(Surprise, guys. I know I've been inactive for a very long time. Life kind of took over my writing time. But, I took it back. This chapter is rather short, but I'm picking it back up. Enjoy!)
LEGACY OF KAIN: BLACK HEARTS
CHAPTER 15: MY SOUL REAVER
Raziel and Kali didn't speak for a long time. They just walked to reach their next destination. Kali let Raziel lead the way, as usual. Kali almost wished he would turn around and say something, or describe some ancient history. But the silent walk gave Kali some time to think.
Raziel wanted to rid Nosgoth of vampires. What stopped him from killing her as well? Their love? But how could one love a creature they claim to hate?
Raziel took this moment to think as well. Never did he believe that Kali would question his morals. Perhaps the years he was wasting away in the abyss had changed her.
Surely she didn't believe that Raziel hated her. Even though Kali is a vampire, she was different. She didn't constantly thirst for death, crave to kill, or pray for world damnation. Those were the qualities that Raziel hated about Kain.
But then there was the matter of Kain. What did Raziel see in him to prevent him from taking his life? Perhaps nothing. Raziel simply wanted to know the truth behind all of this. But will he ever get another chance like that?
As always, Raziel temporarily put these controversial questions behind him, and pressed forward. But, now that seemed more difficult than ever. His motivation, walking behind him, was obstructed by the question of whether or not their love is true.
Raziel never recalled the feeling of 'heartache' in his vampirical lifespan, but he figured this must be what it felt like. He didn't want to continue walking. His legs felt at the point of collapse, the rest of his body reaching an inexplicable fatigue.
But he pressed forward, now left with only one motivation: revenge. Kain was still out there, and Moebius was now on the hit list. He would pay dearly for his deception.
Raziel and Kali approached a familiar archway. The entrance to the Elder God's chamber sealed for hundreds of years since its last opening by Raziel's hands. The stone was aged far more, which seemed impossible. And the plant growth that used to somewhat conceal the ancient archway had completely withered away.
Raziel summoned the Reaver blade, and opened the door. As soon as the cold, ancient air touched their skin, Kali collapsed as she did before. Raziel picked up her limp body, and carried her through the labyrinth.
Raziel reached the chamber underneath the pillars, where multiple tentacles engulfed the room.
"Raziel," the familiar, yet annoying voice boomed, "the failed assassin."
Raziel laid Kali in the center of the room, then walked to the edge of the platform to meet his whiny 'master.'
"You had Kain at your mercy," the Elder God disdainfully pointed out, "but lacked the courage to fulfill the act. And now you see the wasteland wrought by the tyrant's hand, by his selfish decision to preserve his own life, even when it meant sacrificing the whole world. This is the fate of Nosgoth, as long as Kain remains alive."
"An ironic condemnation, given this guilty scene." Raziel retorted, "One would think you'd torn down the Pillars single-handedly. What are you trying to obliterate as you drag your loathsome body through this chamber? And why, as Nosgoth descends into madness and misery, do you appear to thrive? Things in this world, I am learning, are rarely what they seem. You, apparently, are no exception."
"I am the Engine of Life," the Elder God claimed angrily, "the source of Nosgoth's very existence. I am the hub of the Wheel, the origin of all Life, the devourer of Death!"
"Or maybe you're just hungry," Raziel interrupted, "could it be as simple as that? Wouldn't that be poetic irony? The great adversary of the vampires turns out to be the biggest parasite of them all."
"Do not test my patience, Raziel," The Elder God warned. "I made you, and I will unmake you if I become so inclined."
Raziel chuckled, "As your agent, I am beyond death."
"There are fates worse than death, Raziel."
"Oh, I see you now as you truly are. A cancer - a cowardly parasite burrowed deep in the heart of this world."
The Elder God scoffed. "Cowardly, you say?"
"Well let's face it," Raziel said. "You refuse to even let a half-vampire see your true form."
"I am utilizing the element of surprise," The Elder God claimed. "A skill you seem to lack knowledge of."
"Call it what you will," Raziel retorted. "You are hiding. You're afraid that once your true form is revealed, you won't be able to claim your false godliness."
"Go now," The Elder God ominously demanded. "Play out your pitiful rebellion, and take your place among the destroyed, the used and the damned. But know this... you are mine for eternity. You have always been, and will always be, my Soul Reaver..."
Raziel attempted the impossible mission of blocking out his voice. But the words 'Soul Reaver' rang in his mind more powerfully than ever. Everywhere that Raziel turned, he became another pawn. He couldn't seem to do anything without someone else's will involved. Could Kain have been right about free will being an illusion?
Raziel decided to push that thought aside. He needed to focus on what was going on right now. He turned to the center of the room where Kali was sprawled on the floor.
As he approached her, he was attacked with a terrifying thought. What would be the advantage of taking her with him? Her agility was handy, but no matter how fast she was, Raziel was faster. She physically slowed him down. And now, since she began questioning his morals, he was slowed mentally and physically.
But what alternative did Raziel have? If he left her here, she wouldn't wake again. But then he knew she would be alive. Could he leave her here for her safety?
No… What was he thinking? The Elder God is not to be trusted with her here. When Raziel looked at the tentacles, he was definite that Kali must come with him. At least… for now.
Raziel took Kali up into his arms, and made his way to the swamp outside the chamber. As they emerged, Kali stirred in Raziel's grasp. Neither of them spoke. Raziel placed Kali on her feet, and pressed onward.
Kali stood there for a moment, watching Raziel stride away from her. He has changed. And she was now realizing what his true transformation was. It was not just physical. His nature entirely changed.
They say when a vampire is risen, all that makes them human disappears. They become ruthless killing machines. Kali never thought much on this phrase. She saw vampires in their natural habitat. They were capable of caring as humans were. Raziel, and all of his fledglings, proved that to her again and again.
But here Raziel was, cold and emotionless. He became the dark creature that matched his new hunger. With every step he took, every action he made… Raziel frightened her. But she followed anyway. She didn't have a choice but to follow this soul-eater… this wraith. Kali didn't care much about the human left in him. She wanted his vampire back.