Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and everything related is (c) Kazuki Takahashi
Legacy of Kain characters and everything related is (c) Crystal Dynamics and Silicon Knights.
The room was spinning, it was drafty and she was under several heavy blankets. Slowly her eyes opened, the light was dim but still hurt. Her contacts were dry, it took half a million blinks to get them clear. She tried to sit up and hissed sharply, movement on her left drew her attention that way. Ryou sat slumped in a chair beside the bed, he rubbed sleepy eyes and braced himself on the edge of the bed as he sat back.
"Finally awake?" Bakura asked from where he was looking out a small stone window.
"You make it sound like I've been out for a while," she said hoarsely.
"Two days counts as a while, I'd say," the Spirit replied. "The twerp hardly left your side and I find it annoying that I need to eat and use the restroom now."
"You were fevered, they said the vampire's claws caused it. When they stitched your wound you kept screaming and thrashing at them, yelling something about demons with yellow-green eyes that lurched about in the darkness," Ryou relayed with wide eyes.
"He thought they might have turned you," Bakura snorted. "But some priest came in and did some mumbo-jumbo that supposedly shut you up real quick. You've been out since then."
"Have you learned anything in that time?" the woman asked as she tossed the covers aside. She grunted and pulled one back over her, finding her normal clothing had been removed and instead she was dressed in a simple white gown. "Who...?" she began, fearing the answer.
"A nurse," Bakura laughed. "Do you actually think I'd take the time to change you?"
"All I wanted to know." Sarah frowned for a moment and let her gaze sweep the room. It was bare at most, made of stone and brick. There was but one door out, two small windows were all that marred the wall opposite the door. A shelf, desk and wardrobe were the only form of decorations. "That the potty?" She pointed towards the adjoining room.
"Yeah, they have running water as well. I'm impressed," Ryou nodded.
"Good," the woman replied as she got to her feet and made a dash for it. "I have got to go so bad."
"Take your time, bathe too. It's night anyway, we weren't going to accomplish anything," Bakura growled.
"Why is there no door?" the woman asked from where she was, luckily hidden from view.
"I didn't design the place. Don't ask me," Bakura laughed.
"I don't like not having a door!" she called.
"Oh you big baby," the Spirit said as he began to walk towards the other room.
"HEY!" Ryou called as he sprang to his feet. "Don't go in there!" The teen looked mortified as he pulled his other half back.
"See, he won't let anyone near. You worry too much," Bakura said as he wrenched his arm free of Ryou's iron grip.
"Well, tell me what you've learned," the woman requested as water splashed. She had decided to draw a bath and was comfortably submerged in the clear liquid.
"The residents know of Raziel, they call him the demonic vampire slayer. They fear him yet worship him at the same time. Apparently he killed a few vampires that had somehow found their way into this fortress. He's been by twice, but never again. They say scouts and hunters see him about occasionally when they're out, but sightings are far and few between. We won't find him here, in other words," Bakura concluded.
"Did you bother getting anything we could use while we search?"
"He stole so much, I thought we were going to get hanged," Ryou grunted.
"No one was ever the wiser," the Spirit chuckled.
"Ok, fine, what did you steal?" the woman asked as she peeked around the corner. "And what happened to my normal clothing?"
"Oh, over there," Ryou pointed to where everything was neatly folded, the contents of her pockets sat beside them. The woman picked her garments up and noted the faint scent of flowers. "They were hand washed," he nodded.
"Don't put that on, wear this. We had you fitted while you slept," Bakura said as he pulled out a pair of heavy leather pants along with a shirt and guards for several places.
"The hell is this?" she asked as she studied it.
"Clothing better suited for the landscape, it will help up blend in with the rocks. Ryou and I will change in the morning." He watched the woman study the articles.
"You do realize this is similar in design to what Kain wore? They're going to think we're vampire supporters. Thank god they look lose, I was going to refuse to wear anything that was too tight."
"You need room for movement," the Spirit replied. "Now shoo, go dress. That towel is the ugliest thing I have ever seen."
"How are we on supplies?" she asked, ignoring his other statement.
"I've got sacks for our normal clothing and others for rations. A few smaller ones with trinkets that are supposed to ward the vampires off and a map. The bloody thing is hard to read, can't make a thing out," Bakura muttered as he sifted through everything.
"I'll be the map and can make heads or tails of the one you have if needed," Sarah said from where she was dressing.
"We have weapons too!" Ryou chirped as he hopped up to show them off.
"That's the only thing he didn't mind me stealing. Scaredy cat," the Spirit snorted.
Sarah walked out of the bathroom tying off the laces that adorned the front of her commoner clothing, she left the cuffs on the pant legs untied and had yet to put the thick gauntlets, shoulder, knee and shin guards on. "I look like I'm in sissy armor, this is ridiculously heavy and the chest plate thing is too form fitting," she grunted as she tied her hair back, something she usually never did. "Tan and brown are the single most bland colors..."
"You'll blend in with the rocks like I said. And you're our scout so you should appreciate the thought," Bakura replied as he tossed her the spear from earlier.
"I'm the first line of defense? How kind of you," she grumbled. "What about footwear, I get to keep my boots?"
"Yes, in the case of that what we have is better suited."
"Won't I look funny running around in black combat boots. Oh well, at least I'm used to them," the woman shrugged. "What are you wearing? I've yet to see it."
"It's tighter than yours," Ryou wrinkled his nose.
"Quit complaining, you've got a shirt. He wouldn't listen when I said it would provide better movement without."
"And leave you open for attack. You get wounded and it's there for dirt and grime to get into,"
"Yes, dear. I'm well aware of the fact. But I don't plan to get hit. I'll provide cover fire for your ass if need be with a crossbow. I don't trust either of you two twerps with it. And Ryou's going to watch where he aims the flamethrower."
"Watch the sarcasm," the woman said as she swung the spear over his head. "You know what I mean."
"Get some sleep, we still have time before we head out," Bakura commanded as he took the spear from her hands.
"And you get your butt into a real bed and not that horribly uncomfortable chair," the woman said as she ruffled Ryou's hair. "I see two others in the room. Ok, cots but still. I'll take one and one of you can have the bed instead, I hate feeling like I'm getting special treatment."
