Disclaimer: For over 2,000 years he has desperately sought his return to power. And now, before the entire world, his ascension will be witnessed so that all will know of the glory of his machinations. Klaus, the Master of Death, has finally returned. Enjoy folks!
Chapter Thirty Five- Ritual
Lucian continued pouring in a tremendous amount of energy, sparks of lightning arcing and shooting around the shield he encased himself and his brothers in as everyone looked on in awe. His eyes turned a deeper shade of crimson, his amber irises shining brightly as he let out another feral growl and roared at the top of his lungs causing the room to shake and rumble.
Vladimir slowly stood to his feet after helping Mariska as they both dusted themselves off. He stared, utterly amazed at Lucian's raw power.
"This is…this is unreal. I knew the Salvatore's were strong but I never knew this. He may even be stronger than Michael is" Vladimir said narrowing his eyes.
Lucian took one step forward.
"Ramone, you can take the one with the shades" he instructed as Ramone nodded and casually glanced at Rein whom stared back.
"Jason, you can take the other three. Jacob, I'll leave the blonde to you. No matter what, Klaus is mine. Let's go my brothers" Lucian said preparing to attack as his brothers readied themselves.
Just then Kazuya sprinted forward, towards the stage as Lucian's eyes widened. A few vampires charged only for them to be quickly knocked aside as Kazuya reached to his waist.
"Kazuya! No wait! Don't take Klaus all on your own!" Rosette called out, but it was in vain.
Kazuya jumped high into the air, pulling out his straight edged katana from his waist as he raised it above his head, preparing to strike Klaus. However his ploy would not work. Sage sprinted to the front, pulling out her right sword and swinging it once as a massive and vicious gale surrounded Klaus and the other members of LOD while simultaneously knocking Kazuya back as he now hovered over several feet.
Sucking his teeth, Kazuya grunted as he gripped his sword.
"Her too huh?" he said to himself. Sage smirked, pulling out her left blade and waving it once, a massive burst of electrical discharge erupted as it mixed with the gales, intending to both blow and shock Kazuya. Kazuya shouted once, disappearing in a swift motion as he landed back down to his original position, crouched low to the ground.
Taking a step forward, she pointed her blades at the group. "If a fight you want, then let's fight. Come, we'll show you why resistance is futile" she said. Tristan reached behind, pulling out his double bladed sword as the others likewise prepared for a fight.
Lucian's eyes narrowed. He cracked his neck twice as he rotated before clenching both fists.
"DON'T GET COCKY!" he shouted. Summoning frightening speed, Lucian charged forward like a projectile causing the ground to quake. His target; Klaus. Balling his right fist Lucian let it smash toward the masked LOD leader as an enormous explosion erupted, destroying the stage and bringing further damage to the hall.
"Klaus!" Victoria called as she landed to her feet several feet away. Suddenly, Jacob appeared inches from her face, a vicious and psychotic grin spread wide on his face as he bared his fangs and sneered.
"Hey sweet thing, your fight is with me now" he taunted and blew her a kiss before burying his knee into her gut as she toppled over, he then elbowed her hard across the jaw and sending her smashing into the wall with a great crash.
Instantly, the Salvatore's launched an all out assault. Ramone and Rein viciously battled as Rein dashed around using his already extreme speed, moving as quick blurs. To his and everyone else's surprise, Ramone was able to match and in many instances, outclass his speed.
Rein jumped back, charging lightning in his right palm as he sprinted forward. Ramone narrowed his eyes, jumping and flipping over and planting a kick in Rein's back, causing him to stumble. Rein spun around, collecting lightning around his fist as he let it sail towards Ramone's face. To his utter disbelief, the second eldest Salvatore brother merely caught his fist and helt it there, harmlessly.
"What?!" Rein growled as Ramone merely stared back.
"You will need to do much better" Ramone taunted and proceeded to plant a sharp side kick into Rein sending him crashing away.
Elsewhere, Jason seemed to be having the most amount of fun in regards to his fight.
"FINALLY! This is what I have been waiting for!" the middle Salvatore brother exclaimed excitedly. Jason was locked in fierce combat against Tristan, Drake and Sage respectively. Jason was surrounded by the trio, blocking and/or parrying their kicks and punches whilst avoiding being hit. A savage and psychotic grin formed on his face as he laughed wildly.
