[Machine Nest]
"Is that an android?" 2B asked with extreme caution. By all means from the way it looked it could pass as one of their own. 9S hesitated. They actually looked like a YoRHa unit but there weren't any adult male types in the faction. Only than did he see a vibrant red iris underneath the veil of white follicles.
"Report: Machine lifeform signal confirmed."
"That's a machine? Why does it look like us?"
"Let's kill it 9S."
2B immediately got into a stance, her samurai blade already materialized.
"Right on. Contact the Bunker Pod." 9S' support unit adhered his words.
"Error: Unable to reach the Bunker." He sucked his teeth. This wasn't good. With communications down Command would have no clue to this machine's existence. The battler waited, not letting her gaze leave the strangely humanoid unit. 9S knew what she was thinking and most likely Command would have the same thought. Prompting him to summon his weapon as well.
"Proposal: Eliminate the machine lifeform."
The battler had already jumped in before her pod could finish.
Virtuous Contract pierced the silent atmosphere. The humanoid lifeform fell to the floor in a pathetic tumble. 2B thought it was a spoof at first, given the visual strangeness of her target she suspected some sort of counterattack. The humanoid flexed its fingers, absentmindedly getting off the ground without any form of acknowledgment. White hair tasseled lightly, the red eye finding their way back to her in silence. 2B dished out a couple of diagonal slices, using the momentum of her body twirls for stronger damage. When the humanoid still remained inactive she got curious and pulled off a devastating maneuver. The battler rushed in and slide on her knees. Her target lost the footing as it fell victim to a low cyclone attack. 2B finished off the combo with a quick swipe. Knocking it a short distance away.
Again the humanoid made no action to retaliate and the YoRHa woman took this as her queue. Throwing caution to wind she launched a full-blown assault. Dishing out a multitude of blows without interruption. For as dumb it was the humanoid could be commended for its durability. Where the normal lifeforms would fall under her blade in a few swipes the humanoid remained in one piece.
2B in her unrelenting macabre got reminded of the countless drone bots she had to destroy back in her manufactured day. All YoRHa units save for the operators must undergo and successfully complete a series of physicals in order to be authorized for surface operations. 2B completed the test with flying colors. Her performance garnered so many points it effectively ranked her as a high performer within the B series. On top of that she garnered a level notoriety in the Bunker. To her the title couldn't matter less. War's never about being popular, it's about fighting for the sake of the future. Same way she breezed through the tests will be the same way she'll take out this special enemy unit.
Or so she thought.
"POD!" 042's frame cracked open like a shell. Revealing a specialized mini-cannon glowing with a brim full of charged energy. It launched a laser of yellow, blasting the machine off its feet and into a pile of dead units. 2B looked at her sword, the glorious marble edge now dripped in a red oily substance. A color that didn't match the usual black oils of machine lifeforms. Instead it appeared to coincide with the red fluids coursing though android bodies.
'Blood…'
"You holding up there 2B?" 9S piped in. With a quick motion, she whipped the substance off Contract. She silently nodded.
"Why did you stay on the sidelines?"
"Well it didn't really look like you needed my help." He pointed to the columns.
"From my calculations this looks like a machine nest." Following his finger 2B spotted the open shell. "I'm guessing this is where that thing came from."
2B looked over the torn and brutalized corpses of the inhabitants. Bodies were missing heads, oil gushes from open tears, wires pulled out beyond intended length. All of this spelled savagery. She's never seen this kind of treatment to the enemy before. Further questioning the motives of the humanoid.
"Is this our target?"
"No one else is here. Doesn't make sense for a machine to attack each other but machines are dumb to begin with."
The scanner's reassurance held reason for 2B. Machine lifeforms are nothing but mindless drones, even going as far as fighting each other for little to no reason. Putting that into effect the area didn't seem so questionable now. "I suppose you're right."
The shuffling from the pile garnered their attention. Out rose the humanoid, a glow outlining the body. Holding a hand on the head it mimicked the actions associated to pain. 2B and 9S shared a look before a chilling cold ran through their backs. Groans reverberated from it's throat.
"An…droid."
It lacked the creaky, robotic voice of a machine. It sounded more akin to them, to an android. The red pupil settled on the pair, putting them on alert.
"Why…fight?"
"What?" 2B questioned. The strange question coming out of the even stranger machine baffled her.
"Don't listen to it 2B! C'mon let's take it out!" 9S righteously declared, not falling for any deception.
2B glanced back at the machine and while she wanted to know more it was better to just destroy it right now before things escalated. She gathered momentum, jumping into the air she performed a spin. Contract coming down in a single fell swoop. Hitting the humanoid lifeform full force.
