109Hi everyone, welcome back! Guess you didn't expect the sequel to be up so soon, huh? :) Well anyway, it's finally time to get this story underway, but before we begin, there are a few things I would like to say for this story….
Many of you have been asking for him, and your patience will soon pay off as I plan to finally introduce Nero to the series. However, let me make one thing clear. In the cannon, Nero is Vergil's son, but here that is not the case. Let me explain; when we first met Dante and Vergil, both were 20 years old; and when we meet Nero, he'll be around the age of 17, so unless Vergil got in bed with a woman when he was a kid, Nero is not Vergil's son in my story. I've got special plans in regard to his origin when we see him, but I can't go into the details without serious spoilers. You'll just have to wait and see. Other than that, Nero's personality and character remain the same; he's still the same sword-swinging, gun-shooting, trash-talking, demon-slaying badass we all know and love, so don't worry.
I'm aware that the current cannon timeline in the Devil May Cry series is as follows (DMC3, DMC1, Anime mini-series, DMC2, DMC4, DMC5), but it was originally meant to have DMC4 take place before DMC2 and that was when I had my plotline for my Fairy May Cry series written down. That being said, I'm going to stick with my own plotline with an arc based off DMC4 taking place before the arc centered around DMC2 which I plan to write later on in this story as well. Just letting you know.
Many of you will have noticed that I've recently put a poll up on my profile page as to whether or not I will add additional demons in my series to serve as enemies or even "bosses" from other franchises, including "Darksiders", "Diablo", and even "Doom." And it seems like, based on everyone's votes, that is going to happen. Let me be clear however, I will not be making this series a mega-crossover and I will not be including the protagonists from those series like the Four Horsemen or Doom-Slayer (even though they are all incredibly badass), though the demons I plan to include hail from different franchises, I will be altering their origins slightly so they better fit into the DMC lore. I hope that makes sense. If you all support this, great; if not, then please make your opinion know as my poll is still open.
I hope that has cleared everything up for all of you. If any of you have questions, please feel free to PM me and I will respond as best as I can without giving any spoilers. So, with that being said, let us finally begin "Fairy May Cry – Devil's Retribution"
(Disclaimer: Fairy Tail and Devil May Cry belong to Hiro Mashia and Capcom respectively)
The Empty Seven Years
The year was X791, seven years since the Tenrou Island team consisting of Dante, Natsu, Happy, Lucy, Gray, Erza, Lisanna, Lady, Trish, Wendy, Carla, Modeus, Gajeel, Panther-Lily, Levy, Juvia, Elfman, Mira, Gildarts, Cana, Freed, Evergreen, Bickslow, Laxus, and Makarov returned to Fairy Tail. After their victory against Grimoire Heart, the appearance of the Black Wizard Zeref, and even the attack of the dragon named Acnologia; the spirits of Fairy Tail's founding members Mavis Vermillion, and the Dark Knight Sparda, had cast the Fairy Sphere spell to protect them, though they had also been placed in suspended animation in the process. It wasn't until seven years had passed that the spell was finally broken, and they had returned home. Though their newer guildhall was pretty run-down compared to their old one, nobody was complaining as the entire guild was celebrating this reunion in the form of a massive party; there was drinking, dancing, and everyone was catching up on what they had all missed.
"I can see your rocking fire magic too, Romeo." Natsu observed with a smile as he, Dante, Happy, Gajeel, and Panther-Lily sat at the table with Romeo.
"Watch out world, we got another Natsu in the making." Dante joked.
"Aye sir! You might wanna bring the fire-extinguisher to be safe." Happy also made a joke.
Romeo was more than happy to show off his new-found magic power to his idol and friends, whom he can now safely call his comrades as he was a full-fledged member of the Fairy Tail guild.
"Look, I can even make cold flames!" Romeo showed a blue flame in his hands.
"That is quite cool." Panther-Lily attempted a joke.
"Dude, that joke is so old, my grandma's probably heard of it." Dante commented, resulting in Lily looking with an amused smirk. "So, what other fire-power are you packing?" Dante asked Romeo.
Romeo brandished a purple flame in his hand. "This purple fire can stick to anything it's cast on." He also produced a yellow fire in his other hand. "And I got this funky yellow one that smells like dragon farts."
"Gross!" Natsu plugged his nose, his heightened sense of smell not liking that awful stench.
"You have a strange gift." Lily told Romeo with a smile.
"If you ask me, you've already out-classed your old man." Gajeel said.
Natsu tried to think as this type of magic seemed familiar to him. "Hold up, I've smelled that fire before."
"Aye." Happy also recognized it.
Romeo leaned in to whisper to them. "Don't tell my dad, but I've secretly been taking magic lessons from Master Totomaru."
"Get out." Gajeel said in genuine surprise with a smile. "I didn't know he was teaching."
Lily looked to his friend with a smile as well. 'This is rare. It's nice to see a smile on his face.'
"Wasn't he that fire-guy from Phantom Lord you guys fought before I joined up?" Dante asked Natsu and Happy.
"Yep, and that really takes me back." Natsu reminisced. "I still need to taste the rest of his colored flames!" He began to dance in anticipation, much to the amusement of his friends. "Sweet! Fire buffet, here I come!"
"Sorry, but I don't think he'd be too keen on seeing you, Natsu." Romeo told him.
"Wow, shocker." Happy said sarcastically.
At the same time; Makarov, Morrison, Macao, and Wakaba sat at the bar for a round of drinks. "I gotta admit Macao, I certainly didn't expect you to be wearing the big shoes." Makarov commented, considering Macao was acting as the master of the guild these past seven years.
"Well, they never quite fit me." Macao said, being modest. "Let's just say, I was keeping em warm for ya. Now that you're back, I can enjoy a stiff drink."
"Oh? And here I was thinking about letting you keep the position." Makarov said as he twirled his mustache.
"Are you serious?" Macao asked in genuine surprise. And, now that he really thought about it, 'Fourth Master Macao Conbolt' did have a nice ring to it. "Maybe I can drink and be master." He said with a blushing smile.
"Don't know if this is the best decision you've made, but I think it's kinda funny." Wakaba whispered to Makarov with a trolling grin.
"Me to." Makarov snickered before turning to the other occupant at the bar. "By the way, Morrison. I really appreciate you trying to help the guild out in our absence. You didn't have to."
"I kinda felt I did." Morrison commented. "Besides, I like this guild. It's a lot livelier than when it was just Dante at his old shop."
"You're married?!" Erza exclaimed in shock as she stared in disbelief at Alzack and Bisca, with Modeus and Lisanna right next to Erza, being just as surprised as her. "C… C… Congratulations…" She stuttered. "When did this happen…?"
"About six years ago." Alzack answered.
"Sure wish all you guys could have been there." Bisca said. "Poor thing nearly passed out when I proposed. It was adorable." She joked, resulting in Alzack blushing with embarrassment.
"Did you have to bring that up?"
"Well, I am beyond happy for the both of you." Modeus said with a genuine smile. "I'm sure the two of you have a prosperous future in store."
"Awe, thanks Modeus." Bisca smiled.
Erza quickly grabbed the nearest unfortunate soul, which just so happened to be Max and began to shake him with frustration as her face was red with steaming coming out. "No! How could you get married without me there!?"
"Can someone stop her! Please?!" Max cried.
"Can't say I blame her, I'm kinda bummed I couldn't be there either." Lisanna said with a smile before turning to the couple. "So, do you two have any children?"
"We have a daughter." Bisca answered.
"Yeah, we named her Asuka." Alzack added.
Meanwhile, Wendy shook in place as she held a picture in her hands. "Reedus… is this what I think it is…?"
"Oui." Reedus confirmed with a smile. "I tried to imagine what you would have looked like seven years older, and that drawing was the end result."
"Well, what do we got here?" Trish walked behind Wendy to look at the picture. "Ooooh." Trish immediately knew why Wendy seemed rather upset. The picture itself looked nice and was rather realistic, but the older image of Wendy had a rather flat chest.
