Part 2: Legacy of Sorrow.

The year 2099 A.D. The second Civil War began in the United States as the congress members loyal to the industry did murder the president. The Russian Orthodox church did the same year anaunce Alexandrina as starina of the reunited Russian empire. The world is changed. 100 years have passed since the last resurrection of count Dracula. After the death of Soma Cruz in 2075 it was decleared war among the souls which where in line to inherit the Dark Lord's power. The demon castle Dracula did return. Again the Belmont clan hunts the night. Who has the right, and the might, to sit on Dracula's throne? And all the while, evil stalks in shadowy corners. It has all begun anew.

"Hear me Trevor Belmont. What your mother say is the truth. Dracula is diferent. He is not like Mathias. Prince Vlad came into position of a supernatural power. Sonia is right. The Dark Lord will live forever."
Sypha Belnades, 1496.

"And God's spirit flouted above the water. Then God said. "Let it be light.""
1. Moses: 1. 2.-3.

Prologue: Black sun.
Temple of light, sacred realm. The 5th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Waterfalls of silver mixed with gold as they fell into pure crystal. This was the temple of light. Here, words as "age" or "alteration", had no meaning. The One was all. The One was the Lord. Around the pond of miracles the seals of the elements where placed in a complete circle. Each crest blazed with briliant coloures, embeded into the shining white floor. A silver horn made a signal. From each seal a pillar of coloured light appeared. The temple of light, the very core of the sacred realm, was the highest level of the astrale plane. It happened that the Great would come to the pond. From the westernmost crest, Light calmly viewed her suroundings. Across from her, from the east, Spirit returned her gaze. Here, in their natural envirement, they showed their true incarnations. At the heart of the golden pillar, Light saw the net of energy which was Spirit's true representation. "Honrable members of the circle." Light turned her view to look at Earth. The four basic elements, Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, stood in northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast. "It is I who have summoned you." Light knew what would follow. She had met with the forest five before. "Why is it so?" Darkness, placed at the high north, asked. "Why have you summoned the circle?" It was Water who answered. "The Dark One is moving." He said. "Another hundred years have passed in the world of the living." Time moved somewhat, then he again became silent. "This is unusual." Thought, placed in the south, commented. "I agree." Chaos said. "We do as we must." Death added. Earth waved somewhat, changing quickly from green to brown and back again. "The wheel turns." She said. "Those who bear the seeds of Hate are searching new ways to power." This time it was Darkness who wavered. Light felt compashion for her. The anti-circle had grew from their own natural negative potency. Hate was jelous for Darkness power. Light wondered if that was why the anti-warder had presented herself as Darkness toward her servants. On the other side, Rage too, did present himself as one of them, as Chaos. "Arien has awaken." Life suddenly said. "Those gifted with the power of dominance have detected the ancient curse." Light could not suppress a flicker in her own aura. Although she had heard this already, it did still disturb her. "This time there is no druids to protect it." The pillar of white gold continued. "The evil ones will take the Arien." Dream added. "And kill the one who carries it." Dream had not been present when the others had first approached Light. He should have been there. Dream was the fifth element of the forest. Then Darkness spoke. "What do you suggest we do?" Light hoped he would not suggest they where to lay down their mandates. Only once they had done so. The One had then made water flood the old world. They had been told to never do so again. Not before the End of Days. Neither of them knew when that moment would come. Earth resumed her speach. "Friends." She said. "The forest is the source of life." Light knew. In the beginning was water and nothing. Then the One, the Word and the Ghost had made it come. "If the forest is threatened, it could mean that the ballance might be in danger." It was all to true. "Arien have not yet bloomed." Water explained. "That is why we are so concearned." Darkness looked at her. Light knew what was expected of her. "They came to me." She said. "Dream was not there. But Wind supported their view." They looked at the element. The red pillar seemed to quiver. They all knew Wind had the trust. "We will protect Arine and she who carries it." Earth told the others. "We will go to her." Images of the fivesome's lower incarnation went through the air above them. "It will take time." Time said. "If you intend to decend to the basic plane it would weaken your temples." Earth, Water, Life, Dream and Spirit stood tall. "This is to important." Earth insisted. "We have closed the barrier." Spirit said. "But to keep it close." He continued. "We need your help." Light did not like this. It would endanger the other temples. To keep the gate closed, they would have to remain here. "We do what we must." Death repeated. Still Light could feel the doubt of Death. She knew his statement in this. The Dark Lord had enlisted his incarnation in his service. That was why he could not leave this plane. Uriel could very well be able to absorb him. Then Death would truely leave this circle. As it was, the angel could retain his nautrality. Light spoke. "Death is right." The other elements seemed to consider their statement. But with three of the aincient angels, Light, Wind and Spirit, voting in Earth's favour, they had a strong case. Finally Darkness spoke. "I support Arien." She said. Light flashed. She knew how dificult it was for the other spirit. The four potential negative angels where so often summoned by the children of Hate. The forest five bowed. "This is what is suppose to be." Spirit said. Then he and his four angel companions disappeared back down into their seals. For a moment the ever-changing rainbow glow of the temple of light became dimmed. Light considered it. Below the deepest level, below Earth, was the evil realm. The home of the anti-circle. It was the prison of the Dark One. How could it be so that mer living souls could resist such power? Light knew that she, and all the other angels in the temple, had been alive. It was such a long time ago. Light hardly remembered why she had decided to enter the temple instead of fleating away in the neverending river of incarnation. She did not regret it. This was who she was. The Lord would let her shine, high and bright, through the long night. She was not afraid. Spirit was right. This was what where supposed to be.

