Chapter four ; Monsters on the moonlight
Nikita was carrying Michael trough the corn field, with his arm over her shoulders. He was bleeding badly, and was barely able to walk. Unfortunately, Dublin and the nearest homes were miles away. With chopper at their disposal, she could reach the hospital, but not on foot, dragging him all the way. Finally, as they've managed to reach a clearing, he gestured her to stop. She placed him on the ground and kneeled before him :
" Get some rest. We have a lot more to go. "
" Not we… but you. "
" I'm not leaving you here, Michael. "
" You must get to Section… Kain is a greater evil than them. "
" Don't speak. "; she said restraining from cry :" You'll make it. "
" I think he cut my vein… somewhere. I'm bleeding to death. Promise me… "
" Michael… "
" …promise me you wont spend the rest of your life in there. "
" I promise. Now shut up. "
He closed his eyes :
" Go and save them. "
" I won't leave you. Michael ! I won't leave you !"
But Michael lost consciousness. Suddenly there was a whoosh behind her. She turned to find someone approaching trough the shadows of the corn. Already shaken enough, she pointed her gun and waited, expecting the worst. The worst was close to the truth. Raziel emerged from the field. He tossed a swift glare at their situation and said :
" You just couldn't stay away. Could you ?"
" What are you doing here ?"; she asked scared and upset
" Obviously, wasting my time with you. "; he turned and started walking away
" Wait !"; she yelled :" You have to help him ! He's dying !"
Raziel didn't stop :
" His body is too weak to hold his soul within. He'll be dead in ten minutes, and you would do wise to follow him. "
She ran in front of him, blocking his path :
" You can't just walk away ! You must do something !"
" Refusing to accept death will get you nowhere. "
He slugged her aside and continued pacing on. Suddenly she shot him. His blue spiritual essence body spilled on the ground and vanished. It didn't hurt except for his pride. Turning back like lightning, he jumped at her and they fell down. She tried to wrestle him, but he grabbed her for her throat and lifted her above the ground :
" Foolish girl ! You have a lot of nerve to attack me !"
" I know it is in your power to save him. "
" You know nothing about my power. "; he said while white light emanated from his eyes stronger than before, and than he tossed her on the ground beside Michael :" I am the reaper of souls. Not their protector. "
" Please… "; she whispered :" You said you felt sorry for us. Do… something. Anything. Please. "
Raziel stood there for a while, and than came closer :
" Wait here. "; he said and vanished
After a moment, he appeared with a bucket full of earth and weed in one claw and a torch in the other. He gathered the wood around, lighting it, and than started molding the earth and plants together in a mush with his claws. Nikita watched silently but with great anticipation, while worms, bugs, soil and herbs molded together in a gray stew and leaked out of his claws back in to the bucket. He placed it on the fire to boil, and spoke like to him self :
" You waist all your energy, time and strength looking for cures within walls of your laboratories, and any cure you could ever need can be found on this one field. "
" What is your name ? "; she asked while the bucket braised. He looked at her
" Raziel. "
" I am Nikita. He is Michael. "
" Like I care. "
He took the bucket out of the flames, with no fear of burning his arm, and started spinning it around to cool it down :
" Expose his wounds. "
She tore his shred clothing revealing the thick red net of cuts all over his skin. Suddenly Raziel spilled the bucket over Michael's unsuspecting body. It was still hot and smoking, and he screamed, but Nikita pressed him down. And suddenly his wounds started to disappear, and red cuts to fade away. Nikita watched amazed and than asked :
" How did you do that ?"
Raziel turned away and began putting out the fire :
" When Kain… needed to extract information from prisoners he would subject them to an unspeakable torment. Such treatment few would survive, and those who would were too weak to say anything. So he and I developed cures for their wounds, to have some use of them… before we kill them. "
" You and he were very close once, weren't you ?"
Raziel didn't answer. After a while, Michael opened his eyes. He felt weary and bruised but other than exhaustion he was fine. The first face he saw was Nikita's that greeted him with her smile. He got up, cleaned the hot mud from his body, and after examining the scars ( that were the only thing that remained of Kain's claws ) he took a look at his savior. Raziel was done putting out the fire, and that was the end of his work here as far as he was concerned. He turned to go.
" It itches. "; Michael said
" It will pass. "
" Thank you… "; she said. Raziel stopped in his paces :" …for your help. "
" Humph ! As if I helped you. "; he said annoyed with their folly and vanished amongst corn field shades.
Raziel shifted out of the spirit plane on the agreed location, and yet there was nothing there. His senses were telling him that the machine and Kain are here, but there was only the horizon before him. A burning wreckage of a chopper, and a three ripped out of the ground caught his attention. Just as he was about to examine them, he heard Kain's voice behind him :
" So, you have finally arrived. Come, and witness my master piece !"
