Well, I guess by mutual consensus, this is a fairly decent ending to "Suicide" so I guess I'll keep it the way it is. I'll keep it in the upload manager just in case someone wants to add any suggestions about whether to add something, or whatever. Thanks for your help and support! I hope you enjoyed this story and please keep those reviews and observations coming!

Ringing Hell's Bells

Dante was left to watch the others taking down their playmates. His mood darkened when he saw no need for his help. What a bummer. Then Dante perked up when he thought of the eight devils he'd destroyed. That HAD to be record, wasn't it? He wondered if someone, somewhere, was keeping score. Dante sure hoped so - they'd think twice before coming after him and his again. It was certainly a personal record for him.

Dante couldn't remember anyone matching this battle (well, maybe, except his dad.) Figuring the apple didn't fall far from the tree, Dante smirked. Was he was gonna LOVE hanging this one over Vergil or what?

Then he frowned. Wait a minute. Just how many Devil Kings HAD Vergil killed anyway after living in Demonville for years? Shit. Dante didn't know. But still... Dante would've heard if Vergil had taken out eight devils at once. Big news travels fast and he hadn't gotten any.

Dante'd put up a war to end all wars, which, he could admit, was want he'd been gunning for. Without Trish, he hadn't wanted to go on. Dante didn't want anyone taken from him ever again. Watching Nero, Trish and Vergil, Dante was dazzled. The knowledge Vergil, especially, had refused to leave him to die made his chest ache so much he didn't think he could handle it. After years and years of caring for them, and watching them leave him, alone, again and again, they were now here, - caring for HIM.

Since Lady wasn't here, and the others were, Dante would bet his bottom dollar she was protecting the others under his care. Not because she had to, but because she wanted to - for HIM. It was enough to break a man to pieces.

Thinking of Lady, Dante's thoughts turned to Nero. No doubt about it, the kid was rapidly building reputation that would spread like wildfire throughout the Demon World. Dante didn't like (or want) that. He'd tried his damnest to keep Nero away from the horrors of this world, but noo, the kid'd dived in, headfirst, as usual. He worried because Nero's heart was as human as Lady's. She was, as Nero said, scarred for life, but unlike Lady, Nero didn't have her knowledge, or sense, to know when he was in over his head.

By letting Nero destroy the devil he would hate the most, Dante hoped it would help ease the nightmares Nero was sure to have. Well, he did have Kyrie, who was as steady as a rock, to hold on to and see him through. Maybe his little adventure had taught him some restraint. Straightening, Dante glided to the side of the room Nero was in and saw Nero smashing what was left of the Devil King to bits.

Whoa. Who was he kidding? Restraint? Nero? Not going to happen anytime soon.

Moving in, Dante grabbed Nero's Devil Arm. Muscles straining, Dante shouted, "Nero!" above the young man's growls and snarls of ballistic rage.

He kept shouting his name until Nero focused with an enraged, "What?!"

Dante mildly commented, "I think you've more than killed the scum." Glaring at the scattered bits and pieces of demon parts, Nero seemed to want to keep going until there was nothing left - he ABSOLUTELY wanted this thing erased out of existence.

Bringing him up short, Dante informed Nero, "If you keep going, you'll end up absorbing some of his essence into yourself. I don't think you'd like that too much."

YIKES! Oh HELL no!

With a single bound, Nero sailed over Dante, and landed on the other side of the room. Frantically, Nero began wiping his arm off.

Slapping on a concerned expression, Dante swallowed a laugh, and sauntered over. "Hey kid, it's all right. Ya didn't get any in you. I can tell, so no worries, OK?" Shaking his hand as if slime was clinging tenaciously to his fingertips, Nero wasn't completely reassured. Maybe a really, really hot shower, (with Kyrie doing most of the washing) might do the trick.

Trying to distract him, Dante asked, "Sooo, did you enjoy yourself?" He then pouted, "My guy was a complete dud. No fun at all. Just blubbered and cried. It was pathetic. Really." Thinking of the number of Devil Kings Dante had obliterated, Nero barked a laugh. Man, couldn't Dante get enough?

Meeting Dante's knowing gaze, Nero pulled himself together while searching for an answer. Reaching a conclusion, Nero stated with a gleam in his eye, "Come to think of it, it felt great! I just wish I could do it again."

Dante punched him in the arm. "Ow!" Nero scowled, but Dante smiled, "Good for you, Nero. And, thank you." Dante may have been brief but Nero got the message. His chest swelled and all the shit he'd gone through was worth seeing Dante's smile and Trish's fierce revenge as she ruthlessly demolished the one who'd tried to take her from Dante.

