Part 2: Legacy of Sorrow.

""Your faight has saved you.""
Luke: 18. 42.

Chapter 4b: Unseen entry.
Clock tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Saria's eyes grew wide with horror. She was awake. It was no better then her nightmares. Naked, except for a tiny waistcloth, she hung upon the wall. Cramps around her knees and elbows kept her from falling. The cold metal chains around her wrists and anckles, gave her the goosey. The cold winds which blew off the rooftop didn't make things better. Saria felt like being crucified, again. She tried not to think about it. This time Edward wouldn't come to the rescue.. She had to help herself. Edward's God, and Torah's God, couldn't give her comfort. He came only to those who believed in Him. Saria tried to learn the children the basic arts when they came. The Dark Lord's followers. They'd tried to fight back. Then he was there, Giles De Reis. Saria shuddered by the mere memory. Although her thoughts where somewhat confused, she remembered how she struggled to release the inner power. Why was it that she couldn't control it? Arien only bloomed when she didn't ask for it. "Thou do not accept it." A towering figure came into her line of sight. Saria screamed. "It's you!" The Dark Lord smiled, exposing his fangs. Then he afforded a cordial bow. "Indeed." Saria felt her hope crumble into ashes. Although she'd suspected he was back, it was a shock to really face
him. They said count Dracula perished in 1999. But still, here he was. Alive again. She tried
to hide her tears. "Go on." She said. Saria hated herself for the weakness in her voice. "Take me." She said. "Take my blood and be finished." She knew he would rape her anyway. Saria had been proud of her ability to please Edward. This wasn't like that. She knew she would experience climax. It was the curse of her species. The prince of Darkness stepped away. "I do not think so." He said. He knew. The look in his eyes made her sure of it. "Thou carry great power." Saria knew she was blushing. She never wished to be the chosen one. She still wasn't sure if she was that person anyway. But those followers of the dark side was sure of her identity. "I will make thou accept." Then he afforded another bow. "I arrest afraid I have to leave thou to thyself." Saria watched him become mist. Dracula's presence nearly overwhelmed her. He really was such a handsome man. The fact made her shudder. Still, it was almost worse to be alone. Dracula wanted the same as Dimitri Blinov. She would never give it away. Saria knew that she had no choise. Either she refused. Then Dracula would take her blood. Or she accepted. Thus giving them an opportunity to harvest her power. A sudden weariness hit her. She closed her eyes. If only she could've done anything different. Then it might never have come to this. Saria shook her head. This was despair. Never was she to give in. She would do something. Something neither of them expected.

He watched her. She truly was beautiful. A perfect seduction. Her buty had no relevance to him. He got other interests. The young master told him what to do. What a fool. He now knew the truth. The angel of Death had warned him. They had to be mindful. The chosen one was on the werge of blooming. That was what could destroy them all. He would have to face the hunters. They already showed him their abileties. No matter. His demise would be worth the price. The Dark Lord would return. While the others where busy to show the boy their support, he calmly awaited his destiny. He knew about them. Of course, if they failed, he would have to take action. Never the less, all was transpiring as they predicted. The Dark Lord could never truly be defeated. They could not accept it. That was their true path to victory. The prince of Darkness knew it was true. The female was asleep. That was all he could do. She would not accept it. At least not yet. That was the riddle incarnate. The young master wished it. He would have to prevent it. There was no possibility to control her if that really happened. So be it. The angel would eventually have to pice it together.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Rose fluttered above Torah's body. She seemed to be alright. But then, why wouldn't she awake? They seemed to have fallen forever. Torah's screams still seemed to echo in her mind. She didn't have the power to heal anyone. She'd done her best. Rose only hoped it was enough. Torah looked so tiny. Rose knew the sorceress was considered a child among the humans. She swore she would do anything to help her. Was this love? Rose heard them say fairies couldn't love. But then, the mothers had connections with other species. "Got you." A transparent figure suddenly went through the rubble. Rose had no chanse to react. Before she knew, the figure had her captured. The vampire laughed. Then he became mist. Rose screamed. But Torah didn't woke. The fairy got carried away by her captor. This really was a disaster. Sobbing, Rose curled together within the crystal cage. The vampire didn't seem to notice. Instead, he began to play his violin. Rose sobbed even more. She was carried away. They passed through the wall. Rose could do nothing to save herself.

The heat was terrible. Torah slowly opened her eyes. She toutched her cross. Although grateful for being alive, she felt a little confused. Torah was sure that, when the floor collapsed, her life was over. Still, somehow she'd managed to save herself. The faint red glow was barely bright enough for her to see. This place, it had to be underground. The walls where made of solid stone. This was no structure. Then Torah got up on her feet. Although her outfit was torn, she didn't seem to have any vital damage. Torah was dusted, and she got a lot of minor cuts. But beside of that, she seemed to be alright. No, she wasn't. Rose was gone. "Rose!" She called. Her fairy didn't answer. Torah had a look around. Where had she gone? Rose wouldn't just leave her like that. Something must've happened with her. Torah's hands became fists. Then her eyes grew wide. The blue ring, the hariloom she'd recovered after the battle with Gwendolyn, was gone. Perhaps the one who abducted the fairy took it? She might also have lost it in the fall. This really wasn't her day. Whatever the case, Torah promised she would retrive it. She better have a look around. Torah drew sweth from her brow. The area was hot. She swore to find Rose. The fairy had been a prisoner already. Torah remembered what Edward Morris once told her. She presented the ring-smash. The cave was silent. Exept for a strange boiling sound. It was like a giant stew was being prepared somewhere. Torah drew more sweath from her forhead. She began walking upward. The tunnel was steap to climb. The glow grew dimmer the further she went. The tunnel became narrower. The track soon came to a halt. Torah felt frustrated. The way forward was blocked. Huge boulders kept her inprissoned. "Orbs of sorcery! Pearls of heat!" She cast her spells. "Fountain of fire! Rainbow flame!" She repeatedly hammered the rocks. They must've collapsed through the battle with Giles. "Opal sun!" She sent the boulders her most powerful spell. They didn't move. "Winter's heart! Heart of ice!" She tried to use the frost sorcery. The impact made tiny pieces of rock to fly about. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah blocked the onslaught. This was getting her nowhere. She only had one solution left. Torah guessed she could go downstairs. She muttered about it. Her strange bloodline gave no protection against the heat. Torah simply got to find the blue ring. Torah lowered her head. Then she turned. She carefully investigated the floor. Also the spot in which she landed. Torah had no luck. The ring was simply gone. The sound of flapping wings told her of their approach. The bats had returned. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah was quick to end their misery. There where still more of them. "Pearls of heat! Winter's heart!" The heat spheres and solid frost ended the ordeal. There where other openings into the mountain. Torah thought of inspecting them when something else caught her attention. A band of lizards came storming from the tunnel down to the left. They circled around her. "Stay back." She warned. "I'm armed." They didn't seem to be concearned. They brandished their clubs, swords and spears. Torah inhaled deeply. All since the beginning she got other folks to help her. Victor Grant was dead. Edward wasn't here. The Schneider cousins where far away. Torah told them she could take care of herself. She'd proven herself against the New Order before. Torah went into action. "Zapphire curtain!" The spell blocked the few arrows shot at her. "Pearls of heat!" She shot the archers. Torah went for the nearest lizard. Her rings cut through its shelled armour. The leather couldn't protect it. Torah cut it down. The green blood almost made her feel sick. She got to continue. The remaining archers aimed for her. "Heart of ice!" The impact made them loose the momentum. Torah continued working. Another lizard stabbed at her. The lance pierced her skin. Torah shrieked. Another lizard tried to knock her down. They almost got her this time. Torah kicked it where it felt best. "Orbs of sorcery!" She finished it off with quick blasts of plasma. Grandmother Yoko would've been proad of her. Torah at least hoped so. She had been a strict teacher. The one with the spear moved in on her. Torah managed to block this time. Somehow the ring smash could stand against other weapons. She cut it down. The lizards fired. They whistled past her. They where no good shooters. "Fountain of fire!" The multiple fireballs got the final archer. She ducked just in time. The sword went just above her. Torah was tiny for a 13 year old to be. She got up into a kneeling position. "Winter's heart! Opal shot!" She slowly continued the spell until all her predators where gone. Then Torah almost collapsed herself. She lay breathing on the floor. Torah finally rised. Thank God. There was no other enemies approaching. She went to inspect the opening through which the enemies appeared. It looked like some sort of apartment. The lizards seemingly didn't care much about their surroundings. Her grandmother would've lost it if she ever saw this. Yoko always kept the home in good order. The floor was stained with garbage. The beds where nothing but piles of straw. The stench almost made her faint. Torah swallowed. She often heard boys lived in their own junk. But this was worse. The fire was lit on something she didn't want to think about. Torah knew she got to investigate the area. Perhaps they found her ring. "Who is there?" A weak thierd voice asked. Torah felt horrified as a meager bleak girl looked out from another room. She didn't notice the curtain was more then a bad joke on tapestries. The girl couldn't possibly be more then 15 years old. She was skinny as a toothpike. Her long dirty hair almost concealed her face. "I'm Torah." Torah said in a defensive manour. You never could be to careful. That was something she'd learned. Although this girl looked like she could be the lizard's slave, she also could be an enemy. Torah toutched her cross. She hoped to be ready. "What do you want?" The girl sounded like she really didn't care. Torah watched for concealed weapons. Not that the other could've hidden much. She was clad only in a tiny waistcloth. Torah felt her cheeks turn red. She really wasn't used to things like this. "I only want to have a look around." She said, trying to sound casual. The girl nodded. She got out from the curtain. She put away the dirty blonde hair from her face. This wasn't someone she recognised from the village. "I guess you're one of his followers." She said in a broken voice. Torah didn't answer. She had a quick look around. There was no sign of the ring. "They brought me from Winter's woodland." The girl said. "I was sold on the Burkly markedplace." Torah felt a slight shudder. This girl was a slave. "I got to work for them." Torah was about to leave. "They had me." The girl's voice stopped her. "They made love with me. Always they would make out with me." Torah more felt then heard the unsheating of a weapon. "Zapphire curtain!" The lizard who hid behind the poorly furnished table, jumped at her. The dagger was blocked by her shield. The girl looked horrified. She licked her lips. Torah noticed the fangs. She wasn't their slave. She was their mistress. Torah really felt sick about it. She never would do things like that. The lizard drew backward. Torah lowered the shield. "Winter's heart!" The blast shot the thing to pieces. Torah didn't care. The undead girl jumped across the room. "Get away!" She screamed, presenting her cross. The vampire curled together. Torah knew what she had to. She watched Heinrich purify the tomb upstairs. The vampire jumped. She hid along the ceiling. "Opal sun!" Torah lit the chamber. The female vampire dropped to the floor. She fell upon the table. Such a fall would've killed an ordinary person. The girl got back up. She made sounds like a furious cat. Torah stepped backward. She felt disgusted by the being's very presence. "Orbs of sorcery!" The enemy dodged the spell. She landed in front of her. She slashed for her. Torah threw herself backward. She threw the cross. The vampire screamed. She was hit right between her breasts. Torah almost threw up upon the sight of the fried flesh. She got the ring-smash at the ready. The head fell on the floor. The other ring dug deep into her chest. A look of salvation went across her face. Then she became ashes. Torah breathed heavily. She almost sat down upon one bed before noticing. Torah got back up. She decided to search the room behind the curtain before returning to the corridor. She might still find her ring. She retrived the cross. Then Torah went to work. She tore down the curtain, just in case. There might still be other monsters around.

Tower of sorcery, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Actrise toutched her forhead. "You are to rise lord Dracula." The words gave ressonance through her mind. "His last command." She whispered. "Is anything the matter, my lady?" Actrise beheld the iron butterfly. "No." She said. "Not really." It was Noail Hoa who decreed their order. That was in 1932. Nie Chi looked concearned. The Burmese vampire was clad in Japanese armour. These so-called iron maids where the lesser counterpart of the royal knights. Their creed was to guard Dracula's brides and to defend the harem. Isabella Von Krohnquist was no concubine. Never the less, Carmilla had the count's favour. She disliked the Austrian climber. Actrise was older and far more powerful. She had been the Dark Lord's companion. The Asian vampires where useful however. Nie Chi, Wu Lin and Chan Poe had all perished sometime during the 1900s. It was not important. Actrise thought about the words which seemed to haunt her nightmares. "You shall rise lord Dracula." She acknowledged this. She once spoke with Shaft. The other members of the ruling circle also heard those words. Although she thought she saw him, during the ritual to restore castle Dracula. She was unsure. He was nothing but a memory of the presence he once was. Could it really be count Dracula? "My lady." Actrise set the speculations aside. Worthless they where anyway. Li Zya and Jun Tao bowed before her. They where trained fighters. Loyal to the death toward their Dark Lord. Actrise wondered if some of them might be secret SS-agents. "Have you found her?" She eagerly asked. Jun Tao lowered her head. "We have done." Li Zya exclaimed. "Perfect." Her anger made anything else seem like nothing. Actrise hated the Fernandez family. She did so all since Sypha Belnades where instrumental in their failure in 1496.. "Exelent." She repeated. Actrise then bid them to form a circle. The Burmese, Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean vampires acted accordingly. The spell would take them to her. Actrise was eager. She once got a glimpse of the enemy. There was something about her. Never the less. They would meet again. This time she would not fail.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
This was the badest excuse for a kitchen she'd ever seen. Torah was appaled. The place was dirty and covered with bacteria. She wouldn't be surprised if there was some giant slugs around. The heat made it impossible. Torah absently toutched her cross. She didn't really like this place. Some bats circled her position. Torah cut them down. She found some jewellery hidden in one pot. The blue ring wasn't there. She threw it aside. Torah wasn't really interested. She shrugged. There was nothing more she could do in here. She left the cabin. Torah felt hot. She had taken off the west and pulled up the sleeves of her shirt. The backpack felt heavier. She went to investigate another opening. A lizard nearly got her. It hid behind the door, stabbing with a dagger. Torah held up her cross. The symbol blocked the offensive. The lizard shielded its eyes. "Orbs of sorcery!" She opened a burning hole in its body. She then dropped herself to the floor. The second monster shot at her. The arrow barely missed her. Torah jumped back up. "Pearls of heat!" She got it before the archer could present another projectile. Bats came at her. Torah cut them all down. Two new lizards appeared. One with club, the second armed with a lance. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah shouted. The barrier appeared just in time. The lance was thrown aside. Torah spun around. "Winter's heart!" The blue shot sent the creature flying. The other lizard wasn't through just yet. It got company. A swordman and two armed with clubs, came through the opening. "Opal sun!" Torah knew it would drain her. She had no choise. The opal explosion made quick work of her enemies. The teenage sorceress collapsed into a heap. She got back up into a kneeling position. She pushed her hands against the floor. The solid rock felt assuringly real. Torah was grateful about it. The bats still circled her location. One after another, they went toward her. Torah showed them her cross. The symbol made them keep their distance. It also kept another lizard at bay. Torah felt strangely weary. She didn't wish to fight. Torah knew she got to. She didn't want to be sold on some remote market. She picked herself back together. Torah was the descendant of Sypha Belnades and to Carrie Fernandez. She wouldn't give in. The lizard got a sword in hand. Torah presented her ring-smash. The monster was far bigger and more stronger then her. But it was slower too. The lizard man swung at her. Torah got down on one knee. The blade went straight above her. She almost giggled by the thought of getting a bad haircut. She dived in beneath its weapon. She berried the rings deep into its flesh. The monster gurgled. She'd hit it right into the lungs. Torah's grandmother had encouraged her to show interest in profane knowledge. Nature class really had been interesting. The lizard man collapsed. The glassed look in its eyes told her it was over. They left behind some crystals. Torah felt strangely refreshed when absorbing them. It was like her magic power was restored. She smiled. Torah still got some food left in her backpack. "Yoko has thought thy well." The voice made her froze. For a moment she actually was sure Dracula was here. Torah hadn't seen him herself. But she remembered what the boys told her. She was surrounded by vampires. They where clad in Japanese armour. She knew who they where. Their burning eyes and exposed fangs made Torah certain. But it was the figure before her who kept her attention occupied. The tall graceful figure belonged to a woman. She was fear, as fear as could be, with long wavy golden hair. Eyes like pale zapphire returned her gaze. The hair went up in formations which looked like the Devil's horns. Torah slightly shuddered. She knew who she was. "Actrise." Torah all but whispered the name. "My family name is Krohnquist." The witch decleared. "Van Helsing said he released you." Torah said. She tried to gather herself. Tried to prepare for the battle which would come. Torah knew she had no choise. She was sure to be defeated. Torah looked upon the shining globe which sat upon the top of the witch's wand. "It is nay always what they appear." Actrise toutched the bird atop her cane. "Thou should know the reason." Torah nodded. She heard Yoko speak of spirits trapped within the castle walls. But this wasn't the demon castle. But she'd been there when it appeared. Edward told Torah what he saw. It meant nothing now. Torah got down on one knee. The best position from which to begin the battle. Dracula's concubine looked down upon her. "Thou do not think to defeat me." Torah didn't answer. She calmly presented her rings. The cross hung around her neck. She'd unbuttoned the shirt enough for the vampires to see. God would make it so that she didn't become a vampire. "Thou need not to worry." Actrise actually smiled. Her fangs where exposed. Torah felt afraid by the look. "Thy schooling is incomplete." The vampire stated. Torah didn't answer. How did the monster knew? "Thou hast only begun to discover thou power." A strange tone had entered her voice. What was it? "Join me, Torah of the Belnades family." Actrise presented a hand. The black cloth almost concealed her body. Torah was happy about it. She knew of their attraction. "Kneel before the Dark Lord. I will complete thy treining." Finally she got it. That eerie emotion, it was hunger. But not for her. Torah got a feeling the undead desired her abilities. Then it hit home. Actrise wished to teatch her. Like she'd wanted with Carrie. "Let me go." She said. "I'll never join you." Torah braced herself for what was coming. Nothing happened. The witch smiled. "Think again, little sorceress." She made a gesture for their surroundings. "Thy dryad connection make you weak." How could she knew about that? Had Saria been forced to tell them? Or had Alfred and Penny betrayed them. Torah didn't want to believe it. "I may take thou away from this trap." Actrise continued. "Thou do nay hast to decide. It ist simply a boon among those who study." Again she presented her hand. The red fur which decorated her robes looked like blood in the faint glow. Torah looked away. "Get away!" She suddenly screamed. "Go back to Hell where you belong!" Actrise smiled. How dearly Torah shivered by the look. She toutched her cross. "So it is then." The smile disappeared. "I warn thou." She said. "Shall we meet again, I advise thy consider my option." Her eyes lit with fire. "Do not underestimate me." The crystal lit with unholy light. "Then thou may nay oppose me." She made a gesture. One of the vampires lowered her head. Torah suddenly shielded her eyes. Yoko warned her about group teleportation. When she looked back, they where gone. No, Torah corrected herself. One of the vampires where still there. "They call me Chan Poe." She said. "I am an iron butterfly. Or, as it is also said, an iron maid." She bowed. Torah returned the favour. Yoko told her to not violate others tradition if she really didn't have to. The butterfly smiled. She really was cute. "I was one of the many who perished during the Vietnam war." Torah didn't answer. That had been one of the most brutal conflicts during the last century. Yoko had been sure some of the Americans who went abroad, had been vampires. Chan Poe suddenly presented her sword. It was of the Chinese type. Torah didn't care. She was ready. The Vietnamese was quicker then she expected. Torah blocked the offensive. Metal struck against metal. The enemy withdrew. She was all grace and agilety. Torah almost felt jelous. She met the vampire in closer hand-to-hand battle. Shan Poe countered ever move. Torah knew her ring-smash could do more damage. That was the problem. She didn't get close enough to be of any effect. Torah knew the cross made the vampire keep some distance. Torah pulled off a back-flip. She simply wasn't good enough. Shan Poe exposed her fangs. Torah felt a slight shudder. The Vietnamese knew she couldn't dine on her. Torah didn't feel better. Her enemy could still kil her. Torah threw herself forward. The iron maid was good. Although she was put on the defense, she refused to give in. Suddenly the monster threw the helmet. Torah was caught off guard. The knock wasn't hard. But it took her by surprise. She lost the grip on her rings. "The mistress will teatch you how to fight." Shan Poe smiled, her face framed by locks of black hair. Torah didn't answer. "I might summon her, you know." Torah toutched the cross. She never would give in. She fell into a slight trance. The vampire had an ugly yellow aura. Torah learned about this stuff while being held captive by her undead cousin. Gwendolyn was dead now. Torah returned to the earthly plane. The Vietnamese loomed above her. She didn't noticed she was down on her knees. Torah decided it was time to end this ordeal. Who knew? She might even release the imprisoned soul. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot the enemy in the face. Chan Poe said something in Vietnamese she didn't understand. Until now, she'd spoken English, though with a strong Asian accent. The result was immediate. The plasma was blocked by a solid wall of ugly black nothingness. Torah gasped. "Black hand." She whispered. "You're mad!" She then said alaoud. "You don't know how dangerous that spell is?" Grandmother Yoko told her about forbidden spells. Black hand wasn't among them. But Yoko told her it was dangerous. "It very easily get out of control." It was like she heard the old woman's voice. "They say the lords of shadow used that kind of power to release storms." Torah wasn't quite sure what that meant. Yoko would never answer her questions. Chan Poe laughed. "Give in to the power of the dark side." She teased. "Then you will learn more then this." Torah suddenly felt angry. "You aren't Jesus!" She shouted. "You don't dare to speak about that!" It hit her that the vampire was afraid. She was afraid of the name of God. Somehow that gave her back the will to continue. Torah jumped back up. "Hand of Fate!" She never was able to control spirit. Yoko tried to teatch her. But then she got murdered. Torah shot her right in the face. The Vietnamese was thrown hard upon the floor. Torah stamped her on the forhead. The cross felt cold among her fingers. She didn't care. Chan Poe's skin melted like hot wax. Her eyes where on fire. "Curse you." The enemy hissed. "I hate you forever." Then she collapsed. Torah knew she wasn't finished. With her face stained by tears, she retrived the ring smash. Torah looked away while she released her. Something made her look. The vampire burned with ugly yellow flames. The hateful stare never left those dead eyes. Torah felt suddenly pitty for her. Chan Poe would never be released. She had become a follower of Shaft. Torah hung the cross back on. She still got to find the blue ring. Torah went for the other opening. She hoped there was no more vampires around. Wishful thinking. She dismissed the matter. Torah knew she got to be careful. She toutched the cross before she entered.

Castle center, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
The wind toutched her features. Actrise stood atop the walkway. Sunlight eluminated the area. That where of no concearn. This was cursed land. Here, she would be able to retain her power even during daylight. Actrise toutched the bird atop her cane. The staff was a powerful relic of ancient time. Chan Poe got to be dead. She could feel it through the connection she had to each servant. That was like it should be. The battle had been to test her abileties. Actrise was pleased. Nie Chi, Li Zya and their companions still where with her. They where not important. The girl was all which mattered. Shaft and Dietrich Orlock swore they had executed the last member of that accursed bloodline. So be it then. She would settle the matter herself. Actrise got the power. She would have to test her one other time. The iron maid had been to easy. Actrise remembered. There was one person who accepted the crimson baphtize. She was dead. But that was no hindrance. All the undead would live forever. But it would take some time. "Form a circle." She instructed the pets. They did as she told them. Exelent. All would transpire as she predicted.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The place was a complete mess. Torah wished to shield her eyes. This place was even worse then the first place, if that was possible. The lizards lived like they saw fit. They really where disgustive. Torah tried not to think of it. She got to find her ring. She began to search among the rubbish. There where some few candles in here. She found some food, beside the crystals. The ruined furniture kept no secrets. There where nothing in here. Torah figured she better go back into the corridor. Things hadn't changed. Torah still where in prison. She toutched the cross. There was nothing she could do. Torah got to continue the investigation. It really was hot down here. Some bats seemed to have noticed her mobility. Torah cut them down. They could inflict a cursed state. She didn't have those purification crystals. She went further downward. There still was some opening she didn't have explored. The tunnel went past that point. But she wasn't ready to go there yet. That strange boiling sound grew slithly louder. That was what made her afraid. Torah didn't knew what produced such sounds. What if there where a dragon down there? Torah tried not to think of it. Yoko told that not many where crazy enough to join the Dark Lord. She hoped her grandmother where right about that. A band of lizards appeared from the nearest opening. Torah dropped herself to the floor. The arrows shot just above her head. "Pearls of heat!" Torah cast her spell. Some archers fell dead to the ground. Torah didn't mind. She still got plenty of trouble to worry about. The sword and the club encircled her position. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell caught them off guard. There still where four of them standing. One of them shot her in the shoulder. Torah screamed. Rose might helped her. But the fairy was gone. She pulled it out. Blood stained her shirt. She would have to worry about it later. She dashed forward. She get beneath the monsters. Torah sprang back up. She cut the archer down with another swift slash of the ring-smash. That was no poetry. Torah spun around. She felt weak by the loss of blood. She bit her teeth together. She got to pull through. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah blocked their offensive. "Fountain of fire!" That settled the matter. The beasts where dead before reaching the floor. Torah breathed heavily. She brought off her backpack. She thought there might be a medicine down there. She brought with some potion from the village. Or was it Heinrich who gave them to her? Torah couldn't quite remember. Whatever the case, she at least had those items. Torah drank some medicine. The shoulder really was healed. Torah put the bottle back in. She got to be careful. When Rose wasn't around, the potion would have to do. She where no healer anyway. Only Rinaldo Gandolfi had such power. Her ancestor had been dead for more then a thousand years. She put it aside. Torah put back the backpack. She entered the opening through which the enemies escaped. This place was just another ruined apartment. Torah felt appalled by their rudeness. They really where such careless creatures. Torah thought about Carrie Fernandez. She also faught against vampires beneath a villa. But she'd been sent down to some underground waterway. This area was dry as the desert. Hot like one too. Torah didn't thought it was funny. She began to search for her missing item. She got to find it. Already the heat was taking the best of her. Why should her father need to merry a dryad anyway? She never would get the answer to that question. Torah muttered. There was nothing in here. But there was another chamber. She almost expected to meet another vampire. Nothing happened. The eerie chewing was almost masked by that strange boiling sound. Torah looked up. She knew that sound. The undead fell from the ceiling. This was like the tomb upstairs. This time it was an adult male anyway. She ducked beneath the sudden slash. She cut him with the smash. She missed the heart. He almost kicked her in the head. She just barely ducked the offensive. The demon snarled. Torah toutched the cross. The symbol made the vampire withdraw. He jumped. "Orbs of sorcery!" The sudden spell made him collapse. He quickly got back up. Torah sidestepped his claws. They would otherwise tore her to shreds. She stamped with her symbol. He only bore a plain shirt and trousers. The cross burned his flesh. Torah was able to behead him. The demon burned. The ugly yellow flames made her realize he was among the condemned. She hoped the Lord might make mercy upon his soul. Torah had to put it aside. It wasn't easy. She got to find that ring. Torah began a further search of the area. There was a hidden opening beside the fireplace. Torah began to run through the chest she found inside. The lizards clearly where found of treasure. She found pieces of gold, jewelries and other kind of preshious artefacts. She even found some loose gemstones. Neither of them belonged to her item. Torah felt disappointed. Why did she expect to find it anyway? She picked up some purches which lay at the bottom of the box. Inside one she found a collection of old coins. There was Romanian, Austrian and Turkish money. She even discovered some Roman, Hungarian or Greekish gold. Inside another, made of fine silk, she detected gems, pearls and even some diamonds. This chest must belonged to a chieftain among these monsters. Within a third purse she finally found what she was looking for. "At last!" She exclaimed. Torah thanked the Lord she finally got it. The blue ring wasn't just some finery for a lizard queen. The ring housed powerful magic. Torah put it back on her left hand's fourth finger. It fit in nicely. Her trouble wasn't over. Torah knew. Although she got her item, she couldn't escape. There was onely one thing she could do. Torah got back on her feet. She got to find magic which was powerful enough for her to clear away the rubble. Torah toutched her cross. She knew she could've made it. If only she could control her dryad powers. Thus she just could've froze them away. Torah smiled by the thought. Such was ancient lore. Her grandmother was unsure such things still where possible. Nobody really cared about their history anymore. Torah left their cabin behind. She would have to do what she'd been afraid of earlier. She got to find the way downward.

Griffon overlooked his workforce. "Let it go!" He shouted. The skeletons would do as he told them. They would let the lava pull through. The taskforce then would close the pipeline. "I think we might get the share today." Sobany decleared. Griffon agreed. The workers always found some ore when cleaning the rocks. The skeletons marched down into the sinkhole. They immediately began to inspect the load they'd received earlier. There worked at least 1000 undead down here per day. Griffon and Sobany knew it wasn't enough. The New Order demanded more iron then they could preduce. Griffon was just a lizard among many. He wasn't like the shamans. They could keep their science. "Listen up!" Ghisp came running down the hallway. "Guess what I just heard!" He shouted. The taskforce leaders gathered around the controller. "There is an intruder upstairs." Ghisp exclaimed. "How do you know?" Knohl, a brutal bully who would usually make his bone-men perish, eagerly asked. "I saw her myself." Ghisp explained. Griffon dismissed it all together. He got work to do. He and most of the others returned to their duties. Knohl was one of the few who stayed behind. Griffon expected he would get himself into trouble. Griffon didn't have time anyway.

Torah cut them all down. The bats always seemed to chase her. She'd gone down the hallway. There didn't seem to be more monsters up here. Torah wasn't in the mood for celebrating. She'd come across another problem. The way was going downward. Although the ring protected her, this wasn't her type of surroundings. The red glow grew brighter by each step. The glow seemed to come from the cave before her. Torah was careful when advancing. She expected trouble to be around the corner. Torah wasn't disappointed. The dim red light came through a large square opening which continued deep into the mountain. Torah thought it looked like a giant chimney, where from the glow originated from distant fires. Torah reached for the cross. She whished that grandmother Yoko could've been with her now. There went a bridge across the "chimney". Torah fell into a slight trance. She summoned those wild ones which gave aid while she where imprisoned by the black witch. They came to her. Torah felt their joy. The wild spirits really loved her. This was the power of a plane walker. Torah hadn't been trained with such arts. Her grandmother said she was to young. The planes where to dangerous for her to investigate. Torah didn't went far. She remained on the level just beyond the ordinary. She asked them to guide her. Torah told them she needed power to alter the elements. She wasn't quite sure if they figured her wishes. The druids where right. They really where like pets, or little children. Never mind. They guided her downward. She went through the earth, deep into the mine. She saw a lake of lava. They brought her somewhere else. What was it? She saw something square, a bare? Or… Torah felt like the object reached out to her. Strange, the censation felt so familiar. Then something else happened. Something big, someone black, loomed over the area. Torah was frightened. She fled back to her body. Torah opened her eyes. She was back. What was that thing? The being felt like the witch. She wondered if whoever gave the enemy power, might've given it to this creature was well. That was wasteless speculation anyway. She got to get down there. Torah didn't like it. But she got no choise. She where in prison. Torah really wanted to get away. She preduced the ring smash. Then she entered the bridge. There got to be some way down.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Something was happening over at the castle. Isabella Von Krohnquist was not discouraged. Actrise would always find a way. Whenever the universe closed a gate, it opened a viewpoint. Such where the old saying. She believed them to be true. Never the less, she did not came her for philosophical studies. She came to gather a certain soul. Such was the way of the shadow. After a downfall, and a breather, the shadow would take other shape and grow anew. A pity the hunters never could embrace her viewpoint. The Austrian countess told her it was true. Nathan Graves never would accept her philosophy either. She dismissed this altogether. This was not 1830. There was one who might be able to turn the girl. This was an abandoned part of town. The school lay in ruins. The ashes lay where she perished. Actrise was pleased. This would be just perfect. Actrise brought with her a warlock. Only they, or a necromancer, might read the Necromonicon. Such was the law of the Master. "PReceed." She instructed. The black man returned her stare. He would do as she wanted. Of course. The iron maids preduced the sacrifice. Splended. This would work to her advantage.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Torah hadn't gone far when she noticed. A giant fence blocked the way downward. The metal bars where perhaps wide enough for her to get through. But somehow, they wouldn't. The fence where large enough for her to walk upon. No way. She remained on the bridge. The air was filled with smoke. Torah hadn't noticed until she actually got here. The ceiling continued upward. Somehow there got to be an opening up there. That was the only reason why no smoke where inside the tunnel. The heat and glow made this place appear like Hell. Torah tried to shake the feeling. There where two other openings, except from the one through which she came. Torah held her crush at the ready. Although things where quiet, the sorceress got a bad feeling about this. Torah inhaled. The air smelled bad. She went through the opening. The bridge was still right behind her. She might escape. Nobody was here. Torah figured this was something like an office. The area was one large room. Descs stood in rows. Torah hoped she might find the sketches of this area. Everything was closed. There lay piles of official papers on each desc. She didn't figured. Anyway, there would take some hours to go through all this mess. Torah dismissed even the idea. There was a holo-projector at the center. Torah went to inspect. But the instrument only showed images she didn't understand. Torah knew she where no architect. She wished her grandmother told more about the castle's geography. Torah knew it was wasteless however. This wasn't castle Dracula. The demon castle was anyway a creature of chaos. The haunt might take any form to hide its Dark Lord from strangers. Torah put the matter aside. She instead decided to search for the switch. There was none to be found. She even sent the wild to inspect. This was a dead end. Torah got a slight shiver. The image was just to fitting. There was only one thing she might do. Torah went back inside the crater. There was one very narrow passage which led to the final opening. Torah hoped this was no mistake. She stepped upon the walkway. Torah got to press her back against the wall. This place really was quite narrow. The bats seemed to notice her status. They came toward her. "Orbs of sorcery! Pearls of Heat!" Torah shot them all down. She nearly fell off of the mountain. The fence might secure her position. But Torah didn't trust that thing for a second. There was something so ugly about it. She couldn't describe her feelings. The air stenched with sulphur. Torah just felt bad about the matter. "Pearls of heat!" She dismantled the final pack of mammals. She where across. Torah toutched her symbol. She was truly grateful. God wouldn't abandon her. She smiled. Torah began walking. This tunnel looked very much the same like the one she came through. The glow dimmed behind her. There was very few candles around. Most light came from the torches. Torah tried to knock them down. Nothing happened, beside the light vanished, of course. Torah was glad Rose wasn't here. Her cheeks grew red with shame. Torah tried to shake it. She wasn't alone. Not only God noticed her approach. Through the nearest opening came another pack of lizard men. Torah immediately ducked beneath the archers. Arrows shot past her location. "Winter's heart!" The frozen spell brought down the nearest ranger. Torah was back up. A sword and club was approaching. "Zapphire curtain!" She blocked just in time. They tried to take her. Torah lowered the shield. She got other things in mind. "Orbs of sorcery!" The sudden orbs of plasma caught the men off guard. They where bogh blown skyhigh. That was no victory. "Opal shot!" The spell cut the archer. The lizard almost got her. A lance was near to impale her body. Torah threw herself sideways. The spearman was back. Torah ducked beneath his guard. She was back up. Without mercy she cut the monster down. He gurgled. Then fell to the floor. Torah paied no attention. There still where three of them out there. Torah blocked the final archer. She then cut down the enemy. The clubs and the second lance circled her position. Torah tried to turn with them. They where clever. Very clever. Grandmother Yoko sometimes said Torah thought like a boy. Never mind. "Fountain of fire!" No reason to prolong this battle. They might actually kill her anyway. "Magic don't mean you are immortal." Like one of Yoko's friends used to say. The lizards where dead before reaching the floor. Torah was breathing heavily. The use of magic didn't come without a price. Abuse might actually killed a careless practitioner. Torah put it aside. She went to pick up the crystals the enemies left behind. The stench of fried lizard nearly made her throw up. She tried not to mind about the matter. Torah still got to find that switch. She went inside the room from which they came. "Do nobody mind." She muttered. This place was just as shabby like the other areas she'd inspected. The floor was filled with garbage. The furniture was far from the polished artwork within the office. Torah tried not to think of it. The heat made the trash stench. How could they live like this? Torah dismissed the matter. Here there where nothing. She found another pile of hidden treasure. Nothing was of real interest. Torah was sure to check there was no hidden room within this compartment. She found nothing. Torah returned to the tunnel. There where some other rooms just some distance away. Torah went to investigate. Arrows shot past her location. "Zapphire curtain!" She screamed. The shield blocked off the next round. The lizard men came forward. Torah lowered the shield. She dashed forward. The group was all around her. She knew the archers where the most dangerous enemies. She got past the guard of one monster. She cut it down. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah blocked the swordman. "Pearls of heat!" She then blasted him into oblivion. The lance almost impaled her. Torah ducked beneath the offensive. She then kicked him where it felt best. She was quick to behead him. She was hit in the shoulder. The wild ones came back. Torah felt their presence. They gave her of their strenght. She felt healed. Strange. Torah buried her ring-smash deep into the lizard's stomach. "Orbs of sorcery!" She made quick work of the final enemies. Gasping, she leaned against the wall. Torah knew this would happen. She'd promised to avenge her grandmother. Shaft and Orlock where far away. She pushed away from the wall. Torah got to continue. She went inside the tunnel. The passage ended at another room. She told herself to get use to the garbage. Torah knew she would never do that. Anyway, she began searching. She saw something out from the corner of the eye. She spun around. There was another lizard. He nearly got her. Torah rolled backward just as the monster tried to pick itself together. He'd barely failed to kill her. Torah shuddered. This really wasn't her day. That Heinrich used to say. She agreed. "Opal shot!" She finished off before the enemy could gather. Torah tried to relax. There where no more enemeies around. She began to go through the chamber. Of course there was no switch. She knocked down the candles. Torah was grateful as she retrived some more medicine. No matter. There still was so much to do. She went for the other opening just as the vampire approached. Torah was able to figure it was a woman, before she got thrown to the floor. The undead searched for the neck. Torah felt disgusted. She stamped her with the cross. The demon shrieked. The golden symbol made the enemy burn. She got up. Torah watched her jump toward the ceiling. She got back up. Torah got to defeat her. The suddenly the vampire came falling down. Torah was barely able to dodge. "Winter's heart!" She cried. The spell sent the enemy sprawling. Torah ran forward. The undead was back on her feet. She slashed Torah straight across the face. Torah desperately threw herself backward. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" She felt the cold zone gather around. Torah danced as other fairies joined with her. The battle was over. Torah gasped as the fays left her presence. Usually she wouldn't felt it this way. But Rose wasn't here. Torah felt such alone. She reminded herself stricktly that she was a sorceress. She got other things to do then to feel pitty on herself. Torah inspected the final room. There was no switch in there. There was nothing she could do. Torah went back to the main corridor. The tunnel continued. There was no other opening. At least for some while. Torah figured it out just in time. The lizards knew of her approach. They came running forward. From the narrow opening, the rangers fired. Torah drew backward. "Zapphire curtain!" This was bad. The archers where concealed within their chamber. "Rainbow flame!" The show of force at least made the survivers retreat. Torah didn't have time for this kind of squabble. "Fountain of fire!" The onslaught at least burned their arrows. Club and sword immediately was back on duty. "Pearls of heat! Winter's heart!" Torah finished the nearest enemies. Then she dashed forward. She got beneath their guard. Torah cut them all down. Bats became interested. They where all around, dining on the blood of the living. Torah felt disgusted. She picked up the crystals. The corridor was confused with combat. She where to quick to follow. "Winter's heart!" She cleaned away the mammals. They where not going to inflict a cursed state. The lizard bowmen again fired their weapons. But things where to caotic for them to notice. Torah decided she would have to deal with them. She dashed forward. She was there before they could react. Torah felt like being tore apart. She didn't have time for any refreshment. She instead focused on clearing away the rangers. They fell like puppets in a gallery. Torah turn around. The other enemies finally figured her position. She pressed her back against the wall. Things really was getting out of hand. "Opal shot!" The last spell at least killed ceveral monsters. The survivers fled down the corridor. Torah was to tired to presue. She had the last archers to worry about as well. Without mercy she dived against their group. The final rangers at last dropped their weapons. She watched them flee. Torah had no more strenght left in her body. She knew that, if they returned, the battle would be over. Thank God it didn't happen. Torah toutched her cross. Then she simply fell on the floor.

Jade spoke the password. The hidden door immediately moved aside. The lizard was grateful nobody watched their retreat. The Master would likely have something to say about servants which couldn't handle a simple girl. Jade dismissed the matter anyway. He was not here. But He could be summoned. The mere thought of what the lizard shamans might do sent a shiver through his body. Jade told the others to get inside. The others would have to know about this affair. If she could do this with them. Then what could she do with the mine? Better never to know the answer. Finally they where all inside. Jade hoped the girl didn't learned about this passage. He had a quick inspection of who survived. There where fewer then he'd hoped would be there. No time to mourn the loss of friends and family. The girl would soon be here anyway. Jade hissed. He was angry he couldn't do more then to sound the alarm. He decided to be there when she was captured. She got to be arrested. He didn't want to think of the alternative. Jade quickly led his group deeper into the mountain.

Torah decided she better get moving. The corridor was all silent. But she guessed someone would come to inspect. Sooner or later anyway. She better be far away when that happened. Although she was still somewhat shaky, Torah got back on her feet. She brushed off herself as best she could. The floor was dirty. Her grandmother would've killed her if she came home, looking like this. Yoko Belnades could be strick at times. Torah knew that all to well. No matter. She loved her. Yoko had been her only family. Although Torah knew she got cousins, Peter and Zoe where children of her father's brother, she never knew those people. Torah angrily dried her cheeks. There was nothing she could do about it anyway. She better go find out what the lizards protected. The chamber behind their stance wasn't that very large. Torah guessed it was some sort of machine room. There was a switch near the center of this area. Torah gave it a closer look. It could be what she needed. Anyway, she heard of false switches. She didn't remember all of it. But she was sure. Torah thought about it. This was the only switch she'd found this far. Torah presented her ring-smash. She better get it over with. Determined, she stepped on the button. Nothing happened. She toutched her cross. Torah withdrew. She'd pushed the button. Torah put away her weaponry. She better go back to investigate if anything happened. Torah turned. She was on guard while moving back down the tunnel. Soon the smoke filled the air anew. This really didn't feel good. No matter, Torah nearly cheered. Her secret dream was to become cheerleader back at her school. Most likely that wouldn't happen. Not now anyway. The gate was removed. That was what where important. A little to the left, she noticed a metal ladder. Carefully Torah moved to inspect it closer. It looked alright. The metal was built into the wall. Torah just decided she would give it a try, when something else happened. The Medusa head shot from the abyss. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah just barely shot the creature. Legend said they where spawned from Medusa. Yoko used to tell her bedtime stories of Leon Belmont, of Sonia and of the great Simon Belmont. Those tales all insisted Medusa's head was what they encountered. Torah might never learn the truth. Not that she cared. Another head came from the underground. "Pearls of heat!" Torah shot it into oblivion. Another head was approaching. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah decided she better go climbing. The heads would anyway keep on coming. That was clear alright. The dark lord kept these monsters in an endless supply. Torah never actually believed that. Not until now that was. The heads kept on coming. Although they where no real danger, not to her. They where absolutely anoing. "Pearls of heat!" This was playing with fire. Already when she where only four years old, she'd stumbled upon her magic. Torah almost giggled when remembering all the fun she had back then. "Girls just want to have fun." She shot down another Medusa head. Torah reached the end of the ladder. It only went for some ten meters. She stood upon another narrow passage. Glow and smoke radiated from the abyss. Torah felt chills down her spine. Most people would like to escape from the pit. She, on the other hand, was going down. That wasn't funny anyway. Another metal bridge extended something like a meter from the cliff. Torah turned. She got a bad feeling about this. She toutched the cross. Torah knew she got to enter another tunnel. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot another head away. The Medusa heads where not finished with her just yet. "Opal shot!" She really was good with flame magic. Torah withdrew, almost step by step, into the tunnel. Strange. They seemed to lack interest. At least there where no more of them coming. Torah shrugged. "He walkw the mysterious ways." She muttered. There was something else which made her feel comfused. The boiling sound only grew larger. Then she got it. The way forward was blocked by a pool of molton lava. The liquid went from wall to wall. The boiling came from the melted stone. Torah felt like crying. She gathered herself. She got the blue ring. She might still make it. There where a few pillars which might support her. Torah wondered why they didn't melt as well. Strange things happened in the presence of Chaos. Grandmother Yoko used to say that. Torah licked her lips nervously. She really didn't like this. There was no way around. Torah jumped. She landed upon the pillar. Just then, another Medusa head flew at her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the freak to pieces. She really hated those beasts. She prepared another jump. Bats seemed attracted by her mobility. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah made a trio of glowing balls to circle her location. That at least secured the second jump. She even was able to knock down another candle. Torah gratefully received the crystals which where inside. There still was another jump before she was across. Torah prepared for the jump. "Pearls of heat!" Of course there got to be another Medusa head. At least she where back on solid ground. Then again, things never where secure. Not around here at least. A group of lizard men where ready to meet her. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah just barely got the shield up in time. The archers nailed her position with multiple arrows. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah let go of the protection. She instead began dancing. She would take such lesions simply to impress her grandmother. Now it came in handy. The wild spirits encircled her position. The nearest beast-men shattered like frozen sculptures. The spell was rather cruel. But Torah didn't have time to think further about that. Someone might fancy the life of a teenage sorceress to be rather exciting. Torah didn't feel like that. Her life was a drag anyway. "Opal shot!" The blazing ball of solid orange flame sent the lizard sprawling. The corpse lay burning on the floor. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah figured the tripled balls of plasma might shield her position. That circling motion they did before moving outward made the job. The spell at least protected against the second row of their arrows. "Pearls of heat!" Torah released one final spell before dashing inward. Her ring-smash where at the ready. "Frozen flash!" The spell sent a sudden blue glow up from the palm of her hand. It wasn't that very powerful. But that didn't matter. The blue energy at least made them keep some distance. The battle waged on. Torah ducked beneath the club. She buried the rings deep into his stomach. The lizard screamed. He was dead before reaching the floor. "Frozen flash!" Torah was able to block off their offensive. Things really wasn't easy. "Fountain of fire!" The onslaught caught ceveral monsters. Torah quickly retrived what gems they left behind. "Zapphire curtain!" She blocked them just in time. "Opal shot!" She sent the enemy flying. Torah dropped herself face-first on the floor. The lance past just behind her. "Pearls of heat!" She got the spearman before he could pull together after the failed attempt. "Orbs of sorcery!" Either she put more power into it this time, or the group was fewer then when she first faught them. Either way, Torah emerged victorious. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The spell settled the matter once and for all. The tiny fairies made the air crisp with cold. For a moment there actually was a breath of winter down this mine. "Thank you." Torah whispered. She reached for the cross. Torah gathered what crystals which lay around. Things might be going better. Or perhaps not. There still was a pool of lava in front. Torah muttered about that. No way, she better get to work. She made the first jump. Then she noticed the bats where back.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
The sacrifice came from the village of Oldhill. Giles De Reis had given her a share of prisoners. Actrise watched the black man continue with the ceremony. The angel of Death was not there. Actrise was a witch. She herself sacrificed 100 children in the name of lord Dracula in 1844. "Preceed." The warlock said. "Let the ring of blue fire rise in the name of the Master." He continued the ritual. Actrise reached into her cloack. The sacrificial knife was long and stained with ancient blood. The blade was made of stone. Such was the law. Actrise knew what to do. The iron maids kept the woman from escaping. Her eyes where filled with fire. "Master!" That was a unified call from all their voices. Actrise plunged the knife deep into her chest. The heart exploded in a fountain of scarlet. Blood stained the area. The ancient marking which where a part of their ritual where lit with blue flame. The circle rised. "The blood give the circle life." The warlock decleared. "Let the ring come alive." They where engulfed within the power of the great Shadow. Isabella Von Krohnquist felt the glory of darkness blossom within her undead heart. The ritual was complete.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
Torah gathered herself. There was nothing she could do about it anyway. Nothing beside blasting them away, of course. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent spread-shot made the flying mammals to simply explode. She didn't have time to celebrate. There soon would be more of them coming anyway. Torah made the second jump. For the time being all she heard was the boiling of lava. There at least where no more bats. There came other Medusa heads in stead. "Opal shot!" Torah made that throwing gesture which was necessary for the spell to work. Not that it really mattered. Anyone could throw a fireball. If the person got magical abilities that was. Yoko said that any magic force got to have a point on which the person might focuse. Torah thought that was why there where so many ways to gather the right ammaunt of force. When, in reality, magic itself was just another element created for the balance of nature. The Lord might be worshipped simply for the complexity in which He made the universe come true. Torah toutched the cross. "Jesus." She whispered. For the time being all was silent. Torah made the final jump. This time there where no lizards around. Though the bats where back. "Orbs of sorcery!" If only she could've seen properly. The smoke made that almost impossible. The way was blocked by yet another pool of molton rock. Torah rolled her eyes. What else was there to be expected? This was after all simply a mine. Torah made the first jump. "Zappire curtain!" The Medusa head almost gave her an headbut. The frozen enemy fell into the lava. Torah breathed. She let the shield down. That was close. A little to close. Torah tried to pull herself back together. There where other heads around. "Pearls of heat!" That at least cleared the area. She landed upon the second platform. Torah was grateful they didn't melt. Though she wondered what kept them from burning. No time to think further about the problem anyway. A swarm of bats came forward. "Fountain of fire!" The onslaught of enflamed globules sent the monsters flying. Torah wasted no time in making the final jump. Thank God there where no bone pillars down here. But the lizard rangers might remedy that. They sent her an onslaught of arrows. "Zappire curtain!" Torah blocked their offensive. She then dived forward. ""Frozen flash!" She wasn't going to let them kill her. She cut the legs from under one monster. She twirled around. The club went straight past her. Torah let him have the brunt of the ring-smash. "Frozen flash!" She actually froze the weapon of one opponent. Torah ducked beneath their assault. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell clipped the archers. Torah jumped into the air. Before they could stop her, she'd beheaded two monsters. She came back down. Torah curled into a ball. She rolled across the area. Torah jumped back up. She really was getting good at this. "Pearls of heat!" That really shot them up. At least four other lizards got wounded. "Opal shot!" Torah dived in right beyond the spell. She was quick and agile. Torah wondered if part of her grace was due to her mixed bloodline. Never the less. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah made a perfect turn. The tiny figures appeared. They joined in the dance. The winter ruled supreme. Torah came to a halt. The battle was over. She thanked the Lord. Then Torah bent to pick up the crystals. They might come in handy sometime soon. There still was another pool which blocked her way. The bats continued the chase. "Fountain of fire!" She got to clean up this mess. The multiple onslaught at least made her able to fix the first jump. Not that anything was better. Torah was surrounded by lava. "Orbs of sorcery!" Carrie Fernandez made this spell legendary when facing Dracula way back in 1852. She shot the head away. That was what where important. Torah made the second jump before another Medusa head could appear. Then there only was one jump left. "Zappire curtain!" The bats seemed to come from nowhere. Suddenly they just where all around her. The spell made them all become icicles. That was something she'd just now discovered. The shield might freeze upon impact. Torah let it go. She instead made the final jump. No lizard was around. Torah was sure to knock down a few candles. She ate the food she found inside. Torah felt really replenished. She better be. There was yet another pool in front. Torah knew she got no choise. She made the first jump. All went right. "Winter's heart!" She even shot away the mammals before they got to close. Torah noticed they first attacked in rather tight clusters. Only when approaching they would spread into that swarm formation. Was this the power of Dracula? Torah knew he might control the lesser forms of life. There where some legends from India, and the Near-East, that vampires even could control apes or other animals. Torah knew that some Chinese or even Japanese vampires would use their harem animals as an army. That was of course other times. Torah decided it best to focuse on the here and now. She made another jump. "Opal shot!" Torah blasted the Medusa away. She better find that switch sometime soon. Finally Torah was back on solid ground. "Pearls of heat! Winter's heart!" She got to clean away those bats before she could continue. They left behind some gemstones. Torah was quick to gather those items. Then she almost cursed. Was there no end to these pools? There was nothing she could do about it anyway. She made the first jump. "Orbs of sorcery!" Of course the Medusa had to follow. Torah shot them all down. She made the second jump. They where back. They got some rather attractive features. Torah wasn't interested. She was neither adult nor lesbian. Anyway, the heads wasn't her style. Torah almost giggled by the thought. She dismissed it anyway. It wasn't funny. "Pearls of heat!" The Medusa head got shot to pieces. Torah was grateful she didn't where hit by any of the pieces. Who knew what they might do to her? Torah shivered. She better not think about it. Torah made the final jump. The sence of solid rock felt good beneath her feet. Something caught her attention. A lone archer nearly got her. He was no ordinary lizard. The wall exploded upon impact. The strange green glow around the arrow got to be magic. "Zappire curtain!" Torah got her shield up in time to block another arrow. The projectile threw her backward upon impact. Torah was truelly grateful for not having been thrown into the lava. The shaman already preduced another arrow. Torah decided she better do something to stop him this time. "Opal shot!" The cloacked archer made some strange gesture. He dropped the bow. But while he held the cloack in front, the fireball seemed to be absorbed by the fabric. Torah gapped. This really was no ordinary monster. He was a shaman. Torah licked her lips. How was she to fight a real magician? Torah knew she after all was still in training. If only she could've used dryad magic to defend herself. Very few indeed could block against such ancient powers. Myths told that the great herders of the forest, long ago awaken that species. The wandering trees where mere legends. How could any mere human know about them? Some Englishman wrote about so much which where secret. Torah didn't remember his name. That wasn't important anyway. "Orbs of sorcery!" Her repeated onslaught at least made him to busy for firing his bow. Torah slowly moved in closer. The lizard shaman licked his lips with a strange lipsing sound. Torah blushed. Though she didn't know why. Suddenly that vampire upstairs came to mind. Torah felt disgusted. She would never become a plaything for the evil powers. "Opal sun!" Torah cast one of her most devastating spells. Although the enemy was able to block even this shot, he was however thrown far backward. Torah toutched her cross. She would like to have a closer inspection of that garb. But she might never get the chanse. This time the shaman went on the offensive. He made some weird gestures. Torah didn't understand the language. It sounded all Egyptian to her. Never mind. The result was however clear as crystal. A strange green rain began to fall. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah got the shield up in time. The drops where like tiny flares. She got to struggle to even hold the thing up. The rain seem to try melt it away. "Dance of the nutcrackers!" Torah answered in the only way she could. The froze zone protected against most forms of fire magic. "Door of Holy Spirits!" Torah exclaimed. This was her final trick. The door opened. Only the gift of spirit made Yoko to learn her about these matters. Planewalking wasn't for starters. Torah knew that. She never would do that anyway. This was nothing really. But even simple folks might caught the mighty off guard. The portal at least released some elemental spirits upon this plane. The shaman would've known how to react. But before he could banish their numbers, the greater had carried him away. Torah felt like all strength was drained from her body. This was no easy performance. Legends said that Charlotte Aulin could do things like this when using mystic scrolls. Torah bent down on the floor. She didn't where disturbed by heat. The lizard's corpse suddenly began burning. Torah only felt a little disappointed. Now she might never inspect his cloathing. He left behind one giant crystal. Torah got up. When obtained, she felt strength return. Torah shook her head. What where they? Yoko never knew. Torah put it aside. She went forward. Then she almost wished to scream, again. The way forward was blocked by yet another pool of lava. The bats must've scensed her emotions. They where back anyway. "Winter's heart!" Torah shot them away. Very well. She made the first jump. She landed upon the platform just as the Medusa head appeared from the smoke. She where to close. Torah only got a moment to get the crush out. Torah slashed the thing to pieces. She almost couldn't believe it. That was to close. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot down more bats. Torah made another jump. This really wasn't easy. "Pearls of heat!" She destroyed another Medusa. Torah gathered herself for the final jump. "Opal shot!" She shot the head away. "Watch your head." Torah muttered. It wasn't funny anyway. She where back on solid ground. The tunnel came to a halt. There was just another plain wall some distance away. Torah went to have a closer look. Had she missed something? "Thank the Lord." Torah whispered. There was a switch. The button was located atop a solid block near the center of the area. She almost giggled. Then she got the hand of things. This wasn't the sword in the stone or anything. She went forward. Suddenly flames burned around the switch. Torah threw herself backward. A strange eerie laugher filled the room. The flare-dancers got a bad haircut. They carried much cheep jewleries. Except for that, they simply bousted plain waistcloth. Torah really didn't like this. This wasn't Ravenberg. Alucard wouldn't come to the rescue. Torah inhaled. The lizard women already had began dancing. Flames lit all over the floor. Torah was able to protect herself. They laughed at her. Torah felt her cheeks turn red. Just because she was a child, Torah knew their arrogance. "Winter's heart!" She tried to nail them. They where to quick. Anyway, such plain magic wouldn't work on them. Edward and Alicia wouldn't save her this time. Torah was alone. There was only one thing left to do. Torah moved out on the dance-floor. She was quite good on the freestyle or on Jazz balley. Torah hoped this would work. There wasn't easy to gain the inner calm she needed for magic while in full motion. "Frozen flash!" She could do it. She got to. Torah froze the flames which they sent toward her. She even danced around some flares. The main problem wasn't solved however. Her magic wouldn't work on them. Torah decided to try something else. She chased the duo across the area. Torah quickly dodged the flames. She jumped. The ring-smash caught one dancer at the neck. The body continued dancing for some time. Torah felt all spooked by the headless corpse. Finally it collapsed. Torah was truly grateful neither of these folsk where skull-dancers. If they had been, she would've been forced to burn them out. Torah was unsure she could manifest such power. "Zapphire curtain!" She was proad to rise the field in the middle of dancing. She got to. Torah blocked the flare. The dancer wasn't impressed. She blew her a kiss. Torah knew she got to remain calm. Sweath ran down her body. Torah would have to worry about it later. She dodged another flame. She tried to move in. The flare-dancer was to quick this time. Torah nervously licked her lips. The enemy got the power of her magic. Torah couldn't focuse her power on her own body. She never learned about that stuff anyway. Torah had no experience with battle-mages. They where the only one she knew who did that. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" It was a shot in the dark. She knew that. But somehow it actually worked. The froze zone was expanded. Torah danced with true joy. She should've known. The flare-dancer was turned into an icy sculpture. Torah turned around. She didn't want to watch the shatter. The cracking sound she couldn't block out. Torah toutched the cross. She hoped God would forgive her actions. Torah went to retrive the crystals. Then she climbed the block. The flames where all gone. Torah stepped upon the button. The result was extraordinary. The lava subsided. The level of liquid was lowered. Then the pipes closed. Metal plates closed above the pool. Torah watched witt awe. She almost didn't believe this was happening. Torah gathered herself. She first would have to go check that the bridge was extended. Only then she could celebrate.

The lizards looked here or there. The green mist became solid. They never returned her gaze. She knew. But that was not interesting. The Dark Lord did rise her anew. She was proad of his support. She would be his most devoted companion. Though Walter Bernhardt summoned her loyalty. He was no worthy lord of shadow. Strange how she forgot about the hero who murdered her. That was however history. The lizard shamans crawled in the dust. They proclaimed to be the children of the ancient Seth. She knew they where wrong. Isis was their mother and goddess. But neither of them would say so. They had after all been enemies. Though bogh spirits where banished long ago. She dismissed the matter. She listened to what they had to tell her. She was not by far pleased by their information. She had been condemned once already. She would never return to that glass tank within the castle's lab. She told them her feelings. She explained her statement when capturing a few unfortunate victims. The other fled in horror. She at least could do as much. She would wait before making the next step.

