I do not own Devil May Cry or any of the characters, stories, locations, plots, etc. thereof.

Sorry I took so long to update! Job hunting and wedding planning really takes up time.

RR. Let me know what you think. The next chapter will be coming soon!

Enjoy!

There is a moment in the lives of most people when doubt sets in. A moment when one wonders exactly how they managed to drag themselves into a situation and feel the panicked understanding that they may not come out of it. Vergil rarely experienced those moments, but when he did, it was substantial. Staring down the metal soldiers, he had one of those moments. A thought passed through his mind, you are going to die.

With a loud clang of metal, they stepped forward in a uniform line. Each held in front of them a spear or sword ready to bear down upon him. Their faces were only metal helmets with twisted horns protruding from them. Vergil drew Yamato, the hilt slick in his sweaty palm. Evangeline gasped and clutched Persephone closer, feeling her squirm against her chest.

"You son of a bitch," Dante growled and drew his sword.

The Puppet Maker pointed a single clawed finger at Dante, halting him.

"It was a deal. If you raise a finger to help him, I will send all of them after her and the child and I doubt you can stop them all before they spill their blood," he said.

Vergil glanced at Dante.

"Stay with them. If anything happens to me, run."

Dante glared at the Puppet Maker, ready to leap at him, and slowly edged back towards Evangeline. He put an arm around her and placed himself between her and the demons. The Puppet Maker smiled and spread his hands. The metal demons took another step and lowered the point of their weapons towards Vergil.

Vergil glanced back at Evangeline's terrified face and rushed to meet the demons.

"Do something," Evangeline hissed at Dante.

"I can't. I'm not going to risk you," Dante said.

Evangeline turned her entire body away, shielding Persephone who squirmed in her arms. The ring of metal sounded in her ears and she shut her eyes. He's going to die, she thought and squeezed her eyelids tighter.

Black hollows of eyes stared at Vergil as he threw himself towards the metal fiends. He lowered his gaze to the middle demon, training his eyes on the narrow gap between the metal plates of its chest. It lowered its spear and jabbed forward. Vergil leapt easily over it, spearing through the metal plates as he soared over the demon's shoulder. His brief feeling of elation quickly evaporated as the broad side of a sword slapped him backward into the defeated demon.

Air rushed out of his lungs and he looked up in time to see a metal pike heading towards his face. He dodged to the side just as the pike entered the back of the defeated demon. The demon struggled to free his weapon as Vergil rolled to his feet and brought Yamato down upon its neck with both hands. His hands ached with the reverberation of Yamato's metal blade on the metal plates of the demon's neck. The blade sliced cleanly through half the demon's neck until it snagged. With a grunt he tore it free and turned his body slightly as another demon attacked him from behind, thrusting its large sword into its companion's torso and finishing the job Vergil had started.

Vergil pivoted and slammed his elbow into the demon's face sending a shock of pain up his arm and the demon stumbling backward. His rage grew with every agonizing throb of his splintered elbow. A roar burst forth from his throat and with a surge of strength, he punctured the stumbling demon's chest with the point of his sword. As its heart shattered, the demon slumped forward.

Heavy steps echoed through the cavern and Vergil knew another wave approached him. He turned towards the Puppet Maker whose black eyes were narrowed in a malicious glint as he hovered several feet above the melee. He smiled and Vergil's lip curled in a snarl. The Puppet Maker seemed pathetic lording over him, unwilling to fight his own battles. Vergil knew he was stronger and that he would fall into a bloody heap at his feet.

Pain exploded through his wounded arm as he lifted Yamato. Vergil darted forward, kicking off the unmoving husk of a fallen enemy, and bringing his sword to bear on the Puppet Maker. He saw the slight widening of his eyes as the blade came closer; Vergil could practically taste the stab of fear in the Puppet Maker's black heart.

Just inches away, Vergil felt something heavy slam into his legs and he turned head over heels through the air. For a moment he felt nothing in his legs then a ringing of pain echoed through his bones. He landed hard on his back, skidding a few inches further. He tried to bend his legs that remained unmoving in protest. His entire consciousness seemed to be moving in sludge, and he was unsure of where his body was or the demons. All the energy seemed to have left him and he was like a rock. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Quickly, he looked around for the demon he knew would attack him.

"Vergil!"

