Author's Note: Okay, guys, I apologize for the delay but this was the chapter I was not intended to write. I nearly gave up on the story several times. I just couldn't seem to get it right and I'm still not really happy with it. I was originally going to make this chapter longer, I have much of the next chapter in my head, but I was nervous about what you would think of this part of the plot. So, I'm gonna put this up and I want you guys to tell me what you think. Should I carry on? Or do I need to change something? Any suggestions or input is EXTREMELY welcome at this point. So please read and review. I'm desperate here.
"I've got it!" Lady's voice carried triumphantly across the room.
"What?" Vergil demanded, looking down at the woman seated at his feet. He was somewhat embarrassed that his twin and his . . . and Lady had felt him so in need of comfort that they had both taken seats on the floor on either side of him. Yet, the touch was calming and Vergil was stretched to the end of his reserves, "What did you find."
"There's a town called Fortuna. Legend has it that Sparda once ruled it. It says here that the people of the town worship Sparda as a god. More importantly, there is a hell gate located beneath the city," Lady replied quickly, summarizing what she had just read.
"And?" Dante urged, leaning over to look at the open book, "What will it take to open it."
"It's very simple," Lady replied, "All we need is Yamato."
"And the people of this town," Vergil said, "You think they're going to let us walk in and open a gate to hell?"
"It's worth a shot, Vergil," Dante said, "And if they're reluctant then we'll just have to persuade them.
"I'll call the airport," Lady said, rising.
"Let me see that book," Vergil said, extending his hand. "I want to look it over while you make arrangements. I want us on the next flight."
Lady nodded, pulling out her phone. Dante stood so that he could read of his brother's shoulder.
"This is gonna be our best shot, Verge," Dante said, "We have to be careful though. We don't want the people of the town to be the ones who pay the price."
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Vergil said rising. The older twin hesitated. "Dante, I want you to be prepared for what we might find."
Dante shook his head. "She'll be alive, Vergil. We'll get her back."
"I don't doubt that she lives, Dante," Vergil said softly, "But you know that Mundus is not a gentle host."
"I know," Dante replied just a softly, "But I won't lose it. You can count on me, Vergil."
"I know."
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Cassandra wanted to die. She simply couldn't believe that she still drew breath. Most of her blood stained the floor before Mundus' throne. That was probably why she had not been returned to her cell. Outside of it she could heal. Inside, she just might bleed to death.
This time, Cassian had used a dagger. First, he'd cut her clothes away leaving her hanging between the poles naked. She'd fought to keep her flash of shame from staining her cheeks. He'd used her skin like sketch paper carving words and shapes into her skin. Angered by her refusal to cry out, he'd resorted to simply stabbing the knife into her body. Her thighs. Her shoulders, Her stomach. He watched gleefully as the blood poured from the wounds.
She could not hold back a gasp as Cassian dug the blade into her back, carving a shallow but painful wound diagonally across her skin from shoulder blade to hip.
"Enough, Cassian," Mundus called lazily from his throne, "Or you may actually succeed in killing her."
Cassian bowed and stepped back still holding the blood bathed knife in his hand.
"I want her to look at me," Mundus ordered.
The cockroach like demon, grabbed her hair, jerking her head up so that she met the red gaze of the Demon King.
"I will give you another chance, Cassandra," Mundus said calmly, "Swear allegiance to me and it will stop. You have my word."
"If I surrendered . . . then you will . . . only use me to . . . hurt Vergil and Dante," Cassandra managed, "I will . . . die first."
Mundus scowled, gesturing to several demons who waited next to a tub of water. "I believe a bath will change your feelings."
Confused, Cassandra struggled weakly as she was released and then carried towards the tub. She understood Mundus' intentions when she was tossed into the water. The agony spread across her body, each wound and cut burning fiercely. Salt. She'd been thrown into a tub of salt water. Cassie couldn't hold back the scream and instinctively tried to climb out of the tub. Clawed hands held her down.
