Chapter four ; Making right choices
Adella came to the burned grass and remnants of broken metal. The mansion was torn down and the entire area was cowered in ash, dust and burned gravel. Her mouth came opened before this ruin and though she didn't know where it came from, a sudden sense of grief grabbed her heart. There was no sign of Kain. Lydia stepped behind her looking with misunderstanding, and once again, tears started to leek out of Adella's eyes.
" He was here ?"; Lydia asked
Adella wiped her face :
" He probably still is… "; she looked at her :" I can't ask you to help me more than you already have, but I must try and find him. "
" Right… "; she said, and than looked at the sky :" The rain might start again at any moment, and you may need a ride. "
They slowly started to search the yard for him, which was not an easy thing considering the fact that it was showered with three inches thick layers of junk. But luckily, they found him quite fast, since Adella stepped on his foot. She noticed the ground was soft like flesh and instantly begun digging him out. He was covered in ash and dust, stained with his own blood and he wasn't moving. She tried to awaken him but it had no effect.
" Come on, Kain. You didn't survive nine centuries under a mountain to die now… when it's not by my hand. "
But Kain didn't respond. Suddenly Adella was shot from behind by a pulse blast, and two uniformed men came running across the field
" Wait !"; Lydia yelled :" What are you doing !"
" EUC, ma'am !"; one of them said officially :" We have orders to eliminate this dangerous animal !"
Adella hissed at them standing on all four, before she realized they were talking about her. She stood up :
" I have had an extremely bad day, so back of !"
But the man fired again. She managed to dodge and hurled her self at him. They fell down and started struggling with her scratching his face with her claws. But the other shot her again and she fell down in pain. Before he could finish her off, Lydia pushed his arm away, and tried to yell something at him, but he slapped her and she fell down. The first one lifted Adella up holding her from behind and than he placed the emitter of his pulse-pistol in her mouth. Blood leaked across his scratched face, blurring his sight, but he didn't have to aim any more :
" Bite this, you bitch !"
Adella couldn't fight him. The pain was to paralyzing. She just shut her eyes and squeezed all the muscles she could.
At once a snapping sound was heard and his grip was gone. His arms just slipped aside her on the ground. The other one screamed and fired his pistol, and than everything became silent. Adella turned and saw the man who held her lying on his back, with his head turned and neck broken. The other one was embracing Kain so close their chests were touching. Kain had his dusty back turned towards her and she could clearly see the man's face. It was frozen in a shock of pain, and after coughing some blood, he fell on the ground. Kain was holding the man's ripped out hearth in his claw, and than with beastly hate in his eyes dropped it beside him.
Lydia screamed, shocked by the sudden killing, but Adella smiled and jumped at Kain, hugging him with all her strength. He released a noise of pain as she squeezed over his broken bones, but he returned the hug none the less.
" You old fossil !"; she said :" I taught you were a goner. "
Kain was panting like a bull and as she released him he fell to his left knee and right arm, holding for his chest. He was exhausted with numerous injuries allover him, but he was still alive and he knew he will recover. Adella looked at Lydia :
" Thank you. If you ever need my help, look me up. "
" I hope I won't have to. "; she said, still scared and shaken
Kain grumbled something like " …sentiments, sentiments… ", but Adella just lifted him up and said to him :
" Do shut up. "
Lydia left to start the car and Adella helping him to walk, smiled and added :
" You really brought the house down... "
After Lydia drove them both to the abandoned building, she and Adella said goodbyes and she left as fast as she could. It was a terrifying night for her and she just wanted to get as far away as she possibly could. Adella came to the dark room. The thick darkness was most appealing to her senses, as well for Kain's who was sitting on the bed. She came to him and was about to relocate his broken leg :
" This may hurt a bit… "
" Pain can be ignored. "; he replied coldly
A beastly roar echoed the empty hallways for the next few moments and than nothing again.
