Author's Note: For this story I'm going to call Mundus's Spawn Killing Face (that's what he's called in the Japanese Version of DmC) because it's easier. This chapter will mostly cover Dante vs. Killing Face, Vergil coming to an important realization and Kat and Martin making an interesting discovery.

I don't own anything, Capcom and Ninja Theory does.

Chapter 7: Flashing Blades

Killing Face was never a pretty demon to look at, never mind the fact that it was an unborn demon killed while still in its mother's womb, now it just looked flat-out scary. Its skin had changed from slimy flesh to hard molten-like armor with spikes jetting out its spine. An aura of heat covered the demon growing hotter by the minute melting the ground. Three demonic eyes glared at the sons of Sparda in pure hatred, wanting nothing more than to kill them were they stood.

"This time I'll make sure you don't come back." Dante said taking his first steps forward.

"Wait Dante," Vergil said surprising him. There was something in his eyes that Dante couldn't quite place but felt happy to see. "I'm the one who killed him, sent him here so it's my responsibility to finish him."

Facing him with a shit-eating grin Dante gave his reply. "Yeah you did but I'm the one who kicked his ass in the first place so I'm calling dibs. Besides I've got some anger to work out of my system."

Easing back Vergil propped his sword like a cane. "Just scream if you need saving." He flashed him a little smile he gleefully returned.

Killing Face roared the moment Dante stepped within the 'arena', charging like a mad bull directly at him. Dante rolled to the side firing Ebony and Ivory at the transformed demon's shell only to watch the bullets bounce off. Getting up close Dante found his beloved pistols still did no good, even the Revenant and Kablooey couldn't break through its shell.

CLEASH!

The Arbiter didn't draw blood but it was enough to break apart some of the armor so Dante kept using it until Killing Face caught him mid-swing. Heat seared through Dante's clothing burning his flesh while he was slammed into the ground rapidly like a rag doll and dragged along the ground. Killing Face raised his fist to bring it down, Dante caught it using all his superhuman strength, the demon increased the heat surrounding his arms hoping to burn Dante's arms clean off.

"Let the fuck go of me!" Dante cried telekinetically blasting the demon in the eyes. Free at least Dante grabbed Rebellion ad renewed his attack now using the Eryx. The twin fists left dents in Killing Face's hide but still left no lasting damage. "So grew a stronger set of skin huh, try this!" A charged uppercut broke through the armor sending Killing Face six feet off the ground and leaving a big enough spot for Dante to use the Hunter Claw to grab onto the demon.

Unexpectedly Killing Face grabbed the chain using it to yank Dante in close for a beat down he never saw coming. Three quick punches and he'd rolled out of the way to resume his attack, now breathing slightly harder than he was before. Slamming both its fists down a wave of black spikes erupted from the ground towards Dante. They were easy enough to dodge but soon Dante found himself being pushed back due to the increasing number being sent at him, each bigger than the last and some ablaze with hellfire.

BOOM!

All the spires exploded in clouds of black shards giving Dante numerous scars over his entire body and clouding his vision, in that split second Killing Face hurled a fireball at him the size of a sports car. Arguable all that saved him were his instincts, switching to Osiris and cutting the fireball in half Dante sneered at the three-eyed demon.

"Learned a few new tricks eh junior?" He spat twirling his scythe.

Roaring in fury Killing Face threw another series of fireballs only to watch them effortlessly deflected right back at him. With angelic speed Dante rushed forward burying the Osiris's blade within a crack on Killing Face's left arm, grabbing hold of his head Dante began riding him like a cowboy at a rodeo.

"A little crazy don't you think?" Vergil calmly called from the side lines watching his brother struggle to stay on top of the enraged demon.

"Hey it's just how I fight alright!" He shouted repeatedly banging his free hand against Killing Face's third eye. "Tell me shit-face how much does that hurt!?"

Leaping into the air Killing Face came back down hoping to squash the black haired youth on his back. Dante ripped Osiris out finally drawing blood just as his opponent jumped giving him an extra boost into the air.

