Chapter 2: Hells Gates

"I am telling you," Grall shouted in anger, "that I do not care about your God damn opinions."

Grall stood at the head of the council, he had gone in front of these cowards to declare that while Grodak was out of commission, and if he didn't make it, Xierma was to take over. Grall had initially expected resistance from the group but, to Grall surprise and disgust, they had decided to elect him as the leader until Grodak was able to return.

"With all due respect," one of the council members said, Grall had forgotten his name during his time in the Shadow World and no longer cared to try and remember it, "to elect an elf, a female at that, to be the one to lead us is preposterous."

The rest of the council agreed. Grall knew what they wanted, they wanted someone they could use as a shield if they were ever attacked. They had grown soft in the past month and now acted better than their fellow orcs they once cared for.

"Does she need to prove her worth to you?" Grall asked in anger, he clutched the table tightly, careful not to break it. "Is that what your useless piss ants want!"

They all nodded their heads, murmuring quietly. This had pushed Grall over the top. He had enough of this bullshit and was just about to resort to violence when Xiermas soft hand grasped his shoulder, causing Grall a momentary pause before she spoke.

"If you wish for me to prove my worth," she said as she held her head up, "then so be it. Bring forth any challenge you wish to set forth and I shall conquer it."

Grall drew in a sharp breath, he knew what challenge they would ask of her, one that not even he or Grodak would be able to fulfill.

"Bring us," one of the council members said, a sickening smile on his face, "the feather of an Altean."

Xiermas face paled, she knew just as Grall did that this request was an impossible one to do.

"Fuck it." Grall said as he threw the table against the wall. "If you want proof that she is more worthy then anyone here then ask the soldiers who saw the Altean you speak of. When she left only one person still stood and that was her. If she is strong enough to stay standing in the presence of an Altean, something even Grodak couldn't do, then she is strong enough to take the feather from her."

The challenge Grall issued to the council caused an uproar in an otherwise quiet room.

"If she can get the feather then I'll give up my seat on the council." One shouted. "I'll give her all my gold. "I'll have the blacksmiths craft her the best armor. "I'll kiss her feet." All the council members chimed in at once trying to talk over each other.

Annoyed, Grall punched a wall, knocking a hole in the six-inch rock. "Shut the fuck up." Grall shouted, the council quickly hushed in fear of what Grall may do to them. "She will get the feather, and when she does, all of you better keep your word or this wall will not be the only thing that will need to be fixed."

Grall stormed out with Xierma in tow. "Grall," Xierma shouted as the door shut behind them, "how do you expect me to get a feather from Cassandra?"

"Simple," Grall replied, "you ask for it."

Grall, Tyril, Sakurako, and Xierma stood outside the city walls, far enough that when Cassandra landed the residents of Whitewater would not be overcome with fear.

"Are you sure she will be here?" Grall asked, he trusted Tyril and if anyone knew her, it would be her brother.

"She's already here." Tyril said pointing up.

Grall glanced up and what he saw chilled him to his very bone. He didn't see an Altean, he saw a war between her human side and the Altean side. The two bloods causing havoc in her body and yet she showed no signs of pain, no blood, no wounds.

Grall forced his vision to focus and look pass the war that raged inside Cassandra. Once he was able to look pass it, he felt a strange sense of calm. The woman before him showed a face of loneliness, one of fear. This was probably who she truly was when you looked past everything.

The Altean landed in front of Grall. Her expression changed to something fierce, a mask to hide who she truly was, Grall realized.

"Tyril," Cassandra said, her voice shown the warrior that she was, "who are these.... Things."

"I am Grall, chieftain of none." Grall said in response only to find Cassandra's blade at his throat. Grall laughed at her actions. "Do you plan to kill the unkillable?"

"I plan to wipe a bug off of the face of Xeno-movia." Cass raised her sword swung it down on Gralls neck, making a clean cut. Before Gralls body could even collapse under its own weight, it was gone. A dark shadow swallowed it whole.

A mere second later Grall stepped out of the Shadow World rubbing his neck. "I could have easily swatted the bug for you." Grall said, joy in his voice as he showed her, she wasn't the only one with a war raging inside them.

