bahamut: Oh, I'm sure she won't mind! I got your e-mail, btw, and will reply once I figure out some ideas. I never heard of some of those games before…

Smoke: That's what I thought, since Raziel took his sweet time actually going into the portal. Well, thanks for reading!

fan: I'll try my best; thanks for reviewing!

Aki: I like your new name, and also appreciate your continued reviews! :) Sorry to hear that you were sick.

Varyssa: By "evil dead cow" I guess you mean Ariel. Yeah, she sucks. Thanks for your review!

Selphiefan 89: I thought that Raziel after his ordeal in the Abyss was a bit unbalanced, and since the Elder God said to kill every vampire, I figured that Marina should be no different.

phoenix: I guess Kain might be immune to her powers. And, yeah I did stick the Hylden in there. Oh, and thanks for your compliment! I was thinking about writing a book about Victorian London or something similar.

Mandy the Vampire Champion: Kain in love…who would've thought? It's good that it's believable, I didn't think it would go over big. I'm happy that you like the story!

Wow! 8 reviews! Thanks everyone for your support! :)

With difficulty, I raised my eyes and up and struggled to a crouching position. This new world was hazy and swam in front of me. Gradually, it shifted into focus, and I could make out the white marble dome-like room around me; decorated in mint green and gold. The lights around me were set into glass, and hung suspended into the air. There were no crude torches affixed to stone walls. Still, even this present beauty could be deadlier than the primitiveness of the past. Or the future rather. I could only guess that this was a time before Kain's empire.

Clutching my head, I stalked out of the smaller Time-Streaming Chamber, and entered a huge span of area completely built of stonework. The floors were set in an ornate pattern of gray bricks. The walls were smooth stone, occasionally broken by a huge marble column. These columns held up a huge vaulted ceiling, pierced with windows on either side. They were open with a fine, warm breeze emanating from them. I could glimpse azure sky for the first time in centuries. A lazy white cloud hung in the atmosphere above this spacious building; whatever this building was.

Then I saw the banner, hanging innocently on the opposite wall, rustling slightly in the soft wind. My posture stiffened. I recognized it. A golden sun framing the broad shoulders and profile of a youth dressed in angelic white robes dominated the top half; wings sprouting from his auburn hair, his hand on a polished, perfectly formed column. A turquoise eye commanded the bottom half. All of this blue and gold could only mean one thing: Sarafan. I was in the Sarafan Stronghold! It seemed as if time was intent on destroying me. How cruel fate was. The sight of someone familiar could alleviate this misfortune, but as far as I could tell, I was alone. Without a weapon. But why were there no guards after me? Had I not tripped an alarm of some kind? And why was I thinking this way? I'd curse myself yet. If no one noticed my presence, I would live that much longer.

There came a dry chuckle from behind me. My hopes were dashed. Instantly, I turned on my heel, and adopted a defensive pose. Still, I was not prepared for who stood before me. I had asked for someone familiar, but this definitely was not what I had in mind. Moebius was leering at me across the chamber and was moving ever closer. The Moebius in the flesh: not in stone as I had seen him before. I knew already that he was enemy, and unfortunately, the source that knew all information I needed.

Moebius' finely wrinkled features curled into a "welcoming" smile. The tattoo of the upside-down infinity symbol on his forehead made his penetrating eyes wholly fearsome. I took him to be bald; shaved like a monk due to the heavy hood framing his ancient features. His robes were blue-gray velvet with thick, regal gold trim. His boots nearly reached his knees, and quite frankly should've worn by a younger man. However, they did make him appear spry, as I'm sure he was already to have hoodwinked so many people without getting killed. For the first time, I noticed the staff he held. It was a curious scepter; crowned with a glass orb that swirled from surface to deepest depths with a curious mixture of cerulean, gray, and violet. The actual staff that supported this heavy crystal was crafted of the finest gold with two snakes of orange and red twisting around it; eternally bound by a union of precious metals. This staff obviously stored some sort of magic. In fact, I was growing rather uncomfortable looking at it. I definitely didn't want it too close to me, or Moebius himself for that matter.

He bowed to me. "Welcome, dear, to a new world. I am…"

"I know perfectly well who you are, and I know what you do, Time-Streamer," I replied coolly. "You are Moebius. Kain told me all about you."

"Yes, but you have never met me personally, have you? Kain likes to elaborate tales. Really, I'm just an old Guardian that does his duty. There is nothing immoral about me or what I do."

"The books in our former library said differently," I smartly answered. I had to keep my wits about me. Moebius always searched for a crack in your defense where he could plant a seed of doubt.

