Maybe all of us had always underestimated what a Fallen might sacrifice for the children they created. Time and time again, Jade had proven this to be a fact. He'd done so much since the beginning to protect Chris. Now, he'd made one of the ultimate sacrifices in it.
Judiel grunted as he pulled himself off of the cold marble floor, his gaze never diverting from the now wingless Fallen still standing in front of Chris.
"You..." he breathed, "you would tear off your own wings for this worthless child you created?!"
"There is nothing worthless here, say for you." Jade breathed.
"Jade!" Chris caught him as he fell to his knees, "What the hell did you just do?!"
His voice was cracking now, and tears were also in my eyes. How in the world could Jade had done such a thing? How could he be able to withstand such extreme pain?
Well, the answer was probably there all along. It was in the love a parent has for their child. Fallen or not, Jade did feel that much.
"Calm yourself. I will not die from this." Jade managed.
Judiel's chains were loosening around some of the others as all of this happening. Jade's attack had stunned him enough for that.
Yet there was still one problem persisting now. Micah was still fighting with Lucifer. Even with all that had happened, Lucifer wasn't letting up.
I forced myself to move and flew over to Elijah. Micah noticed me right away, holding Lucifer back with his sword.
"Take him to the altar!" he called.
I didn't hesitate as I grabbed my son. The altar was now about ten feet from us, and I was determined that we would make it.
As I began to move, Elena leaned forward, reaching out a hand to us.
"Elijah!" she called.
"Elena!" Elijah called back.
But right before we could get there, something wrapped around my leg. I turned myself as it pulled me down, landing on my back so that Elijah wouldn't be hurt. My wing cracked as I hit the floor and I bit my lip to keep from screaming in pain. Elijah let out a terrified cry against me.
It took me a few seconds to realize that there was a whip wrapped around my ankle. It was made of black flames and burned as it was pull away. The one holding it stepped in front of me.
"Looks like you're out of luck this time." Belial smiled.
I pushed myself up, not giving into the fear welling up inside of me.
"Get away from us!" I ordered. I managed to point the spear in my right hand at him while I kept a hold of Elijah.
"Do you really believe that you can defend against me holding that child? You're quite foolish little girl." Belial chided me as he held up the whip.
I screamed as it was wrapped around my hand holding the spear. I knew I had to make a choice. I couldn't let him get Elijah. There was no other choice.
"Go!" I urged my son as I let him go, "Run to the altar and Elena!"
Elijah didn't hesitate, which I was grateful for. He pulled away from me and took off running for the altar.
Elena moved to the edge of it, holding out a hand to him again, "Come on!" she called desperately.
Belial immediately looked up as this all unfolded, but I wasn't about to let him go after him. I moved my spear to wrap around the whip, using the leverage to flip it enough to wrap it around his arm.
"What do you think you're doing, you little wretch?!" he demanded angrily.
"I won't let you or any of those other monsters stop this! We've sacrificed enough!" I retorted.
Elijah was just about to the altar now, reaching for Elena's hand. His wings began to glow as he did, along with hers. It looked like their power was starting to awaken. I kept my hold on Belial, a relief starting within me. It was almost over. He was almost there with her.
But that relief was short lived as I realized that Lucifer had just hit Micah aside into one of the nearby walls. Without him there was nothing else to block him from getting to Elijah. Baal already had Malakai and the others distracted with his creatures, and Kinsley was still in no shape to fight.
Chris saw this too as he knelt with Jade and reacted within a split second. Elijah screamed as Lucifer came after him, and then Chris was suddenly between them, blocking Lucifer's sword from reaching him. Elena fell back too, crying out in fright.
Chris shoved Lucifer back with his sword, but Lucifer wasn't giving in. In a flash of shadows, he was back and pushing down harder on Chris's sword, actually cracking it. But Chris still refused to give in.
"Do you believe that you are a match for one like me? I am the Master of Hell!" Lucifer growled, pushing harder against the cracked sword.
"I don't care what you are! I won't let you kill my son!" Chris shot back.
Lucifer growled again, a black wave of power surging out from him. I had to duck as it flew over me, and Belial disappeared into the ground to avoid it. I saw the others either ducking or shielding themselves, considering everything that this wave hit was severely burned.