He heard Evangeline's voice pierce the fog and the metal hammer bearing down on him seemed to materialize from oblivion. Without time to react, he crossed his arms above his chest and braced himself. The hammer slammed into his forearms and he felt his nerves go dead. Yamato clattered to the ground next to him as his hands lost all function. A breath escaped him and he waited for the pain that shot through him as his nerves reawakened.

The demon pressed down harder before lifting the hammer again for a strike. It raised the heavy weapon above its horned head and swiftly brought it down. Vergil rolled away as the hammer landed next him, shattering the marble floor. He raised himself to his elbows, unable to move his hands. With what felt like the last of his life's energy, he rose to his feet. Another demon, wielding an axe, stomped towards him, the metal glinting in the light.

Gravity was almost too hard to resist. He heard the hammer being lifted behind him and saw the axe being raised, his hands held useless in front of him. Closing his eyes, he waited for the strike.

"Dante, let me go! Vergil!"

Evangeline shouted at him. She's panicking. Her voice is always so shrill when she's like that. Maybe she knows I am going to die. I'm so sorry.

A sudden piercing cry. The terrified sound of a child.

Vergil opened his eyes and rolled, the axe grazing his cheek, drawing blood. The axe went through the head of the hammer-wielding demon as the hammer smashed into the torso of the demon with the axe.

Swiftly, he reached for Yamato, painfully bending his fingers around the hilt.

"More demons!" the Puppet Maker screamed, flapping his wings.

Vergil felt the surge, the familiar rage of the demon welling up inside of him. He let himself slip into it, feeling the soothing warmth of power.

You're not getting my family this time.

The pain disappeared as the demon form enveloped him. Three metal demons approached from the hallway, another four shortly behind them. Yamato crackled with power and he charged towards them. He saw only a blur of metal and steel as his sword passed easily through the group of three in one stroke. He turned his eyes to the four behind the fallen demons.

They swung their weapons towards him, unaware of each other or his movements. Merely automatons swinging at will. He kicked off one of the hulks of dead metal and brought Yamato's point through the head of a demon and into its heart. Leaping off, he swung once, removing the head of another.

"All of you at once!" the Puppet Maker screamed wildly pointing at Vergil.

The demon's seemed to pick up their pace as they poured into the room. Instead of heading directly for him, they circled around, blocking him in every direction. His inner demon smiled at the challenge and instinct took over.

He seemed to dance around them, easily dispatching the inner ring. Several weapons grazed him, but never left a wound. In their own clumsiness they took out each other as well. Above him, all he saw were horns as horned feet stomped around him. The new inner circle of demons was only inches away, barely able to move with their mass. He stabbed through the torso of one, exposing his flank and that is when he saw him.

The Dandy Man appeared crouched in his suit, relaxed between the stomping feet. He smiled his shark smile and swiftly jabbed a glittering dagger into Vergil's side before disappearing. Vergil halted as the blade jammed itself between his lower ribs. One demon took the moment of hesitation to its advantage and swung its hammer towards Vergil's head. The blow made him dizzy and he fell to one knee, clutching his side as his devil trigger faded and he was exposed.

Blood gushed from between his fingers and he pulled the knife from his side. The hammer came down upon his back and he was floored. He looked up the clamoring demons vaguely aware that he was spared more injuries from their inability to organize. They wriggled next to one another but were unable to lift an arm to wound him except for one with a very large mace. The blunt object slammed into his chest and he felt ribs snap and his vision go black. He was vaguely aware of someone yelling his name but could hardly hear it over the blood pounding in his ears or the screeching of metal.

Suddenly, the demons stopped and slowly backed away. Vergil coughed, tasting blood well up from his lungs. Wings fluttered as sandaled feet landed quietly next to his head. A laugh reverberated painfully through his ears.

"So you've lost, Son of Sparda. They're mine now," The Puppet Maker said. He leveled a golden sword under Vergil's chin.

Vergil turned his head slightly and saw a pair of leather clad legs between the hooves of the demons. Trish's horrified face was visible through a gap. Vergil laughed, pain wracking his body.

"Why are you laughing?" the Puppet Maker hissed.

"Because you've lost," Vergil murmured.

"You're defeated, nearly dead. How have I lost?"

"Because Mundus knows you're here and is on his way now. I don't think he is going to take your armies lightly," Vergil said.

The Puppet Maker's face fell and jaw dropped.

"He'll be here soon. I suggest you get ready," Trish called.

The Puppet Maker looked around, panic permeating his every move. Frantically, his eyes searched, unsure of what to do.

"It's too soon. All of you go outside! Dandy, where are you?" he cried.