" Most of the time… "; Adella added
" Why did you come for me ?"; Kain asked her after a while :" I was under the impression that you don't like me very much. "
" I don't. In fact I hate you. Because of you I can't go home, my friends and family are afraid of me, and everyone is trying to kill me. "; she closed her eyes in grief :" You've turned me into a monster that nobody can love even like. "
" And still you jump to my aid. Still you cry on the place where I fell and rush in my arms when you find me. "
She looked at him surprised with the fact that he noticed when she herself didn't but she continued :
" Maybe because you're the only one who was honest with me. And you are trying to do the right thing. "
" No. "; he said trough his teeth while swiftly pushing his rib back into its place :" You are fascinated by me like a kitten who found a boy that takes care of it. Despite your cold feelings for me, you have a great sense of loyalty towards your maker. "
She couldn't deny it, and it made her feel most uncomfortable :
" I get the feeling I'm not the first. "; she looked at his cold but somehow caring eyes :" I have a confession to make ; Back on the battle cruiser… The man… you forced me to kill, Raniret… "
" I'm guessing that there was something in his blood that broke you out of my domination. "
She shuddered in anger when she remembered that he enslaved her for a time, but still she continued :
" There was something, all right… Raniret was not my love. I didn't love him. I guess I was just humoring his feeble attempts of seduction. But he was the kindest, shyest and gentles man I've ever met, and I could never imagine hurting him. Maybe I would grow to love him eventually, but… I hate you mostly because you've turned me against my self. "; she looked at him :" What about you ? I get the feeling you do not tolerate this kind of behavior. Why haven't you " tore me apart " by now, or took my will again ?"
" I like you. "; Kain simply said
" And… "
" And you'll have to settle for that. "
" I've just confessed my entire soul to you and all you can say is " I like you " ! I guess I could have expected as much. "
" All right !"; he stood up and came to the window, just to walk his mended bones :" I envy you. I've envied you since the first time you came out into the moonlight. You are the embodiment of my youth, as if I look into my distant past. Foolish, stubborn, you always think you know best… I envy you because you have what I lost… You have the potential to become a great vampire. "
" Thanks… I guess. "
He came and stretched him self across the bed :
" The darkness will heal the rest… Tomorrow I must continue the hunt. You can't help me any more. "
" What ?"
" In the morning you will find me gone. "
" You can't just ditch me of like that !"; there was no answer :" Kain ?"
Kain wasn't moving or responding any more. He seamed to be sleeping or something, and his body silently resumed fixing itself.
Clouds red like blood run swiftly across the sky above and below, appearing and vanishing chaotically. There was no ground or any horizon. Kain came with steady pace behind a man with the sword. There it was ; the precious soul reaver in the hands of this traitor. Kain grabbed him for his shoulder and turned him to look into his face, but than he slowly backed away
" …for sins of the fathers !"; Larevos laughed and swung the blade trough him
He jumped of the bed. It was the late time of night, and Adella was sleeping on the chair next to him. It seamed that she was trying to stay awake during the night, but ultimately succumbed to her exhaustion. He stood up, passed her and quietly went for the dour.
" And where do you think you're going ?"; Adella's voice came behind him
Kain was at the doorstep. He didn't turn, but he knew she stood up and was looking at him. He closed his eyes :
" What do you want ?"
" Other than a little more politeness on your part, I want to know why does our Grand-marshal plots to destroy our world ?"
" You can learn that on your own. "
" Why not with you ?"
" Because you'll die. "
" Oh, so you can predict the future all of the sudden ? I am not your servant ! I don't have to do anything you say ! Sorry Kain, but there is nothing you can do to leave me out of this. "; she said defiantly and crossed her arms
Kain was silent for a while. He still stood with his back turned to her, and than he spoke :
" Go back to sleep. "
His voice was normal, but the spiritual strength he pored into it, overwhelmed her like a scourge. She found her self invaded by his will and his words suddenly replaced every taught in her head. Instantly her legs faltered and she fell back in the chair, loosing her consciousness.
Slowly approaching her, Kain reached for his large split ear. He than placed Vorador's ring in her opened palm, and quietly left the room.
As the sharp dawn came on her face, she awoke in a headache and swiftly withdrawn in shades, and than she saw an empty bed and the ring that was still in her hand.
" Damn it !"
But than she remembered what she must do. Quickly collecting her stuff, she emerged on the burning day. She had little time, but first she had to lure few people of the street and feed upon them to restore her self. She used the same method and later suggested them to forget and resume what they were doing. Only afterwards, did she put her guise back on, and run as fast as she could to that important place in the city.
The building Adella stood before was heavily guarded and off limits to civilians, so the guise spell wouldn't work. Maybe she could pass as someone's escort and later slip pass unnoticed. But the building had many cameras, just waiting to catch the glimpse of anything unauthorized. If only she could turn herself invisible or something.
