Castlevania: Darkness Never Dies

Fan Fiction

Continued...

Part 1: Gathering darkness.

""If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-yes, even his own life-he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Suppose one of you wish to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, "This fellow began to build and was not able to finish." Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with 10.000 men to oppose the one coming against him with 20.000? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any of you who that not gives up everything he has cannot be my disciple. Salt is good, but if it looses its saltiness, who can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.""

Lucas: 14. 28-34.

Chapter 29: Door of Holy Spirits.
Dreary cavern, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Marina Seaflower went back and forth upon the somewhat destroyed staircase. John Belmont had told them to go here and wait for him and Ruth Van Helsing. But it had gone some time now and they hadn't returned yet. Anna Trantoul again tried to speak with Thomas Lecarde. He bites her off and Anna looked down, rage and shame shone in her eyes. Soon they would have to speak it through. She knew it was important keeping the piece. Sooner or later some of the more intelligent servants of Dracula would discover it and exploit it. But consider against her present worry for John and Ruth, other things would have to wait for another time. Suddenly Thomas snapped to attention and Anna was also quick to gather her knives and moved herself into a protective battle-stance. She had to care for their lamp but prepared some unpleasant surprises of herself. Who came however really surprised her. "Karack Warn!" The war-cry sounded throughout the cavern as a trio of dwarves came running down the steps from the higher level. "Thulkin, wait! They're not enemies!" The cry came from a short-built young man-beast who'd come after the dwarves. He was companied by another man-beast, a female. Anna put back her daggers and tried a smile to the dwarves. Thomas shrugged and sent all an ill look, to Anna specifically and to the dwarves in general. Marina placed the lamp against the wall and boldly stepped forward. "My name is Marina Seaflower. I'm a naiad of the Ravenberg tribe. May I ask who you are and if you're servants of Dracula?" Thulkin snorted but it was the male man-beast who spoke first. "We don't serve that bastard vampire. But we're or at least where, slaves labouring to restore Karack Warn. This is Thulkin Arkenson, Morlin Steelbars and Ingerlin Steelbars, Morlin's sister." As he mentioned it, she noticed the last dwarf only had some slight beard around her ears. The blonde man-beast continued his presentation. "I'm Lorelin and this is my sister Ada." The two man-beasts where short in built. With light blonde hair and light brown skin. Bough they and the dwarves where clothed in ruff and simple dressing and their weapons looked like they hadn't bean made to suit them either. "I thought Karack Warn was deserted." Thomas said, still somewhat defensive. "Not that it's your business." Thulkin said. "but my tribe was the only inhabits here in a very long time. Then the New Order came some three years ago. They imprisoned all dwarves and man-beasts they'd captured in here. They made those black-hearted boar-men and their likes to guard us." Lorelin nodded. "We have tried to revolt several times. But we've bean struck down each time. This time we thought we had them. But we had no weapons except those we'd managed to pull together from robbing and braiding those evil monsters." Now it was Morlin who spoke. "To punish us they unleashed some black-elf witch they call the neitherwitch upon us." Ingerlin sadly nodded. "She is some crazy witch. She used some dark spell which turned our chieftains and elders to some sort of dream-walkers. They just work all day and then rest and eat like they don't know anything." Marina wished John was here. He possessed so many strange types of knowledge. Perhaps he would have some explanation for this strange curse? "So this is how John's great plan ends?" Thomas suddenly said with a bitter laugh which made her slightly nervous. What if Kha'lar was still alive? To her surprise Anna roused and slapped him in the face. "Don't dare say so!" She nearly spat at him. "You know he was right. The village was full with lost souls and people who would betray us as soon we turned our backs to them. This way was the only possible route to go. What if we had returned to Winter's woodland? That I shall tell you, bright one. We would've bean back to where we was all to begin with." "What do you know about anything, your bloody slut?!" Thomas shot back. "You don't know anything about the geography of Warakiya!" The dwarves and man-beasts looked like they wanted to leave and Marina just stood there. How could it have come to this? She'd seen them fight side by side and she'd heard they shared pillow. "Sure there is another way!" Thomas continued shouting. "And why should we continue anyway? We could all have gone south and let Drac keep this snowy wasteland if he so dearly wants it." Now she was sure Kha'lar was back. But Anna didn't surrender. "Have you not seen enough to know why! The Dark Lord does terrible things to all here. Just look what creatures he unleashes to keep track of his rule." "The shadow rising." She turned with relief in her hearth. John and Ruth had returned. John looked grim and Ruth didn't look that cheerful either. "The Dark Lord is growing stronger. I first began suspect it first when I fought the puppet-master Pied Hellstrom. The giant spider proved it. Not since 1852 it has bean this shift in power." Marina felt her blood turn cold. She had also begun suspecting the growing dark powers. She had seen Dracula's power when inside the Ravenberg power-plant. Thomas looked like he wanted to protest, but then just snorted and kept silent. "Who are you?" Ada asked. John slightly bowed his head. "My name is John Kishine of the house of the Belmont clan." To her surprise they bowed toward him, presenting their own names and stories. "Even we have heard about the Belmont clan." Thulkin said. John slightly smiled, grateful for their honour. "If God so will, we'll try help you become free." He gave Thomas a look. Then grunted something she didn't hear before he admitted. "At least I'll help you." "I'll come with you too." She immediately afforded. "Thank you." He said as that charming smile again crossed his lips. "I'll go with you too." Ruth said just as Anna nodded. Thomas roused his hands toward the ceiling but finally agreed to join in. They gathered their belongings and then began climbing the staircase leading into the ancient halls of Karack Warn.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Ashera smiled. She reached out with her hand and the three vampires she summoned stood before her. The Dark Lord had told her what to do. She knew he had enlisted her to obey young Malus. But she did not intend to follow the boy's commands until he actually became the true avatar of Chaos. Instead she had taken upon herself to end the exploits of the ones who believed they could stop them. She had felt it the moment Gardulla had perished he was here. What she had remedied for them would surely disrupt their spirits and she would then make their converts to Darkness. Shaft was a true military tactician who had found the weakness to the crest of sapphirea although he had not possessed the strength to use it to the fullest potential. Soon it would all come together just nice. She would be victorious for a new magnificent dawn of darkness.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
John went in the lead together with the three dwarves. Anna and Thomas where still arguing who was the worst of them and Marina carried the lantern as he noticed a tired look upon her face. Ruth walked at the back, silently speaking with Lorelin and Ada. "Karack Warn!" He was brought out of his thoughts as the trio of short-grown warriors rushed forward. "Wait!" He shouted. They pay no attention and he grunted with disappointment. He had no wonder the revolts had failed with such war-crazy members among them. The bone-soldiers soon where reduced to ashes but then the boar-knights and werewolves kept up with them. Lizard-knights and Minotaurs pushed on behind and he came up to them just as Thulkin fell and Ingerlin got kicked to the ground. "God with us!" He cried his own war-cry and came just in time to hinder the lost souls from slaying Morlin. Ruth came running to his side as Anna threw daggers and Thomas fired a boom from his shotgun. Lorelin and Ada used their sling-shots to throw stones and then he lost sight of his friends as a Minotaur tried pierce his skull. He managed to lift his crucifix just in time. The holy energy made a bright light shook the tunnel as the metal shattered and the half-man/half bull became thrown backward. He made flames burn around the sword of the Kishine-family and advanced forward. He knocked down a few candles as he moved on but didn't have time to pick up what fell from them. They rammed him with their weapons but he kept moving forward all until he collapsed to the floor.

