Part 1: Gathering darkness.

"Yes, you are my light, Lord. The Lord lit up in my darkness."

Chapter 33: Dance of Gold.
Karack Warn, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
The dead soldier approached her. "Your shuttle is ready my lady." The dark soul possessing the corpse said while affording a bow. "Proceed." She told it. The dead soldier stepped aside and she stepped inside the awaiting vessel. She had been in Britza, rebuilding the local security. Now she was here on Frankenstein's behest to take up command of the underwater lantern. The vampire scientist was the supreme commander of the scientist restoration project and as a droid-commander was obedient to him. The Dark Lord Dracula had been behind the doctor during their conversation. Although he had not spoken she understood he was putting his full waight on this matter. Lord Malus was not to be trusted and she would be the one to woth over his shoulder. For a moment all which was heard was her mechanical breathing. Then the shuttle sprung to life.

Underwater lantern, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Daniel Graves withdrew his blade from the chest of the final dead soldier. He cleaned the sword off on its jaket, a look of disgust crossed his face. It'd been better when fighting the classic folklore monsters up in the countryside. That was what he'd been trained to challenge. Although his family had broken off from the remaining Kishine clan they'd continued to practise the arts of their Belmont legacy. Daniel shook his head. This wasn't the time for this. He dusted off his plain green weapon-robe and then let a hand go through his light-brown short-cut heir. He resheeted his sword and began walking. Members of the Aulin family had contacted his grandfather before going to the Vatican. Jeremiah Graves had been to old to do any good so Daniel had volunteered to go in his place. But then members of the Hammer clan had mailed them the return of Castlevania. He and Andrew Hammer had travel from Veros to Aliba together. The resistance movement had informed them of the so-called "Maw" installation and sent them here to investigate. Andrew had died at his side and the New Order was still hunting him. A sound from the behind brought him out of his reverie. He cursed as another of those pesky rat-robots came at him from one of the side-trenches. The lantern's ventilation-system was to narrow for most of the lost souls in here but those rat-robots where small enough to slip through. The cross tied around his neck made the robot waver before it continued toward him. "That's one for you your little bastard." He threw a dagger at the approaching machine and as he made ice shimmer around it the rat blew into pieces of frozen metal. Taking a deep breath he again started crawling forward, keeping a watchful eye on the side-trenches. The drop holes from the above had spewed out dead soldiers before but for now all loked to be piece and quiet. Daniel drew his sword again just in case and then carefully opened the hatch at the other end of the shaft.

Command tower, underwater lantern. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Rudolf Malus frustrated continued trotting back and forth. It was at least some hour or so since the last report about the intruder. He could have left days ago if it had not been for this one little incident. He had claimed his desired goal and also had a safe location from which he could have issued his demands. But now he had no choice but to remain. The intruder had gathered information which could dispose him to the angel of Death and the circle around him. "Sir." A lieutenant called from where he was standing at the controls. "Reports are coming about disturbance within the landing areas." Malus calmly acknowledged the information. "Activate the force-field at full alert." He commanded the controllers seated by the huge main generator. "But sir… " The senior-controller began. Malus threw a sphere of flames at the vampire which shattered into ashes. "Congratiolations with your premotion." He coldly told the jumior-controller. "Y-y-yest m-my m.. " The new senior-controller stammered with fear painted all across her face. "Do I have to repeat my last order?" The other vampire shook her head and quickly joined her predecessor's chair. Malus continued his trotting, moving back and forth beside the large view-screens portraying the lake outside and the hologram showcasing the lantern's superstructure. "Commander." The second member of the instalation's triumvirate snapped to attention. Malus smiled. Dietrich Hertz was a far more educated than bough the senior-controller and the captain serving on dully. "I want you to deploy squad 1 and 5 to the landing area." "At once my lord." Hertz presented a salute before turning to execute the command given to him. Malus did not even care to return the salute. Instead he merely picked up his thoughts from where he had left them.

Underwater lantern, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
John Belmont drew his sword and then stepped into a ready position. "Ready?" Ruth asked as she nervously traded looks with him and the other members of their company. Marina nodded while Thomas merely continued inspecting his weaponry. John understood her worry. They where unsure if their weapons would have any effect on the lost souls within this scientist playground. Ada and the other resistance-fighters had told them this installation was a rather new complex within the New Order and it made him worry about what might be ahead. Finally Ruth opened the hatch and climbed down, her axe already at the ready. Thomas was at her side as if where using wizardry. John smiled, he knew what true magic was, that he'd learned all to bitterly. He and Marina quickly joined by them just in time to counter the onslaught of dead soldiers guarding the docking-area. "Druid shield!" John generated a shield of golden flames which blocked the first array of bullets sent at them. Thomas fired his own round of bullets from his shotgun while Marina unleashed a trio of icicles. The dead soldiers fell like dummies but there where still more coming. John, Ruth and Thomas dashed forward to meet them at point blank range to hinder them in using their rifles. "Watch out!" Marina's warning came just in time as a fivesome of black ball-shaped droids elevated into the room. Tiny lasers fired balls of energy toward them while dic-like cameras supervised them. "Druid lightning!" John did quick work of them although that didn't served them any good. The dead soldiers where straightening after their first defeat but that wasn't the greatest treat. Two squads of robots looking like wingless vultures stepped inside the hangar. "Surrender your weapons." One of the droids requested, making it sound like a pre-programed order. "Roger, roger." The other droids cheerfully added. "This's just too stupid." John remarked. "Frankenstein is mad right?" Thomas sounded perplexed but soon gathered himself. "You're under arrest." By now the battle-droids didn't at all sound funny. Not as the twenty machines rised their weapons at them. Then Marina attacked. A flush of water threw the forward droids to the floor, making sparks fly all about as the liquid entered their electronics. Then the naiad reshaped into her human forms to make a flurry of icicles fly toward the next row of droids. "Druied shield!" John acted just in time to save her life as the droids gathered themselves and geban firing their weapons. Lasers blasted about and almost sent him sprawling. Ruth made several axes fly through the air while Thomas threw several grenades at them, a weapon he'd uncovered inside the submarine-shuttle. The droids where shattered in seconds but then another squad of battle-droids came marching inside the room. Then it began raining holy water. "Quick!" A voice from the other end of the room sounded. "They'll begin sending in back-up units soon enough." From a hatch within the very wall a man waved for them to follow. John and Ruth exchanged glances then they moved for the others to run. The stranger jumped up to leave a free passage as he began hurling more holy water at the enemies. Thomas was the first to enter, quickly joined by Marina and Ruth. "Who are you?" John asked while he threw enflamed daggers at the few battle-droids still standing. "I'm Daniel Graves." The other man threw a boomerang-cross and took down a few dead soldiers as it went. "We'll have to talk later." The sound of marching boots could be heard as he and John entered the hatch behind them.

Command tower, underwater lantern. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Malus gave Hertz a devastating look. "All of them?" He repeated in a tone colder than the ice outside. The commander merely answered. "Yes my lord." Malus did not let it show on his face but he really admired this vampire. He threw it aside. For now he had other matters to attend to. "I wont the intruders found and brought to me." His child-like face did not show it but the rage again welled up inside him. He would destroy them and then the world would be within his grasp.

