"Man, cut, Ray. Truck drivin passed out phantom 309 motha fucka."

Beneath The Shadows

Chapter 9

Morrison walked down the dimly lit city block, dark urban characteristics surrounding him, the depressing mood reminding him of why he was there. As much as he'd have liked to believe that things would be all right with Dante missing, the truth was that everything was falling apart. It seemed as if it was like this everywhere, though. It didn't surprise him that some of the demons would stray from the cities that were heavily congested. Some of the demons with higher intelligence and human logic, like Dante, followed his example and chose to lead a normal life. The more mindless ones wandered off from the hordes, killing and feeding on whatever they could until they wound up dead. But the large majority was somewhere in between, and now made up the enormous masses that were beginning to appear in more and more places, destroying and consuming everything in their path.

And back home was getting hit the hardest.

Morrison was optimistic about the amount of demonic activity going on in the area. When he came up four months ago, there was a decent amount of little critters hopping around. He'd barely gotten out of his car to look for Dante last time. He remembered from a mission there a couple years ago that Dante said he knew a couple guys here that would provide him a safe house whenever he needed it. He didn't find any trace of him then, but this time, the absence of demons had Morrison encouraged to find the devil slayer. The agent knew he wouldn't be able to question the locals about Dante since he was a nationally known fugitive, so he had to focus on the people who he suspected were providing him shelter. Morrison remembered that Dante had told him that they were into selling musical instruments, and had even set Dante up with his first instruments to put in the shop, as well as his jukebox. He figured the local tavern might be housing someone who knew them, or at least where they were. The coming rain aided in his decision to start there. As he pushed the door open and entered, he wasn't greeted with any stares that would typically fall upon an outsider. The crowd simply continued their chatter and drinking without noticing him to be any different than anyone else in the bar. Not having to worry about any awkwardness, Morrison hastily made his approach to the bar and sat down.

"What can I get ya' bud?" The bartender asked.

"Actually, I was wondering if you could give me some directions."

"I know, I just figured I'd ask. Could tell your not from here the second that door opened."

"Hmm… Did everyone else?"

"Yeah, but we just don't give a shit. Lotta' people roll through here. What're ya' lookin 'for?"

"Know any two guys who sell musical instruments?"

"Koobs and Dank?"

"That's them." Morrison snapped his fingers. "They have a shop?"

"Yeah, but I forget what it's called. Hey, Timmy!"

A man at the other end of the bar looked up from his drink. "Bill, I told you I'll pay my tab at the end of the week."

"Not that, cheap prick. What's the name of Dank's place?"

"… Picks n' Sticks?"

"Yeah, that's what it is."

"Picks n' Sticks…" Morrison repeated. "Can you tell me where it is?"

"Well, I haven't been there since I got my Srat years ago. But if my memory's worth a shit, it's a few blocks down from the old glass factory."

"And where's that?"

"When you open the door, look to your left. It's that giant shithole that looks like it's about to cave in."

"Oh, that." Morrison saw the huge monstrosity before entering the bar.

"I think you hang a right once you get to the main gate, then just keep straight 'til you get there."

"Thanks for the tip, bud."

"Hey, Bill! We placin' bets for any games?" Another shouted from across the room as Morrison got up to leave.

"Earl, for real? It's pre-season. You need to control your fuckin gambling."

Morrison heard the man grumble something as he shut the door behind him. He folded his coat closed before moving towards the factory, a chilling wind having joined the rain. A few cars crept along as he trudged through the cold wet streets, typical summer weather not present in this city. Upon making it to the factory entrance, he took a right and started down the street to the shop. He could see the partially lit sign in the distance. Before he could get there, it started to rain heavily. He hastened his pace to a near run for the last hundred yards until he finally got to the door; relieved to see they were open. Morrison pushed open the glass door and entered the music store, the sounds of Jimmi Hendrix lightly flowing throughout.

"Help you?" The large clerk behind the counter said.

"Yeah, are you Koobs?" The agent asked.

"Nah, he's is in the back changing some strings. I'm Dank." He paused and looked over Morrison. "Is there something you need?"

"I'm actually looking for someone who I think may have dropped by or even stayed here recently."

"Like who?"

"Any particular white-haired individual."

"… You a cop?"

"No. I'm his agent."

"What's your name?"

"Morrison."

Dank analyzed the situation, and came to the determination that he could trust Morrison. Although he was dressed somewhat like a detective, Dank knew if Morrison was a cop, he had to tell him so; otherwise any charges brought against him would be dismissed on grounds of entrapment. Still, he hated having to be cautious with people he didn't know, but aiding and abetting wasn't something he was about to go to prison for.

"Yo, Boobs!" He shouted.

"What?" The response came.

"You seen fuck face lately?"

"Dude, he hasn't been here for like three weeks!"

"….. Really?"

"Smoke another one, Dank!"

"Fuck yourself, Boobs!" He looked back to Morrison. "Well look, he's been around here off and on for the past few months. Crashes here every now and then, but he doesn't stay on a regular basis. Stick around for a few days, he might show up."

"I can't wait that long. Time is of the essence."

"Sorry bro, but that's really all I can give ya'. He doesn't tell us that much either. Bit quieter than I remember him."

"…Yeah…" Morrison knew why. "Well, thanks anyways, kid."

The frustrated agent exited the shop back onto the wet streets, hastily making his way back to the lot where he'd parked. It was starting to get dark, clouds growing dimmer as he moved along. He noticed there was nobody on the streets, which made him a bit uneasy, his pace increasing as a result. Morrison wasn't as adept in sensing demons as his constituencies, but he still knew when they were around. That smell…

Stopping in his tracks, he looked down an alley to see if there was anything. After a few seconds, he turned back to start down the street. As soon as he did, however, he stepped face first into the abdomen of a rather large and grotesque demon, growling and salivating as Morrison stood inches from it, trying not to dry heave from the stench.

