Infusion of Essence
Nayeli Niji

A/N: I'd like to start off saying, my best and most fantabulous critic commented that part three seemed a bit short, so I've put to work making my chapters even longer. x) Starting with this one. I figure some of the days worth of events would take up some manner of space, ne?

As usual, feedback would be dandy.

Disclaimer: Like always, without fail and forever more, Capcom is the own of Devil May Cry and every single concept spawning from it. x) Except what I made up. That'd be all me. Enjoy.
--

Part Four: Three Days' Count

“Find it yet?” Adelina asked of Vergil with a playful smirk.

As he turned to face her, she just then became aware of their environment; they were in a courtyard of a manour she couldn't recall ever being in before that moment. The sky had gone a strange orange colour as a black and purple vortex was spiraled lively behind him. Everything it touched shriveled and died.

Vergil's expression was furious, though a smirk finally surfaced. It wasn't a welcoming one either, “You tell me.”

The moment he finished the statement, a sharp pain pierced her lower stomach area. Her hands found themselves clutching one of his summoning swords; the cause. Adelina gave him a frightened look as she fell to the ground and screamed out in agony. He smiled, “Foolish girl...”

The next thing she knew, she was back in her room gazing up at Vergil who stood over her. There seemed to be a suppressed look of anxiety about him.

“...what did you say?” she sat up quickly earning herself a stroke of pain to the forehead.

“Foolish girl,” he emphasized the vowels more now.

She sighed a breath of relief as she curled her legs and hid her face in her knees. The deep searing pain was still lingering in her gut. Just then, Vergil scoffed, “You really can't recall, can you?”

Adelina's heart leaped in her throat, “Recall...what?”

He almost laughed, “Your demon friends were split into two divisions. You were stabbed close to a vital area and almost killed...” He said it accusingly as if it had been her fault alone.

That explained her nightmare. She rubbed her lower stomach finding thick bandages and a world of pain. He reacted with a twitch to it as she gasped and cringed, “I'd advise you not to touch it.”

“How long?” she managed to ask.

“Two days, at most,” Vergil sat at the edge of her bed and gazed through the balcony doors, “I took most of the blow, though.”

Adelina looked up gasping, this time of fright, “You should be resting!”

She crawled over the blankets ignoring her pain to look at his wound. He was wearing just that blue button shirt, and he stopped her when she moved to unbutton the bottom, “You are the one who needs rest. You're still so disoriented that you forget wounds as such,” he lifted the shirt a bit to reveal smoothed skin, not even scarred, “are no feat for me.”

She stayed frozen watching his skin move with his breath before letting out a very weak and pained sigh and gently leaning her semblant against his chest. He stopped all movement and watched her with a taken aback expression before deciding to let it pass and repositioned his arm around her. Adelina dropped a lot of her weight onto him as he realized she was sobbing. What was this?

“Adelina,” he said putting both hands on her shoulders, but not really finding it necessary to move her away. She'd never be able to make eye contact through tears, “What's wrong? Now I know the wound isn't that painful.”

Her hand clutched tightly at his shirt, “You were hurt...because of me.”

“That is why you're crying?” he said bluntly.

Adelina began to shake softly, “My alistair...”

He froze hearing that, “I didn't know you had one...”

“'Had',” she snapped.

It made sense suddenly. One of an alistair's many jobs was to protect the woman he courts with his life. Hers must have died at her defense. He didn't need her to tell him that. Vergil tightened his grip on her shoulders, “Well, when I break this bond, you will have nothing more to worry about. I will not die so long as you live. The rest I can take care of.”

She turned her face up towards him. Her voice was filled with wonder, “Heh...you're so certain.”

“And you are not. One of us needs to be.”

Adelina smiled through her tears. He always made everything so absolute and like law. If he said he was going to do something, he meant it. Even if he stated something that was purely opinion on his part, he made her almost believe it as fact...

“I'm sorry...for this,” she wiped at the damp spot on his shirt where her tears had wet with the butt of her hand.

Vergil watched for several moments before placing his own hand over hers. Their eyes locked momentarily. She blushed and looked away, “So--”

“Forget it,” he said pulling away and moving to the balcony, “You need rest. I can feel it.”

Adelina nodded, “Sorry...sometimes I forget that it's uncomfortable for you too.” she curled into the blankets and watched him, half of his figure a dark, almost demonic silhouette against the first light of day, the other an illuminate man more beautiful than any human.