"Heads-up shit-face!" A rain storm of bullets pelted the armored back of Killing Face followed by a superheated axe blade finally cutting through the molten armor and finally getting to the soft flesh underneath. "Ha! I knew you were still a big old softy under there shit-face!" Dante laughed pushing his axe deeper. Black blood trickled down Killing Face's ribs as the blade continued digging deeper into his body along with the laughter of the oldest son of Sparda.

"S-Shut-up freak!" Flames exploded around his body throwing Dante off and melting the ground around him. In one bound he was one Dante again breathing flames over him like a dragon cornering its prey. "Roast!"

Throwing up a telekinetic shield against the flames he responded by unloading shot after shot with the Revenant into Killing Face's mouth.

BOOM!

By some miracle most of Dante's coat was still intact as opposed to Killing Face who had multiple cracks forming around his head armor.

"Damn shit face," Dante started examining his charred coat. "What have you been doing down here? Hitting the baby demon weights? Taking lessons from Puffy the Magic Dragon?"

"I would stop doing that if I were you." Vergil called watching anger dance in the demon's eyes like an inferno. He knew well of his brother's playful antics but he also knew they came with prices; royally pissing off his opponents was a common one.

Boom!

Dante's jaw exploded in pain when the Killing Face's fist made contact with his face then when cracked at least three ribs before slamming him into the ground in fury. Rolling backward he threw the Aquila the deformed son of Mundus but the twin shurikens bounced off leaving Dante exposed for another shoulder charge that sent Dante skidding across the ground like a hockey puck. Rearing his left arm back Killing Face face shot it, stretching like a cobra about to strike moments before Dante got to his feet, Arbiter glowing in hand.

CLING!

The served arm fell to the ground dissolving into nothing while the three-eyed demon roared in pain at the loss of his arm. Closing in the black haired twin switched back to Rebellion to deliver a demonic Trillion Stab directly into his attacker's belly followed by a Death Coil opening a large wound on Killing Face's stomach. Three eyes glowed red before unleashing a focused beam of demonic energy tearing through the ground. Forced back on the defensive Dante ran from the beam knowing one hit from it would be enough to end his life.

"Run freak! Run loser! Run traitor! RUN MURDER!" Every scream seemed to grow louder in accordance to the beam which grew in size and intensity. In what was assumed a blind fury Killing Face ran at Dante still firing his eye beam forcing Dante against a left over spire. In one swift motion he brought his beam towards Dante hoping to see his attack cleave the devil hunter in two.

"Not bad shit face but you forgot a few things." Dante darkly chuckled bringing Rebellion up to deflect the beam. He felt the power behind the attack but much like he'd thought Rebellion held up and sent it flying back past Killing Face who was still charging like a bull seeing red. 'Just a little closer ugly, just come here and…'

He was on top of him now swinging his fists like a wild gorilla, both fists coated in flames. Ducking Dante avoid Killing Face's swing and his last minute attempt to bite him in half with his jagged jaws. "Slam-dunk!" The Eryx slammed directly into Killing Face's cheek knocking him off the ground so hard it sent a small shockwave through the area.

Watching him with a noticeable smile Vergil gave his twin a small clap clearly impressed with his off-brand strategy. 'He may run his mouth off but he's yet he's smart enough to use it to his advantage.' Watching him fight he'd seen his brother take multiple hits that would have broken any lesser being yet he still was able to get up and keep fighting. 'Is that it? Is that what his humanity gives him?' It wasn't just the current battle he was thinking of, it was his whole life recalling the horrid memories he'd seen in that twisted orphanage.

Walking closer to the struggling demon Dante stared into three eyes with an amused expression. "Come-on shit face, don't tell me that's all you got. I was expecting a little-"

"Stop calling me that!" The wounded demon roared slamming both fists down.

"Okay fine…how about Mini-Mundie huh? Will that work?" He playful asked not knowing he'd just seriously poked the sleeping bear.

Chunks of rock and stone began clinging to Killing Face's body reassembling into an even more armored form, his appearance now resembled a smaller, more feral form of his father's gigantic titan form.

"Ya' had to go and piss him off didn't you?" Vergil called realizing the fight was about to get a lot more brutal.

