Note: My writing partner has his crazy moments sometimes, too. This time S.M.A. insisted that we do a “season finale” kind of thing with the story, so hence the cutting the last longer chapter into two pieces. :D Enjoy the first one with this update!

Chapter 26 – Part 1

Brent's leg was stomping on the ground rhythmically under the table as if it was on one of the pedals of his drum kit, playing a song only he could hear. Though, it was more about his nervousness, which he tried to conquer like Chris has taught him. It wasn't easy, though, and found himself struggling with it.

Maybe this meeting with Paolo in the library would put his mind at ease. After all, his friend always managed to make him feel better and more confident in himself in the past too.

In the last few weeks he found himself at the library more and more to do some research. Even if his training entailed quite a lot of physical training too in preparation of the impending war.

Now he tried to focus on the ancient texts about his own kind spread in front of him, but even if it didn't show on his human face much, he was tense as self-doubt got its hook in him good this time.

Paolo could feel his old friend's messed up feelings the moment he stepped into the library.

"You’re degrading all your growth by giving space in your spirit to doubt," he said quietly. More like a gentle reminder than an accusation as he patted Brent's back before sitting next to him and peeking into the scroll. "The preparations make you that uncomfortable then? Did you speak to Sir Christos about this?"

"I know... I know," Brent sighed and hung his head low for a couple of moments before looking to the side at his friend, that pat on his back comforting him a bit. "I'm working on it, I swear," he scratched his head then looked down at the papers too.

"The preparations are going well and I'm fine with taking my part in them as I want to help the Gods and everyone. It's more about what my main task will be during the war," he admitted. "I was never the leader type and now I'll have to lead a legion of my kind... That's kinda scary, to be honest... We talked about this a bit with Chris, but... yeah..."

"To be honest I had never led a legion either. My ancestor did many times a long time ago with the gods. I just try to not think about it as a big task... I mean what has to happen will happen. They know us better than we yet know ourselves," Paolo smiled at his friend. "It was easier in the band of King tho."

"I guess you're right. They know us and what is in us more. And I truly believe they know best and want us to evolve with this task too," Brent nodded, leaning back in his chair to look at Paolo again. "Oh hell yeah, it was much easier and fun, worrying 'only' about the gigs and avoiding our enemies catching up with us..." he chuckled then his expression softened as his thoughts turned towards his pair.

"But back then we were both lonelier and without our pairs. I would miss that now that I know how it feels..." he admitted.

"Yeah, you're right. I was in the endless longing for King. But Jim is not a bad party either," Paolo giggled.

It was good to just be with Brent and talk and laugh like in the old days. When things weren't this... complicated...

"It will be strange to go into the outside world again. Did you see the new batch we will lead?" the angel asked as he also had his own doubts about himself but tried to not give into those feelings.

Brent laughed along with Paolo. "Of course not. Jim is such a good fit for you. Probably even better than King could've ever been. I mean... you know how the Universe knows best whom it pairs up," he added then thought for a second. "Speaking of which... Once King and Matt returns... can I ask how that would affect what you had with them? Sounds like a mess of a situation," he smirked.

"And no, I haven't seen the new ones. I've been holed up here in the last couple of days, double checking everything to be prepared. Chris says I'm bordering on obsessive and that I'll do just fine, though. Maybe he's right... And we should stop with the doubt..." Brent said after taking a longer look of the angel, sensing some of his own self-doubt reflected in his friend too.

Since his mating to Christos, his powers grew radically too. He's been trying to get used to them with the help of his pair, but sometimes he still couldn't fully control them.

"Imagine some golden flying war demons," Paolo wiggled his brows playfully and laughed. "They were created to be simple and bonded to us. I'm trying to prepare myself to lead and look after them. It's like we get a legion of children all of a sudden," he giggled again at the thought. "My dear co-parent commander."

