Part 1: Quest of the Vampire Killer.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil" Psalm 23/4


Chapter 41: "Last boss" Big Boss.
Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Dimitri Blinov smiled, exposing his fangs. "Enough of this." He finally said. Behind him Drolta Tsuentez was screaming. He did not care. Not now. "It is you." The girl's soul was the key. Blinov could feel it through the power of dominance. "Leave her alone you undead devil." The other girl brought out some mystic metal rings. "I will kill her." Thevoice came as, from another tunnel, two new figures appeared. "Do not be a fool." The white wizard told a fuming Actrise. "Silent." She said, cold as winter's heart. "You told me you killed them." Drolta became silent. The sound of shattered glass made Dimitri spin around. "Then that is over with." Calm as ever Dimitri bowed sarcastically before his old comrades. "Together again I see?" He coldly greeted Dario Bosi and Celia Fortner. Drolta became mist. He did not care. He could still use the girl's soul to absorb the force of the countryside. Then Blinov noticed how rapid things where slipping out of hand.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Edward cracked his whip. Somehow he just knew that Dimitri Blinov was the enemy. Before he could move, his family and friends where advancing. "We must defeat him!" Torah shouted. "Dario Bosi is perhaps Dracula incarnate!" She ran toward the Dark Lord candidate, closely followed by Alicia. Actrise moved to capture her enemy. "I will not let you kill her." Saria fiercely decleared. "Come on Patrick!" Heinrich was attacking the white wizard. All vampires where retreating. "Stop!" Edward shouted. "Stop you fools!" His warning was to no awail. In matter of seconds the group became split. "So it is." Through it all Dimitri had managed to retain his laidback attitude. "Dough I should have expected it would be this way." The Dark Lord candidate smiled, exposing his sharpened teeth. "A vampire versus a Belmont warrior, a vampire hunter armed with a whip." Edward frowned. Dimitri didn't know this wasn't the Vampire Killer. He didn't really care dough. If this was the Dimitri Blinov He'd heard about in the family legend, Edward knew he was dangerous. "You should rather try to escape then fight." He said. "My friends will be back any minute now." "So you think that?" His enemy said in a gentle voice which made Edward shiver. "I think we will do it my way this time." Before Edward could react Dimitri lifted bought hands. A globule of ugly green light shot at the openings. Edward threw himself to the floor, escaping the brunt of the explosion. The cave shook. Rock cracked and collapsed to the floor. "Not very sutle." Dimitri said while blowing Edward a kiss. "But this way we will not be disturbed." "He is not alone!" Edward had almost forgotten about Rose. From beneath his hat, the fay now shot toward his enemy. "Edward is a vampire hunter!" She shouted, beaming with a bright orange glow. "He'll defeat you!" Dimitri shook his head. "Do not think to impress me." Dimitri threw off his outer cloak. "It takes more then a mortal and his pet fairy to defeat me." Edward beaconed Rose toward him. "Stay away from him." He told her. "I'll take care of this." Beneath his garb, Blinov bore black boots and trousers. The laces at the neck and sleeve of his white silk shirt lit up in the darkness of the cave. "You really are a Russian?" Edward couldn't help asking. Dimitri looked down. Then he smile, placing his hand upon his heart. "Indeed I am." He said in a proad voice. His elegant fingers hid the bear symbol upon his tunic of crimson velvet. Then that wicked expression reappeared upon his face. "The United States and Russia at war again." Edward didn't mind Dimitri's sarcasm. Instead he moved into a battle-stance, whip at the ready. His other hand close to the DSS-cards. "Shall we dance?" Blinov taunted. Edward didn't answer. With Rose upon his hat, he moved forward. Dimitri vanished like mist. He reappeared. He then spread his cape in a Dracula-like manour, releasing three-prolonged green spheres. Edward threw holy water in an attempt to defend himself. The nasty green orbs was shattered. Dimitri again vanished. Edward reached for his cross. Dimitri was back. He this time released another of those ugly green globules. It became thrown outward in a speedy fasion. Edward dodged and then threw the boomerang-cross. Dimitri teleported like bats. He reappeared just as the cross came spinning upon its return. The Dark Lord candidate nearly became hit. While Dimitri was busy avoiding his cross, Edward threw holy water upon him. "Exelent I must say." Dimitri somehow managed to extinguish the flames. Edward was about to activate the stopwatch when Dimitri suddenly made flames go his way. Edward managed to dodge. Thanking the Lord for assistance, Edward reached for the cards. "Not this time I think." "Master!" Rose shouted. "He is… " His fairy was cut short as the evil cross came spinning toward him. Edward whipped it into oblivion. He mentally kicked himself. Edward had completely forgotten about this. Dimitri Blinov was a possible incarnation of the fallen Dark Lord. He mastered the power of dominance. The undead Russian could use an imitated copy of whichever power his enemies used against him. Suddenly Edward became cold. "May the Lord help me." He whispered. Dimitri again reappeared. With a Dracula'like motion he threw another onslaught of prolonged orbs. Edward combined the Salamander and Mercery cards, making his whip burn. With the chain-whip on fire it was easily to defend against Dimitri's poisonous attacks. Then his enemy countered by swinging a burning whip of his own. Edward was forced backward. Summoning his bloodline power Edward made Dimitri stagger as the vampire hunter released an onslaught of crosses. Edward cursed. He'd missed the heart. Again Dimitri went upon the offensive. Edward was forced to run. "There comes another one!" Rose warned. Edward whipped the evil crosses into oblivion. Then he was forced to dodge another wave of Dimitri's imitated flurry. Even in a middle of this conflict, he couldn't help to worry about Saria.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Torah couldn't help but feeling a little sheepishly. Dario Bosi and Celia Fortner had managed to hide among the shadows. "Stay back." Alicia said. Torah did as she was told. She was happy the older woman didn't lectured her like grandmother Yoko would've done. To forget a warrior's first rule was near unforgivable. "Stay close to your friends. But even closer to your enemies." She shook her head. Then Alicia made a ring of flames rise in a circle around her. Then a series of explosions hit the wall. "What did you do?" Torah almost gasped. Alicia smiled. "It's a Schneider family secret." She explained. Torah didn't ask her more. She understood. Torah had a few secrets of herself. Alicia returned to her work. The boulders which blocked the way back into the cave still blocked their path. Torah had asked her wild spirits to help. But they couldn't aid in matters like these. She shrugged. Torah then brought out her ring-smash. Would anything have been different if she'd presued her personal enemy? Actrise had told she would kill her. She felt it as Alicia was gathering herself for another attempt upon the barricade. In her heart, Torah woved she would hench forth fight her own battles. What kind of danger Saria was enduring because of her, Torah didn't wish to think about. If there only had been something she could do. She folded her arms in front of herself. Then she noticed the blue ring. Perhaps there where something she could do. She put away the metal rings. "Alicia." She said. "I think I got an idea." With rising interest Alicia listened to what Torah had to say.

