Whoa. Look at how fast time flies and has gone by. I guess Dante would say; Lock and Load - Let's Rock.
Since I haven't updated HWGA in eight months, this chapter may seem like a filler or bridge. Heck, even I had to reread past chapters to get back into the story's mindset. Thank God I have a huge amount of patchwork written pieces and a three page summary to fall back on. This had originally been a small scene which grew into a lengthy scenario. I was going to scrap it, then thought maybe this is what is needed.
I would like to extend a special thanks to Satanic Park Of Madness (SPOM) for giving me a sharp wake-up call by kicking me in the rear end before graciously inviting me to step back into FanFiction with a friendly welcome mat in front of the open doorway. Honestly, he caught me around October when I was seriously contemplating closing my FF account. Without him, I might not even be on this site.
Now Tora-Katana deserves a standing ovation, my eternal gratitude and cake served by Vergil - her favorite dessert. *laugh* She has held my hand, patted me on the back, cheered me on, smacked me upside the head, and sternly lectured me until I had gotten something together to post. Without her, this chapter would have never been written.
I sent her the first draft where she pointed out problem areas to then put up with my moping, sulking, whining, ranting and raving. (Poor SPOM unfortunately got hit also. lol) Then I calmed down and sent her a second draft which she thought was pretty good. Yet she still held steady when the same emotional dumping came her way and she patiently waited me out until I got back to work for the final polishing.
She hasn't seen this finished result. Man, I sure pray I did well after everything I put her (and SPOM to a lesser degree) through. So, all things considered, please let me know how I did and what you thought, liked, etc.
Also, I would ask if you favorite or put HWGA on your alert list, let me know why. I don't want to make promises I can't keep, and as you can probably guess, 2011 wasn't that great of a year for me. I need all the support and encouragement I can get to motivate me. THANKS!
I really hope you enjoy this chapter. Have fun and hopefully I will hear from you soon.
For your clarification, most of the events of this chapter are happening internally or on a metaphysical level. As you know, the majority of my characters can function on different levels as they speak to each other mind to mind and merge or bond together, all the while they are outwardly doing something completely different. So someone who doesn't know about their abilities would have no clue to what is really happening beneath the surface. I hope I wrote this well enough you won't get confused as you read. If you do, please let me know and I will straighten the problem area out.
Beside Myself
As Nero loosened his hold to straighten to clash blue eyes he didn't know were flickering red flames with Trish's, Kyrie breathed. Welcoming her intervention on their behalf, she felt the weight lift from her chest and shoulders. She sensed Trish's anger, concern and almost heard her mind rapidly evaluating the situation as she discarded then regarded differing reasons behind her previous speech and behavior.
Nero, however, was in a completely different place all together. Unwilling to accept what he was seeing, he stared into dangerously lightened, coldly calculating, cruelly slanted, mesmerizing eyes. Otherworldly, shimmering, clear emeralds were accented by arched, winged, slim eyebrows and thick, long, black lashes. Coral scarlet lips formed a sensual knowing smile as a golden, silken, waterfall of lustrous hair haloed by the hue of a soft-red sunset flowed over flawless shoulders, breasts and elegant arms.
He also didn't miss Trish's toned, supple length was curvier than usual as she casually swayed to stand in front of him in a provocative pose - blocking everything from his sight except her. Instantly his eyes flared brilliant azure as he went into an instinctive attack stance. Seeing this, her mysterious feminine smile curved tantalizing as if he'd given her a sign she was successfully seducing him into succumbing to her flirtations.
Befuddled, Nero didn't know what was going on as she met him eye to eye and he was ensnared by an utterly confident, undefeated devil temptress who knew her own fearsome power intimately. Sensing this side she usually hid from him, he'd bet anything she ate demon lords for breakfast before having her choice of any others she found for appetizers to hold her over 'til dinner.
Reminding himself this was Trish, Nero tried to push down the rising survival instincts, need to protect and uncertainties in his own judgement. One of the more difficult things he'd had to do, he held back instead of going with his gut response to draw his gun - though his grip did tighten on Red Queen. Forcing himself to think, he deliberately brought vividly to mind every kindness, every conversation, to, well, pretty much everything she'd done for him. A small comfort, at least he could say he did know she never deceived him.
More to fact, and just as baffling, he was picking up no worries from Kyrie. Puzzlement didn't come near to the real deal when he realized she was actually bedazzled by Trish and tremendously (no exaggeration) relieved and happy to see her. Trusting Kyrie's insight, which was always spot on, Nero grabbed hold of her surety the awesomely gorgeous deviless hadn't gone rogue on him and unwound a little while staying cautiously alert.
Evidently waiting for this, Trish then did something that completely rocked Nero to the core. The waves from her soothing hand changed. He swore he heard the sizzle as electric currents danced across his shoulder to meet the nape of his neck to become a burn his body greedily sucked in. Jolted by the crackling fire, he had never experienced anything like it. Horrified, he felt his devil eagerly rise to her call and bask in a sensation that could only come from the Demon World.