Chris stumbled back as it burned his left leg, falling against the altar. Elijah hurried over with him, and Elena also came over there.
Lucifer stood up straight again, taking in the sight of them. Chris pushed himself up, holding his broken sword in an effort to defend the two children. Even if he didn't know how he'd do it, he was still determined to try.
I tried to move to get to them, but my wing and leg would allow me. They were way too painful and I could barely move now.
"No..." I whispered.
But just as Lucifer lunged towards them, a dark shape suddenly darted between them and him, and Lucifer's hand ran straight through another body. My eyes widened and I felt like I couldn't breath as I realized that it was Saffron who'd taken this blow for them.
He stood there in front of them, remaining motionless as Lucifer's hand was run through the middle of his chest. Lucifer appeared just as stunned by this.
"You... as well..." he managed.
Saffron managed a painful smile, "Did you not think... that we would turn... when we found this?" he asked him. He looked over his shoulder at the frightened children near him, "It's time. Both of you, awaken and open the gates."
Lucifer pulled his hand out of Saffron, and Elijah and Elena watched as he fell. Both managed to stand and move to the middle of the altar, though it was easy to tell that they were shaking and frightened. Through the haze of my tears, I saw that they began changing as they did. The feathers of their wings began glowing brightly in many brilliant colors, and their eyes took on an ethereal glow as their fear subsided.
As this happened, the top of the dome high above the altar started changing. The moonlight that had been coming through it brightened with all the colors of what must have been the Heavens, and they shined down onto the altar and all that surrounded it.
My wounds instantly disappeared as the light came over me. I pushed myself up and flew over with Chris and Saffron, who were also staring in wonder at the children in the middle of the lit up altar.
"What is this?" Chris whispered.
Now both of the children's eyes had started changing. Instead of being blue and violet, they radiated many colors in their irises. Their expressions were no longer of frightened children, but of two solemn beings who knew their place high above all others.
Saffron took in a shaky breath as he laid back in my arms, "This is the true power of the Seraphita. Their souls are fully awakened." he breathed.
The bright light that was spreading across the dome seemed to rain down on Elijah and Elena, making the ethereal glow of their wings even brighter. Judiel tried to pull himself to his feet again, but Jade had managed to keep him bound with his shadows. Even with this Heavenly light, Jade's shadows were holding strong. I didn't miss the look of fear on Judiel's face either. He had to have known that this could be the end. Elijah had made it there along with Elena.
My gaze around at the others stopped as I saw Will. He was kneeling near us, staring at this scene with wide eyes too. I wondered what he was feeling right now. This was about to be it. Depending on how this played out, he would either be taking Elena back with him or letting her go completely.
The light finally centered in the middle of the altar right behind Elijah and Elena. Lucifer took the offensive as it swirled there. His eyes glowed bright red and a guttural growl came from deep within his throat.
But before anything else could happen, something flashed out of the portal of light right behind the children. It was a brilliant flash of sky blue, and moved at an impossible speed, hitting Lucifer hard in the chest and sending him flying back to the ground.
The light stood over him as he landed, a figure now appearing in its place; a handsome man with long blonde hair and brilliant sky blue eyes. Six large blue wings came from his back and he wore golden armor. His blazing blue sword was pointed directly at Lucifer's throat.
"St. Michael..." I heard Micah say as he stood up.
"It seems that the call was made just in time, although it took much sacrifice to awaken what needed to be. What say you adversary?" St. Michael said as he looked down at Lucifer. His voice was commanding yet also beautiful.
Lucifer glared at him, "I took my bid to defeat them before the awakening, but the hold off was too long with the betrayal of those under me." he acknowledged.
"So it would seem," St. Michael agreed. He remained where he was, continuing to point his sword at Lucifer's neck.
"You would smite me now? It's taken you thousands of years to come to such a point." Lucifer huffed.
St. Michael shook his head, "No, it is not the time to do so, as you are well aware. For this time, I will command thee to be gone, as well as the two who follow you. We will fight once more when the time comes."
With that, he flew back to the altar near Elijah and Elena. Both were now standing on the floor again, though their wings and eyes remained the same in their many brilliant colors.
Lucifer flew back up, his wings whipping loudly through the air as he stood tall again. He nodded at Baal and Belial, who were standing back and growling at the white light and powerful angel who had come out of it.
