Cave of Solitude
Lightning flashes outside of the jagged metal mouth of this cave, as is typical for the realm of the Steel Dragons. Often, bolts can be seen to leap from peak to peak amidst the barren mountaintops. There is light deeper in; the glow of molten metal.

Alptraum has been assured by Kaira that Vorgulremik's restraints ensure that he can no more affect the Eeee's mutated right hand than he can the shape of the spirit dagger itself. The dragoness also showed him the route to this particular dungeon dimension within the blade, as well as opening the various seals that keep it isolated – although she did close them up again as soon as they passed through them. She waits for Alptraum outside in the storm.

"Sometimes I wonder about myself. Is this even a good idea, going to see him?" Alptraum has to wonder as he walks slowly into the cave. At his side, his right hand flexes slowly. Even with the reassurance that Vorgulremik cannot affect his hand, it's a but unsettling to remember that the steel dragon's blood flows within that limb. Still, this creature is old and may know things that could prove of use; should he actually part with the information. So now, Alptraum heads towards the glowing light. "Vorgulremik," he calls out, trying to sound braver than he feels right now.

The glow of metal flares up, and the familiar voice rumbles through the cave, saying, "Alptraum. You'll have to come to me, I daresay."

"I assumed as much," Alptraum calls back as he heads deeper into the caves. "I imagine you're surprised to hear from me."

"I was expecting you, actually," the dragon rumbles. As Alptraum turns a corner, he sees Vorgulremik. At least, most of him. The dragon is half immersed in a pool of glowing, molten metal, and his limbs and wings have been melted and fused into it and the confining walls of the cave. His wings arch overhead to form part of the ceiling, his tail coils and fuses into a stalagmite, and rivulets of molten metal pour and bubble from the walls. The steel dragon's head and neck are unrestrained, however.

"Expecting? Why? We are neither friends nor allies," Alptraum comments after the rather extended pause from the shock of seeing the steel dragon restrained so. The heat too keeps Alptraum back from the bound dragon. So, Alptraum crouches down where he is to rest his legs a bit.

"Because Kaira has lost control out there," Vorgulremik says, with an added chuckle. "And she can't fix it herself. She's too weak and naive."

"The irony there is she always has complete control should she choose to use it. All she has to do is unmake you and this place and it is done," Alptraum points out as his wings wrap about himself. "And those who cause her grief would probably get no more than they deserve, really. Fighting against the one person trying to save you is foolish. And before you think Kaira sent me here to get your help, she didn't. I have my own reasons."

"Ahhh, but she foolishly pledged to see them all to freedom if she could," Vorgulremik points out. "They have her pledge, and she cannot go back on it while there is any hope. Of course, she didn't make that pledge to all of my captives. But that isn't what you came here for, I am hearing? What else would you seek from this fallen one, Mighty Barsunala?"

"Nice to see you haven't lost your sarcasm in this place. Since when have you ever considered me mighty?" Alptraum retorts with a smirk. "As for why? Curiosity on some level. I wondered what had happened to you in here. On another level, your age has some benefits. I am curious if you ever knew a Shadow Dragon named Melusine."

"Ah, the Mother of the Dark Brood," the dragon says, with an almost affectionate burr to his voice. "Although I would hesitate to call her a dragon," he notes, and then sighs. "But if creatures such as Kainudy can be called such, then Melusine is at least that worthy of the appellation."

"Then it may amuse you to know I have met her and that in a disturbing sense, will be her consort. She wishes to use the essence of the Shadow Dragon I bear to help her give birth to new ones. She claims that it is necessary to happen if the woman she is bound to has any hope of herself bearing children," Alptraum comments with an arch of his brow, noting the unusual tone to Vorgulremik's voice. "So, how much truth is there in what she says must happen?"

The big dragon rubs his chin along the floor of the cave, striking sparks. "Well now… how interesting," he comments. "She wishes to spawn the Brood anew then on your world. After being Exiled there by her own children, no less. I might say there is much truth in what she says, if only because she is in control of that truth."

Alptraum rubs lightly on his chest, right over the scar. "Explain that. Are you implying that she is intentionally keeping my friend barren and using that as a way to also benefit her, now that another shadow-hybrid exists?" the Eeee asks.

"Well, if so, then her statement would still be true, would it not?" Vorgulremik asks, feigning a look of innocence. "Tell me more of this bond she has with a woman, and how long it has lasted."