He walked forward into nothing, and was somehow absorbed into the horizon. It bend before his passing, swallowing him whole. Raziel first taught that he shifted away, but than realized that he was still feeling him close by. He walked forward, and passed trough some kind of a bubble, that was in fact a large invisibility shield. And there, before him and Kain's self-admiring face, was the machine, placed together, and magnificently constructed. Kain's vampires were adding the final touches.
The Device was like a tower with a rounded top. On its eight sides, all the way to base, were some magical symbols, made of white flame, fizzling with lightnings, and glowing with power. At the base was a huge broad disc, from which four other horizontal towers of same proportions were placed in a cross. They were different with dark purple cylindrical edges and had less symbols on them. Half way up on the vertical one, four stones with green glowing seals were, spinning sustained by some magical force. As the machine blazed, Kain spoke razing his arms towards it :
" Gaze upon Chronodeck 5; our ticket back to Nosgoth !"
He jumped to one of the horizontal cylinders, opened a hatch and entered. Raziel followed. As they came in, a female voice greeted them :
" Welcome Lord Kain. Welcome Raziel. "
The interior was hollow and rounded, filled with thick complex web of energy conductors, and through the axis of this gigantic hollow tube streamed a beam of energy. The spindle bore hovering rings on a distance of five feet through which a beam of purple energy flowed towards the center. All around on the cylindrical walls ran small black robots, like a colony of insects mowing in harmony. Each had a tiny crystal at the top from which it would shoot beams of energy into the main one, stabilizing it.
When Raziel came to the center, he saw a familiar closed portal attached on a platform. The platform it self hovered in the air and held controls which Kain started to use. The vertical tower was rising above them, and was much more complex on the inside. Chaotic conductors were engraved all over its walls, trough which sparks of energy were blasting and flashing. From all four horizontal towers, beams of thick light emerged in blue, yellow, purple, and green, and were bended down to the black cube with crystals on each side, that thus collected them, and would distribute them to the portal ring when activated. The platform was floating on a white ray of light that shot the box from the deep base far below, from a large diamond on its rounded center.
Raziel jumped on the platform, approaching Kain who was typing something on a key board. The female voice announced again :
" Running diagnostics…Processing data…One hundred percent operational ! One hundred percent operational ! "
" YEAS !"; he yelled, lifting his fists up :"At last, it is completed, and within two days, the planets shall realign, and grant us our escape. We're going home, Raziel !"
Raziel watched silently. It was hard to confess, but he was impressed. Kain seamed overjoyed. Like he wasn't aware of the terrible cost his machine might yet bring. Or he didn't care. Raziel than spoke :
" Well, you have outdone your self, I'll give you that. But tell me ; will this Chronodeck cause any… side effects ?"
" What do you mean ?"; Kain asked typing on the key board, not paying attention.
" I mean, things like earthquakes, volcano eruptions, giant sea waves…?"
Kain turned, and his penetrating gaze fell on him. He considered, and said :
" I wonder where did you get that ? You should know better than to take their word. "
" I should know better than to take yours, but I ask it still. Just answer me, Kain. "
" No. What ewer I say, you won't believe me. This conversation is a waist of time… and my good mood. "
" If it's true, you better start modifying, 'cause I won't let you use it otherwise !"
" And what gave you the idea that I need your permission ?"; he said calmly,
and suddenly heard the sound of Raziel unwrapping the reaver. Kain lifted his head of the keyboard and sighed :
" Put the reaver away, Raziel. I have no time to play games with you. "
" If your game is to leave this world in ruins, I swear you'll end game before you leave it !"
Kain suddenly turned and grabbed him in TK grip :
" Do you know how easy would it be to set this machine on some random coordinates and lunch you across time and space ! Somewhere where you'll never bother me again ?"
" It is you who is underestimating me, now. Drop a mountain on me, and I'll dig my way out no meter how long it may take. What ever obstacle you place between us, I'll overcome it !"
" You are… correct. We share the same road. Even if we separate, we are doomed to catch up with each other, eventually. "
" Than stop making false treats and let's get this over with the old-fashion way !"
" We haven't the time to afford it right now. I still have a lot of work to do these next two days. "; he released him from his grip, and resumed working
" You would have less work if you would leave these humans alone. "; Raziel interrupted again.
" I do what is necessary for us to succeed. "
" I know. What I don't know is how high is the cost of success ?"
" Perhaps you should be asking how high is the cost of trust ?"
" How can I ever trust you, after everything that happened ? How can I trust you even now when your games have robbed me of my chance for vengeance ?"
