Uriel" "The Umbra Raider"

 

I sat motionless, unable to do anything. She was such a powerful being, yet so fragile at the same time. I tried several times to enter a trance and reach Her, but all I could see was a hazy image of some buildings and a faint voice, probably not Hers; it was too high-pitched. I called Mael several times and left a message with his secretary.

I left the building intending to have a few drinks with Blade. He was also contacting "his people," although I didn't expect any super effects from the "wine skins."

"Hey, Blade! The usual.

" "Hey. Nothing's changed?

" "Unfortunately. I'm trying, but I can't seem to get anything done..."

I drank about 10 "shots" in silence, thanked Blade for his help, paid, and left. On the way back, I thought I heard something, but it was just a hallucination. I stopped by the old music store where I'd first met her after all these years, and then returned to the basement of my house.

Entering the room, I noticed the answering machine light was flashing. Probably another phone call. I pressed the button and went to freshen up in the bathroom.

"Uriel? What's going on?

It's Mael!" I ran to the phone and listened to the message until the end:

"The secretary told me you called about something 'very important' and wanted to contact me. Call me back."

I did so immediately. I briefly explained the situation. He promised to come back the following evening and see what I could do. I spent

almost the entire day without a wink, wondering what Mael was planning.

He arrived as promised—just after dark. He wasn't alone, though. I ushered the guests into the hall and stared at the other person for a moment—she was a woman and a werewolf, that much I noticed. I hoped Mael would add "something of his own."

"Let me introduce you to the leader of the Children of Gaia pack. Her name is Karen.

" "At first, I was reluctant to come here, but when I learned what you did for Mael and our entire community, I decided to address your problem. Could you take me to her now?

" "Thank you. This way, please."

I led them downstairs and pointed to where she lay. Karen looked around the room and then said,

"Can you bring me a larger candle? I need a point of reference."

I did as she instructed. A moment later, she was ready. A few quiet words, and suddenly she was gone.

We went to the rooms upstairs so as not to disturb anything. For two long hours, we talked about old times and what had happened since we parted. Another five minutes passed, and Karen joined us.

"This might be more difficult than I thought...

" "???"

"I met her, explained who I was and why I was coming. However, she looked as if she was under some kind of spell. She kept saying that "He" would come back for her, that he had promised her. Do you understand what she meant?

" "Yes. When we were young, I was forced to leave our hometown. When I left, I promised that one day I would find her and take her far away.

" "I understand. In that case, the matter is solved. You simply "come in" with me and take her.

" "It's not that simple. I've tried several times, but I could only see the faint outline of a house and hear someone's voice receding."

"Hmm. If that's the case... I must warn you. I can guide you by "amplifying" your "signal," but you may never return. You've surely noticed by now that vampires only transport themselves to the "other side" in spirit, so they're weaker than if they transported their bodies as well, like we do...

" "Never mind. If necessary, I will.

" "Let's go downstairs then.

" After a few minutes, we were ready. Karen grabbed my hand, and suddenly the room and Mael's vision blurred, replaced by vast fields.

"Now we must go."

After 30 minutes of walking, I saw a small house and other, smaller buildings behind it. Karen opened the door and went inside, while I waited in the doorway.

"Maharet? It's me, Karen. Are you there?

" "I am. But soon... He'll be back.

" "You won't have to wait long. Come with me."

They stepped toward me. But just behind them, I saw a dark figure.

"You won't get her that easily.

I heard that voice last time!

" "Go away! I won't stay here any longer!"

Maharet screamed, hiding behind me. The figure came closer, and I recognized the "face" disfigured by blisters from burns.

"Succubus???

" "And what? Surprised?

" "Isn't that enough? Do I have to kill you a second time?"

I lunged forward, claws outstretched, but they flew through him as if through mist.

"Ha, ha, ha!!! Your claws won't do anything here, you leech! You're just a ghost here!"

He ran up to me with lightning speed and grabbed me by the throat.

"Now you'll suffer! And then he'll die...

" "Maybe he won't do anything. But me and my klaiv'e in your ribs definitely will. "

"Karen!

" "Let's get out of here. I don't want to find out if he gets up again."

The three of us went to the place where Karen and I started. Everything went smoothly...

" "And back in reality...

" "Karen...?

" "Yes, Mael?

" "You woke Maharet. But why is he still sleeping?

" "Damn! It couldn't have been without trouble, could it?

" "Maharet. How long can you last without blood?"

"About a week. Maybe less, maybe more. Why do you ask?

" "He hasn't had a drink in almost two weeks. He gave everything to you.

" -Umbra-

"Karen? Maharet? Anyone? What's going on? Where are you? Has what Karen said come true? Have I failed to 'come back'?"

I was wondering what to do when I suddenly felt wetness on my lips. I raised my hand and saw blood. A second later, the world began to blur. I was coming back! I woke up in Maharet's arms. She had cut her wrist and was giving me her own blood.

"You were very weak. Why didn't you drink for so long?

" "I was worried..."

Half an hour later, when we had all recovered, we went to the rooms upstairs.

"Thank you, Mael, for coming. And thank you, Karen, twice over. You saved not only Maharet's life, but mine as well.

" "So you owe me? I'll remember that." It was nice meeting you, I hope we'll see each other again under more favorable circumstances... Goodbye.

- Goodbye.

- Now could you tell me what actually happened?

- It would be a long story. I don't know where to begin...

- It's best to start from the beginning, and don't worry, we have time.