"I know only a little. It was a bond forged a long time ago in family line. One of her ancestors brought Melusine low and for sparing her life, shares her abilities and longevity. They protect each other, I suppose. Anyway, the woman did not wish to be bonded to her, but had little choice. She was last of the line and only her line can be bound as per the pact. She has been bound perhaps … ten years? I do not know exactly," Alptraum explains. "I do know her bond isn't as complete as mine is, but much of that stems from the condition of the shadow that was bound. There wasn't much left of the one linked to me. She once described the experience as being devoured and born again."

"So, she is Melusine's proxy, but not strictly under the Shadow's control," the dragon muses, watching Alptraum with his golden eyes. "And if she has no offspring, then Melusine is eventually left… vulnerable?"

"That would be my assumption, yes. But given the binding allows the Eeee to live for centuries, there is hardly any rush to have children," Alptraum comments. "And no, she's not directly under Melusine's control; that much I know for certain. "And I must admit I find one aspect curious and interesting; as evil as I have heard Melusine described, she has been … helpful to me. Almost friendly at times, but only almost. Of course, that I am certain is because she wants something from me."

"Ah, you misunderstand evil, thinking it to be something foul," Vorgulremik notes sadly. "Do you wish the advice of this evil dragon then, in how best to deal with another one?"

"I define evil as caring only for oneself and what benefits oneself. You are the epitome of that," Alptraum points out as he wags a chitinous claw tip at Vorgulremik. "The man who helped sire me was not much different in that respect, except for when it came to his 'son'. But, to answer your question, yes, I do want you advice. Whether I trust it or not remains to be seen."

The horrific head rises up as Vorgulremik chuckles, and then licks his lips as they curl back from his teeth. "Then I advise you to devour Melusine! Take her soul, make her power and her place your own. Enslave her. I can smell it on you now, Alptraum – you've already taken the first step on that path. You've a had a taste of what it might be like, perhaps."

Alptraum looks long and hard at Vorgulremik. A minute passes, then the Eeee actually starts laughing. "You're right, I have had a taste of another. That was an accident, but it happened. And know that the moment taught me something, that I do not want it to ever happen again," the Eeee says. "I do not live to seek more power or usurp the world. I live to try and help it, to help others. I want my legacy to have been giving others a future and hope, not taking it from them." there's a shake of the Eeee's head and he continues, "And now I imagine you'll try to explain how devouring her would help me in helping the world, aren't you?"

"Wouldn't it, though?" the dragon asks. "Ridding the world of a monster, and increasing your own ability to help others as well? She is a monster, Alptraum. And her children would devour and destroy at her bidding. Or merely be born for her to devour in turn, in order to heal herself. When she is strong enough that she no longer needs to rely on bonding with a mortal, then she will be a powerful foe indeed."

"Perhaps it would. Perhaps it wouldn't," Alptraum comments. "But I am not going to become the monster to defeat one. We defeated you without any great powers, did we not? You like to imply how powerless mortals are … but in the end, we are not. I always have one option for dealing with you, for example, that would ensure you would never be a threat again."

Vorgulremik rumbles and half-closes his eyes, lowering his head back down to something approaching a pose of submission. "I am at your mercy, Alptraum. Look at my condition, and you can see that I am made painfully aware of that fact at all times." But then he grins slightly. "But the final solution to my threat would also put you at odds with Kaira right now. Do you really want to push her to the point of defiance or oblivion?"

"The final solution to you, Vorgulremik, lies with my existence," Alptraum says pointedly, "Something I am not sure you would have thought of. Should I die, her pledge is fulfilled. The chance of saving them would be gone and she would be free to disperse you and them. I wouldn't even have to push her. There's another difference between you and I. We may share the same abilities, but I am willing to sacrifice for the good of others. Something I daresay, you would never do. And … it would also resolve the Melusine situation, wouldn't it? She could not breed and nor could the line that protects her. When that line dies, she is vulnerable. The world would destroy her."

"And they say dragons are ruthless," Vorgulremik rumbles. "If you are saying there is no way for me to find favor or sympathy with you, then what does it mean if I continue to give you aid, eh? Will you deny me any chance at all for redemption, as selfish as my reasons for it may be?"

