Chapter 10: Knowledge

***WARNING***

THIS CHAPTER INCLUDES SOME CONTENT OF THE SEXUAL MANNER.

PLEASE BE ADVICE THAT CHILDREN UNDER 18 DO NOT READ THIS CHAPTER.

IF YOU WISH TO SKIP OVER THE SEXUAL CONTENT AND CONTINUE ON WITH THE STORY, IT WILL HAVE NO EFFECT.

I WOULD NORMALLY NEVER PUT THIS IN, BUT TO HAVE A CERTAIN CHARACTER IN THE STORY I HAD TO AGREE TO WRITE IT.

IF YOU WISH YO SKIP THE SCENE, IT WILL HAVE A ***WARNING*** AT THE BEGINNING AND END.

Grodak

Grodak ran his hands along the forge, feeling the crevices that he was all to familiar with. This wasn't the forge he had worked in before, yet it was. He had the odd feeling the forge knew who he was and was happy to see him.

Grodak leaned against the stoney stove, his arms outstretched as he absorbed the cold of the stone. If someone in the kingdom of Whitewater was asked what held Grodaks heart, they would have difficulty deciding between his forge and his wife, Xierma, his people coming in as a close second.

Grodak ran his hand over the tools that hung to his left, pulling his two handed hammer down. He smiled, it was time to light this forge and see what he can make.

Grodak grabbed some of the wood that sat at the right of the forge and began to start the forge. As Grodak lit the flames Grall appeared next to him. Raising his eyebrows at Gralls odd expression, Grodak stood and left the forge, giving it time to warm up.

"Whats wrong, Grall?" Grodak asked as he began to prepare his tools.

"Grodak...." Grall stopped, he wanted to tell Grodak everything the Source, Jarada had told him, but he didn't know where to start.

Grodak turned to face Grall worry stricken. "Grall," Grodak said, his voice carried the worry he felt, "what is wrong, my brother?"

Grall stayed silent, debating with himself on what he should say and if he even should say anything. "Grodak," he finally said, holding his breath, "could you reforge oathkeeper for me? It broke in the battle with the armored knight."

"Is that all?" Grodak said laughing, relieved that it was nothing to severe. "Of course I will, when we get back to Whitewaters forge."

"No," Grall said, "I would like you to use this forge."

Grodak slowly looked into Gralls bandaged eyes. "What do you see?" He demanded, he disliked the idea of anything changing the forge he spent his time building and working in.

"This forge," Grall spoke slowly, elaborately, "is imbued with the same powers of the void. Wouldn't you say, a weapon forged from this forge would suit me very will, brother?"

Grodak held his hand to his jaw, thinking about this. "For a God of death to have a weapon forged in a forge that is imbued with the void, I think its rather poetic, my brother."

"Can you also forge me new armor and two other weapons?" Grall asked, he appeared to be afraid he was pushing his luck with Grodak.

Grodak smiled, it was strange but he felt as though he was looking upon a younger Grall. The child he had once been sure would lead the orc tribes to glory. The child he had once looked up to, for, even at a young age, Grall was someone who held wisdom that even the elders of their tribe respected.

"Should I make you the weapon you said you dreamed up?" Grodak said, memories of when Grall was young and had a large imagination came to mind. Grall had once spoke of how he dreamed about holding a sword that stood taller then a man, he would then swing his hand in an over the top fashion.

Grall seemed to be lost in his own thoughts and appeared to not even hear Grodak at first. "Huh?" Grall said realizing Grodaks eyes were on him. "Oh, yeah. Sure. Make it however you see fit." Grall then turned around and left Grodak alone.

Grodak stood staring after Grall, a sinking feeling itching at the back of his mind. Shrugging, Grodak went to work on the weapons and armor Grall had requested from him.

Grall

Grall left the castle and kingdom, he walked with a purpose. He headed for the castle of Whitewater, one thought on his mind. I need to find Jarada.

Grall threw the doors to Whitewater castles doors. As soon as he stepped foot into the castle, orcs surrounded him, spears and swords raised and poised at his chest.

"What is going on?" Grall commanded, his voice giving off authority.

"Put your weapons away." Xierma shouted, she stood at the back of the group, Cassandra, who was unconscious before Grall and Grodak faced the armored knight. "He's not who we are on guard against."

Grall, only wanting to find Jarada now, walked through the guards spears. Pulling on the Shadow World to automatically heal his wounds as the spears and swords pierced his body.

