Part 1: Gathering darkness.

"Those who wander in the darkness shall see a great light."

Chapter 32: Picture of a Ghost Ship.
Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Mist shrouded everything. It peeked through every windows and crack in the ship and created an air of gloom. Ithildin sat on her coach, watching the Belmont boy. He was young dough possessed an aura of strength and even power. She threw a glanze at what lay in one corner. The servants had stripped him and taken his weaponry. She frowned. She had lost several servants due to the holiness within them. "You should kill him." She turned to the windows. Two cloaked figures stared back at her. Akmodan and Remises where a constant reminder of Alastor Lupine, the overlord of this countryside. She shook her head. "I don't think so. I killed the priest and the trader on your command. This one cost me much. At least with him I will use for some merriment." The shrouded figures beheld for some time. Although she couldn't see their faces she could feel their disapproval. Then they suddenly disappeared. That was the only permission she would ever get. She smiled. She would trap his desire and them kame him love her. A Belmont under her control could improve even the Dark Lord. This could turn out to be most interesting.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Akmodan and Remises walked along the side of the ship. Although day was upon them the gloom would protect them. One of the crimson guards came walking up to them, kneeling down before them. "Rise my faithful servant." Remises told her, placing a hand in a black glowed hand on her armoured shoulder. "What is thy whises young one)?" Niroki Hamarachi rouse. "What was her answer?" She asked them. "Will se give them a fighting chance?" Akmodan slowly shook his head. "Nay." Remises told her. "The nymph desire the boy to much." The fozx guard nodded. She again knelt before leaving them. Akmodan and Remises continued walking. "All is as we intended." Remises finally said. "Of course." Akmodan said. "The Dark Lord is with us." "Do thy see she will prevail against our enemy?" Akmodan threw it aside. "Never. She is a fool. The child is convinced in his faith." Remises acknowledged his statement. "So be it." Akmodan nodded. "We do as we must." They continued walking still. A swarms of bats came flying across the lake. The curse cast on the lake would make the vampire use its supernatural power. The bats shaped into a Chinese vampire. Akmodan and Remises bowed their heads. Male Lin was known as a close associate of the circles around lord Dracula. "Greetings ancient ones." The young vampire returned their bow. "I bring words from the Dark Lord Dracula." Suddenly the strong although childish body of the vampire shuddered and a deeper darker voice spoke, ancient and powerful. "Thou have served me well. The children are mine. This concubine who stands before thou arrest my hand in this matter. Obey my will." The presence left and only the vampire child remained. "Where are they?" She asked. Akmodan told her.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Niroki folded the leather shirt she carried beneath her armour together and put it away. For a moment she stood naked, her red fur luminated by the faint light of her lamp. She held her tail out of the way as she quickly began dressing herself. The law of Satan said. "Take what you wish and pay for it", she was going to do just that. She cast a final look upon her armour. Its red paint marking Niroki as a member of the crimson guard. She shook her head and threw her sword above her shoulder. Ithildin was an idiot. It was no hounor in executing an old man, or a defenceless one for that matter. George Stillwell and Joshua Pennyworth should've been given a fighting chance. They where formidable enemies and should be treated accordingly. She shuddered slightly, feeling ashamed. Niroki didn't dare to challenge Ithildin first-hand. But she would see to that the other two children at least got a fighting chance. This old ship once belonged to pirates but the nymphs had turned into a harem. She opened the door and left the room.

He smiled. At least his telephatic call had reached some of these souls. He would have to be very careful. He would let them have the Belmont. It was the girl, Noriko, who was important. All he had done was intended to turn her to the darkness. This time nothing must go wrong.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Iori Najima sneeked down the corridor. The corridor was built by the same dull wood as the rest of the ghost ship. He felt slightly ashamed for not having killed those two boys when he'd got the chance. They where plotting something together with that red-fured whore who'd come to free them. She'd wonted them to go with her to free Noriko. He'd done his best but they where merely to powerful. His hands glowed with the same black fire he knew blazzed within his eyes. Iori turned his hands into fists. He hated them! He fought to restrain himself. A cold determination blossomed in his heart. He would kill them whatever way he might got. Whatever the cost he would kill them. Hell take volour and curtecy. This was a war and he wouldn't allow himself to loose this one. With his hands still blazxing with dark energy he continued moving down the corridor. He could feel Noriko's presence. He would not let them take her. Not now, not ever.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20
Noriko tried finding a confortable position. Although she'd managed to clean away most of the treasure the floor wasn't exactly confortable. The silver-chains tied to the wall kept her in place and something about them blocked her magic. Noriko cursed, an art all street-children learned from professionals. All this rubbish about a nice place to sit and her investigation about the chains was merely to stop her from thinking about her friends. She gathered herself and then forced herself to go through every painfull memory.

Flashback.

The dead pirate made Noriko climb up the side of the ship. She didn't like this ladder who looked to be made out of only ropes. She climbed on deck and was placed in a row just behind George. "Is this all of them?" A tiny figure with dark hair and eyes came walking toward them with more dead pirates in toe. One pirate bowed its head and the nymph smiled. "Good." The figure's eyes seemed to turn inward. Noriko tried listen in but the telepathy was jammed so only the enemy could hear. "Very well then." The nymph finally said. "Kill the old man and the trader." Noriko didn't see how they did it but suddenly a group of winged female creature landed on the deck, apparently summoned by the nymph. "Bring the girl and the boy to the cell downstairs." The winged figures bowed. "Yes my lady Ithildin." Ithildin, that apparently was their enemy's name, smiled and turned to Christian. She summoned her magic. She was not going to stand by while these oni killed her friends. Then the harpies chained her and she lost all contact with her powers. Christian was about whipping the enemies but it was to many. The others also tried to fight. But as she and Iori where dragged away she saw George fall over, blood oozing from a big gash in his troat. She knew he was dead, she just knew it.

End of flashback.

