Kyle POV

Exhausted, Lucas soon went to bed. While sleeping, he made soft moans and whimpered. Kyle heard them and went to his side. The room was bathed in the moon's soft light, casting a gentle glow over Lucas's sleeping form, making his skin and lips glow.

Kyle gulped, focusing on the task ahead. Watching Lucas sleep, he felt a mix of protectiveness and something more profound. He couldn't lose him, not to Hell or Heaven's schemes. As Lucas drifted back to sleep, Kyle delved into his dream. Lucas had dreamt of crossing the Styx river and the terrors of the primal chaotic forces in the Underworld.

"I wasn't sleeping, so he couldn't access my memories, could he?" Kyle asked himself, visibly shaken. He recognized it as a vision connected to Hell, not just a random nightmare. Lucas had unknowingly encountered one of the beings sent to find Kyle. He cast a spell to ensure Lucas would have pleasant dreams. Lucas let out a soft moan and whispered, "Kyle," making Kyle leave the room before doing something he would regret.

Walking through the apartment, Kyle felt the cool breeze from the open windows, contrasting with the day's warmth. The night air carried the city's scents—nearby gardens, faint cooking smells from late-night eateries, and the ever-present hint of urban life. The living room, bathed in the moon's soft light, felt serene and otherworldly. A forgotten tie, Lucas's, lay draped over the back of the couch, its vibrant color muted by the nighttime hues. Kyle took the tie; the cloth was soft and silky, and Lucas's cologne was impregnated on it, and now it had transferred into his fingers: earth and wood. Kyle had a small smile of approval on his face.

As he moved to the bedroom, the city's sounds softened, replaced by the apartment's quieter, more intimate noises. The soft creak of the wooden floorboards and the rustle of sheets created a cocoon of familiar sounds. The bed invited him to rest while thinking about the laughter from the neighbors, the sounds of the street, and the soft aroma of oak and vetiver, all reminders of the life he and Lucas were building together. It was a life worth fighting for, and Kyle was determined to do whatever it took to protect it.

Fueled by anger, regret, and affection for Lucas, Kyle went to rest. A sense of impending doom filled his mind, knowing that the battles he thought were over might resurface. His thoughts turned to Lucas and the fear of losing him in the fight, as many were lost in past battles.

##

Determined to uncover the truth, Kyle woke early and prepared breakfast for Lucas. While Lucas ate, Kyle visited the area he had mentioned. The bakery had an air of ominous grandeur, with ancient bricks and a wood-carved door. Through the window, Kyle examined the shelves displaying arcane artifacts and saw shadowy figures flitting in and out.

The demonic presence was unmistakable; Mr. Teufel, one of the deadliest agents of ABYSS, had come to collect him personally. Kyle thought, "I am so screwed," but then grinned. Lucas was inadvertently helping him again. Now, his chaser had a name and face; he could negotiate or fight back.

Kyle observed the patrons and odd behaviors around the bakery. He recognized most of the staff as vampires, but a gargoyle ran security. Entering wasn't a good idea, so he watched from afar. A familiar girl with olive skin and a regal presence entered the bakery. It was Jazmin, the princess of the local Djinn clan. "So the djinns are involved?" Kyle's mind flashed with memories of the war between the Djinns and the Heavens.

Kyle sighed. "I should visit Fatima and her son Ahmed in their spice shop."

He needed to know what was happening with the bakery's goods. He flirted with a customer who had just left and convinced her to give him a muffin at a nearby cafe. Kyle almost choked. The muffin was filled with the scent of chaotic creatures from the Underworld; the bakery sold products with hellish ingredients. This revelation sent chills down Kyle's spine. Their plan was similar to his. He wanted to counter Hell's influence using divine sparks diluted in elemental magic; they planned to use the diluted chaos essence contained in chaotic creatures of the Underworld to diminish Heaven's grasp on humanity.

The stakes were increasing; there was an alliance between vampires, jinns, and Hell. Kyle didn't know who was in on it, but he knew the forces of Hell were closing in. He needed to protect Lucas and himself.

After leaving the cafe, Kyle checked his phone and saw a message that he could return to his job at the supermarket to collect his paycheck. Realizing he couldn't risk being identified anymore, he quit after collecting his pay.

Kyle wanted a clean break with the manager, but he found a heartbreaking scene when he arrived. The old vampire manager was trying to have his way with Karla, who was shivering and not consenting. Kyle froze momentarily; if he acted, he might never be able to reach the executive board again and promote the team's products. Kyle reasoned that this vampire's misconduct was his responsibility, and he shouldn't partake in other people's problems.

However, Karla's desperate screams cut through his doubts. He couldn't stand by and let this happen. Summoning his strength, Kyle jumped forward, pulled the manager away from Karla, and threw him against the wall. The vampire's body crashed and lay still for a while.

Karla fled, frightened, while Kyle stood there until the manager began to react. Five minutes later, Kyle was jobless.

Kyle felt defeated, not because he had stood up for Karla but because he had lost control of his strength. He hadn't fought in a while and felt the pressure boil over.

