This is the last chapter before we get to the nitty-gritty. ;)

Chapter 4: Ticking Time

Part Two

Lady found herself pressed against the wall, her anger boiling over as her cherished possessions were trampled and destroyed in the chaotic frenzy. Amid this supernatural maelstrom, she clutched her weapon with unwavering determination.

Not only had her friends brought unwanted guests to her only place of relaxation, but it was now overrun by demons, and they resembled snakes of all things; she hated snakes.

The huntress was resolved to make the demons pay for this intrusion, no matter the cost.

With a steady hand, Lady took aim and fired a shot that found its mark in one demon's head as it crept closer. The snake-like monster hissed and lashed out its forked tongue, but Lady's quick roll spared her from its venomous strike. She squeezed the trigger once more, the recoil reverberating through her arms.

Amidst the relentless gunfire, Nico's curses blended with the noise of battle.

The mechanic's world tilted as a slimy tongue coiled around her ankle, violently wrenching her off balance. With gritted teeth, she crashed onto the unforgiving floor, glass shards biting into her arms and back as she was ruthlessly dragged across the room.

Fueled by sheer determination and defiance, Nico yelled and kicked at the monstrous serpent. "Let go, you slippery freak!" Her words rang out as a challenge, but the snake responded by baring its numerous poison-dripping fangs. A shiver of dread ran down Nico's spine as she realized her attempt at humor had fallen flat. "Hey, I was just kidding!"

With impeccable timing, Nero sprang into action, his sword slashing through the air like a lightning bolt, severing the serpent's tongue with an angry, precise strike. The snake reared its head back in pain, emitting a guttural hiss. Nero positioned himself protectively in front of her, the Red Queen's engine revving menacingly, its thunderous roar echoing from the walls like a war cry.

"Did you just try to take a bite out of my partner, you son of a bitch?" Nero's voice seethed with anger, and his eyes blazed with an intensity that could incinerate the very demons they were facing.

Enraged that its intended prey had been snatched away, the serpent released a threatening snarl, its scales bristled with aggression, and blood dripped from its maw.

But the young hunter's response was nothing short of dismissive. He snorted, his smirk barely contained. "How cute." Confidence oozed from his words as he taunted the dangerously demonic creature.

As his attention shifted, Nero caught sight of Nico out of the corner of his eye. "You okay?" he asked, concern momentarily replacing the earlier cockiness.

Nico, gathering her wits after a few stumbling moments, managed a nod and got back on her feet. Gratitude shone brightly in her eyes. "Yeah, thanks for the save," she replied, her voice filled with relief.

Taking a moment to allow her to catch her breath, Nero returned his full attention to the towering snake. He tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, never once diverting his gaze from the menacing creature. "Then get behind Lady. 'Cause it's about to get real bloody in just a moment," he warned, ready to face the approaching threat head-on.

A fierce scowl etched onto his face as he summoned his glowing Devil Bringer.

With a ferocious surge, the serpent lunged forward, its sinister intent etched across its monstrous features. Nero's spectral claws clamped down like a vise on the creature's jagged maw, and he summoned every ounce of his might to pry its jaws open, widening the horrifying orifice. The room reverberated with tension as the serpent, in its last-ditch defiance, attempted to strike at Nero with its tail. But it had become entangled with its fellow demons, rendering it immobilized. The oppressive weight of its own kind kept it trapped, and a symphony of agonized hisses filled the room.

The serpent's scales scraped against the floor, the sound a grating crescendo of desperation. Its crimson eyes blazed with toxic rage, and its serpentine body writhed in torment. Blood dripped from its lacerated mouth, forming a gruesome, crimson trail on the ground.

Amidst this harrowing struggle, the serpent's grotesque jaw produced a cacophony of shattering bones as it relentlessly, but hopelessly, attempted to strike at Nero with the stump of its severed tongue.

Nero's grim determination remained unwavering. "Come on. Let me inspect those chompers up close," he growled, teeth bared in strain. With a final, thunderous smack, the demon's jaw and flesh surrendered, giving way to the relentless force of the Devil Bringer. The room became a gruesome tableau of agony as the serpent's tortured cries mingled with the splatter of blood and gore. With one last shuddering convulsion, the snake met its nightmarish end.

