Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The world is thrown out of balance, demons running rampant as they please. The darkness of the night consumes without any control, surrounding a single headstone that remains to have a holy reflection.

The Avatar of Light lies within the Dream...

But eventually, every dream must come to an end.

Even the Light must embrace the darkness, fighting will only bring them closer.

The shadow remains cast. There's no use hiding it anymore.

Chapter Text

"...История гласит, что две тысячи лет назад, демоны правили этом мире и на протяжении многих людей. Он не был до демон стоял к правосудию и победил армию демонов сам по себе. Он запечатал демоническую сферу подальше от людей, потянув лимб от слишком ... Или они так думали ..."

Why am I hearing Russian? Why does my head hurt so much?

I opened my eyes to stare blankly at a dull colored desk. I lifted my resting head and instantly raised my hand up to my temple. It felt like something had hit me hard in the head and now it was throbbing. It's funny... I don't remember falling asleep... Or being hit in the head...

I remember...

I remember being stabbed... through the heart... with a sword...!

I jumped up from my seat at the conclusion. Everyone in the classroom looked at me as if I was insane. The teacher stopped writing on the chalkboard and turned around with her arms crossed.

"Что-то не так, нулю?" She asked, fixing her glasses.

She had asked me what was wrong.

"I... I died! I remember it! A katana pierced through my heart, ending my life moments later! It was... It was..." I looked down at the ground to help concentrate.

What was his name? I know his name... I... I know that I do...

"Argh! I know that someone killed me! And I... met some else who proved that I was different... What was their name...? And there was this dog and a girl with red eyes and a boy with green eyes and they both had black hair... If I only I could remember..." I trailed off.

We met in a park... Or we spoke in park; I'm not too sure... I ran into them, while riding a skateboard...They meant something to me; we were close but distant... They had done something I didn't agree with, I think... And the girl... She tried to kill me, I think? And the boy... I can't remember anything about him...

"Ноль, Садитесь, пожалуйста. "The teacher chastised.

She just told me to sit down...Why... How can I understand her? She's speaking in another language... Can I speak Russian too? Is that how I understand her?

"Но мисс, я мог бы поклясться, что ... я умер ... Мисс, вы должны мне помочь!" I pleaded, but she only shook her head with a smirk.

I pleaded with her that I swore that I had died,

"Ноль, это был всего лишь сон. Успокойтесь, и сидеть сложа руки вниз." She told me, pointing to my seat.

She told me that it was just a dream.

Could it really have just been... a dream? Just a dream? No, it couldn't have! It felt so real! It felt as I really did get stabbed and died! It couldn't have possibly been just a dream!

I shook my head at the thought and ran out of the classroom, slamming the door behind me. I ran out of the school and just kept running for what felt like miles.

Just a dream?! What a joke! I'll prove them wrong; I'll prove them all wrong, even if it kills me, again! I really just want to know who these people are in my fading memories... I can barely remember their faces, let alone the way they acted or sounded. I don't even know their names.

There was a woman I met, by running into her accidently... She was strong, very powerful... Kind and cold at the same time... If only I could just remember her name...

Then there was a girl with black hair and red eyes... she couldn't have been too much younger than me. She was a... aggressive and very determined kind of person. Very dark...

Dark... That has a ring to it.

Another fading face is that of a young boy, very similar to the girl but with green eyes and very young. Very cute too... I think I described him like that before.

Uhh... There's a robot shaped like a ball, and a dog and a fish tank... And a possibly stolen motorbike...

Why can't I remember them?! Why can't I remember their names?! That would at least ease my mind...

What about the person that killed me? I can't remember what he looked like, or how he sounded... It was definitely a man, he was tall and that's about it. I... thought of him as my arch-nemesis even though I liked his sense of style... He scared me but he didn't at the same time. It seemed like it was like I had mixed feelings about this person.

I stopped running to catch my breath. I was in the middle of the city. I had run for what felt like hours, but I only ran a hand few of blocks. No, that doesn't seem right. I... I can't really be that weak.

I looked down to my hands, as I was panting heavily. Wait, I remember something. I stood up properly and held my hand up to my face. I simply clicked, expecting a flash of lightning. Nothing. I clicked again. Nothing happened, again. I started rapidly clicking with both hands and still nothing happened. I looked over to the car across the road. How about I try something different...

I waved my hand and chanted,

"Taste fear as your soul burns away."

Nothing happening, except for me looking like a complete idiot. But no one saw, so it's okay.

What's happened to me?!

I fell to my knees, trying not freak out about what was happening. It couldn't have been a dream, I know it wasn't. But I'm back in Russia, back to being my 14 year old self, wearing my disorganised clothes from when I was 14. The skirt, the boots, the jacket and the headphones... Maybe it was just a dream... Maybe I'm just going mad.

I stood back and brushed myself off before walking back to the school.

I guess it really was... just a dream.

Chapter Text

I was wrong. It really was just my over active imagination. No, I'm just that crazy to believe that all of that happened. Me and my mental instability...

'Never thought that you would admit that...'

Who- Who was that?!

I stopped in my tracks to notice that I had been so deep in thought that I had no clue where I was or if I was heading back the right way. Everything was dark and there were no lights.

Night already? That doesn't seem right.

It was just black, everything was pitch black. God, how I hate the dark!

'Didn't think you would admit that either.'

"Show yourself!" I shouted, spinning around in every direction to try to see anything at all.

'Alright... Since you're so hopeless without me... Let me give you a good push in the right direction'

Suddenly a car honks, which both deafened me and brought me back to the real world. I looked around to see that I was back in the city, but not the same place I was in. I was in a shifty looking outskirt of a large city, which you could see in the distance.

Is that... New York?

I moved off of the road so the car could pass. I gazed at a plain building that stood out from the others to me. There were no signs, even though I expected a neon sign at least. No curtains or cars. It was empty.

Hmm... Something is supposed to be here... I just know it.

'You're right. The Gates of Hell is supposed to be here.'

The Gates of Hell? Wait, I know that place! Where are Rodin, Enzo and Bayonetta?!

Bayonetta! I remember her. She was so unusual at first, but she turned out to be really cool. Rodin too, and Enzo sort of is cool. Well, not really...

But why isn't the Gates of Hell here?

'Let me give you another push.'

Suddenly I was standing in an apartment that was fairly modern. Everything was either white or aqua blue, and I spotted a fishtank in one the room down the hall... Fish tank... Jellyfish...

Oh... Motherfucker... Just... Said... Jellyfish...?!

Oh, motherfucker just said jellyfish! Sonic for Hire! I love that show! But where's Normandy and Buzz-bot? They should be here. And Mia, I would expect to be here too. She did leave for work before I left though...

'Now, we're getting somewhere! No more hints from me from here on out. Good Luck.'

Thanks, Onyx...?! Ha, now I remember you! Wait, what?

Suddenly, I was in a different area altogether. I was standing on a random street in Capulet City. Great, now what? I don't even know what I'm trying to achieve here.

'You're trying to escape your Limbo. This is your only chance to do so. You're already fading away as it is. You need to find a way out on your own.'

Limbo, huh? Where exactly am I though?

'You're still on Earth, but only as a spirit. Your Limbo is affecting the way you see thing here. That's why the Gates of Hell wasn't there, and why the teacher spoke to you and it's also why you can't remember everything. Go Zero; find a way out, before it's too late!'

I thought you weren't giving out anymore hints...

'Crap...'

Right, going to fade away if I don't find help. I looked up at the building beside me. Looking at it, it seemed very familiar. Maybe something's up there for me...

I ran inside the building and up the flights of stairs as I had no time for the elevator. And I still don't trust elevators, dead or alive. The door to the roof was stuck and I had to resort to kicking it down. It didn't work as I fell through the door like a ghost. I landed on my face and grunted.

Why is it always the face?

I got back up and brushed myself up and walked toward the scene. I walked toward a body lying on the ground that was far too familiar to be true. My jaw dropped as I stared at my own dead body.

Holy shit... What the fuck is happening?

Suddenly it started to fade away and in a matter of seconds, it was gone.

It's just an illusion. Nothing more, nothing less.

I turned my head to the right to see a man standing a few feet away looking in my direction. He wasn't looking at me though. That was what bothered me, he was looking through me. I walked toward him and I remembered his name.

Vergil...?

I stopped in front of him and clicked in front of his face. I still didn't get his attention. Maybe, if I try to talk to him...

"Vergil!" I shouted, making myself a bit deaf.

He looked down at me and took a step back. I guess he wasn't expecting me to randomly show up after he just you know, killed me. Or I just yelled a little too loudly. Eh, either way...

"Vergil, you have to help me! I'm stuck in Limbo and I can't get out!" I told him, trying to make sure it didn't sound like I was pleading, even though I was.

He shook his head slightly and started walking away, but stopped beside me.

"All you have to do, is wake up."

He started walking away again and I turned around. It was that easy to escape. 'Wake up.' That is just far too simple. But I felt myself starting to fade away, fade away to reality, to Earth again, or wherever my body disappeared too. I flashed a smile, knowing that he wouldn't see it. I really was the last person I would expect to help me...

"Thank you."

...

It was then that I knew that I wasn't going anywhere on Earth...

It was also when I realized that my life was going to be forever different...

And there was nothing I could do about it.

Chapter Text

The side of my face was freezing cold. So were my hands and my knees. I felt frozen to the ground, on to an unfamiliar ground. I moved my fingers to feel the smoothness of the ground. What is this place? I've certainly never been somewhere like this before, I could tell all of this just by feeling the ground. Not that I know how the floor of my apartment feels or anything... Okay, I'll admit that I've done the whole Homer Simpson - Circle on the Floor thing before. I remember it so well, because I kicked the wall.

And broke the wall.

I stirred from my dreamless sleep, and pulled myself up, holding myself up with my hands. The entire setting was something I've never seen. The floor was tiles with a classic black and white pattern, and the walls were an icy blue in color, which sent chills down my spine because they were the color of his eyes. There were white column that seemed purely for decoration assembled in the room, or should I say hall, because it was that big. There was two large white doors on the opposite side of the room that seemed were fairly solid just by looking at them.

Have I just fallen down a rabbit hole somewhere and ended up in Wonderland?

This place reminded me of Wonderland a lot, but it also made me think of every horror movie I've ever seen for reasons unknown. I swept the hair dangling in my vision hair back behind my ear as I stood up from the floor. I was still wearing that stupid black outfit Claire had picked for me and it was really starting to annoy me, wearing such darkly colored clothing.

How do Goths deal with this? Because I can't stand it.

My eyes wandered around the room until they settled on the odd statue in the direct centre of the room. At least I think it was a statue. It was a stone workbench or table with gold decorations. On top of it was what looked like a crystal figure sleeping on the table. Whoever had chiselled it must have spent years working on this. I took a step closer to it and noted that the blue crystal figure was of a woman resting with her hands over her heart.

So peaceful...

Where am I, Onyx? I'm not very familiar with strange halls with crystal people sleeping in them.

'This place has no name, but it still remains significant in the eyes of your Mother, and Death.'

Death? Why would Death care about this place?

'Because he works closely with this place.'

Okay, Onyx, I've been wanting to know this for a while. How do you know all of this stuff because I have no recollection of ever hearing anything similar to this?

'I'll have to tell you in person.'

Finally...

Wait, what?!

"You didn't really think that I was just a voice in your head did you?" A voice asked from behind.

I spun around to see a woman clad in a long buttoned-up black coat. It had a hood which covered her face. She took her hood of to reveal her perfectly straight dark purple hair, pale complexion and deep blue eyes. She smiled at me innocently, but I knew that she was laughing on the inside at my shocked expression.

Onyx, is a person?!

"Onyx, is that really you?" I stammered.

"Yes it is. And by the way, my real name is Viola." She stated as she started to stroll back and forth.

"What are you, Viola?" I asked her, standing my ground.

"I'm a Reaper. And before you think anything, I am not a 600 foot sentient machine that's only purpose is to laser people to death."

Damn.

"I work for Death, but was assigned to look after you by request of someone Death could not say no to." She continued.

"My purpose was not to kill you, or to send your soul away. My purpose was to keep you safe, make sure you didn't die. Even though your friend 'killed' you, you did not fully die." I flinched when she said 'Friend'.

"So, I didn't die?" I asked, getting more confused by the second.

"No, you did. I just made sure you had a second chance at life." She answered.

"Can I just ask, why can I hear you in my head?" I asked with an eyebrow raised

"Telepathy. I'm not actually in your head."

"Who asked you to protect me?" I inquired, realizing that we were getting off track.

I didn't know that 'Uncle' Death couldn't say no to someone...

I've met Death in person a couple times. Claire and I call him Uncle because he is close with our family.

"I did." A voice person answered before Viola had the chance.

A person who seemed to be glowing with light, walked past me and stood next to Viola, who had stopped pacing. She was wearing a long white dress, and had long platinum blonde hair and green eyes. Her face seemed familiar. But I knew something was wrong with her, when I could see through her.

A ghost perhaps? Maybe I've joined the Assassins and Templar battle and I'm meeting Juno or something. If I'm right, and this is Juno, I'm going to stab her repeatedly for killing Desmond.

Oops. Unmarked Spoiler Alert...

"And who would you be?" I prompted.

"You don't really need to know my real name. I'm referred as the Goddess of Time. But you can call me Aunt or Aunty. Whatever you prefer."

"Aunty...?!" My jaw had literally dropped to the floor.

She nodded, "Yes. Your mother is my elder sister."

She left me to contemplate everything, while she spoke to Onyx- I mean, Viola.

"How is Miles, Viola?" She asked with a small smile.

"He's fine. He's just been busy in recent times. He still talks about you all the time, and I can tell, he misses you too. Maybe you should visit him sometime." Viola answered, as if they were old friends.

They probably were.

"Viola, you know my place is here. I cannot just leave whenever I want. It is the price to pay to keep those I love alive." She shrugged.

"That sounds... horrible..." I cut in unintentionally.

They both looked at me.

"I'm so sorry, dear. I need to explain myself don't I...?" My aunt asked innocently.

"What do you think?" I replied sarcastically.

Chapter Text

"You are to become my champion."

"Wait, what do mean 'Champion'? Do I have to fight in some goddamn arena like a gladiator or something?" I questioned.

Hmm...Champion, eh...? Do I get a trophy too?

"No, you are not becoming a gladiator." She stated, shaking her head in amusement.

"Then explain it for me?" I asked, no longer messing around.

I died not long ago; I no longer have time to be stupid anymore. I've got to be a bit more serious if I want to live a bit longer. Ha, lol jokes! I'm still going to be stupid, that's something that will never change even in death.

"My Champion will be tasked in protecting the existence of the timeline and me from any opposing threat. In return for this eternal task, my Champion will gain such powers as the Eyes of the Goddess; the ability to see the future and the Seal of the Goddess; the ability to access the Time Gates and travel freely through the timeline. But before you gain any of these gifts, you must pass your task, your challenge."

"If I do become your Champion... Will I be able to return to Earth?" I stuttered.

She is going to say no... She said that this task is eternal, so I guess I wouldn't have any time to. But I could always use the Time Gate and travel back in time, back to Earth, and then return here at the split second I left. Wouldn't that work?

"Yes. You would be able to return home and stay there until I call for you to return here or until a Time Gate appears."

"Yeah, Zero, Everything will work out. You would live normally and then vanish for only a second to protect the Goddess and return back home like nothing ever happened." Onyx- Viola cut in.

"I don't know... I need more time to think about it..." I muttered, looking away from them both.

"No, I'm afraid you aren't getting the full picture Zero. There's no maybes or I'll answer later's here. It's Yes or No. Even if you say no, you'll become the Champion eventually. It's not optional and it can't be delayed forever." Viola explained.

"I guess, I have no choice then." I admitted in my defeat.

"Then your test awaits-"The goddess was cut off.

Two girls barged into the room through the large white doors. One had pale reddish-brown hair and wearing what seemed like a white mages robe. The other one wore thick black and gray armor, with axe with a long handle strapped to her back. She had dark brown hair and wore a dark look on her face, and seemed a little more tanned than the other. They both had bright green eyes, and had similar features. There was no doubt that these two are sisters.

"Goddess!" The armored girl shouted, before they both kneeled down.

"What is the problem girls?" The Goddess asked calmly.

"There are creatures advancing upon us. It's an entire platoon, Goddess. He has brought an entire platoon of his soldiers against the temple!" She warned, before looking over at me.

She stood up, and the mage girl nervously stood up as well, with her eyes darting between the other girl and I.

"Who is this?" The elder girl asked, giving me a cold look.

The Goddess turned to look at me. It was clear that she wanted me to introduce myself.

Okay, time to show my diplomatic skills. Commander Shepard, don't let me down now!

I held out my hand so she could shake it,

"My name is... Lightning."

She refused to shake my hand, so I let my hand drop to my side.

"What's your real name, 'Lightning'?" She inquired, crossing her arms showing that she was not amused.

"Fine, if you want to be that way... I'm Serah, who the hell are you?" I replied sarcastically.

I may hate being called Serah, but I didn't want this bitch knowing my real name. Why? Because when someone knows your name, they gain a power over you that you just can't explain. That's why you never, ever tell you arch nemesis your real name. Too bad Vergil didn't know that before he arrogantly introduced himself to me when we formally met.

"Well then, Serah, I'm Saber and this is my younger sister Purge. We are Guardians of the Goddess. We have a reason to be here. You do not." Saber growled.

Superiority complex much...

"She is the Champion, Saber. Do not question me or my demands, child. You are walking on thin ice with me and your father refuses to speak to you, so if you get on my bad side, you have nowhere to go." The Goddess scolded.

Saber and Purge are the Goddesses daughters?!

They really should have kept this secret because this would have been an awesome plot twist, but no they had to ruin it, didn't they?

I wonder who their father is...

'Someone Death could not say no to...'

Holy shit! Mind = Blown.

"Mother, they had scouts and took us by surprise. I don't think we can take them out on our own." Purge said innocently.

She's definitely the nice one.

"Take Serah with you. She should be able to dispatch our little problem. Isn't that right, Serah?" The goddess ordered, saying my false name differently because she knew what my real name was.

"Fine..." I huffed, crossing my arms.

"Here..." The goddess spoke as she held out her hand.

A strange little white orb flew from the palm from her hand and into mine. I had no clue what to do with it or what it even was. But I swear if it's a goddamn fairy like Navi. I am so amazed on how Link didn't want to smash Navi to bits because she is so freaking annoying... I suppose she was a little helpful... But I still have the urge to rip her wings off.

Since I'm a little rebel, and didn't want to take a chance if this orb was fairy that would annoy me for the rest of my life I crushed the orb of light in my hands expecting nothing to happen. Instead there was flash of light as the orb was crushed and when the light dissipated, I fell backward. I lifted my head to see that I was clad in armor similar to Saber's except mine was black and purple.

Not my colors... Must resist urge... to rage...Must ignore... my OCD...

Fuck, it feels like I'm wearing 50 tons. Why does this thing weigh so much...?!

Onyx- Viola held out her hand helped me up to my feet.

You know what? Fuck it, Onyx's name is ONYX!!! Not Viola, not Zelda, not Commander fucking Shepard... ONYX! I don't give a damn if she doesn't like it; she is staying as an Onyx because my word is law. Except in Texas. Chuck Norris's word is law in Texas. Actually it is everywhere. Damn. No, wait! It isn't on Omega because Aria T'Loak's word is law on Omega. Because Omega's one rule is:

Don't Fuck With Aria.

Similar to my main rule:

Don't Fuck With My Lollipop Stash.

Yeah, not even Chuck Norris can break that rule. Even though there's a rumor Chuck Norris has a pet Reaper named Harbinger and he feeds it unicorns. Why couldn't Normandy be a 300 foot tall sentient robot of death that lasers people and eats unicorns...?

Getting off topic here...Wasn't I supposed to be killing something or someone? Hopefully Saber or Navi... Goddamn it! Keep on the topic!

"Follow Purge and Saber. And don't die." The goddess told me.

I followed the girls out of the room and assured the Goddess by saying,

"No promises."

Chapter Text

So many stairs... Like millions of stairs... At least a trillion times more than the amount stairs in a skyscraper. So much exercise... Need time to catch my breath...

"Give me a sec; I don't want to die before I get there..." I wheezed through sharp breaths.

Saber huffed and crossed her arms. It was clear that she was not amused. Purge on the other hand, smiled down at me and helped me back to my feet.

"Jeez, how many stairs are there left to go?" I asked her with all seriousness.

"We've only just exited the main hall... So we've gone down 12 stairs, of a round about 2750..." She answered with a light chuckle.

"Fuck this," I started, turning around and bolting back up the stairs.

I slammed open the doors to the main hall where the Goddess and Onyx were still standing. Purge and Saber were following me, and I could hear Saber grunting in annoyance.

"Back so soon?"

"No, we're just taking a shortcut." I brushed off before pacing out to the overlook, the overlook which overlooked a barren wasteland.

No green, no life, there was absolutely nothing to be seen, apart from the odd giant, black, crystal pillars shooting out from the ground. I couldn't see anybody, but I didn't care. I was spoiling for a fight.

I just had a need to kill something.

I climbed over the marble railing and fell to the ground. I landed safely on my feet and waited a couple seconds before Saber and Purge came down too.

"You're crazy!" Purge blurted.

"I know, I get that all the time."

Especially from you, Onyx.

...

She isn't going to respond either. What a stubborn bitch!

"So where are these enemy troops that you were talking about?" I inquired, with my hands on my hips.

I really need to get out of this armor. Because my 'sassy' pose is now a 'heroic' pose. And that just ain't right.

Saber pointed out into the distance. I couldn't see anything apart from a thick fog.

A cliché thick fog.

Any moment now, the enemy is going to stride through the fog in slow motion, pulling off the most intimidating pose and formation they can.

Oh, look here they come now...

There were at least 30 of them, and they weren't angels, demons or human alike. They were like walking shadows. Like dark clouds in human form. But they weren't all shadows.

The leader, or seemed to be the leader looked human at least and wasn't see-through. He was clad in thick jet black armor and holding an impressive sword that seemed to emit a red glow. You could see his glowing red eyes and the long black hair he had hanging over his face.

Is this guy an even more evil version of Caius or something?

Or maybe Claire had a twin?

I hope I'm not related to this guy.

But he does an absolutely fabulous slow-mo hair flick.

His little gang advanced until they were at least 20 feet away from us, then they came to a halt.

"You..." Purge and Saber growled in unison.

Am I supposed to know what's happening here or what?

He smirked and did another slow-mo hair flick. How the hell is he doing that? I'm openly admitting that I'm jealous of that hair flick...

I cleared my throat, "Am I in the middle of a feud or something?"

The Caius-lookalike looked over to me and smirked again.

Pfft. Vergil's smirk is why more intimidating than this guys. But I'll never tell Vergil that. He'll just get an even bigger ego than he already has...

'Zero...'

I mean, of course he is going to think he's the best of the world after killing me but...

'Zero...!'

I'm still alive so he's not the best in the world. Maybe 2nd best in the world but that's as high as I'm letting him go...

'Zero, stop talking about your boyfriend and focus on the situation at hand!'

Boyfriend?! Onyx there is no way in hell that... He's not even... We hate each other and... I like someone else and I...

Argh... I'm going to kill you for that...

"And who might you be?"

Damn, this guy even sounds like Caius.

"I'm the person who's going to kick your ass, that's who." I said courageously.

Yep, I've still got it.

"So, the Goddess enlisted a new recruit. My, don't you look like my dear Crystal? But that isn't going to stop me from ripping your heart out and crush it my hands."

Wow, he and I think alike.

"A bit graphic don't you think?" I replied, portalling in my old katana instead of Vendetta.

"But I'm glad that you want to do that. It's always nice for some new competition. I have been meaning to aim for something a little more high-class." I stated, while admiring my own sword.

Bayonetta reference, check!

That was also a nice insult to Vergil too...

"Arrogant aren't you? If you claim so highly of yourself, then let us test our steel then?"

He slowly backed away, rallying his troopers. I turned around to face Saber and Purge. Purge was about to explain who he was but I raised my finger to silence her.

"Don't care. What's important is the battle not the history. I'll take Mister High-And-Mighty over there, while you guys deal with his little band of misfits, understood?" I ordered like Commander Shepard would.

They both nodded. I noticed that Purge was unarmed. Okay, now that is beyond stupid. And that's coming from me.

"Here, have a sword." I passed it to her.

"Sword!" I called out and Vendetta fell straight into my hands.

Night of the Museum reference, check!

As I caught Vendetta, my outfit randomly changed into a white hooded cloak, with a white long-sleeved leotard beneath along with very faint white stockings, white boots that ended over my knee, a gold and blue belt and a blue broach on the front of my cloak.

Okay, hold up. Why do I look like white Raven from Teen Titans all of a sudden?

And a leotard, really? I can't dance so why the hell am I wearing one into battle?

Don't question it, roll with it.

I pulled up my hood over my face and spun around.

"Team, Unite Up!" I shouted.

"Roger!" Purge and Saber shouted back in response.

Okay, I freaking love these guys.

The Wonderful 101 reference, check!

Achievement Unlocked! - Said Three References in one chapter.

We ran straight into battle. Purge and Saber went straight after the shadow people as I ordered and I went after the Caius-Wannabe. Instantly we started clashing swords, and blocking each other attacks.

"This is probably the hardest battle of your life, isn't it?" He falsely boasted.

"I've fought better." I answered honestly.

"Hmm, there is truth in your voice. And I too have fought better." He replied oddly.

We started grinding our swords together.

"The Goddess's sister. There is no other opponent like her. Strong as she may be, she still could not defeat me." He boasted.

Is he talking about... Mother?

He smirked as if he had heard my thought. Oh no...

"How nice. Now I have a conduit that can get close enough..." He started.

He released his sword and I stumbled forward. Suddenly he stabbed me through the stomach.

"To give this to her. Send her my regards." He finished.

My vision started fading as Saber and Purge screamed out my name.

Before I knew it, I was back in the darkness.

And probably dead again.

Chapter Text

I woke up with a gasp for air and immediately whacked my head on something above me.

"Oww..." I blurted rubbing my head.

