DMC4: The-Devil's Arm

The Ninth Circle

Nero ground to a halt, finding himself in the open air of the outdoors. He had to be nearing the back of headquarters; already, he was far into the restricted zone. What he saw now was something he'd never dream of in a million years.

A great, circular hall rose into the sky in a column. Endless cloisters spanned up at regular intervals. Everywhere he looked was gray stone, built in elegant arches and columns, like an ancient Greek temple.

In the center of the cylinder was what appeared to be a statue made from gleaming white stone, though Nero could hardly fathom the size. It stood on two legs, with feet far larger than buses. A large, ocean blue gem was set into the shin, about halfway between the knee and foot. Nero couldn't even see the rest of the titan.

What the hell is this thing?

The Order wouldn't secretly build a massive statue for private worship. No, there had to be some other reason. From what he'd learned, it couldn't be anything good. He was nearing the end of his search of headquarters. Kyrie had to be somewhere close.

Nero took off, looking for a way up. On the way, he spied more of the statue's body. It was indeed in the shape of a human being. He found some stairs that led to the next cloister. He saw it's legs, thick and muscular, without a single blemish in the stone. Further up still, he saw its gut and hands. Another set of gems were on the top of its wrists.

Running up another set of stairs, he felt a presence. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he felt the presence of a demon, but not like the ones he'd felt before. It was weak, but at the same time, it was big, like a growing storm. It felt like it was radiating from the statue.

I don't like this...

Up onto another cloister. The statue was widening out, forming the broad shoulders of a man with a muscular chest. In the center of its breast was yet another gem, this one the largest so far. Nero was still a few cloisters from the top. He could make out the statue's head, but not its features.

Finally, he reached the top, stopping cold as he saw the last of the statue. He stood just level with the sternum.

Sparda.

It was the spitting image of the statue in the cathedral, the one that Nero and Dante almost leveled in their brawl. It looked almost entirely human, had it not been for two great horns that curved downward, and a broken halo embedded in its skull. On the forehead was another blue gem. Nero could only gape at the monstrosity, wondering how the Order could design something so ludicrous.

"What the-?"

"Is it not beautiful?"

Nero snapped Blue Rose up, aiming at the tiny figure suddenly standing on the head of the statue. It was the old man. He was still wearing his robes from the sermon, including the tall episcopal mitre on his head. A powerful gold aura burned from his body, making the air around him shimmer.

"I think we've got a difference of opinion on that one," Nero said tightly. He kept his gun up, though Sanctus was too far away for a clean shot.

The old man shook his head. "How unfortunate." He beckoned with his hand, and the gem on the giant's forehead wavered, then glowed. Nero squinted, trying to see through the light. A figure was emerging. His eyes widened when he recognized her, lowering his gun slightly.

"Kyrie..."

She stuck halfway in and out of the gem, awake, but her eyes were wandering, bordering on unconsciousness. Nero didn't have any idea what powers were upon her, or if she was even okay. Seeing her in such a state made his blood run cold.