We arrived in heaven. "Wait here a second Tia, I have to go bribe the guards, I mean tell them you are fine to enter."
Tiamat turned to Gabriel, "is our mate always like this?"
"He has his moments, he was in a bad way the night he had to take Riser Phenex's life.
FLASHBACK
"Keith what are you doing here? I didn't expect to see you for a few more days beloved." I approached Gabriel and gave her a warm hug.
"Gabby, I did something tonight in the heat of anger and I can't take it back." I hung my head, "I took another persons life in a duel." Gabriel gasped then pulled me in tighter. "Are you Ok, do you need to talk about this?" I just nodded and we sit down.
"Riser Phenex challenged me to a duel for the hand of Rias Gremory. She didn't want to marry him because she said she was in love with me. I took her as one of my mates and when he found out him and his father pressured me into a fight. He said so many horrible things that I let my temper get the best of me and I killed him Gabby."
"Are you in trouble for killing him?" asked Gabriel.
"No, it was a legit duel. His father was quite upset, but Sirzechs and Lord Gremory were perfectly fine with the outcome it seems." I could see a small sigh of relief from her, then she turned to me.
"Then I think it's good you feel sorrow for taking a life, but truth be told he wanted to take yours in return, correct?"
"Yes, he had intended to kill me. He brought his whole peerage and was going to try to destroy me." She pulled me into another hug and I could feel her sobbing from the thought of losing me and me having to take a life.
FLASHBACK END
He came to me for comfort, in the end, he comforted me. He is very special, he always puts others first. He is very patient too. He spent two months just teaching me what love was. I always knew the love I have for all things, but I didn't understand the love between a man and a woman. Even after I figured it out, he didn't take advantage of it. He made sure I wanted to be with him because of that love instead of the one I have always known. I have never met anyone like him."
"Neither have I, he cares so much for others, but not for himself."
"That's why he needs us Lady Tiamat. Father always said, behind every great man is a great woman. That man of ours is so great, he needs more than just 1 woman."
"Agreed", said Tia. They saw me returning and stopped talking.
"Ok, all set. I just told them you were here to check the place out. You were buying a place near here and wanted to see what the neighborhood was like."
Gabriel giggled. "Come on, brother will want to see us right away." She grabbed my hand and I reach and took Tia's. I summoned my wings to fit in and noticed Tia was a little nervous.
"It's ok Tia, they are just curious. They don't get alot of visitors in these here parts", I said in my best hillbilly accent.
They both laughed and it broke the tension.
I showed Tia around 1st heaven, We ran into a few people I knew. It always felt wierd to have these angels who are centuries old treating me like an elder. As we rounded the corner to the cafeteria I saw a face I knew well.
"Hey Dulio, I wondered where you've been hiding."
"KEITH! Where have you been. I haven't seen you in ages."
"If you ever got out of the cafeteria you might have seen me."
"Hey now, I don't eat that much."
"Says the angel with 2 buckets of chicken in his hands."
"Want some?" He said as he held out one of the buckets.
"Yeah give me a piece, I've already been working hard this morning, and missed breakfast." I was winking at Tia, she blushed slightly.
"Hey this isn't half bad."
"I know right, I prefer the extra crispy tho, but this is still good. Ladies would you care for a piece?"
"No thank you", both replied.
"Who is this enchanting lady on your arm Keith. You sure know how to pick them."
"Ah, this lovely lady is Tiamat."
"Wait, Tiamat, Dragon King Tiamat. What are you doing hanging around a loser like this?" I could see the frown appear on Tia's face as he was pointing at me.
"I will kindly ask you not insult my mate."
I laughed, "he was kidding Tia. We call each other different names all the time."
"Ah, my apologies then."
"Nah, no biggie. Your mate huh? So how did you snag not only heaven's most beautiful woman but also this elegant dragoness?"
"Well, it's all in the bait you use." I said with a smirk.
"What kind of bait did he use to catch you Lady Tiamat?" I saw him lean in to make sure he heard every word.
She snorted, "he simply played a game with me."
"A game? What game would allow him to attract someone such as yourself?"
"I believe he called it, Front Hand Back Hand."
Dulio looked at me with disbelief on his face. "You didn't?"
"Hey, she was going to kill my friends and she hit me first, in her dragon form." I said holding my hands up and waving them side to side to defend my actions.
"Wow, I don't mean to pry, but how many times did you get hit?"
Tia answered, "I got hit with 1 front hand and 2 back hands. I didn't see a single one of them coming, I had no clue what had happened. He dominated me, so I made him my mate."
