Author's Note: Soon an Event twist. I know Nelo Angelo couldn't speak so I came up with this form of communication, for signing is a language too and I find it inspiring, and it is fun to learn! Oh, and I shortened Nelo Angelo's name to just Nelo when he's signing with Dante and Nero. Nero will recall this name later on in the story.

Chapter 4: Reminisce and Bonds

Dante was fuming but he kept his head on the mission at hand. To kick the ass of the one who destroyed his family and to save his son. Nero was innocent! Dante crushed the phantom and all he was using his senses and instincts to see what was next. He found the Death Sentence and stopped at the double doored room when he picked up his son's scent. Nero?! Hold on kid, Daddy's coming! He opened the doors and looked around. Nero's scent was in here, but he wasn't. DAMMIT WHERE IS HE? He saw the Melancholy Soul and used the sword. He took a knee to pick it up but turned when he encountered a reflection of himself! He knew there was something different.

"Where is my son?" He asked. "The little boy in blue and red…." The demon motioned only one word via sign language. : Safe. Dante thanked his lucky stars for taking the classes. One of Nero's best friends was deaf and both Nero and Dante took up the classes and excelled. That gesture alone was meaningful to the two friends and their families.

"Why won't you tell me?" Dante asked. "I can't….he can't be hurt….." The demon tilted his head then motioned again.

I am unable to speak, but if I was given the luxury, it would not be in the boy's best interest for me to tell you where he is. He is safe and can not be harmed. But I can tell you this, he is under MY protection.

"I am his father! It is MY job to protect him!" Dante cried. The demon raised an eyebrow, nodding before signing again.

I understand, but, in this situation, until you are trained up enough, the boy is safer with me. Defeat me and I can guide you to him and as well as the power you are lacking.

"Why are you doing this?" Dante asked. Demons were not usually known for being Samaritans. "What's in it for you?"

My reasons are my own. The more time you waste, the stronger Mundus becomes. Now I expect you to fight your best. Follow me. The demon snapped his fingers and the doors opened. He motioned for Dante to follow him outside.

The two battled and Dante saw the similarity in their fighting. No….Dante bit back a sob. Vergil…..it can't be…. The demon grabbed him by the neck, laughing darkly. When Dante's half of the Amulet showed, the demon gasped. Dante! He thought. No! So that little boy…Nero…is his son….I will protect him and guide Dante. Although he did defeat me, he has more to go. Before leaving he signed: Go the way you came then down. Before the demon held his head then vanished. Dante nodded and went his way, saddened that his brother, his love, was a slave for the monster that killed their mother.

Nelo Angelo staggered into an elaborate room overseeing the ocean. On the couch, was Nero. The child scampered close but Nelo Angelo held up a hand and sat down heavily in a throne like chair, set his sword down and signed: Do you understand me little one? You may speak but it may be better to sign for the walls may have ears.

Nero understood and nodded. He looked at the demon and signed. Are you hurt? Vergil was touched at the child's thoughtfulness.

I am but it will heal. I fought against your Father and lost. He is here in the castle. Nero smiled.

Daddy is here? He came for me?

Yes he did, he loves you very much. I will help him but you will need to remain here for the time being. This is the safest room for you.

Do you have a name? Nero signed. The demon blinked as he struggled to remember his own name. He looked at the child and sadly shook his head. I can not remember it, but the other demons here call me Nelo Angelo. You may call me Nelo for short if you wish.

Nero blinked at the fact that the demon didn't group himself with the demons on the island and he liked the shortened version of the demon's name. Aren't you a demon too, Nelo?

I'm only a hybrid. Nelo Angelo signed. Just like you, and just like your father. Excuse my question but I am curious, did your father…beget you?

To a normal nine-year-old this would seem a yucky question but he had a kid friendly version of 'the talk' with his father. He also learned that he was adopted but he didn't care for that. His Daddy was his father, plain and simple.

No, he adopted me when I was three days old. Daddy is my Father and I don't give a flying fuck what others say. Nelo blinked at the child's colorful vocabulary but this amused and stirred more feelings in him.

Language Child. Nelo signed but Nero heard a chuckle. Nero giggled. When his stomach growled Nelo signed. I see that you're hungry. Remain here I will be back shortly. Nero nodded and waited. Nelo didn't disappoint. He brought back bread, meat, cheese and fruit with fresh water to drink. Eat slowly you don't want an upset stomach. Nero smiled and nodded, carefully eating. Nelo just kept a watchful eye on the child. He was enchanted with the boy and it stirred more of the long-forgotten emotions within him. He was shaken clear when his mirror flared. This signaled that Dante was approaching the next point. He motioned to Nero and signed.

Would you like to see your Father?

Yes please? Nero signed. Nelo nodded and placed the boy next to him before showing the image. There was Dante running and kicking demon butt and picking up a funny looking cup. Nelo stood up, turned to Nero and signed.

I am going to test your father again. Do not fret on how wounded I am when I return, I would NEVER intentionally hurt your father, nor you. Please, remain here. If you need anything just think of it, it will come. Nero nodded and Nelo left after he ruffled Nero's downy hair. Nero was left thinking and wondering why Nelo Angelo felt familiar.

Dante set down the chalice and turned when Alastor alerted him to Nelo Angelo's presence. He turned and waited for the demon to face him before addressing him.

"How is my son?"

He is a charming child; you have done well. He is safe and he is well tended to. Nelo signed. You have come this far, are you ready? Dante nodded and brandished the Force Edge.

Good, let's begin. Nelo signed before attacking and their swords clashing a second time.