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Chapter Text

Wise hoped Eous wouldn’t need repairs after this. The assessment to become an “Independent Hollow Investigator” was going so swimmingly before this “Section 6” appeared after that scary-looking Ethereal flew over them, and all but demanded - though he couldn’t blame them when they had no carrot but who entered a hollow without a carrot!? - to help guide them through the Hollow and on their way back. Not to mention that they seemed to be getting closer and closer to what appeared to be an… anomaly fissure? It honestly looked like a tear in space, what with its weird cross shape, but maybe it was simply how fissures looked here in the Zero Zone; maybe it's how they formed after a hollow became big enough. ‘ What was its name again? Nineveh or something? ’ Right Nineveh. She was slowing down now. Her… followers? Congregated around her.

“Where is she?” Harumusa groaned while huffing. His head on a swivel.

What were they chasing their chief now? Nineveh was right there!

“Huh! She’s over there!” Harumusa shouted pointing upward in front of them. A small figure dashed to and fro above on the floating pillars and debris.

They all came to a stop, partly because the section of the ground they were running on broke apart. And mainly because of the spectacle of the fox woman handling the congregated Ethereals.

Wise felt like he couldn’t blink or he’d miss such a beautiful thing.

Her running form as she sliced through the occasionally straggling ethereal was done with ease and looked almost like a dance. But when she reached the horde? Even with Eous’ magnification features, he could only catch blue sparks and flashes as she tore through the horde in under 3 seconds before almost gliding into the sky and preparing one final slash above Nineveh. The wind seemed to coalesce upon her and her blade as her hair and body shined a glorious blue.


A giant BOOM rang out as an equally gigantic dusty blue haze suddenly flashed across Nineveh’s form obscuring her and the chief.

A small figure bursted from the cloud of dust and landed, sheathing her katana with a huff.

The cloud where Nineveh was, eventually dispersed. Showing… her uninjured form. That large attack did nothing. Not even grabbing its attention. She was still staring at….

‘ Oh crap that really is a tear in space. Not just a normal fissure! ’ Typically a fissure wouldn’t show the other side it was connected to. The cross was opening up now and, thanks again to Eous’ eyes he could see it showing what looked to be a decaying organic world made of flesh. Yeah, he needed to get these people out of here ASAP.

“Ennh-Na!?” Wise shouted through Eous speakers and moved to pester the pink-haired lady’s, ‘ The Deputy Chief! ’, leg.

“What? What is it?” Yanagi asked, distracted from trying to analyze how Nineveh was unharmed, before paying attention to a final “En!” with the bangboo’s stubby arm pointing in front of Nineveh. Her face paled as the tear in space was opened up enough for a normal human to view its depths.

“Chief Miyabi, you need to fall back. Nineveh seems to be engrossed in whatever that gateway is! We can take the time to formulate a plan now that we know you cannot handle it in one go. Please heed my advice!” Yanagi shouted toward the distant fox woman.

With a huff, Miyabi dashed back toward the group in a flash of blue. “You make a sound case, Yanagi. My blade didn’t even touch it before it was hit by some form of shield.” She said with another huff, a cute frown on her face. “I am disgruntled by her lack of attention even after that last attack. But I suppose if she stays still it will help in our original task.”

As Miyabi spoke, Nineveh suddenly shrieked in, what sounded like excitement, as the tear in space opened up enough for her to lean through. She reached out with her hand….

And was blasted back as a comparatively small black figure slammed into it throwing them both off course. Nineveh away from the group toward a group of buildings creating a cloud of dust as she crashed into the decrepit material with another screech. And the black figure’s momentum slowed down so that they instead dropped to the ground.

They landed gracefully in a crouch, a ways away from the group, and stood up with a huff, clearly a male, as he held his own katana. A large one. 

‘ An O-katana? ’ Wise thought to himself. 

He had silverish-white sweptback hair and stared at the tear in space with piercing blue eyes, not yet taking notice of the group of humanoids near it. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME DANTE!? WHO ASKS FOR A SERVICE AND KICKS SAID PERSON PROVIDING THE SERVICE!” The male voiced in a surprisingly still measured tone despite shouting loud enough for it to echo across the now silent space. The angered frown seemed to look somehow fitting on such a fair pale-skinned man. Combined with his black coat he came across as a very intimidating individual just from his presence alone.

Miyabi’s breath hitched as she stared in wonder. But Wise had no time to think more on that.

Another male voice shouted back. “I STILL OWE YOU FOR THE AUDACITY OF LYING AND SAYING WE WERE EVEN EARLIER! NOW WE’RE NOT!” This time a red figure jumped from the tear in space, now wide open and showing a grim area with the decaying organic flesh now clear for all to see, and he covered the insane distance to land in front of the other man.

