Chapter 6

A couple of days have passed since the little group had to start their journey back to Athens. So far they made good progress with moving closer to their destination. They were very careful and traveled only in the darkness of the night, avoiding most cities or villages along the way. But even the darkness couldn't hide the obvious signs that some places were hit more with the burning of the world than others.

Still, their travels were relatively safe so far. They only had to fight off a few possessed ones here and there, but they didn't bump into bigger groups or angels yet.

Brent just hoped that it would stay that way for everyone's sake. Especially for Christos, who was still healing and very much mortal at the moment.

Luckily they found a pretty isolated and abandoned farm house for that day’s rest and Brent was on his way back from Paolo to the room he and Christos got.

That's when he felt more through the kids than his bond with the God that something was off. Frowning lightly, he entered said room and saw an annoyed looking Christos sitting on the bed, the two war demons pulled back into the opposite corners of the room. With their flattened ears and pulled in necks they looked as if they just jumped there in their retreat.

"What's going on?" Brent asked puzzled, still standing in the door.

Christos groaned rolling his eyes. He even exhaled long and loud as he looked back at the short cute curly man at the door.

"I'm not dying yet. I'm alright and you all don't have to... treat me like I'm something fragile," he said low but the tension could still be felt in the tone of his voice. "They don't need to lay all over me every time I sit or lay down…" he added a little bit calmer, looking at the demons still keeping their glowing blue eyes on him fully on alert.

After a long look at his pair, Brent sighed and looked at the demons. "Go take a break and rest a bit, kids. Thank you, I'll call for you when you are needed," he said on a soft caring tone and even smiled at them before they brushed past him on their way out.

Once Brent closed the door, he walked to the bed and sat down next to his man. "I'm sorry if I went overboard with trying to protect you. They were just doing what I asked from them," he explained, taking Christos' hand in his. "You know... this might not be the first time for you when you are human, but it's the first time for me to see and feel you like this. I just... want you to be safe," he said on the same soft voice and looked up into the small dark eyes.

"I know. I'm sorry," Chris held Brent's hand tight in his big one. "I am also used to my solitude. And it's not just you. Seth feels isolated and alone now without my powers and Sotiris'… Even without our bond I can feel him pissed that I am human again," he scoffed and pulled the corner of his mouth into a sarcastic short smile. "And... how do you feel about me being human?" he asked carefully looking down at their hands locked together.

"I'm sorry about your brother. It's probably his way of showing that he's worried about you. Contrary to the popular belief, I know he loves you too," Brent smiled, trying to joke a bit to cheer his pair up.

Then he kept his eyes on Christos' face, feeling that there was more behind that question. "What are you worried about? It's a bit strange, yes. And I don't feel you through our bond as strongly like before, but it's temporary. I have no problem with that – besides worrying a lot," here he chuckled a bit. "But I love you the same, no matter what. Is that it?"

Christos smiled and pulled Brent to his body. Then moaned from the sudden pressure he felt on his side and turned to face the demon. "You have a lot to worry about as one of the war chiefs now in charge. I just thought... maybe it's too much. To also worry so much about me and it's all so new for you," he shrugged. 

Slowly he laid back on the bed and pulled Brent with him so they were lying on their sides facing each other. Truth was, the long all day riding took a lot out of his still healing mortal body. But he didn't want his pair to worry even more. "I love you. Always…" he whispered caressing the short beard of his pair.

Brent smiled from those words and gently put an arm around his man to feel him closer, even if he was careful not to hurt him. Then as an answer kissed him softly. "Just so you know, you'll always come first to me above everything else. I'm starting to like my new war chief role and I already love the kids very much, but my pair will always stay the most important for me," he whispered, just drinking in the details of the beloved face.

"Tell me... how is it? Being human, I mean... And... can you tell me about the previous times you were like this? And why?" he asked getting curious now that the topic presented itself.

"Well… that's not too… professional, but I still love it," Chris smiled stealing a short sweet kiss. "Being human… Hmm… it's weird. Not having my powers after so long is strange. My senses work differently. But I’m more tuned into nature and humans and the things of this world. I have a deeper bond to the humans and this world," he started as he kept caressing Brent's face with his fingertips.