While his human half recoiled, his devil side leaped to absorb her unique energy. And his devil really, really liked the feel as it preened under her attention, much to Nero's distress, alarm, and growing fury. Thrown into a state of pandemonium he had trouble concentrating in, it was like she had somehow triggered him, except on the inside rather than on the outside. (He wasn't sure who to take aim at but someone was going to pay for making him acutely aware of his demon blood.)
Did he resent Trish summoning his devil? That would be a yes. Could he resent Trish for having the misfortune (as he saw it) to be born a demon? Wasn't her fault, so that would be a... no? Should he resent her for forcing an issue he'd done his best to repress? Not sure. Maybe he simply resented what he was and seriously could have done without reality being shoved in his face.
With Kyrie at his back and Trish in front, he felt cornered and wanted out. From his side vision, he vaguely thought he must look as demonic as Trish when he saw Marcus through a red haze. The dickhead had crab-walked away from them on his elbows and heels to be stopped by Lady hauling him up with grip of steel. No way out there either. Shit.
Why was Trish doing this to him? Nero had never been so conscious of his personal devil - meaning, as much as he hated it, his other half. The worst was she was making him thoroughly conscious of the charge his demonic power gave him. The rush could be addicting if he let it as he fought to gain the upper hand over the devil wanting to surf the tidal wave.
There was no escape. Afraid he was losing the battle, he couldn't chance hurting the women in a bid for space. Wait, was Trish a woman? She was a demon. She wasn't hiding behind a protective guise or shield. And from what he saw, she was all woman (and then some), devil or not. OK. He could secretly admit she was scaring him and he didn't like the feeling one bit. Feeling aggression (like in,aggression) coming on, he struggled to think through the chaos invading his system.
When Dante saw Trish deliberately bring Nero's Devil to the surface and sensed his rising defensive turmoil, he tensed - ready to move if he made a move against her. What was she thinking? Tuning in, he got a hunch she had a hunch she was following. For that matter, Kyrie appeared to be in on the know he was clueless about 'cause he was picking up a lower level of duress from her than he had previously. Lady also seemed alright with what was occurring.
Resigned to cursing while working on unraveling the mysteries of the female mind and their so-called sixth sense, he hated being left in the dark. If that's the way they were going to play it, he'd ride the rollercoaster of chills and thrills. Can't wait for the first downhill plunge. Super. Hope the track is sturdily intact. And Trish jumped his case for jumping the gun? What was she doing? Playing safe? He didn't think so.
Even though Dante made no sound or movement, Vergil caught his readying to spring into action. He too was puzzled. Seeking insight, he asked, "Is it usual for Trish to fully reveal herself? And if not, why now? I sense your nervousness. Surely you are not concerned for her safety? Not to insult the boy, but Nero is no match for Trish if he chooses to attack."
"He better think twice about his 'choices.' God damn it. Trish wouldn't hurt Nero. That's the problem. The kid's constantly on an automatic pilot demon killing mode. My guess is she's making Nero face his devil, which isn't going to make him a happy camper. Considering his state of mind, now's not the right time. And I'm not nervous. Get real. Me? Nervous? I'm just keeping a look out to be on the safe side, that's all."
Vergil slightly smirked as he responded, "Of course. How foolish to think otherwise. If what you suspect is true, I will aid you in being on the lookout. It is obvious your attachment to Trish is clouding your vision so you need someone clear sighted."
Dante snorted, "Now there's where you're wrong. This is straightforward and clear as day. Nero goes for Trish. I beat him bloody. Problem solved. See? Simple."
Skeptically, Vergil glanced at him with a wry, "If only. Is this not where things usually get complicated?" Dante didn't bother answering since Vergil's philosophy apparently matched his.
Flowing close until a scant inch separated them, Nero could feel Trish's fire, smell her giddy spicy scent and didn't dare look anywhere but into the enrapturing green staring him down. Nerves taut, confused, in an upheaval, he didn't know what to do or think. Desperate for an anchor, he resisted reaching out to Kyrie for he didn't want to frighten, or worse, repulse her by the beast roaring through him. Despite his struggles and intentions, he couldn't hide from Kyrie, who easily felt him battling to maintain.
Unashamed to breach an opening, Kyrie merged with Nero to lend him the support he needed as he ferociously wrestled his demonic nature. Within her unconditional accepting embrace, she urged him to loosen up and trust Trish. Reminding him she was there, she reiterated he could hold fast to her like she promised as tight as he wanted. She would stand for him if he felt he was falling. Unsure if he should be ashamed or not, but relieved nonetheless, he gratefully took her offer - returning her internal embrace with a secure grip.
Being this near, Trish was pleased to sense Kyrie's steadfast resolve to bolster Nero and faith in her. Also feeling his agitation, she let Dante in as she cupped Nero's face in her gracefully tapered gentle hands. He didn't think he could get any more rigid, but he was wrong as she slid her smooth cheek lightly along his. Appearing to nuzzle him, she thread her fingers through his hair.
