I've heard it said before that the road to salvation often comes with great sacrifice.
Even before this day, I wasn't sure that I really understood the meaning behind that. Religion was foreign to me growing up, considering my so-called birthright and what the woman I called my mother truly was. Perhaps it was only natural that one born like myself and the others that came to find me would be turned away from the working of the great I Am.
However, when it comes to salvation and redemption, it seemed that our fate worked the same as all the others who exist.
Will and Judiel stood about seven feet from one another as the Arch Angel Gabriel brought up a barrier about ten feet around them. Seeing this was painfully familiar to me, my mind flashing back to when this angel had ambushed us right after I'd met Chris and the others. He had almost been killed along with Will, and although I knew that we were all much stronger now, a part of me still didn't know for sure if we were up to the task of taking on this angel.
But there was also no choice left here. What they'd just done in holding back Jade had made that painfully clear.
"It seems that they've forced hands now. How fitting that they'd want to see a show of power from the last remaining son of Lucifer." Saffron quietly commented.
"Do you think this is more to see what Will can do?" I wondered.
"Trust me, I know how this goes. Power is an important thing in any race, especially when it comes to the Nephilim. It doesn't matter which side they're born to. If they are able to exist, then they will want their powers monitored. What better way to prove that they're worthy of existence at all then if one can beat the angel that's been so hell bent on destroying them for what's claimed to be selfish gains?" Saffron explained.
I saw him clutch his chest, his hand still covered in dark blood, "Are you gonna be okay?" I asked.
"I believe so, but perhaps this was more of a deadly sacrifice then I intended. However, for this time, I will survive. Besides, I would not wish to miss this match up or the chance to see Abass clip this bastard's wings." Saffron responded, the cruel smile returning to his face.
I frowned, "Don't smile like that with all of this. It's bad enough that Will's fighting for his life and hasn't even been able to hold his daughter yet."
"There's no need to worry so much about that. This fight is merely a formality for the Great One to see what the Dark Nephilim have accomplished, and I have little doubt that soon enough the chance will come for Will to embrace his child. Besides, this may even open some doors for you and Jade as well." Micah noted as he came over and knelt down in front of Saffron.
"You assume we would take such an opportunity?" Saffron inquired.
"I could not speak for you, but for now, I can help you some more with that wound. It would not be wise for you to remain like this if you feel a need to protect Ariana and the others." Micah responded.
Saffron looked suspicious, but relented, "Very well. I will allow such help from the likes of you one time, but only on the pretense that I do not know what will come of this."
"Very well." Micah agreed. He sat down beside him and placed his hands over the wound in Saffron's chest. As he did, he glanced at the scene before us. I watched too as I stood up with the others.
All of the other Nephilim had joined us by then, although their Seraphs, say for Micah, remained on the other side near the angels and the Creator. They were watching closely as well, and I had no doubt that they'd move into action if they felt that their clans were threatened.
Gabriel stepped back, signaling to the two. Will and Judiel both immediately drew their swords. My breath caught as Judiel flew up into the air, a blast of wind coming from his mighty wings at Will.
Will braced himself against it, jumping back as Judiel flew down at him. Judiel's sword went through the marble floor, the crashing sound echoing through the room. Will quickly countered him, transforming his sword into a glowing whip and bringing it down on him, but Judiel was faster and easily avoided it.
"Incredible. It's like they're evenly matched." Carlton commented from beside me.
"Perhaps so, but one will outdo the other soon enough." Carroll added.
The sword were clashing again between the two fighting. Will had to react quickly in changing his weapon back, considering that Judiel had surprised him. Thankfully he'd been just in time to stop him from burying it into his left shoulder. As they stood there pushing against each other, we could hear Judiel speak.
"You truly believe that you are a match for me? I've run you through before, and this time I will put you in your grave!"
Will glared at him as he pushed him away, "I won't let you keep doing this! You've destroyed our lives for centuries and you murdered my friends! You even murdered Chloe just to get her away from our daughter so that she'd speak against us! I'm gonna be the one to make you pay for your own sins!" he retorted.
My heart beat harder as I heard this, and without thinking, I clasped my hands together and closed my eyes.
"Please, don't let your anger control you." I pleaded in my head.
But as I did this, I realized that I heard another voice calling. I kept my eyes closed, trying to focus on it. It sounded like a woman's voice.
