Chapter Three- It Takes Two... and a Monster
Lori, the young woman I had rescued from those creatures, had led me to a nearby library. Before bringing me here we had had a somewhat lengthy debate concerning coming to this place at this time or not. She claimed that the book depository would surly be closed at such a late hour, I assured her that I had my own means of breaking an entering.
The library, its name I had not bothered to read, was exceptionally large and impressive in its number of books. Lori claimed that it held the largest number of books in the city- I only hoped that it would hold the answer to the mystery of these creatures.
So we divide ourselves, one from another she taking the floor we were on, the first floor, and I the second. On that floor I found less than nothing, it appeared this floor was dedicated to young children and adolescents.
Below, it seemed that Lori had been having better luck; she said she was able to gather some information on them from a source called "the internet". I found it suspect at best, from her description of this Internet it would seem that anyone could place their own ideas on it on places called "web sites". If that was indeed true, how much of this information came from rumor and how much from fact? But I suppose if these creatures are not well known throughout the general public of humanity then rumor is what we will have to make due with.
And after spending a few hours in that place we decided to leave it, she claimed to have the Internet at home and so I was willing to go. This world seemed to be flooded with information; I felt it impressive that anyone could have the knowledge of the Internet in his or her own homes. How much easier my search for information would have been if they had this in Nosgoth.
She took me in her motor carriage and in moments we had arrived in her home- an apartment in a building not far from where she had been attacked. While the building itself did not inspire any feelings of awe or wonder the interior of her apartment did. As she led me on a tour of her home I felt inspired by the beauty of this place. Though it hadn't the artwork or the antiques that my former retreat had it was clearly its match in beauty.
Leading me towards one of her sofas, we sat and talked for hours. She told me she was an interior decorator responsible for beautifying the interiors of many well-known celebrities. Perhaps, should I survive the Elder maybe I would call on her to work her art on my yet to be constructed castle.
The sun began to rise slowly, sending its life-giving rays through the reddening sky. I watched it and pondered about my home planet. In Nosgoth's future it would be doomed to days with out a sunrise, at least not like one of these. It would become a glow with a putrid yellow mist, and I wondered could I take Raziel's gift and return the sun- dread crept over my heart.
I could feel her watching me with those pale jade green eyes, I turned to acknowledge her, and as I did she ran her fingers through her dark red hair. "Yes?"
"I'm sorry, you look sorrowfully pensive."
"You said you have the Internet here, do you think you can use it to find Wolfram and Hart's website?"
I knew she felt rejected by my change of subject, but I knew it is better to leave would be friends out of my secret thoughts lest she earn the Elder's ire. "Yeah, I think so, but I don't think you're going to learn anything of interest- only what they want you to know."
A sigh passed my lips, and I cursed myself for not having thought of that before. "And secret websites?"
"Yes, but it won't be easy. Wolfram and Hart is a powerful law firm, if they are indeed the ones that brought you here, then they would have means of removing bad publicity."
"Murder?"
"Not just that, but the freezing of a person's assets."
"Make their money and other monetary means void?"
"Yes."
"I knew a man who would have found such a punishment the punch line of a joke."
"Sounds like quite the upstanding citizen."
I chuckled, poor Moebius never was popular with those who truly knew him, even Mortanius, a fellow guardian, laughed when I slew him the first time. "He used me to cause the extinction of my race. The bastard created a tyrant out of a righteous king and sent me back in time to murder him. The king became a martyred saint and I, the vampire assassin, became the author of my own species extinction. Worse, I destroyed a tyrant only to create one far worse some four hundred years later."
She gave me a soft and sincere look, not one I would expect from a human. "I'm sorry, it must have been hard on you."
I turned and faced the rising sun; I couldn't show her the lone tear that trickled down my cheek. "Doing the right thing while ignorant often brings forth a dire outcome."
"I understand... Look, I'm pretty tired. I'll show you how to log on and use the Internet, but after that I really need to get some rest."
I didn't face her; I only nodded. "And if I should need rest?"
"The sofa folds out, I'll grab you some sheets and a pillow."
"My thanks."
The Internet turned out to be no trouble to figure out, one need only type what he wished to know in the search engine and it would usually deliver up his desire- I wish it were that easy finding knowledge on Nosgoth. Of course the knowledge I searched for and had sacrificed so much for was only of the most obscure, even if Nosgoth had an Internet the knowledge I needed would not be there.
My mind wandered back to my true calling as the Scion of Balance. The Elder had the advantage in knowledge and power, but I had possession of the Reaver exalted above any strength it had ever been before- I wondered if it would be enough when our final climatic meeting takes place.
