AN: I will be trying to keep chapters between twenty-five hundred words and four thousand words. There may be occasions where a chapters goes above this. I plan on keeping chapters that go bellow this mark (like chapter two) to a minimum. Thank you for reading this, and enjoy chapter four!

Amy: The test

Amy was in her room. Phineas was nice to give me this room while I stay here, she thought, it's hard to believe he is a demon. The room wasn't especially huge, but it was bigger than her old bedroom. She stood in front of a skinny floor-to-ceiling mirror that was on the wall opposite her bed. She was wearing a bathrobe that went down halfway between her hip and her knee. Amy looked to her right, towards the door. Someone was laughing.

That sounds like Dante. It seems that he is always in a good mood. Amy had helped Phineas take care of Dante, while Kenneth helped the old demon attend to Vergil. Some time, in that two month period were she had been Dante's nurse (again), she came under the influence of the Florence Nightingale effect. Amy couldn't help but blush and smile whenever Dante would talk to her now. He is charming and kind. I feel like I truly know him.

Amy sometimes wished Dante wasn't healed. Then she could sit and talk with him all day. I won't see him again until morning, oh well. She looked back towards the mirror. Amy was twenty years old. She stood nearly five foot and seven inches tall. Many guys had given her compliments on her nice hourglass figure. Amy was not one to take pride in her own body, but she did keep herself in shape.

Amy made it half way to the shower when she heard a knock at her door. Lady had made it a point to come and say "good night" to Amy every night. As she turned and went to the door she thought about Kenneth. The forty three year old man was like a father to her, and he thought of her as his daughter. They had grown close ever since she started at the hospital two years ago.

Amy opened the door. She was expecting to see Lady, but now hoped that it was Kenneth. Amy was startled to see Dante, standing awkwardly, in the hallway. She immediately blushed.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I uh, didn't expect…" Dante started as he turned his head away. Amy gave a nervous laugh "No, it's okay. Really. Um, did you need something?" Dante looked back at her and said "I just wanted to wish you luck with the Testing Room and all. I have to meet the old gaffer in the garden before the sun rises, and this was my only chance to talk to you before you started the testing."

"Oh, okay. Thank you. I wish you luck with your training."

"Thanks. Yeah, it'll be something." Dante looked down at the floor. Amy looked him over. He was wearing a white tank-top and blue jeans. She remembered the first time she had seen him, lying in the hospital bed back in New Renaiss. He looked different back then. His hair had been snow white, and longer. He had also had a lot more muscle on him. Even though Dante was physically only a fraction of his old self, Amy still thought he was very attractive.

Dante looked back up and saw that her eyes were scanning him. Amy blushed again. He chose to ignore it, saying "I also came to tell you goodbye. See, Phineas is taking me on top of Mt. Excelsior in the morning" Dante pointed his thumb over his shoulder and continued "He says we will be up there for a few weeks." Amy couldn't help but look dismayed.

"Oh" she said sadly, looking down at her feet. "Yeah, it sucks. You guys will have been in Tenebris for about three weeks before I get there" said Dante.

Amy looked deep into his eyes. "I'll miss you. I feel like I really got to know you in these past two months." Dante smiled and replied "Yeah, we talked a lot didn't we? Well, I guess I did most of the talking…"

"It was nice though" Amy said smiling. Dante held his own smile "Yeah I enjoyed your company." He stood there a few more seconds, awkwardly looking around. "Well I guess I better go then. Let you take your shower."

"Oh, okay" Amy said. Dante smiled again and started to walk down the hall. Right before he turned a corner she called to him. "Dante!" she said in a slightly raised voice.

"Yeah?"

"I just wanted to thank you again for stopping by and wishing me luck."

"Yeah. No problem" He still had a smile on his face. He is so good looking, Amy thought to herself.

"Goodnight" she said at last.

"Good night."

Amy slowly stepped back in her room and closed the door. She reached behind her head and brought some of her hair over her shoulder. She had a habit of taking the end of her hair between thumb and forefinger, and twisting it whenever she felt the rush anxiety. Amy made it into her bathroom, but before she could take off her bathrobe, she heard another knock. Her heart leapt with joy as she quickly made her way back to the main door. She put her hands on the doorknob, and turned it…

"Hey girl." Trish said. Amy's heart fell, and she accidentally let a tone of sadness into her words. "Oh, hi Trish."

