I apologize for my sparatic updating. I've started a new online course and it's eating into my time. Thanks to those who gave me suggestions for Grandpa Sparda's name ^^

XX

Sparda Safe House

Dante quietly lay in his bed. Now that he had cooled down and took time to process what had happened, he was a little shaken. He had never really thought about how strong his grandfather could really be, but he still challenged him. After the insults, it was a matter of pride and damn the consequences.

Maybe that's what got Pops so quiet, he thought. Sparda had been entirely withdrawn since the battle. He gave one-word answers and barely looked at his son. At least, when he thought Dante was watching.

Even as he pretended to sleep, he could feel Sparda's eyes on the back of his head. He tried to ignore it but it was impossible. Devil eyes, even if they were his father's, had a way of getting into your soul.

He nearly jumped when he felt the bed dip. A gentle hand touched his head, Nestling... Forgive me...

Alright, he thought, that's it. He rolled over and looked up at Sparda.

The older devil recoilled a little in surprise.

"What's wrong? You've been moping since I fought with Gramps."

He sighed.

"C'mon. You can tell me."

Sparda sat back and looked to the side.

"It can't be that bad."

"I failed you..."

"Failed me? How? And what's with all these freaking apologies?"

"I did not move until you were dealt a near fatal blow. It was only by luck that you did not die from it...and then you saw me at my worst."

He sombered a little. Sparda stood and walked to the window. The moonlight, while once had made Sparda look like a soft father to a five year old son, now made him a harsh worrior. His eyes weren't red but possessed a darkness that made even Dante Sparda remain silent.

Sparda took in a breath, "When I was much younger and rebellious, I lived for the thrill of battle and the hunt. I did not believe I could be defeated by any devil - except for one."

"...Grandpa?"

"Yes. I looked up to him and saw him as a true father and devil. Someone I needed to become...and someone who I could count as an ally...I do not know if you or Vergil have felt the same but the feel of a father's power to a nestling can be a freightening experience. Especially is the nestling is old enough to feel the power properly."

"Huh?"

A slight breath of annoyance left him, "It is possible for some to be able to sense how properly trained or truly powerful another devil is, or will be, if close enough. This is easiest for a nestling when looking at a parent. I spent many years close to my father. I know his power well."

"So, what's the problem with that?"

"...I betrayed my kind, Dante. Naturally, I was rejected by my own family after that...I thought I would never come in contact with him after I sealed the worlds. To feel his power again, to see the one I looked to so often and who cast me out so violently. It was almost too much to bare."

Dante looked down a little.

"I froze and watched you fight him. I could see you were in danger, even before Vergil started pulling you back, and I did nothing. I nearly let you die."

"It's all right, Pops. Nothing bad happened - well, nothing really bad."

He growled, "That is not the point."

"Everyone makes mistakes?"

He growled again, this time looking sidelong at him.

"Well, what do you want me to say? I don't blame you! And nothing you say is gonna make me, so drop it! You don't have to be Mr. Big Demon all the time, ya know."

He closed his eyes briefly before turning and leaving without a word.

"Tch...Guess Mundus grabbing me changed dad a bit more than mom said it did..." He waited for a moment, thinking over what was said, If dad can feel Gramps' power like that... He tried it himself and found he could sense Sparda. It was a familiar feel and a comforting one to him. Faintly reminded him of when he was a child and being comforted after a nightmare. He couldn't imagine being afraid of feeling that power again.

Dante jumped out of the bed and headed for the window, opening it and climbing out. It felt like Sparda was heading to the top of the building. He could hear him talking with someone, "He is just a nestling. He could not understand yet."

"You underestimate him, Sparda," Matier's voice answered, "Dante is stronger and smarter than you think. He is merely more human."

"He did take a lot after Eva..."

"I know it is not Dante your mind is troubled with."

A heavy sigh.

"You were in shock."

"I was trained as a worrior," he answered defensively, "Emotions that could hinder me in battle should not effect me."

"You were rejected by a parent you held in high respect. Your reaction to this is very human."

A dismissive tone entered his voice, "Is it now?"

"Do not let this worry you. Just care for your family."

Silence answered her.

"Ah...so that is not what truly concerns you. What you are worried about is seeing what a loving father can become to the eyes of it's child. You are afraid Dante and Vergil will see you someday as you saw your father."

Dante frowned.

"You will not become that Sparda. Evil does not worry about being good, they say."

A slightly amused chuckle, "Yes, I have heard that before."

"If it makes you feel better, Eva would never allow you to become your father. Your instincts chose her as a mate for a reason."

"That is true." The smile that entered Sparda's voice made Dante relaxed.

Maybe I should get mom on the phone, he thought, She can straighten him out. He climbed back into the window and picked up the phone.

Vergil was the one to answer, "Hello?"

"Hey Verge. Is mom around?"

"She took Lady for a girl's night out."

"Bummer. I was hoping she could yell at dad. He's been all moppy."

"With a son like you, he has reason to be."

"Hey!"

"What made you think you could actually win that fight you were in? That opponent was pushing you to your death."