In the shade of the nearby ally she practiced her magic. She tried to make the light bend around her and make her transparent, but it didn't work. Frustrated, she kicked the garbage can, tipping it over and spilling its content on the ground. And than she saw a peace of broken glass amidst the spilled garbage. It was a broken mirror that was without her reflection. She suddenly ran on the street and came to the first tourist she saw :
" Excuse me ser !"; she said to him :" I notice that you have a camera. Could you please take my picture ?"
" Yes, of course, young lady… "; the elderly gentleman replied
He snapped the flash blinding her eyes briefly, and the square photograph came out. He took it and after shaking it to dry the chemicals, he looked at it with a wandering gaze :
" Something didn't turn out right… "
She looked at the picture and joie shined on her face. She ran away without a word and the confused tourist was just left standing there with a camera in one hand and a photograph of an empty street in the other.
General Leiman entered his office accompanied by two other senior EUC officers. He just barged in angrily and threw his briefcase on the desk :
" I won't believe that. I knew captain Adella since she was a private. She would newer allow herself to become a monster. "
" We are giving you the facts, General. "; one of the officers said :" The monster bit her and turned her into one of them. "
" Our orders come strait from the Regent. "; the other said :" She must be located and terminated before others get infected. "
" If there is anything left of her underneath, I want her taken alive, not dead. " General said and turned to the window.
Suddenly there were two dull sounds and the dour close. General turned only to see his escort unconscious on the carpet and Adella in the shade behind them :
" Looks like I've got here just in time… General "; she saluted him
" Captain. "; he saluted her back :" You look different, Adella. "
" Actually Ser, I look like hell… And I feel like it, too. "
" I was ordered to watch out for you. "; he observed her coldly and questioningly, closing his hands behind his back
" I dare to say, Ser, that I know you too well to think you won't give me the chance. "
" And how well do I know you now ? Can you answer me that ?"
" I… can't, Ser. I can only state my case and trust in your judgment. "
She took out a disk recorder and placed it on the desk between them. General Leiman took the gadget and activated it.
A hover-car landed on the lonely place of the road, and deactivated it self. The machine shook for a moment and than stood motionless for the next few. Kain broke the dour open, letting the dry corpse of the driver fall on the grass beside the vehicle. He hated being forced on such modes of transport, since his bat-form still didn't work, but at least he managed to get to the northern mountains. The Oracle cave was just trough the bushes and he could sense the presence of men surrounding the entrance and the great river-lake near it. As he came closer he saw the soldiers scattered within an iron fence that was limiting the larger area around the cave entrance. It too was charged like the one in the residence, but this time he easily mist trough it, and started progressing trough the compound. It wasn't very difficult for his vampire senses to pinpoint the location of every human's position and he could elude them easily. But the entrance to the cave was guarded by four watchful human guards who could easily raze a general alert. Hiding behind a nearby combat vehicle, Kain observed the guardians. They were highly disciplined, for they weren't even exchanging words, not alone break a conversation no meter how long they stood there. He than looked at his palms. Closing them on his chest he tried to summon his teleportation magic. A white orb of glowing energy flashed between his palms, but it just sizzled out without transporting him inside the cave. Kain grudged to him self. He was sick and tired of these glitches with his powers. He focused harder and the orb flashed again, stronger.
" What was that ?"
Someone suddenly said. And than Kain realized that during focusing on using his magic, he ignored the human guards, and one of them saw the flash coming from the other side of the vehicle. There was nothing there that would give away smoke or steam, so shifting in a mist form would be too suspicious. He had to avoid being found some other way. And than he saw a small cylindrical piece of some machine right next to him. The soldier who saw the flash was already running towards him. He took the gismo and swiftly rolled it underneath the vehicle. It came on the other side and went right under the man's foot as he was about to make the next step, tripping him and causing him to fall down. Instantly, all the nearby attention was directed at the clumsy soldier, even the attention of the four guards that stood in front of the cave entrance. Clocked in shades, Kain leaped like the draft and mist behind them trough the grate that was covering the cave.
Interior was just as he remembered except for a few broken walls and certain redecorating, time saw fit to make. But other than that it was still the same thing it always was. He coldly passed by the portals which once gazed in the infinite rivers of time, now all broken and empty, and finally he reached a large entrance to that wanted room.
He broke the dour opened and marched in the Chronoplst chamber.