It was warm out. It was a beautiful autumn day and she was giggling in the pile of coloured leaves. A boy was yelling out having lost sight of her, “Adelina! Where the hell did you disappear to?!”

She tried to hide completely in the pile before he saw, but failed. He sighed, “Adelina, you're fifteen for the Goddess's sake!”

She giggled and smiled with a brightness of innocence in her eyes, “And you're eighteen, it's good that we establish these boundaries.”

He rolled his eyes, “Smartass.”

She was laughing again as she rolled in the leaves away from him. Within the blink of an eye, he'd leaped over her and picked her out into his arms bridal style. His face was glowing as he tried not to smile. He really wanted to, she could tell.

“I like it better when you're happy. “ she rubbed her nose against his as a light blush appeared on his cheeks.

He watched her in silent contemplation before sitting in the leaves holding her tightly. She kissed his cheek affectionately as she tightened her hug.

He was perfect in his timing – as he usually was – in finding her lips and planting a loving kiss on them. Then he trailed to her ear, “I love you.”

It was her turn to blush and rubbed her cheek with his, “I love you too.”
--

“You're daydreaming again,” Dante shook her shoulder delicately, “You're blushing too. Should I assume something?”

Adelina began to giggle after returning from her daze, “You can assume a state of silence and ignorance.”

“Now now, it's unfair to ask the impossible,” he watched her closely for a few moments, “How's your wound doing?”

Every time it was mentioned, she couldn't help her hand sliding to the bandaged area. It hurt every time, but she could stop herself. Adelina cringed a bit and Dante chuckled, “Not good.”

“What are you doing in here anyway?” she changed the subject motioning to her room's environment.

“I'm here because Vergil isn't,” he grinned.

“Ah, so you're his watch dog, now?”

“No, I just don't think he likes me around you,” his grinned brightened.

Adelina smiled and rolls her eyes, “I don't think he likes anyone...at all.”

“Eh, you'd be surprised,” he nudged her lightly, “He really likes you, y'know.”

“Make yourself useful, and hand me the silver nailpolish,” she changed the subject again and pointed to the small bottle marked “chrome” on her vanity stand.

Dante smirked and got up to get it. He wondered whether she was really avoiding the subjects, or if her pain was effecting her mentality. He handed it to her as he sat again, “So, what are you going to do about the ambassadour thing?”

“Is there really any question? I'm going to Fortuna, healed or not. Earth Mother Demetra has been brewing up a special healing formula for the occasion anyhow. I'll be fine,” she said idly applying the chrome to her fingernails.

Dante silently wondered if nailpolish fell under the category of make-up or if it was its own thing before answering, “Vergil will have something to say about it...”

“I have a lot to say about many things,” came the dark ring of Vergil's voice from the balcony, “First and foremost, get out.”

Dante rolled his eyes, though winked at Adelina, “Was good knowin' ya, love.”

She giggled a bit, “Bye.”

Vergil eyed Dante angrily as he spun his gun between his fingers and left. He then addressed Adelina, “No.”

“And what makes you think you have a say?” she said it lightly and put an obviousness in that she was putting more effort in painting her nails than talking to him.

He clutched his fist and suppressed the urge to break something, “So long as we share this ridiculous bond, you will stay within the walls of this castle! No questions asked!”

Finishing her nails, she closed the bottle and set it aside on her nightstand. She stood and gave him a blunt glare, “Bond or not, I have a duty.”

She began to walk passed when he grabbed her shoulder roughly to stop her. He spun her around and forced her against the wall. He could feel a lurch in his gut when she screamed out in pain. He cursed as he'd forgotten about her wound. He pulled back enough to prevent further damage, though kept her held by the shoulders, “Why do you insist on getting yourself killed?”

Adelina wrapped her arms about herself as she cringed and shook from pain. She hadn't expected it and her head spun making her disoriented, “Vergil...”

He caught her as she fell, “I...” his throat closed up as he tried to say it, but made it work by rewording it, “Forgive...me.”

She offered as small, but dazed smile, “Vergil...”

Before he could figure it out, she'd moved her head to his chest like the night before and he embraced her warmly around the waist. His eyes traveled around his own hands to the thin, loose coat that was wrapping down her arms exposing ivory shoulders and her pronounced collarbones. A light violet, thin strapped top covered more of her lower portion of her back revealing the soft inclines of her backbone. Her voice was weak, but nonetheless it drew his immediate attention, “Vergil...I must go, if it worries you so...please, come with us.”

