Chapter Text
Gehenna was a distant memory at this point. The year was 21 of the Seventh Age! I was returning home after 20 years of introspection! I was reminded of my brother Saulot and how he went East to study Golconda! On my way home, I encountered a member of the werewolf tribe of the Gangrel! They acted as my home's spiritual protectors and looked annoyed by my appearance.
“Why are you here, Human…This area is haunted…”
“Oh! I can help!”
“I doubt you could…Come here…”
My Celerity activated and I dodged his attempt to grab me. He looked confused and I activated my Auspex. Now…Where is the spirit they were talking about…I looked around and saw it was hiding behind a tree, waiting to get the jump on us! I snapped my fingers as the tree coiled around the spirit! The spirit gnawed and slashed at the tree but it was for naught. The Gangrel looked at me.
“Who are you…?”
“Oh, my apologies! This hood has a problem with concealing my identity!”
I took off my hood and the Gangrel’s eyes went wide.
“My apologies, Arikel the Blossom!”
The Gangrel bowed before me!
“You don't have to bow for little old me!”
I laughed. The Gangrel dealt with the spirit while I continued to Ba’hara, my home! Unlike the grandiosity of the Second City, Ba’hara was composed of tents and yurts. I wish we could've built proper buildings, but due to the Triat being rebalanced, most modern constructions are no longer possible, which is a shame! From what I saw of contemporary cities, they were beautiful! At the center of Ba’hara was a massive tree and it was currently guarded by the children of Lamia! I walked by the tree and I felt a rumbling. I saw an enormous figure clad in green robes emerge from the ground.
“Ahhh…Arikel…My sister…It's good to see you!”
“It's good to see you, Ennoia!
The Lamiae guards ran off, probably to inform Lilith and Lamia of Ennoia’s and my reappearance. Ennoia let out a sigh. She still isn't a big fan of her mom...
“Now…I assume you're looking for our siblings?”
“Mhm! Do you have any idea where they're at?”
Ennoia let out a giggle.
“Arikel…I'm Gaia now…I'm kind of an all-seeing God now…”
“This is true!”
I let out a laugh as Ennoia guided me through Ba’hara. I thought about how Ennoia fused with Gaia. Ennoia may have been an Antediluvian, but Gaia was still an all-powerful Celestine spirit even at her weakest state! I like to think that Ennoia made a deal with Gaia and they combined instead of the more likely story that Ennoia ate Gaia and then Gaia dominated her soul, suppressing or destroying it. Maybe the figure before me just thinks she's Ennoia? Another mystery for later! Ennoia then turned to me.
“Ah yes…Can you cover your eyes and not use Auspex?”
I did as I was told! At this point, we were outside of Ba’hara. Ennoia was giggling about something and eventually, we stopped moving. I heard a werewolf howl.
“REINTRODUCING ARIKEL THE BLOSSOM, PROGENITOR OF THE CLAN DAEVA TO HER CONTEMPORARIES!”
Clan Daeva? I'll admit, I haven't been up to date on my clan since I went off to achieve Golconda…I'll have to visit them later!
“HAIL, TROILE THE YOUNGER, MOLOCH THE BRILLIANT, AND GORATRIX THE ANARCH!”
I opened my eyes and saw all three of them! They were sitting in chairs. They had stern looks on their faces and looked quite intimidating! Luckily, except for Goratrix, I knew these people! I bowed to them.
“Oh Troile, oh Troile, I am but a humble traveller! I have gone to the East like the ancient Saulot the Healer and learned the secrets of Golconda!”
Troile put a hand on their chin.
“... Y'know I'm thinking that Lambach was right. This WAS a dumb idea.”
Moloch leaned over and patted Troile on the back.
“But it made a good first impression!”
“Hmmm…True!”
Troile jumped from their seat and hugged me. Moloch, Goratrix and Ennoia soon joined the hug. Ahh…This was great. Troile stepped away from the hug.
“Heya, sis! I'm glad you learned Golconda! Haqim would be proud!”
“Where is Haqim, anyway?”
“Oh, he's off meeting with Clan Hecata in the Underworld! Nergal is stirring something up…”
Moloch sighed.
“I thought when he ran off during the battle against Tzimisce he would've turned his life around…Guess I should've known my brother a bit better…”
Troile hugged Moloch. Goratrix almost went in for a hug but hesitated. Interesting…I decided to speak up.
“Hey, Goratrix! My brother has a message for you!”
Goratrix looked confused.
“Lasombra?”
“No, I mean my ACTUAL BLOOD RELATED Brother.”
“Oh. Didn't he ascend or something?”
“Yes, but he told me before he ascended. Also, this is private, so I sadly can't tell you, Troile OR Moloch.”
“Understood!”
Troile did a salute before picking up Moloch and running off. Me and Goratrix went to the local bar. Ennoia decided to follow us and waited outside. She must've missed her dear old sister! Me and Goratrix sat down in the bar. We ordered some drinks! He got blood and I got wine.
“So…Goratrix. We haven't talked before! Tell me some of your accomplishments!”
Goratrix instantly brightened up at the idea of talking about how cool he was.
“Ah! Well, where to start? I'm the Architect of Ceoris, master of Cainite Sorcery, creator of the Gargoyles, one of the leading Anarchs in the Revolt, and leader of all Tremere Antitribu!”
“Ah! Quite the list! Those last two things must be why Troile likes you!”
“Yeah! However, all those accomplishments come with some hefty failures…Like using Cainite Sorcery to become immortal…”
Goratrix got quiet before shaking his head.
“What did your brother want…?”
“He told me to help you with your relationship issues!”
“Wait, really?”
“Mhm! He told me what happened to you and…I'm sorry.”
“Eh…No need to apologize! I'm doing a lot better now!”
“That's good…Do you have a crush on Moloch?”
