Vergil's Departure

by JennyyaChains

Sequel to Vergil's Return story. Set a year before dmc 5, during dmc5 and some time after. This story will contain all themes and all characters until now.

5. A Dying Wish

AN: hello everyone, this chapter really took me a while. I hope it's worth the wait. It's a you could say sad? chapter? It's got some strong themes, not everything is bad, but it's mostly sad, yes. I think. Anyway, enjoy.

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CHAPTER 5 "A Dying Wish"

After Dante parted to Dumary Island, despite of Trish and David still living in the Devil May Cry shop, and even with Nero's presence as well, no matter who was in there, it felt empty. The night Dante left, no one in the house could sleep.

As soon as Trish went in to the bedroom, wherever she looked it reminded her of Dante. She changed into a nightgown to go to bed and just as she laid back, she perceived Dante's smell all over the bed and pillows. She just couldn't help to cry. She took Dante's pillow and squeezed it tightly, crying her heart out all over it.

"Why Dante? Why did you have to do this? Why did you have to go and leave us alone?" She lamented. Her sobs could be heard till Dave's room; even Nero got to listen to her cries.

David tried to sleep, but it was impossible while Trish kept crying. He couldn't help it. He hated to listen to his mom's cries, he even covered his head with the pillow, but it was useless.

Nero, despite of being comfortable on the sofa, he couldn't ease his mind. Then, listening to Trish's cries didn't help at all. His eyes opened abruptly as he heard her cry; Nero, as well as David, tried to sleep somehow. After a while and after Trish's sobs just didn't stop, Nero decided to get up and go clean the kitchen. It was the best he could do for Trish at the moment. It'd be terrible if she woke up the next morning and found the kitchen in a complete mess. So he decided it was best to go clean up before she would come down. Perhaps Trish's sobs wouldn't be heard till the kitchen. He got up and desperately headed to the kitchen, he just couldn't keep listening to Trish's laments any longer. Once in the kitchen, the noise was pretty vague, so he tried to relax a little and began with the cleaning.

He had almost finished; he was sweeping the last pile of broken dishes on the floor when he thought he found one intact. "No way!" Nero said surprised as he crouched and took that plate from the floor. "I can't believe this one survived!" He said as he held the dish in the air and stared at it focused.

Suddenly David walked in to the kitchen. "What are you doing uncle Nero?" David asked innocently.

It was so quiet in the kitchen that when David spoke, he took Nero by surprise making him drop the plate. He closed his eyes tight as he heard the plate crashing onto the floor, tearing to pieces. "And there goes the last plate alive… thanks Dave" Nero said sarcastic and annoyed.

"What happened here?" David wondered.

Nero stood up and turned towards David. "When the place started shaking before, things got out of place and everything fell to the floor. Now, only the plastic dishes are alive"

"Lucky me" David said foolish.

Nero approached to him and crouched at his level. "You couldn't sleep either?" He asked David as he tried to look into his eyes but David simply turned his stare down. He took him by the shoulders and tried to find his stare.

David just shook his head. "I just can't sleep with mom crying. It makes me feel bad"

"I know. I could listen to her too. It's… heartbreaking" Nero said serious as he turned his look elsewhere and straightened up.

"I know. I wanted to- go with her to try to soothe her but, I- just couldn't come in" David said distressed.

"Well I think she might find solace in your company" Nero said.

David sighed. "I hope so…" He said disappointed with his stare down.

Nero supposed not only Trish felt pretty bad, but David should too. He crouched at his level again. "Hey champ, how are you doin'?"

"Do you really think dad will come back?" David asked serious as he raised his stare towards Nero and before he could reply, he continued. "I mean, we were once in hell and we barely had the chance to escape before the portal disappeared"

"Wo- wo- what! You've been in hell?" Nero surprised. "When?"

"Shush… don't yell it!" David complained quietly. "It happened on Christmas…"

"On Christmas Eve? Did your mom know about this?" Nero still couldn't believe it.

"No, it was our secret" David said.

"And how did you end up there, I doubt Dante would have taken you" Nero said.

"Umm… well I- was- sort of- tricked?" David said dubious.

"Tricked? By a demon I suppose…" Nero said foolish.

David nodded slowly.

"…in disguise of Santa? Please don't say that!" Nero said. "How could you… umm… of course it could've been Santa"

"Dad had just told me Santa didn't exist, but I didn't want to believe him" David said serious.

"How convenient for demons" Nero said pensive. "Well anyway, I hope you never go back there. You're too young to see that world of misery" He said pensive. "I do believe in Dante, he will return. You'll see"

"I hope so… because I do believe if he doesn't, mom would keep her promise and I wouldn't see him again!" David said worried.

"Hey, that's not gonna happen. Don't worry, okay?" Nero said caring.

"I don't want you to be my dad" David said with tears in his eyes.

"I'm not gonna be your dad…" Nero chuckled. "I know you don't want that. There's no need to hurt my feelings"

"Well, I made your dream come true at the store" David said jokey.

"And who said that was my dream? I bet you don't do that to your dad" Nero said jokey.

"Not like that, but I knew it would work with you" David said.

Nero just shook his head. At least he had changed David's face.

"So you think I should go with mom?" David asked.

"Yes. I believe it would be good for both" Nero said simply.

"Okay. You can sleep in my room if you want then" David replied.

"Oh no, don't worry. I'm actually pretty comfortable on the sofa" Nero said foolish. But yes, there was something about that sofa that made it so comfortable.

"Well, you should get some sleep. It's late, we need to rest after all this" David said serious.

"Yeah, I'll just finish here and I'll head to bed- sofa- ha-ha" Nero said, thinking that for Dave's age he was a lot more mature than what Dante could have been at his age.

"Okay. I'll go with mom" David said hesitantly as he headed back upstairs. He approached to her room and he could still listen to her sobs. He hesitated before knocking on the door. "Mom?" He said dubiously.

Trish heard the knocking and Dave's faint voice. "David?" She tried to control her sobs and answered after sniffing. "Are you okay?"

David opened the door slowly. "That's- what I wanted to ask you" He approached to Trish towards the bed and climbed up. "We could hear your cries all over the house…" He said shyly, staring down.

"Oh, I'm sorry honey, I just…" Trish tried to reply but didn't know what to say. She suddenly felt David hugged her tight.

"I'm here mom" David said with his head on her chest. "Dad will come back. You'll see" He tried to soothe her.

Trish held him tight too. "I don't mean to be negative sweetie, but chances are quite slim" She said holding her tears. She felt she was giving up on him.

David turned to look at her. "As long as there is a tiny possibility, dad will find it. I know"

Trish felt pretty bad for sounding discouraging to David. What kind of mother was she? She was being selfish. Not only Dante had left her, but he left David too.

"Have some faith in dad, mom. I thought you knew him well" David said serious.

Trish paralyzed for a moment. "You're right, I'm sorry. It's just- it hurts me. I feel forsaken, I feel he didn't care for us"

"Don't say that mom. Dad is doing this to protect us. I know you miss him. I miss him too, but hopefully it won't be for long" David said encouragingly. "Whenever we least expect it, he will be back" He kept pensive for a moment, remembering that advice his father gave him on Christmas. He realized he was right. It was better to not expect anything than to suffer for not getting what you wanted. But did it mean he had to not care about it? He laid down on the bed next to Trish. He turned his look to the ceiling and kept pensive. It didn't mean he didn't care for his return, but it was better not to think about it. "You're a devil, right mom?" He asked suddenly.

Trish had laid down as well, next to David. "Yes, why?" She surprised.

"Well, if dad didn't return, you could always go and get him, right?" He asked just in case. Not that he'd lost his faith on him, but he just wondered.

Trish turned to look at him for a moment then turned her look to the ceiling as well. "Well… I could, but I can't"

David turned to look at her confused. "What do you mean?"

"I can create portals to cross between the two worlds, but I haven't done it in years and besides I wouldn't go to hell like this or having your siblings little. I wouldn't abandon you too" Trish said and regretted right away. She didn't want to sound like Dante had abandoned them already. "But don't worry. I know your father is very bold and reckless. Both could be virtues or defects depending on the point of view, in this case…" Trish said slowly. "…they're virtues"

David cuddled on Trish's chest and laid a hand over her round belly. "They have calmed down a lot, haven't they?"

"Yeah. Having you here with me really comforts me and them" Trish said with a smile as her eyes filled with tears. She caressed his hair to relax him and help him sleep.

"I love you, mom" David said dozing off.

"And I love you, baby" Trish said sweetly.

David opened an eye and looked at her. "Baby?"

Trish giggled and moved his head onto her chest again.

"I can sleep with you every night mom, if that makes you feel better" David said.

"Yeah, that would be nice, honey. Thank you" Trish whispered.

Not long after, they both fell into a deep sleep. Nero in the other hand, finished in the kitchen and went back to the sofa to get a wink. His mind was still a little uneasy, unsure of how things were gonna be from now on and until Dante returned. He laid back on the sofa and put his arms behind his head. He covered half his body again with the blanket and kept his stare focused on the ceiling. It was inevitable not to stare at that noisy fan. Still he closed his eyes and tried to sleep. But he just couldn't sleep, he felt so hot; the weather sucked and the fan was not helping. He had no choice but to take his trousers off and sleep only in his underwear. He covered with the blanket so it shouldn't be a problem. It was nearly four in the morning when he finally managed to sleep.

The next morning, Trish was the first to wake up. David was still deeply asleep so she didn't bother him and let him sleep all he needed. She went to the bathroom then had a look at herself in the mirror. Her expression could only denote the sadness and emptiness she felt inside. She rinsed her face in the sink and when she raised her look, she saw Dante standing right behind her. Dante embraced her and put his arms around her belly.

"Dante you came back! I knew you'd reconsider!" Trish said excited as she turned to embrace him but Dante's illusion had vanished like a curl of smoke. Her expression changed again into sadness in a second. She took a deep breath and decided to just go downstairs. She realized these following weeks would feel like a living and eternal hell without Dante.

As Trish walked down the stairs and reached the office, she found Nero sleeping on the large sofa. She approached to him and sat in front of him on the center table. She couldn't help to stare at him. He was sleeping face down with the blanket almost completely on the floor, just covering the essentials.

Trish kept staring at him, at his almost nude body and even if he didn't compare to Dante, he was the closest to a man she had right now.

Nero suddenly felt a presence and a deep stare on him. He slowly opened his eyes and even in the blur he could notice it was Trish. "Trish?" He whispered dazed. Then when his eyes managed to focus he rapidly sat up surprised. "Trish! Are you okay?" he asked agitated.

Trish couldn't help to notice he had an erection and Nero couldn't help to notice she had lowered her stare at his crotch. He rapidly covered with the blanket.

"I see you are more than okay" Trish said smiling.

"Sorry… I…" Nero said embarrassed with his look down.

"Don't worry Nero, it's alright. I'm used to see Dante hard every morning…" Trish's voice turned shaky as she said his name. Now she wouldn't see him every morning. She lowered her stare to avoid Nero's look. Still, everything reminded her of him.

Nero noticed a tear rolling down her face. "Come here"

Trish stood up and sat beside Nero on the sofa. He put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to his chest. Trish started crying again, she couldn't help it. Nero rubbed her back trying to calm her.

"It's alright, Trish. You need to let it out" Nero said caring.

"Oh Nero…" She cried.

"Cry all you need right now. But promise me you won't cry anymore for Dante" Nero said seriously.

"I can't promise you that, Nero…" Trish said sobbing.

"Do it for my sanity, and yours… and David's. It really makes me nervous and anxious…" Nero said foolishly.

Trish tried to calm down a little. "I'm sorry Nero. Are you gonna stay here all the time?" She wondered.

"I'll try to be here the most time possible. I promised Dante I would" Nero said simply.

"Okay" Trish said staring down shyly.

Nero looked at her and smiled. "If only Dante were here right now, I bet he'd be pissed if he saw me with you like this" He chuckled.

Trish giggled and sniffed. "Yeah, I'm sure" She turned to look at him and smiled. She reached a hand to Nero's hair and tangled her fingers in it. "Why did you cut your hair? You looked more like Dante before"

"I had to. It was ruined" Nero chuckled.

"I'm sorry if it seems I'm seeing you as Dante, Nero. It's just- I miss him so much. It has been so long since I didn't spend a night with him" Trish said a little ashamed. "But don't get me wrong"

"I know, don't worry. I understand" Nero said.

Trish lowered her hand to Nero's neck and stared at him. She unconsciously caressed his skin with her nails, making Nero nervous. "Are you hungry? Do you wanna have breakfast?" She asked.

"Yeah…" Nero blushed and stared elsewhere as he rubbed the back of his head. He couldn't help to feel an itch down there having Trish so close to him; even pregnant she looked sexy.

"I'll make something" Trish said with a smile as she noticed Nero's nervousness. She stood up from the sofa and headed to the kitchen.

Nero took a deep breath and tried to relax. These following weeks would be stressing and enticing at the same time. He got dressed and headed to the kitchen too.

"Thank you for doing this Nero" Trish said as she heard Nero walking in to the kitchen.

"My pleasure" Nero said simply.

"I mean for cleaning up the mess I left here" Trish said.

"Huh? How did you know?" Nero wondered.

"There's no glassware or flatware anymore, but at least you cleaned up. "I'm sorry Nero. You must feel so distressed with this whole situation…" Trish said as she turned towards Nero and approached to him. "…that's why I- wanna make you feel comfortable… I wanna please you somehow" She said as she laid a hand over his chest.

Nero hesitated. "Uh- umm… it's not- necessary- Trish" He said nervous.

"I'll cook for you whatever you want while you're here. Would you like that?" Trish said simply with a smile.

Nero sighed. His face of anxiety changed in a second to surprise and happiness. "I would love that, yeah. Dante should be gone more often" He said thoughtlessly.

Trish just raised an eyebrow, taking her hand off his chest.

"I meant- not gone of course, I mean…" He didn't know what to say now.

"I know what you mean. Anyway, what would you like for breakfast?" Trish asked simply.

"Well… you know, those waffles Lady sent to me yesterday looked amazing" Nero said expectantly.

"Alright. I'll make you some waffles like the ones of the picture" Trish said simply as she went to the pantry and the fridge to take all she'd need.

Nero sat down by the table. He didn't realize, but he sat on Dante's chair. He couldn't help to feel nervous and anxious still. It was hard to tell how would Trish react to anything. "Hey- umm… Trish?" He asked hesitantly. "…I'll head back home after breakfast. I'll be back later today, is that okay?" He asked worried.

Trish didn't turn to look at him. "That's alright Nero. You don't have to be here the whole time. Kyrie needs you too" She said while the waffle maker heated up. She had the dough ready. Once done, she served Nero the waffles and was making some for David when suddenly the doors of the kitchen burst open.

"What smells so good?" David walked in breathing in all that sweet smell of waffles and syrup. His eyes sparkled as Trish served him the waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. He hurried to sit down and didn't even turn to look at Nero. "Morning dad…" He said turning towards Dante's chair realizing it was Nero who sat there. "…I'm sorry uncle Nero. I hoped that what happened last night had just been a bad dream" He said down. His face had dramatically changed into a deep sorrow.

"Don't worry, champ. I know this is hard for you…" Nero was saying when suddenly David interrupted him.

"Why are you sitting on dad's place?" David said with evident annoyance in his tone.

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize…" Nero said hesitantly.

"David, it's alright. It's not like your father's name is written on the chair" Trish tried to avoid Nero would feel guilty in any way.

"But that's dad's chair. You will never take his place!" David yelled.

"David!" Trish yelled. "He's not taking anyone's place, okay!" She said upset as she turned towards David with a hand on her hip.

"I want dad back!" David yelled upset as he turned his look down.

"Hey! Don't take it out on me! I'm just doing what your father asked me to, okay? I'll be taking care of you two until he comes back, whether you like it or not!" Nero yelled losing his patience. He was just trying to help. He then noticed David started crying. He couldn't help to feel bad and realized this was gonna be a lot more stressing than he had thought.

Trish noticed too and approached to David. She kneeled beside him. "Honey, it's alright. Nero's just trying to help us and he'll make us company for a while, until your daddy comes back, okay?" She said lovingly, taking him in her arms.

David started crying his heart out on Trish's chest.

Nero just took a deep breath and stood up, approaching to them.

"Why did daddy leave us?" David asked in tears.

"He didn't leave us, sweetie. He just went on a job and he will come back as soon as he's done with the bad guys" Trish said trying to soothe him. She wasn't even sure herself if he would be able to come back, but David needed her strong; she needed to be, just for him.

"Your mom's right, Dave" Nero said caring. "When you least expect it, your dad's gonna be coming right through the door"

David hadn't really vent since all this happened. He was too young to understand certain things and it was obviously difficult for him to imagine his life without his father. The past few weeks that he hadn't had the time to see him, it was okay because he knew he was there. But now that he was gone, it was completely different and heartbreaking.

"I miss dad…" David said trying to control his tears.

"Oh, I know honey. I miss him too. And it hasn't even been a day" Trish said with a smile that rapidly vanished, imagining the torment this was gonna be.

"Where's dad?" David wondered.

"Probably crossing the Gates of Hell…" Nero said foolish.

Trish turned to look at him, twisting her lips. She rapidly turned towards David trying to erase that disturbing image from his head. "He's saving the world, honey" She said confident.

Before Nero left, he talked to Trish and told her about what Lady said to him, that whenever he couldn't be there she would gladly come over to keep her company.

