Disclaimer: The following is the work of a fanfiction. Devil May Cry and Kuroinu: Kedakaki Seijo wa Hakudaku ni Somaru are owned by their respective creators and are used for the sake of imagination through storytelling. I do not own either one.
Enjoy.
Alicia watched in apprehension as her younger cousin and the red warrior conversed.
The three were walking on the pathway towards the city of Feoh, the blonde knight cursing herself as she was swayed by Prim's suggestion of the man named Dante to accompany them back home. She was wary of the strange warrior, his ability against the monsters seem near inhuman to her; a reason why she was against him asking if he could come along.
Only Prim had the childlike kindness of offering Dante to tag along.
Was he not from Eostia? The way he dressed certainly wasn't that of a nobleman but more of a mercenary, another reason why she was suspicious of the man.
"So you guys are pure royalty, huh?" Dante asked, his hands behind his head. His walking at steady pace with the two princesses.
"I-Indeed we are, Sir Dante." Prim answered, nodding. "W-We're part of of the Seven Shield Alliance, our responsibility is to keep the peace within the country."
Dante hummed, nodding along to what jobs the two gals were tasked with. "Seems a lotta work. Ever get a break?"
"With the war happening as of right now, there's no time to be slacking." Alicia sternly told the carefree devil hunter.
"A war?"
Alicia raised a brow at his question. "Yes, war… You're unaware of what's currently going on?"
Dante only shook his head, placing hands in his pockets.
'Even if he's from a foreign land, everyone in the entire world knows of the seven hundred year war.' Alicia thought, her suspicions increasing of the ignorant Dante.
"Tell me, Sir Dante." The blonde knight started, keeping her gaze on the crimson clad hunter. "Where exactly do you hail from?"
"Ah, Redgrave. Dear old city of mine always filled to the brim of demonic losers." The silver haired man answered.
'Redgrave?' The royal knight had never heard of such a place, perhaps the city was a faraway location from Eostia? "So that explains why you showcased such skills against the orcs and goblins, then. Who mentored you?"
"Nobody. Just kinda did my own little thing and pretty much watch a lot of cool movies." Dante stated simply. "I know. Pretty cool when you get your stuff from classic Kung-fu movies."
Alicia couldn't help but scrunch her brow at Dante's simple answer. Movies? Just what on earth was he rambling about? Surely, this man wasn't a normal type that was for sure.
A low grumble emitted from Dante's stomach, his hands now rubbing the spot. "Ugh, looks like it's time for lunch. How far we reaching to that Feoh place?"
"Not too far." Prim said, her mind coming to an idea. "I-If you'd like to, we could offer you some food at our place if you're really hungry!"
"Prim!" Alicia quietly chided her cousin, still untrustful of the stranger.
"Ah, for little ol' me? How can I say no to a cute face like that?" Dante agreed with a toothy grin.
The pink haired princess's face caught a scarlet shade from his remark, her blue eyes staring down at the ground shyly.
Alicia's face was however, irate, glaring daggers at the blissfully unaware man. If he were to so touch her…
"Oh, w-we're here!"
Dante's eyes looked to the large wooden gate overhead, the stone wall from the sides of it being quite gigantic compared to his size. He whistled as they approached, his hands on his hips as he gazed at the defensive structure. "That's quite the decor."
Two guardsman stood by the entrance, all wearing knight's armor with spears by their sides. One of them spotted the three once they reached, coming towards the two princesses.
"Ah, Lady Alicia and Lady Prim! So good to see that you've returned safely." The guard greeted as he bowed his head low. Once he straightened, he noticed something glaringly different. "What happened to your carriage and escort?"
Alicia sighed. "We were ambushed during our travel back, the coachman was killed by a band of goblins and orcs whilst the horses ran off."
"A-Are you perhaps alright as well as Lady Prim?"
"We're fine. It was thanks to the man with us that we came out, unscathed." Alicia gestured to Dante who gave a two finger salute.
"Howdy."
The guard turned his attention to Dante, immediately bowing his head. "Many thanks to you, dear stranger! Thank you for keeping our two princesses safe from harm!"
"Huh. Well, it's quite refreshing when someone's at least grateful." Dante commented, Alicia in turn huffed a breath slowly out of pure annoyance.
The guardsman quickly came back to his post, calling out to open the gate for the three. Soon enough, the wooden gate rolled open, turning of gears heard as it welcomed its comers.
Alicia and Prim entered while Dante trailed from behind.
'Definitely not home, that's for sure.' Dante thought from the events happening through the stay of this unknown world. 'It'll make due for the time being, at least.'