“NO! WHAT WOULD GIVE YOU THAT IMPRESSION???”
I took a sip of my wine. I still haven't gotten used to eating and drinking things that aren't blood!
“...Okay, I might. Wouldn't you?”
“Well, I did love his sister!”
“Moloch has a sister?”
“HAD a sister. Let's focus on Moloch for now.”
“Yes, I have a crush on Moloch but he's dating Troile! I'm afraid that it will end our friendship if I even SUGGEST talking about it!”
“Hmmm…Quite the conundrum. I may not know Moloch well, but I know my sibling quite well! Talk to Troile about it!”
“What if I tick them off? Troile could EASILY kill me!”
“Just don't tell them what to do and don't mention anything about harming Moloch. Plus, if you mention that Ventru would've hated the idea of having multiple lovers…”
“Oh…Can you help me out?”
“Of course I can!”
Goratrix downed his blood and left. I brought the wine with me. Goratrix talked to Troile about his crush. I decided not to get involved in the actual conversation. I'm simply here to provide Goratrix with the support he needs! It went well! Goratrix even told his feelings to Moloch directly! It was fun all around! All three of them hugged me. They all told me their thanks before I told them I had to visit someone else here. I would love to check on them again!
My next stop was the local medical yurt. I saw several Salubri healing people but I was after a man with black claws. Not THE Tzimisce, but A Tzimisce, the last of his kind, Lambach! He finished up a patient and sent them on their way. That's when I ran up to him!
“Lambach!”
Lambach looked surprised but he quickly steeled himself.
“Ah. Hello, Arikel.”
“How are you?”
He shrugged.
“Fine, I guess? I became a Doctor. That's about it!”
“Ah, lovely!”
“What brings you here? You've been gone for a while now.”
“Well, I'm collecting history! I plan on going across the great wheel of Kindred communities! I also plan to help people deal with their issues!”
“Ah, I see. Well as Tzimisce's Chronicler…”
Lambach said that with venom.
“...I can probably tell you something.”
“Oh, if you don't want to then you don't have to!”
“Listen, I've tried to tell people about Tzimisce being around for all my unlife. I was ignored and they called me CRAZY. It wasn't until the VERY END of the Clan did anyone believe me and even then they ignored my warnings about him wanting to diablerize us. I've had time to come to terms with what happened during Gehenna and…”
Lambach paused for a moment. He was searching for the right words to make his point clear.
“It's the least I can do, for everything you've done.”
Lambach would describe everything he knew about Tzimisce, the Clan, the Anarch Revolt, the Sabbat, and its end by its Progenitor before the battle of Gehenna. I internalized all of it! Lambach seemed a lot calmer after explaining all of it.
“...Along with being the last Tzimisce, I also got our Progenitor’s claws…I hear him sometimes in my sleep. The Salubri tell me it's just trauma but…I know he can return through me.”
I put a hand on his shoulder.
“Do not worry, I know a way out. It's called Golconda and the first step is learning its name!”
“I’ve only heard of it from the Salubri…They said they lost the knowledge!”
“Both Saulot and Mokur taught me! Plus, and I know this sounds SO CLICHE AND DUMB but…Anyone can achieve it if they put their mind to it!”
Lambach put a hand on his chin.
“...You'll have to teach me later! Thank you for this opportunity!”
I smiled before I began walking off. Lambach waved at me as I left. Ennoia appeared next to me.
“Lilith wants to see you…”
“You don't sound excited, Ennoia!”
Ennoia grumbled as she dragged me over to her mother and Lamia. Lilith hugged me.
“Arikel! It's been too long! How are you? Has Caine returned?”
“It's nice to see you too, Lilith! I'm fine! I haven't seen Caine though…I was hoping you'd know where he was at!”
“I have no clue! I have the Gangrel and the Lamiae searching for him.”
Ennoia grumbled again and Lilith sighed.
“Caine didn't appear during the entirety of the Sixth Age and it has me worried…”
“Well, I'll be wandering around! I'll tell you if I see him!”
“Thank you, Arikel! Where are you going next?”
“Hmmm…Probably towards the Malkav Commune, then Lukhet, then Stygae…”
“Hm! Quite the list! If you need anything from us, just call upon Ennoia’s name.”
“Thank you! Do you need anything, Lilith?”
“If you see Caine tell him that I'm going to kill him.”
“Will do! What about you Lamia? You haven't said anything!”
“I'm fine. I have achieved everything I ever wanted in unlife.”
“Serving Lilith…?”
“YES! IT'S THE BEST! I CAN'T WAIT TO HELP HER MURDER THE FIRST MURDERER!”
“Neat!”
I waved Lilith and Lamia goodbye. Ennoia soon bowed to me and disappeared. I would soon leave Ba’hara and go towards the Commune. They were mainly composed of the newly liberated Malkavians! Though, I didn't expect to see any Malkavians from Gehenna. It's weird to think about that since I've been immortal for so long…
Eventually, I laid down to rest. It had been a long night! I should've probably gotten some food…No matter, I'll be fine! I began to dream. I was in darkness. I felt around in my surroundings before pushing off the lid of my tomb. I stood up and…Oh, this dream. I heard someone burst out of their coffin.
“HELLOOOOOO WORLD! NERGAL OF THE BAALI IS BACK IN ACTION!”
I looked around. Where was she…Then I saw her, No-One! I ran up and hugged her, crying.
“Shhh, Arikel. It's okay. We're awake now.”
Nergal looked around.
“We were in Old Enoch when we fell asleep…NO MATTER! We shall head for civilization before daybreak!”
I raised my head meekly.
“I can use my Celerity…!”
“GOOD! First…”
Nergal walked over to the fourth coffin with the unnatural presence before kicking it open.
“YOU! WRAITH! OUT!”
