𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐊𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐌

[legendaiire]

While I’ll make a legitimate pinned post eventually, this is an independent, private, and selective dash-only portrayal of Sparda from the Devil May Cry series, based heavily on my own interpretations of the game and personal lore. All of his pages can be found here!

[legendaiire]

     I’ll probably explain this more thoroughly in a later meta post, but demons did not have their own widespread concepts of gender until they began interacting extensively with the human world. 

     While it’s true that some demons still exhibit forms of sexual dimorphism, this is largely perceived by demonkind as the remnant of 'archaic’ sexual reproduction methods that demon society at large no longer participates in—a practice that was fading into irrelevancy for a long time, but finally ‘ended’ with Mundus’s reign, as most demons now are created and evolve by preying on other creatures in a process that allows demonic power to manifest in more varied and violent forms. 

     To put it simply, demons in the ‘now’, and for the last roughly twenty thousand years, have embraced the notion of reflecting their power and station within demon society with their appearance, which is one of the main reasons that weak lesser demons are most often small and relatively unimpressive, but powerful demons present larger and more varied forms. While this is also tangentially related to a demon needing to possess the skill and amount of demonic energy required to maintain an appearance that varies from what would be considered their true form, it went from being a particularly pervasive social stigma against appearing more threatening or powerful than you really were, to being disallowed almost entirely under Mundus’s reign, as it would quell independence and the threat of division in his many massive armies. There were exceptions made for this of course (Sparda being a notable example, as one of Mundus’s most prominent generals) but for most, even for the small number of demons who weren’t conscripted into actual fighting forces, such individualism was forbidden.

     All of this to say, a great deal of attention is put on aesthetics and physical appearance by demons, and in the present day a lot of demons do choose something akin to a gender identity that they believe best reflects their chosen aesthetics (especially those that live in the human world or otherwise interact a lot with humans) but given the history of demons as a whole, the idea of demons possessing any labels beyond a basic biological “sex” that didn’t mean much to begin with is a very new concept, so much so that many demonic languages still don’t possess many, if any, gendered words.

[legendaiire]

Friendly reminder that Sparda would definitely have been around to not only witness but participate in jousting.

[legendaiire]

SYNTHONS​

          “  𝗜 𝗗𝗢𝗡'𝗧 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪.  𝗠𝗔𝗬𝗕𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗔  good day.  ”  to be honest,  he himself was just as surprised at the overall lack of an emotional outburst.  maybe it’s because he’s so surged up with demon essence and doesn’t want to explode.  maybe he’s so lagged behind on feeling the motions that nothing,  if anything,  slips out from the cracks of his mental state.  all that’s left is loathing for a past unrectified.  raiden looks at his now-empty hands,  palms facing upwards,  and flexes the digits a bit slower (  he wasn’t overall angry at sparda’s disappearance,  but moreso at the people who made him this way in the first place  ).  sparda said he would have cut them down himself had he been there,  and raiden has no other reason but to agree.  with the patriots gone,  there was no way to enact the revenge he so desired.

     …  perhaps when he’s alone,  that might change.  maybe he’s simply too afraid to let sparda see the remains of that broken child resurface.

     “  yeah,  i get that a lot.  the whole ‘ mistaking me for some big scary demon lord ’ when that’s not even the half of it.  ”  a small,  self-deprecating laugh escapes then.  at this point he was hardly any different from one when he was designed to be the ‘ perfect hybrid ’,  whatever that may be.  he’s no cambion like dante or vergil,  yet he may be the closest thing to an artificial one mankind could ever hope to achieve.  the cyborg glances back to sparda as well,  and he takes in the smile.  it feels welcoming.  almost.

     “  no,  you're…  you’re good.  i think you crippled the rest of the horde,  but one can never be so sure.  when we’re done here,  i need to go back for a second sweep and make sure no stragglers survive.  preferably soon.  ”  which was code for now (  though he was being rather polite about it  ).  “  if i don’t expend this surplus of demonic energy soon,  it might consume me.  who knows.  they never quite fleshed out the conservation and conversion bits,  and i’m not about to find out if hoarding it comes with any consequences.  ”

     “NO, PLEASE. Do not let me keep you further. I’ve interrupted your schedule enough as it is.” Hands clasped in front of him, Sparda gave the slightest incline of his head, “There will be enough time later—and though I understand I’ve spoken a similar sentiment in the past... I will do all in my power to guarantee it, if that’s what you wish.” A note of sorrow morphed Sparda’s expression then, perhaps a bittersweet farewell after having only just reunited... but of course, he couldn’t simply keep the boy there forever. He had little doubt there would always be that part of himself that sought to compensate for his mistakes, and not merely those committed against Raiden, but it was not Sparda’s choice to make.