Marina and Ruth screamed in unison as John fell to the floor. To his own surprise Thomas pressed on, stabbing the enemies in the chests and necks with his lance as he moved onward. He didn't understand this. He was unsure if he even liked the self-affirmed Belmont priest. Still. There was something about him which made him want to be his friend. Something which made him want to save his life. John's groupies, the naiad and the Jewish woman, continued pressing onward with the same fierce determination he felt himself. He found something which looked like small crystal vials filled with water and put it in his purse and then continued onward. The two tiny man-beasts joined up beside him as they drew short-bladed swords and then did battle. They where no trained warriors and had it not bean for him and the three women they would've perished all to begin with. How the heck had they managed to even get as far they'd come? The dwarves had to be better fighters than he'd thought. Just then Marina knelt and placed her hands upon one of them, then shook her head. He came up to John, who luckily looked like he was still alive. He leaned heavily upon his lance as Ruth continued onward, joined by Anna who'd picked up one of the dwarf's axes. He laughed bitterly. That was better than that blasted stripping of hers. Marina knelt down by the priest and an eerie blue and crystalline glow flowed across him. It was then he noticed he was grinning. Perhaps John wasn't that bad after all. He gathered himself and joined up with the girls and the man-beasts. He would like to get rid of them before anything else.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Marina knelt down over the dying man-beast. It was then she discovered it. The revolution made her so shocked she said it out load. "You're no man-beast!" "No." Morelin rasped as a bitter smile crept over his face. "Ada is. She is Ada Sealchild, the king's only daughter. We tried to bring her to safety. Now all is lost." "No!" She surprised herself by near shouting. "I will not let that happen. For 30.000 years the man-beasts have kept the promise to protect the nature against the ruthless ravaging of evil men. Cornell destroyed the militant wing and since you have not left the One." Morelin smiled. "Will you know who I am?" Now it was she who smiled. "I already know that. You're an elf. Are you not?" Morelin weakly nodded and then his eyes glassed over. She closed his eyes. There was no river here which could protect his everlasting sleep. She summoned her powers and make frost surround him. It became a solid block and the magic would see to that the ice didn't melt. She did the same for Thulkin, Morlin and his sister. It became an entire catwalk all together. She noticed John knelt at the top of the block she'd created, praying silently. "They died." He sadly said. "And they had no time to commit their sins and receive forgiveness. Neither could I give them the last oil they so rightfully deserve." She put a hand on his shoulder. When kneeling she was tall enough to do that. "The One you call Jesus will not be forgotten." John mumbled something she didn't quite understand, something about that you shouldn't swear. But let a "yes" be yes and a "no" be no. She slightly squeezed his shoulder as she noticed tears in his eyes. "Let it be." He then said. "You are forgiven." He just said as he did the sign of the cross. It had bean prophets among the elder species too, prophesizing the will of the One. But it had bean humans which first had come to speak about the one they called Christ. She had often wondered why the One had chosen to appear among the sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve instead among the people which where before the dawn of man. When meeting Adrian, Alicia and Edward and now when she had met John, Thomas and the two women, she thought she'd finally found an answer. The elders had chosen side once and for all. The humans where decided for choosing, strive and conflict. John looked at her as she felt her cheeks turn slightly red. Then he looked away. "It is forbidden." He said in a low voice. "For a short time you might feel it's worth it. But soon I will have to leave you. Death comes to all humans and unlike you who have a sanctuary for your spirits in this world, I and my kin have to leave the bonderies of this realm." Marina fell completely speechless John slightly smiled. "Forgive me." He then said. Then Thomas and Ruth returned. Anna, who was resting after Marina had healed her, got to her feet. Ada also looked up. "It's all clear now." Thomas said, using his spear to point backward. Ruth gave him a look and then snorted. ""All" as you put it, isn't "clear". There where plenty of bone-soldiers, boar-knights and other creeps hanging about. Hadn't that "genius" brought with him some holy water we could've bean dead or captured by now. And it would've bean monsters which came to pick you up." Thomas picked a couple of vials from his purse and gave them to John. "Here," He said. "this belongs to you." Anna gaped with surprise, Marina managed to control her face, but felt just as surprised. "Why do you give me this?" John asked. Thomas smiled. "Holy water is nothing for me. You're more the type to use such things." Now it was John who smiled. "Thank you Thomas." John turned and bowed before Ada. "I mourn your brother's death. God is with him." Marina wondered how he could know that. But according to man's teaching, the One in Jesus from Nazareth gave authority over to the twelve apostles. They and their followers could give the blessing to all good souls. She gave Ada a warning look but she shook her head. "He wasn't my true brother. Morelin Edosien was my brother in law, although that isn't the full truth. Elves seldom marry those outside their species. My true name is Ada Sealchild of Cornell's bloodline. My father is a slave under the neitherwitch's rule." John bowed even deeper as he dipped his hand in the holy water and did the sign of the cross. "In mano ino domine arde, Jesus Cristus, Gloria Dei. Those who keep the pact is always greeted by the servants of the one true Light." Marina slowly shook her head. John was still full of surprises. She'd hardly believed he knew the ceremonial greetings between different species. Thomas cleaned his throat. "If that's settled," He said in a demanding voice. "but might I suggest we get going? The lost souls will soon figure what their slain scouts must mean." Marina couldn't help but smile. Thomas had a certain charm of his own. And although it was spilled on her, she understood why so many females could desire him. But his advise was good. They gathered their belongings and prepared their weapons. Now it was John who walked beside her. The pale light from their lamp lit their path and became reflected against the pale walls. As they descended deeper into the ancient halls she noticed the corridor became domed and high galleries, carved out like trees of pale grey granite. Ancient metallic holders stood here and there along the hallway but there was nothing left of the torches which once must have stood there. Her light revealed that the walls and ceiling long ago had bean masterfully carved by master craftsmanship. The corpses of dead boar-men, bone-soldiers and lizard-men lay about after Thomas's "scouting". Marina slightly smiled and shook her head. Then she stopped dead in her track as an open gap opened before them. "Be mindful." John warned. "There seems to be multiple trap-holes spread about." Ada nodded. "Long ago the dwarves who lived here kept close watch here, near the outskirt of their domain." Marina remained at this side of the trap while the others jumped across. "Ada," John asked. "you know the traps down here. Would you come and walk with us so we don't get lost?" The short-grown man-beast joined up beside her and the priest. With her aid they managed to jump across the openings in the floor. Ada also helped them avoid several spike-traps, some falling fences and a few stabbingspears. The air breathed mournfully against their faces and the only sound was their own footsteps and the dripping of distant water. Here and there along the tunnel their was openings into other corridors or steps who lead up or down. Others just stood there like hollow blackness. Then they entered into a larger area then they'd ever seen before. Tunnels and stairways lead in eight different locations. Burning torches stood in all the holders here, and in the floor they saw twelve large holes with an even larger opening. Large stalagmites hung from the ceiling and it was from them the dripping water came. A bitter wind blew out of the holes and none of them wished getting closer. "We met some guards here." Thomas said. "We let them go through the holes. But it has to be some damned big cave underneath us." Ada nodded. "The beasts say the New Order has established some giant underwater lantern down there. I don't know. No man-beast alive, and no dwarf I know about, have bean down there since old Isengrim and him alone in a 1.000 years." Marina couldn't help but shiver. "The water is polluted, that's for sure. But there's something wrong here. It feels cold, colder than it should be down here." John gave her a look but she didn't say more. But she looked forward to leave this area. "This is the outermost area of the older portions of Karack Warn. These halls leads deep into the ancient mountain, reaching all from Wargenhohlgebirge to the Carpathians. But since Simon Belmont explored them in 1691 only few dwarves and none of the man-beasts have dared go down here." Marina turned to watch at Ada. The brown-skinned female continued. "Fear and deep water have drowned the lower areas and I think that is no way you wish to go. At the other end of Karack Warn, the highest level of the city I mean, the evil ones have their own passageway to their own stronghold." John nodded. "I think it will be best splitting up. Ada, you know the way. If you'll show me the way to where the neitherwitch have made residence. Then you must lead the others to where the captures are held." He looked her deep in the eyes. "If you see anybody helding a horn, turn and run away." She nodded. Anna and Thomas surprisingly stuck together while Ruth desiced to go with them. Marina however would stick with the human priest. "Good then." John said. "We'll stay here while you go and do what has to be done. Marina, give them your lantern. We'll take the torches we found here." Before Ada lead the others onward, the young man-beast bowed before him. "God be with you." He said before they left. Then they where all alone. "How do you know so much about the elder people?" John stood calmly as he looked around the chamber. "I know many things. Cornell's step-sister took Henry Oldrey's hand in marriage. She knew much and Carrie Fernandez knew more. So did Adrian Basraq. They where all allies of my family." Marina looked upon him with greater respect than ever before. She had heard about the Belmont clan and their helping families, but she hadn't actually thought he'd known they'd known this much. "Get ready." John suddenly said and dragged her with him at the nearest doorway. From one of the stairways leading upward a back of goat and boar-men came running down. Lizard-men and black elves was among them. "The One!" Marina shouted with horror in her voice. "God in Heaven!" John shouted as his blade became embraced within an emerald green glow. Two large flat-faced green-shelled cave-trolls came along with them. Just then three large bone-men, suited in the remains of ancient helmets and armour, rouse from the piles of bones laying around the room. "Stay beside me." John said in a stern tone. "If they get us out on the floor we'll be done for." Marina nodded as she pressed against the wall behind her. She summoned her power and the battle began.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Thomas Lecarde motioned for Ada to remain silent as he quickly dashed right through the opening. The man-beast had told there would be less guards here. But expecting the worst gave him many good surprises. And so it was this time too. The two bone knights standing guards hadn't even managed to draw their blades as his lance cut them short. He didn't dare firing his shotgun so the spear was his primary weapon. The pendant the seer had given him would hide his aura from those who could feel magical presences. He had no time to stand admire himself. A duo of bone-priests had already pointed their bone-ark in his direction. "Seal of magic." Ada appeared and released the spell keeping the lost souls bond to the bones. "Thanks." He said. "I really needed that. You're sure you don't want lending the pendant?" Ada shook her head. "Not as long we all can't have them. You don't seem to really understand it, but you're more important than you think. The others have managed to keep the attention of the hearth of evil. But how long will it be before he remembers the spell only the key-master might do?" Thomas shrugged. "You know I don't like you calling me that." Ada looked up at him with clear although determined eyes. He'd tried to hold it off. Tried to convince himself the blood-flaw didn't worked any more. But he knew better, of course he did. Christian had spoken with him while they travelled towards the ruins of the castle.

Flashback.

Christian sat beside the fire as he warmed his hands. Suddenly he looked at him. "You must help me unlock the Vampire Killer." The boy said. "My faith in God will help me withstand the flaw for some time. Julius discovered that." A slightly bitter look appeared upon his face. "I'll help you." Thomas said. "But let's wait to another time. I have the watch tonight." The boy had gone to bed, but have given him a look. A look he couldn't quite understand.

End of flashback.

Now he knew what had bean in his eyes, disappointment, plain and simple. It was something he'd never seen before. When he'd seen it in Anna's eyes, it'd just snapped. It wasn't just that she was a bisexual and even more free minded than himself. It had bean what he'd seen in her. Anna was a good woman, she deserved better than this. Bought the Lecarde side and the Oldrey side had reasons to be disappointed. Henry Oldrey had overcome great odds to marry the woman he loved. The Lecardes had crossed the barrier between human and vampire for love's sake. Eric Lecarde had chosen eternal binding to this world over failing his promise. "Look!" Ada's voice broke into his thoughts. "More guards." "Curse it." He mumbled. "Get behind me." Ada gave him a look but did as he said. He could only hope the girls made better work of this than he did.

The cavernous tunnel resounded with the sounds of steel striking steel. Anna and Ruth had pressed the guards as far they could. Being closed in between two axe-women had made them fall like weat. But then the cave-trolls had come. Not only where they increddibley difficult slaying, but they gave the other monsters courage to stand fast. Anna made fir fire roar forward and one of the trolls burst into flames and came running forward, roaring widldly. They just bearly managed to dodge the mad beast as it continued down the pathway. "Curse it!" That troll if it lived long enough, would warn the guards at the main gateway that there was intruders in the ally. It'd bean Ada's idea to sneak through these narrow gave to enter the main portions of the city and free the prisoners working there. So far, it had all bean falling in the trash-pile. Ruth mumbled something she couldn't quite hear. Something about infused blood she thouth. Then Ruth made flames burn around the axe as she jumped into the air and a ring of axes flew outward. Anna couldn't help but gasp. The multiple blazing weapons dug deep into the guards. Even the remaining troll became cut to pieces. Ruth fell to her knees, gasping heavily. "I," She began as she fought for every breath. "I just had to do something. The New Order infused me with Belmont blood and it had some truly wonderful effects on me." "Belmont blood." She almost couldn't believe it. Had the New Order, the New Order!, used science upon Ruth to turn her into some half vampire hunter!? "You must never tell that to John." She warned almost hysterically. Ruth shrugged it off. "Oh, don't be worried. He already knows." A smile crossed his face. "How could be that he don't know. After all, it was he who saved me. You see," Now her face again grew serious. "It was John who saved me. Those maniacs wanted to kill me after they saw the experiment worked." Anna shook her head. She didn't know much about the Belmont clan. Outside of the legends handed down in her family of course. Ruth was a strong-minded woman in her own right. But this was just rubbish. The legends portrayed them as gently and steadfast men. But John was nothing like that. Suddenly she got into a protective stance. Ruth struggled to her feet as Ada came stumbling down one of the nearest sideways. "Get away!" The little man-beast cried. "They're right behind me!" A group of werewolves, cave-trolls, Minotaurs and other monsters appeared. "Run." Anna gave Ruth a look. Was she crazy? She couldn't possibly take them alone. "Do it." Ada snarled as she brought out her short-handed blade. "Someone have to get through." They exchanged glances. Then she turned and run. She felt ashamed but Ruth was right. Some of them had to got through.

