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Vergil stood in front of the burning manor, tears welling up in his eyes. He could hear the sound of the flames as they ate away at the wood of the building. Could smell dead flesh as it burnt as well as blood. Human blood.

A hand landed on his shoulder which had him jumping. “Stay here my little devil. I’ll go check for survivors.” She couldn’t detect any life, but that didn’t mean anything. Malaina hadn’t been able to sense Vergil and yet he was alive. She hadn’t been so thankful to have been wrong as she was at that moment.

This time though, her senses didn’t fail her. In fact she saw the shredded and partially burnt corpse of a human lying amid the flaming ruins. Instantly the fallen angel knew who it was. She grabbed a still burning chunk of wood and set the body aflame. She said a brief prayer then turned and left.

“We need to go. There’s no signs of life inside and there is nothing more that can be done here. If we don’t leave, out bodies shall join the dead.” Vergil just nodded and left with her. She picked him up and flew away from the house.

She didn’t land again until her wings were sore from having gone so far as quickly as she had. It had been pushing her limits but it was necessary to get away as quickly as possible. Malaina chose to head to a place that she knew they’d be safe. At least for the time being; Fortuna.

The pair arrived at a decently sized house. Much larger than the average family home but not quite as extravagant as the manor house in Red Grave had been. “Why are we here Malaina?” He was thankful to have a place to live but why so far away? And why such a large home?

Malaina gave a soft smile as she lowered Vergil to his feet. She looked over him to see if he was injured at all. Relief flooded the fallen angel when she saw that is was just dried blood. Other than the lack of a shirt Vergil appeared to be unharmed. She also was able to sense a growing power emanating from him.

“This is one of my safe houses. One of several I have around the world. This one in particular is staffed by a family who have been loyal to me since I was cast out of the overworld. The one in charge of the staffing is a demon whom I met a year or so ago. Daspar is entirely trustworthy and one of the few I would turn to in this tragic time.”

The two entered the home and immediately were greeted by a man who appeared to be in his late 20’s or early 30’s. Black hair that was tied into an elegant ponytail behind his head and jade green eyes. “Mistress Malaina, I was not expecting you to return here so soon. And with a child.”

Malaina gave a soft sigh. “I’d have sent word if there had been time Daspar. Problems have arisen at the Sparda manor in Red Grave. Mundus dared to strike and so we fled here. Sadly no one else made it.” She looked to Vergil who was clinging to her side. “I’m going to take him upstairs and get him tucked into bed.”

“Very well. I’ll set the wards and inform the rest of the staff about the sudden changes.” Daspar bowed his head and stepped back to allow Malaina and Vergil to continue on their way.

Before leaving the entryway to head upstairs, Malaina looked to Daspar to issue one last order. “Dismiss any unnecessary staff for the next few days. Assure them that they are still employed and will be paid for the time off. Vergil and I need to have time to adjust and to grieve. More will be discussed in the morning.” Daspar nodded and went to go follow the orders he’d been given.

While he did that, Malaina took Vergil upstairs. He hadn’t said much of anything after asking why they were there. Shock and loss were apparent in his ice blue eyes. Something that tore her apart to see. That morning they’d been a happy family. Dante and Vergil had been fighting as was usual and now half of that family unit was gone. “This is going to be your room Vergil. Mine is right across the hall. They share the master bathroom so there is a way to get to my room through there if you don’t wish to be seen.”

She turned to leave but was stopped by a strong hand gripping her arm. “No! Don’t leave me” cried Vergil. His eyes were wide and it looked like tears were about to form again. Malaina nodded and brought him to her room. To be honest, she needed the comfort as well. The two curled up in the king sized bed, clinging to one another as if the other would disappear if they let go.

Come the morning, the decision that Vergil would be home schooled as Eva had been doing at first with the boys. With Vergil having his demonic side awakened, a normal school provided too many potential issues. And especially in a city where demons were seen as evil and something to be destroyed at all costs, this was a definite concern.

The routine was set as academic learning for three hours after breakfast then lunch and then it would be time for combat training. After that came supper. When that meal was done, Vergil was to do any homework he’d been assigned while Malaina patrolled the outside of the city since the Order of the Sword’s knights only seemed to give a damn about those inside the walls, not those few people who decided to live just beyond the city’s walls.

On the weekends, things were slightly different. Malaina worked with Vergil to attune himself to his demon side. To be comfortable with it so that he’d be able to control when it would trigger and for how long.

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This routine continued until Vergil was fourteen. He’d excelled in his studies and was on his way to becoming an expert swordsman like his father had been. Now the young hybrid’s future was being discussed. “We’re going to start patrolling together. I believe Vergil’s ready.”

“Are you sure? Master Vergil has yet to unlock his full power. I fear what may happen should he trigger while patrolling. Especially if one of the Order were to come across him.” Daspar wanted to make sure Malaina knew what she was doing.

Malaina glared at Daspar. “I am more than capable of handling any situation that may arise. I was there to fight against Mundus. Do not question my ability to keep Vergil safe Daspar.” She growled a warning then left to go find the young half demon. The fallen angel had a hunch that he would enjoy accompanying her. Admittedly she was looking forward to having company during the often boring patrols. And if Vergil’s control over his Devil Trigger slipped, then she’d be ready for it. Her biggest concern was Vergil not leaving any opponents for her to fight.

When it came time for combat training, Malaina was merciless. She have Vergil no time to prepare for anything. She did this to prove that he was ready to join her. The half devil teen exceeded her expectations. He was quick on his feet and capable of being at least two steps ahead. Vergil was even able to land a blow on Malaina; something that impressed her immensely. “Good, you’re ready.”

“For what?” Vergil slipping Yamato back into its sheath and looked to Malaina in confusion.

“As of now, you will be joining me on patrols. Your skills have improved by leaps and bounds over the past six years. The city’s grown in size and thus the walls have been expanded. This expansion has pushed against the demons that have until recently been content with living away from people. It’s become too much for me to do alone.” she explained that she needed to have someone she could trust at her side. Someone to be trusted to keep half the city safe while she protected the other. “I trust you to be that person Vergil.”

The teen puffed his chest out a bit with pride. Vergil was pleased with himself. He’d worked hard to prove his combat prowess and impress with his eagerness to learn. He was headed in the right direction to fulfill the vow he’d made as a child. “I will not disappoint you Malaina.”

As she’d suspected, Vergil was a ruthless warrior on the battlefield. Demons that got too close to Fortuna’s walls were met with a swift death. They either learned to back away or get slaughtered.

There were some times where, as was the case currently, where the demons chose to fight back. This time it was a nest of Fury demons. The claws from a Fury slashed at Malaina’s wing, nearly tearing it. She growled in pain as the injuries healed quickly. She then engaged the demon and destroyed it. However, she failed to notice that this wasn’t just a nest of Fury demons. A Judecca was calling the shots. The demon swiped at her with its scythe like arms but missed, but was able to land a hit with its energy blast. It shattered the bone in one of her wings, rendering her unable to fly. With the pain of the injury and trying to summon the energy to heal it, Malaina was unable to to dodge the coming attacks from the Judecca. Instead of even trying to dodge, she closed her eyes and braced for the impact.

Impact from an attack that never came. She opened her eyes and saw a fully transformed Vergil standing in front of her. His wings were flared out to shield her and his tail flicked back and forth  with irritation. “Now you die for touching her!” He roared and tore into the Judecca and the few remaining Furies.

With the demons defeated, Vergil picked Malaina up and flew back to the house. Once there he changed back to his human form. Daspar tried to ask what happened and was met with a growl from Vergil. The blue devil carried her to her room and gently placed her on the bed. “I will return shortly.

He met with Daspar while making his way to the kitchen and explained what had happened. Vergil then went to go get some supplies together to make a special brew that his mother had once made for her to help speed up the fallen angel’s healing. While he did so, Daspar gathered some pillows and warm blankets for his mistress to ensure her comfort.

Vergil took the blankets and pillows and brought them to Malaina, forming a nest around her. He then went to go get the healing tea and bring it up to her. Malaina focused on trying to pull her shattered wing into the right position so it could heal. It was painful, but it had to be done. To take her mind off the natural healing, she looked around the room, taking note of how carefully Vergil had surrounded her. He made a nest she observed.

Her head lifted up when she heard the door open and Vergil walked in holding a cup with a familiar smelling brew. “Let me guess, make sure I drink all of it. Right?” She made sure to give him a large smile to know she wasn’t seriously mocking him.

“Yes. As it did before, it will speed up your healing and dull the pain.” Vergil had been thankful he’d paid close to attention when his mother had made the tea before. Once she’d finished, Vergil climbed into the nest and started to purr for her, just as he’d done over ten years before. Though unlike when he’d been a child, he knew what he was doing this time. And it showed. The deep, strong vibrations resonated perfectly with her natural healing factor and helped ease the fallen angel into sleep.

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It had been almost ten years since Vergil made his vow to Malaina and he still wanted her. He still wanted to marry her and prove himself to be stronger than the child he was when he was only eight years old. He’d worked hard to hone his skills and increase his speed. Now, at almost eighteen, he was ready for the next stage of his carefully laid out plan.

The two of them had been out on a patrol of the city and Vergil finished first. He was sat at a cafe to wait for her to finish. While waiting, he was approached by a group of teen girls. They weren’t that much younger than him and were a bundle of giggles. He rolled his eyes beneath the hood of the cloak he wore. He just wanted to enjoy a cup of tea and read while waiting for Malaina to finish up.

It was a task that he was finding more and more difficult to achieve. Thankfully he didn’t need to deal with the teen annoyances for much longer. Malaina returned from her patrol and saw the group of girls bothering Vergil. She saw as one moved to go touch his sleeve only to get him to turn his head and get a face full of her chest.

That angered the fallen angel. She walked over to where Vergil was sat. She could see the aggression in his body language. Her eyes were glowing as she approached the group of girls. “Don’t you girls have someone else to bother? It’s clear that he’s not interested in you or your conversation.” She lifted her head so they6 could see her face. “So leave.”

The girls practically ran from the cafe. Vergil smirked as he took a sip of his tea. It seemed, at least to him, that Malaina was experiencing a bout of jealousy. He couldn’t resist the urge to comment about it. “You needn’t threaten them. They were but annoying pests.” Vergil finished up his tea then closed the book he had been trying to read. “I thought I saw your eyes turning green before they began to glow red.”