The streets of Feoh were bustling with its civilians. Many wore simple clothing fit for an old time peasant whilst the nobles wore intricate, royal clothing to show off their vast wealth. Dante only observed his surroundings as he followed Alicia and Prim, eyes moving from one individual to the next.
It was apparent that everything unfamiliar wasn't that of his timeline. Everyone dressed and acted as if it were the medieval era. Not off the mark being instead of cars there were carriages with horses as a means for transportation.
Dante noticed that everyone bowed and greeted Alicia and Prim with the utmost respect as they passed by. Surely enough, their status within the Seven Shields were no laughing matter.
Not that it mattered to the jokester, of course.
"Quite the celebrities out here." Dante stated with a smirk, Alicia to resort to ignoring the man completely until they've reached their estate.
"You seem to be getting some attention too, Sir Dante…" Prim quietly said, Dante spotting some people giving odd stares to his attire, particularly to the sword on his back.
"I'd like to stand out amongst the crowd." Dante chuckled, pulling at the collar of his slightly baggy black henley top. "Though, might need some new threads. Got some clothes I could borrow?"
"O-Once we reach home we can provide some before we eat." The young princess said with a smile at the silver haired man.
"Ah, you're as sweet as a sundae, little Prim."
'Just deal with it a bit more...' Alicia was on her last nerve, struggling to keep her cool in check as they were nearing home.
Dante stared at the outfit he wore in the large mirror inside of the guest room he was staying. A casual white tunic loosely on his fit upper body along with black pants and brown leather boots to finish off the look. He couldn't help but give a blank look at his reflection.
Not the stylish look he was going for, but it'll have to do.
He looked over to the amulet that hung around his neck, the red crystal within gleaming a bit.
Such memories flashed in his mind of the simple times when he was a young boy, carefree and innocent with the family he came to love… all to be taken away from that fateful day of the demons attacking.
It was hard to believe it's been years for that to transpire and led him to be the devil hunter he was today. Things have changed but it felt like so little time has happened.
A deep sigh came from the young man, his eyes trailing to the neatly folded clothes of his previous wear that lied on the large mattress. Seeing as they were of no use for now, perhaps he could get a more suitable outfit for this new world. Definitely need to rock the red, of course.
A knock on the door interrupted Dante's thoughts, his body turning to it as he spoke. "You're welcome to open!"
The door opened with one of the many maids showing herself, her brown hair fitted into a bun as she gave a polite smile to the demon slayer. "Sir Dante, the food is now prepared. Would you like me to escort you to the dining room?"
"If ya don't mind. Finally some grub."
The devil hunter followed the maid's lead, their footsteps echoing the spacious hallway filled with fancy furniture and many paintings along the walls.
Dante spotted some of the paintings showed people nearly identical to Alicia and Prim, mainly relating to the hue of their hair. The two girls inherited quite a lot from their relatives.
Down the large staircase and onto the first floor, Dante and the maid stopped to a double doorway, the maid opening it for the guest of the afternoon. Dante nodded in thanks before entering.
His eyes were greeted with the spacious dining room, a large table covered in white cloth set in the middle of the room whilst an equally sized fireplace was on one side of the wall. On the other side was a giant glass window that stretched over wide, showing off the bountiful garden outside, the sun's light perfectly set to reveal its natural beauty.
Dante's main objective however was the deliciously set meal that was on one spot of the dinner table, just at his reach. A plate of fried chicken thighs, baked cut potatoes and seasoned green beans just for him. Now that was fine quality.
Alicia and Prim were seated to one side of the table, both sitting next to eachother and seeing Dante enter the room, their own food set in front of them.
"S-Sir Dante!" Prim said with a soft smile. "Your clothes are looking q-quite good."
"Thanks but I gotta say that this threads are not much of my style." The devil hunter said as he took his seat, rubbing his hands together.
"Well, it was the only suitable attire we had for your size, so just be tha-." Alicia was interrupted, eyes wide with disbelief as she caught sight of an unspeakable horror.
Dante immediately dug into his food without any hesitation, his teeth gnashing at the chicken thighs first with his bare hands. Sounds of his incessant munching on skin filled the room before he moved onto having his fork stabbing into each potato and filling his mouth alongside the chicken. Audible gulps were heard from his onslaught of eating.
Prim, watching him couldn't help but give a nervous giggle, sensing Alicia's repulsion. "Seems like he was much hungrier than we thought…"
"Yet it wouldn't kill him to have a bit of decent table manners…" The blonde knight said under her breath, choosing to focus on her own food instead of watching a disgusting display.
Already engulfing the chicken in a matter of seconds alongside the potatoes, Dante let out a hefty sigh, reaching for the tablecloth to wipe away the grease and crumbs on his face. He managed to clean his hands even before moving on to the still large amount of green beans.