Vergil studied her face carefully; it was lacking its usual light, though it was still as young and delicate. His thumb traced her chin lightly as he noted how lips that had once brought colour to her semblant were now whitened and a sign of her weakness. Her cheeks suddenly flushed with colour as he realized how long he'd been staring, “It would seem that is my only option.”

“I guess so...” she said still blushing from his gaze.

Suddenly, he tightened his grasp around her and leaned in. He had no idea why he wanted to do it...he had no idea why he did it at all. But that didn't seem to stop him, and he was surprised at even himself as it happened. He could feel that Adelina was just as surprised from the way she stiffened. Though, as his lips grazed hers briefly, she beckoned him to continue. In the moment, the hairs stood on end on his neck and he pulled away in time to see Orion standing in the doorway. The sixteen-year-old boy didn't seem to react at all to the scene. Adelina had yet to free herself from her daze.

He distanced himself, though kept aiding her in standing when she finally realized her younger brother was waiting. She blushed deeply and finally the boy smirked, “I did knock...”

“I don't doubt it,” she said weakly.

“I take it you're busy?”

She glanced at Vergil who looked away, “No, not at all. What is it?”

“They're gathering to meet about the trip soon. Take your time, though. They understand you're...injured,” he said this as he stepped back through the door. It bothered Vergil to no end how amused he seemed. He didn't know what was worse; Orion's amusement, or Torrin's incessant hostility.

Once it clicked closed, she looked to him again before hesitantly speaking, “I guess...I'll dress appropriately...”

He picked her off the ground and held her delicately, “They'll understand.”

With that, he carried her to the hall with the altar – they usually held important gatherings there. Torrin eyed him though, said nothing. He always had the alibi of the bond...his thought process halted. When had it become an alibi?

“Welcome, both of you,” Aden smiled and bowed his head respectfully.

Adelina smiled cutely, “Hehe, good to be here.”

Vergil merely nodded back in silent greeting. He helped Adelina into the chair Earth Mother Demetra had indicated for her to sit in. The elderly woman with long silver hair with bright green tips smiled at him, “Thank you, dear boy.”

He nodded again and took a seat beside Adelina. Demetra handed her a glass flask that glowed with a bright green essence as she instructed her to take only a teaspoon of it in her drink every meal of the day. It was important that it was at most a teaspoon and with food or else it might make her very ill and have bad side effects. Adelina smiled, “I understand. Thank you.”

The older woman hugged her tightly, “We can't be losing any more of our children, especially as promising as you.”

The smile on Adelina faded slightly, though she forced herself to stay positive and hugged Demetra tightly, “I know...”

It was then that Aden stood at the centre of the table with everyone gathered around; they were on the opposite side in front of him. He lightly tapped his wine glass with a pen to call everyone's attention, “Good evening everyone. I'm sure everyone knows why we're here.”

Torrin stood then, “Everyone accompanying Adelina, Kyrie and Nero, please stand.”

Vergil stood just as Dante did. Torrin nodded, “Myself included, that means six. Individuals will pack for themselves; do not bring anything you can't carry yourself, with the exception of Adelina. I assume...”

“I will aid her,” Vergil interrupted.

Adelina could sense the hostility and glanced between them, “I have no problem with it.”

Torrin wouldn't say anything against it; Vergil had to refrain from smirking in victoury.

Torrin pushed forward, “We are to leave in three days' count. Rest up and prepare. Does anyone have any questions or concerns?”

Nobody spoke up as Aden nodded, “Remember, you are entering Kyrie and Nero's city. You will be treated respectfully so long as you are on best behaviour. Their customs are different, remember that. You have been taught some basics of the mannerisms you will be expected to uphold. They have been excellent guests here, we expect the same from you. Good luck to you all.”

Adelina nodded respectfully and stood. Vergil immediately got up to grab her arm.

She smiled and giggled lightly, “It's alright...just stand beside me. I'm sure I can walk myself.”

He nodded and stayed close by her side as she led him towards the altar. Despite not approving of it, he found he had no choice but to help her kneel before it. She wouldn't leave until she'd done so. On both knees – not able to hold herself on just one – she lowered her head, “Bless us with the grace of strength and light our path in darkness. Believe in us as we believe in you...”

