VR III: Darkness is Eternal

[Mordraken]

Magnus groaned. He pulled himself up, muscles torn and bones crushed. His brain rattled in his skull. He felt a sharp wince of pain in his left leg as he tried to stand on it. He then noticed a large shard of wood sticking out of his upper thigh. He yanked it out; it took a great amount of personal control for him to resist screaming out in pain at the starry night. He wished desperately to be something else; a were-creature, an elf, a hawk, a rat, he didn't care what, he just hated the hideous state he had become: a Vampire too weak to fight his own kind at night, and too weak to do much of anything during the daytime.
His own kind. That took on a new meaning, this night. Did he have any peers? The Vampires hated him, and rightly so; the humans will hate him, once they realize his true state. No. He is on his own, in a vast world that sits on the edge of succumbing to the darkness that has threatend it for so long. I suppose I thought I could have it both ways: the undying strength of the Dark Children and the warmth of the sun on my face as one of the Light. What a fool I've been. He looked down in shame at the barrel of human remains, now just another mess he has to clean up.
He then heard a voice in the back of his mind. Yes. You have been a fool. He turned around, and what he saw did shock him: a spirity, translucent, moonlight outline of his old sensei, Master Krigiri! Magnus's jaw dropped, then he dropped to one knee in a show of respect to his old master. Get up, Magnus. Master Krigiri's voice wasn't as it was in life; it was cold, scolding, contemptuous. Get up. I want you to look me in the eye, young man! Magnus did, with a look of confusion on his face. Are you going to keep lying with yourself, Magnus?
I---I don't...
You have been too overconfident in yourself, unjustifibly too! with all the hard training I gave you, you were always a straggler! You had to be shown everything three times before you got it right, and you forgot it immediately after!
Sensei...
You were always entranced with your books! I will give you one thing here tonight: you always did want it both ways! To be able to have all the fighting skills and have time to read your books as well! That is why you failed tonight!
But, but sensei, I...
Silence, damnit! I've giving you the last chance to redeem yourself I can give you! You wanted to become a great fighter and at the same time have access to our library, and I gave that to you. You wanted me to help you partially overcome your dependancy on blood and to be able to walk in the sun again! And you have it! I'm giving you one last wish, boy, and you get to choose one of two paths: that of the Fist, or that of the Book! Those are your choices! No half way, no bargins, NO GOING BACK! Now CHOOSE, Magnus Dreadweaver, and choose WISELY!
Magnus debated for a few moments. He couldn't think with his heart; his emotions could not get in his way. He had to let his intuition be his guide, and so, he shouted with utter confidence, BOOK, Master Krigiri! I choose the path of the Book.
Master Krigiri's face softened, as did his voice. Good. Wisdom is your domain, now. You still have your Vampiric tendancies, and strengths, but now you will devout yourself to the studies of the mind. Never stray from your Wisdom, as it is your mightiest weapon and shield. Go. Your friends need you now; guide them with your insight, so they may win against the darkness. That is your place in this War. The spirit outline shifted and dispersed into a shapeless cloud of silver light, and spread over Magnus's body, infusing his mind and body with a cool, soothing peace. The light died down, and he looked at his wounded leg; there was no more hole from the wood chunk! He smiled, silently thanking his master for his guidance. He shifted the pile of the barrel into the forest that was nearby, and hastened into the castle. For some unknown reason, he knew exactly where Noah and Talione were, and that they were in a standoff with...the skin-shifter! He increased his stride length, and then finally found the door. Talione stood steadfast outside the room, bow in full load, aiming at something in the room. Magnus decided to stay out of sight, lest he distract the two and let the Vampire get away.

[Valgoth]

Valgoth was furious! To think, a weakling mortal like the sniveling prince had dared to strike him! Little bastard! He had never expected the princeling to move that fast. The wound in his arm burned like all the fires of Hell, compared to which the pain of the arrow in his shoulder was nothing. Now the puling do-gooder prince and his pet vampire "hunter" were both here, waiting for him to make a move. Pulling himself upright out of his fighting crouch, Valgoth effected a aristocratic air. Well, this was unexpected! I thought that a prince would have at least some honor. Two against one? Is that honorable, is that noble? I think not!