"Well I'll take the bed, then," Bakura chuckled. "Since you've been so kind to offer it."
"Yeah, I'm just overflowing with kindness." The woman spread her arms to exaggerate the point.
I watched the two of them settle in, the woman kept an eye on me for a while before she finally gave in and got sleep. I was determined to finish packing everything before I retired myself. I was beginning to become agitated with our progress. It was going on the third day since our arrival and not only had we accomplished nothing, but I was still cut off from the Ring. I made Ryou give me the object, even though it was around my neck and not his I still couldn't feel it. I was going to damn Kain into the furthest reaches of Hell once I could. This feeling of being powerless wasn't amusing at all. I loathed every moment of it, all I had going for me was my wits and the centuries of knowledge I had. Which focuses on how to use my power to get things done. I never realized how much I relied on that until now. In a way, I was no better off than my two "companions". I found myself relying on them more and more, and I can't stand it.
"No, tie it back there," the soft laugh came. "Ryou, get over here and let me do it," the woman snickered.
"Why does it tie in the back and front is what I want to know," he muttered.
"It's just a shirt, don't put too much thought into it. Be glad the pants aren't the same way."
"Yeah... I'd feel awkward asking for help on that," he replied sheepishly.
"Don't make me lose what little I have in my stomach," Bakura growled before he yawned and pulled himself out of bed. "I'm surprised you are up before me."
"I woke her up when I couldn't figure out how to do this." Ryou pointed to the laced shirt he wore. It was just as plain what the woman wore, though his missed sleeves altogether.
"Never could do much on your own," the Spirit scowled as he grabbed his change of clothing and went to bathe. "We leave once I'm dressed," he said simply.
"Joy, I suppose that means I put the armor stuff on." the woman rolled her eyes as she grabbed first socks then her boots.
"I agree, it feels weird to wear this..." Ryou wrinkled his nose as he tied a shin and knee guard around his left calf. He repeated with the other as the woman laced her second boot up. With them on she finally tied the hem of her pant legs.
"You know, I'm glad it's cool out there. Otherwise all this extra stuff would really suck," Sarah muttered as she went to get the shoulder guards.
"You complain to much!" Bakura snapped from the washroom.
"And you're just so damn cheery!" she retorted.
"This is kinda funny to hear," Ryou smiled slightly. The woman gave him a grin and put a finger to her lips as she snuck over to the washroom. Ryou's eyes widened to the size of saucers and he violently shook his head and clamped both hands over his mouth. The woman edged into the other room and gave a short yelp as a bar of soap sailed over her head.
"You got quiet, figured something was up. Now get out," the Spirit growled. "But give that back first." He blinked when he realized he'd have to get up for it otherwise. The woman grinned as she picked it up and walked out. "You!" Bakura barked. There was a splash and the sound of cloth violently being whipped around. The angry Spirit stormed out of the washroom and walked straight to the woman. She laughed and handed him the soap, he raised a hand to hit her but put it back down instead. "Alright, alright. I'll cool down a bit," he growled before he turned back around. "I so hate it when 'helpers' figure out just how much I need them," he hissed.
"I've had my fun," she giggled. "And glad I didn't get an eye full."
"You wanted it and you know it," the Spirit teased from the other room. The woman stuck her tongue out even though the gesture would be missed by him.
"So the Sanctuary held nothing for us and the city isn't help either. What's the course of action?" Ryou asked once the three were in the citadel's gate room. He adjusted the flame thrower on his back and the pack slung over his right shoulder. Both items were held firmly to him due to the large shoulder guards, Sarah had some similar and Bakura wore none at all.
"We figure out how to draw his attention, and I think I know how. Getting there is the hard part," Bakura answered as he adjusted the strap that held his crossbow. He wanted to burden someone else with the sack he carried but figured if they were too bogged down they couldn't be of use in defense, each of them carried their own sack as well.
"You know, that thing is going to give you splinters," the woman said as she thumped his bare chest and pointed to the bow.
"And I'm going to hurt you if you don't quit whacking me to make a point," he spat in return.
"You gave me the damn spear, hitting is all I can do with it. Gotta get used to that fact somehow," she muttered as she stepped on the rune, the gate hummed to life shortly after.
"Just what do you think you're doing?" Bakura hissed.
"Showing you something," she said simply as she cycled through images. The spinning halted when she reached a greyed out image. The carved green face on the wall the gate faced looked worn from water or wind, the dancing colors around it confirmed it to be submerged. A tentacle and spiral motif decorated the area. "This is the Underworld, the Abyss leads here. This chamber is where the dead converge. Well, not right in this room, it's a way off from the gate. But anyway, Raziel can move freely between the two realms. If we can get to Spectral, we might be able to draw his attention. The Spectral Realm isn't just here, it's everywhere; across the whole of the land. A new presence in it is bound to draw attention. But this is only if Raziel is indeed in this time period..." the woman stated.
"Spectral? Been there, done that. I hate sluagh," Bakura snorted. "When Kain attacked earlier he drove me there, I've seen it. Cold, dark and distant. It's a warped version of where we are, done in cool shades of blue, purple and green. But yes, that is what I meant when I mentioned how to draw attention."
"The first approach didn't work quite so well, but then again Kain's always been that type," Sarah said as she stepped off the rune.
"Oh yes, I never got to thank you for that wonderful set up," the Spirit said sarcastically.
"Hey, I told you it would most likely do nothing. However, Kain might have alerted Raziel to our presence. If his curiosity gets the better of him, he might pay us a visit."
"Key word being might," Bakura tilted his head to the side. "But we should look regardless. First get us out of here, I want to sit and think somewhere. Where's a good place?"
"Are you kidding, in Nosgoth? The locations we have are clan territories and lots of ruins. The biggest places are the Oracle's Caves and the Cathedral," Sarah replied.
"A cathedral sounds good," Ryou nodded. Sarah laughed, startling the teen.
"Not this one, Zephonim vampires have claimed it. They're like spiders, crawling all over the walls and dropping down to ensnare victims in their web. We wouldn't stand a chance against them, the Cathedral will be your tomb if you go there."
"What of the Oracle's Caves?"
"The Chronoplast is there."
