Oh my god, like it almost took me an eternity to get my hands on the
Internet. To my reviewers, I am soooooo sorry it took me so long to update.
REPLIES TO MY REVIEWERS:
To Dragon of Zanarkand:
Thanks for enjoying my fic! I think yours rocks as well. I'll keep readin it.
To Hutaro the Demon Goddess:
I am grateful for your patience. Thanks for reviewing!
To Shark1:
To you I must dearly apologize for this damn late update. Thanks for the review! It spurred me like a baster gun in a yakow's butt!
To Darkleena:
Your wish is at my command. But please don't kill me after you read the chapter 'A Dark Secret Revealled.' Thanks for your review!
VAE VICTUS!
Thraxenel
....................................
Torn spent most of his time with Sig in the vast Metamorphagan city, and despite its grubby and dark looks, he felt welcome and the people weren't thoroughly that bad either. He had learnt a lot from him, too. The Metamorphagan history and tales sounded good enough to listen to, and he was struck that all these people, from infant to elder, could change into a bloodthirsty beast at the sight of moonlight. He pointed this out to Sig, who only chuckled.
Sig: Yeah, it does sound kinda shocking, doesn't it? But you'll get used to it.
Torn: But you go out often, right? You know, to work for Krew.
Sig: I worked for Krew because I needed his connections with weaponary. Since I was his heavy, I have permission to give some of his weapons to the Metamorpahagan city. But of course he didn't know that.
Torn: How'd you keep this a secret?
Sig: Simple. Just gag him up with a few Precursor Pearls and he won't ask any questions.
Torn: Precursor Pearls!? But they're more worth than Precursor Orbs!
Sig: Not in this city. They're as common as rocks down in our mines. We've no idea where they come from or what they're used for, but they aren't doing us any good.
Torn: To think that just one is worth thousands!
Sig: Yeah, but that's not enough for Krew.
Torn shook his head softly and remained silent after that. He watched as Sig as he began to clean his weapons with a damp rag, until slowly his eyes strayed towards the big man's neck.
Torn: Hey, Sig. What's that you're wearing?
Sig: Hm?
Sig touched a strange necklace he wore around his neck and pulled it out to the light for Torn to see. He suddenly realized that it was a brilliant Moon-Sapphire, a mysterious blue gem found only in few corners of their vast world. Torn had seen some before, but never in such fine quality. But unlike most of the ones he had seen, this one was strangely bright and it shimmered with an ghostly blue light. Torn: W-where did you get that?
Sig: Like the Precursor Pearls, we found these brilliant gems in our mines. Its secret powers were finally revealled to us long, long ago and we've mastered them eversince.
Torn: What does it do?
Sig: It harnesses moonlight, giving us the ability to change into a beast at will.
Torn: (Surprised) No way!
Sig: Yeah, I know. With this gem you can change anytime you want, be it night or day. Everyone of us Metamorphagi has one. Which reminds me by the way..
Sig dug his large hands into a pouch on his belt and pulled out a necklace similar to his and handed it to Torn, who hesitated.
Sig: Well, go on. I'm giving this to you.
Torn: You-you mean it??
Sig: What do you think I'm extending my hand towards you for?
Torn: (Taking it shakily) I.I don't know what to say.
Sig: Just keep that around your neck at all times. It can get really useful.
Torn wanted to say thank you but before he could the door of Sig's shop opened and Proteus the Metamorphagi stepped in. Sig straightened up immediately.
Sig: Proteus?
Proteus: Good evening, Sigfried (Pronounced as 'Siegfried')
Sig: What's wrong?
Proteus: Grim matters. The Vampires have called for us.
Torn: The vampires!? What do they want!?
Proteus: Something about the Stone.
Sig: The Stone? But what do we have to do with the Stone?
Proteus: They want questions they believe we can answer, Sigfried.
Sig: (Sighs and shakes head) When will they leave us alone in peace?
Proteus: We must leave now. I have prepared the other council members for the departure. You.
He turned to Torn.
Proteus: You're coming with us.
Torn: What?
Proteus: Since the vampires were after you, I'd suggest it's best that you come with us. You might be able to answer a few of their questions.
Torn: (Growls) Yeah? We can only see about that.
Sig: All right, then. Let's go.
*
Jak and his friends had been sitting inside the room for more than five hours now and they had had enough to Daxter's noisy game of charades. It was at the last hour when Raven finally returned.
Daxter: Finally! I was already out of ideas for this endless charade.
