Tremere Chantry
Los Angeles, California
December 23rd, 2012
2:49 AM Pacific Standard Time
Despite the War of Belief between the Technocracy and the Council of Nine Traditions, science was seldom a foe to magic. The Tremere in particular were known to greatly value their technological toys. After all, keeping blood magic rituals on a flash drive was far more accessible than in an iron bound tome. Technology also made indexing and cataloging information easier. Despite theoretically having an 'eternity' to study magic, the competitive nature of many of the clan had them scrambling for ways to get more done faster, better, and more powerfully.
The Tremere had repeatedly professed their eagerness to help the Solar Exalted and Kashi in particular. While Kashi had consistently and stubbornly spurned their advances, Dan had no such qualms. Upon the removal of the young Solar's sister, Dan and his circle mate Natalia had stayed behind to further delve into the vampire agenda. Once the offer of help had been repeated to the duo personally, Dan had requisitioned a room and as many available computers that could be provided. That room had quickly filled with not only computers but networking equipment and overhead projector displays. Those Tremere he did not task with finding equipment he co-opted to provide data entry or analysis. Strauss watched in wary fascination as the ostensibly awkward 'computer nerd' took control of the Chantry so quickly and had almost effortlessly grown this new headquarters for the defense of the city from nothing.
Dan sat entrenched behind a corner desk that boasted four large monitors. He had positioned himself so he could oversee those coming in and out of the room. All around him on the walls were projector images of maps, charts, and spreadsheets. Rather than the tremulous voice of a shy programmer, he had adopted a commanding presence that issued orders that were not requests. Instinctive obedience was the first impulse of those who listened. This, more than anything, underscored the true nature of Solar essence to the head of the Tremere in Los Angeles and he began to worry that he had decidedly underestimated their abilities. Next to him, Soloman Fitz was reciting something under his breath. It was almost inaudible, but Strauss' keen hearing picked it up.
And here we are/ We're the princes of the universe.
Here we belong/ Fighting for survival.
We've come to be the rulers of you all.
"Astute. A poem?" Maximillian asked.
"Nope. Rock song. It's by a band called Queen."
Maximillian rolled his eyes and returned to waiting for Dan to acknowledge him. One did not interrupt a conversation between kings, and, at the moment, Dan was catching up on the larger picture of what was going on in the world. He had managed to use the magic of his essence to forge a connection to his circle mate, Immanuel Waters. The Senator had been at a party with the President of the United States. When all this chaos began, he had been evacuated with the president to a secure bunker. With rhetorical skills enhanced by Solar essence, he and his circle's Eclipse, Mary Blake, had convinced the evacuation party to take her as well.
"You're only dealing with a tiny portion of this, Dan. With what you've said about how much the Void wants the girl, it really puts this into perspective."
"The city of Los Angeles is barely making it. From what you're telling me, there are hotspots all over the world. Even with all the mages, shapeshifters, vampires and our own Exalted brethren joining them, the line is only just holding," Dan said.
"You're only looking at the surface problem, Dan. Exalted animas have been seen in most of these trouble spots. People are going to start looking for and talking about us. Vampires, being the most populous of the supernatural, have also been seen. Many governments already know of their existence and many governments have vampire moles inside them controlling that information, divulging it to only a select few. I managed to ferret out one of the Camarilla agents here in D.C. He spoke to me and was filled with a very surprising attitude.
"Cooperation?" Dan deduced.
"No. He was cooperative, don't get me wrong, but that isn't it. He was resigned to the widespread discovery of his masters. He's an infiltrator who has spent several lifetimes in the halls of power, but he's known for a while widespread secrecy is coming to an end.
"The population at large are aware the dead can walk. Most governments have people in them who are aware of other supernaturals' existence. Now, with this crisis, many supernaturals are being forced to fight for survival too. Many people are seeing things they can't sweep under the rug. This mole told me that he had been preparing for this since the projector firms proved ghosts exist.
"It's not just vampires. The mages will have to change too. Spirits are running around and with the powers that they wield, people will believe in magic again. The mental effects the shapeshifters cause has helped keep them secret, but if any sand is left for them in the hourglass, it isn't much. It's only a matter of time before the entire supernatural world will be forced out to come out," Manny explained.
"I think I'm starting to understand, but there's one thing you left out. None of that reveals the existence of the Technocracy, and they're a major power in keeping things hush-hush," Dan reasoned.
"That's the disconnect. The Technocracy is contributing; they're why we're winning."
"Winning? It's a stalemate right now."
"Dan, if the cause of the underworld is our extinction and ours is survival, then keeping them at bay for three of the five days they have to achieve their goal is winning and the Technocratic Union is the largest piece of why that's happening."
"Now I truly don't follow you."
"Think about why the Technocracy formed. What was their original goal according to the records Sparks gave us? Her Etherites were once part of the Order so they know their origins," Mary reminded him, interjecting from behind Manny.
"To protect humanity from the supernatural?"
"More than that, they sought to change magic from a force only mages could use into something humanity as a whole could replicate, if imperfectly, for its own benefit and protection," she added. "Now what helped hold these monsters at bay at first? Mortals in L.A. held out for hours before Kai's team mobilized and L.A. was home to the underworld's main target. Humanity was able to survive this first blitz because of the advances that the Technocracy has championed."
