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Here Comes the Next Contestant

Striding to the door, Dante narrowed his eyes as he studied the crisscrossing sizzling energy beams. So the rat fink thought he could trap them? He'd see about that.

But, dammit, there went his secret yearning to send this Demon Lord into utter oblivion. He should have shot the bastard when he had the chance.

Goddamned politics sucked.

Based on the strength of the web, whether he liked it or not, this jerkface was going back to the Demon World once Dante stripped him of his human form. (Or rather, cut it to ribbons.) Then he'd have to keep looking over his shoulder for the dumbass to rear his ugly head up again while watching out for everyone else.

Thinking of whom, how was he going to group them together, get them out and then take this demon down? Yeah, he could slice through this trapdoor with one swipe of Rebellion, but knowing Trish and Nero's stubbornness, how was he going to convince them to vacate the premises? Then there was the joy of knowing a high level demon lord wanted to get his greedy claws in the women. Pissed, Dante concluded he'd also be after Nero's hide as a future threat.

Thanks to him, he'd put the kid in mortal danger and Kyrie in a demon's sights.

"Now you know why I prefer my privacy."

It's a good thing Dante was used to surprise attacks because he almost jumped out his skin when he heard Vergil. Lost in his furious ruminating, he'd forgotten Vergil was hidden right next to him. At this close range, Vergil could easily read Dante. Sneaky prig.

Sullenly, Dante thought back, "For your information, I like my privacy too so hit the road."

"Certainly I would be happy to hit the road, as you say, but only if you wish me to reveal my presence. I thought you wished my help. That is why you called, was it not?" Naturally Vergil would remind him he'd have to pick the lock on the door to leave the room and pretend to mistake what Dante meant when he told him to get lost - like in, get out of his mind. Jerk. (Dante wasn't sure if he was referring to himself or Vergil.)

Grumbling, Dante offered, "Look, maybe you can like come out of hiding, scare the bejeezus out of the Demon Lord, herd everyone together and get them out so I can take care of business."

Vergil purred, "I do not think so. If you wish to teach this Demon Lord the folly of his ways, I believe I should become a partner in your business."

Scowling Dante thought back, "I don't need a partner. I'm used to working alone. Yeah, Trish fights alongside me on occasion, but she's a target in this case so she needs to be out of here."

"While I understand your frustration at having your inane idea of utterly eliminating this Demon Lord thwarted, you must keep your eye on the bigger picture. If we fight together, I am certain we can convince him to give you a wide berth. Though I would think you are somewhat capable of defending yourself, I would not wish Kyrie, especially, to be endangered as she does not possess this ability. Are you afraid I may steal your spotlight? Or is it you do not wish to split your jackpot?" Vergil remarked slyly.

Startled, Dante involuntarily gave an amused snort, "Jackpot, huh? Haven't used that one in awhile. Thanks for the not so great memories. Alright, you gotta point. What'd ya want to do?"

"Perhaps the most satisfying course of action would be to introduce me properly. After all, the Demon Lord does appear insistent on etiquette and decorum."

Catching on, Dante barely held in the malicious anticipation as he thought of the perfect way to "properly" bring Vergil into the scene. Sending Vergil a thumbs up, Dante watched through slitted lids as the Demon Lord took a deep breath as he savored part of his returning powers.

...

Immediately having become aware of Vergil's entry, Kyrie could tell he was there although she couldn't see him. Lowering her lashes, she had made no indication she knew this, but knowing he was there went far in alleviating her fear and misery. After the horrid, tragic incident with the demon and his "claimed one," she had avoided even looking in Dante's direction. Closing herself off, she knew his plans weren't going the way he wanted.

She could sense he wasn't angry with her. From what she could discern, he had seemed more surprised than anything. Sighing, Kyrie thought about how she was called "special" but those special qualities made her different from others. Yes, many came to her in need, however, very, very few became true friends because of her lamentable need to speak the truth as she saw it. And because of her nature, she didn't know why or how, she had caught this abhorrent Demon Lord's interest.

Now Dante was put in the position she least wanted him to be - adding her to his burdensome worries. Yet everything inside Kyrie told her if she had acted any other way, the mighty demon would have sensed it and things could have been worse. Deep in contemplation she had been quickly brought back to the crisis at hand when Nero had begun to lead her toward the door as the entrapping shield appeared.

While Dante quickly communed with Vergil, infuriated, Nero started rapidly prepping to go into battle mode. If this...thing made one move on Kyrie he was history.