Village of Oldhill, Warakiya. The 6th of January 2099 A.D.
Heinrich Schneider walked along the village square. The Christmass decorations had been taken down. The holiday was over. The village was not large. It concisted of two rows of houses around the square. The small railway station and the trainline split the town nicely in two. Heinrich's trail ended before the church. Torah Fernandez came down the steps as the first snow flakes began to fall. Rose was seated upon the girl's left shoulder. "Hello Belmont." Torah greeted him with one of her cute little smiles. Heinrich grimaced, then smiled in turn. "You liked the mass?" He asked. Torah shrugged. "I'm a Protesant." She said. "But the music was fantastic." Heinrich nodded. "I'm no Catholic either." He said. "But I've heard some of their people sing." "To worship the Lord is never wrong." Patrick Oldrey said. The man-beast had been so silent that nobody had noticed his approach. Torah gave him a look. Then she agreed. "The Lord is one." She mummbled. Heinrich turned to look at the Carpathian mountains which loomed high into the horizon. He wondered if his family where up there somewhere. Snow fell on his shoulders. Somewhere behind the clouds the sun was about to set. Heinrich toutched the chain-whip. He had held it during the battle with Death. The demon castle Dracula where somewhere up there. There where still some people outside. Most of them where on their way home. Heinrich turned to look at Torah. "Why did you stay so long?" He asked. Torah put a hand on one of her pockets. "I asked the priest if he could take a look on the DSS-cards." Patrick shook his head. "I don't think you should show anyone outside the Belmont clan our mystic weapons." Now it was Heinrich who shrugged. "They have seen bogh the candles and the followers of Dracula." He said. "A little more magic shouldn't harm." Patrick shook his head. "As far as I know." He said. "Your clan became persecuted for witchcraft sometime around the 1490s." Heinrich slowly nodded. Not that it'd been like that. Sonia Belmont and her son, Trevor Belmont, had been told to leave Warakiya after his ancestor's battle with the Dark Lord. The people had been afraid the Belmont clan would make Transilvania a target for the Devil's magic. "Let's return to the "Tower and cross"." Torah said. "The tavern should be serving dinner right now." Heinrich nodded. The girl hadn't been the only person happy about soft beds and hot meals. Still he knew it was time for them to leave. Not that he was sure why he felt that way. Upon the front of the tavern some of those strange children where involved in conversation. Reichardt was there. The ten year old with red hair and black eyes. Even from here Heinrich felt the boy's power. Deborah and Simon wasn't that much better. Even dough Torah assured they where harmless, he became worried on sight. Deborah, the 12 year old girl, noticed their arrival. She smiled at him. Red hair fell down to frame her soft heart-shaped face. There where something about Deborah's chocolate-brown eyes which made Heinrich feel… He didn't know what. "Have any of you seen my sister?" Torah asked. Simon shrugged. "I think the dryad went into the forest." Torah gave him a look. The older boy blushed. Heinrich smiled, aldough it didn't reach his eyes. The 18 year old boy had reasons to be ashamed. Simon let a hand run through his black hair. To hide his confusion he started cleaning his glasses. Not that Saria hadn't tryed her tricks on Heinrich too. Patrick had told him that dryads couldn't help it. It was in their nature to charm. Heinrich mentally threw it aside. It really didn't matter what Saria did with other men. He only hoped Edward would never hear about it. Even so, There where something about Saria. Somehow Heinrich was sure she really cared about his cousin. "Penny went with her." Reichardt quickly added. Deborah nodded. "I think Sigmund and Heinz went with her too." Heinrich mummbled a curse. Then Saria was likly learning them how to utilize their powers. The children's magic where diferent from that of Torah and the Belmont clan. How it worked Heinrich wasn't really sure. Not that he did mind about it. "They shouldn't really be out there." Torah said, a hint of worry in her voice. "Christmass is over." Patrick agreed. Heinrich couldn't help but slightly shudder. Soon the evil forces would continue their hunt. Again Heinrich wondered why Saria was so important. Aldough bogh sisters had tried to explain it, he was no closer to understanding then before they talked to him about the matter. He was brought back from his line of thoughts. From the other end of the village screams erupted. Shouts of horror rang through the snowy air. "What's going on?" Heinrich recoiled his whip. Smoke did rise from a nearby house. "Pearls of heat!" Torah cast her spell as a group of skeletons came running in from a nearby ally. Another fire was lit. Then even another. The sky became black. Heinrich threw his axe while summoning his bloodline power. Some of the numerous bats burned to ashes. He retrived his weapon just as another pack of bone-men appeared. Patrick fired his shotgun. A zombie fell to the ground. How was it that simple bullets could destroy something which where already dead? No time to think about that. Heinrich whipped the bones into oblivion. "Meteor wing!" "Lightning strike!" Reichardt and Deborah faught back to back. "Harpoon torpedo!" Simon threw a spread-shot of explosive spikes. Heinrich had no time to look around. He threw away loose coils of blonde hair as he threw the crystal. The harpy he'd aimed for became torn appart. There where still more of them comming. "Winter's heart! Fountain of fire!" Torah cast her spells, taking out more zombies. "Poison Ivy!" Lucy, another of the wizardry kids, came running past him. The square was littered with dead bodies. Those who could tried to reach the church. There where no time to spare. Heinrich summoned fire to burn around his whip. He threw his dagger and made it split into a wave of knives. The group of zombies who'd tried to circle him where cut to pieces. He smirked with grim satisfaction. Patrick was there. He'd retained his man-beast form. Heinrich whipped the bone-men into oblivion. Patrick dashed at the nearest harpy. "Pepper breath!" Now even Alfred and Penny had joined in the fight. "Lightning paw!" Penny make a skeleton shatter all over the place. Heinrich where forced to withdraw. "Winter's heart!" Torah made quick work of the bats who continued to stalk the battle. "Lightning blast! Super shocker!" Reichardt, with Deborah and Simon in toe, covered their retreat. "Get inside!" Torah shouted. Heinrich threw his crystal while summoning his power. Mystical gemstones rained across his enemies. Villagers did gather around the hunters, brandishing all kinds of weapons. Heinrich wondered how long they could resist. "Pearls of heat!" From atop the church steps Torah made her magic rain down on the undead. How should this end? Heinrich snarled. If he where to die here, so be it. Heinrich summoned the Lord in his heart. Then he drew his blade. With fierce determination Heinrich burried his blade into the ground. He summoned the power of earth. The ground shook. "Rainbow flame!" Torah was there. Heinrich nodded encouraging. The battle continued. The monsters couldn't enter the church. Heinrich whipped at his enemies. They had to hold their position so that those who could would get shelter.

Giles De Reis gave the signal for retreat. They have found what Death desired. The rest where mer bonus. The undead would be pleased tonight. No matter. They where still in the midst of a battle. Let the Belmont clan celebrate. Giles had a personal interest in this campain. Slowly the forces of count Dracula withdrew into the forest.

