Author's Note: Welcome to part one of "I'm finishing Divergence before Christmas even if it kills me (but it won't) because I have Christmas stories I want to share". The epilogue will be up in a few hours!

Chapter Eight
New Empire

Dante wanted to be proud.

Really, he did.

But his damn demon wouldn't shut up long enough to let him be.

"You've come a long way, Shy," He said, but his lungs burned with the words alone. She is in the way. His demon growled. "Remember when the Phoenix refused to fight me without Vergil's permission? Primal obligations and all that shit." He stood up straighter and forced a lazy grin. "Now look at you! Confident and menacing… you could give Vergil a run for his money."

That got a small smile, more than he or Vergil's demon halves could pull off. But she didn't move, floating a few inches off of the ground with her gold and blue wings crackling with her fire. Feathers were wrapped around her body like makeshift clothes, and her long tail feathers seemed brighter than normal, as if they were made of pure gold and glittering sapphires. He wondered if her form was changing, or if she was just pushing herself to the limit. "I don't suppose you could surrender and get this over with?" Ashira said.

His demon roared. Dante flinched. "I wish I could," Dante said. "Afraid this moron in my head ain't letting me."

"It was worth a try." She said. Then, her wings extended, fire burst at her fingertips, and she shot at him, all in a matter of seconds. He jerked out of the way and swung back. She flipped over the first dagger, teleported through the second, and launched into the air. Feathers rained down from all directions. He dodged through them, ignoring the few that sliced his skin. Griffon swept in from time to time, but dodging his electric strikes wasn't too difficult. The bird's voice was grating on his ears, however, and his demon had swiped at him at least twice if only to shut him up. He'd missed both times, and Griffon had been happy to mock him over it.

Avoiding Shadow was moderately more challenging, as she bent her form on a whim and predicting her was impossible. He focused more on blocking her with summoned swords and trying to take out their mistress. Ashira spun once and feathers shot into his back, throwing him off balance. He triggered before he hit the ground, inceriating her feathers before charging himself. He swung to the right. She dodged to the left. He threw summoned swords at her feet. She darted upward, batting them out of the air with her feathers. She landed. He dove back at her as she slammed the bottom of her staff against the ground. Half a dozen vines erupted at her feet, batting him away. Two shot at him, be he grabbed both and ripped them from the ground.

Kill her. His demon hissed.

She is in the way.

Killkillkill...

Agony surged through his veins like lightning. But it only half propelled his demon forward. Daggers clashed with her staff, and he saw Ashira wince as she slipped backward more than a few feet. "Whatever you're planning on doing," Dante forced out as they collided again. "I suggest you do it soon."

"I'm trying," She hissed. "But you're not being very helpful."

"Vergil would say I'm like that all the time."

"I'm inclined to agree." A barrage of feathers slammed into him as she shoved him back before teleporting away. Soon the area was filled with nothing but feathers, summoned swords, vines shooting in all directions, and seemingly endless amounts of fire. To her credit, most of her strikes hit. The vines were a nuisance, but most seemed more determined to slap him back than do any damage. Every once and a while, she dove at him, staff extended, but he'd always move out of the way and swung back, forcing her to teleport away and start their awkward dance all over again.

And the Shade was still watching from the rooftop. Wise of her, Dante supposed. She clearly didn't think she could handle Vergil alone, or she wouldn't have forced him to do it. Or maybe she hoped they'd all just kill each other. Either way, it seemed that she had grown bored of their struggle and walked into the palace, presumably to watch the other fight progress.

But maybe if he could figure out Ashira's plan… he could trick his demon into helping. It was a long shot, but it had to be better than hopelessly flying around until he inevitably killed her.

Or she killed him. Who knew at this point. Whatever was in his system was clearly messing with his endurance, as exhaustion was already setting in and he had fought much longer battles before. And she'd been able to spar with both him and Vergil for at least a year now. Maybe killing him was the only option. And if he did die…

The staff, Dante.

His eyes widened as he dodged another strike. Lucia's voice was quiet, but it was the first time he had heard her since she'd transformed. He tried to reach for her - maybe if he could desummon the swords she'd be free and safe - but he swore she retreated further into his head. She needs to hit you with it.