The spirit floated up and…Cappadocius? Why was he here? Cappadocius looked around before looking at us.
“Where is Laza-Omri-Baras…?”
Nergal just kept shouting and shooing him away. Cappadocius looked more confused than ever before he looked at me directly.
“Arikel, do you know where my son is..?”
“Wait, is Laza your son!?”
“Yes! I need to get to him immediately!”
No-One stepped in front of me.
“Please head West. You'll find your answer there.”
Cappadocius bowed.
“Thank you!”
He floated off. No-One immediately turned to me.
“I have no idea if his answer lies West, I just guessed.”
“Oh! Shouldn't we help him…?”
“No. We have to find civilization, then a local Cainite authority, then we learn what has happened in the last couple of millennia.”
“Oh, okay!”
I was so happy at this moment! I was going to save the world with the love of my life! No-One and Nergal whispered something to each other before No-One turned to me.
“Me and Nergal are both hungry. Do you mind if we slake our hunger?”
“Oh, I don't mind!”
No-One walked up to me and hugged me close. She sank her teeth into my neck. It was fine for a moment! Everyone needs to eat! I slowly realized she was draining more blood than she needed. I squirmed a bit, trying to signify that she could stop now! But she didn't! She held onto me tightly and I heard Nergal laughing.
“THE BLOOD OF THE ANTEDILUVIANS IS OURS! NOW WE CAN TAKE OUR REVENGE ON SAULOT! NO-ONE, ASCEND!”
I felt my heart sink. Had our entire relationship been a lie? I used my Celerity to push No-One off of me.
“Haha! Wow! Hilarious prank guys! We should really-”
No-One spoke.
“Prank? No.”
She stood up and walked towards me. I walked backwards.
“I've enjoyed our time together, Arikel, but now it's time I diablerize you and save the world.”
I felt tears streaming down my face at this point.
“Oh! Like a noble sacrifice! Well…You could've asked! We're lovers and…I love you! You love me too, right…?”
No-One stopped.
“Oh, Arikel. I've NEVER loved you. You and your ilk have destroyed my way of life, turned my brother against me, trapped the other one in Enoch, and I've wasted CENTURIES tending to you. I HATE YOU and I can't STAND lying about it ANYMORE!”
I remember how I felt at that moment. Betrayed, angry, and sad. Everything was a blur, I remember fighting both of them. I devoured No-One and Nergal ran off towards…Something. Then I was alone! I had…No one. I woke up soon afterwards and wiped my eyes. God, I hated that dream…I've recovered since then! It doesn't hurt as it used to, but I loved her, y'know? I activated my Auspex to see where the Commune was. It was just ahead! The last time I had seen the Commune was during the Sabbat War…Haqim defended the Malkavians from the Lasombra! I was excited to meet the descendants of those Malkavians! It had been a long time…As I approached the Commune, I heard singing and music! I was soon greeted by the leader.
“Ah, hello Arikel the Blossom! My name is Julius Parr!”
“Hello, Julius! I'm glad to see the Commune still exists, my brother would be so proud!”
“You honour us! Me and my family have been preserving our way of life for CENTURIES now! With that said…Why are you here?”
“I’m collecting history! Since I'm mortal again, I want to record everything I can before I reach my Final Death!”
“Ah…I see! Might you be able to tell us the history of Gehenna? We-”
“YES! FOLLOW ME!”
I ran off to the center of the Commune. There was a bell and I rang it. Soon all the Communefolk came forth as Julius explained what would be happening today! I used my new discipline to animate the clay in the ground, making at least a hundred clay figurines instantly! The Clay figurines moved by themselves and with a few hand motions I would direct them myself!
“Now…Are you all familiar with the battle against Tzimisce?”
All of the Communefolk raised their hands.
“Excellent! During the battle, the Shapeshifters of Gaia banded together to free the Wyrm, bringing the Triat back to its natural order! This new paradigm caused a lot of IMMEDIATE changes. Most Mages, who had made up most of the human population at that point, ascended immediately. This has led to Supernaturals taking over the world! I wonder where all the ascended go…The Underworld became easier to access, all you have to do is go to places of great death! Like New York!”
I chuckled before sitting down.
“But that history is for another day. It is time for your KINDRED history lesson! Now, after the battle with Tzimisce, another evil arose, the Sabbat!”
One of the Clay figurines was shaped like Gratiano with a sword. Gratiano would soon command 70 of the figures to attack the remaining 30.
“A lot of people joined the Sabbat! It wasn’t just Kindred, it was anyone who wanted revenge on the Antediluvians! Mostly it was revenge on my brother, Lasombra. He would soon disappear, with wild tales about him dying! We probably would've died if it weren't for…Ugh, HIM!”
I pointed to one of the figurines, this one shaped like Augustus Giovanni. The figurine waved his arms around as figurines on both sides began coming to his side, leaving the sides an equal 20.
“Augustus’ ploy only happened after what seemed to be a hundred years. Most people were tired of the constant warfare! Malkav was too…”
I heard applause at the mention of Malkav.
“Ah, yes. My dear brother…I miss him, but I know he's in a better place right now! Malkav was active in the war, but they soon told me and the other Antediluvians that Golconda was approaching. Thus, when my brother ascended, he took away your ancestors’ vampirism!”
The figurine of Malkav slowly broke into tinier figurines of the people I saw in the crowd! Haqim’s figurine would soon step in front of the Malkavians. He would then duel Gratiano and win, shattering the Gratiano figurine! Though, like his Progenitor, he might've escaped to the Abyss…
“The former Kindred would soon form into nomadic communities across the world! I plan to visit them all at some point…I wanted to do more for the Malkavians but…I promised my brother I would go down the path of Golconda after he left…Which I did! I am mortal once more!”
