The Stage is Set (2)

"So.. it's some kind of worldwide attack, impossible to dodge?" Rezzaiel asked.

"You could say that. I won't reveal any more about it, it's possible they are listening in on us."

"No, it isn't. It's impossible for the gods to view anything that transpires in Xinoll. There is even the possibility that they don't even know whether or not that god is dead or alive. It may be some time before they figure that out." Xell spoke. "But I must say I don't quite agree with your plan of making our main base of operations in Midrealm, because we wouldn't just be open to attacks at all times, but then the gods would be able to spy on us, they have world sight after all."

"Oi.." Akuro sighed, releasing Zealous from his aura. "Fine, then is there a way to make some kind of field that would block off their sight?"

"Yes." Kessana spoke. "I can create a barrier similar to the trance I put you in before, anyone who tries to scry on us would only see darkness."

"Good. Then that solves that problem, and as for being open to attacks, how do you suppose Raijin got here? Because, honestly , if a single god came in  and did all of that, I don't think this place is exactly secure. The gods must have some kind of hidden entrance to Xinoll, meaning we won't see them coming when they do attack. Plus a small, cramped place like this is not a good place for all out war." Akuro said. "Also, if we set up a base in Midrealm we can see them coming, meaning we can also set up counter measures and defensive strategies. It's much better to set up in Midrealm."

"I see, that makes sense. It is true we have no idea how that god infiltrated Xinoll... it shouldn't have been possible, we know of no secret entrance, the only way into hell his a gate made by an Archdemon or to enter the main gates, which can only happen if Cerberus allows you through, only a high god could kill it. There is no way that Zeus knock off could get past it."

"You think there is an Archdemon we don't know about that's working with the gods?" Sallius asked.

"Or one of us is a traitor..." Rezzaiel added.

"No." Akuro spoke. "I sensed no Archdemons near Raijin. I don't think that has anything to do with it. Either way, we should make our move and set up a base in Midrealm. Kessana and Mettrag, I want you to go to the surface immediately, Kessana will block the gods' sight while Mettrag's battalion will work with hers to construct a base. Until the base is finished, we will organize strategies and organize the troops here."

Akuro waved his hand. "You are excused." With that, the Archdemons bowed, then exited the throne room. Zealous gave a resentful glance at Akuro before following suit.

"Alright, now that your little clown posse  meeting is over, can I talk to you?" Inari asked, her tone impatient and irritable.

"Clown posse? Watch it." Akuro growled.

"Don't act all high and mighty just because your the king of hell now!"

"I think being the king of hell gives him the right to be high and mighty..." Onoma pointed out.

"Shut it!" Inari yelled.

"What do you want, Inari?" Akuro asked with a sigh.

"Oh, so you do know my name."

"How could I not, you're so damn annoying."

"Screw off. Did you forget about something?" Inari asked, looking at Akuro expectantly.

He raised his brow. "What? I'm not forgetting anything."

Inari held out her hand and her aura began to warp and materialize into the form of a fox.

"Makane? What about her."

"Emma, dumbass."

Akuro's eyes widened slightly. "Oh, yeah! I did forget. Kill her."

Inari stood there, stunned. She blinked a few times in shock, unable to accept what Akuro just said.

"What?"

"I said kill her."

"Are you out of your mind? She is innocent! I thought she was your friend."

"She has no use to me anymore." Akuro said, then his eyes became dark and his tone was cold. "And let me make something clear. I don't have friends."

Inari's heart dropped. She felt dizzy, as if she'd been hit in the head and was about to fall over unconscious. Akuro had changed, a lot. But this was way more extreme than she had first expected. She stood in silence, head bowed and she felt like she was about to cry.

"Seriously? Grow up." Akuro growled. "In a world like this, bonds will only make you weak. You can't understand until you've been through what I have."

Inari gave no answer, she only stood, silent. She felt hurt. Why was she hurt this much by someone she hardly knew? It made no sense! It frustrated her, it made her so confused that she couldn't stand it.

Akuro sighed, then stood, walking past Inari without even a second glance.

"Do what you want with the girl. As long as she doesn't become a problem to me, I could care less."