Chapter one : in a nightmare

Blood… its beating trough a mortal vain… the sound was sharp, so sharp it was stinging his ears. It cracked the cold pain of his flesh and brought his urges back. A primal urge to feed. With it his mind opened the sheets of slumber and broke trough to the searing light of the day. But it wasn't a day. It flashed before his eyes so bright it tortured him to keep them opened longer than a second. But he did. He broke trough his slumber and restored his senses and partially his thoughts. He grabbed the human in his iron grip and forced by his thirst drained every last drop.

Now his senses were drastically improved and he saw trough the mist before him. Looking around himself, Kain realized that he was in a nightmare. Even the bowels of the Hylden construction were unfit to describe what filled his sight. Control tables with tiny switches, tiny glowing streams of some magical force, lights that burned his weary eyes, it was all put together to such complexity, that he couldn't guess where it begins and where it ends. There was some glass around him but he smashed it with his fist as he got up in the sitting position.

There were other men and women in the room, similarly dressed in simple purple cloth that cohered tightly to their skin. They were working on the controls and when Kain killed and drained their college, they slowly approached and pointed their weapons at him. It was most small and strange weapons but, they obviously taught it can protect them.

Kain barely stood up of his bed and came next to a dry body of his previous meal. Everything ached him and the pain showed no sign of subsiding. He had to have more blood, but first he had to have some answers :

" Where am I ?"; he asked panting in vertigo

One woman stepped forth :

" I am not in the liberty of telling you that. All that you need to know is that here you will stay until our superior comes. To her you'll be able to ask all your questions. "

" In other words… "; Kain said :" …you are no one of importance. "

He made a malignant step trough the broken glass towards her but the others used their weapons. They've fired large bolts of light at him causing him considerable pain and forcing him back.

" Submit ! "; the woman said, while the light burned :" We wouldn't hold you here with our bare hands. We are more than prepared to deal with you. "

They've stopped their fire, and Kain regained his stand. The wounds healed, though much slower than before, but the pain was paralyzing. Kain reached for the reaver, but it was gone. The fact stowed new anger in his heart :

" Where is the reaver, mortal ? Where is my sword ?"

At his sudden yell she jumped back and even more of their weapons came pointed at him :

" Steady, creature ! Our orders are to keep you alive. Make no mistake of who you are dealing with. "

Kain was recovering from their weapons, but he heard her well. These humans were ether ignorant fools underestimating him, ether he was underestimating them. But the reaver that was missing was a reason enough to experiment on that. He extended his claw but instead of tossing his telekinetic magic at them he just made a few sparks around his palm. He tried again harder and gained the same effect. A silent laughter reached his ear, and than another, and it chased the pain away.

" I'm giving you one last chance to indulge me !"; he said angrily :" Do so and you'll live few minutes longer. "

" I'll do what I have to calm you down, even if it means killing you ! Stand down or we will increase the pulse of our weapons !"; she reached for her weapon to point it at him.

Before she did Kain lunched at her and seized her in his grip, instantly paralyzing her and the others around them :

" Let's try this one more time. "; Kain said :" First of all, order your dogs to put their… what ever those things are, down. "

The woman hesitated, and than he twisted her arm to a point of her screaming. The bone snapped inside her like a twig.

" If you want to keep your other bones whole, you'll… submit. "

" For god sakes, put them down !"; she yelled, and the others did so, slowly and insecurely.

" Now than ; I care about two things. Where is my sword, and where am I ?"

But before he got his answer, she activated one feature of her suit. It started to spark with electricity and sear him, so he had to release her. But he didn't let this trick beet him. Instead he tossed her still charged body on the others before they've had time to pick their weapons up. The electric shock knocked most of them down and Kain jumped at the rest braking their bones and flesh. The others stood up and attacked him in a combat stile he was unfamiliar with. They were all educated in this technique some more and some less, but none enough, for Kain was still faster and more agile than any of them. One by one, he was killing them despite their suits electric charge and their efforts to defend themselves or reach for their weapons on the flour. In the end they were all dead.

