Part 1: Quest of the Vampire Killer.

""Behold, I shall be with you, all days. Until the end of the world.""
Mathew: 28. 20.

Epilogue: A Requiem.
Barnsdall forest, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
The sun shone from a cloudless sky. Its rays where reflected by the snow which covered the forest floor. It was cold. But Edward felt it was a good cold, clear and fresh. After having spent so mutch time underground Edward suspected he would welcome even a blizzard. This clean cold winter day was something of a blessing. Edward couldn't help but smile. His hand went to his sword. Although they hadn't met any real resistance this far it was no need getting careless. A pack of crows lifted from one of the nearby trees. Heinrich whipped at them with the chain-whip as Patrick released bullets from his firearm. He let them handle it. Still Edward wondered why he hadn't asked his cousin to return the whip. Not that he was really sure that who really got the right to hold it. It was Alicia who had brought it with her. Edward had only borrowed it from her. If she wanted Heinrich to hold it, so be it. Beside him Torah put away her ring-smash. Rose sat settled upon her shoulder. Edward nodded. It looked like his former familiar had agreed to serve her new master. It'd been right to give Rose's card to the Fernandez. Edward had actually been sure he would die. He shook his head. He hoped they where moving in the right way. It was his fault if they get lost. It was Edward who'd lost the golden compas. Patrick reloaded his shotgun. Then he sniffed the air, adapting a worried look on his face. "Someone is coming." He warned. Edward nodded. He trusted the man-beast's abilities. Edward threw a quick look around. "Come with me." He told the others. He lead them to a small clearing where the trees where more spread. "Form a circle." He said while unsheating his sword. They nodded while they brought forth their weapons. It still surprised Edward that they'd chosen him to lead their group. All was silent. Even the usual sounds of the forest seemed to have become silent. Edward prepared himself. Now even he could hear the steps advancing toward their location. "Be ready for everything." He mumbled. Heinrich and Torah, those who where closest to him, nodded. Then a figure emerged from between the trees. Edward frowned. This wasn't what he'd expected. The old man continued toward them. He was clad in a plain brown cloak. His face hidden beneath the brim of his hat. Seemingly he had no other weapons then his wooden staff. "Lay down your weapons." The old man suddenly said. "I mean you no harm." Edward exchanged glances with Heinrich. "Who are you?" He then asked. The old man pulled back his hat. "You should know me." He said. A short-cut white beard and coils of silver hair framed his features. Edward suddenly knew who this stranger was. "St. Germain." Edward almost breathed the name. The old man nodded. "Indeed." He said, suddenly smiling. "I am the spiritual ward of the Belmont clan." Finally Edward set back his blade. The others where still a little concearned dough. Alicia was the first to follow his example. Germain didn't seem to worry as he crossed the few meters between them. "It is well that you have left the underground." He said as they where all seated around him. They'd found stones and trunks enough to sit upon. Only Heinrich was still standing. Edward knew that his cousin didn't really trust things out of the ordinary. He shrugged. He would have to learn. "Christmass is approaching." The saint continued. "Then all our abilities will rest for 12 days." "Then we'll be sitting ducks out here." Alicia said in a concearned voice. Germain smiled. "You know what is requested from you." The saint said to Saria. His girlfriend looked away. "You should all go to the village of Oldhill." Germain said. "The inhabitants will be happy to give you shelter during the holliday." Edward smiled. He remembered the joy and gratitude of them he and Saria had saved from Rover manor. Germain broke into his line of thoughts. "The shadow is rising." He said. The old man's eyes seemed to look into the distance. "The church must be warned." His eyes concentrated upon each and every of the little company. "One of you must go with me to the Vatican." Edward nodded. John Morris and Eric Lecarde had been forced to travel across Europe in their quest against Dracula. Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin had done the same via those portraits some decades later. "I'll go." Alicia suddenly said. Torah threw his cousin a look. Alicia shook her head. "I'm a catholic." She reminded. "Close your eyes." St. Germain said. He put his hand upon Alicia's shoulder. Edward's cousin did as she was told. Edward blinked. Alicia was gone. "I hope you didn't lied to us." Heinrich warned. "Still so doubtfull." The saint said. Suddenly his face became hard as iron. "Heinrich Schneider. You don't know your own powers. You fear to much. Have faight and you will become what you wish to be." Before Heinrich could answer, the saint turned his attention to Edward. His eyes grew warmer. "You must come with me to England." He said with such care in his voice that Edward knew the saint knew his feelings for Saria. Then his words sank in. Edward almost jumped to his feet. If the saint said what he believed he'd said, things where worse then he'd expected. Edward didn't even cared how the saint knew something which where supposed to be a Morris family secret. "No." Saria stepped forward. "You must stay." She insisted. Edward looked away. He couldn't tell her why this was more important then even their love. "Torah." He said, bringing out his DSS-cards. "Give these to John or Christian if you meet any of them." Saria began to cry. "Don't go." She whispered. "Don't go. Without you all fail." Edward felt tears run down his own cheeks. Determined, Edward drew them away. "Take them." He forcefully told Torah. Slowly, reluctantly, the sorceress put the cards into one of her pockets. "I agree with the dryad." Heinrich said. "We'll need you here." Edward shook his head. "The Belmont clan is sworn to hunt the night." He said. "When someone makes a mistake, their descendants must make it up." He thugged his beard. "Believe me." He turned to look Saria in her eyes. "If I could've stayed. If I could've taken you with me. I would've done it. But I can't." He again looked away. "I wish I could tell you. But only The Morris and Lecarde members have the right to know." Patrick stepped forward, Edward gestured for him to stay back. "No." He said. "This is something I have to do alone." He threw a look toward Torah. "Sorceress." He said. "Protect my girlfriend." He forced a smile. "I'll return if I can." Torah nodded. Patrick shrugged. Edward noticed that he didn't understand. So be it. If he could, Edward decided, he would tell the man-beast someday.