"Don't get me wrong Nero. But I'd feel more safe if Vergil came over, not Lady. I need a man. I know Lady's strong but… it's not the same" Trish said simply and serious.

Nero thought about Dante and how pissed he'd be if he knew Vergil was alone with Trish. "Okay. I understand, but Dante…"

"Dante's not here. He has no right to an opinion" Trish said.

In a way Trish was right. But still Nero felt he was failing Dante. But he wouldn't contradict Trish right now. "Okay" Nero said dubious then left.

A few hours earlier…

Dante arrived to Dumary Island meeting the granny on the harbor. "Hello there- Matia?" He really didn't remember her name. He had even forgotten about Lucia. He wouldn't remember the granny's name.

"Matier" The granny corrected him. "You are just like your father. He would always forget me and other women's names as well"

Dante rolled his eyes. There she goes again with Sparda's stories… He thought annoyed.

"Your father used to be Mundus' right hand until he decided to betray him and his own kind. Sparda's honorable heart couldn't be blackened by such evil. He was never like them. He felt compassion for humans and rebelled against Mundus to travel to this world. He was dumbfounded with its beauty and it was then that we met. He was a very handsome devil…" Matier said lost in her memories. "… you're starting to look a lot like him by the way… he traveled around this world for years and years fighting evil, we fought together many battles…"

Dante just raised an eyebrow with disbelief. "And why are you telling me this?" He said careless. The only memory of his father he could recall was when he was 6 years old. When Sparda gifted them with their respective swords and the training he gave them but he couldn't remember his face that well. Besides he was not interested in his past, and right now wasn't the perfect time to waste on those stories.

"…until he met your mother, Eva" Matier continued, ignoring Dante. "I promised you I'd tell you about your father when you'd return"

Dante sighed annoyed. He folded his arms and kept his look down. He was trying his best to not be rude with the old lady. "So how old are you again?"

"I stopped counting a hundred years ago" Matier said simply.

"I knew it. You're a mummy then…" Dante mocked.

"You are so cruel Dante" The granny said.

"Oh, c'mon. Can't stand a joke, huh?" Dante wondered confused as he saw the granny's face of annoyance. "What did I do now?" He asked bothered.

"You never returned 10 years ago. Poor Lucia kept waiting for you anxiously" Matier added.

Dante sighed. "I was trapped in hell granny, is not easy to travel between the two worlds. I'm not my father, okay?" He said annoyed.

"But you made a promise to her, just like your father did many years ago" She said.

"I didn't promise anything" Dante said simply and still annoyed.

"It's not like I'm asking you to marry her. I just want you to give her one nice memory" The granny insisted.

"Well, I'm sorry granny. My bad, but I have my reasons" Dante said tired of this matter.

Matier scolded him for his lame apology. "Your father was better with words"

"My brother's the one who got that from him, not me. Although I like to believe I'm better than him in other ways" Dante said careless.

Matier jabbed him with her cane. "Then you should start by not being rude to Lucia"

"Hey!" Dante protested. He had had enough. "Why did you ask me to come back here, anyway? Is this Badrock even real? Or is it just a demon you made up to drag me here to pair me up with Lucia?"

Matier twisted her lips, making even more lines appear around her mouth. "Do you even remember why you were here around 10 years ago?"

"I recall fighting a big monkey…" Dante said dubious.

"You defeated Argosax" Matier recalled him.

"I find useless remembering my enemies' names. Specially if they were as lame as this Argosax you mention" Dante said simply, thinking that the only name he would never forget was Mundus. Mundus… the demon who brought misery to his life. The demon who murdered his mother and made him carry the burden of her death ever since. But then again, it was Mundus who sent him the most wonderful gift to compensate for his suffering, Trish. Or at least that's the way he liked to see things. He couldn't help to smile. What would his life have been if only Mundus hadn't sent Trish to him?

"This demon you will be fighting was Argosax' right hand" Matier insisted on recalling him about Argosax.

"So I dealt with bad guy number 1, now I gotta deal with number 2? Alright… still, as much as I try to remember I can't recall this guy. I guess he wasn't even a threat to me" He kept pensive for a moment. "What I do recall is fighting this three big heads, masks? Those were a pain in the ass. I hope this Badrock entertains me for a while at least"

"It's Balrog" Matier corrected him. "But I'm sure you'll forget by tomorrow. And you should be careful with this demon. He has been saving his power for the past 10 years. He is an enormous demon. According to the legend he is a vicious fire demon"

Dante smiled after hearing that. "That only makes it more interesting" He whispered to himself as he felt a strong wave of power near.

"And Dante…" Matier wanted to ask him one more thing.

Dante was already leaving, following the source of that power when he suddenly stopped at the granny's request. "What is it?"

"It was I who summoned you here. Don't punish Lucia. She has suffered all her life. You know there are not many young men left in this Island…" Matier said.

Dante raised an eyebrow. "Well I'm not a young man anymore…" He said bothered. Although compared to his father he is. He started walking again when Matier continued talking. He couldn't help to annoy and get desperate.

"There is someone summoning this demon to this world" Matier said.

Dante surprised. "I thought this demon was challenging me…"

"Oh yes. He wants to have an encounter with you, since you defeated Argosax. He has been saving his power just for you. But somehow the portal opened, meaning someone is summoning him from this side" Matier said serious.

"Then this demon needs to be stopped" Dante said simply as he headed to the portal. It seemed to be losing force for it started turning smaller within seconds. "What did you say his name was?"

Matier shook her head. "Balrog…"

"Alright, Balrog… let's get this party started" Dante said devilishly as he approached to the portal which would soon vanish. But suddenly, monkey looking demons emerged from it.

"What's with this place and monkeys?" Dante wondered shaking his head. He pulled out Ebony and Ivory and started shooting them up. Dante's incredible power travelled through the barrels of his guns, resulting in powerful gunshots causing severe damage to the demons, killing them with ease. Not even Rebellion was needed for these lame demons. He couldn't help to remember his beloved guns' creator Nell Goldstein. He thought she should've been the best gunsmith there could ever be, to be able to create wonderful masterpieces as Ebony and Ivory. He would never change them for any other guns. "It's a shame she's dead…" He muttered to himself when he suddenly heard a familiar voice behind him. A womanly voice with a sort of French accent.

"Your guns are wonderful as usual" Lucia said from behind.

"Not only my guns are…" Dante was saying when he turned and saw Lucia. He felt he needed to apologize to her. "…hey, I'm sorry about what happened last night"

"That's alright, Dante, I understand. I would've acted the same way Trish did if you were my husband…" Lucia said shyly as her eyes sparkled at the thought of it.

"What are you doing here, anyway?" Dante asked.

"Well, I hired you to help me destroy Balrog. Don't think I'm gonna leave it all to you" Lucia said.

"No, no, no, no. This is my fight" Dante said serious. "He wanted me, that's what he'll get" He started thinking it had all been a lie just so Lucia could see him again. He twisted his lips.

"You have aged…" Lucia said to change the subject.

"And you look just the same" Dante said careless.

"I will never change. No matter how much time passes…" She said sad.

Dante noticed her self-pity face and couldn't help to annoy. "Regular women pay lots of money to look young and you complain?" He said annoyed. Even if Trish had also been created by a demon, she has a lot of personality and no inferiority complex, unlike Lucia. He thought if things had been different, he would've never asked Lucia to be his partner; it'd be hell boring and depressing to spend time with her. He hated to see Lucia's face so depressed so he tried to cheer her up a little before he'd encounter Balrog. "I bet that compared to the people here and all the demons wandering about, I'm like fallen from heaven, aren't I?" He said jokey as if he were talking to Trish. When he noticed Lucia faintly smiled, he realized it was Lucia he was with, not Trish, so he should be careful with his words to not be misunderstood.

"Thank you for coming, Dante" Lucia said as she reached her hand to Dante's shoulder.

Dante surprised and thought if Trish saw Lucia touching him, she'd go mad. He slightly shook his shoulder so that she would move her hand away. He cleared his throat. "Your mother told me you didn't want me to come"

"Oh I did. I just- wanted to keep my promise, you know?" Lucia said trying to get closer to Dante, but suddenly the portal instead of closing, it grew larger and a huge demon emerged from it.

"So you finally came…" A coarse demonic voice was heard from behind them.

"It can't be!" Lucia said surprised. It was impossible the demon could have crossed just like that, even if the portal was opened.

"That desperate you were to see me?" Dante mocked.

The demon chuckled and took a step close to them making the environment shake due to his huge size. "I knew someone strong would come eventually. Although I've heard rumors about you, Dante"

"Oh, so I'm famous around here" Dante said cocky.

"Infamous, I'd say…" The demon retorted.

"I'll take that as a compliment, coming from you" Dante said. Somehow he could feel a familiar power really near.

The demon chuckled. "What is it, Dante?" He asked as he noticed Dante seemed to be looking for the source of that power. "Are you looking for something?" He said slyly.

"The dumpster, it stinks around here. Oh, but if it is you!" Dante said foolish. Suddenly he saw the demon holding a small shard in his huge hand.

"Is this what you're looking for?" The demon said slyly as he showed Dante the small shard he held between his claws. The tiny shard shined with an intense brightness, that even Dante was blinded for a moment.

Dante didn't know what that tiny shard could be, but he suddenly froze at the thought of the possibilities. "Yamato…" He muttered to himself. "…it has a different power than we had thought then…" He lowered his head for a moment, pensive. Then that means Yamato isn't complete yet. Its power must be even greater…

"Dante, this demon is very powerful, let's fight together" Lucia said pulling Dante away from his thoughts.

"No. You stay back. This is my battle" Dante said serious. He needed to recover that shard of Yamato. This demon had been using it to travel through both worlds with ease. If a shard that size could even transport a demon of such dimensions opening portals, what would Yamato be able to do at its full power? Dante wondered.

Suddenly Balrog stomped on the ground with one hoof setting the surroundings on fire. He taunted Dante with a fist, encouraging him to begin the battle.

Dante shook his head in disbelief. This demon seemed very self-confident. He reached for Rebellion and launched at Balrog with great speed. He aimed directly to his fists, figuring they'd be his weakness.

Lucia simply watched from afar. She was impressed with Dante's dexterity with guns, sword, simply his speed was amazing. She wondered if it was because of Sparda's blood coursing through his veins or simply the experience he's acquired within the years. Dante seemed to have gotten much stronger and watching him fight made her realize that her efforts to become stronger so she wouldn't have the need to rely on Dante in times like these, had simply been in vain. She felt powerless, useless compared to him.

Balrog was enjoying the battle very much. He had been waiting 10 years for this moment to come. He didn't even care if Dante evaded most of his attacks, it stimulated him to fight someone of this level of power. And even if victory seemed to be on Dante's side, he had a scheme already planned. But he'd give Dante a little trouble for a while.

The battle began to heat up. Balrog's fists lit up in flames and with simple moves, he set several old houses and vegetation on fire, leaving Dante surrounded by fire, unable to escape.

"Why do you love fire so much?" Dante asked foolish, noticing the demon enjoyed setting things on fire. "It's so commonly used by demons. Can't you do a better trick?" He mocked.

"My fire is not as ordinary as the others!" Balrog infuriated and directed a punch at Dante with his fist surrounded in fire. His huge fist crashed on the ground lifting a cloud of dust with the impact. "I'm not as that useless Berial!"

"Dante!" Lucia yelled, thinking Balrog had smashed Dante, but as the dust scattered around, she saw Dante was protected by a transparent shield as if made of ice. She saw him holding a three-rod ice weapon in the shape of a nunchaku. She figured it was one of Dante's Devil Arms, since Matier once taught her about them and how they are created. She assured this Devil Arm was created after Dante defeated a demon and it turned into it to serve him as its new Master.

"I hadn't used this in a very long time. I'm not good with heat, I prefer lightning" Dante said as the shield of ice protecting him shattered.

Balrog infuriated and readied for another attack. "Then you won't be able to handle my fire!"

Dante braced up for the attack making a dramatic pose with the nunchaku like a kung fu fighter. Suddenly Cerberus started emitting cool air embarrassing Dante. "I hadn't used it in a while, must be pouting"

Balrog felt curious about it. "That shape, that power… did you tame Cerberus?" He said surprised then chuckled. "That dog is no match for my fire power!"

Dante tried to encourage Cerberus to fight again. "C'mon puppy, don't let me down. It's not like I got rid of you, you were just forsaken in a chest"

Right before Balrog would clash his fist on Dante, he surprised him with numerous ice attacks with Cerberus. Balrog counterattacked with his fire, evading almost all of Dante's attacks. But still, Dante managed to connect one strong blow against Balrog.

Balrog started staggering making Dante feel he had caused him a lot of damage. But it was only a trick to make Dante lower his guard. Staggering, Balrog lit up in flames his right fist even more than it already was. The fire burned with a bright red-orange color. He launched at Dante with great speed and strength but Dante wouldn't be fooled that easily. He counterattacked with Cerberus, but Balrog's power seemed to have increased all of a sudden. The clash of their power was so strong that a deafening sound resulted with it, followed by the sound of crashing ice.

Dante surprised as Cerberus shattered in a million pieces. He couldn't believe the power Balrog possessed so suddenly. But then he noticed the fragment of Yamato was embedded in Balrog's right fist, increasing his power greatly. "I need to get that fragment back" He mumbled to himself.

Balrog laughed wickedly after his deed, but surprised after Dante now wielded Rebellion. He hadn't really paid attention to it when Dante attacked him with it earlier. "Are you Sparda's son?" He wondered.

"What if I am?" Dante said cocky.

Balrog grinned devilishly as he suddenly dragged Dante through a portal he just opened, taking him to hell. And just as they crossed, the portal immediately closed and vanished in the nothingness.

"Dante…" Lucia was left motionless and speechless. There was no way she could help Dante now.

Back at the Devil May Cry, Trish and David were left alone again. Nero had returned to Fortuna with Kyrie. There were a lot of things he needed to tell her so there wouldn't be troubles. He promised to return before sunset. Trish and David spent almost the entire day watching movies together. The only bad thing was that time seemed to pass much slower as if time had simply stopped for them, making their wait feel endless. As promised, Nero returned before the moon rose up in the sky. He'd stay for the night and the next morning he'd go back home and return in the afternoon.

The weekend had ended and David had to return to school. Nero would take him and pick him up the entire week. Trish had notified this time, that Nero would be picking him up all week so there wouldn't be troubles this time.

Five days had passed since the incident, since Dante's departure. Larry had gotten used to see Dante and Nero every morning at the bar, but for the past days, neither of them had showed up. He couldn't help to worry. After eavesdropping on Dante's conversation with Nero last time and after what Dante told him, he thought something might have happened. Besides, Dante had left that small bakery box at the bar and hadn't returned for it. Either he made up with Trish or things had gotten worse. Either way he wanted to pay Trish a visit. He left someone in charge of the bar and headed to the Devil May Cry shop. He hadn't visited Dante's place in years but still he remembered the address. He arrived in a few minutes and parked outside. He got off the car and surprised to see the place hadn't changed a bit. He climbed up the few stairs to the entrance. It wasn't locked, so he just let himself in. As he walked in, he realized at least the inside was different, surely Trish's deed. He didn't find anyone there at the office.

"Hello?" Larry said out loud. "Anybody home?"

Suddenly Trish walked down the stairs. She had just taken a shower. She heard the yelling and wondered if it was a customer. When she saw a man at the middle of the office, she rapidly recognized him. "Larry!" She yelled surprised. "What are you doing here?" She asked as she reached the office and approached to him. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and Larry couldn't keep his eyes off her. "What?" Trish wondered confused, wondering why he stared so much.

"It's just- you look so beautiful" Larry said dumbfounded. "Dante told me you were pregnant and that you had had a fight. He had bought you this…"

When Larry mentioned Dante's name, Trish couldn't help to feel so sad all of a sudden. But when he said he had gotten her something she surprised. Dante wasn't really that thoughtful. She wondered what it was.

Larry handed her the small bakery box. Trish's eyes couldn't help to fill with tears. "What is it?" Larry wondered confused. He didn't know if Trish was happy or terribly sad about this.

Trish took the box and opened it. It was her favorite cake in a smaller version. "Oh Dante…" She cried.

Larry sighed and relaxed. At least the smile on her lips could speak more than her words. "Where is he by the way?"

Trish closed the box and kept her stare down. "Dante…" She hesitated. "…he's- gone" She said slowly as she moved her eyes from one side to another trying hard to keep her tears inside her eyes. She suddenly took a deep breath and turned her look up to the ceiling.

"What- do you mean- gone?" Larry wondered. Dante couldn't have left her, much less pregnant. He wondered what had happened between them. He stared at Trish waiting for an answer.

Trish avoided his stare but still she replied. "It's a long story, but he went to a job…" She said emotionless. "…in hell"

"What?" Larry said shocked. "But when is he coming back?" He shouted, pointing at her round belly.

"I don't know" Trish said simply with her stare down.

"But you are soon…" Larry hesitated. "…giving birth, right?"

"Yeah, but…" Trish finally turned to look at him. "…he had to go" She said with a sad expression as she put the small cake over the center table.

Larry could tell Trish felt pretty lonely. He just embraced her and rubbed her back. He instantly felt she started crying. "It'll be alright, Trish. Whatever you need you can always call me, you know the number. You know you can always rely on me if Dante's not around" He said caring as suddenly the doors opened and someone walked in.