"The what now?" Ryou raised a brow.
"The Chronoplast is a Time Streaming device. It shows you images from past, present and future as well as allows travel to said places. It's in the bowels of an underground labyrinth. Turelim vampires rule the area, the biggest, strongest and fastest vampires next to Kain. However," the woman said as she re-activated the warp gate. "We are in luck as we can skip the labyrinth and get straight to the Chronoplast. There should be no vampires waiting for us, at least none of the feral ones. They don't dare travel that deep. Kain himself may be awaiting our arrival, or we may find Raziel. Either way someone knows we're coming. It's a big gamble and risk. Trust me, there is no plan we can concoct that won't been seen by others. The only way you make a move without anyone knowing is you tell no one, never speak it aloud and never drop hints as to what it might be. A job in Nosgoth is almost always handled alone due to this fact. Or, you employ pawns whom you manipulate into going down the path you want. You can't tell them a thing and you have to know when to make subtle advances to make them feel they're taking action of their own will."
"I understand the concept of pawns, woman. I chose we visit the Chronoplast, then. Perhaps we can use it to our advantage," Bakura stated.
"Very well then, half the battle will be figuring out how it works," she warned before setting the gate to take them to the Chronoplast Chamber.
"Oh damn it's cold," Ryou said as he drew his arms around himself. Bakura refused to show any discomfort as he walked through the sloping and winding hall. Marble walls and floors made up the area, if not for the feeling of dread the place radiated, it would be beautiful.
"If you go down you head to the chamber itself, if we go up we find information streams. They randomly show events, I don't know if they can be set to show from a certain time or not. Which way?" the woman asked once they exited the gate room.
"For now, up. See what the information streams have to show," Bakura said as he lead the way.
"They may be of help or they may not. Keep in mind what we see could be bait," Sarah warned.
"I'm perfectly capable of being a skeptic on my own," he muttered.
Ryou absently fingered the barrel of his flame thrower, wanting to turn it on as a source of warmth.
"Ah, I wouldn't do that Ryou," Sarah said as she dropped back to walk with him. "Might draw attention and you should save the fuel for if we need it later." She hesitated a moment then slipped an arm around him.
"Hmm, that'll work I suppose." He shrugged, slightly uncomfortable with the action but glad for the warmth.
"How will I know these streams when I se-" the Spirit stopped for a moment and made a look of disgust at the scene behind him. "I swear, should I turn around next time and see something even sappier than that, I'll, well I don't know what I'll do. Don't do it though," he snapped.
"The image things will be behind a half gate, they'll look like space in a ripple pattern. About like ripples in a pond," Sarah waved him on. "And you're lying if you say you aren't cold. This place is not only underground, but in the snowy northern mountains."
"Put an arm around me and lose it," the Spirit growled.
"Hey! That's it, keep your temper up and you can stay warm that way," the woman grinned. Bakura bit his tongue to still the acid reply he had waiting.
"I'd leave him alone if I were you, he's going to do something eventually," Ryou whispered softly to the woman.
Sarah had a brief fan girl moment at the action and shook her head to clear it. "He's a kitten, seriously," she replied just as quietly.
"This one of them?" Bakura asked as he stopped abruptly. Before him in a recess of the wall was a quivering black mass. It sparkled and danced with a light that seemed to come from within. Ornate sections of gate decorated the edges and corners of the recess, leaving the center totally unblocked.
"That's it, alright." Sarah and Ryou positioned themselves behind Bakura, leaving any action up to him.
"How is it activated?" the Spirit asked over his shoulder.
"Maybe walk up to it? I don't know," Sarah shrugged.
"You do it," he commanded as he stepped aside. "I still don't trust you."
The woman grunted and removed her arm from Ryou, the taller teen instinctively drew his arms about himself once the warmth left. Carefully Sarah stepped into the recess, she stretched the spear she carried out in front of her, letting the tip touch the flowing surface. It didn't go through, her prodding was blocked by some unseen force. The woman moved the spear back and put a hand out experimentally, it too met with the same resistance. "Well that's not working," she said aloud. "I'm out of ideas, anyone else?" she asked as she turned back to the two. She smiled slightly at the sight, the two looked so out of place in what they wore and in their surroundings, she figured she must look just as awkward.
"What?" Bakura demanded at her reaction.
"Nothing, just look so out of place here," she replied. "There are others, maybe it's like a puzzle or an order to it. Have to go to the correct one first."
"How far?"
"Eh, they should be spaced evenly. I don't think there's more than six, could be wrong though. You still wish to give them a look or head to the Chamber?"
"Is the Chamber more confusing than this?"
"Yes."
"We do this first," the Spirit grunted as he began to walk again. Sarah moved back over to Ryou and was a bit surprised to find him make the move to an embrace.
"Cold still, heh," he said when he noticed her expression. Bakura stopped at each shimmering section of the wall and tried to touch the surface like Sarah had done, each time he got nothing. When the last one was reached, extending a hand yielded something. The ripple effect suddenly stopped, the center of the pattern began to extend backwards into itself, it looked as if it was draining. Without warning the center raced forward at the trio. Startled all jumped back, Ryou tripped over Sarah's foot and toppled the two. Bakura scowled as he stared at the phenomenon, he felt stupid when he noticed the surface never pushed past the decorative gate. A moaning sound began to build in intensity and the black surface parted to show a fuzzy greyed out image of Kain's attack on Bakura.
"What the hell is this for?" Bakura hissed as the two behind him got to their feet.
"I said it shows things from all time periods, at least it's working with us," Sarah answered as she caught sight of the vision. The image faded just as Sarah's past self began to drag Bakura off.
"I hope the others are of more use than this was," the Spirit muttered as he walked back the way they had come.
"Hey, everything's tricky you know. Not everyone has access to something like this, be glad you have that."
"Access is nothing if you don't know what to do with it," he shook his head.
"If we turn up nothing then we've lost nothing. No one ever said this would be easy, perhaps you should just change your mind on the whole thing," Ryou said hopefully.
"I will not give up until I have exhausted all options," Bakura said as he whirled around to face his other half, the Spirit was mere inches away from Ryou, the teen tried to shrink away and ended up adverting his gaze. "Such a wonderful following I have going here. One is a pain in the ass and the other's too baby to do much of anything," he grumbled.