     “HM. I wonder...” Turning away again, Sparda took a moment to consider, eyes wandering across the wall as he lost himself in thought before the memory seemed to finally come to him. 

     “IN OLD TIMES, when my influence spanned the globe, my human allies were often in need of a manner by which they could communicate with me, or at the very least summon me when I was needed.” Once the dark knight turned again to show his face to Raiden, his eyes were drawn to his palm, cradling within it a small but building assemblage of demonic energy. “It is entirely possible to call upon demons without the need of a material sacrifice or even a pact, though such methods do still require a medium capable of directing the call to its intended recipient—which, is to say...”

     Sparda extended a hand to Raiden, holding in its center a small, shining stud: a mass of crystallized demonic energy, a void of complete blackness rimmed with a deep, glowing purple. “If you would like... you may use it to call upon me, when or where ever I may be of use.”

[legendaiire]

Never let it be said that Sparda didn’t have friends. There are hundreds of devil arms in his archives whispering their nonsense to him day in and day out, after all.

[legendaiire]

I’m debating on whether it would apply as much anymore, after spending so long around humans, but when Sparda first began living among humans disguised as one, you couldn’t be blamed for mistaking him for an actual, honest-to-god marble statue. His appearance was rushed given everything going on in the human world at the time, and so he hadn’t yet come to terms with the idea of the ‘imperfect’ appearances of humans, even if those imperfections were subtle—and it didn’t help that so much of him was the “same” color, white hair, white eyes, incredibly pale skin, not even bothering to imitate blushing or skin flushing.

[legendaiire]

To add on to this (because of course I forgot to elaborate on it) the twins actually did help Sparda form a more natural appearance, since he was able to see how his genetics would actually interact with normal human forms. Most notably... no longer being as pale as a sheet.

[legendaiire]

I’m debating on whether it would apply as much anymore, after spending so long around humans, but when Sparda first began living among humans disguised as one, you couldn’t be blamed for mistaking him for an actual, honest-to-god marble statue. His appearance was rushed given everything going on in the human world at the time, and so he hadn’t yet come to terms with the idea of the ‘imperfect’ appearances of humans, even if those imperfections were subtle—and it didn’t help that so much of him was the “same” color, white hair, white eyes, incredibly pale skin, not even bothering to imitate blushing or skin flushing.

[legendaiire]

👀👀👀

[legendaiire]

the batman :: @synthons​ :  " you’re not my father. " haha oh nooooo

     “I AM VERY aware of what I am and am not to you, Raiden.” He hadn’t anticipated their reunion to be devoid of issues or strife; Sparda’s tone, though weary, was not surprised. “I haven’t been a father to my own children, much less to anyone else.”

     “BUT THERE IS much and more about demons, about our world, that you’ve yet to experience for yourself, much less to truly understand. I would prefer to annoy you into staying alive rather than holding my tongue, and risk leaving something important unsaid.” The burnt-out remains of the home still largely stood, though the dark knight had cleared much of the ruined furniture and miscellaneous debris from the living room, even appeared to have discarded some of it; the wind stirred up ash and dust as it traipsed through the gaps in the walls and roof, though Sparda paid this little mind as he worked. 

     “DEMONS ARE NOT merely the mindless monsters you have faced thus far—no doubt many have all but lost their minds in the wake of the... incident. But I have little doubt that the usual order of things will soon return, that higher demons will return to their nests and hunting grounds. You must be prepared for beings whose lives are shaped by deception, instinct, true intelligence.”

[legendaiire]

random dialogue :: @bloodawakening​ :  "don't treat me like a child."

     “I APOLOGIZE,” Sparda answered without delay, punctuating his statement with a wide swing of a spectral scythe, earnest yet still amused. “It was not my intent.”

