Part 1: Quest of the Vampire Killer.

"If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"

John: 21. 22.

Chapter 35: Mad forest.
Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Heinrich Schneider muttered. "I don't like this." He glanced about. "I don't like it at all." Patrick Oldrey nodded. "I know what you mean." All since they'd left Old forest they'd seen more and more proves of Dracula's growing power over the countryside. According to the map Patrick had purchased from Renon they now where in Barnsdall valley. The forest had been cold and it has been snowing. Then, from one step to the other, they'd came into a landscape where a dwelling fall ruled. They went in ankle-deep piles of dead leaves. Wines climbed up the trees. Leaves and flowers hung everywhere like a gust of spring. Suddenly a wave of bats flew at them. Heinrich swung his sword. It was a family heirloom. It had been the weapon of Michael Heilhardt Schneider. The husband of Richter Belmont's sister, Ruth Belmont. Heinrich had no real right to bear it dough. His father had been the second born son of the house. He'd been permited to carry it since its real wielder, his cousin Alicia, had left it behind. Patrick fired his shotgun at the remaining bats. "I wonder what it's all about." Patrick said while reloading his weapon. "Only God knows." Heinrich said while cutting down some candles. He thankfully picked up the axe from the ground. Heinrich's only weapons were his sword, his crucifix and some knives. He was gifted with fire, lightning, water, earth and spirit. His father Gustaf had told him it was some of the most usual found in the descendants of the Belmont clan. Heinrich shrugged. He knew he was all ordinary. But he used pray to God that he would walk the distance. Even dough the moon cast a clear light on the forest it still felt like darkness was all around them. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. "I know." Patrick smiled. Heinrich noticed it didn't come from the heart. Heinrich nodded. He too felt his mind depressed by this area. Heinrich picked up the last remaining crystals. Then they continued walking. Something big suddenly appeared from behind the trees at the other end of the clearing. They brought out their weapons. Already it was too late. The bulky being opened its lone eye and bough Heinrich and Patrick became turned into stone.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Alicia swung her sword and cut the wines blocking their path. Torah Fernandez calmly watched her cut down the remaining wines. As a part dryad Torah knew she should feel pity for them. Instead she felt joy. That these undead flowers met a quick and easy salvation. Marcia sat upon her shoulder. The air was to dank for her to fly in. Now that Adrian had left with St. Germain she and Aliia where alone again. Torah couldn't help wonder what Christian Belmont needed Adrian for. "Heart of fire!" She sent a fireball forward as a group of zombies rouse from the rotten vegetation. "Thanks." Alicia said, turning to look at her. Torah came over and helped her clean her glasses. The wet air fogged her view. Bough she and Alicia's hair hung dry and dank right down. She ad packed her winter - clothing in her backpack, as had Alicia. Torah felt almost shy when looking at her friend. Alicia had removed her black leather-jacket and her BMW T-shirt plastered against Aliia's upper body. She'd tied her hair into a loose ponytail to keep it out of her face. Torah's hair was to short so it just hung down around her face. Torah had never knew her mother. Alicia was around 19 and was too young to be her mother. Bats suddenly flew from a nearby tree. Alicia swung at them just as Torah gathered her magic around her. "Fountain of fire!" It was a new trick she'd uncovered. A wave of fireballs arched from her hand and darted onto enemies normally she would've been afraid of starting a fire. But this wood was so dank and rotten it seemed to swallow her flames like nothing. "Sorry for saying this." Alicia said as she continued cutting a free path. "But I would like it if you burned down this entire Hell-hole of a forest." Torah blinked. She'd never heard Alicia say such things before. In her heart however she agreed. This wood was so twisted, so depraved; it would be a mercy to be burned away. Torah wondered what Saria would say. When they'd first entered Torah had actually thrown up. The forest smelled like a scrap-pile. "Are we still on the correct path?" She asked. Alicia threw the shining little object a glance. "I think so." She answered. "The arrow is pointing eastward." They'd found the golden compass inside a hole in the ground. The things troubled her. It was like Torah remembered having read something about a golden compass sometime. Then again. Chaos was poisoning the countryside. Almost everything could be possible here. At least that little object kept them on the right path so far. They'd agreed to meet at the train. Torah could feel through her magic the seal was gone. Still there was something about the forest which bothered her. The vampires who had cast the spell might be gone. But the origin of their evil power still existed. It had linked with something or someone in the forest that was the reason behind the eternal autumn. The power was so strong here that Torah didn't even dare to reach out to investigate its potency. She only hoped Edward and Saria would be there to meet them.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Alicia grabbed Torah by the shoulder and drew her behind a tree. "Don't move." She hissed into her ear. Her view might be obscured but she still had that sixth scent of the Belmont clan. The mad smell of rotting vegetation filled their noses. Still neither of them moved. Marcia slowly climbed the tree in front of them. "It's two of them." She whispered. Alicia nodded, bringing out the sword she'd borrowed from Edward Morris. Then she noticed Torah had brought out her ring-smash too. "Stay low." She advised. "And be quick about it." Alicia had promised Edward once to stay away from the dark wanderers. But she just couldn't sit motionless while the monsters which had driven out her family passed by. When feeling prepared she attacked. They hissed like steaming snakes on her approach. "Belmont." One of them breathed. Bough where tall figures drapped and hooded in black cloth. In a matter of seconds one brought out their weapons, a sword and one axe Viewing the axeman as the most dangerous Alicia moved in on him. A black-glowed hand roused and a pale blue light shot out, hitting her like lightning. She was glad she-d pulled off her backpack before doing battle. Alicia was hit by a tree. She fell to the ground. "Prepare to meet thy God." The dark wanderer stepped forward. He began swinging his axe. Then Marcia came darting toward it, shining a bright glove of pure red. "Away from me insect." The wanderer mercilessly swung at her. Alicia screamed as the fairy fell to the ground. Then he got back up. Alicia didn't know where she got her strength. Powerful winds blow around them as she dashed forward. The wanderer tried to block. The axe shattered as Alicia summoned the power of the either medallion. It was one of her secret weapons. Sometime during the 1600s Desmond Belmont and his sisters, Zoe and Dolores, had found a bracelet of alchemy. Later it had shattered. Lydie Erlanger had then in 1748 created the three medallions of either, quake and bombos. Since then they had been items passed down through the Belmont family. Until 1798 when Richter Belmont had given them to his sister before her