Annie did not know why, but as soon as Azazel opened his eyes, most of her anger subsided… and it was not because she no longer felt like ending him, no far from it, it was because of what she saw, what she saw in his eyes.
When Azazel opened his eyes, Annie caught sight of many emotions swarming in them, it looked like confusion, hopelessness a bit of regret and more predominantly… fear.
Annie could see fear in his eyes… she did not know if she was seeing properly or if she was imaging things. How could the great, mighty, cold Azazel be afraid?? What was he afraid of? Her? It was impossible for him to be afraid of her, he had done so many terrible, horrible things, and now that someone was finally stopping him right in his tracks, he looked terrified.
Annie blinked, unable to believe just what she was seeing right now, it had to be some sort of trick, and because she was certain of that fact every trace of hesitancy left her face as she quickly continued with her attack and she threw several balls of sharp purple light at Azazel as they caused an explosion in the ground as they hit him one by one and he made no attempt to block them.
Clove heaved a deep breath, she didn't like seeing things play out like this, but she knew it would be selfish for her to go out there and try to stop Annie from doing something she was supposed to do.
"That's got to hurt" said Matt as he grimaced, he could not imagine being hit with multiple attacks like that.
"He deserves it" replied Maddie with a nonchalant scoff as Clove looked at her and Maddie purposely ignored her gaze.
Annie waved her hand as all the dust from the ground giving way due to her attack cleared up and she looked down into a huge crater that her attack had made and Azazel was lying in the middle of the crater, he looked beat up.
Annie carefully slid down the crater and when she got down she dusted herself off and she heard Azazel cough as she walked towards him.
"Where's Annie?" asked Maddie as she squinted her eyes as she could no longer see Annie.
"She went down the crater" replied Ollie as Maddie had a feeling that this would end soon.
Annie scoffed as she looked at Azazel, he had his eyes closed as he coughed, he just looked so pitiful that it annoyed her that he was a monster who had done so many terrible things, she was not buying this helpless look at all.
"Come on get up and stop taunting me" said Annie as she looked at Azazel and he did not move, she refused to believe that she was actually that strong to get him this down in just two semi powerful attacks, she did not even use all her energy since she knew that would be stupid, she saved her energy.
"Get up and fight me, stop pretending to be helpless!" said Annie in anger as Azazel did not respond, he remained limp as if he was dead.
"I said get up!" said Annie in furiousness as she kicked him and he coughed, her eyes were burning purple, and she could feel her rage increasing every single time she looked at him.
"I said get up you monster, get up and stop pretending!" said Annie as she kicked him again and this time Azazel coughed as he felt the pain and he opened his eyes and looked at Annie.
Annie looked at him as she heard him cough and the look of tiredness and unwillingness to fight back caught her, and her eyes changed to their normal colour as she stared at him, realizing how aggressive she was earlier.
Annie took a deep breath internally, she needed to relax, she could not let her rage take over her.
"Stop looking like you are wronged, get up and fight me, because I know that you are only pretending, I want to end this already, and I am sure that you want to as well" said Annie as Azazel said nothing.
She looked at Azazel and for some odd reason she felt like the emotions in his eyes were not faked at all, they looked real and genuine and that made her frown.
And it was at that same moment that the words that Griselda said came to her mind. Annie shook her head violently, there was no way that Azazel had given up, this was not the Azazel she knew, but then again, she wasn't sure.
Annie didn't want to have reluctant thoughts at the back of her mind, she wanted to finish this once and for all, but as she was looking at him right now, there was some sort of pity that she felt and not guilt, because he deserved all the hits she gave him and more, but she just pitied him.
He just looked poor and pitiful right now, as if he had no reason to live, he had that dead look In his eye, and honestly Annie felt like she would be the villain if she got rid of him while he was in this state.
She kept on thinking, after all Azazel became like this because of his choices because of his thirst for power, which resulted In him doing some things that he should not have done at all.
"What's going on, why is everywhere so quiet?" asked Maddie in annoyance, she was tired of the silence it was killing, she had expected Azazel to be pulverised by now, but there was nothing but silence.
"Be calm Maddie" said Curtis as Maddie looked at him and narrowed her eyes at him.
