4 comments/ 12714 views/ 28 favorites Angel Hunter Ch. 01 By: Gweall Dyrnwyn sizzled as heavy raindrops fell on the blade, but the eternal fire was never extinguished. Shepherd used the back of his hand to push the long black hair from the left side of his face. He had considered, more than once, just cutting all of his hair evenly. But he did like the long hair on the left, and the short hair on the right. Having it all short would be just too weird. He turned his attention away from his troublesome hair problems, and back to the matter at hand. The ceiling of the old building had long since fallen down, leaving chunks missing from the floor where it had plummeted to the basement. Shepherd stepped carefully around the decaying floor, keeping his eyes up. Several gray feathers fell to the floor, hiding some of the weaker rotting spots. Shepherd rolled his eyes, this was a stereotypical spot to find the evil beings he hunted with so much gusto. The empty abandoned building creaked and groaned as the creature inside scurried across the walls and what was left of the ceiling, hiding from Shepherd between the flashes of lightning. He used Dyrnwyn, one of his dual swords, to light the way as he walked from room to room searching for the prey he had already wounded. The fire from the sword glowed brighter than any flashlight he could carry. "Why are you doing this, Human? This is not your fight." The raspy voice came from somewhere in the top floor of the four story building. A gravelly cackle followed the question. Shepherd ignored the beast and continued searching, following the trail of molted feathers it left in its path. "Not one for talking, child?" it asked, voice echoing in the half decayed building. "I'm not a child anymore," he spat at the creature he couldn't see. "To us you are. To us your life is nothing but a speck," it whispered. "Or a meal," he mumbled to himself. "That too," it laughed loudly, nearly shaking the single window that remained. The lightning struck again, illuminating the wooden floor, crumbling walls, and lurking creature. Without a second of hesitation, Shepherd launched Solias at the wall where the creature had been sitting. The golden sword stuck into the wall, but not before scraping the creature. It hissed in pain and skittered away, into another dark spot in the building. He quickly recovered his sword, and turned before the beast could plan an attack. "Wrong sword," it hissed in the night. Shepherd couldn't help but laugh. "It still hurt, didn't it?" he asked, as he followed a trail of blood. His prey only hissed in reply. "Come on now. It's not too late." Shepherd could practically hear the smile, revealing the monsters black fangs. "You can still fall into the hands of the light," it whispered, and before Shepherd could respond, a beautiful being appeared before him. It's white and gold wings stretched out behind it. It seemed as if rays of sun fluttered around its form, cutting away the cold night air and rain. Shepherd felt his skin warmed by the presence of the angel, it's warm smile and delicate features comforting him. He shut his eyes for a moment, enjoying the warmth, before pulling his hand back and slicing clean through the angel's chest. The ruse was dropped within a millisecond, the golden wings changed back to their ugly gray color, as feathers fell off the dead limbs. The tan smiling face reverted back to the sickly color it truly was. The perfect rows of white teeth changed back into the long and cracked black fangs, and the forked tongue spilled out from its mouth as it screamed in agony. It's claws raked the wooden floor and it flailed as its own death drew closer. Its mis-colored, ugly eyes shut as it took it's last breath. "I hate angels," Shepherd muttered as another crash of lightning and thunder filled the sky. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It didn't take him long to find what he was looking for. That thing, that most people called 'saints', had few possessions. The small box in the corner of the building was easily noticeable, as it was untouched by whatever had destroyed the building in the first place. He opened it and found the key that dangled on the golden chain. Before his eyes, the golden glow of the chain faded to the ugly gray and red color of rusted metal. He ripped the key from the chain, and shoved it into a pocket that was sewed on to the sheath of his sword. He wiped Solias off with a bit of the ragged cloth the angel called clothing, and sheathed it. Dyrnwyn needed less care, and he simply sheathed the burning sword, watching as the flames extinguished themselves. The rain had soaked him to the core, and he was freezing. He climbed back down the stairs to the ground floor, exiting the old building. The fight hadn't been too hard on him. He was very much surprised that the angel had tried something as lowly as trying to convince him to follow the light. It was obviously a last resort, he should have known it wouldn't work. His swords were hidden underneath the long black coat he wore, which stopped mid-calf. His black hair brushed the collar and often fell into his eyes, it annoyed him but for some reason he never got rid of it. The other half of his hair was short and spiked, a bright blonde in contrast to the dark shining black that his other half was. His mismatched eyes echoed his hair, the bright ocean blue sat on his right side, and the brilliant green eye was on his left, underneath his long black hair. The tight black shirt he wore underneath the coat was soaked through with rain. He stopped walking once he found the abandoned building he had been staying in while hunting the Angel Lieutenant. He stopped under the overhang, and whipped the left side of his hair in front of him, ringing out the cold rain, before letting it fall back into place. He stepped inside and moved to the farthest room back. The power had long since been shut off in the building, but it was still dry and intact. He walked over to the bed that someone had left in the old building, and pulled his backpack out from under it. The tattered green bag was all he carried with him, besides Solias and Drynwyn. He shoved the key in a pocket and threw the bag against a wall. He pulled the swords from his side, and set them next to the bed so that they were close by. He shrugged off his coat, and laid it down near the swords, and crawled into bed, still soaking wet. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shepherd yawned and stretched his arms, letting his hands fall on the sheaths of his swords. He picked them up as he swung his legs over the bed, his feet touch the floor through the large, black, steel-toed hiking boots. He attached the swords to his belt again, and grabbed his coat. His stomach growled as he made sure Solias and Drynwyn were secured well. He checked that they were covered with the cloth of the jacket, and headed out, backpack in hand. He walked to the nearest diner, and coughed up what little money he had for a decent meal. The waitress was nice enough but he always made a point not to get attached to people. It was for the best, since he was always on the move. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shepherd moved into the building slowly, swords at the ready. The glowing fire that surrounded the blade on his left illuminated the dark warehouse around him. Not far away, he could hear the sound of laughing. He frowned as he moved closer, carefully. Screams followed the laughing quickly, but eventually faded away until only the laughter was left once again. "You guys sure do know how to party," a man's voice floated through the large warehouse. Shepherd peeked around the corner and his eyes widened at the sight of four angels. One Lieutenant was among them, obviously larger and more grotesque than the others. His wings had hardly any feathers at all, only a few gray patches left. A long rat like tail poked out from right above his ass, which was only covered with some tattered pieces of dirty cloth. His gray bare feet scratched at the floor with long claws. The monsters back curved almost completely over, giving the angel a bad hunch. Chained to a wall, dangling by his wrists, was a demon. The long claws on his feet barely scratched the floor, and his medium sized leather wings were lying limp behind him. His eyes glowed a bright red, so bright that Shepherd could see them from where he stood. His chest was bare, and the only clothing he had on was a pair of way-too-small leather pants. Two curved horns sprouted from the top of his head, hiding in a patch of pointed black hair. His lips were curved into a smile, but he panted with agony. One of the angels nearby held a knife that was dripping with black blood. On the demon's muscled chest, dripped several lines of black blood, staining the tanned skin. Behind him, flicked a long pointed devil's tail. Shepherd couldn't help but admire the thin frame of the demon. The chains pulled all of his muscles tight, making them show through his skin. He wasn't very muscular, but it was obvious there was some strength under the smooth skin. The tight leather pants that hung low on his hips showed an impressive package for someone of the demons size. It was obvious that he had been enjoying whatever torture was being inflicted upon him. His tail swished and flicked back and forth like an agitated cat. His bright red eyes were hiding behind thick eyelashes that blinked seductively at his captors. Shepherd shook the thoughts from his mind, now wasn't the time. "Answer our questions!" the Lieutenant spoke, his gravelly voice floating to Shepherd's ears. "Play with me some more and maybe I will." The demon winked, though out of breath and obviously in pain. The angel turned and nodded at one of his "friends". The smaller angel disappeared and returned with a bucket of water. "If you liked watersports, you could have just asked!" his tail flicked playfully. He was about to say something else, when the angel doused him with the contents of the bucket. He choked and spat as his skin sizzled. The demon wailed in pain as he was burned by the water. Finally, he quieted down. He spit out a considerably large amount of water. "Okay, that wasn't so much fun," he coughed. Shepherd had finally seen enough, and decided to step forward. By 'step forward', he meant kill some shit. He pulled back his arm, and sent Drynwyn flying directly at the Lieutenant's head. Angels were big, ugly, mean, and probably the worst creatures ever to live. But there was no denying that they were good at fighting. With heightened senses, more muscle than their emaciated bodies appeared to have, and an attitude to fuel all of the physical attributes. Instead of lodging itself in the angel's skull, it missed by a few inches, and instead cut through on of the chains holding the demon's arm. Now he dangled from one arm, and his toes barely touch the ground. He groaned in pain and clawed at his last chain, but to no avail. Shepherd hesitated, before pulling back the hand that held Solias, launching it at the final chain. It cut through the rusted metal, and the demon tumbled to the ground. By now, every angel had turned to face Shepherd and he was without a weapon. He looked to the demon for help, and was greeted with empty space. He frowned and realized he was in deep shit. "Hey human," a voice called to him. The demon stood on a piece of scaffolding that had been abandoned when the warehouse was. He had somehow managed to get ahold of a whip that Shepherd hadn't seen before. "You forgot something," he smiled. He cracked the whip with expert grace, and wrapped the tip around the hilt of Solias. He braced himself, and pulled with all of his strength. The weapon dislodged from the wall, and was sent flying towards Shepherd. He ducked, and it landed on the ground behind him. He picked up the unharmed Solias, and prepared to face off against the angels, he twirled the weapon with grace and skill that came from years of practice. The angels soon realized he was no regular person, not just someone who happened to stumble upon the obvious interrogation. They kept their distance. It was still four against one, and those weren't good odds. Suddenly, the whip curled around one of the angel's throats, and he was yanked backwards. Shepherd mentally corrected himself, four against two. The other three turned to watch as the demon quickly ended the angel's life, leaving him screeching in pain before finally relaxing as death took him. Make that three against two. Shepherd took the chance while it lasted, shoving Solias through the chest of one of the distracted angels. He cried out and hissed, trying to turn to face his attacker. Shepherd removed the sword, and while it doubled over in agony, he sliced through the thin, gray-skinned neck of the monster. He corrected himself a third time, two against two. He looked up in time to see the demon claw out a large chunk of flesh from an angel's throat. It gargled in agony and fell to its knees. One against two. Shepherd turned to face the remaining angel, who looked at the two of them before transforming into his angelic form, and running towards a broken window. His once gray wings were now the common golden white color that the others had. His now beautiful skin was shining in the moonlight as he began beating the large eagle-like appendages. Shepherd took a shot, launching the sword for the third time that night, missing by inches again. "I should really practice that," he mumbled to himself. The demon took off after the angel, coming from some unseen place behind Shepherd. His leathery wings flapped, but he obviously wasn't the most aerodynamic creature alive. He got a few feet in the air, with a good jump beforehand. He wrapped a clawed hand around the angel's ankle. The creature reverted back to its gray form, flapping its molting wings and screeching with a mouth full of Angler Fish-like teeth. It didn't gain any more altitude, but it continued to hover with the demon dangling from its feet. It kicked and screeched but accomplished nothing as it continued to hover, unable to escape through the window. The demon released one ankle to reach down to his hip where his whip was curled up. He let the long leather weapon fall beneath him. "Human, time to repay the favor." He smiled, and swung the whip in Shepherd's direction. He pulled with all of his strength. Finally, the angel gave up and fell to the cold concrete floor. Without a moment of hesitation, the demon pounced on top of him. With a smile showing a row of sharp white teeth, he snapped at his neck. He stood up and looked around. "Well, that was fun!" he smiled. He picked up his whip from where it had fallen to the ground and wound it quickly, hanging it from his side again. "Thanks for the help," the demon smiled, his slender form calling to Shepherd with every little movement it made. "Right. Just try to make a mental note to remind yourself not to get caught like that again," Shepherd said, picking up Solias from where it had fallen. "Noted," the demon winked. He drew the whip from his side, and with a form of grace Shepherd had never seen before, swung the whip at Dyrnwyn which was still lodged in the wall, and pulled back. The sword arched in the air, and the demon lifted a hand to catch the weapon. Shepherd opened his mouth to say something, but it was too late and the sword fell into the demon's hands perfectly. He only held it for a second before he screamed in pain and dropped the weapon. "Ah! What in Lucifer's name is that!?" he swore, and held his hand. Shepherd smiled, and picked up the burning weapon. The demon watched as he sheathed it, and the fire was extinguished. "It's called Dyrnwyn, and not just anyone can wield it," Shepherd said, with smug satisfaction. "I wasn't wielding! I was holding! There's a difference and that was definitely holding," he cursed and looked down at his hand, which was leaking black blood from the burn wound. As Shepherd turned to find the object he had come looking for, he was surprised to see the demon following close behind. "What's your name, human?" he asked, claws tapping on the concrete floor. Shepherd rolled his eyes. "Shepherd," he replied. He wasn't too excited about being in the presence of a demon, but it was sure as hell better than angels. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Shep. I'm Lex," the demon bowed. "Lex? What kind of demon is named Lex?" Shepherd frowned. The demon seemed to sigh. "It's short for Lexington," he admitted. Shepherd smiled. "Lexington, huh?" he laughed. "Lex," the demon stressed the differences in the names. "Now tell me, Shep," he smiled at Shepherds glare. "How do you know so much about demons and angels?" he asked. "I hunt angels. I figure I should know something about them," he shrugged. "Hunt them? Are you alright in the head?" Lex asked, tapping on Shep's skull, and flinching when he swatted his hand away. "Yes, and yes. We have a history," Shep said vaguely, as he found what he was looking for. "What is that?" Lex asked, as Shep pocketed the second key. "It's called a key," Lex rolled his eyes. "I got that. What's it for?" He looked over Shep's shoulder, trying to see the item. "Why don't you just go away?" Shep said, and turned to leave. "Well, I can't do that until you tell me what you're up to. After all, I'm just a lonely demon with nothing to do. Tell me a story, Shep." Lex skipped alongside him as he walked out of the warehouse. "What are you doing? Somebody will see you!" Shep snapped, as Lex walked alongside him with a bounce in his step. "What? See m-? Oh! Don't worry, Sheppy," he got close to Shep's ear. "I'm invisible to everyone but you," he whispered, and giggled. "So, my story?" "You don't get one," Shep said, beginning to get annoyed by the persistent demon. Lex stopped walking and pouted. "Why not?" he whined, and ran to catch up to Shep, his bare feet slapping on the sidewalk. "It's none of your business. Just go back to wherever it is you come from," Shep said. "How much do you know about angels and demons?" Lex asked. Shep ignored him. "Come on, don't give me the silent treatment! I get lonely... though I'm sure there are other ways you could fix that," Lex leaned up against Shep seductively. Shep felt his heart beat faster, and he pushed the demon away. "Don't touch me," he snapped. Lex pouted again. "You sure are Mister Serious, aren't you? I can help you relax," Lex grinned. "Come on, tell me. I can keep a secret." Lex skipped along side him, again. Shep sighed. "The key opens a chest," he said. "A chest with shiny things in it?" Lex walked backwards in front of Shep. "I may be a demon, but I do like shiny. I was thinking of piercing my nose." He pretended to look in the reflection of a store window, but there was none. "Nothing shiny. It has a map in it," Shep explained, continuing to walk. He began noticing that several people were staring at him. After wondering why, he suddenly realized that to everyone else, he was talking to himself. "A map? That's it?" Lex frowned, when Shep nodded. He thought for a second. "Does the map lead to something shiny?" he asked. Shep shook his head. "Well... does the map lead to something that leads to something-" "There's nothing shiny!" Shep shouted, everyone around him turned to stare. He cleared his throat and continued walking down the street. "That was great," Lex laughed. "But anyways, what's the map for then?" Lex asked. "It leads to the Archs. Or at least one of them," Shep said. "The Archs? As in Archangels? Are you insane?" Lex got serious. "Have you ever seen an Archangel? They make other angels look like Disney characters!" Lex said. "I've seen them before," Shep mumbled. "Then you know that wanting to find one is stupid," Lex said. "I don't want to find one," Shep said. "Oh... good, you were starting to sound-" "I want to find all seven," Shep said, determined. Angel Hunter Ch. 01 "Yeah, okay. You're insane," Lex shook his head. "Why the fuck would you want to find one, much less seven?" he asked. "I have a score to settle," Shep replied. "With an Archangel? Gotta tell you, Shep. That's a score best left forgotten," Lex said. "Well, since you're so terrified of them, you better turn around and go back to wherever you came from." "Terrified?" Lex scoffed. "I laugh at the face of danger! Ha ha ha!" He tossed his head with each laugh. When he saw Shep wasn't amused, he rolled his eyes and continued to follow the human. "What are you doing?" Shep asked. "It's called walking," Lex smiled, showing his teeth. "Yes, but why are you doing it next to me?" Shep asked, ignoring the looks that people were giving him. "Who doesn't want a little companionship," Lex smiled. "Me," Shep mumbled, and walked faster. "Oh come on, don't be like that. You're the only human I've really gotten to talk to as me. Everyone thinks demons are so evil and the saints are the... well... saints..." Lex stopped talking and frowned, before shaking his head and keeping pace with Shep. "I know. I hope to change that one day," Shep said. Lex stared at him in silence for a moment. "Really?" he asked, almost hopeful. "Yes," Shep replied. "By killing the Archs," Lex groaned and rolled his eyes. "There you go talking crazy again! If it was that easy, don't you think a demon woulld have done it by now?" Lex asked. "No, all you guys like to do is party," Shep said. Lex opened his mouth to disagree, and then shut it with a smile. "Yeah, that's true," he nodded. Shep shook his head and held back a laugh. "Don't tell me you're not excited," Lex said. "Excited?" Shep frowned. "Yeah. I mean, you know for sure what happens when you die, right? Aren't you crazy excited for the eternal party that awaits?" Lex asked. "I'm not one for parties," Shep mumbled. "Well, you don't have to party. You can do whatever you want, forever. You'll be happy," Lex smiled. "I don't worship the devil," Shep said. Lex stopped walking. "Well why the hell not? How could you worship him," he looked up. "When you know what they do with the dead?" he asked. "You do know, right? They take your soul to this horrible Limbo, feed off it, and use your body to fill their ranks. You really want that?" "I don't worship him, either," Shep said. Lex looked at him, confused, before running to catch up. "I don't follow," Lex said. "Oh, yes you do," Shep joked. Lex rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Leave the comedy to me, honey." Lex shook his head. "But if you know what happens when you die-" "I don't know. I know what happens when you die worshiping God and I know what happens when you die worshiping the devil. That's where my information ends. I chose neither, so I guess I'll find out later," Shep said, so many people were staring now. "I don't get it," Lex said. "Why don't you want to go to the afterlife? Take it from me, it's pretty great." Lex laughed. "Look at me, I'm loving it!" he smiled. "It's not what I want," Shep shook his head. "You don't want to live forever, doing whatever you want and enjoying yourself? No hangovers. No crashes, if drugs are your thing," Lex shrugged. "I don't do drugs," Shep snapped, looking at Lex like he was crazy. The family sitting at the table outside the restaurant they passed gave Shep the same look. "Drugs are bad," he said, to the children, before walking off. "I don't have any reason to live forever as a demon. I don't want that. I won't be happy," Shep said. "Well, you know what that means, right?" Lex said. Shep raised an eyebrow. "I'm just going to have to tag along with you and convince you otherwise," Lex smiled. Shep rolled his eyes. "Please don't." "It's too late," Lex shook his head. "You've issued the challenge and I have accepted it. Lex and Shep, demon and human, Archangel slayers! We could have a sitcom." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "No thanks, Shep. I'm fine," Lex said sarcastically, as Shep ate all the food without offering him any. "Demons don't eat," Shep said, through a mouthful of food. "We don't need to eat, but it doesn't mean we don't like to," Lex crossed his arms. "Are you going to be this annoying the whole time?" Shep asked. "Yes." They had been walking for just over a day now, and had grabbed a bus heading towards the next town. The bus was mostly empty, but a few people continued to stare at Shep. "Man, we need to get you a bluetooth, or somethin'," Lex mumbled. "Why the hell did you keep those?" Shep asked, pointing to the chains Lex had wrapped around his torso in an X shape. He had been bound with them before, and was now using them as a fashion accessory. "I kind of like em," he said, touching one of the chains. "I can cut those off for you, later," Shep pointed to the cuffs still wrapped around both his wrists, a few chain links dangling from them. Shep had cut right through the chain itself, and not the cuffs. Leaving Lex with a new pair of bracelets. "I like them too," Lex mumbled. "You sure don't hide your sexual fantasies do you?" Shep asked, making a few people turn their heads. "Oh they're not fantasies, most of them have come true. After all, I am dead, I do what makes me happiest. My soul is definitely fulfilled." Lex smiled, seemingly thinking about his past sexcapades. "There's something wrong with you," Shep stared at him blankly. "Oh come on! Don't play like you don't have any deep dark fantasies lurking around in there. I bet your wild in bed." Lex smiled, and undressed Shep with his eyes. "Hey!" Shep smacked Lex's hand away as he went to play with the bulge in Shep's pants. "Oh come on," he whined, and leaned back, spreading his legs. "I'll show you mine if you show me yours," Lex winked. "It's not going to happen," Shep covered his crotch with part of his jacket, and crossed his arms. "So, where are we headed?" Lex asked, leaning back in the buses uncomfortable seats. "To my place. I have the other keys there," Shep explained. "How many are there?" Lex asked, looking at the key Shep held. "Seven. One for each lieutenant, one lieutenant for each Archangel." "I never understood that," Lex said. "What?" Shep frowned, and turned the key around in his hand. "What their obsession is with the number seven?" He asked. "What's your obsession with the number thirteen?" Shep asked. "What? We don't obsess about the number thirteen," Lex frowned. "You have thirteen rings on your horns, thirteen teeth on top and bottom of your mouth, you kept the chains that have thirteen links each on them, and thirteen red tips are in your hair," Shep pointed out. Lex narrowed his eyes. "Well aren't you the observant one," he mumbled. "How much farther?" he asked. "It's a six hour bus ride," Shep replied. Lex groaned and slouched down in his seat, preparing for the long journey ahead of them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ TBC.... Angel Hunter Ch. 02 Shep poked his head out from his hiding spot under the sink, and then ducked again when he realized his parents and the figure that had broken into their house in the middle of the night were only a few feet away. "You will worship, or you will die," the man said, as he held his mother and father far above the ground, one clawed hand wrapped around each of their throats. "We would rather die before we follow any of your disgusting kind." His father did his best to spit on the creature that held them off the floor. It growled as his spit landed on its large bulging eyes. "Your prayer is granted." Shep covered his ears when he heard the two sickening crunches as the figure crushed their necks. He needed to leave, he needed to get away. Before he could even think about what he was doing, he charged out of the cabinet under the sink. The man stood there, before the crumpled heaps of his parents corpses. He stood tall, having to bend his head to keep it from hitting the ceiling. His black skin looked like that of a rotting body, thick and leathery. His arms were too long for his body, falling down past his bent knees. His back was hunched, two large gray wings sprouting from them, a small trail of feathers following him as he moved. He drooled, teeth poking out from his thin lips, covered in blood. "Hello, boy," he greeted him, in his sickening scratchy voice. Shep looked him up and down, eyes drawn to his bare feet with long claws. "What are you?" Shep asked. "My name is Michael. I'm an Archangel." ~~~~ "Shep!" Lex woke him from his nightmare. Shep sat up in his bed, looking around the house adorned with treasures and nicknacks he had taken from his kills. Several feathers were framed on the walls, along with claws and fingers, and even the gray tongue of one of the disgusting creatures. "You alright?" he asked. "I'm fine, Lex. Go back to bed," he mumbled. "Demons don't sleep, remember. It's party all the time for us down in the underworld," Lex winked, swaying his hips to silent music. "Well we're not IN the underworld, so go to sleep," Shep snapped. "Party pooper," he crossed his arms and sat down. "So Michael killed your parents?" Lex asked. Shep sat up and glared at him. "You talk in your sleep," he smiled. Shep groaned and pulled the covers over his head. "Go to sleep, Lex." "It's noon," he replied. Shep sat up again, and stared at the clock. "Fuck! Why didn't you wake me? Our bus leaves in fifteen minutes!" he exclaimed, as he jumped up to get dressed. "I did wake you," Lex pointed out. "Where's the key? Where did I put the key?" Shep scrambled as he pulled on a pair of jeans. "This key?" Lex held up the rusted metal key on a chain around his neck. "Yes! Give me that you little-" "Ah ah ah," Lex waved a finger as he used his claws to scurry up one of the tall walls of the house. "I think I better keep these, just in case." He used his pointed tail to grab the other keys from Shep's hand. "Give them back, Lex," Shep glared. "Oh no-no-no-no, since I have these, you can't just ditch me. We're in this together. This is WAY more fun the partying in the underworld," he smiled, as he crawled along the ceiling. "There's something wrong with you," Shep frowned, as he grabbed his coat and pulled it over his swords. "Or something is oh so right?" Lex swayed his hips as he jumped off the ceiling and followed Shep out the door. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "You know, it's hard to think we're these awesome caped crusaders, when we have to travel by bus," Lex said, leaning up close to some old woman with glasses, and picked something out of his teeth using the reflection in the lenses. Shep watched as he continued to make faces at the poor old woman who couldn't see him. "Stop that," Shep snapped, making the old woman turn to look at him, confused. She looked around before shaking her head and returning to her book. "You're no fun," Lex laid in the middle of the isle that sat in the center of the bus. "This isn't supposed to be fun, we have a job to do," Shep said. The old woman turned and stared at him again. "Work work work," Lex sighed and turned over on his stomach, looking up at Shep. "Work is for the living," he mumbled. "I am living!" Shep shouted. Without looking at him, the old woman stood up and moved to the front of the bus. "Bluetooth. It's definitely on the shopping list," Lex said, as the woman stepped through his chest. "Besides, I thought Demons were technically alive?" Shep ignored Lex's comment. "We are. I mean, not really. Kind of...." Lex looked confused. "Yes," he finally said. "I don't think that was a yes or no question," Shep rolled his eyes. "Well I just made it one, damn it." Lex stood up and sat next to Shep. "The way it works; is when you die, if you're a sinner of course," Lex smiled happily and gestured to himself, "you go to hell. If you worship those douchebags," he pointed up, "you go to Limbo. It's kind of like what Humans imagine it to be. Just a whole lotta nothingness. But instead of being left in that nothingness, an angel comes, devours your soul, and that's it. The end," Lex said. "I know all that. What happens after you arrive in hell?" Shep asked. "I don't know how it happens for everyone, but for me, I got there and talked to the big man downstairs," Lex explained. "He asked me a few questions and boom, I sprouted a pair of wings and a tail, among some other things," he brushed his fingers over his small horns. "You actually spoke to the devil?" Shep asked, not believing him. "Yep," he nodded. Shep hesitated. "Well, what was it like?" he asked. "He's a nice guy. Kind of full of himself, but a nice guy. He likes darts," Lex said, picking a piece of invisible lint off of him. "Darts?" Shep frowned. "Yeah. We played darts, while we were talking," he shrugged. "Right...." Shep stared at Lex. "I've heard it happens different ways for different people, though," he said, thinking deeply about it. "What questions?" Shep asked. "Huh?" Lex looked up at him, resting his head in Shep's lap. "What questions did he ask you?" Shep ignored how close Lex was to his crotch. "I don't know. Just questions. What I did with my life, if I was happy with it, if I was fulfilled," Lex said. "Were you?" Lex didn't seem like he needed to think about the question. "No. I told him upfront that I wasn't ready to die. I hadn't met someone to share my life with. I hadn't traveled the world. I hadn't ridden a skateboard," he shrugged. Shep frowned. "I always wanted to learn," he smiled. "Do you think he turned you into a Demon because you weren't done yet? I mean. Not everyone is a demon right? Otherwise they would be everywhere," Shep said. Lex sat up. "I... I never thought about that," he mumbled. "I'll ask him." "What? Like you can just walk up to him and talk to him?" Shep frowned. "Yeah. Like I said, he's not a bad guy. He's kinda hot actually," Lex smiled. "You're sick. He's the Devil," Shep glared at Lex. "Yeah but who said the Devil can't be hot," Lex shrugged. The bus stopped, and the old lady took off as fast as her weak legs could carry her. "Come on, then," Lex jumped up and walked down the aisle, leaving the bus. Shep stood up, and followed him. "Nice place," Lex mumbled sarcastically, looking at the boring farming town. "It's homey I guess," Shep replied, and began walking down the dirt road. "Well then, where's this chest supposed to be?" Lex asked, using his tail to spin the keys, making them clink together in an old rusted metallic noise. "There," Shep pointed behind Lex. Lex frowned and turned, staring up at a mountain that nearly touched the clouds. "The fuck?" he swore. "Sure, the wings are hot, but they're not exactly the best mode of transportation." "I heard somewhere that Demons can't fly," Shep laughed. "I can fly!" Lex frowned, crossing his arms. "Prove it. Why don't you just fly on up there and get the chest? You have the keys after all." Shep pointed to the keys on Lex's tail, as the Demon stared up at the mountain with a lump in his throat. "Fine..." he said, hesitantly, "I will." He let his arms fall from the crossed position. He spread his wings, which in comparison to his body were fairly small. He beat them a few times, looking up at the mountain nervously. "See you at the top," he turned his nose up, and strained as he headed towards the mountain, only a few feet off the ground. Shep rolled his eyes and laughed as Lex tried to gain more altitude, obviously already tired. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shep's breath was visible in front of him as he hiked up the long faded path to the top of the mountain. He was freezing, but kept pushing on. The weather in the small farming town had already been a little cool, but as he climbed higher the air took on the frosty bite Shep hated. He hadn't seen or heard from Lex in a while, and was enjoying the silence. Since he had met him back when he had saved his afterlife, so to speak, he hadn't gotten a moments peace. Even while he was trying to take a piss, he could always hear Lex's off key singing or his mumbling to himself. The Demon was definitely a talker. But Shep had to admit that he was attractive. The horns and tails only made him more appealing, the way he would sway his hips and swing his tail from side to side. Shep couldn't help but wonder what other things he could do with that tail. He shook the thoughts from his head and continued the rough climb. He used his swords to support his weight, as he hoisted himself over a large boulder. He looked up at the steep path ahead and smiled, he was more than halfway there. As he turned the next corner, he saw a thin form sprawled out on a rock before him. "Already got the chest?" Shep joked. Lex lifted his head tiredly and let it fall back again. "Fuck you," he mumbled. "Get up," Shep ordered, as he continued on. Lex moaned as he rolled. He rolled too far, and hit the frosty ground hard. He grunted in pain and glared as Shep held back a chuckle. "We're almost there," Shep said, as Lex grumbled. He followed a few steps behind Shep, whining the whole way. "Make it sound so easy, don't you," Lex grumbled. "Oh, we just find the chest and unlock it and go on our merry way," he said, in a high pitched mocking voice. "There," Shep said, ignoring Lex's whining. He pointed to the chest. It wasn't quite at the top of the mountain, but at a large flat ledge 3/4 of the way up. It stood in the middle of the cliff, on a stone platform. Obviously not hidden from view. Without hesitation, Shep ran towards it. He ran his hands over the smooth metal of the chest. "Open it," he looked to Lex, who still stood back at the edge. "Say please," he said, but walked over to the chest anyways. He swung his tail around and grabbed a key. "How do I know which one is which?" he mumbled, looking at the seven keys and seven keyholes. "Which ones fit?" Shep pulled off a few keys and shoved them into a random keyhole. All of them fit into each one. He sighed and fell back. "What now? There's no way we can get them all right, we'll be here for hours," Lex said. "Then we'll be here for hours. Get started." They placed all the keys into the chest, and turned them. When nothing happened they were pulled out and another combination was tried. After half an hour, Lex sighed. "This isn't going to work, Shep. This is stupid." He sat back on his ass in the dirt. Shep looked at the keys for the thousandth time. "They all look the same," he mumbled. "No they don't." Lex suddenly snatched one of the keys from Shep's hands. "Look," he said, pointing to the keys inside the loop of the old fashioned keys, was an initial. "They're all different," Shep mumbled. "M, U, C, and R." Lex frowned, reading the initials of the keys in his hand. "I have G, Z, and J," Shep said, looking at Lex for help. Lex seemed thoughtful, before he slowly put the keys in, carefully placing them in their spots. He placed the key marked M in the first spot, He put U in the fourth, C right after U, and R he shoved into the second slot last. He took Shep's without a word and placed them in their own spots, before turning them. The chest clicked open and Lex smiled. Shep frowned, confused. "Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Chamuel, Jophiel, and Zadkiel. The highest ranking Archs to the lowest," Lex explained. Shep smiled. "You're a lifesaver." He reached into the chest, and grabbed the single folded piece of paper. He opened the map and scanned the page before frowning. "What?" Lex asked. "This must be old, or a mistake or something," he said, turning the map around. "What do you mean?" Lex tried to look at the map. "It says there's supposed to be the first Archangel guarding the map," he mumbled. "But obviously he's not-" Shep was cut off, as a golden arrow pierced Lex through the shoulder, sending him flying back into the dirt with a scream. "Motherfuck!" he cursed, as he rolled on the ground in agony. He reached up and grabbed the arrow, only screaming more. Shep stood and shoved the map into his pocket, before drawing his blades. The Angel landed a safe distance away from the twin swords Shep held. It looked different than any other Angel Shep had seen. It's wings were golden, and its eyes a bright shining blue. It's skin was pale and glowed brightly in the sun that pierced through the gray clouds above. It didn't look like the sickly, ugly, gray Angels Shep had grown used to. He knew inside that it was the same. This was probably just another one of its many disguises. "Stupid human," the Angel sneered, revealing its true self. Gray feathers replaced the golden ones, and it's eyes faded to a sickly color, along with its skin and hair. It's open mouth revealed the gray black teeth that were rotting and decaying. "What the fuck!?" Lex still lay on the ground, cursing and tugging at the arrow, making himself spray black blood onto the ground and scream in agony. "Stop that!" Shep said, as Lex bit his bottom lip. "You've chosen to put yourself into the company of a Demon as well?" the Angel said, drawing an arrow into his bow again. "I wouldn't say 'chosen' exactly, more like 'stalked'," Shep shrugged. "Fuck you," Lex grumbled, as he stood up. Shep wasn't really sure if he was talking to him or the Arch. "So, you interrupted me before I could have a good look. You are..." Shep said, waiting for the angel to introduce. "I am Zadkiel. The seventh ranking Archangel," he said, proudly, as feathers fell from his disgusting wings. Lex scoffed. "You say it like you're proud. I mean, seventh, really? You couldn't have done a little bit better than that?" he drew one of the chains that wrapped around his shoulders. The metal fell to the ground loudly, leaving his chest bare. The Angel scowled, and aimed his bow, letting the arrow fly. This time, Lex dodged. Shep took the chance to charge forward, swords in hand. He swung with Solias first, following with Dyrnwyn. He missed both times, and was caught off guard when the Angel, Zadkiel, drew another arrow. He was about to release the once golden, now black, arrow into Shep's chest, but missed by an inch when the heavy chains belonging to Lex wrapped around the bow, and tugged it down. Zadkiel grunted as the bow was pulled from his hands, and slid across the dirt floor of the platform. "Lex, the bow!" Shep shouted, as he chased after the Angle. Lex ran for the weapon, the Angel beating him by only a second. Without hesitation, Lex lept onto the back of the feathered beast. It roared, a mixture between a cry and a crows caw, as it wrestled with the literal demon on its back. Lex wrapped the heavy chain around its throat, and pulled. It coughed and pulled at the chain links, as its back was soaked with the black blood from Lex's shoulder which still held the arrow in place. It's long tail swung angrily, every muscle in it's body working to kick Lex off as the blood of the Demon began to burn and sizzle as it soaked into the Angels flesh, making it scream. Finally, Lex was shoved off as Zadkiel drew his bow again. "Lex, I never asked, what happens to Demons when they die?" he asked. "Remind me to ask the big man downstairs, next time I get the chance," he said, worried, as the Angel aimed for his chest this time. Shep shoved him out of the way, landing hard on top of him, avoiding the arrow in his shoulders by centimeters. "Oooh..." Lex purred. "Hello," he smiled. "Not the time, Lex," Shep said, as he stood and retrieved Solias from the dirt, where he had dropped it. The Demon groaned as the smoke from Lex's blood swirled around him, his eyes were partially glazed over as he drew another arrow. "Okay, this needs to stop," Lex mumbled. "Agreed," Shep whispered quietly. Without a word, Lex charged the Angel, who turned his aim from Shep to Lex. But before he could fire, the Demon was upon him. During the fall, he had traded out the heavy chain, for the light leather of his whip. As he drew his arm back to strike the dying Zadkiel, the Angel used one long bony arm to smack him away. Shep watched as Lex hit the ground hard, head making a sickening sound as it bounced on the concrete block the chest sat on. The Angel turned to Shep and moved to draw another arrow from the quiver at his side. When his hands grasped open air, he frowned and looked down at the empty leather pouch. He growled, revealing his rotting teeth again. "I don't need arrows to destroy you." He smiled wickedly, and used his molting wings to pounce on Shep. As he drew a small dagger from a hidden sheath on his gray leg, Shep reached for the swords he had dropped when the Angel had tackled him to the ground, but they were well out of his reach. "Die, scum," he smiled, grin wide. He drew the dagger back and prepared to sink it into Shep's chest. Shep shut his eyes and prepared for the sharp pain of the black blade piercing his heart, but when nothing came he opened his eyes. The Angel's eyes were wide above him, and he grunted once, before he slouched, falling onto Shep's chest. Lex stood above him, behind the golden arrow that pierced the Angel's thick hide. "That's for shooting me, bitch," he mumbled, out of breath and black blood leaking from a wound on his head. The Angel screeched as it decayed into dust. Shep coughed and waved his hands around his face as Lex helped him up. "Gross, I got Angel dust in my mouth," he spat on the ground. "Come on, Sheppy. I need a shower," Lex mumbled, turning towards the path that led down the hill, but collapsed onto his knees after only two or three steps. "Lex, are you okay?" Shep knelt down by him, and held onto his shoulders to keep him from falling anymore. The Demon nodded. "Just... a little... tired..." his red eyes rolled back into his head as he faded into darkness. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lex woke up an hour later. He blinked hard as he looked around the seedy hotel room. He stretched, and shut his eyes again when he saw Shep was nearby, sewing a hole in his jacket. "What happened?" "You passed out. I carried you back here and got us a hotel room. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to walk down the street carrying something that's invisible to everyone else without looking crazy," Shep chuckled. "You carried me down that shitty-ass mountain?" Lex opened his eyes and frowned. Shep shrugged. "Well... thanks," he said, sitting up. "Oh shit," he groaned and laid back down, holding his shoulder. "Yeah, you tore yourself up pretty bad pulling that arrow out. I bandaged it up for you, but I'm going to need to change it again soon." Lex looked down at the black soaked bandage on his shoulder. He also had a bandage on his head. "That one already stopped bleeding, you can probably take it off now," he said, as Lex felt the cloth around the gash. Angel Hunter Ch. 02 "Thanks," Lex said, as he peeled off the bandage, wincing as the tape pulled at his pale skin. Shep couldn't help but take note that, though his skin was pale, it wasn't the sickly dying color the Angels were. "Of course..." Shep seemed to hesitate. "Something up big guy?" Lex asked, as he looked through the mini fridge in the hotel room. "Three bucks for a bottle of water? Fuck you guys I'll just melt some free ice," he mumbled. "No," Shep said simply. Lex raised an eyebrow. He sat back down on the bed. "Are you sure you're alright? You seem all... bad-moody," Lex said, seriously. "I'm not the one you should be worrying about. You're the one who got shot," Shep laughed, though there was a bitter tone under the laughter. "Shep, I'm fine. Demons heal fast tomorrow morning I'll be as good as new," Lex waved a hand. "That's not the point." Shep suddenly slammed his fist down on the table. Lex jumped. "Alright, Bruce Banner, then what is the point?" Lex asked. Shep sighed. "Thank you," Shep said, not looking up at Lex. "Thank you?" Lex frowned, confused. "You.. you saved my ass back there, okay? Thanks," Shep mumbled. Lex smiled. "You're welcome," he replied quietly. "I just never had to worry about anyone else before, it was always just me," Shep said, returning to the stitching on his coat. "Well it's not just you anymore. You can worry about me and I'll worry about you." Lex smiled kindly. Shep looked up at him before smiling weakly. "So, where to next, big man?" Lex stood and leaned over Shep's shoulder, looking at the map that was spread out on the table. Shep looked up at Lex, watching the smooth curve of his jaw as it turned into the tender skin of his neck. "New York," Shep said, turning to look down at the map with Lex, who hadn't even noticed him staring. "New York? No way!" Lex smiled. "Ever been?" Shep asked, as he finished stitching up the hole and cut the thread with his teeth. "Fuck yeah! That's where I lived, man! Before the tail and all." Lex laughed and smiled. Shep chuckled, not able to help himself. The Demon's constantly perky personality was contagious. "Well, I spent the rest of our cash on two plane tickets. We leave tomorrow morning," he said. Lex smiled. "Time to celebrate! I'm gonna go get some ice from the ice machine and melt it so we can have water!" He grabbed the small ice bucket on the table, and skipped off through the door. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TBC... Angel Hunter Ch. 03 Shep smiled as he stepped out of the airport. "Would you stop complaining?" he frowned. "I'm not complaining. I'm just saying that they should bring back those little peanuts," he mumbled. "No one cares about the peanuts. I'm allergic anyways," Shep said, as he hailed a cab. "Psh, 'no one cares about the peanuts'," Lex mocked Shep's deeper voice. "Madness," he mumbled, as he shoved Shep out of the way and crawled into the cab first. Shep rolled his eyes and crawled in beside him. "Rockefeller Center, please," Shep instructed. "Rockefeller?" Lex frowned. "Who is this guy anyways?" he asked, reaching for the map of angels Shep held. "Jophiel," Shep answered, earning an awkward glance from the cabbie in the rearview mirror. "Jophiel, huh. What's he up to in New York. Seems a little busy for an angel," Lex grumbled, looking out the window. "So the country was too empty and the city is too busy? Make up your mind," Shep said, another look from the cabbie making him blush. "Stop here!" Lex shouted. "Stop!" Shep said, out of reflex. The cabbie hit the brakes, sending them all forward sharply. "Get out here," Lex said, and threw the door open, the cabbies eyes went wide. "Must have been a loose door, you should check that out." Shep threw him a big tip to distract him, before climbing out. "What are we doing?" he asked, once he was on the street next to Lex. "Follow me," Lex said. He grabbed the handle of the store. Shep frowned as he followed him inside, taking a moment to glance behind him. He could feel eyes on his back, though he didn't know where they came from. Shaking his head in dismissal, he followed Lex inside. As he stepped inside, he realized Lex had changed. Though he still looked like Lex, he was more human appearing now. "Thanks, that's all," Lex smiled. Shep frowned as he looked the man in front of him up and down. He looked enough like Lex. His skin was still pale and his hair was still covered in red. But his horns had gone, and his red eyes were now a golden brown. His tail was nowhere in sight either. He hadn't changed his clothing, keeping himself clad only in leather and chains, but the shop owner didn't seem bothered by this, he did work in New York afterall. Lex turned and smiled, shoving a small bag into Sheps chest. Shep frowned and opened it, revealing a black Bluetooth. "Happy birthday," Lex mumbled, and stepped outside. Shep rolled his eyes and followed Lex, smiling at the owner as he left. Lex stood waiting for him, barefoot and tail swishing as usual. "I knew Demons could shape shift, I Just never thought about you doing it," Shep said, as he shoved the accessory into his ear. "I don't like it," Lex shrugged. "But you walk too slow." He laughed. "RIght, well. Maybe I'll get a few less looks now. Though we are in New York so it's a bit short lived." He shrugged, as he began walking down the street with Lex by his side. "Hey... how did you pay for this?" Shep frowned. "Easy." Lex pulled a very large wad of cash from some unknown source on his body, Shep was afraid to ask where Lex had been keeping the bills. "Holy shit," Shep swore, and stopped to look at Lex. "Remember, stud, you can only talk to me. Other people still can't see me," Lex laughed. Shep continued walking, keeping his eyes forward. "Where did you get that?" he asked. "I don't know. It just kind of adds up. I mean I don't really eat or drink or anything like that, at least I don't need too. Only if I wanna, and I don't usually," he shrugged. "I just get a little now and then and it adds up over the years," he smiled. "H-How much do you have?" Shep frowned. "Enough to stay there," Lex smiled, and pointed at the tall building before them. "The New York Palace... we're going to stay in the New York Palace. That place is like-" "A little over $600 a night, I already reserved our room," Lex said, heading into the hotel. He stopped at the front desk and smiled, shifting into his 'human' form. The man at the front desk tried to stop his jaw from dropping when the leather clad twink strolled up to the marble desk. "Lexington Morris," Lex batted his eyelashes. The man quickly typed in his name and nodded. "Everything is setup for your room, sir," he smiled, as Shep stepped up behind him. "Thank you," Lex nodded, as he turned to head for the elevators after the man gave him the two keys. "Just let me know if you need anything.... sir," the man added, smiling dumbly at Lex. Lex turned around and smiled back. "Will do." He hit the button for the elevator, which opened quickly and they piled in. In the elevator alone, Shep finally spoke. "He was totally flirting with you," he frowned. "Yeah... so? Most people do. I am gorgeous if you hadn't already noticed," Lex fluttered his thick eyelashes. "Modest aren't you?" Shep scowled. Lex looked him up and down. "You're jealous," he said, a smile creeping over his pale face. "What?" Shep scowled harder. "No I'm not," he shook his head. "You totally are!" Lex laughed, then stopped and smiled. "I didn't know you cared." He looked down at his feet before glancing up at Shep with a smaller smile. "I don't," Shep snapped. "You're just some dumb demon who follows me around like a creeper," Shep growled, he stared up at the numbers on the elevator as they lit up, showing them climbing floor after floor. With his eyes trained on the numbers, he didn't see Lex's hurt face. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Forgive me father, for I have sinned... I've sinned a lot." He couldn't help the smile that crossed over his face. "Lexington..." the priest sighed. Father Francis could be seen shaking his head through the screen that separated the two men. "What is it this time, my son?" he asked, voice already weary. "The usual," Lexington stayed in the kneeling position, looking around the small wooden room, bored. "There shouldn't be a usual," the priest said, sternly. "I can't help it," Lexington muttered. "It's just having fun," he unfolded his hands and leaned back, letting his arms rest on the bench behind him. "Your fun is still sin." The voice didn't lose any of its sternness. "I know, Father," Lexington mumbled. He shuttered when the thought struck him that he meant 'father' in more ways than one. "You know I love you, Lexington." His dad spoke to him through the mesh again. "Because of that I have to watch out for more than just your current happiness. If you continue this path I'm afraid for what will happen to your soul," he said, a sense of urgency in his voice. "I know!" Lex snapped. "... Father," he added calmly at the end. "You take your vows soon, my son. You must prepare for that," he reminded, before leaving the confessional. Lex sat there for a moment, before he sighed and left. He straightened his black coat and headed for the front of the church. As he passed through rows of pews, specks of praying men and women scattered among the dark wood, he was stopped by an older man. "Father," he put a hand on Lexs shoulder. "Oh, I'm not a priest yet... if you want I can-" as Lex turned to find his dad, the man continued on. "My son just came out as a homosexual." The man's eyes were red from crying. "I don't know what to do," he said, letting out a small sob with a sigh. Lex stared at the man as he got a hold of himself. "I don't want him to go to hell," the man added. "Please, Father, what do I do?" Lex blinked once before speaking. "Just love him," Lex muttered, before walking off. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Lex?" Shep's voice brought Lex out of his reverie. "Oh, you're awake," he blinked, as he moved out of the window seat that looked over the bustling town. "Yeah." Shep stretched and looked around the huge room. "I still can't believe how big this room is," Shep chuckled. "Oh, yeah, right," Lex smiled. Shep was washing his face in the all marble bathroom when there was a knock on the door. "I got it. He called to Shep who poked his head out the doorway. Lex opened the door as a bellhop pushed in the large cart. Several cloches covered the tray, the bright silver domes shining in the morning light pouring in from the balcony. Lex tipped the man, before pushing the cart over to the table. "What's that? Shep asked as he sat down. "Oh, uh well we get a breakfast for two during our stay," Lex said. "You don't eat," Shep frowned. "No, but I felt like it. Are you gonna eat or not?" Lex moved the cloche aside and sat down. "Everyone gets a free breakfast? Wow, this hotel is nice," Shep smiled. "Well, not everyone. I got a special package," Lex said. Unable to keep a straight face, he ended up giggling at the word package. "Ignoring the bad innuendo, what do you mean?" he said around a mouthful of souffle. "Well, I got us a special room and deals," Lex shrugged. "Like what?" Shep asked. "A breakfast for two, lunch by the pool, a... uh... candlelight dinner-" Lex was interrupted by Shep coughing and looking around the rooms with the large bed and larger shower. The soft carpeting and two of everything. "You got us the honeymoon suite?!" Shep stood up. "Why not? We don't actually have to be on a honeymoon," Lex crossed his arms. "You're unbelievable," Shep said. After staring at him for a full thirty seconds, he got up and left the room. "Where are you going?" Lex asked. "We aren't here for fun, Lex. I'm here to kill another one of those sick bastards." Shep grabbed his swords and hid them behind the folds of his coat. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "So where is this guy supposed to be anyways?" Lex asked, as they stepped through the streets. He rolled his shoulders, enjoying being back in his Demon form. Shep pulled the wrinkled map from his coat pocket, unfolding it carefully. He turned it over, revealing the small paragraph of text explaining the exact location of each Angel. "Great," he mumbled. "What?" Lex frowned and tried to peek over his shoulder while they walked up 5th avenue. "He's there," Shep stopped. "Where?" Lex spun around, searching for the hidden Angel. "On the-" Shep was cut off as Lex was suddenly scooped up and was sent kicking and screaming to the top of the Empire state building. "Lex!" Shep shouted, he broke into a run. He shoved his way through the crowds, watching as people stared confused but only mildly annoyed, used to the strange happenings in New York. As the small dot that was the angel landed on the very top of the tall building, Shep began sprinting into the crowded building, ignoring the crowds of people glaring at him as he shoved and pushed his way to the stairs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "God damn it put me-" Lex was caught off guard when he was dropped roughly on the building. The loud thud of his thin body hitting the hard surface was accompanied by the rushing winds created by the diseased angels gray wings. It landed carefully on it's bare feet. Long toes twitching as it scratched at the ledge of the building. They weren't at the top, but at the first ledge below the tall arches that made up the top of the building, ending in the tall needle. Lex groaned as he stood, trying to keep his hair from blowing in the strong wind. "Down," he mumbled the last part of his earlier request. He unwrapped the long chain that crossed his chest, letting it fall to his feet. His other hand rested on his whip, prepared to draw it when needed. "Lets go bitch," Lex snapped. "You are not worthy," the angel growled. Lex straightened up. "Not worthy of what? I don't have a soul, is that it? Nothing for you to 'nom nom nom' right?" he snapped. "Lex?" Shep reached the top, gasping for air. "How did you even get up here?" Lex frowned, keeping his eyes on the Angel. "I knocked out a few people," Shep shrugged as he began to catch his breath. "Are you okay?" he asked, worried. "Yeah, but lets get something clear," Lex turned. "If every time we go to kill something, I get shot or kidnapped, we need to have a talk," he said, pointing a finger at Shep, who only smiled. "Noted," he smiled wider, and drew both of his dual swords, the light from Solias reflecting in the shine of his multicolored hair. He tossed his head, pushing the long black hair out of the way before charging forward. The Angel easily dodged the attack and Shep was sent flying, the force of the wind catching him off guard. He stumbled toward the edge, saved by the feeling of thick chain being wrapped around his waist. He felt the hair forced out of him as Lex pulled him back. "Easy, big guy. Remember, I'm not the best flier. It would probably be best if we avoided the edges," Lex reminded him. "Noted," Shep said, again. The angel smiled. "What, no weapons tough guy? You gonna dodge us to death?" Lex frowned. The angel smiled wider, and opened it's black mouth. The void that led down to its empty stomach was filled with black and gray teeth, though many were missing. It inhaled deeply, before letting out a scream that literally made Lex's ears bleed. Shep winced and covered his ears, dropping his swords as he did so. Though the scream seemed to have a worse effect on Lex, who was now on the ground, writhing in agony. Shep watched as black tears poured from Lex's eyes. Black blood leaked from between his fingers as he attempted to cover his ears. He had curled into the fetal position as he tried to guard himself from the scream. Finally, Shep couldn't watch any more as he pulled a hand away and forced it to grip Solias. With a deep breath, he hurled the sword at the Arch. Caught off guard, the angel reacted a moment too late. He moved, the sword striking him in the wing. He screeched as he flailed the now useless limb. Greeted with only the sound of the screeching angel, and the howling wind, Shep turned to Lex who was sobbing quietly. "Lex? Come on, stand up," Shep grabbed his arm. Lex shook his head and continued to cover his bleeding ears. Shep sighed and picked up his other sword, charging the angel. He blinked once, before turning and grabbing Sheps arm, forcing him over the edge. ~~~~~~~~~~~ The world was numb to Lex as he continued to feel the blood drip from his ears and eyes. The deep ringing tone that replaced the bright sounds of the world around him filled every part of his brain. He felt a tug as Shep tried to pull him up, but only shook off the hand. As Shep charged the angel, he looked down at his black stained hands, looking at them through black stained eyes. He only looked up, when he heard the screams from Shep. He saw the angel looking over the edge, but no one else. With the bile rising in his throat, he shoved the angel aside and dove over the edge. His small wings opened but did nothing to help him. Shep screamed as he fell, his sword falling a few feet away. Lex beat his wings as he dove down, arms outstretched for Shep, who had his eyes squeezed shut tight. As his long fingers wrapped around Sheps wrists, he slowed their descent and with all his might began pulling them back up to the top of the building with his small wings. He groaned and strained as he pulled them back up farther and farther. Finally, one hand reached the narrow edge of the building. He grunted as he pulled Shep up, pushing him to safety. As he attempted to pull himself up as well, he was met with two clawed gray hands to the shoulder. The angel, with wings far larger than his own (even if one of them still had Shep's sword embedded in it), began pushing him down again. Lex watched as Shep grabbed Dyrnwyn from where he had set it, and shoved it through the angels long naked gray tail. It screeched louder than it had before, as the blade stuck him to the building. Without hesitation, Lex scurried up the Angels body as it flailed. Standing quickly, he grabbed his whip and wrapped it around the Angels thin neck, he pulled roughly, jerking it to the side quickly once it was tight. The snap was heard through the noise of the wind as the Angel's neck was broken. Relieved, both of the survivors fell down. "Are you okay?" Shep asked, looking at the trail of drying blood from Lex's ears. "Yeah, they stopped ringing," he scratched the side of his head. "Hey," Shep said. Lex looked at him, waiting for him to speak. Shep only stared for a minute before standing and offering his hand. "Lets go back to the hotel, I want that lunch by the pool damn it," he smiled. Lex smiled back, and accepted the hand. "Feel like flying us down?" Shep joked. Lex laughed fakely. "I think not," he laughed as he held the door open for his partner. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "So what were you like before you became a Demon?" Shep asked, as he placed another package of creamer down. "Pretty much the same. The only difference is that I had to lie about who I was before," Lex said, handing him a handful of sugar packets. "What do you mean?" Shep pulled off another piece of gum from the glob in his mouth and stuck it to the end of a coffee stir-stick. "I was a priest's son, about to become a priest," Lex explained. "Wow, really?" he frowned. "Yeah. My father didn't approve of my 'homosexual urges' and thought I could just shrug them off. But the clubs always called to me..." Lex smiled. "Not quite as much as other guys cocks, but they did call to me," he winked. "You're disgusting," SHep rolled his eyes. Lex smiled. "I never got to see him, after I died that is. The big man downstairs said I could, but I was too chicken-shit I guess," he shrugged. "Done," he brushed off his hands and stood back. "You realize we need a real hobby, right?" Shep said, leaning back on his hands as they looked at the model of the empire state building they had built out of creamer, sugar, stir-sticks, and a few packs of gum. "Ah, wait we forgot something," he smiled. He took out a fresh pack of gum and began unwrapping a few pieces. After a couple of minutes of molding it into the shape he wanted, he stuck it onto the side of the tower. Shep smiled as he looked at the body of the angel Lex had sculpted. "You know he's not actually there right? He turned to yucky angel dust when I took my sword back," he wrinkled his nose. "I know. But he's there in our hearts," Lex patted his bare muscled chest. Shep smiled and laughed weakly. "Alright, come on you sex-offender," he said, grabbing his coat. "Where are we headed?" Lex asked. "To blaze a trail," Shep smiled wider. "Blaze a trail? At three in the morning? Come on, Shep. Our flight doesn't leave until tomorrow afternoon," he grumbled, beginning to pack his bags anyways. "Not that trail, sex-offender," Shep smiled. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Oh, this trail," Lex gulped, as he stood in front of the church. "Come on," Shep stepped forward. "Well, you see..." Lex didn't move from his spot across the street. "Churches and I, we don't really-" "Move it," Shep shoved him. "Shep..." Lex said weakly. Shep stopped in front of the door, opening it. "What's his name?" he asked. "What?" Lex looked confused. "Your dad, what's his name?" he repeated. "Oh... uh... Father F-Francis," Shep could honestly say this was the first time he had seen Lex nervous or scared. Even in front of the Archangels he showed no fear. Maybe some pain, but not fear. Without a word, Shep entered the building. "Can I help you, my son?" an old man walked towards Shep slowly. "I'm looking for Father Francis. Shep felt uneasy in the old building. Lex hadn't been lying when he said he didn't work well with churches, but neither did Shep. "I'm Father Francis, how can I help you?" he asked, confused. He looked as if he was trying to recognize Sheps face. "You don't know me... my name is Shepherd... er... Shep," he said, after a moments hesitation. "I know your son," he said. A sad look crept over into his eyes. "I'm sorry to tell you this, but he passed on quite a few years ago," Father Francis said sadly. Angel Hunter Ch. 03 "I know... I mean... I... shit," he mumbled, before biting his lip. "Sorry," he took a deep breath. "You believe in something after death, don't you Father?" Shep asked. "Of course," he nodded. "Your son wants to talk to you," Shep blurted out. The priest stared at him for a long moment. "That's not funny," he said sternly. "I know as well as any that my son was a sinner and that he didn't make it into the kingdom of heaven. As much as I loved him, I know he didn't-" the old man's voice cracked. "I think he would still like to speak with you," Shep opened the door to see a petrified Lex standing there. He suddenly seemed so uncomfortable in his leather pants and thick chains. He fidgeted, trying to pull up the low riding leather. "Lexington..." his father gasped. "Hi, Dad," Lex choked out. "You're alive?" he said, happiness filling his voice as tears fell from his eyes. "No... no that's impossible... but then... you made it into heaven!" He seemed even happier now, tears pouring from the eyes withered by time. "I knew it! I knew you wanted to forget your life as a sinner. I knew you could be a holy man if you wanted to be!" he said, placing his hands on Lex's shoulder. "That's not exactly it, Dad," Lex said, gently, wrapping his own hands around his fathers and smiling. It took his father a moment, a confused look crossed his face. But once his eyes landed on the curved horns, and long tail that Lex allowed him to see, his face went pale. He jerked his hands back suddenly. "Oh, no..." he whispered. "No, Lexington! No!" he shouted now, his voice echoing in the church. "Dad, it's not like that. Things are different than you think they are," Lex shook his head. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Father Francis backed away from Lex, who cried out softly as the bible verse cut into him. He took a step back as his father continued to speak the verses. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." He grasped the cross around his neck desperately. Lex had a sad look in his eyes, but also a look of acceptance. He had known how his father would react, and that's why he had been avoiding it. "I love you," Lex whispered, before turning and leaving. Shep chased after him quickly. "Are you okay?" he asked, walking behind Lex. "I don't want him to fall into the hands of those bastards," Lex snapped, black tears falling from his eyes for the second time that day. "I know. That's why we need to pick up the pace. It's time to end this war," Shep said seriously. "The two of us against an army. Those seem like positive odds," Lex mumbled, the first really truly negative thing he had said since they met. He stopped and leaned against a planter with a few small bushes in it. "Come on, Sex Offender. You and me against the world. With my dedication, and your..." he looked Lex up and down, "ass, we can do this shit," he smiled. Lex stared at him. "Sex Offender is NOT my new nickname," he glared at Shep. "Oh yes it is," Shep nodded and began walking down the street again. "No it's not! Shep! It's not!" Lex chased after him when Shep ignored his cries and only laughed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TBC... Angel Hunter Ch. 04 "Sheeeep. Come on, it's been weeks. Can't we take a break? Go somewhere nice?" Lex whined. "Nice? You were all gung-ho about angel hunting a couple of weeks ago." Shep smiled, as he sewed the latest hole in his coat shut. "Yeah, well that was a few weeks ago, and we were in New York... that place tricks people," Lex scowled. "With its sparkling lights and hot guys everywhere." He crossed his arms and pouted. "Sounds terrible," Shep said, not really paying attention. "Your face is terrible," Lex mumbled. "Somewhere nice, huh? Like a vacation?" Shep asked. "Yes! Please!" Lex fell back on the hotel's uncomfortable couch. "Like where? We just got back from Barcelona, killing that one Arch... what was his name again?" Shep asked, still not really paying attention. "I don't know. Paris? Rome? Hawaii-" Lex said, ignoring his question about the Archangel they had killed in Spain. "How about Hawaii, I've always wanted to go," Shep said. Lex's eyes lit up as he sat up straight. "Wait, really?" Shep nodded slowly, not looking up from his sewing. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" He jumped up from his seat and kissed Shep on the temple. Shep scowled and shoved him, but couldn't help the smile that crept across his face as he glanced up at the demon who frolicked around the room happily. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "I hate you," Lex grumbled. "You wanted Hawaii, you got Hawaii," Shep smiled. "A vacation isn't a vacation if you're working!" Lex threw the map at him. Sometime during the flight he had seen that the fifth angel was located on the big island. "Maybe we can do some surfing afterwards," Shep smiled. "Fuck you." Lex stormed off, ignoring the tall man wearing a lei made of real flowers greeting them as they got off the small plane. Shep chuckled and accepted the gift from the smiling man. "Don't pout, it doesn't suit you." Shep sat down in the bus that would take them to their hotel. Lex just glared at the seat in front of him. "You're a terrible person," he finally spoke. "You know you don't feel that way," Shep smiled, enjoying the demon's anger. "Yes I do.," Lex kept his arms crossed. "What if I tell you I got us a private condo on the beach?" Shep asked. Lex glanced at him. "I would say you're a liar," Lex replied, though he didn't look like he was convinced either way. "Well I did," Shep handed him a small packet with information on the rentable condo. "Holy shit you did?" Lex smiled, excited for the 'vacation' now. "Yep. No one around for miles.," Shep smiled. ~~~~~~~~~ Shep stretched as the sun broke over the horizon, waking him from his deep sleep. He looked over at the empty living room and frowned. The only sound that filled his ears were the waves breaking gently on the shore. There wasn't any cursing, or mumbling, or even yelling from the leather-clad demon. Shep was shocked at how uncomfortable the silence made him. In just over a month they had become so close. "Lex?" he called groggily as he stood up. "Outside!" the demons peppy voice floated to his ears. "What are you- oh my god," Shep stopped in his tracks as his eyes looked over the naked, pale flesh of Lex's body. He sat on the beach, in the warmth of the sun. He smiled happily with his eyes closed, not even realizing that Shep was drooling over him. "What?" He finally opened his eyes. "You're very much not wearing anything... uh..." Shep stumbled over the words, trying to avert his eyes but they kept being drawn back to the soft cock, completely shaven clean. "Didn't think you'd mind, sorry," Lex smiled, making it obvious he wasn't sorry. He was enjoying the attention he was getting. "Uh... yeah.. could you put something on?" Shep asked, making no move to look away from the tight muscles and soft skin. "But the sun is so warm," he whined, poking out his bottom lip. "How about instead, you come and join me?" Lex winked. "Come on, Lex. We have the next angel to kill.," Shep suddenly got serious and walked back inside. "I actually have somewhere to go, today," Lex said. "Somewhere to go?" Shep frowned. "You're dead, Lexington. I don't think you need to go to the grocery store or some shit," Lex rolled his eyes. "Funny, funny. The big man downstairs actually wants to talk to me.," Lex said. "About what?" Shep asked. Forgetting that Lex was naked, he stepped back outside, before rolling his eyes and turning his back to Lex to continue the conversation. Lex shrugged. "Hell if I know. But he wanted to talk. I feel like it's a wise choice to say 'yes', don't you?" Lex joked. "When is he going to-" Shep shut his jaw when he turned around to see the spot Lex had been occupying was now empty. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lex blinked rapidly as he realized he was no longer on the sunny beaches of Maui, but in a plain gray room with a dart board hung up on the wall. A small table sat in the middle, a few rows of red darts occupying the cold metal table top. "Deja vu," he laughed, and picked up a dart. "How are you doing, Lex?" The familiar man in khaki shorts and a hawaiian shirt stepped forward, his voice warm and friendly. Lex smiled. "I see you dressed for the weather," he pointed at the shirt. "I can never decide what to wear.," he chuckled and snapped his fingers, switching to a blue business suit, gesturing to himself and raising an eyebrow to ask which one. "I like both. The blue goes good with your eyes," Lex smiled and threw the dart, missing the bullseye by a good couple of inches, frowning. "You were never good at this game," he tossed one, and hit just to the right of the bullseye. "Why do you always get to pick?" Lex wrinkled his nose. "One of the perks of the job. So, this Shep guy...who is he?" the Devil asked. "A friend," Lex shrugged. "A close friend, considering I had to put some clothes on you before I dragged you here," he laughed. "I think I'm closer to him than he is to me," Lex mumbled. "Ah, unrequited love," he nodded. "I'm sorry." He walked up and pulled their darts from the board, handing Lex his. "He's human... he thinks-" Lex's voice cracked as he fumbled with the darts. "Is he a follower of God?" The Devil asked. Lex knew that he probably knew more about Shep than Lex did, but was kind enough to stay out of it and ask Lex personally. "No," Lex shook his head. The Devil's eyes lit up. "He's one of my children, then. How wonderful," he laughed. "He doesn't worship you, either" Lex bit his lip. The Devil frowned. "He hasn't chosen yet?" he asked. "He won't choose. He hates both sides," Lex said. "I see..." he seemed thoughtful. "And what do you think about this?" "I don't know... what happens if you don't pick a side?" Lex said. "Is there more to life than an eternal party?" he asked. "You don't want to party all the time? That was what you wanted when you died," he said, thoughtfully. "I-I don't know..." Lex said quietly. "Is there more?" he asked. "I can't tell you that, Lex. You know that," he shook his head. Lex sighed. "What if he dies and something terrible happens to him? Don't get me wrong, I love my after life. But how much longer will I love it? What if there's more?" Lex asked. The devil simply shrugged. "That's your call. I can't give you any direction on that," he said. "Do what makes you happy," he said. "But I don't know if it will make me happy!" Lex shouted, getting frustrated. "I don't even know what will happen," he sobbed, black tears falling from his eyes. "You know. It hurts for me to see one of my followers in pain. But I can't help you, Lex. You know I love you." The devil rested a hand on the back of Lexingtons neck. He pulled the demon in and kissed his pale forehead, before stroking his hair just behind his horns. "I know," Lex mumbled. "I'll do what I can to help you. But even I have a boss," he smiled. Lex looked up. "You do?" he frowned. He had never thought about it. The devil nodded. "Yep. But I can bend the rules when I need to. You've always been my favorite, anyways," he whispered the second part, before he was gone, and Lex was back naked on the beach. "Jesus, there you are," Shep said. "I was beginning to get worried." Shep walked over to Lex in the sand. "Sorry... how long have I been gone?" "A day," Shep replied. "A day?! Jesus..." he swore. "Goddamn time zones. Why does hell have to be so far away?" he mumbled. Shep chuckled. "So how did the talk go?" Shep asked. Lex stood up and brushed the sand from his nude body, before squeezing into his leather pants again, shimmying them up his slender hips. "I don't know," he rolled his eyes, tired. "Good and bad." "I'm sorry," Shep said, honestly. Lex looked up at his different colored eyes. "Thanks," he smiled. "So, how about this angel?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "What kind of angel hides in a national park?" Lex mumbled. "You know, every time I think the whining is going to stop, it starts back up again," Shep laughed. "Well excuse me. I didn't realize all of this shit would require so much hiking or I never would have followed you," Lex mumbled. 'If it were up to you, all of the Archs would be hanging out on a hotel room couch or the stage at a gay bar," Shep laughed. "You're a gay bar," Lex mumbled. "Stop that," Shep rolled his eyes. "What are you, twelve?" he asked. Lex grumbled as he hiked up the trail. "Where is this bitch, anyways. Why do I always gotta ask this shit? Can't you just tell me before we take off? Why isn't there a bus to this shit," Lex stopped and rubbed his sore feet. "He's up there," Shep pointed to the volcano ahead of them. "Fuck this I'm going home," Lex turned around. "Oh, come on," Shep pulled him back. "No, this is bull shit. Every time we go looking for something I either gotta fly up a goddamn mountain, or get carried up the goddamn empire state building. Now what? Now I'm gonna get pushed into a goddamn volcano, that's what. I always be gettin' shot with arrows and pushed off buildings-" Lex continued rambling as he followed Shep up the volcano. "What about the last guy, you didn't get hurt during the last one. What was his name..." Shep snapped his fingers. "See, you can't even remember the guy! He wasn't even that important. Chamuel. His name was Chamuel. And no, he didn't set me on fire or anything like that. One out of three ain't bad," Lex scowled. "Don't be such a-" Shep was silenced when he started screaming. He fell on the ground and pulled at his coat and shirt. "Shep?" Lex gasped, falling to Shep's side. "What the fuck!?" he swore, as he stripped himself of his top. A large burn sat on his shoulder. Lex held up his coat, a hole burned right through it. "What happened?" he frowned, looking down at Shep's shoulder. Shep was silent, focusing on something above them. "Shep? What happened? Are you okay?" he asked, gently touching the tender skin around the burn. "Shhh..." Shep shushed him. He frowned and looked at him like he was insane. "What are you-" Lex followed Shep's finger up to a tree above them. In the tree, was the sleeping Archangel. "Who knew they slept," Lex shrugged. The angel looked different from the past ones they'd already killed. This one was the same sickly gray color, but red streaked its feathers and dead hair. From it's mouth, dripped red lava. By it's slim and bony hip, was a sword resembling Solias, though it's fire didn't give off a warm vibe, the flames even made Lex shiver. "How did it not wake up?" Shep stood up on shaky legs, still wincing from his burned shoulder. "I don't know. You definitely weren't quiet. We aren't even close to the summit yet, why is it here?" Lex asked, looking up at the volcanic browns and blacks of the summit, not a single tree in sight. Down in the forest, he could now see black spots where the angels drool had burned away the vegetation. "I don't know. Where the hell is he going to sleep on the summit? Bury his head in the sand? There's more tourists up there too," Shep whispered. "Why don't we just kill it and get back to the surf?" Lex whined. "Be my guest. Just don't look at me when he wakes up." Shep held up his hands innocently. "You're the one with the swords," Lex played with his whip. "What, like I'm just going to stab him," Shep rolled his eyes. "Why not?" Lex hissed. "I don't know! It's just so much easier when we're making snide comments at them and they just spout off some nonsense about how unclean we are," Shep said, whispering in a high pitched voice as he became more frustrated. "Shep...where did it go?" Lex pointed to the now empty tree branch. Shep whipped his head around and blinked twice at the empty branch. "Fuck," he swore. Suddenly, the angel landed behind Shep, sword in hand. He raised the sword and brought it down, but was stopped when Lex's whip wrapped around his wrist, and tugged. He held onto the weapon tightly, but it did give Shep a little time to move. He drew his own dual swords, and prepared to fight. "See, this could have been over already, and now because he's awake I'm going to get hurt," Lex threw his hands up in exasperation. "Oh shut up and keep him busy for me," Shep said, and charged forward. Lex moved his other hand to one of the chains around his chest and used it to occupy the angels other wrist, pulling him down to the ground. He hissed and beat his gray and red wings as he pulled at the restraints. Shep moved around him, and prepared to strike. Suddenly, a pool of red lava poured from the angels mouth, along with a sickening gagging sound. It burned through the leather whip quickly. He swung his arm back, pulling the other from it's socket. With another sound that made Lex's stomach do flip flops, he spit up another hefty amount of lava, missing Shep, but landing a few drops on his already burned shoulder. Shep screamed and missed the angel, burying his sword into the soft earth. "My whip! You cock sucking whore, I use that!" Lex scowled and cursed at the being, who only hissed in reply as he shoved his arm back into its place. "I know you have low standards, but that shit isn't getting anywhere near my cock," Shep said, as he pulled his sword from the ground. "Screw you," Lex mumbled as he dropped the ruined whip and charged the angel. As the angel swung his own sword, recovered from the ground, Lex used his own momentum to swing himself onto the angel's back. He wrapped his arm around the neck of the creature and squeezed. As it shrieked and struggled, it spewed lava onto Lex's hand. He gritted his teeth and screamed. "Lex, I can't get him... I'll hit you!" Shep said. "Do it!" Lex shouted. "What?!" Shep said, confused. "I can't hold on!" he screamed louder as the lava burned away another layer of his toughened demon flesh. Shep shut his eyes, and sent his sword through the angel's chest. As the blade went through the rotting skin, into the dead organs, and out again through the gray skin, Lex winced. The sword wasn't long enough to go all the way through his torso, but it did bury itself a good inch and a half into his chest. He cried out and let the creature go. It vanished into a pile of dust and Lex fell to the ground. "I'm so sorry, are you okay? Lex?" Shep knelt by him, swords forgotten in the dirt. Lex groaned. "I told you I was going to get hurt," he whined. Shep laughed and helped pulled him up off the ground. He covered the wound on his stomach with his good hand, and looked at his burned one. "Can we go surfing now?" "Yeah, lets go surfing." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shep tore the last of the gauze as he finished wrapping Lex's hand. "It should heal in a little while. You lucky demon bastard. This shit is going to scar," Shep mumbled, as Lex began bandaging his shoulder. "That's okay. I always thought scars were sexy," Lex smiled. Shep stared at him. "What's been up with you lately? Ever since we left New York you've been extra flirty, Sex Offender," Shep said. "I told you not to call me that," Lex scowled, and pulled too hard on the bandage, pinching the burned flesh. "Ow!" Shep winced. "Sorry, my hand slipped," Lex lied. "Sure..." Shep rolled his eyes. "But seriously? What's up?" Shep asked. "You don't care," Lex mumbled. Shep looked at him. "I don't care? Since when? We're friends, Lex. Of course I care," Shep replied. "Friends?" Lex hesitated before continuing to bandage the burns. "Yeah, of course. I know..." Shep sighed. "I know I'm not good at showing that kind of stuff, but I do care about you. I really did worry when you were gone," Shep mumbled. "You did?" Lex asked. "Yeah. It was too quiet. Didn't think I would miss the whining," he chuckled. Lex looked up at him, smiling a little. "I didn't know..." Lex whispered. "Well, you do now." Shep swallowed, and smiled a small smile. "Thank you," Shep said, slipping on a loose thin cloth shirt so he could be comfortable. "Sure." Lex nodded, and shoved the first aid kit back in Shep's backpack. "No, really... thank you," Shep said. "It really was noth-" Lex was silenced when Shep took his chin in between his fingers and kissed him passionately. Lex gasped as Shep thread his way into Lex's mouth and nibbled at his lip as he pulled away. "-thing..." he whispered, swallowing loudly. Shep blushed and stood up. Lex watched as he walked away, heart beating a mile a minute. ~~~~~ TBC... Angel Hunter Ch. 05 "Shep, honey," Lex smiled and chuckled. "We need to talk," he said seriously. "What now, Sex Offender?" Shep replied, as he put on the thick coat. "Where am I from, Shep?" Lex asked, as he watched Shep pull on a pair of gloves. "New York," Shep smiled. "No-no-no-no, where is my most RECENT residence," he smiled sweetly. Shep, knowing what was coming, just smiled quietly. "Hell, Shepherd," Lex continued, bitterly and voice laced with anger. "Do you know what the temperature in Hell is like?" Lex asked, returning to his sweet voice. "No, Lex I don't." He just smiled as he tied up his boots. "It's hot, Shep. It's really hot. I don't walk around bare chested for nothing," Lex pointed at his well toned muscles, covered only in the thick chains he had taken the day Shep had saved him. "It's really fucking hot, and I like it. That, my good friend," he stood up, "is why I don't go to places, LIKE FUCKING RUSSIA!" he screamed the last words. "Maybe you should write a letter, ask the angels to kindly move to Arizona." Shep just smiled to himself, not even looking at Lex. "How much longer are you going to drag me to these God-awful places to get hurt and kill some god damned angel!" Lex spat. "Until they're all dead, Lex. That's what our goal was, remember?" he smiled. "I hate you," Lex said, as he opened the door to their small personal plane, and stepped out into the snow. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ His bare feet hissed as they were buried in the snow, steam rising from his hot skin. "Lets just kill the bitch, and get the hell out of here. Okay?" Lex waved his hand, tired. "Of course, your toasty-ness," Shep bowed, as Lex's flushed skin began to turn cold. He walked through the snow, not far behind Shep, as it blew in his face. He was glad the angel wasn't far. Rafael, the third to last angel, had taken up residence in Russia, much to Lex's chagrin. "So what does it say about this Rafael guy?" Lex asked. "I looked him up back in the U.S. of A," Shep said. "He's supposed to be a healer. Kind of the sissy-lala of the Archs," Shep explained. "At least it sounds that way. How bad could a guy with a staff be? What's he gonna do, hit me with it?" Shep asked. "No, he's going to hit me with it," Lex grumbled. "You really need to get off this injury thing of yours," Shep mumbled. "I will, when I stop getting injured!" Lex stopped walking. "Now what the hell is that?" he frowned and stared at the gray shadow in the blur of the snow. "I'm gonna go ahead and guess Rafael," Shep replied, grabbing a feather out of the wind. Instead of being the familiar gray, this feather was pure black. It turned to dust the moment Shep grabbed it. "Yo, Rafael! Get yo' ugly face ova here!" Lex said, walking towards the angel. "I'm cold, I'm in goddamn Russia, and I wanna go home!" he shouted, like an angry child. "Did you just say 'Yo'?" Shep scrunched his eyebrows together The angel turned around slowly ,revealing a decaying and blackened face. Lex wrinkled his nose. "Oh Jesus. You might want to see someone about that... you've got a little... uh..." Lex pointed to his cheek, the same cheek on the angel had a gaping hole in it where flesh had rotted away. "Man, Shep, do we have to kill this one... he's kind of sad." Lex stuck out his bottom lip and looked at the Angel, who just stood there staring at him. He was leaning on a tall staff, completely silent and making no move to hurt either one of them. "Ugh... Lex, don't stand near that... you're going to get herpes or something. Come here," Shep's nose was wrinkled too, he waved Lex over like a mother would a child. "He's not even doing anything..." he mumbled, barely audible over the howl of the wind and snow. "Hey, you're Rafael right? The Archangel? Is this 8764, Fuckmeit'scoldoutside Lane? On the corner Getmethefuckoutofhere Circle and HolyshitIhateRussia Street?" Lex asked seriously. "Lex don't taunt him. Come on," Shep said, equally as confused. "What kind of archangel are you. You're in the top three man! The dick with the bow put up more of a fight," he scoffed. "I am the guardian of two," the angel spoke, voice weak and dying. "The guardian of two? What kind of shitty title is-" "Lex!" Shep interrupted him, yanking the demon back as the angel lashed out with black claws. "Whoa... somebody needs a mani-pedi. Bad," Lex sighed. Shep drew his swords and readied for a fight. But instead, the Angel shuffled away, kicking up piles of snow at its feet. "Wait, he's just leaving," Lex frowned. "Oh no no no no no, no," he wagged his finger, walking back up to the angel. "Lex what the fuck is wrong with you, this isn't the time for your sarcasm," Shep said. "I think this is the perfect time. Sir, Sir?" he called the angel, who ignored him. "Sir, we need to talk." "Jesus, don't torture the poor guy, just kill him," Shep muttered. "I heard that and I will deal with you later!" Lex turned and scowled at Shep who whistled innocently, the musical sound lost in the harsh wind. "Sir, you don't understand. We came from someplace sunny, warm, and it doesn't smell like Vodka. At least not in the good parts," he mumbled. "Anywho, I want to get back to that sunny, warm, AA meeting, friendly place," Lex smiled. "That's not racist or anything," Shep crossed his arms as Lex spoke to the angel. "So if you can just help me out and at least do something that makes me want to hurt you, or even look at me, that would be awesome," he smiled, innocently. "I am the guardian of two," he spoke. "You're a real poet," Lex rolled his eyes. Shep finally walked up to the two men. "What do we do?" Shep asked. "I don't know, he's not doing anything. It seems kind of wrong just to kill the guy, right?" Lex asked. "Yeah... but he is an Archangel. We have to..." Shep frowned. "Can't we just... I don't know, sell him to a freak show or something? He's got a certain creepiness aspect to him." Lex poked the angel, it hissed but made no other move. He frowned dramatically and poked it again. "Stop that," Shep put his hand on Lex's, keeping him from poking the angel. It hissed and swiped again, hitting Shep's hand with a claw, barely breaking the skin. "Ow, bitch. Okay that's enough of this." He pulled his sword, and ran it through the angels chest. It stared coldly at him, as it began decaying into nothingness. "I am the guardian of two," it whispered, as it turned to dust and disappeared in a mild gust of wind. "That... that was kind of sad," Lex poked his bottom lip out. "Ow, that really hurt," Shep touched the cut tenderly. "Oh come on, you big baby. It's a papercut." He rolled his eyes and headed back towards their plane. "Come on, I need a mocha frappuccino light, double blended with soy milk and a shot of vanilla," he mumbled. "You're awful," Shep laughed, and followed him back. "No, this trip is what was awful. We didn't see a single bear on a unicycle," Lex scowled. "This adventure is chock-full of stereotypes," Shep rolled his eyes, and climbed into the plane. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Shep, wake up," Lex fell onto his bed. "It's like noon. I've been researching the next angel, Gabriel. It looks like he's somewhere in Chicago. Which is also cold, so that's awesome in the way that it's totally not," Lex said, mouth full of donut. He looked down at the still sleeping Shep. "Shep, hookpants. Get up." He nudged him with a foot. Finally he rolled his eyes and stood up. "Come on sleeping beauty get..." he pulled the blankets off of the sleeping man. "... up," he whispered. Shep's arm was black. The cut on his hand hadn't scabbed over, and was oozing green and yellow pus. His eyelids fluttered and finally opened, revealing red and swollen eyes. "Lex..." his voice was weak and he coughed, covering his pillow with bloody goo that had filled his lungs. "Holy shit..." Lex whispered. "Shep? Shep are you okay?" Lex knelt on the bed. Shep shook his head, hair falling in the red ooze he had coughed up. "Jesus," Lex whispered, voice cracking with tears. He lifted Sheps heavy head and threw the pillow on the ground, resting Shep back down on another pillow. "Don't worry, Shep. I'm here. I'll take care of you," Lex promised. You'll be okay," he added, looking down at the limb that was as black as the Angel's eyes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lex watched as Shep slowly got worse and worse. Soon he could hardly open his eyes, and his arm was completely motionless as the blackness that overcame it climbed across his chest. His breathing became labored and he was filling up bowl after bowl with the disgusting mess that filled his lungs. His nose ran, almost as bad as the wound on his hand. He even drooled. Lex kept applying cold rags to his fevered head, and would walk him to the bathroom, even helping him when he could no longer stand or even tell where he was. It was better than cleaning the bed sheets every few hours. Shep wouldn't eat, and he had to practically pinch his nose shut to force the man to drink. His skin was a sickly gray and even his multicolored hair was beginning to fall out in clumps. "Shep... I don't know what to do," Lex sobbed. Shep had long since fallen into a deep sleep, unable to be awakened even by Lex's tears. "I... I have to ask Him. He'll know how to help you." Lex stood up. "Just... just stay here and you'll be okay. Wait for me to get back and I promise everything is going to be okay." He bent and kissed Sheps sweaty forehead, before squeezing his eyes shut. He opened them again when the sound of Shep's watery breathing had gone, and was please to see his prayers had been answered. "Lexington, what's wrong?" The devil stood from the plain metal table that sat in the middle of the plain concrete room. A dartboard hung on one wall as usual, magically attached to the smooth concrete. "It's Shep, you have to help him, please! He's sick. I don't know why. I-I think it was the angel," Lex explained, as best he could through his sobs as he began to panic. The devil shushed him gently and squeezed him tight in a hug. "It's alright Lex. You know I can't do anything to help him... but-" he interrupted Lex when he saw him open his mouth to speak. "But... if you can convince him to follow me... then I have a lot more opportunities to help him," the devil said. Lex cried harder. "But he won't!" he shouted. The Devil sighed again. "Then there's nothing I can do. I'm sorry." He stroked his hair carefully and hugged him tighter. "I wish there was, if only for you," He whispered the last part. "I don't want to lose him," Lex cried. "Well then I know he'll be okay. You have a way of always getting what you want," the Devil chuckled. Lex smiled weakly. "I have other things to tend to, my Lexington. Take care of yourself and your Shepherd." He smiled, and suddenly Lex was back kneeling next to a wheezing Shep. "I wish I could," he whispered. He leaned over Shep and stroked his hair, matted with sweat. "He's not a bad guy, Shep. Why can't you just accept it? We could be together forever," Lex whispered to him as he slept. Suddenly his eyes opened, and his hand twitched, pale in comparison to the red sheets he was lying on. "Shep?" Lex sat up straight and held his hand. Shep pulled his clammy hand out of Lex's grip and pointed to the map on the bedstand nearby. Lex looked at it, and by the time he glanced back, Shep was out cold once again. He sighed and picked up the map. "What? Something in the map?" he asked, though he knew Shep wouldn't answer. "I feel like I'm talking to god damn Lassie," he grumbled, as he flipped the map over and over, looking for something he hadn't seen the first thousand times he looked at the stupid thing. "I don't know! Shep, I don't know. I don't know what you want me to see." He shrugged and threw the paper down. Shep's chest heaved up and down as he struggled for air. Lex stared at him, the sound of Shep's labored breathing filled the room. Lex picked up the map and stared at it again. A small paragraph stood out among the rest of the scribbles on the paper. 'Gabriel, the messenger. Guardian of knowledge and the glorified mailman for the Archs.' The scribbles were in Sheps handwriting. Lex smiled, and then frowned, looking up at Shep. "Is this what you want me to do? You want me to finish what we started?" he asked the unconscious man. He frowned, before grabbing his chains and wrapping them around his torso. He hesitated as he headed for the door, reaching his hand out he grasped the hilt of Solias and was met with the sound of sizzling flesh. "Mother fucker," he grumbled, as he looked at his singed hand. "Was worth a try," he rolled his eyes, and left. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Austria," Lex mumbled. "At least it's not fucking Russia." He scowled, and stepped out onto the streets, heading to the location marked with an X on the map. He breathed deeply as he wove through the small crowds of people. He couldn't believe he was doing this. Even with Shep by his side, their 'mission' wasn't a safe one. Going at it alone was insane. He began to wonder why no one had tried this before. Obviously it wasn't impossible. A determined human and a bored demon had gotten this far. A handful of demons with a plan could have ended it all much sooner... why hadn't they? "Because they're lazy," the voice said, next to his ear. Lex jumped and yelped, turning to his right. The Devil stood there, clothed in a nice suit with black hair slicked back neatly. He had a small smile on his face. "What the fuck," Lex took a deep breath and calmed down from the shock. "Didn't mean to scare you," the Devil chuckled. "What are you doing here? Aren't you a busy guy and all that?" Lex asked. "How is he?" the man in the nice suit questioned him. Lex sighed and looked down at the ground. "When I left he wasn't so great. I'm sure he's worse now. I'm kind of in a hurry, if you'll excuse me," Lex picked up the pace. "Did you hear what I said?" the Devil asked. "You said we're lazy," Lex said. "No. I said 'they're' lazy," he corrected him. "You've never been lazy, Lex. That's what I like about you. You were never content with the endless party I provide," the Devil smiled. "All the alcohol you want with no hang over. All the people you would want to murder, with no consequences," he continued. "Hell, if your idea of a good time is riding a unicorn through space I could probably make it happen." He laughed. "But none of those things is what you wanted. You wanted more. Something more that I could never provide you. Something more that I couldn't even understand." The Devil stopped walking, and Lex stopped as well. "That's why you're my favorite, Lex. I don't understand you. I can't understand every choice and thought that crosses your mind, or your wants or needs. Everyone else is an open book. I look at any one of my children, and even Angels, and all I see is their entire being. But you... your book hasn't been written yet," the Devil smiled. "And I cannot express enough how excited I am to see how it plays out." Lex stared at him silently, unsure of what to say. The Devil cleared his throat. "Anyways, the reason I'm here," he pulled a scrap of cloth from his pocket, "is because this is what you're looking for." He put the cloth in his hand. Lex looked down and frowned. "What is this?" he asked. "The picture of the book that has the recipe for the drink you need to cure Shep," he said, casually. Lex stared at him blankly. "Wow, thanks. I sure am glad I chose your side," he rolled his eyes and shoved the cloth in his pocket. The Devil laughed hard. "Trust me, you'll need it. Good luck," and he was gone. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "What. A. Dick," Lex grumbled, staring up at the rows upon rows of books. "I know you're listening, and I hate you," he mumbled under his breath and stepped farther into Melk Monastery Library. The farther he walked into the library, the worse the sickening feeling in his stomach got. The library had a few people wandering around, but wasn't packed. Even though it was busy enough an angel shouldn't have been able to occupy the large library, it was obvious that Gabriel was here. "This is stupid. What am I doing," he sat down at a nearby table. "Making a mistake." "Okay this needs to stop," Lex whipped around, to see a slim black woman standing behind him, a small smile on her face. He wrinkled his brow, this wasn't the Devil. "Who are you?" he asked. The woman smiled, and walked away. Lex stood up and chased her, following her around a corner only seconds behind. When he moved to continue his chase, she was gone. He frowned. "Leave now, Lex. Your trip was for nothing. You need to be there for Shep, afterall," a deeper voice spoke to him. He whipped his head around and watched as a blonde haired man scurried behind another row of bookshelves. "How do you know our names?" he shouted. A dark haired woman turned and scowled at him, letting a harsh 'hiss' slide from her lips. "I know a lot," a small child to his left said, red balloon swaying gently. Lex narrowed his eyes. "You're Gabriel," Lex replied. "Shhh!" the dark haired woman shushed him. Lex ignored her again. "Took you longer than I thought to catch on." The boy smiled, and with a giggle disappeared around another row of shelves, returning on the other side as an older man. "B-but... you're supposed to be the messenger," Lex said. "I didn't know what to expect, but it wasn't... whatever you are," he frowned. "This is a library! Shhh!" The woman shook her head angrily, returning to the pile of books before her. Lex scowled at her before turning back to Gabriel, who was now a young blonde. "You only got to 'The Messenger' and stopped?" Gabriel laughed, tossing blonde curls around. "I'm also..." he passed behind one of the large stone statues that decorated the library, reappearing as a young brown haired man. "the man in linen." He smiled and headed back into the stacks of books. "A shape shifter," Lex grumbled. "I'm still waiting for the Arch of fluffy bunnies," he growled. "Shh!" The woman seemed oblivious to the conversation going on, only annoyed at the noise. Gabriel laughed hard. "I'll pass the message along," he winked, and vanished around a corner. "Not necessary," Lex shifted out of his human shape, and allowed his horns and tail to grow again. He flexed his wings and let Shep's coat fall to the floor, revealing his bare torso clad in his chains. "Lets get this over with, I have someone I need to get home to." Lex smiled, revealing his sharp teeth. "Shh!" The woman turned towards Lex, the hair hissing between her teeth. Her face went a little pale when she saw the demon before her. "Bitch, I'm busy!" he snapped. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lex rolled his eyes as he chained the doors to the library shut. Figures, he goes Angel hunting with Shep and they don't get seen even a little bit. Half an hour on his own and he already chained up three people and the doors shut. "Look, guys," he turned towards the woman who had been shushing him before and a few other people who had been unfortunate enough to see him. "I'm not some psycho, you're not going to be killed or held ransom or anything. Just hang out for a little bit, while I take care of some shit, kay?" He smiled, and disappeared into the stacks. Three angry people screaming at him through the tape that covered their mouths. "So incompetent, what would Shep think. Can't even keep yourself a secret," a voice whispered in his ear. By the time he turned, all that remained were a few gray feathers. "I'm not incompetent, just impatient." Lex dragged the chain from his chest and inhaled deeply, ready for a fight. "What's the difference? Either way, he'll never really love you," Gabriel mumbled, a new voice every time he spoke. "Is that what they meant by 'messenger'?" Lex asked. "Messenger of trash talk?" he rolled his eyes. Angel Hunter Ch. 05 "Such a quick tongue for such a slow demon," the voice said, gray feathers falling around Lex's head as he turned in circles, trying to find the source. As Lex turned to react to the final hiss, he felt a sharp pain in his side. He looked down to see black blood dripping from a cut in his side. He put a hand to the wound and hissed in pain. "Such delicious blood, like candy to us, you know," Gabriel appeared, a young woman in a business suit. She licked a sharp dagger, dripping with Lex's blood. Another identical dagger was in her other hand. Lex pulled the whip from his side and with expert flare, moved the long piece of leather towards Gabriel's neck. It caught around the slender pale skin and he smiled. How easy could this get? "Not such a big baddy now, are you?" Lex asked. With a smile, Gabriel slowly melted, bones and sinew falling away, along with the whip, until he reappeared as the little boy from before. "Who said I had to be big to kill you?" he walked back into a row of books. "I'm getting really sick of this place." Lex pulled the whip back to his side. "What's wrong, Lex?" Lex's eyes went wide as the familiar voice floated to his ears. "Eager to get home?" Shep stood before him. "You're not Shep," Lex shook his head. "Isn't it a bit of a super villain stereotype to turn into the hero's love interest?" Lex asked. "Is that what you think you are, Lex? A hero? A sinner in life, a saint in death? You think that just because you found a hot piece of ass you're allowed to change your mind and follow the 'right path'?" Not-Shep asked him. "If yours is the wrong one, and don't even try to deny that, then the Devil's is obviously the right one, isn't it? I've already followed the 'right path'," Lex frowned at Gabriel, who tossed his head back and laughed. The cold stone-like vibe Sheps voice had taken on revealed the Angel's true identity, it was still eerie. "There can be more than one wrong, Lex. Didn't you ever think about that?" Not-Shep asked. Before Lex could answer, he spoke again. "Of course you wouldn't, do you know why? Because you're stupid, Lex. You're stupid and I could, and would, never love you," Shep/Gabriel sneered. Even though he knew it was a lie, Lex couldn't help the aching pain in his chest. "That's not true," he said, tears brimming his eyes. "But it is, true. You're just some slut of a demon. You've already made your choice. You're a demon, there's nothing left for you," Gabriel shook his head. Lex blinked back the tears and realized the Angel had vanished. "You'll never be loved," the cold words were whispered in his ear. Lex felt the chill run up his spine and moved, but was a second too late. He spun to the side and dropped to his knees, attempting to avoid the dagger that would slice his throat in two. Too slow, the dagger cut across his right eye. As he felt, more than saw, the second dagger heading towards his side, he reached a hand out and grabbed the holy blade. It burned his skin but he ignored the pain and forced it from the Angel's hand. In one fluid movement, he turned and lodged the dagger into the Angel's throat. Sheps own eyes stared back at him, but soon they melted to gray and the true form of the Angel was revealed. With a shriek of pain, nothing was left of the creature but feathers and ash. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shep vomited on the floor of his bedroom as the foul taste filled his mouth. He blinked hard and stared down at the pile of gray goop that had been forced out of his stomach. "That tastes like a dead guys ass," he said, throat throbbing and stinging from his stomach forcibly emptying its contents. "You would know, shit head," Lex said, as he stood over the bathroom sink, rinsing out the cup that held the foul smoothie-like mixture. "What happened?" Shep asked, rubbing his eyes. "That freaky Russian motherfucker poisoned you. He looked scummy as shit. You probably have herpes now." Lex filled the cup with water, and looked up at himself in the mirror. His tone was oddly serious from his normal whining and/or obnoxious self. "Great," Shep looked down at his arm, that was now back to normal. "What was that shit you fed me?" "The cure for herpes. Congrats," Lex gave a small smile. "Ha-ha-ha," Shep rolled his eyes with the fake laugh. "Seriously, what was that?" he asked again. Lex pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and began reading off of it. "The dust of an Arch Angel, eyes of a cat-" "What?" Shep stared at him blankly. Lex continued anyways "-tail of a frog, very hard to find by the way. Blood of a demon, easy enough," Lex chuckled. "Oh, and I added in a little mango for flavor," he smiled. "I ate cat eyes?" Shep frowned. "And mango," Lex shoved the paper back into his jeans. "We're never going to talk about this again." Shep stood, shaky on his legs. "Where did you get that recipe?" he asked, pulling his coat on over his still pale arms. "Gabriel," Lex nodded. Shep frowned. "I doubt you just knocked on his door and he handed it over," Shep said. "No, not exactly," Lex laughed bitterly. "You killed him without me, I have to admit I'm a little hurt, Sex Offender." "I swear to god I will resurrect herpes-man and put your ass back in that coma," Lex rolled his eyes. "You're hiding something," Shep frowned. Lex swallowed. "Look at me, Lex," Shep scowled harder. After a moment of hesitation, Lex finally turned and faced Shep. Shep swallowed and frowned even deeper. "What the hell happened?" "You said it yourself, he didn't want to hand it over just because I said 'please'," he laughed. Shep let his hand run over the scarred flesh of Lex's right eye. "When did it happen? It should have healed, right?" he asked. "A couple of days ago. Yeah, I thought it would heal too. It just scarred over and it hasn't changed since," he shrugged, looking down at the ground. "Can you see?" Shep asked. "No, not really. Doesn't bother me though," Lex smiled up at Shep. "I'm just glad you're back to the land of the living." He swallowed and Shep could tell he was holding back tears. "Yeah, I'm back," Shep nodded. "Come here." As Lex finally let the tears fall, he was pulled into the tight embrace of Shep's arms. "I was so scared," Lex said. "Y-you were sick and I didn't know what to do and..." Lex finally collapsed into hysterics and all the words he had to say were melted into nothing but sobs. "I know, I'm sorry. I'm okay," Shep fell to the ground with Lex, holding him tightly in his arms. He kissed the top of his head and stroked his hair lovingly. He rocked Lex back and forth as he cried into his chest. Soon the heavy gasps and sobs slowed and were replaced with words again. "H-he... he was a shapeshifter and...." "And he turned into me and told you that I could never love you," Shep said. Lex pulled away from him just enough to look up at him with a confused look. "H-how did you know?" he asked, lip quivering. "Come on, Lex. Could it get any more cliche?" Shep asked. Lex smiled and laughed, tears still falling. "I'm kidding, I had a dream... I... I think it was the Devil trying to talk to me," he frowned. "He really does like to play darts, doesn't he?" Lex laughed again. "Yeah... he's a good guy." "I know... but this doesn't change anything, you know that, right?" Shep asked. Lex nodded. "I know... stubborn as a mule," Lex smiled and wiped away his tears. "I hope you also know that... what Gabriel said... that isn't true," Shep shook his head. Lex looked up at Shep with wide eyes. "I can, and do, love you," Shep whispered. "Even if I'm not great at showing it... I love you, Lex," Shep whispered, ending the phrase with a sweet kiss. He finally pulled away, once Lex's lips were swollen and red from nibbles and kisses. "I love you, too," he whispered back. Shep sighed and stood up, pulling Lex with him. "One more to go," he said, looking at the map on the bedside table. "Yeah... and then what?" Lex asked. "And then... well, we'll find that out when we get there, I guess," Shep answered, taking off his jacket. "I thought we should get a move on now, but... I'm really tired." "Me too," Lex nodded, "and don't give me that 'demons don't need to sleep' crap. You'd be amazed at how tired you can get even though you don't sleep," he smiled. "Well then, Mr. Sex Offender," Shep smiled and Lex's scowl. "How about a nap, and then we'll go after that big bad angel?" Shep poked his lip out in a pout. "Sounds like a plan," Lex smiled. Shep fell down to the bed with a flop, pulling Lex on top of him. Lex laughed and tried to roll over, but Shep stopped him. "No, this is perfect," Shep held Lex's hands to his chest. "Just stay right here.. .just like this," He smiled as his eyes shut. Lex rested his head on Sheps chest, their legs still tangled together from their fall, but neither of them cared. They were asleep in seconds. ~~~~~ TBC... Angel Hunter Ch. 06 Lex stared at Shep while he slept, he turned his head in his sleep and sighed deeply. Lex nibbled his lip as his eyes traced up and down Shep's muscled body. Suddenly, his eyes opened and he stared at Lex cooly. "I hate it when you watch me sleep," he mumbled and turned his head away, stretching. He had only just recovered from his brush with death, and was still spending most of his days sleeping. "But it's fun," Lex chuckled. "What's up with you?" Shep sat up. "What?" Lex frowned. "You're quiet." "No I'm not, I'm talking right now." He stood up from the chair he had claimed as his. "Yeah, okay. But talking for you and talking for other people are two different things. Normal people talk, you... I don't know... you 'Lex'." "I 'Lex'? Lex is a verb now? I'm Lexing? I'm a Lexer? What does that even mean?" he laughed. "Exactly, now you're Lexing," Shep smiled and walked into the bathroom. Lex rolled his eyes and followed him. "So, anyways, I've been thinking," Shep said, as he splashed some warm water on his face and dried it with a towel. "We should get moving. I'm feeling back to normal and with only the big man left, I feel like we should just hurry up and get it over with." "About that..." Lex mumbled, Shep glanced at him and Lex couldn't help but stare longingly at his split appearance, one side looking like that of an angel and the other that of a demon. He wondered if it was just personal preference or something else that made him like the demon side better. "After we kill Michael... what then? What happens to... to us," Lex looked at the floor. "I don't know," Shep sighed. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." He shrugged, and left the room to grab his swords and jacket. "We're at the goddamn bridge," Lex whispered, and followed Shep out the door. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "What's wrong, Lex? You saved him, he's healthy again... what more do you want?" The Devil put his hands on Lex's shoulders. "I want him... I want to be with him," Lex whispered. "You're with him now, aren't you?" the Devil asked. "Yes... but... I feel like that's not going to last very long. I just want to forget this whole stupid thing," Lex hid his face in his hands. "I want him to just stop obsessing over killing the Archs and just be with me." "Lex?" Lex opened his eyes and realized he had fallen asleep on their hotel room bed. "I'm awake.." he mumbled, and rubbed his eyes. "You were talking in your sleep," Shep said, cautiously. He looked Lex up and down. "I was?" Lex couldn't help but blush. "Sorry... what did I say?" "Are you sure you're alright, Lex? You seem like something has been bothering you." Shep frowned and looked at him from head to toe again. "Yeah... I'm fine," Lex pushed himself up so he was sitting up in bed. "It's just that you're not that big on sleeping, you're usually always awake... and you were saying my name a lot," Shep swallowed. Lex looked at him before standing up from the bed. "I said I'm fine, Shep," he grumbled, annoyed, and tried to walk away. He was caught off guard when he felt Shep's strong arms wrap around his waist. "Don't lie to me, please," he whispered in his ear, making Lex shiver. "What's wrong?" He pulled Lex down to the bed and pinned him underneath him, his face inches away from the Demon's. "Nothing..." Lex said, but his voice cracked as tears began to fill his eyes. One rolled down his cheek and Shep kissed it away and then kissed Lex's soft lips. Lex kissed back and before he knew what was happening they were making out heavily. He stopped and Shep sighed. "Talk to me," he begged quietly. "After we kill Michael... what happens to us? What are you going to do? After this you have nothing left to obsess over. What happens if you die? What do I do then? What if I die, would you even..." Lex's voice cracked and he sobbed hard. "Yes I would care, I can't lose you, Lex... I love you," Shep said. Lex stared at him, as if he didn't believe him. "Let me show you how much." Shep kissed down Lex's neck, making his eyes shut and a low moan slip out from between his open lips. Shep unwrapped the chains from around his chest and threw them onto the floor. The room was cold but Lex's skin radiated heat and warmed Shep up quickly. He slipped a few fingers into the waistband of Lex's leather pants, tugging at them until the button snapped open and the zipper pulled down. Lex wiggled out of the tight clothing that was growing even tighter as his cock grew. Shep smiled as he realized he wore no underwear. "Have I ever mentioned how much I love these pants?" Shep asked. "They show this off so well," Shep whispered, as he wrapped his hand around Lex's cock. Lex whimpered and thrusted his hips forward into Shep's fist as he jacked him off slowly. Lex growled sexily, and flipped them over so he straddled Shep. He tore his coat off and pulled the shirt Shep wore off over his head. He reached down and began undoing the buckle to Shep's belt, pulling it off and tossing it to the ground. Shep reached behind him and squeezed Lex's bare ass making him arch his back and moan. Lex forced Shep's jeans