The larger animal tended to the smaller one. We admired them in awe. They were indeed beautiful and delicate creatures.
"Where the hell did you run off to?" Sabastian hissed at the sight of Angel.
I hadn't realized she was not with us. With all that went down, she had to be in hiding to not be caught in that fire the animal blasted on us.
She waltzed towards us like the angel she was. "You guys were handling it. I didn't have to get involved."
No, we were almost crushed. If it wasn't for the powers of the big animal, we would have been killed. That fire trick saved us for sure.
The bandit's gaze remained on the animals. "What are these beasts called? They seem different from the others."
A pure aura circled them. We were filled with comfort and calm when they were near. It was a huge difference from the fear the other beasts exuded.
Angel turned to the two animals. "They are called Alzar, the Guardian of Heaven's Gate. Most deities call them The Supreme God's Pets. This is because they can only be controlled by The Supreme God. The other Gods treat them well, regardless."
I had never heard of such a creature before. Although most of my knowledge was acquired from Mother's memories and thoughts. She knew everything. Except for this animal. I was aware that heaven was guarded. I always thought it was by angels, not animals.
"I don't get it," the bandit butted in. "It appeared as if Lord Sabastian was controlling it awhile ago."
True. They were in sync with each other. It was somewhat beautiful yet scary.
The alpha tittered and scratched the back of his head. "That's not what happened. We just had the same goal. She was upset and wanted them dead. I just wanted them dead."
Strange. It looked different from below.
My gaze went back to the animals. "How did you know what she wanted?"
"She told me," Sabastian deadpanned. "After which, she literally said, 'I'm going to kill you all' before she went all destruction on everything. It was beautiful. I've never seen so much destruction."
None of us answered. We could decipher the satisfaction in the latter section of his tone. If it was not for the smaller animal, we would be torched with the other creatures. It was nowhere fun for us.
"Damnit," Sabastian cursed. "It looks like I'm the only one who heard it. She was so loud."
No, none of us heard a thing.
"You heard him because you have unlocked your deity powers," Angel educated him. "There were traces of it in you because of your bloodline. But, now your deity power has surpassed all of the other powers running through your veins. The Alzar sensed your power. She detected that you were a deity and spoke with you."
This would explain why the alpha appeared as a God before.
Sabastian rubbed his chin. "The topic we should be focusing on is why this creature is in this forest. If it guards heaven's gate, why isn't it there?"
The deity world was a long way from this realm. It would have passed through several different realms before it got this one. Naturally, a guardian never left their post unless it was necessary.
Angel tapped a finger against her temple. "This is the first time one has ever been seen anywhere other than the deity realm. The Supreme God created these Guardians after he cast out Lucifer and the fallens. They are the Supreme God's most powerful creation. An adult Alzar's power level is higher than a God's. This is why they can't be controlled by any other than their creator. They are the most loyal creatures in the multiverse. They never disobey or derail from what their creator wants or desires. The need to protect their master and what he values trumps everything else."
Amazing. No wonder the creature could destroy all the beasts with its fire. Still, this new detail made everything even more confusing. If it never derailed from what its creator wanted, it had to mean the Supreme Gif sent them here.
"Can't you ask her why she's here?" I asked Sabastian.
He did not get a chance to answer. The older creature groaned and collapsed. The baby alzar made a weeping sound.
The alpha's gold eyes shone as bright as before. His eyes peered into the Alzar's radiant soft blue irises and gold scleras.
"She was bitten several times by the two-headed snake," Sabastian's voice was rich and thunderous. "The snake was poisonous. Its bites are starting to take effect."
Poisoned. She ended that fight a while back. She was indeed a masterpiece to have shown so much strength. She should have died already.
"Can't we save it?" I quizzed Angel.
"We were not given any instructions on how to tend to such an animal," Angel answered. "She is far too powerful. The medication I have wouldn't be able to help her."
That meant she was going to die. Her poor baby would have to live without a mother.
I staggered over to the critters. They didn't mind my intrusion. I crouched and scratched its head. Her labored breathing cocooned us. This was heartbreaking.
It must have sucked to leave her realm only to be killed in another. Its baby would be left behind.
"I'll take care of him for you," I promised without even thinking.
The animal lifted its wing and embraced me. A glow blinded me. I had to squeeze my eyes closed against the obtrusive light. When I opened them, the forest was gone. We were surrounded by walls. An elevated platform with several steps stood before me. On the platform was a throne.
A woman with long blue hair and the same color wing as the Alzar stood beside the throne. Sabastian relaxed on the first step. A boy with the same hair color as the woman perched two steps down.
"Scarlet Jones, daughter of Nathan Jones and Deanna Campbell," the woman's voice boomed in the walls. "The perfect match."
Sabastian's sighed. "Is this necessary? Look at her, she's helpless."
The woman ignored him and cruised down to me. Her hips danced with every move. She rested her palm on my cheek. The warmth that followed made me want to lean into it.
"So much pain," she breathed out. "You have so much more to face. You promised to take care of my son. He will protect you along with your God. I'll grant you my powers as payment, so you may be able to protect them as they will you."
This woman was the alzar. Wasn't she an animal? I was confused.
My gaze strayed to the alpha. He was busy observing his fingernails. The little boy's eyes watered. One by one the tears trickled down his cheeks. He was going to be all alone without his mother. I, more than anyone else, knew what it meant to be alone. I wouldn't mind looking out for him as Caroline and Miranna had done for me.
I stared at the woman. "I will protect them."
She smiled. "I know you will. You just try to be careful too."
I would be a fool not to be cautious. My entire life was snatched from me because of my carelessness. A recurrence warranted death.
The woman opened her wings and embraced me. My skin burned and energy poured into my pores. Sirens broke off in my ears. My vision went blurry. The power surfed in my veins. Things remained that way for a lifetime. Or so it seemed.
When it ceased, the forest appeared, and the Alzar dispersed in tiny shiny drops in the air. The smaller Alzar rubbed his head in my hand.
I crouched behind its ear. "It's okay. I'll protect you now."
Sabastian rested his hands on his waist. "We should go find that camp spot. It's getting dark."
The leaves on the trees were almost red. Most of the orange color was gone.
'You can stay where Mom and I were staying.' A young male's voice boomed in my head.
My gaze shot to the little alzar. It talked.
Sabastian turned. "You heard the kid. He's taking us to his mother's hideout. Is it far?"
The bandit looked at the alpha with confusion. He couldn't hear the animal.
'No, it's two trees down,' he responded.
"Hmm," the alpha waved his hand. "Lead the way."
The animal followed the instructions and led us on the journey.
"What's happening?" I asked Sabastian. "I can hear him."
"Yeah, his mother did give you her powers," Sabastian commented.
She said she was going to. I felt the energy but now it was gone.
"Ah," Angel whirred, "so that's what happened. How interesting. They can give their powers to others."
This was not something others should find out. I didn't even feel any different.
"I don't feel like I got anything," I murmured.
"The powers are there but she placed a lock on it," Sabastian clarified. "It won't be unlocked until…"
He reframed from completing the rest of his sentence. I looked at him, wondering why. He never shared the answer to that either.