Well, here's the next installment. Hope you enjoy and please be sure to review so I know if I'm tying this in well with Second Chances. Remember, reviews make me right faster!


Frozen, Cassandra could only stare in revulsion at the locked door. More tears fell from her green eyes, adding to the pain of the still healing gashes covering her face and neck. Taking a shuddering breath, Cassandra forced them to cease. She looked down at the jar Vergil had given her. Moving mechanically, she turned back to the mirror applying it liberally. To her surprise, it immediately took some of the sting away.

She set the jar down gazing blankly into the mirror. "What am I going to do?" she asked herself hollowly.

Cassandra turned her head, spotting a vase, and her empty defeat transformed quickly into fury. Standing, her hand lashed out, grasping the black onyx vase and hurling it across the room where it smashed into thousands of satisfying pieces.

Enjoying the release, Cassandra sought something else to hurl, her eyes landing on the chair she had been sitting in. Picking it up with ease, she brought it down hard, sending splinters of wood everywhere. Searching the room frantically, her eyes found a small statue of Mundus' likeness. With glee, she grabbed it and stepped several steps back. Cassandra pulled her arm back and with demonic glee threw it into the mirror where she had tended her injuries. The vanity mirror shattered as did the statue.

Cassandra whirled as the door to her prison was unlocked and flung open.

"WHAT in Hell's name are you DOING!" Vergil demanded gazing about the wrecked room. He settled his burning gaze on his slave. "This was productive," he spat, voice low and hard, "Feel better?"

Cassandra glared defiantly at Vergil, chest heaving. "Actually," she growled, "I do." She glanced around, moving swiftly to the small table and grabbing another vase that had served as a centerpiece. "I know something that would make me feel even better," she said, again drawing her arm back.

"Don't you dare!" Vergil warned even as she let the object fly. Vergil ducked the projectile with ease, though shards of demonic glass showered down upon him when the vase connected with the door jam.

Vergil's eyes flashed with demonic ire. "I warned you," he snarled.

Suddenly realizing her peril, Cassandra tried to run but Vergil was too fast. He tackled her before she had taken three steps sending them both crashing to the floor in a tangle of arms and legs.

Cassandra figured Vergil would kill her. Fine. Better than being a slave here forever. But she'd be damned if she made it easy for him. She fought bitterly, biting, clawing, and writhing like an animal.

Cursing and yanking his now bleeding arm away from her sharp teeth, Vergil jerked her up then slammed her back down into the floor, hard. "Stop it!" he ordered, holding her shoulders to the floor. If she kept this up, he might actually have to cause her serious harm. Despite a strong desire to strangle the woman, Vergil didn't really want to harm her. Not that he wouldn't if she kept being such a fucking idiot!

Cassandra smacked her head when Vergil had slammed her down and for the moment it served to subdue her struggles.

The dark knight realized he had dazed her. Not about to waste the opportunity lest she struggle again, Vergil hauled her roughly to her feet, again slinging her over his shoulder. He marched back to his bedroom and threw her onto the bed from halfway across the room not caring if she smacked her head off the wall in the process. Vergil was slightly disappointed when she didn't. He went to his desk, and from a drawer, drew two pairs of manacles.

Thoroughly pissed off, Vergil stormed back over to his bed rolling her roughly onto his stomach. He chained her hands behind her back then moved down to chain her feet together. Assured that she could no longer put up much of a fight, Vergil stepped back and sank into an armchair several feet away to wait for her to rouse.

He didn't have to wait long. After only a few minutes, Cassandra stirred, shaking her head to clear the cobwebs. She tried to move and froze abruptly realizing she was bound hand and foot. Then she began to struggle. Her struggles lasted only seconds before she realized she had no hopes of freeing herself. Her feelings of defeat returned with a vengeance and she couldn't help herself . . . she started to sob.

Vergil was not sure what reaction he had expected when she awoke but this sure as hell wasn't it. The normally composed demon found he was experiencing the irrational urge to pull his hair from his head. Vergil thought he'd actually prefer another temper tantrum.

He shot to his feet, striding over to the bed. "Stop your wailing at once," he commanded.

Vergil waited impatiently as Cassandra attempted to stifle her sniffles and managed to turn over onto her side so she was facing him. He couldn't help but notice that she had not stopped crying though she was being quieter now.

"I should kill you for that," Vergil informed her softly, staring down at her tear-stained face. "Anyone else would have."

Cassandra glared up at him. "Go ahead! Do it already! It can't be any worse than my current situation."

Vergil laughed softly, "Don't be so sure about that. You never know what level of Hell you'd end up in."