Vergil listened to her words finding them a bit general to be a prayer to a deity...she never even addressed the Silver Goddess, or Horned God, personally. He knelt beside her and held her chin gently, “I will.”

A smile accompanied by a small blush and glistening admiration in her eyes told him she believed him.

“I'll be holding you to it, then” came Torrin's voice from behind.

They both turned to she him standing in a warrior's position; perfectly erect with his left hand clutching his right wrist behind his back. His tone, though, was neither hostile, or accusing. He flashed a brief smile before bowing to the altar, “Ad vitam aeternam, ad victoriam...”

With that, Torrin had left in a fiery aura. Vergil looked to Adelina, who smiled knowingly, “To eternal life and to victoury.”

“Ah,” gently grasping her arms, he helped her to her feet and out of the hall. She was able to walk herself, though occasionally needed to lean on him. By the third time she did, he wrapped his arm about her waist and kept her close the whole way to the kitchen where she mixed the elixir into a glass of tomato juice and brought it along with food to her room. It was obvious she planned on sleeping for most of the three days left there.
--

The world was fiery suddenly. Not in the way that Torrin was...a much darker fire had taken the lands outside the Coven. Demons were everywhere, friends fighting for what was rightfully theirs; fighting for a world in which the demons could never belong.

Adelina's hair, cut to just above the collarbones, blew furiously behind her as she walked the battlefields and knelt beside her fallen comrades to bless them and wish them a clear and painless path to...well, whatever they believed came after. She wasn't quite sure herself.

A citizen with thick, wild black hair grasped her hand desperately, “I always knew you were an angel.”

The phrase was new and despite herself, she blushed, “I'm not sure.”

“I am...”

She let her forehead touch the top of his hand, “Your death will not be in vein.”

With that, she stood grasping her heavenly bow made from the finest material and glowed to her essence; it would answer to no one else, “I am ready.”

The guards protecting her glanced at each other, before nodded and leading her to the battle. It would not be her first battle, though it would be her first war. They kept close to her fighting those she couldn't handle, though she was well trained and flawless in her tactic and grace. She stepped in spirals like the triskele and twirled to dodge. She didn't sweat or weaken, her essence of air and youth kept her strength at maximum and would do so for as long as she breathed, and avoided serious injury. Her element was plentiful, even in the dark fires that consumed it instantly.

Soon, her alistair found her side and his light essence intertwined with her air. Any two elements could work together given training. Even a lightness and darkness couple could be strong. It just took balance, and the right bond. Their bond was perfect; her already illuminate essence shone even more brightly with his, both literally and metaphorically.

They worked with and around one another easily bending by each other and slipping away without disturbance or mistake. It could be deadly to both if they faulted. It was something they gladly risked for one another.

Even the fierce Torrin smiled at the sight of their unity and, even while fighting, love. Their parents could not have chosen a better alistair for her.

But as quickly as their essences had united, she could feel his fade slowly. A glance showed him waver away and she spun sending a wave of air at the enemies knocking them away for her to support his weight on her – despite being almost a foot shorter. He gasped and choked on blood and she could see the wound in his chest. He pushed himself further though spotting a threat; and an opportunity for only her to escape it.

His light surrounded and forced her away as he took full force of the dark fire that threatened to consume them both. She screamed out, though was powerless against his shield. It faded as his life did and she was restricted to run to his lifeless body.

Torrin cried for her as she could barely move after seconds of realization that her pair bond was broken in just seconds; nothing compared to the time and effort it took to build it.
--

She woke alone and in complete black as cold sweat was the first thing she noticed on herself, her pillow and blankets. It was rare for her to sweat, but not misunderstood considering her nightmare...

She had no need to think about stopping it as her consciousness brought it automatically to a halt. There was no time to recover and think as her door slid open enough to let in light so bright that it filled the room. Only a light-holder's essence could do such a thing with so small an opening.

“Hello?” she called softly as she got to her feet and concentrated for balance.

“Salve,” came his voice from the door's small opening. ("hello")

She wasn't sure then whether she was still dreaming or not, but the voice she immediately recognized as Nemiyo's. Using the walls and surfaces in her room for support when she needed it, she limped towards the door to open it further. The light had disappeared down the hall surrounding Nemiyo's tall, nimble figure as he stopped at the corner. The clear, pigmentless eyes she came to love gazed at her, beckoning, “Do you trust me?”