"COME ON! Is this the best LOD has to offer?!" Jason shouted. He blocked a kick from Drake and countered with a right hook to the face, spinning and ducking under Sage's sword swipes before kicking her to the side. Tristan jumped forward, spinning his double bladed sword rapidly overhead and bringing it down for a hard slash. Jason proceeded to raise his hand up as he caught the blade harmlessly causing Tristan to widen his eyes in shock. Jason planted an elbow into Tristan knocking him back as he growled and grew his nails to sharp claws.
Jacob folded his arms, his cap tucked down low as he watched as Victoria staggered to her feet. Grunting she growled viciously as she shook with anger.
"You…dirty DOG!" she shouted and sprinted forward to Jacob. The youngest Salvatore merely grinned as he slid his left foot back. Dropping into a low fighting stance he took his right palm, catching Victoria's fist as she threw a high round kick which he ducked and spun under. Jacob smirked as Victoria unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks, the two combatants moving about the room, colliding foot with fist in a vicious blur. Despite her fury, Jacob managed to parry and deflect each blow.
He caught her right fist and held the embrace, his eyes wandering down to her ample chest. With a seductive and lecherous smirk, he flicked his tongue at her and then blew her another kiss before cocking his own fist back and letting it sail as it sent her flying across the room and crashing into rows of chairs.
Lucian meanwhile stood to full height, clutching his fist tightly as he stared down at the massive impact he caused from his assault on Klaus. The only thing that remained was the tattered and torn black robes Klaus wore and his trademark mask.
"Since you managed to avoid my attack, I take it you are not as powerless as you have allowed these people to believe. Come, show me what strength remains Klaus" Lucian said without turning his back.
Vladimir, Integra, Rosette and Dexter turned to see Klaus slowly approaching the stage having avoided Lucian's attack.
His dark bronze colored hair was swept back messily and he had a blank and expressionless look to his face. He reached to his waist, pulling out a black sword handle which strangely, was not connected to a blade. Klaus concentrated as dark energy swirled around before forming a long beam of energy in the shape of a dark colored bastard sword.
"Lucian, come, let me put you in your place" Klaus said as Lucian again charged. Charging more power, Lucian's eyes again flashed blood red as his amber irises flashed. He held out his right arm, gold energy forming into a clawed forearm as the spectral outline of a great and powerful wolf towered over, rearing back and howling as Lucian and Klaus clashed in an explosion of colossal energy.
Rein and Ramone continued dueling with Rein summoning more lightning in his palms, firing massive bolts at his Salvatore opponent only for each one to be evaded skillfully. Pausing, Rein stood to full height, slowly adjusting his all black clothing as he ruffled hi jacket.
"Something wrong?" Ramone asked calmly cocking his brow. Rein responded by slowly reaching up, removing his sunglasses and exposing his chilling orange and red glowing eyes.
"It's time I being to approach this battle more serious" he said coolly. Rein sprinted forward with even greater speed than before, causing Ramone to go on the defense as the tides shifted. Ramone's eyes narrowed, concentrating as he parried each of Rein's attacks as the bounced about the hall.
Jason and Jacob stood back to back, fists up or in Jason's case, claws out as the two brothers were surrounded by their opponents.
"Hhhm, these pussies are tougher than I gave them credit for" Jason taunted as he smirked causing Jacob to chuckle. Tristan, Drake, Sage and Victoria began circling the two Salvatore brothers as they readied themselves.
Sage swung both swords before sprinting forward. Before she could make contact, a massive swarm of bats suddenly appeared, encircling the Salvatore's before spreading and knocking Sage and the others back as she held her swords at the ready. Then, a deep and booming sinister laughter filled the room.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA! Don't tell me this is all LOD has to offer. Come on, the real fun is only starting!"
Alucard then phased, taking shape among the mass of bats. The vampire count grinned maliciously as his red clothes flapped. Beside him, the smaller form of Seras appeared at her master's side, arms folded as her own crimson eyes flashed dangerous. They each pulled out their respective weapons and took aim.