"Come. We shall take our leave of this wretched place."
There were no arguments. All three instantly vanished into a swirl of black smoke, with only the smell of sulfur lingering in the air.
Our attention was drawn back to the open portal that remained at the altar. Many figures had begun coming out of it now. Hundreds of angels filled the room, all remaining as pure energy forms; spheres of light that were all different colors with wings coming from their sides. We could feel the warm energy enveloping us as they appeared. It no longer felt hostile to be around angels. It felt loving and safe.
Saffron was watching quietly as they emerged. I looked down at him, seeing the wound on his chest attempting to close. Tears welled in my eyes again. I wasn't stupid about this. I knew that such a wound could've easily killed him. Even a Fallen's body could only take so much, especially from their leader.
It dawned on me also that we weren't alone. Jade had managed to come over with us, and was now beside Chris, who was helping him to sit up. Though he still looked like he was in extreme pain, he was watching the portal of light closely. I wondered how long it had been since either of them had seen anything like this. Could they have even missed it?
By now, others were also emerging from this portal. They were those who were higher than the many angels who filled the church. I could barely believe my eyes as I realized that I was seeing Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and many of the saints.
But the most incredible sight, and the one that commanded the attention of the entire church, was of four brilliant angels coming forth from the light and holding what looked to be an ornate golden throne. Floating above the seat of this throne was a brilliant bright flame of all possible colors. The power that emanated from it was tremendous, commanding all of us to be still.
An eternity seemed to pass as the angels holding the throne stood in their place at the center of the altar. Elijah and Elena, along with St. Michael turned and bowed to it. The blazing bright flame seemed to approve of their action. A deep, commanding voice issued forth from it.
"It would seem that you both have made your choices. Arise."
Elijah and Elena stood up straight as St. Michael stepped to the side. It was Elijah who spoke first, his voice no longer his own but that of the Seraphita who had come to me in my dream.
"I have. This is the life I have chosen along with this form, and with such, I am asking Your permission to end what has been done for so long now." he requested.
"I am the same in all ways." Elena added.
"Ah, I see." the Flame said.
St. Michael nodded, looking at the rest of us, "For all of this, we will first call forth the chosen three to us now; and also, you will join them as well Judiel." he ordered.
There was no argument from any of the four angels who had been called forth. Within seconds, they were all bowing in front of the throne. Thankfully it looked like all were also healed. Perhaps their healing had been accelerated by the powers around us.
Yet I couldn't stop feeling like it was slightly unfair as I looked at Saffron and Jade. They weren't healing quickly at all. Yet both were still watching all of this with hazy eyes from where we'd been moved back by the other angels.
The Flame studied them as the four angels bowed, "So, it has come down to this." He finally said, "Tell me Kinsley, were you the one so desperate to save these children that you would even endanger the lives of your own?"
"With all respects my Lord, I had no intentions of this going so far, but yes, I have felt that desperation to end the senseless violence against the original Nephilim. That is what has driven myself and my others to this place in hopes of meeting You face to face again, oh great I Am." Kinsley answered.
All of us drew in sharp breaths as we heard this.
"That's..." Chris whispered.
"Yes." Jade whispered back, taking a sharp breath for his pain, "You are looking at the Creator Himself. It seems that He has heard the call and taken it upon Himself to be here this time. It is little wonder there is such a massive audience."
Will immediately stood up, "You mean to say You've finally decided to take a look at us and listen?!" he demanded.
"Abass..." Zane started, grabbing his arm.
Will refused to back down, "Don't try to stop me!" he ordered, pulling away. He kept his attention on the throne, "We've lived in fear for thousands of years! We're been hunted and used by our own fathers and by those angels under You! If You see all, then why didn't You help us when we came here before seeking refuge?!"
The church became very quiet. I halfway expected there to be some kind of swift retribution towards Will for his harsh words, but I Am remained very calm.
"You have strong feelings, especially with your recent loss, so I will allow you to be heard. However, I would ask you to refrain from anymore until we settle what must be done. Would you agree?" He responded.
Will was still for a moment, then relented, "Alright. If You're hearing us out, then I'll back off."
I Am returned His attentions to the others, "It also seems that there have been many issues created in what has not been brought to light." He continued.