"My chest…" Wendy was almost on the verge of tears.
At the same time; Happy, Carla, and Lily looked at a picture of themselves Reedus drew with them having more humanoid bodies. Though, their heads were still that of their current selves that honestly looked like someone stitched their heads onto human bodies, with Lily's appearing like a brawn muscle-head.
"Oh my… this is horrifying…" Carla commented.
"Why am I wearing a loin cloth?" Lily questioned.
"You know, we were gone for a really long time." Happy said. "I wonder if the other Exceeds ever got worried about us."
"Doubtful." Lily replied. "Exceeds have a different sense of time than humans. I find it highly unlikely that our absence was even noticed."
"Oh yeah?" Happy asked, not sure what to think about that.
"I suppose that's comforting." Carla said, feeling the same sort of thing.
"This isn't fair." Wendy was almost on the verge of crying as she still looked at the picture of her 'future self'. "Why does reality keep crushing my dreams like this?!"
Trish put a hand on the younger girl's shoulder. "Well… I was literally made like this." She gestured to her whole body. "But, I can still give you some womanly advise that might help, but I don't know if I can make any guarantees."
Wendy immediately grabbed both of Trish's hands and looked at her with a comically pleading expression. "Please! Please do!"
"No way! Lady can do magic now?!" Jet and Droy both questioned at the same time as Mira and Elfman sat at the table with Lady herself
"Yep, apparently she's what's called a 'Devil Slayer'." Mira answered. "Think like a Dragon Slayer, only for demons."
"And my power is apparently steel." Lady added.
"Steel Devil Slayer, Lady! That is so freaking manly!" Elfman exclaimed with a thumbs up and a star popping over his head.
"Gee, thanks." Lady said with an annoyed sweat drop before getting serious. "That also reminds me… Mira, do you think maybe you can help me with this magic?" She looked to Lady in genuine surprise as Lady had a deep and thoughtful look on her face. "I remember that guy from Grimoire Heart who was also a Devil Slayer… he said, those who lack the discipline to control that power… end up becoming monsters themselves." She not only recalled how deranged Job had become during the final clash against Grimoire Heart, but also her biological father Arkham and how much of a monster he became both inside and out. "I… I don't want to end up like that. I know your Satan Soul isn't exactly the same but still… will you help me? Please?"
Mira put a hand on Lady's shoulder and looked at her with a sincere smile. "Of course, I'll help, that's what friends are for." This earned a smile from Lady in return.
"So… guess which lucky guy found out that he's a daddy!" Gildarts practically gushed as he patted his daughter's shoulder in front of Warren and Vijeeter.
"Hold up! You're being too touchy-feely!" Cana complained.
"Come on! Give papa some kisses!" Gildarts comically picked Cana up to coddle her, much to her annoyance.
"Your embarrassing me!"
"Do they seriously believe they're fooling everyone with that act?" Warren whispered to Vijeeter, having doubts.
"Just go along with it, it's awkward enough as it is." Vijeeter replied.
"Here she is! My precious baby girl!" Alzack presented a drawing if Asuka to Erza, Modeus, Lisanna, Trish, and Wendy.
"Awe, she's so cute!" Lisanna practically gushed.
"Thank you." Bisca smiled.
"She definitely takes after you two." Wendy complimented.
"I agree, she is rather adorable." Modeus smiled as well.
"I'd like to meet the little tike." Trish said with a smirk. "But I don't do babysitting." She quickly said.
"As would I." Erza also said. "I'd be honored to meet the next generation."
Back at the bar, Makarov looked toward the woman attending it. "I must say Kinana, it looks like the past seven years have treated you well."
"That's so sweet of you, thank you Master." Kinana replied with a smile.
"So, tell me, have any of your memories come back yet?" Makarov asked.
Kinana's smile faded slightly. "No, nothing so far…I wonder why." She began, as Macao, Morrison, and Wakaba paid attention as well. "Although… there have been times when I can hear someone calling to me." That got all their attention. "'Let me hear your voice', they say. And sometimes… I feel as if I know them… they're so familiar and gentle."
Suddenly, the main door opened as everyone turned to the entrance way to see eight familiar figures. At the lead was a tall man with a light blue outfit and bluish-silver spikey hair. There was also a woman with long pink hair and a black, partially revealing outfit. Next to her was a half-naked man with a dog-like face, who wore a sock around his neck via string for some unknown reason. There was also a shorter man with a green robe and thick black eyebrows. Behind him was a tall, muscular and bald man, with a long black beard, a black robe, and he held a cane in his hand. There was also a tan-skinned young man with blonde wavy hair, wearing a marron tuxedo. Next to him was a girl with brown hair, cat-like ears and face, and a revealing outfit underneath a dark purple robe. Finally, a man that stood out among the rest was a man who appeared to be made almost completely out of blocks, wearing a black tuxedo outfit like someone from the mob.
"Wonderful, it seems the rumors are true." The large and bald man said with a genuine smile.
"Who are these guys?" Dante asked, not too familiar with most of them.
Natsu, however, did recognize them as he looked in genuine surprise. "Hold on, is that…?"
"Hello my lovelies!" Sherry Blendy greeted with a smile. "I'm glad to hear that your deaths were exaggerated!" The dog-man, Toby Horhotra, gave an affirmative bark as well.
"You appear to be in great health." Jura Neekis complemented to all of them.
"The sentiment's a little redundant when they haven't aged in seven years." Yuka Suzuki commented.
"You've barley been back two days and you've already trashed the place." Lyon said with a teasing smirk.
"No way!" Gray exclaimed as he, Lucy, and Juvia looked in surprise as well.
"Whoa, it's Lamia Scale!" Lucy exclaimed.
"Weren't those guys with us during that whole mess with Temen-ni-gru?" Lady asked.
"That's right." Mira confirmed, remembering that rather fondly.
"Blue Pegasus and Lamia Scale helped to search for Tenrou Island longer than anyone else would." Max said.
"We appreciate that. Thank you." Modeus nodded to the five wizards in particular.
"I guess we owe you one, man." Gray said to Lyon in particular.
"I'd love to take you up on that." Lyon replied. "But I've got seven years on you know, and I'm not the kind of guy who takes advantage of children."
Gray rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Yeah, rub it in."
However, Erza looked with a shaky and emotional expression at the three individuals who arrived with the members of Lamia Scale and had yet to introduce themselves. The three people, in turn, smiled as they looked toward the scarlet-harried wizard.
"Hi Sis, it's been a while." The blonde man greeted.
"Gotta say, your looking as dandy as ever." The block-head man smirked as he adjusted his hat.
"She's about as rosy as Erza can get." The cat-girl joked.
"It's… it's you…" Erza already had tears in her eyes. "Sho… Wally… Milliana…"
"Well don't just stand there, doll. Come over here and give us a hug!" Wally stated. In no time, Erza ran and embraced all three of them, tears of joy flowing down her face, and they weren't far behind either.
"I missed you all so much!" Erza cried.
"We missed you to." Sho smiled.
Lisanna walked up toward Natsu, Happy, and Dante as they observed the reunion. "Hey Natsu… aren't those guys…?"
"Yeah, they're Erza's old buddies from the Tower of Heaven." Natsu confirmed.
"Wow… talk about a throw-back. I haven't seen them in forever." Happy said.
"Why is that guy look like he's made out of blocks?" Dante asked, as this was the first time that he'd seen any of these people.
It wasn't long for these eight guests to join in the celebration and catch up with their peers. Erza sat at a table alongside her old friends. "It's so wonderful to see you all again. And you've all joined guilds?"
"That's right. I joined Lamia Scale a little more than seven years ago." Sho answered as he showed the Lamia Scale emblem on the left shoulder of his suit.
"This dandy dog is part of Quatro Cerberus." Wally showed off the emblem of said guild on his back.
"And I'm part of Mermaid Heel." Milliana showed the emblem of Mermaid Heel on her back as well. "But we're a girls-only club, no boys allowed."