Cassandra stared at Grall in disgust, she brought her arm back to swing again but was stopped by a small hand on her arm. Cass looked over to find Sakurako standing next to her looking up into her eyes. Cass started to pull away from Sakurako but stopped as something inside her told her not to push away.

Cassandra lowered her weapon and looked from Sakurako to Grall. "Speak." She commanded, her voice carrying an unusual calm with it. "What do you wish of me?"

"I never said I wanted anything from you." Grall spoke softly, watching how Sakurako was able to calm Cassandra.

"There was no need to verbalize it." Cassandra said a hint of anger marked her voice. "The only reason anyone approaches me is to gain something."

"I didn't approach you just because I wanted something." Grall said, Cassandra was about to speak but Grall continued. "I do want something, but I also wanted to meet the Altean that scared my brother to the point he fell to his knees."

Cassandra stood in place as she watched Grall, as if she was inspecting him. "Tell me how you survived and how it is that you can see without eyes and I will grant you one wish."

Tyril, who had been standing to the side, chuckled. "He is the orc I told you about. The one who relates to the orcs old resting place."

Grall nodded his head, he made a motion and summoned a single Shadow Elder to his side. "As for my eyes," he said as he dismissed the shadowy figure, "I was given true sight at the cost of them. I no longer just see the colors and hues of the world, but I also see the truth behind it."

Cass flinched at Gralls words, he had just told her he could see the battle raging on inside her body and that scared Cass. She had heard of true sight only once before; it was a terrifying ability that can see into the hearts of all living creatures and even peer through magic.

"What is it you wish of me?" Cass asked, she spoke with haste, no longer wanting to be here.

"We request a duel from you." Grall said, his voice raised as he spoke.

"A duel?" Cass asked and began to laugh. "With you? You are no match for me. I just killed you a moment ago."

Grall ground his teeth, he had been made fun of and looked down way too many times and disliked the feeling of it being done.

"Not with me," Grall said through clenched teeth, "with her." He motioned to Xierma who stood petrified with fear.

Cass looked at her and scoffed, asking herself if Grall was looking down on her and believed she was so weak as to lose to such a frail elf. "Fine," Cass said in anger, "but if she dies it's not my fault."

Grall stepped in between Xierma and Cass. "Now, now." Grall spoke with frustration. "The rules of this duel is no killing and fight honorably."

Cass scoffed and grabbed Tyril by his ear dragging him off. "Come with me, brother," Cass said, the anger even more palpable in her voice, "we need to have a little chat."

As Cass walked away Sakurako followed, her eyes never leaving Cass.

As soon as Cass was far enough away, Xiermas legs gave way and she fell to the ground. "Grall," she said, her voice trembling, "I don't think I can do this."

"You don't have to win," Grall said as he knelt down to help Xierma up, "you only need to steal a feather. Alteans are sticklers for rules, even going as far as killing those that break them."

"Are you sure?" Xierma asked, her face showing a sense of hope.

Grall smiled, he wasn't sure, but he had to believe that was the case, but if it looked dangerous Grall would just pull her into the Shadow World. "Yes," he said, "I'm sure."

Xierma let out a long and heavy sigh, then stood up, unsheathing her sword she kept at her waist. "Then," she said, "let's do this."

Cass, who was still talking to Tyril, turned to Xierma and smiled. Tyril looked like he was saying something, but Cass just held up her hand stopping him. She approached Xierma and stopped twenty feet away.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Cass asked, her hand on her swords hand guard. "You can always back down and prevent any humiliation."

Xierma eyed Cass carefully before speaking. "What humiliation?" She asked, her voice coming off as a proud warrior fighting for honor. "To be able to dual an Altean, especially one as strong as you, are an honor. Even if I lose this duel, I won't feel humiliated, not after the honor your providing with this dual."

Cass seemed to feel disgust over these words, but she couldn't fool Gralls eyes, he knew she was over the moon with excitement. The blood that had been raging war inside her seemed to halt their battle as they joined hands in preparation for it.

