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.
Dante exhaled from his nose, bored out of his mind.
The young warrior was riding his horse amongst the tremendous company of the Black Dogs. Three days had passed since their departure from Ken and off to the road towards the Dark Fortress.
Three days of nothing but trekking.
"What's up with you?"
Dante turned to the gruff voice of Vault, the head mercenary riding on his respective stallion. The broadsword wielding adult noticed the droll expression on Dante's face.
"Well, I thought we were gonna have a grand time of knocking some monsters around." Dante answered, chin resting on a closed fist before letting a yawn out. "But, frankly, I'm bored outta my damn mind."
Vault gave a boisterous laugh, reaching over to give a hearty smack on the silver haired man's back. "Already lookin' for a fight, I see? Reminds me of my younger days. You'll get your scrap, soon enough."
Dante rolled his eyes. "If this keeps up I'm gonna die from immense dissatisfaction."
Dante's eyes looked over to his other side, spotting the bespectacled man wearing a cloak behind him. He looked to be near the same age as the devil hunter, inspecting the younger features such as his youthful face and wavy brown hair. The young man's eyes were closed whilst he kept in pace behind, as if meditating.
Dante turned to Vault. "What's up with this dude? Already sleepy?" He gestured to the person of interest.
"Ah, Kin is the boy's name. He's just using some magic to sense if we got any threats nearby." The man explained, causing Dante to hum.
'Clairvoyance? Guess it's not a cheap parlor trick.'
"Vault, enemies up ahead." Dante heard Kin speak, his blue eyes darting forward to see a nearby group of orcs accompanied by werewolves.
The group of beasts seem to have caught sight of the men, already brandishing whatever lethal means to deal with them.
Vault called for his men to halt, a grin plastered to his face as he reached for his greatsword.
"Alright, pansies! I wanna see you raise some hell with those damned greenskins that are comin'. Bonus points if ya-."
Vault felt his voice caught in his throat, his eyes wide when he saw Dante stand on the saddle of his force before jumping off.
The devil hunter did a front flip, landing on the ground perfectly before rushing up ahead.
"What is that idiot doing!?" Kin yelled, thinking that the silver haired warrior had a death wish.
Vault hopped off his horse, running after the wily warrior with a hand outstretched. He was still far from Dante as the youth was closing the distance towards the pack of monsters, Rebellion already in one hand. "Kid, get back here! What the hell do ya think-!"
Dante began the first battle of the day, effortlessly dodging a downward swing from an orc before slashing at its legs. When the big green was down to its knees, the devil hunter finished it off with a double slice to its body, rendering it dead.
An excited grin was evident on Dante's face, absolute joy in fighting.
A speeding werewolf gave a threatening growl, aiming to blindside the devil hunter, claws ready and aiming to maim. Dante got out one of his guns, shooting three shots at the lycan and watching it pathetically fall to the floor, now filled with lead.
Vault's mouth was agape, seeing that the fearless fighter was holding his own against the pack of monsters. Never had he seen such a man fight off things that were stacked against him, even if it were a multitude of goblins or imps. The devil hunter was even laughing as he fought his opponents, almost like he was just playing around with them!
"Unbelievable… This guy's quite the combatant or an absolute psycho." Kin commented, awed when Dante started to slice through an orc's club in half, followed by piercing the blade into its skull.
Shaking away his initial stupor, Vault chuckled as he got his weapon out. "Loony bastard. But I can't let him have all the fun!" The mercenary leader rushed into the fray, cleaving through the three wolves that intended to gank him.
Arriving at Dante's side, Vault gave the youth a smirk, seeing the remaining creatures surround them. "Gotta say, kid. Ya got spunk when it comes to a brawl."
Dante snickered, placing Rebellion's blade over his shoulder and delivered a bullet to an incoming orc's forehead. "This is what I live for, after all!"
And so the two fought away, their respective swords killing the opposing monster that came their way. The Black Dog mercenaries only watched in amazement on seeing the new recruit fighting side by side with their boss, their fighting skills seem to be at an equal level. Hell, their style of fighting were almost similar with how they hacked away their enemies with wildly slung blades.
Dante then screamed out his euphoria once he delivered the final pierce to an orc's belly, the Black Dogs nearly frightened at the manic smile on the silver haired man's face.
"I'm absolutely crazy about it~!"
It was nighttime, the Black Dogs setting up a camp in a nearby forest with tents ready and campfires roaring.
Dante was currently relaxing on a wooden log, spinning the Rebellion around by the handle as the sharp end of the blade spun a small circle in the lush grass. A fire lit in fromt of him to ward off the darkness.
He watched as the many mercenaries indulged in whatever activity they were doing. Drinking, playing card games or all around chatting, it was a nice atmosphere nonetheless. Almost peaceful despite some small brawls that were easily broken up by other members.
Dante scratched at his stomach while thinking back to the two people he first met.
Alicia and Prim.
He dearly missed Prim, almost seeing her as a little sister despite having known her for two days. She was all around kind yet shy but had a good head on her shoulders. The princess was even the one to suggest him staying at her home as appreciation for saving her and her cousin. He definitely had to catch up with her when he returned.