Larry didn't mind to turn to look until he heard someone clearing his throat. When he turned he surprised. He let go of Trish and approached to the man. "Dante?" He wondered. He looked so much like him but his hair was different. "See Trish? He's back! There's nothing to worry about" He said foolish.

"Who the hell are you?" Vergil asked dryly.

Larry surprised. "You're not- Dante?" He asked foolishly as he approached to him to have a closer look. "Oh… then you must be the other… the twin…" He said as he observed him from head to toes.

Vergil just raised an eyebrow annoyed; even strangers called him "the other".

"Vergil, what are you doing here?" Trish asked suddenly.

"Nero asked me to come. He had something to do" Vergil said simply. "But if you want me to go, that's fine. I see you have company" He said arrogantly as he stared at the man in front of him with disdain.

Larry felt Vergil's obscure aura, he felt he was totally uninvited, still he couldn't keep his eyes from him. He did seem quite different than Dante, physically and mentally. "I'm sorry" Larry shook his head and extended his hand to him. "I'm Larry" He noticed Vergil wouldn't shake his hand so he just put it down. "I own a bar nearby. Dante is one of my most frequent customers…" He said then turned his face to a side and whispered. "…although he keeps increasing his debt…"

"That's fine Vergil" Trish said to stray from the situation. She was sure Vergil would reply with something rude. "So what about David? Weren't you supposed to pick him up then?"

"Nero didn't tell me so. You should call him if you're that worried" Vergil said careless as he passed beside Larry, swatting his face with the back of his coat.

Larry just made a funny-nervous face. "Well… I- see you're in good hands so… I'll get going. I just wanted to bring you the cake and make sure you were alright" He said hesitantly as he walked to the door.

"Thank you Larry, that's very kind of you" Trish said as she walked him to the door and closed it after he left. She turned towards Vergil. He was already sitting down on the large sofa. "So… where's Lady?" Trish wondered.

"Home, I suppose?" Vergil said simply.

Trish approached to him and sat beside him. "Does she know you're here?" She asked slyly.

"No. I left in the morning so she doesn't know where I went" Vergil said careless.

"So you don't plan on telling her…" Trish said turning her look elsewhere. "Are you leaving like Dante?" She asked upset.

"Right now?" Vergil wondered.

"So you do plan on leaving…" Trish said slyly although she seemed somewhat upset.

"I never said that" Vergil said serious as he took a deep breath. "Are you going to be asking questions all day?" He said evidently annoyed as he folded his arms and crossed his leg just resting his boot over his knee while he turned to look at her expectantly.

"No" Trish said pouting. She glimpsed at him and for a moment she saw the same look of Dante in Vergil's eyes. She turned to look at him and suddenly approached to him so much that even Vergil had to lean back on the sofa a little, for he felt her breasts so close to his chest. He even sat straight surprised with Trish's sudden change.

Trish leant towards him and reached her hand to his hair. She unconsciously straddled on his lap, trying to pull his hair down.

Vergil gulped. Trish's breasts were now very close to his face. He couldn't help to feel nervous all of a sudden; but at the same time it bothered him that Trish was desperately trying to find Dante in him. "I'm not Dante…" He said coldly. He needed to get her off him before he'd lose control.

"You feel so much like him…" Trish said strangely serious, there was something in her eyes that even Vergil surprised. She managed to get his hair down and even though it wasn't the same length as Dante's, it comforted her a little. She felt Vergil getting harder, he couldn't help it. Suddenly Trish grabbed him by the cheeks and pulled him closer into a kiss. She kissed on a side of his lips and just brushed her lips against his. Vergil was paralyzed; he was struggling to control keeping his hands away from her. But it was as if Trish possessed some kind of magnet. The more he tried to keep them away, the more this force attracted him to her body. His heart started speeding up uncontrollably, he felt as if his demon was taking control now. No more holding down. He lowered his stare at her chest; that pale white skin attracted him so much. He pulled down the straps of her dress, leaving her shoulders uncovered. He reached his lips to her neck and started kissing and nipping her smooth skin softly. He lowered to her shoulders and slowly roamed his lips on her chest while his hands dared to wander throughout her legs under her dress, slowly sliding down to her ass. He squeezed it tightly and desperately making Trish moan. He couldn't resist to the sweet sound of her voice and laid her down and moved upon her grabbing hold by the upper edge of the sofa.

Trish stared at him and could see only Dante, her mind was blinded by her wish and desire to see him, to feel him. "Oh Dante, make love to me…" She moaned delicately.

That certainly made Vergil stop. He was leant over her and he just stared at her deeply. He couldn't help to infuriate. His face, his eyes suddenly changed, bringing Trish back to reality. But suddenly the doors burst open, surprising both of them. Vergil peeped out his face over the sofa. It was Nero.

"Oh, Vergil!" Nero said surprised to see him there so early and with his hair down, kinda looking like Dante. "You're here already? Where's Trish?" He asked curious.

Trish peeked out her face through a side of the sofa without sitting up. She waved at Nero.

Nero twisted his neck to look at her. "Oh… you're there…" He found it odd and thought Dante was right to feel distrustful towards Vergil. "Hey Trish, can I speak to you for a minute? Alone?" He said clearly as he stared at Vergil and frowned. He gestured with his hand that he was watching him.

Vergil raised an eyebrow surprised. "Who does he think he is?" He whispered to himself as Trish stood up and headed to the kitchen. Nero followed her.

"What's the matter Nero? Is anything wrong?" Trish asked. "Where's David?" She wondered, for she didn't see him coming in with Nero.

"Oh, he's fine. He's in the van. I just thought it'd be nice to take him out somewhere so he can distract a little with something different. I'll take him to the movies or something" Nero said. "If, that's okay with you, of course"

"So, you're asking for my permission, but he didn't even get off the van…" Trish said suspiciously, raising an eyebrow.

"He was anxious to go. I told him it was a surprise" Nero said.

"Okay, fine. But don't come back late, okay?" Trish said serious.

"Promised" Nero said lifting his hand as taking an oath. He headed outside and as he crossed through the office he turned to look at Vergil suspiciously. He wasn't too convinced of leaving him alone with Trish, but if she was okay with it, he couldn't do anything.

"I leave her in your hands" Nero said serious and right away he felt nervous, rethinking his words literally, imagining Trish in his grasp. His eyes opened widely. "Not- literally…" He laughed nervously.

"What is the matter with you?" Vergil said upset. "Who do you think I am?"

"Nothing, don't listen to me…" Nero said foolish as he hurried outside embarrassed.

Suddenly Trish walked out of the kitchen into the office. "I'm not a little girl who needs protection the whole time, you know? I think you guys are overreacting" She said serious.

"It's not overprotection, it's just caution" Vergil replied serious. He didn't move from his seat and Trish sat again next to him.

Trish didn't say a word, she just sat there next to him and turned towards him. She stared at him up and down from head to toes. "Are you staying tonight?" She asked slyly.

"Is that a proposal?" Vergil answered thoughtlessly as he glimpsed at her for a moment and regretted right away. "Not today" He said serious. He was dying to turn to look at her, he could feell her stare all over him. "I thought you didn't want so much protection" He said slyly as he just had a glimpse at Trish again.

"Well…" Trish said sighing. She turned and sat straight. "In my sleep is hard to notice if someone attacks. You can never know with so many demons around"

"I suppose you're right. You are vulnerable right now" Vergil said serious as he passed his hand throughout his hair, slicking it back. He finally dared to look at her when suddenly Trish stood up again. He just followed her with his stare. "Where are you going?"

"I wanna go for a walk. I could use some workout. You wanna come?" Trish asked with her characteristic sensual tone.

"Well I wouldn't let you go alone" Vergil said serious as he stood up and went after her.

Trish headed upstairs. She slowly climbed up the stairs, holding by the banister. She suddenly stopped and turned towards Vergil. "You don't have to walk behind me the whole time. I'll just go change and I'll be down in a minute, okay?" She said simply.

"Oh yes. I'm sorry" Vergil said a bit embarrassed. After a few minutes, Trish came down the stairs wearing a pair of leather leggings and a sleeveless loose shirt. Vergil surprised and couldn't help to stare at her for a moment, thinking that even pregnant she looks sexy with whatever clothes she wears. He slightly shook his head and followed Trish to the door.

They walked out of the shop and Trish locked up. Vergil simply followed her wherever she walked to. He walked at her pace beside her. They kept quiet for a while until Trish decided to break the ice.

"Vergil?" Trish asked suddenly.

"Yes?" Vergil replied carelessly.

"What have you been up to, lately?" Trish asked curious.

"What do you mean?" Vergil asked playing the fool.

"You know… what we've talked about before. You are hiding so many things to Lady" Trish said simply while they kept walking.

"That's not true" Vergil said straight away, although he knew Trish was right. "I just don't tell her everything I do. Why are women so obsessed in knowing everything?" He said raising his voice a little.

Trish just shrugged and kept walking. Vergil had stopped for a moment but when he saw Trish kept walking, he caught up with her. "You know…" Trish continued as Vergil reached her. "…I was worried about Dante when I didn't know where he was, where he went… but when Lady told me she never knows where you are, where you go and that sometimes you don't even return for days, I thought, man I'm lucky. I don't know how she can stand that" She said serious then turned to look at Vergil. "You are lucky she loves you so damn much"

Vergil didn't reply or even turn to look at her. He felt guilty somehow. He thought he didn't deserve Lady. How could she love him so much if he's always so distant?

"Tell me Vergil, where do you go, what do you do? Where do you stay when you don't return?" Trish asked curious as she stood in front of Vergil and stared at him focused. "What are you hiding?" She asked with her hands at her hips.

Vergil stopped surprised as he almost bumped with Trish. He stared at her somewhat upset, but he couldn't lie to her. "I've been… visiting Kyrie"

Trish raised an eyebrow surprised. "Kyrie?"

"Don't get me wrong. It's just that one time I was looking for Nero, he wasn't home and she invited me in and she…" Vergil hesitated a little, increasing Trish's intrigue.

"She what? You're scaring me. I didn't know you had those likes…" Trish said nervous with disbelief.

"What?" Vergil turned to look at Trish with his eyes wide open. "I don't know what you're imagining, but that's not it! She just showed me a room…" He kept trying to explain.

"What!" Trish's eyes opened widely in surprise.

"Her father's studio!" Vergil replied angrily.

"What? And what's so interesting about that?" Trish wondered.

"Well, he had a very extensive collection of Sparda's books. You know in Fortuna they worshipped him as God, right?" Vergil said.

"Yes. I know, they were crazy…are…" Trish said as she moved away from Vergil and continued walking. "So Kyrie's father was a member of the Order?"

"Of course. And I suspect the worst of them all" Vergil said serious as he followed her.

"Really? No way" Trish said with disbelief. "It's funny how the most corrupted people have the nicest kids. Kyrie is the purest girl I know and her brother Credo, he was so naive and innocent following the orders of a false God. He realized too late, he had joined the wrong side all his life…" She said pensive, remembering about the Fortuna Incident and Credo's dying wish.

Vergil kept pensive for a moment, thinking of her words. "Kyrie showed me her father's diary. You wouldn't believe what's written in those pages…" He said and instantly regretted, thinking Trish would start asking questions about it.

"Oh, you must tell me" Trish said intrigued.

Vergil stopped walking for a moment. His face had suddenly such sad expression that even Trish gulped nervous. Vergil turned his face up to the sky for a moment, then just looked away from Trish. "I'm sorry. But I cannot tell you. I'm sure you'd tell Nero and he must not know any of this. I promised Kyrie" He said serious.

"So Nero doesn't know anything about… that room and what it hides?" Trish tried guessing.

"Not a thing. It was a forbidden room in the house when her father lived. And Kyrie accidentally went in a few years ago and found all those things" He said serious.

Trish thought it must be something really serious. "Okay, I won't tell a thing. I promise" But she was still curious. "I'm still confused. I won't ask what's inside that diary, but at least tell me, did you find what you were looking for in those books? What is it what you're looking for, anyway?"

"I… learned things I wasn't even aware of about Sparda, the swords he created, how he created them, but most of the books had missing pages" Vergil said.

"Let me guess, the revealing ones" Trish said with a chuckle.

"Of course" Vergil grinned. "I have my reasons to believe they are hidden somewhere in the Castle of Fortuna. In that laboratory"

"In Agnus' lab? Sure thing. He was a crazy scientist, but clever enough he could create fake demons as if by magic" Trish said simply.

"I'm sure he did a vast research and knew a lot about the Black Arts and Demon Magic. His research is something I could be interested in" Vergil said pensive. "That's another place I have visited" He added.

"The Castle in Fortuna?" Trish wondered.

"Yes" Vergil said dryly.

"I see" Trish said pensive. "And when you don't return, where do you stay?" Trish wondered still.

"In the old house" Vergil said serious after a sigh.

"The old house?" Trish wondered confused.

"Our home, when Dante and I were kids" Vergil said simply.

"Oh. And where is that?" She wondered.

"In Redgrave City" Vergil said serious.

Trish kept pensive, guessing that must have been where Dante got his ridiculous alias from. "So you go there, whenever you need privacy? To think about what's bothering you?" Trish guessed.

Vergil took a deep breath. "You could say…" He hesitated a little.

"It must bring back a lot of memories" Trish said slyly.

"Not very pleasant ones though…" Vergil said serious as he started walking again, leaving Trish behind this time.

Trish surprised and hurried to catch up with him. "Vergil, wait!"

Vergil stopped and waited for her, then they continued walking together.

"If your old house brings back such bad memories, why do you keep going back there? Wouldn't that be torturing for yourself?" Trish dared to ask.

Vergil kept quiet for a moment. "Still, I need to go back to understand. There must be something I missed…"

Trish frowned confused. "What are you talking about?"

"You wouldn't understand…" Vergil chuckled arrogantly. "…you didn't have a childhood. You were just created out of nowhere, like this" He turned to look at her and gestured with his hands referring to her actual size.

Trish couldn't help to feel upset. "You have a point there. But still, I have feelings and knowledge about many things. I do understand, such, that I know you just keep poisoning your head and increasing your hatred and envy towards Dante. You still believe Dante got all you deserved, don't you?" She asked.

"We should go back" Vergil tried to avoid her questions. He turned and started walking back to the shop.

Trish took a deep breath and followed him. "You're happy he left, aren't you?" She asked serious.

"I won't say I'm not" Vergil said simply and without much thought.

"And you would be happier if he wouldn't return" Trish said.

"We both know he won't" Vergil said with a wicked grin.

Suddenly Trish slapped his face angrily. Even her hand had surrounded in lightning, shocking Vergil.

Vergil's face turned to a side due to the hit. He reached a hand to his cheek and rubbed it. It felt so hot as if it were burning. He gulped and turned to look at Trish. She started walking briskly, leaving him behind. Vergil shook his head and sighed. He followed her. "Trish! Wait up!"

Trish didn't reply and just hurried back home. Vergil knew he had made her piss off, but he also knew he was right. He didn't care if she'd be upset. He simply walked behind her all the way back home.

Vergil walked staring down the whole time. He could feel Trish's annoyance in the air. It was like if she were emitting anger throughout her body, as if all of a sudden, anger was a tangible feeling. That annoyed him too, but someone had to give in.

Just as they arrived to the shop, Vergil spoke again. "C'mon Trish! You know I'm right! Dante is not coming back. He abandoned you with all the burden of the kids" He said as he climbed up the stairs of the entrance.

Trish had just opened the door. She turned towards Vergil angrily. "Don't paint him with your own colors, Dante is not like you. I have faith in him. I know he's coming back. You may be twins, but you are so different" Trish said emphatically. "That you'd rather stay in hell than with your family, it's a whole other story" She said mad as she went in to the shop and shut the door on Vergil's face.

Vergil was upset as well. He opened the doors and let himself in. "You think I wanted to be there? That I enjoyed my stay?" He complained as he followed Trish inside the house. He took her by the hand and turned her over, forcing her to look at him.

"Well if you didn't want to be there, you should've looked for a way out!" Trish yelled angrily.

"And you think I didn't?" Vergil yelled, keeping Trish in his grasp. He stared into her eyes. "You have no idea of what it is to be in hell for more than 10 years, fuck I don't even know for how long I was trapped there. I lost any sense of time"

Trish hesitated for a moment. At least Vergil was right about that. "Well I don't. But that was your choice. Dante tried to save you, but you didn't let him and decided to stay in hell!"

"Just like he chose to go to hell knowing he wouldn't have a way out!" Vergil insisted. "Save… humph… the only thing he did was taking from me the only thing that kept me sane…"

Trish's eyes began to fill with tears. She wanted to have faith in Dante, she didn't want to fill her head with negative thoughts, but Vergil was doing a great job for that. "He will return…" She sobbed. "…I know it" She couldn't keep holding her tears any longer and they started running down her pale cheeks.

Vergil couldn't help to feel guilty for it. He twisted his lips and pulled her closer to his chest. Trish started crying her heart out on Vergil's chest, holding him real tight. Vergil rubbed her back softly, trying to soothe her. "I'm sorry Trish. I…" He hesitated. "… you're right. Dante is different. He'll do anything to come back to you. He would never abandon his pregnant woman…" He said serious and kept pensive, remembering his past, realizing all these years he's been blaming Dante for everything, when it had all been his own fault; his own terrible decisions that led him to his misery. But somehow, his decisions always involved Dante. Dante, why did everything have to go around him?