"You are all a disgrace to the orc race." Grall said as he continued forward. "I am an unarmed opponent and you are drawing weapons on me."

The orcs seemed to flinch at this accusation as some quickly put their weapons away and others still held their weapon pointed at Grall. This angered Grall greatly, as he grabbed a weapon from one of the orcs and started to attack those around him.

"Is this what you fools want?" Grall shouted as he rampage through them. "Is this what you fools hoped would happen when you saw me!"

A strong, soft hand gripped Gralls shoulder causing him to pause in an attack. Turning to look at who it was, he saw Cassandra standing over him. Sorrow in her eyes as she took the sword from his hand.

"I know whats on your mind, Grall." Cassandra said, her voice low enough for only Grall to hear. "However, you will not find The Reaper by killing these men."

Gralls blood ran cold, how did she know. Grall started to ask, to beg her how she knew what he had just found out, but Cassandra held up her hand, silencing Grall.

"Lady Xierma," Cassandra said, her eyes lingering on Grall, "I think Grall here could use some rest. He appears to have gone through something we could not hope to understand."

Xierma, angered at those who had disobeyed her orders, nodded her head. "Yes," she said, the anger evident in her voice, "I agree. I apologize Cassandra, but could I bother you to find a room for him while I deal with this insubordination."

The orcs that stood around Xierma started to sweat, fear palpable on their face. Cassandra placed her fist on her chest and bowed to Xierma, as a form of salute. When she stood back up, she gave a single glance at the orcs who still blocked the path sending them scattering.

"Come, Grall," Cassandra spoke soothingly, "lets get you to a bed, we can discuss what happened in the Shadow World then."

Grall nodded and followed Cassandra to an empty room. As soon as the door shut Grall turned to Cassandra. "How is it you knew something I had just found out about?"

"You think you're the only one who had a nice chat with the Source?" Cassandra asked, chuckling a bit as she walked to the desk and sat down. "I spoke to him just before you and Sakurako brought me back from death. That was also very foolish of you."

"I wouldn't call it foolish," Grall said as he leaned against the door, inspecting the weapon he had confiscated from the soldier, "its not foolish to reunite two lovers."

Cassandra blushed and, for the first time since Grall had met her, showed vulnerability. "We aren't lovers," Cassandra protested, hanging her head, trying to hide her blush with her hair, "not yet."

"Thats between the two of you," Grall said, "I do not wish to be apart of that. I only wished to give the two of you a chance and so I have."

"Yes," Cassandra said as she started to brush her fingers through her hair, probably using it as an excuse for why her hair was covering her face, "you certainly did."

"Thats not the reason why you wanted to speak to me," Grall spoke quickly, wanting to just find out what she knew, "is it?"

"No," Cassandra said, brushing her hair out of her face, "no it isn't."

"What do you know of The Reaper?" Grall asked bluntly, his voice taking on a cold, uncaring voice that sent chills down Cassandra's spine.

"Be careful, Grall." Cassandra spoke with a hint of venom in her voice. "You may be a God, but you do not know how to use that strength, or have you already forgotten the beating I gave you."

Grall sighed, he didnt care what kind of threat she used, he wanted information and he wanted it now. "I do not care," Grall shouted, his voice carrying a sense of urgency, "kill me if you want but I'll just come back to life."

"Yes," Cassandra said, her voice calm, "but for how many times?"

Jaradas voice echoed in Gralls head, ".... only one more time..."

Grall cursed under his breath, she was right, he only had one more chance. "Fine," Grall said, the urgency lingered in his voice, "then please, speak. I need to know everything that you know about The Reaper."

Cassandra smiled, she stood up and walked to Grall. "I only know of The Reaper, not who he is or what they are meant to do." Cassandra spoke slowly deliberately, as if obscuring her words for some purpose. "I believe The Source told you the same thing."

Grall grunted, catching what she meant. It wasn't safe to discuss what they knew here, not with the spys that lingered above them, watching.

"Yes," Grall said as he turned to leave, "if you have nothing new, then I'll find him alone."

"Do you want to tell Grodak about this?" Cassandra asked, her voice sounding genuinely quizzical. "He could be of help."

"No," Grall said, "not with the baby on the way. He needs to focus on Xierma and I shouldn't involve him in my problems anymore."

Cassandra stared at Grall flabbergasted. "Grodak is about to have a child?" Cassandra asked, her voice shrill and high pitched. "He cheated on Xierma?"

