A/N: Thanks to danceofgold, enjoy!

Chapter 6: Decision

The stream of monsters seemed endless for the couple and while Arikado was not even breaking a sweat, he noticed that his beloved was a bit fatigued. The children must be sapping his energy. He thought. His body tensed when he saw a monster trying to power-dive on his spouse. Oh no, you don't… Without thinking twice about it, Arikado sent his sword summon out to protect his beloved. The sword sliced through the monster effortlessly and Soma blinked to make sure he wasn't seeing things.

"The Master thought you could use some assistance." The sword said. Soma looked at the sword and smiled for his husband's thoughtfulness. He was feeling a bit tired. With the sword familiar in tow, the younger half breed sat down at a safe distance and rubbed his stomach. Even though the children were fighters like their parents, they too needed rest. Plus, Soma had to take extra precautions due to his condition. He reached into his coat and pulled out his cell phone and dialed Mina's number. It was Mathias who answered.

"Habuka residence,"

"Mathias," Soma breathed, rubbing his stomach. "Adrian and I are downtown and there are more monsters than we can handle…."

"What in BLAZES are YOU doing fighting?" The Cronqvist patriarch demanded. "Soma, I strongly suggest you cease fighting and stay in a safe spot. If you fight anymore you can MISCARRY!" Soma winced at the possibility of losing their babies.

"Come downtown and take my place then!"

"We will be there, you just stay put!" Mathias ordered before hanging up. Soma closed his phone and waited. He watched his husband finish off what seemed to be the third wave of monsters before rejoining him.

"You look paler than usual." Arikado said.

"Your father's on his way here and he's pissed." Soma said. Before Arikado could even ask Soma looked at his husband and held up a hand. "He's not pissed at you, he's pissed at me."

"Why is my father pissed at you?" Arikado asked. Before he could answer a big black bat flew and stopped in front of them.

"Because he knows that he should not be fighting right now due to his condition." Mathias said as he reverted back to his humanoid form.

"Father, there was no choice…."

"Adrian please;" Mathias said. "Soma knows better. Slayer or no, he's delicate and if he continues this way, you two will lose your children." Arikado looked at his beloved who was being tended to by Joachim.

"Mathias, we have to get Soma back quickly, he'll need rest."

"That's a given!" The elder said. "I want no arguments." Arikado took to his wolf form and allowed his beloved to climb onto his back. Mathias unsheathed his sword and Joachim summoned up his six before going to the front line.

I am so sorry my angel….Arikado whimpered as they trotted back to the Shrine. Soma sighed and ran his hands through the silky dark fur.

"It's not your fault." Soma whispered lovingly. "I should've known better."

"Child, I don't wish to be harsh with you." Mathias said. "I only want the best for you and the little ones. I know how much you want to help but right now, the best way to help is to rest."

"I know," Soma said mournfully. "I just…"

Father's right angel, Arikado said as he nuzzled his beloved with his muzzle. I'd rather have you and our children safe and healthy rather have you risk all fighting at my side right now.

"But I've always fought at your side…."

I know, but right now, my father and Joachim will step in for you. You're still my beloved and always at my side. I would go mad if I lost you or our children. Please, I beg you, heed us.

Soma sighed and rested. He knew they were right. He would have to postpone his training and wait. They made it back to the Shrine and Soma was escorted up to the bedroom by Joachim while the two Cronqvist/Tepes men remained in the living room.

"So, what do we do now?" Arikado asked. "Soma can't fight right now, and one of us will have to remain with him to keep him and the children safe."

"Joachim is more than capable." Mathias said. Arikado looked at his father and thought further.

"Soma is not safe here in Japan. Not in the condition he's in. I have an idea."

"Well, let's hear it." Mathias said.

"I was thinking of having Soma return to Spain."

"Spain? What's there?"

"Soma's family," Arikado said. "His father knows what to do."

"When was the last time he's kept in touch with them?"

"I am not sure." Arikado said. "I can track them down though. That's how I found Soma in the first place."

"Wait, I thought you met him in the castle…"

"HE remembers that as our first meeting." Arikado said. "Father, I've known about Soma since his birth."

"A little stalker-like isn't it?" Mathias asked. Arikado smirked and looked at his father.

"I know, but it was my job to watch over and protect Soma at all costs."

"You didn't marry him just to fulfill your duty did you?"

"No, I married for love." Arikado said. "Father I really, truly, love Soma with all I have."

"You and Soma will do just fine." Mathias said, satisfied with his son's answer. "I just had to be sure."

"Excuse me," Joachim interrupted. "He's resting now, but he requests his husband's presence." Arikado nodded in thanks and took his leave. He entered their bedroom and smiled. Soma was in their bed, reading a book.

"How are you feeling my angel?"

"We're all doing better." Soma said as he rubbed his stomach a bit. "I guess rest is exactly what the doctor ordered." Arikado smiled and sat down next to his beloved.

"That is good." Arikado said with relief as he placed a hand atop of Soma's. "If you need anything, we're all here." Soma smiled and rested his head on his husband's shoulder. They remained that way in blessed silence. That is until Mathias came in with Joachim in tow.

"Can a worried and concerned father come in?"

"Yes Father." Arikado said with a small smile. Soma opened his eyes and smiled sadly. Mathias ruffled the young one's hair and smiled in return.

"I'm not angry with you Child." Mathias said. "But you have to be more careful from now on."

"Soma, I've spoke to Father beforehand and we both agree that you should return to your family home to Spain."

"Why?"

"Because it's not safe for you or the children here," Mathias said gently. "It's for the best child." Soma looked down and sighed. It has been quite some time that Soma's been home. He was a bit sad for how he interacted with his father that day. He always wondered how his family was. Now, he was returning to them married and an expecting mother. "Who will stay with me?"

"Joachim is more than capable…." Mathias began. Soma cast a worried glance to his husband.

"Adrian…." Soma said, fearing the worst. Mathias looked at his son-in-law then at his son.

"It's up to you my son," Mathias said. Arikado looked at his father and sighed. He had no problem with taking up the reins but he wasn't too keen of leaving his beloved alone with anyone but himself.

"I'll go with him." The older dhmphir said. "Joachim will tend to Soma in my stead when I am not around."

"That sounds better." Soma said with a sigh of relief. Joachim looked at the younger one and smiled.

"I feel like a nanny."

"You do look good in the outfit…." Mathias said lowly. The couple looked at him in question while Joachim gave the elder a look that simply said 'shut up'. Mathias looked at them and rolled his eyes.

"Oh, please, I may be old but I get a love life too!" Mathias said. "And get your minds out of the gutter." With that they exited the room, leaving the couple alone to pack for their trip.

"I don't know how well my parents are going to take my being back home." Soma said wistfully. "I haven't spoken to them since that day."

"I'm sure they'll love you no less." Arikado said as he held his beloved from behind, gently rubbing his beloved's stomach in comfort. "Don't worry, everything will be fine." Soma looked at his husband and smiled. He prayed that all would be well and that he would be forgiven.

Well, Soma has no choice but to go back home. How will everyone cope? Review to find out!