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Part 63 of The Portal-Opening Days are Over ...Not!
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2022-05-24
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2022-06-01
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Weakness

Summary:

A witch told you things you didn’t need to hear and they got to you. Now you are gone, leaving Vergil worried and bewildered.

Notes:

This was inspired when I got discouraged in writing and just lost my motivation one day, after a few weeks of trying to hold on to it, thus leaving my fics for a while (might not have been noticeable because my name still appeared in a collab ^__^;; ) That time when I was checking the parts of this ridiculously long series, I felt like suddenly being inactive is like suddenly leaving Vergil and the others after everything they have been through, all the memories, that’s just sad... And then cue lightbulb.

This is dedicated to my confidantes and protectors listed above ↑ and to everyone who has been reading my works for a while now. I call you all my fic-friends and I am really happy to have met you all here. I only wanted to make fics but I made friends as a bonus 🥰

Chapter 1: To Live in Fear

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

Vergil knew about the fortune teller witch. He knew you hadn't intended to hear it, but that witch had just cornered you somehow and told you things you didn't need to know. He knew you were bothered with the prediction, but he just kept telling you that everything would be fine for he wouldn’t let anyone harm you. He meant it every time he said that. He would readily give his life if it would keep you safe. He had even been doing those nighttime planning and trials, coming up with ways to protect you from whatever he would need to protect you from. But he hadn't thought that the saying was right, that ‘You are your own worst enemy.’  

 

The prediction was something about you being the weakness that a demon lord would utilize to end the powerful beings surrounding you. He did not hear it firsthand, but that was what he could remember you telling him. He even tried lightening it up by saying he might be that demon lord, and he would use you, or your help, to pull a prank on Dante, Nero and V. You two had talked about something like that last time you gave him and Dante a fun-punishment, so he used that idea. But it did not even make you smile. 

 

Vergil understood what you were worrying about. If he were to be honest, it struck him too, and he had thought of a name the moment you said demon lord. He just chose not to be affected for he knew that in times you were afraid, he ought to be the brave one. But he might have made a mistake somewhere. Perhaps he showed confidence a bit too much that you felt like he did not recognize your concerns. 

 

And now you were gone. 

 

You foolishly chose to leave, in fear of putting them all in danger. He had known for so long that you were physically weak indeed, relatively speaking that is. You were a klutz, for goodness' sake. But whenever you could do something to help, you were quick to do so. From simple sweet gestures, to giving them your human blood when needed, to even blocking his attack just to save that fake Vergil back then and give him a chance to change. You were weak but you were definitely strong-willed. But somehow, this one, the words of that wretched witch affected you. 

 

Vergil did not even know how you did it. He just came back to an empty home after a job with Dante. Had it not been for this letter, he would have thought that something bad had happened to you, or that someone had taken you away. But you had even prepared a letter for Dante, Nero and V, so that meant you really left by choice. 

 

He could only stare at this paper as he told himself that this was real. This was not one of his nightmares; this was real. 

Vergil,

I’m so sorry.
I know this is foolish, but you know my number one rule as your fan: I’d do everything so you and Dante will never get separated again.

I really don’t know what to say, but there’s a lot I want to tell you. I don’t know where to start, and they might not fit this paper.

The day you made a wrong portal to my apartment was the best thing that happened to me. I would never rewrite it or anything, even if it started a bit scary. Since then, I've had a lot of wonderful memories with you, and then with everyone. Thank you, for introducing me to your world and all its wonders. I'm really happy we met. Thank you for always (over)protecting me. You are the most adorkable and sweetest fool there is. Now I really understand how you felt that time you left, but I’m sorry I did it to you again this time. I’m just afraid. I don’t want to lose you, but losing you all is way scarier. So I’ll be strong. This is for everyone.  

I love you. ^__^ <--- I’m smiling like this so don’t worry about me.

Vergil would have believed it if the last part was not smudged by something he figured to be a teardrop. And if he kept staring at this paper, this letter might end up getting smudged in a lot more parts. 

 

Notes:

The letter skin was learned from How to Mimic Letters, Fliers, and Stationery Without Using Images by La_Temperanza 😍 Same thing I used in Human Education notebooks and edited it a little to change the colors ^_^;

Chapter 2: To Doubt Oneself

Chapter Text

 

Vergil had been trying but to his utmost frustration, it wouldn’t work. He couldn’t locate you with his portal.

 

He tried locating your Mini-Yamato instead, like how he did before, but to no avail. It felt like the Mini-Yamato was no longer drawing power from him. How did that happen? Even the necklace he gave you, even your Proto Angelo, he couldn’t feel their presence. Were you concealing yourself? How did you do that? Were you really hiding or someone powerful had taken you and was keeping you hidden?

 

Or was he just too distracted to properly conjure a portal? It had been about an hour of this miserable attempts so he decided to call Dante for help. Maybe his twin can think of something, or at least be more capable with the portal. The only problem was that, he might be too despondent to explain. “Dante... she’s gone. Come here.” He felt something about to resurface so he hung up right away, hoping whatever twin thing they had would work and Dante would get him.

 

Vergil couldn’t help but feel proud of his brother when Dante appeared in front of him in less than a minute via portal. “What happened? You sound--” Dante stopped. He probably confirmed how Vergil sounded when he saw the older twin.

 

##

 

Vergil had his head down while sitting on the couch, his hands buried in his hair and his arms leaning on his knees as he wallowed in self-blame. Dante figured out that much upon seeing his brother. He hit the jackpot when he heard Vergil mumble, “This is my fault.”

 

He said you were gone, and Dante didn’t need to ask about it when he saw what seemed to be letters on the table, one of which had his name on it.


Dante,

Sorry I didn’t consult ConfiDante this time. The witch said some accurate stuff about me so I can’t help but believe that prediction. I’m just scared of putting you all in danger. I already did that to you before, and we almost lost you. I can’t let that happen again.