Raven: Hurry up you all. The Council is waiting.
Ashelin: Council? What council?
Raven: Where all your questions will be answered. Now, come on. Hurry.
Jak: Hey wait-where's Erol?
They looked all around, but Erol was no where in sight. He appeared to have simply vanished into thin air.
Raven: (Sighs gruffly) I'll find him. You go through that door over there and meet the other vamps. They'll lead you inside the council chamber.
They obeyed his instructions and dissapeared through the door from where Raven had come. Once Raven was sure they were going in the right direction, he went off to find Erol.
Erol silently stared at the paintings in the corridor, his mind numb with madly swirling thoughts. The images in front of him played and huanted him voicelessly, making him sick and cold on the inside.
Eversince Raven told them that he was a vampire, everything clashed. He knew Raven was the one who had bitten him. The others don't know, but that doesn't matter. That'll only complicate things for the moment. And he was more jumbled up than he had ever in his life.
Was it true, then? Was he really turning into a vampire like Raven?
Erol sighed heavily. He couldn't deny the answer, he couldn't deny what has happened. The others may not have noticed, but his canine teeth had grown frighteningly larger and sharper. A predatory thirst haunted him every single night, calling him, begging him to unleash his new found powers and feed. But everytime it called him, he resisted it.
But he knew he must feed soon. His life depended on it.
Erol shook his head in bitter defeat. He raised his hand and touched the paintings, staring idly at the pale figures that have now become his brethren. The hand curled into a tight fist, and he banged it painfully hard against the painting in his anger and helplessness.
Raven: Don't do that. The paint will run off.
Erol whipped around, his eyes slightly bloodshot from a few tears. Anger cloaked his heart like a phantasmal storm, and all he wanted to do was lunge at this creature that gave him this curse.
Erol: YOU!
Raven: Ahh .. now I know where I've met you before. You're the one I've bitten.
Erol: No banter, Raven. You know exactly who I am.
Raven: A little humor can wipe those sad tears from you eyes, I had supposed.
Erol: Why did you do it, Raven? Of all people why did you chose me??
Raven: What are you talking about?
Erol: Don't play with me!
Erol grabbed the neckline of his shirt and showed Raven the side of his neck, where the scars of Raven's bite could still be seen.
Raven: Ahh. I see. I know what you're thinking, my man. I had never intended to transform my powers to you. I intended to kill you.
Erol: Well, you didn't do your job well. How could you do this to me?
Raven: (Chuckles sinisterly) You don't know what you're talking about, Erol.
Erol: I am turning into a vampire! What part of that don't I understand?
Raven: Everything.
Raven strolled past Erol and looked up to the paintings he had been staring at, sighing quietly.
Raven: I never wanted to pass this curse on to you. Nobody had survived our bites in centuries, so I guessed that you would be the same. But clearly .
He turned to face Erol, wearing a look of mild remorse.
Raven: I was wrong. You have a strong will, Erol. A rare trait in human qualities.
Erol: Enough with your pathetic praises!
Raven: I am not praising you; I am giving you a glimpse of what you have become. Vampirism is neither a gift or a curse, but more or less it is both. You shouldn't deny or appreciate it. With it coursing through your veins, forbidden powers and truths are opened to you at your command.
Erol: I don't want any of those.
Raven: (Chuckles again) You will see what my words really mean once you see what you can do with them. You cannot escape this 'gift' anymore than you can escape yourself.
Erol didn't know what to say. The bloodthirst swelled up inside him again, but he bravely fought it down. Once the wave abated, the same sick feeling returned.
Raven: Come, I've had enough sermonizing you. Oh and, take off those rebel rags. They do not suit a Shadow-Reaper.
Raven walked away back into the room, but Erol stayed where he was. He was still in a rage, but Raven's words burned into his heart. Every word the vampire said was true, however twisted it may be. He cannot deny it anymore.
Knowing that there was nothing else he could do, he slowly followed Raven out of the corridor.
*
Torn let out a grateful moan when the first sprays of night mist touched his Krimzon tattoed face for the first time in several hours. But once the feeling of relief and gratefulness died away he was suddenly feel an uncanny dread of meeting the vampires.
But he didn't have the time to worry about that now. Sig told him to be quiet most of the time, and he obeyed diligently. They had emerged from the Metamorphagan city through a large sewer pipe that led to the Underport areas in the South City, and Proteus led them through the dark, dank tunnels until they came upon a large metal door. This Proteus opened with a strange seal he wore around his wrist. They all stepped inside and walked along a large corridor, until finally they came to another large wooden door.
