12

Part II: Redemption

I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sin like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.

-Isaiah 44:22

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The next four years of our lives passed in what felt like the blink of an eye.

When I look back on those years now, I can say that they were both the happiest and most fearful of our lives. In that time, we remained hidden with Elijah, making sure that his presence wasn't detected by others outside of our circle of Nephilim. While we hoped to also learn where the other like him was, nothing could be found. It appeared that this child was being as well hidden as Elijah, although they also were more than likely going to be used against us since Judiel had them.

Despite that, Will was determined not to give up. He refused to believe that this other incredible child would be against us, and swore that one day, he was going to find them and raise them. I prayed that he was right. Not only did I want all of this to end, I also wanted for Will to be able to have his child. It was obvious that he loved them, and he'd do anything to find and protect them.

With all of this though, Chris and I had our own concerns when it came to our son. We knew that Elijah had tremendous power stored within his tiny body, and we were determined to make sure that he stayed protected, even if we weren't sure of how we'd do it. However, we ended up with help from a kind of unlikely place, even if it probably shouldn't have been that surprising to us.

Within hours of Elijah's birth, Saffron and Jade had begun making their own moves in an effort to help protect him. Although both of them were still a little apprehensive about Elijah and his powerful soul, they refused to see him hurt or killed by those who were against us. For that, they came up with a way to keep his power repressed, which was quickly agreed to by the three Seraphs who had been aiding us.

They created a stone just for him.

This wasn't truly a Heretic Stone either. Since the two of them were more than halfway purified, they created what the Seraphs referred to as a Limiter. It was very beautiful, shining with a mix of sapphire and emerald from deep within it and hanging from a silver chain. As soon as it was placed around Elijah's neck, his power was instantly concealed. That was when Saffron had also warned us never to remove it.

"If this stone is removed at the wrong time and his power is sensed, then the worst will more than likely come for him." he'd informed us.

We knew better than to not heed that warning, and Elijah always wore that stone. Even as he grew, Chris and I made sure that he never took it off. Thankfully, he seemed to understand this from an early age, and rarely even touched it. This was a relief for us. At least this way, we were able to live a semi-normal life, although we knew that the day would eventually come where we'd have to face whatever our fates would be.

I was thinking about that as I washed some dishes in the kitchen that evening. It was hard to believe that it had already been four years since that frightening day Elijah was born, and even though we'd remained well hidden, the angels and demons were still hunting.

The war for redemption was well under way by now. Neither side wanted to see us make it through this. That much was obvious. The angels siding with Judiel against the Nephilim wanted them all dead, and the demons on the other side wanted the Nephilim to remain in the darkness with them. It was a lethal tug of war that had already cost quite a few lives within the ranks of the Shadow Wings who were left.

This whole thing was wearing on all of us, especially Will. Not only was he still trying to look for his child, he also was well aware of the others being killed because of who he had been born as. There had been quite a few times during these years when we'd had to help console him. All of this was leaving him feeling almost helpless.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I felt a tug on my shirt, and looked down to see pretty blue eyes staring up at me.

"Mama, what are you looking at?" Elijah asked me.

I smiled, kneeling down to him, "It's nothing sweetheart. I was just thinking about something. Is anything wrong?"

Elijah shook his head, "No. I was looking for you. Is Daddy home yet?" he asked.

"Not yet, but he will be soon." I answered.

"Okay. I hope it's soon. I miss him." Elijah responded, smiling back at me.

When it came to intelligence, Elijah certainly seemed far ahead of where he should've been as a four year old. He was very articulate most of the time, and caught onto many things easily, even from the time he was a toddler. While we all knew that he wasn't a normal kid by any means, it still amazed us.

He was also as beautiful as he was smart. Although his blue eyes were much like mine and Saffron's, he looked so much like Chris as a child that it was almost eerie. He had the same hair, the same features, even the same build. I'd joked several times to Chris that I'd barely had anything to do with creating him other then his eyes and giving birth to him. Chris had laughed at that too, though he joked back that it wasn't his fault. Elijah was his son.

Adding to all of this was the fact that Elijah had developed his wings at about two years old, although they hadn't come through like the rest of ours had. He'd just suddenly brought them out of his back one evening when I was giving him a bath. He'd done it so effortlessly that it was like they'd always been there. The wings also had feathers that reflected almost every color imaginable, which had immediately reminded me of the illuminous being I'd first met in my dreams.

