.::Christ::.
FATHER! HEAR ME!  MAY THE MERCY I HAVE BEEN SHOWN BE THEIRS IN ABUNDANCE!

Christ's eyes close for a moment, then re-open, revealing not the beautiful blue eyes of a savior, but the blood red orbs of a man at the end of his life.

.::Christ::.
I CURSE YOU SONS OF ROME!  NEVER SHALL YOU WALK THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, AND FOR YOUR SINS, EVEN HELL WITH REJECT YOU!  FOREVER SHALL YOU ROAM THIS EARTH, HUNTED AND HATED LIKE THE BEASTS YOU ARE>  AND AS MY BLOOD STAINS THE GROUND, SO SHALL IT BE YOUR ONLY SUBSTANANCE.  I BANISH YOU TO THE DARKNESS, NEVER TO AGAIN WARM YOUR FLESH IN THE LIGHT OF DAY!  MAY YOU FOREVER REMAIN THE UNDEAD, AND MAY YOUR SUFFERING BE GREATER THEN ANY BEFORE, OR AFTER YOU.  HEAR ME SONS OF ROME!  FOR I AM YOUR MAKER, AND I MARK YOU FOREVER AS DAMNED!

As the man takes his final breath, the crimson sky unleashes a rain of blood.  The Roman legions crumble to the ground as if they were nothing.  As the pigment washes away from their skin, the sun peeks out, and begins to burn their flesh.  Running for the solace of the shadows, the once proud men scream like infants as their souls are ripped from them.

.::Roman Soldier::.
DEAR GOD!  WHAT HAVE WE DONE!?!

As the nights pass, fear and hate breed in the untouched.  Shunned and hunted, the cursed flee to the sanctuary of the underground.  Before long, whispers of these undead men circulate.  The untouched call them the Askashi, but no matter their name, to all, they are the damned.

300 Years Later...

In the vale of nights embrace they walk.  In the company of shadows they feed.  Silentl they strike and swiftly they're gone.  A nameless fear, and a ghostly whisper is their only trace.  In the depths of an underground chamber comes the scream of a frustrated Askashi.

.::Cassius::.
AHH!

A younger male Askashi enters the chamber and slinks near the back wall.

.::????::.
It must be something of great consiquence to cause you such anguish my Lord.  Tell me, what troubles you?

Letting his head fall in his hands, the Askashi answers.

.::Cassius::.
For three hundred years we have cowered in darkness.  I am so tired of living in the shadow of humanity.  Light or no light.  We are stronger, smarter, swifter.  What could we possibly have to fear from thsoe pathetic humans?

He stands and walks towards a table, resting a hand upon it.

.::????::.
You make a valid point Cassius.  Too long have we hid, but how can we take back the world above?  We don't have the numbers, and we can't exactly venture forth into the light of day.

A smirk appears on Cassius' face as he glances upwards.

.::Cassius::.
Ah my young friend.  That is why you are a mere soldier, and I your superior. 

He pauses and stares at the young Askashi standing before him.  In a show of obiedence, the young male lowers his eyes

.::Cassius::.
In order to strengthen our numbers, we must start turning those day walkers into soldiers of the damned.

Cassius walks over to the young vampire and puts a hand on his shoulder.

.::Cassius::.
That is where you come in my dear Veratu.

Cassius leans in close to Veratu.

.::Cassius::.
I want you and Xander to take your units to the surface tonight.

Veratu looks quizically at Cassius.

.::Veratu::.
To the surface?

.::Cassius::.
Need I repeat myself?

.::Veratu::.
No my lord.

.::Cassius::.
Good.

He backs up slowly and crosses his arms.

.::Cassius::.
I want you to find me some suitable candidates, then turn them.

Veratu bows his head.

.::Veratu::.
As you wish.

Veratu turns to walk out of the chamber, but quickly turns back towards Cassius.

.::Veratu::.
My Lord, if I may be so bold to ask, exactly how do we turn the humans?

Cassius shakes his head and looks at Veratu.

.::Cassius::.
Must I tell you everything?

He walks over to Veratu and grabs him by the throat.  He draws his face close to his own and stares into his eyes.

.::Cassius::.
First you take the weaklings by their throats, take your fangs, and bite them.

Cassius releases his grip on Veratu, but remains close to him.