Cassandra didn't reply, only subsided back down onto the mattress, beyond caring. If he killed her, he killed her. Either way it didn't matter. Tears ran unchecked from her eyes soaking the mattress beneath her.

The halfling prince frowned as he gazed down at the sobbing woman. Damn her! She was going to flood his bed at this rate. He felt the beginnings of a headache. Turning on his heel, he strode out of the room. He went to a large cupboard in another room and opening it extracted a small bottle. It was a sedative that would calm her enough that he could get some sleep. Vergil was uncharacteristically tired. He poured a small amount into a glass then returned to his bedroom.

Vergil pulled Cassandra up so she was now sitting with her feet on the floor. He held the glass to her mouth. "Drink this. You'll feel better." Once she had done so he stood back and waited again.

Cassandra swallowed not caring if he was poisoning her. It didn't take long for the drug to kick in. After several minutes she relaxed then finally her tears slowed then stopped. She sat silently, her eyelids drooping sleepily.

Vergil nodded in satisfaction then frowned. Now what did he do? He didn't know if he dared lock her back in her room with all that broken glass. Vergil doubted she'd be able to succeed in killing herself but he really didn't feel like cleaning up all that blood if she tried. He could clean the mess up before putting her in there but again no. He'd be damned if anyone but her cleaned that mess up. Sighing as another idea occurred to him; Vergil once again left the room. Several minutes later he returned dragging the divan behind him. Over his shoulder he carried her bag. He threw it on top of the divan.

Vergil took out a key and removed the manacles first from her feet and then freed her hands. She didn't attempt to move, only sat looking at the floor. Vergil grasped her chin and raised her head, forcing glazed green eyes to meet his.

"I'm going to go across the room and turn my back. You can change into something more comfortable but be damned quick about it. Understood?"

Cassandra frowned but nodded watching with faint curiosity as Vergil did as he said he would. Not knowing what else to do, she stood and moving to her bag, she pulled softer, more comfortable clothes from it to sleep in. Cassandra changed without fuss and true to his word, Vergil never looked.

When finished she said, "I'm done."

Vergil turned and nodded his approval. "Now, I'll leave this up to you. Will you give me your word that you will lay down on the divan and remain there for the rest of the night? Or do I have to tie you to it?"

After a moment, Cassandra shook her head. "No, you have my word. I won't go anywhere." Vergil gestured towards the lounge and Cassandra obeyed, lying down on her side.

Vergil shook his head. "This doesn't have to be unpleasant, Cassandra," he told her, "If you'd only cease your foolishness."

Cassandra answered by closing her eyes.

Disgusted with the situation and himself for being so . . .soft, Vergil walked away, stripping out of his clothes not caring if the damned woman watched or not. He pulled on a pair of silk pants before climbing beneath the sumptuous silk sheets of his bed.

Not for the first time, Vergil chuckled over the irony of the existence of such lavish comfort existing in Hell. Though only an admitted few were permitted it; only the elite and most loyal to the Master. None of the human souls sent here found such a comfortable purgatory. No, they danced forever in the flames and beneath the sickles of their tormentors.

Vergil looked over again at his servant and again had the uncharacteristic urge to throw a temper tantrum. It had seemed to make her feel better even if only for a few moments. Cassandra lay on the divan, uncomplaining but shivering with cold. Damn it ALL! Vergil thought before grabbing one of the silk comforters that covered the bed and hurling it in her direction.

"Cover yourself and quit your pathetic shivering so I can get some rest," Vergil barked, angrier at himself than her. He wasn't supposed to care about her comfort!

Wordlessly, Cassandra reached out and grabbed the fabric pulling it over her and tucking it under her chin. Green eyes watched him sleepily with faint, wary, curiosity. In response Vergil turned his back, concentrating on falling asleep while damning the impulse that had landed him in this intolerable situation.

Cassandra slept deeply, thanks to the drug Vergil had given her. Vergil's rest came with more difficulty but at last he pushed the damned woman from his thoughts and slept.


Vergil awoke early as was his habit, and he instantly rolled, wrath slightly abating when he saw the Cassandra had kept her word and remained on the divan throughout the night. He rose and dressed. Soon he would have to appear before his Master. He'd have to take Cassandra with him as he didn't trust her enough to leave her here alone. First, he'd have to have a talk with her. More defiant behavior in front of Mundus would only get her killed.

Vergil approached the lounge upon which she slept, reaching down to shaker her shoulder. "Wake up."

Cassandra was slow to stir, still groggy from the demonic drug. After several more shakes her eyes open settling after a moment on Vergil. He noted that her wounds had healed leaving no trace behind.