Vergil might get mad because of what I did. Please keep an eye on him, so he won’t do something foolish. I’ve always watched your lives before, and I will continue to do so. That’s why I really cannot let even myself be a possible cause for you guys to be apart again. You two have been through hell enough. Life begins at 40, right? So you two should always do fun things together. Take pictures too, my pink camera is yours. It’s in Danica’s color though, hehe.

I consider myself so lucky to have met you guys and even become part of your family. You all made my life more meaningful. Vergil said that the wrong portal was your fault, so thank you, for starting this wonderful journey. I hope you understand and forgive what I did.


“Dammit, Little Big Sis,” was all Dante could say before letting out a chuckle, his usual one, the one for covering some things. Good thing Vergil wasn’t looking at him.

 

He glanced at his brother and noticed the Yamato beside him. Knowing how this fool wouldn’t usually ask for help, he could only conclude one thing. “So you can’t find her with the portal? It’s my time to shine then.”

 

So he tried. After a few failed attempts, Vergil stood up and joined him. This reminded him of that time with that Reboot Vergil. He realized that it was when you first called him your ConfiDante, fun times… Troublesome and a bit worrying yes, but in the end, things would turn out well and fun with you, like that demon parade. He wanted more of that. Vergil deserved more of that. So Dante poured all of those thoughts into conjuring a portal to wherever you were, but he couldn’t open one. Vergil was just as unsuccessful as he was. Where the hell could you be?

 

“Maybe we should call Nero,” Dante suggested. “The kid can conjure portals better than I do. He even learned this faster, didn’t he? And we have to tell the kids about their mom.”

 

“I do not want them to worry,” was Vergil’s quick and cold answer. This guy seemed to be on the path to shut himself away; Dante was all too familiar with that look. That made him appreciate it more how he was called here to help, and made him more motivated to involve the kids.

 

“Idiot, this is a family matter. They’d get mad at you if you don’t tell them right away. Honesty and communication, she always says that, right?” He figured that quoting you might help convince his stubborn brother. “And besides, it’s V who knows where we can find that witch.” Dante didn’t know he could pull off an evil grin.

 

Chapter 3: To Distrust Others

Chapter Text

 

“Kid, there’s a problem with your old man and your mom.” 

 

“What?! Did the asshole do something to Mom?!?” 

 

“Calm down, kid.” Dante couldn’t help but be amused at how Nero was quick to choose sides and to aim his potty mouth at Vergil. It reminded him of their father-and-son battle on top of the Qliphoth, with all the F-bombs. “He didn’t do anything. Your mom disappeared.” 

 

“What the fuck happened?! Did someone take her?” 

 

“No, I mean she left.” 

 

“Explain properly, damn it. You’re making me swear, there are kids here!” 

 

“Yeah, V’s here too, he can hear you.” Dante pointed the phone to V, although unnecessary for it was on speaker. 

 

“Sorry V. Don’t go cussing like your big brother. I’m gonna stab Dante next time I see him,” Nero said, to which Dante replied, “Why me!” making V chuckle a little. Somehow this lightened up the atmosphere, especially for V who flat out cried upon hearing that his mother left. Sometimes they really forget that V was just a child inside. 

 

Vergil, however, didn’t even seem to notice that Nero called him an asshole a minute ago. He was here but his mind was somewhere else. Dante could only hope that the way Vergil was staring in space meant he was ruling out some possibilities and thinking of solutions. He hoped it was the case and not Vergil thinking of how he was to blame in all of this. Dante had learned so far that it was one of their negative twinsies: the tendency to quietly blame themselves for being weak, for being there, for being not-there, for whatever shit that was happening around them. 

 

Dante’s thoughts were interrupted when Nero said, “Old man! What are you waiting for? Portal me there.” 

 

“Ah, yeah. V uh, you hide somewhere for a while,” Dante instructed. 

 

A few minutes later, Nero was with them and was already trying his luck to find you through a portal. Even V insisted he try too. Vergil was brought back to Earth when he heard that, as he was against letting V strain his body with a lot of transformations in one day. But V won; one of the rare times he went against the father he highly looked up to. The kid argued that he wouldn’t have anything to lose anyway, and his mother might be in danger, so if there’s even a little thing that would help, they ought to make use of it. That and because he was irresistible when he looked like he was about to cry, something he probably inherited from his mom. 

 

But no matter how much and how long they tried, they all failed. You were impossible to find. What the hell did you do to pull this off? 

 

## 

 

Nero was getting worried about his dad. Seeing him this way, like an empty Vergil shell... Damn, where’s the proud asshole who always walks like he owns the place? 

 

But he knew he had to take over for now, eldest kid in charge. Seeing how V was around seven years old again for the third time today, Nero’s strict tone came out. “That’s enough, V.” With this, he realized that even with portals that don't completely open but were conjured as the cross shape in space, V's allergy still get triggered. He couldn’t stand seeing his younger brother have his version of an extreme allergic reaction, one that’s equivalent to sneezing every second or getting hives all over one’s body. He couldn’t stand seeing the kid try so hard only to fail and transform repeatedly. V even looked like he was trying not to cry when he obeyed, so Nero rubbed the top of V’s head and said, “You’ve done well. Mom’s just hard to locate right now, but we’ll find her.” V just stared at him with a worried and unsure face, so he added, “There’s four of us looking for her, we’ll surely find her.” Somehow, after saying that, Nero imagined you saying his quote from the game, ‘Relying on numbers won’t do you any good.’ He smiled to himself, realizing that your quoting foolishness had reached even him. 

  

V then handed him a neatly folded sheet of pink paper with his name on it. “What is this? A letter?” V nodded, and showed the one with ‘V’ written, his little hand holding it as if clinging to it for life. “Have you read yours?” V just nodded again, looking as though he would end up crying if he speaks. So Nero ruffled V’s hair once more as he opened and read his. 


