Castlevania Darkness Never Dies38B

Disclaimer: I do not own any part in Castlevania, neither characters nor games. These are trademark of Konami and Nintendo.

Part 2: Legacy of Sorrow.

“When he speaks lies, he speaks of his own. For he is a layer and the father of lie.”

John: 8. 44.

Intro 3: Intro.

The master’s keep, castle Proserpina. The 8^th. Of January 2099 A.D.

The chamber lay in an eerie silence. Only the sound of the artist’s paintbrush, touching the portrait, was audible. Moonlight peeked through the high windows as the painter withdrew from his easel to behold his artwork. His eyes burned red with triumph. “It is a success.” He hissed. “All has transpired like he predicted.” The countess awoke from her reverie. “Indeed.” The black hooded cape concealed her features. Although the red, low-cut silk dress made out her dashing figure. “Thee nay lies.” The Walachian dialect sent shivers down his spine. The artist was ancient. Though he recognised her beauty. The witch apprentice beheld them both. The music of the harp soothed his mournful soul. He resumed his paint. “His power is great.” The countess mused. He acknowledged. Their captive was the catalyst. “This is the time.” Although this was not Dracula’s castle. “They are mine.” The artist reminded. The countess lowered her head. “The Dark Lord encourage such connections.” The apprentice made a scowl. He did not mind. “Darkness never dies.” He smiled. So Dracula said, in 1476. Sonia Belmont had been a powerful warrior in her own right. Never mind. The picture was complete. “Behold!” He declared. “My portrait of ruins.” The countess laughed.

Enchanted forest, England. The 8^th. Of January 2099 A.D.

The trees glistened. Edward cracked with the whip. The crows sprouted from the branches. He would liked to use the sword. But since the encounter at the castle, he couldn’t even unsheathe it. The birds caught fire. He picked the gems. St. Germain returned a day ago. He brought the Undead Killer. The Saint assured it was Heinrich’s wish. Edward made the sign of the cross. They stole the Bowie. He only got the crucifix left. Anastasia Aulin guarded his back. “It’s alright!” She called. Then she opened the encyclopaedia to release cutting pages. “No problem!” He shot back. He hoped Thomas was still alright. Though he hadn’t seen him for a while. They had come to respect each other. The child made a dash. She impaled the dead soldier before he could even fire. Edward shook his head. Though he got a problem. The other birds kept picking him. Edward presented the crucifix. That kept them at bay. “In the name of the Father, the Son and of the holy Ghost!” He called. The crucifix was on fire. He might still summon some of his bloodline mystics. Though it was so little compared with what he once could. He tried to shake it. Edward couldn’t. Although he removed the crows. The Claymore blade had somehow been the key to his might. Edward wondered if Thomas had known.

Flashback.

They where getting close to the castle. Although the mist obscured his view. Edward held the sword tight. He hoped Anastasia Aulin was alright. They hadn’t seen her since after midnight. “You’re really worried about her.” Thomas read his expression. Edward made a grimace. “I just don’t get it.” He said. “Why are they chasing her?” Anastasia was the last of her bloodline. Thomas shrugged. “I guess it’s about revenge.” Edward frowned. The dark-breed turned his head from left to right. Edward felt hollow inside. Thomas lost her track. That was why they decided to head for the castle. “Charlotte Aulin was instrumental in defeating the Dark Lord in 1944.” Edward crossed himself. “Be His will.” He sighed. “I can’t help her.” Thomas sent him a glance. He arched an eyebrow. “I thought you where in love.” Thomas teased. Edward tugged his beard. “We got work to do.” He told. Edward made his decision. Thomas growled. He disliked the Muslims. Though he would protect her. “Remember what Germain said.” Edward reminded. “Someone rebuilt the castle Proserpina.” Thomas muttered. Edward pulled back the hat. “Get down!” Thomas howled his challenge. The crows burst from among the branches. Edward did. The black birds went across. That wasn’t the end of their trouble. The dead soldiers raised from beneath the snow. Edward threw the cross. The grenades made havoc of the place. Treant tried to strike with the branches. Edward pulled back. “God with us!” He shouted. The flaming cross appeared overhead. That cleared the forest. Thomas buried his trident into the living tree. Treant screamed. He was so huge. The solid kick should’ve sent the dark-breed flying. Thomas used his spear weapon to jump the assault. Crows lifted from the trees nearby. Edward threw the knives forward. The soldier perished. He wore the uniform of the first great war. The corpse tried to shoot him. Edward threw a row of explosive axes. That reduced them to ashes. He even got some birds. The bats rested within the hollow tree. They dashed at him. Edward used the stopwatch. He then doused them with holy water. He picked the gems. They replenished his energy. Thomas nailed the tree with several stakes. He then threw garlic into the air. Treant moaned. Then it tumbled. The trunk got consumed with flame. Thomas drew sweat of his brow. He then bent to pick the big crystals. Edward let him have them. Thomas deserved all he might get. “They are still around.” Thomas leaned on the trident. “The followers of the Dark Lord roam the countryside.” Edward touched the crucifix. “We have to be careful.” He told. Thomas smirked. He regained composure. “Let’s continue.” He said. “The castle is ahead.” Edward agreed. He would repent upon John’s crimes. Though he was glad Thomas went along.