Underwater lantern, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
It was an incredible story John thought. Daniel had been before them all the while. It really annoyed him. It was him the Vatican had sent to defeat Dracula. By now it looked like the Graves had made a better job than he'd done. "We better get going." Daniel's voice cut into his thoughts. "They'll find us soon enough if we don't get moving." "How do you know?" He demanded to know. Daniel made a bitter grimace. "Andrew gave his life when we remained at one point too long." John made a defencive gesture and began moving with his sword in one hand. "Wait." Thomas suddenly warned. Then the man beast fired a boom from his shotgun. A small rat-like machine which went on two weels exploded. But then another one appeared from another direction. "God's death!" John cursed as the little machine fired a tiny rocket toward them. Marina trapped it within water and then froze in place. The rat-robot fired another rocket but this time they where prepared. Marine froze even this rocket while Thomas finished the machine with another boom of his shotgun. They continued crawling forward, then John gasped as they entered into a seemingly endless shaft. Daniel noticed his astonished look and smiled somewhat. "Wellcome to the lantern's main ventilation shaft." Then he became serious. "It's really spectacular. The New Order know how to build things I'll give them that." John shook his head. This wasn't the time for this. He opened his mouth to express his feelings when Ruth suddenly drew him to the side. "What the… " Then he saw them. Across from where they where standing a group of dead soldiers was opening fire on them. "Druid flame!" John threw back his cloak backward and blasted beams of golden flames toward them. Daniel threw a boomerang-cross at them and together they obliterated the group. "Now." John said as he dusted off his hands. "What do you suggest we do now?" He asked although he knew the answer. "Upward I guess." Then Thomas cut in. "From what I remember from Wold's tower the droids are controlled by a central control-computer. What if there is one in here too?" Daniel gave him a look and then slowly nodded. "Let's see now." To John's surprise Dainel brought out a small holo-projector from one purse. His cousin activated the projectore and a tiny hologram of the underwater lantern appeared. "The central control-computer is located in the leftmost tower." Daniel pointed out. "Who will go?" "I will." Thomas was the first to speak, then Ruth also nodded. "I'll also go." Daniel nodded, as if he was in charge of their company. It was best he figured things out with his cousin. "Then it'll be up to us to find the artefact you mentioned." Marina gave him a warning look then she continued scouting for lost souls. He grunted then turned to give his fear well Thomas and Ruth had already left. He silently looked as they crossed the catwalk leading toward the other side-trenches. When they where gone he, Daniel and Marina was the only one left. His cousin moved toward the nearest ladder and started climbing. Marina shrugged and then she too began climbing. John mumbled before he followed suit. He would not let Daniel got away with this. He noticed something out from the corner of his eye and acted upon mere instinct. "Druid shield!" A shield of pink telekinetic energy shielded the blasts from the lasers built around the shaft. "Continue to cover!" Daniel shouted. "They're pulse-seeking!" "Druid shield!" John didn't have time to retort before the lasers fired again. "Druid shield!" He continued to block the energy as Daniel made it rain with holy water. Sparks spread about and the guns exploded. "Quick!" Daniel shouted. "Before the repair-crew shows up." John again tried to speak but instead just continued climbing. He focused inward in an effort to locate the laser's energy source. That was an ability he'd gained by becoming a druid. At least he could do that much. Then he heard the running water. Daniel shuddered. "Continue climbing." He insisted. "What is that?" Marina asked. "I can protect you against water if that's it." Daniel shook his head, a bitter smile upon his face. "They use the underground lake to clean their own garbage. They makes it run through the ventilation and garbage systems." John and Marina exchanged glances. "So that's why the water is polluted." He mumbled. Marina's eyes grew wide. "But that's crazy. That'll make the water become all polluted sooner or later." "We don't have time for that." Daniel cut in. "We have to continue climbing." John thought to point out that they could go inside the side trenches. But as he looked in that direction he noticed the sideways where closing. He cursed beneath his breth and then continued going upward. Things where not going their way today.

Underwater lantern, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Ruth Van Helsing carefully peeked though the narrow crack in the went they'd opened to slip inside the lantern's corridors. Several dead soldiers and rat-robots had attacked them inside the ventilation shaft but for now however things looked clear dough. She thanked the Lord for their magical abilities. Without their magic she was sure they would've been overwhelmed. She was sure of it. She shook her head and opened the hatch so she and Thomas could climb inside the corridor. Thomas got to his feet already prepared for battle. Ruth couldn't help but smile. Thomas looked like he was prepared when he was asleep. She brought out her own axe and slowly started walking, Thomas joining up behind her. Daniel had given her his holo-projector so they shoudn't become lost. She worried somewhat that John and Marina should get lost in turn. She could only hope Daniel knew this place well enough to guide her frinds throughout this area. They turned a corner prepared for everything but nothing happened. "I don't like this." Thomas mumbled. Then suddenly lasers built in at the top of the corridor made fire. Thomas's lance became turned on fire and repeled the lasers which exploded. Smoke drifted through the corridor as a trio of destroyer-droids came rolling up behind them with their blasters at the ready. "Run!" She did as the Lecarde said as he began repeling the energy so quickly that it seemed nearly impossible. She pulled the controls of the nearest door and then entered. The room looked like an ecperimental launge. Body-shaped pipes with clear yellow liquid lined the top of the room and cages of glass contained plant-life stood upon various tables. Her attention however was fixed upon whatever lay beneath the white clock at the table within the centre of the room. Ruth slowly walked over, prepared for everything. Nothing happened and she drew the blanket away. Beneath lay a dull grey and green techno-suit. She made a hand go through her blonde hair. She didn't understand it but it was like finding a dream. She couldn't asked if somebody had asked her but she knew this was destiny. "Lord!" She cried out. "Be your will." The Dinesti axe vanished just as it had appeared and she knelt in prayer. This was truly a moment of destiny.

Underwater lantern, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Daniel made flames appear around his sword and cracked the controls of the hatch. It opened and he, Marina and John climbed through. The repair-crew immediately appeared from a hidden opening at the top of the giant shaft and numerous orb-shaped droids darted into view. "Continue walking." He told them. "If they spot us they'll warn the local securety." He and Andrew had nearly been killed when they hadn't minded the droids as the danger they where. "Daniel!" Marina shouted before them. "There is some web of energy blocking our path." "Just wait until the lasers rest." He told her. "Then you might slip through." "I have a better idea." He heard sparing and then another explosion followed. "Always isolate your machines." John grinned and moved forward. When Daniel crawled forward he noticed a pool of water where the controls for the laser web had been. He shook his head. This girl was good. "Be mindfull anyway." He shouted forward. "Too much destruction might make the security come calling." "Yes sir." Daniel rolled his eyes. They continued crawling and it looked like Marina had taken the warning seriously. At least she'd stopped destroying the machinery. Then again, she did take out the rat-robots they encountered while going onward. When they reached where the ventilation shaft branched off, he chosed the one going upward. He showed them how to push against the sides of the shafts with their bodies to go upward. It wasn't exactly confortable but still they got onward. Then he had to stop. "There is another web up here." He told the ones beneath. "I can destroy it." Marina said from below. He shook his head before remembering that Marina couldn't possibly see him within the gloom of the centilation system. "I don't think so." He instead said. "If the sparks fall upon us we'll either fall or otherwise become wounded." He shuddered by the remembrance that he held no protection against electricity. "I have another idea." As the naiad spoke a chilling wind started blowing from bellow and as he watched the lasers he noticed they froze into submission. Again he shook his head. Marina was really good at this. Daniel then continued climbing and Marina froze two other webs they encountered before they came across another horizontal shaft. "If I remember correctly." He told them when they where all up. "We have three or more planes to climb before we reaches the command tower. From there we must enter the corridors again. The ventilation system is just to narrow." "Show the way." John said and Daniel continued crunching forward. This wasn't to become easy. He and Andrew had been forced to retreat while sneeking around up there. He did the sign of the cross and then brought out his sword.

