Author's Note: Hello friends, this is indeed Kwonkicker updating after so many years. I know it has been a very long time since I have updated Final Judgment. I have received many emails and messages over the years asking about the story's completion. Some of you even wished me good fortune and wondered if I was still alive. It truly did touch my heart.
Now, as to why the story was left incomplete. Well, life takes you through drastic turns and changes. I finished school but had one personal crisis after another. My father passed away and I went through home and living difficulties. Despite telling myself I would return to writing once things settled down, I just kept pushing it further and further away. A month turned to two months. Then six months. Then a year, and so forth. All the while I earnestly wanted to complete this tale but just could not find the motivation.
On a brighter note, I moved to Florida, got married, have kids, own a home and finally settled down. Because I went through so much and so much time passed, I felt this story was just something to leave in the past. However, by virtue of my beloved wife, I have been encouraged to complete this story. I have everything ready and able. If you'll have me beloved readers, I will happily finish my work.
It goes without saying Hellsing and Devil May Cry are two of my favorite works of fiction. Hellsing is among my top favorite anime and DMC is my favorite game of all time. It pained me to leave this unfinished as I had devoted much time, energy, even tears of frustration into this story, the characters, the setting. It was my precious baby.
So, dearest readers, how about it? Will you have me complete it and bring this work to completion? I am still available via personal messaging and emails for any requests, updates, hate/fan mail. I would like to at least start by updating with the next chapter. As usual, this is a work of fiction; Devil May Cry and Hellsing being owned/copyrighted by Capcom and Kouta Hirano respectively.
In this chapter, the dreaded Steed of Theokoles has risen. What does this beast's terrible power bring to the table? Is there any way to stop Theokoles? What will our allies do now? Stay tuned to find out!
Chapter Forty-Nine- Final Judgment Part II
Theokoles cackled wildly as the vortex slowly closed. Coming into full view on the mountainside, a wretched and horrible sight to behold, was his fabled mount. The Steed of Theokoles, itself, a demon of awful might and power. The Shadow of Hell raised his hands to the sky, gazing at the afternoon sky as the clouds parted. Theokoles was so engrossed, he almost didn't regard Klaus who slowly approached.
"So, this is your famed pet? To see it living in flesh and blood is…fascinating" Klaus stated, gazing at the unholy monstrosity. Theokoles, his back turned, didn't seem to regard the praise. Instead, he clapped both hands together and jumped to the sky. Theokoles flew at top speed, reaching higher and higher before landing on top of his steed's head. He bent down, petting the top like one would pet a small dog.
A single eye rolled up to gaze at him.
Theokoles then softened his face. He appeared tender, nurturing even, as if he were attending to his own baby. He then said, "Daddy missed you too. Now, come, my child, we have business to attend"
His cruel and sadistic gaze returned, staring down at the allied forces below the hillside, homing in on Dante and Nero in particular.
Theokoles smirked, then said, "Time to bring them Hell"
The Steed then opened its grotesque mouth and bellowed at the top of its voice which caused deep tremors and rumbling. From below, Dante, Nero, Alucard, Integra, and all their respective allies gazed at the gruesome creature. Never had any of them seen such a monster. The Steed of Theokoles was a gargantuan behemoth, nearly larger than the mountain it loomed over. It was a quadrupedal beast, each massive and thick appendage moving with thunderous steps. Its hands resemble humans, but wider and with thicker fingers. Its skin is a chalky gray, with black pulsing veins forming all over. Most disturbing was the head and neck were jettisoned at unnatural angles, allowing the creature to bend and twist at all angles. The Steed had a cavernous maw filled with jagged yellow teeth and multiple eyes, all scanning and moving.
"My God. It's…ghastly." Integra stated, adjusting her glasses. Vladimir had no words, but he too agreed this was a gruesome sight. Rosette clutched Dexter's hand tenderly, he turned, gazing into her gorgeous eyes. He nodded, then he kissed her and turned back towards the hill, watching as Theokoles and his steed descended the mountainside.