His own silverish-white hair was unkempt and drooped around his face. Combined with an equally unkempt beard he looked almost homeless. He had the same piercing blue eyes as the other man. But unlike the other man he was carrying a large 2-handed greatsword on his back. His red coat also seemed to fit the man’s attitude in that it was a little grimy but not too different from what one can expect when coming from a world that looked disgusting and decaying. He almost looked clean coming from such a place. Whereas the black figure was immaculate.


“Excuse me.” Yanagi cut in, looking nonplussed at the two humans, from her knowledge. “Where does the other side of that portal lead? And how did you two come to be wherever it is?” She wanted to ask more but decided not to overwhelm the two. Especially since they both looked combat capable and one of them was strong enough to have blasted Nineveh into a group of buildings by kicking the other. Who was unharmed physically.

“Eh?” The red-wearing man turned around to face the group. “Already made some friends Vergil?”

Miyabi’s gaze became hyper-focused as she walked around the group to stare at the two men. Her fox ears were alert and at attention as her ruby eyes gazed forward. “Could it be…” She whispered, just under her breath. Only Eous specialized hearing picked it up, it was mainly implemented to help make sure they’d pick up distant Ethereals if ether readings weren’t somehow working.

The black-coated man walked with measured steps to stand side-to-side, with a clear view one could tell that they were twins. Though age was showing how their own ways of living were affecting their appearance to create differences.

“Don’t be dense Dante. After you kicked me into that…” He looked around confused as to what stopped his momentum but couldn't notice anything except a giant figure exiting a giant dust cloud. He turned his attention toward that instead of the group. “Well, I am assuming that thing. I would have had no time to meet anyone.” Vergil looked around and his frown deepened. “I thought stopping the Qliphoth would have helped save Earth. But it looks like someone messed with gravity while we were gone, brother. I wonder if Nero is currently battling to solve whatever crisis is happening now. It’s certainly not whatever that monstrosity is, that is causing all of this.”

“Uh Vergil,” Dante said with a pat on his brother’s shoulder. “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore. Didn’t you say that your traversal could throw us who knows where? Even another universe?”

“Yes. I tried my best to open up a gateway toward Earth, however. I honed in on the connection I have with Nero as his father. I’m positive we’re back.” Vergil said, throwing back a glare the creature emerging from the dust looked like a threat.

“Well, that one short chick looks like a fox,” Dante said off-handedly while pointing a finger at Chief Miyabi. Her face startled at being pointed out.

“A kitsune?” Vergil started in wonder and decided to look more closely at the group, noting Miyabi first he continued. “An Oni,” He said, looking at Soukaku, “two humans,” he said looking at Harumusa and Yanagi, “And a doll?” He said, noticing Eous.

“Excuse me,” Yanagi began with a now irritated huff at being ignored. “I would like you both to answer my questions, please. Perhaps we can retreat to a safer place where Nineveh will not be a threat. And we can help each other unders–”

Yanagi was cut off by a howl as Nineveh burst forth from her previous position, dead set on attacking the one who dared get its attention, another horde of flying Ethereals following it.

Yanagi’s face became determined. “Nevermind. We’re in for a fight. I ask that you two assi–” She cut herself off at seeing the one named Vergil disappear and reappear in front of Nineveh in a clash as the horde surrounded him.

“Eh, you all just stay back. Vergil just needs to vent his frustrations real quick.” Dante said with a shrug, not at all concerned with his brother being in a dangerous situation.

“What do you me–” Harumusa started to ask before shutting up as different balls of haze spread out over the horde.

Vergil’s voice cut in, clipped and angered. “Scum!” He said, before in a flash of blue lines, the sounds of slicing broke through the atmosphere within the hazes as the horde was cleared in an instant. Their bodies slashed to pieces before disintegrating away. Leaving Vergil to stand on a floating pillar nearby in front of Nineveh. “Die.” He commanded, with a scowl.

Wise almost missed it, but Vergil’s form seemed to flicker before he turned around to the group, his katana, now unsheathed and leaving a faint blue glowing trail, snapped shut with a distinct “ clink ”.

The air around Nineveh’s form rippled at first before reality was sliced apart, again in a series of blue lines as they appeared all over her body. They shined brightly for a moment and disappeared, wherein her Ethereal body, now cut to pieces, crashed into the floor.

“It must be,” Miyabi whispered breathlessly. Causing Wise to turn Eous’ head to stare at the now adoring hopeful look the fox thiren held.

“Show off.” Dante teased as Vergil walked with measured steps back toward his brother.

