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. Denzyl and Devyn took their seats on the three-seater couch that faced away from the large windows and closed their eyes as they relaxed.

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 the brown-haired man 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 human. The black-haired lowered his head slightly in thanks as Miren handed Kilo a drink. Miren gave Kilo an affectionate pat on the back as she continued down the room. The woman 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. The human 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 alone. 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, the angel 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 the demon's attention as he rested on the sofa. Denzyl looked down to see 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 the human's adorable sleeping face. Denzyl slowly shifted in his seat and lifted the human 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. Denzyl went back to the common area 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.

The angel stood to his feet as Denzyl gently woke Miren and led the human to her room which was next to Rae's. 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 the human. 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.

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

The sun had just passed its peak in the sky when the five had finished their meal and were sitting at the bar. Denzyl and Devyn had prepared a simple lunch, and Kilo and Rae were cleaning the dishes while Miren wiped down the bar.

Miren studied the purple-eyed angel as the five retired to the common room. Kilo's expression was brighter than it was that morning, and a sense of determination held the angel's chin up. Devyn had also noticed the difference and inquired, "Is there any word from Castyr?" as he sat on the couch next to Denzyl.

Kilo nodded in response as he also sat. "We linked each other last night. Aklys is making sure no one touches Castyr, so he is safe for now," the angel informed the four before looking at Rae and saying, "Castyr is with the actaeon."

Rae's expression lightened as he heard this. "That is good. The actaeon is tough. He will make sure Castyr is alright." A lull followed the brown-haired angel's comment as the others nodded in agreement. The widening of Rae's eyes and a huge smile spreading on the angel's face stopped the lull. All eyes turned to Rae as the angel happily proclaimed, "He's here. Ilios is here!"

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

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 the chocolate-haired man. 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.

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

Castyr kept his eyes on the broad shoulders of the demon walking in front of him as he was led through the fire-lit corridors of Hades. Two young demons accompanied Aklys as the demon general escorted the star to his cell. Castyr's heart skipped as shouts and cries of pain echoed throughout the prison.

Kilo had to go through this for fifty years?? Instead of skipping, my heart aches as I think of my angel. I did not want to leave him all alone, but it was the only way to save him...and Devyn...and Denzyl. Okay, now I do not feel so bad. At least Kilo has Devyn and Denzyl. Castyr released a sigh when he realized Kilo was not alone.

Aklys brought the star down a long set of stairs that led to a short hallway lined with barred cages. The party passed several empty cells until it came to a cage with one prisoner. Aklys' face paled at the sight of the unconscious man lying on the ground. Shock ran through Castyr as the star stared at the collapsed man. His hands were cuffed, and a thick chain was tightly clasped around his neck, stopping him from moving more than ten feet away from the wall.

"You may go," Aklys addressed the two demon guards who stood behind the star. "I will put the prisoner into his cell. Go inform the king of the star's arrival."

The two guards bowed and saluted their general before exiting the hall. Once the guards were out of sight, Aklys hurriedly placed his hand on the screen in front of the cell and opened the cage's door. The demon instantly rushed in and cradled the prisoner in his arms.

"What did you do this time? Huh?" Small tears escaped the corner of Aklys' eye as the general tried to wake the prisoner. "Why did you have to rescue another one?"

Castyr cautiously entered the cage after determining this would be his cell. The moment Aklys became vulnerable in response to the bloodied man, Castyr decided he would care for the unconscious prisoner. The star's head snapped toward the entrance of the corridor as the sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears. "Ummmm...Aklys?" Castyr said as he slowly addressed the demon general.

The demon fought to control his tears as he looked up at the star, his long, slender fingers in the man's silver-blue hair.

"You should probably go," Castyr suggested as he gestured to the door. "Don't worry. I'll take care of him." The star gave a small, reassuring smile.

Aklys took one more long look at the prisoner before gently laying him down and exiting the cage. He closed the door behind him, leaving Castyr with the unconscious man. After drying his eyes and regaining his poise, Aklys turned and walked up the stairs just as the door opened and a new prisoner was limply dragged inside between two demons.

Castyr released a small gasp as he turned his attention toward the man collapsed in front of me. Blood stained the floor around him. His skin was covered in slashes and bruises, and one of his eyes was swollen completely shut. Kneeling beside his cellmate, the star gently lifted his head and set it in his lap. Castyr exhaled and inhaled deeply until his glow extended to cover the male's body. If I can get him to a stable condition by nightfall, I can link Kilo. Castyr used the longing to talk to his angel as motivation to heal the man as fast as he could. Once the healing glow had surrounded the unconscious man, Castyr settled in and prepared for the long hours ahead.