She rolled her eyes, the glow fading almost instantly. I am most definitely not jealous she told herself. The truth was quite different and deep down she admitted it to herself. “I saw how uncomfortable you were. Touch is something you don’t tolerate from others.” Except me she added mentally and puffed her chest a bit.

Malaina was right, Vergil admitted. He didn’t want anyone close to him. Anyone that wasn’t her that was. He knew it was due to having complete trust in her and also the fact that he’d sworn that he’d marry her one day. And soon he was going to make good on that promise soon.

Vergil got up from his seat, left money to pay for his tea, and placed his book in his pocket. The two of them then made their way home. They turned down an alley that was a shortcut to get to the property. When they arrived, Vergil was planning on challenging Malaina to a fight to prove his skills in combat and to himself.

A chance to show off came before they were able to make it home in the way of a group of Scarecrow demons showing up. Malaina made to summon her sword, only to stop when she saw a blur of blue. Vergil tossed his cloak up in the air then sped from demon to demon, showing off his skills. Speed and precision were the focus of his attacks. He already had more than enough strength and it had been shown when they had practice sessions.

Malaina watched with awe as Vergil moved. He had become faster over the years. Speed, agility, and precision. Images of him using those same skills in a different setting filled her mind. The sudden appearance of those images had her caught off guard. It was enough of a distraction that Vergil had to slay the demon that came to attack Malaina. “Your swordsmanship skills have greatly improved.”

“Thank you,” he sheathed Yamato with and looked quickly to make sure that she wasn’t injured. “We should head home before another group wanders over.” It wasn’t that he couldn’t handle them. It was that his inner devil seemed to equate fighting with sex. Vergil had become almost painfully aroused by this skirmish. He needed to take a cold shower which meant getting home was becoming a priority.

Vergil was quieter than usual. He would normally form some conversation but now he kept his gaze straight ahead. He had an almost pained expression on his face. She didn’t say anything until they’d arrived at home. “Are you injured Vergil?”

He didn’t answer exactly. Vergil pushed Malaina to a wall, his eyes glowing blue. “I’m just injured, but there is a pain I’m experiencing.”

 The air thickened around them. Malaina made the mistake of taking a deep breath.The scent of a cool rain mixed with something else that she couldn’t describe filled her nose. She found it to be almost intoxicating. Her demon cried out mating time before her mind conjured more images of Vergil. This time lost to the throes of passion and losing control.

Upon deciding to take a risk, Vergil captured her mouth with his. Malaina was surprised but couldn’t deny her body’s reaction to him. With only a kiss, he’d almost brought her to climax. He was definitely more skilled than she’d thought.

His clothing felt too tight and constricting at that moment. This was different from the usual teenaged hormone induced fervor that he felt after a fight. Claim her, make her yours purred his demon side. Both man and demon wanted the angel before them.

“I want to make you mine,” Vergil purred.

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Hearing him talk in such a way had a pool of wetness forming between her legs. She imagined how this could go and it excited her. “Then do it my little devil. Prove you can claim me as your mate. But first, you need to catch me.” The challenge was laid and she took off running into the house. Malaina was eager to see if it would be man or devil who responded.

Vergil followed on her heels and caught up with her fairly quickly. He caught up with her just outside his bedroom and pressed her against the wall. “You are mine,” proclaimed Vergil. This little chase had only served in bringing his demon close to the surface. Dangerously close. He captured her mouth with his in a passionate kiss. This time he had an idea of what to expect and was far more confident. He thrust his tongue into her mouth and let it slide and wrap around hers before sucking it into his mouth. As they kissed, he pressed his body against hers.

She could feel how aroused he was. Feel the hardness poking through his leather pants. Thoughts of  having his hard cock inside her had her excited further. This excitement turned him and his demon on to the point his clothes were becoming too tight and constricting. Malaina slipped a hand between them to palm him through his pants.

After only one full stroke, her hand was removed and pinned above her head. “My restraint wears thin sweet angel. I refuse to rut you like a wild animal in the hall.” His words were strained through clenched teeth. Malaina was in a teasing mood and wiggled against his hold. That earned a growl from the half devil. He picked her up and carried her to his room then slammed the door behind him.

He was holding onto his control by sheer force of will at this point. It was only a promise that he’d let the demon out once he undressed that kept the beast from breaking free. The blue devil had imagined this first time would be slower, more romantic. It seemed fate had other ideas as had the angel that was now biting her lip.

“Sit!” He commanded, his eyes glowing blue. The voice was echoed, a sign of how close the demon was to the surface. He expected her to disobey. To his surprise, she listened which helped him to focus on his task of undressing. Clothing was discarded haphazardly and could be cleaned later.

Once his pants hit the floor, a blue light surrounded him. When it faded, Vergil was in his triggered state. His wings flared out to their full size and flapped a few times. He was displaying to his intended mate. A display that was accepted when his keen eyes saw Malaina reaching to undo the dress she was wearing.

Vergil pushed her back so she was lying on the bed then shredded the garment with his sharp claws. The tips of his claws scraped along her skin sending bolts of pleasure arcing through her body. It also had the scent of her arousal thickening. The demon’s senses were far stronger now and he was not going to be denied any longer.

Without words, Vergil maneuvered Malaina onto her knees and placed her into a very specific position; face down and ass up. He ripped the panties from her body, eager to bury his face into her sweet scent. He got onto his knees on the bed and took an ass cheek in each of his clawed hands then spread them. The scent of her hit him hard and he gave in to the temptation to have a taste.

Vergil ran his tongue between her slick coated folds and gave a purr of approval. His actions were rewarded with a mewling moan from Malaina. He then sunk his tongue deep inside her core. He flicked the tip to brush along her vaginal walls. Almost instantly her walls tightened around his rubbed tongue. He moved one of his hands from her ass to her clit to help speed her towards her first of many orgasms while he fucked her with his tongue.

“Vergil!” Malaina screamed. “I… I’m… hnn.”

“Cum on my tongue my sweet mate” he growled in response. He growled with approval once again when she did as commanded. Vergil lapped up the liquid bounty his angel had given him. He then shifted to be more upright and gripped her hips with his claws. “Shall I take you as mine?”

“Claim me, mark me. Mate me!” She wanted him and wanted him badly. She knew from the moment she’d issued the challenge for him to catch her that this would be rough and animalistic. It called to the demon within her. Malaina whimpered when she felt just the tip of his cock nudging the moistened lips of her pussy. “I need you Vergil!”

Those four words had him thrusting deep into her cunt with one powerful thrust. He rocked his hips, reveling in the feeling of the head of his cock rubbing against her cervix. The sensations had her crying out. First in pain then as she adjusted to it and the stretch of having him within her. The pain then melted into exquisite pleasure and she pushed her hips back against him.

Vergil slowly pulled out only to thrust back in, eliciting a moaned growl from her. He repeated the action several more times. Each time the tip of his cock bounced off her cervix and sent shock waves of pleasure pulsing through her to build the coil that was building in her abdomen. He dug his claws into her hips and pulled them back as his own surged forward, the combination allowing him to penetrate Malaina deeper.

He shifted his position so that he could drape himself over her body. This was both to cover her from anyone else seeing her and so he could bring his mouth to her ear. “Do you want me to cum deep within your tight cunt? Fill your womb with my seed and knot you?”

Malaina bit her lip and nodded once before crying out. “Yes! Breed me Vergil!” Another thrust had her crying out. He was purposely keeping her close to the edge, not allowing her to tip over the edge. Not yet. She whimpered when Vergil went deadly still. “Vergil?” She worried that he’d been injured or worse.

Her fears were cast aside when she felt sharp teeth graze along her neck. “Mine!” He growled and began pistoning inside of her. Malaina’s nails dug into the sheets of the bed. No doubt they’d be ruined but that was fine. She’d buy more later. “You’re my angel! Only I can touch you!” Each word was accentuated with a powerful thrust.

She was so close to climax. “Oh god Vergil!” Malaina growled as Vergil kept her in the breeding position, not permitting her to move. “Please! Cum inside me. Breed me my devil. Please?!”

His response was to bite down onto her neck as he buried himself deep within her. She started to squirm but stilled when he bit down a bit harder. His sharpened fangs pierced the skin and drew blood. Malaina let loose a hoarse scream which was followed by the sound of tearing fabric as she ripped the sheets. The sheer force of her orgasm caused white spots to appear in her vision. She was floating in a sea of carnal delight which muted the sensation she had of being stretched once again.

Vergil clamped down on the left side of his angel’s neck as he pushed the swelling knot at the base of his cock inside her. His cries were muffled against her skin as he found his release a second later. Once he’d finished panting her womb with his hot seed, Vergil released her neck. He began to run his tongue along the wound both to help it heal and to lick up her blood.

The two remained locked together for the next quarter of an hour. During that time Vergil purred and nuzzled against her. Malaina purred as well, trying not to move since each time she shifted too much it caused pain for the both of them.

When the swelling of Vergil’s knot eased, he was able to slip from her. A light stream of their mixed climaxes started to flow from Malaina. Vergil watched, spellbound as he left his trigger, taking his human form once more. “I doubt that was enough to breed me as I requested.”

“Who said we were done?” Vergil gave a sinful smirk and maneuvered Malaina onto her back. “Ready for the next round?”

Malaina licked her lips and reached up to start stroking his still hard cock. She gave a fanged grin and her eyes began to glow red. “I’ve been ready since we started my not so little devil.”

That first time was for the demon now it was time for the man. Consequential rounds were for a combination of the two. It was early morning when they retreated to Malaina’s room where they finally succumbed to sleep. Not just from the mess made of the bed in Vergil’s room, but also the fact that they’d managed to break the bed.

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A week passed since the first day of the mating cycle hit them. Neither Malaina or Vergil really left the room except for to shift their nest to the master bedroom. Daspar had given the single staff that were of age to take the week off with pay. He was already mated to another and therefore wasn’t a threat, though it didn’t stop Vergil from snapping at the butler when he’d deliver food and drink for the new couple.

Malaina woke to feel that she was different. Now that the haze from the mating cycle was over, she could feel that something had changed. Well, other than the obvious that she was now mated to Vergil. She nuzzled her mate and kissed him when she saw his eyes start to flutter awake. “Good morning my darling mate. Happy birthday.”

