Disclaimer -I own Nothing
Chapter 17 Into The Catacombs
Dante had faced a variety of opponents over his life. Strong willed and powerful like Montague. Well disciplined and punishing like Grier, even the cunning hit and run tactics of Defoe. This Lok however was a whole different beast entirely.
When he first faced the young teen, he took notice of his sharp mind and quick reflexes. Dante took notice of the slight adjustments of Lok's fighting stance. The younger seeker was trained to be reactive. You could almost say that Lok's fighting style was a great defense, he would adjust his stance to block what was coming only to then counter and deliver a swift punishment for a counter attack. Using anything in his power to hurt his opponent.
Dante had noticed the mix of fighting styles in the younger one's repertoire. One moment he would box, the next he would grapple, then he throw in some judo. He was a nice mix and match of mixed marshall arts.
Dante had to take all that current information and throw it out of his mind. This person was none of the things he just mentioned. His thoughts were interrupted as he had to dodge a flurry of punches.
Dante had begun to make a new profile, long gone was the reactive style of Lok. Now all he took notice of was the boy's pure offensive style. Dante was now on the defensive. Only to highlight his point was Dante having to Hyper Stride out of an incoming Dragon Fist.
Dante leaped over one of the many benches in the main chamber of the church as Lok's fist shattered it into toothpicks.
Dante took a moment to catch his breath, this had been the majority of the fight. Lok attacking with high costing spells and exhausting rush tactics. While Dante had started to breathe slightly heavier, Lok was still calm, cool, and collected.
"Come on Dante, fight back. Make this somewhat of a challenge!" Lok laughed out as he rushed in again. Jumping over the benches to deliver a kick to Dante's face.
Dante reacted by dropping down into a crouch letting the blonde fly over him. Taking this small opening Dante launched at the teen, as he charged forward to hit him with a spin kick.
Only to be left shocked as Lok caught the kick and rolled Dante's ankle.
Dante not having much choice than to go with the momentum, to not only save his ankle but to also deliver a surprise heel kick with his free leg. The solid contact sending the younger teens head to the side freeing up Dante's trapped limb.
Lok landed on the ground with a solid smack, a burst of air left his lungs as a small wheeze escaped his lips. Dante wanted to follow through but rolled out of the way of a Raypulse.
"Could you be a little easier on the ribs? I just had them fixed." Lok spat on the ground, his saliva having a tenge of red in it. He picked himself rolling his neck slowly. Soft pops from the joint giving him a sense of ease.
Dante taking the moment to catch his breath, deciding to get some information while he was at it. "Gotta say, your sister gave you a run for your money. Was the Professor mad about your loss?"
A small snort came from the blonde. "You on about that too? Dante, I expected better from a man with your intelligence. As for my father, he hasn't mentioned anything to me about it."
Dante was caught off guard by the news. Father ? How could that be? Something wasn't adding up. He needed to find out more.
Dante relaxed his shoulders as he slowly began to walk around the room. His guard back up and ready for any on coming attack.
"Funny, I didn't know the Professor had a kid?" He questioned out, hopefully Lok would take the bait. "I don't know what's more surprising, the fact he has a child. Or the fact there would be a woman willing to give him the time of day."
Seeing the spark of rage on Lok's face, Dante knew one thing instantly. He got him right where he wanted him.
"I'm going to enjoy piercing your heart!" Lok roared as he charged Dante, letting his emotions get the best of him. Dante made sure to punish him for it. Catching Lok's punch he drove his knee into his gut.
Lok let out a cry of shock as he hunched over Dante's knee. Before he could even cough Dante pulled back his knee and drove it into his chin. Letting the blonde go, Lok was back on the ground gasping for air. "Da-damn you vale!" He gasped out a trail of spit flying from his mouth as he fought back the urge to puke.
Dante took a few steps forward, Lok hadn't moved from his spot. Only staying on the ground gasping for air. Dante took this time to think about how he could take the teen prisoner.
However just as he blinked the teen was off the ground. Dante raised his left arm in an attempt to defend, only for the top of his forearm to be slashed by Lok's impale spell. Warm fresh blood splashed on Dante's face. Amber eyes winced in pain while making eye contact with dead blue ones. "What did I just say about my ribs?" Lok whispered out harshly as his eyes flashed red ever so slightly.
Zhalia could only clench her fist in anger as she watched the fight. She wanted to join the fight and help Dante. However her body was holding her back. Plus with Cathy and Sophie busy with the chamber opening they would be easy pickings.
