Fanfic

The light shimmering in the air seemed to make everything and everyone freeze. Laughter, bickering and chatter alike stopped as though a silencing spell had been cast on the population of the Mystic Peak students. A group of laughing girls, once joking about a male student, now looked up sharply, fear and apprehension in their eyes as they clutched their books.

A male Swordsman sitting alone and polishing his Broadsword looked up at the sky as well, muttering to himself.

All around, everyone held their breath, as though waiting for something to happen... then the shimmering passed as quickly as it had appeared and the air stabilized, as clear as they blue sky over them.

Safe... for now. Nervous chatter started up again as the students continued on their way, either to rest, train or to class.

Leonair had fallen. Would their force fields fail and their school end up like that as well? It was only a matter of time.
____________________________________________________________________

"Something strange is going on in that school." Jade declared, lifting up fingers to quote the statement. "At least that's what they're saying in the papers and all that." The young 18 year old was sitting on one of the many benches in Mystic Peak Square, her dark blue blazer thrown beside her because it was warm, Sodium Gauntlets sitting on top of the thick fabric. She kicked her legs back and forth, looking very much like a kid instead.

"Well, wouldn't the paparazzi be surprised if they found out about us." Alyssa, a female Archer said absently from next to her, skimming through her Economy textbook. "I mean, the Sacred Financial Group (SFG) are trying their very best to hide whatever fighting skills they're teaching us here from our parents and the outside world... but some reporters are just nosy. They don't know what they're getting themselves into."

"Come on... the whole world knows about Leonair." Jade rolled her eyes. "Mr. Fujiwara labeled it as a freak accident and compensated the grieving parents, but the whole world knows the dimensional rift opened up there after.... okay, let's not talk about it."

Lyssa was quiet. After what happened that morning, everyone seemed to bring up the whole Leonair incident again. Almost as if they were preparing themselves to face a sudden death. The students from the different schools or campus actually, were quite close to each other, each priding themselves on becoming a warrior with their own skills and the ability to defend themselves from the corrupted zombies and demons out there. It was a close knit society, one that the SFG had founded, giving the future leaders of Asia a chance to free their continent from quarantine.

They had lost a lot of friends that night. Lyssa remembered him, the Sowrdsman with blue-green eyes that looked almost violet in the dark and his broadsword that he always carried around. He was gone now. At least his body hadn't been corrupted.

Zack.

"Jade. Lyssa." a voice said, and they looked up to see Miyako grinning at them. Jade's mouth fell open. "Miyako!! What are YOU doing here? It's usually me that sneaks out to YOUR campus at Sacred Gate!"

"I wanted a change." Miyako shrugged. "How are your studies going?"

"Copped Business class..." Jade said offhandedly. "Geez... one minute in there and I'd just fall asleep. I'd rather train than study."

The Shaman sighed and set down her Bamboo Staff before sitting, Lyssa shifting aside to make space for her. "You, my friend, are going to be so dead when graduation day comes. Which is, by the way... only around the corner."

Jade winced. "Please don't remind me. At least I'm not staying in dorms... I got my own house." A grin appeared on her face.

"That's because Jengkol is a high-level Swordsman and you got lucky he made friends with you and accepted you into his party." Lyssa said, shooting her a look. "Or you'd still be sitting in dorm right now. In a room. With me."

"Oops... sorry, sorry." Jade raised both hands in placation. She knew from the look Lyssa gave her that she was still harboring a grudge for leaving her dorm-mate to sleep alone.

Miyako gave a laugh, then cocked her head as she noticed someone approaching. "Hey, looks like I'm outta here. Here comes the Swordsman."

Lyssa looked up, then sighed. "I'll leave you two lovebirds to train. Come on, Shaman. Let's go to the cafe off campus to get some coffee."

"Lovebirds?!" Jade looked outraged as her girl-friends beat a hasty exit. "What do you... hey! Get back here!"

"Let's go, Archer.... bye bye, you violet female!' Miyako teased as she walked off, waving her staff at her. Jade just stared in open mouthed resentment as Jengkol walked up behind her curiously, tapping her on the shoulder.

"Whassup?"

"None of your business." Jade snapped, then leaned down and put on her blazer and Sodium Gauntlets. "It's a girl thing."

"Anything to do with that blush on your face?" Jengkol snickered.

"Shut it. Right now."

"Jeez... alright. Always the violent one...." Jengkol mockingly sighed, then grew serious. "I think it's time to get serious with training. You saw what happened this morning?"

"Yeah... the force fields protecting out campus wavered." Jade replied uneasily. "i'm doing good, though... but I took a rest this week."

"Still, that's not enough. I'll round up the rest of the party." Jengkol lifted his fist. "Meet you at the field, Brawler."

"Yeah." She touched fists with him. "I'll be at the library side, fighting Jr. Bruisers."

He nodded. "I'll come as fast as I can. Hold on." He grasped his Broadsword that was slung across his back and held it out, closing his eyes and focusing his Qi.

"Tranquility."

A glowing sphere of light appeared around him and Jade, a shield against attacks and a boost to their physical defense. With a smile, the two parted ways, Jengkol heading into the building to search for the rest of his party, Jade heading to the field to train.
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Mr Fujiwara drummed his fingers on the windowsill, looking out at the student population from his window. "The graduation ceremony is this weekend." He stated without turning. In front of his table stood four of the faculty heads; Brawler, Shaman, Archery and Swordman. The Head of Archery stepped forwards, hair tied up in a ponytail, her blue eyes troubled behind her glasses.

"Sir... one of the force field terminals wavered this morning. It's bad enough that the papers are trying to hack into the Group's database, and they already suspect that we're turning the students into a military group... what will happen if the parents find out?"

The chairman of the SFG turned from the window to face his subordinates. "We will just have to hope that nothing happens. I'm aware of those that are trying to glean the truth, but for now, we just have to lay low. We can't let anyone find out what we're doing, or our plans won't go as directed."

"The students are doing reasonably well." The Head of Brawlers, a strudy man with exposed biceps stated. "Training is their utmost importance, and no one has pulled out of the school yet."

"Only to your faculty, Mr Jaccob." The Head of Shaman chuckled quietly, rubbing his stubble. "Might I remind you that your faculty students cause the most trouble in all the campuses?"

"Arashi!" Jaccob veinpopped as he whirled around to face his rival and good friend, jaw agape in an anime style. "How could you say that?!"

"It's true..." Arashi sent more stabbing words as he looked aside, holding his chin. "At least our students are outstanding in their studies, able to balance training and studying well....."

Musume looked at her colleague, the quiet and reserved Head of Swordsmanship, Vincent. "They're at it again." she said in exasperation while the two Heads bickered. "Can't you stop them?"

"...." Vincent just watched with a deadpan expression.

Mr Fujiwara resisted the urge to roll his eyes and facepalm at the childishness of the Heads of Brawling and Shamanism. It was true that the two faculties were rivals, for the Brawlers considered the Shamans cowards for not using their strength, while the Shamans considered the Brawlers foolish and themselves intelligent by using their Qi energy instead.

He coughed. "Musume-san? Might I trouble you for a bit?"

The Head of Archery heard his soft quietly and turned, ignoring the fight going on. "Yes, sir?"

"I need you to help me with the Graduation event." Mr Fujiwara requested. "In case of an emergency, assemble a defense guard of the strongest students or any student willing to fight. We need the Brawlers as the main firepower to tank, Swordsmen to lure and the rest for support."

"Yes, sir." Musume's glasses gleamed as she pushed them up the bridge of her nose. "I'll take care of it."

"Oh, and Musume?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Make me an emergency speech, will you?" Mr Fujiwara looked abashed. "In case something goes wrong and I have to explain everything to the parents."

"No problem." She smiled at him and left. He took a deep breath and let it out as a sigh before looking over at his Head of Swordsmanship. "Vincent."

The man nodded. A split second later, a sword crashed down between the two bickering Heads, creating a loud boom that made some students look up in surprise and a huge dent in the floor.

Both Jaccob and Arashi paled.

Mr Fujiwara smiled. "You can both fix my floor now."
___________________________________________________________________

"Cover me."

"I got your back."

Jengkol and Danny took positions on either side of Jade, covering her from any attacks coming her way. The female Brawler closed her eyes and concentrated on her flow of Qi energy. An aura circle appeared around her feet, her hair floating slightly with the force of her aura. "Regeneration."

Her word was barely more than a whisper, but her party heard it and immediately moved closer to protect her while she self-healed her wounds and refreshed her energy. It would leave her feeling refreshed and energetic, but the side effects would come later, leaving her feeling sore all over. It would usually be healed by a Potion from the Nurse, so she didn't care.

Besides, she was tough.

"Damn!" Bara flinched and dropped her Bow, going down on one knee when a Slasher threw a dagger at her from God knows where.

"Bara!" Danny saw the female Archer go down and raised his sword. "There's Slashers about!"

Jade's eyes snapped open and the aura around her disappeared as she slid into her fighting stance. "Help her. I'm alright now."

He nodded and left her side to fight off the incoming Slashers. Bara was already Regenerating, healing herself and her injuries to support the major tankers of her group. Jade whirled around and delivered an energy focused uppercut to one that Jengkol was fighting. "Raging Dragon Riser!"
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Only the smartest, strongest, fittest students were recruited to these institutions. Yet beneath its quiet façade of learning and academia, an unsettling truth began to surface. These were no ordinary schools. Their infrastructures, rising menacingly above all others, were strange and alien in design, as if echoing an ominous, inescapable fate.
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"Cyclone Slash!" Jengkol's broadsword created an energy wave that took out most of the corrupted.
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Soon, rumors began to spread about the alarming activities conducted within the four campuses. Students, they said, were being trained in cryptic, deadly forms of combat beyond the understanding of even the military’s most accomplished intelligence agencies; they were studying forbidden scrolls and texts believed to hold incomprehensible, supernatural power— power to create as well as destroy; and being taught the use of weapons exiled long ago for their genocidal role in the Ancient Wars.
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Lyssa laughed with Miyako as the two students lounged in a cafe, sipping chilled coffee and chatting.
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A dimensional riff some attribute to the meteor storm had opened the gates to a demonic realm, poisoning the living and possessing the dead.

Only the four schools proved immune to this paranormal plague. Force shields were believed to protect the boundaries of the four schools and its students, keeping them safe within the schools’ borders.

The shields, however, were beginning to show signs of weakness. There were reports of creatures infiltrating school grounds and of students being taken almost daily, never to be seen again.

It was only a matter of time...
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A disgruntled Jaccob lifted heavy slabs of stone back into the crater caused by Vincent's immense power to be resealed into smoothness by the Qi energy Arashi was using to fix the damage done.
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Today, everything is calm and peaceful at the three schools, even as they wonder which of them is next.