Thomas leaned heavily against the wall. Those twisted bastards had bean so concentrated on Ada that, after having run him down, had just let go of him. That was a mistake they where going to regret. He put in the last silver-bullet in his shotgun and slowly and precisely began choosing targets. Ada and Ruth took care of keeping their attention kept onward as he calmly picked them down one by one. "you are a nice gunman." A soft voice whispered in his ear. He turned around and everything went black.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
It was all over. Ruth leaned heavily against the cavern wall. Fear surged through her as she felt the weakness of her body. Magic was a untamed element which could bring about unforeseen side-effects when used lightly. Ruth was no true Belmont. The New Order had fused her with blood stolen from the Vampire Hunting clan and she had already began utilizing similar powers. But how was this truly affecting herself? Was the strange blood killing her old cells and turning her into some "scientist" Belmont? Or was it the other way round? But what she really feared was that the magic should twist her or strip her of her own self. The concentration tricks she'd learned in Dracula's army was nothing consideredthis newfound energy. She could understand why the Belmonts trained so hard to control their bloodline power. Untamed energy could have the potential not only to destroy the body but also the soul. "God," She prayed like the Rabi of her community had told her. "please let me carry this burden." If she ever survived all this, she would pledge herself to the Belmonts so they might teach her how to control this force. "You're allright?" Ruth looked down at Ada. She'd almost forgot she wasn't alone. The man-beast looked up at her with questioning eyes. She flashed a small smile. "Of course I'm allright." Ada returned the smile, then it suddenly vanished. "Where is Anna?" Ruth quickly told about what have happened since they split-path. "I see." Ada thoughtfully answered as she continued look around. She arched an eye-brow. What was she looking for? But then it of course hit her. Hadn't bean for the bullets shot at the guards they could just as well be all dead by now. "He is gone." Ada mumbled. "But how… " She left the question unfinished, shaking her head. "The mechanism-chamber is just beyond this tunnel. We have to be quick before more guards arrive." Ruth nodded and again they began walking. As they went down the cave they saw traces of Anna having bean there. Dead guards lay here and there and almost all the strange candles had bean knocked down. "How long have the candles bean here?" Ruth asked Ada as she knocked down a few to obtain some crystals who'd fallen out of them. Strangely they seemed to fuel her Belmont-infused blood with new energy. "Quite some time." Ada said as she kept keeping watch down the cavern. "For three years or so I think." The man-beast shrugged. "None of us have managed to knock them down." She gave her a confused look. "They never burn down either. I know the New Order tried to destroy them." Ruth felt just as confused as Ada looked. Then she began thinking about it. Only those with ties to the Belmont clan or the Belmonts themselves had bean able to knock them down. She'd once bean instructed to take a troop of soldiers along and knock down the candles in the prison-camp in which she was stationed. She'd bean the only one who'd managed to do as ordered. Perhaps it wasn't just her Belmont-blood who'd made it possible but more the fact that the Van Helsing and Dinesti families where allies of those very same Belmonts? That was something she would have to worry about later. A group of bone-soldiers and crossbow-zombies. The walking deaths where hooded and cloaked in black robes and protected by light mails and also carried breast and shoulder-plates in light leather. The outer mailed hoods and light helmets protected their heads and hid their faces. It was only the foul stench who let away what creatures they was. "Shield of magic!" The spell didn't seem to work as the bone-soldiers withdrew and then the crossbow-zombies fiered their weapons. Ruth didn't stod to see what Ada did. She whirled around and ran as fast she could. The projectiles shot at her looked like arrows but they where completely made out of metal and the brown goo upon it was poison, that she was sure of. The bone-soldiers drew their weapons and run to meet them. Her axe met their swords as she tried behead them. The bags of bones was not among the Dark Lord's strongest slaves but she knew that they didn't had to be. They would bay the crossbow-zombies enough time to reload their weapons. Behind them she already noticed that their hands within armour-protected leather-gloves was rising. "Magical shield!" She heard Ada desperately cry. Suddenly a magical barrier rouse between them. The crossbow'zombie's next shot just bunched off of the barrier. She didn't have time to cheer as there still was plenty of bone-soldiers left to worry about. "How many souldiers is there in here?!" She shouted as she back-flipped to avoid the sword of yet another bone-soldier. "About 10.000 I think!" Ada shot back as she was busy keeping the barrier up as she at the same time was trying to fight three bone-soldiers at a time. "I'll get to it." Ruth grunted to herself as she dashed directly into the bone-soldiers. The armour-protected tunic and wrist-protectors hid her body from their attacks but blood was dripping off of her arms from multiple wounds. "Jawhe!" She shouted the name of God as she fought past the last row of bone-soldiers blocking her from Ada. A few strings had loosen from the headband John had given her to keep her long hair away from her face. She didn't care and she didn't care about the multiple wounds she'd received either. She was going to kill these undead bastard as long she was still alive. Just then Ada fell to her knees and the barrier shattered. But before the crossbow-zombies could react she was already among them. Their terrible cries and scent threatened to overcome her but she kept on going. They let go of their crossbows as they brought out their curved blades and confronted her in hand-to-hand combat. They didn't have a chance. She cut them down and then again turned on the few bone-soldiers still standing. Ada was however already on them. Her sword cut through the bone-soldier's armour, weapon-shirt and bone. "You have a good blade." Ruth said as she again leaned against the wall. Ada smiled up at her. "It's made by the elves you know." "No," She said, tiered shaking her head. For the first time she actually looked upon the weapon. The blade shined like it was made out of silver and not the steel of mortal men's weapons. Embeded within the handle sat a shining blue stone, a beryl. It was a magnificent weapon, made for the princess Ada claimed to be. "The elves must really like you man-beasts." Ada shrugged. "Why shouldn't they? After all, it was they who made us." For the first time Ruth didn't know what to say. Ada couldn't help but laugh. "You should've seen the look in your face right now." She almost giggled, giggeled! Ruth shook her head. "I always thought the man-beast did sin against God who punished them to become like the beasts they had betrayed." Now it was Ada who shook her head. "You mix it Ruth. It was the lycanthropes who betrayed he who you call Jawhe. It was the lycanthropes, those who look like humans and might change appearance. We, on the other side, is the result of the elves awakening of the land." Ada looked up at her with serious eyes. "Ruth, listen carefully to what I say. The elves wanted to speak with the land and thus began awakening the spirits which dwelled there. The trees, the beasts and birds merely altered slightly to adapt to the gift given by the elves. They became the Ents, the unicorns and Phoenix. They became the Pegasi, the centaurs, the rocs, mermaids and all the others who might still retain some of their former shapes or abilities. But the others, like the dryads, the naiads, fairies, sprites and other of them became more like the elves themselves." A look of sorrow then appeared in Ada's eyes. "But when the dark elves turned to he you call Satan they managed to convince others of us to join in their rebellion. You know of what I speak of, Ruth. The were-foxes, the Malphas race, the different types of beast-men and the wyrms. Many of you humans think the enemy created them himself. But the truth is he made them to come over to his side. The demons and devils are his creation, true, as well as the dark spirits. But all the others where once friends of the elves." Ruth tried to get a hold on this. Ada knew so much about things who where either lost or was kept as mere legends in her speces. "Don't be afraid." Ada said. "Man has managed to keep many of the legends in their combined memories. Their dreams still remembers what their intelligence cannot comprehend." She slowly nodded. What Ada said held a certain logic to itself. She pushed herself away from the wall. However interesting this was, they still had work to do. Karack Warn was still in the hands of Dracula.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
John Belmont ran up the stairs leading even higher into Karack Warn. He was carrying Marina on his back. The lost souls had knocked her unconscious during the fight and he had not time to wait until she awakened. His friends would do what needed to be done. Freeing the natives of Karack Warn. But couldn't permit himself aiding them. After having defeated the puppet-master in the Aliba amusement-park he had begun understanding the potential threat Dracula really was. If they wasn't careful, the Dark Lord coulb bring about the end of the world. Morris Baldwin had bean just to correct in his theories. First however he had one thing to do. He could feel the evil energy centered above him. The Belmont ability to see beyond the obvious told him so. Marina moved upon his back, she would soon awakening. He continued climbing upward.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Anna Westenra carefully peeked around the corner. According to what Ada had told them the mechanism-chamber would be just behind the next door. What worried her was that she hadn't met that many guards since she had left the block above. It was all to easy. The mechanism would open bough the main gate from the newer Karack Warn and into the older portion and the main inner gates. Ada had mumbled something about "releasing all spells not cast by the founders of the bedrock". But that didn't meant anything to her. She shrugged as she drew slightly backward. Nothing happened although something should have happened. If only John had bean here. He would've known what to do. She softly stroke the blade of her axe and then put a finger in her mouth. Such stupid thing to cut herself on her own axe. "Never mind." She mumbled as she went for the door. "Anna." The soft whisper quickly made her step back. Nothing happened. "God be with me." She mumbled John's war-cry as she forcefully opened the door and dashed inside. The room was domed like a chapel and through large windows she could see down on the large cavern where the entire city was moulded out of the rock itself. At the centre of the was a strange blue crystal who splintered the little light within the chamber and made it blink about. "Anna." Three figures fell from the floor. "There you are." She just couldn't believe it. They where just like John and Marina had described them. Alicia Schneider with her gold-dyed hair and dressed in black leather. Victor Grant with his shabby clothing and strange night-cap. And Torah with her dark-blonde hair and razor-rings held in a tight grasp. Yet, there was something not right about them. Then they came closer and her scream resounded throughout the room.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2+09 A.D.
The scream resounded throughout the tunnel. "She's in danger!" Ruth knew it was true, knew it quite as good she knew her own name. She and Ada began running. The mechanism-chamber was near Then, from the shadowed end of the corridor, came a group of heavily armoured knights. "Victory armours." Ada said in a voice which made the words sound like a curse. She didn't need that to recognise them. She'd seen them before, in the meat-market near the crystal castle in Winter's woodland. She also remembered what John had said about them. What she knew made her feel cold.

Flashback.

Winter's woodland, Warakiya. The 19th. of December 2098 A.D. They sat around the fireplace. Thomas was still tiered after after the battle with Kha'lar. "Who was those heavy armoured knights who scared you at the crystal castle?" Ruth asked the Belmont. "They where victory armours." John said, sounding slightly distant. "The sword lords where the Dark Lord's first effort to defeat the Belmont clan." Ruth nodded. Even she had heard the legends about Sonia and Trevor Belmont's quest to defeat Dracula in 1476 and 1496 although she had no details. "The final guards he summoned it afforded to much power. Then came the victory armours. They possessed some of the same power which had possessed the armours Dracula calls final guards. Never underestimate them if you should ever face them." She nodded, she'd never seen John this serious before. "I think I understand."

End of flashback.

I think I understand. The words resounded in her mind as she quickly ducked as the victory armours unleashed balls of ugly yellow fire. "Magic seal!" Ada used her magic to block their flames as Ruth dived in and swung her axe at their legs. Belmont fire burned around the blade and the armour protecting the wraith's "legs" gave way. She rolled away as their blades dug downward. She felt the desire to scream as their blades made the rock explode so shattered stone flew around. She grasped a dagger from her left boot and threw it at another victory armour. The Belmont blood grasped the opportunity to run wild and the dagger split into three and became embraced in fire. The armour of course shattered into burning pieces but that didn't mattered. She didn't know how to control her magic and she was afraid of what it might do to her. She screamed as a sword went across her back and scored a deep gash in her left shoulder. Blood oozed down her back and she just bearly managed to avoid their attacks. Pain radiated through her but she continued fighting the victory armours. She had to trust her new magic if she was to emerge victorious. She retrived the dagger and made it split into three as she jumped into the air and made a ring of axes fly outward. They hit her with their swords and she screamed. Where was Ada? Was she dead already? Then she suddenly was there. Blood ran from multiple wounds as she made bursts of energy erupt, like Thomas had said true man-beasts could. That was all she needed. She made daggers fly and made axes rain, screaming as they hit her arms, her legs and even her head. Only a wuper-quick side-dash made her avoid the armour's blade. She couldn't help but smile as she remembered the blood not only granted magical abilities but also afforded super-human martial arts. Somebody hit her head and she fell to the ground. "Tap into magic power!" Ada spread her arms and a hole opened between them and a rainbow of multipile colours waved about, then the little man-beast fell to the ground. "Ada!" She grasped the little girl, not caring about looking if there was any victory armours left. "Ruth." Ada said in a voice sounding more tiered than Ruth ever thought anyone could believe. "Ruth." Ada repeated. "I'm dying. The mechanism's energy might sustain me. My magic might sustain me for some time but without more magic I'll die." She nodded. Another scream suddenly resounded and she remembered Anna was still here somewhere. Was this how true Belmonts felt? Her friends needed her, was dependent of her. She got to her feet. This was something she had to do.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
"Rise and shine my dear." Thomas opened his eyes. What had happened? "Thomas, can you hear me?" The seer was there. The mysterious woman removed her hood and a mane of raven hair welled out, falling all the way below her shoulders. Emarald green eyes shone at him and a small red flower of a mouth smiled at him. The clean-cut delicate features and pointed airs made it clair she was an elf. "Who are you?" He asked. The lamps hanging upon the wall lit up and he noticed he lay in a chamber where a large whole-covering red carpet hid the rock floor and silk pillows of blazing colours lay everywhere. Masterpiece tapestries of equal shining yellow and green hung everywhere and mirrors behind the chandeliers of gold and crystal lit the entire room. "Thomas." He looked back at the elf in his arms. His arms? He really had to get a knock in the head. All his memories where like a shattered mirror. He knew his name, knew he was a man-beast. He knew there should've bean something more. But for the time being he had what he wanted. With a force who surprised him he put his arms around the elf. "My name is Ashera." She said before he kissed her. He was concealed in the same waistcloth she bore and he quickly and lustful tore them aside. He passionately kissed her and stroke her silk soft body and pearl white skin. It was like her body was a blazing fire in a winter's storm. He loved her with a fury he'd never experienced before. But it was she who was in charge of everything, everything! He felt extacy when having the climax. "You must kill John Belmont." She said as he again fell into the shadows.