He spoke completely in their Latin tongue which was usually how things went when they weren't around people who didn't know how to speak it. Adelina's heart warmed from his voice, like it always had. She followed without hesitation as he kept about three foots' distance ahead of her. They slowly wandered the halls and she had no trouble identifying where they were headed...

Vergil didn't know why he returned so early that night. He'd gotten into the habit of returning just before the first break of day as Adelina had made the habit of waking up just then. Though, his inquiry was put to rest as he was welcomed to her empty bed and ajar door. Instinctively, his hand gripped the hilt of his sword as he hurried through it. It was one of the times he was glad for the bond as it made it much easier to track her movement. She was quite far ahead of him, though going slowly. He'd easily catch up.

Nemiyo merely waved his hand to take the lock off of the door of the room he had once resided in. It was locked because of his death. It was in his honour that everything had been left intact, instead of clearing it out to replace it all. He disappeared into it, as did Adelina.

Dazed, she couldn't help smiling when he did as he stood in the centre of the room. She stood in front of him for several moments searching his eyes. Her haze clearing slightly when she couldn't see life in his eyes, but he immediately enclosed her in his arms. There was no resisting the arms she could never have around her for years. She closed her eyes and was drawn into the bed clinging to him.

No sooner had she curled up with him did Vergil enter the room. She didn't move though, as if not even taking notice that he was there. Vergil could sense what she didn't though; that was no person, at least not the one she thought it was. The moment he moved closer, though, the light flared up and burned his skin. He stepped back to prevent anything effective. There would be no other choice...

“Adelina!” he called forcefully.

Her head twitched as if trying to move up. He tried once more and the man with her turned to glare. He returned the glare as he gripped his sword, his demonic energy releasing through his hand and spreading throughout his body. Devil triggered, he would be able to get closer without getting seriously damaged.

As he stepped into the sphere of light, Adelina's eyes opened and she sat up. She first gazed upon him, then the man, “Nemiyo...”

Vergil took it as a cue to release his Yamato's handle and grab her around the waist delicately enough to lift her without agitating the wound on her stomach. He was almost surprised when she automatically wrapped her arms around him for more support. He whispered darkly in his demonic voice, “It isn't him, Adelina...”

Tears spread from her eyes as she lay her face on his shoulder. He was amazed at how she could be so comfortable with his shifted form as the light forced him to step away. It screeched angrily, though diffused into the air and was gone. He held her closely before she drew back to look at him through her tears. There was no fear.

“Vergil...” she was studying his demonic features.

He touched her cheek gently with a clawed finger, “Does it bother you?”

She smiled and shook her head, “Not at all...”

He felt something like pride from the sincerity of her declaration. His gentle fingers changed from caressing her cheek to grasping it in his palm to share another kiss with her. Though, this time, she stopped him by placing the tips of her fingers on both hands on his lips. He kissed them instead before giving her a look of inquiry.
Her tears still moved with sorrowful life down her face, “Not yet...not here,” she pleaded, “This is...”

Vergil moved his own fingertips to her lips, “I understand.”

He carried her from the room and she signaled him to let her down. With great difficulty, she picked up the lock. It was golden with many jewels adorning it in the shape of Nemiyo's family crest; the crescent moon. She enclosed it in a shaking hand before staggering from pain. Vergil supported her and took the lock putting in its place.

It was a better time than ever to explain things, “Adelina...I know who you think you saw, but...it's not...”

She leaned against him, “Forgive me...”

“Can I ask you to...never return there?” despite knowing that wasn't actually the man she'd been promised to, he still couldn't help feeling jealous...she'd easily mistook him and followed. Had it really been him...

Adelina could see the conflict in his face, and feel it through him. It even seeped into his voice despite his efforts to hide it. It was a different vibe than she was used to dealing with from him. She moved closer and kissed his chest, “I promise.”

The healing elixir Adelina was instructed to take helped more than anyone had expected. As she'd taken it three times within last night and today, she was able to walk completely on her own and the wound had shrunk twice as quickly. Vergil had the chance for a peek at it when Jezebel brought in extra medicine to rub on it and give her a new set of bandages. Somewhere within that time, Adelina had managed to slip away for a bath. He could tell by the renewed scent of lilac about her. It was a lovely and appropriate smell for her.

