The Way Is Shut

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael looked forward, at the remains of the tomb of Amaria, the "angel" that had blessed so many in that famous battle with Stratus, so long ago. She had blessed Peabodysan and the dwarf, and an elf, but that was so long ago. And the only one who made it out was Raphael, the one not touched by her, the one that was looked over. No, he was blessed by someone else instead, a demon, they very one that would come to hate him, and now needed him. Stratus, and his black blood. Raphael smiled at the thought of biting the Demon King on the neck, and sucking his life from him. Granted he was pushed away almost instantly, but he came back from that.

Now here he was, looking at the tomb. He had been here once before, back when Stratus was going to take on Jericho, before Raphael, Rigmor, and Alexander pushed him back. It seemed the vampire was always there when Stratus was defeated, though the Demon King would never admit to that, he would always say it was something. But Raphael knew that was not true, and it brought a smile to his. Even know, even when he was setting on a quest to free the demon, he knew Stratus would try to kill him once freed, but Raphael needed Stratus, for his own twisted ends.

Raphael walked over to one of the walls, it was littered with dead bodies, both human and demons, as well as other races. A final battle was fought here, one without Stratus or Raphael, one that was to shut away the Dark Gate before it could be used again. But now Raphael need to get in, and he had recently stole an object that would allow him to do so, however, he needed to place it at just the right spot, or the whole place would collapse in on him. He would live, but he would have missed his chance.

So he sat on the floor, looking at the giant stone wall in front of him, a monolith of despair. How many lost their lives to protect the ones they loved, and it would all be for naught should Raphael have his way. He crossed his legs under him, and placed his hands on his knees. Taking two long breaths in and out, he closed his eyes. He need help again, but this would be help that would be freely offered to him. Soon darkness envolped him.

Openeing his eyes, Stratus stood above him. His arms across his chest, and his skeleton like head trying to burn through the vampire. Raphael simply rolled his eyes, and Stratus grunted. The Demon King knew Raphael's goals were higher than even his own, he was just unaware of how much higher. What Stratus did know was that their goals ran along one side another, at least, for the moment. But Stratus also knew he would have to destroy Raphael once this was all over, though whether the vampire knew that or not, Stratus wouldn't care. However Raphael did know that, and thus would be prepared when it came.

"Where? Was the simple question that Raphael uttered, still sitting on the ground, he didn't even waste his time looking up. He simply closed his eyes. He treat Stratus like an equal, though clearly Stratus thought otherwise. Raphael ignore the tone of Stratus when he spoke, like a mother scorning a child.

They were soon brought into a room, much like the one Raphael's body remained in, Stratus pointed to a spot, midway down, between two rocks. Raphael memorized it in his mind, and then shook his head. Stratus was starting to scold him when he faded out, back into his body. He opened his eyes to look at the area. Cracking his neck he stood, and walked over to it. Removing an item in his cloak, he placed between the two stones. A blue glow first emitted, then cracks started to form, a door was shone through. A stone handle could then be seen. Raphael smiled and placed his hand on the door, but he soon felt he was not alone.

[Uriel Bernardo]

Uriel quickly noticed the figure he’d been following stopped his endeavor, meaning he’d either come across something unexpected, or caught his scent. He didn’t particularly care which one it was at the moment, but to avoid any unnecessary conflict, he would reveal himself. Stalking from behind a fallen piece of slab, and gingerly stepping over rotting carcasses, carrying little if his boots happen to disrupt a bodies posture, Uriel revealed himself, physically, to the vampire he’d been following. He was surprised that the renown Raphael Augustus hadn’t detected him before, but it was only a testament to his covert capabilities. Uriel had his torn and tattered cloak wrapped tightly around him, in a fashion that stated he was either cold or simply guarding something. Whichever it was, Uriel wasn’t about to tell a complete stranger. He didn’t speak often, finding silent company more insightful than meaningless banter, but for introduction sakes, it would be easier to just voice himself.