Underwater lantern, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Thomas was forced to withdrew. Although his superhuman reflexes made him counter the deathly crossfire he had no time to counter. He really should've released the Vampire Killer when he'd got the chanse. He could only hope a miracle would help help Christian defeat the Chaos. Then three missiles shot past him and completely obliterated the three destroyer-droids. He spun about ready for everything and brought up his weapon in defence as the armoured individual stepped forward. The dome-shaped helmet only let one eye into view. For a moment he locked gazes with that calm grey ey. Then two armoured hands rouse to remove the outer face-plate. Thomas felt his mouth drop open as his gaze fell upon Ruth Van Helsing. "I'm sorry." She smiled. "I found this thing inside one of these rooms. Don't it fit me?" He shut his mouth, slowly shooking his head. "Don't ever scear me that way again." Her smile grew wider before she turned serious. "I don't know why but I felt it was my destiny who helped me find this suit." He gave her a look but noticed she was completely serious about it. "Well, I guess you know your own destiny better than I do." She smiled before replacing the face-mask. "Acording to the computer there is a bunch of attachements for the suit but I didn't want to stay around to find it." "What does that thing actually do?" He asked while looking about for more destroyer-droids. "It harness energy from enemy fire all until the shield is drained of its own energy." She showed him a small timer, showing the number 99, attached to the inside of her arm. "It also has its own map-reading computer and a com-system." She pointed toward a small orb embedded within her left palm and showed him an image of the lantern to demonstrate. "It also carry a standard laser. But according to the information I might change the type by easy installing within the wrist-gun's energy-converter." Thomas shook his head. He'd never been into technology and all this techno-babble didn't make him much wiser. "The energy also boost my abilities and this rocket-launcher might get in handy. Although I only have to ones left." "Well ang good." He cut her off. "But I hope you don't get coky by that blasted thing." She gave him a look but he didn't mind. He went over to the elevator which would take them to the tower in which he hoped they would find the central control-computer. The door slid open and a band of super battle-droids and probes started maching towards them. From the behind another group of destroyer-droids appeared. Thomas countered six of those monsters before Hell broke loose.

Command tower, underwater lantern. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Daniel and John quietly slipped inside the empty corridor in which the ventilation shaft had left them. A group of twelve battle-droids came running toward them. John snarled and drew his blade as quickly he could but Daniel where already among them. His cousin cut them down with a fierce determination, using his magic to repel their fire. John joined up by him and helped him cut down the few remaining droids. "Clever." Marina jumped down from the wentilation port and into the corridor. "Thank you." Daniel smiled and John growled. Such a womenizer. He threw it aside. An alarm started blaring and sounds of marching boots could be heard nearby. "Run." Daniel said. "Where to?" John asked while preparing a few nasty surprises his druid skills had presented to him. "That direction I think." Daniel pointed for the direction from which the sounds of the approaching enemies where coming. "I should've known that." John said before moving forward. To his surprise dough Daniel joined by his side while Marina came up behind them. They turned the corner and ran headlong into a squad of super battle-droids. They where not as tall as the typical droids. But they where bulkier and more equipped, with twin lasers bough on their wrist and shoulder. "Druid shield!" He brought up his defences just in time to counter the first array of lasers. Then he made flames burn around his blade as he and Daniel dashed toward them. It still surprised him how plain sword could cut down machines made of metal. The droids at the back of the squad opened fire but Marina froze the energy into tiny crystals. John struggled forward and cut down the last of them. Even so another squad of super battle-droids came marching toward them. John absentmindedly discovered the droids had appeared from one of the many closets within the corridor. He didn't have to to figure it out however. John and Daniel dived for the droids, swords in hands and already cutting them down while moving along. "Quick!" Marina shouted. "My freezing spells won't work for long." John shook his head. That clever naiad had frozen the lockets shut. He didn't had time to admire the handyworks as the droids where banging at the doors while moving between them. Marina renewed the spell as quickly she could but still it wasn't enough. They'd just passed the last closet when the doors opened, spewing out tens of super battle-droids. "Druid fire!" John bombarded them with his flames while trying to keep them at bay. "I might have a better solution." While he continued blasting John noticed Thomas was busy working the controls embedded within the wall beside them. Suddenly a pair of armoured blast-doors slammed shut between them and the presuing robots. John shook his head. Although he didn't want to admit it, it looked like Daniel knew what he was doing after all.

Underwater lantern, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Flames rouse high and although the repair-droids tried to shut them down there was still plenty of damage about. Thomas payed them no attention however. His grey fur was stained with blood, as was his armour. Still he continued fighting the remaining super battle-droids. His man-beast power made energy blaze around his lance as he spun it to repel their blasters. He went for their legs, somehow able to bite through metal without harming his teeth. When they fell he quickly bit their heads off. The destroyer-droids, it was still four of them left, was their main-conceran. The tricky machines had somehow strengthened their energy-shields to block even Ruth's missiles. It still surprised him how rockets and packagaes of energy seemed to fall from the defeated enemies. Then the destroyer-droids suddenly refolded and rolled away. When looking around he noticed even the worker-droids had vanished. "I just hate it when they does that." He smiled although it didn't came from his heart. "I know what you mean." He said while reloading his shotgun. The corridor lay in silence, except for the sound of the burning fire dough. Then two figures came walking toward them through the flames. Ruth moved backward, attempting to get a well aim at them. Thomas did the sign of the cross. This didn't feel good, not by far. The first was drapped in a black hood and cape, armoured within plates of crimson and gold, Dracula's colours. The second was big and bulky, carrying a giant ball and chain. The cloaked one threw back its hood and revealed itself as a werewolf. "Werewolf and Minotaur." He threw Ruth a look but she shook her head. Thomas didn't need her answer anyway. The werewolf brought out its sword which became set on fire with a clear crimson glow. Thomas lit his lance with gold in return, moving into a ready position. Just then the Minotaur made electrical current enguilt its mace. He again made the sign of the cross, making the werewolf growl. "Over here!" Ruth shouted. "I've secured the elevator!" Thomas didn't turn. "Go if you wish." His eyes grew narrow while probing the distance between him and his opponents. "This is something I have to do." He half expected to hear the doors slam shut. But instead Ruth appeared just next to him. "May the Lord protect us like he did Jackob and Joseph." He smiled and this time it came from his heart. Then the werewolf moved. He and Thomas met face to face, sparks falling about like rain when their weapons struck together. The Minotaurs shock-mace struck the floor where he'd been mere seconds ago and currents of electricity went about a short distance. Ruth fired her gun and made the Minotaur withdraw slightly. Thomas and the werewolf fenced back and forth, neither of them able to get an upper hand. Whenever the Minotaur moved at him Ruth fired shots of energy toward it. Thomas didn't mind. All his concentration and skill where used in mere keeping his opponent from killing him. Whenever he tried attacking the enemy blocked him or turned his blow away, an impressive move considering the larger size of his weapon. No time to mind that either. He struck at its legs and the werewolf jumped and sent a series of left-handed punches in return. Somehow Thomas managed to dodge and moved in beneath its defence. He let go of the lance and thus managed to trap his enemy's sword-arm, wrestling its weapon away. The werewolf struck at him and he noticed it just in time to save his life. The werewolf's gloves where armoured and upon each joints there was a spike of metal. Each with some dark goo upon it which surely was poison. Thomas couldn't help but shudder. He didn't felt like trying it out. His man-beast blood protected him from the lycantrophe curse but it didn't make him immune against poison. His respect for the enemy grew. He hadn't thought the werewolf smart enough to figure such a trick. He guessed he had to stop thinking about them like big brutes. He returned from his reverie just as his opponent threw an enflamed disc toward him. He channelled his own magic and turned it into a surge of pure energy which countered the enemy's fire. It dashed forward, slashing at him with its spiked gloves, forcing him backward. Thomas side-stepped and then threw himself directly toward it. The werewolf became so perplexed it didn't have time to react. He threw himself right between its armoured legs and then dug his own claws into his enemy's back. Although the cape hid the target somewhat he struck well enough to make the werewolf howl. More so when he summoned his magic to grant his slash more power. Then the werewolf turned and and kicked him high in the chest, sending him sprawling. He'd hoped he'd hit the heart or spine but clearly hadn't done so. His enemy threw another enflamed disc and he merely managed to dodge. The werewolf dashed toward him and Thomas struggled to roll to the side. That made the lycantrophe land directly into the still burning flames. Howls of pain resounded throughout the hallway but still it didn't stop it. The werewolf came jumping from the flames, its cloak on fire and with multiple wounds covering its body. Somehow that only seemed to add to its power. The beast collided with him and they bough fell to the floor. He felt its one hand close around his neck while the second scratched for his face. He knew he was dead but still used his last remaining strength to dig his claws into the neck of his enemy. Still it nearly managed to strangle him as its hand close within its death. He weakly tried pulling it away but didn't have any strength left.