Noriko whipped her tears away. George had been with them for so long. Now he was dead. If she'd only been a little quicker she might could've saved him. Father Joshua where also likely dead now. Although he hadn't liked Iori she felt sorry even for him. But then again, George and Joshua hadn't been the first to die for her sake. Her grandfather had been assassinated before she where even born. Then most of her family had been slaughtered right before her eyes by the creatures of Dracula. Her mother, the last member of her family, had been riped and then killed by wherewolves. She'd heard Christian speak about Thomas and family of man-beasts. Noriko didn't trust shape-shifters. "Hello there." She looked toward the ceiling as the hatch was opened and a lantern lowered into her prision. She opened her mouth to speak but became cut short. "We don't have time." The voice said. "Come on." A second voice said. "I'm chain to the wall." She whispered as silent she could. "It's holy water in the lamp." The second voice told her. "Use it to destroy it." She crawled toward the lamp which was just barely in her reach. Silvery flames lit up as she made the lamp come in contact with her chains. She quickly climbed the rope after she'd thrown off the still burning metal. "Here." The first voice said. "Let me help you." She grasped the hands presented to her and a plae dark-heared boy a little older than herself dragged her the last part. First she thought it was Christian, but this boy had black hair and dark eyes, not red hair and grey eyes. "Who are you?" She again asked. "Not now." The second boy said. He was a little smaller than the first one and was one of the cutest boys Noriko had ever seen. "Come on." The first boy gestured for her to follow. "Be silent, or we're all dead." He whispered in her ear as they started moving. The second boy drew up the lamp and turned out the fire. They began walking. "What's that?" She hadn't gone long before she heard a mysterious moaning. "Be very silent." The second boy said while he and the first one spread out. Stains of the eerie luminous mist made Noriko see what lay beyond. At the door leading out into the next room two of Dracula's monsters where making out. A red-fured female fox embraced one of the winged harpies which was busy kissing down the were-fox's chest. Without mercy her saviors attacked. The harpy became kicked in the back just as the fox threw herself backward and punched her bed-mate square in the face. The harpy fell to the floor, unconscious or dead, Noriko couldn't tell. "I see you got her safely out Koji." The were-fox dryly commented as she already began dressing herself. "It isn't funny Niroki." The second boy said. The first boy, Koji?, shrugged. "As much as I agree with you Kochi you still could smile somewhat more." Kochi shrugged. "What is it all about?" Noriko demanded to know, tired of waiting. Koji throw her a look, then smiled somewhat. "I guess you should know it, cousin." Noriko blinked. What did he say=? "My name is Koji Hakuba." He told her. "The Incubus over there is my brother, Kochi Hakuba." Kochi laughed. "You're just jelous." Koji laughed in turn, Noriko shook her head. Now as he said so she remembered her mother once told her Mina Hakuba's brother had immigrated to the U.S. Niroki who was finished dressing picked up her sword and moved into a offencive posture. "Now I'll kill you, if you don't defeat me that is." The fox grinned, then nodded to another smaller blade still laying on the floor. Kochi rolled his eyes. Noriko threw him a glance. Why was he surprised? He should've known this oni would sooner or later betray them. "We've been through this before." Koji began but the fox cut him off. "I told you this was why I helped you. She is an enemy of the New Order. But the code of my species demands us to treat an enemy with volour." Noriko closed her moath. This monster had helped her escape only to get a fair chance to kill her. Noriko still didn't like her but she came to realice she actually respected this creature. "I will fight you." She picked up the sword. The Katana was at least a Japanese weapon. Although she knew nothing of the traditional fencing the power of dominance showed her how to use it. One of the many souls she'd absorbed clearly possessed that kind of knowledge. Now that knowledge belonged to her. It frightened her somewhat but she was prepared to do this. "Your turn." She told Niroki. The fox smiled, saluting her cordially. Then she attacked with such speed it nearly threw Noriko off balance. Suddenly she understood this would be the ultimate test. She'd agreed to face this fox in ordinary swordplay. She countered and moved in on the offence. Niroki was more experienced and stronger than she. Noriko was quicker and also a little more accurate due to her smaller zise. Even so her sword met her at any angle and already blood ran down from her shoulders. But she'd managed to score a few blows herself. But nothing seemed to work. Suddenly a ball of blackness collided with the almost dancing fox. Niroki became thrown all the way into the wall and collapsed into a heap. Iori stood there, looking like Death in black cloak. "Stay away from him." Koji and Kochi made a defencive wall around the collapsed fox. Koji brought out a mysterious orange crest as Kochi knelt down to inspect on Niroki's confition. "Get away from them." Iori shot back. Noriko looked back and forth, feeling confused. She didn't know what to do. One thing she knew however. "You shouldn't have done that." She told Iori. "I'd agreed to face her in fear battle." "There is nothing fear in war." Iori said, his eyes a cold stare. "He tried to kill us." Koji said, sounding completely serious. Noriko shook her head. She didn't know what to do. She expected Iori would refuse it, telling her it was a mistake. Iori smiled, a cold grimace which never reached his eyes. "All is fear in love and war." He said in a voice which made her shiver. "That's a Satanist speaking." Kochi said. "You're nothing but a dirty back-stabber. You killed Niroki without warning." Koji nodded. "Stop!" Noriko cried. "I don't want to hear any more!" Tears ran down her face. How could Iori do this? She'd seen him cry, seen him laugh. Now he acted like a complete stranger. Then Iori lowered his glance. "Sorry." He said. "Sorry for everything." Suddenly he fell to his knees, tairs stained upon his cheeks. "It's just… " He couldn't finish his meaning. He just shuddered to much to speak. Noriko ran to him and knelt, kissing his wet cheek. "You don't need to." She softly told him. "We understand." It wasn't until now she noticed Koji and Kochi was there before they knelt beside her. Her eyes had adjusted enough so that she now could see Koji had blonde hair and brown eyes. It was Kochi who had the black hair and dark eyes. Noriko threw it aside. What did it matter anyway=? She put her arms around Iori and held him close. Cradled within her arms it was like Iori cried his heart out. They all tried to confort him but it took long before he could gather himself. Somehow she still had that bad feeling about it.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Christian slowly opened his eyes. He didn't know who was calling his name but somehow somebody had managed to call him back from the enforced sleep. Suddenly he remembered everything and a scream erupted from him. "Don't worry." A soft conforting voice whispered in his ear. "Nobody will harm you." A soft feminine hand landed on his chest and first then he noticed he was all nude. He couldn't stop himself from blushing heavily. Suddenly a lamp was lit and he could see what room he was in. Through the windows at the far wall he could see nothing but gloom. The walls where hidden behind heavy tapestries of crimson velvet. The sofa was coated with silk and the pillows where also created by the same crimson fabric. The lamps where created of heavy gold and looked rather expensive. Nothing of this really made any impact. Christian had his full attention concentrated upon the girl sitting right next to him. Deep dark eyes looked back at him as rich locks of brown hair framed a face looking young and old alike. Olive skin softer than the silk reflected the lmap light and her gold jewelries tried to outway even that glow. There where others inside the room but he didn't mind looking. He grasped her hand, as if to remove it. As she grasped it he used his other hand to conclude his believes in that she'd stolen his crucifix. "I don't like Greek women." He said in an attempt to confuse her. A snarl crossed her face and her other hand moved at him, her fingers shaped into claws. He rolled to the side and grunted somewhat when he landed on the floor. Although it was covered beneath a whole-covering black carpet the blanks where still hard. He again rolled to the side to avoid the angry nymph and a winged figure fell from the ceiling. The harpy would've torn him apart with its clawed hands and feet but now she instead began touching him. "Jesus!" He couldn't stop himself, her hands where so cold. The harpy screamed and let go of him. Somewhat shaky Christian got to his feet. He then noticed the harpy had bean burned on her hands. She gleared at him and shrieked a bone-chilling cry. He ran to the table. An exelent supee was prepared. Fruit and cheese and even whine. He quickly poured himself a glass, marbeling crystal truly beautiful to behold but he didn't have time for such things, and grasped a slice of bread. "Stop him!" The nymph Ithildin shouted. "Forgive me Lord." He whispered, then he rouse his voice and started speaking in Lathin. "This is the body of Christ." He made a sign of the cross above the bread. Then he did the same with the wine. "This is the blood of Christ. Poured out for the salvation of multitude." He turned around, his face grim with determination. He threw the Wine at the closing cluster of harpies and then held the Host high. Flames of shining silver exploded and even their corpses was absorbed by fire. "Be the will of God." Christian said. He would submit under every punishment the church would place upon him for vaiolating their holy privelige. If he died during his quest he would gladly accept however the time he would have to stay in purgatory. He worridly looked about, where had Ithildin disappeared to? Suddenly she dashed at him, sending him tumbling to the floor. He lost hold of the Host and Ithildin kissed him. He felt fire go through him. At first he was afraid she'd taken his soul. Then he understood it. Ithildin was kissing him lower and lower all until she… He gasped. It felt so good. He tried to focus his mind but it was difficult. Expesially when Ithildin let go of him and instead moved down upon him. This was nothing like what he and Maria had… Then it clicked. This was wrong. It was a sin. He was all to young and not prepared for this sort of things. He kicked her aside as he summoned God in his heart. It was like his own heart caught fire he noticed Ithildin gaping at him. He looked down and noticed his chest was all aflame. The fire was a burning cross, Christian knelt and worshipped. This was a true miracle. "Stronger are we in the name of the Lord." He got to his feet and dashed for the host. Then things began to happen to quick for him to follow. The door opened and a pack of were-panthers and jaguars stormed inside. Although they couldn't touch him things where rapidly going beyond his control. He would have to do something smart or else he where dead. Then he saw her. At the door the delicate little Chinese vampire he'd killed. Still Mae Lin was alive. She was dressed in robes of yellow and crimson silk. Her btwin raven braids framed her hearth-shaped face, she looked more beautiful than ever. "Come to me." She whispered and blew him a kiss from her natural red lips. She was gone, and Ithildin as well, the were-panthers and were-jaguars closed around him. Christian threw the Host at them and then summoned the ultimate weapon of the Belmont clan. Still holding the Host in his right hand he used his blood to sign the cross upon his heart, a symbol that he would die as a vampire hunter. Christian only feared his blood had grown thin and that it was not enough true Belmont left in him. "Be the will of God." He then himself at his belongings. When his blood-stained hand touched the Vampire Killer silver flames exploded. "The Belmont clan still hunts the night!" HChristian cried Leon Belmont's ancient war-cry and then turned upon his enemies.