Then Dante said, "I hope someone's keeping score up there. I might've beaten some kind of record on Devil King kills at one time." Nero's eyes narrowed. Score, huh? Yeah, there was someone keeping score alright and it didn't have anything to do with kills.

Unaware of Nero's thoughts, Dante chided, "Ya know, Nero, you gotta start showing some restraint. You just can't be busting into stuff you've got no clue about."

What?!

Nero flared, "Restraint?! Restraint? YOU wanna hassle me about showing restraint? Listen dude, I've seen your idea of restraint and I'd say you go pass restraint straight into recklessness."

Unfazed, Dante mused, "Recklessness? When you put it like that, yeah, I'd say you're too reckless."

Wanting to pull out his hair, Nero shouted, "I'm not taking about me, jackass. I'm talking about YOU, loon."

Startled, Dante backtracked. A slow, gleeful grin appeared, "You 'saw' me, huh? What can I say? I must be a sorta celebrity down here. I'll admit I've pulled off a few stunts to keep 'em on their toes." Delighted, Dante boasted, "So if I don't have the record for the number of kills, I may have one for Best Action Hero."

"Awk," Nero choked and cleared his throat. "You've got the nerve to lecture ME on being reckless after all the stuff I've seen you do? You gotta be kidding me. Yeah, you've got a record alright. And your score's getting higher by the second in my book. So don't you go thinking YOU can lecture ME anymore on recklessness."

As Nero suspected, Dante replied, "Then you know I know what I'm talking about. I'm glad you're taking notes kid. Maybe you'll listen to me next go around. Oh, and keep up the record book. I might want to have a look see."

Baring his teeth, Nero ground out, "Listen to you? Why you... You... What in the hell do ya call the stunt you just pulled, huh? Suicide run? Listen to yourself. Jerk." When Dante couldn't hold back the laughter, Nero's arm began to heat up.

Dante lit up as bright as his arm, "So, what? You wanna hit me? Go ahead." AHH! Nero decided Dante REALLY couldn't get enough as his fist flamed to life.

Nettling him, Dante tempted, "Come on Nero. Let's see what cha got. Besides, if you trigger, and there's anything there, you'll get all the nasty stuff off ya."

Dante was pulling the right strings, but Nero gritted his teeth and held firm, "You just can't get enough can you? Geez, get a grip. You're already flying."

"As far as I'm concerned, you can't fly too high or too long. Lemme have it," Dante encouraged. Nero groaned. He had a horrible image of Dante chasing him for the rest of his days trying to get him to belt him one.

Heading him off at the pass, Nero snarled, "Yeah. I'll hit you but you better believe I'll be decking you with an UNTRIGGERED arm. How'd you like a bullet, instead?"

One side Nero's lips quirked when Dante visibly sulked, "Fine. If that's the way you're gonna be, then go take a flying leap off a short pier."

Nero's arm powered down and, unable to resist, laughed at Dante, "I'll do that. Thanks for the advice." As Dante grumbled about kids disrespecting their elders, Nero smirked. Giving up, Dante left Nero in peace.

Standing side by side, they watched the rest of the show, making comments and cheering Trish and Vergil on.

- - -

When all was said and done, the four stood in the entrance of the ransacked throne room.

Before Vergil could evade him, Dante encircled him around the shoulders in a grip of unbreakable steel.

"Vergil... Vergil. You came back. You got me, just like you said," Dante said, almost in tears. Vergil had an uncharacteristic urge to return Dante's embrace and comfort his brother, but he couldn't - not in this place. He squeezed Dante's arms in reassurance, acting as if he was trying to push him away.

Dante's emotions were overpowering and Vergil hadn't understood how deeply Dante had missed him and how lonely he'd been without him. He'd known Dante suffered feelings of regret, guilt, grief and suspicion in regards to him, but never this feeling of incompleteness. Feeling Dante's overwhelming thankfulness his older brother had come for him, Vergil was doubly glad he'd made the decision to follow him.

Doing the only thing he could, Vergil allowed Dante to feel this while he warned menacingly, "Dante."

"Oh, yeah. Right," Dante responded and let go. Vergil had reminded him where they were and of the game they had to play. (Accursed demons were watching and he couldn't even thank his own brother without them seeing. Dante would've damned them to Hell, but they were already there.)