Ashera looked down at the sleeping Thomas. It had bean a surprising experience. His doubtful bitter soul had bean as strong as iron and she'd felt a hidden energy inside the iron cube which fuled him with a strength who slithgly terrified even her. It was really strange. He felt like the prophets she'd killed all those ages ago. Still, this was different. She had felt man-beasts too, but even so he felt different. But no matter. She had sized control over his body and she would find one way or another to tap into his soul as well.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
The stairs ended. Moonlight shone through the large windows on this high of the ancient cave. John thought it was good seeing the moon and feeling the wind again. "Thank you Marina." He smiled. Marina had generated a light falling of snow to remind him of the open countryside outside. "Marina," He'd thought a long time about what he would have to say now. "you must leave me now. This is something I just have to do. You cannot help me now" The naiad looked up at him. They had gone through so much together and he thought he might know what she might feel right now. "Priest buesness?" Marina said in a low voice, her eyes filled with sorrow. He nodded. "I'll not just stand by. You heard what Ada said about this neitherwitch. You know she is dangerous." John couldn't help but smile. "I know you was going to say that." Then he grew serious. "But I mean it this time. Stay back, please?" He couldn't reject the care he felt for her. "Here." She suddenly said, presenting him her staff with the lamp upon it. "I'll go finding our friends." A ball of sapphire light suddenly lit up beside her as she turned into water and then vanished. "Im mano ino Domine." He did the sign of the cross and then began walking down the cave leading to the ancient throne room of the dwarf kings of Karack Warn. He put his hands on the large gold decorated copper-doors as he summoned God in his hearth.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2+09 A.D.
Anna stepped backward. This wasn't humans, it was vampires. Whaever John had said he hadn't told her they had bean cursed. "Come to us." Alicia hissed with that diabolical seductive tone. It sounded like water glasses played upon by a trained hand. She shook her head and felt how her cross began shining with white fire. "Never!" She screamed with dread and anger. John would be sad when hearing about this, but she would at least give him pease by releasing their souls. Alicia snarled, exposing her fangs as she slashed her chain-whip at her just as Victor, she thought his nave was Victor, threw a trios of axes at her. She whirled around as she made her own magic flow. It formed into four fireballs who shot in just as many directions. "Gate of Darkness!" Torah tore a hole in reality and rotating darkness appeared, swallowing her fireballs. Just then Alicia threw vials at her. She did a back-flip just as the vials exploded and made flames rise up. Then she screamed with pain. Victor had landed and had thrown a dagger right at her. He'd missed her just barely as it had hit her left shoulder instead of her hearth. "Jawhe give me strength!" Just then Ruth came running through the door and hit Alicia right on. The former human dropped the vials of unholy water and made flames rise up around her. Anna rushed forward to aid Ruth but instead had to side-step as Victor again threw his axes at her. "Hellfire!" Torah shot a heavy flame directly forward. Anna summoned her own magic as she danced a short distance, summoning a wave of fire to shield herself. Alicia was back on her feet and was fierly whipping at Ruth who did her best to block the attacks. However Alicia was about to ripp her axe from the Jew's grip. "God with us!" She repeated John's war-cry as she threw daggers of her own. She missed Alicia's hearth. But at least it gave Ruth time to gather herself. "Hearth of ice!" Anna screamed as the wave of frost hit her. Torah had partly missed her so she only felt cold instead of becoming frozen to her soul. Just then Victor lunged at her with his fangs drooling. But when he touched her cross he screamed and became thrown backward. Without mercy she beheaded him and continued on to pierce his hearth. "Resurrection!" Torah cast her spell and the ashes after Victor reformed into the vampire once again. He swung his claws at her and she push her teeth together to not scream. Blood ran from the arm she'd lifted to block the attack. "Blood is the life." Victor screamed as he again lunged at her. She managed to sidestep him and threw another dagger at him. It dug into his belly and that stopped him for the time being. Torah swung at her with her razor-rings in hand. Hadn't Anna managed to sidestep she would've bean tore to pieces and that she knew. "Die!" Victor was back in buesness as he was crawling on the walls and ceilings, throwing axes at her. She danced another short distance and made pointed dagger-like flames rocket upward. He was caught off guard and was burned to ashes. "Resurrection!" Again Torah resurrected the former hunter from the ashes laying about. "Concentrate on Torah!" Ruth shouted. Anna looked as the other woman reduced Alicia to ashes. "She's the real danger!" "Resurrection!" Again Torah used her powers to this time resurrect Alicia. Anna dashed forward and managed to run right underneath Victor who again was throwing axes at her. She screamed as a dropped dagger pierced her right shoulder. She tore it loose just like that and threw the dagger directly forward. "Gate of Darkness!" Torah made the tore-open gate absorb the dagger. Anna, who'd expected the move, dropped to the floor and glided right beneath the dark gate and right under Torah's guard. Anna got to her feet and kicked the little girl right in the face so she fell backward, right into her own opened gate. "Hearth of ice!" Torah released her last spell as she disappeared and all Anna could feel was a piercing frost.