"Listen up, we ain't dead yet! We just need to figure out a new battle plan! That thing might be big and ugly, but it's still a monster. And we know better than most how to deal with monsters. First, until we figure out just how to kill it, let's at least distract it." Dexter shouted as he reached for his radio. "Alpha leader, over"
The radio squawked and buzzed with static. "Go for alpha leader, over." Dexter then said, "Alpha leader, bring in all the air support you can muster. Your target is big, ugly and looks like a crackhead baby." Dexter's description of the steed caused some laughter amongst the ranks. Good, laughter was good. Anything to boost morale. They still had a seemingly impossible task. Not only do they now have to contend with the Steed of Theokoles, but they also still had Klaus and his Mannequin Army.
"At least Seth took out a good portion of the Mannequin. They numbered 500,000 strong. Half of that meteor flattened a good portion of them. How many do you think are left?" Vladimir asked, gazing over to Seth, who was still recovering from his daring rescue. His wounds were slowly healing and closing up, another moment or two and he'd be at full capacity. Good, they needed a power player like him.
Rosette then snapped out of her daze, rushing over to Vladimir and Integra. "Guys I'm sorry I spaced like that. But I think I can figure out how to stop the Mannequins. I've figured out their secret." Vladimir and Integra both looked stunned. "Tell us everything, Rosette," Vladimir stated, reaching and tossing off his cloak. Just as she was about to answer, dozens upon dozens of fighter jets appeared overhead, flying in formation towards the steed.
"Alpha leader to Dexter, awaiting your orders"
"You have but one pilot. Kill that thing, and send it back to Hell," Dexter replied, tucking his radio away. The group watched as the fighter jets unleashed volley after volley of missile attacks on the steed. The beast howled and bellowed with fury, using its hands to swat away some of the jets, sending them crashing to the ground in a fiery heap. The battlefield then shifted as fighter jet after fighter jet circled and swarmed the steed, trying earnestly to inflict damage.
Theokoles, growing furious, hopped off and landed on the ground. Cracking his neck, he then said, "Go my child, handle these clowns on your own." He commanded. In reply, the steed again wailed, like a woman in labor and fully turned its attention to the fighter jets. Theokoles meanwhile faced the allied forces. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing the remnants of the Mannequin army slowly reforming. The demonic soldiers approached in lined formation. Theokoles smirked and then said, "Guess you guys aren't out yet. So be it. Go, slaughter them to your heart's content"
"Shit! They're coming back!" Vladimir said, again pulling his blade out. He glanced over his shoulder towards Rosette, "What's this big secret you figured out?"
Rosette then quickly began explaining everything she discovered. "I think these things share a hive mind. Earlier I wounded one, I shot it in the throat, eyes and chest. It wasn't enough to kill it, but I noticed its compatriots became wounded in the same areas. There's also the way these things talk. 'We', as if they all are of one body and mind. It's the only thing I can think of. The Mannequins are all linked together. And if we can maybe find a method to injure them all at once…"
"Then, maybe we kill them all together. And if we can do that, it'll be that much easier to take down Klaus" Integra said, adjusting her glasses. She smirked, impressed by Rosette's intellect. Rosette then grabbed her own radio, "All units listen closely. The Mannequin's act as one body, one mind. They share a complex hive mind. That means any injuries will affect the army as a whole. Try and focus on large groups at a time, it's our best shot to slow them down, for now at least."
Across the field, news of Rosette's findings reached the soldiers of the allied resistance, including all of the power players. Dante and Alucard smirked, the vampire count raising his dual pistols and chuckling. "A hive minds? How interesting. What do you say then, Son of Sparda? Shall we begin a new slaughter fest?" he cackled. Dante himself drew Rebellion, gazing at the incoming Mannequin army as they began a new fight.
The Mannequin began swarming through and clashing with the allied soldiers. Many fired from automatic rifles, bullets riddling their bodies. Yet the damage was minimal. One Mannequin taking an entire magazine from a modified M16 rifle. The unholy fiend paused, blinked its eyes several times and stared plainly at the soldier who fired. He ejected the empty magazine and loaded a fresh one. The Mannequin moved with inhuman speed, snatching the rifle from his hands, turning it around and unloading it into the hapless soldier who collapsed in a bloody heap.
"So…this is what they call…guns…" it said, studying the rifle and marveling at its design.
