Terribly sorry this chapter took so long to post. Not only did I bite off more than I can chew - like always - and wrote a long chapter I had to break in two, I also stupidly put something in that didn't fit. Needless to say, it took awhile and a lot of reworking to fix the problem. So if you come across rough spots, that's where they're coming from. By the way, since it's been so long, if you are as confused as Nero by Vergil's amusement in the face of Dante threatening him, I recommend reading the beginning of the last chapter and their first conversation for a heads up. I hope I did okay. Here's to crossing my fingers I managed to smooth this out. I look forward to hearing what you think and hope you enjoy this chapter.

Shut You Up

At Vergil's suggestion to Nero, Dante figured that was as good a cue as he was going to get. Silently telling Trish to stay put, he pushed off with Rebellion to flow fluidly forward in predatory mode. Slitted lids half covered eerie greenish gray eyes fixed on Vergil as he radiated malicious intent.

Awestruck by Dante's chilling transformation, Kyrie marveled he could encompass the entire room with a terrible menace which was directed solely at the Demon Lord. Sensing the empty stillness filling him as he neared, she stilled herself as she tried to assimilate why his outward aggression was aimed toward Vergil rather than his inner target.

Uncertain whether to keep moving, Nero could have told Kyrie that stillness she was picking up was Dante readying himself to go into battle without any remorse or second thoughts holding him back from going for broke.

Dante hissed at Vergil lethally, "Didn't I tell you to hit the road? But no. You just gotta come in here trying to steal my spotlight. Who died and made you king? I tell Nero what to do, not you. Get it?" Through Kyrie, Nero thought Vergil had ice for blood as he was inwardly more amused by Dante's threat than anything. Feeling Dante's spine skiddering vow of deliverance of death, he knew his blood felt frozen and he sure didn't find the sensation amusing.

Returning Dante's demeanor, Vergil sleekly responded, "As you wish. Though I warn you, I must be certain important matters are seen to as you are not known for being reasonable."

"Reasonable?" Dante wanted to snort but held tight to his mask. "We're not going to debate that subject again are we? You got your way, and I got mine."

"That is a fact," Vergil responded acidly, "But do you not agree with my request? After all, it would benefit you as well. Or are you so hardheaded you will discard my suggestion simply because I am the one who made it?"

Glad Vergil had phrased what he was heading for in such a way he wouldn't lose face in front of the big cheese from Demonland, Dante feigned reluctance as he growled, "Hardheaded, huh? I wonder just who gave you the idea I was hardheaded which, by the way, isn't the same as unreasonable?"

"Say what you will. You will do as you wish regardless of what I say, as always," Vergil sneered in disgust.

"And don't you forget it," Dante warned. His diamond hard eyes falling on Nero and Kyrie, he ordered, "In this case, as much as I hate to agree with you, you got a point. Nero, take your chosen one and get lost - quick."

From the vibes, Nero figured Dante had the right idea in reference to Kyrie, not him. But how could he leave Kyrie alone? It wasn't like he could keep her in the room while he joined Dante (and Vergil, he grumbled silently) in taking this slimy toad out.

Seeing Nero hesitate, Dante's eyes hardened more, "What cha waiting for kid? I told you what you to do, now do it. You too, Trish." Mentally cursing a blue streak, Dante felt her hesitate also. Trish, especially, should know better than to dig in her heels in this situation.

Couldn't they just do as he said the first time around for once?

Fury met frustration as Dante covered his tracks (and theirs) by striding to the door. With his pent up anger in full view, Rebellion's blade heated red as he effortlessly slashed through the entrapping web. As the Demon Lord's eye widened in shocked dread as he saw how easily his deadly snare was demolished, Dante mockingly bowed with one arm gesturing to the freed exit. "I guess I forgot to open the door for you. Now you are free to go."

Unfortunately Trish's common sense couldn't compete with her concern for Dante. She absolutely wanted to remain by his side while he battled one of the most powerful demons in the Demon World. In addition, she knew this demon's weaknesses and could be an asset to him. Before she could stop herself, she heard herself say regally, "No. I do not wish to leave. If you will engage Mercurous, I will remain as well."