Jason frowned, not too thrilled with the prospect of having his fight interrupted. Jacob prepared to interject when he saw a black shape flash past him. A brief scuffle ensued as it bounded away and landed nearest Vladimir and Mariska.
"Your late" Vladimir said smirking as Mariska chuckled. Michael, sword drawn in his hand stood to full height as he shrugged and grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry Boss, had the pack escorting people out. We've nearly evacuated the entire hall. Might as well join in the fun here" he said holding his sword steady as he bobbed forward.
The members of LOD looked around, noticing the other key power players were arriving. Nero and Dante appeared suddenly, guns and sword drawn as Nero lit up the Devil Bringer arm with a confidant smirk.
Seth appeared suddenly by Rosette's side, sword and shield drawn as he dropped to his trademark defensive posture. He winked at her before signaling to Sion. Sion teleported infront of the group and with a primal and savage shout initiated his transformation into his Restrained Devil Trigger state, wasting no time in confronting LOD. His long brown hair became rigid, stiff and spiky, growing just a few inches past his shoulder in a wild flowing form and was now colored jet black. Sion held out his left palm, speaking lowly.
"I'm not holding back, we end this tonight, Klaus" Sion said his voice deeper and more vicious.
Lastly, Anderson appeared amidst a vortex of Scripture pages as he laughed wildly.
"Come all ye who deny the Lord in Heaven. I will personally send you to him to face judgment in the eternal fire" the Paladin shouted as he pulled out scores of bayonets.
All eyes were then drawn to the stage as Lucian and Klaus landed to their feet. Klaus held out his unique sword lowly as Lucian raised his right fist, concentrating and pouring out more power and energy. The members of LOD then dashed with great speed to Klaus' side. The conflict was intensifying as everyone stared down Klaus and his minions.
"Just, stay still. It will only hurt for a little, I promise" Lucian growled lowly. Despite being drastically outnumbered, Klaus remained calm and began laughing as he swept a hand through his bronze colored hair.
"Ah Lucian, for all your power and talent, you were always incredibly short sighted. Behold" Klaus said snapping his fingers. One of the chests were open, as the Anima device floated out and into Klaus open palm. Holding it out, it pulsated once as it glowed brightly.
Lucian suddenly felt a sharp twang of intense pain shoot through his chest as he staggered, eyes widening. "What? What's happening?!" Lucian roared angrily as he collapsed to his knees, the bright golden aura of the wolf howling before slowly shrinking and dissipating. Instantly, his brothers were at his side as he again grunted.
"What the hell is Klaus doing?!" Jacob shouted as his fangs and claws grew.
Klaus held the device up and waved it once as Lucian was suddenly hoisted up in the air, to the horror of the group watching. Lucian's arms were stretched out as he dangled helplessly. Bright light formed around his ankles and wrists before a beam of energy bound them in a cuff hold as Klaus smirked.
"Did you honestly think that I would design a weapon as powerful as yourself without a way of controlling it? That special serum you were given was a fusion of various compounds, largely of ionized demon blood, of which I donated a rather generous portion. And being that the Anima are tied directly to my return to power, using it allows me to control you. You're mine, wolf, you always have been. Now stay there, like a good dog while your master carries out his plan" Klaus stated.
"You…bastard!" Jason shouted with tremendous rage. Gold light flashed before him as he initiated his own transformation. He sprinted forward, claws unleashed as he prepared to strike Klaus.
"My brother is no dog!" Jason screamed with terrible rage. Jason attacked Klaus with a mighty blow causing a large crash. When the dust cleared, Jason watched, much to his horror that Klaus had stopped his blow with a simple wave of his sword, sending Jason crashing back towards his brothers.
"Get him!" Michael shouted waving his sword once as several of the group charged forward to attack Klaus. Klaus waved the Anima once and immediately the same thing happened as with Lucian, each power player bound and restrained by the mysterious device.
"What the?!" Nero shouted as his wrists and ankles were bound and cuffed as he and Dante struggled to free themselves. Likewise, Alucard, Seras, Michael, Anderson and even Sion and Seth all fought in vain.