As Mercurous began to power up as much as he could, Trish spoke, "I had not thought one could drastically change in such a short time. Or perhaps it is I who have changed. Can you not see I wish to remain with Dante? Would you risk his wrath along with mine? I can assure you, you will not be pleased if you attempt to do as you are planning. Why do you persist in your futile efforts?"

"With you by my side Trish, I will be so feared no one will dare attempt to question my authority," he answered.

At this telling disclosure, Dante strode up to the Demon Lord observing, "This's what this is all about. You're afraid your holdings have diminished while you've been held captive in the Human World. You're so obsessed with Trish, you left yourself open to attack and got yourself captured by one of the oldest tricks in the book."

Narrowing his eyes, the Mercurous' voice deepened as he hissed, "You are the foolish one. By gathering together your supplicants, they are easily captured. I may also be able to obtain your pure priestess warrior by luring her to me through her loyalty to you. She also would create a fierce threat against those wishing to oppose me."

Hearing this, Vergil instantly connected with Lady who, to his annoyance, fought him. "Would you cease your efforts to block me? I have news you need to know," he tried not to sound like he was gritting his teeth.

Miffed, Lady crossed her arms and thought back, "Well, make it snappy. I don't want contact with you anymore than I have to."

Vergil's teeth threatened to grow fangs at her tart, snippy reply. Given the strength of their strange bond Lady willfully refused to acknowledge, Vergil was tempted to send her a jolt to remind her she wasn't going to loose "contact" with him anytime soon.

Very mildly, he said, "This Demon Lord thinks to lure you to him. Do not, under any circumstances, come near this room."

As he should have expected, Lady returned, "Oh he does, does he? I'd like to see him try to snatch me. And don't order me around like I'm a child. I am quite capable of making my own decisions thank you very much."

At the end of his tether, Vergil warned, "Lady..."

She cut him off with, "Fine. I hear you."

"And?" he silkily asked.

Though he couldn't see her, Lady grimaced as she thought back, "I'll be careful. OK? Satisfied?"

Vergil wasn't about to pass up that opening and purred seductively, "Not yet. We shall have to see, will we not?" as he deliberately sent a faint surge of caressing warmth. Though she tried to hide it, Vergil was smugly pleased to feel her shiver in response.

Deciding a discreet retreat may be in order as she sifted through his tone and pondered whether that melting warmth had been intended or not, she broke contact without responding. To Vergil that was a telling answer all by itself.

With a slight smirk, he refocused in time to hear Dante say, "You are crazy. How do you expect to get past me to get to them?"

"The fledgling is of no account and you cannot defeat me while protecting your chosen ones while we are engaged."

At this, Nero nearly lost it completely. No account? No account! Man, did he wanna show just how wrong this demon was in discounting him while holding him accountable for even thinking about Kyrie.

Before Nero could erupt, Dante had to know, "Aren't you forgetting something? You can't very well jump on a highway to Hell without a jump-start."

Laughing evilly and sending chills down Kyrie's spine, the Demon Lord revealed, "It was fate which brought Trish to me. And with her, I discovered an undreamed of opportunity. I sense your desire to slay me. Once you rid me of my human form, I will have the might to take that which I desire. Even if you decide to stay your hand, now that I am partially free, it is merely a matter of time before I am at full strength. "

Unable to believe how pretentiously he laid out his plans, Nero stared at the Demon Lord. The way he figured it, the moron had taken a flight downstairs from the stupidity aisle of the demonic superstore to the idiot department.

Shit, why doesn't he just draw a blueprint?

Having heard all he needed, Dante decided the time had arrived to spring a trap of his own. He didn't let Trish in on the scheme as he wanted her far away while prudently thinking she wouldn't be too happy with the bait he was planning on using. With assurances from Vergil Kyrie was up for the job, Dante concentrated his thoughts on her. Because Kyrie never "answered" him back, Dante figured it was a one way street when it came to them "talking." He only hoped Kyrie got the instructions he sent her.

Almost starting when she felt and heard Dante, Kyrie had been in the midst of fearfully wondering how to save Nero from this awful being as she clearly sensed the Demon Lord intended to go for him first before Dante got there. But how could she protect Nero? She wasn't a warrior, but when Dante came through she was heartened to discover he had a plan to save them.

Carefully "listening," Kyrie thought she understood what he wished of her. Puzzled, she heard him tell her to engage the hideous Demon Lord in conversation in regards to his previous comments about "honor" while reminding her the demon's admiration of her truthfulness would come in handy. Cautiously keeping his contact to herself, Kyrie didn't want to let Dante down as she gathered her thoughts together.