Nero,  

I’m so sorry to leave. I really wanted to help, together with your dad, to make up for all the years you felt alone, but I had to do this because your safety is more important.  

I hope you continue to referee those two old men. You know how chaotic they can get. I’ll be leaving your baby brother in your guidance too. Among you four, you seem to be the most responsible one and you have the strongest sense of what is right or wrong. But you don’t have to worry so much about V, his pokédemons are protecting him. Remember to have fun too, and let them take care of you as well. Those two old men care about you a lot more than they would let you know.

Mom will still be watching over you like how I've watched you through the games before. If you need someone to talk to, imagine me as your digital assistant in your Devil Breakers. Even if you break them, I’d still be in the next one, you cannot peel me (off it), I am a mango. ^_^  


“Damn it, Mom, why speak like you’re--” Nero tried to calm himself because V looked at him worried. He then forced a smile and said, “Don’t worry V, we’ll find her,” as he gave the kid a pat on the head. 

 

He then focused on the two old men’s conversation about going to the witch who caused this. Hearing that made him want to roll up his sleeves, with his blood boiling, craving for some ass-kicking. But then he recalled how you trust him to be the responsible one so he took a deep breath as if to reset himself. Then he held V’s little hand as they all went to the place, via portal, of course. Apparently, his dad really is a kick-ass portal master. V only had to tell Vergil a few details and he was able to open a portal to the witch’s location, in just one try, even if he hadn’t been there. 

 

But as if dousing Nero’s flames of revenge, Vergil told him and V to stay outside. Nero wanted to object but with the way his dad said it, Nero understood that his father meant serious business that his little brother should not be allowed to see. So he agreed without any word of complaint. 

 

## 

 

The place was eerie, as Dante expected. What he didn’t expect was that the witch seemed like she was expecting their arrival. “You showed up,” she greeted in an irritatingly composed manner. 

 

That should have been Vergil’s thing, but right now, the dork was out of his usual self. “Where is she?” he went straight for the goal. 

 

“Someone who doesn’t want to be seen will not be seen. And she is no longer in this world.” 

 

Vergil was about to attack her so Dante blocked his way and stepped in, “We have no time for some cryptic bullshit, Ms. Witchy. Just tell us what you know and we’ll get going.” 

 

“What I know? The only thing I know is that someone is looking for you.” She pointed to Vergil, her eyes never leaving that cliché crystal ball she was holding. “Someone powerful and someone who is waiting for a chance to come back.” 

 

“I don’t give a damn who’s looking for me. Even if it is him, then look all he wants. I’ll even welcome him with clawed arms wide open.” Vergil’s eyes were starting to glow blue. He was obviously trying to contain his rage but it seemed to be overflowing. “I will never let him, or even just the threat of him, take my mate away from me.” 

 

“But your mate already left you,” was the witch’s witty reply that just flicked Vergil’s switch. 

 

Good thing Dante was alert. He blocked the now-SDT’d Vergil’s claw from instantly snapping the witch’s neck. “This one’s still a human, Vergil, just with some power-ups. And she’s our only lead for now, so let’s try not to kill her,” Dante said with the familiar distortion in his voice. He, too, had to transform, to be sure to stop Vergil at the right time. 

 

“That witch might even be an ally of that demon lord in her prediction,” Vergil argued. 

 

“That, I assure you, I am not,” the witch stated. “It is normal to distrust, to think of everyone as your enemy when you are afraid. But I am no one’s enemy and no one’s ally. I merely tell what needs to be told.” 

 

Vergil reverted to human form when he answered, no more distortion but his voice was dripping with contempt. “She did not need to hear what you told her.”  

 

“I saw her remarkable fate and that she was going down the wrong path. I only told her what she ought to be aware of… her being a weakness and her own weaknesses.” 

 

“That concern is unsolicited,” Vergil was quick to reply. “Not everyone needs to be told of their weaknesses. More often than not, they already know it and are working on it. Telling them, even with halfhearted concern, might only dishearten them more than help them. If you have so much time to unnecessarily intrude into the lives of others, how about you use some of that for yourself?” 

 

Hearing all of that, Dante thought, wow, he did stop his brother from assaulting this witch but Vergil still hit her hard. Was this coming from his own experiences? Well that book from that model Vergil did say that Mundus made him look at his humanity more as his weakness, that’s why he threw it away. Yes, Dante read that book, secretly, because you made him do so. To help understand his twin more, you said, though it was written by one from a different universe, but one that had the same basic trauma package. 

 

“Vergil, let’s uh, why don’t we try to look for her in her world,” Dante then suggested, pulling his brother away from the witch. He figured they wouldn’t get anything from here anyway, and she did say that you were no longer in this world. And besides, the last thing they would want is for this witch to do some witchy magic and turn his brother into a toad or something. 

 

“I would have located her via portal even if she’s in her world. That was how we met,” Vergil argued. 

 

“Who knows, maybe something’s just up with our portal and she’s just there. We're all distracted so maybe that’s a factor.” Dante knew he might be giving his brother false hope but they had to check everywhere and however they could. 

 

Chapter 4: To Expect Disappointment

Chapter Text

 

Vergil knew you were not in your world. When he was searching for you with his portal, he wasn’t just trying to locate you in his world but everywhere. All those wrong portals to other universes gave him confidence that he could access and search through the multiverse. Though he had to be careful to find the right you, not another version. But since it did not succeed, here he was now, trying, as Dante suggested, to find you with non-portal methods. He knew it was pointless, it would only lead to disappointment, but a glimmer of hope was worth grasping. So he went to your world, while Dante and his sons continued the search in theirs. Dante even said he would ask help from old connections. 

 

Upon arriving, Vergil had thought of only one person. Someone whom you had a very close relationship with. Someone who would surely protect you even from someone as overprotective as your husband. Someone who wouldn’t waste a second if you called for help and probably even have you picked up from wherever you were if you tell him that you ran away from home. So Vergil called him. Even if it would sting a little that this person hid you from him, Vergil would rather have it that way than be back to square one. 