I searched for hours until sleep over came me, what waited for me in the Region of Dreams was hell inspired. My dreams took me through that shadowy realm where the Hylden were banished, I saw the tortures they endured through their captivity and tears fell from my eyes.
All of this pain, I knew, was caused by one being, that damnable creature and its Wheel of Fate, I watched as demons fed on their children until they, the Hylden, became as vile as the demons. Now they rule over those creatures that once tormented them.
As the dream continued I saw a vision of Raziel the Elder's tentacles wound chokingly about his neck. I heard him, Raziel, mutter something but the Elder's grip choked his words until they were unrecognizable. It tore at my soul to see him like that, in such obvious torture.
And then the Elder's dark laughter rang out through my dreams followed by his voice. "Your soul is mine Kain."
It was then that I felt a soft hand on my back startling me. "I'm sorry to have startled you, but you looked like you were having a pretty bad nightmare."
Lori, why did she comfort me? I felt her sincerity, but why? Was it all just a part of a "savior complex"? "I am well enough."
"Well, I see you went through the Internet okay."
I felt her feeling of rejection once again, but I knew I was right not to let her in. It is better to see a closed door than the scene of bloodshed and weeping that lies on the other side.
"Yes, though most of my searches were fruitless."
"I thought that would be the case. It's only three in the after noon if you want to try another library."
"No, not this time. I need to feed and some answers aren't found in books."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"I believe it would be better if I go on my own."
I took up the Reaver and sheathed it at my back and turned towards the door. "I'll be here when you get back, and Kain, be careful."
With a nod of my head I went through the open door and stole towards the roof of the building. As I found my way to the roof, I opened the door and slowly gazed out at the bright blue sky. Birds sang and flew through the skies, I watched them for sometime before a light blue feathered bird with black wings lit not far from me. I studied it; oh how it reminded me of the ancients it even had golden eyes.
It flew off as I strolled out onto the roof and to its edge. I looked down and around. What she and I had found on those creatures that this world calls vampires is that they are devastated by the touch of the sun. Which means they, like rats, are already in their holes. I thought perhaps I might find them in the sewers, but first I must feed.
I leapt from building top to building top until I came to one that over looked an ally where below two men were fighting- a perfect meal. I jumped from the rooftop and like a feather; I floated silently and unnoticed behind a parked motor carriage.
Like fools they clubbed each other with their fists. I had to laugh, these two fought over small things but would cower like children should the need truly arise.
I waited until the stronger of the two had knocked the other to the ground, and like a savage he stomped his enemy's jaw hard to the curb. He laughed, until I broke his neck. The other was already dead.
I drank deeply of their blood. But not wanting them to be found, I immolated them to ash then turned and went on my way.
Just as I turned to leave the ash of their bodies something caught my eye- a manhole cover. Down below I may find the enemies I must overcome should I be forced to become a long term resident.
Removing that cover I leapt to the ground below. Rats scurried away from me as I lit upon the cement ground. It was quiet, all but the falls of my feet and the squeaks of the rats gave this place a sound.
So this was Los Angeles's underbelly? It didn't seem like much, but the smell was repulsive. It seemed to be more than just simple sewage, and then I found the cause of the strange pungent odor.
I came a crossed an enormous creature. It had the legs and pinchers of a crab and seven heads each like an eel's.
The beast let out a terrible cry when it noticed me, and charged snapping its pinchers and gnashed its frothing jaws. As it neared I rolled to the side and slashed the Reaver into its chitinous shell with a satisfying crack.
It rounded quickly, faster than I had expected. Next I knew the thing had thrown me hard against the wall.
I got up slowly, angry at my poor reflexes; I vowed that I would not be wounded again. Using my telekinesis I quickly repaid the debt that was owed me, sending its body through the metal bars that divided this part of the sewer from the rest.
I heard explosions as it came to rest, and then its cry as well as the cries of another- taunts. I stood there a moment as silence began to reign once again throughout this place.
Walking slowly towards the ruined tunnel, I prodded the now dead monster. Satisfied that the beast was dead I looked up to face the being that slew it.
He stood tall with a slender build and bleached hair slicked back. He dressed in black and had the sent of those "vampires" that had attacked Lori the night before.
"Why don't you take a picture mate, it lasts longer."
Well, everyone there you go another chapter! What should happen next? Anyways I have to shake my fist at AquaSword for leaving me with a cliffhanger in her story! I tell ya some people. Anyways, if you like this story, read "A Queen's Memoirs" and a "Dieing World" and review! Love your reviews! And Phoenix I hope this is easier to read. Bye all!*
Lori, the young woman I had rescued from those creatures, had led me to a nearby library. Before bringing me here we had had a somewhat lengthy debate concerning coming to this place at this time or not. She claimed that the book depository would surly be closed at such a late hour, I assured her that I had my own means of breaking an entering.
