[Action near and inside the Midnight Channel gate]

[alwaysimpaled]

[Ever since Dante took the job of Deputy Guardian, one of his primary duties was patrolling the Midnight Channel to make sure nobody got stuck in there. It was a part of his daily routine at this point, but he couldn't say he minded. In fact on days that seemed particularly dull, he'd find himself drawn to the place. After all, the Shadows in there may not be demons but they provided enough of a challenge to keep his adrenaline pumping as he cut loose. Today was one such day, and after clocking out of the office, he headed toward the gate.]

[He was carrying only the guitar case he always had, though before entering the gateway, he took time to put on some headphones with LED lights on them. A couple button pushes on his phone later and those near him could start to hear the rhythmic thumping of the thrash metal Dante was listening to before he stepped inside.]

[Any that were curious, clumsy, or just wanted to watch him in action, would find the guitar case left just inside the gate, empty, save for a magazine of questionable quality. However, the sounds of steel clashing and gunshots could be heard in the distance, and upon following the sounds, the spectator would be treated to the vision of Dante hacking through veritable armies with relative ease. Even when one Shadow manages to run a stylized lance through his back it only seems to annoy Dante at most. Once the group of Shadows is dispatched, he'd glance over his shoulder, curious as to why anyone would follow him here.]

Comments

[scarlet_devil]

[ Remilia just happened to be passing by when she heard the sound of what seemed to be fighting of all things coming from this odd gateway.

Naturally that makes the vampire want to investigate! And sees... something she can only describe as awesome. ]

...Impressive.

[alwaysimpaled]

[Dante just arches an eyebrow. More at Remilia's fashion than her size. Or anything else really. He takes a second to stab Rebellion into a nearby wall and proceed to use the bastard sword for an arm rest.]

That was just a warm up. Might want to keep your distance if I really get going. Don't think we've met. Name's Dante.

[scarlet_devil]

[ Give her a break, she's old as the hills. She's pretty sure that would damage the blade, though... ]

Remilia. Or Lady Scarlet. I've lost limbs before, believe me. Part of being a vampire.

[alwaysimpaled]

Get too close while I'm cutting loose and you'll lose more than just limbs.

[Dante isn't underestimating Remilia, he's just kind of used to being a flurry of blades and bullets without having to avoid hitting others.]

'Lady' Scarlet, eh? I think I'll stick with Remilia. I'm not too big on titles.

[scarlet_devil]

Noted, but... even decapitation wouldn't permanently kill me. Anyway, suit yourself.

[ As long as he doesn't call her Remi (that's reserved for close friends) she's fine with it. ]

[dantesfight]

[The man with the giant Scythe on his back was curious to say the least. He ended up following the stranger toward the Midnight Channel]

"Stranger, thou is a demon hunter too?"

[alwaysimpaled]

[Dante swings Rebellion's blade onto his shoulder while casually shooting a Shadow in the mask with his other hand, shrugging a bit.]

I prefer Devil Hunter. Demons aren't much of a challenge to hunt. It's the Devils calling the shots that I go after. ...Never heard someone say 'thou' unironically before...

[Action]

[zenoh]

[ Ayame only found out about this place when Dante mentioned it. Coincidentally, the first time she ever steps feet inside of this place is today. When Dante is letting off some steam. Her enhanced senses have allowed her to pinpoint where the ruckus is happening, and decided to follow it out of morbid curiosity. Dressed more for a night out than for combat, Ayame wanders in to the horde of Shadows that had Dante surrounded.

When the demon hunter looks her way, Ayame could only give him a wave hello in greeting ]

Those headphones look great on you.

[Action]

[alwaysimpaled]

[Dante just smirks and shakes his head a bit.]

They were a Christmas gift from a friend. One I wasn't expecting. Growing up on my own, I never really did holidays. I usually forget they're a thing until it's too late.

...Sorry for not getting you anything.

[Action]

[zenoh]

[ Ayame waves her hand and shakes her head in response to Dante's last sentiment ]

Your friend has good taste.

[ She joked, walking closer towards Dante and tapping the lance through his torso with her fingernail. Putting her hands on her hips, Ayame scans the place and feels the negativity of the fog that surrounds them. She could sense more Shadows hovering closer towards their position ]

What is the story behind this place? I can't imagine why anyone would open a gate to a dimension this hostile.

[Action]

[alwaysimpaled]

[As she taps the shadow's weapon, Dante just blinks for a second.]

...When'd that get there?

[He pulls the weapon out of his gut as if it was just a minor annoyance, without leaving so much as a scar where it was.]