Village of Oldhill, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Patrick did kneel before the alter. His mind obsessed with prayer. How many where dead, how many had been killed by Dracula's monsters? So much pain. So much suffering. "Oh Lord." Patrick asked. "How many more is going to die?" There came no answer. Still, the silent peace of the church gave some comfort. The crucified Jesus looked down at him. Patrick felt like warm compassion did well down. Although it was just an image, Patrick was sure he was in the pressence of God. He bowed his head. Folding his hands, Patrick swore to save the children. The lost souls had abducted the wizardry kids. Patrick whished he'd known why. He knew why Saria was important. Patrick threw a look over his shoulder. Behind him, at the far end of the church, Reichardt, Deborah and Simon was watching him. Patrick couldn't help but slightly shiver. Although other villagers had been taken, Patrick felt a certain responcibilety toward these eight magicians. "Patrick." The doors where opened. Heinrich stepped inside. "We have some problems." Patrick got to his feet. "What kind of trouble?" He asked. His friend grunted. "Come on." Heinrich said. With a last look at the alter, Patrick turned. If only there'd been something which blocked his view. In the Orthodox church no mer person was allowed to see into the sanctum. But of course, his church did forbid portrating God. Patrick retrived his arm from the weapon's house as he stepped outside.

Snow fell from a pitch black sky. The fires had all been extinguished. The only source of light came from the torches lit by the gattering in front of the church. Heinrich hadn't lied when he told Patrick that there was trouble ahead. "Because of you!" Abraham Reinholdt, the village doctor, shouted. "Because of you they came!" Torah did stand alone in front of the group. "Tell the truth!" Victoria Bremer challenged. "You're a witch!" Father Nathan tried to calm them. "She did protect the village." The priest reminded. "I saw her use the gifts the Lord had given her to save you." Some of the men looked slightly ashamed. Then Joseph Vincent stepped in front. "I say we burn the witch and get it over with." Vincent was an antique-dealer. Heinrich didn't mind. How could it have come to this? Although he wasn't quite sure what to think of Torah personally, he did respect her. "I am no witch." Torah said with struggled calm in her voice. "None in my clan have ever pledged fealty to Dracula." Joseph's answer came in form of a fist. Torah was thrown to the ground by the angry man. "Stop it!" Patrick shouted. "How can you do this? For God's sake, the monsters took her own sister!" Vincent growled. "You're no better then her!" Victoria decleared. "You're a werewolf. I saw it." "Think again." Heinrich said. "You should know he is a man-beast." Patrick helped Torah to stand. "What's the diference?" Wolfgang angrily asked. Aldough some of them had distanced themselves somewhat from the four antagonists, they did pay attention. "Enough." The word fell like an icicle from Deborah's lips. "Look upon yourself." She said. "You, the people of Warakiya, have just defeated the undead." Some of them did exchange glances. Heinrich put a hand on Torah's shoulder. "The church and your own abileties was it who defended the village." Heinrich quickly put in. Deborah gave him a warning look. "They aren't really interested in you." Torah somewhat shakily explained. "As long as they get their blood they don't really mind." Heinrich could see words form on their lips. Before neither Joseph nor Victoria could speak, Deborah cut in. "You may even continue with your religion." She said. Still cold as winter's heart. "But that isn't real safety. To live like that is to surrender to the Devil." Victoria's face wasn't the only which grew pale. "Since the 9th century my bloodline have hunted the night." Heinrich couldn't keep quiet any longer. "You couldn't save all those who died today Belmont!" Reinholdt shouted. "They are with the Lord." Father Nathan assured. "Have faight." The priest made the sign of the cross. The mob had their attention aimed on him now. Torah and Patrick where forgotten. "I will hunt the undead." Heinrich decleared. "I will not stop." "You have known me for more then 30 years." The priest said. "Have I ever let you down?" Heinrich threw Nathan a look. What was he going for? "I trust you." Joseph said. "But what about these strangers?" The others muttered their agreement. Wolfgang asked. "How do we know that they'll really hunt the undead?" Victoria Bremer added. "I'm sure they just try to get away." Again it was Deborah who ended the argument. With her bare hands she tore open the front of her dress. "If anyone is to be burned." Deborah said. "Then I'm the one to die." Heinrich grasped for her. She threw off his hand. "You know about our relationship with the vampire hunters." She said. "Then let us be the hostages. If the village is attacked. Or if they never return, then you should burn me." Hugo Barymore, the village loyer, stepped in front. "I trust you." He told Deborah. "I don't know the Belmont and his friends. But I'll wait." The old man looked toward Heinrich. "I've heard about your reputation." He said. "I give you three days to keep your promise." Heinrich nodded. He didn't like this. But there where no other choice. He would've liked to go search for his family. But this felt right somehow. "They will stay in the church." Nathan challenged. But nobody seemed to disagree. They gave their support before the group became split. The villagers left the square, either alone or in small groups. The priest turned to look upon Heinrich. "I hope you are as good a vampire hunter as you boosts you are." Heinrich lowered his head. "I will hunt the night." He said. "We will follow the undead to their lair and deliver their souls." Patrick smiled. "Don't worry Deb." The man-beast said. "We'll free Penny and the other children too." Torah did remove her hat, releasing Rose from her captivety. "Just keep them safe." She said. Simon smiled. "Don't worry." He said. "We know how to take care of ourselves." Somehow that didn't encourage Heinrich much.

Village of Oldhill, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Torah did run through her belonging. Her family and friends had given her some fairly odd Christmass gifts. Torah dismissed it. Someday, Torah hoped, she would come back to retrive her things. She closed the chest. Across the corridor Heinrich and Patrick where also busy with collecting their belongings. Torah went back to her bed. Upon the blanket she'd gathered what she couldn't leave. The ring-smash and the laurels the pope had given her. There too where Saria's gift, an ocarina of the type the dryads used to play their songs. Torah smiled slightly by the memory. Then she gathered herself. "You did remembered Edward's cards?" Rose, who was settled upon one of the bedposts, asked. "I wouldn't forget." She assured her familar. "Give them to John or to Christian Belmont." That had been his parting words. Torah did put on her fur-coated poncho and cap. Then she stored her belonging into the numerous pockets. It was time to leave. Rose fluttered to flutter beside her as Torah went to speak with the other vampire hunters. "Saria." Torah whispered. "Wherever you are. I will find you." She reached for her cross. "I will find you because you are my sister." Rose settled upon her cap. "Are you ready?" Torah asked her friends. Heinrich nodded. "It's time to move." Torah smiled. "I think I know where we should go." She said. Torah then told them what she and Alicia had discovered. Heinrich growled something she couldn't quite figure. Then he seemingly dismissed it. "We'll find their track." Patrick said. "Sorry Torah, but it's the logic choice." Torah did cross her arms in front of herself. They didn't trust her yet. After all they'd been through together. "Just drop it." Heinrich said. Then, to Patrick. "We have to stand together." The man-beast shrugged. "Don't mind." Rose said in her ear. "They'll learn." Torah nodded. At least she hoped so.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 23d. of December 2098 A.D.
The boy did step forward. His boots sank into the snow for each step. The sun shone down upon him from a cloudless blue sky. A tall figure, clad in grey silk awaited his approach. "You did ask for me to meet you here." The other man said. The boy nodded. A cute childish face, framed by blue locks, looked back up at him. "I did so." He smiled, a smile filled with inocent joy. Like as he had discovered the world for the first time. All was fresh and new. His blue eyes did sparkle with all the happiness a young soul could display. "There is something I want from you." The man in grey clothing nodded. "What is my reward?" He asked. A light breeze started to blow. The boy gathered his shoulder-cape around himself. "I know what you decire." He said. Now his smile had vanished. "The throne is mine." The boy nodded. "I know." He said. Then the smile did suddenly return. "Do you have it?" He asked. The boy reached into his coat. "If this is what you wish." He said. "It did cost me a king's ransum. In gold. In blood. And life." He held out his palm. In it lay the triangle pendant. The black jewel hung down from a heavy chain of gold. "The crest of hate." Now it was the figure in grey silk who smiled. "Thank you." He said while taking the afforded price. "My own reward?" The boy asked. "He is yours." They exchanged bows.