Trying to buy time, Valgoth slowly reached up and pulled the arrow from his shoulder. Or he tried at least, for as soon as he started to pull, he could feel the barbs of the arrows head begin to tear the meat of his shoulder. You will pay for this bloodless! He screamed at Talione. Blurring into motion, Valgoth leapt from the window. The House of Dragonhand will fall! I will let you in on a little secret, puppy. Your own nobles hired me. If I were you, my fine princeling, I would watch my back!

Let him chew on that. Landing with something less than his usual grace, Valgoth raced into the town, hoping to lose himself amidst the darkened streets. I will feed, then report to my employer. Heh. Despite being wounded, I think this night went very well. Enjoy your evening Noah. Your pain is just begining! Laughing, Valgoth ran into the night.

[Mordraken]

Hearing that the Vampire left, Magnus stepped out of the shadows. He feigned being out of breath. I'm sorry I didn't get here a moment earlier, I would have helped you with your little Vampire problem. Talione, of course, is right on top of things. He stuck his hand out for Talione to shake it.

[Talione]

Seeing the skin-shifter jump from the window, Talione aproached carefully, mindful of how the creature had attacked Noah before. Seeing the retreating form, he quickly loosed his arrow. He couldn't be sure, but he thought he had scored another hit. Smiling a cold smile, the woodsman turned to Noah, his crimson eyes glittering. Madness clawed at his mind, screaming with a thousand razor edged voices. KILL IT! Remember your oath! Locking the voices of his dead back into the Darkness at the heart of his soul, Talione forced a concerned expression onto his face. Clear your mind. Focus! The creature got away this night, but we know it now. Reaching down, he dipped a finger into a small pool of the vampire's blood. Rubbing his finger against his thumb, he inhaled the scent. With its blood, we can track it. And a mage could perhaps ward the castle against it? Fear not High... Noah, we will catch this monster, and when we do, it will burn.

Turning back to the prince, he absently wiped the blood from his fingers. Any injuries besides your face? He ask Noah as Magnus entered. Nodding to the other hunter, he absently shook the monk's hand. If I had really been on top of things, the monster would be dust now. I can't believe I missed a shot from less than twenty feet! I must be more tired than I thought. Indeed, Talione could already feel the tremors he always suffered after battle, and the madness that came with it.

[Mordraken]

He waited until Talione had quit speaking to say, I'm glad to see you are willing to take on the responsibilities of being the Champion Vampire Hunter off my hands, Talione.

[*Kain*]

Any injuries besides your face? Noah touched his nose, a little blood stained his finger. Absent-mindedly Noah wiped his nose on his tattered shirt. He touched the scratch again, this time there wasn't so much blood. No, and aside from that, it was just a scratch. Magnus came in I'm sorry I didn't get here a moment earlier, I would have helped you with your little Vampire problem. Talione, of course, is right on top of things. Talione replied with If I had really been on top of things, the monster would be dust now. Noah looked over to the two, sheathing his blade. Talione, I must thank you, without you I might have been killed tonight. He looked to Magnus. And what happened to you? You look like you have been through hell and back. Magnus was about to speak up when a voice appeared from the corner. I happened to him, prince Noah. I must admit he put up quite a good figh... Noah recognized the voice and drew his blade immediatly. Scythe slightly flinched from the flash of light. At this moment Talione loosed another arrow. Scythe saw it coming and calmly stepped to the side. Well that is rude of you, treating your guest with weapons. Magnus, I applaud your performance earlier, well done. However my men won't be so foolish next time. You taught me a lesson, and I must thank you for it. Scythe turned to Talione, no more of your arrows today Talione, you cannot hit me. Another arrow flew, and Scythe calmly sttepped to the side. Tsk. Tsk. and you prince, don't even try to attack me prince unless you wish to die. Scythe turned his head to meet Magnus' gaze. A little tense Magnus, should I tell them your little secret?? I mean how else would you dispatch of 15 vampires eh? With that Scythe disappeared out the window. Noah sheathed his blade once again. Magnus what exactly was he getting at? Is there something I should know Dreadweaver? In the back of his mind Valgoth's words were pounding his brain. Was it True, did a noble really hire an assassin. It can't be. Noah took the thought and shoved it to the deepest recesses of his mind.