Ruth screamed as Anna was turned into a statue of ice. There was nothing she could do. Victor and Alicia blocked her path. She ducked just in time to avoid Alicia's attack. She brought out one of her daggers and stabbed it in Victor's knee. He roared with anger and pain as he threw axes at her. She knew she wouldn't avoid it this time. "Crystal waterfall!" She knew that spell everywhere. Water rained down as Marina returned. The axe became captured in water and burst into fire. Alicia and Victor stepped back and hissed at the naiad. "Back of you devils!" Marina drew a blade she'd last sean in Morelin's hand. She hadn't understood Marina had picked it up. "We shall kill you." Alicia said. Ruth could see it was no empty words as the undead woman dashed towards Marina, throwing unholy water everywhere. "I could've forgiven you if it wasn't for that face." Marina threw sets of icicles to block her approach. Ruth was forced to sidestep as Victor again threw axes at her. She knew the armour on her tunic wasn't enough to counter such blades. She threw some axes of her own and had the pleasure to see Victor run to avoid it. Then he jumped right upward and she lost track of him among the vampire hiding among the multiple shadows up there. Then she felt pain surge through her as a trio of dropped daggers dug into her. Her shoulder-plates somewhat protected her but the daggers had gone down her back who was far from healed after the confrontation with the victory armours. She searched deep into herself and then used her Belmont abilities to jump high into the floor. Victor was caught completely off guard as her axe dug into him. They bough fell to the floor and although the impact with the floor made all her breath become pressed out of her lungs she didn't gave up. She dug a dagger into his hearth and then dug even another into his neck. Victor screamed and she nearly went deaf. He spread his arms and a green flame reduced him to ashes. "Crystal waterfall." She looked around. Alicia had managed to dodge the naiad. But even so she felt relaxed as the water melted the ice around Anna. She fell to the floor but Ruth could see she was breathing. It was a miracle she wasn't dead. But they would have to wait for the celebration. Alicia threw an evil cross at Marina who became knocked to the floor. Ruth came dashing at her but was forced to withdraw as Alicia flailed her chain-whip at her. She threw daggers at the vampire. Although she managed to score a few marks she didn't hit the hearth. Still, it was over. Alicia staggered backwards as Ruth dashed forward and beheaded her with her axe. Evil winds blew around them as Alicia exploded and burned away in blue fire. She felt tears go down her face. They where all lost. Unlike most vampires she'd seen become free of the curse they kept their expressions of hate and anger on their faces even when they finally burned away. "Oh John," She sobbed as she fell to her knees all worn down by the fierce battle. "I'm so sorry" "Don't be sad." Marina was back on her feet and came over to help her stand. "Not be sad?" She said as bitterness rouse inside her. "Marina, they where John's friends and family!" The last words she did scream out. "How are we ever going to tell him about this?!" "Because they wasn't." She stared at the naiad, to shocked to be bitter. "They where fakes." "Fakes?" She asked as a sudden hope began to flower in her hearth. "Yes." Marina was now smiling. "The vampire might change form you know." Ruth slowly nodded. Now that Marina mentioned it, she remembered the legends told late at night when she'd bean a girl. Then other memories came to her mind. She quickly told Marina about Ada's condition. "I'll go get her while you handle Anna." She said. Marina nodded and went for the Westenra descendant as she ran to fetch Ada. For once things was going their way. She still hoped all was going well for John dough. But she didn't have much time to worry about him. She picked up Ada and carried her inside the mechanism-room.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
They had planned this carefully. Just as John entered the throne room the doors slammed shut and a group of werewolves appeared out of the darkness. They where all clad in armours in Dracula's colours of crimson and gold, outside of one who was dressed in a simple black robe and big hood concealing his face. They where all armed with swords blazing with red fire, once again the exception was the cloaked werewolf of course, who's empty hands was more threatening than anything else. "Kill him." The hiss from the cloaked one made chills go down his spine. John quickly brought out his sword and summoned his bloodline magic. Just as they advanced forward he summoned his own orange fire. Thank God he had his back against the wall, thus they couldn't simply overwhelm him. Even so they nearly got him with their first attack. He spread flames about making them withdraw somewhat. He knew it wouldn't be enough. Not if didn't managed to split them up somewhat. Then he remembered about his ancestor Maxim Kishine and his powers. He concentrated his magic, fused life and fire with thought, three of his spiritual elements, and a magical clone appeared. "Kill it!" The cloaked werewolf roared and the werevoles closed up around it. "Please forgive me." John threw himself out from the wall and attacked them from the behind. "Not it, your fools!" The cloaked raged but it was already to late. He cut down the werewolves as soon he got an opening. His training had bean worth it. The werewolves where good fencers but nothing more than so. But soon they again was closing in, more so as they had now destroyed his clone. He summoned earth and made rocks fall right down on them. Then he again summoned a clone and together they attacked the lycanthropes. The clone possessed the same mastery of the sword as he did and again the werewolves where falling back. Blood ran from countless bruishes and pain was tearing him apart but he knew he had to continue. He made holy water rain down and the few remaining werewolves fell back, roaring with pain and fury. "Impressive." The cloaked werewolf rouse its hand and a powerful wave of fire shot forward. John wanted to cry as the clone jumped in and took the full brunt of the attack. "Much impressive." Although he couldn't see its face he knew it was smiling. Quickly he ducked and drew a gold-knife. Then he just as quickly got back up and threw it at the cluster of werewolves. The one he hit exploded with fire and the other werewolves ran about as even they began burning. "Leave us." The cloaked werewolf finally said, making the group of werewolves still standing leave the chamber through the doors at the other end of the room. "You truly are an exelent fencer, John." Then it rouse its arms and turned back its hood. "No!" John wanted to throw up. The one looking at him was Thomas, his friend.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 20+9 A.D.
Anna stood wathing out the windows, down at Karack Warn. Ada Sealchild and Ruth Van Helsing sttod behind her, watching too. As Ada had absorbed the mechanism's energy her life-force had returned to her and she'd bean able to heal Anna too. More importantly, when Ada had absorbed the mechanism's power all the spells cast by the New Order had bean lifted. The chains keeping the elves, dwarves and man-beasts captured had fallen into ashes and the door-seals had vanished. Even as they stood there, the citizens of Karack Warn was fighting against Dracula's army. And now that all the trance kept leaders also where free of their curse it looked like things finally where going their way. "I wander what's keeping Marina for so long?" Ruth gave voice to her own worries. Marina had gone to check on John and hadn't returned yet. Ada smiled at the two taller women. "I still can't thank you enough for what you've done." Anna shrugged although she really felt grateful for Ada's words. "I must leave you now." Ada then said. "Of course." Ruth said. "Your people needs you." Anna nodded with agreement. "Just see to that you blasts those skumbags sky-high." For the first time Ada smiled acoring to her years. "Have no fear." She said as she ran toward the door. "Remember that Radagast needs more troops." Ada gave them the victory-sing as she opened the door. "Trust me." She said before leaving the room. As Ada left them bough Anna and Ruth returned to the windows. Soon Ada appeared below them, gathering other man-beasts around her. Seemingly she was giving orders to all available men and women to gather around her. "Finally we've done something worthwile." Ruth suddenly said. Anna thoughtfully nodded. The battle was really breathtaking. Again and again Ada's followers where forced back. And again and again they gathered to retaliate. The streets of the underground city was flooding with blood and many of Ada's folks where already dead. "Quick!" Suddenly Marina was back. "John is in trouble." "As usual." She grunted, then laughed. Ruth gave her a nasty look then she ran to keep up with the quick naiad. "Always on the move." She said for herself as she followed suit. There was one thing nobody seemed to have figured. Where the heck was Thomas? Trying not to worry she kept up her speed to join up beside Ruth and Marina.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Thomas couldn't help but smile as he saw the shocked look upon John's face. Then he saw something which made rage rise inside him. In the priest's face he could see pitty, pitty and sorrow, for him. "Don't dare feel sorry for me!" He boomed as he rouse his arm and made a powerful burst of fire rocket toward that insolent bastard. He had bean after him for so long, dragging about his morals and high standards. Well, now it was his turn! Ashera had learned him how to control his man-beast power and he would use them to kill John. He rouse an arm and his lance came flying to his aid. "Now it's just you and me Johnny." He nearly spat at his "friend". Kha'lar had bean just all to right about these little pests who called themselves humans. He was a man-beast, a creature far more powerful than any mere human could believe. "Step aside Thomas." John said in that irritating calm tone he'd grown to despise. "I don't want to kill you. Your cousins is far away and Christian needs your help." Christian? That name sounded strangely familiar. He shook it off. He knew no Christian. A voice inside him cried out for him to listen to what the priest had to say but he threw even that aside. "You'll die!" He screamed with fury and hatred as he stabbed with his lance towards John's hearth. Just as sudden John sidestepped him and swung his sword against his lance. "Behold yourself." John said in the same calm although compassionate voice. "Behold what you have become." Thomas rage manifested into red flame who fuel his lance with power. He threw his hand at John's hearth, exposing his claws. Sparks flew as he came into contact with the silver-covered armoured shells on the priest's tunic. Although he was no werewolf he felt pain run up his arm. "Don't you see?" John continued as he stepped backward. Thomas didn't care as he threw himself at the priest, trying to tear open his throat. He howled with pain as silvery flames burned through his fingers as he touched the crucifix hanging around his neck. That flickered a remote memory. Although thoughtful his body continued going on John. He repeatedly stabbed at John but the priest fell back each time as he brought up his sword to protect himself. "Don't give up faith in God." John said as he continued turning away each blow he threw at him. "God hasn't left you, not even now." The Belmont threw himself backward as Thomas this time clawed at his very hands. He smiled with grim satisfaction as he this time managed to tear away his sword. "Now you're doomed." Just then John kicked at his legs, felling him to the floor. Then he dashed at where he'd left the rod with the lantern. Carefully putting the lamp down he turned at him with the staff at the ready. "You're a fool who give up that lamp." He snarled. To his surprise John smiled. "I don't want to kill you. You are my friend and I'm going to set you free." "He already is free." Thomas smiled with anticipation as his mistress appeared from behind the tapestries. "I have trained him. I have shown him the path to true power. I can show them to you too, if you just permit me." Thomas couldn't help but feel furious. She belonged to him. John wasn't going to take her from him. He stabbed at John who swung the staff so he had to quickly step back to not get hit. He quit stabbing as he began using the lance's handle as a weapon. John was quick and aggressive. Who would thought a priest could be so experienced in the use of weapons? "Black rose!" The elf's attack forced John backward. Gleefully he advanced on John who now was forced to defend himself. "She's using you." John said. "Don't dare even look at her!" He dashed at John who this time dived beneath his defence and brought his staff right up to hit him against the chest. Thomas fell to the floor and although he didn't lost hold of the weapon John just stood there. "He is mine." The elf said in a voice he'd never heard before. "Ashera." John said in a voice Thomas hadn't heard before either. "Nobody belongs to you, never or ever. All things belong to themselves. If they choose to vorship God it is according to the free will of each and every being." Something was forcing him to his feet, forcing him to pick up his lance and then again turned him against John. "I shall release you from the spell." John said with a determination who scared him. "The power of Shaft is something well known in my family." A smile crossed the face of the priest before he again moved into a defensive stance. "We will se." Ashera said. Then that something sent him dashing towards John. "Remember Christian Belmont." John calmly pleaded as he turned back the first attempt on spearing him. He shook his head, trying to remember as his hands swung and stabbed John. "He told me what trust he had in you." Above their weapons John looked him steadfast in his eyes. "I believe in you, Thomas. God is with you and Christian has placed trust in you. Just remember us and Ashera will never be able to control you again." He fought to shake off his bitter anger as it was like a beam of sunlight penetrated him and lit up his inner landscape.

Ashera watched the two with rising frustration. Her former plot of throwing John Belmont over the edge by using his own friends against him was now useless. His faith was just as solid as the whatever it was who was protecting the man-beast's soul. Now she had only one solution left. If she could make Thomas Oldrey kill the Belmont his sorrow could perhaps send the unstable creature into utter darkness. She reached out with her feelings. Their friends where so close now. If she could make them see the duo fight each other and then turn Thomas against them that could bring about their turning too. She still had a possibility to pull it all off if the Master would still support her.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Ada Sealchild looked out on the battlefield. They had managed to re-conquer most of the city itself. But the lower portions of the tunnels where just too complex. "Here it is." Thror broke into her thoughts as he and his son, Beleghost, brought out some really ancient-looking scrolls from the kingdom's archive. The old architect rolled out the pergament and they now understood it was parts of the map over Karack Warn. "What about the new caves the monsters carved?" Teolin asked. He'd bean one of the first leaders to break from the spell and had lead his people against the bones holding them captured. Thror shook his head. "As far as I know they only carved out a hangar for those shuttles of theirs." Beleghost nodded. "I know they installed those elevators and guardrooms near the newest entrance but outside of that I know nothing." The younger dwarf gave out a laugh. "And I should know if anybody begin digging around here. Me and my father are the map-drawers of Karack Warn." Ada and Teolin exchanged glances. The elf waved his hand in the sign of acknowledgment. Ada nodded. After all, the dwarves had bean the oldest tribe her, outside of her own of course. The map-drawers should know about what they where doing. She looked around the chamber she was standing in. Except for the windows, the door and the fireplace, the room was filled with shelves and drawers filled with papers. The library inside the king's palace didn't only store knowledge about the world and records of the colony. But it also held maps and information about the construction-work too. "Your majesty, the scouts are back." Adam Brewer was the man-beast in charge of keeping law and order in Karack Warn. "What have they found?" Since the New Order had executed her father she now was the queen of the underground city, at least the queen of the man-beasts. The elves had accepted her as ruler since their own leaders where dead. She knew their feelings about this. The lord of the mountain tribe had bean one of the last elves with blood of the high elves who once came from beyond the west. Teolin and Gregorin had bean advisors of the last king and although they supported her was unsure of what person she was. The dwarves would wait until later to appoint a new arch chieftain. For now they would follow anybody who promised to drive out the New Order's dark spirits. "The scouts," Adam said. "tell there is only mere pockets of resistance left in Karack Warn. But they're scattered and leaderless. But down in old Karack Warn they're regrouping." "Who's the leader?" Ada quickly asked. Adam shook his head. "They didn't say. A scout, Elorien, said she saw darksides among them." Ada slowly nodded. "Teolin, take 1/3 of the elves and take out the last pockets of resistance in new Karack Warn." Her father had told that Teolin was one of the best tacticians in city battle. "Gregorin, prepare the elves. We're to go down after them." The two elves opened their mouths to speak against her but she cut them short. "I know it's no good idea. But the New Order leave us no choice. They have left us short of food and other resources that could make us stand a sledge against the city." To control the food and other important stocks had bean her first investigation as they'd cleared the city of lost souls. She just couldn't afford arguing with them. She instead turned to Adam. "Will you go and inform the dwarves and man-beasts?" She breathed with relief as the other man-beast bowed. "I'll tell them." She returned her attention to the maps and thus didn't look as Teolin and Gregorin left the room. "I'll speak with the scouts." Beleghost afforded. "I'll show them the terrain so they don't get lost." As the younger dwarf left the room she knelt and sent a prayer to the One to help them during this campaign. Thror put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't mind them." The old dwarf kindly said. "They're difficult to get close to. But when you first have gained their trust, they'll stay loyal forever." She smiled. "They'll stil pay critic eyes on me." Before Thror opened his mouth she continued. "But I know what you mean. The alliance between the dwarves, man-beasts and elves have to remain strong. Without us humans stand no chance against darkness." Thror grunted, then laughed, as he began putting away the papers they'd investigated together. "The one be with you, yuour majesty." He saluted her just as she was about to leave the room. "May he be with us all." She said before closing the door. She went through the palace as the civilians of Karack Warn where everywhere cleaning up after the ruteless plundering of the New Order. Soon they would pick the city back together. But first she and the army would have to clear all the tunnels below so they could all live in peace again.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
The battle continued to wage back and forth. Although John's word had begun clearing his mind, his body wouldn't stop fighting. He knew John was right. He knew there was somebody who loved him, who trusted him, if he could only remember them. If he only could be allowed to touch the priest's crucifix again. "You must defeat me John." He pleaded as he again sent repeaded stabs at John's hearth. The priest ducked and brought up his staff up just in time to counter the returning strike. "Jesus will help you." John faithfully declared. "Don't trust him!" Ashera shouted. "He only wants to kill you to get me for himself!" Something about what she'd said didn't just feel right. His memories screamed at him that John didn't care about women. Something shattered and suddenly he remembered everything.

Flashback.

Christian looked him in the eyes. "I need your help, Thomas." The only light was the campfire who reflected light across the child's face. "You know what only the Lecarde family might do." He nodded. "I know."

Sara looked up at him, her eyes where filled with pain. "I can feel it inside me." She said. "Soon it'll kill me. You must slay me before that happens." She began screaming. "You must do it." John put a hand on his shoulder. He nodded and as tears ran down his cheeks he stabbed right through her with his lance.

"Come on!" John shouted as he ran towards the claw of the giant robot who'd failed killing them. "Now is our chance!" Thomas ran beside him with his lance at the ready. He was afraid but he got strength from John's will to fight and thus joined him.

End of flashback.