Trish felt Vergil sigh. She tried to control her sobs and lifted her face to look at him. "Are you okay?"

Vergil looked into her teary eyes and wiped off her tears. "Are you?"

Trish just nodded as she held tight by Vergil's arms and straightened up. "I'll prepare something to eat" She said as she headed to the kitchen, leaving Vergil in the office.

Vergil watched her go and stood still for a moment. He had a look at his surroundings. He approached to Dante's desk and focused on the Sparda hung on the wall. The true form of the Force Edge. He didn't know the Force Edge had acquired its true Devil Form into the Devil Sword Sparda with the help of both amulets, Dante's and his own. Still, he wondered why Sparda hid his power in those amulets with the only purpose of recovering his sword's true form in the future. Who was supposed to keep it? Dante or him? At least Vergil was glad it was Trish and not Dante who kept it in the end.

He admired the sword for some time, amazed with its size. He couldn't believe Trish could wield it with such ease and dexterity. He wanted to hold the Sparda in his hands, he wanted to feel its power. He was dying to try it. He walked into the kitchen and Trish surprised after seeing him holding the Sparda.

Trish didn't say a word, she just stood still watching Vergil with her sword. "Feel free to try it out if you want"

Vergil surprised with Trish's offer. "Thank you Trish. I'll be in Dante's basement for a while" He said serious and excited at the same time.

Trish just nodded as Vergil went to the basement. She sighed and kept pensive. He wanted to know what was Vergil thinking, what was he planning to do? What did he intend to do with his new acquired knowledge? And what if he discovered the whole truth? What then? But what was this supposed truth? What was he really looking for? He never cleared her that. Trish just sighed and started cooking. "Oh Dante, if only you were here…"

Vergil walked into the training room. He closed the door behind him and stood at the middle of the room. He held the Sparda in front of him, observing its every detail. He was remembering the images of the Devil Sword Sparda from those books. It was slightly different. He wondered why. Had it not transformed completely? He didn't give it much importance and proceeded to try out the sword. He spent some time slashing the air with the massive sword, but he wanted to try it on an enemy. He wanted to feel all its power in battle. He approached to the computer and tried to figure out how to activate the hologram demons. It shouldn't be hard if Dante could use it. He clicked on a few buttons and managed to make some demons appear, but they didn't move. He had to program them to attack. He found more options and chose the demons he wanted to fight with and programmed them to attack. "This may be fun"

The battleground filled with demons, while Vergil approached to them calmly. He braced up to attack and as all demons launched at him he started slashing them left and right. A single slash was enough to bring them down. But since they were just holograms, they'd get up again, no matter how many times he killed them. Still, the more he wielded the Sparda and slayed demons, the more he felt the Sparda empowering him. He smiled wickedly, feeling all this power coursing through his body. It was building up his stamina. He'd kill all demons in a blink of an eye. He wished Dante was there to battle against him. He wanted to fight someone who really meant a threat for him. These demons were boring for his power, for his might. And the more he kept using the Sparda, it was as if he was feeding the sword's needs, its thirst for blood, for power.

The sword started turning red, as if it had reached a certain limit of power. Vergil reached out and the sword changed its shape more like a scythe, but suddenly it was as if the sword had come alive. Strange red and black tissue began to emerge from within it. Vergil surprised and during this time, he couldn't let go of the sword, for these ligaments attached to his hand coiling around his entire arm like a snake. But the demons were still surrounding him and they wouldn't stop. They were programmed to attack. They all launched at him and all he could do was to summon swords to get them off him. But suddenly the sword glowed intensely, emitting a lot of power, causing a slight shock.

Trish was in the kitchen, but still she felt the place shaking a little and also she got to listen to Vergil scream. She found it odd and wondered what was happening. "Vergil?" She said out loud as she hurried to the basement. Once she reached there she could hear a tremendous uproar and Vergil's groans. She opened the door agitated and surprised to see the Devil Sword Sparda changing its shape; it seemed it was feeding off Vergil. "Vergil!" Trish yelled as she saw strange living-like ligaments attached to his entire arm, reaching his chest, his heart.

It was then Vergil noticed her presence and tried to contain the sword's power. He took it with both hands now and bent over a little as the power continued to merge with him. "Don't come any closer!" He growled at Trish as the sword seemed to come alive, growing tissue and bone.

Trish ran to the computer to shut it off to make the demons disappear.

"Step aside!" Vergil yelled and seemed to control the sword now, making those strange ligaments return to the sword giving it a new look. "Arghh…!" Vergil growled and straightened up. He felt more powerful now. He couldn't understand why or how that happened, when moments ago he felt the sword was depriving him of his own power. He breathed heavily as he tried to control. He held the sword in one hand again and stared at it focused. Now it looked exactly as the one described in those books.

Trish was breathless, surprised with the Sparda's transformation. "What happened- to the sword?" She said hesitating as she approached to Vergil.

Vergil turned towards Trish and grinned. "I don't know, but this, is the Sparda's true form" He said certain.

"Are you okay?" Trish asked worried as she reached a hand to his back. She touched him all over in shock. He seemed to be totally fine even after it seemed the sword was eating him up alive.

"Never been better…" Vergil said cocky.

"Oh thank goodness! I thought it was gonna eat you up alive!" Trish said still shocked.

"To be honest, so did I" Vergil said serious as he then slashed with the sword left and right, cutting the air with an almost deafening sound. "This sword is very powerful"

"It is" Trish said simply. "Let me hold it"

Vergil glimpsed at Trish. He wasn't really sure of what had happened to the sword and if it'd be safe if Trish held it in her hands. "I'm not sure it's a good idea" He said simply.

Trish just twisted her lips annoyed. "It's the pregnancy, isn't it?"

"Well…" Vergil hesitated. "…in a way, yes. I'm just trying to protect you"

Trish couldn't help to piss off. She was tired of people feeling pity for her. "I'm not crippled you know? I'm just pregnant. I don't need anyone's sympathy, much less protection" She said mad as she headed upstairs again.

"Trish!" Vergil yelled, but he really didn't intend to follow her or make amends. He just watched her go upstairs. He sighed annoyed. "Women… they're all the same, devil or not" He wanted to stay there for a little longer. He wanted to try the sword now. He wanted to know if something had changed. But as he tried it out, he realized it was almost the same. It did feel it had improved but not outstandingly. Aside from the new more grotesque shape, it still felt the same way. He thought perhaps he didn't know the right way to wield it, to use it. It isn't any sword. It is the Devil Sword Sparda after all.

After a while, Vergil thought he was being too selfish. He was supposed to keep Trish company and all he was doing was thinking about getting more power and perhaps gaining new abilities. And while he thought of himself only, Trish was alone up there, feeling miserable. Vergil rolled his eyes; somehow Trish had the power to cause many different feelings on him. He decided to go upstairs again, to keep her company, if she wanted him to, that is.

As Vergil opened the kitchen door, he found Trish finishing her food. He could hear her sobbing and that made him feel worse. "Need some company?" He asked foolish.

Trish stood up from the table and put her empty plate in the sink. "Not really" She said emotionless. But the truth was, she missed Dante like hell and she had never felt so lonely in her entire life, not even in hell.

"I'm sorry Trish…" Somehow he felt he needed to apologize to her. He left the sword leant on the wall. "…I didn't mean to make you feel…"

"Don't be" Trish interrupted him. "I told you I don't need anything from anyone! And the only one person I need, is not here!" She said harshly.

Right that moment, Nero and David walked into the kitchen.

David couldn't help to feel bad with her words. "So you only care about dad? Am I painted here? I thought my company brought you comfort, but now I see nothing does!" David said upset as he ran up to his room.

"Honey! That's not what I… David!" Trish yelled as she noticed he wouldn't listen to her. She sighed and held her head with a hand. She turned to look at Nero. "It's not what I meant, I just…" Her voice broke down.

"I know, Trish" Nero sighed and approached to her. He embraced her and tried to soothe her. "It'll be alright. I'll talk to him, okay?"

Trish just nodded and tried to control her sobs. "Thank you, Nero. I don't know what I'd do without you"

Vergil twisted his lips with annoyance. He perfectly knew when he wasn't needed around. He didn't say a word, he took the sword and headed to the office.

"I'll go talk to Dave, okay?" Nero said to Trish as he let go of her and went after Vergil. "Hey Vergil…" Nero said out loud before going upstairs.

Vergil had just left the Sparda at its place and was heading to the doors when he heard Nero calling him. He twisted his lips annoyed and turned around. "What do you want?"

"I know you hate Dante. But don't do it for him, do it for Trish. Don't upset her more than she already is. I know you are quite direct, but at least lie about Dante" Nero said simply.

"So you are finally convinced that he won't be coming back" Vergil said with a grin.

"That's not what I said, is what you think. Or want? Either way, don't put your words in my mouth" Nero said a bit bothered. "And please, keep your bad thoughts to yourself"

"I don't need you to tell me what to do. Much less your advice. So save it. I didn't ask to come here. You want my help? This is what I can offer. Take it or leave it" Vergil said dryly and clearly annoyed.

"I don't have a choice. Somehow Trish feels safe around you. Don't know why though. Anyway, I gotta go talk to Dave. I'll give you a call if I need your help" Nero said simply as he headed to the stairs.

"Whatever..." Vergil said careless and headed outside.

Nero went upstairs and talked to David. He tried to convince him it was not the time to be upset and apart, when they only had each other right now. He talked to him for a while until he made him see reason.

Trish felt pretty anxious. She went to the office and sat down on the sofa in front of the TV. She turned it on and tried to find a relaxing show to watch. After a while Nero and Dave came down.

David approached to Trish to the sofa and jumped on. He embraced her strongly. "I love you, mom. I understand how you feel. I miss dad very much too"

"Oh sweetie..." Trish said with a tear in her eye as she held him tight.

Nero just watched and smiled at the scene before his eyes. It wasn't as complicated to make someone happy. He wondered why it was so difficult for Vergil to do so. "Hey! That's my bed you're sitting on!" He said jokey making both Trish and David laugh.

"Oh, sorry Nero. Can we borrow your "bed" for a little while?" Trish said jokey.

Nero giggled. "Go ahead. It's your house" Nero said simply. He felt he couldn't go. He felt the duty to be there for them until Dante returned. He couldn't leave them and he couldn't be calling Vergil for help every day. He'd do so just only if it was extremely necessary. He went to sit beside them on the sofa and they kept watching TV for a while.

"Hey Trish?" Nero asked. "Do you really prefer Vergil's company to Lady's?"

"I told you why" Trish said simply.

"Okay. Just thought that he- made you- feel a little uncomfortable and you wouldn't want him back in the house" Nero said hesitantly.

"Oh, don't worry. I know Vergil perfectly. It's fine" Trish said simply.

"Okay. Just making sure" Nero said simply. Either way, he wanted Vergil away from Trish the most time possible.

Trish had totally forgotten about the cake that was still over the center table. David saw the box and wondered what it hid inside. "What is this mom?" He asked as he held the box and opened it. "Ooh…" His eyes sparkled as he saw the cake.

"Oh, that's a small cake your dad bought for me before he left but he forgot it in the bar and Larry brought it to me this morning" Trish said simply.

"Oh, right. I remember I saw it" Nero said.

"Can we eat it?" David asked batting his eyes.

"Sure sweetie. Go get some spoons" Trish said to Dave.

David almost finished it himself.

"Hey! Leave some for us" Trish said jokey.

"It's to compensate for the two strawberry sundaes dad owes me" David replied.

Nero and Trish just shook their heads with a smile. They wished Dante could be back soon.

Nero stayed there for the night and the following ones. He would just call Kyrie to check up on her, either way, Carlo and Julio, the orphan kids, were staying with her to keep her company.

The following weeks Nero stayed with Trish and Dave the whole time; a couple of times they got calls and Nero had a few jobs and all the money he got, he gave it to Trish. She wanted to use that money to renovate a room for the twins. With all the things that happened recently she hadn't even thought about a room for them.

Nero could now tell how it felt to be Dante, except he had no sex. But now he knew how it was to spend the entire day with Trish and Dave; he was even starting to like this. The food was awesome as well as the company.

Nero took Trish and David to a baby's store. He thought it'd be fun to get all the things for the babies with them. They were having a look around the store when Nero's phone started ringing.

"Kyrie? What's up? Is everything okay?" Nero asked out of habit.

Trish turned towards Nero and saw his face. She stared at him for moments.

"What!" Nero said surprised and worried. He turned to look at Trish and hesitated. "Okay, okay. I- I'll be right there"

"Is something wrong?" Trish asked.

"It's Carlo. He got sick and needs a doctor..." Nero said desperate.

"That's alright Nero. We can come tomorrow" Trish said simply.

"No, no! Don't worry. You guys stay here. I'll be right back" Nero said.

"Are you sure?" Trish asked.

"Yes, yes. Just... don't move from here" Nero said as he left them at the store and hurried back to Fortuna. On the way there, he called Vergil. He really didn't want to, but he didn't want to leave Trish and Dave alone there. He wasn't sure how long he'd take to get back.

Meanwhile at the store...

"Stay close to me sweetie..." Trish said to Dave.

Dave just nodded, but it was a big store full of things for kids. It had mostly baby's stuff, but there were a few toys that called his attention. Trish wished Dante was there with her. She missed him so much. She had even lost track of time. She was glancing at a pair of cribs when she thought she saw Dante by the corner of her eye. "Dante?" She said marveled as she turned her look up. But to her letdown, it was just Vergil. "Oh, it's you..." She said disappointed.

Vergil raised an eyebrow somewhat annoyed. "Oh yes, I'm happy to see you too" He said sarcastic as he walked closer to her.

Trish sighed closing her eyes for a moment. "I'm sorry Vergil, I didn't intend to..." She said embarrassed.

"I know and as if I cared anyway" Vergil said arrogantly. But the truth was, he did care. And it bothered him it was Dante whom everybody always rather meet. That always made him feel the next in line, number two, the second best. No matter how much he tried, his loathe for Dante wouldn't just go away all of a sudden. It was impossible.

"Do you like these?" Trish asked referring to the cribs.

"Oh, so now you care for my opinion" Vergil said arrogantly.

"Oh, c'mon, relax!" Trish said as she held from his arm and stared at him.

Vergil turned to look at her and raised an eyebrow. "I am relaxed" He felt Trish too close to him.

Suddenly a saleswoman showed up. "Oh, hi!" The woman said enthusiastic with new possible buyers. She saw Trish's belly. "Last minute shopping I see" She said with a fake chuckle in the end.

Vergil raised an eyebrow annoyed. Trish frowned.

"You are having twins I suppose" The woman added and again faked a chuckle in the end.

That was beginning to irritate Trish. "Are you calling me fat?"

The woman's fake chuckle was cut short. "No, no. Of course not. I- just- thought you were looking for two cribs. I- I guessed you were..." She said nervous.

Trish's annoyance face changed suddenly. "Right, yes. I'm having twins" She said with a smile.

"We have the perfect things for your future babies" The woman said. "Follow me, please" She said still nervous.

Trish took Vergil's hand and dragged him with her.

Vergil surprised and still followed her. He felt kinda odd looking at all those baby's stuff with Trish.

The woman showed them a pair of cribs that were more commonly bought for twins. "Are you first-time parents?" She dared to ask.

Both Vergil and Trish said no right away. Trish turned to look at Vergil and frowned. Vergil slightly turned to glimpse at her but he tried to avoid her stare.

Suddenly Dave found Trish. "Mom, look at this thing, is awesome..." He then saw Vergil. He was about to greet him but he then saw the other woman and thought he could make the most of this situation, just like he always does with Nero. He turned to look at Vergil. "Can you buy me this toy, daddy? Please, please..." David almost pleaded.

"What!" Vergil said surprised.

Trish just rolled her eyes. "Honey, put it back. That's not what we're here for" She totally knew Dave's intentions with Vergil now.

"But mom..." David complained. "...you don't care about me anymore..." He said faking a drama. "...you just care for them now... where do I stand?" He said lowering his face to the ground. His hair was covering his expression but he hoped it had worked to soften Vergil's heart. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. He lifted his face and saw Vergil crouched beside him.

"I owed you a present" Vergil said simply.

Dave's eyes opened in surprise. "You'll buy it for me?" He said excited.

"Yes" Vergil replied as suddenly Dave hugged him by the neck. He couldn't help to surprise.

"Thanks dad, you're the best!" David said enthusiastic.

Trish saw Vergil's face and how he hugged David back. She couldn't help to smile. She tried to remember if David ever made a scene like that with Dante. She couldn't remember one single time he called Dante the best dad ever. If only Dante were there, he'd be real pissed and jealous.

Vergil and David let go of each other. Vergil straightened up and approached to Trish. He sighed and smiled.

"You didn't have to do that" Trish said simply.

"I don't mind. Don't worry" Vergil murmured.

"Now I will seem like the bad mom" Trish complained jokey raising an eyebrow.

"Huh? I- I didn't do it to..." Vergil said nervous.

"I know... relax" Trish said with a smile.

The woman kept staring at them with a funny face. "Oh he looks just like you" She said to Vergil.

"Of course..." Vergil said careless.

The woman continued showing them cribs and other stuff for the babies until they chose everything Trish thought she needed. They proceeded to checkout and when it was time to pay Trish was about to pull out the money Nero gave her when suddenly Vergil paid for everything.

Trish was left breathless, speechless with her hand inside her purse. "But I..." She hesitated.

