Chapter 4

The next day Paolo tried to be an angel. Well a real fairytale-like angel of goodness and service, feeling ashamed about all the 'Greek lessons' and in what state the pair found them.

Brent on the other hand reached his breaking point... He stayed in his demon form and rather went out to roam the abandoned city near the hideout. He loved Matt and Corey and Paolo and all… But as they got their own love interest – mainly in each other – and got a more serious part in the new situations of the world, the demon felt... useless and lonely.

The afternoon found his black-skinned figure crawling around the buildings not so old, but looking ran down after the world started to burn. He enjoyed his time there. Looking at the left behind things and trying to figure out what kind of people used to live there what kind of life.

Someone has been in the abandoned nearby town all day. Usually not even the possessed dared to go there as they could feel the closeness of the gods and didn't risk getting killed now that they had a human body to possess. So the town was usually quiet, the humans long gone and only animals roaming its streets time after time.

Animals who were sacred to him and also reported back if they saw or felt something. It was one of the many powers of the old god Thoth, patron of arts, science and wisdom.

When that someone was still there in the afternoon too, the god's curiosity won over him. He assumed it had to be one of their guests, but he had to check just to make sure and since he was done with his duties for that day and the others were engaged otherwise, he appeared on an abandoned street.

As he walked around, he just smiled to himself as he saw nature slowly starting to take back what was once hers. Closing his brown eyes to focus on that presence, he recognized it on some level. Although he didn't meet with the creature yet to whom that slightly intriguing presence belonged, he recognized it as one of the King's companion.

Heading towards the building where he felt the presence from, Christos wondered what the creature was doing, going in and out of windows or doors, spending some time in the rooms then moving along to the next. For a while he stayed invisible to the hell spawn, just watching and following him moving around. Then he decided to appear in his black button-down shirt and pants, his tentacle-like marks of a god visible on his bare arms. The knee-long dreads cascaded down on his strong chest as the bearded man's intense gaze fixed on the reappearing creature again, waiting to be noticed.

 
Source

Brent was so fascinated and lost in the discovering of the everyday life of the people once living there that his weaker senses did not even notice the deity standing there and watching him patiently until he literally bumped into the other man.

"S-sorry..." Brent looked up and raised to his hind legs. Suddenly feeling the force of the God, he hushed his big ears down and curled his long tail around his lean animal-like body, feeling utterly embarrassed. "I didn't notice you... I'm sorry... Your… Holiness…" Brent mumbled not even knowing how to address such a being. Or what to do under the intense stare of Christos.

Said deity was amused by the creature's reactions and embarrassment, but he didn't want to keep him in that state, so he let his full lips curl up into a smile, letting some of his powers seep out to surround and size up the creature. Frankly, Christos found him very cute with his nearly black skin, flattened big ears, the protruding small horns on his forehead, the shoulder and breast scales and that even cuter tail. Even if he was no stranger to Brent's kind.

"It's okay. In this life my name is Christos. You can call me that. You're Brent, the King's companion, right? I know you've been here all day. What were you doing? Scavenging like your kind often does?" he asked, hinting that he knows well the habits of the lower-cast demon breed Brent was from.

That question hit the demon spawn hard. "What? No I just... I'm just looking at how people lived here before it all happened," he replied a bit hurt and straightened up more and his ears peeked up too. "I don't even know my kind... I was born in a religious cult to show the humans that such creatures from other worlds are real and so their faith is important and I was kept in a cage till King saved me... You... you know about my kind?" he asked as his curiosity got the best of him. He lowered his body down, looking like a crouching down dog and even tilted his head as his red eyes shined interested at the God.

Christos couldn't help himself, he already liked the curious demon in front of him and he found himself walking a bit closer, his smile softening along with his interested brown eyes. During his very long existence he rarely felt so taken with someone like now and it was quite refreshing after centuries of just doing his duties and watching over the world, spreading knowledge and teaching humans and other creatures.

"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," the god stated, feeling drawn even closer to Brent until he was standing right in front of him, looking straight into the ruby red eyes. "I'm sorry such a beautiful creature like you had to live his life in a cage like that. I'm happier than you can possibly understand that the son of the Morning Star managed to free you. Later I'll have to thank him for that," Christos murmured on a thicker Greek accent than his brother Seth.

"Yes, I know your kind very well. Your warrior demon cast was mass-created from the same void we came from. Your great numbers of godly war chiefs were led by Anubis and even Thoth... sorry, my brother Seth and I... at some point in the very distant past. Those were the glorious days!" he chuckled low, getting lost in his memories for a moment.