"Because it is not a choice I wish to make. I do not want to die, I have some understanding of what lies beyond. My point was this; there are options to any problem that do not involve walking a dark path," Alptraum comments as he stands. "But let me ask you something, what does redemption mean to you?"

"Survival, of course," Vorgulremik says. "Even an eternity in this hell is still existing."

"I shouldn't feel sorry for you. I know the horrors you inflicted on the worlds," Alptraum says. He even holds up his right hand, adding, "Even some of your blood flows through my veins; which makes us, in a disturbing sense, almost brothers. I honestly do not know what to do with you."

Vorgulremik eyes the shiny chitin of Alptraum's right hand. "Well, so long as you do not come to a decision one way or the other, I am still safe," he eventually says. "If you don't think my advice is useful, might I suggest a… tamer… course of action?"

Alptraum spreads his hands wide. "I never said it wasn't useful. It is in one sense or another; it's just not a path I am willing to walk. as for a tamer course, by all means," he says.

"Refuse her. Politely," Vorgulremik suggests. "Her reaction would be quite telling."

"She has already had some interesting reactions to some questions I have posed to her. For example, she wants to repair the damaged heart from the Shadow of Amena," Alptraum explains as he paces back and forth. "Not to mention when I told her I had a lead on it, it became her sole focus. For a time, she forgot about her mortal counterpart. She threw it in as an afterthought comment, probably hoping I wouldn't notice."

The dragon grins again. "Unsurprising," he comments. "She is in a weak position, but still willing to take a risk on getting more than the bare minimum required for her survival."

"She also flirted with me," Alptraum comments, giving Vorgulremik a sidelong glance. "Made suggestions of 'mutual kenning' and the like."

"Females like to play their games," Vorgulremik rumbles. "Relying on emotional manipulation instead of being straightforward. They wish to be in control without appearing to be. Fickle creatures."

"I'm not so blind I don't realize what she was trying to do," Alptraum says as he resumes pacing. "I know how to play a part and appear what I want people to see me as, so as to learn about them and what their true intentions are. Particularly when I know I am not exactly as powerful as they are. She's threatened to make me a woman more than once. Physically, she could do it."

The dragon actually sneers slightly at Alptraum's admission of being deceptive. "It sounds as if you are part way to being female already. Why play along at all? It will only encourage them, and then they will resent you for having seen through them in the first place."

"It all depends on the cards I hold. Right now I'm just gathering information about the game being played and the rules so I can formulate a strategy to 'win' as it were," Alptraum comments with a small shrug. "Knowledge is power, after all. Something you should understand."

"I always preferred 'Knowledge is fear' myself," Vorgulremik notes. "Well, have you come to a decision on how to treat with Melusine now, or are you still gathering information?"

"You tell me," Alptraum says as he turns and leans forward, grinning fangily at Vorgulremik. "And tell me something else, did she ever meet you?"

"What an odd question to ask," the dragon says. "Is it important?"

"Probably not, but I'm curious," Alptraum comments. "It will help me decide something."

"And what would you decide if I claimed that Melusine was my daughter?" the dragon asks, with one spiky eye ridge raised up.

"That you were lying to me, for one," Alptraum says, "And that then there probably was no point in you meeting the woman Melusine is currently bound to."

"Awww, I had hoped for at least a mild look of shock," Vorgulremik says, sounding disappointed. "But I am responsible for the crystals that make up the core of the Shadows."

"Is that so? Then you could help me restore one?" Alptraum inquires, brow arched a bit.

The cave reverberates painfully with the force of the dragon's laughter. "Restore one?" he asks. "Melusine's was created from the heart of one of my previous incarnations. The others, likewise, from lesser Steel Dragons."

Alptraum's eyes wince shut and his head cants to the side under the force from the laughter. "Okay, do not do that again," he warns with slow, deliberate, enunciation. "I can hear your heart beat and every movement of your scales already. Being loud is painful and puts me in an even fouler mood. And yes, restore one. The heart from the core of the Shadow of Amena is corrupted with iron that needs to be extracted."

"That is no small task you request," Vorgulremik says. "What, pray tell, is in it for me?"

Alptraum clicks his teeth together. "Right. I should have expected that reply. That means it is time for me to bid you farewell, I think. Perhaps I'll introduce you to the woman Melusine is bound to someday," the Eeee says.

"Hrrrmm," the steel dragon rumbles, eyes taking on a shrewd glint. "Are you going to ask me about how to deal with Kaira's little control issue, or will I still have that to look forward to another time?"