When will their time come? How long will their shields hold?
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Mr Fujiwara sat staring at nothing, his fingers linked together, a crease of worry between his brows. If something were to happen while the parents were around...... He seriously hoped that the students were ready, and willing to stand together as one.

It was important.. for the their future and the future of the school.
____________________________________________________________________

For now, the students continue their studies.

Waiting.

Training.

Praying...

RAN ONLINE 1-SHOTS

RAN Online fanfic (short one shot)
-------------------------------------------------

(10/12/2008)

Sometimes she forgot she was a girl. Oh yeah. But there were some instances that she was forcefully reminded that she was a girl, and those instances came in embarrassing and humiliating forms.
Jade (Jade008/Brawler) could only thank GOD it was 4 am in the morning, and...... no, she couldn't thank God for this one.... it was raining.


Scowling, she glared at the Swordsman fully clad in armor standing next to her. "Give it back.
"

Jengkol grinned an infuriating grin, eying the bare skin of her arms and shoulders. "I dropped it somewhere back there, I think.
"

"Well, I don't care!! Give my damn coat back!!!" Jade turned an interesting shade of red as she crossed her arms over her pink bra and ran for the campus building, taking shelter under the shade. "This is so embarrassing...."

"Oh, it happens... trust me..." Jengkol gave a loud roar of laughter and went off to get her shirt. Jade sniffled. How the hell she dropped her own shirt, she didn't know. But not many were around at that place where she was so she was grateful for it. The poor female brawler now stood shivering on the porch in her Preparatory Shoes, Preparatory Skirt, her bra and her Heavy Gauntlet on her right arm, her left hand clad in a Glove for defense rather than attack.


"I swear I'm going to Heavy Punch somebody...." she muttered, making a mental note to ask Miyako (Miyako08/Shaman), her Shaman friend at the Sacred Gate campus if anything like this happened before. She often sneaked out of her Mystic Peak campus to visit her friend, and it really exasperated the Shaman to no end. But then again, Brawlers were known for their notorious behavior and uncanny knack for breaking the rules and getting into fights.


Jade wasn't afraid of getting expelled. The main firepower of the school rested in the Brawlers and Swordsmen, so they needed her, like it or not. Her right hand flexed as she glared at a staring Archer... Ryuzen, if she got his name right.... and the gleaming iron of her Gauntlet forming into a fist made him continue on his journey inside the building nervously.


"I got it!" Jengkol's voice pulled her back to earth and she turned, relieved to see him holding out her Preparatory Coat. "Thank god!" Grabbing it, Jade slid it over her head and smoothed down the material, hiding the embarrassed blush she got on her face again.


She could only deduce that the backlash from his Cyclone Slash sword attack KOed her on the spot, making her lose her defense based article of clothing.


"Right, so how many Street Junkies do we have left to kill?" Jengkol asked, hand on the hilt of a giant broadsword strapped to his back.


Jade hesitated. Her mission said she had to eliminate at least 22, and the level of a Street Junkie was way higher that her... which was why she kept getting injured so easily. The rapid healing called Regeneration that she learned healed her wounds in no time, but it left her feeling sore all over. She was already killed 13 with his help... but she couldn't take any more.


"You know what? I'm going back to the dorm...." Jade waved a hand tiredly. "You can stay here and train..... I've been around the main campus since midnight.
"

"Yeah well.... I'm heading to bed too..." Jengkol scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Don't get lost around campus and head back to your own faculty." He grinned. "No going to Sacred Gate or to a Shaman/Swordsman/Archer area.
"

"Oh shut up. I don't wander into any other combat faculties except my own." Jade snapped, then turned, lifting a hand as she walked off.
"Party again tomorrow night?"

"Yeah, see ya." Jengkol hesitated a bit, concentrating for a while as he cast a Tranquility skill to shield her as she made her journey back.
"Night!"

"Night!" Jade called back, a glowing orb of light making an orbit around her. Ugh.... she was really tired and sore.... looks like she would have to crash for now and skip morning classes tomorrow....

"Go Brawlers..." she murmured to herself with a grin when she reached her room and crashed down on the bed, kicking off her shoes, but not bothering to remove the Heavy Gauntlet from her right arm though it was made out of heavy iron. "You don't mess with us, heh........"

Sweet dreams, violent female.
XD

Uh, Really Random...

A/N: Yes... really random. This is what comes out of my brain at 3:50 am in the morning.

And for that matter... I'm still not sleepy.

3 December 2008: I know the ending sucks, but I kinda lost my feel for this, sorry.....
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"You should not have opened the box, Dante." Jade said from behind him, her voice sounding weak and sick. "You should NOT have opened it... it's like a Pandora's box...."

Dante didn't listen to her, his breathing erratic and his hand curled into a fist. Anger rode off him in waves; it was almost stifling to be in the same room with him. "Fuck humans..." he growled, turning to smash his fist into the wall. "Fuck humans! Ungrateful bastards-!"

"There is a chance, Dante." Jade cut him off. "There's still a chance for Vergil, I know it..." She regained her composure and stared down at her hands. "After all, I'm still alive, aren't I?"

Dante turned to her in disbelief. "You still forgive those scientists.. after what they did to you?!"

Jade didn't reply, her emerald eyes looking haunted. She knew. Yes, she knew and understood how he felt, but it wasn't going to change anything. "What's done is done... we can't change what happened, alright..?" Five years ago, she had been captured by human scientists, ironically. The people she had worked so hard to protect had captured her and run sickening tests on her.

Five years ago, Vergil had been found, unconscious and malnourished. Since the fall of Mundus, he had been trapped in Hell, but managed to find a way out, after a long time. Having been found by the wrong people, he had been a test subject, an experiment to find out what he really was.

It was escaping from a nightmare into a worse one. Throughout his time in the underground lab, he was in a light coma from the trauma his body had suffered, and he moaned and called out in his sleep. Two names stood out, but one was repeated more than the other. Dante... and Jade.

Half-demon by Vergil's blood, Jade was found when he gave away her cover. By letting him loose one night, he had stumbled half-consiously to where she was, only by locating her scent. Jade had fought off the soilders the best that she could, even going as far as to Devil Trigger, but she could not bring herself to kill them, and was taken into captivity along with Vergil.

All kinds of experiments were performed on the half-demon hybrids. They wanted to see if other blood could be fused with theirs, and Jade was forced to endure pain, forced to watch countless animals die, innocent orphans be killed from the heartless breeding experiments. She was raped, again and again, the same things happening to Vergil.

It wasn't long till their funds ran out, and they decided to be rid of Jade, just because she was making little progress than Vergil was. And to kill her, they stunned her, then tossed her into a waste pool laced with chemicals and blood from the dead test subjects before she could recover. The pool would be flushed later on to rid it of it's "trash". When she did recover, she Devil Triggered to save herself, and something happened.

It could be the chemicals, it could have been the results of being injected with so many types of fused blood, human, demons and animals, but a tail grew in place of her legs, gills appearing on the side of her neck. Her eyes turned a dead greyish red, claws appeared, and so did the webs between her fingers and on her ears. The scientists were delighted at it and fished her out, keeping her in a large, round tank for the rest of the days to come. They considered throwing Vergil in the waste pool as well, but some of their colleagues protested, claiming that more tests should be run on him first.

Jade was their prize. They dressed her up, put her on show as a freak of nature, collecting money to run their cruel tests on more demons. It wasn't one day when the "Mermaid Princess", fake pearls adorning her head in a tiara, twisted in her hair, around her wrists and tail was being shown off as usual in a freak circus, that she saw a flash of silver hair.

It was then she knew who had returned from Fortuna. She called for him, unseen tears in her eyes as she swam agitatedly around, crying out for him to save her, though she knew he couldn't hear her. But Dante had noticed, and he had walked slowly up to her tank, staring at her as though mesmerized. He placed a hand on the glass questioningly, and she pressed hers to his in vain, pleading with him through her eyes. He didn't understand at first, she could see it, but the more he stared at her, the more he regconized her, and she saw ice blue eyes widen in regconition. "Jade?!" He had exclaimed and she had nodded before someone in charge came to lead Dante away.

It was clear that Vergil's twin had been regconized, and eager for a fresher subject, the scientists wanted him.

They wanted Dante, and it was Dante they got.

The devil hunter stormed into their lab with unleashed fury a few days after gaining information of what had been done, no doubt from the Underworld itself. Everyone was destroyed, not a building was left standing, as he brought Jade and Vergil out. Jade was well enough to walk after going out of her Devil Trigger, but it was clear that she had lost her Devil Form forever. She was human out of the water, and was healing rapidly, but Vergil was still in a traumatized state.

Dante dropped onto the sofa next to her and pulled her close, burying his head in her hair. "I'm sorry I didn't come home earlier... Yamato was with Nero in Fortuna and I was so stupid to think I could find my brother there if I stayed long enough.."

"It's not your fault." Jade pointed out gently. "No one knew he would bust his way out of Hell alone. Well, it was predictable, but..." She fell silent, then spoke again in a cheery voice to cheer him up. "Why don't we bring him to the sea? You know... get out and breathe in the fresh air once in a while, enjoy the peaceful enviroment... swim for a bit..."

Dante gave her a faint smile.
____________________________________________________________________

Vergil stared at nothing in particular as Dante coaxed him out of the car. The cool sea breeze blew softly on them, ruffling his hair back as the cry of seagulls reached his ears. It was peaceful here, truly peaceful, and he found the nightmares that were haunting him flee his mind for once, leaving him free. He sat down in the sand and stared out at the open air, watching the sea crash against the beach in gentle waves.

"Hey, Jade! You be careful up there!" Dante's warning voice made him turn and he watched Jade scramble up a large outcropping of rock while Dante surveyed her lithe body.

Clad in a bikini and a shirt, Jade stuck her tongue out at him and waved. "I'm a big girl, Dante! I can handle myself!"

"Still, you better be careful or....."

Their gay voices lightened up Vergil's heart greatly, and a tiny smile crossed his features. He had worried for Jade immensely when she was in the lab with him... and worried for Dante too, should his younger brother be caught as well, but they were free now. Mundus was gone, the lab and scientists were gone, they were free from the suffering and pain and could live happily.

His eyes returned to Jade, who had reached the top of the rock and was pulling off her shirt, tossing it to Dante. She stretched, paused, then leaped and made a dive into the sea, her legs transforming into a gleaming tail in mid-air before she disappeared under with a splash. Ten minutes passed and she didn't surface, and all of a sudden she burst out of the water in a spetacular backward arc, the droplets of water shining in the sunlight.

Jade looked free, free and beautiful with complete freedom to swim and leap and dive whenever she wanted. Her Devil Trigger form had been altered, but to Vergil, this mermaid form suited her the most. It was beautiful to him, although humans considered it frightening.

