All characters belong to Sega/Archie except my OCs.

Ch. 23 Run

I'll sing it one last time for you
Then we really have to go
You've been the only thing that's right
In all I've done

And I can barely look at you
But every single time I do
I know we'll make it anywhere
Away from here

~ Run by Leona Lewis~

I awoke with a small flinch. Although I didn't open my eyes, the bright red sun made me squint in pain. I turned away from the bright light, holding the covers closer against my exposed body. Last night was a good night – and that's all I remember. After Scourge got better, a lot of the Dark Angels invited us to their parties and such. And at the end of each and every night Scourge managed to tear my dress right off of me. I wondered briefly for a moment where he was until my hears picked up the sound of the shower running in the bathroom. I started to ease my sore body to sit up but that only made me wanna lie down and go back to sleep. Sleep sounded like the best thing in the world at the moment but I knew that I couldn't. I had other duties to attend to today. I didn't know what since Scourge usually tells me and we didn't do a whole lot of talking the night before so…

Speaking of my Dark Angel, he emerged from the bathroom with a towel around his waist and his wet hair curling up on his head. I couldn't help but smile at him. He was just so beautiful. Scars may decorate his very tanned skin but to me, they were artistically done and emphasized his strong torso. His glowing ice blue eyes turned to me and he smirked. "Good morning beautiful," he said, his voice a bit low. He sounded tired. I wouldn't be surprised if he had gotten up not too long before I woke up. Lately, we have been waking up around the time the other did. It was weird but it must have been a bonding thing. He kissed me on the forehead before leaning down to kiss me lightly on the lips.

"Mm, good morning," I purred back as he kissed me. Mornings with him were always my favorite these days. For some reason, he was always more gentle and sweet in the mornings. If we had time, he would cuddle with me and caress and kiss my body in a way that soothed me. I enjoyed seeing the more teenager side of him. It was different than watching him give orders and have everyone basically bowing at his feet. Sometimes I liked that Scourge but I loved the one that he didn't let show on the outside. When he broke out of our kisses, he began to rush around the room to grab clothes from his dressers. I slowly sat myself up to watch him as he got dressed. "In a rush or something," I asked.

"Something like that. The novice black angel army recruits have arrived here in the castle and I got the job of being the commander of one of the groups. Not much fun if you ask me. But anyways, since I have them, that means that I had to get my ass down there and make sure those young idiots don't kill each other," he explained as he ran a brush through his wet curls.

"Can I come," I asked quickly. As soon as the words left my mouth, I saw Scourge's mouth tighten up. Uh oh, maybe the wrong question to ask… Scourge didn't exactly like me around anything that had to do with the war. I'm not sure why since technically I will have to fight with these creatures at one point. Some of my demon maids say that it's just because he's overprotective of me and doesn't want any of the other male Dark Angels to be messing with me. I kind of figured the theory right after Scourge basically pummeled one human figured demon's face in just for slapping my ass when I walked by. But I can take care of myself. Scourge just doesn't like acknowledging that.

"Why," he asked as he looked over at me. His face had disbelief and authority as if he was about to tell me no. As if I would listen anyway. He should know by now that I'm a very hard headed girl. I only do what I'm told when I feel like it. Unless he physically threatens me by pinning me down and practically intimidates his orders into me.

"Because I have nothing better to do. Besides, it would be nice to actually spend time with you when we don't have our clothes off." Scourge sighed as he gave me a long look.

"I guess that it would be alright. I might as well teach you some techniques too since you're still somewhat of a novice."

"Thank you," I said as I slowly got out the bed. Although my body ached in pain at my movement, I knew it was nothing a hot shower couldn't fix. I cleaned up quickly and changed into a fitted blue tank top, black yoga shorts, and a pair of sneakers. I pulled my still very long hair up into a ponytail before walking out the bathroom. Scourge was waiting for me at our room doorway. He was dressed in an all-black outfit that consisted of a tank top that hugged his muscles and let his biceps shine in all their glory, sweatpants that hung low on his hips, and sneakers. I smiled at him as I walked up to him. He smirked as I looped my arms around his neck. "You look hot. Should I be worried about those young girls hitting on my man?" He chuckled, pecking my lips.

