Author's Note: Devil May Cry and characters are not mine. That is Capcom respectfully, just borrowing for story.

Prologue: Storm's A Brewing

"Dart, wake up!" Sai called as she whacked her older brother upside the head with his pillow. "You're as bad as Rian and he's up before you."

"Five more minutes Mom," Dart groaned as he turned away. Sai placed her hands on her hips and blew her hair out of her eyes. Then she smirked.

"DADDY!" She called. "DART WON'T GET UP!"

"Oh, he won't get up, will he?" Vergil chuckled darkly as he came up the stairs. "Sai, step aside Child." Vergil rolled up his sleeves and grabbed the mattress then with a grin, flipped the mattress, sending his second born to the floor!

"WAHHHHHH! FUCK COLD FLOOR!" Dart swore as he jumped awake and dashed off. Sai laughed and looked at her father.

"Daddy, that is so evil!"

"It works." Vergil chuckled. "Sai head downstairs and help your mother and sister if you please?"

"Yes Daddy." Sai said as she went downstairs to join her mother who was arranging on what to take to the dinner their grandparents were hosting. She adored her grandparents, but her uncles gave her the creeps. The oldest, Titus, was always giving her elder brother Nero the stink eye. His twin brother, Marius, was always giving hungry looks at her mother, and glaring at her father with such hate. Rian teasingly said that their uncle had the hots for their mother. But it looked like he was right! Vergil wasn't too fond of his new younger brothers but for his father and new step's sakes he tolerated them. Dante was cordial, ever kind, but Vergil made sure that Dante was kept away from Marius. The looks he gave Dante made Vergil cringe and want to rip his heart out.

"Babe," Dante called softly as he tapped Vergil on the shoulder. "You're growling again." Vergil stopped and looked at his beloved. Dante had his now waist length hair in an elegant braid, dressed in a red turtle-neck and black slacks. Vergil purred and held him close.

"Do we have to go?" He pleaded. "I can play sick…."

"Remember the last time that happened?" Dante asked with a chuckle as Vergil kissed him. Vergil winced. The last time he did get sick, thanks to Marius and him sparring in the snow at the heat of the moment, Asmodeus came over and went all mother hen on him until Vergil got better. While Dante and the Six had a blast at it, Vergil was almost reduced to clawing his way out of the house!

"Yes, that was scary, I'll admit." Vergil said. "I dread to think what was next…."

"I think lullabies." Dante teased before squealing due to Vergil lightly tugging on his braid. "Babe!"

"Oh, I love that…" Vergil purred as he wrapped the braid around his hand and lightly pulled again, leaning in for a kiss. "Especially when you squeal like that, it turns me on…."

"Oh, you beast!" Dante whispered before laughing. "But I love you." They kissed lovingly then smirked when they heard cackles and gags.

"Ah get a room!" Dart laughed. Vana and Sai giggled while Nero and Rian snickered. Vergil growled playfully.

"You six, off with you! This is our house and your mother," He pulled Dante close and kissed him soundly. "Is mine."

"Sure Father, we know that!" Rian said with laugh. "But all's ready to go. We're waiting on you and Mother."

"God, I feel like just taking a mission just to get out of this!" Vergil said honestly as he released Dante's braid reluctantly and straightening his clothes. Dante and the girls and Dami picked up the food while Rian, Dart, and Nero assisted. When all was ready and the family was outside, Vergil handed Yamato to Nero.

"Two slashes Son." Vergil instructed. Nero nodded and slashed as he had seen his father do, creating a perfect portal before handing Yamato to his father who nodded in approval before sheathing the blade and helping Dante through. Dart and Sai went next only to follow by Rian and Dami Nero and Vana went last and joined their family in the backyard of their grandparents' home. Vergil rolled his eyes and groaned as did Nero. Dante sighed.

"Let's go and try to have a nice dinner." The Hunter pleaded.

Asmodeus had the same problem with his family as he made sure all was done and perfect for the children and grandchildren. Marius tried to comfort his anxious mother while helping.

"Mother, everything will be fine," He soothed.

"Marius, I need you and your brother on your best behavior. Your father and I are anxious to see the children and grandchildren. I'm sure you are to see your brothers, nieces and nephews…."

"If Vergil will behave then I will."

"Marius! Please!" Asmodeus pleaded. "Not this again!"

"I'm sorry Mother but Dante deserves better!"

"Now you listen to me, those two have a special bond, don't you dare break that!"

Titus took a breath as he walked into his father's office. Earlier he received word that his father wanted to see him before his extended family arrived for dinner. As he waited, he saw his father's journal on its stand. He remembered when his older brother Vergil presented the journal to their father as a joint present from himself and from Dante. He had no problem with them, in fact he feared and respected Vergil. The man earned his power and respect. As did Dante. It was Nero he couldn't stand. Although the young man was his nephew, he couldn't stand the admiration his father had in his eyes and voice when Nero was spoken of. The younger Hunter was his parents' pride and joy, their firstborn son. He also was the apple of Sparda's eye and Titus was pissed! That should be ME! Father should see ME that way! He even envied when Sparda and Asmodeus listened to Nero's insight on the Order of the Sword, for he had served. Titus went into it as well but Sparda didn't make it easy for him. In fact, he pushed Titus to train hard and act accordingly. When Nero arrived as a guest, along with Vana and Dart who were visiting at the time, Sparda had Nero assist him in demonstrations and when it came to the regulations. He even had Nero speak to the new recruits and inspect things. Titus was furious. He didn't mean to pick up his father's journal, but his curiosity was just too much.

After careful consideration and assessment, I have come to a crucial decision. I have decided that once I have reconstructed the New Order of the Sword and if approval is given by the Council, that my grandson Nero, should take my place when the time occurs. My son Titus came a close second, but his pride blinds him. It reminds me so much of Asme's brother Baul. I love my children, but I must do what is best. I will speak to Vergil and Dante on the matter. Nero has grown from an angered young man to a fine young man with leadership qualities while remaining humble and steadfast. These are keys required for the perfect successor to the Order. He also has the heart and spirit, a true Princeling indeed. I know that Vergil and Dante are proud of him, as Asme and I are.

"Titus?" Sparda called, causing the young man to slowly turn and swear, being caught red handed with the journal.

"Father I…."

"Well, I was going to say my decision at dinner." Sparda sighed with disappointment as he sat down. "They have arrived I went to greet them."

"Father, why him?" Titus asked as he set the journal down. "He's a boy….."

"And what are you? You are not as old as Vergil or Dante or your mother and I."

"I would rather you chose Vergil." Titus admitted. "At least that choice makes more sense! Why Nero?!"

"Because he was there, he was able to provide the insight I needed. Plus, he has more than proved his place. Titles like these must be earned not given."

"I am your SON!"

"So is Vergil, so is Dante! Do you see me giving the Order to them?"

"But that is not the point!"

"Vergil has a lot already, plus as much as I love my eldest, he can be cold and merciless when it comes to battle. Dante has his business which he built with his own hands, blood and sweat, plus he and Vergil have raised their nestlings. Nero has worked his way up the ladder in the Order for he served since day one until the Savior Incident."

"Father, I too am a Sparda, it should be ME leading the New Order."

"My decision stands." Sparda said firmly. "You will be mature about it and accept it." Titus got up with a huff and stormed out. Sparda rubbed his forehead and groaned.

God, this is going to be a storm….