“Thank you beloved. Did you sleep well?” He moved to nip at the mark on her neck when a change in scent hit his nose. It was a mixture of their scents though not just because he’d scent marked her. He looked at Malaina, a questioning look in his pale blue eyes. The corners of her lips rose up into a smile and she nodded. The half demon rubbed his face against the fallen angel’s and purred. Vergil didn’t often look forward to his birthday. Especially since it was first a symbol of having to share everything with Dante and then it was a sign that it was an anniversary of when his mother and brother were killed. Now? Now he had his beautiful mate and would soon have little ones of his own.

“What do you think about your present?”

He smiled and nuzzled her again. “I don’t think I could have a better one my love.” To say that Vergil was ecstatic was an understatement. He personally vowed to get stronger to be able to protect his family since it wouldn’t be long before Malaina couldn’t.

This marked a change around the house. The room that had once been Vergil’s was being changed into a nursery. It had been a fight between the mated pair over Malaina still engaging in combat. It had come down to a compromise. Until her pregnancy became a hindrance, Malaina would still go out to fight. Once it progressed, then she was to stay at home. However she made Vergil promise that he’d stay closer to home. She wasn’t keen on having their child grow up without a father. It was something that Vergil had been only too keen to agree to as well. He had to grow up without his father and didn’t want to subject his child or children to that as well.

Vergil began taking to going to the library, a pastime that had never ceased since childhood and one that Malaina had not only encouraged, but she’d shared with him. Especially the access to forbidden knowledge that was hidden deep within the library. It was a section that most had forgotten about, but she’d been there when the books were stored inside the building.

Being pregnant, Malaina felt like she needed to look up what to expect during her pregnancy. She’d seen how it affected a human to give birth to hybrids. It had been a course in constant observation and more than once Malaina had needed to use her powers to empower Eva’s body to keep Vergil and Dante from tearing her apart, especially once they got closer to the due date. While Malaina wasn’t worried about that, she had the durability of a demon and a healing ability that was second to none. Her problem? She was carrying a hybrid possessing angel, demon, and human blood.

As they perused the reading material, Vergil made sure to stay close to Malaina. He was reading on ways to keep his beloved safe. He also wanted to look for ways to get stronger short of doing as his father had done and go to the demon world which meant leaving his family alone. No, he wouldn’t do that. Especially with how outsiders were treated in this religious city.

Their trips to the library continued onwards through the length of the pregnancy even when Malaina had to give up her fighting. To her dismay it was sooner than she’d hoped. It wasn’t because she couldn’t fight or because her stomach got in the way. It was because the little one growing inside her would get excited and that adrenaline boost took too long to come down from. The first time it had happened, Malaina had been repeatedly stabbing a body of a demon with a tree branch until Vergil used Yamato to make the body dissolve. It had earned an angry snarl from his mate and a comment of blame being tossed to the poor blue devil. Of course once she’d calmed down, the situation was smoothed out and the excess adrenaline was sorted out. That’s when the most exerting that Malaina agreed to deal with was reading new occult books and performing some of the less strenuous spells she’d learned from Eva.

When it got closer to the due date, Malaina opted to stay home, she wanted to make sure the house was clean, that the nest was as comfortable as could be. She also wanted to fine tune the nursery. Daspar had promised that he would watch over Malaina and the child and send Cara, one of the servant girls, to get him should it come time for the birth. What no one counted on was Fate having a different idea.

Malaina had felt something coming and it wasn’t friendly. She knew the energy all too well and summoned Daspar. “When the child comes, take him some place safe please. Tell Cara to get Vergil.” The demon butler raised a brow in confusion then Malaina cast a spell that would bring on labor a few days early. No doubt someone had informed the angel world about the child which put the little one in danger.

Daspar told Cara to go get Vergil then focused on aiding his mistress. He was strangely familiar with the birthing process, which wasn’t a surprise due to him claiming to be over several centuries old. Not that it mattered right now. Right now the child was coming and coming fast. Daspar had gotten a blanket and some towels. Once the child was born, he wrapped the baby boy in a towel and cleaned him off then took the black blanket and wrapped him up. “I will be back my lady,” Daspar took off through the back door.

This choice kept him from engaging the threatening energy Malaina had felt. “Lumael,” she hissed. The archangel knocked the door from its hinges and stepped inside the room. “You’re too late. The child is gone!”

The archangel just laughed and snapped his fingers. “The child will die like the abomination it is. However I have other plans.” He looked to the other angels who appeared on either side of him. “Take her back to my chambers. This little sweetheart will make us all very powerful.” Lumael created a portal and stepped through. As the angels dragged Malaina through, she caught a glimpse of Vergil standing there, panting from having run the entire way from the library. She tried to scream for him but the portal slammed shut behind her.

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Vergil arrived in time to hear his mate scream out that their child was gone. He saw the blood everywhere and a rage built up within him. What was worse was the one who’d cast her out of the angel world had taken her for some sick purpose. His eyes began glowing a bright blue. “Once I get my father’s power, I will save you my angel!” Vergil knew just how to do it too.

He’d been in the Fortuna Library reading a book that Malaina had suggested. One on caring for non-human children. He was approached by a black man with a dark aura and a burn scar on his face. He’d wanted to know about Sparda which immediately had the half demon on edge. “So, you’re looking for the book of ancient legends, the tale of the demon warrior, Sparda?”

Vergil closed the book he’d been reading, tension building up within his body. He had felt the tension even when he’d been chased from the house by Malaina so she could clean it up properly. Something, he’d learned from the book he’d just put back, was common of mothers who were within the final days of pregnancy. “That’s not what I’m looking for. Leave me!”

The bald man continued to get closer. “Then what are you looking for? A demon that impregnates a woman who then bears twin sons. That’s the story isn’t it?”

Now Vergil was getting irritated. Okay more irritated. The half demon was already on edge before this pathetic being approached him and now his mood was turning even more foul. “Leave me. I won’t tell you a third time” Vergil threatened with a released Yamato.

The man ran his thumb along the blade and spoke of the story of Sparda, something that had Vergil’s hackles up. “I am not interested in this plan of yours now go.” At that moment, Cara came running into the library and whisper-yelled that it was time.

The man, who’d introduced himself as Arkham, chuckled. “I will be in Red Grave City should you change your mind.” He then left to go return to the mainland, eager to await for the young half demon to come to him. Vergil went with Cara to his home and saw the carnage there. He’d been too late and wasn’t strong enough to challenge the angels. It was time to take Arkham up on his plan to open the portal to the demon world.

Getting to Red Grave wasn’t difficult, it just took some time. Time that was cut in half by flying there in his demon form. The two of them began working to unlock the tower that Sparda had once sealed, the Temen-ni-gru. During their time of breaking the various seals on the tower in order to activate it, Vergil had encountered his twin, Dante. It seemed that he hadn’t died and was at first pleased to see his brother alive. However it seemed that his brother wasn’t at all interested in attaining power. He also noted that his younger twin hadn’t yet unlocked his demon side. Something that became greatly apparent when they fought over the amulet that hung around Dante’s neck. The twins battled and Vergil was able to claim the amulet. Dante demanded to have it back and, in a moment of sympathy, he gave it back to his brother, stating that he’d claim it later.

Now was that time. While Vergil activated the Temen-ni-gru, Arkham went to the nameless shop that Dante now resided in to ensure that he still had his half of the perfect amulet. After ascertaining that Dante still had half his mother’s amulet, he returned to the top of the newly risen tower where Vergil watched and waited. The invitation to the younger twin was sent and now it was time to just wait.

“You showed up,” observed Vergil. He turned around as Dante walked over, his white handgun Ivory, held in his right hand.

Dante  pointed Ivory at Vergil as he spoke. “You  sure know how to throw a party! No food, no drinks, and the only babe just left.”

“My  sincerest apology brother. I was so eager to see you I couldn’t concentrate on preparations for the bash.” So it was partially a lie. Vergil’s main thoughts were of gaining power so he could free Malaina. His attention was then dragged from his thoughts and back to his brother. “Get off my back,” he replied to one of Dante’s sassy comments which was a poor attempt to convince him to stop this path he was on.

“But” Dante commented as he drew Rebellion, “you promised me a party and that’s what I want!” The younger twin then rushed towards the older one.

Vergil slicked back the hair that had fallen into his face. “That’s up to your skills.” The two of them then engaged each other in vicious combat. Vergil ended up knocking Dante to the ground. Dante was panting whereas Vergil had barely broken a sweat. “Why do you refuse to gain power? The power of our father, Sparda?”

“Father?” Dante got to his feet and laughed. “I don’t have a father. I just don’t like you, that’s all.” Once again Rebellion and Yamato clashed.

Disarming Dante, Vergil plunged Yamato into his younger brother’s stomach. “Foolishness Dante. Foolishness. Might controls everything. Without strength, you cannot protect anything.” The elder twin was speaking from experience. Not that the younger one knew that. Vergil pushed the blade deeper into his brother’s torso. “Let alone yourself!” He withdrew the katana with such force that it pushed Dante’s body to fall back, grabbing his twin’s half of the perfect amulet as he fell. Vergil then picked up Rebellion and shoved it into Dante’s chest.

Arkham appeared at that moment to ensure all was going according to plan. “Do you finally have it?”

“Yes. Now the spell Sparda cast will be broken!” I’ll soon have the power to free you Malaina. I am coming for you, I promise! A surge of power drew Vergil’s attention. “I see a devil inside you has awakened as well” stated the older twin as he used Yamato to block a punch from the younger twin.

Vergil prepared to go for another fight with his brother when he was held back by Arkham. “Wait! We should leave. For the moment we have all that we need.” The two of them then left. Dante was left to deal with the transformation from human to demon alone.

Chapter Text

The twins were once again able to face one another after each performed some important tasks within the tower. They met up within the Lair of Judgement. The battle between them was bloody and brutal. Akrham’s daughter, a girl called Mary, tried to intervene but was obviously outclassed. A demon known only as Jester appeared to tell the three fallen fighters why all of them were there. He also revealed that he was Arkham. Arkham explained that to open the portal one required the blood of Sparda, the full perfect amulet, and the blood of the sacrificed priestess. The latter of which was why Mary was needed. “And we can’t forget about the angel. She’s got a part to play in all of this too.”

Vergil gave a cold, dark laugh. “You can’t get to her. The angels have her.” For once he was thankful that Malaina was beyond the reach of those in the human and demon worlds.

