Chapter Text
There was a lot of yelling. Banging coming from the door. How it was still intact made one wonder, but who would be knocking so harshly this late at night made the household curious yet concerned.
The family of four were just about to have dinner when it happened. A bunch of men in uniforms at the front of the house, without warning came barging in as the door opened, calling themselves Targent.
They came to take mother and father away, they said, creeping closer towards them.
“Stay away from them!”
The eldest son watched as his father tried his best to fend them off, shielding him from the intruders. His little brother jumped into his arms seeking his safety, all scared and in tears, while he himself took shelter in the arms of their mother, holding on to her boys for dear life.
It did not last however, for soon enough the two sons lost the embrace of their mother’s warmth, as they watched as their parents were dragged off into the night. Hearing their names being called out to them, before the door slammed shut, leaving them all alone. Never to see their mother and father ever again.
The fire was all consuming. The sound of his mother’s screams still lingered, calling for his older brother, as the younger of the twins suffocated. Not from the smoke but of his small confinement. Suppressing the urge to make any sound, in fear of alerting the monsters out to get him. Sobbing quietly to himself.
He couldn’t stand it, he hated it. So with as much courage he could muster, the half human peaked out through the blinds and darted out to chaos. Ignoring the glimpse of a familiar body, through the flames he left. But not before he grabbed hold of a certain sword, dragging it behind him along with everything else. Stumbling a bit but nevertheless looked back. Only to stop to find a pool of blood close to the house. The smell of it churned his stomach, putting two and two together.
No…
The young boy turned to hear screeches coming from the house.
It’s all my fault. He thought as he ran. It’s all my fault. Tears falling with every step. Running deep into the forest ahead blind. Running for dear life.
Dinner felt cold. The table feeling barren with just the two of them there. The youngest of the two was still in shock, while the eldest stared intensely at his meal. Not wanting the food to go to waste, he forked his spaghetti down, as if the food was able to hold back his tears with every in take he took. They cooked it together moments ago.
-
“Mum mum!” He ran into the kitchen. “You promised I’d help you cook today!” He pouted. “You started with me!”
“Hey don’t forget me!” Another voice followed. “I wanna help too!”
Both staring up, they were met with their mother’s smile shining brightly upon them.
“I didn’t forget you two. I was preparing the ingredients before we got started.” She brought them over to the counter, showing the display of what they needed for tonight’s dinner. “Theodore, you’re gonna help me with the pot and noodles. Hershel, I trust you to use the knife to cut the tomatoes.”
“Alright!”
“Ok mummy!”
She couldn’t help but smile more at their enthusiasm.
“Alright, let’s get to work! Daddy’s gonna be home soon.”
“Yeah!”
-
It was becoming hard to swallow every bite.
“Theodore, your food’s gonna get cold.” He said as if it already wasn’t. Watching as his little brother slowly picked up his fork. Tasting the last of their mother’s home cooked food.
He didn’t know how long he had been running for, but the night became darker as the young boy ran, exhausted. Wishing he had paid attention to his surroundings as to where he was going. But as long as he didn't hear any more howling in the distance, he was perfectly fine with collapsing right then and there. Resting against a tree side and bushes, hopefully out of view. Finally able to wipe his eyes despite his cheeks being perfectly dry. Clinging tightly onto the devil arm in his hand, feeling the sword’s energy surround him protectively.
He was safe, he thought, for now. For now, he was safe, and this was how it was gonna be from now on. On the run.
No food. No water. A roof under his head. No family. No mother. No father. No brother. Taken away from him. All gone in a blaze of horror and despair. All alone…
Reminding him of his mother’s last words to him.
-
“Come here!” His mother cried. Pulling him to safety. “You need to hide, Dante. No matter what happens, you mustn't leave!” Ushering him into the closet. “I need to find Vergil. I promise I'll be back. I know this is hard. You must listen to me. Be a big boy... A man, huh?” He remained quiet, listening to her every word. “If I don't return, you must run. By yourself, alone. You must change your name. Forget your past and start a new life as someone else... A new beginning." She then quickly closed the doors behind her. The last thing he heard was her screaming out “Vergil!” Before the flames or something else took her away for good.
-
It’s all my fault. Dante said to himself, rocking back in fourth. It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault. Repeating his little mantra over and over. Crying till he couldn’t stay awake anymore, cuddling the devil arm in his arms like his once dragon plush. It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault.
It was all just a bad dream.
It wasn’t just a bad dream.
Hershel gasped as he flung up, his breaths in a frenzy. He stared around for a few moments realizing where he was - in his and Theo’s room. Blankets and pillows around him shaped into a huge fort, as if to protect themselves in. He felt a tug on his arm, seeing his brother rub his beady eyes.
“Hershel…?”
“It’s alright Theo.” He reassured him. “I’m right here.” Tucking him in.
“I miss mummy and daddy.” He sniffled.
Hershel kissed him on the forehead. Holding him close, before shutting his eyes.
“Me too Theo. Me too…”
