Heart to Heart

Chapter 5

Ten years had passed and the Blood Wars was starting to finally take a turn for the better. Zariel moved me to Minauros as she was there to fight alongside the devils and the Champion, who has yet to talk to me since that day ten years ago. Every time I go to sleep, which I get very little of, I hear her screams, her cries as Zariel replaced her heart with that engine. It made her more formidable in battle since her rage was like a burning fire, even though demons and other creatures down here in the Nine Hells are basically fire proof. But after seeing her in action, I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of her axe. Thankfully she hasn't dared approach me whenever Zariel was around. She didn't even try when she wasn't.

Growing tired as the stay in Minauros was dragging out longer than I had thought it would be, since Zariel was adamant on claiming this plane in the Nine Hells. There would be days where I contemplated if Zariel was going to send me into battle, as some of our numbers were dwindling, but the Champion was still going. I admired her for that, but within those ten years of the Blood Wars going on, her physical appearance started to change.

There were scars littering her body and there were exhaust openings to allow the engine to cool down if and when it overheated. The most prominent scar was on her right shoulder, as it trickled down her arm, stopping at her bicep. But I knew if that engine continued, it was going to harm her. One of her horns broke and that was due to her fighting, causing her to shave one side of her hair and pushed it all to the left side, the length of it rested on her right shoulder.

"Y/N!"

Standing up, I made my way to where I was summoned, which was in Zariel's tent. The commanders and other generals were there along with the Champion. Her lip pulled back into a snarl as she bared her fangs at me, her arms crossing over her chest as the infernal engine flashed bright red and orange.

"We're going to need you today," Zariel said.

"Of course, master."

"We are stationed here," she pointed to where we were on the map. "We are going to be crossing over this field, but the thing is, it is being overrun by demons. So we're going to go around them while you march in the front lines. You're going to be leading a small group of devils and imps."

I nodded my head, "Yes, master."

"Good. Go get prepared."

I nodded and left, heading back to where my tent was. So that's it? I was going to be used as bait? If I die here, at least I will be free from Zariel. At least I will be with my parents.

"You know."

I jumped, thinking it was Zariel, but as I turned, I found it was the Champion.

"You don't have to do this," she said.

"Now you want to talk to me?" I asked, getting my weapon prepared, which was a dull blade that I was never allowed to touch unless stated. I couldn't even sharpen it no matter what.

"You're a good person, Y/N," she said. "I-It just took me a long time to realize that."

"It's too late now," I said. "I'm being sent to my death."

"That might not happen," she said.

"What do you mean?"

"I just finished talking with one of the devils. They're going to give you a chance at your freedom."

"What about you? You deserve to be free more than anyone here."

"I still have a job to do."

"You don't have to do this either," I said.

"If I don't, Zariel will kill me."

"And like she won't if she figures out I left the battlefield."

"She's on her way to get in position. All she needs to see is your group heading into that field."

I shook my head, "I must fulfill my duty."

"Is that what you want?"

"It doesn't matter what I want."

Stepping towards me, she lightly placed her hand on my shoulder. Turning, I was met with those fiery eyes that always had a hardened look. Always looked like she was fire herself, but as I stared into her eyes, there was a look of fear, concern even for my well being.

"It does matter," she said.

"It really doesn't, Champion."

"I told you my real name, didn't I?"

"Yes, but I am not fit to speak it."

"Of course you are."

"Only Zariel and the other commanders and generals are allowed to speak your name."

"It sounds like shit when it's coming from them. I've always wondered how it sounded coming from you."

"Champion, please step aside. I have a job to do."

"And I as well."

Opening up behind me was a portal. Turning, I looked between her and the portal.

"Hope you can forgive me on this one," she said.

She grabbed onto the gauntlet and raised her leg, kicking me through the portal. I fell through it, falling into some grasslands. About to get up, the Champion waved before the portal closed, holding onto the gauntlet that was removed from my arm.

"Damn it!" I yelled, kicking my foot across the dirt.

Breathing heavily, I took in the sights and scents around me. It smelt fresh, not like ash, fire, and sulfur. It was more colorful, bright, and not like the red and black, dark and dreary scenery of the Nine Hells. Since I had my sword with me, I might as well figure out how to sharpen it or I might as well walk into a place with my hands up, my head waiting to be served on a silver platter. Walking around in the woods, I found a small river that I could sit by. Finding some good rocks, I started to sharpen the blade of my sword. Testing the sharpness of it, once I was fine with it, I placed it in its sheath and was on my way.

Where was I going? I had no idea. Everything was so new and different that it all felt overwhelming. But I knew one thing: I was free.