Nero fired from Blue Rose, shooting down several Mannequin soldiers with the enhanced firepower of his large revolver. His firepower fared slightly better, blowing off their heads in grisly fashion as blood gushed out like geysers. Nero then looked to see they were surrounded by a few hundred of the Mannequin's. Instantly, Seras was at his side as were several of the wolf pack. Sergei and Alex re-loaded their rifles while Raul drew his twin swords and swung them once.
"Things are getting kinda intense. Guess it's a stupid question to ask, but is this the end of the line for us?" Alex asked. His brother shrugged and said, "Never know. Why? Said your prayers? Prepared to meet your maker?" he quipped. Alex chuckled and responded by saying, "Not concerned with myself. But there's a certain lady I have waiting for back home." His thoughts drifted to Irina, and to the incredible night they shared before the battle started. Now that he claimed her to be his mate, his thoughts were always occupied by her. The rest of the pack knew it as well.
"You ain't the only one pal, got my sweet little lady back home too" Nero said tucking Blue Rose away. He pulled out Red Queen, jamming it into the ground and revving the handle. The blade glowed an eerie orange as the propellant coated the blade.
"Oh ho, nice. Is she cute?" Raul asked, taking point by him, holding his own swords. Nero scoffed and said, "She's beautiful."
"Big knockers?" Sergei and Alex asked. Nero's jaw tightened, "Dude, what the hell?!" causing the twins to laugh.
Their camaraderie was cut short as the Mannequin's attacked. Everyone immediately jumped into action; Sergei and Alex blasting away from their rifles, striking and mowing down row upon row of the Mannequins and avoiding their lethal attacks. Nero slashed and hacked with Red Queen, the blade mightier and sturdier since its repairs after being destroyed by Theokoles. Nero jammed the blade into one of the Mannequins, pinning it on the ground. He revved twice, the accelerant causing the blade to ignite and sending Nero skidding around the battleground like a flaming car. Nero likewise firing and shooting from Blue Rose with his free hand. Eventually, the Mannequin he pinned was burned to a crisp as Nero jumped off, skidding to a stop.
Several of the Mannequin's froze, patting their bodies as if they were wreathed in flames.
"It's hot…this pain…" one said.
"It reminds us of the flames of the Netherworld. The Darkness Mundus commissioned us from such flames" another replied.
So engrossed together, they didn't notice Lucian Salvatore fast approaching. He crouched low, removing his famed blade from its scabbard.
"Slaughter them, Wolf's Bane!"
1000 fangs were unleashed in a single attack as Lucian cut a large swath through the Mannequin ranks. His brothers join the suit with Jason tearing and cutting with the Manji blade.
The Iscariot priests and paladins worked in conjunction with the Soldier of the White Lotus. Both armies used scores of blessed and holy weaponries. The White Lotus dashed through the Mannequin ranks, slashing at their legs with bladed weaponry. Paladin priests finished by tossing vials of compressed holy water. What followed were a series of chain explosions, dousing the Mannequins in the blessed water. Their bodies sizzled and burned, the holy water proving extremely caustic.
More telling, this was the first time the Mannequins truly responded to painful stimuli. Many collapsed to their knees, their bodies in agony.
"Blessed water?!" one shouted, watching its body break and crumble apart.
"This is just like last time…" another said, trying to stand only to be decapitated by a White Lotus soldier.
Toshio quickly sheathed his sword, then nodded to one of his subordinates. "Radio all of this in, we need to focus on blessed ammunition and weaponry. If Rosette is right, this could be how we turn this fight in our favor!"
While the various skirmishes happened across the battlefield, from his position atop the mountainside, Klaus watched keenly with growing impatience. He glanced down where Theokoles rode his steed; the Shadow of Hell reveling in the panic and destruction it was causing. It continued swatting and destroying fighter jets out of the sky, turning its attention back to the scattered ground forces. Despite its summoning, nothing of note had yet happened. Klaus turned to where the Mannequin army was positioned. Seth's intervention destroyed a significant portion, leaving roughly 290,000 left. Moreover, his enemies seemed to discern that their chiefest and greatest weakness was in fact holy weaponry.