Torah put an arm around her half-sister. She didn't understand why Edward had to go. But judging by his expression it was something very, very important. "I'm sorry it have to be this way." The saint said. Somehow Torah felt he was speaking the truth. Edward nodded. "I know." He made the sign of the cross. "Fear well then." He said. "Until we meet again." Edward smiled. Then the man who'd lead them all the way from Ravenberg closed his eyes. The saint put a hand on his shoulder, then Edward was gone. "What now?" Heinrich angrily asked. "Who are you going to send away next?" A bitter look crossed over the saint's face. Torah decided that, even dough he looked somewhat like him,
Germain wasn't like St. Nickolus. The saint got to his feet. "I will send you to Oldhill." He said in a hard voice. "You will learn who to trust and who to avoid." He then reached out with his hands. A flash of light blinded her. When she could see again, Torah noticed they where still in the forest. The railway where not far from them. Over the treetops she noticed the roofs of several houses. Heinrich muttered something she couldn't quite figure. Then he merely shrugged. "I'll lead you now." He then informed them. Torah nodded. She wouldn't say it, but she was glad there where at least one Belmont left. Patrick prepared his shotgun as Heinrich recoiled his whip. Torah exchanged glances with her sister. Saria dried away tears from her face. Then she prepared her bow and arrows. Torah crossed her arms in front of herself. She would be careful to not show her magic while in this village. They began walking. They hadn't gone far when two children came running toward them. Heinrich moved in front of the girls. Torah arched an eyebrow. Saria hid a smile behind her fingers. Torah rolled her eyes."You're finally here." A boy at the age of 16 exclaimed. Torah couldn't help but smile. The boy looked interesting. With messy brown hair and beaming eyes. "Who are you?" Heinrich asked. The boy smiled. "I'm Alfred Armstrong." He said. "This is my sister, Penny." His sister, a 9 year old girl, was absolutly adorable. Torah smiled down at her aldough Penny wasn't that much smaller. "St. Germain told us you would come." Alfred said. Heinrich frowned. Patrick mummbled something she couldn't quite figure. Never mind. Torah stepped in front of the group. She almost gasped. The other kids where gifted with strong magical powers. It was untrained, but it was there. She could feel it. Penny smiled back up at her. "You're a magician too?" She said. Torah returned the look. Now it was she who became doubtful. "Penny." Alfred said in a stern voice. To Torah's surprise Penny blushed and withdrew somewath. "Excuse her." Alfred said. "But we're all somewhat excited about being free." Torah shook her head. Alfred confused her. Who was this boy and his sister? "You aren't vampire hunters." Patrick then said. "Heinrich asked a very good question. Who are you?" The children exchanged glances. "Didn't Alicia say anything about us?" Penny then said. Torah shrugged. "Germain sent her to the Vatican." She explained. "She didn't tell us much." Saria frowned. "I remember that Marcia said something about some children she and Alicia saved from the bog." Her sister came to stand beside Torah. "Is that you?" Penny nodded. "We and Heinz and, well, everybody." Torah felt her eyes grew wide as Penny and Alfred told them their story. Slowly Torah closed her mouth. This was increddible. Now she figured why Dimitri was so eager to fight them. The Dark Lord candidate had something to avenge. "Come on." Penny encouraged. "You must meet Deborah and Simon." Heinrich laughed. Torah couldn't remember having heard him do so. It really was such a pleasant sound. After all they'd gone through, Penny and her family and friends could still afford to be who and what they where. Torah beheld herself. Alfred was older then she. Still Torah felt like the 16 year old boy was a kid compared with her. Maybe the holiday could make her remember how it was to be like them. Finally Heinrich and Patrick put away their weapons. Together they entered into the village.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Koji settled upon the ground. The trees around suggested they where on solid ground. Christian jumped off of the dragon's back, his Vampire Killer whip at the ready. Zoe was quick to follow. They acted like a protective screen as the others settled down and got off from Koji's back. When they where all on the ground Koji again changed back into his boyish shape. Christian watched his friends as they secured the area. So much had happened since he first met these people. Aldough Noriko had been with him from the beginning, the others where vampire hunters he could count on. "Listen up everybody." He summoned his friends around himself. "Christmass is at hand." He couldn't help but smile at the mere thought. Then he became serious. "I know that some of you support other religions. But we have to find shelter for the 12 days my holliday lasts." Noriko shook her head. "I must find Iori." She said. "I promised myself that I would save him from Death." Christian wasn't sure what to say. He remembered the mysterious boy. He'd been gifted with the same power of dominance which Noriko possessed. "You cannot go for your friend." Genya cut into the conversation. "The Belmont is right." He continued. "During the Catholic celebration we have no control over the mystic powers." Zoe adapted a concearned look. Christian had wondered why the Orthodox Christmass hadn't the same effect as the one held by the Catholic and Protestant churches. Never mind. He again involved himself in the conversation. "I would agree to come with you." Koji was just saying. "You saved me from the Dark Lord. But I think we shall do as Christian and Genya say." Noriko crossed her arms in front of herself. Christian put a hand on her shoulder. "I promise you that we'll go to find Iori when the Christmass is over." Now it was Genya Arikado who made an argument. "This is no good idea." He said. "The boy is dangerous." Noriko glared at him. "What do you know?" She challenged. "You haven't even met him." Genyya bowed defensivly. "Then we will follow your plan." Noriko got a victorious look in her eyes. "Not before Christmass is over." Genya added. Christian nodded. Noriko turned around but she didn't continue arguing. "If that's settled." Christian tried to sound cheerful. How was it that these people, most of them adults, had appointed him as their leader? "Do any of you got an idea where we could hide?" He and Noriko where strange to the countryside. Koji had been sent here along with his brother. Christian hoped that perhaps Genya, Owen or Zoe might know a place. "Get down!" Noriko suddenly shouted. Christian didn't think. He just threw himself to the ground. Arrows flew through the air where his chest had been a second ago. Genya sat kneeling behind his shield. "Dragon's breath!" Koji released a powerful blast of golden flare toward the forest. A second wave of arrows where the only answer. Christian whipped some arrows into oblivion. Zoe was blasting ice around as Owen released bullets against their invisible enemies. The cracking of moving bones suggested it was bone-archers who where their enemies. Covered by another array of arrows a combined force of bone-soldiers and lizard men appeared out from the forest. Koji unsheated his sword as he and Genya went to meet them. Christian thew holy water in an attempt to take out the rangers. Noriko used her power of dominance to harvest the souls of her slain enemies. After a quick squabble, the few remaining enemies withdrew. The archers hung up their bows as they too became involved in the battle. At least Christian had been wrong about their origin. The fox-archers drew long-bladed daggers as they where forced to stand tall. Now even Zoe and he became involved in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Christian fused his weapon with earth, turning it into a thorn-whip. Soon all their enemies where dead. Aldough a few harpies had involved themselves in the battle it'd been an easy conflict compared with what they'd experienced earlier. "Christian Belmont." Christian knew that voice. "I am here." Another figure appeared from behind the bushes. "It is you." Christian said. "Mae Lin." The vampire smiled, exposing her fangs. "Hear me." She said. In her hands the Chinese vampire held her own bow and arrows. "We'll settle our conflict here and now." She continued. Koji and Zoe moved in to might surround her. Christian signalled for them to stay where they where. "What do you prepose?" He asked. "A duel." Mae Lin licked her fangs. "One final fight between you and me." She pointed toward the sun. "The sunlight keeps me from using any power supplied by my Dark Lord." She said. "You have your whip and mystic weapons." She looked at him in a way which made Christian feel uncomfortable. "No magic. No bloodline power." Mae Lin said while putting her bow and arrow upon the trunk of a tree. "We should remove her." Genya Arikado said, cold as winter's heart. "Come on." Mae Lin spread her arms. "Come on and kill me." Again she exposed her fangs. "Or, if you're a man of honour, meet me in a juste battle." Christian nodded. Somehow he knew he had to do this. If he failed, Mae Lin would dine on his blood. Still this was something he had to do. "I accept your challenge." He said. Mae Lin smiled.

Noriko watched as Christian prepared his weapons. She and the other members of their group stood around the clearing upon which they'd agreed the duel would play itself to its conclution. Suddenly, without warning, the vampire threw herself toward Christian. A swarm of bats suddenly flew toward him. Christian threw holy water upon the bats, burning them to ashes. Mae Lin became mist as Christian whipped at her. Noriko wanted to warn him. She'd noticed the ugly liquid upon Mae Lin's plated armour. It had to be poison. The Oni had tricked the vampire hunter. Mae Lin didn't need to use black magic to fight him. Mae Lin was back. She whipped at Christian whip a terrifying whip of black leather. Noriko felt chills go down her spine. Some of the girls she'd worked with had used sutch things. Christian somehow managed to dodge the vampire's blow. He threw his dagger at her. When Mae Lin became bats Christian sent his throwing-cross at the small flying mammals. Some of the bats became cut to pieces. Still Mae Lin managed to gather herself. She became a big black cat and then leaped upon Christian. Noriko screamed as Christian was thrown to the ground. But it was Mae Lin who became thrown aside. Christian had managed to stamp his enemy with his crucifix. Although burning Mae Lin countered his assault with another swarm of bats.