"First time it just happened. After... after the first big fight we had and lost the city and the people we cared for. I was teaching them all what I had learned from other worlds too. Guess they were more ahead of the other groups of humans… The angels came, Samael burnt the city up and took away the life force of many. We survived. Seth was badly wounded, and I lost my powers and became mortal for the first time. We didn't know it would change back or I stay like that. Like this... From the three of us I have the ability to channel all my powers into something. But like all creatures that came from the dark void dimension, our energies have periods. And when it's time basic things resettle."

"Well... I never said I was perfect. You... are my strength and weakness in one gorgeous package," Brent chuckled, just enjoying the caresses on his face while he did the same with the hand around the wide body. Then he just listened intently.

"I'm sorry about Jericho... It must have been hard for all of you," he said softly again. "But now I understand more why it was a big step to give more freedom to Samael. And I'm very proud of you for that, you know," he added, pecking Christos' lips again. "Also, at least by now we know that your powers will be back soon. We just have to avoid getting into trouble. And... you are so brave that at times you are ready to give this sacrifice to a cause if needed. But don't make a habit of it, okay? I don't need a heart attack from all the worrying..."

"It was needed to use that ability to give my literal all into closing The Call. But don't worry, I won't do it often. And Samael... honestly he would have deserved my forgiveness and his real freedom much earlier. I know that and I'm sorry about it. That's why I keep trying to understand him and be patient with him the most. He was controlled back then, it's not really his fault… Even the wild rage after they came to Earth is understandable…" Christos said but his face still showed some uneasiness about the killing spree Samael brought upon the world before they stopped him and made new rules for him and Lucifer.

"Yes, looking back, it makes sense... But... if you feel so uneasy about this still... maybe you should talk to him about it," Brent suggested after a long searching look. "I'm sure he would appreciate it. He's clearly trying hard to earn everyone's trust and to be helpful to all of us. As much as I saw so far, he seems to very much respect and look up to you and your other halves... To be honest, it's kinda cute in a way..."

"I know," Christos sighed. "He is always very respectful towards us and tries to stay away from me… since he knows how I feel... felt about all of that. I should talk to Seth too. He never was so alone to lead. I am grateful for you and Paolo for all the support you give him. But don't ever tell him that," Chris giggled pecking Brent's lips.

"Nah, it's natural that we help out and support him. He's family after all," Brent winked and slid his hand on the bearded face to give Christos a proper deep kiss to taste him better. "But before those talks... how about some rest? I can still feel that you are tired. Let the kiddos help, please..."

"Yeah I should talk to them too. They can help. Call them, my love," Christos let out a giving up sigh, nodding. He was not alone anymore. Not the most closed off and distant of the Trinity… He had this amazing little demon to care for, and be cared by him in return. He has to give that role change now to Brent. Not that he, himself would have the strength to argue a lot.

"Thank you," Brent beamed at his man with love then closed his eyes to call back the two war demons. He listened to the short conversation with pride in his eyes then let the kids snuggle against their backs for some more healing while they all slept.

***

The next night came quickly and the group was on the road once again. Samael was at the lead with Jim and the Khazra warriors were running ahead to scan the area. Seth and Lucifer were guarding their backs. The rest in pairs were riding under the growing moon in the dark forest.

"So... mighty Nephilim... What is your opinion of the landscape we have passed so far?" Samael asked in a light chatting manner.

Jim chuckled from that title. It was so easy to do that around the humorous Samael. Even if Jim knew what he was really capable of. Or at least heard stories of that.

"Hm... It saddens me to see so many places in ruins and inhabitable or occupied by possessed ones. But seeing that some are taken back by the surviving humans gives me hope. I didn't know the exact degree how much this... apocalypse has affected the world until we started traveling," he said, thinking back how things were in America and the other places he's seen since then. He also knew that Samael had never seen most of these places being built and flourish before they were destroyed. "What do you think of them?" he asked back.

"Me? I think it's a shame... Robb always told me about what the modern life was like here. The big cities and all. The technology that made life so much easier and longer and safer but also on the long run made humans lose touch with real skills. How some groups realized these and started to eat and live closer to nature. Such things. But it's a real shame I can't ride a... metro now," Samael said all so seriously, but chuckled at the end. "There were so many civilizations I never saw building on each other and developing from the last one. Now it's all just stories of old survivals. And it's a shame mankind agreed to all to this to happen…"

"Hmm... you're right. It's a real shame. I just cannot even comprehend how it could come to this... Even if I know the background of it now. And I do miss the small things... like the subway... or riding my motorbike without the fear of drawing the attention of angels and possessed ones. I promised Paolo that once this is over, I'll take him for a ride, no matter what," he smiled a bit dreamily.