"Tell him to focus. Don't let him get angry like this. He can beat him. I know he can."
A warm feeling came over me as I heard this, and my mind instantly registered that it was Chloe. But how was that possible? Wasn't she dead?
I opened my eyes as someone laid a hand on my shoulder, turning my head to see Saffron standing there. He was strong enough to do so now.
"That's it darling. You can use her to help in this. They're going to allow it." he whispered.
"What's going on?" I whispered back. I'd never had anything like this happen before. Well, kind of with Lennox, but that situation was very different and I'd known him.
"It's your gift, and it's more powerful than any may realize. However, it's not something you understand how to completely tap into yet, so I'm going to guide you so that you can let Chloe help him. Her spirit will give his enough willpower to be victorious." Saffron explained.
Who was I to refuse him if this would help us? Besides, it was obvious that St. Michael and the others were still in control of what was allowed in this. They must've known that this was happening too, but they weren't stopping it.
"Fine. Then tell me what to do." I nodded.
"Close your eyes." Saffron instructed. I did as he told me and he continued, "Now, listen. Do you hear her? When you do, you will see her."
I focused on that, and realized that I could hear Chloe calling clearer now. Her glowing image appeared in front of me, her long honey colored hair flowing around her. Her green eyes were pleading as she regarded me.
"Now," Saffron continued, "envision where we are and focus on all you feel around you, then allow her to enter it."
I did as he told me, feeling a warmth within me as Chloe's spirit flowed through me. As I opened my eyes, I could envision her flying forward, easily slipping through the barrier that had been set up.
Will seemed to tense up as her spirit wrapped her arms around his shoulders, whispering something in his ear. I couldn't hear what it was, but it seemed to bring a new strength out of him. The next thing we knew, he was easily pushing Judiel's sword away in one swift motion.
It was like the tables had turned completely in that moment. Now it was Judiel's turn to defend. In fact, it was all he could do.
But as Will knocked him to the ground and held a sword to his throat, he stopped and remained still.
"It would feel right to kill you now." he breathed. He glanced over his shoulder as Chloe's ethereal form remained hugging him, "After everything you've done to us, everything you've done to those who've tried to care for us. Did you really think that I'd forget about all those times you destroyed lives just for this vendetta against us?"
Judiel stared back at him defiantly, "You refuse to take a rightful revenge then?" he responded evenly.
Will took in a deep breath, remaining as he stood and reaching up to touch Chloe's face one more time before she disappeared, "Revenge won't change anything. It's never going to bring any of them back, including her. Maybe their lives didn't mean anything to anyone else here, but they meant something to me and all of the other Shadow Wings. Cutting you down here won't change that, so I'll be satisfied with saying that this fight is over and victory is mine."
He then looked towards Gabriel and St. Michael, who had remained in their places as they watched. Gabriel nodded, turning to face I Am.
"He is indeed correct from my viewpoint. Is it agreed that this match is called?" he asked politely.
"It is." I Am agreed, "The victor is the Nephilim."
Will raised his sword and stepped back, allowing Judiel to sit up. As he did, I realized that more attention had been focused on me by the angels around us.
"My, my. It appears that there was a rather incredible determining factor in this as well. Please, step forward child." St. Michael requested.
I tensed up as he said that. Now I wasn't feeling so good about things. Yes, I was glad that I'd been able to allow Chloe's spirit to help Will, but it looked like I may have landed myself in trouble with it.
Saffron smiled, "It seems that you've caught their interest, but I certainly have no intentions of you walking up there alone."
I managed a small nod, slowly walking with him to the altar. The angels had also released Jade now, and he stood by Chris's side, though they weren't allowed to approach with us. No one was. The angels had surrounded where we were, blocking all around us with spears of light that were laced together It was obvious that no one was happy about it, but they weren't in any position to argue.
I stared in wonder at the luminous fire that floated up there before us. I'd never seen so many brilliant colors all blended together like that. They moved and swirled in a dazzling array as the great I Am regarded us.
He finally spoke, "It appears that you have created a very powerful child, even for a Fallen."
Saffron's smile remained, "I'd like to think so, but then, those around You tend to underestimate the ones like myself and Jade. It's a habit that they really should try to break." he responded.
"You are as coy as we recall you being. It seems that your centuries within the Abyss have not tamed any of that. Perhaps they have even made it worse." St. Michael noted.