" Exactly. And how can I trust you, when you are trying to kill me ?"
" Don't spin around the subject. Truth or lie, I want to hear it from you ; What is this device; a portal, or a weapon as well !"
" This device is our ONLY ticket home,"; Kain yelled :" and no one will ever find a mach for it ! Ever !"; he turned back to the controls and continued working, but Raziel was not ready to stop just yet :
" You are so efficient… So eager to return us to Nosgoth. You'd rather be buried on your own grounds ?"
And than Kain begun his game of annoyance again :
" If fait wills. Though, there is much more, so much more, right under your nose. And yet you can't see it. "
" What are your plans for me ? Damn it Kain ! I am growing impatient !"
" You will learn, in due time. This isn't the time, nor the place for this. You want to know ? Wait until we get back. "
" When we get back, I'll kill you. That is my will, and destiny. "
" Free will is always an illusion, Raziel, except when you master the time it self. Than, and only than, shall one be capable to make a difference, and land a coin of dilemma perfectly ."
" You're talking nonsense ! "
" Am I ? I think you'll find, that I am the one most fort coming you've ever encountered. "
Raziel was angry, but he realized that Kain was pooling him around all along. And after considering his options he decided to turn the situation to his favor. There is more than one way to beet someone :
" What was I thinking ! Of course you are !"; he snapped, taunting him
" Don't be sarcastic with me, Raziel ! Bear in mind all that I have done so far. "
" Oh I haven't forgotten at all… It was like yesterday to me, and five centuries to the world. "
Kain turned to him again, and said warningly :
" Don't go there. "
" …There I was braking trough the husk of the cocoon. And behold my glory ; Wings ! Magnificent gift none other had !…"
" I'm warning you…"
" …And my dear father gazing upon me. But in his face… No it's not excitement, it's a shock ! It's not anyway, it's jealousy ! It's not pride, it's disgust ! And than his judgment : cast him away ! "
" Stop !"
" My own father, whom I've served for all my life, faithfully and proudly. And my brothers, envy and jealous, ripping my bones, my fear wings, and cast me away to the arms of pain ! Oh the pain…huuhhh… "; Kain was clenching his teeth :" Oh, what you did to me… I'll never forget it as long as I exist !"
" Enough ! Enough ! ENOUGH ! Be silent ! How grieved do you think I felt ! You were my pride ! My first bourn ! The most favored one in all the clans ! And you betrayed me !"
" Betrayed you ! My body cried for hibernation ! All I did, was to take your right to have the first transformation ! You think that if it wasn't me gifted with wings, that it would be you ?"
" I won't be a part of your… "; he tried to get calm :" You'll learn nothing from me, as long as we are here. But we will go back together, even if I have to drag your sorry corpse on my back all the way !"
" You dare speak to ME of GRIEF ! Only when you've felt the flames of the abyss, the theft of your body, the rejection of everyone you've looked up to, and the death of your entire family, only than should you dare to compare your pain with mine !"
" I DID endure it all, Raziel ! The flames of the abyss, the rejection, the betrayal, and murder ! If it was only my position that demanded it I would have second thoughts, but history had to unfold as veal. "
" That is your reason for putting me trough this ! Look at me ! Here is your history, written and unfolded ! Tell me what grief you had, that could possibly compare to THIS !"
" You think I had a choice ! It was the most difficult decision I've ever made. I would condemn the pillars a hundred times more easily. "; Raziel watched as his jaw clenched, but despite it, Kain still couldn't feel sorry for the past :" But I had to have no weakness before my clan. They would use it against me eventually. You know as well as I ; one must never bleed fresh blood before a vampire… Now be silent ! I don't want to discuss it any more. "
There was no point to continue any more. And once again, though he managed to upset Kain rather than the other way around, Raziel felt his hands are bound. No meter how strong he desired Kain's dead, he wouldn't pay it with his exile from Nosgoth. A vampires soul, especially Kain's, was not so easy to gaze in as a human's. His head cooled and he started considering his options. Kain was determined to get them both back, of that there was no doubt any more. He could have left him buried in his previous sanctuary, and leave without him. What ever his reasons were he included him as an important element in his future plans. But there had to be some way to have their escape, and to make it safe…
And than Raziel found the third option ;
Kain would leave nothing behind, not even his children. A perfect test subjects to see whether the machine shall cause any destruction. If it does, he was determined to destroy it. That won't be hard thing to do, since it was so delicate even humans could harm it. That would force Kain to save this world from total destruction, and after that he would slay his children and preserve Kain somehow until those three centuries pass.
