Part 1: Quest of the Vampire Killer.

"Do this as often as you do it, in remembrance of me."


Chapter 37: Den of Worship.
Bodley, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
The necromancer stood deep in thought, his black shrouds gathered around him. Mae Lin sat on the low decorated stonehenge around the alter, cross-legged and chewing on a lock of her hair. Her black tunic, protected by spiked black armour-plates above the chest and shoulders, did not leave much to imagination. With the whip coiled at the spiked black belt you could almost take her for a Belmont. If it was not for her obvious bat-like features and burning eyes. She was attractive although the necromancer cared little about her sexual appeal. She was to young anyway. A mistress more fit for young lord Malus. Mae Lin had lost much when the vampire hunter had destroyed her manor. He did not like to dwell with those memories either. The warning sounds of an approaching dragon broke into his speculations. Mae Lin pulled of a clever double-jump to land on her feet, legs spread and whip at the ready. The necromancer nodded. Mae Lin was no fool. Then he noticed the arriving beast's colour and instead of gathering power he sunk to one knee. He did not care to look if Mae Lin did the same. The dragon was black as his own robes. Upon it sat a figure hooded and cloaked in the same black colours. "I salute you, the warlock lord." The necromancer and Mae Lin said in unison. "I have new orders for you." The undead king glared down upon the necromancer, at least it felt like a glare. The hood looking down upon him was empty as the darkness beyond nothingness. "You are to return to your post." The necromancer bowed his head. Aldough he did not admit it, it would be nice to be back in Greymark. "You are to take command of the situation until other orders arrive." The necromancer got to his feet. "I shall leave at once." He gathered his power around himself before lifting into the air. Then he flew away into the fogged air.

The warlock lord could feel Rage's eagerness to go hunt the Belmont clan. "Soon my friend." He sooted. "Soon." The warlock lord turned his attention to the little vampire still kneeling before him. "How would you like go hunting?" He asked the undead. "Very much my lord." She said while licking her fangs. The undead king grasped inside his robes and brought out a bow and a quiver with evil-looking arrows. She nodded. Then she became a bat and vanished. The undead king sat watching her disappearance. All went as lord Dracula predicted. He reached out to his dragon's mind. He was prepared. "Soon." He promised. Soon."

Bodley, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Christian Belmont stood watching his friends leave. Suddenly he felt alone. Christian knew he wasn't the first "kid-Belmont" to fight evil. Lewis Belmont, the son of Jonathan Morris, had in 1945 faught against the forces of the Dark Lord. Not that Dracula himself had been around during that moment of course. Christian smiled somewhat. The feeling of being alone was something he shared with multiple of his ancestors. Sonia Belmont, the first Belmont warrior to ever fight Dracula, had in 1476 defeated the Dark Lord single handedly. Christian knelt in the sand and brought forth his backpack. He brought out a family hairloom once owned by Julius Belmont, his great grandfather. It was a digital watch. It showed bough the time, the date and the year. Christian didn't mind the first or the last. It was the date which interested him. His eyes grew large. It was already the 21st. Of December! That ment if neither vampire hunter reached the demon castle all would have to rest for the 12 days of Christmass. During that time no magic or supernatural power would work. Some of the same happened when the Orthodox church celebrated their Christmass n October. Although that lasted for only 7 days, not 12. This meant the Dark Lord would get more time to build up his power of a full 100 years of sleep. When the demon castle reappeared in 1576 it'd went a whole year before Christian's ancestor Christophr Belmont had come to fight the evil count. Only once, in 1747, had there been a Christmass celebrated before Juste Belmont and Maxim Kishine could move against the frces of evil. Not that the battle in 1748 had transpired as the Belmonts expected. Christian smiled when remembering this things. It proved to him that all might not be lost. There where still time left. Christian put away the watch. He had to save the batteries. He wuld be strong and do his duty as a true Belmont vampire hunter. After all, he was better prepared then perhaps any Belmont which predecessed him. When Desmond Belmont could fight Dracula all unprepared in 1666 Christian could also do it. There where so many mysteries throughout their war with the Dark Lord. Why ad he awaken in 1496 when there hadn't been a full 100 years? Why didn't Trevor or Simon Belmont feel the powers of Dracula returning after they'd faught him? At least Simon should've known what was going on. In 1692 evil was still very much active. Christian shook his head. He was not intending on making jugde upon his ancestors. Now he had the posebility to prove his own rights. "ou might show yourself." Christian said. "You knew I was here?" An old man dressed in black stepped out from behind the trees. Christian smiled. "Yo should've known." He answered. "A Belmont's power is to see beyond the obvious." Genya Arikado arched an eye brow. At 90 years of age he was still an elegant old man. Christian shrugged it off. "Why have you come?" He asked. "Why do you appear like this?" Genya answered with one word. "Noriko." Christian nodded. "She isn't Soma." He reminded. "She dosen't carry the spirit of Dracula." Rikado spreads his hands in a defensive gesture. "I know all this." He confessed. "Still she shares in the legacy of sorrow." Arikado's voice grew colder. It became hard and unpersonal. "The demon castle Dracula have not yet reached the land of the living. The servants might enter or leave it at will." Christian nodded. He'd expected this. Lord Dracula was after all no more then a shadow, a memory of what had been. "The castle will return when one carrying the seeds of chaos enters the castle to claim the power of the fallen Dark Lord." Christian understood. Now it was all clear. "I and St. Germain have set in motion so that vampire hunters will challenge those potential Dark Lord candidates." Genya Arikado bowed, a formal Japanese bow. "I honour your will to clean the lake. It is important. I will go with you." Christian smiled. They bough knew that the other knew. That wasn't important dough. Together they went down to where the boats lay. One farry looked familiar. When the mist clared slightly bough could see the farryman seated at the other end of the old barge. "I see you have made your choise." The shrouded figure said to none in particular. "Will you take us to the third isle?" Christian asked. The ferryman's answer was typical. "Sure will take you to a good spot." He laughed slightly. Christian shook his head. It was the same answer given to generations of Belmonts. Arikado gestured for Christian to go first aboard. He returned Genya's Japanese bow. It was much to say about Christian Belmont. But one of those things was that his behaviour was as it should be.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Koji carefully jumped ashore, prepared for battle. Noriko had filled him in on her adventures on this island. He frowned. The Cyclops seemed to be gone. "I don't like this." Noriko said. She became pragmatic. "Help me tie the boat to something." Koji grabbed hold of the rope she threw at him. Koji tied it to one of the nearby trees. The tree had leaves upon it, Koji somehow didn't like the look of it. Since the ice came, all trees he'd seen where the pine-trees, and those in green-houses of course. They'd decided to land a different shore when they'd arrived here. Instead of being pined down by the Cyclops by the moment. Still, if it hadn't been for his reflecses Koji couldn't really tell where they where. The constant mist of the lake made it dificult to see. Koji's shoes sank into the wet culcanic sand as he walked across the shore. He The sand was black as Dracula's heart. "It's the volcano." Noriko said. "It's really a red rock on this isle." It wasn't funny. Koji was about to say so when the small grow suddenly seemed occupied. From behind the trees a pack of dead pirates attacked. Another pack came lumbering in from the lake. Koji felt how his hair stand on end. The scent of rotting flesh permiated the air, making him sick. He gathered himself. This wasn't the time for feeling bad about it. That Koji decided to work with later. "Dragon breath!" Koji grasped for his medallion. He felt his nose and mouth transform into that of a dragon as he breathed flames at the enemies. Beside him Noriko was throwing webs about as she released orbs of energy. The blades cut into him. Koji knew that if it hadn't been for his dragon ability to heal himself his blood would've been poisoned by the rusty old metal. It didn't feel good being cut at anyway. Noriko made lances appear out of nowhere, pinning the dead to the ground or the trunk of the trees. Koji felt his gut twist even more as Noriko continued to harvest their souls. He'd almost forgotten about her power of dominance. The battle waged back and forth. Another pack of dead pirates appeared from the waves. The battle also seemed to have irritated the birds. Some birds at least. From the mountain above them multiple black crows rised from their nest, circling around the two vampire hunters. "Dragon's tail! Dragon's breath!" Koji whipped his tail at the multiple birds, hitting a few. Noriko blasted away beams of fire, taking out some more. They fought back to back. Stained with blood from multiple wounds Koji realiced it wouldn't work. It just was to many of them. "Run!" Noriko snarled as she made electricity spark around her. "Enter the cave." She snarled as two crows came behind her defence, picking on her. Koji saw what she was up to. He hadn't really considered it. The cave was just behind the last trees, up in the slope beyond them. Koji didn't like the look of it. "Run! I'll take the blame." Noriko looked so fragile there she stood, clothing torned and stained with fresh blood. Still she refused to let go. Then and there Koji understood why Christian Belmont had such respect in her. "Dragon on!" Koji gathered his power, shape-hsifting into that of a red dragon. "Mount me!" He called. "We'll take them together." Noriko's face became a wide grin as she jumped onto his back. Koji whipped his tail and slashed with his claws. Noriko and Koji sent burning projectiles all about, turning the grove on fire. That created a new danger. One they couldn't defeat. With nothing left Koji flew toward the cave's opening. At least in there they would escape the fire. It was a pitty dough. Koji felt bad about it as he saw osaw all the old trees burst into flame. He retained his human form and then turned the back at it. There was nothing he could do anyway. Beside, the fire and their entry into the cave, presented a new treath. "Bats are coming in!" His warning made Noriko leave the view of the burning forest in time to bring up her defence. Noriko must've collected some crow souls. Now she released a barricade of claw-like projectiles upon the countless flapping little beings. "Dragon's breath!" Koji released balls of compact flames which made them scatter somewhat. He turned his eyes away as Noriko harvested a few more souls. "They shouldn't have to be enslaved that way." Koji didn't really expect an answer to that. "I think I agree." Noriko dismantled a few more bats. "I was nearly overcome by one vampire spirit once." She told. "Through it I think I know what it feels to be a slave." Koji turned to look at her. She looked grim and even somewhat afraid. "The more power I get the more lonely I feel." After some thinking Koji put a n arm around her shoulders. Beyond her power she was still a kid, just like himself. In a short moment Koji felt the waight of his brother's death. Kouchi had been his friend and brother all since his birth. Now only his memories of his brother was left until Koji too went into the great beyond. He smiled somewhat, a mournfull smile dough. "I think I know what you feel." Since he and his brother had begun training as dragon they'd lost most contact with their former friends. Noriko seemed to gather herself. Her face became that wall of stone he'd grown used to. "I'll release them someday." Koji nodded. While they'd talked they'd continued walking down the tunnel. "I think we're going right into the mountain." Koji said in an attempt to change subject. Noriko nodded. Then she frowned. "Is it just me?" She said in a questioning tone. "Or is it getting hotter?"