     It wasn’t an excuse he could rely on for much longer, but could it helped that a father might dote upon his own spawn? Especially after such a long absence... still, in spite of his young age, Dante was more than holding his own against this veritable little horde of assailants. The Rebellion sang in his grasp, two entirely different frequencies of power that yet hummed in warm harmony with one another...

     SPARDA TOOK THE admiration welling within his chest, and channeled it instead into a precision thrust of the self-named blade. 

          “THOUGH THIS IS the first that I’ve been fortunate enough to fight alongside you, I understand you have much and more in the way of experience beyond my knowing, Dante. I will let your skill speak for itself, without my interjections.”

[legendaiire]

Also, like this to get a Sparda in your inbox (probably around a couple sentences, maybe a small para at most.)

[moosings-deactivated20231019]

#THE BATMAN  :  (   some triggering content may be present !     change pronouns to suit.     )

i don’t care what happens to me.

a new friend of yours?

don’t worry, honey.

who are you under there?

all it takes is fear and a little focused violence.

i wouldn’t be bothering you here, but your people keep telling me you’re unavailable.

don’t throw your life away.

things will get worse before it gets better.

you’re not my father.

i’m not so sure.

are you just hideously scarred?

no guns.

it can be cruel, poetic or blind.

hey guys, thanks for all the comments and tips on detonators.

your family has a history of philanthropy but as far as i can tell you’re not doing anything.

oh you’re really not as smart as i thought you were.

i’m well aware.

all you had was me.

if we don’t stand up to him, no one will.

i’m vengeance.

from your secret friend.

i thought i’d mastered all that.

gotham needs you to answer for the sins of your father.

get out of here or that suit’s gonna be full of blood.

i can take care of myself.

let’s get into some trouble.

yeah, man, that’s your thing

all these years, you lied to me.

the answer’s justice.

if this continues it won’t be long before you have nothing left.

fear is a tool.

the killer left this for you.

you came!

you have a lot of cats.

we all have our scars.

how am i part of this?

people need hope.

what have you done?!

mine or yours?

if you are justice, please do not lie.

i have a thing about strays.

bastard murders you and your reputation.

why is he writing to you?

i never thought i’d feel fear like that again.

who am i kidding, you’re already spoken for.

maybe we’re not so different.

i’ve been trying to reach you.

why don’t you come with me?

the riddler is asking for you.

when that light hits the sky, it’s not just a call, it’s a warning for them.

who are you hiding?

what the hell is this?

it has a nice ring.

you’ll see.

i’m just here to unmask the truth about this cesspool we call a city.

i don’t think that rat likes you.

vengeance won’t change the past.

you are a part of this too.

you know, you really could be doing more for this city.

you needed a father.

let’s play a game.

just me and you.

get into some trouble?

he moonlights as a cop.

what’s black and blue and dead all over?

you could have at least pulled that punch, man.

maybe this is all coming to an end.

it’s only gonna get worse for you.

what is the price for your blind eye?

oh you’re everything they say you are, aren’t ‘cha? we both are.

[legendaiire]

Today... is feeling like a dad kind of day, so I think I’ll try to be here today :>

[toadmemes]

* 400 RANDOM DIALOGUE PROMPTS (READ MORE) ,

"i never noticed your eyes were this pretty."

"i'll stay in tonight, thanks."

"i can't even trust myself anymore."

"anything to eat around here?"

"i hope to repay your kindness someday."

"you're a terrible flirt you know."

"the only time you talk to me is when you need something."

"how did you find me?"

"how can i possibly trust you? after all you've done."

"i take orders from your father, not you."

"you're not a very convincing liar."

"i thought i'd never see you again."

"why can't i come with you?"

"it was my fault. it was all my fault."

"all this anger and hate, it's not good for you."

"this is the part where you apologize."

"is being drunk an excuse?"

"let me out of here! let me go!"

"aren't we in a good mood today?"

"i was making sure you weren't dead, since you never called."

"there's nothing left for me here."

"i know i lied to you. you can hate me and it's all right."

"i've been waiting for you for a long time."

"what happened? i heard a crash."

"was it you? did you do all this?"

"don't come any closer!"

"looking for something?"

"you're too scared to do it, aren't you?"

"i thought you'd like this."

"you came back!"

"i like seeing you smile."