Zoe bit her lips as Christian became hit by the vampire's bats. They bit into his flesh, draining his blood. If he was cursed… Christian destroyed the bats by soaking himself in holy water. Mae Lin had again transformed into a sneaking cat. Christian somehow managed to roll aside. Zoe shook her head. The boy was truly a vampire hunter. Christian again managed to throw his dagger at the undead. Mae Lin quickly became mist. She reformed into her human form. She then whipped Christian whit that ugly black whip of hers. Christian was forced backward. He brandished his whip in an attempt to block the other's blows. Then he held his cross against the whip. Mae Lin tried to become bats again. But her whip made contact with the vampire Killer and she became thrown backward as holy energy was sent through the weapons. Zoe reached for her star of David. She couldn't help but wonder if the boy kept the law of Moses since the Lord was with him like this. Mae Lin managed to extinguish the flames somehow. Again she became mist. Zoe's grip around her emblem tightened.

Koji watched with amazement how the vampire and the vampire hunter circled each other. Although he'd seen Christian fight the evil spirits before, he was still impressed. Koji had heard the legends about Julius Belmont and such, but he hadn't actually believed that, someone who wasn't dragon, could do things like this. Mae Lin released another onslaught of bats. Christian was prepared this time and managed to block by throwing his boomerang-cross. Mae Lin vanished like mist. Then she reappeared, dashing toward Christian. She clawed him in the face. Bleeding Christian threw himself away from the taunting vampire. With a fierce snarl the vampire presued him. Koji wanted to curse when she tackled Christian to the snow. She landed ontop of him. Koji felt his face turn red. The monsters aboard the ship had tried the same with him on several ocations. Hadn't Kochi been there to help him withstand their temptation, he might hadn't been here today. Somehow Christian made Mae Lin release him. She changed appearance into that of a cat as she leaped away from him. Christian put something looking like an envelope back into one of his numerous purches. Then he got back on his feet. The battle then continued.

Owen shook his head. Why had the boy accepted this pointless duel? They could easily have defeated her together. Now Christian risked all just because of some misguided sence of honour. Now the vampire released more bats. Sending them right toward the Belmont. Christian burned them away with his holy water. Why didn't the boy use any of his magic? Owen smiled aldough it didn't came from his heart. Because he'd promised not to do so. "He have to do this." Genya said. Owen hadn't noticed his arrival. The Japanese could move quicker then what his age suggested. "The war against my, my undead enemy is about more then magic and arms." He continued. "The Dark Lord poison the land and twists its inhabitants. He summons evil from the hearts of careless men who's only desire is for power." Owen looked away, suddenly ashamed. He'd been a soldier of fortune most part of his life. He had learned that truth and honour could change from morning to noon. Still he felt that what the older man said was more true then Owen could understand. Mae Lin had again managed to send Christian flying. She nailed him to the ground. Owen's hand went for his shotgun. How was the boy going to get past this battle? Genya smiled, a thin-lipped elderly and eerily thight smile. "We must have faight." He said. Owen nodded. Again the old man was correct. Since Owen had joined this group, he'd seen more faight then ever during his long life as a warrior. He was attracted by Zoe. Still something told him she wasn't the right for him. Owen decided that he would tell her about it during Christmass. If they wheren't busy mourning Christian that was.

Christian struggled to get free. Mae Lin had the strenght of 20 men in her hands. "Why not give in?" She cooed in his ear. "I have so much to give." Christian still had the hold on his whip. But Mae Lin forced his arm out to the side. She released the hold on his left hand somewhat. "Here." She said. "Toutch my breasts." They where small, she had died when she was only 14 years old. Pressed between them where also his crucifix. While Christian toutched her bossom, he tried to get the hold of the rosary. Mae Lin almost span, like a giant cat. "Yes." She moaned. "Toutch me." She would notice if he reached for the cross. Christian closed his eyes as his hand went lower down the front of her tunic. "Go on your naughty boy." She exposed her fangs. "Toutch my… " Christian pulled out his throwing-cross and pressed it against her stomach. Mae Lin screamed. With her body on fire she threw him aside. Christian rolled and got up into a ready position. There where no time to find his backpack. He'd put it beside Mae Lin's bow and quiver. So he drew another of his daggers. Mae Lin was trying to extinguish his fire. "Mae Lin!" Christian cried. "Prepare to meet the Lord." "Never!" She screamed. Christian buried his knife in her heart. With his throwing-cross he removed her head. He didn't want to see her death. But Christian forced himself to watch her burn. Instead of celestial peace and the eternal joy he'd seen in some vampire's faces, Mae Lin's eyes burned blue with Hell's fire. "May the Lord make mercy upon your soul." He whispered. Although Christian knew this soul would never be free. Mae Lin really was the Devil's concubine.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Owen pointed. "There it is." He told them. "I worked there some years ago." Christian nodded. "It'll do." He asured. The abandoned sawmill look like it'd stood for a 100 years. Still it had most of its roof intact. After the battle with Mae Lin Christian had again asked his friends if they knew somewhere they could hide. Owen had then remembered this place and had lead them through the forest. Koji carefully opened the door. Christian threw himself inside, the Vampire Killer at the ready. A few bats flew at him. Christian made quick work of them. Behind him the other members of their group appeared. "It seems allright." He reported. Zoe nodded. "Here is plenty of wood we could use." Owen nodded. "There is a small office with an fireplace we might still use." The former hunter showed the way through the large workshop until they happened upon another door. Again Christian was the first to enter. This time nothing happened. Then he frowned. "I don't like this." Owen began. Upon the floor lay a pile of snow which shouldn't really be here. There where cold in here. But the roof was solid. How had it been snowing in here? "Get back!" He shouted as the pile of snow rised upon its feet. "Yeti!" Genya shouted. Christian didn't mind. He made it rain with holy water. The mysterious snowman staggered toward them with its fur on fire. Owen released bullets at it. But his mere projectiles didn't seem to harm the monstrous bear. "Stay back!" Christian shouted. Why was he shouting? Never mind. He summoned his bloodline power as he made his cross split into countless crosses. Christian summoned even more power as his crosses became sat on fire. The poor Yeti became cut to pieces which then burned into ashes. Christian fell to his knees. To kill a living creature had nearly got the best of him. That Dracula enslaved what was really nothing more then a beast and turned it into a killing-machine was something which really disturbed him. "Zoe." He asked. "Will you help me to burry the ashes?" The Jewish girl smiled. "Of course I will." She said.