"The people were armed with ghost shot; the police and first responders at least. The National Guard is too and now they have their heavy weapons. I imagine it's the same all over: quantity over quality. It's the very reason the vampires have feared exposure. Modern weapons and technology allow normal, non-magical people to stand up to the most common members of the supernatural. And there's far more non-magical people than there are vampires, werewolves and mages," Dan realized.
"The Technocracy doesn't worry about being revealed because they don't see themselves as part of the supernatural world. The science they promoted has worked. When this is over the world won't be going to vampires, shapeshifters, and mages begging for aid or protection now that they have revealed themselves. The vampires and mages will have to find a way to plead their case to show their usefulness to the human world. They will be forced onto a path of symbiosis if they wish to survive," Manny said, finishing his explanation.
"We don't see the Technocracy's efforts because they're not separate from the mortal governments they've infiltrated; they are largely working in support of mundane efforts and, when this is over, they can move to pressure the entire supernatural world at once," Mary explained.
"The Tremere, and I suspect the rest of their Camarilla allies, will seek to use us as a shield to help them weather that storm in exchange for an alliance against what's coming next," Dan said.
"It is starting to look that way, Dan. We're going to have to leap out of the closet, fast which means we have to make a plan so as soon as this is over, there can be no more excuses from the Sidereal. We have to start meeting and hammering out our agenda," Manny said with a statesman like air.
"We better go. Your link to this phone might be untraceable but someone is still going to miss us," Mary pointed out.
"Be careful both of you. I might be in a fortress full of vampires, but you're in a bunker full of politicians. I'm not sure which is the bigger leach," Dan said before signing out. He then turned and looked at Maximillian. "What do you have for me?"
"Scouts discovered a large contingent of Giovanni dead a few blocks from the Hollywood graveyard that's the center of this undead invasion. When asked, the Baron of Hollywood, Issac Abrams, claimed they were working with the enemy and he had taken care of it. He was unwilling to explain how he was able to strike so deep behind enemy lines to end these necromancers, only that it cost him significantly to do so."
"Natalia is near there scouting for our plan," Dan spun, issuing orders to Natalia to get close to the scene while he reviewed data from the body camera the Tremere had provided her.
While she moved into position, he brought up his connection to Bree. "Did the witches agree to help with the plan?"
"Yes, they are going to help but the amount of salt we need worries me. They agree with Ertius that it can form a barrier if enchanted but it can't be a thin line; they have to have a substantial depth and thickness.. We have to find twelve tons of salt to make a significant enough ward. It also has to be pure," Bree explained, he voice coming through one of the speakers.
"That shouldn't be a problem. This is a major city. Although L.A won't have any salt for roads for ice, there's got to be more than enough pool salt. And if that isn't good enough, we should be able to scrape together more than enough table and cooking salt."
"No, Dan, it has to be spiritually pure. It has to undergo special exorcism rites. It doesn't matter the actual denomination or even religion, they just have to be blessed by men of purity and faith. We need religious and spiritual leaders to make the salt ready," Bree told him, exasperated.
"The army has a chaplain's office that works with most faiths. I'll get them on finding enough hands to help. The military is already getting the excavation equipment we need to make a ring around that graveyard. You just worry about getting the Malibu witches ready to magic it up once the salt forms an unbroken barrier around that graveyard," Dan replied
Natalia broke in. "Dan, I'm here. If you can see this it looks like most of them were shot; but this lot in the middle was hacked to death by a blade."
"I see it. Does everything there look like it was washed out or faded?"
"Sort of...I wouldn't call it that. Instead, everything nearby looks like it's old. The flyers look yellowed. The pavement looked weathered. It's only some things, but it's clearly present," Natalia said, panning about to show the area around her.
"I've seen a similar sun bleaching effect from our own anima. I think some sort of Exalt killed them. Natalia, keep your guard up, it might come back," he then turned to Maximillian.
Strauss did not miss a beat. "We will investigate Mr. Abrams more fully."
"Good. If he knows any Exalts and is hiding them, we need to find out," Dan said, pulling up his maps on one of the projectors.
His map was a satellite overlay of the Los Angeles Basin with emphasis on Los Angeles itself. Several groups of vampires had managed to secure sections of the northwest. The hunters and the Devil's Wolves held the south and east respectively. Both groups strongly encouraged the vampires to stay out of their areas. So long as they didn't start killing each other, Dan would take what he could get as far as cooperation went. To the far north the changeling 'Empress' had sent a score of her best knights to help. She claimed San Francisco was safe and it was her duty to aid wherever she could. The fact that none of her 'knights' were over twenty and some of them were as young as fourteen didn't seem to bother her, but it alarmed the hell out of Dan, who was glad he was able to find them a spot that looked good in the battle plan but was of relatively low danger realistically.
Once the Dragon Blooded had rested they would spearhead a new offensive that would break the undead lines. They would then plug the opening to the underworld that allowed their enemies seemingly unlimited reinforcements with a barrier of salt and magic.