He changed the subject. "You are Marina. Correct?"

I stepped back questioningly. "How do you know my name?"

"I can see across the spans of time, Marina. I saw you, and what Nosgoth will become thousands of years in the future. Time never dies. Or lies."

"What era am I in?" I inquired deliberately, testing to see if he would offer any kind of direct help.

He laughed at me. Right in my face. "Dear Marina, you have no idea how to play the game, do you?"

"Obviously, I don't," I snapped, "but you're not going to have the opportunity to cheat." Foolishly, I took a few threatening strides towards him.

Moebius' "pleasant" smile of a hospitable guide transformed into the scowl of an evil magician. He raised his staff defensively. The orb atop glowed, and I froze in my tracks. Then, a burning ache began in my stomach. Within seconds, a sudden white-hot agony mercilessly raced through my entire body; centering in my middle. I could no longer stand upright. Falling to my knees, I clutched my abdomen. Trying to crawl away proved impossible for I shockingly discovered I was paralyzed. I was at Moebius'mercy. Breathing heavily, I stared up at the decrepit wizard grinning at me, relishing my suffering. So, I had been right not to trust him.

"Sitting comfortably, I assume? Very well, I will explain your current position in the world. You are inexperienced about how the game is carried out, so I will teach you. First, know that the staff I hold in my hand serves me well against my honorable crusade against the vampires. It incapacitates them by causing extreme pain. Presently, the Sarafan Order has nearly been disbanded, but I have nobly taken up the sword and am leading my own army against the fiends. This place, the Sarafan Stronghold, exists in name only. Are you listening, dear?" I glared up at him hatefully. Smirking, he continued. "Seeing as to how this structure holds a Time-Streaming Chamber, I am compelled to watch for new arrivals. Also, I feel quite an attachment to this place. Malek is the only Sarafan left now, but he keeps to his bastion to the north. Such a shame that one day this building will be ruins." Moebius was preening and providing information I didn't need to make my torment last longer. Grunting in a pain that seemed to intensify be the minute, I wished he would get to the point.

"The Fates have chosen to deposit you in the midst of an exciting period, Marina; the height of the vampire executions. Few are left. This is successful for all humanity. Before, the Sarafan Order solely hunted the unholy ones. Now, every citizen in Nosgoth hears the call. There are vampire hunters in every forest, town, and city. Travel may be difficult, as you can well imagine."

Moebius leaned over me, observing my torture. "I'm sorry for the effects of the staff, dear. You'll just have to bear it a little while more. I have news of Kain and his whereabouts."

"And Raziel?" I gasped.

Moebius chose to ignore my question. "Kain is five centuries in the past before you, beyond your reach for the moment. But, I promise you; he shall walk in this era later. You'll see him soon enough."

Satisfied with the board in front of him; his pawns in place, Moebius stalked away. "I'll be around if you need me." Moebius said offhandedly. "You'll regain your strength soon. The agony will pass—this time." With that, Moebius teleported away.

And so I was left to ponder my situation; thankful I had not broken under pressure. I let out a deep sigh, my eyes roving over the cold floor. The pain began to ebb, and my mind slowly started to clear. I had a pretty good idea where I was in history. Malek was alive. Moebius was alive. Theoretically, all the Guardians would be well, including my father. I had been to the past before; Mortanius knew me. He was Anarcrothe's partner as well, holding up the other end of the water element. They could be possible allies. Since there were few vampires left, I could hazard a guess that one still remained. The father of the vampires himself: Vorador. Incidentally, he was the one who sired Lucius, which would make us somewhat related. As for Lucius himself…

He could be here! I could be here, though in human form. It was an interesting thought. I had heard many dangers of traveling backwards through time and causing great repercussions in the future. However, the future was damned. Anything I did here could be considered an improvement to the wasteland I knew. On the other hand, I could damage the delicate balance further. For the first time, I was utterly alone. Originally, my sire hounded me, and then later, Kain gallantly brought me to his home. What would I do? I had no orders to follow, and no sanctuary to return to. Still, I was on unsafe terrain. Reasonably, my primary goal would be to get out of this stronghold as quickly as possible before Moebius sends any unpleasant surprises my way.

