Agnus burst into the room, wherein Credo, Sanctus, Gloria and a couple other knights were having a discussion. The researcher was undeniably livid that his entire work was practically made useless all in a day. And he just had the right person in mind to focus his anger on. He marched up to said man and shouted.
"Credo! You knew it all along, didn't you?!"
The General was not at all amused by the scientist's sudden appearance, nor for the tone of his voice. "How dare you raise your voice in the presence of His Holiness!"
Agnus merely ignored him and went to focus on the matter at hand. "That arrogant kid possesses d-d-d-d-demonic power!"
Credo, despite knowing Nero for about only eight months, felt as if the boy was a little brother, and that he knew everything about him. So, with that in mind, he only had one thing to say to Agnus.
"Absurd."
"Absurd!?" he repeatedly angrily, the knight commander getting on his nerves and started going off in a furious ramble. "Don't play me a fool. Is he not your subordinate? He resurrected Yamato!" Agnus bellowed out.
Everyone stared at the scientist in surprise with what he had just said, Sanctus looking very intrigued. Agnus simply adjusted his monocle and continued on.
"This is your fault. It's your responsibility! It-t-t-t-t-t-t-t…."
"Credo." spoke out Sanctus, having heard enough.
Agnus quickly froze up. In one word, he stopped talking and backed off, allowing Credo to walk up to the Vicar. "Yes, Your Holiness?"
Sanctus lightly strummed his fingers on the table, in deep thought. "With the information presented to us, it seems that Nero has a connection with Dante, and in turn, our Savior. Could you go and apprehend him for questioning?" he asked in a soft tone.
Credo looked unsure. In the short amount of time he interacted with him, he had gotten to care for Nero as if he were his own. But unfortunately for him, his duty came first. "If that is your wish... Though who will then track Dante?"
Gloria smiled, volunteering to take over. "I will find Dante."
Sanctus turned to his newest executive, an inquisitive look on his face. "You can guarantee his capture then?"
The tanned beauty nodded, looking absolutely sure. "Absolutely. When have I ever failed, Your Holiness?" She stood up and bowed, then turned to walk away.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Credo turned to the Vicar of Sparda, doubt all over his face "I do not mean to question you, Your Holiness, but is she reliable?"
The elderly man sunk into his chair, pressing his fingers together. "She once brought to us the sword 'Sparda' and hastened the completion of our Savior."
"But she remains almost a stranger to us all even after eight months…" he pointed out.
Sanctus looked the least bothered by it and waved it off. "Which will only concern us should a situation arise. As for her identity, I have already investigated…" Although, his General still didn't look convinced. "Now, find us Nero and Yamato, and bring them back to me." he finished, patting him on the hand as reassurance.
Credo nodded, abiding the order of the Vicar. "As you wish, Your Holiness."
Mitis Forest
Jaune had lost track of his uncle, and found himself in some sort of ruins, the plant life growing into the ruined buildings. From what he could see, there was even an old cathedral and a fountain but had been weathered down, possibly due to the influence of the Hell Gate.
The teen looked up as numerous Scarecrows fell down, surrounding him in a circle. Jaune wordlessly grabbed Red Queen and prepared to fight them, when a demon that looked like a plant with hair pounced and attached itself to the burlap sacks. The plant demon bloomed and released out two bladed limbs. More of its kind came, infesting all of the surrounding Scarecrow.
Jaune smirked and slammed down Red Queen, revving it up. The Chimeras charged and wildly swung around its blades, acting like spinning tops. The teen jumped over and on top of them, giving him a boost to land on top of some rubble. The plant demons chirped in confusion, not knowing what to do and just kept on spinning around, hitting each other.
"Well, not only are they weak, but they're stupid too." Looking at Red Queen, a smile crossed his lips before looking back at the demons. "Guess I should put them out of their misery."
Jaune kicked himself off from where he was and went for a violent descending slash, using the Exceed to stir up a flame and burn down the surrounding Chimeras. Much to his certain surprise, all of them died easily…too easily. One good hit and they were all killed in an instant.
"Well, that's no fun." he said, very disappointed.
The Lone Son placed back Red Queen onto his back, his excitement having simmered down. Shaking his head, he ventured even deeper into the forest, hoping to get to the gate first before his uncle did. He stopped in his tracks as numerous lizard-like demons sprung out from the ground. Jaune merely drew out his blade, preparing for another fight.