The crowd gave me a small applause and I bowed. I would spend a short time in the Commune after my history lesson. The children of the Commune had many questions for me! ‘Was Malkav as wise as they said?’, ‘Why did Malkav sacrifice himself for all Malkavians to become mortal again?’, ‘How are you today?’, ‘When will you be back?’, and even ‘What was Malkav?’. Most of them were about my brother and I didn't mind a bit! It's good to see that he still lives on through the hearts and minds of these Communefolk! The Communefolk were nice enough to supply me for the rest of my journey! Now, to Lukhet…
Lukhet, unlike the other two settlements I've seen, was not nomadic! It was a fixed settlement somewhere near Stygae. Night fell and everything was going just peachy! Then I saw smoke in the distance…I rushed over to where it was coming from! It was from Lukhet and I saw many injured Kindred. I felt this…Unnatural presence as I saw Lukhet burn…I continued into the burning town as I saw Lucian and Mekhet fighting…Oh my god…CAINE!? Mekhet pulled out a blade and pointed it towards Caine.
“YOU DARE ATTACK THE DOMAIN OF THE SET REBORN!? YOU BRAZEN CURR! I FOUGHT TZIMISCE OF THE SECOND GENERATION!”
Lucian sighed.
“What my companion means to say, it is rude to attack a Kindred community while their leaders are on a diplomatic mission!”
They're about to die. I yelled over at them.
“HEY! YOU TWO! DO NOT ENGAGE!”
Mekhet turned to me, annoyed.
“I AM A GOD’S SECOND APPEARANCE ON THIS EARTH, YOU THINK BACKING DOWN IS IN MY VOCABULARY!?”
Lucian hummed.
“She might be right…This guy is different from those Imbued who've previously attacked us…”
“HE'S PROBABLY JUST A SLIGHTLY BIGGER IMBUED!”
Okay, so being VAGUE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!
“THAT ‘BIGGER IMBUED’ IS CAINE HIMSELF! IF HE COULD BEAT SET AND VENTRU IN A FIGHT, THERE'S NO WAY EITHER OF YOU TWO COULD!”
Mekhet and Lucian looked over to Caine and then at each other before kneeling before him.
“MY APOLOGIES FOR MY PREVIOUS TRANSGRESSIONS BOTH IN THIS LIFE AND THE LAST!”
“We are at your service, Dark Father.”
Caine walked past them and walked over to me. I was TERRIFIED and every fibre of my being told me to run away! Caine would place a hand on my head.
H e l l o , A r i k e l . H o w h a v e y o u b e e n ?
“Uh…I’m good! Lilith said she was going to kill you…”
D i d s h e n o w ?
I nodded as Caine turned around to Mekhet and Lucian.
T a k e t h i s a s a w a r n i n g .
Both of them looked confused as Caine started to walk away. He motioned for me to follow him, which I did. He led me to a lake before sighing.
P r o t e a n .
Caine slowly transformed. At first, I thought he was going to transform into something even more terrifying! But…He didn't…He went from the Dark Father to a farmer, if that makes sense…He stretched as he looked back at me, noticing the look of shock on my face.
“Oh. Right. You’ve never seen my original form before.”
I nodded.
“Well…Now you have."
Caine turned towards the lake.
“Lucifer Morningstar.”
Lucifer soon appeared before Caine.
“Ah, excellent work on Lukhet-”
Lucifer would look over to me.
“Oh, hey Arikel! It’s been a WHILE, how are you-”
Caine snapped his fingers.
“Focus.”
“Ah, yes. Your next target is in Stygae. His name is Nergal and he’s been enslaving my kind. Take him out.”
I raised my hand at this point.
“So uh…What’s happening?”
Lucifer looked over at me.
“I’m here to help Caine redeem himself by fighting evil!”
Caine groaned at this description.
“I’m trying to keep Cainites under control…Redemption is not my main goal here.”
Lucifer leaned close to me.
“Being good isn’t in his nature yet…”
I pushed Lucifer out of the way. I had some SERIOUS questions for Caine at this point.
“What do you mean ‘under control’?”
“Curses and letting things play out naturally didn't work. So now I'm taking a more hands-on approach by intervening in Cainite affairs. Preferably with less murder…”
“Fair enough…So, why did you attack Lukhet?”
“They planned on attacking the Malkavian Commune. From what I hear, those two Cainites I saw were the new heads of the Setites and the Ventrue.”
Caine thought for a second before sighing
“I miss Ventru…I thought by cursing him that you all wouldn't immediately murder him…How WRONG I was…I wish I could say sorry…”
Lucifer patted Caine on the back. I decided to say something that wasn't a question.
“Well…We all make mistakes and we all have regrets. We can't let those failures define us though! We gotta move past them and try to do better next time!”
Caine stared at me, his gaze cold and steely. I was terrified that this might have offended him! Then he gave a soft smile.
“Hm. That's a way of looking at things. This chat has been lovely, but I should go deal with Nergal. May we meet again, Arikel.”
Caine waved before both he and Lucifer disappeared. That was…Nice! I think. Honestly, I can barely hear myself THINK because my heartbeat is so loud. I would rest for the night. Tonight I dreamt about my brother Malkav! I'm glad because I can't handle that No-One dream again…I like to think that Malkav still watches over his poor little sister after he ascended! Probably not, but it's nice, right?
Heading off to Stygae! I walked through Lukhet, which still smelled of ash. Before Stygae, the HAUNTED WOOD was up first! They say spirits of the dead haunt it and tempt you to go deeper into the wood before being lost forever! I hummed a tune as I walked through this melancholic forest. I heard footsteps behind me. Soon, my brother Ventru appeared beside me.
“Ah, Arikel. It's been a while, hasn't it?”
“Why yes it has, Ventru! No, I'm not following you into the woods!”
“Damn. Could've at least let me tell you my pitch!”