Sig: (Whispering) You might wanna becareful here, Torn. Vamps can get really nasty. I'd advice you not to say too much.
Torn: Don't worry about it.
Proteus told them to be quiet and he slowly pushed the door open. Torn saw a large circular room inside, with several rising diases along the walls. On these diases sat a small crowd of black clad figures, staring blankly down to the center of the room, where a tall and pale man stood. Torn felt the dread within him flare suddenly. He knew that man.
Raven: (Frowning with a scowl) Ah, the Metamorphagan finally arrives. Late. As always.
Proteus: We had some matters to attend to.
Raven: I see, but that's not a proper excuse.
His electric blue eyes suddenly flashed at Torn, who suddenly shuddered. A twisted smile came to the vampire's lips.
Raven: I see you've bought along guest.
Proteus: Not so, Raven. You know who he is.
Raven: Yes, of course. I would've found all the answers I needed if you hadn't intervened.
Proteus: You could've murdered him.
Raven: Enough. I've wasted enough time waiting for you to arrive. It is time that we discuss about the Precursor Stone. Please take your seats.
Torn wanted to scowl at Raven, but Sig took hold of his shoulder and gently dragged him to the lower diases and forced him to sit down. Torn looked all around him for the moment, until suddenly his eyes fell on a familiar figure.
Torn: Jak!?
Yes, there was no mistaking the blonde hair and the blue tunic. Jak himself looked shocked, and as Torn looked around more more familiar faces appeared. There was Ashelin, Tess, Samos, Daxter, the kid and Keira. But Erol was no where in sight.
Raven: Ahh yes. Your friends.
Jak: Torn!? What-what are you doing here?
Torn: Same question I'm asking you.
Daxter: SIG!? What are you doing here!?
Sig: Details later, cherries.
Raven: Return to your seats, please.
That was an order. They sat back in their seats.
Raven: Now, let's get this into business. You (Gestures at Jak) I'm going to ask this as politely as I can now.where is the Precursor Stone?
Jak: Tell me your purpose for it first.
Proteus: Yes. And why do you need us?
Raven: (Sighs) It is a matter of high importance. As you all know Metalheads are pressing against the city borders, tearing down the last of Haven City's defences. Their sole aim is the Precursor Stone, and the only way we can prevent them from getting it is by putting what they fear most in their path.
Daxter: HAH! We don't have to worry so much. We have Jak for that!
Raven: Even so, but one man or a group of Underground rebels can never fight a whole army of them.
Daxter: What are you worried about? Just kick their leader's ass and they'll run off for their moms!
Raven: It isn't that easy. Kor may have been a powerful adversary, but he is nothing compared to this new foe we now face: his own son, Corgoth.
Daxter: Wait-that Kor had a son!?
Raven: Indeed he had, but he is somethig more that, a higher breed of supreme Metalhead, intensely powerful. And their chosen decendants had been the Hura-Lycans.
Sig: The Metamorphagans.
Torn: What!?
Raven: The father of them all had been Kor himself, who had passed his powers to the warrior Corgoth, naming him his own son and heir. He granted Corgoth with all his powers: long life, supreme powers and strenght. Through his greed and curroption, Corgoth became more than he bargained for. His evil is unspeakable.
Jak: But what does this have to do with the Precursor Stone?
Raven: I was getting to that. Kor got suspicious of what his 'son' had become and imprisoned him deep beneath the earth. But he needed an heir, and so he turned to innocent beings which then resulted to a smaller version of Corgoth, thus bringing in the Hura-Lycans: human by day, but beast by night. But what he did not realize was that human will was much stronger than he had suspected. They rebelled against him, and he banished them from his Metalhead armies forever. They could not escape the curse Kor had passed on to them, and so did their decendants.
Sig: And I suppose that's why you're summoned us here? To blame us for a fault that never was ours?
Raven: No. And I'm not finished. While the rebellion of the Hura-Lycans started your race, it started Kor's ambitions. He turned his intentions to the Precursor Stone, which will grant him powers beyond his wildest dreams. It had been Mar's property, and he attacked early Haven City, but only to have failed. The Precursor Stone had been too powerful for him, and Mar's own courage forced him to retreat. But that was when everything began to get complicated. It had not been the Precursor Stone that stopped Kor, but something else so powerful there was no name for it. From where that mysterious power came from, the scrolls never told. This was when Mar turned to us, the Vampires, for guidance.
