Conviction

Tral wouldn't be dissuaded from his decision no matter how Darick or Riddick tried and actually got more convinced over time that it was the only option to gain the power he needed to defeat the enemies that's caused all these problems.

As they quickly ran away, the streets of Desrosa filled with soldiers and mercenaries searching for the pair of run aways to the point that they had to not only leave the city entirely but escape deep into the mountains as every corner of Desrosa was over turned looking for them.

Even Riddick had to flee the city at the same time and not a moment too soon either because the entire area was surrounded and shutdown when an aircraft carrier arrived in the seas just outside sending helicopters throughout the surrounding areas but that was just the beginning.

As the church found more of their enemies they decided to begin a full scale Inquisition with the construction of a mighty chapel to the north where they set up the most insidious artifact at the their disposal, the Inquisition Pyre.

Day and night beams of light would fire into the sky as soul after soul was burnt into raw energy and sent to the heavens. The heart rending screams would ring out constantly echoed by the wails of those in line.

Once condemned and shackled, the enemies of the church couldn't even commit suicide as they were forced to repent, watching as cry after cry brought them closer to the pyre that would be their end.

Everything only had one price in Desrosa now.

Those horrific noises could still be heard on the breeze in the cave the two had taken refuge in.

"Tral… even if you become a vampire, you would just be giving yourself a weakness from the divine powers of the priests, it's suicide." Darick tried remind his friend to stop this lunacy to no avail.

Tral his eyes blood shot as he stares as the magical research they received from Riddick before separating "And what Darick? They are parading Arc around on a lighting rod outside the main entrance to the city and we still haven't a clue what happened to Gara… I don't have time to spend decades to cultivating, even if I could open my third eye and get a good technique to practice but vampires open that eye right away and can drink the power right out of people. Not only would it make me physically more powerful but my ability would advance leaps and bounds if I just drink some scientists or mages! I could make an army to destroy those wicked priests even if it cursed me to do so." Tral ranted refusing to relent even a bit.

It was at this moment a crack of light shone into the cave illuminating the shadow of a figure at the entrance. Both were on guard prepared to fight to the death when in walked a wild old information guru full of seriousness lacking the usual calm manners they had known of him.

"I see you have made your choice then Tral Salvara, if it is answers you seek they may be revealed before you but know that once you begin such a struggle there is no turning back" He calls out ominously.

Darick greatly relieved to see him begs "It's tremendous luck to run into you again out here please tell us how we can save our friends?"

"Deep in these mountains lays an ancient temple forgotten to the cycles of the harvest and has been buried into the roots by time. At the heart of a labyrinth is a frigid frozen room that holds what you need to protect that which you hold dear. Eat of the rotten fruit and it shall unveil the way to freedom"

After speaking these words the old man faded away in front of them as if he had been nothing more then a lucid dream.

Darick even checks his eyes unsure of what exactly just happened "Um Tral, did that crazy old man just riddle at us then disappear or am I loosing my mind?"

"That definitely just happened, I wrote it down if you want to compare." Tral admits looking over his hastily written notes. "The roots of the mountains.. interesting, means it's either in a valley or a cave but he didn't described what this temple looks like so it should be obvious… we need to move quick but jetpacks are too flashy so dirt bikes it is."

Two high suspension motor bikes pop in front of them, Darick starting to get used to all these shocks says "Dude we need to be careful, can't save them if we get caught as well and we don't even know where this deeper in the mountains is, this place can get pretty dangerous if don't watch out"

"At this point my friend, I'm running on instinct and it's pointed at deeper so way into these mountain we go. I understand if you don't want to follow but I need to do this." Tral says adamantly looking at Darick.

"well I'm sure as shit not letting you have all the fun of constant near death experiences, without Gara and Arc around its my job to keep you from getting yourself killed you nut" Darick retorts before getting on a bike.

The pair speed off down a nearby valley to follow a river going east into the mountains. Feeling their way on nothing but instincts with a vague goal that may be pure fantasy. Their hopes riding with them chasing danger to get just one step closer to a reunion with their companions.