A/N: After this, only one more chapter to go.

-Chapter 13-

There Maia stood. In the middle of the plain. Grass stretching out in front of her. Behind her a cliff and a canyon below. Wind was blowing, getting stronger. Dark clouds seemed to gather up ahead.

A couple of minutes ago Dante and her agreed it would probably not be wise for Dante to stand and wait beside her. Nergal wasn't that stupid. So Dante decided to lurk in the darkness of the trees in the forest a little bit further back. He had chosen a spot where he could see far enough. But with all his other senses heightened, he would probably smell, hear or simply sense the asshole well before he could even come close to her.

"Nergal probably followed us out of the city. He has to be close." Maia said to herself. Her eyes searched for anything out of the ordinary in the distance. "Perhaps…if I…" she mumbled, chewing on the inside of her cheek in thought. She held up her hands forcing the angelic energy of light through her veins towards her fingers. Slowly they started to glow. Then she casted the light upward, sending a beacon of light up in the air.

Dante watched it in curiosity as a small light rose up to the sky. She was trying to let Nergal know where she was. Lure him towards her.

That's when the rain started to fall down. Small droplets fell to the ground, soon turning the sands into mud.

He could smell her. Her scent, so sweet, it tickled his nose. Yes…she was nearby. He was getting close. And she was alone. He could feel the saliva running through his mouth, dripping to the ground. He licked his lips as he shuffled closer, luring in the darkness of the trees. Why she picked this spot he didn't know. It was almost too perfect. A forest for him to lay low in. Waiting for her to be alone so he could have her all to himself. In just a couple of minutes he could have her soul. A thrill went to his body in excitement. He stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight, eyes shining dangerously and in anticipation.

"Well well well…look what the cat dragged in."

Nergal froze and after a few seconds his eyes narrowed. No…this could not be. How could he have missed him. "Sparda…" he growled in a low voice, and he turned around slowly. "How did I not smell your foul scent?" He spat the words at Dante, who had stepped out behind a tree with his arms crossed over his chest, giving him a smug look. The upbuilding saliva sprayed around.

Dante made a face in disgust stepping to a side. "Happy to see you too."

"Why are you still protecting her? She lied.." he spat again.

"Yeah well, what can I say, I'm a sucker for blondes." Dante said, holding up his hands.

"Pah!' Nergal laughed cold heartedly. "She's got you wrapped around her finger, devil hunter. Made you her little pet. You have no idea who you are dealing with… That little family of hers… those 'angels'." he laughed coldly again "They are just as bad as us… They all lie and cheat and deceive…" He grinned and licked his lips. "Right now I'm being played for a fool…and so are you…" he started to pace around Dante, keeping a close eye on his every movement. Dante stood there, with his arms crossed, hearing him out. "I know they think I'm stupid. But of course it is a trap… Going over there…where she is. Ha!" His laugh bouldered through the forest. "They are probably already watching. They orchestrated it perfectly. Me here…." He snickered. "With you…instead of there…with her."

Dante's eyes were narrowed as he was not exactly sure where Nergal was going with this. Nergal's grin grew wider.

"You don't know what I'm talking about. But I realized this as soon as I heard you, devil hunter. Yes…I know this is true now. How could I not have noticed this before…They were never going to let us get near her… That's why you are here…with me…to keep each other…occupied."

Dante glared at the demon, arms crossed over his chest. "' 's that so…" he replied, thinking over what he said. Then he sighed, wiped his hands and nodded. "Well, if that's the case. Better get this over with then." At that he grabbed his guns and pointed it towards Nergals head, firing two bullets at him with precision.

Nergal growled and jumped, the bullets hitting him in the chest and shoulder. He snarled and leaped forward, trying to claw at Dante's torso. Dante easily dodged him and fired another round of bullets. Nergal deflected them with his claws, swiftly moving from left to right as he tried to get closer to Dante. Dante dropped and rolled as Nergals claws moved just an inch above his head. As he did so he grabbed his sword and swung at his claws, chopping most of them off.

Nergal howled in pain. "You filthy rotten human." he screamed.

"You know, you gotta do better than this. I'm not even breaking a sweat." Dante simply stated, holding up his hands.

Nergal howled again. Yet not in pain this time.

Dante smirked and shook his head. Time to finish this. He grabbed the heft of the Rebellion with both his hands, ready for the final blow, when he stopped as he heard another howl. Not from Nergal though. Dante looked up in curiosity.