marriage. The wanderer staggered. Then he drew out a knife. Alicia knew that is she became stabbed she would be dead. She threw holy water at him. The cloak burned and his hood fell back. Although Alicia knew the truth it still didn't prepared her for the horrible view. The hood was all empty. The wanderer had no head. It was nothing there at all. What was more horrifying was the rusty old helmet flouting in absolute nothing. The distant voice of the dark wanderer laughed at her. Alicia gathered all her strength, remembering Marcia's bravery. She then stabbed forward. Sparks flew about as the two forces made contact. Alicia then brought out the Host. She stamped the envelope containing the body of Christ upon the wanderer. He hollowed. The scream was terrible. Then the cloak and helmet fell into a heap. Alicia minded neither the heap nor Torah still fighting the other wanderer. She threw aside all the dead leaves until she found Marcia. The fey didn't shine no more. Still Marcia was alive. Although it was just barley. "Alicia." She struggled to speak. Blood was oozing from the gash across her mid sections. "I'm here little friend." Alicia assured. Marcia weakly smiled although it barely became a grimace. "Promise." She gasped. "Promise you'll find my daughter." "Who?" Alicia asked, confused by her friend's words. With great pain Marcia told her about Rose. "She was taken." Marcia told. "Some cousins from another fountain brought words that she was brought to Dabi's path in Barnsdall." Alicia nodded. "I understand." Marcia smiled as a soft green light began to shrine around her. "I'm so proud of having known you." "Me too." Alicia honestly said. "Fear well Alicia." A bright flash of green light almost blinded her. When she could see again the fairy was gone. Alicia dried away a few tears. All since Marcia had joined them in Old forest she'd been with her. Alicia gathered herself. She would find Rose and save her from the New Order.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Torah swung her ring-smash as the dark wanderer withdrew. His black cape blew in the wind. Torah again nearly threw up as the scent of rotting vegetation blew around her. She was sweating. Still the presence of her enemy chilled her. The empty black hood of the wanderer glared at her. Even so se felt his hatred against someone who resisted his power. More so that Torah was able to fight beyond her fear. "Winter's heart!" Torah cast her spell and bitter frost, clear and natural in this supernatural heat, shot forward. The ball threw the wanderer hard against a rotten tree. The old trunk collapsed but the wanderer merely rise back up. "I live in the world of shadows." It came toward her, dark and gloomy as ever. "You cannot defeat me." He reached out with his hand and his sword returned to him. "Rainbow flare!" Torah desperately cast another spell. Arching flames, like shattered opals, rammed into the wanderer. He fell to his knees as his cloak began to burn. "Impressive." He grunted. "The bloods of wizards are still powerful in our family." Black smoke rouse from the heap of black cloth and armour. "I will not underestimate you the next time we meet." Then he was gone. Still Torah felt a strong shiver go through her. The wanderers where so powerful. She had met her first wanderer in battle and still lived. Torah felt no victory. These dark creatures where the proof. Even dough Dracula was defeated; his shadow would find new ways to power. She remembered having read something in her family chronicle about that her great grandmother hadn't supported Julius Belmont in his eclipse idea. "Thi idea of yours," Torah remembered the text. "Might work. Even so it have so many potential dangerous side-effects. It's too dangerous. It's madness." Torah shook her head. Then was not now. She and her generation of vampire hunters had a chance to do better. To undo the mistakes of their ancestors. The Belmonts had defeated Dracula so many times. The Dark Lord needed only to win once. Their faith in God has passed them through. Torah understood the fear Dracula's potential victory might inflict in his enemies hearts. What they hadn't considered dough was what might happen if Dracula was to be ultimately defeated. It'd been a long time since the dark wanderers last where sent out. That much her family chronicle concluded. Several candidates fighting for Dracula's throne had resulted in all this. Her grandmother Yoko had been sure of it. "Torah." Alicia brought her out of her reverie. "I have your things." "Thank you." Torah smiled gratefully as she put on her backpack. Her school-uniform was drenched in sweat. She hoped they might find one of those ponds soon.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
The accursed princess was not pleased. She sat on her Wyvern as the two knights' delivered to her by the warlock lord retained their forms of the living world. The Dark Lord Dracula had sent his servants to this valley. Some to investigate the spirits ruling Barnsdall. The dead princess looked with disdain upon them. "We where sent to round up the Belmonts." She hissed. "Not to be defeated by children witches and feries." "Do not overestimate your own power." One of the dark knights retorted. "Do not dare to challenge me!" The princess screamed. "I summon the power of darkness." The second knight hissed. The princess acknowledged. "True." She sniffed the air. She could not smell other living blood then those lower inhabitants of the forest. The accursed princess shrieked. She was answered. Four figures, cloaked and hooded like the dark wanderers came flying from the south. Their large black wings where no more real then her body. It was the dark will inside the black hoods. Darksides where wizards once. Then they became possessed by the dark power they themselves had summoned. They became living wraiths. Although not as powerful as the wanderers themselves they where still useful. The twisted magical force could turn them into any forms or shape they might choose to embody. At least as long it would contain the form they whore in the world of the living. "Excellent." The dead princess hissed as the darksides landed. She then gave her order. "Bring me the Belmont." The followers of the Dark Lord Dracula spread out. Then the accursed princess whipped the rains of her beast. It took to the air and then she was gone.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
While Torah was still washing herself Alicia was busy washing their clothing. This was pure madness. The land outside Draco wood was trapped in eternal winter while this cursed valley was entrenched in everlasting fall. It was Torah who'd found the pond. At first Alicia had been afraid to swim in it. There could be monsters or nymphs hiding in the water. The little sorceress however sent out her wild spirits to investigate the pond. They had found nothing. It felt rather refreshing, Alicia had to agree that. She hadn't bathed in weeks. Alicia smiled. She'd packed some soap when leaving home. Although Alicia wonderer when she would have to use it with the ice and all. She was thankful now however. Without the soap they might not have been able to wash away sweat and dirt. Alicia threw a glance to where Torah was swimming. The kid's hair shone now that it was clean again. Ow old was she really? Rather beneath than over 15 she would guess. Alicia blushed with her own thoughts and more forcefully than before began washing their clothing. Perhaps the dark power was starting to affect her after all. Alicia grasped the crucifix around her neck. She prayed to the Lord for guidance.