"Get dressed," he ordered shortly, "Wear something appropriate for appearance before the Master." Vergil turned to walk away but paused and turned back. He glared down at the still groggy woman. "I almost forgot. Before you do anything else, clean up that mess you made last night."

Cassandra sighed and stumbled to her feet. "It's too early for this shit," she muttered. She obeyed him however. It wouldn't do her any good to defy him over every little thing. Her welfare and life were completely in his hands. If she was smart she'd do everything she could to please him. However, she knew she'd probably be hard pressed just to not piss him off too much.

Vergil noted with satisfaction that she did head in the direction of the mess.

Twenty minutes later she reappeared with a bag full of glass and wooden shards. "There. Happy?"

Pleased that she had obeyed at all Vergil let her attitude pass . . . for now. "Good. Now get dressed and be quick about it."

"You get up on the wrong side of the bed or something?" she asked, giving him a glare before moving towards her bag.

Vergil watched as she grabbed some clothes and headed back into the room he had given her. "Hurry up."

"Yes, master," Cassandra growled shutting the door behind her.

"That's what I am!" Vergil yelled at the closed door, "You'd do well to remember that." Vergil froze then rubbed a hand over his eyes. She was reducing him to juvenile behavior. Vergil strode over to his desk pouring himself a scotch and taking a large sip. "Damn woman."

Cassandra returned a short time later dressed in a black pair of leather pants and a white halter. Her hair had been brushed and flowed down her back. Her feet were encased in the same black boots she had worn the previous day.

"Is that the best you have?" Vergil inquired running a critical eye over her.

"Yes," she snapped testily.

"We'll have to do something about your wardrobe. That may be appropriate for most occasions but I would have preferred you make a better impression," Vergil replied coolly.

"What if I don't want to make an impression?" she demanded.

Ah. That brought Vergil to the 'talk' he wanted to have. He moved forward so he stood nearly toe to toe with the woman. He glared down at her, leaning forward so they were only inches apart.

"You had better desire to make an impression," Vergil snarled, "I may have prevented your execution last night but make no mistake . . . if you displease Mundus in any other way you will die. So, you had better check your sharp tongue if you wish to keep it. If you want to live do what I tell you when I tell you. I can't let you defy me in front of Mundus. I'd have no choice but to kill you. Understand?"

Cassandra returned his gaze for a long moment then sighed. "I don't get you."

"You don't have to 'get' me," Vergil barked, "Just do as I tell you."

"Fine," Cassandra relented bitterly, "I'll be a good little lap dog and not embarrass you in front of your boss. Happy?"

"No," Vergil bit out, "But it'll do for now. Let's go."

Vergil crossed to the door and opened it, gesturing for her to procedure him. Once they were both outside, he locked the door. "When we reach Mundus' throne room you will walk several places behind me," Vergil instructed as he began to lead her through the corridors. "You will kneel and remain there until he gives us leave to rise. Then you will move off to the side and keep your mouth shut."

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "Not like I want to talk to him." Cassandra heard Vergil growl in annoyance and questioned her sanity. It was the act of a madwoman to keep provoking him but she couldn't seem to help herself. Cassandra simply couldn't understand why he tolerated it even to the limited extent he had so far.

The pair reached the entrance to Mundus' throne room Vergil motioned Cassandra back. She did so falling back as ordered. Vergil came to a stop ten feet from Mundus' throne and dropped to a knee. Cassandra copied the action.

Mundus' chuckle grated her nerves like nails on a chalkboard. "I see you have our defiant traitor well in hand, my dark knight. Rise."

Vergil rose bowing his head to his Master. "She is learning, my lord. She still needs instruction however."

Cassandra, having moved off to the side, stiffened at his words.

Mundus caught it. "I see you are correct, Vergil. I trust you do not find the . . . instruction, too unpleasant?"

Vergil forced a leer to his lips. "Not at all, Master."

"I have a task for you, my Dark Prince," Mundus decreed moving on to business, "General Sizol has betrayed me and has been attempting to gather an army to move against me. He thinks I am unaware of his treachery. I want him dealt with immediately."

Vergil bowed, "It shall be done at once, Master." Vergil began to back away but Mundus spoke again.

"I am having a small party tonight, Vergil, I wish both you and your slave to be in attendance." Mundus turned his gaze upon the disgraced devil. "I would see how well you handle her."

"As you wish, Lord," Vergil agreed, before gesturing to Cassandra to follow him. She did so glancing back over her shoulder at Mundus.

Once they had left the throne room Cassandra quickened her step to catch up to Vergil. "Why would he want me there?" she asked quietly.

Vergil shook his head. "We'll discuss that later. For now I must take care of Sizol."

"What about me?"

