Chapter 1: Something Strange.
25, September 2014
Noelle stood atop a building, looking out over the lights of Redgrave City. They had been stationed here for six months now. The townhouse they had bought, though modernly updated, was slightly smaller than the one they had shared back in NYC. She rubbed a faded scar along her exposed midriff. Something about tonight felt off. Her mind had been wandering a lot lately. The move to this city was something she had almost begged her brother and Michael to allow. Something called her here, and it wasn't just the influx of demons after the Qliphoth incident that was felt across the world. Something, good or evil, wanted her here. She just hadn't figured out what. As the sun set over Fortuna, the city across the bay, Noelle let out a sigh in the cool Autumn air.
Noelle turned away from the setting sun and sat on the raised edge of the rooftop. She felt the familiar tingle as her snowy white wings appeared and stretched out behind her. At twenty-five years old, Noelle had filled out beautifully. Her soft curves were accentuated by slightly wider hips and full chest. Her abdomen was toned from years of training and fighting demons, giving her an hourglass figure. She stood at an average height of 5'7 and did her best to keep her weight up, as her higher metabolism made it a struggle. Her snowy white wings gave her away though. Of the seven Valkyrie, Noelle had matured to the largest wingspan. At nine feet wide from tip to tip, her wings paralleled Michaels in size. She stretched out the joints and flexed them before leaning back and letting go of the edge of the roof.
The ground came at her quickly as she flipped through the air to get her feet beneath her, but a flap of her powerful wings slowed her descent enough to only cause her to hit one knee upon landing. She brushed the dirt off her black leather jacket and her dark wash skinny jeans. Her black pearlescent Ducati sat in the alleyway she had landed in, and she smiled as she tucked her hair into her shiny black helmet. She straddled the bike and let it roar to life as she pulled out of the alley and headed back through the city. The ride was short, but enough for her to get distracted from the thoughts plaguing her mind. She parked her bike in the drive of the little townhouse, killing the engine to not draw attention from the neighbors. The house was dark as she stepped inside, save for a light on in the kitchen. A note on the counter told her that Alexis would be out late, working at the hospital again.
Noelle headed upstairs to shower. Her familiar scents of strawberries and roses wafted from her bodywash as she let the heat soak into her bones. Steam billowed out of the open bathroom door into her room. She didn't waste any time drying and curling her waist-length brunette hair. After applying her light makeup and toweling off her body, she stepped into a matching white lace set of undergarments and stepped to her large closet. Thumbing along hangers, she selected a tight pair of dark wash bootcut jeans with rhinestone pockets. She slid them on, shimmying them over her hips and wrapping a white studded belt around her hips to accent them. She slipped a white crop top on that had mesh long sleeves with rhinestone cuffs on the wrists and white fishnet from the bottom of her breasts to her navel. She cleaned and placed her strawberry navel piercing and added her studded white choker and her black cowboy boots. Checking herself in the mirror, she collected her wallet and her keys, leaving the house.
The streets were dark as her bike coasted out of the drive, the engine purring as she headed back into the city. She aimed for Rose Underground; a bar owned by an old friend that she had known for a while. She parked her bike and pulled the key, stepping away and into the dimly lit bar. She took a seat on the bar stool, ordering a whiskey on the rocks and turning to face the dance floor. The bar had a DJ spinning every Friday night and she usually came to dance. Tonight was no different as she scanned for a worthy dance partner. Her eyes lingered on a man at the end of the bar. His red duster was a dead giveaway. Reputation preceded him and she had been warned he lived in this city. She had had a few close calls with run ins with his business partners. Her emerald eyes met his over the rim of the cut glass tumbler as she sipped her whiskey. His silvery white hair and slight stubble had butterflies in her stomach as he offered her a cocky grin.