The only thing Zhalia could do was to keep guard. She hated this feeling, feeling so useless. She thought that smile seemed familiar, she had only seen it the one time. All those years ago, in one night the smile she hadn't seen in years suddenly returned.
A eighteen year old Zhalia was sitting in a car gazing out a window. Watching the city streets flash by the window, seeming lost in thought. That was until a gentle voice broke her out of her thoughts.
"Zhalia my dear, something wrong?" The fatherly voice of Klaus questioned out to her. Zhalia merely shook her head, turning her attention back to her guardian. "No, I'm fine. It's just public events like this are not my favorite thing in the world." She told him honestly. Her hands cupped in her lap. She had been given a new dress to wear.
It was a cobalt blue drop waist style dress, with white trimming along the bottom of the skirt. Her upper body covered by a black cardigan. Growing up on the streets it would only make sense that the higher end of society put her on edge.
"Ah, my little moon. You have nothing to fear. Just think of this as a simple meeting." Klaus smiled warmly as he fixed the bow tie that blended nicely with his expensive suit.
"Yes, just a room full of your work friends while you talk business during a child's ninth birthday party." Zhalia smirked at Klaus. Klaus couldn't help but shrug and let out a small chuckle.
"Ah yes my dear, all be it unusual. However my presence was requested at the order of the good Professor." He explained as he pulled off his monocle and began to clean it with a cloth.
"I was wondering about that. The Professor's son, is he sick ? You have been spending a lot of time at the Professor's estate recently." She questioned out as she began to press out her skirt not wanting the expensive material to wrinkle.
Klaus stopped as he glanced back up to her, his eyes holding a sharp edge to them ever so slightly. "The Professor's son has a unique condition. Due keep that in mind when interacting with him."
Zhalia recognized that tone. It was his universal sign to drop it. She was more than willing at this point. "Of course Klaus, I will be on my best behavior." She said with a playful smile.
"Ha! My little moon. On her best behavior? That will be a day." The two shared a quick laugh, only to stop as the car came to a stop.
"Now then, do you have the gift ?" Klaus questioned to then smile as Zhalia showed off the elegantly wrapped gift.
With a nod Klaus and Zhalia got out of the vehicle and began to make their way into the courtyard of one of the many properties owned by the Professor.
After going through a rather long and secure security check point the two finally made their way into the main hall of the estate. As Zhalia looked around she couldn't help but be amazed at the elegance and beauty around her. She couldn't imagine what the rest of the property looked like.
"Ah Klaus, Zhalia. So glad you could make it." A warm voice boomed out throughout the room. Her gaze immediately targeting where the voice came from. Look up she saw the Professor. Trading in his usual attire for a crisp black tuxedo. Off to his left was a young boy, taking in his features she could guess that he took after his mother.
The nine year old wore a simple black suit, topped off with a red bow tie. His blonde hair covering his eyes ever so slightly. The thing that caught her eye was the smile on his face. The smile seemed innocent enough, however her seeker intuition had her on edge.
The longer she looked the more fake it felt, as if the smile was slowly becoming warped and altered. The young boy met her gaze, she caught a glimpse at his eyes. That's what caught her off guard the most. Was his dead blue eyes. A blend between life and death, as is he was a soulless husk. The light was on, yet no one was home. A small chuckle broke her from her observation. "Hello, I am grateful that you are able to come to my birthday celebration. My name is Lok."
Zhalia was broken out of her trip down memory lane as Caliban smashed into the wall beside of her. Her eyes immediately shot towards the Aztec warrior as it slowly pulled its self from the large dent in the wall.
The haunting laugh of Incubane filled the church as it hopped from side to side. Its fingertips lighting with red energy. In a blur of movement Caliban flung its dagger at the dancing demon. Incubane backflipped out of way of the projectile. As it landed it glanced at the dagger in amusement, only to turn around and have its face clasped by Caliban's strong hand.
Incubane reached up and grabbed the warrior's wrist only for Caliban to drive Incubane's head into a pillar. With a mighty crack the pillar began to creek and groan from the force. However Caliban wasn't done.
It dragged its opponent out only to smash it back into the pillar once more. It repeated this motion a few more times until the pillar finally gave way. As Caliban released its hold Incubane began to fly across the room. Only for a row of benches to break its fall.
Caliban drew its sword as it leaped into the air, looking to skewer the titan below it. Only for ten bright glowing beams to shoot from the rubble. Caliban reacting quickly used the flat part of the blade to guard. Unfortunately the collection of beams began to push the warrior upwards and into the ceiling of the church. The force of the impact causing the church its self to shake.