Lady maintained her position, boots now stained with a deceased demon's slowly liquefied remains at her feet. Nico huddled behind her, seeking refuge, finding solace in her protector's presence.

The huntress watched the cramped battlefield skeptically, her steely gaze surveying the chaotic scene. It wasn't the gruesome fights before her that unsettled her, but the sight of all that blood drenching her once-pristine carpet.

"Remind me not to get on Nero's bad side," she muttered, voice dripping with disdain as she meticulously reloaded her weapon, focus unswervingly. Another shot rang out with uncanny precision, flying over Dante's shoulder and finding its mark inside a demon's open jaw.

Nico heaved a sigh, fully aware of why her impulsive partner was seething. The revelation of his mother's identity had already been a profound shock, and now, with a horde of demons wrecking everything, his anger was entirely justified.

"Yeah, that guy turns into a real butcher when he's pissed off."

Stepping over his kill, Nero shook the crimson stains from his Devil Bringer with a brusque movement of his shoulders. Although getting payback on the worm that threatened his mechanic had felt satisfying, close-quarters combat in cramped spaces was not his preferred battleground, especially with others around. His fighting style carried a notorious reputation for its wild and destructive nature.

With a reluctant sigh, he sheathed his blade and swiftly swapped it for his hefty revolver, a weapon better suited for the skirmish within the room. It allowed him to engage the enemy without putting his comrades at risk. As he spun around, a sixth sense warned him of another serpent stealthily slithering closer. Nero unleashed a precise shot that found its mark, piercing through the serpent's glowing eyes and into its brain, ending the threat with ruthless precision.

A frustrated groan seized his attention, and he turned his head to find Kali furrowing her brow while staring at his gun. Suppressing a wicked grin, Nero raised his revolver and, with a distinct metallic click, pulled the hammer back. He couldn't resist taunting her. "Next time you try to shoot someone, make sure the safety's off."

Kali clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Shit. Missed my chance, didn't I?" she retorted, slightly out of breath. Their brief exchange was cut short as Kali swiftly dodged to avoid a massive serpent tail that came crashing down, a hair's breadth from crushing her.

Nero couldn't help but notice that he wasn't the only one struggling with the room's tight confines. Dante, wielding his colossal broadsword, became a whirlwind of destruction, hacking, and slashing through the demonic intruders. The ceiling bore the brutal marks of Dante's strikes, each swing leaving a deep gash. The seasoned demon hunter fought valiantly, deliberately maintaining his distance from the other fighters, allowing him to swing his massive blade without beheading his comrades.

As the last demon was dispatched and melted into a bubbling puddle, the room's air filled with the stench of burnt flesh and demon blood.

Nero holstered his firearm and tried to catch his breath, his upper body falling forward as he leaned on his thighs.

Dante smacked him on the shoulder with a big grin. "Come on, kiddo. We're not done yet."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Nero grumbled.

The room was finally clear of the demonic invaders, but the distant cacophony of chaos and screams from the city continued, casting a nightmarish pall over the landscape.

"These things are gonna pay for this," Lady's threat held a steely resolve as she holstered her massive rocket launcher with a purposeful clang. She cast one last regretful glance at the remnants of her half-packed belongings, all ruined by the demons' invasion.

Without uttering another word, the huntress climbed onto the windowsill and leaped down, vanishing into the commotion below.

Dante's appreciative whistle cut through the post-battle tension. "It's been a while since I've seen her this angry," he remarked with a grin, casting a nostalgic look at Nero. "Last time, she put a bullet through my head. You know, good old times." He patted his nephew on the back once more, coaxing an amused grunt from Nero.

Afterward, Dante decided to take a moment to stretch, causing his bones to pop audibly as he reached for the ceiling. Nonchalantly, he flicked a piece of half-dissolved demon flesh off his shoulder, the gruesome remnants of the fierce battle now adorning the apartment's floor. With a purposeful stride, Dante made his way toward the spot Lady disappeared from a moment ago, his boots crunching through the gore-slicked debris as he went.

Dante's gaze shifted to the window, where the night sky was ablaze with the chaotic red glow of demonic activities. The cacophony of sounds—tormented screams, gunshots, and blaring sirens—had turned the city into a battleground.

But despite the havoc outside, Dante's grin remained undiminished. "Hey, Verge, time for a rematch? Bet I'll win this round, too." He looked over his shoulder. "You ready?"