Ruth screamed with a fierceness which frightened even her when Thomas fell. She dived forward, bringing up the fallen werewolf's sword. The Minotaur moved in for the kill but she moved in its way. It swung at her with the electrical mace and she dodged it and made the sword dig into its shoulder. The Minotaur roared and leached about, making the air glistened with countless sparks. She knew one successful hit would be enough to end the battle. She sent a flurry of shots at it with her blaster, making it retreat slightly. She then fired a rocket and then fired two more in quick succession. The battle should've been over but the Minotaur released a breathing cloud of smoke which turned her missiles into stone. Her amazement nearly cost her, her life. She dodged out of mere training and then slashed the sword. The Minotaur roared and then tried turning her to stone. She let go of the sword and dashed forward, pulling the switch in her palm and sent a series of shots right into its face. It wasn't intended but it surely killed the monster before it even reached the floor. She didn't mind however. She ran over to where Thomas where laying. She pulled away the corpse of the werewolf and Thomas looked up at her, his face wet with swet.

Thomas knew it was all over. Pain surged through him and it was like he was in an oven. The poison wasn't quick in work but it was killing him slowly. "Quick." He gasped at Ruth. "You must summon Renon so my legacy might continue. The Belmont clan need me, us, the Lecarde family." He tried open his purse but hadn't enough strength left. Instead Ruth pulled out the contract. Ruth unrolled it and a flash of light brought Renon to them. Shadows clouded his vision and a pain he thought he would never experience made him scream. "Drink this." The pleading tone in Ruth's voice would've made him wonder but now he only did as she told. The cold tip of crystal where pressed against his lips. He almost couldn't swallow but still the cold clear liquid went down. Then he screamed loader than ever before. It was like he could never stop. It was like coldness where gnawing him clean. Like one toutch would make him shatter into crystalline ashes. Then it suddenly where all gone. The pain and everything. He could see again and his strength where already coming back to him. "You should be thankful." Ruth said in a voice which couldn't entirely hide her relief. "I spent all my remaining gold on those antidotes. Here." She gave him the tiny vials containing clear blue fluid and also the contract. He put them all in the purse, then he went to pick up his lance. "We should be off before the droids figure out something is wrong and starts chasing us again." He retained into his human form and then moved for her to lead on. Ruth snorted something between her breath but then entered the elevator. Thomas rolled his eyes but then went after her.

Underwater lantern, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
The elevator moved slightly upward. John stood prepared at one of the two entries. The droids had tried enter their box before but that was some time ago. For now however things looked quiet. But not for long. Marina was the first to notice. "Moleminers!" She cried, making him and Daniel spin about. Through the floor of the elevator six small drills where carving holes through the floor. Arms of metal came through and soon six machines came entering inside their boc. The moleminers where just wagely resembling humans. More so they where torsos moving on one wheel. Their drills appeared from the skeletal heads and from their fronts their lone arms decended, armed and ready with heavy lasers. Daniel had told them about his adventures and described the machines which had tried to kill him. Acording to his information the moleminers where originally built to dig for minerals down in the earth in which humans couldn't investigate. The dragon insignia they bore on their left side of the "chest" made it all to clear that it where Brent corp who had made them. The lasers fired. "Druid shield!" The spell drew on his talents in fire, earth and thought. The pink shield deflected the first onslaught. Marina made it rain but it looked like at least these droids where water-proofed. Then Daniel moved in, sword in hand, deflecting the beams back at them. But then something unexpected happened. The droids repelled the energy in a deathly crossfire. "Druid gem." John acted without really knowing what he was actually doing it worked with that strange inspiration his druid abilities had installed within him. A clear indigo gem appeared and seemed to absorb the lasers. When the gem disappeared an eerie side-effect made its presence known. He felt refreshed and blazing with new magic. Still he felt a shudder. It felt to close to the power of dominance. Daniel snapped back and continued the attack as the moleminers continued to fire at them. Now Marina also snapped back to reality and began freezing their energy into shining gems or crystals. Then they suddenly released currents of electricity and thus send Daniel's sword flying. John focused his powers and then struck. "Druid pyre!" His control of fire and earth drew warmth from the air and his connection to the element of magic made it come to pass. Flames roared upward from where the droids where standing. The armour-protected rubber of their wheels exploded and the armoured plates surrounding their computers buckled and gave way so the heat could feed away on the controls and fueling-cells which then exploded. Marina helped him protect them by surrounding the still burning rubble with water, cooling them down and also securing them really where destroyed. "I wonder how they could move inside the trench to begin with." Daniel said while recovering his sword. John opened his mouth to speak his mind but where cut short as the elevator stopped. "Fifth floor." Marina said jokingly. "Men's wear." He rolled his eyes. Then brought out his sword. Just in time to get involved in battle. Three new destroyer-droids came rolling down the corridor as the marching boots of more droids could be heard not far off. "Here we go again." He made fire burn around his blade and then he and Daniel moved into defensive postiures. The destroyers opened fire at them just as the super battle-droids came into view.