Redrock, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Koji threw her a look. Noriko shrugged. After all he was the dragon. "I don't think so." Koji finally said. "It's really getting warmer." Noriko frowned, trying to put together her shabby clothing. She knocked down a few candles. There was some crystals inside them. If only she'd had that contract Christian used to summon Renon. Then she could've get herself some new clothing. Koji turned away from her. The knife which'd nearly slashed her from neck to leg had torn through her dress, exposing her wholly. Noriko blushed. That time she'd been a B.P. Noriko had often been nude in the present of older people. Noriko shuddered. Koji was a nice person. He would never try anything. Noriko summoned the beholder's soul to blast beams of energy as another cluster of bats came at them. They scattered and instead circled around them. "Dragon's tail!" Noriko was to busy trying to blast bats for anything else. Still she rolled her eyes. It was more than weird how dragon limbs and parts suddenly appeared and disappeared like that. "Dragon's breath!" Fireballs was spread around. Noriko harvested a few souls before the last bats escaped. "Stop." Koji nearly tripped on something which had fallen from one candle. Noriko went to pick it up. She frowned. It was one of those contracts. It was too good to be true. Still, there it was. Noriko put it into a pocket. She wasn't going to use it. It had to be a trap. Beside, Noriko had nothing to trade with. They continued walking for a while before Noriko noticed the red glow wasn't the reflection of the fire behind them. The cave ended in a dead end. But to one side lead another tunnel deeper into the culcano. "I don't like this." Koji frowned. "I know I've said it before but I really don't like it." Noriko nodded. "To be honest." She said. "I don't like it either." The heat radiating from the other tunnel reminded Noriko about the Britza lower road. She made a clumpsy sign of the cross before going forward. The red glow grew stronger. Stronger still until they could make out even each other faces. Noriko began to sweath. This time it wasn't anything magical about the heat. This was plain nature. The power of dominance couldn't protect her against this. "This might be more dificult than I thought it would." Koji said as he noticed her condition. "It's not your fault." Noriko pointed. "Neither it's Christian." The truth was that neither of them had really thought about it. "Christian told me we could use those gems to trade with." Until now she'd actually forgotten all about it. "What're you babbling about?" Koji asked, looking bevildered. Noriko told him so. Koji shook his head. "Trading with an Oni?" He spread his hands in a dismissing favour. "Why not?" Noriko argued. "When Christian could, why couldn't we do it?" Without further delay she unfolded the contract. "I must say." Renon suddenly stood before them. "You really have a bad taste on when to summoning me." Noriko threw it aside. "I didn't summon you for small talk." She said, cutting him off. "Do you have anything which could make me explore a volcano." Renon bowed. "As a matter of facts." Renon opened his brief case. "I happen to have quite the wares for this kind of situation." Noriko shook her head. Sometimes it was dificult going along with his Queen's English. "How much?" She merely asked. Renon snorted. "If I may say so." He said with a rather disgusted tone. "You are no lady." Noriko grinned. "I don't mind. Just tell me the price Oni." "30 gems." He said to compressed lips. Noriko grasped into another pocket. In the first candle she'd found a purse in which to put the gems. In return Renon handed her a pendant which seemed to cointain a strange cymbol. Noriko mused it, then she recognised the combination of the Chinese signs for ice and fire. "If there anything else I might be of service with?" Renon said, his eyes just above her head. A trick considered she was far shorter than him. Noriko threw a glance toward Koji before she nodded. "I do want some new clothing." Renon smiled dough it contained no warmth. Outside of the heat which was all around them of course. Noriko almost giggled. "You most likely would wear them out too." Renon said. Then he again grabed inside his brief-case. "The shoes you have are still worth it. Instead for those torn pieces I could give you this." He handed her a waist-cloth, a tunic which left her arms and belly to be seenHe also gave her wris- protectors and a hooded black cloak in her size. "You are no lady. Then I purchase clothing fit for what you are." Renon said with a sharp smile which didn't reach his eyes. Noriko didn't care. Somehow it actually felt nice in this clothing. SRenon bowed before disappearing. Noriko fastened her purse on her old belt and then closed it. The buckle felt uncomfortably hot against her skin but with the pendant Noriko could withstand it. Koji smiled at her. "I give him this dough." Noriko glared at him. "In that outfit you look more like the little witch you aut to be." Noriko opened her mouth. Then just shut it. Koji was right. That was the bad thing about it. Below the joking Noriko really knew she was a witch. She hadn't really thought about it before. Christian Belmont, the vampire hunter, hadn't treated her like it so why should she think of it? Noriko suddenly felt cold. Christian had treated her just like any other friend he'd met along the way. Perhaps he wasn't made for her? She remembered the conversation with George outside Brahms mansion. Now George was dead. She shuddered slightly.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Koji went down the tunnel. Noriko had been silent for quite some time now. She hadn't remarked his joking as she'd otherwise done. Koji begun to understand there was more about his comrade then what met the eye. Koji was wondering if he'd gone to far when joking about her being a witch. Koji shook his head. Things where not going the way he'd wished they would. Koji was bough impressed and appaled by Noriko. She had the power of dominance and still didn't embraced it. Something caught his attention. He summoned his power. "Dragon's ear." Now Koji noticed a strange boiling sound. It was like a stew going on to be boiled forever. The red glow became a flare as balls of fire suddenly lit up their path. Koji didn't even doubt. He jumped onto Noriko, pushing her behind him. The orbs of flame came closer. Now Koji saw they'd appeared from a black abyss not far away. The pit glowed with bright light as fireballs continued rebounding. Koji opened his mouth to apologise his bad behaviour when some of the fireballs turned out to be anything but fire. One ball shattered into multiple smaller pieces which turned out to be mimics. The bat-like monsters darted toward them, surrounded by shimmering heat. Noriko sent out a spread-shot of projectiles. The tunnel was to narrow for his full dragon form. Still Koji summoned all the strength he could muster. But as Koji prepared to strike them all down more enemies attacked. From the area beyond the glowing pit a blue flicker drew closer. He staggered backward at the mere look. Koji felt his blood turn cold. This was real demons. "Fllame demons." Noriko almost whispered. "May God preserve us." Koji said, making a shaky sign of the cross. Noriko gave him an encouraging look. "The power of Christian's God will bring us true." The flame demons, it was three of them in total, had already begun their assault. One roused high into the air while the others split up, coming at them from bough side of the narrow passage. Koji and Noriko placed themselves opposite one another, prepared for what might come. At least Koji hoped they where.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Noriko summoned the beholder's soul and released lasers as quickly she could. The flame demon however continued releasing flames to cover up it's approach. Noriko dodged as the flame demon fluttering against the ceiling released it's attack. Noriko summoned the bat soul and released a living spread-shot. Beneath her temporary shield Noriko summoned the bone-man soul and released multiple bones. Neither of this really damaged the demons aldough it draw their attention. Noriko was prepared as she summoned the giant ape skeleton soul. Gathering energy she blasted away several currents of electricity. This soul wasn't as accurate it could've been. Noriko's connection with lightning was very bad indeed. The lightning at least finished of the high flame demon. With grim satisfaction Noriko absorbed its soul. She immediately felt her power rise, like when she'd started absorbing the mimics. Beside Noriko Koji roared, the cry of a dragon. The fire demon repeatedly slashed at him. Their own magic seemed to have no real effect on one another. Noriko drew backward, gathering the Arachne soul, throwing a web upon the flame demon. She fused her flames with the web, burning the demon to ashes. Noriko smiled somewhat. Her fire was hotter than the demon's. She quickly gathered herself and harvested its soul. Noriko turned, prepared for battle. Koji whipped his tail around, crashing the flame demon against the wall. Blood splashed upon the cavern wall as Koji squeezed the life out of it. The demon spew flames but it didn't seemed like it harmed him. Then it was over. Above the corpse of the demons Noriko and Koji exchanged glances. She smiled somewhat. Koji arched an eye brow. Noriko shrugged. She gathered her momentum and jumped across the pit. Koji reached up to her just as Noriko noticed the figure laying on the floor.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Koji knelt down to inspect the creature closer. "What is she?" He asked. The female was unlike anything he'd seen before. "I think she's a pixie." Noriko said. Koji carefully toutched her shoulder. "Auch!" He withdrew his hand, blowing his hand fiercefully. "You shouldn't do that." Noriko said. Depending on her expersion Koji would've guessed she was close to laughing. Koji grunted, cursing beneath his breath. The pixie however didn't move. Her fly-like wings moved while breathing, just as her chest did. "I think she's forced to sleep through some spell." Koji nodded. Although she'd burn him the pixie looked beautiful. Long strings of burning red hair flowed down to her chest and even dough she wasn't higher than any of them she was clearly an adult. Koji remembered a myth about a sleeping beauty. He frowned. The worst which could happen was him getting burned again. The one who'd cast the curse on Uta couldn't have been so unsutle. Koji felt slightly ashamed dough. He, a descendant of dragons, should become burned by a pixie. Then again, Koji's blood wasn't as pure he should wished it was. Koji mentally kicked himself. This was just rubbish. "Koji?" Noriko threw him a slightly worried glance. "Are you alright? You've stared on that creature for quite some time." She tried to joke. "I'm just about to find the way to wake her so you might argue over her burning you." Koji couldn't help but laugh. Noriko really was funy sometimes. Then the laugh faded. Koji knew his challenge still awaited him. The laugh however had renewed his courage and the faith in his own theory. He took a deep breath before he knelt down and kissed the pixie. "Koji!" Noriko gave him a dark look. "I told you that you shouldn't toutch her." Koji tried to figure what to say. The pixie saved him dough. Or perhaps not. The flame creature opened her eyes, then she began screaming. "Calm down." Koji tried to comfort. "We aren't your enemies." Noriko softened. "You holds the torch of dark flame." The pixie almost whispered. Koji crused beneath his breath. He should've known Noriko's power of dominance would've cause trouble sooner or later. She did look every way a Dark Lord candidate. Dark eyes in a pale face nearly hidden by her own raven hair and the hood of the heavy black overcloak. Koji was proad it was his presence who calmed her. "What's your name?" He friendly asked. The pixie nervously licked her crimson little mouth. "Flame." She finally said. "My name is is Flame." She tried a smile, but failed. "Who're you?" Koji didn't really know what to say. Then he got an answer, aldough he didn't knew where it came from.
"I'm the Warakiyan dragon." Bough Noriko and Flame threw him mystified glances. Then Noriko nodded. "It's a honour to meet you." Flame bowed her head. "You won't let her rape me then?" Noriko turned her head away, a horrid and disgusted look on her face. "No." Koji assured. "Nothing is going to happen." Flame frowned. "I hope you might keep that promise." Koji smiled. "What have happened?" Noriko asked. Flame threw her another worried look. Then the pixie began talking.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Noriko gathered her souls around herself. "This isle has long since been the home of my tribe." Flame explained. "Time passed by and the Dark Lord came to our home." The flame-related creature couldn't shudder, although she looked a little pale. Noriko had to restrain a shudder of herself. She remembered how Dracula's followers had chased her in Tokyo. "Five of us where kept alive." Flame continued. "I was held captive and was forced to watch as those monsters slaughtered my children." She reached her hand, Koji grasped it. Noriko slightly wondered why the pixie didn't burn him this time. "The fire man used our combined power to gather enough energy to sice control over our land." Noriko knelt beside them. "Then you might help us." She insisted. "Lead us to where Dario Bosi cast his curse." Flame smiled, reflecting nothing but bitterness. "The area is cealed." She explain. "The fire man, Dario bosi? He used our power. Not his own." Noriko frowned, not sure if she really understand. "What do you mean?" Koji asked. Flame's eyes burned with intensity. "To break the seal and regain balance you'll have to find and awaken my other kin."Noriko nodded. She didn't knew as much about this as Christian although she believed she got it. The power of dominance made one harvest other souls and absorb their powers. Someone with eficiant training could hatch into other souls without taking them. That someone could use those individuals to draw upon the energy which gave them life. If that was the case Dario had to be a really powerful creature. "Then we'll help you." Noriko promised. "Of course." Koji smiled. Noriko threw him a look. Most likely he looked forward to kiss all the pixies. They all got to
Their feet. Noriko gathered her cloak around herself as she concentrated her power upon her medalion. During the pixie's story she'd almost forgotten about the heat. Even with the medalion she felt unconfortable.
Then they penetrated the final gloom, Noriko stepped back in sheer perplecity. They had reached the crater in Redrock. The warmth threw itself against her. Noriko staggered. She had to pull back. It was no way Noriko could continue. She summoned the soul of the flame demon. Still it was like burning claws dug into her body. Flame looked at her with triumph in her eyes. Then Koji came to the rescue. He picked her up into his arms. It was like the mere presence of the dragon sheltered Noriko. "You planned it right?" Koji angrily asked the pixie. "You knew her medalion wasn't strong enough to withstand the volcano." Flame spread her arms in defence. "She is an enemy of the light." Flame explained. "She has the power of dominance. She'll give us all to the men of evil." Koji mumbled something Noriko couldn't quite figure. Then he brought out another medallion from his pocket. "Here." He said. "Take this on." A sad look reflected itself in his face. "It was my brother's medallion." Noriko nodded, pulling it over her head. Koji let go of her. Noriko inhaled deeply. It felt like the warmth had all disappeared. "Thank you." She thankefully told Koji. Then she spun around to face the pixie. Flame took to the air, her wings flapping so rapidly they where nearly invisible. "You tried to kill me." Noriko said in a stern voice. "All I did was to protect my tribe." Flame shot back. Koji stepped to stand with her. "This is all rubbish." He decleared. "Noriko has never pleadged fealty to the dark side." Noriko licked her lips. She'd never told him about what happened in Brahms mansion. This wasn't the time for this. They had to find the fire. "We have no time." She stated. "Christian counts on us." Koji nodded. "Where is the heart of fire?" He asked Flame. The pixie shrugged. "It's atop the crater if you really wish to know." Flame said, pointing at a location high above them. "You're a black dragon?" Flame then asked. "Aren't you?" Koji frowned. Noriko knew it was rude among dragons in human form asking that kind of question. Koji answered by the only means he could to show her the truth. "Dragon on!" Noriko shielded her eyes against the bright glow of his transformation. When she could see again the glorious red dragon Koji really was flew before them. Finally Flame landed. "Sorry." She offered. "It's just…" "I understand." Koji again retained his human form, putting a hand on Flame's shoulder. "Curse it!" He quickly withdrew his hand. Noriko couldn't help it. She released a slight giggle. They'd forgotten about her burning effect. "Sorry." Flame said, smiling slightly. Noriko snorted somewhat. She would have to keep a sharp eye on the pixie. Noriko was young. Still she knew much about the dark powers of the world. Flame hated her due to Noriko's power of dominance. "Where should we go?" Koji asked, breaking into her line of thoughts. "There." Flame pointed toward one of the multiple opening in the cliff's face. "Why can't we just fly up?" Noriko asked. Flame shrugged. "We could. But that would make the flame demons attack." Noriko opened her mouth to tell the pixie they could take care of them but Koji spoke first. "The cave it is then." He began walking. Somewhat irrate Noriko went after him. Flame blew her a kiss. Noriko cursed.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Koji walked along the tunnel. "Dragon's breath!" He spat out a stream of fireballs, taking out the mimics in the cave. Multiple rivers of fire went through the cave, making boiling holes in the floor. Noriko suddenly released flames of her own, smashing the phantom skulls into ashes. The flouting skulls, surrounded by blue fire, made Koji feel sick. He didn't mind as Noriko harvested their souls. Flame dough continued throwing hateful glances at Noriko. That was a problem he didn't knew how to solve. The pixie might have some trust in him aldough she hated Noriko. Koji had to protect them bought. If it came to battle Noriko would likely defeat her. Still, Flame had some tricks of her own. Noriko teleported beyond another fall of fire. She then used her power to block the fowing fire. Koji wondered how she did that. He also wondered how the flames could come from above when the lake of lava lay actually below them. Then he remembered that, out in the crater, he'd seen waterfalls of lava fall down into the abyss. His comrade released another wave of flames as another pack of phantom skulls appeared through the wall. Koji couldn't help but shudder. That was the thing about them which really scared him. "Dragon's tail!" He spun around, whipping some skulls into oblivion. Then Flame released an explosive blast from her eyes, shattering the remaining skulls. "You aren't to gain power from any of those black heart." She told Noriko with a smile which didn't reached her eyes. "Could you please stop calling me that?" Noriko pressed through tight lips. Koji rolled his eyes. In legend allies always became friends. Flame would continue to hate Noriko until she was nothing but dust and spirit. The tunnel entered into a larger cave which resembeled a primitive circle. An alter stood at the centre. A torch burned upon it. The chamber was however a dead end. Koji grasped for his dragon medallion. Was this another attempt on Noriko's life? Then a thunderstorm of fireballs hit home. Koji screamed as he was picked up and hammered into the wall. What devastating power was it who could wield such powers? Through a haze of pain Koji watched as the room's torches formed into lizard-creatures. Flare dancers. Koji picked himself together. This wasn't good. Noriko bent behind a shield of fire as the lizards danced around her, mercilessly bombarding her with fireballs. "Dragon's breath!" His fear freezedart. To Koji's surprise a spread-shot of ice was released from his mouth. How was this possible? Koji was no white dragon. Sophia was one. Never the less. The ice made the flare dancer scatter for cover. "I knew you had it in you." Noriko ran to stand beside him. Koji gave her a confused look. "Dragons do have more than one power to go with." Koji showed his teeth in a dragon's smile. The flare dancers, which had become flames again, reappeared from another direction. "Dragon's breath!" Together he and Noriko released just as many flames as the dancers did. Then a tiny shower of meteors sent one dancer flying. It looked like Flame finally decided to join in the battle. The onslaught made the poor dancer shatter into pieces. Noriko reached out with her left hand to absorb the soul. Koji tried contact the ice in his heart. "Dragon's breath!" The ability had left him dough. All Koji managed was a slight rain of his own saliva. "Don't do that." Flame said. "It's really disgusting." If Koji hadn't been in his dragon form he would've blushed. This wasn't the time dough. There where still plenty of flare dancers left to go. Again Koji was sent flying as a storm of fire collided into him. "Koji!" Noriko teleported to his side. "Back shooting bastards!" She screamed as she released electrified webs. She trapped two of the dancers, making them easier targets for Flame's meteors. Then one flare dancer scored on Noriko. With her cloak on fire she rolled upon the floor. "Noriko!" This time it was Koji's turn to curse the enemies. "Dragon's breath!" On pure instinct he breathed upon Noriko. Slightly surprised he watched as the burning girl was covered in snow. That cooled her down. Koji spew at the remaining dancers. Again he'd lost the ice. The fire did however kill one dancer. Koji knew he was hurt. Blood ran from multiple wounds, boiling when it hit the floor. Noriko staggered to her feet, releasing bats. The confused dancers didn't quite knew how to react. Three meteors hit home and the final dancers collapsed. "Hurry!" Flame encouraged. "We have to reach it in time!" Koji retained his human form. Then he picked up the still dazed Noriko. The alter began rising. Without spilling any more time he jumped upon the rising platform. The floor opened and they where delivered into another circular room.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Noriko had a look around. This room was just like the room they'd left below. There where no flare dancers in here dough. She shook her head. Noriko toutched her here dough. Noriko's hands toutched her body. It was a miracle she wasn't dead. The cloak and her own magic had shielded her somewhat. Still Noriko was lucky to be alive. She decided to have a look around. There was only one opening in the wall. Beyond that where a stair leading upward. She turned to tell the others as two new flame demons appeared from the shadows atop the chamber. Noriko quickly summoned the Arachne soul, releasing a set of lances against them. She nailed one. The other released its attack. "Dragon on!" Koji was in the air to counter the offence. Noriko didn't capture the fight. Koji knew how to handle things. She shrugged and then harvested the soul of the enemy she'd slain. Flame gave her a nasty look. Noriko didn't care. "Then that should be settled." Koji landed, retaining his human form. "Nice work dragon." Koji waved it off. "Just the same old drill." Noriko couldn't help but smile slightly. She then went to inspect the stairway she'd discovered. "How do you trust her?" Noriko could hear how Flame asked Koji. Some of those mimics fluttered around. Noriko angrily sent some flames at them. That pixie really began to pick her nerves. "Like I trust anybody who don't try to kill me." Koji drily remarked. "Since I first met her she've been a Friends." Noriko smiled. Koji was loyal, an old virtue, but she was a true friend. "A warrior should stay close to his friends and closer to his enemies." "Shut up." Koji calmly shot back. Noriko threw a look over her shoulder. The dragon and the pixie looked back. She shrugged. Then turned and began to climb the stair. The steps ended and another circular room opened up. The only light came from a pond of boiling fire. Here was the source of the burning firefalls downstairs. The walls all consisted of prison cells. Inside one cage lay another pixie. Noriko didn't knew if she could feel sorry or glad for it. "Topaz!" Flame flew toward the sleeping girl. An evil laugher sounded as a shell of fire closed around the flying creature. "Show yourself." Noriko demanded. Koji joined up beside her. Flames formed into a lioness figure in red tunic and gold-plated armour. "Buer." Noriko said with a low voice. She still had bad memories from Britza lover road. The evil creature smirked. "Child of blackness." Buer said with a slight bow. Noriko licked her lips. This time George or the priest would come to her rescue. Noriko knew she was in trouble. She was no fencer. Then Flame came in front of them. "Free Topaz." From somewhere inside her cloak she brought out dual swords. "I'll take care of her." Buer smiled, as if she'd expected this turn of events. "Souls of suffering! Hear my call!" When Buer spread her arms in a magical gesture, like she was embracing someone invisible. Noriko shivered. She could feel the eckoes of the power used. Then the pieces of armour spread around rised. All of them burning with a inner flame. Steel hit steel as Flame and Buer faught one another. The Hell knights drew their swords. "Dragon on!" Koji whipped his tail, smashing one Hell knight into oblivion. He screamed as flames burned although it didn't managed to penetrate his red scales. Noriko dodged a series of fireballs shot at her. Noriko was no Simon Belmont or Nathan Graves. She summoned and threw webs in which she trapped them. They cut free as she sent a set of lances. They dug into the living armours. Noriko heard distant cries of pain as one armour crumbled into a heap of iron plates. Noriko reached out, just in time to harvest its soul. Noriko was unsure why. Still the power of the Hell knight felt important somehow. She summoned the bone-man's soul and threw out a number of bones. She teleported to avoid another outburst of flames shot her way. "Dragon's breath!" The heavy flames devastated another Hell knight. Koji was on the offensive, breathing flames all over the place. Still his scales bore numerous burns from the enemy fire. Noriko threw out her webs, trapping the last of the Hell knights. She was left unharmed. It was nothing less then a miracle. When the last armour was gone a key fell from the innerside of the fallen knight's armour. Koji retained human form, quickly picking up the object. Noriko was at his side as Koji opened the cage to Topaz's cell. The dragon knelt, then Koji looked at her. "Could you please look away?" He asked. Noriko slightly blushed. She knew he had to kiss them in order to awaken the pixies from their sleep. Thus she saw Flame behead the Buer. When the cat-like corpse fell to the ground Flame cleaned her blades on its armour before joining Noriko. Topaz slowly opened her eyes. She looked up at Koji as she rubbed sleep from her eyes. "Is it really you?" She asked Flame. "Yes." Flame smiled. "It's really me." Koji noted Noriko to leave the two pixies behind so that they might sheer this moment alone. Noriko quickly left the cage. Koji grasped one of the swords laying around. He fastened the belt so he could carry the blade over his shoulder. Noriko roused an eye-brow, Koji frowned. "My mentor learned me to use bough magic and weapons alike." He told. Noriko nodded. Pitty there was no blade fit for her inside this chamber. By now Flame and Topaz returned. "It was Dario Bosi who captured us." Topaz told them. Noriko frowned. They already knew as much. "But it wasn't he who created the fire." This was new. Noriko had believed the Dark Lord candidate used his power to mearly draw away all the fire so that he and the other who cast the curse could decree their own weather. "The reason why he forced us to take part in it all was that he wasn't powerful enough to control it." Noriko felt confused. The way the ferryman had explained it, it sounded like a plain curse cast by the possible enemies. "I don't understand." Koji said. "If Dario wished to cast a curse why didn't he just cast it?" Topaz shook her head. "To take control over Uta lake they had to remove the three elements which originally ruled this part of the countryside." Noriko slowly nodded. It sounded reasonable. "Thus they used us to break into the token of those elements to reset their patterns." Noriko smiled. This explained it. By reseting the process she could bring the lake back to its original state. That was of course why Dario hadn't simply used the power the pixies gave him to alter the pattern. He had also made it so that without the aid of the very same pixies nobody would never even reach the token of fire. She explained this to Koji who nodded. "Christian must know this." He said. "Or at least something like it. That was why he made us go different ways." Noriko spread her hands in surrender. "Christian is a clever vampire hunter. But he cannot foresee everything." She explained. "Although he knew about these tokens all he wanted was for us to gather them." Then again. For herself Noriko thanked Christian's God he'd sent her here. Only through the power of dominance she could hope to free the fire. As they ecchanged these comments they'd began walking. Past the room with the cages was another tunnel carved out of the red volcanic rock of the isle. They became silent. Noriko was happy there where no enemies here. Koji went ahead of her. Inside these narrow caverns he was forced to retain his human form. Then Noriko caught a glimpse of a movement behind her. She spun around. It was already to late. As she turned Flame buried one of her blades into her chest. Noriko struggled to rise a hand. Topaz released a fireball right at her. Noriko screamed as her arm was engulfed with flames. She fell to the floor. Then Koji was there. She smiled. At least one friend would be there when she died. Koji slowly laied her down. Noriko felt how blood splashed from the open wound. Noriko was dying. She knew she was.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Koji felt his heart sink as he saw Noriko close her eyes. How dared these two beasts lay even a hand on her? He removed the blade in her chest, throwing it aside. New blood drained her cloak, colouring the black cloth crimson. "Help me." Noriko nearly hispered. "If I die, the blood of Soma Cruz will be all but gone." She pleaded. Koji nodded. He knew what was at stake. Without the power of dominance on their side all would be lost. Koji noticed the two pixies gathered themselves. "It had to be done." Flame softly explained. Topaz nodded. "Finish her off before she kills us all." Anger suddenly burned in Koji's heart. They hadn't done it because they hated her. They'd just tried to remove what they saw as another treath. Koji gathered his power. He knew it would hurt but he did it none the less. He picked up the blade he'd removed from her chest and cut into his own flesh. Koji then grasped her hand, putting it over the fresh wound. "Focuse yourself." He told the dying girl. "Open yourself to me." Koji felt her failing mind reach to his own. She opened up into the heart of her fleeting soul. Koji knew it was little time left. He opened himself to her and then released his power. Koji screamed. It was like a sword split his heart in two. Her counter-strike came quickly. Darkness rised like a wave of evil, washing over him. Black currents of electricity shot from her and into his very soul. Koji roused his kindness in defence. Concentrating on his will to save her life. A part of his being passed from him and into her. For an instance their hearts beated in unison. Koji knew it wasn't really that way. No time to think about that. Another wave of blackness hit him. It was all Noriko's memories and feelings. Her frustration and fear. All which made Noriko the street-child she was. Against this Koji sent his compassion for life and his love for his late brother. As the waves restedfor an instance Koji ended the ritual. They where one. Koji had given her half his heart so she might live. Noriko looked up at him, her wound was already healed. "Thank you." She weakly smiled. "I had to do it." He told her. "We are one. As long as I live you will also be alive." Noriko's smile vanished. Her eyes grew large as she figured what he'd done. "You gave her a dragonheart?" The two pixies drew their weapons, preparing themselves. "How could you?" Topaz asked. Koji frowned. Keeping an eye on them he helped Noriko on her feet. Koji looked away as she threw her black cloak over where her hand had been. Although she was healed of her wounds his sacrifice hadn't been enough to save her burning arm. Just below her shoulder her arm was gone. "I did what I had to." He told the two pixies. "Without her we cannot get past the shield on the token of fire." At least that would make them shut up. Still they looked unconvinced. They looked as they where prepared to fight bough of them. Koji reached over his shoulder, preparing his blade and dragon powers. Through his connection with Noriko Koji felt she was ready for battle. Their argument was cutshort. The cave shok like the mountain itself was hit by a monstrous hammer. A roa like an army at war sounded from below. The pixies exchanged distressed glances. "The volcano has awaken." Flame almost desperately instructed. "We have to get out of here before thee is an eruption." Topaz explained. Noriko shook her head. "Christian told me to find the fie." She told them. "I'm not prepared to leave without it." Koji nodded. "Besie." He reminded. "There are still three more of youhidden inside here." The pixie flew forward. Koji prepared himself for the attack. Instead of an attack dough the two pixies flew past them, encouraging him and Noriko to follow. Koji shrugged. He would keep a sharp eye out for the duo. They hadn't gone far before another group of phantom skulls appeared through the holes in the floor. "Dragon's tail!" Koji didn't bother if he got his tail burned. His shells felt actually more hardened than burned throughout the adventure. Perhaps the old saying was true. That pain really built your character. Noriko was trapping skulls inside her webs. She then crushed them by either using lances or bat-shaped shots. The loss of her arm didn't seem to have disrupted her aim. Flame and Topaz delivered aid by throwing their own projectiles or by brandishing their swords. Koji gathered himself and jumped across the abyss. The mountain seemed like it had calmed down for now. Still, Koji didn't like the boiling sounds from the crater close by. They entered into a tall square chamber. Another stone platform at the centre. This time dough there where another door at the far side of the room. Towering pillars kept the ceiling stabile. Koji discovered wall paintings displaying dancing flames and fire. Then he frowned. The paintings wheren't pictures at al. They where real flames. "I don't like this." Topaz confessed. Koji nodded. "I don't like it either." Then the flames gathered and formed themselves into four Buer. "Get behin us." Koji instructed Noriko. "The rest of you." He told. "Form a circle. Fight back to back." Then Koji added. "Let Noriko capture a soul if possible." They of course gave him that look. There where no time for arguing dough. The Buer's sword and gold-plated light armour shone in the red glow of the volcano. Koji drew his own weapon just as the pixies did. "Lord Dracula!" "Pluto and the fire temple!" "The cross and dragonheart!" Their war-cries resounded through the room as blade hit blade. Koji had to admit the Buer where exelent fencers. He was pushed to the lmits of his talents. Koji thanked God for insisting his mentors to train him as a human fighter. Blood ran down his side and shoulder after numerous slashes. Koji knew that without Flame and Topaz he would've been finished already. Then Noriko created a small rain of red needles directly down in front of them. Koji screamed with anguish and pain. She'd nearly cut off his toes. Two Buer had managed to avoid in time. One was dead nd the fourth had horrible burns down her chest. "Shama dimensha!" Koji blinked. He didn't understand. Oh, then he got it. One Buer sent out a tracking flame along the floor. A circle of fire roused around them in defence. Koji could see sweath on Noriko's face. Of course that wasn't the end of it. The wounded Buer continued casing spells as the other lionesses came at them anew. Koji left them to the pixies as he gathered his dragon magic. "Dragon on!" Koji felt his body change into his dragon alterego. For a moment Koji believed he saw a near desperate look in the witch Buer's eyes. Then she shrouded herself in flames. She leaped into the air, releasing the flames in a powerful breath against him. Koji avoided the attack. He was already in the air. Koji made an effort to calm himself. He knew his ice powers slept inside his heart. He whipped his tail at the burning little Buer. She dodged and then sent out a series of fireballs. "Dragon's breath!" Koji answered with a beam of fire which shattered the fire before they could reach him. Again the mountain shook. Piles of rocks loosened from the ceiling. "Mahaji interecta!" Buer made them shift course with a sngle gesture. Koji whipped his tail, smashing them all to rubble. He only hoped he didn't hit the pixies or Noriko. "Dragon's breath!" This time a stream of ice shot outward. Buer gathered the roks around her. The rubble froze and shattered. She tried to avoid but became smashed against the wall by her own shield. Koji blasted the few remaining stones before landing. It seemed like it was mostly over. Noriko lay resting as Flame and Topaz circled the last of the Buer. Although outnumbered the lioness was more then a match for them. She held them off with repeated spells and then advanced to damage any of them sh could reach. Noriko drunk some of the potion before giving it to Koji. Koji drank only once but it healed him none the less. Noriko was already ahead of him dough. She'd already captured the unfortunate Buer. The Buer became fire and reappeared somewhere else. The pixies flew to retain battle. Buer didn't gave them the chance. She spread her arms and began throwing fireballs with souch hast Koji could hardly believe it. However. It was time to end this before the mountain exploded around them. "Dragon's breath!" Somehow he managed to remain calm. Koji had finally figured that calm was the key to his ice magic. Now he finished off the enemy with a final breath of frost. Noriko reached out beside him. From the insides of the frozen corpse anothercrystal appeared. It flew into Noriko's hands where it disappeared. "Let's go." Flame suggested, putting back her swords. "The culcano might still get an eruption." Topaz added. "Wait one moment." Kojicould feel something was going on. Then two panels in the walls opened. Inside each of them a pixie lay sleeping. "Amber!" Flame exclaimed. "Ruby!" Topaz hurried toward the leftmost cage. "Could you please turn away?" He asked. Noriko spun around. The pixies gave him that ook. "Never mind." Koji mumbled as he knelt to kiss Amber. When she opened her eyes Koji went to wake Ruby too. "Have the culcano erupted yet?" Ruby asked. Koji shok his head. "That really surprises me." The pixie commented, getting back up. "Dario Bosi created imbalance on perpose." "What!?" Noriko almost shouted. "What did you say!?" Ruby left her cage, dusting off her robes. "I heard him speak with his comrades through crystal." She explained. "They intended to use Uta lake as an experiment on what they could do with their powers." Koji almost couldn't believe it. To create imbalance on perpouse! All just to find out what would happen. It was outrageous. If Koji ever got his hands on one of those… Again that thundering sound was heard from below. Followed by the terrifying bubbling sound. "Do not disturb the balance between fire, ice and lightning." "Excuse me?" Koji threw Amber a look. "I'm sorry." The pixie said. "I am, or was, the tribe's seer." She smiled somewhat. "In my dreams I see images of things which was, is and some which might come to pass." Koji shuddered. Those who saw beyond had always disturbed him although Koji was unsure why. "I think." Flame broke into their conversation. "We should get on moving." Topaz agreed. "We might still escape before it goes." Amber shook her head. "We have to find Zelda." Ruby insisted. "With her aid we might still alter the flow of fire." Koji nodded. They just corrected him in what he had known would happen all since he met Flame. Somehow this was ment to happen.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Noriko burned the last bats into ashes before entering out into the crater. The bas had flew at them the moment they left the narrow cave behind. What met her beyond the bats mad Noriko shiver with fear. Flames danced above the lava which had begun rising. When it reached its climax Noriko was sure it would blow. What Amber and Ruby had told made her pale with horror. If this was what it ment to be a Dark Lord candidate she would never become one. Not that Noriko had really considered become one. "Hurry!" Flame ordered. "We must fly out the crater's opening." That freak still wanted run away. Flame was a backstabber and a coward. Noriko disliked her more than ever. "You're not going anywhere." Koji said in a firm tone. At least he knew what was at stake. As did the other pixies. Topaz had been undecided. But after talking with Amber and Ruby she'd become as determined as Koji. Noriko went forward. The pixies had built steps into the sides of the crater. Now she began climbing upward. Noriko noticed she was getting closer toward where Flame said the flame was kept, she smiled. A Flame to find another. "Flame demons coming in!" Noriko curled together and rolled back down a few steps. "Dragon's breath!" Koji released another wave of fros. This made the demons keep their distance. Topaz, Ruby and Amber made them scatter by throwing fireballs. Noriko saw Flame's look. At least she wasn't going to give more aid. She'd been grateful at first. But afte Topaz had abandoned her view she'd become bitter. It worried Noriko in another way too. If the pixies where right and she would have to use their combined power to break the seal. Then what would happen if Flame refused to part in the spell? She threw the thought aside. It just had to work. The flame demons where gathering again. "Dragon on!" Noriko watched with amazement how Koji again transformed into his glorious true form. He darted right toward the demons, spewing frost around. "He really is a cute one." She heard Topaz whisper. Amber giggled. "I wouldn't mind him kissing me again." "I'll make out with him first." Ruby challenged. Noriko blushed. She moved out of earshot as Koji continued his battle. His scales shone like a ruby rainbow. Noriko knew she was about to develop another of her damn crushes. First it'd been on another street-child in Tokyo. She wondered what might happened with him. Then it was Christian Belmont and now Koji Hakuba. It didn't help much to think that her grandfather Soma had married Mina Hakuba. Again the horrible roar and boiling sound was heard from elow. Even dough it scared her Noriko knew she had to continue. She had to reach and obtain the fire. Noriko began climbing as the pixies joined up around her. Noriko summoned some souls just in case. Not even Flame looked agresive. The volcano was going critic and they where the only who could stop it from erupting. Then Koji was back. He climbed the stairs behind them. Noriko would never admit it. But it felt good having him there. Then suddenly the stairs ended. Noriko licked her lips. With the back out against the crater stood a richly decorated alter. A dragon decorated with multi-colored jewels held a burning orange ball in its mouth. Seated upon the low fence sat a figure drapped and hooded in pitch black. Noriko immediately recognised him. It was the same feeing from the church in Britza. What terrified her more dough was the black dragon who filled up the rest of the platform. "The warlock lord" She whispered. The volcano rumbled.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 22nd. Of December 2098 A.D.
Koji felt the black dragon's eyes burn against his own. "Weakling half-breed." It cursed. "You have forgotten the way of your own kin." Koji shook his head. He was terrified. Still he knew his cousin was wrong. "It's you who have forgotten." Koji felt his body shiver slightly. Still he wasn't horrified enough to not speak his mind. "Were meant to protect the magical underworld." The black dragon spat a flame at him in pure disgust. "Your fool!" He roared. "We are the rulers. The mightiest kind in the world." Throughout this argument the undead king had just sat by. Now he finally involved himself. Dough, not like Koji expected. "Do you wish to fight?" Koji didn't know what to say. Did this twisted madman intend to break the rules of the fire temple? "Don't you know anything?" He burst out. "Dn't you know this is sacred ground for the dragons?" The ghost lord's empty hood viewed him. Koji could almost feel him smile. "I know many things." The enemy almost pured. "More than you know." Then the hood contracted, like the undead wraight inside it nodded. You cannot fight here." He gestured at his dragon who spread its wings and left through the crater's opening. "The guardian of the fire temple forbids dragons to fight." It was like the warlock considered something. "But I am sure he will fight you." Koji didn't understand. He hadn't done anything to provoke the spirits of fire. "Watch!" The undead king pointed a gloved finger at the lake of lava belov. Koji watched, then shivered. From the lava a dragon appeare. Its scales where dark and the flesh beneath was rotting. A scent of death filled the already burning hot air. Empty eye-sockets stared at him with a dead hatred Koji could almost taste. The warlock lord was mad. How dared he trap a dragon through forbidden twisted necromancy? Koji felt tears run down his cheeks. Some scales where still shining gold. This was a crime which couldn't go unpunished. With a roar filled with bough dread and holy rage Koji transformed into his true dragon form. "Dragon on!" Koji knew he was smaller and not as powerful as a gold dragon. But this dead shell of a dragon had lost some of its power in death. Koji knew that he had to erredicate this monstrosity. The soul trapped inside this hideous dead shell must become free so that it might join his horoscope. He spread his wings and leaped into the air, releasing his war-cry.