Completely at odds with her appearance, she whispered soothingly in his ear, "It's all right Nero. Although I am fully revealing how I look, I want you to know I am acting a role I play to my advantage. In seeing the outward me, you are uncertain about the inner me. There is no need to doubt yourself for you would know if I was deceptive. Unlike the hybrids you had to learn to sense, I am a pure-blood devil you've been in close proximity with for some time. Do you understand? Would you condemn me because of what I am rather than who I am?"
Discontent, Dante saw he'd been on the money alright. Freakin terrific. Now Trish decides to do a demonic intervention on Nero's behalf to get him off the bandwagon of self-denial and into the recovering human learning to mesh with inner devil program? Plus, she better get her hands off Nero right quick before he lost his cool along with the kid trying his damnest to hold it together...
And oh no she just didn't tell him to hush with a threat to block him if he didn't stop being a big baby. Dante fumed. He'd sure like to see her to lock him out. If he wanted in, he was going to get in if he had to forcibly blast through her shields. Block me? As if. Try, he dared her in a low growl.
Forgetting himself, his infuriated exchange with Trish slipped and Vergil caught it as it fell. Nearly choking on the retorts crowding his throat, he was hard pressed not to throw in his two cents for sheer entertainment value after that slap on Dante's wrist. Although, taking into account the resulting insulted fury radiating off him, he didn't think he'd be smart to encourage his brother to step in before they were needed for strategic reasons.
Swallowing his taunts, Vergil saw no sense in giving Dante an excuse to leap before he looked, which was highly probable. Frankly, he was impressed he hadn't done so already.
As Dante continued to mentally complain about women always starting something they had up their sleeves before calling him in once they got the ball rolling - whether he liked it or not - Vergil found what Dante missed in his distraction. "Dante," he interrupted in the middle of his grousing about how it'd be nice to be let in on what was going down beforehand.
"What!" he snapped, still irked to be left out of a plan he was certain was going to involve a not so great surprise for him.
"Do you recall what the maddened human male said?" Vergil questioned thoughtfully through speculative eyes darkened in contemplation.
If Dante hadn't been ranting, he would have noted sooner Vergil's telling edged inflection and expression. In keeping with his mood, he responded an irate, "The twat was harping about things I didn't find all that interesting, or pleasant on the ears. Which asinine part are you referring to? I don't get why you, especially, would listen to his ramblings. Stupidity isn't exactly your cup of tea."
"True," he replied, "However, I did find his statement you had killed the false holy man's human form, for lack of a better term, to 'awaken the angel within him' intriguing, How would he know this? It is not as if there is an instruction manual on how we awoke our devils, which requires, very much, the same technique. The difference is we needed to be slain through our hearts - preferably with our own swords. As it was, as you know, I had to discover the proper method on my own before passing this knowledge on to you."
"Like how you threw me into the deep end of the pool to sink or swim instead of just telling me? Sadistic jerk," Dante inserted a vexed sarcastic quip.
Ignoring the accusation, Vergil went on, "And Nero's awakening, from what I was told, happened by chance through his heart as well. Nor did any comprehend the importance of further heightening our personal power through bonding with our swords. Therefore, I can only deduce they simply needed to be killed by any means. How do you suppose the Order, or I should say, Sanctus, learned of this?"
Stopping in mid-tirade, Dante was brought up short as he got the clue. Vergil was no dummy and he wondered how to voice his suspicions while avoiding anything combustible. If he didn't watch himself, his twin was bound to pick up he was hiding certain explosive information. Carefully navigating his steps, he dropped all pretense and allowed Vergil to feel his sincere, not one hundred percent, certainty.
"Way ahead of you. Why do you think I shot him in the face before trying to slice him to pieces to be flung far and wide? And, OK, I'll admit my gut's telling me all isn't as it appears on the surface. Anyway, whadda asking me for? If you figured out the dying thing, you don't need me handing you any ugly suspicions I've been contemplating, do you? You can follow the breadcrumbs as well as I can. Point in fact, you picked up on one I found out through spying all by your lonesome."
"How odd you have not shared your concerns before in the face of your 'ugly suspicions.' If you believe I will buy into your flattery, you are mistaken. To prove we are indeed on the same page, and my excellent ability to follow dropped breadcrumbs, why do you not let me decide? Such as telling me, exactly, another theory you suspect." Vergil's tone dropped several frosty degrees.
Crap. As it stood, he was going to have a tough job revealing as much information as he dared with Vergil scenting a hunt and alert to misleading tracks. Dante thought a moment before daring to share. Not to mention, as far as he was considered, Vergil was making him spell it out just to get under his skin, though he did try to rein in his irritated impatience as he dipped lightly into deep waters.
"For starters, you said it yourself. How could this moron know how to awaken the devil inside? You and I both know there's nothing angelic about these hybrids. Somehow, the guys who went along with the grand scheme had been prepped to be 'reborn.' They were deluding themselves, but I don't think the head honcho was. I think he knew this could be done and wanted an army of top-notch hammers, along with other stuff I'm not so sure of, because..." Dante floundered as he faded, becoming a blank slate.
