Mari woke slowly from the deep sleep she was in. She had no idea how long she had been out or even where she was. The last memory she had was of Dante walking towards her and lifting her into his arms. DANTE! She nearly flew out of the bed when she looked beside her to see that very same man. Had he done anything to her while she was out? What was he doing in the bed with her? She adjusted herself in the bed and stuck her foot lightly on his side and then with a quick kick, shoved him out of the bed. He seemed to be in some crumpled up position his face flat on the floor and his legs sticking up in the air. Mari couldn't help but laugh at him as he scrambled to get up.

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR MARIANGELIS?" He was rubbing the side of his face and giving her a menacing stare.

"Why were you in the bed with me?"

He starred at her, his mouth agape and his eyes nearly popping out his head, "That's MY bed. I'll be damn if I am about to give it up to you. You should be glad I didn't leave you in that Alleyway."

She grumbled a bit disappointed, "You should have. Now go away so I can get dressed and be on my way."

"You can get dressed but you ain't leaving. Sorry Toots, but you aren't well enough yet."

"How do you know if I am well enough or not yet."

"Well for starters there is a big gash along your waste and one on your arm."

"I have went on with worse."

"Not while you're in my care. Loosen up some toots, rest, get down and dirty. But no chasing people until your well."

"To devil with you and your care. I am fine." She began to stand but had to grab onto the wall because she felt lightheaded. And no sooner as she let go of it and took a few steps she was falling into Dante's arms.

"Now will you listen to me."

She stared at him coldly and sighed, "Fine."

Mari was in the company of Dante for 3 months. She got to know his home very well as he cared for her wounds and annoyed the hell out of her. She couldn't help but fall for his stupid comments and annoying banter. But the thought of his brother always entered her mind when she started to feel herself grow attached. She couldn't kill his brother and be in love with Dante. So she made up her mind. One night while Dante was sleeping she'd slip out.

Their last night together was just like every other. First they had dinner. And just like every day she had been there they were having the usual Pizza and Vodka. And she had the usual complaint; "Do we always have to have this every night? Why can't we have something different?"

"Because I love Pizza and Vodka."

"Doesn't mean I do."

"Doesn't mean I care."

He taunted her, wanting her to blow up on him. He liked to see her get angry. It entertained him but only annoyed her more. She huffed and gave him an evil stare, "One day you're going to eat something better then Pizza and be addicted to it instead."

He picked up a slice and smacked his lips; "NOTHING is better then Pizza."

She rolled her eyes and finished her dinner then stood, "I think I am going to go to bed now."

"See ya in the morning."

Mari stood staring at Dante for a moment and then left the room. Disappearing into a room that was now hers. She turned out the lights and lay in the bed, waiting to hear Dante turn in himself. After what seemed like hours she finally heard his door close. But she still lay still in her bed waiting to hear his snores. Finally they came and she moved quietly from her bed and moved to the closet. She removed her pack and her weaponry. She fastened her katana to her side and then her assortment of daggers and her Sais. She looked around the room for anything she might have missed and then placed a note on her pillow. She grabbed her pack and then moved to the door and opened it. She moved into the hallway and then down it to the stairs that led to the office above then disappeared up them.

Dante watched from the darkness of his desk as Mari came up the stairs and into the office. He had a feeling that she would be leaving soon so he had pretended to go to bed and keep a look out. He watched her looking back as she headed for the door and just before she reached it he flipped on a switch, "Leaving so soon?"

Mari jumped and turned to see Dante sitting at his desk and sighed, "And I thought I'd get out of here without having to face you."

"Easier said then done toots. I know everything that goes on in my home."

"Is that so? Then tell me how three different woman were able to sneak into your room over the past few weeks?"

"Easy, they weren't sneaking." He grinned stupidly and ran his hand over his neck, "Guys gotta get loving some time. And I ain't waiting for you to give it up."

"You would have been waiting a long time then because this demon slayers pants aren't so easy to get into."

Dante scoffed, "IF you'd stay a few more weeks I guarantee I'd be in them."

"Well I won't stick around to test this theory. It's time I was on my way. I have to find Vergil and well, destroy him."

"You won't be able to do it."

"And how the hell do you know?"

"I've fought him before. I couldn't bring him down and I know you cant."

"We'll see Dante."

She started to turn and head for the door when Dante's hand encircled her arm. She stopped and looked up at him, "I'm sorry I can't stay."

"I wasn't asking you to go. Just wanted to give you a going away present."

"Well what is it?"

The next thing she knew she was caught up in his arms and struggling against his lips. But soon she gave into him and returned the kiss. His lips moving along hers, his tongue sliding over the crevices of her mouth. They stayed that way for a few moments and then just as fast as he was there he was gone. She watched him disappear down the stairs and then brought her hand to her lips. She wasn't expecting that. Hell she wasn't even expecting him to be there, but it was obvious she couldn't hide her intentions of leaving from him. She sighed and brought her hand down on the knob of the door, "Goodbye Dante."

The days seemed to drag on slowly now that she was alone. She never really realized how welcoming Dante's company was until it was gone. Even his annoying habit of annoying her. But she had traveled alone for a long time and it didn't take long before she was back on track. She found clues of where Vergil might be and even found out she was only a few steps behind him most of the time. But she could never get close enough to him. It frustrated her, and she began to wonder if Koda and Dante had been right. "No!" She told herself, "They aren't right. I will Find Vergil Sparda if it's the last thing I do." And one day she did.

Mari walked along the road to another town, some place called Zyetore. She had had a very long night and was already in a foul mood. She moved along the roads not caring if anyone talked to her and not really bothering to speak to anyone. Her last lead to Vergil said that he would be here and that's all that mattered to her right now. She entered the Town and moved straight to the nearest bar. She was thirsty and she might as well see who could tell her where Vergil was there. She made her way to the bar and then ordered a very strong draft of Demonic whiskey, She drank languidly from it and then placed it on the bar in front of her. She hailed the bartender and then asked, "Do you know where I can find Vergil Sparda?"

"Who wants to know?"

The voice was deep, dark and menacing. Mariangelis turned slowly to stare into the face of, "Vergil.."