Noriko watched as Koji flew into battle. The warlock lord laughed a hollow laugher. It erupted from his hood like a poisonous hiss. "So easy it is to manipulate those keeping to the crest of vallour." "We could defeat him." Amber whispered in herear. Topaz nodded. "Neither of us are really men." The undead king moved. Quicker than the eye could follow he was on his feet. In his right hand he held a knife, burning with a ugly yellowish light. In the left he held a hammer in crimson and gold. "Do not take me for a fool!" The undead wraith shrieked. "You know about me. Did you not think I knew about you? Watch." The ghost lord was back on the fence, empty handed. Again a black leatherclad finger pointed. One of the bricks which made out the floor began to glow. As Noriko and the astonished pixies watched the true fabric of the tile became visible. It was one solid block made out of supernatural blue ice. The warlock lord threw to Noriko a bottle. She didn't capture it. Still it landed right upon the ice. The bottle shattered and the magical ice melted away. Inside the hidden space another pixie lay sleeping. Somehow this pixie was unlike those around her. Heavy locks of golden hair went down her shoulders. A delicate sleeping face looked back up at them. Instead of the plain tunic or gow this pixie was dressed in a purely white gown. "It's Zelda." Amber said, kneeling down. "Indeed." The undead king calmly added. Then that same poisonous laugher erupted from his empty black hood. "It is quite simple in fact." Again his finger pointed. A flickering red light appeared around the alter. "You need all five pixies to break that shield." How did the warlock knew all this? "Without your dragon friend you cannot awaken the last of them." A tone of undead glee entered his voice. "You might fight me." Again he was on his feet, armed and ready. "You might even defeat me." Noriko got an eerie feeling he eyed them up and down. "Then some of you might die in the process. Then it will all be over." As if to add to his statement the volcano again rumbled. The warlock lord again sat upon the fence. "Your best choice is to wait for the outcome of this spectacular battle." Then he lowered his voice. Norik was sure that if he could've soften it he tried it now. "There is another way dough." That puring tone she'd heard before returned to his voice. Noriko knew what it was dough. It was how a cat would sound, playing with a helpless mouse. "You have the power of dominance." Noriko couldn't help but shiver. She almost knew what he would suggest before he spoke. "You could penetrate the shield. You know you can. Use your power to absorb the fire." The wraith lowered his voice evn more. "With that kind of power you could heal the volcano. You could defeat me and even my master." Somehow Noriko knew it was all true. She knew this had been his intention all along. There was plenty of Dark Lord candidates abroad. At least bough the ferryman and Christian said so. This was the same temptation Soma Cruz, her grandfather, had met in 2035. Noriko's eyes fixed upon the orange orb in the alter dragon's mouth. She couldn't help but reach out with her left hand. Then she remembered. Noriko's left hand was gone, destroyed by Flame and Topaz. Her anger awakened. Why should she save the fire temple? They all hated her. Noriko's heart beat faster. "Koji." The name erupted from her lips. It was like a pleading. Noriko felt like drowning. She reached into her cloak. Around Noriko's neck hung Koji's gift, a dragon medallion. Something else also hung around her neck. It was her grandmother's crucifix. Mina Hakuba had although a caretaker of her father's shrine been a member of the Catholic church. The air in the volcano was burning hot. Still the crucifix was cold. It made her relax somewhat. Noriko pressed it against her heart. Thank to Koji she was still alive. What was a hand against her life? The orange glow shone bright inside the orb of fire. Koji was a part of the fire temple. He believed in guidance from the spirits of fire. Christian's God created the dragons to uphold the law and protect the life of the world. Together with the Budhist monks they garanteed the order of balance. Noriko's parents had told her about this before they disappeared. "I will wait for Koji." She finally told the undead warlock. "Then be it." The warlock lord again rised from his seated position. "You bring it upon yourself." The warlock lord began walking toward the end of the balconey. "Chaos will rise. The next crossroad might not be as simple as this." Darkness gathered around him and he was gone. "You did the right thing." Amber said. "Are you sure?" Noriko asked. "I have a feeling he told me the truth." "Of course you did." Ruby added. "Only the One knew when the day will come." Topaz said. "All we can do is to chose what to do when a challenge is placed before us." Amber added. Noriko nodded. It was true all they said. Still she was sure the warlock lord knew what he spoke about. That undead monster really did terrify her.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 22nd. Of December 2098 A.D.
Koji flapped his wings. He just barely dodged the flames shot at him by the death dragon. He answered by releasing a quick series of icicles. "Koji." The mental telepathy made Koji miss the other dragon. "Keep out of this." He told her. The voice did belong to Amber. "Do you want us to help?" Koji dodged a series of whip slashes as the dragon flailed its tail at him. "I have to do this alone." He sent back. "I can't afford if any of you die." Again his enemy spew fire at him. Koji blocked with a breath of his own. Although the golden flame of his opponent shattered his own red, it gave him time to avoid it. He whipped his own tail and hit the death dragon right in the chest. It was the third time he'd managed to harm the other dragon. Koji's own body bore multiple burns in return for the favour. Although his strength was considerable he couldn't go on like this forever. The death dragon didn't seem like it would ever grow tiered. The spell which imprisoned the dragon's soul inside its body also fuelled it with more dark energy. Then Koji felt a waight upon his back. Small hands hung onto him with dear life. "Noriko!" The death dragon smashed its head into the wall, making multiple rocks fall down. Noriko released bat-shaped shots, defending against the shower. The death dragon went directly toward him. Koji prepared for the impact. It altered corse just before the blow. Instead Koji felt sharp claws rip his wings. Noriko sprinkled magic potion upon his wings, healing them before they could fal into the lava. Again the death dragon shot toward them. This time Koji was prepared. He sent out a series of icicles. The death dragon breathed fire and crushed the ice. It shot at him already its claws extended. Noriko answered this move with a spread-shot of bones. This confused the death dragon long enough for Koji to mark it with his own claws. He actually managed to tare away some portions of its rotting flesh. The other dragon roared and breathed a heavy flame. Noriko spread out bones and bat projectiles all around them in an effort to shield the blast. Koji summoned his own magic dough. "Dragon shield!" It was an ancient spell. It was originally used to protect a dragon's knight when such still existed. A shield of blue frost, that surprised Koji somewhat. He was neither a blue nor a white dragon. The shield of frost did however shield them from the flames. Again the death dragon smashed its head against the wall. Rocks fall all around them. Noriko delivered bones to block the attack. Koji used his tail to smash other into oblivion. Noriko released a long-lasting beam toward the death dragon. It hit home and burned through the decaying flesh of their enemy. Its entire abdomen was on fire. To Koji's surprise the death dragon dived into the lava. When it returned it spew out a wave of fire more powerful than ever. It blasted upward. Koji was sure this was the final blow. Somehow Noriko managed to teleport them bough out of reach. Through their connection he felt her power fading. "Finish that bastard." She cried. Then she used her last remaining power to teleport back on solid ground. She didn't understand. This was no ordinary battle. The death dragon shot toward him. Koji released more of those icicles before dodging again. The other dragon dodged his attack and breathed flames at him. Koji blocked with his own fire. Then his tail hammered into the death dragon. Pieces of death flesh and shattered bone was spread through the air. Koji felt his own ribs crack as the death dragon clawed all over his body. Blood splashed as Koji felt his body itch in his enemy's grasp. This was death. He gathered all his power and shot out a burst of fire. The death dragon's head was knocked off and with the head the body itself shattered into pieces. Koji felt no joy. His strength was depleated. He tried to gain high by he just was to tiered. Blood ran from multiple claw-marks inflicted upon his wings. It was like the lava reached for him. Its glow already blinded him. Koji absently wondered why the glow had turned all gold. It wasn't important. Koji was about to die and he knew it. "Koji, cousin" A warm voice seemed like embrasing him. "Who are you?" Koji asked, almost in a daze. "Once I was Lugia, the warder of the temple of fire." Koji gaped. Was this possible? "You have released me from the chains which Chaos placed upon me. You have brought your horoscope great honour." Koji hung his head. "I don't deserve it." He confessed. "I'm no real dragon. My blood isn't purely that of your kind." Whatever this realm was Koji hung his head. "You are pure." Lugia assured." As long as your heart is without darkness we are one." Koji didn't understand. The golden glow slowly faded. "This is all I might give you. The ruby and gold houses place trust in you." Koji screamed. It was like all his scales were turned inside and out. The remaining golden glow penetrated and burned into his heart. The pain would never stop. Then he fell into the lava. Mysteriously it didn't burn him more than hot water. Koji gathered himself and swam upward.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 22nd. Of December 2098 A.D.
Noriko heard the pixies voices cry out as they saw Koji fall. Noriko felt like her heart was ripped out of her chest. She would die with him. That was the only weakness of the dragonheart spell. Noriko folded the black cloak around herself. She expected to black out any minute. The volcano shook. Noriko didn't mind. Without Koji all was lost. Zelda would never wake and the seal would never be broken. Then the lava erupted. From the molton pit a dragon with scales all ablaxe with gold. The large shining dragon flew toward them. Noriko felt her knees collapse beneath her. This was impossible. Had Koji given his life so that the gold dragon could live again? "Noriko!" A voice joyfully rang in her mind. "A miracle has happen!" The gold dragon landed upon the farther end of the platform. A golden flash almost blinded her. Then Koji hurried toward them. "We did it!" He exclaimed. "The gold dragon, it called itself Lugia, gave me its golden glow." Noriko just stood there. She almost couldn't believe it. Then a tear ran down her cheek. She turned around. The jewel on his medallion now was a symbol of gold. Now she was alone again. The black diamond on the crest he'd given him only proved it. As long Koji was a red dragon Noriko felt they belonged to one another. Now Koji embrased Light, like he should. She was left alone. Now he too would hate her. "Wat's wrong?" Noriko felt Koji's hand on her remaining shoulder. He put his hand beneath her chin, forcing her to look at him. Noriko then just told him. "I am a wanderer in darkness." She said. "I was the Devil's concubine although I didn't wished for it." Koji's eyes felt like penetrating into her soul. "The house of dark diamond haven't given birth to as many followers of Chaos as you think." Noriko shook her head. "It don't matter." She insisted. "I'm the last decendant of a family which is to hunt for anyone who want to." Now it was Koji who shook his head. "Remember." He plainly said. "The crucifix don't burn you." Leaving Noriko to consider his statement Koji bent beside Zelda. This time Noriko forced herself to watch it. It wasn't as big as she'd expected. Koji simply pressed his lips a short moment to the pixie's lips, breathing a tiny flame into her mouth. Noriko drew her cloak closer around herself. Her raven hair fell down bough sides of her face. It even hid portions of her face. The black stone around her neck shone with mysterious light. Sorely she looked interesting and gloomy now. Then she snorted disgusted by her own actions. Koji wasn't in love with any of these pixies. Just because one of them where more pretty than her it didn't mean anything. Noriko was only 8 years old. It would be years before she became a woman. Koji on his hand was 12 years old and already a vampire hunter. She was growing more powerful as Noriko went deeper into the shadows. Noriko couldn't help but fear for the future. "I knew you would come to rescue me." Zelda spread her wings, rising into the air. Her fly wins looked like crystal and silver. "The spirit of fire told me so." She smiled. Noriko felt again she dwarfed in comparison with this blazing appearition. Koji bowed his head. "Thank you, your highness." First now Noriko noticed the dragon crest around Zelda's neck. "The child of shadows are here." The pixie summoned her. "I see what he promised are already happening." Again she smiled. Noriko didn't understand. Amber and the other pixies gathered around their lady. Koji stepped to one side as a clear orange glow appeared around the five girls. "We are ready." Zelda encouraged. "Stop!" Noriko let go of a bitter laugher. Flame, she should've knwn. "How do you dare trust this witch?" Flame was unlike the others not surrounded by an orange aura. "This is destiny." Amber interjected. "We agreed to no speak about this." Topaz added. "But I must speak about this." Flame shot back. "You've all seen her reach for the fire. She desires it." Noriko looked away. It was true. At least almost true. Noriko had been angry and nearly falle to the temptations of its power. "She is thechosen one." Zelda said. "We have to do this." Flame crossed her arms before her chest. "She will betray us. She's a darkside." Koji snarled. "She's no evil person. My dragonheart would've felt it if she was." Flame shot him a dirty look. "How do you know anything? I still remember the colour of your old scales. Red and black alwys stand united." Noriko rowned. She didn't understand, a common thing these days. "The warder would never given him the power of gold if Koji was a follower of Chaos." Zelda strictly informed. "Lugia is the warder of the fire temple. E would never give in to the Devil." Flame looked away. "He was trapped inside his own orpse. Who know what might happened to him." Zelda shook her head. "That is noncense." Topaz said. "You know it is." The culcano roared and shook beneath the. "If we're to do anything." Amber said, slightly alarmed. "We have to do it now." Flame spread her ars. "Then don't blame me when she takes the fire." Noriko shivered slightly. The orange glow reappeared around the pxies. Now all of them combined their power. She noticed Flame prepared her weaponry. Noriko licked her lips. It was about to happen. Christian's God be with her. If she fell into darkness Flame would be right about her. Noriko toutched her crucifix. Then she reached out. Blackness shrouded her very being. It was like she drew the shadows right out from thin air. Noriko felt their souls. They where like orange seeds in her grasp. She drew their power into her own soul. Darkness whispered to her; "Take them.". Noriko fought it aside. With the new power she reched toward the seal of the temple. It was enormous. Noriko wondered how much power Dario really possessed. Then she formed her own powers into a fist of pure energy. Noriko hammered it into the wall. It shattered ino pieces of pure fire. Noriko drew upon it, summoning all the power into her grasp. Without the pixies Noriko was sure she woud've been smashed by all this energy. She figured Dario Bosi also had to use the pixie to even summon this amaunts of fire. She chaneled it back toward the pixies Noriko felt how they released the power back into the volcano. Not until now Noriko felt the hole from which Dario had stolen all the magic. The aura of a countryside was really something powerful. Finally it was all over. The volcano finally became silent beneath them. Still Noriko felt the power was disturbed. There could still be an outburst if the balance wasn't restored. Noriko discovered she was down on her knees. Nearly all her strength had left her. She wasn't really yet prepared for this kind of manipulation. She struggled back into a standing position, letting go of the pixies souls. "It's over." She closed her eyes. "Koji. Would you take the fire?" Noriko couldn't help it. She went back down on her knees.