"Stop!" Ashera broke his flow of memories. Blackness tried drown him but this time he fought against it and managed to stay awake. His limbs grew all stiff and he stood unmobable as John still was coming at him. Then it was like John saw something in his eyes and he let go of his rod. "Kill him." Ashera said. Now it was John she spoke to. "Kill him and we can be together forever." It was the same soft voice she'd spoken to him in earlier. "No." The priest said with a calm which made Thomas feel like milde sunlight into his soul. "It is time to reveal all lies." John grasped the crucifix around his neck as he brought out the envelope keeping the Host. "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, one true God from eternity to eternity. Let Your will be. Amen". John did the sign of the cross. "I command you to show yourself!" Suddenly Thomas staggered backward as a foul stench of rotten vegetation filled the room as Ashera turned into a truly evil figure. Marble-pale skin made even the vampire's paleness bleak in comparison. She was tall, unnaturally high and lean as a skeleton. In her face there was still something elfish, the clean-cut features and pointed ears. Her hair was her only dress and it nearly reached the floor. Black merciless eyes beheld them with a burning although cold nothingness which gave him the urge to run away. John however just stood there. The scent continued to permeate the air. The attraction he'd felt shattered as a wave of dread welled over him. "God in Heaven!" It was the desperate cry of a drowning man. Warmth returned to his body as the spell was released. He could move again and his body was his to control. He let go of his lance and hid his face within his hands as tears began running free. Was this monstrosity what he had… "Save me!" He prayed as tears tried strange his voice. "Forgive me." He fell to his knees as his body began to shiver with fear and self-disgust. "What have I done? I'm not myself anymore!" "Don't be afraid." He looked up between his fingers. John stood there, his hand resting upon his brow. "God is with you." Then a smile crossed his face. "I shall send her back to Hell, with God's aid." Then he turned as he picked up his blade from where he'd dropped it earlier. "Then be it, Belmont." Ashera said with a calm which made Thomas's blood turn cold with horror In the fallen goddess's eyes he could read certain doom. "But then we do it my way." She reached out with her hand and John's sword became ripped from his hand and flew right into his head. Again all became black. But this time he didn't felt afraid. He only felt peace.

John smiled at Ashera. "Do you think it is that easy?" He grasped his crucifix and then picked up the rod he'd used when fighting Thomas. "Dark rose." Ashera threw back her hair and a large sickly green projectile shaped like a rose rocketed toward him. He held up his crucifix and nearly became threw to the floor by the countered energy. This just had to work. "In the name of God!" He roused his hand as he summoned the blood power who tied him to the Belnades clan. "Druid flame!" He didn't knew where that came from but it didn't went without effects. A wave of flames shot forward. "Death tree!" The image of a tree rouse before Ashera and absorbed his flames. In his hearth he thanked God. He was no true wizard but his Belnades bloodline would allow for his Belmont power to be used like this. At least he hoped so. The roots reached for him, he almost tripped over the end of his cloak as he nearly frantically tried figuring a way to counter it. Then he got an idea. He would have to find a spell name to release the energy like normal wizards did and thus just shouted. "Magical mushrooms!" From the tip of his staff came a shot of spores which dug into the tree and absorbed the mystic vegetation. "Sprouting vine!" Ashera's spell made the stones shatter and some poison green weeds appeared around him. John screamed as the poisonous thorns pierced his skin. "Druid antidotes!" A strange green light quickly shone around him and cured the poisoned state. "Dark rose!" "Druid fire!" This time he was prepared but since he'd used slightly different words it this time appeared like some burning beam of flouting orange. "Summoned tree!" "Druid potion!" Where the heck had that come from? A vial of magic liquid flew through the air and the tree just exploded. He felt the power of life sure through him and for the first time he knew that the Belmonts truly knew nothing about the magic they practised. It was a true mystery of God and only the Holy threesome really understood. Ashera didn't give him time to wonder. "Blooming vines!" "Druid potion!" It was a power given through the combined elements of earth and life. He didn't have time to think about that either. "Blooming vines!" It burned and froze at the same time and he screamed. "Druid antidote!" He knew it functioned just barely and he knew the vine's poison would've killed him if it hadn't. "Black rose!" He came to remember how Nathan Graves had described the effect of the DSS cards. This felt slightly similar as the rose-shaped projectiles made poisonous green flames wave about. "Druid flame!" Orange flames burst from his left hand and shaped into a wall of heath. This far he'd only used his blood magic to defend, he would somehow have to compensate. "Crystal waterfall!" A wave of pure blue water washed forward and extinct bough their flames. "You don't stand alone." A quickly shot onslaught of successive icicles rocketed towards Ashera. Marina came walking through the gate with a enraged expression he'd never seen on her before. She wasn't alone either. Anna and Ruth walked behind her, seemingly prepared for battle. "You'll not get away this time." John shook his head. What did Marina know about the demon? That he would have to wait for another time. Whatever having transpired thus far, he felt it was only the beginning. Anna knelt to inspect on Thomas as Marina knelt down beside her. That strange blue glow again appeared. John felt grate and joy rise inside him. Together they would stand against everything Ashera might throw against them. "Fools!" Ashera hissed. "Black rose." He prepared for counter the attack but instead it was Ashera who begun burning. "What the… ?" Thomas who'd just come about looked with horror as from the pyre rouse a sickly green demon. "Now it is my turn." Ashera said.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Luna Saranow had never expected to involved in the military. She'd bean one of many mistresses of lord Malus. She was a witch to be sure, but she was no battle-mage. She pushed through the lines of spectators around the arguing leaders. Since Ashera was absent and they couldn't make contact with Malus either the lover-class military commanders where disputing which of them possessed supreme rank among those gathered at the moment. She was merely 13 years old but had bean schooled in the black arts by the witch sisters Miranda and Melinda and they had told her she had a strong potential. She used her magic to create multiple dark needles who made the creatures before her move aside. "Enough!" She summoned her magic and made red flames burn around her, highlighting her place face. She knew her fox-like features and pitch black eyes could instal fear in most unlightened people. "What do you want witch?" Captain Nion had bean in command of the gate-force and had joined them when the resistance-movement had stormed the outer gate of Karack Warn. Luna shook her head so the black hair going all down her back waved around her although it was kept in a tight braid just behind her neck. "What I want," She said as she made blue flames rise beyond her eyes to give her words greater weight. "I will stand behind any military leader who want to destroy the rebels." Nion slowly nodded. Liuetenant Crpin and the chieftains of the tribe of boar-men and goat-men merely continued speaking. "What would you suggest?" Nion silently asked. "Heads up!" Someone further away suddenly shouted. "There's elves in the tunnel!" The beast-men quickly gathered around their different leaders and then began advancing. Luna grasped the buttons of her double-buttoned red army-jacket to not leach at the foolish creatures. "Captain," She said as she noticed that Nion still was close. "you asked what I might suggest." The human captain snapped to attention. "Sory, but I have to gather as many men as possible." She quickly cut him off. "That was my suggestion. We have to retreat and reorganise if we are to… " Nion nodded and began barking orders at his men. Corpin tried speak against but was shot by Nion. "Saranow," He told her. "for the time being you're second-in-command. Gather as many soldiers you might find. We're retreating to the cave of waterfalls." She quickly nodded, saluting him as she put her armoured black boots together. "Yes sir." She then spun around as she in turn begun shouting orders, gathering creatures around her. In the distance they heard the noices of battle but she didn't care. If those idiots where to throw aside their lives it wasn't her business.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Thomas slowly opened his eyes and looked up in Anna's face. He resisted the desire to turn away and instead looked her in the eyes. Clear pools of thoughtful brown gazed back into his. "I'm so sorry Anna. It isn't my business what sexuality you have. If you're bi I should be grateful you trust me so much to tell me." Anna smiled then she grasped his hand. "Thank you Thomas. I have waited so long for you to say that. But we don't have time for this now. Look." She helped him stand and he couldn't help but gasp. "Druid flame!" John rouse his hand into the air and white flames washed over the giant green dragon-like alien who quickly jumped out of reach to another side of the room. How the… Then he remembgered everything, although it didn't give more answers. How had John learned to use magic? But one thing was nailed into his consciousness. Ashera had tried to use him to kill a man who was his friend. John was a mysterious indicidual true, but he knew it was all spent in concearn of him and Christian and all of mankind. Even the elder people he'd always thought where mere legends seemed to mean something to him. Thomas shook his head. Anna was right. This wasn't the time for this. John, Marina and Ruth was already on it. John stood near the giant ringed holes in the middle of the floor as he threw flames and fireballs and even holy water or some other mysterious liquid at Ashera. But somehow it looked like the wingless dragon-like monster was immune to his fire. Marina tried doing the same with her bursts of water and series of shot icicles. Ruth jumped super-high and side-dashed with such speed that it was nearly impossible. She tried attacking with her axe and daggers although it seemed like nothing could harm that green-shelled monster. Suddenly, without warning the beast opened its mouth and a heavy wave of green sulphur washed towards Ruth. "Druid antidotes!" Thomas saw how John closed his fists in frustration. Thomas summoned his man-beast power and felt how he changed form back into his near werewolf shape. He quickly figured and then dismissed a number of plans. It would be no point in trying to climb the walls and attack from above. The polished black walls looked like they where crafted out of glass and where impossible to climb, even for a man-beast. Ruth was out although he could see she wasn't dead. Anna struck Ashera right at the tail and made the ancient demon roar with pain and fury. "Get away from there!" He dashed forward and drew her to the floor just as the wave of sulphur flew above their heads. "Druid potions!" John threw a strange silvery powder about as he drew closer, making explosions shake the throne-room of the old dwarf kings of Karack Warn. Thomas got to his feet and swung the pointed end of his lance right at one of Ashera's monstrous eyes. The demon roared with pain and fury as boiling black blood splattered about. "Get away!" John threw Anna out of reach as he collided with Thomas and bough of them away from the acidic blood. To their horror it looked like Ashera recreated her eye and then again turned towards them. "You cannot destroy me." It was horrible hearing that same warm seductive voice coming from the monster's lips. Suddenly the monster screamed as a series of icicles rained over here. "Ashera is a forest monster!" Thomas had nearly forgotten about Marina but there she was, making row after row of icicle drill themselves into the large green beast. "Ordinary magic and fire don't work on her." Sweat began running down Marina's brow as she tried press more energy at Ashera. "I think I begin to understand." Thomas didn't care about the duo's time-wasting babbling. He'd dropped his weapon somewhere and it wasn't time to recover it. He brought out his shotgun and fired a boom at the demon's hearth. "She isn't really here." As his bullets ripped into Ashera John and Marina continued their argument. "The Dark Lord must have summoned her somehow. All we have to do is to find the contact-point and end the flow of leaking power." Now Anna also have joined with the other two, carrying Ruth on her back. Thomas reloaded his pistol and continued fire his bullets. But now it looked like they had no effect on her. "I see it." He heard John said. Thomas relayed on his last weapon, the silver-bullets. He smiled with grim satisfaction as the silver tore into her green shells. "Thomas." John lay a hand on his shoulder and made him turn away just in time to avoid the spilling blood and spat sulphur. "This is not your type of battle." He wanted to bite at the priest, then he regained control. "Ashera is a demon from Hell. She haven't bean released from her prison, but her representation gain energy from her true habitat. To defeat her we must find the connection and break it." Marina and Anna had returned to keeping Ashera occupied while Thomas and the Belmont spoke. "Where is it?" He finally asked. "Her tail." John said. It looked like he wanted to say more but Thomas had already dashed for Ashera. He slashed his claws at her and then missed completely as she wung her tail and instead sent him flying. First he thought he would go down one of the nice holes in the centre of the room. But the force was so strong that he became shot clean across the abyss and right into the wall. Again the darkness took him. He struggled to stay awake and through a haze of red mist he watched how Anna and John continued the fight while Marina came running towards him. He felt how blood ran from multiple locations from his body as Marina make her water embraze him. He felt how the pain slowly left him and as the water left him he got back to his feet. He noticed he was back in his human form but that didn't matter. He looked around for his equipments and thanked John's God they hadn't bean lost in the holes. As he retrived his shotgun he quickly began reloading it with the silver-bullets. He was going to help his friends whatever it might cost him. The time of him keeping back was now officially over.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Ada Sealchild looked about the battlefield. The narrow tunnels where littered with corpses. Only Gregorin was back of the original elfish commanders. Torfin Goldarm and his son, Nogrod, was still alive dough. A young elf-woman named Balinor Nienor had become Gregorin's second-in-command during the battle. Now she, Torfin, the two elves and Stephen, the leader of the man-beasts, had gathered for a short discussion. "I don't like this." Gregorin said as his hand drew across his tiered face. "In the end it was pure slaughter." Ada nodded, feeling just as tiered as Gregorin looked. Torfin shrugged. "It was their decision." The greying dwarf insisted. "Those foolish beasts just thought we would fall back if they pressed us hard enough." Balinor shook her head so her red hair waved around her head. "How many do you think there is left of them?" Ada asked Stephen who had taken command of the scouts. "Well," The man-beast seemed to ponder the question. "At least two or three thousand in the fight in the city and perhaps four down here… " "3.000 have to be out there somewhere." Nogrod suddenly cut in. He'd bean held capture in the warehouse districts of Karack Warn and had bean able to count the troopers according to what goods their officers gathered for each battalion. Ada slowly nodded. "Send out more scouts to see where they might gather. Deliver half of what troops we have down here. The rest of us are going upward." The elves and man-beasts looked concearned but in the eyes of the dwarves there became lit a light of expectation. "You intend to clean the throne-room." Torfin made it sound like a statement. Ada smiled, then nodded. "Our time is short and I have friends up there." Gregorin and Balinor exchanged glances and then proclaimed their agreement. She knew they didn't like it. The elves wanted to continue onward to drive the New Order out of Karack Warn once and for all. She knew that without more help they could never do that. Oh sure, they could drive out the kind of forces they where fighting just now if they just kept with clever tactics. But when Dracula got to know what has happened, he would order the technological forces in Karack Warn to join in the fight. They'd fought against bough dead soldiers and victory armours down here and won, but she knew they had no chance without humans with science to counter science. She shook her head as they began organizing which of them was going to do what. Ada only hoped her friends where still alive. But even that fear soon drowned under the wory they all felt. If they was to conquer the throne-room, what then? What if the sleeping queen wouldn't accept her? "We're ready, my queen." Stephen said, bowing his head. "Thank you." She said.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
John and Anna stood watching Ashera. The large green alien had nested together inside the narrow corridor leading from the entry hall into the throne-room. Thomas was out, Marina had worn herself completely out and Ruth hadn't awaken yet. That left only them to fight the ancient demon. John stood tall with his sword in one hand and his rod in the other, bough blazing with orange. Anna Westenra stood at his side with her axe at the ready. "Is Jesus really with us?" Anna asked as she tried the waight of her weapon in her hands. "Have faith and God will never leave or abandon you." He smiled. Suddenly it looked like Ashera was prepared. A wave of thorns shot towards them. "Druid shield!" The strange orange flames burst from bough sword and staff and into a shield of fire who absorbed all thorns. Just then Anna dashed forward. "Druid earthquake!" Ashera leached at Anna and John tried aid her by making the corridor shake and rocks fell from the ceiling. Although the representative body Ashera had bean allowed to possess received damage the wound already began to heal. It was like the giant spider he'd fought before only worse, much, much worse. But it gave Anna time to attack. Ashera leached with her claws at Anna who fell to her knees and rolled beneath the alien's spike-tipped fingers and again had to roll away again as the beast swung its spiked tail at her. The brown muscular body of the former prisoner again avoided Ashera's attacks. John again clasped his fists as the werewolves again returned. "Druid spike-trap!" He struck his staff into the floor and it shattered between his hands as rocks rouse from the floor and rocketed towards the lycanthropes. Most of them managed to avoid his attack and then went for his friends instead. "God help me!" He shouted as he tore his crucifix loose from the leather pendant and whitish gold light washed from his sword and penetrated through the werewolves. Another wave of werewolves appeared and again went for his friends. Marina stood tall, fighting tem with her own staff. Anna had chased after Ashera and Ruth was slowly regaining her consciousness. Thomas stood leaning against the wall although he still looked unable to fight. John snarled. He would do whatever it took to protect his friends. Whatever it cost. "Druid earthquake!" He stabbed his sword into the ground. Nothing could really destroy the blade as long as somebody with Kishine blood wielded it. The spell cast made the earth shake and pieces of the ceiling collapsed and rained across the lycanthropes. "Druid flame!" He made heavy orange flames burst outward but this time they used their own magic to counter his attack. He continued spewing flames about drawing them backward but it wasn't enough. Snarling he made flames wave around his sword and dashed towards them. Ruth and Thomas where back in business and Marina was beside them. But before the two groups reached each other a group of elfish archers appeared, arrows fell among the werewolves and then a group of dwarven axe-men and man-beast sword-fighters attacked from behind. Soon all werewolves where gone. Then Ada, surrounded by dwarves, elves and man-beasts. He smiled, then the summoning tore into his mind. He could hardly believe what he heard. "Anna, is that you?" As if stunned they began walking toward the throne-room.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Anna stood at the gateway of the throne-room. Ashera had used her magic to seal the doors behind her. No matter. That demon wasn't to get away this time. She'd scored a few hits at its tail but hadn't dealt it enough damage to break the contact. But it had set its traces dough. Ashera had lost her abilities to heal herself. Not that it mattered much. Her blood was as poisonous as a dagger in the hearth. At least if she should judge by the marks it left on the floor. Small craters littered the one plain floor and smoke drifted throughout the chamber. She almost wished she boosted an armour, like the one Thomas had. Her plain clothing was fit for that prostitute dancer the New Order had forced her to be. Her plain magic wasn't really usefull in this type of battle. As she dropped to the floor she wondered if Ashera knew she had a small portion of magic. As a powerful wave of sulphur waved above her she came to the conclusion it didn't mattered. If Asherea knew it nothing she could do about it and if she didn't, it could very well turn out to be a secred trump. The ancient demon slashed her claws at her and she just barely managed to dodge by rolling across the wall. She grunted with slight discomfort as she felt the cold stone against her light brown skin. She got to her feet and flunged the axe against the demon's tail. It had bean difficult rolling because she had to keep the axe above her head. She did a back-flip as more sick green energy became released as the blade came into contact with the rotting green flesh. The tail's tip wasn't really there. It was like the tip reached into endless depts. It was clear John and Marina had bean correct in their asumations. Ashera's true existence had to be in the end of the tail somehow. Ashera roared with pain and anger and flailed her tail at her. Again she did a back-flip and again tried hatch at the tail. She missed however as the demon itself quickly moved out of reach. Despite her size, Ashera was extremely quick. She grasped for the crucifix and prayed for John's God to aid her. She again dropped to the ground and rolled out of reach as Ashera began spewing those strange solid thorns. Anna knew that she would be dead if any of those thorns should even scratch her. She got to her feet and began running as the green disgusting demon continued firing thorns at her. She drew a dagger, hidden among her dressing, and threw it directly at one of her enemy's eyes. She missed but the blade was really close. She snarled with just the same fierce as Ashera. This battle had gone on far to long. Although she hadn't bean poisoned she was running out on energy. With a chilling sensation in her belly she believed this had bean Ashera's plot all along. Still, there was something. Something she couldn't quithe see or distinct. But it still was there, fueling her with energy, keeping her up. She threw another dagger and this time got the score she'd aimed at. One of the demon's large red diabolical eyes turned black. Roaring with a pain she'd never heard from her before Anna dived across the floor and planted the axe deep into the monster's tail. Ashera screamed, it was no other word for it. It was like a giant gong was struck by a Titan's fist and Ashera seemed to glide apart, one small and one big. The two returned to one and then without another sound Ashera burst into green and blue fire. Totally drained of energy she fell to the floor, not caring about the shining light which seemed to shine from where the throne stood. Soft invisible hands rouse her and took her away. If this was Death who'd come for her she felt it had bean worth it all. Anna wasn't afraid. She'd fought for what she believed in as long she could. Jesus would surely grant her access to His blessing. She looked up and thought gazing at a calm elfish woman. "Daughter," The elf said. "finally you are home." Anna just couldn't help but smile.