"If I may, what you've seen from that one is classic of an original Nephilim. They have always had a tendency to become wild beasts when it suits them. Therefore, it has always been good reason to be rid of them." Judiel offered.
Will looked like he wanted to argue, but bit his tongue. He probably didn't want to provoke anymore when he'd already been able to state things before without retribution.
Saffron slowly sat up a little more, "If I may, I believe that there is more to look at with choices on this matter." he breathed.
Jade slowly stood too, "Indeed so. I am certain that you see there is much more to the story with these children then what this hypocrite is telling you, not to mention these Seraphita report directly to you." he added.
Their words instantly captured the attention of all in the room. Chris stood up to make sure that Jade didn't fall. Neither of us had ever seen him look so unsteady on his feet, but one could reason that there had never been a time where Jade had been without wings. He didn't protest either when Chris put an arm under his shoulders to keep him steady either.
The great I Am watched them closely before speaking, "It seems that two of the Fallen have made some great sacrifices here. I will say that such a thing is often unexpected when it comes to ones such as you."
"Yes, we are well aware of that, however, You of all know that all Fallen are not the same. There are many degrees of madness in the darkness of the Abyss." Jade reminded Him.
"Very true. Tell me, what say you about what is to be done here? You both have given much, even before this moment, in order to protect these children and this one extraordinary child. You even aimed to find this other, though you were also aware that she would be unharmed for what she is." I Am continued.
Saffron took in another deep breath before speaking, "There is only one thing that I will say I wish for, and that is to keep life for my child. She has done nothing to deserve the fate that this one angel would so selfishly hand to her. If there is any one being to be blamed for the darkness that runs through her veins, it is me. I do not deny what I am, and I do not deny that I am beyond being brought back to the Light. However, I will not see them killed by those who would claim to be self-righteous."
Judiel immediately stood up, angry at his words, "You will call one such as me self-righteous with all that you have done?!" he retorted.
"If the shoe fits." Saffron responded, smirking at him.
Jade pulled away from Chris and stood in front of us before Judiel could move towards us. He seemed stronger and steadier now.
Judiel glared at him, pulling out his flaming sword, "Remove yourself, lest I strike you down with him." he warned.
"Do not underestimate me for my injuries. I am more than capable of handling the likes of you, and I will not let you touch one who is so connected to me and came so close to death for protecting what is important." Jade shot back.
"Jade!" Chris called. He was debating what to do now. We didn't want to have anything jeopardize any of this, but at the same time, none of us wanted to see Jade go to his death.
Saffron sat up straighter, "Saffron!" I said in disbelief.
"I will not be counted out just yet." he said, forcing himself up. I held onto his arm as he clutched the wound in his chest. It had halfway closed, but still looked raw and painful, "We all know that it is not as simple as merely asking for the favor of a redemption from those Seraphita. For that, I will offer my own sacrifice. I will offer my remaining strength to one Shadow Wing so that he may prove himself against Your righteous angel here. If he can win, then perhaps You will believe what is right in front of You."
I Am considered his words as He floated there with the Seraphita. The three Seraphs stood up, though they weren't agreeing.
"There is no need for such a sacrifice here. All of the evidence has been brought forth, and the words of the Seraphita should be enough." Kinsley reasoned.
"I think not." Judiel disagreed. He fanned out his large golden wings, proving that he was very serious now.
Jade growled, holding out a hand beside him as the pitch-black shadows swirled around his feet and ankles. His anger was giving him strength now.
But before either could move, St. Michael spoke up, "If there must be such a determination, then it shall be. Only the truly righteous one will triumph in such a fight, so the Fallen's words will be considered."
"But..." Kinsley started.
"The decision has been made. Now, let the Shadow Wing who will prove this step forward and face the challenge." I Am commanded.
Will and Zane joined us and looked forward at Judiel.
"I don't know about this Chris. We've all had to face angels before, but none of us have ever truly been able to stand up to the likes of him." Zane stated quietly.
"No, but there is a good chance I could take him this time. I may have caught him by surprise when Elijah was born, but I feel like I stand a decent chance now." Will told them.
"You really sure about that? You might be playing into a game here." Chris warned him.