Patrick carefully watched the blocked path in front of them. Then he put away his grenades. The garlic-based explosives wouldn't do much good. Not against this type of blaccade. Some feet away Heinrich and Saria continued their argument. "You should've let me presue them." Saria insisted. "You heard her." She then added in a more quiet tone. Heinrich crossed his arms in front of himself. "I heard her. And I heard you." He somewhat irrated confessed. "Not that it makes any diference." Saria almost shouted. "Not mean anything?" She shook her head. "Now you listen to me you wood-cutter." Saria fiercely exclaimed. "Shut up!" Patrick couldn't take any more of this meaningless squabble. "Shut up bought of you!" Angry he threw one of the vials of holy water he'd found inside one candle at them. The clear cold crystal blue liquid seemed to calm them down. "We have to keep together." He insisted. "Edward might be dying in there. Meanwhile you can't figure out any better then to shout at each other!" Patrick calmed himself. He couldn't accuse them for fighting when he nearly started another argument. Still his friends looked a little sheepish. "Sorry." Saria finally said. "It's just that I worry for my boyfriend and family." Patrick noticed the shocked look on Heinrich's face. He shook his head, closing his own mouth. Patrick knew he should've expected it to be this way. The manner in which the two exchanged glances should've told him that much. Patrick threw it aside. If Edward Morris and the dryad where making out, it was none of his business. "Whore." Heinrich muttered. "I'll pretend I didn't heared that." Patrick said in a warning tone. "Gather yourself." Saria looked like she would like to do something unpleasant with Alicia's cousin. "We don't have time for this." Patrick continued. "My grenades aren't powerful enough to clear away this rubble." He gestured for the blocked exit. "I can't simply clean it away either." The barricade was to massive even for his superhuman strength. "What we need is a way to get back into the cave." The others nodded. The tunnel became silent as each of the trio tried to figure out a way to get through to their friend.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Edward combined the Salamander and Diana cards. He then flailed his whip at the globule of green energy thrown at him by Dimitri. The blob shattered into nothingness as a spread-shot of fireballs was released from Edward's chain-whip. The Belmont elders, the clan's scholars, where unsure which member of the vampire hunting family who'd discovered the ability to combine their weapons with elemental energy. Some claimed it was the great Leon Belmont himself. Other claimed that it was Christopher Belmont, who fought count Dracula in 1577, who had discovered this ability. There where those who said the others where wrong. That group of Belmont elders insisted it was either Sonia or Trevor Belmont which had made this important discovery. There had been a quarrel among the elders about this, two hundred years ago or sutch. Edward didn't mind whoever it was who'd discovered it. He was grateful the DSS-cards afforded him this kind of power. Dimitri tried to block his offence by turning into bats. Edward smiled with grim satisfaction as two of Dimitri's bats became burned into ashes. His moment of satisfaction was short lived as the Dark Lord candidate answered with an imitated copy of that last used attack. Edward defended with a wave of holy water. Dimitri Blinov vanished like mist.. Then the vampire was back. "Watch out!" Rose shouted a warning just as Dimitri opened his black cape in that Dracula-like attack. Evading another onslaught of three-prolonged green orbs Edward wondered why he hadn't discovered that Dimitri's cloak lacked that high collard Dracula bousted. He shook his head. Which importance held such details? It was all rubbish anyway. Dimitri again teleported. When reappearing he threw another of those hughe green globs. Edward knew the Dark Lord candidate was playing around. He used his own darkside vertion of the element called earth to intimidate him. To make him try to finish him off. Edward knew that would be a real mistake. Dimitri would teleport to dodge the attacks before using the same offence against its creator. It was sutch a treatorus style of fighting it nearly made Edward wish to throw up. No time for that now. To give himself a breather Edward combined the Salamander and Pluto cards as he activated the stopwatch. The result was not what he'd expected. A full circle of strange orbs appeared around him. Dimitri vanished like mist as the onslaught shot toward him. Edward shook his head. It was sutch a long time since he'd read about Nathan Graves and his battle against the Dark Lord in 1830. Dimitri then reappeared. "Impressive I must admit." Then his enemy smiled, exposing his fangs. Edward couldn't help but shiver as the Russian vampire licked his red lips and sharpened teeth. "I look forward to absorb your soul." "Don't listen to him." Rose whispered in his ear. Edward nodded. He was grateful for her encouragement. Blinov then released the same mystic blobs Edward had thrown against him. He held out his crucifix. "Jesus!" He summoned. "Help your servant of your father in Heaven!" He channelled his bloodline strenght. The holy emblem lit with white gold. Edward could feel the large cross behind him. Dimitri's imitated copy of his item-crush became shattered. Dimitri threw himself forward. Before Edward could react, he became thrown to the floor. Dimitri easily restrained him, having the strenght of 20 men in his hands. "I look forward to taste your blood." His enemy taunted. "Never!" Rose flew right into his face, shining a bright orange glow. Although his familiar couldn't harm the Dark Lord candidate, it made him loosen his grip. "For Quincy Morris!" Edward shouted as he buried his ancestor's Bowie-knife into Dimitri's chest. Blinov screamed like a forsaken soul in Hell. It nearly made Edward go deaf. Edward knew he hadn't killed his enemy. Through some dark miracle he had again missed Dimitri's heart. The Dark Lord candidate became mist before Edward could try another stab. He got to his feet. Dimitri where nowhere to be seen. Edward recovered his whip just as the vampire returned. Dimitri opened his cape, releasing another trio of poisonous green orbs. Edward whipped them into oblivion. Then Dimitri threw an imitated copy of his enflamed cross. Edward had just a second to go before being burned to death. He reached for his holy water and made it rain throughout the battlefield. Although Dimitri managed to dodge, Edward had at least saved his own life. "Here!" Rose chirped. "He is here!" Edward looked for his familiar. The fairy hadn't been mistaken. Dimitri Blinov spread his cape in a Dracula-like manour. Edward held out his whip, preparing himself for what might come. A large green globule was shot at him in a speedy fashion. Edward just barely managed to evade the magical projectile. Again the Dark Lord candidate spread his cloak. Edward noticed it was coated with white silk. It almost made him laugh with the thought that someone which might be the incarnation of the fallen Dark Lord should whear white clothing. Then Blinov released another barrage of three-prolonged green orbs. Even dough Edward knew his enemy did this to intimidate him, Edward knew he couldn't dodge the enemy's magic forever. Then he got it. At least he hoped so. Edward utilized his stopwatch, making the orbs stop mid-air. The time-stop spell only lasted some seconds, but that was all Edward needed. With his whip in hand Edward crushed the orbs. Before Dimitri could teleport Edward sprinkled him with holy water. Somehow Dimitri managed to consume, there where no other word to describe it, his flames. Then the vampire answered by throwing a liquid ball of dark holy water. This time it was Edward who became sat on fire. His enemy laughed at him. Edward couldn't withstand the pain. He knew this was the end. "Master!" Rose settled upon his shoulder. She was brighter then ever.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Alicia watched with amazement. Torah's plan on how to remove the barricade seemed to work. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Multiple tiny fairies appeared to dance through the air. Alicia had seen Torah cast this spell several times but she never grew used to it. Torah and her dancing fays made snow spread throughout the area. At first Alicia had been unsure if mere snow would be of any help. Then she'd realized that it wasn't the snow which was the important. The sheer cold of the spell made the rock crack. Alicia stepped forward. It was her turn to use magic. She reached for her medallions. She made the sign of the cross and thus activated the Bombos medallion. Fire rised in a circle around her. Alicia couldn't help but scream as the force went through her. She guessed it would take some time before getting used to this. Then multiple explosions shook the cave. The rubble became thrown all over the place. Bought girls knew this was dangerous. Alicia had known it all since they began this process. Then suddenly Alicia figured she could've done this all by herself. The eather medallion would've frozen the earth just like Torah's spells. She threw it aside. It was Torah who got the idea to begin with. Alicia moved out of the way as the Fernandez girl again prepared her magic.

Saria sat upon the ground, cross-legged and focused. Edward had wanted her to do this. She believed in her. Although Dimitri had terrified her, Saria knew she had to control her fear. Even dough Saria should manage to awaken Arien, like when she'd fought against Bael inside the Barnsdall mine, she was still unsure if she could control it. Saria hadn't wanted to be the chosen one. She still wasn't sure if she really was that legendary person. No matter, she guessed. Edward was right. Saria would do whatever she could to protect the forest. She wasn't quite sure when she'd come to that conclution. Saria thought she'd changed her perspective when she'd seen Dimitri drill into the blackness. "Why isn't she doing anything?" Heinrich irritated asked. Saria tried to remain calm. She had to do it the right way this time. "Don't disturb her." Patrick said. "I'm not really sure what she's doing right now, but you aren't helping." They continued their argument, Saria didn't mind. Finally she remembered what she shouldn't forgotten. "Edward." She merely whispered. "I love you." In her heart rainbow light flowered. The earth shook. But this time it was Saria who did the shaking. Then she felt something else. Edward was in danger. She could feel it. "Rose!" She shouted the fairy's name. "By the Greats, you must help my boyfriend!" Gasping for air Saria fell to the floor. Again she'd lost the force. She wondered where the power she'd managed to summon had gone to.