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
She just couldn't believe it. "John! Thomas! It's me, Ada!" Ada ran across the floor to meet with the friends who'd saved her so many times. She didn't care about Gregorin's unpleasant smile or Torfin's wide grin. Balinor shook her head and the other leaders let her run. "I guess you made it." It was no question. Ruth leaned against the wall as she smiled down at her. She laughed as she and Marina embrazed one another. "I see it was all worth it." Thomas grinned as he dried blood off of his face. "God in Heaven!" He then burst out, picking bough the girls up. "It seems it was worth it all." Now John came walking over. Although he looked extremely tiered, he still looked more respectable than ever. "It isn't over." The Belmont said. Ada shooked her head. "I know. There's still pockets of resistance spread all across Karack Warn and almost 3.000 monsters are gathering inside the cave of waterfalls." John slowly shook his head in turn. "Our greatest worry should be the forces awaiting inside the underwater lantern." Thomas nodded. "It's that matter who've worried me all along." Gregorin also came over to them, accompanied by Torfin, Nogrod and the other leaders. "There is still shuttles and other flying craft down inside Karack Warn. The lost souls which journeyed to the place you mentioned used to use them." Like all elves Gregorin was a little stiff when meeting humans. Ada looked up at him but then dismissed him. "That is all well," John finally said. "but this isn't the time. Anna is summoning us." Ada first now heared the voice inside her. "She calls upon us in the name of the sleeping queen." This time it wasn't just the elves who looked displeaded. This was no case for humans. "I think we should do as she asks." Thomas finally suggested. Ada exchanged glances with her advisors and then slowly nodded. If the sleeping queen wanted to speak with humans too all they could do was to obey.

John looked about the throne room. Beside him, Thomas, Ruth and Marina, Ada and one dwarf and one elf accompanied them inside. The large hall was just as incredible as the quick look inside had suggested. The large windows carved out of the solid rock and the large tapestries of price-less cloth where all glorious. But it was the gate from which the light came who attracted him. It stood just behind the elevated throne and judging on its placement that it was no part of the real world. "It just occurred to me." Thomas said. "There could be more guards about. I think I'll stay back here. You know, I don't want anybody to attack you." John resisted smiling. He could understand the man-beast's feelings. "I'll stay back too." The dwarf suddenly said. Marina nodded. "Good luck." The Jew said before they entered the mysterious door.