"You believe he had connections with the Demon World and gained demonic knowledge through an alliance. He wished to rule the Human World in his greed for power by utilizing our power, which was obviously a key ingredient to his plan. Foolishly thinking he was above other humans in being able to wield, or handle, such might, he eagerly participated in his own downfall. In allowing himself to be blindly corrupted, he was actually opening the door for demons to once again rule over humans. Is this not what you surmise?" Vergil finished for him.
Exceedingly glad his brother's mind quickly dropped to the bottom line without reading the whole kit and caboodle, yet, Dante affirmed, "That's about it in a nutshell."
"This explains much," Vergil replied, satisfied with his reasoning.
"It does?" Dante carefully inquired.
"Yes, I understand," came the curt response.
"Ah. Ya do?" Dante returned, hoping he hadn't gone into areas he didn't want him near.
"Because the main players are no longer available, Trish must make use of this human lapdog to uncover missing pieces of the puzzle. She plans on playing her superlative role as the temptress to unhinge and befuddle the feeble minded follower into revealing what she wishes to know. As you can see, her feigned wiles are proving most effective on him as we speak," Vergil concluded.
Oh shit! So that's what else Trish was doing. How could he have missed her other motive? Why go for a puny human when she had a nifty "Sparda" half devil handy to play with? No self-respecting demon he knew. She sure was walking a fine line on several fronts he did not approve of - at all.
Glowering thunderously, Dante sent her a message to watch her step during her juggling act because they didn't want Vergil exposed to information that would make him implode (and he would include tossing in Nero for good measure). Message received, Trish nodded faintly while assuring Dante she would do what she could, however this required a delicate touch and she could make no promises.
Not liking her answer, he wished they could leave well enough alone. Why go to the effort when they could blow this piece of Hell on earth to bits and leave be? Fuck. He had forgotten about the demonic connection they couldn't chance remaining well connected. Not normally into asking for divine guidance, Dante wondered if this was a good time to start because the warning signs were growing by the second.
Then again, nobody up there seemed inclined to listen before, why would they/he/she/it start now?
Circling an immobilized Nero with sweat popping on his forehead from the effort of holding back, Trish continued to quietly assure him as she outwardly purred in admiration over his feisty prowess,
"Relax. What you are feeling is natural. If you weren't reacting as you are, I would be upset I wasn't up to par when I do try to be the best at whatever I undertake. Don't be afraid or nervous. I'm sorry I'm putting you in a tight bind. You are doing fine. More than fine. Your devotion to Kyrie serves you well and I am pleased by your strength. Your past comrade is not made of the same moral fiber - he has little to none. He is easily led where I wish him to go."
Immersed in a personal crisis, straining to keep his balance under Trish's considerable "talent" (and what a talent), Nero got she was using him as bait for Marcus to bite for information she was fishing for. Normally he wouldn't have minded but this bringing his devil to the forefront was not on his favorites list, except, natch, during a killing spree of demons.
Unluckily for him, he was so distracted he forgot something he should have remembered - and his oversight was soon rectified by Kyrie's breathless, "Goodness. Your devil is quite... enthusiastic, in his, um, zealous expression of affection, and certainly isn't shy about making his... I guess you could say... attraction? Uh, you know. Known."
Yikes! Mortified, or terrified (whichever), Nero thought he was either severely schizophrenic or suffering from multiple personality disorder as he could practically visualize his white-blue horned (replacing the 'ed' with a 'y' - damn it to Hell - literally), devil wrapped around Kyrie's essence using their merging bond as a bridge - and it didn't look like it was going to let go as it rumbled a purr of coaxing seduction, satisfaction, and gratification.
Adding to his befuddled disconcertment and delighted pleasure he tried, really, not to notice, he could feel her terrific yumminess from the inside out as it (he?) rubbed itself (himself?) against her like a cat nudging an insistent request for a stroking and petting session. Ack! No. He meant "it"- not "him." Yeah, it was "It," though, seriously, even if calling his devil side, It, how could he be jealous of himself?
Eyes burning blazing flames along with his arm, realizing the damn thing wasn't obeying his order to back off, Nero shouted an internally appalled, "Kyrie! Get away from that thing - fast! It's a straight-up killer."
Thinking weird was weird but this was too weird to wrap his head around, he heard a threatening, defiant snarl directed at HIM and saw the devil tighten around her as she chided, "Aww. Don't say that that way. He's your other half, not an 'it.' You hurt his feelings." Watching her briskly rubbing his devil's muzzle to its bliss, Nero could not believe when Kyrie crooned, "It's alright. Aren't you sweet? Look at how fierce and frightening you are, you, big, strong, handsome devil you. Aren't you the good bad boy?"
The here and now flashed in and out of his awareness as Nero suppressed physically yanking his hair out since he couldn't strangle an intangible energy force running through his veins.
Barely holding himself together, his shout turned to a yell, "Sweet? Handsome? Good bad boy? At least you got the bad part right. And his feelings aren't hurt 'cause he'd take the killer label as a compliment. He's mad I told you to get away from him since I can't pull him off. You have to be the one to do whatever it takes to make him let go. If you're trying to drive me crazy, congratulations, you hit the mark."
Wondering if someone could have a lucid dream while awake, Nero clenched his fists and teeth as the vision of his devil turned to look at him with a smug smirk he'd sure like to erase if only he could. Was what was happening even possible?