Vergil put a hand over hers. "Save that for later" He whispered to her ear. He was still convinced that Dante wouldn't come back.

"Would you like to have everything delivered to your home or you prefer to..." The woman asked hesitantly.

"Yes, please" Vergil said simply.

"It has an extra charge of $50 dollars" The woman said and noticed Vergil didn't even hesitate.

"That's fine. Give her the address Trish, if you please. I'll be waiting for you outside" Vergil said as he gave her 50 dollars more.

"But Nero said he'd come back" Trish complained a little. She didn't want Vergil to spend more money on her. If only Lady found out.

"I doubt it..." Vergil murmured on his way out.

"I'll go with you, dad!" David yelled and caught up with Vergil. He took his hand and walked beside him.

Vergil surprised but didn't mind to hold his hand. "You don't have to pretend kiddo, the woman's not watching anymore"

"I'm not..." Suddenly Dave's face turned really sad. His mood seemed to have changed abruptly.

"What's the matter?" Vergil wondered. "Don't get all emotional now" He complained. "What did I say?"

"No. It's nothing" David said serious with his stare on the ground. "It's just..." He hesitated. "...that's how my dad calls me. I miss him" He sighed.

"Oh..." Vergil said clearing his throat. "What I'll say to you may sound harsh, but don't expect him to come back. And when you least expect it, he'll be back with you" He said as he stopped walking and crouched at Dave's level. "You're a strong kid. Now give me a smile. If your mother sees you like this, she'll depress even more. We don't want that, do we?"

David kept pensive. "You really are like dad" He said now with a smile.

Vergil's face contorted in annoyance. "Why in the hell would you think that?"

"Dad said to me something like that on Christmas. He said never expect anything from anyone or you'll be disappointed so save all that crap and..." David said simply.

"Okay, I get the idea" Vergil said annoyed. "He said it with those words?" He wasn't too surprised though.

"I think so..." David kept pensive. "So you're right. I'll pretend he won't come back and sooner than later he'll be here" He said simply.

"I'm not sure that's what it means" Vergil said hesitantly. "It means you shouldn't be affected by the consequences if he never comes back..." He corrected him.

Suddenly Trish walked out of the store. "What are you guys doing?"

Vergil stood up. "Waiting for you"

"Killing time" David said.

Trish sighed. It was evident she was sad. Her expression spoke for itself. "Should we call Nero or..." She asked.

"I'll call him" Vergil said simply as he pulled out his phone from his pocket. He walked a few steps away from them as he spoke to Nero. He then approached to them again. "Well, it seems he won't be able to return. We'll have to find another way to go back"

"I hope the kid is okay" Trish said concerned. She kept pensive for a moment. "Vergil? If you have the money, why don't you buy a car?"

"I like walking" Vergil said simply.

"It would come in handy right now" Trish said annoyed.

"If you don't want to walk, we can always take a taxi" Vergil said simply.

"No, that's fine. Walking is good for me, I need to work out. Since the day we went out walking I made it a habit" Trish said simply as she started walking. David followed her and took her hand. He pulled Vergil with his other hand and the three walked together back home.

"With Nero and David, I suppose" Vergil said.

"Sometimes" Trish said simply.

"Sometimes? You shouldn't go out alone" Vergil complained.

"Oh relax. I like having some time alone" Trish said with a saddened voice.

David turned to look at her and gently squeezed her hand.

Trish also squeezed his hand gently and kept her stare to the front; although she walked just for the sake of it.

Vergil noticed a strange vibe. He turned to look at them and just took a deep breath. "I like my solitude as well" He said foolishly, thinking all these weird attitudes from Trish and even David were just a reminiscence of Dante's last days with them, which were evidently not what they would have wished for.

"But you are not alone" Trish replied to Vergil.

Vergil rolled his eyes. "Nothing pleases you, woman"

"Dante does..." Trish said thoughtlessly.

"Dante, Dante, Dante. It's always about Dante! Well he's not here anymore!" Vergil said mad. "I am!"

Trish looked at him for a moment, surprised.

Vergil let go of Dave's hand and walked alone briskly, leaving them behind.

"Mom, don't be too mean with uncle Vergil. He's doing his best to help us and you just keep fighting with him" David said seriously as he turned to look at her and noticed her stare was fixed on Vergil.

"You're right" Trish replied without turning to look at him. "I'm sorry honey, I just miss your father so much" She said holding her tears. The more time passed, the more she sank in this solitude that seemed hard to escape from. She felt she was turning bitter, resentful with everyone. Am I turning like Vergil? She wondered. And all because of Dante. She shook her head and understood Vergil a little. "C'mon" She said as she tried to catch up with Vergil. She pulled from Dave's hand and walked a bit faster.

Vergil was the first to arrive to the Devil May Cry shop, but he stood beside the door waiting for Trish to open. His phone suddenly rang. He pulled it out from his pocket then just silenced it.

Trish and David arrived a little after. She felt a bit embarrassed with Vergil. She knew she was causing him more troubles and still adding more fuel to the raging fire. She knew Vergil might have to stay for the night and she didn't want to make his stay miserable.

Trish and David walked in to the shop, but Vergil remained outside. Trish noticed so she tried to talk to him but the phone suddenly rang.

"Devil May Cry?" Trish answered. "Hey! Fine, thanks, how are you, girl?" She seemed surprised and turned towards the door looking for Vergil. "Vergil?" She said his name out loud to call his attention.

Vergil was leant on the wall next to the door outside with his arms folded. When he heard Trish said his name, his eyes opened right away. He peeked in and looked at Trish.

"Have I seen him?" Trish repeated for Vergil to listen.

Vergil shook his head with his eyes wide opened staring at Trish.

"Umm... no, I haven't" Trish said hesitantly through the phone as she kept listening to Lady. She gave the look to Vergil then turned away.

Vergil surprised and stepped inside now. He still seemed pissed.

David frowned after watching that scene; he may be a kid but he wasn't stupid. He took Vergil's hand and pulled him into the kitchen.

Vergil surprised but still he followed. "What is the matter with you, kid? Why do you drag me all the way here?" He asked upset.

"Because you don't want aunt Lady to listen to you or do you?" David said slyly.

"Huh?" Vergil surprised and cleared his throat. "Well... no. I don't" He said serious and folded his arms. "What did you want to tell me or ask me?"

"Why don't you want to talk to aunt Lady?" David asked curious and anxious.

"Was that it?" Vergil said raising an eyebrow. "That is none of your concern"

Suddenly Trish burst into the kitchen. "But it concerns me. You and I gotta talk" She said pointing at Vergil.

"Is that mean I have to go to my room?" David said disappointed.

"If you don't mind, sweetie..." Trish said sweetly.

"And if I do?" David wondered.

Trish just gave him the look.

"Okay, okay. I'll go to my room, but as soon as dinner's ready, let me know" David said as he headed to his room.

Vergil and Trish kept staring at each other for a moment.

Trish just made a gesture with her hand. "C'mon..."

"What?" Vergil asked serious.

"Let's go to the living room. Let's get comfortable" Trish said.

Vergil raised an eyebrow surprised. "Okay..."

Trish opened the kitchen door and headed to the office, leaving the door opened so Vergil would follow her. There was something about the way she walks, swaying her hips so enticingly that always mesmerizes men and Vergil was not the exception.

Vergil followed her to the living room. Trish was already sitting down on the large sofa, but Vergil decided to sit in front of her. As soon as he sat down he noticed Trish patted the seat beside her.

"I won't bite..." Trish said enticingly.

Vergil gulped. He really didn't want to argue right now. So he didn't say a word and just stood up and went to sit next to her. He sat there serious and suddenly felt his personal space violated when Trish leant her face too close to his. Trish put a hand on his thigh and held it tight as she stared into his eyes focused. Vergil gulped and stared at her. He felt his hands falter, trying to control his impulse to possess her. A pearl of sweat ran down his neck all the way down till his chest. He felt his heart beating so intensely all of a sudden. That was the kind of effect she caused on him. Why couldn't he dispose of this desire?

"Don't play with fire..." Vergil said slowly.

"Unless I want to get burned?" Trish said sensually staring at his lips. She couldn't help to think of Dante when he said the same thing to her many years ago in her first attempts of seducing him. "I like playing with fire..." She said slyly.

Suddenly Vergil grasped her by the face. "Not this fire..." He whispered as they kept staring at each other for a moment.

"So...?" Trish asked, staring at him with a look that could paralyze anyone.

"So what?" Vergil asked as he enormously tried to contain himself.

"Why do you lie to Lady?" Trish asked suddenly.

Just as Trish said her name, Vergil instantly let go of her and moved away. "I'm not lying" Vergil said emphatically as he folded his arms and crossed a leg putting his foot over his knee.

"Oh... and what are you doing then?" Trish asked slyly with her usual sexy voice. "Because I had to lie to her because you asked me to"

"Oh, so now you care a lot for her, but never miss the chance to tease me" Vergil said clever.

"I'm not doing anything wrong" Trish said simply.

"Well... you are seducing her man..." Vergil whispered into her mouth as he moved closer to her and grabbed her chin to pull her closer. "...in case you hadn't noticed"

"That's just me, but you're too easy..." Trish replied slyly.

Vergil grinned devilishly and slightly shook his head letting her go. "You cannot deny your demonic instincts..."

"It's in my nature..." Trish said simply.

"You will never change..." Vergil said as he sat straight just staring at the front. "... you will always betray..." And suddenly he felt Trish's hand slapping his face.

Trish stood up mad and started walking away. "I'm not you!"

"C'mon Trish!" He said as he stood up and followed her. "You're the one who wanted to talk, now let's talk" He said as he grabbed her hand and turned her towards him. "You and I... we're the same. We are cut from the same cloth..."

Trish loosened from his hold and went to sit down to the sofa again. Vergil followed her and sat next to her now, facing at her, but Trish had her face to the front.

"Truth hurts, doesn't it?" Vergil said simply.

"What truth are you talking about?" Trish said annoyed.

"Since Dante left, you have been betraying him, betraying your supposed best friend, betraying even yourself..." Vergil said.

"Speak for yourself. I haven't betrayed anyone" Trish said.

"Oh, how do you want to call it then?" Vergil said raising an eyebrow.

"If I have crossed the line with you a little…" Trish was saying.

"A little?" Vergil said sarcastic as he turned and saw Trish's face of annoyance. "Go on…"

"…it's because I miss Dante so much. My consciousness betrays me and makes me see Dante in you. I'm not seducing you, I'm not betraying anyone"

"Oh, so now it's a betrayal with excuse" Vergil said simply.

"Why do you keep accusing me when you're the one lying?" Trish asked, starting to lose patience. "Why don't you want Lady to know you're here, that you will spend the night here?"

"With you? Are you listening to yourself, Trish?" Vergil asked raising an eyebrow. "How well did that sound?"

Trish kept silent for a moment. She hated when Lady and Dante were alone before she met her. That had been one of the main reasons she returned.

"If Mary knew I was here, she would be here as well" Vergil said.

"And what's wrong about that?" Trish asked foolish.

"I understand, it was you who told Nero you wanted me to come here, and not Mary. As for what's hidden behind your requests… I don't know. Deep down you want to feel Dante is here, perhaps? If I'm lying to Lady, it's because you want it that way" Vergil said serious.

"No, no, no. Don't put the blame on me. You have your own will. I had to lie to her because you wanted me to" Trish replied trying to defend her point.

"Why did you say my name out loud? Why did you wait for my reaction to answer Mary?" Vergil asked slyly. "You could have just told her the truth. But you chose not to"

"You're just trying to confuse me" Trish said pensive and shaking her head.

"I'm just taking the blindfold from your eyes. Deep down Trish, you are still the same treacherous devil Mundus created" Vergil said.

"No. That's not true" Trish said shaking her head still.

"I never believed all that bullshit from my brother clearing your heart. That's just not possible. People never change, much less devils" Vergil said thoughtless.

"I did change, just like your father" Trish said serious. "That you just can't doesn't mean the rest of the world is the same"

"Your name was stained by Mundus' blood. Your betrayal created a loathe towards you in every demon alive in hell, just as they despise Dante. You are cursed…" Vergil said serious. "Just as it happened with my father"

"Why do you say that?" Trish turned to look at Vergil finally.

"Because I know. I've lived in hell long enough to know it. I've heard your story many times. What Mundus did not expect was to create a highly clever devil, capable of betraying its own Master to accomplish its goals" Vergil said intriguing.

"Oh, and according to you, which were my goals Mr. know it all?" Trish asked.

"Indeed, you are different than any other demon, Trish. With amazing qualities, power and abilities, not excluding your exquisite beauty… but you lacked something" Vergil said building up the suspense and intrigue. "Freedom. You felt you had been created to be something more than just a servant. And you found in my foolish brother, your easy way out. You fooled him with your natural charms in such a way, that even after you betrayed him, he still wanted you" He said with hatred.

Trish was gonna slap him again, but Vergil caught her hand and stopped her this time. She was so pissed. "That's not true! How can your heart be so poisoned? You spill venom in every word you say!"

"All I'm saying is the truth" Vergil said as he let go of her hand.

"No. You're not poisoning my head. You won't drag me to your hell" Trish said a bit agitated. "You're trying to guess about myself and my life. Why don't you take the blindfold from your eyes and see your inner self? Your real desires. The real reason why you feel such loathe, envy and greed?" Trish's screams were heard till Dave's room.

David couldn't help to feel curious. He wanted to know why they were fighting. So he snuck downstairs trying not to be seen. He stood still at the last steps, clung to the wall, eavesdropping.

"I can't recognize you anymore. Who are you?" Trish said mad. "If you're gonna be acting like this, I don't want you here or near my son!"

Vergil took a deep breath as he gestured with his hands trying to calm her. "Trish, relax, alright?" He took her hands and stared into her eyes. "I'm not trying to harm you in any way, it's more like a… warning. I just wanted you to know how I felt with what you've done. Maybe I've got a wrong impression. I'm here to help you, to protect you. To do what my brother cannot"

"Not like he doesn't want to" Trish said staring down at his hands still holding hers.

"That's not what I said. I meant that he isn't here. If he were, I'm sure my presence here would be unnecessary" Vergil said serious

Trish stared into his eyes again.

Vergil noticed a strange vibe by looking through her eyes. "What's the matter? You don't believe me?" He asked.

"I just…" Trish didn't know what to say, but she also felt a strange vibe just by looking at him.

"Have some faith in me, Trish. I know I'm not Dante and that you don't feel the same security as you do with him. But remember I've been the one to save you whenever your life has been in danger many times, even before you met Dante. I've always been there…" Vergil said serious as he moved a lock of hair from her face behind her ear. "…I would always give my life for you"

Trish kept staring at him deeply. Her eyes filled with tears. Suddenly she felt guilty for thinking the worst of him. "I'm sorry Vergil, you're right. I know you've always been there for me…" She embraced him tightly still trying to hold her tears.

Vergil surprised and embraced her too. It pleased him to at least hold her in his arms. How much he wished Dante would never come back. If only he never existed. He grinned devilishly.

After David realized things were okay, he decided to return to his room. But as he headed upstairs the wooden steps creaked giving him away.

"David?" Trish said right after the squeaking sound.

"Y- yes mom?" David answered hesitantly.

"How long have you been there?" She asked raising an eyebrow.

"Not much…" David said as he clenched himself and closed his eyes tight, waiting for his mom's scolding.

"You know it's wrong to be listening to the adult's conversations and even more if you're sneaking up behind the wall" Trish said serious but without a single drop of anger in her voice, even David surprised. "Let that be the last time you do it, okay?" She said caring as in a blink, she was before David on the stairs. She touched his shoulder and he instantly opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Am I grounded?" David said hesitantly as he gritted his teeth.

"Of course not honey" Trish said sweetly as she stroked his hair.

David breathed out relaxed.

"Why don't you come down?" Vergil said to David as he suddenly approached to them. "Perhaps we could have a brief training before dinner. If your mother approves, of course" He said.

"Oh that would be cool!" David said excited. "Can we, mom?" He asked already agitated.

Trish looked at David's pleading face then at Vergil. "Okay…" She said after a sigh. "…but just for a little while, alright?"

"Yes, yes, yes…" David said careless as he took Vergil's hand and pulled him all the way to the basement.

"Just remember the rules!" Trish yelled hoping David or at least Vergil would listen.

As Vergil and David entered Dante's training room, Vergil set free from his grasp. "What rules?" He asked curious.

"Oh, that I shouldn't pull my Devil Trigger" David said simply.

"You're still not controlling it..." Vergil said it more as a fact than a question.

"Well... not too well yet" David said grinning.

"That's alright" Vergil said simply.

"Besides..." David added staring down. "...since dad left, other than Nero, I haven't had someone to train with"

"Well, I'm here now" Vergil said simply. "Now show me how much you've improved"

"How do you know I've improved?" David wondered.

"It's in your blood. The more you fight, the stronger you'll get" Vergil said as he launched towards David directing punches and kicks straight at him without a warning. David was caught off guard but he managed to evade Vergil's attacks right on time. He started to counterattack surprising Vergil with some special moves. Since David is quite smaller than Vergil, more than a disadvantage, David made the most of this to attack Vergil in unexpected ways.

Vergil surprised that David could be this clever. If he has only had little training, how can he be this good? He wondered if Nero had been as good since he was a little kid.

Suddenly David launched at him, propelling with great speed and strength but still, Vergil caught him in the air, by both his fists, stopping his attack. "Time out" Vergil said suddenly.