"How do you know?" He said aloud. A vine smacked into his chest, but he instinctively dodged another blast from the staff. Ashira's brows were furrowed now, though he wasn't certain if it was pain, exhaustion, or annoyance.

Why else would she be relying so much on a weapon she had never used?

Made sense. If his mind wasn't a convoluted mess he may have realized it sooner. But was there a way to trick himself into getting hit by it?

Suddenly, Ashira cried out and grabbed at her arm as she teleported away. Dante managed to halt himself, much to his demon's fury. "What's wrong?"

"V," She said. "I'm running out of time." A cry of frustration erupted from within her before she launched herself again in pure desperation. Shit. Dante thought. Desperation meant mistakes, and he doubted his crazed other self would miss any.

Unless you make one of your own.

Dante flipped backward and tried to laugh. It didn't work, of course, but it didn't matter anymore. "Better be ready, Shy!" He roared. "You won't have much time!" He leapt toward her, pulling both of Lucia's dagger's back. Panic settled on Ashira's face as she beat her wings in an attempt to dodge. Dante swung down before she could. The daggers embedded in the ground, narrowly missing her. In the seconds it took his demon to rip them out, a blast of golden light slammed into him. His chest exploded in anguish. His muscles went limp. His demon went silent as he toppled backward. "Dante!" Lucia appeared beside him in an instant, one hand on his chest and the other on his cheek. He tried to look at her, but all he could do was stare blankly at the sky as he waited for whatever was eating him away to finish the job.

Then, the pain vanished as quickly as it had come.

He gasped in shock as he lurched upright. Lucia threw herself into a hug, and he swore he heard a quiet sob before he hugged her back. "Don't you dare do that again!" She shouted, but she only pressed her face further into his shoulder.

"Sorry, Lucy," He said. "Didn't mean to scare ya."

"The poison is gone," Ashira said, but her eyes were locked onto the staff in her hand. The petals had retreated, and no energy flowed through it. "As is the root used to make it." She put it on her back, solemn. "Head east from here. Stick to the trees and you'll find a demon who will begrudgingly let you pass. Nico and the others are waiting."

"Wait," Dante said as he tried to stand. His legs wobbled beneath him, and Lucia was the only reason he didn't hit the ground. Fuck. "I can't abandon Vergil."

"You have to go, Dante." She said. "They need you."

Our family. He thought. Unless she was talking about humans in general, there was no one else she could be talking about. But that meant…

"We're all leaving together," He said.

Ashira shook her head. "I don't know when we'll see you again."

He felt Lucia tug on his wrist. They had expected this, so why did it hurt so badly? Why couldn't he accept this? "The kids won't be happy," he said, but his voice was hollow. Nero might kill him in Vergil's place. But what else they could do?

"I will take care of him," Ashira said. "And we will find a way to come home. I promise."

He glanced at the staff. "Does he have this poison too?"

"Yes."

"If that's not working."

She shook her head again. "It shouldn't take long to recharge."

"Shy…"

"Take care of them, Dante." She said. While her face showed no emotion, he saw the sadness in her eyes. He heard the pain in her voice. He knew she didn't want this. None of them did. "And Iris. She needs a family, however you can manage that."

"Iris?"

"Alice," Ashira said. "Iris is her…" She trailed off and her eyes widened slightly. "Promise me you'll take her to Kai."

"What?"

"Please, I don't have…"

"Only if you promise to take care of him," Dante said. "And promise to smack him for me for being so stupid." Hell, why was he getting so emotional? They were both more than capable. He'd have to trust them. "Scratch that. Give him a hug, but tell him to imagine me punching him instead."

Ashira smiled sadly. "Promise," she glanced at the palace. "She's in there."

"The Shade."

"Go, Dante," She said. "I will save him."

He moved past Lucia and gave Ashira a bear hug, ignoring both her surprise and the blue flames she hadn't been able to stop. "I know." Then, he grunted as his knees buckled again. Both women caught him, and he burst into laughter. "That's some pretty good poison."