With Vergil a shadow on the wall, Dante and Trish at her back and Nero by her side, Kyrie was able to retain her new found courage and poise. Feeling the almost tangible gasp of discombobulation and apprehension from Nero and Trish, as per Dante's request, Kyrie calmly pulled away from Nero, stepped forward and stood demurely upright with her hands folded at her waist.

Although Dante was gratified by her immediate move to do as he asked (a refreshing change from what he usually got), he held grave reservations in putting Kyrie in harm's way. But they needed to send a message written in stone for this demon to leave them alone - especially Nero and Kyrie. Sensing Kyrie's resolve, he listened and watched her interactions with the Demon Lord intently.

"I most humbly beg your pardon for my intrusion. Because you were courteous in answering my questions before, I would ask your patience and indulgence in forgiving my ignorance as there is something I do not understand," she said dulcetly.

Having been on the receiving end of Kyrie's ability to speak with sincerity while showing honor, Vergil was unsurprised as Trish and Nero held their breath hoping it would work on the demon. Not being in on the know, Dante was frankly beyond impressed. With that little speech, she was bound to cause Mr. I'm so Much Better than You to zero in on her.

As everyone froze while the Demon Lord came toward her, Dante began to power up since he hadn't expected Kyrie to be quite this good at nabbing his attention.

Mercurous was stopped by Nero's blade at his throat. "That's far enough. Not one more step," he stated uncompromisingly flat.

Unperturbed, the demon asked Dante, "Would you have your fledgling male speak for you? I seek to do my duty in educating this pure one. She has asked to speak with me in a most respectful fashion."

Knowing this pompous blowhard would abhor dealing with his "fledgling supplicant," Dante draped an arm around Trish as he replied a bored, "The kid's got the right idea. I'm just fine with letting him do the talking."

Glaring at a languid, insolent Dante, Mercurous reluctantly addressed Nero, "I will remain here if you will lower your weapon. Will that put you at ease?"

Slowly lowering Red Queen, Nero said, "Not on your life - which doesn't count for much. Lay one hand on her and you'll be feeling flaming steel burning from the inside."

Practically sniffing in disdain, the Demon Lord gazed down at Kyrie who had to will herself to meet his eyes with her own - allowing him to see her truthfulness. Placated by her serene, ingenuous manner, he assured her with, what was to him, a reassuring smile, "Do not worry. I will not harm you for speaking the truth or asking your questions." Kyrie had to keep herself from trembling outright at the smile that, to her, showed dripping, bloody fangs.

Afraid she may have momentarily lost her voice, she nodded graciously. Fervently praying she was understanding the situation correctly, she asked, "That is most generous. I behold you as one who values honor, yet you are seeking to lay claim to what is Dante's by taking them from him?" She didn't dare say "stealing" as she didn't know if this was an acceptable term or not.

As gently as a demon could, he assured, "I understand. You are human. It is only to be expected you are unknowledgeable of such matters." Without realizing his explanation would bring dread rather than gratitude, he explained as a matter of course, "In circumstances such as these, because Dante refuses to bargain with me, I can forcibly take what I wish from him. We shall battle for the rights of the other."

Desperately suppressing her urge to blanch while balking in appalled fright, Kyrie managed a whispering, "Thank you for enlightening me as to this 'honorable duel.'"

Mercurous laughed, "Such a sweet, delicious pure one. An honorable duel indeed. You are to be congratulated Dante on finding a rare, precious prize."

Eyes slit with freezing promise, Vergil nearly growled as Dante responded, "Am I gonna have to bash your skull in to get you to see reason? How many times do I gotta tell ya I didn't find her? My male warrior here did. She's all his. Murky."

In disbelief, the demon scoffed, "You may proclaim this all you wish, yet your scent lingers upon her."

"If you can't, or won't, see I'm telling the truth, ask the pure one. Numbskull."

Certain he'd been insulted but unsure how, the Demon Lord returned his attention to Kyrie, "Tell me child. Who is the one who has chosen you for his own?"

Lifting her chin, Kyrie said proudly, "Nero." Sensing his confusion, she clarified, "He is the one you refer to as Dante's male warrior."

"Ah," Mercurous said, "I understand."

Yeah, dweeb. Get a clue, was basically what Nero was thinking as the Demon Lord looked over Kyrie at Dante.