The next two projections were also of past events, it wasn't until the last three were future events shown. They were cryptic at best, showing the object of the mission and the trio, yet they never looked to be standing closely together.
"I don't recognize any of these places that were shown," Sarah said once the last one had been viewed.
"If what we saw is what happens then your knowledge and usefulness may be at an end," the Spirit laughed. "I can quit relying on you and really blaze my own path."
"Oh you'd love that, wouldn't you?" Sarah retorted.
"As a matter of fact, yes. Finally some semblance of power."
"You just keep telling yourself that." Sarah shook her head.
"Would you mind separating yourselves long enough to help me with this blasted door?" Bakura grunted from where he stood at another oversized and ornate door.
"Pull this one open," the woman said as she took the other handle. Ryou stood around in the back and scratched his head, unsure what to do. There was a squeal of un-oiled hinges as the door Bakura tugged jerked open. Once his had budged the resistance on Sarah's slackened and she managed movement as well. Another minute of tugging and pulling got the rusty objects opened enough for the trio to slip through. The room before them was expansive to say the least, three tiers of machinery and gears. At the pinnacle of the room was the largest bit of equipment. The glowing armature of the device slowly spun around, two other rings around it sat still and dormant. To the far end of the room was a single staircase, is seemed to be the only way to get between the expansive tiers.
"So many dials." Bakura blinked. "Where do we start?"
"Um, I say at the bottom and work our way up?" Sarah prompted.
"Good idea. You take the bottom, Ryou middle and I'll take the top."
"You always have to be on to-"
"I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you." Bakura gave the woman a hard glare.
"It was a joke, hello!" She threw her arms into the air and simply walked off. "I'll take the bottom, whatever."
"I don't want to hear a thing from you," Bakura cut off Ryou before he could say a word. "Just go down the stairs and take one of the controls."
"Sure thing." Ryou nodded slowly before he trotted off.
"Hey," Sarah called from where she stood on the stairs. "I want to know something. Why are you willing to possibly get lost in time to find Raziel? You need him that much...?"
"In all honesty," the Spirit said as he looked down at her. "I have time, and I'm going to use that time to make sure I completely take care of any and all problems that arise. I am resourceful and will make sure I achieve my goals."
"So we're expendable? That's the message I'm getting." The woman pointed to Ryou and herself.
"Yes," Bakura said simply. "But not just yet. I still need you. For a while at least."
"I feel so much better," the woman sighed before she started down the stairs again.
"Wait," Ryou said softly. "I won't let anything happen..."
"I know," she smiled back before coming back up to where he was. "And I thank you. Likewise I'll look out for you." She nudged him on the shoulder and turned to head back down once more. "It might be a combination we need. I can't tell you what means what on these dials. Future, present, past. It's all Greek to me."
"That's why we're all on different levels, so we can move and try different things quicker," Bakura raised his voice so all could hear. "We'll try random dials and see where it gets us."
"You know, I side with Sarah on this. How can you be sure you'll make it to the right time, and how do you plan to get back?" Ryou called up to his other half.
"Trial and error," the Spirit replied.
"Your blind faith in this is unsettling, Ring Boy. You're taking such a big gamble. You're not just after Malik, you're after the Pharaoh too. And all else that might stand in your way. Raziel is just your errand boy!"
"A bit disappointed in the time it took you to piece this all together. But yes, I am."
"What of Raziel when you're done, what do you do with him?"
"Destroy him, I really can't be bothered to send him back here."
"You think it will be that easy?!" the woman laughed. It was a shrill sound, the echo painfully bombarding everyone from all sides. "Bakura, honey. I don't know what kind of impression you have of Raziel, but he's a strong man. You still have to convince him to help you after you find him. And Raziel is quicker to act than Kain is. He's been through so much in so short a time period. He doesn't like to play around and will strike a blow to end things as soon as he has an opening. Despite all this, he's not blind or dumb. And there's still the issue of Kain plus anyone else we have yet to meet."
"Honey?" the Tomb Raider growled. "You address me with such a degrading word?"
"I hit a soft spot, huh? You don't like pet names? Well I've got a million of em, Doll. Try me."
The Spirit visibly shook, in one swift movement he had un-shouldered the crossbow and loaded it. Without so much as a warning he fired at the woman. She let out an angry cry as the arrow impaled her left leg in the thigh, she let both the spear and pack she carried fall to the ground. "You bastard! That's the side with all the other wounds!"
"Would you prefer I even it up a bit?" he asked as he reloaded.
"Bakura!" Ryou pleaded. "Leave her alone!" The teen dropped his own pack and clutched the flame thrower before he took to racing up the stairs to attack his counterpart. Bakura aimed at him and fired, the arrow grazed his shoulder but did little else. The teen slowed to check the wound, giving Bakura enough time to reload.
"I won't miss this time, now get down there. I'll go myself. You just get it working for me. I'm sick of the two of you."
"Fine! Get your ass lost. I don't give a crap anymore!" the woman hissed. She limped up to a dial and grabbed the large, awkward handle before jerking it to the side. There was a slight grinding of metal and a musical hum as one of the rings around the glowing epicenter of the ceiling roared to life. Bakura looked down to where Ryou turned his dial. Another hum as the third ring came to life and began to move. Bakura put the crossbow away and wrenched his dial. A snap akin to thunder sounded as all three moving parts on the ceiling locked together in one rotation. The doorway on his tier sparked to life with a screech, energy burst forth from it before sucking itself back in. Tendrils of dust swirled around and trailed through the glowing blue vortex.
"The biggest gamble of my life, but I go in confident that I will not fail!" Bakura yelled over the tempest. "At least try to stay alive long enough so we can all return home. I'll give you that much of a reward," he chuckled before turning to face the portal.
"Don't do it!" Ryou screamed. "You don't know enough about what you're getting into!"
"I'm a fast learner, you forget!" Before anyone could so much as blink an eye, the Spirit raced forward and crossed the threshold. Ryou and Sarah stood in awe as his form vanished in the storm. The doorway stayed alive for some time before everything stilled at once. The roar and grinding of machinery halted suddenly, leaving the chamber in silence.