Vergil surprised as Vergil put him down. "Why?" What's wrong?"

Vergil crouched at Dave's level and tried to find the amulet Dante had given him on Christmas. He started touching around his neck and his chest without finding anything.

David surprised. "Umm... what did you lose?" He asked hesitantly.

"Where's the amulet your father gave you on Christmas?" Vergil asked.

David hesitated a little before answering. "Well... I tend to forget to wear it... he-he" He chuckled in the end as he scratched the back of his head, showing his teeth.

Vergil raised an eyebrow. "Why don't we make an experiment"

"Hm?" Vergil looked at Vergil intrigued. "What kind of experiment?"

"Why don't you bring that amulet and we test its real power?" Vergil said trying to grab Dave's interest.

"Mmm... okay..." David said as he went upstairs to his room to get it. Trish surprised to see him going upstairs then back down again.

"David?" Trish wondered what was going on. But David didn't answer and just continued his way. She thought things should be fine so she didn't make a big deal about it.

David returned to the basement. "Here it is" He said lacking emotion.

"What's the matter? Why don't you wear it?" Vergil wondered curious.

David kept his stare to the ground. He seemed dubious. "It's just..." He hesitated a little. "...but don't tell dad"

"Tell him what?" Vergil wondered.

"It's just that when I wear it I feel weird" David said finally.

"Weird? Weird how?" Vergil said confused. The word weird could have many different meanings.

"Well, if I'm not doing anything it's fine but, if I want to use my powers then I can't" David said simply.

"No wonder it was given to a human..." Vergil mumbled.

"What was that?" David wondered.

"Nothing. I mean it must have been created for humans. Remember your father said it was to keep demons away. So I assume if a demon wears it, its powers are sealed. Put it on" Vergil said serious.

"What?" David surprised. It was time for the experiment.

"Let's try it. It's not going to harm you. It's not like you wear it and disintegrate like a vampire under the sun, do you?" Vergil asked with a grin.

"Well no. Not like that" David said pensive. "Do vampires really exist?" He asked curious.

"We exist. Why wouldn't vampires? I haven't met any yet, but I guess we just need to travel to the right countries" Vergil said simply.

"I'd like to meet a vampire" David said excited.

"Stop building up the suspense and put it on!" Vergil ordered him. "Or there is still something you missed to tell me?"

"Okay..." David said as he put on the amulet.

Vergil noticed nothing happened. At least nothing that could be seen physically. "Okay then, face me!" He gestured with his hands taunting him.

David launched at Vergil with considerable speed and started attacking him with punches and kicks, but he couldn't fly anymore.

"C'mon! Use your power!" Vergil yelled as he easily evaded each of his hits. "Is that your best? Are you even trying?"

David kept leaping off the ground to hit him, but it was harder and tiring to attack him that way. He tried to focus his energy at least in one hand, but he couldn't emit any amount of lightning or fire. "I can't" He said desperate.

"Interesting..." Vergil said. "Try to use your Devil Trigger"

David clenched his fists, he seemed to be really focused, but nothing happened. He took a deep breath. "Is useless..." He said disappointed as he took off the amulet.

"Try to do it now" Vergil said as he took the amulet from David's hand and kept close to him.

"Are you sure?" David said dubiously.

"Just do it. I'll try something" Vergil said.

Suddenly David turned into a demon. His eyes were of a deep red color. He simply lost control right away so Vergil couldn't even try to do what he had planned. He had to evade his attacks instead. Now, David commanded lightning and fire with ease and could fly at blinding speed, such that it seemed he teleported.

Vergil counterattacked for a while, but his attacks didn't cause David any harm. How can a kid this size be so powerful? He wondered. He kept evading Dave's attacks and trying to find the right time to attack him when he'd lower his guard, but his lightning attacks were really pissing him off. It did hurt as hell to receive any of his lightning attacks, let it be a punch, a kick, or simply the lightning itself. "Oh you little devil!" Vergil yelled enraged and Devil Triggered too. He started summoning swords to attack David, see how well he could avoid that; he wouldn't hold back any longer. The swords surrounded David and stabbed him all at once but his wounds instantly healed. Vergil impressed with his healing speed. He started using more summoned swords that followed David wherever he moved, then as he tried to stab him, David released an amount of power as some sort of barrier, deflecting each sword. Vergil simply grinned. He learned fast. He summoned more swords that directed right above Dave's head, then he released them as a heavy rain. Vergil returned to his human form right at the moment when the countless swords stabbed David from above. He moved at great speed to approach to him and put the amulet back on his neck.

Right the moment Vergil put the amulet back, Dave recovered his human form. But now all his wounds didn't heal instantly as in his demon form.

"Ow..." David complained in pain, with numerous deep wounds in his shoulders, arms and sides. "... it hurts" He scowled in pain as he just fell on his back.

Vergil's eyes opened widely for a moment. "Oh... so it deprives you from your healing abilities as well..." He approached to him and removed the amulet from his neck. "...I'm sorry kiddo. Are you okay?" He said a bit worried as he helped him sit up.

"Yeah..." David said sore as he sat up.

Vergil had lifted him by the arm which was deeply wounded as well and surprised again as in a matter of seconds he healed completely. "Your healing abilities are still quite fast in your human form. But don't wear this in battle, it seals your powers and abilities completely" He said as he handed back the amulet to Dave. "At least it worked"

"What did?" David wondered as he stood up. All his wounds were already healed. He was just as new and ready to fight again. He kept pensive staring at his bracelet.

"The amulet..." Vergil said as he kept crouched at Dave's level staring at the amulet. "...it helps you return to your human form" He straightened up. "It's the only use it has for you, that we know until now, that is" He said serious.

"That's not a very fun use" David said disappointed. Still, he felt this amulet veiled something more just like his bracelet.

"Well, just keep it as a memento of your grandfather" Vergil said simply. He suddenly lost interest in that amulet. He thought it had no use for them.

"I guess I will" David said.

"Do you want to continue training?" Vergil asked.

"Sure" David said simply.

They started training again, a bit more calmed now. Just to practice some special moves and improve his dexterity and speed.

Suddenly Trish opened the door to the training room, but she barely made a noise. Vergil and David were so focused that they didn't notice her. She kept standing next to the door, just watching them. She stared at Vergil mostly and how dedicated and determined he seemed to teach David some of his special moves. She couldn't help to smile, they seemed like father and son. If only it was Dante who was there with them right now. She looked at them for moments watching their every move as if in slow motion, lost in her own mind, her imagination...

"Mom?" David said suddenly as he noticed her in the room.

Vergil distracted and turned to look, searching for her. He saw her eyes, the expression of love in her face; her look was fixed on him. Vergil couldn't help to surprise. He was paralyzed for a moment; same moment David made the most of and kicked him in the head, sending him to the ground.

"Yes! I win!" David said excited.

Vergil sat up annoyed, he was even kicked out from his thoughts. "This was no contest!" He said mad as he stood up.

David ran towards Trish and embraced her by the legs. Vergil didn't run but he approached to them. He could see Trish still had this lost but lovely expression on her face.

"Seeing Dante in me again?" Vergil asked slyly as he approached his face to hers.

Trish suddenly shook her head, returning to reality. "No, no. Of course not..." She said laughing nervously. "...I was just thinking you would make a wonderful father"

Vergil chuckled as he walked past her to go upstairs. "I doubt it"

David followed Vergil upstairs.

"Oh, c'mon. Of course you would!" Trish said out loud for him to listen as she followed them upstairs. The smell of the food was enough to let them know dinner was ready.

They enjoyed dinner, then went to the living room. The three sat in front of the TV. David sat in between Trish and Vergil and they let him choose the movie. As usual, he chose a horror film. It was a vampire movie. At least it was interesting enough for Vergil to watch. Still, Vergil didn't pay much attention to it. Instead, he simply lost in his thoughts; he'd glimpse at David and Trish and imagine this could have been his life. It felt so nice, it was as if for once he had found his place, somewhere to belong. He even smiled as he turned and looked at them. But then, Lady's image appeared in his head.

The guilt. He couldn't help to feel guilty for lying to her, for having these thoughts. It wasn't right, it wasn't fair for her. Suddenly he surprised as David clung to him scared. He had gripped from his coat tightly, still watching the movie with just one eye open.

Vergil couldn't help to chuckle. "C'mon, you're not gonna tell me you're afraid of vampires. I thought you wanted to meet one"

"I- I'm not afraid..." David said foolish as he kept watching the movie, jumping from time to time. But he kept close to Vergil the entire time.

Vergil put an arm around his shoulders and grinned.

Trish turned to look at them. She was surprised that Vergil could be this nice. Not that she thought he was a monster or else, but it was really rare to see him showing his emotions; she couldn't remember when was the last time she had seen him truly smile. But then her thoughts began to poison with uncertainty. Could it be because Dante was not around? Would Vergil despise him as much as to want him dead?

"What's the matter Trish?" Vergil asked as he noticed her a bit troubled. "Are you afraid of vampires too?" He said jokey.

"Of course not!" Trish said complaining a bit jokey too.

"Okay, no..." Vergil chuckled.

"Come closer mom" David said as he reached out for her.

Trish looked at Vergil, hesitated, but still she moved closer to them. The movie was really long and even David fell asleep before it finished. Trish suddenly turned and saw him very comfortable, cuddled on Vergil's chest.

"Is he asleep?" Trish asked.

"Yes. Since some time ago" Vergil said simply.

"Oh, I'm sorry Vergil. You must feel uncomfortable with him all over you. I'll take him to his room" Trish said shyly.

"Oh, don't worry. It's fine. I'll do it" Vergil said as he held David against his chest and stood up. He carried him all the way to his room. As he walked in to the room, he suddenly felt he was really taking Dante's place. And it felt good. He could get used to this. He slowly laid David down on the bed and tucked him in. He stared at him for moments and kept pensive, remembering his childhood. He suddenly straightened up and turned around to go.

"Night dad..." David whispered in his sleep.

Vergil paralyzed for a moment. He turned to look at him but he was completely asleep. He sighed and returned downstairs.

Trish had made the most of the time and locked the shop. She returned to the sofa just when Vergil came down the stairs. He sat next to her again and took a deep breath.

"Everything okay?" Trish asked with a smile.

"Hm?" Vergil glimpsed at her. "Yes of course. Why wouldn't it?"

Trish just smiled. "I insist you would make a wonderful father. You should think about it"

Vergil stared at her taken aback, wandering in his head.

"Lady isn't getting any younger" Trish added.

That simply brought Vergil back to reality. He wondered why in the hell he thought she meant having kids with her. "And I insist I am not..." His eyes opened widely. "...I mean- I won't be, I'm not..." He seemed nervous.

Trish frowned curious. Would Dante and her be right about Nero? "Are you hiding something?" She asked.

"What? No. About what?" Vergil asked foolish, but instantly regretted.

"Do you have a lost son or something?" Trish finally dared to ask.

"Lost? Where do you get that idea from?" He said arrogantly.

"Well, found then..." Trish insisted. She had to make him confess. "Vergil, when we were at the store you said you were not a first-time parent"

"So what? I answered as Dante would have" Vergil said clever.

"Mhm..." Trish twisted her lips. There was no way she could make him confess. But the more time passed, the more Vergil gave himself away. She thought one way or another he would confess, she was sure. The more she saw him and remembered some of Nero's manners she found more and more similarities.

"Let's keep watching the movie" Vergil said serious.

"So you won't confess…" Trish said slyly.

"Confess?" Vergil raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "What is your obsession on the matter?"

"It's no obsession, just curiosity" Trish said simply as she sat straight and kept watching the movie. It was useless.

Vergil finally could relax. It seemed Trish wouldn't keep bugging.

The movie ended and Trish yawned. "Oh, I'm so tired. Vergil?" She turned to look at him. "Where are you gonna sleep?"

"Where does Nero sleep?" Vergil asked curious.

"Here on the sofa" Trish said simply as she turned her stare to the wooden floor, trying to avoid Vergil's look.

"Then I'll stay here" Vergil said simply.

"Do you need anything? Do you want me to borrow you some of Dante's clothes or something? You're not sleeping all dressed up are you?" Trish started asking lots of questions.

"Anything else you want to ask?" Vergil said raising an eyebrow.

Trish just giggled. "Sorry… I want you to be comfortable. Feel yourself at home" She said with a smile.

"Thank you. And no, I don't need anything or any of Dante's clothes" Vergil said returning the smile.

"Okay. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask" Trish said as she stood up and kissed Vergil goodnight.

Vergil kept paralyzed for a moment just as he felt her lips next to his. That had been too close. "Goodnight…"

"Goodnight Vergil" Trish said with her usual sexy voice.

Vergil watched her go upstairs, she turned off the lights as she went up. He was mesmerized. He took a deep breath and tried to relax. He took off his coat and threw it on another sofa. It was a hot night. He did feel he was wearing too many clothes. He turned off the TV and just lied down. The office had gone pretty quiet; he could even listen to his own thoughts. He saw that old ceiling fan and thought he needed to turn it on. He sat up again and stood up to turn it on. Still he felt pretty hot. Was it because he kept thinking of Trish? He took off his vest as well then unbuckled his belt. He was zipping down his trousers when suddenly Trish surprised him.

"I brought you a sheet for if you- need- to- cover up…" Trish said hesitant as she literally caught him undressing as she turned on the lights.

"Trish…" Vergil surprised and wondered if it'd be enough temptation for her. "I'm sorry. I didn't know you were coming down" He said simply.

"Oh, that's alright. I told you to feel yourself at home. If you wanna be half-dressed…or naked…" She said under her breath. "…that's fine by me. No problem…" Trish giggled nervous. "…here" She approached to him and handed him the sheet and made the most of the time to feel him. Oh how much she missed feeling Dante's body near. She couldn't help to touch him. She reached her hands to his arms, then she caressed his bare chest, lowering her stare a little more. The zipper was down already.

Vergil surprised that she didn't care if he was watching her do this, watching her stare fixed at his groin. "What are you doing?" He reached his hands to hers undecided about how to proceed.

"I just… miss Dante so much. I'm sorry- I- wanted to remember how it felt. It's obviously different but, you're the closest to him I have" Trish said simply with her stare fixed on the nothingness now.

Vergil let go of her hands. It always had to be about Dante. Couldn't she just want him for him and not for looking alike Dante? He couldn't help to feel upset, but he tried to let it go.

Trish returned upstairs and left Vergil there. She entered to the room and closed the door. She sat on the edge of the bed and covered her face with both hands. "Oh Dante, where are you? I need you…" She said to the nothingness as she just laid back helpless. She hated sleeping in that room alone. Every night when she'd roll over and reach out to Dante's side and find it empty, she'd feel an incredible emptiness; she felt lonely and it made her remember she was actually alone. She could still smell his scent on the bed despite the weeks that had already passed. Perhaps it was just her memory, her desire to feel him there with her. She fell asleep thinking about Dante and his whereabouts. Wondering how was he doing and why was he taking so long still.

Dante couldn't believe he was struggling to kill this demon. It was amazing the reach of power that tiny fragment of Yamato possessed. He was sure that was the only reason this demon was such powerful. If only he could take that fragment back. He was really beginning to tire; he had completely lost track of time since they crossed through the portal to hell. And somehow he couldn't focus. He kept thinking about Trish. He wondered how she was doing, if she and the babies were alright. If things were fine with David and how was everything going without him. It hadn't been the best goodbye and he felt pretty miserable now that he found himself trapped in hell. He had this strange feeling that this had all been planned for a reason. He wanted to be wrong. Either way, he needed to hurry. He had the urge to return and that tiny fragment was his way out.

"Why are you so pensive, half-breed? Are you exhausted already?" Balrog mocked.

Dante wouldn't give himself away. "Nah, it's just you are boring me to death. Let's get this over with" He said serious.

Balrog chuckled viciously. "I welcome you to my reign, Fire Hell, son of Sparda…"

"Isn't it a little late for that?" Dante said cocky. "Fire Hell, huh? Did you come up with that name?" He asked foolish. "How clever…" He murmured sarcastic as he bought time to replenish his power with this useless conversation.

"It was actually the reign of Berial, but after you defeated him I took possession of his burning throne…" Balrog said viciously. "…becoming King of Fire Hell…" He turned to look at Dante and he was yawning with his speech. "Huh?" He enraged and surprised.

"What a lame way to become King…" Dante said careless.

"Indeed, you are a son of Sparda, but you lack his refinement and manners. Even as a devil he was respected amongst all Devils. Until he betrayed us, of course…" Balrog said.

Dante had stabbed Rebellion into the ground and used its hilt to rest himself while he kept listening to his boring speech. "Are you done yet?"

"You will regret talking to me like that, half-breed!" Balrog infuriated even more. He launched at Dante with no remorse, seeking to smash him with his flaming fists.

Dante evaded his attacks easily. It was much easier to evade the attacks from a huge demon, than someone his own size. But strangely, the blaze left after each hit seemed to be affecting Dante, for he started feeling weaker even without getting hit. He couldn't explain it. He felt he was losing his power somehow and Balrog kept getting stronger.

"Yours are definitely the powers of Sparda" Balrog said feeling Dante's power coursing throughout his body.

"You lame bastard! It wasn't enough the power you misused of my brother's sword, now you steal my power too! Is your power that minimal!" Dante said mad.

"I don't care about what you say, half-breed. My plans will be completed!" Balrog said careless.

"Plans? What plans?" Dante wondered.

