Redemption

Chapter 22

"If you are that eager to go to Gehenna then rest assured I'll make this quick," Acrux said.

"Are you waiting for me to thank you?" Samael snapped.

"Remember this Samael, we all made our choices in this life, Inferis is where you receive the consequences," Azalea said solemnly.

"So quick you have turned into an Iram supporter some would question this sudden change of heart. Does it have anything to do with him" He replied, staring at Acrux.

Rolling her eyes, she avoided eye contact with Acrux, "Don't be stupid. Why does every dying man right near death start spouting nonsense? Aren't any of you sane?"

Samael sprung forward pushing the undead ahead of him as he made a run for it, but his body was drained and he quickly collapsed, his legs sluggish.

Disposing of the undead, the pair made their way to the lying mass.

"Any last words," Acrux said, his sword prodding Samael's neck.

"And I thought Azalea would have the pleasure of killing me"

"Is that your final wish," Azalea said quietly.

"Yes, just like how you killed your parents it's only fitting that you finish the job completely, don't you think."

Scanning the ground for any of her hidden weapons she spied a glinting blade. Gripping the familiar handle she brought the tip to his throat ready to sever it off. Acrux watched head tilted. Her hand trembled the longer she stayed, unable to move the tip deeper or retract her hand.

"You couldn't do it. I knew it" he smirked, staring up at her.

She closed her eyes steadying herself, and a hand settled on her shoulder, squeezing. She looked back at Acrux staring at her, his eyes intent on fulfilling his promise of killing Samael if she couldn't. She smiled sadly, shaking her head.

"I want you to know that all my life I cherished you. When you were alive you were my favourite person, I considered you a brother and my best friend. And when I thought you died, a piece of my heart ripped out because I lost my brother and my friend. I never forgot you nor did I forget my parents. Your memory was always alive subconsciously one way or another."

"If you truly cherished me like you say you would not be standing above me trying to behead me as you speak. Is a tad hypocritical of you," he replied.

"My generosity has its bounds, like I said Gehenna is where you face the consequences of your sins, so at the end of the day I will choose myself because the boy I knew does over a decade ago, and the one in front of me I do not recognize."

"You are a selfish bitch, if your parents saw you today they would be disappointed." he sneered.

"I know. But they are not alive are they." Azalea breathes out.

"I thought I was heartless but truly it was you."

"Goodbye Samael, I hope I remember you," she said quietly.

With that note, she pushed the swords deeper into his throat. Blood and bla\ck gushed down from the wound, as he gurgled gasping for air that will be of no use later. She watched as he withered in pain, until finally he lay still, his eyes glassy. Turning she went, collapsing a few steps away. Tears began to flow from her eyes drenching her face. For the first time in years, she finally cried letting it all out. Sobbing silently, she cried for her parents, for Creed, she mourned the loss of her life. Azalea grieved for the loss of her friend the boy who he was before all this. She did not know how long she sat, but the blazing rays of sunshine that slowly rose nudged her up. Acrux was standing a few steps back, the head of Samael on the floor.

"Why did you have to behead him, you could have given the body." her voice was hoarse.

"My king's orders were to hand over his head nothing more nothing less."

Nodding she pivoted, eager to leave this nightmare.

"Are you okay?" Acrux asked

"I'll be better once I'm in Calum. Now how do I contact your king? " he said, waving the tattoo in his face.

'Just call him through it. it is not hard."

Scowling, "Ever so condescending, it won't hurt to actually help."

"I just did, it's not my fault you're slow."

Back to their regular banter, Azalea would think everything is normal until he gets caught on Samael's decapitated body.

"Can we bury him, at least?" She asked tentatively.

"I will come back and bury him later, I promise," Acrux said.

Smiling in relief, she closed her eyes. Oh Iram God of death accept this... What am I even saying, Iram, we have your head now please do us both a favour and get me and Acrux the hell out of here. She thought.

Nothing happened. A minute passed still nothing. Glaring at at Acrux she nearly jumped when a voice spoke in her mind.

You completed your task I presume. Azalea Thorne. Very well.

"He answered, now what," she asked Acrux.

"Now we wait," he said, he handed her Sameal's head.

Grimacing, she took it, casting her eyes away. She might have done what she was ordered but that doesn't mean she'll be happy about it. A gaping hole of swirling shadows appeared on the other side of a dark room. Azalea sighed as she remembered the last trip. Acrux walked through his body tense. Slowly she stepped through.