"No. I think I should be worried about those dumb ass boys staring at my lady. Those shorts make your legs look so tempting."

"Mmm, then let's hope that you're good so that you can get a taste when we get back."

"Or I can just keep you for detention and give you an appropriate punishment for wear such provocative clothing."

"Ooo, I do like that idea." Scourge chuckled as I giggled. He kissed me again before leading me down the hallway. After he was released from the infirmary building, Lucifer moved us into a big castle where he explained to me that Scourge used to live when he didn't want to be alone. In the castle lived more of the other noble demons and such but Scourge was still the most respected in the building. At first, I liked the castle. It was big, lots of space, and decorated nicely. It wasn't until after all the maids kept driving me insane with treating me like a prissy princess that I started to get annoyed. Sure I may be Scourge's mate but that did not mean that I accepted all of the "perks" that came with it.

"So, what exactly are you going to teach the recruits," I asked Scourge as we walked hand in hand down to what he had mentioned was the training room.

"The basics really; combat, balance of strength, and strategy. Dark Angel warfare is not like those of mortals or Angels. We use no weapons, vehicles or armor. Just he and his skill."

"But isn't it easier for you guys to die that way?" He shook his head.

"It's only easy for the children to die because they're not fully developed. Young adults and older, on the other hand, withhold more evil and because evil is a stronger force it takes a lot of damage for them to die. Angels, though, are easy to kill. They're as vulnerable as humans which makes them weak. Only the highest in their little hierarchy are hard to kill – but not impossible."

"So are the archangels equivalent to you and Dante since you two are technically the two original Dark Angels?"

"Something like that except we're stronger. Much stronger. And better looking." He winked at me as he said the last part. I pushed at his shoulder playfully. "You know it's true," he said as he laughed. I rolled my eyes but giggled as well. I watched as Scourge's youthful side expressed itself for like five seconds before we approached the training room door. Right before we went through it, every happy emotion in his face tightened up and it was became all business. I grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze. I hated the way that he had to mask his happiness but I did understand that he had to be professional. After all, that is how he became so respected. Sure his title helped but I've learned that he proved his importance more than enough times.

When we entered the room, we saw a bunch of young adults up to the age of 21 messing around on the huge mat floor. Most of the boys were running around and teasing each other while the few girls were chatting amongst themselves. Well until some of the boys started messing with them. Then the girls then got involved in the chaos as well. An impatient sigh left Scourge's lips before his deep voice boomed out. "STOP," he commanded. As soon as the word left his mouth, all movement in the room stopped completely. All the Dark Angels took one look at Scourge's stern face before they got in a straight horizontal line in front of us. Their postures were strong and leveled as were their faces serious. I analyzed them discretely. As expected, they were all unnaturally beautiful but yet only some of their eyes held the weariness and wisdom that Scourge's eyes held. That's how I could tell if they were baby new or just new in the field of combat. I also noticed that about one third of the group were girls who had their eyes filled with lust as they stared at my boyfriend. Unexpectedly, a strong fire raged through me as I felt the need to rip the girls' heads off. He was mine. Although they hadn't tried anything, I didn't think it would stay that way. I felt Scourge grab my hand and pull me close to him. I glanced up at him to see that he was glaring at the boys in the group. When he grabbed my hand, I felt a similar fire going on with him as well. These boys weren't really checking me out were they? I wouldn't think so yet when I looked up they were all practically drooling over me. Creepy…

"So, I see you fine Dark Angels have been chosen to be under my command. Sorry to hurt your ego, guys, but it's not because you are the best but it because you are good at whatever your qualities are. Strength and agility are usually what is of good use during battle. They are also the two things you all were chosen because of. But I'll say this again: just because you are good at what you do does not make you the best. You are not invincible nor do you come close to it. Rule number one in all aspects of combat and in war: Don't let your big, fat ego get in the way of your goal. This is not a game. You are not at home playing Call of Duty with your friends. You don't just die and get another life. You either choose to live or you choose to get whatever lies behind Death." Scourge had left my side to pace slowly back and forth in front of the line as he spoke. All of the novices had fallen under the spell of his silky voice but demanding voice. Hell, he even had me listening without distraction. Scourge was a good speaker and I'm sure that he would have no problem with getting anyone to do exactly what he told them to do. "Now, for the next couple of days and during battle, you will follow the command of both me and my wife." He motioned to me. I honestly was ready to look over my shoulder and see if he was referencing someone else. I had never heard him call me that before but I guess since we were legally bonded then it was my title. "If either of us get a problem with any one of you then there will be consequences. Trust me, if you like your face the way it is then you won't cross us. Do you all understand?" All of the novices nodded. "Good then I would like you to say your name and what you specialty is going down the line starting with you," Scourge said, pointing to the bulky boy on the end.