"Androids…threat…must…fight…"
2B didn't like the sound of that. Once again she closed the distance with a butterfly kick, landing down she thrusted forward. Sliding across the sand in a train of inertia she lead with the tip of her sword. Stabbing the lifeform in the chest, digging itself deep but not enough to hit anything vital. Only a trickle of blood.
"Sword. Dodge…projectile…deflect."
Against her better judgement the humanoid grabbed Contract by the edge. Pulling it with no second thought 2B was flung overhead. She landed onto a sliding kneel. She ordered pod to fire. 042 opened it's rectangular panels, blasting a flurry of energy bullets. The humanoid grunted and chucked a machine body straight at them. 2B and 042 jumped to the side only for another body to home in on her position. The humanoid had quickly learned the effectiveness of using the surrounding environment to its advantage. The battler and support unit remained stuck on their toes. An endless supply of machine corpses served as good ammo to keep them away. Too bad it didn't notice her partner.
9S came from the sides. Shooting out a palm which produced an electrical orb. It zapped the humanoid out of its concentration. The scanner used his other arm for a second shock, it only made the machine more mad. Concerned 9S quickly pushed both hands together to form a giant surge of voltage that swallowed the humanoid whole. Baring its teeth the humanoid experienced an overflow to the body. 9S held his end and applied more electricity. The humanoid groaned harshly, shaky limbs now hardening as it slowly took a step forward.
"Punch…kick…" In a surprising leap the humanoid closed the distance with a reeled back arm. 9S dispelled the orb as the machine practically overshadowed him. He dashed in the nick of time as its fist dug into the sandy floor. 153 fired the mini turret but the humanoid took off in a sprint. 9S watched it near his position, its adapting at a frightening pace. Summoning Cruel Oath he launched the golden sword into a spinning boomerang. The humanoid merely hopped over it and stretching the landing with a descending kick. 9S hopped back. The machine pulled a sloppy jab but the scanner wasn't a fool to take it at face value. Ducking he placed his palm to the abdomen and produced a shock. It only staggered the unit by a small margin as it swiped viscously at him.
9S jumped back, hands touching the ground and flipping him to his feet. As the humanoid reached out it heard the returning whoosh of Oath. A slicing sensation ripped its back and stumbled forward. The scanner smirked, his sword's handle he swung for vertical slice. Only for the humanoid to tumble into a roll, making 9S miss but also hazily sticking its legs out. Kicking the YoRHa boy square in the face. Recovering, the humanoid went for a leg sweep, making 9S fall to the ground. No time for recovery was given. A hand latched onto his ankle against the scanner's own judgement.
"POD! LOOK OUT!"
"Report: Unable to-"
9S and 153 would collide. Taking flight he hugged the black-and-red pod into an unceremonious tumble.
2B rejoined the fight. Getting in close proximity she aimed for the humanoid's neck. However as she did so it trapped her blade between the palms. They would both exchange a toothy frown as Contract would be forced down. At the same time the humanoid pushed back and lifted the edge away from its head.
"NOW POD!" A beam would blast the humanoid from behind. Cringing it would lessen the hold and allow 2B to free her blade and redirect it for the neck. To her disappointment it would duck. The humanoid would grab her by the waist and attempt to overwhelm her balance. Planting her heels 2B would stop that attempt and break free.
2B found herself ducking. The humanoid's fist narrowly missed her. It delivered another bare strike to which she evaded. Twirling offside she sent her blade flying in her place. The humanoid didn't dodge this time and tried to catch the blade instead. It overestimated it's tenacity. Red dripped from the palms. 2B took the opportunity to straight up deck the machine's nose. Followed with a train of boomerang throws of Contract that greatly pushed it back. The YoRHa woman would performed a monstrous upper cleave, bringing them into the air. This time she threw her weapon like a javelin, carrying her opponent back to Earth.
The bleeding humanoid would send an amateur haymaker. Catching 2B off guard and marking her in the chin. Another punch landed on her gut that brewed more undesirable sensations to the abdomen. Gritting her teeth 2B would wait for another hit and when it did she would disappear into multiple figures. A single silhouette wiped the blood off her nose. Sending a death glare to the unit she reconfigured back into original form. A second before she struck the enemy would scream out in surprise. Grasping the sides of its head in pain. Confused 2B looked around and found the scanner on a knee, arms held forward.
9S couldn't believe it. Normal machine units were so easy to infiltrate he could invade their bodies with just a wave of his palm. In this case the humanoid had defenses that required a good amount of his skills to take down. He managed to hack in yes but it took longer than protocol would allow. With his data now in the humanoid maybe he'll find the answer as to why it looked so…human. An image resembling 9S fell through a tunnel of code. A brightness met at the end of the tunnel, one 9S was familiar with.
