Grimdor

The Gates of Hell

It's been one hell of a night for Delilah. She endured mind manipulation and still found the energy to face the guardian. We trudged through the thick forests... leaving Crawford and entering a much more dangerous land.

"Are you sure you don't want to take a quick nap?" I asked Delilah who slouched as she forced herself through the muddy terrain.

"I'm oka—" Delilah uttered before tripping on a thick branch that protruded from the ground. I used my speed to swiftly catch Delilah before she collided into the dirt. I gripped her shoulders firmly and lifted her up and into my arms. She placed her soft hands on my broad chest and held on as tight as she could.

"Careless." I spat, looking down on her cradled body in my arms. "You need to rest."

"I know there's not much time to spare. I don't want to be a burden." She whispered into my chest, her voice croaked slightly.

"Just rest. I'll carry you so don't worry about slowing me down." I said, gripping her waist firmer as I made my way through the darkness.

She didn't say another word. I listened to her breathing on my chest. Her slow, steady breaths were soothing... enough to calm a dozen lions. Her cherry blossom smell filled my nostrils completely. I embraced her warmth and continued through the wretched forest.

The vines were tangled with thorns coming from every angle, much like barb wire. I shifted Delilah's weight to my left arm and used the free one to slash through the vines. My intense, dark power burned everything in my path. I swiftly walked through the remnants of the trees that were eradicated.

An hour or so passed and we got closer and closer to the gate. Delilah was still sleeping in my arms when I sensed a whiff of energy that did not belong to me. "Hey. Wake up." I whispered, slightly shaking Delilah's body.

"Hmm?" Delilah groaned, easing her way onto the ground. I gently shoved her behind a thick bush. "Watch it!" She complained as she stumbled over her foot.

"Looks like we have company." I gestured towards the increasing sound of heavy footsteps that I doubted Delilah was able to hear. "Stay here and be as still as you can. Don't even breathe too hard." I warned her just before shielding her with an invisible barrier.

Delilah gulped as I stepped out into the open area. There stood the huge metal gates which were covered in rust from eons of debris. Its iron bars formed a curved pattern that was suitable for the stone gargoyles that stood beside them. I could've sworn that the dragon figurine blinked as the footsteps grew nearer and nearer. Thud. Thud. Thud.

I kept my guard up, waiting for the beast to arrive. Several moments later, the huge Cerberus made its way towards the gate. The pure black, three-headed hound let out a rippling growl—- drool dangling from their enormous jaws. Those sets of deep, crimson eyes of theirs were undoubtedly staring into my soul. I just knew they wanted to obtain it, destroy it and throw me behind those gates for good. But of course, I would never let them. They're still mutts, after all.

"Let's have some fun, shall we?" I smirked, withdrawing my Excalibur from its sheath. Normally I would resort to using my weapon last but with this beast, I needed every advantage I could get.

The Cerberus charged at me recklessly, baring its rows of sharp canines, capable of ripping me to shreds.

I moved out of the way as fast as I could. That immense size combined with brute force is lethal... I couldn't afford to get caught in its grip. I needed to be at the top of my game when I face the demon king... or else this would have all been for nothing.

I slashed my own arm with my sharp nails and watched as my dark blood dripped down onto the Excalibur. The Cerberus charged at me once more and this time I leaped onto the highest tree. The Excalibur began to pulse with power as it accepted and craved more blood. It grew in thickness, sharpness and emitted a bright red, aura that sent ripples throughout the forest. It was time to  unleash the true power of the Excalibur —- the sword that feeds on fresh blood.

The beast dragged its paws into the ground as if it was warming up to run once more. The dirt flew out of the terrain when it jumped onto the tree I was in. The Cerberus growled, its tongue hanging out senselessly as it gripped the tree bark and sprinted up to the branch I lingered on.

It was now or never.

I jumped down onto its strong, broad back. The slit pupils of theirs widened when I grasped onto its tough fur. The Cerberus slid down the tree and shook its head vigorously in an attempt to throw me off of its back.

I grunted as I shoved my sword deep into each of the heads. Their blood coated the Excalibur and it grew even bigger, absorbing all of the power from the beast. The giant hound fell onto its side causing the entire forest to shake.

I tried to contain the power pouring out of my sword. I winced as its aura darkened and expanded towards the sky. The bright clouds faded and grew heavy. Thunder rippled as lightning shot out of the clouds. The beast laid still on the ground but its power was very much alive. It was absorbed by the Excalibur and I had no idea how to control it.

I wrapped both of my hands around the grip of the sword and held on as tight as I could. The floor around me disintegrated while the palm of my hands burned from the power.

This is bad. Delilah's nearby and if I can't get a hold of the sword, she'll be wiped out along with the rest of the forest. I wanted to pass out from the energy drain but I knew that wasn't an option. I had to contain this massive force.

I took a deep breath and activated my vampiric pupils. My deep, violet eyes turned bright as I let out a low growl. I stared down at the striking sword which was burning my calloused hands.

"Diminish." I ordered the sword, focusing all of my energy into its core. I control the Excalibur. I was chosen. So I'll be damned if I let this power lead to my demise.

The pulsing decreased slightly and the lightning subsided after my command. "Diminish!" I shouted, the veins in my forehead protruded as I forced more of my energy onto the Excalibur.

The dark aura slowly dimmed then completely disappeared. I quickly forced the sword into its sheath, containing its wrath.

I panted — letting out quick, short breaths. The color in my eyes faded as I deactivated the power in my pupils. I felt drained. "Delilah?" I whispered, stumbling over to the remnants of the forest.

She slowly emerged from what was left of the bush I pushed her into. Her clothes were ripped and dirty from the sword's destruction.

"You've gotten stronger." Delilah smiled.

I let myself fall into her embrace. I felt weak but her touch made me strong.

I was strong.

--- to be continued

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