Vergil, the only one not splattered with blood, meticulously cleaned Yamato on the remnants of Lady's couch and smoothly pushed it back into its sheath. "I have no time for your games, Brother. There are more pressing matters that require my attention," he then looked at Dante. "We should go our separate ways. I will return to the office," he turned away from the hunter. "Or rather, the dumpster you call an agency."

"Hey, I call it home," Dante quipped, his eyes following his brother's retreating form. After a brief contemplation, he offered a nonchalant shrug. "Fair enough. You do your thing; I'll do mine." He then turned to Nero, a grin lighting up his face. "See ya down there," he said with a wink before leaping out.

Kali, who had already donned her leather jacket, was eager to join the group. However, Vergil blocked her path. "You will accompany me."

"Fuck you. I want to fight, and I can help," the woman protested, attempting to evade him. But Vergil stretched out his arm, blocking her once again.

Vergil countered, his voice laced with cold and calculated disdain, "Your presence is unnecessary." When Kali attempted to sidestep him, he intervened decisively. With a swift and surprisingly firm grip, he seized her upper arm, pulling her closer, his fingers digging into her flesh as an unspoken warning.

Lowering his face with a menacing stare, the calm, composed mask he usually wore began to fracture, revealing the simmering anger beneath. "You gave your word," he hissed, each word punctuated with a forceful intensity that sent an unsettling shiver down Kali's spine.

Despite her determination not to yield, the sheer intensity of Vergil's presence, combined with the truth in his words, forced Kali to look away. "Fuck," she muttered once more, her voice laced with frustration and resignation. In silence, she slid her saber back into its sheath and stubbornly crossed her arms as she reluctantly agreed to follow his lead.

Nico, her hair a tangled mess, stood in a corner, peering out of the small window further back in the room. Her expression turned sour as another agonizing cry from a man echoed through the chaotic street, prompting her to avert her gaze. Despite the trembling of her fingers as she held an almost burned-out cigarette, she seemed to be mostly unharmed. Nero couldn't help but release a relieved sigh at the sight of her well-being.

As the hunter approached her, Nico attempted to regain her usual confidence and sassy attitude, despite the harrowing situation unfolding around them: "When those snakey assholes so much as put a dent in my car, I swear I'll personally hunt every one of 'em down and give 'em a piece of my mind!"

Nero, glancing out of the window at the grim scene below, retorted, "I think that's a shitty idea." The street was a macabre battlefield, with blood and lifeless bodies scattered amidst the chaos. The few parked cars on the roadside were banged up and covered in a grotesque blend of gore and debris, telling a horrifying tale of the demons' savagery.

The moment seemed to have calmed down slightly. However, there were still distant screams and the sound of approaching sirens, haunting reminders that the demons had likely moved on, searching for fresh victims.

The familiar sound and feel of an opening portal caught Nero's attention, sparking an idea in his mind.

"Hey," he called out to get Vergil's attention. "Take her with you."

Nico looked surprised and immediately shook her head. "Climbing into that thing? Nah, thanks. I'll take the car."

"You idiot, have you seen the street? It's swarming out there, and we don't even know how many of those things are lurking. This isn't a bunch of cockroaches. Those things are dangerus." Nero emphasized, kicking the lifeless body of a half-dissolved snake.

Nico rolled her eyes but couldn't deny the logic in his words. She started picking at the filter of her cigarette, her reluctance showing. "Fine, but I ain't leaving my baby behind," she said with a protective tone, glancing over Nero's shoulder at the stoic older man. "Hey, can that thing fit a car? A big one?"

Her question hung in the air, met with silence from Vergil. The only sign of his acknowledgment was a deep, measured breath. On the other hand, Kali couldn't suppress a chuckle, amused by the brazen mechanic.

"Please," added Nero, his attention still on his stubborn partner.

Nico sighed, and a hint of concern shadowed her eyes. "All right, you've made your point," she conceded. Her fingers hesitated, then she tossed the cigarette butt aside and crushed it with her foot. "But if anything happens to the RV, I'm coming after your ass, kitty."

Nero couldn't help but grin. "Yeah, I know."

Nico hesitated, her eyes fixated on the mysterious portal. She approached it with fascination and apprehension, her steps slow and measured. She glanced back at Nero for a moment, uncertainty in her gaze.