[Maroon]“Uriel Bernardo… Mind if I join you, in whatever you’re doing…?”[/Maroon]

The tone was rather flat and uninterested, but to an experienced linguist, like Raphael, it also carried hints of nervousness. Uriel hadn’t said he’d knew who Raphael was, but he did. In fact, Uriel, you could say, specialized in knowing anyone who was anyone, and that included the infamous Raphael Augustus. He’d heard rumor that Raphael had been traveling outside of Asyut more frequently, and that had sparked an interest in the younger vampires curiosity. Perhaps, he could meet the legend himself and learn from him. It wasn’t that Uriel wasn’t sure of his own abilities, it was that he unsure of what Raphael’s were, and that is what intrigued him. The vampire had neither a good nor bad reputation, but yet everyone seemed to avoid him. Hopefully, the royal vampire wouldn’t mind having a companion on his quest… journey… mission… whatever it was that had brought him to the remains of Amaria’s Tomb.

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael smiled as the warrior stood in the light, the vampire stood there. He acted strong and imposing, like he was confident of his surroundings. He was good, following Raphael like he did, the assassin had to give him that. Granted Raphael knew someone was following, he just wasn't sure who. At first he thought it was Raven, but now it was clear it was someone else, some he had never met before in his life. A vampire who called himself Uriel Bernardo, an odd name, but the man himself looked odd, all wrapped in black.

"I don't believe we have met before, though clearly you know whom I am, so I need no introductions." Raphael smiled, his normal off putting smile of pure confidence. "And sure, you can join me, I need some cannon fodder. Don't expect this to be easy." He then turned the handle, and the room on the other side was darkness, complete and utter darkness, not even the light from outside or from the room could light it inside, and Raphael entered it underflinchingly.

He looked back and could see the light, yet it appeared far behind him, he was unsure if Uriel had followed behind him. Raphael simply shruged and pulled out a orb, the orb itself was dark in color, but when Raphael spoke into, a light swirled in the center, slowly it spun, then faster and quicker. Soon it lite itself, shinning bright and piercing, Raphael heard a cry, and looked up. Several bat like demons swung from above, covering their eyes. Raphael simply laughed, a throaty silent laugh, mocking the demons.

"Come Uriel, we have far to go." He failed to mention to Uriel that once in there was no way out, unless of course they managed to find a gate that was unlocked. He bounced the orb on his hand as he walked forward, the light bobbing up and down. He didn't look back to see of Uriel was following suit. He simply moved forward.

[Uriel Bernardo]

Though Uriel hadn’t met Raphael in person, and actually only know what little he could research about the reclusive vampire, he’d for some reason anticipated the answer he’d gotten. Raphael seemed to be a pleasant individual, or as pleasant as a vampire could possibly be, that is. He had a hard time envisioning the man before him fighting along side the alliance at the Dark Gate, some 20 years ago. Uriel himself was simply living the life of a hired mercenary at that time, and was on his way to the Dark Gate when his company received word that the small alliance sent before them had been victorious.

He was snapped out of his thoughts as he realized Raphael had already entered through the door, leaving him behind. There were very few things in this world that could get him to run, and this wasn’t one of them, so he plodded along, in no rush to catch up with Raphael. As he entered through the door, he heard him shout back for him to hurry up. A soft sigh escaped as he considered breaking his tradition and catching up with the assassin, but the thought didn’t last long. At a normal walking pace he followed the pathway, able to see the faint light that Raphael was somehow producing.

[Maroon]“He’s resourceful, I suppose…”[/Maroon]

The thought occurred to him that this could very well be a trap, considering he didn’t know Raphael personally at all, but he didn’t believe so. To travel from Asyut to the burial grounds of Amaria wasn’t simply something you do everyday, you came with a purpose. Deciding that getting some information about what’s to come would be important, Uriel increased his pace slightly so that he could catch up with Raphael. Once he was within a few feet of the vampire assassin, Uriel addressed his concerns.

[Maroon] “What’s down here?”[/Maroon]

To assume that it was fear that provoked this question, would be juvenile. Uriel didn’t fear death, much less the dark. He simply wanted to be prepared for what Raphael had in store for the duo. If history was to repeat itself, like it always does, then something interesting was bound to happen.