...

Scythe is a treacherous little bastard, oh well Valgoth should be arriving any moment.


Note: I edited the last part of this post to include Noah's reaction to Valgoth

[Mordraken]

Magnus looked down at his feet, and smiled. This was the first step towards truly purging his demons. He looked up, his eyes focused for the first time in what seemed like a millenia. I will tell you everything, but don't say anything until I am finished. He went on to tell a short synopsis of his past, and then, ended with a statement about his entire existence, as it is now, and his recent revelations. I knew Talione would pick up on the sublties eventually, but I didn't want to put all my cards on the table so soon. Yes. I was a Vampire. Now, I am a Daywalker. And soon, I will once again be a full-blooded human. That is why Talione will serve you as Champion Vampire Hunter rather than I; I must devote myself to the reclamation of my soul, as well as protect this castle in anyway I can. However... Magnus stepped forward, and kneeled before Noah. There is always another way to deal with Vampires. If you believe any of what I have said to be a lie, any of my past that seems as though I am unfit to be in your presence, then strike me down as you would another Vampire. I can either do good for you in life, or I can do good for you by dying. I throw myself on your mercy.

[*Kain*]

I knew Talione would pick up on the sublties eventually, Magnus kneeled before Noah. There is always another way to deal with Vampires. If you believe any of what I have said to be a lie, any of my past that seems as though I am unfit to be in your presence, then strike me down as you would another Vampire. I can either do good for you in life, or I can do good for you by dying. I throw myself on your mercy. Upon hearing this Noah grew with rage, he drew his weapon, the light from the blade once again illuminated the room. He hated the undead, and promised to destroy them, but Magnus had been aiding them. How could I destroy one who has helped me? I can't, it isn't right, if he is striving to be huma......... Noah sheathed his blade. Magnus, get up, you have been of more help then you know, you may be a vampire, but you strive to fix that problem. You have given me hope, and one other as well, I thank you friend. Now if both of you would excuse me. Noah went out into the hall and snatched the closest servant. Is something the matter sire, I heard a scuffle. Noah shook his head, no, it has been taken care of. Where is lady Nell's quarters? I need to speak with her. The servant gave Noah directions to the room. He followed them immediatley, giving the servant his thanks. Upon reaching the room he knocked softly, but loud enough for anyone inside to hear. Nell, it's me Noah, may I come in? He waited patiently for a reply from inside.

[Nell]

Nell had continued to sit infront of the fire for many minutes when she heard a noise outside her door. It seemed to be several people, running quickly. Then voices ... a woman's voice that was shocked and grief struck. Nell moved to the door and listened carefully. It was no good, she couldn't make out what was being said, so she slowly unlocked the door and pulled it slightly ajar. Outside were two servants, and they were speaking in urgent, low tones.

... and as I went to check on Her Highness, she was stone cold. There was no sign of life and ... oh it is too terrible.

What? The Princess Iris has been killed too? I can't believe it. This place is becoming a morgue. I am going to leave tomorrow. Better a peasant working in the fields than a dead man here...

Nell silently closed her door, locked it again and inhaling deeply, leaned against the solid oak panels. Another death and probably as was suspected, by poison. Something evil was stretching over them and seemed to be unstoppable. Trembling, she picked up her bow, tightened the string and then took it with the quiver of arrows over to the plain chair. She paused a moment, deciding where in the room would be the best vantage point to see the door clearly, but not leave her back exposed to the window. After finding a satisfactory position, she sat on the chair, holding the bow over her lap, an arrow ready to fire. She would not sleep tonight.