Jak: How can that be true?
Raven: Because one of our number was a great friend of his. We vampires never intend to harm humans, and that was why Mar welcomed us. But he never told anyone about us. That's why we were considered a 'fairy tale' to you all.
Daxter: Whoever used the word 'fairy' to describe you?
Raven: Mar turned to our race for guidance then. We helped him build a secret chamber where that un-named power was kept, using the Precursor Stone as a key to lock it.
Jak: So you're saying that you want the Stone to unlock this chamber and unleash the power within?
Raven: Yes.
Jak: How can you be sure you can control it?
Raven: We have to choice. It's the only thing powerful enough to stop Corgoth.
Daxter: But you said Corgoth was imprisoned underground for more than a thousand years!
Raven: That was until one of his cousins decided to unleash him. A 'faithful' Hura-Lycan by the name of Kronos.
Proteus: Kronos!? Never!
Raven: That's where you're wrong, Proteus. I saw him lead a horde of Metalheads attack the city palace, scrounging around for the Stone.
Proteus: Kronos is a respected priest of our Circle! How could he do such a thing?
Raven: He had gone missing for quite sometime now, and you never bothered to look for him.
Proteus: He said that he went off for some kind of ritual.
Raven: The rising of Corgoth, to be exact.
Proteus: The traitor.he lied to me.
Raven: That's always with you; you place too much trust in your brethren. But now is not the time to get angry over what was done. We must act before it is too late.
Sig: But still, why did you summon us?
Raven: (Sighs gruffly) In this battle, I distastefully admit that us Vampires cannot do this alone. You know more about the underground passages in this city more than any of us do. Though I know the way to the chamber where the power is kept, but the way is so ancient I myself an not sure about its endless labyrinths.But you recognize the very smell and taste of underground shadows, and this knowledge is very useful to where we're going.
Proteus: Very well then, we'll help.
Raven: Good. Now, Jak, it's your turn. Where did you hide the Stone?
Jak: It's not at the palace, but somewhere under it, down in the ancient vaults.
Raven: Very good. Now, you must lead me to it.
Daxter: Hey man, Jak is going nowhere without me!
Torn: Or me.
Sig: I'm in.
Erol: Forgotten me already?
Jak and Torn both looked up to the higher diases and saw Erol there. But there was something eeriely different about him; his eyes looked cold and fathomless and his face was pale. He had removed his rebel clothes, and wore instead an all black shirt and trousers. He also wore a long black coat with a tattered hem.
Raven: (Smiles) Ahh, I see you've changed.
Torn: (As Erol decended) Erol?? Wha-what happened to you?
Erol: (The fangs were quite visible when he talked) Raven bit me, remember?
Torn: Oh god . no .
Jak: You're kidding.
Daxter: Oh great, now we've got another freak!
Torn: Welcome to my reality.
Keira: Wait! Jak! You're not going without me!
Jak: No, Keira.please, I need you to stay here.
Keira: But Jak-
Jak: I don't want you to get hurt.
Keira: I don't want you to get hurt either!
Jak: Keira-
Ashelin: TORN!
Ashelin was as fierce as a storm as she strode demandingly towards Torn, who froze.
Ashelin: You owe me an explanation, buster! And Sig and Erol! Something's happening to you all here and I need to know it NOW!
Sig: (Whispering) Whoa, she's as fiery as her father.
Torn: I-well-err-
Ashelin: Well!?
Torn: (Sighs) Look, Ash. You remember the time you went off for your Platform mission? A few incidents happened when you were gone .
And Torn broke off telling her everything. Keira, Tess and Samos all looked dumbstruck, and they all glanced worriedly at both Torn and Erol.
Ashelin: And you never told me? How could you!
Keira: Yeah, Torn. We could've done something.
Torn: Well you can't because it's already done.
Raven: Which is exactly why you two should stop this nonsense at once! I've tolerated enough of your endless conversations. Keira, Ashelin, Tess and all of you remain here with Proteus. Me, Sigfried, Erol, Jak and Torn will go.
Daxter: Hey-hey!
Raven: And the overgrown rat, too.
Ashelin: What!? You can't boss us around like that!
Raven: Oh yes I can, sweetstripes, or you'll probably want a nice little hole on your beautiful neck?
Raven bared his two sharp Vampire fangs threatening at Ashelin when he said that, anhis eyes blared almost all white in colour. Ashelin frowned and stared at him, but turned sharply away after a few intense seconds of staring.