Underwater lantern, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
The doors of the elevators slid aside and Ruth stepped out into the new corridor, Thomas was beside her, scouting for new enemies. But the corridor seemed to be perfectly deserted. Acording to her new map-reading computer they where just beneath the right tower. The hallway reached out before them. To the right where lines of closed doors while to the left there was several large windows. "We have to be careful." Thomas silently commented. She nodded, then began moving. Thomas threw a glance out the windows and his mouth fell open. She quickly moved beside him, then gasped. The window overlooked the lantern's main industrial-facileties. From the window she stared down upon a gigantium square hall. In all four corners where huge foundaries. Worker-droids, imps and dead mates seemed to be everywhere. But it wasn't the site of the hall nor the multitude of workers. The reason why her blood turned cold was what they where all producing. From the elevators came a successive row of filled crates, seemingly with resources for the factories. Each and every of the four giant workshops where spewing out new robots. At the far end of the humongous area tens of thousands of battle-droids where marching into one large portal. They where followed by row after row of super battle-droids, thousands in all. But even that wasn't the worst of it. One of the factories where preducing additional droids. Hundreds of destroyer-droids, probes, moleminers and numerous other droids where joining up before groups of 1.000 each went for the same portal. When the area was clean again it was already new lines of robots taking up spaze. "Seems like old Drac is preparing war." Thomas sounded all too calm but she could see his face had turned all pale. "I don't know how we might make it. But we have to destroy this area." Thomas nodded with agreement, a fierce look on his face. "Perhaps that we destroy the central control-computer might shut down the entire factory." Ruth smiled beneath her helmet. Before joining up with these people she'd never thought much about men. But there was something about this Thomas Lecarde which made her feel confortable. She shook her head and then began walking forward. Thomas grunted something unreadable before he followed suit. They turned the corner and still there was no security-droids about. But it was dead soldiers. One of them fired a shot from its rifle as the second threw a grenade at them. Ruth released a rocket toward it and made it explode. Thomas went on the offence, taking down one dead soldier after the other. Soon it was all over. Still, something was amiss. "It's to easy." Thomas looked around while bringing on his man-beast form. The corridor lay empty before them. Ruth walked toward the stairs at the other end, still nothing happened. She stepped onto the first step, Thomas ran toward her and stepped in front of her. "Let me handle this." She shrugged. Then continued climbing. When reaching the top of the stair they entered a round chamber with new windows, this time looking out at the underground lake. One spiral staircase lead higher up inside the tower. Ruth went toward the staircase with Thomas in close presuit. Then she heard the most beautiful voice she'd ever hear. The voice was singing. "Prepare for everything." Thomas said, more to himself than anything else. Finally Ruth saw who she was and gasped.

Command tower, underwater lantern. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Malus delivered a short formal bow toward the darkside lady. The darkside lady Rage stepped forward, a mechanical breathing sounding by each step. "Greetings my lady. Welcome to the underwater lantern." "You might dispense with the formality." Malus had to restrain a look of hatred from appearing on his face. The darkside had the support of the Dark Lord so some restrains would not be misplaced here. "I submit to lord Dracula's will. You are free to resume command of this installation." The fox-lady's black breathing-mask hid her face but somehow he was sure she was unimpressed by his movements. "I will retire." He offered a cordiall bow and then turned to leave the bridge in favour for the commander's chamber. It would soon be time to leave this area anyway.

Lady Rage calmly watched the Dark Lord candidate leave. Rudolf Malus had not absorbed any of lord Dracula's power. Or so his CPU told those with the correct codes. Although those files where classified there was ways to access them with the right connections. "Captain." She said and one of the vampires stepped forward. "Yes my lady?" "I want the intruders found." She knew about the insurrection but was unsure which of the Dark Lord candidates who supported them. No matter. She would force the answers from whoever had infiltrated the lantern. "My lady!" A lieutenant of her own species came running toward her. "What is it?" She wasn't really interested. "My lady." The male silver-fox saulted her. "Inteligence have concluded with the most disastrous possebilety. There is Belmonts here, inside this very lantern." Rage calmly acknowledged his knews. "Very well lieutenant." If she only could have smiled. This would give her a glorious opportunity to make revenge upon those who had made her become this way. "Where are they?" She asked with a voice as calm as death. The lieutenant answered and she actually laughed this time. "Withdraw all hands from that quarter. Send in destroyer-squad 2. When that is dealt with, evacuate the area. I will deal with them, alone." The lieutenant bowed and ran to delegate the command. She did not care as she turned and left the bridge.

Underwater lantern, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
The tiny spider looked down upon Thomas and Ruth with soft human eyes. The warm brown orbs held a devine sadness Thomas couldn't possibly understand. The spider sat in a web coloured like a rainbow made of jewels and silver. It's eyes, her eyes, beheld them from a face it must've stolen from an angel. Even the hairs on her legs looked like they where woven of golden silk. He'd never ever believed he would meet something so beautiful or exotic for that matter. "Who are you?" He said in a mere whisper. "What are you?" The spider, if it really was a spider, was still singing. If possible the voice was more beautiful than anything else about this wonderful creature. "A dream-weaver." Ruth mumbled like she didn't believed her own words. "Thomas." Her voice became lower still. "This is a miracle." He opened his mouth to speak when the wonder spoke. "No miracle there is. As thy should know Ruth Dinesti. Where dreamers are my kin will be." "Do you really make wishes come true=" Thomas just couldn't stop himself from saying so. This was like a fairy-tale becoming true. "If that is thy dream. If thou arrest true to thy heart." He didn't understand and wanted to say so but Ruth spoke first. "Dear dream-weaver." She pleaded. "Do you know how we might destroy this installation?" Thomas gathered himself. Of course Ruth was right. There was more important things than his selfish wishes. "Only thy heart does hide your question." The shining little spider said. "Heed my words kin of man and beast. Disastrous are my knowledge. The Darkness is gathering. Chaos stures and he thy know as Dracula is growing strong." Thomas shook his head. The spider told what whoever idiot might see with his own eyes. The tiny creatures looked to read his mind as it suddenly made things happened. All became black and it was like they stood in open space. Still he was able to breath. Strange dough. He had no lungs. Not anyway since it was only his mind who was present. A shining knot of silver and pearls flouted in front of him. "Thomas?" Ruth's voice asked from somewhere to the left. "Are you here=?" "I'm here." He reassured her, almost wishing he could reach out his hand to grasp hers. "This is the realm of dreams." From the shining knot came the voice of the dream-weaver. "What do you see?" It was like a memery from the book of Jeremiah. "I see multiple, countless stars." Ruth said. "What you see arrest not stars. They arrest the dreams of all living in all realms throughout creation." Thomas would've shook his head if he'd had one. Was all those lights dreams? It was incredible. "Dough even here the rifts of madness are leaking inside from the void behind the void. Where not even the Buddhists souls might go." To Thomas it suddenly was like a blackness beyond blackness begun leaking into the solf nothingness of this place. He felt cold and then felt more afraid than ever before in his life although he didn't understand why. "The fall of the Dark Lord and the banishment of the creature of chaos has resulted into a shift of power. The civil war among Dracula's possible successors has made it impossible for the balance to be restored. The Great Ones have contained the Chaos but thy must secure thy realm and see to re-establish the circle." Thomas eyes grew wide, figure of speech. "Do God wish Dracula to return? I just can't believe that." "Yes and no." The dream-weaver answered. "The Belmont clan is destenied to hunt vampires. You know that is truth." Thomas blinked his eyes. They where back in the real world again. But not to where they'd first met it. "Thou arrest within the commander's tower. One of thy evil arrest here. Thou must banish him back into the void. Thou must bring us back, full-circle." Thomas wanted to speak. Wanted to ask questions. The dream-weaver smiled as if it knew about it. Then it was gone. "Let's see now." Ruth had brought on her map-reading computer. By the hologram it looked like they where ¾ portions up in the command tower. Thomas picked up his lance from the floor and began walking. He wasn't sure if he understood any of it. But he knew one thing. If a candidate to success Dracula was here he would be sure he was dead before he was finished. Then Thomas's thoughts where cut short. Sounds of battle came drifting toward them. He ran forward. His friends needed him. He turned the corner and stopped dead in his track. All was chaos and combat. His friends where at the heart of the action. With a snarl on his face he turned into his beast form and dashed forward.

Command tower, underwater lantern. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Daniel swung his enflamed sword and sent the laser-fire right back at the super battle-droid. It was a miracle thig little bit of magic hindrered the machines in cooking the blade to atoms. No time to think about that. "Druid crystal!" John's spell took the brunt of their second attack and he moved to face the next row of super battle-droids. With fierce determination he cut down droid after droid after droid. They where going to pay for what they'd done to Marina.