Kain swiftly feasted on their blood and than took a look at his palm. He tried hard to summon his magic but there was no response from it. He could feel it deep within him, but it was dormant, still asleep. And than he remembered; he has bean buried for centuries. That must have bean the case. That would explain the alien surroundings and the lack of his powers. He was weakened by centuries of dormant sleep, and in his absence the humans have progressed. But what about vampires ?

Kain opened his mind to his descendents but there was none, no vampire he could reach. Did the humans in their folly exterminated them all ? What has happened with the land in his absence ? Did the Hylden strike again ? He had to find the answers…

Braking trough the dour and killing the resident security, Kain started to slowly make his way trough this wizard's maze, but his progress was very slow and he had to use much stealth because the humans and their devices were formidable foes.

" We've just received news that he is awake and free. He is somewhere in the alpha sector. "

" We've still underestimated his strength. I'd taught one unit will hold him. "

" Should I seal the sector ?"

" No. Let him find his way here. But set the pulse at 300 angstrems. "

" That intensity is lethal. "

" Only to a human. "

Finally, Kain broke trough the monotony of metallic decor. He found his way to the first room with windows. It was actually a long arch-like corridor, only there was something strange. These windows displayed the night's sky clear and filled with stars, but no horizon. He came to the glass. There was night above and below, but no ground. It was like everyone inside this structure, were walking on its walls and these windows were the ceiling. It must have bean an illusion, this curtain with stars. He dropped his survey and went on, practically stumbling blind trough this strange complex. Finally he broke in a room with many humans and security. They were obviously expecting him. One woman had a cape, badges and metallic braces which gave Kain the pointer of who he should direct his questions to. This room also had windows that were showing the same picture as the previous ones, but considering its position the only explanation would be that the night's sky was surrounding them like a sphere. The leader seemed to be about thirty and she had a long brown hair strapped into a tail that fell behind her. She greeted him :

" Welcome, ancient one. I would advise you to lower your aggression, les we do it for you. "

" What is the meaning of this !"

" You aren't under a mountain any more and you should be thankful. "

" And where am I !"

" See for your self… "

She walked to one wall and using a small touch on the controls she opened it. Trough the protective glass Kain saw distant and rounded world of Nosgoth like a lifelike map, only it was one continent on a much larger surface. It was an entire planet millions of miles away that exploded before him. The leader continued :

" We dug you up and brought you to our ship. From what we can tell you have bean there for the past nine hundred years. In your absence, more than few things have changed, most of all, us. "; she said referring to humans

Kain was shocked with this revelation. The land seemed so small and tiny before him. He than looked away and observed his hosts :

" All right, girl. If you have a grain of salt in your head, you'll indulge me the best you can !"

" You aren't in the position to demand. "; suddenly a bunch of larger weapons came out of the ceiling and walls and came pointed at him along with those that other humans were holding :" Your only option is to cooperate. "

" You want something from me… "; Kain deducted :" Do you actually think that YOU can subjugate ME ?"

" Let me show you who you are dealing with… "

She used hear weapon on him. Kain was seared by a ray of energy at least a hundred times stronger than the Sun, forcing him back in pain and burning. When it stopped Kain was on the ground and the leader spoke :

" We have breeched boundaries of which you have never heard of. Humans rule the world now, Kain. You are nothing more than a remnant of a long buried age… "

" If so, than why did you dug me up ? You must have found the reaver too. Where is it ?"

" Take him to a holding cell. If he tries anything, fry him !"

Several bravest approached to carry him, but he hissed at them forcing them back.

" Nobody carries me around !"; he said angry and threatening

They pointed their weapons as he stood up on his own and instead of a fight, went quietly. They threw him in a most secured prison and as the key card locked him in, he sat on the flour, crossed his legs, placed his hands on his knees and with a cold head started to ponder his situation. He had no reason to trust them, especially since they were humans. The fact that they weren't holding him responsible for those he'd just killed meant that he was more valuable to them than those lives. Of one thing he was certain ; he was indeed buried for a long time and that's why his powers were weakened. But he was far too ancient for them to be stripped off of him. They were still there, just asleep. In time they would awaken, but time he didn't have.