"Klaus! Stop this madness! What is you're trying to gain? Why are you so adamant on destroying the world and creating a new one?" Integra shouted angrily as Klaus slowly turned to her. Before he could answer everyone watched as a black shape leaped over, slowly descending above Klaus.
Kazuya's eyes were locked dead on Klaus, filled with tremendous rage and malice as he brought his sword down to strike Klaus.
The blow never came.
Kazuya's attack was halted just inches above Klaus' neck, whom didn't look the least concerned. With a small grunt he knocked Kazuya back with a tremendous burst of energy as Kazuya smacked hard against the wall. Klaus then dashed forward with a frightening burst of speed, jamming his sword straight through Kazuya's chest as he cried out and spat up copious amounts of blood to the shock and horror of everyone watching.
Kazuya continued fighting as Klaus jammed the sword deeper in, a look of disdain upon his face.
"Look at what you've become, look how far you have fallen Kazuya. Chasing around the men who killed your mother, judging sinners and law breakers and those that disdain and mock God, and for what? The restoration of your clan? And to think I actually believed at one point I could harness your rather, entertaining abilities. Be still boy, I have work to do" Klaus said stepping back. He waved his right hand as three large blades of red energy formed as they stabbed through Kazuya's chest and stomach.
"Klaus you bastard I swear I'll make you pay for what you did!" Kazuya swore and shouted angrily as Klaus merely chuckled and turned his back.
"To answer your question, Sir Integra. It's because this world is one full of lies. It is a sickly and decaying world, filled with malice and strife, filled with hatred, filled with sin and pestilence. This world has long since bereft itself of the right to exist. I am going to build a new world, a world where the only truth that exists will be what I make it to be. No more lies and deceit, no more hatred or suffering, pain or agony." Klaus explained gazing at each person before him.
"Fool, and you think that by turning every person in the world into mindless robots to do your bidding is creating peace? How misguided are you? That's not peace, that right there is the real lie! Without freedom there is no such thing as peace because it requires a choice to be made!" Rosette shouted balling up her fist.
Cocking his eyebrow, Klaus decided to challenge that notion.
"If what you say is true, my darling Rosette, then allow me to ask you something. If you believe what the Scriptures tell us, that God made man in his image, to be loved, cherished and valued above all of creation and that man in his freedom, chose rebellion against their creator then my question is this: Why would God design us to fail? Who instilled in us this ability to elevate ourselves higher than we truly are? Where did this notion come from?" Without waiting for an answer, Klaus continued.
"From sin, from evil, from free will? Therein lies the problem. With free will, all evil and chaos are born and yet without it, there is no good or evil, only nothingness. And it is to that nothingness I will take mankind, when I destroy this world to bring about a new age" Klaus said.
"We'll find a way to stop you. Even if you kill everyone here, humanity is not as weak as you make them to be." Dexter said strongly as Klaus chuckled.
Klaus snapped his fingers. Instantly, the hall was filled with scores of vampires as the fiends cocked their weapons and aimed them on the group who flinched.
Above them, Lucian continued struggling against the Anima's restrictions. He gave a loud and vicious roar of anger.
"Klaus! You will die by my hands!" he said as his fangs grew and his eyes flashed. Klaus ignored him, turning his attention back to the stage as the members of LOD gathered in a circle.
"Let us begin, my return, his return shall commence now" Klaus instructed as they each nodded.
Klaus stood in the center, encircled by all of his minions present. The massive sarcophagus containing his original body stood before him. Klaus raised both hands up slowly, holding each of the Anima. The artifacts glowed brightly and began flashing several times before pulsing violently. Klaus then tossed them in the air, where they continued pulsing and hovering over.
"First, the blood of 1,000 devils" Klaus commanded. Tristan stepped forward, removing a small vial from his pocket. Opening it and dumping the contents unto the floor he quickly used his finger and formed the symbol of LOD: An inverted Crucifix inside of a triangle with three horizontal lines across. Stepping back Tristan nodded as Klaus smirked.
The symbol began glowing bright red before a powerful beam of energy erupted, casting the room in an eerie afterglow as Klaus began chuckling. The Anima devices pulsated even stronger as Klaus shouted "Yes! It is beginning. Next!" he said taking a step forward and placing his hand on the coffin as it rumbled.
