The Apocalypse of the Damned

Chapter Twenty-Five: Back in Black

Malak had been missing for no more than an hour; however, Zion wasn't sure if he should freak out. Due to them completing the bond, he knew Malak was okay. His angel wasn't hurt and, though he could feel his angel's yearning for him, he was calm. But the demon couldn't help but feel worried for him. Waking up alone after sharing such a special night was terrifying for the demon. He couldn't think of any reason as to why his angel would leave.

The bond was creating an aching pain in both their chests. It was wrong for soulmates to be separated, especially for so long.

"Where the Hell could he be?" Zion sighed.

Alexander awkwardly patted the demon's shoulder, trying to comfort him. While Ellette carefully responded, "Well, if he's okay, then we know he isn't in Heaven or with Death. That's good, right? Where else would he go?"

All Zion could do was cluelessly shrugged.

No one had any idea that Malak had been in Hell for almost a thousand years.

The pain he felt from the bond was greater than Zion's. Each day was a struggle for the angel, but he pushed through the pain. It was important to keep training. The sooner he defeated the last horseman, the sooner he and Zion could be together without any distractions.

However, surprisingly, Malak was doing well in Hell; despite the pain from the bond, he managed to make a lot of friends all thanks to Seth. After Malak had told him his story, the little demon told him, "I understand why you do not trust others; however, I think you should trust yourself. You're a good judge of character, Malak. Don't doubt yourself." A few weeks later Seth stated, "If you don't trust anyone, you'll lose out on many great friendships."

At first, Malak was hesitant to listen to Seth's advice despite the angel trusting him. Nonetheless, Malak decided to listen slowly. His first step was volunteering at a daycare for baby demons. Not only did he manage to get close to the youngest demons, but he also managed to become friends with their parents as well. He also managed to win over Lucifer's council when he accidentally interrupted their meeting. Everyone stopped and stared at him, but the angel took no notice. He simply ran towards Lucifer and dragged him out of the room, not informing anyone why. The council couldn't believe it, and all of them wanted to be friends with the intriguing angel.

That exact day was the day Lucifer decided he wanted to be friends with Malak as well. Before he trusted the angel and they were great acquaintances. But when the angel pulled him from his meeting because Seth woke from a terrible nightmare, Malak won Lucifer over as well.

From there, the angel managed to make friends with nearly everyone in Hell, even the worst demons. And while his friends were increasing, so were his strength and power. The angel was already well known in Hell, even before he decided to train there. However, he quickly became the topic of nearly every demon's conversation. It was amazing to them that two demons gave birth to an angel. It was also amazing how that angel was able to call upon his demonic side and be stronger than any other demon, including Lucifer.

Yes, the tiny angel managed to use his inner demon and angel powers to defeat Lucifer while sparring. Seth thought it was hilarious to see such a small, innocent being take down someone so dark, and powerful. He didn't stop teasing Lucifer about it until the king of Hell threatened to­– well, it's not important.

After a couple of weeks of defeating Lucifer, Malak knew he was ready. It was time for him to return to Earth and defeat the last horseman, Death.

***

"Well, he has to be on Earth. He wouldn't travel to Heaven, and he had no way to get to Hell." Ellette offered, making Zion sigh.

Despite Zion's preference towards silence, this silence was painful. His thoughts were wild, and the only thing keeping him sane was the fact the bond assured him that his mate was okay. There were too many places on Earth for his angel to be.

"I have yet to connect my bound," Ellette said after moments of silence. "However, you can tell how far away your soulmate is, correct?"

Technically, she was correct. But Zion didn't feel up to talking so he just blankly stared.

"Well, I know he is far away since you-"

Before the fae could finish, Zion suddenly stood up. The bond was changing, the aching pain before was tight in his chest. It felt like a rope tied in his chest, squeezing his heart, and trying to pull him towards his mate. But, while the pain was still present, the rope was loosening. It was no longer pulling him. His mate was coming closer.

Alexander's eyes grew wide as the missing angel flew down. His black and gold wings stretched elegantly. Something was different about him. Physically, the angel had more muscle, though he still was skinny. His eyes held something more powerful. He was determined and strong-willed. But there was something else. Something darker. And it was aimed at the nephilim.

Zion and Ellette had no time to turn around to see the angel. He already was past them, walking angrily towards Alexander. All of them were shocked, not quite sure what to think of the new Malak.

"How far along are you?" The angel angrily inquired. All of them incredulously stared at him. Though, they clearly could tell the question was aimed at Alexander.

When the angel realized he wasn't going to answer, he slowly asked, "How many people have you killed so far?"

A dark look grew on the nephilim's face. With a malicious smile, he spoke, "The dumb angel figured it out first. I am truly impressed."