Author's Note: First off, I want to apologize for the delay. Back on November 12th (that was on a Saturday) I was working on this but I was also busy. The following Monday was my work anniversary on how long they we've been open and wanted to pamper myself up for once I'm my life. That Saturday I got my nails done and broke out. So due to swelling in the cuticles, I couldn't do anything other than itch my fingers. Once the swelling went down and my fingers healed my nails were too long and it took up to Christmas to get the final nail to come off. Then I ran into writer's block. I couldn't think of anything to put down... Recently I started again, but my internet sent me new equipment and that sucked right from the beginning, changed to another company that was great until my power had to be cut off because of a wire that had burnt in the circuit breaker (and I needed water in my house). Just changed the Internet again and idk how long they'll last... anyway that's what has been going on with me...

Disclaimer: I don't own DMC, I just own copies of the games and soundtrack that's it. If I did own it, DMC 6 would be out now with Sparda. I only owe all OCs that are in the story. Enjoy.

Several months soon passed, and Christine had gotten over the flu. Her health was back to where it should be. Both she and Adrian found an apartment and bought a new truck. As soon as he has gotten the truck, he rented a trailer and went to collect the remaining of their stuff that he had no choice but to leave behind prior. What surprised Christine was that the job Adrian had was legit. But that didn't matter because she still didn't trust Reis.

Making her way to the library that she spotted two weeks ago; she didn't have a chance to go inside and check out any books but swore to herself that she would visit the place. And that would be today. On her way to the library, she spotted Trish, Lady, and Nico at Nico's shop.

Deciding to make a pit stop, Christine walks over to the three ladies, "I haven't seen you in a while, how are things going with you two?" Lady asked.

"Things are going good," Christine answered.

"What about that job your brother has, that his friend helped him get?" Trish asked.

"So far, it's legit. But just because Reis helped him still doesn't mean I trust him." Christine replied.

"So where are you heading to?" Lady asks.

"I was thinking about heading to the bookstore to see about some cookbooks, at least, I hope they have some," she answered.

"What about your brother?" Nico asked.

Christine had to let out a laugh, "You give him a book for anything, like cooking, for example, he'll take it and toss it to the side and cook without it,"

"Ouch," Nico replied.

"He's risky ain't he?"

"He is. Very risky. And it's annoying,"

After standing with the three ladies, and talking some more, Christine eventually bids them goodbye she wanted to get to the bookstore to get a good cookbook before someone beats her to it. Walking to the bookstore, Christine made a stop at a local bakery and bought a muffin to munch along the way.

Along the way, she came to a stop, and she spotted a familiar-looking truck. A truck that wasn't Adrian's. Feeling her heart sink to her stomach, she thought there was no way it could be him. He shouldn't know where she was or where she moved to.

She sighed in relief when an elderly man got out of the driver's seat of the truck.

False alarm…

She was relieved of that. But that didn't mean she could drop her guard. Because she knew he would be looking for her. But there was no way he would know Redgrave out of all places.

Walking into the store, she started looking for the cooking section by looking at the signs at the top of the ceiling. Seeing the cooking section in a distance, Christine made her way down to that aisle.

Several minutes have passed since she walked inside the bookstore. Standing off to the side of the aisle, she glanced at about 10 cookbooks before finally finding one that had a lot of recipes that looked tasty. Holding on to that one book, she glanced through some more and picked out at least two more books. She figured that would be enough for the time being.

Satisfied with her choice of cookbooks, Christine walked up to the cash register to check out, she was glad Adrian gave her some money so she could buy some new cookbooks. Even though she didn't need them, it didn't hurt. Just…if Adrian bought the groceries she'll cook. But just if the damn idiot buys everything on the list, she gives him.

Walking out of the store, she couldn't help but to smile and hug the bag with the three cookbooks to her chest. How much she's missed cooking. At least Adrian appreciated her cooking!

Suddenly she felt something cold against the back of her head and the sound of a clicking noise.

"A smile on your face? That only means that you're cheating on me," said a cold voice.

Her eyes widen when she heard that familiar voice. How did he know where she was? There was just no way possible. And she knew she couldn't risk fighting him when he had a gun in hand.

But why would he think she was cheating on him when she broke up with him? Was he that stupid? Or did he even have a brain?

When she didn't reply, Elijah suddenly grabbed her by the arm and began to pull her toward his truck, his gun now was against her side, and she still wasn't going to take a chance to hit him. Knowing him, he'll end up shooting her and probably in the leg. Reaching towards the handle, he opened the door.