Out of the shadows of the forest came another wolf like demon. Smaller, but just as demonic. Red eyes shone dangerously in the darkness.

"You need help…brother…" the newcomer whispered and snapped his teeth at Dante.

"Ah, a little family get together. That's nice." Dante noted. "Just in time for the funeral."

Nergals brother snickered and walked over to his wounded sibling. "Just you wait…We'll see who's funeral this is…" And at that he leaped forward, his mouth wide open, suddenly appearing much larger than before. Nergal snarled and jumped right into the mouth of his brother, letting himself be swallowed by him completely.

Dante watched the display in disgust and with mild interest. "Now that's something you don't see everyday."

The two of them started to merge and grow into something bigger. Back paws grew larger and with sharp black claws. It had a hunchback with thick black hairs sticking out of its lumpy skin. It grew two disfigured wolf-like heads, standing at least 12 feet tall now. Both of the heads were breathing heavily, and both dripping slimy saliva onto the ground.

Dante whistled and nodded his head. "You know, bigger isn't always better. Have you never heard of that saying?"

"Silence!" both the heads growled loudly. "Prepare to die!" It charged forward, both mouths open and front paws sticking out.

Dante ran forward too, and slid under the demon, between its legs, coming up behind him. "The bigger they are…" Dante spoke, as he dodged its tail and jumped up, running up its lumpy back. Taking another leap when he reached the highest point, he held up the Rebellion above his head, he came down "The harder they fall." And with that he chopped off one of the heads with ease.

"Nooooo" the demon howled. Dark slimy blood sprayed everywhere. The demon had no time to respond though, as Dante grabbed Ebony and pointed it towards the second head, aiming for the spot between its eyes. He fired.

The demon fell to the floor with a loud thud.

Dante stared at the demon breathing its final breaths. He holstered Ebony and slowly paced over.

"You…you have defeated us…but you have lost…" the demon whispered. "You will never defeat them…they set the path…you are just a pawn Devil Hunter. Just like us."

"Did anyone ever tell you, you talk a little bit too much." Dante noted.

"You will never see her again…" the demon said with a weak snicker. Its red eyes stared at Dante, who was just in reach now. He snickered again then suddenly turned his head towards Dante, trying to sink his teeth into him. Dante already had the Rebellion ready and cut off his snout, his upper jaw flying over him. Then with a final strike, he chopped off the second head.

Dante placed the Rebellion on his back and stared at the dissolving figure of what Nergal and his brother had become. His hear was sticking to his forehead, dripping wet from the falling rain. Something about what the demon had said felt strange. It didn't sound like he had made it up. What was this about a path being set and about being just a pawn. If he read between the lines it would mean everything that had happened, they already knew about it up there. It was an unsettling thought. Did Maia know about this? It didn't appear so, when they had set out to save those pets a few days back. He really needed to get to the bottom of this.

He wiped off his coat and started to walk towards the open plain where he had left Maia a while back.

In the meantime Maia had drawn attention to herself, just as she had hoped. Just not from the likes she had wanted.

A few seconds after her beacon of light had reached the sky, Alexander and Rhea appeared just in front of her. As if on cue, the rain started to fall down.

"Maia…" Alexander said, calling out her name as if he saw a long lost sister. "How very nice to see you again, after all this time."

The light in the sky died and Maia glared at Alexander, after swiftly glancing over at Rhea. "Alexander." she simply stated. Wind blowing her hair to the side.

"Is this how you greet your brother after all this time?" Alexander asked, a surprised and hurtful look on his face. He held out his hands. "Come and give your brother a hug."

Maia narrowed her eyes and shook her head. "Touch me and I'll hurt you."

This made Alexander laugh out loud. "My dear dear sister. Such hatred is not suited for a guardian."

"You're one to talk. Your heart is as black as those demons you befriended." Maia replied. "You made a pact, didn't you? Gaining demonic powers… using mind control…losing more and more of yourself. Look what you have become… A guardian? You are no better than that demon Nergal that has been chasing me." she told him.

"How dare you… Telling me what I am and what not. You…our family…with limited powers, just sitting in our Ivory tower. You do not know the meaning of the word…power." his voice bouldered, pointing upwards. "Since the beginning of time we have not been doing anything about the mess these filthy humans have made of this world. Have you not seen all those wars over the years? All that suffering. You have spent centuries between them down here on earth. You must have seen all the bloodshed and hatred they hold for each other. And we are supposed to 'protect' them? Giving them free passage to our pure home. So they can destroy it there too? I am done! When I get in charge…things are going to be very different up there."