Rose fluttered above her master. She wept for the man who'd saved her from the rats. Although Edward was alive Dimitri was approaching. The evil one would dine on her master's blood before he would harvest his soul. Before the evil came Rose hadn't really known what life and death meant. Now she knew and she mourned the man she loved so much. "Rose!" The fay almost fell to the floor. The call was like a fist. "By the Greats, you must help my boyfriend." "Saria?" Rose felt confused. How could she help? She wasn't Pixie. Then something else hit her. This time it really felt like being hit. The rainbow aura she'd seen before seemed to dig its way into her. With it came strenght. Strenght and knowledge. Rose suddenly knew she could help Edward. "Master." She chirped while settling upon his hat. Her glow reached for the human who had given her everything.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
The pain just vanished. Edward couldn't believe it. All he could do was to lay there and be grateful for being alive. "So this is the end." Dimitri Blinov knelt beside him. "A pity the Morris bloodline will end with you." Then the wicked smile appeared on his enemy's lips. "If only Dracula could have been present. He would really enjoyed this moment." His hand reached for the Bowie-knife. "I think I will keep this as a memory of how I killed the vampire hunter." The Dark Lord candidate exposed his fangs. Edward got to his feet. It was so simple really. It was like he'd gotten a full night's sleep. Although bought enraged and confused Dimitri tried to teleport. Edward flailed the chain-whip at the vampire as he conbined the Salamander and Mercury cards. His whip caught fire and this time it was Dimitri who burned. Even ablazed, Dimitri managed to get away before Edward could deliver a finishing blow. "By the Lord." Edward woved as he retrived the Bowie. "I'll kill you." Rose sat upon his hat. "I healed you master." She cheered. "I healed you with the power Saria gave to me." Edward couldn't help but smile. It looked like his girlfriend finally had accepted her destiny. Dimitri was back. The vampire unleashed a series of green globules before disappearing. Edward used his throwing-cross to defend himself against the poisonous energy. He was careful not to use neither bloodline power nor card magic. Then Dimitri threw himself toward him, appearing out of nowhere. "Master!" Rose screamed her warning as the vampire came right at them. "Curse it!" Edward utilized the stopwatch. It froze his enemy mid-air, giving Edward time to dodge the attack. "The stopwatch." His enemy frowned. "How impressive." Edward slowly withdrew, preparing himself for, hopefully, anything Dimitri might do. Before he could use either the chain-whip or the vial of holy water Dimitri again teleported. Edward cast a nervous look about the battlefield. Dimitri could be anywhere. Coils of mist drifted in. Edward put back the vial as his hand reached for the DSS-cards. Then the mist just vanished. Instead, a swarm of bats came from a completely different angle. They all tried to bite him, to suck his blood. Edward flailed his whip around. An image of Simon Belmont flailing his whip against bats, emerged in his mind. Edward threw it aside. This wasn't the time for brave comparisons. The remaining bats gathered, shaping into Dimitri. But a Dimitri down on his knees. "Don't be fooled." Rose whispered in his ear. "He must have something up his sleeve." Edward smiled although it didn't came from his heart. Suddenly the vampire threw himself forward. He was so fast that Edward didn't managed to rise his guard in time. He was thrown to the floor as Dimitri bent down to drink his blood. With no other choice Edward did something he regretted the rest of his life. With all his force Edward kicked Dimitri between his legs. Blinov was a vampire and thus couldn't be wounded like a living person. Still Edward dealt him enough pain to make Dimitri release his grip. "Forgive me, Lord." Edward whispered. He knew it hadn't been fear. Dimitri Blinov quickly seemed to gather himself. Snarling he spread his cape in that Dracula-like fashion, releasing three-directional green orbs toward him. Edward threw holy water. He was to slow this time. One orb became shattered, the other two hit home. Edward became thrown far back. He became sprawled upon the floor. Edward felt the poison of the spell spread in his body. "I'll help your boyfriend." It was like Rose spoke to someone invisible. The fairy then again started blazing with that bright glow he'd seen earlier. But this time it wasn't just energy. "Apple of life." Edward couldn't help but laugh as he ate the magical fruit. "It seems like Saria has unlocked your hidden power." He said. The fairy beamed with pride. "So it is master." She joyfully exclaimed. "I've become a true familiar." Edward smiled at her. Then he became serious. Dimitri threw another onslaught of three-prolonged green globs. "Careful." Edward told himself. Then he stepped forward. With one quick stroke of his whip, Edward crushed all three of Dimitri's shot. The Dark Lord candidate disappeared like mist. Edward readied his arsenal. Dimitri flew at him like a swarm of bats. Edward stopped him mid-air by the aid of his stopwatch. Before they could move, Edward douced Dimitri with holy water. "Good Lord in Heaven!" Edward couldn't believe this. Even dough he'd burned the bats some of them did manage to escape. Dimitri reappeared. "Exelent." To Edward's surprise the vampire applauded him. "I really must congratulate you."

Blinov restrained his smile. The Belmont warrior did not understand anything. Although Dario Bosi had been able to ruin the ritual Dimitri had been able to harvest some of the hidden power. Although it had not transpired as he expected, the power was growing inside him. "You have fought well." He continued his speech. Perhaps this was how it where supposed to be? Perhaps he did not need the dryad after all. The link had been a proof the power of the forest was greater then he had imagined. "I don't trust you." The vampire hunter said through clenched teeth. "Indeed?" He arched an eye brow. It was time to end this little duel. He spread his cape, releasing his hate for this human.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Patrick sat leaning against the wall. The dryad's show of raw energy had seemingly drained her. Now she lay sleeping beside him. Although she'd cleaned away most of the rubble, Patrick and Heinrich where forced to clean it all away. Patrick shook his head. His back where aching after having carried rock all day, or so it felt. Heinrich threw him a look. "I'm sorry I doubted you." He finally said. "Saria really could help us." Patrick waved it off. "Tell that to her when she wakes up." He tiredly remarked. Heinrich nodded. He looked back to the now cleared passage. "I'm the only one among us who might still fight." He said. Patrick smiled. "No need to be careful old buddy." Then he just sat back. "You're right." He said in an even more exhausted tone. "Go and slay that monster." Heinrich nodded, making the sign of the cross. "Trust me." He said, suddenly smiling. "I know what to do." Then he turned and left the tunnel. Patrick shook his head. Somehow he didn't feel that reashured.

Edward was nearly taken completely aback. The vampire opened his cape and released a five-directional onslaught of sick green orbs. Edward had believed only Dracula could perform spells like these. No matter. He knew he had to counter the attack or die trying. "May the Lord make this work." He prayed. He combined the Serpent and Uranus cards. The familiar appeared. There where no time for the creature to attack. It would have to take the full brunt of Dimitri's attack. His somewhat crazy strategy seemed to work dough. The five-prolonged onslaught froze in contact with the summoned serpent. The blobs fell and became shattered against the floor. As the beast disappeared Edward knew he was in trouble. Dimitri summoned his own vertion of his Serpent. It was already breathing frost throughout the battlefield. Edward combined the Salamander and Uranus cards. His other familiar appeared to defend him. "I don't think so." That coward was about to teleport. Edward used his stopwatch, freezing the vampire in place. While the familiars continued their battle, Edward threw his cross toward the enemy. He went for the heart. The throwing-cross dug deep into Dimitri's shoulder. Edward cursed. The Dark Lord candidate disappeared like bats. The anti-serpent and Edward's Salamander where bought gone. He ran to retrive his weapon. Like when Richter Belmont had fought Dracula in 1792, the mystic weapons disappeared if you didn't picked them up in time. With the cross in hand, Edward prepared for Dimitri's next move.

Alicia watched as Edward and Dimitri fought each other. The Morris clansman had really become powerful. With Torah's aid, Alicia had managed to clear away the barricade. Still she was unsure on what to do. "I see Heinrich over there." Torah said in her ear. Alicia nodded, although her concentration was aimed on the battle. What should she do? The dualists where to involved. It would be difficult to do anything. Alicia was afraid she should kill them bought. Then Edward summoned his golem to take the brunt of his opponent's offensive. Dimitri then created a dark imitation of Edward's familiar. Her relative made it rain with holy water. It made the vampire burn. Still Dimitri managed to teleport. Alicia unsheated her blade. Still she couldn't move. What should she do?

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Edward was in motion. He combined the Thunderbird and Diana cards as he slashed his chain-whip. Multiple electrical orbs became released. Edward made the sign of the cross as his attack made quick work of Dimitri's anti-Golem. His enemy vanished in a coil of mist. "There he is master!" Rose shouted. "Don't call me that." He told his fairy while dodging Dimitri's imitation of the DSS-cards. Dimitri became a swarm of bats. Edward used his stopwatch. The flying mammals froze in mid-air. Edward combined the Salamander and Pluto cards. He then threw holy water which set Dimitri on fire. It shouldn't been possible, still Dimitri managed to extinguish the flames. This time it was the Dark Lord candidate doing the flame tossing. Edward managed to whip the imitated attack into oblivion. Dimitri where gone, vanished in the shape of mist. Then he was back. "Master!" Rose's warning came just as Dimitri Blinov unleashed another of his five-prolonged onslaught of green orbs. There where no time to combine the cards. Edward threw holy water upon the floor. Powered by his bloodline power he managed to rise a wall of flame in front of him. Dimitri vanished like a swarm of bats. Edward readied himself for what was to come. "Get down master!" Rose screamed just as another ugly green globule was shot at him. Edward ducked just in time to save himself. Gathering himself, Edward got to his feet, whip in hand. Before he could reach him, Dimitri summoned a ring of fire to burn around his location. Edward combined the Serpent and Uranus cards, summoning his monstrous familiar. "Perfect." Dimitri vanished like mist. Edward knew what was coming. Determined to get through he summoned bought the Salamander and Thunderbird-familiar. His three magical creatures got into battle with the anti-Serpent. With that taken care of, Edward looked around for his real enemy. "Master!" The fay showed up just as Dimitri reappeared. The Dark Lord candidate smiled that wicked grin. Edward couldn't help but shiver. Somehow he knew he should expected what was coming. With a playful gesture his undead enemy made imitated clone of his familiars appeared. Then Dimitri opened his cape in that Dracula-like manour Edward had learned to fear. Five orbs of nasty green light came his way. He was able to dodge as he utilized his stopwatch. His enemy had already vanished. The mythological beasts fought back and forth, neither of them able to gain the upper hand. Edward wondered if he should release all his familiars. But that would be a disaster of course. His speculations where cut short as his enemy returned. Gloubles of sick green colour was released. Edward combined the Serpent and Pluto cards. With the aid of his stopwatch Edward was able to dodge the vampires attack. Then he made it rain with holy water across his enemy's location. The Dark Lord candidate screamed. Edward shilded his ears. He almost feared he'd gone deaf. Dimitri burned like a torch. This was the end, Edward was sure of it. Then Dimitri began laughing. "Impressive, my friend. Very impressive." Then the laugh ended. "Now it must be over. I have no time left for this little match." Edward stepped back. The look in his enemy's face warned him that this really was the end. Before he could decide if he should summon the power of One, swords pierced Dimitri's chest. Then a storm of scickles shot through the air. "Master!" Rose shot toward him. It was to late. One of the spinning blades hit him. Edward was thrown back as blood splashed from his chest.