He possessively wrapped an arm around Trish's waist and dragged her to him while sneering, "I should've known. Of course you'd NEVER come to help ME. You'd be caught dead before helping out your own TWIN, you arrogant..." Trailing off, Dante would've thrown in some decent insults for effect, but he simply couldn't - not after what Vergil'd done.

Clutching Trish closer, he threatened, "Well, you can't have her. I don't have to SHARE, and I don't want to, ESPECIALLY with YOU."

Knowing her own role, Trish patted Dante while smiling coyly at Vergil, "Now, now Dante. Let us not be unreasonable. I would be remiss if I did not reward Vergil. Perhaps we can all come an agreement."

"Over my dead body. Get lost Vergil. Don't think I don't know what you're up to. All our lives you've been after my things. You're just jealous. Go find your own toys to play with," Dante taunted. Nero leaped to Vergil's defense.

"Vergil SAVED your fucking life. Not to mention, mine. He ALSO took out that first Devil King who took off when it saw YOU. You should be thanking him, not thinking he'd a hidden agenda or something," Nero yelled. Dante and Vergil stared at him and then at each other.

"I thought you'd have educated the kid in how the things are done," Dante commented, then, to keep up appearances, added, "But then again, you're better off alone. Keep that in mind the next time you try to take what's mine."

Vergil replied smoothly, "Perhaps I simply have not had practice. There is much to discuss." He glanced significantly at Nero and then sternly at Dante. Dante got the gist and had the grace to send Vergil a silent, embarrassed apology. Sending a silent message back, Vergil acknowledged Dante while telling him at least he had tried to scare them off.

Catching on he'd screwed up in the midst of the Demon World where most of the entire place seemed to watching everything all the time, Nero attempted to cover his mistake.

Standing next to Dante, he furrowed his brow and tried for indignation and wariness, saying, "Wait. Maybe you're right. Maybe Vergil was just stringing me along." Trish's lips twitched, Vergil spread his fingertips across his brow and Dante worked to keep from laughing.

Dante could honesty say, "Oh yeah kid. THAT was convincing. Since Vergil tried but didn't have enough time to educate you properly, I guess it's up to me. Although..." He slid his eyes at Vergil, "If Vergil wants to 'practice' and you're such a pain, and won't listen worth a damn, I may just allow Vergil to further his instructions."

Both Vergil and Nero started in alarm. Vergil did NOT to provide any further instructions in this area - he'd had enough. As for Nero, Vergil was one demanding teacher who believed in hands on methods, stern lectures, lots of really rough homework AND he had pretty high grading standards. Dante bit the inside of his cheek to keep from giving a snarky smile at the mutual, horrified expressions shared by Nero and Vergil.

Restraining herself from elbowing Dante in the ribs, Trish regally said, "Shall we leave now? I find this world tiresome and wish to return to my rightful place."

Leaving their ears ringing, Nero shouted a heartfelt, "YES!"

- - -

As they made way out, Dante took the lead, clearing the way. Practically bouncing along, he sang, "99 demons appear in the hall, 99 demons appear. Take one down." They heard a BLAM as Dante fired."And there goes a round. 98 demons appear in the hall. 98 demons appear..."

Nero whispered an aside to Trish and Vergil, "Is he singing '99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall'?"

Vergil made a sound of annoyed impatience as Trish nodded affectionately, "I suppose you could say this is Dante's personal rendition."

"Man, how long does he stay like this anyway?" Nero asked, "It's kind of irritating, not to mention, freaky, considering where we are and everything. I mean, he acts like we're in a carnival or something."

"I would have to agree with you, Nero," Vergil replied while watching his giddy brother with a jaundiced eye.

Trish was amused, "Well, Dante does like to have fun whenever he can. As far as his state of being, it depends on the potency and amount he absorbed. Based on what I can perceive, his state may last awhile. Would you not agree, Vergil?"

"Unfortunately, I do," Vergil seconded in disgust.

"Shit. Can't we do something? And what're all these demons doing here? You'd think after what happened, they'd steer clear from the danger zone," Nero asked.

"Curiosity abounds within the Demon World. After today, there will many wars fought to replace the deceased Devil Kings and to steal their supplicants along with any other treasures they held. They are foolish creatures who wish to see, or have sent servants to do so for them, us for themselves," Vergil explained.

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! "Damn it! Now I lost count. Nero! Where was I?" came Dante's demand.

"How in the fuck am I supposed to know? Keep your own count, dork," Nero snarled.