"Don't you even think of moving either, or you'll just make things work, besides I don't want that pretty face of yours injured," he cooed the last part to her.

She cringed, she never liked anyone cooing at her or talking to her like she was a child.

She watched as he pulled out a zip tie, now that could be a problem. Narrowing her eyes, she knew she would have to do whatever it takes to get free.

But she didn't know when or how. At least not yet.

"You cook?" Elijah asked but it was more of a joke since he had started laughing.

She remembered when they first started dating.

You're cooking is great, babe. My mom sure would be jealous.

She mentally shook her head, he was lying…

Sis, you should open your own restaurant!

He had to be.

Girl, your cooking is the bomb! You should open, you're very own restaurant! This is delicious! I'd be visiting every day just for your cooking!

"That's not true and I know it," She stated.

She was trying not to believe him, there was no way she believed him.

"Oh my god, you poor girl," he said.

Shaking her head, she glared at him, "Don't you poor girl me," She stated.

"You're lying," she said.

He then narrowed his eyes, "You think I'm lying? Your cooking is terrible! You always burnt the meat," he said.

He was just trying to make her feel bad now, "You know what, it doesn't matter, get in the truck," he said.

"I'm not going anywhere with your sorry ass," Christine replied to him.

She refused, "Fuck you,"

Narrowing his eyes, Elijah then pushes Christine into his truck and slams the door he then makes his way around his truck and gets in the driver's side, "I don't see why your brother thought I was abusing you; you know I wasn't, baby,"

She kept quiet, she wasn't about to say anything to him until the time was right. Pulling out of the alley he began driving back to Ayuga. It was the same way that both Christine and Adrian came from months before.

Christine had to come up with a way to escape, but the question was, how?

"I'll be taking that bag," Elijah said.

"Hey! Give me that back!" She argued.

"You don't need this stupid thing," he rolled the window down and threw the book out.

She glared at him, if it wasn't for the gun, then she would've fought him off. But with a gun pressed to her side? Not a chance. Her eyes left his face and roamed around his truck. Still messy. And…it stinks. He still didn't know how to keep it clean.

Sighing her eyes traveled over to the window. She tries to ignore the throbbing pain in her head. Feeling his hand on her knee he began to slide it up to her thigh, she immediately shook it off and tried to press herself to the door trying to get far away from him.

"You're quiet. A little too quiet," he began, "Just what are you planning?"

"Nothing," she replied.

Yet.

Before he could get another word out, he saw a dark figure in the road and had to swerve to the right running on the shoulder of the road with the sound of the gravel and what else on the shoulder, Elijah moved the truck back on the road and heard a sound that didn't sound very pleasant. It wasn't a pop or anything, but it wasn't a nice sound.

"Damnit," he swore.

Pulling the truck over he put the gear in park and turned it off.

"What the hell?" Christine demanded, "You know it's cold as fuck out there and you're leaving me with no heat on?"

"It won't take long, so shut your face," Elijah got out and slammed the door.

Sitting there, she let out a groan. The bastard doesn't even know how to change a tire. At least Adrian does, somewhat. Well, he was still learning.

Sitting there Christine watched as the snow began to come down. Shifting in her seat, she looked out the driver's side view mirror she watched as he looked at the rear wheel on the driver's side before moving to the bed of the truck.

She knew this would be a perfect chance to escape, head into the woods, hide, and of course, wait things out a bit before running home although it would be a long walk… wait. Woods?

Looking out her window, she recognized the area. If she was correct, then that manor was around…but there's no way. No. She needed to make her way home. With Adrian's help, they could get the police on Elijah, and he could be locked up.

Looking back at the driver's side view mirror she saw that he was distracted with the tire trying to figure out how to take it off. Reaching down, she placed her hand on the handle and pulled it towards her. Her other hand reached up to the lift and lifted it. Sighing in relief she was glad that the door didn't make a sound.

Slowly, she stepped foot out, it was slightly warmer in the truck than outside. But she wasn't going to step foot back in the truck although she could lock the doors leave him out and drive the truck back to Redgrave since he left the keys lying in the driver's seat.

But as she quickly played the scene in her head; she knew everything that she thought of wouldn't work. So, this was her only hope. This was the way.

Taking a deep breath, she started to run off, straight towards the woods. Hearing Elijah screaming at her, she didn't stop, she kept going. She wanted to be far away from him as possible. Hearing other noises, she glanced in that direction and immediately threw herself into the snow when she saw a black figure coming at her.