Alicia watched in horror as her cousin fell. "Edward!" Rose and Saria cried in unison. "I told you to stay with Patrick." Heinrich told the dryad. Alicia didn't care. Torah knelt beside Edward, Rose the fairy had settled upon his chest. The man-beast pulled her cousin from the floor. "You should be resting." This time it was Saria who accused Patrick for not following their advice. She didn't care. Torah lead the way back to the sheltered cave. She and Heinrich where left alone in the cave. Her blade was still buried in Dimitri's body. Heinrich ran to pick up his sword. Somehow the Dark Lord candidate had managed to pull out the weapon. Then she knew the truth. "Blasted." They'd missed the heart. Then she noticed Heinrich had picked up something else from the floor. She gasped. It was Edward's chain-whip. Her cousin smiled, sheating his sword. Finally Dimitri had managed to rip out Alicia's sword from his body. Heinrich's smile died on his lips. The gashes where already closing. "Get away." Patrick hadn't left them after all. Now he was preparing another round of his grenades. "Lay down your weapons." The words where a whisper in their minds. "He belongs to Chaos." Alicia lifted her head. Above them a figure, drapped and hooded in ash-coloured robes, a figure emerged. Alicia licked her lips nervously. She pressed her glasses clouser to her nouse. She should've known. The fallen angel of Death always seemed to use the same type of weaponry. Not that it mattered. This was a battle they couldn't win. Silently Uriel fell toward the floor.

Dimitri Blinov watched with an unspeakable dread how the servant of Dracula emerged. Somehow the Belmont swords had cut him off from his new source of power. Dimitri knew the truth. It was not their weapons which had done this to him. It was he who had done this to himself. By loosing control he was reduced back to another mere vampire. Dimitri had failed to absorb bought the dryad's soul and the one belonging to the Belmont warrior. The angel of Death reached the ground in front of him. He could not help it. Dimitri was down on his knees.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Heinrich tightened his hold on the chain-whip. Death had arrived. He knew his ancestor, Reinhardt Schneider, had defeated this monster. Heinrich knew it was so since Reinhardt held the Vampire Killer during that time. Only that devine killing machine was powerful enough to banish Death from the land of the living. The dark angel didn't seem to mind them at all. The skull's empty sockets where fixed upon Dimitri. "I only wished to see the return of the Dark Lord." Their former enemy stammered. "I have the power of dominance. I have the right to… " The fallen angel cut him short with a gesture. "I do not mind your foolish thoughts of betrayal." That telepathic whisper again eckoed through their minds. "You shall go. Now." The devine spirit continued. "They are awaiting you." Heinrich frowned. He didn't understand. "Alicia." Torah was back, Rose settled upon her shoulder. "Edward is asking for you." His cousin nodded, a concearned look appeared on her face. Heinrich shared her feelings. Their cousin had been hit by one of Death's sickles. Alicia left as Torah brought out her ring-smash. "What is she doing here?" Patrick asked, pointing at the fairy. Torah adapted a serious expression. "Edward is awake." She explained. "But he's unable to fight. He gave Rose's card to me in fear of that she might die with him." Now it was Heinrich who became concearned. Perhaps Death had come to claim Edward's life? If so, he would have to remove Heinrich first. Never before had he been so determined. Edward shouldn't die. Heinrich would see to make it so. His cross, dagger and axe where all the weapons in his arsenal. But Heinrich where gifted with Belmont power. To his disposial was the elements of fire, earth, lightning, water and spirit. Dimitri Blinov disappeared like mist. Now only Death remained. The dark angel seemed to view them all with a certain interest. "Belmont, man-beast and sorceress." Uriel suddenly spoke, if that ghostly whisper in their souls could be called to speech. "The wheel turns as the game continue." The angel of Death seemed to inspect his weapon closer. "Death comes to us all." Torah then said. "But where Dracula is, Death is his servant." The angel seemed to consider the girl's statement. "I see you have been well schooled in your arts." Heinrich didn't know why, if anyone could've asked him, but somehow he was sure Death was displeased by Torah's comment. "Then let death fall upon you." Death whispered. "This is not how it is meant to be." The fallen angel seemed unsettled. Then it suddenly made a swooping gesture with its weapon. "I call upon thee." He said, although Heinrich was sure he wasn't speaking with them. He wasn't mistaking. The sound of flapping wings sounded just as the ceiling cracked. "Slogra and Gaibon!" The cry erupted from Rose's mouth. Heinrich had nearly forgotten about the little creature. Never mind. He remembered the subserviants of Death. Soma Cruz was the closest in time who had fought against these monsters. Hector had been the first to fight them. In 1499 he and Trevor Belmont met them inside the ancient halls of Castlevania. Not that it mattered. The lizard skeleton and the winged Hellspawn was already moving. His friends where nearly taken aback. They would have to take care of themselves. Heinrich ran, chasing after Death who drifted deeper into Dabi's path.

