Hey guys! Here is the latest installment of Fire and Ice. It's a tad long and sort of info-dumpish, but there are some choice tidbits in there too. No worries, there is plenty more action to come. Hope ya like it and hope you've been having a scary-fun October so far.

At a soft knocking at the door, you nearly leapt out of your skin. You stared, eyes wide, half-expecting Vergil to burst in and finish what he'd started. You weren't sure if your racing heart was the result of fear or anticipation. The knock sounded again. This time, though, a low query accompanied it.

"Hey. You ok in there?"

Lady.

Issuing a sigh of mixed relief and disappointment, you flung the door open and snatched the small huntress inside the room with you.

"Woah!" She cried, shaking you off. "No getting handsy!"

"Sorry," You murmur, casting a distrustful look towards the door again. "Is he, uh, out there?"

Lady needed no clue about whom you were speaking. "Naw. He left to go grab you two some luggage or whatever."

You arch a brow. "Why?"

The odd-eyed woman leaned back against the table and cast a critical eye your way. "That outfit actually suits you. Too bad you'd make a shitty demon hunter."

Glancing briefly down at yourself, you shoot a glower her way. "Why's he going to get luggage, Lady? What were you guys talking about out there?"

A smirk, "You two are going to be moving in here with Dante for awhile."

You widen your eyes, "What!? Why?" The thought of living in this mess didn't exactly appeal to you.

Lady gave a one-sided shrug, "Setting up a better offense than what you two've got going right now. Vergil lives too far away from the group, and with your -ahem- special circumstances, I think Dante just wants to keep close tabs on the next would-be emperor of hell. Besides," she thumbed the side of her nose, "there are weapons here. Lots and lots of extra weapons. You should probably try to learn to use them."

"Ugh," You roll your eyes. "You already tried to teach me how to shoot. Remember? It didn't go so well."

A grin, "Yeah, I know. You, my dear, suck on many, many levels." She paused, and you watched as an impish grin stretched across her mouth, "Although, I bet Vergil wouldn't mind showing you a thing or two. Would he?"

You issue a sigh. You'd been wondering when she would get around to prying.

"So," she continued, crossing her arms. An expression of disgusted fascination flitted over her features, "What happened? Dante said you two were having 'a beautiful moment together'."

You begin to yank on a lock of hair, "I-I think something was started that has yet to be finished."

"Uh-huh," was the dry response. "In that case, I feel the need to warn you."

"About?"

Lady ran a distracted hand through her own hair, "Vergil is a demon, sweetums. It's not going to be like fucking a regular guy, you know." Suddenly, a look of horror crossed her face, "Oh God. You're not a virgin, are you?"

Blushing slightly, you shake your head. "Well, no. And what do you mean it's not gonna be 'regular'?"

Lady mimed wiping sweat from her brow. "Thank whomever for small favors, I guess," she muttered, glancing to the side.

"Lady!" You were frustrated. "Tell me!"

She shifted and planted both hands on her hips, "Demons are very physical and they tend to get a little rough when mating."

"And you know this how?"

A slight tinge of pink crept into her cheeks, "I just do, ok?! Anyhow, you're probably gonna want to keep some green orbs handy. You know, for the pillow-talk afterwards."

The pit of your stomach began to ache slightly, "Just how badly am I going to be wounded?"

Another one-sided shrug, "Depends on the demon, really. In Vergil's case, well, I actually have no idea. I mean, I can't really imagine him purposely hurting you, but he is a lot stronger than humans are. Accidents are bound to happen." Lady flicked a glance your way, then towards the ceiling. "So, lemme ask you something."

You nod, "Alright."

"Are you," She hesitated briefly, "are you sure you want to be, ah, fraternizing with Devil-boy right now? I mean, considering your situation? It might not be the best thing to do at the moment."

"Lady," You give her a pointed glance. "In the past two months, I've lost my mother, my home, probably my father, and now I'm in danger of losing my very identity. I don't think I've ever been under as much stress as I am now. I need to get laid."

"Fair point. But why Vergil? Why not go out and just find some normal human guy and have a quick fling?" Confusion was apparent on her features.

Feeling rather put-upon, you shoot her a sharp glare, "Same reason you want to get it on with Dante. I like him, Lady. I can't just go and have sex with some random stranger. I'm not a whore."

Lady's mouth dropped open, "I do not! He's a pig and-"

You waved a hand and began to mock her tone, "... And no matter how I try to convince myself I hate him, I just can't admit that a part of me longs for his big, thick co-"

"Shut-up!" The huntress bared her teeth at you. "God, you can be such a bitch!"

You nod, a pleasant smile on your face. "Yes, I can. But I don't like to. So stop being a hypocrite."

"Fine. I was just trying to warn you is all. Which reminds me."

"Oh God, now what?" You moan.

"Nevan has taken an interest in you. You might want to watch your back." Lady tossed you an amused glance, "And your front, too." She turned to go.

"What's a 'Nevan'?"