 

“Oniichan... please tell me you know where she is.” Vergil was feeling that hopeless, begging his brother-in-law to say that he kidnapped you. But as he expected, he got disappointed. Oniichan did not help you run away, nor did he know anything about your worries. He was surprised, still showing his siscon, but was panicking and rambling. 

 

“My Imouto is a pro in hide-and-seek. I doubt she’s doing that right now, but try to check your ceiling just to be sure. There was a time when we were kids, she hid in the ceiling. I still don’t know how she got there, but she said she just read that idea from a random book. She said she hid there so she can see me looking for her, and that was during her horror-sadistic phase. I couldn’t find her, it was already nighttime, and we all got worried and searched, even got the police involved. Turns out she fell asleep while hiding in the ceiling. She said she got hungry and weak, then fell asleep, but adults called it passing out. And the ceiling didn’t have a good ventilation so... Why am I telling you this story? My Imouto is a motivated fool sometimes. Aww, you two are really perfect for each other. I'm so worried, what should we do...” 

 

Vergil could hear someone in the background, telling Oniichan to calm down and breathe. Seeing this as a similarity you shared with your older brother made Vergil smile a little somehow. 

 

“Wait, this reminds me of the movie Gone Girl. Did she make you watch that? She made me watch that before. Your relationship is not on the rocks, is it? Because in the movie, the wife disappeared and there were clues and there was a treasure hunt and the husband was getting framed to have killed her and--” 

 

“I would never harm her, Oniichan,” Vergil stated with all confidence that was left in him right now. “And our relationship is fine... was fine... I hope... I fear that I might have made her feel unheard so she resorted to this... I am now unsure of everything.” 

 

“Hey, hey, calm down, I should be the one doing the extreme up-down reactions.” Oniichan gave a chuckle before turning serious. “I’ll have my guys find her-- I mean, I’ll... I’ll use my connections to help. I’ll take care of the search in this side of the portal so you can focus on yours.” 

 

Vergil smiled upon hearing that. Oniichan even said the same line he heard from Dante before leaving his world. He was glad to now have two supportive brothers who somehow had a network of people they could rely on in times of need. And it was amusing that Oniichan was a Dante main, as you called it. 

 

But then he heard Oniichan speaking in a foreign language. He knew that, he studied that... Nihongo? Oniichan must have thought he had ended the call and was talking to someone else, probably through another phone. He had a different tone from his usual, something serious yet suave, and he seemed like he was convincing the other person. Is that the connections he was talking about? Then Vergil heard the terms ‘Oyabun’ and ‘Aniki’, and a certain anime you made him watch quickly came to his mind. “Oniichan... Are you perhaps a yakuza?” 

 

“Vergil? You’re still there?” He laughed nervously. “That’s... that’s just roleplay with my buddies. Gotta go,” and he feigned static sound, “There’s a tunnel,” and some more fake static sound, before he finally hung up. 

 

Vergil’s palm and a smile made their way onto his face. He told himself he would just ask about that next time. Right now, he had to look for you and he was thankful that Oniichan had ‘connections’ that would help. Somehow, he was also grateful that in your stead, your older brother made him smile with all those foolishness. 

 

Chapter 5: To Feel Lost

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

V had been staying in his father’s apartment since his mother disappeared. It had been a week, exactly a week now, and there were still no good news or other leads. Even Uncle Dante and Uncle Oniichan’s connections did not get any good results.

 

His father, meanwhile, still tried to locate you with his portal but he often did it in the building’s rooftop to avoid triggering V’s allergy. V insisted that Vergil do it in the apartment, because he wanted to keep an eye on his father, as Uncle Dante instructed. Uncle Dante seemed worried about something else. He mentioned something about father’s tendencies though V did not understand it well. V also knew his father wanted to try as often as possible so at least being able to conjure a portal inside the house meant Vergil would not suddenly disappear without V knowing too. He just didn’t want both of his parents to leave him. V even designated an area in the living room and labeled it “Father’s Portal-Opening Corner”. Upon seeing it, Vergil grabbed his own chest and inhaled sharply, as if in pain, before heading straight to his room. V did not know if he did a bad thing, but Vergil thanked him the next day and used it.

 

Despite all, Vergil was still being a responsible father to him – cooking food for him, and other things. But V said that he was used to living alone in his apartment so his father didn’t have to take care of his needs. He just didn’t want to burden his father, knowing the current situation. Vergil did comply and now he was locking himself in his room. Apparently, his father duties were the only thing keeping him grounded. Uncle Dante said that Father was used to relying on his demonic side so eating and sleeping were not among his basic necessities when in this world. But V was still worried so he would always prepare a meal and leave it on a small table by his father’s door, but it wouldn’t get noticed.

Big Brother Nero

How's dad?

He hasn’t come out of his room for two days now.

I'm worried about him 🥺

We’ll visit there. I’ll call Dante.

Thank you, Big Brother Nero.

Just call me Nero

🥺

Alright, alright! You and mom have that power 😒

Mommy... (╥╯θ╰╥)

Don't cry 😣

At least that chat with his big brother gave V some sort of a relief. Maybe if it was the loud Uncle Dante, his father would come out and at least tell them what he had been thinking about, such as new ideas to try. Exiting the chat app, V saw his phone’s wallpaper. It was him and Nero eating a cinnamon roll. Their mother took that photo but said something about cannibalism while laughing, though V did not understand it well. Sometimes adults were strange. Recalling this, he took his mother’s letter from his pocket and reread it.


V,

Sorry Mommy had to go away...

Please take care of your father. Sometimes he doesn’t eat or sleep. Scold him for his bad habits. Take care of yourself too, of course. You're still my baby even whenever you are taller than me. I’ll still be watching over you somehow, Mommy has a magic trick to do that. So whenever you miss me or when you need someone to talk to, just speak to your phone as if you’re just video-chatting with me like usual. Talk to my photo there if it helps you imagine it.