End of flashback.

Anastasia cleaned her knife. Edward recoiled the chain-whip. The castle had indeed appeared from the mist. They had been about to enter when they attacked. Thomas had fought gallantry. It was he who fled. The black riders where there. If Thomas was alive, he owed him his life. The wanderers used their combined magic against him. That almost broke his heart. Although he escaped, it was no victory. The monsters stole his items. Edward sighed. He hid in the forest. Edward was ashamed of himself. Though he’d felt lost and adrift. So it was that Anastasia found him. He had been just as disillusioned as she when that happened. The Lord didn’t forget him. Anastasia had a different faith. That didn’t matter. She might help. Edward spoke a small prayer. Anastasia waited until he was finished. Then she took the lead. “I hope nobody escaped.” Her voice brought him back to their present situation. “I don’t think so.” Edward picked together. He got to regain composure if he where to hunt the night. He had a better look upon his companion. She had changed. Although he couldn’t put his finger on it. The short cape might be warmer outside. The Hijab framed her soft, almost childish features. Her blue eyes sparkled when she noticed his glance. “You watch me.” Anastasia smiled. Then she threw back the cape and Hijab. The dark blonde hair went with the wind. “Not bad, eh?” The baggy black trousers and short pointed boots fit her perfectly. “Don’t you find me attractive?” She removed the bonds of the leather corset which held the tunic into place. “Watch what I can do.” The uppermost laces on her white silk shirt was open to reveal the top of her cleft. “I know what men desire.” Her force was direct and original, like the smell of perfume. “Dress up, girl.” Edward said. Saria embraced him. He felt her like she was actually there. “What do you think of me?” Edward was a man. But he wasn’t corrupt. “You are too young.” Anastasia blushed. She didn’t met his gaze. The enchantress hid her body. “Sorry.” She said. “Alexander said I should use my abilities.” Edward inhaled. “You have a special talent.” She actually lit up. Edward reached for the crucifix. “Just remember.” He warned. “Evil thrives in the shadow of the demon castle.” She nodded. Then, as if to prove it, the dead soldier pressed at her windpipe. “Good Lord in Heaven!” Edward shouted. She’d occupied him so that the corpse might sneak up on them. The dead fingers touched the crescent. That made him release. Edward was in motion, whip in hand. Anastasia was quicker. “Bubble!” The brass knuckles struck through his throat. The acid bubble bit through the undead flesh. The chain-whip sealed his fate. “Where did you get it?” Edward asked. The air was much better. He should’ve paid more attention. Anastasia bit her lip. “I went back to the airplane.” She told. “My family had some other items hidden in our luggage.” Edward tugged his beard. She told they forced them to land. “You better show me the way.” He said. Perhaps he might find some clues about the other clansfolk. He didn’t forget what the saint said. Perhaps Thomas head for the place too? That remained to be seen. Anastasia unsheathed the combat knife. The curved blade reminded him about something Richter Belmont wrote in his journal. “Your knife has connections to Alucard.” She smiled. Her eyes twinkled. Edward felt her might. He could resist. “That’s sound interesting.” She commented. Edward put it aside. “Be careful.” He reminded. Anastasia just giggled. Edward sighed.

