“Raziel…” , he pronounced.  “Redeemer, and Destroyer.  Pawn, and Messiah.  Welcome time stream soul.  Welcome, to your Destiny.”

     With his confidence coming back to him once again Raziel spoke out, “The great deceiver Moebius…how is it you know of me, when I know of you only through the reputation history has bestowed upon you.”

     A crooked smile formed over Moebius’s lips as he responded, “Yes…History.  Something that can be altered and molded as a streamer sees fit,  I assume you traveled here in pursuit of your Master, yes?”

     “I have indeed sorcerer.  Tell me where he is and I shall spare your life.”

     A small jolt of laughter came over Moebius, “Kain was right to have chosen you, such hatred and passion.” 

     “What do you know of Kain other than the result of his blade when forced upon your head.”

     “Ahh yes, so Kain has told you of his past.  A past that I controlled until he received assistance and his power and knowledge grew.” 

     A puzzled look came across Raziel’s eyes, “If he did indeed destroy you, how is it you are here?”

     Moebius looked directly at him with eyes that seemed to plunge deep into Raziel’s soul, “With time in my control it was a simple act of summoning another form of myself to die at Kain’s hands.  Although momentarily forced to retreat from the world, I lived and my power and knowledge increased as I continue to travel from age to age gathering what I need.”

     As if being released from a spell, Raziel shook off the sorcerer’s intense gaze and continued his questioning, “As an enemy of Kain like myself, why do you not assist me in finding and destroying him? What is your goal and purpose of your actions?”  Moebius paused as if only for a moment and motioned into the darkness, “Go Raziel, for your destiny awaits.  I will summon you in another time when I have need of you… now go”  

     Realizing he was somewhere he knew nothing about and face to face with a sorcerer of renowned power, Raziel felt he had no other choice but to do what was instructed.  He walked into the darkness and felt himself once again traveling through time itself.  Raziel exited the void having no idea where or when he had traveled too but the world he saw was a world of beauty, not one that had been affected by Kain’s empire.

     “This must be a world of the distant past if it has not been tainted by Kain.”

     With the thought of being in a far distance past, Raziel continued to search for answers as he traveled out of Moebius’s chamber and into a green and healthy world.  He found himself on a domestic road, as dusk began creeping up on the surrounding land.  After walking a long distance he came upon a small town, something that had not existed in his previous world for centuries.  As he approached he spotted men and women walking freely throughout their town as night approached.

     “What period of time am I in that humans have no fear of the vampires that hunt them?  Seeing a creature of my appearance would cause them to run in fear, not answer my questions.”

     Sliding along with the shadows, Raziel arrived at the back of a small tavern.  Opening an unlocked window he cautiously entered and found himself in a small room with a young woman sleeping her a bed.  Determined to discover something, he decided to wake the human.

     Making a sound only she would hear, he quietly woke her, “Wake up young human.”

     She screamed but was quickly silenced as Raziel covered her face with a clawed hand. 
“I need some questions answered, I am not a vampire but a reaver of souls come to destroy them.  Can you answer what I ask?”

     She could only nod as fear continued to streak throughout her body.  “Good.  Why do the humans here have no fear of vampires?”

     She slowly gained back her composure and managed to stutter out an answer, “Th..thi..this town has already been cleansed of the un-dead scourge.  We have nothing to fear in times such as these.” 

     A glimmer of confusion came across Raziel’s face, “Cleansed? By who? Or what?” 

     “Why, the holy Sarafans of course.  They have pushed the vampires far away from here and have almost completely obliterated them from our beautiful world.  With The Circle aiding them, nothing could possible prevent them from the completion of their task.”

     Raziel suddenly became aware of the time he had traveled to, “So that is it…I have come to a time when the Circle and Sarafans still existed and had raged their “Holy War” on vampires.  Which means…my true self could be here on this world, the human form I took before my death and resurrection.  I have another question you must answer, what is the world like?  Do have a map that is up to date?”

     She looked perplexed as even something not human should know what world he lives on, Uhh, yes, yes I have my fathers here in this cabinet,  But please I beg of you to spare my life I…”

     He quickly cut her off, “The map, child give it to me!” he said as he patience began to wear thin.

     Shocked at the sudden change of voice, from a creature that apparently had not tongue or vocal capabilities, she hurried across the room and opened a small chest.  Inside was a map which she carried over and placed on her bed, prompting Raziel to take it.  He grasped it and was quickly gone, back out the window from which he entered.