"Awww, you're such a big mushy guy," Samael giggled and as a friendly playful gesture gently punched Jim's shoulder with his fist. "But Robb also said that humans always rebuild their cities and all. So I'm curious now what will turn out from this. Like… the survivors have the knowledge of all the technology and even the sources for things. And it's not like 'Mad Max' still…" he giggled again a bit, very proud of himself and his knowledge of pop culture.

Blushing a bit, Jim quietly giggled. "Well, I have a soft side too, yes. Like you! I saw how you were fanning around Robb when he was injured. Plus that look on his face when you took him away bridal style on your unicorn... That was an epic move, by the way," Jim laughed remembering that scene.

"Otherwise, yes. The survivors will rebuild eventually. I saw signs of that too as we passed a few fortified cities. Let's just hope that for a while history won't repeat itself. But now... now I'm immortal too so probably will watch with you guys how things will turn out..." Jim mused as it dawned on him that if he survived the upcoming fights, he has to look forward to a very long life indeed.

"And good reference!" Jim grinned at Samael. "I see Robb brought you movies and all to your previous home..."

"I love my fallen angel!" Samael grinned proudly. "And yes. We have such modern things like television and blu-ray and all. You should come visit with Paolo sometime. I was always at home so made the place like in the magazines," he laughed. "I remember Vega's face when he came to us," he said and would have continue, but one of the Khazra warriors let out a loud battle cry and they charged ahead.

Right before them and on their right a big group of possessed ones with makeshift weapons attacked the goat men and their caravan.

Jim was about to tease Samael a bit with the 'stay at home wife' joke his mind came up with, but he never had the chance as the attack came out of nowhere.

He turned back in his saddle to look at Seth, his mask already in place. "Keep the others safe, we can handle this with Samael and Mick," he said to the God.

"Alright. Go," he said only that.

Jim only needed that and their trio was already on their way, his grip tightening around his summoned sword and in a minute rode into the possessed ones to cut them down.

"War chiefs, keep the warriors here to guard us. But be ready to join the fight if needed," Seth told Brent and Paolo as they stayed back with their swords in their hands.

Meanwhile Mick also in his mask rode between the possessed ones who had spears and all kind of weapons, even pitchforks. It seemed there were over a dozen of them.

The four Khazra fought hard, using every dirty trick while Jim and Mick were using their special powers to stop the wave of the attack. The once humans were from higher level. Just like the ones the angels used to keep around. They were fast and smarter than the usual mindless starving trapped beings.

Samael got off his unicorn as the creatures closed in on them and Mick used his lightning bolts to get many down. Meanwhile Jim's blade never seemed to rest in his hand and he also used his shock waves to push the attackers back when they got too close.

"Damn, these are persistent and smarter!" the Nephilim yelled to Mick and twisted a spear out of a possessed one’s hand just to make a half turn and throw it into the back of the one that was about to attack his guard, trying to also keep an eye on Samael, who seemed to be up to something...

Samael was keeping his eyes on his goat men. He was using his sword to stand in line with them as the last line of their resistance to keep the possessed ones back. Being all strategical and cold-headed about it as he knew he should be in such a situation.

Right until one of his Khazra got gutted by a fast sword-wielding mutant of a once human...

Samael howled and in sync with that his sword got covered in flames. His burning aura was showing as he lost his cool and ran against the possessed ones. His flames and power swept them away and left their lifeless dried out corpses falling down around him, even breaking up from the impact when they hit the ground.

It all happened in a few seconds. The wildly panting Samael was standing in a circle of the dried dead bodies, calming down as the remaining two Khazra warriors bowed at his sides.

"Sorry…" he said low, clearing his throat. "They are all dead now... It's safe to continue," he added looking at Robb who hurried to him.

"It's okay, my love. You fought well and our Khazra died a death worthy of the warriors they were," Robb hurried to reassure his man that his "slip up" was okay as he hugged him tight. Well... at least he hoped that the Gods would think the same.

Jim's mouth was still a bit open as he panted, lowering his protective shield which he pulled up in front of him and Mick as they both were close to Samael when he lost it a bit. Frankly, he was amazed from the surge of energy that blasted out of the demon and even more from what it did to their foes.