The odd-eyed woman reached for the doorknob, pausing to look over her shoulder. "Nevan is a Devil Arm of Dante's. Usually, she's in her guitar form but sometimes she'll disobey and take on her true form. Damned succubus." This last was muttered with heavy resentment.

You blink, "That only raises more questions."

"Look, if you see a red-headed woman with green skin, run. Ok?" Lady pulled the door open and left.

You'd ventured out into the main living area of Devil May Cry a couple of hours ago. After some light teasing, Dante had flopped into the chair behind his desk and gestured for you to sit on the couch.

"Go ahead and take a seat, short-stack. Seeing as you're my bro's special lady, what's mine is yours." He gave you a wink and grinned.

"Ah, yeah. Thanks." Gingerly, you sit on the edge of the sofa and offered him a nervous smile in return.

"So! We're gonna be roommates," He continued.

You nod, "It would appear so."

"Well, while you're living in my house, I have some rules."

"Of course you do," You sighed, leaning back into the couch cushions.

"Yeah. Rule number one," He held up one finger, "No transforming into Mundus while under my roof."

You glower at him. "Har, har. Funny. Fine, I promise I won't."

Dante nodded, "Good. Rule number two," Up popped another finger, "You and Verge better keep it down. I don't care if you two are a-a thing, I just don't wanna hear it." He shuddered and pretended to retch.

Once again, you feel heat gather in your cheeks. "I think I can manage that."

"Ok. Rule number three-" Here, he stopped and appeared dimly confused.

Mildly amused, you waited patiently.

"Alright, so I don't have another rule. The first two, though, are the big ones. Ok?"

"Yes, Dante. I got it." Fidgeting slightly, you gather up the courage to ask about Nevan. "Ah, hey Dante?"

"Yeah babe?"

"Lady, uh, told me about someone named Nevan, and how I should watch out for her?"

"Pft," he waved a hand in dismissal. "Nevan'll leave ya alone. I already told her to."

"And she'll listen to you?"

A nod, "Yup. She has to."

"Why?"

"'Cause. I defeated her so she's bound to serve me."

You frown slightly, "Is that like a rule, or something?"

Another nod and he leaned forward to rest his elbows on the desk. "Yeah. In the demon world, one who is bested in battle by another forfeits his soul. The victor takes the soul into himself, and uses it to manifest weapons to further aid him. These are called Devil Arms."

You think this over carefully. So that's what Lady had been talking about. Good to know. "This applies to demons only? What if a human is bested by a demon?"

Dante appeared slightly uncomfortable, "It happens. And it all depends on the temperament of the winning demon. Obviously, a human cannot transform into anything else, so he'll either be taken as a servant or killed on the spot."

You wrinkle your nose, "Seems harsh."

"It's the demon realm, babe. It is harsh."

"Heh." You stare at your feet.

"Somethin' on your mind?" The red twin tilted his head.

"I'm afraid," You said simply.

He nodded, "Yeah. I know." Dante leaned back and clasped his hands behind his head, "This is weird for me, too. Usually, I just drop in, uninvited, guns blazing. Won't work this time, though. I mean, who am I supposed to shoot? You? That'd be the easiest thing to do, but... I can't bring myself to. And, quite frankly, if I did that, Vergil might literally kill me."

You paled, "So, what are we going to do? I'd really, really rather if you didn't have to shoot me."

"Likewise," a voice said from behind you.

Dante grinned, "Hey, roomy."

Vergil glowered at his brother, then turned to you, "First and foremost, we need to locate your father. He's the one who'll likely have most of the missing pieces to this puzzle." A pause, "If, for any reason, we can't get in touch with him, Orwryn might-"

"Wait. What do you mean 'if we can't get in touch with him'?" Panic fluttered in your belly.

Vergil seemed to hesitate before answering, "He, ah, has not paid me in quite awhile now."

You were silent as you watched him set your suitcases down in the doorway. Still though, you'd suspected something was off. Mention of your father had been absent for awhile, and you knew in your gut that something was wrong. "He hasn't tried to get in touch with me once. It's like he abandoned me."

"Hn," Was the only response. Vergil nodded towards your bags, "Might as well unpack those. Take the spare room if you wish. I can take the cot in the office."

You felt disappointment stab at you, but you just nod your head. "Ok."

"And after you've done that, you can change out of that ridiculous attire." A slight scowl.

"Aw, c'mon Verge. I think she looks cute. She can really pull off Lady's short-shorts look." Dante grinned, and eyed you rather wolfishly.

You blush again, and tried to pull the shorts down over your thighs a little more without much success. They were awfully short. Vaguely, you wondered why Lady chose to fight demons in such strange clothing. Wouldn't she want a little more coverage? Maybe full-body armor would be a better choice?

Ignoring Dante, Vergil keeps his eyes on you. "And after you've changed, I believe we have another chess match scheduled."

For a moment, you can only stare. "We're, ah, still doing that? Here?"

The blue twin nodded. "We made a deal and I intend to keep up my end of it. I see no valid reason why we cannot continue our little wager here." He glanced around with distaste. "Despite how revolting it is."

