Chapter 9: Lessons Learned

Nero opened his eyes slowly and stared up at the ceiling, replaying all that has happened in just a short amount of time. For most of his life, he believed that he was alone in the world, his only form of family being Kyrie's. Then, all that changed when Dante swan dived and shot Sanctus in the face. Inwardly, he grinned big. He never liked that old priest. He always creeped me out. He never liked Agnus either. I'm glad they're both dead. Then he came to find out that Dante was more than a mentor, he was his uncle, and now his new mother. Then he came to find out the one he was fighting, the one who ripped off his arm, was in fact, his father. Instead of ramming Red Queen through his father's heart, he risked his own life to ensure that the two older devils didn't die. After they left to finish the job, Nero did a lot of soul searching and decided to give them a chance. He was glad that he did.

He discovered that although Dante was in fact very boisterous, flamboyant, adventurous, and carried a carefree attitude, that the older Hunter was in fact very caring, was a good listener, and was very sympathetic, as well as very protective, particularly where Nero and Vergil were concerned as well as with Patty, his ward. The man was a bleeding heart when it came to family and those he cared for. He also discovered that the man was also an exceptionally good teacher and adored working with children. When he visited Nero at the orphanage to help, the children crowded around the Hunter in droves! While it terrified Nero sometimes, Dante grinned and allowed it.

His father was calmer in nature, he was meticulous and on point. He always believed in having a plan. He was a wealth of knowledge and the elder encouraged Nero to ask questions. His father wasn't as patient as the older Hunter, but he was able to break it down clearly for the younger. He also noticed that since he found out about him and after Nero kicking his ass, that Vergil was more than willing to not only accept and acknowledge Nero, but he cherished him! He was remorseful for almost killing him and Nero saw it and forgave the elder devil. Since then, both father and son began to heal. Now, thanks to the blood adoption, he gained a new mother. He ran to the mirror and gasped. There were changes.

His eyes were even more blue, and his skin darkened a bit. His hair grew out a bit in the front. He put up a hand and slicked it back at first, shook his head and picked up a hairbrush and brushed it down. Much better! Even his power went up even more and he was taller. He carefully went downstairs and smiled warmly. His parents were on the couch and from his angle, they seemed to be asleep. He found a warm quilt and walked slowly toward them, making sure to keep silent. What he saw made him smile bigger. They were asleep but his father held the red clad devil protectively and lovingly. The Hunter was sleeping peacefully, his head resting over his father's heart. He saw the beautiful ring on the Hunter's finger. They do love each other…. it's about time! He carefully placed the quilt on them and was about to creep away when he heard a soft dark chuckle. He blinked and saw his father's green blue eyes look at him. The elder looked at him and smiled softly.

"Thank you, Nero."

"No Father," Nero said softly. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For doing what's right. I know you went through Hell, but you came out a badass…" Both blinked when they heard a soft laugh. They saw amused warm icy blues.

"King Badass." Dante laughed. "It does have a nice ring to it. And Nero's right. You did go through so much. Others would've broken long ago. But you didn't."

"If that's not power Father," Nero said. "Then I don't know what is." This had Vergil thinking. He went through a lot. He even died twice! He survived being split, while his demon half ran rampant. He survived being killed that faithful night, he survived his tenure with Mundus and was freed. He found his long-lost son, his love and importantly, himself. He smiled then began to laugh, in realization.

"Dante, you were right."

"Right about what Honey?"

"Father gave us our swords for a reason, our own lessons to learn."

"Yea, I learned from Rebellion that I had to embrace both sides of myself." Dante said. "Rebellion binds man with devil. He wanted me to learn to accept both parts of myself." Vergil and Nero nodded.

"Father, what was yours? What did you learn from Yamato?"

"There is balance to all things." Vergil said. "That there is a harmony that is great, and no one can destroy." Nero tilted his head.

"All my life, I pursued power. I didn't care of the cost. I didn't care who I hurt. But I realized that by hurting those closest to me, I was hurting myself. With you and your Mother, I have found my strength. My power wasn't out there, it's here with you both. Family is Great Harmony… Forgive me for my foolish pride…"

"Honey, we both forgive you." Dante said as he cupped the elder's face gently. "We can't change the past. Let's look to the future Ok. Who knows, we may even get meet the grandkids!" Nero yelped while Vergil chuckled, and Dante cackled.

"MOTHER!" Nero yelped. "Don't rush it!"

"Yes Dear, there's no need to rush things."

"True, but I'll bet they'll be so cute!" Dante cackled. "Terrorizing their grandpa…"

"More like give grandma trouble!" Vergil countered. Dante yelped. Nero snickered.

"Yea, I can see it now, Dante pruning his rosebushes!" Father and son looked at each other and laughed hysterically. Dante smiled sweetly, got up from the couch and headed upstairs, causing the elder to yelp and go under the quilt as a result from the Hunter's departure from his embrace.

"Dante, where are you going?"

"Grandma's gonna rest in the bed. You can stay on the couch, Grandpa." Nero and Vergil blinked. What the fuck happened?

"It's called, you're in the doghouse." Griffon said smugly. "Way to go Cassanova."

"What's 'the doghouse'?" Vergil asked, genuinely confused. Griffon snickered and Nero grinned.

"Take it away Superstar."

"Simply put Father, you're in deep shit."

"Oh and no playtime," Griffon sniggered. This had Vergil's eyes widen and the older man to gasp.

"WHAT?!" He exclaimed. He dashed off the couch and ran up the stairs and to his room. Nero and Griffon chilled on the couch but laughed when they heard the elder plead for the Hunter to let him into the room so they could talk.

"Well Little Chicken," Nero said as he grabbed the remote. "Lessons learned."