So V did browse his gallery for a solo photo of you. “I hope you can really hear me with this, Mother,” he said before he started telling the photo about his worries.

 

##

 

Vergil was lying in bed when he heard V’s voice say “Mother” all of a sudden. He doubted it at first, thinking that maybe V was just missing you and calling you out like how children do when upset. But it sounded like he was having a conversation. Vergil didn’t hear another person’s voice but the way V was telling updates on what was happening in here, that got Vergil standing up and heading out of his room. He was about to knock on V’s door when a portal opened behind him, revealing Dante and Nero.

 

“I thought you weren’t coming out of your room?” Dante greeted with his usual mocking tone but he seemed to have decided against continuing it upon seeing his brother. Vergil knew his hair was out of its usual glory, among other things. He knew he looked like a mess, but it didn’t matter right now.

 

“I heard V talking to her,” was Vergil’s current priority. He knew mothers had such instincts that would make them attached to their child, and he was clinging to that small possibility. “She might be--” He didn’t even finish his assumption as his hand knocked on the door ahead of his will.

 

V opened the door and, in the child’s innocent delight, he hugged his father upon seeing him. “Were you talking with your mother?” Vergil’s tone sounded strict and cold, making V look instantly frightened. “I am not mad, child, don’t be afraid.”

 

V nodded and showed his phone, revealing a photo of you, smiling brightly as if the world was made of cotton candy and rainbows. Vergil lightly shook his head to refocus as V showed him a familiar pink paper and explained, “Mother told me in her letter to speak to her photo when I need someone to talk to. Sorry if I led you to a misunderstanding, Father.” Vergil rubbed the top of V’s head to console the child as he took the letter and read it.

 

“Come to think of it, Mom said something similar to me,” Nero stated as he took his letter from his jacket pocket. He handed it to Vergil right away, saying, “Maybe you’ll get some clues there.”

 

“Yeah, that’s a great idea. Check out mine too,” Dante said as he searched all of his pockets. “She didn’t exactly tell me to talk to my phone or something...”

 

“That’s because you don’t have a cell phone, old man,” Nero remarked with a sarcastic smile. “You two still live with the dinosaurs.”

 

Dante just messed Nero’s hair as he continued searching for the letter. Nero slapped his hand away in response. V looked like he was getting worried, while Vergil was trying his best to wait patiently. Then Dante grinned and extended his hand the same way he would do when he would summon his devil sword. And there appeared a rolled sheet of pink paper.

 

V clapped his hands in amazement while Nero huffed, “Show off.” Vergil just shook his head, smiling very slightly as he took the letter. He knew his foolish twin was just trying to lift the mood as usual, especially for the young ones.

 

Vergil then focused on the letters, even included his. As he read through them again, realization hit him and one name instantly came to mind. Or was it two names?

 

Notes:

The chat part was inspired by/learned from How to Make iOS Text Messages on AO3 😍

All clues are out. Every chapter has at least one. Any guesses? 😅

Chapter 6: To Try Again

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 

“I’ve always watched your lives before, and I will continue to do so.”  

 

“Mom will still be watching over you like how I've watched you through the games before. If you need someone to talk to, imagine me as your digital assistant in your Devil Breakers.”  

 

“I’ll still be watching over you somehow, Mommy has a magic trick to do that. So whenever you miss me or when you need someone to talk to, just speak to your phone as if you’re just video-chatting with me like usual. Talk to my photo there if it helps you imagine it.”  

 

“The day you made a wrong portal to my apartment was the best thing that happened to me. I would never rewrite it or anything, even if it started a bit scary.”  

 

Rewrite, huh?  

 

All of those gave Vergil hope to try again. ‘So it is like foolishly hiding in the ceiling, somewhere you can see us but we cannot see you.’ That thought made him smile a little. 

 

He wasn’t sure if you really left those as clues in the letters... No, it was probably just what was occupying your mind when you wrote them. He knew you had that tendency: you couldn't stop thinking of something that was bothering you, so you would unintentionally drop hints of your worries or plans everywhere. He knew that even your fanfics reflected that. But he was thankful for them, because now he knew where to find you. 

 

Wearing his battle-ready outfit and hairstyle, Vergil entered a portal not to you, but to the person he had long been wanting to stab. It was amusing that this person was wearing the same. 

 

“Pres? What are you doing here?” 

 

An array of summoned swords appeared above Vergil’s shoulders the same time he asked, “Where is she, Peeper?” 

 

“She doesn’t want to be seen.” Vergil2 took a few steps back. 

 

“It is not up to you to decide.” Vergil drew the Yamato. 

 

“But it is up to her, and I respect her decision.” Vergil2 smirked and drew his katana as well. 

 

“Are we to settle this the way we do with Dante?” Vergil gave a smirk in return as he made the spectral swords shatter. 

 

“Works for me. I’ve always wanted to try it with you.” Vergil2 shrugged before forming his stance. 

 

They both dropped their sheaths and held their swords with both hands, a different style from Iaido but one that was fitting for a one-on-one. They didn’t mind how they were in a living room with furniture around, even the foolish Vergil2 who lived in here. 

 

They were about to charge at each other when they heard, “Vergil?” 

 

Vergil froze upon hearing your voice and seeing you by the door. His whole body suddenly turned frail that he dropped the Yamato as he went to you. He didn’t care about his urge to stab the peeper anymore, he just wanted to hold you right at that moment. 

 

But then Vergil2 reappeared in front of you, blocking Vergil’s hand. “She’s mine, Pres.” Vergil’s eyes widened in surprise. “Now you know how I felt that time,” Vergil2 teased. 

 

Vergil2 then introduced his you, although unnecessary and irritating. He even embraced her and kissed her, which made Vergil want to stab him more. But the peeper made sense; this must be how he felt before, and Vergil was being a possessive fool back then. 