She knew he got frustrated. That was part of the game. Anastasia learned much since they lost contact. Her mother wouldn’t approve. She never had. Her father also was a bit afraid. Anastasia drew a tear from her eye. She missed them so much. Edward kept behind. He got the whip ready. Why didn’t he use the sword? Edward told it was because of Dracula’s magic. Very well. Anastasia discovered she might use her force to confuse the enemies. That was her advantage. Though she could learn and cast magic spells. “Bubble!” She shot from her palm. The crow was dead. “Nice.” Edward had a look. He gave her the gem. Anastasia picked the cup. The coffee was real strong. “That’s the only spell I know.” She hated to admit it. But he got to know the truth. “It’s okay.” Edward said. He touched her shoulder. The man was so much bigger then her. “You are strong.” He sort of saw beyond. “You’ll learn to practise your art.” Anastasia clapped her hands together. Edward smiled. Then he cracked the whip. Anastasia screamed. The bats where about to settle on her. He made them burn above her head. Gold coins rained from the pyre. She gasped. Anastasia pulled the gold from the snow. She gave half the sum to Edward. He tipped his hat in gratitude.

Marble stairway, castle Proserpina. The 8^th. Of January 2099 A.D.

They found it. He breathed a poisoned hiss. “There it is.” She rasped. The dark wanderer came on foot. They could not bring their horses inside. A pity. And a waste. He served the Dark Lord. No upstart was to depose the count Vlad Tepes Dracula. Such fools. He could never be defeated. The prince of Darkness where with them. Here, now. They removed the vampire hunter. That was his last command. “You are to kill the Belmont clan.” The words echoed through his mind. She beheld the painting with gleaming eyes. He rasped with disgust. The order told the priests discovered about the Eclipse because of those seals. What where their purpose? They had been drawn by the power. Though this was not the demon castle. No creature of Chaos. “They use it to reshape the castle.” She hissed. “They cannot hide.” Her hands reached for the picture. “I see.” The forcefield combined. “There is no life in the nothing.” The wanderer declared. “Only death.” He was left alone. She had become one with the phenomena. He could not follow her inside. The strain would be to great. They might be captured forever. That could not happen. He would keep on to search the castle for answers.

The airplane, enchanted forest. The 8^th. Of January 2099 A.D.

The space was rather cramped. Edward forgot about how narrow it might be inside the aircraft. He never used one. Although he read about them. Edward touched the crucifix. “You didn’t tell me about the bats.” HE said. Anastasia blushed. Edward shrugged. He kept them at bay. Edward wished he still got the stopwatch. No matter, he brandished the Undead Killer. “They wasn’t here before.” She excused. Edward shrugged. He almost fell over the scattered luggage and baggage laying about. “Where did they sit?” He asked. “Who?” Anastasia bit her lip. Edward struck the monster. It burned to ashes. “The Hakubas.” He told. “Which where their seats?” Anastasia looked about. “Well.” She said. “Mina sat here.” She pointed at one chair. “I sat just behind her.” She stepped up to pick the bag. Edward gave a hand. “Dolores sat back there.” Edward figured. “Wait here.” He said. “I’ll be back.” Anastasia giggled. Then she got serious. Edward pushed down the passage. He half-expected the bodies to rise. Edward wondered who they might be. He sighed. They where innocent victims of Dracula’s curse. He reached the spot. Edward reached for her luggage. Then he noticed a recording device upon her seat. Edward picked it up. There might be something important upon it.