Marina couldn't help but stare. The entire room looked like it was carved out of ice. Even so it wasn't cold. Here and there pools of crystal clear water left holes in the floor. Elves and dwarves lay sleeping within them, all looking like they where embedded within crystal or ice. At the hearth of the chamber was a larger dark blue pond. "What is this place?" She heard Ruth whisper. All up at the domed ceiling flew small jewel-winged creatures flew. Their soft singing made her feel… She didn't know. "Come here!" John suddenly shouted. "Look," Ada said. "Look into the pond." At first she couldn't see anything. Then Marina saw a deep sky with stars spread out like gems on black velvet. At the other end of the pond she could see a crecent of distant mountains. She gazed up but could only see the domed ceiling above. "What is this place?" Marina had once heard about a pond like this. It was a dwarven myth but still she knew. "Yes." She heard bough Ada and Ruth gasp as the voice first spoke. At the other end of the legendary pond stood Anna looking on them. It was Anna and still it wasn't. Her hair fell down over her shoulder and for the first time in a long while she saw calm in her face. Anna was no longer dressed like a shabby prostitute. She bore her blue robes like she always had done such clothing. Like she hadn't noticed their astonished looks Anna continued speaking. "This is the Mirrored pond where the crown of the dwarven king have found rest. It was taken away from the land of the living so his dream should not be lost. Here," Anna waved her hands at the chamber. "inside the chamber of dreams all the dreams of the species lay sleeping until they awaken." A reflective tone sounded in her voice. "We humans where so afraid our great thoughts should disappear through time. But all we have created is death. Tools of power to be used in war. Oour poets, musicians and artists will awaken before the fires of industry and science will be allowed returning." "Anna," John began but Anna quickly silenced him. "By him you call Jesus, I now sees all memories of the king of Karack Warn. I know sees all dreams of the sleeping queen. I am the oracle." Anna turned towards Ada and the elf beside her. "I salute you, your majesty. Your present is the hope of ancient time. Through you the pact will be reconcealed." Ada opened her mouth to speak. But as Marina watched on the young man-beast and the elf vanished. "Do not worry." Anna continued. "They are back in the throne room. They will meet the resistance movement. Summon them when there is the approaching dawn." Marina didn't knew how it was possible, but suddenly Thomas stood beside them. "In time you will all learn your place in the pattern." Anna smiled. "I am no sage. All I do is to remember the past and to see the present and something which might be." Her eyes became sharp. "I even sees something which have to happen." Again her eyes grew soft. "Don't be worry for me. The dwarves and elves will take good care of me." She gasped as Anna appeared before John. "Take these." She said. "Give them to whom they belong to. You must help the others. I will teleport you into a shuttle. Use it to infiltrate the underwater lantern. Karack Warn have to survive." Thomas looked like he wanted to speak. Anna smiled as she put her arms around him and kissed him. "I see you, Thomas. Don't be afraid. It will take its toll, but it will not be in wain." She slowly withdrew. Marina looked up at her. She too wanted to say something. Anna smiled. "He is with you." Then all vanished. The last thing she saw was Anna's smile.

Command tower, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
This was unbelievable! Malus was outrageous. Not only had the Belmonts defeated the neitherwitch. They had driven their forces out and freed the man-beasts, dwarves and elves held prisoned and now reports of the fall of Aliba also began running in. The underwater lantern had to be their next target. The New Order had already evacuated all experimental and prototype material to a more secure area. But it was he who was in command here. He was an avatar of the Dark Lord! They had all failed him. So be it. Curse them all! He would take care of them himself and then they could suffer in Hell. All who opposed the Dark Lord would have to die. That he should make sure of. "Commander!" He nearly spat into the holo-projector. "y-y-yes, my l-lord." The vampire stammered. Malus smiled. He could still install fear in other's hearths. "Prepare for assault." Now Cedric Aus Holm had retained his military calm. "Yes, my lord."

Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
John looked around. "All clear?" He asked. Thomas shrugged. "I don't think Drac had naiads in mind when constructing this thing." He couldn't help but smile. Marina looked like a child trying to drive dad's car. "Let me handle those controls." Ruth kindly afforded and Marina let go of her seat. Thomas looked away. John slightly shook his head. All since he'd begun using his ancestor's true magic his eyes had began gleaming. It was only Marina and, strangely, Ruth who still could look back without a shudder. Now he began understanding the silent sorrow of Carrie Fernandez and the bitterness of Charlotte Aulin. To be a magician ment to be alone. "I'll be with you." Marina looked up at him with her eyes filled with emotion he couldn't translate. "I hope the code will give us access to their lantern." Thomas said as he mounted the seat of the co-pilot. "Don't be afraid. They wouldn't give the code to their scientists just to betray them." Ruth grunted. "Not as long as they can be of use to their Dark Lord." "Let's find out." She pulled the trigger to activate the engine and Thomas grasped the controls and moved the sharp-noosed shuttle into the air. Then they left Karack Warn and was out in the large cavern the man-beasts had called "old" Karack Warn. "I hope the change-system work as it should." Thomas commented as they neared the surface of the lake. "Hang on." Ruth said as she prepared for the systems which would make them move in water as well as in open air. "Ready?" Ruth asked. "Ready." Thomas admitted. Then they dived into the water. John thoughtfully looked out as the water closed above their shuttle. It wasn't only his eyes which had become affected by his rediscovered magic. He now knew how to prepare the potions and antidotes his inspiration had given him. "We have you on our screens now, please identify." Thomas and Ruth exchanged glances. "Hit it, girl." Thomas said. Ruth shrugged. "This is shuttle "Drahignazzo". We're requesting deactivation of the outer defensive-shield." "Please transpire clearance-code for shield-passage." The were-fox appearing on the shuttle's communication-consol requested. "Transmitting code, expect to receive it, now." Ruth dialled the code they'd received as they spoke. "The defensive-shield will be down momentarily. You are to dock at platform C." A holographic projection of the underwater lantern appeared on the consol. "Copy that." Thomas took over the control and the shuttle speed off. As the shuttle did so John again opened the purse Anna had given him. Into his palm fell three perfect blue stones. Anna had told him they where elf-stones. Having accepted the call of the elf queen to become the new Oracle she knew souch things. He hoped she would be happy with her new life. The habitants of Karack Warn looked to her as some priestess of the high elves souls and she would be held high among their society. "Fear well, Anna Westenra." He said. Marina smiled up at him, placing a hand on his hand. He returned the smile. Marina made him forget his worries. "Give the elf-stones to whom they belong to." He didn't understand. He feared he might never do. That, he put the stones back on his belt. Just then they docked inside the underwater lantern and slowly dough steadily the chamber became emptied of water. Thomas and Ruth left their seats and stood watching at the hatch. They exchanged glances and then he and Marina also prepared their own weapons.

Laruba mansion, Warakiya. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Death had arrived. Gilles De Reis, Abbadon and Malpheffa all stood at attention as the grim reaper let his eyes go the circle through. "De Reis," The words where a mere whisper in his consiousness. "the Dark Lord whishes for you and mistress Laruba to report to the tower of Eneomaos " Gilles thoughtfully tugged his beard. The tower of Eneomaos lay outside of the ruins of Cordova, a forgotten city near the springs of Mortvia river. He wanted to know why, but his duty was to obey, not to ask questions. "As the Dark Lord Dracula whishes it," He bowed his head. "so shall it be." Malpheffa acknowledged with a bow of her own. Then he awaited permission to retire but Death instead turned his attention to Abbadon. "You know what to do." He could not be sure but it was like amusement rouse out of the blood-stained figure. "You have the permission to leave. Go and serve Dracula." "Hail deer Graf!" They all participated in the salute before they departed. Gilles wondered what this was all about. Rumours spoke the avatars of Dracula all had made their different copies of how the demon castle Dracula once had looked. That was however insignificant. He teleported to his chambers. "Did he have any orders for us?" Yukuri asked as soon he appeared. Bronze remained seated but kept her eyes upon him. "Go and ask him." He shot at them. "I am no longer your commander." They traded looks as Bronze rouse and after a quick salute they left him. "You there." He pointed at one of the bone knights standing at attention at bough side of the door. "Prepare my luggage." The bone knight bowed and then went inside the inner bed chamber. "You will aid me change to travel-clouthing." The second bone knight stepped forward and picked up his clothings as he redressed. They entered the dressing-chamber. The bone knight put aside his former outfit as the first bone knight came to pick up the clothing he wanted to bring with him. He those heavy underwear and a shirt of heavy flax and a scarf of lacework. His white stocking was of thick woollen fabric and he those long trousers of black velcet and a jacket going below his hip in the same fabric although in a clear crimson colour with the dragon upon his hearth. He closed the double set of golden buttons and was about to take on his belt when Malpheffa entered the room. "I see you are still very much the nobleman you once was." She smiled. He fastened his sword and dagger to his belt as he looked her up and down. "I see you have embrased darkness in all its splendour." Her smile grew so innocent he could not help but laugh. Under her simple black slenge-cape she wore high sandals, a waistcloth going nearly all the way to her ankles and a breast-cloth. He brought on his sash and then his cloth as he carefully chosed armour-protected gloves and boots. "You are prepared then?" He asked her. Malpheffa nodded. "To pitty I must leave my "friends" behind. But I am sure lord Dracula will see to that we do not loose anything in being removed." Gilles afforded his hand. "Let us go down and see if the carriage is ready?" "Of course." She put her arm under his and together they teleported out of the room.

Castlevania, Warakiya. The 30th. of December 2098 A.D.
Dracula sat upon the seat deep inside his castle. His spectral eyes where fixed upon the painting of his beloved ones. Sorrow and hatred purged through his hearth. Elizabetha had loved him even dough he had then bean a "guest" at her brother's court. Mathias Corvinis had bean a strong king of Hungary. On Ogur could be proad of him. He had first met here in the well park outside the castle Corvinis in Budapest more than 600 years ago. Ten years he had bean at the king's court. From 1448 to 1458. Ten years away from the land beyond the forest. What would he not have given for once again ride through his beloved land once more. In 1456 he had met her and she had brought light to his longing for his country. Dinesti had taken what was not his! The thought the clan of his rival still exist made true fury well through him. Maria had oftened angered him this way. He had married her to secure his claim as King of Walachia but it had bean a mistake all from the beginning. When she had left to stay with her clan he had not wished to see her ever again. Such a pleasure it had bean to hear of her death. Lady Elizabetha had bean all so different. She had still loved him when he revealed his connection to the medicine woman who had helped her give birth to their two sons. It was she who had requested the artist to portray her, Liza and his third son on the same piece. He had done all for her. He had given her his land, his faith, all on her request. Mathias and Robert, his cousin, had helped him secure the throne. He had ruled the land and the multitude had praised him as their hero. The peasants who sat in their small concles believed they ruled the world. Fools! Ignorant ghouls! What did they knew of true valour?! It was men like them who had betrayed him all those years ago. They had convinced his wife he was dead. Then when she shoved her love for him they forbid her to be buried in Christian soil. Whas this the religion he had given up the Ortodox teachings for=? If God forbid this then he would have nothing more to do with him or his church. For a moment it was like he again saw the body of his poor wife lay before the alter as he tore the throats of Joshua and Reinhardt. He had then continued to destroy all religious artefacts within the church. Then he had ran out into the night. That had bean in 1462. But even his mistress had not bean left alone by those ignorant little men. He would bring about the end of the world and then the great ones could see what they had done to him. His learners at Scholomance had learned him how to control the black magic of his birthright and still they had continued hunting him. They thought they had murdered him. They had killed all of his following as he ride home form the battlefield. The rumours of Liza's death had drove him more furious than anything since the nobility had dared question his authority. He had lad in hiding as his life blood had spilled out on the snow. They had not even come after him. The Turks had beheaded one of his knights and they had left his servants burry the corpse under his name. Bitter hatred surged through him as he remembered how he had lay diying all alone in the wilderness. He had summoned the powers of darkness and request them to avenge him. Then they had come.

Flashback.

Wallachia. The 30th. of September 1476 A.D. He pressed his hands against the bleeding vounds as if to try keep the crimson liquid from leaving him. "Satan!" He shouted as he felt blood drip from his mouth. "Avange me! Even Death is no hindrance! I will be your everlasting servant. I give you myself!" He heard fottsteps clousing. A bi