Noriko watched Christian and Zoe leave. She was a bit disappointed she hadn't been able to absorb the Yeti's soul. But Genya had looked upon her in such a way that Noriko hadn't dared to do it. She shrugged. It really where nothing she guessed. Owen had began investigating the other room which lay beyond this. "Nothing in here." He said after having inspected the area. "There is a fireplace inside that room too." Noriko smiled. At least she didn't have to share room with the men. Christian and Koji where nice people and wouldn't likely do her anything. But Noriko felt unsure about Genya and Owen. Then again, she didn't know Zoe that well either. While Noriko where poundering her questions, the others went to inspect the sawmill through which they'd come. "There is enough wood to last for our need." Owen said as he and Christian returned with wood in their arms. "Here." Zoe said. "You could borrow my matches." The sorceress blushed as they threw her repeated looks. "Just because I lived among dryads I do know how to lit a fire." She said in a somewhat defensive tone. "We'll need something to sleep on." Genya said, leaving Zoe alone. "You may borrow my cloak." Noriko said. She brought off her black shroud to show them. She got confused when most of them looked away. "What is it?" Noriko asked, somewhat confused. "Take your robe back on." Zoe said in a friendly tone. Noriko blushed. She had forgotten about her light dressing. Quickly she got the cloak back on. Still blushing she tried to find a way to excuse herself. Then she got an idea. "Where did I put it." She mumbled. Then she brought out the contract. "How may I be of service?" Renon appeared, tipping his hat. "Not you again." His expression became sour. Beside from Koji, Noriko noticed, her friends had brought out their weapons. "It's nothing to worry about." She said. "He'll help us survive the 12 days." Christian shook his head, making the sign of the cross. "I will pay the bill this time." Genya suddenly afforded. Noriko shrugged. She didn't care as long as they get their supplies. She then told Renon about what they might need. "Some carpets." She said. "And food which don't go bad." Noriko threw the others a look, Owen nodded his agreement. "If you have something to drink it would be much welcomed." The former hunter filled in. "Would that be all, sir?" Renon asked as he stached the wares upon the floor. Christian and Zoe exchanged glances. "Some soap might get in handy." The older woman finally said. Renon smiled, bowing. "I understand." The mysterious trader pulled forth another box from his brief-case. "How much will this cost?" Arikado asked in that same cold manour of his. "I am afraid it will cost the company 15.000 Euros all in all." "I have some of those crystals." Zoe quickly filled in. "Will they do?" Genya stepped forward. "Give him five of the smaller ones." He said. Zoe reached inside her cloak, bringing out a small purse. Noriko thought it looked like those Christian used to store his mystic weapons. Zoe counted the gems before giving them to Genya. Christian gave the old man some of his own gems before Genya gave them all to Renon. "It has been a pleasure to make buisness with you." Renon again tipped his hat before disappearing. "There is a kitchen at the other side of the workshop." Owen said. He and Zoe was again busy with making this abandoned sawmill into a home. Noriko couldn't help but smile. Some of the girls she'd worked with had told her how nice Christmass could be. Perhaps Noriko would discover if it was true. Koji went into the other room, taking wood with him. Christian mumbled something about taking a check around. Noriko found herself alone with Genya Arikado. Why was she so afraid of him? Was it because the old man looked so like Graham Jones? Noriko didn't knew. Genya exchanged her look. She quickly looked away. "I am not your enemy." He said with sudden support. "What you bear is no light burden." Noriko felt tears in her eyes. For a moment her view was obscured. Noriko thought a younger man, a hanesome man, stood before her. A man with dark brown hair. She dried away her tears. Genya was there, an old man clad in black suit. She shook her head. Mysterious things happened. "The legacy of sorrow." Genya suddenly said. "I will be with you as long as this is your burden." Noriko didn't understand. But suddenly Genya just wasn't cold and distant anymore. Noriko pulled back the coils of her hood. Her long black hair fell down her back. "We'll find Iori." She said. It was no question. Shadow crossed Genya's face and vanished. "If the Lord will." He said. "We will." Noriko cheered. "We will." She repeated. Somehow they would get through. Zoe and Owen returned. "Everything's allraight out here." Owen concluded. Noriko smiled. Everything was allright in here too. Perhaps celebrating Christmass was not such a bad idea after all.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Christian Belmont went through the forest. The deep snow made it somewhat dificult to move around. Aldough it was bright daylight he was concearned. So much had happened since Christian left the Vatican. "Belmont." Christian spun around, his Vampire Killer whip at the ready. An old man, clad in brown cloak and a big hat, was approaching. "It's you." He said in a low voice. The saint lfted his gaze to look at him. "You did manage to lift the curse." Germain then said. Christian nodded, recoiling his whip. The saint supported himself on his staff. "I have something to show you." He said. "You might call it a gift." Christian frowned. "I don't understand." Germain smiled. "You will." He assured. "Come, and walk with me." Christian wasn't sure if he should really do this. All knowledge supported the theory that Germain was a friend. Still Christian had a bad feeling about this. "Jesus." He said, making the sign of the cross. Germain nodded. Christian reached for his crucifix. Assured it was still there, he followed the mysterious saint. They went through the forest. Then they entered into a small clearing. A fire was lit. "Here we are." Germain said. A girl, almost concealed within layers of blanckets, stured. "Luna." Germain called. "Wake up." The pile of cloth again moved. Germain removed the blankets. Christian blinked. It was a girl. Her wrists and ankles where tied together. Another piece of cloth blocked her view. "Christian Belmont." The saint presented. "This is Luna Hakuba. Your future bride." Christian sat down into the snow. He shook his head. Christian felt all dizzy. "This is what have to be." Germain said in a conforting tone. Christian shook his head. "You know I'm not old enough." The saint shook his head. "Throughout history, even in your family's history, there have been practise to marry around your age." Christian got to his feet. At least he could meet this challenge as a man. "The reason why it has to be this way." Germain continued. "Is that your power is atractive to certain members of the Dark Lord's followers." Christian couldn't help but blush. The way Mae Lin and other like her had acted was a source of concearn. "You are the key to the rebirth of the Belmont clan." Germain said. "That is why I have been forced to act. Luna is also known as a member of the Sarranow linage." Christian shuddered. He'd read the chronicle of Julius Belmont. "Is this the person you want as my bride?" Christian almost shouted. "The Sarranow family did support the Dark Lord's rising. They served him bogh in 1976 and 1999. She'll kill me!" "Please." Luna looked like she'd managed to gather herself. "Untie my ropes. Just for five minutes. That's all I ask." Before Christian could do anything, Germain made a gesture. A sword appeared in his hand. With a quick slash of the blade, the saint cut her bonds. Christian noticed two things. First, Luna was all nude. The second was her somewhat elf-like features. "She's no full elf." Christian said. Then he blushed. The skiny little girl had only a waistcloth to hide her nudity. "Come on." Luna tore away the shroud which obscured her view. "Crimson eyes!" Her pitch black eyes turned into a bright red colour. Flames shot at him. Christian threw holy water at her. Then he immediately regretted his move. The liquid soaked her body. Luna fell to the ground. Christian ran to help her stand. He didn't want to have anything to do with the Sarranows. But Christian didn't intend to let her freeze to death either.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
Koji helped Christian to lay Luna down in front of the fire. There where something strange about her. She almost gave him the same feel Kochi gave him. Luna shivered with cold. Still she was able to give him a challenging look. "H h hallo, c cousin." She stammered. Koji's eyes grew wide. "It is true." Germain said. "But she has no dragon blood." He interjected. Germain nodded. "Still she is a member of your clan. All her human blood originates from your family." Christian gave him a thin-lipped smile. "It looks like we're going to become related as well." Owen and Zoe exchanged glances. Genya crossed his arms in front of himself. "Be the will of God." He said. "But I do not think this is a good idea." Noriko nodded her agreement. "She is dangerous." She then added. "J just s shut up, y your little b b." Luna's comment ended in a new shiver. Noriko threw the other girl a spiteful look. Koji also glared at the elf. He was prity sure about what she'd intended to say. "Enough of this." Germain said. "I did not save Luna from fire and death just so that you could argue about it." Koji didn't like this. Even dough Luna shared his blood, she was no cousin. "May I?" Arikado then said. They stepped aside. Genya then put a hand on the elf's forhead. He said something in a language Koji hadn't heard before. Luna's eyes grew wide. "It's you." She merely whispered. Then a spark of anger was enlit in her eyes. "What have you done with me?" She demanded to know. "It is no eclipse seal." Arikado dryly remarked. "But I have created a barrier between you and your source of power." Luna cursed him. Koji shook his head. Aldough he'd heard about Genya's claim to know about the cealing act, he hadn't really believed it. "Wouldn't it be best if we tied her up or something?" Noriko suggested. The others threw her a look which made Noriko surrender. "Just a suggestion." She mummbled. Then Christian suddenly asked. "Where is Germain?" They all looked around. Koji hadn't noticed the saint had gone. Arikado dismissed the matter. "He is a time walker." He said. "St. Germain comes and leaves as he like." Christian nodded. "What are you going to do with me?" Luna asked. "Aldough I pleased lord Malus I'm not prepared to… " Christian cut her short. "We don't do things like that." He said. Then the Belmont added with a hint of sarcasm. "It looks like you've heated up." Luna mummbled something Koji couldn't quite figure. "One thing first." Now Christian didn't looked the least humourous. "I won't accept herecy." Genya viewed the boy with a certain respect. Then Christian turned away from his "girlfriend". "There is still much work to be done before we might celebrate Christmass." He said. "Genya." He asked. "Could you and Koji keep an eye on my "bride" here." Again Koji detected that hint of sarcasm in his voice. Arikado bowed. "Of course." He said. "If the dragon agrees." Koji smirked. "Of course." He said. "I would like to know more about this." Now it was Luna who crossed her arms in front of herself. Koji couldn't help but to admire her bossom. It was quite impressive for a 13 year old to be. She threw off the blankets and cloak that Germain had left behind. "Don't think I won't try to escape." She said. Christian was about to leave the room. He turned. "We have to give her some clothing." Christian said. "Go run through our packs." Zoe said. "Perhaps there's something there which might fit her." Koji nodded. Luna was about his size. Perhaps some of his or Christian's wardrobe would fit her. Not that they'd taken with them that much clothing. But it was worth a try. "Go." Genya said. "I think I will have a talk with our new friend here." Koji nodded. Then he went toward their belongings. They would have to melt snow to get water in which they could clean bogh themselves and their clothings. Koji shook his head. This really would become a strange holiday indeed.