"Bruce. Strength."

"Mike. Strength."

"Tierra. Agility."

"Tyrone. Agility."

"Emilio. Strength."

"Kevin. Agility."

"Dallas. Strength."

"Chris. Strength."

"Myra. Strength."

"Jeremy. Agility."

"Max. Strength."

"Nick. Agility."

"Taylor. Strength."

"Alex. Strength."

"Lexi. Agility."

"Joey. Strength."

"Allison. Agility."

"Brandi. Strength."

"David. Strength."

"Fiona. Agility."

Scourge nodded once, studying them. "You all seem like a good group. Don't mess that up. Now partner up but you girls each get with a guy." Now I expected to hear groans like you usually would when you're in a gym class but the novices did as they were told. They all made a circle with their partner by their side. Scourge grabbed my wrist and led me to the middle of the circle. I kept my eyes down to avoid the boys' lustful stares. So creepy. "Okay, so the first thing we'll work on will be one on one combat. I wanted you girls each with a boy because you will not always get an opponent of the same gender. In fact, it was rare. Most guys usually attack girls because they think it will be an easy win but it's up to you to prove them wrong." He looked to me. "I and Rosy will demonstrate a fight and afterwards you all will practice with your partners."

"But I don't wanna fight you," I said aloud, getting shocked looks from the recruits. What? Has no one ever seriously not defied one of Scourge's orders? I guess not…

"I'll fight you if she won't, your highness," the one fiery redheaded girl, Fiona, catcalled to Scourge. That made me want to claw her pretty dark blue eyes right out of her head. She was gorgeous and couldn't keep her eyes from mentally undressing Scourge. If she gets her head ripped off in a freak accident then I just hope I'm not the first suspect. Scourge rolled his eyes.

"No, no, my wife will cooperate. She just wasn't expecting me to say that."

Just go with it. I'm going to be careful so that I won't hurt you. Scourge told me mentally. I nodded slowly, deciding that I might as well just put on the show. We weren't serious so everything would be alright. I got into a boxing position, holding my hands up in fists. Scourge mimicked my movement. "I'll strike first because the guy will usually try to catch the girl off guard." As soon as the words left his mouth, his fist as flying at me. I barely saw it coming but my instincts moved me out the way quickly. Scourge threw another punch at me in which I dodged easily since I was now paying attention to his hands. As I danced around his punches, I began to realize that maybe he was going a bit too easy on me.

You can do better than this. Fight how you usually would in a fight. I can take it, I told him through my mind.

But I don't wanna hurt you, he replied. I smirked at him.

Or are you just afraid your wife will kick your ass? I teased. He smirked in amusement before I punched him in his jaw. Our audience "ooo"ed at the action. Scourge seemed surprised but bounced back from the hit quickly. The punches he threw were faster and stronger than they were before now. It was beginning to be hard to continue dodging them. I wanted to strike and try to slow him down but I was afraid that I would lose focus and I would get a nice left hook. I spoke too soon though. I felt a sharp pain in my rib as he punched it. The pain rigged through me for a split second before I felt my wrist get grabbed and I spun as I got pressed against Scourge's body. The next thing I knew, I got was slammed fast first onto the mat with a knee digging into my back and my arms pulled up behind me. What the fuck? How did he get me down that fast? Hell, how did he even catch that punch on me?

"Girls need to be alert when fighting boys and boys must let the female think she has the upper hand before handing her ass to her. Easier said than done of course but not impossible. Now, all of you go practice amongst yourself but go easy on each other – you are each other's allies." The recruits nodded before spreading out so that they could have room to fight.