What am I in, a wooden box?! Where am I, didn't I just get stabbed? Wait better check... Nope, no stab wound at all. Urgh, why can't I see anything and why is there like no air? Jeez, I'm claustrophobic, doesn't anyone know that?

I could hear muttering around me. Well, I actually think they were talking, but everything just sounded muffled to me.

Hold up,

A wooden, cushioned box.

Muffled speaking outside.

Absolutely no air in here whatsoever.

Okay, I lied; there is a little air in here. But that doesn't matter, what matters is,

I've woken up, inside my casket at my own funeral.

Talk about awkward...

But how do I get out of here without people questioning whether I'm a zombie or something. Maybe an exit with style might work. Okay here goes nothing, and let's just hope this damn thing isn't locked.

I slammed open the casket lid and leapt out of the casket into the air, did a couple flips before landing on my feet, on top of the priest's pedestal.

"Morning! What's with shoving me into that filthy old casket?! Some air holes would be nice, and maybe a TV too so I wouldn't be bored out of my mind." I stated, with my hands on my hips.

I had a quick glimpse of the clothes I was wearing, and cracked a smile.

The outfit was similar to the Heartstealer outfit from Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, an outfit I freaking love I might add, but it wasn't completely the same.

I wore a fancy black crop-jacket with golden patterns on the shoulders and on the collar. The inside of the collar was blue and the sleeves of the jacket ended half way down my upper arms. I had white gloves on my hands that had fancy large blue cuffs with tiny golden tassels on the ends of the cuffs. Underneath my crop jacket was a white and grey singlet and three different necklaces. One was a medallion, another was a bunch of small golden chimes and the last was just piece of leather weaved together. I had a white studded belt over multiple pieces of cloth wrapped around my waist. One was grey, another was yellow and the longest one was purple which hung down to my right knee. I had black tights with a nice design on them and a pair of boots that went up and over my knees. The boots had a galaxy design to them and where blue at the top and slowly turned to grey at the bottom.

Favorite outfit by far.

It's nice to know Mia remembered that I wanted to be buried in this outfit. Wait, Mia has to be here!

"Zero!" A familiar voice yelled in disbelief.

I looked down to see Mia standing a black dress and coat looking up at me. I dropped down from the pedestal.

"What, did you think I was ever going to die?" I accused with a smile.

I gave her a hug and she whispered into my ear,

"I swear, if I was just Punk'd, I'm going to kill you for real."

I stepped away from her and suddenly I was surrounded by everyone. Aliese spoke first. Who the hell invited her to my funeral?

"What the hell happened to you?" She asked in a high-pitched voice.

"That guy you wanted me to kill, well, let's just say, it didn't go to plan."

Wow, this feels like an interview.

Out of nowhere, Phoenix barged through the crowd and I instantly ran up to him and gave a hug that would have been more of a death-choke.

"Can we get out of here?" I whispered to him.

"Sure thing, as soon as you let me breathe."

I let him go and he made a big dramatic gasp for air. He then took both mine and Mia's hands and dragged us both out of the church and over to a fancy black car.

Holy shit, is that a Lamborghini?! How could Phoenix afford a Lamborghini?! Wait, why don't I have a Lamborghini?!

"It was gift for his birthday." A voice responded to my thoughts.

So, my mom won't save me, but she'll happily go to my funeral and buy my brother a Lamborghini. I do not like her logic.

"And you also missed yours." I turned around to look at my mom.

She was wearing a sombre black dress similar to Mia. Dad was standing next to her. I smiled to him and then dropped it when I looked back at my mom. She held out a small felt box in her hands. I took it cautiously and opened it to find a gold and blue lightning bolt pendant on a golden chain.

"Thanks." I said nicely.

"Come on, let's head home." Phoenix spoke, like he was bored.

We all got into the car. Mom, Dad and Mia were in the backseat, Phoenix was driving and I called shotgun before we entered the car.

Wait, where's Claire?

Don't tell me after everything, she couldn't be bothered to show up at my funeral?

When we made it back to my apartment building, I raced out of the car and practically kicked down my door to see Normandy lying just behind the door. Luckily not close enough to get hit. His ears perked up and when he recognized he hopped up and ran up to me. I hugged him and felt over the moon knowing that I didn't break my promise.

"I said I was coming home, didn't I?" I told him as I stood back up.

Mom was the only one that came up to my apartment and walked in as I inspected everything to make sure nothing was out of place.

"Your father had to leave early, but he said he was going to visit later in the week. Phoenix is taking Mia home and he said he'll visit later too." She immediately explained answered the questions in my head.

I better talk to her about the whole Saber, Purge and the Goddess thing, also the whole Champion thing too. Maybe that's why she's here.

"Hey, Mom...?"

"Yes?" She responded as I moved over to the window overlooking the city.

Maybe I just imagined it though...

"Nothing. Nothing at all." I brushed off, choosing to forget everything.

"Okay, I'm going to go now. I'll visit you later this week. Goodbye, Zero." Then she left, closing the door behind her.

My mind was too busy focusing on the city to say goodbye to her as she left. I crossed my arms and leant my head on the window.

I know you're out there.

Chapter Text

The city is just like I remember. Boring, dull and fully crap. I wonder how long I was gone for... Maybe a week or two? I moved away from the window and into the kitchen to check the calendar.

Okay, I remember leaving on the 28th of January; I marked the calendar that morning before I left. But the calendar is marked for 28th of February.

Mia must have kept the house in order while I was gone. That explains why nothing is covered in dust.

Because I hate dust.

So, I've been 'dead' for one whole month. Wow. When I was with Purge and Saber, it felt like a mere moment. But time might have moved faster with in the Goddess's temple. Unless I was just dreaming slowly.

But what about the entire 'Limbo' thing and the whole 'Onyx is a person' thing. Hmm... Why haven't I heard from Onyx at all since I woke up?

...

She isn't even responding.

Maybe a bit of fresh air might help ease my mind. I also need a bit of comic relief too. Hopefully seeing people react to the return of Lightning will suffice.

I grabbed my keys to my motorbike and locked my door before descending down the stairs to the underground car park. Even after death, the elevator is still broken. After all this time, it has not even been fixed. Too bad if someone was in a wheelchair, then they would have no way to exit.

Except if they wanted to jump out of a window.

Somehow.

I rode out into the street without any hassle, and the streets had no traffic. I received the occasional odd look from a person in a car or on the street.

I looked up from the street to see a giant behemoth of a demon tearing up the streets ahead of me.

Yep, just another day in Capulet city.

Oh, look, he even has a couple minor demons accompanying him on his destructive journey to god-knows-where.

"Did you miss me?"

All of the demons started charging toward me.

I'll take that as a yes.

I leapt into the air and dramatically equipped my backup set of guns, as my gun-saws were in desperate need of repair after my battle to the death. I grabbed the two pistols flying through the air, and my other two automatically attached themselves on the back of my heels.

Yes, that's right 4 guns.

I wanted to try something a little different.

See, I explained myself, now stop looking at me like that.

Yeah, that's right I can see you.

Ha, no I can't see you. I'm in a book, silly. I just wanted to break the 4th wall.

And I quite like breaking the 4th wall; I might do it more often. And before I fix the 4th wall, I just want to say one more thing.

Hi, Colt Cabana!

75% of people will not understand that reference.

Anyway, back on track,

My new pistols were a vibrant blue, a little darker than my usual shade of blue. And all four had 'Love is Blue' engraved in gold. Each had their own different colored jewel, black, green, blue and gray.

"Ah! You want to play with Zero, huh?"

I landed and took a stylish pose.

"Then let's play, baby!"

You awoke and unleashed the fire in my heart,

I immediately started spinning around like crazy, rapidly shooting bullets. At one point, it looked like I was performing a pirouette.

I will dance and I'll defeat them,

I dodged a demon's attack in the nick of time, and activated Light Speed. I shot it in the face, and started roundhouse kicking the others with enough force to kill them.

Through the light and the dark,

Light Speed deactivated after I defeated the smaller demons. But Light Speed couldn't have deactivated at the worst time...

Your mistake was to underestimate my power,

The large demon, that had taken it's sweet time to turn around had swung it's axe at me. I wasn't directly hit, but it did knock me over.

Won't let go of the fight,

I smiled when I stood back up. I leapt up into the air and started Wicked Weaving the demon's disfigured head until it started to stumble.

'Till Tomorrow is Mine!

As soon as I noticed a glowing slash on the monster, I dropped back to the ground and watched as the demon fell into two separate pieces and died.

I will ignite,

A few minor demons remained and I shot at them and Wicked Weaved them to my heart's content. I was constantly spinning and dancing around as I fought, not really caring about the fight itself. When the fight was over I was standing back to back with a very tall and familiar person...

Dancin' through the fire around me,

We both spun around at the same time. They had the tip their sword at my neck, and I had my gun aimed at their head.

I'll never stop!

I couldn't help but to crack a smile.

My seriousness has totally remained intact.

"It's nice to see you haven't changed, Vergil..."

You'd better hide,

I lowered my gun, which made him lower Yamato. I holstered my guns and held my hands behind my back. I circled him with a smile.

Now I'm in the mood for a fight!

"Aww, did you miss me? I just know you've been overwhelmed with sadness since my death. I bet you cried yourself to sleep every night because you thought that you were never going to see my beautiful face again..." I stated playfully, skipping around him.

He didn't respond, he just kept giving me a dark glare.

You won't know what hit you when I spin around,

Oh, it's nice to see you too...

Jerk.

Jerk-face.

Supreme Overlord of the GEATHJERK Armada....

Well that escalated quickly.

With you in my dustbin,

"But there are a couple things I want to tell you..."

That got his undivided attention.

Bang-Bang Down-Down!

"First of all, how's it been without me? It seems that nothing's changed since my dramatic exit." I asked.

Yeah, it's my desire,

"It has been quiet without you."

He speaks!

"Okay then, my second thing is that you're still around the top of my To-Die List, just letting you know."

You're going for the win,

And there's the smirk...

Why am I so happy to see that?

"And my last thing..." I deliberately left a pause.

Time for the climax.

Tomorrow Is Mine!

"I'm sorry, but this isn't working out. It's not you, it's me... I just think we should see other people."

He is totally confused right now.

"I think we should go out into the world and find new arch-nemeses, because this, is over. I just want a relationship where my needs are met, you know?"

I made that sound a million times more awkward than what it really should have been.

You'd better run,

No response. Ha, I suppose that's how I would react if I was enemy-zoned.

"I don't even need an arch-nemesis. I don't need anyone anymore." I stated as I played with one of my pistols.

99.99999% of people will not understand that reference.

"Whatever." He responded, looking away from me.

Don't wait here I'll come, no,

That reaction was a letdown.

Way to go Buzzkillington.

I turned to see what he was looking at to see, you guessed it, another extremely large demon heading this way!

Why, don't I feel popular today?!

The fuel in my fire won't run dry,

"Uhh, temporary truce?" I offered, backing up slightly.

He nodded and unsheathed Yamato.

Looks like this is going to be one hell of a party.

It burns bright,

You'd better hide,

I came for a fight, yeah,

Until Tomorrow Is Mine!

Chapter Text

I gave no warning before I bolted toward the few stragglers with my guns in hand. Vergil followed me swiftly and we started fighting around each other. He was slashing and stabbing, and I was shooting and Wicked Weaving.

It was a short battle.

As soon as the battle was over, I got a really sly idea.

Hit him while he doesn't expect it.

I went for a quick slash with Vendetta, which I portalled in behind my back, but he blocked in the blink of an eye.

How in the hell...?

"I knew that you were planning on hitting me while I wasn't expecting it." I made it sound like he was the evil one.

Well, he really is.

Despite the fact I was the one with the evil idea.

"Is that so?"

It's funny how he makes a simple question sound like an evil, scary , 'your life depends on the answer' question.

"Hey, don't spin this on me! You're the devil here, not me!" We lowered our swords, as I accused him.

"If I'm the devil here, then what are you?" He inquired, looking at me with the same cold glare.

"That's none of your business. Now are we going to fight or what?"

I started sprinting at him first, holding Vendetta with two hands for more power. I went for a wide slash, but he teleported away just in time.

Right, he can teleport. I really need to remember these things. Eh, I'll write them down at some point.

I held Vendetta behind my back and deflected Vergil's attack from behind with minimal effort. I spun around and slashed him across the chest. He didn't seem very fazed, and just continued to attack.

At one point we were at a stalemate, grinding our swords together. Then I slipped up, and my sword slid away. He drove his sword at me immediately after I screwed up, and I just evaded until my back hit a wall.

He saw his chance and had me pinned with the tip of his sword at my throat, on the side of a building.

Quick, I need a distraction.

Think, Zero, think!

"Pinning a girl to a wall isn't going to get you anywhere." I taunted playfully, waving my finger in the air.

I sprinted around him while he was too busy contemplating what I said. I quickly swapped Vendetta for Love is Blue and began to shoot bullets at him, but he spun around and deflected my attack away with his sword.

Shit, it's like he's a Jedi or something.

Wait, I mean Sith.

I threw my guns up in the air, and I just knew he couldn't resist looking up at them. When he did, I Wicked Weaved his unguarded self at the wall. The wall cracked and he fell to the ground with a thud.

"Had enough?" I asked him seriously.

No response.

"I'm stronger than what I was before. As you can tell. So, you can't defeat me this time." I paced back in forth with my hands on my hips.

"It's a shame..." I started.

"You're no longer my type..." I successfully taunted.

That made him crack.

For some apparent reason.

I don't know, maybe he wants to be my type or something...?

He stood back up as fast as lightning, and went for a wide slash until I blocked Yamato using only my two guns in hand.

I can't stay like this for very long...

I looked in another random direction, and shouted,

"Look! A distraction!"

He raised an eyebrow at me, "Really?"

"It was worth a shot."

"Well, can't we just talk this out like civilised enemies?" I said to distract him.

Nope, still didn't work.

I thrusted his sword into the air, and out of his grip. He immediately chose the sword over me, like the jerk he is.

Seriously, what guy chooses a dull sword over me? I mean, come on! I'm not that bad am I?

I did this completely awesome action roll and started shooting at him while he was in the air and after he had landed.

Despite the entire fight going on, I was deep in thought.

I really want to start giving nicknames to people.

It would be fun to give names to people with secret meanings, which they are clueless about. It would be a good laugh for a while.

Let's see... What would Vergil's nickname be?

What about...

Oh, that's a good one.

I know that will just piss him off, and make me laugh.

Okay back to fighting...

When he neared me, I got up and ran. And for some unknown reason, I was travelling faster than I had ever been. Then it became clear that I had literally turned into a lightning bolt.

Nice.

I started Wicked Weaving Vergil constantly, which was even faster because of my 'Lightning Strike' ability. When I had noted that I had done enough damage, I stopped a few feet away from him and started walking the opposite way.

"Am I being defeated?"

"There's got to be first time for everything, isn't there?"

I walked away from him, portalling my weapons away.

"You're not going to finish me off?" He asked in disbelief.

"You're not worth it." I stated bluntly.

I stopped walking, and turned my head so I could see him in the corner of my eye.

"Anyway, it would be animal cruelty if I killed you, wouldn't it, Kitty?"

Chapter Text

After everything yesterday, I returned home and continued the day as usual. Coffee, Cartoons and Video Games... But when the clock struck midday, I was seriously bored.

"Buzz! I need something to do!" I complained.

Buzz-bot hovered into the room, "Visiting Ms. Bleu might be a good idea."

"Buzz, you can call her Mia you know."

I stood up from the couch, and got changed before I grabbed the house keys.

"But I might do that. Keep care of Normandy while I'm gone."

I closed the door behind me as I descended the stairs and into the car park. I approached my motorbike, and noticed that it had a lot of scrape marks.

I can buff that out, right?

I rode down to Mia's bar, with a lot of things weighing on my mind. I entered the bar and slid on to a bar stool and waited for Mia to serve the other customers.

"Busy as usual, huh?" I stated, looking around to a see a person in every seat.

"Yeah..." She sighed, wiping a bar glass.

"What's up with you?"

She's usually not this quiet...

"Dude! Everyone thought you were dead!" She exclaimed, and somehow did not create a scene.

"First of all, it's all good because I'm clearly not dead or else I would be eating your brains right now. That's if I could find them..." I started.

"Hey!"

"And second, did you just call me dude?!"

"Maybe..." She muttered, looking away.

Who says dude anymore? Certainly not me.

"So, what's with the outfit? It's not something that you would usually wear. Wait, let me rephrase that. It's something that you would never wear."

I looked down to my plain black t-shirt, faded grey jeans and black canvas shoes.

"I'm allowed to wear black. It's not illegal." I argued.

I don't see a problem with wearing the color black...

"Hey, bitch-face! You never wear black. Ever. I never even thought you owned anything black." She claimed, waving her finger in the air.

"Well, it seems that you don't know me that well, don't you?" I concluded as I slid off the barstool and walked out of the bar.

As soon as I stepped outside, I stopped and crossed my arms facing my motorbike.

Sitting on my bike, was girl, around 8 or 9 years old. She was wearing a black dress, with black stockings and black leather school shoes, with green eyes and long platinum blonde hair.

She kind of reminds me of Lumina in a way...

She was kicking her legs and acting all innocent.

"Who the hell are you?" I asked her getting immediately to the point.

"I'm Alice. But I'm not the one you should be worried about..."

Alice, what a nice name. Just like Project Alice from Resident Evil.

"What do you mean?"

"You're being watched." She answered, pointing to the roof of the bar.

I turned around and looked up, but nothing was there. When I looked back to Alice, she was gone. Poof, just like that.

"Well, that was weird." I muttered to myself.

I got on my bike and revved up the engine. Then I rode off, back home.

Who would want to watch me for? Sure, I am really good-looking, but that wouldn't be it.

Maybe, Alice meant something else when she said watching. Following... Observing... Hunting...?

Someone is following me, to observe me. To see everything I do. Then learn my weakness, and strike me down.

To erase their past loss...

Jeez, just like Wolverine and the Silver Samurai...

I brought my bike to a screeching halt, and quickly portalled in a single gun and started shooting at the roof top. I got off my bike and stood in the middle of the road, just stupidly shooting at a roof top.

I've done weirder things. You know that for a damn fact.

I heard weird growling to my right,-and spun around to see a batch of minor demons that just wanted to join in on my fun. I need a day off from this shit. Maybe that a holiday to Tahiti, after all it is a magical place.

I shot down three before more started to appear from everywhere. It was like they were freaking zombies, because zombies are everywhere as well.

I portalled in the rest of my guns and started taking them down one by one, while I noted that a certain someone was also fighting the horde of demons too.

I was separated from my motorbike, with at least 50 demons in between. The one's that just seemed idle or were waiting for their turn to die decided that it was a good idea to destroy random things, say like my motorbike! They started attacking my motorbike and it went up in flames.

Son of a bitch! How the hell am I going to get home now?!

I suppose I could walk, but that's not what's important! That was my, completely not stolen, motorbike! I've had that thing for years!

"That's it!" I yelled, about to go nuclear.

I portalled my weapons away and threw my hand up into the air.

"Beloved, give me hope." I muttered, as a golden portal appeared in front of me.

The angel, Beloved stepped out from the portal with a large golden axe in its giant hands. It went for a wide swing and killed every demon in its single attack. Sensing that its job was done, the Beloved retreated back into the portal and disappeared.

I stood there with my hands on my hips as the remains of what was once my motorbike continued to burn.

"Great, I've had that bike for years. And now it's nothing but a burning piece of metal, thanks to you."

I'm really going to miss that bike.

"You know, too bad if I just wanted to live a normal life."

Let's guilt-trip this bitch.

"Nice apartment, a motorbike and a quiet job. But no, I had to run into you. And let's see what happened... Well, I died, my motorbike also died, you attempted to kill my little brother and my sister,"

A sister, who is expendable...Because she's a bitch who doesn't bother to call me or appear at my goddamn funeral. She better have a good reason for it too or it'll be her funeral next.

"And I can't even ride home with running into you or a demon."

I let my arms fall to my sides.

"Thanks a lot."

I started walking home, hoping that my little guilt-trip attempt worked. It was after walking two city blocks before I noticed something.

"I don't need a personal escort home." I said to what would seem to be no one.

"Too bad." Was the response behind me.

"You probably already know where I live."

No response.

"I'll take that as a yes." I muttered mainly to myself.

"You don't know where everything is in my apartment do you?" I asked with a little bit of worry.

Vergil started walking faster, to walk alongside me.

"No."

He even has this entire walk that just screams 'I'm going to kill a bunch of people because I have no mercy'.

I shall name it 'The Terminator Walk'.

"I would be extremely worried if you did." I said honestly.

"I would probably move if you did. Actually that's a good idea. Move out of Capulet city... But you would still find me, wouldn't you?" I concluded.

He smirked, which answered it for him.

"Stop smirking! Your starting to make we worry. You've even got this Duke Crocker smirk and everything." I admitted.

"Who?" He spoke up.

"Duke, out of Haven? Oh my god, you haven't watched Haven? Fuck it, you're watching Haven with me, no matter what you say." I proclaimed.

More people need to watch Haven.

But now that I think about it, Vergil sort of has a Nathan smirk too.

Damn it, why is it so hard to choose!

"Okay, whatever you say..."

It sounds like he's admitting defeat...

VICTORY!!!

Achievement Unlocked:

Successfully Guilt-Tripped someone into watching Haven with me.

Finally someone who will understand my fangirling...

Even if that someone ends up being Vergil.

Chapter Text

I switched on the lights as I walked back in my apartment. I threw my keys on my coffee table as I walked straight down the hall to my room.

"I'll be back in a minute." I called out as I slammed my bedroom door shut.

I collapsed forward on to my bed, still mourning over the loss of my motorbike. I turned my head so I could stare at my aquarium, at my fish that minded their own business.

Who feeds these things anyway? I certainly don't.

"Lucky bastards..." I muttered as I got up and walked over the aquarium.

"You guys should be happy that you don't have a motorbike... or limbs, lungs, money, the ability to speak, magic powers, a horrible sister who doesn't show up at your funeral, pet jellyfish, god knows how long to wait for Bayonetta 2 to come out, and emotional attachments to fantasy characters!"

I've gone mad... I knew that I shouldn't have watched Captain America: The Winter Soldier because now I'm emotionally volatile. And I shouldn't have even accepted the bootleg copy from Mia. But she knows that I hate people, so the cinemas wouldn't have gone down well.

I hate this world and its damn fictional characters that make me feel emotions.

Damn you!

It's funny; I thought that Onyx would have said something by now. She would have said something annoying or funny.

Probably annoying.

Most likely annoying.

Okay, everything she says is very annoying.

Okay, I was going to do... Something important...

Haven! I was going to watch Haven, right... I remember now, I was going to watch Haven with Vergil. Weird, huh?

One minute we're fighting in the street and the next he's in my apartment watching Haven.

Eh, I don't care. I love Haven and I lo- I mean I hate Vergil. Haven balances everything out.

I opened my door and walked back out into the lounge room. I stopped and peered around the corner to see Normandy sitting on the couch next to Vergil for some unknown reason. Vergil had found one of the random books I had lying around and was reading it, while Normandy just stared at him.

When normal girls have overprotective fathers, I have an overprotective dog.

I decided the coast was clear and I walked out.

"Normandy, what the hell are you doing?" I scolded, with my hands on hips.

Normandy looked over at me and then back to Vergil with a growl. Vergil didn't care at all. I sighed and pointed down the doorway,

"Normandy, go."

He whined and reluctantly jumped down from the couch and ran down the hall.

Yep, overprotective dog alright.

I sat down on the couch where Normandy was and switched the television on.

"Normandy?" Vergil questioned.

"It's out of a game." I explained and he simply nodded.

I opened up my recordings and felt my heart drop as I read the description for the episode of Haven.

"The Lighthouse, Season 4 finale." I muttered, opening the recording.

I'm so not ready for this. I can't even cry so this is going to be like torture.

5 Minutes in...

"How could you shoot the baby's father, Duke?! He deserved to live!" I cried out to the television.

But it was so sweet and sad when Duke gave the baby its favorite blanket. But oh my god, this isn't fair! It's only been five minutes!

30 Minutes in...

"Oh my fucking god, Duke what the fuck is happening to you?!"

Why is everything around Duke turning black? Is everything he's touching dying? Is he absorbing the life of things now?

Somebody explain what's happening to Duke!

45 Minutes in...

"Heh heh, motherfucker! Nobody loved you anyway!"

William deserved being pushed back into the weird portal thingy. But I wish Audrey would have done it, but no Nathan had to do. But's okay, the motherfucker is gone!

"That's what you get when you mess with my OTP!"

53 Minutes in...

"Oh my god! Jennifer don't die on me! Please! You were perfect with Duke!"

I shipped Jennifer and Duke! It's not right. She can't die here! She was supposed to live happily ever after with Duke! And now she's dead and he's going to die! I fucking hate the writers of this show.

56 Minutes in...

"So, who is going to help me get William back?"

Oh shit, Mara's back. Oh shit.

This isn't right. God damn it, William! You ruined everything! You brought Mara, you killed so many people, you created these weird dudes that went around beating the crap out of people and you caused Jennifer to die!

And the credits roll...

"Oh my god. My OTP broke up. Nathan and Audrey are no longer together..." I said on the tip of totally losing it.

"May I ask what an OTP is?" Vergil spoke up, looking absolutely bored out of his mind.

"One True Pairing. Two people that you see as a couple that you absolutely love. Nathan and Audrey were one of my OTP's." I explained, my voice cracking.

"Seems pointless." He commented.

"Shut up. Don't mess with me while I'm grieving the loss of my OTP and motorbike, okay?" My tone was pure sass.

Great my 7 stages of grief. Stage 5: Sassiness

But everything will be okay! Nathan will come through, Audrey will come through, they always do in the end. They'll live happily in their dream house with the two dogs and the sea monster in the pool!

"Calm down, the world's not ending."

Wow, he even sounds bored. Then why did he even come with me?

"You didn't like Haven, did you?" I inquired, crossing my arms.

"No. It made no sense to me."