Most of the Assaults stood up and took aim at the teen, shooting out their claws. Jaune deflected the claws back to sender, the lizards jumping out of the way. The others swiftly attacked and dashed forward, swinging its claws like an arc. Jaune jumped back and drew out Blue Rose, shooting at the demons. The bullets simply bounced off their skin and they pressed on, managing to strike him.
Jaune grunted in surprise, and wasn't able to react as two Assaults burrowed themselves under the ground then emerged with a vicious claw strike, causing him to stumble back. The Son of Vergil focused and parried another claw slash. He grabbed it by the tail with a Buster and started slamming it around. He spun around and threw the Assault at its comrades, knocking out at least two more. Jaune rolled to the side, as more claws were shot at him.
The Assaults jumped into the air and started spinning around and homed in on the white-haired teen. Jaune quickly performed a MAX-Act and followed it up with a Streak attack, swinging and swiping away at the lizard demons. Most, if not all, were now either burnt, cut in half, or all of the above. The three he knocked out, stood on its feet, glaring defiantly at Sparda's descendant.
The Assaults let out an ear-piercing screech, causing Jaune to stumble around as he felt his ears bled and be stunned by the large screams. He tried to block it out, but it was all for naught as he dropped his weapons.
Using the opportunity presented, the Assaults ganged up on him and struck him from all sides. This began to annoy the blond, who couldn't even fight back since his weapons were separated from him. The three demons were too fast for him. How could he-?
"I'm right here, young master. Call upon me when you so desire, and I shall help you."
That's right. How could he have forgotten his father's weapon? In a burst of energy, he summoned out the Yamato and pushed back the Assaults, stunning them. A hazy blue aura coated Jaune, pulsating intensely and his eyes glowing a burning red once again.
Jaune gasped, surprised at the intensity and how intoxicating the feeling was. A large smile crossed his lips, clearly enjoying the moment.
"This…is power!" he declared in a warped and echoing tone.
The Yamato hummed, communicating with the son of her master.
"Let it come to you, young master. Heed my voice, and I will do my best to guide you."
Jaune gazed at the katana and gave her a smile. He turned to the still stunned demons and his smile turned wicked. He tossed the Yamato to his left hand and drew out the blade with a flourish. A wicked grin crawled up to his lips as he slipped into a comfortable stance. The aura around him intensified, sweeping back his hair. This act caused him to resemble his father more.
Jaune dashed forward and whacked one of the Assaults with the scabbard twice, before striking with a rising slash that sent it flying. He sheathed her back with a click, and the lizard demon was sliced in half.
The other two recovered and went for another spin dash attack. The teen grunted and swiftly unsheathed the blade, stopping their attacks and launching them into the air. Jaune then followed it up with a downward slice, crashing them back down.
The Assaults weren't quite dead yet. Jaune charged forward and drew out the Yamato. He spun around and struck both Assaults twice before stopping himself and hitting them with one final slash, killing them both as he slammed her back into her scabbard.
Jaune was in complete awe at the Yamato's power. He smiled as he felt the rush fade away, with the dark-forged blade going back into his Devil Bringer. He curled around his fingers and patted it gratefully.
"Thanks."
He retrieved his fallen weapons and ventured further until he finally stumbled upon the Hell Gate, except it was already being demolished by his uncle, equipped with new gauntlets, greaves and a face mask with spiral designs of sorts.
Jaune silently watched as Dante destroyed the remains of the gate with moves that would've made Bruce Lee proud. The teen was about to clap... Until he remembered the stipulation his uncle had put up.
The Legendary Devil Hunter walked up to his nephew with a smirk, willing away the Devil Arm. "Hey, kid. You're late. Looks like you owe me a treat."
Jaune rolled his eyes before smiling good-naturedly. "Fine. Strawberry sundaes on me when we get back home. But don't think this voids the other thing."
"Don't worry. I haven't forgotten." Dante assured. "What say you and I actually end things and head for the Order's Headquarters?"
Jaune lost his sass and nodded, now looking a bit excited. "Right."
Entrance to the Order's Headquarters
As the two cambions approached the entrance, they stopped in their tracks as they saw Credo walking towards them. The Knight shot them a look that would make a normal man keel over through sheer intimidation. His gaze fell on Jaune, more importantly, his arm. The General sighed deeply, a conflicted look on his face.
"So, Agnus was right. You do possess the power of a demon."
Jaune averted his eyes, refusing to look at the man, and instead focused on his uncle. "Go ahead, Dante. I'll catch up."
The Legendary Devil Hunter gave him a nod and rushed off to fight the Order's forces, leaving the two of them alone. The teen straightened up and braced himself, trying to focus at the task at hand. Credo and Jaune began to circle one other, their expressions settling into glares.