Campeggio's circle was in heaven with the exception of Jon Cole who had moved from Louisiana to Alabama and now to Texas. While he was closer than he had been, he was still too far from California to help and otherwise occupied with some obscure plan to ensure Pentex would not bother them for a while. That left Kashi. Dan had hoped Kai would talk the boy into helping the offensive.
To Dan's surprise the normally stoic and tactical Earth Aspect had indicated that, as a family man himself, he had sympathy for the boy's preference for protecting his family passively rather than the city actively. As loud and noticeable as the kid was, a wrecking ball would have been nice to clear out the way.
Dan mused that a general went into battle with the army that he had and writing off the former soccer star, he began putting the final touches on his plan.
The Shining Heavens
(Lesser Yu-Shan)
December 23rd, 2012
7:30 AM Pacific Standard Time
Parad had been quite pleased at the Solars' unexpected pragmatism. He had feared they would attempt some mad quest to break free the warstriders and haul the massive siege weapons of the last age free. Instead, the three visitors to heaven wanted every scrap of lore, history and documentation on every subject that was even tangentially related to the coming war and the ones that preceded it.
However, there were many small items they wanted to take. For example, they had been shown a stockpile of devices meant for facilitating communication between the Celestial Exalted. They were more modern updates of the Prayer Transceiver Modules that had been built by the Goddess Taru-Kul. They resembled human cellular phones and could even attach to the mortal telecom networks. The magical communication hub that each was tethered to was similar to the network she anonymously ran for the Hunters. Even sorcery could not break the power of her divine protection of its privacy.
Parad had quickly solved the problem of transporting such devices, for even though the devices were small, carrying over 1,000 of them was not feasible. He provided each hero with an Infinite Resplendence Amulet; incredibly useful devices from the First Age that not only altered the bearer's clothes, but were also cleverly designed to carry innumerable small objects in their pockets. Each stored the items in the strange dimension of Elsewhere and were limited only by the total mass of objects and the size of the opening to the pockets.
The rest of their 'purloined' load was a sampling of artifacts that could be studied to understand the basic principles of First Age artifice. It was hoped that once these artifacts had been disseminated among the Celestial Exalted and the Dragon Blooded, they would be able to be reproduced or perhaps even improved upon. Lastly, the trio topped off their Resplendence Amulets with Resplendent Satchels of Healing, even going so far as to fill backpacks with the helpful kits. Inside the kits, which bore either the Twilight Caste Mark or the Symbol of Sextes Jylis, were devices that could expand the supernatural healing power of the Dragon Blooded and even some Celestials.
It seemed they were almost ready to return to the face of Creation when one of the Solars, reading through the manifest of stored items in the database, stumbled upon a reference to the Sleepers and with a few quick questions Parad had identified them as the Dragon Kings he spoke of earlier. Thus the plan had derailed and they refused to leave without waking them.
So Parad found himself nervously waiting while Agam Singh and Marshall Thompson attempted to activate the Vault of Ages and awaken the Sleepers; five of each of the four breeds of Dragon Kings. Each one had been specially educated and prepared to serve as teachers to the reborn Celestial Exalted. They were wise, but still youthful, due to special blessings from the gods. Before the separation of Yu-Shan from Creation, they were cultivated to the peak of enlightenment trained in multiple supernatural martial arts styles; each was also an Emerald sorcerer with a sizable list of spells. However, none of that was what made Parad worry.
"So they have some form of serial immortality?" Campeggio asked for clarification.
"Yes, for them, death is much the same as going to bed for the evening. They awaken groggy, their minds unclear, only to grow sharper as they fully awaken and remember the day before and all the days before that. They were never part of my charge; they do not inherit their power, only reclaim it."
"Is that what's bothering you? You seem agitated," Campeggio asked.
"My worries are twofold. I might have been able to hide the missing artifacts for a time. Inventories are not always thorough. However, when the Dragon King's fates pop up in Creation again, it will be noticed and shortly after I will be locked in a cage that prevents death but not pain. I will then be swung over a fire and left to burn for a decade until the Incarna return to liberate me," Parad admitted
"That is unfair and ghastly. Is there no way to prevent this? Can we not hide you?" Agam asked.
"To leave heaven would be to abandon my post. Another could then be put in my place. If I remain, I can set events in motion to aid the Dragon Blooded and Ferra. I am important enough that they cannot pass a death sentence on me without the Incarna's approval. That means they will be unable to replace me or countermand my standing directives to fate," Parad explained.
"As terrible as that is, I can only commend your bravery and ask if there is anything we can do to set your mind at ease? These beings were to be teachers according to the original plan and they're work is sorely needed. We are, as you noted, behind," Campeggio answered.
"Your words have a ring of truth about them. It was easy for the other gods to talk me into keeping them sealed. Which brings me to the second issue: they never had great love for the Dragon Blooded. They practically fawned over you Solar Exalted. You were chosen to be champions of their patron god. Their distaste and even hate for the Dragon Blooded is due to old grievances. In that way, eternal memories are a curse. They have very formal civil codes to keep old feuds from continuing to tear their society apart, but I fear what forgiving but not forgetting will do to their ability to work cohesively with the Exalted," Parad said.