"Why do I always have to run into the most putrid fucking demons?" He said looking up to the demon's hideous face. It responded with a shriek, flashing its gruesome fangs as it swatted Morrison onto the road like he was a fly. After getting to his feet, Morrison took out his snub nosed revolver and planted six shots in the demons chest, halting its advance. However, the wounds closed up quickly and the beast chuckled as Morrison's shoulders dropped in disappointment.

"Fuck."

The demon opened its mouth as if to consume Morrison, but as it prepared to come down, something stopped it. Morrison couldn't see what was holding the demon back until it was heaved into the brick wall of a building across the street. To his delight, it was the sight that he was hoping for.

"Figured it'd be you who found me." He said.

"Well it fuckin took me long enough." Morrison got to his feet, brushing himself off. "Nice to see ya, kid."

Dante then suddenly turned around and dashed into the demon, crushing it against the wall before he began unloading on it with lefts and rights. Beating it down to its knees, Dante took the demon's head in his hands, and snapped its neck.

"See you haven't lost your touch." The agent proclaimed.

"Never." Dante boasted.

"And with none of your toys to boot."

"It's actually been refreshing not using them."

"The old fisticuffs working?" He chuckled.

"Better than ever." He confidently looked down at his hands.

"How ya' doin?"

"Let's talk somewhere else." Dante turned and went into the alley. Morrison followed.


"Where've you been?" Morrison blew smoke into the small, dim room.

"I actually just left here a few weeks ago. Can't stay in one place for too long."

"What've you been doing all this time?"

"Killin' whatever demons I can."

"So basically what you've been doing back home then?" His agent said.

"Yeah, I mean besides hiding from the law and having no damn money."

"Huh, I must've missed that two hours where you actually had any money."

"Well with agents like you..."

"Kiss my ass." He drew on his smoke again. "So, how've you been holding up?"

"I'm good." He sounded uncertain. To him, that was a number of questions rolled into one. "I don't give those bastards two thoughts, and quite frankly, I don't care what it's cost me. But…" He paused. "Well, I guess that's gotten better over time."

"What?" Morrison asked. "Patty?"

Dante sighed. "Yeah." He looked down. "At first… I had dreams… all I kept seeing was her eyes. I could hear her screaming, and I always tried to yell back, but I couldn't. It…" He sighed again. "… It just reminded me of how helpless I felt... not being able to save her."

"There's nothing you could've done."

"Bullshit. Don't try to sugarcoat the reason it happened in the first place."

"Kid, nobody would've predicted them to do what they did, no matter what you did first. You have to stop thinking about it." He hit his smoke.

"I don't." He quickly replied. "Not anymore, anyways."

Morrison only responded with a puzzled look.

"Lady…"

"Lady?"

"It doesn't matter what happens on any given day, or how much losing Patty still hurts… all I can think about is her."

"Uh-oh, looks like someone finally got her to wet his whistle." Morrison laughed.

"Fuck you." He swiped his cigarette out of his hand and took a few drags. "But honestly, I've never felt this way about another chick. But that's the thing, she's not just some other chick."

"Yeah, no shit. Ever see her in skin-tight jeans and some bright pink t-shirt, falling all over guys in the bar, drunk?"

"Nope."

"Because she's different, kid. She's one of a kind, which is why you're attracted to her and none of those dumb tramps that gravitate towards you. She's a challenge, which you of course love by nature. Of course it took her developing into a complete piece of ass for you to notice."

"Hey, that's not all I noticed. She's also developed quite the chest."

"You're such a fuck." Morrison chuckled, shaking his head. "And give me back my damn smoke."

"Being away from the action doesn't help either, and I'll tell you what, it's boring as hell around here. The few demons I do kill aren't even noticed because everyone around here thinks they've just stopped appearing. And they're all such pussies."

"Shit, you want something to do, get your ass back home."

"Is it that bad?"

Morrison laughed. "Oh yeah. It's that bad." He hit his cigarette. "Summed up, we have a shortage in order and a surplus of demons."

"How?"

"Well…" Morrison took a long draw of smoke, getting ready to explain it to Dante fully. "After Ricky offed Enzo, he faced some serious backlash from some people Enzo knew."

"Who?"

"I'll give you two guesses, but you're only gonna' need one."

Dante sat back in his chair, needing no further elaboration.

"I didn't think Enzo was connected."

"I didn't either, but it turns out he was a made guy for this family."

Dante laughed.

"Enzo a made guy? Sure as hell din't carry himself that way." He scoffed. "Why was he an agent for contract hunters then?"

"Just another way he got his boss money."

"Well there's no easier way to piss off La Cosa Nostra than fucking with their money."

"I guess so. Soon as they found out it was Ricky, the capo regime of the crew Enzo belonged to ordered to have Ricky clipped."

"What about Ricky's guys?"

"He didn't have much of a crew left to make any kind of a stand, and this family was no group of stuggots."

"So he goes to Chance to solve his problem."

"In exchange for joining him."

"How could Chance take out an entire family when he's fucking with the cops and taking out demons?"

"Well, as it turns out, a half-decent amount of the other hunters we thought were dead joined up with Chance, same with the ones who were left standing when you took off. He's amassed a pretty damn big army. And while he took time to take care of Ricky's problem, the cops took the opportunity to do what they could against some of the demons."

Dante only scoffed in disgust.

"He had the head of the family, his underboss, his capos, and all his top soldatos dead within less than a week. Anyone they didn't kill they recruited."

"Nobody they were involved with did anything?"

"Not jack shit. Guess they weren't that popular."

"Damn." A surprised Dante said. "Can't believe Ricky'd bend to Chance like that. I've known him for almost five years, seen him tangle with some of the biggest demons out there."

"One man with his two or three remaining men isn't shit against an entire Mafioso family. He swallowed a lot of pride doing what he did."

"He's bound to Chance now, though." Dante said. "But hell, that might not so bad for him from the sound of things."

