Chapter 29: The Devil’s Return
The doors to Devil May Cry HQ crashed open with a resounding bang as Hadrian kicked them wide, striding inside with a satisfied grin. "Guess who's back in business!" His voice echoed through the room, his entrance impossible to ignore.
Heads turned, eyes widening as they registered the familiar figure. Behind the main desk, Dante was sprawled in his usual pose, one booted foot propped on the desk and a slice of pizza frozen mid-bite. He arched an eyebrow, his smirk widening as he took in Hadrian's confident stride and the smug grin on his face.
"Look who finally found his way back," Dante drawled, lowering the slice and sizing him up with mock suspicion. "What kept you, kid? Got distracted by the scenery?"
Hadrian shot him a look, hands sliding into his pockets as Hedwig and Oryou perched on his shoulders, their gazes sweeping the familiar faces with interest. "Hardly got lost. Let's just say I had a… productive trip," he replied, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Dante leaned back further, crossing his arms with a glint of genuine curiosity in his gaze. "Alright, now I'm interested. Let's hear it—what happened?"
Hadrian smirked, glancing around as familiar faces greeted him. "Oh, you know. Got a new wand, met a dragon-blooded warrior, fought some undead, got beat up by a demonic knight… the usual."
The crew's reactions were instant.
"Hold on," Lady interjected, folding her arms with an amused smirk, "back up. You fought what?"
Dante straightened, the pizza momentarily forgotten. "Yeah, you're gonna have to break this down for us."
Hadrian took a slow breath, letting the anticipation build before he started, each word resonating as he recounted his journey. He spoke of finally obtaining his Yggdrasil wand, its craftsmanship forged from the sacred tree's wood and bound with the feather and venom of his familiars. His tale shifted to the towering Sieg, a dragon-blooded warrior, and their strange camaraderie amid battles against undead horrors.
As he delved into the clash with Draugrheim, the Wraithlord necromancer, and his skeletal dragon, the room grew tense, the images vivid. He described Helheim's eerie, ghost-lit depths, the echoing clash of metal, and the hollow-eyed stares of Draugrheim's undead thralls. But as he reached the moment of his defeat at the hands of Jin, his tone dropped, words measured.
"…And then there was Jin. He didn't just beat me—he broke my twin swords like they were brittle glass. Every move was calculated, merciless. He was on a level I wasn't ready for," Hadrian admitted, the memory still sharp.
A heavy silence filled the room, broken only when Lady gave a low whistle. "So, you found someone who could actually take you down?"
Hadrian nodded, a spark of humility in his gaze. But he didn't dwell on it; his eyes ignited with renewed pride as he unsheathed the sleek, dark blade now hanging at his side. "Didn't stop me from taking this beauty, though." He held up Bradamante, the katana's dark energy pulsing faintly. "Jin's own Devil Arm. It's part of why I stayed. By the time I recovered, Hedwig's burning day hit, so I spent the time training and…"
He trailed off, casually dodging what he knew would be the next question. But Hedwig wasn't about to let him off the hook.
"Oh, and he's leaving out the Valkyrie," she chirped, her tone dripping with mischief as she gave Hadrian a pointed look.
Dante's eyes gleamed with sudden interest, his smirk widening. "A Valkyrie, huh?"
Hadrian felt a warmth creep up his neck, a telltale flush blooming under the scrutiny. "It's not what you think," he muttered, trying and failing to downplay it. "She's… well, just someone I met."
Oryou, coiled on his other shoulder, flicked her tongue, adding fuel to the fire. "Someone he met… and invited on a 'not-a-date' date."She's a Valkyrie in training, and yes, she's beautiful."
At this, even Dorea's portrait came alive, her expression positively alight with interest. "A Valkyrie, Harry? I'd say she sounds like a perfect addition to the family," she declared with a sly grin.
The room erupted into laughter as Hadrian scrubbed a hand over his face, groaning under his breath. He raised a hand, waving them off as he attempted to regain control. "Alright, alright—enough matchmaking," he said, shooting an exasperated look at his familiars. "Let's get back to what matters."
Dante chuckled, tossing the last bit of his pizza aside as he stood. "You're right. What really matters is this: It's been a long time since you and I went toe-to-toe. Let's see if that shiny new Devil Arm and wand make you as tough as you think."
The grin that spread across Hadrian's face was anything but shy. "Oh, I'm more than ready, old man," he said, fire blazing in his eyes. The room buzzed with energy as everyone followed them to the training grounds, anticipation crackling in the air.