However, there was something else that happened at that moment that shocked all of us.

His ears had also turned into a set of wings.

This alarmed me and Chris when we saw it, and we'd immediately called on the Seraphs to come see it. Micah was the closest, so he'd been able to come right away. Of course, as soon as he saw this, he knew exactly what it was. According to him, it was because Elijah was the living incarnation of one of the Seraphita. The stories that they'd always heard about their manifestation claimed that they had two brilliant sets of wings; one on their back, and the other for their ears.

While his wings were beautiful, all of us knew to err on the side of caution with them too. For that reason, Chris and I requested to Elijah that he didn't bring them out anymore. It was safer for him, and aside from that, he'd need to keep them hidden most of the time anyway for what we were. Elijah just smiled and happily agreed, and hadn't done it since.

Elijah perked up as he stood in front of me, "Oh, I wanted to show you something Mama." he insisted.

"What is it?" I inquired, standing up straight again.

"You'll really like it! Come on!" Elijah chimed.

He grabbed my hand and led me out of the kitchen to the sliding glass door in the dining room, which he opened easily. I did feel apprehensive whenever he went outside like this, but it also didn't feel fair to make him always stay in. We had to allow him at least a bit of freedom here, not to mention that Jade and Saffron were always around, making sure to watch over him.

Elijah led me out to the garden near the fence around the backyard, where he sat down on his knees and motioned to the area in front of him.

"Come on Mama, sit!" he insisted.

"Alright then." I nodded as I sat with him. I didn't see anything that looked out of the ordinary there, "What did you want to show me?"

Elijah flashed me a happy smile, "Watch this."

He held a hand about an inch over the ground between us and closed his eyes. I stared as the ground under that hand began to split open, and a large green plant sprouted up. Elijah raised his hand with it as the plant grew higher. Large buds formed on top of it, then opened as five brilliant white lilies.

Elijah opened his eyes and admired his creation, "Do you like it?" he asked me.

"It's beautiful, but I don't remember us having any flowers around here like this." I responded as I took a quick glanced around us just to double check myself.

"No, there's no flowers like this here. I made them." Elijah informed me.

"You made them?" I verified.

Elijah nodded, "Yes. I made a lot of them. Look."

I realized now that there were many of these lilies around the fence and in corners of the yard. They were all just as beautiful as the one he'd made in front of me, and every one of them were white.

"You did... all of this today?" I asked softly.

"Yes. Me and Elena like making them for the others." Elijah answered.

"The others?"

"The ones who died."

A pain went through my heart as he said that. I was certain that he was referring to the other Shadow Wings who had died since he was born. But how in the world had he been so aware of that? I was sure that no one had told him anything about it. We'd always been careful with that stuff, considering his young age. Maybe it was the mind reading ability that had come from Lennox. We'd always suspected that he had that too, and had done our best to block ourselves just in case.

But as I processed that, another thing hit me. He'd said another name that I didn't recognize.

"Elijah, who's Elena?" I asked cautiously.

I was worried that something was managing to get to him. No matter how hard we tried, there was always that possibility.

But his answer wasn't what I was expecting.

"You know Mama; Elena. Will's her daddy, and she's like me."

Before I could say anything about that, Saffron appeared beside me. He'd apparently been listening in.

"He's rather incredible isn't he?" he commented.

Elijah sprung up, his face lighting up, "Saffron! You're back!" he chimed.

His reaction reminded me of when I was a child and he would come see me. Back then, I'd had no idea of what he truly was or even that he was my father. Like Elijah, I'd just innocently loved him.

"I promised you that I would. You have a terrible habit of not believing me." Saffron teased as he picked him up.

"That's because Daddy says I shouldn't believe you or Jade when you promise stuff." Elijah responded.

It took me a lot of effort not to laugh. Yes, Chris had told him that many times in the last four years, but Elijah was awful blunt about it.

Saffron took this in stride, probably expecting it, "Oh well. Your daddy is rather wise when it comes to such things." He then changed the subject a little, "But tell me, you were speaking of meeting the one like you. Where did you see her?"

Elijah shrugged, "In my dreams. I see her a lot there."

"Is that so?" Saffron responded.