Looking back, she recognized it as one of those demons that…what was his name?

Damnit! She doesn't have time to lay there and gawk at the demon that turned to face her. Standing up, she took off running with Elijah still calling out to her. He wasn't close which was a plus for her. But with the demon on her heels – wait.

Stopping, she stood there breathing heavily, her eyes darting around, where did it go? Did it go after Elijah? No matter. Hearing her name again, she swore. She'd pay that demon money if it would do the honors and kill Elijah for her.

Her name was growing louder and louder. Moving, she didn't stay there long. She needed to get away from him and stay away, eventually, he should give up on searching for her. The good thing was, Christine has excellent stamina compared to Elijah who not only was skinny, but he's just out of shape.

Christine looked over her shoulder, it was starting to get harder to see and harder to move. The snow was up to her knees and damn it all to hell, she wasn't dressed properly for this again! If she knew this was going to happen, she would've worn something warmer than this.

At least she was wearing a zipped-up sweater over a thin shirt underneath. But she was still wearing jeans and a different set of heeled boots.

She kept pressing forward, she wasn't about to let the snowstorm slow her down. Her braided hair was going all over the place, at times hitting her in the face.

It wasn't long before the storm slowly began to die down, and the trees were spread out far apart. It was an opening. She was nowhere near the road or the manor. Wait. Why would she be going there? She needed to turn back to the truck, avoid dumbfuck, get in his truck, and head back to Redgrave. The snow was now under her feet instead of at her knees.

Was it because she was mostly in the woods?

Hearing a noise, Christine turned to see none other than demons. Taking a step back, she noticed she was surrounded by them. Keeping her guard up, she ducked as one came right at her, she also managed to avoid three more of them.

This is getting me nowhere. This damn zip tie needs to come off now!

Turning her hands, she bit the extra part sticking out tightening the zip tie up. She then raised her hands up and over her head. She brought them down fast and quickly she broke the zip tie. Quickly pulling out a pair of gloves from her back pocket she slipped them on. She grabbed the scythe from a demon that was swinging around, kicking it in the face she finished it off with its weapon.

Using the said weapon, she decided to use it as a weapon against the other demons. Demons that looked like bats and others that looked like the Grim Reaper himself. Even demons that looked like a scarecrow.

Do I need to say the song?

Christine wondered for a moment if these Scarecrows even had a brain.

Seeing lightning behind some of the demons, she kept a grip on the scythe and watched as a demon took out its fellow demons. She wasn't sure if it was a mistake or with intention.

Seeing that it was blind, she knew that it probably didn't know it had attacked its fellow demons. Even though she was taking the demons out fast, more kept coming back in their place. Seeing another demon in the back this one looked different than the others.

It looked more like a reptile than anything else. Its back had razor-sharp spines. Watching as they curled into themselves and began to spin.

Shit.

Watching as they began to move towards her fast and another demon, there was no way she could block either attack.

Hearing several gunshots, she watched as a red figure appeared before her. She watched as the figure used a sword to block the attacks from the reptile demons.

Upon closer look, she realized it was none other than a demon.

Now they're coming in red?

"I wouldn't be holding that weapon long, babe," said the red demon.

"It doesn't last long with its owner dead,"

Hearing that, she noticed the scythe turned to dust. It wasn't like she needed it anyway. She can fight with or without a weapon anyone. Clenching her fist, she was about to take on a demon that was charging at her only for the demon in red to take it down.

"Sorry to ruin your fun, babe, but these guys don't play nice to a woman,"

The voice sounded familiar, could it be…?

"Dante…?" she called out.

"Yep, who else would look this sexy?" he asked.

She frowned at his words, "Besides, I knew you'd was back,"

How did he know she'd be back? It didn't make any sense. She didn't want to return here anyway!

In addition, she doesn't think either demon would release her now that she has arrived here. Dante? He most likely would. Yet... Vergil? Was it? With him, he won't... then again...

"Babe, better watch out you got one coming towards ya!" Dante called out.

Coming to her senses, Christine noticed a demon with the same scythe in hand coming at her. Standing there she watched its movements. Running towards it, the demon swung its weapon at her. Christine placed a foot on the handle before taking another step on its head and leaped off it.

Coming down, she slammed her fist into the back of its head. The demon turned to dust as its scythe went flying upwards in the air. Holding out her hand, Christine took the scythe in hand and tossed it toward a random demon landing right in the demon's face.