Dante couldn't resist chiding, "Now, now. Is that any way to talk to your Master? You're the one keeping score, aren't ya? Come on, kid. You're falling down on the job. If you can't count, maybe you want to join in the fun? Don't you see any demons you wanna shoot? Besides, you could get in your target practice."

At the term "Master," Nero's eyes flamed, "I can count alright and your tally definitely going up. Don't you worry."

Leaning towards Nero, Vergil whispered mildly, "Nero, perhaps it would be wise not to circumvent Dante's authority within this world." Glancing at Vergil, Nero saw the gleam in his eye and caught on.

With eyes alight with glee, Nero responded, "And yeah, I see one devil I could shoot for sure."

He took a shot at Dante, who, of course, dodged the bullet while chuckling, "Hey kid. Ya missed. You obviously haven't been practicing enough."

Fuming, Nero turned to Vergil, offering Blue Rose, "Come on Vergil, I KNOW you can get a shot in. Whadda say? Please?"

Faintly grinning, Vergil told Nero, "I thank you for the offer, but I am afraid if I accepted, he would only harangue me until I joined him after he awoke. Putting Dante down would not only cost us time, but effort if we chose to carry him out." Pausing, Vergil thought of something appealing, "However, I could merely wound him, thereby bypassing the troublesome matters I mentioned. But, again, if I chose that path, I would provoke him to greater heights of enthusiasm to 'play'"

Trish shook her head when Nero turned entreating eyes to her, "I fear I agree with Vergil. It would be the same for me."

"Crap," Nero glumly remarked.

"Hey! We'll have none of that. Vergil, if you EVEN think about borrowing a gun, or trying to stick it to me again, I'll take that sword of yours and put it in a place you will NOT enjoy."

Nero expected Vergil to take umbrage at Dante's treat, but Vergil simply ducked Dante's bullet with a tilt of his head, saying, "I explained I was not about to join you, did I not? Were you not listening?"

"Oh. Yeah. Oops," Dante responded.

Nero asked, "You're gonna let him get away with that?"

Vergil explained, "You must understand in this state Nero, Dante is reckless and foolish. I do not wish to encourage even worse outrageous behavior." Grumbling, Nero could see Vergil's point. If Dante was this bad (thank God, as Trish said, he was a happy drunk. Dante may be looped, but at least he was targeting the bad guys) he'd hate to see him get worse. Dante continued his game while shouting over his shoulder for Trish to join him.

"No, thank you Dante. I fear I wish to rest," she declined.

Continuing his target practice, Dante informed her, "Sugar, you better rest up good 'cause once we get home, I plan on having a whole different kind of fun with you. For awhile. Make that a LONG while."

Trish couldn't quite control the faint color blooming along the creamy skin covering her high cheekbones over Dante's blatant pass, or the flames flickering in her hands. While she was pleased Dante wanted to be her so badly, she wouldn't tolerate being treated as a cheap tart. Dante, even drunk, always treated her with respect. (And, heightening her mortification, to act toward her like this in front of Nero and Vergil was...)

Before Trish could teach Dante basic manners with a blistering ball of fire, the men leaped to her defense. Nero bared his teeth and shot another round at Dante while Vergil rebuked sternly, "Dante, if you speak in such a way to Trish again, you will TASTE Yamato's steel."

"What? What'd I do?" Dante paused, then looked back at Trish. He stopped in his tracks and apologized, chagrined, "I'm sorry honey. I guess I got carried away."

Trish MIGHT have forgiven him, all things considering, but then Dante winked, "I know. How 'bout if I get YOU carried away? Come on, babe, let's go for a ride." Narrowing her exotic eyes dangerously, Trish hissed. Ready to let him feel the full brunt of her anger, Vergil calmly held out an open palm.

"Trish, if you would be so kind?" he asked meaningfully.

Trish kept her expression serene as her eyes danced. "Why, not at all Vergil," she said politely as she handed Luce to him.

Nero was thrilled when Vergil shot, and killed, the demon Dante'd been aiming for while shaving a piece of hair hanging over Dante's ear at the same time, demonstrating he could, in fact, take Dante down if he chose. Dante hadn't been able to move fast enough to avoid getting his hair trimmed.

Ears ringing, Dante clapped a hand over the ragged hair Vergil had cut with a bullet. "You jerk! I thought you said you didn't want to join in. Whadda think you're doing? AND ya stole my demon. Stingy tightwad."

Vergil silkily replied, "I merely wished to see if my marksmanship is still proficient."

