Prologue: Brother's Keeper

Vergil growled as he slammed the door to his room and threw himself onto his bed, groaning into his pillow. Once again, because of Dante's antics, Vergil ended up in trouble!

"You have to set an example for him, Vergil." Eva said. Sparda also came down on him, although not as bad as his wife. Where Vergil was concerned, Eva was harder on the expectations of a firstborn. Dante was the baby in her eyes. Sparda was the Fear of God for Dante.

It all started with Dante not wanting to attend services at the church. As Lord of Fortuna, Sparda had to attend. Vergil didn't mind, for he usually snuck a book to read and sat where he wouldn't be noticed. Dante wanted to go to the zoo then to the park.

"Why do we have to go?" Dante asked with a pout as Eva dressed him then brushed his hair.

"To support Father," Vergil said. "He has to go."

"Ok," Dante begrudgingly agreed. Vergil nodded and handed Dante his coat before putting on his own. But it was at the church when it got bad…

The Priest was preaching and Dante was bored out of his mind. He was only 7 years old. He climbed off the pew and was about to sneak off when suddenly, he bumped into a candelabra, causing it to fall over and catching the Priest's robes on fire! While Sparda groaned softly and shook his head in disappointment, Eva was angry. Dante blinked as the Priest was doused. He looked at Dante and was about to go after him but Sparda stepped in.

"Do NOT touch MY SON." He growled. "I WILL HANDLE IT." Sparda said. He looked to his sons and both gulped . Without a word they followed their mother, their father walking behind them. As soon as they entered their home, that's when things went from bad to worse….

"Dante," Sparda began with a sigh as he sat down in his armchair. " What on Earth were you thinking…?"

"Dante is just a baby my Lord…" She looked at their firstborn. "Vergil, why weren't you watching him?" The older twin blinked.

"Wait what? I have to babysit?" Vergil asked. "Aren't you supposed to watch us?"

"Although the point is valid, Vergil," Sparda said. "One day your mother will not be here. It will fall to you to make sure Dante is safe. It is your duty as firstborn."

"BUT WHAT ABOUT ME?!" The older boy shouted. "DON'T I DESERVE TO BE LOVED, SECURE, AND PROTECTED?!"

"Vergil you are stronger, you'll be able to withstand a lot. Dante is not."

"That's bullshit!" Vergil countered, his parents blinking at his use of language. "Dante can't defend himself he's a child. As am I. It is your duty to protect and raise us."

"We all have our duties.. " Eva began.

"Don't give me that socialite crap." Vergil snapped. Sparda blinked. "You two decided to become parents! Wake up and DO YOUR JOBS!" With that, Vergil stormed off to his room. Dante was shocked in place. He silently agreed with his older twin. Sparda and Eva announced that Vergil was grounded and training would begin at dawn. Vergil slammed his door leaving his family in shocked silence.

"Were we just told off?" Sparda asked. Eva nodded and Dante was studying the rug.

"Is...the Priest hurt? I'm sorry I didn't mean to set him on fire…"

" No sweetie he's not hurt." Eva said sweetly as she held him.

"Just a little singed." Sparda chuckled. "But why did it happen?"

" I was trying to leave." Dante said. " It was boring as fuck."

"Language!" The parents shouted. Dante winced.

When Dante saw his brother's empty seat at dinner, he got worried. While his parents weren't watching, Dante set up a plate for the older twin and snuck it upstairs. He slowly opened the door to Vergil's bedroom and saw his brother fast asleep. Carefully Dante set the tray down and gently woke the older boy.

"Verge, come on, you got to eat." Dante whispered. "What was it Father said, about might again? You won't have that if you don't eat!" The older twin woke up, sat up in bed and looked at the bane of his existence at the moment. Dante pointed to the tray and Vergil nodded quietly. Dante watched the elder eat and when all was gone, Dante smiled warmly and surprised Vergil by kissing him on the forehead and cheek apologetically and whispering 'I'm sorry Verge. I love you.' before leaving, taking the tray with him. The elder felt his anger abate. Dante may have been a pain, but Vergil loved him too. He would destroy anyone or anything who would dare touch the younger twin. He silently followed the younger and what he saw and heard surprised him.

"Father, Mother. it's unfair to punish Vergil for speaking his mind." Dante said as he put the dishes into the sink.

"Oh sweetie he's being punished because he didn't watch you.. "

"But he's right, we're just kids."

"Oh sweetie you're upset, have a cookie, freshly baked.."

"No!" Dante cried. "Take the punishment off!"

"We will not."

"Then take the cookies and shove em." Dante growled. Eva gasped and this angered his father.

"Dante, training, with me, NOW!" Vergil blinked. Dante defended him! Vergil stepped in front of his twin.

"No!" He said. "Father no!"

"What?" Sparda asked, genuinely surprised. "Vergil, I didn't see you at dinner…."

"Father, don't punish him for defending me, please." He pleaded. Surprisingly, Sparda smiled.

"You two just learned a valuable lesson. Consider your punishment over. Enjoy your free time before bedtime." The boys blinked while their father walked off chuckling softly. Dante hugged his twin. Vergil couldn't help but blush. He couldn' t explain it but with Dante holding him and hugging him, Vergil felt safe. He felt a huge weight off his shoulders. What is this? Why do I feel this way?

"Verge, I know I'm a pain, but no matter what, I'll always fight for you." With a wink and grin, Dante scampered off to swipe a snack for himself and for Vergil.