The crew followed as they made their way to the training grounds, a vast space outfitted for intense combat. Reinforced walls lined the room, and the open floor offered plenty of space for both spellcasting and fast-paced melee. Lady, Morrison, and Trish took their places on the sidelines, excitement lighting up their faces as they settled in to watch.
Dante drew Rebellion, resting it casually on his shoulder, his trademark cocky grin never faltering. "Alright, kiddo. Ready when you are. And don't hold back."
Hadrian smirked, taking a step back and gripping Bradamante in one hand, his Yggdrasil wand poised in the other. "Oh, trust me, I don't plan to."
Without hesitation, Hadrian opened with Carian Phalanx. An array of spectral swords materialized, hovering around him and gleaming with an otherworldly light. With a swift flick of his wand, he launched them toward Dante, each blade whistling as it sliced through the air.
Dante's Trickster style kicked in immediately as he sidestepped and rolled, evading each spectral blade with effortless agility. "Nice start," he called, laughing as he blurred through his dodges. Closing the distance in a flash, he retaliated with Stinger—a powerful, lightning-fast thrust of Rebellion aimed squarely at Hadrian's chest.
Hadrian twisted out of the way at the last second, bringing Bradamante up in a fluid counter. The katana shimmered with dark, crackling energy as it sliced through the air, creating a Judgment Rift in its wake. The destabilizing rift pulsed with dimensional energy, sending waves of force rippling toward Dante.
Dodging smoothly, Dante let out a laugh as he switched to Swordmaster style. He spun Rebellion in a fluid motion, unleashing Million Stab—a blistering series of thrusts that came at Hadrian with relentless speed. Each strike was packed with brutal force, sparks flying as Hadrian blocked with Bradamante, the sheer impact forcing him back.
"Good reflexes," Dante acknowledged with a gleam in his eye. "But you'll need more than that to keep up."
A fierce grin spread across Hadrian's face. Raising his wand, he cast Bloodflame Blade on Bradamante. The katana ignited with dark, blood-red flames, intensifying its already menacing aura. Hadrian swung down in a powerful arc, sending a wave of fire cascading toward Dante.
Dante blocked with Rebellion, the clash releasing a shockwave that reverberated through the room. Without missing a beat, he launched Round Trip, hurling Rebellion like a spinning saw toward Hadrian. Hadrian barely managed to dodge as the sword sliced past, before whipping back to Dante's hand with a sharp spin.
Not giving his uncle a moment's respite, Hadrian cast Loretta's Mastery, conjuring a barrage of high-speed magical projectiles that locked onto Dante with deadly precision. Each projectile sizzled with intense energy, forcing Dante to sidestep and flip in rapid succession, showcasing his speed and agility.
Seizing the advantage, Hadrian combined Surge of the Abyss with a quick follow-up strike from Bradamante. Dark energy surged along the ground, splitting the floor as it tore toward Dante in a rolling wave of shadow and force.
Dante leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the surge. He landed with a grin, eyes alight with excitement. "Impressive. Looks like you've been practicing."
Switching to Royal Guard, Dante absorbed Hadrian's next attack with flawless timing, storing the energy before unleashing Release—a counterstrike powerful enough to send Hadrian skidding back several feet.
Recovering quickly, Hadrian cast Golden Vow, a radiant aura enveloping him, boosting his strength and resilience. Fueled by the spell, he charged forward, swinging Bradamante in precise, aggressive arcs. Activating Voidstep, he blinked through shadows to reappear behind Dante, his katana slashing down in a flash.
Dante spun just in time, catching the blow as Rebellion met Bradamante in a powerful clash. The room crackled with energy as they locked eyes, each assessing the other. They broke apart, both breathing hard but with a shared respect evident in their gazes.
"Not bad," Dante admitted, a flicker of admiration in his smirk. "But you're still not quite there yet."
Without warning, Dante activated Dance Macabre, launching into a deadly sequence of attacks, each strike faster and more intricate than the last. Hadrian fought to keep up, blocking and parrying with Bradamante while casting Thops's Barrier to absorb the onslaught.
Despite his best efforts, Dante's relentless barrage began to overwhelm him. With a final, devastating flourish, Dante unleashed Drive, a charged wave of energy that hit Hadrian squarely, sending him sprawling across the floor.
Hadrian landed hard, Bradamante slipping from his grasp. He sat up slowly, breathless but grinning, a look of genuine admiration in his eyes. "Alright, I'll admit it… you're good."