"So be it." Cass said as she kicked off the ground, flying forward, she unsheathed her blade and attacked Xierma fiercely. Xierma acted quickly and threw her sword up to block the incoming attack. As the blades clashed it sent Xierma flying a few feet where she gracefully landed on the ground.

Xierma jumped up and charged at Cass swinging her sword wildly. Most of Xiermas attacks couldn't get through Cass defense, only one did. It was the one that counted as Xiermas sword cut a single feather off Cass wing.

Cass, in anger over the pain, slammed the hilt of her sword into Xiermas back, knocking her down onto the ground, where Xierma stayed.

Grall acted fast and moved in to protect Xierma, using his body as a shield. Cass sword came down and buried itself into Gralls shoulder. A yelp of pain escaped Gralls mouth as the sword laid buried in his skin.

"Thank you, mighty Cassandra," Grall spoke through gritted teeth, "but, I do believe the rules said no killing."

Cass put her foot on Gralls chest and gave her sword a mighty pull, pulling it out of Gralls shoulder. "I am well aware of the rule you set." Cass said as she wiped the blood from her blades surface. "I had planned to stop before my blade touched her skin."

"Of course." Grall said as he held his shoulder together and allowed the shadow world to do its thing.

"As for you, elf," Cass spoke, a hint of respect in her voice, "you fought me with such pride that not even others in my race could match. It is my win, but you have gained my respect and if you need anything in the future, all you need to do is ask."

Xierma nodded, her face pale from the battle. She stared at Grall for a moment, a single thought ran through her mind. Grodak is lucky to have such a caring brother that would even sacrifice his wellbeing for the sake of his kingdom and people.

Grall stood up, fully healed, and turned to Xierma, holding out his hand. "Come, sister," Grall said, to his surprise Xierma blushed at the mention of sister, "we have much to do and little time to do so."

Cass watched them for a moment, as Grall helped Xierma up onto her feet, then spoke openly. "Why were you aiming for my wings, of all places?"

"I required a feather," Xierma said in a hushed tone, "one of your feathers, to prove I am worthy of being left in charge of Whitewater while it's leader is unwell."

Cass scoffed, she showed disdain for this news. "Who told you that you must do something so reckless?"

"The council of Whitewater." Xierma voice was loud and spoke with such dislike that all could tell she wished to disband them immediately.

Cass laughed, the laugh seemed awkward and stiff, but it seemed to vocalize a rare occasion. To Grall it seemed like this Cassandra rarely laughed, to which, Grall was not surprised. The war between her blood had seemed to only pause momentarily during the fight and were back at it again.

"What use is a council if they hide behind others." Cass spoke as if she had understood the situation better then she should. "Take the feather, you earned it." Cass motioned to Xiermas hand that held the down feather that had been cut off during the fight.

Xierma blushed as she looked down, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Thank you."

Grall sighed and guided Xierma forward into Whitewater. He had decided that if the council wanted to fight them and insisted that he stay and become the head, he would just kill them right then and there.

Sakurako

Sakurako stared at Cass longingly, a sense of fear had encompassed her when she first laid eyes upon her but now, she felt a strange pull towards her. She had never felt so excited to meet a stranger, especially one she should fear. As the orc, who called himself Grall, walked off with the strange elf woman, Sakurako stayed behind with Cass.

Cass turned away from the two of them and spread her wings, about to leave, but paused as she noticed Sakurako staring at her.

"Yes, little one?" Cass asked, her voice was like music to Sakurakos ears. She blushed but didn't hide it, she wanted Cass to see her, see how much she attracted Sakurako.

Sakurako said nothing and just stared at Cass and Cass stared back. Nothing was said between them for a long moment until someone cleared their throat, causing Cass to turn towards them and her hand going to her sword.

Tyril stood between them, smiling as he motioned for Cass to follow. "My dear sister," he said in a kind voice that made Sakurako wince in disgust, "we still need to discuss what you mentioned about the Hell's Gates."

Cass shook herself, as if shaking off sleep, and looked back to Tyril. "Right," she said as her eyes darted between Sakurako and Tyril, "I'm sorry brother, I got distracted."