"So was everything but a lie, Nero? An act so that we would drop our guard and allow you to steal the Yamato?"
"Not steal, take back." he corrected. "The Yamato belonged to Sparda, and was passed down to his son - my father. By right, it's mine. I don't know what the Order's planning with my father's sword, but whatever it is, we're putting a stop to it."
"Then you are a threat to our cause. As Supreme General of the Holy Knights, you are under arrest!"
The two drew their respective swords and ran at each other, trading blows. Sparks flew all across the platform as their strikes kept canceling each other. Jaune grunted, doing his best to defend himself against Credo's onslaught of attacks. The time he spent here, it made him hesitant to fight the General.
Credo spotted an opening and pushed back the teen, sweeping him off his feet. Jaune recovered and rolled himself onto his knees. He embedded Red Queen into the ground revved up its Exceed engine. He charged forward and performed a rotating slash that struck Credo, knocking him down.
"To think that you would be this skilled at that age." Credo said, as he pushed himself up. "It's a testament of your abilities."
Jaune grunted, resting his blade on his shoulders while he remained silent before growing apprehensive, sensing something was about to come.
The General closed his eyes and a hazy aura of white and gold began to erupt from his body. "You've left me no choice, Nero. Now, it's time that I display the power that the Order has bestowed upon me!"
With a load roar, the aura enveloped Credo, his body shifting into a much larger form. It was sort of bird-like, colored mostly white as if to mimic the appearance of the angels of myth. He only had one wing on his right side and wielded a large sword and shield. Jaune took a step back in disbelief, shocked at the transformation.
"You too, Credo? Even you went through the Ascension Ceremony?"
The now demonic Credo stared down the teen, unfurling his lone wing as he ascended into the air. "I have been chosen to take the next step in evolution, to become something far more than just human. I am an angel!"
"You're wrong, Credo." started Jaune. His shock disappeared, now replaced with teeming anger. "I've seen what an angel looks like, and you're not even close. All you've become is a demon. One that needs to be put down!"
"Then we are at an impasse. I will repeat what I said earlier - as Supreme General of the Holy Knights, you are under arrest. It is the wish of His Holiness!"
Jaune dashed to the side, narrowly dodging Credo's spear thrusts. He was pushed back by the sudden swipe attack, making him inadvertently growl. He jumped up towards his former superior and clashed blades with him, managing to overcome him with his superior strength and brought him down to his knees.
Credo looked up and saw his traitorous subordinate descend for a heavy attack, and blocked it with his shield, causing sparks to fly off.
SUPREME GENERAL OF THE HOLY KNIGHTS
Angelo Credo
Jaune was thrown back, feet skidding against the ground as he steadied himself. Before he could further react, Credo had already moved in and struck him four times, the last slash launching him into the air. The Angelo General followed after and bashed down the teen with his shield, before impaling him with his sword, then kicked him off.
Jaune coughed up some blood, groaning a little. Even now, a part of him still felt hesitant to attack Credo. Despite everything, he was still a friend. But he also had no other choice. He needed to fight back, or be defeated and captured.
As Credo charged in for another attack, the Son of Vergil called upon the Yamato once again, the sheer energy that radiated managing to stun the Order's Supreme General. Jaune roared and ran up to the noble demon, with speed that surprised even him. He drew Yamato out of her sheath and quickly slashed at Credo, sending him up into the air. He jumped after, swiftly delivering devastating attacks at the airborne General, following it up with a rising spinning slash.
Grabbing him by the throat, Jaune slammed him back down onto the platform and dove down for a plunging stab. Credo recovered and deflected it with his shield, staggering Jaune, giving him a window of opportunity.
The Supreme General of the Holy Knights delivered four more vicious strikes, slamming Jaune into the ground. He dashed back and summoned floating, golden swords by his side. He flew into the air and sent them at the exposed teen in various formations.
Jaune saw the oncoming attack and channeled his uncle's technique.
"Royal Guard!"
He slipped into the ultimate defensive stance and blocked every projectile that was sent his way. Unbeknownst to him, Credo teleported right behind him, on the edge of the platform. He brandished his lance and threw it at Jaune like a javelin. The Son of Vergil took notice it of a second too late and was pinned to the ground through his stomach.
Credo, now unarmed, swooped in for a ramming charge with his shield up. Jaune pulled out the spear and used it against its wielder, swinging it upwards to stagger him, then sent it back to sender, impaling him just like he did to him earlier. The cambion drew out Red Queen and revved up its Exceed to Max. He dashed up to the stunned Credo and sent out several sweeping slashes, pushing back the mighty General.