"You..." here he slowly reached out, feeling compelled to touch the cheek of the creature "you come from a strong lineage of your breed. You are a beautiful specimen of your kind, even with your human side..." he whispered looking somewhat moved for a reason Brent couldn't know just yet as his cheek was caressed by the god.

Brent felt like melting from the praising of the God, and even more from his touch. He never felt such a strange sensation and pull towards anyone as he felt drawn to the ancient man.

"T-thank you…" he mumbled and closed his eyes unwillingly and leaned his face a little to Christos' hand. "You make me feel less worthless," he even blurted out his feelings and got scared of it, pulling back and blinking up at the God, ears flat back again and tail nervously curling around him. "I am sorry if I was... inappropriate or anything…" he whispered not knowing what to take of his sudden feelings.

Christos didn't need to have his godly powers around Brent to feel his confusion and nervousness and let his hand fall back to his side, slightly shaking his head, which made some of his long dread locks move.

"Worthless? You are far from worthless, Brent. You'll see soon. Just be patient with yourself for a little while longer," he said mysteriously. And had to remind himself too to be patient, even if excitement was slowly growing in him. He'll have to let Brent come to him, it seemed.

"I've been waiting for so long... I can do it a little while longer..." he half-murmured more to himself. "Come, walk with me and tell me why you think you're worthless," Christos suggested and turned around, pulling his powers back to walk out of the building where they were.

***

Meanwhile in a magic secured small valley between the cliffs, Seth stood in his red leather armor and waited for all their guests to arrive. It will be the first big meeting between the two groups and the God knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

A practice of their skills seemed like a good enough excuse, though, to work out the appearing differences. He could feel them already... So young and not aware of the bigger issues or things… So very suspicious and untrusting of the other group like it was a contest.

Well... Seth’s lips pulled into a sneaky smirk, making him resemble more the jackal head of Anubis from the old temples where he was known in that form. It CAN be a contest until they learn that they are on the same side...

Jim had some conflicting emotions about this practice. Partly because of not wanting to miserably fail in front of a group he hasn’t met before. And partly because he would've spent his time taking care of Corey, who looked and felt weaker again, even if Jim made sure he contained the remaining of his hunger for the demon blood. Most of it has disappeared after his transmutation anyway, but he still liked to get a taste every now and then. Still, he was worried and somewhat distracted because of his pair who was standing on his side.

So his attention was more shared between the god and Corey than the group standing opposite them with the son of Lucifer (which in itself was kinda mind-blowing!), his Cherub pair and their bald guardian angel who kept staring at Jim for some reason. But then again, he got such stares a lot ever since this Nephilim thing...

Matt was eyeing the other group with some distance in his black eyes. He didn't know them thus he wanted to see what kind of men they were. The buff blue-eyed guard with the long black hair seemed to be sizing them up too. Then there was the short redhead who looked like shit, to be honest. Clearly it wasn't a regular look on him because the tall man on his side kept glimpsing at him worried.

"He looks more like the addict biker type than a Nephilim..." he blurted out before he could filter his thoughts.

Of course everyone had inhuman hearing... The shit looking and also feeling like red Corey even hissed at the cherub.

Mick hummed and nodded to himself. Frankly he felt at a loss… Like… there was the son of Lucifer himself... and a dark cherub and a guardian angel, all used to their powers and skilled and strong…

And them.. Yeah... To be honest, Jim did look more as the tall cherub said than some athletic super being stronger than all that walked the Earth before… Corey... he had his struggle with his weakness. And then there was he himself, the newly crossed half-demon who knew shit about anything...

"Hush now!" Seth used a different voice than his usual kind soothing one. This was an echoing groan of a God in his power. "You came here to learn and get prepared for what may come. Not to size each other up with prejudice. You have to complete a task. No time limit. You simply have to get through the labyrinth. All of you at once to reach the other side. I'll be watching!" he said and with a sudden wave of his hand made all of them appear in a dark cave with three possible ways to carry on from there.

Matt was about to open his mouth and say something, his cheeks a bit colored from the slip of his tongue, but then suddenly they were scolded by the god and the next moment they were in that cave, facing the three tunnels ahead of them.

Glimpsing at the others before his black gaze found his pair's he cleared his throat. "Quite the task, huh? I guess we should introduce ourselves first?"

"Might be useful if we want to work together and survive this..." Paolo said and with his palms held up in a non-threatening way, he took a few steps towards the other group, though he seemed to mostly talk to Jim. "Hello. I'm sorry for earlier. I'm Paolo, the guardian angel of Corey and his Cherub pair, Matt..." he said with a small smile, trying to somewhat break the ice. For now he only got a cold stare from the red demon.

