The Return from Hell

The dark, chaotic landscape of the Demon World slowly receded as the portal sealed behind Dante and Hadrian. The air crackled with residual energy, the remnants of their brutal battle with Argosax. Both men were drained, but a sense of triumph lingered as they gazed at the closing rift, knowing they had achieved what Sparda himself had once set out to do.

The flickering demonic energy of the realm cast shadows across their faces as Dante holstered Ebony and Ivory. Hadrian, clutching Kanshou and Bakuya, let out a long, relieved breath, his exhaustion visible yet pride unmistakable.

"Not bad, kid," Dante smirked, clapping Hadrian on the shoulder. "Guess the blood of Sparda runs thick in you after all."

Hadrian grinned back, adjusting his grip on his twin swords. "Takes one to know one, Uncle."

With the portal now sealed, the oppressive weight of the Demon World began to lift, its dark tendrils receding, leaving behind a strange calm. As they stepped back into Vie de Marli, the shift from chaos to tranquility was jarring. The sunlight broke through the clouds, casting an ethereal glow over the island, as though welcoming them back to the human world.

They found Matier and Lucia waiting for them at the cliffside near the portal site. Lucia's face lit up with a mix of relief and admiration as she watched the two warriors emerge victorious. She ran up to them, her eyes flicking between them with a newfound respect.

"You did it… both of you," she said softly, her voice laced with awe.

Dante shrugged, playing off the magnitude of their victory with his usual nonchalance. "Piece of cake."

Matier stepped forward, her wise eyes studying them both. "You have honored Sparda's legacy in a way few could. His spirit lives on in you two… thank you."

Hadrian nodded humbly, but the weight of their victory and the trials they'd overcome remained heavy on his shoulders. "We just did what had to be done," he replied, his voice carrying a maturity beyond his years.

As they made their way back to Matier's village, Lucia seemed unusually quiet, lost in her thoughts. When they reached the heart of the village, she finally turned to Dante and Hadrian, her face reflecting a mixture of gratitude and sorrow.

"This… this place, this life—it's all I've ever known," she began, her gaze distant. "But seeing both of you, I've come to realize there's a world beyond Vie de Marli. A world I might want to explore someday."

Dante, ever the pragmatist, simply chuckled. "The world's a big place, Lucia. Plenty of demons to slay, sights to see. You'd fit right in."

Hadrian, sensing Lucia's hesitation, added, "You're not alone in this. Whether you decide to stay or leave, you have us."

Lucia's face softened, and she managed a smile. "Thank you. For everything."

Matier watched the exchange with a knowing look, her expression warm. "Remember, my daughter, that our bonds transcend place and time. You will always be a protector of this land, no matter where you go."

As Dante and Hadrian prepared to leave, Lucia handed Hadrian a small, ornate coin—identical to the one he carried. "Take this as a reminder," she said, her voice steady. "And come back someday."

Hadrian slipped the coin into his pocket with a wink. "I'll think about it."

They exchanged a nod, a silent promise lingering between them.

Back in Devil May Cry, the familiar neon sign flickered in the late evening light. The scent of leather, gun oil, and old wood filled the air as Dante and Hadrian stepped through the doors. The place was a comforting contrast to the chaotic, dark realms they had just left behind.

Trish and Lady looked up from the couch, smirks on their faces.

"About time you two showed up," Lady teased, tossing a towel at Hadrian. "You look like hell."

Trish grinned, crossing her arms. "So, save the world again?"

Dante dropped into his chair with a dramatic sigh. "All in a day's work, ladies. Now, how about a pizza to celebrate?"

Hadrian chuckled as he sat on the arm of the couch, finally feeling the weight of the battle fade as the familiar, chaotic warmth of Devil May Cry enveloped him.

As the crew laughed and recounted their latest adventure, Hadrian found himself gazing at the flickering light outside. The weight of what they had accomplished lingered in his mind—Argosax's defeat, the destruction of Arius, and the legacy he was now a part of. The realization hit him: he wasn't just another devil hunter. He was part of something larger, something that connected him to Sparda, to Dante, and to a lineage that carried the burden of protecting the world.

He felt a presence beside him, and Hedwig, in her fiery tattoo form, materialized on his shoulder, giving him a gentle nudge.

"You did well, kid," she murmured softly, her voice filled with pride.

Oryou, in her serpent form on his left arm, flickered with a warm light, hissing in approval. "And this is only the beginning, young master," she said in his mind, her tone both reassuring and filled with excitement for what lay ahead.

Hadrian nodded to himself, a small smile tugging at his lips. The journey wasn't over—far from it. But with his newfound family by his side, he was ready for whatever came next.

As the laughter continued and the neon sign outside glowed brighter, a quiet sense of peace filled the Devil May Cry shop. The battle was won, but the adventure had only just begun.