Balrog simply laughed devilishly and launched at Dante one more time. Now trying to beat him, with Dante's own powers.

Dante was really pissed now. A surge of power filled his every pore. He started attacking Balrog and evading his blazing attacks. At first, it seemed Dante was winning, despite of all the power Balrog had stolen from him and that shard of Yamato. But as the battle intensified, again Balrog absorbed Dante's power and managed to attack him several times. It had been enough to send him to the ground, crashing violently.

Dante's body was severely injured and he felt so weak and tired now. But he wouldn't give up; he couldn't. Not with Trish and Dave waiting for him back home. He sat up with his body bathed in his and Balrog's blood. "Your lame tricks won't kill me" Dante said cocky when suddenly a blazing kick hit his face making him roll over several times on the ground. Then, Balrog grabbed him like a rag doll, held him in the air and started smashing him against the ground over and over. And when Dante meant to get up, he'd smash him with his flaming fist. Dante seemed to resist so Balrog threw him against the nearest wall then launched at him with a blazing kick, smashing the wall to pieces.

Dante barely groaned with every hit until he simply collapsed over the smashed rocks. He fell face down and simply fainted.

Suddenly Trish started screaming. "Dante, no! Dante!" She screamed and cried loudly waking up Vergil. David was so sunk in his own nightmares that he didn't even listen to his mother's screams.

Vergil opened his eyes abruptly. He hurried upstairs worried about Trish. He entered to the room agitated and found Trish tossing and turning in bed violently. He approached to her fast and held her by the arms tightly, trying to calm her. He had to apply quite an amount of strength to keep her from moving.

"Trish, wake up. It's just a dream! I'm here!" Vergil yelled over her screams and cries.

"Dante, no!" Trish suddenly opened her eyes and saw Dante. She held him tight, crying her heart out. "Dante…"

"I'm here… It was just a bad dream" Vergil said as he rubbed Trish's back trying to soothe her. But his face denoted only that loathe towards Dante.

Trish broke away from the embrace and held Vergil's face, staring into his eyes. Her eyes kept shedding tears, realizing now, it wasn't Dante she was holding. "Vergil… I'm sorry. I dreamed Dante was severely injured, he was gonna die"

"It was just a dream Trish. It wasn't real" Vergil said serious.

Suddenly, Trish's wedding ring flashed once. Trish paralyzed, she had never seen that happen before. Trish turned to look at Vergil. "Is he in danger?" She asked scared and shocked. "It was not a dream. Dante needs me. I- I need to go with him" Trish said settled as she stood up from the bed.

"You're not going anywhere" Vergil said serious as he pulled her back to the bed.

"You saw it! That only happens when either of us is in danger. And if it was my ring that flashed, it means it is him who's in danger" Trish said worried.

Vergil sat her down on the bed. "Relax for a moment, alright? I don't know why that thing flashed. I doubt Dante's having troubles with that demon. He is strong enough to kill any demon and you know it. Besides, you cannot go to hell in your state" He said serious.

"Then you go!" Trish said. "Use Yamato!" She said desperate.

"One, I don't have it with me. And two, even if I did, I wouldn't. It's not that easy" Vergil said serious as he turned away from her.

"You want him to die, you want him to suffer you like did!" Trish said raising her voice as she stood up and turned Vergil towards her. "You want him to be trapped in hell!" She yelled hitting his chest.

Vergil stopped her. "This isn't about what I want. If Dante is in troubles, he should find his own way out! Have some faith in him" He kept holding her hands tightly and stared into her eyes.

Trish stared at him for a moment and couldn't stop her tears from shedding. She sank her face on his chest, trying to control her cries. "I don't want him to die…" She said sobbing.

"He won't. The devil looks after his own…" Vergil whispered as he moved towards the bed. He kept holding Trish, the he just sat back against the bed-head to be more comfortable. He kept Trish's face on his bare chest. "You need some rest" He told her as he caressed her hair.

Trish tried to relax, but she couldn't help to think of Dante and the countless times she has slept on his chest while he strokes her hair. But somehow, she couldn't feel the same serenity as in Dante's arms. No one could touch her like he does. That just made her wanna cry more. The uncertainty of his whereabouts was killing her. Even the babies were experiencing the same fear Trish was. They were so uneasy, moving a lot, making Trish feel even more uncomfortable.

Vergil noticed Trish reached a hand to her belly and figured she was uncomfortable. "Do you wanna lie down?" He asked kindly.

"It's okay. They're just a little uneasy, that's all" Trish said. Aside from thinking Dante would be pissed if he knew Vergil was with her like this, she needed him right now to not crumble.

Vergil wasn't sure why, but he wanted to feel the babies for some unexplainable reason. He hesitantly reached his hand to Trish's round belly, and just as he touched it, the babies seemed to be excited then relaxed.

Trish surprised. "They must feel you're Dante"

Vergil's strangely smiley face changed dramatically after Trish said that. Would he always have to live behind Dante's shadow?

Trish thought her words better. She could tell Vergil was pissed. She thought the babies would definitely be able to tell the difference between their touch, it is very different. But surely, they missed Dante's touch very much as well just like her, and Vergil was the closest to Dante they had right now. And that made her feel even more depressed. She couldn't stand it any longer. She started remembering all the times she was away from Dante, when she had left him. It felt different all those times. But suddenly she started to wonder if Dante ever felt like she does right now, when she left without saying a single word. "Maybe they like your touch as well" She said faking a smile. "Thank you Vergil…"

Vergil turned to look her without saying a single word.

"…for being here" Trish continued.

"There's nothing to thank for" Vergil said serious. He was mentally exhausted and he needed some rest too, but he wanted to make sure Trish would sleep first. After a little while, Trish finally fell asleep and Vergil managed to sleep as well.

The next morning, David walked in to his parents' room and found his mom asleep on his uncle Vergil's bare chest. He surprised a little. "Mom?" He said to wake her up.

Trish took a deep breath as she opened her eyes slowly. "Honey? What's the matter?" She asked dazed.

Vergil woke up too but with Trish's voice. He saw Trish next to him and David standing before the bed. He freaked out a little.

"Who's gonna take me to school?" David asked.

"What day is today?" Trish asked.

"Monday…" David said simply as he kept staring at his uncle Vergil.

"Oh, I'm sorry honey. I totally forgot. Vergil can you take him?" Trish asked as she got out of bed.

"Of- course, I'll take him" Vergil said hesitantly.

David surprised to find them together but he didn't say anything, yet.

"Are you ready?" Vergil asked Dave.

David just nodded.

"Take Dante's car" Trish said simply as she went into the bathroom, right after kissing Dave goodbye.

David just went downstairs and Vergil followed him. He tried to look for the car keys but he couldn't find them anywhere. "Where does your father keep the car keys?" He asked.

"In the drawer…" Dave said a bit apathetic.

Vergil approached to Dante's desk and opened the first drawer he found. And there they were. As Vergil tried to open the main doors, he found they were locked, then he noticed he was still half-dressed so he went to get his vest to put it on.

"The other drawer…" David said before Vergil would ask.

Vergil went to get the keys and wondered when had Trish locked. He hurried to get the car and take David to school.

Both Vergil and David were quiet during the ride. But David couldn't keep his thoughts to himself anymore.

"Why were you half-naked with mom in bed?" David asked, feeling Vergil was slowly trying to take his father's place.

"What?" Vergil turned to look at David surprised. "I was sleeping on the sofa, but your mother had a nightmare during the night and I went to her side to comfort her. I stayed with her to make her feel safe" Vergil said arrogantly. "Any more questions?"

"I had a nightmare too" David said emotionless and staring down.

Vergil turned to look at David. He didn't ask about it, but he surely was intrigued. Would he have dreamed the same Trish did? He stopped the car for they had arrived to the school. David opened the door to get down and before he did, he cleared Vergil's doubts.

"I dreamed dad didn't come back and you were trying to take his place" David said upset as he shut the door strongly.

Vergil turned away and closed his eyes overwhelmed. He put a hand on his forehead then straightened up. "David!" He yelled, but David just entered to the school without turning back. He didn't know why he cared about this, but if Dave really dreamed that, he should be thinking the worst of him and probably of Trish too, right now. He had a feeling that there would be troubles today. He headed back to the Devil May Cry. He would wait till it was time to pick him up to talk to him and clear things. He thought he had been clear already, but it did seem he was taking Dante's place even before time.

When he entered the shop, Trish had just showered. Vergil sat on the sofa and called Nero. Unfortunately, it seemed the kid was still very ill and Nero had to be there still, he couldn't leave them alone. Vergil would have to stay there for at least two more days.

"Everything okay?" Trish asked as she came down the stairs.

"Well, it seems Nero won't be coming today or tomorrow, so I'll have to stay for longer" Vergil said.

"And that's a problem for you…" Trish said dubious. "…Vergil, you don't have to stay. We're fine alone"

"No. I have to. I don't want to be responsible if anything happens to you…" Vergil said as he stood up from the sofa and approached to Trish. "…or the babies"

"Thank you Vergil, but you don't have to worry about us. Is Dante who should worry, and he's not here. If there's anyone who should be responsible for whatever may happen, it would be Dante" Trish said with certain anger in her voice. "Go see Lady. Ask her out for lunch or something. I don't wanna feel guilty if you guys break up"

"But I don't want to leave you alone" Vergil said serious.

"It's okay Vergil. I'll be fine" Trish said with a strange smile. "Go see Lady and return later, okay? Do it for me"

Vergil took a deep breath. "Okay. I won't take long"

"Go take a shower, take Lady out to a nice restaurant, make love to her…" Trish said simply.

Vergil surprised with Trish's request, but he didn't reply.

"…doesn't have to be in that order, just go!" Trish said.

"Alright. I'll return later" Vergil said not pretty convinced but he took his coat and headed back home to Lady.

After Vergil left, Trish just sat on the sofa and took a deep breath. She felt so alone now, sorrowful, desperate to know about Dante. She kept thinking, if he wasn't having troubles with Balrog, why hadn't he returned yet? It had been enough time to defeat him, he should've been back by now.

"Oh Dante, Dante… where are you!" Trish yelled upset. She was tired of waiting. She was sick of this uncertainty. "Don't you dare to die on me" She said in tears as she grabbed her wedding ring, she took it off and threw it anywhere. She didn't want to be wearing it if it flashed again. She wouldn't be able to resist and she'd go anywhere to find him. She didn't even look where the ring fell. But it was better off that way. She tried to think of something else. She went to the kitchen and grabbed something to eat. The house felt pretty lonely. But soon it would be time to pick David up and Vergil was not around. She didn't want to call Nero and bother him, so she thought she could go pick him up. The weather seemed nice. It was cloudy and cool; she felt it was perfect to take a walk. She went to change her clothes into something more fitting for working out. Before she left the Devil May Cry, the phone rang. She went to answer and it was David. He told her he'd be staying in school for a few more hours for a sports competition he wanted to participate in. Trish couldn't refuse so she just told him she'd pick him up at 5 to not miss the hour. David asked for Vergil but Trish told him he had returned home for a while, that he'd come back to the Devil May Cry later in the afternoon maybe. She wasn't even sure herself.

When David hung up the phone he had a strange feeling. He found it odd that Vergil had left, leaving his mom alone. He wondered if it had been his fault for what he told him this morning. He sighed and just went back to the practice before the competition.

Meanwhile, Vergil arrived home. He surprised to find Lady there because of the hour. She usually goes out on the hunt early in the morning. As Lady heard the door she rapidly went down the stairs.

"Vergil!" She said out loud. "I was looking for you yesterday" She was meaning to ask where had he been but she thought it better not to. She feared he would go for good.

"I'm sorry. I'm doing this… research and I lost track of time" Vergil said simply as he stuck his hand in his pocket and turned his phone off.

"I tried calling you on your phone and…" Lady added hesitantly. Vergil had never really given her any explanations before.

"It ran out of battery" Vergil said dryly. "You wanted to tell me something urgent?" He asked.

"I don't even remember" Lady said foolish. She was so happy to have him back. "Oh! I remembered"

Vergil took off his coat and hung it. "What is it?"

"I was wondering if you could remove the stitches. It's been a while and I forgot. I think it's embedded on my skin now" Lady said.

"Oh Mary. I forgot yes. I should've removed them a while ago" Vergil said suddenly worried and a little guilty. He had been worrying about himself and his affairs and even about Trish lately, that he completely forgot about the rest. "Come here. Let me take a look" He said.

Lady approached to him and turned her back at him.

"Take it off" Vergil said simply, referring to her shirt.

Lady took it off. She wasn't wearing any bra so Vergil's eyes instantly followed her naked breasts. She noticed Vergil didn't move or else. "So…?" She asked curious. "How's it look?"

Vergil returned from his thoughts and looked at her stitches for a moment, but he wanted to keep staring at her perfect breasts. "They look very nice…"

"They do?" Lady surprised. "Really? It's been weeks since…"

Vergil turned her over and surprised her with a passionate kiss. "I was not referring to the stitches…"

Lady kissed him back. She had missed his touch, his lips; it felt so good to have him back. Vergil fondled her breasts before pushing her onto the sofa. He took off her shorts and her panties and put himself upon her as he kept kissing her uncontrollably. Lady unbuckled his belt and zipped down his trousers. She pulled out his hardened cock and started jerking him off. Vergil reached his hand to her pussy and started rubbing it. He poked his middle finger to feel her wetness.

"Oh Vergil…" Lady moaned as she parted her lips from his.

Vergil kept poking her a little, till she'd be more wet, until he felt it was wet enough. He reached his cock to her pussy and thrust her slowly enjoying her face as he pushed it in deeply.

Lady moaned intensely feeling him sliding in and out of her softly. She grasped from the arm of the sofa as Vergil increased his speed. Oh it felt so good. Her moans intensified as she felt so close to climax. "Oh Vergil… slow down, slow down…" She panted. "…I wanna keep you inside me for longer"

"As you wish…" Vergil said as Lady wrapped her arms around his neck.

Suddenly and with a fast and effective maneuver she rolled him over and now she was the one on top. As much as Vergil loved being the one on top, controlling everything, he enjoyed having her over him, riding him like a bull. He had the chance to fondle her breasts more; he wanted to suck on them, so he sat up and pulled her closer to him, holding her by the back as he sucked her hard nipples, making her moan even louder. She kept moving her hips back and forth until Vergil laid back, pulling her with him. Her breasts pressed against his skin. He started pounding her harder now, as he reached his hands to her ass and squeezed it tight.

"Oh yes, Vergil! Oh like that- yes…" Lady moaned intensely.

"Oh Mary…" Vergil moaned as he pounded her faster. He felt her inner muscles tensing and pulsing, squeezing him tightly.

"Oh Vergil…" Lady moaned.

"Mary… ahh-ahh…" Vergil panted as he finished inside her. He lowered his speed until he just stopped.

They were both panting real hard. Vergil embraced her to his chest as they both tried to control their breathing. They stayed like that for a while.

"I need a shower" Vergil said simply.

"So do I" Lady said giggling.

They headed to the shower and once there Vergil finally had a look at her stitches. "Don't move" He said serious as his hand started turning demonic. His fingernails grew larger and sharp. With the tip he cut the stitches then pulled from the thread fast to remove it.

"Ow…!" Lady yelled. "Aghh… can't you be gentle for once, or at least tell me you're gonna do it hard!" She complained.

"Oh c'mon, you like it hard…" Vergil chuckled.

Lady turned over to look at him. "Sometimes, but I felt the thing passing through my skin…"

"Like this?" Vergil asked slyly as he took her left leg and pulled it up a little as he rubbed his dick against her pussy.

Lady shivered. "No- not- exactly like that…" She moaned.

"More like this then?" Vergil said as he pushed his cock inside her very deep as he took her other leg and held her by the ass against the tiled wall.

"Yes…" Lady panted. "…just like that…" She moaned as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I missed you Mary…" Vergil said as he thrust her slowly, staring into her eyes.

Lady stared into his eyes as well. Every time he said things like that it made her feel so special. She felt as if this shiver traveled through all of her body. "I missed you too, so much…" She kissed him with tears in her eyes…

It was getting late; Trish turned to look at the clock, it was almost time to go get David. So she thought she could finally go take that walk she so much longed for. She went out of the shop and even forgot to lock, she hadn't even taken her keys. She started walking around the neighborhood, going through the places she used to walkthrough with Dante. The stores they had visited before, the bakery shop. She kept walking freely, feeling that cooling breeze brushing her skin. She could almost feel Dante walking next to her. She started having flashbacks of the time they had just returned from Mallet Island. The park was really near, she wondered if that old jet would still be there. She went to the park and as she kept going deeper into it, the weather started changing dramatically. The sky filled with black clouds and thunders; the park was surrounded by lightning that began illuminating intermittently, the darkness that had suddenly drowned the park. The wind felt so chilling all of a sudden. It seemed a heavy rain was coming.

Trish had a strange feeling but as lightning struck some trees that set on fire, the bright flash of the fire helped her spot it. "Oh my God! It's still there!" She said surprised and careless about her devastating surroundings. She approached to the jet and couldn't help to smile, remembering those last moments in the Island and their escape; how all their story together began, her new life, their new life together. But that strange feeling she had moments ago started becoming real. She could sense a demon real near. A demon she had once been familiar with. Even though, she could sense danger. She had fallen in the trap. A sudden fear overran her body. She was alone and defenseless right now. She looked at her left hand and remembered she had taken off her wedding ring. It was the only way she could think of right now of letting Dante know she really needed him. She turned away from the jet and started walking away. She accelerated her pace, walking briskly. And suddenly a voice stopped her.