"Wouldn't be any fun otherwise." Dante laughed eying the demon spawn. "So ready for round two?"

For a response he two waves of spires erupt towards, they were made of rock but one glance call tell they were made of dark earth, lethal to anything it touched. Putting both his arms out the red-clad twin stopped the spikes but not without feeling insane amounts of pain rush up his arms into his body. A small grunt turned his attention to the rear; Killing Face had teleported behind him to repay Dante for the earlier beating. Molten fists and flames were all Dante could see before he was able to regain his sense to stop his head from being crushed.

Five darts were fired into Killing Face's neck, all exploded leaving no visible damage. "Fuck that's some teak skin." Dante cursed summoning flames around Rebellion and whipping up a miniature whirlwind around his feet. "Afraid of needles?"

"Bring…it…you…little…piece of…shit!" Killing Face growled engulfing both his fists in flames.

Using the whirlwind as a spring pad Dante rocketed forward with Rebellion angled directly at Killing Face's chest. The collision of supernatural blade meeting demonic molten armor sent cracks through the whole rooftop making it look like a spider web, the forceful impact of the two combatants then made it look like the web had eyes.

Blood dripped from one side of Dante's face while black blood trickled down in rivers all over Killing Face's body. Watching the fight Vergil felt the near suffocating need to help his brother for fear of him losing his life but he knew he wouldn't do that, shouldn't do that.

'If you're serious about protecting humanity…then show me the same way you do everything else; prove it with your sword…' His grip tightened on Yamato watching him heft up Rebellion for another attack. "What'll you'll do to protect the humans?" He called out just as Killing Face came at him again like a mad bull.

Never tearing his eyes away from his enemy Dante swung his sword like a baseball bat while answering, "I'll do what I have to BUT I won't fork over my humanity on the job!"

BOOM!

Blood splattered from Killing Face's severed arms like fountains, wailing in pain he fell back summoning nearby debris to replace his lost limbs. His three eyes homed in on the tool of his mutilation; the glowing Rebellion.

Like a lantern in darkness the sword glowed with a holy yet devilish light, mixing and swirling around the entire weapon like twin snakes. The glow climbed up Dante's arm and onto his back connecting with the shining tattoo on his back. Taking Rebellion in both hands Dante swung it again, this time releasing a red and blue colored slash that completely sliced through Killing Face's left side, the ground, and the several building in the distance.

Once the glow faded the change in Rebellion could be seen; the blade had grown slightly in length, branded a brighter glow than before, notched on both sides near the tip, curved outward near the bottom on both sides, then gain finally connecting to the guard, one silver ring made-up the guard with three claw like marks in triangle position start from the sides, three angelic wings and demonic wings jetted out from the guard's sides, the middle wings being the larger complimented by the two smaller wings on both sides, and lastly the handle was now a dark iron color wrapped in crimson red clothe.

"Hm," Dante spun his newly awakened sword around feeling his own power course back and forth between his body and the sword. "Not a bad makeover, yo Mini Mundie, feel like giving this baby a test run?"

As expected the demon charged at Dante but this time he was able to channel more power into Rebellion single handily stopping the charge. Using his left fist he pummeled his face, kneed him in the gut, and lastly inflicted a deep gash on the left of Killing Face's neck using the edge of Rebellion. Nursing his injury he roared calling down flaming debris on top of Dante like meteors.

Almost literally Rebellion deconstructed into a mass of blue tendrils then reassembled into the Osiris now sporting a longer blade and more sinister look due to the swirling currents of wind surrounding it. On command the shaft grew to twice its normal length allowing Dante to either physical cut through all the falling objects or simply let the wind-generated blades due the work in a graceful manner. The moment the weapon rested back on top of his shoulder it transformed again into the Ophion whip which now had an even more serpentine looking head design that bucked and reared as if it were alive.

Fireballs flew from Killing Face's mouth but like legendary deity it was named after the whip twisted and turned, never losing speed as it homed in on its target. The white metal wrapped around his neck like a snake, squeezing until he could barely breathe, he pulled with all his strength but the angelic weapon merely burned his molten hands on mere contact.