Son of a bitch. Dante had been afraid of this.

While he appreciated Trish's desire to stay with him (and could admit if the tables were turned, he'd react the same), he almost groaned when he heard the freakin demon say desperately, "Yes. Trish, stay. I knew you would step forth to take control."

Dante thought Vergil mighty considerate to hold the demon in place as he relished blowing away his lower jaw with Ivory for maximum damage in hopes the dumbass wouldn't regenerate anytime soon. He wanted this Devil to suffer as he rearranged his pretty face but good while informing him in fiendish anticipation, "I'm finished hearing your yapping. This is the part where you stop talking and start bleeding."

His eyes met Vergil's knowing ones glowing in intense satisfaction. As his eyes changed to match Vergil's, Dante suddenly realized Trish and Nero hadn't moved. Goddamn it. Didn't they get he had maintain appearances as an, ugh, "unsurpassed badass Master"? Which meant they had to get going when he told them the going was good without any backtalk. Dante froze in indecision as he tried to come up with a way to get them moving in the right direction while demonstrating who was in charge.

Sensing his uncertainty, Vergil had to say, "My. When I called you a tolerant Master I had no idea how tolerant you are. If you are too weak to control those under you I believe it best if you left this demon to me. After all, you would not wish any harm to come those under your protection," ending on a sneering note. Snarling, Dante sent him a warning to keep his opinions to himself.

Nero didn't help matters by saying, "Holy hell, Dante. Didn't you enjoy that a little too much? And in front of Kyrie too. Yeah. I get this Demon Lord is a mouthy jerk, but don't ya think you could've just blown him away and gotten this all over with?"

"Yes, Dante. Let us see your true Devil come out to play. It is your duty to instruct the youth under you as to the proper means of dealing with a demon of this caliber," Vergil dug the knife in deeper as Dante felt a blinding rage begin to rise at his jab. At this rate he was going to go for Vergil - demon lord or no demon lord. Struggling to clear his head, Dante was torn.

Attempting to understand what was happening to Dante, Kyrie reluctantly lowered her shields she had rapidly become more adept at controlling. Instantly swamped by the various energies, colors and frequencies within the room, she struggled to hone in on Dante's wave length. Gradually he came into focus as she worked to "see" through his thick guard. Once she had a fairly clear view, she sensed Dante's infuriated, confused uncertainty.

Oh no. This was not good, was her first thought. From what she knew and Nero had explained, an uncertain warrior going into battle was an almost certain dead warrior. Especially against demons. One did not flinch nor run from them for they would sense any weakness and eagerly run down their prey in a blink of an eye. Not only did she feel he needed to control Vergil's too enthusiastic desire for administrating punishment, Dante couldn't afford to be the least bit unconfident in his formidable abilities.

Through her kaleidoscopic x-ray vision, she supposed this was one of those circumstances in which Dante's brilliant light became an icy day radiating blinding killing harshness as Vergil's blanketing darkness became a steamy night slinking devouring black shadows. Though Kyrie was very glad Nero didn't possess the same hardness as the brothers, she surmised those branded scars within them had something to do with the development of their natures.

Perhaps allowing his true Devil to "play" as Vergil meant, was Dante's way of coping with the terrible experiences which created them. While Vergil was motivated by mainly revenge, Dante's motives appeared complex. Kyrie could only guess their reasons lay in their differing personalities and pasts. Without understanding what could have brought this potentially disastrous self-doubt on, she couldn't bear the thought he should feel this way and could tell Dante felt the same.

Searching feverishly through what she'd learned and feeling Dante's need to protect them all, Kyrie carefully thought to comment, "But Nero, if this demon grievously insulted Dante by declaring war upon him when Dante was seeking a peace offering, doesn't that justify Dante rightfully punishing him?" Though she'd seen worse wounds (much worse) she kept her gaze on the floor and away from the mutilated Demon Lord so as not to cause Dante further discomfort since Nero's reminding him she was there made him even more upset.