Flashback.

The destroyer-droids withdrew and they where alone in the corridor. "I just hate it when they does that." John said while slowly brought back his blade. "I know." Daniel said. With a slight shudder he remembered what've happened with Andrew Hammer. "What's that?" Marina suddenly asked. Daniel and John quickly brought out their blades. "Good question." John said as he watched the strange shells of metal which fell from the floor. It was four of them in total. "Lord Jesus." Daniel did the sign of the cross. "Use sub-weapons against them." He told them. "Don't even try repelling their blasters." The Hellfire-droids then unfolded. They looked like bigger more mener-looking destroyer-droids. He put back his sword and instead prepared his holy water and throwing-cross. John gave him a look before he too brought out his axe and dagger. The Hellfire-droids released their six-prolonged arms, each with a heavy blaster. "Stay back." Marina said as she stepped forward. He opened his mout to speak and the droids opened fire. John screamed and dashed forward. Daniel threw his cross and flames erupted all about.

End of flashback.

He still felt sick after that the Hellfire-droids had murdered the naiad. And as if blasting her to pieces wasn't enough the repair-crew had dragged her off while she was still alive. Then they came toward them. Three new moleminers drilled through the floor while two new Hellfire-droids fell from the floor. With a determined summoning of God John moved toward the moleminers just as they opened fire. He let his magic flow through him and somehow became quick enough to dodge all the lasers. Fire and ice was one thing but he was gifted with the power of water too. He dropped a circle of holy water around himself and made it rise with fire as the Hellfire-droids marched forward. Four destroyer-droids came rolling down the corridor and immediately started firing their weapons. He threw daggers at them and made icicles rain all about them as the knives hit home. The Hellfire-droids opened their chest-plates and a multitude of rockets shot forward. "God!" He cried. "Into Your hands I surrender my soul!" He threw holy water in a wave forward and the missiles bursted into flames and exploded. Suddenly John came forward with eyes and sword burning with bright green magic. "Druid force-field!" The sheer force of the spell hammered against the droids. "Get down!" He knew he should've told him about it. Now it was too late. The Hellfire-droids absorbed the magical energy and from multiple small openings in bough their bodies and arms opened to spew out countless roaring flames. Daniel couldn't help but feel tears well up in his eyes when he remembered how these metal-monsters slaughtered Andrew. As soon the assault ended he was back on his feet to counter the four destroyer-droids who was back blasting their weapons at them. Blazing energy spread about them as John created one of those shields of his. Daniel threw his axe and made lightning rain down above the destroyer-droids. Although their shield-generators took the brunt of his attack it gave him time to destroy them. John ran forward and became thrown back as one of the moleminers again opened fire. They couldn't withstand much more of this. Soon they would become to tirered to use their magic. Then shots of fire made the nearest Hellfire-droid's head explode. Just then Thomas was at their side. He didn't have time to ask. The headless Hellfire-droids still blasted about and the other Hellfire-droids where in close presuit. Three new destroyer-droids came rolling and behind them followed another band of super battle-droids. Another armoured figure emerged. But instead of joining the New Order it started firing missiles at the super battle-droids. John's blade cut through the headless droid's chest and it exploded. Thomas picked up the remaining moleminer and tore it to pices with his bare hands. Daniel ran forward and cut right through the first two destroyer-droids with his cross as he finished the third with a quick stab of his sword. "Ruth!" Thomas shouted. "I know! I know!" The armoured figure emptied her last missiles when blasting the last Hellfire-droids to pieces. Gasping for breath he stood silence. Everything was silent. The repair-crew moved in and they just let them do their duty. Then the corridor was all empty. Then the door at the far end of the corridor opened and a figure in black armour stepped out. For a moment the masked figure stood watching them from the top of the staircase. All which could be heard was the mechanical breathing from their enemy. "The One is with you, young Belmont." The helmeted knight stared at Daniel who had to gather himself to stare back. "You are no vampire hunter yet." He nodded as he drew his sword. This was what he'd come here for. He didn't knew how he knew it, but it was the truth. "We take her together." "Her?" As the answer left his lips he noticed it. The shape of their enemy was clearly feminine. Then he merely nodded. Her gender meant nothing to the impending duel. If anything that would make things even more difficult. "I don't think so." The enemy rouse her arm and from hehind her four new destroyer-droids unfolded. Three new Hellfire-droids fell from the floor and from the other doors came two more destroyer-droids and a squad of super battle-droids. Daniel actually smiled. He walked forward as the others prepared to challenge the other enemies.

Command tower, underwater lantern. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
The door slid open inside the commander's quarters. Malus, who had retained his child form, looked up from his seat. He had been occupied by the five objects open the table at the centre of the room. He felt slightly surprised by the person who stepped inside. "Lord Frost." He said with a slight bow which the other answered with a bow of his own. Frost was not as large as his own adult shape. But the other Dark Lord candidate was clearly more handsome. His broad shoulders, blue eyes and blonde hair even made him look like one of their Belmonts. He could understand why Gilles De Reis held interest in him. "I am here to take command of Karack Warn." Frost told him and thus broke his line of thoughts. It did not surprise him. The arrival of lady Rage had concluded to something like this. "What do the prince of the vampires command?" Damien Frost smiled. Malus remained expressionless. His "comrade" was on top now but no matter. He knew ways to get even. "Lord Dracula decrees that you will go to Barnsdall valley. At the castle in Barnsdall other members of the Dark Lord's ruling circle will fill you inn on the situation." "I shall do as prince Dracula wishes of me." He rouse from his seat. He would have to leave his treasures behind in his rival's hands. But no matter. He knew Frost wouldn't dare to make use of them. He summoned his power and then teleported away.

Damien Frost walked to and then sat down in the seat young Malus had left to him. He felt the power radiating from the crystals laying on the table. He had not known the dark relic was here. The fact that Malus had left them behind was proof of that neither of them could use those items. In their present form they could slightly encance his own powers. He moved his hand and the commander's computer came to life. There he would find information about the current events. What he found there actually made him laugh. This was more promising then he had ever expected.

Command tower, underwater lantern. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Daniel and John stood before Black Rage. John held his sword at the ready while Daniel sat on his knees with his blade on the floor before him. His eyes where closed and his lips formed words of prayer. Rage kept silent, her mechanical breathing and the sound of battle downstairs was all which could be heard. Suddenly Daniel was on his feet, sword in hand and on the offence. John moved in beside him and Rage moved her hand. A bolt of pitch black electricity blasted toward them. "Druid shield!" Although he blocked her attack that made them loose their momentum. Rage threw back her cloak and a cylinder spew out a black blade of energy. Blue frost blazed around Daniel's blade and blocked his assault. John made fire burn around his own sword and the dark knight blocked him and counter-stricked. They exchanged a quick series of blows and then Rage fired another black bolt of electricity at Daniel who blocked and dashed toward her. John moved in from the other side and she blocked him again and then sent another black bolt at him. The electrical currency tore his sword from him and sent it flying. He ran to retrive it as Daniel met up to fence with Rage. He picked up his blade just as as their enemy fired a crimson ball of energy toward Daniel who blocked it with his sword. He ran to join with his cousin and swung his sword at her left arm. Then he was again sent flying as she made the air explode with black electricity right in his face. That was the last he felt before blackness took him.