"Wait he hit you 3 times and YOU made him YOUR mate."
"Correct." Dulio started dying laughing. He almost dropped his chicken, almost.
"Keith, I have never seen anyone take 3 hits from your game and still stand. Not only does she do it, she then makes you her mate. She is a keeper my friend."
"I thought so too", I said as I squeezed her hand causing her to smile brightly.
"Well Dulio, hate to eat and run, but we need to see Michael."
"No problem Keith, it was nice meeting you Lady Tiamat."
"It was nice to meet you too."
We made our way to 6th heaven. We made small talk as we walked down the corridors. Tia was looking around enjoying the scenery. We came to the double doors and knocked.
"ENTER"
We walked into the hall. Sitting at the table were Michael, Uriel, and Raphael.
"Ah sister, you have returned, and you brought your husband and a guest", said Michael.
"Lords Michael, Uriel, Raphael", I said as I kneeled.
"Rise Keith, you are among friends. What brings you here today."
"Lord Michael I would like to introduce you all to one of the five dragon kings and my mate, Lady Tiamat."
Tia bowed, "it is certainly a pleasure to meet you all."
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well Lady Tiamat. I see you have taken another mate Keith. Is our sister not enough", said a smirking Uriel.
"Lady Gabriel is more than enough Lord Uriel, Tia chose me, I did not choose her. I do admit that I am the lucky one tho."
"I see, and Lady Tiamant, I hope our brother-in-law is treating you properly."
"He is. I have never been happier."
"That is good to hear, I always worried about Keith when he was out and about. He seems to get into quite a bit of trouble, you will have your hands full with him."
"Hey now, I don't get into trouble. Trouble finds me, grabs me by the shirt collar, and beats me over the head with a club."
Everyone laughed. "True, true."
"So what brings you here today brother?" asked Michael.
"It was to introduce you to my mate, and tell you that she and I are expecting a child."
"Congratulations to the both of you! Maybe you can get him to settle down some now."
"I'm terribly sorry, I misspoke. I should have said we are having child-ren."
"Ah, twins, or maybe triplets?" asked Michael.
"Nope." I popped the P.
They looked at me confused. "I am sorry brother, I do not understand then."
"WE are having children, as in all of us." Gabriel's face went red.
"WAIT! GABRIEL YOU'RE PREGNANT TOO?"
She could only nod her head and smile as a tear escaped her perfect eyes. "You are going to be uncles soon."
All three jumped up and hugged us. "I can't believe this, this is the first child ever born to a Seraph. We have to announce this, we have to tell everyone the news. Uriel gather all the angels and all the brave saints, heaven is about to celebrate a miracle." He hadn't let go of Gabriel the whole time he was talking. She looked at me and I mouthed, I love you so much. She returned a, I love you too.
After everyone calmed down and we were waiting for Uriel to gather everyone, I spoke. "Lord Michael, I would like to make a request if I may."
"Of course, anything that is within my power is yours." He was still giddy with excitement.
"My mate Tiamat is also with child of course. I would like to request she be granted Heaven's protection in the event our home is attacked. I also would like permission for us to use Heaven as a possible nesting area, when the time arrives."
"I see no reason why arrangements can't be made. You have your protection should you need it Lady Tiamat. You have a room here still Keith, she can use it for nesting if need be."
"That's a good idea Lord Michael, I will take her by before we leave and mark a special rune for her so she can come and go as needed."
"Thank you Lord Michael, I don't like the idea of leaving my mate and going into hiding. He has a very good reason for his request tho. As dragon mates, if anything were to happen to me, he would be lost to his grief and become quiet mad."
Gabriel and Michael gasped, "he would turn into an..."
"Evil Dragon, yes Lord Michael", I said.
"Then we can not let that happen, you are most certainly welcome here anytime Lady Tiamat."
"Thank you Lord Michael, it brings me great comfort knowing that if anything happens, both my mates that are with child will be safe. That's not all, Gabriel I found one of your missing books."
"Oh, where did you find it, beloved?"
"In Lord Gremory's personal library. Gabriel, are you sure you left it in the Garden of Eden?"
"I am almost certain of it, why do you ask?"
"That means someone here took it, if someone here can enter the Garden and take a very rare magic book"...Michael finished my statement. "Then we have either intruders, or somehow heaven's angels are committing sin, and it's not causing them to fall."