"Oh you're gonna love this, sick 'em!" Green flames erupted from the 'jaws' of the whip before biting down deeply into Killing Face's neck searing nearly all the skin and armor around the demon's neck.

SNAP!

"There goes the collar bone." Vergil darkly chuckled watching the demon scream profanities at Dante like a snotty little child. "So are you going to finish him?" He asked walking towards the fight calmly.

"In a second, I'm having too much fun kicking his ass again!" The black haired twin yelled yanking Killing Face toward him with his right arm outstretched to side. Angelic blue energy gathered into an orb in Dante's hand just as Killing Face came within arm's reach. "Have a breathe mint!"

BOOM!

The angelic energy burned nearly all the planting and armor from the child of Mundus's face leaving the memorably face of his unborn form present for the twins in to see. Demonic lightning arced between the three eyes and fire erupted from every corner of his body turning him into a hulking mass of dark earth and raging hellfire.

Taking up a stance for a Trillion Stab Dante called upon both sides of his nature; angel and demon and forced them into Rebellion. Coal-colored lightning wrapped around the blade while divine winds formed a drill in union forming an attack only a Nephilim could have done.

Fierce battle cries left both mouths when the two attacks collided against each other, one backed by rage and the other backed by sheer determination. After four seconds Rebellion broke through impaling itself directly in Killing Face's third eye causing him immense pain. Before he could pull away Dante's left arm shot out to hold him in place while he pushed his sword deeper and deeper into his enemy's skull until he felt the sword pierced whatever brain the demon had.

Bringing him to eye level Dante sneered into his rage filled eyes. "If you see your old man shit face tell him something; he's still an asshole!" With a roar he dragged Rebellion across Killing Face's cheek cutting his head in two.

Breathing harder he stopped back as the defeated demon's body crumbled to the ground sparking and boiling like some kind of bomb about to go off. Suddenly a barrier wrapped around the body containing the resulting blast which if uncontained Dante was sure would have broken the already cracked building completely.

"You're really reckless ya' know that?" Vergil dead pinned walking right up next to Dante, his eyes unreadable.

"Hey I-" Dante was interrupting when Vergil calmly put his fist to the bleeding side of his forehead and focused. Immediately the slow healing soreness in all his bones healed, his wounds healed faster, and Dante felt the energy he'd used to battle Killing Face quickly return like a vitamin taking effect. He looked at his brother shocked beyond all words.

"That wasn't a half bad fight brother." He said fixing him with a small smile he hadn't seen since his days when they were all together; as brothers, as a family. "All things considered I'd give it a B ranking."

"Oh come-on! I kicked his ass!" Dante protested childishly.

"Yeah but he did kick your ass around a few times and you lagged here and there prolonging the battle for your own amusement." Vergil replied in his 'big brother' tone.

Snorting Dante turned away. "What can I say? I like making my fights last as long as I can."

Vergil said no more noticing a portal appearing on a platform sailing towards them slowly. Nodding to Dante he teleported both of them towards it and walked through. Unknown to Dante he'd won more than just his rematch with Killing Face, he'd won a bit more of his brother's respect and gave him a lot think about.

When Dante talked about Bobby's Cellar he'd talked with a mix of happiness and traces of annoyance Kat had taken deep memory of. According to him there was always a jump request up for its mercenary customers, normal or supernatural, always noisy, and lastly always a place of minimal sanctuary for the oldest Nephilim. Standing before what remained of the bar Kat agreed with the last description.

Like other buildings the bar was in ruins yet was in noticeable better shape than the others, probably due to the fact that everyone in it were trained killers who could more or less take on any lesser demon. The windows had been hastily covered with metal shudders, cars, bricks, and anything big enough were used as makeshift barricades, and lastly the neon sign on top the roof was half-blown off and still smoking from flames. Bullet holes and claw marks matched the blood stained walls like beer and gambling. The dead bodies of human mercenaries and demons alike covered the street, crows greedily peeking at the remains regardless of who or what they used to be. One raven perched on top the sign caught Kat's green eyes; it looked like any normal raven but she could feel something was different about it, something almost unnatural.