I stood up with them, "Did you know anything about that?"

"Not until now, but I can't say such a thing is surprising, just like what's been done here. After all, they are very special children, and they'll always share a connection, even raised so far apart." Saffron responded, glancing around at the flowers Elijah had made, "You both sensed their fate, didn't you? That's why you wanted to grow such beautiful flowers for them."

Elijah nodded, his expression becoming more somber, "Yes. They all keep dying, and it makes us sad, especially Elena. She cries because of it."

My heart ached as he said that. While we'd known that Elijah could carry a burden with all of this, I hadn't thought much about what this other child might be carrying. If she was still with Judiel like everyone suspected, then she may have even been subjected to witnessing some of the deaths.

There hadn't been much known about the other Seraphita child in the last four years. While it was confirmed that Will was their father and that she'd been born a girl, the last known thing of her was that Judiel had taken her mother and hidden her away before she was born. If Elijah was truly meeting with her in his dreams, then we finally were learning her name; Elena.

Saffron gave him an understanding look, "Of course she would, but it's not truly because of you or her. It's because of those bad angels like the one who's taken her." he told him.

"Bad angels?" Elijah repeated.

"Yes. There are good angels and there are bad angels, and sometimes, it can be very hard to tell the difference because the ones who call themselves good do bad things. But you don't need to worry. Everyone here will always protect you." Saffron promised him.

"But what about Elena? You need to protect her too." Elijah countered.

"We'll make sure that we do when we find her. Will's been looking for her for a long time, and he won't stop until he brings her home." I promised.

Saffron huffed, "Which is only a matter of time, of course."

"You're in a decent mood right now." I commented, crossing my arms.

"I have my days, but I do enjoy seeing this beautiful little creature too." Saffron gloated, letting Elijah down.

I frowned at him, "Don't call my son a creature."

"It's only a figure of speech darling. There is no harm intended."

"It's still rude." we suddenly heard Chris say.

The three of us looked over to see him coming out from the sliding glass door. He'd finally gotten back.

Elijah raced over to him, "Daddy!"

"Hey buddy," Chris greeted him as he picked him up, "Were you good for your mother today?"

"Yes. I was making flowers." Elijah answered.

"He's been really busy with it." I added as I walked over to him and gestured towards the backyard.

"No kidding. When did you learn to do that?" Chris asked him.

"Today. Elena taught me." Elijah answered.

Chris tensed up noticeably as he heard that name, "Did you just say Elena?"

"I'm taking it you know the name at least. Did you hear about it with the other like him?" I inquired.

"No." Chris answered, sounding a little hesitant, "It just really caught me off guard. Will mentioned to me a long time ago that if he ever had a daughter, he would've named her Elena."

Now I got why that had shocked him. It shocked me too.

"But he's never met her." I pointed out.

"Of course not, but that's the power of a Seraphita too." Saffron spoke up, looking contrite now, "That one was probably well aware of such a thing and kept the name for whatever sentimental reason it saw fit."

Chris scowled at him. No, this relationship hadn't gotten much better in the last four years. Although they never took any strikes at each other, neither really got along.

But he let it go for now, "Maybe, but don't diminish it either. She's still always gonna be Will's kid." he informed him.

Saffron shrugged, "We cannot deny those facts, can we?"

"Either way," Chris continued, turning his attention back to Elijah, "they are really beautiful flowers. You and her have an amazing talent."

Elijah beamed, "Thank you."

"Come on. Let's get inside and get you cleaned up. I think we're going to have some company soon." Chris told us.

Saffron disappeared as I followed Chris inside with Elijah. Not that it surprised me. Saffron had developed a habit of avoiding Chris at times. Maybe that meant he was avoiding starting more trouble between them.

The two of us sat on the couch in the living room as Elijah went over to his train table to play. It had been a gift from Zane and Kira the year before, and he loved it. It also gave us an opportunity to talk without him paying so much attention.

"I'm taking it that something's going on today." I noted quietly.

"Not really. Saying that we might have company was more to distract Saffron into leaving us alone." Chris confessed, "But things are still bad out there. There have been a lot of hard pushes now that both sides know that the two Seraphita kids exist. But they don't seem to know where either is, and it seems like Judiel's getting frustrated that he can't find Elijah."

"That's sounding really bad." I sighed.