Ventru laughed for…Possibly the first time. He was never the laughing sort. Ventru took note of this.
“What? Are you confused by my ability to express JOY?”
“Kind of? You were always stressed out and strict…”
“That's because when I faced final death I realized my unlife’s mission was meaningless and was slowly consumed by Oblivion throughout millennia before being trapped here.”
I blinked.
“You…Doing alright?”
“Oh, I'm just smashing.”
Ventru laughed again. I hoped that Ventru here was just a delusion and not actually him…Oh, wait! Caine's message!
“I saw Caine recently…He said to tell you that he was sorry for everything.”
“Oh.”
Ventru went silent. This silence was only broken when my brother Set burst from the forest.
“ARIKEL! It is not safe here! You know not the monsters that lurk here…”
He then looked to Ventru.
“AH! A MONSTER! QUICK, ARIKEL, TO THE WOODS!”
Ventru looked unamused by this and I laughed.
“I'm not going into the woods!”
“Drat! Thought that would've worked…It works on my descendants!”
“Of course it does, Set. How are you anyway?”
“I'm great! Though, I feel more warm-blooded than my preferred reptilian cold-blooded…Luckily, I feel like my reincarnation is coming any day now!”
Ventru scoffed.
“We're not getting reincarnated…We're stuck here for the rest of time for our transgressions against God.”
“A truly kind God will look into His heart of hearts and forgive us!”
“I mean Caine forgave me…So I guess anything is possible at this point.”
Ventru let out a dry chuckle. I decided that I should probably get going now
“Well, I'll be on my way now! It was nice seeing you two!”
Ventru and Set waved as they faded back into the forest. I activated Auspex at this point because I knew Ravana would use his illusion sorcery to lead me astray…I was right! He tried several times before properly appearing before me.
“Wow, you should turn off your Auspex, you're heading towards the WRONG PATH out of here!”
“Probably not, Rava.”
“You're just…The worst!”
“Didn't you-”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah! I got a FIELD FULL of crimes I KNOW. How's Ennoia, by the way?”
“Still a Nature God.”
“Unlife isn't fair…The Beast finally stops affecting me so I can talk to her and apologize but she's ascended beyond all of us!”
“Do you want me to give her an apology?”
“Mmm…Probably not…I can whine and complain all I want, but I deserve this in the end…See you, Ari. It was nice seeing your pretty face around here.”
Ravana waved to me as he walked off. I waved back before continuing my journey. The next three were…Different. It was Tzimisce, Saulot, and Absimiliard. Oh boy. Tzimisce was yelling as I approached.
“COME ON, YOU FOOLS! WE CAN ESCAPE! JUST THROW ARIKEL INTO THE WOODS!”
Absimilard was curled up on the ground, mumbling something. Saulot sighed.
“What does it matter, Tzimisce? We're trapped here…”
Tzimisce growled as he kicked Absimiliard.
“YOU'VE FAILED ME ONCE, DON'T FAIL ME AGAIN!”
Absimiliard kept mumbling to himself. Tzimisce then looked at me.
“Oh! Dear sister! Arikel! It is so nice to see you! I would like to apologize-”
“I saw everything.”
“AH! Well, that's annoying!”
Tzimisce raised a hand at me. A Discipline quick draw, eh? I snapped my fingers as the ground underneath Tzimisce wrapped around him and dragged him underground. Saulot’s eyes widened.
“What was that!?”
“A Discipline I created before achieving Golconda! I was thinking of calling it Anima or Transmogrify…”
“Ah…Wait, you achieved Golconda!?”
“Mhm! I can walk in the day, eat food, and can enjoy humanity to its fullest!”
Saulot seemed to get teary-eyed before turning away from me.
“Arikel walks a path that none of us can hope to follow. She has achieved Golconda. I'm so proud of you, Arikel!”
He gave me a thumbs up and I smiled before walking away. The delusions in this forest are very easy to avoid! Hubris be damned, I got this-
“Hello, Ari, my love.”
Oh noooo…
“It's been a while, hasn't it?”
Nope. She's not real. Just keep walking forward.
“Awww, is silence the best way to greet your lover?”
“Ugh…”
DAMMIT, I SAID THAT OUT LOUD.
“Ah. So you do see me.”
I spun around to face No-One.
“I see the forest has saved the best for last!”
“Indeed. Did you miss me?”
“Nope!”
“Very disheartening to hear, Ari.”
“You tried to EAT ME!”
“Ohhh, look at you, you've grown into your confidence after you ruined everything.”
No-One slowly clapped and I was just…In shock! The AUDACITY of this TRAITOR! I walked away but No-One kept following me.
“How was Gehenna?”
“Well, your brothers are still alive…”
“I only have one brother, but it's good to see he's still alive.”
I stopped walking for a moment.
“Y'know what I just realized?”
“What would that be, Ari?”
“I have CELERITY! I don't have to spend my time with you!”
“Awww, is Ari disturbed by my presence?”
“Why would I be scared of no one?”
Before she could respond, I used my Celerity to escape the Haunted Wood. I tried not to dwell on what I saw for long…What lay ahead of me was the JEWEL of the Supernatural World…The city formerly known as New York…The largest necropolis in the Western world…STYGAE!
I felt a sense of unease walking through Stygae. Not only did the battle against Tzimisce occur here, but the Clan Hecata enslaved any Wraiths they found! Along the Kindred and Wraiths, there’s a large population of Mages, Werewolves, Demons, and normal humans! I'll have to explore the unique culture of this city someday! As I was exploring, a Wraith would appear before me in royal regalia. At first, I thought this was a prank but it soon appeared to be wrong…
“GREETINGS, ARIKEL! I'm Augustus Giovanni! Welcome to Stygae, capital of the Dark Kingdom of Hecate!”