Alicia lit the fire. She could've used magic but that might attract the followers of Dracula. Alicia had used Edward's sword to cut the branches of some trees. Alicia had expected Torah would argue about it. Instead the little sorceress had helped her pick out fresh branches from those who where already dead. When she'd asked Torah about it she'd answered that it was a mercy. Someone or something was sapping the forest's power. Although Alicia couldn't feel it. She saw the evidence around her. Before lighting the fire Alicia had sprinkled the wood with some holy water. It wouldn't harm if the wood was okay. And if it wasn't she hoped the holy water would cast out the eil spirits inhabiting the tree. Torah had helped her sprinkle a whole tree with the holy liquid so that they might hang their clothing there to dry it. A most wonderful thing happened when the holy water was stained upon the tree. The leaves became green again and the branches became hole and fresh again. The ugly-smelling wines and mushrooms vanished and even some green grass and flowers appeared around its routs. "The Lord blesses the land." Alicia did the sign of the cross. Torah hugged her. "Thank you." She'd said. Then she'd gone away and hadn't spoken for a long time. Alicia wondered what it was all about. "Sorry." Torah finally said. "I didn't mean to be rude." Again it became silent. Alicia said nothing. "It's just… "Torah looked away. "I've never been naked together with older women before." Alicia slowly nodded. She understands. Torah was young. If she'd had a female gym-teacher she must've had a private area. Torah continued. "Nancy, a friend of mine, once told me about a female teacher of my school being together with boys my age." Alicia felt disgusted. It was the power of Dracula, no doubt. Alicia cursed. Then she did the sign of the cross. "I respect your sincerity." She heartfully told her. "To show I mean it I'll tell you a secret o my own." She took a deep breath before continuing. "I once made out with one of the darksiders." Alicia felt her cheeks turn red. "It was a witch and some Satanists who once stayed at our inn." Torah got to her feet and went to inspect their clothing. "You're gay then?" She asked, trying to sound casual. Alicia roused. "I guess so." Torah said no more but instead starting dressing herself. "Don't be like that." Alicia almost screamed at her. "Don't touch me!" Torah shot back. "It was one like you who killed my grandmother." Alicia staggered backward. She hadn't expected such hatred, such sorrow from Torah. With a sinking heart Alicia also began dressing. "Torah." She silently said. "I didn't lie to you." Torah merely snorted. Alicia felt like being hit. Still she continued. "I will die to protect you." "I can take care of myself." Torah said. "I don't need your help." They finished dressing. Then they continued walking.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Torah used her ring-smash to cut an opening in the thick wines. She almost wanted it was Alicia she was cutting. Torah thought about all they'd been through since the met outside Ravenberg power-plant. And through it all Alicia had only waited to rape her. Memories of what she and two friends of her once did poked her mind. Torah threw it aside. That didn't count. They'd been mere children. Still it was hard to believe that Alicia was like Dietrich Orlock. She as right behind Torah just now. She'd set two of her wild spirits to watch her in case Alicia planed something. Torah wished, and not for the first time, she where back with Edward and Saria. "Watch out!" Alicia grasped her from the behind. Torah screamed. She knew it would happen. Alicia would… Then Alicia darted forward, her sword at the ready. A pack o bone-men and zombies appeared from the earth. "God with us!" Alicia mimicked Edward's war-cry as she cut down the firt bone-man. She then sent a wave of three-prolonged knives at some zombies. Torah got to her feet as Alicia doused some bone-men in holy water. Then some zombies managed to knock the sword from her. Alicia grasped inside her purse and suddenly the earth shock and the enemies where thrown about. Alicia staggered, then fell to her knees. Some bone-men and zombies which had survived the onslaught again drew near. "Dance of the nuthatchers!" Snow blew all about as Torah cast her own spell. Multiple smaller feries danced around as a soft blue light blazed about. When it was all over the bone-men where all turned into frozen ashes. "Come on." Alicia had retrieved her blade and where already on the move. Torah followed. Why was she doing this? Why couldn't Alicia leave her to hate her in peace? For now she had to wait. If the dark wanderers was still out there that little show of theirs would draw upon them like moths to the lamp. Torah thus kept running.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Alicia was running. Away from bough the possible presuming enemies and from herself. She could through some sixth sent feel Torah's wild spirits watching her. Alicia knew she shouldn't have used that quake medallion. Although she knew that wasn't the real problem. Before Torah would've hurried to her aid. She'd helped even now. Although Alicia could see it troubled her. Alicia cursed herself for having told Torah abut she was lesbian, or bi at least. If only Marcia or Adrian had been here. Perhaps they would've been able to make peace between them. Absorbed as she was Alicia nearly ran head-first into a rocky slope rising before them. Alicia winched inwardly by the scornful look Torah gave her. "Top it." She couldn't bare it any longer. "The Dark Lord is upon us." Alicia stated. "We can't go on like this." Torah glared back. "Then what do yu propose?" She shot at her. Alicia didn't wish to say this. However, she had no choice. "Either we must strengthen our friendship." Alicia said. "Or, if we cannot keep the peace, we have to split up." Whatever Torah had expected, it wasn't this. "You don't intend to rape me?" TShe blurted out. Alicia rolled her eyes. "No." She stated. "I don't." Alicia then became serious. "I told you earlier. I'll die to protect you if so be it." Torah slowly shook her head. "Sorry Alicia. It's all so difficult." A spark lit in her eyes. "I promised grandmother I would support the Belmonts. When doing so I didn't look for someone to look after me." Alicia made a defensive gesture. "It's not like that at all." She explained. "Throughout history my family have been supported with a strong cast of trusty companions and loyal friends." Alicia tried to smile somewhat. "Although they brandish their own weapons and tools of destruction it's my family which became chosen to hunt the night." Torah shook her head. "That still doesn't make sense."She said. "Trevor Belmont didn't watch after Sypha Belnades." "In some degree he did so." Alicia countered. "Trevor Belmont was in love with Sypha remembering?" Torah spat on the ground. "Do that mean you're in love with me then?" Alicia quickly shook her head. "What I tried to say was that the Belmont lading the group of vampire hunters. He, or she," Alicia quickly smiled. "Must bough lead and protect the others." Torah looked carefully at her. "So that's why you always come to help me when I can't handle things." Torah asked. "Not always." Alicia retorted. "We work together. Sometimes however we have to test each other to see if we can trust one another." Suddenly Torah gave a slight giggle. "You say you only lead and protect us. Then why do you act so strange toward Al sometimes?" Alicia blushed. She couldn't help it. "He is attractive." Alicia confessed. Torah siled gleefully with victory. Then she gave another giggle. "e is." She said. Alicia opened her mouth to speak. Just then portions of the hill became tore out. Alicia made the sign of the cross as Torah screamed with fear. "God in Heaven!" Figures made out of solid rock came toward them. Alicia didn't bring out her sword. Hugh Baldwin's sword possessed great power of its own. Even so Alicia knew it was no match against the rock-creatures. But she still had other tricks up her sleeve. "Stay back." She warned Torah. "This I must do myself." Alicia grabbed inside her backpack. She'd only two of them left. Alicia had found them in one candle during their adventure. She quickly threw her garlic-grenades at the approaching rocks. "Rainbow fire!" Explosions waved about as Torah added her spell to Alicia's power. Alicia didn't stop to celebrate. "This way!" She shouted. "Hurry!" She began running down the slope to the south. Alicia knew it was the wrong direction according o the golden compass. They had no choice however. At least this way would lead them past the highest portions of the hill. If Alicia remembered correctly these hills where the west most portions of the forest hill. The train went through a tunnel below them, at least Alicia had once heard it be said. She wished a map of the countryside for Christmas. As Alicia crossed the moor she was happy to see the fall forest merely continued a few kilometres before reaching the winters landscape. At least she remembered something of this side of the forest. Alicia turned her gaze further south. Beloved her, and further to the west, Alicia saw the fisher marshland. It was winter there now, as it was around Vlad ruins. "What do you think about that?" Torah had now reached up to her. Alicia followed her finger further to the south and east. Mist shrouded the heart of Barnsdall forest. "Marcia once said the village in Barnsdall lay in that direction." Torah said. Alicia nodded although she was more interested in the view. "I think it's further to the east." She finally said. "I think you're right." Torah agreed. "I think it's at the other side of that small creek running through the valley." Alicia nodded. "Then it's at least a few kilometres from the village." Alicia wondered what it was. It was no fog around the fall part of the forest "Come on." Torah finally said. "We must go." Alicia nodded and they began walking downward. Soon they where again surrounded by the rotting trees of the forest.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2+09 A.D.