"But how things will be when Matt and King is back... I'm kinda worried about how Matt will act and feel about Jim. Though Robb said that they are changing and learning a lot. Everything is so uncertain now. I think that is what really bothers us both."

"Wow. They will be a sight then and yes, it kinda feels like all of a sudden becoming parents or something," he said with a nervous little laugh. "Let's just hope that we won't fuck them up, like many parents do with their kids," he added, thinking mostly of Elohim, who really fucked up many of his creations before leaving them – hopefully for good. As they didn't need another entity to deal with in the midst of all the chaos his children have already unleashed on Earth.

"Yes, I remember how Matt was kinda hostile towards Jim because of you hurting. But I am positive that the Gods knew they needed that trip to Japan to evolve further. The rest we will see, I think. And the uncertainty must be the key, yes. I think we will get over that too once we have to jump into action and have full and good control over our legions... Damn, it's still strange that we actually have legions of our own to command. But Chris said they would follow us without doubting us or their orders..." he hummed, talking certainly wiser than the shy withdrawn Brent from the past who liked to stay in the background and follow King and the others as more like a supporting member of their little group.

Paolo smiled wide and very proud of the once drummer of their band. "You have grown up so much so fast... I have to say I really love it. We will be good parents. We have similar views on how to lead the kiddos to war to kill," he laughed again.

It was so good to be around Brent. Paolo felt like his old more witty and fun self. Not that with Jim they did not have any jokes around. On the contrary, at times they had to take breaks during the matings because one of them said such a brilliant pun the whole thing died in laughter.

"Samael will be joining us when we head out... Did you hear?" he asked, getting a bit serious.

"Well, we will certainly try to be good parents. I just never imagined that instead of one or two I'll start with a whole legion," he chuckled now more eased up too. It was as he hoped for: being around Paolo and his energies could still calm him down nicely.

"And thanks. Had no other choice, really, on the side of my wise God," he smirked and a dreamy expression flashed over his face again for a moment before he looked more serious too. "Yes, Chris told me earlier that he will join us along with Lucifer. It'll be... interesting, I think... Chris also mentioned that they brought over the stronghold successfully and settled in nicely."

"Yes. Satan is living on the surface of the Earth again. At least the doomsday preachers were right about that outcome," Paolo giggled. "The Call was cast by the twin archangels. And the bad news is that no one, even they can't be sure who will come to join them now. What do think they would want? Like… why all this? What's their motivation?" he asked more like finally voicing his deeper thoughts to someone whom he knew would understand him like Brent did.

"Yes, no one can be sure what will be the outcome of that Call... We can only hope that not many war gods and their creatures answer it..." Brent sighed, rubbing his bearded face with a light frown. "I don't know what their main goal can be. Either to show their power and rule over the rest of humanity... or to wipe the Earth clean of them all together, I think. Or who knows? Maybe an even more twisted goal. I don't know how... sane... they might be, to be honest..." Brent mused too.

"They are surly not insane, though…" That was Christos’ low voice as he approached the young creatures with the other two Gods. 

"My Lords," Paolo stood and bowed to them all as well as Brent. 

"Sit please" Sotiris smiled at them nodding back and they sat down opposite them. 

"Our new war chiefs," Seth grinned looking from Brent to Paolo and back. "We have learned some important and troubling news. We will have everyone here later. But now it is important that you two meet up with your troops. We will have to leave soon." 

"Are you ready?" Christos asked that directly from Brent, smiling encouragingly at his pair.

Brent swallowed hard and his eyes maybe looked a bit wider for a few moments, but the closeness and that smile of his pair helped him finally fight off his self-doubting feelings and he was the first to stand with a nod, looking back into the familiar eyes of Christos.

"Yes. We should get going. Time is short and... I'm very curious about our legions," he said with a slight blush but determination in his voice and brown eyes.

Christos nodded and stood with the others.