When a knock came at the door, she hesitated a moment, then on hearing Noah's voice, swiftly moved to unlock it. Standing back, she raised her bow in readiness, fearful of this being a trick, then called out "Come in."

[*Kain*]

Come in. Noah opened the door slowly. Once Nell saw him she lowered her bow a bit. Noah saw the bow, It's alright, I'm no vampire. Noah shut the door behind him, went over and took a seat in one of the chairs. I have good news, and some disturbing news, about tonights events. Which do you want first? Noah asked as he motioned for her to take a seat on the edge of the bed.

...

So Dreadweaver gave the news himself. I'm suprised Noah didn't take his head clean off, maybe the kid is starting to grow up.

...

Scythe made his way back, along the way he saw a silouhette darting through the trees. He changed his pace and moved in a path that set him in front of the moving shadow. He stopped and turned around. Why in such a hurry? He said to the oncoming figure. It was Valgoth, obviously making his retreat.

[Nell]

She was relieved to see that it was Noah, and Noah alone. Relaxing she sat where the young prince indicated and listened. Good news and bad news? She sighed and looked into his eyes, sympathy flowing for his situation.

Well, I know some of the bad news already. I heard servants tell about your sister. I am so sorry for your loss. Was it .. was it poison?

She could not imagine how he was coping with another death in his family. She wondered how close he had been to his sisters. But then, she had found a way to cope with the loss of her father. Shutting down her emotions in that direction might not be the most healthy reaction, but this was not a time to mourn.

Nell also fought with her conscience regarding the vision she had experienced earlier. Should she tell Noah of what she had seen? Would he want to know that Astrail was going to fall into darkness at this moment?

[*Kain*]

Noah had managed to put the pain in the deepest recesses of his mind. The floodgates were trying to open after Nell spoke. Well, I know some of the bad news already. I heard servants tell about your sister. I am so sorry for your loss. Was it .. was it poison? Noah held his emotions back. He got up and walked over by the window peering out into the darkness. Had I been a few moments earlier, it would not have happened. First Rachel, and now Iris. The undead took them both, and my father. It seems as if everything is falling to death around here. His voice became shaky as he talked about his family. It seemed they were out just to put him through misery, then Valgoth's words ran through his head. Enjoy your evening Noah. Your pain is just begining! Noah turned his gaze to the floor. Who am I fooling, I can barely protect myself, if it wasn't for Talione, I....I might be dead as well. How am I to protect a kingdom? Noah was lost, he had never looked to anyone for help, but now when he wants to he doesn't know where to.

[Nell]

Nell felt her shoulders sink as she watched Noah walk to the window. She had been callous in her judgement of the young prince before, allowing her dislike of nobility cloud her mind and blind her to the fact that they suffered as much as the commom folk. Noah was taking a mental and physically beating from the misfortune of his family and she had so far made no attempt to understand his pain.

She rose from the bed and approached the young man. Tentatively she reached out and put her hand on his shoulder.

I know, it feels like any power you have to help has been swept away. But you cannot give up. You cannot lose heart. The people of Astrail will look to you to lead them. Find your strength and you will find a way.

Her voice dropped low and the sympathy she felt flowed through her words.
Talione saved you and there is one place in which you can have confidence. Magnus seems strong and fearless. You are not without allies. I know that there is little I can offer practically, but I am willing to train and do what I am able to. Take comfort in this. Let us help you. I know that the future looks bleak ... I have seen some of it. But hope and spirit can overcome.

[*Kain*]

...But hope and spirit can overcome. Her words gave him hope. That was the answer, he couldn't do it alone, he needed help. That help would come in many forms, namely through Nell, Talione, and Magnus. He looked to Nell, a small gleam sparked in his eyes. Thank you Nell, you have helped me come to peace with myself for now. I won't give up...I can't, if I gave up others might lose hope. The fight must go on, although the price for victory has already become heavy, you're right, there is still hope. There was a short silence afterward, then the gleam in Noah's eye went away. Magnus, fearless, it is because he too is a vampire. Nell looked confused. He has regained some of his humanity, see there is hope for your father Nell. Magnus has the answer.. There followed another silence, as what Noah just said was registering in Nell's mind. Noah's jawline tightened once he started thinking about Magnus again. He didn't like the fact that he was working with one of them, but Magnus had only gave his help thus far. Noah became confused, anger and hapiness stirred together within him.