Torah wished she could call Heinrich back. But the Belmont clansman had already vanished. Patrick presued after Gaibon into another of the tunnels. Things never seemed to change. Death had done just like the Dark Lord candidates, making their group split. Things never where the same dough. Torah felt it was all a divertion to keep them away from Heinrich. Torah discovered she had her own set of problems. Slogra jumped high into the air. Where had the skeleton vanished to? Knowledge and instincts combined as they made her roll out of reach just as Slogra came crushing down. Torah again ducked as the undead lizard man pointed its trident toward her. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah cast the spell just as Slogra released the blast of flame toward her location. The summoned fairies somehow managed to shield Torah from the evil fire. Slogra again disappeared toward the ceiling. The granddaughter of Yoko Belnades threw herself to the floor and rolled to the side as Slogra again came down at her. "Pearls of heat!" Torah cast her spell. She hoped God would make this work. The orbs of shimmering heat shot from her fingers just as Slogra released another blast. Their energies met and Torah became thrown to the ground by the explosion. Slogra jumped high. This time she was prepared. If there where anything the bone-men hated, it was frost. The dead risen from their graves by Dracula's curse somehow just couldn't withstand the element of ice. "Winter's heart!" Torah released her globule of solid frost just as Slogra again came crushing down at her. She managed to side-step the flame-blast just as Slogra froze all over. "Got you!" Torah cheered. "Be mindful master." Rose warned. Although the fairy still mourned over having been given away, she was a perfect guide. Slogra's skeleton was surrounded by a strange orange glow. Then the ice shattered. Slogra was free as it again jumped high to hide among the shadows. Torah gaped. It should have been impossible. Still the battle continued. She just barely dodged when her enemy again came down at her. "Fountain of fire! Pearls of heat!" The blue ring saved her life. Her spells was countered as Slogra released new blasts of fire. The mystic item somehow seemed to absorb the heat. "Master!" Rose's warning brought Torah back from her reverie. Slogra hadn't disappeared this time. It twirled its trident as it continued to throw fire at her. Torah gathered herself. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah's spell shielded her from danger. "Zapphire wave!" Torah screamed as the energy left her body. It shot from her fingers like gemstones of frost. Slogra tried to jump but again became trapped inside her ice. Torah knew it wouldn't hold the skeleton for long. Slogra was fuelled with power granted by the angel of Death. She had to find a way to destroy that connection. The orange glow freed her enemy. Torah was forced to dodge as the dead lizard released blasts at her position. "Pearls of heat! Rainbow flame!" This time it was Slogra who became burned. Torah blinked. Somehow fire magic seemed to inflict greater harm upon this creature then ice did. She didn't get it. This wasn't the way it where supposed to be. She shook her head. If Torah ever met Alucard again she should ask him about this puzzle. Slogra jumped high, again disappearing from view. Torah prepared herself for what was to come. "There it is master!" Rose shouted. Torah threw herself to the side as Slogra again came crushing down. "Winter's heart!" Torah cast the spell in an attempt to defend herself. Slogra countered, releasing a fierce succession of flame-blasts. Torah ran, ducked and rolled to avoide getting hit. Slogra disappeared toward the ceiling. "It's coming back!" Rose warned. Torah was nearly crushed beneath the skeletal remains of the lizard man. She rolled out of the way just in time as the enemy resumed its flame-throwing. Torah was grateful for her grace and agilety. She was no cheerleader, true. But after all this training it would be no shame to join in for a rehearsal. It was rubbish anyway. "Pearls of heat!" Torah got back up, bubbles of pure heat flying from her fingers. Slogra was taken aback by her spell. It let go of its trident before it again disappeared. The old weapon burned as Torah watched. She didn't know what to believe. Was this a good or bad turn of events? No time to think further about it. Again Slogra came crushing down at her location. With a sweeping beak-dash it stabbed at her. Torah threw herself to the floor. Again Slogra advanced, stabbing its beak at her. Torah rolled. "Pearls of heat!" She got up into a kneeling position, releasing her magic right into the frame of her enemy. The lizard skeleton staggered. Torah got to her feet, gathering her magic. Before she could cast another spell Slogra dashed at her. Torah screamed as the lizard's pointed beak hit her shoulder. She threw up her arms in defence. Even dough Slogra was bigger then her it knew where to stab, knew where it would harm her the most. Rose settled upon her shoulder. She shone with a fierce bright glow. "Apple of life." Somehow Torah managed to eat the mysterious fruit before Slogra went at her again. Torah threw herself backward. She hit the floor hard. At first she thought she'd knocked herself cold. Still she managed to roll aside. Slogra did again jump high into the ceiling. For the first time Torah noticed that Rose's glow wasn't the only light in the cave. Slogra's constant jumping had somehow managed to open holes in the ceiling. The light of the moon fell through the cracks, litting the path. "There he comes!" Rose warned, bringing Torah back to reality. Again Slogra came crushing down. Torah again managed to side-step the monster. The reanimated lizard skeleton spun around. It nearly rammed her with another beak-dash. Yoko would've been proad of her. With a full swing of her body, Torah cut into her enemy. The ring-smash made the bones shatter. "Winter's heart!" Torah cast the spell in defence, shielding herself from the flying bones. She then blinked. Somehow the evil spell which granted Slogra its power had regrown the shattered bones. Slogra then threw itself forward. Torah tried to dodge the beak of her enemy. Still the dead lizard man managed to cut a deep gash in her brow. Blood ran down her face, obscuring her sight. "Apple of life." Torah wondered where Rose had gotten the power of life. She quickly ate the apple. Slogra went forward. Torah threw herself to the ground. She rolled aside before getting back to her feet. Slogra was about to jump again when she cut into his back. Bones cracked as Torah cut through the skeleton's ribs. "Fall apart you blasted monster!" She shouted. Still Slogra refused to fall. Somehow it grew new bones as it broke free of her grip. Slogra spun around, executing another beak-dash. Torah ducked as she held up her ring-smash in defence. The dead beast screamed as it crushed itself against her weapons. Bones snapped and cracked before a silver flame burned up from the skeleton's core. A dark wind blew in her face as Slogra collapsed into a heap of burning bones. Slowly Torah managed to stand. She looked down upon the ring-smash. She shook her head. It was almost impossible. She knew she should have seen it. Torah nodded. She had become to used to magic. She had been so sure it could solve all her problems. Suddenly tears run down her cheeks. Her grandmother had warned her. "Beyond our magic, beyond all our power, we are still humans. The Belmonts and the church tell us to have faight in He who is greater then us." Torah nodded, drying away her tears. The cave shook beneath her. She gathered herself. That was something else she should have remembered. When Dimitri had summoned that power, it made him the lord of this domain. When he lost it, the balance would restore itself. The path which the Dark Lord's followers had created would thus fall. Torah rand to find her sister. They had to get out of here.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Patrick calmly reloaded his pistol. The grenades hang across his torso. Their garlic core would help him defeat most enemies. Gaibon was to quick dough. It had already proven as moutch. The man-beast threw a look toward the ceiling. That bastard was still up there, carefully circling him. Patrick knew it was looking for an opening. His big brother, Thomas, had taken with him the Lecarde spear. The legendary Scottish hunter, by the name Coller if he remembered correctly, had built this shotgun way back in 1844. Still, Patrick really wished he had a stricking weapon. The man-beasts could change form, between human and their true beast forms. They could also channel their very own form of magic energy. Although Patrick was a result of mixed blood, he lacked the power of his elder brother. Even his sister was more potent then him. Gaibon screamed, breaking into his line of thoughts. Patrick mentally kicked himself. He'd waited to long. Permitting Gaibon to build up its confidance. It flew at him, releasing a spread-shot of arrow-shaped projectiles from its tail. The narrow tunnel made it somewhat difficult to dodge the demon's attack. Patrick gathered himself, forcing himself to break his inner seal. The man-beast power welled into him. Although it was untrained, untested, Patrick managed to control it. He knew this was nothing considered against his brother's power. But it would have to do. Patrick felt his body change into that of a human wolf. Some may say he where no different from that of a werewolf. True, certain spectres of the moon would grant him more or less power. But he could chose when to change form. Patrick would retain his human sence and intelligence. For the moment it was the wolf's brute strenght and agilety which mattered. With superhuman speed Patrick managed to glide beneath Gaibon's fire. The demon shrieked with rage. It dived into the floor. The ceiling cracked and multiple spiked rocks fell down toward him. Patrick brought out his short-sword, another of Coller's "gifts". Gaibon spat out a series of fireballs toward him. Patrick threw himself to the floor. With his man-beast strenght Patrick threw himself forward. Before Gaibon could escape back into the air, Patrick sent the short-sword flying. The blade buried itself into the demon's chest. Gaibon spat blood. Patrick carefully closed in on his pray. Then Gaibon pulled out the blade. With horrified disbelief Patrick watched how the demon pulled out his blade. Gaibon threw it to the floor. Patrick had a certain feeling that his enemy laughed at him. Before he could gather himself for another attack, Gaibon again took to the air. Again they circled eachother. At least Patrick tried to follow Gaibon's mobility. He retrived his blade just as the winged Hellspawn again released its spread-shot of arrow-shaped fireballs. Patrick had lost grip of his man-beast power. He was again his ordinary human shape, with brown hair down his shoulders. His father had often said Patrick looked somewhat like the portrait of Eric Lecarde. Still he managed to dodge the onslaught a second time. The mystic candles where the only source of light in the tunnel. Suddenly Gaibon flew toward him. Patrick didn't try to dodge this time. Instead, he gathered himself before he jumped high, his pistol at the ready. Gaibon got a confused look in its twisted face just as Patrick fired his shotgun. Patrick landed while his ears rang with Gaibon's cry. Still this was no victory. Patrick knew it already. He'd missed the heart of the demon. They bought gathered themselves before they again began circling. Suddenly Gaibon hammered itself against the floor. Spiked rocks fell from the ceiling as his enemy breathed heavy fireballs toward him. Patrick threw grenades at the rocks, making them shatter around him. The flying splinters caused several cuts but he at least where alive. Patrick then threw himself to the floor, making Gaibon's fire pass right above him. The demon gathered itself for another round as Patrick got back to his feet. "Take this your damned monster!" Patrick cried while releasing his firearm. The bullets hit home, making his enemy stagger. Patrick near automaticly caunted his used shots. He'd still four bullets left. The question was if they really could deal this devil any real damage. Ugly black blood ran from its wounds. Still Gaibon looked like it didn't matter. Burning eyes, in a face which looked like something between a goat and bat, glared at him. Patrick was sweathing. He knew it wasn't just the battle's natural heat which made him do so. Gaibon scared him. Although Patrick had expected he would end up fighting the undead monsters of Dracula, the creatures from Hell where really terrifying. Again Gaibon flew into the air. It then flailed its tail, releasing another round of fire. Patrick knew that if he was hit, he would die. Although man-beasts where said to have a natural stamina against the elements, Patrick was no full member of that tribe. Perhaps the part of him who belonged to the beasts would protect him. Patrick wasn't eager to test that possibility dough. He again tried to summon the man-beast power, but failed. Still he managed to dodge Gaibon's round of fire. The demon shrieked with unsatisfied hatred. It flailed its tail, releasing more fireballs. Patrick ran in a crisscrossing pattern in an attempt to confuse the demon's aim. Anoied Gaibon threw itself against the floor. Spiked rocks fell throughout the tunnel. Thanks to the Lord and his crisscrossing mobility the projectiles missed him even this time. Gaibon continued shrieking as it released another series of fireballs. Patrick tried to get in close enough to get a drop on it. But Gaibon had learned to keep its distance. Patrick smiled with grim satisfaction. That devil had forgotten Patrick had other weapons to his disposial. He tried to hit the heart of his enemy. The short-sword flew through the air, burying itself into Gaibon's nasty green flesh. "Curse you!" Patrick cursed. The aim had been obscured enough for Gaibon to survive. Again that demon merely pulled out Patrick's blade, throwing it to the floor. For a moment they merely viewed one another. Then Gaibon screamed at him. Patrick fired his sidearm but his enemy had already gotten out of range. This time Patrick was able to harness his power as Gaibon threw another round of fireballs from its tail. This time it was he who became hit by the other's bombardment. At least that part of the legend where true. Patrick survived, aldough he felt more then a little burned by the onslaught. Gaibon circled him, careful now as it'd discovered that its fire might not be enough. Patrick grimaced, not sure if he could take another round of the enemy's fire. Then Gaibon shot at him. Still in his beast form Patrick managed to dodge even this time. His enemy hammered against the floor. Rocks fell all around him. Patrick was grateful toward the Lord who saved his life. Then Gaibon again released a series of fireballs toward him. Was it instinct which made Patrick hold up his blade while channelling his man-beast power? He didn't care. Somehow his power made him use the short-sword to cut through the flames sent at him. In his mind Patrick cheered about this discovery. If he survived this, this new tricks might get in handy. Gaibon roared, its anger fusing its power. It took to the air before Patrick managed to get closer. "Blasted." Patrick again cursed. As if it'd been an answer, Gaibon released another spread-shot. Patrick managed to dodge the onslaught. Although he again lost control of his man-beast power. Gaibon screamed in triumph. "Not this time you bastard." Patrick almost growled. When Gaibon flailed its tail for another onslaught, the man-beast threw one of his grenades. Patrick had wondered if his explosive could do the demon any harm. Now he got the answer. Roaring with pain and anger Gaibon collapsed into a burning heap upon the ground. Patrick opened his mouth to cry out his victory. There came no sound. His mouth remained open. Patrick gaped in outermost disbelief. From the floor, Gaibon's burning carcass suddenly rebuilt itself. The demon's scales had turned from sick green into an angry red colour. His enemy roared out its hatred. Gaibon flailed its tail at him, releasing an even more powerful storm of fire. Patrick didn't know how he managed to dodge. How could he defeat this monster when it just rised after each defeat? Patrick shook his head. Whatever the answer might be, Patrick was determined to defeat this monster.