"You can get off me now, Sergeant Delgado," I told Scourge. I felt his knee leave my back and his lips brush up against my ear. My face flashed red when I realized that he was straddling me from the back. Didn't he know that we were in public?

"I would but I like this position. Very dominant don't ya think," he whispered huskily into my ear. God it was hot but this was not the time for that. He flicked my wrist back causing me to wince but in that same moment, he lightly licked my neck. I reluctantly let out a small groan.

"Scourge," I whined. "We're in public. You can continue showing dominance later." He chuckled, kissing my ear once before getting off me.

"I'm holding you up to that too," he said as he helped me up. I smiled up at him before I noticed that Fiona girl staring at Scourge as she dodged her buff partner's attacks effortlessly.

"Hey, do you know her," I asked Scourge, motioning to Fiona. Scourge glanced at her. He had been playing with the locks of hair that had escaped my ponytail. He nodded without a though.

"We dated for a short time before I decided to leave that town and enroll in your school so that I could be closer to you." He shrugged. "I never really liked her though. She was just…entertainment for the time being." I glanced back over at the girl. She looked older than me but not by much. Only 19 at the very most. She looked angry, jealousy burning in her eyes. I couldn't blame her. I would feel hurt too if I got close to someone only for them to leave me for someone else. What he said also made me realize that throughout everything that had happened between Scourge and I: we had never actually had time to talk about their past relationships. I mean, Scourge knew that I had never had any previous guys before him but besides Victoria, he didn't talk about his past flames.

"Did you turn her for your entertainment too," I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I didn't turn her," Scourge replied quickly. "She got together with some other Dark Angel and he requested her transformation. I doubt they're still together but…"

"Okay then what did you mean by entertainment?"

"What does it matter? Why does it even have to matter at this exact moment? We can talk about this later in our house where all your concerns and insecurities can stay private." With that, he walked away. "What did I tell you idiots about not trying to kill each other?"

X

"Come on, Roxy," I said, tugging the little Dark Angel out of Scourge's original house. After the training session, I went straight to get Roxy and came here. I did not feel like being in that big castle with all those annoying maids. I just wanted to go out and do something for once. To the mall maybe – or even the human world. As much as I hate to admit it, I was beginning to miss the whirl of modern society and going to school. It was much less stressful than everything I have going on now. Before Roxy and I could even get down the walkway, Scourge pulled up in his car. Yep, Hell had cars. They came in good handy though. Well in good handy unless your boyfriend pulls up in one when you're trying to get away from underground.

"Where are you two going," he demanded to know as he walked up to us. I shrugged.

"Out," I said simply.

"Would you like to elaborate on that," Scourge asked as he crossed his arms. His face was stern which meant that whatever I said, he probably wasn't going to buy. I wouldn't be surprised if he was irritated. Those recruits were working his nerves earlier. Hell, even I wanted to slap a couple of them. Roxy tugged at my jeans, making me look down at him. Her bright blue eyes stared up at me with the youthful enthusiasm that they usually help. I couldn't help to smile at her.

"Can I ask him," she asked me.

"Ask me what," Scourge said with a raised eyebrow. Roxy looked over to Scourge and smiled.

"Can we all go to the mortal world for a vacation before you and Rosy have to go away?" I could see Scourge's eyes lighten up for a second before he looked up to me. He looked as if he didn't know what to say. I knew that he didn't have much experience with kids but he was getting better at handling Roxy. She looked up to him almost as much as she did to me.

"It's what she wants," I told Scourge with a shrug. My Dark Angel sighed before bending down in front of the small girl and taking her hands in his. I was taken aback by his soft expression and his voice as he began to talk to the girl.

"How about when we come back, we can go to Disneyworld and have the real family experience. We can stay there for as long as you want. Does that sound good, little one?" Roxy nodded excitedly before throwing her arms around Scourge's neck. Scourge stiffened for a second as she hugged him but loosened up to return the gesture. "Come on, girl. Let's go get some ice cream," he said as he picked Roxy up. He then looked to me and his mouth tightened. "Lucifer wants to speak with you. Now."

"Okay," I said, taking a step towards the car.

