Rae looked around at the penthouse with wide eyes as Devyn darkened the walls of glass surrounding the common area, making it impossible to see into the large room from the outside but maintaining the transparency from the interior of the penthouse.

"Thank you for getting us," Devyn thanked Miren as the group settled into the chairs and sofas. The redhead patted the human on the back before walking to the kitchen and grabbing a few glasses. A sad expression had covered Miren's face ever since she had driven out to pick up the four males and saw that Castyr was missing. The woman had grown quiet as Devyn informed her of the fight and Castyr being taken by the demon general. Miren's heart broke every time she looked at the silent purple-eyed angel.

Kilo had not spoken a word since his interaction with Rae in the middle of the fields outside the city. The black-haired angel sank into one of the single-seater chairs in the common room and closed his eyes. Rae grew silent as he, too, closed his eyes and opened the link with his partner for the first time in fifty years.

Ilios shot up in his bed, his heart racing a thousand beats per second. "Rae," Ilios said breathily when he felt the link open. Rae?

Hey, love. A deep, soothing voice replied through the angels' connection. Tears swelled in Ilios' eyes as he heard Rae's voice after fifty years. Rae, where are you? Are you alright? Ilios was quick to throw off the covers and slide out of his bed.

I'm fine, babe. Rae's response was calm, letting Ilios know he was safe. I'm with Kilo.

Kilo? Is he alright? Ilios' concern grew when Rae did not mention the silver-haired star. What about Castyr? Are they okay? Ilios pulled a shirt over his head as he awaited Rae's response.

Babe...Castyr got taken. Kilo said Aklys found them.

Ilios' heart sunk when he heard the news. What?! When? How? The blonde swallowed dryly when he realized Castyr was now in the clutches of the demon general.

Last night. It happened before I got out.

Ilios stopped in his tracks and ran his fingers through his hair when he heard Rae's response. His heart burned with hatred, and he cursed Hades for harming his love. However, now was not the time to lose his cool. Right now, he needed to be with his partner. I have a hundred questions, but right now, tell me where you are. I am coming.

I'm on Earth with Kilo and some human called Devyn. Also, there's a demon, but don't freak out. He's pretty chill. Rae gave a small chuckle as he described Denzyl, the one demon who saw him as an equal life.

Ilios fell silent for a moment as he processed what Rae had just said, but it did not take long for him to come to his conclusion. As long as he hasn't hurt you or Kilo and Castyr, I'll tolerate him. The moment he does, though, I will dispatch him.

The general threw on a jacket as he gave Rae his response before grabbing his go-bag of essentials and lots of lorne.

Also, don't tell anyone about any of this. Not even about me. Ilios nodded in agreement with Rae's warning, but he still inquired into Rae's reasoning. Noted, but why?

There's a mole in Heaven. Rae did not hesitate to explain his interaction with the actaeon who had saved both him and Kilo from the fires of Hades.

Ilios remained silent as he heard Rae's explanation, and he agreed with his partner. Figures. If not, how would a whole demon fleet have gotten into Ithyos?

Once he was packed and ready, Ilios left his personal quarters and made his way to the ground floor where he addressed the secretary on duty. "Kelci, tell the admiral that I am leaving to find Ithyos' lost star. Return date is unknown at this time."

The secretary bowed her head in acceptance of the general's order before signing off on Ilios' leave and relaying the message to Ilios' commanding officer. Immediately after exiting his residence within the Division of Defense, Ilios went straight to the transfer center.

I'm on my way, love. Ilios could hear Rae smile, and his heart swelled with excitement as he began his journey to his partner. It's so good to have you back. I can't wait to see you.

Me too, love. Rae's milky voice sounded through the link causing Ilios to smile to himself as he awaited his teleportation. We are taking a long vacation once we find Castyr and this is all over.

Agreed. Ilios' heart beat with happiness at the thought of going somewhere far away with his love to relax and enjoy each other's presence. I can't wait for you to steal me away. We deserve it.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

Kilo opened his eyes when Rae let out a soft chuckle. The angel turned to see the major blushing profusely. It seemed to be going quite well. "Is he coming?" Kilo inquired of his fellow angel after a moment.