Dante looked over to the gigantic painting above the fireplace, his mouth chewing over the baked greens.
It depicted the half bodied portrait of a blonde bearded man, his strong purple eyes indicating a strong sense of authority as his golden hair was slicked back to give emphasis on his stern demeanor. He was dressed in regal armor, a red cape adorning his figure with gold trimming riding along it. Surely, an elite knight judging from his looks.
Dante soon pointed a fork over to the portrait. "Who's the big guy up there?"
"A-Ah, that's Sir Eos, former king of Eostia." Prim answered, her blue eyes now looking over at the reigning image of the knight.
"And my father… a proud and noble knight that fought for his ideals and his country." Alicia further elaborated as she drank from her soup with a spoon.
Judging by how saw no sign of the man anywhere in the estate, Dante could only further inquire. "Where is dear dad, anyway? Off to save a princess in another castle? Maybe fighting off hordes of the undead to rescue a town in trouble? Or maybe-."
"Dead." Alicia interrupted his ramblings, eyes turning coldly to the silver haired man. "My father fought and gave his life during the war, entrusting me to follow in his footsteps."
Dante let out a quiet 'oh', now feeling a bit awkward as he stepped on a very delicate subject.
He decided to lighten things up with his own flare.
"Still, can't imagine that a scary looking guy like him to be swatted off, though. I mean, those eyes could just murder a sorry loser."
Dante then heard Alicia slam her fist on the table, her frame standing up from her seat as she leveled a heated glare at him.
"Don't act like you knew my father, cretin." The blonde knight venomously said. "Your words are just drops of spit to his grave, so hold your tongue!"
"Alicia!" Prim squeaked, standing from her seat and attempted to calm the proud woman down from her rage.
Dante only raised a brow at her outburst, still eating away the last bit of his food before wiping his mouth. "Easy there, babe. I was only saying that your old man is quite the badass if he got such a big picture of him up on the wall."
"You…." Alicia muttered under her breath, her fists clenching with sheer irritation. She let out a huff, standing fully straight. Her eyes still glared heatedly at Dante, a look of a scowl present on her pristine features.
"Consider yourself lucky that we've shown you this much hospitality for your act, today. If it were under any other circumstances, I would strike you dead for your uncouthness."
With that, the knight excused herself from the dining room, Prim powerless to stop her as Alicia slammed the door behind her once she left.
A silence befell on the room, Dante simply looking to the side whilst twirling his fork casually between his fingers.
"I… I have to apologize for her behavior, Sir Dante." Prim said, causing the hunter to catch his fork between the space of his middle and index finger.
His blue eyes met the princess's as she continued to speak.
"Y-You see, um… Alicia holds Sir Eos dearly as any daughter to a father would. She wanted to be like him, even gaining the rank of leader of the Holy Iris Chivalric Order with her own skills." Prim explained, fondly remembering Alicia's vow to be a great knight back when both were children. "But when Sir Eos sadly ceased, Alicia was devastated at the ordeal… she finds herself doubting herself with the duty she was given…"
Dante listened, no answer coming from the man as he observed the melancholic expression on Prim's face at the stress Alicia must've been dealing with.
"S-So please… don't hold it against her, Sir Dante."
With a small sigh, Dante only shrugged his shoulders as he got up from his seat.
"Don't you worry. It takes a lot more to hurt a guy like me."
The sun was dimming down, skies turning to a somber orange.
Alicia was outside where the garden was, long blade in hand as her body moved about gracefully in a dance of swordsmanship.
Her arms moved about in lunges and swipes, aiming to cut at the imaginary opponents around her. Truly, her style of fighting was no joke for a girl of her caliber.
Training her whole life to become an esteemed warrior for the Goddess Incarnate and of course, her father, the movements of battle was simply secondhand nature to her.
Yet, her mind was still fixated on the remarks of a certain silver haired man that dared to insult her father's memory.
The blonde knight finished off with a lunging strike, her breath a bit ragged and sweat rolling down her cheek. Alicia stood tall, feeling refreshed from her daily training routine.
"Wow, you're no slouch when it comes to a tango, huh?"
Alicia closed her eyes upon hearing the familiar grating voice of her guest, turning her body to the source before returning a cold look. "I thought you were going to fill yourself to the brim with food considering your… voraciousness."
Alicia opted to be a bit more kind with her wording, although her tone said otherwise.
Dante gave a smile as he patted his stomach. "Already did. You gotta increase the pay for your cooks because they make a mean strawberry parfait."
The devil hunter was quite thankful that he had received his long awaited dessert after so long.
"Why approach me so casually?" Alicia questioned as she placed a hand on her hip. "Most people would take the hint that the person they've offended should be left alone."