"I'd like to think so, and Jade may vouch for such. After all, we shall always be connected, as I am sure that you and all here are well aware." Saffron gloated, glancing back at Jade.
"If I may, Elena and I have been speaking, and we'd like to make a request." Elijah suddenly spoke up.
"You may." I Am agreed.
"I would like my father and Jade to be up here too. It does not feel right to make them stand away while my mother and Saffron are isolated." Elijah requested.
"I'd like my father here also. I wish to see him closer. I haven't been able to until this night." Elena added.
"Very well, then they may approach. There is one more matter that should be discussed before my decision is made." I Am agreed.
The angels removed their staffs at his command, allowing Chris, Jade and Will to enter and walk over with us. Jade was limping slightly as he did, his back still giving him a lot of pain, though he tried to stand straighter as he faced them.
Chris stood beside me, holding my hand and squeezing it tightly while Will stood near us. Even though he had a neutral expression, his eyes belied his anxiety and longing as he looked up at Elena. We all knew that this was it. This was what we'd been waiting centuries for.
The church was silent for a long moment. Judiel stood near us with Azrael, but I noticed that he wasn't free to be on his own. Azrael was holding his hands behind him, and they were apparently bound. I wondered if they'd noticed something very off about him during that fight. Maybe Lucifer had been telling the truth.
Elijah was the one to break the silence, "I'd like to begin with saying that upon my view, the Shadow Wings are more than worthy of life, as are the clan Nephilim that were also created. They are far from perfect, but they are also not evil, despite what their fathers are."
"As you have been stating." I Am acknowledged. He regarded Elena, "You were born as the counter here, so your opinion must be taken into account as well, which I have already done with both. However, I would like you to state what you have told me as well."
"Of course." Elena obliged him, "Yes, it is true that when Elijah took up his stand for the Nephilim that I was tasked with being the one who could speak against them. However, I also have a freedom of choice in how I view everything, which means that I could lean either way. Despite what has happened since my rebirth into this world, I cannot say that I have ever seen anything to say that any Nephilim is inherently evil. Therefore, I completely agree with Elijah. I side with them, and they are worthy of life."
We all felt some relief hearing her say that. They were both on our side. This gave us hope that things were getting ready to end.
"Yes, I take both of your words into account and respect them. Also, I have a curiosity in this as well with you Elijah. You have chosen these two Dark Ones in particular in all of this. I'd like to know what fondness you carry for them." I Am continued.
"A fondness you say? That's an interesting term for a Seraphita to use, but then, this entire ordeal has been interesting from the start, wouldn't you agree Jade?" Saffron commented as he looked at him.
"I cannot argue it. The last involvement we'd ever considered were Seraphita allowing themselves to be born as Nephilim." Jade agreed.
Elijah nodded, his expression neutral as he regarded them, "I am aware of that. In fact, my move was one that even my others did not foresee, including my twin star here. I cannot say that she was comfortable about it first either."
"I was not, though I confess that I already did have an interest in those I chose as my parents, and now I do feel that this is to be more of a blessing then I originally understood." Elena acknowledged.
"Why us though?" Chris asked them, "Why subject yourselves to our lives? You couldn't have come to us like you have just because you wanted to step in. You both had enough power to do that without ever appearing."
"I can't say I get it either. You both had to know what might happen, especially you Elena." Will added.
"We did, but isn't the answer to our actions obvious?" Elijah responded.
The obvious answer. Well, there was one for me.
"It's what Jade sensed before. You both did this because you wanted to know what it was like." I guessed.
Chris and Will looked at me, "What it's like?" Chris repeated, not following me.
"Yeah," I confirmed, "As the Seraphita, they were watching us for a long time before they did this, and I think they both ended up choosing this life because they wanted to be one of us. They wanted to see what it was like on the other side and to feel love."
The room was very quiet as I said this. Chris's expression softened as he understood and agreed.
"Yeah, it seems that way to me too."
Will's reaction was a little more intense. He slowly sat on his knees, his head down.
"You knew, didn't you? You knew for years that I wanted a family with Chloe. That's why you chose me and her along with Ariana and Chris." he said softly.
Elena smiled, "Yes, you're very right. You both were always good at heart from everything I'd ever known, so I was sure you'd be the right parents for me. It's never mattered which Fallen created you. Your heart has always been good." she assured him.