Paolo pressed his lips together and looked at Sotiris long. The sun God also had a calm proud smile on his face. "Good. I feel so excited," he said as the Trinity all raised their right hand and opened a portal.
"Go on… We want you to meet the kids," Seth smirked at the two bewildered creatures looking into the swirling energy of the portal.

Brent and Paolo didn't say anything to that remark, the latter only rolled his eyes a bit before both of them stepped through the portal, followed by the gods.

As Brent looked around, they found themselves in a huge cave lit by torches and thick beams of sunlight shining through the cracks. Judging by the sounds, they were close to the sea and as he looked down from where they were standing, he saw that a part of the cave underneath was actually the very edge of the sea.

But that wasn't what really caught his attention. It was the many creatures all around the cave. Their bodies looked like Brent's in demon form, maybe a bit smaller, had the same kind of demon tail, but their wings were of an angel, their eyes a clear blue and their skin and wing color varied between golden and bluish grey.

The short new war chief's jaw literally dropped from the sight as he watched some of the creatures flying in the air, others resting curled up on the sandy shore or bathing in the water.

"Wow..." he mumbled, eyes now wide, his being moved as he was adoring their troops. "They look like... our love children with Paolo..." he added and looked at Christos baffled.

"Yeah... Even the same height too..." Paolo mumbled. He saw glimpses of the new beings through the bond he shared with Sotiris but the end result was shocking to the small angel, too.

"Yeah... We didn't want them to be taller than their daddies," Sotiris giggled enjoying how in awe said daddies were to the fullest.

"They are individual, but have a common conscience. Through that they can be connected to you two. They are on the intellectual state of a teenage human. But many times stronger, faster and powerful than any human. They can grow and develop to anything, learn new skills and feelings. But always will be fully loyal and obedient to you two," Christos said. "You can see that each is a little bit different. They are highly self-healing. Also have a good healing power and fire power to fight. They wield swords too. It's up to you if you name them, or what to grow of them."

"Also, they don't know jealousy and don't have the ability to develop it," Seth added as he took a step forward, looking at the creatures fondly. "They are all equal among themselves and will look at you two as equals too. In other words, they won't have a favorite daddy," he turned back towards Brent and Paolo with his jackal-like grin.

The more Brent listened to the gods and the longer he was watching the hybrids, the paler he looked like as cold sweat seemed to cling to his skin, thanks to his growing panic.

Their legion wasn't just warriors. Soldiers to sacrifice for 'the greater good'. No, they were real children, as he understood, each had the potential to learn and grow individually as well as a group. It was clearly a much, much bigger responsibility – and a lot of time – to lead and take care of such a huge group of creatures...

Christos of course saw and felt just how much the possible responsibilities frightened his pair. "Hey... We are here and help in everything. And Paolo too," he said taking two quick steps to hug Brent strong and press a kiss to his temple, looking strict at Paolo to react to his words mainly to help his demon calm down.

"Yeah... Don't worry Brent. We just agreed that we will ace that parenting thing," Paolo smiled at his friend but deep down he was also shocked.

Even more because without a thought Christos showed such emotions and affection in front of them all.

And also because some of the kiddos started to notice them and moving their cute pointy ears, curiously came closer. "Fathers. Fathers came," one stated with a grin and sat down before them, looking at the two war chiefs adoringly. And soon all of them followed.

Brent knew as well that it was unusual and a rare thing for his mostly closed up pair to show such affection, but he loved him even more for that and it also helped him calm down a bit as he felt the truth in his and even Paolo's words.

With a big sigh, he let more of the tension bleed out of his short body and he pulled half-way back from his pair, leaving an arm around Christos, to look at the curious hybrid then all the others following and coming closer. Some flew, others crawled, but they didn't try to overwhelm them as pure happiness and curiosity were shining in their glowing blue eyes.

It was hard not to melt and feel moved from the sight and under the approving gaze of the Trinity, Brent stepped away from Christos to walk to the first "kid" who stated who they were and reached out a hand to caress his head.