Vergil huffed and straightened his coat. “I simply took out a large threat in the most efficient manner.” His eyes gave one more disinterested glance over the Section 6 team and Eous. His gaze slightly lingered on Miyabi, a hint of confusion in his eyes from her differing look compared to her companions. He continued, “Now come Dante. Mythological creatures such as the ones in that group do not look as human as you would think in our universe. We must be in an alternate one. I’ll pay extra attention to my connection with Nero this time. My mind must have drifted while I focused last time.”

“Heh… you aren’t going to kick me now first are you?” Dante said with a grin as he started to walk toward his brother.

“W-wait!” Miyabi suddenly shouted and stepped forward. Both men stopped and turned to look at her.

“M-Miyabi!” Yanagi whispered, voice urgent. You do not want to potentially antagonize whatever force of nature that man was, is what she wanted to say. But in the silence, it’d be liable to be heard.

A nervous, yet excited smile now on Miyabi’s face; she even held a slight blush. Her ears constantly twitched as she stepped forward but once she was close enough after seeing them both stop, she bowed forward, deeply toward Vergil. “I-it’s an honor to meet you…”

Vergil’s eyebrow raised at seeing the kitsune perform a respectful gesture and then his face twisted into shock at her next words.

“...Father.” She said happily, her ears twitching again clearly in happiness as she stood up to face him happily.

“Father!?” Harumusa and Yanagi said confusedly.

“Miyabi’s Dad!?” Soukaku squealed in joy.

“Fa- Ennha!?” Wise himself said, startled. Why would Miyabi’s father be from a different universe?

Dante hummed and breathed deeply. After a moment he snapped his eyes open. “Ohhhhhhh snap. Nero’s not gonna like having his daddy’s attention divided like this. Any other children you have that we should be on the lookout for Vergil?” Dante said, immediately catching the teasing material this would bring after verifying it his own way. She smelled like Vergil after some focusing.

Vergil for his part was still silent as his mind rapidly went through his memories to try and explain this woman saying she was his progeny, already verifying it for himself. Now that he was aware, there was a certain resonance, thanks to the blood of Sparda, between him and her. Did he really have children other than Nero? Impossi– Well there was…

Across the multiverse, a series of sneezes sounded.

Miyabi was still beaming at Vergil as she waited for his response.

“I… I need a moment.” Vergil declared before summoning his favorite chair.

“Oooohhhhh Yanagi. Remind me to get one of these when we return. It looks so… comforting.” Miyabi said in awe as her father sat down in a simple white plastic chair. How had she never seen the usefulness of such a device!?

Chapter Text

“Master,” Fairy began, after muting the mic for outgoing communications, “the Zero Zone, also known as the Hollow Zero, is now experiencing fluctuations shortly after the death of Nineveh. I recommend you exit immediately for your safety as it is impossible to predict what changes will occur in a reasonable time frame due to how large the ethereal was.”

“I’d love to Fairy. But how do I do that without exposing Phaethon’s technology? Do I En-na until they get it? Not to mention…” He turned Eous to face the meditating figures. “I feel like disturbing them would be courting death.” Wise said with a sigh. 

Vergil, was sitting stoically in his… white plastic chair, staring off into the distance and now, his apparent daughter Miyabi who was meditating next to him… just, sitting on the ground paying no heed to the ones around them.

“Wise, what about you trying to get the attention of Dante or the Deputy Chief?” Belle said in his ear.

“Hm, good point Belle. The Deputy Chief seems like a smart woman, and if she can catch on and explain it to everyone else maybe Dante can… get Vergil’s attention.” Wise concurred. 

Now to put said plan into action.

Walking over with Eous stubby legs. Wise En-haed to get her attention while poking her left gently. “En-na!” He shouted, while waving his other stubby arm around the area.

“Wha-?” Yanagi started. Her gaze moved from watching the two motionless figures to stare at the little bangboo. “I’m sorry. I was focused on the chief. What is it little one?”

Jumping up and down, while cringing in embarrassment back at the outpost, Wise tried to gesture to the area while En-Nahing this way and that. Remembering the former tool used by the assessment personnel he waved it back and forth to get Yanagi’s attention before pointing toward Nineveh’s corpse and the area again.

Thankfully, Yanagi quickly understood what the Bangboo was worried about. Her face grew grave. “I understand. Thank you for being on top of this. Your owner must be proud. H.A.N.D. Will make sure that the White Institute is considered for a bigger budget increase for your outstanding performance today.” She said in thanks. She expected the Bangboo to be excited but instead it just looked frustrated and almost… saddened at her words. ‘ Hm, perhaps the White Institute is mistreating their Bangboo. That’d be a boon for us. We can certainly use a Bangboo like this one in Section 6. Plus something so cute and diligent should be rewarded for its efforts. ’

But that was for later, based on the Bangboo’s gesturing at Nineveh’s corpse and the surrounding area it was most probably trying to remind them about the Hollow shifting thanks to Nineveh’s demise. Her heart seemed to freeze at remembering the Chief’s…. Father’s - was Souichiro her step-father then? - quick handiwork.