.::Cassius::.
And after the life of those useless mortals is almost gone, you make them drink of your blood.

He pauses and stares at Veratu.

.::Cassius::.
Have you got it now?

Veratu's gaze of obediance turns to one of anger.

.::Veratu::.
I've got it, my Lord.

As the words slip from his mouth, Veratu's eyes narrow, focusing solely on Cassius.

.::Cassius::.
Mind your place boy!  I may not have created you, but I can break you all the same.  Now go!  You have your orders.

Veratu turns to leave, when he feels a hand on his shoulders.  He spins around to face Cassius again.

.::Cassius::.
Just remember who is in charge.  If I suspect for one moment you'll betray me, I'll drain you faster then you can blink.  Do we understand one another?

.::Veratu::.
Perfectly.

.::Cassius::.
Good.  Now leave me.

The sun had just about set on the busy Roman streets.  Far below the hustle and bustle of the unsuspecting crowd, a sinister plan was about to take form.  Hastily, Veratu navigates the laberinth of underground chambers, prepairing for the nights mission.  As he paces back and forth, Xander silenty enters, and watches him for a few minutes.

.::Xander::.
You look as if you're ready to battle the armies of hell single handedly.

Veratu looks up quickly, then continues to pace.

.::Xander::.
Selfish.  You could at least save half for me.

Veratu stopes, looks up, and gives a slight laugh.

.::Veratu::.
Hah!  Even if I left you half, I'd end up defeating them all myself anyway.

.::Xander::.
Oh my dilusional friend, I believe you have it backwards.

The two laugh.  Xander places a hand on Veratu's shoudler.

.::Xander::.
Enlighten me.  What's going on?

Veratu takes a deep breath and sighs as Xander removes his hand.

.::Veratu::.
Cassius ordered us to take our legions to the streets and turn the people.

.::Xander::.
Turn them?  Into what?

Veratu rolls his eyes.

.::Veratu::.
You know, you appear to be intelligent.  Then you open your mouth, and the illusion fades.

Xander smiles sarcastically at the remark.

.::Xander::.
You're hysterical.  Really.  If I wasn't dead already, your humor would have slain me.

.::Veratu::.
Enough banter.  We've got a job to do.

.::Xavier::.
How the hell does Cassius expect us to turn the humans?

Veratu lowers his brow as a sinsiter grin appears on his face.

.::Veratu::.
Don't worry, I'll show you.

Xander gives Veratu a puzzled look.

.::Xander::.
Alright.

Veratu turns towards a brass chest, and from it, removes a long sword.  Closing the chest, he signals to Xander.

.::Veratu::.
It is time.

As Veratu makes for the doorway, Xander follows close behind.

.::Xander::.
Yeah, that's right.  Still the king of comebacks.  Can even beat the mighty Veratu.

Veratu rolls his eyes and shakes his head.  Xander laughs at his reaction, and the two make for the main chamber, where two legions of Askashi wait for their orders.  As they approach the chamber, muffled voices can be heard.  As Veratu and Xander enter, all become silent.  Every head turns towards the two imposing figures.   The anticipation is so thick, one could cut it with a knife.  Veratu steps forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, and looks around.

.::Veratu::.
FOR TOO LONG OUR RACE HAS BEEN HUNTED AND EXECUTED!  FOR WHAT?  THOSE HUMANS HUNT US BECAUSE THEY FEAR US!  WE ARE SMARTER, STRONGER, AND BETTER THEN THEY COULD EVEN IMAGINE.  IT IS TIME WE STOP COWERING UNDERGROUND LIKE MICE!

An uproar of screams explodes from the mass of soldiers.

.::Veratu::.
IT IS TIME WE NOT ONLY REJOIN LIFE ON THE SURFACE, BUT CONQUER IT!  OUR NUMBERS AREN'T MANY, HOWEVER, WE CAN CHANGE THAT!  LET US BLESS THOSE UNWORTHY MORTALS WITH THE GIFT WE HAVE SO FOOLISHLY BEEN GIVEN!  LET US MAKE THEM CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT!  THE LET US SEE WHO THE INFERIOR RACE IS!

As the soldiers rise to their feet, they cheer with excitement.

.::Veratu::.
FOLLOW ME MY BROTHER!  FOLLOW ME UPWARDS SO I MAY TEACH YOU THE ART OF TURNING A MEER MORTAL INTO A GOD!