"Your reply to that will also likely be 'what's in it for me?'. And I know what you want and that is something I cannot promise," Alptraum says with a small shrug. "So, then I have to ask, what would be the point of asking you?"

"Ah, because helping you, in this case, might also help me," the dragon offers.

"Still hoping to escape, then," Alptraum comments and glances at Vorgulremik. "Would you, perhaps, then suggest that Kaira release you, just for a little bit to put those who defy her in their place, perhaps? Or do you hope that by helping Kaira she will decide to spare you when the time comes?"

"Oh, I would not be so bold as to suggest you seek my aid," Vorgulremik claims. "But I am not the only one in here condemned to oblivion. And perhaps if you can work with one of them… well, it is a start."

"In other words, dangle bait in front of those condemned to assist as an opportunity to seek a chance at surviving," Alptraum clarifies.

"To be condemned for one's nature is a cruel injustice, don't you agree, vampire?" Vorgulremik asks. "You might learn something from a monster, after all."

Alptraum's brow arches. "Now that is a bit low," he has to admit, "And worse, it is a valid point."

"Ah, the truth will out," the dragon claims. "And the truth can hardly be evil, now can it? That would imply that the universe itself is evil."

"I've already been learning from a monster," Alptraum points out. He raises his hand, then pulling his shirt down to reveal the star burst scar on his chest. "And trusting in them to teach me something. Doing so almost cost me my life. Melusine stabbed me through the heart to force me fuse completely with the shadow."

"Hmmm, she isn't one to take the slow and easy path, no," Vorgulremik notes. "Few dragons are, when they are not the ones who are going to be hurt."

"It's kinder than what you would have done to me, had you the chance," Alptraum points out, "You would have devoured me and taken my abilities to enhance your own. such is your 'nature' as you might put it."

"Now now, did I ever threaten you with that?" Vorgulremik says. "Why, have I ever been anything but honest and forthright with you?"

"You didn't know what I was when you first met me, for one. And I do happen to remember you trying to burn me to death in your lair, honest or not," Alptraum has to point out. "I cannot argue you haven't been honest with me, though. That you have. So, tell me truthfully, had you known what I was when we had dined together, would you have killed me for it?"

"Not then and there, no," Vorgulremik admits. "I may very well have taken you under my wing instead. And as for trying to burn you… well, you were trying to kill me at the time. And after I'd opened my home to you and shown you hospitality. I certainly didn't weld you to the walls or anything."

"I didn't weld you to these walls, either. That was your doing," Alptraum points out, "You made your chains. For that I can neither claim responsibility or feel guilt for it. So tell me, if you were free from those walls now, what would you do to me? It was my ability that was able to re-imprison you. Would you seek revenge?"

"As you have pointed out, it would be against my interests to see you dead or disabled," the dragon notes. "I would… negotiate… for my release."

"And if you got your release, then what?" Alptraum asks.

"I'd go off to be reborn like the rest of the immortals," Vorgulremik says. "And you'll not hear from again until I've rebuilt my strength."

"Mm," goes Alptraum. "So, since you suggest approaching one of the condemned … which one would you suggest?"

"I think… hmm… " the dragon says, making a show of giving it careful consideration. "The demon lord Verminus. I think you might find him… acceptable."

"And what makes you think I would find him acceptable? What exactly is he?" Alptraum inquires. He almost leans on a nearby wall, but then thinks better of it.

"A being of utter evil, of course," Vorgulremik says. "But one who does not hunt his victims – they come to him of their own accord. A corrupter, but one who does his duty, as it were. Very big on 'order'."

"So, you're hoping I will go to him and be corrupted, then," Alptraum reasons out, looking mildly amused. "You really do plan well."

"Be corrupted?" the dragon asks, tilting his head. "My dear Alptraum, do you really believe you aren't already?"

"Never said I wasn't," Alptraum counters and licks over his fangs. "I'm just reasoning out that you might pick someone who would encourage me to spare you too of course. Hedge your bets, as it were."

"The Lord Verminus has no love for me," the dragon claims. "None here would, after all. I am their devil."

"And so you know, I'll go see this Lord Verminus. I'm just theorizing as it were, as to reasons, motives, and so on, for the choice. I've spent enough times around dragons that I probably picked up a bit of the conspiracy paranoia," Alptraum adds, then taps one of his temples. "Where can I find him and what does he look like?"