Yanagi thought, feeling fear or not, they needed to escape the Hollow Zero quickly. Coughing loudly, and not seeing anyone except little Soukaku, Harumasa and the one named Dante turn to stare at her, Yanagi sighed to herself and walked up behind Miyabi.

“Chief Miyabi,” She began, “The Hollow Zero is likely experiencing massive fluctuations thanks to Nineveh’s death. We need to evacuate immediately. We’ve exceeded our original goal as well thanks to… your father. Please get up and leave with us.”

Miyabi’s ears twitched, turning to face Yanagi as much as they could at her words, then wilted as Miyabi stood up, turning stoically. Her ruby eyes betrayed nothing, but her ears continued staying wilted.

Yanagi knew how much Miyabi adored her… Mr. Souichiro - she’d get clarification from Chief Miyabi after on his relation to her now - and based on how out of character Miyabi behaved just now at seeing her biological father. She must be disappointed that their bonding time, and that is pure conjecture on Yanagi’s part since they were both meditating, was prematurely being cut short.

“Understood Yanagi.” Miyabi said plainly, before her gaze turned to stare at Vergil. Her eyes swiftly turned to look at Dante who gave her a grin.

“Too scared to get your pops' attention?” Dante asked, without waiting for a response, her ears twitching and standing at attention were answer enough, his grin widened and he stretched out a hand palm wide open, fingers splayed.

Miyabi and the others stared at him curiously. Wondering the point of his actions.

Wise heard Belle gasp in disbelief in his ear knowing what would happen thanks to her doing it to Wise often enough.

Unfortunately they didn’t get to guess for long as a gale force of wind buffeted them while a resounding SMACK! Erupted from Dante’s hand rushing to meet Vergil’s head.

When the winds quieted down, Wise expected to see Vergil with his head cocked to the side since there wasn’t a man flying away from them, the meaty smack of flesh meeting flesh was clear and after feeling the force of that slap just from the wind he’d expected that at the least .

What he did not expect was for Vergil to have caught Dante’s hand. He must have mistaken the sound of the two men’s speed making their colliding limbs sound as though flesh met flesh.

Vergil’s glare was piercing, not that Dante cared at all.

“Do. Not. Test. Me. Dante.” Vergil stressed every word with a husky growl, before shoving his brother’s hand back into his chest. The man rose from his chair, it seemed to disintegrate into nothing, but seeing as how it materialized in the first place it probably just… transferred to wherever he stored his stuff.

Dante grinned and tried to joke. “Well you wer–”

“You know very well that I was aware of my surroundings.” Vergil cut off Dante with a hiss, his voice seemed ready to cut ribbons into his brother.

Dante clicked his tongue and his face grew serious. “Got it, Vergil.” He said with a sigh. He rested his hands on his hips and dipped his head toward his chest while shaking his head. When he raised it again he was all smiles turning to face the silent group. “So, Miyabi was it? Your pink-haired friend whisper-yelled your name. I’m your uncle Dante, not sure if your dad ever told your mom about his twin. But I’m the handsome one!” He greeted proudly with a smirk.

Miyabi and everyone else gave him a skeptical glance and their eyes clearly roved over his unkempt attire before comparing it to Vergil’s immaculate way of dress.

Dante rolled his eyes playfully. “Yeah yeah, I know what you’re all thinking. But you try staying in hell for years and coming out looking this great. Trust me, a shave and wash and I’d be more handsome than this prick.”

Perhaps due to the situation, but his jokes were not landing as well as they would. Most of the group before him stared at him in confusion as well as skepticism.

Wise felt he wasn’t alone in being confused by that specific word. Hell… was he talking about that decaying organic world!? It was the only conclusion he could draw as it was nowhere near a healthy looking world and fit the meaning of the word well he supposed… Wait if that was the case you could go there without dying!?

Vergil hummed in reply. And Dante’s eyes snapped toward him expectantly, he clicked his tongue in disappointment at Vergil only staring at Miyabi however. His niece noticed and stared back expectantly. ‘ Heh. Cute. ’

“Anyway, if Vergil heard then there’s no use repeating information. How do we get out of here? Since if Vergil and I still tried to leave, we’d be making my newly found niece sad.”