Rae turned to Kilo and nodded in response. "He is at the transfer center."

Kilo smiled at the major as Rae hung his head and heat filled his cheeks. Kilo pondered what the blue-eyes angel's partner had said to make Rae blush as he leaned against the back of the chair and heaved a breath. Watching Rae connect with Ilios made Kilo miss Castyr immensely. Even though the two had only been separated for five hours, they had previously been apart for fifty years, and Kilo hated spending even a second away from Castyr after they had finally found each other.

The entering of Miren with a tray of refreshments interrupted the purple-eyed from his deep longing, so Kilo put on a small smile for the approaching woman. Kilo lowered his head slightly in thanks as Miren handed him a drink before giving him an affectionate pat on the back as she continued down the room. Miren had already been introduced to Rae, but she still bowed her head slightly in greeting as she handed him a glass of fresh, cooled tea.

"Thank you," Rae smiled politely as he accepted the drink. Miren returned the smile before going over to Devyn and joining him on the couch. Devyn scooted closer to Denzyl to give Miren room even though there was already plenty of space on the three-seater sofa.

The green-eyed human leaned into Denzyl as the demon draped his arm around Devyn's slender yet well-built frame. Devyn gave Denzyl a small smile as the demon passed him a drink from the tray which had been set on the low, glass table in the center of the arrangement of chairs.

Rae let out a small chuckle as his in-link conversation with Ilios continued. Kilo looked back and forth from a blushing Rae to a cuddling Denzyl and Devyn and suddenly felt very lonely. The purple-eyed angel set his cup of tea on the stand beside his chair and stood to his feet. After nodding to Miren in thanks for the tea, Kilo walked to the room where he and Castyr had stayed. Miren looked at the untouched beverage before watching Kilo leave with sad eyes.

Kilo let out a breath as he entered the room and made his way to the short balcony. The angel rested his arms on the glass railing and ran his fingers through his dark hair as he heaved a sigh. Kilo looked over the colorful city and longed for his star as the first rays of light peeked above the horizon.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

A soft snore caught Denzyl's attention as he rested on the sofa. Looking down, Denzyl smiled softly when he saw Devyn fast asleep on his shoulder. It had been a long night; Miren was also nodding off. The demon could not help but smile at Devyn's adorable sleeping face. Denzyl slowly shifted in his seat and lifted his love in his arms before exiting the common area and walking down the hallway to Devyn's room.

A quiet coo left Devyn's lips as Denzyl set him on the bed and pulled the blanket up to his chest. The demon brushed a strand of hair out of Devyn's face before exiting the room and leaving Devyn to sleep in peace. Returning to the common area, Denzyl swiveled his head around to see Miren and Rae on the verge of passing out. Assuming Rae had concluded his conversation with Ilios, Denzyl approached the angel and cautiously patted his shoulder.

The angel opened his blue eyes and looked up at the demon. He was clearly exhausted. He had escaped Hades to find himself in an unknown location surrounded by strangers. Denzyl motioned to the hallway positioned to his left before offering, "There's an empty room, number 8003." Rae nodded in thanks as the demon left to take care of the woman who was fast asleep on the couch.

Rae stood to his feet as Denzyl gently woke Miren and led her to her room. Once all the guests were safely in their rooms, Denzyl returned to his and Devyn's room. The human opened his emerald eyes when he felt a dip in the bed. A sleepy smile came to Devyn's lips as he rolled into the demon once Denzyl had slipped under the covers.

"Thank you for taking care of them," Devyn mumbled as the demon wrapped his arms around him. Denzyl responded with a peck on Devyn's forehead as the human snuggled into him.

It was not long before the four residents were fast asleep. Kilo remained on the balcony, however, watching the sun rise over the vast city and praying his star was safe.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

Rae stood in awe for the most beautiful sight was before him. It was as if the sun had infiltrated the space station and was shining just for Rae as the blue-eyed saw a tall, blonde man emerge from the crowd. A smile came to Rae's lips as a watery-eyed Ilios walked toward him. The blonde broke into a run and dashed into the arms of his love. Rae's arms immediately wrapped around his angel as he breathed in the sweet, spring scent he had been craving. Tears streamed down both men's cheeks as they melted in each other's embrace.