" At last !"; a familiar voice greeted him :" I must say I'm disappointed in your progress. I imagined you'd be here sooner. "
Larevos, armed with the reaver, appeared on the higher pedestals and Cha-Atrexal stepped to the center of the chamber in the middle of the infinity symbol on the flour. Larevos continued :
" That is how you greeted Raziel when he came here, and I saw fit to repeat it. "
" This time, vampire, "; Cha-Atrexal said :" I shall rip your black heart out and make it into my medallion !"
Kain casually started pacing down the stairs :
" Don't you two think it's more appropriate to first indulge my curiosity ?"
" Frankly, "; Larevos said :" I'm surprised you haven't figured it out on your own. "
Kain smiled at him :
" I figured out most of things… Desmond. But I'd like you to fill in the gaps. "
Larevos laughed wickedly. His face dispersed in a magic flash and Desmond's smile and fangs glittered instead :
" I'm glad you haven't dulled your wits while under that mountain, father. "
" Enough of this pointless chatter !"; the Hylden yelled :" I hold your fate, Kain ! Fight me, and receive it !"
" I'm afraid, I can not allow that, my friend. "; Desmond said and jumped down on the flour next to him
" You dare to brake your word, Desmond !"
" What word, Hylden ?"; he stabbed the reaver in him, cutting the claw he rose to block, and running the blade deep trough his chest :" It was a lie from the beginning !"
Cha-Atrexal screamed and in a flash of energy vanished beneath the reaver's hunger. Desmond smiled at Kain :
" What's the meter, father ? No words of commendation ? No satisfied expression ?"
" Right now I find little reason to be satisfied. What I want to know is why ?"
" For power ! Why else ? This is all about your power, father. Your power that I want !"
" There was a time when you didn't care about my power. "
Desmond turned angrily and paced slowly across the room :
" Yes, back than I was a good and obedient son, wasn't I ? But things change. You should know how much pain and injustice can pile up in nine hundred years ! You think the Sarafan were cruel ? You haven't seen the Dawnbringers, or the Firewalkers or the other hypocrites that stalked me trough the long and lonely ages !"
" So you decided to take on the world yourself. Instead of directly assaulting the humans, you used them as your army, all along waiting to teach them a lesson. "
" All of them, including you… You forced me on that thorny path of human wellbeing, and it seemed only fair that I use you as my detour. "; he came to the place where he'd just killed Cha-Atrexall :" When the Hylden invaded Nosgoth again, I did not try to prevent them. In fact I came to their new commander, now late Cha-Atrexall, and made this " alliance " with him. Deaths of my progeny were enough to seal that deal. Constantly changing faces and guises we governed Nosgoth to its apex using the technological revolution and its progress to fortify our position. Those sad fools kept selecting us trough decades all along thinking, their leaders are different people. "
" I figured as much. What I don't understand is why did you make an alliance with the Hylden in the first place ? What could they possibly offer you ?"
" What else; the location of your resting place, father. See, I couldn't take your powers if I didn't know where you were buried. It took me a lot of time before I prayed that knowledge from them, but at last they've opened it to me. And now I have your mighty reaver, but I want two more things from you, before I become the God you once have bean and more !"
" I assume that one is the knowledge of how to activate the time portal. You are wasting your time. The cursed thing needs predestined history to work, and I've destroyed destiny a long time ago. "
" Well, that's disappointing… But you can still give me your blood. Every drop of it ! Once I add it to my vanes I will have all your powers and skills and every creature in Nosgoth and beyond will quake in fear under my shadow !"
" I once taught as you, my son. I too was driven by flames of vengeance that would never burn out. I ruled as a tyrant and cared for nothing but omnipotence. But thus the land grew ill and my empire failed miserably. In my madness I even condemned my most favored son to a hell of pain and I did it all with a dead and frozen hearth. Nothing good will ever come out of such actions, Desmond. "
" Bah ! You are a sentimental old fool, father. I know there's a part of you that agrees with me, even approves, but you are just too weak to confess it ! Tonight my rain begins, far better and merciless than yours ever was ! I'll show humans what lurks in the night ! I'll show them what fears lie in darkest corners of their hearts ! And they will all beg me for death before the firs laughter flees my lips !"