Don't know. From what I understand though, the guy that opened it was a supernatural serial killer in his world. Others from his world are here but he's not. Just be careful around here. If you get pushed in, it doesn't let you out unless someone comes looking for you.

[zenoh]

[ Ayame didn't seem affected by the story of a serial killer, or the hostile presence of the fog that surrounds them once she got her bearings a little more. She's only been in this subarchway in less than a minute. Putting her hands together behind her back, Ayame casually alerts Dante of the Shadows ]

You have more of your friends coming, by the way. Say hi.

[ Ayame points to one direction where a hegemony of different surreal looking Shadows are diving in headfirst towards them. They seem to lack any tactical thinking, and just follows their instincts and attack anything that isn't a Shadow.

Meanwhile, Ayame takes out a bag of bite-sized bagels from her purse, eagerly humming while Dante just takes care of business ]

If I'm not bothering your fun too much, would you like some? I've only decided to come here to take photos.

action inside;

[firefandance]

[Every so often, Yukiko would always go patrol both the outside and inside of the sub archways which was still within the city. She always felt that she had a sense of responsibility to taking care of it and making sure nothing bad happened again.

However the case was enough to catch her eye. It was strange at least but she figured that meant someone was in there. So she headed over, towards the sound she was sure she could hear until she finally saw the cause.]

If this what you do in this subarchway?

action inside;

[alwaysimpaled]

Daily patrols to make sure nobody gets trapped in here, as well as a little recreational exercise?

[He casually shoots over his shoulder at a Shadow as it crept up behind him.]

Yeah. Place reminds me of home really.

action inside;

[firefandance]

So far so good at least? I mean the only way for people tp come here is by accident or something pushing them in. But you never know.

[Could be some curious people around.]

You home changes based on a person? I mean this isn't actually what the real TV world is like though once the fog lifts, but still...

action inside;

[alwaysimpaled]

Yeah, nobody's been thrown in as far as I can tell.

[He shakes his head.]

Not that part. Just the overall oppressive nature of the place. I'm used to fighting demons and that usually takes me into their world. It's not a place humans tend to survive for long.

action inside;

[firefandance]

It is oppressive when it's about a part of a person they don't like.

[She paused for a moment.]

I guess the comparison makes sense, people here on't last long once the fog lifts for example. So I guess you really enjoy coming here even if it's not necessarily to patrol.

[beauty_burns_gold]

[A whistling noise of appreciation is the first sign Yang's there, the blonde leaning against the entrance as she watches Dante work.]

Dang...you really know how to fight 'em. Got room for one more fighter? Still getting a good feel for my new arm.

[She's ready to go as Ember Celica is unfolded and covering her fists.]

[alwaysimpaled]

[Dante gives Yang a quick glance over. Unlike Remilia, Yang didn't have the same aura of magic about her so he questioned whether she could keep up with him.]

You sure about this? This place ain't exactly like anything outside.

[beauty_burns_gold]

[If Dante's looking for magic, Yang's got none. Unless Semblances count as magic? Maybe? Probably not.]

I'm sure I can hold my own well enough. Unless you're afraid of getting shown up by a girl?~

[She's teasing, but...she's pretty sure he can hold himself better than her considering she can't take a sword through the chest and keep going.]

[alwaysimpaled]

[Dante just rolls his eyes with a smirk.]

You're going to have to really work to outdo the women I know. I work with two, and both of them shot me in the face when we first met. ...One also impaled me on my own sword, electrocuted me, and then threw a motorcycle at me.

[He turns back to where the Shadows are coming from before glancing over his shoulder as if to add an after thought.]

I'm kinda tough.

[om_nom_namur]

[Slowclaps.]

Cooler if y' done it on beat. What band y' rockin'?

[alwaysimpaled]

A band called Hostile Groove.

[Give him a moment. Usually when someone that looks like Namur starts a conversation, Dante usually ends up with a sword through his chest or something similar.]

...You a native here or just passing through?

[om_nom_namur]

[Aw, come on, man. Does he look like he's got a sword anywhere? He's just a fishman, leaning against a wall. Doesn't even have a coat on, in spite of the weather.]

Ain't nowhere near 'nuff water 'round here for me t' be a native, sheheheheh!

Jus' saw some kinda shit goin' down, figured I'd look in. Hostile Groove sounds a bit more hostile than groovy. Lyrics any good?

[alwaysimpaled]

[He's had his own sword shoved through his chest, dude.]

Fair enough. Just haven't seen anyone else in here really.

Don't really pay too much attention to the actual lyrics, but it's been my standby workout song for years.

[He unplugs the headphones from his comm device and lets the song play for a bit.]