Author's Note: Okay... my AU's have been pretty silent for the most part. However, I didn't like how I left the last chapter. Amanda deserves more. Okay, maybe it's because she's actually me, in a sense... but pinkfuzzyone's last review has given me insight. I really 'didn't' explain a whole lot... other than Sethys probably being one of that high vampire master's many world-wide bouncin' baby boys.

And now - you will see the true enemies. (Thanks for Michael Bell for making that line somehow incredibly useful, not to mention funny in some insane way. Winks)

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Once Raziel had passed through the portal, it clapped shut and made a thunderous sound that made the stone halls rumble. Dust fell in thick clumps from the shadows above, hissing and snapping if they struck the torches. Two shadows came from the door, stopping short at the sight of the weeping vampire sons. Their father dead, all of them were doomed to death and insanity. There was no will to guide them now, no higher strength to soften the death of their souls.

Without hesitation the shadows slaughtered them each, putting their souls to rest when they in fact only lingered in the Spectral Realm. But they had no knowledge of such things, and only had more pressing matters to attend.

The oldest vampire approached the gate without stopping, and seemed to melt through it at will in a form of mist. The other waited for his companion, holding the lever. As it went up, he stepped over the impaled body that fell from the spikes after being elevated for a prolonged period of time.

"Darius," the eldest kindred said. "It is good that you came with me. It seems we're too late. The portal has been opened, with no hopes of shutting it unless we call the council."

The eldest approached the bleeding body of the witch. She was laying on the floor, hands resting against her heart, her pooled blood coagulating around here. He slid his finger over the floor and licked at it. "It's still warm..."

Darius approached the scorched cadaver on the wall. His eyes watered crimson. "Sethys is dead."

"I know. We will mourn your brother later. We have other matters."

"Such as?" Darius turned sharply, his shoes clicking pointedly to announce that he was paying attention. He watched as his father lifted the human witch and support her against the inside of his thigh, pressing his fingers gently against her throat before he smiled wickedly. He stood up, carrying her; he shuddered as he felt a fresh rush of blood spill hot against his chest.

"She still lives. The other has gone through the portal, as you said he would. For now...what to do with this child?"

Darius's lips curled with hatred. His fangs were shining already; something evil moved him, some emotion that his Sire felt keenly.

"I want her."

"So I know it. But, my angry little child, what do you plan on doing with her once you have her? Surely we will need a new guardian."

Darius approached him. The girl was not conscious, but her efforts to hold onto anything guided her hands to Darius's sleeve as he reached toward her face, running his thumbnail over her dirt-stained cheek. He smiled again, although it was not without its hint of kindness.

"Most of this mess is her fault. We'll make her pay for it in blood. But we'll save her miserable life and book her up to live in Seth's old mansion first. It's time she learned exactly what sort of black magic she has dabbled with."

The shadows left, the one called Darius and his blood Sire, planning the future destiny for the witch-girl who opened the door and loved a soul-devourer called Raziel.

"...What do you suppose happened to that one - Raziel?"

"Perhaps it is not for us to know. Other worlds must keep to their own business, I suppose."

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Author's Note: Alright... it's a bit weirded out... but just so you know! Yeah. You know I'm going to right another story after this one, right? Be comforted, Kain-lovers. I am not without mercy. Well.... sometimes. -smiles-