" Careful, Desmond. It is reckless to base your future, on planes for my death. "
" You are reckless father, to underestimate the power of the reaver-barer. "; he slashed the reaver across the flour making a small trench :" I shall take my right one way or another. "
" Than… I'm sorry, my son… "; Kain said with sadness and stood in attack position :" but I fear our pats have crossed for the last time… "
Desmond hissed at him and charged at full speed. Kain dodged and tried to trip him but Desmond simply jumped over his foot, and swung the reaver backwards. Kain's arm blocked the mighty blow and he leaped on the center of the room. Desmond looked at him with wondering :
" The reaver should have sliced trough your arm ! Not even Mandrex's armor could withstand it !"
" You still don't master it as well as you should !"; Kain coldly replied
Desmond screamed in rage and jumping at him resumed his attacks. His battle skill was great and Kain had to pull all of his together to reply in kind and also to prevent the deadly bite of the soul reaver from reaching his flesh. For a time they were equal foes and none of them could breach the other's defenses. But the next blow was Kain's. He punched Desmond in the chest lunching him up, but he just made a back-flip and landed on his feet again. They danced like that for a while longer and than Kain was pressed on one huge control dial with his back, and Desmond stabbed the reaver trough it at the place where Kain's head was a second ago :
" I never intended to run the reaver trough you all the way. "; Desmond said :" Just the little… so the blood would flow. "
Sparks in Kain's hand suddenly fizzled :
" Than taste my power's flow !"
He threw a telekinetic bolt at him and hurled him back. Desmond landed on the other side of the chamber but jumped up again :
" Nice one, father. See how you like this !"
He used the power of the reaver and fired a shot that tossed Kain several flours up. He fell on the stairs near the entrance and they've resumed the battle there. But when the mighty dour and nearby walls crumbled due to Kain's claws making slices at them, and the reaver cutting trough them, the chamber started to fall apart. They had to flee the room, but slowly, still caring more about killing each other, than the collapsing cavern around them. Now they've dodged not only each other's attacks but also the stones that were falling like a storm. Finally as they've reached the more stabile ground, leaving those tunnels to crumble, they reactivated their full fury and lunched at one another as if someone had released them from their chain.
In the rage of battle, Desmond jumped on the mining card but Kain kicked it from underneath his feet. He lost balance, but before he would fall, he made an impressive slice with the reaver and broke of one hanging stone above Kain, forcing him to take cower. They both fell on the ground and as they got up they started once again to mangle their surroundings. The entire cave couldn't take much more of this and realizing it they fled for the exit. Desmond was closer and as he ran forward, he razed the reaver high at the ceiling slicing trough it and collapsing it, leaving Kain behind to get showered by the collapsing roof. He jumped out of the Oracle cave making a few roles over the ground and than he turned towards the cavern. It burst with dust and noise of the crumbling stone followed by Kain's scream of rage.
Desmond smiled. The other men around didn't know what to think. He didn't wear Larevos's guise any more, but he didn't care. As far as he was concerned they were all his supper. Before they've come to their senses he stabbed his fangs in the nearest one. They started shooting at him, but with masterly handle, he blocked every such shoot with the sword. He continued slaughtering them, but just as he was getting into the fun, a bright white flash blocked his path, almost exploding before him, and Kain appeared all filthy and dusty.
" This delicious battle only hastened my recovery. "; Kain explained :" Shall we… ?"
The men around fled before them, as they started to clash against each other like a pair of demons. But Desmond had managed to collect enough energy in the reaver feeding it with human soldiers, and now he could cast its magic. He raised the sword up into the night and Kain knew what to expect. Instantly he collected all of his telekinetic powers, and hurled it in a wave, just at the moment when Desmond unleashed the reaver's awesome blast. These two waves collided between them, but the reaver was too strong even for Kain's magic and its power swept over him like a flood hurling his body on one combat vehicle, jamming him in the metal and denting it. He fell out of his imprint and stretched himself over the ground, and before he could get up, Desmond placed the tip of the reaver under his chin.
" Good by... Father !"
But suddenly someone behind him shouted :
" Enough !"
Desmond recognized that voice and instantly guised him self in Larevos again :
" General Leiman. "; he said as he turned, pretending to be pleasantly surprised, still holding the reaver under Kain's throat
The old General stood about ten paces away, and at the same distance, displaced around, were heavily armed soldiers, aiming at the center of the circle. Soon after, other Generals came as well. Larevos continued :
" This monster tried to kill me, so if you'll excuse me I'd like to finish him off… "
" There will be finishing, all right !"; another familiar voice came :" but not the kind you have in mind. "; Adella stepped forward
Larevos was confused
" What is that beast still alive !"; he yelled :" Kill her before she attacks !"