Veratu waves his arm, turns, and walks out of the chamber enterance.  Xander, follows closely behind, trailed by two legions of Askashi soldiers.  Up through the maze of tunnels and channels, the massive hoard mirrors the sound of thunder.  Higher and higher they climb, each step giving more of a thrill then the last.  It has been centuries since these men have seen battle.  Centuries since they were chased underground.  They've gone too long without tasting the sweet nectar of air above the surface.  Finally, Veratu turns back to face the crowd.  He raises his hand, and almost instantly there is silence.  As he lowers his hand, he speaks softly.

.::Veratu::.
No one escapes.  Is that clear?  No man, no woman, and no child.

The soldiers shake their heads in understanding.

.::Veratu::.
Good.  Now be silent, be swift, and be unmerciful.  Watch as I turn the first mortal.  Once you understand, go forth and show them what it means to be damned. 

Not another word was spoken.  Veratu looks at Xander and nods.  Xander smiles and returns the gesture.  Veratu turns and walks slowly out of the crypt door and onto an empty street.  The night is black as ebony.  No stars shine, only the glow of a blood red moon lights the way.  Silently, the army of the damned pours into the streets like a plague of locusts.  Undetected, they manuver themselves into position.  Veratu signals to Xander to watch and be ready.  Like a shadow, Veratu moves down the narrow alley ways.  Then, as if preordained, the future stumbles into view.  Veratu sinks into the darkness, waiting...watching.  The poor man, reaking of alcohol and cheap women, continues to get closer and closer.  Then the point of no return.  The man crosses the threshold, and like a thief, Veratu seizes the opportunity.  He grabs the man from behind.  While holding the squirming man agsint him with one arm, he grabs a handful of the tender, vulnerable throat.  He can smell his fear, it is intoxicating.  He hears the blood coarsing through the mans veins.  He hears his heart racing.  He hears his breath quickening.  It was more then he could stand.  Veratu looks quickly at Xander, who at this point is on edge, then he turns and sinks his fangs deep into the mans throat.  His mouth filling with warm blood.  Never had anything tasted so good.  Veratu feels the mans strength diminish.  As the blood drains, his excitement escalates.  He feels the man begin to fade.  Finally with all his strength, he releases the man from his hungry jaws.  Veratu then lays the man on the ground and crouches over him.  Wiping the blood from his mouth, he raises his wrist to his fangs and bits down.  As scarlet billows spill out from him, Xander moves in closer.  Veratu takes his bloodied wrist and lets it drip into the dying mans mouth.  After a few seconds, he retracts his arm and as quickly as the blood began to flow, it stops.  The seemingly lifeless man begins to convulse and writhe in pain.  His chest rising and falling like the ocean tide.  His spine, arching as if it were made of willow branches.  Then comes the most unearthly scream of all.  As if the fires of hell were to tear him apart from within.  Then, almost instantly, it all stops.  The man rises to his feet, skin pale, eyes ablaze.  Sharp fangs now replace the small, ineffective teeth that once hung in the mans mouth.  Veratu looks at him and the man falls to his knees.

.::Vampyric Spawn::.
Father, what is your biding?

.::Veratu::.
Arise my dark child.  It is my will that you fall into place and help us create an army of darkness.

The man stands to face Veratu.

.::Vampyric Spawn::.
As you wish.

The man turns and disappears into the shadows.  Xander steps into the light and looks at Veratu.  Xander then turns towards the still waiting legions.

.::Xander::.
It is time to show these humans what it means to be immortal!

A massive roar is heard throughout the ranks.  Xander looks at Veratu with hunger in his eyes.  Veratu turns and runs towards the busy streets.  Xander waves the troops on and follows soon after Veratu.  Like a flood of terror, the legions of damned soldiers pour into the streets.  A chorus of screams is heard throughout the bloodied alleyways.  At the front line, Veratu and Xander clear the way.  A woman runs dangerously close to Veratu.  He grabs her in mid stride by her throat with his right hand.  A man twice the size of Veratu tries in vain to rescue the woman still being held.  With his left hand, Veratu plunges deep into the mans chest.  Horrified, the man looks down at the bloodied mess.  Veratu looks the man in the eyes and gives a sinister smile.  Then he rips the mans still beating heard out and shows it to him.  As the man falls by Veratu's feet, he turns his attention to the woman.  He drops the heart and draws her close.  He yanks her head back and sinks his teeth deep into her warmn flesh.  Taking another innocent and turning them.  Xander silently sneaks up behind a monsterous man.  He grabs his head and snaps his neck.  Xander lets the body fall and follows it to the ground.  He stares at the exposed veins in the mans neck, then, like a wild beast, sinks his teeth in and bites hard.  Clenching his jaws, he pulls back and removes a massive hunk from the mans throat.  Veratu stands over Xander in puzzlement.