The Red Devil himself was soon seated next to her, nursing a beer as he leaned on the bar with one arm. His eyes raked over her body, taking her slim figure and pretty features in. Something about her was off, but he couldn't pinpoint it. He had been tracking the presence of angels around the city for months. Every Friday night he felt their presence leading here. Tonight, had yet to trend the same way but he was anticipating it. The beauty of a brunette at the bar had met his eyes and he figured he would pass time while he waited.
"So, what brings a pretty girl like you into a place like this?" He asked.
"They usually have good music," Noelle said, swirling the whiskey in her glass. "I like to let loose and dance after a long week."
"Oh yeah?" The man in red asked. "Well, there's always a good band or DJ here on Fridays. A pretty thing like you shouldn't be dancing alone."
"I'm never really alone," she said absently. "My names Noelle, by the way."
"Dante. I haven't seen you around before. Are you new in town?"
Noelle shook her head. "Kind of. I moved here with my sister about six months ago. We bought a townhouse in a nice neighborhood."
"That explains why we haven't met before." Dante said.
Noelle simply nodded. She was well aware of the reputation the Devil Hunter had with women. Her past had her very wary of men, but there was no denying the attraction to the male beside her. And what woman wouldn't want him? Dante was tall, built, and hot. Any woman sharing his bed would be lucky. She wasn't sure if she would be able to keep herself free of loose strings if she became involved with the Devil Hunter. She also wasn't in it for a hook up. Noelle had sworn off relationships after her last. She sipped her drink again, setting the empty glass on the bar and ordering another.
Dante watched the brunette. Something about her had him intrigued. She wasn't like other women in this city. Most knew of his reputation and avoided him if they hadn't already been one of his hook ups. But this woman… She made him stop and rethink the whole one-night stand thing. He had never thought about the possibility of settling down. Not many humans would willingly want a half demon as a lover in the first place. He was always guarded with woman, always keeping a tight leash on his control. Noelle… He thought. She could be different. She definitely seemed different from the others.
Noelle kept an eye on the man beside her as she worked through her second drink. By the time she had finished it, she was ready to get out of the stuffy bar. She paid her tab and slipped out, aware of the man following her. As she stepped into the cool fall night, she walked to her bike. A sudden spike in energy had her cursing under her breath. Demons would pick the worst time to show up. She grabbed a worn cigarette pack from a pouch strapped to her bike and made her way to the alley behind the bar. Two Hell Caina snarled at her as she rounded the corner, surprised by the closeness. They must have sensed her or Dante and come looking. She wouldn't have enough room in the narrow alley for her wings. She began to summon her weapons when a flash of steel cut into the first demon.
Dante wasted no time in handling the two minor demons. He had barely broken a sweat as he flicked the blood off his blade and let it return to wherever he sent it when not in use. He turned to look at Noelle, cautious as he approached her. She stepped back, hesitant to let him get closer when she had almost revealed her true nature to him. This was yet another close call. She just shook her head, lighting a cigarette and taking a long drag.
"Well, that was intense." She said as she flicked her cig. "Nice work."
"You seem pretty used to seeing those things." Dante said with a bit of surprise. "You a hunter too?"
"I've seen a lot in my life." She countered, dodging his question. "Things like that have always been after me. I just got lucky getting away from them."
"Must have had a heck of a guardian angel." Dante chuckled.
"You have no idea." Noelle muttered, finishing her smoke, and putting it out. She headed for her bike once more, Dante following her.
The red devil whistled at the sight of the Ducati as she straddled the bike and held her helmet in her lap. He met her gaze again, standing just inside her personal space. She tucked her pack of cigarettes back in the pouch on her bike and flipped her hair over her shoulder.
"That's a pretty nice ride. Guess this means I'll see you around." Dante said as his gaze lingered over her body once more.
"I'll try not to get into any more trouble with those things." Noelle said.
"Well, I'd be happy to save you again if you do. See you around Noelle." Dante said with a smirk.