"With the blood of a thousand devils, the seals are removed. The first seal, the seal of judgment, release!"
The coffin rumbled as one of the side locks was released as it swung open.
"The second seal, the seal of mercy, release!"
The second side lock opened as Klaus continued. Kazuya began violently struggling to free himself. "I won't let him return to full power!" he said. With an inhuman shout he broke free of the swords impaling him, bleeding profusely from his terrible wounds as he fought through the pain. Kazuya prepared to attack when his arms and wrists were likewise restrained in the same manner as the others.
Klaus ignored all distractions, entirely focused on the ritual.
"The last seal, the seal which has bound me for thousands of years is now unlocked. The time has finally arrived" Klaus said as he placed his hand on the door and slowly began opening it. With the coffin now wide open a massive burst of wind burst from the confines of the sarcophagus causing some to shield their eyes.
With a terrible and mighty shout, Klaus spread forth his arms as white energy enveloped him as it blast from the coffin and surrounded him before lifting him into the air. The Anima devices began spinning rapidly around him. Slowly but surely, Klaus felt greater and greater power envelop and emanate from his body. It was the most awesome and magnificent sensation he had experienced in 2,000 long years.
Klaus' shouts and screams soon turned to maniacal and insane laughter as he raised his hands over his head.
"Yes! YES! All the power, all the might, it is mine! After millennia of hiding in the shadows, contemplating, groveling, it's mine, ALL MINE!" Klaus shouted with growing intensity. Everyone watched in horror as more and more light poured forth from the confines of the sarcophagus, surrounding Klaus. After what seemed like an eternity the ritual kicked in the final phased. Klaus gave another shout at the top of his lungs as his entire form was cast in a deep crimson with a black outline which cast an eerie glow. His body then shot forward back into the coffin as it slammed shut creating a massive explosion which brought further damage to the assembly hall as everyone was knocked to their feet.
From outside the UN, the streets and sidewalks were jam packed as police and military units evacuated the area and directed civilians to safety. The sky suddenly turned dark and overcast as the distant rumble of thunder could be heard, freezing the hundreds of citizens in their tracks as all eyes were drawn upward.
"The hell is happening?" Sergei asked as his brother shrugged his shoulders. The remainder of the pack assisted the military with quarantining the zone around the UN and clearing civilians out as they established roadblocks stretching dozens of city blocks. Kathy looked up, the sky continued darkening. She then noticed it was most concentrated over the General Assembly Hall.
And just as suddenly as it happened, the sky grew brighter as it returned to normal, slowly dissipating over the UN.
"I don't like this guys" Kathy said growing worried as everyone stared at the building.
Inside the assembly hall, the smoke and debris gradually cleared as everyone slowly recovered themselves. Shaking her head, Rosette's eyes darted to the stage.
"Where is he?!" she shouted. Lucian, now free from his bondage scanned the hall, trying to find any trace of Klaus.
On the stage, the sarcophagus slowly opened as bright light filled the entire room. Inside, a single figure slowly began to step out. It took several moments for everyone to focus before they could trace out details of this individual.
It was a male figure, completely naked and nude as his left foot gently stepped out followed by his right. He stepped out from within the coffin, rising to full height. Trace amounts of dust and smoke hovered around his groin, but despite his nude state he did not seem concerned. He began taking several steps forward, towards the members of LOD who had gathered before.
"He's…he's back" Victoria said in a faint whisper as she dropped to her knees, head bowed low as the others followed.
"Klaus, you've finally returned" she said tears forming.
Klaus, now returned to full power did not speak. His appearance was now drastically different. He retained the unusual color of his eyes; one electric green the other crimson red as each had a black iris. His dark bronze colored hair was now shoulder length with a short bang covering the right side of his face. He now sported a thin goatee and moustache. His body was toned and cut with deep rounded muscles forming over. Klaus stared at Victoria who quickly dropped her head back down in subservience. He then stared to the other members of LOD, to Dexter and the others and finally to Kazuya.
Klaus then slowly raised his hands up, gazing at them, closing and opening his fists several times.
Moments passed, it seemed like an eternity. And then, Klaus instantly broke out into vicious and sadistic laughter as he tossed his head back, his laughter echoing in the hall as he raised his hands up in victory.