Riverdale forest, Warakiya. The 22nd. Of December 2098 A.D.
Thomas was the first to notice. "Look!" John threw back the hood of his cloak. "Fire." He said. "Something of great size is on fire." Ruth made some adjustments with her map-reading computer. Her face was hidden beneath the helmet of that techno-suit she'd "borrowed" from the New Order military. Still they could hear Ruth's surprise even through the suit's vocabulator. "It's Aliba." She said. "Are you sure?" Daniel asked. The descendant of Abraham Van Helsing shrugged. "If not old Drac is pulling some trick with the computer, that's Aliba alright." Now it was Thomas who shrugged. "Does it really matter?" He asked. "Not really." John said with more then just a hint of sarcasm. "But you too remember how close the puppet master where to turn us into dolls." Thomas held up his hands in played surrender. "I see your point." He laughed. Then the man-beast suddenly became serious. "What is it?" John asked. They'd been involved in the war for more then a month now. There where little left which could surprise him. "Someone is coming." The man-beast answered. Daniel nodded, unsheating his sword. John had a look around. They where still high up into the mountain side. To the north and west the Carpathians rised into the sky. Behind the group the Warakiyan alps blocked the view to Winter's woodland. There where nearly no trees this high. Only a few pine trees, twisted by the winds which always seemed to whip these mountains. "There." John finally decided. A rockslide had piled several boulders into something which looked like a defence wall. "It'll do." Daniel agreed. John threw him a look. His cousin hadn't quit arguing about his decisions. No time for such now. The four companions gathered behind the boulders. John inspected the rocks. With a little druid magic he could make the mountain fall down upon their enemies. He shuddered. No chance. That would kill his friends too. Instead John brought out his own sword. Then they waited. Waited for whatever monsters which would appear. "It's you." Thomas uttered with surprise as the figure finally came into view. John looked down at the advancing figure. "Who is it?" He asked. "I don't have your abileties." Thomas laughed. "It's ok." He said. "You remember this person, believe me." As the man came closer John also recognised him. "It's Germain." He said. "But he've changed outfit." The old wizard who'd spoked with them after that they'd escaped the prison camp climbed the distance between them. He was still clad in brown and green robes. John noticed he'd received a haircut. Not that the big hat left much of his face to be seen. "Wellcome old man." Thomas said, helping the wizard to climb the rubble. Daniel and Ruth finally put away their weaponry. "I see you are fullfilling your destiny." Radagast, or Germain, or whatever he wanted to call himself, commented. John opened his mouth to tell the man that he didn't understand. Then he closed it as he noticed it was Ruth the old man was speaking to. "I don't understand." Ruth said. Again they could hear her bevielderment, even through the vocabulator. Germain smiled. "You will know." He he said. Then he turned his attention to the rest of them. "The species are gathering." He told. "But it's dificult. Still they have agreed to meet you at the Vatican some three weeks from now." John and Thomas exchanged worried looks. "It took us more then a month to travle from the Vatican and to where we stand now." John said. "It'll be impossible to get there in time." The wizard's expresion hardened. "You should have more faight." He said in a stern tone. "You are a priest. You are a coming druid. But you will learn." John's own face grew red with anger. Saint or wizard, how dared this man speak like this to him? Germain had already dismissed the matter. "Your family is safe." He continued. "Christian Belmont and Noriko Cruz are out on the Uta lake. With the aid of some other friends they will lift the curse of the liquid body." John frowned. That where good news. Without the aid of he John saw as a brother, the war against Dracula would fail. "Are you sure he's alright?" Thomas suddenly asked. John threw him a look. Why was the Lecarde so worried about Christian? Then something hit him. Was it possible that… Before he could ask, Germain continued speaking. "Edward Morris and the descendants of Reinhardt Schneider have been trapped in Barnsdall valley." John looked at the saint. If that was true… "We have to go to them." Thomas cut into John's line of thoughts. St. Germain shook his head. "Your future lay upon a diferent path then theirs." He said. Thomas frowned. John agreed. He hadn't met the Schneiders for years. Edward was a fine fellow, judging by what little he'd seen of the Morris clansman. "They will emerge victorious." The wizard continued. "I have seen it." John and Daniel exchanged glances. His cousin merely shook his head. Acording to what little Trevor Belmont had said about this wizard, Germain could travel in time. At least he could so, way back in 1499. "You said Christian was somewhere out on Uta lake?" Thomas asked Saint Germain. "Look." Germain said. "The sun is about to set." John didn't like this. The wizard hadn't actually answered the question. "Soon the Catholic and Protestant churches will celebrate the birth of Christ." John didn't understand. What had Christmass to do with anything. "For 12 days all mystic powers must rest. For this time only there will be a time of reconsealiation." Daniel nodded, reaching for his cross. John gave him an aproving look. Although his cousin belonged to the Protestant Church of America, he did at least know what was appropriate. Again Germain broke into his line of thoughts. "Thomas." He said. "Decendant of Eric Lecarde. You must come with me to England." Thomas shook his head. John agreed. How could the old wizard even ask such a question. ""I must stay here." The man-beast said. "I must meet Christian." He gave his other companions a look. "There is something he and I must do." Germain shook his head in turn. "Edward Morris will go. Like you he have no choice." John frowned. What was this all about? Thomas had addapted a rigid expression. "I just can't go." He insisted. Germain shook his head. "It have to be done." Thomas looked like he didn't agree. "Christian needs me." The man-beast almost whispered. Germain put a hand on his shoulder. "You will meet." He assured. "This is your destiny." John wanted to break into the conversation. To his surprise it was Ruth who stopped him. "Let him be." She said. "I don't know why. But I think the old man might be right." John shook his head. How could any of this be right? He shook her off as he again moved forward. Before he could say anything it looked like they'd reached a settlement. "I hope you'll keep your promise." Thomas said. Germain smiled. A sharp and hard little smile, mut neither the less, a smile. "I always keep my promises." He said. "Remember that when you again confront the house of Belmont." Thomas returned the grimace of a smile. "I remember." He said. "Count on that, my old friend." The saint put a hand on the other man's shoulder. "Close your eyes." The wizard requested. John's hand reached for his sword. If the old man planned anything, John had resources to remedy that. He blinked. Thomas was gone. The man-beast had just vanished. It was like he'd never been there. "What did you do to him?" Ruth asked, removing her helmet. John couldn't help but feel a little impressed. The cold iron of her suit in comparison with her long hair and blazzing eyes. "I sent him through time." Germain said. John frowned. "Isn't that dangerous?" Germain shook his head. "For us who knows the mirroring of Light, for we who knows the number of chaos, nothing is really as it appears." John wanted to know more about this. Still he knew the wizard would give no clearer answer. "What shall we do now?" Daniel suddenly asked. "You tell that it's close to Christmass. But the Dark Lord governs over more then devils and monsters." His cousin looked concearn. John remembered the droids he'd seen inside the lantern and paled with the memory. "We'll be like targets in a shooting gallery." Ruth said. "I will lead you to the resistance movement." Germain then said. "They have conquered the town of Aliba." "Look!" Ruth cut him short. This time they all noticed it. John reached for his items. Down in the valley something else was burning. Germain smiled. "It looks like even Laruba mansion has fallen." The mysterious saint seemed to punder something. "Quick." He said. Come with me. I will lead you to their camp." John shrugged. Ada and her people had been nice enough. Ruth put back her helmet. "Lead the way." She said. Germain got to his feet. "Follow me then." He said.