"Enjoying the view, are we, bro?" Dante's grinning visage appeared in his line of sight and he scowled, unhappy at having being disturbed. Without an invitation, his brother sat down beside him, watching Jade as well.

"You know, when I first found you, I wanted to know what they did to Jade and you." Dante shook his head ruefully. "Then I found out that I didn't want to know at all. I saw those tapes, Vergil. I saw them, and it made me sick. I think I wanted to just go out and kill every human in sight, but.... Jade reminded me that there are good humans out there, like Lady.. and Enzo, though he seriously needs a lipo suction."

He chuckled and leaned back, sighing. "When are you going to start talking, Verge? I've been doing the talking for a month now, and you're still not responding. C'mon... say something to me. Heck, even a bitch-slap would be welcome. Anything to tell me you're still in there, bro."

If Vergil was listening, he made no sign of it, his ice-blue eyes trained on the sea, staring out at nothing. Jade was swimming below the surface and hadn't risen since her last leap.

"It really isn't fair because you left alone all those years and I had to take care of her, since the last incident in Temen-Ni-Gru.. and talking about that, I'm glad Lady hasn't dropped by since. I'd hate to listen to her bitching about me owing her cash......."

Dante's insistent chatter was starting to grind on his ears a bit and Vergil gave a small, unnoticable twitch.

"... And I'm guilty to Jade too, leaving her for a few years alone with Lady. It wasn't really my fault, though. I'd say it's yours, because you were the cause of my amnesia......."

There was a splash and Jade's head appeared from under the water as she took a deep breath and pushed her wet hair and water out of her eyes. The sight almost made Vergil smile again.

"... But I find that over the years of your absence, I may have fallen in love with our little Jade baby-"

"Shut up."

"Yeah, I know I- what...?" Dante stopped mid-sentence and turned to look disbelievingly at Vergil. "Did you just... speak?"

Identical eyes turned to look at him and Vergil scowled. "I said shut up. You talk too much as always. What I needed was rest, both mentally and physically, and your ranting did not help one bit with my condition. So could you just shut that pie-hole you call a mouth for once, and let me heal in peace?!"

Dante stared at his brother in shock. After the long silence, hearing so many words come from his brother was something to be celebrated, a miracle to shout about. "Jade!!!" Before her knew it, he was up and running to where Jade drifted lazily with the tide. "Jade, he spoke! Vergil just spoke! And he cursed me!!!!! He cursed me, you hear? It's a miracle!"

Vergil fought the urge to facepalm and roll his eyes as his younger twin went about screaming and shouting, dragging Jade out of the water. It wasn't long before he was pulled into a tight bear hug by said man, with Jade watching sheepishly.

Again, said man ended up bitch-slapped just because he had requested it earlier.

"I'm not mentally ill, if that's what you're thinking." Vergil explained later on. "True, I'm still traumatized by what happened, but I'm healing nicely.. if you'd just give me some peace and quiet. It isn't easy to close your eyes and heal when someone keeps yapping in your ear all day long, though it does provide a good distraction from the nightmares."

"You cocky bastard..." Dante finally said after closing his gaping jaw. "You never once responded to me! I was so..."

Worried. The word hung in the air in silence for a while without him having to say it. Then, whithout warning, Jade leaned over and enveloped Vergil in a hug, hiding her face in his neck. the Blue Devil looked surprised and slightly awkward, looking up rapidly at Dante for help before hesitantly putting his arms around her to pat her back.

Dante snickered.

Jade was silent for the first few minutes, the cool drops of her tears falling on his warm skin, before she lifted her head and smiled at him, her eyes brimming with tears, but clear. "I'm so glad... Welcome back, Vergil."

And before he knew it, she was kissing him.

Dante was laughing when Jade broke away, red-faced before escaping to the water again, calling for them to join her. A slow smile broke across Vergil's face as he got up and followed her and his brother.

He was home at last.... and his nightmares were over....

Amaranth

A/N: Now seriously... how long has it been since I updated this? ^^; problem is.. I've been too lazy and my muse flew off to Mount Olympus... so... at last I'm lifting my lazy hand up to the computer... and I'm trying to write this. Since I've gotten over Kamelot, I've been hooked to Nightwish due to Anette's amazing vocals. The best song so far that I've ever heard is Amaranth, that's why this chapter is named after it. Originally, I wanted to dedicate this song to Dante.. or Vergil... you know, considering one of them died, but I changed my mind in the end and went about dedicating it to Vergil instead because he's such a lonely man.
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UPDATES:
1) Vergil dumped Amy (months ago) so I jumped him like I said I would. And yeah.. we're still together..
2) It seems that whatever we do on MySpace... uh... either consists of him dominating me... and me waking him up to more.
3) Crushing on Daaaannnntteeeeee.....!!!!!! XD Lol... yeah, since Vergil and I are not really a couple but having an affair after that "break-up".
4) No, scrap that. Dante and I ARE a couple! *giggle*
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Caress the one, the Never-Fading,

Rain in your heart, the tears of snow-white sorrow,

Caress the one, the hiding Amaranth,

In the land of the daybreak...

~Amaranth~

~Nightwish (Dark Passion Play)~

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Rebirthing

MazdaKitsune
Chapter 3- Amaranth

The large form of Sparda towered over her and Vergil, the environment around them reducing to total silence. Jade could swear she heard the frantic beating of her heart, the rapid shallow breaths of fear that she took. All was still for a while.. and sudden she found herself under attack, screaming as Sparda lunged towards her with razor sharp claws, ready to tear her heart out. Instinctively, she brought Yamato up to defend herself, and enraged, the demon lord threw her to the side. pain flared up her whole body and she screamed again, this time in fear for her life......

Jade's eyes snapped open and she found herself lying in a bed, covered in sweat with her heart beating away at her chest with the speed of Dante firing Ebony and Ivory. Someone's palm rested on her forehead, but her vision was unfocused, blurred, and her chest tightened painfully, cutting off air to her lungs. She whimpered, desprate for oxygen before she could pass out again.

"She's having a panic attack..." A seemingly familliar voice said. "Calm down and breathe, child. You're safe now."

Somehow, her mind obeyed the gentle but firm command, forcing her heart to slow just enough for her to take in a wheezing gulp of blessed air. Her eyes watered and she blinked to clear her vision. "D-Dante...? Vergil...?" she croaked, searching for them.

The hand left her forehead and Dante's face appeared above her, a relieved grin on his face. "Welcome back, babe. Man, when you started screaming like that, I think you almost gave Verge here a heart attack."

Jade slowed down her breathing at his voice and pushed herself up, ignoring the flare of pain in her arms. "Where am I..?"

"You're in my mansion." The voice from before said, and she turned to see Sparda standing calmly by her side, Vergil once again deliberately not looking at her. The Legendary Knight smiled down at her and once again placed a hand on her forehead. "I'm sorry to have startled you, dear child. It only occured to me later on that you are a friend of my sons. Please forgive me. I didn't mean to traumatize you by attempting to take your life."

"It's... it's alright, Mr. Sparda.." Jade stammered, then rubbed her head when he lifted his hand away. "What happened? Why am I here?"

"Well, Vergil brought you back, all passed out from shock, I think." Dante rubbed his nose as he began to explain. "You've been out cold for a day now. That is... until you started screaming at the top of your lungs about five minutes ago. Hell, we were catching up peacefully in the den, and suddenly we hear you screaming like a demon had a bite out of your ass or something... Dear old V was the first to arrive, but no matter how much he tried, you wouldn't wake up. Until dad came along and did one of his mind thingys again..."

Sparda suppressed a snort of laughter and carressed Jade's hair. "I take it that you're confused and hungry, young one. I shall leave you to yourself now and see if there's food in the kitchens. Come, son.. let's not distress her further."

"See ya later, babe." Dante pressed a kiss to her forehead before following his father out. Strangely, Vergil stayed where he was, and Sparda did not call him out. He was staring out of the window, his face an unreadable mask, and slowly.... Jade felt the tension in the air rise. Finally, unable to take it any longer, she said quietly, "Um.. thank you for saving me... I.. uh.."

Oh, pretty smooth, Jade. She chided herself with a wince when Vergil turned a cold eye on her and walked away. You could have just kept quiet and let him do the talking first. Absently, she had started picking at the scars on her arms again as was her habit, and was startled when a warm hand closed over her wrist, stopping her. She looked up in surprise to see him close to her, observing her face.

"Don't." Vergil said as he sat down next to her with a first-aid kit. "It won't heal properly if you keep doing that, and the scar will just be more prominent." He opened the kit and rummaged inside for some lotion and a cotton swab. "You pretty much injured yourself when Father threw you off to the side. Nothing much, just some scrapes and bruises. But it's wiser to treat them properly or risk it getting infected. Besides, your skin would get marred by the remains of scars."

Jade just nodded dumbly at his words, watching him busy himself with the cotton and lotion. There was a slight crease between his eyebrows, and she knew for a fact that it appeared there each time he was concentrating on something... which was probably all the time as that look almost seemed perpetual now. It was so like him... so like him to be cold, precise and ever so meticulous with his work. She wondered how it must have been like growing up as him. Did he ever laugh, or smile or even relax and say something warm to someone? There must have been somebody he smiled to before. She couldn't imagine him never smiling once in his life....

Something cold touched her skin and she almost jumped. Vergil paused from where he was swabbing a scrape on her arm and looked up curiously at her. "Did I hurt you? I apologize if I did."

"No... no, you didn't. I'm sorry." Jade shook her head to clear her muddled senses. Vergil's fingers had closed over her elbow and had turned her arm up in order to reach some of the scars there, and his palm was pressing warmly against her skin. His touch left her breathless somehow, and the way he was gently touching her many scars... it left her heart fluttering. "What's that you're using on me?"

"Aloe Vera. It's supposed to reseal the skin and soothe it fast without leaving too much of a mark during the wound's healing process." Vergil said without stopping, frowning when he saw the remains of an old scar running down the side of her right arm, from wrist fading towards her elbow. "This...."

Jade followed his gaze, and her face flushed red. The memories of how she had gotten it was fresh in her mind, and it was the result of Vergil accidentally hurting her during one of his nightmares. "I... I got it from a cat."

"It looks too deep to be from a cat's claw." Vergil stated flatly. "I gave this to you, didn't I?" He searched her face, but she stayed silent. After a minute, he realized that she wasn't going to give him one, and started on the rest of the scrapes that he could see on her back, moving further up on the bed to get behind her. Jade was thoughtful, silent throughout his gentle ministrations, moving when he told her to move, twitching when he brushed a sore spot.

"Vergil?"

"Yes?"

"Why did you leave?"

"To restore my pride." Vergil said shortly, his eyes flicking to the back of her neck, discreetly noting the invisible mark he had left on her left shoulder before turning back. No, he would not admit to her that he had left because her very presence made him loose control, driving him mad with need. "There's a wound on your neck. I need you to bend forwards slightly."