Edward lifted his head. Immediately Saria was there to help him sit. Her half-sister's oil-lamps lit up the corridor. Her boyfriend reached at his side. "Heinrich picked it up." Saria explained. Edward weakly nodded. "Then it wasn't a dream." He said. "Death is here." Saria was concearned. Although Torah had been able to heal him, Edward had lost much blood. The Morris clansman retrived his hat. He noticed her concearned look and managed to smile. "I'm not dead yet." He told her. "Soon there'll be Christmass." Saria nodded. Edward seemed to drift. "So much has happened." He mumbled. "If only… " He shook his head. Saria didn't understand. What was he going for? "Here." She said, affording him some water. "Thanks." With some help he managed to drink. She then gave him some of that pot-roust she'd found inside one candle. Edward ate with good appetite. That terrifying paleness somewhat subsided. Saria smiled at the view. Edward threw her a look. "My strenght is returning." He told her. "So it is with the candle's food. They give strenght to whoever which eat it." Saria shrugged. She ate light, for one thing. And she never consumed meat. It was against the dryad's very legacy. Now she'd fallen in love with a human, that which confused things. Saria figured it didn't matter that he ate and drank things she didn't liked. She shook her head. Then Saria noticed Edward was viewing her. She blushed, but smiled at the same time. Edward mumbled something. "Things never ends like you want them to." Saria frowned. What was that supposed to mean? "I must help my family." He then said. "You should try to rest instead." Alicia said. Saria had almost forgotten about Edward's cousin. For a moment she wished the other woman had stayed with the others. Saria threw it aside. If Death or his subserviants attacked, it would be impossible for Saria to fight them alone. Edward frowned. "We must find a way out of here." He then said. "From what I remember things starts falling apart when the Dark Lord is defeated." Saria mentally kicked herself. She should've remembered to tell them about these matters. She did so. The Belmont warriors exchanged glances. "So." Alicia finally said. "You mean that, when I and Heinrich pierced Dimitri with our swords, we made him loose control of his power?" Saria nodded. "I already feel the shift in power." Alicia looked rather concearned by Saria's news. "It'll take us more then a day to get back to Forest hill." She told them. Saria shook her head. "We don't have that much time." She explained. As if to prove her statement, the tunnel shook.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Patrick somehow managed to regain his man-beast magic. That most likely saved his life. Gaibon released another flurry of arrowed-shaped fireballs from its tail. It still felt like being burned by the sun. Patrick couldn't help but fall to his knees. Gaibon shrieked at him, taunting him. Swearing Patrick managed to get back up. "Take this you son of a bitch!" He fired one, two bullets at his enemy. He missed with bought shots. Patrick cursed. His mother had warned him time and again about his language. Patrick shook his head. Why should he think about sutch rubbish? Gaibon sent another round of fire at him. With his superhuman speed Patrick managed to dodge this time. Heinrich had warned him about the magic power. "It isn't from God." He'd said. "We may only pray that He will forgive us for what we do." Alicia had disagreed. "In the Bible." The Belmont woman had pointed out. "The Lord tell us to not practise necromancy. We in the Belmont clan have fought against Dracula's dark arts for more then a millennia. The Lord is with us if we believe in Him." Patrick nodded. They may bought have a point. Gaibon hammered against the ground, making spiked rocks fall about. Patrick threw grenades to blow up the rubble. In one of the candles he'd found new explosives to go with. The demon who'd escaped Hell sent a row of flames toward him. Patrick threw himself to the floor. This time he knew he couldn't trick the monster. It would expect him to throw his short-sword at it. It took to the air just as Patrick brought out his firearm. He jumped right at the confused demon. Instead of releasing another bullet, Patrick stabbed his blade at Gaibon. The demon didn't dodge in time. Even so, it did manage to flail its tail at him. With his cloth on fire Patrick fell to the ground. Patrick managed to roll, getting up on his feet. Again his man-beast power had saved him. A sudden pain hit his shoulder. "Blasted!" Gaibon had used his own trick against him. Patrick's short-sword, which he'd managed to burry into the demon's flesh, Gaibon had pulled out. Instead of just throwing it away, his enemy had used it like a projectile. Patrick managed to pull it out of his body. Gaibon cried that certain shreek which Patrick had learned to recognise as laugher. Patrick threw his fist at it. "I'm going to kill you." He woved. Gaibon shrieked in return. A dreadful cry which signalled it'll show no mercy. Patrick smiled. At least they could understand one another. Then Gaibon came at him. Patrick dodged as another flurry of fireballs was shot his way. Gaibon circled him, releasing sporadic flames. Patrick answered with his two last bullets. Again Gaibon was to quick. Patrick missed with bough shots. He cursed. Now he would have to reload his pistol. Gaibon knew it got him in a corner. It wouldn't stop so that he might reload his firearm. That blasted monster forgot he'd still some grenades on his belt. Patrick grinned. "Come just a little closer baby." He hummed. "Just a little closer." Gaibon somewhat uncertainly fluttered above him. "Come on your bastard." Patrick growled. Then Gaibon flew at him. Patrick managed to glide beneath it just as Gaibon passed by. "Game over!" He shouted. Patrick removed the splint of his explosive before sending it at his enemy. Gaibon had no chance to avoide the impact. The explosion hit the cave. It should've been the end. But Gaibon was no ordinary monster. It was an evil spirit which through some black magic had obtained flesh and blood in this world. With cracked ribs and with a lost eye, Gaibon continued the battle. Patrick was terrified. He had to be honest with himself. Gaibon should've been dead on two ocations. Still it survived to continue the battle. Patrick made another chilling discovery. He had again lost hold of his power. His enemy collided against the floor, making numerous spiked rocks fall down at him. Patrick gathered himself. Throwing grenades around he did managed to take out most of the rubble. At the other end of the tunnel, where it opened into the cave in which Edward had fought against Dimitri, Gaibon opened its mouth. Red flames burned toward him. Patrick managed to dodge. His shoulder ached. Patrick knew that he was about to loose this confrontation. He managed to load his gun with a few bullets before Gaibon again flew away from him. The demon released another spread-shot toward him. Patrick resumed that crisscrossing way of mobility which had saved him the last time. It obscured Gaibon's aim enough to force it lower again. This time Patrick had loaded the pistol with a few of his father's preshious silver-bullets. It'd been Isaac Graves, the father of Nathan Graves, who'd started making these little buties. That was back in 1815 when they'd discovered that the Belmont clan was loosing some of their power. It'd something to do with someone called Shanoah although Patrick didn't know much about it. He threw aside the memories as Gaibon again released an onslaught of fireballs from its tail. Patrick blew it all up with the aid of one grenade. His enemy shrieked at him. Patrick sniggered. "Just come on you… " Gaibon shot toward the floor when he pulled the trigger. The silver projectile shot through the air. Gaibon was hit in its chest. The demon looked down at him as its torso exploded. Gaibon was torn into pieces as burning flesh and blood became scattered all across the area. "Thank the Lord." It was the least he could say. "Patrick." He spun around, the firearm at the ready. At the exit Torah was standing. Her poncho was torn and she'd lost her cap. Rose sat upon her shoulder, spreading a soft glow upon her new master. Patrick put back his sidearm. "Are you allright?" The little sorceress asked. "I'm fine." He told her. "I guess you slaughtered that bone-bag." He then said. She looked aside. Then she nodded. "I even think I found a way out of here." Patrick frowned. Then he just shrugged. "Show me." He said.

