Chapter Text

Chapter 22

At the other part of the Earth a bit north from Greece and the Gods’ sanctuary at one of the few remaining towns, two young determined looking men were hurrying across the crowd to meet up with some human leaders.

The town itself was settled between the northern mountains and was more of a village before. The humans quickly saw the benefits of the high mountains keeping the place safe and many survivors found a shelter there. It grew into a busy town as the more skilled smugglers made profit from the goods they brought to the "marketplace" with many beggars and thieves mostly exchanging items and food without money. Since money had lost its real value with the global factories and shopping lines going out of business.

But it seemed that the sneaky and smart could make a fortune even more easier as the small remaining groups made their own laws.

By then that specific town had its leaders and own forming "military" of guards.

The two men knew well where to go... And the well-armed guards escorted them into the once Town hall building.

"Joe and Mario, right?" the self-proclaimed new leader of the place grinned at the Archangel Gabriel and Michael from behind a huge desk, only knowing their human names.

The twin angels exchanged a glimpse, talking without words, and sat down on the big brown leather couch.

"Yes, we are. And have close connections to the angels you want to gain benefits from. So tell me..." Michael started to get to the point at once, no need to act sweet and polite in such times with such egocentric humans. "Why would our masters protect you? What could you bring to such beings?"

The man hummed and grinned at them. Clearly liking how the other two were not intimidated by all the power he tried to show off. That he translated as the two young men really had those connections to back them up and their daring confidence.

"Sure, sit down," the leader smiled. " I turned this place into a modern-day Tunisia... I guarantee protection to the vendors and traveling merchants. This place is the new business center," the man grinned very smugly. "And if we can stay off the radar of your masters, we can use our connections to benefit them anyway..."

"So... You want us to turn the nearby stationed angel horde into your protectors," Gabriel asked raising a brow.

"Oh of course you can simplify it like that," the leader chuckled dryly.

"We have no business with you, or your kind," Joe stood up and looked over at the alarmed guards with his strict cold blue eyes.

"That's too bad for you... I'm afraid I'm not used to take no for an answer," the man stood from behind his desk, so much liking his theater of power that he even faked a pout.

That's when the twins started to laugh... And spread their huge black angel wings. "You humans are so low and disgusting…" Joe grimaced. "I am Michael and he is Gabriel. And as the High Judge of Heaven, I don't think you should threaten no one around," he stated cold.

Joe / Archangel Michael

***

As the windows broke out to the street from the power blow of the twins, a swarm of lower angels arrived on command from the nearby cave they used as a main hideout.

Soon the marketplace turned into a massacre. Humans were screaming and running around from the bloodthirsty angels.

The twins were just calmly watching from the window of the Town Hall.

"Don't feel sorry for them, brother," Michael turned to Gabriel. "I can feel it. None of them are innocent, don't forget that," he moved his wing to caress his brother's side.

"Yeah," Gabriel sighed leaning against his twin.

Just then two battle-worn angels landed in the window.

"Masters," they kneeled panting exhausted. "The Fallen Temple is lost. The Nephilim with the ancient humans defeated us with the help of a demon and an angel of Ra. They killed Furiel…" the angel's voice cracked as the twins moved closer. "Next dawn we attacked a caravan for some blood but a demon killed the rest of my troops and... the pariah Angel of Light... Vega was with him. He is alive and still has the Glow of Eden," the angel commander hissed with fury over the fact. 

"Only a great force could have hid Vega from Father's eyes and us for so long..." Gabriel frowned. "And a demon and a golden angel of Ra?"

"The ancients are still on Earth... And it seems they gave up being neutral in this world's hierarchy... We must use whom we can, too. What do you think?" Michael got excited over the more power that they could release on humankind to wipe everything clean.

Gabriel knew well how maniac his twin could turn over all the bitter pain he still held in his heart. "Yes brother, we should make the ritual to call the forsaken ones... But that needs a lot of sacrifices..." he started carefully.

Michael nodded and stepped to the window. "Stop the killing! Gather all the humans into the main square in a large circle," he yelled out...

Mario / Archangel Gabriel

***

The man felt like he just awoke from a deep slumber. He had heard such chants and language back when he was very young... compared to his very old existence.

But ever since he had broken the bonds with his creator, The Call did not affect him. The ones making the ritual were probably using the blood and soul of hundreds of human beings, chanting the usual lines. The forgotten ones in the old language of the angels... That old text still had his old name included. But now it only made him curious and sort of exited that something... 'fun' may be happening on Earth. Back in the days the very same Call made him fly out and clean the worlds with his Holy Fire.

It's been many centuries that he had crossed the gate... He even felt anxious. Maybe it was a trap... Or someone can still remember him as he was? Either way, the being got too curious and soon a tall thin man was walking the desert of Earth. Just breathing in the clear air and looking around on the changing world. It felt good to be back...