Yanagi reached to press up her glasses. “If you would please follow our bangboo here,” She said gesturing to Eous “It has a Carrot, which is slang for a collection of data that has been used to calculate our exit out of the Hollow.” Anticipating questions she continued. “A Hollow is the area we find ourselves in, it is an area that has been overtaken by a supernatural force and is a disordered dimension. There are gravitational anomalies separate from the floating debris that are essentially gateways to a random position within or outside the hollow.”

Vergil turned his gaze toward Yanagi, and she cursed herself for feeling a twinge of fear envelop her at his piercing stare. “Well then. You may lead, though I certainly hope it is at a fast pace for disturbing my pondering.”

‘ Perhaps this man simply doesn’t quite understand the dangers of the Hollow! ’ Yanagi thought to herself with a huff, she could only tolerate so much disrespect before even she lost her patience. However, the man did seem to… not be from their world. She would ignore his disrespect and treat it as ignorance for now. She’d ignore the dimensional questions raised by this for now. She could just inform him of the dangers afterward and let him stew in his feelings. ‘ I can’t believe Chief Miyabi’s mother fell in love with such an infuriating man! ’ She was, of course, basing how Miyabi’ came into this world by understanding Miyabi’s own virtues, as well as the adoring look - Yanagi knew the subtle differences in Miyabi’s mood! - she shot toward Vergil meaning her mother praised the man despite him not being in the picture, based on her own dealings with the Hoshimi family she’d not do so lightly with how revered the former Matriarch was… but then again Miyabi herself is still naive. But that was okay, that’s what Yanagi was for; to support and protect Miyabi in the only way she could.

Turning to the adorable Bangboo from the Institute - She definitely would be submitting a request after some more thought, maybe leveraging Chief Miyabi’s reputation, to move it to Section 6 - and bent over a tad to give it a gentle smile.

“Can you please show us the way out?”

“En!” It shouted before running off, its little arms waving in the air as its stubby legs ran.

‘ Ah yes, it’s definitely too cute. And advanced! It’s wasting away at the Institute.’

With that, the group rushed to follow the bangboo, and for a moment Yanagi was worried the Vergil would become wrathful and perhaps start lecturing the group to somehow speed up, they were currently running at the pace of the bangboo, but other than an annoyed huff he did not mention anything else, his eyes not even focused on the bangboo leading them.

She wasn’t the only one however to notice Vergil’s mood.

Miyabi, in contrast to her father, was following along and doing nothing but staring at him.

Something her uncle commented on. “You know, you’ll hurt your eyes if you don’t blink.”

Miyabi’s eyes shifted to Dante’s form as they jogged before flitting back to Vergil. A hint of pink graced her cheeks. “...I am performing no-blinking training.”

“Say what now?”

Harumasa barked out a laugh. “Oh, that just means the Chief is embarrassed at you calling her out. She likes to do random things to train. But to get out of embarrassing things she’ll come up with an excuse, normally it is some form of training.”

“I must eradicate all evil!”

“Of course Chief!” Soukaku said innocently, causing Yanagi and Harumasa to smile, bleeding some of the tension away.

“Heh, well she certainly sounds like she takes a bit from Vergil. Strange that Nero really didn’t.” He grew silent for a moment, face grim.“But I guess nurture has more to do with how a person will turn out.” He muttered to himself as he stared at Vergil’s back.

That caught the H.A.N.D. Members attention, even Miyabi’s… and the bangboo’s funnily enough as it jolted before Vergil’s angry huff caused it to shiver and with a jump start running again.

“That sounded like you insinuated Chief Miyabi has a sibling?” Yanagi said curiously, turning to stare at the red-clad man.

“Oh yeah, turns out my dear older brother of mine got busy more than once. My niece has an older brother who’s got his looks, but none of his mannerisms in fact…” He trailed off with a smirk. “Wouldn’t you say he’s more like me, Vergil?” He said in a teasing tone.

Vergil’s head turned to stare at his brother, clearly not willing to deal with however Dante decided to get his attention if he didn’t show he was listening despite staring off into the distance.

“...He reminds me more of mother.” Vergil stated in a quiet tone just barely heard over the sound of their feet slamming against the ground before turning to face forward again, missing how Dante’s mouth snapped shut with a tsk.

The rest of the group stayed silent as well.

“...You know just how to spoil the mood as always.” Dante grumbled. Now he himself was in a bad mood. A far cry from just earlier when they were able to speak about their parents while fighting and laughing.

“...Can I meet him?” Miyabi asked just as quietly, her attention still on her father.

“...I would not be opposed.” Vergil said with a sigh. “However we must measure the passage of time between this dimension and our home one. Truthfully, there should be close to no time dilation on either side based on my… memories.”

“...Thank you.” Miyabi said softly.

Vergil hummed in reply.