"Jeeez! I get it, already. So I'm not a neat-freak like you. So what?" Dante offered Vergil a rude gesture with one of his fingers.

"Yeah," You begin slowly, choosing your words with the utmost care. "Dante, would you mind if I, uh, were to do a little spring-cleaning while I stay here? In return for room and board? It'll, ah, make me feel better about accepting your hospitality."

The red twin stared at you for a moment before he chuckled, "I think that may be the most polite way that anyone has ever called me a slob before. But, hell, why not? have at it, short-stack! If it'll, ya know, make you feel better and all." He winked.

"Stop calling me that!" You bit out, "I have a name, and it's-"

A hand was laid on your shoulder. Startled, you glance at it, then up the blue-clad arm. Vergil stared down at you and shook his head slightly, "Go on. Organize your belongings and change. I'll meet you out here later. Be ready to play."

"Fine," you huff, getting to your feet.

You could not remember a time where'd you felt less like playing chess, but you had a feeling he wouldn't take 'no' as an answer. Pausing only to grasp your suitcases, you stalk towards your new room and shut the door behind you.

You make short work of unpacking before you take a look around to really familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. This room wasn't as clean as Vergil's home, but neither was it as messy as the rest of Devil May Cry. It was rather obvious that this room did not get a lot of use, save being a storage unit of sorts. As you'd put your clothing in the closet, there were strange odds and ends already in there. Some of them appeared rather ominous. Take, for example, the small statue of a wolf with its tongue lolling out. It had an aura of concentrated unpleasantness about it, and you took care to avoid touching it. There were other assorted oddities in the drawers and under the bed too, and you make a mental note to do a bit of exploring later.

There. The last pair of socks had been put away and you shut the drawer with satisfaction. Now, to change. It was rather late and you were about to reach for your usual night-shirt, when a soft, purring laugh sent your heart into overdrive again. Whirling around, you observe a tall, redheaded woman lounging against the far wall and watching you with appreciation. And- and... she had green skin.

Nevan.

"Hello, sugar," She greeted. "And aren't you just so soft and pretty. I can see why he's smitten."

"Uhm."

Another giggle, "And so articulate, as well. A complete package."

"W-what is it that I can do for you?" You stammer.

Slowly, the demoness came towards you and it was only by the barest chance that you managed to stand your ground. Sure, you were used to Vergil and Dante, but this demon was unfamiliar, and likely just as dangerous.

"And such bravado, too." She cooed, cupping your face in one slender hand. "Did you display this courage when you first met Master Vergil? He appreciates such shows of strength, you know."

Heart pounding, you manage to step back and out of her grasp. Again, that purring laugh.

"Tell me," She continued, "Did I hear correctly that you and Master Vergil have a wager going on?"

You nod mutely, wondering what that had to do with anything.

"Ooooooooh, a risk-taker as well!" She clapped, delighted.

"What do you mean? It's just chess."

"Oh, pish," she sniffed, waving an elegant green hand. "A battle is a battle is a battle."

You were beginning to become annoyed, "Which means what, exactly?"

Nevan circled you, tracing a finger around your shoulders as she did so. "Oh, come now. Don't play coy with me, human girl. I heard Master Dante explain the basics of battle to you not one hour ago."

Blinking, your brow furrows. "So?"

"So, you do realize what will happen should he best you, right?"

You nod, "Sure. The loser has to do the winner's bidding for one week."

She grinned, displaying sharpened canine teeth. A chill traced its way down your spine at the sight of them, "Oh, little human. Is that what he told you? What a dirty trick, Vergil. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Still though, I'm not surprised. Vergil always did have a penchant for control. 'Might controls everything', and all of that." Nevan shook her head in mock-disapproval.

"Can you just tell me what you're talking about, please?" Exasperated, you clench your jaw and jut your chin out.

"Of course, darling. As it seems to me, the two of you made an official pact with one another." She twirled her finger in the air and continued in a false, honeyed tone. "Why, if Vergil should happen to be victorious, you shall be his servant. Just as I am Dante's. That's just how it works. Of course, he might decide to free you after a week is up, or, he might not." She shrugged, unconcerned. "So! Tell me this. Are you ready to be his slave? I can't imagine what he might ask of you." She stopped circling you, and faced you with a smile on her face. "Or perhaps I can. After all, his scent is all over you. Does he make you tingle, little human? Does he make you ache with want? I bet he does."

Unease bubbled in your stomach. Was she telling the truth? "What if I refuse to play him anymore, then?"

"Then you concede and he'll be the victor by default. Best not, though. He'll likely be angry if you do that. He likes to win fairly. Always been honorable, that one." Her features took on a distinctly wistful expression.

A knock on the door made both of you jump. Nevan gave you a wink before melting into the shadows.

"Beware the devil in blue, little human," She whispered. "He's just as devious as his brother." Soft, lilting chuckles decreased in volume until they, and she, were entirely gone.