And yes, how could he forget Prim's dear cousin, Alicia?
He did admit she was a stick in the mud with how prideful she was. Her attitude was initially bearing irritation to the demon slayer yet it dwindled just a bit for her to tolerate him. Dante could tell that the blonde knight had a lot going on in her life. Young and dealing with a heavy burden of being the highest burden can surely cause a few gray hairs. Perhaps he could start anew with interacting with Alicia and maybe she'll warm up to him.
"Not a bad idea." Dante muttered to himself, not noticing the nearby merc holding two mugs of ale coming to him.
"Heya, new guy." Dante regarded his attention to the familiar man with the green vest, offering him a pint while giving a friendly smile. "Name's Hicks. You kinda saw me with the boss on the first day."
The silver haired warrior took the mug, nodding in thanks as he brought the alcoholic drink to his lips to drink. Letting out a breath, Dante spoke. "Ah, yeah I remember you. Well, I'm Dante."
"Dante, huh? Nice name. Sounds pretty strong." Hicks took a seat next to him, taking his own swig of his ale.
"Badass if it were up to me." Dante replied as he took more of his drink in.
"I'll say. With how you handled those greenskins and wolves with the boss, you're like a bat outta hell!" Hicks said with a toothy grin.
Dante let out a small laugh. "Eh, you could say that."
Hicks then looked over at the silver haired man's sword, admiring the design. "That's quite the killing machine you have there."
"This baby here? Well, Rebellion is always thirsting for some blood."
Hicks eyed at the dual pistols that were holstered on the back of Dante's coat. "Those arms were what ya used against those beasties?"
Dante set aside his sword along with his drink, reaching behind and getting out the black and white semi automatics Ebony and Ivory. On closer inspection, there was a single picture of a Victorian woman, one dark haired and one fair haired on either wood grips. "These two gals always helped me during a pinch."
"Mind if I get a look at one of 'em?" Hicks asked.
Dante handed the mercenary Ebony, Hicks gladly borrowing it while he looked over the handcannon. "Feels a bit heavy on the hand." He commented, his eyes squinting as he read the gold inscription on the slide. "'For Tony Redgrave. By .45 Art Works'."
"Used to be my name back then." Dante explained as he twirled around Ivory with a finger. He stopped it and aimed at an imaginary object, emitting a simulated yet quiet bang in the process.
Hicks tried to emulate that, sloppily twirling the handgun and pointing to the grass when…
BANG!
An accidental shot came from the firearm, Hicks not noticing he had squeezed the trigger. The green vested merc nearly stumbled out of his seat from the loud noise and recoil, startled by his unintended action. This resulted in him dropping his mug on the grass, the ale now sinking into the soil
The Black Dogs looked over the small commotion, they too alarmed by the noisome shot made from the gun. Finding Hicks to be the culprit, they sent a dirty scowl at the poor man, some calling him names for doing such an idiotic thing.
"Damn it, Hicks! The whole fuckin' forest woke up 'cuz of you!"
"Way to go, dipshit!"
"Argh, thought I could get drunk in peace…"
Hicks sputtered out an apology before Dante reach over to retrieve Ebony, setting the two custom made guns back to his holsters. The silver haired man snickered, amused by the accident and patting his hand on Hicks's shoulder. "Better luck next time, pal."
Recovering from his shock, Hicks cleared his throat before pointing to Rebellion. "Uh… How 'bout I try liftin' that? Shouldn't make too much noise, yeah?"
Dante stroked his chin, placing some thought into the suggestion. He stood up, picking up Rebellion before holding the handle out to Hicks. "Try not to embarrass yourself." He encouraged, a sly smirk on his face.
Hicks grumbled as he stood up as well, reaching a hand out and took a firm grip.
Once Dante let go, Hicks nearly fell to the ground along with the Rebellion. His position crouched and two hands took hold of the sword's handle. He wasn't able to fully lift the double edged broadsword off the ground, his teeth gritting in struggle as he attempted to pick up the weapon fully. This didn't came to be.
"How in the gods can you lift this shit!?" Hicks growled in frustration, unable to stand from Rebellion's weight.
Dante laughed, giving a clap to the struggling mercenary. "Ha, you really can't do it! Is it that heavy?"
"What do you fuckin' think!?"
Dante rubbed his chin again, a small smirk gracing his lips as he thought of an idea. "Ahhhhh… You may have given me some inspiration, dear Hicks."
The night was still young.
"Step right up, gents and dudes! Try to pick up Rebellion for only a gold coin!" Dante's voice was similar to that of a carnival vendor.
Many of the Black Dogs tried their hand of lifting Rebellion off from its confine from the ground. Part of the sword's blade was stabbed into the dirt, never leaving its place. It was akin to the mystical blade, Excalibur stuck in stone.
A heavy set man attempted to lift the sword off the ground, his face red and veins nearly bulging. Despite all his strength, he was never able to take the blade out and only stumbled backwards to fall from his grip slipping. Dante could only sigh, shaking his head and shrugging.