Tyrils eyebrows shot up into his hairline, he looked shocked at Cass when he heard her apologizing. "It... It is fine sister," Tyril said, as he stumbled over his words, "but we must talk about our plans before we act, and, hopefully, find a way to prevent the inevitable."

"Of course, brother." Cass spoke to Tyril, but her eyes lingered on Sakurako.

Grall

"What do you mean she got the feather?" One of the council members shouted, the others had also raised their voice in protest.

"Just that." Grall shouted back, his hand on the pommel of his sword. "If you do not believe me then take a look for yourself."

Xierma held the feather up for all to see and the council erupted in laughter. "That's just a plain birds feather." One shouted over the laughter. "What did you do? Kill a chicken?" Another shouted.

Grall started to pull oathkeeper out of its sheath, prepared to spill blood out of annoyance, but was stopped by a soothing touch to his shoulder and a calming voice that spoke quietly, yet it reached everyone's ears as if shouted.

"This is indeed a feather from the Altean." Xierma said, she looked calm and collected after the battle, but Grall could see that her feelings were in turmoil. "If you do not believe me, then you can ask the Altean herself. I believe she is still just outside the castle walls speaking to Tyril, the previous king of Whitewater."

The council, once again, erupted into an argument. "You were supposed to kill the bitch." One shouted. "Tyril is dead." Another shouted. The shouting continued until Grall, who had enough of their games, drew oathkeeper and slammed the blade into the stone, splitting it in half.

"Next person who disputes the authenticity of Xiermas claim to leadership dies, right here, right now."

The council didn't speak a word for a few moments until the door opened and Adrian walked in. "Hey assholes," he said with disgust to the council, "what are we talking about now?"

The council took this opportunity to change the subject and attacked Adrian for his tardiness. As the council began to scream at Adrian, he pulled out his sword and held it in front of him, as if readying himself for an attack.

"Who wants to die first?" Adrian asked, his voice showed that he was annoyed and just wished for peace and quiet. The council quickly quieted, fearing Adrian, whom they saw as a loose cannon, would kill all of them if they spoke out against him. "That's what I thought, ya wimps." As Adrian spoke, he sheathed his sword and sat in his regular seat. "What are we discussing now?"

"We are discussing who will take over for Grodak while he is on bed rest." Grall said as he pulled oathkeepers blade out of the stone and sheathed it.

"That's easy," Adrian said with a smile, "either you or Grodaks honey there."

Grall shook his head, a small smile on his lips. "I am sadly too busy with my own affairs to watch over a kingdom, that being so, I suggested Xierma, or as you called her, 'Grodaks honey' to take up the position, but the council disagrees with me."

"The council disagrees with Grodaks honey?" Adrian asked, his eyebrows shooting up into his hairline. "Grodak won't be happy to hear that. He may even kill all of you when he wakes up."

The council members spoke amongst their selves in hushed whispers. Grall could see the wheels in their heads turning as they tried to figure out a way out of the predicament, they found their selves in.

"Either way," Grall said as his hand laid on the pommel of his sword, "Xierma will be the person left in charge, if I return and find that you tried anything to harm her or go against her rule, I'll be paying a visit to your grave so that I may desecrate it, then pull you out of the shadow world to beat you senseless."

The council members shook with fear at Gralls threat. In the orcs customs to have your grave desecrated and then to have your soul beaten is the greatest dishonor the dead could receive. The fact that it has only happened twice in the entire history of Xeno-movia showed that it was not to be taken lightly.

"What makes you so sure we will be dead when you return?" One of the council members asked.

"If you're not dead, then I'll put you there myself. As for how I know you will already be dead, as long as Xierma is in power, my men, or rather the men who was once under my command, will see to it that she will be protected and anyone who opposes her, excluding the civilians, will be killed in the most brutal way possible."

"What's to stop her from becoming a tyrant like Malik?" Another asked, the rest of the council, save Adrian, spoke up in agreement.