OK. Mental cases apply here and he was ready to fill out the forms for admission as he heard, "But Nero, he's so cute, playful, and protective. The very best part is he really likes me. I mean, he does want, and definitely appreciates Trish's admiration, but he wants mine more. Does this mean you feel the same? You are your devil as he is you, right? Or am I wrong? Does one of you leave off where the other starts? You're pretty alike. He even has your peppermint scent. When you bond with me, you are similarly protective, caring, warming, and, to add to everything else, he's extremely ... interested in me returning his interest - if you know what I mean."
What! She thought he smelled like peppermint? Like in, candy? Or her favorite ice cream? Shaking himself to focus on the main event, and putting that new one aside for another time and place, no way was he going there with her - not here, not now, maybe not ever. She may sound matter of fact about this whole surreal thing, but Kyrie was walking into a quarantined, males only, area.
Taking a breath, he blanked as he goggled. How was he supposed to answer questions he didn't know himself, much less address the "knowing what she meant" bit which fell into the not ready to explore yet territory? He had no clue where to even start and didn't want to. Sneaking a quick peek over his shoulder, he went farther into Surreal City with sirens blaring when he gave her a thorough once over.
Oh man, Kyrie's eyes were unfocused as a dreamy brightness lighted up the gold in them with a faint blush brushing her checks and, if he wasn't mistaken, her slightly smiling lips were plumper than usual. Not good. Then again, being that her reaction was caused by intimate, internal contact with him, maybe so - for personal, private, gloating.
No, no, no. That was his devil talking (it better be or he was going to hell for sure - unless reformed devils found redemption, or he split apart upon death). Surveying her intently, he noted she had the appearance of an exquisite statue belonging in an exclusive museum. Brows furrowing, he took a wild guess the inward vise squeezing her was having an unforeseen external effect.
Unable to bring his human side to the surface, Nero fired rage as he decided if Trish wanted information, he might as well salvage something from this mess by remaining undercover in her charade. Though tough, he withheld showing his true emotions as he studied her, forced to think hard through the force consuming him. Needing expert advice, and fast, he raised Trish's palm to his mouth, moving his lips over her palm.
"Trish, Kyrie's gone into some kind of trance. I can hear murmurings I can't make out. Seems when you called forth my devil half - thanks for the not fun trip by the way - it, or me, I don't know, whatever its called, jumped her after getting whiff of you then catching a sniff of her. Whadda I do? With you two being as tight as me and Kyrie, does Dante's Devil ever get off its leash and do this to you? How do you and he handle it if it does? I'm finding it rough to see or hear clearly through its energy."
Laughing lowly, Trish grinned, "Oh yes. Dante lets his devil take the lead when the mood strikes. I find it most pleasurable. From your and her expression, I'm guessing Kyrie is enjoying herself as well. And yes, his devil does speak to me without him necessarily listening in if he chooses. This makes for especially fun, playful surprises I can spring on him. And he enjoys giving me enjoyment even though he is often thrown by what he learns."
Perplexed, Nero wanted to know, "How does he rein his devil in? Or do you have to beat it into submission? I gotta a problem here and no idea what to do to make it withdraw."
Ignoring Marcus' covetous, ugly glower, she explained quietly, "Nero, my dearest, there is an easy solution. You join with your devil. You make it sound as if you can separate or distance yourself from yourself. Impossible. This is what Dante and I have been teaching you. You must accept and embrace your nature in order to be whole. Think of it in human terms. Your devil, from what I can tell from Dante, is like your subconscious while the man is your conscious."
Paling, Nero balked as he stammered, "I can't do that. If I do... Come on Trish. You know the score but Kyrie... And I'm not ready to..."
Narrowing her exotic eyes, she sternly told him, "What? You're not ready to reveal the man and devil desire the woman he loves? This is what you are afraid of? Nero, you are underestimating yourself, and I truly believe, Kyrie. I can see you have difficulty understanding a devil loves, but Sparda did, didn't he? I do, don't I? You know this, just as you know your devil does also. And with this kind of love comes physical desire. After everything I have seen of her, and how she was raised, I don't think she'd be disturbed by your amorous emotions. Trust yourself and Kyrie. Accept the devil you have carried beside your heart your entire life. Or do you want her to think only your devil half is interested in her as its beloved pure one?"
Really wishing she hadn't used "interested" in same context Kyrie had, Nero didn't like the switch in being the prude or shy one in this case. As nervous and sweaty as a schoolboy on his first date, he needed to find the ticket in giving him a boost in the manly ego department versus the "Awh, aren't you the sweetest thing?" boyishly blushing department without scaring Kyrie.
He also wasn't too keen on Trish's advice in letting Kyrie in on feeling his own desires matched his devil's. Hearing Kyrie's affectionate laughter wasn't helping any.
"Could use some help here," he bemoaned, going for another tactic.
"Such as?" she wanted to know.
