a/n: I'm sorry for the slow update - between work and health issues, I am slowly getting there. I'm also writing up as many chapters before I post them, so I know where I'm going with this and don't lose inspiration. I know "Angels" are not cannon but trust me, this is slightly AU for a reason. Thanks for those who have read so far.

Chapter 2: Fragmented Memories

"How is she still alive? Who knows how long she's been down here!"

Dante commented as he lunged once again with rebellion at Vergil who merely teleported out of the way using Yamato to break his brothers defence. Time stood still in the Netherworld, unlike the Human world there was no morning or night - no way to differentiate how much time had passed or not. Since Sera had collapsed, so to speak, they had no other choice but to bring her back to where they had originally been - safe from any demon's, should any come their way. She had been resting for sometime and just like his idiot brother, Dante had challenged Vergil to yet another fight to pass said time.

Vergil hummed, forcing himself back when Dante tried to swipe at him once again before he glanced over his shoulder towards the redheaded female currently unconscious but resting against a large stone. She was breathing, albeit a little slower than he would like but it made him at ease.

"She is dying, Dante." Vergil responded to his brothers earlier comment as he re-sheathed Yamato with a loud click, a deepening frown gracing his forehead. "Wait.. what?" It seemed that the younger twin hadn't been focusing on his demon side and noticed the dwindling aura around the Angel. "She is coming close to becoming one of the Fallen, should she remain here much longer." There was little they could do other than slay her, should she become a Fallen. They had little time and little options, since destroying the Qliphoth roots the portal to the Human world - there had been no alternative way to get back or even return.

"I'm not dead yet. " Her voice was harsh as she spat it out towards the brothers. Vergil's eyes narrowed, his face gone stern from her comment. "But you will be." He responded, his voice just as curt as always. She was barely surviving, and yet she seemed more stubborn than Dante. He had yet to comprehend what happened earlier with her, the fact she had triggered some sort of memory that he had forgotten, whether intentionally or not, and then having this overwhelming desire to protect her. To the point he even carried her back to where they currently where to prevent her from being tainted any further.

"Hey, angel. How did you even get down here?" Of course his twin brother would demand that information from her. Clenching his jaw, Vergil nudged Dante as if silently telling him to back off. Where that sudden emotion came from confused him more than he wanted to acknowledge.

"Half Angel, thank-you." Sera pursed her lips together as she struggled to stand, reminding Dante of his brothers human side, V. The same vulnerability shined through her strong facade. "And I just happen to be here long enough to know how to open a one way portal." There was a familiar glint of something in her eyes, so quick that Vergil only just noticed it before it disappeared. He had been trying persistently since they closed the portal if Yamato could reopen a portal but so far all attempts had ended in failure. "I can tell what you're thinking, Vergil. What you saw earlier, I was soul summoning. I created soul stones with all the lost souls from the Qliphoth. With Yamato, you'll be able to open the portal."

So it seemed this Angel wasn't just a Holy being, it appeared that she was useful after all. There was still that nagging in the back of his mind, as if his humanity was unsettled. Whilst his rebirth had been successful, Vergil couldn't help but feel different emotionally than his old self. Learning about a Son he never knew about, to repairing the relationship with his brother - he was experiencing more human emotions than he ever had before. Choosing to favour his demon side over the other, and deeming it a weakness. With a sudden surge of protectiveness flowing through him, the elder brother had no choice but to follow. He gave a firm nod towards Dante who mirrored the action before agreeing.

"Let's get outta of here."