Legacy of Kain characters and everything related is (c) Crystal Dynamics and Silicon Knights.
The room was spinning, it was drafty and she was under several heavy blankets. Slowly her eyes opened, the light was dim but still hurt. Her contacts were dry, it took half a million blinks to get them clear. She tried to sit up and hissed sharply, movement on her left drew her attention that way. Ryou sat slumped in a chair beside the bed, he rubbed sleepy eyes and braced himself on the edge of the bed as he sat back.
"Finally awake?" Bakura asked from where he was looking out a small stone window.
"You make it sound like I've been out for a while," she said hoarsely.
"Two days counts as a while, I'd say," the Spirit replied. "The twerp hardly left your side and I find it annoying that I need to eat and use the restroom now."
"You were fevered, they said the vampire's claws caused it. When they stitched your wound you kept screaming and thrashing at them, yelling something about demons with yellow-green eyes that lurched about in the darkness," Ryou relayed with wide eyes.
"He thought they might have turned you," Bakura snorted. "But some priest came in and did some mumbo-jumbo that supposedly shut you up real quick. You've been out since then."
"Have you learned anything in that time?" the woman asked as she tossed the covers aside. She grunted and pulled one back over her, finding her normal clothing had been removed and instead she was dressed in a simple white gown. "Who...?" she began, fearing the answer.
"A nurse," Bakura laughed. "Do you actually think I'd take the time to change you?"
"All I wanted to know." Sarah frowned for a moment and let her gaze sweep the room. It was bare at most, made of stone and brick. There was but one door out, two small windows were all that marred the wall opposite the door. A shelf, desk and wardrobe were the only form of decorations. "That the potty?" She pointed towards the adjoining room.
"Yeah, they have running water as well. I'm impressed," Ryou nodded.
"Good," the woman replied as she got to her feet and made a dash for it. "I have got to go so bad."
"Take your time, bathe too. It's night anyway, we weren't going to accomplish anything," Bakura growled.
"Why is there no door?" the woman asked from where she was, luckily hidden from view.
"I didn't design the place. Don't ask me," Bakura laughed.
"I don't like not having a door!" she called.
"Oh you big baby," the Spirit said as he began to walk towards the other room.
"HEY!" Ryou called as he sprang to his feet. "Don't go in there!" The teen looked mortified as he pulled his other half back.
"See, he won't let anyone near. You worry too much," Bakura said as he wrenched his arm free of Ryou's iron grip.
"Well, tell me what you've learned," the woman requested as water splashed. She had decided to draw a bath and was comfortably submerged in the clear liquid.
"The residents know of Raziel, they call him the demonic vampire slayer. They fear him yet worship him at the same time. Apparently he killed a few vampires that had somehow found their way into this fortress. He's been by twice, but never again. They say scouts and hunters see him about occasionally when they're out, but sightings are far and few between. We won't find him here, in other words," Bakura concluded.
"Did you bother getting anything we could use while we search?"
"He stole so much, I thought we were going to get hanged," Ryou grunted.
"No one was ever the wiser," the Spirit chuckled.
"Ok, fine, what did you steal?" the woman asked as she peeked around the corner. "And what happened to my normal clothing?"
"Oh, over there," Ryou pointed to where everything was neatly folded, the contents of her pockets sat beside them. The woman picked her garments up and noted the faint scent of flowers. "They were hand washed," he nodded.
"Don't put that on, wear this. We had you fitted while you slept," Bakura said as he pulled out a pair of heavy leather pants along with a shirt and guards for several places.
"The hell is this?" she asked as she studied it.
"Clothing better suited for the landscape, it will help up blend in with the rocks. Ryou and I will change in the morning." He watched the woman study the articles.
"You do realize this is similar in design to what Kain wore? They're going to think we're vampire supporters. Thank god they look lose, I was going to refuse to wear anything that was too tight."
"You need room for movement," the Spirit replied. "Now shoo, go dress. That towel is the ugliest thing I have ever seen."
"How are we on supplies?" she asked, ignoring his other statement.
"I've got sacks for our normal clothing and others for rations. A few smaller ones with trinkets that are supposed to ward the vampires off and a map. The bloody thing is hard to read, can't make a thing out," Bakura muttered as he sifted through everything.
"I'll be the map and can make heads or tails of the one you have if needed," Sarah said from where she was dressing.
"We have weapons too!" Ryou chirped as he hopped up to show them off.
"That's the only thing he didn't mind me stealing. Scaredy cat," the Spirit snorted.
Sarah walked out of the bathroom tying off the laces that adorned the front of her commoner clothing, she left the cuffs on the pant legs untied and had yet to put the thick gauntlets, shoulder, knee and shin guards on. "I look like I'm in sissy armor, this is ridiculously heavy and the chest plate thing is too form fitting," she grunted as she tied her hair back, something she usually never did. "Tan and brown are the single most bland colors..."
"You'll blend in with the rocks like I said. And you're our scout so you should appreciate the thought," Bakura replied as he tossed her the spear from earlier.
"I'm the first line of defense? How kind of you," she grumbled. "What about footwear, I get to keep my boots?"
"Yes, in the case of that what we have is better suited."
"Won't I look funny running around in black combat boots. Oh well, at least I'm used to them," the woman shrugged. "What are you wearing? I've yet to see it."
"It's tighter than yours," Ryou wrinkled his nose.
"Quit complaining, you've got a shirt. He wouldn't listen when I said it would provide better movement without."
"And leave you open for attack. You get wounded and it's there for dirt and grime to get into,"
"Yes, dear. I'm well aware of the fact. But I don't plan to get hit. I'll provide cover fire for your ass if need be with a crossbow. I don't trust either of you two twerps with it. And Ryou's going to watch where he aims the flamethrower."
"Watch the sarcasm," the woman said as she swung the spear over his head. "You know what I mean."
"Get some sleep, we still have time before we head out," Bakura commanded as he took the spear from her hands.
"And you get your butt into a real bed and not that horribly uncomfortable chair," the woman said as she ruffled Ryou's hair. "I see two others in the room. Ok, cots but still. I'll take one and one of you can have the bed instead, I hate feeling like I'm getting special treatment."