"It really is cut throat out there, kid." Morrison put his cigarette out. "People are doin' whatever it takes to survive. Chance has the cops so far back on their heels they can't do but two shits about the demons. There's a lot of those pricks too, let me tell ya'."

Dante looked up to his agent.

"How many?"

"Too many, and growing everyday."

Dante knew how the congestion of demons worked, and that the situation was more serious than he had thought.

"People are starting to form militias to fight those bastards. They respect Chance more than the cops."

"Great." Dante sarcastically groaned. "How can Chance cause them that much grief though? Even with a force his size, it's the fucking police force."

"Like I said, they have their hands full with them and the demons. They're literally split into two forces"

"… I don't know, something's up."

"Well, Chance knows what he's doing, Dante."

"Yeah, I know all about that CIA bullshit."

"No, that's just half of it." He drew on his cigarette. "He was a former seal team commander during Dessert Storm."

"No shit?"

"No shit. Led six successful operations off the coast of Iraq during the real fucking crunch time of the conflict. Unfortunately on his seventh, he got his team got deep into enemy territory when his commanding officer gave him the wrong coordinates for a sting on an enemy supply convoy. Wound up the middle of fucking nowhere. But that officer convinced his admiral that he gave Chance the right coordinates, and subsequently, Chance was removed from his position. But little did he know that Chance still had the coordinates in a report that he showed to the admiral when he got back, but it was well after he had been shit canned."

"His whole career's based on bad luck. No wonder he's such a bitter prick."

"The admiral then decides that it's too late to reverse the decision but doesn't want to look bad admitting he made a mistake, so to hush Chance up, he gives him a good recommendation for the CIA job. That's another reason the CIA didn't turn him over to authorities for what he did with the military command."

"They knew he'd talk."

"Yeah. And they didn't even bother black listing him because he could sense a hit man a mile away, and if he did, he'd talk then, too."

"Good to know you can get away with treason so long as a few people will look bad if you don't."

"Hey, that's how the country's been run for years, kid. That ain't anything new." He laughed. Morrison was always keen on politics.

"And… there's one more thing…"

Dante looked back up to Morrison.

"… Well, spill it already."

"Your brother's back."

Dante's heart nearly jumped through his chest.

"What?"

"Came back a month or so ago. Not sure how, though. I thought you killed him twice already."

"I did, but devils always return to hell when they die."

"Why'd it take him this long to return?"

"Hard to say. All I know is that the more demons in one area on earth, the more portals from hell open., some of which stay open longer than others... maybe it takes him longer to go through since he's more powerful..."

"That actually makes sense. Now that I think about it, there was a big group when most of the north side collapsed."

"Well, there you have it. And trust me, if that's the case, with the way it sounds like things are going he's not the last powerful demon that'll come through."

"Great." Morrison scoffed.

"Is Lady okay?" Dante's concern immediately shifted to her wellbeing.

"She's fine. Apparently your brother's working with her and Trish."

"Working with them?" His eyes narrowed.

"Yeah. He hasn't given anyone but demons trouble. I'll tell ya', though, he's more of an arrogant fuck than you are." He lit another cigarette.

"Heh, I'll give him that."

"Still, we need you back there. His coming just postponed the city's collapse. If we're getting all those pricks the hell outta' there, you have to help. Like I said, the cops are powerless because of Chance."

"What the hell ever happened to the national guard?"

"The government's shootin' off some shit about how we can't create nationwide panic by deploying the military to contain demonic activity. Haven't you seen any of this on TV?"

"I don't watch the news."

"Well don't you think maybe you should, ya know, being on the run from the law and everything?"

"I've never watched the news, I'm not gonna start now." Morrison rolled his eyes. "But that's bullshit." Dante continued. "There's something else going on there."

"What then?"

"I don't know…" He paused. "But the longer it stays like this, and the more congestion increases, there's only gonna' be more powerful demons and in larger amounts… So I think you're right… I think I need to be heading back."


A Week Later

"So, you ready to talk yet?" The large enforcer asked.

"Go fuck yourself." The cop replied, hands cuffed behind the chair he was in, his face bloodied from shots already dealt out.

He received another trio of rights for his response, the enforcer motioning to one of his men to get something.

"Hammer time. That's it." He whistled, and the guard threw him a hammer from the worktable. The cop's eyes widened and his heart raced as the enforcer approached him with the old rusty tool.

"Now what was it you just said to me? Go fuck yourself, was it? Isn't that what you said?" He waived the hammer in front of the cop's face.

"Do your worst, you drug-fucked pecker head." He spat on the enforcer's shoe.

The enforcer simply shrugged, and delivered a vicious shot to his elbow and knee, followed by a kick to the chest that sent him to the ground.

The cop groaned in pain as the enforcer stepped over him.

"Having any reconsideration?"

The cop struggled to his knees. "Yeah… I should've stayed in law school…"

"Yeah, you should've." The enforcer bashed the cop in the face, sending him back down to the ground. "Well, last chance, asshole. Sure you don't have anything to say?"

The cop tried to mumble something.

"You shattered his jaw, dip shit." One of the soldiers said. "Not gonna get him to say much now."

"Damn it, you're right." He mockingly dropped his shoulders and shot the cop in the head as he stood over him.

"What the fuck, Murdoc?"

"What?" He snapped. "I thought he wasn't gonna say much."

"I know but holy sh-"

His words were cut short by the fifty-milimeter bullet that flew through his head, window glass shattering around him.

"Get down!" The enforcer said as the man dropped to the ground. His crew lay there, waiting for another shot so they could see the flash. However, instead of flash, they were then greeted with a bright spotlight.

"Oh, shit." The enforcer groaned as the police chopper rotated ninety degrees, positioning the gunner inside to unload on the crew. After a short moment, the chopper had cleared the entire floor of Chance's men.

"Sky 1 to HQ, we've neutralized the threat in the WorldTech building. Moving down to check the streets, over."