At last, Cassian pulled her from the tub, hurling her to the ground at the foot of Mundus dais. Mundus said something but she was too far gone to hear it. She sank into the warm embrace of unconsciousness eagerly.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Less than twenty-four hours later, the three hunters cautiously entered the small town of Fortuna. They walked slowly down the narrow streets acutely aware of the curious and suspicious gazes of the townspeople.
"So, what now?" Lady asked, hefting the case that concealed the Kalina Ann into a more comfortable position, "According to our research the hell hate is hidden beneath the city. I don't think we're going to be able to just walk in and open the gate without attracting some attention."
"We're going to talk with the city's leader," Vergil decided, "The people of Fortuna are lead by a pope-like figure. Hopefully, are status as the sons of Sparda will persuade him to cooperate. If we don't there's likely to be a fight."
"I don't want any humans getting hurt if I can help it," Dante added, "But we're opening that gate one way or another."
"Then what?" Lady said, glaring at a bald man who was leaning forward trying to listen in on their conversation. Seeing the scathing look directed at him the man quickly shuffled off down street.
"Vergil and I are going in after her," Dante said, "You're going to wait here and guard our backs. You need to make sure no one closes the portals and that no demons make it through to this side while we're gone. We just have to locate their leader."
"Well, that huge building up ahead looks like a good place to start," Lady said pointing at the cathedral styled building towering up ahead.
"Let's hurry," Vergil suggested, quickening his pace.
They were aware of the wary eyes that watched them from the shadows. They also realized that they were being followed. Yet, none tried to stop them as they approached the church. When the trio reached the steps leading to the large cedar doors, their pursuers emerged from the crowd. Fifteen men approached, quickly moving into a half-circle, standing between the strangers and the townspeople.
"What is your business in Fortuna?" One of the white-cowled men demanded.
"We want to speak to the person in charge," Vergil replied calmly.
"Why would His Holiness wish to speak to you?" another man scoffed, his sneer visible beneath his hood.
Vergil and Dante exchanged a glance and the younger nodded slightly.
"You worship the Dark Knight Sparda, correct?" Vergil said lifting his chin.
"That's correct," the first man to have spoken confirmed warily, "What is it to you? And what does that have to do with you being granted an audience with His Holiness?"
"Because, dude," Dante smirked, "We're his sons."
This caused a whispered commotion to break out but the man spoke again. "What proof do you have of this claim?"
Lady snorted, "Oh, they have proof. It's just not the sort of thing displayed in the street."
"Very well," he said, "Let us proceed inside and you can show us your proof."
Vergil, Dante, and Lady allowed themselves to be herded inside and waited patiently while worshipers were ushered out.
"Now," the man crossed his arms doubtfully, "Let us see this proof."
"Of course," Vergil chuckled, the soft sound warping with his form until he stood before the assembled guard in his demon form. Next to him, Dante had also shifted.
"Is that enough proof for ya, buddy?" Dante asked, his amusement sounding odd in the raspy voice of his demonic form.
The men around them instinctively drew their swords and Lady held up her hands defensively. "Hold on a minute. You asked for proof and you got it. We're not here to hurt anybody. We just need to talk to your boss. We need to make a request."
"Put away your weapons," the man in charge said at last, "You may return to your human forms. I will speak to my commander."
"Thank you," Vergil nodded slightly once he has changed back.
They waited while the man strode off leaving the others to watch them. Dante noticed how they watched him and Vergil with a mixture of fear and awe. Shrugging, he dropped down on a pew to wait.
They didn't have long to wait. Dante stood as a different man strode forward to meet them. He was tall, with broad shoulders, and light brown hair and eyes. A teenage boy stood at his right, dressed in white robes like the others while a little girl of five or six clung to his left hand.
"I am Rufio, Captain of the Holy Knights. You honor our Order with your presence." The man inclined his head.
"You don't want proof?" Vergil demanded, "You'd believe us so easily? You'd bring children into our presence?" He repressed a grin as the teenager scowled at being referred to as a child.