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael heard the man slowly catch up, not by jogging, but it seemed more by taking longer steps. He smiled, the other man was lost in his thoughts, no doubt feeling a little underprepared, as anyone who had just jumped into the underworld would feel. Though Uriel undoutedly had no clue about where they were, or he wouldn't be asking, and undoutedly he had missed the demon's above, or he might have guessed quicker.

With a simple thought, the orb burst brighter, and the entire hall lit up, above, and below. What they were walking on was not a hallway at all, but a long bridge connecting the island, where they had just come from, to the mainland. But unlike people's normal versions of the underworld, below was more of an abyss, and not even the orb could show how far it went, even though it was a straitline downward. Raphael himself paused and looked down, tapping his chin as he did so. He seemed unafriad, as though it he was pushed, he would merely fly. Then again, who truly knew what he had in his coat. As he had spent a life time tracking down rare and magical objects.

He then turned to regard the younger vampire, who undoutedly would have stopped as Raphael had done. Raphael smiled as he regarded the younger man, the warrior's silver hair, and dark eyes hidden by his hood, he seemed like a young Raphael, though the two were closer to age than either would know. Being as though vampire's never aged.

"Expect darkness, evil, and demons, lots and lots of demons. We are in their playground right now, so don't do to much to piss them off," He said, with wink and a smile. "Let me do that, I am so much better at it." He then looked forward again, and started walking back towards the mainland. They would soon be walking in some of the darker places of the earth. Raphael sure would like Damian here, that bastard would know his way around.

"So what made you decided to follow me through Asyut. Not planning to kill me, are ya?" He really didn't care one way or the other why Uriel was down here, but if he could fight off the demons, than Raphael didn't really care. One more sword arm was always taken thankfully, though Raphael had best be prepared should it try to end up in his back.

[Uriel Bernardo]

It is common, and easy, to regret what is said once the answer is shown, and Uriel found himself in just that predicament. In response to his question, the orb which he could now see in Raphael hand flashed brightly, illuminating a large portion of where the pair were. Several things became clear to Uriel in just moments. The first was that they weren’t in a hallway at all, but instead traveling along a precarious bridge. Uriel wasn’t one to enjoy heights really, and this was definitely an unwanted and unsettling discovery, but he managed to keep his exterior cool as to not bring his uneasiness to Raphael’s attention.

Next observation Uriel made, to make matters worse for his fear of heights, was that the orb wasn’t even powerful enough to reveal where exactly the bottom was under the bridge. Darkness was all the eye could see. Uriel stopped, after noticing Raphael’s halt, and did as his ‘leader’ was doing. Uneasily he peered over the edge of the bridge and cast a glance down, and immediately regretted it. Apparently it was becoming a trend to regret decisions since joining with Raphael. Perhaps it was a normal day in the life of this vampire assassin, but Uriel somehow knew that this wasn’t something Raphael much wanted to do either.

As he leaned back from gazing down below, and getting his stomach to remain steady, he heard Raphael’s verbal reply to his answer. Darkness, evil, and lots demons… Didn’t sound all that bad, Uriel had slain quite a few evil demons in darkness over his short existence. However, he knew that Raphael was implying more. They weren’t going to be your everyday demon, but that is what made it exciting, wasn’t it? As for the comment about experience, Uriel wasn’t even about to argue that. The information Uriel knew about Raphael proved that, that was no bluff.

[Maroon]“I’m sure.”[/Maroon]

It wasn’t spoken harshly, merely thoughts flowing freely from the mind and out of the mouth. Raphael once again began walking, and without faltering this time Uriel followed. He was tempted to ask why Raphael was making this journey, but Uriel, as a former mercenary, knew far better than to ask that question. He’d ended the lives of many foolish enough to make that mistake. It was then that the question was asked that he knew was going to be voiced eventually. Two strangers couldn’t travel together, possibly to their death, without at least forming some type of trust. Though the question was similar to what Uriel was going to ask the vampire, it was the simple fact that it wasn’t his place to ask it. Raphael had a right to know, and Uriel figured he could tell, but it wasn‘t the proper time for that.