"Well I'll take the bed, then," Bakura chuckled. "Since you've been so kind to offer it."
"Yeah, I'm just overflowing with kindness." The woman spread her arms to exaggerate the point.
I watched the two of them settle in, the woman kept an eye on me for a while before she finally gave in and got sleep. I was determined to finish packing everything before I retired myself. I was beginning to become agitated with our progress. It was going on the third day since our arrival and not only had we accomplished nothing, but I was still cut off from the Ring. I made Ryou give me the object, even though it was around my neck and not his I still couldn't feel it. I was going to damn Kain into the furthest reaches of Hell once I could. This feeling of being powerless wasn't amusing at all. I loathed every moment of it, all I had going for me was my wits and the centuries of knowledge I had. Which focuses on how to use my power to get things done. I never realized how much I relied on that until now. In a way, I was no better off than my two "companions". I found myself relying on them more and more, and I can't stand it.
"No, tie it back there," the soft laugh came. "Ryou, get over here and let me do it," the woman snickered.
"Why does it tie in the back and front is what I want to know," he muttered.
"It's just a shirt, don't put too much thought into it. Be glad the pants aren't the same way."
"Yeah... I'd feel awkward asking for help on that," he replied sheepishly.
"Don't make me lose what little I have in my stomach," Bakura growled before he yawned and pulled himself out of bed. "I'm surprised you are up before me."
"I woke her up when I couldn't figure out how to do this." Ryou pointed to the laced shirt he wore. It was just as plain what the woman wore, though his missed sleeves altogether.
"Never could do much on your own," the Spirit scowled as he grabbed his change of clothing and went to bathe. "We leave once I'm dressed," he said simply.
"Joy, I suppose that means I put the armor stuff on." the woman rolled her eyes as she grabbed first socks then her boots.
"I agree, it feels weird to wear this..." Ryou wrinkled his nose as he tied a shin and knee guard around his left calf. He repeated with the other as the woman laced her second boot up. With them on she finally tied the hem of her pant legs.
"You know, I'm glad it's cool out there. Otherwise all this extra stuff would really suck," Sarah muttered as she went to get the shoulder guards.
"You complain to much!" Bakura snapped from the washroom.
"And you're just so damn cheery!" she retorted.
"This is kinda funny to hear," Ryou smiled slightly. The woman gave him a grin and put a finger to her lips as she snuck over to the washroom. Ryou's eyes widened to the size of saucers and he violently shook his head and clamped both hands over his mouth. The woman edged into the other room and gave a short yelp as a bar of soap sailed over her head.
"You got quiet, figured something was up. Now get out," the Spirit growled. "But give that back first." He blinked when he realized he'd have to get up for it otherwise. The woman grinned as she picked it up and walked out. "You!" Bakura barked. There was a splash and the sound of cloth violently being whipped around. The angry Spirit stormed out of the washroom and walked straight to the woman. She laughed and handed him the soap, he raised a hand to hit her but put it back down instead. "Alright, alright. I'll cool down a bit," he growled before he turned back around. "I so hate it when 'helpers' figure out just how much I need them," he hissed.
"I've had my fun," she giggled. "And glad I didn't get an eye full."
"You wanted it and you know it," the Spirit teased from the other room. The woman stuck her tongue out even though the gesture would be missed by him.
"So the Sanctuary held nothing for us and the city isn't help either. What's the course of action?" Ryou asked once the three were in the citadel's gate room. He adjusted the flame thrower on his back and the pack slung over his right shoulder. Both items were held firmly to him due to the large shoulder guards, Sarah had some similar and Bakura wore none at all.
"We figure out how to draw his attention, and I think I know how. Getting there is the hard part," Bakura answered as he adjusted the strap that held his crossbow. He wanted to burden someone else with the sack he carried but figured if they were too bogged down they couldn't be of use in defense, each of them carried their own sack as well.
"You know, that thing is going to give you splinters," the woman said as she thumped his bare chest and pointed to the bow.
"And I'm going to hurt you if you don't quit whacking me to make a point," he spat in return.
"You gave me the damn spear, hitting is all I can do with it. Gotta get used to that fact somehow," she muttered as she stepped on the rune, the gate hummed to life shortly after.
"Just what do you think you're doing?" Bakura hissed.
"Showing you something," she said simply as she cycled through images. The spinning halted when she reached a greyed out image. The carved green face on the wall the gate faced looked worn from water or wind, the dancing colors around it confirmed it to be submerged. A tentacle and spiral motif decorated the area. "This is the Underworld, the Abyss leads here. This chamber is where the dead converge. Well, not right in this room, it's a way off from the gate. But anyway, Raziel can move freely between the two realms. If we can get to Spectral, we might be able to draw his attention. The Spectral Realm isn't just here, it's everywhere; across the whole of the land. A new presence in it is bound to draw attention. But this is only if Raziel is indeed in this time period..." the woman stated.
"Spectral? Been there, done that. I hate sluagh," Bakura snorted. "When Kain attacked earlier he drove me there, I've seen it. Cold, dark and distant. It's a warped version of where we are, done in cool shades of blue, purple and green. But yes, that is what I meant when I mentioned how to draw attention."
"The first approach didn't work quite so well, but then again Kain's always been that type," Sarah said as she stepped off the rune.
"Oh yes, I never got to thank you for that wonderful set up," the Spirit said sarcastically.
"Hey, I told you it would most likely do nothing. However, Kain might have alerted Raziel to our presence. If his curiosity gets the better of him, he might pay us a visit."
"Key word being might," Bakura tilted his head to the side. "But we should look regardless. First get us out of here, I want to sit and think somewhere. Where's a good place?"
"Are you kidding, in Nosgoth? The locations we have are clan territories and lots of ruins. The biggest places are the Oracle's Caves and the Cathedral," Sarah replied.
"A cathedral sounds good," Ryou nodded. Sarah laughed, startling the teen.
"Not this one, Zephonim vampires have claimed it. They're like spiders, crawling all over the walls and dropping down to ensnare victims in their web. We wouldn't stand a chance against them, the Cathedral will be your tomb if you go there."
"What of the Oracle's Caves?"
"The Chronoplast is there."
"The what now?" Ryou raised a brow.