A smile would shine on his face if he'd have one. Now he too had a card up his sleeve to play against him. Suddenly Leo glided down from the top of the tower :
" Father, all the construction is done, and the codes for the Hubble shall be ours within two hovers. "
" Perfect timing. Leave me now Raziel. We have many calculations to make before tomorrow. "
Raziel didn't like that tone, but the meter suited him. Sharon asked to see with him again few minutes from now, and though he wouldn't confess it, he was looking forward to it. She was actually quite refreshing after Kain, his children and their human enemies. So without a word, he shifted to the spectral realm and went on his path.
After a few minutes Kain asked :
" What do your spies inform you ?"
" Last night, he met a mortal woman named Sharon. He is meeting her tonight as well. "
" Sharon… Yeas. I remember her now. Raziel, you sentimental fool. Such bounds pose a danger to us. "
" Why, father ?"
" The worst case scenario would be, that our enemies use her to wheedle him away in the critical moment of the departure. And that's just one option. "; he than looked at his lieutenant :" Make sure that this friendship ends. "
" Have you any special desires of how it should be done ?"
" So that he learns not of our involvement. Other than that, your wisdom needs no guidance nor council. "
" I'll take care of it father. "
" Don't disappoint me, Leo. "
" Never !"; he shifted into bat form and flied away.
Within her apartment in New York, Sharon was preparing for a night out with a company of one. Fortunately she was on a forced vacation since the CIA research facility was invaded. Last night Raziel fascinated her in every way. She showed him some of the sights and explained to him how some of the technology work, but the city was big, too big for one night. Tonight she considered taking him to see a movie, or the fair perhaps. He might find such things fascinating. She even prepared a long mail coat and a hat for him to conceal his… unusual features in the crowd. Lost in her preparations, she didn't notice her room mate, Lynda coming in :
" Well girl, does my eyes deceive me, or do you finally have a date on your hands ?"
" It's not a date Lynda. He's just an acquaintance. "
" And something more, I'd add. Just look how much time you've spend in front of that mirror. Is he cute ?"
" It's not like that. He is… Much more. "; she laughed
" Than come on; invite him in for a coffee or something. I can't wait to meet this mystery man of yours. "
" Aaaa… That's not a good idea. He's… shy. "
" Well as long as he's better than Jim, he's all right. "
" Don't mention him to me. He was a complete and total bastard. He really needs help. "
" What did he do anyway, that was so bad ?"
" Something I don't want to remember. "
" All right, girl. But I'm telling you now, if you don't get some man on you, I'll become paranoid. You're like thirty, and you still haven't had a gay in your bed !"
" I guess that I was waiting fore someone… Someone special… "
" It's a hard thing to get used to your secrecy girl. First your job, than your old boyfriend, and now you won't even tell me anything of your new boyfriend. "
" He's not my … O, look at the time ! I'm late. Thanks for not asking too many questions. "; she grabbed her stuff, and went out kissing her cheek.
She went towards the elevator, but instead of using it, she passed by it to the fire escape. She climbed down to the dark alley and started observing the shadows :
" Raziel ? Are you here ?"
He emerged behind a pile of boxes :
" I was beginning to think you won't show up. "
" My roommate held me. Sorry. Here I've thought you might use this. "
She gave him the clothing she prepared. He swiftly wrapped him self in it, and they were off to the streets. It was surprising how well this simple guise worked. Most people didn't even look at their direction, and those that did, didn't notice anything strange. Frankly, everyone were too busy with their own company and business and had no time to notice anything else.
Sharon took him to see the sights. Of course he saw them already but now he had someone to explain it all to him. At one point he felt the presence of animals and out of curiosity jumped over the ZOO walls. Fortunately it was past their work hover, and no one saw him. He than bend the bars of the gate, so she could enter too, and the next hover they wondered around the place. He found animals he newer saw before, huge and gentle with big ears and long nose, and also some tall yellow horses with long necks. It seemed they all knew what he was and showed him fear and respect. The last five minutes they've spend running from the security. After Sharon got trough the bars, he bended them back the way they were, and they fled the scene. It was all rather amusing.
That evening was just what he needed. He haven't felt this good about him self for quite some time. And than they came to a big disco where a costume party was held. Raziel was drawn by loud music of colorful tones :
" Let's see what do they do inside. "
" No, Raziel. We need an invitation to enter… "
" Come. "
He led her to the back entrance, and with a strong punch he broke the dour open. ( If there's one thing he noticed was common for this place it was that every building had more than one entrance ). They climbed on a balcony above, observing the mass of strangely and funny dressed people that danced below. The music wasn't too loud, but was clearly heard from even the most distant corners :
" It's a costume party. "; Sharon explained :" When people dress up like … like… "
" …buffoons ?"