Dante sheathed Rebellion with a chuckle. "Good? Kid, I'm the best. And while that sword of yours is impressive, it still feels like a weaker version of Yamato."
Hadrian blinked, a spark of inspiration lighting in his gaze. "A weaker version… maybe. But that's only for now."
Dante patted him on the shoulder, his grin both teasing and encouraging. "That's the spirit. Keep working at it, kid. One of these days, you might actually make me break a sweat."
As the crew cheered and clapped from the sidelines, Hadrian lingered behind, taking a few quiet moments with Bradamante in hand. Each swing of the katana felt like a step closer to unlocking its full potential. Maybe, with time, he could prove Dante wrong—and show that he could go toe-to-toe with the best.
Chapter 30: A Devil’s Escort
It was midday in Devil May Cry HQ, and Dante lounged in his typical relaxed pose, feet propped up on the desk, a slice of pizza balanced precariously on his knee. He was mid-story, animatedly recounting his last hunt to Hadrian, who leaned back in his chair with a bemused grin, occasionally tossing in sarcastic remarks.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Morrison stepped in, his expression a mix of annoyance and urgency. Trailing behind him was a young girl with big, curious eyes, peering out from behind his frame.
"Dante," Morrison began, his hands on his hips. "I have a job that requires your… let's say, 'special talents.'"
Dante barely looked up, arching an eyebrow. "Uh-uh. You know I don't do kid-sitting. What is this, bring-your-child-to-work day?"
Hadrian smirked, leaning forward in his chair. "C'mon, Dante. Little out of your league?"
Before Dante could retort, Morrison sighed and gestured to the girl. "This is Patty Lowell, the new heir to the Lowell family fortune. She's been receiving threats."
Patty lifted her chin defiantly, her grip on her small purse tightening. "I didn't ask for a bodyguard. But apparently, there are some demons who think they can take what's mine."
Dante's smirk faltered slightly. "A kid… with money?" He rubbed his chin, reconsidering. "Maybe not completely out of my league."
Morrison continued, "Her inheritance has stirred some unwanted attention. Demons, to be precise. She's got a target on her back. Think you can do one job without causing a total mess?"
Dante's half-smile returned, mischief gleaming in his eyes. "No promises. Messes and I are old friends."
Just then, Morrison flipped a coin, betting that if it landed heads-up, Dante would clear his bar tab for the month if he took the job. Dante lost with an exaggerated groan, tossing his hands up in mock defeat.
"Alright, alright," he conceded, grabbing his gear. "Let's get this kid to her castle."
Hadrian chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eye. "Just try to be professional for once, yeah?"
The trio sped down the winding road in Dante's red convertible. Patty sat in the backseat, fidgeting nervously, her eyes darting around, absorbing the unfamiliar sights. Hadrian, riding shotgun, glanced back at her, intrigued by the child who suddenly found herself in a world of demons and devil hunters.
"So, what's your deal, anyway?" Patty asked, her voice wavering between curiosity and caution.
"Me?" Hadrian replied with a grin, adjusting his wand holster. "I'm the… extra special backup. But you can call me Harry."
"Harry, huh?" Patty frowned, tilting her head. "What's with the stick and sword?"
"Just a couple of tricks up my sleeve," he winked, motioning to the small phoenix chick that peeked out from his shoulder. "And this is Hedwig," he said, pointing. "My companion."
"Companion?" she echoed, eyes widening.
Oryou, coiled like a decorative tattoo on Hadrian's arm, lifted her head proudly. "I'm the one who bites first and asks questions later," she drawled, earning an amused look from Patty.
"Talking pets?" Patty whispered, astonished.
"Companions," Hadrian corrected, shooting Oryou a knowing look. "Don't let their looks fool you."
Suddenly, as they passed through a dark tunnel, Dante's focus sharpened. He glanced at his side mirror, where he caught a glimpse of glowing red eyes creeping up beside the car. Without a second thought, he reached back, pulling Patty's hat down over her eyes.
"Hey!" she protested, startled.
"Just covering your eyes," Dante muttered, drawing Ebony & Ivory in one smooth motion. He fired at the demon, the creature letting out an unearthly shriek before disintegrating into ash.
Patty lifted her hat, peeking out with wide eyes. "Was that—?"
"Yep," Hadrian said, sheathing his wand. "Just another regular day at work for us."
In a shadowy, high-ceilinged study far from the chaos, two men in impeccably tailored suits plotted their next move. The brothers leaned close, their faces illuminated only by the flickering firelight.