Vergil was forgotten as the Puppet Maker quickly ran out the doors, his demon horde following slowly after. Vergil sighed, an action he quickly regretted. He closed his eyes for a moment then looked up to worried faces.

Evangeline clutched Persephone with one arm and smoothed back Vergil's hair with her free hand. Her makeup was a smeared mess from her tears and her lip quivered as she was barely able to contain herself.

"Vergil, oh my god," she said. She pressed her hand against his bleeding side. Vergil slowly lifted his hand and gently stroked Persephone's white hair. He lowered his hand and clutched Evangeline's which was smeared with his blood.

"Verg, can you move?" Dante asked, his eyes wide with worry.

"Tear off pieces of my robe and wrap his wounds," Evangeline said. Dante grabbed the hem of her robe and tore off long strips of red and began dressing Vergil's injuries, starting with the gash in his side.

"I just need a moment," Vergil groaned. Everything hurt and he found it difficult to focus on one feeling.

"Drink this," Trish said, pressing a bottle to his lips. "It will help a little."

The bitter liquid seared his tongue, but his body began to feel lighter and the pain lessened enough that he could inhale easier.

"Vergil, we don't have a moment so we need to get going," Trish said. "I don't know how far behind me they were, but I don't think it was long before Mundus got the message."

"Why are we moving him? What's going on? Who's Mundus?" Evangeline demanded. She shook with anger at the prospect of moving him so soon.

Dante pressed his hand on her shoulder.

"Mundus is a very bad demon who doesn't like us. If we don't move now, there will be hell to pay."

The liquid worked quickly and Vergil was able to raise himself off the ground. Dante placed an arm around his waist for support and Vergil was able to walk forward.

"Where do go?" Trish asked.

"He has to have some way to get demons out of here. We can't go through the inferno again," Dante said.

"The demon's came from his workshop. There's another door there," Evangeline said. Persephone wailed and she gently rocked her. For a moment, she was struck by how useless the comfort really was. A demon was bearing down upon them and she was helpless. She watched Vergil and Dante make their way towards the hallway and the pit in her stomach grew into a black hole. She looked down into her daughter's blue eyes and the tears started anew.

"I got you baby," she said and held her closer, following after them.

A sense of urgency hit the group and they began moving faster. Vergil's limp slowly disappeared and he was able to hobble quicker without Dante. They reached the end of the hallway and entered the workshop. Scattered around the room were various tools, metal parts, and unfinished demons. Several dolls were slumped over tables and sprawled across the floor, no longer needed to do their jobs.

Vergil scanned the room, spotting a non-descript door hidden slightly behind a pillar. His protesting body ached as he limped his way to the door. He looked behind him, spotting Evangeline's terrified face. He paused and motioned for her.

"I'm going to get you out of here," he said, cupping her cheek. "We did it once. We'll do it again."

"I'm not worried about myself. She's just so helpless," Evangeline said with her voice low. She cradled Persephone, the child calm despite the worry of her parents.

"Guys, not a lot of time," Trish said, clear annoyance edging into her voice.

Dante held the door open that led into small chamber. On the floor was a large, glowing red circle. Evangeline and Vergil stepped on, and with a groan the platform began to drop. Trish and Dante scrambled quickly onto the descending floor.

The platform nearly plummeted towards the ground, and Evangeline clutched Vergil's arm with the overwhelming vertigo. Suddenly, it slowed and stopped with a rumble next to the opening of a tunnel.

Evangeline was still clutching Vergil as they made their way through the dark tunnel, Trish leading the group. A dull light appeared, growing brighter as they emerged from the darkness.

Trish halted next to the opening and peered outside. Rows of metal demons stood unmoving, awaiting their master's orders.

"We're on the opposite side, but at least Mundus won't be there. We have to try crossing the bridge above the river and hopefully the guards will be distracted," Trish said.

Dante eyed the cliff stretching up into the sky and into the river of souls.

"We can't climb that, but getting through the demonic souls isn't safe with Evangeline and the baby," Dante said.

Vergil pointed to the red stones lining the top of the entrance into the cliff.

"We'll take those. You saw what they did to the souls," he said.

The group cautiously made their way through the rows of demons, watching carefully for any movement. Vergil looked up towards the Puppet Maker's fort and saw a winged figure soaring over the army of demons. He felt satisfaction from the Puppet Maker's fear of his impending demise.