"I can't be calm Curtis, Azazel should be dead by now, I'm getting worried, I am going to find Annie" said Maddie as she didn't care about her bold choice of words, she didn't feel like she had to hide her true feelings from Clove.
"Don't go anywhere Maddie, I am not joking with you" said Curtis as Maddie scoffed and Matt pleaded with her using his eyes, he was worried as well, but them getting into danger would be just as bad.
Annie sighed as she knew she would regret this, but she knew it was the right thing to do. Annie bent down next to Azazel as he looked at her, saying nothing at all and Annie looked at him, biting her tongue internally for what she was about to say.
"You need help don't you?" asked Annie as Azazel just looked at her as he said nothing at all and Annie sighed.
"Look, I don't like this any better than you, I don't even really care, I want you to die, trust me, but I can see you need help, you don't want this do you?" asked Annie.
"What do you think?" asked Azazel.
"I don't know what you think, you have to be the one to tell me, I know that a part of your actions were not done by you fully, but that still is no excuse for the things you have done" said Annie as she observed that Azazel's eyes changed from their dark cold blue colour to a lighter colour as he looked sombre.
"But that doesn't mean that you don't get a chance to change, it's all up to, it's your choice, so what do you want?" asked Annie as she remembered what Griselda told her, this wasn't a matter of tit for tat, or a matter of utter revenge, but it was just about good and evil and a mix of the truth.
Azazel was definitely not good, and she wasn't a saint, she or anyone else could have gone on the path Azazel did, heck she even had some anger issues to work on since when she was angry she could easily go out of control, but right now, the truth was that Azazel really did do horrible things, and the plan was for her to kill him.
She was ready to kill him, but right now when she was face to face with him, she didn't want to kill him, she felt something wrong with her doing what she was supposed to do.
"Everyone wishes me dead" replied Azazel.
"But do you?" asked Annie as she sighed.
"Look whether you live or die, it adds nothing to me, all I want is peace, I want this to end… the right way, don't you?" asked Annie as Azazel looked at her, wondering why she hadn't just gotten rid of him.
"There is still time for you to change" said Annie.
"I let down the one person I care about" said Azazel as Annie had an idea of who that person was.
"You know Clove still loves you anyway, she of all people, wants you to change, she loves you more than anyone" said Annie as she could not believe what she was even saying right now, trying to convince Azazel to make a decision, she felt like ripping her heart out right now.
"Maddison wants nothing to do with me" said Azazel as Annie could not believe that the oh so cold, dark, evil Azazel could look and sound so depressed.
"Maddie has a kind heart, she will forgive you if you deserve it and prove to her and everyone that you truly are remorseful for what you have done" said Annie.
"I don't get back all my family members when I kill you, so there's no point of me killing you, the both of us can walk away from this right now, but of course you will have to face for all your crimes and accept your verdict, but it's better than death" said Annie as Azazel seemed lost in thought.
"Believe me, I am sure no one enjoys dying, so what do you say?" said Annie as Azazel looked at her, she could see that she was getting through to him, she could see the mix of regret, soberness and bit of confusion in his eyes, which meant that it was a good thing, he was weighing his options.
Annie could tell that he would soon give in and they could get out of this crater, but in the same moment Annie saw a flash of a dark blue streak pass through his eyes as she suddenly felt a presence full of power.
"No" replied Azazel in his usual dark, low voice as his eyes turned dark blue as they glowed and Annie braced herself as she felt herself being kicked back painfully without Azazel even lifting a finger as she went flying back and she landed on the ground and created another crater as she coughed and groaned.
Azazel got up as he suddenly appeared in front of Annie towering above her as she laid on the ground and she opened her eyes as they met with Azazel's dark blue ones, something was different, this was not the Azazel she was speaking to a moment ago, his aura had changed seriously, and there was a dark presence hovering around him and the cold smile on his face was bloodthirsty.
Annie didn't waste a second as she tapped the ground and it attempted to swallow Azazel as she disappeared and he stopped the ground as and Annie sunk into the ground as she held her breath and crossed her arms across her chest.
Annie closed her eyes as she thought, this Azazel was obviously different from the other Azazel, this one was more menacing, Annie was sure that the real Azazel was the one she spoke to before this one.