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Ithildin was furious. This vampire dared to intrude with her merriment. She summoned a ball of flames but Mae Lin was already ahead of her. She disappeared like bats and then appeared right before her. "You are no match for me." Mae Lin grasped Ithildin by the neck. Ithildin struggled to summon another fireball but she struggled to breathe and couldn't contact the water which gave her all her supernatural power. "Now you are going to listen to me very clearly." Mae Lin said as cold and hard as a gemstone. "If anyone are to make it out with the Belmont it is going to me. I died for him. But our decire does not matter. The Dark Lord Dracula want the girl and the Belmont. We were told you have had them. Now, where are they?" She let go of her enough so she could speak. "The Belmont you know where are." She gasped. "I know that." Mae Lin cut her off before she again tightened her grip. "Noriko Cruz is below deck!" She screamed out. "Good. You really are a nice little girl after all. At least after some encouragement." Her cheeks turned red with shame. But anger also made them go crimson. She again tried to summon her energy. "Foolish little whore." To her surprise Mae Lin slapped her. "Do you not think I might feel it when you summon your magic?" Before she could answer the vampire kissed her. "You taste real good, did you know that?" Ithildin struck her square in the face. "I'm not like you." She angrily said. Mae Lin let go of her. She stepped forward to strike her again. Those women who enjoied making out with other women disgsted her. "So it is." To her surprise Mae Lin smiled, licking the blood away from her lips. Suddenly she leached out for her and struck her to the ground. "It will be a real pleasure to tell you otherwise. I shall enjoy it when you kneel to eat me out." Ithildin opened her moath to curse her. To tell her she would never do something like that. Then Mae Lin opened a wound and pressed it against her open mouth. "I cannot turn you." Mae Lin said, her lips split as she was breathing heavily. "But vampire blood still have some very surprising side-effects upon your species." Mae Lin forced her to drink. Ithildin felt like a puppy. Mae Lin held the strength of ten humans in her hands and now she used them. Her blood tasted terrible but still she couldn't get enough of it. It was like her spirit went on fire. She had to obey this vampire if she would ever taste it again. "It have some bad effects on your brain dough but it will heal in time." Mae Lin smiled at her, exposing her fangs. Then she became serious. "I have looked forward to this." She let go of her long Chinese robe and started helping Ithildin off with her tunic. The nymph felt chills go through her as Mae Lin began kissing her. She eagerly removed the other girl's waist-cloth as Mae Lin stepped out of her soft velvet slippers. Then Ithildin knelt to kiss her. "You are mine." Mae Lin laughed in triumph as Ithildin began to lick her. It struck her she should've removed her samdales. No matter. Mae Lin began touching her body. That was all which matter. A part of her brain screamed this was wrong. Ithildin didn't care. She began looking forward to make out with bough the Belmont and Mae Lin. She felt a certain pride in that she was a developed and full grown nymph while Christian and Mae Lin where bough considered children by their species. They reached climax right after each other. Ithildin lay watching up at her mistress as Mae Lin redressed. Mae Lin smiled down at her and then blew her a kiss. "Come with me." She said. "We have things to do." "Yes." She got to her feet. Ithildin again felt clear in her mind. Mae Lin had used some nasty vampire trick on her. She was not going to give in again. This time it would be Ithildin who kill Mae Lin. She didn't care if she would be resurrected. She almost hoped for it. If that was the chase, she would enjoy killing the vampire again and again.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 20987 A.D.
Koji had to stand on a tiptoe to peek inside the cell. The cells on this level lay just to the corridor instead of beneath it, like Noriko's did. Niroki had intended to free two other prisoners. Why she hadn't told them, only that they needed to be free. Until now all they'd found where either empty rooms or rooms filled with the bones of dead captives. Koji couldn't help but shudder. There was an evil chill in the air. "Did you see that?" Kochi tried to sound careless but Koji noticed his brother was sweating. "Something is amiss here." Noriko said in a low voice. "I feel it too." Iori said as he tried looking at all directions at the same time. Koji opened his mind to possibly encourage them, and himself, when one of the skeletons rouse to its feet. "Oni!" Noriko brought out her sword just as Koji grasped his opal crest. "Dragon on!" He felt his power surge through him. It hadn't been until their 10th birthday their mother had told them the secret of their strong magical power. "Dragon's tail!" He whipped around and the neares bone-man shattered into pieces. "Dragon's breath!" Kochi breathed a black flame at the bone-men which turned them into piles of dust. "Careful with that thing." Noriko warned. "Too much fire and this barge will burn." "I would like to see that." Iori said. "But I would prefare to be another place when it happens." Koji nodded and Kochi stopped spitting flames. For a moment they here alone in the corridor. "Let's keep moving." He suggested. "Before more bone-bags arrive." Iori shook his head. "There are still some more cells upon this leel. I think we should investigate them before leaving." Koji shook his head but Kochi agreed with Iori, as did Noriko. "Very well then." He finally agreed. "But don't blame me if those bone-men attack us." Koji stepped to the next cell as Iori and Kochi went to investigate the others. "Only bones in here." Iori told them."This cell is empty too." Koji reported. "Come and see this." Kochi said from the cell beyond. Koji walked over to him and then gasped. The cell was filled with pilled riches. Coins of gold and silver where mixed with goblets and plates of gold. Loose jewels and decorated watches lay everywhere. Koji shook his head. It was incredible but still it was real. "Come on." Iori said, bringing Koji back to reality. "We're not her to plunder treasures." Kochi nodded. "Likely it's cursed too." Koji put his hnds in his pockets. He would've liked to pick up at least a few diamonds but Kochi was right. The treasure could be cursed. He stepped slowly and somewhat reluctinatly away from the room. Then he went to investigate the next cell. Even this wa filled with treasure but this time he got a hold on himself. "Dragon's claws!" He and Kochi crushed a few more bone-men. Koji knew he could always return to pick up the treasure later.It would supply a nice bed for him and… Stop it he told himself. Koji was a dragon but he was human too. They continued to search the cell but found nothing. Then Kochi called him over and he felt like wanting to dance with joy.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Owen Hammer looked Zoe Belnades steadfast in her eyes. "Repeat after me." He told her. Zoe nodded although she didn't look the least convinced. "There is nobody trying to kill you." "There is nobody trying to kill me." She echoed with a dead careless tone. "Your brother is dead." Owen did his best to spire certainty into his voice. "My brother is dead." Zoe said in that same tone of apathy. Owen breathed a heavy breath before he said the words that might frightening her. "There is no man wit the hook." Zoe looked back at him with a hopeless smile on her face. "He has hunted me all since he rouse from his grave. Believe me." She said and something became alive in her eyes as she spoke. "Peter is mad. He wants to owe me. He murdered my father and any other in the tribe who dared to protect me." Again her eyes seemed to die. "I'm the last of my clan. When I'm gone the blood f Sypha Belnades will be all gone." Owen was desperate. All since he'd fished her up from the lake back in the village of Ondol she'd spoken like this. "If you've never seen his face." Owen struggled to bring some sence into this mess. "How do you know it's Peter?" "I know." She smiled that same hopeless smile as before. "I killed him you know." Owen shuddered. He couldn't help it. The were-jaguars and panthers didn't scare him as much as the fisherman did. Although he'd seen the dead come alive himself it still wasn't the same. "I hear him." Zoe said. Owen didn't know what to do. Zoe was something around 18 and shouldn't be haunted like this. She was beautiful. With long strewberry-blonde hair and green Japanese eyes, like grandfather Hammer had described Yoko Belnades. Even in a plain brown robes and tears on her cheeks she was beautiful. Owen didn't knew what came over him as he knelt by her and suddenly kissed her. At first she held onto him with a near desperate strength. "No." Suddenly she drew away. "I shouldn't have done that. He'll be after you too now." She grew even paler, something Owen had thought was impossible. "They stole my star of David." She almost whispered. "This time I cannot protect you." Owen grunted. For 41 years he'd walked about this land and still hadn't met anything who could scare him. True, he'd screamed at the top of his lungs several times. He'd actually believed his voice will become destroyed. If only someof those candles had been around. Owen's shotgun still hung at his side. But without bullets it wouldn't do him any good. For which time he'd forgotten he cursed his carelessness in throwing away all his stakes. Zoe's scream brought him back to reality. "He's here!" Her face became empty with fear. "He's going to take me!" Owen got to his feet. At least he'll die die standing as a man. "We found them!" A kid's coice shouted with joy outside the door. "Don't do that." A second kid warned. "It'll draw the attention of those bone-bags." "Shut it up you two and help me open this door." "Where am I to put these things?" A girl's voice asked. The door clicked open and two Japaneseboys entered, followed by a ghostly-looking white-haired boy. "I am Cruz Noriko." The girl said, bowing slightly. "Call me Owen." He told them. "Owen Hamme." He helped Zoe to stand. "This is Zoe Belnades." The other kids gave their names and hen Iori presented a pile of items. "I found them in the corridor." He explained. "Thank's kid." Owen was glad to retrive his knives and quickly began hiding them among his clothing. He put on his cross and then put his short-sword. Zoe slowly put on her star of David. Then she smiled. Owen lit up. It as the first real smile he'd seen from her. "Chritian will be real happy when he hears there's another Belnades still alive." Noriko said. That made Zoe weep again. "I'm just happy." She told him. "Happy that the fisherman haven't gotten allof us." The kids gave each other puzzled loks and Owenquickly told what he knew. "We'll protct you." Koji promised. Owen wasn't that sure. He'd seen some of the fisherman's handy-work before. He'd nailed that monster with five stakes and it'd still not stopped. He shuddered. Must God protect them all. Zoe used her staff to rise as Koji and Kochi lead the way.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Christian finished buttoning his jacked and then put his belt on. Around him the corpss of his enemies lay cooling. The Vampire Killer whip where once again a normal whip again. Christian searched about until he recovered the Hot he'd blessed. He put it inside the envelope he carried at his heart. "The Lord is a lantern on my path." Christian smiled as he remembered one of the hymn in the old testament He did the sign of the cross. Christian cracked the whip and then opened the door. The dead pirates where still there, as he'd expected. Christian whipped the first to oblivion and then threw holy water at the second. He glided beneath the feets of the third and got up in time to throw holy water at it. Christian got to his feet and spread a circle of holy water around him. The four remaining pirates burst into flames and shattered into ashes. Christian stepped across the remains of his enemies and threw a look about the area. This room looked nearly just as the room in which he'd fought the were-jaguars. At the back of the room where several large windows.This had to be the captain's cabin. "God in Heaven!" Christian made the sign of the cross. Beneath the windows, behind a desk, sat a corpse in torn 17th. century clothing. It wasn't that who frightened Christian however. It was the fact the man must've been dead by plague. Beneath its hand lay a red backed book. Before Christian knew he stepped toward the table. He kindly removed the hand. A note-piece marked the beginning of the text which was bound to interest him. To b true it was the notes who interested him. Christian had poundered upon Homer's riddles for quite some time. The notes where titled "Sonnet of Dawn". Christian smiled. It all became clear to him. The ferryman had told it was Dario Bosi, Damien Frost and Jhenrya Oikawa which cast the spell. "Return the power of three at the time of balance and play the "sonnet of Dawn"." Although Christian knew it hadn't been exactly that way it had become so inside his mind. Christian's eyes fell upon the text. He quickly went through the last paragraph before turning the pages back to where the last hand-wrighting began.

