"Do you need some alone time?" Vicente asked Zack.
"Can we?" Yu requested while kissing Zack.
The others watching began snickering seeing the two on the ground. Andrea watching from above seemed irritated when seeing Amy just lingering on the tree above. Amy seemed happy to see Zack too, but just politely waived.
'Seems we need to send someone else. We can't afford to fall behind right now.' Andrea flew next to Amy.
"Why don't you greet him?" Andrea asked.
"I did," Amy replied with a confused look.
'Definitely need to switch.' Andrea sighed.
Walking into the clearing was Bella, and Lin watching their savior cuddled with a man upon the floor. Seeing them watching Yu jumped up walking over to greet them with a smile. The two young papillons poked their head out around their sister.
"Is everyone okay?" Yu asked Bella.
"Thanks to you two we are," Bella replied smiling at Lin.
Lin saw all the soldiers dressed in the same armor and saw them administering supplies to the people they rescued. When fighting the slavers they were ruthless but now there were no traces of hostility. Seeing Zack's wings as he stood up the papillons were captivated by the light illuminating from him.
"I heard you ran ahead," Zack said while wrapping his arm around Yu.
"Where do you think she gets that habit from?" Lilith teased.
"Do you need a place to stay?" Yu asked with a smile.
Bella looked at her sisters then at Lin waiting for her input. Lin knew the slavers would come looking again, and next time they might not be so lucky.
"Where are we going?" Lin asked.
"It's called Eden," Savannah replied while walking up to Zack.
"I fought to you know. Doesn't that deserve some kind of praise?" Savannah teased while wrapping her arms around Zack.
"It does, but the kind your wishing for can't be done with so much armor," Zack whispered while kissing her neck.
"We are starting the relief groups, and recruitment if you wanna get started upstairs," Vicente told Zack.
"Don't forget to leave extra supplies for those that stay, and if they have troubles to head for Long territory," Zack replied as he floated up.
"Can I come?" Yu asked.
Zack motioned Yu to jump, and she sprang up to bounce off the tree. She went flying through the air towards Zack and wrapped around him. Zack supported her by the thighs as they flew up towards the city.
They came up to a clearing in the canopy. There were so many trees fighting for the territory it allowed them to use their branches for a foundation. They cleared excess shrubbery, and harvested the large branches they cleared to fasten houses. Zack looked around fascinated by the way their city was entwined through the canopy.
'We should try this at home. I know Ericka would love it.'
Yu jumped down from Zack introducing herself to the people. Zack started his work on the array while talking to an elder about help against invaders. Once the array was setup they agreed to let anyone they recruited use it to transport to the others.
Hearing it could be used as an escape route they decided to keep it intact. As Zack was making a temporary elevator to the city one of the warriors walked up. His name is Kabul, and he was one of the warriors standing against the slavers.
"They came here looking for us, and will likely come again. If the chief approves it could my wife, and I migrate with the others?" Kabul requested.
"I don't mind. We will be moving out in about an hour, but if you can't convince them by then the array will still be open." Zack replied.
Kabul bowed respectively as he ran off to get permission. Leaving his home wasn't something he wanted to do, but Kabul has a newborn on the way. Having to worry about a siege during birth was too nerve-wracking, and it's why he decided to leave.
While Zack was in the village the others were recruited through the forest. Those who wanted to stay in the jungle were given instructions on where to seek sanctuary during attacks. Not everyone could make it to the Long territory after all, and they wanted extra contingencies in place. With the news spreading around they were returning to the village with a few residents in tow.
Walking beside Mero was a small group of mucus toads, and leading them was a woman named Maya. They resembled a human but have smooth green skin, and webbed fingers. Their skin shined from the coat of slime-covered their body. Maya had short green hair in a bob cut, orange eyes, and a few orbs of moisture around her waist. Seeing all the males around Maya's tongue was slowly extending preparing to grab a nearby human.
"We have a proper way of doing that, and there's no need to rush. In Eden, there are plenty of mates to go around." Mero smiled.
"What's the proper way then?" Maya investigated as the others gathered around listening carefully.
While Mero was describing the rules Amy arrived with a group of harpies. The harpies had bright-colored wings with red, yellow, and blue patterns. They were a little bigger in stature than Andrea's group, but they all had friendly smiles. Living in the jungle for them wasn't a bad life, but hearing about the mating process in Eden they agreed instantly.
With a large group arriving at the gateway, the defense force returned home while Zack shifted back to the slaver camp. Upon his return, most of the captives already left. They wanted to get home with news as soon as possible. Having such a powerful force willing to defend the little villages was something their leaders needed to know about. Glancing around Zack noticed all his companions present besides Octavia.
"Did Octavia head back already?" Zack asked Madison.
"She's off setting up the array for the deathstalkers," Madison replied.
"How did the lamia respond?" Zack investigated while looking around.
"They aren't sure about the moving, but they would like to join our alliance," Kaya stated.
"It's just for mating more than likely," Lilith replied.
"Seem's everyone is curious enough to make a visit at least," Cassandra said.
"That human group wants to come with us, and given their defenses, it would be cruel to deny them," Kaya said while glancing at them huddled together talking.
"When have I ever denied someone?" Zack replied.
"Now that the fighting is over where's my reward?" Madison asked while wrapping her arms around Zack.
"You have to wait for dinner. For now, let's get everyone home." Zack replied.
They slowly moved everyone through the portal as Zack collected the array, and disappeared. After they disappeared a man in grey robes slowly materialized walking over to examine the array. He removed his hood revealing a pale complexion and piercing grey eyes.
Sensing another presence nearby his eyes began to gleam with a bright white light. As the man radiated a divine glow two grey wings slowly began to unfurl and with them a dazzling light that caught the attention of everyone in the grasslands. The man was now clad in grey armor with a large serrated scythe in his hands.
"Calm down Azrael."
Azrael noticed Chamuel slowly manifesting, and he rapidly hid his wings. Chamuel had shaggy brown hair and hazel eyes. Seeing a surprised look on the uptight Azrael was hard for him to not snicker at.
'No surprise he would abandon his post.'Azrael looked at Chamuel with an irritated look.
"You were thinking of interfering again weren't you?" Azrael scolded.
The playful smirk left Chamuel's face as a solemn one took its place. His original mission was to ensure peace on the earth and soothe the souls of those going through pain. True peace hasn't existed since the days of Adam in the garden, and with the current state of the world performing his other duties was difficult.
"How do you do it?" Chamuel asked in a serious tone.
"I don't have time for your games right now. Just say what your gonna say, or leave." Azrael retorted.
"You can feel the death of every mortal so how do you stand by, and do nothing?" Chamuel asked.
"I have many duties, but ensuring their lives isn't one of them," Azrael replied.
"Try to hide it all you want, but I know it's painful for you," Chamuel stated.
"Should we tell Michael?" Azrael asked in an attempt to change the subject.
"Not yet. Michael has plenty to worry about as it is." Chamuel replied.
'I'm glad someone stepped in.'Chamuel smiled.