"Nero...! Tell me, was it everything really just a ruse?! An act to lower our guard?!"
Jaune grunted as he blocked an overhead strike, before performing a Buster attack on Credo's shield, slowly withering it down.
"I enjoyed my time here, Credo! Hanging out with you and Kyrie was a great experience!" He switched blades and held Yamato, sending out swift slashes at the angelic demon. "It felt like home! I wish that we're on the same side. You're a noble person, Credo, and I respect you deeply for that!"
He jumped back and fired out a Charge Shot. Credo defended himself with his shield and summoned out more swords, this time, surrounding Jaune. The projectiles moved in to pierce, and he swiftly swung around Red Queen, throwing them off.
Credo swooped in and threw out another four-hit combo that sent him into the air once again. The demonic knight flew up and delivered a spiraling, drill-like attack that skewered that white-haired cambion. He tossed him up even further and sent out arcs of energy, striking him down.
Jaune forced himself up, as Credo lowered down. The Lone Son glared at his friend and channeled more of the Yamato's power. He tossed up his hand and a surge of energy exploded out of him, causing Credo to falter. When the energy subsided, a translucent shadow of a demon was now floating behind the young teen. The demon held its own copy of the Yamato, with a sheath attached to its left arm.
Credo seemed taken aback. The demon resembled that of the one that Agnus took inspiration for the Angelos. The so-called 'Black Angel'. He gasped in surprise as Jaune moved faster than he did earlier, making it look like he was blinking around. The teen reappeared right in front of him and sent out a rising slash, the demon copying his movement. Credo cried out in pain as Jaune dashed back drew out Blue Rose, firing off multiple shots, all accompanied by spectral swords that resembled shurikens.
The Supreme General of the Holy Knights brought up his shield and tried to block them, however, Jaune Bustered it, forcing him to take the full brunt of the attack. The teen roared and Bustered Credo once again, his shield finally down. He quickly ran up to the kneeling knight and grabbed him through the demon. He viciously punched him four times and sent him flying with an uppercut. However, he wasn't done yet. Jaune jumped up and stabbed him with a fully revved up Red Queen, his demon doing the same but with Yamato. They harshly ripped out the sword and sent him rolling.
"Come on, Credo. Give up." he pleaded. "I don't want to have to kill you. I won't do to that to Kyrie."
Credo recovered, looking at Jaune in offense. "Kill me? Don't you dare underestimate the power of the Order!"
The man roared loudly, being covered the white and golden aura once again, but more intense. He charged forward with a powerful Stinger-like stab. And for even more bad luck, the demon faded, leaving Jaune a bit more defenseless. He pulled back and delivered numerous horizontal slashes in a row, leaving Jaune no room to evade.
He followed it up with another four-hit strike, however, this was much more vicious than the earlier ones. The Angelo General grabbed him by the neck and flew high into the air. He dived bomb down and crashed Jaune onto the platform, nearly cracking it. Credo hovered back, allowing Jaune to push himself up. However, as he did so, numerous golden Summoned Swords, impaled him at all sides, forcing him to kneel.
"I'm sorry it had to be this way, Nero." he said in a solemn tone.
But the teen had no plans in giving up. Much to Credo's shock, his swords shattered and Jaune's wounds closed up quickly. He roared and used his Devil Bringer to Snatch the shocked Credo to him. Calling forth Yamato once again, he wielded her in his right hand while he held Red Queen on his left.
He wielded them rather amateurishly but it was enough, striking Credo with both blades, then sparked them together, blinding him. Jaune smirked and moved at breakneck speed, swinging the two swords with wild abandon, making them look like mere blurs as he basically shredded Credo. He then finished it off with a spinning overhead slash, pushing back the demon knight.
Credo panted heavily, starting to get exhausted by their fight as Jaune sheathed back Yamato and secured Red Queen on his back. The Angelo General shook his head and decided to press forward, very unwilling to give up. Bringing forth his shield, he charged forward for another ramming attack. Jaune stopped him in his tracks with his Devil Bringer, being pushed back slightly. For a moment, it glowed as he tossed him aside.
Jaune glanced at his arm in curiosity, wondering why it was glowing before turning to the fallen knight.
"No!" Credo cried out, as his demon form faded, leaving him human once again. But even then, he still wasn't willing to give up. "Not yet! I'm not finished!"