Kyrie buried her laughter at Nero's cranky, "I don't know. Maybe you could at least pretend you're jealous it's not me hanging on you, rather than, say, him, to give me an edge. Nice to know you care about the 'cute' demon over my human half. And, just so you know, in no way are demons 'cute.'" Neither am I. Guys aren't 'cute," get it? If you want to call him cute to insult him, fine - me, no. Call me good looking or hot or something manly, not cute like you'd call a pet. Geez, where's the respect?"
Taking pity on him, she attempted to pull away from the force surrounding her with cooing, tingling, active (and she meant active) affection while sending Nero a soothing, "I didn't mean to insult you but I do think he is and you are too. Sorry. Would it help if I told him although I like petting him, if I had to choose, I'd like petting you more because you are manly versus devilish? Is that what you mean in order to make him disgruntled enough to return to you fully? This is all so confusing."
Oh yeah, that helped. Did she have to be so literal? Couldn't she just go with the jealousy plan? Didn't she get she had to put her foot firmly down because, he couldn't be totally certain, his devil seemed more possessive than Dante's as he recalled he'd been able to let Trish go until she made the decision to return to him? Nero (and/or his devil), as much as he wished otherwise, thought of the selfish lengths he would go to convince her to stay - meaning, he would put up a fight to beat all fights to keep Kyrie from leaving him.
Sensing Nero's struggle, Kyrie hid her smile, at the same loss. It wasn't like she could pretend to be jealous for no reason. In all honesty, she honestly didn't know if she wanted to be jealous after feeling how awful this emotion could be from Marcus, although she knew Nero meant something of a much lesser degree.
If she thought in terms of Nero choosing another woman over her, firmly believing people were responsible for their actions and shouldn't be treated as objects, Kyrie's nature wouldn't allow her to hinder his happiness and freedom of choice - even if it made her miserable.
When she tried, she could imagine feeling wishful longing and envious she hadn't make the grade in attractiveness, though she didn't think those two emotions added up to the extremity of jealousy. She also had to contend with searching for strictness in the strength of will department. Nero didn't know it, but she was fascinated by this side of him and liked what she discovered.
Then there was the fun distraction providing a desperately needed break from the terrible knowledge lodged in her very being. Even though the frolicking energy inside her was a little too intense for the moment, she was enjoying learning about his devil up close and personal. The way she figured it, she wasn't going to get this chance often.
Unlike most demons she had the misfortune to encounter, Nero's Devil made her feel cherished, promised safety, felt good and had a frisky playfulness (OK, she'd admit to an added touch of naughtiness) while wanting to please her. Although Nero was concerned, Kyrie appreciated his devil's straightforwardness, even if a tad (well, maybe more than a tad) blunt in his desires, requests, and suggestions. And goodness, those were some desires, requests and suggestions.
Recognizing Nero's Devil was taking her half-hearted attempts to escape as an invitation to continue his efforts to gain her full cooperation and attention, she strove to steady herself. As much as she welcomed the fantastical diversion, this was positively not the time or place to get carried away and she began to squirm from him in earnest while sending out calming vibes.
Unaware his agitation and Kyrie's efforts to extract herself were having the opposite effect than the one they wanted, Nero's Devil became fiercely intent on holding her in his possession. Feeling frothing energy surging through her body, she couldn't combat the headiness of the sensation. Trying to clear her thoughts, though he doubled his efforts to engage her, Kyrie was sure in her certainty Nero's Devil in no way wished her harm.
If she was reading him right, employing his haven, which was Nero's body (Nero hit the nail in this being surreal), he wanted to lock her in a barricaded room of luxury, shower her with gifts, wine and dine her, then throw her on a bed of thornless crimson roses under a night alight with stars before ... Oh my.
Feeling way, way out of her league, Kyrie couldn't help concluding there was an extremely high possibly if his devil knew about these, ah, encounters, Nero did too. Oh my gosh! This is something I am not going to ask about because then that would lead to me finding out how he knows. Nope. Not going there - though his devil wants to, and he's a charmer too. Uh oh.
Suddenly finding it difficult to breathe, she struggled not to struggle, or turn crimson, as activities she had never seen, or known possible, were pushed into her mind as her body internally melted in secret, joyful delight. She wasn't so naive she didn't know what the devil's desires were, having some experience with the opposite sex (the main term being 'some'), but, gracious, these were very interesting proposals, pictures and feelings (and boy, talk about feeling) being whispered through her.
Urgently needing help if she wasn't going to disgrace herself by losing her poise, control and, last but certainly not least, dignity, she gasped a meaningful, pleading, "Nero."
Literally hearing the wicked laughter coming from his damned devil, Nero was struck dumb, fearful, and infuriated the thing refused to heel at his, and Kyrie's, command. Silently growling, he sent a warning to his other half it was hurting Kyrie, even if it didn't understand how, so it better back off, and he meant it. Clenching his teeth, he got a return, challenging growl, though, thankfully, it loosened its grip enough so she could breathe easier.
About to come apart at the seams, Nero managed, barely, to remain grounded as Kyrie's welfare firmly came first over personal indulgences in rocketing displays of temper. Fairly calmly, he casually placed an arm around Trish's waist, pulled her against him and nuzzled her ear.