[Maroon] “What I would gain from killing you wouldn’t outweigh the trouble it would take, so no… And, if you knew I’ve been following you since Asyut, why did you wait until we got here to find out who I was?”[/Maroon]

The answer was spoken with little interest, like the two were standing together waiting for an elevator making small talk. The question, though, was said with a hint of suspicion, for now Uriel knew he hadn't had the upper hand all along.

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael himself was more listening to the tone of the voice, than the voice itself. He seemed curious on the point of needing to know, yet it tried to hide in the uncaring element. Raphael himself always made it a point to sound curious, he knew that it made his enemies, or allies, speak more. Of course it was a matter of how much his companion liked to talk, and he could pretty much access that Uriel did not want to do such a thing. He did, however, catch Uriel's eyes when he had taken a peak over the ledge, and he storied that in his mind, that was, perhaps, more useful to him than anything Uriel could say.

"I didn't say I knew you followed me from there, though thank you for confirming that for me. I was more than a little unsure of that." Raphael said, with a wink, and a smile, though whether Uriel caught that or not, the vampire didn't know. Now he could track down where the man had come from, as undoubtedly, someone saw the warrior follow Raphael. The Dark Prince, being who he was, was never able to escape unnoticed. But now he needed to pay attention to the moment at hand. And he could only guess that he joined Raphael because he was doing a few things. One, he wanted to kill Raphael Alucarde Augustus. Two, he was hoping for riches or, three, he wanted glory. Of course four was an option, he wanted all three. He had to think of that as well, but then again, he was more worried about what was in front, than what was behind.

He of course needed the help of one as evil as the Demon King himself, and one who might not say yes. She might very well like her seat of power, however, she might also see a chance to expand her influence. Raphael only hoped that he would be able to help her see it clearer. Or so Stratus hoped, he had been waiting more than a few years to be free, and by using the vampire, he hoped to accomplish this. However, Raphael had other plans, but he first must get this all done with first. He then remembered that he had someone just ask a question, though he had previously answered, he knew he could add more. No sense letting the creature feel at ease.

"Besides," He acted like he was still thinking upon the same thought, as infact, only one or two seconds had passed. "I need someone to take the first hits, I am far more flimsy than yourself. You should thank the Creator you made a warrior as your main class, and not a mage or an illusionist."

Finally the duo had arrived at what seemed like a grand door, and on either side were two stone creatures. Called Cerbaerias, they were odd demons. Having the head of a lion, a wolf, and a eagle, they stood on two legs that belonged on a bull, and had a snake-tail, with the head of the snake at the end, two well muscled arms that looked like they belonged to a human. Each held a large pike in their hands. Their bodies looked as though they were adorned with skales, yet each head had a fur mane, and each arm, starting at the elbow, and ending at the shoulder blade had feathers running along it. Neither had noticed the trio, but Raphael had already removed his sword.

Looking at Uriel, he nodded his head. "This could get messy." So instead of doing what he was famous for, charging head on, he lifted his hood, and vanished [Cloak of Shadows]. He walked past the two, which set off an alarm. The two creatures blinked, looked around, and noticed Uriel. Where Raphael had gone to, none of the three could know, as he was far to stealthy to be noticed in such a way. He smiled behind his vail.

[Uriel Bernardo]

He was almost surprised at the reply received from Raphael, but not quite. Raphael Augustus seemed like the type to use words to fluster people, or simply provoke any beneficial reaction from them. Uriel, however, wasn’t the type to talk, and simply gave a mock smile as Raphael gave his own, with an additional wink. He wasn’t perturbed, or in the slightest bit intrigued by Raphael’s behavior. He acted however he wanted, and it obviously worked for him since he was still alive, well, as much as a vampire can be.