"i must warn you, i won't go easy on you this time."

"it's better to expect disappointment."

"sorry to put you through that. i guess i owe you one now."

"no way, i'm not doing that."

"it's you! you came for me."

"could you be happy here with me?"

"let me buy you another drink."

"why should i trust you?"

"he's only mostly dead."

"knowledge is power."

"i screwed up. i know."

"we're going to have to stay here tonight."

"help me choose something to wear?"

"i do care."

"i'm sorry, i'm not what you think i am."

"how many more people need to die before you're satisfied?"

"you scared me."

"just try to hang on."

"i risked my life for you!"

"two years later and you haven't changed."

"we're not so different after all."

"i need you to trust me."

"why are you being so stubborn?"

"you don't scare me."

"i'm scared of what you're becoming."

"you look like you just saw a ghost."

"that's quite a scratch you've got there."

"i've always hated it."

"this is the part where you leave."

"don't treat me like a child."

"you were talking in your sleep."

"what are you doing out here by yourself?"

"wait. i've heard that sound before."

"would it be alright if i borrowed this?"

"i think i have a bit more experience with this thing than you do."

"it's not stealing if it was mine to begin with."

"it's nothing personal."

"you were going to leave without saying goodbye?"

"i'll still be here when you wake up."

"don't you fucking dare!"

"you're lucky you're cute."

"it's too dark, i can't see anything."

"i swear it wasn't me."

"that is not an appropriate question to ask a lady you've just met."

"i've got your back, okay?"

"how long have i been asleep?"

"just who do you think you are?"

"i think i might've broken something..."

"i wish you'd take better care of yourself."

"is this what you wanted?"

"what do you want in exchange for it?"

"did you miss me?"

"i'm trying my best and it's not good enough."

"it's not safe for people to see us together."

"don't lie to me."

"i see a lot of myself in you."

"take a seat, we're gonna be here a while."

"i won't hate you. i know you think that's what you deserve but it's not."

"who do you fight for?"

"it's rare to see your kind around here."

"walk with me?"

"i know you better than you think."

"why did you bring me here?"

"what did you want to tell me?"

"you don't even know my name."

"it's nothing, i'm just tired."

"of course i care. you're my family."

"i didn't tell you because i was afraid... of losing you."

"where is my candy, you son of a bitch?"

"you want me to punch him in the face?"

"please... say something."

"who the hell invited you?"

"we need to be careful."

"i just wanted to say i'm sorry."

"we're locked in!"

"don't be naked. i'm coming in."

"do you ever get afraid?"

"you wouldn't understand."

"promise you'll say something if you need help?"

"where have you been?"

"there was blood everywhere."

"i just need to step away for a bit, get some fresh air."

"we're safe, aren't we?"

"how about a little midnight snack?"

"how many people have you killed? how many?"

"whatever you're going to ask, the answer is no."

"you look... amazing."

"this isn't just about you. it's about what's best for all of us."

"you owe me a dinner. a very nice dinner."

"in about a minute, you'll be sorry you didn't listen to me."

"i wish we never met."

"you're late."

"we all have secrets, don't we?"

"i know i have a right to be angry, but i don't want to be."

"i see you don't recognize me. well, it was a long time ago."

"you showing up here must be fate."

"some risks are worth taking."

"you've been so quiet. what's on your mind?"

"you must be lonesome over here by yourself."

"you're very kind. some day it'll get you killed."

"this seems... dangerous."

"snap out of it!"

"have you been following me?"

"you can't or you won't?"

"how long have you been standing there?"

"i'm sorry i didn't come sooner."

"we can't keep going on like this."

"i don't need your help."

"i think i'm getting sick."

"i know who you are. i know what you've done."

"please tell me you have a plan."

"i just wanted to see you smile again."

"can i ask... what happened?"

"tell me it's not true. please."

"would you run away with me?"

"don't look at me like that."

"wow, look who remembered my existence."

"why are you really here?"

"have a drink with me."

"life is about more than just surviving."

"treat me like the princess that i am!"

"it's a gift. i had it made for you."

"thank me after we get out of this alive."

"you're not human, are you?"

"are you kidding me? we're not 'fine'!"

"they're better off without me. but i guess that's their choice."

"are you lost too?"

"come on. it can't be that bad."