“Oh…Hello Augustus…”
“Ah, I see we're still on bad terms! Luckily, you don't even control your Clan!”
Augustus gave a smug laugh before bowing to me.
“Now, Arikel, join me in the palace I had the Guilds construct for me!”
“Aren’t you afraid that the Wraiths MIGHT revolt?”
“They owe their EXISTENCE to me! When I broke into the Underworld, I saw nothing but suffering and rubble, then I built an EMPIRE to rival Charon himself!”
“Doesn’t answer my question!”
Augustus pinched the bridge of his nose as he groaned.
“Shut up and don’t worry about it!”
Hmm...I followed closely behind him. It quickly occurred to me that Augustus wasn’t your average Antediluvian anymore, he was a Wraith himself!
“Augustus, weren’t you physical?”
“I was! But I ASCENDED! Using my MASTERY over Necromancy and Wraithly Arcanos, I was able to transform myself into an even MORE IMMORTAL RULER! The only threats I have are MAGES and other WRAITHS, both of which I CONTROL WITH AN IRON FIST! I AM THE STRONGEST ANTEDILUVIAN KNOWN TO MAN!”
Augustus would laugh madly as I snapped my fingers. A tree we were walking near would smack Augustus in the mouth as he fell backward.
“Pride cometh before the fall, Augustus.”
“Oh my god, I actually felt that…WHAT SORCERY IS THIS!?”
“Secret!”
Augustus would groan once again as we entered the palace. It was quite ornate and beautiful! However, you could tell that Augustus told the designers to include as many references to his family as possible. At least I don't have to ask him about the histories later…Augustus would take me to a LAVISH dining room where I saw-
“HAQIM!”
“Arikel!”
We both ran up and hugged each other.
“I missed you, dear sister! Did you achieve Golconda?”
“I did, brother! I am human once more!”
Augustus would interject himself in the conversation.
“You're what now?”
Haqim would turn away from me.
“Family business.”
“Ohhh, I understand! Carry on without me, I have other esteemed guests to grab!”
Augustus would disappear and Haqim looked back to me.
“So, what brings you here? Did you miss me that much?”
“I'm going around the great wheel of Kindred communities! Decided to start small with the main ones in America! How have you been?”
“Ruling over the Middle East still…I came here because I've been investigating the former Sabbat…”
“They're still around?”
“Mostly just the higher-ups and a few select members…I hear they plan to attack Augustus because he's the weakest.”
“What if it's misinformation?”
“Then I won't have to worry! Troile can handle themselves along with the Methuselahs! Plus Ennoia is a god now so…”
“This is true…Maybe they'll make the Wyrm evil again?”
“Ha! Fat chance!”
Augustus would soon return.
“Now welcome…THE TREMERE COUNCIL OF THREE!”
Etrius, Meerlinda, and Grimgroth would walk into the room! Last I checked the Tremere were arguing how to uphold their master’s legacy. Goratrix abandoned them and decided to go do his own thing. I was happy to see they were all together still! They sat down at the table and me and Haqim joined them.
“And sadly, one of our guests of honour, Special Agent Halligan of the Technocratic Union, could not make it due to cleaning up Absimiliard’s meltdown…”
I raised an eyebrow at this.
“The Union is still around?”
“Yes! They're our strongest allies in this new world! Now, the feast will soon be ready! Please, talk amongst yourselves!”
I looked over at the Tremere councilors.
“I met Goratrix earlier! He was good.”
Meerlinda clapped her hands together.
“Oh, that's just wonderful! He was pretty depressed throughout Gehenna…”
Etrius smiled slightly.
“I’m glad he's in the right headspace again. Maybe I should visit him? I haven't had a good debate in a while!”
Grimgroth didn't contribute to the conversation but did nod along. Haqim looked around the room and I turned to him.
“You okay, Haqim?”
“Nothing…Just keeping my vigilance! Where is he…”
“Where is who?
A voice from nowhere was heard.
“Oh, he probably means ME!”
The room went dark. Panic set in quickly as I quickly activated my Auspex! Grimgroth would use some dark power to knock out Meerlinda and Etrius. Then a figure would drop from the ceiling holding a device. This figure would throw the device at Augustus as it wrapped around him and immobilized him. The shadowy figure would then cast Augustus into the Abyss! The room's lights returned as the figures were NERGAL and GRATIANO! Nergal laughed at us.
“HEY HAQIM! I haven't seen you in a WHILE! Rematch for old time's sake?”
“You BASTARD! Your judgment is far overdue!”
Haqim leapt from his chair before shadows surrounded him.
“To the Abyss with ye.”
The shadows dispersed and Haqim was gone. I fell backwards as I tried to get some distance away from them!
“GOOD JOB EVERYONE! PHASE 1 WENT OFF WITHOUT A HITCH!”
Nergal looked over at me.
“Oh. It's you.”
Grimgroth jumped on top of the table.
“My apologies, I didn't know she was coming!”
Gratiano stepped up to the both of them.
“Do not worry, she's not an Antediluvian anymore. She's HUMAN. We could take her out easily if need be.”
“Oh, well I want to EAT HER! Y'know, to get back at her for devouring my sister?”
“Make it quick. Grimgroth, contact our operatives to begin Operation Eclipse.”
Grimgroth hopped off the table and headed for the door. Nergal began walking to me, laughing. Alright…Things are looking tough…But I got this! I stood up.
“I may not be an Antediluvian, but I'm still just as powerful!”
Celerity.
“I’ve had Discipline Mastery that far outclasses your own!”
Auspex.
“And a new one I doubt either of you understand…”
ANIMA.
“All together now…I CALL THIS ONE DANCE OF THE RED STAR!”
The doors shut on Grimgroth, locking him in here with me. A chair would smash over Nergal’s head. He would whip around to Gratiano.