Jongfrau's log.

Jorney from Mortvia to Redrock isle.

11th. January. Left Mortvia yesterday with rich prise aboard. The captain's death left me in charge. The crew elected me as the new captain. Rough sea and misty. Have to keep watch all night to not become captured by the boyar's ship.

12th. of January. Spent the day inspecting what we took from that rier-boat. A real fat capture. More than we've expected. Rich parts to the crew. Still mist about. The cook displeased although unwilling to say why dough.

14
th. of January. There is plague aboard the ship. Big fuel rats became uncoverd today. The cook sure they weren't aboard before we took the latest price. If Ionly could find Redrock but the isle seem to have disappeared.

15th. of January. The Devil is aboard the ship. Half the crw has become sick. I hung the cook yesterday. Now the new cook tell me the food has gone bad. Still no sign of Redrock. The mist presue us like a curse.

!6th. of January. The crew, those of them who aren't to sick, cut out one of my eyes today. I can understand them. Three more men sick today and five more are alredy dead. That old man we stole the treasure from warned us to not take it. I can't understand.

17th. of January. The cook jumped overboard. Mishkin said he heard the cook scream about the red pluge. Fear spreads and some of the men killed the man.

18th. of January. God forgive me. I never wished I became a pirate. The cook was right to jump. To die as a sailor in the deep blue sea is no shame. Four new deads today. God help all who are at sea tonight!

Christian shook his head. The Dark Lord was everywhere and he was powerful. But the Lord was with him and his family. Chistian put the book back in the dead captain's hand. He put the note-piece in his purse and then stepped toward the next door. A new group of dead pirates where ready to face him. Christian whipped his Vampire Killer whip just in time. A sword cut his face and Christian barely avoided an untimely death. He hipped again and the pirate burst into flames. Two new pirates blocked his way. Christian threw his boomerang-cross, cutting the pirates to pieces. They burst into flames and the last pirate turned to run. Christian stamped his crucifix oupon its dead pirate's flesh and flames exploded. Christian stepped outward. Christian drew blood from his face and couldn't resist a light shudder. He didn't lke the thought of dying. Christian looked around. Then he gasped. It was like entering a complete new world. Large pillows of different coloured silk lay on the floor. Tables lower thn he was used to from the western world made Christian think of the nearOrient. Turkish oil-lamps spread a heavy perfumed air through the room. Tapestries with glorious colours concealed the wall and made him almost forget he was aboard a ship. Except for the ashes after the dead pirates the room looked to be empty. Christian shook his head. The thick air made him feel slightly dizzy. "Christian. Christian." A warm soft voie spoke. "Sit down." Christian didn't notice he'd sunk down uponone of the pillows before he felt its soft fabric against his back. Christian struggled to look up, then blinked. Where did they come from?`Opposite him two women sat. They where much more older than him. Still it was something about them that didn't make him see them as old. There feet where bare and they only wore baggy trousers and breast-cloth like those hed seen in illustrated coppies of 1.001 nights. With their dark hair and olive skin he would anyway guessed their origin to be something in that genre. Christian struggled to concentrate. Something was amiss here. The two spoke, but to each other this time. "He is young and strong." "Go first Laura." The other encouraged. "You are the youngest. Here there are kisses enough for bough of us." Christian couldn't feel a certain desire rise in him as one of them started crawling toward him. He enjoyed her round vouptious body. Somehow he knew she was experienced in the way of her kind. She loomed above him, almost triumphantly. "I will sign you a lullaby you will never forget." She whispered in his ear. She licked her lips and bent forward, lower and lower. Christian closed his eyes in an apathy of excitement. Then his eyes flew open as he heard her scream. His cross had fallen out of his jacket and burned her face. In that inch of a second he figure all out. Christian got to his feet, whip in hand and ready for battle. Hey'd almost gotten him this time. "Away from me Satan!" He screamed with bough fear and anger in his voice. "Christian." They cooed at him. "Christian." "The Lord is my God. Jesus protects us fromall evil!" He made the sign of the cross. "I am strong with the Lord! Whores of the Devil. May you burn in Hell." Christian whipped at the first. She dodged and jumped square into the ceiling. The other dashed at him with fangs and claws extended. Christian threw himself to the side and threw holywater at her. She exploded into flames. Before she became turned to ashes however Christian saw a look of celestial joy spread across her face. "Forgive me Lord." He whispered. Then the second vampire landed right behind him. She clawed at his neck. Christian dropped to the floor and rolled as she leached at him. Christian got back up and whipped at her. Burns erupted on her skin but again she jumped to cawl along the floor. Christian rememberd what Johnatan Morris once had said. "The Dark Lord calls his slave-girls Laura whoever they might have been before his embrace." He shook his head. Poor souls. Laura landed right behind him but this time he was prepared. But so was she. As Christian whipped at her she ducked and threw herself at his knees. Since she was so much bigger than him she easily threw him to the floor. She repeatedly stabbed at him and his armoured jacket almost barely protected him. The silver surface of the plates madeslight burns erupt on her skin but she continued stabbing. Christian knew she searched for an opening to bite him. Suddenly she lay still. Chistian struggled to get free. The limp corpse's chest was burned. First now Christian understood the Vampire Killer had been trapped between them. He knew what he had to do but didn't like it. Again Christian brought out the short-sword from his backpack. He closed his eyes and then cut er head off. He opened his eyes to see her turn into ashes. Before she completely disappeared Christian saw a look of everlasting peace cross her face. He knelt and prayed. He hated this part of his hunting. He dryed his eyes and ended his prayer with a sign of the cross. He knew he couldn't stay but he felt so tiered. Finally Christian got to his feet. His friends and the world neededhim. Christian opened the new door and felt joy inside his heart. The door lead to a corridor. There where no more vampires or dead pirates either. With the Vampire Killer at the ready Christian stepped into the corridor.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Noriko was in the lead when they reached the large storage right beneath the deck. Koji was beside her. During the fight with the bone-men downstair he'd become quite impressed. She was a true predecessor of Soma Cruz. "Fire in the hall!" The warningcame from Iori just in time. A fisherman's hook came flying through the air. "No!" Zoe's scream came like it was torn right out of her living heart. Koji couldn't help but shudder. While exploring downstairs Owen and Zoe had entertained by telling them about the man with the hook. In the dim ligt below deck it was difficult to get a glimpse of the figure. When he did Koji screamed. He didn't know why. It was a man, dressed in rough fisherman's clothing. Koji didn't know why that should frightn him this much. He couldn't see his face, that was it. "Dragon's breath!" Koji fired andalthough the fisherman became shrouded in flames it swung at them again. It was impossible. It moved and appeared at complete will. "That is no zombie." Noriko totched her cheek where she'd been hit. Suddenly knives appeared in the fisherman's chest. Owen was beside him and threw his knives with impressive accuracy. "She is mine!" The mental scream made Koji want to curl together and disappear. He struggled to not give up. "Dragon's eye!" Koji's eyes ecame green like that of a giant cat and sparks like shattered diamonds buried themselves into the fisherman. It should've turned him to ashes but the fisherman merely tripped. It disappeared but then reappeared slightly closer. "It's playing with us." Noriko said in a struggled calm tone. Then Iori stepped forward. He threw back his cloak and rouse his arms in a Dracula-like fasion. Three black orbs blasted outward and exploded into black flames when they made contact with the fisherman. "Listen up!" He cried. "I'm an incarnation of Chaos. You must obey me." The fisherman's only replay was an eerie distant laugher. "Nice try Iori." Noriko said. Then she stepped forward as she brought out her cross.Koji didn't know she had one. The effect on the fiserman was obvious. He staggered and rouse his arms to block the view. "Interesting." Owen brought out his cross to and went to stand beside Noriko. "Watch out!" Koji's warning came to late. The fisherman leached at them and hit Noriko's hand so she dropped her crucifix. She dropped to find it as Owen stepped back and tripped upon her. Koji and Kochi spread out to either side. First then Koji got it. Kochi ran to block it and the fisherman tore his troat out. "Kochi!" Koji screamed and ran to kneel beside him, don't careing he became stained with blood. "Koji." Koji saw his name form on his brother's lips. "I'm here." Kochi tried to smile. He tried to do the sign of the cross. Before he could make it howeve, all life fled from him. His hand fell to his side and moed no more. Koji felt tears run down his face. He didn't care. His brother was dead. Dead like all other of his family. No. Not all of them wher so. Koji got to his feet only to see Noriko become thrown to the floor by the fisherman. He'd tore open a huge gash in her chest. Noriko would be dead too if he didn't do something. Koji got to his feet. He knew what to do.

