Chapter 32: In a while

"We have to run," Emilia kept repeating over and over on her brain, but no matter how much she kept saying these words her body remained frozen, unmoving, uncompliant.

And without realizing it the three of them were a step away from them. The first one was about to reach over to grabbed Clementine by the hair when an arrow flew in penetrating his hand and stopping his movement.

Roaring sounds of pain could be heard. And then a familiar voice thundered in, breaking the spell Emilia and Clementine found themselves in.

"Run!" Azael screamed bow on hand. "Get up and run"

Life was brought back to Clementine who could not hide the relief she felt at seeing her beloved safe and sound.

And like their life depended on it because it did, the three started running away from the vile monsters. Jumping over tree trunks, numerous leaves and branches hitting their faces, arms, and legs. The pain that was caused was clear but bearable as the alternative was much worse. They fail to notice that the darkness that was once pitch black had disappeared and now the forest became visible.

Azael was on the back constantly turning to see if they had left their predators behind, but they fail to notice that they had just walked into the enemy's den.

They came to a clearing, where they saw both angels and demons, but to their disappointment they were fallen creatures. They were immediately surrounded by ten enemies. Emilia, Clementine, and Azael were back-to-back ready to fight although they were clearly outnumbered. And to make matters worse out of the darkness more figures emerged diminishing their chances even more. Within the creatures that kept waltzing into the scene there stood the demon with an arrow thru his hand, writhing in pain.

He locked eyes with Emilia and started walking towards her, cursing, and screaming nonstop. He kept punching his own companions, pushing them to the side as of this was going to help him get to her much faster. Azael saw his intentions and he stepped in front of Emilia to protect her, but the demon was beyond any control. Azael pointed his bow and arrow directly at him but the evil in front simply raised his sword and destroyed the vow in half. Azael was pushed to the side and other angels and demons immediately grabbed him pinning him down.

Emilia drew her sword and aimed for his throat. Her stance and demeanor were that of a fierce warrior, but just like her father has said she still had a lot to learn. With a wicket laughter that send chills all around, the enormous demon turned around with his arms extended out laughing nonstop.

"This bitch thinks she can win over me," His back was towards Emilia "Lets teach her a lesson," Looking over his shoulder he winked at her and then in a speed that showed his immaculate training he reached for his sword and stabbed Clementine on the leg.

The pain penetrated all of Clementine's senses. And as much as she tried to stay strong and not react to the ache, her body gave her away. She stumbled down only to feel a cold and sharp metal on her neck.

"You bastard, I will kill you," anger was heard coming from Azael, but as much as he tried to run to Clementine he was kept locked down. "Bastard!!" and then kicks and punches landed on his body as blood started dripping from his nose, and mouth. It was too much for his body to handle.

Silent tears started streaming down Clementines eyes. The stabbed on her leg was nothing compared to the pain she was feeling at seeing how Azael was being tortured. Then she felt the pressure of the sword on her throat pushing into her skin. Out of reflex she looked up and she was met with an evil smile that was a thing of nightmares. The demon in front of her smiled at her before turning his attention to Emilia.

"Now my lady, be a good doll and put your weapon down," He knew he had the upper hand. "Trust me, my next blow will not aim to simply hurt, but to exterminate."

Emilia clenched her teeth. She knew that there was no other way, and this angered her. "What a complete idiot I am" She thought to herself as she threw her sword to the ground glancing over at Clementine whose tears did not stop.

Azael's limped body was lifted from the ground. Blood covering his face.

"Now let's go!" A different demon tried to reach over to grab Emilia but was immediately stopped by the bulky demon.

"I will take her myself," He explained before a smile curved on his lips, "in a while."

The second demon understood the implication of the response and he instead reached over to grabbed Clementine, "Our orders were to deliver her to Domenico, he will not be happy to hear this,"

"I will gladly accept the punishment," His response was quick.

"I will not take part of this," and with that he grabbed Clementine and started walking away with her. Clementine tried to desperately reach Emilia but was prevented by the towering figured who stood in between them, eyes glaring with evil intent.

"Emilia, Emilia" Clementine kept repeating her name over and over as she was being dragged away.

"I will not be a part of this," The demon holding Clementine said as he motioned the others to follow him dragging Azael with them.

Soon Emilia was left alone with the bulky demon. She took steps back only for her back to crash into a sturdy surface. Glancing over her shoulder she saw that another fallen demon and fallen angel had stayed behind. Their eyes gleaming in the same menacing way as the one in front of her.