Arkham’s lips curled upwards in a demonic grin. “Who do you think told them where she was? When I was approached by the Archangel, I was told of how to access Sparda’s power and gave me the ability to read the ancient texts to be able to perform the rites needed. I only had to find the angel then keep you distracted so that you couldn’t save her. Who knew it would be that easy?” Arkham pulled out a vial filled with red liquid. “She was bled to give this to me. Now I can break the seal on Sparda’s power!”

That enraged Vergil which had his body surging into overdrive. He, along with Mary and Dante, attempted to stop Arkham. Unfortunately the final seal on the tower had been broken and the portal to the demon world was opened. In the chaos Arkham was able to toss the three from the inner platform so that only he would be able to ascend into the demon world. At least at that time.

Dante had to fight his way to get back to the top of the tower to go engage Arkham before he could claim his father’s power. Along the way, Dante encountered Mary and promised that he’d take care of Arkham for her since she was only human but he was a half demon. He had to fight through the demon world to get to the pocket dimension where Arkham had absorbed the Dark Knight’s power that had been sealed there.

Dante was the first to engage the usurper. The former human’s body wasn’t capable of containing the power that Sparda held. Even this portion that was sealed away. He became little more than an amalgamation blob. “It’s no use!” Declared Arkham, “Regardless of how strong you are, you’re nothing but a half-breed. You cannot defeat a pure demon, the real Sparda!” Arkham reached a distorted hand towards Dante only to have it sliced off. “What’s this?!” The blog looked about and Vergil had shown up. “Damn you!”

“I’ve come to retrieve my power. You can’t handle it” Vergil said as he flipped down from the rock formation that he’d been standing on and landing right in front of Dante, pointing Yamato at his brother.

Dante rolled his eyes at his brother’s theatrics. “Look at you… making a big dramatic entrance and stealing my spotlight.”

With a faint condescending smirk, Vergil glanced towards the distorted Arkham. “Well,” Vergil tossed the decapitated arm to the blob, “you don’t possibly believe that he deserves to be our main event now do you?”

“Now that you mention it, you’re right.” Dante and Vergil then started walking towards where Arkham stood flailing about.

“Do you feel you can defeat me? Defeat the power of your father, the great Sparda!”

Vergil shook his finger at Arkham, disciplining him like a father would a child. “You should come to realize that you cannot control the power of Sparda.”

“You’re wasting your time buddy” added Dante as he pointed Rebellion at the blob. The twins stopped and Dante looked to Vergil before stating, “I think he needs to learn the hard way!” The two then began attacking mercilessly. The pushed their swords through the blob only for the brother to use the other’s sword to attack. As Arkham was in the final death throes, the twins tossed one another their blade back.

“You cannot!” Growled Arkham, “die!” Dante pulled out Ebony and Ivory, spinning them on his trigger fingers. Arkham reached out and smacked his hand, dislodging Ebony from his left hand.

Vergil caught the firearm in his left hand. “I’ll try it your way for once.”

“Remember what we used to say?”

Arkham was panicking, “NO! Don’t do it!”

The twins smirked then called out in unison, “JACKPOT” then each fired a single bullet that was infused with their own power.

“I have the true power of Sparda…!” Yelled Arkham as he felt that power seeping from him and back into the Force Edge, Sparda’s sword.

“Not very classy for someone’s dying words” said Vergil as he tossed Ebony back to Dante. Arkham was sent back to the human world while a small hole had opened up leading from the pocket dimension to the demon world. The Force Edge and both halves of the perfect amulet fell through and so Dante and Vergil chased after them.

Once in the demon world, it was time for one final showdown between the sons of Sparda. Each reclaimed their half of Eva’s amulet and Vergil got to the Force Edge and pulled it from Dante’s reach. He demanded the amulet from Dante but the youngest twin refused. “What are you gonna do with all that power, huh? No matter how hard you try, you’re never gonna be like father.”

“You’re wasting time!” Vergil was angered at Dante for standing in his way. He needed his father’s power to free Malaina. Vergil ran at Dante to fight him for his amulet. Dante tried to dissuade Vergil, but it didn’t work. They rushed at each other to strike one final blow. Dante’s blow hit while Vergil’s missed. Vergil dropped the Force Edge but grabbed his amulet and then fell off the edge of the waterfall they’d been fighting atop of.

Dante reluctantly returned to the human world while Vergil chose to endure in the demon world. He would get stronger from being in the same place that had been their father’s home before the human world. It was where Sparda gained his power and where Vergil would gain the strength he needed to free his mate.

While in the demon world, Vergil engaged the demon king Mundus, in combat. It was a fight that Vergil utterly failed. Not only was Yamato shattered, but Vergil was captured. The eldest son of Sparda was broken down by his father’s enemy and rebuilt daily. Mundus told his new toy that it was time to remove his human heart, but it wasn’t destroyed. It couldn’t be. Not while there was that deep, ingrained desire to once again be with the love of his life, Malaina.

Chapter Text

While Vergil was being remade in Hell, Malaina was undergoing a similar situation in Heaven. She’d had some of her blood drained and placed in a vial for the one who’d started all of this, Arkham. Malaina’s wounds healed though she was kept bound with a collar created by Lumael. It would suppress her demonic nature and evoke the more angelic nature and make her controllable. At least that’s what he told everyone else. The truth was it was it was placed on to hide the fact that she was mate-marked by the eldest son of Sparda. The fact that it made her docile and obedient to him was simply a bonus.

The Archangel wanted not only more power but he wanted to get Malaina powered up to his level. Once she was, it was his intention to have her bear him children that would be able to take over the angel dynasty he’d fought so hard for. In order to get his precious fallen angel to get stronger, he had her fight the strongest in his host. She was forced to fight former friends who had refused to fight against her when she had stood against Lumael.

Malaina was not only made to fight, but she was then forced to devour the hearts of those angels that she had defeated. Not only did this ensure the angel was dead, but it also allowed Malaina to absorb their power. In the beginning, she would throw up after performing such a vile act. To combat this, Malaina was starved so her body learned to crave the hearts of those she fought. It made her a vicious and violent being that was a true nephilim; a hybrid of angel and demon. She listened to no one but Lumael. Not out of loyalty but fear.

That wasn’t even the worst of the treatment she’d received. Lumael would often force himself on her after a full day of ‘training’ his pet. To combat the pain and distance herself from the torture of being forced into sex, the fallen angel would force herself into a trance-like state where she was safe to imagine the life she could have had with her son and mate. Tears would well up in her eyes, but the fallen angel had learned that if she dared to show them or let them fall, she would be beaten. Hell she’d probably be beaten now for simply letting the tears show up but it would be worth it. I will get free my sweet devil. And may God have mercy on this asshole when I do get free. The demon growled and snarled just below the surface. It too was caged and often spoke of its displeasure. It hated that she was forced into such servitude and unable to react.

Angel and demon started to rely on one another. The angel would fade and let the demon take control in battle, let it thrive on the bloodlust and hungrily devour the hearts of her enemies. Then the demon would recede willingly and let the angel heal any injuries and be the strong face. Both knew that they were simply biding their time. Soon they would be strong enough to gain their freedom. A freedom that would be coming soon.

For the past five years Malaina’s physical capability had been enhanced. She was able to withstand the holy fire and even harness its power and imbue it into her blade. It was shattered numerous times but the blade just reforged. She was able to walk freely among the denizens of the angel world. She was only allowed to do so as long as she kept the collar on her neck. Thankfully she was able to keep the strongest of the mind readers out of the deepest recesses of her mind. They would only see what the angelic part of her mind showed which was the obedience forced by the collar. The demon held and hid the truth of it all.

She’d been tending to some of the children who were play fighting and got a bit too rough. Her skills in healing hadn’t ebbed away and so she was most often the one who was called in to heal injuries. Especially when it was a demon’s venom involved. She was able to touch the vile substance in any form it took. A sign of the strength she possessed and also the duality of her new nature. “Lady Malaina, Lord Lumael calls for you.”

Malaina bowed her head to the servant who’d come to fetch her. “I will be along in a moment, let me finish here.” She turned to the two small children and healed their wounds. She fought to not cry as they were two young boys. They’d have been about the same age her son would have been had their lives all not been upended as it had been. She didn’t even know if the child had survived and she didn’t trust anyone to go check on him.

“Lady Malaina, his lordship demands your attendance immediately.” The servant stated and bit his lip.

That was it. She was tired of being rushed when she was doing what he had told her to do. Malaina spun around and looked at the servant. “Fine. You tend to the injured!” She stormed towards the heavenly palace, the silken white robes flowing behind her as she did so. She approached the guards who barred her way. “Out of my way” she snarled, her eyes glowing a blood red and she pushed them out of the way and went to Lumael’s throne room. She threw open the door and stood there, anger on her angelic face. One guard reached out to grab her but she spun in a blur of white and plunged her hand into the angel’s chest and ripped his heart out. “Don’t ever touch me.” She devoured the heart then made her way to where Lumael sat with the subservient maidens that were all vying for his attention.

He sent them away to focus his attention on Malaina. The Archangel’s full lips pulled up in a devilish grin. “You left a mess in my throne room.”

“Oh forgive me,” she looked over her shoulder and flicked her fingers towards the body on the floor, sending a bolt of holy fire at the body, making it burn up. Normally holy fire wouldn’t work on angels, but the fire that came from Malaina worked. Many assumed it was because of her status as a fallen angel. Not that anyone dared speak of such in the presence of either Lumael or his pet Malaina. Her cold amethyst gaze turned back to his sapphire one. “I was rudely summoned?”

“Ah yes,” he got up from his throne and walked over to her, his smile hiding the darkness that hid behind its brightness. Oh but she knew what lay behind that pretty face. He knew that she knew and it was one of the reasons he’d chosen her. Even more so once he discovered the secret that she’d been keeping all these centuries even from herself. “It’s time to leave the angel world. I have a meeting in the human world on Mallet Island and you’re coming with me. We leave now.” He opened a portal to the human world and motioned for Malaina to come closer.

There was only one reason he wanted her to go with him. She was being shown off to whoever it was he was going to meet. The tone in his voice told her that this wasn’t a pleasure visit for him. Though if he had the chance, he would definitely take that opportunity. Still she had to bide her time; wait and watch her captor closely. Soon he’ll make a mistake and that is when I will strike. Angel and demon will feast on your very soul. Malaina gave a warm smile and took the hand he offered and walked with him through the portal.