"Dear Muscleguts wasn't able to win this round, it seems. Such a shame. Who's next?" The silver haired man was throwing up a pouch filled with fifty gold coins, catching it when it fell and repeating the action. It was already a fun night for Dante.
"What's goin' on here?"
Dante regarded the approaching Vault who had Kin alongside him, waving a hand at both. "Ah, heya there. Nothin' much, really. These guys just wanted to see if they could get my weapon out."
Vault noticed the defeated expressions on his men and looking to the pouch in Dante's grasp. He chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest. "Whiskin' away all of the earnings, huh?"
Dante shrugged. "Gotta make a living somehow."
The Black Dogs' leader grinned, cracking his conditioned knuckles. "Well, ya don't mind if I could test it lifting it, right?"
"Sure. It'll be a gold coin, though."
Vault's grinned wider. "How's 'bout we do an exchange. I give ya one hundred gold coins if I can't but if I can, well, you'll just have to give me what ya got. Deal?"
"Hmm…" Dante placed some thought into it. That much cash could serve him in the long run if the seasoned veteran were to fail. What's the harm into thinking that? "Yeah. You got yourself a deal."
"Heh." Vault approached the Rebellion, both hands were on the handle as he let out a calm breath.
Many of the Black Dogs watched in anticipation that their leader was able to overcome the challenge. Meanwhile, Dante watched as well, his eyes slowly going wide at what transpired.
To Dante's surprise, Vault, after some time, was able to slowly pull Rebellion by the second. The sheen of the sword showed itself as it rose from the dirt. It was only a matter of time before Vault lifted the sword high off the ground with his hands, holding it up. He pointed the blade to the heavens, his arms struggling a bit to lift it yet never yielded.
All the men cheered at the success of their boss, Dante's mouth agape in total shock.
Vault brought the sword to his side, dragging the weapon as he approached Dante and held out his hand, a smug smile on his face. The silver haired man huffed, tossing the pouch of coins his way for him to catch. "Fair is fair, I guess…"
Vault chuckled as Dante retrieved his blade back, slinging it over his shoulders. "For a guy who looks skinny, ya definitely got strength in your bones."
The devil hunter waved a hand, dismissing it. "Easy for me to lift is all, but you ain't weak from what I can tell." He smiled, softly jabbing at the leader's chest.
A small yawn came from Dante, one hand to reach a half lidded eye to rub. "Late already? Off to dreamland."
Vault reached over to give the youth a pat on the shoulder. "Get all the rest ya can. We still got a long way to go."
Dante nodded, turning himself around to head over to his tent to rest.
Kin, still present, walked to Vault's side as he watched the retreating back of the devil hunter, pushing his glasses up. "He's a strong one, Vault. Think he'll bide with the plan?"
Vault let out a low chuckle, digits scratching over his scruffy beard. "With a guy like that on our side and how he is, I definitely know he'll be on board."
An evil smile was on the merc's face.
"We'll get what we damned deserve once we reach that fortress…"
A full week of traveling up to the Dark Fortress and finally, the Black Dogs arrived to their destination.
The journey was long, wrought with the struggles of impending monster attacks on the legion of mercenaries whilst others died from the sickness from the unforgiving environment of the badlands. Indeed, quite the ordeal had happened on the company, but nonetheless they were successful. It was only a matter of time to end this forsaken war.
A chance to end it and bring about peace.
Dante looked over the horizon, the skies were a deep, blood red and engulfed whatever peaceful blue nearby. The Dark Fortress was a large castle with intimidating structure. It exuded a foreboding atmosphere, dark clouds concealing the pillars of the castle whilst the land beneath it had the life sucked dry. Dante saw only veins of black grab hold of the area underneath.
The silver haired devil hunter noticed a light red aura covering the castle, almost like a holographic pillar was shielding it.
Currently, the Black Dogs were setting up a camp just miles from the evil area, arming themselves up for the oncoming fight that they'll bring. Dante was just up on a tree, sitting on a large branch while observing the Fortress. The demon slayer sighed, scratching the side of his head.
'Looks like it's not gonna be much of a cakewalk from here on out.'
Dante slipped off from the branch, landing onto the grassy earth while stretching his arms out. He heard footsteps approached him from behind, his eyes seeing the mage, Kin, bowing his head in greeting.
"I see you're looking at the Dark Fortress high up a tree." Kin stated, his sight casted over to the dark castle yonder.
"Thought to give emphasis on the place we're crashing." Dante replied.
"I'm sure you're aware of that strange crimson glow on it?" Dante only nodded as Kin continued. "It's a barrier to ward off any dangerous opposition."
The silver haired warrior crossed his arms, glancing back at the Dark Fortress. "So it won't be easy on trying to break through, eh?"
Kin smirked, shaking his head. "Not terribly so. In fact, I know of a way to pass through it temporarily, though it might take at least six troops of us to storm the castle." His tone sounded confident, if not a bit snobbish.
"Hm. Well, I guess it's best of luck to ya then. I'm gonna go get ready." Before Dante could walk off, a hand paused him from leaving the conversation.
