War-Bloodied Claws

Chapter 19: Death's First Trial Part III and Unwelcome Surprise Guests

It had taken Ibero some time to heal Hadrian of the second trial part; whatever the young vampire king had seen and endured there; it had hurt him immensely. Both mentally and physically, but the physical wounds of this trial had taken precedence. Despite his state, however, Hadrian seemed more...determined now; in a good way versus apathetic as he had seemed after the first part.

Hadrian seemed to be quiet and thinking; considering many things. What those things were; Ibero had no idea, seeing as he did not seek his council for them nor was Hadrian expected to speak to him if he didn't wish to. But he hardly made any sound as the ghost healed his wounds; only made slight expressions every so often as he considered. Didn't ask questions nor did he make idle conversation.

Once Ibero finished and nodded; Hadrian stood and stretched. Grimacing to the slight pain still, but nothing he had not felt before. He eyed the ghost a moment and then inclined; signalling him to open the third trial. Ibero watched as the vampire seemed to prepare his mind and cautiously opened the third part. Watching as Hadrian walked off with nary a word at all; and all as Ibero prayed for his return. The first part of this trial was rough, but the third part is where most former champions lost their minds and then died.

~~

Hadrian walked slowly and steadily down the path of the hall that opened; his mind lit in a blaze of thoughts. He wasn't sure; but now he had a working theory...as to what this trial was supposed to accomplish, and if so; he needed all the mental strength he had now to force whatever he saw as not real.

The first trial was his past; a part of it that Ibero was correct in that he had hidden and that Death wanted either rid of or cleansed out of him; to overcome the pain of it, and to keep it from affecting him going forward. To keep others from finding out of it and exploiting it.

The second trial was the present; or rather, it was a particular version of it. One that had not come to pass, but still could become his current present. Something that Hadrian refused to allow. He vowed that he would not let his mate continue to suffer like that ever again. He would ensure that Tom was happy with this life of theirs. That he would rise to the challenge of being the King that he and his courtesans saw him truly as.

And with that thought; Hadrian scowled to himself...the third trial was likely a scene of what could be in the future. Or, this is now what he suspected it would be. He stood a moment; outside the door, and he breathed to calm himself. Then pushed it open.

Eyeing the room; he started as he recognized this room from old journals in his mother's mansion and her study. He walked warily in the large observatory-like room and wondered if Cerella spent a lot of time here...pondering her thoughts and such.

Hadrian started as the black mist rose; but was surprised when he was not suddenly tied up and binded. Instead; he was momentarily paralyzed and his vision was blurred immensely.

:Start Trial Sequence:

Hadrian blinked heavily as he regained his vision and started once more; he was in a vampire body, only this one was older than he was now. It felt older and far more powerful as a vampire than his current one did. If Hadrian had to guess by the feel of his power and his body; he would say he felt more like he was in his late twenties or perhaps even early thirties.

Hadrian quirked his lips; so the future it was then...he had been correct.

He then looked about and stared suddenly in a horrified terror of what he was witnessing. He was on top of a large overview of the Underground; outside of his immediate ruling area. Yet, he could only watch as green fire burned the city. As he heard screams of pleas for help. Hadrian lurched then into a run; as if his body and mind were at war of what to do.