She had a look into the little mirror. Anastasia made a pout at herself. The makeup was perfect. She smiled. Her parents at least couldn’t bother about it anymore. The thought sent stings of pain through her heart. Anastasia inhaled. She got to be strong. Anastasia put the toiletry into the bag. She had decided to keep it. Anastasia picked the pack of cigarettes from her left boot. She lit and inhaled. What she wouldn’t give for a coke right now. Perhaps Mina got some. She remembered her friend bought some before those terrorists took over. She climbed up and reached into her luggage. Yes! There was a box of soda. She pulled it down. The toad potion was her favourite. A book came along. Anastasia picked it up. She sat down with the lemonade to check it. The cigarette made her calm down. The coke was nice. The cold kept it from going bad. Anastasia opened the casebook. She turned a page and began reading. “The year is 1944. The world is filled with Chaos. The second global war holds the entire world in its grip of terror, creating hatred and fear among with countless numbers of lost souls. The agony and hatred of those souls summon the castle of evil. The castle that has appeared many times throughout history, only to bring terror and destruction upon its surroundings, the castle of the Dark Lord, count Dracula. The demonic castle.” Edward pulled it shut. “Where did you find this?” He asked. Anastasia smashed the cigarette. The soda almost fell over into her lap. “Well?” Edward requested. Anastasia bit her lip. He was so much bigger then her. “I… “ She didn’t meet his gaze. “It belongs to Mina Hakuba.” She told. “I found it in her bag.” She showed him the luggage. Edward removed his hat. “Then it’s true.” He touched the crucifix. “He always tells the truth.” He closed the book and then put it in his backpack. Anastasia gapped. “You should listen to this.” Edward picked up the recorder from where he dropped it. Anastasia emptied the box in one gulp. Edward muttered. Then he gave the device. “Just listen.” He repeated. She pulled on the headset. Then she put the recorder to play. “I don’t hear anything.” Anastasia felt slightly annoyed. Edward tugged his beard. “Wait.” He said. “You’ll hear them soon enough.” She did. Anastasia hid her mouth. First their came the sound of great winds. Then of a lowering drawbridge. Then she heard. She actually heard! “The Aulins must have come to this castle.” Anastasia couldn’t help it. She sobbed bitter tears. She thought to help them. Though it was they who searched for her. It was all so ridiculous. “Mina, Roger said we where not to come here, no matter what.” Edward looked so grim. “I know that.” Mina told her sister. “ But he has never been so late coming back before. You are worried too, are you not?” There came a sigh. “Well, yes, but… But I’m scared.” Anastasia shuddered. She knew that feeling too well. “So am I, Dolores. But we have to go.” An excited tone entered her voice. “ I just felt his power.” Mina cheered. “I know that aura! He is alive! Let’s hurry!” Dolores agreed. “Right!” She said. Then all went quiet. “They are in trouble.” Edward said. “And I don’t know what to do.” She beheld the recorder. “”There should be more.” Anastasia told. “I’ll move forward.” She pulled the button. “There is still plenty of space left over on this thing.” Edward shrugged. She hid a smile. He clearly was unused to this stuff. Anyway, Anastasia was eager. She was sure to find something. That she did. But it only made her cry. Edward beheld her. She gathered enough to activate live audio. There came some weird noises. Then the cracking of a door. Anastasia hid her ears. That was Mina screaming. “Hector!” Dolores shrieked at the top of her lungs. Someone ran. “Stay back!” Anastasia knew that voice. “ But you’re hurt so badly!” He howled with pain and grief. “Brauner!” The name was a curse. Anastasia could hear the heartbeats. Mina shrieked. The chewing sound was terrible to hear. “Mina!” Dolores had to be terrified. The heartbeats grew closer. Then came a sort of throbbing sound. Dolores gasped. “Have no fear. I shall grant you a world of peace, my beloved daughters.” He spoke with a Russian accent. That wasn’t important right about now. Dolores screamed one last time. Then she moaned. Edward was pale as a ghost. Anastasia tugged her crescent symbol. She would submit to God. “Stop it! Stop it, please!” Thomas howled his misfortune. There was a short fight. But then the recording was cut. Though there where one final note. “I am Roger Dorrin. I must be quick. This may well be the last recording I ever make.” He made a brief pause. As if to gather his thoughts. “If there are anyone who listen, then please. Come to me. I’ll be waiting at the castle entrance. Please… ” But then the device went silent for good. Edward and Anastasia was left to behold each other. She licked her lips. The lipstick didn’t splash. Although that wasn’t very interesting. Not now. “This is disastrous.” Edward said through pale lips. “If Thomas is dead… “ He hid his face. Anastasia got up of the seat. She put her arms around the big strong man. If he broke… She didn’t know what to do. “Don’t go.” She pleaded. “We need each other to survive.” Edward inhaled. Then he brushed her tears away. “I won’t.” He said. “Though I worry about my friends.” Anastasia let go. She figured. He was right. “Do you want a cigarette?” She tried a weak smile. “No thank you.” Edward told. “I don’t smoke.” Anastasia blushed. Edward went to fetch the gold which the bats left. Anastasia gathered. She would put the recorder into her bag. If that was the only way to listen to their voices. She had no regrets in taking it. Edward roared. Anastasia dropped what she got in her hands. She ran for the back of the airplane. The soldier held him tight. The other corpse was about to pine him. Anastasia wouldn’t let it happen. She stabbed the soldier through the back. He let go. But then he turned on her. Anastasia touched the crescent. Then something mysterious happened. A great force welled up inside her soul. Anastasia gasped. She felt the magic. It was so strong. And she could wield it at will. The huge crescent appeared and broke into a spread shot of multiple ringed blasts. The dead soldiers got torn to pieces. Anastasia gasped for air. She felt like being turned inside out. Edward gave her the crystals. Anastasia inhaled. “Thanks.” She said. The gem became a cup of coffee. “You want some?” She asked. “The coffee is strong. It should keep even a man your size on his feet for a long night of vampire hunting.” Edward smiled. “No thanks.” He shook it off. “I need stronger things to keep on moving.” Anastasia drunk the hot stuff. “You’re very unlike your ancestor.” Edward told. She blew him a kiss. “So are you.” Edward made a grimace. Then he let it drop. Anastasia put down the cup. “Right.” She gathered her wits. “We should leave this place.” There where other things she wished to investigate. Though Anastasia guessed it would have to wait. “No problem.” Edward got the gold. “Here.” He gave her a share. Anastasia put it in her wallet. “Roger said he would wait for two days.” Edward tapped the whip’s handle. “He’ll be there.” Anastasia was certain. She was clever with numbers. “Okay.” Edward went around the seats. “Let’s go.” She unsheathed the knife. Anastasia knew it would get in handy before the end. “The castle isn’t far.” Edward cracked the whip. “I’m right behind you.” She assured.