     Raziel left the town identified by his newly acquired map as Uschtenheim and continued his search for Kain.  After what seemed like hours of walking he began to catch a glimpse of a large Cathedral on the horizon.  Checking his map, he identified it as Avernus Cathedral.  A place Kain had included in his stories time and time again.  If he remembered right this was a location used often by the Circle of Nine.  He seemed hesitant to continue his approach  to this impressive structure, unaware of what powers members of the Circle might posses.  Although he realized dying without the Elders aid might cause his permanent death, he ignored these thoughts and hoped that the wise members of the Circle could answer his questions.

     “If Moebius was so knowledgeable then why would the other members of the Circle not be.” He deduced.

     He was now standing at the front gates of the great cathedral ready to enter inside its walls when suddenly there was a noise that came from behind him.  Raziel turned in a flash of anger determined to discover who dared to stalk him.  Before him stood a great wolf, with giant claws and teeth, staring directly at him.  Just as quickly as the wolf had appeared it changed into its true form…a vampire.

      As Kain stood there sneering at his once faithful Lt., Raziel wondered why he chose to appear to him now, here in front of a citadel controlled by the members of the Circle. 

     “I will destroy you for what you did to my clan!” Raziel stated, engulfed with rage.  Kain paused, and raising a hand he pointed to the cathedral by which they stood, “If you enter that building now, with no knowledge of the power that lies within you will be destroyed as quickly as They realize you are here.”

     “The Circle? From your stories they fear and despise vampires, and would aid me if I sought to destroy the likes of you.”

     “You know nothing of this time nor do you have any knowledge of the Circle.  They would see you as nothing more than a mutated vampire, and would burn you for crimes you never committed.  Because as I’m sure you have discovered, this is a time when vampires are the ones hiding in fear.  All but the greatest of us can not wonder the land without fear.  Humans, lead by the Circle and the Sarafan, have lead a holy war to “cleanse the world” of us.  And as of now it has been a success.  But soon once again they will feel fear as the great vampire Vorador will enter the stronghold of their protector Malek and shatter their dreams.”

     “Then I will defeat your mentor Vorador and prove my intentions to the Circle.”

     A smile appeared on Kain’s face as he began to correct Raziel, “If you can not defeat me child, than you will have no hope against a vampire as ancient and powerful as Vorador.  Although my power rivals his own, the knowledge he has gained over his enormous life far exceeds my own.  And that is why I have brought you to this point in time.”

     “You are my master no longer, and cannot control my actions.  You could not have planned all this.”

     “Do you believe that your wings were a gift?  An evolution?  Think Raziel…about evolution in vampires.  Evolution comes with age, not as random gifts.  Your wings were the first sign of a mutation that would infect all vampires.  I did not learn of this mutation until it was to late.  I intended to prevent it as soon as it was in my power but was shocked to see how quickly it had come about.  Your wings represented the first stage in its coming.  With the pillar of balance “corrupted”, the earth reacted slowly by changing the world and the creatures that inhabited it.  Do you think I enjoyed having to sacrifice the first born of my Lt.’s?  I had no other choice.  If I destroyed you and the mutation, I could prolong the time it took to infect the other clans.  Unfortunately your clan had already experienced changes and killing them was my only choice in order to save the others.  But my actions only temporarily halted the mutation, and soon it reached your brothers and their clans.  Turel retreated with his children to a secluded area hoping to prevent his clan from catching the scourge but eventually it reached even them.”

     Unsure what to believe Raziel could only stare, thinking of the information he had been given and trying to decipher if what Kain said was true.

     “You know what I say is the truth.  But there is more.  When I defeated the Circle, and destroyed Mortanius and his master Hash’ak’gik, I believed it to be his demise.  But when I stumbled upon Moebius’s chambers long ago, I saw the future.  I saw the mutations cause the demise and de-evolution of our race, and I saw you.  I saw your rebirth and recreation as The Elder’s pawn.  Although he conceals it from you, he is the god Hash’ak’gik, the same god that was worshipped by the Circle, and the same god who I once believed to have died at my hands.  He controlled and manipulated me once but fell before my blade.  Though he did not die, he was banished from the material plane, back to his realm.  He intends to use you to destroy my empire and all vampires so that he may once again collect the souls of the dead.  It is my belief that he also intends to once again enter this realm, but his purpose for doing so is a mystery to me still.”