All was fleeting. Noriko feltnothing but pain. Somebody knelt beside her, she couldn't see who. "I might help you." A voice whispered in her ear. "Embrace the power of darkness and it will heal you." Noriko weakly tried to shake her head. "So you will rather die and surrender Christian to certain death?" Noriko didn't understand. Was hristian-san in danger. She couldn't possibly decide. "As a vampire he will kill me." The coice laughed. "You could make him a vampire too. Then you could be together forever and ever." Somehow Noriko knew this was wrong. "It would be a sin." She desperately tried to argue. "Take what you want and pay the price." The voice tempted. "My Master will give you everything if you would only kneel down and worship him." Darkness was everywhere around her. Noriko knew she was dying. She didn't knew what to decide. "Get away there." Another voice suddenly said. "Noriko." This new voice said. "Open up for me." She knew that voice. It was Koji, her cousin. "Koji." She whispered. With her last strength she lay down all inner defences. "Dragon heart." A sudden burst of fire made her screa. Something dug into her and set into her chest. A living fireball beated in her chest and an incredible stenght rouse in her chest. Then it slowly subsided. Noriko got to her feet with some aid from Koji. Owen and Iori stood nearby with wonder wrighten in their faces. Suddenly she remembered. "Zoe!" She screamed the name as she gazed around for her cross. "Here." Iori gave it to her. Noriko hang it around her neck. Zoe kneltsome distance away behind her star of David. The fisherman threw at her again and again, shifting angle for each and ever throw. Noriko ran to stand beside her, crucifix in hand and risen to protect against evil. "In the name of Christian's god!" She cried. "Be gone." The fisherman laughed at her. Noriko felt the same eerie dread as before. She still couldn't see his face. "Take this your undead bastard!" Owen had retried his knives and now dug two knves into their enemy. The fisherman screamed. Noriko gasped. Her hand grasped tighter around the holy symbol. "Peter!" To her uttermost surprise Zoe dropped her star of avid to run to the fisherman's side. "Oh Peter." Zoe cried. "I'm so sorry." Noriko felt sick as the adult woman put her arms around the dead thing. Then she cried out. It was impossible! The fisherman began turning into dust. "You still love me sister." The hat fell away and a torn and tiered human's face looked up at Zoe. "I never ment to do this." She said. "It's all my fault." Peter now it was Zoe's brother, smiled. "It was my anger and hatred who killed them. Forgive me if you can." Peter closed his eyes and then all which where left was dust. Zoe folded her arms around herself and cried as she would never stop. Owen put his hands around her. Noriko stepped over to where Koji was folding his brother's clothing together. Of the corpse where no trace to be seen. "We dragons become one with the star who gave us life." Noriko shook her head. "Christian says it's hid God who give all things life." Koji nodded. "He did. But you've heard about the horoscope?" She gave him a mystified look and oji explained. "There are many types of dragons. I'm a red one due to when I was born. The horoscope which was active during that time decided I was to be a red one." A sad look appeared on his face. "M brother Kochi was, although we where spiritual twns, in another horoscope. That decided him to become a black dagon." Noriko shook her head. "I don't understand. When you're twins." Koji suddenly seem to understand. "We're not that kind of twins. Mother gave birth in her dragon form and thus I and Kochi and our sisters too, was laid like eggs. My father was only half blooded dragon. That made the horoscope decide completely which colours the babies might have." Noriko shrugged. If she and Christian where to have children it would be completely different she guessed. "I don't know what I shall do with his pendant dough." Koji burned the clothing but crested that pendant like a baby in his lap. "When one of the darksiders kill a dragon." Koji gravely said. "They sometime use necromancy to keep the corps in this world. Even after its death a dragon's body holds strong magical power." Noriko nodded. "Christian once told me that dragons sees necromancy as a greater sin than humans do." "That's true." Koji comfessed. "A dragon would die to free a dragon kept in this world after its death." Koji felt silent. Noriko put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Dracula calls himself lord of the dragons." Koji told. "One of the first things he did as the Dark Lord where to kill some of us as a message. Some of my kind serves his New Order." While Koji poundered his questions, and while Owen tried to comfort Zoe, Noriko went about to investigate the area. Then she noticed Iori was gone.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Mae Lin stepped out of the shadow in which she had been hiding. The Belmont was powerful. It was impressive the way he had resisted the temptation. Laura was well known for her ability to break men's resistance. Their failure did not come without a price dough. Mae Lin smiled so her fangs became exposed. Now she kne his intentions and could plot accordingly. She stepped to where the corpse of the nymh still lay. A pitty she had been waisted this way. She had known how to give pleasure. Mae Lin picked her up and tore open her tunic. Except for the pungture marks it looked like she was sleeping. Mae Lin put the corpse upon the table, legs sprad. A nice decoration. Mae Lin laughed. She then becamemist and left the ship.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Christian walked down the corridor. Except for the few candles which lit his path the pathway where almost pit black. The song of soft female voices where the only sound. Christian held his left hand close to his crucifix. He knew they where plotting something. He knew he shouldn't listen although the music was so beautiful. He turned the corner. Before him, just a few metres away, was the steps leading up to the deck. Upon a sofa between him and the stairs sat three young women. Christian couldn't help but stare. One was londe, like Actrise. With clear blue eyes and small-featured like Mae Lin had been. But it wasn't her, neither the dark vuloptious African woman. It was the tender brunette with the heart-shaped face and Chinese featured which made Christian stare. Christian closed his eyes and tried to summon the Lord in his heart. He opened his eyes and aw beyond the obvious. He nodded his head. They where vampires. Their pointed ears and fangs gave it away. Christian knew they had noticed him. Still they kept on singing. Christian knelt with his Vampire Killer whip in hand. The blonde, ressed in black boots, bagy trousers and a white shirt suddenly drew that blade the pirate used. A female pirate? Christian got to his feet and slashed at her. She jumped high to land behind him. She swung at him as Christian dropped to the floor. She threw herself forward and landed square ontop of him. "Don't you think I'm beautiful?" Laura said in a crispy voice. She licked his ear as she tore open the front of her shirt. This time Christian felt no temptation. He felt ick as her breasts fell down to press against his face. Laura breathed heavily with excitement as Christian calmly cut her neck by sashing his crucifix at her. He would have to impale her later. Christian got the headless corpse out of the way and got to his feet. Just barely in time to face the second vampire. This Laura wore plain sandals and a tunic like that of a uccubus. Most likely the spikes on the tunic and those around her wrists wherepoisoned. She kicked and punched and Christian dodged again and again. He dived forward and went right between her legs. She kicked at him but he where already out of reach. Christian threw holy water at her and she burst into flames and burned into ashes. During all this the third vampire had softly continued singing. Christian shivered. He hadn't noticed the big black cat at her feet until now. As it calmly came toward him it rouse and grew until a fourth Brazilian vampire stood before him. She was heavy with muscles and was only dressed in the fur of some big redetory cat. Christian licked his lips. He wan't afraid of her strength. The slightest slip of a child still possessed the strength of 20 grown men in his hands if he where a vampire. There was something in her brown eyes which made him feel nervous although he didn't knew why. "Ready for the ride?" She asked with glee, exposing her fangs. "Be the will og God." Christian challenged as he cracked the Vampire Killer whip.Laura screamed and threw herself sideward. She leached at him with her claws etended. Christian screemed as she tore open his arm. He dropped his whip and Laura gleefully attacked. Christian threw the boomerang-cross and made it split into a multitude of crosses. Laura jumped and vanished among the shadows of the ceiling. Christian cleaned his wound with some holy water and then retrived the Vampire Killer. The Brazilian cat came crashing down toward him. Christian dodged and whipped at her. Somehow Laura managed to change direction and climbed along the wall to avoid him. Christian grasped for his crucifix. He flouted into the air. Christian felt the power of the Lord behind himself like a giant cross of silvery flames. The cross did brake and flames rained about. The Brazilian vampire somehow managed to land on her feet. "Nice work kid." She exposed her fangs. "But you're no true vampire hunter. Christian didn't answer. He summoned his bloodline magic and the whip became fused with wind. Christian dashed forward while brandishing the Vmpire Killer. Laura snarled and dodged. Then dodged again. Christian whipped her once twice and then threw the cross at her. Blazing with red light the throwing-cross dug into her. Laura screamed and fell back. Christian grasped the mystic weapon upon its return. He stepped forward and with soe other whip-slashes ended her pain. Christian noticed he'd pierced her heart and thus quickly beheaded her. Finally the brunette vampire had sieced singing. Instead of attacking dough she remained seated. Christian felt his concentration shudder. "Are you going to kill me?" She asked in the same soft voice in which she'd sung.
When he didn't answer she gracilyrouse. Her soft velvet slippers made almost no noice upon the carpet lining the corridor. She was dressed in a sleeve-less green dress with splits all way up. It reminded Christian about the weapon-robes he'd heard the whip-guards of Dracula use. The low cutting gave him an exelent view of her bossom. The brown gemstones around her neck and wrists marvled like her eyes. Their Chinese shape made Christian remember about Mae Lin. That brought him out of revere. Christian cracked the Vampire Killer whip. She stepped away, spreading her arms. "Relax." She soothed. "I have no weapons." Christian nodded. There hung no sword or dagger at the belt of decorated gold around her slender waist. "I don't trust you." He said. "I'm not going to harm you." She assured. "The others would kill you to drink your blood." She stepped slightly closer. "All I will do is to give you pleasure." Her voice became a whisper. "I feel your eyes upon me." With a quick motion she opened her belt and let her dress fall to the floor. "I know what men desire." She stepped out of her slippers as she moved even closer. Christian blushed. Only a short waist-cloth hid her privaties. "Help me God!" It was the desperate cry of a drowning soul. Laura put her arms around him. But the Lord came to his aid. As she moved to kiss her he smelt the foul stench of her rotting flesh. Christian broke free and whipped at her. Laura turned into mist and reappeared, again in full wardrobe. "Heed my words." She said in the same sweet tone. "No man has ever denied me." Laura smiled. "I don't ask anything of you. I don't desire your blood. Hy don't you want to kiss me?" Christian shook his head. "I'm not old enough." He told her. "It would be a sin." The vampire poundered his statement. "I could use my power to change appearance to your age." Christian shook his head. "It isn't you who are toold. You're beautiful." Where did those words come from? "It's I who aren't old enough. Beside" He added. "I'm told by people I trus that you shouldn't makelove if you don't feel it in your heart." Laura gave forth a cynical laugher. "Love?" She almost spat the word out. "What is that except a mask to hide the disere man feel for his fellow creatures?" Christianshook his head. "Love is more than the attraction between man and womn." Christian retorted. "Love is what make you put the need of others before yourself." Laura shook her head. "I've seen the truth behind such love. Wht's reality is that you do these things to impress the object of affection. Or also to show oneself as more important than you really are." "That might be true." Christian admitted. "But God love us. So highly did God love us that he gave his only son to salvation to our sins." Laura snarled and shielded herself behind her arms as if expecting a blow. "So it is then." Laura moved into an offensive stance. "We must fight." Christian nodded, doing the sign of the cross. Laura became mistand the battle was on.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
The mist waved around as Noriko stepped upon the deck. She looked around and uncovered she was all in the front of the ship. Noriko summoned her sword and stepped forward. A group of dead pirates appeared to attack. She swung at one and cut his leg. She absored its soul and then used her power of dominance to trap the second pirate in a web of fire. Noriko dropped to dodge the third pirate and rouse to throw a set of lances toward it and the fourth pirate. The three remaining pirates exchanged glances. One of them whistled and another group of pirates came running. Bots of ice shot at them as Zoe, Owen and Koji came climbing up to aid her. Together they quickly defeated the remaining pirates. They advanced to climb down to the main-deck when more pirates and also bone-men attacked. "Dragon's breath! Dragon's tail" Koji went on the offensive. Noriko was beside him, throwing lances or webs toward the enemies. "Bats coming in!" Owen warned. Zoe made lightning strike but still some bats avoided. Owen drew his short-sword and cut the remaining bats which circled around Zoe Belnades. Noriko absorbed the souls of a few more pirates and felt how her experience with her own sword increased. Beside her Koji had turned into his true dragon form and was biting the pirates to piees. "They taste terrible." He tried joking. Since he was still young his scales wheren't as strong as they would be in a few hundred years. Noriko did her best to keep the pirates at bey while Owen and Zoe took care f the bats and bone-men. She jumped down to land upon the main-deck and spread destruction around herself. Whoever or whatever having taken Iori she would come in time to save hm. Koji retained his human form and stood beside her. She couldn't help but feel impressed by the way he still now could slay his enemies. Ice rained about as Zoe and Owen reached the deck. The pirates withdrew somewhat until more enemies had gathered. Noriko moved into a defensive stance. Koji retained his dragon form as Zoe and Owen stood back to back. The pirates drew their weapons and the bone-men prepared their bones. Bats gathered about and prepared to attack. "May Christian's God be with us!" Noriko shouted as she held her crucifix high. The attack was about to begin. "Stop!" The cold call resonated through her mind. The pirates withdrew to either side. Even so Noriko's blood went cold as the grim reaper appeared. Death in one hand held his infamous scythe. In the other te fallen angel held Iori Najima n an iron fist. Noriko felt all hope leave her. "I surrender." She whispered. Noriko stepped forward and dropped her sword to the ground. "Release Iori. It's me you want." Noriko couldn't help but shudder a she remembered how Malus raped her. "You are not important any more." Death's voice whispered in her mind. "The Dark Lord candidate have awaken Chaos." Noriko knew Death couldn't smile. Even so it was like there spred a diabolical grin across the devine being's naked skull. "I tried t tell you." Iori suddenly said, pleading desperately. "My rosary have broken. I am like them." Noriko wanted to scream that he was wrong. Although she knew it was true. She was like them to, if she chosed to be. Noriko suddenly understood she might go with them. She could embrace the power of darkness. She then became aware of something she hadn't dropped. In her left hand Noriko still held her grandmother'scrucifix. There was still another choice. Noriko shuddered. She could summon Christian's God. The white Lord might destroy her but then she would be free forever. "We will meet again." Iri slightly smiled. "In the tower of Ondol." Then bough he and Death vanished. Then the pirates attacked. They might think she where defenceless without her blade. Noriko smiled. She'd been given more time to decide but Noriko knew she would someday be faced by the choice. And then it would be no going back. She threw a set of three lances at te advancing pirates before throwing a single fireball. Her friends ran to help her. Still, Noriko felt more alone than ever before.