Letting out a low whistle, Dante knew she was one woman, whom he didn't want to get on her bad side. But his main question was, where did she get that strength from? He's never seen a ham being able to take out demons like she was doing.

Dante recognized a roar as a bad omen when he heard it. Most likely, it was either Beowulf, Cerberus, or Goliath. He also knew she wouldn't be able to defeat a demon that huge.

He could take them down with ease. But someone like her who's only human?

Those three would rip her apart. And Dante wasn't going to allow that to happen. And what he wanted to know as well, was where did she get that strength? That was something he's never seen in humans.

Ask questions later.

Holding her ground against the demons she felt Dante lift her in his arms.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Saving your skin for one babe," he said.

Her arms automatically went around his neck, "I can defend myself," She replied.

"Maybe against the small fries, but not against someone like either Beowulf, Goliath, or Cerberus," he pointed out.

"Those three are big and would rip that pretty face to shreds babe," He answered.

The strength she displayed, was the strength of a demon. But she was human. That was something Dante has never seen before. That's how she's able to stand her ground and fight off the demons well. Not like Trish who's a demon herself but looks human. This one in his arms, was human, like Lady.

There's only one person who could tell anyone anything, and that's Delila. But knowing that old hag, she'll be seriously chewing both Dante and Vergil out. But she'll go after Vergil more so than Dante.

But Dante's main question now was, was the old hag still alive?

Once Dante got out of the clearing from the woods, he came to a stop as the demons that were chasing him stopped at the edge of the woods. They were bounded to the woods only. They couldn't leave the woods even if it was to chase the woman that was being carried by a son of Sparda or not. If one of them left the woods, they'd turned to dust.

It was all part of his curse. It was all part of the curse on not only the manor but the property too.

"Can you put me down?" Christine asked.

"No way! I kinda like the idea of holding you in my arms," Dante grinned.

Christine narrowed her eyes, "I'll pinch you," she said.

"Now that, I'll like," Dante winked at her.

At his words, her face flushed red. She wasn't expecting that kind of answer.

"You were told not to return here," a voice said.

Dante changed back to his human form, and gently set Christine down, "C'mon bro, be nice to her," he said.

Vergil on the other hand, ignored Dante's words, "Why did you come back?" he asked.

"It's not like I wanted to come back," Christine said, "talk to my abusive ex-dumbass of a boyfriend," She answered.

"The fucking idiot decided to sneak up behind me and point a gun at me plus he kidnapped me to take me back to Ayuga," she explained.

Dante knew that Ayuga was dangerous with demons lurking around every corner there.

"To top it off, the moron gotten a flat tired and I took that as my chance to escape," she explained, "I was hoping to go back to the road and find a way back to Redgrave,"

Her eyes darted right at Dante, glaring at him. Dante just simply shrugged his shoulders when Christine glared at him.

"Even if you made it back to the road, he'd probably find you and drag you back to Ayuga," Dante pointed.

"Not if he was in the woods distracted with the demons in there, I would be able to get in his truck and make it back to Redgrave," she said.

Dante didn't say a thing, instead, his eyes landed on her wrists, he noticed that the was a faint red mark on both her wrists which meant that her wrists were tied at one point. With what and how he wasn't sure.

"Look just… please, let me stay for a while, I know you don't want me here," Christine began, "just please, at least until Elijah gives up his search,"

Although Christine knew the bastard well. He'd never give up his search, but if she was hiding there, she could try to get in touch with Adrian. But with the way the manor looks, she doubts there's any way to call.

"You were told not to return here," Vergil said.

"That's not my fault the asshole took the same route Adrian, and I took coming to Redgrave! Besides, it's his fault for coming here, I just took the chance to escape his sorry ass and avoid being abused all over again," Christine stated.

"C'mon Verg, lighten' up, would you?"

"Look just let me stay for a while, at least until I can call Adrian, to see if he can come and get me," she said.

"That's not gonna happen, babe, there's no signal here, so you can't call him up," Dante said.

Damnit!

"Then just let me stay for a while until asshole gives up his search for me," Christine asked.

She knew him well, he'll search for a while then give up for the day and go home, she knew he'd be back tomorrow searching for her though. If he didn't know where Christine and Adrian lived, then she would be good there.

"Verg, one night isn't going to hurt," Dante suggested.

Vergil turned and glared at the woman; he didn't want her staying there again. However, his eyes traveled down to her wrist, and noticed the same faint red mark that Dante saw on her wrist and had the same thought. But to him, it didn't matter.