Horrified, Trish also tuned into what Kyrie had and blamed herself for foolishly protesting Dante's wishes in front of a demon lord. Taking up where Kyrie left off, she glided forward to stand haughtily over her former companion, knowing Dante would follow. When he was hovering over her she brought the Devil she was to the surface. Heart pounding a bit in dread, she prayed Dante wouldn't see her as evil as this devil she once called a sometime companion.

Cruelly smiling in malevolence, she studied the thrashing Demon Lord held firmly down by Vergil. Purring silkily she told him, "I wish I could say it was a pleasure to see you again Mercurous. So sorry. Though I must admit I find much pleasure in seeing you deservedly punished. The sight and scent of your fear and pain is quite delicious. Once Dante, and perhaps Vergil, have properly chastised you for your stubborn refusal to acknowledge Dante's might and status, you will finally come to understand the full extent of your mistake."

Turning into him, she maintained her demeanor as she stepped fully into her role. Entwining her fingers through Dante's hair, Trish sultry cooed, "I am honored to be under the protection of such a powerful and pleasing Master." Then she said with chagrin, "I humbly ask your forgiveness for disobeying your orders in my eagerness to partake in the delightful entertainment of watching you bring down your wrath upon this lowly one's unforgivable crimes. I would extend my apologizes to include Nero for he is young and impetuous. Is this acceptable?"

Understanding her, Dante was overcome by Trish's fatal beauty and fear he would think less of her for being who she was. Although he did not know her well, having Kyrie, a fully human gentle young woman proclaiming her faith in him also had Dante rebounding. And when he thought about it, he was fine with Nero's reaction as well.

As Vergil took unwholesome delight in pointing out (the sadistic, in your face, class A prick) Nero's Devil's palette hadn't been "educated" by the Demon World as to what it should find tasty. While the kid may be a smartass who took to slaughtering demons like they were his last meal, (keeping with his devil side there) though Vergil hadn't said it, they both knew his nature was much more human than devil - and Dante wanted him to stay that way.

Cheered, Kyrie's faith in Dante grew as she almost heard his last thought. If he wanted him to remain ignorant of certain onerous, necessary duties, she was beyond thankful for his vigilance over Nero's well being and peace of mind. Catching on Dante had been reminded his fearsome reputation must be maintained for all their sakes, Kyrie finally understood what the problem had been.

To the women's tremendous relief, they saw his cocky attitude and confidence return as he grinned at Trish. While Dante basked in her earnest concern for his safety above all others, Trish downloaded what she knew of this Demon Lord's tactics through their bond. Looping an arm around her waist, he pulled her into a head spinning kiss before responding, "I suppose I can let it slide this once. I take this to mean I won't be getting anymore unpleasant surprises or flack?" sliding dangerous eyes to Nero.

When she felt Nero's jerk knee reflex to argue, Kyrie helped Dante by letting herself slump in exhaustion from the strain of sifting through the various, intense emotions and environment around her as she hastily rebuild her shields. "Kyrie?" she heard Nero question in her mind.

"I'm sorry Nero. I'm just tired and want out of this dreadful place. Can't you do as Dante asks? Do you really need to be here? Don't you think he can take care of this demon? Please Nero," Kyrie asked pleadingly, letting him feel her weariness. That was pretty much all it took to make up Nero's mind. With a brisk nod to Dante, he gathered Kyrie securely to him as he made to stride to the door.

He was stopped by Dante's dry drawl, "Aren't you forgetting something kid?"

Looking at him over his shoulder, Nero raised a brow asking, "Like what?" Starting slightly, he backpedaled, "Oh. Right. Of course. Trish you coming?"

Appreciating him while knowing what Dante meant, Trish couldn't hide the grin as Nero's thoughts were aimed directly after Kyrie toward her. Recalling how he'd leaped to her defense against a demon lord, she couldn't help but fondly think of him as her cherished white knight in shining armor. Mentally shaking her head over the silly but sweet image in her mind, Trish strolled toward Nero.