The chopper descended lower to the violence flooded streets. It and the sniper that took out Chance's men now focused on a group of demons giving the SWAT team trouble. They had succeeded in keeping the demons at a distance, but that distance was shrinking. The additional firepower was able to halt the demons, but another wave flanked around from the other city block. The chopper moved into position, but was struck in the propeller stem with a fifty-milimeterround from their sniper's gun.

"What the hell?" The pilot yelled, losing control of the chopper.

After seeing the flash from the shot, Chance's top marksman had infiltrated the SWAT Sniper's post, cut his throat from behind, and commandeered his rifle.

He fired two more rounds at the back propeller, which sent it spiraling to the ground into a portion of the demons, blood and shrapnel flying everywhere. The rest of the demons then overtook the SWAT team, ripping whoever didn't run to shreds while their clumsy gunfire did little to stop them. Chance's marksman didn't engage any further, not wanting to attract the demons to him. Instead, he simply left to let them do his bidding. Once they had finished the cops, the demons moved towards whoever was unfortunate enough to be on the streets. The sun had almost set on the bloody setting, the demons prowling the dim but still blistering hot streets. The summer had been relentlessly unbearable.

Two more powerful demons emerged from the portals generated by the hordes. The rest made their way towards them as they gathered in a larger group in an attempt to open more portals. Just then, a light pierced through the darkness down the street, getting closer and closer with each second. Machine gun fire began spitting from the source of light, dropping a few of the demons before it came into their sight fully. The demons launched projectile attacks at the speeding motorcycle, but to no avail. The rider maneuvered swiftly down the road, avoiding any obstacles and attacks that came her way. She then came to a sudden stop, pivoting the bike and positioning herself to launch her rocket into the crowd. The attack eradicated a handful of demons as Lady took off her helmet, swinging her sweaty bangs out of her eyes. She looked up to see another line of them decapitated with one swift movement, heads dropping to their feet as Vergil appeared balanced on a street light, Yamato raised back behind his head. A blast of electricity then hit the demons, dropping all but the two that had just came through. Trish stood on a rooftop above, wearing her sunglasses and a wicked smirk.

The three had succeeded in taking out most of the demons, but not before more portals opened. A large group of demons swarmed through the openings, scattering off in different directions. The one greater demon charged at Vergil while the other made its way towards a group of people. Trish dropped down next to Lady as they battled with the lesser demons while Vergil tangled with the other one. Demons lunged at Lady as she jumped and flipped out of harms way, landing precise shots to their heads as she flew through the air. Trish stood stoic, frying them with her lightning, not even bothering with her guns. Meanwhile, Vergil cut his way around the large demon, avoiding attacks while landing his own. The demon flailed mindlessly, knocking over street signs and lights while the hybrid spilled its blood all over the road. Lady and Trish continued to do work at the other end when Lady noticed the other large demon making its way closer to the few people on the street.

"Vergil, take care of him!" She yelled.

Whether he ignored her or didn't hear her, Vergil continued to slash the near-lifeless demon in front of him. Lady darted off towards them, but knew she wouldn't make it in time.

"Fuck! Vergil!" She yelled again.

The people the demon was after had made it back inside or to their cars save for a woman with her elderly father. They were struggling to get back to their car as the demon closed in. As the woman opened the door, the car was crushed by the giant fist of the demon, knocking her and her father to the ground. It was slowed by a cluster of gunshots from above, and then stopped by a sword through the chest.

Lady looked up to see a blur of crimson and platinum. Her eyes lit up as they met Dante's, a smile on his face. He leapt from his post and descended down to the demon with a spray of bullets from Ebony and Ivory. He stopped to fall quicker, pulling Rebellion from the demon's chest before he landed in front of it. He cut the demon's legs out from under it, bringing it down to size enough for Dante to fall it by slicing its head in half. As the demon fell in front of him, the top half of the other one flew right over his head before bouncing off the ground. Dante turned around to see the legs of the demon crumble to the ground, Vergil putting Yamato away as he came into Dante's sight. Dante returned his weapons to their holsters before walking over to Vergil.

Lady and Trish made their way over as the two stood face to face, the tension almost visible.

"How's it been, bro?" Dante aggravatingly smiled.

"Just fine, Dante." Vergil coolly replied. "Miss me?"

"Not a damn bit."

"The feeling's mutual, then."

"Expect anything else?"

They just stared each other down after that.

"Well look at this heartwarming family reunion." Trish butted in.

"Hey," Dante said to her and Lady. "This all the fun I've been missing?"

"If you want to call it that, yeah." Lady said. The two stared at each other for a few seconds.

"Well, Verg," He looked back over to his brother. "Now that I'm back, looks like this little situation will finally get taken care of, eh?"

"What makes you think I came back to fix your mess?"

"I don't, but you're gonna wind up doing it anyways because I know you like a real grand finale. Ain't that right, bro?"

"Why make it anything else?" He smiled.

"Guess that means I'll be making it three losses in a row for you, eh?"

"Guess whatever you'd like, brother, but we'll see what's what when the dust settles."

"Oh yeah, we will."

With that, Vergil turned and left.

"I thought he'd never leave." Lady groaned.

"So, you guys glad to see me?"

"Like you wouldn't believe." Trish said. "It's been hell around here. You worried about the cops at all?"

"Nah, they got their hands full as it is. I just need a place to stay."

"You're staying with us, dip shit." Lady blurted.

"Well, if you insist." Dante replied with a smirk. "But first, I think I'm gonna go talk to Chance."

"Good luck. I already went down that road. Son of a bitch won't budge." Lady said.

"Let me worry about that. You guys go back home and get some rest. We'll catch up when I get back."

Dante made his way up the staircase to Chance's office. It had been years since he'd even set foot in his club, but not much had changed. He made his way to the office door, where Chance's bodyguard cut him off.

"Hold up, punk, you need-"

Dante launched him into the wall with a one armed shove, then opened the door.

Chance and a few of his associates were talking when he looked up to see the hybrid warrior.

