The Ancient Vampire Lords, Book II
Preparations

With Sallin finally defeated, Kelvack, Soul Reaver and Jihon discuss what to do next. They are all too aware that with Sallin dead, the next Ancient Vampire Lord will be even more powerful. As if this were not bad enough, Jihon warns that another transformation on his part may cause him to go berserk… which would be dangerous both to himself and his companions.

Still disconcerted that the new warrior has not arrived yet, Jihon is nonetheless cheered up by the arrival of his cat, Gabriel, and his little friend, Tonberry, who gladly offers his help.

Fei Serumen, however, has little chance to partake in the discussions. Called away by the Upper Umbra’s Council, he takes his leave, creating a Portal to take him to the Council. However, the Council sends a replacement for him – a massive WereCat from Syrosis, who goes by the name ‘Sprites’. Kelvack, inspired by the arrival of the creature, decides to summon his pet as well, the Owl-Cat Sabin… its sudden arrival startles the companions, but Kelvack calms them, telling them not to worry.

Then, just as the companions are planning to leave, another Portal opens, and the new warrior steps from it – Tamrissa Roshan. She reveals that she is to be an aide to Jihon, the Guardian, and was ordered to help him by the Upper Umbra Council, but she makes it clear that she is less than pleased with this assignment.

While the introductions and preparations for the battle are being made, Jihon informs the companions that the next Ancient is named Cerberis… and is apparently the largest of all of the Ancient Vampire Lords. Tamrissa adds that Cerberis already knows that the companions are coming and is on the move.

Jihon states that due to Cerberis’ size, he intends to use ‘Tritons’ for the attack. These massive robotic armoured suits, developed by Xavier Triton, would enhance their pilot’s natural abilities manyfold and were capable of brining heavy firepower to bear on their enemies.

A Portal appears and Fei rejoins the companions to give them important information from the Council - that the companions final foe will likely be the currently slumbering Yolissara, and that, naturally, he will grow more powerful with every other Ancient Vampire Lord that is slain.

Kelvack excuses himself and flies beyond the clouds, into deep space. There, he lands at a nearby asteroid and retrieves his custom-made Triton, which he then pilots back to the companions. Meanwhile, Jihon, speaking to Tonberry, decides to name the small creature ‘Shzed’, after an old friend of his…