"They have their orders that if she ever puts the citizens of Whitewater in harm's way, they are to deal with her in a quick and painless way." Grall answered, he knew this wouldn't satisfy them, but they wouldn't speak out about it for fear that Grall would show them the end of his blade.

As the council meeting ended, Tyril, looking exhausted, came in the room, Cassandra in tow. "Grall, Adrian," Tyril said in a hurried tone, "I have a job for the two of you."

The council members all sat quietly and stared at Cassandra and Tyril, bewildered that they were present. Cassandra eyed the council with disgust, as if she was eyeing a pile of garbage that had been piling up for some time.

"Alright," Grall said as he eyed the room full of nosy council members, "let's move to another room then."

The group stood in a dimly lit room, Imp, who had been reach by stone, had even teleported in, he stared at Grall in anger and hate over losing his God stone. Grall pretended not to notice Imps anger and carried on as if nothing had happened.

"We discovered the cause for the corpse flowers," Tyril began, he spoke quickly as to get all the information out on the floor before anyone could interrupt him, "the source of the corpse flowers resides in hell."

Grall cursed his luck, of all places it had to be a plane of existence that his abilities were the weakest. "Are we for sure of this?" Grall asked, he had hoped for once Tyril was wrong, but, if the stories had anything to say about him, he was never wrong.

"I am positive," Tyril said as he investigated Gralls bandage's, appearing to see straight through, "I'm just not sure where in hell the source is."

Once again Grall cursed his luck, he feared he would be practically useless on this endeavor. "To make matters worse," Tyril continued, "time fluctuates differently there. Meaning a day in there could be seconds or years out here. We won't know until we leave."

The party, all simultaneously, spoke out against going, the variables were against them and there was no way of knowing what might happen. They were also a man short and could not make up for the loss.

"I'm not going to make any of you go." Tyril shouted over everyone, his eyes seemed to have a type of determination to them that Grall rarely ever saw in a man. "I'm asking if any of you want to help me, but I will not force it upon you."

Grall nodded his head, he knew what Tyril wanted and, even though Grall disagreed with the circumstances behind it and the chances of success were slim, Grall knew he had to go. If he didn't, he would hate himself later.

"I'll go." Grall spoke up, his voice low as the worry ate at him. He feared he would be the only one to go but Adrian stepped forward.

"You don't even have to ask, king bro." Adrian spoke with such confidence that Grall almost mistook this as a simple trip to kill necromancers. "I'll follow you wherever you need me to go."

Imp appeared to be caught in his own thoughts, probably weighing the pros and cons to joining this mission. "I'll go, but," Imp said after some time, "if we kill a demon, I want it's body so that I may examine it for myself."

Tyril took in a sharp breath and as he let it out, Grall could see the worry that plagued him. "If we run into a demon, then we run. Those demons are far too strong to face, even with Gralls God powers."

Grall stiffened, he had yet to tell anyone other than Tyril about how he had become the God of death and hadn't planned on telling anyone else.

"Wait," Adrian said in surprise, his eyes moving to Grall, "you're a God now?"

"Godhood is an easy thing to achieve," Imp said, not sounding to impressed, "it just takes the understanding of the algorithm and it's useless to begin with. Everything a God can do; I could do with the flick of my finger."

Grall looked over at Imp who stood against the wall examining the room. "That may be so," Grall said, as he spoke the room shook with the sheer power Grall released, "but I am still more powerful then you, little Dasari."

Imp sighed and turned away from Grall. "Enough with your childish games, Grall." Imp said as he headed for the door. "We have more important business to attend to."

Grall just watched Imp leave then shifted his gaze back to Tyril. "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow morning," Tyril answered, "at sunrise."

Grall nodded then left, heading for Grodaks room. When Grall entered he found Grodak was gone and a crying Xierma was left in his place.

"Where is Grodak?" Grall asked in a hurry as he rushed to Xiermas side.

"I don't know." Xierma answered, her tear choked voice sounded rough. "He just vanished. Do you think the Casarn sickness killed him and took his body away?"

"No." Grall said, he had never heard of someone who had come down with Casarn sickness disappearing into thin air before. "It must be something else that took him away."