At Dante's bland expression, he addressed Kyrie, perplexed, "Dante allowed this fledgling to choose one as prized as you rather than choosing you himself?"

As Nero barely held back slicing the demon in two, Kyrie thought carefully before she spoke. Since Dante had been there at least twice when Nero blatantly showed he was choosing to be with her alone, Kyrie decided she could honestly say, "Yes."

Astounded, Mercurous asked, "Dante is your Master, is he not?"

Uncertain what he meant, Kyrie erred on the side of caution by declaring with conviction, "Dante is master of many things."

Letting out the breath he hadn't known he was holding, Dante didn't want Nero or Kyrie to know demonic hierarchy stated everything, or one, belonged to the Master in charge (meaning him) to do with as he wished, whenever he wished - there was no "private ownership" or "personal rights" for those under him. Clever girl, he thought as he heard Kyrie's evasive answer.

Though the Demon Lord was as Dante said, dumber than dirt, Vergil was nonetheless pleased he wasn't the only one to be diverted by Kyrie's ability to answer truthfully without answering the question.

Perplexed to sense Vergil and Dante's approval, Kyrie was thankful she had found a way to make them both happy.

A cunning gleam came into the demon's eyes Dante marked and didn't like - one bit. Now what's the son of bitch planning?

He didn't have long to wait as the devil crooned, "That is quite interesting and confirms my belief in Dante's rash youthfulness if he would gift this one with you. This fledgling has not even been instructed on how to properly mark you as his own. Because you remain unmarked, I feel more justified in choosing you for myself. If Dante allowed you to be bargained for once, I should have no difficulty with this fledgling."

Did Nero just hear what he thought he had? He better not have 'cause if he had, he wasn't gonna take the diplomatic route this time, but the direct path to decimation.

As the demon made a grab for Kyrie, Dante's shot rang out. Confounded, he noted Kyrie didn't flinch when his bullet made her hair sway as it passed across her shoulder. Poor kid. She must be holding herself together for all she was worth not to register how close he'd come in getting a clear shot.

In actuality, if Kyrie had to choose between Dante's marksmanship and the touch of a despicable demon, she'd gladly hold firm under his blazing guns. She didn't doubt for a split second Dante could hit a speck of fluttering sand without a glance.

Blurring away from the bullet, Mercurous gloatingly told Dante, "I heard you were most accurate with your aim. However, this time you failed to meet your goal."

"Hardly," Dante told him caustically, "When Nero told you to keep your distance, he meant it as did I. That was a warning shot. Next time I pull the trigger you can bet all the demons in Hell I'll hit my target. Get me?" Glaring, Mercurous detected no wavering in him and stayed where he stood.

Seeing the opening he'd been looking for, Dante sneered, "As far as being marked, I thought with your considerable experience and knowledge you'd be able to tell she has been marked. Or are your senses as dull as your wits, Murky?"

"Marked? I see no markings upon her, insolent, swaggering, youngling," the demon scoffed.

"Look again. Twit," Dante instructed to Nero's rising agitation.

Believing in Dante, Kyrie slowly raised her arms with her wrists together in order for the vile creature to "see" for himself. Based on Dante's assertion, Kyrie guessed though the bruises were gone from her flesh, the "markings" Vergil had placed on her were under the surface. When the demon leaned forward, Nero and Dante had their guns out and trained on him.

Straightening, Mercurous said loftily, "How am I to ascertain the truth if I cannot come near to detect these so called markings you speak of? The male reeks of you making it difficult to scent the pure one who also carries your scent."

Without changing his stance or standing down, Dante ordered, "Nero, move back. Shoot if he touches her. That is, if I don't pull the trigger first. And you, Merc. Hands behind your back."

Hesitating, Nero was about to disregard Dante's command when Kyrie hastily sent him a mental, private plea to do as Dante suggested. She'd be all right. How could this demon touch her with both of them covering her? She didn't tell Nero of Vergil or his hunger to attack since she thought there must be a reason Vergil was in hiding. Haltingly Nero moved a distance away yet close enough to instantly take action if this devil didn't behave himself.

Affronted by Dante giving him orders, the demon slit his eyes threateningly as he obeyed. Leaning from the waist, he audibly sniffed, like the dog Dante thought he was, Kyrie's wrists.

Bolting upright, he exclaimed, "You did mark her. The stench of Sparda permeates her. As I surmised, you lie."

Hiding his impatient ire, Dante mildly said, "Take another whiff and try to get it right this time. I'm not the only Sparda around y'know."