"She'll be here tomorrow at six," the elder sneered, swirling a glass of dark whiskey. "If she even exists."
The other brother's face twisted in anger. "If she's real, we'll handle her easily. A demon doesn't leave behind many remains." They shared a sinister laugh, toasting to what they believed would be their final stroke of luck.
Later, as they boarded a train, Hadrian noticed Patty holding a locket close to her chest, staring intently at a photograph inside. Dante, casually leaning against the window, caught the look on her face.
"Cute boyfriend?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.
Patty shot him an incredulous look. "It's my mother," she snapped back, lifting her chin defiantly. "Not that it's any of your business."
Dante's expression softened slightly, but he quickly masked it with his usual swagger. "Sure, kid," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Just then, a stranger slipped into the seat beside Patty. The man's smile was unsettling, and his gaze lingered a moment too long.
Dante's instincts flared, and he leaned forward, fixing the man with a steely glare. "There are plenty of other seats," he said pointedly, his tone low.
The stranger didn't budge, and Hadrian could feel the tension in the air. The moment the train plunged into darkness, the man revealed his true form—a grotesque demon. Before it could lunge for Patty, Hadrian quickly cast Judgment Rift, a dimensional slash that destabilized the demon.
Dante, ever quick on the draw, executed Stinger, driving Rebellion deep into the demon's chest. The creature howled, disintegrating into nothingness as the train emerged back into the light.
Patty gasped, eyes wide. "So this is what you do?"
"Just another day at the office," Hadrian replied, offering her a reassuring smile.
Later that evening, the trio arrived at a small hotel. Patty, intrigued by a poster featuring a woman who resembled her mother, wandered off. Ignoring Dante's cautious warnings, she slipped out, her heart racing with hope.
At the opera house, she spotted the woman again, but as she rushed toward her, the figure vanished. Feeling a pang of disappointment, she turned, only to be ambushed by demons posing as ushers. Panic surged through her as they closed in.
Dante and Hadrian burst into the opera house, weapons drawn, adrenaline pumping. "Think you can handle the waltz?" Dante taunted as he tossed Rebellion in a Round Trip, the sword spinning through the air and slicing through multiple demons in a beautiful arc.
"Nice moves, Dante!" Hadrian called, conjuring Loretta's Mastery. A storm of magical projectiles rained down, targeting the remaining demons, breaking their defenses. He followed up with Judgment Rift, a quick slash that destabilized the last demon, allowing Dante to deliver the finishing blow with Million Stab, plunging his sword deep until it evaporated into shadows.
"Not bad," Dante admitted, catching his breath. "But we're not done yet."
The final confrontation awaited them at the grand Lowell Estate. As they arrived, a sense of unease settled over the trio. One of the brothers stepped forward, and his face twisted into a monstrous form, revealing his true nature as a demon.
"A pity you came all this way for nothing," he sneered, his grotesque body shifting and expanding into a monstrous beast. The other brothers screamed in terror, only to be killed in the ensuing chaos.
Dante cracked his knuckles, gripping Rebellion with renewed vigor. "Ready to make this quick?"
Hadrian held Bradamante steady, dark energy crackling along its edge. "Try to keep up, old man."
With a rush, they engaged the demon. Dante used Million Stab to batter it back, while Hadrian combined Obsidian Ward to absorb incoming attacks, following up with Voidstep to teleport beside the demon, striking with Surge of the Abyss.
Seeing an opening, Dante unleashed Drive, sending a shockwave from Rebellion that cleaved through the demon's defenses. The creature roared, weakened but still thrashing.
"Time to end this," Hadrian said, activating Golden Vow to boost their strength, then swinging Bradamante with Bloodflame Blade ignited, the katana flaring with dark flames as they struck together, finally vanquishing the beast.
As the demon fell, Patty stood nearby, awe-struck but grateful. "Thank you!"
Back at Devil May Cry HQ, Patty tells Morrison she plans to use her inheritance for good, particularly for the orphanage where she grew up. Dante steps out of the shower, eyeing her decorations in horror.
"Uh, kid? I didn't agree to frilly curtains and flower pots."
Patty simply grins, dipping her spoon into Dante's long-awaited strawberry sundae. "Too late. It's my treat."
Dante's face falls, but a hint of a smile tugs at his mouth. He gives Harry a mock glare, "This one's your fault, kid."
The two share a grin, knowing they've both gained something from this unexpected job.
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