Dante shrugged his shoulders, hands up to accentuate the point. "Dunno. You seem stressed out 'bout your position so I thought I could come by."
Alicia narrowed her eyes on his remark. "I hold my title with great honor. You wouldn't even understand."
At that, Dante's face became neutral as a sigh escaped from him. He crossed his arms as he looked towards the setting sun.
"I do understand about losing a dad."
Alicia's eyes then went back to the now somber devil hunter. "Pardon?"
Dante returned his attention to the young knight, his face now blank. "My father died when he was trying to protect me, my brother and my mother. Back when I was just a kid, too."
Alicia felt taken aback at the man's expression and the revelation he uttered to her. She thought of this man being a casual mercenary with a talkative attitude but it would seem there was more to him as she suspected him to be.
"I… I'm sorry for such a loss." The knight apologized, casting her gaze down low.
Dante only waved a hand, resting both into his pockets. "Eh, don't be. Got over it as I got older."
"Still… for you to endure such a tragedy at a young age…" Alicia was stopped as Dante held up a hand.
"Like I said, it's all in the past." Dante wanted to drop the subject, not wishing to get all mushy. "What I really wanted to say is… do you want to be like your dad?"
Alicia felt fury resurfacing back before she retorted. "Of course, I want to be! I hold the legacy of the name Arcturus and the status that I have holds su-."
"Well, you're not him." Dante interrupted her, causing the blonde to blink.
"Excuse me!?" Alicia was about to launch a spiteful tirade until Dante continued on.
"You're his daughter, I know that but it doesn't mean you gotta be the same." Dante said as he leveled his gaze on her. "You have his spirit but above all else, you're you. You do what you want to and being like him isn't gonna get you that far."
Alicia's temperament increased, her gloved fists shaking with pure anger. Gritting her teeth, she glared heavily at the silver haired demon slayer.
Her eyes then caught sight of the nearby sword rack before pointing to it. "Pick up a sword. Now."
Dante quirked a brow at her demand. "What? You seriously wanna-?"
"I said pick up a sword. I'm going to wring out an apology for your insolence, cur."
Dante observed Alicia's face was nothing but pure anger at what he said. He really wasn't much of a good talker, he'll admit that but he felt like he was in the deepest pit of shit now.
Following her command, Dante walked towards the sword rack, picking up one and inspecting it. It seem rather delicate compared to Rebellion, meaning that he may have to hold a bit of strength back with his swings in order not to shatter it.
He returned to his original spot, sword in hand and at his side as he stared at the fuming Knight of Iris.
"I'm gonna ask you once. You sure you wanna do this?" Dante asked, his tone serious.
Alicia only answered with taking stance, her cold glare focused at her opponent and sword aimed straight at him.
Dante let out a disappointed sigh, really hoping to solve their tension with words. "Alright. Ready whenever you are."
Alicia shot forward like a speeding bullet, a vertical slash at Dante to which he simply brought up his sword arm to block the quick attack. Spotting an unguarded area to one side of his body, the knight maneuvered herself so that she'd reach that blindspot.
This wasn't in her favor as Dante moved his body away from the strike on reflex before delivering a downward strike to the near vulnerable knight.
Alicia moved her blade, blocking the colliding sword against hers though struggled by the pressure.
"Tsk, tsk… I'm going easy on you and this is what you can do?" Dante's face and tone conveyed disappointment.
"Shut up!" Alicia shouted, feeling herself lose it from sheer animosity. The knight pulled herself back from the block and thrust her blade forward to aim at the man's head.
Dante effortlessly moved his head to dodge, weaving left and right from the multiple strikes aiming for him.
She really was aiming for the kill now.
Immediately, Dante deflected the sword after getting tired of dodging before rushing in with his own stabs.
Alicia's eyes widened at the warrior closing the distance, moving her sword arm to block each fast poke. She felt her feet nearly skidding back from the force of those simple forward strikes, the hits of his felt like multiple enemies try to flank her front.
It wasn't long for Dante to deliver a powerful last lunge, Alicia struggling to block it and in turn, cause her to stumble back just a few feet away from the devil hunter.
Alicia panted, still keeping her body tall though feeling her arm shake from the lasting impact.
No doubt that this silver haired warrior was strong, yet she didn't care. Her aim was to injure him and apologize for his insulting words.
Dante shook his head, placing the blade of his sword over his shoulder. "Give it up. It's already obvious I'm leagues above you, blondie."
Alicia growled, making a dash towards Dante again and delivering furious yet swift cuts towards him. The man easily blocked and parried each slash directed to him with his weapon, a small smirk evident in his face as Alicia upped her offense.
"There ya go, that's more like it!"