Elijah reflected her smile, "She's correct. Although you four had been born with dark blood, you are not evil because of it. It's the choices that are made in one's life that determines who they truly are. That is a lesson that many in the Heavens have forgotten for a very long time now, and one that we wished to point out to all here on this night."
Quiet conversation erupted from the angels among themselves. Judiel pulled against Azrael angrily.
"You both speak nonsense! Those who fall will more than likely never seek redemption, and their darkness flows within the souls of those they create! These children have been created as weapons against us for ages!" he countered.
"That most certainly has not been the intention with the majority, and especially never mine." Jade responded curtly.
"You have shown very strong opinions and feelings here Jade. That is easily seen in your actions and words tonight. The sacrifice of one's wings is also nothing to take lightly." I Am pointed out.
"No, it is not." Jade agreed, "But I have no regrets in anything that I've done concerning this boy or any of the others like him. I am certain that You of all know my reasons for creating Christoff and some of my recent actions in the last hundred years. I also saw no reason to allow the destruction of this girl or those others simply because their existence was deemed unacceptable by some, though I will admit to some flairs of temper regarding certain instances."
He glanced at Will as he said that last part. It was obvious that the first face off we'd had with Judiel was still fresh in Jade's mind, and probably would remain for the rest of eternity.
"His words are all true. You have seen it from me as well, though circumstances tended to be a bit different." Saffron added.
"It would appear so. However, I will make you admit to such a difference if you wish for me to consider it." I Am informed him.
Saffron shrugged, smiling as he looked down, "It seems that many would like to know the truth of that matter, but I suppose it doesn't make much of a different now. Perhaps it was only a matter of time before such a thing happened anyway with such a devious plan. So, I will confess this much; I may have fallen slightly for that one incarnation."
This was probably the closest Saffron would ever come to admitting that he'd loved my mother out loud, but I'd take it. It explained so much about his care for me too. Not only was I the creation he'd wanted, but my mother had broken through some of that blackened heart.
Jade scoffed as he heard that, "You'd finally admit to it out loud. You're such a fool."
"Takes one to know one." Saffron responded without hesitation.
Thankfully that exchange ended as I Am spoke again, "It seems that much has not been what it was taken for, and it took drastic measures from two of My Seraphita to bring it all to attention. Despite all of this, I have also taken my time to look over the past and present of all existing Nephilim so that I may take all factors into consideration once I make my final decision."
Will stood up again, "You've been checking up on things anyway. You were probably reviewing it all during that fight along with these Seraphita." he noted.
"I have." I Am acknowledged. He turned his focus to Elijah and Elena, "Tell me, both of you, what would be your choice in this matter? Will you both remain as this or do you wish to return to your former existences?"
Elijah nodded, closing his eyes with a pleasant smile, "It isn't a hard choice for me to make. I do not wish to return to what I was. I will remain as I am with no memory of my previous existence once I revert back to being their child. Under the guidance of my parents and friends, I would like to find my power to help the worlds more. But for now, I simply wish to experience what it is like to grow and change as a child, and live in peace with the ones I've come to dearly love." he responded.
"And you?" I Am continued as He glanced at Elena.
"Again, I am the same as my twin star. Although my mother can no longer be among the living, I wish to remain as I am and with my father and his friends. I also want to aid Elijah as we grow in helping the worlds. It's only fitting for me to do so, wouldn't You agree?"
I Am appeared to nod, "And both of you are fine with such an existence, no matter what choice I make here?"
"No matter what your choice is, we will stand by it. We will remain with those that we love and who love us, no matter what we once were." both answered in unison.
"Very well." I Am agreed, "Then you both shall have your wish, and will recall no more of this existence until you shed your semi-immortal skins."
Both closed their eyes and floated into the air in front of us. A radiant golden light surrounded them, lasting only a few seconds before they floated down to us. As Chris and I caught Elijah and held him, he looked back at us with clear blue eyes.
"Mommy! Daddy!" he chimed as he hugged us. He was again the Elijah that we'd always known. The Seraphita he'd once been was completely dormant within him.
The same kind of scene was playing out beside us. Elena happily landed in Will's arms, hugging him tightly. Will returned that hug just as fiercely.
"I've been waiting so long to hold you like this." I heard him whisper. He sounded like he was on the verge of tears.