[Nell]

...because he too is a vampire...

Her cheeks grew pale as this registered in her mind. ...he too is a ...vampire The words reverberated around her brain as it tried to understand the implications. ...a vampire...

This ... this cannot be. How had he managed to conceal it? As she felt waves of anger and disgust rise within, she struggled to speak. A vampire? A monster, helping us? She shook her head and backed away. Her breath became laboured as she fought for control. And you trust this demon? This devil? You allowed him to continue amongst us? He could turn against us at any time, he could kill us as we slept. By the gods, how do you know that he isn't to blame for what has happened so far?

She was shaking as she stood before the fireplace, her eyes staring at the flames that flickered in a slow dance. As for my father .. no, I have lost him. I am resigned to it. If we meet again, I would do my utmost to end his existance. There is no cure. I don't believe it.

[*Kain*]

...There is no cure. I don't believe it. Noah looked to the ground again. I don't know what to think, he obviously kept those vampires at bay, at a heavy cost to, he was battered to the point no human could stand. What if he did turn on us? Noah walked over to Nell, No do not make the same mistake I did, I killed my own father, I regret that more than anything! Your father needs help, if anything give him a chance not because he is your father, but because he deserves to be human. As for Mordraken, I don't completely trust him, in fact I would rather do away with him. I hate his kind, but I held back. Everyone deserves a chance don't you think? Realizing he was raising his voice he lowered his tone, and spoke softly, If this land is to have any hope, it needs all the help it can get. Noah couldn't beleive he just said that. Any help? Even from vampires? Mordraken maybe recovering his humanity, but he still needs to feed. What if the hunger gets to him?

[Mordraken]

Magnus had been standing next to the door, waiting for Noah to finish his business with Nell, the citizen girl who had found refuge in the castle. Noah was trying to explain about Magnus's true self, but Nell would have none of it. She called him a "monster" and a "devil". He sighed, and knocked on Nell's door. It's sad you don't understand, miss. He solemnly walked down the stairs to the Library, and searched the bookcases for anything he could find about his chosen path. He wasn't sad, he just took her harsh words as a challenge to prove her wrong. And he made a solemn vow to do so.

[Nell]

EDIT: posted just after Mord so the edit is to include a response.

She couldn't reply to his words about her father. Her mind was too confused on that point. If there was a way for vampires to become human - well she would need proof. She would not put her faith in such a notion until then. Magnus might be recovering his humanity but he was still a vampire. Better to accept her father was lost than the alternative.

She almost jumped out of skin as Magnus entered the room and spoke. She listened to his words with distaste and revulsion on her face and did not lower herself to answer him. Instead she waited in silence for the vampire to leave.

Nell looked at Noah, seeing his own struggle with accepting Magnus. He is right in that I don't understand. And if you don't trust him, then that is something. Yes, we all deserve a chance, any person does. But he is a vampire. And the centuries that this land has endured in battle with them, well ... as far as I am concerned the only good vampire is a destroyed one. I am sorry but that is how I feel.

She paused, not sure how to continue. Not sure how they were all to continue. Eventually she sighed. However ... if you wish to accept his help, then that is your decision and I will follow what you say. But don't expect me to like it. And don't expect me to do any more that is necessary in regards to working with him. All I know is that I won't be able to sleep easy knowing he is near.

She turned to face Noah, her chin held high, her breathing controlled. But I have something to tell you, something that you may not wish to hear ...

Slowly but calmly she told Noah of the vision of the fall of Astrail, omitting reference to the crucified figure of Talione. As she ended, she faltered slightly. I do not know how much faith I put into this vision. It is one view of the future. Whether it is the only one, I do not know.