Alicia let out a roar as she retracted back her weapon and shot forward, aiming to lunge once more to the man's body.
Dante moved his body to the side, although the blade managed to cut through the fabric of his tunic and slash at the side of his stomach.
Upon noticing she managed to finally get a hit in, Alicia felt her anger now washed with joy. Finally she was able to have her blade pierce through!
It was short lived however as the free hand of Dante took hold of the wrist of her sword arm, the blonde looking at the man in shock as he gave her a devious grin.
"You may got one in, but the fight ain't done!"
The demon hunter collided his forehead onto Alicia's face, her senses frazzled by the sudden headbutt. It wasn't long before Dante dropped his sword and delivered an open palm thrust to her stomach, causing the girl to be pushed back by the strike and let go of her weapon.
Alicia now flew back, her body tumbling against the ground and reaching to a stop once she landed on grass.
Coughing and holding her stomach, she gasped for air, struggling to keep her breathing in check.
Walking to her, Dante crouched down at her level once close, blue eyes staring at her.
"You doing okay?" The silver haired hunter asked as the blonde knight sat up, still clenching her stomach.
"... I am…" Alicia said, her tone filling with disappointment in herself. "I lost myself in the skirmish… and was defeated."
Dante snickered before patting her on the shoulder, resulting in the girl looking at him. "Heya, you at least got me nicked here so don't be so hard on yourself."
He pointed to the cut at his side, fresh blood painting his skin yet on closer inspection, the wound seem to have completely healed up.
Alicia didn't notice this, looking at the result of her attempted attack. She felt a bit of solace that she was able to do such a thing despite the huge difference in abilities between the two.
Dante stood back up, reaching a hand out to Alicia. "But like I said before… you're not your old man, but you're your own person. You can be better."
Alicia looked at the hand offered to her and released a sigh, slowly taking it before being pulled up to her feet. She winced lightly at the sting within her stomach and on her face though luckily no bruise was left on her.
The knight noticed the sword in Dante's hand, small bits of it cracked off during the skirmish with light ripples dancing around the edge.
'He was holding back much more than I would've expected.' She thought, her purple eyes settling on the man in front of her. Just how strong was he?
Dante gave her another pat, on the back this time before walking off to return the nearly ruined sword to the rack.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, kid. You're still young enough to become a badass."
Alicia felt her eye twitch at his remark. "Kid…? I'll have you know…"
"Alicia! Sir Dante!"
The two turned to see the familiar Prim scurrying towards them, reaching to Alicia first with a worried expression. "A-Are you alright? I-I saw your fight but I didn't know if I could stop you two…"
"I'm fine, Prim. Honest." Alicia assured her as she stood straight up, ignoring whatever pain came to her. She hated to make her little cousin worry about her.
"Eh, just some playing 'round is all, little Prim." Dante said with a cheeky smile as he passed the two relatives. "Anyways, I'm off to hit the hay. Been a long day, after all."
Alicia and Prim watched as the man retreated back to the estate, Alicia's mind wandered to her own thoughts as she casted her gaze down.
'Get stronger, huh? It looks to be a long road ahead…'
Dante flopped back onto his soft bed, sighing in relaxation at the soft feeling of pillows and mattress underneath him.
"Phew! Good to be back sleeping normally than a pile of molten rocks."
A loud yawn came from the devil hunter, his body slowly turning to the side. His eyes looking over to the window, seeing the stars fill the night sky.
So strange to see himself back on Earth, albeit slightly different than before. Nevertheless, it was a good sight to behold.
His eyes wandered to the amulet on him, the red gem staring back at him. A small frown appeared on his lips, his hand slowly gripping onto it.
'Damn it, Vergil… Hope your dumbass is going to be around here.'
With that thought in mind, the devil hunter slowly felt his eyes drifting, the young man now heading off for a long awaited sleep.
Alicia prepared herself for bed, a blue gown replacing her usual armor before giving out a slight yawn. Her stomach still slightly tender from the strike she received, but knew that it'll hopefully fade away once she get a well deserved rest.
She spotted the faint glow of a rock on her nightstand, prompting her to approach it and picking it up.
"Alicia, are you there?"
The graceful voice of Celestine was heard from the magical stone for communication. Alicia only smiled upon hearing Her Grace.
"Yes, milady Celestine. It is I."
"Ah, thank goodness. Was your travel safe and dear Prim fine?"
"Yes, milady. However, we faced a slight complication during a travel back to Feoh."
"You two didn't get hurt, did you?" Celestine's voice was filled with worry.
"Thankfully not. It was due to a nearby traveler that we were able to return safe and sound."
"I see… Perhaps fate had a hand for you two to be saved by a generous person."