A vast area of virtual space filled the surroundings, he landed on a platform. Taking a moment he took it all in. Sharp and angular objects floated in the distance so far out of his reach. The sounds of his footsteps ruined the ambient calmness.
"Nothing weird so far."
9S was accustomed to it, this place was just a tiny fragment of the unknown sea that is the machine network. For as long as androids were around little is known about it. Due to the overwhelming presence of the machines it would make sense for them to infiltrate the hive mind virtually. On the contrary Commander strictly prohibits any scanner from doing so. Her reason was given the little knowledge of the network they could easily fall into a trap. The risk of infection wasn't worth compromising the Bunker. They have been making a noticeable impact on machine production with brute force alone. If YoRHa kept playing their cards right the machine lifeforms should be no more in the next decade or two. While not a pretty time estimate realistically wiping out a planet worth of enemy units wasn't gonna be done overnight.
He kept on walking, reaching close to the middle of the platform. Suddenly walls grew around him, trapping 9S into a makeshift trap. A red beacon descended from the eternal void right in front of him. Leaving behind a black orb protected by a dome of flowing rings. The scanner knew what was to come next, more beacons shined around the protected orb. Smaller orbs of the same dark color sprawled in a random manner. His holographic visage moved out of the way giving him enough time to release his own digital firepower. Glowing pellets flowed at a rapid rate blasting through the black orb's own with breeze. Despite the abundant amount 9S really only needed 1 hit. The black orbs erupted in pixelated explosions, taking them down with no trouble. Another wave spawned with some new additions.
3 totems appeared at certain points of the area. Along with the black spheres were white pyramids. He's familiar with the cylinders but the pyramids were a newcomer. 9S tried his luck and shot his fire at the pointy shapes, none penetrated through and redirected in random directions. The scanner not wanting to get caught up in his own fire got away, unknowingly placing himself in front of a totem.
"Gah!" He felt 1 of his 2 shields crack before turning into pixelated code. 9S dodged another orb that would've really set him up for trouble. He blasted away at the totem, destroying it entirely. The scanner came face to face with the pyramids, they've swarmed him. 9S blasted his way through the orbs until he saw a peculiar slab of black attached to the backs. Curiously he shot it and the pyramid went up in blocky smoke. 9S smiled, he maneuvered around the slowly turning shapes and attacked their vulnerable backs. Taking out the second totem in the process
"Nice try."
Picking up the pace he eliminated the rest of the remaining orbs. Working his way and eventually reached the final cylinder. He destroyed it. The protected dome relinquished, the cage dissolving into nothingness.
"All in a day's work of the superior number 9 model." He couldn't help but give himself a pat on the back. With the defensive program destroyed he should be able to gain access to the humanoid. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation, pulling out the HUD of the machine.
His cheery attitude instantly went awry.
"No access? But I should have control." He pressed various buttons across the holographic screen. Nothing was working.
"Huh?" Thanks to the translucent lighting of the HUD 9S spotted a shape that wasn't there a moment ago. Exiting it out he walked up to the mysterious white rectangular slab. A polygon protruded at the side, when he got closer he figured out what this was supposed to be.
A door.
'If that masked machine had memories of the past. What about this unit?' 9S reached out for the knob but suddenly felt a pull. A force far greater than his own dragged him out of the virtual world, sending him back through the tunnel of code and returning to reality.
9S opened his eyes, reeling in the odd feeling that always came when returning to his body. Usually in the act of a successful hacking he would always exit the unit manually. This was different, not only did he not get access to the mutant's controls but he felt like something kicked him out. 9S awakened, face covered in sand. 2B forced him up by the shoulders.
"What happened?"
"It kicked me out."
"Kicked you out?"
"I don't know how but it did. This machine's too dangerous for it's own good. We need to stop it fast!"
The mutant stood over high above on a machine construct. Hugging itself for an unknown reason. Despite the situation 9S noticed a twitch in movements. Maybe his hacking did have some success.
"What's it doing now?" 2B begrudgingly asked. The sky soon filled with multiple volleys of energy. Enough to warrant the YoRHa duo to split up as the ground trembled. Craters of sand and scrap flew everywhere. The battler and the scanner engaged in a nonstop turn of carthwheels to avoid the raging storm. Both the pods intercepted the machine, blasting away their built-in cannons. A forcefield enveloped the unit making the bullets bounce off like rubber. This action in turn stopped the meteor shower. Giving the YoRHa pair time to catch their breath. Thick dust filled the air like fog, obscuring everything in sight.
"2B you there?" A hand gripped his arm and through his visor he was able to make out her delicate glove.
"We can't…keep doing this forever." 2B spat out a small amount of dust.