Okay, I'll accept that, but when I first saw Haven I fell in love with it. But that's because the first episode I watched was the episode when Nathan and Duke went back in time and met Sarah , one of Audrey's past lives which she changes every time the Barn opens and the Barn is this weird building that can send people to this other dimension and...

Okay, it is very hard to explain, so I might stop now.

Suddenly there was knock at the door which scared the living daylights out of me. I stood up and leaned on the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Phoenix. Now open up already."

Yep, that's definitely Phoenix.

Vergil and I stared at each other for the longest time before I came up with a plan. Sneak him out the back. Even though there is no back door.

"Just give me a minute." I shouted as I paced over to Vergil, who paced toward me.

It seems that he knew that I had a plan. Weird how your worst enemies can know you so well.

"You're going to have to jump out the window. Are you okay with that?" I whispered to him.

He nodded and casually jumped out the window without saying another word. I closed my window as Phoenix barged in. I spun around and tried to act as casual as possible.

"Oh, hey!"

"Jeez, why didn't you open the door? I was beginning to get worried!" Phoenix said sternly.

"I uhh... was going to open my window, because I needed some fresh air." I turned around and slid my window open, letting in a cold breeze.

"Anyway, you know how much I love your company. I'm so pleased that you came. We should meet more often." I said loudly, so a certain person could hear it.

"Sis, I think you're going insane." Phoenix scoffed as I hesitantly moved away from the window.

"Yeah, I think so too."

Chapter Text

My brother's visit was... eventful. He noticed that I was acting mighty suspicious; thankfully he didn't say anything about it. But he was thinking about it, very loudly. He stayed and watched Haven with me, and enjoyed it unlike an irritating devil that shall remain nameless.

Even though you know damn right who it is... and everything else don't you.

Yeah, that's right Reader, I'm talking to you. You think you're so smart because you know about everything and even what I'm thinking at times - Which is kind of creepy by the way...

... But nothing I say would stop you anyway...?

Phoenix stayed around all night, stole a handful of my books then left with a smile. Okay, he took all of my books; he is Mister I-Love-My-Books after all. I waved goodbye to him with a fake smile on my face.

Once the door slammed shut, I bolted to my living room window and peered out of it. No one's there.

Then why does it feel like I'm being watched as we speak?

"Why hello there!" I spun around to see Alice sitting on a bar stool in my kitchen, "Fancy meeting you here..."

"Alice what are you doing here? How did you even get into my house?"

"That doesn't matter right now. What matters is that you need some sleep! You looked stressed after your big date. And your brother's well-timed visit." She sounded slightly concerned.

I let out a yawn and stretched my back, "Yeah, I suppose you're right. I am pretty stressed and tired."

Then reality slapped me in the face, like usual.

I need a better attention span.

"Wait, What date?!" I exclaimed, but Alice disappeared in a puff of smoke and giggles.

Yep, she's just like Lumina.

~}{•}{~

It's been two weeks since I last saw, you-know-who, and it's been pretty peaceful. No demons, no angels, no weird things of any kind. My parents visited and that was awkward.

There wasn't much to talk about that didn't involve or mention my death. It was mainly just awkward silences and a lot of coffee. Mom left early on important business, leaving my Dad and I to just play video games until he had to also leave on important business.

Claire didn't show. Hell, no one even spoke about her. When I tried to ask where she was I was just told she's gone on a trip somewhere. I was slightly worried that something else was going on, and I was only ticked that she hadn't bothered to call or message me.

I tried calling her home phone... It went straight to her answering machine. I probably left 16 messages, some nicer than others...

I can't believe that I'm saying this... But I hope she's okay.

I continued to walk down the sidewalk, wearing my Heartstealer outfit for a change. I was off... to do something... I don't know, I just left the apartment for the hell of it. No, it feels more like one of those situations where you just walk into a room and totally forget what you went in there for. Something along those lines.

"Boo!"

I looked to my side to see Alice walking with me to wherever the hell I was going. I didn't react at her attempt to scare and just ignored it.

"You know, you seem really bored lately." She commented, and I just shrugged it off.

"I know something that'll cheer you up! There's a bunch of demons, ready to be killed, a couple streets that way," She pointed to my left, "If you're interested that is."

"Well, I've got nothing better to do in this hellhole. But if it's a trap, I will kill you." I warned her before I sprinted across the street and leapt on top of a building, leaving Alice behind.

Eh, she'll be fine. She's the sort of kid that'll gouge your eyes out if you look at her the wrong way.

Ah, the future generation of this world...

I jumped across a few rooftops and had to run a cross a few busy streets of traffic before I could hear the sounds of metal clashing against metal. Maybe someone's fighting them or something. The Demon Hunters must be taking a quiet approach, so they don't scare any civilians around here.

I finally spotted the battalion of sand Demons. The sacks of sand and cloth may be pretty weak, even if they have a scythe for an arm or a leg, but as a group there's a bit of a challenge.

But not for me!

I pulled my guns out of my holsters on my belt, and the other two were already connected to the back of my boots. I leapt from the top of the building to the center of the demon horde.

Before I whip out an awesome taunt, I was interrupted.

"What are you doing here?" A gritty voice asked behind me.

"Vergil?!" I exclaimed, but quickly regained my calm composure, "Did you really think that you could leave me out of the party, Kitty?"

He shook his head slightly with a sinister smirk, and unsheathed Yamato, "Come on." He taunted the demons.

Oh, bitch please! I'm the person who taunts around here!

Quick Zero, think of a much better taunt! Think goddamn it!

"Henshin-a-go-go, baby!" And I charged into battle.

Viewtiful Joe quote, awesome... I would totally give myself a high-five for that. And it was totally much better that Vergil's taunt. I mean, I'm pretty sure I've said that taunt before. Hell, I've said a lot of taunts that are just references. A lot of references.

My god, I need my own special patented taunt for myself. That would be awesome... But I would have to think, and thinking is dangerous for people like me. And thinking is very annoying when the person thinks and stares at your face at the same time.

Just to be nice, I won't say anything more.

I had taken down at least half of the demons in the matter of 4 or 5 minutes. Wow, this is so boring. But I suppose it's better than wandering around a dangerous city for no fucking reason whatsoever.

Since there was only like one demon left that was running away, I put my guns back in their holsters and claimed this battle to be a victory.

"Where have you been for the past two weeks?" I asked Vergil casually, as he sheathed Yamato.

"I could ask you the same question."

What? I've been here for the past two weeks. Why would he ask that?

"I couldn't find you anywhere. This is the first demon encounter I've had since I saw you last." I admitted.

"Same here. I couldn't seem to find you anywhere either." He admitted too.

He was looking for me...?

Oh no, I'm feeling butterflies in my stomach. Come on, snap out of it Zero!

"Then what the..." And then it hit me, "Alice, that sneaky son of a bitch!"

Right on cue, Alice walked straight between us, innocently of course. She giggled at the situation. She stopped adjacent to Vergil and I with her hands behind her back.

I was going to yell at her, but I noticed a different type of demon taking aim with a bow and arrow at Alice. The demon had arms instead of legs and a giant green eye. It was grey and looked very strange, not that all demons don't. This one however, was new to me.

"Alice!"

I pushed Alice out of the firing line, and was shot instead. A weird glowing green arrow straight through my chest. I blacked out, but I wasn't dead. I just knew it.

~}{•}{~

I stirred from my sleep to the sound of beeping beside me. I heard a door opened and footsteps enter the room.

"Hi everybody!"

"Hi Doctor Nick..." I groaned, sitting up on the hospital bed.

"She's awake! Serah, can you hear me?" A blurry figure showed me.

I rubbed my eyes and crossed my arms with a growl as I recognized the person at my bedside. Should I say the couple at my bedside...

"Nancy, Oliver? I thought you were scripted to come back... never." I droned.

Who's idea was it to bring these to losers back? I swear, when I find out who did this, I'll kill them. Freaking jerks...

"Serah, we were called here after you were brought to the hospital with a shot wound to your heart." Nancy reached for my hand but I pulled away, "What happened to you?"

"First of all, it's Zero. Second, I was fighting freaking demons and was shot saving Alice. Thirdly, why the fuck are you even here, I thought you were in jail?" I shot at them both.

Oliver sighed, "We were bailed out with the world's best lawyers. And what's this about demons? And who's Alice?"

"Alice is a little girl who separated me from... Vergil... Hey Doc, how did I get here?" I asked the doctor standing in the corner, who seemed very bored.

"Someone dropped you off. The nurse who found you saw a man wearing blue leaving the scene." He answered, stepping forward.

He brought me to the hospital... He could have left me to die, but he didn't...

Maybe he just wants the chance to kill me without any interference. Sounds like Vergil.

"Hey doctor, I'm really tired. Could you please let me get some rest?" The doctor nodded and dragged Nancy and Oliver out.

I pulled the tubes out of my arm and every other wire attaching me to any machine in the room. I got out of bed and turning the lights off. I was thankfully that I wasn't dressed in hospital scrubs, but my t-shirt had a hole in it, but no blood and I had no wound.

"Okay, time to disappear." I muttered as I climbed out of the window.

I guess I have to move again... Maybe this time I'll go to California or I could always go back to Russia, hell I might even move to Mexico just for the tacos.

But there's only one thing I know for sure, it's that I'm never coming back to Capulet City.

Chapter Text

"You don't have to go." Mia told me for the thousandth time.

"Too bad, I have to." I replied, continuing to pack my stuff into boxes.

"No, you just want to go. You don't actually have to." She said, even though she was helping me pack things away.

"I can't have them taking over my life again. They should still be in jail..." I muttered the last part to myself.

Mia stopped packing and crossed her arms, "Then stand up to them! You're your own person, Zero! Fight them; just stop them from invading your life! Don't just run away, or else they win."

"If only it was that simple."

"What about me, huh?!"

I rolled eyes, "What about you, Mia?"

"How am I going to go on with my best friend half-way around the world?" She exaggerated.

"California isn't half-way around the world. Even though Noatun looks good this time of year."

"Still, you'll be gone!" She exclaimed.

"I'll call, I'll write, I'll even visit. It's not like I'm totally going to be out of your life." I taped up the last box which had a shut off Buzz-bot inside and a couple things from the Vault, which I had to empty.

"Friends don't leave each other like this." She huffed, turning away from me.

I sighed and put Normandy on a leash and grabbed the keys to my rental car.

"The moving truck will be here soon, so I'm going head off." I tried to start a conversation but failed miserably.

"Yeah, whatever."

I opened the front door to my apartment and took a moment to notice how different it looked without all my stuff on it, and without all the movie and game posters on the walls.

I even had to take Ol' Shepard down too.

Along with a bunch of Avengers ones.

Mia was still pissed at me and seemed like she wasn't going to say goodbye to me all. Jeez, what a bitch. I would at least say goodbye.

"Jeez, don't miss me too much." I said in an aggravated tone, before slamming the door as loudly as possible.

I led Normandy down the stairs, since the elevator was still freakin' broken. I opened the blue sports car's door open for Normandy to jump in shotgun, while I walked around to get into the driver's seat.

Driving out of the car park and out to the open road, I was pretty upset with leaving this hellhole of city. Sure this place was a hellhole, and pretty bad one at that. But this was my hellhole that I've lived in for several years.

And sure, it's constantly overrun with demons, the people that live here are all weirdos, someone seemed to be murdered every day and the grocery store down the road is robbed at gunpoint every night at 6. I still, somewhat, like this place.

I slowly drove down the main street, and spotted a figure standing in the middle of the road up ahead.

For god sake, please be the Winter Soldier.

Even though he'd probably kill me, it would still be pretty cool... And it would be even better if Cap just randomly showed up to make it better.

That would be a fan-girl moment and a half.

As I approached the figure, I recognized the small person as Alice.

What the hell is she doing?

I stopped a meter or two in front of her, and she walked around the car to the driver's door window. I rolled the window down and didn't look at her.

"What do you want?" I said I little harsher than necessary.

"Um.... I just want to say... Uh... Thank you, for saving me last time..." She said shyly, which was kind of cute.

I sighed, "It's okay. No need to thank me."

Oh, hell yeah she needs to thank me. I nearly freakin' died because I saved her ass. I could have easily let her die, but I could just do that though.

Damn it, why do I have to be the nice guy...

"Don't leave me."

I snapped back into reality and looked at Alice, "Huh?"

"I don't want to be alone." She continued to beg.

How on Earth did she know I was leaving? Don't tell me she can read minds too...?

"Alice..." She cut me off.

"Purge and Saber are here, you can't leave them here on their own!"

"Purge and Saber are here?!"

"I can show you where they are!" She convinced me.

"Get in," I turned to face Normandy, "Sorry, Normandy but you're going to have to move. " I laughed.

Normandy wined, while Alice opened the shotgun door and shuffled into the seat, while Normandy moved on to her lap. She giggled while she petted him and I started the car again.

"Take the next left!" Alice shouted as I sped off.

A couple of turns later, I spotted two familiar figures up ahead. And for some unknown reason, they looked like Fang and Vanille cosplayers. Actually, they looked like Fang and Vanille.

And of course they were fighting demons, like anyone else would be right now. Like I would be, if I was staying here.

I stopped the car with a slide and kicked down the door, accidently taking it off its hinges.

Oops... I forgot this was just a rental.

"Stay here with Normandy; I'm going to help them!"

I ran up to Purge and Saber, portalling in Vendetta into my hands. I cut down any minor demons in my way and rushed toward the larger demon that sort of looked like the Grim Reaper - scythe and all.

"Get out of the way!" I yelled to Purge and Saber.

I leapt up, holding Vendetta above my head and sliced the demon vertically in half. I stood back up as the demon turned into sand.

"Zero!" Someone squealed behind me.

Suddenly I'm tackled- I mean I'm hugged by both Purge and Saber.

"I can't believe you guys are real..."

"What?" Purge squeaked as I was released from my death grip- I mean my hug.

"I- Don't worry. I just can't believe you guys are here." I stuttered.

Wait, when did they learn my name...?

It was probably Alice or someone else's doing.

"Of course we are, we wanted to pay you a visit." Purge continued to answer, while Saber continued to death stare me.

Yep, she's still a bitch.

'And you're not?'

Onyx, you son of a bitch! Where the hell have you been?

'I've been busy... And so have you as it seems...'

What do you mean by that Onyx?

'Oh, nothing...'

... I'm keeping an eye on you, Onyx.

"You guys caught me at a bad time. I'm leaving the city." I admitted.

"You're leaving! Why?" They said in unison.

"It's complicated..."

"Well, whatever the reason, you shouldn't go. I mean come on; I can tell you love this city and fighting demons. So you should stay and follow your heart." Saber spoke up, shocking me.

"I-I don't know..."

"You also could wait it out and see what happens..." Purge cut in.

"Alright, alright... I'll stay, for a little longer." I gave in.

Both Purge and Saber smiled and entered the back seat of the sports car and started talking to Alice inside. I cracked a smile and spun around to face the person hiding in the shadows.

"You were going to leave?"

"I was, but now I'm just going to hold the fort, so to speak." I explained.

Vergil stepped out of the shadows and into the light, "Are you sure you're making the right choice?"

"I hope so. But if I did leave, would you miss me?" I inquired with a laugh.

He shook his head with his classic smirk. "Your friends are waiting for you." He reminded me.

Was that a yes or a no...? Why do I care for anyway?!

Right, forgot about those guys.

"Well, since I'm staying after all, I could use a strong devil to help me unpack?" I joked.

He shook his head with a chuckle.

"Too shy?"

"No, too busy."

I walked back to the rental car, and slipped in since the door was you know, off its hinges and lying on the road.

"Don't get yourself killed, hotshot!"

I started the car and drove off, speeding down the road, totally leaving the car door back there. Eh, it'll be fine, they'll buff it out.

'They'll buff out a missing car door?'

Don't question my logic, Onyx.

"Well, isn't someone in flirt mode..." Saber broke the nice silence in the car.

"Shut up. I was only trying to get some help with the unpacking. And since he's not helping, you guys just got volunteered."

Alice, Saber and Purge groaned while Normandy howled, and I just laughed manically.

Holy crap, I just realised that Vergil made a Captain America reference!

If he wasn't such a self-concerned, evil, demonic, insane, good-looking jackass, I would marry him.

Wait, what?

Chapter Text

"Okay guys, move the couch over there." I pointed to the spot that my couch originally was.

Everyone except for Alice and I, groaned and moved the couch over with a handful of annoyed grunts.

Alice skipped off, picking out things from boxes, so I paid her no mind while I pointed out where the rest of my furniture went.

Everything was fine up until,

"I FOUND ZERO'S DIARY!!!"

Mia, Purge and Saber dropped the coffee table on my foot, and huddled around Alice.

"Ow! Guys! What the hell!"

Do I even own a diary?

'Yeah. you do. But you only write in it every so often. That's why it's...'

Unlocked...!

Fuck my life!

I sprinted over to them and tried to grab my diary out of Alice's evil little hands.

"Ooh! Listen to this one,

November 14th, 2013

My god, there's only one good thing about Capulet City right now, and it's not Mia because she wants to kill me.

And that thing is..."

"Alice! Give me the damn diary! Right now!" I demanded.

"And that thing is..." She rubbed in.

"Hurry up already!!!" Mia complained, earning a death stare from me, "Sorry."

"And that thing is Modeus...? Who's Modeus?" Alice inquired, while everyone else stared at me.

"Ah, fuck." I sighed, scratching the back of my neck nervously.

"Aww, Zero!" Mia squealed, lifting me into the air with one of her death hugs, "I didn't know you had a boyfriend!"

I shuddered when she said the 'B' word.

Yep, 100% Childish.

"That's because I don't!"

She put me down, "Then who is he?"

I looked over to Alice, "Keep reading."

"He is my rock. Sure, he looks a little elfish for a guy-best friend, but I'm not complaining. But I have my eye on someone else, and sorry diary, you ain't finding out who..."

"A guy-best friend...?! Is he hot? Is he gay?" Mia squealed.

"Is he hot - Eh... Is he gay - I don't know, but that hair..." I trailed off.

I noticed Alice flicking through the pages of my diary, with Purge and Saber looking over her shoulders.

"What are doing now?!"

"Looking for the name of McGorgeous."

Crap, I forgot that was the code name I used.

"No, that's just a Frozen reference. Because the first time I watched it, I called Hans 'McGorgeous', and then when he turned out to be a massive jerk, I... still called him 'McGorgeous'..." I explained as an excuse.

"Ha! You love this guy!" Mia randomly blurted.

"In what way?"

"His codename is referenced to a 'Jerk'. Anyone you call a jerk you love!" Mia recalled.

"No I don't!" I turned to Purge, "Purge, you're a jerk."

"You're friends with Purge..." Alice pointed out.

I turned to Mia, "Mia, you're a jerk."

"But I'm your bestfri- Hey!!!" She realized what I meant and punched me in the shoulder.

I'm so evil! Mwahahahaha!

I snatched my diary out of Alice's hands and dropped it into my pocket dimension.

"I'm heading out, Alice, you're in charge!"

I hope I'm not going to regret that call...

~}{•}{~

I went for a simple walk. A simple walk down the street...

But instead of completing my simple, normal, peaceful walk, I found a portal to Paradiso...

It's funny... I used to have dreams about this place. Every dream differed from the last and every version of Paradiso was too. Since I had never been there, all I could do was dream. But I could imagine it. I could imagine what it would feel like to be there.

And I wanted them to be true.

I stared at the portal for the longest time, trying to decide whether it was worth it or if it was a trap. I played with my necklace for a minute or two before finally making a decision.

Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger, right?

I ran straight through it and entered the golden gardens on the other side. I was in awe as I continued to run and follow the path until I found a small area, surrounded by a crumbling vine and moss covered wall, with a crystal ball on its stand glistening in the distance.

I approached it hesitantly, unsure if this was all a big trap, a pretty fake of Paradiso. For all I know, this could be Hell during Summer, when all the demons and devils are on vacation or at the beach.

Or trying to kill me back on Earth.

I reached out and poked the ball and nothing happened thankfully. I placed my hand on it and it still didn't react.

Aren't these things supposed to give you visions of the future or something...?

Suddenly the ball cracked and shattered into tiny pieces. I stepped backward checking if anyone or anything saw.

'Nice going... Zero... You bro... the damn... thin...'

Uh, Onyx, are you going through a tunnel? You're breaking up on me.

'What...? It's...in...ference.... fro... the portal...'

What? I didn't catch that, Onyx.

'...'

Onyx...?

'...'

Great, now I'm all alone. Well aren't I off to a good start! I freaking broke the crystal ball on accident and now Onyx can't even talk to me. Maybe the crystal ball was already broken and the bastard that broke it glued it back together like a retard and ran away, leaving me to stumble upon it.

Son of a bitch.

I heard running footsteps fast approaching and acted quickly, leaping into a tree and sitting on a branch, waiting for whoever it was to come.

And of course, it was Vergil.

He ran over to the remains of the crystal ball, which I did not break, following the stone path.

"I've lost her... Damn it, she's going to get herself killed." I heard him mutter to himself as he ran a hand through his hair.

Hmph, why would he care?

"The only person, who's going to get themselves killed here, is you." I shouted before jumping down from the tree as the coast was clear.

"A devil in Paradiso... I don't think my little angelic buddies are going to be very happy..." I started to pace.

"But I suppose that they've let beings with darkness in their hearts up here before... And you're only a half-devil. Maybe they'll make your death half as excruciatingly painful." I laughed, not really lightening the mood.

"I'm not going to die at the hands of an angel." He sounded sure of himself.

"You've never met an angel, have you? Well, all they do is kill, kill and what was the last one again, oh right! Kill! Plus they are really ugly to boot. Not very idealistic saviors and beings of light are they? I honestly expected like an extremely hot Gabriel or something but no they are like, mutant bird things."

Extremely hot Gabriel?

I honestly don't what I was thinking, but that's what I always pictured angels like that.

Great, now I'm just talking crazy.

"Doesn't matter. I will still kill them, if they get in my way."

"Won't that invoke a war between heaven and hell or something?" I asked curiously.

He shrugged, not really caring.

I changed the subject, "So, you came into a mysterious portal after me, huh?"

He looked away, probably guessing what I was getting at.

"Seems a little heroic, don't you think?" I tried not to laugh.

"Someone had to see if you were still alive." He excused himself.

"Aww, you missed me didn't you? I'm gone for merely seconds and your cold, emotionless heart yearned for me, didn't it?" I smiled evilly.

"In your dreams."

Woah, step back! He actually had a comeback. I'm so proud of him!

"No, in my dreams, they never find your body."

Two can play at the comeback game, bitch!

"You dream of him?" A hollow voice cut into our conversation.

I looked over to see... me! But like a doppelgänger of me. Well, this is freaking weird. Is it a Joy, one of those shape shifting angels? Or am I just seeing things?

I portalled in my gun and aimed it at my doppelgänger, "Who are you?" I asked, ignoring what she had said.

"I'm a spirit of fallen warrior. I have only taken your form because it is respected here; you are respected here." She corrected herself.

"Oh." I portalled my gun away, sensing no danger.

"Why are you here?" Vergil cut in, stepping forward.

"I am here to challenge the Champion of Time in a battle." She answered, eyeing me.

"You mean me?" I blurted.

She nodded, and Vergil unsheathed Yamato. I held out my hand in front of him before he got any more crazy ideas.

"No, this is my fight." I looked at him from the corner of my eye, over my shoulder, "I'll meet you back outside, okay?"

He sheathed his sword and nodded to me before hesitantly leaving the scene.

"I don't know why you're here and why you want to fight me of all people... But I'll be happy to oblige. It's not I'm going to lose after all."

"An honorable fight will have us disarmed. I prefer that my weapons did not speak my fury." She stated.

Great, she's starting to sound like Vergil...

"You mean where doing fisticuffs?" I took a fisticuff stance like the idiot I am.

"Fight as you may, just without weapons,"

Okay, I think I can do this.

"Or Angelic Weaves. That is the honorable way." She finished.

Fuck.

Okay, now I'm on 20% sure I'll make it out of this alive... This is, unless I break the rules.

I turned around, "Well, that nice I suppose..." I portalled in my guns in my hands, keeping them out of this imposters sight,

"Because I'm not honorable!"

I took a cheap shot, spinning around and shooting a single bullet at her face. She turned her head to narrowly dodge it. She turned her head and looked at me in a sinister way.

"If my opponent refuses to fight within the rules, than neither will I."

Suddenly, a pale imitation of my guns appeared within her hands and on the back of her heels. What a copycat...!

I charge at her and try shooting her in the face at a closer range and she copied my move. We both miss, and try again, and miss yet again. We both cartwheel away from each other and try to shoot each other using the pistols on our shoes but fail again. We leap further away from each other, landing safely on my feet.

We leap into the air and continue to perform the same moves, whether we're shooting, kicking or punching. We miss and miss and miss. I try to roundhouse kick, and she does the same and our shins blocked each other's attack.

We both fell to the ground and landed safely. She charges jumping into the air and trying to shoot and kick me in the face at the same time. I jump back, avoiding her attacks.

I tried shooting at her again, and again, but she dodged my moves. She tried the same, but I dodged her bullets as well. We both try to shoot at each other at the same time and the barrels of our guns clash. I push hers away and kick her in the face with enough force to knock her down.

She gets back up, and aims one gun at me.

I guess this is the shootout...

We both shoot... and she misses me narrowly, while my bullet had pierced her heart and she fell onto her knees in a state of shock.

I portalled my weapons away, and approached my doppelganger, "I guess I win." I shrugged, not really caring since there was no prize to the battle.

A new motorbike would have been nice.

"I was sent here as my last mission." She blurted, perking my interest.

"I... am a guardian to a goddess you see. When I was finally beaten on the battlefield, she gave me a second chance at life, as long as I protected her and did as she said. I have been waiting and waiting... and finally I received my final mission: To defeat you. If I had succeeded, then I would live as a mortal again." She explained.

I crossed my arms, "So, this goddess wanted you to kill me."

"It wasn't personal." She said bluntly.

I feel like I'm watching myself die... It's really weird.

"Since you have defeated me... My soul is yours."

"You mean like an eidolon?" I blurted, even though she probably has no idea what that is.