and boxers off and threw them onto the floor, and smiled. His mouth watered as he looked at Shep's dripping cock. A small pool of precum had collected on his stomach and Lex dragged his finger through it, before sucking on it sexily. Shep pulled him down so he was lying on his chest, their dicks rubbing together making them both moan as they kissed passionately. "I love you," Shep said, letting his hands grope Lex's tight ass. "Show me," Lex whispered. Shep turned them over again. He reached over the edge of the bed and picked up his jeans, pulling a small bottle of lube from the pocket. Lex smiled and gave him a wolfish grin in return. He sat back on his heels and opened the bottle, before he could do anything more Lex dove forward and took his hard cock in his mouth. He sucked hungrily, one hand holding Shep's balls and toying with them gently, the other running up and down his thigh. Shep moaned and pushed Lexs head onto his cock harder, making him gag before he swallowed and his cock slid down Lex's warm throat. "If you keep that up I won't be able to last much longer. On your back," Shep pushed him back gently. He pushed his legs up so his knees were on his shoulders,and his ass was spread for Shep to drink in. He smiled and opened the lube, dripping it onto Lex's ass and letting it run down to his small pucker. Lex shivered and moaned. "Cold.." he murmered. "I'll warm it up." Shep closed the bottle and threw it aside, before using his fingers to spread and push the lube around and in Lex's tight ass. Lex squirmed below him as Shep thrust his fingers in and out. "Please... I need it," Lex moaned and spread his legs wider. Shep leaned forward and kissed him, before grabbing his cock and lining it up with Lex's tight pucker. In one slow smooth thrust he filled his demon lover with his cock. Lex grunted in a mixture of pleasure and pain, but soon all he felt was a wonderful fullness. He grunted again as Shep pulled out and began a steady fucking rhythm. Soon, Shep reached down and began to stroke Lex's leaking cock, making him pant and squirm. Their tempo increased as Shep pounded into Lex harder and faster, nailing his prostate with each thrust. Their breath picking up as Shep brought his lover to the brink of release and then pushed him over with one final thrust into his ass. Lex screamed and arched his back as he came, covering their stomachs and chests with his release. His ass clamped down and the thick cock inside of this, and Shep cried out as he filled Lex with his cum. Shep collapsed onto his chest and kissed him lovingly on the neck. Their breathing slowed and steadied as they came down from their sexual high. He licked a clean path from Lex's collar all the way up to his jaw, Making him shiver and blink slowly in bliss. Shep's face split into a big smile, and Lex did the same. "How was that?" he asked, as his cock slipped out of Lex's ass and cum leaked from his stretched hole. "Do you believe me now?" "You sure showed me," he sighed. He picked up Shep's shirt and wiped his stomach clean of cum, and did the same for Shep. He hesitated, before wiping the cum from his ass, too. "Did you just wipe your ass with my shirt?" Shep scowled, but couldn't help but laugh. Lex smiled sleepily and nodded. He pushed Shep down so he was lying on his back and rested his head on his chest, stroking the muscled, sweat covered skin slowly. "Even a Demon gets tired after a good fucking," he whispered. "That wasn't just fucking," Shep whispered and stroked his hair. "I'll never leave you, Lex. I don't know how it will work but we'll make it work, okay?" Lex nodded. "Okay... I love you," Lex said. "I love you, too." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lex sighed as the warm water washed over him. "Mind if I join you?" Shep opened the shower door and stepped in. Lex smiled and leaned back into his chest. "I'll never mind," he giggled. Ever since they had arrived in Dublin it had been nothing but sucking and fucking in their hotel room, and Lex was very much happy with that. "Tonights the night, you know.." Shep said. "I found where Michael's at... it's not easy reading that map, but I figured it out," he continued, as he scrubbed Lexs back. "I know..." he whispered, He shut his eyes and felt the warm water running over his back as Shep rinsed away the soap suds, and moved on to washing his hair for him. "This is nice," he sighed, letting the water rinse away the shampoo in his hair. "Yeah it is," Shep held him close as the warm water ran over them. "The waters getting cold," Lex added, after several minutes under the spray. "I know another way to warm you up," Shep smiled and stepped out of the shower, pulling him into the bedroom. ~~~~~~~~ The cathedral stood tall before the duo as they looked up at the ancient walls. It was empty, they had made sure they would come on a day when St. Patrick's Cathedral would be empty, and quiet. "I hate churches," Lex grumbled. "I know, I called and asked if he could meet us at IHOP instead, but his schedule was booked, he just barely squeezed us in," Shep said seriously. Lex rolled his eyes. "Smart ass," Lex stepped towards the front door and opened them. He looked around at the large stain glass windows and row after row of carved wooden pews. The building echoed every little noise, and made Lex's skin itch. "So you're the ones who have been picking off my brothers..." the voice was soft, but menacing all the same. The figure stood from where he was kneeling down the aisle of the church and turned. Golden wings radiated in the mellow light that came in from the stain glass windows. "I wouldn't say 'picking off'... it sound so... mean." Shep stepped forward, standing even with Lex. Michael gave a small smile and flexed his wings. His black hair was a stunning contrast to his bright blue eyes. When his lips spread in a smile Lex shivered at the pointed fangs that were a match for his own. "By the way..." Shep whispered for Lex's ears only. The angel turned his back to them and began running his fingers along the pews, walking lengthwise with the wooden seats. "I got a new toy," Shep finished. "Is this really the place to talk about this?" Lex asked, looking at Shep like he was crazy. "I mean, I know I think about sex as much as a thirteen year old boy but come on Shep... in front of the angel?" he nodded at Michael who was obviously listening to their conversation. "It's not for you," Shep said, and reached into his coat. He pulled out a short barreled shotgun, and fired. The pews not more than a foot from Michael shattered, sending splinters in every direction. "Where did you even keep that!?" Lex shouted, confused. Shep cocked the gun and fired again, as Michael hissed and showed his true form. His glowing tan skin turned gray and his blue eyes went black. A fleshy tail sprouted from the bottom of his spine, feathers covering the tip. He climbed the walls of the cathedral, disappearing into the shadows of the corners for a moment. "Wal-mart?" Shep shrugged. Lex rolled his eyes and pulled the chains from his chest. "Well... I can have nice things too." He tightened his fist around the cold metal until it began to warm up, the temperature rose until it suddenly caught fire, spreading to the rest of the metal links. "Huh, huh!" He swung the chain and smiled, sticking his tongue out at Shep. "I didn't know you could do that," Shep frowned. "Yeah well I didn't know you bought a shotgun, so we're even," Lex said. A loud screech echoed in the building and Lex was picked up by his shoulders. His head spun as he was lifted to the rafters of the tall church. "You know I really don't like heights, I wish you guys would respect that," he groaned, as his stomach heaved. He gripped the wall with one clawed hand, and swung his chain with the other, wrapping the end around the angels tail. He pulled hard and listened to the pleasurable sound of flesh hitting the concrete floor of the church. He smiled even wider when he heard a pained groan and the sound of rustling feathers as the angel tried to stand. He watched as Shep cocked the shotgun and aimed for Michael's gray-skinned head. He fired, but missed by inches as the angel scurried away. "Don't worry about me... I'll... figure out how to get down from here... goddamn it," he grumbled to himself as he tried to figure out how to scale down the wall. "What's the matter, Demon? Those little wings don't do much do they?" Michael laughed hard, his voice bouncing from wall to wall. "Hey..." Lex frowned and looked down at the ground below, trying to decide if his wings could carry him down or not, he decided not to risk it and continued scaling the stone wall. "Take your time Lex," Shep said, getting annoyed. Michael pulled his sword from his sheath, and Shep was surprised to see that it was almost identical to his own, Solais. Before he could even react, Michael swung his sword. He moved, but was too slow and cried out when the blade hit his arm, cutting a deep gash just below his shoulder. "I didn't actually mean take your time, Lex!" Shep growled. "I'm trying, bitch!" Lex snapped, his foot slipping from a ledge. He caught himself and pulled his thin body back up onto the thinner ledge. "Show some respect, this is a church," Michael hissed. "Then you should probably get your ugly ass out of it, you're offending the big man upstairs," Lex retorted. Michael hissed and turned to face him, but was hit with a shotgun blast to the face. Lex smiled and cheered, letting go of the ledge for a moment and nearly falling again, he gripped it and held on tight. "Go Shep, ra-ra-ra!" he cheered, while clutching the stone walls. "Yes... 'go Shep'," Michael smiled, his grin being cut off by the bloodied flesh where the shotgun had struck him. The angel grinned and pulled back his sword. "Shep!" Lex cried out. Shep pulled his own blade from its sheath, dropping the shotgun to the ground and lunged. Lex shut his eyes tight, as the sound of blade cutting through flesh filled his ears. After a long moment he opened them slowly and felt hot tears fill his eyes. Michael stood there, nose to nose with Shep. Both men wore an angry scowl on their faces. Michael shuttered as his gray skin began to blister and crack. The burning red blade of Solais was jammed through his torso, sticking out of his back between his wings. He coughed black blood before shuttering one last time, and bursting into flames. Now all that stood in the spot where the final battle had taken place was Shep. The twin to Solais that Michael had carried was dug into his stomach, protruding from his back. He dropped his own blade, and it fell to the ground with a loud clang, the sound making Lex shiver. Shep stood for a second more before falling to his knees, and then collapsing onto his chest, shoving the sword even deeper into his body. "Shep..." Lex whispered. He let go of the wall and jumped down. He landed hard on his feet and felt a sharp pain shoot up both of his legs. Ignoring it, he ran to his fallen lover and only stared at the giant pool of blood beneath him. "No..." he whispered. He fell back, onto one of the wooden pews. His legs throbbed, and his back was radiating pain from his fall, but it was nothing compared to the pain in his heart. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Lexington?" the comforting voice entered his head. For a moment he thought it was the voice of his love, the voice of Shep. Then the pain returned and he shut his eyes as tears fell for the thousandth time. "My dear boy, it's been a very long time," the Devil said soothingly. "It's time to move on. Come back to the party." He held a drink in front of Lex's face, the alcohol burned his nose. He shut his eyes and turned his head. He knew the Devil was right. He had lived in the run down hotel since the day Shep died, he wasn't sure, but if the smell of the room was any indication it had been several months. He knew he should get on with his afterlife, but how could he? Shep had yet to show up in hell, which meant that there was some other place besides the two well known options. Somewhere different. It had been all he could think about for months, alone, in the dark. "I can't... I knew it would hurt if we..." his voice was raw and rough from disuse, only using it for sobbing or screaming. It seemed like that was all he had felt for months. Anguish, or sorrow. He clutched the worn piece of leather in his hands and looked down at Shep's coat. The leather had long since been made dull and rough by Lex's hands. He didn't think he'd put it down even once. It still smelled like his lover and he clung to the scent like it was fresh air, which he also hadn't breathed since Shep died. Not that he even really needed to breathe. "I know it hurts, so does death, doesn't it? But a good party even made that go away, so I'm sure you can manage this too." He shoved the glass to Lex's mouth and tilted it back. Lex coughed and spit out the burning liquid, slapping the Devil's hand way. "Stop!" he stood, and shouted. He knew he was insane, this man was more powerful than any other living creature he knew of. He could crush him like a bug or send him to some never ending place to rot. He blinked and stood up straight, the anger vanishing from his face. "A never ending place..." he whispered. "Lucifer..." He used the Devils real name, making him raise an eyebrow, his interest was piqued. "Can you... can you send me where Shep is?" he asked, eyes watering at just the mention of his name. "Hm?" Lucifer turned his head slightly to the side. "Y-you have power... a lot of it." This made the Devil smile. "That's true," he chuckled and looked at his well manicured nails. "You can take me anywhere, do anything to me." Lex grabbed the perfectly pressed suit the man wore. "You can send me to where Shep is... if I... if I renounce my loyalty to you, but deny the angels that don't exist anymore... you would have no choice but to send me to where he is, right?" Lex said, frantically shaking the Devil's shoulders. Lucifer swallowed and narrowed his eyes. "Yes," he said, simply. Lex beamed, he laughed and spun, kicking the chains and swords that lie on the floor of the hotel room. He only now realized how much dust covered everything, even him. Then he looked at the Devil's eyes, and was met with only sadness. "What? What's wrong?" he asked, worried there was a flaw in his plan. "Why would I release you, Lexington? I've told you more than once that you're my favorite." He brushed a lock of black hair from the side of Lex's face. He stopped his hand and caressed the soft skin of Lex's cheek. "I have nothing to gain from sending you back to Shepherd," he whispered. Angel Hunter Ch. 06 "But..." Lex opened his mouth to try and convince him, but realized he was right. He was the Devil's eye candy and he had a sweet tooth. "But I love him." It was all he could force himself to say, as silent tears ran down his cheeks. "I know," the Devil sighed. "As I said, you're my favorite... and I would do anything you wanted if it meant I wouldn't have to see you cry." "You-" Lex blinked and spun around. The hotel room was gone, and he was in a field. The grass reached just below his knees, and waved in the breeze. The Devil was gone, and his tears were dry. The sun beat down on his pale skin and it made him smile. It had been so long since he had seen the sun he didn't realize how much he missed it. "Lex?" The deep voice sent chills up his spine. He whipped around to see Shep standing in front of him. "Oh my god it's you," his face wrinkled as he began to cry and he reached for Lex, who dove into his arms and hugged him. The warmth of Shep's skin warmed his own and only made him cry harder. "Where are we?" he asked, after they had taken a solid ten minutes to do nothing but hug and kiss. "I don't know... somewhere... different. We're the only ones here. I've been alone for a long time... I was starting to think I'd never see you again," he said, sadly. "I was alone too, I..." Lex sobbed. "I don't want to think about," he said, feeling the bile rise in his throat when he thought about the pain, the pain of being away from Shep. "It was hard for me, too. But I knew you would figure it out. I knew you could get to me," he said, and kissed Lex again. "What is this place, do you think?" Lex asked, looking around at the area. It was all bright and lively, not a single person in sight. "Honestly? I think... I think it's heaven, Lex. There's more than this, there's... there's everything but... but we're all that's here," Shep shrugged. "I think it's because we're the first, Lex. We're the first to break this chain of picking between two evils. You can have your soul eaten alive by angels, or you can just get filled with empty booze and party with sex crazed demons until there's nothing left inside you but tequila." He smiled and poked Lex in the chest. "There's more in me than that," Lex smiled. He hugged Shep tightly and looked around at the land that was all their own. "Lucifer he... he let me go," he whispered. "What?" Shep frowned. "He loves me, I know he does but... but he let me go." He took Shep's hand. "To be with you." "I'll have to thank him sometime," Shep pressed his lips to Lex's. "Yeah..." Lex replied, still thinking about the sacrifices made for him. "How long do you think until others get here?" Lex asked. "Do you think anyone else will figure it out?" "I don't know... right now I think we should just make the best of being alone... together." Shep smiled and gently pushed Lex onto a pile of especially soft grass. "That sounds like heaven to me." ~~~ END