" Yeas… something like that. "
Suddenly, Raziel's eye caught a costume of a knight. It was so familiar it gave him the chill. Suddenly the music and the dancing lights stopped for him. He was somewhere else… the table… his hand razing a keg of… something other than blood… his hand in red glove and bronze-golden armor… and his brothers around him… his Sarafan brethren… humans… in an instant the moment passed and only his gruesome claw remained.
Sharon saw there was something wrong with him. He was like frozen, and squeezing the fence so hard it snapped in his claws. And than he suddenly vanished. Coat and hat fell down to the dark flour and he was gone. She was surprised by this, but managed to pick up the clothing quickly and go outside to look for him. She found him on the roof of the disco :
" Raziel… what's the meter. "
" Do you… have any brothers ?"
" No… I was adopted. "
" I had brothers once. A place I belonged. "
" What ? Some kind of underworld ?"; she smiled trying to cheer him up
" Remember when you said that I resembled human ?"
" Yeas. But you aren't, are you. "
" No... Not any more. "
She was shocked :
" You were once human ?"
" Once… Once long ago, so long I can not remember. I was a Sarafan, a warrior priest on a holy mission to rid the land of vampires. I had brothers… my pure brothers. "
" You don't have to tell me this… "
" I want to. All our lives we've dedicated to our cause. Fate unfortunately had a role for me even after my death. After nine hundred years we were defiled and resurrected as vampires by our sire Kain, and for a thousand more we served him fatefully… I served him fatefully. "
" What happened ?"
" I grew wings, a gift… an ability he didn't have, and thus I surpassed my lord. His punishment ... made me… I don't even know what I am now. "
" How… how awful. I'm so sorry. "
" I emerged out of the abyss, driven by pain, and hunger for vengeance, to hunt my former family and destroy them. All but Kain. I've only managed to chase him down… to here. "
" Oh, my god ! He's… He's that other mean one ! The one you saved me from !"
" It was a mistake that we ended up here. Now I have to work with him if I ever want to return to my world. But when I do, I'll devour his black soul !"
" Vengeance is bad busyness. "
" The things he made me endure can't be put with words. Nothing will make me change my mind. "
She stepped closer behind him :
" What's it like…to die ?"
" It… hurts, but not in your flesh. It's the pain of your soul being torn from your body, and your will braking, as it struggles to hold on. Things would be much easier if one would simply let go. But that can never happen ."
" Why is that ?"
" Life is build to last. It is its strongest quality. Will for self preservation is forged in all the creatures. Even the dead ones. "
She came beside him and after a few moments of looking in his eyes, she reached for his scarf. He stopped her :
" It's not a pretty sight. "
But she still reached out took it of after a moment of hesitation. The sight was… disturbing to say the least. She sighed deeply and silently, and placed it over his face again :
" I hope you find that place you belong. "; she said, and then smiled lightly :" So, do you want to see a mov… to watch a story ?"
" Don't you mean listen ?"
" Come. "; she took him by the hand and led him down
But as they were descending, his eye caught a bat flying by. He stopped for a moment, but than continued at Sharon's hint.
In a dark and damp ally, a group of men was strolling, cowered in shadows and the smell of alcohol. It was Carlos's and his gang, the worst slime of New York. They were well known to the police but there was never enough evidence to buck them. Carlos him self already killed few men, and was involved in almost any kind of crime imaginable. He was a capable and resourceful leader and the others followed him gladly. But he was also ruthless and without a shred of mercy, and those that stood up to him were newer seen again.
Tonight he was going to get some quality time from the ladies of the night, and being generous now that his heroin deal has came trough, he brought the men along for the ride. They were just cutting a shortcut trough the ally, when suddenly a dark and wealthy looking figure, carrying a black briefcase, crossed and blocked their path. The stranger was an old man, gray hared with a long beard, but with many items on him that were labeled " big money " over them. At first Carlos and the others were pleasantly surprised that such a wealthy rodent found his way to them, but the stone cold examining eyes of the stranger were somehow terrifying even for Carlos. The old man spoke :
" … yeas… Yeas, you will do nicely. "
Carlos paid no heed to it, and took out his knife :
" You look lost grandpa… Maybe we can show you the way. "
" Lost ? I think not. I found exactly what I was looking for. "
" And what would an old geezer like you wont from us ? Maybe to carry your heavy briefcase, along with all the other stuff you've got. Hand it over. "
But the old man wasn't intimidated. In fact he came closer to him and continued :
" I have something for you here. That is, if you are capable for it. "
" You want to do business old man ?"