"I knew you'd come back here" A manly voice resounded from behind Trish.

Trish didn't even want to turn back. She didn't want to see him. She gulped and felt chills up and down her spine. She started walking again, trying to escape that place. But a hand held her by a side of her face as she was turned over.

Trish's eyes opened widely. "Gamaliel…" She exhaled.

Gamaliel smiled devilishly. "You still remember me, gorgeous. I'm surprised" He said sardonically. "But look at you! You have turned just like them humans, ordinary. Impregnated by that filthy half-breed, Dante…" He chuckled with disdain as he looked at her round belly. He reached a hand to her stomach and felt the babies. He chuckled wickedly. "…and not just one, but two sinful devils you carry inside your womb…"

Trish gulped as the human-looking demon grasped her by a side of her face.

Gamaliel chuckled wickedly. "I had forgotten the fear in your look… I still love it…" He said somewhat seducing. "…it vanished as you were given powers but it's back now" He grinned and touched her belly again.

Trish felt so uncomfortable and so did the babies. "Don't touch me" She said gritting her teeth. She knew she didn't stand a chance against him right now.

"Or what?" Gamaliel mocked. "You'll kill me?" He chuckled as he turned and gave a few steps away from Trish. "Fifteen years ago your voice could even fright me, but now you're just a devil in decadence…" He stood motionless. "…what has Dante turned you into?"

Trish could only think of escaping right now. She tried to leave that place before he could notice, but it was useless. Just as she gave a few steps away, the demon appeared just before her.

"Where do you think you're going, darling?" Gamaliel said with certain love and hate at the same time as he caressed a side of her face. But he then smacked her with the back of his hand shoving her to a side. "You're not going anywhere!" He said despicably.

Trish had stumbled with the hit, but still she lost balance and fell onto the ground on her knees. She turned fast and kept on the ground. She rather be sat there than closer to that demon. She was holding herself with her arms. She flexed her legs and started crawling back as she saw him coming nearer.

"Since when did you become so craven? C'mon, get up and fight for your life and your little bastards!" Gamaliel approached to Trish in a blink. He took her by the neck and lifted her off the ground with a hand.

Trish reached her hands to his, trying to get it off her neck. She groaned, trying hard to loosen his hand to catch a breath. "Let- go- of me!" She managed to say. She released some lightning through her hands.

Gamaliel let go of her finally, loosening his grip on her abruptly as he stepped away from her a little. "You still got some power in you…" He said shaking his hand as for moments he felt it burn. "…but that won't be enough to hold me back!" He yelled and launched at her fiercely.

Trish tried her best to evade his attacks, but she couldn't move as fast as before now. She'd evade a few blows to then get caught by them continuously. She tried to cover her belly at all times. She started breathing heavily. She wasn't used to this anymore. She felt desperation consuming her now. If only she had the Sparda right now. She needed Dante. She couldn't help to cry in a mix of anger and resignation. But that wouldn't stop Gamaliel. He was there for a reason, a purpose; and he wouldn't go until it would be accomplished. She was starting to believe that everything Vergil told her was true. She wished he could have been wrong. "Ahh…!" Trish yelled as she faced to the sky lifting her arms, releasing an incredible amount of lightning, such that she was responsible for the heavy rain that now fell over the city.

David had just finished the competition. He had won in every single contest he signed in to. He heard those loud thunders bursting in the skies, followed by a heavy rain. He looked up to the sky and couldn't help to think of his mother. He had a bad feeling. He looked at a clock and it was 5:55pm He had taken longer than they had agreed. Trish should have been there already. He approached to the main doors but he couldn't find her. He got worried. He tried to leave the school but they didn't let him go.

"Where do you think you're going, young man?" The teacher at the door asked. "Neither of your parents has arrived yet"

"But I…" David felt desperate; he couldn't think of anything to say so she would let him go. "My mom needs me" He said almost in tears.

"No, no. I'm sorry. Besides, it's raining terribly. I won't let you go" She said.

"Please…" David almost begged. "…I need to…" He lowered his head, trying to think of something. He was already soaked from the rain.

"You're soaking! Get back inside, it's an order!" The woman said.

David didn't move. He kept his head down and his hair was covering his eyes so it was hard for the woman to see his expression.

"David?" The woman said out loud till he'd make a move.

David felt his heart beat so fast. He didn't hesitate and sprinted out of the school. The woman could barely see him turning in a corner at the distance.

"David, get back here!" The woman yelled in a sudden burst of desperation. She had never lost a kid before. She couldn't do anything. In mere seconds he had vanished from her sight.

David hurried back home. Luckily he knew the way home.

Gamaliel kept torturing Trish. She tried to fight back and cover up as she could. Her powers were limited at the moment and she just cared to keep her babies safe.

Suddenly three spikes protruded from between his knuckles, he moved fast and slashed Trish on a side.

"Arghh…!" Trish groaned in pain. She fell to her knees and cried Dante's name. She reached her hands to the wound and saw her hands covered in blood. "Dante…" She cried.

Gamaliel approached to her and crouched before her. "Oh Trishy, Trishy, we could've been so happy together…" He said as he gripped her by the chin and lifted her face forcing her to look at him. He suddenly let go of her violently, pushing her back. "…but you had to betray us. You betrayed your own Master Mundus… your creator!" He said scornfully as he straightened up and turned away from her. "You deserve nothing more than death. And to make things worse, you joined forces with your Master's worst enemy. Fuck that! You joined more than forces with that half-breed, smearing yourself with that impure half-breed's seeds" He turned around suddenly and kicked her face shoving her to a side.

Trish groaned in pain as she tried to keep her composure, holding back. But this demon's words were really pissing her off. She despised anyone dishonoring Dante's name. "He's worth a million times more than any of you Devils!" She didn't want to piss him off more, but she couldn't help it.

Gamaliel kicked her face once more, making her nose bleed again and her beautiful lips color in blood. "How ironic…" He said as he turned away from her. "…Mundus created you because of the hatred he felt towards Sparda. He gave you a simple mission, but you ended up turning just as Sparda, a treacherous Devil fooled by love" He said despicably. "But I'm sorry to inform you, well not sorry. I'm glad to inform you, that your beloved Dante has been defeated" He said wickedly.

Trish's eyes opened widely. She shook her head. "No…" She said surprised. "You're lying. I won't fall in your stupid games!" She yelled. But then she remembered her wedding ring. Why had it flashed? It couldn't be true. Balrog couldn't have surpassed Dante's power.

"Think what you want…" Gamaliel said careless. "…but don't worry…" He approached to her and grabbed her by the neck again, lifting her off the ground. "…you will soon join him in the afterlife" He said wickedly as he squeezed her neck very tightly.

Trish was starting to choke. She reached both her hands to his wrist. She held it tight as she suddenly kicked him with all the lightning she could muster. "You won't get- rid of me that easily!" Trish said enraged as Gamaliel let go of her as he was thrown to a side. Trish was breathing deeply trying to recover her breath.

Gamaliel straightened up. "You are stubborn… I like that…" He approached to her calmly. "…I've always loved that from you"

Trish didn't lose sight of him, not even a second as he surrounded her like a vulture.

David finally arrived home; he found the house unlocked so he just went in, thinking he'd find his mom. "Mom? I'm here!" He shouted. The office seemed very quiet. It didn't seem she could be around. Still, he searched around the house and after not finding her, he decided to go look around the area. As he came down from the last step of the stairs, he thought he had stomped over something small. A flash came from under his shoe, so he looked and found it was his mother's wedding ring. He took it and thought it was a bad omen. Something was just not right. So he'd better hurry.

Meanwhile, Vergil and Lady were resting at home, although Vergil couldn't help to feel uneasy, but he could pretend just fine. He hadn't spent a lot of time with Lady lately so he felt he owed her some time.

They were comfortably laid back on the sofa in the living room, enjoying Chinese food from a box that Lady had ordered. They were watching TV when suddenly Lady's phone rang. She lazily answered it. She didn't want to go, but she had a job. It seemed some demons were on the loose.

"Okay, I'll be there soon" Lady said on the phone.

Loud thunders burst in the sky, the deafening sound called Vergil's attention. He couldn't help to think of Trish. Even Lady jerked with the loud crashing sound. Vergil turned to look at Lady raising an eyebrow. He couldn't believe how lucky he was. He had a strange feeling that Trish was in troubles and he was desperate to go meet her. "Are you leaving?" He asked expectantly.

"Oh… I don't wanna go…" Lady pouted. "…and did you listen to those thunders?" Suddenly it started raining heavily. "I wanna stay with you for a little longer…" She said smiling slyly as she ran her finger down his chest.

Vergil gulped. He needed her to go now. His heart started beating fast; he felt this sudden desperation, an urge to see Trish. "Demons won't bide their time" He said serious, trying to convince her to go as soon as possible.

"Demons can rot in hell for all I care" Lady said as she straddled on Vergil's lap. "Besides, it seems like the sky is falling now…"

Vergil surprised at how persistent she was. "Mary, I know you want to stay here with me, but if you don't arrive on time, there might no longer be a customer to pay for your job"

Lady kept pensive. "You're right. I should hurry then, someone's life could be in danger" She said as she stood up and went to get properly dressed for work.

"Exactly…" Vergil said thinking of Trish. A storm always made him think of her. Lady came down the stairs and kissed Vergil before leaving. "I'm not going anywhere…" He lied. He just wanted her to leave so he could go too. "Take care of yourself"

"I will…" Lady hesitated as she opened the door. "…wow, seems like a tempest out here…"

Vergil stood up and headed to the door. He surprised with the heavy rain. "Be careful!" He shouted to Lady as she hurried to her bike. As soon as he heard her bike speeding up, he hurried to go. He grabbed his coat and left. He ran under the rain, soaking himself as he searched for Trish, he had a feeling that she wouldn't be home. He even left without locking the house.

Suddenly Dante woke up agitated, screaming Trish's name. "Trish!" He managed to sit up. He had recovered a bit, but he was still exhausted. He seemed shocked. He now was sure Trish was in danger and she needed him. That couldn't have just been a dream, it felt so real.

Balrog noticed Dante's sudden awakening. "Finally, I thought you wouldn't return from your sleep. It seemed like you slept for ages" He mocked and noticed Dante's desperation. "How was your dream? Or shall I say nightmare?" He chuckled.

"What do you have to do with this?" Dante asked suspiciously as she stood up.

"With what exactly?" Balrog wondered foolish. He knew he referred to Trish.

Dante kept pensive and started putting two and two together. "This was all a trap after all. You brought me here so Trish would be vulnerable alone"

"Uh… yes… although my purpose is to get rid of your offspring, but obviously your beloved Trish will die in the process" Balrog chuckled.

"Don't you dare to lay a finger on her!" Dante yelled enraged.

Balrog pinned Dante on the ground with its huge hand and began pushing Dante down with such strength that the ground started tearing to pieces, sinking Dante within rubble. "I won't touch her" He said as he left Dante there between the rocks. "I have my servants to do it" He laughed diabolically.

Dante tried to rise up from all the rubble. His heart started beating so fast, he was desperate. He needed to get rid of this demon and get that fragment of Yamato back and fast. Time was running out. He didn't want Trish's words to become true. He didn't want to lose her or his unborn children. He didn't want to carry another burden in his life.

Dante Devil Triggered in a last surge of power. He launched at Balrog with all his might, attacking him nonstop with Rebellion and all his demonic power. For moments it seemed victory was on his side but as soon as Balrog counterattacked, he started absorbing Dante's power again.

"Your attempts are futile, half-breed" Balrog grunted as he recovered from Dante's attacks by stealing his power and replenishing in seconds. He managed to connect various hits with his fists, inflicting severe damage to Dante.

Dante surprised as Balrog's fists seemed to ignite with consecutive, accurate hits, and this fire inflicted him more damage. His attacks had turned stronger. It was impressive the speed with which Balrog moved too. He assumed this was because of the power he stole from him and Vergil's sword. For someone his size it was quite a merit though.

"Your time has come, Dante" Balrog mocked as he absorbed a large amount of Dante's power making him lose his Devil Trigger.

Dante had reached his limit of despair. He simply let himself fall to his knees in lament. He moved his head down. His hair covered most of his face. It was hard to tell his expression. "I failed you Trish…" A few tears escaped from his eyes and even Balrog could notice that. Those crystal-like tears, sparkled even through his hair.

"Who would've thought that your weakness was really that treacherous devil Trish. Indeed, you are hard to kill, I admire your resistance. If it wasn't for this fragment and the fact I absorbed most of your power, I might have had just bit the dust by now" Balrog said ironic. "And again, you lack that last impulse to defeat your enemy and unfortunately for you, Trish will not come to give you her power so you can stand victorious, as she did last time when you battled Mundus"

Dante kept his face down. He would even die for one last wish. He only wanted to see Trish's face for one last time; hold her in his arms, taste her soft lips, feel her silky skin… this couldn't be the end, not his end.

The rain didn't cease in the city. It had washed away all of Trish's blood from her wounds, but still they were taking longer to heal. Trish was extremely tired. She couldn't move as fast and she couldn't evade Gamaliel's attacks anymore. His lightning power was even stronger than hers, thus it damaged more.

"Give up Trish. You're finished" Gamaliel said as he smacked her face hard. "Dante's not coming to save you…"

Trish's face turned to a side due to the hit, but she got to see a lightning kick coming her way. So she stopped the kick with her hands and all the power she could gather, pushing Gamaliel to the ground.

Gamaliel infuriated. "I didn't want to do this Trish, but you leave me no choice" He said enraged as he stood up in a haste. "I always loved you, but you never loved me back" He said full of resentment. "Then you betrayed your own kind to help a half-breed and not any half-breed, but the son of the biggest traitor Sparda. You followed his steps and you now live in this filthy world surrounded by humans. I will be pleased to kill you with my own hands" He launched at Trish once more.

Trish evaded his attacks for a little while, until she felt pain in her stomach. She started breathing heavily as she touched her round belly to calm her babies. But as soon as she lowered her guard, Gamaliel kneed her under her chin pushing her back. Trish hit the ground but stood up fast. But Gamaliel was already waiting for her with a kick that almost sent her to the ground again.

"This is for betraying your own kind…" Gamaliel said as he kicked her face.

Trish tried to keep standing, she was just shoved to a side but she managed to keep her balance, just to be shoved to the other side by another lightning kick.

"…this, is for betraying Mundus…" Gamaliel said with hatred as he kicked her again. "And this…" He said as he took Trish by the hairs and lifted her face. "…this is for rejecting me" He directed a punch straight to her stomach.

"No…!" Trish yelled as she grabbed his fist with both of her hands just before he could touch her round stomach. "Don't- you- dare!" She used all her power to restrain him. She was even pushed back, leaving a trace on the ground as both their powers clashed. But she didn't yield to his power.

"You are strong still" Gamaliel mumbled under his breath.

Trish struggled, but she couldn't hold it any longer. "Argh…!" She yelled as she felt his fist getting much closer.

Gamaliel grew back the spikes of his knuckles. He let go of her hair freeing a hand, lacerating Trish's hands so she would let go of his wrist.

Trish just yelled in pain. She couldn't restrain him any longer, but she didn't want to let go of him either. She felt desperation beginning to consume her. She gathered all her power in her hands to electrocute him.

Gamaliel felt all of Trish's power; he grunted feeling the heat and pain in his entire arm. The lightning traveled through his arm and spread to every limb of his body. He infuriated and punched her in the face. He shook his hands and trembled trying to make the pain go away. But he prepared for a stronger blow. He clenched his fists, even the spikes sparkled. He grabbed Trish's shoulder pulling her against him to punch her in the stomach with a stronger motion.

Again she tried to stop him but he was much closer now and she no longer had strength left. She wouldn't be able to stop him for long. She could feel the spikes on his knuckles already brushing her stomach, there was just thin air separating them. She cried desperate. This couldn't happen again. How much she wished Dante could be there. Her whole body trembled restraining him. "Aahh…!" She yelled as her wounded hands spilled more blood due to all the strength she was applying to him. Even her unhealed wounds started bleeding again; but the rain washed away all the splattered blood and her shed tears lost in all the rain drops falling from the sky. "Dante…" She sobbed as she felt about to surrender.

"Is that your dying wish?" Gamaliel said wickedly. He started feeling Trish applied less pressure to his wrist. "You wish to see your beloved Dante one more time?" He asked as he prepared for the final blow. "Your wishes are orders then" He moved back, loosening from Trish's grasp. He gathered a lot of power in his fist and directed one more time a lightning blow to her round belly. He now moved real fast, thinking that after this blow, he'd bring her to her knees, kill Dante's offspring and it'd be easier to get rid of Trish.

Trish covered her stomach, preparing for the blow. She saw him moving strongly from his feet till his fist, pulling his arm back to add strength to the hit. She just closed her eyes and tensed her body. She turned her face to a side and screamed Dante's name. "Dante!"

Balrog grabbed Dante like a straw and squeezed his body forcefully, making him scream in pain.

"Arghh…!" Dante yelled as he felt Balrog's flaming fist burning him and grinding his muscles and bones. "Trish!" He yelled.

"A dying wish?" Balrog said smiling wickedly.

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AN: okay, so what do you think? did you like despite of all bad stuff? Leave your comments and thoughts below. Thanks for reading and I'll see you next chapter. ;)