"You really missed me?" Elena asked as he pulled back a little to look at him.
"All the time. I've been looking for you since the day you were born, and I've finally found you." Will told her, giving her a gentle kiss on her forehead before hugging her again, "I love you so much."
"I love you too Daddy." Elena whispered back as she rested against his shoulder and closed her eyes.
This moment was cut a little shorter by I Am speaking again, "The decision has been made, and it is stated here now, so listen well, all of you." He commanded.
All came to attention now. Elijah looked back in my arms as Chris held us, and Elena remained curled up in Will's, keeping her eyes closed. Jade and Saffron remained where they were, their expressions solemn, although their eyes belied their uneasiness.
"For thousands of years," I Am started, "the choice has been made to keep the Nephilim race from walking the mortal world. They have been hunted down under the assumption that they were of evil intent due to incidents that had occurred with but a few of them; but with all that has been gathered here now, such evil intentions are no longer the case. For that, I decree now that the hunts shall be ended. However, I will also have all know and understand that every Nephilim, whether born to Fallen or into one of the appointed families, will always fall under the rules that have been set for those who are not mortal. If those rules are broken, the one who does so will be subject to elimination."
An incredible light filled the entire church as He spoke. It enveloped everything and everyone, surrounding all in comfort and warmth. I believe we all knew in that moment that we were free. It was all finally over.
I could hear the sounds of emotion echoing through the world from the remaining Shadow Wings and even the clan Nephilim that had not been able to be there. The feeling of relief and happiness was overwhelming. Our whole world had changed in this instant, and there was no more fear.
The angels released their guard on the Nephilim as the light faded. Zane was immediately with us, feeling as emotional as we did.
"It's finally over. We're finally free." he was saying, as he tried to hold back tears.
"We don't have to be labeled as monsters anymore." Will breathed, hugging Elena again, "It's finally done."
"Can we go home now?" Elijah asked us.
"Not yet, but we will soon." Chris promised him.
"We'll go home too?" Elena asked Will as she shifted to look at him again.
"Yeah, very soon." Will nodded.
I couldn't resist moving closer to see her now. She was so pretty. I could definitely see what Zane had been saying before too. Although she favored Will in a lot of her looks, her face reminded me of Chloe's.
"We're so glad you're finally with us too Elena. We also waited a long time to meet you." I told her.
"Hope you're ready for this. There's no more free roaming now." Chris informed Will.
"I did say I wanted to settle down some if this ever happened." Will responded curtly.
We were interrupted by the sound of St. Michael speaking, "The decision has been made for the Nephilim. However, there is also the issue standing of the two Fallen before us that must be settled."
We all stopped, looking towards where Jade and Saffron still stood. Both were regarding I Am quietly, as He was with them.
"Yes," He finally said, "what of the two of you? It seems that you have gone to much trouble to do what you have. Perhaps you were looking for more with this as well."
"Could be, if we were to be offered." Saffron agreed.
"Tell me then, is it redemption that you two are seeking?" I Am asked them.
"That would not completely be the case here. I rather enjoy being as I am, whether others like it or not. It is simply not in my nature to completely change. However, I do wish for my mind to be cleared so that I may remain out of the Abyss and close to my daughter and her family." Saffron answered.
Jade agreed, "The clearing of our minds would be of benefit here when it comes to these newly freed Nephilim. I am sure that You are aware that they will no longer have any kind of guidance or discipline from the Dark Ones who once took roles in their lives, so I believe that it would be better for us to step in and take up such a challenge."
"Jade..." Chris started.
"I have told you many times now that I do not deny what I am Chris. Though I am able to give that small bit of compassion left within me to you and yours, I am still a Fallen One, and that shall never be changed for me or this one beside me. Neither of us wish to seek any true redemption for ourselves here because it simply would not work for us. So instead, we can opt for this much to ensure that none of you mess up such a gift." Jade explained to him.
I Am seemed amused as He listened to this, "I see. I will not deny either of you that truth if it is what you wish. However, your sacrifices in all of this are not overlooked either, so I will allow your request. But first, allow me to restore what you have lost."
Jade nodded, actually giving a sincere smile, "And I will give a sincere thank you, which is quite difficult for me. After all, I cannot see myself resigning to a life without wings."
"Life without wings when you've always had them is rather difficult. I've often pondered how in the world some of those Grigori do it, or Cass for that matter, considering what has happened within the last five years." Saffron added, looking at Jade smugly.