Riverdale forest, Warakiya. The 22nd. Of December 2098 A.D.
The saint quickly lead them northward. Ruth could follow their track by using her map-reading computer. "You are sure this is the right way?" John asked on one ocation. "This way will lead us acwardy close to Aliba." The saint nodded. "Do not be afraid." He told them. "I was there during the battle. What followers of Chaos which survived have fled." Ruth wondered how sure he was on that. There could still be monsters straying around. She prepared her missiles, just in case. Ruth noticed they where going a little more westward now. When they reached the borders of the forest she figured why. It would be more dificult to spot them down here then in the higher and thus more open terrain. The sun did finally set. The snow creaked beneath their feet. Ruth checked the barometer. -12 degree below 0. There where no clouds in the sky. She expected it would become a cold night. Ruth could use the temprature regulator on her suit to remain warm. She was more concearned about the men. Although Ada had found clothing which fitted Daniel when he left the cave. But even so it would be cold tonight. They could lit a fire. But that could bring bogh Dracula's followers and the resistance movement to their location. Dracula's folk would attack them on sight. The resistance could attack first and ask questions later. Ruth dismissed the matter. It would be best continuing onward. Suddenly Germain stopped. A smile crossed his face. "Here I leave you." He said. Before any of them could ask, the wizard whistled a strange series of tones. Then he vanished like Thomas. Ruth prepared herself for hopefully everything. If Germain had tricked them, this was the right place. No defence except for the trees. But Germain had again brought them higher up on the mountain side. The ruins of Aliba where not far off. Before they could make out any plans, a band of archers appeared. They came from the wood further down the hill. The perfect silence made sounds easy to hear. Then Ruth noticed the archers where dwarves. "This could be interesting." John said. He then stepped in front of the group. "It'll take some time for them to climb up here." Daniel said. Ruth shook her head. "Don't expect anything." She advised. "A dwarf is hard like iron. Expesially here, in mountain terrain." It soon became clear she'd been correct. In no less then 20 minutes the dwarves had reached their position.

John rised bogh hands in a gesture of surrender. It was no point fighting. The dwarves had quickly circled him and his friends. "I'm Thilwin, from the Ironhoff clan." The leader said in a demanding tone. "Who are you and where is the brown wizard?" John to his surprise noticed that the spokesman was a woman. It was seldon with female warriors among the dwarven clans. Daniel was the first to answer. "I'm Daniel Graves of the Belmont clan." He said as he held forth his cross. "The wizard said he would lead us to the resistance movement." Daniel continued. "But then he just vanished." Thilwin seemed to pounder the answer. "The brown one told us to stay here." One of the other dwarves added. "He said that some friends of him might pass by." Thilwin nodded. "I too remember his words Bron." Then the leader hung up her bow. Still she kept her distance. "What about him." She pointed a finger at Ruth. "He's clad in New Order armour." John was unsure how to explain matters. Then Ruth settled things by merely removing her helmet. "You know me, Thilwin." She said. "We where friends before I joined the military." Thilwin nodded. "I know you. Or thought I did." Ruth shook her head. "The movement where nothing back then. I wanted to fight Dracula. But to do so I needed training I couldn't get anywhere else." John shrugged. He'd also been doubtfull when he first met this girl. Daniel put a hand on his shoulder. "Let her handle this." HE said. "I think she can make it." John crossed his arms. Ruth had clearly taken the lead after that Germain left them. Then Daniel surprised him by taking a step forward. "Ada's oracle gave these to me." He said, bringing out a purse from underneath his jacket. His cousin opened it, showing the dwarves three blue gemstones. John didn't understand and it wasn't the first time. The oracle had given these stones, elfstones she'd called them, and asked them to take care of them. "They're elfstones." Bron said. "I've seen the brown wanderer use them." Thilwin nodded. "We'll make the elves decide." She said. Then the dwarven woman again turned to the humans. "We'll take you to the Overlook." She said. "Amerlin and the others will then decide what will happen." John nodded. He hoped it wasn't far to this camp of theirs.