I stood on shaky feet, and proceeded to leave the vast hall through a set of wooden doors. I followed tunnels of stone, courtyards of tile, and marble corridors throughout the Sarafan Stronghold. There wasn't a soul here. Moebius' army must be hunting, meaning I could encounter them anywhere. I wasn't sure if this was a second residence for Moebius or an actual military base, but I didn't wish to find out firsthand. I passed a suit of armor holding an extremely wicked claymore with a jeweled hilt that was studded with sapphire and amethyst gems. It was sharp, silver, and strong. Three fine qualities to describe any weapon. Deciding I could use it more than the man of metal could; I yanked it from the structure's gauntlet and studied the heavy sword in my hands, puzzling over it. It appeared familiar to me, but I couldn't remember from where. The memory of a cobblestone street and an inky figure teased at my mind, yet I couldn't comprehend it. Hadn't I done something with a sword akin to this? I distinctly remembered feeling victorious. Could this be my future savior, or a mere shadow from a fragmented dream?

Gripping it tightly, I moved through the eerily quiet edifice. It was mostly straightforward because of all the locked doors and blocked hallways. This was an enormous building to upkeep obviously. Few fires lit the interior, save for the ring of hanging lights that illuminated the hall beyond the Time-Streaming Chamber which were probably Moebius' quarters. I had to rely on the natural sunlight from the windows above to explore the fortress.

At last, I reached the final door and threw it open, relishing the fresh air. The sky was pure cerulean, the brightest blue I had ever seen it; broken by an occasional fluffy white cloud that resembled cotton. The trees in the distant were green. How long since I had beheld a living plant! I rejoiced inside my heart, for the temperature was warm, the skies were beautiful, and nature was lush. I would love to gaze up at the bejeweled evening atmosphere here. Still, I had a mission to do. There was no set assignment, yet I felt I had to do something to set things right. I did not know what Nosgoth needed, but I could find out.

Thus, I encountered my second obstacle: the lake in front of me. I could swim, but what to do with this heavy sword? It would sink, dragging me down with it. I looked across the lake at the opposite shore. Next, I looked down at the sword in my hands. If only I could move it from here to there. Throwing it would be amateurish; it wasn't an arrow after all. On the other hand, I could fling things great distances using other methods. I had watched Kain skillfully pitch weighty, disobedient vampires against the wall whilst utilizing his telekinetic powers, and I myself had practiced long, tedious hours developing my own. There was no reason I couldn't hurl a sword across the rather small body of water. I considered my telekinetic ability to be fair, even though I wasn't perfectly accurate.

Laying the claymore down, I seized it with power of my thoughts; my hand clenched in the action of lobbing the weapon, and with an explosion of out rushing energy; cleared the reflective lake where it bounced harmlessly on the turf opposite from me. I quietly cheered in triumph, for I didn't want to attract any attention to myself by whooping outloud. Grinning, I lowered myself down in the royal blue waters. It was cool, but not bitter cold. Perfect.

The water was the deepest blue I had ever laid eyes on, almost cobalt under the sun's rays. Happily, I plunged below the depths and was on the other shore within twenty seconds. I would enjoy spending the entire afternoon here, but I had more important tasks to accomplish. Besides, I probably shouldn't boast the fact I was immune to all liquids. That secret knowledge was to my advantage should a life-threatening situation come up.

I snatched up the formidable sword before another could take it, and proceeded to climb up the dense emerald banks. And so I was on the road, my former life and the Time-Streaming Chamber in back of me, with the unknown paths ahead. I stepped into the wilderness and followed the trail of brush, tree roots, and pine needles, automatically on alert. No matter at the magnitude of the elation I felt that I was alive and in a place that was equally vibrant; an overzealous brigand could easily rob me on both counts. As in the future, rocks on either side of the road came up to meet me; but in this era there was a dense curtain of woodland trees being supported by the topsoil above with yellow flowers and grass growing below, surrounding the earthen trail. It was entirely peaceful. Smelling the scent of damp leaves was payment enough for having to endure Moebius' "lesson."

But where would I go? Instantly, after I asked, the answer came to me: The Pillars. Where else would a vampire in search of some revelation travel? Unfortunately, there would be impediments throughout the whole of the forest, and the first had chosen to confront me already. Ahead, two groups of humans were glaring each other down, amidst all this beauty. Clearly, the mortals took all this pleasant scenery for granted.

The group to the right consisted of two men and a woman. They were dressed strangely. The woman held a halberd, and the two men carried simple broadswords sharpened to a wicked point. Tattoos adorned their flesh, well-used leather armor covered their peasant's clothing, and they sported black and red hourglasses on their backs. What this symbol meant, I couldn't guess for certain, but I had my suspicions. The gathering on the left consisted of three burly men bearing axes and wearing chain mail. The three men on the left were plainly better prepared for battle, but the others on the right were insistent.

"This is our post! It has been for the past three months! We're not leaving!" the woman snarled.

The leader of the men on the left smirked. "Well, lady, we're takin' it. You don't own the woods, ya know, and neither do your weaklin' friends escortin' ya."