"You got that right."
9S rubbed his face clean. His annoyance for the particles suddenly gave him an idea. With the internal systems destroyed and the bleeding it was sustaining the humanoid should be nearing its breaking point.
"Hey I got a plan. That darn thing might think it's invincible but I think I know a way to lower the defenses."
The humanoid searched for the silhouettes of the YoRHa duo somewhere within the cloudy atmosphere. A dark shadow moved around accompanied by the sounds of trotting sand. Honing in on its target the humanoid descended from the spires. A grand slam was heard throughout the nest as the dust leavened. The special unit quickly realized something was wrong. Fist was buried in the sand right next to one of the pods drifting the perimeter. The support unit proceeded to unleash the mini-turret at point blank. Protecting its face the machine lifeform immediately pounced upon 042. Reading the intent it hovered away.
2B made herself known striking at the obliques faster than it could react. The humanoid grew frustrated and went to kick her. She hopped away in time for 042 to unleash its pellets upon it. Overwhelmed by the firepower the lifeform attempted to teleport but a surprising blast of energy shocked it from behind. 9S dashed at the right time. As the machine aimed to grab him 153 distracted it with non-stop shooting.
2B went ahead and kicked the back of the leg, forcing the humanoid to kneel. Cruel Oath went ahead and sliced away the torso in a figure 8 loop. The battler shredded the backside with her sharp and precise twirl arounds while 9S danced away in his own mimicry. The YoRHa duo ended off their combos with an upward cleave. 042 unleashed a beam that reached the machine. Stunning it further as it fell back down, silenced pain riddled in it's expression. It's landing spot would be littered in a volley of energy bombs courtesy of 153. Juggling the humanoid around in an erratic fashion.
9S could see the twitching becoming more apparent. Smirking he sprinted to his target which by now received the last of pod's punishment. Jumping up he braced himself and made a war cry as he drove Cruel Oath into the bleeding slits. The tip slid in easily followed by the upper portion, looks like his plan was coming into full fruition.
"Androids…"
The humanoid in a final act of resilience managed to break out of the stun-lock and thrashed around violently. Halting 9S' progress and holding on so he wouldn't get flung off. Troubled cries escaped the scanner as the machine moved around erratically. This was bad, if 9S couldn't push his blade inside than he won't be able to kill it.
"ANDROIDS!"
In his saving grace 2B came in to save the day. Yelling, she ran Virtuous Contract straight into the more damaged parts of the chest. The humanoid gasped and stopped the rampage. 2B stepped forward as did 9S, teeth clenched as they poured more strength into their stabs. A squelching sound could be heard as white and golden tips ripped out of the skin. Contract and Oath finally managed to pierce through the humanoid's dense body.
"AUGH!" Blood sprayed from the machine lifeform. Spraying a fair amount of red on 2B and 9S respectively. The machine screamed once more, strength now draining away. Ensuring its last moments the battler shoved her pommel with the ball of her hand, burying the blade's guard against wet skin.
"An…dro…ids…" Red pupils slowly closed shut.
When the humanoid went limp did they release their weapons.
"Target…eliminated." 2B declared, a little tired out by the ordeal.
"It's over. We did it." 9S gave her a victorious smile. "Nice work 2B."
In the act of cleaning her blade free of blood 2B glanced at him. "Likewise."
Feeling relieved, he peered over to the special lifeform to get better analysis of what they just slain. However in the moment of triumph dread would immediately consume it. A bright light glowed from the machine's chest. They immediately brought their weapons at the ready. A hand emerged, then an arm, then a head, then a torso, soon an entire body crawled out.
"You have to be kidding." From the long white hair down to the feet it was an exact copy of the original. It looked at them with a stare that spoke of nothing other than rage. It led out an ear-screeching shriek. They covered their ears in response, the sheer volume shook the very core of the nest. The spires began to fall, sand started to collapse from the walls. The very egg of which the original spawned fell in between the parties, separating them.
"2B! WE GOTTA GET OUT OF HERE!" 9S had already found an exit route. 2B gave this place one final glance before following suit.
The copy by now had the original in their arms. Face shifted to one of sadness, speaking a word that wasn't audible amongst the chaos. A white light consumed both of them, a second later they vanished leaving the area to be covered in rubble.
[City Ruins]
The double-notched Rebellion pushed against the sharply-crafted Yamato. Dante flashed a cocky grin. Vergil gave a confident smirk. Pushing against the other in their battle of strength. Devil arm grinded against devil arm. The slightest slip could cost them. Dante shoved his foot in. Vergil set his down, halting the devil hunter's progress.
"What's wrong? Did Mr. High and Mighty lose his touch?"
A deep chuckle escaped the blue-cladded man.