"I'VE DONE IT! I'M FINALLY BACK! 2,000 YEARS AND IT'S HAPPENED! I'M BACK! I'M BACK! FOREVER HAIL KLAUS! HAHAHAHA!"
Klaus continued laughing and shouting praise for his return to power as the members of LOD grinned with pleasure at their masters return.
Meanwhile, Michael, Dante, Nero and the others recovered as they readied themselves to go on the offense. Michael held his sword low, eyes widened as he grit his teeth.
"Damn it, I don't have a good feeling about this!" he said preparing to strike. However he noticed as Nero sprinted forward, revving the Red Queen as he jumped into the air, aiming directly for Klaus and intending to slice him in two.
"Nero wait!" Dante shouted pulling out his twin pistols. It was too late as Nero connected his blade only to have it blocked by Klaus, barehanded as the young knight looked in horror. Klaus' eyes narrowed as he closed his hand over the blade.
Nero blinked and then felt hot pain flood his body as he was viciously slashed through his chest, stomach and legs several times, knocking him back as he coughed blood and crashed back down to the floor to the horror of everyone watching.
Lucian took the opportunity to again charge up his Power of the Bloodline, intending to finish what he began.
Klaus wasted no time, spreading his arms out as he screamed at the top of his lungs, releasing a tremendous buildup of power in the form of a single massive concussive shockwave, knocking several people back.
With the damage done Klaus ceased his attack, seeing the crumbling status of the hall.
"Come, we are leaving, we will release our forces into the city. No more cautiousness. My ascension to power is completely. We lay waste to Manhattan by this evening. By dawn, the world at large will know our glory. Come" Klaus commanded as he and his forces disappeared in a burst of red light.
Seconds later, Vladimir, Integra, Dexter and others began recovering from the attack. Sion kicked off a chunk of debris off Seth before rushing to help Rosette. "I'm fine Sion, really" she said reassuring him despite noticing the look on his face.
"Shit this is bad, he's getting ready to attack the city. We have to alert the proper channels and prepare for a counter strike" Vladimir said tossing his suit jacket off and removing his tie.
"But first, is Nero ok?" he asked concerned watching as Nero slowly propped himself up, bracing himself with the Red Queen. One eye half closed Nero shouted as his body was shroud in deep blue energy, his eyes turning blood red as he initiated his Devil Trigger, the spectral form hovering over as Nero's wounds began closing.
"Guess that answers that" Dexter said watching in awe.
"I'm fine. Let's find Klaus and end this, all this free will bullshit is beginning to piss me off" Nero said as his voice echoed and he began walking forward.
"Klaus…KLAUS!" Lucian shouted smashing his fist into the ground. "My brothers, let's go" he said as the Salvatore's all proceeded to exit what remained of the hall.
While the main group finally cleared the hall, outside the scene was about to drastically change.
Far away from the UN building, sitting atop the famed Chrysler building, Rashkor grinned as he clicked his teeth, tossing a small flute up and down.
"Finally eh? Well then I guess that was the signal. Time to party" he said. Rashkor took a deep breath and began blowing into the flute, a sweet melodic and seemingly benign tune carried out, drifting along the wind as it flowed into the air. To human ears it was inaudible, but to others it was quite distinct.
Back at the UN, just as the group stepped back into the outside world they froze. Seth perked up, "Do you all hear that? It sounds like…" he said trailing off. Alucard heard it, as did Seras, Dante, Nero, Michael and the Salvatore's. Even Anderson could pick it up, though not as clear as the others.
"What is it?" Integra asked unable to hear anything. "It sounds like, like a flute" Seras answered blinking.
Seth's face grew pale as his eyes widened. "Oh no, oh Jesus no" he said as everyone turned to him.
Just then, the sky grew dark, but not like previously. The sky turned dark blue, almost midnight blue as the rumbling of thunder could once again be heard. Across the city, several flashes of lightning began flashing as lightning suddenly began randomly strike all throughout.
In Times Square, a deep fissure opened up completely leveling the street as people panicked and began fleeing for their lives. The ground continued quaking as more fissures and chasms opened as bright red light beamed from underneath.