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Laura kicked and then kicked again. Christian dodged and she spun out of reach just as he whipped at her. She leaped forward with repeated claw-trusts. Christian threw holy water at her. Laura somehow semed to have expected his move and jumped high into the air. Sh sent him a sliding-kick square in the chest which would've killed him if she'd hit correctly. However it sent Christian down into the sofa. Laura landed on top of him and gave him a quick kiss. Christian tried tamp at her with his cross. Again Laura got out of reach. He rolled to the side as aura went on a speedy series of spinning kicks. It made Christian think about what Simon Belmont and Reinhardt Schneider had said in their chronicles. No matter of course. Christian got to his feet and answered with aseries of whip blows which sent Laura sprawling. She got back up and launched herself forward. She stabbed him in the shoulder. Christian felt her claws slide off of his hidden shoulder-plate. Then he screamed as she reached his unprotected side. He stamped his crucifix upon her forehead and this time it was she who screamed. She stabbed at him again. Christian stepped backward and whipped her clear in the face. Burns rupted upon her flesh. Even so she managed to dodge and punched at Christian who became knocke to the floor. Laura smiled. "Make out with me Christian." She tempted. "I know you will like it." Christian got to his feet. "I said no." He cacked the Vampire Killer and Laura drew backward. Then she jumped high and came at him with her claws extended. Christian slide right beneath her and whipped at her. She rolled and got up in a ready position. Christian threw holy water at her. Laura screamed but somehow managed to extinguish the flames before they culd burn her. She dodged and thus avoided his throwing-cross. She kicked at him and Christian became knocked hard against the floor He felt how his lungs became drained of all air. Christian sunk to his knees, gasping for breath. That saved his life as Laura stabbed at where his head should've been. Christian threw more holy water at her and this time Laura burned into ashes. Christian felt no joy. His body ulsated with pain and it was still difficult to breathe. Christian thanked God the popehad been so hard on his training. Christian knew he should've been dead otherwise. He ate some food. It replenished his energy but still he felt tiered. Christian knew why. He hadn't slept properly since leaving the Vatican. Although the fighting hadn't been so hard to begin with it now took its toll. He did the sign of the cross. Christian got to his feet and walked the stairs. He opened the door and stepped upon the deck. Christian breathed heavily. Although the air was uncomfortably warm and the mist shrouded everything it felt nice to be beneath the open sky again. Although the gloom made it impossible to see far away Christian felt it was close to sunset. Below him, upon the main deck, a battle was fought. Christian cracked the Vampire Killer whip and slid down the fence downward. Christian landed on oneknee and sprung to his feet as dead pirates attacked. "God and the house of Belmont!" Christian exclaimed and slashed the Vampire Killer about. "May Christian's God be with us!" Came the answer. Christian smiled. He knew that voice. He threw holy water about and whipped the bats coming at him into oblivion A pack of harpies came flying from th torn sails of the ship. Then a shining red dragon appeared and attacked. Christian threw holy water at the harpies attacking. E pun around and whipped the bone-men into ashes. Christian screamed as a series of bones hit him and sent him hard against the deck. A harpy came to pick him up. She flew high up but then Christian smashed his brow into her bossom. The harpy gasped and dropped him. Another harpy came in. Christian whipped it away. Then he summoned his bloodline power and landed upon the deck after a perfect glide. Chistian again thanked God. Sometimes his power just wouldn't help him. But that was when the fall or jump where completely impossible. This had only been about 7 metres. Christian whipped some more dead pirates into oblivion and then he could join with them. "Christian-an!" Noriko beamed with joy as he reached her. She put her arms around him. Christian returnedthe embrace. He remembered how it was the first time they met. The dragon landed and turned into a dark-haired boy somewhere around his own age. "Greetings Christian Bemont." He said with a formal Japanese bow. "I am Hakuba Koji. It will be a honour fighting alongside one of such noble linage." Christian returned the favour. The veteran gnman fired another round of bullets into the pirates before presenting himself as Owen Hammer. His palin rown and green clothing made Christian think he might have been a hunter or soldier of fortune. "It's nice to meet you Christian Belmont." The sorceress said with a somewhat shaky tone. "My name is Xoe Belnades." Christian bowed then whipped at some bone-men. Zoe made a rain of icicles spread about. Koji took to the air and defended against the harpies and bats swarming about. Owen fired his shotgun. Christian felt sad when thinking about George's untimely death. Noriko threw lances around as Christian whipped the enemies she missed into oblivion. He knew t wouldn't last forever. They fought exelently but it couldn't last forever. Christian and Noriko fought back to back. As did Owen and Zoe. Koji flew around, tired nw, scored by multiple wounds. "We have to retreat." Christian finally accepted the only alternative to a heroic death. Noriko nodded, although he noticed it was without antusiasm. "Where do you suggest we go?" Koji asked. Then he got serious. "I can't carry all of you and fight at the same time." Christian nodded. "We must go back to the front of the ship." He told. "I think there might be some boats there." He, Owen and Koji formed a defensive line as the two women began the retreat. Christian flailed the Vampire Killer about. He had the means to clean up in all this mess if they only escaped this cursed ghost ship. Owen told the rest of them to go as they finally reached the steps leading to the upper deck. "I'll cover you." Christian saluted his comrade. Koji continued fending off harpies while he clibed the stairs. "Christian." Noriko reappeared before him. "I think you should see this." What was it now then? Christian mumbled to himself as he ran up the last steps. Then Christian stopped dead in his track. This was just perfect. With a deep sigh he crackd the Vampire Killer whip.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Zoe walked to stand beside Christian Belmont. The boy had sent Noriko to join with Koji and Owen. Se didn't knew why she'd insisted on remaining. The fisheman, Peter, had haunted and tortured her. Perhaps that was the answer? Perhaps Christian's determined will to fight the followers of Dracula had struck a hope of hope in her own heart? Zoe had seen her dryad mother die as her tree had been cut down. When Peter had drowned due to her carelessness and then risen from hs gave she'd lost her faith in herself. The God of her ancestors hadn't answered her. Zoe shook her head. Hope or no hope. Christian Belmont wuld need his help. She would like to meet this Torah Fernandez once dough. Zoe wondered who they where. During thir short dispute the two shrouded figures had remained completely still. Zoe wondered if they might be these infamous dark wanderers which all the people of Warakiya whispered about? So many questions and so few answers. She threw back her strewberry-blonde hair and brought out her sword. The dryads in her tribe had learned her how to use it. Koji had given Zoe and Owen their weapons when releasing them from the cell. As an answer to her challenge one of the hodded persons brought out his own sword. Zoe might doubt a good deal of things. One thing was fo sure dough. Zoe knew she was a fear fencer. Not strange. She'd practically been born with sword in one hand and a wand in the other. "Be mindful." Christian broke into her thoughts. "Of course." Zoe smiled. Christian did the sign of the cross. The swordsman hissed. Zoe stepped forward and then she drew backward in pure astonishment. The enemy threw off his cloak and the wrapped body of a mummy became visible. "God in Heaven!" Zoe didn't mind Christian's outburst. Zoe tightened her grip around her blade. She opened herself to hermagic. She moved forward as she made t rain with icicles. The mummy vanished in a heap of loose wrappings. Then it reappeared in another place. "Impressive Reesies. Now kill her." The other cloaked figure hadn't yet moved. "Yes Akmodan." Remises released a spread-shot of multiple wavy shards. Zoe cut some of them to pieces and then made a bolt of lightning strike to take out the rest. Then Christian was there, whipping at the mummy. Remises disappeared, then reappeared below. "Take Akmodan!" Christian shouted as he jumpd after it. "Leave Remises to me." Zoe nodded. "May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jackob be with you." He smiled. "Jesus is with allwho summons His name. Amen." Christian did the sign of the cross. Then he was gone. Zoe moved into a defensive posture. Akmodan had still not moved. "Are you not brave enough to face me?" She challenged. Akmodn didn't answer. Zoe moved closer toward him. "Do not place to much trust in a mrtal weapon." Zoe blinked. She didn't understand. Zoe swung her blade and ecame thrown backward as her weapon made contact with the enemy. Sparks flew and the weapon was struck from her hand. Zoe used wind to retrive the blade and got to her feet. Akmodan stood at the same place, not moving a finger. "As you might see." Akmodan said in a taunting tone. "Mere weapons have no consequence to me." Zoe nervously lcked her lips. If he was a wraith she would've understood the reaction. Now she didn't understand. She hated it when being fooled with. "Now." Akmodan said, breaking into her thoughts. "I will show you the true power of magic." He roused his arms and a sphere of powerful green fire shot at her. Zoe knew a few tricks herself. She waved her hand but the sphere didn't freeze. Zoe gaped. Then she ran to dodge the attack. "Wench!" The word was like a hit in the face. "You know nothing about true power." Zoe ran as Akmodan sent a ring of circling orbs her way. She sent icicles his way but they merely shattered against hm without doing any harm. Akmodan laughed at her. "You should have remained the fisherman's golden girl." Zoe blushed. She was still a virgin. Peter would never… Not with his own sister. Would he? "Kneel to darkness." Akmodan demanded. His ancient wrapped hand turned nto a fist. "The vampires will learn you the true nature of your pathetic skill." Zoe stood tall. "Never!" Akmodan nodded. "I'll rather die then sunder my soul." Her enemy laughed at her. Then he became cold as winter's heart. "So die then." A powerful wave of green magic shot at her. Zoe swung her blade. Then she gasped as her sword cut through the magical force. Then Zoe remembeed. Her father hadn't liked that Zoe became an archer and swordswoman. But he had helped in creating weapons for her to withstand powerful blackmagic. Zoe smiled with memmories. Her father Gregory had been a magical blacksmith and knew well his arts. "No." Akmodan cursed. "It is not possible! No mere weapon might withstand my power." Zoe smiled grew. "It's true." She said. "But y sword was forged by someone who knew more than his prayers." Akmodan seemed to acknowledge this. Then he roused his arms. "Then be it." Gren fire lit between his fingers. "Your life is over." Powerful beams of fire shot forward. Zoe was nearly overwhelmed by the first onslaught. Zoe brought up hersword in a typical defensive move and split the fire. Zoe then dashed forward and swung at him again. And again she was thrown to the deck. Akmodan loomed before her, laughing at her. "You still do not know the full reach of my magic." He taunted. "My knowledge reaches beyond death. From the grave I have uncovered wonderful secres no mere human might comprehend." He roused his hand. It burned with green power. "When I kill you, your soul belongs to me." Then Zoe finallyunderstand. She brought up the sword in time to block the sphere of magic. But instead of merely blocking she swung at it. Akmodan growed as he became thrown far backward. Zoe got to her feet. "I knew more then you think." She challenged. Akmodan got to his feet. Green flame, like eyes, burned inside the hood. "The power you wield is a double edged weapon." Akmodan roused bough his hands and a wave of green fire sped forward. Zoe tried to block but was instead thrown hard against the deck. "Did you really think I would give in so easily?" He asked her. "Fool. I have learned control. It takes more than one blast to defeat me." Zoe got to her feet and summoned the blade back to her hand. "I don't care how many hit it takes." She said. "All which matter is that I now know how to defeat you." Akmodan where not impressed. "We shall see my young sorceress." He brought up his hands and Zoe moved into a defensive stanc.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Christian Belmont landed upon the deck. Although he didn't intend it he now was behind the dead pirates. Remises where nowhere to be seen. Then some loose wrappings caught his attention. Christian whipped as Remises sent a multitude of wavy shards toward him. He threw holy water a the shards and then moved in closer to the mummy. Then Christian executed a clever back-flip as Remises released a spread-shot of short-ranged green fireballs tward him. Christian whipped the flames away although this made Remises the time he needed to once again disappear. He looked bout. The mummy was gone. Then Remises reappeared to unleash another wave of shards toward him. Christian mae holy water wave forward in defence. He ran forward but Remises had already disappeared. Christian made the sign of the cross. Then the mummy reappeared right beside him, slashing at him with its sword. Christian dropped himself to the ground. As Remises gathered after the failed attempt on killing him. Christian got back up and whipped at him. Remises staggered and then disappeared. Then Christian became trapped in some of the wrappings and became spun around. Dizzy he fell to his knees. Christian made holy water rain about. When his head finally cleared he saw Remises burning. Still, it was like the holy water didn't penetrate the outer wrappings. Although stained with ashes Remises disappeared. Christian got to his feet in time to whipp the multiple smaller fireballs into oblivion. He whippd at Remises but not even now he managed to harm it. Then Christian remembered something about Trevor Belmont's adventures in 1496. The son of Sonia Belmont had fought mummies on several occations. Remises reappeared to unleash another wave of wavy shards. Christian whipped them into oblivion. Then he threw his boomerang-cross. Remises rouse an arm to block. The throwing-cross cut right through. The arm dropped to the ground, burning away in clear silvery flames. Then the boomerang-cross dug deep into Remises body. On the way back it even cut another deep gash into the mummy's torso. Christian whipped at it, throwing holy water as he went on it. Remises roared as he fell into a heap. Flames burned and wrappings became ashes. Thick black smoke roused off of it as Remises burned away in a pyre of fire. Then a crystalline ball was all which remained. Christian didn't pick it up. This wasn't the time. He knew somebody else who deserved to take it. Then Christian noticed all the dead pirates where gone. A few harpies still flew about but even they where preparing to leave. Christian ranover to the side. Three smaller boats just left. He could see nymphs and even a few werejaguars and panthers aboard. "Let them go." Koji landed beside him, retaining his human form. "Sure." Christian said. "Still." He added. "Our victory here will soon be known by the Nw Order." Koji shok his head. "Sure it's a victory?" Christian nodded. "You say something." Owen and Noriko came walking toward them. Christian happily greeted them. He was grateful none of them whee not fatally wounded. First now they had some time exchanging stories. Christian felt pity with Noriko. There where nothinghe could do about it dough. Their attention turned to the upper deck. Zoe an that second figure where still involved in combat.