When Kyle returned home, Lucas was already there with coffee and food. He encouraged Kyle to eat, showing his support.

Kyle's gaze met Lucas's, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thanks, buddy. I appreciate that."

Kyle felt an unexpected surge of energy and clarity as he ate the empanadas. The flavors were more than delicious; they unlocked something within him. Kyle began to chat, feeling more like his old self. It was a state of bliss similar to what he felt when finding the mushrooms. He felt at peace, happy, and content, in unison with Lucas and able to comprehend him deeply. It was as if a spark of divinity had crystallized in Lucas's prepared food.

"These empanadas are amazing, Lucas," Kyle said, beaming.

A plan started to form in his head. Maybe there was a reason why the two of them were paired—not just because Lucas was meant to be his love, but because Lucas was going to become his main ally. He could manage to put so much magic in his food, and he wasn't using unique ingredients. What if he could manage elemental magic as well? What if, instead of pursuing a business deal with the vampires, the solution was to work with Lucas?

"We should consider selling them to pay our bills," Kyle suggested.

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "A food stall? Isn't the paperwork complicated?"

Kyle grinned, leaning in. "I've got the business know-how and connections. Navigating the bureaucracy is a piece of cake."

The proposal was risky for other reasons: bureaucratic positions were full of Hell's agents, and using red tape traps quickly created frustration, anger, and pain in humans. Hell's agents would try to feed on them to gain accessible energy; he might get discovered if he wasn't careful.

Lucas hesitated. "And what about the money?"

Kyle made some numbers in his head; he had enough treasures to pull that stunt. They needed money for the rent, administration fees to get permits, ingredients, and marketing. He might need to call in favors, but it could be done.

"I'll handle the initial costs. You focus on cooking and creating new recipes," Kyle shrugged.

Lucas frowned. "What's in it for you?"

"Stopping the end of the world as we know it and spending a lot of time with you," Kyle thought, but his mouth said something different. Kyle's grin softened. "You. And your incredible cooking."

Despite his underlying feelings for Lucas, Kyle kept focused. "I'll handle the administration; you can focus on creating ten recipes with my chosen ingredients. I will use them in my research."

Kyle knew the ingredients he would source for Lucas wouldn't be ordinary. They would be specially chosen to protect against the influences of Hell and Heaven, granting immunity in the upcoming war. But Lucas didn't need to know that part just yet.

Lucas thought about it for a moment. "Is that all?"

Kyle shook his head, grinning. "No, I have some extra conditions. You can't quit until you finish your studies, and you shouldn't abandon your dreams just because life has been harsh recently."

Kyle saw the conflict in Lucas's eyes. He wanted to help Lucas realize his potential, both as a witch and as a person. This venture could be the key to both their futures.

Lucas's face lit up with a spark of his old charm. "We could set up shop near the university campus. I think people would love them."

Kyle's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Exactly! We'll be rolling in dough in no time."

As they laughed, Kyle felt a sense of hope he hadn't felt in ages. Lucas was more than just a friend or a crush; he was the ally Kyle needed all along. Together, they could create something powerful that might save the world.

The duo's first challenge was finding a name for their business venture. They tossed around ideas like "Don Lucas Crazy's Empanadas" and "Sabor Latino Empanadas" before finally settling on "Empanadas Haven."

"I want to make food that makes people feel happy and cozy. When they enjoy the crispy crust and reach the filling, the spices make them reminisce of family gatherings and happy places," Lucas stated, making Kyle smile, his chest full of pride.

With the name chosen, Kyle poured all his knowledge into developing the business concept. It evolved from a simple food cart into a small cafe where people could enjoy traditional and innovative empanada recipes worldwide. They scouted places with wide sidewalks in front, ideal for outdoor seating on sunny days, and huge windows to invite passersby to peek inside.

Animated by the prospect, Lucas found a place for rent near the hospital on Peral Street, a busy avenue behind the Faculty of Medicine. When Kyle inspected the location, he thought, "It is perfect." Students and hospital staff could come and go from their work after a busy day, grab something delicious fast, and return to their work; if patients' families were on a visit, they could fill their stomachs and return to the problematic situation ahead with a positive mindset and full stomachs.

They returned to the Arguelles neighborhood, hoping their business would succeed. Instead of returning directly to the apartment, they headed to the Brazilian cafe to discuss what they needed to do at the sound of bossa nova.

"Alright, let's start with the basics," Kyle said, spreading a list on the cafe table. "We need ingredients, equipment, everything."

"Don't forget about the permits," Lucas added, scanning the list. "Lilian mentioned that the other day."

Kyle scratched his head, "Yeah, after we get the contract for the place notarized, we need a copy of our police records and take some pictures of the store's entrance. At least that's what they asked when Lilian opened her shop."

"Then we had to go to Cibeles Plaza and face a place full of Hell's agents." Kyle thought but couldn't say it out loud. He had better keep Lucas enjoying a happy and peaceful life for as long as possible without revealing the supernatural elements in Kyle's life.

"Speaking of Lilian," Kyle continued, glancing towards the kitchen, "she's been a lifesaver. Her tips on running a business have been invaluable."