He stood up and charged at the blond with his regular Durandal. Jaune drew out Red Queen and the two clashed blades once more. Each strike they delivered, it would end up being canceled out by the other. Eventually, the two locked blades, glaring at each other heatedly.
Credo pulled back and went for an overhead strike. Jaune saw the opportunity presented and deflected the attack, leaving Credo wide open. Channeling his demonic energy, he roared and delivered a punch to the General's face before ending it with a flying kick, finally sending him down for the count.
Credo winced in pain, struggling to stand up. "Is this... the full force of your power?"
Jaune remained silent and walked up to him. In an outsider's perspective, it would look like he was getting ready to deliver the finishing blow. But in reality, he only wanted to knock him out. A scream attracted both of their attention. Jaune turned around in shock to see Kyrie standing behind him.
She gazed at him in fear, before glancing at his arm. Jaune quickly hid it away, shame filling him. He never had to hide his arm from his friends. His family didn't judge because they were the same. Ren and Nora didn't care and accepted it. And Pyrrha? She actually liked it. Not only because it saved her, but because it was cool. It didn't matter, because it was only a part of him. It didn't change the fact that he was still her friend.
So, it really hurt him to see someone scared of his arm. He tried to move forward and explain himself, but he only succeeded in scaring her even more when she saw Credo, wounded and trying to stand.
"Kyrie... T-this isn't what it looks like..."
"Why...? Why did you do this?" she asked, her tone fully in disbelief and slight heartbreak.
Jaune continued to walk up to her, when Agnus appeared out of nowhere, standing besides the young redhead with a smirk.
"It was our intention to protect you from the truth. Nero is a demon."
"Agnus! You son of a-"
The Order's researcher pulled out his blade, hovering it over her throat, alarming both Jaune and Credo as Kyrie's eyes widened in fear. Agnus looked absolutely smug that he had them in the palm of his hands.
"Not to worry. I have no intentions of harming her...yet."
Jaune glared at the man, clenching his hand tightly. "She has nothing to do with this... Let her go!"
"Agnus!" called out Credo, having managed to stand up and limp towards them. "How dare you use my sister! This is my fight and I will finish it! Release her!"
The monocle-wearing man looked at the knight with contempt, not moving away his blade. "His Holiness predicted your defeat and so ordered that your sister be utilized."
Both Credo and Jaune were taken aback, shocked that the vicar would willingly pull in an innocent bystander. As Credo was about to speak, a bright light erupted from Agnus, sweeping Credo off his feet while it pushed Jaune a good distance away from him, using his arm to block the light.
When it subsided, Agnus had transformed into his bug-like demon form, and was now in the air. He had Kyrie in-hand, who had been knocked unconscious by his transformation.
"If you want her, then come and get her, for I cannot guarantee her safety."
Cackling like a madman, Agnus buggered off, leaving a frustrated Jaune and a shocked Credo.
"His Holiness... He used Kyrie...?"
Jaune ran up to his friend and offered his arm to help him stand up. Credo accepted with no hesitation and clasped the arm, using it to pull himself up. The teen looked at the sky, before turning back to the knight.
"Where's he gonna take her? Back to headquarters?"
"I would assume so. Nero, we must set aside this battle and confront His Holiness. Together."
Jaune nodded in agreement. No use in continuing the conflict if they didn't even know which side they were on. The two shook hands as Credo transformed into his demon form once again. He took off, the cambion holding on to him as they went to confront Sanctus.
In a moments time, the two had reached the Order's headquarters and went straight for the Advent Chamber. There, they saw Sanctus standing on top of a giant statue of Sparda. The Vicar took notice of their arrival and looked down on them with a smile.
"So you've finally come, Nero. And I see you brought Credo along as well."He gestured his hands to the statue, his smile growing wider. "Is it not beautiful?"
Jaune frowned, responding by pointing Blue Rose at him. "Think we've got a difference of opinion on that one."
Credo stepped forward, calling out to the old man. "Your Holiness! I have faithfully served you and the dream of the utopia you spoke of, the Savior you preached of... But now you used my sister, who has nothing to do with this." His eyes hardened into a fierce glare, drawing out his trusty Durandal. "And that is beyond forgiveness!"
"Love...? For a sibling?" uttered Sanctus, as if it was something foreign and unfounded. "How utterly foolish. Do you not understand, Credo, my most faithful follower? All that is ever truly needed is absolute power!"
Jaune frowned deeply. He turned to the knight, asking him of his opinion. "Well, Credo. What's your take on this?"