The raven held her gaze with its purple eyes, silently welcoming her to the establishment.

"Not exactly what I had in mind but it'll do. Wir gehen, I don't like standing here in the open." Martin said gazing around the line of destroyed shops, all stained with blood.

The raven seemed to follow them inside the bar which looked almost exactly like the outside; a war-zone. Human bodies and demon corpses lay sprawled under tables, over tables, and everywhere visible in the dim light. Guns, knives, and any weapon that could be muster lay either in the arms of mercenaries or within inches of their dying grasps giving one any idea of how they died.

'Dante did always say everyone in this place was as tough as they came.' Kat marveled at the demon bodies she was able to find, there were far more than she was expecting. 'They even managed to kill a few Tyrants and Butchers before crashing it in.' Stepping lightly over the bodies Kat gave a slight thanks to Dante for telling him of this place.

Over the counter Kat and Martin could see a few bartenders who had died firing shotguns from over the counter, some ha been decapitated, others hit been some elemental or energy attack, beaten, or eaten alive. Reaching down Martin collected what he could then threw them into one of the Tachen he was able to manifest. Shaking slightly Kat checked some of the fridges hoping to find water or something to drink. All she found was a selection of light beers, a few half empty water bottles, and various other soft drinks.

Walking beside her Martin examined the drinks with an interested gaze clearly he knew most of the brands. "Looks like most of the mercs used the stronger stuff for liquid courage."

"You drank?" Kat asked raising an eye brow.

"No my papa was just a big win collector, he owned three bars in Berlin." Martin replied walking to the back of the store still ready with his shotgun. "Stay close behind me."

The power had been cut leaving the entire structure lightened only by the rays of the setting sun. Kat couldn't sense anyone, human or demon however that didn't stop her from keeping her assault rifle up. In her head she wondered what Vergil or Dante would think of her brining a small blush to her dirt covered cheeks. After searching the entire bar they realized they were safe for the time being and began to relax slightly. The bar office was trashed but still a good enough place for Martin to open one of his windows and attempt communication. While he did that Kat looked through the drawers unsure of what she'd find but not wanting to just sit around and wait. Finding everything from spare bullets to a few photos she shuffled through until she found a few with Dante in them, all when he must been a little bit younger.

A few were of Dante standing with the other mercenaries, particularly always with a smiling brown haired teenage boy in a brown overcoat. Staring at the pictures Kat smiled softly noticing how happy he looked with the boy yet wondering what had happened to him. The next few photos were truly shocking; Dante was standing next to a fat man in a fashionable green coat, fedora, shades, and smoking a cigar next to Dante who was downing a bottle of beer.

'I know this guy…' Kat thought looking through more pictures. 'Dante said his name was…was Enzo, Enzo Ferino!' Quickly stuffing all the photos she deemed important Kat went back to the front to get a drink. She wasn't a fan of alcohol but at this point she'd drunken anything if it meant keeping her on her feet.

Outside the bar she could still hear the feint sounds of battles being waged, lives being taken, and demons screaming as they fell to the ground dead. In some ways Kat found it a little funny that demons who always thought they were untouchable were now on the receiving in of a divine ass kicking.

'Serves you bastards right.' Kat thought taking a seep from her drink. She could almost them vibrating in her ears, they were so loud all of a sudden, so real, so vivid, so… wait a minute! Stretching out her psychic abilities Kat could hear almost everything in the city with such clarity it nearly overwhelmed her senses. 'Either I can't handle as much as I thought or is it…' The thought trailed off leading to an insane theory she was sacred to test but knew she had try.

Being a Wiccan Kat could naturally sense things like magic, divine energy, demonic energy, and everything in between provided she had a glyph ready and was concentrating hard enough. Now she didn't need any of it, she could feel the magic just as simply as she could feel the air on her skin, it amplified her powers beyond anything she ever thought it would. But why? Why had she not noticed this before?

'Delayed reaction.' She concluded focusing on the roars of combat raging all over the west coast, the barriers separating the supernatural world from the human world had come down letting all the power that flowed into the former overflow into latter. 'All the fighting is breaking down the barriers,' She watched almost literal rivers of magic flow in currents before her eyes, winding like a river through the ground and the sky, growing stronger wherever she felt a supernatural presence.