Jade complied, bending her head so that her neck curved up to him. He hesitated, then gathered her hair and draped it over her shoulder to access the skin easily, touching the scar lightly with a finger. Instantly, she gave a yelp of pain, jerking away from him. "That hurts!"

Vergil frowned, taking in the seriousness of the wound. It didn't look serious, but the stretching of the skin probably caused it to hurt. Furthermore, there was dried blood on it, making it painful to move. Drawn by the scent and sight of her blood, Vergil struggled with himself. "There's... some dried blood here, so it'll hurt a bit if you stretch the skin."

"Really?" Jade made to twist around, her hand coming up to touch it gingerly, but Vergil's hand shot out and closed over her wrist tightly, holding her in a vice-like grip.

"Don't..." he said harshly, his breathing rough and irregular. "Don't move an inch, Jade. I can't control myself if you do."

Jade nodded mutely, instantly going still in his arms. Vergil tried to calm himself down, to ruthlessly crush the demon struggling within him, but it was difficult and painful. His demonic instincts demanded that he mark his mate, to claim her and satisfy his hunger on her. He let out a growl of frustration, and felt the shiver of fear that rippled through her. She was afraid of him.. He can't... He shouldn't...

Vergil leaned forwards and pressed his lips to the wound on the back of her neck, gently running his tongue over the dried blood to clean it off. Jade gave a gasp and tried to twist around. "Vergil! What..."

"Shh... Didn't I tell you not to move?" Vergil breathed against her ear, his arms tightening around her waist. "You've let me have your blood many times before... why are you scared now?"

Jade went as still as a stone, her eyes widening slightly. She wasn't afraid, would never be afraid of giving him her blood, but his voice had dropped several octaves lower to a deep growl filled with possessiveness. The sudden change in his demeanor made her blood run cold, as did the sudden icy blue aura that swept over her, making her shiver, goosebumps appearing on her arms.

Vergil seemed to notice this, and whispered in her ear. "You're freezing cold, Jade... Do I really scare you that much...?"

Jade closed her eyes when she felt his breath on her ear. "No..."

"Liar." Vergil returned to the scar on her neck and started sucking softly on it, cleaning it with his tongue and urging the wound to heal. A shudder rippled through her and she moaned softly, unwittingly urging him to do more. Her moan made him trail kisses to the side of her neck, sucking on the skin softly before his lips drew back to reveal sharp fangs, the fangs of a predator. His eyes glowed a ruby red with his bloodlust as he prepared to bite her. But before his fangs could sink in, Jade stirred against him with a pleading whimper.

"Mm... Vergil..."

Vergil froze when she said his name, inches from biting her neck, his senses snapping back into place. Abruptly, he let her go and swung his legs off the bed, standing as frustration swept over him. Jade opened her glazed and dreamy eyes and stared at him, confused. "Vergil? What's wrong? Did I... Vergil!"

He had started walking to the door, and he looked back over his shoulder at her with a cold glare. "Don't." He snarled, wrenching the door open. "Follow me." With that, he left, leaving her shaken and confused.
____________________________________________________________________

Dante turned when he heard a slam and rapid, heavy footsteps coming down the stairs. "Well, that didn't go well..." he commented. "Looks like Mr. Emo lost it."

"Don't rile your brother up," Sparda advised without turning from the sandwiches he was making. "He's already going through a hard time recovering from his previous nightmare with Mundus. You remember when you were ten and you hid his favourite book?"

Dante winced. "Yeah. He went dominant on me and locked me in the cellar for days with the spiders till mom persuaded him to let me out."

Sparda chuckled. "You see? No telling what he might do now..." His voice trailed off as Vergil stalked through the kitchen, his face looking as if he had just been told that Dante was better than him; he was royally pissed off, but at who, nobody knew.

Dante made to slide off his chair, but Sparda held him back with a light frown, noting that his eldest son's eyes were glowing a ruby red. "Hold on... Let him cool down a bit first."

"It's not Vergil that I'm worried about. It's Jade." Dante said, tearing his gaze away from his brother's back to look towards the stairs. "What in the world did he do to her?"

"I... I'm fine, Dante..." Jade's small voice said as she appeared, looking flushed, confused and very dishelved. "Maybe it was my fault. He was helping me with my wounds.. and then he.. got attracted to one of the bleeding wounds on my neck and tried to.. but he left when I said his name."

"Young one..." Sparda walked over and took her by the shoulders, his sharp gaze travelling over her and coming to rest on her right shoulder. His eyes narrowed as he glanced over at his youngest son. "Dante..."

"I didn't do anything!" Dante protested. "What.. oh." His cerulean eyes rested on the same spot before flicking to her other shoulder, a slow smirk coming to his lips. "Ah... I see..."

"See what?" Jade frowned, evidently confused as she looked back and forth from father to son. "Dante, just what the Hell is going on?"

"I'll go handle Vergil." Dante automatically said, sliding off his chair. "Catch you later, Jade, Pops."

"Wait!" Jade glared as the Red Devil beat a hasty exit, leaving her outraged and even more confused than she already was. Sparda shook his head and steered her to a chair, pushing her down onto it. "Do you want some tea and sandwiches, Jade?" He began to busy himself with a teapot. "My darling Eva used to say that I made tea which was out of this world.. but I think I'll leave it to you to judge. Anyway, you'll need it to handle what I'm going to say to you."
____________________________________________________________________

"Verge?" Dante cautiously poked his head into the ground floor's study room. It was dark, and he could make out Vergil's shape by the corner of a window. "Verge, c'mon..." He made his way into the room, only to be stopped by a cold glare of ruby-red eyes. Damn, Vergil was sure going dominant on him...

"Go away." Vergil ground out. "I don't want to see anybody, least of all you."

"I know how you feel, but it's not-" Dante began, but was cut off when a Summoned Sword almost ran him through.

"You know how I feel?!" Vergil snarled incredously. "YOU know how I feel?! You're nothing but someone whose easy charm wins the heart of many women around you! You have NO idea HOW to treat a lady, but sleeps with them and leaves them the next day, and doesn't take responsibility for how they feel! And here you come and tell me that you know how I feel?" He turned away, nails digging into the palms of his hands. "You have no idea how I felt when I saw your mark on her shoulder. I thought Jade was special... I know she was when I saw your mark on her shoulder. I thought Jade was special... I know she was when she willingly offered her blood to me. But YOUR mark was on HER shoulder and I knew you branded her as mate... yet she isn't your mate. When she says my name.. I don't know if she's saying it merely because it's me.. or she doesn't mean it when she looks at me and sees you. You bastard, I felt her LOVE for you, hidden deep within."

Dante was silent as Vergil continued his little rant. His suspicions were confirmed and as much as he wanted to punch him in the face and let loose a few rounds into his brother's head, he held his anger and temper in check. Fighting and angry words were not going to get him anywhere with this one. Their earlier fight had already caused their father sorrow... There was no need for more, especially when they were handling the delicate matter of fighting over the claim of a lifemate. "You done yet, bro? Or do I need to pull up a chair and wait while you continue to whine?"

"You-" Vergil's porcelain skin flushed red with rage, but Dante held up both hands.

"Chill! Look, I know we had this talk and this fight over and over again, but for Pops' sake, let's not start another fight in the same day. Something tells me he won't let us go for a second one. What happened between Jade and me.. that was a long time ago, okay? Yeah, sure I used her for the mating season-WHOA!!! DAMMIT, WOULD YOU CALM DOWN?!"

He shouted in outrage as yet another Summoned Sword tried to bury itself in his body and he leaped aside with a growl. "Look! Yes, we were in love before, okay? That was why I left my mark on her shoulder! We used to love each other and I thought it would be forever, but it didn't turn out!" Dante spoke rapidly in case Vergil tried to spear him with another Sword again. "I can't erase what I left there, but since I'm not bound to her anymore, it'll fade in a few months or so! Jade's free and in case you hadn't noticed, she's currently infatuated with you, you idiot! Why do you think she offered her blood so willingly to you? Do you want me to spell it out? SHE. LOVES. YOU!!"

He turned away. "And if you still don't get it, then explain to me why you told Jade you loved her before you put her to sleep back at the ritual site."

Vergil regarded him, the red of his eyes flickering back to it's cool blue. He shared a special connection with his twin, but he wasn't expecting Dante to be in his mind during that time. "You have no right to incade my privacy."

Dante raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Except I wasn't invading it... the words came through our mental path loud and clear."

"Do not test my patience, Dante."

"Fine. But you know, if you really love her, stop acting like a jerk and tell her." Dante walked back to the door, but paused by a cd-player on the way and held out his hand, Summoning a cd by way of telepath. "And if you don't know... Jade's favourite band is Nightwish, her favourite song the third track of the Dark Passion Play album, Amaranth." With that, he put in the cd and walked out.

Vergil closed his eyes, calming himself down as the clear vocals cut through the air, sounding very much like Jade.. wait. It WAS Jade. His eyes snapped open and he turned to see her standing behind her, a wary expression on her face as she sang softly.

"Baptized with a perfect name... The doubting one by heart... Alone without himself..." Jade looked at him, only her lips moving. "War between him and the day... Need someone to blame... In the end little he can do alone..."

"Jade..."

"You're not alone, Vergil." Jade said as her chin trembled and she moved forwards to hug him, burying her face in his chest. "You're never alone. You have me to share your pain with... All those nights, I held you, I stayed with you, but even while you recovered, you refused to share your pain with me. You have me now.. Please... let me share your pain, ease it for you.. I don't want to see you suffer like this.."

Slowly, Vergil's arms surrounded her, held her close. "My pain is not for you to know, Jade.." he said softly. "It's too much for a human to handle.. it would drive you mad as it made me mad and made Dante lose his memories."

I love you...

There it was again, those words unbidden. Why could she turn away the darkness in his mind with a simple touch, make him feel at ease with her voice? She was his light, the one to complete him. But Vergil couldn't say them, couldn't tell her... "Jade."

"What is it, Vergil?"

He looked down at her, his expression unchanging. Then his thumb swept across her cheek, rubbing it softly. "Explain to me this feelings. Why... do I feel warm inside when you're in my arms? Why is it that you gave your blood so willingly to me, to help me, to want to share my pain? Why does all this make me ache, yet put me at ease?" He stared into her emerald eyes. "I don't understand this... but I do know one thing." His eyes rested on her left shoulder next and he bent to nuzzle the skin through her shirt.

"I am your mate." Jade said softly, closing her eyes. "Your father explained everything to me. Vergil... why didn't you tell me?"

"How could I? When I don't know how to love?" Vergil regarded her. "It has frustrated me many times, Jade. Time and time again, I didn't know how I could tell this to you. Your very presence drives me mad, drove me insane so I had to leave. I didn't know what to do or say."