Torah reached out a hand and laid it upon the tree. She shook her head. "I don't get it." She finally confessed. "The tree, branches and all, are turned into stone." Alicia carefully viewed the portion of the forest. An area of at least ten meters where all grey. Trees, ivy, mushrooms and grass where all dull grey rock. "I don't like this." Alicia almost whispered. "I have a bad feeling about this." Torah agreed. "We better get away from here" Alicia shook her head. "It's already to late." She pointed skyward. "Look." Torah felt her blood turn cold as she saw it. A figure draped and hooded in all but black circled above them. "Darkside." It was almost a curse from Alicia's lips. "An undead spirit. A wizard neither living nor dead." Grandmother Yoko had been unwilling to tell her much about these creatures. She knew it was wizards who'd summoned dark powers they'd been unable to control. This darkness had thus possessed them, body and soul alike. Thus morphing them into foul undeadwraiths. The darkside shrieked and Torah shuddered. "God with us! "Alicia shouted as she draw her sword. Never should Torah forget this moment. How Alicia moved forward to fight this creature. Torah had fought against the dark wanderers, the masters of these monsters. She still wondered where she'd found courage to do so. Torah struggled to get up from her croatched position. Then she discovered she just couldn't. orah tried finding the courage she'd felt earlier, but failed. All she could do was to pray Alicia would defeat it.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Alicia swung her sword. The darkside vanished. She threw holy water at the crystal which appeared in it's place. The crystal shattered. The darkside laughed at her. "You have strong powers child." A voice hissed at her. "But so have I." The voice again laughed. "Taste my power and learn your place, godly-lock." Hands covered with black gloves reached for her. Then black bolts of electricity shot forward. Alicia summoned life magic to block. Instead the black lightning tored the weapon from her. Alicia ran but another wave of darkside magic hit her. Alicia screamed as the dar electricity went through her. She became thrown several meters. Then darkness swallowed her. The last sound Alicia heard was the laugher of her enemy.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Torah shivered with fear as the darkside came walking toward her. She felt how tears ran down her cheeks. It'd defeated Alicia so easily. "You must fight." Torah spun in pure surprise. Where had that voice come from? Torah nearly jumped. A shining little fairy flew around Torah's head. "Away you go little fly." The darkside hissed. "Serve darkness or be obliterated." Tora got to her feet. She was not going to let it happen again. Marcia had died because of them. Torah didn't know where this little fay came from. But she was not going to let it down. "Leave her alone!" Torah shouted. She brought out her ring-slash and dived at the darkside. "Do not think you can defeat me." The darkside roused its hands. Darkside lightning shot at her. Torah managed to dodge and then cut right at it. Te darkside vanished. A crystal appeared somewhere to the right. "Fountain of souls!" Torah cast one of her spells. A powerful burst of golden energy radiated out from her. Torah screamed as the power left her. The darkside reappeared. Although its cloak was torn and back smoke roused off of it, the darkside came walking toward her. "The wanderers where right." The unclean spirit hissed. "I should not have underestimated you." Its hands became fists. "I will not make the same mistake again." The darkside laughed. Torah struck at it, her energy replenished by the fairy. The darkside reappeared somewhere else. "Do not try to play games with me." Red flames shot from inside its hood. "Get of destiny!" Where did that come from? Torah continued casting spells on mere instinct. The result however was extraordinary. Pure golden light opened the door of oblivion and the darkside just vanished into nothingness. Torah staggered backward. Then she fell to her knees. The fairy fluttered above Alicia. "She is heavily damaged." The little figure told her. "Don't mind her." Torah tiredly said. "She's a gay." It hit home what she'd said. Then Torah began crying. Alicia was her friend. She'd proven it time and time again. Just now when Torah had been unable to fight the older woman had stormed forward to defend her. "Forgive me." Torah whispered. "Oh Lord must you help me." She dried tears away but there came more. If Alicia survive, Torah woved, she would never think badly of her again.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Alicia slowly opened her eyes. Then she gaped. Alicia almost couldn't believe what she saw. Above her louted a tiny delicate figure shining a clear light? "A fairy." Alicia whispered. The fairy shone a heartfelt red. "I have looked forward to meet you Alicia Schneider." The fairy said "Edward told me you had made a binding with my mother, Marcia." Alicia's hart sunk. "Then you must be Rose?" When the fairy nodded Alicia sank back down. "I'm so sorry Rose." She told. "Marcia is dead. She died to protect me against the dark wanderers." Rose fluttered some distance away. "Then she is one with the mother." Rose solemnly said. "May she soon be reborn?" Alicia nodded. Although she didn't knew so much about folklore and myths as Christian she knew the legends about the fairies. Each fountain was ruled by a mother who gave birth to all her fairies. However large the fountain became it was never more populated then by 15 feries. When a fairy died they would sometime become reborn by the mother. When more fairies were born, a new mother would be chosen to find a new fountain for her daughters. That was why the fairies didn't mourn their death. Instead they would wait for their lost one's rebirth. Alicia had also heard that bring the reason why they feared so much that their fountain might be destroyed. With the death of their mother no more lost faries could be reborn. At lest Alicia had found her and thus fulfilled Marcia's last wish. Then it hit her. "May I ask why you've come to me?" Alicia softly asked. Rose fluttered closer to her face. I come from Edward Morris and Saria." Rose told. "They sent