     Overwhelmed with the feeling of revelation, Raziel began to understand what Kain had said, he understood his intentions and his ideas.  He also understood who the Elder was and how he had used him.  But the fury he had for Kain remained still, “You destroyed myself and my brethren, no matter your intentions you must pay for what you did.”

     “Spare me your righteous beliefs, Raziel.  Your death was not without purpose, you are greatly needed in the upcoming events.  Without your help We cannot be victorious against a foe as great as Hash’ak’gik.”

     “We? Who do you speak of other than yourself Kain?”

     As soon as Raziel completed his words he became aware of another presence.  To Kain’s right a figure began to materialize out of the air.  Raziel stared intently, able to decipher it was a vampire, but who?  As his features became more distinct, the figure took shape.  Raziel was overcome with awe as Vorador, more impressive than he had ever imagined, appeared.  Raziel almost fell to his knees in respect and fear for a warrior who he had only moments ago believed he could defeat.  He had been mistaken, that much was obvious to him.

     “Raziel, I know of you well.”  Vorador proclaimed.

     “So you are the great Vorador, that Kain has mentioned so often.  But why are you here?  And why along the side of Kain?”

      The ancient vampire looked directly at Raziel and said, “I am here for the same reason as your master Kain.  I will not allow Hash’ak’gik to eradicate our race from the face of Nosgoth as the Sarafan and the Circle have tried.  I have heard of what is to come in the future, humans and their gods alike will perish for the pain they have caused me.  I do this for revenge and out of hatred for those who oppose me.  When the time for battle arises I will slaughter my foes without mercy.”

     “You say you know of me?  How can that be, Kain could not have told you enough.” Raziel declared with great interest.

     “I know of your past, Raziel.  It was I who lead the counter attack on the Sarafans, an attack in which I encountered you and your fellow murderers.  I fought and destroyed many of these “holy warrior priests”, and succeeded in my actions.  After destroying many in a glorious battle, including your brothers Melchiah and Zephon, I retreated to my sanctuary to rest.  Your brethren, lead by Malek, took advantage of my absence and ravaged the few vampire safe havens we possessed.  I awoke enraged to find the carnage that had befallen my race.  In retaliation I slaughtered six members of the Circle and defeated Malek, the murderer you once called your leader.  I hunted and killed the remaining high ranking members of the once proud Sarafan.  I destroyed your brothers Rahab, Dumah, Turel, and I even found and slaughtered the warrior you had once been.  I then retreated to my sanctuary to find rest and to regain my strength.”

      Raziel began to once again question but Kain intervened, “Enough talk Raziel, let us show you the true nature of your holy Sarafan.  Come with us to where the Sarafan even now are decimating our race.”

     Unsure once again what to believe, Raziel followed as Kain and Vorador lead him to the Plains of Blood.

     They arrived to a scene of blood and gore.  Thousands of vampires were impaled on the deadly staffs of Sarafan warriors.  All feelings of sorry and guilt Raziel had ever felt for humans began to slowly change when he saw this slaughter.  A feeling of rage arose in his heart as he longed to devour the souls of every warrior who claimed alliance to this “holy war”.

     “Calm yourself Raziel, our battle is not here with these humans, they were all delt with by Vorador later in history.”
“I am still reluctant to trust you Kain, what is my purpose here, and why would you encourage me to destroy my brothers?  What good had that done?”

     “You will need their strength and abilities when the time comes.  They will not be forgotten either, I intend to retrieve them from a time when their bodies and minds had not been altered by the mutation.  Rahab, Melchiah, and Turel were informed and accepted my intentions.  Although Zephon refused, I believe it was a result of the mutation that his judgment was so warped.  Dumah could not be reached because of his ignorance but I will revive him non the less.”

     Raziel was beginning to become impatient concerning his purpose in all this, “What is this plan you speak of?”

     “You will see in time, but now Vorador and I  must retrieve the objects we came here for. Explore this world and improve your strength, the map you carry will have to be enough to guide you.”

     Realizing the weaknesses Raziel might encounter in a world so different then his past, Vorador spoke out, “Do not seek help from the Circle, they will not hesitate to destroy you.  If you must seek refuge go to my mansion, it can provide you with what is needed.”

     With those last words they departed, leaving Raziel on his own to explore and interact with a world he knew nothing about.