" Stand your ground, men !"; General Leiman replied :" Grand-marshal Larevos you are under arrest on the charge of high treason. Your guilt will be determined in the court of law. "
" You dare !"; Larevos yelled :" This monster's magic has clouded your mind ! Nothing that she says is truth !"
" I don't have to say anything, "; Adella said and took out a disk recorder :" as long as I have you to say it for me. " she activated the device and it sounded with two recognizable voices :
"…
" Ser ! Ser, Grand-marshal ! Wait !"
" Aaa… You must be the former captain of the EUC battle cruiser Glacta. Adella, is it ?"
" Ser, please believe me; Regent Atrexal is… He's some thing that has only our downfall in mind. He is a creature in a guise of a human… Please you must believe me. "
" I believe you, Adella. In fact I know full well what he is. "
" Than… You are a Hylden too !"
" No. I only use the alliance with the Hylden for my own benefits. "
" But… the Hylden… don't have our wellbeing in mind. "
" Oh heavens no !"; ( swift laughter ) :" They will kill each and every human the first chance they get… You seemed surprised to hear that. "
" I am surprised to hear it from you. Especially in that tone. "
" Well, I am the hidden master of evil. But you shouldn't worry about it right now. "
" Why ?"
" Because you are irrelevant ! ( the sound of thunders, rain and her screams ) Irrelevant and expendable !... Say hello to that old monster Kain when he joins you in hell. "
"; she deactivated the speaker
Larevos was furious, but he laughed swiftly :
" Well, sister, it seems that you've caught me in a most unpleasant position. "; he dispelled the guise revealing his true nature :" Now I have to kill you and all others that are here with you. "
" But you forget… "; Kain's voice came behind him :" … you still aren't trough with me !"
Desmond turned slowly. Kain was standing behind him, cold in face and smiling politely :
" I would appreciate, it "; he said to General Leiman :" if me and my son, could resume our conversation… "
The General observed the situation for a few moments and than ordered :
" Back away, people "
" General, you can't just…"; one of the other's started
" Let them kill each other. "; he said :" It's less work for the rest of us. "
They all backed away, but still holding them both on the sight of their weapons. Kain and Desmond came to the center of this new arena, and slowly started to circle around it on opposite sides, not taking their eyes of each other. Desmond's face was cowered in an insane grin, as he tried to suppress and hide his nervousness. His plans were falling apart around him and all he could do now was to kill Kain. It was his one and only way out, and despite his cunning arrogant facade, he was deeply disturbed. On the other hand Kain's face was cold, and so were his feelings. He didn't care about the future or who will kill who. He knew that there is no atom of strength in him which he won't pore in this duel, and if that's not enough at least Desmond will die by the hands of these men. And besides, he knew that his obvious display of self-confidence was making his foe most upset, which just might tip the scales a little more. Yup, there was very little chance that Desmond will walk out of this.
Kain smiled wickedly, and Desmond unable to restrain him self any longer, roared and attacked like a mad man, and the battle began. Kain's massive claws and the deadly blade of the reaver constantly passed against each other with punches and scratches, as the two spared no amount of space to extend their battlefield. The men around constantly had to move away before their swift attacks of rage, while the horror of their colossal duel chilled them to the bone.
But for all his force and skill, Desmond couldn't pierce Kain's defenses, and the calm confidence constantly engraved on his face was so annoying that Desmond couldn't stand it any more. He'd begun making mistakes. He almost slipped, he would loose his aim every now and than, and the force of his attacks became so great, he could barely control them. Kain didn't hesitate to use it against him, and finally he stroke him so strong he flew trough the metal fence, braking trough it even before the voltage could harm him. Kain didn't get windy about this. He remained as cold as ever and instantly ran after him. The men tried to follow, but Kain and Desmond lost themselves in the woods.
Kain was slowly sneaking trough the trees and bushes. Desmond was nowhere in his sight, but he knew he was there hunting him, just like Kain was hunting him. With all his senses he scanned the area, to catch the slightest breeze, the smallest drop of blood or hate and the tiniest of motions that Desmond could make. This was not a duel any more, but a game of hide and seek. Suddenly a twig broke behind him and Kain hurled the telekinetic bolt so fast it exploded on impact, but it wasn't Desmond that he stroke, but some jungle creature. With this foolish act he gave away his position, but before he could stop to cross him self, he jumped away, barely dodging the reaver. Now Desmond attacked with all his rage, forcing Kain to back away before him. The trees and bushes were turned into splinters by their battle, all the way of Kain's withdrawing.