A moment or so passed, before Raphael carried on talking. Uriel was beginning to wonder if this is why Raphael was always alone. Could anyone stand to hear someone talk this much, when traveling along a rickety bridge, towards possibly hell itself? Thankfully, Uriel was a disciplined individual, and though the excessive talking got on his nerves, he hardly showed it. He replied softly, for some reason feeling the need to keep his voice down.

[Maroon]“I’ll just thank my self, actually, since I don’t believe in a Creator. Surprised you do.”[/Maroon]

Just as he’d finished speaking, his senses screamed at him to halt. He noticed that Raphael stopped as well, but somehow found the source of their concerns faster than himself. The demons were made of stone, it seemed, but looks are deceiving, especially in the underworld. They obviously guarded the door between them, and that must be where Raphael was leading him. Reaching within his cloak, he silently drew his blade, clutching it firmly and comfortably in his hand. The blade had been with him for decades, and it would serve him now as it always had.

As Uriel was about to ask what the battle plan was, Raphael made some comment before vanishing before his very eyes. Yet another enchanted item, no doubt. Curious about what Raphael was doing, he waited a few moments, wondering if the assassin would reappear, but he didn’t. Instead, the two stone demons came to life and fixated their gaze on him. Rolling his eyes, knowing full well he should have expected this, Uriel prepared for what was to come.

[Maroon]“Just perfect…”[/Maroon]

The demons looked physically imposing, most likely stronger than himself, so he knew a straight forward fight was out of the question. He took a few steps forward, making sure to get himself off the bridge and on to what he hoped was solid ground. As if on cue the demon on the right side of the door came closed to Uriel, easily within striking distance, and thrust his pike towards his torso.

Swift on his feet, Uriel side stepped to the right, letting the pike harmlessly go right beside him. Once the attack had been halted by the demon, Uriel grabbed the pike with his left hand, and in one fluid motion, spun on his left heel and brought his sword down on the pike, effectively hacking it in two. The demon most definitely wouldn’t care for his weapon being ruined, but what did he need it for anyways? Tossing the piece of pike to the side, the demon charged Uriel, planning to easily flatten him, or better yet, knocking him off the ledge he was so close to.

As the demon charged, however, Uriel did something unusual. He turned his back on the demon, and began facing out towards the darkness that was all consuming, wrapping is cloak around him tightly. His purpose unclear to the demon, but whatever he was doing, it mattered not. He would die in the end, or so the demon thought. Just as before, making sure his timing was nothing short of perfect, Uriel initiated his counter. Not even a moment before the demon was to collide with him, the figure of Uriel became faded, almost as if he was mirage, but in reality, he‘d become ethereal [Maroon](Tainted Cloak)[/Maroon]. The demon roared in anger as he barreled through Uriel, hitting nothing at all, and promptly attempting to stop his charge.

And now, it was time for Uriel to attack. The moment the demon had finished going through him, the edges of his cloak flung open to reveal his blade, which went straight for the snake head which was hissing at him. The blade made a clean cut, separating the snake head for its tail body. The next slash from his blade, came diagonally up, cutting deep from the left corner of the demons back all the way up to the right side of his shoulder. He roared in anger at the pain, but it would be nothing compared to the fall that the was about to take. Finishing off his attack, Uriel firmly kicked the demon in the back, forcing him off the edge.

With one down, and hopefully the other being dealt with by Raphael, he spun around to see what was happening. If Raphael hadn’t revealed himself to attack the demon by now, he would surely be coming towards Uriel, who would mount an appropriate defense.

[Raphael Augustus]

As the alarm, or trigger, was set off, Raphael was moving into position, before he had vanished, he had made sure to throw the orb in the air, and it stopped and rotated once it reached it'se arch. His swords drawn, he watched as the lumbering giants eyed Uriel, and then they started to move towards the vampire. Raphael was more than tempted to just leave Uriel there, the ungrateful little warrior seemed to find Raphael annoying, as most of those I-have-to-many-problems-and-I-don't-want-to-talk hacks did. He could see it in his eyes, just like he saw it in Michael's as well. Arrogant bastards, Raphael was more than content to just leave junior there to die. But then he thought how he might need him to die another way, a sacrifice of sorts.