She stared at me for a second, and I knew that she in my head trying to find out what the fuck an Eidolon is.

"Yes." She finally answered, after reading my mind.

"Well, if I'm going to have an Eidolon, I need to know your name." I shrugged.

"I would prefer if I received a new one. My old one is not a name of your world."

Where the hell is she from? Another world? Is she an alien, is that why she took my form?

"Well," I looked around looking for inspiration, "How about..." I spotted an angel in the distance, "Archangel...?"

"I like it." She smiled, "Summon me when needed."

There was a flash of light and when it faded away, in Archangel's place was a rose shaped blue crystal.

I picked it up and held it in my hand as I left Paradiso through the, still open, portal back to Earth.

As I stepped out of the portal to find Vergil fighting a demon horde on his own, like usual.

"I'm glad that I didn't miss the party!" I yelled out, gaining the attention of some demons.

"I hope you don't mind, but I brought a friend." I said casually, throwing Archangel's crystal into the air.

I portalled in my sword and slashed the crystal, summoning Archangel, who was for some reason wearing my old Trinity armor, wings and all. I was fine with it, since I never used that armor anymore, but the sword in her hands wasn't mine. And remember when she said that she was from another world, well, I was wrong, she looked human.

"Archangel, cut us a path!"

Chapter Text

I woke up with an immediate feeling of dread. I had no clue why, but I just did. Maybe it's a warning about the future... Maybe the Reapers are coming early, or Loki has planned another attempt of world domination again.

Option 2 would be nice.

I checked my calendar to see that it was the 1st of April.

That explains everything.

Mwahahaha! A day that you can be evil for absolutely no apparent reason! I wonder why April Fools Day exists for anyway...

But April Fools Day has 2 upsides and 2 downsides.

Upside 1. Pranking. A lot of pranking.

Downside 1. Pranking against me. A lot of pranking against me.

Upside 2. That Batman cartoon episode about April Fools Day.

Downside 2. I lost my copy of the disc with that episode on it.

So yeah, this is going to be one hell of a day.

Better get a head start with my prank war with Mia. It's pretty early, and her bar isn't open yet.

Mwahaha, evil plans forming...

~}{•}{~

I arrived at the front of Mia's bar not long after I formed my evil plans. My plans were slightly effected by the fact that my new totally not stolen motorbike tyres were slashed, by Mia, because she left a note, reading:

Dear Zero,

Ha, First shots fired bitch!

Sincerely, Mia.

I pick locked the door open and started messing around with everything.

I put up a sign saying that everything today was for free, and that it wasn't an April Fool joke...

I shoved corks up all of her taps, and superglued her cupboard doors closed, and put vaseline on all door handles...

I poured oil all over the floor, mainly behind the bar.

And I put a tack on every stool.

Plus I poured paint into her cash register. Thankfully she had emptied out the tills yesterday, or those bank notes would have been pink.

Overkill? No, I wasn't done yet. But I didn't want to do anymore pranks, before I see the success of these ones.

I stepped out of the bar with a sly grin and closed the door, locking it again.

And immediately had to run into Kitty.

I can't walk 5 steps with running into him...

"Oh, you know I was just looking for you. What luck, huh?" I stated with a smirk.

"Why?"

He is always so blunt...

"Because I need to tell you something... but your going to have to wait for another 2 or 3 hours to hear it okay?"

"Meet me here at 11 o'clock!" I shouted as I walked home, thankfully alone.

Oh I can't wait for this...

~}{•}{~

When I arrived back home, I dodged the bucket of slime waiting on top of my front door which was open.

I locked my door, so nice try Mia.

I threw the large number of Furbys out the window using a butterfly net.

I know what you're thinking. Furbys are not scary.

Well, I'm telling you now. Those little furry fucks are straight from the deepest pits of hell, and are just waiting for the perfect time to eat your face off.

I removed the princess dress off Normandy... after taking a lot of photos of him.

I removed the tape off the remotes, and laughed at her pitiful attempt of a prank.

And I found my Xbox controllers inside some Furbys. I had to touch the weird demon spawn to get them out.

Eww...

I watched TV for the next couple of hours, and left for Mia's bar. I was running perfectly late for my meeting with Vergil.

I just hope I don't die because of it.

I finally saw the bar, and started casually strutting there for a laugh, and to waste time.

"Oh, hi Vergil! Hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long..."

He shook his head and opened the door for me, like a gentleman, I know, kind of weird, to head inside the bar.

We sat down in a booth in the furthest, darkest corner of the bar to watch my magic at work. Luckily, the tacks I placed were already gone and the oil had been cleaned up.

"I asked for a drink 20 minutes ago!" A customer shouted.

"I know! I just can't get the damn cupboard open!" Mia shouted back, trying to rip the cupboard door open.

I watched as a customer sat down, and jump back up again.

"Ow! Why the hell is there a tack on my chair?!""

I looked back over at the situation at the bar.

"Can you just get me a drink from the tap?" The man suggested.

"Okay, I can do that." Mia said, a little relieved.

She pulled out a glass and turned the tap but nothing came out.

"Oh! Come on!" She growled, whacking the tap.

She crouched down and looked up the tap. I saw my opportunity, and waved my hand, and the cork popped out and Mia was flooded with beer pouring everywhere.

"This was all you, wasn't it?" Vergil asked, pulling my attention away from a beer-soaked Mia.

"Yep." I answered, rather proudly.

I love it when a plan comes together...

"I'll be back in minute." I stood up and moved over where Mia was.

"Having fun?" I inquired innocently.

"Fuck you. But nice work." She complimented, wiping her face with a towel.

"By the way, what did you do the cupboard doors?"

"I superglued them." I admitted with a smile.

"Fuck you."

"Oh, I love how you put a dress on Normandy. I took a lot of pictures." I pulled out my phone and showed her my photos and my selfie with Princess Normandy.

"I thought you would like that. Certainly made me laugh." She finally cracked a smile.

"Okay, time for my finale." I said to Mia before I walked back over to where Vergil was all alone.

"Why did you drag me here?" He got straight to the point.

"I wanted to tell you something." I rested my chin on my fingers, propping my head up.

"I love you."

He kept on a pokerface, but it was very clear that he was so confused.

Must... Keep... A... Straight face!

I deliberately made an awkward silence, just to get him on his nerves.

"April Fools!" I started laughing, and Mia came over.

Vergil let out a relieved sigh.

Mia gave me a high-five.

"Nice. But I've read somewhere that people usually tell their crushes their true feelings on April Fools Day..." Mia stated, crossing her arms.

...

What is this Madness...?!

Pfft... As if...

Don't make me laugh...

"Mia, this is when you exit the conversation." I said, a little harsher than needed.

She walked off, flipping the bird at me.

Vergil ran a hand through his hair, which made my eye twitch.

"Don't do that! It messes your hair up!" I complained, sounding really strange.

"Aww... That's so cute!" A voice commented next to me.

"Alice, shut up." I said with all seriousness.

"I'm just telling the truth..." She muttered, with her arms crossed on the table.

"What do you want?" Vergil asked in a dark tone.

In other words, in his usual tone of voice.

"I wanted to tell Zero something."

She turned to look at me.

"Do you really remember what happened in when you were with the Goddess of Time? Do you know what you did there?"

"Yeah, I was there for what seemed like a day. Woke up, met people, jumped off a platform, had a fight and got stabbed." I said casually.

"You were there for weeks... Not just a day."

I was...?

"If you don't start remembering... You'll die. Simple as that." Alice said childishly.

"No pressure..." Her voice echoed as she faded to smoke.

If I don't start remembering, I'll die...

What have I done to deserve this?!

Actually don't answer that, I have done a lot of evil things today...

Maybe she's just joking! Maybe she's just pranking me for April Fools Day... Ha...

I'm so dead...

"Why are you only wearing one glove?" A voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I looked down to my gloved left hand resting on the table. I had totally forgot about that.

Best not to tell him. Or think about it either.

Yeah, that's right Reader, a secret you don't know for a change!

"Because I... Um... I..." I stuttered, unable to think of a believable excuse.

Crap, I've got nothing. Better bail so I don't look suspicious. But dodging the question and running away seems more suspicious though...

Eh, running away is much simpler than thinking of an excuse.

What excuse could there possibly be for wearing one glove?

...Don't answer that.

Becoming more self-conscious and nervous about my left hand, I shot up from my seat and paced out of the building wanting to go home badly.

Chapter Text

"What's on the agenda today, Buzz?" I inquired while making my morning coffee.

No random devils I hope...

"Nothing, Miss. You have nothing planned for the next four days." Buzz-bot stated, hovering into the room.

I turned to face Buzz-bot with my jaw literally hitting the floor.

"Nothing? Nothing planned at all?! That's not right. I usually have something planned."

"I'm afraid not, Miss. You have no plans." He replied.

What the hell am I going to do for four days straight?

'Play Video Games?'

Finished them...

'Watch Movies?'

Watched them...

'Read a book?'

Don't make me laugh, Onyx.

'What about... I've got nothing...'

Wow, Onyx! You're such a great help aren't you? This is why your job usually involves killing people, not helping people.

I could go out demon hunting... But then I'll probably run into someone that I don't particularly want to run into today. Or any day in fact.

'You mean Ve-'

Shut your face, Onyx!

'Is shutting your face even possible?'

How am I supposed to know? When do I ever shut up?

'When you were dead.'

That's a technicality. And doesn't count because I was you know, dead.

Hey! I have an idea! How about we pay an old friend a visit!

"Buzz-bot! Book me a flight to New York! 'Cause we're heading to the Gates of Hell!"

That doesn't sound very nice... Rodin should really change the name to... 'The Land of Rainbows' or 'Moe's Tavern' or 'The Fabulous Gates of Hell'

Yeah, that's never going to happen.

~}{•}{~

"- That plane flight took far too long. The seats were uncomfortable, the food was horrible and the bastards put Twilight on as the in-flight movie. I mean, it was torture! I would rather be dead again." I explained over the phone.

"I feel sorry for you." Mia replied on the other end.

"Well its over now. I've got to go, taxi's waiting. Keep care of Normandy for me." I spoke into the phone as I walked out of the airport.

" 'Kay, Bye."

I turned off my phone and slipped it into my little pocket-dimension subtly. I ran over to my taxi and got in the backseat.

"Gates of Hell, please. And try to drive fast too, sort of in a hurry." I ushered to the taxi driver who just rolled his eyes and drove off.

As I stared out of the car window, I felt really empty. It was an unusual feeling. Maybe its because I'm far from home or something. I'm homesick? That doesn't sound right. I just got here and now I want to go home. Fuck that.

When we arrived in front of the old brick building, which still had maroon curtains and a flickering neon sign, I paid the taxi driver and stepped out of the vehicle.

"It's been a long time coming..." I muttered to myself before I walked in.

Damn, I'm only 18. I'm still not at the legal drinking age...

I walked straight up to the main bar and sat down on a stood, leaning with my arms crossed on the the bench.

Rodin, who didn't look very different at all, walked over to the bench, cleaning a wine glass in his hands.

"What can I get 'cha?" He asked.

He can't recognize me! Bitch...

"I don't need anything. But you however, need a good smack upside the head for not remembering me." I replied smoothly, cracking a smile.

Rodin took a step back before finally concluding,

"Zero?!"

I pushed myself up from the bench and sat up straight.

"Do you know anyone else who is as fabulous as me?"

"Hmm... Bayonetta?" He answered to my rhetorical question.

"Where is she anyway? I was hoping to pay her a visit while I had some time free." I inquired, looking around the bar.

"She's sitting over there, in the furthermost booth." He pointed over to a seat in the shadowed corner of the bar.

"Let's see if I can scare her..." I muttered as I stood from the bar stool.

Rodin watched as I slowly moved to the booth in question. When I didn't see a tower of black hair, I was worried. Did Rodin just prank me?

I slipped into the booth in front of the one Bayonetta was supposedly in. Then I turned around in my seat and popped my head quickly shouting,

"Boo!"

Bayonetta, who actually was sitting here, jumped in her seat and looked back at me.

I innocently waved with a smile.

"Hi! Fancy meeting you here..."

"Zero! Oh my god! You scared me!" She sighed.

"It's nice to see you too, Zero. Oh why thanks Bayonetta." I started having a conversation with myself mockingly.

"Well then..." A different woman muttered.

I moved out of my seat and into the booth Bayonetta was sitting in. I sat down on the seat opposite of her, next to a similar woman clad in red.

She was in a red catsuit, with really big red high-heeled boots. She had grayish-blue and gold guns attached to the back of her boots, which had little toy cats hanging off the handle of the guns.

Aww, they remind me of Puss in Boots...

She had long white hair, and classic style pilot goggles on the top of her head.

20 guesses on what her favorite color is.

"And you are...?"

"Jeanne." She answered.

Jeanne, how french...

Wait, I remember her from Bayonetta's game.

She was brain-washed by Balder, Bayonetta's dad, to act as a final sacrifice in awakening the Left Eye. But she survived, drove a motorcycle up a rocket, saved Bayonetta and helped her punch God into the Sun.

It's funny how I remember that.

"So, Bayonetta..." I turned to look at Bayonetta and my jaw dropped.

What the hell...

"W-what happened to your hair?!" I stammered, utterly shocked.

Bayonetta now looked completely different. Sure she still wore black, had the glasses and everything. But she had short hair, just like me! Except, you know, it was black. And she had blue guns, and blue earrings giving me the distinct impression that blue and black was her new color scheme.

Uhh... Her guns are exactly like mine... In fact they are the same...

Copycat.

But that's still pretty awesome.

"I wanted something different, so I cut it. Why? What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing! It's just different. That's all." I answered, afraid that I might get a bullet in my head if I said something that she hated.

Though, that would take a lot of my mind.

Literally.

"So, what have you been up to since our last phone call? The last I heard was that you had stolen a sword or something."

"Yeah, well after that whole incident, I came back from the dead and went back to Devil Hunting." I explained like it was completely normal.

"What do you mean back from the dead?!"

Suddenly the whole bar went quiet, and everyone was staring at me, including the two people at the poker table.

"Oh, this guy I know killed me, but I came back."

"Did you get revenge?" Jeanne spoke up.

"No."

They both raised their eyebrows, then Bayonetta and Jeanne looked at each other with a smirk.

"So, tell me about this guy..." Bayonetta inquired after drinking another martini or whatever the hell it was.

Well, it was a small pink drink with an olive.

Wait, I know what it is! The drink is called, Mysterious Destiny.

Don't ask me how I know that.

"Well, he's a complete jerk for starters. Literally hates everything, has a thing for the color blue and demonic katanas... I can't walk 5 steps without seeing or hearing about him." I complained.

I don't know how someone can possibly hate Haven. I mean, seriously!

"How well do you know each other...? Jeanne asked.

"We hated each other to start with. When I was caught in Limbo, he helped me escape as he thought it would make me pass on, to the afterlife. But when I came back, we became frenemies. We would often fight with and against each other."

Where is this conversation heading to?

"Does he know where you live?" Bayonetta inquired.

"Yeah, he's even been inside."

"And you hate him?" Jeanne concluded.

"Hell yes! Why would I care about that jerk?!"

"Let's continue this conversation at the poker table. Shall we?" Bayonetta proposed.

We all moved over to the poker table, where Enzo was playing against some guy I didn't know.

"Enzo, pink is not your color." I thought out loud.

"What? Do you know how expensive this suit was?!" He exclaimed, slamming his cards on the table.

"Three of a kind? Well, I'm folding." The other guy claimed, slamming his cards on the table.

We all joined the game, including Rodin for some apparent reason. Despite the fact he should have been managing the bar.

"I fold."

"I fold."

"Me too."

"I'm out."

I stared down at the cards of my hand, trying my hardest not to smile.

Full house bitches.

"Okay, just you and me." I stated to the stranger at the table.

"That's just what I want." He winked at me.

The stranger had white hair messily hanging over his face, pale blue eyes and a pale complexion. He wore a red coat, with no shirt underneath. He had dark brown baggy pants and combat boots. And for some reason, he had brown gun holsters on his back, and a weird thing that made me immediately think it was a man-bra or something.

And for some reason, he reminded me of someone...

"I'm sorry, I'm taken." I brushed off.

"By who...?" Jeanne chipped in.

"Uhh... No one..."

"Okay, full house, read 'em and weep." I bragged.

He laid down his cards to show that he had a single pair, of 3's.

I swiped the poker chips and neatly piled them up.

"Getting quite a stash there." Rodin commented as he dealed the cards.

"She's planning on spending it all on her honeymoon..." The stranger muttered under his breath.

"Shut up. And who are you anyway?" I inquired, reading my cards.

Nothing. Great.

"Dante, the best thing you've ever seen." He claimed, reading over his cards.

Dante... I feel like I should know who he is.

"I fold. Dante, have we met before?" I said, my mind a little frazzled.

"No... I don't think so..." He answered, still looking at his cards.

I swear I've seen him before...

Oh fuck.

"What's wrong Zero?" Enzo asked me.

"Nothing. Nothing at all." I answered quickly, obviously raising everyone's suspicions.

A couple hands later, I still had the most winnings, and Dante still had nothing. And yet he continued to brag.

"Okay, last hand guys. Got to wrap this up." Enzo proclaimed, as Rodin dealed the cards.

"I may no longer have any betting chips, but I'm still betting." Dante stated, collecting his cards.

"What are you betting then?" Bayonetta spoke up.

"If I win this hand, Zero has to tell us this guy she keeps talking about's name."

Dante has a bad case of bad luck. So I'm safe!

"I fold." Bayonetta, Jeanne, Rodin and Enzo said in unison.

Fuck...

"Thanks guys..."

I looked at my cards. A single pair of 7's. Screw it, I'm swapping all of my cards.

"What do I get if you lose?" I inquired, tossing my unwanted cards away.

"You choose." He brushed off, throwing two cards away.

I picked up my new cards, but didn't look at them.

"You'll find out what I want, when I win." I bragged.

"Okay, three of a kind." He showed his hand.

I smiled to myself, "Royal straight flush." I showed my hand.

"So close." Bayonetta whispered to Jeanne.

Seems they really wanted to know his name...

"So, what do you want?" Dante asked, as everyone left the poker table.

"Just an answer to a question." I crossed my arms.

"Yes, I am single." He stated.

"No, not that you idiot!" I exclaimed.

"The question is, do you have a brother? A twin perhaps?" I asked seriously.

"Yeah. His name was Vergil. Why do you ask?" He replied, as he holstered his large sword.

"Well, let's just say, you no longer need to say 'was'..."

Chapter Text

"When you said we're going out for a bit of fun, I was expecting something more... normal."

"Normal? My dear, this is normal for us!" Bayonetta shouted back over to me.

The day after the poker game, Dante headed back to wherever he came from, while I just stayed the night in a rather expensive hotel. Bayonetta, Jeanne and I had made arrangement that I had to meet with Enzo back at the Gates of Hell the next morning.

When I had met up with him, he said that Bayonetta and Jeanne were waiting for us. The drive was quiet, and our stop wasn't very glamorous. A very dull graveyard.

I followed Enzo to a casket being overseen by a nun. She was quietly reading from the bible in her hands.

"You brought me to a funeral?!" I whisper-yelled, "Why would you do that?!"

"They said to take you here." He said normally.

"This seems weird to me..." I muttered to myself, as I just stared down at the casket, wondering if anyone was actually in there.

"Fucking hell, I hate attending these things..." Enzo happily said out loud, lighting a cigar and casually started to smoke it - during a funeral.

I elbowed him, "Jeez, can't you smoke that later?"

"Pfft, whatever. I'm outta here!" He strolled away, ditching me here, with the nun and the casket.

"Fuck my life..." I inwardly groaned, waiting for this all to be over...

Randomly I started to hear angelic hymns being sung and I looked up to see white feathers falling from the now golden clouds.

Angels? Here? I wonder why...

I gazed back down to the casket. Maybe the person in there is someone they want. But I've never heard of angels personally delivering someone to Paradiso. But I suppose, I don't really stay in touch Paradiso that much.

The nun slapped the bible in her hands shut and leapt up into the sky inhumanly. What the fuck...

She disappeared into Purgatorio but still remained in my sight, but barely. I decided to make everything easier for me by portalling into Purgatorio myself, only to see Jeanne of all people beating the crap out of some descending Affinity.

I stepped out of the way of some fast-falling dead angels as Jeanne landed safely on the ground.

"Zero, care to lend me a hand?"

"Okay, sure... Why not, it's not like they're my allies or anything..." I mumbled before I charged into the fight, guns blazing.

"Will you hurry up?! Don't tell me you fell asleep in that thing again..." Jeanne randomly called out facing the casket.

Oh, I'm getting a strange sense of déjà vu right now.

"Jeanne who the hell are you talking to?"

Suddenly the casket lid was blown off of the casket and a figure had leapt out in the chaos.

Okay I think I know what's happening here.

Bayonetta landed perfectly on top of a headstone, as I would have suspected, while Jeanne and I took a moment to recollect from battle.

"Even with the amount of times we have pulled this charade, you still never clean out that filthy old casket." Bayonetta whined to Jeanne.

"And with the amount of times we have pulled this charade, you still complain, every time."

"Well, next time you can be in the casket." Bayonetta and Jeanne continued to argue.

'I would stay out of this if I were you, Zero.'

Yeah, I would normally agree with you on that but we have angels to kill and we're wasting time here.

'You've been around him too long.'

What was that, Onyx?

'Nothing.'

"Ladies, ladies, can we please forget about this? We have some guests to attend to." I'm so glad I stopped them before it went nuclear.

The two witches nodded to each other before we were, once again, fighting angels.

Those two patched that up real quick. It's almost like that argument never happened. Sure they are clan sisters, but sometimes they act like bros.

And now we're back to start of this chapter- You know, fighting angels and stuff like that, but let's keep going!

Jeanne, Bayonetta and I had all been separated and fought angels separately. I finished off the few Affinity trying to kill me, which I found very insulting seeing how I'm their ally. I'm really only killing them to fit in.

Hmm, I feel like I'm being watched...

I spun around at the right moment to aim my gun at a human man with a big lens camera in his hands. He wore a really strange outfit but the striped scarf was bothering me.

I know that scarf...

"Uhh... Who's this...?" I spoke up, while Bayonetta playfully smiled at the mysterious man, who was becoming more and more familiar to me.

"Why don't you introduce yourself, Cheshire?" Bayonetta mused.

"Uhh..." He turned to me and held out his hand for me to shake, "I'm Luka." I shook his hand nicely.

Oh, I remember Luka. It's funny because I actually ship him with Jeanne not Bayonetta. But Luketta is still pretty cute.

Hell, I'll make it happen.

Even if Jeauka is better.

"So, this is the infamous Luka, huh?" I lied smoothly, "You've mentioned him so many times, and I thought you said he looked 'handsome'?" I suppressed a gag and a laugh while Bayonetta gave me a death stare.

"I said no such thing!"

"Yeah, you did." I retorted.

"You did?" Luka cut in.

"I did?" Bayonetta looked down at me as if she was only 40% sure that she didn't say it.

She may not of, but she's probably thinking it.

"Yep, you sure did. Well since it seems that you two have some unspoken business, I'll just leave now..."

I casually and awkwardly shuffled away from the two and joined Jeanne who was watching them from afar.

"Hey." I greeted and she nodded.

"Look at those two... Even after all this time, they still act awkward around each other." Jeanne commented on Bayonetta and Luka's attempt at a conversation.

"You've noticed that too, huh?"

"There's obviously something between the two of them. It gets annoying sometimes, when they act like this."

"You mean, when they act awkward around each other. Didn't he used to hate her? What happened with that? Did he just get over it all or what?"

"He did, at least he wanted to. But now it's all cleared up. It was just a misunderstanding."

I remembered what their little misunderstanding was, "How is accusing Bayonetta for his father's death a 'misunderstanding'? It's funny, I used to like Luka but now he seems like a stupid jerk."

"A stupid jerk who is unable to talk to women and lives with four cats he once claimed were his girlfriends." Jeanne corrected me and I laughed.

"But they're still cute together aren't they?"

Jeanne just smiled in response.

"It's funny," I looked up to Jeanne and noticed how much taller than me she was, "I've always wanted you to be with Luka." I openly admitted, earning a confused look from Jeanne.

"He's not my type."

"That's what they all say..." I muttered even though I knew Jeanne would hear me, "Bayonetta said the same thing about the Masked Lumen Sage, but that didn't stop me from shipping them together."

"Lumen Sage?!"

Crap, I've said too much...!

"This is boring; I'm going to wait by the car."

I wandered out of the cemetery gates and down to where Enzo's green car was waiting, but Enzo himself was nowhere to be found.

"Finally! It's rude to keep people waiting!" A childish voice cried out not far in front of me.

I wearily moved toward the front of the car where Alice was sitting, kicking her legs back and forth innocently. She flashed a sinister grin at me.

"Why are you here? Wait, that's a stupid thing to ask. I know funerals are your thing."

She sighed in a somehow sarcastic manner, "Remember how I said you were going to die if you didn't remember what happened after your trip through Limbo? I lied...

"You're going to die no matter what. You're cursed, and it was awakened the moment you died, the first time..."

She is far too happy telling tell me this.

She pointed to my wrist, "That mark on your arm that you're in denial about, means that you're going to turn into a monster. Or die from the pain... Whatever comes first."

"There is no cure, so you better live it up while you can. Because there's no time limit on that thing. You can die anytime.

"Oh, and have you ever noticed that you've been sick lately? It's the curse. It's only a matter of time before you have an attack anyway, and those are truly the most painful thing you'll ever experience."

"Thank you for not telling me this earlier." I finally spoke up.

"Huh?"

"You've given me the chance to push people away. If I'm going to turn into a monster, I want them safe. Otherwise people will want to help, even though there's no hope. They'll but hurt even more when or if I turn."

"I never saw it that way." Alice seemed confused.

"I'm glad that you were honest with me."

"I did... something good...? Hmm... It's strange, I feel happy about what I have done." She looked up from her hands and gave me a sincere smile before disappearing in her usual manner.