Klaus didn't want to admit it, but the tide was slowly turning. If Theokoles didn't kick things up, he would have to enter the fray. And for good measure, nighttime was soon approaching. The sun is setting, casting a beautiful golden crimson glow on the mountainous terrain. The full moon would rise and peak over the mountains adjacent to the battlefield. Klaus would raise the Anima devices, assuming their final form and cast their light unto the moon's surface, to reflect back down and bathe the world in their glory. From there, a new reality would be created where Klaus would right the wrongs by God and create true and everlasting freedom and peace.
And that is why he was growing impatient.
"Theokoles, put an end to them. We have a mere twenty minutes before we can achieve activation. Do it, now, Shadow of Hell"
Theokoles sucked his teeth and then glared. He raised his hand, summoning his big blade Ares. He leaped to the floor, leaving his steed to continue doing battle. Theokoles gazed around at all of the fighting and then said, "So who wants to die first?"
Theokoles got his answer when a contingent of soldiers aimed their rifles and immediately opened fire. Theokoles spun his massie blade around, shielding from their bullets as then jammed his blade into the ground. Raising both hands he summoned geysers of molten magma, cascading towards the soldiers. The soldiers were suddenly encased in a massive dome of thick ice, freezing the ground as it collided with the magma, steam and heat rising to the sky.
Theokoles smirked as he watched Dante emerge, holding the Cerberus nunchaku in one hand. The soldiers looked on in shock, never before seeing such a sight. Dante tossed his weapon in the air, spinning it rapidly before making a kung-fu pose for added effect.
"Round two, big dog?" he taunted. Theokoles grabbed his blade and raced forward as the two clashed weaponry. Cerberus proved much faster and easier for Dante to counter with. His nunchaku flew all around his body; across his waist, through his legs, over and under his shoulders with increasing speed. Theokoles spun his blade rapidly, colliding with the ice-imbued weapon. Dante jumped back, spun Cerberus, and then jammed the weapon into the ground causing massive pillars and spikes of first to jettison forth, aiming straight for Theokoles.
The Shadow of Hell screamed at the top of his lungs, his roar echoing and shattering the ice formation. Around them, more of the Mannequins pressed forward, clashing with soldiers of the allied army as the battle waged on.
Theokoles folded both arms and then asked, "Why do you fight?"
"Cause, it's fun" Dante replied with a simple shrug.
Theokoles shook his head. For once, he wasn't the sadistic and licentious monster the world hated and feared. He seemed almost philosophical as he asked Dante why he fought to defend the mortals.
"You aren't like them, Son of Sparda. Sure, you have human blood co-mingling with demon blood. Sure, you look human, speak like one, probably will even die like one, someday. But, why? Why defend them? Why live among them? Why protect their world? Why defend it? What consequence is of yours whether the humans live or die?" Theokoles asked, gazing at the offspring of his most hated opponent.
"Ever tried a strawberry sundae?" Dante quipped. Theokoles looked at him crossly.
Dante scoffed but took his enemy's questions to heart. He looked around the battlefield. The fighting raged on; the wolves fighting the Mannequins. Nero fought alongside Seras Victoria and her master Alucard. The Iscariot Priests and White Lotus. Hell, even the human soldiers, though many of them ended up dying. He then looked up the mountainside towards Klaus, as the Master of Death gazed back down. Then, Dante slowly closed his eyes, tucking Cerberus away and causing Theokoles to gaze at him curiously.
"Because of my mother," the devil hunter answered. Theokoles appeared genuinely shocked. This was the first time he heard of Dante's mother. He knew her name, Eva. He knew she was the beloved wife of the Legendary Sparda. He knew she was murdered by vengeful demons when Dante and his brother Vergil were children. Although he hated Sparda, Theokoles was always curious about their family dynamics.
"It's funny," Dante said, beginning to pace. "We knew we were different, as kids, my brother and me. We knew we weren't like the other kids in our town. Our father trained us since we could walk. Maybe dear ol' pop thought one day we would need our strength. We didn't even know he was a devil, until he died, and our mother gave us these." Dante held up his half of the Perfect Amulet. Theokoles raised a brow. So, this was the fabled item which cut off the boundary to the Demon World.