Daniel couldn't stop a snarl from appearing on his face. His cousin was a good fencer and an even better magician. But he clearly wasn't used to fight with bough at the same time. He didn't have time to figure it out. He and Rage battled back and forth, to quick for any of them to use anything fancy. He gasped for breath but hadn't time to gather. Rage was so quick that she almost overwhelmed him during the first row. He summoned one of his magical abilities, enchanting his own mobility with the element of wind. He swung his sword and met the darkside's sword in time to turn it aside. Then he slashed forward and then dropped himself to the floor as Rage nearly beheaded him. He got to his feet and quickly swung his sword forward and forced her on the defence. John was back on his feet and joined up beside him. With his cloths on fire and smoke rising he fierecly attacked her left. Still Rage somehow managed to defend against them bough. Sparks of electricity flew about them like flashes of blue lightning. Suddenly Rage's dark caber, Daniel didn't knew what else to call it, cut through John's chest. The heat closed the wound before much blood became spread. Not that it mattered. She continued by cutting another deep gash in his shoulder. John fell to the floor without a sound and Daniel screamed.

Command tower, underwater lantern. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
The door slid open and Luna Saranow stepped inside. Damien Frost rouse from his seat to approach her. There was plenty to say about Malus and nothing was good. But he did have an eye for a misstres. She was short and skinny, like children tended to be. But the armoured uniform could not camouflage her shapliness. Big dark eyes looked calmly back at him as she knelt down. "What is thy bidding, my lord?" Treads of gold tied back her raven hair and let it fall all down her back. "Status." He asked. "The supplied back-up units have driven back the resistance-fighters. I consider that 1/3 of the cave of waterfalls are again on our hands. The dead soldiers and battle-droids are continuing to push their advantage. But if I may say so my lord. It was unvise of you to withdraw me from the forward command-centre." Her pointed ears quivered slightly by her restraint to continue speaking like this. He knew the signs. He had dealt with her kind before. The dark elves did not easily submit themselves to anyone. Neither did anybody with the least hint of elf-blood within them. Jugding by her features she was a half-breed by the least. No matter. He signalled for the were-panther and were-jaguar serving as his aids and body-guards to come closer. "Listen to your overlord's command." He told her, not careing if she wanted otherwise. "You are to stay by me and pay attention to my lead." "Yes my lord." She bowed in her kneeling position before rising to her feet. "I do not desire you." He told her as he returned to his seat. "These." He waved at the panther and jaguar. "Are more within my taste." "Yes my lord." She said as she joined him. Frost smiled. She would do as he wanted without question. Malus knew how to train his escorts well. No matter. It was her obidiance he demanded. Rage was strong-minded and difficult to control. She had decreed a general withdraw from the upper areas of the tower against his will. So be it. He knew how to make it work to his advantage. Malus thought he knew nothing of the dark artefact left in his charge. He knew more than any of them expected. He would emerge victorious whatever direction the events take. Even death could appear to serve his plot better than anything else. He would wait and move according to the events as they unfolded.

Command tower, underwater lantern. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Ruth fiered her gun and picked up the missiles dropped by the defeated super battle-droid. It still surprised her how bough the candles and fallen enemies could supply helping items. "Fire in the hall!" She dropped as Thomas cried to warn her. Two new destroyer-droids unfolded and started firing. One of the still standing Hellfire-droids joined in and released a barrage of rockets. Thomas snarled as he dashed forward and started tearing the droid's interiors apart before it could fire another missile. It lasers moved into position and Ruth shot its head clean off with a well-placed blast. The headless droid began firing at random all until it exploded. Thomas became thrown backward but somehow managed to land on his feet. Ruth screamed as a series of bolts struck her in the chest and lover sections. Although the energy shield absorbed the blasts it felt nothing but confortable as she became thrown sprawling. She got back up and inspected her energy-metres. Only 47% left to go. "Not good, not good." She mumbled. She picked up the glowing globule left by one droid and the energy quickly rouse up to 61. There was no time to rest however. At least half the squad was still on the offence. And although all but one Hellfire-droid where able to fight, the main control-computer where still delivering back-up units. Perhaps they should've destroyed it whatever that dream-weaver said. Some of the rockets hit her and she was sent flying against the wall. Alarms sounded, telling her she'd suffered almost a devastating blow. "You bastard!" She got to her feet. That Hellfire-droid was a goner. She picked up the remains of another droid and threw it in front of her, blocking the next array of rockets delivered by the Hellfire-droid. She then fired all the missiles she got left. She had a momentary pleasure of watching it explode before another destroyer-droid almost blasted her into oblivion. She was down to 11% and knew she where in trouble. She followed the laws of Moses. The Lord would have to save her.

Thomas spun his lance. Energy blazed about his weapon as he dug it right into the chest of the nearest destroyer-droid. He'd noticed their shields deflected bough quick moving energy-projectiles and slow-moving empovered weaponry. So he used his man-beast power to move quicker than even their shield could blow. If only Patrich, his cousin, could've been here to see it. But he'd insisted going to visit the Belmonts instead of remaining and aid their village. He shook his head. He was ranting and knew it. He jumped high to avoid the fire of two super battle-droids and landed behind them to remove them as a treat. He knew this was all a waist of time. Each moment they spent on fighting these worthless machines the more time that black knight got to kill Daniel and John. Ruth came running over to him and he noticed there suddenly was no more droids. Well, not exactly. There where plenty of droids standing a distance away but they seemed to have frozen in place. "What do you think it means?" Ruth asked him as she picked up some more of those energy orbs. "I'm not sure." He said. "But it reminds me about how it was when we destroyed the central computer in the crystal castle." Ruth shook her head. "My data shows the computer is still active." Suddenly it clicked. "Come on." If what he remembered was true they might be going their way after all.