"You and I will talk when you get back, alright," Scourge yelled after me. I held up a thumbs up sign before getting into the car. As I rode down to the Devil's mansion, I couldn't help but wonder what both Lucifer and Scourge wanted. Well, with Scourge I knew that he was going to yell at me about being insecure and then prove to me that I was the only one he wants. Then we would probably have sex or something. But Lucifer on the other hand… It could be anything. Business related probably but with the war right around the corner: business could be anything.

"My dear Rosalinda," Lucifer greeted me when he opened the door to his mansion. He took my hand and kissed it softly. As always, he was in a suit with his silver hair gelled back. I returned his greeting with a warm smile. "How have you been," he asked as he lead me into the house.

"Good. You?"

"Fine. Fine. You and Scourge seem to be adjusting to the married life quite exceptionally."

"Yea. He's been great. You raised him well."

"Only as well as I could."

"Well you did a good job." Lucifer smiled.

"Thank you, child." As we continued down the hall, I noticed half-dressed demon girls walking around. I felt my stomach twist for a second before I decided to push back the icky feeling. If Lucifer wanted to be a freak on the down low then that's his business. When we walked into his study, I noticed liquor out on the table. "Wine or something stronger," Lucifer asked as he led me to sit down on the couch before the fireplace.

"Wine will do fine." Lucifer nodded as he poured me a tall glass of wine and a short glass of scotch for himself. After a took a sip of my wine, Lucifer spoke again.

"Rosalinda, tell me, do you enjoy being in love?" I raised an eyebrow at my creator, a bit surprised at his question. Slowly, I nodded. "What exactly would you do to be with the one you love?"

"What are you getting at?" Obviously, Lucifer either had something on his mind or he was organizing a plan in his head. He knew that I proved my loyalty to Scourge and the Dark Angels a long time ago.

"Well, Rosalinda, there are a few things I have to share with you. You may not like them but before we go any further with these battles then there is something you must know… The main reason we need you on our side is because you have the power to control both the Angels and the Dark Angels. Sure, you are a Dark Angel yourself but those Angels will still listen to you. At least one of them will and since he is well respected, it is likely that more will follow after. Now, there is only one way to wipe out a whole species of I and His dimensional creations. It's a fairly simple thing but only the chosen can command it. Listen carefully now. There will be an altar in the field in which the final battle where we will release all of our fighters where Scourge will help you get to. At the altar, you will summon up all your power, command the death of all things heavenly and just like that," he snapped his fingers, "the whole race of Angels will be no more and the war will be ended for good."

"Will…will the same actions destroy Dark Angels as well if my words were altered?" Lucifer's eyes flashed as the reflection of the crackling fire took over his irises.

"I cannot force you to choose our victory but if you do dispose of my beloved creatures then I will have you know that I will just start their race over again. I know how to create them and it isn't a very hard job." He took a long sip of his scotch. "I know that this is a hard choice to make. Not only for the sake of humanity but also for yourself. To make the right choice for what you think is right and what you want to do. It is you, after all, who has to fully live with whatever consequences your choice comes with." His red eyes looked back to the fire as he sipped his scotch again. I honestly didn't blame him. My whole wine glass was about to be gone. I always have to make a choice between right and wrong, between my best friend and my boyfriend, between what I want and what is the moral thing to do. I didn't want make this choice but I knew I was the only one who could.

"Thank you for your information, Lucifer. I will keep that in mind as I am training." I got up to leave but he grabbed my wrist. His tight grip startled me as I looked back at him. His red eyes burned into mine, his face one of pure coldness.

"If you do choose to go against me then I promise you that I will have Miguel kill you – for good this time." Slowly, I nodded to show that I understood what I was saying. Honestly, his words put a cold feeling in my body that I couldn't shake off. I knew that he would keep hold to his word but how would Scourge be alive if he were to be killed in the blast or whatever will happen? Or maybe it will be a doppelganger? Or is it because he is the Original Dark Angel that it will take a lot more than my power to kill him? Maybe I should stop worrying about Lucifer's threat and worry more about his mind frame. The fact that he actually thought there was a slight chance that I would go against them made me feel a bit betrayed. I hadn't fully earned their trust. Somewhere inside, they all knew that in the end I would do what I felt was right and parts of them thought that the right wasn't in their favor.