His huge bat-like ears started to lift. Metal alloy of which this flying fortress was made of was an excellent sound conductor. Using his vampiric hearing he could easily listen to conversations all over the ship. Finally he caught one in the leader's room

" …The Regent requests that we send a report. "

" Notify them that he has come to, and that we need more manpower to contain him. "

" What about Grand-marshal Larevos ?"

" Has the gate bean examined ?"

" For the second time, but we still have to compare the results. We haven't a clue about what causes the formation. "

" The answer is in ancient legends. This vampire has the key. And with time he will give it to us. Tell that to the Grand-marshal. "

" At once ser… Also General Leiman congratulates you on being chosen for this mission. He reminds you of the concert you are about to go together. "

" He-he. He is quite charming old man. Tell him I'm looking forward to it as soon as I'm done with this… "

Meddling fools. Kain taught : What have they got themselves into this time ?

After more listening, Kain learned that he was on a big vessel higher than even the air levels reached. It was a huge combat cruiser of something, called the NUC, Nosgoth Union Coalition, and it seamed that it was them who were in charge of the world at the moment. He learned of the amazing human breakthrough in the last centuries. They've mastered machines and technology more complicated than the Hylden's, and have used it to progress even beyond the reaches of the Earth. But the one thing that was interesting him the most, the location of the soul reaver, he did not learned. Obviously it wasn't here, but it also wasn't buried anymore ether. Trough their chatter, he learned that the cruiser wasn't isolated from the world below, but had certain pods that could reach the land in a need of a contact.

A long time has passed and the thirst came to him again.

" I require blood. "; he spoke, startling the nearest guard :" Or is your intention to starve me ?"

The man grudged and left the room. After a while he was back with a small plastic bag. The other man swiftly opened a small port and sealed it again after tossing it to him.

" I need more. "; Kain said

" You'll get only as much. "

Kain grumbled half loudly and stabbed his fangs in the bag, draining it. He than caught the glimpse of the guard who was disgusted by this act

" If only bread could make a face like that…"

" Bread wouldn't have a friend you've killed. "

" And you do ?"

" Since tonight. "; the guard than went silent for a while :" He had a family, a child, and you've killed him without a second taught, you monster !"

" The ability to feel sorry for your friend is beyond my powers. "

" Just give me a reason, creature !"; he yelled :" I shall give you the ability !"

After a while the woman commander entered, and the other guards made her room to approach the glass cage. At the time, Kain was still sitting on the center of the flour in the same position and with closed eyes.

" History is important, wouldn't you agree ?"; she started :" Unfortunately, we have tendency to forget. "

" Perhaps that is your blessing. "; Kain spoke, uninterested, still holding his eyes closed

" I don't share your opinion. "; the woman said :" Curiosity has always bean the driving urge of our progress. Now we are curious about certain relics from the past; relics of which you poses sufficient lore. "

" Tell Grand-marshal Larevos that some things are better off buried. "

The leader was slightly upset, but she continued :

" If you refuse to cooperate, you'll be left without blood until you change your mind. "; Kain didn't answer. He was motionless and defiant which made his host angry :" Very well ! Notify me when he is more willing to talk. "; she said to the main guard and turned to leave the room.

" Human !"; Kain stopped her :" My freedom… "

" What about it ?"

" It is just a dream away. "

" Dream on. "; she said and left.

The head guard, Atrul the one that brought him that small pack of blood came closer to the glass :

" I'll enjoy watching you wither, monster. "

" Be my guest. "; Kain calmly said and went deeper in his thoughts

Time started to pass again filled with silence and anger. Thirst was piling up in Kain's troth and chest, but he maintained his calmness. The next shift of guards came to replace the old one and the new head guard spoke to Atrul :

" Go get some rest. I'll take over. "

" Notify me when he blinks !"; Atrul said and left to his quarters.