"A simple 'I love you' would've sufficed." Jade smiled slightly. "I'm scared, Vergil. I admit, I don't know what we've both done. You're not Dante, and I barely know you. But.. I'm willing to work it out." She looked at him hopefully. "I'm willing to get to know you, all of you... but a little at a time."

Vergil looked down at her. "I'll never understand you, human." He bent towards her neck, lips brushing against her pulse.

"But in time you will." Jade closed her eyes as his teeth sank deep, connecting them together. and she offered herself to him yet again.

(tsuzuku)

Leave Out All The Rest

A/N: Thought it might be a good theme song for Zack Fair.... Rest in peace, Zack... *cries* I love youuu!!!!
___________________________________________________________________

Leave Out All The Rest
MazdaKitsune

The room was fairly silent, except for the girl sitting at the desk, her head buried in her arms. Short black hair brushed her shoulders, hazel eyes closed as she listened to the music playing in her ears, courtesy of the earplugs that was connected to her phone. Linkin Park's latest album, "Minutes To Midnight" sat near her, the cd still in it's casing. Jade didn't bother taking it out; her favourite songs were already saved on her phone and the cd wouldn't be going anywhere without her knowing it.

She was depressed. Oh yes, she was. This shiczo little authoress was simply feeling depressed that day. Maybe it was just mood swings, she didn't know. She had been having totally random mood swings lately, from a bounciness to a moody depression to a sudden bad bout of crankiness. Pink lips moved silently, mouthing the lyrics to her favourite song in the album.

"I dreamed I was missing...
You were so scared...
But no one would listen...
'Cause no one else cared..."

A bitter-like kind of smile appeared on Jade's lips. She felt so lonely sitting all alone in her room, but she had no one else to come talk to her or comfort her. It couldn't be helped. Life sometimes was unfair to her. Sniffling, she continued on.

"After my dreaming...
I woke with this fear...
What am I leaving...
When I'm done here...?"

"So if you're asking me I want you to know..." The familliar, youthfull voice made her gasp in shock, her head whipping up and whirling around to face the owner of that voice. What she saw made her eyes widen in disbelief. "Zack?!"

A smile appeared on his face and he nodded, holding out his hand to her. "When my time comes... Forget the wrong that I've done.. Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed... And don't resent me... When you're feeling empty... Keep me in your memory... Leave out all the rest, leave out all the rest.."

"Zack.." Jade's eyes began filling with tears as she removed the earplugs from her ears and grasped his hand, letting him pull her to him. Her phone dropped to the ground with a thump, the cord disconnecting from it so the music filled the room softly. "Oh my God.. It's really you, Zack... it's really you..."

"Gomen na, Jade..." Zack hugged her tightly. "It wasn't my fault... I couldn't do anything about it..."

"But you died!" Jade cried, looking up at him. "Why did you always have to play the hero and die in the end? I never wanted you to..."

Don't be afraid...
I've taken my beating...
I've shed but I'm me...

Mako coloured eyes met her hazel ones and for a moment, they filled with pain. "I'm strong on the surface... Not all the way through..." He caressed her cheek gently, wiping away her tears. "I've never been perfect... But neither have you..."

"It's not fair, Zack... I never wanted you to die..." Jade cried as she buried her face in his chest. "But then again, this is all a dream, right? I'll wake up soon and find myself alone again in an empty room... You're not really here..."

"Maybe it's a dream, maybe it's not.. What do you think?" Zack released her and sat on her bed. "Your hair's grown out longer."

A strangled laugh escaped her. "Don't change the subject... I don't know how you can go around with a smile on your face all the time... You were even smiling when you died..."

"Saa... shiranai, yo?" He shrugged nochalantly. "Maybe I've lived my life the way I wanted it to be. Maybe I'm just happy Cloud got to live." Zack looked at her, his voice going soft. "You're not alone, Jade... remember that.. You'll never be alone."

Forgetting all the hurt inside...
You've learned to hide so well...
Pretending someone else can come...
And save me from myself...

Jade shook her head and turned away. "I can't be who you are..." she whispered. "I can't be who you are..."

"Jade." Zack got up and hugged her again. "Whatever you do... wherever you go... I'll always be watching over you. Don't hate Cloud. He's the reason I lived. He's the proof that I had lived once before." He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "I'll never let you be alone. When you look up at the sky... think of me.. and I'll be there with you."

"Zack..." Jade closed her eyes and whispered longingly. "I love you..."

"I know you do, Jade. I know you do..."
___________________________________________________________________

With a start, Jade opened her eyes to find that she had fallen asleep on her desk. Gingerly, she got up and stretched her stiff muscles before bending down to pick up her fallen phone. There on the table before her, was a perfect sketch of Zack Fair from Final Fantasy Crisis Core in her sketch book. For a while, she sat and stared at Zack's smile, the shining mako-filled eyes that glowed with warmth.

Was it all a dream? Had she really met Zack Fair? She let her finger trace his smile before she set the sketch book down and placed her pencil aside. There, written in a corner of a book were the lyrics to her song.

When my time comes...
Forget the wrong that I've done...
Help me leave behind some...
Reasons to be missed...

Don't resent me...
When you're feeling empty...
And keep me in your memories...
Leave out all the rest...

A smile appeared on her face and she nodded once at her drawing, smiling at it. "Zack..." Turning, she got up and turned off the light before leaving the room.
____________________________________________________________________

Forgetting all the hurt inside...
You've learned to hide so well...
Pretending someone else can come...
And save me from myself...
I can't be who you are...

I can't be who you are...

Imagined Love

A/N: I'm bored waiting for Vergil and feeling disappointed. Very disappointed. So I decided to read some Nana manga, and this popped into my depressed mind.

A crossover of anime characters and OC. *Sighs* I love you so much, Vergil... come back...... *Cries and cries*

Won't CAPCOM ever bring him back to life again???!!!!!!! And not through Nero's Devil Bringer either! Just bring him back to life!!! UWAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!
____________________________________________________________________

It was a rainy day out there. Ryorin pressed her palm to the window as she stared at the falling droplets of water, looking somewhat depressed. She had no idea why she was feeling so depressed. Maybe it was because she knew Vergil wasn't going to turn up. Or maybe because she hoped and wished he would turn up, and she had gotten a glimpse of him in the recording studio's lobby, only to be disappointed. Oh, she had thanked God when she caught that flash of silver hair, but her heart sank deeply when the man didn't respond to her call.

Pressing her forehead against the glass, she almost let the tears fall, but told herself not to cry. She would see him again. It wasn't as if the world was going to end...

"Rin?"

Ryorin turned around from the window, black hair swishing over her shoulders to see a long, silver haired man with rust-red eyes standing in the doorway and smiled painfully. "Hey, Bakura."

Bakura sighed and flopped down on her sofa, putting one leg on top of the other as he reclined back. "What's the problem? You look sad. Is your monthly pal bothering you or giving you cramping mood-swings?" He pulled out a cigarette and lit one

"Shut up!!!!" Ryorin yelled as she turned a beet red. "I'm not having my period, okay? It's just that.... this rain. It bothers me."

Bakura glanced at her out of the corner of his reddish-brown eyes as he smoked. "Cheer up, Rin. It's just water. Want me to get blondie to cheer you up?"

Ryorin smiled a bit. "As if getting Malik would help. I'll be fine. It's just one of those rainy day times..."

"Yeah, I can see that..." Bakura noticed a cd sitting on the table. "Oh, you brought along the 'Alliance' cd?"

"I was listening to it on the train." Ryorin said, coming over to look over his shoulder. "Risa's voice is really mesmerizing."

"I wonder why all lead singers love to change their names, especially females..." Bakura mumbled. "You're Jade, but you call yourself Ryorin. Risa goes with Solene."

"It's much nicer that way. Besides, we don't want our fans to stalk us." Ryorin jabbed a finger at him and smirked. "Though everyone thinks Risa's name is the opposite, which is kinda good for her." She straightened and looked at the clock. "Aren't you supposed to meet Mika-chan for makeup?"

"I know. She won't mind if I'm a few minutes late, though." Bakura stood and put out his cigarette. "I came here to check on you because Malik said you were acting kinda sad."

"Bakura..." Ryorin looked down. "I'm fine. I don't need you to check on me. But thanks, though."

"No sweat. And Rin..." Bakura looked back over his shoulder and smiled. "Keeping emotions in will only serve to hurt you more in the future. It's better if you talk it out."

Ryorin's head shot up as her eyes widened in surprise.

"Trust me." Bakura continued as he walked out of her room, lifting a hand to wave. "There's always the Pharaoh to talk to. Let it all go, Rin. He'll understand."

A small, longing smile appeared on Ryorin's lips as she gazed at his back. "Mm."
____________________________________________________________________

"So prepared to leave.... But then you appeared to me... taking all my guilt away... making me fall..." Risa sang softly to herself, her earphones playing a track from their latest collaboration with 'Forlorn'. She and Ryorin had sat down to write lyrics one night, and this came up from both their efforts. It was amazing to see the rocker/punk chick write some really meaningful lyrics that came from the bottom of her heart. Maybe Rin should try ballad one day. That girl really had talent.

"Sup, Risa?" Chaos bent over to listen to her. "Awww... warming up for the performance, huh?"

"Nah, just thinking about Ryorin." Risa unplugged her ears. "I'm just wondering how she can come up with such melancholic lyrics sometimes. They're sad... but at the same time hopeful and longing. So romantic..." She sighed.

"Don't get too dreamy now, Risa..." Densuke said, looking back at her. "Remember, we still have that interview, then that performance tonight."

"Fans are asking why we're collaborating with a punk band like Forlorn..." Ichigo touched her chin thoughtfully. "I wonder if they'll even understand our desicion."

"Didn't our company say?" Densuke said. "They want people to broaden their views on punk bands. Forlorn is a perfect example because their fan base are made out of teens. It can help them change their minds about bands only sticking to one genre."

"And we can also have fun with punk at the same time!!!!" Chaos cheered, leaping on Densuke and hugging him tightly, making Ichigo laugh.

Risa laughed too, but turned when someone tapped her shoulder. A silver-haired man stood behind her, his ice-blue eyes sending a shiver up her spine. "Excuse me," he asked. "I just want to know.... if Forlorn is staying at this hotel here."

"They are." Risa informed him suspiciously. "And who are you?"

"Let's just say I'm aquainted with the lead singer of that band." The man said shortly. "It was nice meeting you, Risa. Thank you for your help. You really have a nice voice, just like your fans say."

Risa mouth fell open in shock and surprise. How did he know her name? "Risa?" Chaos came up to her. "What's wrong?"

"That man!" Risa squealed, pointing frantically in the direction he went to. "He knows my real name and he asked if Forlorn was staying here and I said yes and asked him why! Then he said that he was aquainted with Ryorin and walked off! What does he mean by that?! And more importantly...." She looked scared. "Who is he?"