Redrock, Uta lake. The 22nd. Of December 2098 A.D.
Koji watched Noriko. She looked so little, so defenceless. "Koji. Would you take the fire?" The little girl fought so strongly to pretend being what they expected of her. With closedeyes she went back down on her knees. Noriko clasped what was left of her left arm. "Christian said you should do it." He reminded. Pain crossed her face. Noriko forced a grimace of a smile. "I have no power left. If you don't want fighting a princess of shadows you take that damn thing." Koji put a hand around her, helping her stand. "Ihave faith in you." He said in a low voice. "You should take it." Noriko shok her eyes. She did open her eyes dough. "Don't let her do it!"Koji threw Flame a angry look. Why had he ever awaken that pixie? Koji knew the answer dough. "That is exactly why I wish you to takeit." He whispered into Noriko's ear. He helped her to walk in front of the alter. "Take it." He again encouraged. Noriko lifted her hand slightly, then she let it fall. "You should tae it." She again said. Koji returned her gaze. In her eyes he saw all which she couldn't tell with words. The fear of her own power. The crush on him combined with jellousy toward the pixies. Koji smiled. He didn't mind her feelings. At least he wasn't in love with any of them. "I'll take it." He assured Noriko. He helped her to sit before he again moved for the alter. The orange orb felt strangely cold in his hand. Then it flashed with new light. Koji smiled. Now all he could do was to hope that the others where alive and on their way back to Bodley. Koji and Noriko should also be going. He turned to the pixies. "We have to go." He said. Adding. "Christian Belmont and our friends should be there now. Waiting for us." Flame snored. Zelda smiled. "Then I suggest you go with them." Flame looked surprised. Then she nodded. Koji shrugged. He didn't mind any of them going along. But if he'd gotten it his way Koji wouldn't chosen Flame She presented herself never the less. "Draon on!" Koji transformed back into his dragon form. He noticed they shielded their eyes. His bright golden glow seemed to be a little to much for the eye to watch. Koji knew the sunshine would fade in time. It would turn into a natural yellow light of pure gold. Flame picked up the fire. Topaz and Ruby helped Noriko up on Koji's massive shoulders. "Until the balance is restored." Zelda said. "We will do what we can to ease the powerful souls of this temple." Koji nodded. He noticed Noriko had fallen asleep on his back. He used another dragon knight spell to keep her safe. Then he bid the others fear well. The sun was about to rise outside the mountain. Koji spread his wings. They had to be quick if they where to reach Bodley in time.