"The Chronoplast is a Time Streaming device. It shows you images from past, present and future as well as allows travel to said places. It's in the bowels of an underground labyrinth. Turelim vampires rule the area, the biggest, strongest and fastest vampires next to Kain. However," the woman said as she re-activated the warp gate. "We are in luck as we can skip the labyrinth and get straight to the Chronoplast. There should be no vampires waiting for us, at least none of the feral ones. They don't dare travel that deep. Kain himself may be awaiting our arrival, or we may find Raziel. Either way someone knows we're coming. It's a big gamble and risk. Trust me, there is no plan we can concoct that won't been seen by others. The only way you make a move without anyone knowing is you tell no one, never speak it aloud and never drop hints as to what it might be. A job in Nosgoth is almost always handled alone due to this fact. Or, you employ pawns whom you manipulate into going down the path you want. You can't tell them a thing and you have to know when to make subtle advances to make them feel they're taking action of their own will."
"I understand the concept of pawns, woman. I chose we visit the Chronoplast, then. Perhaps we can use it to our advantage," Bakura stated.
"Very well then, half the battle will be figuring out how it works," she warned before setting the gate to take them to the Chronoplast Chamber.
"Oh damn it's cold," Ryou said as he drew his arms around himself. Bakura refused to show any discomfort as he walked through the sloping and winding hall. Marble walls and floors made up the area, if not for the feeling of dread the place radiated, it would be beautiful.
"If you go down you head to the chamber itself, if we go up we find information streams. They randomly show events, I don't know if they can be set to show from a certain time or not. Which way?" the woman asked once they exited the gate room.
"For now, up. See what the information streams have to show," Bakura said as he lead the way.
"They may be of help or they may not. Keep in mind what we see could be bait," Sarah warned.
"I'm perfectly capable of being a skeptic on my own," he muttered.
Ryou absently fingered the barrel of his flame thrower, wanting to turn it on as a source of warmth.
"Ah, I wouldn't do that Ryou," Sarah said as she dropped back to walk with him. "Might draw attention and you should save the fuel for if we need it later." She hesitated a moment then slipped an arm around him.
"Hmm, that'll work I suppose." He shrugged, slightly uncomfortable with the action but glad for the warmth.
"How will I know these streams when I se-" the Spirit stopped for a moment and made a look of disgust at the scene behind him. "I swear, should I turn around next time and see something even sappier than that, I'll, well I don't know what I'll do. Don't do it though," he snapped.
"The image things will be behind a half gate, they'll look like space in a ripple pattern. About like ripples in a pond," Sarah waved him on. "And you're lying if you say you aren't cold. This place is not only underground, but in the snowy northern mountains."
"Put an arm around me and lose it," the Spirit growled.
"Hey! That's it, keep your temper up and you can stay warm that way," the woman grinned. Bakura bit his tongue to still the acid reply he had waiting.
"I'd leave him alone if I were you, he's going to do something eventually," Ryou whispered softly to the woman.
Sarah had a brief fan girl moment at the action and shook her head to clear it. "He's a kitten, seriously," she replied just as quietly.
"This one of them?" Bakura asked as he stopped abruptly. Before him in a recess of the wall was a quivering black mass. It sparkled and danced with a light that seemed to come from within. Ornate sections of gate decorated the edges and corners of the recess, leaving the center totally unblocked.
"That's it, alright." Sarah and Ryou positioned themselves behind Bakura, leaving any action up to him.
"How is it activated?" the Spirit asked over his shoulder.
"Maybe walk up to it? I don't know," Sarah shrugged.
"You do it," he commanded as he stepped aside. "I still don't trust you."
The woman grunted and removed her arm from Ryou, the taller teen instinctively drew his arms about himself once the warmth left. Carefully Sarah stepped into the recess, she stretched the spear she carried out in front of her, letting the tip touch the flowing surface. It didn't go through, her prodding was blocked by some unseen force. The woman moved the spear back and put a hand out experimentally, it too met with the same resistance. "Well that's not working," she said aloud. "I'm out of ideas, anyone else?" she asked as she turned back to the two. She smiled slightly at the sight, the two looked so out of place in what they wore and in their surroundings, she figured she must look just as awkward.
"What?" Bakura demanded at her reaction.
"Nothing, just look so out of place here," she replied. "There are others, maybe it's like a puzzle or an order to it. Have to go to the correct one first."
"How far?"
"Eh, they should be spaced evenly. I don't think there's more than six, could be wrong though. You still wish to give them a look or head to the Chamber?"
"Is the Chamber more confusing than this?"
"Yes."
"We do this first," the Spirit grunted as he began to walk again. Sarah moved back over to Ryou and was a bit surprised to find him make the move to an embrace.
"Cold still, heh," he said when he noticed her expression. Bakura stopped at each shimmering section of the wall and tried to touch the surface like Sarah had done, each time he got nothing. When the last one was reached, extending a hand yielded something. The ripple effect suddenly stopped, the center of the pattern began to extend backwards into itself, it looked as if it was draining. Without warning the center raced forward at the trio. Startled all jumped back, Ryou tripped over Sarah's foot and toppled the two. Bakura scowled as he stared at the phenomenon, he felt stupid when he noticed the surface never pushed past the decorative gate. A moaning sound began to build in intensity and the black surface parted to show a fuzzy greyed out image of Kain's attack on Bakura.
"What the hell is this for?" Bakura hissed as the two behind him got to their feet.
"I said it shows things from all time periods, at least it's working with us," Sarah answered as she caught sight of the vision. The image faded just as Sarah's past self began to drag Bakura off.
"I hope the others are of more use than this was," the Spirit muttered as he walked back the way they had come.
"Hey, everything's tricky you know. Not everyone has access to something like this, be glad you have that."
"Access is nothing if you don't know what to do with it," he shook his head.
"If we turn up nothing then we've lost nothing. No one ever said this would be easy, perhaps you should just change your mind on the whole thing," Ryou said hopefully.
"I will not give up until I have exhausted all options," Bakura said as he whirled around to face his other half, the Spirit was mere inches away from Ryou, the teen tried to shrink away and ended up adverting his gaze. "Such a wonderful following I have going here. One is a pain in the ass and the other's too baby to do much of anything," he grumbled.