Command tower, underwater lantern. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Daniel blocked another series of blocks before stepping back. Something he'd learned was not to underestimate lady Rage. She was using her anger to fuel her magic and threw it all against him. He only had a moments breath before she moved on the offence. He blocked her attacks but although lost track of her offences. He gathered his wind magic around him and thus sped up his own mobility. Even so he was just barely quick enough to counter. He slightly got on the offence but was once again forced ton the defence. If he'd only been able to use direct magic like John did. But John lay dead on the floor. He was on his own now. He got an idea and changed the ice magic in his sword into wind. Contact between the two energies made sparks fly about. He used Rage's momentary lapse to kick her off of the platform. Below his friends where still fighting against the machines. They would have to take care of themselves. He moved into the shadows beneath the catwalk. Beside the sounds of battle all was silent. Opposite him was a circular disc which looked to lead deeper into the lantern. "Wait young Belmont." Daniel spun around with the sword at the ready. Upon the wall hung a web of woven treads of gold, within the web rested a creature of silk and velvet. "A dream weaver." Although Thomas had told him about his meeting it was still a living miracle. He shook his head. He had no time for this. "Please." He instead pleaded. "Make my friends be alive again. Make them be safe." "If that is thy wish." A flash of gold almost blinded him. He blinked, the dream weaver still hung there. "I warn thy still." She said. "Thy wish lead only to more suffering. I warn thy. Thou arrest at peace with the Great Ones but even so, never underestimate the power of the Darkness." "Have I ever heard that before." He dryly commented as the tiny being vanished. Daniel stepped over to the door. He frowned slightly when he noticed it was painted a clear blue colour. It reminded him about something he couldn't quite figure. "Be the will of God." He mumbled before pressing the button which opened the door. A corridor with stripes of red light went before him. He hadn't gone long before reaching a second blue door. He opened the door and had merely stepped inside when it went into place behind him. The light faded and only a faint glow from the controls and a series of circular windows made it possible for him to see. All was silent. All, except from a slight bubbling sound coming from the round pools spread throughout the area. He stepped forward. Rage came slowly walking forward, only her steps and mechanical breathing broke the silence. He went into a defencive stance as he summoned wind and ice. But Rage only stood there. Then she spoke. "You have learned to control your fear. You feel no anger towards me." He opened his mouth to answer but she interrupted. "Don't try to lie to me Belmont. I feel it's true." Daniel couldn't have said how he knew it if anybody could've asked him. But he was sure Rage smiled beneath her mask. Her hands hung at her side. Since he entered the room she hadn't made one aggressive move. She must be planning something. He thightened the grip on his sword. "As for your weapon." She seemed to cut right into his thoughts. "That is no treath for someone who truly masters the dark powers of the world." "No." He refused to believe her. "Not even you can do that." "You think not?" Rage taunted. "Then look, look upon this laptop. My power might lift it up." One of the many computers upon the desk beside them lifted into the air. "My magic make me use it for any purpouse I may choose. As like, a missile!" She made a plain gesture and the tiny computer shot at him. Daniel swung his sword and sparks rained and the computer fell upon the ground, cut clean in half. "Impressive." Rage taunted. "Much impressive. But you still underestimate me. Watch." Rage gestured and one of the tubes became ripped off the wall and quickly shot at him. "I'm not without skills myself." Daniel splintered the tube and dashed at her. "True." Rage brought out her light-caber toto block his blow. "But can you fight and defend at the same time?" Rage swung at him and then sentseveral more computers at him. Daniel summoned ice and shattered the projectiles. Rage stabbed and then swung. Daniel summoned wind and then ice to block. He had his own ranged weapons of his own. Daniel threw his daggers and made it split into a wave of daggers. Rage roared and a single ball of crimson electricity flew from her hand. When they collided the orb exploded and when Daniel could see again Rage came walking toward him with her weapon rised and ready. Daniel couldn't help but feel afraid. That black iron mask hid the face of his enemy, still it was like Daniel could feel her smile. "I feel your fear." She gestured and several pipes became ripped free. Daniel did the sign of the cross, summoning the Lord in his heart. Ice and wind welled up in him and Daniel smiled. He swung his sword and cut her projectile to pieces and threw the into the acid pits. "Fear is what might give children of God bravery to do His will." Daniel smiled. "If that is your destiny." Suddenly she rouse a hand and a powerful bolt of crimson lightning blasted toward him. Daniel summoned his power and threw his axe and made lightning strike down. Somehow Rage managed to dodge and then attacked. Her caber cut and stabbed at him with a blinding speed. Daniel came to meet her and for some time he was busy defending himself. Rage threw all her anger and hatred toward him. Daniel released all his strength and focused entirely upon the elements of ice and wind. Rage mask glared at him. Daniel could feel her frustration. He side-stepped and swung at his enemy again. Rage blocked an then blocked again. Daniel then swung again and his blade cut through his enemy's hand. Raged gasped as her hand fell to the groud. Rage roared with pain and hatred. Daniel stepped backward. Then Rage went berserk.

Command tower, underwater lantern. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Thomas ran up he steps to stand beside Ruth. "He's still alive." Her voice was somewhat obscured by the helmet's speaker. John lay upon the floor,pale as a corpse. Thomas put his hand on his wrist. Only the slightest pulse could still be felt. He quickly brought out one of those healing potions he'd purchased fom Renon. John gasped and then began breathing more regular as they helped him to drink. The Belmont closed his eyes, then shuddered. When he opened his eyes he looked back with the same thoughtful look Thomas knew so well. "It's nice seeing you all right again Johnny." He jokingly said. John shook his head. Here." Ruth had recovered his sword. "Thank you." John said while putting it back beneath his cloak. "Does any of you know where Daniel is?`" John then asked. "One moment." Ruth was busy working with her handheld computer. "All the Lord's angels!" She suddenly cried. "Look hee." She held out her computer so bough he and John might see. "He's still fighting the darkside." Thomas remarked. "Don't just stand there." John barked at her. "Yes. Yes. I'm orking on it." She brought up that 3D hologram Thomas recognised from before. "Here." She finally pointed at a small chamber beneath them which started blinking an ngry blue. "Let's go help him." He suggested while preparing his lance. "Of course." John brought out his sword. "Show the way." John told Ruth. She walked back downstairs. Thomas went over to activate the mechanism beside the door. Nothing happened. "That batard must've blocked it." He cursed. "Step aside." Ruth said. "I have some mechanisms of my own." Thomas and John exchanged glances. Then he just shrugged. Ruth knew what she did. T least Thomas hoped so. As soon they where out of the way Ruth fired five missiles at the door. It shattered open and Thomas ran inside. The room was a mess. Pieces of machinery lay everywhere. The acid pools boiledwith shattered metal and steam spread throughout the area. Thomas had difficulties with breathing in the foul air John and Ruth ran past him. At the other end of the room Daniel and the darkside was involved in fierce swordplay. When John swung at er Rage side-stepped and then threw him far back with a ball of crimson electricity sent from what remained of her right hand. John truggled to his feet. Ruth fired her laser at her. Rage blocked with her light caber-like weapon. Daniel went at her from the other side with his sword blazing with frost. She met him with a fierce counter-strike. Thomas stabbed at her and somehow she managed to dodge She swung at him and Thomas nearly became cut in half. He staggered backward and tripped upon a pile of broken machinery. Daniel threw a wave of daggers at her and then followed up by throwing his boomerang-cross. Just then John came running to aid his cousin. Ruth fired at her just as Thomas got back up. Black Rage blocked Ruth's shot but couldn't dodge allof Daniel's daggers. They dug into her jus as the cross cut into her leg. She fell to one knee just in time to become beheaded by John's sword. Thomas got in time to drag him backward as she exploded. "May the Lord pedged mercy upon her soul." Daniel said. For some reason he looked ashamed. "I did the sign of the cross you know." John put a hand upon his shoulder. "Nothing bad in that old man." Daniel laughed. "Verry funy." Thomas broke in. "But don't we have other things to do?" The Belmonts became serious. Then Ruth came forward. "Rage shut off the droids so she might turn all her attention onus." She told them. "The central control computer will soon start bringing in back-up units." "Blast it." Daniel struck one fist against the palm of his other hand. "Don't mind." John said. "The bridge is just ahead of us remember?" Ruth nodded. "Let's go then." Daniel said. They moved out. Thomas noticed the look John thrw at his cousin and rolled his eyes. Things loked to be just perfect.

Command tower, underwater lantern. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
The door slid open. To John's surprise there where nobody on the bridge "She must've been able to send an evacuation-call before she perished." He said. "You think?" Daniel shook his head. "Most likely the commander is behind it all." Thomas gave a confused look. "But why should he do that?" The mn-beast asked. "I mean." He added. "It's like he want us to take him." John grunted. "It's rather simply I think." Ruth explained. "He think he might take us." John shut his moath. Beyond all her bravery he had to put away his picture f her as a dumb blonde. He went across the room to where a second step lead even further upward. "It's the general's private office." Ruth had brought up that hologram ofhers. John didn't care. This was what they'd come here for. "Wait for us." Daniel ran to keep up with him as John made the door open. Together they entered the general's private chambers.

(A.N: Here ends another chapter in my story. I'm in great debt to George Lucas to some of my key-ideas. For the next chapter I reach a crossroad. Have a merry Chistmass.)