Kin placed a careful stare on the man.
"Tell me, Dante. What do you wish to gain from ending this war?"
The question caused the devil hunter to blink, merely confused of what reward he wanted.
"I mean, it's kinda obvious that I just need money and a place to live before moving on to other things." A simple response.
Kin narrowed his eyes. "Is that really what you want? Don't you wish for something a little… more to a reward?"
Dante placed some thinking into this, snapping his fingers when he caught to a revelation. "Ah! I need to find my brother after all of this is done."
The demon slayer passed by Kin, patting him on the shoulder as he walked off. "Thanks for reminding me, Kinny boy."
Kin watched as Dante returned to camp, a grimace evident on his face and scoffed. "A simple idiot, at best. Perhaps a more straightforward approach is best once we capture that place."
With that, the glasses wearing spellcaster headed back to the camp.
Most of the Black Dogs led by Hicks focused on the front of the guarded area of the Dark Fortress, serving as a distraction for the minor troops to sneak to the back. Vault's men went to work on killing off any sentries from the many tall pillars that served as watchtowers.
Currently, Dante waited amongst the team of mercenaries led by Vault, all eyes on Kin with tome in hand. His palm out, green energy enveloping his fingertips as he uttered strange phrases with hushed uttering.
All men took tight clutch on their tools, ready to push through when the time is right.
What seem like forever came to reality, a tear in the scarlet barrier giving entrance to the troops. Without a word, they quickly rushed in, no seconds wasted and speeding steps towards the vulnerable back of the castle.
Surveying the walls of the Fortress, they were lucky to discover a passageway that led inside.
They were greeted with the dark hallways of the stronghold, torches from the stone walls serving as their guiding light. The stench of decay was near unbearable, nauseating at best as some of the mercenaries coughed from the miasma.
"Gods, it stinks to high heaven in here!" One said, covering half of his face with his shirt.
Vault hushed his voice, steady hold on his greatsword. "Keep your eyes peeled. You'll never know what's hiding in every corner of this damned place."
Dante let out a hum as the troops wandered through. "Seems kinda like baby's play if I think about it."
As if on cue, sounds of metal ring through the spacious hallways, the company now finding marching troops of what appeared to be skeletons with missing pieces of armor awaiting them.
The undead warriors must've been the sorry souls that attempted to invade long ago. Their once shining armor reduced to molding rust and fractures on their bones evident on their yellowing surface. They held near broken swords and beaten shields, uncaring for their dissipating arms. A purple energy swirled around their bodies, where their eyes glowed a spectral yellow.
Dante raised an eyebrow at the unexpected foes. "Might've spoken too soon."
Seeing their cover blown, there was no choice but to power on. Vault raised his greatsword high in the air, his voice booming with authoritative confidence. "Show 'me what ya got, you pups! Break their bones and crush them to bits of dust like they've deserved!"
A howling battlecry echoed through the halls, the troops of Black Dogs closing in with offense. Mercenaries battled the undead, their weapons colliding with the other to the symphony of battle.
Dante himself focused on smashing through the skeletal fighters, swinging the flat side of his sword onto approaching forces. He managed to break them into pieces, although they could only reform after falling to pieces thanks to the spectral energy that blinded them.
Dante clicked his tongue, taking out one of his guns and shooting at random points of each undead warrior with lead. He hoped to find at least a weak spot to expose but it didn't seem likely that making them into sponges was any help. "Damn it!"
The silver haired man sensed an incoming flank to his backside, although it ceased once Vault slashed through the sneaking nemesis. His eyes looked to Dante before he elbowed straight into an unsuspecting undead's jaw, sounds of it breaking from impact. "Kid, go on! Get the queen! We'll take care of these bastards here!"
Seeing the work Vault was doing and the chance arising, Dante nodded before looking at the still approaching antagonistic features.
He smirked as he pointed Rebellion at the skeleton knight in the center, a finger going over to his neck in a slicing motion. With hands on the handle, he brought the sword back before giving it a hard swing. The blade collided against the main undead's chest and was sent flying straight back, pushing away any others behind from its violent push.
A line towards the goal, Dante didn't hesitate running through. Rebellion was used to push away any of the undead nearby, the devil hunter never looking back.
He knew he had to end this alone, by any means.
Dante hacked away at the last orc guard, ending its life with a well placed stab to head as it laid on the cold floor from the earlier wounds inflicted.
There was just a mess of orc corpses all around him, ten to be exact with their mutilated bodies painting any surface a hot red. Dante looked at the handiwork he'd done, spinning his sword about to clear away the blood and flesh stuck to its surface. Once clean, he placed the Rebellion on his back, his eyes staring at the black twin doors in front of him.
So this was it. It had to be the throne room. It was a pretty straight route considering all the skirmishes he got himself into, plus the ten orcs guarding one place seems to be pretty obvious.
Cracking his knuckles and rolling his shoulders, Dante approached the doors and delivered a solid kick, opening the entrance to the room.
