The Apocalypse of the Damned

Chapter Sixteen: The Nephilim

"What are you?" The demon bluntly asked. He saw no reason not to get straight to the point. It was rare for him not to know what a beings' species was, and that wasn't something he liked. Unlike Malak, someone who saw cluelessness as a way to explore new things, Zion saw it as a weakness. If you don't know what the being is, it's harder to defend yourself in the case they attack.

The strange being shifted, seemingly nervous. Though he wasn't even looking at the intimidating being. He was looking at the angel, who was looking back at him. Malak couldn't determine if he was a threat or not. It didn't help him that he still had some unresolved trust issues, despite Ellette helping him a bit, and Zion not knowing what the stranger was. Zion seemed to know everything, and anything he didn't was a threat in the angel's mind. Though, in his mind, everyone was a threat now.

"I-I can't tell you," he whispered. He was acting nervous which made the angel comfortable. The angel wasn't the best at reading people, or so he thought. "Angels don't like my k-kind. I d-don't want t-to be hurt again."

Zion sarcastically laughed, "You're scared of the guy who just saved you? Malak is powerful, but my angel wouldn't hurt anyone unless he had to. So, let me ask you again, what are you?"

Nervously, the angel hid behind his mate, not liking how the stranger was looking at him. His small hands gently gripped his demon's shirt. The demon's presence helped calm him down.

"I-I am a n-nephilim," he muttered, anxiously playing with his hands.

Zion was the only one who knew what a nephilim was. The only reason he knew was because his father used to compare him to one. In angels' minds, nephilim were worse than demons. They were scum that came from angel and human soulmates, like his half-siblings. If one were born from an exiled angel, like his mother, they immediately were stripped of their powers. The pain was unbearable, and more often than not, the babies died. However, some were born from angels, who stilled had their angelic abilities.

The stranger seemed to be one of those. They were often hidden from others because if they were found, the angels wouldn't treat them like one of their own. He probably was in the latter judging from his anxious behavior towards his angel. The demon did feel bad, especially since it reminded him of how Malak was treated; however, preferred for this interaction to be over as soon as possible.

"What is a nephilim?" Malak inquired through their mind link.

His demon answered him, then turned to the nephilim: "Listen, Malak ain't going to hurt you. He's too kind. Now, tell us what happened?"

"I- um, listen I escaped Heaven, but please don't take me back there," he pleaded with desperation which caused Malak to flinch. His voice sounded off. He wasn't sure what was off about it, but it was off.

"I'm starting to think Heaven is a bad place," the fae muttered. Her view on the supernatural world had changed drastically since the death of her people. Of course, she still was in pain, but she was starting to see it as a blessing in some ways. The princess was isolated and made to believe only one view her whole life. Now, she was enjoying her freedom.

The mates and the nephilim simultaneously responded, "It's a nightmare."

"I have an idea!" Everyone looked at the fae with interest- "Zion, you will not like it-" the demon groaned, knowing what she was going to suggest- "Let the nephilim come along with us! The more people we have, the faster we get this done!"

"No-"

"What?"

"I do not know-"

The fae groaned though it wasn't like she didn't expect the resistance. The mates were antisocial, preferring each other's company rather than other beings'. "I know what you're thinking, but it's for the best. Having an extra set of hands might help us find the last horseman quicker. Don't you guys want that?" She passionately explained.

Malak knew it was because she wanted to get to her mate as soon as possible, but he wasn't sure. Of course, getting done faster meant he and Zion would be able to spend time with each other without worrying. However... he didn't trust the stranger. Though... he didn't trust anyone. But... he learned to trust Ellette. So... maybe just maybe, he could learn to trust him.

The angel sighed, "I think it is a good idea." He didn't really. He just hoped it was. And if in the end he truly couldn't trust the nephilim, at least he kept him close. Though a small part of him hoped that Zion would say no.

Zion turned around and grasped his mate in his arms. The small being was clearly anxious, but the demon was proud of him. Never had he thought that his mate would try to trust someone so soon. Someone who they didn't even know. It was small, but progress, nonetheless.

It also meant, in order to keep his mate happy, he would have to willingly- kind of- hang out with another being other than his mate.