The New Helel

Azazil IV

"Azazil!" Seraphiel's voice echoed through the thick trees and shrubbery. "Return at this instant, you unruly child!"

Azazil hurried his pace, not daring to look back. Thorns pierced his calves as he ran deeper into the woods. His breath grew shorter and shorter. He'd started his escape with strength in his legs, but at the rate it was draining, he would be captured with none.

He cried out as he tripped over a stone and cursed under his breath. There was no way Seraphiel hadn't heard that. After slamming into a tree branch, Azazil ducked under it and was greeted with a tantalizing oasis. Even though he knew better, he knelt down and greedily drank from the pool of water.

However, only mere seconds passed before he noticed the all too familiar scent of smoke. The forest was burning; it was Seraphiel's work.

"No," he whispered. "I can't do this." Tears started to leak out of his eyes. He could run, but what use would it be? Azazil would be ruined, either by Seraphiel or the fire he spread.

After waving his hands around in the air, he detected a large boulder and hid behind it. His heart slowed down as he waited, dread filling in his stomach.

It'll only be a little longer before Seraphiel sees ...

A soft hand came through the bush and pulled Azazil to his feet. "Come with me," his rescuer whispered. "I know the way to freedom."

Azazil stammered out a few uncoordinated words, but the stranger quickly hushed him. He ended up obeying the stranger. Azazil tried to imitate his light footwork, but kept on stomping the ground. Fortunately, the stranger didn't seem to mind.

The scent of smoke grew more potent by the second. It was clear as day that they wouldn't make it. Although his rescuer was kind hearted, only kindness could not lead to success.

I can't believe that I brought someone else down with me ... again.

"Do not cease." He whispered, breaking Azazil's train of thought. "We have almost reached our destination."

Azazil struggled to speak, for smoke had already made its way into his lungs. "I-I can't ..."

"Of course you cannot," the stranger sighed as he knelt down. "It is of no matter. I shall carry you."

Azazil gladly climbed on his back, relieved. However, he could sense that the stranger was getting tired. After a few minutes, the trees started to thin. Although he could not see, he could almost feel that-

"Stop right there," Seraphiel commanded, landing in front of Azazil. A ray of light and the swishing of air accompanied his arrival. "Azazil. Come with me."

The stranger cursed under his breath before pushing Azazil off. "Go. I shall handle him."

"B-but he-"

"Leave at once!"

Azazil started to run to the side. Seraphiel attempted to chase after Azazil, but the stranger drew his attention.

"Your opponent is I," he stated. "Not him."

"Very well then," Seraphiel replied with an annoyed tone. "I shall have you."

Azazil rushed out of the warzone as the two clashed, narrowly managing to avoid the various snakes coming out of the ground. With one last breath, he crashed out of the forest and fell to the ground. After what felt like hours, his rescuer emerged.

Azazil gasped in horror at the putrid smell. His stomach was gashed wide open, and burn marks were inlaid on his arms and legs. The white cloak he wore was stained red, not to mention the multiple tears.