"Yes we came to see you all. To get to know you all," he smiled at the sitting creature, who was clearly enjoying the touch of the small demon.

Paolo was blown away by them. And the fact that they were also super strong killing machines behind that adorable loving gazes. Well... they were made to be adorable to him and Brent... Paolo knew that well.

"Yes. We are connected now and will lead you all," he said as he felt how his being was recognized and clicked with each and every one of the creatures.

"They are happy now. In a few days we have to take them all out. We leave you with them now and tell the news to the others too," Sotiris said smiling proudly at the new fathers and the obediently sitting and listening hybrids.

***

Not long after leaving Paolo and Brent to get to know their "kids", the trio of Mick, Kerim and Jim walked out from under the protection of the Gods' Sanctuary.

Jim was grumbling under his nose about the gods probably wanting to do another dramatic entrance once the "unholy pair" of Samael and Lucifer got to the meeting point too. "... and we always have to walk outside because of Samael..." he added with an equally dramatic sigh.

"Why is he so grumpy?" Kerim whispered questioningly to Mick, a light frown pulling his dark brows together. Obviously, the Gods called them to gather for another meeting, but none of them knew the details yet. Not that Kerim would be surprised as during the long, long years he'd gotten used to that these gods liked to work in mysterious ways too – at times even in front of him too.

"Probably because he doesn't know where Paolo is..." Mick whispered back, eying the tense tall man. He was sure, or at least hoped he was wiser than to be pissed at Samael for such... walking...

"Don't blame the seraph. He gets enough of that," Seth said low to Jim too with a strict look.

"We called you all here because some important news came up," Sotiris started. "So… We located the place from where the Call was cast. And the signal is still alive and casting. Two nights from now I’ll open the gate here and you go there to check it out to know what we are dealing with. The matter needs us to bring great forces. Paolo and Brent are going to be away during the preparations and now they are getting to know their new legion."

Jim just huffed but nodded to Seth's warning and even mumbled a "sorry" under his nose. He only looked a bit less grumpy when he learned about where they took his pair.

"What can we expect aside from corpses and the... 'signal' and probably some fighting? I assume we should somehow try to stop the Call.... Will you be able to do that?" Jim asked with a frown.

It was Seth who answered him, tipping his head up a bit, armor-covered arms crossed in front of his chest. "As my pair said, we we'll first go there to size up things. But we have a few plans for different scenarios, don't worry..." he said on an even tone.

Jim hummed, feeling that this wasn't a straight answer to his question and he let his mismatched eyes move towards the "satanic pair". "Can I ask what their role will be in this aside from the muscle power?"

Samael and Robb looked at each other to that. "Well... I think we can bring more to the table than just muscle power. You will see little one," Samael smirked and winked at Jim.

"They chose to stand with us in any battle and against anything. They deserve the same respect," Christos said on a calm voice. "They have their own legions and powers we can use if needed," he added and knowing that Jim could sense those thoughts, now he thought to himself that Jim should be grateful that Samael likes to joke around with him.

"Vega, we also know that you’ve been outside a while ago. You did not ask for permission..." Chris turned to face Kerim and making him know they knew where and why he wandered off to.

"That's good to know. I'm glad they are on our team," Jim said, getting the message and nodded with respect towards the pair and Christos.

Meanwhile the paler than usual Angel of Light looked aside, not being able to stand the strict look of Christos. He felt his neck and nape start burning from being busted. Not that he thought the Gods wouldn't know about his little trip. He had no intention of denying it or lie to them as he hung his head low. "That is true. I am sorry for that, but I had to visit Samael and Lucifer to talk about some... angel-related things with them," he said, hoping that it would be enough for the Gods as an explanation. Hoping that they would understand along with Mick that there were things he couldn't talk about even with them.

Samael sat up straight and exchanged a glimpse with Lucifer and both were ready to open their mouths to defend Kerim.