When Mercurous deeply inhaled to recognize the scent pervading Kyrie was slightly different from Dante's, his eyes flew wildly open. "No! It cannot be. There is only one other who..." The demon trailed as he floundered to assimilate the impossible.

"What? Who'd you pick up? Dumbass."

Too unhinged to be insulted, he blurted, "Vergil! But... But how? It is well known Vergil has never chosen one to claim. If he did, with his tastes and ruthlessness, he would not release this pure one to one beneath him. It is inconceivable this fledgling could defeat Vergil, even harnessed. With a pure one this enticingly precious, he would have claimed her upon marking her."

As Nero flared in fury, Kyrie, to Dante's astonishment and Vergil's gratification, leaped to Vergil's defense. (Dante was beginning to think Kyrie was going to be the death of him as she batted pop-flies before he could get his feet under him.)

"Vergil would not do such a heinous act! He is a honorable warrior who would never force himself on a woman," she proclaimed indignantly. Warmed by Kyrie's defense of his character, Vergil couldn't deny Kyrie's true, firm belief in him - which was difficult to take in.

Mercurous mulled this over before saying, "By your statement it is obvious you are indeed familiar with Vergil. Though difficult to accept, I can do no other than believe you as you are without deceit. As for his character, you are correct little one. He would have thought to bide his time after marking you to properly woo you. His pursuit of you must have been interrupted by this fiery fledgling. I must know, how did this male of lower status acquire you?"

At a slight loss, Kyrie said, "He 'traded' with Vergil for me."

"This is becoming more incredible by the moment. What could this fledgling halfling possibly possess Vergil would consider more valuable than you?"

Secretly praying Kyrie wouldn't mention Yamato or a sword, (would she even think not to?) Dante held in another breath. With her directly in front of a demon lord, Dante didn't dare send a radio signal which could be dialed into.

Kyrie paused before answering. Since Vergil carried Yamato, she saw no need to reveal a potent weapon held in the hands of a potent warrior to a foe.

Knowing Kyrie's discretion and quick mind, Vergil was undisturbed. In fact, he was looking forward to seeing how Kyrie answered without mentioning Yamato.

Sure enough, Kyrie looked the demon in the eye as she said steadily, "Nero had in his possession a magnificent piece of magical, mystical artistry infused with demonic power Vergil very much desired."

Dante let out his breath thinking, very clever girl, as the Demon Lord instantly fixated on the words, "mystical," "magical," "power" and "very much desired," without asking what this piece of artistry was.

From his place in the shadows, Vergil let loose a grin not only at Dante's reaction, but at Kyrie's response, itself.

Brows drawing together, the Demon Lord questioned, "And where would this one acquire a much desired magical, powerful item, as you say?"

Kyrie could easily answer, "From Dante." Relieved, Dante thought this was getting better and better as Kyrie lead the Demon Lord right where he wanted him.

"This one is indeed bold, headstrong and defiant to betray his Master in relinquishing a priceless gift without permission." Though Nero didn't mind being called bold, headstrong and defiant, he clenched his teeth at the next comment the airhead demon made. "Surely Dante punished him."

Punished? Like a two year old in need of a spanking?

Though Dante couldn't "hear" Nero, his body language said it all. Biting his tongue, he cleared his throat of the witty retorts he was tempted to send the kid's way for the pure fun of watching Nero go up in smoke - not that there wasn't smoke coming out his ears already.

Carefully remaining attentive to the Demon Lord, Kyrie wished Nero and Dante would have pity on her as she felt Nero's distracting rancor and Dante's mischievous response. Feeling the same as Kyrie, Trish barely restrained herself from zapping Dante to keep his mind on serious, practical matters.

Retaining her remembrance of the last assertion the demon made, Kyrie sent up a prayer of thanks as she felt she wasn't required to respond to a statement instead of an actual question.

When she said nothing, curious, the Devil Lord rephrased, "How did Dante react to this one relinquishing a gifted treasure to be guarded? I mean no offense, but it is well known Dante and Vergil are in conflict and I cannot comprehend Dante allowing Vergil an extremely desired item. Tell me of Dante's wrath."

Adding to Dante's enjoyment, Kyrie mused, "He was not angry as I believe you are suggesting. Dante was there. In allowing this to happen without interfering, I can only surmise he approved of the exchange."

He (and Trish) couldn't get over how well Kyrie was holding her own without telling the demon a damn thing. This was getting more amusing by the second. He couldn't wait to see what came next and Vergil was in agreement.

