Chapter 135

Zack looked around and focused, but was unable to sense Malachi. He didn't have much time to contemplate Malachi's location since a tremendous force was gathering in the sky. Zack closed his eyes attempting to calm his mind through the immense pain, and fatigue.

The thought of home appeared in his mind, and when he opened them he was inside the gate of Eden. He fell to his knees upon appearing and turned to see the pillars of white light descending into the neutral territories as he passed out. The captives and a handful of guards rushed to Zack's side.

"What happened to him?" Vicente investigated.

"He was fighting the bad man. Is he gonna be okay?" A child asked.

"This all my fault," Nicole said while lowering her head in shame.

"He was set on going and already knew the consequences. Don't worry his pulse is still strong, but his arm isn't healing," Haruna stated while examining him.

"Should we tell the others?" Vicente asked.

"No, they would be too noisy and wake the others. Let's carry him to somewhere comfortable." Haruna replied preparing to lift him.

"That won't be necessary," Zack said pushing himself up from the ground.

"You shouldn't be standing," Alexander said trying to support him.

"How many people left already?" Zack asked.

"Only the dragon did, and the rest are eating right now," Vicente replied handing him a potion.

"Thanks, but that won't do much for these wounds. Make sure anyone who sticks around gets a place to sleep, and if anyone needs me I'll be in the garden." Zack replied.

Throughout the neutral territories, and along the borders everyone looked up with anxiety. Such a phenomenon could only be followed by one thing, and they all feared the worst. The pillar of light in the sky disappeared as an angel clad in gleaming white armor was descending to the battlefield.

Behind him was a massive pair of elegant white wings that could captivate any mortal with their brilliance. He had pristine white hair trailing to his shoulder and bright blue eyes. It was the archangel Michael and after he landed a group of sentinels appeared at his side.

After Zack had wiped out the slavers he caught the attention of Azrael. He is the archangel of death and could detect the fading of any mortal soul. With so many wiped out at once, it was hard not to take notice.

Azrael hesitated in telling Michael but knew hiding things from him was foolish. Michael knew it was risky for an archangel to approach the border, and since he couldn't sense Zack they delayed taking action. War was a common occurrence in the natural territories after all, but once Malachi's power was detected Michael himself took immediate action.

The leader of the squad stepped forward to address Michael. It was Bartholomew, and after his return, he was promoted for his sacrifice. While his men stood in line Bartholomew walked around noticing the remnant of an array. He knew Zack was involved and began sweating over Naomi's discovery.

"Who was he fighting?" A sentinel asked.

"If not for the destruction around us I would say no one. There wasn't even a trace of divinity when it happened, and if not for Azrael I would've never known. The question is where did that bastard go? I felt his grace here without a doubt." Michael replied

"Maybe Lucifer fina..."

Michael grabbed the angel by the throat lifting him into the air.

"What's his name?" Michael demanded an answer clenching harder.

"S-sa-satan." The angel struggled to reply.

"That's right, and I won't remind you again. Search the area for any signs of the rebel." Michael told Bartholomew while dropping the angel to the ground.

Michael examined the degree of smiting that occurred in the area. Only one person has ever been able to hide from his detection, and it was Lucifer. The level of attack could've easily been produced by Lucifer, but Michael knew if he attacked there would've been more destruction left behind.

Michael closed his eyes attempting to sense any new angels on the planet. The number of fallen angels has dwindled greatly, but births could occur even without the proper preparations. With Zack being masked from his detection Michael had no choice but to give up. He took off towards the angel territory to ensure the combatants didn't hide elsewhere.

Malachi's origin was a mystery to Michael, but they knew he had a connection to Lucifer. They have been hunting him for over a century, but have attained no solid information. Any angel sent to investigate Malachi was never seen again, and as a result, they no longer sent solo operatives. Having an archangel so close to the border was risky, and put the treaty at risk of being broken. With no signs of the culprits, Michael was forced to rethink his strategy.

'We need to tighten security around the border, and authorize some human assets to settle out here.' Michael glanced over the area once more before vanishing.

Bartholomew was scouring the border with his squad when he raised his hand to halt them. He was in charge of ten angels, and they all once belonged under Uriel's command. Most of them have doubted Bartholomew's story but still followed his orders without question. He knew crossing the border alone would arouse suspicion, and looked towards the new recruit.

The new recruit's name is Anna and she is a member of the new generation. If Bartholomew brought her along the others wouldn't complain, and she was still in process of questioning their ways. This would work to his benefit for if he was caught Bartholomew was confident he could persuade Anna to keep quiet.

"I'll be checking across the border, and I need everyone to be ready for a fast exit. Anna will be with me for backup. We need to test her recon abilities don't you agree?" Bartholomew smirked pretending to haze the newbie.

"You sure about that? They might get pissed if we don't bring her back." An angel asked.

"All kinds of dangers lurk past the border so they wouldn't question it too much. You'll be fine though." An angel laughed pushing Anna forward.

"My skills are superior compared to some lazy old men." Anna retorted smacking his hand away while swiftly drawing her sword.

The man held his hands up backing away from Anna as the others laughed. Bartholomew hid his wings attempting to mask his divinity as Anna took off behind him. He suggested they sweep the area in different directions, and once Anna was out of view Bartholomew took off towards Eden.

Not wanting to leave a trail to their home Bartholomew stopped a mile out from the walls and retrieved an artifact from his bag. He created a hole in the ground to hide it in a barrier of his grace. Once it was properly covered he closed his eyes trying to reach Naomi.

"I can't talk long, but I brought what you needed. I love you so much, and the thought of not being there for you is driving me crazy." Bartholomew relayed.

Naomi was already awake from feeling Michael's grace on the earth. Upon hearing Bartholomew's voice her eyes began to water. It had only been a little over a month, but after being together for so long it felt like an eternity to her. She so badly wanted to rush to his side, but could already feel his presence drifting further away.

"Why not disappear? You're over the border, and this place can hide us." Naomi pleaded.

"I want to be at your side more than anything, but if I don't return they will investigate. That will put you, and the baby at risk." Bartholomew clenched his fist trying to harden his resolve to fly away.

"After the baby is born, and my strength returns we will stand together no matter who tries to stand in our way." Naomi wiped the tears as she flew through the air.

Naomi landed on the ground where the slight trace of his grace remained. When uncovering the barrier she placed her hand against it tenderly. It was still warm to the touch and made her feel close to him.

Before his grace dissipated all together Naomi could feel the baby kick as she rested her hand on her stomach. Naomi knew it was risky to stay outside the barrier too long and grabbed the artifact before rushing back to the safety of the barrier.