"I'm glad to know you're all doing so well." Erza smiled, but it was quick to fade. "I'm truly sorry for being gone so long."
"Ah, it ain't your fault." Wally said. "You guys were attacked by some whackos and a giant dragon."
"But what's important is that your back, Erza." Sho told her sincerely. "So, don't worry about it."
Erza seemed to accept this as she couldn't help but smile. However, she was somewhat surprised as Sherry leaned rather close to Sho, much to his blushing embarrassment. "Little Sho here is one of our top tier members." Sherry complemented. "In fact, it's thanks to him, Lyon, and Jura that Lamia Scale climbed the ranks to Fiore's third best guild. No hard feelings, right Lucy?" She spoke to the blonde in particular.
"Third best?" Lucy questioned. "Who's at second and first?"
"Number two is Mermaid Heel." Milliana answered. "Thanks to Mama Kurenai, our guild's been handling a lot of the demon hunting jobs."
"Mama who?" Natsu asked.
"Our guild's master." Milliana replied. "But she insists on having us call her 'mom', 'mommy', 'mama', 'mother', and other cute stuff like that."
"You said, Kurenai, right?" Modeus asked, walking closer to the table. "As in, Kurenai, the Mother of the Ocean?"
"Yep." Milliana confirmed. "You know her?"
"Yes, she's an old acquaintance of mine." Modeus replied with a reminiscent smile, apparently, he had fond memories with this Kurenai-woman. "Last I heard, she was one of the Ten Wizard Saints. Is that still true?"
"Oh yeah." Milliana nodded. "In fact, Mama Kurenai is ranked number 1 on the Wizard Saint Chart! No way she's letting any old men show her up."
"That's good to hear." Modeus nodded.
"Well who's number one then?" Dante asked, getting in this conversation.
"A new guild called Sabertooth." Sho answered. "They've got some pretty powerful wizards on their side. And thanks to their ace, they've been taking nearly every major demon hunting job out there."
"Sabertooth, huh?" Dante wondered. "Guess this ace of theirs must be something else."
"You would know, considering he's actually your brother." Lyon said.
That honestly felt like a bomb dropped for nearly everyone in Fairy Tail, specifically those that returned from Tenrou Island, as all celebrations came to a screeching halt. Everyone else in the guild, Morrison included, had looks on their faces that silently said they already knew about it. Though it was expected, if Sabertooth was really the number one guild right now, then of course their ace would be famous. But none of them expected it would be him.
"Please tell me your joking." Dante said in a low growl.
"I'm afraid not." Jura confirmed. "Vergil is indeed the ace of the Sabertooth guild. One of the main reasons they've advanced so much."
"No freaking way…" Gajeel almost couldn't believe it, and he wasn't the only one.
"You gotta be kidding." Gray muttered. Wendy practically shook in her place as Trish put a hand on her shoulder to calm her down, despite her appearing rather disturbed by this revelation as well. Lady and Lisanna shared concerning expressions along with Erza, and nearly everyone else. As to be expected, as nobody would ever forget the eldest son of Sparda, the one who nearly tore Fairy Tail apart when they first crossed paths, abducted many of their members, scarred Natsu, formed the Devil Hand dark guild, and helped to raise Temen-ni-gru. Trish happened to pay a glance towards Lucy who had a somewhat conflicted look on her face, and Trish had a pretty good idea why.
Natsu punched his fist through a table in anger. "How the hell did that bastard end up in an official guild?!"
"Calm down, Natsu." Lisanna told him as she tried to put her hands on his shoulders.
"But he's right… how is Vergil of all people in a guild?" Happy wondered.
"I have to agree." Carla also said. "He formed a dark guild and almost brought about Earthland's destruction via Temen-ni-gru."
"We tried to speak to the Magic Council about that, but we had no evidence to confirm it." Yuka said.
"Guy's a total jerk!" Toby howled. "He just struts around like he's the most important person in the world!"
"That's quite enough." Makarov stood up on the bar, getting everyone's attention. "I find this news to be disturbing as well, but now is not the time to worry about it. We'll figure everything out at a later date, but right now, it is time for us to celebrate! Now eat, drink, and make merry my children! You've all earned it!"
That seemed enough to get everyone back in a celebratory mood, though it wasn't as festive as before, people still smiled and drank while talking with all their friends. Though Lucy glanced towards Dante, his expression was almost unreadable as he helped himself to a drink, at the same time, Lucy herself couldn't quite get over any conflicted feelings she might have right now.
As the mood became celebratory again, Lyon happened to glance at Juvia, the same woman he first met and fell head over heels for during the battle at Temen-ni-gru, and it seemed those feelings had not abated as he put his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes.
"My sweet Juvia, you are as beautiful as the day we first met." Lyon praised, resulting in Juvia looking comically shocked.
"Oooh boy, looks like you got some competition, Icy-boy." Lady teased Gray, who looked more annoyed than anything.
"Ha, ha, very funny." Gray groaned.
Juvia backed away from Lyon slowly as her mind slowly trying to wrap around whatever fantasy was going on in her imagination right now. "No… the love triangle has become a… love maze!"
This was one of many celebrations going around the guild, even Laxus was hanging around his old friends in the Thunder Legion. Levy caught up with the rest of Team Shadowgear. Natsu, Lisanna, Mira, Elfman, Wendy, and Modeus sat for a group picture for Reedus. Erza continued to catch up with Sho, Wally, and Milliana. Even Dante shared a drink with Gajeel, Cana, Lady, Gildarts, and Trish. They would celebrate all night, and even into the day after. Yet, at the same time, Lucy in particular couldn't help but feel a bit of guilt at her friends having to wait for seven long years for them to return.
After deciding they had enough celebrations, Lucy and Dante, along with the little snow-man spirit Plue, walked back towards their apartment through the streets of Magnolia. "Oh man, I cannot wait to soak in my own bath again." Lucy said excitedly.
"Me, I can't wait to get in bed." Dante commented. "After all the shit we went through, I might just sleep for a week. Maybe catch up with some ladies in dream-land."
Lucy rolled her eyes at her cousin's antics as she opened the door to the building that led to their apartments. However, both looked in comic surprise to see an overweight, middle-aged, woman standing at the top of the stairs, gazing down at them an intense stare.
"Shit. Landlady." They both said at the same time.
"I heard you two were back." The Landlady told them. "Ms. Heartfilia, Mr. Redgrave. I hope both your pocketbooks are in good health, cause you each owe me seven years' rent. Five million, eight hundred, eighty-eight thousand jewel from each of you! I'm not letting you inside your apartments until you've paid in full!"
Both Dante and Lucy turned comically white as they fell to the ground in depression.
Five seconds later, both cousins sat outside, a depressing cloud hanging over both of them as Plue attempted to pat their backs for comfort. "I'm in debt… again." Dante muttered. "Probably the biggest debt I've ever had really."
"Five million, eight hundred and eighty-eight thousand jewel." Lucy whined. "How the hell are we supposed to get that kind of cash?"
"Working's out of the question." Dante said. "Fairy Tail's at the bottom barrel now, seven years later."
"The girls all staying at Fairy Hills have to pay seven years' back-rent to." Lucy slightly joked. "Guess we're all gonna be broke together."
Dante scoffed. "Nice to know it ain't just us."
"Seven years…" Lucy began. "We missed out on so much… Romeo's grown into a handsome young wizard, Jet and Droy have gotten older and wider." Dante snickered at that part as Lucy continued. "Bisca and Alzack are raising the next generation of the guild. And don't even get us started on all the bombshells we got on Tenrou Island."
"Gildarts is Cana's dad… my old man was a founder of Fairy Tail… you and I are cousins." Dante listed said bombshells. "What's next? Natsu's got his own evil brother, too?"
Lucy chuckled slightly as Plue gave a chirp of his own. "Makes me think about my dad…" Lucy said as her smile faded. "Poor guy, it's been seven years since he's heard anything from me. He must be worried sick. Hey Dante, you think he knows about you and your family? I mean, our moms were sisters so…"
"Guess so, it would make sense." Dante shrugged. "But I don't really know the guy."
Lucy looked down. "Kinda makes me wonder. What if… maybe my parents tried to help your mom… maybe even saved her before…"
"Your family would have been targeted to." Dante said immediately. "Like I said, I don't really know your parents, I get your mom was a Celestial Wizard, but I don't know how strong. Still, if Mundus ever found out your family had any sort of relation to my dad, he would do everything he could to wipe them out. So, I'm actually kinda glad, it means you're still here." He gave her a slight smile, which she returned as well.
"Hey, why don't we pay my dad a visit?" Lucy offered as she stood up.
"Seriously?" Dante asked in surprise.
"Yeah, I'm sure he'd be surprised to know he has a nephew." Lucy said with a smile. "And if he did know about you, I'm sure it'll make him even more happy."
Dante cracked a smirk. "Sure, what the hell?" He stood up. "You know, you actually sound kinda excited. Which is odd given what your old man tried to do."
Lucy giggled. "Yeah, this might be the first time I actually miss my dad."
"Maybe he can find a way to help us with our debt." Dante joked.
"Yeah… I don't think so." Lucy replied.
"If that's the case, you two are in some pretty big trouble." They both turned to see Morrison walking toward them. "It's already been established at this point, but work at the guild is gonna be hard to come by, so you might be in debt a long time."
"Don't remind us." Dante waved off.
"Oh, Hi Morrison." Lucy greeted.
"I heard that you two are related." Morrison said as he stood in front of the pair.
"Yep, we're cousins." Lucy confirmed.
"Really?" Morison said with a half-smirk. "I don't see it." This resulted in most of the group sharing a laugh. "But seriously, Dante I do need to talk to you." That got both their attention. "You remember seven years ago, that Angel-woman you met during that whole mess with Devil Hand?"
"Yeah, her name was Sorano, wasn't it?" Dante recalled, which Morrison nodded in confirmation.
"You asked me if I could go looking into whether or not she had a sister. Well, she does." Morrison revealed. This surprised Lucy quite a bit as Dante paid close attention. "Her name is Yukino Agira, she's a Celestial wizard, and currently employed in the Sabertooth guild." That earned some understandable mixed reactions from the pair. "I can't say what exactly is going on with her personal life, but she appears to be doing well financially."
"That's good to hear." Dante said. "Sorry you had to wait almost a decade to tell me that."
"Don't worry about it." Morrison replied. "Oh, and there's one more thing you have to know, about Sorano herself…"
"Hey Erza…" Sho got her attention as she turned around to see the serious expressions shared by Sho, Wally, and Milliana. "You should know something, about Jellal."
"Wendy…" Bisca and Alzack approached the young Sky Dragon Slayer, as well as Modeus, and even Carla. "I thought you might like to know, about that Sheeree girl from Devil Hand."
"Hold on, now." Alzack eased his wife as he knew exactly what she was talking about.
"By the way Makarov, the Wizard Saints will be holding a meeting very soon." Jura said to his fellow Wizard Saint as they sat at the bar inside the guildhall, with Mira listening as well. "You should come, you need to be debriefed. And there's a matter of importance to discuss."
"You know Ultear and a girl named Meredy, don't you Gray?" Lyon asked his friend as they both sat shirtless at the top of the guildhall.
"Yeah, but how do you know about those two?" Gray replied.
All of them were told the information that they needed to be told. Morrison talked about Sorano to Dante and Lucy, as they seemed genuinely surprised; Erza looked down with a complicated expression as Sho, Wally, and Milliana talked about Jellal; Wendy's eyes wavered in shock as Modeus and Carla tried to console her, having been told about Sheeree by Bisca and Alzack; Gray was beyond surprised at what Lyon told him about Ultear and Meredy.
Of course, Makarov had a deep and thoughtful reaction to what Jura told him. "So, you're still alive… Zeref."
The Next Day
Dante and Lucy walked through the streets of Acalypha, but they weren't the only ones. Behind them was also Lisanna, Happy, and Natsu, who looked like he was ready to just drop dead.
"Carriages are death traps… I'm never riding one again…" Natsu groaned as he felt sick to his stomach while Lisanna patted his back with a sympathetic smile.
"You say that every time Natsu." Happy told him.
"So why are you guys with us again?" Dante asked the group.
Lisanna shrugged. "There wasn't anything going on at Fairy Tail, and it sounded like a nice break and a way for us all to spend time together."
Despite Natsu and Happy feeling the same way, there was another reason for them tagging along as well. "Cause our piggy banks are full of moths right now!" Natsu comically cried.
"We fought Daddy-Lucy might now a get-fish-quick-scheme that'll save our tushies!" Happy also comically cried.
"It's called a get-rich-quick scheme, get it right." Dante commented.
"And I don't understand why you guys need money when you own a house!" Lucy told them. "Dante and I actually have to pay rent and we each got seven-years-worth to pay off!"
"Our stupid safe ran off when we were stuck on Tenrou!" Natsu complained.
"And it took all our food-bucks with it! How are we supposed to eat now?!" Happy also complained.
"Well, the farm at the guildhall could help us with the food situation." Lisanna tried to think. "But, if you two are looking for a roof over your heads…" She spoke to Dante and Lucy specifically. "You could stay with me, Mira, and Elfman."
"Wait, for real?" Dante asked as he and Lucy were both surprised by the offer.
"Sure." Lisanna replied with a smile. "We didn't stay in Fairy Hills; we bought our own house. It's pretty small, and kinda dirty because we were gone for so long, but it can hold you guys too if you want."
Immediately, Lucy wrapped her arms around Lisanna as she cried comic tears of joy. "Thank you Lisanna! You're the best friend ever!"
"Yeah, seriously, thanks. We owe ya." Dante gave a genuine smile in appreciation.
"Come on Lisanna!" Natsu fell on his knees in comic despair. "I know we don't need a house, but can you guys give me and Happy some food!?"
"For real! How am I supposed to eat fish, now?!" Happy also cried.
"Just go fishing in a river. That kind of thing is free." Dante said dryly as Lisanna had an apologetic smile while still holding the comically-joyfully-crying Lucy.
It wasn't long before the group arrived at the merchant guild Love & Lucky. "Excuse me Miss, may I ask you something?" Lucy asked the receptionist with Dante, Natsu, Happy, and Lisanna right behind her.
"Yes, Ma'am?"
"Do you happen to know if Mr. Jude Heartfilia will be coming in, today?" Lucy asked. "He's still registered here, isn't he?"
The receptionist looked in surprise. "Uh… would you be… Jude's daughter by any chance?"
"Yep." Lucy confirmed.
Lucy's smile however faded once she saw the receptionist looking down with an upsetting expression. "There a problem, lady?" Natsu asked.
"The guy out sick or something?" Dante asked as well.
"Do you have his home address?" Lucy also asked.
"Um… actually…" The receptionist began. "I'm very sorry to have to tell you this but…. Jude passed away a little over a month ago…It was a shock to all of us."
The sun had set as Dante, Natsu, Lisanna, and Happy walked back toward Magnolia. Lucy was there as well, and the group let her have some space as she didn't quite to be over what she had just heard only a few hours ago.
"Lucy… I…"
"Happy." Natsu stopped him from saying anything. Not that Happy didn't have anything comforting to say, but this was something that they only thing they could do was just give Lucy some space. Dante and Lisanna understood that to. Though, that didn't stop them from looking toward Lucy with concerning expressions; each of them knew what it was like.
Natsu hadn't seen Igneel in years, Dante lost both his parents, as did Lisanna though she barley remembered her own mother and father. But, while their situations were similar, there were some notable differences as well, such as the estranged relationship Lucy shared with her father. Truth be told, there wasn't any way of knowing what was going through Lucy's mind right now.
As they continued to walk, they happened to pass by a gawdy and ugly pair of girls who were in the middle of their own conversations.
"So, like my old man is so freaking annoying, right?"
"Yeah, and my daddy is like, mega-irritating, ya know? And he smells"
"He's tots stinky, like whoa!"
"Like whoa and a half, right?"
"Wouldn't it be great if they just like drop dead?"
"That would be tots real, girlfriend."
That really seemed to annoy the group as Natsu angrily turned to yell at the insensitive girls. "What's the matter with you?! Are you loud mouths really that dense?! Read the room!"
"Wow, rude much?"
"Yeah, for real. Like, who even cares about reading?"
*BANG!*
All eyes looked towards Dante, his back turned to the gawdy girls, as he held the smoking Ivory up in the air. He turned his head slowly to flash a death-glare toward the girls. "Keep walking."
Both shallow girls shivered at the sight of that glance before they turned around and ran away at break-neck speed.
"That wasn't necessary, ya know." Lucy pointed out.
"Sorry." That was all Dante said as he put his pistol away.
"Lucy, are you gonna be okay?" Lisanna asked.
"Yeah, sorry for putting you guys through all this trouble." Lucy said, her back still turned.
"It's alright, you don't have to apologize about that." Happy told her.
Lucy turned around to face them, a sad smile on her face, and yet there wasn't a single tear in her eyes. "I know a few years have passed but… it feels like I saw him alive and happy a couple months ago. It's hard to accept that I'm never going to see or speak to him again. It's weird… when I think back, I never really got along with my dad when I was growing up, and that whole thing with Phantom Lord certainly didn't help. But then… after what happened in Acalypha, I felt that he was starting to take a step in the right direction, and maybe our relationship would slowly but surely change for the better. It's just like him to work himself sick, guess it was too much this time. But… what I'm most upset about right now, is that I never really got a chance to talk to him about you, Dante."
Dante especially paid attention at that as Natsu, Lisanna, and Happy continued to listen. "I mean, I had no idea I had a cousin. Did he know about that? If he didn't, I would have thought it be nice for him to learn he had a nephew. And if he did know, it would have been nice to hear a bit more about my aunt and uncle from someone who actually knew them." She chuckled slightly. "He was the Dark Knight's brother-in-law, kinda funny."
Dante also chuckled. "Yeah, that does sound like it be a bit nice."
Lucy's smile was quick to fade, however. "Something else that bothers me… even though I feel sad… and I miss him… I can't cry. The tears just aren't there. Does that mean… in the end… he meant nothing to me?"
"No, of course it doesn't." Natsu said immediately. "I don't know how to explain it, but I don't think whether you cry or not, means you cared any less about him."
"You even said that you'll miss him and that he was changing for the better." Lisanna also said. "So, even if you don't cry, it shows you still care."
Dante walked up and placed a hand on his cousin's shoulder. "Lucy, no matter what, you still got us. And you got me too."
Lucy smiled as she put her hand on Dante's. "Thanks guys… I already feel better."
The Twilight Ogre guildhall looked like a fortress from Feudal Japan, while also having the statue of an ogre-head placed on its main gate, and a large pair of horns decorated on the top of the building.
"I'm done playing games, old man. I ain't got nothing else to say to you, m'kay? There ain't no way I'm gonna back down till you and your guild have paid the debt you owe me." The guildmaster of Twilight Ogre, Banaboster said as he smoked a cigar.
Banaboster was a middle-aged man with a broad jaw, a pair of sunglasses, his current attire was a yellow, lined suit, with a purple cape that was held by a button that bore the Twilight Ogre emblem on it. He seemed like the equivalent of a mob boss.
"I would like nothing more than to pay you." Makarov spoke professionally as he sat at a couch in front of Banaboster's desk. He also had Erza, Lady, Mira, and Trish accompanying him, along with multiple Twilight Ogre grunts surrounding them from behind. "But I'm sure you're well aware of the financial rut we found ourselves in."
"Seems rather unprofessional to try and put pressure on a debt we might owe you, despite the fact we have very little money, don't you think?" Lady commented.
"Your business records have a lot of holes in them." Mira said. "It makes you wonder if we're paying what we really owe."
"We've also seen some pretty sketchy stuff in those records of yours." Trish added. "Some might not necessarily be legal."
"Would you care to explain that?" Erza asked.
Despite the professional manner they carried, Banaboster was not happy. "You tramps! Are you accusing me of fraud or something!?"
"Not at all." Makarov assured, still maintain a professional manner. "You can be assured that we'll repay whatever we owe with proper interest… someday."
This only seemed to irritate Banaboster even further as he stood up from his seat. "You're starting to try my patience, you little piss ant!"
"Forgive me, that came out wrong." Makarov said. "What I meant is that we should start by renegotiating our interest rate."
"What?!" Banaboster exclaimed. "I don't negotiate with deadbeats who rough-up my boys and don't pay their debts! Capeesh?!" He referred to Thibault and his gang, who were still covered in bandages from their recent beating at the hands of Fairy Tail's Tenrou Team upon their return to the guild. "You think your tough little man, but I'll make you pay for being disrespectful! Me and my boys got a reputation to uphold!"
"Understood." Makarov said rather calmly as Erza, Mira, Trish, and Lady fixed their glares to the master of Twilight Ogre. "We only came here to discuss money. But we can discuss your reputation as well, I have no problem telling you what I think."
Banaboster looked like he was about to pop a vein as he kicked the desk down. "You wanna end up in a wheelchair, you geezer?!"
"'Get paid back for what's owed.' If memory serves, that's the Twilight Ogre creed." He said before dropping the professional act and shooting Banaboster a death-glare. "Much like an eye for an eye!"
"If that's the case, then you owe us a considerable amount of payment for the all property damage your goon squad has done to our guildhall." Trish stated as she was surrounded by an electrical aura.
"Not to mention all the physical and emotional abuse to our guild members as well." Erza said as an ominous magenta aura surrounded her body.
"So, it seems that you owe us." Mira also said as a dark purple aura surrounded her as well. "It's only fair our guild be paid back for each and every guild during that time."
"Now a professional and sound approach would be to report you to the Magic Council where no further harm is done…. But that's not how we do things." Lady stated as an ominous silver aura surrounded her too.
Makarov was also surrounded by a similar gold aura as he began to grow in size, his voice becoming deeper with his Giant magic. "The suffering my children endured at your hands… All the years I wasn't there for them… it brings tears to my eyes!" He already loomed over Banaboster, now twice the man's size as he looked ready to wring his neck. "You hear me!? So if it's war you want, then its war you're gonna get!"
Likewise; Erza, clad in her Purgatory Armor; Trish, who's hands surged with her lightning-powers; Mira, donning her Satan Soul, and Lady, wielding her dual pistols while also ready to take her Devil Slayer Magic for a spin, all glared at the Twilight Ogre goons behind them as they, and their boss, all felt a new wetness in their pants.
The Twilight Ogre guildhall was already shaking as the sound of gunshots, explosions, fists being thrown, and swords being sliced were heard inside, and even bolts of lightning were shot out from the walls. Macao, Wakaba, and Morrison watched the scene unfold, and none of them were the least bit surprised.
"That didn't take long." Morrison commented.
"Well, I never expected them to go the diplomatic route in the first place." Wakaba said.
"I'm surprised that they didn't just shoot the place up the second they got in." Macao said as he rubbed his hand down his face.
"This sure brings back memories, doesn't it?" Morrison said with a reminiscent smile.
"Yeah…" Wakaba seemed to agree with his own smile. "Hearing them go to work in there, makes the past seven years seem like nothing more than a bad dream."
"I couldn't agree more." Even Macao was smiling. However, the trio noticed some familiar faces walking toward them.
"Natsu, Happy, what are you guys doing here?" Wakaba asked.
"I thought you guys went to Acalypha with Dante, Lucy, and Lisanna." Macao said.
"Please tell me you're not gonna join in the fight." Morrison hoped.
"Yeah! We already got a lightning storm in there; we don't need a fireball with it!" Wakaba said in alarm.
However, neither Natsu nor Happy seemed the least bit interested as they said nothing and just walked on, completely ignoring the brawl at Twilight Ogre, both looking rather down and upset; much to the genuine surprise of Macao, Wakaba, and Morrison.
"What's up with them?" Wakaba asked.
"You guys didn't hear?" They turned around at the sound of Lisanna's voice as she stood with Dante. "Lucy's dad passed away recently."
That was quite a shock to the trio. "Oh… wow…" Macao rubbed the back of his neck. "I… don't really know what to say about that."
"Don't expect you to." Lisanna replied.
"I had no idea… this is news to me." Morrison said.
"How's Lucy doing?" Wakaba asked.
Dante looked only partially irritated. "She was just starting to patch things up with her old man, only to find out he's been dead for a while. How do you think she's doing?"
The sun slowly began to set as Lucy sat underneath the Sola Tree in South Gate Park. She had recently dropped some flowers off at the church where her father was buried, next to her mother. She still wasn't crying as she sat alone and watched a father play with his toddler-daughter, this caused her to smile slightly before she leaned further back against the tree. However, Lucy was taken by surprise by a familiar individual walking toward her.
"The Landlady?" Lucy voiced her surprise aloud but was even further surprise as the brutish woman picked her up by the leg. "Hey! What are you…?!" She screamed as the Landlady dragged her away. "HELP! SOMEONE! I'M TOO PRETTY TO DIE!"
Lucy was suddenly thrown inside but was shocked to find that she was in the main room of her apartment, and that it was actually in really good condition, despite not setting foot in it for the past seven years.
"My apartment… but it looks exactly the way I left it…"
"I've been cleaning it every week." The Landlady revealed. "Other than a few of your outfits, everything held up pretty well over the years. I even salvaged some of them." She said as she was actually wearing some of Lucy's clothes. "I left all your mail on the table though."
Lucy wasn't surprised to see a large pile of envelopes, magazines, and advertisements; but she did not expect to see several large wrapped presents on the table as well.
"Without fail, they would show up every year on the same day." The Landlady said as Lucy looked at the tags on the gifts, and they each said the same thing. "To my dearest daughter Lucy. Happy Birthday. From Papa."
'He remembered?' Lucy thought in shock, recalling in her childhood how her father used to work, and it seemed like he forgot her birthday pretty much every year till she ran away.
"Oh yeah… the one on your bed arrived this morning." The Landlady said.
Lucy noticed a smaller present on her bed, as well as a sealed envelope. She opened it and began to read its contents.
"My dearest Lucy, happy birthday. As I write this letter, I find myself wondering when you'll get to read it. A long time has passed since the news of your disappearance reached me. I'm very worried, but I have faith that you're safe. You're so much like your mother, stubborn as a rock and blessed with luck. I'm sure you're fine, and that I'll see you again someday. I also heard that your guild has acquired a rather famous new member, a young man named Dante who claims to be the son of the Dark Knight Sparda, though I can safely say that claim is true. I knew Sparda, as well as his wife, Eva. You're probably wondering why I would know such a thing, well Lucy, that young man is your cousin. I imagine that must be quite a shock to you, if you haven't found out already. Your mother Layla was the younger sister of Dante's mother, Eva. I'm sure though you don't remember her, she and her family only stopped by the mansion once when you were very little, though you did play the whole day with Dante and his twin brother, Vergil, and you seemed rather happy. I also heard that Vergil joined a guild recently too. I tried to reach out to him, but I haven't heard a response. I understand that this might feel rather overwhelming for you, and I'm not sure what sort of relationship you have for those two, but those young men are your family, and it is my hope that the three of you will find happiness together. As for me, business is booming, and I'm about to close a big deal with the Western Region. It keeps me busy, but I'm still leading a rather fulfilling life. I think of you and Layla every single day, those memories keep me going. Lucy, I'm not sure if you're willing to hear this, but I am truly sorry for the way I treated you before, when your mother died, I completely shut myself out, I know it's no excuse, however. I acted out-right hostile towards you as well as your friends in Fairy Tail. I tried to help them find work these past seven years, but there is only so much I can do. It's perfectly fine if you're unable to forgive me but let me just say that I am beyond proud of you and I miss you terribly. Wherever you are, I hope that you are living life to the fullest and following your own path. Lucy… I love you. That is one thing that will never change."
Tears fell from Lucy's face onto the letter. They streamed down her eyes like a waterfall, so many mixed emotions of happiness and sorrow. "Bye Daddy… I love you too..!" She cried as the Landlady left her alone.
Outside the building Natsu and Happy comically screamed as they saw the Landlady in Lucy's clothes, Dante and Lisanna were present as well, though they didn't scream, they were quite startled.
"Whoa, you really let yourself go!" Natsu exclaimed, his eyes bulging out, thinking it was Lucy in front of them.
"Did you eat an old lady steal her looks for good measure?!" Happy exclaimed, his eyes bulging out as well.
"Idiots, it's mine and Lucy's landlady." Dante said with lowered eyelids and a sweatdrop over his head.
"I knew that." Natsu said, as he and Happy calmed down.
"Sure you did, Natsu." Lisanna said with a small sigh before turning to the Landlady. "Hey, is Lucy here?"
"It'd be best if you left her alone for now." The Landlady said.
"But we got a job we think she'd be interested in." Happy said as he held up a flyer for said job.
"She doesn't need to worry about work. A letter came this morning with seven years' worth of rent." She revealed, much to everyone's surprise.
"For real?" Natsu did not expect that. "From who?"
"Her father." The Landlady said, causing them to look in even further surprise. "In fact, he also sent the exact same amount to cover your rent, Dante."
"Wait… what?" Dante honestly did not see that coming. "Why…?"
"He's your uncle, isn't he?" The Landlady said as though it were obvious, but Dante was more than a little shocked.
'He knew… about me and my family…?' He shared a surprised expression with Natsu, Happy, and Lisanna.
"Honestly…" The Landlady said as she looked down with a sympathetic expression. "The lengths family will go for each other."
Dante gave an amused scoff as he held his half of the Perfect Amulet. "Lady, you have no idea."
Lisanna was the first to smile. "Hey guys, why don't we handle this job ourselves? Let's give Lucy some space."
"Yeah, alright." Happy nodded.
"Cool." Even Natsu understood, but he looked up toward Lucy's window and shouted toward her. "Hey Lucy! Me, Happy, Dante, and Lisanna are going out on a job! We'll bring you back a souvenir!"
The group made their way from the building; however, it wasn't long before they heard a familiar voice call out to them.
"Wait up! I'm coming too!" Lucy called as she caught up to them with a wide smile, though some joyful tears were still present in her eyes. Despite that, Dante, Natsu, Lisanna, and Happy really couldn't be happier as they went out on their job together.
The Heartfilia Residence – June 13th, X771
"Wow, look at this place!" The seven-year-old Dante exclaimed with a wide smile as he ran through the entrance hall of the Heartfilia mansion. "It's huge!" He exclaimed as his toddler voice echoed throughout the main hall.
"Don't go off too far, Dante." Eva told him as she, her husband, and eldest son walked in right behind him. "Like you said, this place is so big, you could get lost."
"Honestly, does he ever think things through?" The seven-year-old Vergil rolled his eyes at his brother's antics.
"Well, you do have to admire your brother's sense of adventure." Sparda, in his human appearance, said with humor.
"There's adventure, and there's just being stupid." Little Vergil commented.
"Ah, Vergil's no fun at all." Little Dante sulked as Eva walked with her son, holding his hand.
"I'm sure he just wants you to be careful, that's all." She told him.
"Eva, welcome!" The four of them looked up toward a set of stairs to see a blonde woman who bore a striking resemblance to the mother of Dante and Vergil, along with a man right next to her.
"Layla, you're looking healthy." Eva greeted the woman was her younger sister as she came down the steps before they shared a hug.
"Sparda, good to see you again." Layla walked up toward the Dark Knight and shook his hand with a smile.
"Always a pleasure to see you as well, Layla." He smiled before looking toward her husband. "Jude, good to see you as well."
"Of course, same to you." Jude smiled as he shook Sparda's hand as well.
"And you two must be Dante and Vergil." Layla kneeled down to the two boys' level. "You both look so adorable."
"Thank you so much. You look really pretty too." Little Dante smiled.
"Oh well aren't you just a gentleman?" Layla smiled as she patted Dante's head before turning to his brother. "Don't be shy little Vergil, I promise I won't bite."
"Hello, your name is Layla? That is a nice name." Little Vergil said.
"Thank you." Layla nodded before standing up.
"Vergil, Dante, why don't you two go play outside in the gardens?" Sparda told his sons. "Your mother and I have to discuss some adult things with these people."
"Oooh, adult things are so boring." Little Dante sulked, only to get smacked in the arm by his brother. "Ow! What did you do that for?!"
"Because you're rude!" Little Vergil told him. "Let's do what dad and mom said and go outside."
"Alright, fine." Little Dante sulked as both young boys turned around to walk outside.
"Those two are certainly a unique pair." Jude commented as they saw the boys leave. "They seem like total opposites."
"Yes, but I'm sure deep down they're inseparable." Eva said with a loving smile.
Layla smiled as well, but it was quick to fade. "Now, I'm sure you two didn't come here just for a social visit."
"I'm afraid not." Sparda said, getting serious. "We have some important things to discuss."
Outside, little Dante ran around with a stick in his hands, swinging it as if he were wielding a sword while little Vergil sat on a stone bench reading a book. "Ha! Slice! Take that!" Little Dante played.
"To mercy, pity, peace, and love, all pray in their distress: and to these virtues of delight return their thankfulness." Little Vergil read the contents of his book aloud.
"What?" Little Dante asked.
"It's a poem." Little Vergil replied.
"A poem? Where'd you get that?" Little Dante swiped the book from his brother's hands.
"Hey! Give that back!" Little Vergil said, but little Dante tripped him as he looked at the author's name on the cover.
"Who's William Blake?" Little Dante asked before little Vergil took the book back. "Hey, you didn't have that book with you when we came here."
"It was in the mansion's hallway on the table." Little Vergil replied.
Little Dante gasped. "You stole it!?"
"I borrowed it!" Little Vergil told his brother. "I'm gonna give it back when we leave." However, he noticed something when he looked over his brother's shoulder. "Dante, there's someone else here."
Little Dante turned around to see a little blonde girl, who gave a small gasp as she hid behind the bush, before peeking her eye out slowly at the pair of boys.
"It's a girl." Little Dante said as he slowly walked toward her, though the girl hid behind the bushes as he walked closer. "Hi there, it's okay. We're good guys." The girl slowly revealed herself as she walked out to meet the boys. "My name is Dante, that's my brother Vergil. What's your name?"
"Lucy." The girl answered.
"Lucy, that's a nice name." Little Dante smiled. "Do you live here?"
"Yes." Little Lucy nodded.
"Cool. Do you wanna play with us?" Little Dante offered the young girl his hand with a smile. This was enough for the little Lucy to smile as she accepted the boy's hand.
From then on, the three kids spent hours playing together. They ran all throughout the gardens, Vergil read some of the poems aloud as Dante and Lucy listened, Dante and Vergil did some play-sword-fighting with sticks as Lucy watched and cheered them on. There was so much joy and laughter shared by the three of them, even though they had only just met, they were already thick as thieves.
"Roar! I'm gonna get yeah! I'm gonna get yeah and eat you up!" Little Dante pretended he was some kind of monster as he chased little Lucy who giggled and playfully screamed before little Dante had her cornered by a statue. "Hmm, I love little girls. They taste so sweet!" The mischievous boy kept up the act.
"Oh no! Someone save me!" Little Lucy played along, acting like the damsel in distress.
"Hold monster!" Little Vergil said dramatically as he slid in between them to face little Dante, holding a stick like a sword. "I will not let you eat this fair maiden!"
"My hero!" Little Lucy smiled.
"We'll see about that!" Little Dante lunged at both of them. The three kids rolled down the hill before landing on the ground, laughing the whole time as they laid together.
"Someone looks like they're having fun." All three looked up to see Sparda gazing down at them with a knowing smile.
"Hi Dad." Little Dante and Vergil said at the same time.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Little Lucy noticed her parents, as well as Eva, walking onto the scene and ran toward them with a smile. "We had so much fun together! We ran everywhere! Dante pretended to be a monster and was gonna eat me, but Vergil came to my rescue! Dante is so much fun, and Vergil is so much fun too!"
"I'm glad you had such a good time, Lucy." Layla said as she picked up her smiling daughter.
"Say goodbye to Lucy, boys. We have to go." Sparda told his kids.
"Awe, do we have to?" Little Dante moaned.
"Sorry Dante." Eva apologized with a loving smile.
"Mommy, Daddy, can Dante and Vergil come over and play some other time again?" Little Lucy asked her parents.
"Maybe…" Jude replied with a smile, while sharing a knowing look with his wife.
"Oh, before we go." Little Vergil walked up to the Heartfilia family and handed the book of poems he borrowed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to steal it or anything, I just like to read. Here you go."
Layla and Jude shared smiles. "You know what? Keep it." Layla told him.
"Really?" Little Vergil said in surprise.
"Sure." Layla nodded. "We have plenty of books inside. But who knew you would be into poetry, maybe you could write your own when you grow up?"
Little Vergil smiled. "Maybe… thank you."
"Alright, time to go, boys." Eva said as she and her family turned around to leave.
"Bye-bye Vergil! Bye-bye Dante!" Little Lucy waved goodbye.
"Bye Lucy!" Little Dante waved back as Vergil smiled and waved as well.
Present Day
Dante's eyes opened as he sat up from his bed in his own apartment, it was pretty late at night as he remembered how he got back here. After finishing the job with Natsu, Lucy, Lisanna, and Happy, they ended up going back to their respective homes to get some much-needed rest. Dante gave something of a small sigh as he recalled that dream that he had, or rather a memory that he had long since forgotten.
As he sat up from his bed, Dante noticed a sealed envelope on his table. 'That's right.' Dante recalled. 'Lucy's old man paid my rent and even sent me a letter, guess I never got around to opening it.' Shrugging, Dante picked up the letter, opened it up and read its contents.
"Dear Dante, my name is Jude Heartfilia, the father of your guildmate Lucy, but I'm also your uncle, as your mother, Eva, was my wife's elder sister. You probably don't remember me all that much, we only met when you and your brother were so very little, and given the tragic events that befell your family, I can't honestly say I blame you for forgetting. First, let me say how truly sorry I am for all of that. When Lucy's mother Layla heard about what happened to your family, and the belief that all of you had passed on, she broke down in tears and cried herself to sleep for weeks on end. There was confirmation that both Eva and Sparda had passed on, but no evidence to suggest that either you or your brother had died, despite the official claims. The two of us did consider searching for you and Vergil ourselves, but Layla had remembered the promise she shared with your parents, if the forces of the Underworld learned that not only you and your brother were alive, but were also being well taken care of, that would put our own family at great risk. I know that might sound like that we abandoned you and your brother, and for that, I am truly sorry. I'm sure Lucy has already told you about what happened with her family, after her mother's passing, and my own heinous actions, so I can't say I blame you for resenting me. As I write this letter, I am unsure as to whether or not you get to read it, it has been seven years since the news of your guild's disappearance reached me, but I'm certain that you and your friends are safe. You are so much like your father, strong-willed, powerful, and you have a good heart. When I first heard that you were alive, and part of the same guild as Lucy, I couldn't be happier. I only wish that I could have done something more to help you and Vergil. Perhaps if Layla and I did take you both into our home after the passing of your parents, perhaps things would have been different. I know that we only barley know each other, but I do have a request. Please, look after Lucy for me, the two of you are family. And let me just say, I am incredibly proud of the man you have turned into. Take care of yourself, Dante. Love, Uncle Jude."
Dante's expression was obscured by his hair, but he did feel something misty in his eyes, which he was quick to wipe away with his arm. "Yeah… I'll take care of her. I promise."
It was still rather late at night as Dante arrived at Kardia Cathedral. He had heard from Lucy the previous day that her father had been buried here, next to her mother, as well as his own. Though he barely knew the man, Jude was his uncle, and he only felt it necessary to pay his respects.
As Dante walked closer to the grave of Jude Heartfilia, he was rather surprised to see none other than Lucy herself at the grave as well with three bouquets of flowers in her hands. She turned to see her cousin in surprise, clearly not expecting him either.
"Dante. I… it's a bit late, don't you think?" Lucy asked him.
"Could say the same of you." Dante replied as he walked next to her and they stood by a trio of graves. On the right was marked "Jude Heartfilia, X746-X791, Beloved Husband and Father." On the left next to it was another grave marked "Layla Heartfilia, X748-X777, Beloved Mother." At the grave on the left side of that one was marked "Eva Heartfilia. X745-X772, Beloved Mother and Sister."
Lucy laid each bouquet upon each grave. "I heard from Morrison that he and the rest of Fairy Tail found out about our moms being sisters sometime after Tenrou Island vanished, so he made the arrangements for her grave to be marked with her last name."
"Yeah… Morrison has always been good at what he did." Dante said as they paid their proper respects. "Hey, this might sound weird but… I had a dream…. Or a memory I guess…"
"Of when we first met?" Lucy asked. "You, Vergil, and I playing in the gardens at my own house?" Dante looked to her in surprise. "Yeah, I just had the same thing myself. Guess all that's happened helped to bring that memory back. It was such a good memory."
"Yeah… it was." Dante agreed. "But… a couple months later, my birthday and… well… you know the rest."
Lucy's face became nothing but sympathetic as she knew the gruesome details already, and the fact that she only just realized that he was her cousin made her all the sadder that he had to go through everything like that. "Dante, I am so sorry."
"Wasn't your fault." Dante told her. "Besides, if the Underworld learned about you guys… that mansion would probably be burnt to the ground, and you might not even be here yourself."
"I know… but still… you and Vergil…" Lucy was almost brought to tears. "No one should ever have to go through something so… so cruel…"
"Yeah… that three-eyed bastard tried to put me through a living hell." Dante said with contempt laced in his voice, but he calmed down soon after. "But you know what? I'm glad things turned out the way they did… because it led me to Fairy Tail."
"And I'm so happy that you found it too." Lucy smiled. "Dante… listen. I… I want to find Vergil." That got his attention. "He is the only blood relative you and I have left. I want to find him. I want to talk with him, and maybe… maybe try to patch things up with him."
"That depends on whether or not he wants to patch things up with us." Dante said somewhat skeptically. "He's done a lot of crap to both of us, as well as the rest of our guild."
"I know." Lucy acknowledged. "But, a lot can happen in seven years. Maybe he's changed for the better. I mean, Dad acted pretty horrible in the past, and even tried to outright destroy Fairy Tail with Phantom Lord and… look at how much he's changed. Who knows? If Dad can change… maybe Vergil can too."
"Maybe…" Dante began. "Or maybe he's still the same as he was when we last saw him, or maybe he's even worse. I've learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to my brother. But… really it all comes down to whether or not he wants to make things right. If he's still the same power-hungry dumbass, I won't hesitate to beat him down. But… let's say that you're right. If he's changed and he wants to atone, and is willing to accept responsibility…" a small smile formed on Dante's face. "I think I'd actually be a little excited about that."
Lucy smiled back. "I feel the same. Like you said, if he ever tries to hurt anyone, than I won't hesitate to try and stop him. But… I want to save him. He's family too."
"Yeah… hey speaking of, I want you to have something." Dante took off the Perfect Amulet from his person and handed it to the surprised Lucy. "Here, take it."
To say she did not see that coming was an understatement. "What…? Dante I… I can't take this!"
"Yeah I know, it's one half to the key to the Underworld and a lot of bad guys probably wanna get it." Dante waved off. "But I've seen you kick ass before, so I know you can keep it safe."
"It's not just that…" Lucy quickly said. "This… this was from your mother. The last thing she gave you before she died. It… it means a lot to you. I can't take something that important!"
"That's the only kind of gift worth giving." Dante said with a smile. "I want to entrust it to you, so I am. But… even though she died a long time ago, having this with me, always gave me the feeling that she was still here for me, and now I want her to be there for you too." Dante placed the chain of the Perfect Amulet around his cousin's neck as he got a good look at her with. "You know, it actually looks pretty good on you."
Lucy felt as though a warm presence just touched her heart. The second the amulet was put on, it almost felt like she was in the warm embrace of her aunt, Eva Heartfilia. It reminded her so much of the warmth and love she felt from her own mother, before she knew it, tears were already flowing down her face. Dante, one of the very few flesh and blood relatives she had left, was entrusting her with one of his most precious objects, and she would treasure it always.
Lucy immediately ran toward her cousin and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his shoulder as she cried. Dante returned the embrace without even a second of hesitation. "No matter what happens Lucy, I'm here for you." Dante told her sincerely. "We're family, both in blood and in Fairy Tail. I love you."
"I love you too, Dante!" Lucy continued to cry as they continued to hold each other under the bright and shining moonlight of the night sky, the stars above them shining more brightly than they ever did before.
Done.
And so concludes the first chapter of our new story. I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it.
We've taken quite a lot from this chapter; first, Vergil is alive and he's the ace of the Sabertooth guild. But, you won't be seeing him, or two certain Dragon Slayers, for a long while, not until we get to the Grand Magic Games, and we have a very special arc planned first where we are introduced to another famous "Devil May Cry" individual that you all have been waiting for a very long time.
Dante and Lucy have a nice bonding moment and we even saw a glimpse of their childhood, I thought it would be a nice touch, with a hint of foreshadowing thrown in there.
We are even reintroduced to some old characters and even some new ones. Erza's old friends are now each part of their own guilds. Milliana is part of Mermaid Heel, as is in the cannon; while Sho is part of Lamia Scale and Wally is part of Quatro Cerberus. It kinda bugs me that we got to see Milliana again, but we never did see Sho or Wally either till they made a brief cameo in the final season, so rest assured, I plan to give them some extra rolls.
And if you noticed, the guild placements are different from the cannon. Sabertooth is still in first place, but Mermaid Heel is second instead of Lamia Scale, and that might have to do with a certain "Devil May Cry" individual that is part of that guild as well (I'll let you take a guess). I've also invented an OC for their master as we've never even seen a mention of Mermaid Heel's master in the cannon series; her name is Kurenai, and she seems to be an acquittance of Modeus. She is also one of the ten Wizard Saints, and is considered the strongest (even more so than the likes of Makarov). You'll understand why later on as we get to know her, especially during the Grand Magic Games arc.
Oh, one other note, I plan to introduce all ten Wizard Saints in the next chapter as Makarov attends that meeting. In the cannon "Fairy Tail" series, we are only introduced to six Wizard Saints (excluding Jellal and Jose), so in addition to Kurenai, I have three very special OCs planned to fill in those rolls. Each of them will have quite the impact on the story.
One last thing; for the next few chapters, we'll have some "filler" episodes that are loosely based off episodes from the "Devil May Cry" anime mini-series, as those are actually more entertaining than some of the filler we got from the cannon "Fairy Tail" before the start of the next arc. But just because they're considered "filler", doesn't mean they won't have an impact, the next chapter for instance is very important as we are introduced to a rather important character from the "Devil May Cry" anime. After those chapters, we will start the first arc of my story, which mixes together elements from the filler "Key of the Starry Skies" arc, as well as the "Devil May Cry 4" game where we will finally be introduced to Nero. I've got special plans for that arc and I am really excited to write it.
Thank you all again for all your support and I look forward to showing you all more of my work in the future. Until then, stay safe and stay healthy out there. Peace out.