Torah almost began dancing again. The bridge really was extended. She laughed. Torah calmed herself. She might still find what she need to get out of here. The walkway went for some twenty meters. Torah knew the crater grew wider when getting further downward. The Medusa heads where back. "Opal shot!" Torah almost didn't think about that. She got other problems. The bone dragon breathed fireballs at her. "Zappire curtain!" The bridge was no ideal battleground. "Orbs of sorcery!" The blast went home. Not that the monster really got exposed. "Pearls of heat!" She even had to worry about the Medusa heads. The second dragon shot series of fireballs. "Opal shot!" She at least made it shut up. No need to celebrate. She had to beware of the Medusa. They might inflict a stoned state. Or so said the legend. Torah didn't want to think about that. "Winter's heart!" The frozen spell gave the original dragon what it deserved. Tora knew it wasn't fair. The greatest dread of the dragon was to be used in necromancy rituals. "Drop it." Torah muttered. She would release them from Dracula's curse. The Devil got no right to be called with that name. The dragon was perhaps spawned by the Dark Lord. But ceveral clans did repent. But that wasn't common knowledge. Never mind anyway. The bone dragon released another massive flame. "Zapphire curtain!" All she could do was to shield herself as best she could. "Opal shot! Winter's heart!" The spells shot the heads to pieces. "Fountain of fire!" The dragons got loaded. Torah knew she wouldn't claim easy victory. "Winter's heart!" The Medusa heads kept on coming. "Zapphrie shard!" The spell was in effect just another vertion of the opal fireball. But frost was best spent on these monsters. "Zapphire curtain!" They sent other fireballs. Torah somewhat withdrew. They where pushing her backward. "Winter's heart!" The dance wouldn't work out here. The warmth was simply to dominant. She spun around. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spinning performance made all three orbs nail the second bone. "Fountain of fire!" She wouldn't give up. Not without a fight anyway. The multiple onslaught killed bogh the Medusa heads as well as giving the bone dragon a slight shocker. Torah snarled. This was wearing her down. She already felt tired. There was nothing she could do about it anyway. "Opal shot! Zapphire shot!" The dual spell blocked another offence. "Rainbow fireball!" The arching flame repeatedly hammered the dragon. The second dragon spat more fire. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah got it up just in time. Even behind the curtain she felt the heat of their onslaught. "Winter's heart!" She gave it the full brunt of the magic. Another Medusa came from the abyss. "Zapphire shot!" That killed the head. "Golden globe!" The shining ball just barely went home. Torah thanked the time she spent with the computer. The game made her into an exelent ranger. She almost never missed the target. The original bone dragon sent her another roand of fireballs. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah did her best to keep up with the shooting. "Winter's heart!" The frozen spell made the dragon shatter .It actually rained with large crystals. "Jackpot!" Torah shouted. Then she became serious. There still was one dragon out there. Beside, the Medusa heads kept on coming. "Opal shot! Golden globe!" The spirit orb wasn't really that useful. But the dragon was a completely magical enemy. Spirit thus became a rather powerful weapon. The bone dragon waved back and forth. The beast was no easy target. Another Medusa came in. Even that beast went in a wavy pattern. Torah cut it down with ther ring-smash. She actually was getting good on that. The dragon shot. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah got the shield up. "Winter's heart!" For once she actually missed. Torah had no time for sorrow. She cut away another head. The bone dragon spat a rapid stream of fireballs. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah did her best to keep up the shooting. She was able to blast every fireball. Things wasn't easy. She got to find a way around. "Golden globe!" She cast the spell almost as a last resort. She never expected it would go home. But the bone dragon actually got shot to pieces. Torah ran to pick up all the crystals. This was her first important victory. She made it all by herself. "Opal shot!" She still got to worry about the heads. No matter anyway. God knew they where annoying. But they wasn't that big threat. Or perhaps not. Suddenly a trio came at her from all directions. Or so she thought. "Zapphire curtain!" Those idiots just went straight into it. They shattered upon impact. Though they did leave behind some stoned impression. Torah was happy she didn't became as well. She went to inspect what where at the other side. There was another tunnel. Torah searched for the ladder which would lead her further downward. There was nothing there. Torah almost wept with frustration. That ment she got to go inside. She toutched the cross. God would guide her. She just had to remember. Torah stepped inside. The cave went forward for quite some distance. Torah wasn't surprised when she came upon another pool of lava. "Here we go again." She muttered. The bats seemed to agree. Anyway, the mammals had returned. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah made her best to dismantle their approach. She made the first jump. This pool was wider then those she experienced earlier. Torah dismissed the matter. She had no choise but to continue. "Opal shot!" She crushed another Medusa before jumping. Where there no end to their numbers? Clearly the answer was no. Torah got to blast down another head before advancing. She landed upon the third platform. The smoke made it difficult seeing. "Pearls of heat!" Torah destroyed another cluster of bats. Things really wasn't easy. At least she where back on solid ground. Torah knocked down the candles. She gratefully ate the food she found inside. There where no lizards around either. Torah was quite happy about that. She went forward. There was another pool in front. Of course there had to be one there. Torah made the first jump. "Opal shot! Pearls of heat!" The bats never gave up. They where pretty stubborn. Torah made another jump. She almost missed the platform. Torah cut another head. Now even the Medusas where back. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the head to atoms. That better work. Torah was on the third platform. "Winter's heart!" She actually got the cluster this time. She made the final jump. Torah was back on solid ground. No time for party. A pack of rangers already opened fire. "Zapphire curtain!" The spell was cast just as they flew through the air. She was truly grateful there was no bone pillar or dragon to complicate matters. The picture was crazed enough as it was. The lizard men where all around her. "Opal shot! Zapphire shard!" The spells cut them down. Time to do some more cutting. Torah went in among her enemies. She got the smash in hand. The monsters where to slow to keep up with her. The thought of the dancers killed her joy. Then she was the one slow and clumpsy. No more time to think further about that anyway. Torah ducked beneath the spearman. She cut him down before he could make another move. The knife of a lizard cut her shoulder. Torah screamed. The man gave a sound which was like a laugher. She killed him without mercy. "Pearls of heat!" The multiple transperant bubbles clipped the archers. Those where the greatest problem. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma cleaned the space around her location. She was running out of breth. Torah knew she got to continue. She ducked beneath the guard of one swordman. She cut him down. She spun around. Taking down the club while moving along. She'd heard that only people in legends, survived conflicts with large groups of enemies. So be it. Perhaps she wasn't real then. Torah wouldn't like to die anyway. The Lord would save her. The lizard almost got her. "Frozen flash!" She made the weapon shatter on impact. Her smash wasn't so weak. Torah got him while he was stil busy preducing his knife. She spun around. She brought up her arm. The knife made blod to splash on the floor. She would have to worry about it later. She made a backflip. "Orbs of sorcery!" The orbs of shining plasma encircled her position. Then they hammered into the enemies. Torah made a perfect pirouete. She began to become good at this stuff. The lizards where all dead. Either cut down or burning. Torah went to pick up the crystals. They wouldn't heal her. Nothing could. She searched her backpack. The medicine was shattered after one battle. There was nothing she could do. Torah went forward. Blood still ran from the arm and shoulder. She used pieces of her shirt as bandages. That was the best she could do. Another pool blocked the approach. Torah made no comment. Instead she simply jumped across. Torah cut the Medusa head to shreds. "Winter's heart!" The blast took out the entire cluster. Torah went across. She where on the second platform. "Opal shot!" The heads kept on coming. Torah made another jump. Only one left to go. She cut away another Medusa. Then she where in the air. She nearly missed this time. Torah couldn't resist a shiver. The thought of what might happened wasn't funny. "Pearls of heat!" She gathered herself. She shot the bats. Then Torah landed on solid ground. She was truly grateful. The loss of blood had an impact. She felt somehow weary. Torah hid her eyes. She got to continue. Torah didn't want to die down here. She knocked down the candles. There was only crystals this time. Torah had hoped to find some food. That would at least replenished her. There was nothing she could do about it anyway. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot the bats to dust. Then she made the jump. The pools of lava where everywhere. She landed safely upon the platform. One arrow shot past her. Torah ducked. "Opal shot!" She nailed the monster before he could preduce another arrow. This was bad. If they figured this out by themselves, things might get worse. There where no more rangers though. "Pearls of heat!" She got to defeat another Medusa. She made another jump. The shore was near. Torah cut a few more heads before continuing. After some other jumps she was on the floor. The torches became lit. Torah immediately got into a defensive posture. The lizard dancers seemed to appear at will. Torah was simply grateful they was no flare-performers. Never mind, she could be flexable. They where quick, quick and agile. Torah dodged their offensive. The female lizards threw daggers at her. They where actually quite good with those things. Never mind. Torah could dance as well. These monsters hadn't the magic to protect themselves. "Zapphire shard!" The first lizard was dead before reaching the floor. The second dancer wasn't that easy. She somehow dodged her every move. Torah felt frustrated. She struggled to remain calm. She got to stay focused. Without focuse she couldn't even use magic. "Fountain of fire!" The multipled onslaught finally settled the matter. The enemy got burned. Torah recovered the crystals. Here there where no candles. There was only the torches. Torah put the matter aside. She instead moved forward. The way ended before yet another pit of lava. Torah almost expected it would be this way. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats where on the move. Torah made her best to diminish their numbers. When that was dealt with, she made the jump. Torah landed upon the platform. Some arrows shot past her location. "Zapphire curtain!" The next platform, and the one beyond, was occupied by other lizards. "Winter's heart!" She first got rid of the mammals. "Zapphire curtain!" She got the shield up just as other arrows went home. "Orbs of sorcery!" The distance was to great. She got the initial archer. But the second was to far away. He continued firing at her. Torah made her decision. She cut the head while moving. The Medusa heads never gave up the chase. She got over while he was busy preducing another arrow. "Zapphire curtain!" She got the shield up in time. "Rainbow flame!" He almost looked desperate. But there was nothing he could do. The arching flare burned him to ashes. Torah went across. Then she made the final jump. The wild ones told her there was multiple hidden openings. She at least thought they ment so. The problem was, Torah couldn't find them. There wasn't time to think further about the matter anyway. A group of monsters where on the move. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah had just enough time to release some orbs, then the battle was on. Torah ducked beneath their swords. She buried the smash into his belly. She rolled to avoide the club. "Frozen flash!" She froze bogh him and his weapon in return. Torah kicked one monster where it felt best. Then she got up. The smash ended his misery. One tried to stab her through the back. Torah spun around. The ring-smash settled the matter. She made a back-flip. The lance nearly got her. "Opal shot!" Torah cast the spell. The lanceman was shot to pieces. The club nearly got the best of her. Only through a wild swing she was able to save herself. She sent him the smash for the trouble. "Orbs of sorcery!" They brought no rangers with them. That made things a little easier. She jumped high to behead the freak. Another club hammered the spot in which she where some second ago. "Frozen flash!" Torah moved on. She buried the ring-smash deep into the chest of one monster. The enemy collapsed. Torah spun around. "Rainbow flame!" Sometime she just used magic on instinct. The spell went home anyway. The final monster was defeated. Torah had a breather. Things wasn't easy. Not at all. She tried to calm down. Torah hit the candles. There where only some crystals. She found the contract. Torah was unsure if she should really use that thing. She knew she got to. The arm and shoulder ached. It was a miracle she'd even survived this battle. Torah had to have some medicine. She unfolded the paper. Renon immediately appeared. "Good eavening." HE said, tipping his hat. Torah rolled her eyes. "Have I ever heard that before." She muttered. The salesman sent her a look. Then he made a bow. "How may I be of service?" He asked. Torah dismissed the matter. It wasn't really funny anyway. "I could use some medicine." She said. Renon preduced the wares from his briefcase. Torah thought about it. "Could you give me some purification crystals?" She asked. They might come in handy. Renon nodded. HE added some objects to the collection. "Then I must ask for five of the larger gemstones." He requested. "Each is worth 500 Euro." Torah didn't mind. She handed him the crystals. The bone dragon made her rich. "Thank you for that I might be of service." Renon bowed. He tipped the hat. Torah blinked. He was gone. Smiling, she put most of the wares into her backpack. One bottle she immediately decided to taste. The medicine was aweful. But the potion really healed ther damages. Torah removed the bandages. This wasn't like ordinary medicine she got back home. Then again, nothing was ordinary these days. Torah stepped upon the switch. The pools where even this time dried out. The pipes closed. Torah watched while metal plates moved over the pit. She shook her head. Torah never was that interested in science. Not that technology was told of while in school. Torah dismissed the matter. She instead moved back down the corridor. The switch even had an effect on the outside. The ladder appeared. Torah climbed down. She'd reached the second hight without that much real trouble.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
The maids danced the ancient tradition. Actrise was pleased. The ceremony was at last complete. The black man closed the book. The warlock put the Necomonicon away among his robes. Actrise turned away. She got other interests. The spirit was restored. "I am alive." The figure decleared. "I hunger, I thirst." She let her gaze fix on the blood which still soaked the earth. "My desire is for human blood." Actrise watched as she bent to drink the corpse's liquid. Was she really such a wild beast once upon a time? Not that she could not take extecy in a full blood sacrifice. Actrise did lick her lips. She had achieved control. Never mind that now. The restored vampire ended her meal. "I thank you, my lady." She said with a lowered head. She was all naked. Isabella Von Krohnquist was not like Miraclla Karhnstein. Neither that was of interest. Actrise had achieved what she came here to do. She where pleased. This spirit could grant her more power then any mere military victory could previde. Lord Dracula would be pleased with her. From a lone monument in the wasteland, they have come so far. They had achieved so much. Actrise prepared for the journey back to the castle in Barnsdall. She sent some maids to investigate matters. Then Actrise cast the spell.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
The ladder led her to another narrow passage. Torah was before another opening. "Opal shot! Zapphire shards!" Torah shot down the approaching Medusa. They still chased her. A metal walkway abruptly ended after less then two meters. Torah felt tired. All she'd done would be for nothing. Torah corrected herself. Nothing was in wain. She just had to release the bridge. Torah went into the tunnel. The smoke still made it difficult to inspect the surroundings. Torah was careful. The cave went on for quite some distance. Torah toutched her cross. Perhaps things would be different this time. Then again, they where not. Torah noticed the way was blocked by another pool of lava. There was nothing she could do about the matter. "Orbs of sorcery!" She at least got the Medusa head on. She smiled. Torah was in the air. She landed upon the first platform. A cluster of bats suddenly seemed to appear. "Winter's heart!" The aim was terrible. Some mammals escaped her offensive. "Fountain of fire!" That at least diminished their number. Torah went forward. She jumped upon the second platform. Torah cut the bats to shreds. The smash came in handy. Torah was able to defeat the Medusa head. "Orbs of sorcery!" The tripled balls of plasma circled her position before going outward. The enemies where all burned. Torah felt no victory. She made the final jump. She was back on solid ground. She knocked down the candles. Torah frowned. This was the third time she found items inside the candles. She put the garlic in her backpack. Torah also retrived the crystals. She would use them whenever casting a spell. Strange, but that was how things worked. Torah went forward. She wasn't surprised when detecting another pool of lava. She simply jumped across. Torah cut down the approaching Medusa. She really was getting good at this. Never mind. "Orbs of sorcery!" That made the bats burn. Torah made the second jump. She landed upon the floor. Something made her move. Torah shuddered. That was to close. The knife would've killed her. The lizard-dancer cursed. Torah drew further sideways. There was two of them. They danced. The monsters really where elegant. Torah wondered if they ever used a wig. The dancers where the only monsters she'd seen who grew hair. It was just rubbish. Torah dodged another dagger. She would dance to might track their mobility. They where still better then her. Torah didn't mind. This was no competition. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma shot one enemy away. The dagger fell from her hands. Torah wondered where they got all those blades. That would have to wait anyway. The second dancer refused to give in. Torah tried to cut her down. Then she cast another spell. "Behind blue eyes." Her eyes had a plain brown colour. But she knew the spell altered their appearance. Anyway, parallel bolts of solid frost shot from the very depths of her gaze. The dancer simply seemed to shatter. Torah wasn't far behind. She was down on her knees. Yoko learned her how to cast these spells. They where basic training. But her grandmother never learned her how to control their power. Torah put it aside. She picked up what crystals they left behind. The way onward was blocked by another pit of molton lava. Torah made no comment. This was what she must do. She landed upon the first platform. Nobody where around. Torah almost grew nervous. She made for the second platform. "Zapphire curtain!" The words simply erupted from her lips. The arrows would've nailed her. Torah knelt behind her barrier. The lizard men prepared for another onslaught. Torah felt a sudden anger. They had no right to do this. "Golden globe!" She repeated the spell while moving across. They ran for shelter. At least her magic made their group disturbed. Torah was on solid ground. She ended the magic. Instead she got in close. The smash really smashed their bows. Torah noticed the ranged weaponry was made of some sort of horn. Never mind. She ducked beneath a club. The ring-smash ended his misery. One swordman nearly cut her down. "Golden flash! Frozen flash!" The spells sent them backward. Torah went with them. Before they could do anything she already sealed their demise. Torah wasn't proad of it anyway. This was war. She never wished to become a warrior. She and Nancy, one of her classmates, often spoke about that. "Opal shot!" Torah nailed the archer. He would try to kill her while she still was busy with the swordmen. That was a mistake. "Fountain of fire!" Torah got most of their group. "Pot of gold!" That really settled the matter. The onslaught of golden globules sent them running. Those who didn't where dead already. Torah struggled for breth. This really was draining her energy. She got to continue. How could they just disappear like that? Torah dismissed the matter. Most likely they fled through some secret exit. Torah retrived the crystals. The battlefield was still littered with dead or dying lizards. She got to give some of them the final moment. Torah felt tears down her cheeks. "Thank you." One of them said while she bent over. His entire stomach was cut open. Torah almost threw up. This she'd done to him. Those who where burned didn't feel better. In the perfect world she would just heal them and they would all be friends. She put it aside. That was a childish dream. Finally it was over. Torah continued forward. Her face had adapted a grim expression. She'd heard of child soldiers. Torah guessed she was like them now. Her hands became fists. Someday she would make it all up. Torah toutched her cross. She hoped God might forgive her. "Not again." She was blocked by another pool of lava. She went across. "Winter's heart!" The bats came at her just as she reached the second platform. The frozen spell destroyed most of their numbers. Strange how they always seem to come in such great numbers. Torah cut the Medusa head to shreds. The blood and pieces of grey flesh flew everywhere. Torah felt sick about it. She got to do it. Otherwise the monster would've stoned her. Torah landed upon the floor. This time there was no monsters around. Torah knocked down some few candles. She let some of them remain. They where her only source of light. When she found the buttion, if she found it, the glow of the lava would subside. Torah continued forward. As expected she found another pool of lava. "Orbs of sorcery!" The Medusa got shot away. Torah went across. She landed upon the first platform. A wave of bats came her way. "Winter's heart!" She almost got the entire group. The remaining mammals went from a difficult angle. The smash however settled the matter. Torah wasted no time. She reached the second platform. Arrows whistled past her location. Another group of monsters lay in wait. Torah got down into a kneeling position. She got to be careful. "Fountain of fire!" She screamed while jumping forward. The onslaught of fireballs went with her. The spell sent them running for shelter. Torah showed no mercy. She couldn't afford to be anyway. They would kill her if she let go. The smash made deep gashes in their flesh. Their scaled armour where no match against her rings. "Golden flash!" She made the lizard burn. "Frozen flash!" The spell blocked the lance. The monster got frozen over in the process. Torah ducked beneath the swordman. Before he could block, Torah went beneath his guard. She jumped up to behead the creature. He fell without a head. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spinning plasma protected her mobility. When released, they nailed three more archers. Torah gasped for breth. She knew there was no time to be tired. The monsters kept on coming. "Opal sun!" That made quite some monsters to collapse. Torah gathered their crystals. She felt new power well up inside her. "Rainbow flame!" The spell lit up the battlefield. The show of force sent them running. Some did remain. Torah's skull almost got smashed by their clubs. "Pearls of heat!" The spell just barely saved her life. Another lance tried to kill her. Torah spun sideways. "Zapphire shard!" The spell sent him flying. Torah knew he was dead before reaching the floor. The lizard swordsman moved against her. "Frozen flash!" The enemy got frozen all over. Torah made a double swing. The smash cut through his companion. The lizard collapsed. That was the last of them. Torah was so weary. Even the crystals couldn't change her emotions. She found some food. That at least replenished her energy. Torah got up. The battle wasn't over. There still was another pool of lava. She jumped toward the first platform. "Pearls of heat!" The spell destroyed the Medusa. There still where more of them coming. Torah was able to cut them all down. "Winter's heart!" The spell froze the bats. She got the entire group this time. Torah then reached solid ground. This time there was no monsters around. She was grateful. Torah was sure to knock down some candles. She retrived the items inside. Another pool of lava blocked the way. Torah toutched her cross. She knew it was rubbish, but it felt like she'd been down here for hours. Never mind. She went forward. Torah reached the first platform. Some bats came her way. Torah disposed of them with her ring-smash. She then reached the second platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot down the oncoming Medusa head. Torah landed upon solid ground. The smoke somewhat cleared. She'd reached the end of the tunnel. Or so it seemed. Flames burned atop an elevated platform. Torah had a bad feeling about this. An eerie laugh made her certain. The flare-dancers where back on duty. The lizards jumped out from the flames. There where two of them. Torah began to dance. It was the only way she could survive. The dancers made flames lit throughout the area. Torah really didn't like this. "Behind blue eyes!" The spell sent one lizard sprawling. The flames which eluminated her body seemed to vanish. Torah nervously licked her lips. They where somehow different. They where not like the one she met upstairs. Torah dived forward. She'd found the stakes in the forest. She wasn't like Patrick. But the stake however impaled the monster. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah got the shield up just in time. Flames rised around her location. The one she'd wounded, laughed at her. Torah snarled. They wasn't going to scare her. She'd faced worse then their pesky magic. "Winter's heart!" The spell at least made her shut up. Torah got close enough to actually make her magic work. "Frozen flash!" The stunned dancer burned upon impact. The second dancer hit her in the face. Torah was thrown backward. Flames lit the battlefield. Torah struggled back up. The final flare-dancer jumped back into the flames. She then reappeared. New fire lit her body. Torah actually felt a little nervous. Then she got moving. Torah tried to tell herself she could do it. The flare-dancer laughed. She knew what impact she had on her. Torah bit her teeth together. Time to get moving. They danced for some time. Each pushing the other's limits. Torah was closed to being burned. Either she was a better dancer then she thought, or the monster was playing with her. The flare-dancer was clad in bagy red trousers of the Arabian standard. Treads of red gold and white pearls illuminated the scarf which held them together. Suddenly Torah dashed forward. "Winter's heart!" The spell diminished the flames. The nails of red gold which decorated the black west still shone bright as the sun. Torah had to shield her eyes. The lizard actually kicked her. Torah was thrown to the floor. "Zaphire shard!" Torah still managed to nail her. The monster staggered. Somehow she was back up. Torah had the ring-smash. She made a full circle. The flare-dancer was dead before reaching the floor. Torah almost went with her. She felt drained. Torah leaned upon the wall. This really had been nasty. The flames atop the pillar had vanished. Torah climbed ontop. She pulled the button. As before the pool was drained. Torah watched as metal plates moved across. She'd been smart to let be some candles. They now where her only source of light. Torah went down the corridor. As she expected the bridge had been extended. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot away the Medusa. There was no sign of bone dragons. Torah went across. "You murdered my kinmate." A voice decleared. Torah recognised the Asian accent. She got into a defensive posture. "I am Jun Tao." The iron butterfly said while presenting a cordial bow. Torah returned the favour. "I was one of the many which fell in the Korean war." Torah didn't answer. That had been another of the brutal wars between Russia and the USA. The Korean butterfly unsheated the sword which she carried on her back. Torah had the ring-smash at the ready. The bridge was no ideal battleground. But it would have to do. Jun Tao suddenly moved forward. Torah was pressed hard by undead warrior. She was as quick and agile as the Vietnamese she met earlier. Torah made her best to counter her approach. The cross made her keep some distance. But that even kept Torah from getting in close. That was the weakness of her item. The iron maid smiled. Her fangs became exposed. "You will not defeat me." She teased. "I am even better then Chan Poe." She proved it. Jun Tao blew her a kiss while she was in the midst of war. Torah felt disgusted. She wasn't attracted by these monsters. Torah only saw the Devil's face in their eyes. "Pearls of heat!" The enemy said something which she didn't figured. The Korean language wasn't among her talents. The result was immediate. Her spell was absorbed with blackness. Jun Tao knew the black hand spell. Torah dashed forward. Through mere effort she was able to press the demon backward. She became mist. Torah watch her reappear. Before she could move forward, Torah went against her. Blood stained the metal bridge. She knew she'd missed. Jun Tao was able to retreat. Torah threw herself on the floor as a wave of nothingness went her way. She got back up. The bridge shook beneath their battle. Torah refused to withdraw. She would defeat this monster or perish. Jun Tao laughed by her determination. She threw another wave of blackness. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah screamed as her shield was shattered. But the iron butterfly also shrieked. Some shards of her magic even nailed the enemy. Jun Tao stumbled backward. Torah felt all shaky. But she managed to continue. "Behind blue eyes!" The spell held the vampire in mid air. Her mouth was wide open. There came no sound what so ever. Torah felt sick. She saw the sharpened jaws. The helmet fell on the floor. The bat-like features where premoted. Jun Tao was like a wild animal. Her eyes shone like the blue flames from the lowermost Hell. Torah knew what had to be done. Without mercy, she went to work. The shreek nearly made her go crazy. But it was soon over. The Korean vampire burned with blue flames. She was truly powerful. Torah was grateful she was gone. The enemy left behind some crystals. Torah retrived them. She felt someone where approaching. Torah spun around. There stood another iron butterfly. Her face was calm as a wooden mask. The perfect features couldn't hide the demon inside. "I am Ni Chi." She said. The voice should've been sweet and attractive. Now it was cold as winter's heart. "I perished in the Burmese prison." Torah nodded. She'd learned of the Burman military regime at school. "You." She said while unsheating her Chinese sword. "Are dead." Torah shivered. There was something about this maid. She was certain the vampire ment exactly what she said. Torah held the smash at the ready. She returned the bow. Ni Chi then went forward. She was truly elegant. Torah felt the strenght and mastery at the first stroke. She did her best to remain in place. Ni Chi forced her every ability. Christian trained with her all since they left the Vatican. Without his aid, she would've perished already. Two months of training wouldn't be enough. The butterfly was more then she could handle. Torah went into a slight trance. Thus she might feel the flow of the events to come. Although the vampire learned how to mask her emotion, she could not retain it complete in battle. Beyond her bousting, Ni Chi wasn't even a full century in age. The girls fought back and forth. Neither of them where able to get the upper hand. Torah suddenly stepped backward. There was time to try something else. The undead simply was stronger then her. She could continue beyond the point where Torah became weary. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Ni Chi withdrew. But not far enough. The fairies came to dance with her. Yoko said there was a piece named after this spell. The enemy was frozen over. Torah finished the charm. She beheld the sculpture. Something was wrong. An inner glow still shine within the ice. Torah drew backward. The frost was shattered. "I walk in the glory of the great Darkness beyond." Ni Chi stated. She said something else. Torah didn't understand. She never studied Asian languages. Not that she need to. Another wave of absolute nothingness shot forward. Torah threw herself flat on the walkway. "You are not strong enough." Ni Chi said. "You are not powerful enough." Torah didn't anser. "Surrender." The enemy demanded. "Then your life would be spared." Torah got back up. The vampire viewed her carefully. Suddenly she moved. "Rainbow flame!" The arching flame hit Ni Chi right on. She couldn't escape. Torah gave her all she could master. When she got tired, the flames faded. Ni Chi was down on her knees. The armour looked scorched. But a tiny shield of blackness made her survive. Torah shook her head. This wasn't possible. She'd given her all she got. Torah toutched her cross. She had to keep her faight alive. Then the Lord would save her. Ni Chi became bats. Suddenly she where in front. Torah just barely got the smash up in time. The battle was on. Torah was forced backward. There was nothing she could do. Torah felt to tired. Still there was something which kept her moving. Ni Chi would not defeat her. Torah would pull true. If only Rose was here. Torah bit together. She could take care of herself. The narrow bridge made it impossible for any fancy mobility. They had to focuse directly forward. "Frozen flash!" Torah was prepared it would fail. Somehow it actually worked. The enemy didn't freeze. But for a moment their items where locked together. Torah used the opportunity to stamp with her cross. Ni Chi shrieked as the metal came in contact with her flesh. She let go of her weapon. Torah knew what to do. Ni Chi struggled to get free. "Rainbow flame!" This time the spell burned the demon. "You will die!" She howled before exploding into a pyre of green flame. Torah felt disgusted. The butterflies never would be free. Five of them came with Actrise. Torah faced three of them. She knew the truth. They where condemned. She should feel pitty with them. Even so, Torah felt nothing but disgust and horror. Although tired, she picked up the crystals. The fight brought her across the walkway. Torah was before another tunnel. The smoke obscured her view. But she was sure. There was no ladder leading downward. Torah inhaled. Then she went inside.

Griffon was preparing incence for the mistress. Jade went back and forth inside their chamber. The lizard didn't mind. Knohl and Ghisp where dead. Jade told him about it. Not that he cared. They where no friends. Griffon hadn't really been worried. Not when the general alarm was sounded. He withdrew the workforce, as where standard procedure. He expected they would be recalled anytime now. But that didn't happen. Something was wrong. Jade's information made him certain. The intruder was no mere vampire hunter. There had been some rumours abroad. Griffon didn't listen. Now he wished he'd done just that. That way they might have been prepared. The mistress wasn't amused about this development. Griffon figured her reasons. She was in charge of a very important operation down here. He hoped the worshipping prepared would make her stop cursing their numbers. There where to few of them already. Griffon finished the task. He was doubtful it would work. Something had to be done however. They where workers, not soldiers. Although there was plenty of arm down here, they where not fit to make use of it. Finally Jade sat down.

Torah went down the corridor. She hadn't went far when she found another pool of lava. This pond was slightly larger then those in the other tunnel. Torah was ready. She reached the first platform. She was prepared. The Medusa was cut to shreds. Before there came another, Torah was in the air. She landed upon the second platform. "Winter's heart!" The spell diminished their numbers. No matter, the bats circled her position. "Orbs of sorcery! Pearls of heat!" The first spell slaughtered the mammals. The second load made the Medusa head to explode. Torah reached the third platform. She actually managed to retrive some of their crystals. But most of the kind vanished into the lava. Torah knew they wouldn't last long in there. Hwo knew? Perhaps their chaotic nature might make them last anyway. Torah didn't mind. She wasn't prepared to dive for them. She was back on solid ground. The tunnel went for quite some distance. They seem to appear at will. Suddenly the lizards threw daggers at her. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah was able to defend herself. The lizard dancers hissed with frustration. Torah began to dance. There was no other way if she should be able to survive. They laughed at her. Torah remained calm. There was three of them in total. They danced better then she could after a century of training. It didn't matter. This was no competition. Most likly, Torah guessed, she never would have a century to practise. Nothing of that rubbish was important. The point was to stay in motion. The dancers where quite good with those daggers. Torah dodged as best she could. "Opal shot!" The spell nailed one opponent. That was the punishment for getting lapse. Torah felt no victory. One dagger actually drew blood. Torah was grateful they where no poison lizard. Grandmother Yoko told her about such creatures. Torah was able to dodge another blade. "Opal shot! Zapphire shards!" Neither of the spells went home. Torah was beginning to feel tired. She simply got to continue. Not quite sure, Torah threw stakes at them. One dancer was caught off guard. The wooden spikes impaled her body. Torah went to retrive the crystals. Strange how she never seemed to run out of those stakes. Perhaps their chaotic nature made it be that way. Never mind it anyway. There still was one dancer alive. She was furious. The monster sent her numerous daggers. Torah wondered where they got their weapons. Could they practise magic? The wild ones didn't warn her. They did when magic force was around. Then again, they didn't tell her about the shaman upstairs. The fight continued. "Orbs of sorcery! Golden globe!" The monster was to quick. Torah got difficulty with breathing. Sweath ran down her body. If only Rose was here. The fairy might have confused the dancer enough for Torah to make her move. Never mind. Torah got to take care of herself. She knew she could. The lizard dancer drew nearer. They couldn't reach when the distance was to far. Torah waited for this moment. The dancer threw her daggers. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah exclaimed. But this time she didn't pull to much power into it. The shield shattered on impact. Torah knew it would hurt. Still, she screamed. The lizard laughed with her misery. But then she groaned. Shards of solid magic shattered her mid-sections. Torah didn't feel proad. But it had to be done. Torah gathered their crystals. Then she went forward. After some distance there came another pool of lava. Torah made no comment this time. Instead she simply began to move across. She cut down the heads which came her way. Torah reached the second platform. Strange, there where no more heads arriving. Then she got it, of course. Arrows whistled past her location. "Zapphire curtain!" The spell blocked the second round of ammunition. Torah never felt positive when around lizards. "Fountain of fire!" The spell made them scatter. "Pot of gold!" The second spell earned her enough time to get across. The lizard men stormed forward. Torah was almost taken aback. Then she straightened her miter. This she must do. "Opal shot! Zapphire shards!" She came just behind the spell. She pushed behind the monsters. Torah knew she got to kill the archers. If not, they would get her in time anyway. One club nearly crushed her shoulder. Torah ducked. "Frozen flash!" She exclaimed. The monster shattered upon impact. Torah didn't feel proad about it. They couldn't really defend against her. They where no magicians. A duo of swordsmen came her way. At first Torah felt framed. They would kill her. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The dance froze bogh of them. "Orbs of sorcery!" She let the spinning balls of plasma handle the lance and the other clubs. Another lance almost impaled her. Torah shivered. "Golden globe!" The spell made the monster explode. Torah dashed forward. She cut the last swordman to shreds. Then she jumped into the air. Torah was able to behead the final monsters. They fell to the floor. Torah was breathing heavily. She just hated having to do things like this. She didn't want to murder anyone. They said all was fear in love and war. But this wasn't funny. Torah continued forward. There was another pond of lava. She went across. Torah just barely reached the platform. The smoke obscured the view. "Winter's heart!" The mammals where back. Torah shot them all down. Then she cut away the head. There where more of them coming. "Rainbow flame!" The spell cost ceveral jewels. Torah didn't mind. She cleared away the enemies. Torah collected their crystals. Then she reached the second platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell burned the mammals. There still where some bats which circled her position. Torah showed them the cross. That made them keep some distance. Torah jumped over to the final platform. The smoke made it difficult to discover what lay ahead. Everything seemed quiet. Never the less, Torah was concearned. She reached solid ground. This part of the mine looked like a natural cave. Rocky spikes grew from the floor or hung from the ceiling. Torah once heard they where called something special. Though she couldn't quite remember their names. No matter. Torah went forward. She knocked down some candles. "Glory be our Father in Heaven!" Torah exclaimed when claiming another medicine. This was truly a miracle. She put it in the backpack. The smoke thickened. Another pool of lava blocked the way. Torah reached the initial platform without much difficulty. She noticed it was made of metal. When speaking about the matter, she had an idea the other platforms also where made of some metal. Never mind. "Pearls of heat!" The transperant orbs defeated the Medusa. Torah reached the next platform. "Winter's heart!" The bats where back. Some of them actually survived the offensive. "Orbs of sorcery!" The circling plasma ended their ordeal. Torah reached the third platform. She shrieked. One arrow nailed her shoulder. Torah went down on her knees. The pain felt like it would absorb her. Torah bit her teeth together. "Zapphire curtain!" She got the shield up in time to counter the other arrows .She let it go. With a grimace, she pulled out their projectile. She threw it in the lava. Then Torah went across. "Opal sun!" With a fierce determination she went into battle. Torah cut down the nearest rangers before they could preduce other arrows. Blood ran from her shoulder. The loss might kill her eventually. Torah had to mind about it later. "Frozen flash!" The spell froze bogh the man and his weapon. The lizard simply shattered. Torah was getting stronger. She didn't care. She went beneath the club. The smash smashed his stomach. Torah felt sick. Bogh the loss of blood and her action had an impact on her. "Fountain of fire!" Torah began to feel desperate. The spilled blood would kill her. She had to defeat them to get some quiet. "Opal sun!" She cried. The show of force made them retreat. She couldn't stop. If she did, they would return. The rangers sent her another round of arrows. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah felt so weak. She tore down the bag. She eagerly drank some medicine. She felt like flames went down her throat. But Torah felt better. The blood stilled. The wound was closing. With renewed determination she went toward the enemies. They where on full retreat. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah blasted some more lizards away before they ran. She let them go. Grandmother Yoko said she should let them run. "Let them run enough times." The old lady said. "And they will be to no use. Not for their master anyway." Torah smiled. Although she didn't was here, together with Torah, Yoko Belnades still could give her guidance. Torah dried away some tears. She longed for her grandmother. She'd been her only relative alive. Torah knew her uncle was dead. Yoko told her about it. She'd met her cousin. Peter had to be dead. The vampires said her grandmother was the last of their kind. They didn't speak of Zoe. But she wasn't her real cousin. Torah's uncle adopted Zoe when he found her as an orphant. Torah inhaled. She had to stop thinking about such matter. Anyway, Torah knew she was the only hope the family got to remain alive. She felt worried about that. Torah hoped she wouldn't end up like Carrie Fernandez. To give birth when being only 13. That wasn't fear. But perhaps she knew. Her child saved her family. That was back then. Torah knew, hoped at least, it would be different this time. The tunnel ended before another pit of lava. The boiling sound was the only disturbance amidst the silence. Black smoke originated from the liquid rock. Torah felt tired. When was this going to end? No answer in staying here. Torah reached the platform. "Pearls of heat!" The spell defended against the Medusa head. Torah went across to the next platform. She cut away some other bats. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell cleared away the Medusa. She landed upon the final platform. One more jump, then Torah would be across. "Winter's heart!" She blasted the mammals into oblivion. Finally she was back on solid ground .She'd reached the end of the cave. This chamber was oval in size. At the center was yet another elevated platform. The rock was afire with strange flame. Torah stepped forward. She knew what to expect. She wasn't disappointed. An eerie laugh signalled their arrival. The flare-dancers jumped from within the pyre. Their bodies where illuminated with flams. The orange glow where reflected from headpiece and other jewleries. Torah nervously licked her lips. Red gold shone bright as living flame. Torah really didn't like these creatures. The trio made an effort to surround her location. Torah smiled, though it never reached her eyes. "Pot of gold!" The onslaught should've killed them already. They where to quick. She got one monster. But the dancer simply got back up. It had been worth a try anyway. Torah was ready. She began her own dancing. They where far better then her. That didn't matter. "Frozen flash!" Torah used basic magic to extinguish those flames which came to close. She was able to impale one monster. Although she didn't reach the heart. Torah spun around. The flames almost burned her. "Frozen flash!" She made the impaled dancer to freeze upon impact. The female lizard shattered against the floor. It was no victory. One dancer scolded her body. The medicine was the sole object which kept her alive. Even so, it couldn't last forever. "Golden globe!" The orb went just past their position. The dance continued. Torah was getting tired. She couldn't hope to match these monsters. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The spell at least cleaned the area. The dancers withdrew into the flames. Upon their return, she saw new flame illuminate their body. Torah nervously licked her lips. This really wasn't good. One of them was getting awfully close. Torah held the cross in hand. Before she quite knew what to do, she sent all her force into the holy symbol. Torah screamed when she stamped the dancer. A shining explosion threw the enemy skyhigh. Torah gasped. She didn't knew she could do things like this. Through some curse, the dancer survived. They continued to circle her position. They where careful. Torah decided she might try another move as well. She'd found them inside one candle. She dodged their flames. Torah then threw garlic. The other flare-dancer was shot to pieces. The explosion made scores of dead lizard to fly everywhere. Torah was bogh disgusted and horrified. Was she doing this? The final dancer gave her no time for speculation. Flames appeared out from the ground. They seem to originate from the enemy's mobility. Torah was dancing. This had to end. She couldn't use the garlic. Not again. Perhaps she would never use them. But Torah knew it had to be done. This was war. Yoko tried to prepare her for this moment. Nothing could truly make her ready for this kind of nightmare. They danced for quite some time. Torah franticly dodged the flames. The dancer jumped back into the flames. The eerie laugh filled the room. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah shot parallel beams from within her eyes. She knew her brown eyes would change colour when using this spell. The move absorbed the flame. For a moment the dancer was stuned. The shock immobilised her mobility. Torah knew what she got to do. She never the less hated every bit of it. "Forgive me." She pleaded. Torah hoped bogh God and the dancer could forgive what she was about to do. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The spell was powerful. For a moment she felt at peace. But then the frozen corpse of the enemy was shattered against the floor. The dance was over. Torah fell on her knees. She cried like she hadn't done for years. She didn't care. Torah just hoped someone would find her. Someone who could assure her that all would be alright. She inhaled. Torah was shaken. The last spell was wrong. She'd murdered a defensless individual. She didn't care it was a monster. She toutched the cross. He would be with her. Jesus wouldn't cast her out. Torah tried to pull herself together. The flames where gone out. The switch was not far. Torah stepped upon it. The lava was drained. Then the pipes and the pit where bogh closed. Torah retrived what crystals they left behind. She even knocked some candles. The way was open. Torah walked down the cave. She was back inside the mine. The switch had extended the ladder. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the head away before she began climbing. There where more of them coming. "Orbs of sorcery! Pearls of heat!" The spell shot the enemies away. Torah reached the end of the ladder. She'd reached the third level. She toutched the cross. Then she had a look around.

Castle center, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The group had returned to the castle. She expected they would be there to give their report. There was none to give. The iron maids where not here. "The little sorceress did kill them." The black man said. "She did murder each and every one of them." Actrise did not argue his statement. It might be true. But if it where, that where worse then anything she expected. The warlock returned her gaze. The black eyes revealed neither attraction nor interest. "There is nothing you can do." The man's voice sounded like it came from a giant cavern. They where resourceful. Either way, Isabella Von Krohnquist disliked having to deal with them. The warlock was hard. Cold in his demeanour. There was something about him which made her feel with charm. "But I may yet do something." The large man lifted one hand. She viewed the artefact with great interest. Although they where like plain pearls of dull glass, there where something about them. "Do not toutch them." HE said. "I had to give part of my humanity to earn this price." His eyes where hard as flint. "Do not awaken their power." Actrise withdrew. She felt concearned. "I will find your lost victim." He stated. Actrise nodded. For the first time, she began to rethink this pact.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Torah had a hand on her cross. She then preduced her smash. Torah bowed. Another fence blocked the way downward. She cut the head away. How could they escape through the narrow opening? No matter. Torah decided she better do something. There was an opening behind her back. The smoke made it almost impossible to see the bridges above the location. There was one down here as well. But it stopped after some meter. There was a really narrow walkway which went along the right part of the cliff. Torah noticed an eerie blue glow from that section. She shuddered. Torah couldn't help it. The heat was terrible. Even so, she felt like freezing. Torah made an effort to put it aside. She went into the tunnel which where open to her. Torah got a hinch of what to expect. She wasn't disappointed. Soon she came upon another pit. Lava and smoke blocked the way forward. Torah moved for the initial platform. "Pearls of heat!" The spell obliterated the Medusa. Where on earth did they came from? Torah landed upon the second platform. They where made of metal. Why didn't they melt? Never mind. Torah knew she had a bad habit with questions. She cut away the next head. The sorceress then was back on solid ground. Torah drew sweath from her brow. The way continued. The tunnel must've been carved out by many men. Torah soon was blocked by another pond of lava. She was in the air. Torah landed upon the first platform. "Winter's heart!" She cleared away the mammals. Torah reached the second pillar. She demolished the oncoming head. Just then, arrows went through the air. "Golden globe!" Torah charged the spell before releasing. Thus she blocked their onslaught. Torah went straight behind her spell. Grandmother Yoko told about demons which did things like this. Malachi was known to support count Dracula. She didn't mind. Lizards where everywhere. They advanced. "Fountain of fire!" Torah gave them something else to worry about. She went into closer hand-to-hand combat. She cut them down before they could counter her mobility. "Frozen flash!" She froze their weapons before they could nail her. Torah ducked beneath the lance. She cut the handle over. The monster threw the thing at her. Torah threw herself upon the floor. "Pot of gold!" She was back on her knees. The shining orbs dismantled some enemies. The remaining enemies where on the retreat. Torah gathered the crystals. "Opal shot!" She blasted the enemy. "Zapphire curtain!" The spell blocked their projectiles. The final villains disappeared among the smoke. Torah picked up the remaining jewels. Then she went to inspect. The lizards where still there. Arrows shot toward her. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spinning balls of plasma circled her position. Torah then dismantled the remaining archers .Some monsters still tried to kill her. Torah threw herself backward. Thank God there where enough space to manouver. She made a complete spin. "Frozen flash!" The turn made a full circle of frost to block their offensive. Torah went forward. "Opal shot! Zapphire shards!" At last it was over. Torah was breathing heavily. She never got used to this stuff. She ended the misery for what monsters which where still alive. Torah wasn't proad of her actions. With grim expression she gathered their crystals. The way was blocked by a third pit. Torah reached the initial pillar. The crush cut the mammals away. She even defeated another head. Torah went across. She landed on the second platform. There where no arrows around. The heads kept on coming. Torah cut them away. There still where some bats which circled her position. Torah landed upon solid stone. The smoke obscured the tunnel. She got difficulty with breathing. The lizard dancers seemed to come from nowhere. Torah threw herself on the floor. The bats came her way. Torah was dancing. Sweath ran down her body. She cut the bats away. There where more of them. The mammals never seemed to leave. The dancers where her main concearn. There where only two of them this time. It didn't matter. They still could kill her. They kept their distance. Torah licked her lips. She toutched her cross. She better try another strategy this time. They seemed to have learned about her usual tactic. Torah was no professional dancer. But she was agile. She would speed up her mobility. They only had this area to work with. At bogh side where a pool of lava. Torah dodged their daggers. They where quite good at things. No matter. Torah was determined. She ducked underneath another knife. Then she cut the dancer down. The second enemy actually hit her. Torah bit her teeth together. Although it was only the leg. It hurt. She'd just barely managed to perform the jump. The dancer had aimed for the throat. Torah was grateful she'd missed. They danced for some time. Neither of them where able to get close enough. "Pearls of heat! Orbs of sorcery!" The enemy dodged each and every spell. Torah was able to either dodge or block her offensive. The bats had a comeback. They circled her position. The mammals made things even more difficult. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah had to repeat the spell before they kept the distance. The dancer moved. Torah almost had her at point blank range when she pulled out the cross. This time she actually made an effort to charge the item. Flames burned upon impact. The lizard hissed. The symbol burned deep into her flesh. The fancy Arabian outfit fell to the floor. Only ashes remained of the lizard. Torah put away her ccross. The holy symbol represented the presence of God. He was everywhere. But the cross embodied her wish to have the Father close. He could save her from the storm. Torah retrived the crystals. Strange, but she had no difficulty with her lungs. The smoke seemed to have somewhat cleared. The pit lay in front. Torah reached the first platform. The bats never gave in. They continued to chase her. "Winter's heart!" That at least diminished their numbers. Torah nearly missed the other pillar. She thanked God she made it. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah knew that sound. It was the sound of whistling arrows. They froze upon impact. At the other side they had already gathered. "Winter's heart!" They where fools who kept so close together. The spell shot them backward. Some got back up. There even where other enemies. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah destroyed some more bats. "Pot of gold!" She went behind the magic. The battle where on. She cut them on approach. "Frozen flash!" The spell had a nice effect upon the mammals. They might inflict a cursed state. Torah didn't want to become a vampire. The mammals where not undead. But she knew they carried the curse. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah made a jump. She actually removed their head. The smash really was a perfect weapon. Torah wished she knew how Carrie got them. Never mind that now. The monsters pressed their offensive. They where to many. "Opal sun! Hand of fate!" The spel cost her much energy. Better then to die. Torah snarled. She cut the mammals. They kept on coming. Torah moved toward the archers. "Pot of gold!" The spell sent them running. She actually got some rangers. The other monsters kept their position. Torah went backward. "Frozen flash! Golden globe!" She was running out of tricks. There where still twelve left alive. Torah was pressed backward. Soon she would be thrown into the lava. Torah threw stakes at them. Her eyes blazed with mystic force. The projectile became nails of fire. "Opal sun!" Torah roared. She wouldn't burn. She never would fall into that liquid. She would rather die on dry ground. "Fountain of fire!" She gave them the last crystals. Then she dived forward. She cut down the club. The sword nearly got her. She threw herself to the floor. Torah got back up. She slashed his mid-sections. The monster collapsed. Then Torah spun around. She got the last lizard in the knee. He fell down. Torah ripped his throat open. The man was dead before reaching the floor. Torah was breathing. She almost felt like dying. Finally she got a hold on herself. Torah told herself she would make it. She soon felt a little better. Torah inhaled. She collected their gemstones. She even knocked the candles. Torah found some food inside. The chicken leg didn't replenish as much as a pot roust. But she felt refreshed. Torah got up. She might make it after all. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats kept their distance. There where another pool of lava. Torah reached the platform. She cut the head. Some mammals still gave chase. Torah presented her cross. She was left alone. Torah got across. "Orbs of sorcery!" She fell upon her knees. Torah kept the hold on the platform. That was to close. She inhaled. Torah made another leap. Finally she where on the other side. She was grateful. More so when she noticed there where no more lizards around. Torah knocked some more candles. She felt grateful for each crystal she obtained. That last battle still where in her body. Torah felt somewhat nervous. It was like someone tried to warn her. Torah fell into a slight trance. The wild where back. They seemed nervous. There was something bad ahead. Torah thanked them for having warned her in time. She wondered what it might be. There was the pit. "Winter's heart!" Torah blasted the mammals into oblivion. Then she went across. Torah made it this time. She actually felt a little proad about that. The head came toward her location. Torah dodged. The head made the metal turn into stone. Torah licked her lips. The lava melted the fabric. Another head where on the approach. Torah was able to defeat it this time. Another head came through the smoke. "Orbs of sorcery!" The platform was getting unstable. Torah lept into the air. She reached the second platform. "Zapphire curtain!" Something made her react. Torah wasn't quite sure what happened. But then a row of enflamed arrows rammed her position. The field where enough to block their approach. Torah felt no victory. How was this possible? No time for speculation. Torah blocked another onslaught. Then she gave them the answer. "Hand of fate!" The massive spell hammered against their archers. The compact gold didn't defeat their numbers. Someone was protecting them against magic. However, the impact made it able for her to get across. The smash shattered their weaponry. Torah smiled, though it never reached her eyes. Before the soldiers could advance, she'd already defeated quite some rangers. They where protected against magic. But they had no ressistance to block the grace of God. The cross made them burn. They somewhat withdrew. Torah was on the offensive. She finally noticed the lizard shaman. The cloacked figure was hiding behind his servants. Torah pressed onward. The cross and smash made the enemies collapse. She was not immune. Blood already went from her damaged leg and shoulders. She had no time to worry. The shaman was firing enflamed arrows. They would explode upon impact. However, he didn't care who he killed. Torah was able to save herself. She held up the cross. The club shattered upon impact. Torah drew blood from the back of her hand. That wasn't really dangerous. Not really. The bats went crazy. The blood made them go berserk. They drank the blood of the wounded. Torah was busy. "Fountain of fire!" The shaman lost his concentration. The blast diminished their numbers. Torah made deep gashes. The confusion was total. Torah used the opportunity to drink some medicine. The battle went on. Torah was just barely able to stay alive. They must've thrown in a great number of monsters. Finally she got through. The shaman looked a little confused. As much she could read on his face. Torah spun around. "Frozen flash!" The spell threw the monster back into the croud. Torah had no time for this. The shaman gathered. He spoke words she didn't figured. Torah wasn't interested. She could see the malice of her enemy like thick smoke. Waves of flame went along the floor. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah was grateful for having picked some new gems while moving along. The power crashed against her protection. Torah graoned. He was strong. But she also have some tricks. "Block this." She muttered. A second wave of green flame collided with her shield. Torah screamed. She knew this was painful. She better quit using the move anyway. The shards might inflict mental damage. She shuddered. The shards however had an impact upon the enemy. The shaman was thrown backward. Torah moved in. The enemy made another gesture. Torah ducked. The shining icicles went straight above her head. Their emarald fabric made her shiver. They might inflict a poisoned state. The shaman retrived his bow and arrow. "Orbs of sorcery!" The move was desperate. But he still hadn't been able to rise the shield. The plasma burned the monster. Torah felt no victory. Somehow he survived. He threw away the useless remains. Torah noticed his hands where burned. But not nearly enough. He again spoke in that strange language. "Zapphire curtain!" A black rain fell upon her location. Torah licked her lips nervously. The rain might actually conquer her magic. Suddenly Torah let go. She dashed forward. The shaman was taken aback. Torah made a double-slash. Somehow she missed the heart. Torah drew backward. The lizards moved against her location. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell blasted some mammals. Torah went beneath their protection. The smash dug deep. The monster was dead before reaching the floor. "Opal flash!" Torah made a full circle. The spell burned her surroundings. The shield was up again. Torah didn't mind. The cross was her protection. Torah was able to break out. She just barely blocked the sword. The lizard hissed. He made another attempt. Torah withdrew. The boiling sound made her nervous. She'd reached the other end of the platform. Torah held the cross high in defience. "Into Your hands I surrender my soul!" She cried. Torah then went forward. Their number was diminished. Never the less. She couldn't keep it up for much longer. Even though the archers where gone, the shaman continued throwing flames. There he was. Torah had no time to spare. She jumped across the flames. The shaman looked down upon her. Torah snarled. She let him have the cross. The symbol burned him to ashes. Torah went down on one knee. She retained the symbol. There still where plenty of monsters ahead. "Fountain of fire!" Torah unleashed a storm of fire. Some monsters actually fled in terror. But not all of them left the battleground. Torah altered grip on her smash. Then she went forward. They met her in combat. Torah went beneath their defences. "Opal shot!" The spell shattered his stomach. The monster collapsed. She ducked beneath the lance. "Frozen flash!" The spell made him freeze on impact. Torah jumped. She beheaded another creature. The remaining monsters began to waver. Some more ran away. "Opal sun!" The spell shattered their moral. Some monsters fell on the ground. Those who didn't, ran for their lives. Torah toutched the cross. She where grateful. Torah didn't wish to admit it. But they would otherwise defeated her. Torah didn't wish to think of what they might do to her. Either she would be given to Actrise, or they might keep her to themselves. Torah shivered. She didn't know which would be the worst outcome. She tried to shake it. There still was another pool in front. She gathered as many crystals there was left. Torah then made the jump. She reached the first platform. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent spell made the bats to scatter. Torah cut the head away. Why didn't the smash become stoned anyway? Torah shook her head. She reached the second platform. "Winter's heart!" The spell destroyed their numbers. She was back on solid ground. Torah had a look around. "Here we go again." She muttered. The chamber was oval in shape. At the center was an elevated platform. Flames obscured the view. Torah was sure the switch was up there. An eerie laugh filled the room. Torah made no comment. She moved into a defensive posture. Two dancers appeared. Their bagy trousers and dazzling jewleries where more impressive then ever. They made flames rise while dancing. Torah began moving. To dance was the only way to survive. "Zapphire flash!" The spell pushed the lizard backward. Torah knew it wasn't powerful enough to kill. But it gave her some breather. The spell protected against the flames. Torah threw herself backward. That was close. She presented the cross. The symbol made them keep their distance. Torah made a perfect motion. She was getting better at this sort of things. Never mind. "Zapphire shards!" She actually hit one dancer. The monster dived back into the pyre. Torah was busy. The bats where back. "Pearls of heat!" That made them keep their distance. The other flare-dancer began moving her hands. Torah never gave her the chanse to finish whatever spell she where performing. The dancer fell back. Blood ran from beneath her bossom. The second dancer had returned. The flames where blazing. "Zapphire curtain!" The magic saved her life. The mammals froze upon impact. She wondered why Yoko wouldn't tell her the spell to create an opal curtain. Never mind that now. There still where other bats around. Torah lowered her protection. She went after the enemy. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell made the dancer loose her momentum. Torah immediately used the opportunity to remove her head. Just then, the flare-dancer exploded. Torah was thrown far back. She actually lost the ring-smash. The second dancer was still around. "Zapphire shards!" Torah made her keep some distance. Although the spell went just past her. Torah was to busy to notice. She finally got the rings back. She better. The dancer was on the approach. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah was just able to block out the flames. Then she let go of the protection. Torah was dancing. But no ordinary dance. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The enemy was taken aback. Torah watched the death of the flare-dancer. The statue shattered. The flames where extinguished. Torah reached for the cross. "Opal shot!" She aimed for what mammals which where around. They kept their distance. Torah collected the gemstones. She then pulled the button. The smoke subsided. Torah watched as the pools where closed. This was half the job. Torah knew that. She went back down the corridor. "Orbs of sorcery!" There still where some bats around. Torah reached the mine. The bridge where extended. The bars where still in place. Torah went upon the walkway. She stopped. What was it? The smoke obscured her vision. It looked like someone was flouting in the air. A shawl, and a big black hat, made it impossible to detect the origin of this person. Torah frowned. The flat top of the hat made her curious. That wasn't the pointed object of a wizard or sorceress. Torah didn't mind. The figure just hung there. Strings of dry yellow hair fell down the sides of its outfit. Somehow Torah fancied it was a woman. But what was this hag doing here anyway? Her hands where concealed within the sleeves of her wide outfit. Grandmother Yoko once told her about the flying figure. But what did it do? The air was filled with the stench of rotting flesh. Torah almost felt sick. She better move along. Then something happened. The figure made a gesture. The fingerless black gloves made figures in the air. Torah stopped. Somehow she got a bad feeling about this. Then she ducked. The flying figure made countless fireballs to go her way. Torah didn't even dare to rise her curtain. There was nothing she could do. "Go away!" She screamed. Torah reached into her backpack. "Leave me alone!" She screamed. The garlic made the figure explode. Torah inhaled. What was she doing? This way she told them where to look. Torah shook her head. She went forward. But then the bone dragon breathed a heavy flame toward her location. Torah threw herself backward. The skeledragon was waving about. To make matters even worse, the bats encircled her position. Torah muttered. This really wasn't her day. "Pearls of heat!" She made efforts to dismantle the mammals. More garlic made portions of the dragon to break off. The mammals where back. Torah cut them down. Fireballs came from the dragon. Torah had to retreat. "Rainbow flame!" The arching flame hammered against the skull of the enemy. The heavy impact made bones to scatter across the area. The battle was far from over. Torah picked up what crystals the bats left behind. There still where more of them. They seem to come in an endless supply. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah made them blast into oblivion. The white dragon spat fireballs. Torah cast her spell. "Zapphire curtain!" The spell protected her position. "Opal sun!" The shot threw the bone dragon backward. Some more bones where knocked off of its spine. Torah had no time for celebration. "Opal shot! Pearls of heat!" The spell made the bats to shatter. The skeledragon breathed another heavy flame. Torah threw herself flat on the catwalk. She got back up. The garlic made the bone dragon burn upon impact. Torah gratefully retrived all the jewels it left behind. They really could come in handy. They would. There was another white dragon. "Zapphire curtain!" The flames roared around her location. Torah inhaled. That was close. The mammals had returned. This wasn't funny. "Orbs of sorcery!" One orb actually went home. Torah spun around. She blocked the bats. But where almost thrown off of the bridge. The gate was below. But somehow Torah didn't trusted those bars. She managed to climb back up. The bone dragon spat fireballs at her. Torah licked her lips. "Winter's heart!" The projectiles collided. She reached for the cross. The bats refused to surrender. "Pearls of heat!" Torah gave them a strict warning to stay back. The dragon breathed heavy flames. Torah just barely managed to dodge. Torah got some more garlic. She let the bone dragon have them. Bones where knocked off of its spine. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spel sent the bats away. "Winter's heart!" That spell didn't cost so much energy. Torah figured she might use it to block the offensive. She thanked the Lord it was no frost or thunder dragon. Grandmother Yoko told about those monsters. Torah didn't have magic to face someone with thunder. "Golden globe!" The Medusa got shot into oblivion. How did they get past the fence? Torah put it aside. "Opal shot!" She blasted the next head away. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats got cleared away. The skeledragon shot fireballs. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah's eyes turned from brown to blue. Parallel beams of winter force shot from within her gaze. The flames shattered into frozen icicles. "Winter's heart!" The spell made more bones to become knocked off of its spine. Torah was careful to block their approach. She knew they might inflict a cursed state. The fight wasn't over. Another Medusa head came through the smoke. Torah cut it to shreds. "Pearls of heat!" The bats where defeated. But there where more of them coming. The white dragon breathed heavy flames. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah was able to block the attack. Some mammals froze upon impact. Torah lowered her shield. She got to get rid of that bone dragon. As if to prove it, the skeledragon shot other fireballs. "Winter's heart!" Torah was able to block. She then sent it another garlic. She missed completely. Although she made the Medusa head to explode. "Orbs of sorcery!" The dragon waved about. Even so she made one hit. That didn't seem to bother it anyway. Another heavy flame came her way. "Winter's heart!" Torah was able to save herself. It didn't matter. Things was getting out of hand. "Zapphire shards!" The spell actually went home. Other bones got knocked from the spine. Some bones actually hit her. Torah felt all cold. Then she felt hot. Torah was down on her knees. She got to do something. The curse made her act slower then usual. She held up her cross. Torah knew this was no powerful magic. The curse would fade. But she where unsure if it would be fast enough. The bats kept their distance. She got to get rid of the dragon. Torah made her hands turn into fists. The gauntlets she found in the castle entrance. Somehow they began to glow. Torah felt new strenght blossom within her. She went through the air. The white dragon was taken aback. Torah grasped her enemy. An enflamed force went from her fingertips. The bone dragon roared. Then it burned into ashes. Torah fell back down on the walkway. She was surrounded by countless large jewels. Torah retrived as many she could. The way forward was finally open. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah cleared away the mammals. At the other end was another tunnel. Torah expected it would be this way. She turned. The other exit still released a strange blue glow. It was even visible through the smoke. A narrow, really narrow, passage went to that area. Torah reached for the cross. She really didn't wish to go there. It was like she could almost toutch the magic from that opening. She inhaled. Torah decided it would be best to inspect this cave before doing anything else.

Wu lin had served the Dark Lord for more then a hundred years. The count never summoned her to be his companion. They said he had a taste for Western blood. Never mind. Wu Lin would make him proad of her. "I saw her." Li Zya exposed her fangs. Wu Lin made no comment. They served together. They had been out on the field, working at night, when Noail Hoa approached their farmland. Their landlord had been a hard and brutal individual. He got what he deserved. Wu Lin put it aside. That was old. She was here. The mistress sent her to search for the other butterflies. She had no proof. No matter. Wu Lin was certain of their demise. The warlock had no reason to tell lies. Most likely Actrise knew. Wu Lin made no comment about that either. She existed to serve lord Dracula. "Then it must be true." She said as an answer to Li Zya's remark. The other maiden unsheated her sword. She where after all one of their best fencers. "Let us follow." Wu Lin considered the statement. Then she agreed. The original command had been to bring the sorceress back to their mistress. Wu Lin decided she would do exactly as she where told.

Torah held the ring-smash at the ready. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell sent some mammals away. So far this tunnel hadn't led her anywhere. Torah began to feel worried about that. She felt almost relaxed when the way was blocked by another pit. Lava boiled beneath her position. Torah lept into the air. She reached the initial platform. The Medusa came through the air. Torah cut it to shreds. It was a miracle the smash didn't become turned to stone. Never mind. She reached the second platform. "Pearls of heat!" The spell made the mammals scatter. Torah felt no victory. She knew they would soon return. Torah reached the third platform. Nothing happened. Torah dismantled another Medusa. Then she reached solid ground. Torah knocked down some candle. There was nothing important. She found some garlic. She put it into her backpack. Torah went forward. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell actually shot some bats. They where a constant treath. Torah began to dislike them as much as the lizard monsters. Torah put it aside. She had to remain calm. That was one of the basic lesions for using magic. At least her type of it anyway. Torah reached another pit. Smoke made it almost impossible to see beyond this point. Torah detected the pillar. She thanked God for letting her do so. She reached the platform. "Winter's heart!" This time it worked. She got nearly all her enemies. There still where some of them which encircled her location. Torah didn't mind. She was already in the air. She reached the next pillar. Torah viewed the air carefully. No arrows. At least not yet. Torah shredded another head. She then was atop the third platform. Gym really came in handy. Torah inhaled. Who knew what might be ahead. She then made another leap. She reached solid ground. Smoke obscured her viewpoint. The corridor became somewhat wider. Torah threw herself to the floor. Knives went past her location. The dancer hissed. She was no snake. Not that she really cared. The thought of such monsters made her shiver. Torah tried to dismiss it. She was back on foot. She would have to dance. The lizard dancers where on the move. Daggers came her way. Torah dodged. "Orbs of sorcery!" That diminished the mammals. The dancers where getting awefully close. She ducked beneath another knife. "Opal shot!" The spell went home. Torah knew it wouldn't be enough. The second dancer drew blood from her forarm. Torah barely managed to get away. She made a glide. The dancer was taken aback. Torah cut her down. The wounded monster somehow was back. She threw daggers at her. "Zapphire curtain!" That took the brunt of the initial attack. Torah knew that no spell would suffice. The dance went on. Neither of them where able to get the upper hand. Although wounded, the enemy was better then her. Torah was wounded too. Nothing dangerous. But it did slow her mobility. Torah bit her teeth together. She wasn't going to give in. Torah made an effort to fuse with the cross or gauntlets. But again that inner barrier kept her away. Torah made a struggle. The dancer let a track of crimson behind. The enemy laughed. It almost sounded like a flare-dancer. Torah toutched the cross. The fight was far from over. Suddenly she went down on one knee. The dancer grew closer. "Take this your demon!" Torah shouted. She threw garlic. The lizard was shot to pieces. Torah inhaled. This wasn't easy. Torah got back up. She went to pick up the crystals. She used rags from their clothing to tie up her damage. It would have to do. Torah hoped there was no poison or curse drenched into the fabric. Yoko told her about ancient Greece. How they might poison a piece of cloth. Somewhat shivery, she put it aside. Torah went forward. She knocked down some candles while moving along. They didn't gave much. No matter. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah destroyed some mammals. The sound of boiling lava was the only warning. The way got blocked by another pit. Torah toutched the cross. She was able to reach the first pillar. "Pearls of heat!" The spell destroyed the head. Torah went upon the second platform. The sound of leathery wings warned her of their approach. A swarm of mammals where on the move. "Winter's heart!" Torah was able to dismantle some monsters. "Zapphire shards!" The second spell made them keep their distance. Torah reached the third pillar. She was able to shred the next Medusa. Finally she got back on solid ground. Torah got into a defensive posture. She expected their approach. Nothing happened. The bats came back. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma circled her position before they went outward. Some mammals got shot. Torah knocked down some other candles. She almost jumped with joy upon recovering another medicine. Not that she would use it. Not now anyway. But it would come in handy. Torah reached for the cross. "Thank you." She whispered. The way onward was blocked by yet another pond of molton lava. Torah didn't mind. She instead lept into the air. Torah hoped her friends got it easier. Perhaps not. She reached the initial platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" The orbs got the head. Torah cut some bats to nothingness. She hated being chased like this. Torah got upon the second pillar. Things never where easy. Not since the death of her grandmother. Torah put a hand upon the ring. She hoped Gwendolyn might have found peace. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent blobs shot the head away. She reached the third platform. Torah knew she got to concentrate. That way she might remain alive. "Winter's heart!" The spell dismantled the mammals. Torah made one final leap. At last she was back on solid ground. The cave widened. Torah got a bad feeling about it. "Zapphire curtain!" She almost cast it on instinct. The knives froze upon impact. There where three of them this time. Torah let go of the defensive. "Behind blue eyes!" The spell made her eyes turn blue. Parallel lasers shot from within the cornea. One monster actually got defeated. Torah had no time for celebration. She got bogh arms up in time. The dagger drew blood. Torah screamed. She just couldn't help it. The battle was on. Torah got to dance. They otherwise would've killed her. She tried to fuse. But lost contact. The wall wouldn't let her through. Torah threw a set of stakes. They didn't expected she would do that. Another dancer went down. The third actually got her in the leg. Torah felt tears of pain run down her face. She couldn't stop. She couldn't rest. Torah knew she had to continue. The damage slowed her. Torah groaned. The pain wasn't something she could just shake off. Torah would've have a sip of medicine. But she had no time. The enemy drew closer. Torah threw another stake. She missed. The dancer laughed. She threw daggers. Torah threw herself upon the ground. It was difficult to get back up. Torah pulled the knife from her leg. She threw it aside. The enemy laughed by her effort. "Fountain of fire!" Torah was desperate enough to try something standard. The trick was that it actually worked. The dancer was burned into ashes. Torah could finally breathe. This was the work of God. She was sure. Torah got some potion. It healed. Torah was heartfully grateful. She went to retrive the crystals. Torah got some stakes when knocking the candles. She put them away. Torah would need them later. Everything looked clear. Torah went forward. The way ended in front of another pit. Torah had no mind about the matter. She jumped across. Torah reached the first platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" She made the head explode. But there where more of them coming. Torah cut another Medusa into oblivion. She then was able to get to the second platform. That was good. But not for long. Other bats came her way. "Winter's heart! Opal shot!" Torah spun around. The second spell got the head out of the way. Torah lept for the third pillar. She reached the platform. "Fire at will!" The lispy accent belonged to a lizard shaman. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah wasted no time. The enflamed arrows exploded against her protection. "Pot of gold!" Torah knew that wouldn't damage. But she at least got her own protection while moving along. The archers withdrew. They'd learned their lession. Torah was met by a duo of clubs. She went beneath their defensive. Torah cut them bogh down. She ducked beneath the sword of another monster. The blade went just above her. Torah reached for the cross. Then she cut his leg. The head went as he knelt. Torah felt no pride. This was war. The lance missed by inches. Torah felt her cheeks turn pale. Chills went down her spine. "Frozen flash!" Torah was close enough to freeze the enemy. "Zapphire curtain!" The shield blocked off against another round of arrows. The projectiles exploded upon impact. She let go on the magic. Instead she performed another offensive. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The dance made the nearest enemies to freeze upon impact. Torah got beneath another enemy. The way to the archers where finally open. Some fairies where still in the air. The monsters scattered for shelter. Torah was ale to destroy some bows before they withdrew. A row of icicles nearly froze her in turn. "Opal sun!" The spell illuminated the battlefield. Torah was able to defeat another of their rangers. Then the other men where back. "Orbs of sorcery! Pearls of heat!" Torah sent them some spells before she went into closer hand-to-hand combat. "Frozen flash!" The shaman seemed to have lost the view on matters. The spell actually worked. Torah lept into the air. The smash cut their heads off. Blood stained the floor. Some of the liquid reached her as well. Torah almost forgot how clean clothing felt. Although she'd been her for just a day, it felt like weeks. Torah put it aside. Such luxury was rubbish anyway. At least around this kind of places. Torah promised herself to take a bath if she ever got away alive. The battle went on. Torah got wounded. She wouldn't give in. The damage was nothing. Torah never would be captured again. She threw stakes at them. Torah even used some garlic. The shaman got blown to pieces. That was no victory. There still where plenty of other monsters around. She cut down another archer. They still where the greatest danger. Someone else where involved. She sometime noticed another of those iron butterflies. Torah felt concearned. Those vampires gave the lizards what courage they needed to continue the battle. "Opal shot!" Torah was able to nail one of them. She simply seemed to shake it off. Torah was pressed further and further backward. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah was running short on crystals. "Fountain of fire!" She spent the last of them on some of best magic. The fairies and the fireball actually killed some monsters. Torah threw out the last garlic. Some candles where knocked down. Inside she found other stakes. "Wu Lin!" Someone cried as the vampire got impaled. Torah showed no mercy. She lept into the air. She removed the head. The undead burned. Torah got stabbed by a dagger. She cut him down for the effort. She still could use the smash. Torah removed some enemies. That cost her the stakes. The archers where either dead or had run away. That was some solitude. The cross made some keep their distance. Torah's grip was tight around the ring-smash. Blood went from multiple damages. Torah felt tired. This was getting her nowhere. She got to pull the switch. "Opal sun!" That cost her all the remaining crystals. Torah didn't mind. The spell cleared the way. She ran to pull the button. They would soon close her in. Torah drank some medicine. She'd emptied half the bottle. She kept those which didn't shatter. Torah felt refreshed. The red medicine had that impact. She didn't have to toutch herself to know that she where healed. Torah wished it might matter. It only was a matter of time before they would kill her. Why didn't they get it over with? She would have to think further about it later. There still was at least a dozen enemies left alive. The other butterfly exposed her fangs. Torah made no motion. She was surrounded. With no crystals to power the magic. All she got left was the crush and the cross. So be the will of God. Torah lept into the air. She was able to remove some heads. Torah retrived their crystals. It wasn't enough. She felt better. Torah ducked beneath the club. She cut his leg. Then she stamped him with the cross. The enemy burned. Torah made a full circle with the cross at the ready. They kept some distance. "Orbs of sorcery!" She used the obtained crystals to burn them. Torah gathered their gemstones. She threw herself upon the ground. The lance went straight over her location. "Frozen flash!" She defeated him already. The five remaining lizards exchanged glances. Torah almost felt their worry. She used the opportunity to knock some candles. The stakes which where inside almost made her cry. But the greatest gift, was the garlic and the large crystal. That would have to be enough. Torah spun around. The garlic was in her hand. One monster was blown to pieces. That made the others run. Torah gathered what jewels which where left behind. It wasn't anything much. But she felt better. Torah then was approached by the butterfly. She'd unsheated her sword. Torah put the cross back around her neck. This really wasn't funny. There was something about this enemy. Torah felt sweath run down her brow. "You killed Wu Lin." The undead said. She bowed. "I am Li Zya." Torah made no remark. She bowed in turn. "Bogh she and myself are Chinese by birth." Torah presented her smash. The undead made a final salute. Then she moved into a offensive posture. By the first stroke, Torah knew she'd met her match. The butterfly where much better then she could ever dream of being. Torah knew she better do something. She made a leap. The enemy said something she didn't figured. Blackness went her way. Torah didn't even try to block. She knew that power all to well. She instead knocked some other candles. The crystals where her only hope. No, not her only. Never her only. God might save her. He was her hope. Now and forever. "In the name of Christ!" She cheered before dashing forward. They met at the center of the room. Torah was pushed backward. Then she dropped the smash. The enemy got taken aback. Torah lept beneath her sword. She was able to stamp her once with her cross. The symbol made flames rise upon impact. That wasn't magic. Torah then made a back-flip. She didn't know why. Something just made her react. The vampire gathered herself. Torah licked her lips. Hadn't she gotten away, she would've been cut to pieces. The vampire moved into another offensive posture. Torah made no move. Instead she went for the smash. The dim light made it difficult to see. Torah knew she couldn't afford to knock down another candle. Li Zya spun. There was no other way to describe what happened. Torah was hit in the shoulder. Torah screamed. But at the same time, she was able to stamp with the cross. Then the vampire shrieked. Her eyes burned red with Hell's fire. Torah threw herself backward. The pit wasn't far off. It didn't matter. The pool was closed. Torah got an idea. She went further backward. Then she ran to fetch the candles. Here there still where plenty of their sort. Inside she found crystals, garlic and stakes. Torah felt like having found a treasure. No mind anyway. The Chinese vampire kept on coming. "Opal shot!" The spell threw her backward. Torah ate the food she got from one candle. They exchanged glances. Torah immediately looked away. She didn't want to get hyppnotized. The vampire snarled. That much she could hear. Torah didn't mind. The battle was on. She was pushed backward. Torah wondered what this was all about. Why didn't she kill her? Then she got it. Of course. The undead wished to push her off of the platform. The fence might do the work for her. Torah felt all cold by the same. She got to end this battle. She tried to get behind. Li Zya wouldn't let her. Torah began to feel more then a little worried. She threw herself backward. The vampire came in presuit. Torah was ready. She never could defeat her in pitch battle. Torah knew that. She better try something fancy. Torah better be quick about it. She held up the right hand. Smash at the ready. The butterfly met her hand-to-hand. Torah knew she would do that. She pushed the left hand forward. The garlic made contact with her blade. The vegetable got cut in half. The leftmost portion hit her armour. The explosion sent Torah backward. The second piece flew into her mouth. Torah got a glimpse of the horried look on her face. Then she simply dissolved. Ash and armour was all which remained. Torah felt no victory. Instead, she simply collapsed.

Castle center, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The giant lizard man worked franticly above the torch. The mixture was boiling. The iron pot was old and stained through long disuse. He prayed with all his heart there would be no other attack. The experiment had to work. He threw a look upon his notes. The prisoner had been able to hide them before the other transformation. Hyde never got to find them. Jeckyle promised himself it would be that way. He put into the crystals. The chemical was the last ingrediance. If only they would boil before… His body was shaking. Jeckyle felt a sudden despair. He wouldn't make it. If only he'd made a greater portion to begin with. But that was rubbish. He didn't expect it would work to begin with. Each potion only worked against one transformation at a time anyway. He should have known. Nothing he could make would ever be perfect. That didn't matter. Through the grace of God he already managed to make it once. Dr. Jeckyle knew how to prepare it by now. If only he could get out of this dreadful situation. But that would need knowledge of alchemy greater then any he possessed. He had to continue and simply pray it would work. Another attack was underway. But now the crystals had melted. Jeckyle had a test of his medicine. He knelt. The effect was over.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Torah had returned to the crater. Nothing really changed. The ladder was released. But the fence kept her from climbing down. Somehow Torah just knew it would be this way. So be it then. She began to move around the opening. The way was really narrow. Torah struggled to not think further about the matter. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot the head away. The Medusa kept on coming. They where a problem. Torah tried not to think further about that either. She fell into a slight trance. The bars where red. They reflected the light of the astral plane. Torah shivered. Something wasn't quite right about that thing. Torah reached the corner. The blue area where at the right side of the ditch. Perhaps she should've gone here all to begin with. That was rubbish anyway. Torah managed to continue. This wasn't easy. "Pearls of heat!" The bats kept their distance. That was all which mattered. Torah got closer to the opening. The blue glow grew brighter. Torah wondered what where in there. She had a quick look inside. She wasn't disappointed. Before her went another corridor. But here the walls and floor where bright white. Torah stepped inside. A cold breth went across her features. Torah shook her head. This just was impossible. The place was frozen over. Maeglin was dead. She'd seen him perish. Torah put it aside. Perhaps other members of Dracula's army got that kind of power. The tunnel went for quite some distance. Torah knocked some candles. The tunnel became larger. Torah got the ring-smash at the ready. Some 10 meters ahead went another river of lava. That was what she called it. A pool which went some 50 meters or more was a river. Torah dismissed the matter. She went out on the floor. Torah spun around. She could've swore she heard something. What was that? A giggle!? Torah felt like her head was spinning. It wasn't possible. But there she heard it again. It clearly was a giggle. Torah felt somewhat undecided. What should she do? The question was taken out of hand. Someone, or something, fell from the floor. There where more then one. They moved so quick it was almost impossible to see. Torah stood her ground. There where three of them. Girls, it seemed. But Torah knew things often where not like it seemed. That was the slogan of Desmonde Belmont. She put it aside. They encircled her position. There high-heels made no sound at all. One of them smiled. She couldn't be much older then 18 years. Torah looked down. They where of the kind which gave women a bad name. The woman pointed at her. The short brown hair was kept back by a head-band shaped like that of rabit's airs. Torah frowned. There was something familiar about these folks. Her father once collected magazines. They where more then a 100 years old. Beside the shoes, they where only clad in a bra and underwear. Torah toutched the cross. They where all smiling by now. The fluffy tail they all kept to their backside… "Bunnies." Torah almost spat the word. Glamour girls from the 1960s or something. They giggled. Torah made no move. This wasn't funny. Why didn't they do something? Suddenly one of them actually moved. A 19 year old girl with the hair coloured much like her own, made a jump. Torah moved to the side. Those claws would've slashed her open. They got to be the undead. Another girl, the brunette, jumped straight over Torah's head. A pale sort of fireballs flew from her hands. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah got the shield up in time. The ball imploded upon impact. Torah bit her teeth together. They where no fool. The third bunney, the only blonde, performed a perfect summersault. Her short skinny figure seemed to waight nothing at all. The bra and underwear where all white. Torah noticed she kept no wiskers. At least something to be glad for. "Opal shot!" She tried to nail her. The bunney came to quick. She was back on foot. The combat was all silent. That made Torah feel a little nervous. No time for that now. Torah dodged another slash. They exposed no fangs. They kept on being cute and funny. Torah ducked underneath another eerie fireball. The thing froze upon impact. No wonder, it was the blonde who threw it. The brunette sent one which made flames burn on contact. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah shot the bunney. She couldn't escape the lasers. She burned into ashes. Torah felt no victory. The remaining kept on coming. If anything, they'd became even quicker. Torah was forced on the offensive. The other blonde, the dark one, sent an electrical charge from bogh hands. "Frozen flash!" Although she managed to block, Torah was thrown far backward. She thanked the Lord for not being thrown into the lava. The battleground was far and wide. That gave them some advantage. They spun and twirled about. "Winter's heart!" The spell was ment for the mammals. She got some monsters. But then the light one made some gestures. She where mute, like they all where. Never the less, Torah felt the shift in power. A blue glow illuminated their mobility. The mimic shot downward. "Opal shot!" The bat-like monster was blown to pieces. Torah screamed. The dark bunney cut her across the chest. Torah hoped her bossom wasn't ripped. That might make it difficult when giving birth. Torah knew it was her plight toward her family. Never mind that now. Torah kicked the bright bunney away on her next pass. The undead fell on the floor. The smash removed her head. The yellow flames told Torah she never would gain salvation. She felt a little pitty for her. The dark blonde sent her sprawling. Torah almost could've kicked herself. She got to stay focused. The final bunney kept on coming. "Opal shot! Pearls of heat!" Torah tried to nail her. The undead was to quick. The enemy answered with another barrage of charges. The electricity made the air to spark. Torah really didn't like this. She presented the cross. That made her keep some distance. Torah was rammed by another mimic. She screamed as the frost seemed to pathrify her mobility. She felt all numb. Somehow she was able to shake it. Perhaps the blue ring had something to do with it. She put it away. Torah twirled around. The undead was back. Torah still got the ring-smash at the ready. She dodged the offensive. The bunney came back. This time Torah was able to score home. The enemy stumbled backward. Torah where in close persuit. She cut her head off just as piercing her heart. The vampire collapsed. She burned into ashes. But this time Torah noticed a look of relief upon her face. It wasn't all in wain. "Amen." Torah whispered. Then she had to handle the mimics. They still circled her position. "Fountain of fire! Pot of gold!" The spells sent most of them into oblivion. Torah knocked down the candles. She really needed the crystals inside. She unbuttoned her shirt. Torah was afraid of what she might find. Everything looked alright. She got some red stripes across her chest. But nothing dangerous. Torah had some medicine. Just in case. "Orbs of sorcery!" The orbs protected her mobility. Then they shot outward. Some monsters where reduced to ashes. Torah went to inspect the river. It was wide. But not very long. She could make it with one jump. "Pearls of heat!" The mimic monsters kept their distance. Torah used the opportunity to get across. The cave was less wider over here. The blue mist made her freeze. Torah brought the west back on. It at least made her feel better. Torah knew the blue ring would protect her. The floor was littered with old bones and pieces of armour. Something was wrong. Torah felt it. There was like a sence of evil in the air. She tried to shake it. Nothing was to happen. Not far off was another pit. Torah went to have a look. Just then the bone-trooper rised.