Feeling and seeing the picture Trish built, Dante sighed as he thought at least there was one of Trish's admirers he didn't need to beat off with a stick. As far as rescuing her went, what'd she think he was doing? If Nero was a knight, what'd that make him? A fetch and carry page?

Hearing Trish's coyly playful, "Page? My, that would be scandalous. What you are is the king, baby," Dante struggled to maintain.

Clearing his throat of the snicker, he brought Nero's attention to him by pointing sternly to the bed where the demon's girl-toy lay. Making Kyrie's heart swell in admiration for his thoughtfulness, Dante cemented her certainty he had regained his balance by wryly remarking, "Trish knows the score numbnuts. Don't you think that one'd be better off out of here? Like, somewhere safer where Lady and Trish can take care of her?"

Flushing, Nero had the decency to feel abashed he didn't want let go of Kyrie to carry out the unconscious, unknown woman on the bed. At Kyrie's silent affectionate laughter, his flush deepened as he gruffly replied, "Uh. Yeah. Got it. Ah, I mean, her." As Dante mentally rolled his eyes, even Vergil had to fight the amused grin as Nero was obviously torn between letting Kyrie walk on her own and grudging picking up the truly hapless female.

No one paid much mind to the Demon Lord when he made an attempt to show his disapproval. Halting his movements, Vergil merely dug his heel deeper into his throat as he and Dante waited for the room to be emptied of unwanted, possible casualties.

Silence fell for a long moment after they had vacated before Dante blasted Vergil. Royally pissed Vergil had jabbed him hard enough to cause him to break his stride, Dante spat venom. "And you. Make yourself scarce before I do it for you. I'll take it from here."

Narrowing his eyes, Vergil hissed back, "I do not think so. It is not my problem you have difficulty in acknowledging your birthright in enforcing discipline upon yourself or those under your protection. By doing so, you only make my job easier. Did you think not of this? Foolish one."

As the Demon Lord watched on in mounting terror, Dante exploded, "Shut. Up. Don't you even go there. I'm not the foolish one, shithead, you are. I'll get to you later. You name the place and I'll be there, fucker. I got business to take care of at the moment so you'll have to wait your turn if you want a piece of me. Comprender?"

"Yes. I comprehend you. Too bad, so sad. Not going to happen. This one is mine."

Seeing Vergil refusal to budge an inch, Dante's rage reached new heights. In a blur he had Ivory crossed over Ebony firing shrilly whistling red hot lead at Vergil and it made no difference to Dante if some bullets happened to go astray to lodge into the Demon Lord as he followed Vergil's flowing dodging dance. Then he got the fun joy of showing some smooth moves of his own as he found himself dancing around his own friggin bullets as Vergil sent them whizzing back with Yamato.

"Damn you!" Dante snarled as he rolled Rebellion over his shoulder to demonstrate he'd learned the same trick by returning the favor.

As they engaged in a strange style of tennis with swords for rackets and bullets for balls (or probably, like, badminton, since bullets may ricochet but they sure didn't bounce as they drilled through the net they were using the demon for), Vergil rebutted, "Been there, done that. And the same goes for you."

"Says you - like always," Dante gritted as they added a few misplaced slices along with out of bounds shots into various, nonfatal spots into the writhing in agony, yawping demon between them.

"What game do ya call this? Hell's cricket?" Dante asked exasperated when they seemed to be at a stalemate.

Vergil gave into a devilish chuckle, "Sounds as good a name as any. Perhaps our game will become popular and we will become famous alongside being infamous."

Beginning to wind down, Dante snorted, "Yeah. And with my luck we may get the credit but no proceeds from the profits made by the bookies."

Unable to hold back the laugh of agreement, Vergil lightly remarked, "I believe you are correct in that assertion. Unless, of course, you wish to take on the job of collecting the bets yourself."

Muttering, Dante stood down, "No thanks. I can do without anymore hassles. I got enough on my plate."

As the brothers eyed each other, Vergil offered, "Since your plate is full, what is your dining preference?" The demon grunted in alarm as Dante shifted his speculative glittering gaze from Vergil to him.