Maia frowned at this. "What do you mean 'when I get in charge'?"

Rhea's ears perked up at this too. She looked at Alexander from aside, awaiting his reply.

Alexander sucked in his breath. Where did this rage come from he felt burning inside. It made him spill things he didn't want to spill. It made him careless. His hands turned into fists.

"I hadn't meant for you to know this." he mumbled and looked at Maia as if he was contemplating something. "But…it doesn't really matter. For you are meaningless." Maia could feel something was about to happen and before she could react, Alexander blew away Rhea to the side, then brought together his hands, a pole of electric light appearing. He pointed the tip towards the sky where the dark clouds had formed, a bowl of lightning striking down he directed it towards Maia.

Maia's eyes went wide just before she got hit, throwing her to the ground.

Rhea stood up and looked shocked at where Maia lay down. "Maia." she breathed, looking over at Alexander in surprise. Where did he get this power from? It was not something they could normally do. Was it true what Maia just said. Had Alexander turned demonic. Deep in her heart she knew this was true. But for such a long time she had been following Alexander blindness. It was as if her head and heart were shut off from each other.

Maia stood up shakily. Looking up just in time to see Alexander charging towards her, electricity flashing from his weapon. She dodged in time. Pushing the power of light down into her hands, she brought them forwards and touched his side, purging the light out. It flashed brightly pushing him at least 10 yards away.

Alexander regained composure and laughed. "You and your weak feeble powers. You are no match for me."

Maia took out a shaky breath and stood up straight. Casting a quick glance around to see if Dante was around. Where was he? She made eye contact with Rhea, who was giving her a bewildered look. "Alexander… What are you doing…" Maia said. "This is not the way." Pointing out the hostility he had shown her. "Come back to us. We'll go up to the elders and just…perhaps Gabe would…"

This made Alexander laugh. "Oh yes let's go up there… I will go up there. But not just yet. There is just this little thing I have to do." He smirked darkly as he looked at her. "You see Maia, I am planning on going back. And you…or at least a part of you, is coming with me."

A frown appeared on Maia's face, then her eyes widened as she realized what he was implying. "Wait, what?" Gabe…we need you here.

Alexander was slowly walking towards her. Thunder lit up the sky above them and the rain made her hair stick to her head and arms.

Maia became nervous. She took a defensive stance and glanced over to where Rhea stood, who was still looking like she was having a mental breakdown. "Rhea…Alexander is after my soul. Who says he isn't coming for you after this!" She yelled.

"Clever girl." Alexander mumbled, gripping his staff tightly and charging it with more elektricity.

Maia put out her hands and created a protective light shield in front of her. It only made Alexander laugh some more. "That won't protect you, weakling."

"Wait…is it true?" Rhea spoke up, shaking her head while holding her hands to her temples. "Alexander, is it true…? I…"

"Rhea! We need to try and force out Alexander's demonic powers. I need you, please!" Maia begged.

"Silence!" Alexander yelled and struck another lightning bolt in Maia's direction. It struck her shield, which broke after just a couple of seconds. Maia screamed as she felt the electricity hit her. Burns covered her arms and legs as soon as the light had died.

Gabe…I know you are out there. Stop this madness. Maia was bend down on one knee, breathing heavily. Watching as Alexander was getting closer. "Rhea…please help me." she whispered.

Rhea bit her lip as she watched what was displayed out in front of her. Then she noticed in shock the flash of red in Alexanders eyes as he charged his staff once again, wanting to give Maia one last blow probably. "It is true…" she breathed. She ran towards Maia, helping her get up on her feet. "I saw it…I saw it." she repeated, as she was pulling Maia up.

Maia nodded. "We need to force it out. I need you for this."

Rhea, still a bit hesitant, nodded her head.

"Get out of my way Rhea, I don't care if I hit you too!" Alexander yelled. Pointing his staff towards them.

The two females held hands, combining their light and creating another shield, more powerful this time. The lighting hit their shield, but soon was deflected and flew off into the distance.

"We have to purge him." Rhea said, to which Maia nodded, relieved she had an ally. They both mumbled something understandable, their hands and arms started to glow purely white.

Alexander just shook his head. "You think you can stop me. Pathetic."

Both of them stared at Alexander, free hands pointing towards him, the light now moving in his direction.