"i don't like this. it feels... wrong."

"will you stay with me? just for tonight."

"can i help you?"

"you don't need to protect me."

"you can't leave me here alone!"

"you can stay with me."

"quick, this way. before they see you."

"i think the power is out."

"did you ever care about me?"

"did you hear that? it sounded like a scream."

"being strong doesn't mean never asking for help or admitting you're in pain."

"i'm here to drink alone."

"i did warn you not to trust me."

"you could've just used the door."

"you know, i really hoped i'd never see this place again."

"nobody tells me what to do."

"why can't you tell me what's wrong?"

"i'm really not one for crowds."

"don't be so dramatic."

"something's coming."

"i just wanted to do something good for once."

"you don't have to shout at me!"

"forget about me. just save them."

"it's fine. nothing i haven't dealt with before."

"i guess it runs in the family, huh?"

"this isn't our fight. it's my fight."

"do you ever stop being so serious and dull?"

"i heard you were dead."

"i'm going to get you out of here."

"that's a terrible story."

"here, take this. you'll catch a cold."

"you slept with her, didn't you?"

"i had my suspicions, but until now i wasn't sure."

"evacuate the civilians, i'll buy you some time!"

"he was unconscious when i found him."

"you don't have to hold my hand."

"i'm not leaving you."

"you're not getting away this time."

"you're clearly not okay so stop bullshitting me."

"i would give my life to keep you safe."

"do you want me to go?"

"trust me, these people are not your friends."

"i guess it's my turn to thank you."

"i bought two. here."

"i need to go. i can't be here."

"it's four in the morning. what are you doing?"

"do you ever stop talking?"

"it's not going to be easy, you know."

"well, how do i look?"

"are you threatening me?"

"you can never admit when you're wrong!"

"may i have this dance?"

"he knows more than what he's telling us. much more."

"we can't fix this. can we?"

"count me out."

"i don't know. shut up. i'm not blushing."

"let go of me! i have to help them!"

"i won't let anyone hurt you."

"do you ever hear yourself?"

"i've never had any sort of family before."

"you look better in my clothes than i do."

"i'm still learning."

"oh, i get it. you're trying to weasel your way out of having to practice."

"death is a part of life. i accepted that a long time ago."

"you see everyone so clearly except yourself."

"is this seat taken? sorry, it's a bit crowded here."

"what are you smiling at?"

"we're in completely different leagues."

"what if i never see you again?"

"we should get a pet."

"don't touch me. get away from me."

"i want to be there when you get what's coming to you."

"i'll believe it when i see it."

"you're lucky that i found you when i did."

"you're not dating anyone, are you?"

"you're not alone. i'm here."

"i never want to see you again."

"we can just sit here, you don't have to talk."

"i could show you the way."

"do i frighten you?"

"i didn't realize you were in so much pain."

"well, this is where i live."

"i'll be here. when you're ready to talk."

"you refuse to tell me where you're going?"

"i've seen you before, walking by."

"was that a friend of yours?"

"i'll make you bleed."

"wait. did you hear that?"

"i'm not even going to pretend to understand what you're talking about."

"i made a mistake."

"why don't you just kill me?"

"it's a lullaby. would you like me to sing it to you? would that help you fall asleep?"

"i already made my decision, you're not going to change that."

"i thought you... i saw you get shot."

"take me with you."

"you look awful. what happened?"

"you knew and you didn't tell me?"

"you shouldn't insult people that are bigger than you."

"how about you let me show you around?"

"i'm just saying, murder is an option."

"what's that smug look for? you think you can do any better?"

"for some reason, i'm attracted to you."

"you defeated it? alone?"

"i didn't want you to see me like this."

"don't go. please."

"how do i know you're real?"

"rough day today?"

"seriously, what is that thing over there?!"

"i'm not sober enough to talk about this."

"you should've thought about that before you got into a fight."

"you like this, don't you? i remember you saying that."

"what now? i'm tired."

"it won't be easy, that's for sure."

"watch what you say. the trees have ears."

"can you forgive me?"

"just let me do this for you."

"why were they coming after you?"

"why are you talking like we'll never see each other again?"

"why did you help me?"

"would you like something for the pain?"

"why did you come?"

"you snore in your sleep. it's adorable."