The rest of the run back, and for the sake of safety they were heading to the nearest evacuation point instead of back toward Scott Outpost directly, was in silence. Except for the occasional stop due to Fairy needing to calculate the correct path back due to the fluctuations passed without incident. ‘ Hm, I wonder if we’ll notice a significant drop in the size of the sphere. ’

On their return they were met by an excitable and worried HIA examiner.

“Oh thank goodness. I mean, I know you’re the renowned Section 6 but one still can’t help but be worried at hearing a hollow undergoing extreme fluctuations. I’m so glad this outstanding bangboo was able to still guide you all out despite having no updated carrot data.” She said in excitement before patting Eous on the head, causing Wise to twitch hoping Belle would forgive him as she heard her grumble, clearly picturing her pout. Wincing to herself the examiner continued, “Were you all able to perform the emergency mission still assigned to Section 6?”

“The mission was a success! We have gone beyond the initial task and killed a lingering evil!” Miyabi spoke confidently, ears twitching rapidly. “Thanks to my fa–”

Yanagi stepped forward, interrupting the chief. “I think that will be all chief, we can share those details with the executives.” She gave a pointed look at Vergil who looked like he was beginning to have a conniption. Compared to his laidback brother who was whistling at the black sphere they just exited. 

That said they did still have some business with the researcher before totally excusing themselves. “Excuse me, before we call for transport can you please ask the Institute to bill Section 6 for the transferring license fees for this bangboo. I normally would settle for returning it, but I feel it’s wasting away at the institute after being such an integral part of our operation that I’m afraid none of us can let this go. I promise you and your team will be well compensated as well.”

“WHA-EN-NAH!?” Wise shouted out, and thankfully caught himself. Concerned now thanks to how the HIA examiner, who despite her soft hands, did allow Eous to leave with HSO without so much as trying to notify him. Even after with the examiner exiting the hollow. He hoped that she wouldn’t just try and let his bangboo get taken away.

“Master, I am prepared to hack into HSO and expose any corruption that Section 6 may be involved in as a threat to dissuade them from taking Eous.” Fairy immediately stated.

“Hold on Fairy. There are plenty of other ways to get Eous back without making more enemies!” Belle said worriedly.

The Proxies worries however, were quickly washed away as the HIA Examiner shook her head fervently and even bowed to show respect while gently moving Eous to her side. 

“I truly am sorry to disappoint you Deputy Chief Yanagi, but this bangboo is the property of an Independent Hollow Investigator who was taking the Qualification Assessment to be allowed access to the Hollow Zero,” She smiled cheerily and patted Eous on the head again. Wise attributed the grinding noise in his ear to simply being one of the fans in the air conditioning unit to be faulty… he should ask Ray to get that checked. “One who passed with flying colors of course.” 

Her smile became strained as she looked back at the group, slightly pausing at now noticing the extra two men standing behind but continued anyways. “With that said I already had overstepped my bounds due to allowing it to go with you all, partly due to being starstruck and partly because of the life-threatening situation the emergency put your group in when responding. I cannot in good conscience allow you to take this little one with you now however, no matter how outstanding its actions. I hope you understand.”

Yanagi clicked her tongue, noting how Soukaku wilted and even Harumasa sighed in disappointment.

“Well, that’s just how these things go. Though it’s funny that civilians are able to outperform the idiot authorities.” Harumasa said glibly, shooting a look at Yanagi.

‘ Ah yes. Performing this well? Likely a proxy. One that we should be wary of. But we don’t have confirmation and investigating our normal way now would be like stepping on the Institute’s toes. However… ’

“Well, that’s unfortunate.” Yanagi gave a nod toward the examiner . “However, if it's not the Institute we have to thank, I believe a small greeting and personal thank you,” She could only hope Miyabi’s father wouldn’t begrudge them for not dropping everything. Plus she hoped the small car ride would appease his need for thinking. She continued, “Should make up for any hurt feelings… I hope, if needed, Section 6 is willing as well to throw in pay at Independent Investigator rates for such a high level mission. Does that sound satisfactory?” 

The examiner recoiled and looked at the bangboo who stared back before it slowly nodded its head. “Um, that should be fine. Although I hope you understand that I would like to be the one to help transport this little one back home…”

Yanagi smiled in victory as she raised her hand to her ear. “Then If you’ll excuse me I’ll arrange for transport for all of us. Can you tell us where to help transport the bangboo to its owner then?”

Clearly having used up her confidence for the day the examiner replied. “Oh um…uh… um…uh well I suppose they should still be at Scott Outpost with Miss Ray…”

“What do you think caused this Vergil?” Dante spoke up seeing as how the drama was over. He motioned to the black sphere behind them, ignoring the drab and uncool militarized building outside of the ‘hollow’ where Yanagi and the others were speaking.