Running back inside she told Martin the news though at first he seemed too busy tuning the Window to notice, she got his full attention when she somehow manifest a fireball right in front of his face.

"So…is this good or bad? I mean with magic and all that stuff practically becoming air what's going to happen?" He asked confused.

An idea formed in Kat's head mirrored by the sudden fire burning in her grey-green eyes. "Keep working on the portal I'm going to go give us some breathing room." She headed out to the front of the bar sucking in as much magic energy and even divine energy as she could. Holding up her hands Kat pictured a glass like barrier forming around the bar, protected by at least three other magical barriers strong enough to stop most demons from breaking through.

In her mind she saw a river of energy she could draw strength from all she had to do was bend it to her will. Easier said than done, she nearly felt her consciousness be pulled into the current but she fought back, forcing a portion of the power to obey her. The glyphs on her arms and her third eye glowed fluorescent blue engulfing her like a candle. Her mental image became more and more vivid as the barrier began to become reality. A green colored glass cube made of miniature diamonds covered the bar and ten feet outside of its perimeter ensuring nothing would be able to come through easily.

Turning to leave Kat noticed the crow staring at her from its place a car trunk that had been impaled into the ground. Kat wasn't sure why but she got the distinct feeling the bird was smiling at her like a teacher would smile at a student for passing a test. It both troubled her and eased her.

Ever since stepping through the portal Vergil had been giving a lot of thought to what his brother had said and how he'd proven the merit of his words against Killing Face. Thinking to whenever Dante had drawn more power than either of the thought he had he remembered how it was always to protect him, after all he'd done he was still willing to protect him. The same could be said for himself, he'd never known he possessed such powers had his older brother's life not been put in danger.

I loved you brother.

'They weren't just words.' The pain etched in those words had hurt Vergil because he'd meant what he'd said and Dante had meant what he'd said about humanity. 'Humanity…'

It's funny you had to die to understand humanity.

'…Maybe I did but I was too stupid to realize it.' Vergil thought remembering a fond memory of him and his father. If his memory was right that was one of the first times Vergil had ever given any thought to the concept of humanity.

Flashback…

A seven year-old Vergil sat cross legged reading one of his favorite books in his father's library; The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. For most children this would have been completely out of the ordinary it was perfectly normal for Vergil who had proven he was a natural born genius from the moment he could walk and talk. He had a natural drive to seek out knowledge wherever it was just like his father who sat calmly on his favorite leather chair next to the fireplace reading his own book.

Peering over at his youngest son Sparda noticed his son had been invested in the book for going on one hour after finishing the last one he'd read; Leviathan. His eyebrows were knotted as if he were in deep thought over a matter he knew he couldn't understand yet tried to.

"Vergil what's on your mind?" He asked putting his book down.

"It's just daddy…is humanity good or bad?" H asked surprising Sparda. Grabbing the other book Vergil held them up with a confused expression. "This one," He held up Leviathan. "Says they're bad by nature and need to be ruled." His face turned slightly sour at the thought. "I like this one better," He held up The Social Contract with a wide grin that made Sparda's heart bubble with joy. "Which one's true?"

Sparda gently perched his son on his lap trying to think of a way to explain the nature of humanity to his seven year old. Vergil always gave him a challenge when asking questions about things greater than his young mind could comprehend. Humanity was a special case because Sparda though having lived for over thirty millennia still struggled sometimes to grasp the concept of human nature, even now living with his beloved Eve and twin boys he was still learning. Seeing his youngest patiently waiting for an answer Sparda gave him one he always used when challenged on his favoring of humanity over demons.

"Well son both books are part true and part false." Watching Vergil's confused expression increase Sparda continued in a fatherly tone he always used with his children. "Human beings are by nature greedy and selfish, almost like demons but at the same time they can be kind and compassionate like angels. They're complex creatures, they can choose to be good or evil in the end, never forget that. Ruling over them with force will do nothing but foster negative emotions that will bring out all the things they're loathed for but those that do lead them they must be courageous, reasonable, and most of all understanding to even think of leading the human race as a whole."