The steps of his steel toed boots serve as the only sound to the disturbingly quiet throne room. He walked along the red stoned pathway that led to the throne, pillars with torches were aligned in rows next to the pathway on either side, eventually reaching it. The devil hunter gazed on who was sitting upon it.
Olga Discordia.
She was a woman that had long black hair, skin dark yet soft and a voluptuous body with the only clothing being a royal purple corset and black underwear along with a black cloak over. A white crown rested atop her head while her hand possessed a black staff with a ring along it and topped with a dark magenta gem.
Her pointed ears that were pierced with golden rings indicated she was a dark elf, one ear twitched while her hazel orbs glared at the man in front of her.
The Dark Queen was quite the beautiful woman.
Dante stopped a few feet away, giving a cocky smile to Olga who in return, glowered.
"So, a single human was able to set foot onto my home and kill off my guards." She spoke, her voice mature and authoritative. "I do not know whether to be impressed by your abilities or insulted for a disgusting human to be within my vicinity."
Dante started to pace, walking from one short side to the other. "You got quite the welcoming community. They just had me with open arms, but I feel like you gotta do something 'bout the filthy stink up in here. Maybe get some of those vanilla scented candles to fix that?"
Olga narrowed her eyes at that quip, slowly standing up from her throne. High and mighty was what she conveyed. "I was unaware that I could encounter a man such as yourself to have come this far." She tilted her head. "Tell me, what convinced you to bring such savage men stumbling into my abode? To steal away my treasures? Take what secrets that lie in this castle? Seek me as a sort of trophy?"
Dante hummed as he let out one finger. "Option C might be the correct answer, babe. Got a job of bringing your sweet ass back to Ken."
Olga scoffed, her visage heated. "Ha! You must be an arrogant fool to think you'll be able to capture me."
The silver haired man shrugged his shoulders, unsheathing Rebellion off and wielding. "I think I feel confident enough to whittle you down, at least. Don't want to mess up such a hot bod."
Olga gazed at the strange looking sword, her eyes now curious. "Your blade… I sense strong magic from it. Are you a sort of spellcaster?"
Dante looked at his weapon, twirling it a bit. "Nah. It was my old man's keepsake for me. Pretty cool, isn't it?"
Olga took a double take and noticed the strong energy flowing from the invader as well, her eyes slightly widening. Her stoic nature returned, her staff held forward with the gem glowing ominously. "If you wish to capture me, it won't be a simple task, human. You will die trying."
"You're gonna find it very hard to ensure that, lady. But let's cut the chit chat short." Dante took stance, hands gripping tightly on Rebellion. "Let's rock, baby!"
A purple barrier covered Olga's body, increasing the defense before several large fireballs appeared above her. They shot themselves at the battle ready warrior, prompting him to move back from the incoming projectiles.
Olga saw how the man evaded, the same crimson aura she noted trailed behind him each time he took a quick dash. The fireballs exploded when reaching the ground, leaving scorching blots on the floor. Embers flew out from their impact, Dante quick to shield himself with Rebellion.
The devil hunter was back at the entrance to the room, a far distance from where Olga was. The Dark Elf Queen looked disappointed. "Running away now? I thought you were serious in finishing the j-."
Olga gasped as Dante's body disappeared in a flash of red, appearing only several feet away from her until he disappeared once more. She found him now only a few feet away, his body speeding towards her with a lunging stab of his sword. This prompted her to quickly teleport away from the attack, now only appearing at the side where the steps to the throne was, a good distance away from danger.
Dante stopped himself midway from his stinger, his head turning to the Dark Queen and giving her a cheeky grin. "Running away? Aw, am I that scary?"
His taunting words irritated Olga, she raised her staff forth and sent a torrent of raging wind his way.
In turn, Dante held his ground by stabbing Rebellion into the stone riddled floor. The fierce winds making the tail of his coat flap wildly. Dante was quick enough to aim Ebony towards Olga and firing away bullets at her direction after pulling out the pistol.
The shots did no damage to the queen, but small cracks appeared where each bullet hit on her barrier. Olga clicked her tongue in annoyance at his constant shooting, seeing that it was dwindling her only shield. Just what sort of strange ranged tool was able to crackle her defense?
The blast of wind had stopped, Olga switching to shooting lightning bolts at the red clad warrior at a terrifying speed. Dante got Rebellion out before jumping away from the shocking danger, landing onto the lower floor as he maneuvered away whatever electricity was directed to him.
Olga smirked when he nearly lost his footing from the black soot from the large scorch marks, shooting out an array of lightning at the devil hunter. She didn't expect, however the counter he was going to use in order to protect himself.
Dante mounted Rebellion onto his back, releasing a calm breath as he took a defensive stance, left arm in and right arm outstretching alongside his right leg. A sparking scarlet aura enveloped him as he blocked each lightning bolt. There was even a switch of arms deflecting the shock filled attacks coming at him.
Olga couldn't believe it. A mere human diverting her lightning with just his arms… it was unbelievable and her magical ability was powerful, a match to the Goddess Incarnate, Celestine. He was no ordinary man, noting the strange skills he had to keep up with the Dark Elf Queen.