"After you," Vergil's voice remained as monotone as ever, and he gestured toward the swirling rift. Nico sighed, giving in to the inevitable but not without expressing her discomfort.

"Ugh, this is cold! And it stinks!" she muttered as she reluctantly inched her body through the portal. Her discontent was evident, accompanied by a series of displeased sounds as she disappeared.

Nero locked eyes with his father, his expression carrying a warning. "Keep her safe. If anything happens to her, we both have a fucking problem."

For a brief moment, the stoic facade on Vergil's face wavered, revealing a subtle smirk. "How tempting," he retorted before it vanished into an expression of understanding, and he gave Nero a slight nod of agreement.

"Don't get killed out there," Kali drew Nero's attention toward her, her concern evident in her eyes. Still grappling with the revelation that Kali was his mother, Nero couldn't help but feel a sense of hesitancy. He stared at her for a moment, uncertain of how to react.

But the young hunter ultimately opted for action, pulling out his gun and twirling it in his hand. "And let that old man have all the kills? Never."

With those words, he jogged toward the window and leaped out, landing on the ground with a resounding thud. His emotions remained a swirl of confusion, but his determination to face the demons prevailed.

"Finally," Dante commented, a hint of relief in his voice as he witnessed the youth's arrival. "Thought for a moment you were leaving us hanging."

"You know I'll never let a demon party slide, old man," Nero countered, and both demon hunters exchanged grins. Their banter, though light-hearted, served as a brief respite from the looming horrors they were about to face.

Lady cleared her throat, and with a nod in the direction of the screams and roars, she reminded them of the urgent task.

As they set off running, their boots pounded on the blood-smeared pavement, the rhythmic thud echoing the urgency of their mission. With every step, the atmosphere grew more oppressive, and the distant screams of fleeing bystanders merged with the eerie wails of the city. The dark, foreboding sky loomed overhead, casting a blood-red hue over the night's chaotic scene.

The trio's breaths came fast and ragged as they turned the corner and found themselves in an old town square, its charming cobblestone streets now marred by chaos and bloodshed. The once picturesque square, adorned with quaint shops and cozy restaurants, was now an infernal battleground.

The demons, with their sinister, serpentine forms, writhed in the heart of the square, their glowing eyes flickering like malevolent stars in the night. Amidst the tumult, the horrifying spectacle of lifeless bodies scattered among the cobblestones and fleeing, terrified survivors added to the scene of carnage.

The facade of the buildings surrounding the square bore witness to the grotesque spectacle. Broken windows, torn awnings, and shattered tables lay in their wake. The aroma of food, now tainted with the overpowering stench of death and sulfur, hung heavily in the air.

"Holy fuck," Nero whispered in disbelief at the devastating sight.

Dante and Nero exchanged a brief, knowing glance, silently acknowledging the fight ahead. The demons might have turned this charming square into a hellish battleground, but they were about to face the hunters who would ensure they regretted it.

With his Devil Bringer resting on his shoulders, Nero unsheathed his sword, a sense of relief washing over him as they fought in the open. He could finally let loose and unleash his wild, acrobatic movements. The sword gleamed menacingly as the young hunter swung it through the air, ready to take on the demonic onslaught. With an angry scream, he sprinted into the chaos, the engine of his Red Queen tuning into his battle cry.

Nero's every strike surged with unleashed fury. A swift uppercut with his winged claw shattered one demon's jaw, and a brutal haymaker sent another sprawling. The engine revved menacingly, and he swung wide with his sword, slicing open the scaled torso of the demon with the broken jaw. As the creature's blood sprayed in an arc, its body convulsed in grotesque contortions before crashing to the blood-soaked ground.

Even before the demon's lifeless body touched the floor, Nero swung around, slamming his sword into the next serpent. The blade bit through the creature's flesh, releasing a gory splatter that painted the cobblestones beneath. The air filled with the metallic tang of blood as Nero moved with relentless determination, his emotions swirling in the chaos of battle. The revelation of his parentage was still fresh in his mind, and the dance of combat became a cathartic release for his conflicting emotions. The demons, mere vessels for his frustration, fell under the relentless onslaught.