"Meaning no disrespect, but I am seriously pissed so I'm gonna ask ya once. How the hell do I get myself, all myself, together? My devil side isn't listening. Look at Kyrie for God's sake. I know you didn't mean to get my, and its, ya could say, engines revving this much. But Trish, you can tell how far it's out of control, can't you? What am I going to do, aside from killing myself? Get in touch with Dante if you have to. Just fix this. Please. I'm concerned if you try to help, you could make thing worse. Get me?"
Covering her own concern with a sultry smile, she nodded as if Nero had politely (for a demon) declined her implied intimate invitation, or offered to meet up somewhere (whichever worked), to let him know she got the message, and agreed he was on target. Somewhat relieved, though gravely perturbed, as was Trish, he moved to mold himself around Kyrie to hide her from the room at large.
Snuggling into him, she gasped a breathy, "Thank you for your caring, Nero. This is much better. I know you are upset but I'm alright, especially because you're near and holding me. I feel so... I don't know how to explain since I'm a little overwhelmed, Please don't worry. Yes, the feelings inside me are intense - stimulating, in an exciting way. I swear I'm not in any pain or hurting. They're just unfamiliar, strange and difficult to handle. Does that make sense?"
Unfortunately it did. Perfectly. Now that he had skin to skin contact, so to speak, man and devil came closer together and he was able to ease Kyrie's dilemma - somewhat. Dammit. This wasn't how Nero wanted to introduce her to the joys of lovemaking. He wanted to be the one in control - not his crazy for her devil. Yeah, he and him (seriously, what a concept) were in agreement on this particular subject but he didn't trust the thing, at all, to be gentle or take into consideration her lack of knowledge.
From what he could tell, the devil was being a devil in its too fast, too eager, over the top, advances. Frankly, Nero didn't get a rat's ass if it was on a metaphysical level. Because of what he was, to his mind, he was inadvertently violating Kyrie, and that was unforgivable.
Hoping Dante, or someone, anyone, would come through for her, Nero wretchedly buried his face in her silky hair with tears of self-loathing gathering behind his lids. Not his Kyrie. Incapable of stopping the sweeps washing throughout her, he couldn't be doing this to her. Not him to her. Not sweet, innocent, gentle Kyrie. Feeling him, she stroked him inwardly as she held him securely around the waist in reassurance.
She tried to tell him she wasn't scared - he or his devil would never hurt her. He needed to believe in himself, all of himself. What she was feeling was something she'd gotten an inkling of, maybe not to this extent. but who cared? Not her. She wasn't feeling anything wrong, only a thrilling sensation and a kind of loving devotion. And she did feel safe. Sadly, Nero worried to the point of becoming unglued the gauge on this experience wouldn't stay under the red line.
Clueless, Marcus lit up when he saw what he thought was Nero's rejection of Trish. Boldly, he had the stupidity to call out to her as she intently watched the couple, "Don't concern yourself with that poser. He isn't worth your efforts as he thinks he can lead an amazing deviless, such as you, on."
Worried herself, Trish blamed herself for Nero and Kyrie's predicament as she impatiently cut a sideways, dismissive, contemptuous glance at the worthless piece of human garbage. Not bothering to respond, she haughtily ran her fingers through her mane, as she filled in Dante.
Puzzled by her reaction when she knew Trish wanted the toad she was holding to open up, Lady gladly took over by sharply rapping the dirtbag on his head with a gun. She took great satisfaction telling the twit, "Shut your trap hole. Does she look like she could be lead anywhere she didn't want to go? Moron. If you open your trap again, I'll knock you into next Tuesday. Do we understand each other?"
As Marcus yelped a gratifying, "Ow!" before sullenly nodding, Trish sent Lady a grateful look while she finished downloading the entirety of Nero and Kyrie's problem to Dante - letting him feel her confoundment. Coughing a barked laugh into his fist, Dante couldn't believe what he was told.
This's a first. What the hell. The way things were going, might as well go with the flow. Searching his mind, he tried, hard, not to find the situation borderline hilarious by firmly telling himself this was serious.
Yeah, seriously funny. No. No. He had to think but, geez man, how often did something like this happen?
To his credit, he sobered when he caught the height of Nero's distress. He also picked up Kyrie was enjoying herself to a, ah, well, ya'know, fun, novel, degree. And that degree was getting hotter by the minute, as was Nero's Devil, out and out, alongside Nero's growing furious angst. Well, at least two of them were in the green zone.
As he mulled over the problem, Vergil read his mind. Unlike his twin, he immediately burst an alarmed, "Even you cannot find this type of lack of control humorous. I agree with Nero, though I am displeased. The man must master the devil within and he is failing. Is he so undisciplined he allows his devil to run rampant without restraint?"
Rolling his eyes, Dante drily answered, "Look who's preachin to the choir, and that choir isn't me. I seem to recall another half devil letting that side get the best of him. Sound familiar?"
Swearing in an internal huff of annoyance, Vergil snapped, "Must you constantly bring that up? I was young and impetuous. As you know, the devil wants what the devil wants when he wants."