"Do not bring up his name. My score is not yet settled with him. This is merely the more important issue as of this time." Jade warned him.
So he really hadn't given up on Mari yet. No wonder she had that pendant. I just hoped it didn't complicate things in the future.
Chris's eyes narrowed in disgust, "Come on Jade. I thought all of that was over and done with." he complained.
"It will not be discussed here." Jade ordered, effectively ending the conversation before it could begin.
I Am seemed to agree with that, moving on and focusing on them.
"Very well. Then this decision is also made. Jade and Saffron, from this moment forward your minds shall be cleansed to where you will be able to maintain the Shadow Wing Nephilim as their leaders. It will fall to the two of you to ensure that they follow all that they are supposed to and maintain an alliance with the three clans. I will not redeem you as per your wish. You will remain as Fallen, but you will also be allowed to remain on the mortal plane under such conditions as stated to you. If you fail in your duties and cause destruction, then you will be stripped of your titles and sent back into the Abyss. Do you agree with my terms?"
Both agreed, "We do."
"Then step forward."
Jade and Saffron stepped forward as He ordered, kneeling in front of His throne. The other saints gathered around them, along with several of the Arch Angels.
Elijah looked up at me, "Mama, what are they gonna do to them?" he whispered.
"They're going to make sure that they can stay with us, and heal them where they got hurt." I whispered back.
"Don't know how comfortable I am about bowing to those two, but it's not like we've got much of a choice." Will spoke up, letting Elena down and holding her hand.
"They helped Elijah, so they must be a little nice." Elena offered.
"I don't know if we'd call them that, but they have been on our side for the most part." Zane acknowledged. He glanced at Chris, "That said, do you believe they're truly serious about this, or are they pulling another trick in their favor?"
"Nah, it wouldn't be in their interest to do that. Besides, they'd be caught out easy if they tried." Chris assured him.
"They said they'd cast them back to the Abyss too if they did anything like that, so it wouldn't make sense for them to do things like that." Kira added as she held onto Zane's arm.
"Yeah, you're probably right." I agreed, "I just hope they can do this."
Jade and Saffron were facing the Creator now, looking more peaceful than we'd ever remembered seeing them before. It was like they were where they'd wanted to be all along.
I Am rose up a little higher into the air, "You both have approached with a willfulness for change, and it shall be granted. Your minds shall be cleared of the twisting darkness that attempts to consume them, and you will be allowed to live freely with your own under the condition of watching over and leading their kind." He announced.
Both of them were then surrounded by an emerald-colored light. New black wings sprouted from Jade's back, but they were not bat-like as they had been before the Seraphita made their presence known. Instead, both Jade and Saffron now kept their black feathered wings.
Jade let out a long sigh of relief and flexed his new wings as the light faded, "Now this is much better." he breathed.
"Indeed so. I do not think that my mind as felt this clear in eons." Saffron agreed, a sincere smile crossing his face.
"Good. Then that means you'll be able to do what you've promised." Will stated as he picked up Elena and stepped over to them.
"Are you truly that concerned with the choice that we have made in this?" Saffron responded, "Or are you already becoming overprotective?"
"You already know the answer to that second part, but back to the main issue, I have to be. Without the Fallen being able to step in, the Shadow Wings are left wide open and with nowhere to turn if they need extra help. No matter how terrible some of the Fallen were, we'd always had them to go to before. Although I don't doubt that these three Seraphs with the clans would offer us aid and guidance, I'll also admit that I feel better knowing that you two have always kept involvement with us. You're both the best choice, even if we don't always have to like you." Will lamented.
Chris, Zane and I also agreed.
"No matter what you two are, you've always been there to handle things. This is the best way to help us integrate completely now." Chris acknowledged.
"This cleansing will last for as long as both keep their duties to those under them. If either of you mislead your own, then your minds will corrupt completely and you will be sent back to the Abyss for eternity. Do not take my gift lightly." I Am warned.
St Michael nodded, stepping forward and speaking again, "The decisions stand and the rules have been set. The Nephilim will continue to exist from this point on, and the hunts have been disbanded for the rest of time." he announced.
But just as he said this, something dark suddenly flew towards us. Will jumped back with Elena as Chris moved in front of us, hitting it away with his sword. It was a dark, flaming arrow that was now buried in the floor near us.