"Come on," Lucia said as she helped him to his feet. When his arm left Ashira's shoulder, she walked away. "You can take a nap when we get home." Dante glanced back at his sister-in-law with his heart in his throat. "They'll be okay." Lucia whispered. "Don't give them something else to worry about."

Slowly, he nodded and let her lead him away.

"Don't worry, my king. You don't have to kill her.

Just be the man she knows you as.

Then, once I've shown her the futility of her struggle, make me your queen.

Then the throne will be ours.

And ours alone."

By the time Ashira found Vergil, V was long gone. Likely defeated by Vergil's demon, as she could feel him resting somewhere in the back of her mind. The fake Yamato had shattered, as was expected. Both had done what she needed them to. Now it was her turn. Assuming Azalea would work again. The possibility that its' healing powers might be a one-time use hadn't occurred to her. Though she also expected to fight Vergil the second she walked in the door.

So, when she found Vergil's demon kneeling at the bottom of the stairs- and not on the throne - with his eyes on the door, everything she had planned went right out the window. Either the Shade had already activated the poison and she'd be dead a few steps in, or he was still holding on. Somehow.

Standing around gawking at him wasn't going to answer either of those questions.

"Vergil," Ashira said. The demon's head tilted, but it didn't respond. Ashira could feel her trigger waning, but she had to wait. Distracting Vergil's demon was her best chance, and it wasn't interested in Ashira. But it was interested in the Phoenix. She hoped she could work with both of them. "It's been a long few days, hasn't it?" She said as she moved toward him. While she tried to stride with confidence, she couldn't ignore how tense her muscles were. But when he didn't move, beyond a flick of his tail, she let out quiet breath.

Ashira swore she heard something like a sigh. "That it has."

So he was still there. Maybe not fully, but enough to respond. When she moved closer, the demon twitched, but his gaze never left hers. The silver glow in his eyes accentuated his sharp pupils and was brighter than Ashira had ever seen him before. The air crackled with energy, much more so than it had around Dante. A decade ago, Ashira would have struggled to approach him, much less call herself his equal. But they had been partners for long enough that her demon no longer felt subservient. Still, she still moved slowly, kneeling before him as she reached out and pressed her palm to his chest. He flinched but didn't move away. "Your brother's gone."

"I know."

"I told him he might not see us for a while," She took a deep breath before her voice cracked and moved her hand to his cheek instead. He tilted into it, his eyes flickering to blue for a brief moment. "They need us."

That time, he growled at her and his wings extended. An attempt to threaten her, maybe. But it was half-hearted at best. "We do not need them."

"One cannot rule without subjects."

The second time he flinched, she was certain it was actually Vergil. But Ashira continued. "I don't want this either," she said. "At least, not in a selfish way. But if not you, then who else?" She pressed her fingers along the inside of his wing toward his back. "I wish I could fix it. Whisk you away to live on an island somewhere and let someone else sort this out." He huffed, and she couldn't help but smile for a brief moment. "But this… this is…"

"A consequence," He said.

"Yes. But we have an opportunity to make the best of it." She said. A prickle of energy radiated off of Azalea. Just a little more time. "Think of all the good we could do for these people. We won't be trapped here forever."

His eyes narrowed. "That world will never be our home again."

"I know that," She whispered. "But that's okay. We'll make it work. Our family will understand." She shifted back to his cheek as she reached for Azalea. His eyes flickered to it, but, again, the demon didn't move. Ashira leaned in, pressing her forehead to his. She felt his tail slip behind her back, pulling her closer as she moved the staff between them. A clawed hand rested at her waist. The flower bloomed. "Hold on," She said. "It'll be over soon." The staff began to glow. She saw the gold and green vines of light reach for his soul. It wasn't a rush like Dante's had been, but it didn't need to be. A flower in his soul began to take shape...

Her power dispersed in an instant as a dagger plunged through her shoulder.

Ashira screamed as she reached for it in a panic. Vergil's tail tossed her away. The second she hit the ground, a second blade pierced her back. That time, Vergil lurched forward, clearly caught between something. But he grabbed his chest, roaring in agony. The light faded from his soul. No. She thought. That should have been...