Noelle slipped her helmet on and started her bike, taking off from the bar and heading to the outskirts of the city. She ended up at the docks that looked out over the bay. Across the water was Fortuna and she could see the flickering lights reflecting on the water from the newly built bridge connecting the two cities. Noelle found a bench and took a seat, letting her thoughts wander once more.
Dawn broke over Red Grave City as Noelle finally made her way home. She stepped through the door to be met by a very grumpy Alexis. The blonde, a mere inch taller than her best friend, simply shook her head and grabbed her coffee cup before heading upstairs to shower and change out of her scrubs. Noelle poured her own cup of coffee and perched on the cushioned window seat overlooking their small garden. Alexis kept it well maintained though most of the flowers had gone dormant for the season. Noelle watched the sunlight outside as it reflected off the windchimes. She let her thoughts linger on the man she had met at the bar. The strange feeling she had felt since they had arrived in this city had spiked when she was near him. She wasn't sure what it meant, but it had her more confused than before.
After finishing her coffee, Noelle headed upstairs. She stripped off her clothes, forever grateful for the heavy curtains that darkened her room. Her large bed welcomed her, and she quickly faded off into a restless sleep. It wasn't long until she found herself in that white room again. Her brother stood before her, waiting. She sighed and propped her hands on her hips. Gabriel regarded her with a watchful gaze. She could only imagine what he wanted to discuss this time. She leveled her emerald gaze with his smokey grey.
"Gabriel. To what do I owe the pleasure this time?" She asked.
"Sister. You have been on edge during your patrols of the city. Michael was watching. He was concerned. Is everything all right?"
Noelle sighed and shook her head. "I don't know. Something feels off. I feel… Darkness here... But I can't get a read on it. Whatever called me here, it's biding its time. But I know there is a reason I was called to this city. Alexis felt it too."
Gabriel nodded and put a hand on her shoulder. "There are stirrings of energy all around. The Valkyrie are spread thin investigating these things. This may just be a passing thing."
"No." She was adamant. "This isn't a fleeting feeling Gabe. I'm… I'm afraid it's something bad. Worse than we have seen in a long time. And I think it's going to affect us all."
"Keep me updated. We can recall Sage if she is needed. You have access to any research you need. The Devil Hunter may be a valuable resource if you can garner information from him. But do not blow your cover." Gabe cautioned.
"I know. I'll try to get to the bottom of what is going on here. I'm going back out tonight. Alexis might have to work again but if not, I'll take her with me. See what we can find."
Gabe nodded as he began to fade, her world going black as she fell back into sleep. The dreams that plagued her were hard to understand. She was getting flashes of an ancient battle. Demons she had only heard of in the history books kept in the upper archives of the Heavens. She tried to make sense of it all, of whose eyes she was seeing the battle through. But it only ended up with her startling awake in a cold sweat. Alexis stood at the foot of her bed, healing touch glowing on her hands as she rested one on Noelle's leg. The blonde had concern written in her eyes.
"The dreams again?" she asked softly.
Noelle nodded. "I was seeing things through someone else's eyes. It was an ancient battle. But I don't know what it means."
"Your wings formed. I felt it. You almost activated your aura. But it felt dark again. You need to work on that."
"I know Alex. I know. Go get some rest. I'm going out on patrol again tonight." Noelle said as she lay back against the cool pillows.
Her mind raced as the blonde left the room, closing the door behind her. Noelle could feel the thunder of her heart in her chest. She didn't understand why her aura went dark at times. Or why she had these horrible dreams. It had been happening more and more after her accident. Raphael had said it was a byproduct of her humanity. The depression and sadness that humans were susceptible to could be affecting her. There was no cure or fix for it. She had to heal on her own. Accept the past and move on. But it still haunted the brunette woman, even after seven years. She sighed and got up, going to her bathroom, and splashing cool water on her face. The reflection in the mirror was not one Noelle wanted to see. She dried her face and flicked the light off, returning to her bed. Sleep didn't come much easier over the next few hours.