Riverdale forest, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
The sun was rising. Daniel got a clear view as the elevator was taking them beyond the forest. They where all tiered. The dwarves had marched all the night through. There had only been one pause, past midnight, Daniel believed. At least they'd been given the opportunity to eat. They had finally reached the forest below this location. The countryside was a complete mess. Trees, boulders and sudden rivers split up the area. Northward the Carpathians loomed. They cast a monstrous shadow over the landscape. Down the hill, in a small grotto, a group of warriors where guarding the first elevator. It'd been nive to recognize Balinor among the mixed group of species. Daniel expected that he and others had been sent by Ada Sealchild to tell the movement that the kingdom of Karack Warn had been restored. The elevator stopped. Daniel, his friends and the dwarves exited the large platform. The machines which pulled the thing was embeded within the face of the rock. Daniel expected it could be destroyed easily if need be. Their journey wasn't over. They stepped upon a second elevator. Again they where taken upward. Daniel marvled about the view of the countryside. He understood why they'd called their fortress "Overlook". They reached another small step in the mountain side. John shook his head. "We must be more then 1000 meters into the air." "We aren't home just yet." Bron said, pointing at a final elevator. "Men, dwarves and elves have worked together to build this place." Randall, another of the dwarves, filled in. Daniel nodded. "It looks like you've made something to be proad of." John said. Thilwin smiled. "You have seen nothing yet." She said. "Go on." One of the guards, a big human with a full black beard, somewhat irrated commented. "It's to cold to hear you mountain folk babble about your craftmanship." Although Daniel didn't liked the look of the man, the dwarves merely laughed. "I agree with you Sam." Randall playfully agreed. "Let's get moving." Ron said. They stepped upon the new elevator. This time they only went a short distance before they stopped. Daniel shook his head. John mummbled something he couldn't quite figure while making the sign of the cross. The cliff was secured with a hedge of large stones. Behind the defence wall there where a clearning reaching less then a kilometer. Still this high trees, ordinary green trees, covered the area. They would supply bogh some shelter from the winds and firewood for the people living up here. Several small houses, primitive but eficient, gave room to the little army. Daniel counted at least 300 men. At least ¼ of them where women. "Come on." Thilwin said. "You can inspect Overlook later." Bron suggested. "If they aren't executed that is." Another of the dwarves added. "Don't be grumpy Holman." Randall said. Holman, a grim old dwarf, merely mummbled something in response. "Bron and Randall." Thilwin said. "You come with me." They quit arguing as they began to cross the open area. Another group of guards greated them as they reached something Daniel recognised as a drawbridge. John shook his head. "I don't believe it." He said. Daniel agreed. A huge crack separated the clearing from the mountain beyond. Thilwin blew a signal on her horn. The drawbridge quickly became lowered. "Come." She said. "Come and see Overlook."

They entered through several caves. Ruth hoped the resistance movement knew their own hideout well enough to get through this place. Although this area was large, she didn't count many more then 100 men and women wandering about. If this was all the movement could gather she understood why they where so careful. The dwarves must've noticed her calculation. "This is merely the headquarter of the movement." Thilwin said. "Since you're here we sent most of our men away." Bron said. "Just in case, of course." Randall added. Thilwin nodded. "This is of course only one of our hideouts." John and Daniel exchanged glances. Then Daniel shrugged. "Be the will of God." He said. Finally they came to another door. Thilwin and the guard, an elf, endured a quick and silent conversation. Then the guard entered the room. "I don't know if you're lucky or not." Thilwin said. "They are meeting." She explained. "It looks like Karack Warn have sent someone to speak with us." Ruth have no time to answer as the elf returned. "They will speak with you." He now spoke directly to her friends. "Let us in." John said. "Your weapons." The elf said. "You must leave them out here." Ruth nodded. She then began to remove her suit. "Take good care of it." She told the guard. "The brown wanderer told me it would be part of my destiny." The elf nodded. "It will be out here for you." He said. Daniel gave away his sword and other equipments. John did the same. Even his sword and the shuriken he gave them. "Don't ask us to give away our religious symbols." Daniel said. Ruth hadn't considered her star of David as a weapon. But now that he mentioned it, Ruth agreed. "Show them to me." The elf insisted. "I must be sure." Ruth was the first to display her symbol. Daniel and John then held out their cross and crucifix. The elf smiled. "Wellcome to Overlook." He said. "I think we can trust you." Thilwin shrugged. "We'll let Amerlin settle things." She said. "Now Eolwe, I think you should let us in." Eolwe nodded. He nodded to another guard. "Open up Isailin." The other elf did as she was told. Together with the dwarves Ruth and her friends entered inside. It was some sort of assembly area. A long table went from one side of the room to the other. Beside from the door through which they'd came, all the other sides where occupied by seats. For the moment there where only the seven leaders of the group who was pressent. And of course Theolin. Ruth almost immediately recognised the elf who was one of Ada's closest friends. "John." He greated. Kishine went to shake hand with the elf. Ruth also went to speak with him.

Daniel watched his friends go. He knew nobody in this room. The dwarves who'd lead them here was seated upon the spectator's seats around the walls. Instead of fealing jelous, Daniel decided to inspect the movement's leadership. "The woman seated at the end of the table was most likely the leader. He wasn't surprised when this elf called for silence. "I see you have met each other." She smiled. Although her eyes kept that sharp interested look. "I am Amerlin Elhedwen, the appointed leader of the movement." Daniel bowed his head. He recognised a true leader when he saw one. "I'm Daniel Graves. A member of the Belmont clan." He again presented his cross. "I think he speaks the truth." One of the other members of the councile said. "I was there when the brown wizard made us join with the church." "I know that Arendell." Amerlin said. "Didn't the wizard say we would come to the Vatican?" The woman beside Amerlin asked. "He did." John said. "But that wasn't why we came here." Ruth added. "The saint said we could stay here during Christmass." Theolin frowned. "You should've stayed in Karack Warn if you needed shelter." John shook his head. "You knew we had to go." Daniel nodded. "My cousin has an appointment with his family to join at the castle Dracula." This of course made the councile worry. John told them about his journey to the ruins of Castlevania and what had happened there. Ruth couldn't help but feel impressed by what the Belmonts had accomplished. "Mark." Amerlin said to the only other woman in their leadership. "I think that is the answer to your question." Mark nodded. "Arendell nodded. "I agree." He said. "The cross don't lie." Another of the men said, reaching for his own symbol. Ruth frowned. It was a cresent. Like those the Muslims carried. "I think we should let them stay during their celebration." Amerlin looked at the Islam dwarf. "You sit here for the dwarves, Balin. But I think this is settled." She looked toward the final two members of the council. "What do you say? Aginor, you and Job are the leaders of our army." The men seemed to punder her question. Then Job, another half-elf it looked like, spoke. "Amerlin." He said. "When the castle returned and the count's forces began to conquer the countryside we elder species met. We knew that after the church we where the enemy the Dark Lord hated most." He paused, exchanging looks with Aginor. "The Belmont clan is known for its integrity when hunting the night. The brown wizard was right. We must stand together if we shall have a chance to banish the castle." Aginor merely nodded. Amerlin smiled. "Then we have reached a settlement." She turned back to Ruth and the Belmont clansmen. "You might stay here and celebrate Christmass with those of the movement which shares your religion." She got to her feet, signaling that the meeting where over. "We will help the church. May the One be with you." Thilwin and the other dwarves got to their feet. Bron signaled for them to follow. Ruth wasn't surprised when Theolin joined them. "I hope it'll be alright with rooms out on the field." Thilwin said. Ruth smiled. "It'll be fine." She said. Although she was no Christian she would like staying here. Ruth hadn't really gotten time to rest since before she met the Belmonts. "Lead the way." Daniel said. "sure." Randall said. "Just come with us." Thilwin nodded. "We'll set you up." She said. "Then we'll show you around Overlook." Ruth nodded her agreement. She looked forward to learning more about the movement. The drawbridge was lowered. They again came out in the bright cold winter day. The men continued talking with the dwarves. Ruth didn't pay much attention. She was interested in her suroundings. Ruth discovered that the movement's soldiers where all dressed in the same white and brown uniforms. Other details which she hadn't noticed now became important. Not all the "men" where really soldiers. There where workers of all kind. Then Bron said something which almost made her stagger. "Amerlin killed Orlock?!" Ruth almost shouted. Randall grinned. "Didn't we just say that." Now all the dwarves where grinning. "She isn't just some armchair commander." Thilwin said. "We launched a double attack." Bron repeated his tale. "I was with the group who ambushed Laruba manor." The dwarf shook his head. "It was some battle, that I tell you. There where vampires and zombies all about. Things I didn't even thought existed anymore." Shadows crossed his face. "Then their lord finally showed himself. He said he was Dietrich Orlock." Bron shook his head. "He challenged Amerlin to a battle." Suddenly he smiled. "I really wasn't sure if we where going to win. But then our leader showed them why elves are such known fighters." Randall pushed his friend in the side. "You forgot about the burning part." Bron playfully punched at the other dwarf. Then they gathered themselves. "The building just started burning after that." Bron said. "It dosen't surprise me." John said. Daniel nodded. "When you defeat the ring-leader." He said. "Things starts falling appart." Thilwin shrugged. "I'm no vampire hunter." She said. Daniel threw her a look. "Perhaps we could meet and talk about it later." Thilwin smiled, a smile as wide as her face. "Why not." She said. "Why not indeed." The other dwarves laughed. Ruth and John exchanged glances. "Men." Ruth muttered. John rolled his eyes. This time it was Ruth who laughed. "Show us the way to our hut." The Belmont said. "Let's have a mery Christmass." Ruth nodded. This really could be the holiday she needed.