" Your area of expertise. "
" Don't listen to him, Carlos. "; Rodrigo, his first man said :" He just wants to trick you into letting him go. "; he came and blew blue tobacco cloud in his face. The old man's hand moved like the wind and before he noticed Rodrigo's cigar was extinguished :
" Don't smoke in my presence. "; he said coldly
Rodrigo mowed to kill him, but the briefcase stroke the dark concrete ground and opened before all of their sights. It was full of money, loaded with one hundred dollars bills. For a moment they were blinded, while the stranger continued :
" Twenty five thousand dollars now, and tree times as much when you complete the task. Are we doing business ?"
Carlos looked at him, and after a few moments pushed Rodrigo back behind him :
" Forgive my rash friend, old man. We will be happy to do you this job. What is it ? "
" Something you are perfectly qualified. A pair of friends is strolling somewhere in this city tonight. You are going to give them some good time. Something special from your arsenal. "
" What's the catch ?"
" It will be far more dangerous than any of you can imagine. A lot of you will lose their lives if not all of you, but… should there be survivors, they would have one hundred thousand dollars to spare… What do you say ?"
Carlos was looking at him with an amazed look. Something wasn't right here, but the money called to his greed. It glittered in that bag and shined on the pale moonlight, like solid gold it self. Finally he answered :
" You've just bought your self some hardware, old man. "
" Good. I shall contact you tonight and tell you the details. "; he said and left.
Carlos and the others grabbed the briefcase and started laughing, but not Rodrigo. Despite all, he was shook up by this dark figure, but he couldn't quite point his finger to anything particular. Finally he asked Carlos :
" Hey, Carlos; Do you think this gig is cool ?"
" The old bastard is obviously loco. Don't worry Rodrigo. After he brings the rest of the cash, he too will have some quality time with us. "
In the meantime on the other side of the town, Sharon was buying tickets for the movie, while Raziel was waiting in the shadows. After she bought them, they went in each on their way ( it was too risky for him to wait in line ), and met up at their seats. She gave him the ticket, just in case that a man comes demanding to see his.
Raziel was still a bit shaken about what happened, but fortunately it went away soon after the movie started. He had never seen such a thing. The wall it self was alive and was telling a tale of fearsome vampire slayers ( Sharon taught he might like Van Helsing ). It was just what was needed to put him back in good mood.
After the movie ended, they left for Sharon's home. Dawn was only hovers away, and she was already very tired. The streets were empty and deserted, for all the people were all ready deeply asleep.
" Until tonight… "; Raziel started. She looked at him and he continued :" …I could never imagine what was missing. "
" What ?"
" All this… everything you have ! I've must have seen this world of yours a hundred times over, but I never did saw it as it truly is. Eternity is a poor substitute for joie. "; he sighed :" I wish… "
" Don't. "; she stopped him :" Don't spoil it. Don't spoil this evening. "
He tucked deeper in his coat and led her on. She was so tired he was practically dragging her all the way. He hardly noticed it, but she was holding for his claw with one hand, and her other was over his shoulder. She was so light he could carry her without any difficulty.
Suddenly a bang reached them from behind. This chased away Sharon's drowsiness and they both turned to find a fearsome looking man in black leather on the hood of the car behind them. He must have jumped on it after they went by. A few others armed with clubs and chains and familiar sling-like weapons came out of their hiding places and surrounded them, and than more came from behind closing the circle. At this point Sharon was more than scared, against Raziel who was annoyed that they've dared to block his path. The first one spoke :
" Well, hello. Is it safe to wonder at this time of night, missy ?"
" Please… "; she said with her voice shacking :" don't hurt us. Here; take my purse, just let us go. "
" Are you telling me what to do ? You think you can order me around ?"; Carlos jumped of the hood and started approaching, but suddenly Raziel stepped in front of him :
" I think I can order you around ! Take the boys home and no one will be hurt. "
His coat and hat hid his glowing eyes, and Carlos didn't bother to look twice :
" You are stupido my man. I think you and boys should talk it amongst your selves. "
Before he was finished saying the last sentence, they grabbed Raziel and dragged him to the back ally. Carlos, and Rodrigo left with Sharon, who was backing against the wall :
" Now, where were we… ?"; he asked and took out his knife.
But a scream interrupted him. One of his " boys " flied out of the ally trough the air, and stabbed him self on the top of the lamp post. A few more screams followed, while the shadows that were running all over the wall started to gain a confusing impression. Two others emerged out, and run to Carlos :
" Hey, man… Let's just get out of here, quickly !"
" What are… "
Carlos was interrupted again but this time by silence. A soft weeping echoed trough the night, and than paces of one. Raziel got out without coat or hat, dragging one bloody, terrified, weeping member of Carlos's gang by the hair. He came out of the ally looking straight in front of him self, and than his head turned to Carlos. His eyes shined with ghostly fire, and the next second his arm span in his shoulder thus ending the silent weeping of his pray.