"Could you do it daddy?"

"Heck no!" He laughed careful to mind his language for fear of his dear wife hearing him. "It may be a thousand years before someone like that comes but that's not the issue. Humanity is something that can be found in all of us, demon, angel, ad human alike." Ruffling his snow-white hair Sparda gazed at the fire crackling beside them. "I honestly can't tell you but I want to believe humanity is a beautiful thing that should be cherished."

"Can someone not have humanity? Can you hold it? Can you play with it?" Vergil asked completely tuned in.

"If only one could Vergil, if only one could. Humanity is something that has to be felt. Human beings have been doing it for centuries, angels even longer, and demons are even able to do it if they try. The point is son humans, demons, angels, can have humanity if and only if they have one of this." He pointed at Vergil's chest.

"A heart?" He asked amazed.

"Exactly, so no matter what happens don't ever throw that away, without it all you'll feel is hollow inside." His face turned stern. "All that'll you'll find is emptiness no substance could ever fill, nothing save for a few things."

"What are they daddy? Is it power?" Young Vergil asked.

Shaking his head Sparda closed his eyes recalling bitter memories of days long past. Looking at him Sparda held Vergil just a little tighter in a loving embrace. "It may seem like it can but believe that'll make it worse. What they are you'll only be able to discovery if you hold onto your heart." Smiling proudly Sparda held out his hand for a high-five. "So do daddy and mommy a favor will you? Never give up your heart, okay?"

Grinning from ear to ear Vergil high-fived his father. "I promise daddy, I'll never give up my heart or my humanity!"

Flashback End…

The mere memory was almost enough for Vergil to shed a tear for two reasons; one because it was a near two weeks before Mundus stormed in and destroyed their family and two was because Vergil had completely forgotten that lesson until Dante punched him in the face. What had happened to him? Sure he was only seven but he'd taken everything his father had ever said to heart.

'Did I really change that much?' He asked gazing at the destroyed city around him. When they crossed through the portal he and Dante had been separated again. Finding his brother, fighting beside him, betraying him and the person who'd trusted him the most began to weigh heavily on Vergil's removed heart. 'I was willing to take away the very thing I wanted give humans, ain't that funny? All those qualities father listed, I don't fit the bill for any of them.'

Stopping to lean against a stone statue Vergil ran his fingers along the wound where his heart was removed. In some way he felt deserving of it; his punishment for being a hypocrite. The phantom that had taken it looked like Vergil for a reason; this was his personal hell.

CRACK! CRACK!

Walking upward toward the end of the street he saw the metallic statue of Assiel the Nephilim overlooking the twisted parody of Limbo City. Scrapes of metal floated around the statue forming a bridge way Vergil could use to get to the top.

"Yo! Glade to see you could make it brother!" Hollow Dante called emerging from one of the wings brandishing Rebellion. "You were always the slow one but damn you sure took your sweat time getting here!" He jumped down closer giving Vergil a good view of the empty darkness that made up the phantom's being.

"Are you done running now? No offense but my brother and I have things to do." Vergil asked taking steps toward the Hollow not even going for Yamato or showing any sign of fear.

Acting on rash impulse the Hollow flung itself at Vergil wildly. Inside him Vergil felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over him just as it did when he confronted Hollow Kat. Just like then a luminous blue aura encompassed him burning Hollow Dante severely. Naturally the phantom fled, rather before going after him Vergil reached out mentally for his brother, sensing him pursuing Hollow Vergil on the opposite side of Assiel's metal likeness.

"Guess it's time for another little test of faith." Vergil said leaping from one steel platform to the next like a wild cat. In mere moments he could see Hollow Dante corned, daring Vergil to attack. Praying his calculations were right Vergil pounced on the phantom with Yamato half way out of his sheath.

…NOW!

Vanishing in a wisp of smoke Hollow Dante disappearing leaving the real McCoy coming at Vergil with his sword drawn. In the split second they made eye contact Dante and Vergil stopped their respective attacks. Lowering their swords they watched the other carefully on top the metal statue's left wing.