The African warlock sat meditating. In his state he could see many things. Some which where, some who is and some which might yet be. That was glorious. Through the dark side he could see this. He could use it in the service of the Dark Lord. He would gain his favour. The warlock had been among the few which kept their faight in Dracula. The order of shadow was the name of that group. Actrise came to him while in Belgia. He was a teatcher at the academy while not being a member. She told him about the rising of Dracula's power. She did not have to. They could all see. The time was drawing near. Every one hundred years, the forces of God mysteriously starts to weaken. Thus the power of Dracula start to revive itself. He grows stronger and stronger each hundred years. The warlock smiled. Although it never reached his eyes. The legend spoke the truth. They where fools. The ecclesia event could never undo the power of darkness. The lord of the vampires would indeed rise anew. He would be there to see it. He was among the servants who witnessed his early rising. He would finish the pact with the witch. Then he would return. Count Dracula was his master.

Torah felt like screaming. Instead she went to hide. The giant skeleton was at least taller then 2 meters. The pointed icicles which grew from the floor was no ideal shelter. The bone-trooper only cut them down with its giant axe. She was far quicker then that bulk. But Torah had no weapon to deal him damage. The bones didn't give way to her smash. They simply where to thick around. Why did it need the armour anyway. Never mind that. "Opal sun!" The spell made it stumble. Nothing else happened. Torah nervously licked her lips. That was one of her most powerful magic. "Hand of fate!" The massive load sent it backward. The bone-trooper only got back up. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The giant bag of bones managed to break free. The snow on the ground made things even more difficult. How it could be snow down here where beyond Torah's imagination. Most likely it where because of the magic. The bone-trooper cut away the final icicles. "Rainbow flame!" The spell threw the enemy backward. Torah watched it collapse. The evil was still very present. Somehow she have to finish this task. Torah pulled out some garlic. Not sure it would work, she buried it into the snow. The spot was right in front of the pile. Torah stepped back. "Three." She counted. "Two. One. Zero." The word barely left her lips before the bag exploded. Torah toutched the cross. This was the work of God. Torah was certain about it. The evil was diminished. But it still was strong. She fell into a slight trance. Something warned her things where not right. Torah returned to the earthly plane just as another bone-trooper rised from the pile of garbage. This one wielded a monstrous sword and shield. Torah ran to hide. The monster swung its sword. The blade cut through the icicles like they where nothing. Torah thought of the sword lord. Only that this was worse. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah danced. The fairies came to be with her. The giant monster froze all over. Torah felt no victory. The enemy soon got free. Torah retrived the crystals that other bulk left behind. "Fountain of fire!" The massive load of fireballs made the trooper stumble. Torah was forced to duck as the monster swung at her. "Opal sun!" The demon blocked with its shield. The metal actually was powerful enough to withstand her basic magic. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah shot parallel blue beams from within her gaze. The bone-trooper got stunned in place. "Hand of fate!" That last spell did it. The monster collapsed. Torah pulled out some more garlic. She put it into the snow which lay in front of the enemy. The trooper exploded. The remains burned away with bright flame. The sence of evil was finally lifted. Torah knocked some candles. She really could use those crystals. Torah used some of her most expensive spells during this battle. It didn't matter. She was alive. Torah shrugged. She jumped across the pool of lava. There was nobody there. Not beside the mimic of course. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot at them. She actually got quite some mammals. If they really where just bats anymore. Torah reached for the cross. She didn't wish to think about that. The bunney enchanted them. That was clear. The tunnel went straight for a while. Torah knocked some other candles while moving along. Then the tunnel suddenly opened into another large area. Torah noticed the chamber was oval in shape. Very few candles where actually lit. The only light came from the torches lit near the center of the area. Torah didn't like that. Nor did she like their blue colour. There was something wrong about this place. "Arise." Someone demanded. With horror Torah watched three dark figures appear. Then she noticed they where no wanderers. They where clad in black, true. But they where feline in appearance. Torah didn't mind. The trio began to dance. At first she thought they where mere flare-dancers. Not that it was anything "mere" about those monsters. But the baggy trousers, the turban and vail made her think so. Then she noticed the glowing balls beneath the vail. Green, blue or red orbs, like eyes on fire, returned the gaze. Torah felt chills down her spine. Whatever they where, they where no ordinary beings. Every inch of what might reveal them, where concealed beneath black cloth. Torah got into action. They left or spread no fire. Instead she noticed speckles, like that of ink, upon the floor. Whatever the case, Torah promised she would never toutch those spots. She may have no choise. The enemies where quick. Torah called them shade-dancers. She put the poetry aside. This wasn't the time for playing around. "Golden globe!" The spell rammed one opponent. She spread her arms. The tunic was to dark to see if she'd drawn blood. Torah was able to dance beyond another black stain. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mimic burned. That was something to feel merry for. The dance kept on. Torah threw garlic. One onion actually went home. Again it was impossible to see if she made an impact. Torah got behind another black speckle. She then cut into the leg of one monster. The cloth was empty. Torah almost wished to throw up. The dancer toutched her. Only that. She toutched her and Torah screamed. The glove felt like it was on fire. Torah stamped with her cross. A distant moan came from somewhere deep within the enemy. The shade-dancer then collapsed. Torah watched her burn. There still where two of them out there. Torah barely dodged another of their black spots. She expected to burn if she ever toutched one of them. "Pot of gold!" The magic made them keep some distance. Torah burned some mimic while moving along. She picked up what crystals they left behind. The dancer grew closer. Torah made a leap into the air. She cut the head of one dancer. There was nothing inside. But those green orb continued to shine. Torah screamed with fear. They where nothing but evil spirits. Not even the ghost frightened her like this. Torah tried to remember that they where no wraith. She dismissed the matter. "Opal shot!" The spell made the enemy burn. The final dancer put a hand on her shoulder. The burning sensation almost made her collapse. Without thinking, Torah kicked the demon away. She got another burn. But Torah didn't care. She at least got the enemy away. She had some medicine. The blue-eyed monster was on the move. They danced for some while. Torah was unsure what to do. The dancer left other black stains in her wake. Her only chanse was to get in close. Torah still got the ring-smash at the ready. She got across one spot. Only this time she noticed its origin. The stain wasn't ink. The fabric was some sort of liquid. Torah frowned. They had a salty smell to it. Suddenly her blood chilled. This liquid was dark water. Only in the dark ocean world there was such liquid. The dancer was mad. Only fools, or the most ignorant of people, would pay that price. "Pot of gold!" Suddenly Torah was angry. This shouldn't be permitted. Nobody should go there just to play. The golden globules sent the enemy backward. Torah was in the air. She stamped with her cross. "In the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost!" She exclaimed. This had to end. Silvery power lit the cross. The shade-dancer moaned. Then the hollow figure simply collapsed. Torah thought of the hollow men which Charlotte Aulin told of in her journal. She put it aside. "Pearls of heat!" The spell sent the last remaining mimic into oblivion. Torah retrived their crystals. She didn't dare to knock the candles. The mere absence of the dancer made the room seem brighter. Torah got the first glimpse of the figure seated within the pentagram. He was a mere shadow. Never the less, Torah felt his power. The dark hood and cloack concealed everything. At first Torah thought it might be a darkside. But it didn't have that terrible burning aura. Torah got into a trance. The aura looked alright. Torah guessed it belonged to a human. But it was to dark for her to read anything else from it. She got back to reality just as the figure began to speak. The language was strange to her. He was using an African drum. Torah frowned. She knew some people, far to the North, used drums to fall in trance. Yoko never told her much of Dracula's African followers. This man was no Voodoo practicioner. Still, she suddenly felt afraid. Three bats seemed to rise up from the very object. They flapped their wings. As the trio got closer, Torah got a feeling they where getting larger. That couldn't be true. Or could it? She gathered herself. Torah tried to remain calm. Whatever was happening, wasn't good. The bats where really growing bigger. As they grew, their features slightly altered. The chanting grew loader. As did the sound of his drumming. With a final triumphant series of words, the demons made manifest. "Do not disturb the balance between fire, frost or thunder." Torah muttered the ancient slogan as on instinct. This wasn't good. Not at all. Torah got a feeling she'd said that before. No mind about it now. Torah pulled off the backpack. It only would get in the way while in battle. The red demon sent a roaring fireball toward her position. The blue demon sent her a spiky projectile which seemed to consist of solid frost. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah was able to block the initial onslaught. She never knew much about demons. "Winter's heart!" Torah got magic to counter bogh of them. But it was the third demon who gave her the chill. The grey Hellspawn was in the air. Suddenly a bolt of lightning struck the area. Torah was barely able to dodge. The red demon gathered after that frozen state. Torah didn't mind. She was to busy. "Opal shot!" The blue demon got shot from the sky. "Zapphire curtain!" The shield blocked bogh against fire and ice. The pressure was terrible. Torah thanked the Lord it didn't break. "Golden globe!" The thunder demon didn't seem taken aback. Spirit was no good use against its element. Torah tried to figure it out. "Behind blue eyes!" The flame demon got the full brunt of her attack. The frost demon made it projectile shatter. Torah was caught by an icicle. The pointed projectiles felt like it would freeze her soul. "Opal shot!" She got it head on. The demons where not very quick. Beside the thunder demon. It circled the top of the area while making lightning strike. Torah didn't even try to block. She knew her basic protection was no match against its power. "Frozen flash!" The spell was strong enough to repel the fireball. Through some miracle it was sent right into the face of her enemy. The frost demon roared. "Rainbow flame!" While the demon was still shaken she nailed it with fire. The flame demon was able to set her cloth on fire. Torah rolled to exstinguish the heat. Glory be God that the floor was covered with snow. "Zapphire shards!" She actually was able to score some hit. The flame demon staggered. Lightning hit the battlefield. Torah lept into the air. She was able to stamp the monster with her cross. The demon roared. Torah was back on the floor. She got hit by another icicle. The demon laughed with triumph. But Torah didn't become frozen. The power was somewhat absorbed by the symbol she still held at the ready. However, she became thrown far back. "Pearls of heat!" Torah missed with the initial bubble. But the remaining duo never the less went home. The frost demon made another roar. Not in triumph this time. Torah had no mind about it. She was glad she'd pulled off the backpack. This way she might still protect the items she kept inside. The flame demon threw flames at her. Torah's hair got set ablaze. Again she was able to exstinguish the flame. Thank the Lord she was quick enough. Torah toutched her head. She didn't loose her hair. Not that the plain dark blonde hairstrings was that important, but it was part of her character. "Winter's heart! Zapphire shards!" The monster couldn't dodge the massive ammaunt of force. She spun around. The frost demon missed by inches. "Opal sun!" She got to get rid of them. Torah's wish came true. The blue demon was torn apart. She watched him burn. A rain of crystals marked the grave of a demon. Torah eagerly went to fetch them. They really would be of help. She ran in a zigzag to dodge the lightning. The thunder demon was still very much alive. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mimic got shot away. There was not that many of them. They usually came in three. Like the demons. "Zapphire curtain!" The shield blocked the ball of flame. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah shot parallel beams of blue magic from within her eyes. This time the flame demon got shot to pieces. Torah almost couldn't believe it. She'd actually defeated the Hellspawn. Another bolt of lightning struck the battlefield. There still was one of them around. Now even the mimic started to encircle her position. They could freeze her upon contact. "Fountain of fire!" The spell at least made them keep some distance. The demon graoned. At least she might've done some damage. Then another bolt of lightning came down. Torah was just barely able to avoide the onslaught. The demon was swift and decisive. Torah was unsure if she really could achieve victory. Nothing she got was quite the power to deal it the final moment. Torah knew the cross might defeat her enemy. But to get it would be dangerous. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mimic where getting awfully close. She was able to shoot them into oblivion. "Hand of fate!" The demon came straight toward her location. Torah sent it one of her most powerful objectives. The demon got struck from the sky. The demon got back up. It sent her an electrical orb which sent her hard against the wall. Torah was just grateful no ribs where broken. Somewhere she got the strenght to threw herself back into battle. The thunder demon got taken aback. Torah stamped with her cross. Flames burned her opponent. It clawed at her. Torah was forced backward. The demon might tear her apart. Thus the enemy got free. Burned and bruished it still was able to reach the air. Torah shook her head. She was somewhat dazed after the abrupt encounter with the wall. Some mimic came down at her. Torah held up her cross. They where forced to retreat. "Your faight have saved you." She remembered the words of the Bible. So be the will of God. Torah went to retreave her items. She put the backpack on. Torah reached inside. "Beware!" The warlock shouted. But it was to late. Torah already threw the garlic. The demon exploded. Torah knelt in prayer. She thanked the Lord for all which He had done to help her and her family. The warlock had began a strange sort of dance. His feet went as fast as his drum. Torah noticed he bousted no shoes. The sandals where something a monk might use for footware. She put it aside. It wasn't important. Someone else where dancing with him. The woman was tall. Her flawless features and pride made Torah think of a photogram Yoko had in her collection. Merisa was from someplace in Western Africa. That wasn't important. Torah made herself ready for battle. The black woman's clothing was made from the fur from the leopards. Torah recognised the yellow colour and the black stain. She carried local jewleries and bousted a lance and shield. Torah toutched her symbol. Somehow she was sure this was a battle-mage. They suddenly stopped. "Greetings young one." The warlock said. His voice strangely cold and absent. Torah didn't like that. "I am Lucas Dolph." The black man made a gesture. "This is my apprentice." The warlock said. His voice and demeanour colder then ever. Torah nodded. She got into a defensive posture. "Una is well trained." Torah didn't turn her gaze away from the enemy. She smiled. Her teeth as white as ivory. The jewleries had to be made from an elephant. Torah frowned. That was against the law. "She will take care of you." Una was suddenly in motion. She threw the lance. Torah was taken aback. Was that all? "Zapphire curtain!" That would disarm her and… The solid bolt of green energy hammered against her protection. Torah was thrown backward. The spear was back in her hand. Torah got back up. She had been a fool. Una was a warlock's apprentice and a battle-mage. Of course she got magic up her sleeve. Before she could make another remark, Una made a throwing gesture. The shield was sent forward. A flurry of flames went her way. Torah was just barely able to dodge the offensive. She was not going to underestimate her enemy again. Una's magic didn't need words to become executed. That was a drawback. Torah never trained much with such abileties. But she wasn't without knowledge. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma was blocked by the enemy's shield. Torah knew it most likely would be like that. She was already moving. Una was quick. No questions asked. But Torah was not without abilities. She was smaller then the African giant. The smash got blocked by the shield. Una stabbed with her blazing weapon. Torah ducked beneath the weapon. She stamped with her cross. Then nothing happened. Una was no demon or vampire. She was an ordinary living human. Torah drew back. She didn't expect this outcome. She'd killed monsters before. Torah had banished the undead and also put the dead to rest. But this was different. The warlock got to be a human too. Torah didn't want to kill anyone. Humans might still be saved. The look in her eyes told Torah it was to late. Una was already absorbed by the power of the dark side. She felt pitty for her. Then Una cried sonic rings. Torah was thrown backward. Through some miracle she didn't became pathrified. Still, this wasn't good. Torah was back on foot. Although a little shaky, she refused to give in. "Opal shot!" She went in straight behind her spell. Una blocked with her shield. Torah made repeated attacks with her smash. The battle-mage tried to impale her body. Torah was able to dodge. This might fail. Torah drew backward. Then she threw herself forward. The stake went past the other's defensive. The sharpened end of the weapon pierced her skin. Torah felt no victory. She got hit by the shield. She curled into a ball to might avoide the flames which followed. Torah rolled to the side. Before the enemy could prepare, she got back on foot. Torah disliked every bit of it. Never the less, she stepped forward to deliver a dual kick. A friend of her grandmother learned her some basic self-defence. Una cried sonic rings. Torah got thrown across the battlefield. She was just grateful for not being thrown into the lava. "Hand of fate!" Torah got up. The solid spell sent Una backward. Torah smiled. Though it never reached her eyes. "That you deserved." She muttered. Torah soon got other things to worry about. "Zapphire curtain!" The solid bolt of green collided against her protection. Torah screamed when the shield got broken. A yellow glow, like that of flame, lit the eyes of her enemy. It was like Una simply consumed the soul of the leopard from which she made her clothing. Torah swallowed. She didn't wish to say it. But this woman was evil. As if to prove it, Una threw a flurry of flames toward her. Torah was able to roll aside. Una cried sonic rings. This time Torah was able to dodge. She got back on foot. This was getting out of hand. Torah knew she had to do it. There was no other way around. Una threw her weapon. While it was still in the air, Torah went into combat. Una was able to block with her shield. Torah pressed her backward. While she was still busy defending herself, Torah delivered another heavy kick. Una staggered. Torah went in for the kill. Then the lance struck her. The stake which should've impaled her heart, instead simply went across her chest. Torah drew blood. But it was no victory. Torah had become wounded herself. The green energy burned her back. Torah had the last of her medicine. She better get moving. Una handled that detail. Sonic rings threw her backward. Torah struggled to get back up. "Opal sun!" The spell made the shield to shatter. Una threw the remains aside. "Zapphire curtain!" She was able to send a final round of flames along with the pieces. Torah's shield got shot to pieces. Torah worshiped the Lord as her mind went unharmed. The splinters might very well damage her brain. Una threw her lance. Torah went into closer hand-to-hand combat. Una was quick. Very quick. She dodged or parried each move. How she could do that without getting pierced by the smash was a mistery. Torah put it aside. She ducked beneath the lance. This time it wasn't going to burn her. Torah knew the garlic would have no effect. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah threw herself backward. The mimic drew away from her. Una was taken. She screamed as the frost bit into her. Torah again felt pitty with her. She could've beheaded her then and there. But Torah just couldn't do that. As she watched, Una got free of the spell. She cried sonic rings which made the mammals retreat. Torah threw some other stakes. Blood ran from her arms as the enemy blocked their objective. Then she somehow retrived her lance. Torah drew away from her. The green bolt went at her. Torah threw herself to the floor. She rolled aside as Una cried other sonic rings. "Opal shot!" Una got thrown to the floor. She got back up. Torah showed no mercy this time. It had to end. She threw another stake. This time Una didn't move fast enough. The pointed wood pierced her flesh. Torah missed the heart. But the lungs got pierced. That would kill her soon enough anyway. If she didn't become healed. "Exelent." The warlock said. Though he didn't sound like he ment it. Torah didn't trust him for a minute. "You really are as powerful as the sorceress has forseen." The man sounded more thoughtful this time. Torah guessed she should've known. He was Actrise's agent. Then she looked into his eyes. The empty cold stare viewed her without revealing any thought or compassion. Torah didn't knew why. But suddenly she was afraid. "What treasure shall I use?" He said, more to himself than as an actual conversation. "Which pearl is the most usefull?" He opened the left hand. Torah gasped. In his palm lay ceveral black pearls. She didn't need to be a plane-walker to recognize the origin of those items. "You're crazy!" Torah burst out. "The black pearls are from the dark ocean world!" The black man didn't even seem to notice. "Enough of this." He looked at her. Torah couldn't help but shiver. He got the same yellow eyes as the apprentice. Torah held her ring-smash at the ready. The warlock didn't seem to pay it attention. "I am finished with those pesky little playing duals." Suddenly he lifted bogh hands. Darkness went from the five torches. From his fingertips came bolts of powerful blue flame. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah was almost desperate when rising her shield. It was to no use. The screen was shattered. "Young fool." The warlock said. "Only now, at the end, do you understand." Another blast of fire threw her on the floor. Torah screamed. The flames where not hot at all. Her body felt like being tore by winter's nails. Torah screamed like she'd never done before. "Your slight skill are no match for the power of darkness." Blue smoke came from her mouth and nosedrills. Torah felt like breathing frost. "You will have to pay the price for your lack of vision." Torah screamed. Pain was her universe. Her lungs felt like freezing up. This time nobody would come to rescue her. The flames subsided. But only for a matter of time. The warlock looked down at her. A smile crept across his features. Torah shivered by the mere look of it. "Now, little sorceress." The smile became a snarl. "You will die." Torah didn't doubted him for a second. His arms where risen. From his palms and fingertips came new waves of solid blue flame. Her view was narrowed. She saw Una crawl toward her master. She left blood on the floor. She pressed a hand against her mouth. The crimson hand reached the outskirts of the pentagram. "Master." She pleaded. "Did not the sorceress tell you to bring the girl back alive?" It was the first time Torah heard her voice. The warlock lowered his hands for some preshious moments. "She is to dangerous to be left alive." The black man said. His voice cold as the Devil. "She must die." Waves of flames tore into Torah's bruished body. Torah screamed. This would be her final moment. "Master!" Una shrieked. The flames stopped. Torah looked up. With all her strenght the apprentice stabbed a dagger into the side of her master. The warlock staggered. He didn't seem to notice the attempt. Una opened her mouth. More blood ran from her lips. Then she fell. Somehow Torah knew she was dead. Perhaps she might resieve salvation. "Impotent fool!" The black man shouted. "How dare you disturb my ritual!?" Blood destroyed the lines of his texture. Torah knew his branch of magic had to be performed exactly or else… Just that. The Devil had arrived. All hope left her heart. Torah knew this was the end.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The fountain was abandoned. He could see in the dark. Luminous vegetation was the only source of light. It did not matter. He was outside the castle. It was broad daylight. The shade of the cavern gave some protection. The daylight could not harm him. Common folk believed sunlight might kill his kind. It was nothing but rubbish. Outside the walls of the castle he where diminished. He would have to remain like he was, here and now. Only in a cursed place, an unholy field or at a murderer's grave he might be released. One day that would be the entire globe. It would be like that. Soon. Very soon. Darkness was the ultimate power. Should he not know? What he was about to do would only just ad to Chaos. The common rabble who ravaged this sanctuary knew nothing of its real power. The fairy fountain kept secrets. They would lead to great power to whom might unlock their mystery. He knew. Did not the testament of lord Dracula speak of such matter? He got all he needed. There. He was. He steped into the pond of miracle. The young master spoke the words appropriate. The gate was opened. This was only the first step. He would sacrifice his blood.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
No. Torah noticed it wasn't the Devil. The pointed horns and the limpy leg almost made her think so. The broad leathery wings where like a cape around his shoulders. The darkside carried a chain of gold around its neck. The skull mark sent chills through her body. "It is you." The ancient being rasped. "I found you." Like all its species, the skull bearer got difficulty with speaking human language. The being drew closer. Although his aura was all black, the warlock seemed appaled. Torah curled together. This was no ordinary darkside. He was so inresistable in its malice. So powerful in its demeanour it was impossible to stay immune. Ancient rage, a demonic fury so ancient she could almost toutch it, seemed to radiate from the very presence. "You." The wicked figure breathed. "You took from us what nobody might have for granted." Torah hoped he wouldn't notice her status. "They belong to us." The darkside repeated. "They belong to my tribe and to whoever might purchase from my rank." The warlock seemed to have gathered. "I payed for them." He stated. "I gave my humanity away in return for this treasure." The darkside screamed. The same scream which echoed above the yard in which Torah waited for a clue on how to deal with the demon dogs. "Let's see." It then rasped. The eyes and mouth where like endless caverns of flame. It reached out with one clawed hand. Torah noticed he carried a ring of gold upon the left hand's fourth finger. "Awaken." It deemed. The warlock screamed. Torah didn't get it. But only at first. Big black pimps, like that of the plague, seemed to cover every hint of bare skin. Torah gasped. The warlock collapsed. He rolled on the floor, screaming all the time. The pimps then suddenly cracked. Blood seemed to drop from every pore. "Awaken." The darkside repeated the terrible phrase. The man lay still. Suddenly his innermost imploded. Torah saw a black pyre consume his body. Torah didn't want to see more. But her eyes where fixed on the dreadful sceene which played itself to its unavoidable conclusion. "Awake." A third time the wicked repeated its command. This time multiple black pearls seemed to rise out of what remained of the warlock's corpse. Torah hid her features. She was sure he would kill her as well. But then nothing happened. The darkside put the pearls into a purse. Then he simply vanished. For a moment she just lay there. Her body was still aching. This was no happy day. The demon didn't see her. She wondered if he might couldn't see her. He was so powerful. Perhaps her insignificance made her invisible, Sor of, anyway. Torah's magic was magic. Plain and simple. It wasn't that bright. But it wasn't very dark either. She put it aside. Torah finally got back on her feet. She knocked some candles. There was nothing really important within. Torah retrived what items they left behind. She then went to search for the switch. She avoided Una's body. She at least did something to save her. She piled some snow on her. Torah thought it would be better then to just let her lay there. She found the button. It'd been there all the time. Torah pulled the switch. Nothing happened about the area. The pool was closed. But that she'd expected. Torah put it aside. She went back down the tunnel. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mimic stil where of some danger. They might freeze her on impact. The plasma at least made them keep some distance. Finally she reached the opening. Torah was back inside the crater. The mimic where left behind. Torah was grateful about that. She again went along the narrow walkway. "Pearls of heat!" The Medusa head got shot into oblivion. That wasn't the end. "Winter's heart!" The wave of bats which came from the nearby opening, got dismantled. Torah inhaled. She reached solid ground. Not that it ment anything. The fence was removed. "Orbs of sorcery!" She was forced to blast another head. Torah began to climb. "Pearls of heat! Opal shot!" The bats never stopped chasing her. "Orbs of sorcery!" That made them keep their distance. Never the less, she'd reached the botton of the ladder. Torah where in front of another opening. The smoke made it difficult to see. But Torah was almost sure she noticed another opening across from her location. She couldn't explain it. Still, she was sure the crater got wider the lower she went. Torah put it aside. There was no use going back up. The way was still blocked. The item she saw in the trance might be the only hope of getting out. Torah toutched the cross. The Lord would guide her. She then entered the cave. The tunnel went for some distance. Torah was quite sure she where back in the mine. These walls where carved out by the workforce. Torah wondered if Patrick's father ever knew about this place. Or perhaps it was the sole work of Dracula's followers. Whatever the case, she put it aside. Torah reached the first pit of lava. The smoke made everything seem obscure. Torah managed to reach the initial platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" At first she'd been almost glad to see the ordinary bats. But not anymore. She at least got some of their numbers. Torah went across. She landed upon the second pillar. The head almost got her. Torah shredded the snake creature anyway. She was getting quite good at this. Torah reached solid ground. She was grateful there was no monsters around. Torah knocked down some candles. She really found some items. The stakes and garlic she put in the backpack. Torah then continued. "Winter's heart!" This time she really got them. Only some very few bats where still around. Torah didn't care. No. That was a lie. She really cared about it. Torah didn't wish to become a vampire. Legends told the mammals spread the curse. Torah wasn't quite certain about that. But they might at least drain her blood. That would eventually kill her. Torah wondered if they where all controlled by Dracula. She put the question aside. Torah reached another pool. "Orbs of sorcery!" The head came from nowhere. Or so it seemed. Torah guessed it was a part of the defence mechanism. The New Order used magic all to casual. They might have learned so by Dracula's doings. Torah lept into the air. She reached the first platform. Torah used the ring-smash to defend against yet another Medusa head. "Orbs of sorcery!" Other bats joined in the chase. The cave must've been filled with mammals. "Opal shot!" The Medusa was hit head on. Torah went across. She landed upon another strange pillar. She thought she heard something. Torah felt all but sick. "Not again." She muttered. "Fountain of fire!" She went after the fireballs. The archers got no new chanse to fire. The lizards went on the offensive. They where taken somewhat aback by her objective. Torah used the opportunity. She where among them before they could make up their configuration. The ring-smash dug deep into their muscles and flesh. This time Torah actually felt sick. She hated having to do things like this. She got through to the archers. Their frantic attempts actually killed some of their own friends. Torah didn't mind. They where the greatest danger. She couldn't attack and defend at the same time. "Frozen flash!" The spell was a perfect weapon wheile in close battle. The smash made their bow to shatter. Torah noticed she'd been right when she earlier noticed they where made of some sort of horn. She put it aside. The surviving archers where on the run. "Fountain of fire! Zapphire shards!" Torah had to get clear. The enemies where closing. The spell killed ceveral monsters. The surviving members left and ran for their lives. Torah watched them leave. She got no interest in presuing. She retrived what crystals they left behind. Torah even knocked some candles. The road went on. She went along. Torah wasn't surprised when reaching another pond of molton lava. She lept forward. She reached the pillar. "Pearls of heat!" The bats never stopped. She shot some of them away. Torah reached the second platform. The Medusa head came in a wavy pattern. Torah was just barely able to shred it. She went across the final opening. The tunnel was somewhat wider at this point. Ashes lay on the floor. She almost tripped upon pieces of loose rock. Water dropped from the ceiling far above. Torah thought of the hot rain which sometime fell in the south of America. Even so, something wasn't right. Torah felt like being watched. There where some bats around. But it wasn't they who gave her the shiver. Torah tried not to mind about the matter. It was impossible. The candles seemed a little dimmed. Pieces of old armour lay on the floor. Torah noticed pieces of broken weaponry. Then a giant figure rised. Torah almost immediately knew what it was. This bone-trooper carried a ball-and-chain. Torah thought of the tales she heard about John Morris and Eric Lecarde. She ducked beneath the massive ball. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah shot parallel beams. The skeleton got frozen all over. Torah made an effort to get around. The trooper broke free. She knew the smash was no match against this monster. "Fountain of fire! Hand of fate!" The repeated round sent the enemy backward. Then she nearly got hit by the massive weapon. "Winter's heart!" If only she could break that inner barrier. No use thinking about that now. Torah was able to dodge another massive attack. That ball would kill her if she ever got rammed. "Rainbow flame!" The bone-trooper was forced backward. Torah used the opportunity to stamp with her cross. Flames lit up the trooper. The massive skeleton then collapsed into a heap. Torah knew it wasn't over. She placed a trio of garlic in front of the enemy. Then she turned and ran. The explosion made it rain with garbage. Torah was glad for not being hit. She went to pick up the gemstones. The trooper left quite some crystals behind. Torah just barely was began walking when another bone-trooper rised in front. This bulk was armed with a sword and shield. Torah immediately drew backward. Clever move. The trooper made a swing at her. She guessed it would've cut her in half. Torah tried to shake the image. "Winter's heart!" The magic pushed the enemy slightly backward. Torah wasn't that foolish to try mark it. "Rainbow flame!" She got a faint idea of pushing it into the lava. No chanse. The trooper moved forward. "Behind blue eyes!" The spell at least froze her enemy. Torah tried to figure some sort of strategy. Her hope was shattered. The trooper already broke free. "Hand of fate!" The spell made it stumble. Torah licked her lips. This really was getting her nowhere. The trooper stabbed. Torah threw herself far backward. "Pot of gold!" The spell sent the enemy away from her position. Torah laughed nervously when the trooper kept on coming. Could nothing stop this monster? She put the question aside. This wasn't the time for speculation. "Opal sun!" The massive ball of flame finally gave her the breather. The magic spell made the skeleton to collapse. Torah toutched her cross. This was through the grace of God. She was certain. Torah went to place some garlic in front. She didn't know why it worked. But it did. That was all which mattered. Torah watched while the beast exploded. Another cloud of ash and garbage was spread through the area. She tried to brush off as best she could. Grandmother Yoko would've killed her for coming home like this. Then again, Torah wondered how Yoko Belnades looked after having survived the incident in 2035. She let it be. Instead she went to pick up the crystals. Torah felt stronger when having absorbed their energy. That was strange. Was this the way Soma felt when harvesting other souls? Torah shrugged. He would never tell her. Soma Cruz died in 2075. He was no old man when it happened. Torah wasn't born when it happened. Yoko never would say much about the matter either. Torah put the memories aside. She went forward. The way was blocked by another pit. Torah reached for the cross. Then she where in the air. Torah reached the pillar. Just then came another head. Torah shredded the Medusa. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats kept some distance. She defeated another Medusa before reaching the next platform. The sound was the only warning. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah knew that sound all to well. Arrows flew past her location. Some projectiles froze upon impact. "Pearls of heat!" Torah knew how to handle these people. No need to get careless anyway. Torah landed upon solid ground. "Golden flash!" The spell sent the spear backward. "Zapphire shards!" They where simple spells. But there was no shaman around. Torah was grateful. Then again, she could be flexable. The archers fired another round. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The spell would handle bogh the nearest monsters and the arrows. The fairies danced with her. Some greedy idiot actually tried to take them. From Edward she knew the dark side would pay much to have them. Torah felt worry for her companion. Rose was resolute. She hoped to find her before anything bad happened. Torah almost got her skull smashed. She better be careful or something might happen to her instead. Torah got beneath his defenses. The smash ended his misery. The archers let go with another onslaught. "Frozen flash!" Torah hid beneath the screen of her magic. "Opal shot!" Torah got the one who tried to take her from behind. She ducked beneath the swordman. The ring-smash cut the leg from underneath. Then she beheaded the monster. Torah felt no pride. It was what she got to do. It was no trip in the park. Torah tried to remember about that. "Orbs of sorcery!" The tripled onslaught of magic plasma circled her position before going outward. Finally she reached the rangers. They fired another load at point blank range. Torah got hit in the shoulder. Nothing bad. But it really hurt. She tried not to mind about the matter. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The numerous crystals taken from the troopers made her capable of performing these spells. The archers where taken aback. Only two of them where able to escape. Torah made no mind about it. She still got the other lizards to worry about. She threw herself among the monsters. Torah leapt into the air. Two monsters fell without their head. She made even the return into a weapon. Torah held out with her smash. The nearest lizard got slashed. They carried some sort of armour. Carrie's weapon broke through it all. "Opal flash!" Torah made a complete sweep. The area around her location got crisped. The remaining monsters got enough. The survivers fled the sceene. Torah felt no victory. She went to retrive their crystals. She even knocked some candles. There was a chicken leg. Torah was grateful. Food wasn't quite as valuable as a potion. Torah didn't mind. She ate the food. She felt replenished after having finished the meal. Torah went to inspect the rute forward. Not far where a pool of lava. "Here we go again." Torah muttered. The bats suddenly seemed to come in a wave. "Rainbow flame!" The solid arch of blazing energy blocked their onslaught. Torah wasn't sure, but it looked like she burned them all. She inhaled. Torah then went across. She reached the first platform. The Medusa nearly got her. She threw herself flat on the floor. "Opal shot!" She got the next head before it got all that close. Never mind. Torah reached the second platform before another got in her way. There still came one on the offensive. Torah was able to shred it. She made another leap. Finally she was back on solid ground. She moved into a defensive posture. Nothing happened. Torah was careful while inspecting the floor. There wasn't any type of that garbage around. Torah toutched the cross. She went forward. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma made the mammals behave. The tunnel went for quite some distance. Torah knocked some candles. The crystals would come in handy. The way kept on going. Torah began to feel a little nervous. But then the way got blocked by another pit. The sound of boiling lava was almost relaxing. Torah reached the pillar. Bats came in another wave. "Winter's heart!" The blast froze their numbers. Before they might make another attempt, Torah where across. She reached the second platform. The Medusa seem to appear from nowhere. Torah slashed the enemy. She was careful not to get any blood upon herself. Torah knew what might happen. She landed at the other shore. The tunnel grew slightly larger. Torah stepped forward. There was nothing curious about this place. Piles of old ash covered the floor. Torah almost tripped upon a loose rock. Drops of water came from the floor. She looked upward. The ceiling was concealed among shadows. The smoke made it difficult to see. Torah stopped. She got a bad feeling about this. Something wasn't quite right. She recognized the sensation just as another trooper emerged from the garbage. Torah threw herself backward. The bone-trooper was armed with one of those huge axes. There where no icicles down here. "Winter's heart!" She at least got some crystals. The bag of bones got frozen all over. It easily got free. The enemy made a swing. Torah was far quicker then that bulk. It didn't matter. "Opal sun!" The solid spell threw the monster backward. It lost hold of its weapon. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah's eyes changed from brown to blue. Parallel bolts of blue light shot from within her gaze. The enemy got shot backward. Torah licked her lips. This might work. "Rainbow flame!" That cost her some crystals. While the trooper struggled to retain its weapon, she went to knock some candles. It wasn't much. But it might be enough. The trooper got its axe. Torah knew one mistake would kill her. "Winter's heart!" That at least stunned him for some seconds. Torah got in behind the bulk. "Golden globe!" The blast was powerful enough to make the monster collapse. Torah put the garlic in front. To know the tactic wasn't enough. She still got frightened by these people. The trooper exploded. Torah was quick to fetch the gemstones. How did they look when being alive? They got to be very old. People just wasn't that big anymore. Torah put it aside. A second trooper got up from the rubble. This enemy was armed with a sword and shield. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats where blown away. There still where more of them coming. Torah withdrew from the trooper. "Pearls of heat!" The armed and armoured skeleton stabbed with its blade. "Hand of fate!" The spell was solid enough to blow it skyhigh. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals where becoming a real pest. "Opal sun!" Without the large jewels from the other trooper, this would've been impossible. Never mind. Torah almost got bitten by the bats. She held up her cross. Some of them burned upon contact. "Behind blue eyes!" The spell made the trooper freeze in place. She actually got some mammals while moving along. The giant bone got loose. The monster swung the blade back and forth. Torah was forced even further backward. She hoped the dark lord didn't rise them himself. Dracula could do things which where beyond ordinary necromancy. "Winter's heart!" The spell made it stop. Torah inhaled. Other bats came at her. She was getting close to the pool of lava. "Fountain of fire!" The spread-shot removed some enemies. Even the trooper got shot to pieces. Torah toutched the cross. "Orbs of sorcery!" That took the brunt of their attack. Torah went to place garlic in front of its location. This was the final blow. The explosion sent trash all over the place. Torah tried to dust off of herself. She really began to look rather shabby. There was nothing she could do. Torah recovered the crystals. She didn't dare to knock down the remaining candles. She went over to the other pit. Lava boiled beneath her location. Torah reached for the cross. She never cared that much when being at home. But after the death of her grandmother, religion had become much more important. Torah knew the Lord would save her at last. But she wondered what end it might be. Be the will of God. She lept into the air. Torah reached the first platform. The head came from nowhere. Torah was able to shred her enemy. Then came another wave of bats. "Pearls of heat!" Torah fired. The mammals got shot. Before they could reform, Torah went across. "Orbs of sorcery!" She diminished their number. Another Medusa came her way. Torah was able to dodge. She jumped right over it. Torah managed to land upon solid ground. "Opal shot!" The remaining bats kept their distance. The tunnel went forward. Torah was careful when moving along. The bats followed. They behaved. Torah knocked some candles. She retrived the garlic. That was to some advantage. She threw some at the mammals. They simply exploded. Torah smiled, though without merriment. She entered into another oval room. The ceiling was far above. The candles where the only source of light. No. Not the only. Around the squarish platform there burned hot with red flame. Then an eerie laugh filled the silence. Torah got into a defensive posture. The flare-dancers got out. There was three of them this time. Torah began dancing. Their Arabian style was rather impressive. Torah put it aside. This wasn't the time. Torah dodged the flames they made to rise. "Zapphire shards!" That wasn't really one of her more powerful offensives. But she actually got one of them. She got back up. Flares still illuminated her body. The black leather west blazed with red gold. Torah almost got burned herself. She was glad the blue ring gave some protection. Torah sent back some stakes. One of them became buried in soft flesh. She knew she'd missed the heart. The dance went on. Torah lept into the air. She hoped to might behead the monsters. They where to quick. One saved herself with a diabolically quick leap backward. Torah ripped her across the chest. Blood painted the floor with crimson. Even the liquid was boiling hot. Torah threw herself backward. That she didn't expected. Still, she should've known. They where magical monsters. "Frozen flash!" The flames got shattered. Torah threw garlic at them. She missed. "Golden globe!" She moved straight beyond her magic. Although the dancer dodged, Torah was able to slash her open. The dancer fell to the floor. The pain was dreadful to behold. Torah was quick to move her out of the misery. Then she got thrown backward herself. The sudden flare was so hot that the ring nearly got crisped. Torah was grateful that didn't happen. There still was two dancers around. The one she'd hit across the chest and the one who sent her flying. Torah got back on her feet. This battle was far from over. Another swarm of bats suddenly came her way. "Rainbow flame!" She got most of their numbers. Some escaped. But they flew right into other flames. Torah frowned. They burned. But why didn't they collapse? Torah got a bad feeling about this. "Mimic!" The words came like a cry. The dancers laughed. Torah was back in battle. The duo danced along, spreading flames. "Zapphire shards!" Torah froze some mimic. She nailed the dancer with another stake. This wasn't like hunting vampires. The dancers was their underlings unyway. She put it aside. She nearly got cooked by another set of flares. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The dance spread a little cold. One of her enemies got captured. Torah felt no victory. Not when her body was aching. The ring might protect against fire. Sor off, anyway. But they couldn't remove the feeling of having gotten to much sun. Torah never was the type to take sunbath anyway. It was just rubbish. The final flare-dancer lept into the fire. Torah prepared. The enemy laughed. She was back. The mimic encircled her position. "Frozen flash!" Torah made a perfect circle. Some of them actually got frozen. Torah felt a little dizzy. She tried to pick herself together. It was to much at stake. Speaking of which, Torah made herself ready. They danced for some time. Neither of them getting the upper hand. Torah got to worry about the mimic as well. They kept on circling her. Flames and flare was not her usual concearn. This was like being in Hell. Torah gathered herself. She threw pales at them. Some got caught. Torah dashed forward. The rising flame threw her upon her back. The enemy laughed. Torah got back up. She got to remain calm. The enemy got lapse. Not that she planned it this way. Torah put aside the misery. She appeared to have trouble with getting back up. The dancer got closer. Most likely she thought of burning her into a crisp. Torah didn't smile. This was part of the job. Nothing else, nothing less. The garlic she preduced from the backpack shot the lizard to pieces. Torah got back up. The flames subsided. Soon the only source of light where the candles. Not to mention the mimic. Torah knew they might be a problem. She climbed upon the platform. The switch was there alright. She stepped upon it. The red glow and the smoke disappeared. Torah went to retrive the crystals. They really could get in handy. Keeping an eye on the mammals, Torah went back to the crater. Her trouble was far from over. She knew about that. Not caring, she went forward.

The ceremony was over. She where exaulted they would perform such an act. They where not really of her species. They knew how to please a lonesome lady. She smiled. Pleased with the time and her moment. They did sacrifice rich gifts. The great serpents of the sea would be pleased. They where her parents. Legends told different stories of her offspring. That was the truth. The spirits which punished her where long since banished themselves. Such a fitting end. Their siblings survived. They where after all living creatures of flesh and blood. She curled together. In her current state she could experience such pleasures. The Dark Lord was pleased with her. She wondered what price the Lords of Shadow where forced to pay for her remains. So amusing they even spent time and effort to rise her from the depth. So she would serve their order. Only lord Dracula was worthy of such loyalty. She closed her eyes. He did after all call upon her to do his bidding while first rising to power. That was some four hundred years after the fall of Walter Bernhardt. That was past and over. This was now. She would not fail. Not this time. She would emerge victorious.

Torah reached the crater. The bridge had been extended. There was no bone dragon around this time. It didn't mean her trouble was over. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma shot the head to ashes. "Zapphire shards!" The burning mimic was the greatest danger. Torah was unsure if the ring would protect her. Better not to test its ability. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. The head went straight above the location. Torah got up. Another came on the offensive. "Opal shot!" The head got obliterated. "Winter's heart!" The spell made the mimic behave. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma removed yet another Medusa. Finally she reached the other end of the walkway. As she expected, there was no ladder. Only another cave which went deeper into the mountain. "Zapphire shards!" She sent some magic at the mimic before entering the tunnel. The cave went straight for some distance. The mimic seemed to have left her behind. Torah wondered about that. She always was so interested in finding an explanation. She put it aside. She'd reached the first pit of lava. Torah reached the initial platform. The head came from nowhere. Torah cut it to pieces. She was careful to not get hit by those fragments. She knew what might happen. "Frozen flash!" The trio of mimic bats where frozen over. Torah inhaled. They really began to anoy her. She got over to the next pillar. Then came another head. "Orbs of sorcery!" That was Carrie's trademark. Torah hoped her ancestor would be proad of her. The children's tale was so incredible. They insisted to having met Carrie Fernandez. Torah would speak with them about that. If she ever returned. Torah shredded another head. Then she reached the third platform. Torah dropped herself flat. The mimic swooped in where she'd just been. "Zapphire shards!" She got it on the second pass. This wasn't funny. The mammals might burn her. Torah got on solid ground. She got into a defensive posture. The mimic where back. Torah was able to dismantle their numbers. The smash really could deal even them their final moment. Torah was grateful about that. She kept on going forward. She knocked some candles while moving along. There was no monsters around. Torah began to feel a little nervous about that. She reached a second pit. The smoke obscured her view. Still, Torah was sure other mimic bats where about. The bright flare was something she'd come to recognize. She toutched the cross. The Lord would guide her. Torah was in the air. She reached the initial platform. She hadn't been mistaken. Mimic monsters where in the air. "Zapphire shards!" The spell made them keep some distance. Torah was quick to reach the other platform. They came in closer. "Frozen flash!" Torah made a complete circle. The monsters got frozen. She watched them fall into the lava. Torah was able to land upon the final pillar. There still where some of those mammals around. They seemed to keep at a distance. Torah felt no comfort. They certainly was planning something. Torah put it aside. The dancer made them magical. But they still where just ordinary beasts. The cave became wider. Torah noticed the place was oval in shape. There was an elevated platform. But no flares surrounded the place. Never the less, she didn't like the look of it. They rised from the floor. Or so it did appear. It where two of them. Torah guessed they always came in pairs. She put it aside. The lizard-dancers already where throwing daggers at her. "Zapphire curtain!" The shield blocked the initial daggers. The mimic where back. Torah would have to think further about them later. She would have to dance. They where no pushovers. Still, she bousted her own type of projectiles. She threw one stake. Clearly they had no telephatic communication. If so, they would already known her tricks. The dancers did not. The stake went home. Even so, Torah missed the heart. The dance went on. Torah was forced to dodge their offensive. They where good. No questions asked. "Zapphire curtain!" The mimic made their move. She was able to freeze some of those monsters. A dagger nearly got her. Torah knew she got to be careful. The garlic wouldn't do her any good. They simply where to quick. They where on guard. Torah wondered what she might do. "Zapphire shards!" The mimic came in on another pass. The ring really protected against their heat. At least it didn't burn her. Never the less, they threw her on the floor. They tried to drain her blood. "Not today." She muttered. The cross made them burn into oblivion. A knife went above her location. Torah rolled aside. She got the stakes ready. She got up. The stake went home. Although Torah was forced to duck, the lizard stammered. There was nothing liquid inside her backpack. The two empty vials where magical or something. They simply couldn't break. The monster was bleeding. Torah felt no victory. The other monster was still unharmed. She moved quick and graceful. Torah hoped she might be that agile someday. She put it aside. They threw daggers at her. Torah threw herself sideways. She dodged the mammals. "Zapphire shards!" The magic took the brunt of their attack. The other lizard actually got hit. The spell wasn't powerful enough to freeze her. Torah ducked as the still bleeding monster tried to nail her. She didn't became hurt. Still, that would only be a matter of time. She got to do something. The wounded lizard had become slightly slower. Torah threw herself forward. She dropped the dance. The smash did their work. The dancer got cut down. Torah got hit in the shoulder. She screamed with pain. The other lizard hissed with triumph. Torah spun. "Opal shot!" The monster was taken aback. She got shot to pieces. Torah ran to retrive their crystals. "Zapphire shards!" She was able to defeat the final mimic. Torah pulled out the blade. She threw it aside. She used a rag which survived their demise to use as a bandage. It wasn't anything dangerous though it hurt. Torah went down the tunnel. Not far off was another pool of lava. That really was no surprise. "Orbs of sorcery!" The head got shot to pieces. Torah went across. She reached another pillar. Torah had to shred another Medusa head. They seemed to come at an endless supply. Torah reached the second pillar. She was able to dodge the third head. "Pearls of heat!" The fourth got shot into oblivion. Torah lept into the air. She'd been quite good at the gymnastics back home. Torah got upon the third platform. There came another head. Torah was able to shred the monster. She made another jump. At last she was back on solid ground. Torah drew sweath of her forhead. That was to close. She tried not to think of it. This part of the corridor was rather narrow. Torah felt like being watched. There was nobody there. The place was piled with old ash and pieces or splintered stone. Torah really didn't like this. Junk, pieces of ancient armour, and old bones where spread about. The sence of evil grew thicker. Torah got a look over her shoulder. When she looked back. There was a bone-trooper which blocked her way. Torah reached for the cross. The trooper was armed with a sword and shield. The monster advanced. "Winjter's heart!" Torah shrieked. The spell made a solid impact. The skeleton got frozen all over. But then it broke free. The trooper made a swing at her. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. The trooper made another attempt. Torah rolled aside. "Fountain of fire!" The solid wave of arching flame made the armoured bone to stagger. Torah got back up. "Behind blue eyes!" She shot parallel blue beams from within her eyes. The trooper stopped. Torah exhaled. She really didn't feel right about this. The bone-trooper got loose. It stabbed with its weapon. Torah knew it would've impaled her body. She was able to leap backward. "Opal sun!" The spell threw the bone-man backward. Torah went to knock some candle. The crystals really came in handy. The trooper was back in motion. "Hand of fate!" Why didn't it collapse!? It staggered. But then the enemy moved. "Winter's heart!" That way she might be able to knock some other candles. Not that it was that many of them around. A miracle happened. The armoured skeleton shattered. She knew it wasn't over. Torah buried garlic in front of her enemy. Then she stepped backward. Her enemy was blown away. Torah eagerly ran to obtain the crystals. The ten big gemstones would be of help. Another trooper rised from the rubble. This bag of bones where armed with a massive axe. Torah felt chills down her spine. "Pot of gold!" The onslaught of globules sent the skeleton backward. She made a backflip. If she hadn't done that, the enemy would've cut her in two. Torah tried to dismiss the image. "Winter's heart!" The trooper got stunned. Torah made one step forward. She stamped with her cross. The trooper glowed with mystic force. Then it hit her in the face. The shield was hard. But without any spikes or sharp edges. Torah rolled franticly as the skeleton tried to stab her. "Opal sun!" The spell knocked the enemy backward. Torah got on her feet. This was getting out of hand. The trooper marched forward. "Winter's heart!" The spell froze the enemy. It soon got free. Torah was running out of tricks. Knowledge how to defeat these people wasn't enough. Not when they could march through her most powerful magic. Torah toutched the cross. She couldn't let it end this way. She drew further and further backward. Torah bit her teeth together. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" If this failed, she would be dead. The fairies danced with her. "Tiny dancer." She muttered. Where did she get those words? Never mind. Torah danced with her spirits. Some of winter's fresh beauty got released beneath the earth. The enemy stopped. Torah thought it might shivered. Then it cracked. Torah watched the trooper collapse. This wasn't the end. She placed the garlic in front. Then she ran. The remains of her enemy got blown to pieces. They left big gems behind. When things settled, she went to pick them up. She was moving toward the pit when a third trooper emerged. This skeleton was armed with a sword and shield. Torah made her hands become fists. This wasn't fear. It never would be. Not around Dracula anyway. "Fountain of fire!" Torah made a flurry of fireballs to become spread throughout the battleground. They went home. The trooper stumbled backward. Then it suddenly dashed forward. Torah almost got taken aback. They didn't do that! They did. Torah was able to throw herself sideways. The trooper turned to might finish her off. "Zapphire shards!" An onslaught of freezing icicles got released upon the area. The enemy got pathrified. Torah used the opportunity to get some distance between her and the enemy. Then the skeleton got loose. Again it dashed forward. Torah was prepared this time. She went beneath the trooper. "Rainbow flame!" The giant skeleton got thrown to the floor. It eventually got back up. Torah got into a defensive posture. The trooper advanced. "Behind blue eyes!" The magic lasers collided with the enemy. Torah got back. The skeleton got frozen all over. Torah thought of marking the skeleton. Before she could do anything, the bag of bones dashed toward her location. "Opal sun!" That was all she could do to save herself. The trooper was blown to the sky. To the ceiling at least. Torah was quick to get out of the way. Even this wasn't enough. The giant trooper dashed forward. Torah was able to dodge. They where not slow at all. She'd made a grave mistake. Never mind that now. "Pot of gold!" The onslaught of spiritual energy sent the bones flying. Torah placed garlic like they'd been set-bombs. Finally it was all over. The skeleton got blasted. She retrived what jewels it left behind. Torah reached for the cross. She was glad it was over. Though, she knew it was only a breather. Torah went onward. The pit wasn't far off. Smoke obscured the area. Never the less, Torah recognized their numbers. "Winter's heart!" She went behind the magic. The mimic got frozen. She reached the platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma had an impact on most enemies. The mimic mammals kept some distance. Torah was able to land on the next platform. "Zapphire shards!" The spread-shot removed some enemies. Torah wished she got something better to defend against the monsters. At least Zoe was trained in using the sword or the bow-and-arrows. She put it aside. Her cousin was an adult. Torah dismissed the matter. She settled upon the third platform. The mimic moved in. Torah wasted no time. She reached solid ground. Even so, they chased after her. "Pot of gold!" The move actually worked. She got most of those monsters. This part of the cave got an oval shape. An elevated platform occupied the center of the area. Torah didn't know why. But she got a bad feeling about this. This time there was only two of them. The lizard-dancers seemed to rise from the floor itself. No matter. They where no mirages. Torah thought of Leon Belmont. He fought against the forces of evil even before the Dark Lord rised to power. They threw daggers at her. Torah began dancing. She countered with hurled stakes. The mimic where still around. Torah was worried about that. She really disliked their order. Never the less, she would have to think further about it later. The knife missed by inches. The stake went straight past her enemy. They laughed. Torah struggled to remain calm. One of them where careless enough to get close. Torah ripped her with the smash. The blow wasn't fatal. Never the less, they drew away from her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah got time to counter the mammal's offensive. She shot some into oblivion. Torah nearly got hit by a dagger. She threw herself sideways. Three new knives went behind her location. "Fountain of fire!" They dodged most of her offensive. One dancer actually got nailed. Somehow she where able to extinguish the flames. Torah used the opportunity to knock some candles. She found another medicine. Torah put it into her backpack. The battle went on. Torah was growing weary. Although damaged, they still where better then her. Torah let herself go down on one knee. The lizard she damaged earlier drew closer. Torah suddenly threw herself backward. The other dancer was caught off guard. The garlic ended her misery. Or so Torah intended. She somehow was able to continue the battle. Then Torah got taken aback. The other dancer nailed her with dual daggers. Torah was just able to save herself. Pain went through her body. "Pearls of heat!" The aim was terrible. Somehow the lizard was blown apart. The remaining monster hurled other knives. Torah pulled out the blades. Blood ran down her body. Torah had no choise. She drew backward. Then she had some potion. The wounds got healed. The medicine was wonderful. Torah toutched the cross. The mimic suddenly where close. The ring saved her. Never the less, their heat was terrible. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah danced with her fairies. The monsters got frozen over. Even the dancer got captured. Torah watched her shatter. She obtained their crystals. She where tired. Torah picked herself together. She didn't have time to be weary. Torah reached the next pit. There was no mimic around. At least she didn't detect any mobility. "Opal shot!" Torah defeated the head. She jumped into the air. Torah reached the platform. There came another head. Torah was able to defend herself. She settled upon the other pillar before another Medusa could appear. "Orbs of sorcery!" The head got obliterated. Then came a swarm of bats. They where just ordinary mammals. "Rainbow flame!" The heat destroyed her enemies. Torah recovered the crystals. Then she lept into the air. She reached the last platform. Everything looked clear. Torah reached solid ground. Just then came a row of arrows. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell circled her body before going outward. This was no ordinary projectiles. She got thrown to the floor. They where on her before she could rise. Torah lost her smash. She got picked up and dragged into the cave. Torah thought of stories wherein people got taken by trolls. They dropped her in front of the shaman. "So." He said. "This is the slut which we've been so afraid of." Torah was furious. Some dryads behaved in a way which she viewed with disgust. Torah was not like that. Nor was she a real dryad either. The shaman bent forward. "Opal sun!" The magic sent him backward. Torah was without mercy. "Rainbow flame!" The shaman shrieked. The lizard got their weapons ready. Torah retrived the smash from one doubfounded guard. She slashed him across the chest. He was dead before reaching the floor. "Fountain of fire!" Where did the shaman hide? He still was the most dangerous enemy. Some other monsters where burned to ashes. Some arrows went her way. "Zapphire curtain!" The shield made them freeze upon impact. Torah went into battle. The confusion was total. The archers shot entirely at random. They even killed some of her presuers. Torah had no mind about the matter. She was to busy saving herself. She cleared away the nearest lizard. Another monster almost killed her. "Golden flash!" The spell made them burn on impact. Torah went beneath his defensive. She cut the leg. Then she removed his head. "Frozen flash!" She got the arrow before it could nail her. Some of them fled the area. There still where plenty of them left to kill her. Torah pulled the switch. It was no victory. "Pot of gold!" She where running low on crystals. She retrived some from the fallen enemies. Bats circled the battlefield. Some where dining upon the blood of the dead or dying monsters. "Orbs of sorcery!" Some tried to bite her instead. She blasted them into ashes. The shaman was dead. Torah almost stumbled upon his body. That made things somewhat better. Or perhaps not. Some lizard almost smashed her shoulder. Torah dodged. Even so he was able to draw some blood. "Golden globe!" Torah repayed with another ball of gold. She tried to get an overview of the situation. No way. There where to many monsters about. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell took the brunt of the nearest attackers. Torah dashed forward. She got beneath their defences. The smash ended their misery. "Pearls of heat!" She gathered their crystals. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma cleared the area. Torah was breathing heavily. She didn't have time to be weak. "Frozen flash!" The spearman got frozen over. Torah went beneath the swordman before he could gather. The smash cut deep into his stomach. He gasped. Torah withdrew her item. The monster collapsed. She claimed the crystal. Torah had a look around. The battle seemed to be over. For the most part at least. Most of them either had fled or where dead already. Here and there she still spotted living monsters. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah danced. It may be a waste of energy. But that was all she could do to might chase them away. The bats got frozen. Rank and moral shattered. The survivers fled the sceene. Torah exhaled. She really hadn't been sure they would do that. She went to pick up their gemstones. She even knocked some candles. The pools where drained. Metal plates closed the openings. Torah went back down the tunnel. Some bats went with her. Still, they kept the distance. Torah was satisfied about that. She reached the crater. The ladder where released. Torah began climbing. The bats still chased her. The mimic seemed to have disappeared. "Orbs of sorcery!" The head got shot into oblivion. The Medusa had returned. There came another one. "Pearls of heat!" Torah was able to defend. The monster got shot. She reached the bottom. The crater really was getting larger. The smoke made it impossible to view the other side. Torah was almost certain she saw something. She couldn't be sure. Behind her was an opening. Torah toutched her cross. Then she went inside. She got to extend the walkway.

