The Apocalypse of the Damned

Chapter Nineteen: Meeting the Parents

Malak wasn't sure what was worse the demons or waking up in Heaven. The abused angel's throat tightened as he looked around the white room. It was completely empty, making the angel feel trapped. There wasn't even a door. He had no way of escaping. Slowly, tears rolled down his cheeks as images of his guardian flashed through his mind. The poor angel struggled to breathe normally as he decided to curl into a ball and rock back and forth.

His mind was too frantic to notice another angel in the room. "Calm down, Malak. You are safe," his firm voice said. The small angel jumped from fright. He did his best to see who was with him, but the tears in his eyes made it difficult. All he could see was a dark-skinned, tall, muscular man. Someone who could do more damage than the scary demons.

"Listen, Kid, I understand why you are scared, but you need to calm down so I can explain," the stranger ordered in a softer tone.

Malak wasn't sure what to do. He was still terrified. Without his demon, he felt unsafe. He missed his strong buff arms. But part of him wanted to know why he was here. His sniffling calmed down enough for him to wipe his watery eyes. The small angel focused on his breathing until he was able to listen to the scary man without bursting into tears again.

"Why am I here?" He asked. His voice was as small as a mouse. There was no way he'd speak louder though. The other angel might find a louder tone disrespectful, then he'd get punished.

Now that Malak could actually see the angel, he realized that the man looked familiar: the darker skin tone, the dark eyes, sharp jaw, bulging muscles. He was like the older – scarier – version of his mate. Was this man his demon's father?

The older man saw the young angel's eyes widen. He knew exactly what the tiny being was thinking, so the man confirmed his thoughts. He was indeed Zion's father. He was the same angel who tried to prevent his son from seeing his mother. The same angel who never went to see his son after he got kicked out of Heaven. He didn't deserve to be called father anymore. He knew that. The guilt of his actions had been eating away at him for the past few thousand years.

"My name is Kemuel. It is a pleasure to meet you, Malak," the man spoke firmly. Malak could tell that, despite the firmness in his voice, the angel was trying to keep his tone softer for the angel. Zion did the same thing with him as well.

The angel tilted his head slightly as he inquired, "How do you know my name?"

It was a silly question to ask an angel. Most older angels knew everyone. They saw it as their duty to know every being they could, especially angels. However, every being that wasn't human and didn't live under a rock knew Malak. Everyone seemed to know what happened to him, and most were glad that he was safe – well, as safe as someone can be when trying to stop an apocalypse. His story also made most supernatural beings even angrier at the angels. Sure, they all weren't abusing him, but they still let it happen.

His story also did something to the angels. Slowly, they were realizing how terrible they were. Their sense of superiority was causing them to be rotten to the core. It made them want to change. Though them changing would take a while since angels were set in their way. But one angel did make a change, or, at least, had a plan to.

"I'm sorry for scaring you," Kemuel said wholly. "I needed to talk to you about my son."

"Why?" Malak whispered tensely. Zion's father already did enough to him. Surely, he wouldn't do anything else to hurt him. Right?

Kemuel sighed, "I know about your quest to stop the apocalypse and I want to help. I've been a terrible father. I cannot make the past right, but I can try and make the future better for us. My relationship with my son was never good, and I managed to destroy it still. I need a chance to make it better. Show him that I am not the same man."

Malak was conflicted. Zion didn't like his father, so he shouldn't either. Kemuel did a terrible thing to Zion and helping him now wouldn't make that up to him. However, Zion did say the more people to help the better. His mate might like that he chose to trust someone – as long as he doesn't find out who.

His gut told him to trust the man, and finally, he was willing to listen to it. Still, he couldn't help but feel like he was betraying Zion simply because he was talking to Kemuel. He couldn't allow him to come into Zion's life again. Not unless his demon wanted him to.

"I can see it in your eyes. You do not trust me, and I understand why. I took your soul from Earth and brought you here, a place you probably wish never to see again. But, if you two ever need help, pray to me and I'll come in an instant. I promise," the older angel said firmly.

His words were laced with passion, and Malak knew without a doubt that he was telling the truth.