In midtown, several pillars of red light shone down from the sky spanning dozens of city blocks.
In the Financial District, people watched in horror at the masses of armored vehicles which suddenly began pouring into the streets. Each vehicle bore no insignia matching any known armed forces.
Across Manhattan, people working the numerous piers, docks and ports watched as massive ships began swarming into the bay.
"Oh dear Lord what is happening?" one man questioned watching as a ship pulled to a stop.
Lastly, a massive trench hole suddenly appeared in the center of 34th street near Penn Station, pulling into it dozens of people as well as vehicles such as buses, limos, taxis and large trucks. People began screaming, fleeing in sheer confusion and terror. Moments later, a hissing, booming and shrill echoing voice filled the air.
"FOR THE HOOORRRDDE!"
The Reaper Horde appeared suddenly all across the city. The armored devils wearing their trademark helmets and armed with massive flails and metal shields, laughing and chuckling as the poured out from the fissures and chasms spawned by the great quakes striking the city. Instantly, they began killing any in their path as helpless citizens were smashed, crushed and ripped apart.
Walking at the head was none other than Rogue, leader of the Reaper Horde as the behemoth hissed and raised his right fist, surrounded in a shield of his black crows.
"SSSEEEERVE KLAUSSSSS!" he shouted to his soldiers who hissed in response and continued their carnage.
The ships posted at all of the city's docks and piers released their exits as scores upon scores of vampires descended into the city. Armed with heavy assault rifles and other weaponry, they cocked their rifles and began killing, shooting and ripping through their human targets with ease.
All across the city, more horrors and nightmares were spawned as the forces of LOD unleashed a terrifying assault unto the city. Rashkor summoned some of his most deadly and ferocious beasts. Huge packs of Sires filled the streets, ripping and feeding at their lesisure.
The sky returned to normal color, but the rays of sunshine did not take away the horror that war had come to Manhattan.
Looking on in horror at the carnage in the distance, the main group stared in disbelief.
"You bastard…you unbelievable, merciless, vile sick BASTARD!" Rosette shouted as Dexter restrained her.
"Klaus this is a new low, even for you" Lucian said as his brothers flanked his side, narrowing their eyes.
"Let's go, we have to begin the fight. If Klaus wants a war then let's give him one!" Michael shouted sprinting forward as the others followed suit leaving behind Integra, Vladimir, Rosette, Dexter and the President.
The police and military began a massive counter strike, repelling the vampires and other horrors as best they could. The conflict had only begun for close to twenty minutes and yet bodies were dropping fast.
And overlooking all of his madness, was Klaus himself. The Master of Death was viewing the destruction at the Top of the Rock observatory deck, overseeing all of Manhattan. Behind him were the full members of LOD; Rein, Ryoga, Tristan, Victoria, Sage, Arthur, Aion, Drake, Krista, and even Theokoles as the Shadow of Hell held a malicious grin, pleased by the sight of violence and death.
Klaus was now fully dressed having returned to full power. He was wearing loose fitting black pants tucked into ankle high black and silver boots. He wore a sleeveless knee length black jacket and a black shirt underneath. He wore a belt with a metal buckle in the center, designed with the open mouth of an Oni demon with large horns over this. Wrapped around him was a long and flowing tattered and torn black cloak with a crimson red interior, held by a pin with the LOD insignia at his right shoulder.
"Send forth all forces, do not stop until the city surrenders and submits. Kill all in your path. This is the time we have waited for brethren. No hostages, no demands, no mercy. Just kill and strike fear into our enemies. Now go" Klaus commanded as his minions nodded and disappeared with a swift blurry motion. Only Theokoles remained behind.
"Something concerns you?" Klaus asked still not turning to face him. Theokoles' narrowed his eyes before saying "I want to see what you're really capable of, before I take all the fun that is" he said smirking as Klaus laughed.
Klaus held out his right hand, slowly closing it just as a massive explosion sent fire and smoke pluming into the air near Times Square.
End Chapter
Stay tuned! In the next chapter; our heroes strike back with a fearsome vengeance determined to protect the city and defeat Klaus. All of the preparation has led to this as old enemies and rivals become newfound allies and companions in the battle to destroy LOD. Thanks for reading!