Once every bolt died down, Dante's body glowed a faint red, blinking in and out as he took another exhale. He slowly waved his arms in front of him, taking a full on stance again as his gaze hardened at Olga, nearly causing the woman to wince.
The Dark Elf Queen thought of an idea since he seemed to be stuck in that position, a laugh came from her. "So, you can't seem to move from your position after you somehow countered my dark lightning. How pathetic."
Dante didn't quip back, instead giving a grin at the dark elf, causing her to shoot a nasty glare at him, the gem of her staff glowing ever so brightly.
"Well, how about I make you know your place by marking your grave here!"
The floor started to shake as well as part of it started to morph between the space of the Dark Queen and the son of Sparda. A large hand, cobbled of stone started to reach out from the castle floor, slowly ascending up to take its full form. It's body made of solid rock and size larger than any orc Dante encountered, his blue eyes wandering up to the height of the seven meter tall monster.
A golem.
The lumbering being made of hardened earth glared a glowing yellow on where its eyes were, taking a step forward that caused the floor to quake once more. It was slowly and menacingly closing the distance on Dante who only stayed in his spot, unflinching. Olga laughed as the golem drew near, raising a large obelisk fist over its head.
"Consider yourself the honor as I might make you into an undead warrior for your next life, whelp. Your skills will truly aid me in fending off any other grievances." Olga mocked before the golem brought its fist down on the warrior. "Now perish!"
The unthinkable happened as Dante suddenly pushed his palms forward at the golem's incoming fist, a sudden tide of powerful red energy shot itself out from the devil hunter's hands. The golem was helpless on receiving the powerful revenge, breaking away from the blast of power and became crumbling rocks.
Olga's barrier was shattered after taking the flying projectiles of stone and was flown back from the powered wave, tumbling onto her back once feeling a pillar stopped her from getting any farther. Still, the pushback of the blast was pressing her against the pillar before it slowly died down.
Dante sighed a breath of relief, clapping his hands together on a job well done. "Phew! Felt like I was gonna be in Royalguard forever. Good thing it wasn't you that took the most outta it."
Dante approached the fallen queen who shakily got back to her heeled feet, the staff of hers used as support to keep her up. Sweat drenched her figure and her breathing rough, indication that she was low on mana. Dante kicked away any stone on his walk towards Olga, just stopping a few feet away.
"Looks like I gotcha beat, Queenie. Now, are ya gonna play nice with me or am I gonna have to rough ya up a bit more?" Dante questioned, fully knowing he was at full advantage now.
"Y-You mortal scum…" Olga panted out, her glare still strong on the silver haired man despite the dying light of her magic staff's gem. Her legs quivered as they felt they were going to be given out at any moment. "L-Like I give myself to a filthy creature like you!"
Dante sighed, walking closer to the Dark Queen who immediately retracted, her back returning to the pillar. Dante slammed his fist onto it, nearly living an imprint of his knuckles near the side of the dark elf's head. Olga flinched at his action, fear didn't show in her eyes however.
"Don't know when you're supposed to give up, eh? Heh, reminds me of someone I know." Dante snidely remarked before his face became serious. "You already know it's over, so give it up."
Olga only continued to glare daggers at the man's leaning figure. "Damned human…!"
The two turned their attention to the harsh opening of doors, their visitors being the troops of the Black Dogs. Vault was at the center alongside Kin, a triumphant grin on his face as they entered. One of the men was currently holding another dark elf girl, this one had similar attire to Olga although falling more in line with a rogue, her blonde hair was up in a ponytail while her hands were tied behind her back, being pushed forward whilst struggling.
"Ah, Dante! Takin' the fun all for yourself!?" Vault bellowed, noticing the damage done around the throne room. "Well, looks like ya had one hell of a time!"
Dante pushed himself off the pillar, his attention regarding the company. "Was one fun brawl, I gotta say." His eyes turned to the weakened Olga. "Nothin' I can't handle, though."
"Chloe…" Dante heard Olga uttered, her voice trembling.
"Lady Olga, forgive me!" The dark elf named Chloe cried out, struggling to get free from her captors.
Dante placed his hands on his hips when he saw the blonde dark elf. "Huh, another cute chick up in here. Thought they were rare around these parts."
Vault was approaching the two, a confident and smug grin evident. "Give it up, Dark Queen. The war has already decided the victor and we got your little servant to boot!"
Olga gritted her teeth as she mustered to stand proud, nearly stumbled at her full height. "You disgusting ape, let her go!"
Dante raised a brow at the exchange. "Uhhhh, might be obvious that she's already struggling to stand up, dude."
Vault ignored him as he continued to bark a demand. "Give up your magic staff, unless ya wanna see your girl get killed now."
Dante and Olga spotted one of the men holding Chloe hostage pressing a knife near her throat, most of the company had sickening smiles on their face. Dante couldn't help but narrowed his eyes at their expressions.
"Please, Lady Olga! Escape while you still can!" Chloe's mouth was shut by a hand of her captor, her screaming muffly muted.
"You dare give me a command in my own home? I'll have your head!" Olga said defiantly, trying to muster whatever spell she could come up with little energy she had.