Although I had grown quite fond of the Hell created angels, I still had to think of Cody. He had been by my side for years and I had already betrayed him multiple times by going off with Scourge. I loved Cody as if he were my brother. The thought of killing him made me feel like killing myself. But then there was Scourge who I was madly in love with. I knew that he loved me too with all his black heart could muster. I couldn't bear to kill him either. There was only a couple days left before we all go out into battle. That meant only a couple days to figure out what I was going to do.

When I got into the house, I saw that Scourge was awake. He was lying on the couch with Roxy asleep on top of him. I smile at the sight. "I thought you didn't like children," I teased. Scourge shrugged.

"I never said I didn't like them. I just think they can get annoying at times."

"Mhmm," I said as I picked Roxy up gently. I took her to her room and placed her in her bed. After pecking a kiss at her forehead, I went back down to the living room where Scourge sat upright now on the couch. He raised his ice blue eyes to me when I reached the doorway and they continued to follow me as I sat down next to him. "What," I asked. He shook his head, taking my hands in his.

"Just looking at my beautiful wife." I blushed, looking down. "You know I love you, don't you?"

"Of course I do."

"You know, I was thinking…after this war is over, maybe we can have a real wedding ceremony and then actually start a family together. We can live in the mortal world if you want and you can go to college and start a career. We can even wait a while before marriage and kids if that's what you want. I just know that I want to spend an eternity with you." Scourge kissed my forehead. "I love you so much." I looked up at him, lightly taking my hands out of his.

"Have you spoken to Lucifer?" Scourge tightened his jaw, looking away.

"Yea. I know about what you have to do…"

"Are you having doubts about me too?" He shook his head.

"No… No, I'm confident you'll make the right decision."

"But what if I don't make the right decision?" His frown deepened though he kept his eyes to the floor.

"I don't know," he said I put my hand on his shoulder, rubbing it softly. He stiffened as I moved closer to him so that I could wrap my arms around him.

"Don't worry. My decision will be…it will be a good one." Scourge let out a deep sigh that I couldn't tell was out of relief or what before hugging me back. Although I could feel the content radiate off of him, I could also feel the disbelief. No matter what I did, he would never trust me.

The days started to fly by after that. I trained with the recruits, hung out with Roxy and tried to spend as much happy time with Scourge as I could. No matter what, things would be different after the war. I couldn't tell if it would be a good thing or not though. During the day that we were actually about to go into battle, I dressed in a pair of black leather pants, black boots, a red short sleeved shirt and a black jacket. I left my hair down in its curls before leaving out the room. Scourge was dressed similar to me. All of us Dark Angels were practically wearing the same thing. It was to show uniformity or something. Scourge did explain it but I still didn't really understand it. As we walked off to the launch station, he explained to me the plan that we were going to use to get me to the altar safely. I nodded along to everything that he said. All I really had to do was make sure I didn't get killed. The Dark Angels surrounding me would do most of the work.

"Scourge," I said as I grabbed his hand and stopped walking before we reached the large group of Dark Angel fighters. He stopped talking and looked down at me.

"What's wrong," he asked.

"Can you promise me something?" He nodded. "Just…be careful."

"I will. I mean, I do have a whole life with you to get back to when this is all over." I smiled up at him. He returned the smile and kissed me softly.

"I can't wait for that eternity with you."

"Me either. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Scourge. You know I love you more than anything, right?"

"Of course I do baby." He kissed me again passionately before smiling at me. We continued to walk up to our army who all straightened up at the sight of Scourge. "Alright, you all know the plan," Scourge yelled. "Remember, don't get yourself killed! On my count! One, two," We all took off the moment he was supposed to say three. Flying up to the human world brought tears to my eyes. Not from the wind but because I had finally made up my mind. I knew what I wanted. I knew what future I could live with. I knew that today was the day that my heart would break far beyond repair.

Long chapter, I know but my writer's block went away and well ah, I was on a roll lol. Next chapter will be the big war chapter and the chapter after that will be a somewhat epilogue/aftermath of everything. I'm thinking about a possible sequel but I'm not sure yet. Just know there are only 2 more chaps left sadly.

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