Ghost ship, Uta lake. The 20th. of December 2098 A.D.
Zoe swung her blade at the orb of green fire. It shot right back at Akmodan who grunted as he became thrown far backward. Her enemy got to his feet and fiered a powerful wave of green flame. Zoe tried to block but this time it was she who ecame sent flying. Akmodan snt a ring of small orbs toward her. Zoe blocked. The ring shattered into four rebounding orbs which then exploded. Akmodan teleported via his loose wrappings and then reappeared to fire another wave of green flame. Zoe split the attack and sent a spread-shot of icicles toward him. They shattered without doing any harm. Akmodan firedanother sphere of green magic. Zoe sung at it and the orb shot right back at Akmodan. Still after four hits the mummy was not defeated. Zoe almost began doubting her own tactics. Akmodan sent another orb at her and this time she didn't managed to dodge in time. Zoe gathered all her magic around her. The blast would've killed her. As it was Zoe felt like being struck by lightning. Her body itched with pain and it felt like being sun-burned. "Impressive. Really impressive." Akmodan taunted. "But you know you cannot defeat me." Zoe strggled to her feet and moved into another defensive stance. Whatever the case, Zoe decided. She would die standing. Akmodan roused a hand and again fiered at her. Zoe was prepared and swung at the sphere and sent it right back at Akmodan. He was sent flying backward. Zoe gasped. Black smoke began to rise from the shrouded mummy. "I have underestimated you." Akmodan said. "It will not happen again." The blue spheres inside the hood lit up. For a mment they where all Zoe could see. Suddenly she couldn't move. Akmodan laughed as he stepped toward her. "Still I warned you to no underestimate me either." As he stepped closer his dead mummified hands went up to the hood and threw it backward. Zoe wanted to scream. Behind ancient old wrapping blackened remains of flesh still where visible. Green fire burned in the empty sockets. He grinne at her. Akmodan placed an undead hand beneath her chin and forced her to look up at him. Zoe fought to remember what she'd heard about hypnotism. She closed her eyes. Then suddenly she could move again. Zoe struggled to not let it show on her fae. Akmodan seemingly hadn't noticed. "Now. With the knowledge of your defeat. You will die." His other hand lit up and he threw a mgic sphere at her. With all the speed she could muster Zoe brought up her sword and struck. The green orb flew right back at him and exploded right into his face. Akmodan was thrown far back. Zoe cheered with victoryious joy. Akmodan's remaining flesh did rott away. Then she screamed with fear. She'd believed Akmodan to be down. With much pain Akmodan still managed to stand. "You have defeated me." He calmly said. "But I still have enough power to take you with me. Watch." Akmodan rouse bough hand and anotherorb of green magic shot at her. >oe couldn't put her finger on it. Something was amiss with this orb. She swung at it, then her sword shattered into pieces. Akmodan laughed even as the orb shot back at him. Zoe felt a cold run up her hand and settled into her heart. Akmodan burned into ashes and the ship began to burn. Then darkness took her and Zoe knew no more.