"What?" Grall asked, horrified at the notion. "No, Xierma is pregnant."

Cassandra seemed to calm down a bit before getting excited. "Xierma and Grodak are going to have a baby!"

"Calm down, woman." Grall shouted, his voice louder then it should be. "I don't even think they realize they are having a baby, and even if they did, an elfs pregnancy lasts two years."

Cassandra seemed to calm down now, thinking the pregnancy through. "How do you know if they don't know?"

Grall simply pointed to his bandaged eyes. "I can see through anything magical, including blood."

After Grall and Cassandra departed ways, Grall found himself in the library. Jarada sat in his usual spot where he was busy writing. Grall approached him and, without missing a step, he grabbed Jarada by the back of his shirt and threw him against the wall.

"You may have escaped me in the void," Grall whispered into Jaradas ears, "but you won't escape me here. Now talk. How do I aquire the powers you mentioned?"

Jarada gasped for breath, his ears rang out, and now his head hurt. "What powers?" He asked loudly, he looked at Grall with an overwhelming sense of confusion.

"Don't play dumb with me." Grall shouted slamming the man who was twice his size against the stoney walls. "The powers you spoke of in the void, the powers of The Reaper, how do I gain them back?"

Jaradas eyes glazed over and his head slumped. "I already told you," Jarada spoke slowly, meticulous, as he reached up and took hold of Gralls wrists. The touch was like fire, causing Grall to flinch and quickly let go. As Jarada straightened himself up, he continued, "it will happen over time."

"Is there anyway to speed it up?" Grall asked, he knew the answer before asking, he had always known the answer.

"No." Jarada said, lifted his eyes to stare at Grall. The once emerald green eyes now shone without any light. "At least, not while you are alive."

Grodak lifted the reforged oathkeeper into the air, a smile playing on his lips. He had once regarded this weapon as one of his greatest master works and now the sword was even better. A bright light emitted from the blade, sending the morning shadows running.

"I have worked on these three swords and your armor, Grall," Grodak said turning to Grall who sat in a chair looking defeated, "for the past three days and I think I have out done myself with all of them, but this sword." Grodak paused as he ran his hand down the back of the sword, feeling the metal that he had used to forge it back into one whole piece.

Grodak had no need to swing the blade, he could tell how powerful the sword was by touch alone. His body trembled at the power that the sword poured out. He was a little saddened, however, he did not want to give this sword up to anyone.

With a sigh of defeat, Grodak held the sword above his head. "A sword like you," he said, his voice taking on a shine, "deserves a better name."

Tendrils sprang out of Grodaks arm and started to carve into the blade Dwarven runes. Grodak looked the blade over once more to make sure he hadn't damaged the sword, then, with a nod of satisfaction, handed the sword to Grall.

"Oathbreaker?" Grall asked as he read the runes. "Why Oathbreaker?"

"It was formed from the pieces of Oathkeeper," Grodak spoke as if this would be common sense, "so the sword now shares a name with its origins but still shows the world how deadly it is."

Grall grunted, deciding it was best not to question Grodaks logic. He quickly dressed in the armor and weapons Grodak made for him. After inspecting the two other swords Grodak made, he noticed that they were left without names.

"Brother," Grall said, "what of these two? Do they have names?"

"You may name them as you wish, brother," Grodak said waving his hand in a dismissive manner, "Oathbreaker was a special case."

Grall noted what Grodak said down in his mind. He had no need to distrust Grodak but he still felt that what Grodak had done was out of place.

"I'll be going then, brother." Grodak opened a pathway into the Shadow World and stepped through.

Grall walked over to a decaying wooden desk he had acquired just the day before. When he had acquired it, however, it was brand new. Grall sighed as he sat on metallic box that stood in front of the desk.

Grall had asked Grodak to make him a desk of metal just like his, but Grodak refused, saying "...metal would rust quickly without the proper care. Time moves differently in the Shadow World then out here so whenever you leave the Shadow World it would be rusted over and useless by the time you returned."

He was right, of course. Grall hated it, but he had to get something to hold his notes where no prying eyes would see. Begrudgingly, Grall had carved his notes into stone tablets, so that they wouldn't rot away like paper would, and placed them in one of the draws, which now laid on the ground.

Grall let out another sigh, placing another stone block on top of the pile and turning his gaze to the material world. Fluffles had said that Imp fell into a pit and impaled upon some stone spikes, but no matter how hard Grall tried, he could not find Imps soul.