"I was holding my own..."

"Very unlikely. I had to pull you back. Who were you fighting?"

"...Gramps."

"You were fighting our grandfather! Are you mad!"

"He started it!"

"This, I have to hear."

"He said he was gonna kill mom and you...I got mad and-"

"And started taunting him like usual so he would attack you with all his power." A sigh, "Forget father, when I tell mother this, you are going die."

"Aww c'mon...You don't have to tell her..."

"She'll know either way, Dante," he replied drily, "We were in the middle of dinner when I felt you try to kill yourself through combat. The pain coming over our link was enough to make me convulse." He snorted, "Trust you to get me in trouble even with the number of miles between us."

"Yeah, yeah...thanks big bro, for pulling me back."

"...Don't make me regret saving your ass."

He smirked a little, "Awww, is that love I hear? Vergil woooves his wittle bwother."

"I'm hanging up now." A click followed.

Dante laughed and hung up the phone, now in a good mood. Although some part of him was nervous about the future death-by-scolding he was sure to get from Eva.

"Dad'll probably get a good earful too," he mused, putting his hands behind his head.

Days Later...

"All seems quiet," Lucia said as she stood on top of a roof.

"Yeah," Dante sighed, "Kinda boring, ain't it?"

"Do you always need to fight?"

"Hey, if yoy don't live on the edge, you're taking up too much room."

She smiled a little, "I'm surprised Sparda let you out alone."

He shrugged, "I thought he needed some time alone with my mom." He snickered, remembering how pale his father went when she called with her 'pleasant' tone.

"Dante, let me speak to your dear father. We have things to discuss."

"Sure thing, mom. Hey dad! Mom wants to talk to you about stuff!"

"You're going to get in trouble for that," Lucia commented, "I haven't even seen Matier with that annoyed of a look."

"He had it coming. I just sped it along a little."

"What do you mean?"

"Mom knows stuff. She finds out everything. I think she was a spy before she met dad. I mean she can take down 'the Legendary Dark Knight' with a single glance!"

She laughed a little, "She did seem like a strong woman when I met her."

"Yep. That's my mom!" He stood proudly, "Longest-living, human devil hunter and the mother of the only half-devils."

She laughed again, "Come on, Dante. We need to keep going if we want to sleep soon."

He followed her as they continued their patrol. His mind drifted to what his father had said to Matier. Regected by someone he loved and respected. He looked up at the moon with a frown, Father and family, huh?

"No, milady, I was not 'moping,'" Sparda sighed, "Dante was exaggerating."

"I know he's the type to do so," she answered with a slight smile, "but I know you, husband."

He sighed again.

"We were in the middle of dinner when Vergil had to 'intervene' as he told us. What happened?"

"Eva, please-"

"Sparda, if you don't tell me, I will get it out of Dante or Vergil. I have experience in interogation and you know it."

He chuckled softly, "Very true, but I do not want to worry you...Did you discover anything on Arkham?"

"Not yet, but Vergil has a theory on who the demon here might be."

"Oh, who?"

"He has a feeling it might be your father."

He stilled.

"He doesn't have any hard proof but he can't think of any other demons that could make this deal. With Arkham's knowledge of demons, he would seek a very powerful one to deal with."

"That is true..."

"I'm sorry, Sparda. I know your family still means a lot to you."

"It is fine, milady. I should have expected this sooner or later. Besides, I have you and our nestlings. Why worry over them when I have that?"

"Our own family is nice but the families we came from are important too. You told me that when my mother died, remember?"

He smiled, "Yes, I remember."

"Good. Keep your chin up. Dante will never let you live it down if he sees you 'moping' again."

"I was not moping."

"It's the way he sees it, dear. Now will you tell me why you were seen that way?"

"...I would like some time to think about it before I speak of it. Please."

"...All right. Take your time, and don't be too hard on Dante. He may be older but he hasn't changed much since he was a child."

"He is strong, but he needs to learn limits. With how wild he is, I fear he may just kill himself for the thrill of a fight."

She sighed softly, "From what I got out of Vergil, it wasn't solely for a thrill."

He stilled.

"I have to go. Vergil's out training and I promised Lady I would show her a few tricks. Good night, Sparda."

"Good night, milady. Sweet dreams." He hung up and rubbed his face, What can I do...

A glass touched his arm. He looked up and blinked, "Dante. I did not hear you return."

He shrugged, "I just got back. Drink?" He offered the glass again. The strong scent of liquor reached Sparda's noise.

"I am not a drinker, Dante."

"So? C'mon. You need it after that whole business with Gramps."

He looked at his son's face and softened at the concerned look he saw there. A rare thing to see and it did fill him with some paternal emotion. He smiled a little, "You were eavesdropping on my conversation with Matier."

He forced the glass into his hand, "I wasn't eavesdropping. I was...listening for important demon talk."

He chuckled and looked at the alcohol. Taking a breath, he drank it all at once.

A whistle, "You downed that pretty fast for someone who isn't a drinker."

He smiled as he watched Dante pour him another glass, This is going to be a long night.

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