I better write Bayonetta and Jeanne something before I leave. I don't want to seem like a jerk and leave them possibly forever without saying goodbye.

With a click of my fingers a paper and pen appeared in my hands and I proceeded to write.

Ha, it's funny... I remember writing a couple journal entries on my arm once... My god, I was stupid back then.

'To Cereza and Jeanne,

I'm sorry but I have to go. And I may never see you both again. It's something that cannot be helped, and believe me, it wasn't something I expected either.

We've had a good run together, and you guys were really like my first friends too so this is much more emotional than it should be. Just keep in my mind, I'll remember you both, and Rodin and even Enzo. Hell, I'll even remember Dante.

But if we do meet again, we should get a coffee sometime.

Farewell my friends.

P.S Jeanne, don't forget the caviar. You know it's not Christmas without the caviar.'

Chapter Text

Returning home from New York, the first thing I did was possibly one the greatest things I've ever done in my life. I had taken all of my remaining hunter contracts and threw them out my apartment window.

I know it doesn't seem like much of an amazing thing, but to me, I felt like collapsing on the floor in a fit of insane laughter.

I had never been so happy, so free!

Okay, so what does someone do when living up their final days?

I peered down the hall, looking at a sleeping Normandy in the tech room.

Hmm, I have an idea...

I marched down the hall, watching as Normandy's ears perked up to the sound of my footsteps.

"Come on, boy! Walkies!"

Normandy opened his eyes and looked up at me as if to say 'What the fuck? What are these walkies you speak of?'

I rested my hands on my hips, "Come now! Have I really never taken you on a walk before?!"

He nodded slightly. I am totally a dog whisperer...

"Well that's going to change. From now on, I'm taking you on walks at least once a week, happy?"

He barked, jumping to his feet. Someone's enthusiastic about this.

"I can trust you to not need a lead, right? I don't want you running off on me."

We walked side by side to the front door. I locked it behind us, then we made our way down the staircases out onto the sidewalk.

"I bet I can run faster than you."

He gave me a look saying 'Is that so?'

"Last one to Mia's bar is... is... A Lumen Sage!"

Best insult ever.

But it's kind of stupid because any form of light, be it angel or Sage is an ally to me. On the other hand, the last Sage was a bit of a bitch. Spurring the witch hunts, really? A bit unnecessary, I mean, he was the cause of his lover's death. Then again, I don't think he really cared about her, but I don't know that for sure. He might have loved her deep down, but was possessed by something evil.

I sprinted down the sidewalk, luckily no one was walking around otherwise I would have barged into them. Normandy was keeping up a steady pace beside me. He was having the time of his life, he probably didn't care about being a Lumen Sage if he lost, he was enjoying the moment.

Hmm... I wonder how Kitty is. N-Not that I care or anything, I just wonder what I've missed this past week. Maybe a new demon hit the block or something, who knows.

Suddenly the sound of metal clashing echoed down the street.

Speak of the little devil, here he is. Actually, now that I think of it, I can't really call him little when he is taller than me, can I?

Wait, what is that thing?! Goddamn it, I was right when I said there would be a new demon. Actually, I'm not too sure. It's not ugly like the usual ones. This ones like a robotic sort of thing. Purple and red too, colorful.

I stopped running, "Normandy, stay here. I'll deal with our little friend."

He whined before stopping in his tracks. The little guy was worried for me. He sat down by a street light while I charged toward Vergil and his friend.

"Hello there Cheshire! Miss me?"

I flicked my hair to the side as I placed my hands on my hips. He gave me a single glance, and I held in my gasp.

My god, he was torn up pretty badly. Cuts all over his face and everywhere else. He was bleeding badly, but of course this was Vergil, he was not fazed and nor did he care.

That's the Kitty I know all to well.

"Tsk tsk, Kitty. You've disappointed me. How could you let these... things hurt you? You're losing you're game big time, my little Cheshire-puss."

He grunted in response to my sass. Someone isn't happy to see me.

"Someone's not talkative today... Any-who, step aside Kitty, I'll finish this." I stepped in front of him, twirling my guns around in my hands.

And to make my life worse, Mr. Demon 2-point-0 had back up. These guys even had different weapons. Chainsaws, scythes, dual-scythes and shotguns. If I didn't have to kill these guys, I would give them all a high-five.

I leapt into action, gun blaring. I dodged one of the demon's attacks at the last second and activated Light Speed.

"Ardor, show them divine love." I summoned the red and gold armored angel Ardor into the battle, which annihilated the demon horde in only a few slashes.

Light Speed stopped as Ardor portalled away. The demons didn't explode or turn to sand after they died which left me puzzled. What were they?

"What were those things?"

"Hideous and Hatred. I've heard of them before. They generally dwell in the deeper depths of Hell. They rarely appear on Earth." Vergil grunted in pain.

He nearly collapsed before I kept him up on his feet by pushing against his chest, "Woah. Let's get you home before I have to carry you."

I pulled his arm over my shoulder and started to walk him back down the path.

"Home?"

I smiled, "Don't you trust me with your life Kitty? I'm hurt."

Oh, bad pun.

'You should be ashamed Zero.'

I am.

"Normandy, we're going home." I called out, and Normandy whined after growling at Vergil.

Yeah, I know it's not what I was expecting to deal with today either.

Living up my final days, huh? How am I supposed to have the time of my life taking care of a prideful devil!?

Dear god, please stop hating me so much.

Hold on, Jubileus was punched into the sun. No use praying to her then. Wait, if she's gone, who's controlling Paradiso...? Well, I'm pretty powerful and high ranking, maybe I could take the top-dog spot, at least for a little while...

Crap, why do I have to die when my life is becoming awesome?

Once we got home, Normandy was very wary to Vergil's presence in the house again. I left Vergil in the living room so I could get my medi-kit. I remember leaving it in the bathroom, at least I think I did.

"Shit, shit, shit! I know it's here... somewhere... Ah ha!" It was in the cabinet, stupid me!

Okay, time to play nurse.

'Creepy.'

... Oh yeah, that does sound bad. I take it back... It's time to... do something with this medical kit? Sound any better?

'Much.'

I entered the lounge room where Vergil was staring out the window in a mysterious manner.

"Sit down, Kitty. It'll make it easier for the both of us." I ordered him, trying not to snicker at how wrong that sounded.

'You're on a roll.'

Duly noted.

I went ahead and started to tend to the cuts on his face, and he didn't wince or react to anything at all. He made this whole 'playing nurse' much easier.

It still sounds wrong, damn it.

"I have cuts on my arms too." He finally spoke up after several minutes.

"I know, I'm just more worried about the cuts on your face because they are ruining your good looks." I joked.

'Or were you?'

Shut up, Onyx.

'I wonder why I still oversee you even though you're such a jerk to me.'

Hmm... Maybe because you're a jerk back.

'That makes sense.'

"Usually you would need stitches for cuts like these, but with you being a half-devil, they should heal up on their own soon." I finished tending to the cuts on his face, and got rid of the bloodied bandaged and cloths I had been using.

"Then why did you insist you aided me?" He asked as I moved back over to him.

"Would you have preferred to die?" I retorted with an eyebrow raised.

He sighed before I asked him, "Now this is going to sound like a cliche question from a fanfiction, but could you remove your coat so I can tend to other injuries?"

Thank god he doesn't understand Fangirl talk. But he still obliged to my request, and removed his coat that was magically unscathed and looked as if it was just made.

Woah, this is getting much more awkward. Well, not really, he's still wearing a vest but I just feel very uncomfortable seeing him without his coat. It was like looking a different person. Creepy.

I quickly cleaned up the cuts on his arms before it got any weirder for me, and put the medi-kit away.

"Now the only thing left for you to do now, is rest. No ifs, no buts, now sleep."

With no questions asked, he laid back on to the couch without putting his coat back on and stared at the roof for a while. I moved into my room since I really didn't want to do anything around him.

Later that night, I returned into the living room to put a book I was reading back when I noticed that Vergil was asleep. He didn't look like a cold-blooded murderer in his sleep and his cuts were healing faster than I had expected.

Oops, I've been watching him sleep for a good twenty minutes, better go to bed before this gets any creepier than it already is.

It's hard to think this guy is a devil when he is peaceful like this. But when he's awake, it's hard not to believe.

But he has every right to be bitter I guess. And I shouldn't really say anything about it.

I'm also amazed by the fact he had let me help him. He is a very prideful person, and doesn't really rely on anyone unless it's for his benefit. So that makes me wonder if he wants something from me. Before it was his sword... and my soul but now it isn't clear.

I moved back into my room before I did anything stupid, like wake him up and went to get some rest myself.

I woke up the next morning with a horrible feeling, like everything was going to go wrong. Horribly, horribly wrong. Like if I took a single step, the world would blow up sort of wrong.

The balance of the world, was not in my favor.

I slowly moved over to my bedroom window to see if the sky was falling or aliens were invading.

Nope, just a normal day in Capulet city...

Then why does everything feel so horrible?

I let out a low cough and exited my room and moved into the lounge room. I sat down on the couch with a sly smirk. Vergil had been reading a book peacefully until I sat on him.

Well, this is my apartment.

And this is my couch...

"Get off." He said, still reading.

"What are the magic words?" I inquired, waving my finger in the air.

"Get the hell off of me."

He pushed me off of the couch entirely and I landed on the floor and on my ass, really hard. I sat there for a moment, anticipating the floor to collapse or something. It seemed Vergil had noticed.

"Are you expecting the ground to collapse?" He inquired, his eyes not leaving his book.

"Uhh... No... I'm fine..." I almost muttered, standing up.

I brushed myself off and moved into my tech room, totally disregarding breakfast.

Pfft... Breakfast is for humans.

I opened the door to see a sleeping Normandy lying on his bed. As the door creaked, his eyes fluttered open and he yawned.

Aww...

"Morning, tiger. Have a good sleep?" I asked, petting his head.

"Hey Buzz, open the vault."

"Right away, Miss." Buzz's voice echoed as the metal doors of the Vault opened.

"Open secret compartment number four..."

Another metal door opened, revealing not a weapon, but a necklace. It wasn't the lightning bolt one that I had received for my birthday. This one was different, yet it was my favorite one.

My black choker with the white fang.

Remember that one?

I placed it around my neck as the vault closed and sealed shut.

"Why did you collect your 'Lucky' necklace for, Miss?" Buzz-bot asked, sitting on the charging dock.

"I have a really bad feeling about today." I admitted.

"Resident Evil zombie apocalypse bad or Bayonetta 2 Canceled bad?" He queried.

I just love how he knows me so well.

And how Resident Evil has it's own special apocalypse.

"Both plus Reapers invading the Earth kind of bad."

That sounds very horrible. And I swear to god if that happens, someone's gonna die. Probably Albert Wesker because he freaks me out.

But I like his sunglasses. They look very evil, and somewhat badass on him.

"You're thinking about Albert Wesker's sunglasses, aren't you?" Buzz-bot pulled me out of my thoughts.

"No..."

Even the damn robot knows what I think!

"Stop listening in to my conversations Vergil." I said randomly.

Vergil coincidentally walked into the room with his arms crossed.

"Who is Albert Wesker?" He questioned.

"Why do you care? Are you jealous?" I laughed off nervously.

Awkward.

He didn't respond.

Double awkward...

"He's a freaking fictional character. Kills for power, wears a long coat, slicked back hair, happily kills people to get what he wants..." I trailed off.

"Holy shit, he sounds like you!" I concluded.

Vergil just shrugged and walked away, leaving me grasping the fact that the Head of Umbrella Corp and the eldest Son of Sparda were so alike.

That is so creepy...

I feel like this is going to bother me all day.

So what is on today's agenda... Oh right, I threw all my contracts out of the window, oh well. I guess some profit-less demon hunting should do for today. Though there technically is a profit, I do enjoy killing them.

That sounded quite sinister for the Trinity of Light to say.

I put the choker on and left the room and moved toward the front door. That was until...

"Where are you-"

I shrieked and fell onto my butt in shock. Jesus, he is fucking try to scare the life out of me.

"Oh, did I scare you?"

"No, the ground just decided I didn't need to stand anymore."

He chuckled, looking away.

Don't even help me up then. I swear I will get my revenge! He will rue the day he ever met me. After all, we've seen how sinister I can get, just look at what I did on April Fools Day this year.

No, not the ditching Vergil at the bar thing - all of my pranking.

I stood up, brushing myself off, "I'm guessing you're my escort for today."

"You are always placing yourself in trouble. I'm putting a stop to that."

Now that made me smile, "Aww, that's cute Kitty!" I slapped his cheek playfully.

I'm so dead now.

I hope I haven't awoken the terminator...

"You're learning to care for people! And I know that you're in denial about it. But sure, you can accompany me. Just know that if you annoy me, you'll end up like the demons - Dead."

~}{•}{~

Moon river,

I narrowly dodged the Hideous' attack with the scythe, summersaulting back onto my feet with style.

Wider than a mile,

I sprinted, and used my lightning strike ability to tear down and reflect continuously between the demons in a flash of blue lightning.

I'm crossing you in style someday,

When I stopped, I shot down a few stragglers cowering behind the pack.

Oh dream maker,

I dodged a demon's attack from behind at the last possible instant, unleashing Light Speed.

You heartbreaker,

I spun around and beat the crap out of it with the barrel of my gun and whacked it into a wall with a more powerful slap as Light Speed stopped.

Wherever you're going, I'm going your way,

The Hideous died in a bloody explosion, and more of them moved around me in a circle.

Two drifters,

Once again, Kitty and I were surround by demons, back to back...

Off to the see the world,

Remaining close to each other, we took down demons. He cut them down while I moved around him and shot down a few at a time.

There's such a lot of world to see,

We split apart from our tandem fighting after I spun around in a flurry of bullets.

We're after the same rainbow's end,

I summoned Vendetta while I was spinning and didn't hesitate to start slicing some demons in half.

Waiting round the bend,

I Wicked Punted a bunch of the demons before performing a wide Wicked Slice with Vendetta killing the remaining demons on my side.

My huckleberry friend, Moon River, and me.

A lone Hideous remained, and before Kitty could unsheathe his sword, I blew a kiss and killed it with my stealthy lightning bolt attack.

"That was fun." I cheered, portalling my weapons away and Kitty and I started to walk away from the scene.

"Even when fighting around fifty demons you remain fearless." I laughed, but he only shrugged in response.

"You seriously don't fear anything do you?" I spoke seriously.

"Fear is for the weak."

He is still prideful as always.

"Wow, I wish I had no fears. But I only have three, so that's okay..."

"And they would be...?" He inquired.

"Well the first one is- Wait! Wait a minute! Why do you want to know?! You'll probably use them against me!"

"You started, so you may as well finish."

I huffed, "Fine. My first, tiny, extremely tiny fear is of... Never mind... There's no point in saying it."

"There is a point, if you admit your fear, you are one step closer to losing it."

Woah, when did he become an inspirational speaker, or a therapist, either way. But he's right, I should admit it. It's not stupid like my other fears, so I don't know why I don't want to say it. Actually, it's a completely reasonable fear for me to have.

'Stop rambling on, and say it.'

Right. Better get back to the point.

"I slightly fear you, a tiny bit. Okay, scratch that, I bit more than a bit... But my other fears stay secret, kay?"

He turned around to look at me. I stopped in my tracks as he did. It seems that he was confused.

"You do?"

"Well, you did kill me previously. But you did also save my life and sort of gave me a second chance too. So, I don't fear you or hate you as much as I should."

Vergil kept his stance as he slightly smiled a very small hardly noticeable smile, as he looked away from me. Did I just make him smile? Me? He turned around and started moving again.

"Let's go."

I started walking, and smiled at the very thought of making him, of all people, smile. That just goes to prove that he is half-human. Well, at least, part-human.

We didn't run into any trouble on the way home. Or any world-threatening disaster either. Of course I was relieved to have returned home safely after the weird feeling I had this morning.

The only weird thing today was Kitty. He smiled and insisted to walk me all the way home, stairs and everything.

He had to be sick or something.

"This morning I had this horrible feeling that I was going to do something incredibly stupid, but hey! Today has been okay! I think I just got up too fast or something..."

He rolled his eyes at me.

As I slowly descended the stairs of the central park area we were passing through, I did the unthinkable, and quite possibly the stupidest thing I've ever done. I tripped over air, thin freaking air, falling from the second step straight on to Vergil, who did try to catch me. We both clashed into the ground, which I found strange yet funny how Vergil was always balanced and precise but when I fell on him, he fell with me.

I jinxed myself. And it only got worse. And when I say worse, I mean fucking worse.

I-I...I...I...

'Stop stuttering. You making this worse for yourself.'

Okay, okay!

I... may or may not of... accidentally... k-

'Jeez... You kissed him, get over it.'

It was accidental! ACCIDENTAL I TELL YOU!!!

I sat up and awkwardly cleared my throat trying to think of something to say other than 'Sorry I kissed you.'

We both stood up and he looked as confused as I.

"Um... Uh... Um... I got to go. See you... later?" That came out as a question rather than a goodbye.

I ran off, really tempted to slap my own face right now. This was a lot worse than it seemed you see...

I just gave a devil my first kiss.

Chapter Text

I woke up this morning to a knock at my door. I pulled the cover away from my face, so I could see the alarm clock.

It was 5:04 AM.

Seriously, who the fuck goes around and knocks on someone's fucking door at 5 in the goddamn morning...?

Fuck...

I dragged myself out of bed and quickly changed into my normal attire. I slowly moved toward the door, constantly yawning and rubbing my eyes. I opened the door to see that no one was there.

Fucking hell, a knock-and-runner at this time in the morning. I swear to fucking god, I will kill the bastard who did this!

I spotted a figure leaning back on the wall to my right. I let out a loud sigh as I realized why they were here for.

"Where will I meet you?"

"The northern outskirts of the city." He answered.

"Great... I'll meet you there." I slurred sarcastically, still half-asleep.

I was about to close my door, but decided to ask one last thing.

"Why are you here so early?"

He didn't answer, but I pretty much got the message.

"You just want to make my life a living hell, don't you? Well, in that case, I'm going to remember this and get my revenge on you for it..."

A smirk grew on his face. I guess that this situation was amusing to him. What a bitch?! It's like he doesn't know that I'm keeping track of every bad thing he does to me so I can get him back in the future... Shame.

"Hey! This isn't funny! I'm not lying when I say I'll get my revenge...!"

He started to walk down the hall, when I had finished with my little 'moment'. I'm guessing, again, that he ignored that too.

"Urgh! I hate you!"

I slammed my door shut and went back into my room to get some much needed, and well deserved sleep.

When I finally got up and met up with Vergil, everything seemed fine.

The entire day, consisted of fighting.

Usually that's a good thing but today...

It was so boring and repetitive!

And that's why I regretted answering my door this morning.

And the best part was, we didn't even have a damn break because jerkface said that it was waste of time.

I'll show him who's a waste of time...

"Hey Kitty, where the hell are we going?! I feel like I've been walking for days..." I complained, acting overly dramatic.

"Deal with it."

"Deal with it. Deal with it! Oh, fuck this, I'm leaving."

I threw my hands up in defeat and turned around. And somehow, he was there.

How in the...?

Oh right, he teleports. Still haven't written that down.

"You're not going anywhere."

I placed my hands on my hips. "Ohh, I'm so scared." I said mockingly.

He rolled his eyes and brushed past me, rather harshly and continued walking.

"Fine then. Leave, see if I care."

I coughed and punched my chest to stop the tightness.

I really need to see a doctor about this cough. But... it's probably a side effect of you know, dying.

"In that case, goodbye. And if you come knocking on my door at 5 in the morning again, I will stab you in the face." I warned, strolling back down the shifty looking street.

It was a couple minutes after I continued down my own way, before I started regretting my decision.

Why, you ask?

I have no idea myself.

I stopped in my tracks, feeling very conflicted on what to do. I built up enough confidence and spun around and stormed back.

I couldn't see him anywhere. Did he really just leave me behind? Did he really not care whether I was there or not?

It's nice to know that's he's having 'selective amnesia' about the incident last night. I really don't want to talk about it either, but it's still bugging me.

I'm so clumsy. It should be illegal for me to walk because I trip over and accidentally kiss people.

I shuddered. Stop thinking about it!

I walked for a while and still hadn't caught up to him. I really wanted to go home now, it was cold and starting to get dark. Not to mention I had no clue where I was, or if I was still in Capulet City.

I stopped following the endless path and sat down by a garden bed.

"This is hopeless... At this rate I'll never get anywhere... Why did I leave him? Jesus, why am I so stupid?!" I hit my head a couple times with the palm of my hand which didn't make me feel any better.

"But then again," I stood up from the garden bed and wandered down the path, back the way I came, "This isn't entirely my fault. He left me behind. He was the person being an absolute jerk making me want to go home. He woke me up at five in the morning, it's his goddamn fault!"

"I knew I should not have come back for you."

Of course he would show up when I least expect.

"Where the hell have you been?! I've been following this road for ages and there's no sign of anything, least of all you!" I yelled at him, but he didn't really care.

"Let's go." And again, he was ready to go and leave me if necessary.

"Where are we going now?!"

He passed me and glared at me from the corner of my eye, "You're going home."

"Uh, who died and made you in charge of my life, huh?"

Oh right, I died...

"Zero-"

He grabbed my arm, and as soon as he did, he let go. He looked away from me.

It's great to know that it's still awkward between us.

"What? I'm not going home." I refused to move, and crossed my arms.

Tantrums always work.

"I'll drag you home if you refuse."

"Go ahead, you wouldn't even dare to touch me without fearing for your life."

I turned around but quickly turned back to face him. "You know what, something there's been bothering for a while... Can I please know what I am to you exactly?"

He raised an eyebrow at me, obviously not understanding what I meant.

He really needs to acquainted with social situations more often. I feel like he doesn't understand half the things I say, but I suppose he makes me feel the same way. I really hate having to whip out a dictionary after he speaks so I can understand what he says.

"I've made some guesses but I believe I know what's going on... I think that you choose to stay around me and follow me everywhere because I'm the little defenseless woman in your life who depends on you."

I continued before he could respond.

"Well, newsflash, I can handle myself, I'm probably stronger than you. So don't confuse me with a human girl! I don't need you!"

"I'm not protecting you-"

Someone's in denial.

"Oh yes you are...! You're protecting me from your kind. Now do tell, does that not sound familiar to you...? Didn't your father do something like that?"

He growled in aggravation. I was hitting nerves.

"You're using me to help you become more and more like your father. I know that you want to be like him, to have his power but this is too much. Soon you'll be murdering people, oh wait you've already killed me... Nice way to treat your damsel, jerk!"

He finally spoke, "You're insane. I am not doing anything of those terms. You are insinuating too much of me."

"You know what, you're nothing like Sparda! You'll never be like Sparda! This useless quest for power, is only going get to yourself killed...!"

I stopped before I said anymore of my thoughts out loud.

"Why do you care?"

Why do I care?

"Because I'm worried what will happen when you finally get this power! You think that humans are weak and will stand aside and do everything you say out of fear! You are half-human, you too are weak like them! That is why you couldn't protect her!"

My little outburst had completely shocked him. But my final comment really hit a nerve.

"You're playing with fire, Zero." He said sternly, trying not to flip a table if you catch my drift.

"You barely survived yourself that day! So, what hope do you have to rule, to fight?! If you can't protect anything! Let alone yourself!"

I stormed off, and he didn't bother to stop me. After that little outburst of mine, I really needed some alone time. Preferably as far away from him as I could get. But it felt good to finally let that out. It's like a heavy weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I do feel a little bit tired though.

And a bit sick too.

Chapter Text

The next morning, I woke up with a really bad feeling brewing in the pit of my stomach. I instantly knew that it was my conscience trying to get back at me from yesterday.

There's no way I'm talking to that jerk face ever again.

I really needed to take my mind off of everything, so I invited Mia and Claire over, who suddenly felt like answering the phone. When they arrived, I instantly regretted allowing both Mia and Claire over to my house.

The 3 main reasons were:

1. They will certainly make me play Truth or Dare. A game I actively try to avoid at social events.

2. Start having a 'Deep and Meaningful' chat about random crap I don't care about.

3. The slight chance that Vergil would show up. Though its unlikely, after what I said to him. If he came here, it would probably be to kill me.

Mia and Claire arrived at the same time. I opened my door to see the two chatting it up like gossip girls. They waltzed inside and threw their bags at me without looking.

Jeez, if they're going to barge into my apartment like that ever again, I'm just going to kick them out. Or kill them.

'You're very protective of your apartment.'

Damn right! Even though it wasn't mine to begin with, I am protective of this apartment. I own it now, and its my responsibility-

'You mean it's your baby.'

No, Buzz-bot is more like my baby than the apartment. And Buzz-bot is easier to carry too...

As soon as Mia had realized I was in the room, she gave me a short hug and went back to gossiping. Claire just gave me an evil smirk.

"You're going to be so embarrassed tonight."

"What are you talking about Claire?"

"Oh, just wait and see..."

After Claire and I's abrupt telepathic conversation, Mia made herself feel at home by kicking-back on my couch and watching tv. Claire decided to go put her bags inside. I uncomfortably sat in the little space left on my couch and watched as Mia kept on channel surfing between Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, The Comedy Channel and Fox 8. Nothing was on at all. But this constant channel surfing was beginning to piss me off. I snatched the remote out of her hands and looked through the tv guide. Awesome, Captain America is on. I hope that I haven't missed the whole transformation scene. That was so epic.

I switched the channel to Captain America when Claire decided to join us. Mia was drooling through out the movie, Claire kept complaining about his haircut and I was quietly thinking about how awesome he is. Though we all screamed when Bucky fell off the train. I swear I saw a tear roll down Claire's face.

No matter how many times you see that part, you still feel sad that he died. Well, that's what they want you to believe. Really he-

'No spoilers.'

But I think-

'Shut up.'

Fine, I'll shut up.

As soon as the movie was over, we ate, got changed and I was dragged into my bedroom. Claire forced me to sit on the floor, as Mia and Claire sat on the bed. Bitches, but I should have seen it coming.

"Okay, what should we do now?"

Mia asked while her eyes darted between me and my sister.