I looked in the direction it had come from, shocked as I realized that Judiel had broken free and was flying high in the air. He looked very different now. His hair had turned black and the feathers of his wings were falling off, leaving the trademark bat-like wings of the Fallen. I knew it. Lucifer had been right. He wasn't holy anymore and had been hiding it.
He'd finally revealed himself as completely fallen.
"So, this is what it has come to. It's about time you showed your true nature." Saffron huffed, forming a bow and taking aim.
Jade appeared in front of us, keeping us shielded with black flames, "You've finally let go of that mask. How fitting in this moment." he added.
"Only one who has black blood would sense it as easily as you two have. Those here miss the most important details anymore. No wonder we've been able to corrupt those in all levels of the Heavens so easily." Judiel scoffed.
A black tattoo crept up his left cheek much like what I'd seen with Jade and Saffron. That must've been the mark that Lucifer had referred to.
No one had much of a chance to process this before someone else stepped in. A flash of blue suddenly flew up, hitting Judiel hard and knocking him to the ground. A blue whip was wrapped around him as he hit the ground, and Malakai was holding the other end of it.
"This is quite enough. It's time to end such terrors." he ordered.
Saffron lowered his bow, "It looks like you've regained everything you once had, though I must say that your level is quite impressive now, even for a Sapphire."
"Very much so, but then, would any less be accepted as a clan leader? We know that Kinsley was quite astute when it came to the choices." Jade added, smiling at Kinsley, who stood near where Malakai had landed.
"I knew very well that one such as Malakai was well suited for our Sapphire leader. He did serve directly under St. Michael in the Heavens." Kinsley reminded them. He glared at Judiel, "Enough of the dirty tactics. You know as well as all that we can cleanse the ranks as needed, and such is being done now."
Judiel managed to sit up, though he couldn't break free from Malakai's whip. He glared at us with glowing yellow eyes.
"You won't stop me! Even if they cast me down to the Abyss, I will make certain to get back at you and your precious Nephilim!" he hissed.
"You may try, but they will always be able to defend themselves against the likes of you. As of now, this fight is over. We have won this war." Malakai responded.
St. Michael stepped over to him, taking the whip, "This one has completely turned just as we had suspected, so it is time for the cast out. We will handle the details of that in our own way." he told him.
Malakai bowed politely to him, "Yes, of course."
St. Michael gave him a friendly smile, "You've done very well too Malakai. We appreciate everything you and your others have accomplished."
"You have our sincere gratitude for such kind words." Malakai nodded, returning his smile.
Saffron and Jade turned back to us, "Well, since all of that is now out of the way, I believe that we should take our leave." Saffron suggested.
"You may." Gabriel spoke up as he stepped over with us, "But we would also like to request that you stay a bit longer. If you would, please join us for the remaining Mass tonight. We believe that it would fitting for you and these Nephilim now that things are settled."
"Can we?" Elijah asked.
Elena looked around us, "It's so pretty here now. Can we stay just a little longer?" she begged.
"It would be a favorable move, especially when you're still building up favor in your new positions." Micah reminded Saffron and Jade.
They looked at each other, "Well, I can't see where it could cause any harm. We're clear enough to where it wouldn't affect us." Saffron noted.
"Perhaps not, although I'm not particularly thrilled for it. However, if it makes transitions easier, then I'll relent." Jade nodded.
Yuki smiled at Peyton, "Looks like we'll get to live after all. I guess that means we can plan that honeymoon now." he joked.
"I told you we could." Peyton teased back.
Kira hugged Zane again, "It's finally over. Now you all can live in peace."
"Yes. It's a dream come true." Zane agreed, hugging her back.
Will let Elena down again, where she turned to Elijah. The two faced each other for a moment, then he smiled at her.
"You're gonna stay my friend, right?"
Elena nodded, "I want to." she agreed. She looked up at Will, "Is it okay to stay around Elijah?"
Will nodded, patting her head, "Of course it is. I'll let you visit with him as much as you like." he promised.
"So will we." I agreed, kneeling with Elijah, "Welcome home Elena."
"Yeah, from all of us." Chris added.
No, we didn't know exactly what the future was going to hold, but in that moment, it felt like there was more hope in it than any of us had ever known in our lives. We were finally accepted in the worlds.
We were finally free to be what we were.