"Before she died, she told us all about our father. That he was a strong man. He had courage and a righteous heart, and he fought to protect the weak." Dante said smirking, tucking his amulet away and spreading his arms.
"So why do I do it? Because my mother sacrificed herself for me, that's why. She always told me to live and grow strong, so I could continue what my father strove for. Protect and defend the weak. So, that's why I fight. That's why I'm going to continue to fight." Dante said, his voice growing deeper. Suddenly he was engulfed in a massive and powerful burst of crimson red energy, the result of which sent gusting winds across the field, momentarily pausing the various battles as everyone watched Dante assume this new transformation.
Theokoles then watched as the dust settled, and Dante stood in his Devil Trigger form. Dante pointed a finger and then said, "And that's why I'm gonna kick your ass"
Theokoles transformed into his own devil state as the spectral form of a four-armed great horned devil floated above. He gave a wicked cackle and regained composure.
"I see. Know this Dante, I hate your father more than anything. But, I admit, I see…light. I see the same light your old man had as he alone batted away the legions of Hell. So, know this, you have my respect. So, allow me to kill you and be done with the Sparda bloodline" Theokoles said. He then roared at the top of his lungs as he and Dante ascended into the sky, beginning a titanic aerial battle. Dante's demon form evening the gap in their power, as they clashed head on over and over, sending shockwaves reverberating through the battlefield.
Klaus watched, in growing awe as Dante seemingly gained an even playing field against Theokoles. He expected nothing less from the Son of Sparda. Klaus' gaze shifted to the west; the sun continued setting. Moments later, it would be night and he would be able to activate the Anima.
He reached into his pocket, pulling out the device, gazing at its brilliance.
"So soon, so very soon. They don't know what awaits." Klaus said to himself and then smirked. He didn't notice the inhuman presence behind him.
"Then we'll have to kill you right now"
Klaus suddenly turned to his right, seeing a thin blade speeding towards his neck. He evaded and then parried the follow up counterattack. His assailant moved with deft speed and aggression, managing to cut him across the forehead as a steady flow of blood cascaded out. Klaus then saw another figure attack from the opposite side, which he likewise deflected and parried. Both attackers joined in tandem, with the second shredding through his cloak and landing to the ground.
Klaus, now seething mad, reached and dabbed at his bleeding forehead. Recognition kicked in as he watched the first assailant.
"You…all this time, and you appear?!" Klaus shouted.
From below, Vladimir, Integra and Rosette watched as Klaus was ambushed. "Wait, who's that?" Integra asked. Rosette shrugged as Vladimir then said, "I don't know. Is she on our side?"
The wolf pack, still tearing through the Mannequin Army likewise took note of the newcomer.
"Wait, that's Trish. But, who's the chick next to her?" Michael asked. He gazed at Lucian, who shrugged, then to his own pack who likewise were clueless. Nero paused from fighting, gazing up as well. "More interlopers? Glad to see Trish but who's that with her?"
Dante collided with Theokoles in a collision of demonic energies before managing to knock aside the Shadow of Hell. Dante then flew like a bat out of hell, landing between Klaus, Trish, and the mysterious interloper. Still transformed into his devil state, Dante bobbed his head towards Trish who removed the sword Sparda. With his back turned, he acknowledged the newcomer. She was a beautiful young woman with red hair tied in a side braid. She wore form fitting greyish pants and a matching long sleeved top, exposing her well-toned midriff. Her gorgeous green eyes accented her deep bronze tan skin. Across her right shoulder she wore a white cap, clasped in place by a brown strap. Wielding both hands she used a pair of cutlasses like curved short swords resembling oxen horns. And when she spoke, it was with an exotic accent.
"Good thing Matier reminded me of this little party. Why couldn't you ask me to join in from the go, Dante?" she asked, holding up her blades, poised and ready to strike at Klaus. Dante merely chuckled and said, "My bad, I'll make it up to you. But thanks for coming, Lucia"
Lucia, of the Clan of Via de Marli, had entered into the war against Klaus. An old ally and former partner of Dante, she herself was a devil, but also a superbly skilled demon hunter. Holding her dual cutlass blades at the ready, she smiled at Dante, nodded her head towards Trish, who likewise readied the sword Sparda and then back to her opponent.