"Command Kaira to bring you to him, as she brought you to me," Vorg notes. "He will be in a likewise sealed off realm."

"I didn't command Kaira, I asked her. I do not command. We're partners," Alptraum points out.

"She is not your equal," the dragon claims, lowering his head.

"Yes, she is," Alptraum counters. "And oh, one more question about Melusine, if I may?"

"I can hardly stop you from asking," Vorg points out.

"Do you think she is trying to make me into one of her kind?" Alptraum asks. "With the way she scarred me, and her encouragement of developing better ties to shadow … it just makes me wonder."

"Such is impossible, Alptraum," the dragon claims.

"All right. Well, I suppose I should leave you to your … bath," Alptraum comments as he glances to the molten metal the dragon rests in.

"And you may go back to being manipulated by secretive females," Vorgulremik offers back.

Alptraum heads to towards the exit. He pauses before disappearing around the corner. Glancing back, the Eeee actually asks, "Do you hate me, Vorgulremik?"

"Hmmm, no," the dragon says.

"Why?" Alptraum inquires. "Many would. Many do."

"Because you are not my enemy, Alptraum," Vorgulremik says, with that toothy grin of his. "Kaira is."

"Care to hear some advice?" Alptraum asks next.

"Not really," the dragon says. "But I do need to keep amused somehow."

"If you really want to survive, you may wish to learn what I think redemption means," Alptraum suggests. He waves his right hand to the dragon, adding, "Until next time." The bat then disappears around the corner and heads back up to the mouth of the cave.

Outside, Kaira asks, "How did it go?"

"He's a real bastard," Alptraum tells Kaira and rubs his forehead wearily. "He's trying everything to save his backside. He thought I came to see him to look for advice on helping deal with the unrest out here."

"Did he give you any?" the blue dragon asks.

"He suggested we enlist the assistance of a demon called Lord Verminus to help bring order. Get the assistance of one condemned to oblivion, perhaps in trade for their freedom instead of final death," Alptraum offers. "And is it true Melusine's heart is a fragment of one of Vorgulremik's incarnations?"

Kaira blinks at that. "I… wouldn't know, really. I don't know what their origins are, other than that Melusine is their mother."

"Well, that's what he claimed. He was trying to shock me, I think," Alptraum notes, "But he also seems to think as you did, that Melusine is up to something with her claims on reproductive requirements."

"Well… yeah," Kaira notes. "If I were to ask you to give me a child, wouldn't you be suspicious as well?"

"Yes, but with you I at least know it would be fun," Alptraum comments with a wink. There's a small push of shadow and for a split-second, Alptraum had the same horns he wore earlier in his 'dragon' cloak. "So, what do you make of his suggestion? Would it be worth pursuing this Lord Verminus?"

"Might as well," the dragon says. "An army of devils with flaming whips might get some of the fey in line. Others might try to steal the whips though."

"So, should I be the one to approach them? Would I get more respect if I looked demonic? I can always manage the wraith form in here easily," Alptraum says as he moves closer to Kaira, then actually drapes his wings around her.

The dragon smiles a bit, and says, "Yeah, demons are impressed by bluster and arrogance, so looking nasty helps."

"I look nasty?" Alptraum asks, feigning being hurt. "I thought I looked good as the wraith."

"Good and nasty," Kaira claims. "Very handsome by demon standards."

Alptraum's wings slip away from Kaira as he steps back. The Eeee draws in a deep breath. As he exhales, his body distorts, parts drawing in, other parts expanding. The flesh on his arms pulls in, withering until the arms are thinner and rather skeletal … and yet his talons for and become more hooked. His cheeks draw in, ears tear ragged, and wings shred. Tendrils of smoke roll and ripple over his body and bits of chitin appear here and there, a mishmash of wraith and 'insectlike' qualities (especially the rather shadowy and skedat-like tail he currently bears). The last thing to go are Alptraum's pupils. Eyes fade to pure white as his vision fades away, replaced by the start black and white world the wraith sees. One of those skeletal arms curls around Kaira's side and he rasps, "Then lets go see a few demons, partner. I don't care what Vorgulremik says, we are equals. More than that, friends. I don't command you, we discuss and come to an agreement. So, let me see what I can do to help my friend out. Let's go."