"Is that all I get?" Trish laughed. "Sorry, I was expecting…" Amy trailed off. I can't tell anyone, not yet.

"Kenneth?" Trish finished for her.

"Yes. I had hoped he would come and give me some words of encouragement or something."

"I'm actually her on his behalf. He wanted me to tell you that he is sorry he couldn't come. Phineas had told him that he would see you tomorrow, and to let you rest. Kenneth told me to bring a message to you. He says 'Goodnight and that he will talk to you in the morning.'"

Amy smiled. "Tell him I said the same."

"Will do. Goodnight Amy."

"Goodnight Trish." Amy closed the door and locked it. Well it was nice to hear from Kenneth, Amy thought as she made her way back into the bathroom. Amy removed her bathrobe and stepped into the shower.

There was a knock on the door. Amy rolled over in her bed and looked at the digital clock on the nightstand. It was midnight. The knocking came again, slightly louder this time.

"Who is knocking at twelve in the morning?" Amy thought aloud as she got up from the bed. A couple more knocks landed on the door just before she opened it. Dante was standing in the middle of the hall with one hand raised in front of the door.

"Dante? Hey, what are youdoing up?" Amy asked in a surprised tone. Dante quickly put his hand down.

"I came to talk to you, were you sleeping?"

"No. I'm not having any luck at it tonight. Come inside."

"Okay." Dante stepped inside as Amy shut the door behind him. Dante looked around the room and said "Not bad. It's better than my room actually." Amy looked at him and smiled. He looked at her and smiled back.

"So, what's up?" asked Amy.

"I wanted to tell you…" Dante started. He walked closer to her. They were two feet away from each other. Amy looked into his eyes and said "You wanted to tell me…?"

Dante stepped forward again and wrapped his arms around her. Amy brought her head up, and their lips met. After a few seconds she put her hands on his chest and stepped back. "Dante, we shouldn't do this." The son of Sparda looked into her eyes and asked "Why?"

"Because, we have only known each other for two months."

"But all the signs are there. Trish told me that she thought you had a thing for me" Dante had a concerned look on his face. Amy lowered her arms and said "Dante, I do like you. I got to know you fairly well when you were injured."

"Then what's the problem?" He asked. His voice wasn't bitter in the least bit. "Dante, I just don't think it's a good idea to get involved right now" she replied. "If we get too attached, it could hinder our training."

The half demon crossed his arms and looked at the beautiful women standing in front of him. "Okay. I understand" he said. Amy took one of his hands in hers and smiled at him. "Thank you Dante."

Dante smiled back and lightly squeezed her hand. "No, thank you Amy" he said. Amy lost control of herself for a second and hugged him. He hugged her back and whispered into her ear "You will do well in the Testing Room." Amy looked up at him and asked "You think so?"

Dante stepped back "Yeah. You have a good amount of self-control and think things through. That will come in handy down there."

"Really? No one has told me anything about the Testing Room yet. What will Kenneth and I be doing in there?"

"No-no. I have already said too much. Phineas warned me to not tell you anything."

Dante walked back towards the door and opened it. "Good job" said Amy. He looked back at her and said "What?"

Amy smiled at him and continued "You just showed some self-control. That's abnormal for you so I say, 'Good job'."

Dante laughed, "I was actually remembering that knot Phineas gave me earlier." Amy laughed with him. "So… see you in about a month?" Dante asked. "Yeah, see you then" Amy replied, walking over to where he stood. "Don't you go forgetting about me, okay?" she said when she reached him. Dante looked at her and couldn't help but ask "Then how about I have something to remember you by?"

Amy smiled and placed a hand on the back of his head. Dante leaned down. Their lips had barely brushed when Amy pinched Dante's butt. "Ow!" he exclaimed as he jerked his head back. Amy playfully pushed Dante out of the room and said cutely "See you in a month."

Amy slept a total of two hours before Trish came to wake her up at eight. "Wear whatever you're most comfortable in" Trish said. Amy pulled on a light blue T-shirt and a pair of shorts. She reached for her shoes under the bed and slipped them on. "Ready?" asked Trish. "I think so" Amy replied as she walked towards the door.