It made no sense for him to suddenly attack her out of nowhere when they were having a perfectly normal conversation before, it was clear that Azazel was not in control of his own actions, he was being controlled by the spirits he made a deal with, yes that had to be it.
Annie could feel the ground above her unearthing as she knew it was probably Azazel's doing.
Annie braced herself as she snapped her fingers and she teleported above the ground as she took a deep breath and saw Azazel, she got close to him and tapped him on the back as he went flying into the air as she looked up at him, he definitely wasn't himself.
Annie felt herself being pulled to Azazel as she could not move, her hands were frozen in place and she could see herself moving closer and closer to Azazel, she tried to move, but she couldn't.
Annie stared at Azazel as she muttered a spell in her head and she stopped moving as she and Azazel were caught in an intense staring contest, she was not going to let him win at all.
Annie narrowed her eyes as they glowed for a second and Azazel chuckled as Annie was set free and she stood upright.
"You need help" said Annie as Azazel chuckled and looked at her as if he was going to kill her.
"You should be telling yourself that" came Azazel's deep dark voice.
"You aren't yourself, look I can't help you if you don't allow me" said Annie.
"No one can help him!" shouted Azazel.
"You're wrong, I can help him!" replied Annie.
"He sold himself to us no one can save him!" said Azazel.
"If he wants to be saved he can be saved" said Annie.
"Azazel if you can hear me listen to me, you don't have to suffer because of them, I can help you if you want me to, all I need is your permission" said Annie as in the same moment the colour of Azazel's eyes changed, and so did his voice.
"Help me…" called Azazel in a choked voice as if he was in pain as his eyes changed back.
"Don't worry, I will help you" said Annie as she moved her hand and sent Azazel flying as she quickly got down to the ground and she ran to the barrier and she knocked on it since she could not get in.
"Annie's out there, dissolve the barrier blondie" said Maddie as she turned to Ollie and he shook his head and Maddie hated that they had made this barrier together.
"No way, it's dangerous out there" said Ollie as Maddie scoffed and she touched the barrier and it disappeared, as Ollie frowned at her and Maddie ignored him, she had no time to argue.
"Annie what's wrong?" asked Maddie as she looked at Annie in worry.
"I have no time to explain, I need your help" said Annie in a rush, she knew Azazel would be here any second and she needed to get ready.
"You don't need to ask, what is it?" asked Maddie as she was of course ready to do anything that Annie needed her to do.
"I'm going to cleanse Azazel" said Annie.
"What??!!!" asked Maddie in shock as Annie looked at Matt.
"What why??? What happened to killing him?? Annie you said you would kill him, why waste your time cleansing him??" asked Maddie in confusion.
"Maddie!" called Ollie in a stern tone, she was being insensitive right now.
"Shut it blondie not now!!" replied Maddie as she shouted at him.
"Maddie I'm sorry, but I can't explain right now, but I am going to cleanse him" said Annie as Maddie looked away and scoffed and Clove held her hand.
"I don't like this at all" said Maddie.
"I know you don't but be calm, Annie must have a reason" said Clove as she caressed Maddie's hair softy and Maddie kept quiet, she didn't want to blow this up.
Annie sighed, she knew that Maddie wouldn't like this one bit, and believe her, she didn't as well, but she felt like this was the best way to go.
"What's wrong Matt, do you disagree as well?" asked Annie as she looked at Matt.
"I don't Annie, I'm just worried, you haven't really tried cleansing before, what if you get hurt?" asked Matt as he was honestly worried about her.
Annie felt Goosebumps, Azazel was on his way, and it made her feel a bit scared, she knew that he would kill her with no hesitation at all.
"I know, but I will be fine" said Annie as she heard Matt sigh.
"If you say so" said Matt as he didn't want to make her worried.
"Ollie will you help me?" asked Annie as she looked at Ollie who smiled.
"Of course Annie, always" said Ollie as he smiled.
"Maddie" called Annie as she looked at Maddie who looked at her and sighed.
"You know I don't like this change of events, but you know that I also said that I got your back no matter what, so alright let's do it" said Maddie in an obviously reluctant tone, but hey, she was trying here.