"As a lawyer it is often my job to advocate for others to make their interest paramount even above my own. The Dragon Blooded were my clients even before I exalted. I have made commitments to the Terrestrials. I will still hold their interest as a sacred trust. I will not allow anyone to besmirch their name or character no matter the history they claim gives them the right.
"Furthermore I make this pledge to you that neither shall I forget that it was you, their representative in heaven, who warned us, at great risk I might add, of the exceedingly dangerous situation that we find ourselves in. Whatever we can do to alleviate your sentence without compromising the defense of the world shall be done," Campeggio swore, the oath magic of the Eclipse Caste flared as he turned his declaration into a sacred pact.
"You move me, Campeggio of the Eclipse Caste. While the Celestial Dragons circle were always close to the Dragon Blooded, this exceeds everything preceding it. Only your Dawn Caste showed anything approaching such dedication and that was superseded by his heartbreak at the death of his Lunar companion," Parad said, clearly impressed.
"We have yet to meet our Dawn Caste. We don't know that much about him. What do you know about him?" Marshall asked as he adjusted knobs and monitored fluids flowing into the saurian husks in stasis.
"He was the greatest general of all; he was hand selected by the Unconquered Sun to lead the war against the primordial beings. Tachi-Kun, the central god of war, once hailed him as the mightiest being to ever heft a daiklave. He had a bitter falling out with his patron. A gambit by the Unconquered Sun, one that he opposed, ended the war, but the high general's Lunar spouse died in the final battle," Parad said, his eyes distant with remembrance. "He was shattered. He loved her deeply. They almost always worked as a pair. She was able to temper him and he inspired her."
"The loss of a loved one is always difficult. I assume he took it poorly?" Agam inquired.
"Poorly barely describes it. He tossed the Aidenwiess, the sword of supreme command, at the Unconquered's feet and cursed him, claiming the blood of his beloved was on the Unconquered's hands."
All three Solars stopped their work to stare in shock.
"He did what?" Agam asked in horror.
"He cursed the Most High, the being that had just won the throne of the universe. He called him a fool who had risked too much. The Unconquered had allowed his own capture to save an innocent soul, trusting in his own undefeatable nature to see him through, which it did and he turned the table on his captors, enabling him to open the gates of Yu-Shan allowing the army entry. In the high general's eyes, the Unconquered had traded the life of a simpleton for the life of a warrior who had stood firmly with him throughout the war. The Sun held up his shield and ordered those aghast among gods and man back. He then extended his olive branch and forgave his former champion and allowed him to leave."
"Unbelievable," Campeggio uttered in shock.
"Such was the second to last time Sun Dragon, the only man to wield the sword of supreme command twice, spoke to the Unconquered Sun," Parad finished
"What of the last time?" Marshall asked.
"Yes, not to finish would be most inequitable," Agam added.
"That is another tale and there are several tales in between. Even if the story was continued you would find little satisfaction there were no witnesses who could hear their last confrontation," a sibilant voice responded.
They all turned to see one of the vaults had finished its work. A five and a half foot tall being that looked like a more humanoid version of a Utahraptor was pulling its way out of the goopy liquid that had revived it.
The alien being glanced at the other pods; the others were waking fast as well. The other vaults opened and four more of his fellows pulled themselves free.
"This one is Light of Wisdom. He is a Raptok. The other breeds are the mighty Anklok, the clever Pterok, and the resolute Mostok," Parad interjected
"How may this humble servant of the Undefeated God aid you?" Light of Wisdom responded with a bow.
"Yes, I see at least one of them is a Solar. He and that other are warriors trained from how quickly you drew weapons. I am Flame Unquenchable," the Anklok said, introducing himself.
Agam turned to see a startled Campeggio had pulled his gun from some hidden holster. Marshall had his own revolver in hand.
"What is the matter with you two?! You bring weapons of violence to heaven of all places!" Agam asked, aghast
"Best to have it and not need it than need it and not have it," Marshall replied.
"I could summon one made of light even if I didn't, so being disarmed would be a bit disingenuous. Having the real one saves a bit of power which could be a large difference in a real battle," Campeggio reasoned.
"The Prince of the Earth is correct. To be armed is no sin. The Unconquered Sun gave us all weapons so that we might defend ourselves against evil and fight for any worthy cause with blessed violence. That the Primordials did not give you the same is a further sign of their terrible inequity," Flame Unquenchable declared flourishing his claws.
"I do not find it unholy, only very ill mannered. All three of us are Solar Exalts. I am Agam Singh of the Zenith Caste, this is Marshall Tompson of the Twilight Caste, and the Eclipse there is Edmond Campeggio."
"An honor, great princes, our kind has less need for clothes than your own and thus less modesty, yet even we might feel naked unclad and covered in goop. But, perhaps, we are pressed for time. What I surmised of your speech seemed to indicate as such. While we shower off these reviving agents and gather our raiment and regalia, perhaps you might catch us up with a version of events condensed for brevity," Light of Wisdom suggested.
Parad explained most of the story with the Solar trio at times clarifying a point or adding something relevant to the mortal world or human experience.