Lady kept her distance, perched on a car's roof, as she unleashed a hail of bullets upon the encroaching horde. Her precise shots not only cut through demonic flesh but also created a small window for the fleeing citizens to escape.

Meanwhile, Dante, on the opposite side of the square, demonstrated his brand of lethal artistry. He moved through the demonic horde like a lawnmower through tall grass. His broadsword, cleaving through the air with a mighty swing, severed a serpent's head from its body. The demon's hissing screams filled the square before its body went limp, dissolving into a bubbling pool of red goo.

Suddenly, a deafening boom reverberated, shaking the air under Dante's feet, and a massive explosion shredded more than one demonic snake. Dante's ears rang as he whirled around, catching sight of Lady with her rocket launcher at the ready.

"Hey, a little warning next time," Dante shouted over the chaos.

Lady fired another shot. "Incoming."

"You're supposed to say that before you fire that thing!" Dante quipped.

Lady just shrugged, a grin playing on her lips as the explosion echoed through the square.

But Dante's grin and humor vanished instantly as he witnessed a looming shadow rising behind Lady. The giant, demonic serpent snarled threateningly, its glowing eyes fixed on the woman.

"Lady! Run!" Dante's urgent yell pierced through the cacophony as he sprinted toward his friend.

But it was too late; the moment the huntress turned around, she stared into the gaping maw of the massive demon.

A high-pitched scream pierced the air.

.

Far from the horrors that haunted the city, Nico let out an annoyed sigh, sinking deeper into the worn leather couch next to the small fridge. She still felt a bit nauseous after that weird portal ride, an experience she was not eager to repeat. It felt like being thrown into icy, smelly water.

The office, though familiar, carried an unusual weight. Tension thickened the air, replacing the usual sounds of music and laughter with an uneasy silence.

In Dante's usual spot, Trish sat with her long legs crossed, eyes weary as they scanned the pages of a hefty tome dominating the desk. Kali leaned over the book opposite her, her hands planted firmly on the wooden surface. Besides the slow rotation of the ceiling fan, the only movements came from Vergil. His calm demeanor seemed to waver as he paced, an edginess in his steps that reminded Nico of Nero.

Unable to grasp the details of their discussion, she knew she would be little help. Bored out of her mind, she sat on the sideline, nursing her cigarette. The smoke lazily curled into the air, prompting her thoughts to drift towards her partner. In her mind, she silently wished that her boneheaded idiot was holding up okay.

Another sigh disturbed the silence in the office, but this time, it wasn't from Nico; it came from Kali. After Vergil had crossed the room behind her for the third time, she couldn't take it anymore.

"Sit the hell down, Vergil," she growled, frustration palpable.

"Then tell me where it is," the man shot back, his tone cutting through the tension. Kali stared at him, anger burning in her eyes. "I already told you: I don't know!"

Taking a deep breath to center himself, Vergil halted in his tracks. He straightened his posture, gripping Yamato. "So," he began, his voice low and assertive. "You want to tell me that you've spent years with Machiavelli, learned the language of the demons, and yet, you remain oblivious to the location of his creation?"

Vergil's expression tightened, and a subtle scorn emanated from his cold gaze. "Incompetence is not an excuse," he continued his words carrying the weight of his impatience. "I suggest you start providing useful information. Now."

The way he looked down at her made Kali grit her teeth. She was not stupid enough to yell at him now, seeing how he held Yamato with the thumb on the guard, ready to draw it. It was a silent, subtle threat.

Stubbornly, she met Vergil's gaze head-on. "It's the truth," she hissed, barely managing to swallow her anger.

"Questionable," he dismissed. "I find it extremely strange that this city is being haunted by demons now of all times. By low creatures that clearly belong to the charlatan who is your master."

"So, what? You think I'm lying?" Kali retorted. She couldn't stand the arrogance oozing from Vergil's every word. Without hesitation, she stepped forward, closing the distance between them. "That demon is not my master. I'm not a puppet!"

Vergil raised his eyebrows, a flicker of surprise crossing his face as the woman practically invaded his personal space. He quickly let it disappear, maintaining his stoic facade. "If you believe that, your emotions clearly cloud your judgment," he remarked, his tone icy. "Now, focus on the task at hand. Time is not on our side."

