Chapter 03 – Dante
Every morning, Dai was forced out of bed and dragged to school in the quiet village of Bergamo. Yami insisted he attend, no matter how bruised or battered he felt from training. The village had no idea what lurked outside its borders—no demons, no supernatural battles. Just books, teachers, and tests.
"Dai... Dai... DAI!"
"Huh—! I'm up!"
Ms. Amora sighed. "That's your third time dozing off in class today."
Dai rubbed his eyes. "Sorry... That demon yesterday really wore me out."
The teacher frowned. "No excuses."
As roll call began, Dai perked up slightly at one name.
"Tiana?"
"Here," she said sweetly, her voice like a breeze in spring.
Dai's heart skipped. Man, she's beautiful. Why does she have to like Katsu of all people...
"Katsu?"
"Here! And might I say, you look stunning today, Ms. Amora."
What a try-hard, Dai grumbled internally.
"Mikio?"
"Present."
"Dai?"
"Yeah, I'm here…"
"You're barely awake," she muttered.
"Dante?"
...Silence.
"Dante's absent again. That's the third time this week."
Dai glanced at the empty desk. Why does that guy always skip? And when he shows up... he's always late. What's his deal?
Meanwhile, far from the classroom, in a run-down shed on the edge of Bergamo...
Dante Bando laced up his worn shoes, the soles peeling. His family was dirt poor. School supplies? He stole them. Meals? Same story.
"Mom, I'm heading to school."
"Wait, Dante!" his mother called, panic in her voice.
He turned. "What's wrong?"
"Your father... He's coming back early."
Dante's eyes widened. "Impossible. He's in jail."
She shook her head. "He escaped."
A chill ran down Dante's spine. "Don't stay here. If he finds you—"
BANG BANG BANG!
The door shook violently. His mother's eyes widened with fear.
"He's here. Quick, hide!"
CRASH! The door flew open.
"You little bastard," the man growled. "Why didn't you answer the door?"
Dante's fists clenched. "Why are you back? You're supposed to be in jail!"
"Nothing can hold me. Not anymore. Now... where is she?! I'll kill her for getting me locked up!"
"You used to be kind. Mom said when I was born... you changed. She said you loved us."
The man's eyes burned crimson, his voice low and crazed.
"KILL... KILL... KILL..."
Dante's breath caught. That's not my father anymore.
The man lunged at him with a knife.
"Time to die, boy!"
SHING—! The blade cut through the air—
But it didn't hit Dante.
His mother stepped in.
THUD.
"Mom! No!"
Blood pooled at her feet.
"Run," she gasped. "Run, Dante..."
"No! I'm going to fight!"
"You can't win... You're just a boy..." Her smile wavered. "I love you... Dante..."
She collapsed.
"NO!"
Suddenly, purple energy exploded from Dante's body, engulfing the room. His eyes glowed with fury and grief.
"You... killed her!"
His father staggered back. "W-What are you?!"
"I'm your worst nightmare."
The aura intensified. With a guttural roar, Dante unleashed a blast of energy that sent his father crashing into the wall, blood splattering everywhere.
"Please—Dante—don't—"
Dante's voice was cold. "You don't get to call me that."
The final burst of energy silenced the man forever. Dante collapsed, breathing heavily, eyes dimming...
Then—clap, clap, clap...
From the shadows stepped a man cloaked in red energy, eyes gleaming like fire.
"I see... You've awakened," the man said.
Dante looked up, dazed.
The man smirked.
"My son."
End of Chapter 03
Written by Fainted