Behemoth: Ben Sahar

***

Jim was standing in front of the wall in the gods' library which was dedicated solely to a giant old map of the world. It was probably more accurate than anything he had seen before and it was also one of his favorite spots to stand and just think. And also to feel how small he really was compared to the whole world. Not to mention the other dimensions, parallel worlds and things like that – which his mind still couldn't really comprehend. It was a thing to know about them. Understanding the vastness was a completely different animal, so to say...

As his hazel eyes moved towards Japan, he wondered how King and Matt were doing there with the guardians of that gate. There was little news about them, but Jim truly hoped they would be able to help there and prevent that gate from being opened up. He doubted that the one here in Greece was in immediate danger, because it was protected by Sotiris and also the combined forces of the three gods – and maybe even more things only said gods knew about...

With a sigh he put his hands behind his back, thinking about the future. How things might turn out and how his Nephilim role could make an impact on that. Especially now that he was finally mated to Paolo...

He could already feel both of them getting stronger and still evolving as the mating just happened the previous day. Needless to say, it was quite... difficult for Jim to leave the exhausted angel behind after he did make him burgers for breakfast... It made him smile remembering how Paolo reacted to that with a huge smile and a wholehearted happy laugh. Followed by some heated kisses. But they had to stop before it would go further as Jim had an appointment with Robb at the library.

But damn, he had no other desire but to stay in bed with the truly very talented guardian angel for days... He already missed him terribly, even if they parted just half an hour ago and could feel Paolo being asleep to rest some more. And if things went according to Jim's plans, he would need that rest for later...

His daydreaming was cut short though when he felt the Morning Star enter the library and come closer. He didn't have to look to feel that he had an amused smile on his bearded face as he approached.

"Good morning, Robb..." Jim murmured, finally tearing his eyes away from the map to turn around and offer his hand for a shake.

"To you too," the shorter man did smile as he accepted the hand. "So finally you gave in to the bond... Good, good. How does it feel?" he asked signaling with his hand that they should go to the big table and sit down. "I just got back from my son and Matt. Please, bring their greetings and love to your pair from them."

Jim hummed as he followed Robb and sat down with him. He leaned back in his chair and crossed his tattooed arms in front of his chest, a small smile playing on his full lips.

"It feels... I don't know... Amazing. Invigorating. Intense. Confusing... and overwhelming. But very good too... It was hard to leave his side. But I doubt I have to explain that to you," he smirked and shrugged. "Oh of course, I'll tell Paolo that. Thank you. I was just wondering about how they are doing. It seems then that they are fine. Glad to hear that. How are things over there?" he asked curiously.

"Yeah... It feels like you would literally go out of the world for your pair," Robb nodded with a chuckle. "Things are good so far. Matt is learning his ancestry and they both became servant boys. I think my son enjoys that more, though. From his age and acceptance by now over things. Matt is young still. Not that he is worse than how King or any other were at that age and level of knowledge. It's good for them all. The gate is still hidden and no sign of an open attack. But more activities of the dark beings are showing in the area. As if they have been awakened and were helped to cross the borders more frequently," Robb said humming to himself at the end, thinking more about that possibility. "What's up around here? I can feel that Vega has bonded with your guard too. That is a huge thing from the ancients to be granted."

"I guess I'll soon get to that stage with Paolo... It's just so fresh now. My powers just started settling but now both of ours are stirred up and all with the mating. But we both feel stronger already. I know I was such a fool for resisting this. Now I understand it fully... And... I want to be a good pair for Paolo as I doubt that I deserve someone like him as my own," he chuckled, blushing a bit as he rubbed his beard then stroked it down on his cheek.

"Servant boys? Wow. You mean to the guardians of that gate?" Jim chuckled with some disbelief in his voice. That was something he found a bit hard to imagine, but nothing was impossible. That he had learned lately.

"More awakened and helped dark beings?" Jim frowned, his hazel eyes narrowing as he thought that through. "Rituals, perhaps? Or just the consequence of what humans did to the world?" he mused too, but his expression softened from mentioning Mick and Kerim. "Yes, they were granted permission after Kerim got his punishment for not being able to resist Mick. I still sense some tension between Mick and the gods... especially Seth... but things will be okay, I think."

"Also... there were lots of things happening aside from the bonds and emotional drama while you were away. For example, we took back a sacred temple in the Sahara Desert and with Mick's help I defeated Furiel. The bad news is that the following day after some kinky business, some angels discovered Mick and Kerim and by now the twins probably know about him being still alive..."