Castle center, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The witch stood upon the walkway. She went back and forth. She where deep in thought. She made a pact with the Devil. The Master kept her alive. Actrise would appear in different forms or shapes to be adored by common rabble. Isabella Von Krohnquist was the companion of the Dark Lord. She became a witch. She would serve the Master. The appointed one enlisted her services. She would assist those who yearned for the return of count Dracula. Actrise lifted her head. The sun was low. In a few hours it would be nightfall. So fitting. "I do not think he will come." The apprentice finally said. Actrise did not answer. It might be the truth. How conviniant it would be. The warlock was a useful toul. Never the less, he was strong at mind. He desired power. There was nothing else left of him then hunger. He told her of the price. "It is not of my concearn." She finally told. The other lowered her head. She was pleased. Together they would achieve the power only the great could master. Then she could return to her Dark Lord. The royal knights would let her through. Something was at hand. Actrise was not concearned. Though she where curious about what was about to happen. Something glorious. That was certain. Actrise would rejoice in the return of lord Dracula.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Torah went forward. At first nothing seemed curious. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot some mammals away. This cave belonged to the mine. Torah recognised the ore. Though she didn't know which metal they gathered. The sound of boiling lava told her the pit was close. Torah reached the pond. The smoke and heat nearly made her return. Then she gathered. This she must do. Torah lept into the air. She reached the platform. "Opal shot!" The Medusa almost got her. She was able to defend. She reached the next platform. No head where on the approach. Something else came through the air. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah shouted. The shield froze the arrows upon contact. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah went across. She came just behind the plasma. The monsters did retreat. Torah knew the rangers still could nail her. "Frozen flash!" The spell defended when they came. The monsters seemed to gather. They went on the offensive. Torah dashed forward. She was quicker then the adult lizard creatures. No need to get careless anyway. She got beneath the sword. The smash crushed his stomach. Torah spun. "Frozen flash!" The club shattered. The lizard went along. Torah ducked. The lance almost impaled her body. "Opal flash!" The spell made the weapon burn. Torah lept into the air. The smash removed some heads. She reached out with bogh arms. The ring-smash slashed some monsters on the return. They simply wasn't fast enough. "Golden flash!" There where no shaman around. The magic cut through the monsters in front. She was at the rangers. They tried to shoot her. "Zapphire curtain!" The shield got bombarded. They retreated. Torah went in presuit. "Zapphire curtain!" She was able to block even this round. They only would retreat. Torah had to do something quick. The remaining monsters where about to close the circle. "Fountain of fire!" The multiple fireballs caught them off guard. They couldn't possibly withdraw in time. The rangers got shot in their line. Torah turned. The monsters where nearly in range. They seemed unsure of what to do. Torah dashed forward. She got to defeat their numbers. Bats circled the battlefield. Where had they came from? Never mind that now. Torah got beneath their defences. The smash finished the ordeal. The club collapsed. "Opal flash!" The spell burned the spearman. Torah ducked beneath another club. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma burned the monsters. Torah finished the lizard in front. The monster was dead before reaching the floor. She looked around. There where no more enemies. There only was some of the bats around. Torah leaned against the wall. She felt tired. She went to retrive the crystals. She knocked some candles. There wasn't really anything important. She shrugged. Torah got the crystals she needed. The way went on. She reached another pit. Torah was able to reach the initial pillar. "Zapphire shards!" The mimic got shot to pieces. There where more of them. "Orbs of sorcery!" Carrie's spell made them keep some distance. Torah jumped toward the other platform. This wasn't funny. The mimic gave chase. "Zapphire shards!" Torah shot some monsters away. She left the platform. She was able to reach solid ground. Torah had a breather. There where no other enemies around. The mimic where flying about. They seemed unsure of what to do. Torah knew it was her imagination. Although magical, they still where ordinary mammals. She went down the corridor. She was sure to keep an eye out for danger. The bats went on chasing her mobility. Torah didn't care. Not really. She got other problems. There was another pit in front of her. "Frozen flash!" She was able to take the nearest enemy. Then Torah jumped. She landed upon the nearest platform. "Opal shot!" The head almost got her. Torah tried to pick herself together. She got to remain calm. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot the head away. Torah went toward the next pillar. "Zapphire curtain!" The mimic made a rush toward her location. They froze upon impact. "Opal shot!" Torah removed the approaching Medusa. Then she settled upon solid ground. She was breathing heavily. That was to close. She got most of the mimic. That was no victory. Torah went forward. The cave became narrower. There was only some seven meters across. Torah felt slightly nervous. Ash and pieces of smouldered rock lay on the floor. Tiny drops of water fell from the ceiling far above. The air felt so cold. It almost was like voices spoke in the air. Torah tried not to listen. Pieces of armour and other weaponry showed where they fought their final battle. Torah almost felt pitty with them. The bones never got the funeral they deserved. She wondered why Patrick's father never cleaned up this mess. Her thoughts where cut short. One of the troopers emerged from the rubble. Torah got into a defensive posture. This demon was armed with a sword and shield. The trooper dashed forward. Torah managed to get underneath. "Winter's heart!" The trooper got frozen. The bulk then collided against the wall. Torah earned nothing from it. The trooper soon got back up. It made another dash. This time she was prepared. "Behind blue eyes!" The parallel bolts of magic sent the enemy flying. "Orbs of sorcery!" That where for the mimic. The spell made them behave. She got enough trouble already. Torah prepared for the next move when the trooper got back on its feet. The armoured skeleton moved for her. Though it was more careful this time. Torah knew what to do. At least she hoped so. "Rainbow flame!" The spell hammered into the trooper. It staggered. Then it dashed forward. Torah almost became impaled. She threw herself sideways. "Opal sun!" She really began to get short on gemstones. That wasn't the problem. Not the only. The armoured being got back in battle. "Back to nature. Back to battle." Torah muttered. Rica, another of her friends, used to say that when playing cards. The trooper swung at her. Torah barely ducked. "Fountain of fire!" The trooper missed the offensive. Torah got back up. The trooper dashed forward. She got behind. "Pot of gold!" The spiritual onslaught sent the bones flying. Torah put garlic in front of the fallen enemy. She watched the final moment. Then she got the crystals. The mimic came for her. "Zapphire shards!" The spell shot them to ashes. Torah went to inspect the way forward when the second trooper showed its presence. This time the bag of bones where armed with a giant axe. Torah threw garlic at it. The trio of grenade-like explosives threw it backward. "Winter's heart!" Torah made it stay in place. She went to knock some other candles. There where not many of them. She at least found what she needed. Torah spun around. The enemy got free. It came at her like a crazy lumberjack. Nothing seemed to stop it. Torah was forced backward. "Behind blue eyes!" The magic at least made it slow. Soon she would be at the pit. She already heard the boiling sound. "Hand of fate!" Torah began to feel somewhat desperate. Could nothing stop this monster? "Opal sun!" She only got some 15 meters left. Then it was just 10. "Hand of fate!" Torah let it have her most powerful spell. Somehow it worked. It was only 7 meters left when the demon collapsed. Torah toutched the cross. Then she quickly placed garlic in front of the fallen enemy. She jumped back on the pillar as the trooper exploded. It left quite some crystals behind. Torah eagerly obtained the treasure. She was grateful no other troopers appeared. Torah went down the tunnel. There still where some mammals around. The way was blocked by another pit. "Zapphire shards!" The mimic kept their distance. Torah reached the platform. Nothing happened. Torah felt more then a little nervous. She got over to the second platform just as a swarm of bats came in on her. "Winter's heart! Rainbow flame!" They nearly pushed her into the lava. Torah forgot about their numbers. She knew it was a grave mistake. "Orbs of sorcery!" There. They got what they deserved. Not really. They where only bats. They couldn't help being controlled or dominated by vampires. Torah made the final jump. She reached another portion of the mine. The path went slightly straighter. Some bats and mimic monsters still kept chasing her. Torah was careful to not forget about that. They could drain her blood. Torah didn't wish to become an undead. She wondered if Gwendolyn really gave herself up to the dark side. There was another pond. The smoke made it difficult to see. Torah reached the platform. She got to shred another Medusa. "Pearls of heat!" The bats got shot away. There still was the mimic. She shrugged. "Orbs of sorcery!" She was able to clear away another head. Torah settled upon the second platform. "Opal shot!" The head got cleared away. "Frozen flash!" That was to close. The mimic got defeated anyway. She landed upon solid ground. No sooner came another wave of arrows. Torah threw herself to the floor. They really got smarter. "Fountain of fire!" But without the shamans they couldn't get the offensive. Then again, she might be flexable. The monsters came forward. "Zapphire curtain!" Although she became pushed backward, the formost enemies got frozen all over. Pluss, the arrows got cleared away. They drew backward. Torah let go of her defences. She dashed into close-ranged battle. The first monster got cut down. Torah got beneath the spearman. "Frozen flash!" She made a full circle. The nearest enemies got crushed. The ring-smash then dismantled the pike. Torah threw herself sideways. The club almost got her. "Opal shot!" The spell made his chest to explode. The smash took the brunt of the swordman's attack. "Pot of gold!" Finally she reached the rangers. They where taken aback by the sudden magic. The golden globes shot most of them away. Those who survived ran for shelter. Torah had no time to celebrate. The lance almost got her. Torah got underneath his weapon. The smash cut his leg. Torah quickly removed the head before other could move in. "Opal flash!" The burning spell made some of them withdraw. She actually was able to set fire upon some enemies. Torah never cared about fried lizard. The smile never reached her eyes. The field was cleared. Those who where still alive had escaped. Torah wondered how many monsters she actually killed. It didn't matter. This was no game. She tried to get hold on herself. Torah inhaled. She made an effort to relax. This wasn't her fault. They pledged fealty to Dracula long before she where born. Torah toutched the cross. Be the will of God. She went down the cave. First Torah obtained the crystals they left behind. She must've thrown off the mammals. Nobody was there. The way went on. Torah kept the ring-smash at the ready. The way was blocked by another pit. Lava boiled. The smoke made it difficult to see things far beyond. The Medusa head seemed to come from nowhere. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. "Orbs of sorcery!" There where more of them coming. Torah cleaned away the initial head. She then cut away the second. She lept into the air. Torah landed upon the platform. There was another one. Torah cut it to pieces. She settled upon the other pillar. The heads kept on coming. "Opal shot!" The Medusa came in a wavy pattern. Torah shot the snake creature away. Finally she where back on solid ground. Torah still felt a little weary. This was getting her nowhere. Who knew how deep the crater went? She might be caught her forever. Torah felt a tear down her cheek. She angrily dried it away. She got to keep her faight. The Lord would save her at last. That was her living hope. Torah went into the tunnel. All was silent. The sound of leathery wings was the only warning. "Winter's heart!" She got most of their numbers. Some still circled her position. Torah prepared for another move when the trooper got out from the rubble. The skeleton was armed with a sword and shield. Torah barely got time to throw herself sideways. The bone-trooper dashed forward. "Fountain of fire!" The onslaught of fire made it drop focuse. Torah used the opportunity to get some distance. The trooper only needed to get close enough to cut her in half. Torah tried to shed the image when the trooper came forward. "Rainbow flame!" The solid arch sent it backward. Torah reached for the cross. Again the trooper came on the offensive. Torah managed to glide underneath. This wasn't easy. "Opal sun!" The solid fireball sent the skeleton hard against the floor. The bats came in on her. "Orbs of sorcery!" They where able to dodge. Then the trooper almost got her. It came on the offence. Torah dropped herself backward. She nearly got into the lava. Torah was able to save herself. "Winter's heart!" The solid spell pathrified the trooper. Torah hurried to get behind. She stamped with the cross when moving along. The huge skeleton shook. That was the only way to describe what happened. But then it broke free. Torah screamed. The blade went just before her face. "Hand of fate!" She acted almost without thinking. The powerful magic threw the trooper hard against the floor. She watched the skeleton shatter. Torah placed garlic in front. Finally it was over. The trooper exploded. Torah was sure to be far away when that happened. She later went to obtain the crystals. They would come in handy. "Orbs of sorcery!" She made an attempt to clear away the mammals. Some of them where hit. Most of them survived the effort. She shrugged. There wasn't much she could do about it anyway. The second trooper was armed with a ball-and-chain. The massive weapon nearly smashed her. Torah tried not to think about it. She got to slow it or else… "Winter's heart!" The trooper got pathrified. She wished she dared to mark it with the cross. Just then it got free. The spiked ball hammered against the floor. The terrible weapon got closer and closer. "Hand of fate!" The solid shock sent the trooper off balance. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah's spell froze it in place. The curse was to powerful. The trooper got loose. The terrifying weapon even made the floor crack. The shield couldn't defend her against this. What could she do? "Opal sun!" The spell at least made it loose the momentum. "Pot of gold!" The spiritual onslaught almost made it loose the weapon. But then it continued the bombardment. Torah ran forward. She was able to get behind. "Rainbow flame!" She was determined to take it down once and for all. Torah didn't thought about Dracula. Not the numerous Belmont warriors who promised to deal him the final moment. The prince of Darkness where the Devil's purchase. The flame made the trooper shatter. Bones went everywhere. Torah quickly put garlic into the ashes. The explosion was spectacular. Torah watched it happen. She went to claim the crystals. She hoped this might be the end. Torah knew better. The sence of evil's presence didn't fade. She wasn't surprised when a third trooper really emerged. This skeleton was armed with a sword and shield. "Winter's heart!" The icy spell made it stumble. Torah's magic froze it in place. Should she try to mark it? The decision was taken out of hand. The bone-trooper broke free. It dashed forward. Torah dropped herself flat on the floor. She rolled underneath her enemy. "Fountain of fire!" She got up on one knee. Her white stocking began to look somewhat wornout. She didn't care. The trooper was sent hard against the floor. Torah got up. The trooper dashed toward her location. "Behind blue eyes!" The spell collided against the skeleton. Torah looked away. When she looked back, the trooper was captured. But not for long. The enemy was able to break the ice. Torah threw herself sideways when the trooper came again. She made a spun. "Pot of gold!" Again she was able to hammer the bulk against the wall. The enemy soon got back up. Torah felt a little shakey. The troopers never gave in. She dropped herself to the floor when it came on the approach. She rolled aside. "Opal sun!" She was unsure if it would actually work. The Lord was with her. The trooper collapsed into a heap. Torah put garlic in front. She then ran away. The explosion hit the mine. Torah was thrown to the floor. She got back up. The battle was over. She went to retrive the gemstones. Torah knocked some crystals. She hoped for a morning-star. That way she might be able to use the smash against the troopers. No luck anyway. She shrugged. Torah kept walking. Some mammals still went with her. She kept on guard. There was another pool of lava. The Medusa came in a wavy pattern. She was able to shred it. Torah lept into the air. She reached the platform just as the next head approached. "Golden globe!" The spell cleaned it away. Torah lept toward the second pillar. She was able to reach it in time. "Pearls of heat!" She captured bogh the head and some mammals. Torah was pleased with the day's work. She went toward the cave. Torah made a dive. She landed upon the floor. Then she rolled some distance forward. Torah got up, ready for battle. Nothing happened. She where inside another oval chamber. Some bats where in the air. Flames illuminated the elevated platform. The eerie laugh made echoes throughout the area. Then the flare-dancers appeared. There was two of them this time. Flames lit upon their dancing. Torah stared. They where truly glorious. Then she got out of it. Torah began dancing. She knew they where better. No matter. This was the only way to might stay alive. The mammals flew into the flames. Torah wasn't surprised to see them turn into those dreadful mimic monsters. "Zapphire curtain!" The shield froze the initial onslaught. The dancers laughed by her effort. Torah was able to remain calm. She suddenly lept forward. They where able to dodge. The smash missed them completely. It didn't matter. She got other tricks up her sleeve. Her garlic exploded upon impact. The lizard somehow managed to stay alive. She jumped back among the flames. Torah noticed the blood she left behind. It was no victory. Their flames sent her hard against the floor. Although the ring saved her life, the heat was terrible. Torah struggled back up. She got to stay in motion. Otherwise the flames would crisp her. Ring or no ring. They still could do that. Torah tried to get closer. They where able to keep their distance. "Zapphire shards!" She still managed to freeze some mimic. "Pot of gold!" Frustrated she cast another spell. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah knew this spell made her more elegant. Somehow she got close enough to freeze one dancer. She immediately got free. She jumped back among the flames. The second dancer sent her far backward. Torah was able to get back up. The garlic sent the dancer skyhigh. But then it threw her among her own flames. The initial dancer returned. Blood still went from her wounds. Torah felt slightly shaken herself. This had to end. They would kill her eventually. The second dancer reappeared. She wasn't as elegant as before. Torah thought she might have broken something. She felt no pitty. They would kill everyone the Dark Lord told them to. Nobody would ever be safe. The dancers could appear from any given flare. "Behind blue eyes!" Through some miracle she actually managed to nail the broken lizard. The spell made her shatter. Torah got cooked in return. The heat was almost to much. Torah struggled to get back in motion. Otherwise she was dead. Torah toutched the cross. She would survive. She acted like the last strike actually immobilized her status. The dancer grew closer. Torah could almost feel her doubt. She was about to retreat when Torah acted. "Winter's heart!" The spell threw her far backward. Torah watched her shatter among her own flames. Torah looked away. This she couldn't watch. The flames finally went out. She climbed upon the platform. Torah pulled the switch. The pool got dried. Then metal plates moved into place. Some mimic monsters where still around. Torah kept an eye on them while moving back into the crater. The bridge was extended. For some reason, the monsters remained inside the mine. Torah went upon the walkway. Nothing bad seemed to happen. Something caught her attention. Above her was a flouting figure. The big black hat and cape made it impossible to identify the person. Torah frowned. She met something like this before. The figure made some gesture. The woollen shawl concealed her lower face. Suddenly an electric bolt struck the walkway. Torah was able to jump the impact. The fraight stenched of rotting flesh. Torah felt disgusted by the mere presence. The mystic person seemed like it prepared for another attack. Torah finished the ordeal with some garlic. The fraight simply seeced to exist. That wasn't the end. Medusa heads came from below. "Opal shot!" Torah was able to clear it away. She shredded the next head. Torah began running. "Pearls of heat!" The head got shot to pieces. The crater was getting wider. It was no magic. Simply the construct of an ordinary ditch. Torah felt no happier what so ever. "Orbs of sorcery!" The heads kept on coming. She used the ring-smash to slash another head into history. She reached the other end of the walkway. There was no ladder. Of course there was no ladder. Torah wasted no time. She went into the mine. Torah got to extend the ladder before she could reach the next hight.

Flinth prepared the archers. She was fresh out from the academy. Never the less, she was a shaman. That they simply got to accept. The mistress sent her up here. She trusted her abileties. Flinth hoped it was that way. "You stay behind." She told Brock. He made no replay. He was a seasoned warrior from many battles. Flinth hissed with disgust. That earned her no further reaction. He simply relayed her instructions. After all, he suggested the approach. But she spoke against rushing forward. She'd seen the result of such actions. The sorceress would split their lines. Then she would dash in beneath their defences. To many where dead already. The communication was down. That was due to the explosion earlier. All Flinth could do was to show them her visions. Jade's story was known by most workers by now. That was the real problem. To many of them where like her. Either they where workers or fresh from the schools of war. Griffon, Jade and Brock where not like that. They knew how to fight. Brock had to survive. Flinth made him her second-in-command. If she failed, he would have to lead the general withdraw. She nodded. All she could do was underway. All she could do now was to wait and prepare for what may be. So be it then.

Torah held the smash at the ready. The tunnel went forward. There where some mammals in here. Other then that, the place was silent as the tomb. Torah tried not to think further about the matter. If only something could happen. Beware of what you wish. That was true. Torah found her way blocked by another pit of lava. "Pearls of heat!" The head got shot away. She reached the first platform. Torah shredded another of the snake creatures. She reached the next platform. "Opal shot!" She was able to defeat another Medusa. They came in a wavy pattern. Torah slashed it to pieces. She was careful not to get hit. She reached the third pillar. Things still remained the same. Not that it gave much comfort. There was another head. Torah was able to remove the monster. The smash settled the matter. Torah was back on the shore. The way went onward. Torah walked forward. Everything seemed alright. Not all is what it seemed. Torah dismissed the matter. She would have to wait and to prepare for the outcome. The tunnel looked like it would go on forever. Torah started to feel slightly nervous. But then she reached the pit. Boiling lava blocked the way. The thick amount of smoke obscured her view. Torah spotted the pillar. She went across. No sooner came the mimic. Torah almost got pushed into the lava. The smash settled the matter. There was another monster. "Frozen flash!" The spell made it shatter. Torah waisted no time in reaching the other platform. "Zapphire shards!" Torah got it this time. The mimic was shot to pieces. Torah settled upon another pillar. She ducked. The mimic went straight above her. It came back. Torah got prepared. She cut the beast apart. Before more of them could react, she where already in the air. Torah reached the mine. It felt good to be back on solid ground. This place felt like the bee hive. She went forward. Torah held the smash at the ready. There was no more monsters around. The cave grew larger. She'd reached another of those oval places. Torah got a bad feeling about this area. She wasn't disappointed. The lizard-dancers where on the move. There where three of them in total. Torah began dancing. They threw daggers at her. She was able to dodge. Torah threw stakes at them. She actually nailed one dancer. No matter. Torah knew it was no fatal blow. The dagger almost went home. "Orbs of sorcery!" She didn't blast any of them. The spell got some knives. Torah knew she where better now then at home. Her teatcher told her she got some potencial. Torah put the matter aside. She wasn't like that. She never could be a professional dancer. Yoko often warned her about such things. Torah was able to reach one of the opponents. Blood coloured the cavern red. She missed the heart. Torah got hit by a dagger. Nothing serious. But it hurt. She pulled it out. Torah threw it aside. If only she could do something. The barrier just wouldn't let her through. Torah wished Rose where here. She wasn't. Torah reached into her backpack. There still was something she could do. The oval object felt good in her palm. She waited until one got close. Then Torah hurled the garlic. The monster somehow survived. Although she looked rather bruished. Torah dashed forward. The smash dug deep into her chest. The battle was over. It wasn't. Torah threw herself flat when the knives came her way. She wished to throw more garlic. But the battle made it impossible. The dancers where bogh wounded. They might kill her eventually. Torah could use the medicine. She knew it was no option. They where able to nail her. Torah cried. She pulled out the dagger. She threw it aside. Through some miracle she actually pined the enemy. Torah lept forward. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent bubbles settled the matter. Torah was bleeding. She tied up her wounds. There still was one of them out there. The dancer hissed. Torah knew it was a sign of pain. She dodged the knives. Torah threw some of her own stakes. Neither of them went home. Torah suddenly went down on one knee. She acted like the pain was getting the best of her. The dancer grew closer. Torah could almost smell its doubt. She couldn't wait any longer. Torah suddenly threw herself forward. The cross burned upon impact. The dancer fell backward. Torah gave the fatal blow. She was breathing heavily. Torah gathered what crystals remained. She knocked some candles. Torah was glad she could replenish her stock. The cavern went narrower. Torah went on going. She was ready. Or so she hoped. The sound of boiling lava told her she'd reached the pit. The thick smoke made it almost impossible to see what lay ahead. Torah was sure she spotted another platform. She lept into the air. Torah landed safely upon the platform. "Frozen flash!" She got the mimic. Torah was able to cut another monster to pieces. She went for the other pillar before more of them arrived. She wasn't that lucky. The heat was almost more then she could handle. Ring or no ring. It still hurt. "Golden flash!" The spell burned it on impact. Torah was able to reach the third platform. The smash dismantled the mimic. There might be more of them out there. Torah was sure nobody was around. Then again, she wasn't perfect. The mammal seemed to come from nowhere. "Frozen flash!" The spell sent it into the lava. Torah entered the mine. The cave was still rather narrow. She seemed to have left the monsters behind. Not all is what it seem. Torah acknowledged the old wisdom. There was something familiar about this place. Though she wasn't sure. Torah stepped upon old arm. The weapons must've been there for ages. She got it just as the trooper emerged. The skeleton was armed with a sword and shield. "Fountain of fire!" Torah tried to push it off balance. No chanse. The trooper dashed forward. Torah was able to slide underneath. "Rainbow flame!" The impact sent it hard against the wall. The enemy turned. Torah threw herself sideways. She screamed. The blade missed her face by inches. The garlic exploded upon impact. Even so the trooper soon got up. Before it could move, Torah marked it with the cross. The enemy shone with mystic force. Torah shook her head. Even this wasn't enough. The trooper made an effort to impale her body. She got the knowledge. It gave no comfort. "Opal sun!" She barely got jewels enough. The spell sent the bones flying. Torah put garlic before the ashes. The explosion was glorious. Torah ran to save herself. Even so, the impact sent her against the floor. Torah got back on foot. She went to retrive the crystals. They sometime disappeared. Torah went to knock the candles. Just then the other trooper got up from the rubble. This demon was armed with a giant axe. "Winter's heart!" Torah knew what to do. She got to slow it or else… The foe got pathrified. The curse was stronger. The enemy soon got free. Torah thought of might marking it with her cross. No way. The enemy came like a crazed lumberjack. "Behind blue eyes!" The spell sent it backward. Frost immobilized the trooper. Torah went forward. But then the enemy got loose. Torah threw herself backward. "Fountain of fire!" The solid impact shielded her retreat. Torah was forced backward. She bit her lip. "Opal sun!" It worked the last time. The trooper was forced down on one knee. It got back up. She began to feel desperate. Could nothing stop this monster? She better do something quick. "Hand of fate!" The powerful spell made it drop the weapon. Torah tried to figure out a strategy. The trooper regained its weapon. Torah almost wept. "Rainbow flame!" She almost sobbed. The Lord hadn't forsaken her. The solid flame made the enemy shatter. Feeling young anew, Torah placed garlic in front of her fallen enemy. Then she turned and ran. The explosion threw her flat on the floor. It didn't matter. Torah was just grateful it was all over. She retrived the gemstones. She let be the candles. They would be her only source of light. Torah went forward. The sence of evil where gone. The tunnel grew larger. Then it went narrow. Torah wished something would happen. Beware of what you wish. She'd reached another pit. The molton lava boiled beneath her viewpoint. Torah tried to dismiss the matter. Always her grandmother would remind her of such old slogans. They might have some wisdom. But that wasn't important. Not now anyway. The head came in a wavy pattern. That made it almost impossible to get an aim on it. Torah didn't even try. The ring-smash settled the matter. Other where approaching. "Pearls of heat!" Torah blasted them into oblivion. She lept into the air. Torah settled upon the platform. The head almost got her. The cross saved her from being stoned. The head burned on impact. "Opal shot!" She was able to dismantle the next enemy. Torah jumped. She got upon another platform. The smash defeated the enemy. Torah was sure to not get hit by the pieces. They might still stone her. Torah settled upon the third pillar. "Orbs of sorcery!" The head got shot. Torah didn't wait for another to appear. Instead she got over to the shore. Torah went into the mine. The cave was slightly larger. Torah held the smash at the ready. Then came the wave of mammals. They where just ordinary bats. That didn't matter. Torah moved as quick she could. Ceveral monsters got cut to pieces. Finally the remaining mammals left her alone. Torah had a breather. She really began to feel tired. No matter. She didn't have time to rest. The cave became another of those oval places. Torah felt sick. Not again. There was nothing she could do. The dancers seemed to appear right out from the floor. They came from the elevated platform. The trio was quite extraordinary. Torah snapped out of it. She got into motion. This was the only way she might survive. She put the smash away. Torah presented her stakes. They tried to nail her body. Somehow Torah was able to dodge .The monsters hissed with frustration. She made no comment. "Fountain of fire!" She tried to reach them. One lizard got hit. But it was nothing fatal. This time it was she who got frustrated. Torah struggled to remain calm. The Lord would guide her. He was her living hope. She tried to remember about that. The knife almost went home. Torah ducked. She returned the favour. For the first time she actually nailed the target. The monster reached for its throut. Torah lept forward. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell ended her misery. Then she got hit in the shoulder. "Frozen flash!" She spun around. Torah nearly managed to freeze her all over. Although she installed some damage, the monster got away. Torah pulled out the dagger. This time she got no choise. She had some medicine. The potion healed her damages. The monsters laughed. Torah was able to retain her calm. "Orbs of sorcery!" The orbs circled her position before going outward. Torah didn't know how it happened. But somehow she'd put more energy into it this time. The plasma actually homed onto the enemies. They bogh got shot. Torah was close enough to deal one of them the final blow. Torah didn't wish to inflict pain or misery. If this was what she must do, then so be it. She better give them a quick demise. The other lay in terrible pain. For a moment she actually thought of giving her some of the potion she got left. It would just be empty bravado. Torah knew it was true. Somehow the dancer knew it. She reached her hand. Torah closed her eyes. But then she felt pain. The monster tried to stab her. Torah drew backward. The aim had been all wrong. Still, it hurt. Torah settled the matter once and for all. The battle was over. The cave became silent. Torah tied up her wounds. She where using rags taken from the dancer's clothing. They didn't mind. Of course. Torah inhaled. She obtained some other gemstones. They might be of use later. Torah thought of knocking the candles. There wasn't that many around. She better let be. Torah knew they would be the only source of light. She acknowledged the situation. Torah presented the ring-smash. She better stay on guard. The dancers might not be the only monsters around. Torah began walking. She reached for the cross. He would guide her. She soon left the oval room far behind. The cave went onward. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats where back. Torah never liked those mammals. They'd become a constant threat. The spell made them keep some distance. Torah let it stay like that. Some very few candles hung on the wall. Torah went on walking. "Opal shot!" From time to time she got to discourage her enemies. They flapped and circled her position. The sound of boiling lava told of another pit. Torah stopped in front. The layers of black smoke obscured her view. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals got shot. Torah lept into the air. She better be quick about it before more monsters could arrive. Torah reached the first pillar. It was made of that same mystic metal. Why didn't it melt? She put the question aside. It wasn't the first time she asked. Torah knew it wasn't really important. She went for the next platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma dismantled her enemies. Torah had a look around. The smoke made it difficult to see. But she was sure. There was no Medusa around. Torah frowned. She didn't like this. The bats came in a wave. Torah was busy with her smash. Finally they left her location. Torah exhaled. She'd been unsure if she might make it. Torah went for the third pillar. She landed ontop. The bats kept track of her mobility. Though they kept some distance. Torah toutched her cross. Then she made another jump. Torah was back in the mine. The faint glow was the only source of light. Torah went slower. Then she stopped altogether. Something was wrong. She felt… The sound of marching boots got her out of the reverie. Row after row of lizard men where on the approach. They kept on coming. The march was so perfect that it seemed one brain was in control. Torah put it aside. Combat meditation was a sort of magic only the battle-mage or shaman could master. Then she got it. They got their own magician. Torah inhaled. They where nearly in range. "Hand of fate!" They where shielded! Torah grasped her cross. However, the spell sent the first line backward. During the confusion which followed, Torah dashed forward. She couldn't use magic. But they didn't have protection against the grace of God. The cross made flames burn on impact. The smash cut through their armour. "Fountain of fire!" The spell didn't go home. Never the less, the flames exploded against their magic shield. That really had some impact. Torah was on the offensive. She knew she was kind of good against ceveral opponents at a time. What was her worry, where more powerful foes which forced her to fight one on one. That didn't seem to be the situation. "Fire at will!" She heard someone shouting. That wasn't good. Torah knew this could be difficult. She threw herself backward. The line had been reorganized. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The tiny fairies danced with her. They created a sort of shield. The arrows froze on impact. The little creatures also had an impact upon the enemies. Torah toutched the cross. It'd been a shot in the dark. But it worked. The lizards made a rush for the fairies. Those who caught one, got frozen over. The others made the confusion complete. They where not trained forces. Torah was grateful it was like that. She went into closer hand-to-hand combat. The cross made the club burn. She slashed the stomach of the swordman. Torah ducked underneath the lance. She killed him before the monster could gather. Another round of arrows went across the battleground. Some of them actually hit the lizards. Torah hid behind the corpse of the monster she just slained. Then she threw it at the legs of the third row. Some of them tripped. The line got split. Behind where the archers. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah got the shield up in time. The arrows froze on impact. Torah lowered her protection. She dashed forward. The archers withdrew. They where better trained then the other soldiers. Torah tried to follow. She knew they where shielded. She got to get into closer battle. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah got to rise the shield. The second wave was blocked. Behind her came the other monsters. Bats circled her position. This wasn't good. "Hand of fate!" "Close up the line!" The shaman shouted. Torah got a glimpse of the enemy. He was hiding behind the archers. It was to late. The spell threw them backward. The explosion shook their moral. Torah lept into battle. She beheaded the nearest monster. The cross protected against their weapons. The brave monster got burned on impact. The ring-smash settled the matter. Torah ducked beneath the club. She cut the legs from underneath. Then the smash dug deep into his stomach. The cross burned on impact. Torah got plenty of bruishes herself. Blood ran down her body. It didn't matter. She was able to retreat. The archers still where her greatest concearn. Torah knew it was the speed and agility which kept her alive. "Zapphire curtain!" The spell shielded against their projectiles. If only she could get their shaman. The archers kept their back against the elevated platform. The shaman was atop that platform. He was an exelent target. But the shield made it impossible. They reached for other arrows. Torah used the opportunity to advance her position. "Zapphire curtain!" The shield made them freeze on impact. Torah ran. This time she came to quick for them to reload. The smash crushed their weapons. "Jesus!" Torah summoned the name of the Lord. The cross shone with silver. She where in the presence of great evil. But God didn't abandon her. Torah lept upon the platform. The shaman withdrew. Torah went in presuit. The enemy hissed. A shot of pointed icicles went her way. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell made them shatter. The lizard knelt. Torah frowned. But then came an arching flame. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah was thrown backward. "Golden globe!" The aim was terrible. Even so, she was able to block. The enemy hissed. Torah rolled. Some arrows nearly got her. Some archers where still alive. The shaman threw back the hood. Torah felt doumbfounded. This shaman was a she. She never expected to meet a female sorcerer. Never mind. Another wave of flame came through the air. "Zapphire shards!" The counterstrike saved her life. Torah got back on foot. This was far from over. A trio of archers came running past the platform .They fired. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The spell froze their onslaught. The shaman got caught in the process. But somehow she got free. Torah almost expected she would. Torah was after all only a sorceress in training. "Opal shot!" The shield was down. The rangers got crisped on impact. "Brock!" The shaman shrieked. Torah didn't figured the matter. No matter. The shaman made other icicles go her way. Torah threw herself sideways. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals where a constant threat. The spell made some monsters explode. Torah ducked beneath another flame. Ring or no ring. Torah was sure such an anaunt would kill her. "Pearls of heat!" The spell actually went home. The shaman grunted. She got to have some magic protection of her own. Torah dropped herself as the shaman conjured another round of icicles. She rolled aside. "Zapphire curtain!" The black rain almost melted her protection. Torah dashed forward. She made a shoulder-block. The shaman got hit in the stomach. She grunted. Torah stamped with her cross. Flames lit on contact. The enemy hissed. Then someone grasped her. She was dragged backward. Torah stamped her captor. He let go. Torah was able to avoid another set of icicles. The lizard man got frozen by his own shaman. "Golden globe!" Torah used the opportunity to fire another magic spell. The female lizard was struck hard. She collided against the wal. Torah was moving forward when she got back up. She spoke words Torah didn't understand. Another arching flame was the result. "Zapphire curtain!" The impact sent her backward. This time it was she who became sent against the wall. No, not the wall. But the side of the platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah got up on her knees. She got to get rid of the mammals. The plasma cleared her location. Some lizards came around the corner. Torah dashed forward. She got to defeat their shaman. She might still be able to regenerate their shield. The swordsman almost got her. Torah threw herself sideways. "Frozen flash!" The spell froze two of her opponents. The third lizard swung with its club. Torah threw herself backward. He was good. Torah was forced to retreat even further. Then she held up the cross. "Be the will of God!" She shouted. The cross blazed. The club shattered on impact. The crush then ended his misery. Torah went to search for the shaman. An archer suddenly appeared. He fired arrows. "Zapphire curtain!" The shield protected her location. The enemy drew backward. He reached for another arrow. "Opal shot!" The spell settled the matter. The battlefield was in chaos. Dead or dying enemies lay everywhere. Bats dined upon their blood. Some of them where still chasing her. "Pearls of heat!" Torah made her best to protect against the monsters. A sword and club came running her way. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The fairies danced along. The enemies got frozen all over. A sudden onslaught of icicles marked the approach of the shaman. Torah let herself drop to the floor. The enemy came from the tunnel's opening. For a moment she was illuminated. "Hand of fate!" Torah shot at her. The enemy tried to block. The shield might've protected her. But the impact sent her flying into the pit. Torah felt disgusted. She heard one final hiss. Then it was all over. Torah was breathing heavily. She was alone. The survivers fled the battlefield. She didn't care. She just was to tired. She shook her head. Torah knew she got to continue. The bats where still around. She got the last of her medicine. Torah felt like she deserved it. The potion healed her damages. She climbed upon the platform. Torah pulled the switch. The pit was drained. Then plates went along. They where closed. Torah reached for the symbol. She wondered how long it was to the treasure the wild ones showed her. She fell into a slight trance. But they could reveal no more. Torah returned to her plane. She began walking. The darkness made things difficult. But then she reached the illuminated regions of the area. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats went with her. Torah recovered the crystals the mammals left behind. They really came in handy. More so when she didn't knock the candles. Finally she reached the crater. The ladder had been extended. Torah began climbing. The bats remained behind. Torah was happy about that. But then came the Medusa. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot it away. There came another head. "Pearls of heat!" Torah was able to defeat the monster. She continued climbing. This wasn't easy. "Opal shot!" The head became destroyed. Then came a fourth head. Torah presented the cross. The enemy got burned on contact. Torah threw some garlic. The Medusa exploded. Finally Torah reached the end of the ladder. "Orbs of sorcery!" The enemy got shot away. Torah had reached the sixth hight. The lava boiled deep beneath her location. Torah had a look around. There still was work to be done.

Clock tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Saria's eyes where opened. She screamed. The dryad saw her. Saria saw Torah in her dreams. The sight was terrible. Torah was in danger. Saria knew she'd been able to save herself. But this was different. This was a type of danger she couldn't resist. Nobody containing their bloodline could. That was the curse of their species. Their worst nightmare. Those who stalked in their sleep. Saria began weeping. There was nothing she could do. If Saria could, she would've screamed out to her half-sister to beware of the dark side. The tiredness was like a curse. Saria struggled to stay awake. She made an effort to embrace her Arien. Saria could feel its presence. The sence was like a glow in the dark. A heat which kept her warm in the winter's heart. Saria inhaled. A smile illuminated her features. She would smel the flower. Then she became afraid. The thought of the dard spore came to mind. What if it was all wrong? Perhaps that was the answer why they where so eager to fetch her power. The spore was a glorious price for a darkside individual. Saria didn't know what to do. She closed her eyes. Her determination smouldered. Saria fell asleep.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
There was another tunnel behind her. Torah didn't mind. She was more interested in the crater. The place was so wide. The smoke made it impossible to see across. There was a narrow passage which led along the leftmost side of the area. Torah wasn't sure. But it looked like a blue light shone through the gloom. She felt chills down her spine. Finally she did what she didn't want to. Torah looked downward. It was there. Another great fence blocked her way. Torah reached for the cross. She'd hoped there would be no more of them. Torah guessed she better remove the bars. What else could she do? First however, she got to extend the bridge. Torah turned. She went into the mine. This tunnel was rather narrow. There was nearly no candles around. The glow was all which made it possible to continue. Torah reached the initial pit. Molton lava boiled beneath her location. Thick smoke made it difficult to see. Torah thought she spotted the platform. Then the mammals kept up with her. They came in a sudden wave. "Rainbow flame!" Torah screamed with sudden horror. She didn't notice their approach. The arching flame burned their numbers. Torah inhaled. She had to remain calm. Torah made an effort to pick herself together. She jumped. Torah landed upon the platform. Just then came the head. Torah shredded the Medusa before it could stone her. She lept into the air. She reached the other pillar. Torah was met by another head. "Opal shot!" The orange fireball went home. The head was removed. Torah didn't feel happy. She was back in the mine. No sooner came an onslaught of flying arrows. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah prayed no shaman was around. The arrows froze on impact. A band of monsters where on the approach. "Fountain of fire!" Torah shouted. The spell made some enemies burn. There still where more of them coming. Torah dashed forward. "Zapphire shards!" She came just behind her magic. The spell froze her opponents. The survivers where taken aback. Torah was able to push through. There was only seven rangers this time. Either they where getting low on troopers. Or, Torah thought, this group was desperate. The arrows came through the air. Torah didn't have time for magic. Instead she dropped herself flat. She made an effort to roll forward. Torah got back up. She'd dodged their projectiles. The rangers reached for other arrows. Torah dashed forward. "Fountain of fire!" The spell diminished their numbers. Only two of them survived. They got no mind for combat. Torah watch them run. The lapse nearly cost her the life. There still where other monsters around. Something made her turn. A trio of monsters where approaching. "Frozen flash!" Torah moved in turn. The spell froze one opponent. She moved in underneath the lance. Torah cut the legs from beneath his armour. The cross finished the ordeal. She ducked. The sword nearly cut her head off. Torah got up on one knee. The smash dug deep into his chest. The lizard was dead before reaching the floor. Torah dried off her smash. Their blood was dark. It was sticky and it smelled awefully. She made an effort to dismiss the matter. Torah tried to convince herself it wasn't worse then what happened at the school's lab. The thought made her giggle. Yoko had been furious. Not to mention the teatcher. The thought of her grandmother killed the merriment. Torah dried away the tears with an angry gesture. She'd promised herself to do something about that. Shaft and Orlock wouldn't get away. Torah inhaled. She retrived the crystals. She would need them later. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats kept their distance. They didn't come in waves. At least not yet. Torah kept on going. Not far ahead was another pit. Lava boiled. Smoke filled the air. Torah was met by another Medusa head. "Pearls of heat!" Torah blasted it into oblivion. She lept for the nearest platform. Torah landed upon the pillar. The smash handled the Medusa. Before another could appear, she was already in the air. Torah reached safe ground. Not nearly safe enough. Another head came in a wavy pattern. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot it away. Finally she was back on solid ground. The tunnel went forward. The flapping of leathery wings warned her in time. A cluster of bats where on the approach. "Winter's heart!" The shining blue spell froze them on impact. Some of them escaped. Though they kept their distance. Torah kept an eye on them while moving along. The cave suddenly ended. Before her lay another pit of lava. Torah was about to jump when the first head came along. "Orbs of sorcery!" The Medusa got shot to pieces. Torah lept into the air. She reached the first platform. The heads kept on coming. Torah cut it away. The smash where real handy. Carrie must've been a fine warrior. Torah got onto the other pillar. "Pearls of heat!" The Medusa got dismantled. "Zapphire shards!" The bats got awefully close. The spell froze them into surrender. Torah was back in the cave. "Winter's heart!" The spell froze the cluster. Still, some where able to escape. Torah didn't like that. Just one bite. Then all would be over. Torah had a slight shudder. She went down the tunnel. The mine was getting narrow. Perhaps there hadn't been any ore around. Torah didn't mind. "Pearls of heat!" The spell made them keep some distance. If they only could stay that way. The cave got larger. Torah got the ring-smash at the ready. The tunnel became an oval chamber. Torah reached for the cross. She knew what was coming. The dancers stood on the platform. The elevated area looked like a stage. Their black west and baggy trousers made Torah fancy they where slaves to be sold. She dismissed it anyway. Torah only red about such matters. She got into motion. The lizards got down from their platform. Daggers flew through the air. They where the only lizards who actually grew hair. Though they got a bad haircut. It wasn't funny. Torah threw stakes at them. The duo stil where better then her. Torah threw herself sideways. She better not get nailed. She got no more medicine. "Orbs of sorcery!" She almost forgot about the mammals. Torah missed their numbers. They kept circling the area. Torah made a complete spin. The knife missed her by inches. The stake nailed the dancer. No matter. Torah missed the heart. The dancer pulled it out. Then she threw it to the floor. Torah toutched her cross. "Pearls of heat!" This time she rammed some mammals. Perhaps others joined their numbers? Never mind. Daggers flew from their hands. They where actually quite good with those items. "Zapphire shards!" The bats where a constant threat. One icicle nailed the dancer. She hissed with frustration. Torah felt no victory. The magic wasn't powerful enough to freeze her on impact. The other dancer drew blood when hitting her forarm. Torah was able to rise it quick enough to avoid greater damage. She pulled it out. Torah threw the knife aside. The battle was far from over. Blood ran from her wound. Torah bit her teeth together. They laughed. Torah made no mind about it. The mammals got attracted by her pitty. "Fountain of fire!" Never was she to become their dinner. The magic went home. Some bats got burned upon impact. "Orbs of sorcery!" The trio of magic orbs initially encircled her position. The spell thus protected against their daggers. Torah used the opportunity to tie up her wound. Not that it really was anything. The orbs went outward. The dancers kept their distance. Torah went out in a quick series of steps. The battle continued. They still where better then her. Torah threw stakes at them. They dodged the objective. She toutched the cross. "Pearls of heat!" The bats got nailed. Torah made an effort to get behind her barrier. Again she failed. Grandmother Yoko promised that, in time, she would. Torah hoped that would be soon. She actually broke through on some occations. Torah ducked beneath their daggers. "Opal shot!" She got back up on one knee. The opal orb hit the enemy right in her midsections. Torah looked away. She didn't want to see. The dancer got knocked to pieces. Torah snapped out of it. There still was one dancer alive. Pluss, there was the bats to consider. They still got attracted by the scent of blood. Some of them actually dined on the dancer's remains. Torah felt sick. The evil side really was destructive. The other dancer threw daggers at her. The icicle left a mark on her. Torah sent away some stakes. She got to throw herself backward. The knives went just above her. Torah shivered. Though she got back up. The dancer got close. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell took the brunt of her attack. Torah didn't care. The bats where the target. Torah threw herself forward. She got face to face with the opponent. "Frozen flash!" Torah simply was quicker this time. The dancer got frozen over. Then, she shattered. Torah was breathing heavily. "Pearls of heat!" The bats never gave up. She retrived what crystals they left behind. Torah even knocked some candles. She found other stakes inside. She was able to replenish her arm. Torah left the oval area. The bats went with her. Torah kept an eye on their approach. They appeared to remain at bay. So be it. The boiling sound grew louder. Torah had the smash at the ready. Suddenly there was no further floor. Torah stopped in front of the pit. No sooner came another head. Torah was able to defeat her. Then came another Medusa. The bats came in a wave. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell got some of them. Torah moved. The smash settled the matter. At least Torah wasn't stoned. She lept into the air. Torah reached the pillar before more foes could appear. She'd just settled when another Medusa advanced. She came in a wavy pattern. Torah made her best to not return the gaze. "Opal shot!" The spell ended her misery. Torah jumped upon the second platform. The bats made another attempt. Torah almost got overwhelmed. They came in a sudden wave. "Rainbow flame!" The arching magic burned their numbers. Torah was able to hold on enough to burn the entire swarm. She was breathing heavily. Torah shook her head. This proved her statement. She really was growing stronger. Torah drew sweath from her brow. The Medusa came in a wavy pattern. Torah used her ring-smash. The razor-rings settled their ordeal. Torah made another jump. She was back on solid ground. The cave grew larger. Torah noticed there still was some resources left in the mine. Either she really slaughtered the mammals. Or the survivers left her behind. There was no foes about. The silence made her feel strange. Torah got a feeling someone was watching her. Never mind. The candles where her only source of light. Then the red glow brightened. Torah went forward. She'd reached another pit of lava. The Medusa head approached in a wavy pattern. Torah was able to shred it. She jumped across. The platform was made of the same strange metal as usual. Torah turned to look for snake creatures. Suddenly it came. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell made it explode. Then came another. "Pearls of heat!" The spread-shot was the best tactic to nail the monsters. Torah landed upon another platform. There came no heads. Instead came a round of arrows. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah immediately threw herself on the floor. The arrows froze on impact. "Fountain of fire!" Torah prayed there was no shaman around. There wasn't. Though they did stay their ground. Torah was met by a compact group of monsters. The flames made explosions. Torah ducked beneath their weaponry. "Frozen flash!" She made a complete circle. Torah toutched the cross. Nearly half of the first line got frozen. Torah didn't have time to celebrate. Another wave of arrows came flying. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The spell had an impact. The faries danced with her. Torah smiled. She almost wished to sing. But that could be catastrophic. The tiny fays froze bogh the arrows and her enemies. She pushed behind what remained of the first and second line. They struggled to reorganize. She was to quick. Torah got beneath their defences. The smash crushed their shelled armour. Torah got splashed with blood. It smelled awefully. She got no time. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent bubbles shattered on impact. "Zapphire curtain!" Then came more arrows. They froze all over. Torah even trapped some of the remaining monsters. Torah dashed forward. She'd finally reached their rangers. The group exchanged glances. They fired another round. "Golden flash!" The spell blocked their onslaught. The rangers then dropped their bows and ran away. Torah shook her head. Clearly they where not trained fighters. The remains of the group came her way. It was at least some eight soldiers left. Torah reached for her symbol. They might still kill her. Torah went into battle. She most likely looked like a rag. This wasn't the time. They met her. Torah threw herself sideways. The club missed by inches. The spear was near to impale her body. "Opal flash!" The spell burned him to ashes. The swordman cut her across the other forarm. The deep gash should've taken her. Torah somehow was able to continue. "Opal shot!" Torah winched with pain. This couldn't continue on forever. The cross burned on impact. The smash defeated the club. Torah was breathing heavily. "Frozen flash!" The swordman got repayed for what he'd done. Three of them remained. Torah bit her teeth together. They looked nervous. She tightened the grip on her ring. But then they got enough. They turned around. Torah watched them escape through one of their hidden openings. She then craddled around her damaged arm. It felt like being broken. Torah got no choise. She got up. Torah began to retrive their crystals. She felt replenished. Though it didn't heal the damages. Torah bit her teeth together. She began to knock the candles. At first she found nothing useful. Torah began weeping. There was nothing she could do to stop it. Torah knew she couldn't knock down all the candles. What should she do? Then she remembered. Torah reached into her backpack. She was careful not to toutch her clean clothings. Torah pulled out the contract. She unfolded it carefully. "How may I be of service?" Renon asked while tipping his hat. Didn't he notice? No matter. "I need some of the red medicine." She told. Torah reached him the empty bottles. She'd saved two of their numbers. Renon opened his briefcase. "That will be 1000 Euro." He said. Torah was glad she'd saved all those gemstones. She piled it up. Renon's eyes gleem. He then handed her the requested wares. Torah had one sip. Her wounds where healed. Renon tipped his hat. Then he disappeared. Torah put away the contract. She didn't trust Renon. That was why she didn't request some clean clothing. Torah was drained of crystals. She hoped to might find some other candles while moving along. The cave went some distance. She stopped. Torah reached another pit. Molton lava boiled beneath her location. Smoke obscured her view. Torah toutched her cross. It didn't seemed to be any mimic mammals around. Torah lept forward. She reached the platform. Another head came through the air. She flew in a wavy pattern. Torah threw herself flat on the platform. She dodged the approach. There where more of them. The second head might've stoned her. The smash settled the matter. Torah went across before other heads could arrive. She reached the second pillar just as another head advanced. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell shot it to pieces. Torah waisted no time. She got back on solid ground. Torah went into the mine. Some bats seemed to have noticed her approach. So far they merely stalked her actions. Torah didn't like that. She'd heard about bad men doing so. Torah put it aside. Anyway, the mammals could do worse thing with her then any human. Mankind could only kill. The bats might turn her into a vampire. Better death then eternal hunger. Torah reached for the cross. She held it tightly. Torah hoped He would guide her. The cave continued forward. Torah knocked some candles. Inside one candle, she found a vial. It contained a strange blue liquid. Torah shrugged. She put it into another pocket. It might be useful someday. The cave grew narrower. Torah got a bad feeling about this. She didn't like this place. Ash lay in deep layers. Torah almost tripped on old arms or weaponry. Was it her soaked outfit? Or was it really growing colder? Torah dismissed the matter. The ashes moved. Torah drew backward. Suddenly she was afraid. The bone-trooper was armed with a sword and shield. It suddenly came her way. "Winter's heart!" Torah screamed. The giant bulk got frozen on impact. Torah was breathing heavily. Without further speculation, she stamped it with her cross. The skeleton got thrown backward. But then it came. Torah knew the shield would defend against her smash. She made a slide. Torah went underneath her enemy. She got back up. The trooper was on the move. "Rainbow flame!" Torah needed a breather. This wasn't what she needed. The enemy was pushed backward. But then it came. Torah threw herself sideways. The tunnel was barely wide enough. She didn't care. Before it could turn on her, she stamped with the cross. Torah watched it collapse. But then it got back up. Torah ran. The bone-trooper made another dash. Torah saved herself by falling flat. The trooper went across. "Opal shot!" The enemy shook. That was the only result. Torah began to feel really desperate. Could nothing slay this villain? It came at her. "Pot of gold!" The shining onslaught knocked it to pieces. Torah put garlic in front. She then ran away. The explosion hit the mine. Torah was thrown forward. She finally got up. The battle was over. Torah fetched the jewels it left behind. She knew to prepare. The sence of evil hadn't left the corridor. Torah was right. This time the trooper was armed with a ball-and-chain. Torah wished to scream. One hit… The spiked ball hammered against the area. Torah barely was able to save herself. She didn't even try the curtain. Torah didn't believe the spell could freeze this monster. The ball came again. Torah was able to dodge. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The faries danced along. The spirits of the winter season was able to stun the trooper in place. Torah wondered if she should dare to move forward. But then the enemy got free. The giant ball made the floor crack. "Zapphire shards!" The magic collided against her enemy. He got pathrified. Torah knew it wouldn't last for long. She tried to move beyond the inner barrier. But then the trooper was back. The spiked ball repeatedly struck against the ground. Torah was forced to run. "Fountain of fire!" She shot while moving. The row of fireballs came home. There wasn't much ground to move on. That made the trooper the more dangerous. Though the flames made it fall to one knee. Torah stopped. "Winter's heart!" The magic force froze it all over. Torah ran forward. She marked the enemy with the sign of the cross. The plain metal burned like fire. Silver flame made it shatter. Torah placed garlic. She then simply ran. The explosion was glorious. Torah didn't feel proud. The Lord had saved her. That was all which mattered. Torah picked up the gemstones. She was about to continue when a third trooper appeared. This time it was armed with a huge battle-axe. Torah licked her lips nervously. Then it came. The trooper advanced like a crazed lumberjack. The axe got turned this way or that. Torah knew she got to slow it or else. "Winter's heart!" The solid spell hit the trooper head on. Torah watched it become pathrified. But then it got loose. Torah was forced backward. "Zapphire shards!" The onslaught of icicles sent it backward. Soon it got back. Torah tightened the grip on her cross. Could nothing stop the demon. "Rainbow flame!" The arching magic sent it down on one knee. Torah advanced. She sent it some garlic. The vegetable shot through the air. The explosion sent bogh of them against the floor. They got up. Torah exchanged glances with her enemy. The axe gleemed in the dim light of lit candles. Torah immediately got away. Again it came. "Opal sun!" Torah let him have it. The magical fireball sent it hard against the floor. The trooper moved. "Hand of fate!" Torah shouted. The trooper got torn apart. Torah quickly put garlic in front. That was the end. She ran to save herself. The trooper exploded. Torah was quick enough this time. She didn't became knocked down. Torah inhaled. She drew sweath from her brow. Carefully, Torah returned to the battlefield. The sence of evil had vanished. She reached for the cross. "Thanks." She whispered. Torah retrived the crystals. They replenished her energy. The way led onward. Torah began walking. The glow became brighter. Torah presented the ring-smash. She would have to use them. Torah had a look on the situation. Before her was another pit of lava. The head came in a wavy pattern. Torah was able to shred the monster. She jumped. Torah reached the pillar. Then came another head. "Orbs of sorcery!" The balls of glowing plasma went home. The Medusa head exploded. The bats noticed her mobility. They came in a swarm. "Winter's heart!" Torah fired into the cluster. Most of their numbers got frozen over. Some escaped. "Pearls of heat!" The trio of transparent energy shot from her fingertips. The head got shot to pieces. Torah got upon the second pillar. The bats still chased her. "Zapphire shards!" The onslaught of icicles made them keep some distance. The head approached. Torah got the smash. She cut the thing to shreds. It was disgustive. But it was all she could do to save herself. Torah jumped into the mine. For a moment she just stood there, breathing heavily. She shook her head. The blood on her clothing where going dry. Torah tried to dust off of herself. It wasn't perfect, but it would do. Torah dismissed the matter. All she wanted was a hot bath and clean clothing. Torah knew she couldn't get any of the sort. She kept on walking. The bats where circling her position. The mine grew wider. Torah found herself within another of those oval areas. The tunnel came to an abrupt halt. Torah kept the smash at the ready. Bright flame burned atop the elevated platform. She toutched the symbol. An eerie laugh suddenly filled the room. Torah made no mind. She got into a defensive posture. The flare-dancers jumped out from the fire. The glow reflected from their dazzling jewleries. Torah almost felt a little jelous. She never could be as graceful. It was just rubbish anyway. They only searched to kill her. Torah began. Dance would keep her alive. The bats spread out. Torah dodged the rising flames. She threw garlic at them. The duo easily avoided her effort. Torah tightened the grip on the cross. The Lord would help her. She tried again to break through the barrier. Nothing happened. Torah knew she got to believe in herself. Many forms of magic depended on the practishioner's acception. "Fountain of fire!" The spell was ment for the accursed mammals. Torah hit the dancers. But of course they merely laughed it off. Torah struggled to remain calm. The dancers where so quick. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The fairies danced with her. Their magic cooled their heat. The shreek was terrible. One fairy got caught in the dancer's fire. Torah shivered. Though the lizard got wounded, it was not a price she where prepared to accept. Torah knew she got to remain calm. The wounded monster made a summersault back into the flames. She soon returned. Torah got hit by the fire. "Dance into the fire." She muttered. The ring protected her. Though Torah felt like being struck with sun. She shook it off. The battle would continue. Torah threw herself sideways. The mammals almost got her this time. "Zapphire shards!" She put all the energy she could muster into the spell. Icicles rained throughout the area. Bogh dancers got hit. They grunted with pain. Torah felt no satisfaction. To cause pain wasn't funny. Torah knew it was the only way. Else they would make the world crumble with ashes and flame. The thought made her shudder. She picked herself together. Torah toutched the cross. He would make it come alright. The lizards where back. They'd illuminated new fire. The flame enlightened their bodies. Torah noticed every motion. An adult might find it attractive. She only was terrified. Torah danced among the flame. "Orbs of sorcery!" The trio of plasma shot away. Two of them went toward the mammals. Somehow they'd received homing property. Torah hoped she might one day control that ability. Then she forgot all about that. Torah felt her eyes grew wide as the ball made the dancer explode. Plasma was warm. So how could this be? It just was impossible. Somehow their flare didn't protect against her magic spell. The final dancer brought her out from the line of thoughts. Torah was thrown far back. Flames illuminated the cavern. She screamed. The ring couldn't protect her from this. The dancer moved closer. Torah reached into her backpack. The garlic went home. The flare-dancer collapsed into a heap of ashes. For a moment she lay breathing. Torah felt like she would never move again. She couldn't do that. Torah knew that. The bats where still alive. Some of them anyway. Torah got back up. Although somewhat weary, she went to pick up the gemstones. Torah climbed upon the platform. She pushed the button. Torah heard the pit being drained. Then metal plates moved into place. Torah shook her head. If only she could have some rest. That was impossible. Torah began walking down the tunnel. The bats gave chase. She kept an eye out. They might suck her blood. Torah feared the outcome. She was back at the crater. The bridge had become extended. Torah began walking. To the left was another opening. The blue light shone bright in the redish surroundings. Then suddenly, the bone dragon breathed flames. Torah threw herself on the walkway. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent orbs went through the air. She missed. The white dragon could move its long neck in multiple directions. The move wasn't wasted altogether. The head exploded. "Pot of gold!" Torah got to get rid of the mammals. "Fountain of fire!" The repeated onslaught made her claim that goal. No time to celebrate. The bone dragon spat fireballs. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah was able to block the onslaught. Though it hurt. Torah felt like being pushed against the backside of her own skull. Then came another head. Torah was able to shred the monster. She threw garlic at the monster. This time it went home. Bones where knocked off of its spine. Torah was careful to not getting hit. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell shot the Medusa head away. The skeledragon breathed another heavy flame. Torah lept forward. She barely avoided being crisped. Torah toutched the cross. "Rainbow flame!" The counterstrike made its way into its skull. Other bones got knocked from the spine. Torah knew they might inflict a cursed state. The monster answered with another round of fireballs. Torah got beneath the offensive. This really wasn't funny. The white dragon twisted to might get an aim on her. Torah couldn't attack from this range either. While the chained skeleton where still twisting, she went back on the catwalk. "Winter's heart!" The spell made it freeze all over. Bones became knocked off of its spine. Torah drew further backward. "Zapphire curtain!" Though the shield protected her from damage, Torah got thrown far backward. Torah was grateful she didn't became knocked off of the walkway. The skeledragon prepared another onslaught. Torah got her garlic ready. She threw it right into the head of her enemy. The bone dragon roared. It grew rigid. Then it collapsed. Torah watched as the whole being burned. The beast left a rain of garlic behind. Torah ran to fetch it. She just picked the onion when another head came her way. "Pearls of heat!" The magic sent it into oblivion. Carefully Torah stepped forward. Smoke obscured her vision. Red flame burned bright through the mist and gloom. "Zapphire curtain!" The fireballs collided with her shield. Torah screamed. She felt like being crushed against the backside of her skull. The bone dragon waved and twisted. Though it couldn't break free from its imprisonment. Torah was truly grateful the monster was chained to the crater wall. The skeledragon breathed another flame. Torah was able to dodge this time. She gave it some of her garlic. Two onions missed. Though the third went home. The Medusa head almost got her. It came in a wavy pattern. Torah nearly became pushed out from the narrow bridgeway. The white dragon spat more fireballs. Torah ran backward. The smash disposed of the next head. "Winter's heart!" Through the grace of God the spell went home. Then the white dragon broke free. It sent out an onslaught of fireballs. Torah got hit by one globule. The ring protected her. Though the pain nearly made her black out. Torah bit her teeth together. She got to continue. Dazed and confused Torah gathered what energy she could. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma shot from her fingertips. One missed. The second shot a head. The third went home. The skeledragon shook its head. Some bones got knocked off. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah hid behind the shield. She wasn't going to get cursed. The shield even protected against another heavy flame. Torah let go. The white dragon waved back and forth. Suddenly it dashed forward. The teeth might still crack her bones. Torah shivered. She couldn't help it. She was just a girl. Although she saved herself, Torah felt shaky. She threw garlic at it. Before the skeleton could withdraw, it got hit. Bones where knocked off of its frame. Although only one vegetable got home, the skeledragon didn't like it. Torah made an effort to pull herself back together. This wasn't the time for breakdown. Just then came another head. "Opal shot!" The head got shot away. The bone dragon breathed heavy flames. Torah knew neither the ring nor her shield could protect against such power. She instead turned and ran backward. Why didn't the fire melt the metal bridge? Torah figured it might be made of the same fabric as the pillars. Never mind that now. The white dragon shot fireballs. Torah got fire of her own. "Rainbow flame!" The arching spell hammered against its skull. The bone snapped. Torah toutched the cross. The skeledragon burned to ashes. It left behind several crystals. Torah ran to retrive them. The crater went silent. Torah didn't like that. She reached the other end of the walkway. There was another cave. Torah turned to look at the blue opening. She shuddered. Not unless she had to. Torah turned back toward the mine. She toutched the cross a second time. Then Torah entered the tunnel.

Flint was furious. Never before did she feel such rage. The blasted sorceress almost killed her. The intruder threw her into the lava. The molton rock would've killed her. But she wasn't without powers. Flint could leave her body. The little human was an idiot. She didn't kill those she wounded. She just let them lay there. She could enter every one of them. Flint toutched her face. Through powerful sorcery she could transform the still living body into a copy of her former self. She would push out the soul which originally dwelled inside. This soul would soon have vanished anyway. Flint laughed. She gained pleasure from such acts. Wasn't it funny? She now dwelled inside the body of Brock the trooper. He who disliked female militants. Flint grew serious. Her fury had vanished. Though her hatred had become a cold determination. She would make the human sorceress pay for what she did. Flint got the power to make her threat into a reality. She pulled down the hood. Flint found the cape inside one of the many hidden passageways. She would find her.