"Your assumption symbolizes your arrogance."
Yamato's edge moved into Rebellion's notched tip and forced the break of contact. The darkslayer immediately went to work. Driving his katana in long and wide swings. Forcing Dante to step back more and more. The younger brother knew better than to let him pull the strings. Finding his rhythm Rebellion found its place and retaliated against the rival devil arm. Gaining back his dominance, putting them back onto equal footing. Prior fights taught Dante how resilient Vergil's guard could be whilst he attacked the front. Therefore in midst of slashes the devil hunter seemingly vanished. Moving at in a hasty red blur.
Dante's form came trucking in from the side. Vergil scoffed at this pitiful attempt. With confidence he delivered an intercepted punch, effectively stopping the Rebellion. Hand already on the sheathed Yamato the darkslayer launched his blade in an explosive swing. Though despite how fast it was the devil hunter moved back into his evasive style, leaving his katana cutting only air. Dante reappeared again, already having his sword going down diagonally. The hit didn't land so he stepped forward, rewinding the swing. Twisting his form the devil hunter delivered a third strike from the opposite angle. Yamato blocked the combo. Vergil prepared a counter but Dante again slipped away. The darkslayer calmly awaited, eyes picking up signs of the speedy brother moving all around the room.
Two can play at that game.
Wind played against the ends of his hair. Vergil vanished but placed himself close by. Dante attacked the previous spot leaving him open. The darkslayer swiped his scabbard for the younger brother's dumb-looking face. He brought it back for another hit but both attacks were blocked by the Rebellion. Grunting Vergil grabbed Yamato's handle to execute another cannon-like swing. Dante yelled, delivering an overhead haymaker at the same time. Stopping the swing midway through. The darkslayer wasn't impressed and vanished into his own speedy blur. Black and brown boots slid across the ground. Dante managed to react in time and block. Staring each other down from opposite ends the Sons of Sparda smirked and vanished.
Slashes of the Yamato clashed against Rebellion's guard.
Dante flipped over the air, escaping the path of his blitzing twin.
He chucked his longsword straight at Vergil, only to get deflected and chip the wall.
From the distance you could make out a small flickering light at the top of the skyscraper. In reality they were a series of sparks caused by the fast collisions of metal. Over and over Dante and Vergil tried and failed to successfully land a hit. The devil arms were no longer visible appearing merely as invisible streaks. The peeking sunlight highlighted their forms and showing the determination in their eyes. At the same time they would launch a powerful attack. Making a collision that sent the twin brothers flying back in opposite directions.
Dante and Vergil skidded to a halt.
"It's been a minute since I've gotten a good warm-up."
"For once I agree with you Dante."
The younger twin couldn't help but be humored at that. Rarely did they ever get on the same page. Either the older brother was actually happy to see him or he's having a bad day. The darkslayer did that habit of his. Brushing his hair to keep it from falling down. What did leave his scalp were tiny particles of sand which didn't go unnoticed.
"Having a rough day Verg?"
"To an extent." He stubbornly admitted.
"Aww poor little Vergil woke up on the wrong side of the bed."
The teasing garnered a scowl.
"I wouldn't be in such a joking manner considering our situation."
"Yeah?" Dante played the usual stupid game.
"Don't tell me you haven't realized it? Or did that smooth brain of yours suffer more damage than usual?"
Vergil transferred the devil arm between hands, gathering an assessment of an impossible predicament he found themselves in.
"This realm resembling the human world isn't the same one we're familiar with. It's a different time period without the influence of the underworld. I'd argue it's against Mundus' intentions. By the time he intervened the Temen-Ni-Gru was already losing connection to Hell. His folly is what ultimately transported us to where we are now."
Instantly the info from Anemone came back to Dante. Answering some questions regarding the state of hell and why Mundus hadn't taken over yet. Honestly he wasn't too far off from Vergil's conclusion but he just wasn't sure. This confirmed it. Making the devil hunter realize how actually fucked they are.
Vergil kicked a nearby machine corpse. Dante ducked, it flew right out of the wall's opening. Messy hair covered the younger sibling's eyes.
"Don't believe me?"
Dante clenched his fist. "You may be an asshole but you don't lie."
Vergil began to pace sideways, prompting his twin to do the same. "Despite this setback my plan of acquiring power remains my main priority."
Dante scoffed bitterly "Even now you still want power. What are you gonna do? Fight all the soda cans you see? PS you just said there's no demons around. So what's the point?"
"I'm more than aware of that factor but unlike you I embrace what I am. The swords of Sparda, more specifically the Yamato is said to contain the power to cut open anything, such as the fabric of space and time. If I get stronger than I should be able to perfect the Yamato to the fullest and open a portal back to our world."