So climing up the side of a wall, he eyed how Uriel etheral shifted, and the monster went sailing through him. Raphael chuckled at the simple manuver, and at no cost to Uriel. Raphael himself knew he could do one better, but he was not a fan of theatrics. At that thought he laughed out loud, knowing fully well, he truly did find theatics fun, and possibly annoying to his companions. He glanced around quick now, to see the other demon, aiming his pike at Uriel, and Raphael spurned into action.

With a kick from the wall, he launched himself in much like a flying squirrel. While sounding careless, one must remember, Raphael was still invisible. It was not until he landed on the pike, did he finally become clear to the demon's eyes. And there he was, standing there, much like a vampire statue of old. His cloak swirling about his feet, and one side raised so that only his eyes could be seen. The demon blinked, not realizing what Raphael was doing, and the vampire meerly sighed. The demon the growled, and started to shake his pike.

Raphael was already rolling away when the demon started to thrash it, and now he was moving towards the kill. However, the two were on the narrow bridge, much to Raphael's delight, he had just confined the creature's movements, and he heard the dying screams of something fade away, undoubtedly Uriel's opponent. Raphael made a slender cut along the Cerbaerian's ankle, as he was hoping to cut the tendend above his heel. However, his attack did very little, though Raphael was not to much surprised.

Instead, he pulled something out of his coat, a rope and hook. Simply shoving the hook into the demon's wound, he spun, and jumped off the cliff. The rush was more than just a little exciting, he felt as though he would fly. And the feeling of weightlessness was more than euphoric. But then he felt the sharp tug of reality, and found himself shooting skyward, landing on the other side of the bridge, the demon was still looking over the edge of his suicidal opponent, and turned when he heard the cough of Raphael, who had made a Gentleman's Cough.

Raphael winked, and gave a tug on the rope, and the demon slide back, not completely sure why, he simply looked curiously at the vampire. Raphael smiled, with one side higher than the other, and then showed his teeth, his long canine teeth, ready to rip open anywho dare try to confront him. The demon took a step back, which was what Raphael was waiting for, and with an inhuman strength, he pulled the rope, and the demon lost his footing. With one foot over the edge, he fell into a split, and once he lost the rest of his balance, all Raphael needed to do was wave, and then pull again, which of course he did.

As he heard the cries of the demon fade, as the rope had left Raphael's hands, he placed a hand over his heart, as though in morning. He smiled as he looked over at his morbid companion, no doubt thinking thoughts of hatred for Raphael. But the assassin simply shrugged, in the end, everyone hated him. It was something he didn't really care about, he didn't need anyone, he didn't want anyone. Yet somehow, people always ended up flocking to him, or following him. But Uriel had only himself to blame, running down the Rabbit Hole.

"Let us continue onward." He said, keeping it short and sweet. Yet his eyes told a different tail, it would take more than killing a demon to be looked upon as an equal in Raphael's eyes. But he knew the warrior would not think he would need to prove himself, and Raphael simply didn't care what Uriel thought. He kept walking, as the orb came back to rest in his outstretched palm. He could still hear sounds of the falling demon's as they collided with stone and rock. Luckily for the two vampires, they were standing over an abyss, or the fight would have lasted much, much longer. As a side thought, Raphael simply said, as a matter of fact. "I'm surprised you don't."

[Uriel Bernardo]

Upon turning around Uriel was surprised to not see the demon behind him, but quickly heard a cry from the beast which drew his attention to the bridge. It was looking about in a befuddled manner, like it had just lost something, when all of the sudden Raphael swung up from beneath the bridge and landed behind the demon. He slid his blade back into it’s place, hidden inside his cloak, and simply folded his arms and watched as Raphael, he figured, tried to show off. He was as competitive as the next guy, but found it almost humorous that Raphael would even try and pull flashy stunts even when their lives were on the line.