A deep frown creased his lips, face brimming with anger as he glared at Sanctus. "I resign from my position as General, and hereby betray the Order of the Sword!" he declared, transforming into his Angelo form.
The teen smirked, excited to fight by his friend's side. Sanctus fumed, infuriated that he had lost a pawn. Nonetheless, he couldn't let them see his anger, lest they try to provoke him even further.
"I'm afraid the both of you are already too late. Although still incomplete, this is your chance to catch a glimpse of the true power of our Savior!"
The two knights merely glared at the power-hungry man. Credo brandished his sword-lance while Jaune drew out Red Queen and revved it up. Sanctus jumped off the statue and encased himself in a a blue barrier, surrounded by two demonic orbs, and hovered in mid-air.
VICAR OF FORTUNA
Sanctus
"You fools! How dare you defy the Savior?"
The megalomaniac roared and rained down lightning upon them. Credo flew above and blocked the attack with his shield. Jaune quickly Snatched himself up onto one of the orbs and began chipping away at the defensive sphere. Credo quickly joined in, the two of them attacking at both sides and the orb fell.
Jaune grabbed Sanctus by the throat and punched him in the gut, causing him to plummet down onto the ground. The Angelo Knight then descended and launched a flurry of furious strikes at his former superior, still angered by his decision to use his sister. Credo grunted and smacked him across the chamber, sending him to Jaune's path.
The Son of Vergil Bustered the old man up to him then threw him harshly back on the ground. He growled and started throwing a barrage of brutal punches, Credo joining in as he attacked Sanctus from behind, leaving gashes on his back. The former General held up the man by his hair, allowing Jaune to prep up his attack.
"Pray for help to your Savior, because you're gonna need it!" he mocked.
The teen roared and finished it off with a powerful uppercut, sending him right back into the air. Sanctus recovered and summoned out his orbs and blue shield once again.
"You both will repent!"
Jaune and Credo jumped back, easily dodging the waves of thunder. The former latched on to the latter as he flew around, allowing him to shoot at Sanctus while Credo would evade his attacks. The noble demon summoned out his Summoned Swords and fired them at all directions, piercing through his shield once again. Credo then tossed Jaune at Sanctus. The teen smirked and impaled the vicar with Red Queen as soon as they collided, bringing him back down.
"Let's cook you up a bit!"
Jaune cranked up the handle, spurting out flames and burned Sanctus from the inside. He grunted and repeatedly stomped the vicar's vulnerable visage with reckless abandon. Once he was satisfied, he pulled out his blade and launched him into the air for Credo to have his turn.
Credo roared furiously as he dashed swiftly, striking Sanctus in every direction. He was so fast, it was almost like he had conjured up duplicates of himself and moved in sync to attack the power hungry man. Credo then ended his attack by lunging his spear-lance into Sanctus's body, splitting him in half.
The noble knight fluttered down by Jaune's side, staring at the severed corpse, with the latter thinking it was over. But of course, it wasn't that easy. Sanctus' two halves erupted in an explosion of light, blinding the two. The corrupted vicar took this to his advantage and quickly reformed himself, floating back up into the air.
"Resistance is futile! I sentence you both to death!"
He gathered up a large beam of energy and lightning into the palm of his hands and unleashed on the two traitor to his Order. Jaune and Credo cried out in pain, feeling their body start to lock up because of the dual attack. Sanctus cackled, conjuring up large fireballs in the sky.
"Now burn!"
The megalomaniac threw them at the stunned duo, however the spectral projection from the lab reappeared and extinguished the balls of flame with ease by swinging around its copy of the Yamato, the force behind each strike exuding a force of air. Sanctus looked at the figure in horror, causing him to float a good distance away.
"Impossible! You're supposed to be dead!"
At this point, Jaune and Credo had recovered, albeit they were panting. The former looked up in surprise to see Vergil hovering over him protectively.
"Father…?" he uttered out loud.
The projection of Vergil remained silent and looked up at Sanctus. The priest almost shrieked in fear at the cold glare he was receiving. The phantom grunted and vanished, the duo finally having managed to stand on their feet. Jaune glanced at this arm, looking at it gratefully.
"Thank you… Father." Jaune cracked his knuckles, calling out Yamato and activating his pseudo-Devil Trigger while Credo turned into his Angelo form once again. "Round two!"
Sanctus grew furious and charged right in, head first, covered in a bright aura. Jaune dashed forward and relentlessly slashed through his defenses. Credo charged in and impaled Sanctus on his blade once more, dragging him across the floor and created a long trail of blood. He skidded to a stop and threw him into the air.