Uta lake, Warakiya. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Mist shrouded almost everything. The ferryman silently rowed Christian Belmont and Genya Arikado across the foggy lake. Christian smiled slightly. That was the name Reinhardt Schneider used, way back in 1852. His little hand landed upon the Vampire Killer whip. For more than 1000 years his family, his blood, had carried it into battle against the powers of evil. The bloodline had grown over time. Although all Belmonts had been born with that power, other forms of magic where used during the war. Those orbs Leon Belmont used in 1094. That had been almost 400 years before Dracula's rise to power. Sonia Belmont was gifted with magic similar to the power of dominance if Christian remembered correctly. There had been other magical systems too. Like the ancient books of Juste Belmont and the order of eclesia. All which where left dough where Nathan Grave's DSS-cards. Christian whished he had the cards. The pope gave them to John. Christian had last seen them in the hands of Edward Morris. It'd felt comforting having his family around. Christian was a little disappointed dough. How could Daniel and Alicia remain nautral? Sorely the dark wanderers where searching for the Graves and Schneider fractions of his clan. "Genya" Christian said, trying to change mental subject. "You know I haven't been tested yet?" Arikado cracked a smile. "I should have." He confessed. "I do not feel the power in your aura." Christian mentally kicked himself. Of course Genya Arikado knew about the rituals of the Belmont clan. "I don't know if Thomas is still alive." Christian said, revealing his greatest worry. "He is protected." Genya said. Christian threw him a look. "If he fail I will take his place." Christian shook his head. "Genya, we bough know you're no darkbreed." Arikado bowed. "The combination of man-beast and vampire blood is not the only way to release the powers of the Vampire Killer." The mist cleared somewhat. Before them loomed a high almost skull-like formation. The reefs from which the sirens attacked where now abandoned. Then Christian nodded the ferryman had vanished again. Still the ferry delivered them safely toward shore. Christian and Genya changed glances. Hen Arikado waved a hand in axception. That wasn't a concerns, as he might put it. Christian couldn't help but smile. Then his humour left him. This wasn't the time. They had this one night to compleate everything.

Rocnest, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Zoe Belnades went back and forth. She knew it didn't helped, still she helped burning away useless energy. Less then an hour ago Zoe and Owen Hammer had been free, searching for the lightning. Zoe still remembered it like it was happening right now.

Flashback.

Zoe ran, turning to release small tornadoes. The dead pirates didn't give up. Owen released several booms from his shotgun. Not before they'd reached shore these undead bodies attacked. They'd lost their boat and now it looked like they would loose their lives too. Rain made it difficult seeing. Rocnest was a barren rock with a few clusters of pine trees. A pack of were-jaguars suddenly appeared from on of those clusters, blowing-pipes already prepared. Multiple small arrows became shot through the air. Owen was hit once and fell to the ground. Strangely, all the other arrows dug themselves into the death flesh of the zombie pirates. Then one arrow hit Zoe. She collapsed into a heap.