"More than you know. Both sides are still pushing very hard in this, especially when it comes to looking for Elijah and this other kid like him. Judiel may have that kid, but he still wants Elijah. Then on top of it, Lucifer's decided to make another hard push against everything too." Chris explained.

My eyes widened as I heard that, "That's even worse. How are we supposed to stand up to him if he manages to find us here?"

"Calm down. He's never been able to figure out exactly where we are and Will sure as hell isn't going to help him. Besides, now that he's been purified, they don't even share a connection anymore, not to mention what Will helped bring into the world. Lucifer would just as soon kill him when he sees him now." Chris reminded me.

I backed down, knowing that he was right, "I guess, but what now? It's been over four years, and no one knows anything more than where we started." I complained.

Chris glanced at Elijah, then turned his attention back to me, "No, we haven't known much. But when did Elijah start talking about Elena?"

"Right before you came back. He was showing me the flowers he made, and he told me and Saffron that Elena showed him how to make them. It sounded like he's been seeing her in dreams, but he's never mentioned it before now." I explained.

"Well, we did know that Will's kid is a girl, and like I said, I'd heard him say before that he'd name his daughter Elena. Maybe Elijah overheard it one time when he was visiting and wanted to have some way to connect to her." Chris reasoned.

"I really don't think so." I countered, "He was way too certain about that, and remember what everyone's been telling us. Even how they are now, Elijah and Elena share a connection as the Seraphita. I don't think it's that crazy that they'd somehow connect, especially in the dreamscapes."

Chris let out a long breath, "I can't argue that one. It's just strange to think about now. Will's been beside himself for the last four years looking for her, and no one's found anything about her except that she was born at the same time as Elijah and that she was a girl, along with Judiel taking her and hiding her. It leaves me feeling torn now. I want to tell him, but I don't want to get his hopes up either. It's already enough that he's so on edge over what might be coming with those Seraphs making their moves."

I immediately perked up, "You mean they're finally finding out what we need to do?" I hoped.

"It sounds like it, but they've had to be extra careful right now because they don't want anything else hearing about it. Zane told me a few hours ago that Kira had relayed to him how they believe they've found where they need to go now. It's supposed to be a very special place where the two Seraphita will be able to be seen by the highest angels." Chris explained.

"What kind of place is this? Is it a holy site?" I probed.

"It's very possible. Kira didn't seem to know exactly which one it will be, but it would make sense for it to be sacred ground."

I was about to say something to that when Elijah turned his attention to us, "Daddy, is Will coming today?" he asked as he walked over.

Chris and I looked at each other. Had he been listening in to what we were saying? I wouldn't have put it past him.

"I don't know about today." Chris finally answered, "He's been pretty busy, but he did promise that he'd see you soon. Was there something you wanted to see him for?"

Elijah shook his head, giving us his usual smile, "Nothing. I just wanted to see him."

I don't think Chris or I believed that one. There had been something else hidden within his blue eyes when he'd asked about him. But Elijah said nothing more, simply returning to his trains to play.

I took in a breath, keeping my voice quiet, "What are our chances here? Do you think Elena will be on our side?" I whispered.

Chris was still watching Elijah play, keeping his voice low as he answered me, "I don't know. If she really does have sympathy right now for all of this, then we might stand a chance."

"We don't have a choice but to take that chance either."

"No, not at all."

I squeezed Chris's hand between us, "No matter what we need to do, we won't let anything happen to him, and neither will the others. Even Jade and Saffron have always made sure that he stays safe." I continued.

Chris huffed, "I don't know that I've liked that part of it. Even if they are halfway purified, I'm still not comfortable with them being around Elijah so much."

"I get it," I agreed, "and they've gotten so close to him too. Sometimes I worry about what they might be telling him. For all we know, they might've fed the stuff about Elena too and just won't tell us."

"Maybe, but I doubt that one. They've been just as interested in her from the start. But let's not worry about it all right now. I'm back and we're just going to keep living on through whatever comes."

I smiled, "Yeah, and I'm glad you're back now too. I get worried that something might've happened to you when you're gone too long." I confessed.

"I know, and I'm sorry about that. Sometimes things take me longer than I think they will." Chris apologized.

I was about to respond when a strange feeling came over both of us. We sat up straight, knowing that something was heading towards the house. It didn't feel dark, but was still fairly powerful.