That explains how he popped out of the blue. Dante didn't know Yamato could do that. Maybe the Rebellion had some hidden power too that he also didn't know about. Dante didn't have an alternative plan and since this realm had no ties to the demon world he doubted there's any gateways of the sort lying around.
"So what? You wanna team up again?"
A twinkle shined against Dante's amulet.
"Foolishness. That won't be necessary. All I need from you is to be a good little brother and hand over your amulet."
The devil hunter narrowed his eyes. Even in a different world that lust for power ceased to die. What's it going to take for Vergil to pull his head out of his ass? Disappointed but not openly showing it he spun the Rebellion around and pointed it forward. Once again prepared to fight his brother like so many times before.
"Ready for another ass whooping Vergil?"
"Don't get ahead of yourself Dante. This outcome will be different."
Setting the gears back in motion Vergil acted first. Starting out as a dash he unmasked his blade. In doing so invisible but audible lightning fast slashes accompanied his person. Making him a blazing train of death that left nothing in his path unscathed. Dante evaded to higher elevation, allowing his rival to end the attack on a spinning kneel. Landing he whipped out his shotgun in an attempt to blast the older brother's face to next year. Vergil quickly smacked it away as it glowed red. The shotgun went spiraling across the room, releasing a blast into the foundation's tree. Dante evaded Vergil's frontal assault.
Vergil reloaded his blade and that's when Dante acted. Leaving behind a red blur the devil hunter lunged with Rebellion tip first. He drew first blood, nailing it in Vergil's chest. The devil hunter took the opportunity to stab and jab and poked his brother at such quick succession he created a wall of swords. The older brother gathered his bearings, blocking the offensive wall by his forearms. Dante brought his Rebellion in for a more powerful jab. Vergil was quicker, unleashing his Yamato into an upper slash. Catching his twin and knocking him back with a downward release.
The darkslayer vanished to a different spot and got onto a wide, bent, stance. Looking at his brother over the shoulder Vergil executed his most infamous technique. A blue vortex of destruction rampaged through the room. Whatever existed in it's path was dissected down to the smallest degree. Dante saw the approaching orb and instead of running he got into his own stance. Bending both knees, he motioned his arms around his center. The orb reached, engulfing him entirely. White slashes encompassed the space, swallowing Dante whole. Air pressure erupted as the orb dissipated. The devil hunter was unharmed.
Vergil took off in a speedy blitz. Dante braced himself and calmly strolled forward. The moment the darkslayer unleashed his wrath the devil hunter dished out his palm. Red mist encapsulated his figure. Instantly Dante was on the other side while Vergil was catapulted into the air. Flicking his nose the devil hunter readied his blade and waited for Vergil to fall back. Spinning around he would attack but the darkslayer already recovered and vanished.
Dante tumbled. An array of mirage blades digging into his back. Getting up would be useless as Vergil kicked him in the jaw. The devil hunter received a flurry of slashes that littered the floor in his blood. Escaping in a burst of speed he positioned himself from above. Driving his blade down the attack was somehow blocked. Vergil and Dante exchanged blows whilst the devil hunter fell to the floor. Keeping his younger brother busy Vergil summoned a ring of summoned swords. A defense that overwhelmed the devil hunter allowing the darkslayer to knock him across the room.
The devil hunter called forth a firearm. A demonically crafted weapon consisting of metal latches and a surprisingly heavenly face. Charging it up while Vergil sent a number of ghostly blades his way.
"Don't let me down Artemis."
Shooting the hellish firearm produced an orb that divided into smaller variants. When the mirages neared those orbs morphed into sharp rays and killed them off. Dante produced another blast for his dear brother. Vergil vanished to escape a projectile. Unsheathing his katana he deflected 3 rays. He rolled to his side to dodge another. 4 came in unison and Vergil was fast enough to avoid them all. The remaining orbs he took care of with his summoned swords. The darkslayer shoved his sheath backwards, causing the hidden Dante to hunch over in pain. Vergil did an upward slash, bringing both parties into the air.
The brothers exchanged blows before Vergil sent the younger brother flying down. Dante bounced from the impact and landed on top of a machine corpse. A sweep to the floor and Dante was riding it like a skateboard. Summoning Artemis and his shotgun he blasted everything in the top floor. Rays shooting in random directions. Shotguns blasts throwing machines around. He created his own personal skatepark of chaos. Dante saw the ghostly swords giving chase and kicked his "skateboard" at them. Landing on top of a pile of junk he chucked a body at Vergil who took it down no problem.
The devil hunter grabbed another and repeating the action. The older brother once more sliced it apart but saw a third following shortly behind. Another took it's place, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and an-
"ENOUGH!"
Vergil cried.