End of flashback.

Zoe rowed. No meaning throwing away time on what had been. Important was what where in the present. The jaguars had stolen all her clothing and belongings. Zoe wished she'd had the broken sword at least. Something on which she could concentrate her magic. Zoe hated to admit it. But she was a battle-mage. She could kill with a gesture, or give magical power to weaponry and armour. This chamber seemed to be carved out of the bedrock itself. For the first time she closer inspected her prison. The cave was small and still the walls where painted to look like the American jungle. Large flowers from Amazon River and such places where grown from the earth floor. A lantern burned just above the fence of her cage. Zoe sniffed the air; the oil was prepared with some form of perfume. "Lady." Two jaguars appeared outside. Bough where females it looked, armed with lances. "Come with us." Zoe shrugged. Did she really have any choice? She could of course kill them. But Zoe didn't intend running around this place all naked. She noticed they watched her. Beyond all her magic Zoe was only an 18 year old girl without experience in that genre. Slightly blushing she stepped outside. Zoe would never tell it if anyone could've asked. But she envied the jaguars their lightly-armoured west and baggy trousers The jaguars brought her down the corridor and into another cavern. Zoe passed a window carved into the wall. Zoe looked outside. Bewildered she noticed she was inside the mountain above the forest. She entered the next cave, the guards left her by the exit. To Zoe's surprise she'd entered into something which looked like a bath. "My lady." Three new jaguars stepped toward her. Zoe noticed these jaguars where males. Unlike the female guards these fellows kept a low profile. Zoe's cheeks grew redder as she noticed they also where nude. Where they going to… "Which bath do you prefers?" "Do you wish a massage with oils or just soap?" The other one said, presenting Zoe to a series of bottles and boxes. All of which contained a different oil or soap. She quickly chose a soap and almost ran toward the nearest pool. The water was hotter than Zoe expected. It actually felt rather comfortable. She looked over her shoulder, the male jaguars still stood there. "How did I end up here?" She shyly asked. The jaguars all fell to their knees. "Punish us lady." They said with one voice. "We don't know the answer." Zoe turned away. What creatures had she around her? Zoe quickly cleaned herself. She found a tiny puncture-mark in her shoulder. Zoe frowned. The jaguars which shot her clearly didn't intend to kill her. "Are these suitable, my lady?" The third jaguar asked. They where still down on their knees. "If you wish you might make out with us." Zoe shuddered. Of course she didn't want to. "What I want is my clothing." She altered that comment. "Any clothing actually." "Follow us my lady." Still slightly shy Zoe stepped out of the bath. They gave her cloth to dry of herself. Then they showed her to a series of chests at the back of the cave. Zoe was glad to find clothing fit for human women. Zoe found some underwear and a pair of stockings. She was too small for a bra so she let go of them in favour of a nice shirt and a pair of the same trousers the guards used. The jaguars gave her the Star of David and the belt from which her shattered blade hung. Zoe felt confused. Why should they give her back a symbol of a religion which Dracula hated? "Are you ready?" The guards were back. The males where back on their knees. Zoe felt disgusted. One of he guards almost absent-mindedly slapped one male in the face. The guard smile, licking her sharpened fangs. Zoe shivered. These creatures where freighting. Although they looked like humans, walked and talked like them, they weren't really people. Zoe never was a racist, having been born and bread among dryads. Still she felt bough anguish and despite against the were-jaguars. "Come with us." The other guard added. "You might play with the males later." Again Zoe couldn't help but shudder. First now she wondered where Owen might be.

Rocnest, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Owen Hammer looked down upon the jaguar he'd just killed. He felt all other than proud about it. Owen had tricked the beast to come close enough. Then he'd strangled it with his bare hands. What he did then he disliked even more. "How could you do that?" Another jaguar, another prisoner, gave him a terrified loo. "No man must harm a female." A second jaguar filled in. "I don't care." Owen said. He knelt and removed the belt of the killed guard. Owen avoided looking the killed creature in the face. As a hunter and soldier of fortune Owen had killed several times. That was with his rifle or knife in hand. That he didn't feel bad about. This time he'd done it with his hands. He'd seen her plead for mercy before he crushed her wind-pipe. Owen took her keys and knife. This was something he just had to do. As Owen got back on his feet with the weapon in hand, the male jaguars drew away from him. There was twelve of them in total. All stashed within this narrow cave. Five of them carried the characteristics of elves. Owen was rather surprised meeting their species. There had been rumours about that they'd appeared after the ice came. The rest where humans or male jaguars. "I don't know what you'll do." He told his cell-mates. "But I'm out of here." The humans exchanged glances. Then one man stepped forward, presenting his hand. "Allan Kryger." He presented himself. "I was a carpenter in Ondol before the vampires came. I would like to become a carpenter again." The other humans now came forward. "Tom Weber." The man with the beard presented himself. "Former banker in Ondol holdings." The third man smiled. "Patrick Olderman, Pat among friends." Owen nodded, presenting himself. "Owen Hammer, a vampire hunter." Pat nodded. "I saw the stakes." Tom frowned. I think I know where they hide our clouting." Owen smiled. He looked forward to get back on these monsters. One of those blasted jaguars had forced him to masturbate on command. She'd hit him when Owen refused. Although he saw little difference between them, Owen hoped that was the one he'd killed. That wasn't really true. Owen didn't like that. To him it looked rather close to vengeance. Not that Owen was really a religious man, not until recent that was. But he'd been told revenge was a sin. Tom led the way as Owen opened the cage-door. To his surprise the other captives joined up behind him. Owen expected the elves. The were-jaguars on the other hand really surprised him. Those narrow-minded amazons hadn't even placed out more guards. As they went down the tunnel Owen and his comrades entered into other cells. There where plenty of prisoners, although grateful for his questions of releasing them, they'd already became slaves to their female captors. Owen figured that was the trick. New male prisoners where locked inside cages where male were-jaguars would "learn" them how to behave. Owen cursed. He promised himself that if he could slaughter the females he would do so. No. He corrected himself. Thinking things through. If he could ever bring himself to eradicate an entire population he would be no better than Dracula himself. "I know." Allan spat on the floor. "They torture us." Pat added, pointing to his numerous scars. "They torture us until we're so mindless we fall into their games." Owen nodded. "You don't need to tell the rest." Owen knew about things from his journeys throughout the countryside. If a tortured was fooled to take deal in his pains, there would be formed a twisted connection between the victim and the torturer. To see these stroked and humiliated creatures made him wish to humiliate the females in turn. Owen had experienced his share of love and sex during his life. E'd liked the girls and hoped they'd liked him. Past the cells they came into something which looked like a guardian's room. Perfumed oil lanterns spread light throughout the chamber. Straws lay on the floor and primitive furniture stood about. There were some guards here. Upon a pile of straw the two jaguars where involved in erotica. They discovered Owen's approach a moment to late. One got to her feet just as Pat and Owen threw themselves at her. The elves was dealing with the males which'd followed them. As Owen expected they tried to help their specimen. The five elves used furniture or the guards stolen weapons to knock the jaguars unconscious. "Don't kill them." Owen hindered Pat from breaking the neck of the other guard. "They don't deserve to live." The other man argued. "Do you mean they don't deserve any better?" Tom asked. Owen smiled, it didn't reach his eyes. "No." He explained. "I think they deserve worse." With the help of the elves they dragged the two jaguars back toward the cell. "Hello folks" Owen announced. "I am not the kind of speaker, so listen up." He pointed at the captured jaguars. "As you can see they not unbeatable." He released the keys from the ring he'd taken from one of the were-beasts. "There is plenty of clothing and weaponry some meters away. I and my friends here will make a break for it." He waited, then he added. "We'll live as free men. Not as slaves beneath these monsters and their Dark Lord." One of the captured men shook his head. "The beasts are not alone. Here are monsters up there which no man can ever defeat." Another man nodded. "We'll just be captured again, or killed all together." Now Tom stepped forward. "If we die so be it." Pat smiled. "If we cannot live as free men, we'll die as free men." Owen nodded, gesturing at his cross. "God will be with us." That made some men laugh. Some dough picked up the keys. Soon fifty or so men and elves had gathered around Owen. The were-jaguars where locked inside the cells now empty as the band was about to leave the prison. Owen knew he left the remaining men in captivity and slavery. But if they chose to stay so be it. He should know by now that he couldn't help everybody. Owen lead the way out and Pat showed them the room where all their clothing and other belongings where stored. Back in his army jacket and armed with stakes and shotgun again Owen felt like his good old self. Sure that all where prepared Owen and Tom lead the way back into the guard room. Not all his volunteer warriors did have a weapon. Owen hoped there was an armoury or such nearby. He'd promised they would be free or die as men. Owen knew he somehow had to keep that promise. There was one key left on the ring. While Tom and Pat covered him he opened the door out into the tunnel. The two guards outside hadn't a chance. Pat fired just a moment later that Owen released a shot. The two jaguars fell into heaps. Two of the six elves which had made up the original band of renegades drew the corpsesin. "Take their weapons." Owen instructed. "We have to move quickly now." Silently they began walking down the corridor. Owen knew that although they'd escaped the prison they wasn't free just yet.

Rocnest, Uta lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Zoe was lead through a series of rooms so decorated it was pure breathtaking. African flowers and rich tapestries of rainbow silk was everywhere. Here the guard's armoured west's where plate with gold. As where their weapons. Zoe saw that upon backless sofas of glorious taste lay other voluptuous jaguars, smoking upon giant Turkish water-pipes. Zoe couldn't help but shiver with imaginations of what they had in store for her The original guards had left here with two golden ones to bring her further into this underground palace. Finally they entered through a grandiose blue door and into a smaller chamber. Upon one of those backless sofas lay another jaguar. The guards immediately bent down on their knees, bowing deep in that position. Zoe however couldn't take her eyes away from the one jaguar on the sofa. She was so desirably perfect it was unnatural. "All hail Kitala! Princess of the jaguars and mistress of Ibis, the mother of all cats!" Unlike all other jaguars Zoe had seen this far Kitala hadn't shaven her skull to look more cat-like. Ritch locks of black hung down and framed the princess's face. Eyes perfect as yellow diamonds looked back at her. For the first time in her life, Zoe was jealous on another woman. Even dugh this feline was no real woman. Twelve male jaguars lay on the floor, chanting upon some endless hymn. Now one got to his feet and rushed toward her. Forcefully he made her kneel in front of the wild-cat's ruler. "Guards." A purring rich and musical voice demanded. "You might leave us." Zoe heard the guards rise and then leave the room. The door closed behind them. "What?" Zoe had to clear her voice before she could speak. "What do you want with me?" Someone hit her in the head. Zoe was again sent into darkness.

When she awoke, Zoe lay upon the sofa beside Kitala. "I must plea your excuse for my slave's brutality." The princess almost hummed into her ear. "But you will show the proper respect before me." Kitala's eyes shone yellow. She smiled. Zoe shivered. Kitala's mouth was filled with sharp teeth. Still Zoe knew it wasn't the teeth she should fear. A single scratch of her claws and Zoe would be cursed. Then he would become like them. A beast and a monster. Suddenly Zoe noticed they'd taken all her clothing again. She still had those baggy trousers left. Zoe felt like a French girl in an American harem. "How do you feel?" Kitala almost cooed into her ear. Zoe didn't know what to say. A comfortable drowsiness had fallen upon her. All colours felt strangely clearer than before. Again Kitala smiled that grotesque smile. "The Cocaine is working." Zoe felt like falling asleep. Her mind was all clear as her body was numb. "Cocaine and Opium always seems to work." Upon another sofa sat a tall Chinese lady. She bore the same sleeveless black dress as Kitala. "Of course it works." Kitala span. "Eryne knows what she does." The Chinese woman smiled, exposing her fangs."Noail Hoa." Kitala said. "You should know this is what it is all about. "Kitala reached out a hand, almost covered by the heavy bracelet of gold. "The question is if she belongs to me or you vampires." She touched one of Zoe's red curls. Noail Hoa gave an uncaring gesture. "Have her of course." The vampire moved a delicate feet, clad in a crimson velvet slipper. Unlike Kitala who was bare feeted. The jaguar princess moved to sit slightly ontop of Zoe. Zoe was slightly aware she put her arms around the voluptuous cat. Zoe knew she should feel disgust against Kitala. She was so dazed dough she wanted her at the same time. The desire grew as the drugs began walking. "What a waste." Noail Hoa still sat moving her legs. "With some time and effort this girl would become a powerful servant o our Dark Lord Dracula." Kitala began removing that black dress, a garb more fit to carry her gems than to cover her forms. Feelings and imagination spun around in Zoe's mind. "No worry my love." She cooe, licking Zoe's neck. "I am not going to hurt you." Zoe didn't pay any attention. She was busy exploring Kitala's body. "I will teach you how to please." The cat whispered into her ear, moaning with pleasure. Zoe discovered Kitala withdrew her claws. She didn't got a scratch. A smile appeared upon the Chinese vampire's face. Zoe returned the smile. For the time she was unsure why she should hate her. The Star of David hang from her neck like a useless talisman. Just like the broken sword. Still, when the vampire drew near, the holy symbol lit p with purple fire. Noail Hoa shrieked with hatred as she saw the object. "It must be destroyed!" She demanded. "It must be removed from her!" Zoe was still so gone with the drugs she was unable to make out what was going on. "Do it if you can." Kitala got on her feet. Nude Kitala was flawless. Her yellow skin burned with black spots in the light of the multiple oil lamps. "None of my servants could ever take it from her." Still in a daze Zoe grasped for the Star of David. She would take it off so that she and Kitala might continue. Electricity ran through her fingers as she touched the holy emblem. Zoe blinked. What might have happened? Whatever. Zoe's mind was clear again. She remembered Christian Belmont's mission. The vampire and were-jaguar was still arguing. Zoe moved for her broken sword. It was the only weapon she had. Then the door was opened and four soldiers came running in. Zoe lay back onto the pillows as the guards knelt. "My princess!" The foremost soldier almost cried. "There is a rebellion among our slaves. They have already reached the fountain garden!" The princess walked to the sofa where she began redressing. "Summon all guards and monsters to retaliate their offensive." Kitala instructed. "All pregnant or women with children are too summoned inside the storage area." She gestured toward the still kneeling male slaves. "You are to go with them." The slaves and guards left the room. Noail Hoa had remained calm through it all. "You are a true strategist." She merely commented. "Prepare for the worst and act accordingly when the unthinkable happens." Kitala didn't answer before she finished dressing. "You know you should be gone." She then just as calmly answered. "Of course." The Chinese vampire got to her feet. "Then I should tell Lord Dracula to expect your taxes in a day or so?" Kitala smiled that terrifying smile of hers. "The Dark Lord knows what to expect from me." Noail Hoa spread her arms in a jesting imitation of obedience. She then became mist which slowly disappeared. That wasn't the only which disappeared. "Foolish undead." Kitala said. "For 3.000 years I have served the Chaos of Darkness beyond." She then turned and left the room through curtains at the far end of the room. First now Zoe got into action. She got to her feet. She brought on a pair of slippers Kitala left behind and tied on a cloth around her bosom. There would be another time finding more suitable outfits. There was work to be done. Zoe began searching for a weapon. If there was a battle ongoing she was to join in.

