Fan Fiction ❯ No One Like You ❯ You're Gonna Need Someone On Your Side ( Chapter 1 )

The night was cold, dark, and foreboding. The town bore only a few lights from people who couldn't sleep or those few who longed for the impending fear and danger that came along with these nights. The latter were only about three; everyone feared the unknown in this town. Almost everyone. The clubs were yet open, though guards were posted at the doors. They had a never-ending vigil and they were even frightened. Not a reassuring thought. Houses were, of course, locked for this was a town not to mess around in. The folk who lived there believed in demons, otherworldly beings, and the like with all of their hearts. They knew it existed, they could smell it in the air, feel it in the earth, and see it in the sky. But visitors from countries, towns, or cities that were not like this town thought them to be crazy because of that.

A past of strange occurrences was one thing this place didn't lack. It was called MoriElen by the Elves who had lived there in the days of old. They held a council, long ago, to determine the name of their newly founded town. Taking in all aspects, the foul creatures, the strange portals, and the regular deaths, they named it DarkStar. Darkness and evil lived there but it's beauty shone bright. A fair town under the fair light of the sun, but by the light of the moon, no other dark could compare. Evil lurked there at night and the Underworld rested right under their feet yet they lack even the most remote idea.

An old, beat-up car pulled into the parking lot of a club. "One day they'll all die, the darkness will consume them and they'll just stand there, completely oblivious. Even though the danger is standing there right in front of their blind eyes. Poor saps…"

A black boot hit the pavement, followed by a slamming car door. A mysterious man clad in all crimson, save for his platinum-like hair, looked up at the sky: the moon was full, the streets were fluorescent from the recent rain, and the stars shone radiantly.

He sighed as he looked at the lively club, but turned his head and took one short glance behind the building then walked where his eyes led him.

"Everyday it's the same thing," he said to himself. "But at least some business has finally popped up." He was shot a few distrusting looks from suspicious neighbors but, of course, he paid no attention to the naïveté of the townspeople. If it weren't for him they wouldn't even be able to show their lack of appreciation for his work.

As he reached the rear of the building, he drew out his guns from his deep, inner coat pockets. He arrived at the corner of the club but his steps faltered for he heard voices coming from the shadows.

"Is he coming?" Asked a voice.

"Yes," replied another that seemed strangely familiar to him. "Say you know where a demon is, speak the password, and the fool's anywhere you want him to be! Is Sarlone coming?"

That's the person who called me!

"He'll be here; he wouldn't miss this for all the flesh in the world."

"Well," said the Hunter as he let loose a rain of bullets. "You can be sure that Sarlone is not getting' mine."

After a brief melee, the crimson clad man walked back to his car, unscathed. In fact, he was so good at what he did that there wasn't even one strand of hair on his head that was not in its right place. He started up his car and set for his "home" but slammed on the brakes when he passed an alley. It could have been gut instinct, luck, or intelligence but he knew something was happening in that alley. As he walked down the path, the sound of fighting came to his ears. It was, surprising him enough, a woman.

Isn't that funny? I had no clue anyone was doing my job. And a woman…

He reached the end of the road and leaned up against the crumbling wall of a building to watch her fight.

She used two wakizashi swords for close combat, but she also carried two handguns around his waist. Knowing that he had seen many demon slayers, the man searched his memory for any past encounters with this woman, but could find none. He was unaffected by most women but now he found that he unexpectedly admired her. She was taking on at least fifteen demons with no breaks and no help. And the grace she possessed. God! Each movement she made was perfectly executed and planned to the last detail in the blink of an eye. The strangest thing, though, was that there appeared to be a soft, white light being emitted from inside of her. Nothing like that had ever been seen before by his eyes. He was entranced by her every step, her every movement, and her every kill.

But just as quickly as he'd spotted this enigmatic "angel" one of the demons snuck up behind her and locked her arms tightly behind her back so the others could put an end to her. Though the man in crimson was much too quick and curious. He unsheathed his sword and decapitated the creature before any others could lay a weapon on her.

Together they defeated the last of the demons. The huntress turned her back and started to walk away but apparently decided against it. She eyed the man, wanting to get a good glimpse at the one who had saved her life before she left him.

"Who are you?" He asked.

"They call me Elise…" She replied in a prudent manner. "And you might be who?"

Can it be? No… the Legendary Dark Knight's son? It just cannot be, he could not show up here and now. Surely he has more pressing matters to attend to than helping out a fellow slayer. Surely…?

"Dante."

She shook her head and spoke again. "Of course, you are the son of the Legendary Dark Knight Sparda. Which has apparently already made you famous."

"I'm not in it for the fame, that shit's not worth anything."

"Then what are you in it for?"

"Revenge, which will never be had. But why were you out here anyway?"

"What, you think you're the only one who can kill a few demons in this town?"

"Whoa, calm down, honey. Didn't mean to offend you there, it's just that I've never seen a female devil hunter before. I guess I had no clue that they were applying for this job, too."

"Well, we are, and it's a good thing for you."

"Oh, and why is that?" He didn't need anyone let alone want anyone even though she was everything he had looked for in a woman.

"You'll be needing my help. Sooner or later."

He laughed, completely skeptical. "Right, that'll be the day."

Elise cocked her head and shot him a warning glance. "Then you can take Sarlone on solo?"

"Listen babe, I don't even know who Sarlone is. He's a demon…right?"

"More than that: a soon-to-be god, in fact. Some of the other gods think he has potential." She was clearly disgusted by the thought. "He's not after you is he?"

"I think so."

"Goddamn it! This is so bloody wonderful…"

"You can enlighten me you know."

"Sarlone's ancient, and I mean ancient. He's been around since the beginning of time, killing and ravaging the past Hunters. When he's done with that he takes on `extra-credit' assignments given to him by the Dark Lords. Sarlone has a habit of getting lots of extra assignments because he hasn't failed yet, and he has always destroyed the Hunters. He has never missed one. The key fact: he will only carefully fight the best, the others he's just destroyed in moments. So, now he's after you."

Dante sighed as he slipped his glove-covered hands into his coat pockets and looked up at the stars.

They really are beautiful. I guess I never had a long enough chance to look at them. It's a shame, too, they have their moments and then they die. Just like that. Nothing more…

"Be careful," Elise warned as she started to walk away. "And make sure you watch your back with both eyes, whenever you can spare them. Remember these words, Dante: know when enough is enough, because he doesn't and you need to know when to get your ass out of there. Do not be afraid to run, it may hurt your reputation but at least you may have the chance to get out of any unwanted situations. Quel marth, mori ohtar."

"Got it." They both went down their separate paths, not knowing that there may be yet another meeting between them.