"We shouldn't linger. Let's go and put some distance between us and this place," they heard Seth's neutral voice and he had an unreadable expression on his face. "Get back in line. We should hurry. I'll lead with Paolo and some of the war demons," he added and turned his shadow horse into direction, making them all move quickly.

Samael nodded. "Let's bring their bodies," he only said that, meaning the two dead Khazras.

They quickly got back in line and with Seth leading, they headed towards the seashore. Off the line of their previous travel path.

Everyone was riding in silence and amazement of the moon and stars shining on the surface of the endless calmly waving water. After a while they ended up at a once tourist location, it seemed. There were a few tall many level hotels, or more like their remains burned out and crashed down, facing the small bay and sea.

"We settle down here now. Everyone who can go, look around for things we could use. Be very careful. Christos, you stay here with the demons Brent ordered to your side," Seth said after they searched the first smaller building and they agreed to have it as their hideout for now.

As everyone – aside from Christos and his guarding demons – scattered to do exactly that, Robb and Samael joined the remaining Khazras and their shaman once they found a good spot on the sandy beach. There was already a big pile of wood gathered there and they watched the goat men carefully place the fallen ones on top of the pyre.

Robb was holding his pair's hand, sharing his sadness and mourning feelings and let him go only while Samael stepped forward to use his magical flames to ignite the fire.

Then as the Khazra shaman did a farewell ritual while the bodies were burning, Robb put an arm around his pair and they watched in silence as the physical vessels of their warriors were being licked by the flames.

"I’ve... never lost anyone…" Samael whispered trying to take hold and understand that dark empty feeling spreading inside him.

It was true... In his long existence so far he had never lost no one who got close to him and he felt some kind of love and cared for.

"Love does make you vulnerable... It feels like an empty hole growing and eating me from the inside... They were great warriors," he said and walking to the half-burnt away bodies and using his powers, he pushed the pyres out into the sea. He was just standing there with the Khazras and Robb as the waves took away the flaming rafts.

"The spirit travels across water…" Samael nodded to himself then turned to his pair. "I can't imagine to lose you like this... I can't even fathom how that would feel. I understand a bit more why you are so overprotective."

Robb nodded to the remaining goat men and they retreated silently, leaving the pair alone on the sandy beach. Lucifer stepped in front of Samael and gently took his pale face between his hands.

"Do you remember how I always say that every experience we live through teaches us something new? Mourning a loved one is now like that for you. It is painful, yes. Horrible even. It makes you feel hollow and weak and as if darkness is enveloping you. I felt it before too. Losing so many of my beloved sisters and brothers... and King's mother... and my children... except for King..." he swallowed hard, inhaling shakily. "It is never easier. But it also makes us stronger. Love is not just weakness, it is strength too. This sadness that you feel now will transform with time. And you will remember our lost warriors fondly. Once this is over, we will celebrate their lives like they deserve," he said, putting his forehead against Samael's. "They are flesh and bone. Our children..." he whispered with closed eyes then sighed, not fighting his feelings, urging his man through their bond to follow his example.

"Thank you for understanding more why I feel so protective of you. I don't know either how it would feel to lose you like that. I would probably go insane without my Fire," he opened his eyes to look into the familiar now grey ones. "So... let's make sure that never happens, okay?"

"I try my best. I promise…" Samael said low, nuzzling his forehead to his pair's. "You're so very strong. I remember when you had lost the kids, you were devastated and went away… I couldn't help you, or understand fully what you were going through. Can you promise me that you include me more in your thoughts and feelings? I want to be there for you in every situation."

"Yes... losing a child is really the worst thing that could happen to anyone... And... it was more and more painful each time it happened... It felt like each time a piece of my heart and soul died too. That's why I've been so very worried about King being out there alone, searching for his pair. I... understood his motifs but... I'm still terrified of losing my last child. Or the love of my life, for that matter. Yes, these made me stronger, but I'm not sure I would be able to take much more of that pain," he confessed, already agreeing with his reply to Samael's request.

"I need you to come out strong from this, but first give way to the pain and the mourning period so it cannot consume you. It's the healthy way, my love. And I promise you I will try my best too and that I will be more open with you about my thoughts and feelings. If you promise me the same," he whispered, his thumbs caressing the bearded face.