Kitala smiled as the little witch left her chambers. She had half expected her to make an attack. Pity they had been disturbed. The girl had been such a cute little thing. If she was not murdered in the battle it would be time for that later. Now Kitala had to prepare for this little rebellion. Before lord Dracula came to power, before Mathias Krohnquist betrayed Water Bernhardt, there had been another Dark Lord. When God first spoke to Abraham she had already worshipped Chaos. It came to her bed once. For the pleasures she had given Kitala had been rewarded with eternal life. Oikawa had chosen her to ward his treasure. Kitala knew well the potential power she then had to her disposal. Kitala knelt before the image of the incarnation of Darkness she knew. Silently, alone inside the shrine, Kitala began her rituals.

Rocnest, Uta Lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Owen fired his shotgun. Thank Christian's God for silver bullets. The thunder demon vanished into flames. At least he could avenge his comrades. Allan threw one of the grenades they'd found inside the candles. Now when Pat Olderman was dead Allan was the only man left fro their original breakout. The grenade blew away a portion of the nearest fountain. Inside this garden or whatever it was the jaguars could murder them almost at will. Owen still had more than twenty men and elves behind him. Things had begun going wrong first when the jaguars figured it was no joke. Those males really could and did attack. Owen dodged as another thunder demon made three parallel bolts of lightning strike. The jaguars wasn't their only enemies. Eonwe, one of the elves, fired his bow. The arrow dug itself into the heart of the demon. Another swarm of bats flew into the garden. Owen was unsure either it was those mimic again or it was natural bats. No matter. "Bats are coming in!" He warned his comrades. Allan threw another grenade. Then one jaguar hit him with an arrow shot from her blow pipe. Allan was dead before he reached the ground. Owen roared, releasing several shots. He reloaded his gun with grim satisfaction, admiring the corpse of his friend'smurderer. The an Alura Une sent her thorny spines through the earth. Owen sprinkled the wines with holy water. It was another weapon he'd found inside the candles. The beautiful female inside the flower gave him a spiteful glare. Owen bent and picked up Allan's grenades. He hung the belt across his chest. Two jaguars armed with lances attacked as the Alura Une again sent her wines toward him. Eonwe and Morilin fiered their bows as Owen threw holy water. Thunder rumbled as lightning struck. Another demon was about. Moriin was dead on the spot. Only the holy water saved Owen and Eonwe from the same fate. A gust of wind grasped the dmon and sent it crashing into the wall. Owen finished the Alura Unes before it could trap him again. He'd seen what a kiss from the Alura Une could do to a man. Wind blow about, crashing more thunder demons against the walls. It was like someone was attacking the jaguars from behind. Only a magician could do things like that. The unexpected aid gave Owen and his still living comrade's new hope. There where only around ten of them left. Owen didn't care. Somehow they would win today. Eonwe and Gregory Masters followed him on his offensive. Through their rpeted grenades they'd blown away most hiding places the fountain offered. The last Alura Unes where taken care off as the thunder demons was made quick work of. Gregory collapsed as another arrow hit him. A lightning bolt hit the jaguar which blew it. Taken aback by this move, the few remaining jaguars began breaking up. Dough there where only Owen, Eonwe and Michael left standing, their superior weaponry had conquered their enemies. From the furthest tunnel came Zoe Belnades walking. Owen blinked. What on earth was she dressed like? With the baggy trousers, slippers and cloth around her breasts she looked like some jaguar. He couldn't help but laugh. Zoe's green eyes glared at him. At least it looked like she'd retrieved her confidence. Owen removed his backpack and brought out the green robes and cloak Zoe'd bore aboard the ghost ship. Now it was Zoe who shook her head. "Sometimes you really surprise me." She said, bringing the clothing on. "What a crime." Michael muttered. Owen gave him a look. Then he presented his friends to Zoe. "I'm afraid things aren't over." She said after exchanging pleasantries. "I left the lightning behind to come and help you." Owen frowned. Zoe leaned upon the lance she'd used to cast all her spells. "You should've taken it." He told. "The war against Dracula is much more important than our lives." Zoe made a grimace. "Each saved life is a blow against the Dark Lord." She claimed. "Just as each saved soul is a blow against the undead." Owen nodded. Whatever the case he was thankful she'd come to help. Michael and Eonwe exchanged confused glances. Owen quickly explained what was going on. Michael shook his head. "I fought the jaguars to be free. I didn't want to be part in some war." Eonwe frowned. "Do what you want. Take a Roc down there, in the stables." The elf pointed down one tunnel. "I am in debt to Owen Hammer for saving me from slavery." Michael made a sarcastic bow before leaving them behind. Owen put a hand on Eonwe's shoulder. "I know there are other elves in captivity. You should go and free them instead of joining us." Eonwe gave him a disturbed look. "I know I should go with you." Owen smiled. "Don' mind us. We're vampire hunters now. Go save your people and drive the jaguars away." Eonwe nodded. Then he grasped Owens's hand. Then he turned and ran down the tunnel from which they'd come.

Rocnest, Utah lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Eonwe Melegin ran down the tunnel. His sharp elvish eyes could make out any given enemy in wait for him. Dough his pointed ears could hear nothing beside his own near soundless steps he felt uncomfortable. This underground palace once was his and his clan's homestead. Now the jaguars ruled. They where on the run, ut sooner or later they would stop. The leathery flapping of wings was his only warning. Eonwe bent into a crutched position, his bow at the ready. No ats lived here when Glorfindel was king. The Dark Lord of Castlevania must've sent them to serve his slaves. Eonwe knew he had this one opportunity. The bats would bite him, infusing him with the vampire's curse. No elf could become a vampire. The curse would kill. Not only his body, but his soul as well. Eonwe couldn't help but shudder. To await the End of Days in Mandos's halls was a privilege for te first born children of God. Eonwe fired. The arrow shot forward and made the bats burst into fire. The bat he'd hit exploded and made flames burst around, taking out the other bats. Eonwe thanked Tulcas for him insisting on becoming an archer. Since Eonwe left he garden of fountains bats was all the enemies he'd encountered. Just down this corridor and he would reach the ancient prison. It hadn't been used since the last time man inhabited this isle more than 400 years ago. Owen Hammer and his band of rebels showed that the blood of Atani wasn't gone. Eonwe couldn't help but hope that the species could become allies once again. He dropped himself to the floor as two small thorns came at him. He fired his bow befre the jaguars could load their pipes. One of the jaguars fell to the floor, pierced by his arrow. The second jaguar dropped its blow pipe and ran toward him. Eonwe growned as the sliding-kick of the jaguar hit him. He was thrown backward as his lungs where emptied of oxygen. Even so, Eonwe managed to pull out his dagger. The jaguar crossed her arms, claws at the ready. She threw herself forward Justas Eonwe threw his knife. His enemy collapsed into a heap. Shakily Eonwe got to his feet. He picked up his bow and drew the blade from his enemy's corpse. Then he dried off he blood upon her fur. He put back his weapon and began investigating the fallen jaguars. One of them had to have the keys to the prison.

It looked down at the tiny creature. Impulses sent out by its brain told it the elf would be a suitable hunt.

Rocnest, Uta Lake. The 21st. Of December 2098 A.D.
Zoe watched Eonwe leave through one of the numerous tunnels. She'd told Owen about her adventures. Now they had to return to Kitala's chambers to obtain the lightning. Zoe lead Owen to the tunnel from which she'd come. A few bats came flying out. Just that, they only looked like bats. The purple glow surrounding their small flying bodies proved as much. "Mimic!" Owen warned. Zoe summoned her magic. The lance began shining with magical energy. She released a blast of pure magic which obliterated the mimics. The only problem was that Zoe became thrown backward, right into the cavern wall. The lance shattered and Zoe felt like she was shattered too. "I think you should be a little careful with that." Owen tried to hide his smile as he helped her to stand. Zoe glared at him. Of course that made his smile grew wider. Men! That was her comment. They never seemed to change. Then again, Zoe had no real experience with the other gender. Still she gave him another stare. Then they continued down the tunnel. It soon entered into those marvellous chambers which the guards had delivered Zoe during her encounter with Kitala. The mere memory still made Zoe blush. "Stars end." Owen mumbled. He was nearly stunned by the finer of these chambers. Zoe didn't mind. There was a chance there still was jaguars around here. A stunning electrical bolt sent her flying. Zoe landed sprawled upon one ofa. Another swarm of mimics where upon them. Owen released several booms from his shotgun before he too was shocked. Zoe got to her feet. Her hand closed around her Star of David she made lightning strike. Of course that didn't harm the mimics. Dough it made them leave Owen. She then spread her arm and from her fingers a ball of energy shot out. That at least made quick work of the mimics. Owen got to his feet. His jacket released small clouds of smoke. Thank the Lord he wasn't really wounded. Zoe moved toward the curtains before the next hall. She quickly drew them aside. Owen aimed his gun at the door as Zoe quickly drew away. Two staff-wielding bone-men entered the room. "Get away!" Zoe warned. "You can't fight the shock-bones!" She threw herself sideways as the bone-men made bolts of lightning track along the floor. Owen was thrown away. She hated herself dough she couldn't worry about him just now. Almost on instinct Zoe drew her shattered blade. The broken blade became surrounded by cold red magic. Zoe's hair blew around her face and made her garb spread around her. "I summon the power of the crest of rubies!" Zoe shrieked as she moved the blade in front of herself. She grasped her Star of David and the winds blew all about. The shock-bones fired electricity at her. Zoe gathered her magic around her. She was sent flying but through some miracle she wasn't wounded. With the aid of the wind magic she turned the sprawl into a jump. She threw herself right at one shock-bone. Zoe trusted her blade right into the neck of the animated skeleton. Dough the blade was broken the shock-bone shattered into a pile of bones. Zoe used her magic to dissolve the spell cast upon it and then lightning struck her. Zoe couldn't help but fall against the floor. Her body was numb. Curse it! She'd forgotten about the other bone-man. It loomed over here. Zoe felt like the emotionless skull grinned down at her. Then its head crashed. The bone-man collapsed. Owen almost fell down beside her. His face looked like he'd gone through a fire. Even dough his eyebrows and some of his hair was gone Owen managed a smile. He tried to speak. Then he collapsed into a heap. Zoe struggled to move. Owen opened his purse, but was too weak to do much more. Zoe put her hand into the purse and brought out something which looked like a white gemstone. When Zoe inspected it closer she noticed silver flames burned inside the gem."1 up." Zoe didn't understand what Owen was babbling about. Still she put the jewel upon Owens's heart. A mysterious white glow almost blinded Zoe. When she could see again Owen was back on his feet. "I found that inside a cavern wall." Owen said. "Estil, one of the elves, said it contained great magic." Zoe nodded. "He was right." Now it was she who smiled. "I did contain powerful magic. It contained the power to restore life to a virtues soul." Owen shook his head. "Whatever. I'm just glad I saved your soul." Zoe couldn't help but laugh although it was a little painful due o he bolt which hit her. Most likely she could also thank all the contact she'd had with the walls lately. Zoe got to her feet. There would be another time to heal her own wounds. She drew back the curtains. This time there where no enemies around. Together they moved toward the blue door blocking the entrance into Kitala's chamber. Zoe hoped the jaguars hadn't removed the lightning dough. Owen closed the door behind them. Zoe cast a spell upon the door to keep it close. Then she moved toward the curtains before the inner chamber. She could feel some sort of magic was at work. Zoe gathered herself. Owen drew his shotgun. Then they entered the final chamber.