He watched the boy walk. They knew that this was no truce. The rivalry would continue. Only one could sit in the Dark Lord's throne. Only one could control that power. He gave away his avatar. But it was well worth the cost. The pendant where much more important in the long run. He would have to wait until the next year. No matter. This time he would achieve the ultimate power. With a final laugh he turned.

Shropshire, England. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Edward Morris unsheated his sword. "Come on." He muttered. "I'm not afraid of you." The dead soldiers didn't seem to consider his statement. They already had their knives in hand. The scent of rotting flesh filled the air. Thomas Lecarde fired his shotgun. One, two, three dead soldiers became reduced to ashes. Edward made the sign of the cross. Then he doused them in holy water. Thomas burried his lance in the heart of another zombie soldier. With Hugh Baldiwn's sword in one hand, and with Quincey Morris's Bowie-knife in the other, Edward went into hand to hand combat. Heart and troath. That was their only weak spot. Judging by their uniforms, the soldiers had become resurrected from the graves of World War 1. At least Edward thought so. It made his blood turn cold. It supported his theory why Germain had sent them here. He withdrew the blade from one soldier's rotting heart. Then Edward noticed their where no zombies left to fight. He dried sweath of his brow. Thomas was busy cleaning his lance on one of their enemy's jackets. Edward was about to do the same when some crows lifted from the nearby trees. Edward used his stopwatch to freeze them in place. Then he made them burn as he threw holy water. Thomas growled. "I really do hate those birds." Edward nodded. "Dirty ghouls. They tell the enemy about us." While he spoke, Edward again wondered who the enemy was. Saint Germain had brought them here some weeks ago. It'd been a nightmare after Christmass. Edward frowned. There was something about that phrase. He mentally threw it aside. Since they left the abandoned farm where they'd celebrated the holiday nothing had been simple. The forest where swarming with Dracula's followers. "I hope you got all of them this time." Thomas commented. Edward smiled. It didn't come from his heart. At first they hadn't considered the crows as an enemy. It was first when they began wondering how it was that the dead always seemed to know where they was Edward had begun to consider it. "I think so." He said. "That's the most honest answer I might give." Thomas nodded. Still he continued to scout the sky. The sun was about to set. Soon their would be nightfall. Edward cleaned his blades upon the dead'd clothing before unsheating them. The deep snow made it dificult to move around the countryside. Still Edward was glad he'd given away the DSS-cards. This way he didn't have to worry that the magicians could track them. Edward began climbing the hill. Thomas did growl something Edward didn't quite figured. By the tone in his friend's voice Edward was sure it was no prayer. He smiled. Then they stood atop the hill. For the first time they got a better view on the landscape. Below them the hills ended as the trees where more spread. At the far end of what looked like a frozen lake, was a castle. Edward did lower his head. He knew that castle. John Morris had described it in his journal. The hilltop was plain as a medow. There stood a single stone, shapeless and without significanse. Still it was like it was important somehow. Like a landmark, a marking stone, or more like a guardian finger. Edward shivered. He felt like a trap was closing in around him. "Yes. It is." St. Germain said. "The stone is from Castlevania." From the other side of the hilltop, the old man came walking toward them. "It is time I tell you why I have summoned you." He said with certain seriousness in his voice. Somehow Edward knew what was comming. He just knew it.