"You 'think so'? Something bothering you?" asked Trish as she closed the door behind Amy. The two of them started down the long hallway. "Well, yes. What will Kenneth and I be tested on in the Testing Room?" asked Amy. Trish kept her eyes forward and simply said "Everything."

The two of them walked into the large dining room where they found Vergil, Kenneth, and Lady already sitting down. Vergil sat at the head of the table with Lady to his right and Kenneth to his left. Amy went to sit beside Kenneth and Trish beside Lady. Kenneth pulled out the chair beside him for Amy. She sat down and leaned over to kiss Kenneth on his cheek. "Hey sweet pea" Kenneth said. Amy leaned back over and waved at Lady.

Lady smiled and waved back, saying "Hey, sorry I didn't come by last night. I was preparing for our job in Tenebris."

"You are forgiven, but only this once" Amy said jokingly. "Thank you your highness" Lady replied with a smile. Moments later, servants arrived through the kitchen door and brought with them many plates of food. After two months of staying at Phineas' house, Amy had grown used to how the food was served. Every meal was a buffet. Many plates piled high with food were set in front of the group at the head of the table. There was bacon, eggs, biscuits, bowls of gravy, and many other breakfast foods.

Vergil had not noticed the food until Lady nudged his arm. He looked up and spoke for the first time this morning "Lawrence? I need you to take these into my room. Set them on the desk please." Lawrence was Phineas' second butler. Lawrence was a demon who looked very human, except for his three eyes and four arms. "Right away master Vergil. Enjoy your meal" the demon butler said as he took the papers. "Thank you Lawrence" Vergil replied as he started to reach for the bacon platter. The five of them ate in near silence for half an hour.

When they were finally done Vergil announced that it was time to prepare for testing. The five of them got up and started towards the Testing Room. After nearly five minutes of walking and heading down several flights of stairs, the group stopped in front of a large door. Vergil, who was at the head of the group, opened the door for everyone. The next room was very big, light grey, and empty. Vergil closed the door behind him once everyone was inside.

"Lady, if you will" Vergil said while he walked back to the front of the group to stop them. Lady went to the very center of the room and bent down. She placed her hand on the floor. A moment later she came back with two small orbs, one in each hand.

"You are about to begin your testing" said Vergil to Amy and Kenneth. He continued "You will face many obstacles, enemies, and puzzles. It will take you approximately three days to complete testing. These trials will train you physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is all the information I can give you about the Testing Room. Each person's test is unique, and as Phineas told you yesterday 'It will strengthen your weaknesses'. Are there any questions?"

Amy spoke up first "Will I see any of you while I am testing?"

Vergil looked at her with his cool gaze "You may. Then again, you may not. As I said, each person's test is unique." Amy nodded her head to acknowledge Vergil.

Kenneth spoke next "I have two questions. First, will we be provided with any weapons or supplies?"

"That is for the Testing Room to determine. For example, when I took my exam, the Testing Room provided me with my father's sword Soul Edge. When I had completed my test, it disappeared."

Kenneth nodded and asked his next question "What happens if we fail our test?"

"Your soul will be lost in the Underworld" Vergil said with the same tone of voice he always used. Kenneth laughed nervously. "Oh, is that all?" he said sarcastically. Amy grabbed Kenneth's hand and held it. Kenneth looked at her and said "We'll be fine. Don't worry." Amy looked back at her father figure and held his gaze.

"The only way to fail your test is to give up. All you have to do is think things through and persevere" said Vergil. Kenneth held Amy's gaze. "Are there any more questions?" asked Vergil.

Amy and Kenneth looked at the half demon. "We're ready" they said in unison.

"Good. Hold out your hands" Vergil said. They stuck their free hands out palm up. Vergil looked at Lady and beckoned her closer. She came forward and stood beside him. "Lady, may I barrow your knife? I didn't think to bring Yamato" said Vergil.

"Yeah no problem" Lady replied. With that, Vergil reached to Lady's belt and pulled a knife from its sheath. The half demon took Amy's out reached hand and pricked the center of her palm. A small bead of blood appeared where the skin had been cut. Vergil did the same to Kenneth next. "Alright, as soon as you take these orbs, your test will begin" Lady told them.