Dante scowled, "Yeah? If that's the case, that was a cheap shot if you ask me."

Vergil ignored him as he continued, "And did you not say if I chose to participate, you would engage Yamato?"

Growling, Dante threatened, "No. I said I'd stick it where the sun don't shine, so come on. Let's rock." Trish and Nero felt the heightened interest and greedy anticipation of the Demon World at Dante's challenge.

As the demons moved in for a better look, Vergil responded, "If you wish. Let Rebellion and Yamato greet each other properly." As Dante swiped Rebellion from his back and came toward Vergil with it held to his side, Vergil unsheathed Yamato. Alarmed, Nero turned to Trish for help.

"Ya gotta stop em. Please Trish. I just want outta here and to go home," he pleaded urgently seeing a prolonged, bloody "practice" session coming up with all of the frills and chills. He didn't think the demons would hold off once Vergil and Dante got down to business either. It wasn't that Nero felt like he couldn't handle them, he'd simply had enough for one day. Trish agreed. She too had had a long, wearing day and wished to go home as well.

Gracefully stepping between them, Trish drew herself up in her most haughty manner and commanded, "Dante, I insist you stop this immediately. If you wish to engage Vergil, then you will do so on your own time, not mine. At this time, I wish to leave and return to my rightful place." Coming to an abrupt halt, Dante heard (and felt) her and became aware of the danger surrounding them. Cursing himself, he'd forgotten where they were and why he was here.

Nonchalantly securing his sword, he said, "If that's what you want - fine by me. Prissy pants is the one who started it." Glaring at Vergil, Dante snarled, "You heard what Trish said. I can't go against her so you better watch your back once we get outta here. Got it?"

Vergil coolly sheathed his sword with a curt nod, "Yes. As should you. I feel no need to provide further entertainment for the Demon World. We shall meet on our own terms in a place of our choosing. Do you not agree Dante?" Dante read Vergil easily and felt dumbass stupid.

Whereas before he'd riding high, he now needed to try to think straight and sober up. Yeah, a celebration may be in order, but not here. Vergil and Trish'd reminded him of what was what. He'd come close, too close, to losing everything that mattered and he needed to get Trish out, back where she belonged, which was safe with him. Also, Nero was barely hanging in there. Thank God he had Vergil watching his back, (and everyone else's). He couldn't afford to get sloppy - and that's where he'd been heading.

Standing down, Dante responded, "Yeah, I agree. Let's get out of Dodge City. Whadda say we clean house like in the old days when Mom and Dad would bring us in for some hands on training?"

A faint smile ghosted over Vergil as he replied, "I believe that is precisely what we should do."

Hearing them, Nero yelped, aghast, "Ya mean your PARENTS took you guys down here when you were just little kids for TRAINING?"

As Vergil glided to Dante's side, Dante shrugged, "How else were we supposed to get the inside scoop on how to kill demons and what they, and their world, was like? We couldn't learn what we needed to know on books and dummy targets alone, could we?" Dumbfounded, Nero was stuck speechless as he stayed close to Trish and followed Vergil and Dante - wiping out anything in their path.

While Trish sedately sauntered beside him (and blasted any demon nearby) Nero wasn't so out of it he couldn't get over how well Vergil and Dante worked together. The demons never stood a chance as the brothers swept through them without breaking their stride. Working in concert, they seemed to know exactly what move one was about to make before he made it. Nero had to admire their tactics, especially when one would draw out the filthy slime around them while the other ambushed them.

Too worn to the bone to care, Nero was thankful he needed little effort in wasting the small amount of demons converging on him and Trish from behind since Trish was at full throttle and the demons were mainly focused on Dante and Vergil. Man, these demons were imbecilic to the max, but Nero figured that was one trait he could definitely appreciate.

- - -

After what seemed like an eternity to Nero, they finally spilled through the door into the blessed sunlight. Nero could've kissed the ground. Instead, when he saw Lady with her sunglasses tucked in her jacket, leaning casually against her bike with her arms and ankles crossed, he stumbled over to her and impulsively threw his arms around her. Startled, Lady straightened and softened when she felt moisture on her neck.

Stroking Nero's hair and rubbing his back, she soothed him, "It's all right now Nero. You're safe and back where you belong. It may take awhile, but you'll be OK. Keep telling yourself to remember it's all in the past and try to think of it as a learning experience. That's all. Don't let the nasty stuff get inside you because that's garbage. Throw it away - as much as you can." He nodded without looking up or releasing her.

