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What Spurs On

Summary:

Minor musing from Nevan stuck on babysitting Nero.

Notes:

Devil May Cry © Capcom

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

What was the drive? That spurred them on?

'Avenging their mothers' deaths was the most obvious,' Nevan mused silently. She had gotten stuck with watching over Nero because Dante couldn't find a "babysitter" in time for an emergency job and she was the only one with a suitable human form. Lady was out of town, and Dante did not trust Enzo to be able to handle a toddler. 'So menial!'

Yet there had to be more. Maybe that indomitable human will she's heard other devils talk about - it might've been what inspired Sparda to turn against Mundus. Lady said that her soul wouldn't let her say no, a glint of hardness in her eyes. Dante was the same, familial responsibility to Nero now as part of his drive. The few times Dante's taken her out, she's seen it in civilians, who were originally cowering, yet leaping in defense when danger was aimed at someone they knew.

And maybe it was also that little thing called "love."

'Eros, agape, storge, philia...'

Nero stared as her bat swooped down low enough to scatter harmless sparks, letting out a happy squeal when one purple spark landed on his nose.

'Unconditional love of family, even for those gone... Eva and Sparda obviously were romantic with each other...' The demoness tilted her head, watching as Nero tried to grab the bat or the sparks. 'Philia...' She snorted, letting Nero grab a finger to play with (shortened fingernails, of course). 'Well, those two may insist that they're just "business partners," but even that short fat fool - ah, Enzo - could see that they're becoming friends... Maybe they drive each other, as a reminder...'

"And who will be your drive, little one?" she whispered, carefully picking Nero up when he begin to make sounds she's learned to recognize as hunger. "Who will spur you down whichever path you choose, hm?"

Innocent blue eyes simply looked at her as he greedily sucked his bottle. A quick burp, and simply more staring, jamming his fingers into his mouth. So unfair, that Sparda could indirectly create such an adorable nestling.

"I hope you'll show us your motivation one day, little one." Nevan smiled as Nero yawned widely before blinking sleepily.

Notes:

Follows "Nibble, Nibble." Part of Johnny Luuu's DMCtober 2020 prompts, Day 14 "Drive."

Drive is one of Dante's move where he holds Rebellion - and Devil Sword Dante in 5 - in a reverse-grip and sends out a shockwave, which he can send up to three in 4. In 4SE, Vergil has a variation by using Force Edge, and Trish as well with Devil Sword Sparda as part of her Bare Knuckle Combo A. Here, I'm using the "what drives a person" context.