When the story was done, a score of the ancient rulers of the world stood in gleaming armor of oricalcum, obsidian and crystal armed with weapons of both their own devising as well as the craft of gods and exalts. They looked every inch the mighty philosopher kings they had been of old. They nodded their heads in a gesture of understanding and the Anklok Flame Unquenchable spoke for them all. "Then our path is clear. The situation is dire and only immediate action alongside our Solar allies will set us back on the path of righteousness."
"Excellent. We're glad to have you," Campeggio exclaimed. He was thrilled. Finally! A group of individuals that would help without strings attached or preconditions. Someone who recognized the direness of the world's plight.
"Then to arms! We march on the Palace Divine! We will drag Little Beam from his throne and offer his heart in sacrifice to the Unconquered Sun!" Flame Unquenchable exclaimed.
As the other Dragon King let out an excited warcry, the three Solar's eyes widened in panic. Parad covered his face with his hand.
Sweet Rest Inn
Los Angeles, CA
December 23rd, 2012
9:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
Kashi wandered through a foggy, featureless plain. He was within his own mind, searching for the memories buried deep within his Exaltation. The plain before him was filled with human shaped shadows. Although they were mostly featureless, it was obvious some were men and some were women. Most could only mumble short phrases of advice or nearly incoherent platitudes. He was fairly sure they were his past lives.
So far this wasn't proving helpful. The Dragon from his anima was in the sky, swirling about. He would have long ago given up his search if the dragon hadn't been urging him on. He had no idea where it was leading him, when, suddenly, out of the mist, he came to a clearing with two real looking people.
The first looked remarkably like himself. He was taller than Kashi, his hair was more platinum blonde and his skin was slightly paler. He had a dour, serious face with piercing blue eyes, but they had none of Kashi's mirth. He was clad in an impressive suit of armor. It was gold, but it was a type of gold that Kashi had never seen. It seemed to have a fire all to itself. It was embellished with etchings of serpentine dragons on the wrist guards and the breastplate. On the wrist guards were twin gems the color of rubies that were the size of a chicken's egg. He wore a deep, crimson cape and had a sword the size of a surfboard across his back.
The second was taller still with deep brown skin, bright green eyes and long sun streaked brown hair. He was also far more muscular, like a bodybuilder to Kashi's and the first figure's more gymnast build. He wore an indelible grin and he radiated a warmth that the other figure lacked. He was completely unarmored save for bracers that matched the ones the first figure wore. He was bare chested with bare feet and wore only loose pants clasped at the ankle with golden anklets. He had no weapon.
"You guys look more solid. Can you maybe actually say something useful?"
"Well you look like a jackass. Can you maybe do anything else other than wander around without a clue as to what you're doing?" the golden haired figure asked, mocking Kashi's tone.
"Hey!" Kashi objected.
The other laughed. "Aw, don't let him bother you, man. He's always like that. Thinks being harsh makes him sound like some kind of badass. He's Sun Dragon. I'm Cresting Wave. We were the only two that lasted long enough to really make an impression."
"Impression? You mean on him?" Kashi asked, pointing to the dragon who was now circling overhead.
"That is the Exaltation. The only reason it's a him is because you are. It selected you to be the new host to its power. It liked something about you, kid. Damned if I know what it is, but I don't call the shots. Hell, I'm not even real," Sun Dragon said.
"So it's a person?" Kashi wondered.
"No. The way our Twilight explained it to me it's more like an animal. It can't really reason like we do. The one thing it does on its own is judge character. They're supposed to be really good at that, but each one has its own preferences; which can change over time. I don't think ours has changed much. You seem a lot like me," Cresting Wave said with a big smile.
"I see no resemblance to me," Sun Dragon said dryly.
Cresting Wave gave a snort of derision.
"You said you weren't real, but you sure seem like it to me," Kashi said
"We're not. Our souls are long gone, spun back out into the world to live new lives or, more likely for him, devoured by fae. Hell, after centuries of reincarnation I could be cast into oblivion or munched on by a soul eater as well," Sun Dragon explained.
"The first Solars, like SD there, got special training from the gods. They were created to fight a big ol' war for liberating the universe from the creators. Those Exalts that came after like you and me… not to mention those poor dumb sods out there; needed a similar edge. So, the gods thought ahead. All of the Celestial Exaltations they record some part of us to help train and guide you," Cresting Wave added.
"Well you haven't said much to me," Kashi said, frowning.
"What the hell are we supposed to tell you, kid? You have to make up your damn mind before we can help you out," Sun Dragon barked
"Huh?" Kashi asked, confused.
"What he means, man, is we're here to give you advice on how to be the best at what you want to be. We can't tell you anything 'til you decide who you are," Cresting Wave explained.
"What?" Kashi asked with all of his usual eloquence.
Sun Dragon sighed and rolled his eyes. "Look, kid, our time is done. You're the one out there on the front lines. It's your life to live. You were chosen because you have enormous potential. You have to decide what sort of person you want to be and how you want to contribute to the world. So far, sitting on your mom's couch and eating isn't blowing anyone's skirt up."
"But I don't know what's coming! I don't know what the world needs me to be! I don't know what I need to DO," Kashi lamented.