Elijah turned back to us, "Daddy, what's that?" he asked, sensing it too.

Chris stood up slowly, going over to the sliding glass door. I followed, picking up Elijah as I did. Now that it was closer, this feeling was familiar. I just couldn't place exactly who it was.

A large shape was coming to the fence as we looked out there. It was a giant silver fox.

Chris breathed a sigh of relief, "Looks like Sean's decided to pay us a visit."

The three of us stepped outside as Sean jumped over the fence. Two dark shadows came flying across the yard as he did, stopping several feet in front of him and rising into the forms of Jade and Saffron. Both looked more at ease as they realized who he was.

"Ah, it seems the half fox has decided to pay us a visit. It's been quite a while since we've seen you." Jade commented.

"It has." Sean acknowledged, not bothering to transform back into a human form.

I still thought that Foxes from the Veil were incredibly beautiful creatures. As large as a man, Sean was sleek and graceful in this form. His golden eyes shined with intelligence, as did his silver fur in the waning light of the setting sun. Although he and Sevee were the only ones that I gotten to see since I'd become a full Shadow Wing, Chris had told me that the other full-blooded Foxes were just as amazing. Their coats could be any variety of colors, with the oldest of them turning silver at the nine-thousand-year mark.

Chris wasn't quite as inviting as Jade played to be, "You realize you took a risk coming here without telling us. I'm gonna guess that you've got a good reason for it." he pointed out.

"Yes, I most certainly do. It seems that the game is finally coming to a climax." Sean responded.

"A climax? What are you talking about?" I asked, holding Elijah a little tighter. He had his arms and legs wrapped around me, watching the giant fox with a little fear. He'd never seen Sean in this form before. Though Mia and Sean had visited with us before, he'd never come there as a fox until now.

Sean looked at Elijah, "Just what I said. Malakai contacted me today because I am the only one who can make it under the radar of the angels stalking our families and asked me to bring you this."

Chris stepped down from the porch to him as Sean slipped the small pack he'd been carrying off of his neck, nudging it over to Chris. He picked it up and opened it, pulling out an envelope. A golden piece of paper had been inside of it, embedded with dark calligraphy style writing.

Chris read it quickly, "That's how it is huh? They're finally putting the plans into motion."

"What does it say?" I asked as I moved beside him to look.

"They're telling us that we have to meet them back in Fallsburg. Apparently, it's the only place where they can use the power from one of the Veil's portals to allow them to teleport themselves and us where we need to go." Chris explained.

"You're kidding, right? Fallsburg? That's a seven-hour trip!" I exclaimed.

I couldn't believe those Seraphs were about to put us through such a thing. Not only was it a long trip, but it was risky to take Elijah that far without some kind of barrier. Even with the stone around his neck, things would still sense him as being a Nephilim.

"They have sent their apologies, but this is the only option they have. You are not going alone either. They've also passed on word to Zane and Kira, and they're sending Mark with you as well. They have also requested that the two here travel with you incognito. They said something to the effect of keeping their presences unknown unless it's necessary for them to fight." Sean explained.

Saffron chuckled like he was amused by all of this, "It seems that they have a lot of demands in this. How very like them."

"I would agree, but in this instance, they are correct in asking us to do so. Lucifer is well on his way to tracking us down in his bid to take this child. Keeping ourselves out of sight would be the best way to ensure that he doesn't succeed." Jade reasoned.

"So, you'll admit that you couldn't deal with Lucifer if he were to show up during that time?" Chris surmised.

Jade shrugged, "We could hold him off for a while, but there would be no guarantee of harm not coming to the boy in the process."

As they spoke, Elijah decided to get down from my arms. I was slightly apprehensive about that, but allowed him to do so. He was still safe there with all of us, and I knew that Sean would never, ever hurt him.

After a moment of hesitation, Elijah stepped over to Sean. They looked at each other for about a minute, then Elijah raised his hand towards him. Sean nodded, gently moving his nose forward for him to touch him.

"It's alright little one. I would never hurt you, and I'm sure you sense that we have met before. I have had children who were once your age as well." he gently reassured him.

Elijah became much more at ease now, moving closer to hug him, "Yes. I know you now." he agreed.

