Chapter 2: Painful Past

A/N: I don't own DMC even though I wish I did so I make some of the characters in the story. And can't forget one of my friends would be so jealous. But that's wishful thinking for yeah.

The stranger seemed to be very curious about the house he stepped into. The small two story house was a very old one. Nate bound up the steps first and sat down on the porch swing and swung himself. Melody smiled softly at her brother's antics. Even after a dark day at work that boy could lighten her mood up.
Excuse me? the stranger asked.


What is it?
It feels kinda strange to not have a name.
Okay, Nate what do you think?




The stranger looked at them oddly. He has a fascination with Greek history, Melody supplied for him.
How about... Hermes, or even Artemis... Even Virgil.. or...
Wait what was that last name? the stranger asked.
Virgil? Why?

Melody noticed he was trying to remember something important but couldn't place his finger on it.
Do you like Virgil?
he said quietly.
Melody thought for a moment and noticed the dragon on his coat. Then a name hit her.
How about Drake?
I like that, he murmured.
Then Drake it is...
Awweee man I wanted to pick out his name, Nate whined.
Come on boys its time to get inside and I'll start dinner unless Drake you want to get out of those wet clothes and then take care of Nate while I cook.
he said in an unsure voice.
Come on I'll show you around.
She lead Drake around the house in a quick tour. Leaving him at the bathroom with a clean pair of clothes that had belonged to her father. When he came back out after his shower he headed to the kitchen. His hair was still dripping wet when he walked in there. Melody started when she saw him. The sight of him disarmed her. His hair was plastered to his forehead. The blue button down shirt he wore was unbuttoned showing off his toned chest. He wore black jean pants and was barefooted.
Are you all right? he asked hesitantly.
The way she reacted scared him a bit.
Oh, yeah you just scared me is all.

Don't worry about it no harm done. Can you go out side and watch Nate for me?
Yes, mama.
You make me sound old... The names Melody.
All right Melody.
He smiled sweetly. She had this feeling in his old life he didn't do that often enough or at all due to the fact there weren't in laugh lines on his face. She suspected he was the strong silent type back then. A determination stole over her to change that even if he did remember eventually. Drake retreated to the front porch where Nate was absently singing to himself. He could barely make out the words. The song sounded so strained and sad. Suddenly the boy burst into tears and launched himself into Drake's arms. He was muttering things about an accident and being left all alone. Finally at a loss he just rubbed the boys back and whispered;
It'll be all right, over and over again.
Melody watched the two of them. From the door way. Sadness engulfed her as she too remembered the accident that took the lives of her parents and nearly her brother. She watched as Nate went slack in Drake's arms.
I'm sorry about that, she whispered as she went to pick her brother up.
It's all right.
I need to put him to bed. He always sleeps a long time after memories like that hit him.
I'll carry him for you.
Thank you.
He got up carefully with the sleeping boy in his arms. Melody lead him to Nate's room. After tucking the boy in he looked around the room. A very artful dragon and unicorn were painted on separate walls in their own scenes. The Dragon was flying high in the sky. Where as the Unicorn was laying near a waterfall under the moon light. There were various toys scattered all over the place. His covers had a star and moon theme. He caught her staring at him.
he whispered.
Nothing. It's just that you're so good with children despite your memory loss.
Did you paint all of this?
Yes, years ago before my parents died.

Come on I'll feed you and tell you the story you must be hungry.
Just then his stomach decided to answer that question for him. She laughed softly. Motioning with her head they headed down stairs to the kitchen. Serving him some dinner she waited for him to finish before they headed into the den to get comfortable for the story.
You know you don't have to tell me...
I have to so you can understand why Nate has half the fits he does.

Melody organized her thoughts before she began.

flashback

The road was thick with snow. Our family of four drove carefully down the street. Salt trucks plowed the road not ten minutes before but the snow continued to fall in torrents.
Honey maybe we should of stayed home tonight, her mother said uneasily.
We'll be all right dear.
I just have this bad feeling.
I had been listening to the conversation and was getting worried. Nate didn't understand what was going on. A familiar sad tune began to play on the radio. Without warning headlights appeared in front of the car as the sickening crunch of metal meeting metal hitting head on resonated through all four of us in the car. Once the impact was over I struggled to check on my family. Nate was still breathing but had a cut on his forehead. He seemed to be unconscious. Unhooking my seat belt I went to check on my parents. The sight I saw will live with me until I die. Dad was leaning over to protect mom. A large shard of glass was embedded in his chest along with other small pieces. A large piece of the hood had sliced into both parents. Blood was splattered all over the place. I saw my mother's cell phone and I picked it up dialing 911 for help. Minutes later the ambulance arrived. Somehow without remembering doing it I had dragged Nate out into the snow with me and I sat there with him in my arms. They rushed us both to the hospital. The other driver and our parents were pronounced dead on arrival.

end flashback

I'm sorry.
It was a long time ago. Sure it still haunts me but I have greater things to worry about. I had been 20 that year and was visiting that year for the annual family get together. After the accident Nate was in a coma for two days. Ever since then he'll have those fits and I'll have to deal with him.
How is it you take care of him and this house?
I'm a doctor that's why they allowed me to take my brother into my care.
My aunt helps me out when I get a little behind because I had to take care of Nate.
Maybe you won't miss as much if I helped watch Nate for you.
I wouldn't want to burden you Drake. You've just lost your memories.
It's strange but I feel I have to make up for something I did in my past. So I would be grateful if you allow me to do this to repay you for your kindness.
He seems to have taken to you really fast. All right... I thank you Drake.
Of course. Melody how long has it been since you're parents...
Eight years ago as of December 25th.
I'll do my best to help out around here.
She smiled at him brightly. Whatever he was in the past didn't reflect in his now amnesic state now. He returned the smile and they turned on the TV to watch an old movie.

A/N: Okay next chapter up... If you were curious about all the color references in the first chapter that will be explained later on, promise. So, Melody and Nate lost their parents in a horrific accident and Drake has now volunteered to be of assistance. R/R please.