"Right, look man, I'll help with that. Look, I was the last one before you. I lived in the old world and it had heaps of enemies. I mean it was crazy, okay? Now, everywhere, for like a decade, we Solars were coming back for the first time in like forever ago! Before that everyone was locked up or kept getting killed which is why those sods out there didn't make much of an impression," Cresting Wave began.
"Why were we getting killed?" Kashi asked.
"Long story kid. You've seen someone who started out good but after a while they let power and fame go to their head? They started to act like a shit, thought they were better than everyone else, treated everyone like dirt? Well, the Solars did that. It caused a lot of fallout. So, for a long time, no one trusted us. Not until this age. Now, Cresting Wave was many things; mainly though he was an irresponsible douche who played around too much and didn't take anything seriously. But, he was also a stand up guy and his lot...well they took the opportunity to do all they could to save the world and that turned people around on us. They proved we were worthy of being called heros again," Sun Dragon said.
"Hey man! Thanks! That was, like, actually a compliment!" Cresting Wave beamed.
"Yeah, well, you proved why you were chosen when you marched into death to save the world. This dumb bastard has a way to go."
"So wait you died saving the world?" Kashi asked.
"Yeah man! We were all fighting and trying to defend the world in our own way, but the Unconquered Sun, our patron; the one who made our Exaltations along with Luna and the Maidens and a bunch of other god types, came down from heaven and united our efforts into a single plan. We did all kinds of things to get ready. It took years and years but we kept fighting. Then, when we forced every enemy back beyond a certain point: boop! The world vanished into a ball of nothing; all the assholes we'd been fighting were left out there looking confused. Whole world gone in a flash! And the best part? It was somewhere they couldn't get it," Cresting Wave said excitedly.
"That's when, furious at being tricked, they killed you all," Sun Dragon said, trying to dampen Cresting Wave's excitement.
"Yeah, well, we went in knowing it would happen. I was the very last to die you know! 'Cause I was the best," he claimed with a wink.
"Oh wow. That's really heavy. I mean it's a bummer," Kashi said, the weight of such a decision coming down on him.
"Kid, we don't have time for wallowing. All those bastards are out there and the bubble is going to bust. Now you have to decide what you're going to do about it," Sun Dragon snarled.
"What can I do about it? I'm one dude?"
"Dude? Nah, man, you're an EXALT! More than that, you're a SOLAR! Besides that, you're not alone. You know a few others already, but you have to decide what role you're going to play. Are you going to be a leader like him? Or are you going to be a follower like me? I was born a dock rat, man. I'd been hustling since I was a boy trying to make ends meet. Some jackass tried to make me a slave and I broke his neck and jumped from the slave ship in the middle of a hurricane. That's when I exalted! I fell in with our Eclipse. He was a pirate lord and we robbed the bad guys and the not so good guys when it was slow. We built up a fleet, joined other Solar captains and soon we ran the West and ruled the waves. He needed a ship boarded? BOOM! I was up front. He needed a town raided? BAM! I was knocking down the gates. Then when the demons came knocking there I was out front and center, man. I lead the way. I inspired others to follow. I never told no one; 'hey do this,' or 'go there' I just carved a path and those who wanted followed. Lots of folks followed 'cause they all wanted to be like me; they all wanted to be part of the center stage," Cresting Wave bragged.
Kashi looked at Sun Dragon. "What about you?"
"How did I exalt? Kid, the Unconquered laid his hands on me and said; 'I chose you out of all of these to lead my Chosen.' He gave me the power and the glory because he knew, out of all his commanders in training, I wanted more than to win a battle or to gain some fame. I wanted to win the war. I didn't become the High General because I had some strategic gift. I won the war because I drove myself to do so.
"I had heard too many mothers sobbing over dead babies. I had seen too many villages stomped flat by monsters the Primordials thought were too much fun to lock away so they couldn't hurt anyone. I had seen whole villages slaughtered because of some whim of some corner of a Primordial mind given flesh had an impulse it refused to control.
"I won battles because I stayed up late. I rose early and I worked harder and faster for longer than anyone else. I did all that so that it would stop because I believed in the promise of a better world where people would rule people. Where we wouldn't be cowering in corners praying for mercy to an uncaring bunch of cosmic horrors. I did it all because someone had to. We couldn't keep living like that.
"You don't have the nightmares I had, kid. I think maybe, down deep, you feel the same way I did. I think maybe I do know why you were chosen. Maybe it's that same drive to protect others. You still have to choose how you are going to do it though," Sun Dragon finished.
"But what you're really saying is I have to figure out what is the Kashi way not the Sun Dragon or Cresting Wave way? I have to find MY way to save the world," Kashi realized.
Cresting Wave nodded. "Yeah, man, once you find that out you're set. We'll back your play to the hilt, brother!"
"Kid, it's not going to be easy. You're young as your people figure things. You come from a soft world. You didn't have to grow up as quickly as Cresting Wave or myself. Exaltation is serious stuff, however. You have to knuckle down and think through the hardest questions in life. Who are YOU, what do YOU want to do with your life? How do YOU want to make your mark on the world?" Sun Dragon asked.
"Hey, but don't forget, like this dumb bastard did, making those hard choices doesn't mean you have to act like you got a rod up your bung, okay? You can still have joy in your life, man! You can still have fun just don't let it get in the way of the important stuff. If you do, you'll end up burned out like him. He was sulking about butt hurt when the world needed him. If he had some joy, he'd have been able to do something, maybe turned things around so we'd have never been hated, who knows,'' Cresting Wave pointed out.