me to ask for help." Alicia got to her feet. "Where are they?" Torah asked. She'd remained silent for quite some time. This was the first time she spoke since Rose arrived. "In Dabi's path." Rose explained. "It's a cavern reaching all beneath forest hill."Alicia nodded. "Is there an exit this side of the countryside?" Torah asked. For the first time Rose seemed reluctantly. She lit a nervous grey. "It's one." She finally said. "But it's overgrown with greeneries. There is one problem ough." The fairy pointed at the stoned area. "The plants look like that." Alicia smiled a tight smile. It didn't come from the heart. "It's the dark knot who's doing it." Torah said. Licia threw her a glance. "Shouldn't the barrier be gone by now?" Torah shook her head. "I tried to say it before. The witches who originally cast the spell might be gone." Torah's face became grim. "But the evil which gave them their supernatural power still excise." Although bough Adrian and Torah had tried to tell her before, it wasn't until now Alicia fully got it. She should've expected it dough. The mad condition of this forest should've told her that much. "What must I do to heal the forest?" Torah blushed. "I never thought about that." She confessed. Alicia shrugged. Rosa laughed. Then the fairy became serious. Torah threw her a glare. Then she cleaned her throat. "I guess its like when fighting the witches." Torah figured. "We have to find the contact between this world and the curse." Alicia nodded. "I'll take care of things here while you search the planes." "Thank you." Torah said. Alicia was glad no malice in Torah's voice. Perhaps things would turn out their way. She turned to Rose. "Go back and tell Edward we're coming as soon we can." "I'll tell him." Rose said before vanishing. Alicia sat back. Torah had already sunken into a trance. She wondered if this was going to work. Alicia thoughtfully brought out some food. If felt good. Alicia felt how her energy became replenished. She got to her feet and walked about somewhat. She wondered where Alucard had gone and if she would see him again. Alicia grunted. She was no new Maria Renard. It was her duty to carry on the vampire hunting tradition. Bu Alicia also knew that another plight was to give birth to children which could carry on the Schneider bloodline. She sat down again. Suddenly Alicia felt much tiered. Then Torah sat up. "They are here." Alicia got to her feet, drawing her sword. She already knew who "they" where. Their presence polluted her soul. Alicia felt afraid. She fought the feeling as she did every time. She was prepared for battle.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
There was three of them Torah noticed. Two dark wanderers and one of the dreadful darksides. Torah began to shudder. It felt like a trap was closing in about her. "o with us!" Alicia dashed forward to challenge the tw wanderers. "You are mine!" The darkside flew around Torah, laughing at her. It could feel her horror. "Die!" The darkside fired. Darkside lightning shot at her. "Opal cage!" Torah made a defensive cage of opal gemstone appear around her. It shattered upon the moment. But it gave Torah the opportunity to counter the attack. "Flowers of frost!" Spiral winves of frost shot forward. The darkside disappeared. Torah discovered the crystal which was the darkside's true identity and attacked. "Heart of fire!" The opalheart of flames shot forward and shattered the crystal. The darkside staggered. Then it whipped at her with a leach of black electricity. Torah screamed as the coil of black magic hit her. The evil wraith laughed as it again whipped at her. Torah ran to dodge. She was hit across her shoulders and was thrown to the ground. Cold dead hands, hidden beneath black leather, picked her up. "Did you not know we are not to be played with?" The darkside hissed into her face. Torah struggled to breathe. The hold around her neck was almost enough to kill her. The scent of rotting flesh almost made Torah throw up. "Now you little wench." The darkside said with a wicked laugh. "You will die." Torah closed her eyes. She could fee the darkside gather its evil magic. Torah reached deep into herself. The barrier which had kept her from her innermost power was as movable as ever. Torah then knew she would die. She then suendered herself to the Lord. Then Torah's eyes grew wide. Within that surrender she finally understood. The barrier collapsed. Torah began to sing. She didn't recognise the tune but it made the darkside drop her. Torah smiled. "I sometimes tend to forget it." The darkside drew away from her as she stepped toward it. "I've got dryad blood in my veins." As a part-dryad she only possessed three human spiritual powers. But Torah hd forgotten what grandmother Yoko once told. "The power behind the barrier is the dryad part of you. If you ever manage to break through you'll master your magic. But it also opens up two new elements for you." Oh so true that was. Torah grinned. If there was something the darksides feared it was the power of life. Torah had been quite good with fire, ice and spirit. It was time to see if she could control life nd earth too. "You will not get away with this." The darkside treatened. "If I where you I would speak with the Devil about it." Torah challenged. The darkside fired at her. Bolts of dark electricity shot at her. "Emarald flowers!" Torah combined earth and life with spirit and cast her spell. The result where extraordinary. Flowers and leaves blew in the wind around her and seemed to absorb the darkside's power. The darkside disappeared and the crystal appeared. Torah again began to sing. She didn't know much about the dryad music. When she'd sung earlier it'd been on instinct. The tune however made plants and flowers sprout all across the crystal. It shattered and this time the darkside was nowhere to be seen. Torah spent no time as she ran toward Alicia. Before she could reach her one of the dark wanderes came walking toward her. Torah screamed with horror. She couldn't help it. She wanted to curl into a bll and disappear. Torah knew this was their power. She struggled to resist the blinding fear. Torah had once fought one of them. If she could only remember how she'd done it.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2+09 A.D.