“Now, what have we learned?” Adelina said in amusement as she smirked down at the young boy whose arm she had constricted behind his back while holding him still by the shoulder, her foot hooked around his ankle.

Orion rolled his eyes, though was smiling himself, “Why, absolutely nothing, sister!”

She rolled her eyes and spun him over onto his back, “That's too bad. Otherwise, you could've gotten out of that.”

Mazavar laughed from his place sitting at the far end of the training grounds. Orion glared at him as he stood, “Shut up!”

“Don't even try it, Ori, I'll beat you senseless,” he called his check mate before the war even started.

He scoffed and turned back to training with Adelina. He stopped a moment, “Are you sure you're well enough?”

“Don't worry, if you hurt me, I'll just have Dante or Vergil torture you horribly,” she smiled brightly at this.

Orion scoffed once more, “O, you mean your boyfriend!”

Adelina blushed furiously, “No! I mean...Vergil is...he's...”

If Vergil had been there, she was almost sure he'd find the perfect word working around it cleverly. Unfortunately, he hadn't returned that morning to greet her when she woke. She'd worried at first, but let it go knowing he was quite capable. He must've got caught up in something...wherever he wandered off to when he did.

Orion's gaze moved past Adelina in that instant. She turned to find Vergil standing barely an inch from her. She staggered from surprise and he grasped her gently to keep her from falling.

He smirked darkly, “That makes me even more sure someone was speaking of me...”

Adelina blushed and smiled, “Your teeth hurt?”

“Indeed,” he laughed sardonically, “And you always speak your language when Dante or I aren't around...”

“No,” she prompted in a matter-of-fact tone, “We speak it when you, Dante, Kyrie or Nero aren't around!”

Orion and Mazavar exchanged glances before laughing to one another. Vergil merely shot them a glare, while Adelina's blush deepened so much that she covered her face with her hands, “Will you two quit it!?”

“If you two stop flirting, I'll think about it,” Mazavar smirked.

Adelina rolled her eyed and grabbed Vergil's hand leading him away from the training grounds built into the centre of the Coven. It was a courtyard, almost, that opened to the skies. It was populated with idle weapons in locked cabinets that could only be opened according to the person's magick, obstacle courses and lots of room for sparring. Mazavar took over training Orion in hand-to-hand combat as she left.

“Something wrong?” she ventured to ask.

He watched her closely before evading, “How's your--?”

“It's getting along well. You should know,” Adelina nodded reminding him of their bond.

“Just thought it courteous to ask,” he scoffed frowning.

“Oooo, his almighty Prince of Darkness speaks of courteousness?” she teased grasping his hand gently and moving closer.

The small, affectionate gestures seemed to magnify by several times. He didn't know why he let it get to him so much; perhaps it was because he'd never had such things radiated in his direction. Love was something he thought he'd never earn from anyone, “Come now, Adelina. You're acting like a chippering love-sick bird...”

He face seemed to flush with colour as he said this and his gut churned strangely. Something told him 'bird' was the expression that had earned that...

“And so what if I am?” she turned away pacing towards the door; she seemed suddenly jittery. That's when he noticed it...

“Your back!” he exclaimed immediately grabbing her shoulders and pulling her close so he could inspect the marks. They seemed like mutilated scars from burns. Her skin lightened even more pearly at the centre of the marks and transitioned from veined, thick scar tissue to smooth, healthy skin. There were two circular orifices lined evenly at the ends of her shoulder blades.

“I'm surprised...you didn't see them before...” she said softly, almost cooing.

“What happened?!” he ran his fingers over the left one lightly tracing the straight lined patterns as the sunk and disappeared in her normal skin. They weren't scars...not really.

She shivered a bit from the touch before turning around to face him. She looked timid and anxious, “We hide them in the presence of outsiders...”

“Hide what?” he asked grabbing her chin, feeling a bit of offense to 'outsiders'.

Her eyes met his, “Our wings...our power wasn't the only thing the silver Goddess gifted us.”

Again with the Silver Goddess...the one he couldn't help, but notice she didn't address directly in prayer. He wrapped her arms around her and put both sets of fingers on the marks pulling her towards his warmth, “I want to see them.”

She blushed deeper than he could recall her ever doing. It was as if he'd asked her to...