"You're back!" Ilios cried with joy. "It's you. It's really you."

"I'm here, I'm here," Rae assured the man in his arms as he brought Ilios to where he could see his face. Rae's eyes sparkled as he cradled Ilios's neck.

"I've missed you so much." Ilios did not even try to stop the tears that streamed down his face as he was finally in the arms of his love.

The two were so immersed in each other that they did not even notice the small crowd that had gathered to watch the happy reunion. The four supporters on the sidelines stood with smiles as they observed the two angels. Devyn instinctively leaned into the demon standing behind him as watching Ilios being held by Rae made the human long to feel Denzyl's presence. Denzyl obliged Devyn's silent request and took the human into his arms.

After a few minutes of crying and hugging, Ilios eventually stood up straight and smiled into Rae's eyes before becoming aware of his surroundings. Ilios's gaze landed on Kilo, and his smile faded as he recalled the news Rae had relayed through their link. Ilios solemnly walked over to Kilo and took the young captain into a comforting embrace.

"We'll find him," Ilios comforted the purple-eyed angel. Kilo nodded as Ilios came to hold him at arms' length. The blonde's heart swelled as he saw the determined, strong look in Kilo's eyes; he was prepared to do anything to get his star back. Ilios, too, was prepared to give his all to get Castyr out of Hell. The general had grown extremely fond of the star through the fifty years he had served as Castyr's commanding officer. Ilios had watched Castyr grow and work through immeasurable obstacles to become stronger and save the ones he loves.

"I know. We are already coming up with a plan," Kilo responded as Ilios lowered his arms back down to his side.

The blonde nodded his head shortly. "Okay. Show me what you've got."

Kilo's heart swelled at Ilios's offer of aid. The purple-eyed bowed his head in thanks as Rae came to stand next to his partner. Rae and Kilo then led Ilios to the demon and two humans who had remained a short distance away.

"This is Devyn, Denzyl, and Miren," Rae gestured to the green-eyed human, grey-eyed demon, and hazel-eyed human, who nodded in greeting. "Devyn and Denzyl took Castyr and Kilo in after they fell, and...well, you already know Miren."

Ilios's eyes became soft as he recognized the red-headed woman who had bravely fought with him in the First Battle of the Transport Tower. The woman had aged, but she was as beautiful as ever. "Hello, Miren."

Miren's eyes were moist as she smiled at the angel. "It is good to see you are well, Ilios."

Ilios smiled at the woman before bowing to Devyn and Denzyl. "Thank you for saving Castyr and Kilo."

Devyn was quick to have the angel stand up straight. "Anyone would have done the same. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I have heard so much about you," the human smiled politely as he bowed in greeting.

A soft chuckle left the angel at Devyn's greeting. "All bad things, I hope." Ilios then turned to Denzyl and inclined his head in greeting. Rae had informed Ilios of Denzyl's identity as a demon, so the blonde was not startled by the crimson-haired man's dark aura and dominating presence. The demon's gaze was hard as he observed their surroundings but immediately became tender as he gazed at the green-eyed man in front of him. This caused Ilios to be intrigued. He had yet to meet a demon from Sendrum and concluded that the rumors were true; they had the capability to fall in love.

Ilios approved of the demon's protectiveness over Devyn and observed the interaction between the demon and two humans as he was led out of the space station and to a large, private vehicle. By the end of the ride, Ilios had determined that every person in the party knew of Denzyl's identity as a demon except for Miren. The blonde relayed his conclusion to Rae through their link, who confirmed his assumption.

Ilios found this fact interesting but understood it as Miren had most likely housed a deep hatred for demons since her participation in the First Battle of the Transport Tower fifty years ago. Ilios hoped the exposure of Denzyl's identity would not harm Miren and Devyn's relationship especially since Devyn seemed extremely attached to Denzyl. Once Ilios had the formation and kinks of the party figured out, he relaxed and leaned against Rae and enjoyed the drive through the colorful city.

The mood was light as the party returned to the penthouse but became heavy as soon as everyone got to work. They had a star to save.