Tower of death, castle Proserpina. The 8^th. Of January 2099 A.D.

The workforce performed to operational status. CV64 was ready to execute to parameters. “Download complete.” The tactician droid informed. “Program accessible.” The central control-computer was aware. “Deploy in charge.” The sergeant E14 was prepared to action. “Activate the shield.” The hologram flickered. Although the translation remained clear. “Yes, my lady.” Black Venerium was identified as a master control voice. “Execute command.” The sergeant relayed. “Sir, yes sir.” CV64 was ready to perform. The command would seal off the command center and prepare for combat mode. “Excellent, sergeant.” The robots gave their salute. “Activate command deploy to act for security sequence 3.” The cyber warlock instructed. “Relay command when all units are on standby alert.” The tactician droid utilized system activation. “Inform detail force to report in when ready.” She was the commander-in-chief. “Yes, my lady.” They reacted to request. “It shall be done.” Black Venerium acknowledged. “Good.” She said. “Venerium out.” The hologram vanished. The core crew would continue even if she where to die. That was their program. They where the machines.

Enchanted forest, England. The 8^th. Of January 2099 A.D.

There was still mist outside. “You’ll have to lead.” Edward told. “This fog obscure my mobility.” The girl winked at him. She was a flirt. Though there was much common sense behind the scene. “Just follow the leader.” She teased. Edward had a desire to shake the wits out of her. That was no option. Anastasia had to find her own way in life. The forest was mostly quiet. He didn’t trust it. Something was amiss here. Edward told more of his story as they went along. Anastasia was a grateful audience. She gasped and cheered at all the right places. Edward shrugged. The undead might create this kind of weather. Though the reach and space where restricted. Only one wielding the ebony stone might move beyond such limitations. Edward was grateful the stones where lost since the demon castle war of 1999. “I know.” Anastasia interrupted upon his line of thoughts. “My family also keep much lore.” Edward touched her shoulder. He felt like if they’d grown up together. The gesture made her blush. Edward sighed. The child was growing a crush on him. That might be a problem. “Do you think they might revive the Dark Lord?” Edward tugged his beard. “I don’t know.” He pulled his hat down. “There aren’t many who might control the soul source.” Anastasia seemed lost in thought. “He spoke of Brauner.” She finally said. Edward nodded. “I also thought about him.” He reached for the crucifix. “But not even he might unleash their full potential.” Edward prayed that the story was true. “John Morris saw to that.” Anyone who tried would have to obtain the destiny stones. Anastasia looked doubtful. “What make you so sure?” She asked. “If the eclipse could fail, why can’t this one too?” Edward shrugged. “Because of their build-up.” He read books about the matter. Although he didn’t quite figure. Anastasia opened her mouth. Edward shook it off. “Just drop it.” He told. “Trust me.” She kept silent. Edward was sure she made up her own mind. That might help. He already noticed she was intelligent. Some birds went above. Edward kept track of the flight. He didn’t trust them. They had so often been used by the circle of blood to spy upon the living. Edward thought of Gabriel Belmont. The lords of shadow enlisted the crow witch Malphas. The birds didn’t attack. The bats did. Edward brandished the Undead Killer. “Bubble!” Anastasia struck before him. She used her body as a shield. Edward was taken aback. The spell killed off the swarm. They didn’t leave anything behind. Anastasia shrugged. The soldiers used the mist for cover. “Get down!” Edward threw himself on top. He smelled their approach. The soldiers fired their rifles. “Help us!” Edward prayed for guidance. Anastasia