Kali's fists clenched, and her demonic energy flared. "How dare you! I've survived this long without your orders, and I sure as hell won't change that now. You want answers? Here," and she defiantly showed him the middle finger.

A barely noticeable smirk quirked the corner of his mouth. "Be careful. Or you might lose it."

The sound of a faint crackle made both look over to the blond woman who had watched their fight with interest. Trish, elegant and composed as ever, diffused the tension in the room with electricity dancing on her fingertips. "Why don't we take a moment to review what we know?" she suggested, her voice carrying the sophisticated demeanor that defined her devil-may-care persona. After a brief contemplation, Vergil shifted his gaze back to the open book, silently acknowledging his satisfaction with the she-devil's proposal.

Before anyone could respond, a loud bang echoed through the room as the heavy door swung wide open, groaning on its hinges. Nero stormed into the building, his sword tightly gripped, and his entire form soaked in blood from head to toe—evidence of the fierce battle he'd just weathered.

"Nico!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the room, carrying a mix of urgency and exhaustion. "Help!"

Caught off guard, the mechanic sprang to her feet, instinctively flicking her cigarette away. Her eyes scanned over her partner, searching for wounds, and a wave of relief washed over her as she confirmed that none of the blood was his. Yet, she found herself frozen in place, her eyes wide as she took in the disconcerting scene unfolding before her.

Behind Nero, Dante burst into the office with a force that matched the weight of the situation. Cradled in his arms was Lady, a usually fierce and independent warrior now a vulnerable figure in the clutches of pain. Her entire waist was a bloody mess, and droplets of blood fell to the ground. Dante's carefree expression had vanished, replaced by a serious, silent worry that cast a heavy shadow over his face.

The weight of the situation hung in the air, leaving Nico momentarily paralyzed as she absorbed the gravity of Lady's condition.

"First aid, now!" Dante commanded urgently, the gravity of the situation evident in his stern tone.

"In the kitchen," Nero added, his gaze meeting Nico's, sensing her confusion. He gestured toward one of the doors in the back. Reacting quickly, the mechanic hurried away, slamming the door open.

With a swift and purposeful motion, Nero cleared the couch, expertly tossing aside magazines and other discarded items to create a makeshift space. It was a small yet vital act, paving the way for Dante to sit the injured Lady down carefully.

Her face contorted in pain, but she managed to gratefully smile at Dante before letting her head fall back. Groaning in pain, Lady attempted to shift her weight, seeking relief from the pressure on her injured side.

"Let's get that off," said a familiar, worried voice. Lady slowly turned her head to see Trish already kneeling beside her. The injured huntress let out a relieved sigh, grateful that her friend was by her side. Trish helped Lady free herself from the bloodstained leather jacket.

As the mechanic rushed back into the room, bearing a well-equipped first aid kit, she assertively pushed herself between Dante and Nero. "Outta the way." She took her place beside Lady's other side. "Anything broken?" she murmured, already roaming around.

"No, only my pride," Lady quipped with humor, hissing through gritted teeth as she slowly and delicately removed her bloodied blouse, revealing a large, gaping wound.

Dante turned on the spot, stomping over to his brother, who watched the scene with disinterest. "We stop this mess immediately," he stated, his voice unusually dark with anger. Vergil nodded, and together, the brothers moved over to the desk. With everyone being occupied, the brothers were left to themselves.

Vergil flipped through the pages until he found a drawing that depicted the underworld. It illustrated a cylindrical shape, with the widest part at the top and the tip almost touching the bottom of the page. "You know that the underworld is divided into many different planes. This one is closest to the human world," he explained, pointing at the widest part of the geometrical drawing. "And here, I found the Qlipoth." His finger moved down a few planes. "Even though these are different realms, it is possible to wander between them."

Dante nodded, unusually attentive. "What about that throne you were talking about?"

"As far as translation goes, Machiavelli hid it in one of these realms." Vergil's finger wandered over the drawing, moving downward another few layers. "This is also near the plane where I encountered the woman."

They were both taken by surprise as Trish appeared at their side. "The deeper you go into hell, the more dangerous and powerful the demons are," she calmly added. Then, she gave Dante a reassuring smile, touching his arm. "Lady will be fine. Nico is giving her stitches right now." Immediately, Dante turned around, relieved that Lady's face looked less pained now that her wounds were tended to. She even grinned at one of Nico's comments.