"Our writings tell of the Great Sparda's human appearance. They speak of his white hair and blue eyes. We also have heard the rumors that the Dark Knight married a human woman and that she bore him twin sons. This human woman has no fear of you. You've give us proof enough. If I had any doubts I would not have brought my children here. It is an honor for them to meet the sons of our savior. Allow me to introduce my son Credo and my daughter Kyrie."
The boy Credo nodded his head respectfully while the girl Kyrie stared up at them with wide eyes. Each shared their father's coloring. Dante grinned and winked at Kyrie causing her to smile brightly.
"His Holiness will see you when you are ready," Rufio announced.
"Let's go then," Dante said, "We're short on time."
"Follow me. Credo, Kyrie remain here," Rufio commanded.
Rufio led Vergil, Lady, and Dante to the back of the church and through a set of doors. Striding swiftly through the hallways, he paused at another set of doors. He knocked once then entered.
They were in a richly appointed room with deep purple carpets and silk tapestries. An old man sat waiting in a throne-like chair.
"Your Holiness," Rufio bowed, "The sons of Sparda."
His Holiness' gaze swept over them slowly and the calculation there caused Lady to shiver. They would do well to not underestimate the Order's elderly leader. At last, a smile lifted the man's lips and rose from his chair.
"It is an honor to receive the sons of our Savior," His Holiness said, "Please, be so kind as to introduce yourselves."
"I am Vergil," Vergil said with regal dignity, "This is my twin Dante. The human is Lady. We've come a long way to speak to you."
"Is that so?" the old man murmured, "What is it that I could offer you?"
Briefly, Vergil explained their current situation. "We want your permission to use the hell gate beneath your city to open a portal into the demon world. You have a word that once we retrieve Cassandra that we will close the gate. Lady will remain behind to ensure that no demons come into this world through the portal."
"You ask a lot," His Holiness said thoughtfully, "You risk much to retrieve this Cassandra. I must confer with my advisors. I cannot make such a decision alone since all of Fortuna would be at risk. You will have my decision within three hours."
Dante and Vergil stiffened at the delay but Lady laid a hand on each of their arms. "That seems reasonable. We're grateful for your consideration."
His Holiness nodded, the calculating gleam back in his eyes. "Rufio," he gestured his Captain forward, "Please, see that our guests our comfortable and then join me in the meeting room."
"Yes, Your Holiness." Rufio bowed and then gestured for them to follow, "This way please."
Dante and Vergil had missed the acquisitive gleam in His Holiness' eye. Though Rufio seemed an honorable man, they would have to watch the Order carefully. His leader was not what he seemed.
Now as always, my shout out to my reviewers. Couldn't do it without you.
Ender36O: Yeah, I was never big on horror films but I will try to be more creative in the futre. Thanks for the review!
SUFFERINGLOSTSOUL: Well, no Temen-ni-gru though that may have been easier plot wise. The boys are keeping it together better now though it's not easy. Thankfully, Lady is helping to keep them grounded. Hope you like this chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
Tora-Katana: Thank you. I'm glad you're still enjoying this chapter. If you have any comments or suggestion on this chapter please let me know.
Devil Rebel: Well, I went with your suggestion because it made the most sense so if you have any feedback or suggestions on how I'm doing with it so far PLEASE let me know. This chapter has given me a very hard time. I almost gave up on the story a couple of times but I got through it. Like I said above the chapter would have been longer but I need to be able to gauge how I'm doing and if I need to change anything so please let me know. Credo and Kyrie are there but Nero probably won't make an appearance because I'm thinking that he probably isn't with them yet. Or something like that.
Mistress of Destruction: My geekiness is never ending. LOL. I tried to keep Vergil more in line in this chapter and focused on his inner strength. We're working on kicking Mundus a new one and it'll hopefully be soon.
Norientra: Cassie is stubborn and yeah the boys are gonna be mad. Thanks for reviewing!
854439: Oh god. It's really been a long time since I updated. I'm such a bad author. . But I've got the ceremony to open the portal worked out it's just everything else I'm iffy on. If you have any suggestions let me know. I did have a nice Easter, thank you. Have a Happy Fourth of July!