Raven: Good girl. Now, no more delaying. Move!
REPLIES TO MY REVIEWERS:
To Dragon of Zanarkand:
Thanks for enjoying my fic! I think yours rocks as well. I'll keep readin it.
To Hutaro the Demon Goddess:
I am grateful for your patience. Thanks for reviewing!
To Shark1:
To you I must dearly apologize for this damn late update. Thanks for the review! It spurred me like a baster gun in a yakow's butt!
To Darkleena:
Your wish is at my command. But please don't kill me after you read the chapter 'A Dark Secret Revealled.' Thanks for your review!
VAE VICTUS!
Thraxenel
....................................
Torn spent most of his time with Sig in the vast Metamorphagan city, and despite its grubby and dark looks, he felt welcome and the people weren't thoroughly that bad either. He had learnt a lot from him, too. The Metamorphagan history and tales sounded good enough to listen to, and he was struck that all these people, from infant to elder, could change into a bloodthirsty beast at the sight of moonlight. He pointed this out to Sig, who only chuckled.
Sig: Yeah, it does sound kinda shocking, doesn't it? But you'll get used to it.
Torn: But you go out often, right? You know, to work for Krew.
Sig: I worked for Krew because I needed his connections with weaponary. Since I was his heavy, I have permission to give some of his weapons to the Metamorpahagan city. But of course he didn't know that.
Torn: How'd you keep this a secret?
Sig: Simple. Just gag him up with a few Precursor Pearls and he won't ask any questions.
Torn: Precursor Pearls!? But they're more worth than Precursor Orbs!
Sig: Not in this city. They're as common as rocks down in our mines. We've no idea where they come from or what they're used for, but they aren't doing us any good.
Torn: To think that just one is worth thousands!
Sig: Yeah, but that's not enough for Krew.
Torn shook his head softly and remained silent after that. He watched as Sig as he began to clean his weapons with a damp rag, until slowly his eyes strayed towards the big man's neck.
Torn: Hey, Sig. What's that you're wearing?
Sig: Hm?
Sig touched a strange necklace he wore around his neck and pulled it out to the light for Torn to see. He suddenly realized that it was a brilliant Moon-Sapphire, a mysterious blue gem found only in few corners of their vast world. Torn had seen some before, but never in such fine quality. But unlike most of the ones he had seen, this one was strangely bright and it shimmered with an ghostly blue light. Torn: W-where did you get that?
Sig: Like the Precursor Pearls, we found these brilliant gems in our mines. Its secret powers were finally revealled to us long, long ago and we've mastered them eversince.
Torn: What does it do?
Sig: It harnesses moonlight, giving us the ability to change into a beast at will.
Torn: (Surprised) No way!
Sig: Yeah, I know. With this gem you can change anytime you want, be it night or day. Everyone of us Metamorphagi has one. Which reminds me by the way..
Sig dug his large hands into a pouch on his belt and pulled out a necklace similar to his and handed it to Torn, who hesitated.
Sig: Well, go on. I'm giving this to you.
Torn: You-you mean it??
Sig: What do you think I'm extending my hand towards you for?
Torn: (Taking it shakily) I.I don't know what to say.
Sig: Just keep that around your neck at all times. It can get really useful.
Torn wanted to say thank you but before he could the door of Sig's shop opened and Proteus the Metamorphagi stepped in. Sig straightened up immediately.
Sig: Proteus?
Proteus: Good evening, Sigfried (Pronounced as 'Siegfried')
Sig: What's wrong?
Proteus: Grim matters. The Vampires have called for us.
Torn: The vampires!? What do they want!?
Proteus: Something about the Stone.
Sig: The Stone? But what do we have to do with the Stone?
Proteus: They want questions they believe we can answer, Sigfried.
Sig: (Sighs and shakes head) When will they leave us alone in peace?
Proteus: We must leave now. I have prepared the other council members for the departure. You.
He turned to Torn.
Proteus: You're coming with us.
Torn: What?
Proteus: Since the vampires were after you, I'd suggest it's best that you come with us. You might be able to answer a few of their questions.
Torn: (Growls) Yeah? We can only see about that.
Sig: All right, then. Let's go.
*
Jak and his friends had been sitting inside the room for more than five hours now and they had had enough to Daxter's noisy game of charades. It was at the last hour when Raven finally returned.
Daxter: Finally! I was already out of ideas for this endless charade.
Raven: Hurry up you all. The Council is waiting.
Ashelin: Council? What council?