Chaos gasped. "A stalker?!" He exclaimed, overreacting just like she was. "Or even worse... a paparazzi?! Oh my god.... it may be a crazed fan who's posing as a paparazzi, then stalking Ryorin so he can do something to her..."

"Like cut off her head and stuff it for his own personal collection!" Risa's imagination was running fast now. "Just like that show I watched, where this famous actress was stalked by a psycho! He cut off her finger and had it preserved so he could wear it round his neck!"

"You guys are overreacting again..." Ichigo sweatdropped as she came back to drag them along with her and Den. "Come on. I'm sure he's just a friend."

"What happened then?" Chaos continued to ask, curious to know the ending.

"She came back and chopped off his head with an axe...." Risa waved her arms about as they walked to the lifts, Densuke giving them a deadpan look with a sewatdrop.
____________________________________________________________________

Vergil raised his head as he stood in the rain, feeling the cool droplets of water on his face. His eyes were trained on one window and one window only, where his love stood staring out, but not at him.

I love you, Jade...

She turned to look at something or someone, then disappeared from sight.
____________________________________________________________________

"So what will it be, my love?" George asked as he smoothened down Ryorin's hair. "Since I'm doing your hair for you, it's only fit that you look like a princess."

"Oh, anything you want, George." Ryorin said happily, hearts on her face and coming out in her voice. "Anything you do looks nice on me."

"Then I'll make sure you look gorgeous today for the interview...." George cooly said as he bent down towards her hair, comb in hand. Ryorin almost squealed in glee, making Malik look up.

"For Ra's sake... you go after every cute guy in sight, including your own band members..." He complained, half immersed in a newspaper. "Don't you get tired of flirting? It's bad for your health."

"Bzzzzz...." Ryorin stuck out her tongue at him, pulling at her eye a bit. George sweatdropped and tried to cajole her. "Please don't move, Miss Rin...."

March of Mephisto

A/N: Uh, yeah... more Kamelot songs.... seriously, I have to start listening to "Ghost Opera". I've already finished "Epica" and "The Black Halo", but I haven't listened to their latest album yet. *Sighs* And omg, Dante is just.... ah well, MySpace problems again. Damn, I wish Vergil was around...

Or... Rather I wish the second Verge that I know didn't have Amy, cause I will SO jump him.

And then again, there's Dante V, who now belongs to Shadow. Goddammit... if I had the chance, I'd kill her cause I want HIM! >.<

___________________________________________________________________

UPDATES:

1) Dante's phone bill went up to 500. O.O

2) It's probably my fault...

___________________________________________________________________

You know just who I am

Don't be so distant

Cause when you're lost

I am solely there to share your grief

~March of Mephisto~

~Kamelot (The Black Halo)~

___________________________________________________________________

Rebirthing

MazdaKitsune

Chapter 3- March of Mephisto

The quiet atmosphere of the castle was decidedly calming, Vergil thought. He could feel ancient wards, old magic his father had set around the building to protect his lady and nestlings. For years, Dante had tended to the castle, making sure it didn't fall into ruins, preparing it for the time Sparda would return. Vergil let his gaze drop to the ground. He as the older nestling had failed in his duty, but Dante... his younger brother, had risen to the task magnificently, taking care of the property, receiving his heritage, using it to protect humans, and finally.... rescuing him from the clutches of Mundus and nursing him back to health.

Jade was still out cold, barely stirring. Vergil had placed her in a room that was sunny, and had a decidedly large window facing her bed, just the way she liked it, as he had heard her mention to Trish before. The room itself was decorated in a style that suggested a cross between Old World and modern, the colors rich, deep and soothing. A smile almost touched his lips. Jade would fall in love with the room she moment she woke up and took a look around...

A sound by the door made Vergil look up to see Dante there. "Dante."

"Hey, bro." Dante came in. "Ya still here? You haven't gotten any sleep since last night."

"A night of lost sleep won't kill me." Vergil said. "How is Father?"

"He's resting in his room. I don't know when he'll be up." Dante shrugged, then turned his gaze to Jade and whistled. "Dude, she must really mean a lot to you for you to forgo a night of sleep just to be by her side."

"Stop it, Dante." Vergil got up and joined him outside the room, remembering to close the door behind him. "You know that as much as I love Jade, I cannot be with her."

"And why is that?" Dante raised an eyebrow.

He glared. "You've claimed her. Isn't that enough reason for you?"

"Bullshit. That was just during the heat." Dante matched Vergil's glare with one of his own. "She loves you and you know it. There was a connection between her and you when she offered you her blood, and I can feel it, Verge. Don't hurt her by ignoring her feelings."

"Don't you understand?" Vergil hissed. "Telling her that I love her would be sentencing her to live with a monster, literally! You don't know what I've been through all this years, alright?! Because you.. have been living a good life surrounded by women and booze!"

"Fuck it, Vergil!" Dante snarled, anger rising now. "You had me worried sick after your little stunt! So much so that became so depressed, Lady was considering sending me to a shrink! You think you're the only one who suffered?! What about me? My life isn't all about drinking and sexy babes! I could feel every pain inflicted on you, every damn thing you went through, until I lost all memories of "Dante" and became "Tony"! I made Lady worry when I disappeared and didn't return until years later!'

He jabbed a finger into Vergil's chest. "So don't tell me that I don't know what you've been through, dearest brother of mine! If I didn't know better, it was you! You and your fucked up obsession with trying to gain dad's power that made you jump right into Hell! It was you, who started everything, all of this!"

Vergil was quiet. Dante was shouting at this point now, rage in his eyes. But the blue-clad demon seethed with fury too. Dante had felt, he hadn't been through the toture he had endured. "You.. You don't know ANYTHING! Get out of my face, brother! You have no right to say that I'm the cause of everything!"

Yamato was out in an instant, and so was Ebony and Ivory. Dante's glare intensified. "After all I've done for you, hauling your ass back from Mundus' castle, bringing you back to health, it still comes down to this? Taking up our weapons for another death duel?"

"You got that right." Vergil growled in return, but before either twin could move, a stern voice rang out, startling them.

"Vergil! Dante!"
____________________________________________________________________

Sparda had woken from his rest early. Of course, how could he lie there sleeping, when he could feel the hatred from his nestlings throughout the whole castle, as thick as oil in the air, suffocating. It tore at his heart to open the door of his chambers and hear his sons screaming at each other, each blaming the other for things past. His sharp hearing caught the sound of weapons being raised, and he immediately moved, calling for them to stop before they could fight.

Dante's eyes flicked to his form, standing tall and proud in his human form at the mouth of the corridor and lowered his guns. "Dad..."

Vergil lowered Yamato as well. "Father... aren't you supposed to be resting?"

Sparda sighed, running his hands through his silver hair to slick it back. "I was. But the anger and bitterness the two of you were emitting woke me."

Dante winced. "We're sorry-"

Sparda held up his hand. "Come. There is time to explain and tell me what the tales the two of you have, now that I'm awake. True, I'm only at half-strength, but I think this should be enough for the time being." He turned around and began walking towards the drawing room, where his beloved Eva used to sit and paint the time away, and where the family used to spend the evenings talking and enjoying each other's company.

Eva.... Sparda closed his eyes, sighing softly. This place... this home.. held so many memories, yet they were all faded, seemingly like a dream. It had shocked him to find that both of his nestlings were still alive and well, though it had been ages since he last saw them, though Vergil looked slightly younger than Dante, as though something had stopped his growth for a while. Turning, he seated himself in his usual armchair and gazed calmly at his sons.

"Sit down, my sons.. and tell me everything. Leave no detail out."

The twins looked at each other before sinking to the carpet at his feet, as was their custom. Old habits were hard to break sometimes. For a while, everything was silent, Sparda patiently giving them time to gather their thoughts before they spoke. Finally, Dante opened his mouth.

"You see, I-" Dante began.

"Everything is my fault-" Vergil started to confess.

Sparda smiled as they both spoke at the same time and held up both his hands. "One at a time, please. Dante, you start first."

Dante glanced at his older twin, and Vergil nodded, letting him speak on his behalf, choosing to keep silent in the meantime. Dante took a deep breath. "It all started like this, dad...." And for the next hour, everything that the twins had gone through were poured out to their father, just like that, Dante narrating and Vergil interjecting here and there to share his side of the story. Sparda listened closely and patiently, sometimes looking pained, sometimes looking shocked and outraged, especially when it came to the part of Vergil's toture by Mundus.

"So after I nursed Verge back to health, he left again, but this time he left to live alone in an old house near the shop," Dante finished. "One of my friends.. Lady, the girl that followed me to Temen-Ni-Gru to stop Arkham and Vergil found a spell that would help to bring you back. And that's it. That's the end of our story."

Vergil lowered his head as Sparda's thoughtful gaze rested on him, his proud voice struggling to keep from breaking. "I'm sorry, Father. I have failed you. Dante is your true son. I.. I don't deserve to be worthy of your blood."

"Don't say that, Vergil." Sparda gave a sigh. "Brothers, especially twins, should never be fighting. You and Dante are still my sons, and I love you both equally as a father. I left Yamato in your care and Rebellion with Dante in the hopes that my power would be passed down, divided to both of you." He looked sadly at Vergil. "You were corrupted by demons at a very young age, my son. After the death of mi'lady, you pursued those demons with the only thought of protecting your younger brother and avenging your mother's death. But your mind was too young... it was easily turned with the need for power. My power."

Vergil closed his eyes. It was true. Everything that his father said was true, and it was like a cutting sword.

"Arkham only served to add fuel to that need, and Mundus... turned your love for Dante into hate," Sparda continued. "There is a reason why demons are born as twins or triplets in a nest. It's to breed a sense of love and competition among siblings in order to grow stronger. Mundus used that fact to his advantage and clearly drove the competitive impulse in you to kill Dante. It wasn't your fault, Vergil."

"But even before I was Nero Angelo, I almost killed Dante," Vergil protested. "That was clearly my fault and my doing."

Sparda cocked an eye towards Dante and smiled. "No. It was Dante's coming of age. Obviously, you came of age earlier when mi'lady was killed. The coming of age ritual is when the demon passes through a phase of death to reach his true and full powers, usually carried out by the head of the nest, in which it was supposed to be me. But I wasn't there, therefore the duty was passed down to you, the eldest nestling. Even if you were lusting for power at that moment, it was pure instinct that caused you to drive Rebellion, the key to unlocking Dante's power, into his chest." Both twins gave a wince at that, but Sparda chuckled. "You did gain your Devil Trigger, didn't you, Dante?"

"Well, come to think of it, I did..." Dante admitted. Sparda gave a chuckle before looking fondly at both of them. "So you shouldn't carry this heavy burden on your shoulders, Vergil. We're your family. We'll always be here for you."

"I.. I know." Vergil managed a small smile. "Thank you, Father..."