"Dante." Vergil drew his brother's attention back to him while his gaze remained fixed on the intricate drawing of the underworld, his eyes tracing the contours of the demonic realms. He clenched his hand into a fist, knuckles turning white as he struggled to voice his thoughts.

The hunter saw the shifts in his brother's demeanor, noting the subtle signs of Vergil's inner unrest—the furrowed brow, the tightened jaw, and the rigid posture, all speaking volumes.

Vergil audibly breathed, his exhale laden with the weight of frustration and a reluctant acknowledgment of his own limitations. "I need your help," he finally uttered, each word punctuated with a hint of reluctance and the bitter taste of pride swallowed. "I can't do this on my own."

He shot Dante a sharp glance, a silent warning not to mock him. However, his brother remained silent, observing him.

The elder one sighed, the admission lingering in the air. "I tried... and failed miserably," Vergil confessed, his voice laced with a bitter edge. He knew it was unnecessary to add this; everyone who looked up into the red-tinted sky or listened to the sounds of war that plagued the city knew that he had failed.

The brothers fell into a momentary silence, and then Dante raised his hand, offering his stoic sibling a firm pat on the back.

This gesture was all the assurance they needed; there was no need for words.

Vergil's shoulders relaxed.

"But how do we enter this part of the underworld from here?" Trish's voice sliced through the silence. Both twins looked at her, puzzled.

"We?" inquired Dante, raising his eyebrows. However, Trish just gave him a smile, gracefully flicking back her long hair. "Of course, I'll accompany you."

She turned her head, glancing at her injured friend. Her smile faltered. "I like this world. And I'd rather not see it destroyed," she murmured before redirecting her attention back to the men. "And you two could use a real demon's touch down there," her self-assured smile returned.

While the three discussed their next steps, Nero found himself gazing out the window, captivated by the crimson hues painting the city and the distant fires ablaze on the horizon. Restlessness consumed him, urging him to take action.

Beyond the glass, people fought for their lives, and here he stood, safe and sound. Despite his burning desire to plunge into the chaos, Nero knew his exhausted body needed a break.

His grip on his sword remained firm in his hands, a constant since he and Dante vanquished the demon that had harmed Lady. Nero paid no heed to his disheveled appearance, neglecting the dried blood that matted his hair and stained his face and attire. He ignored Nico's occasional grimaces at the lingering scent.

Careful footsteps approached, and Nero saw Kali stepping at his side from the corner of his eye.

"You're itching to get back out there," she observed her statement more an acknowledgment of Nero's restless demeanor than a question. He nodded in agreement.

"Yeah. Can't stand doing nothing." The frustration in his voice echoed the inner conflict, torn between the urgency of the situation and the need for a brief respite.

She couldn't help but study her son, noting the seriousness etched on his face, the urge to take action stiffening his shoulders.

"You pitching in this time?" Nero's sudden question caught Kali off guard. The way he looked at her, waiting for a response, felt like a test — as if her reply would determine the level of trust he could afford her.

Without hesitation, she put one hand on the grip of her saber and let a grim smile appear on her lips. "I'd like nothing better than that."

After a few agonizing seconds, Nero gave her a nod and a lopsided grin before he looked back out of the window. "Cool."

Clapping his hands together once, Dante redirected the focus onto himself. "Alright, folks, here's the plan!" Summoning his broadsword, he effortlessly hoisted the massive weapon onto his shoulder and gestured toward Nico. "You, Nico, call up Morrison and Enzo for some backup. Make sure they rally every Devil Hunter available for assistance."

"Hey, Nero," he winked, "you do what you do best. Show the amateurs how it's done."

Shifting his attention to Lady, he continued, "And you, take some rest." Lady rolled her eyes, but Dante was firm. "I'm serious, sweetheart. If I come back and find out you've ripped your stitches, I'm confiscating your rocket launcher."

Lady puffed out her cheeks in annoyance but remained silent. Meanwhile, Nero expressed his skepticism, "And what's your plan?"

Dante's grin remained light-hearted. "The rest of us are taking the grand tour of the underworld."

Apologies, Lady, for tossing you in as a plot device.
I'll definitely dial down the presence of Kali in the upcoming parts. I adore her, but the focus is on the Guys.
Thanks for reading.

Cheers
-J.