Chris watched this for a minute, then spoke again, "I guess it's settled then. We'll have to get moving and head back to Fallsburg one more time."

I don't think either of us were really happy over that, but we also wanted to end all of this bloodshed now. If returning to Fallsburg would be the start, then we had to do it.

Sean nuzzled Elijah one more time before standing again, "Very well. Kira and Zane will be here within the hour, then all of you can get moving. In the meantime, it's also left to you to figure out what to do about these two to keep them hidden. I would think that they'd know a good way to do it."

Saffron gave him a mocking smile, "You'd assume that we're inept at such a thing?"

"Not at all. I only mean it in the most respectful way to one who is still considered damned." Sean countered. He then jumped back over the fence and disappeared into the woods.

Jade smiled, putting a hand on his hip, "He's certainly got guts to say such things to us. Perhaps it is a trait he's picked up from Malakai. He's never truly been one to sugarcoat things with us." he noted.

"That fox should learn his place. He certainly isn't that old compared to many of the others." Saffron complained.

"You would honestly let a young fox get to you? This entire ordeal must be weighing on you now." Jade teased.

But before Saffron could counter that, we suddenly heard Will speak up.

"Starting a fight at such an important time? You two will never change, will you?"

We turned to see him sitting on the roof of the house, smiling at us. He still had his golden wings out, and the wining sunlight was shining off of his black hair.

Chris was contrite as he looked at him, "You were listening the whole time, weren't you? You've always been good at disguising your presence when it suits you." he scoffed.

"I've told you that it's a talent." Will responded. He stood up and flew down to us.

Elijah hugged him as he landed, "You came back!" he chimed.

Will knelt down to him, patting his head, "I promised you that I would, but it looks like you've been busy since I've been gone too. You made all these flowers, didn't you?" he guessed as he glanced around the yard.

"Yes. We made them for the others." Elijah nodded.

Chris and I glanced at each other, wondering whether we should mention what Elijah had told us, but reasoned it might not be the best time. Not with Jade and Saffron hanging around so closely.

"Yeah, it seems like he knows about what's been happening to some of the other Shadow Wings." Chris finally told him.

"I can't say it surprises me. He is a very special kid, and not only for what he was born with." Will pointed out.

"Very true for many reasons." Jade agreed, "But for now, I believe that we have more important matters at hand. I'll take it that you heard everything."

"I did." Will confirmed. He turned to Chris, "If you don't mind, I'd like to see that message from them."

"Sure." Chris agreed.

He handed him the paper, and Will looked it over carefully. I had the sense that he was hoping it would say something about Elena, but still bit my tongue back that.

"What do you think?"

"I can't say that I'm that surprised. Using that portal near Fallsburg would be the best to give them the power they need to teleport where they want to go, and I've got the feeling I know where it is with that location." Will answered.

"Very much so. They want this meet up to be at one of the holy sites. Those are considered the best places to make contact with the inner Heavens at certain times." Saffron added.

"Yeah, that's what we figured. Which on do you all think this is going to be?" Chris asked them.

"There are a few in this world, though some are considered better locales then others now. If I'm willing to place a bet on things just from the location their using to get there, then I'd aim to say it's one of the biggest within the mortal world: St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City." Jade answered.

Chris and Will looked horrified, "You're kidding, right? We can't go back there!" Will declared.

"Are you that afraid of seeing your possible redemption, or are you worried about that daughter of yours hating you after all of this time?" Jade responded, a knowing smile on his face.

"Shut the hell up! You don't know anything about my daughter, so you have no right to say anything about that!" Will retorted. He quickly worked to subdue his angry outburst, "We're worried about this because of what happened before. You know damn well that we were nearly annihilated there when those angels tricked us."

"And you will all be killed if you do not do this. Either you swallow your pride and do what must be done, or hide away until every last one of you dies. It is your choice." Jade reminded him.

Will backed off, though Jade's words had struck a nerve, "Fine. You're right. There is no choice, and it's not like I'd pass up going anyway. I'd do anything to see her at least one time." he relented.

Chris stepped over and picked up Elijah, "Yeah, we all know that. Besides, we wouldn't let anything happen to Elijah either in all of this. Come on. Let's get inside for now."

Both Will and I followed him into the house. As soon as we were safely inside, Chris decided that we'd talk to him about what was going on and what we'd learned.