"Thank you Maddie" said Annie as she smiled and Maddie scoffed.
"Clove what do you think is a spell that can be strong enough to hold Azazel in place?" asked Annie as she looked at a Clove.
"The strongest one I know is a manere spell" said Clove.
"Alright, Ollie and Maddie I need you two to hold Azazel in place with a manere spell" said Annie as Ollie and Maddie nodded.
"Clove I need you to talk to Azazel, try to distract him when he comes here" said Annie as Clove nodded.
"Curtis I need you to give me a boost" said Annie as she looked at Curtis, she doubted that she had enough energy left to do this herself.
"Alright" said Curtis.
"Matt, I need you to be on guard and be ready in case anything goes wrong" said Annie as she looked at Matt and he nodded.
"Good" said Annie as she saw Azazel hover above them and she brought out her sword.
"Aza, over here" called Clove as Azazel looked at her and she ran slowly as he followed after her.
Maddie and Ollie looked at each other as Clove stopped running and they looked at Azazel.
"Manere" they said in a chorus as they stretched out their hands in his direction and Azazel felt as if he was being held in place.
Curtis stretched out his hand to Annie as she felt herself getting a bit more energized.
"How much energy should I give you?" asked Curtis.
"As much as you can" said Annie as she jumped and she started to float in the air as she made her way to Azazel, as she braced herself here went everything, she could not lie that she was not afraid of using a technique she had never practiced before, all she knew was theory, but well, here she was, it was either this, or she killed him, and she preferred the first one.
"Oh you are playing dirty now" said Azazel with a chuckle as Annie was a distance away in front of him.
"It's funny, you think you will be able to change something that is bound to happen" said Azazel as he laughed, his body was stuck, but his mouth was not.
"And you think that you will be able to continue tormenting everyone" said Annie as she shook her head.
"Your blood is sweet, can't wait to taste it" said Azazel with a manacle grin.
"And you aren't getting any" replied Annie as she closed her eyes.
"He's too strong to keep on holding" said Maddie as she groaned and she could see that Ollie was struggling to keep him still as well.
Matt raised his hand as he came to help them which made the load more bearable.
Annie opened her eyes as she started to fly around Azazel.
"What are you trying to do? Make me dizzy?" asked Azazel as he laughed and Annie ignored him as she started to draw in the air with her sword.
"It's not working" she said to herself.
"You need a canvas" said Curtis as Annie heard him in her head.
"Like what?" asked Annie in confusion.
"Make the incisions on his body, it will bring about the best result" said Curtis.
"Okay" said Annie as she had to act quick, she could see Azazel struggling to move, he would overpower them soon.
"Please work" said Annie to herself as she flew closer to Azazel and she took a deep breath and drew a symbol from the old tongue on Azazel's upper arm as the symbol glowed and stayed on his skin as she continued while muttering a spell under her breath.
Annie moved around and drew another symbol on his back, and another on his leg and his palm, Annie was getting worried, the symbols didn't seem to be doing anything and that made her a bit scared that she didn't know how to do this and then she remembered something important.
"Azazel, I need you to let go of them, let go" said Annie as Azazel moved his hand and he waved it at her as she felt like she was on fire.
"Hold him!" said Maddie as she pulled her hand back.
Annie felt as if she was set on fire, her entire body started to turn red and she felt like she was about to lose consciousness.
"I told you, you won't win" said Azazel as he laughed and Annie closed her eyes and heard Curtis telling her to breath, which she did and she closed her eyes as her eyes turned bright purple.
"I told you, you won't win" she said as her voice sounded doubled and Azazel stared to turn red as she went back to normal and he started to cough as she flew closer to him and with her sword she drew a large symbol on his forehead as he struggled to move, but Maddie, Ollie and Matt would not let him.
"This is over, you will never torment anyone again, ever!" said Annie as flashes of light surrounded them and the power emanating from the two of them was too strong.
"Kavigo!" she said as she placed her hand on his forehead and her eyes were like flames of purple fire as in that moment Azazel's eyes and mouth opened wide as he screamed in nothing but utter pain as blue light came from his mouth eyes and ears releasing into the blue sky never to be seen again.