"Let's not do anything typical and cliche."

Claire gave me a tired look. She expected me to say that.

"No, we're going to play Truth or Dare, whether you like it or not."

Fucking kill me now.

'Why?'

Because this will be cliche and they'll ask who I like or who was my first kiss or something equally as horrid.

'I don't understand why that's so bad.'

Well, I don't like anyone and they'll hassle me for that. And my first kiss was with you-know-who.

'Vergil?'

Don't say his name!

'It's not like he's Voldemort.'

I wouldn't say that name either if I were you.

"Okay Mia, Truth or Dare?"

"Dare..."

...And this is what the last 2 hours of my life have consisted of. Mia and Claire were off in their own little world while playing Truth or Dare. And I was just sitting here, bored out of my freaking mind. I had not been asked yet, and I was thankful for that. But the lack of attention was screwing with me and Claire finally noticed.

I'm not sure if that is a good or a bad thing.

"Okay Zero, your turn. Truth or Dare?"

Dare will probably be humiliating and Truth will be embarrassing. If I choose dare, they'll choose something demeaning and will probably film it. Which will haunt me for the rest of my life. Truth, on the other hand, they may remember but I could just lie.

"Truth."

They took a moment to discuss what my torture was. The wait was killing me slowly. I didn't have butterflies in my stomach, I had knives constantly stabbing me. Who the hell could confuse these for freaking butterflies?

Mia turned her head to look at me first, with a sly grin on her face. Claire did the same.

"Who was your first kiss?"

"Couldn't you have chosen something less predictable?"

"No. Zero, I know that you're not one for the subject of romance. I also love watching you squirm."

"Wow, Sis, that's so encouraging..."

"Well! Spill!"

It was too late to change my choice to dare. So, what am I going to say? My first kiss was with a Son of Sparda, plus it was a complete accident. No, I'm not saying that. And I'm not saying names either.

"He, who must not be named."

"You kissed Voldemort?!"

"No, you fucking retard! It was with a guy who I'm not naming."

'Cough, cough, Jerkface, cough...'

Onyx, I swear...

Mia let out an unimpressed sigh as she and Claire started chatting secretly again. I only heard one line of their discussion.

"Let's get her drunk later so she can spill his name..."

What a pair of bitches.

They turned around again.

"Fine, we'll change the question since you didn't answer."

"Uhh... What is the harshest thing you've ever done?"

Instantly Claire started talking about all the evil crap she's done, including the times shes stabbed me, shot me, abused me, annoyed me, embarrassed me, pushed me off a building, impaled me... She also, for some reason said that she crashed the Helicarrier in New York bay...?

Someone's insane...

Mia went on about all the evil things she did at school.

Hey! I thought this was my question!

Hmm... What is the harshest thing I've ever done?

'More like you've ever said...'

Oh, that.

I guess that was the harshest thing I've ever done. Also the stupidest thing and the thing I feel most guilty about. I've got to apologize. Like right now. But I need a distraction so I can get out of here.

I focused on the vase sitting in the kitchen. I focused on it falling off the bench and smashing-

Crash.

Everyone jumped when the vase fell. I ran into the kitchen.

"Don't worry! Just the vase! I'll clean it up!"

Mia and Claire weren't going to help me anyway. I left the smashed vase on the floor as I quickly got changed back into my normal outfit and snuck out.

God, don't make me regret this.

Chapter Text

I slammed my apartment door shut behind me and raced down the stairs of the building. I nearly tripped over the bottom step and I just stumbled toward my motorbike.

I checked all of my pockets to realize I didn't pick up the keys - I was in too much of a rush.

"I don't have time to go back!" I convinced myself, and I just ran out to the road.

It was dark and I couldn't really see or hear if anyone was around, or if there were any cars driving around. I just ignored all of my inner thoughts saying 'Run on the path!' and sprinted in the middle of the road.

I have no idea where he'll be... This seems like a stupid plan now; I could search every inch of this city and not find him. Let's hope it doesn't come to that, because if I have to, I will.

'Why does this matter so much to you?'

You may not believe it, Onyx, but I am a good person after all. And I do care whether people hate me or not.

'So a strain of humanity remains within my soul... There is hope for me yet.'

What?

'It's a quote, from your mother.'

When did she say that?

'When she realized that her emotional walls could be broken down. It was almost lifetime ago now... back when she met your father.'

Why would she only realize about that then?

'He died, but returned from the dead just like you did. She was in shock, and ran away, crying at the reality of things. Not so cold and emotionless after all.'

... Dad, died?

This isn't helping, Onyx. And if you didn't notice, I'm on a mission - a very important one, to me at least.

A car's honk and blaring headlights snapped me out of my daze. I action-slid across the hood of the car and kept on moving.

'You are very determined.'

You would be too, if you were in my position.

'Not to apologize to a person who has killed me in the past.'

That's in the past. I may not forget it, but I'm over it. That storyline was in the last book, so therefore it really doesn't matter.

'It matters, you idiot! You DIED!!!'

But I'm alive now...!

'YOU STILL DIED YOU FUCKING RETARD!'

YOU STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT I DON'T CARE!

'I give up.'

Good.

Up ahead I spotted a glint of dark blue and I happily sighed and sped up my pace.

Please God, or Batman or Duffman - if you can hear me, please let this be who I think it is...

Oh my god, it is....

Thank you Duffman!

I crackled a smile that was weighed down with sadness and regret and as I neared the deliberately ignorant white-haired devil, I slowed down mainly to catch my breath and so I didn't collide with him again.

No need to be reminded of what happened last time that happened.

Once again, I was in one of those uncomfortable situations where I had to do something that was entirely out of my comfort zone for the sake of everything.

I wrapped my arms around his waist, so he couldn't escape me and what I had to say. He didn't struggle, he only sighed knowing that it was me, and I wasn't exactly in his good books right now.

Is anyone in Vergil's good books at all? Does he even have a good book?

"I'm sorry for everything I said. I'm sorry for anything I might have brought up. I'm sorry for being so weird and possibly annoying. I'm sorry for being such a moody jerk sometimes. I'm sorry for bothering you in the first place. I'm sorry for any wrong doing of mine toward you... I'm just... sorry..."

I sort of ranted there... Oopsy...

"Don't apologize. It makes you sound weak." He stated in his usual emotionless, could-not-possibly-care-less tone.

I let go of him and accepted the insult. I was in the mood to accept my faults and my fears at that moment. I felt that I had nothing to lose.

I could die at any moment, and everything would not matter anymore.

"You know what? I am weak. Remember when we spoke about fears? Well, my other fears, as silly and childish they may be, are to be alone in the dark and to lose everyone around me. And I just ran here on my own in the dark of night just to apologize to you, so you didn't leave me. Don't you understand?! Thanks to you, I'm not afraid of anything anymore!" I exclaimed, feeling unusually confident.

"Zero, I-" I cut him off.

"I've had too many people walk out of my life... for me to just let you go too..."

He turned around to face me, "Zero. I'm not leaving you."

"I don't believe you."

At that moment we had a sort of silent standoff. We both stared at each other, literally showing no emotion. I knew what he was thinking - he was trying to think of a way to prove that he wasn't going anywhere. I was simply waiting for his proof.

When he stepped forward, I inwardly flinched. This situation was tense and I had no clue of where it was going.

Just when it was getting interesting, I suddenly felt this sharp, burning pain in my chest. It was like being slowly ripped apart by a set of burning, serrated claws. It was beyond excruciating.

If only I could trade in my inability to cry for the inability to feel pain... I wonder if I can get Mom to make it happen.

That's if I survive this...

I keeled over from the pain and let out a short scream. I couldn't take it, I was going to die here and now.

So soon... I wasn't ready to die so soon...

I totally jinxed myself earlier...Ah! It hurts to think...! Everything hurts...

I have to run... He doesn't need to see me die again, because this time it'll be different.

Straining and still very much in pain, I pushed myself off the ground and onto my feet. I saw my chance and leapt from the sidewalk to the rooftop of the building across from where I was.

I made a mad scramble across the rooftops as the pain became more intense. Failing at my assassin parkour, I tripped further along the rooftops, landing flat on my face.

I couldn't pull myself up again, as I would fall down constantly. I wasted all of my energy running away from Vergil, and now I was going to die on this barren rooftop as it began to rain.

Perfect. It rains every time I die. Screw you God-of-rain-or-some-shit-whose-name-I-can't-really-think-of-right-now...!

Wow, I'm losing my mind here.

Okay, let's try to stand again. Just breathe in and out. Nice and steady... I'll make it, I'm gonna make it.

"Zero."

Vergil's voice cut through the silence of the night easily, making me fall to the ground again.

He sounded very stern, no concern hinted in his tone. And when I made it to my feet, only to see Yamato at my throat, I felt hurt by his actions.

"For a moment I thought you actually cared. But now I see you're here to put me out of my misery. You're supposed to be nice to the sick you know!" He lowered his blade at my words.

"What do you mean?"

I lowered my eyes from his icy ones, "I'm dying..."

Remember my single gloved hand thing? Well, I am going to reveal the big secret in 3... 2... BANANA!!! No, jokes! You should have seen your face! That has made my day... Anyway, where was I? Oh, right... 1!

"Because of this."

The inked black markings covering my hand glowed in the moonlight. The strange markings, resembling thorny vines curled around my fingers and on my palm from my wrist. My wrist had some foreign symbol which was the origin of the vines, it resembled an eye in a way.

In a way, we were both shocked even though I knew I had it for a while now... but it wasn't this bad when I checked it this morning.

I had become distracted from the pain, the storm above my head and the fact that Yamato had completely disappeared off the face of the Earth. Not to mention the fact Vergil was much closer to me than before.

Lowering my hand, he hesitantly wrapped his arms around me in an attempt to make the situation less... stressful.

As awkward as it was, I was fine with it. Sure, there's no feeling behind it, but that's okay. As long as he isn't trying to kill me, he can do what he wants.

That sounded bad...

In order to not seem like a jerk or anything, I also, hesitantly, returned the gesture by wrapping my arms around him so it could be classified as a 'hug'. -shudders-

"You know, as much as I don't want to be... I'm kind of happy to die. As long as I do some sort of good before I do, I'll be content." I rested the side of my head on his chest.

"You're going to die. How can you be pleased by that?"

"I have a duty to protect the world, and until I finally fall I will continue to fight. Fighting is my strongest suit, not to mention it's entertaining." I smiled.

"There's something you are not telling me."

I knew that he was staring into the depths of my soul again.

"When I die, there's no coming back for me. But if I survive this ordeal, I'll become a senseless creature, nothing less than monster."

"There has to be a cure, there has to be something that'll save you."

Concern? Help, he's developing feelings! Call a doctor!

"I don't even care anymore. Just take me home."

"Can you walk?"

"Nope. You're the only thing holding me up right now. So don't you dare let me go."

He sighed, and before I knew it I was being carried bridal-style back home.

Forget calling the doctor, call a freaking mental institution! Admit him into Arkham Asylum if you have too, I don't care! Just stop him being so nice and considerate!

"Hey, kitty? Have you ever heard of Arkham Asylum?"

Chapter Text

"We better go our separate ways here. I have... company over. Moderately unpleasant company."

Vergil put me down and I was able to stand with out stumbling, for a change.

Then it hit me, "Oh crap! They might have seen us already! I'm so going to be interrogated...!" I whined.

"You better go! Before anything worse happens!"

He didn't really react or respond and just turned around to be on his way.

Hmm, that seemed a little harsh of me. Better cheer him up!

"Wait!" I ran back up to him and quickly gave him a kiss on the cheek... for good luck of course...

Nothing more... Okay?

Stop giving me that quizzical look again. Don't make me break the fourth-wall!

I sprinted into the building and up the spiral staircase and entered my apartment quietly, so no one would notice.

"You're back awfully late." A voice made me jump.

"The vase is still broken too." Claire continued to speak as I slowly shut the door.

"Oh, it must have slipped from my mind. You know me, I'm not all there." I tapped my head, speaking in a hysterical tone.

I'm going mad.

'You just told someone that you're dying. It's okay to act a little odd.'

If I could cry, I would now.

Claire crossed her arms with a playful smirk, "I know you all too well, my dearest sister. You're stupid to think I wouldn't notice your sly escape and bad lying."

"I-I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't escape, I just was sidetracked."

Lying is usually my forte, but lately it isn't working for me.

"You broke the vase. And before you think of the obvious 'I wasn't in that room' excuse-"

Damn it! I was going to say that!

"I know you did that with your powers." She motioned to my broken vase, "Now, tell me the truth. Why did you leave?" She sounded sincere.

You need a good lie, Zero, now think! How about... some late night grocery shopping? Sounds reasonable enough, except for the missing shopping bags... Wait, I could say the store got robbed and I eventually escaped but lost all of my stuff in the escape. Perfect!

Then Claire spoke up again, "Oh my...! Zero, you sly dog you."

"What? What are you talking about?!"

'She's reading your thoughts, idiot.'

Shit!

"Mia is going to love this!" Claire happily exclaimed.

That's all she caught? Thank god she didn't find out anything else or that would make this into an even bigger disaster.

"Mia! Zero's got a boyfriend!"

In a matter of seconds Mia had kicked open my bedroom door and charged like a rhino into the living room. She knocked over a couple things on her way and I'm pretty sure she walked through the shattered remains of my vase but she didn't care.

"What?! Who is he? How tall is he? Is he tanned, is he foreign, is he ripped?! Oh my god, I bet he's ripped!" Mia started fangirling and fantasizing at the same time which creeped me out.

"She kissed him too."

'Claire stop making my life hell.' I telepathically pleaded.

"You what? Oh, Zero! I didn't know you had feminine feelings!" Ouch.

'Just wait for this...' Claire smirked before saying one last thing.

"Here's the bombshell, he's the guy that killed her."

There goes Mia's bubbly-ness, "Zero, are you insane?!"

"I'm afraid sanity is a requirement for our kind."

"And what is your kind?" Claire interjected, eyeing me skeptically.

I crossed my arms,"The kind of devil-hunters you don't fuck with."

"Now that I can speak, I would like to point out that he is nothing more than an acquaintance to me. The kiss was an accident we've both put behind us, and as for Mia's questions... He's a fairly tall half-devil, no he is not tanned, he is not foreign and I have no idea if he's 'ripped'." I explained seeing as I had the chance.

I would like to find out about that last one though...

"Oh." Mia seemed a little broken and left the room quietly.

I ruined her fun. Served her right though.

"You never explained where you went..." Claire spoke up.

Remember to lie...!

"I went out to- apologize to someone. It was plaguing my mind to no end, I had to do it. I didn't want them to hate me." I suddenly blurted without any filter.

So much for lying... Where'd all that come from?! Why did I say the truth?!

This is getting out of hand. I can't lie at all now.

"Oh, Z. You could have told us, we were worried."

I think Claire's sick or something, she's experiencing human emotions.

It must be contagious!

"You just got up and went straight out the door! Look Zero, I'm well aware that we still dislike each other to extent but if something's up, you can tell me. I won't be harsh about it, I'll be... a sister about it."

"Now that's a lie. Every third thought of yours is of murder and you've told me yourself that I'm your number one target when you plan on actually going on a murder spree-"

"I'm serious. What is wrong, Zero?"

I sighed in surrender, "Alright, but I'm not naming names because you already know who it is anyway, okay?" She nodded, allowing me to continue.

"Okay... So a 'friend' of mine," I inwardly shuddered, "and I had a really bad argument, and I said some really horrible things. So I deliberately broke my own vase to escape you and Mia so I could find them and apologize for what I had said, but it didn't go to plan..."

"When I found them, a lot more than an apology came out. He- They found out... that I was... dying... slowly and painfully dying..."

"Not you too..." Claire muttered lowly.

"What do you mean?"

She revealed an identical marking on her own right hand, "I have it too... I've had it for a while now, actually."

No more words were exchanged, and we both gave each a sisterly hug. Even though it was Claire of all people, we both deserved a hug right now.

After all, we were both dying.

"Now, this is a rare sight."

Claire and I jumped to the voice at the same time, "Mom?!"

Our dearest Mummy, stepped out of the shadows of my kitchen, wearing a shady black cloak. She seemed bothered by something, but kept up her usual pokerface.

"Claire, I wish to speak to your sister alone."

And like the obedient little sister she is, Claire entered my bedroom without another word.

"Zero, I know about your current situation. It looks very dire, and sadly there is nothing I can do." Mom cut to the chase.

"Of course you can't! You're going to let me die for a second time!"

She looked sincere, "I don't want this. I can't stop your deaths if they are what must happen. This time, however, I will try to save you."

"To save yourself, or so you don't have to kill me later?" I placed my hands on my hips.

"To save the world. If you do survive and lose your mind to this 'curse', you have the potential to destroy a lot of things."

Wow, so cliche.

'I know, but it's true.'

"I'm not strong enough to survive, so you won't have to deal with that situation arising."

Pain flashed across her face at my honesty, "In that case, fight, win, cut a new path. Don't live the fate I also bear."

"What do you mean?"

"Protect the people who protect you. Then you'll live... to see the future I'll die for."

She plans to die soon? What an idiot!

"That future of yours doesn't sound worth it to me." I scoffed, "What would your sister do without you? You'll be leaving her behind."

Mom turned her head to glare at me in a sinister fashion. I had obviously hit a major nerve, but I didn't understand what I had done.

She is aware that her sister is alive, right?

"Maria...? How do you know about her?!" She growled as I felt an immense amount of pressure on me, as if someone was trying to crush me.

"I've met her."

I was starting to find it a little hard to breathe.

"Lies. My sister is dead. I was there, both times she died."

"Both? What is wrong with our family?!"

"No. What is wrong with you?! Bringing up things like that. It was my fault she died, and you had to bring it back to haunt me more!" She's going insane...

"Saber, Purge, Miles...? Do any of those names mean anything to you?" In an attempt to refresh her mind, I only made her angrier.

"Miles... was Maria's fiancee. The other two I do not know."

Miles is Death.... Death is Miles... What the hell...?!

"Death was with your sister!"

"Death? Death isn't Miles. Oh god, no. Death is simply a reaper of souls himself working for somebody else."

"What?! This doesn't make any sense!" I don't understand anything anymore.

"She's dead, let's leave it there."

An eery silence filled the apartment and I found it uncomfortable. I was wrong about so many things... Maria, Miles, Death...

I had been lied to. But I still don't understand, who is the true Goddess of Time? Who are Saber and Purge?

Do I really know anyone anymore...?

It's seems that the only person I can trust is actually... Vergil, believe it or not. I know him, sadly, and he doesn't lie to me, strangely.

"Hey Mom-" She cut me off.

"For the last time Zero! I'm not putting a chainsaw on your arm."

"Don't worry that ship sailed a long time ago..."

Dammit! I wanted a chainsaw arm...!

"I-I'm sorry about your sister. If it's any consolation, she was a nice person."

Chapter Text

"Zero, wake up! Zero-!"

"Come on Mom, I didn't do it. I swear!"

"Zero...?"

With a grunt, I gave in. I opened my eyes to find Saber and Purge at my bedside.

"Oh, it's you two. What are you guys doing here?" I sounded naturally bitter.

"There's something going on in the city. We've got to go."

"It's funny how you two only show up to keep me on track. You have no idea how annoying that is."

Yep, I'm already in a bitchy mood. Something's telling me that this is going to be a great day.

"What are you-" I cut Purge off.

"Don't play stupid with me. I may not know who you are, but I know what you aren't."

"Zero?"

I opened my wardrobe and grabbed my clothes, quickly changing in my bathroom before making my way out of the apartment.

Better see if they're still lying to me, just to play it safe.

"Zero! Wait!"

I flipped them off before leaving my apartment, without locking it up, to get my motorcycle. I didn't want to be around them any longer. Now that I know the truth, I just get this weird vibe around them... Like they're fake or something...

I don't know anymore. This world is getting weirder and weirder.

But somehow it never seems to change. I mean, this city is the same - barely standing and full of demons. The people go on like normal, the city remains in one piece, and the general store down the road is still robbed every night at the same time. And yet, it feels different.

Perhaps, it's me.

Well, I've changed a lot recently. Especially with the whole 'dying' situation going on... But that's not it.

Nearly dozing off behind the wheel, I shook myself awake only to find I was merely seconds away from colliding with a lone demon.

"Fuck!" I exclaimed, quickly bring the motorcycle to a halt, while the demon crossed the road to go join his... rather large group of friends?

Woah, what have we got here? A demon rave party?

And they didn't invite me? Cheeky!

Oh look, here's Kitty...

And there goes Kitty... Trying to be the hero, once again.

He's so silly. It's suicide to charge straight into a horde of demons like that on your own. It's like trying to finish Batman: Arkham City without upgrading anything.

I'd better help him with the pest problem... Can't have these demons destroying the city and its good shoe stores, now can I?

After all, I need to buy some heels without guns.

"Calvary has arrived!" Revving up the motorcycle, I charged through the demon horde, running several over and hopefully killing them.

Time to make the ultimate sacrifice.

I jumped off the motorcycle while my guns materialised into my hands. I shot at the still-moving vehicle until it exploded.

I'm going to need a ride home now, but I'll worry about that later. For now, I'm going to deal with that strange red glow-y thing.

Hold on... What is that?!

'It's a Hell Gate.'

A Hell Gate? A real life Hell Gate?

'Yes. A real one.'

"Excuse me a moment."

The demons were nice enough to oblige, and let me have a pause moment.

-facepalm- "Fuck my life."

Okay, back to the action.

What the hell am I going to do? I don't know how to close these things! There probably isn't a manual to these things either... Damn.

I returned to my regular fighting style, trying to take down as many demons as I could. I was just thankful that these were the regular sandbag ones instead of Hideous and Hatred. I hate Hatred ones, because they actually were Hideous' until they felt a little cannibalistic and started to eat their own kind. Gross, huh?

"Well, isn't this one hell of a party?!"

Vergil didn't feel to chatty today, not like he ever is, as he was too busy beheading things, but right now, that was acceptable.

"Alice is in there."

"What?!" I bellowed while blasting a demon's head off.

"She ran in there. I couldn't stop her. I'm sorry." That sounded like it pained him to say the word sorry.

I guess he really didn't apologize much.

Alice must be so scared and alone... I have to save her. No one else will. And if I die, so be it. At least I would have done some good in my time being alive, and it's better than becoming a monster.

The Hell Gate was in my reach and despite all of inner thoughts telling me remain here, I had to go through. I couldn't let that little girl, human or not, die because I wasn't strong enough.

"Zero, don't-"

I stepped through, blinded by the red light for a moment before everything settled down. I opened my eyes to see the depths of the Inferno.

Everything was a shade of red, but there was no fire to be seen. The sky was clouded with a crimson storm, and my surroundings were just red rock formations.

This is disappointing... I was expecting a little more... More fire, more demons, more... everything.

"What a disappointment..." I kicked a small rock away from me as I strolled further into Hell.

There was no sign of anything being here, let alone Alice. It was worrying.

"Alice! Alice, can you hear me?!" I called out, even though I knew it would cause some unwanted attention.

'...Zero...?'

"Huh?" I jumped after hearing the unfamiliar voice inside my head.

'...Find me... Quickly, there's no time...'

Ha, what a joke. 'There's no time...' Honestly, if I wanted to, I could enter Light Speed right now and just waltz around here and no demon could stop me.

But of course, that would be too easy.

Actually, no... No, it's not. I have no idea where she is anyway.

'You're close! Don't give up!'

Okay... Left or right? Shit, where's a coin when you need one! Uhh... Left is... best? I mean, it rhymes so it must be right!

Best logic ever.

'You should hurry. If you linger for too long down here, you'll be trapped forever.'

You worry too much, Onyx. I'm stronger than any demon.

'What about Vergil?'

I said demon not devil. There is a difference, but if you want to get technical, he's actually a cambion.

'So... if you ran into Queen Sheba down here, you say you could take her down?'

Oh my god, Onyx, you've screwed up again. Sheba is a goddess not a demon. She just resides here because she rules over Inferno, hence the title 'Queen'. Jeez, and you say you're smarter than me.

Suddenly, I collided with something as hard as diamond and fell backward onto the ground.

"The hell...?" I gazed up to see Alice encased in some blue crystal.

'I'm still the smart one because I didn't run into that face first.'

Oh shut it, Onyx.

She's sound asleep while encased in crystal. A blue crystal. That's new, I haven't seen this been done before, except in Final Fantasy.

But this crystal seemed more natural than powerful. She's using it like a cryo-stasis, smart.

Now, how do I get you out of there?

"Alice? Can you hear me? It's safe, you can come out now."

The crystal started to glow brightly until an audible shatter could be heard. As the light dissipated, Alice appeared in front of me, safe and sound but a little shaken.

I crouched down to her eye level, "What are you doing here, little one?"

"I-I wandered into the gate because some demons jumped out at me and I was scared and I-" She started to cry.

I awkwardly patted her shoulder in an attempt to cheer her up, "It's okay, you're safe now."

I'm horrible with children.

Clearing my throat, I stood back up, "The Hellgate is that way, Archangel will lead you out."

"But what about you?" She sniffled.

"Don't worry about me. I know what I'm doing, so you get on out of here."

"Archangel!" At my call, the armored Eidolon- thing of mine appeared by my side, awaiting orders.

"Get Alice out of here."

Archangel picked up Alice effortlessly and hoisted her over her shoulder, "No! Zero! Wait, I need to know something!"

"Archangel, stop. What is it?" Archangel stopped walking at my command.

"Do you hate me? For what I've done? For taking you away from Vergil, for making fun of you, for causing so much trouble..." Oh god, she's going to cry again...

"I could never hate you, Alice. Now, I think you've found the wrong Wonderland. Time to go."

"Thank you." She smiled before I turned around and made my way further into Hell.

I have this strange feeling that something is around here, waiting for me. Or I could just be imagining things, like usual. But honestly, what could be waiting for me in Hell?

"A human of flesh wanders into my domain. What a treat..."