Torah went forward. The sound of boiling lava was the only sound. Somewhere ahead was a brighter, more yellowish glow. Torah stopped. Where had she seen it before? Torah held the smash at the ready. The cave grew wider. There was another pit. Black smoke obscured her view. Never the less, Torah was certain. There was mimic around. The sound of leathery wings added to her conclusion. Though it was only the glow which could be seen. Torah pounded the matter. Then she lept into the air. Torah reached the first platform. The sound grew louder. The burning bats came from a difficult angle. "Zapphire shards!" Torah cast the spell. The spread-shot of icicles froze them on impact. There where more of them. Torah jumped upon the second pillar. The mammals gave chase. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The fairies danced with her. The mimic got no chanse. Torah reached for the cross. The enemies finally kept some distance. Torah hoped things would stay that way. She toutched the cross. Back home she wasn't really that interested in religion. Though her grandmother belonged to the Roman Catholic church, Yoko didn't try to make Torah proclaim. She became a beliver at school. Torah's friends where protestants. She became one too. Torah hoped Yoko wasn't disappointed. Her faight became more important after her grandmother was murdered. Torah reached the third platform. The mimic was still after her. Though they remained at bey. Torah tried not to mind. She was back in the mine. The flock where in presuit. "Zapphire shards!" Torah made another effort to blast them away. She retrived the crystals they left behind. Torah knocked some of the candles. There wasn't many of them around. She took what treasures where inside. They might get in handy. The tunnel narrowed. It became more difficult for the enemies to get an aim on her. Torah didn't trusted it would stay that way. The mimic was created by the dark side. Torah slightly shivered. She didn't want to think about that. The tunnel grew even narrower. Torah wondered how the greater foes could get through. The sound of boiling lava broke into her line of thought. Another pit was ahead. The red glow illuminated the cavern. Torah moved forward. The mammals scattered. She didn't mind. The heads where on the move. Torah was able to shred the Medusa. There where more of them. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot the head into oblivion. A trio of enflamed mimic came her way. Torah spread bogh hands. "Zapphire shards!" The icicles removed them as a threat. Torah jumped. She landed upon the initial platform. The Medusa head came in a wavy pattern. The smash settled the matter. Torah presented the cross. The symbol made the mammals retreat. She reached another platform. "Pearls of heat!" The Medusa got shot into oblivion. The bats came for her. Torah shrieked. She didn't have time for any magic. The smash got to work. Torah moved faster then she could ever believe. She gasped. Torah was growing stronger. She frowned. There was something not right about it. She would have to figure it out. Torah landed upon the third pillar. "Opal shot!" The orange ball dismantled the enemy. Torah went across. She was back in the mine. The narrow tunnel continued. The mimic stayed behind. Torah was grateful about that. The cave was dark. Very few candles lit up the area. Although the mine was hot, Torah felt a slight shudder. She stumbled. The ashy ground consealed shattered rock or other items. Torah figured it might be ancient weapons or pieces of armour. She stopped. Torah got a bad feeling about this. She got backward. The trooper rised from dust and gloom. The giant skeleton was armed with a sword and shield. Torah lifted bogh hands. The armoured bulk moved forward. "Winter's heart!" The solid spell froze upon impact. Torah bit her teeth together. She just wouldn't show them how terrified she felt. Torah ran forward. The cross made it stumble backward. The bone-trooper broke free. The enemy swung at her. Torah screamed. She made a back flip. The sword missed her by inches. "Opal sun!" The powerful magic should've made a weaker foe to explode. The dead giant only got knocked against the wall. Torah tried to resist the shudder. The evil which gave them their power was really strong. "Zapphire shards!" The enemy dashed. Though it got frozen in mid-air. It had a deep impact against the floor. Torah toutched the cross. It'd been a little to much. Torah made an effort to pull herself together. The skeleton got back up. Torah watched it carefully. What would be the next move? The bone-trooper suddenly dashed. Torah moved forward. She managed to glide beneath her enemy. "Hand of fate!" The massive spell sent it against the floor. Torah cheered. But then her enemy got back up. She licked her lips. Torah really didn't like them. The enemy came at her. The sword extended, ready for kill. "Pot of gold!" Torah drew backward. She released the spell, backing it with all the energy she might muster. The trooper was knocked to pieces. Torah ran forward. She placed garlic in front. Then she ran. The explosion threw her against the floor. Torah got on foot. The trooper was finally defeated. Torah went to pick up the crystals. The giant jewels replenished her energy. She would need them. The sence of evil was in the air. The ash made it difficult with breathing. Torah pulled together. Just then the second trooper emerged. The armoured skeleton was armed with a menacing axe. Torah got away. The bone-trooper kept on coming. It moved like a crazed lumberjack. Torah thought of the tin men described by Maria Renard. That was in 1797. "Rainbow flame!" Torah dismissed the matter. She cast her arching spell before it could reach her. The trooper was pushed backward. Torah knew it wouldn't be enough. True. The bone-trooper was on the move. "Hand of fate!" The golden blast sent it further backward. Legends told the spell was learned from angels. Though Yoko said it was unlikely. Time would obscure the truth. Myths and legends was all which remained from the aria when man first learned to practise the art of wizardry. The bone-trooper was on the move. "Winter's heart!" Torah hoped the spell would freeze it long enough for her to mark it. The hope was shattered. The skeleton marched forward. What should she do? "Fountain of fire!" The multiple fireballs hammered against her enemy. Torah watched it became sent further backward. "Zapphire shards!" The onslaught of icicles froze the trooper in place. Torah ran forward. The ice cracked. The trooper was about to break free. No matter. The cross made it collapse. Torah put garlic in front. Then she turned and ran. This time she got far enough to not get hit by the explosion. Torah toutched the cross. She was truly grateful. She went to pick up the crystals. The sent of evil was still there. Torah was determined. This she would do. She wasn't as certain when the third bone-trooper appeared. The armoured bulk was armed with a sword and shield. Torah knew her smash couldn't break that. Magic was all which could save her. The trooper suddenly dashed forward. "Winter's heart!" The spell might slow it down. The trooper got frozen all over. It fell to the floor. Torah thought of might stamping it with the cross. But then the trooper got back up. It made another dash. Torah felt somewhat desperate. The skeletons might seem invinsable. She reached into the backpack. The enemy got hit by garlic. The explosives made it stagger. Torah toutched the cross. The trooper came in to fast this time. Torah was able to slide beneath her enemy. "Zapphire shards!" The onslaught of icicles made the trooper fall over. Torah made a dash. While the trooper was still down, Torah stamped with her cross. Flames lit the enemy. For a moment the barrier collapsed. What did it mean? Torah felt doubt cloud her mind. The barrier shut her off from her inner source of power. The trooper rised. Torah went backward. She made a back-flip. Torah screamed. The sword went straight past her. "Hand of fate!" The solid spell sent it far backward. But it got back on foot. Torah reached for the cross. She really didn't like this. The trooper made a dash. Torah threw herself sideways. The bone-trooper was just beside her. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The fairies danced with her. The trooper got frozen over. He cracked. Torah watched the trooper collapse. She put garlic in front. Torah ran. She didn't got far enough when the explosion hit the mine. Torah got thrown to the floor. Dust and ashes filled the air. For a moment Torah couldn't breathe. The layers cleared. Torah could breathe. She praised the Lord for His salvation. Someone might have laughed by the sight of her worshipping. Torah might have been among them herself. But such things didn't matter anymore. Not since she came here. Not since Yoko Belnades was murdered. Torah got back to the present situation. She went to pick up the crystals. Torah let be the candles. They would be her only source of light. Torah gathered herself. She brought out the ring-smash before going forward. The tunnel continued for some distance. The sound of boiling lava grew louder. Torah knew another pit was near. The red glow turned brighter. Then the tunnel came to an abrupt hault. Thick smoke obscured her view. No matter. The mimic mammals where just to recognizable. Torah bit her teeth together. She was going to jump anyway. The Medusa head broke into her line of thought. "Orbs of sorcery!" Carrie's magic settled the matter. Torah knew. Carrie Fernandez was one of the greatest vampire hunter of her linage. She made the jump. Torah landed upon the initial platform. The mimic noticed her mobility. They came on the approach. Torah showed them her abileties. The smash removed the closest. "Frozen flash!" The other two flew right into her magic. Torah thought of insets, flying into the torch of a candle. Never mind. She made another jump. Torah reached the second platform. The head flew in a wavy pattern. "Pearls of heat!" The spell removed her enemy. Then came other mammals. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The spell froze those closest to her. Torah was satisfied with her defensive. The head was approaching. The ring-smash shredded the snake creature. Torah was careful not being hit by the remains. She got upon the third platform. "Opal shot!" The fireball shot away one more Medusa head. Before other mimic could appear, Torah reached the shore. She was back in the mine. Torah went inside. The mimic gave chase. "Zapphire shards!" They circled her position. Torah made a full circle. Some of them actually got frozen. Those who survived, kept their distance. Torah let it stay that way. She didn't want to waste energy. Not when it was some million more of them around the mine. There was some other candles in here. Torah knocked some of them. She frowned. Inside one, she found a vial containing a strange blue medicine. Not sure what to do, she put it into the backpack. "Frozen flash!" Some enemies tried to burn her. Torah instead made them shatter. Frost really got in handy sometime. Some e mammals still went with her. Torah held the smash at the ready. The tunnel kept on going. Torah made sure to knock some other candles. The cave suddenly widened into another oval room. Torah reached for the cross. She hated having to do things like this. Torah thought of running through. But they would just chase her. She thought of having to deal with them while jumping the platforms. Torah shuddered. That would be disasterous. She stepped forward. The lizard dancers was atop the elevated platform. There was two of them this time. Torah put away the smash. The graceful monsters lept from the platform. Torah began dancing. The mimic bats kept up with her. That was a problem. Daggers went through the air. "Frozen flash!" Torah blocked one mimic. The demonic being shattered on impact. Torah threw stakes at the dancers. They where to quick. Though Torah dodged their own objective. The mimic monsters drew closer. "Zapphire curtain!" The icicles went home. The closest dancer got hit. Torah suspected there was something magical about the dancers. This was the first time she was close enough to see what actually happened. Her jewels where illuminated. Though they absorbed most of the magic, the frozen icicle drew blood from the impact. Torah almost snorted. That was simply a trick. Anyone could use dragon gems to absorb magical energy. What jewels. They really where just scales left by those ancient beings. Torah almost got nailed. This wasn't the time for arguing taste. Torah answered with some garlic. The onion went home. Although their jewleries absorbed most of the explosion, Torah saw it hurt. The garlic tend to do that. Dracula's curse where upon them. Though nobody knew their origin, they'd pledged fealty toward the Dark Lord. Torah threw herself flat on the battlefield. That was close. She got up into a kneeling position. The dancers viewed her carefully. Torah waited for them to do the next move. She screamed. She mentally kicked herself. Torah forgot about the mammals. Ring or no ring. The flames might still wound her. The lizard dancers moved in closer. Torah bit her teeth together. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The winter fairies danced with her. The area was frozen over. The mimic shattered. The lizard got shot to pieces. Torah felt no victory. There still was a dancer alive. Torah retrived the crystals. She screamed. Torah couldn't help it. The dagger sat deep within her shoulder. Blood went down her body. It didn't matter. Her outfit was already stained. Torah tried to hold together. The pain would consume her. The dancer laughed. Somehow Torah managed to stay on foot. She got to survive. The dancer grew nearer. Torah had no more time. "Pot of gold!" Through the grace of God the lizard got shot in the chest. She was dead before reaching the floor. Torah almost went with her. She growned with pain while pulling out the knife. More blood went from the shoulder. Torah reached into her backpack. She preduced the red medicine purchased from the mystic trader. There still was three samples left from the one she'd opened. Torah drank the liquid. The preshious potion restored her health. Torah put the bottle away. She thanked the Lord for what He'd done for her. Torah pulled out the ring-smash. The mimic was still around. They might burn her. They might even inflict a cursed state. Torah felt a slight shiver. She put the matter aside. Torah began walking down the mine. The mammals where in close presuit. Torah kept an eye on them. She didn't want to become a vampire. Just then did she reach the pit. Molton lava boiled beneath her location. The mimic gathered. "Frozen flash!" She made a complete circle. The enemies froze on impact. The head got cut to pieces. Torah jumped before more foes could arrive. She reached the pillar. Other heads where on the approach. Torah made use of her family weapon. The ring-smash shredded the Medusa. There came another head. "Opal shot!" The spell blasted the Medusa head into oblivion. The mimic gathered into one huge formation. Torah licked her lips. What if they where like the phantom bat? Sypha Belnades fought against such creatures in 1496. The flaming flock shot toward the platform. Torah gathered herself. "Winter's heart!" She shot straight into the swarm. Multiple mammals got frozen. The remaining foes simply scattered. Torah felt truly grateful. The head almost got her this time. Torah presented the cross. The head was burned on impact. Torah felt like having a breather. No chanse. The head came in a wavy pattern. The cross made it burn. Torah jumped upon the second pillar. The mimic beasts where still after her. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma actually nailed them. Torah had no time to celebrate. She cut the head away. Torah got ontop of the third platform. The mimic seemed like pounding on what to do. Torah let them speculate. She was busy. The Medusa heads kept on coming. "Pearls of heat!" That at least took the brunt of their attack. She lept upon solid ground. The mimic seemed to remain at some distance. So be it. The heads where at least no longer a problem. Torah dismissed the matter. There always would be trouble around Dracula's throne. Torah inhaled. She went forward. The cave kept on for some distance. Torah knocked the candles. She found another potroust. The meat replenished her energy. Torah felt better when having finished the meal. Water she found in the backpack. Torah kept on moving. The pause couldn't last forever. The mammals left her behind. She frowned. Torah felt like something wasn't quite right. The tunnel went narrower. The candles got fewer. Soon it was nearly only the red glow which illuminated the area. Torah went on ashes. The product at least reached her ankles. Torah toutched the cross. A sence of evil chilled her spine. Torah tripped upon garbage hidden beneath the dust. The cave became even narrower. Ancient arm, and pieces of armour lay on the floor. Torah stepped backward. She knew this place. No, she didn't. Still, Torah felt like having been here before. Then she figured it out. "Help me." Torah whispered. The bone-trooper emerged from the ashes. The armoured skeleton was armed with a huge battle-axe. Torah licked her lips. This truly wasn't good. The trooper came like a lumberjack maniac. She moved with bogh hands. "Winter's heart!" The skeleton got shot backward. The entire frame froze upon impact. Torah cheered. Ann, the head of their cheerleading squad, once asked her to volunteer for training. Torah never would do that. They where older. Beside, she heard rumours about drugs and stuff. The trooper broke loose. Torah toutched the cross. The enemy was approaching. Neither the smash nor the stakes could stop him. "Rainbow flame!" Torah used all the energy she could muster. The arching wave of living fire pushed the skeleton away. It was no luck. The trooper was getting back. Torah was forced to retreat. "Zapphire shards!" The onslaught of icicles froze the enemy in place. Torah felt ashamed. She didn't have the courage to stamp it with the cross. The skeleton got free. She threw garlic. The onion exploded upon impact. Simon Belmont was known to have used such items. That was way back in 1691. Torah put the matter aside. The bone-trooper was getting closer. Torah got away. She didn't want to be ripped. "Opal sun!" The orange globule blasted the enemy skyhigh. It hit the floor, hard. Torah reached into the backpack. But then her enemy got up. It was to close. The axe came for her. Torah shrieked. This was it! The cross got hit. The symbol didn't shatter. Torah's barrier was like nothing. Flames lit the cross. Fresh energy blossomed like a summer breeze within her heart. The trooper was shattered. A pile of bones where all which remained. Torah was gasping. The force nearly overwhelmed her completely. She tried to hold together. Torah placed garlic in front of the grave. She staggered backward. Torah tried to run. The hidden energy depleted her strenght. Torah threw herself forward. Somehow she rolled far enough to avoid the explosion. Torah weakly was able to get back on foot. She went to retrive the crystals. They replenished her energy. Torah wasn't quite sure if she really could continue. But then another trooper emerged. Torah closed her eyes. Then she focused. The skeleton was armed with a ball-and-chain. Torah licked her lips. This would be difficult. The enemy repeatedly hammered the floor. Torah was forced to run. "Fountain of fire!" The enemy staggered. Torah knew it wasn't enough. She sidestepped another hit. "Pot of gold!" She moved quite girlish. Torah almost wished to kick herself. She tend to do that when in trouble. Yoko once told her that. That way her grandmother knew when something was at matter. Torah set the memories aside. They wouldn't help her. "Rainbow flame!" The arching wave hit the trooper right in the skull. He merely shook the head. Torah really didn't like that. "Hand of fate!" She gave the enemy one of her most powerful magic spells. This time he staggered backward. The spiked ball of solid steel missed altogether. Torah cheered. But then he was back on the offensive. Could nothing stop this monster? Torah fought with them before. She knew what to do. That didn't make things easier. "Opal sun!" She was getting short on crystals. The enemy lost his weapon. Torah dashed forward. She tried to break through the barrier. It felt more solid then ever. The cross marked it before he could move. Torah was grateful. Even though she didn't back it up with mystic force, the cross made her enemy shatter. The Lord was with her. Torah put it back around her neck. She put garlic in front of the trooper. Somehow Torah regained her energy. She turned and ran away. She got behind the explosion. Torah turned to look. The trooper was defeated. She went to retrive the gemstones. They disappeared between her fingers. They always did that. Not when she put them in the purse. Never mind. Torah felt strangely refreshed. The sence of evil was still in the air. Torah wasn't surprised when a third trooper appeared. She wasn't disappointed. Torah was terrified. The armoured bulk was armed with a sword and shield. She got backward. The bone-trooper dashed forward. Torah was able to glide beneath. She got back up. The enemy turned. "Winter's heart!" The spell froze it all over. Torah paled when thinking of what they might do on an open field. That wasn't the case. The skeleton got free. For a moment it seemed unsure. Torah held herself at the ready. At least she hoped so. Then the enemy came in a sudden dash. The crouch made it impossible for her to get underneath. The sword was at the ready. Torah sidestepped. The corridor was narrow. But not that narrow. The high cealing just made it look like that. The enemy shot past her location. "Fountain of fire!" The spread-shot of fireballs sent it stumbling forward. Torah got no time to celebrate. The trooper swung the sword like it ment to imitate the axe man. Torah licked her lips. This was serious. "Zapphire shards!" The spell kept it frozen until she could get at a distance. The trooper got free. It dashed toward her location. The enemy went in that croutched position which made it impossible to get beneath. "Rainbow flame!" Torah shouted. The heavy fire went with all her force. The skeleton was sent far backward. Torah knocked the nearest candle. Inside where more garlic. Torah felt somewhat better. The enemy was approaching. "Zapphire shards!" The icicles went home. Torah felt proud. For once something went her way. She trew garlic. The bone-trooper exploded. Bones rained across the battlefield. Torah placed garlic in front of the largest pile. She then ran to save herself. The explosion made her fall upon the floor. Torah got up. The breth was struck from her lungs. Torah got hold of herself. She went to pick up the crystals. Again Torah felt that strange energy regain her energy. Alucard told Maria Renard the candles was a result of the creature of chaos. That was in 1797. Anyway, this wasn't the demon castle Dracula. Perhaps his very presence brought about the flow of dark energy. Torah frowned. It was possible that the curse Saria spoke of, might be the force behind the scene. She dismissed the matter. She might think further about it later. Torah had to focuse on the task at hand. She still was imprisoned underground. She was brought back from her speculations when the tunnel came to a hault. Before her was another pit of lava. Thick black smoke obscured her view. Torah thought she might detect the initial platform. Just then came another head. "Opal shot!" Torah dismantled the snake creature spawned from Medusa. The enemy exploded. Torah jumped. She got upon the pillar. Some mimic monsters seemed to notice. The duo shot at her. "Frozen flash!" Torah made a circle. The imitators got frozen on impact. The head went in a wavy pattern. The ring-smash settled their ordeal. Torah went for the second platform. She reached it just as the head approached. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. The Medusa head went above. "Orbs of sorcery!" Carrie's spell got the next head. "Zapphire shards!" Torah shot for the mammals. She scored some hits. They kept their distance. The Medusa almost got her. Torah held up the cross. The enemy burned. Torah inhaled. She made another jump. Torah was upon the final pillar. "Pearls of heat!" The head got dismantled. Before more of them could arrive, she was in the air. Torah landed on solid ground. She was back in the mine. Ore glimmered from the walls. Torah had no mind about it. The mimic bats where in presuit. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah danced with the faries. They froze her enemies. There still where more of them. Though they kept at bey. Torah let it stay that way. She knocked some candles. The tunnel was straight. It led forward. Torah toutched her cross. The cave opened into another oval area. Not far beyond was a dead end. Torah went inside. The mimic went with her. They circled the room. Flames lit the elevated platform. Torah hoped she wouldn't meet them again. That hope was shattered. That eerie laugh boomed throughout the area. Torah didn't react. She preduced the ring-smash. They might be of help. The flare-dancers lept from within the fire. The duo of elegant lizard females began to dance. Torah got into motion. The mimic monsters was what really made her worry. Not that the dancers wasn't without power. Flames lit on their mobility. Bright light illuminated their Arabian finery. "Golden flash!" The mimic mammals kept their distance. The ring would protect her. Torah lept across the rising fire. The dancer came awefully close. Fire protected her body. The smash went deep. Through a diabolically fast retreat the fiend saved herself. Torah got pushed backward. She felt like being struck by the sun. The mimic flew in at her. Torah shook her head. She couldn't relax. "Zapphire shards!" The onslaught of icicles froze them on impact. The dancer got backward. The flames which protected her body was extinguished. Torah went on the offensive. She stepped across shattered icicle. The dancer lept for the fire. "Winter's heart!" The spell hit before she could even reach. Torah looked away. The dancer was shattered upon impact. The mimic bounched right into her. Torah screamed. She felt like being on fire. The ring gave no perfect protection. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah danced on instinct. The fairies came to her. Torah almost didn't mind. She just had to get chilled. Torah picked herself together. The mimic where gone. Mostly. Torah put it aside. The dancer she wounded earlier where back. Flames lit upon her mobility. Torah got backward. Blood ran from the gash. Even so, the lizard didn't move like being wounded. "Dance of the skull." Torah shivered. The rite was forbidden. Grandmother Yoko wouldn't tell much about it. Her books only told it was an act of malice. Torah put it aside. She didn't have the power if such acts where in use. Myths told Salome was the first to perform that rite. Torah doubted it was that simple. There was one solution though. They danced. Fire lit beneath her feet. Torah made her best to retreat. Mimic mammals circled the room. "Pot of gold!" Torah had no idea if it would actually work. The final bats got shot on impact. The flare-dancer simply seemed to absorb her energy. Torah licked her lips. She reached for the cross. Nothing but ice seemed to impress these monsters. Flame, and the faint red glow, was all which illuminated the battlefield. Blood painted the floor with crimson. Torah felt disgusted. The blood was dark and got a sticky fabric. Torah made another effort to remove the barrier. It was no use. Torah lept beyond fire. The dancer got near. She made a summersault back among the fire. Torah reached into her backpack. The dancer was back. Torah gave her no chanse. The garlic felt light between her hands. She threw the onion. They exploded on contact. Torah got thrown backward. The dancer staggered. Half her chest was blown away. Torah threw up. She just couldn't help it. The dancer then collapsed. She burned before reaching the floor. The flames subsided. Torah inhaled. She made an effort to pull together. This wasn't nice. War never was. Torah dried tears from her cheeks. She never wanted this to happen. Why had Dracula to rise in her lifetime? Such questions where without answers. Torah knew that. Perhaps Maria Renard also wished to live a normal life? Her ancestor was only 12 years old when the Dark Lord abducted her in 1792. Torah went to retrive the crystals. Maria Renard pulled through. She aided Richter Belmont in his quest to vanquish count Dracula. Torah would do the same. She climbed atop the platform. Torah viewed the switch carefully. Then she simply pulled it. The result was expected. She heard the pools being drained. Metal plates moved into place. Torah went back down the corridor. Some candles still where burning. They where the only source of light. Soon the glow from the crater became brighter. Torah stepped out into the abyss. The ladder was extended. It was to no use. The fence still was in place. Torah had another look at the blue opening. The eerie light lit within the wide open area. The opening led into the left side of the crater. Torah didn't like that area. Not after what happened upstairs. No matter. The way back up was blocked. The way down was locked. Either way, she was captured. Torah hoped the Lord would guide her. She went upon the narrow walkway. She pressed her back tight against the wall. Thank God there was no heads about. The sound of leathery wings where the only warning. "Orbs of sorcery!" Orbs of plasma shot from bogh hands. The trio of globules shot some of them to pieces. Torah watched the crystals fall. She was quite sure she could walk on the gate. No chanse that would happen. Torah knew about what might happen. The bats gathered for another attack. They came in a wave. "Rainbow flame!" The arching row of multi-coloured heat shot from bogh hands. The mammals got fried. Torah tried to move faster. The heads came in a wavy pattern. The stakes kept two of them busy. "Pearls of heat!" Torah hoped they wouldn't get closer. This wasn't an ideal battleground. She was near. Torah turned the corner. Though the remaining distance was kind of large. "Opal shot!" The opal fireball got the Medusa head on. The head got shot away. Torah kept on moving. The bone dragons she'd removed on another occation. They would've been the killer. If they'd still been around. Torah tried not to think of it. "Zapphire shards!" The heads where more then enough. The Medusa heads got shot on impact. They simply froze all over. There they came. The flapping of leathery wings told her of their approach. Torah threw herself inside the blue area. The mammals kept on chasing her. This place was cold. Torah felt it. Strong winds blew through the mine. She wondered how they didn't reach the crater. Magic. That was the only answer. The cave was wide. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent onslaught made the flock to scatter. The large area was oval in shape. Torah thought of sport stadium without seats for spectators. In the distance she heard the sound of boiling lava. Torah moved across the area. Some bats still went along. At the center was another elevated platform. Torah frowned. She didn't like the strange blue flame which illuminated the top. Torah thought of pulling her clothing back on. The place was so cold. Torah was just finished with buttoning her west when an eerie laugh echoed across. She felt chills down her spine. Was they here as well? Torah soon got the answer. Four lizard dancers, clad in Arabian clouthing, came from within the illumination. Torah got into a defensive posture. She hadn't fought against this many before. Except for the shade-dancers of course. Torah put it aside. The ice-dancers made blue flare rise upon their mobility. Torah got a nasty feeling they might freeze her. She frowned. Torah got a memory of having met these folks before. Saria also told her something. Never mind. Torah was in motion. That was the only way to stay alive. Torah was surprised. They didn't where quite as agile as other she met earlier. Never mind. They still might kill her. Torah had to think about the mammals as well. Just then they flew into the strange blue light. Torah toutched the cross. They where mimic fiends. They shone of blue wizardry. She pulled together. Torah also got some tricks up her sleeve. Her sudden dash got her beyond their mystic fire. "Playing with fire." She muttered. The area was wide open. The bright white field was the perfect background. Torah fought with stakes. The sharpened item went into one dancer. "Fountain of fire!" Torah released an onslaught of fireballs. The result was amazing. Flames lit upon the battleground. Some blue mimic went along. One dancer was hurt. She went back among the torch. Torah didn't mind. She got plenty of other stuff to worry about. The dance kept on. Neither of them where able to get the upper hand. Torah gsuspected they disliked her flaming ability. She moved out on the ice. The eerie blue glow shone brighter. The mimic came from difficult angles. "Opal flash!" Torah made a complete circle. Fire lit her position. Some mammals got fried. The dancers where quicker then her as they moved around on their scates. Torah reached into her backpack for more ammunition. She threw garlic at them. The lizard she'd wounded where back. Torah didn't mind. Their group made an effort to box her in. She let them have her. "Pot of gold!" Torah released the spell. She let them have all the energy she could muster. The show of force pushed them backward. Torah watched one enemy getting hit head on. She was dead before reaching the floor. Torah swallowed. She couldn't afford to get lapse. There still where three more of them out there. Frost went along the floor. Mimic where in the air. Torah felt her position being pushed. She threw other stakes. She lept backward. Torah got close to the stage. Blue light still illuminated the platform. "Pearls of heat!" The spell got some of the flying enemies. Torah threw other stakes. They where to quick. Torah knew it would be that way. She gathered all her force. Torah waited until they got slightly closer. Frost where spread on their mobility. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shrieked. The magic felt like it would tear her apart. The trio of plasmic orbs shot from her fingertips. They circled her position before going outward. Torah saw how they tried to escape. The plasma homed onto her enemies. The orbs exploded on impact. They burned to ashes. Torah was brought to her knees. For a moment she felt like having difficulty with breathing. Yoko warned her about abusing mysticism. Torah was able to get back up. Then the mimic flew right into her. Torah screamed. Frost was her universe. Torah felt like being trapped within a frozen block of ice. She shook her head. Somehow she got the smash up and ready. The mimic was defeated. There still where other of them around. Torah knew they circled her position. Frozen nails clawed at her heart. Or so it felt. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah was barely able to release some shots. The remaining monsters kept their distance. Torah could do no more. They'd defeated her. Torah reached for the cross. She puled off her backpack. The red medicine couldn't help her. Then Torah found the blue potion. It was her only hope. Torah opened the bottle with numb fingers. She drank the liquid. Torah frowned. The medicine felt hot down her troath. Though there where no steam. Torah felt better. She was no longer freezing. She put away the bottle. Torah thanked the Lord for the potion. She put it away. It still was three more doses inside. Torah brought forth her ring-smash. They wasn't going to surprise her again. She kept an eye out for enemies. The blue torch subsided. Torah climbed ontop. There was no switch up here. Torah didn't feel disappointed. Things never where that easy. Not that the battle had been anything like that. Torah went back down. She went on the ice. At the far end was another stream of lava. This pit wasn't really that wide across. Torah was able to reach the other side. She had a look around. Before her was another large area. The blue glow where reflected off of the white floor. The bright light made her blink. She'd been underground far to long. Torah stepped forward. Piles of snow lay on the cavern floor. Torah wondered how it came down here. She put it aside. Torah stumbled upon items laying in the snow. She frowned. The pieces of old arm and weaponry was somehow familiar. Chills went down her spine. There was a sence of evil in the air. Torah recognised the signs. The area was wide open. How many of them might be here? The answer came sooner then expected. A trio of huge armed and armoured skeletons emerged. They got swords and shields at the ready. The troopers got her within a triangle. Torah lept toward the nearest trooper. "Behind blue eyes!" Her gaze changed from brown to blue. Parallel bolts of blue magic shot from within her eyes. The enemy got frozen over. "Winter's heart!" She was able to capture another bulk. The third trooper circled her position. Torah went along. She was careful. This was the first time she got a closer look. Legends told Leon Belmont fought against the monsters during the late 9th. Century. The pieces of arm was a mix of Northern and western style. It didn't matter. Around its neck the trooper carried a strange shining necklace. The gem shone with an evil glow. Necromancy. Grandmother Yoko wouldn't tell her anything about such stuff. The trooper swung at her. Torah dodged. She lept forward. The smash was at the ready. She got behind its defences. Carrie's item struck the jewel. The enemy staggered. It got backward. The duo she froze earlier released themselves. Torah knew she where in trouble. "Rainbow flame!" The rightmost trooper fell on the floor. ""Zapphire shards!" The one she'd damaged earlier was captured. The third enemy dashed forward. Torah sidestepped the revived skeleton. She got around the bulk. It turned. Torah finally figured it out. The charged jewleries was the focuse of the evil curse. She toutched the cross. The enemy made another attempt. Torah ducked beneath the blade. She immediately got back up. The smash felt good in her hands. Torah went forward. The shield got in her way. "Frozen flash!" The trooper was stunned. Before it could move, Torah lept for the necklace. The shining stone was shaped like a headskull. It didn't shatter. Though the enemy fell backward. It got back up. The troopers tried to encircle her position. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The fairies danced with her. The nearest got frozen. One of them still remained. "Fountain of fire!" Torah sent it an onslaught of fireballs. The enemy got shot to pieces. Torah placed garlic in front. The bone-trooper exploded. Torah was thrown against the floor. She got upon her feet. Torah retrived the gemstones. The other enemies got free. "Hand of fate!" The solid spell threw the bulk far backward. Torah barely got away. The other trooper nearly cut her in half. Torah swallowed. She lept forward before the enemy could gather. They where slow on reflexes. The smash made the skull gem shatter. The trooper screamed. That was the only way to describe what happened. It collapsed. Somehow Torah just knew it wouldn't re-rise. It better. She was short on garlic. The third trooper dashed at her. Torah was able to glide beneath the offensive. "Pot of gold!" Countless golden globles shot from beneath her fingers. The bone-trooper was pushed further backward. The mimic seemed interested in the affair. Though they kept some distance. Torah was grateful. She already was busy. The trooper went back. It came in that croutched position which made it impossible to get underneath. Torah went in a complete other direction. "Winter's heart!" The giant skeleton was thrown sideways. Torah reached the wall. As she'd hoped, there where some candles. Torah knocked some down. The Lord hadn't abandoned her. Torah found garlic inside. The trooper made another dash. Torah got into a defensive posture. "Opal sun!" The skeleton got shot to pieces. Torah ran forward. She put garlic in front. The trooper exploded. Torah just barely got behind. She picked up the gemstone they left on the battlefield. The mimic mammals where getting closer. They seemed excited. "Pearls of heat!" Torah shot at them. The sence of evil was still very strong. She wasn't surprised when a fourth trooper rised. The skeleton was armed with a ball-and-chain. Torah bit her lips. She really didn't like this. The trooper began to hammer the floor. Torah would've been smashed if she didn't move. She didn't dare getting close. "Fountain of fire!" The spell made the bats to scatter. More importantly was that the skeleton staggered. Her enemy soon pulled together. Torah ran. "Rainbow flame!" The trooper missed by inches. "Opal sun!" The floor shook. The skeleton collapsed on impact. Torah thought of getting closer. But the bone-trooper was back in action. The mimic began to circle her position. "Pot of gold!" She had to get rid of them. Where did they come from anyway? The skeleton swung its weapon. Torah threw herself backward. The battlefield was wide open. Through some magic the weapon seemed to be extended. "Hand of fate!" The solid spell at least brought it to its knees. "Pearls of heat!" The mimic bats where a constant threat. Torah was nervous. She couldn't keep this up forever. "Fountain of fire!" The fireballs hammered against the frame. The skeleton finally collapsed. Torah ran forward. She eagerly placed garlic in front. She got away. Torah watched the bone-trooper explode. The battle was over. The sence of evil was all gone. Torah filled her lungs with fresh air. It was cold. That didn't matter. Torah thought of the wild wintery forest outside the castle. She put it aside. That would have to wait. Torah still got plenty of trouble. She went through the cave. The bats where still chasing her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the magic. Homing balls of plasma shot them away. Torah reached another streak of lava. The stream was so narrow she easily got across. Torah had a look around. The cave got narrower. She stepped into a smaller corridor. Beside the candles, the only light came from that eerie blue glow. The floor was still bright white. Snow chilled her feet. The mimic seemed to have left her behind. Torah didn't trust that for a second. The cave went on. Torah knocked some candles. Everything seemed alright. Torah began to feel nervous. She got a bad feeling about this. The tunnel suddenly opened into another oval area. At the heart was an elevated platform. Torah got into a defensive posture. Blue light shone upon the stage. Mimic flew at the high ceiling. Torah toutched the cross. She really didn't like this. An eerie laugh suddenly boomed across the area. A trio of ice-dancers emerged from within the glow. Torah got the smash out and ready. She began moving. The dancers seemed better trained then the first group she encountered. Blue flame lit upon their mobility. Torah stayed put. She knew she could do this. Dancing would keep her alive. "Pearls of heat!" The mimic had to be removed. Torah knew they might freeze her in place. That wasn't going to happen. Not in this millennia. Some mammals got shot to pieces. Torah managed to dodge the dancer's offensives. They really where quite clever. Torah figured they might actually kill her. She prayed the Lord would guide her. Torah threw stakes at them. She missed. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah hoped this would work. Frost where all about. The shield could protect against their magic. That was aan important discovery. They came closer. Torah removed the barrier. She reached into her backpack. There wasn't time. The mimic mammals came on the offensive. "Opal flash!" Torah made a complete circle. The monsters got fried. One of the dancers also got hit. She lept back among their pyre. Another enemy hit her in the face. Torah shuddered. She felt like being bit by icy jaws. The blue light which illuminated their bodies where also magical. "Fountain of fire!" Torah tried to heat herself with her own magic. It didn't work. Fireballs shot from her fingertips. The dancer which hit her got hit. She was hit again. Torah felt no victory. The dancer burned away into ashes. Torah huddled together. She got the blue medicine. Torah pulled it out. The wonderful potion made her feel like never being cursed. Torah was back in battle. She made a perfect pirruette. "Orbs of sorcery!" The enemies kept their distance. The dancers came from around the stage. Torah kept on dancing. The battle was far from over. She threw stakes at them. Two of them missed altogether. The third went home. No matter. Torah knew she didn't nail something vital. The lizard pulled it out. She threw it upon the floor. Frost lit on their mobility. "Zapphire curtain!" The mimic made an attempt to suck her blood. The shield didn't hurt. Although they where repeled. The enemies drew nearer. Torah got an idea. She lowered the shield. Torah went forward. The dancer made an effort to dodge. They where to close. Torah lept into the air. She got the ring-smash. The headless corpse fell on the ground. Torah cut the head straight off. The corpse burned. The final dancer made blue light to appear. Torah was forced backward. She threw garlic. The lizard was to quick. Torah kept on dancing. That way she might stay alive. Torah still had some onion. She placed them out on the battlefield. Thus she might box in the enemy. The ice-dancer made a summersault back among the flames. The mimic came from a difficult angle. "Opal flash!" She made it burn as long she could. Some got fried. Torah went to retrive the garlic. She also picked up some crystals. The dancer was back. Her blood stained the floor with crimson. Torah got garlic in her hands. This got to end. The dance might keep on forever. Torah waited. Then she threw the onion at her. The lizard was hit head on. Torah felt sick. The monster was shot to pieces. She burned into ashes. Torah struggled not to throw up. This was war. She knew that. The eerie blue glow subsided. Torah went toward the platform. The place was still freezing. "Finally I found you." Torah turned. The entrance was blocked. There stood a figure clad in a black hood an cloack. At first Torah thought it was one of the wanderers. Though the person didn't have that certain aura. "Who are you?" Torah asked. The figure never answered. Instead, the individual pulled back the hood. "You!" Torah shouted. "But I saw you die!" The lizard shaman lowered her head. "Indeed." She said. Then she suddenly got furious. "You killed me when throwing me into the lava." She hissed. Torah stepped backward. The shaman got a strange flickering aura. "How is it possible?" She all but whispered. "All you need to know is that I am going to kill you." Torah made an effort to pull together. Necromancy. That was the only solution. "I have hidden power." The lizard bousted. "No." Torah said. "Even a druid or a shaman might do that." She finally figured it out. Mathilda Wormwood, an English sorcerer, told her about it. "You're nothing but a conjurer." The female shaman pulled back her hair. "We'll see." She said. Then the shaman suddenly spoke words she didn't understand. She didn't have to. Multiple pointed icicles appeared in front of her enemy. The shaman shouted. The row went onward. Torah licked her lips. "Be with me." She whispered, reaching for the cross. They would freeze and crush her. Torah gathered herself. "Rainbow flame!" The arching magic hammered against the icicles. The counterfource was terrible. Torah felt like being pushed. Suddenly she jumped sideways. The icicles collided against the stage. "Golden glow!" Torah shouted. The globule shot forward. The lizard grunted. Although most magic seemed to be absorbed by the cloack, it had some impact. The enemy spoke words in a strange dialect. A wave of flames came her way. Torah felt disgusted. This was like an evil vertion of her own abileties. Torah didn't even try to block. Instead she danced. The shaman was taken aback. Torah was able to avoid the onslaught. "Opal shot!" The fireball went home. Although the enemy's cloak protected against some magic, it couldn't absorb all of the power. Torah toutched the cross. Her faight would save her. The female seemed frustrated. The flicker grew more frantic. Suddenly she spoke. A black rain began to fall. Torah noticed it made portions of the white floor turn into black. It was like the rain where acidic. "Zapphire curtain!" The shield kept her safe. Although the rain made black smoke rise from the dome of magic. Torah felt like being shot in the arm. "Orbs of sorcery!" Carrie would help her. She wasn't quite sure if saints really existed. The orbs sent her backward. The lizard was thrown to the floor. She got back up. Although it was a lizard, Torah hoped she might save the captured soul. Mathilda wouldn't tell her that much about the matter. The shaman's voice was like thunder. A trio of strange magnetic spheres shot through the air. Torah tried to dodge the onslaught. They homed onto her. Torah only had one thing to do. It better work. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah's eyes turned from brown into clear blue. From within the gaze shot parallel blue beams which froze the spheres on contact. "Zapphire shards!" The counterstrike should've frozen the shaman in place. Though the explosion sent her far backward, she didn't freeze. Torah reached for the cross. The shaman was really strong. Perhaps she didn't boust after all. Torah put the speculations aside. She got to believe. This time the cloack didn't absorb the magic. Torah didn't know if she'd damaged the thing. Or if the last spell was simply more powerful. The enemy brought her back from the reverie. She made another black downpour. "Zapphire curtain!" Though the shield protected her, the rain was mentally painfull. Torah felt like someone put nails into her brain. Plain imagionation. But there was nothing she could do about the matter. The spell suddenly stopped. The shaman made another row of icicles appear. Upon her command they went forward. Torah lowered the shield. She couldn't block out this onslaught. Instead she danced out of reach. "Winter's heart!" That was the first spell which came to mind. The lizard grunted. She lost control of the magic. They collided against the wall. The cloack absorbed some of the force. Torah continued dancing. If only she could make her loose control of the possession as well. Her enemy spoke words of an ancient language. A flow of flames waved from bogh hands. Torah went around the stage. The mimic at least kept some distance. They seemed afraid of the shaman. "Orbs of sorcery! Pearls of heat!" Torah shot at the mammals. "Golden globe! Opal shot!" The constant chase made them go away. They went for the exit. The shaman was taken aback. They could freeze her as well. Torah pushed her back against the elevated platform. May the Lord make this work. "Hand of fate!" Torah roared. The massive blast of solid spiritual energy consumed bogh bats and lizard. When the area got cleared, nobody was there. "Thank you." Torah said. That was the least she could do. "Thank you for everything." She toutched the cross. Torah lowered her head in a show of respect. She then climbed upon the platform. Torah pulled the switch. The blue glow subsided altogether. The only source of light where the still lit candles. Torah lept to retrive some crystals. They replenished her magical energy. There still where some mimic monsters alive. Torah kept a sharp eye out while moving down the corridor. She soon reached the frozen stadium. The streaks of lava was still there. Torah was able to jump across. She reached the crater. The mimic didn't went with her. Torah stepped upon the narrow platform which would take her to the ladder. She looked down. The fence was removed. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the head away. There still where other Medusa heads about. They came in a wavy pattern. "Pearls of heat!" Torah didn't wish to fall to the bottom of the crater. The red glow told her it would be fatal. "Zapphire shards!" The Medusa got frozen on impact. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah got to the corner. The ladder wasn't far of. "Opal shot!" The heads never gave up the chase. This head at least got shot. Torah smiled. Though it didn't reach her eyes. "Orbs of sorcery!" The journey to the ladder was a constant battle. "Pearls of heat!" She finally reached it. Torah began climbing. "Opal shot! Golden globe!" Things never went easy down here. The heads went with her. "Opal shot!" Torah repeated. The head was removed. She tried to be as quick as possible. The ladder seemed to go on forever. "Pearls of heat!" There came another one. Torah shot it to peaces. Things really wasn't easy. "Orbs of sorcery!" They came in to quick for the smash. Ranged attacks was all which kept her alive. The heads might inflict a stoned state. Torah reached the seventh level at last. There was a tunnel behind her back. The Medusa heads kept on coming. "Winter's heart!" Torah dismantled another head before getting inside.

Dabi's path, Warakiya. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
What began with blood, should end with blood. He smiled when recognising the ancient phrase. Though it was true. Mystisism might be the codekey to many a wonderful secrets. He knew enough to not make a mistake. One who entered through the gate might still become lapse. He had not come here to be captured within the garden of dreams. Never the less, he spoke the words made for this kind of ritual. He would have to remain calm. The garden was however wonderful. He knew the beauty was part of the disturbance. He could stay focused. With the knife in one hand, he opened a vain in the other. He sacrifised ancient blood. History become legend. Legend become myth. What was once knowledge, where lost over time. His blood marked the sacrificial stone. He could not help but escape a low moan from his lips. One myth proclaimed Cain was the first of their kind. He would not doubt it. Nobody living undead no longer knew the truth. So be it. He did not come here for speculation. The first drop of blood began to glow. This ritual was not ment for his kind. Though it was useful. When complete, he would be closer still to achieve his goal. Be the will of the Master.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Torah had the ring-smash at the ready. The heads didn't chase her inside. Even so, there might be other foes. The sound of leathery wings told her of their approach. They where just plain mammals. Though they could suck her blood. Torah didn't want to be infected. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. The trio of orbs circled her position. Then they homed after the mammals. Three of them got shot. Torah protected with her ring-smash. The survivers soon left her behind. Torah was satisfied by the outcome. She didn't wish to kill them all. Torah never hated animals. Not that she really liked them that much either. Torah wondered what might've happened with Willow. That was the name of Yoko's cat. Strange. But most female magicians tend to have cats. She smiled by the memory. The mammals kept their distance. Torah reached the first pit. Molton lava boiled beneath her location. Thick black smoke obscured her view. The incoming head was just to visible. Torah had the smash. She was able to shred the enemy. Others where on the move. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot it away. She lept into the air. Torah reached the first platform. "Pearls of heat!" The heads never stopped chasing her. This sample at least got shot to pieces. Torah jumped upon the second platform. She dropped herself flat on the pillar. The Medusa head went above her location. "Opal shot!" Torah got rid of the next enemy. She then reached the mine. The tunnel seemed empty. Torah was careful. Things where not always what they appeared. That Yoko told her. Something moved. Torah knew that sound. "Zapphire curtain!" The arrows collided against her shield. There where lizards in here! Torah let go of her defences. She was about to move when the mammals came. They went from a difficult angle. "Winter's heart!" Torah shouted. She got most of their numbers. That was no victory. The rangers where ready. Arrows went through the air. The lizards then came sprinning in on her. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah prayed this would work. The fairies danced with her. The arrows where frozen. The first line of monsters was captured. They shattered. Torah felt disgusted. There was nothing she might do about the matter. The archers reached for other arrows. The enemies gathered. Bats circled her position. Torah inhaled. This would be it. "Fountain of fire!" Torah screamed before dashing forward. She got the ring-smash. The lizards where there to meet her. The club and sword was cut down before they could bring their weapons up. "Frozen flash!" Torah made the lance freeze on impact. The knife got her in the shoulder. It wasn't anything. "Opal flash!" She burned the monster into ashes. They began to pull backward. A sword and club went in front. Torah got beneath their defences. The smash cut its stomach open. Torah was able to dodge the flood of blood. She felt sick by the exposed organs. The sword went down. Torah threw herself backward. The swordsman loomed above her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah got both him and the bats. "Pearls of heat!" The lizards where on full retreat. There was no shaman to back them up. The rangers began looking nervous. They still fired another round. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah got the shield up in time. The lizards came storming. "Zapphire shards!" They where to close to avoid her spell. The first line got frozen over. Torah was on the offence. The smash cut through their armour. She finally got through to the archers. They released a last round before they fled their position. "Frozen flash!" Torah was to close for anything suttle. The arrows got blocked anyway. Though the archers left the fight, there still where other enemies about. Blood ran from her shoulder. Torah bit together. Then she dashed forward. Her smash was at the ready. The first monsters got cut down. Torah lept. Another lizard fell without the head. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. The orbs circled her position. They exploded upon impact. The smash dug deep into the swordsman's arm. He dropped the weapon. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent onslaught went home. Torah was gasping for breth. She almost snarled when she went for the nearest enemy. The club threw the weapon at her. He then fled the area. Torah sidestepped the item. She was alone. The enemies where either dead or they'd escaped. Torah didn't care. She retrived the crystals. Some bats still where about. They kept their distance. So be it. Torah went down the cavern. Everything seemed quiet. Torah shrugged. She thought that before. The mammals still fluttered about. Torah felt slightly concerned. They might inflict a cursed state. She didn't want to be a vampire. The tunnel suddenly came to a hault. Torah was in front of another pool of lava. Thick smoke obscured her view. "Orbs of sorcery!" The Medusa head came in a wavy pattern. Torah nearly missed the strange enemy. The Medusa head was a snake creature spawned from Medusa. Torah knew they might turn her to stone. No sooner was it down, before another came along. Torah got the smash. She was able to shred the head. The sound of wings where the only warning. The mammals came in a wave. "Rainbow flame!" The solid spell got bogh the head and the mammals. Most of them anyway. There still where some of them left. Torah didn't care. She lept for the nearest platform. She got on top. "Opal shot!" There came another head. Torah shot it away. She got upon the second platform. The mammals came on another offensive. "Pot of gold!" Torah released multiple golden globes. Even the Medusa head got blasted. Torah lept. She was back inside the mine. The sound of leathery wings told her there where more of them. Torah entered the cave. Then they came. "Winter's heart!" The frozen spell shattered the flock. They shrieked. Torah tried to shield her ears. The sound was awful. More mammals came. "Fountain of fire! Zapphire shards!" The doubled onslaught defeated most of her enemies. Some mammals still circled her position. Torah moved forward. She knocked some candles. Torah found garlic inside. There even where some crystals. She retrived those left by the bats. Torah frowned. The roses where slightly familiar. Torah smiled. They might be of help. Another swarm suddenly moved in on her. Torah threw garlic at them. The onion exploded. Torah picked one wild rose. There where ten flowers in total. The plant simply made the remaining mammals to explode. The garlic where grenades. The wild roses where like bombs. Torah touched the cross. She really was grateful. Just ahead was another pit of lava. "Winter's heart!" She got to remove another swarm. The bats got frozen over. There where some which survived the onslaught. Torah didn't care. She got other problems. The heads where back. "Zapphire shot!" She was able to remove her enemy. Torah shredded the bats. They came in an endless supply. No matter. "Pearls of heat!" The Medusa head got shot. Torah lept toward the nearest platform. She landed on top. There came another head. Torah threw stakes at it. The head got impaled. Some mammals where still around. Torah jumped. She reached the second pillar. The bats suddenly attacked. They came in an seemingly endless row. "Frozen flash!" Torah threw all her strength into it. She was able to stand tall while the mammals froze themselves on impact. Torah drew sweath from her brow. She exhaled. That was close. The head moved in a wavy pattern. "Opal shot!" Torah blasted it into oblivion. She managed to reach the mine. Torah touched the cross. Here there would be no more heads. The bats went from multiple locations. "Opal flash!" Torah made a complete circle. The mammals got burned. Finally she might get some peace and quiet. The cave went on. Torah felt like being down here forever. She knew that wasn't true. "Rainbow flame!" The bats got burned. The flock came when she didn't expected. Torah decided she better be more careful. The tunnel grew wider. Torah found herself within another oval room. Torah had a look around. There where no more bats. Torah used the opportunity to tie up her wound. At the center was an elevated platform. Layers of smoke somewhat obscured her view. There was nobody upon the stage. Torah went forward. She got the smash at the ready. They came without warning. The lizard-dancers seemed to appear from nowhere. They moved from the stage. "Star flash!" The golden flash blocked off their daggers. Torah began dancing. The lizards hissed like poison snakes. Torah made no comment. She threw stakes at them. They grew hair. Unlike the men they got no spikes down the neck. Torah didn't mind. She almost got nailed. They where good. No questions asked. "Long shot!" Torah knew her eyes turned from brown into a bright yellow. Parallel beams of liquid gold shot from within her gaze. One dancer got burned. No matter. The battle was on. The sound of leathery wings told the bats where back. "Frozen flash!" Torah blocked their knives. The mammals came. Torah threw garlic. Some escaped her onslaught. Torah dodged the daggers. She threw other stakes. Two missed. The third went home. The monster pulled it from her stomach. Blood ran down. Torah dodged another set of knives. One was burned. The other was impaled. Torah reached for the cross. The mammals came from difficult angles. The rose made them to explode. Torah shrieked. One dagger hit her forarm. It was ment for the heart. Torah was just grateful she'd managed to capture it in time. The dance continued. They where all wounded. Some bats where still in the air. Torah really began to dislike those monsters. The dancers where however the greatest threat. Blood ran from the wound. Torah had pulled out the blade. Though she didn't have time for any medicine. "Opal flash!" The spell blocked their projectile. "Zapphire shot!" The blue orb actually went home. The lizard dancer got frozen on impact. Torah knocked her in between. The frozen figure shattered. Torah retrived the crystals. This wasn't the tine for celebration. Not that Torah felt like it anyway. There still was one more of them out there. Ceveral daggers went from bogh hands. Torah noticed she reached into a purse to preduce them. "Star flash!" Magic could protect her when Torah was to slow. Yoko once told about the mad butchers she and Genya Arikado met in Dracula's castle. That was in 2035. Torah threw stakes at her. Christopher Belmont met knife-lizards bogh in 1577 and in 1592. Torah was able to sidestep. The bats came in a row. "Rainbow flame!" The bats got burned on impact. Torah got hit by another dagger. She screamed. Torah just couldn't help it. Blood ran from bogh the shoulder and her forarm. The lizard hissed with triumph. She had to end this. Other bats came in from difficult angles. "Pearls of heat!" The foursome of transparent orbs made them scatter. Torah charged her spell. "Orbs of sorcery!" They chased the dancer. She threw daggers at them. The spell exploded. Just then Torah moved in. Garlic went from her hands. The dancer was shattered. The explosion even threw Torah on the floor. For some time she just lay there. Torah was grateful the mammals didn't attack. She felt really weary. She got back up. Torah picked up the crystals. She felt bad. Torah opened the backpack. She still got the bottles purchased from Renon. They contained red medicine. She drank. Torah felt refreshed and renew after one taste. She put it back. There still was something left of the blue potion. Torah would save it for later. The mammals attacked. "Zapphire shards!" The spread-shot of icicles disposed of their threat. Torah felt grateful. She went forward. Then she stopped. Just beyond the oval room was another pit. No sooner had she reached the area, when the head approached. Torah got the smash. The snake creature got shredded. Torah jumped upon the nearest platform. Laers of black smoke made the mobility difficult. Though she spotted the head. "Star flash!" The head froze on impact. Torah got upon the second pillar. She dropped herself flat on the platform. The head went across. Torah got up. Another Medusa was on the approach. The smash removed the head. She jumped toward the shore. Torah was back in the mine. Nobody was there to meet her. Torah toutched the cross. Though the battle wasn't over. A swarm of bats where approaching. She had prepared. They didn't attack. Torah licked her lips nervously. What did it mean? The answer came sooner then she expected. The bats gathered into one huge mammal. Trevor Belmont fought against the phantom bat in 1496. He was the first. Or so she heard. Bogh Simon and Richter Belmont met them in turn. In 1688 and in 1792. Torah put it aside. The big bat advanced. Torah was able to dive underneath. "Zapphire shot!" The blue ball went home. Her enemy froze. The mammal was large as an adult's upper body. The wings where at least two meters across. Torah toutched her cross. Either the Belmont clan had, however unlikely, been mistaken. Or this was no phantom bat. Juste Belmont, who met the giant bat in 1747, described the beast to be bigger then any man. Whatever the case, Torah had to be careful. The big bat got loose. It came on return. It spat no fireballs. Perhaps it was a bat-company? Torah didn't thought so. Although Soma Cruz encountered such a monster in 2036, she doubted the matter. He described it like a swarm of six cemi-large mammals. Torah stopped poundering the question. This bat was here and now. "Rainbow flame!" Torah got it head on. The enemy shattered into a swarm of smaller bats. That she recognised. Such would a phantom bat react. They came in a row. "Rainbow flame!" Torah repeated the spell. They where all burned. Torah frowned. This was to easy. Something clicked. Some Belmont told of big bats which could split into smaller bats even though they where no real subservient of the Dark Lord. Torah shook her head. Nothing of that stuff really mattered. Not now anyway. She stepped forward. The cave was enormous. This part had to be a real cavern. Torah knocked some candles. Though only a few. When she pulled the switch, they would be the only source of light. Torah found some crystals. She replenished the rose stock. "Orbs of sorcery!" Some bats where around. She got an aim. They exploded on impact. Torah continued. She was back in the mine. This place at least looked like people used to work. Torah toutched the wall. The place was still rich with ore. The sound of leathery wings got her on alert. The bats came in a swarm. "Fountain of fire!" The onslaught removed most of them. Torah went to claim the crystals. She tightened the grip on her smash. There still where plenty of mammals about. They gathered into another big bat. Torah reached for her cross. The huge mammals went for her. "Opal shot!" The fireball went through the air. The enemy dodged. Though it changed objective. Torah tried to track the mammal. She really didn't like this. The fangs shone like polished metal. "Golden globe!" This time the spell went home. The enemy shrieked. Torah blocked her airs. The sound was terrible. The claws could rip her to shreds. Torah got a slight shiver. It came back. "Zapphire shot!" The beast got frozen over. It shattered into a swarm of smaller bats. Torah presented the cross. The swarm was all around her. They gathered into their main form. Torah was ready. Or so she hoped. The enemy just needed to bite her. Then it would be all over. Torah was unsure if it would give her the curse or just kill her. Neither was pleasant to think further about. "Star flash!" The bat almost collided with her. The force got brought up just in time. The beast split into a swarm of smaller bats. Torah shook her head. This wasn't good. She whished she'd just fried it to begin with. That was no option. "Zapphire shards!" The icicles actually removed some mammals. The enemy reformed. "Opal sun!" Torah made a single sphere of flame to appear. The big bat came dashing in. Torah made her gesture. Yoko would've been proad. The explosion simply obliterated the mammal. She drew sweath from her brow. Torah gathered the crystals. Some bats survived. They kept their distance. Torah kept track of their mobility. Nothing happened. Torah shrugged. She began moving. Never the less, she was really careful. The mine seemed like it would continue on forever. Torah riminded herself not to get nervous. She'd been inside longer walks then this. The mammals went along. Torah kept watchful. She'd quit being careless. They where dangerous opponents. The glow grew slightly stronger as she moved ahead. Torah was sure another pit was ahead. The bats came in a sudden wave. "Star flash!" Torah put as much energy she could gather into the spell. They where shattered upon impact. The one in the lead seemed likely to be the ring-leader. They always did like he told. Then it was pity he got fried first of all. Torah smiled. Though it never reached her eyes. "Zapphire shards!" She froze some other mammals before going onward. There came that boiling sound again. Torah was in front of another pit. Lava bubbled beneath. "Opal shot!" Torah removed the head. She got upon the first platform. She immediately dropped herself. The head missed by inches. There came another Medusa head. Torah got the smash. The enemy was shredded. Carrie's weapons where immune to magic. Torah was grateful it was like that. She lept into the air. Torah landed upon the shore. She was met by a rain of oncoming arrows. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah brought it up barely in time. The arrows froze on impact. Torah lowered the shield. The monsters where on the approach. Bats circled her position. They came in an endless supply. "Long shot!" Torah shot parallel beams of golden light from within her gaze. Two lizards, and those behind, got shot. "Pearls of heat!" Torah cast four transparent orbs from between her fingertips. The nearest bats where destroyed. The lizards gathered. "Fountain of fire!" Torah went behind her onslaught. Fireballs struck down among her enemies. All became confusion as they sought to retreat. Torah got beneath their defences. She got the ring-smash. The sword got cut down. The lance followed suit. Torah felt sick when exposing their inside. There was nothing she could do about the matter. This was war. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats got shot away. "Frozen flash!" Torah blocked another round of arrows. The rangers still where the most dangerous opponents. Other bats came from difficult angles. The club almost smashed her skull. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah knew it was a waste of energy. But it was all she could do to save herself. Bogh the mammals and the club got frozen over. That wasn't the end. Course not. The lizards seemed to gather. Torah toutched the cross. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah danced with the fairies. The closest villains got frozen. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent bubbles made quick work of all advancing mammals. Torah dashed toward the enemies. In came the arrows. "Star flash!" Torah made a complete circle. The golden glow was enough to defend against ordinary weapons. There was no shaman around who might fuse them with magic. No matter. This was not a game. The other monsters where advancing. Torah went on the offensive. She went beneath the lance. Torah turned. The smash went deep. "Star flash!" The spell broke the club. Torah lept. She removed the head. "Zapphire shot!" The sword got hit in the face. Torah threw herself backward. That other club nearly got her. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah was able to clear the battlefield. She retrived the crystals. The lance missed by inches. Torah sidestepped it neatly. She sent him some stakes. Torah threw garlic about. The explosion made them retreat. Slightly at any rate. Then came other arrows. "Frozen flash!" Torah was able to block. She threw one wild rose. "Where the wild roses grow." Torah muttered. She finally got through. The archers looked concearned. They threw glances sideways. Then they fired one other round. "Zapphire shards!" She was to close for anything suttle. The lizards dropped their weapons. The monsters where on full retreat. Then the others where back. The sword should've killed her. The smash held through. Torah stamped with the cross. Flames lit on impact. The nearest monsters where reduced to ashes. Torah was grateful. Some rangers still kept their line. Arrows flew through the air. Torah couldn't stop them this time. Though the croud made it impossible to choose target with any certainty. Some monsters actually got hit. Torah was to busy. The smash blocked their attacks. She sidestepped the lance. The cross made him burn. An arrow hit the shoulder. Torah screamed. She just couldn't help it. The monsters pressed her position. Torah withdrew. She whished she could curl into a ball. That would be her final decision. Then the barrier collapsed. The cross caught fire. Flames burned the area. Torah held it high. They where not going to kill her. She went forward. Flames burned the area. They ran. Torah fell on the floor. Tears went down her cheeks. For a moment she thought they boiled. Torah pressed the cross tightly to her. If only Yoko was alive. Then Torah wouldn't have these outbursts of power. The barrier rebuilt itself. The flames subsided. Then only Torah remained. She pulled out the arrow. Blood ran down her body. It wasn't anything dangerous. Torah tied up the wound. She dried away tears. There came more. She felt exausted. This wasn't her style. Torah got up. She got to continue. Some bats fluttered about. Torah didn't mind. She picked up what gems remained. She made an effort to dry away the remaining tears. Torah didn't feel better. Though she knew this was the only way. The faint glow became brighter. Torah reached another pool of lava. Molton rock boiled beneath. Torah inhaled. She felt tired. No matter. The head came flying. Torah was able to shred the monster. She jumped. Torah settled upon the pillar. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats got shot. She got the smash. The Medusa head was removed. Torah got ontop of the second pillar. The head was on the move. "Zapphire shot!" Torah blasted the thing into oblivion. She made another jump. Torah was back in the mine. Some mammals came in a difficult angle. Torah presented the cross. They where repeled. Torah felt grateful. She began walking. The cave went narrower. Though the high ceiling kept the air going. The mammals kept chasing her. Torah thought of blasting them. She put it aside. That was no option. Torah tripped. The layer of old ashes concealed garbage or loose rock. Torah had a look around. She had a slight shiver. Something wasn't right. Pieces of arm and broken article lay on the floor. Torah got no time for further speculation. The mammals came in a row. "Rainbow flame!" Torah gave them all she got. The bats where burned on impact. She retrived what crystals they left behind. Then a bone-trooper emerged. The bulk was armed with a sword and shield. Torah put away the smash. They wouldn't be of use. Not here. The trooper advanced. It dashed forward. It came in that crouched position, with the sword at the ready, which made it impossible to get underneath. Torah got other tricks up her sleeve. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah shot parallel beams of blue energy from within her gaze. The trooper got frozen. Torah threw her roses. The trooper was sent further backward. Though the battle wasn't over. It got back up. Torah bit her lower lip. The enemy dashed toward her position. Torah couldn't possibly dodge this time. "Winter's heart!" The shot was fired at close blank range. Torah felt chills down her spine. She almost got it right in the face. Though the enemy was trapped. Somewhat shaky, Torah presented the cross. Flames lit on impact. Somehow the skeleton got free. Torah shrieked. The sword went down just before her toes. The soft shoes wouldn't lasted a second. The trooper brought up the blade. "Rainbow flame!" It was to close. The armoured trooper got hit head on with the entire load. The skeleton shattered. Torah inhaled. She put garlic in front. She ran. The explosion shook the corridor. Torah was thrown to the ground. Bats came. The sound of flapping wings where the only warning. "Get off your beasts!" Torah shouted. The cross kept them backward. Torah retrived the crystals. She still was a little shaky. This'd been to close. She just retrived the last gem when another trooper appeared. This demon was armed with a huge double-bladed battle-axe. Torah toutched the cross. The battle wasn't over. The enemy swung at her. Torah went down on one knee. The blade went just ahead. Torah felt sick. The image of her smashed head was just to real. "Long shot!" Parallel beams of liquid gold shot from within her eyes. The skeleton staggered. Torah stamped with the cross. The trooper swung. Torah threw herself backward. The skeleton came like a crazed lumberjack. Bats circled her position. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Bogh mammals and the undead bag of bones got captured. Torah was grateful about that. The armoured bulk got loose. Again it marched forward. Torah wondered if this was like fighting the executioner. Sonia Belmont met that devil in 1476. She put it away. Torah might ask Heinrich about it later. The trooper kept on coming. Other mammals appeared. "Winter's heart!" She got to immobilize the trooper. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent bubbles shot them away. The skeleton got back to work. Torah licked her lips. She really didn't like this. The trooper got closer and closer. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah knew her gaze changed colour. From brown to blue as she shot parallel beams. The enemy was stopped. Though only for a while. Torah stamped with the cross. If only she could've removed that barrier. The enemy swung with the axe. The blow might've cut her in two. Torah swallowed. "Pot of gold!" That was the payoff. The enemy shattered into 215 pieces. Torah knew. She learned it at school. She smiled. Though it never reached her eyes. Torah put garlic in front. Then she turned and ran away. This time she got far enough. The explosion shook her. Even so, it didn't hurl her away. Torah went to claim the crystals. The sence of evil vanished. There would be no more troopers. Torah was glad about that. The mammals might still bite her. Torah tried not to think of it. She instead went onward. She knocked some candles. Torah was able to replenish her stock. The cave continued. Torah kept an eye out for bats. All seemed quiet enough. Torah was seasoned enough to not place trust in such matter. The mammals where a constant threat. The boiling sound grew louder. Torah was in front of another pit. Layers of black smoke obscured her view. Though she noticed the head. The Medusa came through the air. "Opal shot!" Torah was able to blast it away. She then lept into the air. Torah landed upon the first platform. The bats came from multiple directions. "Zapphire shards!" Torah released a spread-shot of magic. Bogh the mammals and the Medusa head got blasted. Torah jumped upon the second platform. She had a look around. Some bats still doged her track. Torah shrugged. The head was her main concearn. The Medusa approached in a wavy pattern. The smash settled the matter. Torah jumped. She was back in the mine. "Pearls of heat!" The mammals made an attempt. The spell made them scatter. Torah reached for the cross. She stepped forward. The cave grew larger. Torah noticed the ore. "Rainbow flame!" The bats came in a wave. Torah was able to fry all of them. Then came another swarm. "Winter's heart!" She froze them all over. Some mammals survived the offensive. They gathered together. The big bat advanced. Torah dived beneath. The bat came back. "Orbs of sorcery!" Her enemy dodged the magic. Torah presented the cross. The big bat withdrew. "Fountain of fire!" Some fireballs actually went home. The big bat shattered into a swarm of smaller bats. They soon gathered. Torah thought to escape. The thought of running headlong into the lizards with the bat behind. The mere thought made her blush. Torah rather would stay to fight. The bat clawed at her. Torah dropped herself flat on the floor. "Golden globe!" She shot from a crouched position. Even so, the ball went home. Torah cheered. The big bat became a swarm of smaller mammals. Torah gathered her strength. "Winter's heart!" She scored just as they tried to reform. The enemies was frozen into submission. Torah got back on her feet. She was breathing heavily. This wasn't easy. She retrived the crystals they left behind. Then Torah began walking. Some bats still where around. She really began to dislike those mammals. Never the less, they kept their distance. So be it. The way continued. Torah had the smash at the ready. Nobody was here. Torah began feeling nervous. The cave went on. This path really was long. What if she'd get lost? Torah tried to dismiss the matter. Finally the cave opened up into another oval area. Torah toutched the cross. The mammals went along. There was an elevated platform. Flames burned atop the stage. Torah put away her ring-smash. An eerie laugh echoed through the mine. Torah made no comment. A trio of lizard-dancers appeared from within the fire. Torah began dancing. The flare-dancers made flames lit on mobility. A sudden shreek reminded about the mammals. Torah was to busy. The bats entered the area. Torah dodged as best she could. The trio really was clever. Torah threw stakes at them. The flame which illuminated their bodies just consumed her items. Torah licked her lips. She forgot about that. These devils where magical. It was rubbish anyway. Torah inhaled. The mammals where all about. "Zapphire shards!" It was all she could do to keep them at bey. Some mammals got frozen. The nearest dancer got hit. The magic extinguished the fire. Flames roared in front. Torah got backward. The dancer made a summersault toward the flames. Torah threw the roses. The lizard was shot to pieces before she could reach the source of their magic. Torah licked her lips. That wasn't nice. Blood, and other remains, rained throughout the battlefield. It soon was reduced to ashes anyway. It didn't matter. There still where two more of them out there. Torah claimed some of the crystals. The bats came in a wave. "Frozen flash!" The entire group got frozen. Torah claimed all the gemstones. She really could use those items. The dancers made flame to rise. "Zapphire shot!" Torah's spell went home. Though it didn't deal the final moment. Flames hit her. Torah screamed. The ring protected her. Though it couldn't take out the full blow. Torah felt like being sunburned. She shook her head. The dancer she knocked was back among the flames. An eerie laugh echoed through the area. Torah toutched the cross. She threw stakes at the other dancer. The lizard dodged. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The dancing fairies clear the area. At least for a while. The monsters where forced backward. Torah lept. She got the ring-smash. "Frozen flash!" The spell extinguished the fire. The dancer was forced backward. Torah jumped. The ring-smash removed the head. Bogh burned to ashes. The last dancer knocked her in the stomach. Torah grunted as the air was forced from her lungs. The ring countered the heat. Though it wasn't enough. The full brunt of the martial arts threw Torah on the floor. The flare-dancer loomed above her. That eerie malicious laugh filled the room. Torah used her last strength to leap back up. She held the cross. The symbol made the enemy burn. She screamed. The sound was terrible. Torah almost threw up. Never the less, she stood her ground. The monster collapsed. The corpse burned. Then the fire went out. Torah inhaled. The place where she'd been hit really hurt. Torah climbed atop the stage. The switch was there. Torah pulled at it. The pit was to far away. Though Torah knew the result. The candles where the only source of light. She retrived what crystals remained. Torah then left the area. Some mammals still where about. Torah kept a sharp eye out. She knew they might kill her. The way went on. This cave was really long. All she could see was illuminated by the candles. Torah recognised the place where she fought the bone-troopers. Here was the place where she fought the other dancers. "The road is long." Torah muttered. She heard that in a lyric somewhere. Never mind. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot at the bats. Some mammals got blasted. The others kept their distance. Torah nodded. She was glad if things would stay that way. Finally she reached the crater. The bridge was extended. The mammals finally scattered. Torah went upon the bridgeway. "Pearls of heat!" The head came in a wavy pattern. Torah shot it away. There where more of them. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The Medusa head got shot. The magic even handled the next head. Torah kept on walking. The heads where a constant threat. "The crater really grew wider the lower she get. The head moved in a wavy pattern. The smash settled the matter. Torah was just glad they only came in front. They must have a brain. Torah shrugged. They didn't seem to think much anyhow. "Opal shot!" The lone fireball went home. Finally Torah reached the other side. There was another tunnel. She had an inspection. No ladder led downward. She reached for the cross. Torah went inside.

The eight lizard shamans stood in a circle. Zophran wished someone else had been here to do this. The workers where not happy about this. There was not many humans down here. No male anyway. Amusements where scarse. They needed a human. A human's soul. A human's rage. They already failed once. Witches or necromancers where far better in this kind of things. Though the shaman could speak and control spirits, they where poor in making them make manifest. The chanting reached climax. The ritual was at its hight. Incence filled the air. Pillars of green rised from the torches. This would be it. The female human looked at him with naked hate on her face. Exelent. The preparation had been well worth the effort. Ashamed and violated, they still had been able to awaken her dignity. That was good. Ziphran rised the sacrificial knife. They summoned the name of their phatron. The human screamed out her anger as the knife cut her troath. The shaman let it spill on the floor. The vampire would be eager to drink from it. The blood would grant great power. No undead where here. A pitty. They might have made this much more simpler. A hot wind suddenly blew through the area. They had achieved victory.

Torah had a look around. The cave went on. Some bats where alarmed by her presence. "Orbs of sorcery!" It wasn't like the hordes she met in the other tunnel. Never mind. She didn't wished to become a vampire. Some mammals got shot. Torah was careful when approaching. The faint red glow didn't reveal much about this area. "Pearls of heat!" The spell kept them at a distance. The walls where made of baren rock. There was no sight of the ore she'd seen before. Torah wondered if they might've dug up the metal already. The floor went in a straight line. The cave went narrower before widening. Torah kept the ring-smash ready. There it was. The sound of boiling lava grew louder. Torah reached the pit. "Opal shot!" The head got blasted. Torah made a leap for the nearest platform. The black smoke obscured her view. Torah was just grateful she'd noticed the pillar. The Medusa head was approaching. The ring-smash got in handy. She was able to defeat the monster. "Pearls of heat!" The mammals got interested. Torah was able to remove quite some enemies. Then she dropped herself flat. The head almost got her. "Zapphire shot!" The next head got frozen over. Torah reached the second pillar. There came another one. The snake creature seemed to smile. Torah was able to shred the monster. "Star flash!" The spell blocked the other head. Torah jumped upon the next platform. The battle was far from over. More bats where coming in. "Zapphire shards!" Torah blasted them away. The ring-smash removed the Medusa head. Torah jumped. She got back into the mine. Here lines of multicoloured ore went along the wall. Torah nodded. The dryad tribe would settle in a countryside rich of natural buty. A land which where wealthy with resources of any kind. Torah figured that America was alright. Even though she liked Europe. That was the land of her ancestors. Her elder ancestors anyway. Bogh on the human and the dryad side of the family. She dismissed the matter. More so when arrows went through the air. The lizards where here. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The dancing fairies caught the offensive. Torah dashed. The ring-smash was her weapon. The steel rings dug deep into the club's stomach. "Star flash!" The lance broke on impact. Torah stamped with the cross. The monster burned. Torah went beneath the sword. The smash settled the matter. "Fountain of fire!" The spell burned the mammals. Some lizards also got shot. Torah sidestepped the club. The ring-smash shattered his ribs. Still gasping the monster collapsed into a heap. "Frozen flash!" Torah made a complete circle. The closest enemies where captured. Torah broke through. The rangers where in front. They fired at her. "Zapphire curtain!" The magic shield blocked their arrows. "Zapphire shards!" Torah gathered as much energy she could muster. The onslaught froze their line. Torah turned to face the monsters. There was no need. The survivers fled the sceene. Torah drew sweath from her brow. They really wasn't soldiers. Not like those red knights she met in the garden maze. Torah retrived the crystals. Some bats still where around. She let be the candles. They might soon be her only source of light. Torah went to inspect the mine. Not far off was another pit of lava. Torah jumped upon the initial pillar. The Medusa head came in a wavy pattern. The smash settled the matter. Torah jumped before another head might approach. "Star flash!" The spell protected against the next head. Torah claimed the crystal. She reached the third platform. "Rainbow flame!" The spell burned the mammals on impact. The smash removed the head. Torah exhaled. That was close. She made another jump. Torah was back inside the mine. She noticed there was some ore within the floor. It wasn't important. Not to her. Torah went forward. She must've burned the bats. The cave was silent. Torah didn't like that. She knocked some candles. Inside where crystals, stakes or garlic. Torah sought to replenish her stock. She even found some roses. They might get in handy later. The cave went on. The dim red glow grew slightly brighter. Torah reached another pit. Black smoke made it difficult to detect forign objects. The head was just to visible. "Opal shot!" The Medusa was dismantled. Torah lept for the nearest pillar. She landed ontop. Then came another head. Torah was able to counter. The ring-smash settled their ordeal. Torah jumped upon the second platform. The heads kept on coming. "Golden globe!" The head exploded. Torah got on the next pillar. She threw herself flat on the pillar. The head went straight across. Torah got back up. She knew her face adapted a pale complexture. Never mind. She inhaled. There came another one. "Star flash!" The spell made it to explode on impact. Torah made another jump. She reached the shore. Torah was back in the cave. The tunnel went forward. Torah toutched the cross. She began walking. Some mammals where alarmed by her approach. Torah was careful. She kept an eye out. For the moment they simply followed. Torah hoped it might stay that way. Though she knew better. The cave grew wider. It hadn't been this large since that blue chamber upstairs. Torah felt a slight shudder. She stopped. Something wasn't right. There was something wrong about this place. Torah felt cold. There was an evil chill within the air. Torah reached for the cross. Suddenly came a wave of bats. "Frozen flash!" Torah was able to freeze them all. She claimed their crystals. It was no victory. Torah tripped. The floor was covered with piles of old ash. Torah licked her lips. She didn't like this. It was like a huge fire once burned this location. She knew that, in ancient time, they lit great fires to break up the mountainside. That way they might claim the riches inside. This though, was something else. Torah felt like Hell's fire burned this place. Pieces of arm or weaponry lay on the floor. The bone-trooper emerged. The sight of the huge armoured skeleton made Torah shiver. The undead bag of bones where armed with a sword and shield. Torah put away the smash. She hung them on the belt. They couldn't help her. The bone-trooper was an inhuman fiend, brought to life through the use of black magic. Torah knew that. The enemy dashed. Torah was able to glide underneath. Before it could gather, Torah threw garlic. The skeleton staggered. That was the only result. It came for another turn. This time it came in that crouched position which made it impossible to go beneath. Torah was able to sidestep. At least this battleground was large enough. "Opal sun!" The trooper got thrown skyhigh. It fell into a pile of bones. Torah cheered. But then the trooper rebuild itself. It dashed toward her location. Torah ran. The enemy turned. Then it dashed. "Behind blue eyes!" The spell was powerful enough to capture the enemy. Torah inhaled. Then she felt bad. The trooper got free. The enemy was to close. Torah threw a rose. The enemy exploded. Torah blinked. The skeleton was brought down on its knees. But then it got back up. Torah licked her lips. Could nothing stop this devil? "Long shot!" Torah knew her eyes turned from brown into bright yellow. Parallel beams of liquid gold shot from within her gaze. The skeleton finally collapsed. Torah placed garlic in front. She got out of reach. The bone-trooper was finally defeated. Torah obtained the crystals. Just then rised a second trooper. The pendant's evil glow illuminated the skeleton. Torah knew it was the only real weak spot. Though it was so small it was near impossible to get a precise score. She had to think further about it later. The trooper was armed with a ball-and-chain. Torah went sideways. The massive spiked ball struck where she'd been some mere second ago. Torah really didn't like the troopers. They where simply terrible. Torah got to slow it down. If not, she would be finished. The enemy flailed its weapon. Leon Belmont met enemies like them in 1094. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah's brown eyes altered into blue. Parallel beams of frost shot from within her gaze. The trooper was captured. Torah dashed forward. The enemy got loose. "Zapphire shards!" The foe was trapped. Torah was grateful. She lept. The evil pendant screamed. That was the only way to describe what happened when the cross came into contact. The skeleton shook. Green flames lit the monster. Then the trooper gathered. The heavy metal ball might've crushed her. Torah was quick enough to save herself. "Rainbow flame!" The spell pushed the demon backward. The spiked weapon struck. Pieces of the floor flew everywhere. Torah just got out of reach. Somehow she got to stop it. "Hand of fate!" The solid blast of compact gold struck the enemy skyhigh. The skeleton got knocked to pieces. Torah put garlic in front. She got out of reach from the explosion. Torah eagerly claimed the crystals. They would get in handy. Evil still lay heavy on the area. Torah stepped forward, careful in her approach. "Opal flash!" The spell shielded from the sudden bat. It was only one. Torah frowned. Usually they came in large numbers. Never mind that now. The bone-trooper had arrived. This bult was armed with a huge axe. Torah licked her lips. The skeleton came ravaging like a crazed lumberjack. Torah got to slow it or else… Torah didn't wished to think of it. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah shot freezing beams from within her eyes. The trooper was captured. Torah toutched the cross. But then her enemy got loose. He came, swinging the weapon while moving along. Torah ran. She threw garlic at the skeleton. The onion exploded. No matter. The trooper seemed unstoppable. Torah sidestepped. "Zapphire shards!" The show of force froze the demon in place. Torah whished she could just run over and smash that accursed medallion. But that was no option. The bone-trooper already was on the move. "Pearls of heat!" Some mammals tried to drain her while Torah was busy. The spell ended their offensive. Though, nothing seemed to stop the trooper. Torah licked her lips. Though she met them before, it didn't make it easy. "Long shot!" The golden force at least pushed it away from her. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats where a constant threat. It was the skeleton who chilled her blood. It was back in motion. The trooper chased her across the area. Torah threw one wild rose. The flower made it collapse. "Jesus!" Torah cheered. She placed garlic in front. The devil then exploded. Torah claimed the crystals. "Pearls of heat!" The four transparent orbs made the mammals to scatter. Torah nodded. She inhaled. She got to rest. Though if only a little. No chanse. Another skeleton trooper had arrived. Torah closed her eyes. Then she gathered. This trooper was armed with a sword and shield. The bulk dashed toward her position. Torah threw herself sideways. "Opal sun!" Torah screamed. The explosion sent the trooper clear across the room. It collided against the wall. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah didn't wait for it to pull together. Her eyes turned from brown into blue. Parallel beams of solid frost captured the skeleton. The bats where awefully close. Torah presented the cross. The image was all which kept them away. Torah wished she could just remove the inner barrier. That wouldn't happen. The trooper was back on foot. It came at her location. Torah barely managed to glide underneath. The skeleton came back. This time in that crouched position which made it impossible to go beneath. Not if she didn't wish to become slashed. Torah threw garlic. She screamed as the explosion sent her backward. Torah was able to roll. She got back up into a crouched position. No matter, the trooper was on the move. "Zapphire shards!" The icicles would slow it down. The trooper was frozen over. Torah used the opportunity to throw more garlic. The enemy staggered. That was the only result. Then it dashed. Torah was to close. "Be the will of God!" Torah shouted. She brought up the cross. That was all she could do. Either she'd wounded it already. Or the grace of God was upon her. The trooper collapsed into a pile of bones. Torah eagerly placed onion in front. Then she ran. She got far enough to not get hit by the explosion. Torah went to retrive the crystals. She felt replenished. The sence of evil finally was lifted. Even the bats seemed to have left the sceene. Torah knocked some candles. She replenished her stock. Torah put the cross back around her neck. She was truly grateful. She exhaled. Torah began walking. The cave went narrower. Then it became wider. Torah was in front of the pit. Molton lava boiled beneath her location. Torah was to busy for the scenery. There came the head. "Opal shot!" Torah was able to blast it away. She jumped. Torah got upon the platform. The Medusa heads kept on coming. "Orbs of sorcery!" Her homing plasma went home. The head was removed. Torah made another leap. She landed ontop of the pillar. The head came in to fast this time. Torah was able to actually jump it. She nearly fell into the lava. Somehow she survived. Torah reached for the cross. Her religion really gave her the strength to continue these days. Torah smield. Though it never reached her eyes. The next head got shredded. Torah jumped upon another platform. There was still some distance across. The Medusa head came in a wavy pattern. "Zapphire shot!" The head got blasted. Torah landed upon solid ground. She leaned against the wall. Torah really could use some food. That would have to wait. Torah entered the tunnel. Some ore lined the corridor. She wasn't really interested. Torah kept the smash handy. Some mammals seemed alarmed by her approach. They circled her position. Torah was careful when going forward. The mammals might inflict a cursed state. Torah tightened the grip on the cross. She didn't want to become a vampire. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the magic. The homing balls of plasma shot them into oblivion. Torah had a look around. The cave continued. No more enemies where about. Some candles hung from the wall. Torah knocked some of them. Though only a few. She found nothing of real interest inside. Torah kept on walking. She looked upward. The mammals where back. "How interesting." She muttered. They'd began to feel rather boring. That was to be seen. Torah knew they could be dangerous. The tunnel continued. The red glow suddenly turned brighter. Torah shielded her eyes. She reached an oval area. Though this was empty. A red torch stood upon the stage. Torah noticed the bats just went into the fire. It wasn't natural. Torah prised the Lord for the blue ring. It would protect her from damage. Not entirely. But it would do. The mimic mammals noticed ther presence. They darted at her location. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah got the shield up in time. They where quick. No questions asked. Torah didn't mind. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The fairies danced with her. Most of her enemies got frozen. There where more of them. Torah lept upon the stage. She got to do something about this torch. If not, she might never be safe. Other bats already flew into the pyhr. Torah produced a pair of gauntlets from within her backpack. She found them in the castle entrance. Torah inhaled. She distanced herself from the cave. Torah struggled not to fall into a trance. She instead focused inward. The barrier was in her way. Torah bit together. She closed her eyes. This got to work. Torah put away all her doubht. All her fear. She was at piece. Torah was at the centerpoint of her two natures. She felt like doubt would strangle her then and there. Nothing of that kind did matter. "Now." She stated. Without thinking twise, Torah reached into the flame. It was cold. Torah felt suddenly afraid. But then something happened. Torah opened her eyes. The torch lay in shamble. Her freezing grasp destroyed the source of magic. It was a miracle the mimic didn't burn her already. Torah put it aside. She'd broken through the barrier! But as she cheered, Torah felt her grip slip. The barrier was back in place. Torah almost sobbed. But then the mammals attacked. Torah had no time for sorrow. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah released an onslaught of icicles. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The fairies danced along. The area got cleared. Torah was breathing heavily. She wished she could just fly away. Torah gathered. She got work to do. Torah began walking. The remaining bats followed her through. Torah kept an eye out. They wouldn't be able to ambush her location. Then again, she might be flexable. Torah reached another pit. Laba boiled. Thick black smoke obscured the view. Torah held the cross high in defience. The head got burned on impact. Then the mimic where back. "Frozen flash!" Torah made a complete circle. She actually blocked the monsters. Even the Medusa head got shot. Torah inhaled. She lept into the air. Torah landed upon the platform. The heads kept on coming. "Opal shot!" Torah blasted it into oblivion. It was no victory. Torah landed ontop of another pillar. The bats came in a sudden wave. Torah almost was taken aback. "Star flash!" The magic spell made them burn. Torah drew sweat from her brow. The smash got in handy. The head got defeated. Torah jumped upon the third platform. The sound of strings where the only warning. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah got the shield up. The arrows collided. Sudden explosions made her shudder. Something was wrong. They almost got through her defensive. No time to think further about the matter. "Fountain of fire!" Torah shouted. She went right behind her magic. Torah was back in the mine. Lines of ore went along the walls and ceiling. Torah didn't mind. Her flames collided against the magic shield. Someone was protecting the lizard men. Torah didn't care. Sheltered by the explosion, she went into closer battle. The monsters where ready to meet her. Torah got beneath the club. She dodged the sword. The smash dug deep. All was chaos and combush. This might have been much more difficult if they'd been trained soldiers. Never the less, her smaller size and agility added to her survival. Torah simply where quicker then the majority of monsters. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Although shielded, the shining fairies multiplied the confusion. The dancing fairies froze the mammals. That was all she wanted. Torah struggled to reach the archers. Their aim wasn't that good. No matter, the explosions made things much more difficult. Torah dived beneath the lance. She went in high. The smash cut his throat. Torah sidestepped the club. The rings ended his misery. Another row of magic arrows reached the battleground. Things seemed out of control. The shaman was so careless he didn't mind who he killed. Torah cut the swordman's mid-sections. He fell on the floor. Torah held up the cross. The mammals kept their distance. The monster burned on impact. Torah made a complete turn. The club crashed on impact. For a moment Torah believed her shoulder was damaged. The counterforce nearly pushed the arm out of position. Never the less, she got other trouble. The ring-smash where in motion. Torah killed them. She felt a strange satisfaction. Though she knew it was from the dark side. They where monsters. Torah would keep them away from the rest of humanity. The dryad tribes didn't like them either. The arrows hammered the battlefield. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah almost got thrown to the floor. This was getting out of hand. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The fairies danced with her. Torah lept. Two monsters fell without head. Torah landed. She made a full swing. The smash slashed on impact. Torah proclaimed the cross. Some monsters retreated. Others moved forward. "Orbs of sorcery!" Through some miracle the plasma went home. Torah frowned. No time to think further about that. She leached toward the baffled monsters. The cross burned on impact. Finally Torah got through. The rangers where in front. Torah waisted no time. She hurled tripled roses at them. Series of explosions hit the area. Torah was thrown to the floor. She got back up. Torah franticly looked about. She must've taken out their entire line. Even the shaman was dead. There still where lizards left alive. "Fountain of fire!" Torah went right behind the onslaught. Time to end this conflict. The smash cut his throat. Torah threw herself backward. The lance almost got her. "Opal flash!" Torah made a full spin. The fire burned the nearest enemies. "Pearls of heat!" Torah shot for the bats. They scattered. The cross burned on impact. Torah was breathing heavily. She felt so tired. If this only could be over. Torah lept. She removed the head of the nearest villain. Torah got back down. She got into a ready position. Beside some mammals, the area was clear. Torah inhaled in an effort to clam herself. "Alright." She breathed. Torah made an effort to pull together. She retrived the crystals left behind. She climbed upon the platform. Torah pulled the switch. The glow dimmed. Metal plates moved into place. Torah sat on the platform. She played with one magic orb, like when in the small courtyard. Finally she let it go. She knocked some candles. Torah obtained the items inside. She found no food. "You can't get everything." Torah muttered. She began walking. Torah had to return to the crater. The bats kept on chasing. Torah kept watching their mobility. She proclaimed the cros if they got to close. Torah knocked some other candles when moving along. Inside she finally found a pot roust. Torah settled down. She drank some of the water she'd brought along. The food replenished her energy. Torah got back up. It was time to return. Torah went down the tunnel. Finally she was back at the crater. The mammals scattered. The ladder had been extended. "Orbs of sorcery!" The heads noticed her arrival. They came in a wavy pattern. Torah began climbing. "Opal shot!" The Medusa head was blasted into oblivion. "Zapphire shot!" The other Medusa got frozen on impact. Torah kept on climbing. It was a long way down. "Golden globe!" Torah shouted. The head came in a wavy pattern. Anyway, she was able to remove that demon. Some mammals flapped about her location. Though it was the heads which where her main concearn. At least for the moment. "Pearls of heat!" The four bubbles removed the head. Some mammals also got shot. Torah reached the end of the ladder. She was on the 8th. level. The heat got more intense. Torah was grateful for the ring. Though she worried how much more it could handle. Torah guessed she would have to find out. She had a look around. The crater was wider then ever. The heads kept on coming. "Pearls of heat!" Torah shot the Medusa into dust. There where more of them. The bats got interested. Torah withdrew into the tunnel.