Finally they've reached the river bank that stretched from the horizon to horizon. It was flowing trough a steep man-made bed of stone and was quite deep even on its edges. Kain couldn't back away any further. Desmond pinned him down between the reaver and the water. They were both beastly exhausted and at the edge of their strengths, but trough it, Desmond was smiling, and Kain was grudging. In that moment they stood like that frozen observing each other in silence, catching their breath, and than Desmond razed the reaver for this final blow. He didn't care about Kain's blood or what will happen next. All he wanted was to end his life once and for all. That was the one and only taught that fulfilled his entire being.
But just as the reaver flied trough the air, Kain clapped his palms and caught the blade between them in mid air. Now they were pushing each other using the reaver as a common stick, and than the blade jumped upwards and they both came face to face grabbing its hilt, constantly trying to rip it out of each others hands. Suddenly, Desmond bit Kain for his troth, forcing a sound of pain out of him, but as he moved sideways, Kain managed to bend pass him, ripping himself out of Desmond's jaws and letting him pass by and behind him. The reaver finally slipped out of Desmond's hands, and he flied straight into the dark water making a huge splash. He screamed and burned in the acidic liquid that begun boiling with the flames his body exploded with, and the soldiers, who at last caught up with them, now witnessed this spectacular death of their former lord.
Kain watched him shocked with grief as Desmond screamed and struggled in the burning abyss. His skin was pealing off his face and green flames erupted from every inch of his body stemming with a thick pool of white smoke :
" …Father… AAAAIIIiii… ! HELP ME ! "; Desmond managed to scream out
Kain suppressed his shock and calmly, but with an incredible wait in his words said :
" So be it !"
The reaver sliced across the water and an explosion of light erupted, making the men around jump away, and when it passed, the water was empty, with only a few green flames scattered over its now calm surface.
Kain observed the grave of his last son for a while, holding the flashing blade of the soul reaver in his red claw. He took a look at Adella who stepped closer next to him
" You are my one and only daughter. "; he said to her, and than, looking at the blade continued :" Just like he was my one and only son. My Raziel. I have fulfilled my promise. "
He placed the reaver on his back and looked at her :
" How did you know where to find me ?"
" The army keeps a good record of Grand-marshal's movements. "
Kain smiled and they turned away from the grim water. The men around suddenly aimed their weapons at both of them, resuming their formation as soon as General Leiman showed up.
" Well… "; the old soldier said :" I am not looking forward to explaining this to the high council… "; He than looked at Kain :" I don't suppose, you could come quietly ?"
" I fear, General, that the time for my departure has come. "
" You could stay… "; Adella started :" We don't have to hide any more. "
" No, my child. This world does not belong to those with lasting life. I'm too tired of its mortality and recklessness. For the likes of us, there will always be a place in legends… and a few nightmares. "
Adella again felt that unexplainable loyalty she held for him trough all their travels. She had no place to go now, but with him and it meant her mortal life was finally gone. But she wasn't sad. She was happy. It was a whole new world opened before her and she was excited to experience every taste of it. Kain smiled at her :
" Your ingenuity saved my life again. Clearly we have much to learn from each other. Shall we try again ?"
And she took him by the hand crossing to his side. He was her sire, her maker, and the only one she had now, and she knew he would never harm or lie to her and that he'll always be there to guide her trough everything. She was ready to experience the longevity. General Leiman crossed his arms behind his back and smiled :
" I guess, we could consider you a loose end in this meter… "; the soldiers lowered their weapons :" But we'll be keeping a watchful eye from now on, so don't you two try anything funny in the future. "
Kain slowly approached him with an examining look, curious about some things he wouldn't share with those present, but the General didn't show fear by his approach :
" I guess I was wrong… "; Kain said cunningly and offered him his hand
There was a great tension in the air as General slowly took it, but they've did nothing other than shaking hands. Kain continued :
" Humans can make the right choices… Occasionally. Ready, Adella ?"
" Good by, General. "; she waved to him :" And thank you for everything. "
The two vampires hugged each other and dispersed in a horde of bats that vanished in the night, and the humans swiftly went away in the woods.