"So, either someone has entered 3rd Heaven from purgatory. Then they got into the Garden of Eden undetected, or we have rogue angels that found a loophole, Lord Michael. I would be prepared for both. I will start the trace on the book, you should add some type of protection to 3rd heaven. I would also like to form my own team Lord Michael, I ran into Ophis last night. She is giving these people her snakes in exchange for their lies. I killed one of their members while rescuing one of my mates, his name was Bikou. Cao Cao is gathering very powerful allies and I want permission from all 3 factions to hunt down and take out any of those that will not surrender."
"Keith, I will have to get with the other faction leaders to authorize a team, but as a Guardian of Heaven you don't even have to ask. If you feel someone's life needs to be taken to keep this world safe then you have every right to take it."
"Then also know Lord Michael I will not take prisoners if someone betrays this peace I fight for. I also want you to know if I kill someone with a sacred gear I will be taking that gear and giving it to those I find helpful and deserving. Also, Mao Sirzechs has given me the title Guardian of Kuoh, our angels can now come and go without fear of starting anything."
"You have my permission, Keith. It will help knowing we won't step on any toes by going into Kuoh."
"Thank you, Lord Michael."
Uriel came back into the room. "Everyone is gathered brother."
"Good then let us share this joyous news."
We made our way to the meeting hall. I looked out from the side of the small stage at the crowd. I saw a few I knew, and many I had no idea their names.
"WELCOME EVERYONE, I HAVE SOME WONDROUS NEWS TO SHARE WITH YOU TODAY."
All eyes were on Lord Michael. "If I could please have my sister and her husband step out here please." I took Gabriel's hand, and we walked out on stage. I didn't bring Tia up with me, I figured the fewer who knew the better it would be.
"Exorcists, Brave Saints, fellow Angels, it is my pleasure to announce that Gabriel and her husband, the Guardian of Heaven, Keith Gregory are having a baby!"
Gasps could be heard all around, then the clapping started, then the cheering, before it was over there was a roar that shook Heaven.
We were surrounded by well wishers as well as many offering to babysit. The angels were talking of throwing her a baby shower, the brave saints talked of training for Heaven's newest addition.
Dulio found me, "KEITH, I can't believe the news. This is a miracle. I am so happy for you and Lady Gabriel."
"Thanks bud, we didn't mention it, but Tia here is also pregnant."
"Holy smoke, you don't do anything half way do you?"
I laughed, "you know me. It's all or nothing."
"Lady Tiamat, if this bum doesn't treat you right, let me know. I'll come find him and straighten him out."
She smiled, "I will keep that in mind."
We spent a bit more time just hanging out with everyone until it was time for us to leave.
"Lord Michael, thank you for everything I wish I could stay, but I have to get back to school and I have alot to do afterwards."
"I understand Keith, you have always been a busy one. Lady Tiamat, it was a pleasure to meet you."
"Lord Michael, thank you for your kindness. I am sure we will get our children together to play from time to time, they are family after all."
"Agreed, it has been so long since heaven has heard the pitter patter of little feet. It will be a day of celebration."
"Gabriel, I'll come visit soon. I need you to stay away for a little while. My contacts say things are about to get heated. Just know I love you and our baby with all my heart." I hugged her and placed a loving kiss on her forehead while wrapping her in my wings. I whispered, "they will come from purgatory, you have 4 bad angels selling secrets. They will seem too curious, and will try to stay in the shadows." Gabriel nodded.
"Keith, please be careful. Tia make sure he stays safe, and if you need to come to heaven at anytime please feel free. Come find me right away, and we will send our angels to watch over him."
"Lady Gabriel, it was a pleasure to meet you. I will keep our mate as safe as I can. At the first sign of real trouble, I will come here and find you straight away."
"I'll come visit again real soon, Gabby." I gave her another kiss and then Tia and I left.
As we were walking to the gates I looked to her.
"Thank you for coming with me today it meant alot to me."
"I enjoyed it my mate."
"Good, Tia things are going to get bad very soon. I want you to come here at the first sign anything is off. I have warded the house as strongly as possible. If anyone tries to get in you will know it. If someone powerful tries to attack the house the wards should give you about 20 seconds to get out. Don't look back. Just go, understood."
"I understand, but what has you so spooked?"
"I have a bad feeling things have changed. I have not heard back from some of my people lately. Others have gone quiet, that could only mean someone powerful is on the move. These people will stop at nothing to get to me. They wouldn't think twice of using you or the others to do that either. These people are pure EVIL, they don't care about anything but power and sadly Ophis is giving them that power. She has weakened herself alot just for empty promises."
"I will be careful, but I need you to do the same. I want our hatchlings to know their father, not be told about him."
"I promise I'll always be careful." I gave her hand a squeeze and a kiss on the cheek. I took her home, then set out for school.