"You had it easier, you had HER to help you. You-"
"You lost the love of your life," Kashi said, somehow knowing, the pain washing over him. Overhead, the golden dragon thrashed angrily and circled around faster in an agitated manner.
"Yeah, he did, but he lost his joy long before that and he had chances to reclaim it. He didn't take them though because he'd rather wallow in misery. Don't be a wallower, man, choose your path. No regrets. Make every day the best that can be made. Even your last day will be awesome."
The pair started to fade into mist as Kashi started to awaken.
"Wait, where are you going?!"
"You're waking up you idiot," Sun Dragon said.
"Any last advice before I go?!"
"Don't be a dumbass."
"Don't be a jerk! Oh, and Solar-Lunar sex is amazing!" Crashing Wave said as he faded. Kashi thought he could just barely make out the vision of Sun Dragon slapping the vision on Cresting Wave on the back of the head for his last tidbit of 'advice' before 'Willow's' face appeared before him again. He was back in the hotel room that the real Willow and Brad had been sharing.
"Did that help? Your brain waves were very close to those of a mage communing with an avatar," Brad asked. He was sitting near Kashi in a chair watching some EEG readings on his computer monitor.
"Yeah, I think it actually did. I think I understand why I've been having problems."
"Good, while you were down Kai and the other Manifested headed on out. Most of the hunters too. Dan and the Santa Monica Coven came up with a plan: they're going to fight their way to the Hollywood graveyard and the witches are going to put up a barrier of purified salt blessed by holy men. They are pretty sure it will keep the undead from crossing. That will cutoff part of the stream of undead," Brad explained.
"Cool! I'm going to check on mom and Willow. I have to think about how I can help in all this," Kashi informed the mage.
"Yeah, okay, well I'll be here 'til Willow comes back to the room. Can't be two of us running around out there," Brad said, lamenting his situation.
Kashi, feeling much more well disposed to the mage after his help, gave Brad a sympathetic pat on the shoulder as he walked past him and out of the room.
As he made his way through the hotel he saw Sayuri carrying an empty tray. "Hey Kashi I was just coming back down from the roof. I took Juanita some food."
"Cool, is she doing okay? I mean with Jesus' death and all."
"She's doing better. I wish she wasn't up there alone, however. It's too quiet up there. Being alone with your thoughts can be good, but I'm not sure she's at the right stage for that yet," Sayuri said, worrying slightly.
Come one let's go check on mom. Maybe after that, I'll go up to the roof and keep watch with Juanita."
"That would be good or maybe you could watch the truck and let you mom go up. I think your mom and her have plenty in common. Difficult ex's for example," Sayuri suggested.
"Yeah, maybe you're right. The old man was a real piece of work he... " Kashi stopped just as he opened the back door. He heard something coming. A familiar droning sound.
"A helicopter? Could Kai have come back so quickly?" Sayuri asked.
"Different sound. That's not the same type of helicopter." He began to jog before turning to face Sayuri. "Hang back a bit. If something happens run back inside and warn everyone!"
Sayuri pulled out the pistol she had borrowed from James' stash. Banyan had given her some basic pointers but she was still not comfortable with the gun. She had little faith in her meager firearm skill, however, her resolution to defend the guests at the hotel was strong.
Kashi ran through the hotel kitchen and back down the long hallway that was behind the hotel's banqueting area. He pushed open the heavy metal door that led to the loading area and the back parking lot where he had battled assassins a few days ago. It was still wrecked and, as a result, the approaching helicopter had to pick its landing spot carefully.
Kashi could see the helicopter was a smaller sort, very different from the one Kai and the other Dragon Blooded used. Kashi slowed down as he approached the figures of his mother and sister who also had emerged to see what was going on.
"It's a modern Eurocopter. They can be outfitted as medivac but I don't see the right marking for that," Willow said, as he came close.
"How do you know that?" Kashi asked, bewildered.
Willow ignored him as the craft landed almost exactly where the MSI Super Puma had landed before. Unlike the Dragon Blooded, however, the doors remained closed until the rotors had stopped and the engine had spun down. The doors opened and a man in his early fifties emerged. He was wearing an impeccable gray suit with short cropped hair that was graying at the temples. He walked at a crisp pace before coming to a stop right before the trio. "Miss Lorelei," he said simply with a curt nod to Banyan.
Banyan's eyes widened in shock.
"What is it, mom? Who is this? Do you know him? Why'd he call you by your first name when you never use it?" Kashi whispered.
"Your grandfather never used my middle name," Banyan whispered back. "Kids, this is Hans Hoffmann; a butler in your grandfather's house," she then said in a louder voice.
"Not quite, Miss Lorelei. I have been promoted during your many years away. I am now your father's majordomo. I run his entire staff and see to many personal matters for him as Mr. Schulz did before me."
"You mean like the evil bond villain granddad? Is he here to kill us? I thought butlers were supposed to be English?" Kashi asked.