"Corey... The all black guy is Mick. We were the last of the Mercy Demons, now linked to this world. The addict biker is Jim, the Nephilim," he said.

"Right... My earthly name is Corey too. I know the Gods and we should take this seriously…" King tried but could already hear the snorting over his words.

"Yeah, I figured someone like you would know the gods... Any ideas where we are?" Corey snapped back with all his fury over trying to keep Jim safe.

"No. No idea. But I am sure he is watching us and having a good time. Cause that is what gods do with lesser beings…" King aimed his last line towards the roof of the cave.

~~~

"Come, my beautiful boy. Enjoy this with me. We won't get much amusement if the twins attack again..." Seth said sitting down next to a richly decorated bowl filled with water. On the surface of the water they could see everything the two group did or said.

"They have to learn the hard way, master?" Kerim giggled and sat on the lap of Seth, hugging his neck.

"We don't have time to baby them…" Seth shrugged and pulled Kerim's chin towards him and pressed a gentle kiss to the pierced lips.

~~~

"It's okay, baby. I'll be fine..." Jim finally talked while putting a big hand onto Corey's shoulder, rubbing it a bit. Frankly, all this hostility and bickering was something he didn't really care for. He's been called names all his life, so he just turned towards the tunnels, stroking down on his beard.

The faster they got out of there, the sooner he could make Corey rest and hopefully heal. He should talk to the gods about his condition once they survive this. Because he had to believe that they would.

"We should stop wasting time and focus on the task at hand. Bickering won't help us. We don't need to be best buddies to succeed, we just have to be civil to each other," Jim looked at the other group with his slightly sad hazel eyes. "I think we should take the tunnel to the right. That's the only one from where I can sense fresh air coming..." he suggested.

Paolo carefully looked at Matt before the cherub could open his mouth and say something again.

"I agree," King took a step towards Jim. "And right now we all are equal in Anubis' test," he said carrying his gaze over all over them on both sides.

"Fine," Corey mumbled. He just felt so bad about not being able to protect Jim as he wanted to. "I guess we have to get going anyway..." he added with his blue eyes widening in shock as a tall wall of fire appeared and started to close up on them, slowly but surely...

It was hard to miss that firewall and it made Matt move closer towards the middle of the room to observe the three tunnels for himself too. "I guess the Nephilim should know best," Matt snorted a bit, not entirely sure that the "fresh air" part wasn't a trap too. His own senses were a bit messed up from the presence of all the others – especially the Nephilim's.

As he looked behind the others, his black eyes narrowed a bit seeing the firewall coming closer faster. With a sigh and a light frown, he turned to the biker. "Lead the way then, chosen one..."

Jim just shook his head with a sigh and passed the Cherub with his group, Paolo at their heels, his golden wings out as if he was in protective mode already. He sent a strange look at Matt as he passed him too.

Mick looked at the guardian and they nodded at the same time like some silent agreement. Both of them cared mainly about keeping their friends safe, and the two Guardians reached a common ground fast.

~~~

"They are wiser than the others. That is what overall responsibility brings," Kerim stated nuzzling the neck of Seth, still enjoying his lap and the 'show' in the reflection of the water.

"Yes, they are interesting indeed. Want to spice it up a little bit?" the God asked and handed a small wooden box to the angel.

Who opened it and took out a handful of small carved figures and dropped them into the water under Seth’s pleased gaze. He was so proud of his angel boy…

~~~

Walking into the pitch-black tunnel wasn't a big task for such beings. Corey kept close to his man just in case he could help.

"Are you hearing the drums?" King suddenly asked as some silent tribal drumming echoed throughout the caves, making it harder to identify the source of the sound.

Now everyone's eyes were glowing in the dark cave as they were trying to get through.

"Yes. I have a feeling we'll soon get some company," Paolo murmured.

"Be on alert..." Jim warned as he finally focused his powers enough to scan the tunnel in front of them while they were slowly moving forward. "I can sense... something nearby... There's also some light ahead," he added as they took a turn in the cave and true to his words, some natural and torch lights started making it easier to see.

To that the Cherub's senses could only agree and he stretched out his right arm next to his body to summon his katana, just to make sure.

"Didn't expect it to be easy..." That was Mick under his nose as he cocked the gun he got from Shawn back in the base camp.

"Khazra warriors... Really, Seth?" King groaned sniffing into the air. "Be ready. Magical goat men that can climb up the walls..."

"Nice…" Corey growled smelling the tribe members too.