A response soared through the air in the form of another.
The darkslayer sliced the machine body apart but was swiftly met with a barrage of magical rays. Standing his ground Vergil met them head on. Using the protective sheathe the darkslayer deflected them in quick succession. Dante quickly came in and they engaged in another clash. Completely ignorant to the amount of damage they've down to the buildings infrastructure. Years of erosion and war left the concrete in a shaky state. Pair that with the damage they've done including the singed, damaged tree root only sped up the inevitable.
The building rumbled to which the brothers had noticed.
Dante broke for the exit. Vergil following in pursuit.
Dante ran down the side of the skyscraper. Behind him, a crumbling concrete avalanche. Each step taken was another second of not getting wiped out by the impending destruction. He caught something on the corner of his eye and Dante parried Vergil. The darkslayer kept his own pace of descent but his eyes remained on his rival.
"YAH!" Dante jumped whilst still keeping his speed. Going in for a strike Vergil met with his own. The attack creating a spark on contact. The darkslayer maneuvered to deliver a kick. Dante blocked it and went to drive his blade into his brother's heart. The darkslayer fended it off as the two continued to race down the self-destroying building. Their forms have blurred to the colors of their clothes. Blue met red multiple times. Dancing in the heat of the moment like moths around a growing flame.
Vergil was thrown off the building, unable to get his feet back on. Seeing this Dante in turn jumped, lifting the Rebellion overhead and plunging it down. The attack catapulted his speed, heating the tip of Rebellion.
Yamato lit up in a blue aura, Vergil reached for his blade. The avalanche had caught up, obscuring their figures just as they were about to meet.
Animals ran at the sight of the fallen building. Reinvigorated by the deathly quake the ground had received. Nearby stubbies watched it fall, curious at the cause of it's destruction. Far away a couple of androids came out from hiding, watching the tall skyscraper devolve to a crumbling disaster. Back at the sight all was quiet, the absence of wildlife made everything an eerie calm.
Not for long.
Sprouting from their backs chiropteran wings lifted them out the rubble. Human bodies engulfed in light, morphing their appearance into something unrecognizable to this world. Gifted by the blood of their father they underwent a transformation resembling monstrous reptilian creatures. Dante's hair hardened into jagged spikes which also encapsulated the jawline. Masking the upper face was skin more leathery than his coat. The remaining parts from the nose down changed to a charcoal black. An illuminated crack encompassed his chest, sending streaks across his torso. Red scales encapsulated his entire frame. Arms covered with protruding ends. His lower body resembling molten rock. Sharp claws at his hands and taloned feet further added to the transformation.
Opposite from the devil hunter was Vergil. His signature hairstyle melded into a fin-shaped crown and shared a similar appearance to Dante's hellish face. A V-shaped light ran down from the ends of the shoulders and intersecting near the pelvis. The arms were covered by a layer of scaly, vibrant blue. It also came in streaks for his otherwise charcoal legs. His hands and feet also bearing deadly claws and talons. Overall Vergil's form looked far sleeker as opposed to Dante's bulkier build. However Dante and Vergil's eyes shared a unique gleam of yellow. Like machine lifeforms and androids alike they were fueled with the need to fight.
The Sons of Sparda have awakened and this world will witness their power.
Vergil casted aside the Yamato and brought out a different blade. Dante recognized the broadsword with the W-shaped guard. The devil hunter could feel the knowing pride his brother was exuding. Vergil's yellow eyes stared intently into the newly formed gauntlets Dante used to block his attack. The devil hunter shot him a teasing smirk for the devil arm used to be in the possession of Vergil. Harnessed from the soul of the lightbeast Beowulf is the manifestation of gauntlets and greaves. Reminiscent of the slain demon it harbored an animalistic design. Flashy light produced across the unique material. Dante stopped the Force Edge in one hand. The other was already in a fist positioned at the back, the gauntlet lluminating more light than usual. He directed his fist square into the blue demon's face.
The moment it happened their demonic bodies moved at speeds incomprehensible for any eye. Dante unleashed a combination of punches and kicks that would make the most professional fighters die from exhaustion. Whilst Vergil maneuvered the Force Edge as if he's been in possession of it for his whole life. The sounds of battle traveled across the area garnering the attention of a brave machine lifeform. The stubby hopped its little way over to the place of the ruined skyscraper.
Dante sucker punched the snot of the blue devil, blood dribbling from his nose. Following it up with a multitude of haymakers left the older twin staggered even more. The red devil flew into the air before descending down with a leading foot. He kicked his brother back. Dante flew past him to the other end, kneeling down with an illuminated fist. Timing it perfectly the devil hunter landed an uppercut to the airborne Vergil. Time itself seemed to slow down, highlighting the multi-damage. Fluids leaked from the darkslayer's monstrous face. To top the crazy performance off Dante extended his leg and became a kicking helicopter. Pulling his brother into the whirlwind and ending with an axe kick. He descended and punched the darkslayer to the ground, producing a geyser of light that spanned across the surroundings.