"Too true. And by young, don't you think Nero falls in that category? Are ya gonna be a hypocrite and not cut him some slack? After all, the kid grew up in the Human World and only found out he was half devil about a year ago. Given you knew since you were born, and still went off the reservation, you especially should understand he's bound to stumble over himself."
Grumbling, Vergil was not happy but could see where Dante was coming from. "Alright. You made your point. The question is what can we do to rectify this situation? You know how amorous young devils are."
Taking a day cruise, Dante replied fondly reminiscing, "Oh yeah. I sure do. Though he didn't kiss and tell, while we were in the trenches, Nero had the benefit of growing up in a normal human environment, which came with lots of access to babes."
Despite himself, Vergil also paused in fond memory before shaking himself alert. Unsure who to hit, himself or Dante, he abruptly halted where this conversation was going, "As you would say, FYI, too much information. We have to gauge this particular circumstance for the best course of action for it is not what we, or I, am used to encountering."
Scowling, Dante half snarled, "For your information, I'm not either - and neither is the kid. He told me he didn't go for virgins while making the rounds - if you get my drift. So what we got here is a young devil - I guess you could call him that since its presence feels almost solid - all possessive like, wrapped around his pure one and not about to let up. He's not obeying his human, or reasonable, thoughtful side. Got any ideas how to get him to stand down? We could sic our devils on him as an intimidation tactic to backup Nero. Whadda think?"
Glaring, Vergil acidly answered, "What do I think? I think you are an idiot. Raised believing he was fully human, Nero held his devil on a short leash, especially out of consideration for Kyrie. He has pushed himself to his limit, causing his devil to leap from possessiveness to obsessiveness toward - if we go by your rationality in calling it, 'he' - his pure one. I surmise this is why his two halves separated to this extent when a window of opportunity opened"
Pausing to let his theory sink into Dante's thick skull, he delivered the coup de grace, "Moreover, imagine how his devil will react if he catches sight of, or senses, ours. I am certain he will be understanding in listening to us. Personally, I do not think he will particularly care I marked his chosen pure one for a good reason. And you placed him in the role of playing the supplicant in your master routine. Surely he will be forgiving of that as well."
"Son of a bitch! A balls to the wall devil protecting his own is what I see coming if this isn't fixed right quick. I don't need another loose cannon gone bi-polar on my hands," was Dante's savage summation that Vergil recounted in a frigid menacing, "Another? Care to rephrase?"
Lost in thought, Dante carelessly shrugged an aggravated, "Why not? You wanna be concise? Fine. He's bi-polar - you're psychotic. Better?"
Seething, ruthlessly suppressing the urge to violently attack his brother (thereby lending less credence to the "psychotic" label), Vergil clamped his mouth shut while he grit his teeth, turning over different ideas on how to solve this too strange to comprehend problem. (Wonders never cease was evidently a true saying.) Fortunately the twins didn't have to rack their brains very long because while they were in discussion, Nero informed Kyrie he asked Trish to tap Dante for possible helpful advice.
At this, Kyrie was stunned speechless from sheer mortification. After catching them in close quarters once before, Dante's name alone was a douse of cold water as she froze in utter abashment he would be allowed another viewing. As she hit the panic button on an all systems shutdown, she sensed Nero's Devil's puzzlement.
Stilling, she and Nero, both, could virtually see him look at her quizzically as if wondering what in the heck he had done wrong to shock her into complete unresponsiveness. Wanting to send a wicked laugh of his own, Nero was quick on the draw in seizing the advantage to swiftly mesh firmly with his devil without any leeway or option.
As Kyrie felt Nero taking control to fill her with a warmth calming the riotous energy inside, everyone, but Lady, who knew something was up without knowing precisely what, and Marcus, who could only interpret what he saw, gave a inward sigh of massive relief. And what Marcus saw was Nero continuing to turn his back on a gloriously human formed demoness in favor of Kyrie.
Unable to take keeping still under Lady's threat anymore, Marcus feverishly attempted another go at gaining Trish's undivided attention.
Trish did have to give the fool points for decent timing as he fervently addressed her, "Don't waste your magnificence on that pretender. He doesn't have the brains to accept an obviously esteemed powerful deviless over a human woman. You deserve better than a supplanter who attacked a son of Sparda from accepting Kyrie. If you ally yourself with me, I will remain by your side as your supplicant. You will undoubtedly be rewarded and worshiped if you aid me in my quest."
Twirling on a heel to regally face him, she slightly curled her lip, "Indeed, Nero correctly attacked in defense of the pure one he had chosen. Why would I not wish to gain a most excellent, delectable companion of honor and noble blood? Displaying traits of this impressive line, he is also delightfully powerful. So much so, I do not mind sharing in his company. How could one as unseemly as you possibly entice me with riches and glory I am skeptical you can obtain? You are a pathetically frail male of little notice."
After a shaky start, Trish displayed she was pleased by broadening her sensual grin as Marcus fell into the web she managed to successfully spin. Scoring, she sensed his loss of composure in his fury over her insulting disdain, and his readiness to reveal that which he concealed - and she was ready (she hoped) for the unveiling.
I wish you Happy Holidays, Night Companion