Dante, using Rebellion, dislodged the red stones from the entrance and handed them to the others. Vergil wrapped his arm around Evangeline and Persephone, holding the red stone in front of them.

They moved swiftly, through the tunnels and when a demonic spirit came close a loud zap would echo through the tunnel and a small orb would replace the spirit. Eventually, the spirits no longer approached but hung back, wary of the red stones.

Following the tunnels leading upward, they searched for any indication of their position but found only darkness. Vergil wondered if they would ever emerge from the caves, though in some ways, he dreaded the prospect of more demons waiting. His body ached and shook with the effort to keep moving. Next to him, Persephone began whimpering and Evangeline quietly shushed her.

"We don't even know if we're going in the right direction," Trish whispered.

"It has to end eventually. We'll figure it out when we get there," Dante snapped.

Silence descended on them occasionally interrupted by the howl of a spirit in the distance that would make Evangeline jump whenever she heard it. Suddenly, the tunnel came to an abrupt halt and emptied out onto a ledge. Vergil stuck his head out and looked around. About twenty feet above them was the river of souls, its inhabitants writhing as they rushed towards an uncertain fate.

"There has to be another tunnel above it," Dante said, turning back the way they came.

Trish grabbed his arm. "I don't remember any other tunnels leading up and we're running out of time."

"What do you expect us to do? Swim?" Dante hissed.

Evangeline watched the two bicker before turning her eyes towards Vergil who only stared at the river. Her head felt light and her eyes began to burn. Slowly, her vision darkened and all she saw were three red lights staring at her like eyes. She braced herself against the wall with her shoulder.

"Something's coming," she said as the sensation faded and she could see again.

"Mundus has to pass through, which means he'll stop the river momentarily. We can climb through then," Vergil said. "Trish, carry Persephone. Evangeline, you'll hold onto Dante."

Vergil thought about plummeting to his death if he was unable to hold onto the rock wall. He would have plenty of time to contemplate it as he fell. He watched Evangeline handed Persephone to Trish before climbing onto Dante's back, wrapping her arms around his neck. They stepped onto the ledge and began to climb.

Every muscle screamed as Vergil slowly scaled the cliff. His elbow still throbbed in pain and he felt it nearly buckle every time he pulled himself up. He stopped just below the river, digging his boots into the rock wall.

"You okay, man?" Dante asked.

Vergil remained silent and adjusted his grip. That was when he felt the chilling power that always marked his presence. It was a cold that seemed to crackle in the air and reach into your body to squeeze your bones.

"He's here," Evangeline said.

She held Dante's neck a little tighter as she strained her neck to peer at the other side of the canyon. She wasn't comforted by the distance and had the eerie feeling he could still see them though they clung like ants to a mountain. Screams erupted as the entire river seemed to pull apart like stretched taffy. When the coast was clear Dante began climbing with Trish and Vergil close behind. Evangeline continued to stare as a sudden flood of demons washed down the other side. Then emerging from the top of the canyon were the three red lights arranged in a triangle. It slowly lowered itself down the side of the canyon, passing directly opposite them.

They emerged above the river and it quickly snapped back together. Evangeline stared at Mundus a while longer then quickly buried her face into Dante's back as her pulse quickened with fear. She knew he had spotted them.

With a grunt, Dante pulled himself over the ledge and Evangeline hopped off his back. Trish was next and Dante reached down to help Vergil with the last foot of climbing. They looked around and spotted the bridge in the eerily empty landscape. Only a few human souls wondered around, lost without their torturers.

Evangeline stood between Vergil and Dante as they ran towards the bridge and crossed the wrought iron pathway. Standing in front of the gate leading to the desolate landscape of hell, were two heavily armed demon's resembling wolves. They spotted the four escapees and growled, lunging towards them.

"Trish, stay," Dante ordered and drew rebellion.

Vergil already had Yamato in hand and together they rushed the demons and crossed in front of each other before plunging their swords into the demons who fell to the ground in two bloody heaps.

"Apparently, Mundus took all the good ones," Dante smirked.

"It's a blessing," Vergil responded, clutching the wound at his side that had torn open again. "Let's go."

They exited the gates with swords drawn and began tracing their steps, walking along the gate towards the right and walking a distance before turning out into the desert in front of them. Evangeline retrieved Persephone from Trish after shedding her heavy robes until just a white slip remained. She walked quickly to be at Vergil's side.

"How is she doing?" he asked.

"She's fine. He took good care of her. How are you?" she asked, watching his legs tremble slightly with every step.