The next two projections were also of past events, it wasn't until the last three were future events shown. They were cryptic at best, showing the object of the mission and the trio, yet they never looked to be standing closely together.
"I don't recognize any of these places that were shown," Sarah said once the last one had been viewed.
"If what we saw is what happens then your knowledge and usefulness may be at an end," the Spirit laughed. "I can quit relying on you and really blaze my own path."
"Oh you'd love that, wouldn't you?" Sarah retorted.
"As a matter of fact, yes. Finally some semblance of power."
"You just keep telling yourself that." Sarah shook her head.
"Would you mind separating yourselves long enough to help me with this blasted door?" Bakura grunted from where he stood at another oversized and ornate door.
"Pull this one open," the woman said as she took the other handle. Ryou stood around in the back and scratched his head, unsure what to do. There was a squeal of un-oiled hinges as the door Bakura tugged jerked open. Once his had budged the resistance on Sarah's slackened and she managed movement as well. Another minute of tugging and pulling got the rusty objects opened enough for the trio to slip through. The room before them was expansive to say the least, three tiers of machinery and gears. At the pinnacle of the room was the largest bit of equipment. The glowing armature of the device slowly spun around, two other rings around it sat still and dormant. To the far end of the room was a single staircase, is seemed to be the only way to get between the expansive tiers.
"So many dials." Bakura blinked. "Where do we start?"
"Um, I say at the bottom and work our way up?" Sarah prompted.
"Good idea. You take the bottom, Ryou middle and I'll take the top."
"You always have to be on to-"
"I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you." Bakura gave the woman a hard glare.
"It was a joke, hello!" She threw her arms into the air and simply walked off. "I'll take the bottom, whatever."
"I don't want to hear a thing from you," Bakura cut off Ryou before he could say a word. "Just go down the stairs and take one of the controls."
"Sure thing." Ryou nodded slowly before he trotted off.
"Hey," Sarah called from where she stood on the stairs. "I want to know something. Why are you willing to possibly get lost in time to find Raziel? You need him that much...?"
"In all honesty," the Spirit said as he looked down at her. "I have time, and I'm going to use that time to make sure I completely take care of any and all problems that arise. I am resourceful and will make sure I achieve my goals."
"So we're expendable? That's the message I'm getting." The woman pointed to Ryou and herself.
"Yes," Bakura said simply. "But not just yet. I still need you. For a while at least."
"I feel so much better," the woman sighed before she started down the stairs again.
"Wait," Ryou said softly. "I won't let anything happen..."
"I know," she smiled back before coming back up to where he was. "And I thank you. Likewise I'll look out for you." She nudged him on the shoulder and turned to head back down once more. "It might be a combination we need. I can't tell you what means what on these dials. Future, present, past. It's all Greek to me."
"That's why we're all on different levels, so we can move and try different things quicker," Bakura raised his voice so all could hear. "We'll try random dials and see where it gets us."
"You know, I side with Sarah on this. How can you be sure you'll make it to the right time, and how do you plan to get back?" Ryou called up to his other half.
"Trial and error," the Spirit replied.
"Your blind faith in this is unsettling, Ring Boy. You're taking such a big gamble. You're not just after Malik, you're after the Pharaoh too. And all else that might stand in your way. Raziel is just your errand boy!"
"A bit disappointed in the time it took you to piece this all together. But yes, I am."
"What of Raziel when you're done, what do you do with him?"
"Destroy him, I really can't be bothered to send him back here."
"You think it will be that easy?!" the woman laughed. It was a shrill sound, the echo painfully bombarding everyone from all sides. "Bakura, honey. I don't know what kind of impression you have of Raziel, but he's a strong man. You still have to convince him to help you after you find him. And Raziel is quicker to act than Kain is. He's been through so much in so short a time period. He doesn't like to play around and will strike a blow to end things as soon as he has an opening. Despite all this, he's not blind or dumb. And there's still the issue of Kain plus anyone else we have yet to meet."
"Honey?" the Tomb Raider growled. "You address me with such a degrading word?"
"I hit a soft spot, huh? You don't like pet names? Well I've got a million of em, Doll. Try me."
The Spirit visibly shook, in one swift movement he had un-shouldered the crossbow and loaded it. Without so much as a warning he fired at the woman. She let out an angry cry as the arrow impaled her left leg in the thigh, she let both the spear and pack she carried fall to the ground. "You bastard! That's the side with all the other wounds!"
"Would you prefer I even it up a bit?" he asked as he reloaded.
"Bakura!" Ryou pleaded. "Leave her alone!" The teen dropped his own pack and clutched the flame thrower before he took to racing up the stairs to attack his counterpart. Bakura aimed at him and fired, the arrow grazed his shoulder but did little else. The teen slowed to check the wound, giving Bakura enough time to reload.
"I won't miss this time, now get down there. I'll go myself. You just get it working for me. I'm sick of the two of you."
"Fine! Get your ass lost. I don't give a crap anymore!" the woman hissed. She limped up to a dial and grabbed the large, awkward handle before jerking it to the side. There was a slight grinding of metal and a musical hum as one of the rings around the glowing epicenter of the ceiling roared to life. Bakura looked down to where Ryou turned his dial. Another hum as the third ring came to life and began to move. Bakura put the crossbow away and wrenched his dial. A snap akin to thunder sounded as all three moving parts on the ceiling locked together in one rotation. The doorway on his tier sparked to life with a screech, energy burst forth from it before sucking itself back in. Tendrils of dust swirled around and trailed through the glowing blue vortex.
"The biggest gamble of my life, but I go in confident that I will not fail!" Bakura yelled over the tempest. "At least try to stay alive long enough so we can all return home. I'll give you that much of a reward," he chuckled before turning to face the portal.
"Don't do it!" Ryou screamed. "You don't know enough about what you're getting into!"
"I'm a fast learner, you forget!" Before anyone could so much as blink an eye, the Spirit raced forward and crossed the threshold. Ryou and Sarah stood in awe as his form vanished in the storm. The doorway stayed alive for some time before everything stilled at once. The roar and grinding of machinery halted suddenly, leaving the chamber in silence.