Why would those demons chase after a human woman? Was there something special about her?

It didn't matter. She wasn't staying there.

Before Vergil could open his mouth, both Vergil and Dante had noticed several of the dog demons, Basilisk and gotten the courage and ran straight out of the woods. And it wasn't just them, it was Gilgamesh as well. While Gilgamesh kept both Dante and Vergil busy, a few of the Basilisk snuck past them and ran straight toward Christine.

Quickly making work of Gilgamesh, Dante immediately ran over to Christine and summoned his sword, and took out the Basilisks. Something wasn't right, he knew it. And he could tell Vergil knew too. The demons acted on their own. For some reason, they're after her. But why? From what Dante sees, Christine was a normal human woman nothing else.

So why would they attempt to attack her? Unless they attacked her to get to them. But it still didn't make sense to either of them. A normal human woman, being attacked by demons for what?

Why did those demons leave the woods? They never left before. They always stopped at the edge of the woods. It has to be something related to this woman.

Dante glanced at her, she looked like any other woman. So it didn't make sense to him. Why go for her and not Vergil and himself? It would make better sense since they're the sons of Sparda.

"KAR'ANEK!"

Now that wasn't too pleasant. That belonged to none other than Beowulf. But even if a strong puppy dog like Beowulf couldn't go beyond the woods without the seals kicking in.

But what got Dante was the name, Kar'anek. That was a name he hadn't heard for a long time. No one knows what became of the demon, other than he followed in Sparda's footsteps. Everyone just assumed the demon had died or something.

What's his connection to Christine though? Unless… He remembers the old hag saying that Kar'anek, gave his life to save a human baby from dying. Was Christine the same infant? The only one who could tell would be the old hag, Delilah. She's old enough to know for certain.

They could see the trees moving, some being knocked down but an unknown force at the time. The name was unfamiliar to Christine, a name she's never heard of. Just when the owner of the voice came into view it roared in pain as a barrier of some sort began to flash across the line of the woods.

"Kar'anek, you had sworn to split your power among us, yet you betray us, the same as Sparda!" the demon shouted.

Feeling herself being lifted, Christine gasped as she found herself once again in Dante's arms.

"Sorry, babe, but the big puppy dog, wants to play and I'm not letting him," he said.

"She's not staying Dante," Vergil reminded.

It didn't matter to him if those demons were after her or not. However, if there was power inside of her, then he could make use of it. He remembers reading up on Kar'anek, on how he gave up his life for a human infant who didn't have long to live. His power was just as great as his father's power at his time.

"C'mon, Verg, let her stay, those demons want a piece of her for some reason," Dante suggested.

Reaching up, Christine pinched the bridge of her nose, "Please… just let me stay for a bit…" She asked.

She needed to convince this devil all over again to let her stay for a bit. She was hoping it wouldn't be months on end. She was rather hoping it would be just a couple of days.

"Why should I allow you to stay here this time? Give me a reason," Vergil asked.

When he began to approach her, she started to back up. Until she felt Dante's chest against her back, "Just one reason," he repeated the same words from the last time.

"Vergil," Dante warned.

He wasn't about to let anything happen to Christine. He knew her brother was probably searching for her by now. So, it knew that if anything befell her, Dante would never forgive himself if his brother harmed her in any way or form.

Standing there, she had to think for a moment.

Damnit, Elijah, you have my fucking cookbooks that I bought! Fucking asshole. Wait that's it.

Her eyes drifted from the demon's chest in front of her to his eyes, "I… I can cook, and I can clean. I'm good at cooking," she answered.

"I'm also good at cleaning, keeping things organized," she added.

"Cooking? Now that's what I'm talking about! I haven't had a good meal in years!" Dante stated.

"C'mon bro, how about it? I mean the kitchen is a mess," Dante suggested.

"That would be your fault, Dante," Vergil said not looking at Dante.

Thinking over her answer, Vergil did know the kitchen was a mess, namely to Dante. The manor did need to be clean in which he prefers things to be clean unlike his twin, who prefers messiness.

If she did stay, he could investigate Kar'anek and his power. But knowing Dante, he would call on Delilah. The old demon didn't know how to keep her nose to herself after being called about old demons that are dead or sealed.

She could come in handy to confirm if what he's thinking is indeed correct. He needs more power, so he won't feel powerless and the trauma of being left alone as he did in his childhood. That was something he needed and wanted to erase so badly.

"Start with the kitchen, once you're done, you can do the dining room and the other rooms," he said.