Raven: Where all your questions will be answered. Now, come on. Hurry.
Jak: Hey wait-where's Erol?
They looked all around, but Erol was no where in sight. He appeared to have simply vanished into thin air.
Raven: (Sighs gruffly) I'll find him. You go through that door over there and meet the other vamps. They'll lead you inside the council chamber.
They obeyed his instructions and dissapeared through the door from where Raven had come. Once Raven was sure they were going in the right direction, he went off to find Erol.
Erol silently stared at the paintings in the corridor, his mind numb with madly swirling thoughts. The images in front of him played and huanted him voicelessly, making him sick and cold on the inside.
Eversince Raven told them that he was a vampire, everything clashed. He knew Raven was the one who had bitten him. The others don't know, but that doesn't matter. That'll only complicate things for the moment. And he was more jumbled up than he had ever in his life.
Was it true, then? Was he really turning into a vampire like Raven?
Erol sighed heavily. He couldn't deny the answer, he couldn't deny what has happened. The others may not have noticed, but his canine teeth had grown frighteningly larger and sharper. A predatory thirst haunted him every single night, calling him, begging him to unleash his new found powers and feed. But everytime it called him, he resisted it.
But he knew he must feed soon. His life depended on it.
Erol shook his head in bitter defeat. He raised his hand and touched the paintings, staring idly at the pale figures that have now become his brethren. The hand curled into a tight fist, and he banged it painfully hard against the painting in his anger and helplessness.
Raven: Don't do that. The paint will run off.
Erol whipped around, his eyes slightly bloodshot from a few tears. Anger cloaked his heart like a phantasmal storm, and all he wanted to do was lunge at this creature that gave him this curse.
Erol: YOU!
Raven: Ahh .. now I know where I've met you before. You're the one I've bitten.
Erol: No banter, Raven. You know exactly who I am.
Raven: A little humor can wipe those sad tears from you eyes, I had supposed.
Erol: Why did you do it, Raven? Of all people why did you chose me??
Raven: What are you talking about?
Erol: Don't play with me!
Erol grabbed the neckline of his shirt and showed Raven the side of his neck, where the scars of Raven's bite could still be seen.
Raven: Ahh. I see. I know what you're thinking, my man. I had never intended to transform my powers to you. I intended to kill you.
Erol: Well, you didn't do your job well. How could you do this to me?
Raven: (Chuckles sinisterly) You don't know what you're talking about, Erol.
Erol: I am turning into a vampire! What part of that don't I understand?
Raven: Everything.
Raven strolled past Erol and looked up to the paintings he had been staring at, sighing quietly.
Raven: I never wanted to pass this curse on to you. Nobody had survived our bites in centuries, so I guessed that you would be the same. But clearly .
He turned to face Erol, wearing a look of mild remorse.
Raven: I was wrong. You have a strong will, Erol. A rare trait in human qualities.
Erol: Enough with your pathetic praises!
Raven: I am not praising you; I am giving you a glimpse of what you have become. Vampirism is neither a gift or a curse, but more or less it is both. You shouldn't deny or appreciate it. With it coursing through your veins, forbidden powers and truths are opened to you at your command.
Erol: I don't want any of those.
Raven: (Chuckles again) You will see what my words really mean once you see what you can do with them. You cannot escape this 'gift' anymore than you can escape yourself.
Erol didn't know what to say. The bloodthirst swelled up inside him again, but he bravely fought it down. Once the wave abated, the same sick feeling returned.
Raven: Come, I've had enough sermonizing you. Oh and, take off those rebel rags. They do not suit a Shadow-Reaper.
Raven walked away back into the room, but Erol stayed where he was. He was still in a rage, but Raven's words burned into his heart. Every word the vampire said was true, however twisted it may be. He cannot deny it anymore.
Knowing that there was nothing else he could do, he slowly followed Raven out of the corridor.
*
Torn let out a grateful moan when the first sprays of night mist touched his Krimzon tattoed face for the first time in several hours. But once the feeling of relief and gratefulness died away he was suddenly feel an uncanny dread of meeting the vampires.
But he didn't have the time to worry about that now. Sig told him to be quiet most of the time, and he obeyed diligently. They had emerged from the Metamorphagan city through a large sewer pipe that led to the Underport areas in the South City, and Proteus led them through the dark, dank tunnels until they came upon a large metal door. This Proteus opened with a strange seal he wore around his wrist. They all stepped inside and walked along a large corridor, until finally they came to another large wooden door.