"That depends."

"Depends on what?" Vergil wanted to know.

Raising his eyes to his, Dante slyly taunted, "If you want to join me in a bite, it depends on whether you like fast, expedient take out or a five course meal with all the trimmings."

Realizing Dante was throwing his usual preference in being expedient in taking out his prey back at him, Vergil paused in thought. Dropping all pretense, he asked curiously, "You would play fair with a demon such as this?"

Whatever hopes the Demon Lord harbored were swiftly brought to an end as Dante answered grimly, "I think I've gone far, far beyond being fair in explaining myself with not so subtle hints and I'm all played out. This filthy maggot wanted to get his slimy claws on Trish to..." (Dante could barely think it, much less say it.) Swallowing his rising gorge as his eyes fired red, he felt Vergil's understanding - urging him to continue.

Burning fury deepening his voice, he said as coldly as any ice Vergil could generate, "Let's just say since he didn't take notes, I'd like to send a long message handwritten in blood so there won't be any future misunderstandings."

As casually as he could, Vergil responded, "Well, trying it your way worked once before. Perhaps it will again," telling Dante he not only had his back but was beside him with his own stabbing pen in hand to add a PS to Dante's message. Hearing him, Dante's eyes flared crystalline sparks while Vergil's lightened with dark promise.

To further bolster Dante and educate Mercurous, Vergil silkily purred aloud, "If a mere human guileless youth could perceive you had been grievously insulted with every right to punish the one who had the temerity to do so and if, as Trish said, this demon tried to commit an unforgivable crime, then I can do no less than agree with them. In his witless attempt to steal those under you which includes one I found worthy of my attention, as your twin and the eldest son of Sparda with a vested interest, I would be remise in my duty if I did not take offense myself."

Vergil didn't know Dante's eyes could become brighter yet they did as he took Vergil's declaration to heart and his lips spread to match the ferocious light within them.

"Sure ya are. Offended, that is. Don't think I don't know you actually want to take Yamato for test drive. Why'd ya think I let you have it back? What would be the sport in taking you on without you being at full throttle?" Dante slyly said to thicken the layer of terror covering the Demon Lord.

Returning the smile which froze the marrow concealing a scalding burn, Vergil played along, "Let me? As if you could separate me from what is rightly mine. By all means. I would be delighted to demonstrate there is no need for a 'test run' as I am well aware of Yamato's capabilities. Our time apart makes no difference though I will agree I look most forward to discovering any new skills it may have acquired."

Adding to Dante's psychological warfare against the demon, Vergil sighed, "I must admit as illogical and foolhardy as it is, I am willing to show them to you as I am of the same mind in wishing for a 'fully throttled' engagement. If not, then how would my curiosity of who is the best ever truly be satisfied?"

Devilish anticipation met devilish hunger as without further ado, Vergil elegantly whirled to bring Yamato's power slashing down to break the shackle Nero had loosened on Mercurous as Dante leaped high to shoot off the other. Gracefully landing lightly a distance away, seeing Vergil's strike at the demon's wrist before smoothly leaping next to him in a defensive crouch, Dante experienced a sense of deja' vu.

Glancing at his brother, he asked, "Ah. You don't think we're about to come face to face with another hideous purple blob Sparda wannabe, do ya?"

Vergil choked.

Sapphire blue eyes warmed with mirth answered him as they watched the Demon Lord's full power return to him as his true form began to emerge from inside a violent whirlwind with a thunderous, maddened roar.

......

When Trish, Kyrie and Nero carrying the unconscious young woman exited the room to have the door close behind them with a definitive stern finality, they saw Lady on high alert.

"Thank God you finally showed. It's about time and in good time if I do say so myself," she commented casually while obviously prepped to rumble. Instantly, Nero, Trish and Kyrie sensed the same thing Lady did.

Honed in on them, two armies were coming from opposite directions - trapping them in the middle of a no way out corridor. Hastily telling Nero to stash the woman he carried in a deserted room, Trish took one side facing the incoming threat while Lady took the other.