The library, its name I had not bothered to read, was exceptionally large and impressive in its number of books. Lori claimed that it held the largest number of books in the city- I only hoped that it would hold the answer to the mystery of these creatures.
So we divide ourselves, one from another she taking the floor we were on, the first floor, and I the second. On that floor I found less than nothing, it appeared this floor was dedicated to young children and adolescents.
Below, it seemed that Lori had been having better luck; she said she was able to gather some information on them from a source called "the internet". I found it suspect at best, from her description of this Internet it would seem that anyone could place their own ideas on it on places called "web sites". If that was indeed true, how much of this information came from rumor and how much from fact? But I suppose if these creatures are not well known throughout the general public of humanity then rumor is what we will have to make due with.
And after spending a few hours in that place we decided to leave it, she claimed to have the Internet at home and so I was willing to go. This world seemed to be flooded with information; I felt it impressive that anyone could have the knowledge of the Internet in his or her own homes. How much easier my search for information would have been if they had this in Nosgoth.
She took me in her motor carriage and in moments we had arrived in her home- an apartment in a building not far from where she had been attacked. While the building itself did not inspire any feelings of awe or wonder the interior of her apartment did. As she led me on a tour of her home I felt inspired by the beauty of this place. Though it hadn't the artwork or the antiques that my former retreat had it was clearly its match in beauty.
Leading me towards one of her sofas, we sat and talked for hours. She told me she was an interior decorator responsible for beautifying the interiors of many well-known celebrities. Perhaps, should I survive the Elder maybe I would call on her to work her art on my yet to be constructed castle.
The sun began to rise slowly, sending its life-giving rays through the reddening sky. I watched it and pondered about my home planet. In Nosgoth's future it would be doomed to days with out a sunrise, at least not like one of these. It would become a glow with a putrid yellow mist, and I wondered could I take Raziel's gift and return the sun- dread crept over my heart.
I could feel her watching me with those pale jade green eyes, I turned to acknowledge her, and as I did she ran her fingers through her dark red hair. "Yes?"
"I'm sorry, you look sorrowfully pensive."
"You said you have the Internet here, do you think you can use it to find Wolfram and Hart's website?"
I knew she felt rejected by my change of subject, but I knew it is better to leave would be friends out of my secret thoughts lest she earn the Elder's ire. "Yeah, I think so, but I don't think you're going to learn anything of interest- only what they want you to know."
A sigh passed my lips, and I cursed myself for not having thought of that before. "And secret websites?"
"Yes, but it won't be easy. Wolfram and Hart is a powerful law firm, if they are indeed the ones that brought you here, then they would have means of removing bad publicity."
"Murder?"
"Not just that, but the freezing of a person's assets."
"Make their money and other monetary means void?"
"Yes."
"I knew a man who would have found such a punishment the punch line of a joke."
"Sounds like quite the upstanding citizen."
I chuckled, poor Moebius never was popular with those who truly knew him, even Mortanius, a fellow guardian, laughed when I slew him the first time. "He used me to cause the extinction of my race. The bastard created a tyrant out of a righteous king and sent me back in time to murder him. The king became a martyred saint and I, the vampire assassin, became the author of my own species extinction. Worse, I destroyed a tyrant only to create one far worse some four hundred years later."
She gave me a soft and sincere look, not one I would expect from a human. "I'm sorry, it must have been hard on you."
I turned and faced the rising sun; I couldn't show her the lone tear that trickled down my cheek. "Doing the right thing while ignorant often brings forth a dire outcome."
"I understand... Look, I'm pretty tired. I'll show you how to log on and use the Internet, but after that I really need to get some rest."
I didn't face her; I only nodded. "And if I should need rest?"
"The sofa folds out, I'll grab you some sheets and a pillow."
"My thanks."
The Internet turned out to be no trouble to figure out, one need only type what he wished to know in the search engine and it would usually deliver up his desire- I wish it were that easy finding knowledge on Nosgoth. Of course the knowledge I searched for and had sacrificed so much for was only of the most obscure, even if Nosgoth had an Internet the knowledge I needed would not be there.
My mind wandered back to my true calling as the Scion of Balance. The Elder had the advantage in knowledge and power, but I had possession of the Reaver exalted above any strength it had ever been before- I wondered if it would be enough when our final climatic meeting takes place.