Sig: (Whispering) You might wanna becareful here, Torn. Vamps can get really nasty. I'd advice you not to say too much.
Torn: Don't worry about it.
Proteus told them to be quiet and he slowly pushed the door open. Torn saw a large circular room inside, with several rising diases along the walls. On these diases sat a small crowd of black clad figures, staring blankly down to the center of the room, where a tall and pale man stood. Torn felt the dread within him flare suddenly. He knew that man.
Raven: (Frowning with a scowl) Ah, the Metamorphagan finally arrives. Late. As always.
Proteus: We had some matters to attend to.
Raven: I see, but that's not a proper excuse.
His electric blue eyes suddenly flashed at Torn, who suddenly shuddered. A twisted smile came to the vampire's lips.
Raven: I see you've bought along guest.
Proteus: Not so, Raven. You know who he is.
Raven: Yes, of course. I would've found all the answers I needed if you hadn't intervened.
Proteus: You could've murdered him.
Raven: Enough. I've wasted enough time waiting for you to arrive. It is time that we discuss about the Precursor Stone. Please take your seats.
Torn wanted to scowl at Raven, but Sig took hold of his shoulder and gently dragged him to the lower diases and forced him to sit down. Torn looked all around him for the moment, until suddenly his eyes fell on a familiar figure.
Torn: Jak!?
Yes, there was no mistaking the blonde hair and the blue tunic. Jak himself looked shocked, and as Torn looked around more more familiar faces appeared. There was Ashelin, Tess, Samos, Daxter, the kid and Keira. But Erol was no where in sight.
Raven: Ahh yes. Your friends.
Jak: Torn!? What-what are you doing here?
Torn: Same question I'm asking you.
Daxter: SIG!? What are you doing here!?
Sig: Details later, cherries.
Raven: Return to your seats, please.
That was an order. They sat back in their seats.
Raven: Now, let's get this into business. You (Gestures at Jak) I'm going to ask this as politely as I can now.where is the Precursor Stone?
Jak: Tell me your purpose for it first.
Proteus: Yes. And why do you need us?
Raven: (Sighs) It is a matter of high importance. As you all know Metalheads are pressing against the city borders, tearing down the last of Haven City's defences. Their sole aim is the Precursor Stone, and the only way we can prevent them from getting it is by putting what they fear most in their path.
Daxter: HAH! We don't have to worry so much. We have Jak for that!
Raven: Even so, but one man or a group of Underground rebels can never fight a whole army of them.
Daxter: What are you worried about? Just kick their leader's ass and they'll run off for their moms!
Raven: It isn't that easy. Kor may have been a powerful adversary, but he is nothing compared to this new foe we now face: his own son, Corgoth.
Daxter: Wait-that Kor had a son!?
Raven: Indeed he had, but he is somethig more that, a higher breed of supreme Metalhead, intensely powerful. And their chosen decendants had been the Hura-Lycans.
Sig: The Metamorphagans.
Torn: What!?
Raven: The father of them all had been Kor himself, who had passed his powers to the warrior Corgoth, naming him his own son and heir. He granted Corgoth with all his powers: long life, supreme powers and strenght. Through his greed and curroption, Corgoth became more than he bargained for. His evil is unspeakable.
Jak: But what does this have to do with the Precursor Stone?
Raven: I was getting to that. Kor got suspicious of what his 'son' had become and imprisoned him deep beneath the earth. But he needed an heir, and so he turned to innocent beings which then resulted to a smaller version of Corgoth, thus bringing in the Hura-Lycans: human by day, but beast by night. But what he did not realize was that human will was much stronger than he had suspected. They rebelled against him, and he banished them from his Metalhead armies forever. They could not escape the curse Kor had passed on to them, and so did their decendants.
Sig: And I suppose that's why you're summoned us here? To blame us for a fault that never was ours?
Raven: No. And I'm not finished. While the rebellion of the Hura-Lycans started your race, it started Kor's ambitions. He turned his intentions to the Precursor Stone, which will grant him powers beyond his wildest dreams. It had been Mar's property, and he attacked early Haven City, but only to have failed. The Precursor Stone had been too powerful for him, and Mar's own courage forced him to retreat. But that was when everything began to get complicated. It had not been the Precursor Stone that stopped Kor, but something else so powerful there was no name for it. From where that mysterious power came from, the scrolls never told. This was when Mar turned to us, the Vampires, for guidance.
Jak: How can that be true?