If it'd been in the demon's vocabulary, Nero would had said he was blown away by Kyrie's revelation. Then his hackles rose as the filthy slime said, "If Dante was there, he must have taken pleasure in seeing his nemesis shackled. This is the only way he would have allowed this one to bargain for you. Afterward Dante must have immediately attacked, knowing he could retrieve that which had been traded away. With Vergil restrained, did Dante not take advantage of his weakened state?"

Aghast, Kyrie answered, "Being a mighty warrior of honor himself, Dante waited until Vergil was armed before attacking." Dante, Vergil and Nero barely held in the glee as Kyrie left out a whole bunch with that statement.

Smirking, Dante sent Vergil, "Ya get that? Being an honorable warrior and all, I waited until you could defend yourself. Am I a nice guy or what?"

"A nice guy?" Vergil replied acerbically, "I was already free. I would say you were more excited about the idea of having a worthy opponent than acting out of consideration. Dimwit."

And the demon agreed as he pondered, "Though I do not understand, according to what I am learning, Dante would unharness Vergil in order to have, as he says, an interesting fight. Am I correct?"

Searching through his words, Kyrie thought to say, "You are correct in saying Vergil was unharnessed," making Dante want to laugh at her smooth delivery which in no way revealed the real circumstances.

The Demon Lord thought out loud as if savoring every word, "If Dante is here, then that must mean he was the victor, though difficult to believe (Gee, thanks, Dante secretly thought, irked), and Vergil is no longer within this realm."

Deciding this was the proper introduction he had been waiting for, Vergil thought to clear up a few misconceptions.

With perfect timing, in Kyrie's opinion, Vergil appeared - sauntering casually toward them. While Nero wondered where in the heck he'd come from, Kyrie was thrilled to see him. Briefly darkening his eyes to a fond, brilliant blue, Vergil responded to her obvious happiness with an almost indiscernible nod before lightening his eyes to a glacier blue and impassively hardening his features.

"You think so?" he blandly commented.

"Vergil! I heard you were freed but supposed you were long gone from this place. How did you escape Dante's wrath?"

Vergil shrugged as he neared, "We were interrupted."

Yeah? Dante mused, You could say that. Though we sure unleashed some 'wrath' following our initial 'conversion.'

Moving backward as Vergil glided forward, Mercurous asked in trepidation, "What is it you do here? How did you breach my shield?"

Sardonically, Vergil replied, "Your shield was of no matter."

The fleabrain would have a cow if he knew he trapped Vergil in by mistake, and boy, talk about a blunder added to a major bummer for pretty face, horn dog Demon Lord, Dante inwardly rejoiced

"What do you believe I do here? Would you have me disregard my duty to ensure the safety of a pure one I had chosen to mark after, as you said, I never have before?" Vergil finished, giving credence to his mysterious reputation and solid connection to Dante.

When Vergil came abreast of them, for the first time, Kyrie realized with a sinking heart how he utterly despised Masters as she felt his hatred toward the Demon Lord. He had played the role of one out of affection for her. She hadn't had the ability to sense this before though, perhaps, when she thought about it, she had been better off not knowing as the weight of guilt descended on her.

At this range, Vergil could feel Kyrie's sorrow she had the idea she'd unknowingly hurt him. Unable to believe she cared this strongly for his well being, he was moved by her concern. Wanting to reassure her she was not to blame, he let her feel this as he closed his hand over her wrists as if claiming a certain possessiveness over her by covering his marks. Gently backing her into Nero's arms, putting the young man more at ease, he lazily, fluidly, turned to face the Demon Lord.

Pleased to feel and scent the fear rising from him, Vergil silkily purred, "You will not take that which I have traded to another. I do not give up a precious one lightly. You would be wise to remember this."

"But... But I do not understand how one of your ferocity and solitude would seek to claim a pure one only to relinquish her to one such as this male."

"Would you care to see what I considered worthy of such a high prize?" he sleekly asked.

Pacified by Vergil placing Kyrie firmly into his keeping, Nero began to edge them backward - away from ground zero.

Unable to curb his avid curiosity, the demon nodded over the anxiety filling him. Smiling cruelly, Vergil smoothly unsheathed Yamato which flared in the presence of a demonic threat.

Cringing, Mercurous exclaimed in terror, "This cannot be! Though I knew Yamato had miraculously been restored to open the main portal, Dante would never allow you to reclaim the sword before he engaged you."