 

“I do not want us to fight in front of her so tell me where mine is,” Vergil said, more to interrupt Vergil2’s irksome display of affection. 

 

“I’ve already told you, Pres, she doesn’t want to be seen. She’s hiding from you.” And while saying that, Vergil2 hid his wife behind him too. 

 

But before Vergil could argue, she tugged at Vergil2’s sleeve, the same endearing way you would do when you wanted to suggest something. “Vergil…” Her voice, especially in that concerned tone, was music to Vergil’s ears, even if he wasn’t the Vergil being called. Just one week without you already made him this pathetic. “He needs to see her. You know all too well how that feels. Help him,” she said, looking at her husband with her most convincing pleading eyes. It must be a secret weapon of all the you’s in the multiverse. 

 

And Vergil2 must have known that too, for he shut his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose while smiling and saying, “You know I can’t say no to that.” 

 

Notes:

Funny how in The-Butterfly-Effect Vergil, Peeper said, “I could kidnap you and run away to a portal to my world, you know.” And now it somehow came true. 😆

Chapter 7: To Give Up?

Notes:

Double the Vergil, double the update 😆
Challenge: How many times did the name Vergil appear in this chapter? 😏🤣

Chapter Text

 

“Can't we go there via portal?” Vergil asked as he fastened his seatbelt. It felt strange to sit in the passenger seat of this same car he had. 

 

“Excited much, Pres?” Vergil2 teased as he started driving. 

 

“Stop calling me that.” 

 

Vergil2 laughed before explaining, “We might scare the kids; they are everywhere in that place. It already happened once, so she made me promise not to portal-pop there again.” 

 

“Your way of speaking is odd.” 

 

“Well I’m OOC, remember?” 

 

Vergil then narrowed his eyes at his look-alike and asked, “How were you able to do it behind my back?” 

 

“Don’t say it like we have betrayed you, Pres,” Vergil2 whined. But Vergil just huffed, so he explained, “She called me with her Mini-Yamato and told me everything. You should be proud of how much she trusts us. She ran away with a Vergil just to protect a Vergil.” 

 

Vergil remained quiet, so the peeper was compelled to add, “Seriously though, she must have known that I’m someone who can relate to how she’s feeling. You know my story, Pres. I gave up my wife just to keep her safe. I even once let Dante have her, remember?” 

 

“Since you mentioned Dante, are you not concerned that the prediction on her would apply in your universe?” 

 

“We don’t have a V in here. There’s just three of us hybrids around her here, while the prediction mentioned four.” Vergil2 smiled wistfully upon saying that. He must be feeling a little-- “Yeah, I’m bummed about not having a child with her,” the OOC peeper interrupted Vergil’s thoughts. “Next time introduce me to V. The kid, I mean,” he added, grinning.

 

Vergil couldn’t help but wonder how this man interacted with his Dante and Nero, with all his non-Vergil behavior. But then again, maybe Vergil2 was just like this when with his wife, which extended to you and then to him when this man had visited his universe before. Vergil himself had his walls down when with you. 

 

“How’d you realize she was with me?” Vergil2 then asked, bringing Vergil back from his thoughts. 

 

“Your peeping portal,” Vergil stated with a hint of aversion, making Vergil2 laugh. 

 

“Why are you like that, Pres? Peeping portals are great! Want me to teach you?” Vergil2 teased, before realizing, “Her Mini-Yamato is actually perfect for that, with all its mini-capabilities.” 

 

“What did you do to her Mini-Yamato? I can sense that it is no longer drawing power from me,” Vergil then asked. 

 

“Well it’s in my jurisdiction now so...” He flashed a sly smile when he added, “That and of course, to hide it from you. You know how a Vergil does things. We plan well and plug all holes. We're unstoppable when we’re motivated.” 

 

Vergil just hissed. 

 

“Are you not going to ask how I hid her presence?” Vergil2 seemed excited to reveal it. 

 

“Using Jin’s blood spell?” Vergil told of his best guess, but he had doubts about this because that spell would make your body untouchable. 

 

“Who’s Jin?” Vergil2 asked, making Vergil realize that this peeper had never met the fake Vergil. So their timelines were the same just in the roommate days? Perhaps one day he should have tea with this guy and talk about their timeline differences. “But I think I know what blood spell you are talking about,” Vergil2 continued. “That one’s outdated though. I used an item to channel the spell, instead of casting it on her directly. I call them Concearrings!” He grinned, and when Vergil just kept his uninterested look, he over-explained, “Because they are earrings that conceal her presence! But she has to wear them all the time. Cool, isn’t it? Gave you a hard time locating her, right? I just came up with that spell variation. Want me to teach you how to do it?” 

 

Hearing all that and Vergil2’s smirk made Vergil want to stab this annoying OOC version of himself even more. One time he would challenge this man to a sparring, and that would be of higher priority than the tea, for all the pent-up urge to stab. Though this made him realize that Vergil2, having experienced losing his you a lot of times, must be someone who was more overprotective than he was. This man probably did more nighttime experiments or worse. 

 

“You’re awfully quiet, Pres. You still mad at me for cock-blocking you when I called before? That was a long time ago.” Vergil2 laughed. “Though truly, for me it has been so long. You know the time difference?” 

 

“Tell me.” 

 

“Well I’m curious too,” Vergil2 stated before chuckling, which made Vergil want to just hit him with anything really, if only he wasn’t driving. “It’s about time we figure out, right? Isn’t that an exciting multiverse thing? Do you have other Vergil friends? I heard you met a model one.” 

 

“Just...” It was Vergil’s turn to pinch the bridge of his nose. It was probably even long due. 

 

Vergil2 just laughed and said, “Well she’s been here for a month and a half. How long was she gone in yours?” 

 

“A week.” 