Swiftly taking long strides, Nero didn't bother turning the knob but kicked in door and laid the senseless woman on a bed before breaking into a leaping sprint to rejoin the women. Right as he cleared the door, they heard the entrances to the multiple rooms slam shut with the distinctive sound of bolts sliding home, locking them securely to remove any chance of them seeking refuge in one.

Just freakin great, Nero thought as he hurriedly took in their position, trying to find a safety zone for Kyrie (if there was one). By the looks of it, there didn't appear to be any place she could hide. With no nooks or crannies in sight, Nero was forced to tell Kyrie to flatten herself against a wall while warning her to make certain she stayed within their reach. In this case, he didn't want her to get cut off from any one of them. Within the surge of battle, he had a horrifying vision of her being swept away under the current.

Nodding her understanding, Kyrie felt a calmness fill her. This was something she was familiar with and could handle. Frankly, if she had a choice between being caught in the midst of fighting warriors and average demons versus the gruesome demon lord she'd left, she'd take the war. There was nothing to be gained by her becoming unnerved. She would only be a hindrance and possible detriment to the three unsurpassed warriors far out numbered.

Assuring Nero she would stay against the wall to the best of her ability and within their circle, she let him feel her clear state of mind. Relieved and encouraged by her steadiness, he braced his hands against the wall on either side of her and fiercely kissed her as if he wished he could swallow her whole to keep her safe within him.

Her lips clung to his as she breathed into him her firm belief they'd be alright. Wasn't he the most feared warrior these base men and women knew of? Kyrie earnestly pushed every ounce of courage she could muster into him - reminding him of his own ferocious skills and that he'd know where she was anywhere, anytime. She didn't doubt for an instant he'd be there if she needed him.

With a wicked grin, Nero captured her golden eyes with his beautiful blue ones. They didn't need to speak to know this may get dicey, but they'd been in worse positions and had come out alive. Straightening, he gave her hair a last loving stroke before turning to join Lady and Trish wherever he was needed.

Balancing Kalina Ann on her shoulder, Lady commented, "Looks like the welcoming committee has learned we aren't here for the hors d'oeuvres. I guess they know we are ready for the main course."

Trish laughed as she powered up Luce and Ombra. Swaying to lean her weight on a leg, she rested one massive gun on her slender elegant bare shoulder while curling her hand around the other on her cocked hip. "As for me, I believe I am in the mood for dessert and from the looks of it, I would say they brought all my favorites," she replied with a gleam in her bewitching eyes. Turning, Trish asked liltingly, "What about you Nero? Which would you prefer?"

Appreciating them, Nero's grin widened as he responded while radiating his eagerness for a meet and greet, "Well, I'd say I'm fed up and have been ready for after dinner dancing for awhile now." The women, including Kyrie, laughed as they all thought he sure was with good reason.

Suddenly they were thrown off balance and scrambled to remain upright as a tremendous deafening blast came from the room Dante and Vergil were in. Hit by an earthquake, plaster rained down as walls, floors and the ceiling shook and undulated under its power. As Nero and Lady glanced at the room in trepidation, Kyrie and Trish were waylaid by an outpouring of brimstone from the Demon World and the knowledge Vergil and Dante had unleashed the demon lord.

Shocked and terrified for them, Kyrie sought reassurance from Trish who would know the whole. Although Trish maintained her cool poise, her heart sped as she worked to bring it and herself under control. Seeing Kyrie's beseeching gaze helped as she knew she wasn't alone in her worries. Able to push aside her split mind to focus solely on the crisis they were presently in, she gave Kyrie what she needed by sending her a one sided smile and nod it would be all right. Heartened, Kyrie regained her composure.

As they brushed the dust from their hair, clothes and eyes, they saw the arrival of both armies converging on them simultaneously. Everything receded into the background as Kyrie went into quietly sedate statue mode and Lady, Trish and Nero went into defense mode - ready to jump straight into battle mode.

Here comes the all you can eat buffet. Let's dine and dance.