It was a particularly sunny and bright day outside, the beginning of August. Their youngest family kid just celebrated her 3 rd birthday and she looked like a little angel.

Well, perhaps she WAS one. She mentioned, with that kid, mischievous smile of hers, that she's from ,up there' with a finger point.

Kate might have imagined it, but she got a wink from the baby girl. She grinned in response, keeping close.

They were a peculiar couple. A seventeen year old, with rugged golden-brown hair almost to the half of her back, with cat-like green eyes (something from their familiars seemed to stick to witches), predatory seat in a shade, dressed in a long skirt and a flowing blouse which fell over not too small figure – on the ground, in the sunlight, played a three year old, high and slim for her age, golden-white curls framing her face and huge pools of dark blue eyes, relaxed there in just one short dress. And both were content in each other's company – they didn't touch, hug or even sit too close, but they didn't bother each other.

Why yes, little Patricia did seem to be one of the most intelligent kids around. She understood and remembered all that was told to her, and was the odd one out outside. Or, odd one IN. Children flocked around her like around a messiah,k and she remained aloof – Kate would bet her tail she came straight from Heaven, probably with the same goal as herself. Someone HAD to watch over this family once she wasn't there. That thought calmed her down, and was sure lil' Patty would do a great job of teaching on – she wouldn't even have that much trouble with them, they learned quickly.

Only one thing remained a thorn in flesh for all plans.

Nobody still knew, what would happen on THE day, December the 21 st .

Or nearly nobody. Savio came with a huge grin on his face announcing it's clear now. He and his mate knew; it was set.

,,Well, what is it?!" the demoness immediately jumped up; Patricia turned head.

,,Alas, Angie – I can't tell you."

,,WHY?!" she spat angrily.

,,Why? So either the Light or Dark side won't make any plans to change it. Nobody knows, only the neutral leaders get it," he circled her.

,,So we're exactly where we were!" she huffed.

,,No, we're not. It's now known , what will happen. The only difference is that you won't know now , but I'll tell you."

,,When?"

,,On 20th December."

,,Wow, how much time to psychically prepare."

,,It's SOME time, don't be mean. And still. Only six of all the magicals on Earth will know, what will happen. And that's us. Don't pass it to the next ones!"

,,I'm not stupid."

Later that night she stood out, under the full moon, and sent a small message down.

Father, do you know, what will happen?

He didn't need specific info.

Why sure. Did you think I didn't? Savio ain't as clever as he thinks… all the past leaders know too.

And may I know?

Sorry, Kate , he sounded with mockery. But no; none of you.

Oh… She only sighed, expecting as much. And… do you know by any chance, what kept happening to those future would-be leaders?

Dark chuckles erupted.

One last prank from him. That much she felt. He did a ritual-

Why didn't you TELL me?! I've been worried sick here about what the fuck's happening, and you don't even bother to mention-

Suddenly she felt, as if a clawed hand closed around her throat tightly and squeezed threateningly.

The shock completely cut off her thoughts – and air.

Carefully, Kate . He spoke lowly, but underneath all the mockery she felt a snarl of anger. Don't forget, who you're speaking to. Respect your elders… another squeeze.

I- I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be rude! It bursted – I won't do it again , she genuinely fearfully choked out – and she was also genuinely sorry. He had to feel it, but let go only slowly, with a snort.

I'm still your father, you pup .

The last word was barely audible, it ended in another snort.

I know , she piped up. He was one of the first demons. Leader of them for milleniums, and even if some disrespected him, mocked him and said he was all sorts of things, those forgot it was thanks to him they even could live.

She really hated disloyal bastards. Sure, he wasn't the ideal role-model, but that wasn't a reason to disrespect. She was sure at least half of them would go and kiss his shoes if it would bring them better positions, and MORE than a half wouldn't even dare to look him in the eye saying it. It was suicide maybe; how many had the pride to do it, though?

And how many would switch places with him if offered?

She realized, what it brought, so she never was acting like a spoiled brat before, not to a big extent. She overdid it this time.

Downwards she felt she soothing, also dark essence of Lilith, and exhaled in relief. She'd explain her outburst, calming him down a lot better than a barely few centuries old soul.

And still, mate was a mate.

This year´s season, for everyone´s surprise, came very slowly and was mild. It almost wasn't different from a really bright full moon.

Sure, they had a higher sex drive, but nothing too horrible. It might had something to do with the fact the whole energy of Lust was switching places... bodies, mostly.

As everyone predicted – and it would be very fiction-like if otherwise – the new embodiment was Argos, Lilith's son. He settled into it very quickly and cheerfully, jumping head-on into a bohemian life, seeming to have absolutely no problems with keeping a whole harem busy.

