Chapter 30: Chapter 29

Sometimes I wonder. what is it that makes me keep on living despite everything I've endured till now? The will I have to live surprises me more and more. It's human nature, I guess. we're like an annoying virus that will persevere despite all odds, fighting for something. For a purpose perhaps? for better or for worse? because we all just have one shot at life and I refuse to die unless I'm happy with the way I go down. Being eaten alive in the middle of the night while this villainous bastard sleeps like a child next to me will have me rolling in my grave for centuries.

No. I'll haunt him I swear. I'll keep a special spot in hell reserved just for him too because I know for a fact that he ain't going anywhere else but down to the fiery pits of doom.

I swung the stick furiously and nailed the closest creature in its giant gaping eye. It let out a blood curdling wail in return.

Then again, If Azrael does end up in hell I wouldn't be surprised if he challenged the devil for the throne.

I swung again.

Would Azrael win against the devil? Probably. I should repent for every sin I committed so I won't end up as his slave in the underworld.

The stick broke on impact against a creature's face. Now I'm out of sticks. Do they like to play with their meals? because all of them are closing in on me very slowly when they could've just killed me ages ago.

I stumbled back falling onto the soft grass. The ugly one in the front tried charging at me but suddenly hissed and backed away as if it got doused in hot water. It was almost like there was an invisible shield around us.

Another one tried and failed.

I looked up at the glowing moon that was looking down on me probably pitying my predicament like anyone else would. That's when I realized that the creatures can't touch moonlight.

It explains why they kept to the dark and circled around carefully. Making sure not to touch the grass that was shrouded in silver.

well...

I'm the unluckiest lucky human to get this far in life given the circumstances.

Turning towards the man next to me I wondered If I should just take the chance and kill him now that he's vulnerable but then I remembered that I need him to get out of here alive.

Am I still on earth? because I don't recall there being saucer eyed demons lurking in the woods last, I checked.

Standing on my shaky legs I looked around hoping for a miracle to come save me. I hovered over Azrael hoping for him to wake up soon. The moonlight won't be here for long. If they are allergic to light then perhaps, I could wait it out till morning. But I'm certain I won't last till then.

"Azrael you- how dare you sleep while I'm about to be eaten." my muttering reached the haunted forest that looked beautiful once. Not anymore though. This place is worse than hell.

I sat next to his massive form and counted the creatures. There were more than a handful and I'm about to be dinner. I wondered if they would fight over my flesh. I'm sure I'd make a tasty meal. The moonlight started to shrink slowly making me jolt up in utter surprise and terror. My gaze reached the heavens to see clouds obscuring my friend- the moon. The one thing that brough me some time.

Well…

The creatures- Nightcrawlers was it? Started to close in on me, their excitement visible from the saliva dripping from their maws and onto the forest floor. My expression was filled with fear and disgust. I decided to accept my fate. I mean there were many times I contemplated ending it all during my stay with Azrael. Now I won't have the guilt of ending my own life. Although, I won't lie this a horrible way to go down. My final destination will be inside the belly of these monsters. How quaint.

I stood up; my fists clenched at my sides. I will try to injure at least one of them. Maybe poke an eye out. I closed my eyes, hoping the light energy within me will come to my rescue like it did before.

Focus Aurora.

The moonlight was shrinking and they were closer than ever. Almost at arm's length. I glanced at one of the creatures that closed in on Azrael's sleeping form. Took one sniff and backed away, absolutely repulsed.

See, even the demon creatures were allergic to the evilness within this his pores. Ha.

Looks like he doesn't have to worry about being eaten. How lucky.

The moonlight disappeared and there was no sign of my powers emerging. Of course! Just when I needed it the most it fails me.

I was attacked within seconds. A claw ripping at my shirt leaving it in tattered pieces. I stumbled back at the force. My eyes widened with horror as another one opened its wide jaws, showing off teeth that would make the most vicious piranha jealous. Well, this is it then.