Bodley, Uta lake. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
>Zoe slowly opened her eyes. What she first noticed was that she was nested among multiple thick carpets. Zoe was sweating. A fire was lit beside her. "She's awake." She recognised hat voice. "Owen?" Hammer came into view as he put a hand upon her forehead. "You're sweating." He said. Christian appeared beside him. "The feber is gone." Noriko helped her to sit and gave her something to eat. "Do you remember what've happened?" Christian asked. Zoe nodded. She took the chicken Noriko gave her. Zoe didn't understand why Christian suddenly turned away as Owen whistled approvingly. Zoe blushed. Beneath the carpets she had nothing on her. When she'd bent forward the carpet had glided away to expose her bossom. Zoe gave Hammer a hard look which dried away the grin from his face. "We had to take of your clothing to find where you might be wounded." Christian said in an embaresed tone. "It was I who did the investigation." Oriko quickly explained. Zoe nodded. She continued eating and tried not care if Owen did try to look at her. At least Christian knew how to act. Koji came to give herthe clothing. Zoe held the carpets close around her as she stepped behind a few trees. Zoe quickly put on the underwear. She brought on the plain green tunic, the type all dryads where using. Zoe knew it was the curse which kept it warm out on the sea. Still it felt good to bring on her boots and trusty old robes. She then noticed she still had her belt where in the sword would hang. She didn't understand why Christian had kept that thing. Zoe stepped out in the clear and saw that Christian held the remains of the sword in his hands. "Why haven't you thrown away that thing?" Zoe asked as she walked toward him. Christian looked back with a thoughtful look in his eyes. "There still are powerful magic sleeping inside this blade." He told. "The blacksmith creating it must have been a true master of his art." >oe smiled, feeling bough sad and joy at the same time. "He was." Zoe explained. "My father was a brilliant alchimist." Christian nodded. "It will pain Torah to know her uncle is also gne." Zoe nodded. Christian broke into her thoughts. "You should keep this blade." Zoe gave him a puzzled look. "Who knows?" Christian said. "It might become whole again." Zoe nodded. She'd heard about alchemists which could repair magical items a long they retained some of their power. Christian gave it to her and Zoe put it back at her side. Owen packed away the carpets as Noriko extinguished the fire. Christian went to whip down a few candles standing around. Zoe carefully watched him as he did so. All since they appeared, some half year ago if she remembered correctly, the chandles had interested her. Zoe remembered her father once told her it was the side effect of Chaos. A sign that the power of Dracula again had begun to revve itself. She couldn't help but shudder. When they where all settled Christian explained his plan. "I think I've solved Homer's riddle." He quickly told them about what have transpired before Zoe, Koji and Owen met with him and Noriko. "I think we've returned the power of three two times." Zoe didn't tget it and said so. Christian explained. "We have returned to this isle who is the heart of the isles in Uta lake. And if I'm right we've gon through some sort of Casttlevania's vertion of the Odessy." Zoe slowly nodded. Her dryad nurse had liked telling her human myths as bedtime storis. "All we have to do." Christian said. "Is to lift the curse." Zoe slightly smiled. This boy was so bent on fixing everything. Sure. Zoe would like to lift the curse. But only if she could find a way to pull it off. "The ferryman told me it was Dario Bosi, Damien Frost and Jhenrya Oikawa who restored Uta lake to its fogged state." Suddenly Zoe began to understand what he was going at. But it was impossible. Except from Noriko none of them possessed the power of dominance. "Three isles." Christian continued. "There where three magical powers which became put in motion." He actually smiled. "All we need is to go there and prove ourselves worthy of obtaining three tokens of poer. One for fire. One for ice. And one for lightning. When we returns I'll play this song at dawn." Zoe slowly closed her moath. It sounded all impossible. Still, it could turn out like Chistian suggested. "Noriko." Christian turned to the Japanese child. "What do you feel?" Noriko Shook her head. Then closed her ees. "The lake is strong with magic." She finally said. "Here." Christian gave Noriko a map. "Point out what power you fee on the map." Zoe leaned closer to see what kind of map it was. Seemingly it was nothing but a plain map with names and markings on it for the lake and its surrounding landscape. "Here I feel strong fire." Noriko pointed to an isle called "Redrock" upon the map. "Here and here however." She pointed to two other isles. "I feel lightning and ice." Christian ndded. "It means we'll have to go to Redrock first. Then to Rocnest. And finally to the Skull." "I have a better suggestion." Zoe pointed. She didn't like to say so. But it would be a much better solution. "If we where to split up we could cover more ground." Christian slowly nodded. "Not bad Zoe. Then whoever giftd with fire, ice or lightning could go directly to the isle with that element." "Then I and Noriko should go to Redrock." Koji said. "If you will go with me?" He somewhat shyly askd Noriko. The Japanese girl nodded. "I'll go to the Skull." Christian said. "Not that 'm that very clever with ice magic I think I should go." Zoe grunted. She'd wonted to go for the ice herself. Then again. If she where ight. She was the only of them gifted with lightning. "There are multiple boats downat the shore." Christian said. Koji shook his head. Then he shaped into his dragon form. "Let's fly to fire isle." He joked as Noriko sat up onto him. "May your God be with you." Noriko offered as she and Koji flew off. "I'll go with you if you don't mind?" Zoe gave him a look, then shrugged. "Before you go." Christian said while bringing on his backpack. "This orb fell from emises." He brought out a ball of marvelling crystal. "It contains the power of lightning, wind and magic." He shrugged. "None of them are among my spiritual talents. Perhaps you'll have it?" Zoe slowly reached out a hand and picked up the orb. It spun with multiple colours then simply disappeared. Zoe couldn't help but gasp. She felt so refreshed and beaming with new power. "Thank you Christian." She smiled. "I really needed that." Christian nodded. "I know our teachings are different." He said, throwing a glance at her sar of David. "But I hope the Lord of bough our believes will be with us." Zoe put a hand on his shoulder "The Lord is one and cannot be split." Now it was Christian who smiled. He really was a cute little boy. "That is true." Then he became serious "May we meet again here at dawn." "At dawn." Zoe promised. They shake hand and went separate ways.
Bodley, Uta lake. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Mae Lin Wong knelt before the necromancer. He was pleased. "You have done well." He told her. "The ghost ship is a small price to pay for bough Christian Belmont and Noriko Cruz to come in reach of my grasp." Mae Lin smiled. The necromancer was an idiot. Did he still want revenge for what Nathan Graves did to him allthose years ago? No matter. The Dark Lord Dracula had placed her under his charge for earlier failures. She would serve the Dark Lord but not this fool. Time would show whom was going to ripe the benefits of the Belmont's attempt.

Tower of Ondol, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
The Dark Lord candidate walked through the corridor. Death was by his side. "Is it not time I kill him?" The Dark Lord candidate smiled. "No. He might still be of some use." He continued walking. Then he added. "Many of my kind might want to purchase him from me." Death nodded. "I see." Then the fallen angel left him. He did not trust Death. He was still loyal to Dracula's shadow. His time was over. Somebody would have to sit in the fallen Dark Lord's throne. If all went as he intended that was going to be him. H laughed. It would all come together soon enough.

(A.N: I'm sorry for all the sexual stuff in this chapter. But the tricks about it is to once again follow the story of the Odyssey. I hope you like my new characters though. Have a nice time.)