Annie let go of Azazel as he suddenly went quiet and his eyes closed and he fell down to the ground with a thud.
"Aza!" called Clove as she rushed to check on Azazel as Annie's eyes changed back and she heaved, suddenly feeling very tired as she stared to fall, she had no strength to stop herself from falling.
"I got you" said Matt as he quickly jumped and carried Annie in his arms.
"Tha…nks" said Annie as she yawned.
"Are you okay Annie?" asked Matt in worry.
"I'…m fin…e just a bi… t ti..red *yawn*" said Annie as she yawned and closed her eyes she was sleepy, very sleepy.
"Annie, don't go to sleep, I beg you" said Matt in worry as Maddie and Ollie agreed with him as she groaned.
"Curtis do something, give her some energy quick" said Matt as he looked at Curtis in a panic.
"I can't she's rejecting me giving her any" said Curtis.
"Curtis do something" said Maddie in worry as Matt tried to wake Annie up gently as Annie could hear their voices becoming more faint as she slipped into unconsciousness.
…
"*Giggle* *giggle* *giggle*" came the sound of a very annoying giggle.
"*Giggle* *giggle* *giggle*" came the voice again as Annie furrowed her eyebrows and groaned.
"You know your giggling is annoying right?" asked Annie as her eyes shot wide open and she sat up straight only to see her magic putting flowers in her hair as she giggle.
"No it's not, it's enchanting" replied magic.
"Only you would think that" said Annie as she sighed but she could not help but smile.
"Did I do it?" asked Annie.
"Yes you did, and you did it the right way, I'm proud of you" said magic as she giggled.
"And what would have happened if I killed Azazel?" asked Annie out of curiosity, somehow she felt like different choices would have different consequences.
"Well nothing much" said magic.
"Really?" asked Annie.
"Well depends on how you would feel after, would you fee satisfied or empty?" asked magic as she turned into bubbles and appeared behind Annie as Annie turned to look at her.
"I didn't want to kill him" said Annie.
"I know" replied magic with a whisper.
"Goodbye see you later" said magic with a smile.
"More like never" replied Annie as magic giggled and Annie went tumbling down a hill as she suddenly woke up and sat upright in bed.
"Ouch, could she please warn me next time?" asked Annie in annoyance as she rubbed the back of her neck and yawned as she shook her head, yawned and got out of bed.
Annie looked around and realized that she was in she and Maddie's room in Stella's house.
Annie wore her slippers and she walked out the door, she wondered where everyone was, and she was starving right now.
Annie walked to the kitchen and she could hear voices that were arguing coming from inside the kitchen.
"Stop it blondie, I told you, if you take one of my cookies again I am going to hurt you" said Maddie in an angry tone as she looked at Ollie who scoffed.
"They aren't even that good, Annie's are better" said Ollie as he shrugged.
"Yeah right, and yet tell me why you are stealing my cookies blondie?" asked Maddie with a scoff.
"He does have a point though Maddie, your cookies taste a bit funny, didn't you add enough sugar or what?" asked Matt as he ate one cookie.
"Oh please, it seems that everyone's a professional baker now" said Maddie in annoyance.
"We know quality cookies when we see them" replied Ollie.
"Why I ought to give you a nice knock on the head!" said Maddie as she raised the wooden spoon.
"Try it and I assure you that you won't get away with it" said Ollie.
"Can the both of you shut up and stop arguing" said Curtis in a cold tone.
"Well he started it" said Maddie.
"Gosh you guys, is this how you all behave when I'm not here?" asked Annie as she walked into the kitchen.
"Annie!!" called Maddie, Ollie and Matt in relief when they saw her.
"I was getting a headache by just listening from outside" said Annie as she walked to sit down next to Curtis on the kitchen island table.
"Oh Annie, I'm so sorry, when did you wake up?" asked Maddie with a smile.
"Well just right now, how long was I out?" asked Annie as she yawned.
"Three days" said Matt.
"Three days??!" asked Annie in surprise as Matt, Ollie and Maddie nodded.
"Gosh, I have got to stop doing that" said Annie as Maddie laughed, even though Annie was a bit relieved that she was only asleep for three days and not three months this time.
