Atlantis Burning

Chapter 28

True to his word, Edward took Leandro back to Atlantis two days later. This time, they entered the portal and the water was knee deep and slowly seeping into the orb. They went to the nearest community space, as Leandro wanted to see more of the people. Most were staying indoors, but they found a line of panicked souls ready to give Asherah their children.

"Wow, she really is large. And creepy," Leandro declared as he looked upon her for the first time. She was tall and her muscles firm. She had one soggy sash draped over her shoulders, leaving her even less clothed than normal. Leandro thought that her skin reminded him of a snake's and he wondered if she had shed, recently. Her hair that normally hung in long curls was weighted down by the rain leaving her looking disheveled.

"Our friend from the other night admitted to me that he sacrificed his only child to Molech for a night with her."

"I'm sure he was possessed by a demon, probably many."

"He was a good guy, when we served together."

"The devil is a great deceiver."

"Have you seen enough?"

"Plenty."

They turned around to head back to the portal and saw Molech walk into the square and approach Asherah.

This time there was no entourage of priests, no followers, just the winged cow-like creature walking upright and looming over the crowd. His skin looked hard like leather, dark brown and ashen. His wings were like a raven's and his head like a bull with large horns.

"Jesus, have mercy," Leandro said.

"I've seen him many times, you don't get used to it."

They watched as the two giants argued, looking up at the skies. They seemed to be as concerned about the rain as everyone else. Molech gazed about the square and seemed to fix his eyes on Edward and Leandro.

"I thought you said that nobody can see us. It feels like he's looking right at us."

"I didn't think anybody could," Edward said looking to see if someone was behind them. "Maybe he doesn't. Let's go- but no sudden movements."

Molech's bright red eyes followed them as long as they were in sight. As soon as they turned the corner, they began to run in a desperate rush to reach the portal and leave Atlantis. They put their gear on, then began their ascent in haste. They struggled to not go too fast, both of them anxiously looking back to see if the giant was following them. They were relieved to be back on the boat, and Edward was swift to start the engine. Leandro could not take his eyes off the surface of the water, as the boat raced towards Flores Island.

Suddenly, Molech shot straight out of the ocean. His wings unfurled and he flew across the water, with great speed. Leandro looked at the horrific creature, the bull's head seemed to glow as his red eyes shown bright, even in the bright of day.

"He's gaining on us," Edward said.

Leandro dropped to his knees and cried, "Father God, hide us in the shadow of your wings."

As he said it, the creature slowed down and looked around, as if lost.

"Is he looking for us?" Edward queried?

Leandro did not answer his friend but instead continued praying. "Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus. Do not let this evil be unleashed on the Azores or anywhere else. I plead the blood of Jesus over this situation." He kept repeating that name, over and over and Edward joined in. "Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!" Edward noticed that as he repeated it, his own voice ceased to waiver and began to carry the same confidence of Leandro's. "Jesus! Jesus! JESUS!"

They were now moving faster than the confused creature, who was flying as if blind, looking for his prey. There was a crash of thunder, as suddenly three angels appeared in the sky. With their swords drawn, they headed straight for Molech, who had moved to a defensive posture with his own weapon. Each clash of the sword crashed like thunder and Edward left the cockpit to stand in awe beside Leandro. He noticed ripples moving across the water from the force of the battle. Both men watched the supernatural war wage on before their eyes. It felt like an eternity, until one angel swung his sword and off flew Molech's head. Then, just like that his head and his body vanished. Then, two of the angels also vanished.

Edward dropped to his knees, beside Leandro who said, "thank you, Jesus. You have saved us all. Forgive me for my unbelief."

The third angel flew towards the boat. Leandro watched it, but Edward had fallen face down, his head buried in his arms. It was only when he heard the flapping of the magnificent wings that he looked up. The wingspan was wider than the boat with feathers radiant like opals. Its armor looked as if it was made of pearl, trimmed in copper. The angel was so large that it cast a shadow on the boat, but peace was in its wake.

Edward sobbed, still prostrate on the deck. The angel circled the boat and then it flew off and suddenly vanished. The sun's rays shined brightly and banished all clouds from the sky.