An amused chuckle echoed through the room as the Shade stood over here with wild eyes and a feral grin. "How unfortunate," The demoness purred as she pressed down on the blade in Ashira's stomach. She bit back a cry of pain, but she could not stop the whimper that left her lips. "And you were so close."

Then she rose, eyes locked on Vergil. "She is simply a toy for your use, my king. I will be a much better queen for you." She grinned at Vergil as his eyes turned glossy and his demon form retreated, leaving behind a man in tatters. "She is nothing compared to us."

Ashira tried to look in Vergil's eyes. She tried to speak, but nothing came out. His hair had fallen over his eyes, and the remainder of his face was devoid of emotion. No, she thought. Was she too late? Had something gone wrong? She was certain Azalea's magic had saved Dante… why hadn't it worked on Vergil? Had it not been enough power? She tried to reach for his thoughts, but a void of silence came back. The tether was barely more than a shimmer between them. Ashira reached for him, but the Shades heel stabbed through her wrist. Another scream echoed through the palace. One that Ashira barely registered as her own.

"Please," She whispered. "I don't care what happens to me. But you can't listen to her.. You can't…"

"Quiet!" The Shade screeched, twisting her heel. That time, the pain made Ashira lightheaded, almost dulling the sensation. She could feel her blood trailing along her arm, a crimson pool forming on the floor. The Shade's eyes snapped back to Vergil's. "You will choose me as your queen. You have no other choice."

She tilted her head with a cruel smile as Vergil stopped before her. "I know your dreams," she whispered. "Your thoughts… your desires." Ashira's heart lurched in fury when the woman brushed his chin, but she could barely form a coherent thought, much less protest. "I'll make them a reality… everything you want..." She leaned in, her lips close to his. Ashira tried to summon any flames she could, but nothing came to her.

She'd been right there , and she'd failed.

So close .

Vergil.

I love you.

The sharp sound of a sword was all she heard before Yamato plunged through the Shade's chest.

The demoness's eyes bulged and her mouth dropped open in shock. She tried to speak, but only blood came out. Vergil swept his hair back with a look of pure contempt. "You are nothing to me," Yamato ignited. The demoness shrieked, but it was cut short as he cleaved her form cleanly in two. He took Ashira in his arms before the Shade's ashes hit the floor. He drew out some of her own fire, soothing the wounds. "Rest," He said. "You've done enough."

The tether burst back into existence as a million thoughts filled her head, though she wasn't quite sure which thoughts were whose anymore. "Vergil," Ashira whispered. He was silent, but she didn't miss how his arms pulled her closer, or the way his breath hitched when his eyes fell on her shoulder. "Is he…?"

"Gone," Vergil said. "Our minds are no longer separated."

Tears of relief stung her eyes as exhaustion swept through her. "It worked."

"Yes."

Vergil's arm wrapped around her as he gently eased her upward, laying her head against his shoulder. "Go on," He said as he tilted his head away. His skin and muscles were pulled so tautly that Ashira saw the blood flowing beneath it. His heartbeat pounded in her ears as if it were the only sound in existence. She felt the Phoenix stir within her expressing something akin to amusement. But she was exhausted. Her body ached and her wounds were still open. Considering all the blood on the floor, she was surprised she hadn't passed out yet.

"Ashira," Vergil spoke, his voice calm. "Partake of my blood, and become my queen."

Finally, she found the strength to pull on the last of her demon form. In a rush, she lurched forward. Her mind went blank as she bit down on his neck. Vergil grunted, but she barely heard it over the Phoenix's cries of excitement ringing in her mind. Blood rushed over her tongue, and she was surprised to find that it was… sweet. Like forbidden nectar that flowed so freely for her, and her alone. Her demon relished in it. She relished it as strength flooded her muscles. She felt prickles of pain where the Shade had stabbed her, followed by a searing, but soothing warmth as the wounds closed

After what felt like a blissful eternity, Vergil's voice reached her ears again. "That's enough," he whispered. Her human self snapped back to awareness and she pulled away, planting a gentle on the already healed wound in a halfhearted apology. She felt a chuckle rumble in his chest, but he said nothing. When he finally looked back at her, all Ashira could do was stare. His eyes were glowing a silvery-blue, and his pupils were slits like his demon's. His lips brushed hers, and she felt an overwhelming amount of affection between them. "Yours are too," He said. She tilted her head, and he continued. "One blue, one gold, as they should be."