"Paolo is... more than he seems to be at first sight. But you will find that out. And I can believe that easily about Seth," Robb grinned. "Mick will have to be worthy in his eyes. But what I've sensed in him, he will for sure. Especially if they gonna go after Vega. Because these angels had lost the passage to Eden. Their Father had left and soon after that they fell or came down to the calls of the humans and to join the twins. Then Michael broke the Seventh Seal. That opened the gates to all angels to fall to Earth and then the gates closed for eternity after them.

“The Gods used a special ritual on Vega and so the Light he had then is preserved in him and won’t fade. Even if he is not connected to the High Heavens anymore. I think you can imagine how jealous all of the others can be at Vega who like… betrayed their Father and became a pariah while still having the light and the power. Meanwhile they either feed on human blood like vampires to keep their powers, or the even lower ones have no physical bodies and infect human ones, becoming slaves to higher angels," Robb explained calmly and stating facts to Jim to see clear on that. But he was worried about what all that could bring to the place. Logically a big mob of angry angels... Smarter ones can easily connect the dots about where Vega could be hiding.

"I know there's more to Paolo... There were hints of that before our mating too and I could already see and feel it. I know he'll talk about it when he trusts me more and is ready. I'm not pushing him on that matter," Jim nodded.

Then his frown deepened again finally understanding the weight of that discovery of Vega... "Fuck, I knew from Mick and Kerim's reaction that it was serious, but didn't know its real weight... Then no wonder Vega is so upset and Mick so worried about him. Now I'm much more worried too. You think they will be foolish enough to try attacking this place because of that?"

"If they try an organized attack... No. But I think you know as well how raging mad beings could act without thinking. The gods are already watching out more. I came back partly for that reason too," Robb leaned back in his chair. "The powers are more unbalanced on the outside. And what seemed to be as groups of angels raging and helping powerful human leaders now seem much more serious and organized. The way one of the twins’ closest commanders stayed as a guard at the Fallen Temple is a sign of that too. Maybe my little brothers have been moving the strings from behind the humans for a long time after all…"

"You might be right. If we put it this way, it makes sense. They are preparing more seriously too. My question is... what leaves that us with? How could I prepare more to help? Because I want to continue helping. Also... can I ask... I know it's personal but... I have to... What if there's no other way than killing your brothers? I know your relationship is... less than ideal and friendly but still... are you prepared for that? And... what about your pair? It's something I've been wondering about. If it comes down to a final battle... Will he join us? Or sit this one out as a neutral force? I know you deeply care about this world and humanity so I assume you will take part in the fighting, no? And I'm asking this about your pair because I have a feeling... we will need all the help we can get. So, I was wondering on which side he would be on – if on any..."

"Good question, Nephilim," Robb let out a dry chuckle and stroked down his beard just looking before himself. "I think for a long while the faint brotherly feelings have been only from my side. Gabriel cares about this world too. Twice he lived among humans, giving up his powers and had a family. Michael always was Father's greatest warrior. He defeated Samael when he tempted the experimental pair in Eden and made him lose his rank and fall. Michael is similar to Samael when it comes to blind hunger for killing in the name of some excuse of an ideal. My pair was used after that too until I brought the war with others and after that Samael, all the Seraphim and cherubs along with the ones who followed me were banished.

“If anyone can hold back Michael, it is Gabriel. They are… very close. Created at the same moment from the same energy, so they are the same almost fully. But what I've heard, Gabriel is just tagging along and I don't understand what happened between them, but I'm sure he is worried about Michael and/or he did something big to like… let him lead without objection. And that makes all of us worried. You will evolve more with Paolo and will be a great help when it's needed.

“My pair... Honestly, I would be happy if he stayed at home and kept enjoying our subdimension. I don't even think about how it would be…" Robb was clearly very worried about his pair and everything and by then it really showed on him. Not having his usual mask of a funny laid-back guy on in front of Jim. "And I had strange sensations when I arrived back…"

Jim was listening to Robb in awe, though he tried to hide his fascination as he could while he was talking about his younger brothers then pair and all the connections between these beings. It was like a complicated soap opera on the darker side. But he kept that thought to himself seeing just how worried Robb looked. His usual joking mask was nowhere to be found and it was strange and a bit scary for Jim to see him like this as it told him about the seriousness of the situation.

"You mean you don't want him to get involved in fear that Samael might get... out of control?" he asked very softly, not wanting to offend his conversation partner.

Robb raised his somewhat desperate eyes at Jim and sighed.

"If he gets out of control, I'm afraid I can't turn him back again... It was too long ago. All the hunger keeps bottling up in him and will maybe turn his opinion to agree with the massacre. But I trust him and our bond. He likes freedom more… But if he comes over, Michael will hunt him. I don't even know…" he rubbed his beard and inhaled long. "I don't want him to get in any danger. I would lock up our pocket dimension if I could," he laughed. "That wouldn't be very nice, though, right? He wanted to be free, I fought to free him and be free with him... Love is complicated. That's the wisdom of the day from Lucifer the wise Morning Star," he chuckled. "Now that I mentioned... How are you with creating your own pocket dimension?" Robb smiled up at the Nephilim, changing his mood back before he would go too deep.