The mystic saint moved for them to sit. Thomas was sure to not sit upon that stone. He instead brought forth the blanket they'd taken from that farm. When they where all seated, Germain began to speak. "In 1797 Richter Belmont, Maria Renard and Alucard did defeat the Dark Lord. The victory was important." The saint's face addapted a mournfull expression. "Even so." He continued his tale. "The bloodline was broken. Dough the blood of the Belmont clan did survive, the forces of good lost some of its poetency." Thomas noticed that Edward shook his head. Thomas knew his feelings. Aldough John had done his best to hide his feelings, Thomas did know. He'd spoke with Christian. "The hair to the house of the vampire hunter lost their ability to protect the countryside of Warakiya. Unlike before, they could no longer feel the shift in power. The Dark Lord did return. In 1808, in 1820 and in 1830." The saint's words made Thomas remember Shanoah and Morris Baldwin. For his inner eyes he again saw the portraits of Nathan Graves and Hugh Baldwin. Edward had once shown them to him. "It was not before the incident in 1852 that your ancestors did finally understand. When Reinhardt Schneider and Carrie Fernandez did defeat the prince of Darkness, it all became clear." Edward nodded. "What the Belmont clan could no longer do alone." His friend said. "They would now do together with others who held holy powers." Germain smiled. It was the first time Thomas had seen the wizard smile. "Indeed." The spirit said. "But your predecessors did forget one thing. To never underestimate the power of the dark side." Again Germain became serious. "All since the defeat delivered on him by Sonia Belmont in 1476 the count did plot to leave the countryside." The friends did exchange glances. Thomas leaned forward. "So that was why he went to England." Germain nodded. "As In 1897 the circle did complete itself. The Belmont clan did not discover his return. The Dark Lord did not resurrect his power. With the aid of the witch known as Actrise, the embodiment of suffering managed to harness the power of Castlevania into a castle which where already standing." Thomas shivered. Aldough he'd read Bram Stoker's book, he hadn't realized its importance. "The Lord is with you." Germain said. "Because of the love and friendship between good men and women the Dark Lord was detected." To his surprise Germain did again smile. A smile full with memmory. Then he returned to the pressent. "Jonathan Harker, Quincey Morris and a group of other gentlemen where able to defeat the undead count." Thomas noticed Edward's hand as his friend did tutch his Bowie. Thomas enjured a mental shrug. He knew how proad Edward was of that knife. "You must understand this." Germain's voice cut through his line of thought. "This is how the Dark Lord has been able to hide." Thomas gathered himself, turning his attention back to where it belonged. "Sometime before the First Great War, the worshippers of count Dracula where able to rise Elizabeth Bathory from her grave. The niece of Vlad Tepes did know how to ezploit the situation. With the aid of the fallen angel of Death, she was able to gather many of the evil souls which did perish during the war." For a short time, when he mentioned Death, a somewhat ammused look went across the saint's face. It made Thomas remember the "discussion" Germain had with the angel back in 1499. Then he noticed Edward's expression. The Morris clansman looked like he was to be banished into Hell or something. "John Morris and Eric Lecarde did defeat Dracula in 1917." Germain said. "But they did not banish the lost souls, like they should have." The saint shook his head. "Instead they did use bloodline power to capture the souls in limbo." Edward hung his head. "When Charl Brauner did revolt against the Dark Lord in 1944 he did collect the souls of the second World War. Because of the artist's attempt to redirrect the flow of power, your ancestor was able to track down and dispose of the evil souls." Edward reached his hands forward. Thomas was never to forget the desperation he then saw. "Listen to me." He almost pleaded. "John Morris was my ancestor. He did what he thought was right. Thomas have nothing to do with this. Eric Lecarde did as John told him." Thomas frowned. He'd often heard his grandmother tell him stories about his family. Thomas had liked to hear about heroes like Henry Oldrey and Eric Lecarde. Thomas would like to become like Eric. A vampire hunter who faught the Devil even from beyond the grave. "Send him back to Warakiya." Edward said. "My cousin will need his help." Thomas felt like being torn appart. He did wish to help Christian with the Vampire Killer. On the other hand, Germain where asking for volunteers. The saint shook his head. "I cannot do that." He said. "Someone have rebuilt the castle Proserpina." Germain's voice sank to a whisper. "Someone with the power of dominance wishes to summon the captured souls." Thomas got to his feet. "This is like 1917." He said. "It's like the history repeats itself." Edward thugged his beard. "If this is true." He said. "We have to do it." Germain slowly shook his head. "Nothing is ever the same on twice occations." Thomas frowned. He'd heard those words somewhere before. "There is other things you need to know." Germain again broke into his line of thoughts. "Some five weeks ago." Germain began. "The pope of the Catholic church wished to gather all vampire hunters at the Vatican." A concearned look crossed Germain's face. "Mathew did worry about a second great war against the evil from castle Dracula." Thomas frowned. It would explain much. "The desendants of Mina Hakuba and Charlotte Aulin did live in America." The last Thomas had heard about the Aulins where that they'd settled in Russia. Never mind. "Their flight was taken." Germain explained. "The followers of Dracula did force the airplane to land." "What happened?" Edward asked. Thomas thanked God that his friend seemed to have gotten a hold on himself. "They where taken here." Germain answered. "Some members of the Hakuba clan was sent to Warakiya. The others where brought here." Edward pulled back his hat. "Then we must save them." Thomas whished to cry with triumph. His friend looked like he'd regained all his former determination. Then he blinked. St. Germain where gone. Thomas mummbled something about saints, which the priests wouldn't like to hear. Edward removed his hat, sending him the look. Thomas shrugged. His friend made the sign of the cross. Thomas picked up his belongings. "Let's get going." He suggested. Edward put his hat back on, giving him one last look. Then even he went to retrive his equippements. The sun did set. Somehow, Thomas knew it would become a long night.

Shropshire, England. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
She did run. Anastasia could hear her presuers behind her. Aldough the forest made it dificult for them to detect her, they knew she where here somewhere. Anastasia bit her teeth together. They did murder her family. Her father, her mother and even her sisters. Alexander had been the last to die. She angrily dried away tears. Her brother had given his life so that she might escape. So that she might keep the Aulin family alive. A warg howled in the distance. Anastasia curled into a ball. She wondered why they did mind about chasing her. Anastasia knew that she would die of cold or hunger. The undead had ribbed them of everything. Instead they'd given her this bizzar costume. Just because she, as any true Islami woman, did wear a hidjab. Her father had told the Upiri where strickly conservative. Anastasia hadn't believed him until resent. "There is another one." It was a man speaking. Anastasia's hands began to shine. No. She had promised herself this wouldn't happen again. Something which sounded like the boom from a shotgun was heard in the cold air. Then came another howl. "Stronger we are in the name of the Lord!" It wasn't the first voice who'd spoken. This voice belonged to another man. Anastasia heard something which sounded like broken glass. Then came another howl. "Jesus!" It was a cry. "Please God! Give me strenght!" Anastasia did sneek up behind one of the trees. Out on the clearing she noticed the two men. They where surounded by wargs and dead soldiers. Suddenly the blonde man with the spear advanced against the forsaken. The armoured man had a pistol tied to his side. "Be the will of God." The other man, clad in a hat and coat, made the sign of the cross. Then he brought out his sword. Anastasia gasped as the blade went on fire. Aldough the Aulin family did have a binding to the Christian church, she'd heard her mother mummble about it. The true people of God should have nothing to do with disbelievers. Alexander had been against soutch narrow perspective. Did not Charlotte Aulin support the church? It was her brother who had insisted she trained her abilety to read and utilize the scrolls of arcane magic. Those scrolls where the only relics left by their great predecessor. The two men did quick work of the zombie soldiers. But the wargs where not so easily defeated. Her hands shone like the sun. The power inside her where building up. Anastasia felt she had to release it. New tears welled up in her eyes. She did not want to practice these mystic powers. Didn't the Korahn speak against witchcraft? At the early years of 15 Anastasia hadn't yet been introduced to reading the holy language of Allah's final testament. It was like the tears did boil upon her cheeks. With a cry of terror Anastasia did release her magical force.