got up. “Back off you devils!” She shouted. The crescent spread shot bombarded their numbers. Edward lay on the snow. He used the crucifix as a barrier. They couldn’t reach beyond. The dead soldier picked the grenade. “Anastasia!” Edward got up. He couldn’t let her die. His image shone overhead. Edward screamed. He felt like the first time he ever used the mystics. Anastasia was down on her knees. “What is it!?” She shrieked. “Are you hurt!?” Edward managed to stand up. “I’m fine.” He promised. “It’s just that I figured it out.” Anastasia looked doubtful. He smiled. “I can use my powers.” He frowned. “Though it seem like it only work with the sub-weapons.” She let go. Edward hadn’t noticed she held him. Never mind. “We’ll find a way.” Anastasia assured. “We’ll become vampire hunters.” Edward crossed himself. “That we shall.” He pulled back the hat. Edward had a look on the battlefield. The corpses where burning to ashes. The others must’ve fled. Edward shrugged. He inspected their remains. They left nothing dangerous. That was a relief. Edward was about to close the survey when he noticed. The bronze plate. Edward removed the hat. It wasn’t perfect. But it at least offered some protection. “It really fits you.” Anastasia remarked. “I don’t know that.” Edward shrugged. She giggled. He brushed it aside. That was none of his business. “Come on.” Edward said. “Let’s head to the castle.” Anastasia gathered. “Follow me.” She then told.

At last the mist was clearing up. Anastasia looked about. How did she find the right way? It might be because of her abilities. “There it is.” Edward beheld the haunt. “The castle Proserpina.” Anastasia kept beside him. She looked down the slope. Was it true that John Morris and Eric Lecarde searched the place in 1917? She knew it got to be. But she was afraid. The moon shone and illuminated the wintery nightscape. “It’s so dark.” She said. Edward nodded. He got that grim expression about him. That made her realize. Anastasia didn’t know him at all. Though she felt for him. It was like his very presence gave support and courage. Her parents would recommend him. Edward was a vampire hunter. His experience already made him tuff and confident. Anastasia got to hurry. Edward went down the slope. He’d removed the hat. The man was talking to himself. Anastasia let him speak. Even though it was weird. She knew he got his own troubles. She shook it off. Anastasia was dying for a cigarette. She couldn’t smoke here. Anastasia knew it would only attract attention. She stopped. “What’s that?” She asked. Edward replaced the hat. “That’s the candles.” He told. Although he didn’t look happy. “The souls are awake.” Anastasia swallowed.

Buried chamber, castle Proserpina. The 8^th. Of January 2099 A.D.

The witch apprentice beheld the fruition of her ritual. She had learned much since that fateful night so many years ago. The angel of Death flouted above the heart of the circle. The two youngsters, Katrine and Angilique Bernhardt, beheld the grim reaper without expression. “Thee have summoned me.” The voice was a whisper in their mind. Although they didn’t understand. “Talk English.” She requested. The empty sockets fell on her. She licked her lips. They suddenly felt dry. “Why did you call upon my presence?” The call was colder then even a wraith. She gathered her pose. The apprentice had wished for this event. Why else place so much power into such a simple rite. They could not be allowed to listen. With one spell, she made them collapse. The sisters would awake eventually. She had further use for them. The angel remained immovable. The castle had at least regained enough power for him to be stabile. “Because.” She explained. “I need your assistance.” The blood thirst would not get the better of her. Not this time. The apprentice told him about her dilemma. She fought the Belmont clan before. But this time it was different. This time she feared it was treason.