The remaining tree backed away from Sharon, but Carlos grabbed her and placed his knife on her troth :
" Get back, you !"; he yelled frightened and confused :" Get back or she's done for !"
Raziel was in the thrill of battle, and his anger was at its apex. In other words he had no intention to let them get away. Before they knew it, he vanished in the spectral realm. The four gathered together again :
" Carlos ! What was that thing ?"
" Shut up man ! Let me think !"
Suddenly one of them fell down with a large hole in his chest, filling the sidewalk with blood. They jumped back but there was nothing there. Suddenly Rodrigo shouted :
" Look out !"
But it was too late. A TK bolt stroke the other braking his spine, and Raziel dropped from above, punching Carlos and Rodrigo down in the dirt. Sharon fell to the ground too but only because Carlos released her when he took the blow. Raziel grabbed him with one claw and razed him up blocking his breath. He struggled in wane and than fear made him silent at the sight of the soul reaver on Raziel's arm. But just as he was about to taste it, Sharon yelled :
" No ! Stop ! Stop it !"
Raziel looked at her and released Carlos from his grip. He and Rodrigo ran so fast one would not believe they were on foot.
Sharon ran to the one that was lying on the ground. He was dead. She tried to run to the other, but she caught the glimpse of the ally on the clear moon light. It was filled with corpses and tainted in blood. As she came to one of them she reached for his pulse, but his body suddenly faded away. Not even his clothing remained. The other bodies disappeared too, and than the blood. The ally was clean and without a trace of the massacre it held before.
" Wh… what happened to them ?"; she asked confused
Raziel paid no heed. He came behind her and offered her purse back, but as his hand came closer she jumped back from it.
" Sharon, I … "
" What have you done to them !"; she asked angry and frightened
" I ate them. "
" You… ate them ?"
" I had to protect you. Come we must go now. "
But she snatched her purse and backed away from him :
" How could you ? They were… they were living beings, and… you are just going to leave now ? "
" Everything that lives, dies. You know that. After all, you work for people of such teachings. "
" I hate you. "; she said in tears :" Stay away from me, you… heartless monster !"
" Sharon… "
" Stay away ! I don't want to see you for as long as I live ! "; she turned and ran away in tears and sobbing.
" What was I suppose to do !"; he yelled after her, trying to justify him self, but she was gone.
Carlos and Rodrigo backed on the dumpster trying to catch their breath :
" Carlos, man; what was that thing ?"
" El Diablo… blue el Diablo. It had to be. "; he looked at him :" I think we are safe now. "
" Yeas we are… and you know what else ?"; Rodrigo said :" We are rich ! Fifty thousand dollars, man ! I'll start spending like a Rockefeller. We're rich man !"
" Yeas… we are. "; Carlos said and stabbed his knife in Rodrigo's gut :" Don't worry, amigo. "; he said while Rodrigo's life faded out of his eyes :" I'll take care of your share. "
He than threw him in the dumpster, and closed the lid. Just as the lid hit the edge, an old man appeared with another briefcase :
" Is it done ?"
" Yeas… yeas it's done, but it was too dangerous. I'm the only one left. "
" Report. "
" He's dead, and the girl too, but he took all my friends with him. "
" He's… dead ?"
" Yeas they all are… "
Before he could finish, the old man knocked him down in the pond. He tried to get up but he pressed him down with his foot so hard he couldn't breathe.
" You lying worm, rat spawned of foul blood; tell the truth or I'll kill you !"
" All right !( cough-cough )"; Carlos yelled as he released him :" The truth… you sent us to the devil. I barely managed to escape alive. We couldn't touch ether of them… he slaughtered all my amigos !"
" She saw his handy work ?"
" She did. "
In that moment the black briefcase landed in Carlos's arms. He opened it. It was filled with money. He placed it on the dumpster and touched it with his hand shivering with greed, while his employer turned away :
" Very good. You have done well. "
But suddenly Carlos stabbed him in the back. He fell down and turned to him with questions in his eyes. Carlos answered :
" You've sent us to the devil and now I return the favor ! Adios old loco !"
" You see… "; the old man said, while slowly getting up :" That was your biggest mistake. "
He stroke Carlos so hard he flew and hit the wall :
" You taught I've sent you to me !"
Suddenly his face changed in ghastly pale. What were once wrinkles now became vanes all over his skin, and his fangs grew long and sharp. Even his clothing changed, reviling his sharp claws. At once Leo grabbed him, lifted him up, and with a sadistic smile pressed him back on the wall, while his eyes burned with terror. A scream was all that was left as the testament of this dark night.