"Hi Dante." He drew on his smoke. "Fancy you coming to visit me. Little dangerous for you around here, isn't it?"

"Little dangerous for me anywhere, Chance."

"Just like old times, eh?" Chance smiled and winked at him. "Gentlemen, take a walk." His associates got up and left without question.

"So, a full blown war with the cops. Bit much, no?" Dante sat down, propping his feet up on desk.

"Now don't make me out to be the bad guy. This is their war."

"I'm sure you had nothing to do with it."

"I don't consider myself to have. They're the ones who started this whole thing when they killed Kifer, so they must have figured they could handle it. Then again, nobody expected you to up and leave because you killed, what was it, ten of those assholes?"

"Didn't think you'd be feeling sympathy for them."

"Trust me, I couldn't give two shits less. I have a distaste for what they did anyway."

"Oh yeah, that's right. You're more the white collar criminal, well, at least you used to be. But now you're just like every other high-end drug lord, bootlegger, gun running sack of shit that I just tend to look at and laugh."

"Please, Dante, some credit here." Smoke seethed through his mouth and nose. "Don't lump me in with the average Scarface."

"I'm not here to give you credit. I'm here to find out what you know."

"And what in the fuck makes you think I'll tell you anything?"

"Because you know damn well you're time's running out."

"Really?"

"Really. It doesn't matter how many cops you kill, sooner or later the demons' numbers are gonna catch up to you. And whether or not I decide to do anything to help you when that time comes depends on how cooperative you are now. So," He leaned forward on the desk. "Anything you wanna tell me, Chance?"

"See, I'd rather you find out on your own, ya know, so the experience is that much more rewarding for you." He exhaled his smoke. "And as far as the demons go, well that's your problem at this point. I'm dealing with the crooked-ass cops. If you finally want to own up to your responsibilities, there's the fuckin door."

Dante stopped for a split second. "Crooked-ass cops?" He thought to himself, thinking on what Chance could have meant by that.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of the demons." He grinned. "That way you can get back to playing cops and retards."

"Well, you'd better get to it." He said as Dante turned to walk away. "Oh, and by the way, Dante," He started. "Amethyst was just a puppet in a much larger play. This goes way deeper than you think."

Dante laughed and turned. "It always does, Chance. That's what makes it fun!"

The hybrid made it back up onto the rooftops and began moving towards Trish's. He hadn't even bothered telling Chance to stop feuding with the cops given he knew the answer. But he wasn't worried about that. Right now, he only had one thing on his mind.


"Sir, we-"

"Oh, don't bother, sergeant. I already saw your bad report on the news." The chief groaned.

"We were highly outnumbered, sir. The demons came down on us, and-"

"You know my father always told me excuses are like assholes - everybody's got one and they all stink."

"Well, all due respect sir, I think the stench of blood overpowers the stench of my excuses."

"And what exactly is your point, sergeant?"

"Let's just say I'm tired of calling the wives of a dozen officers every week this chaos continues."

The captain got up from his seat.

"And quite frankly," The sergeant continued. "I'm tired of continuing this little game that's going on. I find it pretty disturbing they're waiting to-"

"Let me tell you something you little piss ant fuck," The captain snapped. "You've been in this since the start, so you're in it til the end. You try to back out of this, or go to the press, you'll regret the day you ever enrolled in the police academy. Understand?" He was inches from his face.

"... Yes, sir."

"Sir!" Another officer came bursting through the door.

"What is it, Allen?"

"Some of the officers that survived said they saw Dante in the battle today."

"You idiot, we've already established that's his brother, and we can't do shit about him."

"No, they said they saw him and Dante together."

"... Well no shit."

"You want me to get a squad together?" The sergeant asked.

"... No. Let him stay loose for awhile, kill off the demons for us. Then we can take his ass when he's worn down from it." He sat back down. "You're both dismissed. Allen, take that on the file cabinet package to evidence."

"Yes sir."

The captain lit up a cigarette and went back to watching the news. He knew eventually the bloodshed wouldn't be tolerated. At this point, he had to hope they could hold out long enough.


"Gah, where the hell is he?" Lady snapped as she tied the cloth around the wound on her ankle.

"You know he was meeting with Chance. You should relax when you have the chance to, Lady." Trish replied.

"Well how do we know that's where he is now? He could've gotten into it with the cops!"

"I think we'd know about it if he did."

Lady didn't reply, instead kicking off her other boot and holding up the damaged one.

"Gonna have to fucking replace these now." She groaned as she peered through the hole in the leather.

She was cut off by Dante's entrance.

"What's all this holler about?" He smiled.

"Finally." Lady snapped.

"Didn't know I was keeping anyone." He took off his coat and set down his weapons. "Where's my brother?"

"Who knows and who cares. I prefer him being around as little as possible." Trish said.

"Trish, you think you could give us a minute?" Lady abruptly asked the demoness.

Trish knew Lady had to talk to Dante, and she was far too exhausted to give any objection. She simply left her apartment and went for a drive.

"So, how was your little vacation?" She snapped again.

"Oh, it was just great. Palm trees, drinks, the ocean… then I woke up and hid from the law and killed demons for seven months."

"Shut up, Dante."

"What, you're making it sound like I've been living it up this whole time."

She didn't respond.

"Look, I'm sorry you guys had to deal with this on your own, but I'm gonna-"

"I don't need your fucking help."

"What the hell is your problem?" Dante was genuinely angry. He had looked forward to being with her once he'd gotten back, and now she was being cold with him. "I come back and you're acting like a complete bitch to me again."

"You wanna know why?"

"Yeah, I do."

"Because I thought about you everyday… I missed you, wanted you everyday."

"And I never gave you two thoughts?"

"Did you?" She stared into his eyes.

"I thought about you all the time."

"Yeah, right. Right after you got done with some random whore you just met."

She turned away, but was violently pulled back in by the wrist.

"You think that's what I did?" His voice nearly trembled with rage. "You think I'd betray you like that?"

"Seven months, Dante!"

