Fate/Ultimate Antagonist

[91] Sparta

June 15, 04:04 PM

On the fifteenth day of the sixth moon, after 126 years of Sparta's history, the afternoon sun gently kissed the coastline, casting a radiant and blissful glow.

Sitting tall and broad-shouldered in a chair woven from devil vines, a silver-haired youth gazed out at the azure sea before him.

Vergil, draped in a black coat, appeared somewhat lost in thought as he watched the waves crashing and dispersing gradually. Memories flooded his mind.

His elder brother, Kratos, had taught him and Dante the art of combat here, by this sea.

This vast expanse of ocean held too many memories for the three brothers.

Here they fought, here they played, and here they made vows to protect Sparta, to eradicate every devil, a childish wish now appearing laughable and naive.

The weapon racks, once holding spears and shields, had been abandoned for five years, lonely and forlorn on the beach, resembling crooked tombstones.

"...Kratos."

Vergil gripped the sleek black blade firmly in his hand.

At the thought of his brother's gentle smile, Vergil couldn't help but tighten his grip on the hilt.

Despite possessing the power to tear through Hell and Earth, what did it matter?

He felt inadequate, worthless, powerless.

Because he couldn't find his big brother.

Not far behind Vergil, a sturdy figure clad in a red leather coat, equally robust and silver-haired, strolled leisurely through the gentle sea breeze.

Scarred visage over his right eye, Dante gazed at the chair in the distance. Running a hand through his hair, he sighed, approaching the open beach ahead.

"Sorry, Vergil... Your days of tearing through Hell need to come to an end."

Facing Vergil's back, Dante approached slowly, cracking his neck with a preparatory snap.

"Your abilities are destabilizing the gates of hell..."

Dante raised his right hand, enunciating each word deliberately.

"So, hand over Yamato."

"If you want it, you'll have to take it yourself..."

Vergil replied softly.

With that, Vergil rose from the vine-woven chair, standing tall.

Turning to face Dante, a hint of a smirk appeared on Vergil's stern face.

"You know the rules, Dante."

"I knew you'd say that."

Dante shook his head lightly.

The devil heart embedded in his chest pounded like a drum.

With a gesture, a blazing, spine-like molten greatsword materialized in Dante's palm, emitting a scorching aura.

Revealing their weapons was a declaration in itself.

"Today, let's settle this once and for all."

A fight was inevitable.

A smile of anticipation graced Vergil's face.

"How many times have we fought, Dante?"

"I've lost count. But as long as we can't beat Kratos, we'll keep fighting here."

Dante grinned brightly.

"Before Father pulled us apart, I used to beat you to a pulp on the ground like a dog..."