I searched for hours until sleep over came me, what waited for me in the Region of Dreams was hell inspired. My dreams took me through that shadowy realm where the Hylden were banished, I saw the tortures they endured through their captivity and tears fell from my eyes.
All of this pain, I knew, was caused by one being, that damnable creature and its Wheel of Fate, I watched as demons fed on their children until they, the Hylden, became as vile as the demons. Now they rule over those creatures that once tormented them.
As the dream continued I saw a vision of Raziel the Elder's tentacles wound chokingly about his neck. I heard him, Raziel, mutter something but the Elder's grip choked his words until they were unrecognizable. It tore at my soul to see him like that, in such obvious torture.
And then the Elder's dark laughter rang out through my dreams followed by his voice. "Your soul is mine Kain."
It was then that I felt a soft hand on my back startling me. "I'm sorry to have startled you, but you looked like you were having a pretty bad nightmare."
Lori, why did she comfort me? I felt her sincerity, but why? Was it all just a part of a "savior complex"? "I am well enough."
"Well, I see you went through the Internet okay."
I felt her feeling of rejection once again, but I knew I was right not to let her in. It is better to see a closed door than the scene of bloodshed and weeping that lies on the other side.
"Yes, though most of my searches were fruitless."
"I thought that would be the case. It's only three in the after noon if you want to try another library."
"No, not this time. I need to feed and some answers aren't found in books."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"I believe it would be better if I go on my own."
I took up the Reaver and sheathed it at my back and turned towards the door. "I'll be here when you get back, and Kain, be careful."
With a nod of my head I went through the open door and stole towards the roof of the building. As I found my way to the roof, I opened the door and slowly gazed out at the bright blue sky. Birds sang and flew through the skies, I watched them for sometime before a light blue feathered bird with black wings lit not far from me. I studied it; oh how it reminded me of the ancients it even had golden eyes.
It flew off as I strolled out onto the roof and to its edge. I looked down and around. What she and I had found on those creatures that this world calls vampires is that they are devastated by the touch of the sun. Which means they, like rats, are already in their holes. I thought perhaps I might find them in the sewers, but first I must feed.
I leapt from building top to building top until I came to one that over looked an ally where below two men were fighting- a perfect meal. I jumped from the rooftop and like a feather; I floated silently and unnoticed behind a parked motor carriage.
Like fools they clubbed each other with their fists. I had to laugh, these two fought over small things but would cower like children should the need truly arise.
I waited until the stronger of the two had knocked the other to the ground, and like a savage he stomped his enemy's jaw hard to the curb. He laughed, until I broke his neck. The other was already dead.
I drank deeply of their blood. But not wanting them to be found, I immolated them to ash then turned and went on my way.
Just as I turned to leave the ash of their bodies something caught my eye- a manhole cover. Down below I may find the enemies I must overcome should I be forced to become a long term resident.
Removing that cover I leapt to the ground below. Rats scurried away from me as I lit upon the cement ground. It was quiet, all but the falls of my feet and the squeaks of the rats gave this place a sound.
So this was Los Angeles's underbelly? It didn't seem like much, but the smell was repulsive. It seemed to be more than just simple sewage, and then I found the cause of the strange pungent odor.
I came a crossed an enormous creature. It had the legs and pinchers of a crab and seven heads each like an eel's.
The beast let out a terrible cry when it noticed me, and charged snapping its pinchers and gnashed its frothing jaws. As it neared I rolled to the side and slashed the Reaver into its chitinous shell with a satisfying crack.
It rounded quickly, faster than I had expected. Next I knew the thing had thrown me hard against the wall.
I got up slowly, angry at my poor reflexes; I vowed that I would not be wounded again. Using my telekinesis I quickly repaid the debt that was owed me, sending its body through the metal bars that divided this part of the sewer from the rest.
I heard explosions as it came to rest, and then its cry as well as the cries of another- taunts. I stood there a moment as silence began to reign once again throughout this place.
Walking slowly towards the ruined tunnel, I prodded the now dead monster. Satisfied that the beast was dead I looked up to face the being that slew it.
He stood tall with a slender build and bleached hair slicked back. He dressed in black and had the sent of those "vampires" that had attacked Lori the night before.
"Why don't you take a picture mate, it lasts longer."
Well, everyone there you go another chapter! What should happen next? Anyways I have to shake my fist at AquaSword for leaving me with a cliffhanger in her story! I tell ya some people. Anyways, if you like this story, read "A Queen's Memoirs" and a "Dieing World" and review! Love your reviews! And Phoenix I hope this is easier to read. Bye all!*