Category: Darksiders I & II

Rating: T

Couples: Azrael/Abaddon, Zeruch(War)/OC

Warnings: AU, Disturbing Imagery

Chapter: 44

Copyright: Characters & places © By Appropriate Copyright-holder, Plot & OC´s © by me

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Zeruch had not left his spot on her couch, almost serenely waiting for her return. When she returned from wherever she had teleported, he was amazed to see that she was alone.

"My Lady?"

"I thought I told you to call me 'Gabriel' a couple years ago?" She countered softly, sitting down beside him. Before he could say anything, she raised her hand to stop him. "I am not happy that you never bothered to mention this little fact to me, but I think it is fair to say that there would never have been a good time for that reveal." She sighed softly. "I am willing to have us continue this, just promise me not to hide such things anymore."

"You're willing to continue?" He demanded incredulously. He had expected at best a breaking off of their courtship, not this.

"I courted you for ten years by now, Zeruch." She pointed out with a weak smile. "That's something I'd rather not waste." Looking away briefly, her face became something of a grimace though. "Though I think I'll need some time to get back to the whole 'becoming engaged'-point of things again."

"Understandably." He hesitantly reached for her hand. "I can understand that me being a Nephilim might need some getting used to."

"You don't." She allowed him to take her hand. "My previous husband… the third one… Simiel… he fell against… against the Nephilim."

Zeruch flinched at that. "I… I am sorry." No wonder she had immediately fled after he had revealed it.

"You're not to blame for it." Gabriel chuckled weakly. "I do believe you were not born then."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

After this, it lasted only a few months until Gabriel announced her engagement to Zeruch. It was during the planning of their wedding – this time with an appropriate time – that Abaddon received word from the Charred Council.

"Abaddon, you cannot afford to leave me behind! I am devastating on the battlefield." Azrael insisted for what might have well been the millionth time since his fellow parent had announced to the City that the Nephilim were moving on Eden. Outside, the Hellguard was gathering in full force together with parts of several outpost-garrisons including Silverwall, leaving only several of the lesser Guards as protection for the City and mere fractions of the normal forces in the outposts.

"I know, old friend, but you are needed here in case the Hellguard falls. You and the rest will be the First Kingdom's last defence." Abaddon explained again, while strapping the final armour-piece. "The Throne and The Circle agreed with this strategy, if I may remind you."

Azrael nearly growled at that. "I still say that is asinine. My presence would greatly increase our chances. Besides, who's going to keep you and Zeruch out of trouble!?"

"Both Zeruch and I are highly competent warriors, Azrael and we have a whole army to back us up." The General collected his sword; giving it the last inspection, before stowing it in its scabbard at his side. "Besides, compared to us you are too invaluable; you will be needed at the Well."

"I just know you two will get yourselves killed somehow without me." Azrael sighed. "Try not to do that, alright?" He looked out of the window, wondering if now would be a good time to speak of their changing relationship... probably not.

"I'll try my very best and will pass on your request to Zeruch." Abaddon then gave the scholar a quick grin. "If I somehow fall, I give you full permission to yank me out of the Well to yell at me."

"I'll keep you to that." Said scholar snorted in amusement now. "Oh, and if you're passing things on to Zeruch anyway: one, no full-body meteorites and two..." He spread his wings, drifting upwards just enough that he could touch Abaddon's forehead with his lips, brushing a brief kiss on it before setting down again.

Touching the place where Azrael kissed him, Abaddon nodded at the Archangel. Turning around and heading outside; however right before he stepped out, he suddenly turned back to Azrael and kissed him swiftly on his lips. "We'll be alright", the broader angel whispered and then he was out the door.

"You better..." The Gatekeeper whispered weakly, wrapping himself in his wings. "You damn better."