"I promise, my love," Samael nodded and moved to tenderly kiss his pair. Then just standing there cuddled up, he watched the two pyres wash more and more further away. Thinking about their fallen warriors and everything that has been said between them with Robb. It really felt like his true life has started when they were allowed to get back to the surface and he got fully free to experience all these things with the others. By then he felt more bonded to all of them…

***

 
Source

Soon the mourning pair walked back to their makeshift camp and they were about to search for a place for them to rest, when all of a sudden Christos stood from the nearby spot he was.

"Samael, a word..." he waved for the demon then turned to the kids on his side. "Go help on the Khazras' pain for a while. I'll be fine," he said, not caring about his brother’s order to stay with the war demons. Then his expectant small dark eyes were back on the lean creature.

Robb glimpsed at both men a bit worried, not sure what this was about, but then nodded to his pair. "It's okay. I go find a place for us to sleep," he announced then let the two men alone.

As the day couldn't get any worse, Samael swallowed hard and a little hesitantly walked up to Christos.

It's been millennia and they never spoke directly to each other. Especially not face-to-face... The Seraph was sure it was about him overreacting in the other one's opinion. Though, he felt it was accurate to get vengeance for their warriors and solve the situation fast.

"Lord Nabu," he bowed before the mortal God respectfully and ready to face anything that might come.

"Sit with me for a little while," Christos said, taking his previous spot on a fallen column and waited for the Seraph to do the same. He didn't need his godly powers to notice how tense and guarded Samael was around him.

With an inaudible sigh he looked at the creature on his right. "First of all, I'm sorry for your loss," he started. "I'm sure you wonder why I wanted to talk to you. It's a conversation long due. What you did today... it surprised me. Not the lashing out, but how quickly you could regain control. You have changed a lot, Samael. I can see that now."

The demon was visibly shocked as he sat down and listened to Christos. Even the tone the other used was so soft and caring, which he never heard from the God before.

"Thank you, my lord. I have never lost anyone I cared for before. And the… pain just got me act out on instinct," he said looking at the long dreadlocks lying on Christos' chest as he still was cautious and didn't dare to look him in the eye.

As he told those thoughts to Chris which he shared with Robb before, some new realizations hit him.

"I... I know you are upset with me for Jericho. I always understood and accepted that and I am and always was truly sorry. But today taught me a little bit about the pain you must have felt after so many of your…" Samael swallowed as his voice was breaking from all the emotions as he thought into it "your humans you tutored and raised and loved… And I and the other angels just... I'm so sorry, Lord Nabu," he said suddenly kneeling before the sitting God and bowed to the ground.

The God exhaled slowly and made sure not to flinch because of his side as he leaned forward to put a hand on Samael's shoulder. "Rise, Seraph. You've been trying so hard for so long. I admit, I was too hard on you for a long while. Should have talked to you sooner," he said then let the shoulder go to slowly sit back up.

"I know you've been sorry ever since your pair freed you from under Elohim's servitude. You had no choice. I may be a God, but I'm not infallible and have my own flaws too. Being angry at you for so long because of the pain that was caused that day was... unjust," he murmured. "It was not your fault. It was your once Master's."

"I've been keeping an eye on you ever since you moved to the stronghold. And... that will in you to keep learning and bettering yourself is very good. Hold onto that and never forget it. Your pair will keep helping you. Let him."

Samael stood up and sat opposite Christos. "Thank you for the kind words, my lord. I am trying to understand more and I listen to all of you. I want to earn the trust you showed towards me."

"We've noticed. You're on the right path, Samael. Stay on it," Chris nodded. "My brothers and I have faith in you," he said seriously and paused again for a long moment. This conversation wasn't easy for him either, but he thought of his already wise little demon pair and suppressed a smile. Brent was right. There were things that had to be said out loud. "And about Jericho... I forgive you for that."

Samael gasped. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open as well in his shock. Never in his unlimited life has he hoped for such words from that man sitting in front of him.

"I… thank you, Lord Nabu. I have no words... Thank you," he whispered moved to his core and bowed again.

To that Chris just nodded and even went as far as giving Samael a near-smile in the corner of his lips. But then again, he didn't want this to go to the Seraph's head.

As he let Samael deal with his emotions, the now mortal God looked up above at the dark opening of what used to be a room's window. Just to see his brother's approving nod before Seth pulled back into the shadows right when the others returned with some scavenged items.

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