Chapter 20: A King's Decision Part 1

When the family returned home, Vergil was deep in thought. He didn't want Mira or Nero hurt, but as Slayers/ Hunters, their job wasn't exactly the safest, although necessary.

"Father, what's wrong?" The younger Hunter asked. Vergil looked up and motioned for his son to take a seat.

"I have a difficult decision to make and I'm sure you and your mother are not going to like it."

"Father, you're not shutting Devil May Cry down, I'll bust your ass again!"

"I wasn't going to say that, but we will have a rematch soon enough, child." Nero and Vergil smirked but looked to Mira who also looked thoughtful.

"Mother?"

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I'm glad I did. Babe, although I agree with our son, I also agree with you."

"Oh, no harm done my love." Vergil said as he walked over and hugged her close, hugging her gently, encouraging for her to continue her thought. "I can't give up Hunting completely. But, stepping down a bit wouldn't be a bad idea."

"Mother are you sure?"

"Nero, I've been hunting since we were 19, shortly after birthing you and before you were born. Your father, even longer. He actually faced off and killed demons at 8 years old."

"And where were you Mother?"

"Your grandmother hid me in a wardrobe but she lost her life when she went to search for your father."

"When she searched for me, I was already dead." Vergil added. "I triggered for the first time shortly after. I slaughtered them all, baptized in their blood. Your Grandfather's whereabouts were unknown at the time."

"Wow, you two were just kids…"

"We grew up that night." Mira said sadly but smiled when Vergil hugged her comfortingly. "We were separated, your father ventured out for vengeance and power and I was found and sent to the hospital. I was given a new name that night: Anthony "Tony" Redgrave."

"That explains the Redgrave name on your guns." Nero pointed out. Vergil raised an eyebrow and Mira handed him Ebony and Ivory. Vergil saw the inscription then nodded in understanding.

"Nero you should've had us from the beginning." Mira continued. "But in a way as I have mentioned to your father, twisted as it is, it was a blessing. Some histories may have repeated. Other histories wouldn't have happened at all."

"So, we are trying to see what is best for us all." Vergil finally said. "Your Grandfather concealed your mother for protection. It extended to you as well or you would've befallen our fate, most likely mine." He closed his eyes and breathed. "I will not lose my family again. So, tough as it may be, the final decision will fall with me."

"Vergil, I think it would be best for Nero to take over." Mira said. "He has done an exceptional job while we were away and he had proved himself more than once."

"This is true my love. " Vergil said with a nod. "But I want him to have the choice and chance we didn't have." Mira nodded at his reasoning. Vergil turned to their son.

"So, what would you like to do?"

"I would like to continue what I'm doing now." Nero said. "I would also like to train the new Order."

"You realize that with Asmodeus as your mate…"

"Father, I can't and won't accept him."

"I understand your reasoning as to why and I am in full support of your decision. But let us give him a chance before we cut him down."

"Ok, who are you and where's my father?"

"I'm right here child. I'm just being rational."

"It's scary." Nero said and Mira giggled. Vergil chuckled and pulled Mira into his lap.

"We don't have to make any final decisions right away. But it is something to think on."

Later that day, Mira walked through their garden, sat under the flower tree and began to braid and weave. She had mixed feelings. She wanted to remain a Devil Huntress, but Vergil's concerns were valid. She did not want to give up Devil May Cry, for she built it. But she did not want Nero in harm's way either. Their father was gone for good this time and there were not many Hunters with their skill set.

"Mira?" Vergil called softly, having the demoness look at him. He took the flower work from her and held her hands, sitting down next to her. She rested her head on his shoulder and he held her close.

"Talk to me my love, please."

"I'm not sure on where to go on this. I am torn. I do not want to give up what we do, and I do not want Nero hurt. I am a bit tired but aside from a handful of us, there are no others. Unless we have a secret army, I have no idea about."

"Well…." Vergil said with a grin. "We'll have fun trying…" Mira gasped and blushed, lightly punching him in the arm. Vergil blinked then laughed richly.

"I love you, even though that was wicked, in a pervy, lecherous way." She said with a soft laugh. Vergil smirked and helped her to her feet. She picked up the floral work, a wreath and both walked back into the house where Nero was setting the table for dinner.

"Mother, I hope you don't mind, I started cooking…"

"It's ok kiddo." Mira said as she accepted the seat Vergil pulled out for her. Nero smiled and hugged his mother.