"He's grating nonetheless." Alicia grumbled under her breath but slowly sighed. "Still, I owe that silver haired fellow gratitude for doing such a task.
There was a long silence that fell in the communication, Alicia feeling uneasy.
"Milady?"
"Did… Did you say he had silver hair?"
Alicia blinked at her question, confused on why she asked that.
"Yes, silver hair…"
"Could you tell me what he wore? And what he had on his person?"
"He had on a red coat and wielded a strange double edged broadsword… I believe it had some sort of skull for a guard on it."
Alicia could hear a small gasp from the stone, eyes wide with fear. "Milady, are you alright?"
"I-I'm fine, I…" The high elf cleared her throat before speaking. "Alicia, I feel that it is very important for you to bring that warrior to Ken. Tomorrow if that would suffice."
Alicia again blinked, confused. "Of course, milady. What reason do you wish for this stranger to come to the Capitol?"
"I'll explain once we meet. Do have a good rest, dear Alicia."
The stone died down its glow, Alicia staring down at it before setting it aside on her nightstand.
Just what exactly did Celestine want with Dante?
"Well, he's taking his pretty little time." Alicia remarked, arms crossed over her chest while her foot tapped impatiently.
"I would only assume Sir Dante wishes to look his best for Lady Celestine…" Prim quietly reasoned, her hands folded as the two waited patiently outside of the clothing shop.
Alicia let out an annoyed sigh, already having to wait half an hour for Dante to pick out his wares. Giving the man a pouch of gold, she was sure he wasn't going to spend it all in one place… though to her dissatisfaction it looked to be that way.
The door of the shop would open, revealing the silver haired warrior as the shopkeeper called out a thanks for his purchase.
Slung over his shoulder looked to be a long red leather duster coat with tanned holsters containing his twin guns. He still wore the black pants and white tunic but two differences were the black fingerless gloves and the now steel toed boots. Rebellion was held in one hand as Dante approached the two princesses.
"So, you decided on a good enough attire?" Alicia asked as she unfolded her arms.
"You betcha. Though one thing is for certain." Dante suddenly stabbed his sword onto the ground before doing the unthinkable. He began to rip away the tunic with a single hand, tearing the delicate fabric away easily and off him, thus revealing his well defined upper body. "This shirt has got to go."
Alicia began to sputter at the rash action he took while Prim stared at him wide eyed, her face taking a crimson complexion. The pink haired princess covered her eyes in sheer embarrassment.
"W-What do you think you're doing!?" Alicia screamed, nearby onlookers catching sight of the shirtless man on the streets. "W-We're out in public, you idiot!"
Dante snickered, only shrugging his shoulders. "Sometimes you gotta show off your stuff." And then began something no one was expecting.
Dante took hold of Rebellion's handle, throwing the sword up high in the air and now taking the red coat into a single hand. He swirled it around overhead, next spinning a bit from side to side before quickly shoving his toned arms through the sleeves. The wind breezed through the tail of the coat as Dante pushed it out, the Rebellion soon falling back to earth.
Dante was quick to catch the falling sword just in time for the finale, pointing the hellish weapon down and striking a pose.
Alicia, Prim and nearby people only looked in utter stupefaction at the eccentric action the warrior just made. It didn't help that a small breeze passed by with an awkward silence to accompany it.
Dante felt his nose twitch, releasing out a sneeze to break away the mood.
Alicia twitched her eye, turning her back and heading over to the carriage. "Idiot…" The knight muttered.
Prim, getting over the initial awe, gave a small giggle before clapping, not wishing to offend the now red clad devil hunter.
"Damn…" Dante said as he placed Rebellion on his back, walking alongside Prim to the carriage. "Thought I could've nailed that…"
Celestine kneeled in front of the large statue of the Goddess, her hands clasped and eyes closed as she prayed to the holy figure.
She was in the pure white altar within the castle of Ken, a sanctuary for her to pay respects to the higher being up above. The area quiet and serene, giving off a peaceful aura as any holy place should.
The high elf rose, her emerald eyes gazing up at the statue before her long ears twitched at the sound of the large doors opening.
The Goddess Incarnate wore garbs of white that covered some spots of her figure. Gold adorning her her arms and wrists as well as her brow. Atop her head was a crown of leaves, finishing off the holy appearance.
Her body turned, meeting the approaching figure of the captain of the Dawn Templars.
The woman had fair hazel hair, tied to a bun with a silver plated ornament around her beautiful face. She wore heavy pauldrons alongside the cloth of white that adorn her arms and various pieces of armor adorning her wrists, hands and legs. Her attire quite revealing, having only on a small piece of clean cloth to shield her womanhood and plating that hugged her bountiful chest.