Nero tried to take Lady's advice, but images of every clone of Lady he'd blown away kept flashing through his mind.

When Lady thought she heard Nero mumble something about being sorry he'd had to do that, she got the idea and told him, "Listen Nero, you didn't do anything wrong. In fact, you did the right thing and don't you forget it. You hold on to that - tight. Because that's the truth. Remember what I said? Everything down there is the lie. I'm positive whatever you went through, you stayed true and in the right."

Taking comfort in Lady's arms and assurances, Nero gave her a gentle squeeze after he was under control and able to let go without disgracing himself.

Keeping his back to everyone but Lady as he swiped his face clean, he told her in a fairly normal tone, "Thanks Lady. Sorry I lost it there. And I want to tell you, you saved my life with the advice you gave me. If I hadn't listened to you, I'd be dead or a babbling wreck - not that I don't feel that far off from being there."

He was heartened when she laughed and said, "You're welcome. And don't feel bad. We ALL feel that way once and awhile. It isn't called Demon World for nothing."

"Yeah. That's for sure. And I want you to know Vergil saved me too. He also gave me a firm talking to about listening to you and remembering what you told me." Looking over Nero's shoulder, Lady raised a slim brow at Vergil with a slight nod of thanks for his support. Vergil returned the nod with a complimentary one of his own.

Returning her attention to Nero, Lady informed him with a smile, "If I was you I'd take off - fast. Kyrie's waiting for you and I'm pretty sure I heard her saying something about making all your favorites to eat. I also saw a bag from a fancy lingerie shop along with candles and scrumpish bath stuff." Lady was almost blinded by Nero's beaming response.

Taking her hands, he kissed her on the cheek, "You're the greatest Lady! I owe ya. OK? I mean it."

Lady waved, "Think nothing of it. Piece of cake. I'll call if I need you, but don't worry about it. Go home and get the TLC waiting for you. That's what all you need to do today." Nero wholehearted agreed and after swiftly giving everyone a fond farewell, he didn't waste any time heading for home and Kyrie.

While the adults exchanged amused glances over Nero's enthusiastic, speedy departure, Dante eyed Trish. He figured Nero had the right idea and all kinds of ways to give, and get, TLC came to mind. Now that they were free and clear, Dante felt he could give in to the high urging him into celebrating mode. Might as well enjoy the rush while he had it 'cause it wasn't gonna last forever and he thought he'd better seize the chance to fly as long as he could.

Feeling this, Trish warily eyed him back. Oh dear. Visions of Dante causing mayhem arose along with the specter of Dante driving his bike, wrecking havoc on pedestrians and other drivers. Maybe they should walk? The exercise and time it took to get home may give him a chance to sober up.

Reading Trish's mind, Dante laughed suggestively, "Nope. You're not gonna get away with that. We'll ride together. Take the front or back. Either way works for me," while bombarding her system with his own enthusiastic anticipation of getting his hands (and everything else) on her. Trish prayed to high heaven she wasn't blushing as her stomach jumped, nerve endings sizzled and her body came alive. Relieved, she saw Lady's confusion, but she also saw Vergil suppressing a grin.

Of course Vergil would pick up Dante's signals. Resigned, Trish pragmatically decided she deserved some TLC and fun too, and Vergil was a grown man who knew the score. Being a gentleman, she knew he'd respect their privacy. Thank the Lord, Dante'd had the wit to tone down his comments. Now Trish was looking forward to getting home and wished Dante would get a move on. Sending her a private, rakish, lusty grin, Dante indicated he was ready and willing but had to take care of a few things first.

He approached Lady. Before she evade him, Dante swept her into a full length hug. "Lady, I'm sorry I had to be harsh. I didn't mean anything I said. I just didn't want you hurt. You probably hate me, but it was the only thing I could think of with everything that was going on. So, if ya wanna take a shot at me, go ahead. I won't duck. I promise," Dante told her as he released her latent energy he'd absorbed from her clones into her.

Feeling a tingling warmth revitalizing her, Lady was stunned immobile. She'd been waiting and ready to deliver a scathing wake up call to Dante but she realized she wasn't in the mood - even if she was still a little hurt and angry.

"What... What did you just do?" was the first thing Lady asked Dante.

"Oh. That. I just gave you back the energy the underworld had stolen from you. It didn't hurt, did it? I've never given any back to a full human before. It should feel good," Dante asked with concern.