"Not to be an idiot but how'd ya' know?" Dante smirked putting away Rebellion.

"It was the little things," Vergil answered shaking his head. "For starters he lacked some of your annoyance."

"You mean charm?" The older brother laughed.

There standing on top a metal statue of their deceased ancestor, in hell, one heartless (literally) and the other battles-scared, the sons of Sparda shared a laugh reminiscent of their childhood.

"So any ideas on how to get out of here?" Dante asked staring at the barren wasteland.

"I think Kat can help us with that." Spinning on his heels Dante stared Vergil with slightly widened eyes. "She's fine don't worry, she's with someone, a guy named Martin, he's German." Vergil could sense the slight rise in Dante's emotions at the thought of Kat being with another guy during the collapse of the known world. As much as he wanted to enjoy the rise he knew there were bigger problems. "Listen right now with the overflow of energy she should be able to open a portal with this guy's help and get us out of here. I think if we-"

A lion's roar rolled through the area like the hot wind alerting the boys to their old friend. In the rust covered clouds they could see the approaching form of the manticore, an aura of black light shining around it, wings outstretched, and scars running across its face.

"Not exactly the best place to take on that flying bastard." Vergil grunted realizing they were virtually stranded on top the metal statue.

"Who cares? I say we finish that fucker right here and now." Dante argued raising Rebellion.

CRICK! CRANK!

The sound of heavy metal turning caught their attention, tearing them away from the demon heading straight for them and to the metal face of Assiel turned to face them. For Dante this was exactly like the time he'd gained his Devil Trigger, the spirit of a dead Nephilim surviving death to guide a living one.

The statue's eyes glowed the same blue that Vergil had mere moments earlier only ten times brighter. "Children…of…the Nephilim…must…survive…survive…and…prosper." Her metallic lips moved shocking the twins. A sphere of light appeared around both of them, replenishing their energy like one massive Vital Star. "Go to…her…she…waits…she suffers…she prays…for…both of you."

Before they could ask what the spirit meant they were gone in a flash of dazzling light just as the manticore swiped its claws along the wings. Roaring in rage the demon blasted a stream of dark light into the sky.

CLING! CLING! CLING! CLING!

It didn't take a genius to figure out the metal statue of the deceased Nephilim was laughing at the manticore. "You…can't…stop…them…not…now."

SWOOSH!

In one swift motion the manticore flew toward the metallic face, dragging its claws deeply across its surface. Once that was done it blasted a beam of demonic light at the neck, sending the head of the metallic structure crumbling to the jagged earth below, kicking up a might storm of sand and rock.

Even now the demon could still hear the metallic laughter of the statue ringing in its ears. "Damn your eternal soul Assiel," A demonic voice left the creature's lips. "Damn you to an eternity of hell for this."

Author's Note: Man that was one heck of a chapter to write. I hope you enjoyed it and if you didn't I'm sorry.

Dante vs. Killing Face: What did you think? I sort of had it mirror the battle Dante had with Vergil in DMC3 with Rebellion awakening only in this case it responded to Dante's refusal to surrender his humanity.

Vergil's Flashback: I honestly didn't include that in my original draft for this story. When I listen to a series of soundtracks that put me at ease and make me feel happy I tend to write happy (call it sappy if you want) stuff. On one part I also wanted to show a little of what Sparda might have been like to his children and I wanted to write about Vergil as a child since we rarely get to see bits of his childhood.

Vergil: Hopefully I'm making his realization a little realistic, next two chapters are going to focus mainly on him and rebuilding his relationship with Dante more.

Translations: Wir gehen is German for "let's go" and Taschen is German for "Pockets"

Books: What Vergil was reading in the flashback were Leviathan written by Thomas Hobbes and The Social Contract written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, if you have an idea on what they're about you'll probably understand how they relate to Vergil, if not don't worry about it.

Enzo: A little Easter egg I wanted to have fun with.

Lastly I'd like to say this: May God rest the soul of Nelson Mandela, his life was hard but he was a man who made his time on Earth worth every last minute. May his soul find peace and may his will be passed to the people of South Africa and the world at large.