“Ow! Gratiano! Why would you do that!?”
“It wasn't me! KILL HER!”
The ground would move underneath Nergal, causing him to fall over. The table would fly into the ceiling, Gratiano barely moving out of the way. The world was mine to control! LET'S DANCE! Gratiano sank into the darkness and Grimgroth stepped forward.
“Hi, Arikel! I don't know you sooo…”
Grimgroth would clap his hands together as a roiling inferno of green flame barrelled towards me. I pointed to Nergal as the inferno smashed into him. Nergal screamed in pain and Grimgroth took several steps back.
“Uh…TAKE THIS!”
Grimgroth would exhale a massive cloud of disease from his mouth. I pointed at the cloud and it surrounded Grimgroth. I quickly sidestepped out of the way as Gratiano tried to stab me from the shadows.
“What is this POWER!?”
“It’s ANIMA! It allows me to animate anything I see!”
“You can't animate what you can't SEE!”
Gratiano was preparing another Obtenebration attack! I pointed to the floor and the ground would start tossing Gratiano around the room. Nergal slowly got up from the ground
“This is so dumb…We're getting beat by a HUMAN-”
Another chair flew into his head.
“OW! THAT'S IT! DAIMONION!”
Nergal raised his hand into the air. That won't do! Gratiano bounced off a wall before flying straight into Nergal. Grimgroth finally found his way out of the cloud. A mistake on his part, another chair flew at Grimgroth and the ground tossed him over with the others. Gratiano groaned.
“This is a cartoon of a FIGHT…”
Gratiano got to his feet and he helped the others get up.
“Alright you two, we just need to take her at once and she-”
Nergal began charging at me.
“DIE, WITCH! GRIMGROTH, FIRE, NOW!”
Grimgroth unleashed another torrent of fiery destruction my way. It engulfed Nergal. For a second I thought he was being dumb but he BURST out of the flames and tried to punch me! I only survived this attack by dodging out of the way. Nergal laughed.
“WHAT'S WRONG, ARIKEL? CAN'T TAKE A HIT?”
I pointed towards the ceiling as Nergal was launched into it. I turned back to Gratiano and Grimgroth as I felt a vast cold wash over me. Gratiano and Grimgroth walked up to me.
“Ahhh! An excellent plan! Nergal uses Daimonion to make himself immune to fire, then Grimgroth uses the FIRES OF HELL, and then I use Dominate on her while she's not looking! Quite a cunning plan, Nergal!”
Nergal fell from the ceiling at this mention. Grimgroth looked confused.
“Wait, can he make himself immune to fire? I thought he was sacrificing himself for the greater good…”
“Never mind that. Go pick up Nergal so he can kill her.”
Grimgroth nodded and went to grab Nergal. I struggled, trying to move AT ALL! I've come this far…It can't end here! Everything went dark again. For a second, I thought Nergal hit me in the back of my head but…I heard Gratiano.
“Oh, what NOW!”
I could freely move! I activated all three of my powers again and…I feel very woozy…I've never used them as extensively as this! Light would return as I saw Caine, Lucifer, Haqim, and…LASOMBRA!?
“NERGAL, DAIMONION NOW!”
Nergal would quickly summon 7 fallen.
“Got me a full set! NOW, DEMONS OF HELL, DO YOUR THING AND FIGHT THE ANTEDILUVIANS!”
Lucifer chimed in.
“And the First Vampire himself.”
Gratiano looked at Grimgroth and Nergal. He grabbed Grimgroth before sinking into the shadows. Lasombra would soon disappear, probably to follow Gratiano. Haqim, Caine, and Lucifer took a fighting stance. Lucifer leaned over to Caine.
“You got something to fight my kind?”
Y e s . N o t m y f i r s t r o d e o w i t h d e m o n s a n d a n g e l s .
“Good! Don't kill them please.”
Nergal would try grabbing me from behind but I spun around and punched him! I pulled my hand back almost immediately as punching him was like hitting a brick wall!
“HA! Did someone just remember they don't have the strength or durability of a CAINITE anymore!? With Caine and your brothers busy, it looks like you'll die soon! You did put up a good fight, though. When you reach Hell, tell my sister my regards!”
Okay, things look bad…I may not have the strength or durability…But I have speed! Even the weakest objects going fast enough can break anything! Here goes everything…
I unleashed a barrage of punches upon Nergal with lightning speed and pinpoint precision! I could feel my hands slowly breaking under the speed but I powered through the PAIN! Nergal went staggering back as my attack ended. I couldn’t feel my hands or arms but…I can get that fixed later! Nergal was on the edge of falling over…One more attack…I jumped up into the air and kicked the side of his head! Nergal fell over and I would use Anima to shift the ground around him so he would be trapped! I DID IT, I WON! It slowly dawned on me how much pain my body was in…I heard the muffled voice of Haqim call out to me before I passed out.
I woke up to a bright sunny sky and clouds all around me. My body didn't hurt anymore…I lay on the ground for a while, trying to figure out what happened to me. Then I saw my brother's face look down at me.
“ARIKEL!”
“Malkav…?”
I got up from the ground and hugged my brother!
“MALKAV, I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!”
“I MISSED YOU SO MUCH TOO, SIS!”
“Where are we!?”
“The place where all transcended or ascended beings go!”
“Does it have a name…?”
“I call it Paradise. There are some more contentious names that people use…”
“Say…Malkav…You're talking…”
“Normally? I'm cured of my insanity!”
“WHAT!?”
“Mhm! I’m just…”
Malkav hugged me tighter, he was crying softly. I would cry too, I got to spend time with my FAVORITE and ONLY SIBLING! Another person embraced us and it was CAPPADOCIUS!
“Hello, Arikel! I take it you’re on the cusp of dying?”