Jim simply hummed a few times while Robb spoke his mind and wisely didn't comment more on the topic as he felt it clearly that it was time to change it. Even if what Lucifer just revealed to him made Jim worry for more reasons... But instead of dwelling on that, he went along with the half-joke as he agreed.

"Yes, love is complicated as fuck, man!" he leaned forward to put his forearms on the table top. "Frankly, I didn't make much progress with that. Truth be told, lately we focused more on my physical training and how to use my defenses and attacks better."

Robb noticed how much Jim respected his limits and moved along with his topic change. "We should work on that. Your skills are stronger and better now after all the training and the bonding," he smiled grateful at Jim. "As your powers grow, you will be able to make places like rooms or a house or even bigger ones to use to hide or have your own world… That's useful. So… how much do you know?"

The Nephilim returned that smile then blushed a bit. "Useful indeed. Though for now I just want to be able to put my sword in there so it wouldn't have to be Mick's task. Even if he makes a good page boy," he joked too. "Frankly, I only know how to focus my energies but never managed to open up a... dimension to form a pocket."

"You know… back in the days knights fucked the page boys…" Robb winked. "You can create with your thoughts. But have to put your intent in it. That's the secret of magic. You need to want it. So that your powers stretch the dimensional lines and make space in the in-between worlds for your use. I suggest you call forth your powers and focus on how much you want to use it to have a place for your sword. And when you want to open it and close it, you also can with that strong need of thought," Robb explained then looked at Jim encouragingly.

Jim snorted loud on that comment. "That would be some sight for sure, but I'm just gonna stick with my new pair and leave Mick to his kinky angel, I think," he winked then listened intently.

"Well... I can try," Jim murmured, focusing on putting his mind into it while calling his powers forth. It made his eyes change color quickly and the runes under his T-shirt shine up in a green light, his aura expanding and swirling around him.

Closing his eyes, he calmed down his breathing and began concentrating more while thinking of his sword and how he wanted to hold it in his hand.

For a minute nothing happened. Then as Jim concentrated more on the sword and opening up that dimension where Mick had put it, he opened his glowing eyes and reached out his left hand, seemingly grabbing the thin air. But as he pulled his hand back, his glowing green sword materialized inch by inch until he was holding it with widened eyes and some disbelief on his face.

"Carful, Jim. Don't give in to disbelief. You must know you can do this for sure. Trust yourself and your powers. Want is a strong force. Even for humans it makes them move mountains to be satisfied. We can create more with our intent," Robb said low, reassuring the Nephilim." You did well. Now think of how you want your own pocket to use and open up a different one."

"Alright. It's just... wow. Okay... um..." he nodded and took a deep breath as he fought off that disbelief. Now he focused on the fact that he could really do it as the glowing sword was in his hand. "I will so prank Mick with this... like accusing him for losing my sword!" he chuckled then soon calmed his mind and focused again, Robb's words serving as guidance for him during his practice.

And after a few failed attempts, he finally managed to create his own pocket dimension to store his sword. It left him a bit exhausted, but also proud and pleased with his new skill and accomplishment.

***

After Jim's success, soon they said goodbye for the day. Robb still had that weird sense he mostly suppressed. Because he knew exactly what it meant.

He appeared in their dimension and started walking among the dark walls. Home sweet Hell...

The place sort of was how humans imagined it. Dark at parts and very tall black walls surrounded their private area. Back in the days Samael and Lucifer were more enthusiastic and brought over creatures from other dimensions. So, goats went wild all over. And the half-man, half-goat clan of the Khazra tribe also found a home and worshipped the pair.

The inner living space was more of a normal house or something... One from the outside would be very surprised about ancient beings having a place like some luxury hotel. Especially since the ancient trinity of gods still preferred the old age type caves and interior...

He could feel the smell of wine from the kitchen. Along with the heightened mood of his pair. The bedroom door was open by an inch and with a sigh Robb pushed it open.

"Hi, my lovely stray angel... You seem to have found your way home..." Samael greeted his pair lying on top of the bed. His chest was bare, the blanket covering his hips and with pantless legs only had his boots on. Raising his glass to Lucifer, he drank the wine.

"You know I had to be away… You seem... like you enjoyed yourself, though..." Robb said walking in. His pair always was sore over him being away for long. "I could sense you on the surface..." he added low, just watching and sensing the other creature's energies. "Did you miss me at all, or had your own fun?" he asked.

But the only answer he got was a middle finger from Satan...

 
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