[*Kain*]

Noah sat down, and thought long and hard on what Nell had said, about the fall of Astrail, and Talione crucified. The thought did not sit well with him.You say that is only a possibility, if that is the truth then we should be sure not to let it end like that, right? He had already thought of the future, and even though he was stilling hoping it all turned out for the better, he realized unless something happened. Unless they did something, the city would fall. He looked back to Nell after a few moments. Rest assured lady Nell, I will not sleep well at all. Magnus may be recovering, but he is still a vampire, and my sisters death weigh heavy on my soul. Noah spoke softer as he mentioned his sisters again. as for your father.. Being more mindful of his tongue now, he realized that it was not his place to tell her what to do about personal vendettas he shut up.I'm sorry, I'll let you handle that.

[Nell]

The events of the day were beginning to catch up with the young woman. She nodded at Noah's comment on leaving the decision of what to do about her father to her. When she spoke again, her voice was softer and resigned.

I am sorry. I'm finding it hard to ... digest what has happened today. It is fear that is driving me now, that seems to control what I say. And you have been so kind in letting me stay here. And all I do to repay you is rant and sound like an ungrateful wretch. I hope tomorrow I am more ... level headed and more useful.

She held her trembling hands out to Noah to offer her thanks and demonstrate her willingness to follow his lead. Tears were in her eyes but she dipped her head to let locks of her hair cover her face.

[*Kain*]

... level headed and more useful. She held out her hands, Noah took them in his, and moved a little closer, taking his hand and pulling her hair back behind her ear, as to see her face.It is understandable, I apologize for expecting you to help in the search, it was foolish of me to send you out against a vampire...letting you stay here is the least I can do. After that it was silence. Noah too was in pain, all of the day's events started to play through his head, and he tried to hold back. One singal tear made it's way down his cheek and feel to the floor. It seemed to slow time down as it fell. That short moment felt like forever, and then it hit the floor, breaking the silence.

[Valgoth]

Why in such a hurry? Though startled by the sudden appearance of the strange vampire, Valgoth calmly came to a stop. Why do you ask? Surely 'tis none of your business where I go or what I do. The wounds he had taken still ached, but had healed a little after the quick meal he had taken. Hmm. This one is stronger than me. Especially wounded. Dammit! I appologize for my rudeness, but I have a very important meeting to get too. My employer can be very impatient, so if you will excuse me? The Valgoth was running again. Time to collect my payment! Laughing softly, he looked back to see if the other vampire were following him.

[*Kain*]

Scythe was approached by the vampire, and then ditched. Scythe decided to follow, and knowing that he could not do so without being noticed so he pulled up next to the vamp. Mind if I come along, I noticed the snottling prince hit you with that sword of his stings don't it. Not many of the undead can survive such a blow. Impressive. He ran along side the skin-shifter waiting for a reply. Keeping at a safe distance, just in case the vamp tried something.

[Valgoth]

Valgoth smiled slightly as the stranger pulled beside him, but kept his distance. Indeed. The infernal weapon does burn a little, but doesn't seem to live up to its reputation. My employer warned me that its touch was death for our kind. Old relics, old legends. Laughing, Valgoth edged closer to his companion. So, what is it you wanted to talk about, hmm? Since it seems obvious you are going to follow me, we might as well make small talk. My name is Valgoth, and I killed Princess Iris tonight. And you would be?

[*Kain*]

The infernal weapon does burn a little, but doesn't seem to live up to its reputation...and I killed Princess Iris tonight. And you would be?Scythe stopped Valgoth for a moment. The weapon kills most vampires, I myself was scarred 100 years ago. There is a problem with surviving the blow, you cannot regenerate as fast, my scar was a deathblow I barely survived. So I had to find other ways to heal myself. It will leave a permanent mark. Killed the princess tonight eh? Good job, my men killed the eldest last night. I am Scythe, sub-commander of the Baal region Vampires. Well met Valgoth. I will be watching you. As quickly as Scythe came he was gone.