This was the proud and noble knight, Claudia Levantine.
Claudia went down to one knee, bowing her head low to the Goddess Incarnate. "Lady Celestine. Alicia and Prim have arrived alongside the person you wish to speak."
Celestine gestured for the elite knight to rise, catching sight of the three she had been expecting.
Her focus was mainly on Dante who casually walked beside Prim, her eyes nearly widening as he was the warrior in her vision. She kept her composure, lightly swallowing.
'Silver hair, dressed in red and a large double edged weapon.' Celestine looked over the prominent features that adorned the devil hunter. 'No doubt he is the one.'
Alicia and Prim bowed their heads in respect to Celestine, Dante however still stood by as he stared at Celestine.
"So you're head honcho around here, huh?" Dante said, a carefree air to his voice. "Well, if they said you were the hottest babe then I could've hurried."
Claudia leveled a heated glare at the young warrior. "Watch your tongue! You are speaking to Her Holiness, Celestine Lucross and will show the utmost respect!"
"Claudia." Celestine calmly stopped her subordinate from unleashing any wrath, not wishing for an event to happen. Her eyes still locked onto Dante. "Indeed, I am Celestine Lucross, leader of the Seven Shield Alliance. I must thank you for your service for defending Alicia and Prim from the danger that could've fell upon them." The elf bowed her head graciously to the silver haired man.
Dante scratched behind his head, feeling a bit of flattery. "Wasn't nothing. Those creeps just broke the law of being waaaaay too smelly and ugly that I couldn't just let them walk pass scott free."
Celestine tilted her head, becoming curious. "Tell me, dear stranger. What brought you to the land of Eostia?"
Dante shrugged as he gave his answer. "Just kinda ended up here, honestly. Had a nice walk through the forest then came to rescue some pretty princesses."
Prim had blushed once again from his statement while Alicia rolled her eyes.
"An adventurer?" Celestine asked, wondering the occupation of her esteemed guest.
"You could say that. I prefer 'Legendary Devil Hunter'. Sounds cooler, don'tcha think?" Dante answered, hands behind his head.
"I see…" A foreigner from another land? And the title he carried… It was unbeknownst to the Goddess Incarnate.
"Alicia said you wanted me here." Celestine was broken from her line of thinking when Dante spoke. "Seems kinda out of the blue, but she said it was grand importante."
Claudia was still glaring at the laid back silver haired man whilst Alicia pinched the bridge of her nose and Prim looking onto the discussion nervously.
Celestine cleared her throat before she began. "Indeed, I wished for your presence as soon as possible. Before we go on to detail, may you tell me your name?"
"Dante." The red clad warrior said. "I go by Dante."
Celestine smiled. "Sir Dante, I wish for you to ally yourself with the Black Dog company to storm the Dark Fortress." Dante raised a brow. "Your task, mainly, is to bring the queen, Olga Discordia, back to Ken."
"Lady Celestine." Claudia chimed in. "You're sending this upstart along with the Black Dogs to attack such a guarded palace? You know of the monstrosities that defend that blight filled territory!"
Alicia had her turn to interject. "He is a man up for the job." Claudia blinked at her former protege's words. "The way he handled the goblins and orcs that attacked our carriage was beyond what any normal man can do." Her mind was still fresh from Dante's confrontation with the creatures along with her duel with him.
That man was an expert when it comes to fighting against inhuman.
Prim nodded with Alicia's approval. "I-Indeed, he was quite a force to be reckoned with. I saw with m-my own eyes."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Dante held out his palms, all of this was just too sudden for him. "Slow your roll there, girls. I know I'm the hottest dude in the market, but nobody even asked why I should do it."
All eyes turn to the silver haired warrior, now crossing his arms whilst looking to Celestine. "Why me, anyway? I'm just some guy that ended up here recently and you come asking him to capture the big bad."
Celestine casted her gaze down, a small sigh emitted from her before she looked back up. "Truth be told… I had a dream, no… a vision of you."
Dante felt the urge to spout a usual joke to the 'dream' part but kept his mouth shut as he listened.
"The future told of you single handedly taking on the massive armies that threatened Eostia. A warrior clad in crimson with a deadly blade that eliminated enemies in order to protect those that cannot." Celestine held a hand to her heart, gazing at Dante. "I believe that you may be chosen to bring this bloody chapter to a close after so many have died to the struggle."
Claudia, Alicia and Prim all stared at the high elf's truth, perplexed as what they've heard. They turned their heads to Dante, his eyes hidden behind his bangs once he listened.
"I believe that you will be the one ensuring peace throughout Eostia. For so long, the land has been wrought with senseless violence and I pray for it to the end. With the abilities and skills you possess along with your decision, I could only hope that you aid us in our time of need. What say you, Sir Dante?"
