Chapter 7
Unbeknown to the hundreds of oblivious humans living in the city, there was an entirely different world just downtown at the heart of the slums. Anyone with an inch of common sense avoided the entrance to The Underground, which was not a place for anyone without some drop of magic in their veins or at least a sword at their side. Non-humans were rampant here, and it was a place to meet, sell black market items, buy information or get killed, depending on how unlucky you were.
Although the pathways were narrow, people and shadows alike quickly made way for the imposing son of Sparda. Vergil entered one of the quieter roads, relaxing slightly as the hustle and bustle of the main road with its clubs and merchant stalls faded away. He followed the road all the way to a dilapidated building. There was no visible sign on its front door, nor any way to distinguish what went on inside its walls but for an air of solemn remembering that characterized only the greatest libraries in the world.
Vergil entered the building, deliberate footsteps echoing across the cold marble floors. This was the home to thousands of tomes so ancient they would crumble into dust upon contact with the outside air, a storehouse of knowledge that would have satisfied even the thirstiest mind.
Vergil let his hand brush across the spines of ancient texts and books as he walked past, relishing their familiar touch. Odd how nothing seemed to change here- as if time had no hold in this place of memories. It was as if he was still seventeen years old, searching for answers to his past and the father he barely remembered.
He had been a naïve, idealistic youth- doing anything for the chance that he might regain the power that was his by birthright. It was here too that he met Arkham, a human with a soul as twisted and black as the devil. He had been swayed by Arkham's honeyed tongue, helping to raise Temen-Ni-Guru only to pay the price of his arrogance with his fall to hell.
Vergil shook off dark thoughts and veered a sharp left to enter a small gap through the shelves. This was a place for answers, not regrets.
"Scholar."
A wizened old man gave a start, upsetting the piles of notes and scrolls that were stacked haphazardly on the table he had been hunched over. When he realized who had spoken, a kindly smile creased his wrinkled face. "It's been a long time Master Vergilus. How has life been?"
"Tolerable." Vergil nodded curtly. "I have need for some information."
"Don't we all." The Scholar replied affably, stooping over and restacking the papers with practiced ease. "It has been terribly lonely here without you young master. No creature has entered these halls since you've left… It is as if no one knows how to read anymore! Alas- gone are the days of wisdom and learning." He paused and peered at Vergil from beneath crooked glasses. "Forgive me, I do tend to ramble on. What did you say you wished to know…?"
Vergil steeled himself. Now things would get a little complicated... "Just point me out to the section concerning… attraction."
"'Attraction'?" The old man's silver brows rose alarming heights. "I am certain it is none of my concern, but if the young master is trying to woo a lady then there is no happiness to be found in-"
"It's not that." Vergil snapped. This was going a lot harder than he expected. "All I need to know is how to stop it."
The frown was quickly replaced by a grin. "My dear boy- it is no shame to fall in love! Why, when I was still but a lad-"
"That is none of my concern." Vergil restrained the urge to kill someone. "Her hold on me is not emotional- it is sheer manipulation."
"Ah." The Scholar looked slightly disappointed. "Can you please specify what kind of… bond do you believe has been formed?" A keen look of interest crossed his face.
Vergil's scowl deepened. "You don't have to know anything other than I can discern her location when she's in trouble." hikfyhjkh
"I see." The Scholar rose from his seat and dusted his robes. "If that is the case, then I believe I have just the right books for you at the section 725. If you would please follow me."
The old man led Vergil deeper into the library, the iron fetters around his ankles clunking noisily.
"Here you go Master Vergilus. I would suggest you look at other synonyms of attraction… magnet may haps?" The Scholar's eyes twinkled merrily. "I wish you luck with your interesting dilemma. If I may be so bold to add: please stay for as long as you like. It truly does this old man good to know some one else is in this dusty place."
And dragging his chains behind him, the Scholar left Vergil with a wistful smile and wave.
Agnus's fingers danced across the keyboard, his monocle catching the light from the computer screen in an eerie fashion. He sat in total darkness but for the glow of the monitors and various other machinery that lined the steel walls.
"Everything is coming around smoothly. Nero seems to have full control over his motor functions even through the suppressors. We've taken the necessary blood samples and we can confirm the match today." He glanced at a black velvet couch whose occupant lay untouched by the dim light.
There was a rustle of silk and a bare foot hung was moved into the edges of the light. "Do it now Agnus. My darling and I are getting impatient."
"As you wish."
Agnus rose and limped his way to a panel in the wall, punching in various numbers. There was a low clunk as heavy volts unlatched themselves, and the wall slid silently to the side.
