The angel let out a sigh of relief as his eyes swept over the group. "Looks like everyone's okay," he said, his voice calm until his gaze landed on the mercenaries. His demeanor shifted instantly. "Why the fuck are they here!?" he exclaimed, pointing accusingly at Even and Mar.
Larkin, however, was already rushing over to Xain and Zee, his face etched with worry. "Are you two alright?" he asked, his voice trembling with concern.
"Calm down, old man," Xain said, raising his arms in a placating gesture. He let out a chuckle. "Don't want you to die from a heart attack now, do we?"
Larkin's glare could have pierced steel. "I'm here worried as shit for ya and yar makin' jokes!?" he yelled, causing Xain to cover his ears and look away. Zee giggled softly at their interaction.
"Don't worry, Larkin, we're both okay," she reassured him, her eyes briefly flicking to Xain's arm. *Especially since Cain helped... twice,* she thought to herself, there was little doubt left in her mind that the man from before was Cain. *But why are they trying to hide that?*
The angel walked up to them, his frustration evident. "Oi! Not to ruin your reunion or anything, but can either of you explain why the hell those fucks are back?" He jabbed his thumb in the direction of Even and Mar.
"Wait a minute, isn't that the merc that stopped us when we were trying to pass through?" Larkin asked, recognizing Even. His eyes then landed on Marcus and Lance. "And ain't that the merc who chased us!?"
The angel's gaze followed Larkin's, and he spotted Verandez. "Why the hell is he still alive!?" he yelled, anger flaring up again.
Dash, who had been watching quietly, suddenly stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Wow! You sound and look strong! Can we fight?" he asked, bouncing on his toes.
"Now who the hell are you!?" the angel exclaimed, his patience wearing thin.
Xain let out a long sigh. *If what the old guy is saying is true, then you better explain. I want to know as well,* Ercale's voice echoed in his head.
*You know, I thought I missed you being in my head, but now that you're back, I miss the silence,* Xain replied, letting out a mental sigh of his own.
**One long explanation later**
"And that's everything," Xain finished after explaining the events in detail, though he deliberately omitted the identity of the demon of hatred. It was a secret he wanted to keep to himself for now. The angel massaged his temples, trying to process the deluge of information. "How did so much shit happen in such a short time?" he muttered in disbelief.
Larkin, however, was transfixed by Dash. "Are ya really The Wanderin' Calamity?" he asked, awe evident in his voice.
"Yes! That's what everyone calls me, but I don't know why!" Dash replied with a broad, clueless grin.
*Just when I thought I couldn't meet anyone dumber than you and that leech, fate introduces me to this dipshit,* Ercale commented harshly in Xain's mind.
*What did he do to deserve that?* Xain asked, thinking Ercale was being unusually harsh.
*Exist,* Ercale replied curtly before adding, *Anyway, putting his stupidity aside, this man is one of The Strongest, right?*
*Yeah, him and four others. They're The Strongest, the most powerful people alive,* Xain confirmed.
*I'm glad,* Ercale said softly, almost inaudibly. Xain considered asking what he meant but decided against it, knowing Ercale likely wouldn't elaborate.
Meanwhile, Even spoke up in a tired voice. "Look, can't we just move on? I know what we did wasn't morally great, but that's just how we make a living. We were just doing our—"
"—jobs, yeah, whatever, heard it before, pal," the angel interjected, sighing. "But whatever, you helped the kids survive, so I won't do anything to you." He turned away from them and addressed Verandez, who flinched under his gaze. "And you."
"Yes?" Verandez asked nervously. "For the love of Michael, don't fall under the control of any demons again."
"Yes, sir!" Verandez replied, nodding vigorously. *It's not like I wanted to in the first place!* he thought bitterly.
The angel with his eyes narrowed, then turned to the demon, who nodded in silent agreement. The angel closed his eyes in thought before turning to Xain. "Kid, come with us for a sec," he said, motioning for Xain to follow. Confused but compliant, Xain trailed behind the angel and the demon towards the back garden of the estate.
Zee, Grace, and Larkin tried to follow, but the demon turned to them and requested, "Please, this is a private discussion. I ask all of you to not interfere."
As they walked away, Zee voiced her curiosity. "What could they be talking about?"
"Who knows?" Larkin shrugged, rubbing his head.
Grace, narrowing her eyes, thought to herself, *I can't see any of their thoughts. Just what is happening?*
The trio reached a secluded spot in the garden. "This place should be far enough," remarked the angel, glancing around to ensure privacy.
"Can I ask why you brought me here?" Xain asked, looking between the angel and the demon.
"Xain, he knows about Lord Ercale," said the demon bluntly.
Xain took a step back, stunned. "Eh, what?" he muttered, staring at the angel. *Oh, this is interesting,* Ercale mused in Xain's head.
"I-I can explain this. You don't have to attack—" Xain began, but the angel cut him off.
"Kid, tell him to come out."