Raven: Because one of our number was a great friend of his. We vampires never intend to harm humans, and that was why Mar welcomed us. But he never told anyone about us. That's why we were considered a 'fairy tale' to you all.
Daxter: Whoever used the word 'fairy' to describe you?
Raven: Mar turned to our race for guidance then. We helped him build a secret chamber where that un-named power was kept, using the Precursor Stone as a key to lock it.
Jak: So you're saying that you want the Stone to unlock this chamber and unleash the power within?
Raven: Yes.
Jak: How can you be sure you can control it?
Raven: We have to choice. It's the only thing powerful enough to stop Corgoth.
Daxter: But you said Corgoth was imprisoned underground for more than a thousand years!
Raven: That was until one of his cousins decided to unleash him. A 'faithful' Hura-Lycan by the name of Kronos.
Proteus: Kronos!? Never!
Raven: That's where you're wrong, Proteus. I saw him lead a horde of Metalheads attack the city palace, scrounging around for the Stone.
Proteus: Kronos is a respected priest of our Circle! How could he do such a thing?
Raven: He had gone missing for quite sometime now, and you never bothered to look for him.
Proteus: He said that he went off for some kind of ritual.
Raven: The rising of Corgoth, to be exact.
Proteus: The traitor.he lied to me.
Raven: That's always with you; you place too much trust in your brethren. But now is not the time to get angry over what was done. We must act before it is too late.
Sig: But still, why did you summon us?
Raven: (Sighs gruffly) In this battle, I distastefully admit that us Vampires cannot do this alone. You know more about the underground passages in this city more than any of us do. Though I know the way to the chamber where the power is kept, but the way is so ancient I myself an not sure about its endless labyrinths.But you recognize the very smell and taste of underground shadows, and this knowledge is very useful to where we're going.
Proteus: Very well then, we'll help.
Raven: Good. Now, Jak, it's your turn. Where did you hide the Stone?
Jak: It's not at the palace, but somewhere under it, down in the ancient vaults.
Raven: Very good. Now, you must lead me to it.
Daxter: Hey man, Jak is going nowhere without me!
Torn: Or me.
Sig: I'm in.
Erol: Forgotten me already?
Jak and Torn both looked up to the higher diases and saw Erol there. But there was something eeriely different about him; his eyes looked cold and fathomless and his face was pale. He had removed his rebel clothes, and wore instead an all black shirt and trousers. He also wore a long black coat with a tattered hem.
Raven: (Smiles) Ahh, I see you've changed.
Torn: (As Erol decended) Erol?? Wha-what happened to you?
Erol: (The fangs were quite visible when he talked) Raven bit me, remember?
Torn: Oh god . no .
Jak: You're kidding.
Daxter: Oh great, now we've got another freak!
Torn: Welcome to my reality.
Keira: Wait! Jak! You're not going without me!
Jak: No, Keira.please, I need you to stay here.
Keira: But Jak-
Jak: I don't want you to get hurt.
Keira: I don't want you to get hurt either!
Jak: Keira-
Ashelin: TORN!
Ashelin was as fierce as a storm as she strode demandingly towards Torn, who froze.
Ashelin: You owe me an explanation, buster! And Sig and Erol! Something's happening to you all here and I need to know it NOW!
Sig: (Whispering) Whoa, she's as fiery as her father.
Torn: I-well-err-
Ashelin: Well!?
Torn: (Sighs) Look, Ash. You remember the time you went off for your Platform mission? A few incidents happened when you were gone .
And Torn broke off telling her everything. Keira, Tess and Samos all looked dumbstruck, and they all glanced worriedly at both Torn and Erol.
Ashelin: And you never told me? How could you!
Keira: Yeah, Torn. We could've done something.
Torn: Well you can't because it's already done.
Raven: Which is exactly why you two should stop this nonsense at once! I've tolerated enough of your endless conversations. Keira, Ashelin, Tess and all of you remain here with Proteus. Me, Sigfried, Erol, Jak and Torn will go.
Daxter: Hey-hey!
Raven: And the overgrown rat, too.
Ashelin: What!? You can't boss us around like that!
Raven: Oh yes I can, sweetstripes, or you'll probably want a nice little hole on your beautiful neck?
Raven bared his two sharp Vampire fangs threatening at Ashelin when he said that, anhis eyes blared almost all white in colour. Ashelin frowned and stared at him, but turned sharply away after a few intense seconds of staring.
Raven: Good girl. Now, no more delaying. Move!