Castle entrance, castle Proserpina. The 8^th. Of January 2099 A.D.

The castle loomed. The priest kept walking round. He was looking for someone. “Where can they be?” He felt like being watched. The castle waited. The walk at least kept him warm. Then he spotted. The man and woman came through the forest. The priest approached. He never sat foot on the drawbridge. “The whip!” He exclaimed. There is no mistaking about it!” He had seen it before. “You are of Belmont linage!” The vampire hunter removed his hat. You have good eyes.” He mused. “I am Edward Morris. But who might you be?” The priest straightened his mighter. “Forgive me.” He said. “I am Roger Dorrin.” He made the sign of the cross. “By order of the Catholic church, I have been awaiting you.” He bowed. “To think that an heir to the legendary house of Belmont would hear me! That’s a blessing indeed.” The woman crossed her arms in front. Thus he noticed she was just a child. “To badly that’s not the vampire killer.” Morris sent her a look. “Anastasia.” He said. “Can’t you even pretend to think before you talk?” She met his gaze. “Well, that’s the truth, isn’t it?” She challenged. “You can’t lie to a holy man.” Roger didn’t mind. He was to shocked to care. “What?” He asked. “Do you suggest that whip is a fake then?” The vampire hunter shook his head.

The priest looked both lost and confused. “It’s true.” Edward said. “This is the Undead Killer.” He touched the handle. “I can’t use the Vampire Killer. That whip wasn’t actually handed down through my family.”

Roger touched the crucifix. Anastasia dropped her pose. “You’ve heard of the Belmont clan, haven’t you?” She asked. “Of course I have.” Roger washed his hands. “I actually… “ He gathered. “They used the Vampire Killer for generations to destroy Dracula.” His gaze fixed on the sword. He knew. He had to. “And that clan is related to the Morris family by blood.” Edward tugged his beard. The Belmonts where dead. Though Morris Baldwin, the founder of his family, was Richter Belmont’s half-brother. “You have been doing your research?” Edward remarked. “Then you should know I’m not the true successor.” Although Trevor was much younger, he was the child of the oldest brother. Christian had the right to inherit. “”Though, through the grace of God, I have survived without the whip.” Edward sighed. He spoke the truth. He lost so much. “I’ll help you now.” Anastasia touched his arm. Roger beheld her. “Yes, I was wondering about that. And you are?” Anastasia blushed.