“Alright, come with me,” she held his hand once more leading him to her room. She pulled her long hair over her shoulder making it all move to her front. As she hesitated, she glanced at him. He waited with his usual fierce demeanour, though expectant now. Adelina closed her eyes and a blinding light surrounded her jutting from the marks until heavenly wings of silver and white with light blue and violet unwinding spiral patterns formed and solidified. Vergil could tell instantly what they really were.

He approached and gazed between her and the wings. Her ivory skin illuminated with holy spendour and even he couldn't help grasping her face in his hands to feel the pure energy radiating, “Your Silver Goddess wasn't a goddess at all, Adelina...”

She gave him a look of inquiry, but didn't give her time to speak before his lips brushed hers softly. Her hand moved to grasp his wrist and he guessed her intent was originally to pull him away, but it never got that far. He moved her ear as he whispered, “The one who blessed your ancestour and ultimately your line, with such power was an Angel.”

She moved her forehead to touch his cheek a bit as she used the bond to search for any signs. She knew he hated her worship of the Goddess, but was this the same as his scolding? She had considered...

Adelina kissed his cheek lovingly, “I did think of that, but I guess...I guess I don't know.”

“Trust me. I've met Angels...your essence right now is similar in all the right ways to their's,” he moved his hands over her shoulders to the wings where he slipped his hand between them and pressed lightly, “I don't know why I didn't realize it before...”

She reacted to the action exactly as he expected; she shivered and arched her back slightly. He'd been told that pressing between the wings of an Angel was like a massage of the back for most others; only much more pleasurable and with little effort. Her shoulder twitched slightly and she watched him blushing, “I guess you would know better than I...I've met no Angels.”

Before Vergil could stop himself, he said, “I could bring you to meet them...”

She smiled happily, “Let's go after the trip to Fortuna.”

He smirked and began to kiss her collarbones and neck, “Any more secrets you wish to share?”

Adelina giggled cutely and hugged him close, “Not at the moment, no.”

“So there are more in existence,” his smirk darkened as he lifted her and gently moved her to the bed.

Her face lit bright red as she adjusted herself without laying on her wings painfully, “Vergil...”

“I think I could get the rest out of you by nightfall,” he removed his blue coat and hung it on her desk chair before moving onto the bed above her.

She was stiff as he did and she spoke in a small voice, “Vergil...I can't...”

“Why not?” he demanded leaning in to kiss her.

“This is to be promised to my new alistair...if I pick one,” she held his face in her hands.

“You wouldn't consider me?” he watched her closely.

“I never stop thinking about that...” she smiled a bit, “I just...wasn't sure you'd want that.”

Vergil leaned down again to kiss her once more, this time more passionately and deeply. He moved his hand under her back to caress between her wings. She was so surprised by it she caught herself off guard before being able to stop arching suddenly and gasping. She was so sensitive and delicate...it only enticed him and make him desire her more. With a shudder, she settled onto her back again, but as he moved his hands to unclasp her light blue shirt that exposed the back and tied about her neck, she grasped both of his wrists.

“Being an alistair...is like getting married, Vergil. There is a ceremony and you stand before the elders speaking the vows every alistair must declare,” she explained.
He closed his eyes knowing if he pushed further it would only drive her away. But in that moment, the temptation was overpowering him...he'd never in his life had to deal with it. Not being on the desire half of it anyway. What was it that made him want this all of a sudden? But regardless, if he couldn't wait for her to be comfortable...

“I'm sorry, I just...”

“No,” he interrupted, “When can I gain an audience?”

She sat up and scooted back against the pillow, her wings quickly retreating into her back, “I could possibly speak to them at dinner...”

Adeline seemed hesitant, though her could find reason in it. The choice had been made very quickly, and suddenly. What if they were acting upon passion alone? Or what if their bond was the only thing keeping them attracted like that? Plus, chances were, they'd not be able to do it until after the trip. His instincts were screaming at him to somehow convince her, though.

Pushing it aside as best as he could, Vergil leaned forward and kissed her lips, “There's no rush, Adelina. Don't speak to them until after the trip, when we've had more time to entertain the idea. I want you to take more thought into this choice...”

She smiled knowingly; by 'I want you' she knew he was speaking for himself as well, “Thank you.”

He laid her down again, though moved besides her grasping her close around the waist, “We can lay together tonight?”

“It is encouraged,” she smiled and cuddled closer to him nuzzling her cheek against his chest.

For the rest of the night, the lay there within one another's embrace. Adelina's dreams were filled with excitement as she'd found love again...