Hey guys! Hope you enjoy! Next chappy will be a doozy. Stay with me. :3

You sat, trembling, on the couch while Orwryn probed your mind. Once Vergil had deactivated the wards, the little man had wasted no time in attending to business. However, his normal, jovial manner was glaringly absent as he barked commands at you.

"Sit, girl," he said, gesturing towards the sofa.

Too weary and frightened to resist, you simply did as you were told without comment.

"Look into my eyes and clear your mind," he continued, flapping an impatient, pudgy hand.

Easily done. Almost a relief to stop thinking, really.

After several long, uncomfortable moments, you again feel that strange nudging sensation on the inside of your skull. This time, though, there was no pain. Perhaps your complacency had something to do with it. All you felt was tired.

Finally, after what seemed hours, Orwryn cleared his throat and appeared grim. "So. It's speaking to you, is it?"

You merely nod.

"And you've seen the three orbs?"

Another nod.

"When it speaks again, you must not listen. Do not acknowledge it. If you do, you will only give it more access to your mind and its inner workings. The deeper it digs, the harder it will be to exorcise."

Vergil had taken his usual seat at the desk and had been watching the proceedings carefully. After turning a brief, suspicious glare onto Orwryn at the beginning of his examination, the blue devil had then directed his gaze onto you. After taking in your apathetic expression, a small crease appeared between his brows. This was definitely not your typical behavior, and he felt that strange, twisting sensation in his stomach again.

"What do you mean, 'exorcise'?" he asked.

Orwryn glanced at Vergil, a wry smile creeping across his lips, "Well, we cannot leave it in there, can we?"

"Of course not."

"I should say not," the small being agreed. "It's a female, you realize. Mundus' daughter. If allowed to mature, this thing will be able to reproduce with both demon and human alike. Whenever she likes. They would be actual offspring, as well, rather than a mere mind sprouts. They would mature as rapidly as you and your brother did. And have the potential to become just as powerful. Can you imagine the army she could breed?"

Vergil's frown grew; this was not good news. Not at all.

"If all she needs is an exorcism, why did you tell me we need to travel to the demon realm? Seems simple enough. Humans are always allowing themselves to become possessed."

"Oh, Vergil. Vergil, Vergil, Vergil, " the little man sighed, throwing a dramatic hand across his forehead. "Isn't it obvious?"

"Stop with the theatrics and explain," the dark twin snapped. "I've little patience for your nonsense this evening."

"Fine," Orwryn sniffed, presenting an air of offense, "Recall, if you will, the reason your father sealed the barrier separating the human world and the demon world."

Vergil tilted his head in a thoughtful manner, "To save humankind. Mundus was unable to break the seal and unleash his armies upon the human realm. Thus mankind flourished as Mundus' powers diminished. Just as father planned it would."

"Yes, yes," Orwryn nodded, "but at a sacrifice to himself. Though his physical form remained, the majority of your father's power was also locked away."

Vergil rose to his feet and began to pace, visibly agitated, "I am more than familiar with this story, Orwryn. What does any of this have to do with the girl?" The blue devil pointed at you.

The little man stretched a long curly lock of his beard, and you watched as he let go and it sprang back into place.

Boing, you thought, letting out a slow breath.

You hadn't been this exhausted in a very long time. Which was a little strange, honestly. You couldn't really remember doing anything terribly strenuous. Not to the extent that you'd be this tired, anyhow. It almost felt like something was draining you.

"We must take her into the demon realm, behind the seal, to ensure that when I extract the seed, its power too will be imprisoned there. Sparda's magic is still strong, and it should affect this essence as if it were Mundus himself. Moreover, if I were to perform the ceremony on this side, we would be introducing a hellspawn of unimaginable power unto the human realm, where your father's seal would not affect it.

There is a decent chance it would likely be much too strong for me to control and contain. Thus, it would merely escape and find another host. Any human it chooses. How would we find it? Immature or not, it is the direct descendant of Hell's former emperor. And, if allowed, it will also have the power that you and Dante enjoy. Being half demon and half human. There would be no limitations for it."

The implications were clear. Vergil stopped pacing, thinned his mouth and shook his head, "It is much too risky to take her there. They will smell her instantly. She is too soft and tempting. She will be torn apart. I- She- I cannot let-" He ran a distracted hand through his hair, expression unhappy, "What if I were to do it? Surely it cannot overpower me. Dante and myself aren't hindered by father's seal either; we were born in this realm, remember. Our power is absolute and it grows with each passing day. We're likely as strong as Sparda was in his prime. What if-"

"No. " Orwryn replied firmly. "That is also much too risky. How many times must I repeat myself? This is an unknown entity. We must take every precaution. Furthermore, they will not kill her, nor tear her apart. They will try to separate her from us and complete her possession. And, quite frankly, this exorcism will be painful for her. I don't trust that you will be able to carry out the appropriate actions needed in order to correctly perform the ceremony. What with your budding feelings towards her and all."

"Shut-up," Vergil's thumb slid Yamato out of its sheathe ever so slightly.