Edward did bring out his throwing-cross. The wargs where advancing. He prayed to the Lord to help him. Then he summoned his bloodline power. The element of life made the cross shine bright with white gold. A full circle of crosses did rise around them. The wargs became thrown backward. Edward knew this wouldn't be enough. The wargs where living monsters. They where creatures whit a hint of magic. They where more inteligent then any mer beast. Thomas where reloading his shotgun. Edward smiled, dough it didn't reach his eyes. The man-beast had actually killed some wargs with that pistol. Edward was about to summon more of his power when something unexpected happened. "Waterfall of Lotus"" Something which looked like a waterfall of flowers did clean the wargs off of the snow. Not that Edward was a gifted magician. But he knew when someone did use the power of dream. Someone then began to cry. "Come on." He gestured for Thomas to follow. The man-beast prepared his shotgun. Edward smiled, reaching for his Bowie. Anything could happen. Kneeling behind one of the huge dead trees they discovered her. A girl. Edward frowned. Her short dough graceful built reminded him somewhat of Saria. This was no dryad. The hidjab did suggest she where a Muslim. Thomas frowned. "Have you come to kill me?" She asked with a somewhat tremmbling voice. "Not at all." Edward said, presenting his hand. "I am Edward Morris." He said while tipping his hat. "This is my friend, Thomas Lecarde." "Your idiot." Thomas shot at him. "You shouldn't give away your identity like that." Edward helped the girl to stand. Then he turned toward his friend. "She is no enemy." He explained, then he pointed at her cresent symbol. "No vampire or demon might hold the symbols of God." Through her tears, the girl looked surprised. "Do you really think so?" Thomas addapted a skeptical expression. "It was the islams who where behind the 11th. Of September." Edward shook his head. "Osama Bin Laden did just use Islam for his political and even military gains." Then he threw the girl another look. "See." He said. "She isn't even of Arabian linage." Thomas did cross his arms in front of himself. "It was British Muslims who was behind the bombs at the London railway." "I am Anastasia Aulin." The girl seemed to have gathered herself. "What you say is true." She presented a somewhat shaky smile. Edward thugged his beard. Now that he thought about it, she really was a cute girl. Edward threw it aside, pulling back his hat. "St. Germain told us we should look for your clan." He said. New tears ran silently down her cheeks. "You come to late." She said, folding her indigo blue cape around her fragile frame. "Only I am left of my clan."

Shropshire, England. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Anastasia watched the horrified faces they gave upon her tale. "They did rise inside the cabin." She said. "Human soldiers clad in black uniforms and armoured plates." She couldn't help but shiver by the mer memories. "There where nothing we could do. A woman was their commander. She forced the crew to take us down." Anastasia gestured somewhat undecided toward the forest. "I think the airplane is still somewhere in that direction." She dried away her tears. "They did march off the other passengers." The man with beard, Edward, did look away. Anastasia had a feeling he knew what did happen with them. She didn't wished to know. "A man in dark suit came to meet us." She said, continuing her story. "The man was bald. He took out Mina and Sophia Hakuba." Anastasia frowned. "He and the woman did argue about that. They spoke in German. I don't know that language." Anastasia tried to gather herself before she told the rest of her story. Still fresh tears ran down her face. "They did… " She couldn't continue. Still Anastasia knew she had to. "They did murder their parents." She said. "Koji and Kochi where forced to watch." Now even Thomas addapted a look of grim understanding. Anastasia didn't care. "They did open a portal." She said. "An Upiri clad in grey came to pick up the boys." If they where dead, Anastasia hoped they had resieved a quick one. "Then they brought us all to the castle." She pointed at the ruin looming in the distance. "What happened with Mina and Sophia I don't know." She inhaled, trying to calm herself. "We where kept down in the basement." Again she started shaking. Anastasia hated herself. She didn't want it to be this way. "Then they marched us off." She remembered it so clearly. As Anastasia told her story it was like it did repeat itself in her mind.

Flashback.

"No!" Irina cried as her heart was tore out of her living body. Their mother threw herself in front of her remaining children. Anastasia called for her sister. "Isigenia!" She knew there would come no answer. Isigenia Aulin was dead, murdered, like their father. They did tear her mother away. "Mother!" Alexander struggled to free himself from the dead holding him. Diana and Anastasia cried in unison as the Upiri did ripp out their mother's throat. They dined on her blood. Diana did throw up. One of the dead soldiers shot her in the face. "Curse you!" Her brother shouted. "Curse you all to Hell!" One of the soldiers holding him did hit him. Anastasia knew they where all dead. It was only a matter of time before she and Alexander would be slaughtered. Fire lit in his hands. "Charlotte!" Her brother cried. The dead soldiers burned. The undead let go of her mother's corpse. Alexander did burn them to ashes. "Run!" He shauted. "Keep our bloodline alive!" Anastasia tried to answer him. Tried to tell him she would never leave him. Alexander was only 7 years old. "You'll all burn!" Alexander stepped forward. Anastasia knew he wouldn't make it. "Alexej!" Why was she speaking in Russian? He did not turn. "I love you." She whispered. Then Anastasia turned and ran. The cave did branch into another passage. She didn't care. Behind her Alexander began screaming. Anastasia felt tears run down her cheeks. How was it that the tears came now and not before? Anastasia did tighten her grip on her backpack. Although the undead had come with new clothing they hadn't minded taking it from her. A group of dead soldiers did appear. One of them came at her. Anastasia brought off her backpack and did use it to ram the zombie. She felt a build-up of that strange energy. The tears did boil on her face. "Lotus shot!" The words eruppted from her lips as she shot the soldiers to pieces. Anastasia cried out in terror. She didn't wished it to be this way.

End of flashback.

Anastasia cleaned away new tears. Where had her strenght gone? Anastasia knew she hadn't cried like this since she was a baby. She gathered herself. Anastasia inhaled deeply. "I did run." She then said. "I ran away as quickly as possible." Then it burst out of her. "I let my brother die!" The man, Edward, did put a hand on her shoulder. Anastasia glared at him. "Let go of me." She almost snarled. Edward shrugged. Thomas rolled his eyes. "Sorry." Edward said. "But I want you to know that Dracula did murder my family too." Anastasia felt slightly ashamed of herself. "It's I who should ask your forgiveness." She said. "It's just… " She couldn't explain it. When Edward did toutch her the image of that hooded figure did flash before her inner eyes. "Night is upon us." Thomas said. "We better set a camp."