Setting foot on Mallet Island, Malaina looked about. There was demonic energy all around. It felt so similar to the Temen-ni-gru had two thousand years ago. “Why are we on an island filled with this stench?”

“I’m going to give you back to your father so that he can break free of his bonds. Once he’s free, I’ll be given more than enough power to rule over the angel world and half of the human world. My original plan has ceased to bear fruit and thus I must resort to this alternative plan. This is the place where his seal will be broken my dear.” Lumael looked about and saw a figure in the distance. “That will be the avatar of your father now. Come.” Lumael gripped Malaina’s wrist and dragged her with him.

The pair made their way over to there the assigned meeting place was. “Who are you? Where is Mundus’ avatar? I told him I wasn’t going to come here for anyone but him.” Lumael stared at a demon that seemed to be in full body armor. There was something so familiar about this being that had Malaina tugging free of her captor. She’d never seen this demon before and could also smell Mundus’ powers all over him along with something else. It had her cocking her head. Cool rain? But why would a demon from the underworld smell as such?

“I am Nelo Angelo,” the demon bowed to the both of them. “My master has sent me as he will not be meeting with you as of yet. He requires his daughter to be freed from his prison. Only then will you receive your reward.” The demon then gestured for Malaina to come with him.

Nelo Angelo? As in similar to the last name I used when in the human world? Malaina went to go to the demon’s side but was pulled back by her captor. If it had been anyone but him she’d have torn him apart. Once the damned collar on her was removed, he was dead. The demon snarled various curses in her mind and she had to agree with them, but her face remained emotionless.

Lumael pulled her to him and shook his head. “Either we both go or this arrangement isn’t happening. I will not be conned by some lackey.” The archangel was far from impressed by the turn of events. His sapphire gaze briefly moved to Malaina. He could feel the power of the collar he’d placed on her weakening. He wondered how this was possible, unless there was more to this lackey that he first assumed.

Nelo Angelo pulled out the large sword and pointed it at Lumael. “The angel comes with me. My master gave me very strict instructions. Your presence was not included in them.”

“Well then, we are at an impasse.” Lumael summoned his glaive and lunged at the demon. Malaina stood there and watched the two combatants clash in battle. She knew the capabilities of Lumael but not this mystery demon. Then again she knew what sort of power Mundus possessed. That alone made Nelo Angelo a formidable opponent.

Chapter Text

As the two fought, Malaina replayed the conversation in her mind. “Mundus is my father?!” She tried to interfere in the fight only to be pushed back. A growl came from Nelo Angelo and he struck the Archangel. Lumael hissed and struck the minion of Mundus and sent the demon’s helmet flying.

Malaina’s eyes widened in disbelieve and shock. Something inside her broke. The demon came screeching to the surface and the angel didn’t stop it. Lumael was about to bring his glaive down, but it was stopped by Redemption. “You’re not going to hurt him scum” she snarled.

The archangel laughed and pulled his weapon back. “So now you see fit to disobey?” Lumael snapped his fingers and the collar appeared on her neck. “Don’t you forget you belong to me? Now get down on your knees and maybe your punishment for this betrayal won’t be as bad as it will be if you continue.”

At first Malaina fought against the command. She felt the magic of the collar trying to control her, to make her obey. She got down to her knees, struggling the entire way. Once there, she froze for what felt like a few moments. Within her both angel and demon were joining forces to break free of the magic ring of metal around her neck.

Cocking her head, the nephilim gave him a demonic smile, complete with fangs showing. She tossed her sword to the ground, ripped the collar off, and burned it up in a ball of flame. “I’m not playing along with you anymore.” She transformed into something that wasn’t her Angel Trigger. It was something far more demonic and she saw true fear enter Lumael’s deep blue eyes. It’s the sight of those who kept a wild animal caged only for it to turn on them. “You struck my mate. Now? You die!” Lumael realized too late just what he’d done as he felt claws rend through the shaft of his weapon. She wasn’t even using her sword, just the long draconic talons on her hands.

In this form, her neck was bared and the mark on her neck, a katana with vines entwined with it was visible. It was something that Nelo Angelo focused on as Malaina and Lumael fought. It was something that seemed so familiar to him, but why? And why was she fighting for him? Mate! The demonic voice echoed inside his head. Memories of being bitten, of being given a mark in the same place as the one that appeared on the angel’s neck.

Malaina was too focused on the archangel that was shell shocked as he was viciously mauled by the demon-angel hybrid that he’d tried to contain. That he had foolishly empowered and assumed he’d brought her to heel. How wrong he was. “I knew I should have taken you there in your home, right in front of your former mate!”

Lumael’s eyes widened and blood pooled from the corners of his mouth. He looked down to see a hole in his chest. The armor he’d worn beneath his robes was shredded as if it were little more than paper. He looked to see Malaina standing there, he still beating muscle in her hand. “I’m no one’s property” she snarled and licked her lips then bared her sharp, white teeth. “And now it's time to claim your power for my own!” She sank her teeth into his heart, blood squishing out of the organ as she devoured it just as she had other lesser angels while trying to gain power.

Malaina cast aside the dead body for lesser demons to devour She left her Triggered form and refocused. Her main concern right now was Nelo Angelo, or as she knew him, “Vergil.” She looked at the demon before walking forward.

His glowing eyes widened at hearing that name come from the angel’s lips. She knew him? How? Memories started to surface and Vergil stamped them down to keep them from coming to him. No. He couldn’t betray his master. Not when he had worked so hard to become his master’s favorite. He also couldn’t take her to Mundus. He had to protect her, had to keep her safe, had to… His thoughts were cast aside when he felt her warm lips upon his.

A long dead heart began to beat anew with life. He couldn’t do what he had been commanded to do. Not when he knew that she was alive, he could fight anew to do as she’d done and break free of his master’s grip. But to do so, he had to make sure his mate was safe. Please forgive me sweet angel. He cast a spell as they kissed and she fell into a deep sleep.

The spell wouldn’t last long on someone of her power. Especially after her body finished processing the power she absorbed from the now dead Archangel. That made her the strongest in the angel realm. Mundus definitely couldn’t get his hands on her now. He caught her as she fell unconscious and carried her to an uninhabited part of the island. Once he’d made sure she was safe from those who’d seek to harm her, Vergil put his helmet back on then went to go deal with whatever punishment Mundus would dole out on him.

Nelo Angelo was sent flying from the force he’d been hit with. “You think yourself above my orders? You may be my favorite but do this again and you will perish.” To say Mundus was furious was an understatement. The demon emperor laughed when he heard the very human heart inside of Vergil beating. “How amusing. She’s the reason your heart beats again despite being ripped from you over and over again.” Mundus looked down at Nelo Angelo. “You are never going to be worthy of someone like her slave. She is now considered far beyond your reach as a Queen of Angels. Only a king has any rights to a being like her.” He gave Nelo Angelo one final chance to prove himself. He was to go and stop the devil hunter, Dante.

Chapter Text

Her eyes fluttered open, like waking from a dream. At first, she didn’t know where she was. Mate in danger! Malaina jumped to her feet, wings extended and she took flight as she recalled the fight with Lumael. The strange demon who ended up being her love and mate, Vergil. She couldn’t see anything, but she didn’t need to. The mark on her neck throbbed when she got closer.

The sound of metal glinting off metal drew her attention. She dove down just as she saw someone she long thought dead was fighting Nelo Angelo. “Vergil!” She cried and rushed to stop the blow from the large sword that came down at him. Malaina waited to feel the pain of the blade piercing her flesh, but it never came. Her eyes, that she hadn’t realized that she closed, opened. Vergil had switched their positions so that he could take the death blow. “No…” Tears filled her eyes and she let them fall. “Why did you do that?!”

Dante withdrew his sword and watched the scene unfold. His brother who he had thought dead was now dying from his wounds. Malaina, his childhood crush, had come in to take the blow but in the last second, Vergil had switched their positions in a burst of speed. Guilt washed over the younger twin as he stepped back to give the two of them some space.

Malaina ran her fingers through Vergil’s hair and slowly lowered him to the ground. “You didn’t need to do that. You know I’m more than strong enough to have handled a little sword to the gut.”

He lifted a gauntlet covered hand to gently caress her face. “I won’t let you get hurt because of me. Not again.” He struggled for a breath and knew it wouldn’t be long before it was the end. “At least I got to see you one… last time.”

She shook her head and pressed her lips to his. I’m not letting this happen. With this kiss I give you part of my soul, my very life. “You’re free now of the shackles that held you and with you goes a piece of my heart.” Malaina kissed him and felt a stabbing and tearing deep within her, but she knew that was a small price to pay to ensure her soulmate, the man she loved would survive. She only hoped that he’d return to her again. Vergil dissipated into a blue light and just vanished.

Vergil’s half of the perfect amulet fell into Malaina’s hands and she shed a few more tears before wiping them away. She’d cry later. Right now, there were bigger things to take care of. “Come back to me,” she whispered and pressed a kiss to the amulet before getting to her feet. With a flash of silvery light, Malaina’s flowing white robes changed into a pair of blue leather pants, long black leather coat with blue interior and black heeled boots. Her hands were covered with black gloves. She looked deadly, especially with the sharp sword on her back and glowing chakrams at her side.

The nephilim walked over to the cambion and held out the amulet. “Use that to unlock Force Edge’s true power. You are the only one that can safely handle it now.” Dante was about to say something and was stopped by a punch to his chest. It sent him stumbling back a few feet and had he not been half demon, he’d have flown back a lot further as well as his ribs would have been broken. “That was for what you did to Vergil! Now let’s go take out Mundus. If what I’ve recently learned is correct, I can’t do it on my own.”

“Ow babe, that’s how you say hello after not seeing me in twenty years?” He wanted to know how she’d survived and where she’d gone. Vergil had refused to speak of her any of the times they’d met. If anything it was a topic that had made his brother angrier than he was otherwise. A glare from Malaina had Dante nodding and removing his amulet from around his neck. The two combined to become whole. He then used it to transform Force Edge into the Sword of Sparda. He hefted the blade up and put it on his back. “So, what did you find out about that stain Mundus?”

“He’s my father. Now can we go and kick his ass?” She was directing her anger towards the one who remained that still had a huge part of blame in this situation. The two of them then continued on their way to go to the main corridor where Mundus was waiting.