The little man didn't seem particularly fearful, however. He only gave Vergil a considering glance and another stretch of the beard.

Boing, you thought.

"There is a way to ward off the lesser demons, Vergil. Or, if not all of them, enough so that we're not swarmed. Even you can be overwhelmed, Spawn of Sparda, and all it would take is a second of distraction, and then they'd have her. Mind you, we're taking her directly into the heart of where our enemies want her to be. Only we must attempt to extract and contain the seed before they can awaken it fully," Orwryn trailed off and thoughtfully stroked his beard. "It's quite fascinating, if you think about it.

I mean, a few short months ago, I'd have assumed that there would never be any way that you could be coerced into doing what needs to be done presently. Now, though, I imagine I need only suggest it and you'll be only too happy to oblige," he shot a cagey grin in Vergil's direction. "Don't think I can't smell you on her, Dark Slayer. It's not strong enough to discourage any lessers currently, but I believe that's only because you haven't actually claimed her yet."

Vergil knew what Orwryn was referring to, and he adjusted his cravat in a show of discomfort.

Orwyrn snickered in a teasing manner and mimed wiping a tear away. After, he tossed a wink your way, "They grow up so fast, don't they? It seems like only yesterday he thought all human girls were cootie-ridden abominations. Oh hold on, my mistake. It was only yesterday!" The little man collapsed to the ground in a fit of high-pitched giggles.

Vergil avoided your questioning glances.

Bouncing back to his feet, Orwryn made a show of dusting off his knickers before continuing, "You know what needs to be done, Vergil. We must leave quickly, however. It grows stronger with each passing minute. If you want to protect her; claim her. Officially. You know the rule; might makes right. If she were the property of a very powerful devil, perhaps her allure won't be as tempting."

"Excuse me," you finally piped up.

Surprised, they both turn towards you.

"Anyone wanna ask me how I feel about all this?"

"How rude of me, dear. Of course. By all means," Orwryn replied, waving a hand for you to continue.

"First off, how long do I have before this thing gets too strong?"

The little man considered momentarily, "Not long, I wager. A week at most. Likely less."

"So we have to go to hell, give me an exorcism, and try to destroy this thing all in less than a week?"

"Essentially, yes."

You sink back into the couch cushions and yank on a lock of hair, "Alright, so by taking me into to hell, we're risking the enemy getting to me before you can do what needs to be done?"

Again, Orwryn agreed.

"In order to lessen that threat, he," you point at Vergil, "needs to fuck me, right? That's the vulgar translation of 'claiming' me, right? Like you said? To leave his smell on me or whatever?"

The bearded man nodded enthusiastically, "Quite right, quite right. It's a bit more involved than that, however. It's a combination of your submission, his dominance and scent. But it isn't only a 'scent' per se. Well, it is, but it's a much more tangible thing on the other side. Here, let me try to explain.

An official consort gives off a much different energy than that of a mere pet. It has a distinct smell, yes. But it also has a flavor and a texture. It will even give off an audible vibration. A powerful devil will leave behind a powerful essence on his consorts. Demons everywhere will be able to taste, smell, hear, and feel his energy on you. Rather like a shark is able to taste, hear and smell the blood of a distressed fish from miles away. That alone should be more than enough to ward off the majority of-"

Vergil cleared his throat, interrupting Orwryn's explanation. His cheeks and ears had gone noticeably pink, "This is a personal matter that should be discussed between the girl and myself. Not with you."

Orwryn opened his mouth to reply but you interrupted, "There is no other way to save me?"

"No. Barring killing you, of course." Here, he directed another sly grin towards the blue devil, "But I somehow doubt you will allow that, Vergil. Isn't that right?"

The dark twin glowered at the little man but didn't comment.

You swallowed audibly and hefted a wavering sigh, "I don't want to die. I want to live."

"Well then," Orwryn said, clicking his heels together, "I suggest the two of you do what needs to be done, say whatever goodbyes you must say and ready yourselves for a hell of a trip. Hee! I made a funny! Vergil, I trust you're more than able to prepare her?"

He nodded without reply.

"Wonderful! If that's the case, I shall take my leave and tend to my own preparations. I'll leave you two lovebirds to it, then!" Again, without missing a beat, Orwryn disappeared right in front of your eyes.

The two of you were left together in a very awkward silence.

After several moments, Vergil eyed you rather hesitantly, "You should probably try to get some sleep, girl. Go. I'll be in directly."

You were rather surprised, but felt too numb to show it, "You're bunking with me, now? Neat."

Vergil ran a hand through his hair again, "Of course. You've developed a tendency to wander about in your sleep. You obviously cannot be left unattended."

A smile tugged at the corners of your mouth, "Obviously not."

His own mouth twitched upwards in response, "Go to bed, brat. And try to rest easy. You'll be safe enough for the duration of the evening. You've my word."

"What about what Orwryn said-"

He held up a hand, "Not tonight. You're exhausted and you need to regain your strength. I will keep watch this evening and tomorrow we will-" he cleared his throat, "I will make you mine." Vergil finally raised his gaze to yours and you were taken aback by their intense green glow, "None will dare touch you. I promise."