He wasn’t surprised when Raphael revealed the rope, which he used to tug the demon off the bridge with. All and all the show was entertaining, but the best thing to come of it was that Uriel suddenly felt much more comfortable around Raphael. Perhaps it was the adrenaline rushing through his veins now, or just the thought of further conflicts such as this, but he was much more lively than before. As Raphael moved towards the stone door, Uriel moved up next to him and spoke, with a smirk on his face.

[Maroon] “Dazzling, perhaps… Efficient? I don’t think so… Better luck next time.”[/Maroon]

His eyes, which were a bright emerald green color at the moment, had a hint of joking in them, but unless Raphael was looking at the right moment would have missed it. His voice, as always, was rather monotone, but with a little more life in it. He grabbed the edges of his cloak and pulled them in as he walked along side Raphael, and heard the response to his comment just before the battle. He’d almost forgotten he’d said something before, but now remembered what the comment was about. A Creator. Thinking for a brief moment on whether or not to push the subject, Uriel wondered if Raphael actually was curious about his beliefs, or if he was making idol chat. Which ever it was, he figured he’d continue the conversation, since he didn’t feel like walking in silence anymore.

[Maroon] “Why so? Is it that hard to comprehend that I’d rather believe I control my own fate, not a master puppeteer somewhere in this vast universe? Why do you believe in a Creator, Raphael Augustus? You don’t strike me as the type that follows.”[/Maroon]

His voice was pleasant now, probably due to the energy he now had that was being directed into his speech. He used the word ‘follows’ loosely, hoping Raphael would catch that it implied more than just faith. He was curious if Raphael actually served someone, or if this journey was just for himself.

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael smiled as Uriel caught up with him, or fell in beside, the assassin was not paying much attention. But what was far more curious, was the fact that Uriel was much more... talkative, Raphael believed was the word. He seemed more interested in what the assassin had to say, or was just bored, one or the other. Then again, being down in a hole like this, talking would certainly seem more interesting. So he turned then, so that he was walking backwards, he was able to do this mainly because the area ahead of him was strait, and thus he didn't have to worry about tripping over something. With his fingers interlaced behind his head, he walked on.

"You mistake me for a fanatic, in no way do I believe anyone controls my life or destiny, but me. But when I look around, I can't but help but to think that someone must have created it all. For no mere chance, or some random occurrence happened. No, what I see is beautiful, and made with care and tenderness. And yet," He made a wink, as he spun back around, as they were coming near a corner. "When I see the darkness and light in man's heart, I can't but help to notice that only a deity could have such strange designs. Then again," He sighed, thinking back years ago. "Perhaps speaking to one face-to-face would certainly help in the believing process."

As it was true, back when he fought for the Templars against the Order, a deity truly did show himself to Raphael. Though of course, people mocked him for that, but he always replied that if believing was seeing, he saw, and thus believed. But he was not a priest, and he in no way cared to convert anyone. That was not his goal, no his goal was to rule as one, granted it was far off, and unlikely, but it was a goal, none the less.

He didn't turn to see the look of Uriel's face, if it was confusion or amusement, it didn't truly matter. No, he had heard something up ahead, and held his hand up for Uriel to be silent. Slowly Raphael walked forward, to see what laid ahead. What he heard, sounded busy, but Raphael was not so sure as to what. So when he peaked his head around the corner, he smiled. For below, in like a valley, was a huge city, undoubtedly the place that Raphael was trying to get to. In the middle of the city was a giant temple/castle, and from there, Raphael could hear screams. Screams that made the vampire smile at what could only be happening there. Pulling his flask from his coat, he took a drink, and then placed the gold and obsidian object, back in his coat.

"Welcome to the Underdark," He turned and smiled, pointing to the city. "Not really sure on the name of the place, nor do I really care. But our goal is to get into the center of the city, without being killed." He then turned back to the city, looking long and hard at it, trying to see everything. HIs golden eyes seemed bright in comparison to the dark city below. Had he had long ago turn his orb dark, and now relied on his infrared eyesight. He scanned the dark looking for heat, and he most certainly saw a lot of it. He smiled slightly, and started to move, he would have to worm his way around, trying to avoid the huge army of demons below. He was suicidal, but he had no deathwish. "Come."