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Chapter Nine - Kain - The Vampire Citadel

Dark Chronicle - Mural: The Human Guardians Revolt

Entering the Earth Forge, Kain finds a mural.

Kain V.O.:
This history, in part, I knew already... How, as the Vampires began to die out, the Pillars summoned human Guardians to fulfil their roles. It seemed the ancient Vampires had adopted - and, when necessary, abducted - the human Guardians, and made vampires of them when they came of age. Until the humans rebelled against their masters... And here I made a surprising discovery: it was Moebius the Time Streamer, and Mortanius, Guardian of Death, who led the bloody revolt. Now I understood why Moebius hated me so intensely. I was the first vampire Guardian in all these centuries - and he knew what my coming signified... or perhaps I reminded him of all he had forsaken.

The Vampire Citadel

In the Earth Forge, Kain breaks a supporting column with TK and climbs up through the hole in the ceiling. He finds an inactive portal to the Air Forge.

Kain V.O.:
The orb that once opened this portal had been destroyed. To power it, I would need to find a substitute.

Kain finds an energy orb in the Dark Forge and activates the gate to the Air Forge.

Dark Chronicle - Mural: Redeemer And Destroyer

Entering the Air Forge, Kain is confronted by a Vampire Golem. Once it is defeated, he examines the room's murals.

Kain V.O.:
I was confronted again with depictions of the Vampires' champion, the bearer of the Reaver blade. And here too was his Hylden adversary, with blazing eyes brandishing a flaming sword. Two heroes locked in combat which only one would survive. But which one? These murals prophesied two possible outcomes. I didn't know what Moebius was trying to concoct, but this all seemed too convenient...

The Vampire Citadel (Continued)

Kain finds the fourth fragment of the Balance Emblem in the Light Forge - time enhancement.

Kain V.O.:
With this fourth and final fragment, the Balance Emblem was complete. I now had the means to unseal the mysterious chamber at the heart of the Citadel.

Dark Chronicle - The Oracle Of The Ancient Vampires

Kain returns to the Oracle's door, and uses the Balance Emblem to open it. He enters a room containing the Oracle's pool and approaches the mural on the back wall.

Kain V.O.:
For my ancient ancestors, the dark gift was clearly a curse, damning them to a kind of spiritual purgatory. But why were they compelled to seal this chamber so securely? Perhaps the lock was not meant to keep intruders out, but to imprison something within...

From the pool, the Oracle suddenly speaks. It has the Elder God's voice, something which Kain - having never met the Elder - does not notice.

Oracle/Elder God:
Kain... Scion of Balance. Savior of Nosgoth.

Kain:
What is this?

Oracle/Elder God:
Your arrival is foretold... The Fates have willed it.

Kain:
Is that so.

Oracle/Elder God:
I am the Oracle of your ancestors. I can provide the answers you require... You needn't speak; I know your mind. You seek knowledge of your creature, Raziel... this I can offer, if you will look.

An image of Janos' funeral bier forms on the surface.

Oracle/Elder God:
He has found the body of Janos Audron...

Kain crouches on one knee at the edge of the pool. The picture changes to show Avernus in flames.

Oracle/Elder God:
He journeys now to Avernus Cathedral to seek the Heart of Darkness. You know what this means...

Kain:
And why would I trust your prophecies?

Oracle/Elder God:
These events are already written, just as you feared. But there is still time; he can be stopped.

Kain:
If Avernus is in flames, Raziel is five centuries beyond my reach.

Oracle/Elder God:
I may aid you in this regard as well...

A dark portal forms in the pool.

Oracle/Elder God:
This portal will transport you in time to the very hour that Raziel arrives in Avernus. This task is yours to carry out... since it was you who made him what he is. When you are ready, you may pass through.

Kain V.O.:
I knew of course that this 'oracle' was not to be trusted. But in the end, what choice did I have?

Dark Chronicle - The Final Admonition Of The Oracle

Kain emerges from the Oracle's portal.

Kain V.O.:
This peculiar sensation was familiar to me, and the chamber did indeed appear altered by time... In this regard, at least, the oracle seemed to have been truthful.

Oracle/Elder God:
I have delivered you faithfully to the very hour you desire. You know what must be done, Kain. There is only one way to prevent Raziel from doing great harm.

Kain:
He is not my enemy.

Oracle/Elder God: (ominously)
But you are his...

The Vampire Citadel (Continued)

Kain finds gap in the rocky surround of the Citadel's terrace area. He sees Avernus in the distance.

Kain V.O.:
From this vantage point I could see the city of Avernus in flames. The oracle had indeed brought me to the time it promised. It might also be true, then, that Raziel was already there, seeking the Heart of Darkness. If so, he had to be stopped. I could not allow Janos to be raised.

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