Torah was in the lead as she and the man-beast returned to where their other friends where hiding. As she went Torah explained her idea. "Slogra opened holes in the ceiling." She pointed upward as they reached the cave in which she'd fought the dead lizard. "With Edward's DSS-cards he might summon his familiars." She smiled. "They might fly us out of here." Patrick nodded. They'd seen what the cards could do. They entered into the other tunnel. The cave again shook. "Stay there." Alicia's voice suddenly demanded. "It's us." Patrick shouted. "The kid have discovered a way to get out." Torah arched an eye brow. Kid, was that what the man-beast thought about her? Torah shook her head. She promised herself that, one day, she would prove him otherwise. She might be only 12 years old, but she was one of the most powerful members of their group. "I hope it'll work." Saria and the Belmont cousins appeared out from the shadows. "I hope it'll work dough." Her half-sister said. "The cave is about to collapse." Torah knew it was true. She had felt it. "We'll fly out of here." She quickly told her friends. "Not bad." Edward commented. "I should've figured it myself." Torah shook her head. "You couldn't known." She comforted. "Can you do it?" Alicia asked. Edward shrugged. "We can try." He said. Suddenly Saria broke into their conversation. "Where is Heinrich?" She asked. Torah felt her blood turn cold. She had completely forgotten about the third Belmont clansman. Heinrich had went after Death. "We must find him." Patrick said. By the disturbed look on his face, Torah believed he remembered it also. The tunnel quaked beneath their feet. "Come on!" Saria shouted. "We don't have much time!" They ran into the other cave. Rocks fell from the ceiling. The floor cracked so dust and rubble became spread about. If her plan didn't work right, Torah knew they would be finished.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Heinrich entered into the tunnel. The ashes of the enemies Edward and Saria had defeated littered the ground. A few candles burned. That was the only light. Death where here, somewhere. Heinrich could feel the dark angel stalking him. It was no pleasant feeling. Something suddenly warned him. He ducked just as Death swung at him. The scythe passed right above him. Heinrich felt his hair rise to stand on end. Death's weapon spread a certain cold about itself. Before Death could gather itself after its failed attempt to kill him, Heinrich cracked the chain-whip. Flames rised from Death's ashy robes. Heinrich had a momentary feeling of hearing the angel cry. Then it was he who roared in pain. Death had gathered from his momentary lapse. It rised into the air as it released multiple sickles toward him. Heinrich felt cold spread through his body. He quickly got out of the way as the fallen angel threw his scythe toward him. Death reached for him with his skeletal arms. Heinrich felt a strange pull drag him toward his enemy. Death's weapon flew at him, like it had a will of its own. Heinrich gathered his Belmont power and somehow managed to jump across the spinning weapon. For a moment he was free of the pull. When he landed, Heinrich felt how it again took hold of him. The scythe was on its way back. Death had thrown his weapon like a giant boomerang. Death was to the left, his scythe was right behind him. Heinrich threw himself to the floor. By the will of the Lord he again managed to dodge the deathly weapon. Heinrich shivered with cold as Death's scythe passed right over him. He got to his feet. Death released a spread-shot of sickles. Heinrich whipped them into oblivion. Where had the fallen angel disappeared to? Heinrich nervously scouted the area. Again that instinct of his bloodline warned him. Heinrich threw himself aside as Death again appeared to twirl his weapon toward his location. This time Death got out of reach before Heinrich could make a blow at him. Heinrich threw his dagger at the enemy. The dark angel dodged his blade without difficulty. Heinrich ran to obtain his weapon. Death was in close presuit, throwing sickles at him. Heinrich gathered his bloodline powers. Fire, he thought. Death was cold. Fire could be of help against him. Heinrich wanted he'd had one of the throwing-crosses. Heinrich threw himself forward. He picked up his dagger. He spun around, whipping the sickles into oblivion. Fire burned around the chain-whip. Death threw his scythe toward him. Heinrich again fell that inward pull taking hold of him. With his ancestor's strenght in his blood, Heinrich managed to once again avoide Death's weapon. Then he held out his crucifix. He prayed to God this would work. A trio of crosses appeared around him. Standing like barriers against Death's power. The crosses disappeared as the fallen angel regained his weapon. Death then again disappeared. Heinrich moved into a ready position. A flurry of sickles then shot at him. Heinrich fused his whip with lightning, brandishing the weapon about in an attempt to create a shield. Death threw his scythe like a giant boomerang. Heinrich managed to break free from the pull. It was time to show this devine being that he also had some power. Heinrich hung up his whip before unsheating his sword. He knew the scythe was closing in on him. If this didn't work… Heinrich gathered his bloodline magic. Earth was one of the elements he knew best. With all his force Heinrich pulled his sword into the ground. The earth shook. From his blade he released a spreading earthquake. This was nothing compared to the DSS-cards or even his family's Quake medallion. Death was caught in a rain of flying rocks. Flames burned as the fallen angel disappeared. Heinrich pulled back his sword. The silence of the battle was a disturbance in itself. Heinrich wanted Death to laugh at him. To cry or taunt or just something. Then it was he who cried. Death appeared to release another flurry of sickles. Heinrich was forced to his knees. Pain and cold seemed to absorb everything. Through a blure he watched Death approach him. Heinrich grasped for his crucifix. His spiritual strenght where all he had left. Heinrich needed a breather if he should survive. He felt how he was risen into the air. Was this the end? Then he felt something greater then himself lit behind him. A giant cross of gold appeared behind him. Then it suddenly shattered into a storm of golden flames. Death became thrown far back as his ash-coloured robes was turned on fire. Still shaking with cold Heinrich fell back upon the floor. As quickly he could Heinrich brought out that potion Patrick had given him. After a sip Heinrich felt how his strenght returned. Death was back in business. The fallen angel released a second flurry of sickles. Heinrich whipped them into oblivion. Then Death disappeared again. Heinrich would very well like to know how he did that. The only answer from Death was two new round of sickles. Heinrich reached for his crucifix. With the aid of his bloodline power Heinrich managed to rise another barrier of crosses. The dark angel had again disappeared. Now he was back, throwing his scythe at him. Still fused by his Belmont energy Heinrich threw his axe in return. He was the descendant of Reinhardt Schneider! A three-prolonged onslaught of axes fell toward his enemy. Bolts of lightning struck in their wake. Shrouded in flames and ashes Death still managed to gather himself. Tiered by the use of his powers Heinrich again felt the pull drag him toward Death's awaiting arms. Somehow Heinrich knew that if Death where to tutch him, he was dead. The skull's empty sockets coldly inspected him as Death threw his scythe. Heinrich just barely managed to dodge this time. The evil weapon flew right past him, tearing his clothing. The fallen angel dragged Heinrich toward his skeletal arms. Heinrich this time didn't try to restrain the pull as he threw himself forward. That wasn't the only thing he threw dough. Heinrich summoned his bloodline power. Then he sent his dagger flying toward his enemy. The blade split into three as fire began burning. The dark angel tried to break free. But his own pull made it impossible. Still with his ancestor's power in his blood, Heinrich managed to dodge the scythe on its return. His daggers buried themselves into Death's frame. Flames exploded as Death's cloak was sat on fire. Heinrich ran to obtain his weapon just as his enemy sent a flurry of sickles toward him. Heinrich whipped them aside. Death vanished into the darkness. This time Heinrich figured how he did it. By turning transperant, the angel of Death could blend in with his surroundings. Although he didn't really teleport, the effect was mostly the same. Without more light it was impossible to track the angel's mobility. Heinrich could almost feel how his enemy was stalking him. Then Death reappeared. He kept its distance this time. Heinrich moved into a defensive posture. What was that devine spirit up to? Then Death threw his scythe at him. Heinrich threw himself side-way. This time the weapon didn't act like a giant boomerang. Instead Death summoned new scythes each time he missed his target. Heinrich was forced to run in circles around his enemy. Due to the narrow structure of the cave Heinrich knew he was in trouble. Again Death threw his weapon. This time Heinrich felt that inward pull again taking hold of him. The scythe Death had thrown was already on its return. Heinrich reached for his crucifix. Fusing it with fire he again rised the barrier of crosses. His enemy again vanished among the shadows. Heinrich prepared himself for what was to come. Then Death came right at him, scythe at the ready. Heinrich ducked beneath the blade. He then managed to roll aside. His back reached the wall of the tunnel. Death loomed above him. Heinrich held up his cross in defence. Somehow the holy emblem managed to block Death's blow. Sparks flew as Death again made a blow at him. One spark hit a candle. From it fell one of the crystals. Death's skull couldn't change expressions. Still Heinrich had a feeling Death didn't liked the sight of it. The second it lasted for Death to recognize the crystal was all Heinrich needed. With all his forced he stamped the crucifix upon Death's cloaked figure. Death threw back his head in a silent cry. Heinrich got to his feet. Even dough his enemy where in pain, he couldn't hear anything. With the crystal in hand, Heinrich awaited Death's next move. His enemy had disappeared again. Heinrich threw a nervous look around the area. Where had that fallen angel gone? Then another scythe flew toward him. Heinrich threw himself to the floor. He shivered with cold as Death's weapon crossed where he'd just been. Another scythe came his way. Heinrich got back to his feet. Again Death was throwing countless scythes toward him. Whenever he missed Death would merely summon another weapon. This was like when Simon Belmont fought Death in 1691. Heinrich threw his crystal. The mystic weapon made the scythe thrown at him shatter. Death sent another blade at him. Heinrich dodged as he ran to pick up his weapon. Then he again had to dodge. Heinrich knew he had to get an end to this or he would die. Instead of trying to dodge he now summoned his bloodline power to his aid. With the chain-whip on fire he was able to whip Death's scythes into oblivion. This strategy forced Death on the defensive. The fallen angel rised into the air to gain some advantage. Heinrich had awaited for this moment. Suddenly he changed from fire to lightning. Heinrich then let go of the whip as he threw his axe at his enemy. Death held up his scythe in defence. The mere metal of the item-crush was blocked. But the follow-up of lightning was powerful enough to destroy the angel's weapon. Heinrich went to pick up his weapon. He was growing short on crystals. There where still a few candles in here. Heinrich didn't dare to whip them. They where the only source of light in this tunnel. "Belmont warrior." It was the first time during the battle that Death had actually said something. "I see you are protected by your destiny." Death held forth his empty hands. "Death comes to you all." Heinrich went to retrive his whip. What was the dark angel going for? Heinrich knew that Dracula had to be defeated before Death could be banished from this world. At least, before this embodiment of Death could be disposed off. "You are all a part of it." Heinrich frowned. He didn't get it. Sure, they where all in this together. "The other members of the Belmont clan. And the Fernandez." Death looked down at him. "Cut one tread." His voice echoed in Heinrich's mind. "It will all fall together." The storm of sickles came at such speed that Heinrich nearly was cut to pieces. That he held around his crucifix was what saved Heinrich. The bloodline power was still in his vains. The barrier of crosses was rised out from pure reflexes. Death vanished in a blure. Heinrich readied his weapons. Death had tried to kill him. Now the fallen angel wanted to kill him. Even dough Heinrich had destroyed his scythe, Death truly terrified him. It was the certainty he guessed. The knowledge that even dough he would defeat this embodiment of Death, another representation of the same power would one day take him. Heinrich gathered himself. It wasn't important. When he died it would be the will of the Lord. That inward pull drew him toward the fallen angel. Death threw repeated sickles at him. Although Heinrich managed to whip them into oblivion, his enemy dragged him mercilessly toward him. The merest tutch of Death would be just that, his death. Somehow Heinrich knew Death would disappear if he tried to do anything. If he didn't do anything Death would kill him. What should he do? The cave suddenly shook beneath them. Heinrich was thrown to the floor. That gave him the time he needed. Before Death could gather his pull, Heinrich summoned his bloodline power. He held the crystal in bought hands as Heinrich released his water energy. A titanic aquamarine gem fell to the floor as a wave of crystal clear water washed outward from Heinrich's position. Death was forced to his knees as his cape started burning. Heinrich also fell to his knees. The power had nearly been to much for him to control. Heinrich guessed that, if he where to live, he would learn to master his magic. Suddenly he shivered. That was the first time Heinrich had admitted that, what he practised, was magic. "My God." Heinrich whispered, reaching for his cross. "Forgive me of my sins." Another storm of sickles got Heinrich on his feet. He utilized the item-crush of the dagger. Heinrich fused his blade with the element of fire. The daggers split and thus destroyed Death's offensive. The sickles he didn't hit, Heinrich easily whipped into oblivion. Then Death came right at him, stabbing at him with his skeleton fingers. Heinrich fell right backward. Death's cape past right over him. Heinrich shivered with cold. The very presence of the fallen angel sents chills through his soul. Heinrich jumped back up, his whip at the ready. Death spun to meet him. Before it could release another onslaught, Heinrich whipped at the angel's hooded skull. Eerie flames roared upward from where he'd hit. The dark angel fell forward. Shocked Heinrich withdrew from the fallen angel. Finally he'd understand. The cloak protected Death by absorbing the energy sent at its master. Death showed his skull and ribs, why Heinrich didn't know. What he did know, was that these points where Death's only weak spots. The tunnel shook and shivered. The walls and ceiling cracked. Rocks and rubble flew about the area. Was this Death's doing? Heinrich couldn't help but shiver. If his enemy possessed this kind of power Heinrich knew he would loose. Then Death got back to its feet. "Do you feel it, human?" His voice whispered in Heinrich's soul. "Without the Dark Lord to uphold the power, this realm will fall." Then the dark angel released a new onslaught of sickles. Heinrich was cut several times. If it hadn't been for the healing potion this attack would've killed him. Heinrich struggled back into a ready position. The flying dust and rubble made it even more difficult to see his enemy. The mobility was his only warning. Death again drew him toward him with that mysterious pull. Some myths portrayed Death as the most attractive woman creature. Perhaps there where something true about it. At least when the dark angel could do this to him. Heinrich reached for his crucifix, Death released sickles toward him. Grining his teeth Heinrich did his best to whip them away. Even dough he managed to destroy Death's onslaught, the cold of the sickles spread in his body. Death where only some meters away. Heinrich had to figure out something quick if he wanted to survive. Not sure if it would work, Heinrich fused his crystal with the element of spirit. The result was extraordinary. Another monstrous crystal, this one golden in colour, fell to the floor. It shattered into a full circle of pieces which become spread across the battlefield. Death tried to avoid it. He still got some shards crushing into his ribs. Heinrich was down on his knees. His energy drained out from his body. Across the battlefield, with his ribs cracked and with his cape torn, Death advanced toward him. Heinrich forced himself to stand. The floor cracked beneath them. The quake had knocked down all but one candle. The equpement stored inside them lay littered across the floor. They vanished even as Heinrich looked upon them. Heinrich readied the chain-whip. Heinrich knew he had only one last chance to defeat his enemy. Death would kill him due to Heinrich lack of power. "There he is!" Someone then shouted. Heinrich could almost feel his friends approaching. He didn't turn. If he failed his friends couldn't help him. They'd given the blue cross to Edward. Somehow Death knew all this. Heinrich didn't care. He'd done this for his friends, for his family. Death then released another flurry of sickles. Saria released arrows. "Pearls of heat!" Torah released her spell as Patrick fired bullets from his pistol. Heinrich tiredly summoned his last unse of bloodline power. Death came slightly closer, more undefeatable then ever. Heinrich whipped the sickles thrown at him into oblivion. Then he threw his dagger. Death became transparent, thus dodging the blades. Heinrich knew he would. Just as the fallen angel reappeared, Heinrich released his attack. He was risen into the air as a huge cross of gold appeared behind him. It shattered and the angel of Death became hit by multiple flames. His cloak was torn apart as his skeleton became ashes. A mournfull cry resounded throughout the entire tunnel. Heinrich went to recover his weapons. He put them back to where they belonged. Then Heinrich collapsed.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Patrick and Alicia carried Heinrich into the cave. Edward watched them come. His cousin was brushed and bleeding. He was relaxed as he noticed Heinrich was still breathing. "He'll be alright." Torah assured. The floor shivered as multiple cracks made holes open in the floor. "Summon your birds!" Alicia shouted. "We must get out of here now!" Edward already had the DSS-cards he needed. Quickly he combined the Griffon and Thunderbird cards with that of Uranus. Immediately his familiars appeared. "You have to get us out from this cave." He told them. "Of course master." The Griffon said. "Help your friends to sit up." The Thunderbird added. "And we'll fly you out." Torah and Saria was the first to be lifted out of the cave, seated as they where on the back of the Thunderbird. The mythological bird blasted holes large enough to get through. Then Heinrich, supported by Patrick, followed upon the Griffon-familiar. Alicia gave him a nervous look. "I hope you know what you do." She said. Edward tipped his hat. "They'll be back soon." He told her. "They won't let us down." Rocks flew about, splintered to pieces against the floor. Even larger portions of the floor gave way. The tunnels leading out had already collapsed. A bright red glow shone up from the pit. Edward thugged his beard. If the birds didn't return it would all be over. "Stay here by me." Alicia helped him to reach the wall. Not that it was any safer around here. Suddenly a cry was heard above the disturbed earth. "Thank God in Heaven!" Edward cried with joy. Toward them his Griffon came flying. The cousins spent no time but to settle upon the familiar's back. Soon they would be out of here. Edward nearly couldn't believe it. Finally it was over. Soon they would continue toward Castlevania. Edward was sure of it.