"Everyday of which I was going crazy thinking about you!" Dante couldn't control the increase in the volume of his voice. He'd never had an emotional argument like this before. He'd never tried to convince someone of something he desperately needed them to know. This feeling inside him just wanted her to know the truth. It was strong, and it must've been because Lady had stopped her shouting at Dante's words. She sensed his sincerity. Her feelings of him were the same as his of hers.

Nearly eight months without each other had driven them batty. Dante's dreams had returned shortly after his departure. He always thought about being with her upon his return. Having her lips, her skin, her touch, all of it was like an intoxicating drug that he was going through withdrawal over. He never even so much as feigned interest in another woman. Not because he felt obligated to stay faithful to Lady, but because he was interested in no woman other than Lady, and Lady would hardly so much as even look at another man for the same reason. She had tossed and turned countless sleepless nights, wanting him to be there next to her, to be in his arms. Their mutual want for each other had made them both nearly go nuts, and it was culminating in this.

"Well you know what Dante?" She started after the brief silence. "You can say whatever you want, and it doesn't mean shit to me." Though she was lying, it was just a part of her stubbornness that she felt necessary to put him through. She turned away again, but rather than saying anything else, he decided to show her how much he'd missed her. He grabbed her by the shoulder, twisted her around, and pushed her up against the wall.

"Then allow my actions to speak louder than words." He growled.

He took her face in his hands and forced his tongue down her throat, lips engulfing hers as he pulled her closer into his grasp. He took in her taste, swallowing her lips and tongue, his hands caressing her firm body under her blouse. She pushed his jacket off of his shoulders and ran her hands under his shirt, taking in his firm frame. He lifted her leg onto his hip and began running his hand over it. Her smooth skin was almost intoxicating to touch, his hands groping her creamy thighs. She gripped the back of his shirt for support while their tongues caressed each other, their eyes locked whenever they broke the passionate kiss. They both paused for a brief moment to look deeper into each other. Both were already breathing heavily, sweat formed on their brows. Dante pushed her damp bangs off of her forehead, gently stroking her cheek after. Lady kissed his lips softly, playfully tugging on his lower lip. He let her leg down and snaked his hand down to her womanhood, where he began groping her beneath the soft fabric of her panties, his middle finger tracing up and down over her clit. The huntress bucked her hips forward, tensing her legs while trying to absorb all of his touch. She breathed through tightly clenched teeth while his large hand continued to massage her, its largest appendage going lower and lower as he squeezed. His fingers became wet as they neared her opening, this quenching of her thirst long over due, and manifesting in what they were feeling now. To both of them, this was already hotter and more passionate than the first time. Almost two thirds of a year deprived of each other, of continuous dreams, of truly wanting nobody other than each other, had finally built up to this. She let out a soft high whimper than tickled Dante's senses, mini shockwaves coursing through his entire body at her sweet sound. He grinned at her facial expression; eyes near-closed, lips parted. His free hand went up and down her juicy thigh, groping her plump firm ass as she let out pleased breaths. She turned her attention to the button and zipper of his pants. It was hard for her to focus amidst the wonders he was ding to her below, but she was able to undo them nonetheless. He let her struggle with his belt, continuing to work her while she attempted to focus on what she was doing.

"Uh-h!" She gasped sharply as he pushed his finger inside of her, trying her best to focus on loosening the buckle.

He smiled mischievously while he probed her, adding another finger to his already lubricated one. Her wetness was increasing, saturating his hand with her sweet sticky essence, her womanhood swelling in his strong, groping palm. Her eyes rolled back as blood rushed to her head, making her nearly pass out with excitement and pleasure. Once she regained focus, she went back to Dante's buckle. She lifted her head to kiss his neck, licking his flesh while he continued to rub her. Once she finally undid his belt, he forced his fingers deeper while pushing his free hand under her blouse and bra to squeeze her firm breast, once again putting her nearly out of consciousness.

"Ughnn, Damn it Dante- Ah-hh!

He pushed his digits further up into her, groping her aggressively as she moaned into his chest. She had to make herself focus on what she was doing despite him, and reached into his boxers to pull out his erect shaft. He pushed his fingers in more, forcing a loud moan from her right before she began to squeeze him.

"Ughh," He growled as she began to stroke and twist his massive piece of flesh, his stomach now going in and out rapidly. His own focus began to diminish as he freed Lady from his grasp. It didn't help matters when she flicked her tongue over the tip of his member. He shuttered under her touch, her thumb and forefinger pinching his tip while her hand worked him. He moaned as he gripped the back of her hair, pulling her into him.

As he let her work, thoughts started to race through his head of where they were now from where they were before. Meeting each other in the Temin Ni Gru. Where they each were back then. He was still just a big kid back then; wild and immature, focused solely on money and crazy ways to make it. And her, still just a teenager, yet having been through more than most go through in a lifetime. Still, the fire that burned inside of her was intent on taking down every last demon that came her way, and that was all she needed. But now, they both had a new need. No longer would would the hunt or the profit that came with it suffice. They'd worked together, hunted demons together, and blew off steam together for the last few years, and though they hadn't realized it then, it was all culminating to where they were now.

She proceeded to take him in her mouth fully, deep throating him as she continued to crank. He gasped sharply as her lips engulfed him, taking him in and out, her tongue melting his senses. The hybrid let the huntress work, stroking her hair, caressing her cheek when she looked up to him. She pushed his pants down a little further and he lifted his shirt, granting her more access. She licked circles around his swollen tip, hand working his rigid erection.

"Damn, babe," He said through sharp breaths. "This- oh, yeah, like that." He smiled.