When they entered the main hall, a statue of Mundus was opposite the door. It was carved to look far more angelic than he actually was. “So it was not Vergil but the younger brother that brings my daughter to me. Perhaps then I shall return to you a gift.” A light shone on a captured Trish who hung by wrist shackles above the door. “As for you Malaina, it’s time to take your rightful place at my side. Who could ask for a better Queen of Angels?”

Malaina snarled and her eyes began glowing red. “Not happening Mundus! I’m no child of yours!” She drew her blade as her wings emerged from her back. “But if you want to go for round two, by all means. Let’s dance.”

Dante put his arm out and shook his head. “She’s not going anywhere Mundus. It’s time to face your demise.”

The demon king laughed and a red beam of light shot through to Malaina’s chest, knocking her out and causing her body to fall to the floor. “Stay where you are or Trish will die and I will quite happily claim Malaina’s unconscious body.”

A bright ray came from the statue’s third eye and went to fire through Dante, but Trish jumped down to take the death ray. “Trish!” Dante went to go to her and another ray was fired. This time it was deflected by Malaina’s wings which earned an angry growl from Mundus. He’d wrongfully assumed the nephilim’s power wasn’t as strong as it was. “It’s time to stop these foolish games Mundus. Show yourself!” The statue began to crack away and reveal Mundus, a form that Malaina was all too familiar with. Malaina snarled and prepared to attack, but once again Dante held her back. “Stay here, I’ll take care of him.

“Not going to happen. I owe him too much.” Malaina drew her sword and stood beside Dante and cocked her head. “What do you think daddy dearest? Round two sound good?”

Mundus’ response was to drag the both of them into his pocket dimension. Dante grabbed the Sparda sword and transformed into a demonic form that looked a lot like Sparda’s had. It temporarily took Malaina by surprise but she realized the irony caused by this. Malaina entered her other form, a mixture of demon and angel. She looked to Dante and nodded. The two then flew at Mundus, dodging attacks as best they could, occasionally getting hit by others.

It was like it had been before when she was at Sparda’s side. Two equals had fought then and they do now as well. One had more physical power but was tied down by familial ties. The other wasn’t as strong but was empowered by the desire to defeat the one responsible for destroying a happy family. They fought in tandem as they neared the massive demon. When they thought it was the final blow, it was just them leaving the endless part of space to crash down to a volcano. Another round with Mundus. Malaina wasn’t tired, Dante however was starting to tire. She flew over and placed a hand on his shoulder and replenished his energy and healed his wounds. The two then began to fight. Malaina became close range while Dante chose to go range by using his handguns and a shotgun.

Trying to fight on the divided front eventually made its mark. Mundus wasn’t able to block all of the attacks. Malaina was able to land an attack that severed one of Mundus’ wings. The massive Demon King grabbed the nephilim and slammed her into the ground before reaching down and breaking her wing. She lay on the ground in her human form, unable to hold the hybrid one any longer while in such pain. This spurred Dante to launch a flurry of blows to finish off Mundus and thus release them from the monster’s dimension. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” She stood up and extended the wing. It looked as if nothing had ever happened. “Benefits of Lumael’s ‘training’ means I’m a lot stronger than I was when you were a child.” But still not strong enough to be able to fully save her mate. “I’m going to go now. You’ve got it from here and I really don’t want to be here any longer than necessary.”

“Head to Red Grave, you can stay at my shop, Devil May Cry. I’ll be back soon and we’ll talk okay?” Malaina just nodded and got the address for the shop then made her way from the castle. Before she was about to take off, she found a shard of a blade and bent down to pick it up. Immediately she knew this was a part of Yamato. Redemption seemed to pulse with delight then absorbed the shard into itself, the blade itself becoming more attuned to the katana that belonged to her mate and lover.

Chapter Text

Malaina prepared to leave, spreading her wings when she got to the shore where her freedom was earned and her heart began its painful descent. She wanted to have some time to herself to say goodbye to Vergil before she left and come to terms with the fact that her mate was gone.

That’s when she felt a strange pulsing on her neck. Her hand lifted to touch the mate mark on her neck, a small katana entwined with vines. It was odd that it would pulsate now. Perhaps that was because they were parted by the veil of death. No, that wasn’t it. It was something else.

This pulsing was enough to cause the fallen angel, well nephilim, to look about. The pulsing got stronger when she went in one direction as opposed to others. Curiosity had her following the strange sensation.

Several feet away, Malaina felt her heart leap out of her chest. Lying beneath a rocky outcropping was a very familiar suit of busted armor. Just the armor, not anyone in it. Now her stomach flip-flopped. She reached out with all of her senses to find the owner of that armor.

She was starting to lose hope when that pulsing started again followed by a very faint groan. Malaina rushed towards the sound. Hidden in the shadows of another outcropping was Vergil. He wasn’t dead! He wasn’t far from it, but he wasn’t dead.

Tears started to fall from her eyes and she ran to him. “Vergil,” she knelt down and gently moved his head to her lap. He was incredibly pale, something that she figured was from the blood loss. He groaned again and tried to move. “Hush now my love. You’re safe.” Her wings fully extended and wrapped around him, forming a protective shield. “Rest now. When you are more stable, we will head home.” Malaina lightly stroked his face and hair. She was doing all she could to give him comfort.

A heavy rumble shook the island. “We need to go now. Where’s the Yamato?”

Vergil’s eyes opened and he looked at her. The red of the irises staring at her a moment before the prickling of tears formed. “B… bro… ken.”

“I have to get you to safety. This whole island is going to go soon. Whatever your fool of a twin did, it’s having a devastating result.” She shifted him into her arms then got to her feet. “Hold on as tight as you can.” The nephilim spread her wings and flew away from Mallet Island, barely avoiding the blast that sent small tsunamis surging in all directions. She was sure that had she not possessed the increase to her strength that she had, her and Vergil would be victims of the island’s destruction.

Malaina flew to Fortuna and then made her way to the house that she and Vergil once shared. The house had been cleaned up, thankfully. The last thing either of them needed was the reminder of what had happened there. True those memories would probably resurface, but this was still home. A safe space that was just theirs.

She carried her unconscious mate upstairs and carefully placed him down on the bed. The scents had diluted from years of non-use. Thankfully laundry and cleaning had been done so there was no musty smell. Just clean and fresh.

That would change soon enough. For right now though, Malaina stripped off her jacket and wrapped it around Vergil. “I am only going to grab a shower my love. Sleep and regain your strength. I will return in a few minutes.”

Malaina hadn’t wanted to leave him in such a fragile and vulnerable state. However she had to if she wished to get cleaned up. The shower was a quick one, seeing as it was only to get cleaned off and to do so as speedily as possible. The nephilim returned to see Vergil still asleep, though he’d buried his face in the jacket.

She slipped a night shirt on then gently pulled her jacket from her mate. He held on tightly and growled before waking up. His eyes weren’t back to their natural ice-blue color yet, but the redness was starting to fade from them. A sign that her father’s power was losing its hold on him. “M… Malai…” Vergil’s voice was hoarse and weak.

“Shhh, you’re safe at home. Rest now.” Malaina slid into bed and held him close. She didn’t want to shift him more and risk causing further injury so she used some of her powers to clothe him in soft blue pajamas. Her wings extended and wrapped around the both of them, forming a warm and protective shell.

To her relief, Vergil had the strength to nuzzle against her. He didn’t have the strength to purr, though he didn’t need to. He was the one that needed the comforting, not her. Malaina had her mate with her and would do everything in her power to make him whole again. Starting with getting him getting some well deserved rest then looking for their son.

While he slept, Vergil was plagued by nightmares. Memories of what he’d endured at the hands of Mundus. He bolted awake in a panic and looked about. It was dark, though not like it was in the underworld. His panicked mind was soothed when he felt warm, soft flesh behind him and an arm around him.

He inhaled the air and was comforted by what he smelled. Mate scent he thought and relaxed. He didn’t remember much after the confrontation with Dante. He’d been stabbed with Rebellion. Then there was the painful goodbye from Malaina. He’d thought for sure he’d died. But did that mean Malaina was dead as well? No. She was much stronger than he was. He vaguely remembered being lifted up after telling her that Yamato had been shattered.

Vergil rolled over and lay his head on Malaina’s chest. Hearing her heart beating steadily and strongly had him convinced that they were both alive. Something he was grateful for. He was away from his tormentor. Away from that cursed island. And in the arms of his mate. All he needed now was his child to be alive and he’d have his family back.

As wonderful as that mental image was, there was a voice in the back of Vergil’s mind. “You’re not worthy of that. Your mate is even further beyond you. She was out of your league before and now? Now you’re not even worthy to be her servant. Former slave and a queen? Pathetic!”

He squeezed his eyes shut, tried to will that voice away. And it worked. The voice stopped and allowed him to enjoy this moment. Enjoy the peaceful bliss that was being able to sleep in his mate’s loving embrace. That’s all he wanted right now. The rest of that idyllic life he dreamed of could come when the morning sun rose.

Chapter Text

Vergil began thrashing about, crying out in his sleep. Malaina was wide awake in an instant. “Vergil,” she called out softly. When he didn’t wake, she gently shook him. “Beloved please wake up. You’re just dreaming.”

It was a few more minutes before Vergil’s eyes flew open. He tensed and looked about. His eyes at first were wide and unfocused. As his sight cleared, he calmed. Vergil relaxed when he inhaled the air and the scent of spiced vanilla filled his nose. It was the smell of Malaina, his mate. He looked over to see her violet eyes looking at him with concern. “I am sorry for frightening you.”

“I don’t think I could ever begin to imagine what you endured. Nightmares are simply part of it.” Malaina pulled him close and wrapped her arms around him. “We’re together again and I’m not going to leave your side. No matter how many nightmares you may have.”

He smiled though her words did little to soothe the bitter war that waged within him. Vergil knew he was being pitied though she wouldn’t ever say it. He was weaker than her, not worthy anymore. If anything he was even less worthy to be Malaina’s mate than he had before this. Not only had he been unable to be there when their child was born, but he was gone by the time he arrived and then Malaina had been taken. In both events Vergil had been powerless to save his family.

Just like he was unable to save his mother. A failure. That’s what he knew he was. A shameful being that was being coddled and treated with kid gloves. Little more than a slave living the life of a prince. Pathetic! He had to agree with the voice in the back of his mind. He was pathetic.