Shropshire, England. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Edward where standing watch. They'd lit a fire so that Anastasia might survive. He'd given her his blankets. Beneath the blue cape the girl was dressed in a west and trousers of the Arabian tradition. At least if the ilustrations from 1001 nights where to be trusted. In a cold British winter night that was nothing. He did button his coat. Edward was grateful he hadn't thrown his Christmass gifts away. The gloves and scarf really came in handy as such a cold night. Thomas had fallen asleep. Tomorrow they would reach the castle. Edward reopened his coat. His sword wouldn't be of much help if he couldn't reach it. If only they could form a circle with Host. Aldough they had bread with them, Edward knew that without a priest this would be blasphemy. He made the sign of the cross. "Edward." It was Anastasia. "What is it?" He asked. The Muslim girl returned the gaze. "I didn't wish to tell him." She looked toward the sleeping man-beast. "But they took my scrolls." Edward frowned. Then he got it. "You mean those Charlotte used to summon her magic?" Anastasia nodded. "I'm actually not sure if I should be sorry for it." Edward nodded. He was no theologist. But he was almost sure about that the Koran did speak against the use of magic. Not that he could swear it in a court or something. "The Lord forgive me if I commit herecy." Edward said. "But He is the Lord of everything. Aldough John saw what was to come, he said that the warlocks would be cast out of the new Jerusalem." Edward did reach for his crucifix. "This is what I believe." He said. "The good Lord gives us many things so we might do His will." He shrugged. "The church never comment on this. Dough they have given the Belmonts absolution." Anastasia slightly shook her head. "That's Christianity speaking." Edward threw it aside. "I have my faight." He said. "The Lord is one." Thomas did lift his head. "Interesting." He said. Edward gave him a look. "You know you shouldn't listen in on a private discusion." Thomas smiled. "I didn't listen in." He said with more then a little sarcasm. "But shouldn't you be staying guard?" Edward laughed. "You did take me there." He got to his feet. "Don't mind about it." Edward told Anastasia. "The Lord will judge us all eventually."

Anastasia watched him walk. Never before she'd met a man like him. He wasn't like most Christians she'd met. Strange how she almost on instinct did trust the Belmont. Then again. Their ancestors had after all been comrades in the war against the Dark Lord. Anastasia yawned. She was warm. The blankets where soft. For the first time in days she might finally sleep well. She slightly shivered. Anastasia did pray she wouldn't dream this time.

Shropshire, England. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
They came past midnight. Thomas was on guard. Still the dead came without a sound. Suddenly there where dead soldiers all around. "Edward!" Thomas shouted his warning. Man-beast power made his spear blaze with plasma. The fire had almost entirely burned out. "God with us!" Edward was out of his blankets with sword in hand. Thomas did burry his lance in the heart of a soldier. Then he knocked off its head. Another stabbed at him with its knife. Thomas snorted. "Don't try to stab a man in armour." He repayed the favour by piercing its dead heart. "Get down!" Edward's warning came as some of the zombie soldiers started throwing grenades at them. "Curse it!" Aldough he did manage to dodge, those crazy corpses where about to blow up the area. Thomas pulled out his shotgun. Aldough Thomas managed to bring down the soldiers, they managed to lend another round of grenades. "Lotus shot!" The Islamic girl had thrown back her cloak as she was busy blasting crows to dust. She really was glorious to behold. Thomas gathered himself. This wasn't the time to become confused over some terrorist. Edward made arching flames fly from his sword. Then he made it rain with holy water. He did know how to fight. Thomas had to give him that. Then one of the trees tried to grab him. "Jesus!" This was madness. "Lotus waterfall!" Anastasia did empty her magical load into the three. The branches seemed to moan before they collapsed into fire. "Watch out." Edward was busy fighting the remaining dead soldiers. "There is another Treant… " The Morris was cut short as another rain of grenades came his way. Thomas did shift into his true form. The trunk from Hell again reached for him. Leaflings penetrated the snowy ground. Thomas knew they would drag him under if he became trapped. With fear he remembered the legends about Shanoah and her battle against the Grave Dorcus. He threw it aside. With fierce ditermination Thomas did release bolt after bolt of his power. Thomas knew that he wasn't by far as powerful as the Aulin. It didn't matter. He circled the Treant, moving faster then that slow tree. That was when a band of hunchbacks came climbing down at him. Thomas snarled. They dived toward him. Without mercy he did shoot them all. There where more of them comming. Where was Anastasia when you needed her!? The little freaks tried to climb onto him. Thomas litterary threw them away. The tree reached for him. Thomas summoned his ancient power. His lance blazed as Thomas burried it into the core of his enemy. The tree screamed. There where no other way to describe it. Then Treant fell to the ground as the very trunk was on fire. Thomas changed back into his human form. He had just enough time to reload his pistol as the surviving hoppers where at him again. He fired at them. Two humpbacks was taken down. Three of them jumped at him. Thomas was pined to the ground as the freaks of nature stabbed him repeatedly. A sword was burried into the neck of one hunchback. Then a Bowie did take care of the second. The third one let go of Thomas. It slashed as Edward tried to release his weapons. Thomas made quick work of it with a boom from his shotgun. Edward helped him to stand. "Thanks." Thomas said. "The armour is well worth it's waight when fighting Dracula." Edward nodded. There looked to be something which disturbed his friend. He frowned. "What's the matter?" Edward thugged his beard. "Where is Anastasia?" Thomas thought to shrugg it off. But then he noticed his friend really was concearned about it. "Last time I saw her." He said. "Was when we fought against the demon trees." The Morris clansman pulled back his hat. "I really worry about her." He confessed. "There is something about her." This time Thomas really did shrugg. "She's just a kid." He pointed. "You're to old for her anyway." For a moment it looked like Edward wanted to hit him. Then he picked himself up. "It isn't about that." Edward sharply explained. "She is the only still living member of her clan." His friend addapted a grim expression. "I don't need to tell you how much power it gives the evil one. The death or the convert of a family which serve God, it'll be a dissaster." Thomas felt somewhat hit. The legend about the fall of Stella and Loretta Lecarde made him pale. Thank the Lord that Edward didn't notice. He'd already began to pack his things. Now it was Thomas who had to pick himself together. Aldough he didn't liked Anastasia, he didn't like any Muslim, his friend did have a point. Mumbling for himself about Islam Thomas went to gather his belongings. "How do you intend to track her?" Thomas asked. Edward sent him a somewhat cryptic smile. Then he pointed at the tracks. "With those pointed boots of hers, it wouldn't be dificult to find her." Thomas muttered. "Then just hope it don't start snowing then." Edward gave him the look, shaking his head. "Just drop it." He said, bringing on his backpack. "What I wonder is what's so important about the Aulins." Edward shrugged. "I think we should find Anastasia first and speculate later." Thomas spread his arms in surrender. "Let's get going then." He admitted. His friend pulled back his hat. Then he laughed. "You really don't like her." He said. "Do you?" Thomas growled. His friend reached for his cross. "Remember that you should love your nabour as yourself." Thomas rolled his eyes. "Sometimes I think all you Belmonts are priests on the bottom." The Morris clansman threw it aside. "Let's see." Edward carefully began searching the ground. Thomas did want to smile at him. Edward was no trained tracker. Oh, he made quite well for an amateur. "Let me help you." Thomas said. Edward smiled. "Like old times." Thomas returned the favour this time. Edward was his friend. Aldough they didn't always agree, they still could enjoy each others company.