A heavy metal dour slowly opened, and two weary operatives slowly paced in chaos infested chambers of Section one, that bore marks of Jennifer's passage. Despite their trip was long, the commotion they've found was still boiling hard. They've had to contact emergency extraction, which surely gave cause for suspicion at the top levels, but they had no choice. Fortunately, everyone were too preoccupied cleaning the mess to pay much heed to it for now. And so, shrouded in chaos, they managed to pass relatively unnoticed, and reach Walter's stock. Biercof was there as well, shaken by his experience. At the first sight of them Walter was vividly relieved, though both looked worse than him, especially Michael, who seemed to be hit by a truck :
" What happened to you ?"
" A rough night. "; Michael answered
" We had something like it down here. Where were you during all the action ? They've called everybody in. "
" Another time Walter. Now I'm not in the … "
" I was looking at her eyes…"; Biercof interrupted constantly staring at a point of the floor :" I never saw… "
" Take it easy, junior. "; Walter encouraged him :" He took a hard one. "
" We'd better go to the infirmary. "
" It's booked. "; Walter stopped them as they started :" You'll have to wait in line. But I managed to save this emergency medical kit. I think it's a better option. "
Biercof stood up and went.
" Where are you going ?"
" To pray. "; he said and went on.
" O, and sugar; I took a good look at the list you gave me. I found something… disturbing. "
While, Michael treated him self, they've sat at the computer :
" This caught my attention. "; Walter said, pointing at one item from the list :" This is an experimental deuterium storage pod. In theory, you supply it with enough juice and a nuclear reactor, and it could power the globe for a week. But take a look at this… "
" Quantum accelerator ? What's that ?"
" If you could somehow connect these two,… "
" What… ?"
" You could disintegrate the entire eastern coast. "
They were watching the list before them, like a great puzzle they couldn't figure out, and the more they've watched, the more did icy chill squeeze their bones, until Michael came and placed his arm upon Nikita's shoulder :
" Come. "; he said gesturing to the wounds she got that night. They too needed to be treated.
While he was cleaning them with alcohol, she watched the hidden emotions in his eyes :
" Are you afraid ?"
" Yeas. "
It made her feel uncomfortable. He was looking at her wounds, but he continued talking to her :
" I fear what he could do to you. "
" What are we going to do ?"
" We'll wait for now. "; he said and resumed his work.
It was a chilly morning in a small church at the eastern part of the city, where a new member of believers came to pay honor to those that fell previous night. Sharon sat in the front bench thinking about the bloody event that occurred two nights before. Last night she couldn't sleep despite the fact that she'd spent most of it outside. Only somewhere in the afternoon did she managed to get some sleep. She woke up around three in the mourning, came here, and has been there ever since, trying to forget the last few days.
Suddenly a familiar voice came from behind, from a person in a shrouding coat and hat :
" You must hear me… "; Raziel said, sitting in a bench behind her ( She didn't hear him come in )
" If you don't leave here right now, I'll start screaming. "
" You owe me that much. Just hear me out, and I'll leave. "
" What about those pure people you've killed ? Did they heard you to ?"
He sighed :
" I told you what I am. I can't… be what you want. No meter how much I'd want to. "
" Do you want to ? How hard could it be not to kill ? Not to take a life ?"
" When I was a vampire… I did a lot more horrible things. More horrible than you can ever imagine. I tortured, crippled and murdered for a thousand years, and since now I never looked back. "
" Oh god ; listen to your self ! You talk of… of horrors here ? Your words soil this sacred place. "
" It is the truth. The truth you must know before judging me. It was a pleasure and a privilege to slaughter in Kain's name. I was his first bourn… his most terrible. And even after I rose from abyss he condemned me to, I resumed the same methods to achieve my vengeance. "
" So what ?"
" Until now, I never asked for forgiveness, nor tried to make up for my past deeds. I wanted to thank you, for opening my eyes… That's… what I came to say. Good by. "; he stood up to go
" Raziel… "; she stopped him, and after a few moments asked :"… do you know what this place is ?"
" No. "
She turned and looked at him :
" It's a temple to our lord Jesus Christ, God's son who walked amongst us long ago. He… took our sins upon him self, and suffered the fate most horrible, to redeem us from our crimes. "
" He sacrificed him self so the world could heal… Kain could learn a lot here. "
" The point is,… that he redeemed us all. Anyone could be redeemed. Anyone can ask for forgiveness. "
" I don't know where to begin asking for one. In fact I do… I ask for yours. Will you grant it to me ?"
She turned back and after a while said :
" Tonight Lynda goes out and I will be alone. I could use some company. "
If he was in front of her, he would saw her smile, but he felt it none the less and satisfaction sparked within his blue carcass :
" I'll be there. "; he said and left the hollowed halls with hope for his future.