Her might had no effect. “Well, excuse me.” Anastasia glared. “If you’re from the church, then remember this!” She held up the crescent. “I am Anastasia Aulin!” Roger blinked. “Anastasia… “ He stammered. “I have heard that name before.” He gathered. “Anastasia. You must be the descendant of that great magician everyone has been talking about.” Anastasia hid her smile. At least someone knew about her too. She giggled. “”Great” you say?” Roger shook his head. “You’re unbelievable.” He turned to Edward. “What where you thinking. Why did you bring a mere child into battle?” Anastasia was annoyed. Why didn’t he talk to her? The frustration fuelled her power. Anastasia threw back her cape. That made him blink. “Such a lovely young lady.” She turned to Edward. This was her moment. “You heard that? Edward!” He would love her. “He called me lovely.” Edward removed the hat. Then he shook her. “Don’t dare to do that again.” He told. “I swear it. That if you do, I’ll challenge you like any other witch or vampire.” Anastasia staggered. He spoke his heart. Though it was Edward who helped her to stand. “You’re right.” He said. His voice softer. “I can’t lie to a priest. But you can’t enchant him either.” He helped her to sit. Then Edward went to check on Roger. Anastasia stared down into her lap. She didn’t sob. She couldn’t. Anastasia couldn’t escape the truth. Evil really did sture in the shadow of castle Dracula. “So anyway, Roger, do you have some business with me?” The priest must’ve gathered from her spell. “O yes.” She looked up to see him dust off the robes. Anastasia was still annoyed. She had to fight it. “Yes, I do.” The priest unfolded some sort of scroll. “I have been dispatched to help you in your quest.” He put the paper away. “I brought potions with me, but, well.” He sounded apologetic. Edward frowned. “Well? What?” Anastasia moved closer. She wished to listen. “It’s a matter of… Economics.” She made a grimace. She got it alright. “You want us to pay you?” And they said Christianity was the road, truth and life? Roger lifted both hands. “Um, well… If you insist.” Anastasia crossed her arms. “I’m sorry.” He said. “But you know the rules.” Edward didn’t look surprise. “Sure. No problem.” He said. “I know why it have to be.” He turned to look on her. “I think we can take care of that.” Anastasia shrugged. “I couldn’t care less.” Edward smiled. Then he went serious. “This is more important, the castle. Is it really the castle Proserpina?” Anastasia forgot about her anger. Edward believed in the Devine. So he said. But he was still unsure. “No one has seen the vampires thus far.” Roger told. “However, the church insists that it is indeed their castle.” Anastasia looked at the haunt. She couldn’t see beyond. Not like Edward. But she could translate the mystics. Now she saw. It made her cover. But she got to tell. “There is no doubt about it.” Anastasia had to force herself. “The castle is pulsing with dark magical power.” She inhaled. “I can’t imagine it’s anything but the castle of lady Elizabeth that I studied in the books.” Although they stole them from her, she learned by heart. Although she never expected there would be any use for them. “Sounds like fun.” Edward said. He forced a smile. “Come on, we better get going then.” He suddenly became serious. “Anastasia.” Edward touched her cheek. “I have fought the undead for all my life.” She never noticed the haunted look before. “You don’t share my destiny. You can still turn back.” Anastasia looked up at him. “No.” She said. “That I can’t.” She no longer had a home. “We are the same.” Both their families got slaughtered by monsters. “I’ll be right with you.” Anastasia held his hand. “We fight together.” Edward nodded. He replaced the hat. She couldn’t tell how, but she was sure he regained composure. “Roger.” Edward said. “We have to split.” The priest didn’t look surprised. “Be careful.” Roger warned. “I’ll search for a safe place.” He beheld the castle. Anastasia noticed he didn’t look happy. “I will meet you again, inside.” Roger made the cross sign. “May all good Saints bless and keep you.” Edward bowed. Then he went forward. She stepped on the drawbridge. Anastasia had a last look over her shoulder. The priest still stood there, talking to himself. “Even so… ” Roger Dorrin didn’t notice they could hear him. “The two brave vampire hunters. I I envy you… “ Edward shook his head. She had a side glance of her partner. “You are like a little sister.” Anastasia went sour. “Edward.” She said. “Stop treating me like a child.” He frowned. “Carrie Fernandez once said the same. She deserved it. I’m unsure if you do.” That hurt. “Hmm… The perfect couple. I am slightly jealous.” Edward exhaled. “You know.” He said. “That man scares me.” Anastasia hid a smile. She had some effect. Although he didn’t approve. They continued.

Throne room, castle Proserpina. The 8^th. Of January 2099 A.D.

He could feel their presence. Although this portion had been separated through the seals, the Chaos source was rising to a peak. A century had passed. Although the count was dead. His ally had been there. The angel was a fool if he thought he could revive the prince of Darkness. They craved for a Dark Lord. They forced with anger, hate and agony. That was power. The souls of the great war. No wonder the countess believed in their abilities. The artist was able to manipulate the force. To change polarity. So that others might use them. He saw this only as a grandiose piece of theft. They where all deceived. He was the true successor. “Someone shall come to the castle and inherit all of Dracula’s powers.” The prophecy was still kept among their ranks. Then it was believed that only one who already had his own great power could achieve that goal. He knew that. But he also saw beyond. There was only one Dark Lord. Only one who could control that might. And he did not share power. He would have laughed. If he could. That was not in his nature. He was… different. The candidate coldly calculated his status. He got the power of dominance. He would gain that price.

(A.N: So it begins. The third quest of this book. I hope you enjoyed. I’ve looked forward to type this text. Though it might take some time before I continue. Have a nice time.)