(tsuzuku)

Un Assassinio Molto Silenzioso

A/N: I admit it. I'm obsessed with Kamelot. And I had no IDEA that The Black Halo was the sequel to Epica! *Sighs* Ah well.... Thomas Cup fever is off... we had such a nice time in college cheering Malaysia over drinks, but we lost 2-3 to China. There goes our hopes to get into the finals...

And Vergil is so refined, don't you think? *giggles*
____________________________________________________________________

UPDATES:
1) Uh... Pork chops, Vergil? O.O Whhaa.....?
2) Me and Dante ish pirates! XD
____________________________________________________________________

C'era una volta un uomo
Con gli occhi verso la luna
E si chiedeva:
"Verra presto l'amore?"
E che altro esiste
In un cuore gelato?
Tranne il pensiero
Di un assassinio molto silenzioso

[Once upon a time there was a man
With his eyes towards the moon
And he wonder to himself:
"Will love come soon?"
And does something else exist
In a frozen heart?
Except the thought of a
Very silent murder]

~Un Assassinio Molto Silenzioso~
~Kamelot (The Black Halo)~

____________________________________________________________________

Rebirthing
MazdaKitsune
Chapter 3- Un Assassinio Molto Silenzioso

Byakuya didn't know what these creatures were. Grey skeletons, with tattered skin and ragged cloaks, they emerged from the darkness, wielding curved scythes, a dismal glow in their empty eye sockets, gaping mouth wailing an unearthly cry that sent shivers up his spine. They appeared out of nowhere, swinging their scythes around as they searched for something, or someone.

Obviously, they were not Hollows, nor Arrancar.

Something condensed the air momentarily, Byakuya stiffening at the sudden heavy and powerful force, shocked to regconise it as rieatsu, and before he knew it, the creatures crumbled to dust, blowing away in the passing wind. The captain stood stunned. The burst of reiatsu was so sudden, and he had not seen any other Shinigami close, nor anyone kill the creatures.

Footsteps echoed down the street as a man holding a katana walked past leisurely, his silver hair spiked.
____________________________________________________________________

Magic prickled at her skin and Jade hurriedly took a step back as Dante chalked runes into a pentagram, Force Edge stabbed into the center. She could sense that this wasn't going to be an odinary spell, judging by the amount of gold orbs he had lugged along and the way the air was charged with magic and electricity. "This is going to be a tough one, isn't it?"

"No shit, Sherlock." Dante straightened. "Man, I'm nervous. I should be the one in the middle, not Verge. What if he has a relaspe?"

"I don't think he will." Jade sighed and picked at one of the many scars on her arms that she had obtained during her latest fight. "Vergil seems fine now, you and Trish confirmed that."

"Still..." Dante was going to say more, but he stopped and turned slightly, sensing his twin approaching. Vergil soon emerged in the distance, taking long and slow strides, almost lazily walking towards them. As usual, he had Yamato in his hand, the other buried into his pocket. Dante broke out into a relieved grin and darted forwards to hug him. "Dude, I thought you'd chickened out or something! How have you been doing, bro?"

"Dante, you know me well enough to know that I won't.. chicken out... as you so delicately put it." Vergil had a disapproving look in his eyes. "Besides, this is for father. I'm willing to do anything to bring him back."

"Ah shit, bro. You're still the same as always." Dante smiled and thumped him on his shoulder. "Welcome back."

Vergil nodded and smirked. "So where do I go to start this ritual?"

"In there." Dante pointed to the Pentagram where Force Edge waited. Vergil's eyes travelled over to it, then swept over to Jade who had busied herself with the runes Dante had left when he appeared. Leaving his brother surprised, he went over to her instead, standing before her kneeling form. "Jade."

"Hey, Vergil." Jade didn't look up. "Sorry I didn't notice you just now, it's just that these runes-" She was cut off as Vergil reached down and pulled her roughly to her feet before hugging her tightly. His lips moved silently before he let her go and thrust Yamato into her hands, taking his place in the middle of the circle, before Force Edge. "Let's begin."

Dante frowned at the sudden display of split second affection before stepping forwards. "You know... you don't have to be so to her if you-"

"Begin the ritual now, Dante." Vergil's voice had a note of venom in it. "I won't tell you a third time."

"Alright, alright! Sheesh, you're cold..." Dante grumbled. Jade stood gripping Yamato tightly in her arms as she recovered from the shock of his hug, emerald eyes wide. He was deliberately not facing her now as he waited for Dante to begin, stubbornly refusing to meet her eyes.

Vergil... what is wrong?

"Alright, then... here's goes..." Dante began chanting in the demonic tounge, and Vergil shuddered slightly as shadows rose from the points of the pentagram, sliding about his ankles to hold him firmly in place. He was reminded unpleasantly of the shadows that bound him in Mundus's toture room, where he was forced to stand straight and helpless as other lesser demons enjoyed toturing him, taking their revenge and fulfilling themselves on a son of Sparda. Rage and embarassment flushed his pale cheeks red, but he still didn't move, forcing the memories out of his mind.

Dante chanted the last words of the spell, and suddenly, the gold orbs disappeared and Jade let out a startled cry. The shadows surrounding Vergil and Force Edge sharpened, then transformed into phantom swords, stabbing themselves deeply into Vergil, who let out a grunt of pain and stumbled. Dante and Jade started forwards.

"Vergil!"
____________________________________________________________________

He tried to remain standing. He really tried. But the blood was flowing out of him at a fast rate, and his demonic powers were being drained into the air around him, stopping his ability to heal. All around him, demonic laughter and howls of glee echoed, his tormentors enjoying themselves at their little sport.

Up on his throne, Mundus smiled lazily and waved a hand. A demon broke away from the circle of spectators and threw itself on Vergil, knocking down to the ground. With one powerful thrust, it surged into him, again and again, till even his legs were now stained with his blood.

Vergil gave in and screamed. He knew Mundus loved to watch his minions rape him, and sometimes the demon lord even took him himself. The act always drained out any last shred of dignity left in him, leaving him a whimpering ball of shame as he was thrown back into his prison to heal for his next toture.

He couldn't take it, couldn't pass out if he wanted to. He could feel the pounding, shamefully hear himself moan in pain and pleasure as the demon struck his pleasure spot and ravaged it brutally. Vergil couldn't do anything, but scream his throat raw as he came...
____________________________________________________________________

His eyes snapped open as arms encircled him, a cool hand pressing against the side of his face. Vergil didn't need to look up to know it was Jade. Her scent filled his senses, bringing him out of the horrible memory he had recalled the moment his powers and blood were drained out of him. "J-Jade..."

Dante and Jade had tried to cancel the ritual the moment Vergil collasped and started screaming, but a barrier made out of his powers prevented them from going in. Dante had been afraid to Devil Trigger in case his powers cancelled out that of Vergil's, killing his brother in the process. But Jade, by some sheer will, had unsheated Yamato and cut through the barrier forcefully to reach Vergil's side. The screaming had stopped the moment she held him.

Jade looked afraid, one arm around him, Yamato gripped tightly in her other hand. Tears made her eyes swim, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall as she felt his life drain out. "Vergil..."

"G-Get away.... get out of the circle.." Vergil said hoarsely as he pushed her to the side. "Go, now!"

More shadows formed, sensing another lifeform whithin the circle and moved to stab, plunging towards the couple. Vergil immedieately pushed Jade behind him and the girl gripped Yamato tighter, praying that they both wouldn't get killed...

And a loud roar of rage filled the air as Force Edge glowed with a sudden bright light, dispelling the shadows. Sparda roared with rage at the threat to his nestling, standing in his full glory, towering over their forms. Vergil's eyes widened in awe. "F-Father...?"

Sparda snarled, looking down at him. All was still for a while, then Jade found herself under attack, screaming as he lunged at her with razor sharp claws to tear her heart out. Vergil and Dante made a mad dash to protect her as he threw her to the side.

"Dad! Don't hurt her! She means us no harm!" Dante yelled, trying to get him off her.

She is covered in elder nestling's blood! Sparda snarled in return. Elder nestling is hurt because of her!

Not so! Vergil answered in the demon tounge, inserting himself between the terrified Jade and the enraged Sparda as Dante managed to haul him off. My blood is a sacrifice made to bring you back! She did not hurt me! Father, listen to me!

Sparda surveyed Vergil, his protective stance in front of Jade, and eventually calmed down. Nestling's friend?

Yes... Dante answered, still keeping a hold on him. Our friend.

The demon lord closed his eyes briefly, then nodded. I understand. Forgive me.

"Father, why don't you try becoming human?" Vergil asked cautiously, switching back to the human tounge as he kept Jade behind him.

Sparda shook his head. Not enough power yet. I must rest first. Forgive me, young nestling... if I have hurt your mate. I see now that she carries the mark of the two of you on her. He seemed to think for a while, then shrank to a small size, enough for Dante to carry him in his arms. I must conserve my energy.

"Then we'll go back and rest," Dante said with a smile. "C'mon dad, Verge. Let's go home."

Home.. yes, home. Sparda sounded eager. I will rest... and then you will tell me your tales, my nestlings.

Dante began to walk away, but Vergil stayed in his place for a while, turning to Jade. The girl was trying to get over her shock, the terrified look still in her eyes. "Jade."

"V-Vergil..."

"There's no need to be afraid." Now that his powers had been returned by Sparda's awakening, Vergil was healing rapidly. Bending close to her ear, he took Yamato from her hand and whispered, "Sleep. You have done much for me."

Jade barely had time to think before the hidden compulsion in his voice caused her to pass out. She went down easily, her body and mind already exhausted from the adrenaline rush and shock. Vergil picked her up in his arms, cradling her to his chest before making his way to Dante's car, where his brother waited. Again, his lips moved in the same sequence as it had when he had hugged her, but this time, the murmur was audible to the sleeping woman.

"I love you."

(tsuzuku)

Rebirthing (Center of the Universe)

A/N: I decided to get rid of 'MockingBird' because frankly, I didn't like the way the chapter turned out. The first chapter is solely for my MySpace RP, but since a friend liked it and told me to continue.. I'm going to continue a second chapter. But I'm going to change the title, then.

Maybe Rebirthing, or Never Too Late.. or even Bye Bye..

Heh, I love those songs.....

Anyway, let's be about it, then. Figure out what to write. This new story is not related to my MySpace, though the main OC is Jade. It's... an AU of my mind, and yep. Guess what? The reincarnated Shinigami is.... *da da dummm....* RISA! XD So here we go. The AU of Reincarnation, also known as Rebirthing.