I couldn't look at their ugly faces anymore, therefore directed my gaze towards my tattered and bruised feet.

Huh how strange. Was it me or did my shadow look a tad bit distorted? I couldn't tell. The moonlight was almost nonexistent and I'm about to be plunged into absolute darkness. Something that has been happening quite frequently. God this is why I hated the dark. You never know what demons lurk within.

I blinked at my feet once again and saw a dark figure emerge from the shadow between my legs.

I gaped. Utterly confused.

Another nightcrawler decided to pounce and it was pushed back immediately with such a force that I watched it go flying out of sight.

I kept gaping. I never knew my jaw could open this wide as I watched the dark figure take a humanoid form? Was that? Oh my god it was Shadow! Never have I been so excited to see Azrael's mute minion with its headlight eyes standing before me. Was he with me this entire time? I looked at my feet, only to find my own shadow back to its normal shape.

Well, I'll be damned.

Maybe he's here to protect his master. Whatever maybe the case, I will put to him to good use.

"Shadow! Attack! Attack those damned critters!" He looked back at me and blinked as if I'm the biggest fool on earth. Many more crawlers decided to fling themselves at us from all directions but Shadow pushed them away, protecting us diligently. However, he made no move to attack unless provoked. Perhaps he was simply designed for defense instead of offence. He warded away the creatures that were quite frustrated at this point and this went on until the first rays of sunlight hit the forest floor.

The creatures drew back slowly, glaring at us from the shadows of the trees. Slowly disappearing into the foliage. Until there weren't any left.

Soon the forest was filled with absolute silence. Maybe with the exception of a random bird screeching from afar.

I finally filled my lungs with a deep breath and many colorful profanities aimed towards Azrael tumbled out of me like a waterfall. I called him names that would have polite society running towards the nearest hills. I even kicked the sleeping bastard for good measure as Shadow watched blinking at me. He shook his head from side to side. I got the message loud and clear. Kicking his master is not the wisest idea. Of course! Like I give a rat's ass! How dare his 'master' put me through all that trauma.

Unbelievable. I was hungry and sleep deprived. My mood wasn't the brightest at the moment. Well, it hasn't been bright for quite some time now. We both looked down at Azrael's sleeping form.

He looked so…different with dark hair. His face looks like it was carved from granite. Sharp and angular without a hint of softness to it. If Adonis existed, I bet this is what he should look like. I Knelt next to him observing his face intently, I would never have the guts to do so if he were awake-

His eyes opened before I could finish that thought. His gaze that was once green has now turned grey, found my own immediately. I stumbled back in shock.

He looks at me calmly.

I point a menacing finger at him, utterly infuriated. "You! You decide to wake up now!?"

He chooses to ignore me and moves his gaze towards Shadow, who has his head tilted towards his master. They looked at each other as if they were silently communicating.

"I see." He says quietly looking at shadow. "You protected her on your own free will. That's a first."

I looked between the two, not knowing what exactly was going on. Didn't Azrael order Shadow to protect us? To stand watch when he wasn't present? That's what I assumed.

He dragged his eyes away from shadow and onto my tattered beaten down poor self.

Pfft. Protect me? Of course not. I gave him my most vicious glare hoping to drill holes through his unearthly head.

"Aurora, come here."

"No." replied flatly.

His eyes narrowed.

"I won't ask again. Come."

"I refuse" I replied, observing my nails as if it is the most fascinating thing on earth.

He stood up. Okay now that got my attention. "you've become quite bold." He states in a matter-of-fact tone. True. It's crazy what near- death experiences can do to a girl. He started to make his way towards me and I kept glaring at him hoping he would just catch on fire. However, my vision started to blur and I started to see colors. Very Bright colors in fact. There was a distant ringing in my head.

"Aurora?" I could hear someone call my name from far away. It sounded quite familiar. I decided I loved and hated that voice before closing my eyes. Hoping for a goodnight sleep.