After the chaos Dante had caused in Fortuna, you and he eventually split up in the forest.
Before leaving, Dante gave you a mischievous grin.
"Keep Nero busy for me, will ya? Just stall him for a while."
You sighed. "And what exactly am I supposed to tell him?"
"Make something up. You're good at that."
Before you could argue, Dante disappeared into the trees.
A few minutes later, Nero found you.
He immediately looked suspicious.
"Where's Dante?"
You smiled innocently.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
Nero narrowed his eyes.
"You're helping him, aren't you?"
"Maybe."
What started as a simple attempt to stall him quickly turned into a game of dodging, taunting, and keeping Nero occupied.
But after a while, his patience began to wear thin.
"Okay. Enough."
You noticed the change in his expression.
Nero tightened his grip and stepped forward.
"I've been playing around with you long enough."
You prepared yourself.
Then—
ROAR!
The ground shook.
A massive figure crashed through the trees.
Echidna.
Nero immediately turned toward the demon.
You lowered your weapon slightly.
"...Well. That's convenient."
You glanced at Nero.
"Temporary truce?"
Nero nodded.
"Deal."
Echidna lunged.
You and Nero attacked together, your movements quickly falling into rhythm. Nero drew her attention while you struck from the side, and whenever Echidna turned toward you, Nero was there to intercept.
"Keep her busy!" Nero shouted.
"Already doing it!"
You both pressed the attack until Echidna finally staggered.
Nero delivered the finishing blow, sending the demon crashing to the ground.
Silence returned.
Nero looked at you.
"So... back to our little problem?"
You smiled.
"Can we pretend that didn't happen?"
He sighed.
"Not a chance."
Somewhere far away, Dante was probably still laughing.
For: @butchyplays