If anyone, particularly any female, thought he was uptight in any moment, he'd prove otherwise.

He just had a slight bit trouble with keeping energy in...or, for that case, a bit of chastity.

Kate heard (and inconspicuously went to see by herself once) that he was in need of some serious training, which was graciously offered by Wrath and her mate plus one random succubus.

She nearly cried with laughter. They got him into a empty room, Wrath covered his eyes tightly, the succubus went down on him and Andro instructed. Argos was whining after a while and a few squeezes by all three of his teachers.

,,Breathe, kid, breathe!" Wrath half-growled, half-laughed.

,,Calm down. Take a deep breath – right. In-out. Good."Andro was far calmer and more serious. ,,You have to lead the energy back up your spine and into your brain and heart. Think of other things and concentrate only on leading it away from your- I said concentrate!"

Smack. Ouch...

,,This is torture!" Argos whined, but didn't move.

,,No, that's self-control. How do you intend to keep it up for hours if you can't keep it in at a simple blow-job?"

That's my man!

,,I'll manage, I'll manage... phew, give me a few seconds..."

After a while of silence and everyone staring intently into his crotch, Argos exhaled.

Slowly, smiles crept up into the teacher's faces.

,,Yeaaah, the boy's got talent!" Wrath smirked, slapping his back, while Andro laughed and the girl down grinned. ,,Now go finish what you started."

Argos swept up the red-haired succubus into his arms and immediately went away. The former Lust stared after him with a mixture of pride and melancholy.

Wrath wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

,,Come on out, man. You deserve it." He smiled.

At least someone from the demons is that loyal a friend. Kate smiled as well.

…...

Well, wasn't that kid tall! Standing straight Nathali was half a head taller now than Kate, and she was only twelve. Like a elf chick.

,,God, I hate my hair!" she was whining in front of the mirror. ,,I have such dry tips... I didn't use to have such dry tips!"

,,Oh come on, Nathali, they're not that bad-"

,,But I don't like them," the younger girl pouted.

Her puberty came sorta quickly, from week to week, and suddenly here they went, a ton of complains on her appearance. Kate couldn't groan enough over the absurdity of some of them. She thought that some of the jokes on human teenagers were overblown, but it was exactly as extreme as it was shown on TV. At least with this girl.

Where has that one with high self -esteem gone to? Granted, Kate changed too, hitting puberty.

To the better though. She couldn't even bear to think of that startled little angelic thing she used to be.

At that moment, staring on the younger girl cursing her hair, it occurred to her – If she didn't give up the angel side, where would she be now? Would she still be in such a high position? COULD she even be still his mate?

Surely, nobody in Hell would respect her. Maybe he either couldn't get there, or would have to get someone else. And she knew she wouldn't have the courage to object. Light beings didn't like confrontations... Well, so she thought.

The middle of August brought even more heat and one very light night. She was sitting at the computer, eating ice to keep at least some cold, and staring into nowhere.

,,WHAT the fuck today! Why is it so damn hot when there isn't even a leader for Light yet!"

,,Um, there is," it sounded shyly from behind her.

She nearly fell off her chair hearing a unfamiliar voice, and turned to see a girl sitting on the ground comfortably, looking up at her with big, friendly, innocent eyes.

She was maybe eighteen by human standards, but that could be deceiving. She had a elf-like appearance, soft features and arched eyebrows, and her eyes were light blue. Hair was blond.

Does everyone from Light have light hair and blue eyes? Oh well, most I know from us have either dark or red hair. Must be the environment.

,,And... and you are?"

,,I'm his mate," she smiled, wiggling on place and straightening her white robes. ,,we came to say hi and see you."

,,Oh, I'm pleased to meet you!"

They shook hands briefly, both grinning.

,,So since when are you two leaders?"

,,Oh, a week. We waited 'till he recovered to go here and introduce ourselves. By the way, if you don't mind me asking, what are you?"

,,Succubus. And you?" ,,Seraph."

,,Oh, flaming one! So where are our men?"

,,In the next room, talking business. Let's hope they don't do much fuss."

,,Hah, yes! Sorry, what was the name?"

,,Oh! Elisabetha," the seraph grinned. ,,Yours?"

Kate smiled at that after a pause. So Elisabetha... now she knew where was the name from.

,,I do sense we're gonna be good friends. Angela here, but this life Kathrine."

They chattered like old friends at tea by the time a crash and shouts sounded from the next room. Well, there goes peace. The Darkness and Light were at it again, anew.

As always, she sighed. How it also should be.

,,Let's go up and to them," Elisa suggested. ,,before they tear the place apart."

Were it not for women, the Apocalypse would come in less than a week, so it seemed. Thank God for the Neutrals!