Jaune ran up to his location and unleashed a Slash Dimension around Sanctus, pillars of light emering from thin air, slicing him up. The old man panted and glared furiously at the duo. He roared and charged head first once again. The white-haired teen smirked and grabbed him with his spectral arm. Spinning around, he slammed him into the chest of the statue of Sparda, hoping to have crashed him in it.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Sanctus gave them a smug grin as he allowed himself to be absorbed into the Savior, causing Jaune and Credo's eyes to widen, the former feeling absolutely stupid.
"Oh shit."
The gem on the Savior's forehead lit up brightly. The chamber began to tremble as the giant statue started to move. It raised up its arm and collapsed the surrounding pillars, its eyes narrowly opened and stared menacingly at the duo.
"Behold the power of the Savior!" he boasted.
Moving with unnatural speed, the Savior punched the two of them, pummeling them into the wall, embedding them into it. Sanctus cackled from inside of the statue, summoning out a few Bianco Angelos and it's superior version, the Alto Angelo.
Credo pushed himself off and fended off the group of demons, allowing Jaune to focus on Sanctus. The young cambion jumped out of the wall and glared at Sanctus. The Savior raised its hand for another punch, but this time, Jaune was prepared. He used Buster and smacked away the hand, causing Sanctus to fall out, unprotected and stunned.
Jaune slowly walked up to the defenseless man, Yamato brimming with energy. Slipping into a stance, Jaune focused and unleashed his rage.
"You're going down!"
He roared and grabbed Red Queen, using them both to deliver an omnipotent barrage of slashes, heavily injuring Sanctus. As the coup de grace, he stabbed both blades into his body, and bounced him into the air, allowing Credo to ram his shield into his chest, and barged him back onto the Savior.
Sanctus breathed heavily, growing even more livid than he already was. Credo sped off, ready to finally deliver the killing blow. However, something he did not expect occurred. His little sister emerged from out of the jewel, causing the demonic knight to halt in his tracks.
"Kyrie?" he called out uncertainly.
The young redhead stirred, opening her eyes to see her older brother. "Credo?"
Before anymore could be said, a large sword emerged from the former General's chest, splattering Kyrie's face with blood. Jaune looked up in horror, as he saw Sanctus floating behind Credo, having stabbed him from behind.
"CREDO!" he cried out, tears streaming down as he reached out to the man he could call a brother.
Kyrie could only gaped freeze up in horror as her brother's Angelo form faded, allowing her to see him die as a human, his face contorted in pure agony. Sanctus smirked, patting Credo's shoulder and commended him.
"Although you have betrayed the Order, I must salute a man such as yourself. It's such a shame for you to turn back on your faith. If only you weren't held back by such a petty emotions, then you wouldn't have to die."
As Sanctus was about to pull out, Credo grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him closer, ignoring the pain and focusing his anger on the man. "Don't think that you have won… Nero, and Dante will stop you. I am certain of it. They will be the ones to ruin your schemes and send you to hell!"
Sanctus frowned at his former subordinate's words, before grinning maniacally. "Then let us meet there, my faithful servant!"
He wretched the sword out of Credo and pushed him down, watching gleefully as Jaune rushed to catch the knight's body. He caught Credo's body, gently placing him down. His eyes fell on the large, gaping wound and attempted to close it up. However, Credo pushed it away, shaking his head slowly.
"Dammit, Credo! You're not going to die here! You're gonna pull through this, I swear it!"
"No… Don't lie to yourself, Nero. We…both know that I won't live for much longer." The noble knight lurched forward, coughing up some blood. Although pained, he smiled at the crying teen. "It was fun…I admit. Nero…only you, and Dante can defeat the Savior now… Though, I have one last request, as your superior... Will you hear it?"
"Name it, Credo, and I'll honor it to my dying breath." he responded, trying so hard not to choke on his tears.
"Please…protect Kyrie…in my stead."
And with one last breath, Credo laid back and closed his eyes, never to open them again. His body glowed a golden light, before finally vanishing to the wind. Jaune grasped his hand at the empty air, his tears still fresh.
Then, the memories of the time he spent with Credo came flooding back. From their spars as knights. To being taught about Fortuna. The times he took him and Kyrie out for a treat at the bakery. And the moments where Credo would sit by his bed, and assure him that he was among friends. Now, those won't ever happen again. He's gone...
Still stuck in the gem, Kyrie broke down and screamed out her brother's name, unable to properly react at seeing her brother's death. Annoyed by her screams, Sanctus backhanded the poor teen and knocked her unconscious, her body being sucked back into the gem of the Savior.