Further winding down under his worry, she said, "Nah, it did feel good. I just wasn't expecting it, that's all. I guess I should thank you, but to tell you the truth, I'm still kinda mad. How stupid do you think I am? And you were stupid, not to mention, unnecessarily cruel." While Dante nearly shuffled his feet like a kid being sternly scolded, Vergil and Trish covered their grins.

"I know it. So, you wanna take shot or not? I deserve it," he said, stepping far enough away to give Lady a clear view while bracing himself for the blow. In a smooth move, she pulled a gun and shot - clipping the hair over the other ear to match the ragged edges Vergil had given him on the other side.

Dante shouted, "Hey! What's with you two? I swear you're both scarier than hell. A hit, and going out for the count, I can handle, but this is too much. Why'd ya have to get me all worked up, expecting one thing, and then throw me a curve ball? You wanna give me heart failure?"

Lady snickered evilly, "Damn right I'm scary and you better remember that the next time you want to mess with my head. Got it?"

"I got it," Dante grumbled. Then he thought of something he thought Lady might enjoy and get her to forgive him.

"Hey Lady," he remarked as he draped an arm across her shoulders and turned her toward the corner of the building holding the major support beam, "Do ya think ya'd mind using Kalina Anne to condemn this building back to Hell? I know how much you hate missing out of the action. And, as a bonus, you'd get to get the last word in with those demons."

Dante lined her up while pointing to exact spot he wanted her to demolish. Lady was game. With relish, she propped Kalina Anne on her shoulder, took aim and blew the building onto itself, collapsing the entire structure.

Waving away the settling dust, Dante surveyed the heap of rumble, commenting, "That outta do it." Then he grab her in another hug, saying, "Lady, I... I want to thank you. Though you weren't there, I knew you were taking care of the others because you wanted to. I can't tell ya what that meant to me. Even after the vicious things I said to you, you still came through for me."

When Lady heard Dante choking up, and the vulnerably in his voice, she looked at Vergil and Trish, perplexed by Dante's uncharacteristically open display of emotion. Trish made a circle around the side of her head to let Lady know Dante was looped. Lady mouthed an "Oh."

Hugging him back, she said, "You're welcome Dante. Don't worry. We're friends, and friends help each other even if they get mad at each other now and then. OK? And I know you weren't yourself and were crazy with fear over Trish, so I understand." Dante released her with a beaming smile (Lady couldn't help smiling back - he looked like a kid who'd been given his favorite candy bar).

"You ARE the greatest, Lady. We gotta go now, but we'll see you soon?" he asked.

Grinning, she nodded, "You bet."

- - -

After Trish took control and herded Dante toward home, Vergil and Lady were left alone.

Breaking the awkward silence, Lady observed, "Dante sure does get affectionate when he's high."

Vergil wryly replied, "You can say that again."

Lady laughed, "You're not telling me YOU got a hug too?" When Vergil grimaced slightly and nodded, Lady laughed harder. At the sound of Lady's laughter, the young Lady within Vergil stirred and came awake. Unconsciously, he placed his hand near his heart where she lay.

Vergil knew he had to give her to Lady, but to his embarrassed discernment, he discovered he wanted to keep her within him. She felt soothing, warm and loving with a spark of feisty humor. Also, Vergil wasn't quite sure how to approach Lady in such a way as to not give offense in order to return this essential part of her. He wanted to return all of Lady's energy to her, as Dante had, but they didn't have the same closeness.

Startled, he felt the younger Lady chastising him for hesitating. She wanted to stay with him also, but needed to be whole. She didn't understand what the problem was. Weren't they going to be together either way? Vergil couldn't believe how strong, or aware, this energy was and he didn't think he could explain. How could he? How could she, or it, hear him? He'd never heard such a thing was even possible.

Lady didn't miss Vergil puzzled discomfort and asked what was wrong. Tentatively, Vergil explained the basics (he didn't go into the emotional parts). Then, because he couldn't help himself, secretly hoping she'd say no, he asked Lady if she wanted this part returned to her. Shocked, Lady carefully thought over Vergil's revelations about coming upon, and destroying, the re-enactment of that part of their past.

Astounded and as upset as Vergil had been when he'd uncovered it, she was grateful (and maliciously happy) Vergil had effectively put an end to THAT drama.

Lady thanked him, "I'm glad you did what you did Vergil. I don't think either of us want others seeing into that part of our lives, am I right?"

"Yes. You are quite correct. It was... disturbing and, as you can imagine, unexpected. I must admit I took great satisfaction in taking care of the devil director, but as for the players.... Let us simply say, they were difficult to end. I found myself reluctant to do what I had to do. They had not agreed to perform as us but had been forced to without their knowledge. It was... unfair."