Lucas nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Yeah, she's amazing. She's even teaching me customer service and some accounting basics."

"I didn't expect her to go so far to help us. But you're a natural in the kitchen," Kyle said, a note of pride in his voice. "Watching you work with Lilian, she likes you and wants to help us succeed."

Lucas grinned. "I think she enjoys having a student. She keeps saying how much potential she sees in our idea."

Kyle chuckled. "Well, we're on the right track with her guidance and your talent."

Lucas glanced around and noticed that the afternoon customers had started to arrive. He gulped the remaining coffee in his cup and headed to the counter. "Well, it's time to train a little for today. See you later, buddy."

"See you later," said Kyle, his eyes fixated on Lucas's demeanor. His stride was brisk and energetic, and his shoulders relaxed. A smile played on Kyle's lips. Lucas was happy, and Kyle would do his best to protect the spark in his friend's eyes.

With Lucas and Lilian busy, Kyle visited Ahmed and Fatima in their spice shop near El Retiro Park to find tables, chairs, and pots. The store was close to Cibeles Palace, Madrid city hall, where they would have to make the paperwork to open their store soon. Kyle had thought about it, and it was best to try to figure out what was happening in the Djinn's clan since Jazmin, the Djinn princess and Ahmed's former girlfriend, was doing with Hell's agents.

The "Spice of the World" shop was painted in vibrant yellow and decorated with hand-painted glyphs. {the two djinns had been his close confidants since Kyle arrived in Madrid. Fatima's inquisitive nature, a common feature between the high priestesses of their clan, quickly discovered Kyle's true nature, and soon they became confidants.

Fatima's dark eyes never left Kyle's face as he recounted recent events. Her expression darkened when Kyle mentioned that Jazmin, the young Princess of the djinn clan, might be aiding Hell's agents.

"Did you say Princess Jazmin is involved? Does that mean the Djinn clan wants to start Armageddon? If so, we can't intervene openly," Fatima said, pacing around the room. Her flowing robes, embroidered with golden threads, swirled around her with each step.

Ahmed stood in the corner, his shoulders slumped, his head bowed, and his back slightly hunched. Kyle could see how losing Jazmin had affected the young man.

"We don't know if she is trying to do that, Mom," Ahmed intervened, ruffling his jet-black hair. His dark eyes were full of sorrow.

"You, stupid child," Fatima replied, her robes swirling. "She jerks your chain around, and you let her do as she pleases. Now that she is back with her family, she is doing their bidding."

Fatima shook her head. "I don't want to lose everything I fought for over ancient grudges. We can't support you openly but can help from the shadows."

She led Kyle to a shelf carved with ancient runes. "Your plan to harness divine magic from elementals to counter Hell's influence could work, but you'll need more ingredients and a strong magician. Is Lucas good, at least?"

Kyle nodded.

"Bring him here as soon as possible. We might get you more ingredients seasoned with elemental magic, especially fire and wind," Fatima pleaded.

Kyle's eyes furrowed. "What are you planning to do to him?"

Fatima smiled faintly, her eyes shimmering with golden fire. "Of course, I will test him."

Kyle's face darkened a little. Lucas's magic potential was on display while cooking; perhaps Fatima was right; they needed to understand Lucas better to enhance his skills. Their effort to thwart Hell's efforts required a strong user who could withstand the difficulties of managing divine magic.

###########

Kyle studied how his competition could affect their efforts to counter Hell's influence. Otherwise, their "Empanadas Haven" would never flourish. In their case, the most critical menace besides Mr. Teufel and his team of fallen angels tracing Kyle's footsteps was the chaos magic used in "Empanadas Mariana."

Despite the danger, Kyle scouted the area around Plaza Mayor, blending in by visiting nearby libraries and tourist shops in the narrow alleys. His list of employees and suppliers mainly included humans, but a young imp stood out, delivering "fresh" pickles and bacon reeking of Chaos monster scent. Kyle marveled at their infernal feat, suspecting a blend of technology and magic was at play.

He had already resolved to oppose the current regime, but his body shivered at their abominable achievements. "It's an abomination," he muttered. Memories of battling primordial chaos flashed through his mind. He had nearly died to ensure creation could unfold, and now, these fools were harnessing chaos for their gains.

"Why would you use something whose prime instinct is to destroy you?" he hissed. The new management board was idiotic, and he felt a pang of guilt for letting them in.

Kyle considered contacting his brother Uriel but feared Michael might decide to smash everything and everyone. He resolved to wait until he had more answers before lighting the beacons.

After several unnoticed visits to "Empanadas Mariana," Kyle noticed the graffiti on the old buildings. The divine word "hide" was cleverly embedded in the colorful symbols. Someone had used the ancient language taught by their father to angels, djinns, and the first humans.

It was careless of "Empanadas Mariana" to create such a sizeable magical perimeter. Protecting only their shop would have been more logical. Kyle deduced that one of the staff was a double agent, someone bold enough to take such risks. Only one person was that bold.

Kyle hoped that when the time came, they would be able to protect her.