"i'm glad i could share this with you."

"just admit it. we're lost."

"well, don't stand there in the rain. come on."

"i really thought you were gone this time."

"if you tell me yours, i'll tell you mine."

"are you... smelling me?"

"i have a spare bed."

"your plan's gonna get us all killed, and you know it."

"find someone else to listen to your problems."

"i promise i'll never hurt you again."

"where do you think you're going?"

"it appears my trusting nature got the better of me. it's happened before."

"how did you get this scar?"

"you stepped on my foot!"

"i'm not sorry."

"i don't know how you do this every day..."

"what did you wish for?"

"there's no turning back now."

"see? i'm not just a pretty face."

"i'm on your side."

"do you remember anything? at all?"

"you don't know who i am, do you?"

"please don't do this, don't act like you care."

"i just want to take it all back."

"am i not good enough?"

"i won't let them hurt you."

"i'm fine, let me see your arm."

"why can't you let me in? what are you so afraid of?"

"this is wrong."

"none of this would’ve happened if you had just listened to me!"

"don't run away from this."

"you wanna know what your problem is?"

"so why's it so important anyway?"

"i'm not here to talk about my feelings."

"close your eyes and hold out your hands."

"seems like i'm always saving your ass."

"let me help with that."

"you know you aren't allowed in here, right?"

"don't shut me out. please."

"fine. i'll help you but you have to help me."

"i don't need you to understand, i just need you to help me."

"i have to do this alone."

"i'm not talking to you when you're like this."

"i don't need you anymore."

"why did you wake me?"

"how many times have i told you? you can't visit me here."

"jealous? i'm not jealous!"

"this place is cursed... i can feel it."

"you need to stay still."

"i've been to many strange places... but this is a new one."

"dangerous to be out so late."

"don't make me go by myself."

"i can't leave you alone for one minute, can i?"

"we're wasting time."

"you... don't like me very much, do you?"

"i would never lie to you."

"give me one good reason why i should believe you."

"i'm not sure what i'm supposed to feel."

"you're about as intimidating as a butterfly."

"no more lies, no more secrets."

"do you wanna get out of here?"

"what did they do to you?"

"i don't go away if you ignore me."

"you don't know when to give up, do you?"

"i can't help you unless you talk to me."

"what was that for?"

"you can't just come into my life and go right out of it. i won't let you."

"think of it as a compliment."

"did you want to be alone?"

"who did you piss off this time?"

"you'll be no help to anyone if you run yourself into the ground."

"stop trying to figure everything out. just focus on now."

"are you saying you care about me?"

"i did what i had to do."

"what? no witty remark? nothing clever to say?"

"i don't think we're supposed to be in here."

"they have us surrounded!"

"i've come for you."

"promise me?"

"why are you looking at me like that?"

"you'll always have a home with me."

"i never meant to hurt you."

"i believe you."

"let me see that."

"you can relax. we're safe here."

"you have to go somewhere safe."

"we've been through a lot. i think we should just lay low and take it easy."

"when was the last time you ate something?"

"we have to leave, now!"

"i need your help... and you need mine."

"i wasn't flirting, i was being friendly."

"change isn't easy."

"there has to be another way."

"i don't care what they say about me."

"you've lost a lot of blood."

"you don't give a shit about me."

"you want me? here i am."

"i never wanted to hurt you."

"it's very rude to stare."

"i don't often get the chance to talk to someone like you."

"if you have something to say, spit it out."

"when was the last time you slept?"

"i can't do this without you."

"you're such a fucking coward."

"i'm not drunk enough for this."

"i hope you haven't been standing out in the cold this whole time."

"i wish i could hate you."

"why are you still here?"

"you're hot when you're angry."

"are you going to kill me?"

"i don't have a plan, but we'll figure it out."

"we can stop them. i can help you."

"i don't feel so good."

"promise me you won't overreact."

"is... that my shirt you're wearing?"

"you look like you need a hug."

"what do these symbols mean?"

"you can't decide what's best for someone else."

"i guess i should've told you."