That act broke the already bursting dam. Jaune's body exploded in a violent haze of blue, his eyes burning an even darker shade of red as his pseudo-Devil Trigger sprung into life. His face bore a scowl and he was completely livid at the corrupted vicar.
"SANCTUS!"
The Son of Vergil screamed with rage and fury, the only thing in his mind was to avenge his fallen friend. Sanctus growled and fired out a blast of lightning at him. Jaune slid back a few feet away, but was barely affected by the attack. He glared maliciously at the megalomaniac and roared as he brushed off the lightning.
He leapt for the vicar, rearing back the Yamato so he could end his life with one swing.
"You're gonna pay!"
Sanctus sneered and erected his barrier around him once again, but was shocked to see it shatter in one blow. Jaune wasted no time and grabbed Sanctus by the neck and jabbed the blade through his stomach. The mad man gasped and looked at the teen pleadingly but Jaune wasn't in the mood for negotiations. He harshly ripped out the Yamato and prepared to slice off his head, and avenge Credo.
In his anger-induced tunnel vision, he didn't notice Agnus arrive. The scientist summoned a flaming hound and used it like a cannon, blasting Jaune from the back. The surprise attack staggered the teen, giving Sanctus enough time to recover and order the Savior to capture him.
Jaune cried out in pain as the Savior's tight grip crushed him, his weapons falling down. He lowered his head as he felt his strength be sapped away by the artificial demon. Agnus flew down and gingerly picked up the dark-forged blade with slight reverence.
"Go, Agnus. And prepare for this world's Judgement Day." ordered Sanctus.
The researcher bowed and headed for Castle Town Fortuna, where the real Hell Gate was located. Just as he had left, Dante arrived, having beaten most of the Order's foot soldiers, accompanied by both Lady and Trish. The Legendary Devil Hunter saw his nephew captured and was about to rush in to go and free him.
"Forget about me! Yamato's being taken away!" he cried out, pointing at the retreating figure of Agnus. Jaune slumped, having lost his will to fight. "I'll be fine for now… Just go!"
Those were his final words as his body was absorbed to complete the Savior's core. Sanctus looked down on the three devil hunters, smug as a snake.
"If it isn't Gloria. Unfortunately for you all, your efforts were in vain. In the end, you've given me the Devil Sword Sparda, and now the Yamato is in my hands. And with Nero's blood to form the Savior's core, my victory is assured! Surrender your unconditional and undying loyalty to me now while you still breathe!"
The Devil May Cry crew responded in kind, firing at the megalomaniac with their respective guns. Of course, this was ineffective as his shield surrounding him bounced off the bullets.
"How utterly disappointing."
The entire room trembled as the Savior began to ascend into the sky, a partially-formed halo materialized behind it as the giant statue began to head for the mainland. Dante couldn't help but crack a joke about its appearance.
"Check it out, it's got wings!"
Lady shook her head, inspecting it with a critical eye. "I don't know. It looks pretty tacky me."
Every funny bone in their body vanished, now replaced with utmost seriousness. Dante turned to his companions. "Let's stick to the plan. You two, head into the city and continue the evacuation. If people still don't want to come with, then leave them, it's their call. I'll go and find the Yamato, then go take care of the old fart. Good luck!"
The two ladies nodded, sharing the same sentiments, and swiftly headed for their respective destinations, leaving Dante behind. The Second Son shook his head and just jumped down the spiral staircase.
Goddamit! I was having way too much fun jn playing Genshin that I forgot to update...again! Please imagine me doing Ichiban's level 3 apology. And because of that, I'll update tomorrow too. I promise.
Anyways, here's the latest 'updated' chapter. I modified it a bit to show to more how JauNero is mostly still inexperienced with using the Yamato, just following along with instincts and her instructions.
Which is why I've taken away the scene of him utilizing the Judgement Cut, and instead, gave him the Slash Dimension. What I thought here was that Yamato was instructing him how to JC, but he couldn't quite pull it off in the midst of battle and I stead performed SD. The moves I've envisioned Jaune using here would be Vergil's DMC3 moveset, but with DmC Vergil's movements looking very floaty and less impactful.
Also, apparently, according to the Desly Fortune novel, Nero's weapons were all melted when he was absorbed into the Savior's core and only had Yamato to use while he was inside. I didn't want to replace them just yet, so I made him drop them instead.Thanks for reading this far ahead. Thank you for your support. If you have anything to say, reviews are open as always. Stay safe. See y'all next time.