"Can't really do much with ya strugglin' like that. Maybe, we should kill your servant and take away your staff." Vault darkly suggested, an evil grin conveyed.
Olga's eyes widened with fear. "You dare hurt her and I shall never forgive you!"
Vault shrugged his shoulders and looked to his men. "What say you, Dogs!? Kill the girl and take the queen!?"
The Black Dogs howled to that agreement, their cackling echoing through the throne room.
Olga gritted her teeth as she screamed out. "Repulsive bastards!"
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Everyone was startled and silenced by the deafening gunshots made by Dante, his firearm pointed up in the air while smoke escaped from the muzzle. All eyes rested on the red coated demon slayer who let out a sigh. He sheathed his gun back to his holster, holding his hands up.
"Let's not get too dramatic up in here, shall we?" Dante nonchalantly suggested, attempting to wither the tense atmosphere. He turned his attention to the surprised Dark Elf Queen.
His gloved hand was held out, fingers flexing up as to gesture her to give him something. "Seems like we got off on the wrong foot here. Honestly, this guys don't know the sweetening words to chat with a pretty girl like you, so as an expert here, I'm gonna ask you this." Olga noticed his hardened eyes, despite the laidback tone in his voice. "If you don't want anything bad happening to your friend over there, give me the staff. I'll promise you girls will be alright."
Olga hesitated on the offer that the devil hunter was proposing, her hazel eyes looking back to Chloe. With a defeated sigh, she held her magical staff out to Dante. "I, Olga Discordia… surrender my staff to you, stranger. I admit defeat."
Dante reached over and took the staff into his hand, inspecting the sorcery tool with curiosity. It was promptly nabbed by Vault, his eyes casting a curious gaze on the seasoned veteran's aggressive mood shift.
Vault let out a bellowing laugh. "Hah, easier said than done, kid! Take 'em and lock 'em up! This place is ours!"
Dante only watched as Olga and Chloe were chained into shackles, the men proceeding to take them into the castle's dungeon for imprisonment. Dante watched as Vault walked up to the throne, taking a seat upon it with a malicious smile. He almost looked like a monarch with how he was cozying up the royal chair.
"You made it a lot harder than you should've." Dante said, his voice deadpan and arms crossed.
Vault waved a hand off that remark. "Bah. You shouldn't worry 'bout the small stuff. Take in what we got here." He gestured to the vast throne room. "This Fortress is now ours, boy. Embrace it."
"What was with the spiel about killing her servant, then?" Dante asked, the threat Vault made questioned his character.
Vault grinned. "To further put her down. Make her know that we call the shots here from now on."
"We have a job to do…"
Vault frowned at his response, scoffing. "Yeah, yeah I know that. Just don't worry 'bout things. We'll stay a few to rest and we'll get right back to Lady Celestine in a jiffy, along with two dark elves."
Vault sat back in the throne chair, giving out a relaxed sigh. "So, enjoy the fruits of our victory. You done a hell of a job here, today."
Dante scrunched his brow, doubting the Black Dogs' leader's words. He sounded arrogant, almost full of himself with how he treated the Dark Queen and her vassal. It honestly really irritated him and he couldn't help but wonder if Vault had a change in plans.
Dante let out a huff, uncrossing his arms as he excused himself from the throne room. Vault only watched him exit out, his eyes looking at the devil hunter's departure. He rested his square shaped jaw on a closed fist, eyes narrowing.
"That kid is really somethin' else… Hope Kin was wrong 'bout him."
The whole company of the Black Dogs reveled inside of the Dark Fortress, their boisterous laugh and talk echoing the once silent domain.
Dante walked into the palace dungeons, opening the steel door. The metallic creak of age echoed into the prison as he allowed himself in. He found his two people of interest, Olga and Chloe sitting together in a single cell.
Chloe's eyes directed a hateful glare at the red clad hunter in their midst as he closed the door behind him and rested his back against the stone wall, hands in pockets. Olga's gaze on him was neutral, her stoic demeanor presented.
"So, you gals doing alright?" Dante asked, curious if any harm was done to the prisoners.
"What's it to you, human!?" Chloe barked with irritation.
"Chloe." Olga lightly scolded her servant. "We are fine, stranger. Despite their savage treatment of getting us here, we didn't receive any harm."
"Irredeemable bastards…" Chloe spat.
"What is going to happen?" Olga questioned.
Dante let out a sigh, scratching his cheek with a digit. "Vault is pretty much havin' his fun being a king, right now. You might be stuck here for a while depending if he gets his ass off and rearing."
Olga sighed, running a hand through her shining dark hair. "Well, this is not how I imagine my end."
"Ah, don't bet on it. Might have to get you out sooner." Dante assured her as he got off the wall. "Anyways, you guys hungry?"
"Like we eat your filth." Chloe sneered. "Why don't you just-."
"Chloe." Olga again chastised before she told the devil hunter what she and her vassal wanted.
"Consider it done, your majesty." Dante said with a smile as he opened the door and left.