“Uh…I’m not sure…The last thing I remember was fighting Nergal…”
Malkav frowned.
“Should’ve dealt with him during Gehenna…”
“Don’t worry, Bro! I dealt with him, even when human!”
“Oh, you reached Golconda, sis?”
“I DID! I had to keep my promise to you!”
Malkav looked like he was about to start crying again but Cappadocius snapped his fingers.
“Focus, you two. Arikel may not have much time here, unfortunately. I’d suggest you spend your time wisely…”
Cappadocius looked saddened to give this news, as did I and Malkav to hear it. I sighed heavily.
“Well, Malkav…Do you want to hear what I’ve been doing this week?”
Malkav smiled.
“Sure, sis!”
And so, I would retell the story thus far! Malkav was happy to hear about his commune in America doing well and even happier that Goratrix found love! Cappadocius also listened in and asked about Lasombra. I couldn’t tell him much, sadly! Lasombra has only made sporadic appearances since Gehenna. He was looking for wherever the Transcended and the Ascended went. Cappadocius seemed proud of him! Eventually, I told them everything and learned what they had been up to! It wasn’t much, just hanging around in Paradise and wondering how we were all doing, which was sweet to hear! Then I felt this…Tug. I started floating toward the sky. Malkav started freaking out.
“SIS? DID THAT NEW DISCIPLINE INCLUDE FLYING?”
“Uh no! CAPPADOCIUS WHAT’S HAPPENING?!”
“Oh, you’re being resuscitated! Congrats on living!”
Malkav looked concerned.
“Wait, but I want to spend more time with her!”
“Do not worry, Malkav! If she got here once, then she’ll get here again…”
“This is true but…”
Malkav was lost for words. Deep down, I felt I would leave this place soon, so I wanted my words reassuring…It would probably be the last thing I’d say to him for a while…
“See you down the road, Brother.”
I soon woke up again. I was in a bed, still in Augustus’ Palace…I saw Lilith throwing her arms in the air.
“YES! I DID IT! I’M THE BEST MAGE EVER!
I held my head.
“Woah…Where’s Haqim, Caine, and Luci…?”
I saw a bright light appear in the corner of my vision.
“Well, Caine and Lilith fought, shockingly. Caine has left Stygae to go find Augustus.”
“Ah…”
I got off the bed and stood up. Everything was still blurry and I swayed side to side. Lilith helped me keep balance.
“You lost a TON of blood. Either someone sucked your blood while you weren’t looking or your disciplines still require blood. So don’t go around using them all willy-nilly!”
I nodded my head and I rested my eyes. Lucifer hummed.
“I bet you're hungry, Arikel.”
I nodded my head again.
“Luckily, your family was concerned you might've died, so they all came over to Stygae!”
I opened my eyes.
“REALLY!?”
“Indeed! Shall I get the Giovanni to prepare a feast for you all?”
“YES!”
Lucifer left the room. Lilith laid me back down and told me to recover. My family and the two Tremere councilors would celebrate my recovery! Haqim and Troile were happy that I had survived, while Moloch was relieved that his brother was captured though I had the feeling that he knew Nergal might escape somehow. Ennoia and Lucifer were talking up a storm. I was happy to see that Ennoia could still make friends! Speaking of making friends, Goratrix reconnected with Meerlinda and Etrius! They talked for a bit and then had a group hug. Meanwhile, Lasombra was just…Silent. Off in his own world. I wanted to talk to him but soon the feast would be upon us! It was just like the feast we had when Saulot came home! Another party all night long! Sadly, everything must come to an end. I had a world to explore and everyone had their duties! Though, I wanted to have one conversation with the remaining Antediluvians. I brought them to the rooftop and Troile excitedly looked across Stygae.
“HAQIM! ARIKEL! LASOMBRA! LOOK! It used to be more beautiful when Augustus wasn't in charge but LOOK!”
Haqim peered over the edge.
“Ah…It's a monument to behold, isn't it?”
I also looked over the edge. Truly, breathtaking with buildings stretching toward the heavens! But it was time to be serious…
“So, do you two still remember the Dawn Alliance?”
Haqim and Troile nodded. Lasombra gave a confused look.
“I’m sorry, what is this alliance?”
Troile stepped up.
“Save the world and reach Golconda! It was Saulot's idea!”
“I see…”
Haqim crossed his arms, smiling.
“Well, we did save the world! Golconda on the other hand…Troile, has your stance on Golconda changed?”
“Nope! My relationships make me feel human! So as long as I have them, I'll be a Cainite.”
“Hmm…Interesting! I plan to go down the path of Golconda eventually, but my Clan has to go down it first.”
Lasombra sighed.
“After Gehenna, I'm not sure if I can…”
I put a hand on Lasombra’s shoulder.
“It’s always a possibility!”
“Humanity is for the innocent, I blotted out the sun causing the deaths of COUNTLESS lives. That’s why I’m working with Caine and Lucifer for some sort of redemption…”
We all remained silent. None of us have a good way to respond to that…I hugged him.
“I…Met your father when I died! He was proud of you, despite everything!”
“Wait, you met my dad…?”
“That I did! My brother Malkav was up there too! I just hope that someday…We can join both of them together!”
Lasombra’s eyes widened as he wasn’t sure what to do! Luckily, the others joined in the hug. This would be our last hug before we went our separate ways! Let’s see…I wonder where I’ll go first! The Clan Daeva was interesting but so was the reclamation zone of Russia! I used my Auspex to see what the future would hold for me and I saw myself back in Paradise with my brother Malkav and Cappadocius. I was telling them about a book I wrote detailing all of Cainite history I could get my hands on! The vision ended there so I didn’t know if it did well or what its name was…But I’d like to call it, ‘When Antediluvians Dream’.
Because when Antediluvians dream, we can reshape the World!