As the sun began to set on the city, Noelle had showered, straightened her hair and put it up in a high ponytail, and donned her usual demon fighting attire. Her black leggings and knee-high leather boots were accented by her black belt that normally held her twin pistols. She slipped on a black crop top and her leather jacket with silver wings stitched into the back that outlined mesh slits in the leather. The mesh was thin and allowed her wings to form through if she needed them. She had a black fabric mask around her neck to cover her face in case she ran into one of the demon hunters in this city and her katana strapped to her back between her shoulder blades. She had no idea what she would encounter tonight as she grabbed her phone and made her way downstairs.
Alexis sat at the kitchen island, reading through an old leatherbound book. She had dressed in white jeans and a white half jacket with a neon pink tank top beneath it. Her twin swords rested on her hip and her white sneakers tapped aimlessly on the leg of the island stool. The blonde had left her waist length hair down, the wavy beach curls bouncing with the movement of her foot. She looked up and pointed to the plate on the counter with a small salad and a sandwich on it. Noelle took the hint, not in the mood to argue with her friend as she leaned against the counter and ate the meal that had been prepared for her. The sun had set already, and the night was calm. It unnerved the warrior as she rinsed her plate and dried her hands on the dishtowel.
"I'm headed out to the docks to check out a few things." Alexis said. "Be careful and call me if you need me."
Noelle watched her close the book and stand, nodding. "Try not to be seen. I'll be in the city making rounds."
Both girls left through their garage, their matching black bikes glistening under the streetlights. Alexis slipped her helmet on after storing her swords in the custom inserts along the sides of the bike. They left the drive at the same time, the blonde heading for the docks in the industrial area and the brunette zipping into the city. Noelle found a dark alley near one of the taller buildings and parked her bike. Her wings formed and helped to lift her to the roof, giving her a view of the land around her. She quickly folded her wings and let them reform into the tattoos on her back, hidden by her jacket. She cursed softly as the familiar sense of the demon hunters sparked against her aura. She didn't want to be discovered and flipped her mask over the lower half of her face.
Alexis had better luck getting out to the docks. That luck was short lived as she parked her bike by the water and noticed a familiar van parked down the boardwalk. The blue neon of the Devil May Cry logo lit the night, and she could make out the features of the white-haired male about her age leaning against the side of the van. She picked the bench nearby to place her helmet and sat, pulling out a book to read by the light of the streetlamp beside the bench. Her peripheral vision caught sight of another male, a bit taller and much older than the first. His katana at his side pulsed and she grimaced. The Yamato was powerful, and she had no intension of it finding out her true nature as she dampened her aura. She only looked up when footsteps approached, shrouding some of the light she was using to read.
"Curious. The Yamato seems to react to you differently from others." The husky voice said. "I am intrigued to know why."
Alexis' cerulean blue eyes met the grey blue of the man before her and widened softly.
"Vergil…" She whispered.
"Hm?" he asked, looking down at her. "You seemed surprised, like you recognized me from somewhere. Yet I know we have never met."
"I don't know what you're talking about." she said softly. 'Deny, deny, deny,' She thought as she cursed herself.
"Lying will get you nowhere. Now you aren't a demon. But you aren't entirely human, are you?" The devil in blue asked.
"Again. I don't know what you are talking about." Alexis said, meeting his steely gaze with one of her own, the tension between them palpable.
A sudden spike of energy had the younger hunter cursing and looking towards the bridge. Demons had appeared over the water, causing both Hunters to turn.
"I'm not done with you." Vergil said as he and the young man turned to take care of the problem. Alexis took the chance to leave the area, her bike carrying her back to the townhouse. She hoped Noelle had less issues.
A/N: Chapter one is complete. We got a bit of a glimpse into our main characters. Red Grave city has done well to rebuild in the two years since Vergil returned. Can Noelle keep her identity hidden? Will romance bud? Continue one to find out.
Disclaimer: I do not own Devil May Cry, its characters, or material. This is purely fanfiction.
Story Available On: Wattpad, AO3,