Zhalia clicked her tongue as she looked back up towards the two girls climbing the stairs. "Anytime now, things are getting hectic down here!" She roared upwards hoping her words were able to reach the two.
Cathy and Sophie clasped onto the old wooden rails for dear life. The trimmer had finally subsided as Sophie leaned over the side. "Working on it! The climb up hasn't been smooth sailing."
Sophie and Cathy finally made it to the top of the stairs. Looking around they only saw mirrors reflecting the suns ray downwards. "Ugh, I don't get it. What's the point of all this?" Cathy ground out.
"I'm not sure, but we have to think of something." Sophie looked around for any sign or clue. Anything that will help them out with their puzzle.
Cathy began to notice how the mirrors were pointed. A massive selection was hanging on the sides. The thing she found interesting was the one that was attached to the ceiling. No light reflecting of it. With that an idea came to her mind. "Say Sophie, remember what happened with Joan of Arc's trap ?"
"You mean the one where you almost died?" Sophie asked her, not really fond of the memory. With a crisp snap of her fingers Cathy gave her a bright smile. "The very same one! You remember what happened?"
Sophie quickly replayed the events in her mind. Not really sure where she was going with this. "I recall Peter using his flashlight. Which then caused a chain reaction causing the trap to activate." She stated, only for her eyes to widen at the realization Cathy came to.
"You think?" Sophie questioned out unsure of the idea. "Only one way to find out." Cathy exclaimed happily as she patted her friend's shoulder. As the two began to race down the stairs and small chuckle escaped Cathy's lips. "Besides, not like we have anything else to go off of." Sophie couldn't help but nod silently.
Dante slid back as a trail of blood splattered off his sleeve. He had taken the opportunity to look over the wound. Other than maybe needing some stitches he was fine over all. However if this continues he wouldn't be so sure.
Lok let out a roar as he shoved the impale spell forward. Dante having to use his injured arm to intercept Lok's wrist. His free hand clasping around Lok's bicep. "Ya know, at first the spike was impressive. Now it's just getting old." Dante called out playfully. Said spike only being a few inches from his face yet again.
"Well hold still and you can find out why I find it so effective." Lok hissed as he slowly began to over power Dante. Pushing the older man back ever so slightly until his back was against a pillar.
Lok had started to push his body weight on his enchanted hand. Slowly driving the spike closer and closer to Dante. Unfortunately for the older seeker using his damaged arm to hold him off was not the best situation.
Every moment that passed the spike was closer and closer to Dante's face. Dante managed to shift himself slightly as the spike was now aiming for his shoulder. However he didn't think Lok cared as with a yell Lok pushed forward. Slowly pushing the first three inches of the spike into Dante's shoulder.
Dante fought back the urge to scream out in pain. Feeling the burning sensation burst through out his body. A winching Dante glared back at a laughing Lok. The teen's laugh filling the church with dread. Dante fought back another wail of pain. "I-I'm sorry Cathy. Forgive me." Dante whispered out as Dante let go of Lok's bicep and clenched the younger man's throat. With the action another inch of the spike pierced into his injured shoulder. The left side of his yellow coat slowly turning red.
I'm sorry Cathy, I tried. I'm only doing what's logical he thought to himself. Looking back towards the teen, it seemed as Lok wasn't even registering the fact he was being choked. As magic began to form into his hand a small voice rang into his head.
Now Dante why did you do that?
Because it was the most logical thing to do. It was the easy way.
You know Dante, just because it's the easiest way. Doesn't always means it's the right way.
"I'm sorry." Dante whispers out as a small glow began to form from his hand. "Drag-"
"Bolt Flare!" The commanding voice of Zhalia yelled throughout the church. Once Dante heard the spell he quickly let go of Lok as a bright flash of orange overcame his vision.
He felt a small explosion overcome him, his ears had started to ring. His lungs began to fill up with smoke causing him to start up a coughing fit. As the ringing slowly went away he could only hear one thing. Screaming, the sound of anguish and pain. The howling sending even a chill down his spine.
As the dust slowly cleared, Dante was met with the sight of a downed Lok. His gloved leather hands covering the right side of his face. Trails of blood seeping through the clamped fingers. The left blue orb caught Dante's attention. The shaking orb held rage, and excitement?
Turning around he caught the sight of Zhalia, however he did not see the confident lone wolf. What he was met with was a human, a human who was staring down at her shaking hands. After a few moments Zhalia clenched her fist and took a deep breath. She seemed to have steeled her self. "Dante, you okay?"