Song from Skillet. Love it.
___________________________________________________________________

UPDATES:
1) GODDAMMIT, DANTE!!!! >.< YOU SET ME UP WITH VERGIL!!!
2) Oh Lord, Vergil! I'm so sorry for waking you up!
3) It's your fault I'm so so embarrassed now, Dante!
____________________________________________________________________

Show me sign of paradise
A place we all would like to go to
Tell me what to sacrifice
So there's a chance for me to want you
~Center of the Universe~
~Kamelot~

___________________________________________________________________

Rebirthing
Chapter 2- Center of the Universe
MazdaKitsune

A foot kicked the door open, and a young woman about 20 stomped grumpily into the shop, covered head to toe in black goop. Her emerald eyes flashed in annoyance as she tried to rake a hand through her hair to get rid of the demonic remains. In front of her, a man with blue eyes and silver hair grinned. "I take it was a job well done, babe?"

"Dante Sparda, don't you ever dare trick me to take another job like that again, ever." She flicked her hand at him, splattering some of the goop on his face, earning a startled and indigant "Hey!" from said man. "You KNOW I hate taking on demons that bleed! Do you know how HARD it is to wash off the blood? Ugh.. I wonder how Lady handles it..." Jade Castero grumbled as she fished out a whole wad of money, slamming it down on the table in front of Dante before heading upstairs. "I'll be in the shower. Don't expect me out for another two hours or so."

Dante glared as sniggers came from the twin swords that were hanging from the wall as he scraped the goop of his face and rose to wash it down the sink. "No talking, Agni.. Rudra... I mean it." He had just reached the sink when the door opened and Trish walked in.

"Dante, are you in?"

"In the back!" Dante called out as he splashed water on his face. "What have you got for me, Trish?"

The blonde clone of his mother appeared, leaning against the doorframe. "There is a way to bring your father back. And I dropped by Vergil's just now. He seems better."

Dante turned around, intrest piqued. "Alright, tell me."

Seven months ago, he had rescued Vergil from Hell after the fall of Mundus, the soul of his twin trapped whithin his own sword, Yamato. The process of bringing him back had been long and hard, but eventually, the totured and terrified half-devil had responded, especially when Jade came into the picture.

Nero Angelo, the brainwashed and totured-beyond-repair Vergil Sparda, was weak and skeletal once the armor had been taken off him. He had refused to eat, refused to talk and recoiled when anybody else other than Dante came near him. He had a perpetually wide-eyed terrified look rather than the cold, confident scowl he always wore, and it tore at Dante to see his brother so bewildered and fearful like this. Trish and Lady had helped him the best he could, but then Jade came back to Devil May Cry, and Vergil improved drasticly after meeting her.

Due to his toture in Hell, Vergil's growth had been stunted, looking more like an 18 year old anorexic teen. He couldn't eat human food and clung to Dante desprately, or barricaded himself in his room, buried under blankets and pillows, hiding himself. Dante had fed him with his own blood, but Jade offered him her blood willingly, knowing that whatever it was, Dante still had to earn his living.

It took seven months of patience, but in the end, they brought Vergil back.

How long would it take if Sparda became like his brother?

"Lady got this spell that should reawaken Sparda without the complications we had while bringing Vergil back. It requires lots of gold orbs, though... and an offering," Trish informed hesitantly.

"An offering, huh?" Dante frowned slightly. "You mean we have to spill blood?"

"The blood of the summoner." Trish looked apprehensive. "As far as I know, the only person with enough knowledge of ancient magic is Vergil. But we can't use him to bring your father back."

"Hell no." Dante instantly shook his head. "With the shit Verge has been through, I don't even know if he's well enough to do this. Jade might help, but she's currently pissed and barricading the bath."

"Does it have to do with this demon blood you're clogging the sink with?" Trish pointed. "I'll go get Jade. Dante.. why don't you give Vergil a call? Maybe he's well enough to do this."

Dante grimaced. Damn, he forgot that the pipes would get blocked. "Yeah, I'll do that. Thanks for helping me out, Trish."

"No problem." She smiled. "It's the best I can do to make up for what I did to you."

"Bullshit. That was a long time ago. Get over it already." Dante waved a hand. "God, you're starting to sound like Vergil."

She snorted and made a rude gesture at him before leaving to head up the stairs. Dante shook his head and went back to the desk to pick up his phone, dailing up Vergil. His brother picked up on the second ring. "Hello?"

"Hey, Verge." Dante tried to sound cheerful, carefree as if he wasn't so desprately worried about his brother. "How're you doing?"

There was silence on the other end of the phone, then Vergil answered, voice quavering slightly. "I'm.. fine. What about you?"

"Hectic as usual." Dante smiled in relief. "So... you want to come back and stay with me? Jade misses you."

"I... No, I don't think so. Having you save me and bring me back to life is bad enough. I don't want to leech off your money anymore. Besides, I'm already earning my pay by taking hunting jobs."

"Damn, did you and Trish hook up or something? Because you sound really alike when it comes to this "sorry" stuff. Look, I know you feel guilty for this killing shit and all, but I'm your brother. I love you and you're not a bother to me."

"I know I'm not, but would you at least let me salvage what I have of my pride left?" Vergil seethed on the other end of the line, sounding very much like his own self. Dante smiled. Good, there was improvement. He had been apprehensive to let Vergil live on his own for a while, but his brother had insisted, and Trish agreed to keep an eye out for him. The independence had done him good, then.

"Well well... look who's back. Welcome back, my brother," he teased. "You cocky little bastard. Seven months ago, I was the one feeding you and cleaning you up... now you're turning your back on me?"

Silence. And immedieately, Dante regretted saying that. "Look, Vergil... I'm sorry I brought that up, and I-"

"Dante." Vergil cut him off. "It's okay. I realise I was a fool to jump into Hell and suffer at the hands of Mundus. You're stronger than I ever was, and I expected you to hate me, but you never did. Instead, you welcomed me back and took care of me, nursing me until I was back to perfect health. I'm grateful for that and I admit everything was my mistake. So don't apologize."

"Vergil-"

"You have something else to ask of me? Because I'm rather busy right now."

"I think I have a way to bring dad back."

____________________________________________________________________

It had been far too long, Kuchiki Byakuya decided as he picked up a picture of his dead fiance, a woman with long black hair, emerald green eyes and a great smile. The 6th Division Captain wore normal clothes; jeans and a white shirt, ready to leave on a mission. Senbonzakura was against the wall, the zanpakutoh silent, giving his charge some privacy. Today was the day Risa had died, having killed herself after Byakuya had broken up with her. The man had been devastated, blaming himself for her death, but there was no time to mourn as Soul Society invaded Hueco Mundo to go against Aizen.

The war had lasted ten years, and it took Sereitei another ten to recover.

A tear slid down Byakuya's cheek and he took a deep breath to compose himself, carressing the picture with his thumb. Memories fade away, but you will always be in my heart. I love you still, Risa. I love you still. I regret my actions. I never should've left you.

Setting the picture down and taking Senbonzakura, he turned and left the room. I am a fool...
____________________________________________________________________

Jade woke with a start as Trish pounded on the door, finding that she had fallen asleep in the bath. The hot water had washed off all the thick blood, carressing her skin and relaxing her knotted muscles, chasing away her tension. Turning off the water, she grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her body, opening the door. "Trish?"

"At last. I was knocking for almost an hour." Trish rolled her eyes, hands on her hips. "Were you sleeping in there?"

"I'm sorry. The hunt really tired me out," Jade said sheepishly. "You want to bathe, Trish?"

"Nah. I'm here to pass you some good news." Trish waved a hand. "Lady found a spell to summon demon lords and modified it for Dante to ressurect Sparda. Unfortunately... we need a blood offering, and Vergil is the only person who can take what's going to happen because he's of royal blood and is strong enough. Besides, Dante's the one controlling the spell in case anything goes wrong."

Jade's heart almost stopped beating for a second. "Vergil?" Her voice came out as a whisper as memories flooded her mind. His half-dead state, eyes full of terror and fear, his helpless sobs and whimpers, his lips clamping on her neck like a remora, sucking out her blood greedily...

"We need you there for him."

She nodded mutely, not really listening to Trish. She had fallen in love with the blue-clad half-devil, and he could feel his fierce passion for her, so much so that it scared them both. Vergil, being nursed back to health and his cold, frozen state, left to gather what dignity he had left, and she felt like he had taken a part of her then. Dante had once said that there was something about her, something that made Vergil recover instantly after they'd met.

And there was no mistaking the jealous protectiveness she had seen in his eyes when they swept over her before.

Jade shivered. Had he inadvertly claimed her as his mate when she offered her blood to him?
____________________________________________________________________

Vergil stood by the window of his darkened room, his piercing blue eyes staring out into the night. He swirled a glass of wine almost thoughtfully, lost in his thoughts. So... Dante was going to bring their father back. He sounded almost bitter in his mind, knowing that his younger brother had truly inherited their father's ultimate power, while he, the eldest and the one destined for it, had ended up in Hell as a slave to Mundus, becoming a pawn for him.

His hand trembled and he almost smashed the glass, but Vergil forced himself to calm down. The reason why he had left was because he couldn't stand the happiness that his brother had. Dante, the one who had pushed away his heritage. How could he, have become the true son of Sparda?!

Vergil gave a growl and set the glass down on a nearby table, folding his arms to calm himself. The horrors Mundus had inflicted on him always came back to haunt him in his dreams at night, flitting infuriatingly through the shadows, evading all his efforts to banish them. But.. there was one person who could chase them away easily, just by holding him in her arms.

Jade...

He unfolded his arms and shoved his hands into his pockets, staring out at the street in the direction of Devil May Cry. The fearless young woman who had sassed him more than once, facing the threat of Yamato without fear, offering her blood for him without hesitation. Inside him, the demon seemed to calm, no longer restless, but settling down at the mere thought of her.

Gods, he didn't deserve her! Vergil turned away and sat at the table, lifting the glass to his lips to take a sip. He had known, seen it from the invisible mark on her shoulder with demon sight, seen the mark of an aggressive male demon marking her as his mate. She had been Dante's mate during the last mating season, though it only lasted through that period. Dante respected her and didn't claim her for life, but it still irked Vergil to see his brother's mark on her.

Why did Dante always have to get everything?

Vergil....

He almost started to hear Jade's whisper in his mind. She sounded close, almost as if they had a special connection between then. Of course, he had marked her when she had willingly bared her neck to him. It was enough to forge a bond between them, and now there was this blossoming feeling he was reluctant to admit.

Vergil shook his head. Devils couldn't love, could they? Thoughtfully, he swirled the wine again. But he loved her. It was true...

Vergil had fallen in love with Jade, and he didn't know why and how. All he wanted to do was to desprately grasp her in his arms and whisper that he loved her over and over again, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.

Why? He closed his eyes and bitterly finished the wine in one gulp. Why can't I show her that I love her? Am I really that destined to keep on hurting others? Jade... Dante... even mother...

Tell me what I have to do. Tell me what I have to give to have you see that I love you.

(tsuzuku)