“Vergil?” Malaina knew that look. He was starting to get too deep into his own head and so she called out to him again. When that failed to work, she gave him a gentle shake. “Vergil!” That didn’t work. She was beginning to panic now. He wasn’t responding at all. “Nelo Angelo!”

Her voice had been more forceful than she’d intended but it worked. It pulled her mate out of his own head. He bolted up out of the bed and knelt beside it. His head was bent down and he held his right hand over his heart in a fist. “Forgive your servant for his transgressions.”

This broke her heart to see. The once proud son of Sparda and her mate reduced to thinking that he was no more than a servant. This was going to take time to undo whatever it was that her father, and she used that term loosely, had done to him.

Malaina rolled over and reached down to touch his face and Vergil flinched. “Shh, I’m not going to hurt you. There is nothing to forgive since you haven’t done anything wrong.” She gently plaid her hand on his cheek. He didn’t flinch this time but his body went rigid. Is he expecting me to hit him?

After a minute had passed, Vergil’s body began to relax. No pain came from this. He felt warmth from her hand. Something soothing and it hadn’t dissipated like it had in so many of his dreams when he’d first arrived in the underworld. Vergil lifted his head to look at Malaina. He was almost afraid to see the look in her eyes. To see the pity in them. He’d rather see revulsion or hatred than pity.

Her violet eyes looked at him with a softness he’d not seen in a long time. If this was just a dream, he hoped he didn’t wake up. “Let’s get you a bath then I’ll make some breakfast. Okay?” Vergil just nodded and got up from his kneeling position.

He was on auto pilot while he struggled to accept that this was in fact reality, not a dream. He’d only suffered ten years in the demon world. Though it felt like much longer. Vergil followed Malaina into the bathroom and stripped off the pajamas she’d given him to sleep in. He folded the garments and placed them inside the hamper, a habit he’d developed as a child.

Vergil caught sight of his reflection in the mirror. There were still faint blue veins on his pale skin, though they seemed to be getting more faint the longer he stared into his reflection. His eyes that were once as vibrant red as Mundus and Malaina’s when she’d trigger, were now icy blue with a faint red lining the outside of his irises. Soon all traces of who he’d been under the former Demon Emperor’s control would physically be gone. All that remained was the mental and emotional remnants.

His attention was drawn from those dark thoughts and emotions to the warm bath that lay waiting. Not only that but there was a very naked Malaina standing there with her hand extended to him. “Why did you remove your clothing as well?”

Malaina blushed at his question. Perhaps she’d done something wrong and it was too soon to do such a thing. “I… I just wanted to help clean you up…” He’d been twisted into little more than a pet to Mundus. That sort of thing would damage anyone. It must have been far worse since it was Vergil.

“The thought and act are appreciated. I wrongly assumed that you’d wish to not touch me until I was clean.” Clean of the filth of the underworld. Clean of the stench of the demon that held me captive.

He felt warm hands on his face which, once again, drew him from his thoughts and internal self-condemning monologue. “I wanted to be the one to bathe you. I don’t want to do this because I think you’re weak or in need of the help but because I love you Vergil. If you want to be left alone, I’ll leave you be.”

Before she could move, he reached out and grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. Vergil wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. His embrace was strong. Almost as if he was afraid she’d vanish if he let go. “Don’t leave me,” he whispered.

“Never.” She hugged him back then pressed her lips to his. “We may have to part from time to time but I will always be with you.” Malaina released Vergil then took his hand when he finished hugging her, then walked a few steps to the large tub.

Almost instantly the tension began to ebb away. It didn’t feel like ten years had passed at all. Vergil leaned back once inside the tub, finding himself with his mate’s arms around him and washing off his chest with a soft cloth.

He’d missed intimate moments like these. Though the last time this had happened their positions had been switched. Malaina had been heavily pregnant and bathing was a difficult thing for her to accomplish on her own so Vergil, being the loving and attentive mate he was, took it upon himself to wash her so she could just relax.

And he did as she had, relaxed. At least he had until he felt her fingers brush along the left side of his neck. Right over the mark that lay imprinted upon his flesh.

Chapter Text

The demon within roared to life, overtaking Vergil and relaxation was the furthest thing from his mind. He claimed his mate in a passionate and feral manner. Malaina hadn’t been expecting that, but when Vergil’s demonic side subsided, she was left feeling quite satisfied and pleasantly filled.

The Dark Slayer was filled with terror at seeing the healing marks on his mate’s skin. The blood that remained on her neck in particular had him the most frightened. He’d been too rough with her. “I should have fought harder to remain in control.” He chastised himself mentally as he pulled Malaina into his arms and cuddled her, purring low to show his intention to provide comfort. “I am sorry,” he whispered.

Malaina nuzzled against him, relishing the feeling of his warmth around her. During her time in the overworld her nights were often spent with only herself for warmth. Unless Lumael decided to try to force her to conceive a child from him. He didn’t understand that once marked, only her mate could impregnate her. Not that the former Archangel didn’t try and try often.

She pushed away the thoughts and repressed a shudder though not before it faintly shook her body. “We should leave the bath, it’s getting cold.” Malaina got out of the bath and grabbed a towel for Vergil then another for herself.

Vergil noticed how she’d shivered. He’d harmed her and now his mate was upset with him. He couldn’t keep the demon contained and he’d caused injury to befall his beloved. He worked to dry himself off then went to get dressed.

His clothes still fit, though some shirts were quite a bit tight. Vergil made a note to go clothes shopping once things were sorted out. He went downstairs and saw Malaina at the stove making something to eat. He leaned against the wall and just watched her.

This was something he’d missed. Though he didn’t really remember it during the last few years as Mundus’ puppet. Even now it didn’t seem real. The freedom he possessed. He should be, by all rights, dead or worse; banished back to the underworld. No doubt he would have had it not been for Malaina.

He went to help her make their meal, eager to make up for hurting her in their bath earlier. It seemed that whatever transgressions he’d caused were forgiven since they worked like a flawless team to make food then deliver it to the table to eat.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the last of the tense situations to occur. The next was later on that evening. Malaina had fallen asleep before Vergil. He’d been unable to sleep, partially afraid of the nightmares. Vergil watched her sleep after he’d finished a book he had picked up to read. Hoping that it would make him tired enough to the point of exhaustion. It started to work and so he turned out the light on the side table and lay down to get some sleep. Another episode grasped hold of his mind.

He remembered falling asleep then waking after being hit hard in the face. Vergil’s eyes opened wide after he felt the backhand connect with his cheek. What happened? The lights turned on and his eyes went wide in fear. Malaina had marks on her neck. She was currently trying to heal them before he saw, but she was too late. He’d seen them. They were marks of his own hands.

Looking down at his hands, Vergil saw blood on them, coating them in red. It didn’t actually exist, but that’s what he saw. “I’m sorry,” he whispered and practically ran from their bed. He escaped to what had once been his bedroom but had been repurposed into a nursery after he and Malaina became mates.

Vergil stood there, in a pristine room that hadn’t changed in over ten years. His son… their son was lost that day. That was the day Malaina was taken away and he entered the agreement with Arkham to raise the Temen-ni-gru. He’d been hellbent on gaining his father’s power. To claim his birthright and be able to free his mate from the grips of the overworld.

That had failed. His brother interfered and refused to understand why he’d needed that power. His little brother, someone he hadn’t even known was alive until shortly before that incident, had tried to kill him. To be fair, he’d tried to fight Dante off to be able to claim their father’s power.

Then he was at the mercy of Mundus. The torture and pain he’d endured for so long. Trying to hold onto his sense of self to be able to get free somehow and free Malaina. He’d failed to do that too. Even failed to stay alive. He’d had to rely on Malaina to keep from dying or being sent back to the underworld.

Now they were together again. And twice now he’d put her at risk. Had she been human, there was a chance she’d be dead. He’d been deep in his thoughts when he felt hands wrap around his stomach and a warmth press against his back.

Panic welled up within the half demon and he tensed. “Come back to bed.”

Vergil shook his head before removing her hands from around him and stepped away. “I can’t. There’s no guarantee that I won’t end up trying to kill you again or worse. I should move into one of the guest rooms for the time being.”

Malaina sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, a habit she’d picked up from Sparda and then Vergil. “So you want to run away. Take the coward’s way out?” Vergil’s eyes widened with shock. Normally Malaina was caring and almost passive unless it involved a fight. She’d never shown this kind of frustration or anger towards him.

Her verbal onslaught continued. “You thought to save me from pain by letting your brother kill you. You didn’t think that just getting you back only to lose you wouldn’t hurt even worse?” She was internally regretting the tongue lashing she was giving her mate, but she had to get it off her chest. “You suffered at the hands of Mundus but you’re not the only one Vergil! I was essentially raped every night, sometimes several times a day by that vile demon in angel’s clothing! All for the purpose of trying to force me to carry his child. Then left to nothing but my own company other times. I was forced to kowtow to him, to obey his commands.”

“In the bath… when you shivered… It wasn’t because you were cold was it…” Vergil’s voice was barely above a whisper.

“No, it wasn’t. It felt good to have warmth for the first time in a long time. But then that trauma came to the surface.” Malaina groaned and pushed back from the door frame to step closer to him. “I thought I could just ignore it, push it away.” Her voice softened as did her facial features. “I need to take some time to get myself sorted out. I had only just earned my freedom and succeeded in defeating the one who subjugated me. I had almost completely lost you and then got you back. But I’m too broken right now. I’m sorry I can’t be strong enough for you right now Vergil.”

The nephilim gave Vergil a tight hug and pressed her lips to his in an intimate kiss. “I need to take some time to sort things out. I love you too much to let you have to deal with my problems while trying to sort out your own.”

With that Malaina left. She didn’t take anything with her, just opened the door then closed it. Her wings spread wide and she took to the skies to fly to the only one who could possibly give her some sort of perspective on things; Dante.

Chapter Text

Vergil stood there, frozen to the spot. How could he have been so stupid? He had claimed his little brother was foolish, but it seemed that he was the foolish one. He’d ignored the pain and trauma that his mate had undergone. Then he’d essentially forced himself on her in the bath. Well his demon had, but it was still him and he’d failed to control it.

And she’d left him there. Alone. It was safe from enemies. Well from the external ones. The worst enemy of all was one he lived in his body with; his mind. She doesn’t care for you anymore. You chased her away with how weak and pathetic you are he heard the voice in his mind telling him. The voice sounded ironically like a mixture of himself, his father, and the one who held him captive for the past decade, Mundus.