[legendaiire]

POWERSEEKING

                 at the turn of a heel,  as the other came more into view,  eyes  widened.  and for a split moment eyes glaze over with a memory long buried  ;  a boy who choked back tears,  as his brother  cried out  asking when their father would return but their mother could not say anything as she cooed gently and stroked the boy’s head to reassure him,  the other blinking back tears before excusing himself.  retreating to his own space,  sobbing quitely under the blankets he had hidden underneath for his seemingly long-gone father.  all their mother’s attention on his younger brother and one herself who was hurting  ;  he  had  to be strong as the eldest now that they had lost their father.

                                        I have to stay strong  —  

                thoughts  snap  him from that momentary distraction,  scrunching his eyes up in a twisted flurry of anger.  a child that would have happily welcomed his father’s return long gone.  ( but ached beneath an icy barrier )

                this has to be a trick,  his mind spoke,  but the other’s voice and demeanour ( although stiff ),  spoke otherwise,  befitting of the last image he had seen of his father.  knuckles pinched white with a tightened grip around yamato.  a blue flame  bursting  and blaring from his eyes.  the weakness of emotions betraying him,  though the devil would persuade himself otherwise.

               ❛     it  matters  nought.  perhaps,  it  would  have  been  wise  to  stay  as  the  legend  you’re,  father.    —      ❜       clenching his jaw his words are shallow.  he was nothing but a legend now,  a legend that his sons  ( he, himself )  would lift the mantel too,  by  surpassing  him.  for a man to return to a world that seemingly had no more use to him,  how foolish he believes.  but hearing his father call his name,  a part of him can’t  deny  he didn’t wish to hear that  acknowledgement  again  ;  but maybe in different circumstances.       ❛    indeed.  it  having  been  the  only  thing  that  proved  of  use  to  me,  accepting  me  on  that  faithful  day.     ❜       pride reflects off his words that hit deep  ;  a reminder of where his father had failed.  as eyes trail down to the blade,  holding it up as it glowed  ;  an unfamiliarity that he knew his father would notice.  but taking note of it,  vergil eased the wave of anger that washed over him ; he would  not  allow a chance for the current-infused power to overturn yamato and teleport him away from this meeting.

              ❛      even  at  the  cost  of  you  defiling  our  blood,  i  have  proven  myself  in  many  merits   —   i  have  risen  so  that  i  can  reclaim  what  was  halved.     ❜       his free hand snaked up over his own chest,  where his amulet currently laid hidden  ;  along with his brothers too.        ❛     I  am  worthy  of  that,  too.       ❜      for a trained ear it would become evident what he sought out for  ;  force edge,  the very item sealed in hell.       ❛     daddy’s  blessing  would  just  be  an  extra.       ❜      his lips curl  ;  despite all his anger,  and not initially seeking it,  he can’t help but humour the thought that between him and dante,  he  would  be the one receiving the honour of hearing such things from their father.  that as the eldest,  he was  proving  himself.

     SPARDA’S SILENCE GREW long and unhurried, though his gaze was no less scrutinizing, colorless eyes flickering, the subtle curl of his lips growing stiff, almost forced. Vergil... was ever severe beyond his years, but the dark knight would never have called his son cold in his childhood, quite the opposite. Eva oft remarked that both he and his eldest son were as the surface of water, unchanging above despite activity and change hidden beneath, yet prone to... overreaction, when disturbed. 

     IT HAD BEEN a horrifically idealistic belief—perhaps a horribly erroneous assumption, on Sparda’s part. 

     “WHAT DO YOU intend to do with it?” he asked quietly. He spoke nothing of Vergil’s claims of contamination: his own history was proof enough as to what Sparda believed of his children’s human heritage, though he bristled only slightly at such an insult. Vergil was, in spite of it all, clearly still a child, and at the mercy of his own emotions, besides. Sparda could not blame him, nor judge him, but he committed it to memory, every undertone, every ounce of anger and hatred.

     “IS THE TEMEN-NI-GRU what you consider to be ‘proving yourself’?” A child, yes, but one who had committed wrongs—of course Sparda would know. Anger had flared within him the moment he felt the seals begin to collapse, replaced only with chagrin once the cause had come to light; even if reconstructing the occlusions would likely prove little more than a mild expenditure of effort, the mere notion that one of his own children... but, still. No matter what he felt, Vergil was his son; heavy words were all he could yet muster against him, in spite of the myriad feelings battling within his heart. “My power remains yet undisturbed, and here you stand... to what end?”