As they walked more into the small open area, they formed one group more, not even noticing how they stood in a circle to protect themselves from all side.

"Paolo, above you!" Corey yelled and just in time as a creature what mostly was like a goat with warpaint standing on two legs with a spear and some pants on dropped down almost into the guardian's neck.

King threw a fire ball at it but it seemed like the Khazra just shook fire off.

Standing up and letting out some strange battle cry towards the ceiling, suddenly about ten of those small fast monsters were upon our heroes. It was clearly the time to bring out the big guns, so to say. And act quickly.

As Matt channeled a good chunk of his black Cherub powers and magic into his katana, he sliced one goat man into half when it tried to drive his spear through their golden angel.

"Cool... They don’t seem to like my fire," Matt grinned wide and let more of his black fire out.

Meanwhile Jim concentrated on creating a shield around the group so no additional attackers could get to them. "Cover me! I need to make the shield stronger. And we should move forward. There's an exit to the left... above that tribal hut!" he yelled so everyone could hear it.

Paolo quickly jumped beside Jim and covered him with his power and the shield too, so Jim could make a dome above them also. And that was very useful because the goat men just kept pouring like rain.

Corey used his remaining power to stand close to the two of them and try to shove away the pile of yelling and growling creatures as they slowly moved towards the exiting tunnel.

Things got much easier for Jim from the additional help as his shield thickened and they could see the goat men falling from above bounce back and land outside the dome.

"Matt, help us out here!" the Nephilim asked when he felt Corey getting somewhat slower and tired from using his power. Turning to his pair, he asked him gently. "Don't drain yourself so much, baby. Stand behind me, please..." he said while keeping up his shield and when a creature wanted to attack Corey through the shield with no success, Jim got finally angry a bit and sent a shockwave out of his palm, making three more beasts fly against different objects.

Matt had an impressed look in his glowing eyes from that for a few seconds as he got there just in time to witness that. "Here I am. What do you want me to do?"

"Use your black fire on them. It seemed to work just as much as my shock waves. Together we can clear a safe path for us to reach the exit!"

"Alright then," Matt nodded as the warrior in him took over and he let his eyes glow brighter as he let out more of his swirling angel fire, aiming it at the beasts while Jim sent waves after waves against them. They definitely could move faster this way.

Mick stood beside Corey to support his demon brother, smiling at how the Cherub and the Nephilim finally worked together to help all of them reach safety.

King was pleased as well. He helped to keep away the attacks of the goat men on ground from them with the help of Mick and they finally found themselves at the same rocky clearing as they started.

The only difference was that Seth now was sitting on a rock, serving as a table for a bowl of water, with Kerim on his lap and kissing…

He cared so much more for the simple life of the Earthly beings before a pariah angel got close to him... That was King's thought but he just pressed his lips together and turned to check on the others.

Jim was slightly panting as his shield finally vanished and he put an arm around his redhead to support him while he glimpsed around. "It seems even the world could end around these two... Oh wait, it is ending!" he chuckled shaking his head, frankly just feeling relieved that they survived this test.

"Yeah... Though I guess it's better to come back to this picture than them fucking on that rock," Matt hummed as his katana vanished into thin air. "Though I know some dirty pig who would probably enjoy that sight even more..." here he squinted at the golden bald angel, who poked his tongue out at him from that comment.

"Fuck off, hypocrite!" Paolo grinned and the mood among the group members clearly got better after the challenge they had to face together as a team.

Matt laughed then used the opportunity to walk to the Nephilim and his pair, waiting until their eyes met. "Hey, man... Pretty sick skills back there. Plus not bad leading skills either..." he said clearly a bit embarrassed as his cheeks slightly colored. "And sorry about earlier, you know. You're quite a decent guy," he chuckled low.

"Thanks and don't worry about it. You were great there too. Now go and kiss your mate. He seems like he is about to 'awww' at us!" Jim grinned back under his mustache, making Matt do just that.

"Maybe he is a jerk after all," Corey said with a small laugh after he kissed back Matt. "Joking... Very glad we all can work together so well. Such trainings are useful for teamwork. Even if we are not too supervised..."

"You should know better than this that my attention is upon everything at once," Seth finally spoke and stood after Kerim got off his lap.

"You may retreat to your places now. But I recommend a dinner together, which our servants already served in the garden of King's house. Well done," Seth nodded to them and holding onto Kerim's hand they vanished before the others eyes’.

"They will be busy for a while..." Corey chuckled hugging Jim's side waiting on what was going to happen now. He wanted Jim and Mick make friends with the others and really be supportive of each other in the coming future.

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