Alicia struggled to fight bough dark wanderers at the same time. That they couldn't really see her was to her advantage. But each time they smelt her and attacked anew. Alicia doused one of them in holy water. She dodged as the second attacked with its axe. Alicia dodged and thanked God she didn't lost her glasses. Without them se couldn't see either. Stained with ashes the first wanderer stabbed with its sword. Alicia dropped herself to the ground and rolled as the second wanderer stamped where her head should've been. She threw her dagger and made it spit into three. They dug into one of them. He fell to his knees but where soon back up. Alicia stamped her crucifix upon its hood which started to burn. The other swung the axe. Alicia knew she couldn't keep it up forever. She threw her own axe and made fire burn around it. It crashed right into the axe-man and made him stagger. Where had the other disappeared to? Alicia had no time to uncover it as the axe got back on his feet. He swung at her sever times, making Alicia to retreat backward. She made it rain with holy water and the axe-man lost his momentum. Alicia moved forward and brought out the envelope containing the Host. The dark wanderer kicked at her. Alicia hadn't expected that move and dropped the envelope. "Now." The wanderer's terrible voice told her. "We will play according to my rules." Alicia didn't mind. She dived toward the envelope jut as her enemy swung at her. The axe barely missed her. But Alicia didn't reach the envelope either. She rolled as the dark wanderer continued chasing her. Alicia got to her feet and struck at the wanderer. For some time they fought back and forth. Alicia barely managed to dodge the powerful blows of the enemy. She dived and the wanderer again kicked the envelope out of reach. She swung at him. The sword went right through his cloak and the wanderer grunted as she hit his armour. He dropped his axe as Alicia stamed the crucifix upon him. Stained in ashes and with black smoke rising off of his coak the dark wanderer drew his knife. Alicia couldn't help shiver. That blade wouldn't only harm her body with evil magic. It would wound her soul. What the wraiths did with their weapons Alicia didn't know. She didn't want to know either. Alicia moved into a defensive stance. She prepared to die if so be it.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Torah made multiple plants grow on the dark wanderer. Black fire erupted from the gloved hands of the shrouded figure. The plants fell dead to the ground. Torah licked her lips. She didn't like this. She'd dodged the wanderer's first blow on instinct. Thus Torah had refund the courage to fight this dreadful appearition. But none of her newfound magic seemed to impress him. Perhaps Torah thought, she should use something simpler? The dark wanderer swung his sword at her. Torah dodged and then brought out her ring-smash. She managed to move in close and cut at his hands. "Curse you!" The dark wanderers rouse his fingerless gloves at her. Torah felt her blood go cold as she saw the empty remains of the gloves grinned at her. Black energy gathered about as blue fire shot at her Torah ran away as the dark magic made the forest burn in her track. Torah healed the landscape, tried to heal the landscape. She was no rained sorceress, yet. She never would be if the dark wanderer got his way with her. Torah gathered her magic and then fiered. "Shield f snow!" The solid wall of snow blocked the blue fire. She then attacked. "Dance of the nuthatchers!" The white fairies appeared to dance around her. Torah watched happily as they spread around her. The dark wanderer fired repeated times but the eerie blue light around Torah blocked the spells. Then the mall creatures began to dance. "Curse you forever Fernandez!" Black power exploded as snow began to fall. The fairies froze the outer form of the dark wanderer. "One day." The evil wraith treatened. "You will learn to fear us." Then it was gone. "I already fear you." Torah said in a low voice. She shuddered. It was no lie. Torah was truly terrified by the dark wanderers. Torah picked herself together. She would have to worry about that later. Then again, she could consider it. There was still one dark wanderer left.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
The dark wanderer swung its axe forward. Alicia's heart leaped. She should've been dead. She barely dodged. Alicia threw herself to the ground as the wanderer again swung at her. The axe hit her in the shoulder. Alicia screamed. Blood slashed outward. The shoulder-plate had blocked her somewhat but still she became wounded. Alicia felt how her strength was leaving her. The enemy bowed downward, axe in hand. "It is over." He told her Alicia could almost feel his dark joy rising off of it. "So be the will of the Lord." She managed to say. Alicia reached before her. Her fingers touched paper. To Alicia's surprise and joy it was the Host. She smiled. At least her soul would go directly to the Heavens. Why didn't he strike? Alicia forced herself to look up. Torah was involved in battle with the wanderer. Something caught her eye. On the ground, close to the Host, lay that golden compass. The arrow still pointed toward east. Alicia smiled. She finally understood why it did so. Torah tried to freeze the wanderer. The wanderer held out an eerie pendant which swallowed the cold. Then Torah ran as she threw flames abroad. Alicia would've shook her head if she could. Torah was growing powerful. He Belmont family elders of history had spoken against that their children should try penetrate the lore of magic. "It is your faith who give you power. The Lord gave you one soul, one spirit. Learn to master its power." The Belnades bloodline was gifted with great power. But they got their magic through their lore about their own power. They also dabbled with other magic. Sometimes Alicia felt afraid of Torah. But there had been members of her clan who had fallen to darkness. She was fleeting, Alicia understand so. "May I help you?" Suddenly Torah was there. She put her hands on her wound and Alicia gasped. Pain stabbed through her. It was like she experienced he wound a second time over. Then the pain suddenly subsided. Alicia got to her feet. Her power returned to her. The last dark wanderer came toward them, dark and frightful. Alicia put the golden compass into one pocket. She then moved into an offensive posture. Torah put a small hand into hers. "I'm afraid." She whispered. "So aem I." Alicia confessed. "We'll take him." She did the sign of the cross. Then Torah dashed forward with her ring-smash. The wanderer blocked. Then he swung at Torah. She dodged and Alicia throw holy water at it. The vial shattered and the holy liquid made fire rise uward. "Rainbow flame!" Torah struck. The wanderer used his pendant to absorb her magical energy. Then Alicia Attacked. She came at the wanderer with the sword at the ready. She forced him to meet her in close hand-to-hand combat. Thus she hindered him from using some of his eil spells. Then Torah came in close again. She cut of its hands, its gloves, with a quick slash of her ring-smash. Alicia felt her hair stand on end. Beneath the bgloves it had no hands. Empty armour was all which could be seen. "Good Lord in Heaven!" It was the first time Alicia heard Torah say such things. Shadows gathered around the decapitated hands and beams of ble fire shot forward. Alicia summoned fire around her own weapon to counter. The beams where deflected although the sword was knocked out from her grip. Torah stood still doumbfounded by the empty armour. Alicia stamped the wanderer with her crucifix. Then she realised she still had the Host in her hand. The wanderer screamed. Alicia almost believed she would go deaf. The wanderer was thrown far back. Then the foul raith was gone. The armour and cloak fell into a heap. "I don't hope they'll refund their form soon." Torah said. Alicia nodded. "I don't think I might go another round with them." Torah sat down. Alicia asked her how she'd been able to heal her. Torah told her. Alicia sat down. "Nice to hear about your powers." She tiredly said. For a while they sat resting, eating some food to replenish some lost energy. "This chicken is rather good." Torah commented. "But grandmother said I shouldn't eat with my fingers." Alicia nodded, throwing the remains o the chicken-leg into the living forest. "You shouldn't do that either." Torah pointed. Alicia nodded. "I know. But I don't know what else to do." Torah shrugged. "You could've buried it or something." Alicia got up and did as Torah suggested. Torah joined her, digging down her own garbage. "Let's be off." Alicia reminded. "We've got other dutiesto attend to." Torah nodded. "I hope the forest will become normal again. Like the swamp after we defeated the black witch." Alicia smiled. "If od wish all will be fine." She did the sign of the cross. Torah nodded. Then they began walking. As they did Alicia noticed that the first stoned area wasn't the last. Multiple areas was grey and dead. Alicia noticed Torah's grim demeanour. She understood her worry. Who could be doing this? Then a owl appeared from a nearby tre. Alicia threw her dagger at it. The owl burst into fire. How she'd known it was one of Dracula's followers Alicia didn't knew. Another group of bone-men and zombies roused from the earth. Alicia drew her sword while Torah brought out her ring-smash. Then they where at it again.