Rocnest, Uta lake. The 22nd. Of December 2098 A.D.
Eonwe picked up the keys just as the hippogryph landed. "Morgoth's ghost!" Eonwe couldn't help it. It wasn't often he cursed. The combined horse and bird flew toward him, delivering abeak snap which would've cut Eonwe in two. Eonwe saved himself with a desperate sidestep. He fired his bow but the hippogryph was already in the air. It flapped its wings, creating powerful winds. Eonwe was thrown along the floor. It was a miracle he managed to hold onto his bow. Another miracle was that the bow didn't break. Eonwe sent out an arrow which buried itself into the hippogryph's lefting. Blood dripped upon the floor. The combined creature shrieked like the bird it'd borrowed some portions. Still it managed sending Eonwe hard against the wall as the beast flapped its wings. Eonwe felt rather dizzy as the oxygen for the second time was pressed out of his lungs. The hippogryph came at him, snapping its monstrous beak. Eonwe fired his bow right in its face. If he'd gotten a better aim the battle would've been over. As it was the arrow shot just past its head and instead wounded the hippogryphs leftmost flank. The monster clawed at him. Eonwe thanked Owen's God for the male and the dwarves which forged it. Still Eonwe's tunic was torn all down the front. Eonwe threw himself forward as the hippogryph again prepared an attack. He went right between its front claws and beneath its horse-like back. Eonwe got to his feet, only to be sent flying. The hippogryphs horse-leg kicked out and hit Eonwe in his back. Although it didn't hit right. If it'd hit right it would've broken Eonwe's spine. Still Eonwe was sent half-way through the room with an acing back. It was a wonder no rib was broken. Eonwe managed to stand as he sent another arrow on its way. He got revenge as the arrow hit the leg which kicked him. From either side of the room they exchanged glances. Bough knew the other was wounded. Already Eonwe had shot out twenty-four arrows. Which mend he got only seven of them left. The hippogryph spread its wings as it took to the air. Eonwe prepared for the next attack. The beast surprised him by picking up rocks from the floor with its forward claws. The hippogryph continued by throwing them toward Eonwe. The elf got no other choice but to run. One rock hit him behind the knee. Eonwe tumbled head over heal. The hippogryph dashed toward him. Although Eonwe had been thrown along the floor he still managed to bring out his knife. The bow he'd dropped in the fall. Eonwe buried the blade into the hippogryphs chest. "Morgoth's curse!" The aim was so bad he'd missed bough the heart and lungs. Blood splashed right into his face. Eonwe managed to remove the blade and roll away before the hippogryph could crush him. The great ones was still with him. Eonwe picked up his lost bow just as the hippogryph flew out of reach. The beast again started throwing rocks. This time it missed Eonwe completely. Eonwe wasn't happy dough. None of the three arrows sent out hit home. Then the hippogryph flapped its wings. Strong winds blew around and again it was close that h lost the bow. Still he managed to avoid the walls. Eonwe fired. This time he ht the second wing. That made the hippogryph loose hight. Eonwe prepared his bow and fered. This time he didn't miss. The arrow hit the heart. The giant beast was dead before reaching the floor. Still Eonwe felt no victory. All he felt was pity he'd been forced to slay such beautiful a creature. The hippogryphs where older then the elves themselves. Shaking his head Eonwe went toward the prison doors. He would honour the hippogryph with a pyre when his kinsmen reoccurred the pallae. Eonwe hoped Owen and his comrade had better luck in their accomplishments. Eonwe used the big key to open the door. There were no guards in the outer wardroom. This prison looked just like the prison he and Owen escaped from. Inside this dungeon dough there where only elves. This prison was also larger than the other. Not to mention that bough males and female elves alike where kept together. "My prince." Eonwe knelt before Glorfindel's great grandson, Galafield. "I have come to save you." Galafield smiled. His dark hair fell down his shoulders like a curtain. It was seldom these times with dark hair among the elves. It was said that Galafield would become a great king someday. Eonwe quickly unlocked his cell. The prince stepped out. "I see they did not manage to break you." Eonwe shook his head. "My friends are dead. But they fell in open battle." He told as they began opening the other cells. "It was a human, Owen Hammer, which managed to free us all." Eonwe told everything as the last cells where opened. "Man don't stand alone today." Galafield declared, leading the way out of the prison. "Take the weapons you find and we will fight alongside our ancient allies." A roar answered his proposal. Eonwe joined in the cheer. All hadn't been in wane. Finally the elves would show these vampires some resistance.

Rocnest, Uta lake. The 22nd. Of December 209 A.D.
The scene which out folded itself in the innermost chamber surprised and hurried bough Owen and Zoe. Kitala was dancing in front of some demonic figure. The Necromonicon already lay open upon the alter. "She's dancing the dance of the skull!" Zoe almost screamed. Owen didn't understand. Blood oozed down the front of Kitala's bosom. It was like the jaguar princess had committed Harakiri. Even so, the corpse continued its ceremonial dancing. "How is this?" He asked Zoe. "If she'd committed Harakiri she should've been dead." Zoe laughed, almost hysterically. "That's no Harakiri." She explained. "The dance of the skull is one of the most hideous of the dark ceremonies." Zoe was cut short a Kitala suddenly began screaming. "Isis! Seth! Ancient worms of Chaos behind Darkness!" She screamed some more but Owen didn't understand. The words sounded ancient and horrible. Inside the book a wormhole of multiple colours opened. A cacophony of indescribable mad voices was heard although Owen never figured where it all came from. All he knew was that these voices where the voice of Chaos. "Upon thee I bestow the right of vengeance!" The mad screams vanished as they came. From the wormhole a blast of pure black electricity struck into Kitala. The book closed and then vanished. Owen didn't care. Kitala's voice began to shiver. "Good God in Heaven!" He grasped for his cross. It was like Kitala had become like a wax puppet, melting into some new form. Her fur vanished, along with her tail and feline features. Some unseen force made her rise as bird-like wings spread from her back. Kitala now looked more like a human woman than anything else. Plates of golden armour appeared as her wounds was closed. Heavenly blue robes unfolded around Kitala as a mysterious sceptre appeared in her hands. "The dance of the skull is an evil deed in which a person surrenders herself to Chaos. Evil spirits from the Abyss recreates the person dancing. Twisting her into a new form which grants greater power." Zoe almost whispered the words. She was cut short as Kitala turned to face them. Owen felt sweat on his brow. If her face had been attractive before, Kitala now almost drew him toward her. Owen almost tore his eyes away, looking down his eyes settled upon the cross. It gave him strength to look upon the apparition which stood before him. "I am Eryne." She said. Even her voice had altered. The purring all but disappeared. "The spirit of vengeance." Zoe smiled, dough it didn't reach her eyes. Owen somewhat shakily aimed his pistol at the winged creature. Could mere bullets, even silver bullets, do Eryne any real harm? Owen never knew. Eryne pointed her sceptre at him. A powerful bolt of lightning sent him half across the room. Owen screamed as electricity surged through his body. Pain was his universe. Before he fainted Owen saw Eryne laugh at him.

Zoe saw Owen fall. Although she was a battle mage she'd been teached the secrets of Darkness. Although Zoe didn't knew more then really to recognise it on sight. Eryne aimed for Owen. Zoe finally regained composure. She couldn't just stand by watching the evil spirit kill her comrade. Owen was the person she could thank bough her life and senses. Zoe wished she'd had her bow. Now she only had a broken sword. Her hand went to the Star of David. Zoe had discovered she could use it to summon magical energy. Her famous icicles shot outward. Eryne spread her wings, taking into the air. Zoe cursed. This wasn't going to be easy. At least she'd stopped the former jaguar in killing Owen. Zoe ran to avoid it as Eryne released new bolts of lightning. She summoned all her magic around her. It'd reflected Akmodan's magic. Eryne shrieked with unnatural hatred at her. Zoe released a full circle of icicles. She wondered what Christian Belmont would've done in this situation. Eryne released orbs of electricity to counter er ice. Zoe remembered her family legends about Maria Renard. When she, Richter Belmont and Alucard fought Gaamoth inside the reversed Castlevania in 1797. Zoe drew the shattered blade of the sword her father forged long ago. She focused the wind magic through it. Zoe thought she could perhaps Eryne into the wall like she did with those thunder demons. Somehow the bird woman managed to stay put. Eryne had some problems dough. Zoe then released a bolt of her own lightning. It went through Eryne like a spear. Somehow dough Erne merely absorbed the magic. Zoe gaped. Kitala didn't posses the power of dominance. Zoe didn't have to ponder the question dough. The bolt was sent right back at her. Zoe became so bewildered she nearly didn't even dodge. Eryne was immune to lightning magic! It wasn't possible. Zoe gathered herself and sent out several orbs of magical energy. Eryne avoided one and shattered two with shots of lightning. Zoe threw herself into the air, focusing wind around herself. To her own surprise her somewhat crazy idea seemed to work. Zoe could walk upon the winds like solid ground. The Lord really held His hand upon her. Clearly Eryne became just as bewildered as Zoe herself. From the broken blade Zoe released prolonged shots of shining icicles. Eryne managed to take out most of them. Still Zoe was on the offensive. Eryne wasn't immune to frost. Zoe almost smiled as she saw her shots hit home. Then Eryne hit her with a bolt of lightning. Although her combined winds and magic blocked the shot Zoe became thrown back down. Through some miracle Owen was back on his feet and was able to capture her. Even now Zoe couldn't help but feel that Owen held to hard on her. Eryne released more bolts of lightning. "Stay put!" To Zoe's surprise Owen put her beneath one of the sofas inside the room. Then he ran to fight Eryne. Zoe didn't believe it. Was Owen crazy? Eryne fired. Somehow Owen managed to avoid t this time. He released several booms from his shotgun. Which of course Eryne dodged. Then Owen put away the pistol and picked something from his belt. "Come on bird!" Owen cried. "Let's finish this once and for all!" Eryne was so angry Zoe could almost smell it. She grasped for the star of David. Zoe got to her feet and ran to join Owen. Eryne wasn't going to kill this man which had given her everything. Before Zoe could reach him, Eryne aimed at Owen. The former soldier dropped something upon the floor before he threw that he'd taken from his belt at the giant bird woman. Zoe realised it was a grenade. Eryne noticed it a moment to late. She tried to dodge but was to late. Bloody pieces and feathers rained abroad. Before they could reach the floor however Eryne's remains burst into fire. Soon all which remained was ashes. One thing remained dough. Eryne's sceptre still lay upon te floor. Owen brought it over to her. "What are we going to do with this?" He asked. Zoe frowned. She could use it. One form of magic she mastered was lightning. Then she remembered the dance of the skull. Zoe also remembered what came from the Necromonicon. "Give it to me." She told Owen. Owen frowned and gave it to her. Zoe put it upon the floor. Then she summoned all her magic, focusing it through the broken sword of her father. Hen she struck. Then something incredible happened. As Zoe's blade hit the purple gem atop the staff her blade shone with a blazing gold. The gem shattered and the reaining sceptre burned into ashes. "Christian was right." Owen said. "There still is powerful forces inside your blade." Zoe didn't speak. The shatter of the gem was drawn into the golden glow. It was like the broken sword grew heavier. The glow then slowly subsided. When the glow was gone Zoe could see her blade was again whole. It was incredible. Zoe brought of the Star of David and kissed the holy emblem. "Thank you God." She whispered.

Rocnest, Uta lake. The 22nd. of December 2098 A.D.
Owen looked dumbfounded upon Zoe's repaired sword. It was a miracle. Pure and simple. Then he remembered Christian's quest. While Zoe was still praying he went to the image of Ibis. Owen felt nothing as he climbed upon the alter to fetch the purple orb the cat goddess held between her hands. The lightning released itself easier than he'd expected. Owen stepped down, then he looked upon the mysterious orb he'd obtained. It was strange how things transpired. It should've been Zoe who released this thing. Then he noticed something move behind a curtain to the left of the alter. Forcefully Owen rew it aside, his pistol at the ready. Behind the curtain two little jaguars had cradled together at the furthest corner. Owen felt suddenly sick. Had these little cats looked at all whih had transpired? The skull dance and all? "I'm not going to harm you." He said in a tiered tone "Just get away." Owen gestured toward the curtains leading into the other room. Zoe didn't stand in their way. She even removed the spell which had blocked the blue door. When it opened they where met by a small army of elves. Eonwe was in the lead, together with a dark haired elf which looked really impressive. "May I introduce his royal highness, prince Galafield of Rocnest." Eonwe presented. Zoe and Owen bowed respectfully. Among the elves was a pack of jaguars. Disarmed and humiliated they kept together. Owen lead the kid jaguars toward the prisoners. They gave him some mystified loks. Then some jaguars, looking like boyars to him, actually thanked him "They must be Kitala's offspring." Zoe speculated. "What are you going to do wth them?" Owen asked. Galafield smiled. "Some of my tribe wished to kill them. But don't worry, I will not allow soutch actions." Owen noticed a few elves exchange bough angry and disappointed looks. "So you should." Zoe encouraged. "The attempt to wipe out an entire species is crime against life itself." Galafield agreed "We will lock them in. Some jaguars are still on the run. They will free them afer we have left." Owen then remembered that he and Zoe had an appointment to meet. Christian Belmont said they should meet at dawn. There where just a few hours until the sun would rise.

Rocnest, Uta lake. The 22nd. Of December 2098 A.D.
The elves lead the way down to the stables. There the rest of the evish population awaited. They'd packed for a long journey. The elves which left with the jaguas now returned. Galafield and Eonwe lead Zoe and Owen toward two of the large Roc bird. "These birds will fly you to Bodley." The prince said. Eonwe showed them how to saddle the birds. Owen looked a little uncomfortable. Zoe gave hm some of the medicines the dryads used to give humans when they climbed their trees. "Thank you." Still the former hunter looked like he would've prefeared to row back to Bodley. Two elves drew the gates at the far end of the cave aside. Zoe smiled. It was the first sniff of fresh air she'd felt in hours. Dough the air inside the cave had been surprisingly fresh, nothing compared with fresh night air. Zoe and Owen climbed aboard their birds. Zoe cried and whipped the rains as Eonwe had shown them. The Rocs sprad their wings and left the ground. First Zoe almost wished she'd taken some medicine herself. Then it flt all comfortable. It really was a wonder to fly.

Galafield stood watching the humans leave. Humanity had changed little since he last saw them. Still they had changed altogether it seemed. There still was a Dark Lord in the world. Although Galafield himself was to young to have lived during the ancient aria he knew well the history of his specie. "We're ready my prince." Eonwe said with a bow. Galafield smiled, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Let us go then. We must find somewhere safe for our people. Then there is another war to be fought." Eonwe grasped his hand. "I know." Then they climbed upon their Rocs. Boromire, his great grandfather's bird looked like it could fly for hours. That it might happen to do. He gave the signal to fly. Together the elves left one of their ancient homesteads.

Bodley, Uta lake. The 22nd. Of December 2098 A.D.
Something disturbed his sleep. A flow of magic seemed to disturb him. Rage rised inside him. How dared they disturb his resting place. Filled with a justified fury he rised from his grave.

(A.N: This chapter is really long, that I know. Still I hope you like it. I wish to thank Tolkin for his source of inspiration. Have a nice time.)