The Vatican, Italy. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The pope of the holy Roman Catholic Church did wander back and forth inside his office. The delegations had barred themselves in. Mathew did worry about their decission. The comunities had promised they would reach a settlement. That they said for the past month. He sat into his seat, the seat of St. Peter. Days like these Mathew felt the waight of his 109 years of age. For more then 40 years he had been in this position. The pope hid his eyes behind his hands. He felt so tiered. At least Christmass where over. He knew he should not be glad about it. But the ceremonies sometimes felt like a burden. "Father." Rachel knelt before him. "Is anything the matter?" She looked so concearned. Mathew lifted his head. "It is nothing, my daughter." Her brother was a priest of the comunity he had been entrusted with. Rachel Belmont deserved his compassion. The girl smiled. "It's so much which depends on you." She became serious. "Dracula is moving. I'm sure about it." Rachel closed her own eyes. "I feel it in my blood." She almost whispered. Mathew nodded. Since the death of Richter Belmont in 1808, the Belmont linage had been broken. Aldough other with relation with the clan did continue the war, they had lost the abilety to protect the people of the countryside. If Rachel felt it this way, it was alarming. "We must have faight." He said. Rachel blushed. "I know." She said, reaching for her crucifix. "It's just… If only I knew where John is." Mathew got out of his seat, helping the girl to stand. "I knew your worry." He said. The pope too did worry about the Belmont clan. Some of the clan's elders where here, in the Vatican. The young Christian Belmont and his cousin, John Kishine, had left the city to hunt the Dark Lord. Little information had been resieved since then. There was Isaac's telegram. But nothing had been heard from the Jewish vampire hunter since before Christmass. "Father." Rachel spun around. Aldough she did not wear her armour, she now held knives in her hands. Mathew smiled. The Belmont clan had taken the rumours seriously. That members of Dracula's followers had been seen inside the city. Aldough he had sent David, the head of the pope's secret service, to investigate the rumours. Until he returned it was meaningless to speculate further about their nature. Paul, Samuel and Gustaf Schneider, one of the Belmont elders, entered the room. "What is it?" HE asked, moving for them to rise. "They sent us to inform you." Samuel told. "They have reached a settlment." Mathew made the sign of the cross. "Glory be our Father in Heaven and peace from Jesus Christ, our Lord." He greated. "Let us go." Rachel did put away her knives. Then she too followed them out into the corridor.

All the while the pope did wander through his pallace, the order did scout his activeties. Soon it would be time. What Shanoah had stolen would again come into the hands of whom deserved them. But not now.

Castlevania, Warakiya. The 9th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The Dark Lord Dracula's wraith knelt upon the floor. Here, the ground was made of earth. The same earth he had filled in boxes for more then 200 years ago. It was not known how deep the soil went. Some of his servants told this area where close to Hell. Count Dracula put a glowed hand upon the ground. There where some truth about the saying. Here he was in the pressence of Chaos. The seal was still in place. Aldough it had been weakened, the Dark Lord where still shut off from his source of power. Rage welled up innside him. Dracula's hand turned into a fist. He did manage to calm himself. Dracula could still make use of the power of dominance. He summoned one of his collected souls. Blue fire lit the candles. Even dough all 13 chandliers became lit, they did not manage to light this inner sanctum.
Lord Dracula was alone. He had dismissed the royal knights. He had sent away his maidens and even the members of the forsaken order. This sanctum was the heart of his domain. All which had transpired had done so acording to his desire. The Belmont clan, who thought they did defeat him, where in reality going his errand. The gaze inside the empty black hood altered perspective. The count's attention did focuse on the alter. The traitors had all been accounted for. Malus, Oikawa and all the others. There where only one left to consider. Upon the alter lay a coffin. Aldough it did no longer house his corpse, it was the burning point of Chaos. Dracula could feel it. The focuse of hate. He reached out with his hand. Then Dracula let it fall. The relics where secure. Aldough Dimitri Blinov had been a source to problems, he had at least added to Chaos. Death where everywhere and nowhere. What was to be, had to be handed carefully. The sound of steps behind Dracula wraith did not disturb him. "My lord Dracula." The voice of his servant Carmilla made him rise. She and the white wizard did approach him. "You did call for us, my lord." Shaft said. "Indeed." If he could the Dark Lord would have smiled. "It has begun." He told them. "Yes, my lord." They lowered their heads in acknowledgement. From within the coils of his hood the count looked upon the servants and the treasure which would give him victory. "I salute thee, the embodiment of suffering." Flouting above the alter, the angel of Death appeared. "It is done, my lord." His closest ally decleared. "She has left his lair." It was good. No, it was more then good. It was magnificent. "And what about the order?" Dracula asked his right-hand man. The keeper of his kindred spirit spread his wings. "They have began their preperations." Lord Dracula lowered his head in contemplation. He had to be defeated. Only then it would be restored. Again The count looked upon the pillars. The Master would use him. "Let it be then." Lord Dracula said.

The undead scientist Victor Frankenstein made some final notes on his computer. The dark liquid within the tank made it almost impossible to see what where inside. The instrument tied to the side of the cylinder told him what he wished to know. The vampire smiled. This type of science where still on an early stages. But no matter. Frankenstein turned to look on the wraiths behind him. "Go." He said. "Tell the Dark Lord that I, through the use of cloning technology, have been able to rise Dietrich Orlock back to his original state." The shrouded figures which supervised the final stages of his prodject left his presence. Victor continued to inspect his creation. Count Dracula had given him his alchemy lab. I really was all he needed again the undead doctor began typing on his computer. I was time to continue with the next step. That he had been able to recreate the genetic structure of a given individual was an important achievement. Now Victor had to advance this technology further, he had no doubt he would overcome his difficulties. After all, he had cart blance through out time. It was one of the reasons why Victor Frankenstein had decided to pleadge fealty to the Dark Lord to begin with. The swiss undead finished his memo. His fellow scientists, the tro that he had personally handpicked for this task, were waiting for him.

A.N: This is the prologue of my second part in my series. I hope you liked it. It forshadows what is to come. Have a nice time.

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