He had to make amends. Find a way to bring Malaina back to him. His mind retraced the recent incident for information. She hadn’t taken anything with her so that meant she wasn’t planning on staying wherever she was going for long.

Vergil had heard the sound of wings flapping which meant that Malaina had flown wherever she was going. A quick glance to the coat rack revealed that her hooded cloak still remained and therefore she wasn’t in Fortuna. He’d have to track her down.

There was a feeling in his chest that pulled him in a direction. Towards the mainland. He attempted to transform then fly after his mate. He didn’t have the energy to do so. Something that frustrated him to no end. He’d have to do this the ‘human’ way. He grabbed some money and then slipped his cloak on to go take the ferry to the mainland.

Upon arriving at the mainland, Vergil slipped to a spot away from others. He tried once again to summon his demonic powers. He needed the speed and the ability to fly to allow him to find Malaina quickly. Thankfully, they worked this time. He transformed and took off to follow his mate’s faint trail.

Vergil was drawn back to Red Grave City. But why would she return here of all places? Unless she didn’t know about what had happened. Of course she hadn’t. Vergil had raised the tower after she had been taken and their son slain. She couldn’t know about what happened. How he’d been led astray so easily.

The Dark Slayer, now given new motivation, hurried towards where he felt himself being pulled. He only hoped that he’d make it to her soon. There was no telling when this transformation would end. Given his weakened state, it wouldn’t be long at all.

He landed several feet from a familiar shop. The difference? This time it had a name. Devil May Cry. Amusing he thought and walked closer. His heightened hearing allowed him to catch the muffled sound of crying. He knew instantly it was Malaina crying. Vergil felt his heart falling to pieces. He rushed up to the shop and stopped dead when he saw Malaina crying and Dante giving her comfort. Sadness turned to anger in a flash of an instant.

Vergil should be the one giving comfort to her. She was his mate. Not Dante’s. He stormed into the shop to confront his twin. “Leave my mate alone Dante.”

Dante was surprised to see Vergil barge through the doors. Relief filled him instantly. The guilt over having killed his brother again had washed away in that instant. He was alive! Not all that well. He could sense how close his older twin brother was to being completely fragile. “Hey she came and sought me out bro.”

That answer wasn’t good enough. What did Dante have that he didn’t? That was something Vergil was keen to know. He didn’t have Yamato, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t capable of other means of combat. He summoned a ring of glowing blue swords as well as held Mirage Edge in his hand. It would have to do.

Dante pushed Malaina behind him and drew Rebellion. “You don’t need to do this Verge.” He didn’t want to have to fight against Vergil again. Not while he was in such a state. His request fell on deaf ears. Looks like I do this the hard way Dante sighed and prepared to fight.

He was stopped only when black feathers filled his view. “Dante, don’t hurt Vergil. He’s already endured so much.” Malaina drew her own sword and held it out as she stood in front of her mate. She wasn’t going to let Vergil get hurt further. He was already closer to death than she preferred.

While thankful to see that Malaina wasn’t upset with him, Vergil was upset with her now. He could still fight. Especially with his brother. He didn’t need her to keep him safe as if he were a child or worse; an invalid. “Come on Vergil, let’s go home.” She held her hand out to him.

Despite the voice in his mind telling him not to, he took her hand. He would let go of that grudge for now. At that moment, Vergil was thankful to know that Malaina chose him. Even when she’d accused him of being a coward a few hours earlier. And wanted to take some time away.

Malaina looked to Dante and gave a soft smile. “See you later Dante.” Vergil gripped tightly onto her hand, afraid to let go. He feared that if he did, she’d leave him behind. Malaina gave her mate a reassuring smile. She then used Redemption to open a portal home. Doing this took a lot of energy and was only possible because of the shards of Yamato that her sword had melded within it.

Upon returning home, the portal closed behind them. Malaina stumbled forward and would have fallen if not for Vergil catching her. “Are you alright?”

“Just… tired.” She gave him a weak smile. “Portaling such a distance takes a lot of energy since Redemption isn’t Yamato. I’ll be fine after I rest.” Malaina stood up and yawned. “Rest with me?” Vergil nodded and walked upstairs to go lie down with Malaina.

He didn’t stay much longer after she’d fallen asleep. His mind was too active for him to be able to sleep. You don’t deserve to be here. She’s too good for you! You’re too weak! Pathetic!

Vergil knew it was true. He was too weak and barely clinging to life. He looked down at his hand and saw a piece of skin flake off. He had to get more power, more strength to be able to be there with her. But part of him couldn’t leave either. He didn’t want her to think that he abandoned her.

So, Vergil wrote a quick note and placed it on his pillow for her to find when she woke. “When I am finally worthy of you, I will return.” He bent down and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. He then went to retrieve his cloak once more and left. In order to put his plan into motion, he had to do something important first. He had to find and rebuild the Yamato.

Chapter Text

Malaina woke the following morning and saw the note left on Vergil’s pillow. Tears filled her eyes as she read and reread the elegant script. She felt her heart shatter. If she’d known that asking for some time would lead to this, she never would have gone. She was to blame. She’d made her own mate feel inadequate.

The fallen angel wiped her tears away and focused her mind to try and sense for where Vergil was. There was a faint sensation, though nothing concrete. It all seemed to be residual. She was getting flustered and aggravated at the lack of her ability to track down Vergil. He was her mate, the father of a child that she didn’t even know if he still lived or not and the love of her life. “You’d think I could find him…” That meant something had happened to him and that worried her.

Malaina knew that she had to find a stronger bond to locate her blue devil. That connection she needed was in Red Grave. To portal there would probably kill her or leave her weaker than a human child. Flying back after having returned so soon was going to tire her out. Not to mention the risk of being seen would cause more trouble for her home in Fortuna. No she decided to wait a little bit and see if her mate returned to her.

The hours turned into days. The days became weeks then months. Then before Malaina knew it, almost a year had passed. Vergil wasn’t coming back. He hadn’t even tried to contact her. She’d gone out and searched for him daily for several months but the trail had gone cold. There was no trace of Vergil left in Fortuna. Even his scent in their house had all but faded away.

She knew that sticking around wasn’t doing her any good. With the Order of the Sword’s knights, there was no need for her services. Not just that, women didn’t often get accepted into the Order. Even if she did get in, there would be questions about her and no doubt some texts and portraits or pictures existed that would reveal her connection to Fortuna itself. No, she had to go.

For the first time since settling in Fortuna twenty years ago, Malaina left with no intention of returning. She contacted the family who cared for her property when she wasn’t there and informed them that she was leaving for an undisclosed period of time. With that, she gathered what she needed and left.

The door to the Devil May Cry office opened. Dante looked over to see who’d come in. He hadn’t been expecting to see Morrison walk in. “Well Dante, never thought I’d see the day when there was someone who wanted to work with you. Let alone for it to happen twice.”

That had the demon hunter’s attention. He sat up straight instead of the reclined position he’d had previously. “Twice? It ain’t Lady is it?” He groaned. She only would work with him if it meant getting some of what he owed her paid off.

“Lady? Well I’ve held that title before. Granted that was long before you were born.”

Dante’s pale blue eyes lit up. “Babe! You didn’t say you were comin’ by. Vergil there with you?” He didn’t want another near-fight to break out again. Not that he’d mind going toe-to-toe with Vergil again. No one could fight like his dear old brother.

Malaina shook her head then looked at him. “So, got some room for another partner? Or even just something to pass the time? My skills were going to waste in Fortuna.” Her violet eyes told him that there was more to say but not in front of present company.

“I got it from here Morrison. Got any good jobs to toss my way?”

“I got a few.” Morrison chuckled and bowed to Malaina before taking her hand and giving it a shake. “Try to make this guy take on more jobs. I got a backlog at times.”

Malaina nodded and waited until the information broker left. Once he had, she relaxed her stoic stance. “So what brings you all the way here after not even a call? Get bored of Verge?”

“I haven’t seen him since we returned to Fortuna.” She lowered her gaze to look at the floor. “I was exhausted after using Redemption’s limited portal making ability and so went to lie down. Vergil had been there when I lay down then when I woke he was gone. Just a note was left.” She sniffled and wiped the tears from her eyes. “I thought that maybe he’d return after a few days or a week at most. I searched for him every day and several nights. All of Fortuna island. All of my efforts came up empty. Finally, I knew I had to go. There was nothing left for me in Fortuna but bad memories.” She’d lost her son there. Forcibly split from her mate and the father of her child then again, they’d been parted. This time it was Vergil’s choice to leave her.

“Why didn’t you come sooner Malaina? Or even called?” He knew about the rite that his dad had performed. That Malaina needed to have someone of Sparda’s blood close by in order to not succumb to her demon half. Though he assumed that wasn’t necessary since she was actually a hybrid herself. Like he and Vergil were. Though unlike them, she didn’t have any human blood in her.

Malaina shook her head. “I was hopeful that he’d come back. I was deluding myself. I’ve been cast away this time. And it’s either I stay busy or I’ll end up wasting away to nothing. Not many can survive being discarded by their mate. Especially after the mating rite’s been completed in full.”

“Say no more sis. I got a spare room upstairs and you heard Morrison. There’s always something to do around here.” Dante got up and walked over to pull her into a hug. There was a time when he’d have been envious of what his brother and Malaina had. Not now. He could see the pain in her eyes. It was the same pain he’d see in his mom’s when she thought he wasn’t paying attention.

“Sis huh?”

Dante gave a charming grin then shrugged. “Why not? You an Vergil marked each other. That’s kinda like a marriage ain’t it?” He was still trying to figure out this whole demon thing. Even after all this time he’d had his demon half fully awakened, he was having difficulty understanding everything that came with it.

She nodded and gave a soft smile. “Essentially yes. A bit more intricate than that but yes. It’s a more permanent form of marriage. Being away from one’s marked mate is physically painful. Now I know what Eva felt on a daily basis.” Actually I feel worse than Eva right now. At least she knew her mate loved her and didn’t leave by choice. I was discarded Malaina thought bitterly.

“C’mon. I’ll show you your room then we can go get somethin’ to eat and I’ll show ya around town. It’s really changed over the years. Might not even recognize it anymore.” He took her upstairs and showed her to one of the spare rooms. Then where everything was, since there had been a few renovations done since her last visit. “No matter how long you need, this room will always be here for you okay?”

“Thanks Dante.”