 

“Ooh, so 1 is to 6 then.” Vergil2 then realized, “That means I’m older than you! Or will be older than you eventually. You should show some respect.” He laughed yet again. 

 

“How far is this school we are going to? I cannot stand another minute here with you.” Vergil sounded so irritated, making Vergil2 laugh some more. 

 

“We were here five minutes ago. I just circled around the area because we were still catching up.” 

 

“Damn you.” 

 

“Love you too, Pres.” Vergil2 couldn’t stop laughing even while the grumpy Vergil was getting out of the car. 

 

## 

 

The moment Vergil saw you —his real you— his heart raced. 

 

The two Vergils watched, or peeped in your class, from afar, through the big glass part of the door. Apparently, you had been working here as a pre-school teacher too. You looked happy and content, with that beautiful, energetic smile. And that quick sequence of nervous look then sheepish grin you wore when you almost dropped the item you were showing your students, he missed seeing that. 

 

“She really is a bit clumsy, isn’t she?” Vergil2 remarked. 

 

“A bit?” At least in this regard, Vergil found his other version agreeable. 

 

Vergil2 then explained, “You know how overprotective I am, but she insisted that I don’t have to house-arrest her. So I just gave her those four uh, guardian demons. Protection for each direction.” 

 

“Yes, I can see them. Don’t they scare her or the children?” 

 

“She cannot see them. I made them invisible to human eyes, but they are always alert.” Vergil2 sounded a bit serious now that he was doing shoptalk. “Your Proto Angelo is good but he takes a few seconds to transform, compared to these guardian demons who are just out in the open. They cannot be seen but they can catch her and the like when needed. But I told her to keep wearing the bracelet, since a backup won’t hurt. And that way, it will be under the Concearrings’ spell so you cannot track it too.” 

 

“You are this overprotective.” 

 

“Well...” Vergil2 chuckled, now seeming a bit humble. “You know what I've been through. And I’m still kind of the demon king to some in here so I made use—er, gave purpose to those who have sworn loyalty.” 

 

“Perhaps you are the demon lord in the prediction… You took her and ended the happy lives of us four,” Vergil mumbled. 

 

“What’s that? Sorry, I got distracted with those cute kids.” Vergil2 looked as though he had hearts as eyes. What a pitiful man. He was probably in that period Vergil had experienced before... that period of wanting a child with you, which had started when he'd spent time with the little you and ended— Well it had not ended, as he still wanted some more. "What’d you say, Pres?” Vergil2 repeated, disrupting Vergil’s thoughts. 

 

“Nothing.”  

 

The class then ended, and the children went out of the room. The two Vergils, however, remained peeping in place. 

 

“What’s taking you so long, Pres? You made me bring you here but you seem to be chickening out,” Vergil2 remarked, glancing at him. “Ah, I get it. I know that look. I was that. You see her happy and safe now, so you’re hesitating to take her back to where you know she will be in danger. That is how you are feeling right now, isn’t it?” 

 

“You really are an OOC Vergil, aren’t you? You’re even revealing the thought process of a Vergil.” 

 

“Well you know me.” Vergil2 shrugged. To Vergil’s surprise, the peeper maxed his being OOC and pushed Vergil towards the open classroom door, saying, “Now you pretend to be the OOC one.” Then he teleported away. 

 

Of course you noticed this. A tall man nearly stumbled outside your door. The few remaining children in the hallway even laughed, so it made you look. But you welcomed him with a smile and asked, “What brings you here, Peeping Vergil?” 

 

Chapter 8: To Continue?

Chapter Text

 

Seeing Vergil2 needed some getting used to. Whenever you would see him, your heart would jolt, and you would get a mix of nervousness and excitement. Then your brain would tell you that it wasn't your Vergil, that it was a different one. Even after living here for more than a month, you would still get this sequence of reactions in you whenever you would see him.

 

That was why you insisted on living away from Vergil2 and his wife. It was hard, seeing them, seeing a different version of you and Vergil... The two of them finally being together after being tested by fate... You had that. But you gave it up. It was for him though, and for his family. It would be selfish of you to stay, knowing that you would one day cause their demise. But suddenly leaving them was selfish too. You left the child who was still at an age when he needed his mother’s guidance. You left the child you treated as your own, the one who also accepted you as his mother. You left your trusted confidant, who was always there to help in the problems and to join in the fun. You left the man you loved, the one who would always give his all just to keep you safe and happy in the foolish ways he could.

 

And every time you would see Vergil2, you would get reminded of all those you had left behind. But you always forced a smile for him, because Vergil2 had helped you. He helped you with your worries and helped secure a better future for those you cared about. So the least you could do was welcome him with a smile... even if it would hurt a lot to see him, bearing the face and appearance of the man you badly wanted to see and hold.

 

“What brings you here, Peeping Vergil?” You greeted him, smiling wide as you held back the tears that were threatening to fall. You were getting good at this.

 

##

 

“What brings you here, Peeping Vergil?” You smiled at Vergil and he felt a strange mix of excitement and disappointment. Was that even possible? You were tidying up the classroom, arranging flashcards and returning materials to their proper places, so Vergil went in and helped you. “Were you peeping in my class just now?” you teased when he started assisting.

 

Vergil racked his brain for something good to say. He badly wanted you back, and it had been that way for the past few days. Why was he hesitating now that you were right in front of him? He longed to hold you, but why did you have to mistake him as the peeper? “Y-You’re a peeper too,” was the only thing he could manage as he tried to show no emotion, despite currently having a lot all at once. You looked shocked for a while, then you laughed at what he said. He missed that. Some arm-slaps too if you would…

 

“Yeah, I guess I’m one. About that…” You took the Mini-Yamato from your pocket. A small smile escaped him, seeing how you still carry his gift with you even in here. If you were to check his pocket, the Dante and Nero toys were there too.