Instead of hearing his older brother’s voice however it was his newly found niece that spoke up, popping up in front of him.

“No one knows exactly how the Hollow’s have formed, as Yanagi stated, however, we in New Eridu have surmised that the smaller Hollows do spawn due to larger ones such as the Hollow Zero. The only way to destroy them is to kill the Ethereals located within in large enough amounts or large ether concentrated foes such as Nineveh, the being father slayed.” Miyabi sighed and frowned, raising a hand to her chin. “However in that same vein, we are unsure if the Hollow Zero itself is not just a ‘branch’ of some larger Hollow.”

The family trio were silent as Miyabi’s information was digested. The rest of the group unconsciously understanding their Chief’s wants at the moment.

“New Eridu?” Vergil asked suddenly, confusing Dante on why he would hyper fo– ah almost forgot Vergil was here before.

“The Hollow Zero.” 

Oof.

Vergil sighed in annoyance. “Your mother?” He asked expectantly.

Miyabi’s ears wilted. “I…She was turning into an ethereal…” Her voice drifted off into a whisper, one that Vergil and Dante’s ears heard loud and clear.

Damn. 

The cynical darkside of Dante wanted to crack a joke like “well you got one part of the Sparda family tradition down.” But at least they didn’t actually kill their mom. But despite what he was sure Vergil would say he had some tact. All he could really feel was pity that another one of his family had to lose their parent.

“...I’m sure your mother would understand.” Vergil said hesitantly, reminiscent of when he spoke to Nero the first time.

“She… was… the one to push my hands.” Miyabi said in a low voice her face strained.

Dammit, Dante was really wishing Lady or Trish were here, for an orphan and demon they were a lot better at showing healthy ways to display empathy.

Dante’s heart soared at seeing his elder brother’s arm twitch, imperceptible to most but he noticed. Though it quickly turned hollow with how Vergil stilled. Clearly he didn’t know what the proper thing to do was either, or at least, was not comfortable doing so. Dante didn’t hold it against him this time. Miyabi was still a stranger after all. His thoughts turned to Nero and how Vergil would react at actually getting to hear his own story from his mouth before he shook his head.

Dante was sure actually talking to Nero and hearing his story would result in the same thing.

Miyabi shook her head fervently, breaking Dante’s concentration before speaking with conviction, a gloved fist raised confidently. “That is why, I must eradicate all evil!”

Both Dante and Vergil stared at Miyabi.

Dante of course, couldn’t help but curse internally at how much that sounded like Vergil. And Vergil in pride at one of his offspring showing the mental fortitude to weather life’s hardships. Though Nero was no less formidable he was sure thanks to hearing about more of him from Dante.

Seeing an olive branch spring up unintentionally Vergil asked with a grunt of exertion, “...Would you like some training to be able to do so?” There was no need to have one of his offspring deal with the same hardships Dante, he, and even Nero faced to grow as strong as they did. It was simply illogical. He fervently believed that if demon’s did not attack their home Dante and he still would have grown strong enough to get to where they were at today, if not faster.

Vergil was also sure how this might come across to Dante and he already had a rebuttal. No he did not favor having a daughter over a son. There was simply no need to be confrontational to Miyabi, unlike Nero, she was not currently challenging his pride. Speaking of, he would need to… continue his fight with Nero, perhaps afterward if he deigned to read some of the poems within his book they could discuss their thoughts? 

An airy feeling welled within his chest at the thought. And with it, a memory as well. The feeling of his mothers hand ruffling through his hair as Dante and he laid against her chest while they were young and small enough to do so. As the memory passed, the airy feeling did as well, leaving behind a hollow reminder. ‘ Dammit Dante forever has mother’s amulet! ’ He huffed to himself internally.

Miyabi smiled as her ears stood at attention, unaware of her father’s emotional turmoil. “I would like that father. Mother said no Void Hunter could ever match you no matter how hard they tried. I can only hope that I live up to your expectations!”

Still feeling off-balance Vergil simply nodded.

Giving his brother a weird look, but feeling like he had maybe teased him enough for today Dante simply gave a wild grin.

“Sweet! Hope you don’t mind your uncle Dante helping with your training as well!” He offered easily.

Miyabi’s ears twitched up and down. “I will not disappoint you Uncle!”

“Haha. I’m so going to have Nero start calling me that. I’ll get Kyrie to make him do it as well so he’ll have no choice.” Dante chuckled to himself.

“Kyrie?”

“Nero’s… wife?” Vergil answered hesitantly, unsure himself.

Dante shrugged. “Eh, I don’t think it’s written down on a legal document.”