The Vatican, Italy. The 24th. Of December 2098 A.D.
Pope Mathew stood looking out over his city. Snow was falling from the sky, painting the Vatican even whiter then before. It was eerily relaxing. Even dough it was cold out in the corridor it was better then inside the heated conference room. Even after all this time the churches hadn't reached a settlement. "They are to eager to get back lost ground then to consider the real treath to all of us." Paul said. "We have no right to judge them." Roger, another of his cardinals, pointed out. "The Orthodox and Catholic churches have fought against the Dark Lord before." Mathew tierdly shook his head. He wondered how John Paul II had managed to unite them in 1999. Although he had access to the secret arkives, there where nothing there which could help him. What really concearned Mathew was that there had been no new information about the Belmonts. Not since the saint had come to offer the aid of the elder species. That had been nearly two weeks ago. Tomorrow Christmass would be celebrated. Gregory and Maria had volunteered to take care of the rituals until he could rejoin his work. But during the mass celebrating the birth of God, Mathew knew he had to be here. It was days like these Mathew felt the waight of his 103 years. In more then 70 years Mathew had been a priest. He was the last member of the clerks who had gathered at the Hakuba shrine to join in the ritual of the eclipse. For a moment the pope closed his eyes. It was said the seal would last forever. How proad they had been, so sure of themselves. Mathew should have known nothing men could create would last forever. Outside the sun was about to set. Not that it could penetrate the clouds settled above the city. No new knews. Isaac Van Helsing had sent him a telegram. It had not told them much. He said that he had made contact with a British group of vampire hunters. They would continue to search for the missing members of the Hakuba and Aulin families. Although Mathew had sent an answer where he blessed Isaac's activeties, he was unsure if the man ever received it. There had been no new telegrams since then. "Father." It was Rachel, the only Belmont who had decided to join their meeting. She noticed his thoughtfulness. Mathew smiled. Rachel Belmont had chosen to bear a plain blue dress instead of her armour. "They are waiting for you." She said. The pope wondered how this woman had grown so close to him. She was inteligent and warm at heart. In the protesant church he expected Rachel would have decided to become a priest. She was a good Catholic, like her brother. Mathew gattered himself. He had to convince the other churches to unite in this case. Mathew made the sign of the cross. "Let us go then." He said. He could only pray the vampire hunters would defeat Dracula before it spread into a wide-spread revolution. He began walking. Rachel and his other aids joined up beside him. He would never stop praying. But whatever the case, be the will of the Lord.

Castle Krause, Italy. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
A single candle was lit. Lenore came to the bottom of the huge spiral staircase. Her undead state made it possible for her to see in the dark. Still Lenore could only see the distant glow of the candle. Her feet passed through rich soil. The dank warmth of the area made Lenore think about the jungles of Africa. Complete silence filled the heart of the order's stronghold. "You will go to the order of shadows." Lord Dracula had told her. "I will send others to join you. But for now you will be my eyes and ears." Lenore continued walking. The closer she came to the distant candle, the colder it became. The order of shadows had been founded in 1620 by Julian Krause. Their goal was to resurrect count Dracula from his grave. Since the sealing act in 1999 the order had kept his memory alive. They had refused to join neither Graham Jones nor Celia Fortner. Lenore's feet reached stone ground. Around the alter five figure was kneeling. She now noticed that the cold came from the ancient book. Lenore smiled, exposing her fangs. The candle gave enough light to lit the alter and a small circle around it. Still it was the tome which was the focuse of the power. She had not the power of dominance. Still Lenore could feel it. Then her attention returned to the five figures. They where faceless phantoms, all clad in the same black hood and cloak. Stripped of personality and robbed of all individuality, she could feel their power. Lenore's eyes glowed with dark satisfaction. She now knew why the Dark Lord trusted this order. "Finally you have come." One of the shadows spoke. His low voice was like thunder in the silent air. "It has begun." Another of the figures said. This voice belonging to a young and eager individual. "Patience." Another of the members said. "Chaos will rise." Lenore smiled. Chaos would indeed rise. "I have brought with me other followers of the Dark Lord." She said. She couldn't be sure. But it looked like the five shadows looked at the book. "Then we will begin." One figure rised. "What will he do?" Lenore asked. "Add to Chaos." One of the figures said. "You could go with him if you wish." Lenore nodded. She really would like that. It would be interesting to see what these shadows could do. Beside. She had her own orders to execute on count Dracula's behalf. She turned and then began walking back toward the staircase.

Castlevania, Warakiya. The 25th. of December 2098 A.D.
The fireplace was the only source of light inside the count's chamber. The Dark Lord Dracula's shadow was seated into his favorite armchair. "Continue." He said. "Tell me more." "Yes my lord." The white wizard said. "After my meeting with the other members who gathered at the castle I returned to you." Shaft continued. "Because of the 12 days I was forced to return on foot." The count nodded. "Carmilla." He then beaconed. The undead countess knelt before him. "What you have told me is no news to me." That they would betray him was really no surprise. From the realm of shadows he had watched through the eyes of Soma Cruz how the competition had gone cuttroat. The order of shadows and a few others where the only who had remained loyal to him. "You are to stay in the castle." He told them. All has transpired as he had wished it would. For once even the Belmont clan seemed to go his erends. "Yes my lord." Shaft said. "As you will." Carmilla bowed her head. Count Dracula nodded. There where still formidable hindrance before his plot could unfold. The undead could not help him. Dracula would have to place his faith in Death and the forsaken order. Then it was the shadows to consider. The Dark Lord knew their intentions. If the Master wanted it would succeed. If they failed, so be it. Darkness would rise. This time he would emerge victorious. Nothing was to stand in his way. Dracula would crush his opponents. All who opposed the Dark Lord would die. "Leave me." He said. The members of his inner circle rised. "They left the room. Dracula summoned the royal knights. Nipora and Ninjara had waited for his call. They left the door as they came toward him. Dracula had to dine to keep this form stable. He would have to leave the castle. They would want to see him before they pledged fealty to him.

A.N: Here ends the first book in my series "Darkness never dies". I hope you have enjoyed reading it.

In the serie's next instalation "Legacy of Sorrow" I will continue the story. There it's told about the vampire hunters as they continue to explore the countryside.

In the series third title "Dawn of Shadows" the characters must travel across Europe to counter the evil which Dracula has unleashed upon the globe.

In the fourt and final part of my story, "Symphony of Darkness" the Belmonts fight the last battle against Dracula and his order of shadows.

To be continued.

Again I wish to thank all of the attributers to The Castlevania Dungeon and you Mr. P. Without your good work this story would never have been possible.