Listening to Vergil, Lady could see his compassion toward the young demons and she was moved and sorry he'd had to, as he said, put an end to them. It must've been awful for him.

When he absently kept rubbing the middle of his chest, she asked him, "Are you alright Vergil? You aren't hurt, are you?"

"No, I am fine. Truly. It is only the youthful, ah, Lady, I suppose you could say, is active and anxious to go to you. I do not know how to explain the situation to her, or it, or rather, this energy," Vergil explained, off balance.

Hiding a smile at his predicament, Lady remarked, "Active, huh? That's one way of saying it. If there one I can say, I've certainly been called 'active' if not downright aggressive." Then she laughed, "I feel like saying I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable, but that seems strange. You know what I mean?" Lady's comment sounded so much like the last words her younger self had spoken to him, Vergil knew he needed to find some way to bring together.

He said as impassively as he could, "Would you permit me to return this portion, and all the other pieces of energy, I acquired of yours, to you? If you are uncomfortable with an embrace, I can transfer them to you in another, slower, way. I can promise not to hurt you."

Keeping this part of her past, and the toll it took on her, deeply private, buried and hidden, Lady balked. Did she want that part back? She'd reconciled her past to the extent where it no longer haunted her dreams, (or rather, nightmares) but it still remained an open wound. But Vergil and Dante carried it as well and they were whole. Could this missing part actually relieve the pain? Maybe. If she was whole, then, perhaps she would become strong enough to face the past without constantly flinching.

Before she decided, Lady had to ask, "Vergil, what is she like?"

Vergil's enthralling blue eyes deepened as he said, "Though she is ashamed by what she had to become in order to right a grievous wrong, she is to be admired for having the fortitude, most lack, to do so. She took this onerous duty upon herself - showing great courage. And while she had to harden herself to perform a deed that caused her anguish, she did not become harsh. This, in itself, to me, is a tremendous feat, for it is difficult to face such evil without becoming tainted by it. Only the strongest of hearts and mind are able to withstand surrendering to the evil around them, and their own power, to remain true to themselves and sense of right and wrong."

Lady's eyes grew luminous as she had a feeling Vergil wasn't speaking of her younger self but directly to her.

"Along with a keen wit and intelligence, she also possesses a fiery spirit which burns with loyalty, devotion and a spirit of playfulness. She should not feel ashamed for forging herself into the person she became because it shows how remarkable she truly is. But, by feeling this way, she demonstrates her refusal to give up her standards under the pressure of the vast majority's lesser, easier to follow, opinions, beliefs and actions."

The heart Vergil described clenched and Lady's throat closed over a rising, powerful feeling. Mute, she opened her arms to Vergil. He didn't hesitate and strode to her where he pressed her close against him. Lady's eyes widened as she felt the warm energy flowing into her. With Dante, it'd been a tingling sensation, but with Vergil the tingling came a flood.

As the large part of herself flowed into her, Lady experienced, as if she'd been there, everything Vergil had. She thought his description of her almost matched his as she witnessed the onerous "duties" he'd taken on.

Breathless, Lady lifted herself to fit into him, and captured his mouth with her own. Vergil may not have been expecting her passionate kiss, but he was quick to respond. Luxuriating in her tangy scent and taste, he savored her soft curves molded to him. Lady's body went into meltdown and she didn't want to stop, but when her desire grew, and her hormones shouted for more, she drew slowly away with her lashes fluttering in a daze.

Inflamed, Vergil fiercely wanted to pull her back, but gave in. Being this close to her, he could sense Lady's feeling of being overwhelmed and baffled by her intense response to him.

Striving to calm her pounding blood and fluttering belly, Lady charmed Vergil with a shy smile as she said, "You know what I think Vergil? I think you deserve a reward. Would you like to get ice-cream with me? My treat."

"Ice-cream?" Vergil asked wondering whether Lady would ever cease to confound him.

Linking her arm through his, she began to lead him away as she explained, "Yeah. Ice-cream. Like in a large, loaded bowl of it. I know a terrific place that serves the best ice-cream you've ever tasted. I'll tell you what. You can even go for a double-decker sundae if you want." A slow, broad smile spread across Vergil.

With a glint of humor in his eyes, he told her, "You know what Lady? I think that sounds like a terrific idea." Lady laughed as she lengthened her strides - taking Vergil with her.