An enormous demon landed before me, several times larger than I. It was like an enormous lizard- a long tail, for legs, but was covered in large scales and the head was... different. On the top of its abdomen was a purple weak spot, and above that was half a demoness. The demoness was one I did not recognize, but her hands were clawed, her dress resembled rose petals and her head was covered with a headpiece covering the top half of her head, which was red and purple and had a rose concealed inside, also she had no visible eyes.

Well, shit. I'm also amazed with how I can understand her- it... thing...

I'm so confused right now.

"What the fuck are..." My gaze lowered to the strange purple weak spot situated in the demoness' stomach. "You?"

There was a soul trapped inside.

"You dare to insult me. Do you know where you stand? Cry, plead for my mercy and I may let you live." Her voice had a strange echo to it.

"Yeah... no. Counter offer, how about you just fuck off and release that soul and I'll let you live."

"NEVER! This soul will make me the ruler of the Inferno! It's power, its essence, you have no idea how strong it makes me!" I jumped at the volume of her yell.

She whipped her tail around. I jumped out of the way in the nick of time to unleash Light Speed. I portalled in Love Is Blue and shot a few bullets at her as Light Speed stopped.

The bullets did nothing, "A witch? No, a woman with the powers of a Sage. Impossible."

Was she arguing with herself?

Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt and a snow globe to match.

"The impossible is possible when you're Wonderful, baby!"

"You are still nothing more than a cockroach compared to me." She growled.

God, I can only imagine what Bayonetta would do if she heard that.

"So you're saying diplomacy has failed then? In that case... Let's rock!"

I leapt into the air, darting into action as the demoness also charged. A smirk was plastered on her face as none of my bullets seemed to have any effect. In desperation to wipe the look off her face, I threw a Wicked Punch at her face and knocked her over.

She tumbled but returned to her feet with a growl. In a flash, she was slashing her claws through the air, faster than I would have thought by her size. I narrowly dodged most, but I was sent flying as she clipped my right leg.

I couldn't lie, it freaking hurt. The cut was bleeding, blood running down my leg. My tights were ripped, but I guess that's what happens when you wear a Heartstealer outfit into battle. I should have worn armor or something...

Shakily returning to my feet, I let out a barrage of Wicked Punches, forcing the demoness to stumble and enter a daze.

Seeing a chance, I sprinted to where she was keeping the soul in her clutches, and tried breaking it out. I was forced to stop when I heard maniacal laughter above me.

The demoness grabbed me and crushed me in her hand, watching me squirm and struggle. She raised her other hand and suddenly I felt my soul being slowly ripped out of me. I could see my own body within seconds, and I knew I was doomed if I stopped fighting back.

"Your soul is much more powerful than this one. Maybe you will make me powerful enough to destroy Sheba."

"Fuck off!" I made it back into my body, my soul was thankfully unharmed.

The demoness was surprised by my will. I took advantage of that and slipped out of her hand and kicked her in the face.

"You'll pay for that you, bitch!"

I don't know why I am, but I'm very surprised to hear this demoness swear.

As she went to whip me with her tail, I heard a metallic slash and before I knew it the demoness had recoiled in pain with a grunt.

The demoness let out an aggravated scream as she stared behind me, "Another human? No, it's a Son of Sparda! Curse you!"

He just had to save me... Just when I had this in control.

"Are you alright?" Vergil walked to my side, not bothered by the demoness' threats.

"Yes. But I think now isn't the time to chat."

He agreed, readying Yamato, while I summoned Vendetta into my hands, "Time to tango!"

Vergil dashed right into battle, while I waited for the next time she whipped her tail around. The demoness wasn't very aware of me just standing here like an idiot, and was more concerned with the devil trying to slice her head off.

She glanced at me for a moment and then whipped her tail, just as I had expected. I darted closer to her and slammed down my blade, cutting her tail off. She screamed in agony and collapsed to the ground.

Vergil was going in for the kill, about to destroy where she was keeping that soul, but I had to stop him.

"Wait!" He stopped in his tracks and glared at me, "You might hurt-"

"I will destroy you!" The demoness slashed at both of us, knocking us away from her.

Vergil was perfectly fine but she had cut me again with her claws, this time to my arm, which was torn up pretty bad... Her claws had ripped deep into my flesh and my jacket and gloves were torn and soaked in blood.

I've had enough of this bitch. This ends now!

I hope Bayonetta won't mind if I borrowed her demoness for a moment...

"E VARMA!"

A red portal opened between the demoness and I, and another demoness, in form of a woman with swallowtail butterfly traits partially emerged from the portal.

Madama Butterfly, Bayonetta's contracted demon, was fairly humanoid. She wore a purple, very revealing dress, but her most defining feature, was the large butterfly-shaped headpiece that sat evenly on her head with gold spiky ornaments also resting on her forehead. Her eyes are completely red and appeared almost jewel-like.

"Madama Bu.-?"As soon as the demoness started to speak, Madama Butterfly punched her in the face, "Oof!"

Madama Butterfly proceeded to do it again, and again... and again until she retreated back into the portal from whence she came.

As soon as I was starting to feel in control of the situation, I was punched myself. The demoness had recovered and smashed me into a wall.

I collided back first into the rock, before dropping to the ground. Everything was hurting like hell. I felt like I couldn't move, I was too exhausted. I felt as if I couldn't breathe and it scared me.

I don't want to die at the hands of this horrifying bitch. I need to live, just a bit longer. I have... to make out of here... for Alice.

"Zero!"

Huh? What's happening to me...?

No, not again! I will not become this thing again! Come on, I have to fight it...

Suddenly my mind became blank, I felt brain dead until my thoughts came flooding back, but they were different than usual. It almost felt like being shot in the head and healing within a second.

In a brilliant blue flash, I was on my feet, feeling no pain whatsoever.

Staring down at my gloved hands, it became apparent that I had changed into that form. My outfit changed, like it usually does, and my hair changed as well as long and wavy strands of blue were in my vision. I was wearing some sort of slim fitting battle suit, pure white in color, long gloves and unusual shoes, not heels for a change, which extended over my knees ending half way up my thighs.

I was completely healed, no blood, no cuts, no nothing.

I hated this already.

"Where...?" My voice sounded more feminine, with a hint of a British accent. I gazed up at the deformed demoness, Vergil was still fighting her. The soul she was feeding from was still within her clutches which pissed me off. "Rosa!"

It wasn't me speaking. I don't recall a Rosa from my past... Do I?

'Zero, keep calm otherwise you'll lose control of that form.'

Ignoring Onyx's warning, I opened my arms wide, feeling an enormous surge of power building around me.

"Let her go!" I threw my hands forward, shooting a bright blue lazer-like blast.

The demoness let out a cry as she tripped over her own feet and dropped to the ground, disorientated. I smirked at her clumsiness.

'Zero, stay in control. That form is raw power, if you lose control, who knows how much destruction you could do.'

I wasn't even touching the ground anymore, I was levitating like Magneto. I felt like I wasn't in control from the start.

Vergil directed his attention from me to the demoness and seemed a little annoyed; probably by the fact she was still alive. He unleashed his Devil Trigger and charged at the demoness, while I threw what seemed to be balls of blue lightning from my hands.

What am I doing? How am I doing this?! I have to regain control, I can't let her win!

Struggling against the foreign presence in my head, I took control and landed back on the ground, preparing to summon another demon.

At this point, I couldn't care less of what I summoned as long as I could defeat the demoness with it.

"CANILU!"

Another red portal opened, revealing the demon, Hydra, which took the form of a Gorgon-like head, with multiple snake-like appendages acting as her hair.

"Get her out of there!" I ordered, pointing at the distracted demoness.

Two of the snake heads held her down, so she was unable to lash out, while another smashed open where she was keeping the soul, grabbing it and throwing the soul toward me.

I ran forward and caught the woman's soul in my arms, "Gotcha!"

I knew attending at least a quarter of my sport classes I had during high school would be good for something.

I caught the unconscious woman and quickly laid her down on the ground.

Now, for that demoness...

I was fully in control of my body again, taking over my form, and stormed over to the demoness who had reverted to a much smaller humanoid form.

She still looked ugly as hell though. I mean those heels- they are just gross.

"Please- I surrender! Let me live."

"You should be thankful that I'm a good person."

I Wicked Punched her away, sending her flying through the air until she was no longer visible...

And Team Rocket blasts off again...

"She didn't deserve mercy." Vergil had reverted back into his human form, while I had my normal short, white hair back but I was still stuck in this stupid outfit.

"I show mercy, unlike you." I turned around with a smile, my eyes landing upon the unconscious soul ahead of us.

"Who is she?"

"Someone I know."

I think.

I glanced at him, "Go. I'll be okay."

"You're not staying here on your own." He retorted, sounding a little protective.

"I have business to do. I'll be back out in... Say, ten minutes tops, 'kay?" He still didn't seem very convinced.

I can't really tell by his expression anyway. He has two expression, annoyed and 'could-not-care-less'. Right now, he was a bit of both.

"I'll be out before you know it. Now get on out of here before I force you to." I threatened playfully, my hands on my hips.

He glared at me for a moment, as if to say 'I dare you to try' but he just sighed and made his way out. But he was taking his time.

Once he was out of sight, I rushed to the woman's side. She was still knocked out to my surprise. I thought she would have come to by now, but I guess not.

"Hello? Can you hear me?"

She didn't move at all.

"Come on! Wake up! Enough jokes now, get up!"

Still nothing. Not even my violent shaking is making her stir.

Shit...

Maybe, I can do something about this.

I summoned Vendetta back into my hands, unsheathed the blade and sliced my palm open in one quick motion. My blood dripped from the cut to the unconscious woman's spirit.

This has to work. If I give her some of my blood, it should make her strong enough to materialize her own body. It just has to work.

In a crimson flash, the woman had regained her body. It was some sort of black and gold battle uniform, adorned with many golden chains and accessories, including a golden necklace and rose pendant. She had perfectly straight, black hair which ended around her knees and a pair of glasses with a rose motif.

She jerked herself awake, sitting up. I, however, flinched and fell over. Her gray eyes stared at me curiously, while she tried to stand up.

Finally she broke the silence, "You...?"

"Me?" I shrugged my shoulders.

"You came all this way for me?" She asked with a classy accent.

"You looked like you needed the help. Say, do I know you? You seem familiar."

She shook her head as if to break herself out of a daze and grabbed my shoulders, fear filling her eyes, "You have to go! It's dangerous here."

"Yeah, it was dangerous getting here." I joked, trying to lighten her up.

Nope, didn't work.

"Zero, go! While you still have a chance!" She shook me as if I was insane.

"How do you-" I was cut off by the cry of a demon.

We both spun around to find we were surrounded by several Hideous and Hatred, ready to tear us both apart.

I sighed, what a bunch of interrupting jerks, and summoned Love is Blue into my hands, "Our little chat may have to be continued at another time. We have company."

I gazed back at the woman, "Care to join me?"

She nodded as a sword materialized into her hands. The sword was completely golden, except for the handle which was black and encrusted with red jewels.

A smile appeared on her face for the first time, "I remember this, don't you?"

I let out a chuckle, seeing as she had finally lightened up.

"Let's dance, boys!"

Chapter Text

"Little dove... It has been a long time, has it not?"

Rosa walked toward me, avoiding the corpses of the demons we had decimated, together.

I shrugged, unable to wipe the smile from my face. "Jeez, you speak like my old English teacher. But yeah, it's been... around fifteen years. Give or take."

She stepped forward to observe me more, a smile on her face as well, "You're so tall now. It is hard to think of you as a child seeing you like this."

"Same, especially with you dressed in that battle suit. Is that a Hell thing or...?"

"No, it's just... complicated to explain." She brushed off my question as she smoothed her outfit nonchalantly.

"Rosa... we all miss you." As I spoke, Rosa's smile disappeared.

Way to go me! I just had to ruin the moment. Now she's upset, and I'm upset! I'm a freaking genius!

"I know." She tried to reassure me with a sombre smile, but I wasn't buying it.

"There must be away to get you out of here, there has to be a way to save you...!"

"It's too late. I've passed on; my time on the living world is over, now I must stay here for all eternity."

'Stay here for all eternity...' I'd hate to be trapped here in that case. If there isn't an escape for the dead, then there probably isn't for the living. If I got stuck down here for chatting too long, Vergil will probably save me and then I'll never hear the end of it. That's if he saves me.

Rosa snapped me out my thoughts, "Is something bothering you?"

"Someone's waiting for me. And trust me; he is not the patient type." I joked, even though it was true.

"You're in a relationship?"

"No- No way. He and I... It's complicated." I frantically denied as Rosa laughed at me.

"I don't believe that for a second. If he's waiting for you, you'd better go. You'll be safer anyways." Her tone became serious and I feared that she was going to start crying.

"Goodbye." I felt like I was holding my breath.

I didn't want this to be the last time I see her.

"Farewell, little one. We'll meet again, I swear."

I smiled and waved to her as I stepped back through the Hellgate, the burning red blinding me momentarily.

I stumbled back onto Earth and was welcomed by the overwhelming smell of blood and flesh. It was disgusting, and the entire central park being covered in blood, sand and corpses wasn't helping either.

All of the demons were gone- and by gone I meant dead unless there were any stragglers hiding somewhere. No one was around and it was kind of depressing. More than it usually was.

I jumped as the Hellgate behind me began to crumble and crack. It suddenly fell to pieces and the opening to Hell was gone in a flash.

Rosa...She must of sealed the gate.

"She's on the other side, isn't she?"

I nearly tripped over my own feet as I turned to face Vergil. He was standing beside me after appearing out of nowhere, like usual.

"She wanted to stay." I explained solemnly.

More like she had to stay...

Behind us, a strange warping sound could be heard. Hesitantly, we both turned around to find an eerie rift or portal meters away. It was a constantly moving black and white pattern just like a chessboard, making me unable to see the other side. The pattern reminded me of the tiled floor within Maria's temple...

They want to see me.

"Damn... Gotta jet!"

He didn't try to stop me. By now, he probably realized that I'm special and when a random portal opens in front of me, it's important for me to go through. Either that or he just doesn't care.

I sprinted into the portal, feeling kind of nauseous since I had just been through a portal and now I'm going through another.

Once again I found myself in the eerie room of Maria's temple. The room felt colder, but it was a nice change from Hell. The room was still lifeless, especially with the crystalized body still in the middle of the room, almost as if it was on display.

What do these bitches want now?!

"Zero," I turned on my heel to face Maria and her two daughters who had decided to appear, "Again, welcome to my temple."

I refused to smile, "Oh, it's you again. I have no idea why you've dragged me here but I would like to know who the hell you people are before I kill you all for lying to me?"

I've been with Vergil too long.

"We have to speak to you about something related to the form you took while fighting Alraune, the demoness."

That bitch had a name? Alraune... Sounds kind of stupid. Usually demonesses' tend to have names starting with 'Madama'... I guess she wasn't your ordinary demoness then.

"What happened in hell, stays in hell, got it?" I threatened, my tone dropping dangerously low.

"It also has to do with us. We are not real, just creations of Ascension, tasked with killing your mother and anyone else in our way." Purge spoke up, sounding very quiet.

She didn't want to be here... Well, that makes two of us.

"I kind already found that out. So, are you supposed to kill me too or what? Because I'll happily fight you." I glanced at Saber, "I've never really liked Saber anyway."

"Nice. You're really subtle, aren't you?"

I stepped forward with a smirk, "What's the point in subtlety when the person you hate, knows that you hate them?"

"Good point." She hummed sarcastically.

"Zero please! Let us talk about the problem here." Maria stepped between Saber and I in an attempt to ease the situation.

"Which one?" My eyes flickered between Maria and Saber, to which Saber snorted.

"Ascension."

I backed away, "Ascension? Never heard of them? Are they a cult or something?"

"No, on an alternate Earth, they are an international company."

How could a company be a threat? Well, I know Umbrella is a company and is also responsible for the zombie apocalypse... But Ascension doesn't sound very scary.

"And...? I have the feeling there's more to them than that."

"They are your mother's greatest enemy. They oppose her with a collective power almost equal to her own. They are not human; they are what you refer to as gods." Maria explained casually.

"Then tell her this, not me!"

"I'm afraid it's too late for her, but we can still save you. Even if we are fake, we have hearts just no souls."

I'm going to kill someone at this rate, "Fake? So everything was a big lie? 'The Champion of Time', your roles, your ties, your stories... Everything?"

"I'm sorry, but we were being watched. We had to continue our duties until we were trusted enough to be alone." Purge's eyes were filled with sympathy which only made me feel more sick.

"I don't care. You had me thinking I meant something, something bigger than my life. And now I learn that none of it was true. I am beyond tempted to kill you all right now?"

Purge looked horrified by my threat.

"I doubt that." A voice I recognized as Victor startled me, as the black clad man himself joined Maria and her daughters.

"You? Are you fake too?"

"Yes, I am simply a clone of the real Victor, who is long dead. I only hold a few memories of his, as Ascension does not want me to change my motivation."

I held back a laugh, "Now, why would that happen?"

"The original Victor fell for a blind oracle, and she became his motivation. He challenged your mother as she was the one who took her eyesight, but he failed and died by the oracle's hands."

He must be talking about Crystal, the girl he compared me to when we first met.

I could help but laugh a little at the irony, "Well, why are you helping me?"

"Did you not hear me? I am a clone, I am not the original, and therefore I will not act like the original. I wish to be my own person, no matter what."

"So let me get this straight... For all these years, you were fake, even your relationship with Death?"

The fuck...? Onyx?! Well, why don't we invite everyone to this conversation!

Come one, come all and let us discuss how everyone I know is a jerk!

But I've never heard Onyx be so emotional before. This must be affecting her more than me.

"Death is also fake. A stronger creation to fool even your mother. As for the real Death, he does not exist as there is a Goddess of Death who manages the souls of the dead; past, present and future. The cycle of life, death and rebirth is her burden. It seems that you too, were fooled, even after being a Savior."

Onyx took in a sharp breath as she visibly paled. She didn't like that. Something Maria just said, must have hit her pretty hard to make Onyx flinch.

I had to get the spotlight off of Onyx, for her sake, "Why are you telling me all this?"

"You must stop them and save everything! You're the only one you can!" They all spoke in unison.

Creepy.

"Nope, I think you've got the wrong girl. I have Bayonetta's number if you need someone to save the world from a god..."

"The threat is much more than a god; it outnumbers the total number of existing creatures of this universe, human or otherwise, thirteen to one." Maria tried to change my mind.

"Ooh, so scary. Better yet, call-" I was cut off.

"Your friend, the devil? He seems to be able to face an entire army by himself." Saber laughed.

"Leave him out of this."

"Protective, aren't we?" She continued to laugh at me.

I summoned a single pistol and fired three bullets beside Saber's head. She was startled by my sudden attack.

"Shit!"

"I won't miss next time." I winked at her tauntingly.

"Girls! Stop this at once!" Maria's booming voice forced Saber to flinch while I smirked.

"Zero, this is your fight and yours alone. Will you hold your sword for justice, to save the future?"

Why so serious?

I shrugged, "I can try, no promises."

"I need you to swear." She grabbed my shoulders and I felt them bruising in her grip.

"I swear it on my soul as a Lumen Sage- Hold on, that doesn't sound right. Cut!"

"This isn't a movie...?" Onyx sighed into her hands.

"Fuck... Okay then, I swear it on my soul as the Trinity of Light. That better?"

"The Trinity of Light is also fake." I pulled myself out of Maria's hold.

"What?!"

"The Trinities mean nothing. Your powers coincide with the path you chose. You are Light, correct? Angel's only follow you because you allied yourself with them. Your mother used that feigned title as a distraction, a purpose."

"But then Phoenix-"

But then, why did Phoenix die?

"You however are different from your siblings. You are the most powerful due to something we did not suspect. Your-"

I aimed my gun at Maria's forehead, to which she didn't flinch, "I told you leave it. I only unleashed that form to save someone; I will never use it again."

"You refuse to be a goddess? Odd, yet very humble."

I pushed the barrel to hit her head, "It still gives me nightmares, to this very day."

"But with such power, you could survive the curse. You could live and save everything with a flick of your wrist."

Unable to listen to her blather any longer, I pulled the trigger and a single bullet shot straight into her head. She didn't wince or flinch at all and remained standing. But she was shocked, I could tell.

But, she did push me to do it.

"I guess you don't know what power like that does to someone."

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have better places to be. Let's go Onyx." I summoned my pistol away, and turned away so I didn't see the gaping bullet hole in Maria's forehead.

"Very well but heed my words. You must save the future with what little time you have left. Go now, and herald a new dawn."

"I do what I choose."

"Viola-" Onyx cut Maria off.

"I do what she does, just slower."

We both proceeded out of the temple through the still open portal. Returning to Earth, which still smelt and looked horrible, I found that Onyx was gone again.

She left as soon as she arrived... Sounds like Onyx.

"What happened?"

And of course Vergil had to appear in the same spontaneous manner.

"Nothing spectacular..."

That's a bit of a lie.

"What will you do now?" He crossed his arms; Yamato was nowhere to be found.

"I think Russia's calling for me. And I think it's well overdue for me to visit. Then again, I could do anything. It's funny, now that I'm running out of time; I want to do everything... Go to Russia or France, join Hydra, invent Claptrap... Hell, I could become a space marine!"

Vergil let out a stunted laugh, "Делай, как то, что вы хотите ... (Do as you desire...)"

"Ooh... Good looking and Multilingual... I'll have to keep my eye on you, Kitty." I strolled away with a wink.

I'm playing it cool, playing hard to get... That's the tactic that supposed to work right? Not that I'm trying to flirt or anything.

"Well, come on now! This city isn't going to save itself!"

The future can wait, because I want no part of it. I have a life to live and make the most of. As I speak, the present is now the past so I have no time to waste. I want to be happy in my final days as I know I'll die no matter what I do.

And if the world doesn't like it, it can go bite me.

Sure, I swore that I would save the future but hey,

My fingers were crossed...

Chapter Text

Three Years Later
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zero's condition has declined dramatically after all these years. She now spends her days in a hospital bed, unable to leave and unable to fight anything, demons or otherwise. The curse within her blood is slowly taking her life from her, and of course she knows that she doesn't have long left in this world.

She sees death as a better escape of the pain then becoming a monster.

She always has an unlikely visitor, who makes her pain bearable. And that visitor is none other than her old partner, who visits her nearly everyday. He was the one who insisted she was taken care of, so she may yet survive. How futile it was...

There was no cure, and he didn't understand that. But Zero... she just lived with that fact forever. Or at least, until the day she died.

She had sworn that she would save the future, but was very afraid of what that meant, so she had refused and wasted the past three years. This allowed this curse to start killing her faster, and I would know, I've dealt with it before.

Who am I, you ask? That is a pointless question, as I do not care to answer.

But for why I am here, watching over Zero... That has a very simple answer. I am here to kill her, because she threatens everything, especially the future she refused to fix.

~}{•}{~

~Zero~

"Nothing... Kardashians... Nothing... Nothing... Storage Wars... Hannah Montana reruns... Nothing...." I switched the TV off, sighing.

I hate this place. This room is so claustrophobic, it always smells of bleach and the heart monitor is going to send me insane.

I don't want to die here. It's far too dreadful.

A knock on the door snapped me from my thoughts. I leaned back into my hospital bed while placing the TV remote back on my bedside table.

"Come in!"

The door opened to reveal a white-haired devil, who somewhat shyly looked away from me as he closed the door. I smiled, and blushed a little.

"You need to stop visiting me like this."

The quiet devil strolled over to me wearing a suit instead of the usual coated attire.

The suit consisted of a gray blazer and slacks with a white buttoned up shirt visible along with black dress shoes. He wore no tie which was surprising, but not as surprising as the top button being undone on his shirt. He's probably just teasing me...

His attire was very... suave, but he managed to make it look casual. He didn't seem uncomfortable in it at all and I had to say, it suited him. Not to mention the fact it fitted him well which was almost distracting...

Vergil smirked at my reaction as he pulled up a chair to sit at my bedside, "It is your birthday? Is it not?"

"You remembered?!" I didn't mean to sound so skeptical.

"I would never forget."

I forced myself to look away from him, "Damn it, you're making me blush! I don't know how you do it, but you manage to make me feel nice even with a tube up my nose."

Why did I just mention that?! I'm having a cute moment and I just had to blow it by mentioning the fact I have a tube up my nose...

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

He chuckled lightly before changing the subject, "What do you want to do today?"

Thank god, he changed the subject...

I pointed to the window, "I want to go outside."

"Are you sure? Can you even stand?"

He can't be doubting me already? He just got here!

"Yeah, I can. The nurses here just derive some sort of entertainment from me feeling like I can't."

I sat up and jumped down from the bed, tugging on all of my tubes, "Not to mention that there's nothing on TV."

Vergil looked away as I removed all of the medical equipment, which was quite painful and uncomfortable, from me. Realizing I had no clothing to change into, and that I was stuck in a paper dress, I felt extremely embarrassed.

I'm going to have to pull a Bayonetta unless I want to wear this paper dress in public.

While Vergil still had his back turned, I decided to use my hair, just like an Umbra Witch to make a makeshift outfit for now.

Within seconds, I wore white jean-like pants, white heeled-boots, a white crop-jacket, and a 'shirt', similar to Bayonetta's old design without the crescent moon cut out, and it being white instead of black. The outfit didn't turn out half bad, and I felt a little nostalgic as it was very similar to one of the outfits I wore four years ago.

The paper dress just fell to pieces onto the floor.

I had totally forgotten how weird it feels to wear your own hair.

That sounded far too creepy...

"You take the stairs so it's not suspicious, while I jump out the window, 'kay?" I asked, but he didn't really have a choice.

Before he could respond, I had slid the window open and leapt out.

"Prison break!"

'So incognito...'

It doesn't matter to me, Onyx. By the end of the day I'll be back in that room anyway.

I landed on my feet, with a sharp pain shooting up my legs. I guess I was a little rusty, well I have been in that room for a couple months now. As far as the hospital knows, I have heart problems or something but I know it's this stupid curse-thing.

My hand still looks like it's covered in tattoos, and most of my arm is now covered. None of the nurses or doctors say anything about the fact there's more of it everyday, but they do notice.

I covered my eyes from the sun, while the cool breeze tussled my hair. The freedom was very relaxing.