.::Veratu::.
I don't think you'll turn him if he's dead and missing pieces.

Xander looks up at Veratu, mouth bloodied and eyes ablaze with primal hunger.  He stands and wipes his mouth.  He turns to walk away from Veratu when he then looks back over his shoulder and quick as a bolt of lightening bends down and rips the mans throat out, almost completely decapitating him.  Xander then stands, his back towards Veratu.

.::Xander::.
Who ever said I was turning this one?

.::Veratu::.
Dammit Xander!  Control yourself.  Who the hell is going to help us fight if you kill everyone!?!

Xander turns to face Veratu again.  People run in terror around them.  Askashi soldiers swarm everywhere, devouring all life in their paths.  Like the day they were damned, a rain of blood begins to pour over them.

.::Xander::.
I believe it was you who said show no mercy.

.::Veratu::.
No.  I said no one escapes!  You added the no mercy part yourself.  You can't go around devouring mortals like you were a wild dog.

.::Xander::.
It's all the same.  Why should I show restraint when those MORTALS would sooner crucify me, then look at me.  We were shown no mercy, why should we give them that privaledge?

Veratu steps forward and puts his hands on Xanders shoulders.

.::Veratu::.
Because, who do we rule over if all the humans are dead?  A mass of corpses?  We have a job to do.  Simple as that.  No questions, no complaints.  Turn the humans, that's it! 

Xander looks at Veratu then hangs his head.

.::Xander::.
Fine.

Xander turns and runs for a group of people trapped under a wagon.  In one swoop, Xander lifts the wagon and throws it as if it weighed nothing.  With one hand, he grabs a man and lifts him by his hair above his head.  With the other hand, he grabs another man and puts him in a choke hold.  Still holding the other man above his head, Xander bits into the mans shoulder.  When he is almost drained, Xander releases him.  Then he takes the man above his head and lowers him.  He looks him in the eyes.

.::Xander::.
You hate me so much.  So how does it make you feel to know you'll be just like me.

The man, in a moment of bravery, spits in Xanders face.

.::Man::.
PISS OFF YOU MONSTER!

Xander licks the mans spit that landed near his mouth and snarls.  Xander bites into his neck and holds tight.  As the man struggles, Xander feels his life fading.  Then he lays the two men side by side.  Xander bites his wrist and lets his blood fall into their mouths.  As the humans fall one by one, an army of darkness rises.  There truly is no one spared.  Every home, every inn, every corner is searched.  No human escapes the wrath of a vampire.  The roads are stained with the blood of the innocent.  Slowly, the chorus of screams subsides.  Veratu stands in the middle of a once proud meeting hall, and surveys the devistation around him.  Walls have fallen and crumbled as if they were nothing more then dust.  Class and wood cover the floors and the smell of death over powers everything.  Veratu walks outside.  The city burns.  Smoke and cinder choke the streets.  But the Askashi aren't phased by this. Veratu looks up to the sky which has now cleared.  The stars shine brightly and a once blood red moon has been drained of all its color, only to reveal one that is lifeless and pale.  Then, in the far alley Veratu notices something unusual.  As he walks over, he realizes what it is.  A small child, huddled behind a statue, curled into a little ball, sobbing.  The sight of Veratu sends the child into a screaming fit.  Xander and a large group of soldiers stand back as Veratu approaches the child.  Veratu kneels beside the child and places a hand on her shoulder.  Almost immediately, she stops screaming.  She looks up at Veratu with tear filled eyes.

.::Veratu::.
What is your name child?

.::Girl::.
Gia.

Veratu wipes a tear off of the girls face.

.::Gia::.
Are you going to hurt me?

Moved by her innocence, he responds.

.::Veratu::.
No my dear.  You're to pretty to hurt.