Draco wood Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
The accursed princess watched the Belmont leave. It was the Wyvern who saw it. The princess got the image from its brain. She studied the remains of the two knights. They would have to return to the castle to take up new forms. The accursed princess hoped they would find beasts to ride. A local cell of the order of shadows where born and breading horses who would serve their Dark Lord. Her own two handmaidens where all at the other end of the valley. She had brought four of her most loyal supporters with her when fleeing from Hessen. Back in the 1540s she had still been alive. She had bore a body. The accursed princess knew she should have taken the mourning wizard with her. He was the third-most powerful of their forsaken order. He knew far more about the elder species than her. The dead princess would have cursed. But their was nothing gined by throwing away power. The Belmont's presence was already beginning to fae in her mind. She had been to late. They had called to her when they them. The Dark Lord Dracula would not be pleased by this. She would continue the hunt. This was what the warlock lord had sent her to do. The accursed princess wondered if the undead king had found Noriko Cruz and the other Belmont. The warlock lord had never failed their master before. She whipped the rains at the Wyvern.

Draco wood, Warakiya. The 21st. of December 2098 A.D.
Alicia felt something calling to her. She knew it was something important. Alicia had never felt this since she came to the Vatican to test for the Vampire Killer whip. Alicia shook her head. The devine item hadn't chosen her. The pop had however sent another relic with her. When Alicia saw it she ran toward it with a surprised shout. "Wait!" Torah shouted. This portion of the forest seemed to be all stoned. Alicia payed no attention. Before one of the multiple statues lay a blade. Alicia knew that blade. It was the sword of her ancestor Michael Geihardt. Alicia knelt to pick it up. As she did so, the sword she'd borrowed fom Edward Morris vanished. Alicia frowned as a third sword appeared where the Schneider-blade had been. "Alicia." Torah's voice suk to a whisper. "Alicia, who is that?" Alicia felt her blood became cold. She didn't want to answer although she knew she had to. "It's Heinrich, my cousin." What could've happened? The man beside Heinrich also looked familiar. Then Alicia recognised him. It was Patrick Oldrey. He was one of her cosin's oldest friends. "Fountain of life!" A golden wave of light shot past her and drowned the spiders. Alicia snapped back to reality as more spiders came crawling toward them. Alicia doused them in holy water. "Rainbow flame! Destiny's hand!" Torah almost danced about, slashing spiders with hr ring-smash, stopping only to cast random spells. Alicia threw her daggers and used her sword to ct more spiders into oblivion. They where not powerful. Alicia knew that only one sting and the poison would kill her. She slashed a few more spiders then they where suddenly gone. Alicia turned to celebrate with Torah. Then all joy left her. Torah had been turned to stone. What demon from the debts of Hell was doing this? Crushing steps came toward her. Alicia immediately looked toward the ground. Shed seen this creature once before. It was inside the ship in Fisher marshland. That had been different however. This Cyclops seemed to have mastered it power. It swung its heavy stone-hammer at her. Alicia dodged. She threw daggers toward it and made them split into a wave of multiple daggers. They shattered against the monster's rocky surface. Alicia looked away as it opened its large eye. The Cyclops seemed to attack from unseen angles and turn people into stone. Alicia knew her glasses would offer her some protection. She wouldn't depend on them however. She dodged the heavy grey laser and then sent a vial of holy water right into its open eye. The mighty Cyclops roared and staggered backward. Then it threw itself forward with a surprisingly speedy dash. It swung its rocky hammer and a creater appeared in the ground where it hit. Alicia threw her axe at it and used her bloodline power to slit it into eight large weapons. They shattered against its hard body. The Cyclops then dashed at her again. Alicia dodged as the enemy crushed the area around into dust. Alicia was careful to not reach the staues of her friends. She drew the Cyclops further away as she sent repeated aggers at it. The giant Cyclops roared with anger and opened its lone eye. A beam of magic shot forward. Alicia dodged and sent her axe toward it. The Cyclops dodged and then fired again. Alicia dropped herself to the forest floor and rolled to the side. Then she made it rain with holy water. Alicia hit it in the eye before the Cyclops could close it. What was it doing now? The Cyclops moved its hammer at some of the oldest statues. They where so old that all character had vanished from their form. Alicia gaped as they moved and came toward her. She made the sign of the cross and summoned her magic. Fire lit up around her ancestor's weapon. Alicia moved into battle. The rock-monsters slashed at her with their sharp nails. Alicia screamed with pain as they drew blood. They couldn't defeat her. Soon they all lay round her in the form of rubble. The Cyclops shot ather. This time Alicia didn't manage to dodge in time. She thanked the Lord. Alicia's glasses repelled the beam long enough for her to avoid the spell's final effect. She threw her axe. The perplexed Cyclops didn't manage to close its eye and was hit square on. Alicia didn't know how much power tTorah's mystery curse had put into it. The Cyclops didn't seem ready to give in yet. It came at her, swinging its mighty hammer. Alicia knew that one hit of that hammer and she would be flat. When missing her the Cyclops made more rock-monsters attack Alicia summoned her magic and made flames burn around her blade. Stained with blood and dirt she sent the last rock-monster back to Hell. Alicia knew she couldn't carry on like this. She had to kill it quick. The Cyclops cracked down its hammer. The ground shattered and rocks flew about. One nearly shattered Alicia's shoulder. She made it rain with holy water. She then sent a wave of axes forward. Alicia fused them with fire to possibly irate the Cyclops further. It opened its eye and fired at her. Alicia threw her dagger. She made it split into three. Two knives hit home, one after another. Blood oozed from its one eye and sat the forest on fire. Alicia felt victorious. But then the Cyclops picked itself together and came at her again. Alicia felt a slight shudder. The Cyclops was so powerful. It smashed its hammer about. Rocks flew about. Alicia bit her teeth together as new wounds was inflicted upon her. She fell to her knees, gasping heavily. Alicia's hair had become loose and fell before her face. He got back up as the Cyclops fired at her. She managed to dodge even this. She managed to wound it with a thrown dagger. Alicia winched with pain. Her body surged with pain. So much it was difficult to move. The Cyclops staggered and fell to one knee. Alicia smiled. If the Cyclops was growing weak too it would be a nice contest to see which of them perished first. She summoned God in her heart and got back up. The Cyclops fired although Alicia's glasses stopped the spell, she became thrown backward. Alicia struggled back up. The Cyclops had its eye opened. It fired but then Alicia made it stagger backward. She made it rain with holy water. She thus not only wound her enemy but also extinguished the ongoing fire. The Cyclops swung its hammer. Rocks flew about. One hit Alicia's knee. She screamed with pain and horror as she felt the bone shatter. The Cyclops roared with triumph. It opened its lone eye, intending on the kill. Alicia gathered all her remaining strength. With one fina trust she threw the last grenade she got left. The Cyclops tried to dodge. The grenade exploded and pieces of its skull and brain became scattered across the landscape. Alicia felt no joy as a darkness of pain and misery settled upon her.

