make haste now." Alucard said as he started to sprint through the forest using his superhuman vampire abilities. Along the way, he stopped his tracks as he spotted several armoured JSSDF troopers with their guns aiming at him.
"Freeze!" one of the soldiers shouted at him.
"I believe I should be the one saying that." Alucard said, taking out a Stopwatch. Using powerful magic he have learned in his demon hunting years, he can stop time and paralyze the beings caught in the spell. A bright flash surrounded the JSSDF troops as they were motionless.
"What the…!"
"I can't move!"
Alucard then placed his hands together as he used Summon Spirit to deal out damage on his enemies, as a ghost of a soul he had slain from years past began to injure the troops. He then took out his sword as his body began to emit a blood red aura.
"Dark Metamorphosis!" Alucard shouted as he slashed away on the troops. Each time he eviscerated one of the men, the aura around his body absorbed the spilled blood, rejuvenating him. He had already killed five troops using his superior sword skills.
The Stopwatch effect had ended by now and the troops wasted no time as they fired away at Alucard. However, he was a vampire half breed; the bullets used by the JSSDF can never seriously harm him.
"How pathetic. You should have run away when you had the chance." He said as he transformed into a vicious wolf and smashed into several troops. The troops continued to fire at him, as the vampire now transformed wolf now moved at supersonic speed and dodged the bullets fired at him.
Leaping over them, Alucard then transformed into the poison mist, as he began to suffocate the air out of the JSSDF troops in the area. After clearing the area of the troops, he reverted to normal human form and looked back at the fallen soldiers.
"How humans never change. They will continue to ruin themselves like this and will eventually lead to their own destruction." Alucard said to himself. "Isn't that right, Mother?"
But now wasn't the time to remember hard times as a vampire or judge the JSSDF, he had to get to the Horaki residence to make sure Touji along with his younger sister, Hikari with her own sisters and Kensuke are safe before the rest of the squadrons arrive.
"But from what the bats told me, there are those strong enough to protect this earth from meeting an ill fate." Alucard said. "For certainly the will power of the boy who was gravely injured, surely would be enough to make him stronger than even he thinks. At least he has people to protect until I get to him."
Alucard made a sprint out of the forest, hoping he can get there in time…
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ShardclawK: Some of you would have seen Castlevania being crossed into this fic near the end before, as well as some potential others which would have looked good in this story from suggestions from Majin Naraku. My decision was to wait till this update to actually surprise some of you that Alucard from the famous vampire slaying series will also be in part of the action. Well, did I surprise you?
Well, even if it didn't, I did hope my interpretations of him was on par, as I will also make references to the Game Boy Advance Castlevania adventures he had so fans would notice these as well. (Which I had to play first before I continued this story actually and getting there was easier said than done.) All in all, I did go through a lot with relating this series with Devil May Cry, so I hoped it all worked out fine.
Also, I couldn't help inputting that Viewtiful Joe reference for the fans who liked playing Dante in that game. It was so…touching in its own unique way I just had to use it. But not nearly as touching as the section of Touji and Hikari in the middle of the chapter, it was a combination of most of what I've read in the few Touji x Hikari fics I've read and a little of my touch in it, hope some of you liked it. (Now, if only there was a lemon fic somewhere for the two, but there I go again, asking too much of something I doubt I'll get…sigh.)
One more thing: The combos I interpreted in the Dante section of this chapter were inspired from the gameplay video I found. I was just testing myself in the hopes my writing skills can match what I've seen and since many of you seem to enjoy the fight scenes for this story. Anyone interested in seeing it, I can always mail it to you on request so you can see for yourselves why I really think that video is mesmerizing. All you have to do is ask in your reviews or send requests in your writer replies.
Next Chapter: SEELE presses on with in their attack, but Lady and Arucard haven't even considered giving up the battle to defend the Horaki residence! Can they protect the children being targeted by the enemy and buy time before reinforcements arrive?
See you in the next and final chapter of this story. It's going to be a mind blower unlike anything you've seen before.
Collis aka ShardclawKusanagi.