Vergil silkily responded, "You should know Dante dearly loves to play," heightening the demon's terror to sheer panic as Dante silently admitted, Well, I guess that's true. And if this jerkoff wets his pants at the very thought of taking on Vergil, he should get the idea I like to play rough.

Thrown into complete disarray by this unforeseen, unimaginable turn of events, Mercurous drew himself up, touting, "I understand your honor demands your bargain be upheld. I know, you know you may regain your chosen one whenever you wish by easily defeating the fledgling as the pure one appears to carry a certain loyalty to you. Though I will withdraw my efforts, what of Dante? Are you unconcerned about his wrath?"

Baring his teeth with a snarl when he heard this, Kyrie sent Nero a loving assurance Vergil was making certain he wouldn't have to fend off this demon.

"Yeah? What if I want to 'fend off' this demon?" Nero responded in irritated furor.

"If you even think about engaging this Demon Lord I'll bang your hard head with a frying pan to make you see reason." As Kyrie built a vivid, detailed image in his mind of making good on her threat, Nero went from fury to hilarity in a split second.

He teased, "Oh you will, will ya? I'm shaking in my boots."

Nero may have calmed down but Dante's teeth were grinding together at the blowhard's confidence Vergil could waltz in whenever he liked. His teeth clenched harder at Vergil's answer, "Dante has no say in this matter. I will do as I wish."

Here he'd been warning this jerkwad ad nausea to leave well enough alone to no effect. Then Vergil makes an entrance, has his one say, and Mr. High and Mighty Demon Lord backs off. Fuck, what had he been doing in Demonville all these years to gain this kind of rep.? And Dante hadn't heard a word. Vergil was an even sneakier prig than he imagined.

Feeling Dante's ire he was seen second to him, Vergil withheld an fiendish smirk. Perhaps he should bolster Dante's skill? No. This was much more pleasurable. Besides, he wouldn't be doing his brotherly duty in reminding Dante to uphold the family name if he didn't allow him his chance to prove himself, would he?

Trish also had to hide the smile at Dante's vexed grumbling. "Darling. Don't worry. I know you'll protect helpless, defenseless, me, mighty Master," she couldn't resist sending him.

"Don't you start. Vergil and your friggin 'associate' are bad enough without you jabbing me on top of them," Dante grouched.

"Yes, my lord. Anything you say milord. I am your most humble, loyal servant, your highness," Trish teased. Figuring he was going to lose this battle of wits, he decided to stop before he started. Without responding, annoyed, Dante huffed, making Trish want to laugh outright.

Then they both came abruptly to attention as the Demon Lord told Vergil, intending to appease him, "As I would suspect. You have ever been one to go your own way and your matching half breed birthling appears to retain this same trait. I wonder if you gained this from being offspring whelps of Sparda's noble bloodline? Though I do not doubt your ability to destroy one who would contest you, would you not wish an ally in your quest? I would merely ask to claim Trish for myself and perhaps we can reach an agreement in regards to the pure priestess."

Holy Mother of God, absolutely, positively the most asinine wrong thing to say. This was all Dante needed. Almost wincing, he felt Vergil's fury reaching the crazed level it had earlier.

Like Trish, Vergil hadn't forgotten the vile stench of brimstone and he also violently repelled against it. Unfortunately after experiencing Kyrie's restful springtime, peach blossom scent and Lady's intoxicating tangy, energetic radiance, their cleanliness was in dramatic contrast to the suffocating filth of the Demon Lord.

Unbidden, terrible visions and humiliations arose within Vergil causing him to see the vile creature before him as an obscenity to be erased as painfully as he could imagine - and Vergil could be exceedingly creative when the mood struck.

Sensing this, a greatly disturbed Kyrie and Dante felt with certainty, Vergil was in the mood to strike. Confirming their alarm, with dead eyes held within expressionless features, Vergil dealt Mercurous a back handed blow with his fist - breaking his nose while shattering his jaw. Slammed to the floor, demonic blood spattered and was swiftly reabsorbed as broken bones began to re-knit themselves.

Standing with Yamato at his side, Vergil hissed, "We are the sons of Sparda and were birthed in the Human World. Therefore we do not accept terms for those born in the demonic realm. Dante may show leniency in forgiving your insults, but I am not so tolerant. You will address us as is our due and how we are commonly known in the Demon World. Do not make the mistake of deluding yourself Dante is unaware of this. You have disclosed yourself as an empty braggart by falling for his tricks. Fool."