Vergil glanced over at his slave. "You will accompany me. Just stay out of the way."

"Who is this Sizol?" Cassandra asked.

Vergil answered, pleased by her desire for knowledge. "Sizol is of course one of Mundus' generals. He is not one of the most powerful but has been given many important tasks over the centuries. Apparently, he's gotten overly ambitious. Even if he did succeed in his little coup, the other more powerful generals would tear him apart."

"So he's just stupid?"

Vergil smirked. "So it would seem."

It didn't take them long to find General Sizol. Unaware his plot had been uncovered the demon was in his room looking over some documents.

Vergil stopped in the entrance to Sizol's habitation. "Sizol."

Sizol turned regarding Vergil in surprise before bowing his head in respect. "Ah, the dark knight. To what do I owe this honor?"

"I've been hearing disturbing things about you, Sizol," Vergil informed him moving insouciantly into the room.

"I'm sure these things are false," Sizol protested, "No one is more loyal than I am."

Cassandra watched the exchange from the doorway. Sizol was guilty. Otherwise he was an incurable kiss ass. False respect and innocence oozed from every poor of the demons scaly body. Cassandra took a moment to study the soon to be dead demon. Sizol's bottom half was that of a scaly horse while the top was humanoid except for the purple scales and the horns jutting from the creature's forehead. Even as she watched the creatures four feet began to prance nervously.

"The reports of treason are untrue?" Vergil asked calmly, stopping to study a smudge on the wall, "The accusations that you are gathering an army in preparation of an attempt to overthrow the Hell Lord?"

Sizol's eyes widened knowing he had been caught. All deference faded from his features and he sneered at the dark prince, favored warrior of the King of Hell. "Mundus is a fool. It is time for a new Lord to take power. One strong enough to breach the barrier between the two worlds and claim that which should have been ours all along."

"You do realize that you're dead, don't you, Sizol?" Vergil asked rhetorically, "There can be no other end to your treachery. The master commands that you die."

Fear flickered in Sizol's eyes and a large sword appeared in his hand. "Join me, Vergil. Together we can take the human world. You will be my left hand."

Vergil shook his head his hand going to the hilt of his beloved katana. "You always were a fool, Sizol. I will never understand what Mundus saw in you."

"Then you will die, son of the traitor Sparda," Sizol let loose a war cry lifting his sword into the air and charging.

Vergil launched himself forward and the sound of metal slicing through flesh filled the chamber. Vergil stopped his back to Sizol and sheathed his sword. Slowly, Sizol collapsed to the ground not dead but mortally wounded. Vergil turned back to his defeated adversary. His eyes brightened and he shifted to his devil form. "You're life is forfeit, Sizol and I claim my right." Vergil's voice was harsh with the change.

"No!" Sizol sputtered spitting blood.

Vergil knelt and grasped Sizol by the horns and sank his fangs into Sizol's neck. Vergil drank deeply for several long moments before pulling his head away. His glowing eyes settled on Cassandra who watched fascinated from the doorway. "Come."

Cassandra approached cautiously, awed by how quickly and effortlessly Vergil had defeated the general. She stopped several feet from where Vergil knelt still holding a moaning Sizol by the horns. She looked questioningly into Vergil's eyes.

"Drink," he invited, "This is the right of the victor. His blood and soul belong to me. Join me."

The smell of blood made the decision for her. Cassandra shifted, red feathered wings exploding from her back, already pale skin becoming white, and green eyes bleeding to an eerie blue. Sharp fangs glinted in her mouth. She knelt on the side opposite Vergil and at his nod, bent her head to sink her fangs into Sizol's neck. It was euphoria.

Cassandra had never tasted the blood of another devil and it was a heady experience. She moaned her pleasure. All too soon Vergil pulled her away. Instinctively, she turned to snarl at him. Both were still in their devil form.Instantly, Yamato was at her throat.

"Never forget," Vergil said in his raspy voice, "You must control your urges. Without control you will never achieve power."

Hearing the wisdom in his words against her will, Cassandra fought the beast slowly shifting back to human form. Vergil shifted as well.

"Very good," he said approvingly, "You must control your demon, Cassandra and not allow it to control you."

Cassandra nodded her understanding, absently licking the blood from her lips. "Now what?"

Vergil bent to retrieve Sizol's sword. "Now we return to Mundus and report my success."

"Why do you serve him, Vergil?" Cassandra asked suddenly, "As powerful as you are why don't you attempt to take power?"

Suddenly, Vergil was in her face. "Never question Mundus' right to rule. And," his voice dropped chillingly, "Never ask me such questions again." Abruptly he turned and walked away not waiting to see if she followed.