     IT WAS NOT entirely true, not of this time. But neither the Force Edge nor the Sparda hidden within it were there, not with Vergil... not with this Vergil. The demon had heard of the rumors from his human companions, mutterings of a bountiful power his youngest son had claimed in Redgrave City... for all of Vergil’s talk of power and worth, paired with what little of his future he’d gleaned from his human informants, Sparda was left to wonder. “It is true that the Yamato was crafted for your explicit taking, yes. The Force Edge... not so. Do not presume the tomes of strangers and ancient twisted rumors to know me, son—mine is not a power that merely yields to the strongest, nor to just any one person who makes to claim it. Yet you seem thoroughly convinced it will bend to your whim. For what reason?”

[hapless-hollow]

I can see - In the dark. On through the shadows and somber veils. Past the masks - The grays and blacks. I see into souls… The yawning pith of your starless whole. Aspirations of your being. Things you carefully keep hidden - Are never hidden from me long…

tumblr  -  Helaena C Moon  /  instagram  -  helaena.c.moon

Scorpio

(via hapless-hollow)

[legendaiire]

SYNTHONS​

          𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗔 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞,  𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘'𝗦 𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝘾𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙆  as raiden’s index claw taps against the surface.  it’s anxious in manner:  he can’t help but feel restless.  those halcyon days of being experimented on,  tortured,  used…  all for the selfish progression of mankind.  it’s all blurred together in his mind.  “  i know.  i wouldn’t really know where to start myself.  ”  his voice grits,  as does his jaw.  the lower half practically grinds over his teeth.  before the cyborg even has a chance to THINK it over he downs the entire drink in one go,  the aftertaste burning the back of his throat just barely,  suppressed by the inhibitors. 

     the sorrow circles back to a familiar rage the more he silently dwells on it,  and without even noticing there’s a ‘ crack ’ that sounds as the glass begins to shatter.  he wasn’t even trying — yet given his ridiculous output of strength,  breaking glass was about as easy as breathing.  raiden looks down and lets out a sigh,  reopening his palm to look at the crushed fragments.  realizing his emotions were a touch out of hand,  the shoulders slump in some form of defeat.

     “  …  for now your company’s enough,  i think.  it’s nice to see a familiar face in all of this.  ”  certainly a hair more relaxing than having to deal with a horde of demons,  except raiden can’t deny the baseless violence is more of a comfort than not.  he turns to face sparda completely this time,  holding his hand out a bit sheepishly (  it seems like all he’s good for is breaking things nowadays  ).  “  i'm…  glad the feeling is mutual,  at least – though i don’t know if i can forgive you yet.  i mean,  this is still a lot to take in for me.  how’d you even find me anyway?  ”

     NO COMMENT COMES from Sparda regarding the broken glass, though the small smile that curls his lips is plainly nostalgic, almost... he stands and retrieves the glass in his palm, throwing it away with all the casualness of a father who’s dealt with his fair share of broken China and damaged antiques. “I know better than to ask for forgiveness now—your understanding is more than enough, and you’ve been quite gracious, listening to me thus far as you have. If I can be completely honest, even that was more than I could have anticipated.”

     A THOUGHT APPEARED to occur to Sparda then, and instead of returning to his seat, he moved around it, approaching a console table against the wall; a candle resting upon it flickered to life, revealing a wall covered floor to ceiling with arms of various types and origins, demonic and human... he moved to the holsters above his sides and slipped his pistols free, gently setting Luce and Ombra aside. “Truthfully? Entirely by accident.” The demon slipped the monocle from his eye, fetching a cloth from his back pocket and wiping it clean. “While it is true my main objective has been locating my sons, I’ve still done what I can to help tide demonic disturbances I come across... now, in hindsight, the sheer amount of demonic energy there was likely in part your doing, though at the time, I assumed it was the work of an elder demon. One who’d managed to hide its nest from hunters until then, I suppose I thought.”

     SPARDA RESEATED THE glass over his eye and glanced at Raiden, offering a sheepish smile. He’d always been one for meticulous planning—it seemed that his unexpected detour to the nest earlier had been the first along a line of happenings that knocked the progenitor off-kilter. “I apologize if I was intruding upon a job of yours. I’ve no doubt the nest itself was taken care of, but all the same...”