Well, that was clear and to the point - at least to him. Dante wasn't too sure about the lameass on the ground. Feeling Vergil's rage spiking, indicating he wasn't finished making other points clear, Dante was about to step in when the imbecile opened his trap when he should have kept it shut.

"It was not my intention to insult you son of Sparda. I merely sought to aid you in your well known, unceasing conflict with Dante. Moreover, you would not slay me as you are aware of my role within the Demon World in which I use my might to maintain the balance between the two worlds," Mercurous groveled through his crushed jaw.

Towering over him, Vergil studied him in dispassionate contempt with a slight curl of disgust on his lip. Under his veneer of ice, Kyrie sensed a writhing, ferocious wildfire fueling a combustible loathing within Vergil - urging him to rend this devil asunder.

Growing fearful for Vergil, she heard him say coldly, "Since when do I care about maintaining the 'balance'?" demonstrating he could do the evasive answer as well.

To his mounting discernment, Dante felt Vergil's rage cresting. "You are fortunate we are not within the Demon World. In attempting to steal a pure one I have entrusted to another and having the temerity in planning to engage Dante within my reach, you have insulted me. No one is allowed to interfere with our conflict. I will not be denied my right to engage him when I deem fit. It is well known I do not share my prey. When I punish you for your crimes, I am disappointed you will not find true death."

Yikes! That was direct and psycho scary. Eyes widening, Nero was torn. He thought he'd seen Vergil in ice mode, but hadn't scratched the surface. Through his bond with Kyrie, he felt what lay under the surface was a scarring, scorching, merciless blaze. Yeah, Nero came close to matching that blaze but couldn't contend with the unforgiving ice.

On one level, he could see Vergil had gone easy on him by testing him to make sure Kyrie would be safe with him - and now he was making sure they were both safe. Nero appreciated that. The second level was terrifying as he thought of Kyrie trapped alone with this Devil. Paling, he wondered how she survived. Tightening his arms around her, Nero was damn careful not to make any sudden movements as he continued to inch them away.

Unable to bear seeing Vergil in a perilously tumultuous state where she could feel torturous memories beginning to claim him, Kyrie whispered an aching, pleading, "Vergil. Remember when we talked of the balance within." Nero and the demon may have thought Kyrie was referring to a demon uprising, but Vergil stilled as he understood.

A bit worried himself, Dante wasn't certain he could handle having another "discussion" with a Vergil gone bonkers while engaging a psychotic stalker demon lord out for his blood and "supplicants" at the same time.

Preparing for atomic disaster, he was stunned immobile as Kyrie's voice came from Vergil loud enough for him to hear: Even within ourselves, we strive to find a balance. There was a pause as Vergil struggled to recall where he was and Dante heard him grasp hold of: But then he was able to put that dark hatred and anger aside in order to lighten Dante's load and help Lady.

Honing in on Kyrie, Vergil absently pressed the sole of his boot on the demon in human form's throat after he pleaded to Dante, "Second son of Sparda. Will you not have mercy in aiding me? Surely you wish to maintain the balance. You have my oath to cease my efforts to acquire that which is yours." Just great. NOW he was a son of Sparda whereas before he'd been a lowly half-breed abomination.

Yippy, Dante thought sourly. If this prick of a demon thought he'd get any help from him he had another thing coming. Dante had a good mind to let Vergil go psycho on his ass. Realizing where he going, Dante came to a halt with a, Oh hell no. Not after everything this piece of lint had put him through. No way was he gonna let Vergil fly solo on this job. He was going to have to share whether he wanted to or not.

Unlike the demon, Dante now knew which "balance" was most important to Vergil to maintain - and it was one he zealously flipped on green lights for.

After all the bits and pieces he'd been hearing, he was mighty curious to know more about this long conversation of Kyrie and Vergil's. Unhappily, Dante figured the chances of him finding out were slim. Kyrie couldn't "talk" to him so he couldn't "see" into her and she seemed to only speak verbally to him when spoken to. And Vergil gave a closed up clam a run for its money. Damn. No, make that a double damn.

As Dante waited to make his move, Vergil's eyes softened as he sensed Kyrie's fear for him. Grateful Kyrie had brought him to his senses with her concern for him, he didn't want to hurt her gentle nature by revealing what he and Dante were going have to do to teach this devil the error of his ways. Although he knew she knew the code of an honorable warrior, he didn't want her to see them delivering an asked for harsh lesson.

Ignoring the demon clawing at him while he struggled to breathe, Vergil suggested, slightly hoarse, "Perhaps it would be best if you removed Kyrie from the room Nero."