Just then, mumbles can be heard from the group that had formed.  Xander, fearing trouble, addresses the bloodied mass.

.::Xander::.
ALL RIGHT LEECHES!  GET OUT OF HERE!  THERE'S NOTHING TO SEE!

Slowly they start to disappear.  One by one.  Then Xander walks over to where Veratu is.  Veratu, looking up at Xander knew what he was going to say. 

.::Veratu::.
I know what you would say, and I know what you would ask of me, so spare your words.

Xander kneels down beside him.

.::Xander::.
Weakness is not an option brother.  Only the strong survive.  You know that better then any of us.

He paused and looked at the child down on the ground, and finally back to Veratu.

.::Xander::.
You know what you need to do.

.::Veratu::.
I know.

.::Xander::.
No exceptions.

.::Veratu::.
I KNOW!

Xander puts his hand on Veratu's shoulder and stands up.

.::Xander::.
Then be quick about it.  The longer you wait, the more danger you're in.

He removes his hand and walks away.  Gia gives Veratu a look of terror as the tears once again form in her eyes.  He wipes away a tear from her cheek and points to the stars.

.::Veratu::.
Don't be afraid little one.  Soon you will be in a far better place then any of us.  Some place where none of us can ever hurt you.

.::Gia::.
Where is that?

Gia turns and looks up at the sky.

.::Veratu::.
Heaven.

As soon as he finishes the words, he quickly leans in and sinks his fangs into her neck.  Not a sound is made, and no struggle is given.  As Veratu drains the life from her body, he holds her in his arms.  Within moments, Veratu feels the last of her life upon his lips.  He carries the little girls lifeless body to the church steps and lays her cold corpse upon them.  As he turns to leave, a tear forms in his eye and a single drop falls.  The red droplet stains his pale face.  As he wipes it away, Xander appears and walks up beside him.

.::Xander::.
We truly are damned.

.::Veratu::.
So long as I walk this earth.  I swear, not another innocent shall die by my hand.

.::Xander::.
We don't get to make choices like that.  We are slaves to the hunger.  It is our strength and it's our curse.  Even death rejects us.

.::Veratu::.
Then I shall from this moment on be as stone.  Nothing can move me, and no one can break me.  I am as cold and unfeeling as death itself.  If I am damned to walk this earth a monster, then I shall be hell to trifle with.

Silently they disappear back into the underworld, as the sun slowly begins to show it's face.  Back through the laberinth of tunnels the weary warriors travel.  As they approach the main chamber, Cassius appears before them.  Never droping his eyes from Veratu, he motions to Xander.

.::Cassius::.
Leave us.

Xander glances at Veratu with a look of worry.  Veratu nods his head as reassurance.  Xander backs away slowly and disappears around the corner, leaving Veratu alone with Cassius.

.::Cassius::.
Come Veratu.  Walk with me.

They walk silently for a while.  Then Cassius stops and looks at Veratu.

.::Cassius::.
Do I not speak clearly?

.::Veratu::.
You speak fine my Lord.

.::Cassius::.
Are you suffering from a head injury?

.::Veratu::.
No my Lord.

Cassius pushes Veratu against the wall and holds him there.  Then he puts his face within inches of Veratu's own.

.::Cassius::.
Then why am I found wanting for Askashi soldiers!  I ask you to do a simple thing, but even that has proven too difficult for you.  You are a worthless waste of skin!

A fire blazed in Veratu's eyes and a deep rage festered in his black heart.  His brows tenced in anger as he pushes Cassius' hands off his shoulders.  In a swift motion, Veratu backs Cassius up against the opposite wall and holds him there.

.::Veratu::.
If anyone is a waste of flesh, it's you my Lord.  I did exactly as you instructed.  I can not give what is not to be found!  So go have your power trip elsewhere.  I am not your whore to do with as you please.  I know my place, but don't think for one moment I won't stain this ground with your vial blood you filthy leech.

Cassius stood stunned at Veratu's outburst.  But soon, shock faded into anger.

.::Cassius::.
YOU DARE THREATEN ME?  YOU'LL PAY FOR SUCH INSULANCE WITH YOUR LIFE!

