The Demon and the Healer - Chapter 5- Reality?

“We will get her back, Helios.”

It was some time after the hero party left the demon general’s ward and faced some high-ranking demons when the team’s witch Grace walked forward and tried to soothe her leader’s anxiety.

Despite having regained his ability to converse Helios has said nothing since the time he was persuaded by Charlotte to leave her behind. Naturally, the other members were also distressed by the development they could have never presumed but they forwarded their role as a hero first. They were also sorry because of the potential loss of their teammate but not more than Helios who has loved Charlotte for a long time.

Almost the whole nation back in the capital knows about the hero’s affection toward the princess despite the said person being oblivious about it, signifying how overwhelming his love would have been that it didn’t even remain hidden from the people around Helios for long.

And to leave such a dear person behind just because he was the hero and he had to make all the sacrifices… Helios indeed had his reasons to remain cold-hearted.

“I know I am not good with words, my friend, but I swear on my life that I would rescue Princess with you even if it takes everything away from me.”

The team tank spoke up with a tinge of grief blended in his tone which soon shifted to determination. He generally doesn’t give his word to anyone since once he makes a vow, Gellion makes it happen whatever it takes.

Helios indeed felt a little better hearing his friend’s words and the small nod from Gail was enough for him to know that the assassin of the team was in this with them.

“You guys…I am so grateful to gain such dear friends in life.”

Helios was touched by their consideration as he held Grace’s hand back and smiled at others in understanding. He was lucky in his life to find such gems as his comrades and to make sure that everyone remains safe and sound, Helios was prepared to face any calamity.

“Let’s kill that Demon Lord before we save our friend.”

*****

(Charlotte’s POV:)

‘I hope nothing happens to them… ‘

I have muttered the same thing since the time my comrades left my side and went to carry on their duties as heroes who were responsible to bring salvation and put an end to the chaos which no one desired yet didn’t have the strength in the past to fight against it as well.

I would have also, under normal circumstances, gone along with my teammates to play the role I was bestowed by the supreme deities but none of us ever expected that such a high roadblock would suddenly appear and take me hostage.

‘What does he want from me anyways… ‘

I still couldn’t discern why this demon has kept me by his side and was just staring at me with a curious gaze like I was some kind of antique.

I primarily thought he was after my body which wouldn’t be too surprising considering what kind of feral creatures these demons generally tend to be. And since I have received hundreds of compliments and twice been kidnapped for my face value in the past, I considered this demon also has the same motive.

But even though it’s been some minutes since we were left alone, he still has to move an inch except for initially when he embraced me and made my sitting position comfortable. He was at least that much considerate, I would give him that but such behavior until now has not changed a single speck of my perception of demons.

I still hate them for all my worth.

“You seem to harbor stronger hatred than most of your companions for demons. Any particular reason? ”

For a second there… I was rendered speechless and slightly startled as well since it seemed I was thinking aloud before. Or maybe this demon has mind-reading skills? Quite possible considering what prowess he has shown until now.

A cold sweat instantly dropped down my back at such a thought since until now what I had only muttered inwardly about this demon was anything but pleasant to hear. But…if he really would have heard me, would he just stayed so casual without even showing any hint of anger?

Pretty unlikely.

“I do since I have lost many precious people because of the viciousness of your kind.”

In the past, not just my little sister, but many of my classmates who went for a normal adventure in the forest were annihilated by a horde of demons. They were ra*ed, stabbed, and torn before death engulfed their existence.

I still get nightmares of that scene where I was lucky enough to not join my friends or I would have received the same fate as them. There were many other reasons to hate these inhumane varmints but my sister’s and friends’ death always dominated the reason for my animosity.

“Hmm… I have heard some complaints from the Demon side as well. Like just the day before a young denon couple just married and were enjoying their first night when some elite soldiers barged in after tying the male, they physically assaulted the female just in front of her mate. Not to talk about a whole nest containing fifteen younglings that were cooked and eaten by the soldiers some days ago. I killed those soldiers afterward that’s why I know.”

“…”

I…was speechless.

I knew in war both side face damage but I believed that our side would be more… human to bestow death in one go without partaking in those deeds which could make them just like the beings whom we should be hating.

‘Wait…he can be lying to change my perspective toward him… ‘I concluded since I just couldn’t believe a stranger more so a demon’s words just like that.

But suddenly something happened. It seemed the demon realized I wa not buying his lies since with a smile of resignation he snapped his fingers and soon our surroundings began to change.

“This is one of my memories to make you trust me, woman.”

His whisper was not currently something I had my focus on since right some distance ahead of my eyes I could see a scene that I fundamentally never accepted as a reality.

The surrounding was no longer the same and I found myself inside a tent which by emblem hanging above the crown, and also the crest over the soldier’s armor told me they belonged to the capital.

However, that was not my main focus at the moment. Rather…

“Let us go…*sniff* we promise we won’t ah-whip*”

The small frail demon child was not able to finish his plea since the soldier suddenly swung his whip and hit the kid. He fell back to his butt while covering his slashed face and wailing out loud because it surely would have hurt a lot. Even though I was not the one who received the attack I could feel that it must have been pained to be targeted which such cruelness.

“Hahahah…shut up and take the beating kid. I have endured a lot and it’s time for me to spend all those anger! Take this! Oraaa! Oraaaa!”

The man continued to whip and hit the children using his weapon and feet. Those who tried to run were impaled by the guards around the tent before they threw them back inside the torturous camp to face the assault.

I felt my heart clenching and tears running down my cheeks but I never tore my eyes away from those children who were so small and innocent that if I were to come across them I was not sure whether I would attack them or let them go.

What crime they have committed? What sin do they have to partake in to be punished such brutally? Even though they have done some crime isn’t it too inhumane and heartless to give them such miserable death?

***SNAP***

The surroundings reverted to their original place but still, my eyes were fixated on the spot where I was watching those innocent lives struggling and begging to let them die since the pain was more miserable than the death itself.

They…….were they any different from my friends who were assaulted by demons? Were those soldiers any different from the creatures whom we despise so much? Are we battling for the right side? Those sacrifices…did we do for the wrong people?

Just a small memory that has happened in the past has already made me contemplate many things which I never even considered previously.

Even though I have been since just minutes here…many of my beliefs already have been shaken up.

I was not sure how many changes this particular demon would bring for me.

******

A/N: – Drop a comment~