"You do know we don't have a choice here. We've always known that it would come down to the judgment between Elijah and your daughter." Chris stated as he put Elijah down.

"I know that. I just don't want to see a repeat of what happened back then, especially with them involved. How do we really know what side those Seraphs are on? They could just be trying to protect their own by making sure to get rid of us." Will reasoned.

"They're not gonna do that Will. They've risked everything to help us so far. Why would they turn on us now?" I argued.

Will didn't have an answer to that, "I don't know. I just... I can't make sense of the place or timing."

I glanced down at Elijah, who was holding onto my waist, "Maybe it's always been meant to happen now. Elijah was telling us something else about those flowers out there too. He said that he made them because Elena wanted to." I informed him.

My words made Will instantly snap to attention, "Where'd he hear that name?" he asked us.

"It's her name. She said that you're her daddy, and her mommy named her Elena because you always liked it." Elijah spoke up.

Will knelt down so that he could face him. Although he was obviously desperate for answers, he remained calm as he spoke to Elijah.

"I always said that I'd name her that, but I've never gotten to meet her. Where have you seen her?"

"In my dreams. We can see each other there sometimes, but not always. He doesn't like her to talk to me there, and she doesn't want him to see me." Elijah explained.

"Does she ever tell you where she is?" Will pressed.

Elijah shook his head, "No. She doesn't know where she is. She just says that she loves you and wants to go home with you. She doesn't like it there, and she's lonely without her mommy."

Chris let out a long breath, "Should we take that as a good sign here? If she's saying that she loves you, then it sounds like she's on our side." he told Will.

"At least we have that." Will sighed. He patted Elijah's shoulder, "Hopefully we'll get to see her soon. I've always loved her too, and I want to bring her home with me."

Elijah nodded, then a strange look suddenly went across his face. An intense feeling filled the room as he stepped away from us, moving to the entrance of the living room that was several feet away. A soft white glow began surrounding him, and his wings slowly emerged. They too glowed with incredible radiance, their many different colors shimmering in the dim light. His blue eyes also lit up with an ethereal glow.

"You must go now. There is no time left and we must get there."

His voice had changed too, no longer that of a young child, but of an older, wiser being. I recognized it right away. This was the voice that I'd heard in that dream right before I'd become pregnant.

This was the Seraphita speaking as what they truly were.

But this was turning out to be extremely bad too. As he spoke, we suddenly heard loud crashes coming from outside of the house. We looked at the sliding door, now seeing complete darkness there. It pressed against the glass, causing it to begin cracking.

"Get down!" Chris ordered, grabbing Elijah.

I managed to bring up a barrier with him just in time, as the glass shattered and flew everywhere. Both of us shielded Elijah as Will moved in front of us, cutting through the darkness that had flown towards us.

"What the hell's going on?!" he yelled.

The darkness was still slinking in through the busted door, moving upwards and taking on a hideous form. It was a large creature that was mist-like in appearance as it shifted and flowed there. Many faces and forms were writhing within it, some yelling out in painful wails and others laughing hysterically or whispering harshly.

The main face took shape in front of us as it spoke. It had white eyes and no real features to define whether it was male or female. What looked like wispy white hair floated around its dark face.

"It is here."

I stared in horror as Chris handed Elijah to me and I held him tight. He'd passed out now, but his wings were still out. I could see that the stone he'd always worn was also completely shattered.

Chris kept his stance in front of us with Will, his sword ready, "Great, so you ended up being the closest to this area. Legion." he growled.

"A fitting name when one considers that you're made up of collected demon souls." Will added.

"We are indeed many, remaining Son of the Ruler, and we shall add more once we devour all of you." Legion informed us.

Jade and Saffron appeared near us, though it looked like they weren't in the best of shape. Saffron had a large rip in his shirt over his shoulder and there was a bloody wound there. Jade also had a few rips in his clothing, although it didn't look like he was bleeding anywhere.

"It seems that the hold we placed is done. There's no choice but to drive this one back to the Abyss." Jade concluded, glaring at Legion.

Legion reared up more, another form coming up as the head of it, "You will not stop us! Give us your souls and the child's!" it screeched.

"You'll get them after you rip out mine!" Chris shot back. He glanced at us, "Keep Elijah away from it. We'll cut this one down."