Chapter 24

Naomi was about to be struck by the spear as it disappeared and returned to Zack. She saw the scene unfolding, and focused all her power on destroying the barrier. Zack failed to notice because of the two enemies in front of him.

What Namoi saw next caused her to freeze. She was expecting rebels, but she saw kids being moved to safety. There was even a pregnant human struggling to reach shelter with her husband, and seeing them Mark threw himself in front of his wife. Seeing this Namoi put down her weapon immediately.

"This isn't a rebel camp. It's just children and elves." Naomi stated as she flew down next to them.

"The law dictates we annihilate all associated with a Nehelpim! Now raise your weapon!" Uriel demanded

Naomi has had lots of doubts about their orders lately, and she always told Bartholomew it wasn't wise to speak out, but here she is preparing to do the same. The original purpose of them descending to the earth all those years ago was to protect humanity. They have been gradually getting away from that over the last two dark ages, and she knew it.

Zack kept his attacks ready but was waiting to see what happened. Normally he would be ruthless, but he could sense the life growing in Naomi. It was why he struck her thigh instead of somewhere fatal.

"I won't allow you to harm those children." Naomi raised her weapon at Uriel.

"What are you doing!" Bartholomew shouted.

Naomi looked over to respond when a blast launched for her head. Uriel wouldn't allow anyone to question his orders. Zack appeared in front of it knocking it away with his spear. The orbs shot from his hand taking Uriel's arm clean off while the other five surrounded him. Uriel knew the fight was over when seeing this. Uriel knew if he were to move a muscle they would surely annihilate him. Bartholomew ran up to hug Naomi before shooting a glare at Uriel.

"Why did you save her?" Bartholomew asked Zack.

"While rushing here I could sense your powers, and you were holding back. Then she stood up for my comrades, and it made one thing clear. You two aren't corrupt, and therefore can be reasoned with." Zack replied.

"All of you will die for this! You know the punishment of disobeying orders!" Uriel shouted.

"And what's the punishment for defying the treaty?"

Zack looked up to find the mysterious voice, and the other angels trembled when hearing it. Floating in the air are Lilith and Samuel. Samuel was one of the most feared fallen angels, only second to Lucifer himself.

"The law states creating a Nephilim is a crime, but says nothing about being one. The fact that he was born in demon territory and half-human gives him sanctuary under the treaty. This is your second offense of trespassing, and you've always been a dick." Samuel stated while a black beam formed in his hand.

"You piece of..."

A black beam pierced Uriel's chest as black blood began leaking from his eyes, and mouth. The veins in his body went pitch black as they swelled up. Uriel's body began rotting from the inside until the only thing left was a pile of black goo. Samuel's gaze then fixated on the final two. Zack stepped in front of them ready to stop him if needed.

"Calm down I have no intention to hurt these two. It's been a long time Naomi." Samuel said while slowly descending.

"Don't worry he's on a tight leash," Lilith said while flying down to see him.

Seeing Lilith safe he flew up to embrace her. While holding her Zack kissed her dearly. She wasn't gone for long but her absence was easily noticed. Samuel smiled at the sight before him, but the other two were speechless.

A demon and angel kissing in front of them was mindblowing to them. Samuel walked up to Bartholomew extending his hand out, but the two refused to shake it. Samuel sighed shaking his head in disappointment.

"When will you see the world isn't 'good' and 'evil'. Which one of us received orders to kill children again?" Samuel taunted.

The two couldn't deny Samuel's logic. Zack went inside to check on everyone. When Zack was landing Yu sprang up clinging to him in the air while kissing him repetitively till they reached the ground. Yu wanted to join him in battle but was persuaded to protect the children. After talking with Samuel, and realizing he wasn't there to fight the angels were starting to relax.

"You know we're having a child," Bartholomew announced.

"I'm happy for you two, but you know why that's bad. They will brand you as rebels," Samuel replied.

They knew Samuel's words were true. Ever since the first dark age, they've done selective breeding to rebuild their dwindling forces. Having a divine birth expends a lot of resources to ensure its success, and if something went wrong the result was always death for the mother.

With their numbers stealing diminishing due to constant conflict they couldn't risk this anymore. Only the most loyal and strongest angels were allowed to bear children. This way they could focus more resources to prevent the loss of life, and it also served as a way for the best lines to be passed on.

"We intended to prove our worth before they noticed, and plead our case. Fighting for the demons like you isn't an option. So tell me what else could we do?" Naomi asked.

"Why not die?" Samuel asked.

They both went on guard again until Samuel started laughing while clenching his stomach.

"Sorry I couldn't resist saying it like that. I forgot how uptight everyone is up there. I am serious though, dying is the only option. You two are deep in enemy territory, and it's not uncommon for them to cut their losses in this situation." Samuel suggested.

"They would surely investigate if no one returned," Bartholomew replied.

"Then you must return. Tell them these two fell in battle giving you the opening you needed to win. With your injuries, they wouldn't question it, and they would never expect you to leave Namoi's side. I know it would be difficult to leave, but what other way is there?" Samuel asked while placing his hand on Bartholomew's shoulder.

"There has to be another way!" Naomi couldn't bear the thought of being separated.

Bartholomew walked up to embrace Naomi and wiped the tears from her eyes before kissing her. Leaving her side was painful for him, but the alternative was death for them both.

"It's the only way, and it's just temporary. I'll find a way to return I promise."

Realizing it was truly the only option for survival Naomi agreed. Bartholomew left swiftly before his desire to stay came back. Now it was time to get permission for her sanctuary. As they went inside they saw Zack healing Athlan.

Athlan's wounds were healed but the damage to his meridians was severe. He would survive thanks to Zack's abilities, but he could no longer use magic. Naomi was expecting to be met with hostility, but Zack already explained the events. They knew Naomi committed treason to protect the kids, and it made it difficult to hold a grudge. Once everyone was okay Zack ventured into the core to repower the barrier.

'My body is sore, and even standing is rough. I'll need to rest for a few hours.'Zack looked down at his shaking hand.

Zack headed off to bed alone. They wanted to join him but knew he needed rest. Yu was gonna sneak in, but then Carla went into labor. So everyone rushed into action to gather supplies.

Ren managed to make it back after running straight home. She could see the lights from a distance and feared the worst. Coming through the gate to see everyone okay put her at ease, and when hearing what happened she went off to train.

While Zack was laying in bed he heard the door crack open. He was too tired to turn around to check and assumed it was Yu. He closed his eyes pretending to sleep wanting to spook her. The bed was rustling as he felt someone getting under the covers. He opened his eyes, and to his surprise it was Kaya.

"What are you doing?" He asked.

"You've already done so much for us, and now you saved my father." She replied while pressing her body against his.