Tower of art, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
Lasaralin watched as the warlock and the lieutenant beheld each other. The med-crew operated bogh of them. The former undead was masked and armoured. The mutation was complete. Brenda Hamilton had become a humanoid scorpion. A cyborg, calling herself Sting, was loyal to lord Dracula. Diter Hauser was promoted. Though he didn't seem to approve it. Their set-up command post was complete. Though the sergeant left to take up Hauser's position. Lasaralin ment to return to the small hospital. Morelin Celebrindal volunteered to help. Though she didn't mind. He was an elf. The lizard shaman really disliked their tribe. Though it was not important. "Status." Black Inviktus demanded. The fox which called herself Acrya, was gone. Left was only the warlock. Although not masked, the evil star symbol, which kept the foot-long black cape together at the neck, told of her position of power. "Unshure." Sting reported. Lasaralin was not a member of the command-staff, she listen in. The droid-lieutenant continued her report. To call the situation unshure, was almost an insult. If only someone could clarify the situation. They had to retrive the intruders.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
Torah got into a defensive posture. The bats where in close presuit. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The homing balls of plasma shot some mammals away. There still where more of them. Torah licked her lips. The smash handled those who came to close. Though Torah couldn't keep on forever. The cross repeled them. "Pearls of heat!" The four transparent bubbles made the mammals to explode upon impact. "Frozen flash!" Torah made a complete circle. The enemies froze on impact. Torah was breathing heavily. She felt rather dizzy. "Fountain of fire!" The onslaught of fireballs finished off the battle. Torah leaned against the wall. The mountain was rich with ore. Torah didn't care. She inhaled. The mammals where gone. Torah pulled together. She had to continue. Torah got to extend the bridge. She better have a look around. The tunnel was made of men. Torah was certain. This place was part of the mine. She went forward. The boiling sound grew nearer. Not far away was another pit. Torah presented the ring-smash. She better be prepared. The Medusa head came flying in a wavy pattern. The smash settled the matter. Torah got upon the nearest pillar. Lava boiled all around. Torah disliked having to do this. Not that she where afraid of hights. But the thought of falling in wasn't pleasant. She put the speculations aside. There came another head. "Zapphire shot!" Torah blasted the head into oblivion. She made another jump. Torah got ontop of the pillar. The ring-smash shredded the snake creature. Torah inhaled. Then she jumped. Torah was back inside the mine. Other mammals seemed alarmed by her approach. "Rainbow flame!" Torah was able to fry the flock. She retrived the crystals. The cave was silent. Torah went forward. The silence was shattered. Another swarm seemed to appear from nowhere. Torah got backward. They gathered into one big bat. "Opal shot!" Torah released a single fireball from within her crossed arms. The monster dodged. Torah threw herself sideways. It was to no avail. The mammal turned. "Frozen flash!" The bat collided against her shield. Torah was forced to her knees. The big bat froze over. The swarm was scattered. Torah got back up. The enemy reformed. Torah licked her lips. The devil was on the offensive. She tried to dodge. This monster was to quick. Torah presented the cross. It was kept away. "Golden globe!" The big bat got smashed. Torah tightened the grip on the symbol. The mammals where all around her. "Fountain of fire!" Some monsters got burned. Still, the big bat was back. Torah was able to dodge this time. "Pearls of heat!" The bat twirled. It was the only way to describe what happened. Torah missed altogether. The demon shrieked. The monster exposed its fangs. They shone like polished metal. Torah shuddered. She knew what would happen. Torah wasn't prepared to give in. The big bat emerged. Torah presented the cross. The enemy screamed. Torah shouted in turn. The wild rose went through the air. The big bat exploded. "Zapphire shards!" Torah was able to freeze those who survived. With a grim expression, she went to claim the crystals. Then Torah began a further search of the area. The tunnel looked to continue on forever. Torah tightened the grip on the cross. Anything might happen. Her grandmother was right. Although this wasn't the demon castle, the haunt was terrifying. Torah tried to shake such feelings. She got to continue. The item which the wild showed her, might be the only key to survival. Torah would find it. She promised herself it would be that way. That shreek… The mammals where back. "Rainbow flame!" Torah burned the initial swarm. She retrived the crystals. "Star flash!" She made a complete circle. The monsters got fried on impact. Torah felt no victory. The mammals could inflict a cursed state. "Zapphire shards!" Torah released a spread-shot of freezing icicles. Some bats got captured. The remains gathered into another big bat. The boiling sound grew louder. Torah didn't mind. The giant mammal came at her. Torah got underneath. The red glow burned brighter. "Long shot!" Torah's eyes changed colour. Parallel beams of liquid gold shot from within her gaze. The enemy got hit by the leftmost line. Torah cheered. Even so, the fight wasn't over. The swarm reformed into the big bat. The shreek made rocks to fall from the ceiling. Torah got hit. It wasn't anything fatal. Though it hurt. The mammal went her way. "Demon!" Torah shouted. Garlic flew from her hand. The onion went home. The demon split into a swarm of smaller bats. "Pot of gold!" Torah made an effort to end it then and there. Ceveral enemies got shot to pieces. Through some curse, the enemy reformed. The big bat shrieked. Torah shielded her ears. She managed to dodge the rock. Though the bat kept on coming. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The homing balls of solid plasma went home. The explosion swallowed the remaining monsters. Torah had no time for celebration. She was in front of another pit. "Opal shot!" The head was blasted into oblivion. Torah lept into the air. She landed upon the platform. Some other mammals appeared. Torah presented the cross. The ring-smash protected against the next head. They came from multiple directions. "Frozen flash!" They where frozen on impact. Torah reached the other platform. The cross made the head burn to ashes. Torah was back in the mind. She held the ring-smash. Torah was ready. Some bats seemed interested. Beyond that, there where nobody there. Torah kept watch while moving. She got to be careful. They kept away. The mine was empty. Torah knocked some candles. She was able to replenish her stock. Torah moved. Some mammals tried biting her. They where cut down. Some still followed. Torah felt slightly nervous when nothing happened. Anything might lay in wait. Torah toutched the cross. The tunnel went slightly downward. Then it opened into a larger oval area. Torah stepped inside. Through the other opening, Torah thought she got the look of another pit. Then black smoke obscured her sight. When it cleared, a duo of lizard-dancers where atop the platform. Torah put away the smash. Then she began dancing. The monsters threw daggers at her. Torah was able to dodge. The bats where all about. That wasn't the main concearn. The lizards where clever. No questions asked. Torah threw stakes at them. The duo dodged. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. Though she missed. Her plasma shot the mammals. It wasn't funny. The knife almost hit her. Torah made a series of quick steps. The cross toutched one monster. The lizard hissed. Torah felt disgusted. The smell of fried flesh filled the area. Somehow the enemy got loose. Torah almost got hit by a high kick. The second monster threw other daggers. Torah dropped herself flat on the floor. "Pearls of heat!" She missed, mostly. Some mammals where removed. Torah danced. She retrived the crystals. The contest waged on. Neither of them where able to get the upper hand. Suddenly one stake impaled a monster. Though it was nothing fatal. The enemy pulled it from her body. She threw it on the floor. Torah decided she better finish this off. Garlic went through the air. The dancer burned to ashes. Torah screamed. The remaining monster hit the shoulder. Torah pulled out the blade. Thank God it wasn't poisoned. The dancer drew closer. Torah was to busy dodging for any offensive. Knives flew through the air. "Frozen flash!" Torah blocked the onslaught. "Golden globe!" To her surprise the monster got caught of guard. The elegant dancer collapsed into a heap. Torah looked away. She didn't intend to watch her burn. Torah claimed the crystals. There still where some bats around. They kept some distance. Torah presented the ring-smash. She went through the other opening. She where in front of the pit. The smash removed the head. Torah waisted no time. She lept into the air. Torah landed upon the initial pillar. She barely dodged the next head. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the Medusa into oblivion. She made another jump. Torah landed ontop of the platform. She presented the cross. The head burned on impact. Torah inhaled. She disliked having to do things like that. Never the less, it had to be done. Torah jumped. She was back inside the mine. The bats where on the move. "Star flash!" Torah made a complete circle. The monsters got fried on impact. Torah retrived the crystals. She was breathing heavily. Torah picked herself together. She began walking. The dull surroundings didn't lit her condition. So be it. She kept on walking. The mammals still chased her. Torah didn't mind. They would always be around. At least down here. The tunnel became narrower. Torah kept a sharp eye out in case of any traps. Nothing happened. Even the bats kept their distance. Torah licked her lips. Though she wouldn't confess, she was nervous. Something was wrong. Torah felt it like a chill in the air. The cave opened into another large area. Ash covered the floor. Torah slowly stepped inside. She didn't like this place. The mammals scattered. Torah felt no better. Shadow lay upon this place. She felt it was true. Torah tripped. Remains where scattered throughout the area. Pieces of arm or other weaponry showed where they fought their last battle. Torah shivered. She wondered what to do if she ever got in that situation. Torah toutched the cross. She was certain. Torah would follow the footsteps of grandmother Yoko. Her line of thoughts got cut short. The bone-trooper emerged like death in pieces of armour. The great skeleton was armed with a sword and shield. Torah licked her lips. The enemy dashed. "Behind blue eyes!" The trooper froze on impact. Torah reached into her backpack. The rose felt nice within her palm. Torah threw the wild flower. Her enemy exploded. Bones where thrown everywhere. Torah cheered. But then her joy got shattered. The trooper rebuilt itself. Again it dashed at her. Torah was able to sidestep. She tried to pick another rose. Though she only got garlic. Torah hurled it toward the trooper. The garlic made it stumble. "Rainbow flame!" The arching wave shot the demon in front. Torah went in close. The skeleton got back on foot. "This is for Yoko!" Torah shouted. The cross blazed on impact. "I do believe!" Torah made manifest. Like words written in flame, she saw the text become revealed. "Your faith has saved you." The words of Jesus from Nazareth. "Lord!" Torah summoned. The trooper collapsed. She placed garlic in front. She ran. Torah got far enough to not get hit by the explosion. She went to claim the crystal. She gave the cross a closer look. It was plain gold and silver. Nice to behold, but nothing special what so ever. She shook her head. Torah put it down. It was the grace of God. Torah smiled. This wasn't the time for peace or quiet. A second trooper emerged. This devil was armed with an axe and shield. Torah got backward. The skeleton came like a crazed lumberjack. Torah remembered the legend about the tin man. Her grandmother used to tel fairy tales about her ancestors. Maria Renard faced that devil way back in 1797. "Winter's heart!" She got to slow it down. The enemy froze. Though it broke free. Torah got no time for a secondary attack. The devil chased her. Torah felt chills down her spine. This wasn't how it where supposed to be. "Long shot!" Parallel beams of gold shot from within her eyes. The trooper was forced backward. "Zapphire shards!" The onslaught of icicles trapped it in place. Torah exhaled. She reached into her backpack. The bone-trooper got loose. Torrah tightened the grip on her cross. She better do something real quick. Or else… Torah didn't wish to think of it. The enemy kept on coming. "Pot of gold!" The skeleton was pushed away. It collided against the wall. Torah was grateful. She reached for the roses. The trooper got back up just as Torah threw the flower. The enemy got shot to pieces. Torah placed garlic in front. The explosion sent her hard against the floor. Torah was able to pick herself together. She went to retrive the crystals. No sooner did another demon appear. This time it was armed with a sword and shield. Torah thought of her strategy when the mammals regrouped. Some gathered into another big bat. The trooper dashed. Torah was able to glide beneath. The cross kept some mammals away. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. Some mammals got shot. It didn't matter. The big bat was close. Torah threw garlic. She missed the gathered enemy. Even so, the skeleton staggered. Torah slashed some enemies. She hung up the smash. "Zapphire shards!" The enemy got frozen. The big bat where in close presuit. Torah threw herself backward. The trooper got loose. "Fountain of fire!" The onslaught of fireballs hit bogh the trooper and the mammals. The big bat got shattered into a swarm of smaller bats. Then it eventually gathered into its original state. The enemy made another dash. Torah was able to sidestep. It was to no awail. The skeleton made another turn. Torah felt like running out of tricks. "Opal sun!" The enflamed explosion threw the enemy backward. Even some of the other enemies got fried. Torah inhaled. This wasn't easy. The cross made them scatter. The trooper dashed. This time she just wasn't fast enough. Torah still held the cross. The enemy collided. Torah screamed. That inner barrier collapsed. Suddenly the symbol lit with golden flame. Torah collapsed into a heap. So did the skeleton trooper. Torah struggled back up. She shook while placing garlic in front. That was to close. She still could feel the evil. The enemy exploded. Torah gathered the crystals. The big bat wasn't finished with her just yet. It came at her neck. "Opal shot!" The fireball missed completely. Torah made a spin. Through some miracle she dodged the fangs. The enemy came on the return. "Opal flash!" It wasn't anything original about the move. It was all she could do to save herself. The bat collided on impact. The flame made it shatter. "Pearls of heat!" Torah shot at the mammals. Some got hit. The big bat reformed. Torah refused to give up. Not when she'd come this far. The big bat came in close. The fangs shone like polished metal. Torah held up her cross. The enemy shrieked. Torah was forced to shield her ears. The sound was terrible. The bat used the opportunity. Though Torah stil held the cross. The neck was bare. Torah let down the symbol just as it came. The cross fell like the executioner's axe. Flames lit the area. Torah closed her eyes together. She blinked. The flash was gone. The big bat where nowhere to be seen. "I really do believe." Torah whispered. She put the item back around her neck. Torah went to retrive the crystals. The sound of leathery wings told her they where still about. Torah got the smash. They kept their distance. Torah didn't trust them. She knew what they wanted. Torah entered the tunnel. The cave went narrower. Torah kept an eye out for mammals. They still chased her. They where like the ravens out in the countryside. Torah remembered how life was like when travling with Victor Grant. He tried to behave like the father she never had. Torah had felt anoid. Though, he was a good man. Torah drew a tear from the corner of her eye. She pulled together. How could she miss something she didn't even know about? The mammals came from multiple directions. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah even charged the spell. Her balls of plasma homed onto the enemies. Some bats exploded. There where more of them coming. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah danced. The fairies moved accordingly. The enemies got frozen over. She retrived the crystals. Some monsters still where around. Though they kept some distance. Torah toutched the cross. She would have to face them eventually. The tunnel got wider. Torah pulled the smash out. The boiling sound grew louder. She reached another pit. Black smoke somewhat obscured her view. "Opal shot!" The heads where back. Torah shot the snake creature away. She lept. Torah landed upon the platform. "Zapphire shot!" She removed another head. Then came the mammals. The smash came in handy. Torah shredded those who got near. She held up the cross. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent bubbles nailed the head as well. Torah jumped upon the second platform. The mammals where on presuit. "Fountain of fire!" Torah released a spread-shot of fireballs. Most bats got blasted. The survivers kept their distance. There came another one. The smash settled the matter. Torah lept back into the mine. She was back on solid ground. Torah inhaled. This wasn't easy. Some bats still fluttered about. She reached for the cross. So be it. She began moving. The tunnel was wider then before. Hot air toutched her face. Torah thought it comforting. But then only at first. The smell was terrible. Torah frowned. That smell… It was like in chemistry class at school. Like when Emma spoiled that sulphur. Torah knew the ring couldn't help her with this problem. She just had to continue. The mammals attacked. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" For a moment the place smelled of a clean cold winter day. The mammals got frozen over. Torah collected the gemstones. She felt replenished. The fairies left her. Heat returned. Torah exhaled. She guessed she better keep moving. Torah got the ring-smash ready. The tunnel went on. Torah still got difficulty with breathing. Strange, though it didn't bother her before. Some bats went at her throat. Torah ducked. She cut with her razors. The mammals where cut to pieces. There where more of them coming. Torah did her best. She was quite agile. Their blood painted the pavement. "Rainbow flame!" The flock burned on impact. Torah was breathing heavily. She retrived what crystals they left. She knocked some candles. There was nothing really interesting inside. She began walking. Torah hadn't gone far when a wall of bats seemed to come from nowhere. "Zapphire shards!" Torah screamed. The enemies got captured. The survivers gathered into another big bat. "Opal shot!" The fireball missed. The monster came at her. Torah was able to glide beneath. She threw garlic. Two onions fell on the floor. The third went home. When the area cleared. The mammals scattered. Torah was not sure what to do. Then the enemy gathered. The demon came for another turn. Torah got her arm up. The claws cut into her skin. Torah screamed. Blood ran down her side. The liquid made the monster frenzy with bloodthirst. It came dashing at her. "Hand of fate!" Torah got it head on. The blaze made it shatter into a swarm of smaller bats. "Pot of gold!" The shining spread-shot fried those who got hit. There still where more of them out there. They gathered. Torah toutched the cross. The enemy came at her. Torah threw more garlic. She missed this time. Though she managed to dodge the bat. The monster got the size of her upper body. Torah couldn't help but having a slight shudder. The enemy advanced. "Orbs of sorcery!" Carrie's favorite trick nailed it. All three of her orbs collided against the monster. The big bat shattered. "Fountain of fire!" The onslaught of fireballs finished the ordeal. Torah retrived the crystals. She really could need them right about now. Although they replenished her magic, they had no effect on her health. Blood still ran from her wounded forarm. Torah reached into her backpack. She still got some of the red medicine. She opened one of the bottles she got from Renon. The potion healed her bruishes. Though her outfit was more then shaggy. Yoko would've killed her for looking like this. Blood and dirt was smeared all over her. Torah felt disgusted. She really could need a bath. Torah knew it would have to be for another time. The only liquid down here was lava. She smirked. Although it wasn't really that funny. Torah put away the bottle. She pulled on the backpack. Torah got some clean clothings. It didn't matter. Not before she could clean herself would that be an option. Torah guessed Heinrich, or Patrick, didn't bring with them anything. Boys where so dirty at times. Torah couldn't help but escaping a small giggle. Then she got serious. The cave looked the same. Torah wondered if she'd been wandering in circles. She got to put away the question. Another wave of monsters came at her. Torah folded bogh arms. "Rainbow flame!" She gave it all the strength she could muster. The mammals burned. She was breathing heavily. The air was really bad. Torah retrived the crystals. She would need them eventually. No sooner came the sound of leathery wings. Torah got the smash. The enemies got shredded. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The fairies danced with her. This really was getting difficult. The bats fell. They got shattered against the floor. Torah claimed their crystals. She began walking. There still where some of them chasing her. Torah was on the defensive. The cave seemed to continue on forever. Then the boiling sound grew nearer. She didn't reach the pit. The mammals came like a wave. "Winter's heart!" The flock got captured. Torah was about to continue when the survivers gathered. The big bat approached. Torah sidestepped. The big bat turned accordingly. Torah made an effort to dodge. The monster was quick. Then it suddenly dashed. It came to quick this time. "Opal flash!" The enemy collided. It split into a swarm of smaller bats. Torah gathered herself. She got garlic inside her backpack. The explosion shook the area. She actually got some of them. The enemy reformed. She licked her lips. This thing was faster then she expected. The big bat went for her neck. Torah presented the cross. The demon shrieked. Torah managed to hold together. The enemy circled her position. Torah refused to surrender. Then it came. The angle was terrible. "Zapphire curtain!" She lowered the shield. The mammal shattered upon contact. The flok was all about. Torah threw roses at them. She got thrown to the floor. Torah mentally kicked herself. She'd forgotten about their power. Torah retrived the crystals. The onion still lay there. Torah obtained it as well. She had a look on the candles. Then she decided to let them be for another time. She moved forward. The pit was in front. Torah changed grip on the smash. The head moved in from a difficult angle. The Medusa head flew in a wavy pattern. The smash settled the ordeal. Torah lept into the air. She reached the pillar. "Golden globe!" The head got shot into oblivion. She waisted no time. Torah got ontop of the second platform. She dropped herself flat. The head went straight above Torah's position. She got back on foot. The next head got shredded. Torah inhaled. Then she made another jump. Torah was back in the mine. All was silent. Torah had a look around. The walls where lined with ore. Torah didn't recognize the resource. She dismissed the matter. Dracula's henchmen would use it anyway. She went forward. The area stenched of sulphur. Torah got difficulty with breathing. She wished to be out of here. Although Torah knew she had to continue. The cave went onward. The faint red glow was reflected by the ore. Some candles where about. Torah continued. She would need their light. Perhaps she should've purchased a lantern from Renon. Torah put the matter aside. Even though he was helpful, Torah disliked that strange salesman. Didn't Carrie Fernandez speak about him? The line of thought came to an abrupt end. The sound of leathery wings told her of their approach. "Star flash!" Torah made a complete circle. The approaching mammals got fried. Some survived. Torah toutched the cross. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. Some bats got shot to pieces. There where more of them. Torah licked her lips. What should she do? The decision was taken out of hand. The cave grew larger. Torah tripled on some remains. They where almost concealed by the ash. "Fountain of fire!" Torah released multiple fireballs. Those she didn't nail, appeared against the ceiling. Torah was unsure how to counter. But then the bone-trooper arrived. The bulk was armed with a sword and shield. Torah forgot about the mammals. This was much more important. The skeleton dashed. Torah was able to sidestep. The enemy came in that crouched position which made it impossible to get underneath. The trooper swung. Torah threw herself backward. "Jesus!" She screamed. Trippled garlic flew from her hands. They exploded upon impact. The trooper stumbled backward. Then it advanced. Torah ran. It was all she could do to save herself. The trooper dashed. This time she got beneath. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah knew her gaze changed colour. Her eyes became blue as parallel beams of frost collided against her enemy. The trooper got frozen in place. Torah cheered. She just couldn't help it. The mammals where back. Torah held the cross. The symbol made them keep some distance. The skeleton got free. Torah tied the cross around her wrist. Then she danced out of reach. Torah pulled roses from her backpack. The explosion made the skeleton collapse. Though it rebuilt itself. The troopers reminded about the blood skeletons. Torah put the matter aside. She got to slow it down. "Winter's heart!" The enemy got trapped in place. Torah was determined. She was near. She lept into the air. Her cross sat the evil pendant ablaze. The skeleton shivered. It was the only way to describe what happened. Then it simply collapsed. Just to be certain, Torah placed garlic in front. She got out of reach. The explosion shook the area. Torah retrived the crystals. The bats where on the move. The smash settled the matter. The cross made them burn. For every move it came into contact. This was no bad idea. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The shining fairies danced with her. The battle was over. Torah picked up the gemstones. Something made her turn. Torah noticed the second trooper just in time. The armoured skeleton was armed with a heavy ball-and-chain. The plate rammed where she'd been mere seconds ago. This time she had no chanse to get the pendant. No matter. Torah got other problems. The trooper was quick. Torah was forced on the defensive. The spiked ball made the floor crack on impact. "Winter's heart!" Torah got to slow it down before it was to late. Although it froze over, it was no victory. Torah was unsure what to do. The delay gave the enemy the opportunity it needed. The trooper broke loose from the magic. Torah tightened the grip on the cross. This wasn't good. She sent it some garlic. The explosion made it stagger. That was all which happened. The trooper continued to hammer the floor. Torah really disliked these monsters. The sound of flapping wings told her of the mammals. They'd returned. Another complication she didn't need. The trooper almost got her. "Hand of fate!" Torah sent it the most powerful spell she knew. The solid impact of massive gold brought it to its knees. "Opal flash!" The spell made them keep some distance. The trooper was back on foot. Torah got roses in her hands. The solid explosion was enough. The skeleton collapsed. "Fountain of fire!" The spread-shot of fireballs removed most of the mammals. Torah didn't have time to put garlic in place. The trooper rebuild itself. The spiked ball rammed the floor hard. Torah would've been smashed if she didn't sidestepped. Torah ran. The bats circled the area. She got to get rid of that trooper. Not likely. The skeleton continued to hammer the floor. Torah danced. She really was running out of tricks. "Zapphire shards!" The onslaught of icicles shook the area. "Pot of gold!" Torah released all the magic she could gather. The mammals got shot. The trooper got frozen in place. Other bats where approaching. Torah threw garlic abroad. She then placed other onions in front. Torah ran. "Pearls of heat!" The ring-smash settled the matter. "Orbs of sorcery!" The area was hit by a sudden explosion. When Torah came around, the trooper was no more. The sence of evil had vanished. Torah held the cross high. The mammals, those who where still alive, finally scattered. Torah was truly grateful. She picked the crystals they left behind. Although she defeated the troopers, she might still be in danger. Torah went beyond the battlefield. The corridor narrowed. Torah felt like a trap was closing in around her. She wouldn't been surprised if other rocky walls appeared. She tried to shed such thoughts. Though it wasn't easy. "Opal shot!" Torah shot the mammal away. There where more of them coming. Torah got the smash. She went into closer hand-to-hand combat. The bats might drain her blood. She cut them all down. "Star flash!" Torah made a complete circle. The enemies got burned on impact. Others where on the move. Torah threw stakes at them. They got nailed. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The plasma homed onto the mammals. Another explosion forced her backward. Torah inhaled. The area was silent. Torah toutched the cross. There where no more mammals about. Torah began moving forward. The tunnel continued. Rich ore reflected the faint red glow. Torah tried not to mind about the stench of chemicals. She at least wasn't allergic to pollution. Most dryads tend to be like that. Torah was a half-breed. The eerie silence didn't make things easier. Torah began to feel slightly nervous. If only something could happen. The sudden shreek was the only warning. A wall of bats seemed to suddenly appear in front. "Frozen flash!" Torah made her magic shine in front. Some mammals actually got frozen. The survivers shaped into another big bat. Torah inhaled. "Here we go again." She muttered. The demon shrieked. Torah was forced backward. The very sound was like an attack. Grandmother Yoko once told about the Mandragora plant. They could emit sonic attacks upon a battleground. She put the matter aside. The big bat came for her. The fangs shone like polished metal. Instead of dodging, Torah decided to stand tall. The monster came closer and closer. Torah suddenly screamed. She grasped her enemy. The gauntlets glowed while draining magic force. The big bat shattered into a swarm of smaller bats. Torah staggered backward. She thanked God it worked. Torah would have to break through the barrier if she where to fuse them with magic. Someday that would happen. Not for now anyway. The enemy reformed. Torah went beneath. The big bat went at her. Torah was able to sidestep. "Orbs of sorcery!" The tripled balls of plasma circled her position before going outward. The big bat was hit head on. The swarm got scattered. Torah prepared for another attack. Instead of reforming, they came at her from multiple directions. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah barely was able to save herself. The fairies made them all shatter. Torah inhaled. She better get a hold on herself. This wasn't easy. Finally she calmed. The tunnel continued. Torah began walking. Torah brought the smash up. She thought she heard something. Torah frowned. But then she smiled. That boiling sound was getting nearer. Torah quickened her approach. "Pearls of heat!" She shot some other mammals away. Torah finally reached another pond. Lava boiled beneath her position. The head was approaching. She still had the ring-smash. Torah went forward. The smash shredded the enemy. Torah waisted no time. She went into the air. Torah reached the platform. Another enemy approached. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the Medusa head into oblivion. Then she lept forward. Torah was upon the second platform. The sound of flapping wings almost made her throw up. Torah picked herself together. "Star flash!" Torah made a complete circle. The few mammals which where about got fried on impact. Torah presented the cross. The head got burned on impact. Torah inhaled. She made another jump. More bats where approaching. Torah dived forward. She rolled beneath their numbers. "Winter's heart!" Torah got up into a kneeling position. She got the entire flock. She almost kissed the cross. Torah got on foot. The tunnel went deep into the mountain. Torah began walking. She knocked some candles. Torah replenished her stock. The arsenal might soon come in handy. She pulled the smash out. All was silent. Torah continued. The faint glow grew brighter. Torah tightened the grip on the cross. Some smaller pools, less then a meter, made the approach even more difficult. Torah was careful when moving onward. This place most likely was part of the original cavern. The area widened. Then came the enemies. A swarm of bats came at her. "Rainbow flame!" Torah gathered all the force she could muster. The enemies burned on impact. Torah retrived the crystal. Ahead was another smaller opening. Torah stepped inside. She was back in the mine. More bats approached. "Zapphire shards!" Torah made it rain with icicles. Some mammals got frozen over. The survivers scattered. Torah kept a sharp eye out while continuing. They made another assault. "Opal flash!" Torah moved in a complete circle. She was able to fry those who got close. Torah claimed the crystals. They still chased her. Though they kept some distance. Torah smiled. Although it never reached her eyes. She was prepared if anything might happen. Then it did. Torah entered into another oval area. The stage was on fire. Torah slightly withrew. She knew this place. Or, to be correct, she knew the monsters which occupied the area. Torah wasn't disappointed. An eerie laugh echoed throughout the battlefield. The bats vanished among the shadows. Torah was on the defensive. They lept from the podium. It where three of them this time. The flare-dancers where illuminated. Torah began dancing. The female lizard dancers made flames lit on their approach. Torah dodged as best she could. The stakes had no place here. They where protected by their own type of magic. Torah tightened the grip on the cross. She better figure it out or else… Torah dismissed the matter. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah's eyes changed colour. Parallel beams went toward the dancers. One laser hit home. Though it only extinguished the fire. The dancer made a summersault back among the flame. It at least gave her a breather. Torah knew the blue ring could protect her from fire. Although not altogether. She jumped above their fire. She made a spin. "Zapphire shot!" The blue ball made their flames to lower. The enemies advanced. Torah got backward. The mammals flew about. They'd become illuminated. The mimic had arrived. Torah licked her lips. She really didn't like this. While dancing she threw garlic about. That made it more difficult to corner her. The third dancer was back. "Zaphire shards!" The multiple icicles shot some mimic monsters away. A sudden explosion rammed the area. One enemy reacted with the onion. She got shot to pieces. The other dancers jumped back among the flames. Torah's frost might penetrate their magic force. Torah retrived the crystals. She even picked some garlic. "Frozen flash!" Torah was able to freeze them on impact. The mammals shrieked. Torah wished to shield her ears. It wasn't time. The dancers had arrived. Another malishious laugher filled the room. Torah resumed her dancing. She really wasn't that good. Never the less, she had to survive. The mimic got near. Flames rised upon the dancer's approach. If only she got some more powerful frost magic. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah began feeling a little desperate. The fairies danced with her. They froze the mimic. The little beings even captured one of the lizard dancers. She broke free. Though her flame where extinguished. Torah threw a spread-shot of roses. The lizard burned into ashes. Torah had no reason to celebrate. Although the ring protected her, the flames felt terrible. Torah felt like being sunburned. If they only focused enough, Torah guessed, they might break through the magic. "Zapphire curtain!" The shield cooled her location. Torah almost collapsed. The flare-dancer where still out there. She laughed of her condition. Torah struggled back up. She had to end this. Torah lowered the shield. She danced. Some mimic still where about. Torah had to be careful. The lizard's jewels and headpiece blazed. Torah tried to get closer. The enemy's legs, clad in bagy trousers, moved incredibly quick. Torah wasn't exactly slow. Flames lit on the dancer's mobility. She was clever enough to not get close. Torah decided to try something else. "Behind blue eyes!" She fired at the flames. The freezing beams lowered their activity. Torah gathered other magic. Then she got knocked down. "Do not dare to toutch my fire!" The dancer hissed. It was the first time Torah heard them speak. "Do it again and I'll make your blood become fire." The dancer was furious. That was obvious. Torah saw the venum in her eyes. She felt chills down her spine. The lizard began dancing. Though she was still to close. Torah dashed. She held the cross. The heat was terrible. Torah screamed in pain. It'd been smart to extinguish it before. She didn't have time. The monster shrieked in turn. The cross shone bright with gold. Torah's inner barrier collapsed. The dancer burned out with her own magic. Soon the monster was nothing but dust. Torah felt like it. She hoped the mimic where gone. She was to weary to bother. Then she picked herself together. Torah had some of the red potion. The medicine healed her. Even so, she'd emptied the first bottle. She only got one left. Torah put back the empty glass. It might come in handy. She still got half a bottle of the blue. Pluss the full one with the red potion. Torah brought on the backpack. She retrived the crystals they left behind. Torah had been right. Some mimic still fluttered above her location. Torah climbed upon the platform. The flames where gone. She pulled the switch. That would drain the pit. Torah hoped it extended the bridge as well. She got down. Torah left the battleground behind. The mimic chased her. Torah was careful not to get lapse. Metal plates had closed the pools of lava. Torah knocked some few candles. She replenished her stock. Torah even found some crystals. The smell of sulphur was left behind. Torah was truly grateful. Not that the air was that much better. Torah thought it was. "Zapphire shards!" The mammals went in from difficult angles. Torah froze quite a few. The survivers left her behind. Torah toutched the cross. She finally was back inside the crater. From below came the brighter red glow. The bridge had been released. Torah stepped upon the walkway. She got the smash at the ready. No heads where about. Torah frowned. No bats either. She didn't like this. The smoke made it difficult to see long distances. Never the less, Torah noticed the figure. It was clad in a wide black hat and cloack. A mass of messy grey hair fell down the shoulders. Torah frowned. She'd seen this figure before. Though the wide brim and the woollen shawls made it impossible to detect the features. The stench of rotting flesh filled the air. Torah toutched the cross. She suddenly felt afraid. Fingerless black gloves reached for her. Torah noticed this creature carried a plain golden ring upon the left's hand fourth finger. Strange how details got in the way. Torah put it aside. She better. A sudden bolt of lightning went for the catwalk. Torah almost got hit. The fraight spread bogh arms. Another bolt was on the approach. Torah dodged. The enemy was to far away. A third bolt came at her. Then a fourth and a fifth stroke the bridge. The metal wasn't that stabile. Torah threw roses at it. The figure exploded. "Thank you God." Torah whispered. She began walking. She'd gone some 20 or 30 meters when she smelled the scent. It was like an open grave. Torah couldn't help but to experience a slight shiver. A bolt of lightning nearly struck her position. Above fluttered another robed figure. Torah almost could feel its malice. Another bolt went her way. Torah was forced backward. "Fountain of fire!" The fraight had no chanse. Not when just hanging there. The fraight burned to ashes. Torah guessed they where no flying armour or cloacked knight. Even so, they where terrible. Torah kept on walking. "Orbs of sorcery!" The Medusa head came from a difficult angle. Torah just barely was able to shoot it. There where more of them. "Pearls of heat! Opal shot!" Torah did as best she could. The ring-smash shredded even another head. "Pot of gold!" Torah released a spread-shot of golden globules. The bats scattered. Torah held the cross high in defience. The head burned on impact. Torah reached the other side. There was no ladder. Torah expected it would be this way. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The orbs of plasma homed onto the mammals. Some got shot to pieces. Torah nodded. She then entered the tunnel.

The eight had gathered. Zophran disagreed. Although he where the only. His voice should be the dominant. Zophran was their priest. Though the eight where determined. He got the instrument in his hand. If the matter should be dealt with, legally, he should contact the queen. The communication was impossible. The heat blocked the signal. Lemya was nobody he would ever dare to go up against. The circle had decided. "So be it then." Zophran got up from his seat. "I cannot refuse all of you." The shamans nodded. He almost wished to throw his knife at them. That was something he could not do. Not without loosing his headpiece. Zophran went to the alter. He removed the comunicater from within a secret area. "You know that only the queen might control them." He added. The lizards looked away. Then the first shaman returned his gaze. "We know what we ask for." The lizard closed his eyes. Then Zophran activated his instrument. "I ask you to rise." He called. "As you wish." The voice which asked was cold. Zophran gathered his courage. Not that he got much of it anyway. "I want the intruder taken." He requested. There was no answer. Zoprhan didn't need any. He knew they where released. Zophran hoped the emarald empress would support his decision.

The cave was monstrous. Torah toutched the cross. This place was wider then any she'd seen before. She carefully went forward. Nothing seemed to happen. Torah got the smash ready. Beside the faint red glow, the only light came from the candles. Torah was careful. She disliked this place. The area reminded about the tomb upstairs. There where no vampires about. Not down here anyway. Torah dismissed the matter. She reached the pit. Thick black smoke obscured her view. The head came from a difficult angle. Torah moved. The ring-smash settled the matter. Torah was able to shred the head. She lept into the air. Torah just barely reached the platform. They shrieked. The bats came down. "Pearls of heat! Zapphire shards!" There where more of them. They came from the ceiling in a seemingly neverending row. "Pot of gold! Fountain of fire!" This wasn't good. Torah shredded the head. That wasn't her main concearn anyway. "Fountain of fire! Zapphire shards!" Torah got a momentary breather. She jumped toward the second platform. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. The head missed with inches. The mammals continued chasing. Although she got their crystals, she couldn't continue like this. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" While the fairies still danced, Torah was in the air. She got upon the third pillar. "Opal shot!" Torah got the Medusa head. She waisted no time. Torah jumped back into the mine. Some other bats went with her. Though the constant swarm had vanished. Torah figured it might be some new trick of the curse. It might. The heads only appeared when she reached the pit. Torah knew that sound. "Frozen flash!" Her magic blocked the arrows. A band of monsters where on the offense. "Pearls of heat!" Torah chased the spell. She cut down the swordsman. The cross made the club burn into ashes. Torah ducked beneath the spear. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma got bogh him and those who followed behind. Torah swung the smash. Blood painted the area with crimson. "Star flash!" Torah made a complete circle. She threw garlic at them. Torah even nailed some mammals. There where fewer of them this time. Not that she could count them anyway. "Golden globe!" Torah threw herself backward. The shot made the lance collapse. Torah got through to the rangers just as they fired another round. "Opal flash!" Torah barely managed to save herself. The survivers caught up with her. Torah got surrounded. She cleared the area with roses. "Fountain of fire!" The onslaught removed most bats as well. The archers, those who where still around, fled the area. Torah had no time for celebration. There still where other monsters around. The swordsman almost got her. Torah sidestepped. "Orbs of sorcery!" He fell without his head. The others seemed doubtful. Torah got on the offensive. The smash went deep. The cross made another lizard burn. Torah went beneath the club. "Golden globe!" The spell opened his chest. Torah spun. The smash slashed the oncoming mammals. Torah threw herself flat. The spear barely missed her neck. "Frozen flash!" The monster froze on impact. Torah got back up. She was alone on the battlefield. Some bats still circled her position. Torah retrived the crystals. She knocked a few candles. Torah was able to replenish her stock. When that was settled, she began walking. The tunnel went smaller. This part of the cave had to be made by men. Torah detected lines of ore. Not that she recognised the sort of metal. The boiling sound came nearer. Torah slowed her approach. The mammals came somewhat closer. Torah noticed. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. Some of them exploded. Torah felt no victory. She instead began walking again. Torah was in front of the pit. Molton lava boiled beneath her position. "Golden globe!" Torah was able to remove the head. She reached the first pillar. She noticed it was made of the same metal as before. No matter. The bats seemed to come from nowhere. "Zapphire shards!" Torah took the brunt of their initial attack. She got ontop of the next platform. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The shining fairies removed bogh the mammals and the Medusa head. Torah used the opportunity to reach another pillar. "Star flash!" The head got burned on impact. Torah made another jump. She was back in the mine. Torah tried to pick herself together. She felt somewhat shaken. That was close. Very close. She inhaled. Torah decided she better have a look around. This place at least didn't stench of chemicals. That was at least something to be grateful about. Torah dismissed the matter. This came wasn't as deep as that other one. Torah began walking. All was silent. She wondered what might be waiting for her. "Rainbow flame!" The answer was revealed sooner then she expected. The wave of bats where burned on impact. Somehwat shaken, Torah retrived their crystals. She better be careful. Torah tightened the grip on the ring-smash. They where Carrie's weaponry. They proved superior against most enemies. She hoped it would stay that way. Torah went on moving. Other mammals where on the move. Another wave came down from the ceiling. "Frozen flash!" Torah span. It was all she could do to defend herself. Even though she got some monsters, it wasn't enough. The survivers gathered into another big bat. Torah toutched the cross. The enemy approached. Fangs and claws shone like polished metal. Torah was able to glide beneath. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. The big bat came at her. The plasma made it shatter into multiple smaller bats. The other balls actually made some enemies burn. There still where plenty of them left. They gathered. Torah blocked her ears. The shreek was terrible. The big bat advanced. Torah presented the cross. The mammal was forced backward. It circled her position. Torah licked her lips. Suddenly it came back. Torah made a back-flip. She collided against the wall. The bat exposed its fangs. Torah still got the smash. She made a double slash on impact. Blood painted the floor. The smaller mammals got released. "Pearls of heat!" The four bubbles shot them to pieces. There still where someone left. They reformed. The big bat came through the air. Torah pushed herself away from the wall. This might be a bad decision. Though Torah needed more space to manouver. The bat altered objective. Torah went beneath. The big bat came on another turn. "Rainbow flame!" She wasn't quite sure this would work. Never the less, the arching flame burned bogh the big bat and the smaller mammals into ashes. Torah cheered. She just couldn't help it. She retrived the crystals. Torah knocked some candles. Among other things she found a chicken leg. Torah gratefully ate the meat. The meal replenished her health. Torah felt good as she began walking. The boiling sound grew nearer. Torah was sure she was close to another pool. Just then came another swarm of mammals. "Fountain of fire!" Torah cried. The spread-shot burned them all. That wasn't the end. Another flock came through the tunnel. "Winter's heart!" Torah froze them on impact. She continued. Torah was in front of the pit. The smash removed the head. Torah lept for the initial platform. She got ontop. Bats seemingly came from nowhere. The black smoke obscured her view. "Frozen flash!" Torah made a complete circle. Thank the Lord she got good balance. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent bubbles got bogh the bats and the Medusa head. Torah jumped upon the second pillar. The mammals kept chasing her. Torah presented the cross. The holy symbol made them keep some distance. Torah moved. The smash removed the head. She waisted no time. Torah was in the air. She barely reached the next platform. A swarm of bats came for her. "Rainbow flame!" The spell burned them to ashes. Torah claimed some few crystals. She then threw herself flat on the platform. The head almost got her. Torah inhaled. She then jumped back into the mine. Some bats where still around. Torah kept track of their mobility as she moved inside the tunnel. The pit was soon left behind. The red glow dimmed. Torah frowned. There was that smel again. The scent of sulphur. Torah didn't like it. The spoiled chemicals might do murder with her lungs. Her dryad bloodline might also react. Torah reached for the cross. There was no way around. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals wasn't going to drain her today. Some monsters got shot. Torah retrived their crystals. The survivers kept stalking her. There was little ore in here. Torah wondered about that. Her speculations where cut short. Torah reached another opening. The area was oval. Torah stepped inside. At the heart was another elevated platform. The other entrance was blocked. Torah frowned. The bars looked familiar. Not that she'd really cared about them before. They often blocked the way out of the oval areas. Torah dismissed the matter. The dancers had arrived. The trio lept from the stage. Torah began dancing. The mammals circled the battlefield. Torah knew she got to be careful. The lizard-dancers threw daggers at her. They where actually quite clever. Torah figured she better be careful. She answered when throwing stakes. Torah noticed she'd got used to it. Her aim was at least getting more accurate. One stake buried itself within a dancer's soft flesh. She pulled it out. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The approaching bats got frozen. Torah toutched the cross. She'd even captured one monster. The remaining dancers pushed her backward. They still where better then her. No wonder. They'd been training for half their life. "Frozen flash!" She made a complete turn. The zapphire glow shielded against their knives. Torah made a sudden leap forward. She got garlic ready. One enemy got caught off guard. The explosion sent Torah hard against the floor. That actually saved her. Daggers went through the place where she'd just been. The final dancer circled her position. "Hand of fate!" Torah jumped back up. The lizard was shot to pieces. The mammals where advancing. Torah barely got the smash out in time. She shredded some monsters before they left the area. Torah inhaled. Though the smell made it difficult breathing, she didn't mind. At least for a while. Then Torah returned to the situation at hand. She picked the crystals. The bars where removed. Torah knocked some candles. She dismissed the matter. It wasn't really anything important inside. Torah kept on walking. There still where some bats. They kept their distance. Torah didn't trust things would stay like that. She still got the smash ready. The glow grew suddenly brighter. Torah tightened the grip on her ring-smash. There was another pit in front. Suddenly the mammals attacked. "Rainbow flame!" She gave them all the strength she could muster. The bats burned on impact. Torah exhaled. That was to close. She claimed the crystals. Just then came the head. Torah still got the smash. She was able to settle the matter. The Medusa got slashed. Torah lept into the air. She landed upon the pillar. Another swarm came her way. "Winter's heart!" Torah turned. "Long shot!" Golden beams where released from within her gaze. The head burned into ashes. Torah claimed what crystals remained. That last spell might be a little overkill. Torah dismissed the matter. She reached the second platform. The Medusa head came in a wavy pattern. Torah was able to dodge. "Fountain of fire!" The multiple fireballs removed the mammals. Torah jumped. She barely got upon the next pillar. The heads kept on coming. Torah protected with the smash. The head got defeated. Torah made another jump. She was back inside the mine. Another swarm was on the move. "Pot of gold!" Torah was able to fry them on impact. They left quite some crystals behind. Torah gathered most of them. She felt tired. Perhaps the place was one giant trap? Grandmother Yoko told her how the masters of oblivion could fold space itself. Torah shivered. She got an image of herself as a Giniepig going on and on inside its wheel. She pressed the cross tightly to her heart. "I believe." Torah whispered. She had to keep her faight. Torah would not give up. She would fight. Torah would keep her hope alive no matter what. Just as she made that decision, there came another swarm of bats. "Winter's heart!" Torah shouted. The mammals where frozen over. She got the crystals. Torah went on moving. The corridor was badly lit. The sound of flapping wings where the only warning. "Orbs of sorcery!" Her plasma illuminated the area. Torah charged the spell. The orbs circled her position before going outward. The monsters got shot to pieces. Torah continued. She was more careful though. The monsters might be anywhere. She was concearned. There where very few candles in here. The glow was almost dimmed out. What would happen when she returned? That would have to wait. Another swarm where approaching. "Rainbow flame!" They got burned on contact. Torah had no time. There came another onslaught. "Winter's heart!" She froze them in place. Even a third swarm came her way. She couldn't rest. "Opal sun!" The enflamed explosion cleared the corridor. Torah gathered as many crystals she could. Was it her imagination, or was the glow brightening? She moved forward. "Yes!" Torah cheered. She couldn't help it. The pit where in front. The heads came from difficult angles. Torah was able to shred the head. The cross burned the successor. Torah lept. She was upon the initial platform. The celebration was short-lived. Another group of mammals came her way. "Pearls of heat!" The four transparent bubbles took the brunt of their assault. Torah cut the head away. She got forward. Torah landed upon another pillar. The heads kept on coming. Torah presented the cross. She threw stakes at them. The mammals kept chasing her. "Orbs of sorcery!" The balls of plasma got their numbers. She used the opportunity to reach the final platform. Torah closed her eyes. She nearly fell into the lava. Torah got to have a breather. No chanse. The head approached. The bats where back. "Opal flash!" Torah got the head. She threw garlic about. The bats exploded. She made another jump. Torah was back inside the mine. She inhaled. Torah leaned against the wall. That really was more then enough. Even so, she was still alive. "Always look at the bright sides of life." Torah muttered. She smiled. That was what grandmother Yoko used to say. She might be right. Torah began walking. This place was better lit. The walls where rich with ore. Torah guessed she'd been to pessimistic. Things couldn't always be easy anyway. The sound of leathery wings where approaching. The mammals shrieked. Torah advanced. The smash got to work. She defeated quite some monsters. The remaining monsters finally left her area. Torah reached for the cross. Torah didn't have to use magic all the time. Torah knew she better be more careful. What she figured earlier was no myth. Torah changed hold of the smash. She began walking. The cave was silent. Beside her own steps, and the sound of flapping wings, nothing could be heard. She licked her lips. Torah didn't like this. She felt like something evil was approaching. The bats advanced. Torah turned. She presented the cross. Some burned on impact. The survivers scattered. Torah felt like the heat would strangle her. Why was it so much hotter down here? She shook her head. The ring would protect her. However, it could simply be her imagination getting the best of her. Torah dismissed the matter. She reached the end of the tunnel. The cave opened up into a much larger room. Torah went inside. She felt somewhat lonely upon this wide open area. Piled ashes lay on the floor. There was an elevated platform. Torah went toward that area. Then she stumbled. There lay pieces of smoldered rock and ancient arm among the ash. Torah was about to step over when she noticed. Four armed and armoured skeleton troopers had arrived. Evil made the area feel colder then normal. Two of them where armed with a sword and shield. The axe came at her like a crazed lumberjack. "Zapphire shards!" Torah had to slow them down. The bulk with the ball-and-chain might otherwise kill her. Torah knew she had to get rid of it fast. The swordmen got loose. That didn't mean anything. They where to far off to make any diference. At least for now. The axe was the main concearn. "Winter's heart!" The spell trapped him in place. The one with the heavy mace got loose. Torah licked her lips. She dodged the offensive. She nailed it with roses. The axe was on the move. Torah sent him some garlic. The explosion made him collapse. Torah knew it wouldn't keep him occupied for long. The swords where getting closer. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah knew her eyes changed colour. No matter. She captured the troopers. The axe and the mace rebuild themselves. The ball-and-chain started hammering the floor. Torah ran. "Hand of fate!" The spell pushed the trooper backward. "Winter's heart!" That at least would keep him occupied. The troopers only sthrenght where their stamina. Torah knew they where to slow to keep track of her. Not that it could really help her. Torah dodged the heavy metal ball. She gave him some roses. It was no sign of love. The enemy collapsed into a heap. The axe broke lose. "Rainbow flame!" That was all she could do. He was to close for anything suttle. The trooper finally collapsed. Torah placed garlic in front. The enemy was finally defeated. The swordsmen where approaching. Torah gathered the crystals. The mace was back in battle. That still was her main concearn. "Fountain of fire!" The solid onslaught made the enemy collapse. Torah used the opportunity to place garlic in front. Then she ran. The explosion obscured the area. Torah was able to claim some big crystals. But then the remaining troopers dashed. Torah sidestepped the assault. The skeletons turned. Torah licked her lips. She saw the promise of her own demise written on their faces. One of them bore marks after her last spell. The second looked like it'd just risen. Torah toutched the cross. Then she ran. They dashed forward. If they could corner her, or attack from bogh sides, Torah knew her life was over. If only she got the stopwatch. Then, Torah didn't. She better figure something. "Zapphire shards!" The onslaught of freezing icicles stopped the burned enemy. The second came her way. Torah was able to glide underneath. The trooper turned. "Hand of fate!" Torah forced it to one knee. Then it got back up. Torah tightened the grip around her cross. This time it came in that croutched position which made it impossible to go beneath. Torah still got some flowers. The explosion sent her backward. The other swordsman broke loose. They bogh attacked. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah prayed this would work. The shining fays danced along. The troopers got frozen over. One actually collapsed. Torah placed garlic in front. The skeleton exploded. Torah danced, without the fairies. She got the crystals. But the battle wasn't over. The last trooper got free. He dashed at her location. Torah rolled aside. She got up on one knee. The demon came back. Torah held together. "Opal sun!" The powerful spell made the skeleton shatter into pieces. Torah placed her last garlic in front. Then she ran. The battle was over. The trooper exploded. The sence of evil vanished. Torah claimed the crystals. Some mammals still where about. Torah didn't care. She went to knock a few candles. Torah was grateful while replenishing her arsenal. She climbed upon the platform. Torah pulled the switch. A distant sound of moving metal told her it worked. Torah held the cross tight to her heart. She jumped back down. The mammals still chased her. Torah was careful while moving. She went back down the tunnel. Torah knocked some other candles. Though it was only a few. Metal plates where in place above the pool of lava. Torah entered the darkened corridor. Something made her stop. Torah frowned. The plates where in place. So where did that boiling sound came from? She toutched the cross. Something made her worry. Torah preduced the ring-smash. Even the bats seemed to have vanished. She put down the backpack. Torah stepped forward. Suddenly the candles went out. Still she could see. The cross shone with supernatural light. The creature was tall. Torah thought it looked like a sleak black lizard. She tightened the grip on the ring-smash. Only the head was different. She stepped backward. The long hammer-like head got a pair of gleaming eyes at the end. Torah licked her lips. The small mouth was still ful of shining white teeth. Torah figured the being inalien. The beast preduced the boiling sound when opening or closing its jaws. She felt sweath down her brow. The monster suddenly dashed forward. "Orbs of sorcery!" The orbs went home. Torah got beyond. Though the magic had no effect. The alien being shot acid. Torah couldn't believe this. The monster was immune to her sorcery. That shouldn't been allowed. Torah shook it off. She dodged the projectile. Torah threw garlic. The enemy was quick. It spat at her. Torah dropped herself flat on the floor. The projectile went above. Torah lept. She slashed the enemy across the chest. Acidic blood where spilled on the floor. The liquid scent terrible. The ground cracked. Torah bit her lip. The alien spat. Torah spun. The load hit the wall. The smell grew even worse. Somehow the demon was able to heal itself. Torah felt chills down her spine. This was no ordinary monster. The enemy stabbed with bogh claws. The nails might've tore her apart. Torah tried not to think of it. She answered with stakes. The corridor was narrow. The alien dodged. Torah ducked beneath another projectile. Torah got up. She threw more garlic. The explosion sent bogh of them backward. Acid blood boiled from its wounds. Torah was grateful the explosion sent her away. The demon closed the damages. It shouldn't been possible. Only vampires could do that. There where no time for speculations. The lizard kicked. Torah was able to glide beneath. She was glad she where in such good shape. No matter. The demon wasn't laidback either. The monster slashed. Torah shrieked. They came just before her face. Torah was able to sidestep another attack. She gave him a rose in return. The impact sent her hard against the floor. Torah didn't matter. She rolled. She better. The acidic blood made the floor crack. The demon looked down at her with hate on its face. Even though the face was inhuman, Torah could almost smell it. She got back up. The devil spat. The acid went just above her location. It got smeered on the wall. Torah threw herself backward. The dark figure almost got her this time. Torah sent it a series of stakes. Two of them got buried within its blackened flesh. She screamed. Torah got some blood on her. The acid burned like living flames. She rolled on the floor. Anything to stop the pain. The alien bent over. Torah still got her cross. Somewhere she got the strength to leap upward. The cross burned right through its heart. Torah fell backward. The alien collapsed. Its own acidic blood made it melt. Torah threw up. The sight was disgustive. She crept back to the bag. Torah pulled out the only medicine she got left. The red potion healed all her damages. Torah put it back. She pulled on the backpack. Torah then went to retrive her smash. The candles where lit anew. Torah was grateful. She continued down the corridor. Nothing happened. The air actually got better. Torah shrugged. She hoped to never have to face another alien. Not ever again. Torah eventually reached the opening. The ladder was released. She began climbing. No sooner came the heads. "Orbs of sorcery!" They at least where not immune. The orbs shot them away. Torah threw garlic. The mammals came through the opening above. The onion made quick work of the presuers. "Pearls of heat!" The transparent bubbles removed the head. Torah kept on climbing. More bats came from above. "Orbs of sorcery!" That was the best she could do. The monsters never stoped. She reached the bottom of the ladder. "Winter's heart!" Torah froze the flock. They fell down upon the fence below. Torah shuddered. There really was something wrong about those bars. She got a momentary breather. Torah used the opportunity to might have a look around. Behind was another tunnel. The crater was wide. Although the smoke obscured her view, Torah noticed an eerie blue glow. It came from the right side of the crater. She closed her eyes. The 9th. level was like the other areas. Something might be different. Torah straightened her miter. Then she entered the mine.