Forest hill, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Celia Fortner sat upon the trunk of a fallen tree. Beside her Dario and Dimitri where arguing. The witch didn't mind. Death had sent Blinov to join with them. Celia wondered why the angel had not slain the treator then and there. By letting him go, Blinov could continue his treason. "We will leave Barnsdall." Dario said. "We came here to find you. Not to search for any strange power." Dimitri crossed his arms, hiding his hands inside the folders of his robe. "It is a power stronger then you can imagine." The vampire insisted. "You have no idea of its glory." Dario exposed his fangs in a spiteful grimace. "You are a fool." He insisted. "It is not the first time I say so." Dimitri threw back his cloak. "Enough." Celia got to her feet. "The Dark Lord Dracula commands. We shall leave Barnsdall. Now." It was strange. How the Dark Lord had given her command over these vampires. They where bogh more powerful then she where. Still they bowed their heads. Dario did lead them. Mostly since Celia let him do so. He was after all a possible incarnation of the fallen Dark Lord. "Then so it is." Dario gathered his authority around him like an old cloak. He turned into a bat. Celia gathered her own undead power, shapeshifting into another bat. Dimitri had already altered appearance, from that of a man into a wolf. The curse where still active. If it had not been so, they would not have been able to use their abilities. Not as the sun was rising.

Jam wasteland, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
The sun was rising. Drolta Tsuentez pulled down the coils of her hood to conceal her face. She had become yound anew. A result by the spell she had preformed upon Dimitri Blinov's command. She had been able to escape due to the Dark Lord candidate's lack of ability to control the powers he had released. Had it been the aura of the curse who had made the circle of blood appear? Drolta was not as sure as she should wished. What if the Dark Lord Dracula had known about it all along? The mere possibility made the witch shudder. She was still a living undead, still a powerful sorceress of the New Order. And she had grown yound and attractive. If lord Dracula would take her as one of his concubines she might still survive Dimitri's failure. She would have to surrender before Carmilla if she was to enter the count's harem. Not a pleasant thought indeed. Carmilla would demand to test her before promising anything. The pleasures of the flesh did not really interest her. Drolta knew that the dark arts where the only true way to real power. Suddenly a figure appeared before her. It was a man clad in black. "My lord." She said, going down on her knees. "You are to come with me." He said. "We have work to do." She bowed her head. "As you wish." She said.

(A.N: Sorry for the late update. I hope you liked this chapter. I would like to honour both SCVIV and Simon's quest in this text. Now there is only the epilogue left. Happy new year.)

Epilogue: The Story Concludes | Back to Chapter 40