Vergil stepped back to let Lady in front of Amy and Kenneth. They were still holding each other's hands. "How will we know when we are finished with the test?" asked Kenneth. "Come on Trish" said Lady. "One second keep your panties on." Trish walked just behind Amy and Kenneth. "Here" she said. The two of them turned, turning loose the others hand. Trish had a sort of blue past on her index finger. She drew a line on top of Amy and Kenneth's now free hands. "When you see this line on your hand, you will know that you are done testing" Trish said. Amy and Kenneth nodded. They turned back to face Lady who still held the orbs in each of her hands. "Let's do this" Kenneth said. Kenneth turned up the hand that Vergil had pricked, and Amy did the same. Lady placed the orb in their hands.

Amy blinked and the Testing Room was gone. She now stood in a crowded hospital waiting room. There were many people either sitting or standing. Amy recognized her uncles Marcus and Jaime leaning up against the wall. They were speaking in hushed voices that Amy could barely hear. She started to walk towards them, but she stopped and turned to look at two people sitting down. She saw her mom, and in her mom's lap, she saw her six year old self. Amy gaped at the two for a whole minute before looking down at her right hand. The paste that Trish had put on her was not there. Okay, this is definitely part of the test. I can do this.

The setting was starting to become all too familiar. Amy looked around the room and recognized more of her relatives. "Can any of you hear me?" she asked in a raised tone of voice. No one responded. So I am like a ghost. Then she thought about the setting and the situation that was taking place in the room.

No, I am more like a spectator. What does the Testing Room want me to do? Amy looked around the room again and saw a door. She could see a bright light coming through the window that was in it. Amy walked toward the door and opened it.

She sat in the back seat of a small car. The car was going down a small road in Amy's home town. There was a man driving. Amy leaned up to get a better look at his face, but it was a blur. "What the hell?" she exclaimed in a shocked tone. Amy heard humming, and turned to look and see who was in the passenger seat. It was her six year old self. Amy stared to remember things that she had made herself forget so long ago.

Amy's dad had decided to go to the store and restock the groceries one afternoon. Amy remembered asking if she could go. Her dad had said she could come. Sometime between exiting the house and getting in the car, Amy had asked if she could sit in the front seat. Her dad didn't want her to at first, but after some pleading on her end, he complied.

"Okay! I remember now! Please, you don't have to show me! I remember!" Amy shouted into the air. Nothing happened. Then Amy's younger self reached up to open the glove compartment. "No! Stop!" Amy pleaded. Amy reached up to stop the little girl, but Amy's hands seamed to phase through her. The little girl opened the compartment. A hand gun fell to the floor of the car. "Oh! Honey be careful. Daddy keeps a spare gun there when he isn't on duty" said the man driving the car. Amy was crying and shouting "No dad! Stop, Please!"

Her six year old self looked at the man driving and said "Sorry daddy."

"It's okay honey, don't pick it up. Let me get that." Amy's heart stopped. The man driving the car reached down and picked up the gun. He had glanced down for only two seconds. When he looked back up, the car was in the opposite lane. Amy heard her and her younger self shout at the same time. Amy shut her eyes as another car slammed into the front left side of their car.

Amy opened her eyes. She was back in the hospital waiting room. She started to cry hysterically and collapsed on the floor. "Mommy, why is daddy hurt? I'm not, so he shouldn't be either" said Amy's younger self, who was still in her mother's lap.

"I don't know honey" was all her mom said. A doctor entered the room and announced to everyone "I can take six of you to see him." Amy got up slowly. I can't even remember what he looked like, she thought. Amy followed a group of her relatives through a door. She was in a long hallway. At the end of that hallway was another door. The doctor stepped ahead of everyone and said "He is in the very last room down here. Follow me please." Amy stood still. She didn't want to see her dad on his death bed. Not again. Then she remembered what Vergil had said to her just before the test began. "The only way to fail your test is to give up. All you have to do is think things through and persevere."

Another flood of tears came forth as Amy started down the hall.

AN: Sorry I havn't posted a new chapter in a while. I have been finishing up stuff for school (summer work), and other things have happened. Again, I apologize and I plan on having the next chapter up soon. Thanks for your patience!