"Cheer up, we're home, we're ok and we'll come up with a solution." Mira smiled and relaxed. Vergil understood what she meant by not so many Hunters like they were. He still didn't trust Asmodeus either, but he figured this was a way to prove himself.

"My love, if I may make a suggestion?"

"I'm all ears Babe."

"Why not have Asmodeus fight a bit?" They heard a crash and a swear. Vergil got up and breathed a sigh that no one was hurt, namely Nero.

"Father, I know you didn't suggest Asmodeus to fight…"

"I did, I just didn't say where."

"What the hell, you heard Mother, he's not to go near us."

"Exactly, I will be sending Asmodeus to the Underworld. He knows the area and he can keep things quiet for a while."

"What if he tries to pull what you did?"

"Your grandfather entrusted Asmodeus with his strength and the sword. We had the sword; it is within your mother now. But your grandfather would never have left them to someone he didn't deem worthy."

"I can't forgive him for what he did to Mother."

"Nor do I. but he will need to prove his worth, this is it."

"Mother?" Nero asked. "I think Father split his pinata again." At this Mira laughed and Vergil gaped before whapping Nero in the back of the head. "Ow! Old man, fuck off!"

"Vergil, Nero, stop it. I do not like it either Nero, but your father is right. Let us see what he does. He fucks up even once, he'll be split." Both father and son winced at the mention of 'split'.

"I'll go tell him." Vergil said as he walked over and grabbed Yamato. He slashed a portal and walked through.

Asmodeus dropped to one knee as soon as he saw the portal. Vergil nodded and bade the Demon Lord to rise.

"Time has come to prove yourself, are you sure you're ready?"

"Yes, Lord Sparda."

"Very well, you are to return to the Underworld as well as keep it in order. My earlier assignment for you is in addition to that."

"Yes sir,"

"You are to leave immediately. Report to me upon completion." Vergil said. Asmodeus nodded and slashed a portal with his own sword and walked through. Vergil nodded and after a search around the office and finding all in order, he himself returned home.

"What did he say?"

"He's in the Underworld as we speak." Vergil said as he took his seat. "He will report to me. I'll use my familiars to keep to an eye on him."

"Luckily, he doesn't know about them."

"That is true my love. I can even watch him myself." Mira blinked for a moment then it hit her. Vergil could easily move through as V. Asmodeus knew nothing of Vergil's alter ego. It was perfect. She smiled and hugged him.

"Just be careful," She whispered. Vergil smiled and cupped her face, gently having her look up, leaned down, capturing her lips with his. Mira moaned and kissed back and both heard a groan.

"Ah come on, you're killing my appetite." Nero teased. "I'm close to sugar shock."

"One day my son, you'll understand." Vergil said with a small smile as he hugged Mira briefly before letting her go. Nero set down the food and they all sat down to eat. Nero studied his parents and despite all that had happened, he realized that their bond was strong and a great one. He was a bit sad that it didn't work out between him and Kyrie that way, but he was happy for having her in his life.

"Nero, what's wrong kiddo?"

"Nothing is wrong Mother. For the moment, everything is perfect."

Vergil tapped his pen as he waited in Devil May Cry for Asmodeus, earlier he received a secret report from Griffon that Asmodeus had his report ready. The black and gold clad demon came in and took a knee. Vergil nodded and waved his hand.

"So, what do you have to report?

"The Underworld is calm at the moment but I feel that there may be trouble."

"You fear your brother may return? I can assure you, that will not happen."

"Sire, I fear you're mistaken." Asmodeus said. "Baul, was trained by your father as well. We don't go down so easily."

"I'll take that under advisement. Well done, continue the assignment, we will speak again soon." Vergil dismissed him and Asmodeus left for the Underworld. When he was gone Vergil summoned up a crystal to see the cavern. He saw that Baul was still there and it was intact. What he said was too ominous to take lightly. I best keep alert. He watched the mirror a bit more before dismissing it and returning home.

"Father, what happened ?"

"Seems we best stay alerted. Asmodeus fears his brother may return to this world. We best not leave an opening." Nero nodded and both went to tell Mira. Nero' phone rang and he grabbed it.

"Devil May Cry," He greeted.

"Nero, come quick!" Julio cried. "Demons have taken Ms. Kyrie!" Vergil and Mira heard and geared up. Nero was still in shock.

"Nero? Kiddo?" Mira called, trying to wake their son. Vergil walked over, put Mira behind him and slapped Nero. The younger devil grunted but woke up.

"Ow! Was that needed Old man?"

"Yes, now that you're awake, let's go. Her time is precious."

Will they make it?