A small hum came from the warrior, his fingers coming up to his chin as he scratched it. A moment passed before he shrugged his shoulders, the easy going demeanor of his returned.
"Why not? Seems like a good answer to me."
Celestine smiled to Dante's consent, bowing her head gracefully. "I thank you for your cooperation in the matter."
"Don't sweat it. Although, I might need a hefty load of dough when I get back, maybe even a cozy place to settle into." Already the man was thinking of the reward, smirking at the high elf.
"You'll be awarded graciously upon your return, Sir Dante." Celestine agreed, Claudia looking vexed for the man taking advantage.
"I'm guessing the job starts today, right?" Dante asked, placing hands on his hips.
"Indeed. The Black Dogs are currently at the castle courtyard getting ready for the assault." With that in mind, Dante turned and head off to the exit, giving off a two finger wave.
"Before you go, I must inquire one more thing." He then glanced back at the High Elf, awaiting for her question.
"In my premonition… there was another man, same as you… he wore blue."
Dante froze upon hearing this. His face kept at a neutral mood.
"Is he perhaps related to you…?" Celestine asked.
Dante turned his head back to the twin doors. "Yep…"
"What is his name?"
After a brief quiet moment, Dante answered.
"Vergil."
With that, he headed out of the altar.
"Dante!"
The said man turned his head back and his body followed when catching Prim running towards him. He was already nearing the hallway entrance of the courtyard and wondered what the little princess needed.
"Heya, little Prim. What's up?"
Catching her breath, Prim stood tall as she looked up at the taller male. "Y-You're sure you wish to do this?"
"As sure as I'll ever be, baby." Dante noticed the apprehension present on the pink haired girl's face.
"S-Still, there's the chance I might never see you again… I-It's a perilous journey and even when you reach there, the Dark Fortress is filled with nothing but monsters." Prim said, her voice quiet yet somber as she sadly looked to the white floor.
She soon felt the reassuring hand of Dante, gently rubbing her head. Her blue eyes looked up to the silver haired man, giving her a cheery smile.
"Nothing I can't handle. Besides, I've been promised a party and what's what I want." Dante chuckled. "I'll be back here and we'll share a nice strawberry parfait, okay?"
A blush adorned Prim's soft face, a smile of her own crept on her lips. "I-I'll hold you to it, then."
Alicia was at the other side of the hallway, hiding away at the corner as she heard the two place their goodbyes.
She let out a small sigh, shaking her head from her feelings before walking off.
The courtyard was filled with many mercenaries known as the Black Dogs.
Dante looked around, checking out all the men of varying shapes and sizes who were going to be his coworkers. They all look to be bred for fighting so perhaps he didn't have to watch their backs if the battle came to them.
After all, they were mercs for hire after all.
He then caught sight of two men conversing with eachother. One man was a slim looking yet well physiqued type of guy. He wore an open green vest that showed off the contours of his chest and abs, brown pants that were finished off with his black boots. His brown hair was slicked back and he looked to be in his thirties.
The man next to him, sat on a wooden barrel and Dante could only assumed he was the leader with how he looked.
The guy was huge, heavily built with his attire being of leather and plate. One steel pauldron was red with a symbol of a black dog indented. Over his shoulder was a heavy greatsword, scratches upon it from the countless battles it was wielded. There was a scar over his scruffy brows and a face appearing to be in his late thirties, judging by the light beard the man had.
The man wearing the green vest spotted the incoming Dante. "Boss, check it out. It's the newbie."
Dante's suspicions were correct at the larger man looked his way, getting up from his seat off the barrel and set his weapon aside before staring him down. He was just a foot or two taller than the silver haired devil hunter, crossing his arms when Dante was close.
He gave a toothy grin at the new arrival. His voice was deep yet friendly. "Well, hail new guy. Glad to see you finally got your ass to arrive here."
"You guys waited long?" Dante asked as he as well, crossed his arms.
"Milady Celestine asked us to wait for ya since she placed the emphasis that you were top notch." The large leader said, holding out his hand to the recruit. "Nice to meetcha. Name's Vault. I'm the boss of the Black Dogs."
Dante looked at his hand before uncrossing his arms. He reached out, gripping Vault's hand and shook. "Likewise. I'm Dante."
Vault couldn't help but smirk. "Strong grip you got there, lad." His eyes looked over to Rebellion mounted on Dante's back. "And quite the nasty weapon you got there, too."
Dante smirked back. "Thanks. Now how's 'bout we head out to kick some ass?"
Dante now joins the Black Dogs for the assault on the Dark Fortress.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter.