Chereads / The Lockheart's Ruin / Chapter 21 - Chapter 21

Chapter 21 - Chapter 21

(As Dante steps forth, Eden takes out her handkerchief and wipes the blood off her face as she turns around to see Dante for the first time in four years.)

Eden: Well hello, Dante. You look just as I lasted remembered you.

Dante: Well if you mean bloodied, covered in dirt and half-dead, then I like to say that I've cleaned up in a bit since last we've crossed paths. Nevertheless, I say let's skip all of the niceties and hellos. Do not speak as if you've missed me.

Eden: But I have. You think me a liar, Dante?

Dante: Well coming from the woman who left me for dead, you'll forgive me if my trust isn't forthcoming.

Eden: Very well then.

(As Eden says this, she walks closer to Dante, but his sword suddenly appears in his hand and points it towards Eden.)

Dante: Do not take another step.

Eden: You know Dante, despite your menacing glare and the seriousness in your voice, I know you won't kill me.

Dante: Do you wish to test my limits of mercy?

Eden: As fun as that sounds, we have more important matters to attend to. I do however have a question.

Dante: You want to know why I'm here?

Eden: My mother sent you didn't she?

Dante: She did.

Eden: After all those years, you're still serving her?

Dante: Do not misunderstand. I came here of my own volition. She told me that you may be entering dangerous territory.

Eden: And what do you think?

Dante: I think you should stop pissing people off before you lose your head.

(As Dante says this, Eden lowers his sword.)

Eden: Sure. Right after you.

Dante: Tell me something, Eden. Just who were these men?

Eden: Not sure. They've been following me for a long time, now.

Dante: You know, the Eden that I remember wouldn't have allowed that man to getaway.

Eden: You really have forgotten a lot since we've been apart. You of all people should know how I like to have my fun.

(A few seconds pass and Dante realizes what Eden means and sighs.)

Dante: Do you want to hunt him down, before tracking him becomes difficult?

Eden: Yes. Once he leads us to their base, then we'll eradicate them all. That isn't too hard for you is it, Dante?

Dante: Don't push it. Let's go before I change my mind.

Eden: Now that's the Dante that I remember.

(As Eden says this, she and Dante both dash after the hooded man following him out of the city and into the forest. Once in the forest, they decide to walk as they follow the trail.)

Eden: So tell me, Dante...Are you still chasing after that witch?

Dante: She has a name.

Eden: A name that continues to slip my mind.

Dante: Can you do me a favor, Eden? You can say whatever you want about me, but leave Kitara out of it. Do I make myself clear?

Eden: It would seem I hit a nerve. Very well then, I won't speak about the witch.

Dante: Good. Now stop prying into my personal life and pay attention, wasn't it you who said we have a more important matter to attend to?

Eden: For a moment your personal life and I went hand in hand, Dante.

Dante: What's wrong Eden? It isn't like you to be stuck in the past.

Eden: Well what can I say? I'm not accustomed to being on your bad side.

(Dante turns and looks at Eden.)

Dante: Who said I have a good side?

(As Dante says this, the hooded man heads into a temple. After seeing this, Dante and Eden begin to walk up the stairs when Dante is suddenly struck by a blue blast and sent crashing into a column. Moments later, multiple hooded men descend from the sky. As this happens, Eden takes out both her long and short swords. In the act of preparing herself, one of the hooded men steps up and removes his hood revealing himself to be Gaya. After this, Dante erupts from the debris, shocked to see that Gaya is still alive.)

Dante: What's this? You're still alive?

Eden: You killed him?

Dante: Earlier today in a bar. He pissed me off.

Eden: Nice to know you still have your short temper.

Gaya: I'm afraid this is where I stop both of you. We can't have you getting too deep into something you cannot comprehend.

Dante: Eden.

Eden: What is it?

Dante: Go into the temple and find out what they are hiding here. I'll deal with him.

Eden: No. I won't let you have all the fun.

Gaya: If it's a fight you want, then a fight you will receive. Capture them!

(As the order is given, Dante quickly throws his sword through one of the hooded men, while Eden hops into the fray, combating them all. While Dante and Eden fight off Gaya's minions, Gaya just simply watches atop the stairs of the temple and summons more men.)

Dante: He's brought out more.

(As Dante says this, Eden stomps on the throat of a hooded man, killing him.)

Eden: What's the matter? Are you tired? By all means, leave them to me!

(Just as Eden says this, she charges towards the large flock of enemies ahead of her and begins to combat them. As Dante watches Eden as she fights, he starts to see that look of complete emptiness upon Eden's face.)

Dante: So I guess what she said was true. Eden has it as well.

(Gaya suddenly behind Dante and attacks, but Dante dodges it.)

Gaya: Impressive. Maybe the rumors are true about your skill.

Dante: If you knew better, it would be in your best interests to just give up. You don't stand a chance.

Gaya: Do you honestly think I don't stand a chance?

Dante: Against me? While I may toy around with you for my amusement, you will lose. However, against the both of us? (Eden appears behind Gaya) Your death may as well have been written in stone.

(As Dante says this, both he and Eden goes for a killing blow on Gaya, but he vanishes back atop the stairs of the temple.)

Dante: You know, for a person who I'm about to kill twice in the same day, I don't even know who you are.

Gaya: Oh, well how rude of me. My name is Gaya.

Dante: Well Gaya, am I free to assume that you're a part of this cult? What was it again?  The Order of Amatsu.

(Gaya laughs as Dante says this.)

Eden: What's so funny?

Gaya: The Order of Amatsu...Such a prejudice name. Was it your mother who came up with that name?

Eden: Do not speak of my mother.

Gaya: I mean, it is because of your mother that both of you are here in the first place, so it's only fitting that I should tell you that you both will die here tonight because of her.

Eden: The only thing that dying tonight is your pathetic cult.

Gaya: Then I guess we are at an impasse. See you down below.

(Gaya suddenly fades away.)