"I don't think so. Kashi, when I was a teenager Mr. Hoffman here used to help me sneak out of the house. He was always kind to me. As for the English thing, you watch too many movies. Your grandfather prefers German staff or well Germanic anyhow," Banyan replied.
"Yes, well, if you will forgive me, but I must confess that at no time did I deceive your father nor did I have reason to. Your youthful indiscretions were tolerated. My assistance to them was, while not compelled, an allowance by your father to ensure your safety. If you think even now that you are grown, that you were ever beyond his watchful gaze, I would have to severely lower the degree of intelligence I have attributed to you, Miss Lorelei."
"I suppose that includes after I didn't come back home."
"He has respected your decision to cut ties. He has, until now, maintained a respectful distance to allow you to live your life as you see fit. He was dreadfully hurt by your decision, but it is your life to live and your choice to make. However, Kashi and Yanagi have their own choices to make. Kashi is of the age of majority and now that Miss Yanagi has... ascended… she can no longer be considered a child," Hans explained.
"Yanagi?" Sayuri asked. She had come to stand behind Kashi when it became apparent there was no immediate threat.
"My first name. When I was little Kashi couldn't say it so he called me Willow. That just became what everyone called me so I stuck with it," Willow said.
"Your name is Yanagi Willow Kimura? But you go by your middle name like your mother while Kashi barely acknowledges he has a middle name because he hates it," Sayuri said to be sure she understood.
"Too many Pokemon jokes when he was in school," Willow smiled.
Your father wishes to meet with his grandchildren and discuss their relationship. He would like to invite you to come as well and, in light of recent events, reconsider your own position," Hans offered.
"No, absolutely not. I am done with that old man, Hans. I will never go back to him nor will I allow my children to walk into that vipers nest!"
"Mr. Kimura, you are an adult are you not?" Hans asked, turning to Kashi and ignoring Banyan's outburst. It seemed like something he was used to.
"I am but Willow isn't."
"Perhaps, but her unique situation means she will have to make decisions of a more mature level than normal for her age. Due to her power she must be treated in an adult fashion would you not agree?"
Kashi tamped down his initial anger to ponder this carefully; it touched on the very things he had just been pondering. He looked at Sayuri, an unspoken moment of consultation between them and then made up his mind.
"Did my grandfather send armed men to kidnap Willow?" Kashi demanded.
"My understanding is no. He sent armed men to rescue her from an attempted kidnapping by other parties. Some of their number were murdered by yet other kidnappers. The rest responded in fear and panic and attacked you. Their blood is upon their own hands you acted only in self defense."
What guarantee do we have that if we come talk we can leave again?" Kashi asked.
"Kashi!" Banyan exclaimed
Kashi turned to face his mother. Annoyance played across his face and Willow felt the two were about to get into a shouting match. But then his face contorted and his brow furrowed. She had seen that face before, if only rarely. Kashi was actually thinking something through. "Everyone else has had their say, Mom, and we don't know all the details. Not even you. You had no idea he was a mage or willworker or whatever. There is a world of secrets out there and the more we learn the more it turns things on its head. Everyone seems to give us a little piece of the truth to justify what fits their world view, and you haven't been any different. Maybe we need to get every piece we can to puzzle out what is really going on." Kashi stated.
"A wise observation, sir. As for guarantees, your Grandfather has watched every soccer game you ever played in, he has reviewed every public project Miss Yanagi has ever undertaken. He has watched you from afar and wished to take part in your lives. However, he has stayed out of your life because your mother wished so. He respected her independence. If you listen to him and afterward still choose not to associate yourselves with him, he will show equal respect for your choice," Hans explained.
Banyan rushed around to face her son, grabbing him by the arm. "Kashi, this is a trap. When he refuses to let you go what then? You fight your way out?" Banyan pleaded.
"No. That's why you're staying. If we don't come back you can get Brees' group and Kai and everyone over there to mount a rescue. Besides, It sounds like you two would just argue and we wouldn't get any talking done."
Kashi then took his mother's hand off his arm and held it tightly. "Look, I'm tired of being lied to and led around and played. All I get from everyone is half-truths. I thought the vampires were all bad because of Jesus. Now Bree, Dan and Natalia are out there teamed up with them. We know some mages were going to leave us with a 'Baby Alive' version of Willow that would die in less than two years, but I also just got some help from one. All I'm saying is we go in, we listen to what he has to say under the white flag and we get out. I'm not going to rush to judgement this time. I'm not going to make a decision without you and neither is Willow. We will come back and you can hear what he has to say then we know more and figure out what we are going to do." Kashi explained.
"Oh Kashi…" Banyan put her hand to her son's face. For a moment, Kashi brightened. He thought his mother was going to applaud his maturity and congratulate his reasoning.
"That is a shit plan."
Kashi bristled slightly. "Well at least it's a plan," he said stepping away from her touch and dropping his mother's hand. He then crossed his arms and looked at her defying her to make another objection.
Banyan turned away and looked over at Willow to see the fierce look of determination on her face. She recognized it from her own face as well as her father's. She stared at her two children gobsmacked. "Fine. Go then. You'll regret it," she snapped.
Kashi gave Sayuri a peck on the cheek, took Willow's hand and headed for the helicopter.