After a considerable while, Kain fell on the flour. Suddenly all the guards left the room and instead, Atrul came back in. He observed Kain for a few moments and than took out a pulse weapon. He silently opened the dour and upon entering, closed it behind him. He spoke to Kain :

" My friend's name was Gruneron. "

The surveillance monitored as Atrul was punching and kicking him, and in the end he left leaving him on the flour. He than came to the guards outside :

" Nice job, Atrul. "; one of them said :" You've gave him what he needed. "

Suddenly Atrul took his gun and before they could come to, he started shooting at them. Faster they could defend, he killed them all and than went to the monitoring room. The observation guard asked :

" What were those noises ? It was like pulse fire !"

" It was Atrul's dream of vengeance… "; Atrul said with Kain's voice :" …and my freedom. "

The man tried to yell, but Atrul ( actually Kain ) snapped his neck. He than came to the controls and opened the cell right before falling down dead himself.

Kain drank their blood and, leaving all the dry bodies locked in his prison, he went to find some manner of vessel to get back to earth. He was going for a pod he could use when he had a taught; first he'd have to disable the cruiser weapons, not to have them blow him out of the sky while he is descending. After all it was a battle cruiser. So he made a detour to the engineering, to try and make enough damage to the ship for his departure. But as he entered he found the room filled with armed humans. Fortunately, they didn't see him and he managed to slip pass their notice in the shadows. Listening closely he learned of an easy way to disrupt the weapons system, but the control panel that was in question was surrounded and out of his reach. He couldn't possess someone again, since they all had their exact routine and the slightest breach of protocol would arouse suspicion. If only he could reach with his telekinetic… He extended his arm towards the panel and started focusing, trying harder and harder but his powers were only making sparks in his palm. Finally he felt the control switches beneath his mind and with great and draining effort his thoughts slowly started entering the combination. He was almost done when one busy worker dropped his instruments at the sight of him. At once all the eyes in the room were pointed at him and the pulse weapons started to leave their boots. Kain had to act quickly. And he did. He grabbed the metal instrument that fell on the flour and hurled on the same control, punching the last button. Instantly in short circuited and burst in sparks that made the humans jump back. It was enough for Kain to smash the dour lock within the room and close the dour behind him as he jumped out, thus locking them in. With great haste, he speeded towards the pod section, but as he turned around the corner, he met face to face with the leader and his escort.

" How did you… "

Before she was done Kain grabbed her for the throat away from her electric suit and held her as a shield against the others.

" Order your lackeys to drop their weapons… "; Kain squeezed her making her barely nodding at them.

They've kicked it away and Kain passed them, leaving them around the next corner. Still dragging the leader by the throat, he ran as fast as he could to the shuttle pod bay. But the dour to the hangar were sealed.

" Ha !"; she coughed :" You can't go further than this ! "

" Don't underestimate me, human… "

Weakened by his slumber, Kain couldn't shift in the mist form, but his strength didn't decrease that drastically. With his claws, he sliced a crack in the metal, and begun to tear the dour like a roll of foil. In a few seconds he made a large enough hole, and together with the leader, he reached the nearest shuttle. Kain tossed her in the copilot seat and took controls, but instantly saw how pointless it was. He didn't know how to pilot this thing. There was so many buttons and gismos it gave him the headache. Snorting loudly he instantly switched places with his prisoner, placing his claw on her throat vane, ready to slice it :

" Drive. "

As the other men ran into the hangar, they saw a shuttle lifting off. The craft's weapons blew up the dour, making a vacuum that started sucking them out in pace, and the pod went out of their reach.

As the craft backed away from the huge ship, Kain removed his claw from the woman's skin.

" Land it in a forest. "

" Why should I ? You are going to kill me anyway. "

" It doesn't suites you to predict the future. I still have much uses for you. "; Kain said malignantly.