"You hunters from Steinchencröe are all the same. We have orders from Lord Moebius himself," one of the males on the right snarled. So. This was Moebius' army. Given the circumstances, I'd have to agree with the three burly men from Steinchencröe, though both sides were a common enemy.

"True, but everyone knows Moebius is a lyin' cheat," another of the hunters jeered.

I applauded the men from Steinchencröe.

"You take that back!" the woman on the right growled, before rushing at the mocking hunter.

"Hold, Sandra!" a man from Moebius' army cried. Soon, the argument between the two forces exploded into a full-scale fight. I could laugh at this sight. The mortals were opposing the mortals. Mayhaps they would slay each other without me raising my sword. With few vampires to kill, civil conflicts were starting to brew.

Rolling my eyes, I let the battle be. This wasn't my problem. The result ended with the three men retreating, leaving this coveted area to Moebius' forces. I was genuinely surprised; I had expected differently. Moebius' army was greatly trained. Could I take them all on at once? As fate would have it, I would have to.

"Look, Theodore! We're being watched!" the belligerent woman called out.

Damn. I had been spotted, there was no use pretending it hadn't happened. I stepped out onto the woodland path, and let them see what creature was spying on them.

"I've never seen anything like it!" the woman, Sandra exclaimed.

"Yes, it's an old one," the other unidentified man mused.

"Its skin is bluish," Theodore murmured. "Never saw that in a fiend. Perhaps Lord Moebius would be pleased if we brought it back for further study."

"She isn't interested," I assured them.

The three soldiers quickly organized a triangle with the two men in front and the woman with the halberd in the back. Though Dumah had tried to kill me, he taught me everything I knew about battle formations. With a wave of my hand, the man on the right fell due to the telekinetic force, taking the woman by surprise. Wasting no time, I concentrated my efforts on the other male soldier with the broadsword. I could tell he relied heavily on his partner, for his skill was not well honed. Dropping his unconscious body on the forest floor, I turned to find an enraged Sandra and Theodore. Wasting not another second, I lunged at her, conjuring another telekinetic blast to take care of Theodore. Soon, the scuffle was over. I hated to wage war, but one had to survive.

And so, the woods turned from a beautiful, enchanted place to a dangerous, hostile place. I walked, completely aware of this. How humans had warped this world and turned it into a hazardous existence. I was thrust from an empire ruled by vampires to this life where mortal kings cowered in their territories, letting their armies take what they wished. Nosgoth was corrupt in either era.

I approached the Pillars after steady walking through the thickets, avoiding the clash of swords wherever I could. Those that challenged me regretted me. I was a thousand year old vampiress with centuries of experience in the art of combat. The knowledge I had so painfully learned came rushing to the surface like steam, burning all who dared attempting to take my head.

Here, heading towards the most sacred site in Nosgoth, I hoped to find some answers. I was beginning to feel akin to Kain, simply doing what needed to be done, whilst eliminating every being who interfered. However, any rage I had accumulated dissolved when I looked up at the nine columns that punctured the very clouds themselves. From a distance, they appeared to be a magnificent sight to behold. But, if one looked closer, it was clear they were corrupted to the core. No longer pristine and white; they were cracked and brown. I never had the opportunity to see the Pillars pure. I only hoped Kain and Raziel, presumably in the past, would have the chance.

I stood in the absolute center. And waited. Someone would come. It had happened before when I visited the past. Although I couldn't blindly trust anyone, I did require a starting point. As I stood there, I had the keen sense someone was near me. To confirm this, a sudden breeze rushed past my ear. I glanced over and wouldn't have been the least bit surprised if another person was there. However, there wasn't another soul here. Warily, I peeked at the Pillar of Balance. Surely, Ariel could be hiding behind it in a spectral plane, but she seemed to be in no mood to talk. Still, the feeling that someone was right next to me increased. Perhaps in another era…

"Kain?" I whispered.

The wind rustled the tree branches around me, but there was nothing more.

Kain stood in the center of the Pillars, waiting for his charge to find him. Raziel would meet with him soon. All plans were in motion—those that he knew of anyway.

Kain allowed himself to admire the polished beauty of the perfect structures behind him. They wouldn't stay as such for long though. He could sense it. Soon, they would both witness what was really at stake.

But why did he feel as if someone was right there with him? It couldn't be Ariel because she was not yet slain. It felt like someone he knew. Someone familiar. Someone…her.

He did not mistake it. Somewhere, in another time, Marina stood at the same exact site. They were together; connected by a bond that could be felt across centuries.

He allowed himself to smile; something he did not often do. She had made it.

TBC