Castle center, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
He had returned home. He smiled. This place might become an alternative to the demon castle Dracula. He had strong hope. The boy was glad for his return. He lept toward him. Strange it was. How interesting. He brought with him a present. "Go forth." He said. "Open it if you wish." Oh did he wish. The boy eagerly brought off the paper. Amusing. "What is it?!" The boy asked. "Your very own musical instrument." The boy opened the slim wooden box. Within was a flute. "How nice." The boy said. He did not disagree. The flute was a lordly instrument. Decorated with bogh gold and silver. Although he personally disliked that last metal, it was quite decorative. The boy put the flute to his lips. He was impressed. After a time he preduced his violin. The boy was really gifted. They did play together. He smiled. This was really such a wonderful moment. The music seemed to remove the gloom and decay of the castle. It could not last. They put away their instruments. "Thank you, my boy." He acknowledge the joy which lit the boy's eyes. "My mother told me how to play." The boy confessed. "Indeed." He stated. There where other affairs which needed his attention.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
The cave was narrow. Torah wondered why it was that way. Not that it was really important. The smell of spoiled chemicals almost made it impossible breathing. Perhaps the blue ring made her adapt to the situation. Torah dismissed the matter. She was in front of another pit of lava. Torah made a double slash. The head got shredded. Torah was careful not to get blood on her. It might turn her to stone. She shuddered. Torah remembered how things went in Draco wood. Alicia saved her. She wouldn't do it again. Not when she where far off in Italy. Torah jumped. She landed upon the initial platform. There came another head. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The head got shot. Even the trio of evil mammals got fried. Torah toutched the cross. She went for the second platform. The ring-smash removed the Medusa head. Torah was about to jump when she suddenly frowned. She knew that sound. "Star flash!" The spell blocked the arrows. "Fountain of fire!" Torah went behind her magic. The monsters where forced backward. Then they came to meet her. Bats became attracted. Torah didn't care. She got other problems. The spear fell to the floor. The bone-man struck with bogh swords. Torah made a back-flip. The smash removed his skull. The skeleton collapsed. There where more of them. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" The fairies danced along. That cleared the area. At least for a while. Torah went on the offensive. She sidestepped the club. The smash cut through his armour. His organs where exposed. The monster burned. Torah almost got slashed. Before the bone-man could gather, Torah cut into its ribs. The skeleton fell. The battle waged on. "Frozen flash!" Torah blocked the lance. The lizard man froze upon contact. A group of skeleton swordsmen approached. Torah threw a series of stakes. She turned. The garlic settled the ordeal. "Pearls of heat!" The bats got shot. Torah removed some other skeletons. She finally got through to the archers. They just fired another round. Arrows rained upon the area. "Frozen flash!" Torah made a complete circle. The projectiles shattered. She even froze some other mammals. Torah turned. The club almost hit her. She bit together. Although she wished to scream. Torah knew that was the last she should do. Torah got a moral victory on her part. She couldn't afford to lose it. The smash cut his mid-sections. Torah stamped with the cross. The swordman burned. Torah threw roses. The skeletons exploded. She got another chanse with the rangers. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the lance. She threw stakes at the club. A projectile went home. Torah knew it was nothing fatal. It didn't matter. Arrows whistled past her location. Torah sent them some other roses. Her inner barrier suddenly collapsed. Torah stepped forward. The gauntlets blazed with blue magic. She grasped the archer. Torah struggled to remain calm. The lizard froze beneath her fingers. She turned. The remaining bowmen fled the battleground. The others seemed unsure of what to do. Torah threw tripled garlic. A series of explosions hit the area. The enemies fled. Torah toutched the cross. This proved her statement. Torah was grateful. She'd been unsure if the sub-weapons would be enough. Torah viewed herself. The barrier was back. She dismissed the matter. One day she would learn to break it. Torah retrived what crystals they left. She knocked some crystals. Torah replenished her stock. Some bats where still around. Torah went forward. This part of the mine was slightly larger. Some ore was visible on the walls. Torah wasn't really interested. She wondered what happened with her friends. Why should Rose disappear like that? Torah was really concearned. Patrick told her the fairies where desired by the darksiders. Torah remembered about Ravenberg. Someone must've taken her. Edward Morris saved her once already. This time Torah would have to do it herself. She got her card. Although Torah never would dream to use it. Perhaps it would lead Rose back to her. She hoped so. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats came at her. Torah charged the spell. The mammals burned. The survivers kept their distance. Torah hoped Heinrich survived Giles's demise. Although Torah could take care of herself, she looked to his clan for leadership. Patrick was a nice man. But he was a loner. Torah stopped. She'd reached another pit of lava. Torah barely sidestepped the head. She got the smash. There where other heads approaching. Torah was able to remove the enemy. Torah presented her cross. The bats came at her. She shredded their numbers. Torah inhaled. That was close. She threw herself flat on the floor. The head went above. Torah got up. She jumped toward the platform. Torah landed ontop. The head approached. Torah threw her stake. The head got impaled. Torah cheered. Although the smoke obscured her view, she really got a better aim. Torah lept for the second pillar. Torah just landed when other bats arrived. "Orbs of sorcery!" Some mammals got shot away. Torah presented the cross. The head was removed. The bats kept their distance. Torah lept. She was back in the mine. The mammals chased her. Torah was carful. She threw some garlic. The explosion removed their numbers. She had a look around. There didn't seem to be anything important about the area. Torah went forward. Piles of pieces lay on the ground. Torah got a little nervous. Though no troopers emerged. This must be parts of the elder mine. They shrieked. A wave of bats came her way. Torah presented the cross. She got pushed backward. Never the less, she stood her ground. The monsters got fried. Somewhat shaken, she claimed the crystals. She better be more careful. This was no trip in the park. Torah knew she where the only who could protect herself. Not that she wanted to be protected. She was ready. Torah heard the sound of flapping wings. The wave suddenly where in front. Torah threw garlic. The explosion swallowed the flock. Torah spun around. There came another swarm. The rose settled the matter. Not really. The survivers of bogh flocks gathered into another big bat. Torah shrieked. Although she dodged, the monster clawed her hair. It didn't reach the skull. Though Torah really disliked the situation. The big bat came on the return. The fangs gleamed like polished metal. Torah couldn't help having a slight shiver. She almost could hear its bloodthirst. Torah managed to grab it this time. The gauntlets drained its energy. Torah felt how malice entered her very own bloodvains. The magic was able to resist the temptation. The monster split into a swarm of smaller bats. Torah was shaken. She forgot about that. Somewhere a vampire must've felt her actions. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot for the mammals. She got some enemies. The mammals gathered. The big bat approached. Torah was able to glide beneath. The monster was real quick. It came back. "Take this your devil!" Torah shouted. She let it have the garlic head on. The enemy exploded. Torah was prepared. "Orbs of sorcery!" She nailed the bats. They reformed. The big bat shrieked. Torah wished to run. She stood her ground. The big bat got closer. It circled her position. Torah got the cross tied around her wrist. Suddenly it came. Torah blocked. The cross made it burn. This time it had to end. Torah threw dual roses. The flock got vaporized. She inhaled. Torah picked the crystals. "Thank you." She said. That was the least she could do. Torah began walking. She hadn't come far when that disgustive sound of leathery wings grew closer. Torah pulled together. She still got her items. "I believe." Torah stated. The flock was approaching. Torah threw garlic. Their numbers got destroyed. The swarm was absorbed by the explosion. Torah retrived their crystals. Torah went some steps. The head came from a difficult angle. Torah presented the cross. The head burned on impact. Torah reached the pit without having noticed. Torah drew sweath from her brow. She had to be careful. Torah didn't wish to fal in the lava. A second head approached. The Medusa came in a wavy pattern. Torah got the ring-smash. Torah swung her arms. That settled their ordeal. Torah jumped upon the platform. The sound of wings almost made her throw up. No matter, she got to pull through. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. Her orbs of plasma circled her body before going outward. The bats got shot away. Torah was able to shred the Medusa head. She lept for the second platform. Other bats came from difficult angles. Torah presented the cross. That made them keep some distance. Torah removed the head. She made another jump. Torah was back in the mine. The mammals kept chasing her. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged her magic. Another explosion hit the area. Finally they where all gone. Torah shook it off. She knocked some candles before going forward. The mine narrowed. Torah climbed upon the fallen rock. Some bats still where about. Torah didn't knew where they came from. The cave was more different. Torah ventured some sharp corners. "Orbs of sorcery!" Plasma shot from between her fingertips. The mammals got what they deserved. She turned another corner. The tunnel went straight for a while. Torah knocked some candles. Then she entered another oval area. Torah looked about. The other exit was blocked behind a set of metal bars. Torah lowered her head. For a moment she felt tired. Torah then picked herself together. The sound of flapping wings made her decide. She stepped into the room. Another set of bars fell down behind her. It must've happened before although Torah hadn't noticed. The mammals circled about. They where atop the stage. A duo of lizard dancers lept upon the battlefield. They where clad in the same baggy black trousers and leather wests as before. Torah began dancing. She dodged their knives. The lizard dancers threw daggers at her. Torah answered with tripled stakes. Neither of them went home. Black hair fell down their shoulders. The female lizards where the only of their kind bousting hair. Torah wondered about that. She dismissed the matter. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. The bats came to close. One of them was about to settle on her shoulder. Torah shuddered. They would drain her blood. As it was, her plasma shot them into oblivion. Torah turned. The daggers flew just by. Some Belmont clansmen threw repeated waves of daggers. She put it aside. Torah made them withdrew when throwing other stakes. One of them actually got nailed. She pulled it out. Blood stained her outfit. Torah felt no joy. She never liked killing people. Heinrich was right. Sometime things had to be done. The battle waged on. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals where a constant threat. She blasted them away. Torah threw herself sideways. The knives almost nailed her. Torah threw garlic. Repeated explosions rammed the area. When it cleared, only one dancer remained. Torah dodged the offensive. The dancer pressed her momentum. The surviving bats came at her from difficult angles. Torah threw roses about. Somehow the dancer dodged. Torah bit her lips. The bats got removed. That was no victory. Although the lizard could only kill her. Torah threw more stakes. They fought for superiority. Torah already impaled her once. She presented the cross. The symbol made her enemy retreat. Torah picked the crystals the bats left behind. Before she could cast the spell, the monster pushed her. Torah was thrown off balance. The lizard came in low, daggers in hands. Torah knew this would be the end. The barrier collapsed. Spirit lit the cross. Torah held it up. A shining explosion threw the lizard backward. Torah fell to her knees. She felt all drained. The gates became opened. The dancer was gone. Torah staggered back up. She was alive. Torah almost couldn't believe it. She retrived the crystals. She leaned against the wall. Torah was grateful for the breather. Though she got to continue. Torah inhaled. The scent of spoiled chemicals was real bad. Torah walked. There was nothing else to do. The boiling sound grew nearer. Torah was in front of another pit. Lava boiled beneath her location. Torah pulled together. The head came from a wavy pattern. Torah was able to remove it. She still got the ring-smash. Torah landed upon the pillar. Black smoke slightly obscured her view. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the head away. She lept toward the platform. Some mammals came down at her. Torah threw stakes at them. Through some miracle she actually nailed quite a few. Torah got other problems. The head approached. Torah was able to jump it. Torah threw garlic at the next head. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals where still around. Torah lept for the mine. She reached the shore. All was quiet. Torah entered the tunnel. This area looked different. The mine went straight forward. The passage wasn't that long either. Torah captured a glimpse of another pit not far away. She didn't reach it. A wall of bats suddenly emerged. Torah screamed. She threw garlic at them. Repeated explosions threw her against the floor. She got back on foot. The survivers gathered into a big bat. Torah toutched the cross. The monster advanced. Torah was able to glide beneath. The enemy turned. Torah met it with tripled stakes. The demon shrieked. It split into a swarm of smaller bats. Torah knew what to expect. Not that matters ever where easy. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the magic. The mammals exploded. The survivers reformed. The big bat came for her. Torah felt chills down her spine. She sidestepped. Though the monster scratched her arm. Torah bit together. The marks didn't go deep. Though they pained. The mammal went her way. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma made it shatter. The onion handled the flock. Some of them still was able to gather. Torah licked her lips. The big bat exposed its fangs. Torah threw herself backward. She rolled aside. The big bat came for another pass. Torah got back up. She had to get rid of it. The smash where in her hands. The big bat was quick. Torah stood her ground. When it came, she lept. The smash cut it to pieces. The mammals fluttered about. Torah got other roses. The explosion which followed was extraordinary. Torah shook her head. She picked the crystals. Torah even knocked some crystals. She went for the pit. The heads where there to meet her. Torah was able to shred it. A garlic removed another. Torah used the opportunity to jump across. She reached the platform. Torah knew that sound. Multiple flapping wings where approaching. "Star flash!" Torah made a full circle. The monsters got burned on impact. Torah presented the cross. The head burned. Torah made another jump. Multiple mammals where still about. Torah felt more then a little concearned. More so when arrows came her way. She dodged. Although she nearly fell into the lava. Torah lept. She was back inside the mine. The monsters where ready. Torah knew what to do. The onslaught of onion made them retreat. Torah dashed forward. The sword got cut down. Torah turned. The cross made the club burn to ashes. She ducked beneath the skeleton. Stakes settled the ordeal. "Orbs of sorcery!" The tripled orbs of homing plasma made the bats keep some distance. Torah was busy. She threw more roses. The nearest monsters got shot. Torah withdrew. The skeletons where quicker then she expected. She drained their magic. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals where fried. The stakes threw the lance backward. He was dead before reaching the floor. Torah threw another round of onion. She got through to the archers. They fired a final round of arrows before she came to close. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot right into them. Torah ducked. The club got close. She plunged the smash right into his chest. Gasping for breth, the lizard collapsed. "Orbs of sorcery!" The battlefield was all in confusion. Torah presented the cross. The bats always seemed to know her position. Torah advanced. The lance got what he deserved. Stakes made the skeletons fall. Torah jumped. Two monsters fell without the head. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma made them burn. Torah was getting low on her arsenal. They didn't know that. The survivers just fled the area. She retrived the crystals. Torah got to knock some candles. She was able to replenish her stock. Although not entirely. She got to spare. At least until she found some other candles. Those which remained would have to lit her path on the return. Torah noticed the cave became narrower beyond the battlefield. She stepped inside. The tunnel went downward. Piles of smoldered rock lay on the floor. Torah felt like someone was looking. She turned the corner. Three skeletons lay in wait. Bats fluttered about. They where armed with light swords in bogh hands. Torah threw herself backward. They could otherwise have cut her to pieces. Torah swallowed. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals got shot. The skeletons approached. Torah spun around. She threw three swift stakes. The bones collapsed on impact. The spell controlling them couldn't be very powerful. Torah threw garlic. The bats exploded. Just then an arrow went past her location. Torah toutched the cross. Another lizard suddenly approached. He was armed with a club. Torah almost felt pitty on him. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. They shot some bats. The lizard grinned. Torah licked her lips. The monster advanced. Another arrow came down the corridor. Torah saw him this time. The lizard hid behind one pile. The smash blocked his offensive. The lizard swung. Torah got beneath. The smash cut through his midsections. He was dead before reaching the floor. The archer turned to run. Torah settled the ordeal with another onion. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals scattered. Torah picked the crystals. She held the smash out. Nobody was in sight. Still, she was careful. The corridor began going upward. Torah frowned. Was this a result of ancient lava? Torah dismissed the matter. The tunnel became wider. Torah felt no better. The fallen rock was the perfect place for ambush. She wasn't disappointed. Three skeletons rised from behind the bolders. From further down the corridor came another arrow. Behind her was three lizards. Torah threw stakes at them. Two skeletons collapsed. She ducked beneath the lance. The cross made him burn. Torah sidestepped. The crush pierced his heart. The club collapsed. Another arrow came her way. Torah dodged. The arrow captured the lizard swordman at the neck. Grasping for his throat, the enemy collapsed. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. Bogh the archer and the skeleton got shot. Torah claimed their crystals. She knocked a few candles. Torah almost felt their approach. Garlic flew from her hands. At last the bats got blasted. Torah felt no real victory. There would be others ahead. Torah went down the corridor. Nothing seemed to alter. The passage went straight for a while. The cracking of bones where the only warning. They appeared behind her. Torah figured they must've hid behind the rocks. Before her appeared another lance and club. Torah knew that, if they figured it out, they could stop her. They really wasn't that clever. One rose obliterated their status. Though the skeletons kept on coming. Torah ducked beneath their slashes. The smash cut through its rib-cage. Torah got the other through its mid-sections. The last skeleton almost got her. Torah withdrew. Arrows hit the place. Torah should have known. The ambush failed. Torah sent the bag of bones one stake. "Orbs of sorcery!" She then concentrated on the archers. The orbs of plasma made them burn. Torah claimed their crystals. She turned the next corner. Suddenly she where in front of the pit. Molton lava boiled beneath. Torah still had the ring-smash. She got the head. Torah waisted no time. She jumped upon the first platform. Some bats came down at her. The stakes removed their numbers. She even nailed the head. Torah reached the next pillar. The heads kept on coming. Torah jumped the first. She ducked underneath the second. Torah inhaled. She got to be more careful. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell removed her enemies. Torah jumped back into the mine. There was nobody to meet her. The girl leaned against the wall. Then she picked herself together. Torah began walking. Lines of rich ore went along the wall. This place was better lit then that other area. At first Torah liked the area. She knocked the candles. She ate the pot-roust That replenished her energy. Then, from one step to the other, the mine changed. Torah pulled out the smash. The tunnel became narrower. Piled ash lay on the floor. Rocks or pieces of smoldered stone made it difficult to continue. A few mammals fluttered about. Torah tightened the grip on her weapon. Pieces of broken arm and ancient armour told where they fought the final battle. She stopped. Torah felt like a trap was closing in around her. The sound of moving rubble was all the warning she got. From the soil emerged another large skeleton. Torah put away the smash. They had no place here. The trooper was armed with a sword and shield. She knew this would be the test. The enemy dashed. Torah was able to glide underneath. She got back up. The armoured bulk turned at her. Torah sent it tripled garlic. The repeated explosion shook the enemy. But then it gathered. Torah figured she might be forced to use magic after all. Before she could decide, the demon dashed. Torah was able to dodge the approach. Before it could turn, she nailed it with roses. The enemy fell on its knees. Torah thought of might stamping it, but then it got back up. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged it with all the strength she could gather. This had no effect on her bloodline. Or so she hoped. The trooper dashed. The tripled orbs of blazing plasma collided right into it. The skeleton stumbled backward. Torah cheered. "It's working! It's working!" She reached for the cross. Her celebration was short-lived. The devil was back. It went toward her position. This time it came in that croutched position which made it impossible to get beneath. Torah stood her ground. She sent it another round of onion. The explosion gave her what time she needed. Torah got out of reach. The trooper gathered. Torah charged. "Orbs of sorcery!" That was the payoff, as Nancy would've put it. The skeleton collapsed. Torah placed other garlic in front. She got out of reach as yet another explosion hit the mine. Torah retrived the crystals. She was able to complete her stock. Strange how some crystals turned into roses or garlic when claiming them. She dismissed the matter. She better. A second trooper had arrived. This bulk was armed with a heavy axe. Torah got her arsenal ready. The skeleton came like a crazed lumberjack. The garlic made it stumble. Torah licked her lips. The trooper continued forward. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged with all her force. The plasma made the skeleton blaze. Torah ran forward. She stamped with the cross. The enemy was brought to its knees. Then it swung. The axe hit the floor just before her feet. Torah shuddered. That was to close. The skeleton moved. It would've cut off her head. Torah threw herself backward. Roses flew from bogh hands. Only one went home. The skeleton shattered. Torah retrived the roses. Then the skeleton rebuilt itself. It came marching forward. Torah ducked beneath the massive weapon. She threw tripled stakes. Torah was unshure it would work. It did. The skeleton callapsed. This time she placed garlic in front. The explosion threw Torah hard against the floor. She got back up. Somewhat shaken, she picked the crystals. The sence of evil had vanished. Torah pressed the cross against her heart. It was the dryad gesture for gratitude and compassion. Torah mentally kicked herself. Grandmother Yoko had learned her some basic behaviour. Mathilda insisted she studied dryad traditions. Torah got the logic. She wasn't entirely human. It would have some impact on her life. Torah put the matter aside. She was walking down the corridor. Everything was quiet. Not even the bats where visible. Torah knocked some candles while moving along. She found nothing of real interest. Torah stopped. She'd reached another pit. The faint red glow grew brighter. Torah didn't care. The heads came from a difficult angle. Torah presented the cross. The Medusa head burned on impact. Torah claimed the crystal. She lept into the air. Torah just landed when she noticed. Some mimic mammals where about. She licked her lips. They where already approaching. The smash where said to be ordmented. Torah noticed that before. She slashed the nearest enemy. "Orbs of sorcery!" The head got shot. Torah leapt. She got upon the second pillar. The mammals where approaching. Torah made a full circle. The cross chilled their flame. Torah was mistyfied. How could it do that? Never mind. The smash settled the matter. Torah dodged the head. Then she jumped back into the mine. This place most likely had been a natural cavern. Something about it made her feel better. Though it was only a little. Torah threw it aside. She knew it was because of her elder bloodline. Dryads felt safe in natural surroundings. So be it. Torah went forward. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mimic got shot. There wasn't that many around. Torah didn't care. They could suck her blood. Torah didn't want to become a vampire. The cave went strait for quite some distance. Some mimic mammals still fluttered about. Torah was careful. She got the ring-smash ready. Just in case. Then she forgot about that. The tunnel entered into another oval area. This was a dead end. Metal bars closed her retreat. Torah toutched the cross. Then she stepped forward. At the heart was an elevated platform. Flames lit that area. The mimic scattered. Torah hung up the smash. They would have to wait for another time. An eerie laugher seemed to fill the room. Three illuminated figures lept from the stage. Torah pulled off her backpack. Then she began dancing. The monsters made flames rise upon their mobility. Torah might be forced to use the backflash magic. What happened with the mimic monsters gave her an inspiration. Torah prayed it would work. She threw stakes at them. They laugh it off. Torah reached inside. Somehow the barrier gave way. Torah got the gauntlets. She channelled the mystic force right through the sub-weapon. She frowned. It somehow felt different. No time to thinkf further about that now. Torah dashed. The dancer got caught off guard. The gauntlets blazed with blue energy. Torah knew her abilities came from fire, ice or spirit. The lizard was frozen over. Though she got free. Torah got the smash. She lost hold of the source. That didn't matter. The Lord would aid her. The enemy withdrew. She made a summersault back for the burning area. It was to late. The smash went deep. Her own flames did the rest. Torah paied the price. She forgot to beware of the other dancers. Flames burned her location. Although the blue ring blocked the offensive, Torah felt like being whipped. Shaken, she got back up. The dancers approached. Mimic fluttered about. Torah presented the cross. They kept some distance. Torah gathered. Then she gave them her garlic. The onion exploded. The monsters had no chanse. The closest dancer got exstinguished. Although wounded, Torah lept forward. The smash went right through her body. Torah almost fainted. She pulled back out. The lizard became a heap of ashes. Torah dodged the flames. She went for the backpack. She preduced the red medicine. The liquid cured her of all damages. Though she only got half a bottle left, she deserved the doze. Torah put the bottle away. The dancer made a summersault back among the flame. Torah shivered. Although she knew how to fight, that laugher chilled her blood. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The mimic monsters got captured. The magic absorbed the flames. Torah threw garlic about. Some mammals got hit. Torah claimed their crystals. She began dancing. The flare-dancer had returned. She was more careful this time. Torah didn't get close enough. If only she got that stopwatch. Torah dismissed the matter. She got other tricks up her sleeve. Torah stamped the stakes with the cross. They actually got some force. Though they didn't go home. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The dancer simply let them go home. They couldn't harm her. Torah knew that. But it got her attention. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah kept firing. The impact threw her somewhat off balance. Torah used that moment to make her move. The cross went beyond the magic. They had no resistance. The power of God was something nobody could resist. Torah knew the Lord might do everything. The lizard hissed. Either her faith had multiplied, or He made it that way, the flare-dancer was defeated. Torah looked upon the cross with amazement on her face. She kissed it. That was the least she could do. Torah put it back around her wrist. The flame was gone. Even the mimic seemed to have vanished. Torah climbed upon the stage. She pulled the switch. This would release the bridgeway. At least Torah hoped it would. She jumped back down. Torah put on the backpack. She left the area. She went down the tunnel. Metal plates had been placed over the lava. Torah stepped across. She entered the tunnel in which she fought the troopers. Just then all went dark. Torah toutched the cross. That boiling sound. Torah recognised it. She made a ball of light appear above her fingertips. Torah made it flout somewhere above her head. That was one of the first spells Yoko thought her. Another of those aliens was less then 10 meters away. Torah turned. There was another monster. The area was perhaps some three or four meters across. Torah licked her lips. This was no perfect battleground. Before she could figure it out, the monster behind spat acid. The other alien approached. "Orbs of sorcery!" She knew it was to no avail. They where immune. Never the less, she got enough time to prepare for the real combat. They gathered. The first alien came at her from another angle. The second devil spat at her. Torah knew that could kill her on impact. The acid made even the wall crack. She was able to glide beneath. She got back up. They where so quick. Torah was able to nail one with garlic. Acid splashed everywhere. Torah drew even further backward. The monster managed to close the wounds. The other monsters slashed with its claws. Torah yelphed. That was to close. She stamped with the cross. It burned on impact. More acid spoiled the area. Torah impaled the other with her stake. Then she turned and ran. They came for her. Torah couldn't escape. Tears ran down her cheeks. Then she gathered. God wouldn't abandon her. Before they could reach. Torah spread roses about. The flowers exploded on impact. The monster who still got the stake buried in its flesh, got blasted. Or so she thought. Torah presented the cross. The demons where not defeated. Torah didn't dare to toutch them. The gauntlets would just channel the darkness right into her. Torah sidestepped the demon. It kicked. The nails might've slashed her to pieces. Torah got the smash. She tried to pierce the heart. The demonic speed saved its life. Although the smash left nasty marks on its chest. The wounds closed. Torah almost got hit by the acid. Torah jumped. This time she was quick enough. The devil collapsed without the head. Torah got to pay a terrible price for the victory. Acidic blood spilled upon the area. The other alien picked her up. Scorched and adazed, Torah got an idea that the monster tried to kiss her. That would never happen. She still got the cross. Torah pressed it right into its mouth. The face exploded. The monster let go of her. Torah impaled its heart. Acid blod splashed all over the place. Torah curled together. Pain was her universe. The acid burned her body. Somehow she managed to recover the potion. Torah drank everything which where inside. Although she might need some of it later. Torah didn't care. The medicine restored her status. Still shaken, Torah sat up. That was the last of her potion. Torah only got some blue liquid left. She could summon Renon. Torah decided not to do that. She picked the crystals. The candles where lit anew. Torah decided to continue. She began walking. The enemies where all gone. Torah went quite some distance before the bats got interested. Torah kept the smash ready. The mammals kept their distance. The glow grew brighter again. She was back inside the crater. Strange though. The way back always felt shorter then the way in. Torah put the matter away. She inhaled. The scent of sulphur was all gone. The bridge was extended. Torah began walking. She hadn't gone far when the heads reappeared. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma made it shatter. Another head came close. A wae of heavy flames made it burn. Torah withdrew. She recognised the blast. The bone dragon was chained to the castle structure. The skeledragon waved about while spitting fireballs. Torah slashed. She did it almost on instinct. Torah was unsure if they could do that. The smash cut them to pieces. Torah inhaled. She got to be more careful. The head went in a wavy pattern. Torah threw stakes. She got to get rid of the white dragon. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. Two balls homed onto the heads. The third went home. The skeledragon waved back and forth. Then it breathed another heavy wave. Torah was able to dodge. This wasn't good. Another Medusa head approached. Torah released garlic at them. Three successive explosions illuminated the crater. The head got shot. The white dragon got hit head on. Suddenly it leached forward. Trippled fireballs nailed the bridgeway. Torah got hit by a fireball. The ring protected her from damage. Never the less, Torah felt rather shaken. She pulled together. Torah answered the move with another rose. The bone dragon avoided the flower. It released more flames. They burned on impact. Torah was forced backward. The flames made the head burn. The skeledragon didn't cared what or who it fried. Torah bit her lip. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma scored hits. Of course, she charged the spell. The head almost got her. Torah made a double swing. The head got shredded. The skeledragon released other fireballs. Torah placed garlic in front. The explosion shielded her from damage. Torah returned the favour with more roses. The white dragon roared. It was the only way to describe what happened. Then the entire bone dragon shattered. Each piece burned to ashes. Ceveral large crystals where all which remained. Torah presented the cross. The Medusa head burned on impact. Torah retrived the crystal. Then she went to pick up the rest. The big jewels replenished her arsenal. Torah went forward. Another head came at her. The smash settled the matter. The crater really was wider down here. Torah walked some distance. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot another head. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. The head passed just above her location. Torah got back up. She continued forward. Though she got the smash ready. Torah slashed another head. Then the skeledragon spat fireballs at her. Torah drew backward. The flames missed by inches. Torah inhaled. She really disliked those monsters. She picked herself together. Torah knew she had to get across. The small bridgeway was no ideal battleground. The head waved back and forth. Torah toutched the cross. Then she threw more stakes. God heard her prayer. The stakes went home. One of them at least. The white dragon was very quick. The heads where not that slow either. Torah presented the cross. The Medusa head burned into ashes. The bone dragon breathed another heavy flame. Torah somehow managed to jump the onslaught. Torah remembered about Ursula and her family. She hoped that, when beating the skeledragon, the spirit might be released. Torah answered the flames with her own projectiles. The rose created another explosion. Torah got back up. The blast threw her hard against the floor. She was just grateful she didn't land on the fence below. Torah dismissed it altogether. The skeledragon spat fireballs. Torah withdrew. She leached forward. The bone dragon was ten times larger then her. She rammed it with garlic. God make her land upon the walkway. For a moment she just lay there. The battle wasn't over. Anyway, the heads kept on coming. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. She got the heads. One orb actually nailed the white dragon as well. The undead bony adversary bounched up and down. Then it hammered the head into the walkway. Torah screamed. The metal could hardly… The skeledragon lifted. Torah knew it would continue until the bridge collapsed. Torah tightened the grip on the smash. She wouldn't allow that to happen. The massive skeledragon was already approaching. Torah threw roses right into the skull. The white dragon shook. Torah jumped. The cross was around her wrist. In mid-air, Torah stamped the bone dragon. She landed. The bone dragon waved back and forth. Then it began burning. Torah was busy fighting the heads. They never seemed to grow tired. No matter. The white dragon left numerous big crystals behind. Torah eagerly claimed the gemstones. They replenished her energy. Torah continued walking. The head went from a difficult angle. Torah ducked beneath. The next head got shredded. From beneath came another swarm of bats. Torah began moving quicker. They could drain her blood. Torah threw garlic all about. She had to get away. They chased her. Torah ran forward. The roses made them explode. Torah didn't care. There still where more of them. Torah reached the other side. There was no ladder. Of course there was no ladder. Torah made no mind about the matter. She threw more garlic at them. There was a narrow passage which led along the side of the crater. Torah wouldn't go that way. She instead entered the tunnel. Finally the mammals scattered.

Griffon watched as the skeleton picked down arms from the depo. It'd been Jade's idea to arm the workforce. He was still unsure if that would have any real effect. They where not trained soldiers. Of course. The dead had only been equipped with a small messure of intelligence. Even so, Griffon met skeletons which acted like living beings. He went down on one knee. Zaphron entered the arm's depo. The priest seemed almost alone without the eight. "Are you prepared?" The shaman asked. Jade, and the other lizards, kneeled before their warlock. "They have been deployed." Griffon informed. The priest didn't seem to notice. The pitch black eyes where turned inward. "She will not like it." He breathed. Griffon felt like his diet was crawling back up. He didn't wished to think about that. Her rage was terrible. This time nobody would be there to hold a ritual. "Barbaricia." Zophran seemed to return to the situation. "Exelent." The shaman acknowledged. "It will at least add force to your combatons." Jade looked a little nervous. Why not? He'd been one of the first to give way for the sorceress. Griffon dismissed the matter. He never encountered her. He was somewhat nervous about that. The skeletons where finally ready. Griffon would have to work out.

Torah inhaled. The stench of spoiled chemicals was terrible. No matter. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats got shot to pieces. Torah calmed. She began walking. There was almost no ore about. She didn't mine. Torah was no geologist. The tunnel came to an abrupt stop. Lava boiled beneath her location. Torah got the smash ready. The heads arrived. Torah slashed the Medusa head into oblivion. She jumped across. Torah got upon the initial platform. Smoke somewhat obscured her vision. Even so, she detected the head. Torah nailed it with an accurate stake. Nathan Graves said in his journal that he gained experience when fighting evil. That where in 1830. Torah made another jump. The metal felt good beneath her feet. Torah was grateful she didn't fall into the lava. Bats came at her. Torah threw garlic at them. The ring-smashed removed the head. She presented the cross. The mammals kept their distance. Torah used the opportunity to jump toward the third platform. Arrows went her way. Torah ducked. She licked her lips. The projectiles exploded on impact. A shaman had to be around. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the magic. The balls homed onto the mammals. Torah removed the Medusa head. She jumped back into the mine before they could fire another shot. They where there to meet her. Bats fluttered about. Torah knew the shaman might shield the villains. But perhaps not? Torah threw garlic about. She sent them roses. Ceveral explosions hit the area. The survivers appeared shaken. Torah was on the offensive. She dashed toward the enemies. Torah got the ring-smash in hand. "Orbs of sorcery!" She went in straight behind the spell. The smash cut through the ribs of a skeleton. The other ring exposed the organs of a lizard. Torah's cross made other enemies burn on impact. Torah ducked beneath the lance. The cross ended his misery. She claimed the crystals. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals still where the main concearn. More arrows hit the battleground. The explosions made other enemies collapse. The archers didn't care who they killed. Torah released more garlic. The barrier collapsed. Torah reached for them with an enflamed grasp. The skeletons got crashed. The lizards where overwhelmed. The source magic seemed to penetrate their shield. Of course. This was true power. Torah lost grip. Though she got other resources. Garlic grenade defeated the enemies. She finally got through to the archers. The shaman was there. He made rising icicles track forward. Torah sidestepped. She threw stakes. The cape protected him from damage. Torah was busy. The club refused to go away. Torah blocked and parried with the smash. If he could keep her occupied long enough for others to gather, then her life would be over. Torah suddenly withdrew. "Orbs of sorcery!" Her plasma shot him to pieces. Torah picked herself together. Roses cleared the area. All was confusion as they tried to gather. Torah was among them. Her smash in constant motion. Torah dodged the spear with inches. The smash went right into his stomach. Torah pulled it out. She presented the cross. The swordman burned into ashes. She claimed more crystals. Torah threw stakes toward the skeletons. "Orbs of sorcery!" The shaman seemed to have lost control. The blazing balls of plasma nailed the archers. Torah slashed the approaching mammals. The rangers released one final round. Then they fled the area. Torah was able to dodge. The arrows made havoc upon the battlefield. Torah shook her head. They really where no soldiers. If they'd been red knights, then things would've been much more difficult. Speaking of which, the shaman created another black rain. Torah presented the cross. The holy symbol actually protected against the acid. At least in this form. The shaman looked like he didn't believe it. Torah advanced. An arching load of flame went her way. Torah got beyond. Tripled roses ended his career. That made the remaining foes retreat. Torah soon was alone on the battlefield. She felt no victory. This was part of being a vampire hunter. She claimed the crystals. Torah then went beyond the battlefield. The tunnel soon became narrower. Torah kept watching the bats. Some mammals still where about. Torah toutched the cross. Piled stone or fallen boulders made it difficult to continue. Torah wondered if there might be any troopers about. The sound of cracking bones almost made her faint. Then again, it was only the basic skeletons. Three armed bone-men appeared from behind. Two lizard men came running down the corridor. They'd concealed themselves behind the fallen rock. Torah threw stakes at them. The skeletons collapsed. Torah dashed forward. The lizards where taken aback. The swordman got cut down. The club almost hit her. Torah threw herself flat. The monster laughed. Torah made no comment. Instead she threw a rose at him. That ended the misery. Torah wasn't quite sure. But she thought the blast took some bats with it. The battle wasn't over. They where still circling about. Torah obtained the crystals. She presented the smash. There might still be other foes. She wasn't disappointed. Torah went forward. She turned another corner. Three new skeletons arrived. Arrows went down the tunnel. Torah ducked. They had no aim. The skeletons advanced. Torah threw stakes. One skeleton collapsed. She threw herself sideways. The slash defeated the others. The club smashed against the wall. Torah screamed. Then she dived forward. The ring-smash exposed his organs. The lance almost impaled her body. The girl stepped backward. The monster advanced. He could've taken her out. The corridor was to wide. Torah got in beside. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The spell fried bogh him and the rangers. Torah obtained the crystals. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats came from difficult angles. Torah shot three into oblivion. Though it wasn't enough. Torah presented the cross. The symbol made them keep some distance. Torah threw garlic about. That cleared the area. The survivers scattered. Torah figured they would likely give chase. She would have to worry about it later. Torah went down the tunnel. She knocked some candles. Not that it was anything interesting inside. Torah might be forced to open the contract after all. The enemies advanced. The skeletons came from behind. The four lizard monsters where at her. Torah mentally kicked herself for having relaxed. She went beneath the swordman. The smash dug deep into his chest. Torah sidestepped the club. She threw stakes at them. The lance collapsed before he could reach the battleground. The clubs still was her main concearn. Other bats where about. Torah licked her lips. "Orbs of sorcery!" The lizards got burned. That was all good enough. Another skeleton also collapsed. There still where two more of them out there. Torah got the rose. The explosion finished off the battle. Torah was breathing heavily. Then she pulled herself together. She picked the gemstones. She began walking. The tunnel soon opened up. Torah reached another pit. The Medusa head came in a wavy pattern. It might inflict a stoned state. Torah sidestepped the enemy. She then lept. Torah got upon the platform. The smash removed the second head. She made for the other pillar. Torah got upon the platform. The bats approached from multiple directions. Torah threw garlic at them. The head exploded. Torah went upon the third platform. The bats chased after her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The tripled orbs of plasma circled her body before going outward. They went home. Torah jumped. She was back inside the mine. She presented the cross. They where forced backward. Torah used the opportunity to throw stakes at them. She retrived the crystals. The mammals fluttered aimlessly about. They seemed unsure. Torah entered the cavern. This place wasn't really that different from the other tunnel. Though this place was narrower. Torah might get in trouble if any lance where about. Nothing of the sort happened. Torah turned the corner. There was no ore here. Torah wondered why they cared making this opening. She dismissed the matter. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals finally gathered. Torah shot them into oblivion. She followed up the spell with repeated garlic. The survivers scattered. But then they formed into another big bat. Torah toutched the cross. This tunnel was to narrow for anything fancy. The big bat approached. She had no choise but to stand her ground. Torah presented the cross. The demon shrieked. Flames lit its features. It shattered into a swarm of smaller bats. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. Some monsters got obliterated. Before she could continue, the big bat reformed. Torah still got the rose handy. She threw it right at her enemy. The bats scattered. Torah threw garlic about. The flock got vaporized. She claimed the crystals. They formed into stakes or garlic. Torah even found some roses. She was able to replenish her stock. Torah left the place behind. Another wave suddenly approached. She was ready. Torah presented the cross. The bats burned accordingly. This was just as effective like the flame wave spell. Torah claimed all the crystals. They replenished her energy. Torah turned another corner. This area almost went in a zigzag. Torah at last reached another straight portion. The glow turned brighter. Torah reached the pit. Torah nailed the head with stakes. She jumped across. Torah landed upon the initial platform. Mammals where about. Torah almost expected it would be like that. She countered with more garlic. The ring-smash removed the head. Torah jumped. She landed ontop of the pillar. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The mammals had no chanse. They got fried on impact. Torah ducked underneath the head. She then lept for the third platform. Torah reached for the cross. She almost didn't make it. She pulled together. The head came from a difficult angle. Torah was able to shred the monster. The mammals approached. Torah wasted no time. She jumped back into the mine. She landed upon another of those straight open platforms. Torah thought it looked like some village square or sutch. She dismissed the matter. There where no monsters around. Though the bats where getting close. Torah threw stakes at them. "Orbs of sorcery!" The survivers finally scattered. Torah knocked a few candles. She where able to replenish her items. Torah presented the smash before entering the cave. This tunnel went straight for quite some distance. Torah noticed there where more ore in this place. She dismissed the matter. Everything was silent. She looked over her shoulder. The pit was already far behind. Torah continued forward. The tunnel began going upward. Torah held the smash. Nothing seemed to happen. Torah didn't put them away. She couldn't quite put the finger on it, but she got a bad feeling about this place. Torah looked at the cross. The candles where lit. The faint glow illuminated the area. Even so, something wasn't right. Ash lay on the floor. Torah suddenly stumbled. There lay things on the floor. Chills went down her spine. This was a place of evil. Torah was certain. She stepped backward. The bone-trooper emerged. This demon was armed with a sword and shield. Torah hung up the smash. They would be to no awail. The huge skeleton suddenly dashed. Torah was able to sidestep. The trooper flew just pass. Torah sent it further away with a wave of garlic. The explosion struck hard. Torah withdrew. The trooper came back. She was ready. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged with all her force. Three blazing hot orbs went straight into the enemy. Torah tried to figure what to do. The enemy advanced. Torah threw herself backward. The sword almost cut her in half. Torah made a swing. "Orbs of sorcery!" The magic made it stagger. But not for long. The trooper swung repeatedly. The sword got the size of her own body. She didn't like it. Torah got the rose. The explosion sent her hard against the floor. The blast threw the trooper off balance. Torah got the momentum. She stamped with the cross. The devil collapsed. Torah quickly put garlic in front. Then she ran. Torah didn't got far enough. The explosion sent her upon the floor. Torah got back up. She picked the crystals. Though they replenished her energy, she didn't feel better. She got good reasons. Another trooper had arrived. "Oh no!" Torah exclaimed. This one was armed with a heavy ball-and-chain. It emediately began to hammer the floor. The corridor was no ideal battlefield. It was to narrow. Torah was forced to run in a crisscrossing pattern to not get slammed. She answered with tripled garlic. The impact brought it to its knees. The situation didn't last. Torah got no chance to stamp with the cross. The heavy plate made bogh the walls and ceiling crack. Torah dodged. She sidestepped another onslaught. Torah threw stakes at him. The wooden nails went home. They had some impact. Though the skeleton quickly gathered. Torah was forced backward. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell pushed it away. But then it started forward. Torah licked her lips. They where growing smarter. It would continue until it either smashed or pushed her into the lava. Torah dodged another strike. She got behind the chain. This was almost like fighting the Cyclops droid within the villa. That made her feel even more nervous. Torah got around her enemy. She threw more stakes while moving along. The monster turned. Torah threw garlic. The explosion gave her enough time to distance herself from the enemy. The trooper hammered the floor repeatedly. Torah got the roses in hand. The trooper advanced. Torah had no mind about it. She dodged the great metal ball. Then the rose went home. The massive explosion might've taken her along. Torah ran away from the site. She got out of reach this time. She only returned to pick up the crystals. A sence of peace settled upon the battlefield. Torah was sure the evil was gone. From here at least. She continued to investigate the area. The corridor continued upward. Torah turned the corner. The tunnel went slightly downward again. Torah soon was in front of another pool. Molton lava boiled beneath. Torah got into a defensive posture. The heads had arrived. Torah got the ring-smash. She was able to remove the initial Medusa head. Torah got over to the first platform. Then came another head. Torah was able to nail the opponent. She made another jump. Torah landed upon another pillar. Then bats came at her. They seemed to appear from everywhere. Torah made a complete circle. The cross burned them on impact. The smash dismantled the second head. Torah used the opportunity to leap for the next platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. She burned some other mammals. The situation was anything but easy. They still circled her position. The garlic made them keep some distance. Torah made the head explode. She then lept back into the mine. There was no platform this time. The tunnel just wehnt straight into the mountain. It was just like out in the crater. Torah didn't mind. She got inside. The tunnel continued forward for some distance. Then it became narrower and less detailed. Rock and pieces of stone lay on the floor. Her steps made clouds of ash to rise. Torah got difficulty with breathing. At least no troopers where about. The mammals still chased her. Torah turned around another corner. Clearly she'd reached another zigzagged part of the mine. The mammals gathered. Torah almost threw up. The big bat had arrived. It dashed for her location. Torah was able to glide underneath. The monster turned. Torah lept. The smash made it shatter. Multiple smaller bats scattered throughout the area. "Orbs of sorcery!" She got some monsters before they gathered. The big bat went straight at her. The shining fangs gleemed like polished metal. Torah got the cross. She knew what to do. The monster arrived. Torah stood her ground. The fangs gleemed closer and closer still. "Take this your demon!" Torah shouted while pulling the symbol forward. The enemy burned. Bats scattered throughout the place. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. Trippled balls of blazing plasma shot from between her fingertips. The battle was over. The mammals where all gone. Torah inhaled. She put the cross against her heart. She didn't care it was dryad behaviour. Torah instead began walking. She whistled while walking. She couldn't explain it, but somehow Torah felt better. She turned another corner. The pit was just down the cavern. She went for it. Torah preduced the ring-smash. She still got them ready when the bats arrived. They came in a wave. Torah drew backward. She was able to shred quite some numbers. It was no use. They kept coming. Torah was forced even further backward. This wasn't good. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah dropped the smash. The plasma shot those first in line. That wasn't enough. Torah presented the cross. The swarm burned on impact. Torah inhaled. The air was bad. She didn't care. That was real close. She picked the smash. Torah collected the crystals. She had to be more careful. The ring-smash didn't work on every enemy. Torah walked toward the pit. Another swarm came her way. She was prepared. Garlic made them explode. Torah claimed the crystals. She where in front of the pit. The head came flying toward her position. Torah got the smash. They worked when fighting the Medusa heads. The beast got removed. Torah jumped toward the pillar. She landed ontop. Three bats came her way. "Orbs of sorcery!" They got shot. Just then came the head. Torah barely was able to dodge its approach. Other mammals advanced. Torah threw stakes at them. This time she got the Medusa head. Torah jumped. She reached the second platform. Torah threw herself upon the floor. The head went above. Torah threw stakes at the mammals. She was beginning to get the hand of this. There came another head. Torah moved. The head got shredded. She was careful not to get any blood on her. Torah lept. She landed upon the third platform. The head flew from a difficult angle. Torah presented the cross. The head got burned on impact. Bats where about. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot them into oblivion. An arrow flew through the air. Torah ducked. She frowned. Why was it just one? Never mind. Torah jumped into the mine. There was no platform here. Torah went straight into the mine. Although the tunnel was large, it was quite ravaged. Piled rocks and large boulders lay on the floor. She knew that sound. Torah spun around. A trio of armed skeleton was approaching. Someone was running. A lizard armed with a sword and shield advanced. Torah threw stakes at the bone-men. They collapsed. Two of them anyway. The monsters got closer. Another arrow went down the hallway. "Orbs of sorcery!" The magic homed onto the enemies. The skeleton got shot. The lizard swordsman was blasted into oblivion. Even the archer got removed. Torah retrived the crystals. This was unusual. Though her grandmother warned her. Nothing was ever ordinary within Castlevania. This wasn't the demon castle Dracula. The curse was to blame. Torah was certain about the matter. She turned another corner. The zigzagged location continued. Torah went down another tunnel. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals picked up her scent. She made them scatter. Something moved. Torah got into a defensive posture. Arrows came her way. Two lizards revealed themselves. Torah dashed forward. The lance nearly impaled her. She sidestepped. The smash dug deep into his stomach. The club hit the wal. Torah ducked underneath. Another arrow came down the hallway. Torah spun. The smash ended his misery. The skeletons came running forward. They where to close for anything fancy. The bats had gathered. Torah threw herself backward. The smash shattered his rib-cage. She spun. The second skeleton collapsed. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The spell removed the final bone-man. Some mammals also got burned. Other arrows came at her. Torah ducked. "Orbs of sorcery!" She got to get rid of the rangers. The plasma homed onto their position. That didn't remove the bats. They where all about her location. Torah made a complete circle. Garlic flew from bogh hands. She presented the cross. Although a little dizzy, she managed to repel their numbers. Torah gathered. She picked the crystals. They turned into onion or stakes when toutching. Torah frowned. Was Alucard right? He said it was a result of chaos. Torah put the matter aside. This was no classroom. There still where mammals about. Torah moved a little faster. She still got to find the switch. Torah reached another corner. This place looked the same as any other area she'd entered. Torah put it aside. She stepped forward. Mid-way down was some other boulders. She licked her lips. Something about that made her feel uneasy. Torah didn't have the ability of the Belmont clan. To see beyond the obvious. Though she had a stronger sensability then any who was entirely human. Torah altered grip on the ring-smash. She continued forward. She was surrounded by boulders. Three armed skeletons and some other monsters appeared. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah screamed. Although she'd expected an ambush, it didn't make things easier. The skeletons got shot. The lizards advanced. Torah stood her ground. Then she suddenly dashed. She got beneath the club. The smash settled the matter. She turned. The swordman nearly cut her. Torah sent him some stakes. The club and the other swordsman looked nervous. Torah gave them no chanse. The garlic ended their misery. Torah breathed. Things where happening to fast. She retrived the crystals. Torah was able to replenish her stock. She still hadn't found the switch. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot at the mammals. They scattered. Torah went down the cavern. It grew somewhat larger. Torah noticed lines of ore. She was back within the mine. The tunnel made another turn. Torah threw stakes at the mammals. She claimed the crystals. Torah turned the corner. Ahead was another straight corridor. Here where no rocks or boulders. Torah had a look around. The bats still chased her. Torah turned. Arrows collided against the wall. The sudden explosion threw her against the floor. Enemies advanced. Torah shook her head. Those idiots should've let the archers shoot her. Then again, they might still kill her. The corridor wasn't wide enough for a solid assault. They all struggled to reach her. Torah made roses shield her approach. She had to get through. The archers might kill her. They didn't mind who they killed. Other explosions shook the area. Torah slashed the club. The cross made the skeleton collapse. Torah ducked beneath the swordman. The smash crushed his lungs. He was dead before reaching the floor. The skeletons approached. She nailed them with stakes. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. Torah then made other roses confuse the opponents. Other blasts hit home. The archers where really careless in their approach. The shield should've protected the lizards. They where to close together for it to have any effect. They didn't even protect against her own sorcery. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the lance away. She even got the club behind. The stakes handled the skeletons. Torah threw herself flat. The skeleton actually killed its own companion. The other monsters avenged. All was chaos and conflict. Torah smashed the mid-sections of another monster. The bats where the only which seemed to recognize her scent. Though they dined upon the blood of the living monsters. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell made quick work of their numbers. The smash removed some other mammals. She nailed the skeletons. Torah cut through the heart of the lizard club. The weapon fell on the floor. It rolled. Some other monster stumbled. Torah made him burn. The cross removed another skeleton. She finally got through. Torah was inside another small room. At the heart was an elevated platform. Torah guessed the switch was up there. She got other problems. The archers where in front. The shaman released arching flames. He spoke words Torah didn't understand. Though the result was obvious. She sidestepped. The rising icicles collided against the monsters behind. Torah threw roses. The shaman didn't expect that approach. Some rangers where shot to pieces. Torah dodged other flames. "Orbs of sorcery!" The monster seemed to have lost control. Her plasma went home. The surviving rangers fired another round. This time it didn't explode. Torah dashed. The ring-smash crushed their bows. She lept backward. The black rain made things real complicated. Torah dashed back into the mine. The garlic shot the skeletons into oblivion. Torah almost got overthrown by the club. She got behind his defences. The smash went straight into his body. The cross repel the mammals. It made the spear burn on impact. Other icicles went forward. Torah pressed herself against the wall. The spell wasn't wide enough. She didn't care. The monsters which didn't froze came her way. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired repeatedly. There still where more of them. The shaman appeared in the opening. Arching flames hit the floor. The area wasn't wide enough. Torah cut the skeleton. She turned. The strange cloack didn't protect against stakes. The shaman staggered backward. Torah had no time. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals gathered. The big bat got struck by another arching flame. The shaman wasn't dead. Torah threw roses about. She'd began loosing track of things. She got behind the sword. The skeleton was knocked to pieces. She threw herself flat. Torah rolled. She lept. Two lizards fell without the head. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The big bat shattered into a swarm of smaller bats. Torah threw stakes at the lizards. Black rain where like acid. Torah ran down the corridor. She slashed the skeletons. Torah reached the small chamber. The archers where either dead or gone. She was alone. For some time though. The monsters came through the opening. Torah made garlic fall in front. Ceveral explosions followed. Torah dashed forward. She cut through the stomach of the swordsman. The stakes nailed the shaman. "Orbs of sorcery!" The skeletons burned. Strange. Torah didn't thought bones could do that. No matter. The shaman struggled back up. Torah spun. The lizard lance got his ribs smashed. Torah felt no victory. She still got some roses. The flowers created other explosions. The shaman got cought. Torah claimed some crystals. They became roses, stakes or onion when claiming them. She didn't care. Torah threw herself forward. The ring-smash removed the skeleton. She made a double-strike forward. The dual rings crushed his chest. The lizard was dead. Torah withdrew back into the small chamber. She threw stakes at them. Another lizard got impaled. Torah presented the cross. The bats burned on impact. The big bat was gone. That didn't matter. Torah knew she couldn't continue much longer. Not without resting. She made another approach. The smash struck the skeletons. She made bogh of them collapse. "Orbs of sorcery!" She burned the monsters. Torah ducked. The skeleton got struck down. She turned. The spear almost impaled her body. The girl repaied with stakes. The bone-men advanced. Other stakes made the trio shatter. Torah inhaled. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals scattered. Two monsters also burned. Torah claimed more crystals. The stakes dismantled the lizard. Torah got beneat their swords. The ring-smash then dismantled the skeletons. Torah leaned against the wall. She had to rest. Torah looked around. Most things looked settled. The monsters where either dead or dying. Some bats still where about. Another skeleton emerged through the smoke and gloom. Something about the sight made her shudder. The stake ended his misery. The bag of bones collapsed. Torah almost did the same. She felt so tired. Weary, she picked the crystals. Torah entered the room. All seemed quiet. She climbed upon the platform. The button was there. Torah pulled the switch. The red glow dimmed. Torah noticed the distant sound of moving metal. The pits where closed. She climbed back down. Torah went back into the corridor. The bats had left the area. Though the cavern bore proves of the latest battle. Torah went past the location. She turned several corners. The lit candles where the only source of light. Torah noticed she where back in which she jumped the pillars. The floor was made of metal. Not until she reached the tunnel did the floor return to normal. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot some bats. Torah continued. She presented the cross. The other mammals kept their distance. Torah wasn't that concearned. It was only three of them this time. Torah crossed another metal floor. She where back inside the corridor in which she met the troopers. Torah frowned. Was it her imagination, or did the place still have an aura of malice? She tripped on some objects hid in the ashes when all went black. A strange boiling sound was all which disturbed the silence. Torah illuminated a ball of plasma. The alien looked upon her with small gleaming eyes. Torah licked her lips. She didn't like these creatures. The monster spat. Acid fried on hitting the wall. Torah ducked. She threw stakes at it. Acidic blood hit the floor. Torah tightened the grip on the cross. The wounds where closed. The monster dashed. Torah withdrew. The enemy was quick. Torah managed to sidestep another shot before it reached her. She got the smash. The alien clawed with bogh hands. It kicked. Torah was forced even further backward. The enemy shot. Torah glided beneath. She hit the alien with bogh rings. The devil shrieked. Torah didn't mind. She pulled back her items and ran to save her own life. The alien where in presuit. The damages simply seem to vanish. Acid fried when hitting the wall. Torah reached the former pit. The acid melted the iron. Though no lava was gbeneath. The fall might be fatal. The demon came for her. Torah screamed. She threw garlic. The onion exploded on impact. Acid blood splashed upon the platform. Torah ran back into the mine. She stopped. The monster wasn't dead yet. The acid almost hit her this time. The blue ring couldn't protect against this matter. Not even the cross could do that. Though she kept her faight in God. The alien was suddenly back. Torah shivered. She dodged the offensive. The devil slashed with its claws. The kicks might kill her on impact. The nails looked terrifying. Torah swung and parried. The cross made its flesh turn afire. Acidic blood rained about the area. Torah jumped backward. She left it behind. Torah reached the third metal coverage. Beyond where the place where she fought the mammals. Speaking of which, some where about. The area went black. Torah lit her ball. The alien advanced. How could it survive? Torah didn't care. The claws nearly left scars on her skin. Torah threw a rose right at it. That was the worst she could do. The explosion made acid well out on the platform. Then again, the decaying monster melted through the platform. Torah watched it vanish into the abyss. The candles where lit anew. Torah wept. She didn't knew why. But of course, she knew. It'd been a little to much. Torah dried her eyes. She had to pull together. A breakdown wouldn't do any good. Torah inhaled. The air was bad. She got on her feet. The mammals where nowhere to be seen. Torah knocked some candles. She was able to replenish her stock. She frowned. Inside another candle she found a bottle. There was blue medicine inside. Torah checked her backpack. There she only found the two empty bottles. Torah shook her head. The bottle in her hand was full anyway. Torah put it inside. She went on walking. The area became lit with a faint red glow. Torah reached the crater. The ladder had been released. The fence was still in place. Torah looked at the third opening. She still hadn't been in there. A narrow catwalk led to the opening. Torah stepped on it. Like if it'd been a signal, the heads arrived. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The Medusa head got shot away. There where more of them. Torah threw garlic. Bats came from below. They could get through the barrier. Torah let them have some roses. "Orbs of sourcery!" Torah still had the heads to worry about. This was no ideal battleground. The blue chamber was at the right side of the crater. Torah tried to be quicker. That was the real trick. She might fall. Torah didn't wish to think further about the matter. Though she remembered what happened earlier. The enemy had been burned when toutching the fence. Torah threw more garlic. The bats kept on coming. They might suck her blood. "Orbs of sorcery!" The head got shot into oblivion. The other orbs hit mammals. Torah turned the corner. The crater really was getting larger. The narrow catwalk continued. Torah threw stakes at the head. She nailed it. The entrance was still some twenty meters ahead. Speaking of which, other heads came from difficult angles. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. Other bats emerged. The roses exploded. The blast swallowed their entire flock. Torah kept walking. There came another head. Torah sent it another stake. She missed. It was advancing. Torah reached the opening. The smash removed the Medusa head. With that accomplished, Torah entered into the blue area. The cold made her shiver. The blue ring would protect her.

Choul watched the sorceress advance. The tiny human went along the catwalk. She was brave. The lizard acknowledged. If only he got a bow. Or better, if a shaman had been around. Choul put the matter aside. He'd seen what the sorceress might do. Choul whipped his tail. That he did when nervous. Jade used to make comments about that. Where was he anyway? Choul knew he'd been among those who first met the intruder. Jade might be dead already. The sorceress entered into the blue location. Choul withdrew deeper into the shadows. He'd been the only surviver of the battle fought in the switch chamber. The human killed the shaman. That she did without using much magic. Choul was no shaman. Though he knew they where powerful. They frightened him for instance. When she could do that, what other could she do? The doom trooper gave the answer. She slaughtered it without notion. Choul wished he could leave this area. But then she would do with him as she did with others. His choises where limited. The priest had to know. Perhaps Zophran would demand a withdrawl. Choul went into the mine. Choul only wished to survive.

The blue area was enormous. Torah inhaled. The cold air was fresh after all that spoiled sulphur. The cave was big as a stadion. Torah stepped forward. Her feet sank into piles of white snow. Torah blinked. Although she'd seen it before, she still couldn't believe it. How could it snow down into a crater. Torah put the matter aside. The powder wasn't deep anyway. She could easy walk across. The bright blue light had almost blinded her at first. Torah adapted to it eventually. So far she hadn't seen a single foe. The ceiling was so far above. It was shining blue, like zapphire, or ice. Just like the wall. Torah couldn't figure if it was ore, or some sort of jewel. She put it aside. It might even be a result of the magic. Acording to legend, Simon Belmont ventured into an ice cave. That was way back in 1688. The sound of leathery wings made her alert. Some mammals where above. Though they kept their distance. Torah felt afraid. Why didn't they attack? Mid-way down the monstrous hall was another elevated platform. Torah reached for the cross. The stage was lit with eerie blue light. She put the smash away. The laugher boomed. It shattered the eerie cold silence. Three lizard dancers emerged. They kept the same outfit as the flare-dancers. Though their headpiece and jewleriey was decorated with blue or aquamarine stones. No ruby or black diamond where visible. Torah began dancing. The ice-dancers where illuminated by a strange bluish light. Frozen icicles rised on their mobility. Torah licked her lips. It was a while since she last fought them. The bats had arrived. They circled the area. Torah almost expected they would act that way. The matter wasn't interesting. Torah dodged. The area around the platform was bare of snow. Though the floor was still white. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot. The spell homed onto the enemies. Though they went home, the illumination kept them from damage. Torah almost got captured. She guessed the icicles might freeze her. Bats approached. Torah got the smash. She turned. The mammals got shredded. The survivers scattered. Torah presented the cross. She lept above the ice. The dancers where quick and agile. They bousted baggy white trousers. The cross got through the illumination. The dancer hissed with frustration. Torah sent stakes through her opponents. The dancer withdrew. Torah hadn't pierced the heart. The other enemies approached. Frost rised on their mobility. The damaged dancer made a summersault back among the blue flames. Torah sidestepped the offensive. She threw other stakes. They froze on impact. The enemies laughed. Torah tightened the grip on her symbol. She didn't want to use magic. She frowned. Torah continued dancing. She might have an idea. The gauntlets could drain magic. The third ice-dancer had returned. Torah was able to dodge. She lept herself. The enemy was right in front. Torah bit together. Then she reached. The scales felt dry beneath her fingers. Torah got a disgusted look. The magic felt like something of a trash container. Even so, she drained enough energy to extinguish the lamination. Torah ducked beneath the fist. The cross burned the devil. Torah was forced to retreat. The lizard kicked. The bare feet bousted sharp nails. Torah giggled. The monster painted its claws. Only Tony, the girl living upstairs in Chicago, used to do that. The dancer lept back into the torch. Other icicles rapidly rised in her direction. The other enemies where advancing. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah got other trouble. The mammals kept attacking. The plasma burned them to ashes. Torah claimed the crystals. There where some candles upon the wall. Although they where to far away. Torah got above some other icicles. She got face to face with another of the dancing demons. Torah had no mind about it this time. The gauntlets drained magic. Torah almost threw up when the magic was sent back through her body. Though she knew the gauntlets would absorb the backflash. Torah felt no better. If only she could discover how to channel magic through the other sub-weapons. That would have to wait. Torah got the smash out. The lizard made several quick steps backward. Torah was in presuit. The dancer distanced herself only further away. Torah felt frustrated. The monster laughed by her emotions. The other demons where approaching. Even the mammals gathered. Time to finish this off. Torah threw stakes. The dancer got caught off guard. The wooden stakes went deep into her body. The impaled lizard collapsed into a heap. "Orbs of sorcery!" She didn't forget about the bats. The spell removed some enemies. Torah claimed the crystals. Some mammals withdrew right among the flames. Torah wasn't surprised when they emerged as mimic monsters. They might freeze her on impact. So could the lizards as well. They made solid frost rise on impact. Torah spun. The chill went past her location. The rose went home. Magic or no magic, it couldn't shield against the explosion. The last dancer looked furious. Torah licked her lips. She picked the crystals the second enemy left behind. Mimic mammals went her way. Torah threw garlic. She was unsure if they would have an impact. Torah cheered. The onion was working. The dancer was on the move. She circled the stage. Torah had to be quick or risc being captured. Torah danced. She lept when she had to. The dancer made icicles rise on purpose. Torah already marked her with the cross. The dancer had learned to be more careful. Torah placed garlic on the floor. Space was limited. Then the lizard went back among its pyre. Mimic devils where still about. They came from difficult angles. Torah was able to shred one of those dreadful bat coppies. The dancer was back. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah knew it wouldn't work. Though it threw her off balance. Torah advanced. The gauntlets drained some of her magic. It didn't give Torah anything. Beside a desire to throw up that was. The lizard's mystics simply tasted aweful. Though it worked, which was the real point. Torah lept. The dancer withdrew. Torah fell on the floor. The lizard laughed. Torah got up. She got frozen by a bat. Torah screamed. Freezing nails where tearing her apart. Or so it felt. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah staggered. The plasma shot the dancer to pieces. The blue flames subsided. The cross made the mammal burn. Torah felt no victory. Frost was her reality. She couldn't stop shivering. Torah craddled together while toutching her cross. Torah remembered. She brought off her backpack. She preduced the blue potion. Torah's body was shaking with cold. Somehow she removed the cork. The medicine restored her. Torah put the bottle back in. "You're not finished with me yet." She muttered. The mimic which survived stil fluttered about. Though they kept their distance. Torah muttered. She picked the crystals. She knew they would chase her. Torah had to be careful. She continued walking. There was no switch atop the stage. She knew. Torah checked before leaving the site. The white sheet went on and on. Torah felt like being captured in a picture. Legends told some witches tend to do that. Mathilda sometime spoke about it. Torah put it aside. She still got the smash out. The mimic chased her mobility. Torah reached for the cross. She still kept it tied around her wrist. Torah stopped. She'd reached the pit. No, not a pit. It was to narrow. Beside, it reached through the entire area. But it was lava alright. Torah gathered herself. Then she jumped across. Torah reached another wide white sheet. Snow covered even this area. Torah began walking. Strange, but she got that funny feeling again. Something was wrong. That was it. Torah frowned. That grey stuff. It couldn't possibly be ordinary snow. Then she recognized the fabric. It was ash. Plain simple ash. Torah tripped. There lay stuff among the ashes. Weaponry, and pieces of ancient arm. Torah shivered. If she was right… Torah hung up the smash. "Help me." Torah whispered. The bone-troopers had arrived. It was four of them in total. Torah knew she got no chanse but to use magic. She tightened the grip on the cross. Just a little couldn't harm her, or could it? Two where armed with a sword and shield. The third began to hammer the floor. The ball-and-chain might crush her. Torah got to slow them down. That was her only chanse to survive. The axe already advanced. "Witner's heart!" Torah almost felt like being stripped of her humanity by that lone spell. She knew it was her imagination. "Zapphire shards!" The onslaught of icicles made the swordsmen stop. The one with the heavy mace almost got her. Torah dashed. "Orbs of sorcery!" The tripled orbs of plasma homed straight at it. The trooper staggered. Torah knew that spell was safe. Until recent, she hadn't noticed. But the plasma didn't give that same strange feeling as other magic. The trooper swung at her. It was rather slow. That was no real hindrance. The skeleton might crush her. Torah answered with garlic. The explosions brought the enemy off balance. The other skeletons got free. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah shot parallel blue beams from within her gaze. The axe skeleton got frozen in place. Torah dodged the maze. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bone-trooper got nailed. Torah didn't mind. The swordsmen where advancing. "Winter's heart! Zapphire shards!" That should keep them busy. The mace smashed against the floor. Torah screamed. That was to close. She manage to run around. The rose exploded. The skeleton collapsed. Torah placed garlic in front. She was thrown hard against the floor. Torah got back up. The enemy was gone. No matter, the trio was loose. Torah claimed the crystals. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged at the nearest mimic. The spell made it shatter. The trooper armed with the axe came like a crazed lumberjack. Torah threw more garlic at it. The explosion made it stagger. The swordsmen dashed. Torah managed to get underneath. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot it through the back. That wasn't nice. But it was what she had to do. The trooper was forced to its knees. The second swordman dashed. It came in that crouched position which made it impossible to get beneath. Torah stood her ground. The moment it advanced, she met it with a rose. The wild flower made the skeleton collapse. Torah placed garlic in front. Then she ran. The skeleton was defeated. It didn't mean anything. The other swordsman and the one with the axe where still active. "Winter's heart!" Torah froze the axe man. The other enemy dashed. Torah sidestepped. The trooper turned. Torah got another rose. The skeleton exploded. Torah placed out garlic. The axe was loose. Torah got the rings out. The smash shredded bogh mimic into pieces. The bone-trooper had arrived. Torah threw herself backward. The enemy struck. The slash missed with inches. Torah threw herself sideways. The skeleton made another slash. "Orbs of sorcery!" This time the devil collapsed. Torah placed garlic in front. Torah went to pick the other crystals. Behind her the enemy got blasted. The sence of evil seemed to vanish. Torah inhaled. She actually felt more relaxed. Even though some of the glowing monsters where about. No switch was visible. Torah claimed the last crystals. They turned into garlic or roses. Torah smiled. She replenished her stock. The cave seemed like it would continue on forever. Torah got the smash ready. The mimic still chased her. After some distance Torah reached another stream. She easily got across. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot them away. Torah picked the crystals. This area was the same as before. Torah went across an enormous white plain. The snow was cold. The wind chilled her. She thought about taking on her poncho. Torah buttoned her shirt. She even pulled the west tighter to her. Blood and dirt stained her clouthings. Torah wasn't that clean herself. Torah wished she could have a bath. One hot and steaming. That was impossible. Torah knew. But it didn't kept her from dreaming. She finally put it aside. The bats still hadn't given up the chase. Torah kept track of their mobility. The walls where close. Though a smaller tunnel went deeper into the mountain. Torah got inside. The mammals left her behind. Torah wondered about that. She hoped no other ice-dancers where about. When she called this place smaller, it only was because of the size outside. Torah had been in churches which where smaller then this corridor. She gussed it was at least some ten meters up to the ceiling. The floor was just as wide. Torah walked through the snow. The eerie blue light became reflected by the white powder. Torah toutched the wall. It was so cold that she immediately withdrew. The blue diamond glow had to be frost. Torah licked her lips. She toutched the cross. For a moment, Torah felt like being inside a giant block of ice. She closed her eyes. She got to pull together. Torah tightened the grip on the symbol. "Be with me." She pleaded. Torah opened her eyes. Nothing had changed. No matter, Torah began walking. She eventually reached the end of the corridor. Torah entered into a rather small chamber. Though the ceiling was just as far above as before. She didn't care. The floor was bare of snow. Torah noticed it was still white. Perhaps it was powder frozen solid. Torah put the matter aside. At the heart of the square chamber was a platform. Black flames seemed like consuming all light which came near. Torah put away the smash. She'd hoped not to meet them again. An eerie laugher filled the room. Suddenly large icicles, like a fence, came down to block the entrance. Torah kept walking. Four dancing figures, clad only in black, lept from the stage. Torah felt colder still. Somehow this was worse then the cursed areas where troopers lurked. Red, blue or even green globes, like that of gleaming eyes, looked at her from beneath turbans or from across the vail. They began dancing. Torah knew they where hollow. Though they pretended like the living. Black ink seemed to stain the floor on their mobility. Torah wouldn't dare to toutch them. No glow illuminated their poses. Neither the smash nor the stakes would be of help. Torah kept dancing. If only Rose had been here. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The dancers got hit. The wraiths shrieked. The sound was terrible. Though their clothing where on fire, they soon seemed to adapt. The evil force consumed the magic. Torah licked her lips. Although she might eventually weaken their status, that would take to much time. They may even kil her before she could make it work that way. Blackness spread on their approach. Torah stepped over the blackness. She lept. The shade-dancers where far to careless. But of course, they kept their trust in the dark side. The fourth dancer was emerging. Torah felt a distant hate radiate from the being's very presence. "Jesus!" She shouted. The very name seemed to pain her opponent. Torah got the cross. The barrier suddenly vanished. "God!" She shouted. The cross lit with a golden blaze. Her spirit bloomed. It was the only way to describe what happened. A shining explosion sent the dancer hard against the floor. Torah still got the cross in hand. Although her barrier rebuild itself, she kept her faight. Torah lept. She stamped with the cross. The shade tried to get up. The cross burned. Torah shrieked. The toutch was like nothing she'd ever experienced. Blackness within blackness. A complete hollow entity. Torah noticed she'd grasped it as well. Somehow she'd managed to use the gauntlets. Though the sensation was dreadful. Just when Torah felt she couldn't take more of this, the circle was complete. The shade-dancer began burning. Torah watched her fall into ashes. She claimed the crystals. Somewhat shakey, Torah got back on her feet. The battle wasn't over yet. Three dancers where still in motion. They had to be connected somehow. If not, why did they reach like that? While Torah kept fighting the demon, they'd just stood there. Torah frowned. Perhaps it was that simple that she'd challenged the ring-leader. She put the question aside. The hollow black figures made darkness become spread. Torah felt like being polluted. This entire place was one giant curse. She pulled together. Torah knew she got to pull through. She put garlic upon the battlefield. It was the dictate of vampire hunting. The enemies made summersault back among the blackness. Torah retrived her onion. She got to do something. The eerie laugh boomed throughout the chamber. It sent chills down her spine. Although the floor was white anew, Torah could almost taste their pestilence. The trio remerged. The enemies danced. Torah got into motion. That might be the only way to stay alive. They could drain her life on contact. Two of them tried to corner her at the platform. Torah made a sudden leap. She through bogh of them. Then the third appeared in front. She was so graceful. For a moment Torah almost got hypnotized by her elegance. Then she shook it off. The rose still smelled fresh. Torah threw it right at the opponent. The devil shrieked. The sound was terrible. The explosion was breathtaking. Torah claimed the crystals. The other dancers where approaching. She moved. They chased her. Black ink stained the white floor. No, not ink. If she hadn't known it was impossible, Torah would've said it was dark water. A sudden shiver went through her body. "The dark ocean world." Torah whispered. She pulled together. This only made it more important to end their haunting activeties. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The spell sent them off the chase. At least for a while. Torah didn't withdrew. Instead she lept for her nearest enemy. The cross burned through its darkness. The enemy glared at her. The strange glowing balls where filled with such hatred. Hate was cold. That Mathilda used to say. Torah didn't mind. She would never tell Heinrich about the matter. But that stare made her panic. She got back. Although the cross burned the dancer, it didn't burn her out. The other wraith used the opportunity well. It suddenly was upon her. Torah yelped. She still got the cross. The demon reached for her. Torah had no choise. She toutched her. Torah drained some magic. It was terrible. No matter. The shade-dancer grew rigid. Torah suddenly let go. The circle was complete. Torah burned with the cross. The enemy collapsed. The second devil approached. Torah screamed. She just couldn't help it. The garlic exploded on impact. It was over. The enemies burned into ashes. Torah claimed the crystals. Perhaps she where growing stronger. Torah didn't mind. She climbed upon the stage. The area was bright and cold anew. That made Torah smiled. Perhaps it didn't was in vain after all. She pulled the switch. Torah jumped back down. She went for the corridor. Suddenly the candles burned out. The light just suddenly faded. Torah lit her plasma. At the opening stood a figure clad in a black hood and cloack. Torah shuddered. First she actually thought it was a wanderer. It wasn't. Her ball revealed its nature. The cloacked alien stepped into the room. Torah preduced the ring-smash. The alien let the cape fall to the floor. Underneath it was clad in the same baggy black silk as the dancers. Torah reached for the cross. This wasn't good. From its belt, the monster preduced a sort of pipe-like device. Torah stared. The enemy held it forward, like offering the item for inspection. Then bright crimson beams where released. Torah thought of like being in an old movie. Like those her grandmother had been so found of. Torah quickly dismissed that idea. This was real. The alien moved. Torah was able to dodge. She threw stakes at him. The demon blocked. The wood burned on impact. That was plasma. Sort of anyway. Torah licked her lips. She didn't like this situation. She couldn't risc getting into close battle. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The orbs went home. The enemy blocked. Torah used this moment to throw garlic at him. Acid blood splashed on the floor. The monster somehow was able to pull together. Torah figured her strategy. She would have to keep him off balance if she should have any chanse to nail him. He came for her. Diving and dodging like a real fencer. This wasn't good. Torah was nearly as quick. It wasn't going to be of help. Torah presented the cross. It was a mere desperate messure. But it worked. The monster withdrew. Torah threw other stakes. The monster cut them to pieces. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged her magic. The shots got parried. "Block this." Torah muttered. "In the name of Jesus!" She shouted. Torah smiled. She almost sounded like the Belmonts. The rose went home. The devil tried to block. Though the wild flower exploded on impact. Torah cheered. She was far enough to not get burned. Her joy was short-lived. The enemy gathered. He came to fast this time. He spun and twirled so fast that Torah felt all dizzy. She did all she could to slow him down. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah followed up with garlic. He dodged. He blocked her offensive. Torah somehow got close enough to stamp with the cross. She tried to remove the barrier. It failed. Although the symbol burned the opponent. Torah threw herself flat. She then rolled. The acid blood burned the white floor. Torah was grateful for not getting hurt. The alien threw the weapon like a giant boomerang. Torah only heard Death used to act like that. She jumped across. Torah was able to avoid the return. The enemy shot acid. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah gasped. The plasma didn't seem to hurt him. Then she remembered. The aliens where immune to magic. He regained the saber or whatever it was. Torah was pushed hard. The devil advanced. Torah was pushed further backward. Desperate, Torah threw herself forward. The cross actually blocked the blades. It wasn't enough. He would soon get behind her defences. "Let it be." Torah stated. Then she threw the rose right on the battlefield. The alien stumbled backward. Torah wasn't sure. But she thought he was surprised. He fell forward. Acid blood was everywhere. Or so she felt. Torah got back from the abyss. The alien didn't melt through the floor. He lay melting. The snow wasn't even toutched. It wasn't normal. Torah began learning that not everything acted to the laws of nature. Strange, but her teatchers always made it seem so simple. That was back home. Torah inhaled. She better pull together. She claimed the crystals. Torah went through the tunnel. Out on the ice, everything looked like when she left it. The candles where lit anew. Torah noticed when moving beside. She knocked some of them. The mimic had returned. The magical mammals fluttered about her position. Torah got across. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma made them burn on impact. Torah acknowledged. At least that power might toutch them. The heat grew nearer. She was at the opening. The surviving mimic enemies scattered. Though not into the crater. Torah noticed their behaviour. She got upon that narrow walkway. The ordinary mammals immediately noticed. Torah threw roses at them. The explosions at least could shield her approach. Torah got the smash. The head got shredded. There where more of them coming. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot them into oblivion. Torah tried to hurry. Though it was difficult out on the narrow pathway. The bats had gathered. Torah threw garlic at them. She nailed the head. The stakes could be useful at times. Torah smiled. The grimace never reached her eyes. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah threw another spell. She charged. The heads exploded. Torah reached the corner. No matter. There still where some distance left to the ladder. The fence was gone. Torah felt no joy. It only ment she could continue. Garlic made the mammals scatter. Torah threw stakes at the heads. It felt like she wasn't getting there. The enemies chased her. "Orbs of sorcery!" The monsters scattered. The plasma homed onto those which where closest. Torah watched them burn. The heads approached. Torah moved. The smash settled the ordeal. Although Torah almost lost balance on the chase. There was only some ten meters left. Torah threw roses at the mammals. The stakes removed the Medusa head. Torah reached solid ground. The cave yawned behind her. Torah had already been inside. She began to climb the ladder. The bats seemed to have left the area. It didn't mean anything. The heads came from difficult angles. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah cried. It was difficult using magic when climbing. The effort was worth the risc. The Medusa head exploded. Torah went deeper into the crater. The stakes where better used. The head where defeated. Didn't Simon Belmont meet Medusa in the incarnation of a giant head? Torah put it aside. Whatever the case, that happened in 1688. They must've planned it. The mammals where back. Torah threw roses about. The explosions where glorious. Torah got shielded. She finally reached the end of the ladder. "Orbs of sorcery!" The head got shot to pieces. Torah threw more garlic. The smaller explosions made the bats scatter. They still where about. Torah didn't care. She'd reached the 10th. level. Black smoke obscured her view. Torah toutched the cross. The crater was enormous. She put it aside. The distant red glow was the only source of light. The mammals gathered. Other heads came her way. Torah figured there was no reason staying behind. She went into the tunnel. Everything went silent. Torah was breathing heavily. She already could smell the stench of spoiled sulphur. Torah toutched her symbol. She better continue. The boiling sound grew louder. Torah where in front of another pit.