Cassius pushes Veratu off him and quickly grabs his arm and throws him into the wall face first.  Veratu lands hard, but is quick to turn around.  Cassius' hand lunges for Veratu's throat, but Veratu's hand finds Cassius' first.  Veratu stares at Cassius with hate and disgust.  He backs Cassius up against a wooden door, but before he can reach it, Cassius drops to the ground and flips Veratu onto his back.  Cassius jumps onto Veratu and begins to strangle him with both hands.  Veratu grins an evil smile and lets out a sinister laugh.  Startled a moment, Cassius lets loose his grip.  Seeing a golden opportunity, Veratu punches Cassius in the jaw and knocks him off.  Veratu rises to his feet and stands over Cassius.

.::Veratu::.
Do you think I'm afraid of you?

The devilish smile reappears on his face.

.::Veratu::.
Don't you know you stupid fool?

A laugh filled with wickedness escapes his lips.

.::Veratu::.
You can't fear what's fallen.

Veratu grabs Cassius by his collar and lifts him off the ground with one hand.  He brings him close to his face and whispers in his ear.

.::Veratu::.
And you cannot kill what is already dead.

Veratu throws Cassius down the tunnel as if he were a stone.  Cassius lands with a hard thud in a pool of black water.

.::Veratu::.
Death is too good a punishment for you Cassius.  So wallow in the knowledge that you've just been defeated by an inferrior monster. 

Veratu turns to walk away as Cassius begins to rise.  Cassius stands and removes a dagger from his sleeve.  Just then, Xander appears from the shadows.  Cassius raises his hand to throw the dagger.  Xander, seeing the desperate acts of a coward screams out.

.::Xander::.
VERATU!  WATCH OUT!

Just as Veratu turns, the dagger finds it's intended target.  It imbeds itself deep in Veratu's stomach.  Veratu looks down as blood begins to pour out of the wound.  He staggers towards the wall, and grabs it for support.  Veratu holds onto the dagger and pulls it out.  Xander rushes over to him.

.::Xander::.
Speak to me!  How bad?

But before he can finish, Veratu pushes him aside.  A look of fear washes over Cassius' face.  Veratu quickly walks towards him, eyes burning and teeth bared.  As he clenches the bloodied dagger in his fist, Cassius begins to beg forgiveness.  Veratu throws the dagger down before Cassius' feet.  Puzzled, Cassius looks down.  No sooner does Cassius drop his head, Veratu moves in and rips a hunk of his face off with his teeth.  As he spits the flesh out, he takes Cassius' head in his heands and tears it off his body.  He holds the bloody head up to his own. 

.::Veratu::.
I warned you not to cross me.  You deceided not to listen.  Looks like you weren't ready to pay the concequences.

Xander watches in disbelief as Veratu throws the head to the ground.

.::Xander::.
By the gods.  What the hell just happened here?

.::Veratu::.
A different point of view.  He thought he was a god.  I thought he made a better corpse.

.::Xander::.
What happened to control.  Or are you above codes now.

.::Veratu::.
I only defended myself!  You saw him!  If I hadn't killed him, he surely would have killed me.  Only the strong survive.  Does that ring a bell with you?

He pauses and looks down at the mangled body. 

.::Veratu::.
Just as there is no honor amongst theives, such is so for the damned.

.::????::.
What the hell happened here?

Veratu and Xander turn around to behold a group of soldiers frozen in horror at the sight before them.

.::????::.
Go get the high council!

.::Xander::.
Damn!

He looks at Veratu, then back at the growing group.  Then he turns to Veratu and begins to push him.

.::Xander::.
Get the hell out of here!  Go!  I'll hold them off!

Veratu stares at the angry mob before him.  He looks at Xander and draws his sword.

.::Xander::.
Don't be a damn fool!  There will be plenty of time to fight, but not if you're dead.  Go!  Get out of here!  Run you fool!

The thunderous steps of an angry mass echo throughout the tunnels.  Clashing of metal rings out like bells on a hilltop.  Closer and closer the beasts came, with only one thing on their mind.  Blood.  Xander stands, hands held tightly around his sword.  Veratu lowers his sword to his side.  Together they stand as the monsterous group emerges from the shadows.  Xander glances at Veratu and nods.  Veratu returns the gesture.  Then, like a tidal surge, they raise their weapons and charge like a bat out of hell right for the center of the legion of darkness.  The only sound that is heard is the battle cry of Xander and Veratu.