Alexander dropped his staff and put his hands towards the sky. His eyes shone brightly red and his veins turned dark. When he threw his arms down a huge lightning bolt was cast down colliding with the light coming from Rhea and Maia. A big explosion followed.

The wind was strong and the light from the explosion was blinding. Maia and Rhea were both blown away. As she fell down, Maia covered her face with her arms and tried to peek through her eyelashes at what was happening. She watched in horror as the explosion threw Rhea off into the distance and almost over the cliff. The wind lay down and the light turned to normal. Rhea was down on one knee, facing the ground, breathing heavily. Slowly she looked up, eyeing Alexander challengingly.

Maia stared wide eyed as she watched what was playing out in front of her. She wanted to get back up on her feet, when she suddenly felt a warm hand on her shoulder. With a jolt she looked up and saw the flawless face of her oldest brother, Gabriel. "Gabe!" She breathed.

Gabriel helped her get up and silenced her with his eyes. His head turning towards Rhea and Alexander. The two of them were facing each other, not noticing his arrival.

Maia watched her brother in confusion. He showed no emotion as he watched. Eyes fixated on Alexander and Rhea. Suddenly Alexander brought his hands together, gathering another source of light. Maia noticed something different this time. The light seemed to be darker, purple, fueled with dominic energy and moving inwards instead of out like the light source of angels. It was contraction energy, she noticed in horror. He was going to claim Rhea and Gabriel did nothing?

"Do something!" she shouted at Gabriel, over the sound of thunder. Rain was still pouring down on them like the heavens were tearing up. "Gabe!" she pleaded. Gabriel didn't budge. Unbelieving at his lack of action she made a decision. She was not going to let Rhea down again. After that the seconds seemed to slow down. Maia started to bolt towards Rhea at full speed as Alexander directed the ball of dark light at her oldest friend. She had to make it in time and push Rhea out of the way.

Unbeknownst to her Gabriel pointed a finger at the fast approaching dark energy. . A little light appeared at his fingertip and in a split second he snapped his fingers. The dark energy exploded, wind picking up again. Then his eyes moved towards Rhea and he closed his eyes, mumbling some ancient words.

Maia, almost near Rhea, watched as the light left Rhea's body, leaving behind only what was left of her humanity. Rhea choked as she was stripped from her angelic powers, leaving her mortal. Thus as a mortal, she could not hold herself up against the explosion in front of her and it blew her over the edge of the cliff with a yelp.

"NO!" Maia screamed, diving to grab her friend's hand, dangling her over the cliff. "No, Rhea! Hold on!" She breathed heavily as she tried to keep her friend steady.

Rhea swallowed as she looked down at the canyon below her. She bit her lip as tears formed her eyes. She was human again. But being this way also meant she was outside of Alexander's control. She was freed from his mind tricks. She remembered everything. She closed her eyes and smiled sadly. "Thomas…Daniël." she thought and looked up at Maia. Her best friend. Who tried to save her. As she had wanted to so many years ago, yet Rhea had asked her to let her go. And now…she was going to ask again.

"Maia…" Rhea said in a calm voice.

Maia tried with all the power left in her body to keep her friend from falling down into the canyon. She was weakened after her encounter with Alexander, Rhea could tell. She breathed heavily and her face was covered in burns, scratches and cuts. Her arms were dirty and bloody. Rhea's smile grew warmer.

"Maia, look at me." Rhea said.

Maia opened her eyes, which had been squinted shut by the effort.

"It's over Maia. You don't have to save me. You can let go."

"No! I can't let you go Rhea. Not again!" Maia sounded desperate. Her hands were slippery from the blood, making it very difficult to pull her friend up.

"You have to. This is what I want."

Maia chuckled, it sounded like a half sob. "That's what you said last time. And look at us now."

"Maia." Rhea said, determined. "Let me go. I want to…Let me be with my boys." Tears streamed down her face. "I miss them…so much." Rhea watched her friend's determination tear down. "Emily…" she said.

This made Maia stare at her in shock.

"Let go…" she pleaded.

Maia shook her head slowly, eyes wide, her grip loosened just a bit. Rhea nodded, smiling as she whispered 'It's okay'. And then…Maia let her go. She watched her friend falling down. Smiling up at her. "Thank you." Rhea mouthed. And then she disappeared into the mist.

It all went silent. Maia could've sworn her ears stopped working. She could only stare at where Rhea just had been. Not breathing…she just stared. Shocked at what she had just done. Then slowly her shoulders shook and she cried softly.