Chloe turned to her queen, her eyes suspicious. "You shouldn't trust him, Milady. He's a human in leagues with those dirty mercenaries."
Olga thought for her words for a moment before speaking. "That man… He doesn't have this malicious intent that I sensed with the others."
Chloe blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
"During the battle I've had with him, he showcased… some frightening skills." Olga recounted, a bit weary of the devil hunter. "He was strong, able to overcome any of my magic with full anticipation."
"Impossible! No mortal man can beat your magic!" Chloe couldn't believe what she was listening to.
"His abilities weren't even spells, but his own energy." Olga told her, her eyes looking to the metal door.
"He's… something inhuman."
Dante ignored the congratulations from the passing mercenaries, their thanks to him bringing down the queen just annoyed him little by little.
He managed to make his way to the kitchen, searching over what food Olga desired for herself and Chloe. The devil hunter couldn't help but hear the constant talk of the Black Dog members of what they wanted from all of this.
Their talks mainly towards women, saying how they should get what they deserve from all their hard work throughout the war. One guy discussing with his colleagues of what he'll do when he gets his hands on Olga and Chloe whilst another wanted to give one of the Princess Knights a 'taste' of what he was packing'. Dante felt uncomfortable if only slightly repulsed by their comments as he retrieved the food onto two trays.
He started his walk back to the dungeons, his mind wandering to his thoughts about all of this.
'More and more of these guys are showing their true colors. Just what the hell is going on here?'
"Come on, why don't you look at me? Surely, a girl stacked as you like the attention, eh?"
"Too high and mighty for me, honestly. Might have to take her down a peg!"
Olga and Chloe ignored the incessant taunting from three Black Dogs, their predatory eyes leering at both of the dark elves' figures. Chloe shook in anger, feeling herself edging to snap at any second with their depraved remarks. Olga squeezed her hand, encouraging her to tough this out as soon as they leave.
Chloe was about to scream before the metal door was kicked open, revealing Dante holding the twin trays of food. Everyone turn their attention to the man entering, a goofy smile on his face.
"Okay, Chef Dante here giving you the delicious recipe that'll tickle you-." Dante stopped himself, raising a brow at the three mercenaries in the dungeon. "Uhhhh… What's up with you guys?"
"A-Ah, Dante." One of them piped up. "I-It's nothing really. We were just um, tasked to watch over the prisoners in case they do something funny, ya know?"
Dante looked over at the irritated emotion Chloe displayed. "Why does she look like she wants to bite someone's face off?"
"W-Well, these two just got no sense of fun." Another chimed in. "What we'll do with them, they'll loosen up!"
Dante's eyes narrowed at this. "Ah. Well, how about you guys take a break? I'll keep watch over them if you don't mind."
"D-Dante, I don't think that's-."
"I said go away." Dante's tone was now cold, his blue eyes glaring harshly at the three men.
They soon exited the dungeons quickly, nearly stumbling from the change in attitude of the fun loving devil hunter. Once they were out, Dante sighed as he approached Olga and Chloe's cell, sliding the trays through the opening horizontal slits of the bars. "Sorry about that. I'm betting those guys are dealing with trauma after getting rejected at prom night."
"Crude speaking that is usual for typical humans." Olga remarked as she and Chloe got her food, beginning to eat. The devil hunter pulled out some beef jerky from his coat, gnashing away as he rested against the wall again.
Chloe watched the man warily while she bit into her loaf of bread, untrusting of their red warden.
Dante swallowed the last of his jerky, wiping away his mouth with his sleeve. "So those three were talking about you. Not only them but the rest of the guys too."
Olga looked to Dante, her head nodding. "Indeed. Their manner of speaking was the idea of using me and Chloe as a form of entertainment. They're uncertain whether you will join them or not."
Dante hummed as he listened, his body now approaching the two's cell. "You babes got your fill, then?"
Olga and Chloe blinked after they digested the last of their food, looking at eachother and back to Dante. "What do you mean?" Olga then asked.
Dante suddenly unsheathed Rebellion, Chloe immediately shielding her queen with her body. "Lady Olga, watch out! You-..."
With a swing of his blade, Dante cut through the metal bars of the dark elves' cell, the bars clanging down to the floor and providing an opening for them. Dante placed one finger on his lips, a signal to keep quiet from making any commotion. Olga and Chloe were flabbergasted by this sudden act.
The door creaked open, a Black Dog entering as being watch for the two prisoners. He blinked, seeing that the cell of theirs was cut upon and saw Dante with them. "Dante? What are you-..."
No chance given as Dante appeared as a red blur, rushing to the man before slamming an open palm to the mercenary's face. The silver haired hunter pushed him back with full force, colliding his head onto the wall to knock him out. The Black Dog fell, unconscious from the attack.
Olga swallowed a lump at the powerful display the silver haired man showed. "Human, what are you doing?"
Glancing back, Dante placed his double edged blade over his shoulder. "Isn't it obvious, Queenie?"
He shot a grin her way.
"We're going on a prison break."
And so, Dante aids in safely getting Olga and Chloe out of the Dark Fortress and away from the Black Dogs.
Hope you enjoyed.