"It's been awhile, hasn't it Kitty? I actually miss the outdoors."

Vergil had already left the building and was standing behind me quietly. I wasn't startled, but I was surprised by how quickly he exited the building.

He wasn't bothered by my use of his old nickname, after all I was in a nostalgic mood. Buzzing with energy, I looped my arm through his and began to walk.

"Let's take it slow. I don't want you to hurt yourself."

I rolled my eyes, "Oh, Vergil, you're such a sweetheart." He glared down at me, annoyed.

"Calm down. It doesn't mean I love you any less." I continued to joke, but he eased his glare.

Suddenly, all of my energy vanished and I was forced to stop and take a breather. My legs were aching a little, and I found it a little hard to breathe.

"Are you in pain? Do we have to go back?"

Sympathy, concern, worry... My god, I hate seeing that look. It doesn't suit him at all.

"No... I'm alright, I'm just not accustomed to physical exercise just yet."

I was lying. I felt that I needed to go back and hook myself up to the machines again. I was dizzy, disorientated but I made myself keep going.I had to get strong again, even if I have to relearn how to walk and run.

Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot...

As a headache mustered, I felt a strange gnawing feeling at my brain. "I feel like I'm forgetting something... important." I mumbled to no one in particular.

Several minutes into our little stroll, we had entered the central park. It hadn't changed much since I had last seen it. Same rose gardens, same benches, same trees... Not to mention the statue of Sparda on his steed was still in the center of it all.

I sneakily left Vergil and moved over to the gardens to inspect the roses. I pulled the healthiest red one I could find and was surprised when there were no thorns.

I guess I'm lucky.

Wait, holy crap! I just remembered-

It's Valentine's Day! How could I forget!

And here I was thinking that I could give this to Vergil as a joke. Silly me, that might have hurt his feelings.

...Must...Contain...Laughter...

But I should give it to him. As a nice gesture, I guess. Then again, it could be a good time to clear up some unsorted business.

I wandered back over to Vergil who was slightly distressed of my disappearance.

That's cute. He was worried.

"Zero, stay close. Don't disappear again-" His eyes dropped to the rose in my hands, "Why do you have a rose?"

"Well, my dear, I choo-choo-choose you to be my Valentine."

He rolled his eyes at my reference.

"Oh come now! We've had this on and off thing going for far too long now. I think we need to decide where we are in this." I placed the rose in the front pocket of his blazer so it was visible, "Just not today. It's my birthday after all! I want to be happy and the only way that's going to happen, is if you are."

With a smile on my face, I gazed up to see his usual platonic look, "Come on, smile for me!"

He didn't even try, and just rolled his eyes, a smirk sort of forming on his lips.

"I suppose that's as close as I'm going to get." I sighed.

We moved over to a nearby bench and took a break from all the walking. I was in a bit of pain, but I made sure not to show it.

This is beyond boring... What happened to all the fun? And by fun, I mean demons.

Don't tell me that Vergil drove them away? No, it's more likely that he killed them all.

Too bad if I was still a devil hunter. I'd probably kill him for taking all my business. After all, I do need money to buy shoes.

Ahh, shoe shopping sounds so nice right now...

I know it's a really bad idea to run off, especially when I'm dying and Vergil is my only source of protection in this demon city... But I can't just sit here, I've been doing that for months.

Aww fuck it. I haven't got that long to live anyway.

But how do I escape...? Hmm...

Got it!

"I'm sorry I have to do this darling, but this is too boring for me. See ya!" I blew him a cheeky kiss and slipped into Purgatorio, becoming invisible to the devil's eyes.

I sprinted away and Vergil couldn't follow even if he tried. All trace of me was gone, hell, I was practically a ghost.

When I thought I was far away from the park, I took a deep breath in and out and left Purgatorio as Vergil was far behind me.

Hmm... The city's changed since I last roamed it. It's more clean... and organized than it was before. It would have been nice if it was like this before, then I wouldn't have felt like taking fifty showers after taking a simple walk.

The sun's still as bright as ever. I just hope I don't get burnt.

'That should be the least of your worries.'

Hey! I don't want a tan. The pale look suits me.

'And you're still an idiot... Nice to know.'

You're so funny.

I felt a sharp pain in my chest which started to intensify. Shit. I tripped over as my skin started to burn and I couldn't breathe.

It was funny, this is only a minor attack, but I can't laugh right now. I'm sort of in pain.

Slowly but surely the burning sensation faded and the sharp pains weakened, and before I knew it, I could breathe and stand again.

I think it's passed... That was close...

You know, I could save myself, but... should I risk it? If I were to become that thing to cure myself of this curse, what would change for me?

My life would be like it used to be. I would kill demons for a living, and visit Mia and Phoenix occasionally, now that they're a couple... And Vergil and I...

Am I hoping for something more...?

Am I hoping that if I'd save myself, he and I could become more? What would I do, how would I cope if he didn't change, if our- what ever this is doesn't change?

Moments before, he wouldn't even smile for me. So, why should I endure so much for the possibility of something changing?

It's not worth it. He's not worth it.

I let out a sigh, I feel like such a drama queen right now. If my teenage self was here, she would probably kill me. I mean, I'm worried about what a boy thinks of me?!

What have I become?

Suddenly, within a split second of hearing a sword being unsheathed, I rolled out of the way from an unknown assailants attack.

I returned to my feet and dusted myself off while turning around, "Who the hell...?"

A tall stranger stood on the pathway before me with a golden sword in hand. He kind of reminded me of Vergil with the blue coat he wore, but that was where the similarities end.

Apart from the whole 'attacking me out of nowhere' thing.

I'm starting to think that I should have stayed with Vergil. A boring walk would be really nice right about now.

The tall stranger brushed his lengthy blonde hair out of his face, allowing me to catch a glimpse of his bright blue eyes, similar to my own.

"Zero, your time has come." He threatened in a grouchy, yet confident voice.

He knows my name? I must be famous to weird, psycho people.

That all want to kill me. Yippee!

"Time for me to die, huh? That's just cruel... I'm sick, you know!" I exclaimed, and yet remained dauntless.

"I know. But that does not mean anything to me."

I let out a snide laugh, "Well aren't you a heartless bitch? I still have things to do on this world, and I sure as hell can't do them in the afterlife."

"Do not fight me."

His tone sounded as if this was hurting him too. Regret, fear maybe? He knows my name... So maybe he knows me. The mysterious man even had an apologetic look in his eyes.

He noticed my reaction and quickly became annoyed. I don't know what pissed him off more; the fact I noticed his hidden plea or the fact that he let it out.

"Whatever." I turned my head to the side to let out a cough, "Time for you to go hell!"

~}{•}{~

~Vergil~

Where did she go? Why must she be so troublesome?

Zero couldn't have strayed too far. She's most likely resting somewhere.

All of that time she has spent in the hospital must have dulled her memory of this city. It's just as dangerous as it was before.

If she gets injured, it will be my fault. And if she dies... I don't know what I would do.

I shouldn't think about that. If Zero heard this, she would curse at me endlessly. She wouldn't want me to worry.

I cracked a smile at my thoughts and started to follow the distant sounds of clashing metal and firearms.

She's in danger... I have to move quickly...!

Even if I die, so be it, I will endure it all, anything to protect her.

~}{•}{~

~Zero~

The stranger backed away for a moment, pausing from attack, "Why do you not unleash your strongest form? It may save your life."

What is with this guy?! Does he want me to live or die?!

"Fuck off!" I Wicked Punched him further away from me, "I'd rather be a monster!"

Nothing is worth that pain. Not even him, not even my family.

I went to raise my gun at him, but I faltered and collapsed in a fit of pain. I was having another attack...

Not here! Not now!

I scrambled to knees while gasping for air. Everything started to burn and sting, it felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest.

And then, it suddenly stopped. The world went quiet as I gazed down at the blade in my chest. It was slowly pulled out and I fell backward onto the wall behind me.

~}{•}{~

~Unknown Man~

"I am sorry." I tried to apologize, knowing it was a stupid idea.

She smirked, but it was soon gone from her face as she tried to sit up against the wall with bloodied hands, "You'll be forgiven, when you too, are dead."

Her eyes scanned my face like she was still trying to figure out who I was. There was a hint of recognition in them, but she didn't say anything.

So this is what she gets for failing to save the future. In a way, she was doomed from the start because she had no idea what to do or what she should've gone after. But I didn't know what to do or say to help, leaving me to linger in the shadows, hoping she would work it out.

It's too late to change her fate now.

"So be it, but I am truly sorry." I bowed my head and took my leave before that devil boy came.

I cursed at myself for just leaving Zero there, bleeding out on the sidewalk. It was a horrible feeling, and it was worse knowing that that devil will find her in her last moments.

I'm a horrible-

No! It had to be done! This is how it should be, even if... Zero... was my...

~}{•}{~

~Zero~

"Zero!" I weakly turned my head at the voice, watching as Vergil rushed to my side.

"No..." He sighed as his eyes dropped on my bloodied figure.

"Look at me, I'm an absolute mess." I laughed but he just deadpanned.

I guess I'm going to have to be serious...

"It's going to be okay... I'll be fine." My voice was almost a whisper.

"Don't leave me." He made it almost sound like a threat, but I just smiled.

"You'll be okay, won't you... Kitty? You have nothing to be afraid of. You are strong, you can fight."

It's getting hard to stay... awake...

"Not without you. Keep your eyes open, please, stay with me." He shook my shoulders but I was drifting away.

"Now you listen to me." I raised my hand to his and tried to hold it as tightly as I could, "I want you to follow your dreams. Don't let anyone stop you. I want you to be happy, and all I ask is for you to remember me..."

He took both of my hands in his own, "I-I don't understand."

"Please..."

"I... I promise..."

I closed my eyes and took in my last breath as I was truly at peace, "Thank you..."

Chapter Text

MANY YEARS LATER...

***

"Am I being defeated...?" The older twin stumbled, shocked by how he had been defeated by his own brother no less.

He had never felt so betrayed.

"What's wrong?" The younger twin wasn't impressed, "Is that all you've got? Come on, get up. You can do better than that."

The older twin stood to his full height, shooting his usual glare at his brother, "The portal to the human world is closing Dante, because the amulets have been separated."

"Let's finish this Vergil. I have to stop you, even if that means killing you." Dante was serious, and Vergil knew that he would not forgive him for the mess he had caused, ever.

So they charged at each other, their blades drawn. Dante held Rebellion, and Vergil had Force Edge- His father's sword.

Despite the battle, the two were identical twins- brothers. This would be a feud that neither would ever forget. The two were opposing forces, of good and evil yet fighting for selfish reasons.

Vergil had had only wished for power so he could never lose anyone ever again. He would be able protect what was dear to him, unlike so many times before. He would have protected his brother, if he had not gotten in the way and misunderstood his intentions. Vergil did not wish for it all to have ended this way.

As the twins got closer and closer, Vergil slowly raised his sword. As it went over his brother's head, Rebellion has sliced into his side. Dante did not even notice that his brother had let him win.

Vergil's half of the Perfect Amulet fell to the ground, splashing in the rushing water. He quickly retrieved it, Force Edge on the ground while Yamato was held in his other hand. The wound to his side was a dull pain in comparison to the pain he felt from his dissapointment.

"No one can have this Dante. It's mine, it belongs to a son of Sparda." He tightened his grip on his amulet as he limped backwards.

Dante caught on quick, dashing over to his brother to stop him from being stupid. No matter what he had done, Vergil was still his brother, the last piece of family he had. Vergil unsheathed Yamato, the tip of the blade centimeters from Dante's chest.

"Leave me and go, if you don't want to be trapped in the demon world. I'm staying, this place was our father's home."

Standing at the edge of their battleground, Vergil did not glance back before falling deeper into Hell.

Dante reached out for him, only for his hand to cut open from Yamato - A cut that would then scar and forever remind him of how close he was to saving his brother. Vergil disappeared from his sight, falling into the moody darkness of Hell.

Descending into the depths was the only way that Vergil would ever reach his goal, he had convinced himself.

Vergil believed that his father had lived here and fought here for thousands of thousands of years, surely he could do the same.

***

Vergil landed in Hell, shaken from the hit. Although the fall had felt truly endless, he had survived.

He made it his feet and took in the gloomy scenery for a moment before shrugging it off. This was Hell, it was equally a part of him as the human world was.

His attention was soon caught on three flying orbs, sparking with crimson energy. Vergil knew what it was.

Mundus.

For a second, he hesitated, before readying his blade. This would be a grueling battle that he might not win. This entire quest, all of his hardship might be all in vain if he were to die now.

"Do your best!"

He smiled at the sound her voice. It cleared his mind from all negative thought. He believed, now more than ever from the sound of Zero's voice, that no matter the outcome of this battle- as long as he remembers her, he'll never be alone.

"It will be fun to fight the prince of darkness. If my father could do it, I should be able to do it too." He charged into battle.

Win or lose, he would see Zero again and that made the pain worth it.

Chapter Text

Something old.

Me. Okay, now that's a joke. I'm not that old, but I can't exactly say I haven't had my midlife crisis yet. It could have happened at any point in my life - but odds are it probably happened a few years ago when everything seemed to go to shit for me. Luckily none of that lasted, so I could be here today. Miracles and magic do exist after all.

Alright, something old? I was determined to have my old choker adorned around my neck for the occasion. Despite it being a rather crude piece of jewellery to have for a day so special, it was something very dear to me. I had worn it for so long, throughout some of my toughest times, even if I just wanted to look cool. The clasp was rusted and worn of its original silver colour, though I didn't care. It was a something I found one day, a piece of treasure plundered and kept, and that would be the something old I needed today. Even without the tradition, it would bring me luck.

Something new.

The dress. Well, not exactly my pick, but it still wasn't wrong. This rather expensive dress - almost painfully so - was grand-spanking new. Glitters like gold. Lace as soft and luxurious as velvet. Measured to a perfect fit. However there was still need of a corset to make my already slim figure very noticeable. The fabric was soothing to the touch, I could sleep in this with comfort, if it was as comfortable as it was silky. It was a shame that it would only be worn once in my lifetime

My pick for the something new category, was something that the dearest groom didn't know about. I had been rather sneaky, and crafty for that matter to conceal the 'something new' that would be carried with me throughout the rest of my life. And probably in death as well, now that I think about it - passing on doesn't erase the ink in your skin. Yes, it's a tattoo. That should have been obvious enough. It's not my first - the sprig of rosemary behind my ear has been there for a few years now, along with a couple others. Mostly small ones. This latest addition, added merely a week ago, was something equally as minimalist. 'Je t'aime'. Written in thin cursive across my left wrist. A callback to the time I had briefly spent in Paris long ago, and soon enough, I'd be returning. The honeymoon would probably leave some better memories than before.

Something borrowed.

Where most brides would seek out something from their family, say, their mother - I wasn't given the liberty. My mother remains absent from my life, as she has been for a time, for reasons unknown. Rather than worrying myself over her mysterious disappearance, I continued to soldier on. It's not like she was weak, or an idiot. Wherever she'd run off to, I'm sure she was fine. As I was saying, with my mother MIA, I had to turn to the closest thing to her, the other mother-like figure in my life. Who, was obviously Bayonetta. My mentor and close friend, and given me a pair of earrings - golden rose studs with dangling chains. It was one of many things she had offered. We started off with lipstick, then it was perfume - she had even offered her glasses even though I didn't need glasses to see, but the sentiment was still appreciated. They weren't her signature pair - but one's she wore on the regular. She had mentioned that she liked to pair them with her outfits for some extra flair - she loved the rose motif.

Something blue.

Somehow this had been the most simple, yet difficult thing to find. I had scoured many stores looking for something blue to add to my outfit. An accessory of any sort. From bags to jewellery. I had even searched for hair clips and such despite having short hair; nothing to style. My hair was always left natural - no product needed. Just a little something I liked to brag about.

My wild goose chase that had literally spanned over months, with the aid of my friends, and even Claire had chipped in, nothing could be found that suited me. In retrospect, it was probably me just being difficult, but most brides tend to be that way as the day approaches so I have been told. Mia went complete 'bridezilla' when she married my brother. A spectacle I could never forget.

To cut it short, I almost threw the final piece away when I was cleaning out my wardrobe. A pair of blue Converse shoes, somewhat tattered and dusty that lurked in the deepest depths of my shoe collection. I couldn't recollect where they had come from, but if I had to hazard a guess they would be from my angst filled teen years. The years I was struggling to establish my own style and wore lots of blue. And white for that matter. What mattered now, is that they remained to be a perfect fit and were comfortable and flat - wasn't really in the mood to be strutting around in heels, the dress was enough of trip hazard. The length of the dress covered the sight of them, which felt like an extra blessing.

Especially now, when there's no path around to lead me in any direction. "Figures that he wouldn't make things easy." I could complain as much as I wanted, for I was alone in the woods. Possibly lost, to boot. Where was my soon-to-be husband? Where was my ceremony? Where the bloody hell was I? All good questions. Shame I didn't have any answers for them.

So here I was, abandoned in the middle of nowhere by the chauffeur - one who did not care for small talk at all. You could say it reminded me of a certain someone, though the question remained as to where that certain someone was hiding away. To be completely honest, as I treaded through the cluttered forest floor, the first idea that had come into my mind was far from pretty. I had to assume, with our history, that this could have all be leading to a long winded trap, where I would meet my end once again. The thought quickly faded. That would have been an awfully elaborate plan, but ultimately a waste of his time. He wasn't one for wasted time.

Of course, that's a given with anyone, even me. So, yes, to say I was somewhat pissed with my current situation would be close to the truth.

Oh no, we couldn't have a regular wedding. No, I couldn't have my best friends as my bridesmaids, or my dog as the ring bearer. We couldn't have it held in an easy to locate church, or even some sort of park... No, we just had to have a private wedding - something super low key - and far away from home.

We had argued endlessly about the ceremony, which was odd to think about considering he has more pressing matters to concern himself - but he was adamant about what he wanted. It wasn't fair to me, in the end. I may not have been a kid who would have daydreamed about a fairy tale wedding, but I did have fair idea of how I wanted it to go. You're damn right that I didn't imagine it to be quite like this.

Wandering and weaving through tress of all shapes and sizes, avoiding low lying branches in my way, I followed my instincts. It was all I had to guide me for the time, seeing how I was without a map, general directions or my phone. I had figured that I wouldn't need it with me, leaving me to have the most boring car ride here, though it turned out I would be wrong about that. Again, I wasn't planning on any of this. I really should have stood my ground when we argued.

Why did I have to be the nice one out of the two of us?

Speaking of nice, where I had found myself, had blessed me with the beautiful view of a lake. Though it was rather small, being surrounded by the greenery of forests and hills, nature framing the crystal painting of ripples. If I had to hazard a guess, this was where I was supposed to be - otherwise I must be close. Treading down the hillside toward the lakeside, skirts lifted over the grass, I found that my choice in something blue was really paying off. The soil around here was soft, and surely my heels would have sunk into it.

I couldn't say why, but it feels like its been forever since I've been anywhere quite like this. Maybe I had grown so accustom to being in cities no matter where I travelled, that I had forgotten what the rest of the world had to offer.

Now, who is that silhouette I spy ahead of me? Couldn't possibly be my missing groom. Upon recognising the pale spikes of hair, a grin found its way onto my face, spreading ear from ear. I was suddenly giddy, like I was a little girl again who found everything to be amazing. My husband to-be stood by the lakeside, just on the border of where the grass met the dirt, hands buried deep into his pockets as she admired the view himself. The rays of light meeting the water's surface had definitely taken my eye. I was almost hypnotised by the soft glistening, almost, by my mischievous mind had taken over. I had the most beautiful opportunity laid out before me.

With a running start, I leapt onto his back, my weight barely throwing him off his balance. His gaze never wandered from the water. Well, I guess that jump scare failed... Shame... "Wondered where you were." Releasing him from my clutches, I dropped down to his side, giving him a playful punch on the shoulder, when he deserved a real one instead. "You could have at least given me some directions."

"I know." Turning to finally give me some attention, that I frankly deserve, it seemed that Vergil had froze up mid-turn. I was well aware of why - me in dress was a rare spectacle - his eyes wandered to take in my entire form. While I could literally feel my neck burn as I flushed, I still held the satisfaction that I had made him utterly speechless. He cleared his throat as he tried to get back on track, "I just needed some time."

"Time?" My blood stilled in my veins at the word. What could that possibly mean? Was he having second thoughts?

He must have caught onto my sudden change of attitude, and offered me his hand, "You'll see." I'll see what exactly? The words never left my mouth. Whatever it was, I couldn't help but to dread it. Nevertheless, I took his hand, and followed his lead - up the steep, to a small gazebo overseeing the lake. I had to wonder whether this space had to be rented, but the question of why a lone gazebo was out here in the middle of nowhere - at the end of no path or trail - was what really had me thinking. Was it even real? I was feeling somewhat delirious - it was my wedding day, and I wasn't sure what to feel.

My uncertainty washed away in waves, with each step I ascended. White roses were intertwined with the decorated hand railing that lined the edges of the gazebo, while fairy lights sparkled above our heads - softly twinkling like stars. Approaching the roses, to take in their lovely scent - they were very much real - I could see snowdrop flowers entangled on the same vines, blooming their pale shade. My favourite flower - he remembered. This is what he needed the time for... to get things in order... to make something so beautiful. How could I forget, that white roses were the first gift he gave me on Valentine's Day. He clearly hadn't.

"It's not what you wanted, but..." Before he could say anything more, I planted a kiss on his cheek, interrupting him mid-sentence. It was bit early for a kiss, but it was worth it. "You're a hopeless romantic when you want to be."

Though it was merely a spot of good timing on my part, for having wandered so long trying to get here, together gazed over at the setting sun. The amber orb of light settling down below the horizon, as the blanket of purple and black began to take over the sky. It was a spectacle that wasn't planned, but very much appreciated. "Found you just in time." I looked over to Vergil, expecting him to be wordlessly admiring the view again, only to find that he wasn't, not quite. Rather than watching the sunset, he watched me instead. "You look lovely." His rare compliment almost had be go into meltdown, and I was close to going nuclear. I stuttered in an attempt to respond, with my burning cheeks resting by his shoulder. Me, being me, ended up being a bastard about it than sweet, "I know."

"Well, we'd better..." I couldn't find it within myself to actually say 'married' to him. After all, this all came across like a hazy dream. A delusion. The day came close to being a nothing more than a dream, and yet we're standing here now. I couldn't help but to feel that we weren't supposed to be, but this was our moment, and I wouldn't let it pass me by. "Yes, right." He agreed, and I could have sworn his voice faltered. I guess he was as nervous about this as I was.

Facing one another, we stood in silence. It was a difficult situation to confront, so I couldn't bare to look him in the eye. My stomach was full of butterflies, but they truly felt like knives cutting me up from the inside. It's the happiest day of your life , Zero, you don't have time to be so anxious.

"Who's first...?"

Vergil breathed in deeply, his chest rising as he did so. He bit the bullet, and was going first. He appeared so confident, I was jealous. Taking my hands into his, the jealously melted with the warmth of his embrace. I was painfully aware of how my hands quivered between his, and how they refused to cease. My heart beat reached my ears, as I braced for his vows. Honestly, I shouldn't have been the one so afraid - I wasn't the one going to pour their heart out at the time. It would be my turn eventually...

"I've always had goals, aspirations, things I wanted to do. But you taught me that a life spent in conflict, leaves you empty in the end. I have to find meaning, something to believe in, so I can never lose my way. I know now, how stubborn you can be, that you'll always be around to guide me.

Even, in my weakest moments, you'll stand beside me.

I give you my hand, and my sword.

As a sanctuary of warmth and peace.

And I pledge to you, that I will love and care for you, so I may be worthy of all the gifts you give me."

Distracted, I failed notice that he had put the simple golden band onto my finger. It was safe to say that I was stunned. Only half-aware, with half my brain too busy processing what he had said, I noticed he had turned my hand over. Oh, right, that tattoo. It had taken his eye. I didn't know whether to think of that as a good thing or bad. Then again, he had never complained about my other ones. He cocked his eyebrow at the sight of the words, their meaning and just how cheesy it may have been. I simply laughed it off, breathlessly, as he had taken the wind out of me with his vows. Hopeless romantic indeed.

"Well, how do I follow that up?" Again, I gave a shaky chuckle, hoping it would mask how scared I was underneath. Alright, take a deep breath... God, I hope I remember what I wrote down, otherwise I'm going look like such an idiot. Here goes... "First, of all, I have to thank you. While I should, rightfully, be angry with you - it just wouldn't feel right in the end. You gave me a chance to get to know you, more than anyone in the whole world. I saw you for what you could be, and yet, you continue to surprise me. Everyday. Sometimes, just by smiling. How could I be so lucky, to get this second chance?

But these are vows, so I'll get on with it.

I promise to love you in sickness, or in health, even if you drag me to Hell.

I promise to follow you, through any storm, and to protect you, as you would for me.

And I promise, that I won't let you down, and not to be such a wreck like I can be. And to try and minimise any tears, for both our sakes.

I believe in you, because you are everything to me." Leaving him with my heartfelt confession, I placed his ring in the palm of his hand - looped onto a chain, seeing how that would be more of his style than wearing it on his finger. I hadn't asked him if it would be a good idea, but I don't think he'd mind it. Either way, it'd be concealed - under a glove or tucked underneath his shirt, as he did with the Perfect Amulet. So long as he wore it, in someway, I wouldn't mind.

You may now kiss the bride.

He pulled me close, a hand on my waist as another held my face with a gentle embrace. My arms were snaked over his shoulders, tangling the two us together.

His touch began to burn, the warmth taking over my soul. Perhaps I was just overexcited, eager for our new life to begin, or simply eager to share a moment with such a view. The butterflies that plagued me had vanished now, I was ready. I lean forward to him, his eyes were hooded like my own, but very much open. Our lips met. Hopefully the electricity between us was merely a sensation than an outburst by me, yet I tingled all over. Soft and warm, sweeter than I imagined, it was if we were kissing for the first time all over again. In a way we were, only as husband and wife.

"I love you."

"I know."