"I am so hungry" said Annie.
"I knew you would be, which is why I made you cookies, your favourite chocolate chip" said Maddie with a smile as she placed a plate of cookies in front of Annie.
"Thanks Maddie, you are a lifesaver" said Annie as she wasted no time in eating the cookies.
"They taste so good" said Annie.
"You see, glad you think so, and not some dumb blondie" said Maddie as she eyes Ollie who shook his head and ignored her.
"Where are my parents?" asked Annie as she looked around, it felt weird that her mother wasn't smothering her yet.
"With Stella, they are discussing some things" replied Curtis.
"Hmm okay" said Annie as she ate the cookies.
"How do you feel Annie? Are you okay? Do you well weird in any way?" asked Matt.
"Well no, I feel fine, other than being extremely hungry" said Annie as she gasped remembering something she forgot.
"Wait, am I alright?? Do I look weird, are my powers still here??" asked Annie in a panic as she dropped the cookie and checked herself from head to toe.
"Thank goodness my hair is still here" said Annie as she touched her hair and It was it's usual length.
"You look fine Annie, and your energy level is constant which should be a good sign" said Ollie.
"Curtis" called Annie as she looked at Curtis for confirmation.
"Yes Annie, you are perfectly alright" said Curtis as that allowed Annie to sigh in relief as she continued to eat the cookies, there was nothing wrong with being too careful, considering what happened last time, she did not want it to repeat, and she did feel fine and completely normal.
"Sorry for overreacting guys, I just don't want to miss anything just in case" said Annie.
"It's fine Annie, but you seem alright" said Ollie with a smile as Annie smiled at him.
"Where's Azazel?" asked Annie as from the look on Maddie's face she could tell it was something that made Maddie upset.
"Well he suffered several wounds, most of them internally, oh and also, he is going to the tried for all his crimes by the High Council, his hearing is in a week" said Maddie in a tone that clearly did not sound happy.
"Well that's good" said Annie.
"Yes, even though I would have preferred him dead, at least now he can pay for all his crimes" said Maddie with a smile.
"I didn't want to kill him" said Annie.
"I know you didn't, it's fine, after all, it was your choice, not mine" said Maddie.
"Thank you for understanding Maddie" said Annie with a smile.
"You know that I am a very understanding person" said Maddie with a smile.
"Since when?" asked Ollie as he scoffed.
"Since forever blondie, so shut it" said Maddie as Ollie kept silent.
"You two are…" said Annie as she shook her head.
"Annie!!" came Lisa's happy voice as she entered into the kitchen and quickly hugged Annie.
"Hi mom" replied Annie with a smile.
"Are you alright, do you feel okay?" asked Lisa as she checked Annie up and down.
"I'm fine mom, I'm alright" said Annie as she smiled.
"You don't look alright what's wrong?" asked Lisa.
"I'm just hungry mom that's all" said Annie.
"Well then let me make you something quick right now" said Lisa as she wasted no time and she started to bring out different pots and pans.
"You don't have to mom, the cookies are fine" said Annie.
"Oh nonsense Annie, just stay put" said Lisa as she got some ingredients.
"Well okay then" said Annie as she carried the plate of cookies and walked out the kitchen as the others followed after her.
"Your mom really is…" said Matt as he paused.
"Smothering? Yes that she is, but anyway I am fine" said Annie as she laughed.
"I'm just happy that everything is normal now" said Maddie.
"I agree with you Maddie, I really do" said Annie as she smiled and took a deep breath, it was all over… finally over.
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Hello my beautiful readers, sorry for the late chapter that has been long overdue, and this chapter concludes Annie Grey volume 2, but rest assured that this is not the end yet, Volume 3 will be out soon, with new characters, new adventures, new mysteries, new plots and so much more, I can't wait for it to start haha!!
I hope you all enjoyed this volume as much as I did, and Azazel is finally defeated!! (Finally, it was way long overdue)
Until Annie Grey Volume 3 begins you can all keep an eye out for my two new webnovels, Mommy I Love you! (MILY) and The Duke Loves Me (TDLM), which are coming very soon, but until then Byeee everyone, and keep on reading haha!!