She curled against him with a smile on her face. "Go on," she said with a nod to the throne. "It's waiting for you."

He hummed in agreement as he lifted her. Despite his clear exhaustion, he strode up the steps with pride. Acceptance, Ashira realized. And despite what it meant for the both of them, she was happy to see it. At least they had a purpose after all this mess, even though her heart ached at the thought that she may not see their family again.

"We will," He said. "In time."

She nodded, but said nothing as he finally claimed the throne.

The world burst to life. Blue fire surged from them both, a mixture of Ashira's flames and Vergil's own power. It burned the walls and reformed them into impossible shapes. A dragon statue on one side, a phoenix on the other, both with wings stretched wide, as if preparing for battle. Stained glass windows of various colors appeared, each one with different images. "Our family," Ashira said. Vergil said nothing as his hand slid up her back and adjusted her more comfortably across his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck as the fire shot upward. "Vergil," She whispered. "Look."

The fire pulsed through the hole in the ceiling and outward into a pair of wings - one of his, and one of hers, illuminating the sky. So that's what Pythy meant. She thought with a smile. As they dispersed, a glass window filled the void with the exact symbol, glittering in the moonlight.

She felt Vergil's lips brush her forehead. "We have to stay," She said and, with a small amount of hesitation, added, "we have a lot to do," Though she doubted she could even walk at the moment.

"It can wait," He said.

While his voice was confident, Ashira felt the twinge of sadness he was trying to hide. She caressed his cheeks and gave him a tender kiss. He responded in kind, and as she gently drew her fingers along the back of his neck, she finally felt his muscles relax. "Rest, Saina." She whispered. "I'll be here when you wake"

"I know." He murmured. A long few minutes later, he finally nestled his head in the crook of her neck as his eyes drifted shut.

An annoyed huff pulled her attention away. She felt Vergil's eyes open again, but he didn't move. Pythagoras watched them both with a look of pure disdain. "Thousands of demons are on their way," He said. "And seeing their new king asleep on his throne will be a terrible first impression."

Vergil growled, but Ashira stopped any true response with a gentle kiss."Would they accept their queen instead?"

She swore she saw Pythagoras smile, but he turned before she could confirm it. "As long as he can sit still and look presentable, I will make it work."

Ashira blinked. "You?"

"Of course," He said as he waddled away. "That is what the Prime Counselor does, after all."

Ashira stared at him. Vergil's hand grabbed her wrist as he pulled her back. "Let him go," He muttered. "Not much we can do about it now."

Ashira chuckled as she slid back into his lap and lay his head back where he clearly wanted it. "Prime Chancellor," She echoed. "Think he came up with that on his own?"

"Might as well call himself the King."

"Maybe he'll let us use the library more often."

Vergil huffed, and Ashira was certain she heard a very annoyed, "you presume too much, Phoenix" echo from the hallway beyond. "Sleep for now," She said. "I'll be here."

"You've been my queen for all of five minutes and you're already issuing commands," He said with a tired, but amused smirk.

"Five minutes?" She scoffed. "Vergil, I've been your queen for a decade at least. This is just for everyone else."

He glared at her, but there was no malice in his eyes. Instead, he just nuzzled her neck and closed his eyes again. She brushed through his hair absentmindedly as her gaze drifted to the sky. "Please don't do this to me again," She said quietly. "I know I'm not your brother, and I can't always take down the biggest demons, or handle the most stress… but…" When she looked back at him, she almost shied away from the steely blue eyes that stared back. "But we're a team, okay? I promise I'll be stronger… I won't let you down again."

"Enough," He said. "Do not belittle yourself."

"But…"

"You're the strongest woman I know," He said. "If this is to be my penance, I am content knowing it is with you."

Ashira felt slightly offended, though not enough to protest as sleep slowly overcame her.