"I guess this is a mystery for another time." Grall said to himself as he looked at the rotting corpse that was once Imp.

Cassandra

Cassandra sat in her flying castle, a piece of parchment laid in front of her on her desk. She had read it over and over again and still couldn't believe it. So much has changed, so much had happened and they had little time to fix what is now broken.

"The dead are starting to rise out of their graves, my commander." The letter said, the writing seemed to have been rushed, for the neat hand writing of her scout was nothing more then scribbles that were barely legible. "We are doing what we can to fend them off and keep them from attacking the innocent, but we have been backed into a corner with no way out."

"This letter isn't to ask for reinforcement," the letter continued, "this is to inform you to dig up the graves of those in our territory and destroy the head. That seems to be the only weak spot they have. We discovered it in a small rural village who was digging up graves. From talking to them we had gathered that doing this would prevent them from rising."

"Please," the letter said, a sense of pleading came from the the words, "stay safe, mother."

Cassandra burst into tears as she read the last part. She hadn't ever had any children of her own, but had taken in orphans who needed homes, who had been abandoned, who were said to be useless. They were her children and she, their mother.

Sakurakos arms folded around Cassandra, holding her close to her body. She had been the first person to look at Cassandra with love, not fear nor the love of a mother, but true love. Love Cassandra had once thought would never exist for her. Now that love was hers.

Sakurako leaned forward, the new breathing apparatus that Grodak had made gleamed on Sakurakos neck. Sakurakos lips slowly gently slid along Cassandra's neck. Placing kisses here and there as she searched for Cassandra's lips.

***WARNING***

Sakurako leaned forward, her new breathing apparatus shone in the light. Her lips moved up Cassandra's neck, slowly caressing her body. Slowly, Sakurako made her way to Cassandra's lips, as she kissed Cassandra, bringing life back to the blood red lips, Sakurako could feel her body wanting more. Her fingers gently caressed Cassandra's breast as she slowly pulled her clothes off.

Cassandra's body shivered and convulse with pleasure, her hand running through Sakurakos hair. Cassandra turned to face Sakurako, their lips never parting for more then to take in a breath.

Cassandra ran her hands down Sakurakos body. They caressed each other, holding the other as tight as they could. They slowly made their way to the bed, Sakurako moving her fingers through Cassandra's hair.

As they laid in bed, finally freeing theirselves from each others lips, Sakurako whispered seductive into Cassandra's ear. "Take my clothes off," she said biting her lower lip, "I want your bare body against mine."

Cassandra laughed, throwing her head back as the unfamiliar feeling surged through her body. "I'd much rather you take mine off first."

Sakurako smiled and reached her hands out, making quick work of Cassandra's clothes, bearing her naked body in seconds. Sakurako paused for a moment as her fingers traced a scar on Cassandra's body.

Cassandra shivered under Sakurakos touch, her body yearned for more. Cassandra could feel her worries being lifted and replaced by the joy of anothers touch. Sakurako smiled at her and leaned forward planting a small, loving kiss on the scar.

Cassandra could take it no more. Her body craved Sakurako, she craved to taste her on her lips. Cassandra grabbed Sakurakos dress and with a quick pull, she ripped the fabric open.

Cassandra's lips quickly moved down Sakurakos neck to between her legs. She did know what to do once she was there but she did not care as she started to drive her tongue deep into Sakurako.

Sakurako let out a moan, the extasy driving all thoughts out of her mind. Cassandra allowed her hands to work their way up Sakurakos thighs causing her to scream out in pleasure.

Their hands intertwined as Cassandra felt Sakurakos body twitch and writhe with the extasy that course through her very being. This was what she had wanted for the longest time and this was what Sakurako had given to her. A blessing neither would ever soon forget.

***WARNING***

Grall

Three months passed with little to no events happening. During this time, Grall had sought out knowledge from every ruin, every library he could discover. He was searching for answers, answers to just what The Reaper was and how his powers were used.

As Grall searched, he found that he wasn't the only one searching for the information. Xierma had sent spys to look for any mentions of The Reapers, and there were times they reached the locations before he did.

It mattered little though, none of the libraries in Xeno-Movia held any knowledge of The Reaper. Grall had just about given up hope when he stumbled across a mural. He took a long hard look at the carving, examining every detail.

It was an odd piece, one that had to of been made recently.... or maybe it wasn't man made. It depicted tales of events that had recently happened and some that, to Gralls best guess, had yet to come about.