“I see.”

“Sister-in-law.” Miyabi said warmly.

“Yes.” Vergil nodded in understanding immediately.

“You know Vergil, Miyabi is eerily the opposite to Nero in that she’s exhibiting traits of yours without you raising her to be this way.” Dante said uncomfortably.

Vergil sighed in annoyance. “You state that as though I could answer you why that is the case. I could just as easily say you act nothing like father despite following him everywhere as a child.” Vergil smirked, “Not that it helped you any in our fights. That last hit doesn’t count by the way.”

Dante stilled before his right hand reached for Devil Sword Dante, clenching and unclenching before closing into a raised fist. The bystanders nearby and pending transportation staying his hand. “You’re on as soon as we get back to… Miyabi’s home? Where are we going exactly” He asked in wonder.

“The Hoshimi estate.”

“Hoshimi?”

“Ah, yes I forgot mother was not of the main branch and may have had another name. Sometime after you left father, she married Uncle Souichirou.”

“Uncle? Married?” Dante asked as Vergil was, characteristically stoic to the information that his lover had apparently moved on… and how it was weird his niece was calling someone who should be her dad, uncle.

“Ah, technically my legal father due to the marriage document. I do not know why mother married him but I was told that it was to the benefit of both mother and uncle Souichirou to do so.” She nodded toward Vergil and gave a thumbs up.

Dante fought hard not to laugh at how awkward his niece looked.

“As far as I know mother did not practice baby-making training with uncle Souichirou and still loved you father. I am telling you because Harumasa said that men sometimes worry about that when they are ‘on-duty’ or doing something important as you were.”

Vergil’s face changed to one of consternation. That… strangely soothed his ego to hear that… and made it all the more disappointing that he had twice now failed his lovers. He… consoled himself that he was not aware either were pregnant or that they would be in situations where they would need protection or saving. He winced however, knowing the hunger his younger self had for power - that he still had, unsure if he would have tried anything for both of them, and chose not to address that at this time. At least now he was absolutely sure nothing could stop either him or Dante. And because of that, he could now exercise what he preached without… censure from any force.

Might controlled everything.

Before he could respond, knowing the teasing material his daughter had just armed his younger brother with, a larger than normal SUV had pulled up to the emergency evacuation shelter. It was time to go, hopefully the pink haired woman’s task would not take up too much time. Being honest with himself Vergil was… looking forward to resting at the Hoshimi estate to learn more about Miyabi. And maybe he could see about actually opening up a tear in space to bring Nero over.

He frowned. From what Dante relayed his son and Kyrie ran an orphanage. Plus he knew his brother wouldn’t want Earth to be undefended from the demonic scum that squirmed through Earth’s natural tears to hell.

Hmph. Actively including others into his plans was… vexing. He could only hope he had an ounce of his mother’s patience in regards to family. Sending a small prayer toward her for guidance.

“Yanagi, after a successful conversation with my father I demand watermelon flavored snacks.” Miyabi exclaimed as they entered one of the SUVs

“Father!?” The examiner exclaimed, evidently aware of Miyabi’s legal parentage. Soukaku took to answering her confusion, and based on the looks the black-haired man and pink-haired woman ‘ Yanagi. She looks to be a retainer and it would be remiss if I cannot remember her name, ’ gave her, she was not liable to get the full picture.

“Yes Chief. Good job!” Yanagi praised.

Miyabi gave a pleased hum.

“You know Vergil. I think we’re gonna fit in very well here.” Dante said as he and his brother sat in the vehicle, appreciating its size. He noted that despite his niece’s conversation the rest of her group made space so that they could still sit close together. The bangboo seemed to be the unintentional ‘line’ for separating the group.

Dante cackled inwardly at his brother’s harsh stare however as his attention pulled back to him.

“Nah-en.” Wise sighed. He was seated next to the HIA examiner on one side, and Miss Hoshimi Miyabi on the other, why did he have to get seated next to this family?

“Suck it up Wise! We need to make sure Eous doesn’t ruin this chance for us. We’re gonna milk Section 6 of all the dennies we can! They can pay Fairy’s electric bill this month!”

“Correct 2nd assistant!” Fairy exclaimed.

A chill spread up his spine as he noted the man named Vergil’s eyes stare at Eous, his gaze piercing once again. His thoughts were unfathomable to both the machine and Wise himself. Why was he staring?

His curiosity was answered as he noticed the curious fox thiren next to him gazing at Eous equally in thought, though with certainly less innate hostility. Perhaps the father was simply watching his daughter and those around her?

‘ I just want to sleep already. ’ The young man groaned to himself, he hoped the ride and subsequent greeting of Section 6 did not take up too much time.