Dante then gazed towards Klaus, who was seething with anger at having his plans again delayed. And as if to infuriate him even more, a bright light suddenly shone down on the group as they turned to the sky. It was an Apache class gunship. The entire battlefield suddenly became lit with more gunships followed by helicopters appearing overhead. They soon formed formation, slowly descending as their cargo doors opened and out poured thousands upon thousands of white robed and hooded soldiers, armed to the teeth with ferocious weaponry. They resembled anti-tank weaponry; semi-auto rifles complete with halberds and spears and bayonets attached. Thousands more had riot shields. To a layman, they could easily be mistaken for Klansmen. However, further inspection revealed their attire reminiscent of Crusaders laying siege to reclaim Jerusalem. The soldiers took up formations, lined side-by-side so that they covered the battlefield.
It was the Ninth Crusade, the Vatican's and Iscariot's personal army. The Ninth Crusade was armed to the teeth with state-of-the-art weaponry to drive back any supernatural forces. Deployed only for large scale warfare. Their numbers added to the resistance. In total, they tallied over 3,000 strong.
The Ninth Crusade was divided into four ranks of Papal Knights. From the left; The Knights of the Sagely Brethren represent the Knight Order of the Sword of Courland. From the middle; the Knights of Order of Calatrava La Nueva. From the center; The Knights of the Order of Santo Stefano di Toscana. Lastly; The Knights of the Order of Malta. Each member dressed in white hoods and armed with holy crosses and crucifixes and blessed weaponry.
"Dude…holy shit" Nero said in awe of the rows and rows of holy soldiers and warriors. Seras eyes them cautiously, knowing full well the capabilities of the anti-vampire brigades of the Vatican. The wolf pack re-grouped; Michael and Lucian taking point, each alpha wolf armed with their respective blade. Michael's cloak blowing in the wind as he eyed the Crusade curiously. He remembered the Crusade Wars of centuries past as the fight to reclaim the holy lands raged on.
Dexter couldn't help but laugh. Although not a Catholic, he had a growing respect for the forces of Rome. Integra took that time to light a cigar, blowing out smoke as she gave a short chuckle. Vladimir eyed her curiously, "Really? Even now, Sir Integra?"
Integra said, "We're at war. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy a fine one"
Rosette shook her head, "Just don't complain when you end up speaking through a voice box before you turn 60"
"No…no!" Klaus shouted, waving his hand.
The Iscariot priests on the ground began shouting and cheering. "His holiness sent us aid; the Lord is on our side!" many shouted.
From one of the helicopters, dropped down Father Anderson, his psychotic grin ear to ear as he immediately pulled out scores of blessed bayonets and cut down scores of Mannequin soldiers. Father Anderson then stood tall, glancing at Alucard as the count laughed and then towards Klaus, who glared with intense hatred.
"If any does not worship the Lord Jesus Christ, then let him be accursed into everlasting fire. Now, O' Soldiers of Iscariot! Do the dead dare walk the earth?! Do they profane the name of our Lord? I ask of ye', tell me, will Iscariot stand for this?!"
Anderson's call to rally was again met with cheers. Anderson then pointed toward the Mannequin Army, and to the Steed of Theokoles which bellowed that awful wail again.
"So let it be known! We will burn these demons, and all accursed back into the flames of Hell!"
Anderson sprinted forward. On his left, the various forces of the allied resistance to Klaus. On his right, and supporting the rear, the Ninth Crusade.
End Chapter
Whoo! I forgot how fun these stories are to write. Coming up next; Now that Lucia entered the battle, can our heroes turn the tide against Klaus' army? The Vatican unleashed the Ninth Crusade, but the allied forces are still woefully outnumbered. Father Anderson, desperate to carve a path straight to Klaus, moves forward with a proposition. One which even Alucard himself vehemently opposes.
Dante and Theokoles continue their duel, but can our favorite trash-talking, pizza loving half devil finally put an end to the Shadow of Hell?
Although cornered, Klaus unleashed his deadliest move yet, one which will have repercussions down the line. Get ready, more heart-stopping action on the way!