 

“There seems to be something wrong because I couldn’t see Vergil with this when I tried it earlier,” you said, showing the miniature katana on your palm. He wanted to hold it but he feared his defense would crumble with just his fingertips touching your hand. “I’ve been looking for him but to no avail. I haven’t tried uh, peeping on the others after that though. I hope my Vergil is doing well.” You smiled wistfully, which instantly gave him a pinch in his chest. Of course you wouldn’t see him through your peeping portal; he was right here. “You're unusually quiet, Peeping Vergil. Is there something wrong?”

 

“I...”

 

“Did you get scolded by Other Me again?” You smiled again when you said that, but one that was more natural than the others. Seeing this, Vergil couldn’t stop himself from suddenly hugging you.

 

So he failed to control this, but his pretense would not be rendered invalid because of a hug. He was leaning on not saying anything and just leaving. He realized that if there really was a threat in his universe, then it would certainly put you in danger too. Perhaps you would be safer in here. Vergil2 would surely protect you, probably even more than he could, since Vergil2 had already lost his you a lot of times before. Vergil2 might be OOC and foolish but he knew what he was doing.

 

“Vergil2 needs a hug?” you said, chuckling then rubbing Vergil’s back. It didn’t help that the line reminded him of your first ever hug, back then when you were drying his hair. He had to be strong; right now he was Vergil2.

 

And yes, perhaps he could just visit you here from time to time while pretending to be the peeper. That way you will be kept safe. That would even be amusing how you peep at him through portals while he visits you here as Peeping Vergil. At least he could still see you then. Holding you, however…

 

“But suddenly hugging me is not good,” you lightly scolded him. “I'm still a different me. She might not like it if you’re touchy with other women even if it’s another version of her. I’m sure you wouldn’t want other Vergils hugging her too, right?” But that just made Vergil hold you tighter.

 

It was silent for a while as he didn’t really know what to say. He knew what must be done, but something was keeping him from fully going with it. The longer you were in his arms, the more his resolve faltered. Should he just leave you too, for your safety, much like what you did? Should he be selfish and take you back, and just cross the demon-lord bridge when he gets there? He knew he had to decide now, for he felt like this chance to hold you was about to end.

 

But Vergil’s thoughts were interrupted when your arms wrapped around him too. Then your breath started hitching and you hid your face in his chest. Though you seemed like you were fighting back your tears as you took a deep but shaky breath. He knew all too well how you were whenever you would do that. “Sorry, Vergil2, I just miss him so much,” you said softly, with obvious effort to make your voice sound normal and cheerful.

 

Then you pulled away, forcing a smile when you said, “You really shouldn’t just hug me like that. I’m weak. I don’t want Other Me to be mad at me.” But Vergil wanted more. He didn’t know which path to choose but the only thing he was sure of was that he wanted more of that embrace. Would it be fine if he pulled you into his arms again? Would it be fine if he let himself be selfish one last time before really giving up?

 

But somehow the universe seemed against it. The moment he was about to reach for you, a child entered the room, thereby catching your attention. You took a box of crayons from your desk and went to the boy, saying, “You forgot this.”

 

When Vergil turned to face the one that sealed his fate, this child looked frightened. “Are you a ghost? You were there.” He pointed outside. “And now you’re here.” He pointed to Vergil.

 

You asked the boy what he was talking about, and he pulled you to the door. Then you saw Vergil2 in the hallway, smiling sheepishly. “I tried to keep the kid from entering the room but I got distracted with the other cute kids. Sorry, Pres,” he explained quickly.

 

From the way you slowly turned to face Vergil, he knew realization had come upon you. You still looked in shock so he took the initiative and said, “Peeper, take the child and close the door.”

 

The moment the door closed, Vergil wasted no time and kissed you. It was odd for this kiss was a bit salty, but he felt like he never wanted it to end. But you had to breathe so he settled on stroking your cheek and wiping those tears away. Then you did the same to him, making him smile. He might be going OOC too, but he didn’t care. You two were in a different world anyway, and it was just you who was with him. You were the only one he allowed himself to be fully honest with.

 

And Vergil did say in all honesty, “I want you back...” He wasn’t really sure about this; it was just from the top of his head. “I do not know what’s good for you anymore. But what is all this power for, if I don’t get to be with the person I care about the most?” He held your hands as he continued, “I will protect you. We will all protect you. Dante and our children, we will also keep each other safe so you don’t have to worry about us. We won’t let anyone use you to hurt us.”

 

“But I can’t risk endangering you guys. My weakness will only cause you harm.” You looked worried and afraid, and he wished he had paid more heed to that when you first told him about it.

 

Vergil pulled you into an embrace as he countered, “You are weak, but you have your strengths too. And with those strengths, you have made me happier in the relatively short amount of time we have been together than how I have been my whole life. It wasn’t just me, for you gave Dante a best friend, you gave Nero a mother, and you gave us V.”

 

“But the prediction...” You gripped his coat, which told him of your fear.

 

“Remember how Vergil2 did all his rewrites? Every action or decision can lead to a different future. That prediction may no longer be true now.”

 

And when you did not respond, Vergil suggested, “We can have that witch read your future again. We will use everything she finds out for us to be prepared." He stroked your hair as he continued, "You know how overprotective I am. I will spend my insomnia nights again thinking of plans and strategies for that.”

 

That earned him a chuckle from you, leaving him wanting more of your pleased reactions. So he added, “I have always been the paranoid one. You see how many eyes Urizen had?” You hit his side lightly, and it was his turn to laugh a little, more because he missed that. “So let me do all that worrying and fearing for your safety. That’s my field of expertise.” He then pulled back to face you. “Just please come back to me... to us, with Dante, Nero and V.”

 

Vergil looked at you intently, holding your shoulders and his breath as he waited for your reply. When you finally nodded, he felt a shower of relief and he couldn’t stop himself from kissing you again. He just hoped that Vergil2 kept all the children away from this classroom, and that the fool wasn’t peeping right now.