Dante could only nod, too busy lost in his own thoughts. He glanced down at his own hand, was he about to kill him? Had Zhalia not intervened, would he have actually killed him?
The sound of a snarl brought him back as he felt a strong arm grab him and pulled him away.
Once he stopped he looked back to see Caliban, standing over him protectively. Glancing back to where his was standing he saw Incubane slowly pulling his sharp nails from the ground. Had Caliban not grabbed him, he might have gotten killed.
"Thanks Caliban." The titan only nodded as a response. Cathy and Sophie made their way down from the steps as they came face to face with a scowling Zhalia. "Well look who finally decided to join us. You figure it out yet?"
Cathy gave her a small wink. "I think we gotta something figured out. Sophie you ready?" Cathy questioned out, Sophie responded by giving her a smile and thumbs up. "Ready when you are." The two made their way to the base of the steps. Two sets of hands reached up in the air. "Bolt Flare!"
With the call of their spell the bolts shot into the mirror casing the spell bounce off the reflective surfaces. Only for the spell to bounce off the top mirror and slam into the circule in front of them revealing the entrance way. The bright glowing light reflected upwards causing the three to cover their eyes. After a few moments the light died down leaving the entrance open plain as day.
"Alright! We did !" Cathy cried in victory, Sophie crossed her arms with a confident smirk. "I will admit, good thinking. Looks like your gut was right." Zhalia was just more than happy this whole thing was over with.
Before they could continue their celebration a hiss caught their attention. Turning to look at an injured Dante making his was towards them. "Dante!" Cathy and Sophie rushed to the man wrapping his arms around their shoulders. "Good work you two, let's get out of here." Before they could question it a mix of a choke and a laugh slowly came into the room.
Caliban took a defensive stance holding its blade tip pointed at the limping Lok.
Cathy wasn't expecting the sight she saw, she saw her little brother right hand covering a fresh wound on the right side of his face. "We aren't done here!" He roared out to them. "I'm still standing, Incubane is still out and about." To highlight his point the demon slammed down in front of him baring his teeth towards the group.
Dante went to push him self off his students until Zhalia stood in front of them, facing Lok head on. "Now, we can play this game. I bring out my titans and we over power you. I can make a pretty good bet that your right side is a pretty good blind spot. But, if you wanna keep at it I can finish off Dante's scraps." Zhalia's confidence on full display. However the longer she stared into Lok's good eye the more her resolve wavered so slightly.
Lok's lips formed into a thin line, staring deep into her eyes. Slowly the corners of his lips tuned upward ever so slightly. After a few moments Zhalia turned to her temporary team.
"Cathy, Sophie. Get Dante into the entrance now." Seeing the looks of the girls they wanted to argue but followed the command all the same. As the two help Dante into the entrance Cathy took one last look at Lok. Only to wish she hadn't. Lok's eye made contact with hers, slowly he peeled his glove away from his face. The blackened skin contrasting from the fresh blood still oozing from the burn. "Don't worry Cathy, I will be seeing you real soon." He promised her with a bright smile.
Cathy bit down on her tongue, wishing she could erase the image in front of her from her mind. Her eyes narrowed as she remembered the promise she made for herself. "Next time we face off. I'm bringing you home. Kicking and screaming."
Lok merely responded by clenching his blood stained glove. "Oh I look forward to it." With that Dante and his students made it done the entrance way. Zhalia took a moment to look back to Lok. The two having a stare down, Zhalia's frown facing Lok's grin. "Until next time. Little moon." Lok said playfully as he recalled Incubane. Stepping back out of the room and into the shadows of the now ruined church.
Zhalia waited a few moments before she entered path way. Making sure the coast was clear before looking back at the door way. "Touchram!" She called out caving in the pathway.
"ZHALIA!" Sophie yelled out in shock as she placed an injured Dante on the ground. "No, that was for the best. Now the Organization is going to have to take their time getting in. Or find a new entrance all together. The catacombs are massive. Plenty of ways to get in and out." Hearing Dante's words Sophie let out a small sigh. Cathy already pulling out the medical supplies from her bag. "Well like it or not, no turning back now." Cathy mumbled out as she open the supplies. "Now then Dante, let's get you patched up." She said trying her best to keep up her brave face. They finally entered the catacombs. Who knows what else awaits them.
Author's Notes- Hey seekers, today marks a special day. The one year anniversary of this story ! Thank you all who reviewed, favorited or followed. Or those who simple enjoy the story. I love you all! Be cool, B-king out!