"It will heal," he said.

"I never thought I would see you again. I thought I was going to die," Evangeline said and the tears began to flow anew.

Vergil placed his arm around her shoulder as they continued to walk, feeling her shoulders shake even as her feet continued moving. He wanted to lie down with her and feel that she was safe.

"I was lost without you," he said. Evangeline's surprise halted her tears. "I'm nothing without you. So I swear to you, that I will always find you no matter what. Wherever you go, I'll always find my way there."

"I can't lose you," she murmured.

"I'm hard to kill," he said.

Evangeline managed a weak laugh and nod though her stomach twisted at the idea. They fell into silence as they made their way through the blasted landscape watched over by a brown sky.

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Vergil's body begged to rest and for food but he knew they were nearly to the portal; he could feel it humming in his bones. They traveled in relative silence, unsure of what to say in that place, as if speaking of it would bring it back or summon their enemies to them. They had only paused briefly for Evangeline to feed Persephone who wailed to let her discomfort be known.

"I think it's close," Vergil said to Dante.

"You thi…"

The ground began to tremble and the sound of hundreds of roar echoed through the landscape. Vergil whirled around and saw dust rising in the distance and a wave of demons running towards them about a mile away. He could practically feel the scream for Sparda's blood.

"Run," he growled and they took off towards the portal, the hounds of hell literally at their heels.

Vergil kept his eyes on Evangeline who clutched a screaming Persephone to her chest. She was terrified, her eyes nearly bursting from her sockets. Vergil grabbed her arm and pulled her along as Trish took the lead.

He felt the demons approaching and quickly looked behind him and saw they were approaching. He knew they were faster. He knew they would catch them. Vergil stopped and pushed Evangeline towards Dante.

"Vergil, what are you doing?" Evangeline shouted. Dante halted and ran towards her side.

"Vergil, come on!" he said.

"They need to be stop or they're going to reach us. Take Evangeline and go," Vergil said and drew Yamato.

Dante gaped at Vergil with disbelief, torn between his brother's logic and his emotional inability to let go. Trish snatched Persephone from Evangeline who grabbed Vergil's arms and was pulling on him to follow, and started running towards the portal with the crying child.

"Vergil, don't do this," Evangeline cried, unable to move him.

He grabbed her chin and kissed her quickly.

"I told you I will always find you. If I have to fight God himself to find you in heaven, I will," he said.

Vergil looked at Dante who snapped from his stupor with a grave look in his eyes. Dante grabbed Evangeline around the waist and flipped her over his shoulder and ran. Evangeline pounded on his back with her fists and kicked her legs wildly.

"Dante, let me go! I'll kill you. Please don't leave him behind," she screamed as she began to cry.

Vergil watched their fleeing forms for a moment before turning towards the demon horde and drawing his sword. The bitter taste of sorrow filled his mouth and he clutched Yamato tighter. He had that moment again, the moment you know you are going to die.

They won't take my family. I won't fail this time.

The demons came closer and he charged.

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By the time Dante had passed through the portal, Evangeline had stopped screaming and grew quiet. Trish was waiting on the other side as Lady attended to the screaming baby and Nero waited for an oncoming threat.

Gathering all his will, Dante reached into the portal and felt the tingle of the amulet. He grabbed it, and pulled it from the stone, closing the gate. He set Evangeline on the ground and looked at her. Her face was a mess of smeared makeup; her red hair was wild around her face. She didn't cry, but just stared at Dante with a cold, emotionless expression that reminded him of Vergil. His own pain he hid carefully, though his heart was torn to shreds. He looked away, unable to stand the blame in her stare.

"Where's Vergil?" Nero asked.

There was silence.

"He's not coming back," Dante said and began walking towards Nero's home.

Lady walked over to Evangeline and knelt next her, gently taking her elbow with her free hand.

"Come on, Evangeline," she said quietly, trying to comfort.

Evangeline tore her arm away.

"No, let me go," she said.

"Persephone needs you," Trish answered softly.

"I not leaving," Evangeline snapped.

Lady nodded and stood up, following after Dante with Persephone. Trish stayed in her spot, watching Evangeline. She took a seat on a large piece of rubble several feet away and stood guard, unsure of what she would do.

Evangeline just stared at the ground in front of her, unmoving. She didn't cry; there wasn't any emotion left. There was nothing left without him. She was dead inside.

Please review. Stay tuned for the next chapter.