The devil trigger state allowed them to tank in more damage than their human forms. Recovering in no time Vergil escaped Dante's reach. Putting his hand into the air Vergil snapped his fingers. In his current form he summoned a ghostly platoon. The sky rained mirage blades, impaling anything and everything in sight. Not even the elusive Dante could dodge such an insane amount. Getting stabbed all around his body, the devil hunter found himself slowed down. The odd effect allowed Vergil to get in and hack away at his brother.
The Force Edge carved numerous cuts across the body. Eating away at the reptilian flesh. Vergil didn't hesitate to give slashes and a couple of jousting stabs straight to the abdomen. Continuing his onslaught the darkslayer commanded a set of mirages from behind. Shooting out at the speed of bullets it damaged the devil hunter greatly. Sending the devil hunter into a building right near the wreckage. Landing not far Vergil got into his stance however this time he showcased his enhanced power. His meaty coattails fluttered from the wind, a rising blue aura encapsulated his figure, he slowly breathed. Reaching for Yamato's handle Vergil took a kneel.
Orbs of destruction appeared all over the building. Hundreds of slashes breaking apart the integrity and foundation faster than a second. Instantaneously the building became nothing more than a pile of scraps. Vergil sheathed Yamato back into the scabbard.
Exploding from the wreckage came an orb of light. Blasting and burning the back of the blue demon. Hissing he turned and saw his twin. The rate of his regeneration already repairing his scars. Dante and Vergil released a gravely grunt. The brothers glared at each other before once again engaging in bloodshed. Jabs from the Beowulf gauntlets came in to wreck the darkslayer's face. The sharpness in it's design opened up skin. A punch left him staggered in time to receive a barrage of kicks. Vergil bared his razor sharp teeth, sending multiple strikes at the red devil. Slicing apart the flesh that continuously sealed itself. Sounds of ripping and tearing flesh littered the area. Bringing an atmosphere that was different than of androids and machines. A scenario that would certainly give any spectator a sight to see.
Fighting more viscous and less precise the Sons of Sparda began to wear. Fortunately for the darkslayer he's had well enough experience with this sort of thing given he's unlocked his inner demon at an earlier age. In the case of the devil hunter who's recently awakened his didn't have quite the grasp on it just yet. Each passing second felt more harder to contain than the last. Knowing this Dante fought more recklessly to score as much damage as possible. His messy patterns were noticed by the older twin who started to feel his energy waning. With a strong desire to be victorious Vergil proceeded to play the same cards. Disregarding all show of sportsmanship the brothers tore away, coloring the ground in red.
Casting an opportunity in the devil hunter's recklessness the darkslayer drove Force Edge into the waist. A burst of light and the brothers were back in their normal forms. Dante struggled to fight against it and summoned Rebellion. Vergil wouldn't allow that to happen, further driving the blade in until it came out the other side. The younger brother with a stomach of shredded guts fell into a bloodied defeat. Marking this match as a win for the older brother.
"Foolishness Dante foolishness. Like I said…this time it will be different." Though weak and tired the darkslayer acted by wrenching the amulet from his defeated twin.
Vergil smirked.
He did it.
He bested his brother and now holds the key to their father's power. Dante wheezed, the blood puddle coloring him like his coat. The darkslayer eyed the beastly devil arms still equipped on his person. The same ones that were originally his own. Vergil decided to indulge himself with a little reward by reclaiming what was his. Now having the Beowulf back the darkslayer's pride was through the roof.
Taking a deep breath he used the Yamato to open up a rift in reality. He looked over to Dante in what might be their final moments before he becomes the ultimate devil.
"Farewell, Dante. Next time we meet I'll have the ultimate power."
Dante forced his eyes open at the sight of Vergil walking into the dark abyss. The tears in reality pulled themselves back together like nothing ever happened. Dante in his weakened state managed to crack a smile for he still had his real amulet. It was safely stored in his pocket dimension. Using his brains for once the devil hunter had a back-up plan should he lose. With the help of the doppelganger spirit they were able to make a fake replica of his amulet.
"Sure Vergil. You…finally did it. Fucking idiot."
Question is how long will it take for that dirtbag to notice?
Dante doesn't have the energy left to think on it. He'll do it when he wakes up. Casting his head aside he caught wind of a machine hopping over to him. The last thing he saw would be yellow eyes before he slipped into unconsciousness.
…
…
"Dante."