"Vega… You must know that you can come to us with anything," Christos said raising his hand to halt the protest in the pair. His voice was gentle and soft. Not the usual strict cold factual tone he used before others like Jim and Mick.

"We want to protect you. So we have to know what is worrying you. You can trust us with anything. And I think Mick too…" Seth added on a similar tone.

Feeling the pair's intention, Kerim felt grateful for them, but didn't look up as he kept staring at the ground with his head bent for the Gods, a sign of his sorry and submitting himself to their will... or wrath... again. But instead he got soft tones and understanding. And it maybe was even worse, making him swallow hard and fight off the slight burning of his eyes as he really thought he wasn't worth it. Especially in front of others.

And it did slightly surprise Jim to hear Christos talk like that. The Nephilim expected something like that from Seth, but not from his brother. And judging by Mick's expression, he probably felt the same way.

"Please come to us with your thoughts, Vega," Christos continued on the same tone. "We all are equal now," he looked over Jim, Mick and deeply and meaningfully the pair too. "No secrets and hiding. Our strength is in our union and to know one another well. When we go out it will be a good first test of that."

"Yes, we all are equal now in this fight. What my brother said is basic to depend on each other when time comes," Seth added.

"Thank you," Kerim only whispered that and bowed to the Gods deep, itching to get out from the center of attention. He knew well that the Gods were right, though.

"Makes sense," Jim murmured too, unable to keep his mouth shut, though maybe there was some desire to help out the poor angel too. He even sent a 'come on, man!' kind of look at Mick who seemed to be even quieter than his usual self.

"So... I guess we'll have to prepare fast for our little adventure," Lucifer finally said, not sure about this whole thing. He had no problem with the plan. He was more worried about his pair and how much they would have to get involved... And because of the eagerness of Samael to jump in, being giddier than he had seen him in a long while.

Mick just put an arm around Kerim's waist and caressed him. He hoped his angel knew that he was there for him no matter what...

"Yes... Also to continue the wise question of the Nephilim... You bring your legion. Do you want us to bring ours too?" Samael asked carefully wording his question to include his pair.

To that question the Gods looked at each other for a long moment, communicating through their shared connection. Then it was Sotiris who calmly smiled at the pair.

"For now there's no need for that. First, you'll have to see what awaits you through the portal. Prepare your legion in case there's an emergency. We'll let you know if they are needed," he said on a soft, dreamy voice and didn't miss the slight relief in Lucifer's eyes even if it was gone in the next moment.

"Very well. We prepare the Khazra tribe and ourselves for any situation," Samael said still smiling but taking a glimpse at his pair, he swallowed feeling Robb's relief.

"I suggest we all do that. Get ready for anything that may be awaiting us. Let us return to our own homes now," Seth said and they all started to get going.

***

Robb woke with a start in the middle of the night and sat up in their big bed only to see it empty on Samael's side. With a sigh he rubbed his face and beard, stroking his long wavy hair back as he sat on the edge of the bed all naked.

He could feel it. His pair felt... moody and depressed.

With another sigh, Lucifer got up to put on a pair of silk boxers to go and search for his other half.

As he walked down the corridors, he himself felt kinda guilty because he believed he added to the bad mood of the other being as he's been like this ever since the meeting with the others earlier that day.

Samael was outside in the inner yard of the stronghold. Sitting in his sweatpants and staring at the night sky while caressing the few goats they had.

He knew when Robb woke up and with a big sigh just turned towards the small gate expecting his pair to appear there in any minute and lecture him about just disappearing. And how he thought he was going behind his back again and all… Might as well get over it... He wanted to help keep what was left from the world Lucifer loved so much. So he will behave...

True to that, Lucifer soon managed to track down his pair thanks to their bond, but his mood wasn't high either. This time though not because he wanted to lecture his pair, but because he could feel that there was a tension between them which had to be addressed before it would drive a bigger wedge between them.

With a small smile from the picture of Samael stroking the goats around him, he walked over quietly and sat down next to him, gently putting a goat a bit to the side before caressing the one on Samael's lap too.