Cryogenic mist seeped around his feet, parting in hazy tendrils as he walked towards a dark cavity in the center of the room. Stopping just short of its edge, Agnus pulled out a vial of blood from his pocket and with eager fingers, began to unstopper it. Then, with fearful devotion, he let three drops fall into the gaping chasm below.
Instantly, the temperature dropped several degrees below freezing and Agnus fell back as if struck by some invisible force. From below came the screech of claws scraping against glass, as if some manner of beast had been stirred awake and restless.
Then, came a low rasp that brought chills to even Agnus' spine.
'…bring me the boy….'
Tanned legs stepped over Agnus' prostrate form.
"Soon darling," The woman cooed, stroking the edges of the cavity soothingly. "The preparations are almost complete. We'll be together. Soon."
Agnus crawled to his knees and hurriedly left the woman to her devoted vigil.
He rode the lift, trembling with mixed anxiety and anticipation. There was something unspeakably twisted about that scene that twisted his insides with disgust… but promise of power was too much for his weak soul. Once it was raised, she had promised to give Agnus the only gift that had truly mattered: immortality. With these thoughts, Agnus entered his cover-up doctor's office and looked at the mediocrity of it all with a curled lip.
All of a sudden the door slammed open and Credo stormed in the room. "You and your demons-!"
"Get yourself under c-c-control." Agnus gave Credo a disdainful look. "What is it this time?"
"Go ahead and test the boy if you have to; go ahead and summon your demons for whatever sick experiments- but I warned you not to let it get out of hand." Credo's hand was gripping the hilt of his sword with barely controlled fury. "Innocent people have died yesterday because of your laxness—my own sister was attacked!"
Agnus sighed and took a seat behind the desk. "Sacrifices have to be made for the good of many-"
"Don't speak to me of sacrifices!" Credo roared, his blade out and inches from Agnus' neck before the doctor could blink. "Not when you know nothing of the word!"
"And you d-d-do?" Agnus pushed the blade back with infuriating calm. "We are not as different as you think. You and I desire something that only those two can give. For all your righteous and inane obsession with the people of the city- you know yourself that you can only protect if you kill."
Credo bristled. "What I do and what you do are two completely different things! You work for your own gain while I… I…"
"Not so different." Agnus repeated softly. Credo's knuckles whitened as he pushed the blade closer towards the doctor's collar.
"Play nice now." A throaty voice purred from behind them and the two turned to see the woman exit the lift.
"Gloria." Credo smoothly resheathed his blade.
"Good day Credo. Not having doubts I hope." Gloria smiled beatifically.
"I am loyal to the cause." Credo bowed stiffly. "However, I must insist that better care be taken when summoning demons."
"Of course. Agnus will see to that immediately; won't you dear?"
"O-of course. Immediately." Agnus swept out of the room without another word.
"Have a seat Credo." Gloria leaned against the table, crossing her long legs. "I understand exactly what you're going through. You're the General of the Sword, leader of the police' s special forces, sworn to protect the people from harm. Honorable, noble, good-intentioned Credo…" Her voice was like silk over a knife's edge. "No one knows the pressures you face and the hard decisions you've had to make. It takes a great man to handle it all, and you have done admirably well."
"I… I thank you for your kind words." Credo murmured almost shame-facedly. "It's just that I feared for my sister's life and…"
"Indeed." Gloria nodded sympathetically. "Your sister. Your last remaining kin. Agnus was wrong- both of you are two completely different people. Don't forget Credo, you're doing this for the ones you love. For your people. For your friends. For your sister."
Credo's shoulders slumped. "I know. But sometimes I wonder if …"
"Shhh…" Gloria moved around the table to stand behind his chair. Credo didn't move.
"I understand." Her breath tickled his ear as she whispered. "But sometimes, a little evil is necessary for the greater good. And isn't this what we're doing it for? The greater good?"
Credo heaved a shuddering sigh and rose to his feet. "You're right. I apologize for my unprofessional behavior. If you'll excuse me, I'll go straight to the police station and clean up yesterday's cases."
"By all means." Gloria gestured languorously and Credo bowed before exiting the room.
AN: Yaaaaaaay! Here's a semi-long chapter to make up for the last one!
Okay- now things will get a titchy bit confusing… Just remember: AU! All things will be explained in due time XD Let's just get it clear that Gloria and Trish are two completely different characters, and no- Trish has not gone bad.
I love you guys for being so open-minded about the pairing! Rest assured that Vergil will stay the dark-chocolate character he really is (because why mess with perfection?).
Again darling reviewers, I take my hat off to you guys. I know how tiring it can be to click that little button and I appreciate it more than words can say. Thank you!!