Will glanced at the altar, his eyes on Elena, "Listen, I need to do this. You know who I am, and you all know the stigma they've attached to the ones like me. That angel's also destroyed the family I've wanted for decades now. If that doesn't give me a reason to fight back, then nothing will."
He was right. Will was Lucifer's son, and probably the most detested of us just because of that. Not only that, but Judiel had murdered the girl he loved and stolen their child, even if she was a Seraphita in soul. If any of them had a right to challenge him, it was Will.
"He's right. He's probably the one they want most to fight him." I told them.
Chris and Zane relented, although both were reluctant in doing so.
"Fine. But watch yourself with this. Don't let them trick you." Chris reminded him.
Saffron chuckled beside me, "You've got quite a grudge after everything, don't you Abass?" he teased.
"Call it what you want. I don't give a damn. I told you that this angel's mine." Will responded. He knelt down to me, "Do me a favor Ariana and make sure this fool doesn't interfere. I'll handle this."
"I am nowhere near out of the game yet, but I'll give you my word not to interfere either. Only if you happen to lose, in which case, you'd better be dead." Saffron threatened.
"Fine with me." Will agreed, standing up straight again.
But as he stepped forward, Jade suddenly held out an arm in front of him.
"No. I won't allow this." he said.
"Step aside Fallen One. The choice has been made, and it is the proper one." St. Michael ordered.
"I will not." Jade argued, "Perhaps this means nothing to any of you on this other side, but I refuse to see my own killed if this one fails, as you may anticipate him to do."
"This is no such thing to us. You of all know that there are always trials on the path to redemption. So, step aside and let this be finished." St. Michael commanded.
Will gave him a stern look, "Let me handle it Jade. I'm not going to lose." he quietly told him.
"I refuse. I will not see them use this as an excuse to cause certain death." Jade responded.
"And if I don't do this then it will be. We all know the score here, and I'm doing what I have to." Will reasoned.
"Are you truly that concerned about the Darkest One's son against me? How unexpected of you Jade. It's like you have no trust at all in the power handed to this boy, or do you realize that he'll always be the darkest inside and no match for the light?" Judial egged him, remaining where he stood with a smug look on his face.
"I will not stand by while you attempt to dash all hopes here, and especially not for the threat of my own's life." Jade retorted.
The angels around the great I Am watched all of this with what seemed like curiosity. I noticed that several other angels had also gathered near St. Michael in a more human-like form too. I was sure that these were the other Arch Angels. One of them was Azrael, the angel that we had seen back in the woods when Judiel had attacked us. So he'd shown up too. I wondered if he'd alerted them about us coming like Kinsley and the others had suspected.
One of these angels, a tall man with brown hair and brilliant brown eyes nodded towards St. Michael, "It seems that none of this shall be cut and dry as we'd hoped. Shall we reconsider our decision here?" he inquired.
St. Michael shook his head, "No. The decision stands and there is no speaking against it. So, we will say it one more time. Step aside, Fallen One." he answered, looking squarely at Jade.
Jade didn't back down, "And my answer still stands. No."
Saffron watched this scene unfold, his expression neutral. He probably knew that nothing was going to change Jade's mind.
"Very well," St. Michael responded, "You have left us no choice."
He raised his hand towards him. At his command, three angels suddenly surrounded Jade, lassoing him with what looked like beams of white light. The lights wrapped around his arms and waist, just belong where he'd lost his wings. Jade yelled out as they pulled him back from all of us.
"Hey!" Chris yelled as he turned to where he'd been pulled.
"Do not be concerned over him." I Am told him. All of us looked back at Him as He spoke, "There is no harm to be done here. This action is merely a precaution to keep him out of this fight. I have no desire to see his death nor this one's. However, I do wish to see you prove how serious you are about what you wish to accomplish here, Abass. For that, I will have you face one another in this match. There will be no death, only determination that one can no longer fight. That decision shall be left to Gabriel."
The brown eyed angel beside St. Michael nodded as he stepped forward, "Very well. Let the two come forward." he ordered.
Both Will and Judiel agreed, walking to the middle area where Gabriel was standing. Both stood about two feet from each side of him. I remained close to Saffron and watched. Chris stepped beside me, crossing his arms and he and Zane watched too.
"Do you think he stands a chance now?" Zane whispered.
"He'd better." Chris whispered back, "If not, then we're all probably dead."