"You look cute like this," he murmured softly then paused before continuing. "Tell me your thoughts, please..."

Samael smiled a bit sad and continued to caress the goat. Keeping silent, he tried to phrase his words carefully.

"Do you really trust me, Lu?" he finally asked. And if it was not clear from other vibes, his sad voice really gave away just how deeply this mattered to him.

Looking at his pair searching, Lucifer nodded and slid his hand from the goat fur onto Samael's. "I do. I really do. I just... I know I've been probably overdoing the worrying and protectiveness over you... I'm sorry if it made you feel as if I didn't trust you... It's just that it's been literally forever that the two of us roamed Earth together. Not to mention fighting. You staying mostly in our sub-dimension gave me a certain amount of calmness, knowing that you were safe. Now everything is changing and... we both know how hot-headed you can get," he chuckled lightly at that point but then his expression got more serious again. "I just don't want to lose you because of these new circumstances."

"Hmm…" Samael nodded a few times to all that. "As I remember, you earned your reputation too when you were younger… You roamed free and did all that. I was free from one prison to be locked into that sub-dimension. I haven’t done anything that involves death or destruction. Only when I was commended… Overdid that a little a few times... true... but…" he scoffed and shrugged looking finally at Robb. "You won't lose me ever. Only if you leave…"

"I'll never leave you. You know that. Even when we had different lovers or loved others too, I not once thought of leaving you. You are my true pair and that and my love for you won't ever change," he said, meaning every word and he let Samael feel that too.

"I... yes, you are right... And I'm sorry you feel like you were imprisoned again. I promised you freedom, but wasn't able to fully give it to you," Robb admitted with a bitter taste in his mouth. "I won't fail you again. If this is the time for you to be fully free, I promise I won't stand in your way. I just ask to be careful, please. I need you alive and with me, my love..." he murmured on an emotional voice as he reached up to caress the beloved bearded face. "This fight will be bigger than anything for a long while. We both know it."

"Everything I do is to be free with you. To walk this world with you and all the things you told me about... that how beautiful and worthy it is to be kept… I want to see all that with you, not just listen to your stories about it. To learn to love it as you tried to teach me... Yes... I've made plans if He might return. But my main goal is to be free with you and enjoy living with you," Samael said and leaned his head to the caressing hand. "That is more important than any revenge. I... only have you. Only trust you... You know that… I want to know that you trust me and my love for you too," he whispered at the end.

Nodding a few times, Robb slid closer until their thighs touched and he could put his free arm around his pair's naked back. "You came a long way, yes. Learned a lot. And I feel like lately I stood in the way of that progress as I've got too lost in my own head, not paying enough attention to your needs and feelings. I'll keep this in mind. Your trust and love mean the world to me. I hope you know that too. Even if this world fell apart, I would be happy as long as I have you," he confessed, feeling that he needed to be completely open with his pair if he wanted to fix his mistake.

Gently turning Samael's face towards him, he looked deep into his grey eyes. "I do trust you and your love for me."

"Thank you," the seraph whispered and pulled Lucifer into his arms, pecking his lips. "I can only like... rely on you. If the whole word thinks I'm no good, I don’t care. Only about what you think of me..." he said nuzzling his head to Robb's shoulder as he quietly purred. "We’ll help to keep the world. For the ones who cherish it. Like you…"

Caressing his man's slicked back hair, Lucifer smiled from the cat-like behavior which he always loved and adored in his pair. "I think the most highly of you, my love. Never forget or doubt that. And thank you for helping this world to survive. You'll be among those who cherish it too. I promise," he murmured warmly and moved enough to be able to kiss his mate properly.

After the long and deep kiss, he looked into Samael's eyes with a playful glint in his brown ones. "But now let's go back to bed. I want to show you how much I cherish you..." he added before making them reappear in said piece of furniture for more kisses and passion-filled moments.

Part 2