She continued in the manner that seemed to please him the most, twisting and working him up and down. He let out a shaky breath as she started to squeeze him hard before returning him to her mouth, taking him in and out while he grabbed another tight handful of her hair, her lips and tongue making him weak in the knees. He looked down to her while she worked, remembering what he had been missing for so long. He wanted to shoot himself in the head for being away almost eight months. His erection grew completely stiff and rigid; that mixture of pleasure and pain Lady applied that he loved intensifying with each passing second. It felt so good he didn't want it to end. Her lips continued to run up and down his massive piece of flesh, his veins now pulsating as she squeezed and sucked him into dizziness. His eyebrows clicked together when she started to hit the sweet spot. He took in a very sharp, shaky breath. He felt the smile form on her face as he placed his hand on her shoulder for balance. She started to take him in and out rapidly, stroking him at the same pace while his hips bucked forward in response. The hybrid involuntarily went up on his tiptoes, his whole body tensing under her magic.

"Jesus, Lady…" He shakily breathed. "… Please don't stop… keep going…"

She took him in both hands and stroked him rapidly while sucking his swollen tip as if it were a giant strawberry. She was forcing consistent moans from him as she continued to work him harder and faster. She sensed he was close to climax when he went up on his tiptoes, so she took him into her mouth once again, taking him in as deep as she could. His legs almost went numb as he felt himself about to cum. His hips seemed to thrust into her by impulse, heightening his sensation.

"Shit."

He backed out from her and began stroking himself rapidly. Desperately grabbing for something, he ripped the case off one of the pillows and put it to his shaft right as his orgasm hit. He let out a long moan as he released into the piece of fabric, Lady smiling behind him.

"Holy shit…" He said through heavy breaths. "That was fucking incredible."

She smiled mischievously, and grabbed his ass with both hands, squeezing him hard. "Gonna' tell me how much you missed me, now?" He turned to face her. She looked so hot as she moved closer, her eyes piercing his.

"No… I'm gonna' show you." He grinned, and threw her across the bed horizontally. He descended onto her to swallow her up in a hot, sopping wet kiss, his mouth rough but his touch gentle. She pulled his shirt off over his head and took his face in her hands, reaching up to resume her kiss. Her hands ran wildly over his toned back and arms, while his went up and down her smooth, toned and creamy legs, groping her soft, muscular flesh. He then moved her hands up her back, caressing her skin before ripping her bra apart from behind, releasing her big, firm breasts, her blouse not doing much to cover her up as he ripped most of the buttons open. He groped her mounds under the flimsy fabric, squeezing them and twisting her erect nipples. She let out a pleased breathe as she gripped the back of his hair, forcing him down to kiss her abdomen. He sucked and licked her flesh, sweat starting to glisten off of their flesh as they rubbed against each other. Their body heat increased with each second, both drunk with pleasure. Dante smoothly slid her panties off her legs, then looked up into her eyes.

"Get comfortable, babe. I'll be down here for awhile." He smirked, then put his head underneath her skirt. Lady lifted her legs upon his shoulders, and put a pillow behind her head on the backboard. Her body tensed in anticipation waiting for him to start. It felt like he was down there for an eternity to her, but then, without warning, he began licking her sex in a smooth, slender motion. She took in a very sharp breath, moaning out as he continued his treatment. He let her thrash above him and whimper for awhile, licking her opening as he caressed her thighs, his hands occasionally moving to grope her firm ass. Then, he began licking and sucking on her clyt, forcing her to buck her hips into his face, her moans now amplified into screams. After a few moments of this, he stopped for a second, then began flicking his tongue from side to side rapidly over her clyt.

"AHHH, AHHHH, AHHHH, DANTE STOP, I'M GONNA CUM, DANTE, AHHHH!" She flailed like a fish out of water.

However, he obeyed, stopping again before she climaxed, his hands returning to her firm hills, pulling on her rock hard nipples ash she panted heavily. He started to lick her again, running his teeth over her clyt every other lick, keeping her stimulated. He then forced his tongue inside her walls, forcing louder moans and tensing from his lover. He tasted her insides for a while longer, teasing her, knowing she wanted him to go deeper. And eventually, his long, slithering tongue found it's way down to her G-Spot. Her thrashing once again intensified and her screams returned as he applied serious treatment to her sweetest spot, licking and flicking his demonic tongue over it again and again. He sucked her sweetness as she grabbed his hair and forced her into him, her stomach going in and out. He withdrew from her tight warmth, and stopped again, letting her figure out what was coming. He resumed flicking his tongue over her clyt again, and she lost control. Like before, she yelled and begged him to stop; it was almost too much pleasure for her to endure. He wouldn't this time, though. He kept going, and she kept screaming. She rose up on the bed, reaching behind for the headrest for support while she held him into her, her eyebrows arched upwards while she looked down on him. She did whatever she could to control herself, but it was to no avail being that she was no longer in control of her body. Her orgasm didn't take long to surface with Dante's menacing tongue doing it's magic, as moments later, her orgasm released all over Dante's lips before he dove into her to sop up all of her sticky sweet essence, almost deafened by her screams above. Her body convulsed as her orgasm went on, Dante holding her in place by her hips.

"Dante..." She exhaled, trying to calm down as the orgasm exited her fully. "What the hell did you just do to me?"

He smiled and unbuttoned her skirt, tossing it aside before snaking his way back up to face Lady.

"Nothing compared to what I'm about to do." He smirked, and ripped open her blouse. His hands shot for her mounds, groping and pushing them together, rubbing her nipples. She pulled his head down in between them, letting him kiss an suck her hills, sending electricity through them both. Their bodies slid up and down on one another, the heat making them covered with sweat. She reached down to stroke him again, re-stiffening his massive manhood. He moaned lightly, freeing his hands to push his pants the rest of the way off. Both now completely bare, Dante stood up at the foot of the bed, and spread Lady's legs open.

"Ready?" He asked. She nodded, looking at his member as he moved into position.