Barnsdall forest, Warakiya. The 22nd. Of December 2098 A.D.
Heinrich slowly opened his eyes. The stoned state was lifted. He dropped himself to pick up the sword at his feet. It wasn't Michael Geilhardt's weapon,but it would do. Heinrich got back up. Patrick was beside him, pistol raised and ready for who or what which had stoned them. Heinrich then gaped as the first flake of snow landed upon his arm. The stoned land around tem had returned to normal. The eternal autumn was also over. Heinrich shuddered with cold. He brought out his heavy army-jacket from his backpack. He gratefully put it on. Heinrich put back his sword. Clearly the battle was over. "Look." Patrick pointed to where a girl was bending over a fallen figure on the ground. A shining fairy fluttered around them. Patrick brought n his own jacket before they went closer to inspect the duo. The girl was young, 12 years at the most. She was a cute chid Heinrich thought. With dark hair and clear eyes. She was dressed like a school-girl, with a poncho and Russian fur-cap on top. "Alicia." Heinrich immediately recognised his cousin. "Who are you?" He demanded to know. "If you've harmed her I'll… "She glared up at him. "Shut up." She snapped. "I don't have time for pointless treats." She then looked up at the fairy. "Is it working?`" The kid asked. "The spell is working." The fairy answered. "She is resting and will soon be healed." Heinrich grunted. His father had warned him about his temper. He only was so found of his cousin. "Who are you?" Patrick finally asked. "I'm Torah Fernandez if you have to know it." She pointed toward the fairy. "That's Rose." The shining little lady fluttered closer. "I'm a friend and servant of Edward Morris." Heinrich nodded. Then turned his attention toward Alicia. "She saved us all." Torah explained. "he killed the Cyclops while we where in stone storage." Heinrich smiled. "It doesn't surprise me." He said. "She has always been the best of my family." Patrick shot him a glance. Heinrich didn't mind. What he'd said was the truth. "She's awakening." Rose suddenly said. Henrich stepped closer as his cousin roused to sit. Alicia opened her eyes, viewing them all. Then she smiled. "It wasn't in wain dough." She whispered. "In wain?" Torah asked. "Is that meant to be a joke? Look around." Snow was falling even tighter. The grass and death leaves where already covered. The trees where naked, except for the pine-trees of course. Alicia did the sign of the cross. Heinrich bowed his head. "It's a par of the forest again." Torah stated. "But I still feel the curse is very strong inside the alley." Her voice became even more serious. "If we don't find and destroy it the forest will be attacked again." Rose cut into their conversation. "Now that the Cyclops is gone you might enter Dabi's path." "I don't get it." Patrick confessed. "What's it all about?" Heinrich asked. When they where finished explaining Heinrich nodded. "Count on us." He said. Patrick agreed. "We'll go with you." Not that Heinrich knew Edward that much. But from what he remembered the Morris clansman was a fine fellow. They started to move with Rose in the lead, showing the way forward.

Forest hill, Warakiya. The 22nd. Of December 2098 A.D.
Alicia and Heinrich cut through the dead vegetation covering the entrance. "We don't brought with us any lamps." Patrick told the others. Rose lit a golden glow. "Sorry fay." He said. "It wouldn't be enough." Patrick pondered the question. Then he ufolded the contract Renon had given him. "How might I be of service? "The mysterious salesman said while tipping his hat. "How much for three of your lamps?" Patrick asked. "300 Euro for each." Renon said. "But it will cost something extra for the oil and export." Then he smiled. "Let us say 1150 Euro all in all." Patrick shook his head. "To much he said. "I give you 1.000." Renon seemed to go it through in his mind. Then he nodded. "Done." He said. Patrick handed him the money. Renon opened his briefcase and handed him the goods. "Have a nice day sir." Renon again tipped his head before vanishing. "Alucard told us to beware him." Torah said. "He said Renon brought more trouble than it was worth." Patrick grunted. He was busy filling the lamps. He gave one each to Alicia and Heinrich while keeping one for himself. "Are we off then?" He asked them. The women exchanged glances. Then Alicia shrugged. They inspected their weapons. Then the cousins where the first to enter the cave, Rose in the lead, showing the way. Then came Torah and finally Patrick.

The wind blew snow all around the white wizard's shining cloak. "I bless you in darkness." Shaft said as he handed Renon his price. The demon trader tipped his hat. Then he vanished. The white wizard planted his staff into the ground. With his other hand, that with the blue gem upon, closed around the pendant he carried beneath his robes. Shaft had just purchased it from Renon. He closed his eyes and focused. Shaft got a puck image of the Belmonts. His dark raven-like eyes opened. A smile appeared on his lips. The long white beard hid his fangs. "They are there." He told his companion. Actrise siled. The wind blew her golden hair about, playing with it. "Then I was right then." She said. Shaft bowed. "The power of darkness are with you." Shaft acknowledged. "Why do you not summon the dark wanderers?" Actrise asked. "I feel the presence of the accursed princess." The white wizard made a dismissing gesture with one long hand. "You know I have no authority to command them." Her smile became sour. "I recollect." Actrise then said. Shaft gave a gesture toward the cave's opening. "Ladies first." He said with cold formality. "So modest of you." Actrise smiled again. She was always a wavery individual to cooperate with. Hot tempered and lustful as she was. No matter Shaft thought. She was a powerful assistance in the Master's plot to take over the world. He followed his comrade into Dabi's path. It was not sure the Belmonts would lead them to Dimitri Blinov. Although the possibility was there. If not, lord Dracula would reward him for having destroyed his enemies.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Drolta Tsuentez carefully opened the Necromonicon. His spell was going to be easy. The samples she had gathered would afford more then enough energy. The power the evil soul had regenerated beforehand was impressive. Those foolish Belmonts must have removed all disturbing energies inside the valley. He had commanded her to fuse him with the main power but she did not intend to do so. Such things where dangerous. Beside, beyond all his power, he was merely not strong enough. The Dark Lord might reward her for destroying one of his rivals. No matter. Drolta was not intend on taking such desperate measures into hand. "Begin." He demanded. "Yes my lord." Drolta gathered the power around her. She sank down on her knees and began speaking the spell. Dimitri Blinov smiled.

(A.N: This chapter is rather short, I know. I hoped you liked the action however. It's closing in now. I hope you'll enjoy the final battle which is to come. Have a nice time.)