Chapter 9: A Mother's Guidance
Nero was shocked at how 'dark' Dante became as summer became autumn. His smile was replaced with a face of stone, the nature and atmosphere became colder by the day. He missed Vera terribly. He was still warm to Nero, Patty and Nico but he was short with Lady and Trish. He was even stern.
"Father?" Nero called softly and Dante looked up and waited. " What is happening to you?"
"Nothing,"
"Don't lie to me please. We can all see the changes. Even your clothes and hair…"
"Nero, I'm pissed off, Kid."
"Look, you're not the only person who's hurting you know. I love her too. I want to destroy him as much as you do. Don't push me away Father, please…" Something snapped Dante awake and he pulled Nero into a hug.
"Kid, I'm so sorry. I…" Dante bit back a sob but Nero saw the pain and tears that threatened to spill. He hugged Dante tight.
"Father, we will kick his ass." Nero said. "We did before." Dante looked at the younger Hunter and despite his tears, he smirked.
"Technically, you kicked both our asses."
"True, so come on, let's stuff this turkey." Dante and Griffon snickered and Nero blinked.
"Oh God, you sick fucks!" The younger devil said. Griffon perched on Dante's shoulder and read with the older Hunter.
"Please don't crap on me." Dante begged. Griffon nodded and continued to read.
There has to be something that will give us an edge.
"Hey Little Chicken, did Vera keep a journal?"
"Yea, she has one. Actually she has two. One is mega personal and the other is a battle journal." Dante nodded and stood up. He had Griffon show him the battle one. He leaned down and kissed her.
"Forgive me Babe for taking your battle journal, we need all the help we can get. I love you."
Nero was sitting at the desk when Dante and Griffon came downstairs with the journal.
"Oh wow, we're going to read Mother's journal?"
"Her battle one. I don't dare go for her personal one."
"It is a page turner." Griffon grinned. Dante and Nero looked at the demon bird. "Oh you'd turn so red you'd be purple, Dante."
"Wow, she wrote about me?" Dante grinned. Nero blushed. He definitely didn't want to know.
"She wrote about you too Superstar. Of how proud she is to have a son like you. She loves you a great deal and she also wrote to not pine over those who are not worthy of your love." Dante nodded in agreement and he knew exactly who Vera was referring to. Trish told him of what she found out about Kyrie. He was livid but Trish reminded him that the songstress wasn't worth it, that there were two people who needed him.
And I need them. Dante thought. He looked at Nero and ruffled his hair before opening the journal to the first entry. Dante gasped softly as he looked at the writing. It was dated the very day that the split happened. When Urizen and V were born. Vera had been V at the time.
As I watched my other half become the behemoth of a demon I knew my time was short. I had to find Dante before it is too late. It is not only my life at stake, but the lives of many. I fear that Urizen may prove to be too powerful to take on alone.
As for Nero, my heart breaks for it was my fault that he is presently fighting for his life. I should have stopped the impulse. If I could change what has happened, I would in a heartbeat. What I can do now, is find Dante and hope that he can do what I can not . If he can not, then my last hope lies in a hospital bed.
Urizen is not yet complete, although he says that he is. His power is not absolute. There is a secret of the swords, although Dante does not yet know. Thankfully, neither does Urizen or Vergil. I have faith that Dante will figure it out for himself, for he has all the pieces already. If done properly, he will achieve a power he hadn't known before.
"Your mother was writing about the swords." Dante said. "She was right. I figured it out the hard way. I absorbed the Sparda and Rebellion to gain my Sin form. Rebellion binds man and devil while Yamato separates."
"So what does the Sparda do in that combination?"
"That's a good question." Dante said. "Maybe its in here."
"Let's keep reading then." Nero said and Dante nodded. The two Hunters read through the journal and saw the details of each battle Vera did and about the slow deterioration. When they reached the entry about the Sparda, they stopped and read carefully.
Griffon scouted ahead and reported about dancing. I knew the Sparda was close by, I am able to sense it but I knew that I may not be able to wield it. I have committed countless sins. My mind, spirit and body had been broken more than once thanks to my foolish pride and my servitude to Mundus as Nelo Angelo. The Sparda can only be wielded by one who has a strong heart, mind and spirit. I know only two of such caliber, Dante being one, and Nero being the other. I swear those two are like Father and Son, for their behaviors are similar, although the child has a mouth that puts me to the blush.
Dante and Nero chuckled at that and had to smile. Although as V, Vera poured through the pages.
It seems that the Sparda had actually concealed Dante while he was in a coma. It is amazing and miraculous that he had not been discovered. I had to think fast to wake Dante. Thankfully, my gamble worked. Nero is making way towards the Quiloph. I pray we get to him in time.
Griffon had reported to me on what happened with both the Sparda and Rebellion and I am surprised. It seems that there the Sparda had one more task to do, to ensure its successor had what was needed. Dante has to bond with his inner devil for this operation to succeed.
"That's when you came before Urizen tried to kill me." Nero said.
I feel myself weakening and I know I don't have a lot of time. I also know that soon the fruit will bloom. When it does, and Urizen consumes it, that he will gain the power he sought. Dante must stop him but it has to be my hand to end Urizen. If I fail, we will cease to exist and chaos will ensue.
"Seems that by both halves coming together served as a balance." Nero said. When they turned the page, they noticed the handwriting changed a bit.
After consuming the fruit I slowly felt the difference. I heard what Dante said about our mother and I did remember, although barely, for my body was dying and the grass became soaked with my lifeblood. Yamato had pierced my heart but my demonic heritage brought me back. I removed the blade from my body and bathed in the blood of those who killed me. I triggered for the first time, ripping them apart. I saw my home ablaze and I didn't think to look for Dante, believing him dead too.
Dante revealed to me that Nero was my son. I am shocked but I felt it in my bones, every nerve and sinew. My devil knew as well and I am proud at how powerful and honorable he is. My heart is swelling with pride and I love the child, even though I give him my icy front.
Dante heard Nero sniffle and the Hunter hugged him.
I still feel both halves within me, both giving me their memories. Although both fused for my restoration, I can sense the differences. I have my emotions and my demonic strength. However, I feel as if I don't know who I am…
"There we go!" Dante grinned. "We can help her!"
"How?" Nero asked. Dante pointed to the last line and Nero blinked. "OK, then next question is this: how do we help her figure out who she is?"
"That's the problem," Griffon said. "She has to do this part alone. When she knows, she will awaken."
"We don't have a lot of time." Dante said. "We're half way in the four months. Two more to go."