Dante slowly pushed himself into her tight warmth, gasping with pleasure as it squeezed him. She moaned loudly once he gained full entrance, both stopping to take it all in. He started pumping into her gradually, holding up her legs as he moved his hips into her. Her moaning was synchronized with his strokes. She looked up into his eyes, watching them stare at her all over. They eventually caught each others gaze, as Dante smiled while pushing himself harder. Her pleased breaths gave him goosebumps. He continued to hump her at a steady pace, holding her legs open as he stared down into her eyes. He loved to see them filled with so much satisfaction, so much bliss. In the past, the only time she could even force a smile was when she killed something or opened a briefcase full of money. Now, he was what made her happy, and he loved it. He backed up slightly and lifted up her leg so her foot faced the ceiling. Lady didn't know what he had in mind, but was sure glad she was flexible when he pushed her extended leg all the way back to her head with his shoulder as he pushed himself into her further, the rest of his body slightly elevated above hers, holding her in this position. His shit-eat grin returned for a second before he began literally slamming into her, gritting his teeth. His thigh slapped off of her ass as he humped her rapidly, deafening obscenities coming from her mouth as he held onto his arms to lift herself a bit.

"Just relax, babe." He paused so she stopped tensing. She obeyed, her chest heaving. They were both covered in sweat, heat radiating from their bodies. Without warning, he started up again, thrusting his hips forward while keeping his balance with his free hand. Her loud moans continued as he didn't let up, crushing her walls, hitting her sweet spot with every stroke. He could feel her fluids begin to lubricate his shaft, and he stopped shortly after, not wanting to end this so soon for her.

"Ohh, fuck, Dante." She moaned as they both laid there, temporarily recovering. Dante wasn't breathing too heavily, his stamina keeping up with him, though he was somewhat winded. He withdrew from her and flipped her over to her stomach. She laid there flat as he started to massage her shoulders and neck, squeezing her aching muscles. She took in sharp breaths as he worked, letting his strong hands do wonders. However, she was antsy for him to resume his previous treatment. The huntress got up on all fours and bucked up her ass, indicating to the hybrid that she was ready for more. He smiled, then got up on his knees behind her, and reentered her still wet cavern. He resumed at a steady pace as he gripped her hips, moaning lightly at her tightness. He looked down at her, head on it's side over folded arms, eyes closed, hair a ruffled mess, sweat glistening off her toned back. He leaned forward to squeeze her breasts, still humping her while he groped greedy handfuls. He applied the same greediness to her firm ass, kneading and mounding them together as he went in and out of her, steady moans seething through her smile. She got off on how crazy he was about her body. He kept going for a brief moment until he rested his legs on her thighs, breaking her down flat on the bed. She gripped the pillow tight to her chest as he gained deeper entrance with this new position, heightening her sensation. Her anticipation was mounting as he had paused, taking another opportunity to feel all over her body. His greedy hands were getting her so hot, groping and squeezing her large firm breasts, pulling on her nipples. She twisted around and reached her arm around the back of his neck, his free hand pulling her in closer for another hot kiss while his other hand continued to squeeze her mound. She broke way from the kiss as he posted his arms on the mattress outside hers, getting himself ready. Lady bucked her ass and gasped as he gained full entrance., and a smirk on his face. She gripped the sheets tight as he began thrusting his hips into her as fast as he could, crushing her G spot with each and every new thrust, making her scream and moan at the top of her lungs.

"OH, GOD, OH YEAH, YEAH DANTE OH MY GOD!"

"Uh-huh," He boastfully groaned through gritted teeth. She gasped loudly as he crushed her walls, stimulating her entire body. She was drowning in pleasure as he pushed into her harder and harder, faster and faster.

"Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh," Her moans bounced as he moved inside her, her orgasm nearing. Cum began dripping down onto her sheets as it was building up, an explosion of ecstasy ready to hit her at any second. Dante then went to his physical limits, doing to her what he had never done to a female before, as he slammed into her as hard and as fast as he could, forcing out deafening moans that made the hair on his neck stand up, and a tidal wave of sweet cum explode from Lady all over them. Dante continued to thrust as he neared climax, the new lubricant on his shaft getting him hotter with each new movement. He finally released into her, a demonic groan escaping his lips. He collapsed on her back thereafter. The sweat dripped from his nose onto her back, his breathing heavy as he remained inside the warmth of his lover. He breathed heavily upon her neck, his heat caressing her already burning skin. They were soaked in sweat, Dante sliding up and down on her.

Dante lifted his head with a grin and opened his eyes. His heart jumped at what he saw standing in the doorway – Vergil. No expression, no body language, just standing there, staring. Lady was still gathering herself, and was far too exhausted to even lift her head to see he was there. Dante stared right back into his brother's cold, emotionless eyes. He breathed heavily on top of his lover while his brother continued his glare. Dante then smiled and slowly licked Lady's flesh, eyes not leaving Vergil's all the while. Dante glared at him with that evil smirk, not even caring why he was there. The elder twin then turned and walked away as if nothing had happened.

Dante then looked down to Lady, who was finally coming around. As she turned her head to face him, he peered into her satisfied orbs.

"Am I off the hook now?" He smiled.

She pulled him down by his hair for another kiss.

A thousand thoughts raced through Dante's mind despite his physical comfort. Lady, Vergil, being back, the war, Chance, the bigger picture… It almost made him dizzy. His exhaustion quickly took over though, as he fell asleep atop his lover. He would need the rest.

Alright, I know on my profile almost two months ago I said it would be up in a day, but that was two and a half hours before I realized I had about seven assignments and exams due for finals in a week. Unfortunately fourteen page papers don't write themselves, nor do these fucking stories. On top of that, I was getting into a new job (Is actually my second time working there for those who've followed me for awhile) am still currently inquiring about my internship since I'm a year from graduating, and now since the mahfucka that did it last year isn't this year, I have to be team contact, captain, and coach of my alumni team... and i've been all fucked up for most of it... ok all of it. I'm not even gonna set a time table on when the next anything will be up cause I'll probably just be lying.

"What's your fuckin plan? Eat ketchup packs?"

"We shoulda stopped at Roy Rogers!"

"And I shoulda fucked Dale Evans, but I didn't!"

PEACE!