Castle center, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
The giant lizard man went through his woredrobe. There where actually two of their number. In one hung a fine suit. Letters, books and other papers filled up the space. Dr. Jeckyle had concealed a small box. It was locked and secured in many ways. In the other was shabby clothings. Bags of money, currency or banking accounts filled up the space. The lizard man pulled it aside. He was searching for something special. He had to do it now, while the potion was still working. The monster felt disgusted. Beneath the mammon he found concealed weaponry or erotic magazines. Mr. Hyde was a disgustive being. He cursed the day when he first brought him into existence. The giant lizard man continued his search. There was something he needed. His hope was to become a man. Be it undead or not. The estranged and forgotten son of count Dracula told the truth. To be a vampire didn't mean that person had to choose the path of darkness. If only he'd realized that in time. Upon the bottom lay another purse, heavy with gold coins. It was English money. There even lay another magazine. Coloured women where abused and tortured. The lizard man tore it to pieces. He stamped on the gold. It was worthless. He finally found what he was searching for.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
Torah produced the ring-smash. The head got shredded. Torah jumped. She reached the platform. Thick black smoke made it almost impossible to see beyond some meters. The bats came from above. Torah threw a rose. The cluster exploded. Torah grimaced. Some mammals survived. The head came her way. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired her spell. The head got shot. Torah nailed some bats. There still where more of them. Torah shredded the next head. Then she jumped across. Torah landed upon the pillar. What kind of metal could survive the heat? She put it aside. The mammals circled her position. Torah ducked. She knew that sound. Arrows flew from the shadows in front. They really where bad archers. Not even one went home. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The mammals where removed. Some of them anyway. Torah lept. She reached the shore. Armed lizards and bone-men where there to meet her. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell went home. Torah threw stakes at them. The skeletons collapsed on impact. Torah still got the smash. She dashed forward. Torah slashed right into his body. The club went down. Torah spun. The swordsman got caught off guard. Torah threw garlic about. The grenade-like onion shot the monsters into pieces. Torah wished she could turn away. This wasn't nice to see. The survivors pressed her location. Torah dodged the lance. The cross made him burn. The rose was like an actual bomb. The area got cleared, sort of anyway. Torah dashed. The club got hit through the ribs. Torah presented the cross. The bat burned to ashes. Torah stamped the skeletons. They collapsed. Torah sent stakes toward their location. The wooden projectiles nailed them altogether. The garlic handled the mammals. Torah wasn't quite sure. They came in an endless supply. Never mind. Torah got behind his defensive. The cross ended his misery. Torah presented the symbol. The bats kept some distance. "Orbs of sorcery!" The trio of plasma circled her body before going outward. Three new lizards got shot down. Torah lept. A duo of skeletons fell without the head. Torah swung. The smash went through the lizard's body. She got through to the rangers. Either they'd been to confused to fire, or they had no arrows left. They feld instead of fighting. Torah turned. "Orbs of sorcery!" The lizards where dead before reaching the floor. The skeletons collapsed as the stakes hit home. Torah was breathing heavily. She couldn't rest. The flowers exploded. Torah was finally alone on the battlefield. She retrieved what crystals they left behind. She wasn't completely alone. Some bats circled the area. They where like infuriated mosquitoes. Torah didn't mind. Not if they kept their distance. She shrugged. Torah knew she eventually had to fight them. That would be for another time. Torah went into the tunnel. This was no active location. There was little or no ore within the mountain. Torah noticed the corridor was rather neglected. Boulders, and piles of ash or smouldered rock, obscured her view. Black smoke didn't make thing easier. There where very few candles about. The faint red glow was the only real source of light. Torah put it aside. She could lit a ball if she needed. Something caught her attention. The bats where gone. That wasn't it. Somehow she just… The cracking of moving bones made Torah spin. An arrow went down the passage. Torah was able to sidestep. Stakes removed the bags of bone. The lizards approached. The bats suddenly came from above. Torah threw garlic. The explosion cleared the area. Torah dashed. The club got cut down before he even noticed. "Orbs of sorcery!" The second club and the lance got shot. The archer fired another arrow. Torah almost got shot in the elbow. The flowers settled the ordeal. Torah inhaled. The air was bad. She put it aside. Torah retrieved the crystals. They turned into objects when touching. Torah frowned. She dismissed the matter. All could happen when hunting the undead. Torah had been careful not to knock the candles. She began walking. Torah produced the ring-smash. She got to be careful. She turned another corner. The tunnel became slightly larger. Eight rocks stood like Stonehenge. Torah frowned. Something wasn't right about that. Didn't that landmark consist of more then just eight? The matter would have to remain unanswered. Three skeletons and a group of lizard monsters arrived. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The tripled orbs of shining plasma circled her body before going outward. Two lizards and a skeleton got removed. Torah swung. The smash made the ribs shatter. The final bone-man collapsed. Torah threw herself sideways. The lance almost pierced her. Torah stamped with the cross. She kept the symbol tied around her wrist. Takeru, one Japanese boy she knew from back home, used to do that. She smiled. Torah dried away some tears. He'd been a friend. Torah wondered if she ever would meet her schoolmates again. Torah kept walking. Some bats where still about. Torah got the smash. She would keep track of their mobility. The sound of boiling lava grew nearer. Torah stepped forward. An archer suddenly raised in front. The arrow went just past her. A group of armed skeletons attacked. Other lizards appeared through an opening concealed within the wall. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals used the opportunity to attack. Torah threw garlic about. The skeletons collapsed. Torah dashed. The smash dug into his mid-sections. The lizard gurgled. He was dead before reaching the flor. Torah felt strangely pitty for him. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shouted. She charged the magic. Blazing plasma blossomed between her fingertips. The orbs shot outward. Three monsters got cut in row. Torah turned. The cross burned. The inner barrier had fallen. She made flames erupt. The explosion was spectacular. Torah threw herself head-first among the skeletons. The smash crashed through their bones. She turned. Torah threw more roses. The battlefield erupted with chaos. Torah nailed the archer. Stakes flew through the air. While the area was stil confused, Torah lept for the nearest platform. She turned to throw more garlic. The blast almost threw her backward. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah aimed for the mammals. The head nearly got her. Torah still got the smash in hand. The Medusa head got shredded. Torah felt no proad. There where more of them coming. Torah presented the cross. That was enough to repel their approach. Torah cut the enemy to pieces. She lept for the second platform. Torah landed ontop. "Orbs of sorcery!" The magic nailed the mammals. They still where about. Torah waisted no time. She jumped through the air. Torah rolled forward. She got up into a defensive posture. The rings where at the ready. Torah reached out with bogh arms. Nothing happened. Torah inhaled. The scent of sulphur almost made her throw up. She pressed her lips together. Torah went forward. This place was different. The wide open corridor got lines of rich ore. Torah smiled. She felt better. Torah toutched the cross. She knew she had to beware. The enemies where still chasing her. Torah knew that. The tunnel went straight onward. The floor was clean of every garbage. The bats just came. They flew in a sudden wave. Torah held her arm high. It was the left arm, the one on which she had her symbol. The cross made them burn on impact. Torah shrieked. She struggled to keep up against her enemies. Suddenly it was over. The mammals all burned to ashes. Torah retrived the crystals. She was breathing heavily. This wasn't right. The mammals always seemed to find her. Torah pulled together. She began walking. The platform wasn't that large. She noticed the pit in front. The corridor might be some 40 or 60 meters long. Torah put it away. She knew not to act without care. Dangers might be everywhere. Some bats chased her from that other pond. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot at them. They scattered. Torah nodded. She stepped forward. Then a wave of mammals came from the ceiling. Torah got the smash. She moved. Torah was quicker then she remembered. The smash felt light in her grasp. It felt like she'd done this for a 1000 years. Torah continued slashing. She spun and twirled. The mammals kept on coming. Torah was breathing. She struggled to remove the barrier. Her spiritual blockade felt stronger then ever. There was nothing she could do. Then it was over. The survivers spread about. Torah leaned against the wall. The rock felt strangely cold. It was like she got relaxed by their mere presence. Torah pushed herself back up. She didn't have time. Torah went to stand before the pit. Lava boiled beneath her. Torah inhaled. The air was bad. No matter. Torah slashed the head. She then jumped. Torah landed ontop of the initial platform. Other heads where approaching. Torah presented the cross. The symbol made them burn. The cross was made of ordinary metal. There was nothing curious about it. Though it represented the Lord. God was good. That Jesus said long ago. Torah let go of her symbol. She went for the other pillar. Torah got ontop. She felt nice about that. She really had been getting positive grades at the gymnastic back home. Torah put it aside. She knew others had been better. Perhaps the training made her more flexable? Torah dismissed the matter. She removed another Medusa head. They seemed to come in an endless supply. Christopher Belmont said the same about the rolling eyeballs. That was just a legend anyway. Christopher Belmont fought against count Dracula way back in 1577. Torah jumped back into the mine. There was another platform here. Like those she usually met the lizards upon. There where no monsters about this time anyway. Torah was careful. The bats chased her. Torah threw stakes at them. She nailed a few. The survivers gathered. The big bat dashed. Torah screamed. The big mammal almost bit her. She threw the stake right into its chest. The demon shattered into a swarm of smaller bats. Torah inhaled. The monsters flew about. She threw garlic at them. The explosion somewhat cleared the area. But then the big bat reformed. It came for her with fangs like polished steel. Torah disliked this monsters. She really, really did. Torah was able to dodge the approach. The big black being turned. It came back. Torah almost thought it looked like a flying cape. Soma Cruz met the killer mantle in 2035. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the bat to pieces. The shards consisted of multiple smaller mammals. Torah licked her lips. Jonathan Morris challenged the hollow man in 1944. The enemy gathered. The monster would suck her blood. Torah knew it could. She didn't wish to be a vampire. Torah didn't care about Alucard, Blade or those who decided to hunt their own species. Torah knew the future of her bloodline depended on what she did and what she didn't right now. The big bat chased her about. Torah presented the cross. The devil got repeled. Torah smiled. The grimace never reached her eyes. Suddenly she threw a rose at him. The big bat exploded. The blast even got those which survived. Torah claimed the crystals. She hoped grandmother Yoko would approve. Torah had a look around. Some candles where still lit. She let it be. They might be handy later. Torah went into the tunnel. The area looked alright. Torah was on guard. She didn't trust this place for a minute. Monsters might be everywhere. As if to prove it, some other mammals appeared. Torah reached for the symbol. Although they kept some distance, she would be ready. They desired her blood. Torah knew it was true. The tunnel continued. There was no visible ore about this tunnel. Torah wondered if this was part of the mine. It might be some product of the earth itself. Torah smiled. This time she ment it. The planet was a wonderful place, full of natural beauty and flowering riches. A wonder that Gaia still was so young. The bats seemed to grow more anxious. Torah kept track of their mobility. The tunnel entered into an oval area. Torah acknowledged. She almost expected it would be this way. Torah just hoped it wouldn't be flare or ice-dancers this time. Metal bars blocked the entrance. Torah went out on the battlefield. At the center was an elevated platform. The stage was presently empty. Torah hung up the smash. She tried to prepare. Their arrival never the less was impressive. Torah got surprised no matter what. The lizard-dancers lept from the platform. Torah began dancing. The mammals where about. They might complicate matters. Though the monstrous dancingirls where her main concearn. There where three of them. Torah retreated as they threw daggers at her. The lizards simply was better then her. Torah knew that. It didn't matter. She answered with ceveral stakes. The lizards where all to quick. Neither of them went home. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The orbs scored hits. All three lizard-dancers got nailed. Somehow they didn't seem affected. Though they hissed when the plasma went home, they didn't become blasted. Torah gasped. She continued dancing. They got the same pendants as the troopers. Torah didn't want to believe it. She had to. They threw daggers at her. The girl barely dodged. The bats used this opportunity to attack. Torah presented the cross. The holy symbol made them retreat. Torah ducked. She was able to glide underneath their projectiles. Torah got up. The lizard where in front. Torah still got the cross. She stamped the enemy. The stench of fried lizard was terrible. Torah ripped out another stake. Before the monster could react, Torah impaled her. The lizard burned. Torah felt tears on her cheeks. She hated having to do like this. There was no time for sorrow. The other dancers chased her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Some mammals got shot into oblivion. Torah spun. The second stake got buried within her stomach. The round soft belly got a diamond within the button. Blood splashed everywhere. Torah dodged. A final stake settled her demise. Torah almost got hit by the dancer's multiple knives. She shivered. They might have tore her apart. Torah was surrounded by the mammals. Torah spun. The cross flashed. The bats burned to ashes. The lizard got slightly burned. The cross fried on contact. Torah felt all sick by the sight of it. The enemy made an effort to withdraw. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah didn't let her go. The tripled shots hammered against her body. The monster got thrown backward. She was dead before reaching the floor. Soon nothing remained then ashes. Torah retrived the crystals. The gates where open. Torah went through. Some mammals still where on the chase. Torah turned. She threw roses at them. The explosion finished their haunting. Torah knew she might be overreacting. Though the mammals where just aweful. Torah picked the crystals. She then put it aside. There would be other bats eventually. Not here anyway. Torah went on going. The tunnel was silent. Eventually even that made her feel nervous. Torah felt like someone was watching her. Could Actrise view her from afar? Torah shook her head. The witch was no lord of shadow. Although there hadn't been a "real" lord of shadow for 1000 years, the phrase sent chills down her spine. Grandmother Yoko said "White light" picked up the title for those possible Dracula candidates. It wasn't known among many. Though Yoko knew. The order of shadow, which Desmond Belmont and his sisters, Zoe and Dolores, faught in 1666, also used that title. But they'd translated it, giving that another meaning. To them, a lord of shadow, was a person who could conjure the shadows. They titled those who could make Dracula's servants make manifest, morphing into an actual incarnation of that given individual, for the lords of shadow. Torah shuddered. She wondered if the dark curse which where at work in 1047, was like the curse holding sway over Barnsdall. She dared not think of it. If that was the case, Heinrich wouldn't have the power to face it. Torah herself wouldn't stand a chanse. She was no real sorceress. They hadn't the mask. Patrick couldn't help if things where like she feared. Then Torah suddenly picked together. They where not like Gabriel Belmont, or his comrades for that matter, but Torah decided then and there she would rather die fighting then live to worship count Dracula. Torah noticed the boiling sound had grown nearer. But now she actually realized its importance. No enemies where about. Even so, Torah was careful. She stepped out before the pit. Lava boiled beneath. Torah preduced the ring-smash. The head where approaching. Torah shredded the enemy. She waisted no time. Torah lept. She landed upon the pillar. Another Medusa head came from a difficult angle. She was able to defeat the monster. Torah gathered. She jumped over to the second platform. Torah landed ontop. Another Medusa head approached in a wavy pattern. Torah ducked. She barely dodged. Torah licked her lips. That monster might inflict a stoned state. No matter. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the next head. She jumped. Torah was back within the mine. There was no platform here. The tunnel led straight into the mountain. Torah went inside. There where less candles in here. Torah didn't mind. The red glow told her what she needed to know. Torah smiled. Though it never reached her eyes. Clearly she'd been down here to long. She dismissed the matter. Torah stepped onward. The cave was ravaged. Torah didn't care. Though she was afraid there might be other enemies in wait for her. The most immanent danger was rocks falling from the ceiling. Torah dodged. A few mammals still fluttered about. "Orbs of sorcery!" She missed. Never mind though. She shot away the boulder. The bats scattered. Torah was afraid they might gather. It didn't looked like that. Torah knew better. Nothing was as it seemed in Castlevania. Then again, this wasn't the demon castle. Torah shuddered slightly. Sometime that didn't matter. Leon Belmont explored a castle of monsters in 1094. The sudden crack of bones warned her in time. The lone skeleton appeared from behind the boulder. Torah ducked. The bone-man swung. The swords went above her. Torah couldn't suppress her screaming. That was to close. The smash made the monster collapse. Torah inhaled. That wasn't good. There was no time for recovery. The mammals had arrived. Torah pulled together. She threw garlic about. The explosive onion cleared the area. Some monsters where about. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The plasmic orbs homed after the enemies. They did burst on impact. Torah gathered the crystals. She had to get moving. The boiling sound told another pit was near. Torah quickened her steps. A swarm of bats waved at her. Torah presented the cross. The entire swarm burned on contact. Torah was breathing heavily. They almost put her to the limit. She picked the crystals. Another cluster was approaching. From behind this time. Torah threw roses straight into the flock. Then she turned and ran. Torah almost fell into the lava. Though she managed to stop in time. She sidestepped the head. The ring-smash removed the second. Torah lept. She reached the first platform. The mammals chased her. She didn't knew if they where survivers or if this was an entirely new cluster. It didn't matter anyway. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired repeated rounds. The orbs circled her position before going outward. Torah got the Medusa head. She lept. The surviving mammals still being about. She didn't care. Torah reached the other platform. She got other problems. Arrows came through the air. The impact made them explode. Torah presented the cross. The symbol blocked the offensive. "Jesus!" She shouted. Torah lept. She landed on the shore. Bats where about. The combined group of lizard monsters and bags of bone advanced. Torah threw more roses about. The explosions which followed gave her time to gather. Torah dashed forward. The enemies where taken aback. Torah pushed forward. The stakes made the skeletons collapse. They where no scimitars. Torah spun. The smash went deep into his flesh. Torah ducked. The cross made the monster burn. Torah lept. Two monsters fell without head. The shaman appeared. Torah licked her lips. "Don't use magic." She muttered, reminding herself. The shaman spoke words she didn't understand. No matter anyway. An arching flame shot straight for her. Torah remembered Yoko tell about the Hell boar and such. The "White light" sect had enlisted their services. Torah was able to sidestep. The monsters attacked. Torah sent stakes about. The skeletons collapsed. Torah ducked beneath the lizard. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals got nailed. The lizard shaman spoke. She threw garlic about. The rising icicles got shot. She inhaled. The shaman seemed frustrated. Torah didn't mind. She presented her cross. She made a perfect circle. The nearest enemies got burned. Acidic black rain fell on the battlefield. Torah struggled for shealter. The mad mage didn't care who he killed. Ceveral lizards got killed. One fell on her. Torah forced to get free. Strange, but the corpse shielded her from damage. Chaos ruled the battlefield. Torah wondered if the Belmonts might enter the Chaotic realm. Some said Alucard was the father of Trevor Belmont. He fought against Vlad Tepes in 1496. She would have to ask Heinrich about that matter. The smash where in her hands. Torah made a back-flip. The rangers fired. The swordsman she fought got nailed. Torah smiled. Though it never reached her eyes. She still got her luck. Strange, vampire hunters always seemed to be lucky. Mathilda thought it was because of certain circumstances which… The lance almost impaled her body. Torah got the cross. Bogh the monster and its lance got reduced to ashes. Bats where all about. The roses made the cluster explode. Another row of icicles whent along the floor. Torah got face to face with the enemy. The shaman spoke. Torah didn't mind. Before he could finish, she threw tripled stakes. They where all real. The weapon penetrated his cloack. Blood stained the area. Torah knew he wasn't dead. The enemy proved her statement by starting chanting again. A black rain fell on the battlefield. Torah held her cross high in defence. The image seemed to block out the acid. The lizard's eyes grew wide. The rangers released. Explosive arrows made the monsters scatter. The mammals flew about. Everything was chaos and conflict. Torah dashed forward. The cross burned his flesh. The villain somehow managed to break loose. Torah got hit in the face. Though he didn't manage to knock her. Torah went beneath the blow. The smash cut through his cloack. "Jummy." She muttered while forcing a garlic into his mouth. She made a slide. The shaman simply blasted into oblivion. A trio of skeletons stood in her way. They got swords in their hands. Torah dodged. The smash made the bones collapse. The archers let loose another onslaught. Torah dashed. "Orbs of sorcery!" The club got shot. The swordsman got captured. Torah reached the rangers. The lizards didn't have time for another round. The roses ended their misery. Those who didn't got blasted, fled the sceene. Torah turned. The others had already left. She went to pick the crystals. They turned into objects upon her toutching them. Torah acknowledged. She refilled her arsenal. Some monsters may have fled into the cavern. A few bats where still about. Torah left them behind. She went inside. The cave was narrow. Torah kept her smash handy. The cross was tied about her wrist. Rocks and powdered stone lay on the floor. Torah looked skyward. At least this ceiling was stable. The cracking of bones warned her in time. Torah spun. There was nobody there. She frowned. They came from the siedes. Torah threw herself flat. The skeletons jumped in eratic patterns. They attacked with their swords. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah got up. She charged her spell. The mammals got shot. Torah muttered. The skeletons where closing in. Torah threw stakes. They jumped across. Those bags where getting smarter. Torah inhaled. She tried not to show her worry. Other bats came down. They circled the position. The bone-men attacked. They got near. Torah moved. The smash shattered their ribs. Two skeletons fell on the floor. The third faced her. Torah dashed. She got beneath its defences. The cross put the poor soul to rest. Torah got up. She gathered the crystals. This proved she had to be careful. Yoko would agree. They where not soldiers. During his quest in 1691, Simon Belmont fought bone-throwing scimitars. No such foes had ever remerged. Torah hoped it would stay that way. She kept on walking. There was little she could do about the matter anyway. She turned the corner. The tunnel widened. Though this area was rather short. Torah had a look around. This would be the perfect place for an ambush. The rocks would give perfect shelter. The bats chased her mobility. They came from behind. Torah turned. An arrow came down the hallway. Torah dodged. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals where blasted. There where still more of them. A lizard clubman appeared from behind one boulder. Torah turned. The stake impaled his heart. The monster was dead before reaching the floor. No matter. Torah spun. The smash slashed the nearest mammals. They where a constant threat. Torah knew they where the dangerest enemies. She would rather die in combat then become a vampire. Abraham Van Helsing had been right about that. Three new skeletons occupied the battlefield. The ranger fired another arrow. Torah ducked. The skeletons got closer. She hadn't realized, but they spread a certain cold. Nothing dangerous, but it wasn't good anyway. Torah threw roses at them. The flower made them collapse. The archer turned to flee. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shouted. The plasma shot straight into his back. The poor creature got fried on contact. Torah lowered her head. Then she went to pick up the crystals. Torah turned the corner. She where inside another corridor. At the far end she noted the pool of lava. Torah began walking. Large rocks suddenly fell from the ceiling. Torah barely dodged. The bats came from difficult angles. "Orbs of sorcery!" The aim was terrible. She didn't have time for any charging activity. The mammals scattered. Torah exhaled. Then of course, she should've known it was a setup. Arrows shot her way. Torah held her cross in front. The projectiles shattered. A group of skeletons had arrived. There where six of them this time. "Orbs of sorcery!" This time she charged. Though the bats got nailed. Torah dashed. The smash where at the ready. The slow bony adversaries got knocked to pieces. Not all of them anyway. She didn't mind. The lizards where more important. She ducked beneath the club. The smash dug deep into his body. Torah turned. The second club got nailed by the stake. The cross burned the lance along with his weapon. The swordsmen encircled her position. The remaining bones got closer. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah made a complete circle. Her plasma shot the monsters down. The swordsman and the skeletons fell on the floor. The archers approached while releasing arrows. Torah got trouble blocking them this time. The remaining skeletons, not to mention the second swordman lizard, made her act defensivly. She ducked beneath the projectiles. The swordman got struck through his stomach. Torah bit together. The skeleton almost got her. Torah thought of the skeleton blaze. Walter Bernhardt, the Dark Lord before Mathias Krohnquist, enlisted their services way back in 1094. Torah dismissed the matter. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah dodged their secondary attack. The orbs shot them to pieces. The bag of bones nearly beheaded her in turn. Acording to what Yoko said, Vlad Tepes defeated Mathias in 1476. Thus in turn becoming the Dark Lord incarnate. The smash shattered the skeleton into pieces. Torah spun the bats where still about. The garlic made the survivers scatter. Torah shrugged. She could never defeat those monsters. She grimaced. They where like Dracula. Neither he, nor they, they could truly be defeated. That was the lesion learned by the Belmont clan. Their allies realized that truth in turn. Torah went toward the pool. It was a miracle she didn't became hit by those arrows. Torah dismissed the matter. The moment she reached the abyss, they reappeared. The Medusa head flew from a difficult angle. Torah presented the cross. The head burned into ashes. Torah lept before other could arrive. She reached the platform. Black smoke obscured her view. Torah almost got stoned by the next head. The smash removed the problem. Other bats circled her position. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot at them. Some fell into the lava. Torah felt sick as they emerged. This was no ordinary mammals. Torah recognized their identity. The flaming mimic monsters shot for her. Torah stamped the cross. She threw roses about. The nearest monsters got shot into oblivion. Torah slashed the incoming head. She then lept for the second platform. Torah landed upon the pillar. The mimic demons where still about. She picked other roses. The explosive flower made them scatter. Torah inhaled. The air was really bad. The stench of sulphur and other spoiled chemicals made her sick. She pulled together. Torah slashed another Medusa head. Then she lept for the mine. Torah croutched together. She rolled forward. She got back up into a ready position. There where nobody there. The platform was devoid of any living or undead member of Dracula's army. Even the bats seemed to have left. Torah put the smash away. She toutched the cross before she began walking. The tunnel led straight into the mine. Although nothing happened, Torah felt slightly nervous. The tunnel went straight forward. She'd been inside Dabi's path. That area didn't feel like this pit. Lines of rich ore went along the wall. The mountain was rich with natural resources. Torah didn't care. Patrick's father got factories all over Walachia. Though he was a poor man. Torah thought about that. Patrick was a desendant of Henry Oldrey and Ada. He even shared the bloodline of the Lecarde family. Torah knocked a few candles. She was grateful when obtained a medicine. Strange though. When Torah put it in her backpack, she noticed that only one empty bottle was left. Perhaps the red liquid went straight into one of her empty ones? Torah found no answer. The demon castle was a creature of chaos. That Alucard said. But this wasn't the demon castle. Torah frowned. The order's hideout hadn't been either. Still, White light's hideout had been fused with Shadow. Yoko had been sure about it. When speaking of which, the order of shadow's hideout hadn't been within castle Dracula. Desmond Belmont speculated about such stuff after the battle in 1666. Torah put such speculations aside. Dracula was here. The boys where certain about that. They met him in the castle entrance. Torah wished she'd been there. It shouldn't been possible. The tunnel turned. Torah preduced the smash. She'd reached another open area. Thank the Lord it was no oval area. Torah went forward. She almost tripped on the items concealed within the ashes. A cloud of dust rised on her approach. Torah shielded bogh mouth and eyes. Bats came from the ceiling far above. Torah moved out on the battlefield. A sensation of evil's presence went through her. Three large skeletons, armed and armoured, appeared from the ashes. Torah knew about them. The bone-trooper hammered the floor. The large spiked metal ball struck where she'd been mere seconds ago. The others where armed with an axe and sword. They where about to dash. Torah made a complete circle. Garlic and roses flew from her hands. The enemies where pushed backward. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals scattered. Torah ran. The ball-and-chain trooper where the greatest threat. Torah knew that. She almost thought of using magic. The mere thought made her shiver. The enemies gathered. Torah ran. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the magic. Three balls of homing plasma struck into the large sskeleton trooper. The massive bulk staggered. That was the only result. No matter. Torah threw more garlic about. The bats exploded. The swordman approached. Torah was able to glide beneath. The enemy turned. Torah dashed. This might be fatal. She was determined. She was the desendant of Carrie Fernandez. She would prove to have the same iron will. "Jesus!" Torah summoned The name of God. She then lept. The enemy turned. Torah stamped with the cross. The magic skull-shaped pendant melted on contact. The demon fell backward. Torah placed garlic in front. The enemy exploded. Torah got pushed backward. That actually saved her. The trooper vielding the ball-and-chain almost slammed her into submission. Torah got back up. She went to pick up the crystals. The mystic items replenished her energy. The axe dashed. It came for her like a crazed lumberjack. Torah was truly grateful they couldn't throw the axe like those axe armours mentioned in legends. Torah picked herself together. She got to slow it down. The plate again slammed into the floor. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the axeman into his chest. Although pushed backward. The chest-plate absorbed most of her energy. Torah sidestepped the massive ball. The rose went home. The massive demon missed her altogether. The axe came forward. The ball-and-chain hammered the floor. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot for the mammals. They circled the area, trying to bite her when she didn't notice. That wasn't going to happen. Torah was able to get around the axe man. The enemy tried to follow. Torah lept. Nothing was ever easy. Though this felt like really doing something. The troopers where under Dracula's curse. She stamped with the cross. The enemy knocked her away. Torah inhaled. She praised the Lord that her ribs didn't snap. The mace struck the floor. Torah got back up. Then she ran. The ball-and-chain couldn't stop her. She scored home with garlic. The enemy staggered. Torah dashed. The cross made him collapse. Torah placed garlic in front. The skeleton got blasted into oblivion. Torah managed to avoid the explosion. That was close. The final trooper came marching forward. Torah withdrew. She threw roses about. Bogh the mammals and the large skeleton got shot to pieces. Torah placed another flower in front. She hoped it would work. She went to pick the items left by the other bulk. The blast threw her on the floor. Torah got back up. She knew the answer. The smile never reached her eyes. Torah picked the crystals. They became items when toutching. Trevor Belmont told Hector could rip metals or other mystical resources right out from the very foes. That happened in 1499. Torah put the matter aside. She was no devil forgermaster. Not all the foes enlisted in Castlevania where IDs anyway. Torah left the area. Not far off was another corner. Torah preduced the ring-smash. Evil lurk in the darkness. Simon Belmont knew it was true. He was one of the greatest vampire hunters in a long line of people hunting the night. The boiling sound grew louder. The pit wasn't far off. Even so, the real pit lay behind. Torah giggled. Though it wasn't really funny. Anything to cheer her might be nice, or so she thought. Torah threw it aside. If only Rose had been around. That was no option. Either the fairy left her, or she was captured. Torah didn't wished to know either. Rose was, or had been, her friend. Strange how she connected with such beings. The fay which lit Ravenberg had also been rather friendly. Torah reached the border. Beneath her was a pond of molton lava. Black smoke made it difficult to see. Torah gathered herself. The head was on the move. Torah impaled it. She was surprised the stake went home. No matter. Torah jumped. She got upon the platform. Another head was approaching. Torah slashed it before it could do her any harm. There was no mammals about. At least not here. Torah lept. She got ontop of the pillar. Torah threw herself flat. The head went above. Torah didn't wait for another to appear. She instead made another jump. Torah was back within the mine. She just landed when a swarm of bats came down from above. The "children of the night" as Dracula dubbed their numbers, where all around. Torah frowned. It wasn't quite like that. It was the wolves which… Torah threw the matter aside. It was rubbish anyhow. The monsters where getting awefully close. Torah screamed. She couldn't help it. The bats where so disgustive. She threw garlic all about. Still that wasn't enough. Torah withdrew into the mountain. The mammals chased her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. She fired repeated rounds. There seemed to be more of them inside this place. Torah bit together. They where not going to drink her blood. Not today, not ever. Torah threw roses about her location. Ceveral explosions shook the mine. Rocks fell from the ceiling. Torah barely managed to do dodge. The boulders actually caught some enemies. Torah inhaled. Although there still where some bats about, they kept their distance. Torah didn't trust them for a second. They only waited for her to get lapse. That wouldn't happen. Torah gathered the crystals left behind. They would replenish her arsenal. Torah let be of the candles. They might come in handy later. At last the cave grew silent. Except for the flapping of wings. Torah inhaled. The air was bad. Never mind. She began walking. Although there was no visible ore, the tunnel went straight for quite some distance. The mammals refused to leave. Torah thought of blasting them into oblivion. Then she entered another oval room. The bats flew toward the ceiling. Torah didn't mind. She hung up the ring-smash. They had no place here. The stage was lit with roaring red flame. Metal bars fell in place. Torah was locked within the room of monsters. She toutched the cross. An eerie laugh boomed throughout the area. Torah made no comment. The flare-dancers lept from the stage. Torah was grateful it was only two of them this time. Then again, they began dancing. Flame lit on their evry mobility. Torah had to be quick about it if she wished to survive. She did. Torah wondered if this would qualify for the school's dance group. It didn't matter. Torah threw stakes at them. The wood burned on impact. Torah knew it would happen. If only she could charge the stakes like Patrick did. Torah tried to get behind that inner barrier. It was to no use. Torah knew she had to extinguish the fire before she could do any good. The bats had arrived. Though they currently just fluttered about. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. Some mammals got shot away. Torah made a sudden spin. Then she made a back-flip. Her teatcher would've been proud. The cross made the lizard hiss with frustrated agony. Torah retreated. The second dancer was approaching. Torah made another pirruette. The first dancer got cut down by the smash. The weapon was somehow fire-proofed. Torah lept back into a ready position. The heat almost scoleded her on contact. The blue ring protected her against the heat. The dancer approached. It fought to keep her off balance. Torah had no opportunity to pull off her mobility attacks. There was something Yoko told her. Torah licked her lips. She knew it would hurt, if it worked that was. Torah stepped backward. She put all the waight on one foot as she suddenly dashed forward. Torah flew forward. The jump-kick hit the dancer's belly. The enemy groaned with pain. Torah screamed. Not even the ring could defend against a direct hit. No matter. She pushed the cross. Torah was burned. She didn't care. The flare-dancer finally collapsed into a heap of ashes. Torah inhaled through clenched teeth. Her arm and leg was aching. The cross hadn't melted. Torah felt no joy. Even though the flames where extinguished, was to no use. Torah pulled of her backpack. She tried to use only her fresh hand. There was the red potion. Torah had a doze of the elixir. The tonic really healed all her bruishes. Torah put the medicine away. She might have use for it later. Even the mammals seemed to have left. Torah climbed atop the stage. The button was there. Torah stepped upon it. Though the distance was to great, Torah knew that would close the pits. She jumped back down. Before leaving, she picked the crystals. She went down the tunnel. There where no aliens abroad. Torah almost began whistling. She knew it was a bad habit. At least around here. The bats might notice. Metal plates had been placed over the lava. Torah went for quite some time. Then she where back at the crater. The bridge had been extended. Torah toutched the cross. This was some victory. Although only a tiny. Torah knew, but she'd done it all by herself. She shook her head. It was no matter. Torah stepped onto the bridge. Something made her turn. From the tunnel behind came an enormous swarm of bats. Torah licked her lips. There had to be thousands of them. She immediately started running. Torah almost expected those fraights would reappear. Nothing happened. Even the heads seemed to have left. The mammals seemed to have noticed. Torah made no mind. They would take her no matter what. She reached the other side. Torah was breathing heavily. Sweath ran down her brow. The fright seemed to get beyond the magic ring. Torah didn't care. She knew the ladder wasn't there. She didn't even mind to have a look. Instead she just went into the tunnel. The bats where left behind. Torah stopped. Somehow she pulled together. The pond was not far off. Torah got into motion.

Zophran went about his area. He thought of many things. The eight had left. He was alone. No matter. Thus he got time to think. The Dark Lord Dracula did knew about many things. Zophran wished he had knew him. Although he had seen his image many times. The priest licked his lips. What did happen with the stones of alchemy? The order of shadow wrote in their texts that they where sealed within the full solar eclipse. Although he had seen the castle return. Zophran toutched his symbol. He knew the castle Dracula was still trapped in limbo. Those who wished, those who possessed the knowledge and power, may still enter or leave the site. Althouh he was not there when it happened, he could read as much by the mere sight of the haunt. Count Dracula was somewhere inside. He had to be. Although the seal was still in effect. Such was matters. The tribe came here because the circle wished for it. Zophran seated himself. The young master offered them pearls. The Dark Lord was in actual control of all monsters and demons within the castle. They where his ownership. Though they kept bogh sence and soul, they where extentions of his power. Did the pearls do that to them? It where of no importance. He would know when the time was right.

Torah reached the pit. Everything was silent. Beside the lava which boiled beneath. She preduced the ring-smash. Torah was quite sure what would happen. She didn't become disappointed. Not that she really cared about the matter either. The heads where back. Torah slashed it to submission. She lept. Black smoke obscured her view. Though Torah abled to locate the nearest platform. She landed ontop of the pillar. Another head was already approaching. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot it into oblivion. No need to waste time. Torah lept. She got upon the second platform. Even this was made of metal. Torah dismissed the matter. The next Medusa showed its presence. The cross defended from damage. The head burned to ashes. Torah then jumped ontop of the third pillar. She was prepared. Just in case though. She better. Arrows met her on approach. Torah ducked. They really where poor rangers. The cross made those who came near to burn on impact. Torah lept forward. She was back on the shore. She entered the platform. A group of lizard monsters where there to meet her. Torah threw garlic at them before dashing forward. Somehow she just knew a shaman was about. Perhaps she was gaining that sence Yoko spoke off. A magician could know when another of their kind was about. Though that ability could be masked through ceveral means. Torah put the matter aside. The explosion shielded her approach. Though only for some while. Skeletons where first in line. Torah let loose a series of stakes. The wooden projectile made them collapse. Torah didn't mind. She ducked beneath the lance. The swordsman got cut through his stomach. "Orbs of sorcery!" This close the shield was useless. Even so, a really powerful individual may still make it work. The shaman gifts went in other directions. The bats had arrived. Torah didn't know their origin. No matter. This wasn't the time for speculation. She threw more stakes. The nearest foes got impaled. Nothing seemed to block their aim. Torah made no mind. After all, she never tried using them against those armoured foes. Torah lept. The club almost got her. The jump-kick sent him stumbling. Torah had been able to behead two of the nearest monsters. The smash really was quite the weapon. Torah sidestepped the skeleton. The rings settled his demise. Torah stamped the cross. The one wielding the lance was still the most dangerous foe. The demon tried to get through to her. Torah wouldn't give him the chanse. The roses made them explode. Arrows fell among them. The rangers still tried to take her. This time the projectiles even exploded. Torah licked her lips. That wasn't good. Though those madmen took out their own companions. She was able to go beneath. Torah got back up. "Orbs of sorcery!" The monster got shot. The other balls actually nailed some bats. Torah swung. The image made bogh the monster and his club burn. Torah was still in motion. The ring-smash cut that other monster and even his comrade. She kicked another demon. The skeleton was so cold. She didn't care. He might cut her down. Stakes went from her belt. The bag of bones got knocked backward. The shaman was chanting something on a strange language. Torah didn't even try to listen. She cut down another lance. The shaman had approached. He lifted bogh hands. Torah was in no shape for a dual. She threw him tripled flowers just to be certain. The roses proved through. Before the lizard even recognized the danger, he was shot to pieces. Torah spun around. There still where plenty of living monsters. "Orbs of sorcery!" The skeletons got shot away. Torah lept. The lizard got crashed. Torah spread her arms wide. One high, one low. The other lizard got hit through bogh chest and mid-sections. Torah turned. She used a double swing to get rid of the presuer. With the smash spread out nobody could risc getting to close. Not with the cross tied around one of her wrists. The symbol made the demons burn on contact. Torah cheered. She dashed forward. The cross burned with holy flame. The barrier collapsed. Torah screamed. Flame made the enemies burn. She was not going to submit. She inhaled. The air was terrible. Though the battle was over. She blinked. Torah hadn't realized. Even the archer fled the battlefield. When they where gone, Torah simply fell to her knees. That had been close. If only they'd knew. She was all but exausted. She got on her feet. Torah leaned against the wall. Then she went to picked up the crystals. She really could need some rest. That was not in the cards, like MAthilda might have said. The crystals became objects. Torah put them upon her belt. The flowers, onion and stakes would come in handy. Torah hung up the smash. She thought of knocking some candles. Then she shrugged. They would be the only source of light when returning. Torah vowed she would return. She went into the tunnel. Was this how Christopher Belmont felt when he, way back in 1577, went into the cave beneath Castlevania? None could tell. No matter. Torah always had been impressed about their doings. To battle the Dark Lord wasn't easy. Not in any of his manifestations anyway. The tunnel came to a turn. Torah got the smash out. Nothing was ever certain. The tunnel went like the path of a drunken snake. Boulders lay on the floor. Torah didn't like this place. An arrow came her way. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. Bogh the lizard-archer and his arrow got shot to pieces. The cracking of moving bones where the only warning. Torah spun. The skeletons where back. Torah ducked. Their blade went straight above her head. The garlic made one bag of bone explode. Torah got back up. Stakes removed the enemies. Torah inhaled. This warned her about being careful. They might have killed her. She claimed the crystals. Torah resumed walking. The passage continued. Torah toutched the cross. Suddenly she felt lonely. "You never walk alone." Torah reminded herself. Yoko used to say that. MAthilda told it was an old slogan from some football team's fanclub. She didn't care. The Lord would be with her. That they bogh where certain about. Torah knew that. She still had the crush ready. They said having a crush could be nice. People never knew how old sayings could be true. In the Castlevania way of sort. Torah almost giggled. She put it away. Such things where rubbish anyway. Ahead was another turn. Torah would have to walk past another pile of boulders. She thought of Stonehenge. Torah put the matter aside. This would be the perfect place for an ambush. The archer suddenly peeked around the corner. It almost got her this time. Torah had no time. Another group of monsters where moving. The lizard swung its club. Torah got down on one knee. The lizard laughed. The sound almost was like the dancer's laughing. Torah dashed. The smash crushed through his leathery armour. The smile got cleaned off of his features. The monster collapsed into a heap. The skeletons advanced. Torah was able to sidestep. The arrow hit where she'd just been. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing balls of plasma shot them all down. Torah retrived the crystals. This time they remained preshious stones. Torah shrugged. They vanished on contact anyhow. Torah felt refreshed. Only it was only in a magical way. She dismissed the matter. Torah turned the corner. The pond lay at the end of this corridor. Torah was careful when moving. There lay other rocks about. Three skeletons seemed to rise out of nowhere. Torah was ready. Stakes made them collapse. Two more monsters came from behind. The lance was the perfect weapon in this narrow passage. Torah withdrew. The swordsman got forward. Torah wasted no time. She didn't have the ability to get in close combat with a lancer. Not without using magic anyway. That was something she didn't intend doing. The garlic put an end to the mess. Torah picked the crystals. They changed into objects. Torah put them on her belt. She started moving. She almost got sick hearing the sound of leathery wings. This group couldn't be compared with that out in the crater. They didn't have to either. In this tiny quarters they could kill her. Torah toutched the cross. Then she threw flowers all about the place. She followed up with tripled onslaughts of garlic. The bomb-like explosives made rocks fall from the ceiling. Torah ran forward. Then another band of skeletons rised in front. They came for her with swords in hand. Torah simply gave them another round of onion. The grenade substance blew them to pieces. Torah had a bad feeling this wasn't over. There still where plenty of mammals about. They circled her position. Four lizards got out from behind the boulders. "Orbs of sorcery!" Two of them where able to escape. The third ball went straight into the cluster. Torah didn't mind. She dashed forward. A fourth bone-man got into vision. The trio approached. Torah ducked. The smash dug deep into his flesh. Blood darkened the stone floor. Torah sidestepped. The cross made the skeleton collapse. "Orbs of sorcery!" The club got shot before he could get even closer. Torah quickly picked up the items. The mammals where still a problem. Torah threw some other roses. Though quite some numbers got blasted, it still where more of them. Torah's hands became fists. She tightened the grip on her smash. There was no reason to get angry. That was dangerous in more then one sence. Anger could poison her magic. Torah knew. Her grandmother often told her of what happened with the vampire hunters who couldn't control their emotions. Torah tried to calm herself. What would've happened with Hugh Baldwin if Nathan hadn't been there? Torah shuddered. If he'd died, then there wouldn't been any Quincey or John Morris about. Not that she didn't really knew Edward that much. But he seemed like a nice man. Torah hoped all was right about him. He'd left before Chrismuss. The bats kept their distance. Torah settled with the situation. She went for the pond. No sooner did the Medusa heads arrive. Torah cut the first head away. She then lept for the nearest platform. Torah was able to sidestep the successor. The Medusa head flew just past. She impaled the third of their sort. Torah was actually rather proud she made it happen. She made another jump. Torah landed upon the second platform. This time she slashed the thing to pieces. The mammals seemed to have being left behind. Torah didn't trust that for a second. She lept for the third pillar. Torah landed ontop. There came another head. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma shot the Medusa head to pieces. Torah toutched the cross. She then lept upon the shore. Torah was back inside the mine. There was no platform here. Though the cave was rather narrow. There was another corner ahead. Though Torah could see beyond. The slight curve led to another pit. Torah was certain. The red glow revealed her suspicion. She stepped forward. The mammals where back. Torah almost didn't have time to gather. Though they did. They gathered into another big bat. The fangs gleemed like polished metal. Torah screamed. She just couldn't help it. The monster came her way. Torah barely got underneath. The demon came on the return. Torah threw stakes at it. She blinked. The nails went home. She didn't believe it. But the big bat split into multiple smaller bats. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. Some of them got crisped in the process. Not merely enough. Torah ran down the tunnel. The devil reformed. It came after her. Torah turned around the corner. She then spun. The mammal was taken aback. Torah stamped with the cross. The enemy was forced into its original form. Torah threw a garlic. The explosion should've swallowed the cluster. Not all of them died. The big bat had reformed. Torah threw herself flat. She rolled out of reach. The monster was fast. No questions asked. Torah jumped back on foot. The enemy came. Torah picked flowers. Her grandmother had a picture of Carrie Fernandez picking flowers in a field. Yoko said Sara Esterfield got it painted before she where killed. Torah hoped it would be safe in the family's bank in Boston. The rose flew through the air. The flower exploded. The battle was over. Mostly anyway. Torah threw more garlic. The remaining flock got shot. Torah picked the crystals. She never had been that found of playing games. But this wasn't like when having an expedition while in school. Torah went to check on the other pond. The heads noticed her arrival. Torah smashed the enemy into oblivion. She then jumped. Torah landed upon the pillar. Some bats came down at her. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell made them keep some distance. Torah slashed another head. She lept for another platform. The mammals came in presuit. Torah threw more garlic. The beasts exploded. She smiled, though it never reached her eyes. Torah impaled the next head. She jumped. Torah got ontop of the third pillar. The platform was made of metal. Torah jumped another head. The ring-smash removed the successor. Torah made a final leap. She where back inside the mine. Here there where one of those platforms. Torah had a momentary breather while inspecting the area. The place seemed empty. Torah toutched the cross. If only it would be like that. Still, she knew devils where lurking about. She went into the mine. The flapping of wings told her of their approach. "Orbs of sorcery!" There where only three of them this time. Her plasma made them burn. She picked the crystals. Torah then kept on walking. Most likely there would be more of them coming. She hoped for no more big bats. Those fiends where really terrifying. Torah again reached for the cross. All was silent. The mammals came from behind this time. Torah threw garlic. The trio got shot. Torah retrived the crystals. This was to easy. The tunnel went forward. The air was real bad. The stench of spoiled chemicals almost made her leave. Though she knew that was no option. The bats came from above. Torah got the smash. She spun. The enemies got slashed. There was little or no ore in this part of the mine. Beside that faint red glow, there where only the candles which illuminated the area. Torah frowned. Except, it wasn't quite like that. A strange blue light seemed to blend with the faint red and warm yellow. Torah bit together. She kept on moving. Soon she could figure the source of that light. In front was another oval area. Only that this place was frozen over. Or so it seemed. Torah stepped inside. The floor was bright white. An eerie blue light shone atop the stage. Blue mammals came her way. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot plasma at them. The homing balls went home. There where more of them. Solid bars, seemingly made out of frozen icicles, suddenly fell down. Torah licked her lips. She'd become imprisoned. The mimic where all about. Torah slashed. They couldn't freeze the smash. Torah felt grateful they couldn't "Orbs of sorcery!" Her plasma was no doubt the best weapon against the blue foes. A malicious laugh echoed throughout the chamber. Torah got into a ready position. She should've known they where about. A trio of ice-dancers lept from the stage. Their graceful bodies where surrounded with a strange flickering glow. They danced, making frost spread upon the floor. Torah got into motion. The ring couldn't protect her against such magic. Torah danced. The lizards stared upon her with hate gleaming within their eyes. Torah licked her lips. She didn't return the gaze. They was not really wipers. Though they might still have the power of hypnotism. Torah threw stakes at them. She didn't dare use martial arts. Or what little of it she could. The dancers would freeze her. The stakes did as well. They didn't go through. If only she could've gotten through that barrier. Torah put the matter aside. "Orbs of sorcery!" The troublesome mammals got shot into oblivion. The mimic was still her greatest concearn. Though not really. Those demons where getting awefully close. Torah drew up her defensive. Then she went for the nearest enemy. The devil spread bogh arms wide. Torah stamped with the cross. She hoped it might work. The monster hissed. The image really got through her magic. Torah felt her chill become channelled through her own body. She mentally kicked herself. Torah had almost forgotten about the gauntlets. Their magic could channelled straight into her own soul. Torah prayed it would have no effect on her bloodline. She released the lizard. The others came her way. Though more defensivly. Torah turned back at the third enemy. The wintery glow had subsided. Though her jewlery still blazed with supernatural blue energy. She was about to leap when Torah pulled the smash. The double slash attack went deep into her chest and guard. Torah withdrew. The dancer collapsed. Her corpse already burning. Torah claimed the crystals. The other enemies had arrived. Torah dodged as best she could. They had become more careful. Though it was a real pain, Torah tried to grab hold. She wondered if this was like the Succubi acted. Yoko wouldn't tell much about those folks anyway. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma didn't really go in. But the heat made them retreat. Torah wasn't sure if she wanted them to do that. That just made it more difficult to get in closer. Torah threw more garlic toward the mammals. The explosion made one of the dancer summersault back among the magic pyre. The second dancer made solid frost rise about the dance-floor. Torah twirled and twisted as best she could. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. The plasma collided against the agile foe. Torah repeated the spell. "Orbs of sorcery!" This time the magic got through. The other dancer had returned. Torah almost became incapsulated within ice. "Zapphire curtain!" She just had to do it. Her own ice-magic shielded against their attack. Torah let it go. She didn't want to loose her humanity. "Orbs of sorcery!" She continued shooting. This time the mammals got nailed. Torah didn't care. That other enemy still hadn't recovered her aura. Torah decided to waist no more time. Whatever it might cost. She got into a fierce succession of steps while she threw roses about the place. That glowing female tried to shield her companion. Ceveral flowers got frozen over. Torah made no mind. She knew she'd gained the offensive. The dancer lept back into the pyre. That was what torah had been waiting for. While the demon was still in the air, she nailed her with tripled garlic. The enemy was dead. Though that other female was still alive. Torah nearly got frozen over. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The aura absorbed her magic. Torah was forced on the offensive. Strange as it was, that worked to her advantage. Torah reach out. The dancer tried to dodge. But she where already to far out. The gauntlets drained her energy. Even so, it got channelled right into her body. Torah shrieked. What would this evil force do with her? Torah had heard plenty of stories about what happened with magicians which tried this sort of stunt. She decided she didn't wish to know. The dancer finally got loose. Torah was breathing heavily. That cold malice almost was to much. No matter, she shook it off. Torah knew she got to defeat the devil. "Orbs of sorcery!" Tora's hands became fists. The mimic enemies almost seemed like they would shield the lizard. Either way, they blocked her retreat. Torah bit together. She spread out another trio of garlic. The onion made them blast into oblivion. Torah picked the crystals. It was no use. The ice-dancer made a summer-sault back upon the glowing stage. She returned, blazing blue with winter force. Torah toutched the cross. Frost made the battlefield crack on contact. Torah danced. She was unsure what tactic might work. The lizard was constantly in motion. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing plasma slowed herr But only a little. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah repeated her spell. The mimic crystals had given her new strenght. Perhaps even the absorbed magic was to her advantage. Torah put the matter aside. "Orbs of sorcery!" Again she fired. Torah lept across the wave of frost as she tried to reach the opponent. The enemy lept backward. She'd learned how to be careful. Torah spread out a row of garlic. Neither of them went home. That wasn't the point. Torah needed just one mistake. She threw tripled flowers. The dancer went sideways. Right into her field of garlic. Another explosion hit the oval area. When the smoke cleared, the dancer's aura was gone. Torah toutched the cross. She then dashed forward. The dancer made a leap for her platform. "Not this time." Torah muttered. She still got plenty of roses. The ice-dancer got shot to pieces. Crystals rained down on the battlefield. Torah was quick to replenish. The blue glow had finally subsided. Torah almost expected there was another switch up there. Nobody was to be seen. Torah shrugged. The bars got removed. She blinked. The area had become just another cavern. All the ice and frost had vanished. She toutched the cross. Torah was careful when entering the next cave. Not far off was another pool. "Orbs of sorcery!" There still where some frost mimic about. The plasma heated them enough. Torah used the opportunity to get away. She stil got some of that blue medicine. Though she wouldn't waste it here. There most likely would be other blue areas further down. Torah closed her eyes. The wild had been certain about their statement. Though Torah was unsure of how far she would have to venture. The cave just seemed to go on forever. She straightened her miter. Torah had reached the pit. Black smoke made it difficult seeing. Torah could barely make out the head. She was able to impale the vile creature. Torah jumped. She reached the platform. Other Medusa heads where already approaching. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot them into oblivion. She got ontop of the next pillar. She threw some garlic. The mammals got blasted. There always seemed to be more of them. Torah slashed the head. She jumped. Torah almost fell into the lava. Torah held on for bare life. She was able to climb back on. No sooner came another head. "Orbs of sorcery!" Before another head could arrive, Torah jumped. She was back inside the mine. Ore lined the walls. There was no platform. Torah went straight into the cave. This place showed that someone had been at work. Torah slowed her gate. There might be hidden enemies within those nitches. The faint light of lit candles couldn't reach that far. The faint red glow wasn't to much help either. Torah stopped altogether. A huge round boulder lay on the floor. The great stone almost blocked the way. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot. Plasma went for the trio of flying mammals. They'd just came from the ceiling. Torah frowned. It wasn't the wave she was used to. She had to sneek around the rock. Torah pushed as best she could. If this was common trouble, she could understand why they made all of those hidden exits. Torah got around. In front was another pit. A second trio of bats came at her. Torah threw a rose at them. The explosive sent them blasting into oblivion. Torah shrugged. She felt a little uneasy. If this was like upstairs, that one in front was the last pool. The nitches still had her on edge. She lit an orb. Just in case. Torah heard them before they appeared. The skeletons always had such a cold atmosphere. She felt chills down her spine. Torah pulled together. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged. Three enemies where knocked down then and there. The group was large. Torah was to busy to count their correct numbers. No matter anyway. They carried swords in hand. Torah knew they where quite expensive. At least in these days. A blacksmith was worth a fortune in the collapsed societies. The smash cut through their structure. Torah spun. The cross reduced them into a pile of ashes. Torah threw garlic about. Soon there was nothing left of them. Torah inhaled. This had been no coordinated attack. Or perhaps not. Torah thought this might be a trick to make her waste energy. She picked the crystals. Though they changed, it wasn't really enough. Torah knocked some candles. She gratefully claimed the goods. She found some stakes and other items to fill her arsenal. Torah continued. There was no reason staying around. She reached the pit. A Medusa head came in a wavy pattern. Torah sidestepped the enemy. She instead lept for the platform. Torah got ontop. Another head was approaching. Torah presented the cross. The holy symbol made it burn. Torah jumped. Although the smoke obscured her view, she stil made out the pillars. She reached the pillar. A group of bats came down from above. Torah almost expected that would happen. She already got garlic ready. Torah threw the onion-like grenades abroad. The smash removed the head. The surviving mammals kept their distance. Torah dashed. She went for the final platform. She just landed when the head arrived. Torah cut it to pieces. The bats where still about. Torah let them have some roses. The explosion where spectacular. Torah managed to claim some crystals. The Medusa got shredded. Torah lept back on shore. She barely noticed the trap. A row of arrows came her way. "Jesus!" Torah screamed. She presented the cross. Torah was sure this was the end. The arrows exploded. Torah blinked. She was still alive. The cross had shielded her from damage. She shook her head. This was incredible. It had to be because of the shaman's evil power. Torah gathered herself a moment before the opponents. While throwing a row of garlic, Torah dashed forward. They where not shielded. Torah figured it just as she got approached. She was able to glide underneath. They too must've been certain that row would kill her. "Jesus!" She summoned his name in pure joy. The Lord really would guide her. She doubted it no more. The smash shattered his ribs. Still gasping for breth, the swordsman fell on the floor. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah spun. Tripled balls of blazing plasma shot from between her fingertips. The club and the spearmen got nailed. Torah was grateful she got them. The pikes still where the most dangerous weapon. Torah pressed forward. The smash was never at ease. Torah threw roses or garlic about. The mammals where back. Torah threw stakes. Three new skeletons collapsed. Torah claimed the crystals while moving along. She would need every one of them. The band was large. They must've thrown in all they got. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. She got beneath the club. The magic shot some monsters into submission. The narrow corridor could've been the perfect place for defence. If they'd been trained soldiers that was. The garlic exploded on impact. The cross forced the undead backward. Torah lept. The smash made the skeletons shatter. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah tried to focuse on the mammals. Things could get real nasty if they gathered. She came into another square chamber. Thank the Lord there was no dancers about. Torah pressed forward. Then came another onslaught of arrows. Torah pressed against the wall. They got no aim. Those idiots even killed their own comrades. The explosions where spectacular. Those careless monsters had no mind for whom they might slay as long she died. Torah would not let that happen. While the battlefield was still a chaos, she ran inside. The rangers where preparing another round. The shaman walked among them. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. Though it was only mammals which exploded. No matter, it was a dramatic entre. Torah would've called it a wasteless gesture. A show of bravado. But this was for the monsters. They got paralyzed long enough for her to act. Torah dashed, garlic in hand. The shaman still had the shield up. Torah figured. Though he didn't prepare for any martial assault. She stepped backward. While he was still holding the guard high, Torah lept. The jump-kick was perfect. Yoko would've been proud. The scales made her feet ache. Though only a little. The shaman hissed. Torah quickly got the ring-smash handy. The dual rings of solid spiked metal went deep into his body. Torah withdrew. The shaman gasped for breth. Then he collapsed. Torah sent out another round of roses. She felt it was appropriate. The flowers made other explosions shake the area. Torah leaned against the platform. Those archers which could, had already left. There still where some skeletons about. Torah threw another garlic. The bats where still the most dangerous enemy. Through the corridor came the group of lizards. How stupid. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah put all the energy she could muster into the blast. A giant ball of blazing plasma went straight into their group. "Strike!" Torah cheered. She actually giggled. The monsters where either dead or dying. She got serious. There still where some mammals about. Torah climbed upon the platform. The switch was up there. Torah pulled the button. The red glow got dimmed. Torah heard how the pool got drained. Then the area got closed. Torah inhaled. The air felt actually better. Though it was still bad with the stench of spoiled chemicals. Torah put it aside. "Orbs of sorcery!" This time she didn't charge the thing. A single ball of plasma shot from her palm. It flew straight into their flock. The flying monsters finally scattered. No matter. Torah knew they would chase her eventually. She got down from the platform. Torah collected the crystals. She hoped the ladder would be down by now. Who could tell? She dismissed the case anyhow. Torah went down the short tunnel. Torah didn't expect they would still be there. The skeletons almost caught her off guard. Torah got the smash. She threw stakes at those closest at hand. The pales made them collapse. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged this time. The nearest bats got shot. Torah toutched the cross. She should've known they would eagerly use this opportunity. They wouldn't get away. Torah got roses in hand. The trio of flowers cleared the area. The skeletons advanced. Torah was there to meet them. She got beneath their defensive. They where quick. Torah proclaimed the cross. That made them slow. Although it was just barely, Torah got time to smash them away. The bats where coming in. "Orbs of sorcery!" Tripled balls of plasma blasted them into oblivion. Torah retreated. She got enough space to throw other stakes. The projectiles nailed the skeletons. Finally the battle was over. Not entirely though. The bats where stil around. Torah picked the crystals. She would have to worry about them later. She shrugged. Torah started moving. The cave was silent. The only source of light came from the candles. Torah let it be that way. She might find some goodies. But it wasn't worth the price. Her orbs would only attract attention. Torah shuddered. There might still be other demons about. She entered the area in which she fought the ice-dancers. The frost had melted. She frowned. The blue areas above didn't return to normal after she defeated the monsters living there. Torah toutched the cross. She was grateful no mimic had remained. A few mammals still circled the area. But they where survivers from that other battle. At least she thought so. Torah kept going. The dimmed red glow grew nearer. Torah got the smash out. She got to be ready. After some distance, she was back within the crater. Torah almost expected to be attacked when arriving. Nothing happened. Bogh the mammals and the Medusa heads seemed to be gone. Torah didn't let down her guard. The ladder had been extended. She began climbing. Torah had to put the ring-smash away. She got her other tricks ready. Hot winds blew through her dark blonde hair. Torah looked over her shoulder. Her eyes grew wide. Instead of a head or mammals, a fright silently prepared for battle. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shouted the name of the spell. She got to get rid of it before the hag could blast her into oblivion. The undead witch got nailed before she could finish her ploy. Her defeat marked the end of any silent time. The heads came from a wavy pattern. Torah threw garlic at them. She fiercely kept on climbing. She was a much better fighter when on the ground. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma went home. Torah was sure to charge her magic. Carrie's spell somehow didn't react with her human bloodline. Torah was grateful about that. The garlic made the successors explode. By now, even mammals where on the move. Torah bit together. The roses caused repeated series of explosions. Torah felt the barrier collapse. Frost enpowered her mystic weapons. Torah smiled. This one was for real. She didn't feel any backflash by this accomplishment. Then it was true. She'd been right. If only she could break that barrier completely instead of in seconds. No time for speculations though. The barrier was already reforming. Other bats where already arriving. Torah reached the end of her ladder. The 11th. Level looked just like the one above. Torah put it aside. She got to release the bridgeway. She threw some other garlic about. Then she went into the tunnel.

Castle center, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The child walked about. He felt uncomfortable when the violinist was away. The boy wondered why he had went away. The place felt cold and empty while he was not here. Not even the spectacular view through the tall windows did interest his curiosity. He was alone again. First the elder had come. The child had been happy someone did care about him. Whatever he told others, he really felt lonely. His mother was no more. She died that day the man came. Although she was sick for more then a month, she died that day. He had seen it himself. He did not understand. But he saw. Afterward he ran away. Then he came. The elder treated him dearly. He did something with him. The child dried away his tears. He had been with him all until the forest. Then the young master talked to him. He would do whatever he asked. He was so kind. The boy laughed. The young master was sometime like a child himself. But then he would be sad, or angry. Then he would play no longer. He loved it when he was playing. The violin stood beside the cage. He told him not to toutch either of them. He would do as told. What else could he do?

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Torah kept on going. This tunnel held no ore. It just seemed like a natural cave. She shrugged. What did she knew about such matter anyway? For all Torah knew, it could've been Jacob who told people to build it. She wondered how it would be to live in such a place. Not down here, but upstairs. The boiling sound brought her back to the matter at hand. Torah reached another pit. Black smoke obscured her vision. Not that it mattered. She still could make out the approaching head. Torah impaled the monster. She was still proud she could pull such things. Before another could arrive, Torah lept for the nearest platform. She landed ontop. She immediately got into a defensive posture. The flapping sound was just aoudable above that of boiling lava. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The trio got blasted. Torah shredded the oncoming head. Another trio came behind those which first arrived. Torah got them with a garlic before they could spread. The Medusa head attacked from a difficult angle. Torah stamped with the cross. The head burned on impact. Torah used the opportunity to get upon the other pillar. No sooner had she arrived before an onslaught of arrows came her way. Torah threw herself flat on the platform. The arrows went above. They got burned by the lava. Torah got back up. She jumped on shore. The monsters where ready. The lizard men where first in line. Torah met them head on. "Orbs of sorcery!" There was no shaman here. She followed up the attack with rounds of garlic. The enemies withdrew. Or they tried to. The monsters behind pressed forward, straight into the explosion. Torah looked away. It was like they where marching into a giant hatching machine. The war kept on. The survivers still pressed forward. Torah gathered. She had to meet them or face certain death. Or perhaps, something even worse. The club almost smashed her skull. Torah was able to glide beneath. The smash settled their ordeal. Torah spun around. The cross burned on contact. The swordsman withdrew. Torah dashed forward. The jump-kick hit the knee. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell handled the rest. The blast even took some bats along. Torah still got plenty of other trouble. She threw stakes for the skeletons. Then she dived right into their group. The smash chrashed their rib-cage. Torah stamped with the cross. The club fell on the floor. He got stamped on by his own people. Torah threw roses at them. The explosions where extraordinary. Even Torah got thrown to the ground. She lept back up. She swung. Two monsters fell without head. She landed into a ready position. The lance tried to kill her. "Orbs of sorcery!" He got blasted before the weapon got close. Torah turned while throwing tripled garlic. The onion blasted those closest to her. She got backward. The skeletons where to close. The stakes made their numbers collapse. Torah slashed the mammals. They tried to bite her neck. Perhaps she should put the cross back on? But it was such a nice weapon when tied around her wrist. The decision was taken out of hand. Some monsters where still alive. They gathered for another attack. Arrows fell down. Torah was able to avoid getting hurt. She gathered. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah dashed. The battle waged on. Torah got the smash. The razor-rings dug deep into his body. The swordsman was dead before even reaching the floor. The cross made the skeleton collapse. Torah ducked beneath the club. The garlic sent him sky high. Torah didn't feel victorious. She threw more roses. The rangers seemed to have fled the cave. There came no more arrows. No matter. There still was plenty of other problems. Torah ducked. From the kneeling position she cut the legs from underneath him. She removed the head while going down. Torah threw garlic to might shield herself while getting up. The smoke cleared. The area was empty. Only some bats where still around. Torah shook her head. She felt tired. Though she had to continue. Torah picked the crystals. They became objectes when toutching. She kept sharp look for what the mammals might be doing. For the time they still kept some distance. So be it. Torah went into the tunnel. The cave went like a drunken snake. Torah turned the corner. Before her lay another corridor. Here at least where some ore. Not that she really cared about the matter. Rocks lay on the floor. Ash made the air even harder to breathe. Torah hoped the blue ring really would protect her lungs and not only keep her cold. That was wasteless speculations. Torah slowed. Then she stopped altogether. Something was not right. Torah didn't have the Belmont ability to see beyond the obvious. Though she felt something. The cracking of bones made her react. Then came an arrow flying. Torah nearly got hit in the heart. Though her swiftness saved her. Torah swallowed. That was close. No matter. The bones where approaching. There where three of them in total. Torah picked together. "Orbs of sorcery!" The lizard ranger got shot. So with the bats. The skeletons suddenly was there. Torah had the smash. She got beneath their offensive. Two went down almost immediately. The third bone-man got backward. No matter. The stake settled the ordeal. Torah picked the crystals. She really didn't liked when such things happened. Although she where better trained, they could kill her through sheer numbers. Torah reached for the cross. She had to continue. The way went forward. The ash was a problem. Torah would trip on smaller stones. She was busy with moving her feet when the next ambush happened. A skeleton and four monsters came from behind the fallen rocks. Torah was somehow able to back-flip. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma shot through the air. Three foes fell on contact. The fourth, a club, turned to leave. Torah almost felt pitty for him. This was war though. The stake threw him forward. Torah finished him off with another garlic. She picked the crystals. The sound of leathery wings made her look skyward. A trio of mammals came from difficult angles. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shouted. No sooner where they blasted before another group appeared. Torah drew slightly backward. The rose made the enemies explode. She inhaled. Torah gathered the crystals. Not far away was another corner. Some rocks shadowed the passage. Torah was careful when approaching. She better. Torah was about to turn when another arrow hit the wall. She thought of retreat when something behind her moved. Torah spun. Three skeletons and a lizard man hid behind the boulders. A trio of bats came from above. Stakes flew from bogh hands. The skeletons collapsed. "Orbs of sorcery!" Some bats and the archer got nailed. Torah dashed. The lizard got slashed before he could bring the lance out. Torah exhaled. A lance in this narrow area could've been dangerous. She stamped with the cross. The last bat got reduced into ashes. Torah picked the crystals. Things wheren't easy today. Though it never was. Not since Yoko died. Torah pulled together. She wouldn't weep. Not here anyway. Torah went down the tunnel. At the other end she spotted another pond. She passed some other big rocks. Nothing seemed to happen. Even so, Torah had a bad feeling. In front appeared another ranger. Where had he come from? Hell most likely. Yoko wouldn't like her using such words. But it was the truth. Torah dodged the arrow. Another ranger appeared. This wasn't good. With her in between, they could nail her no matter what. They really hadn't been trained. Instead of letting the archers finish the job, another group came from their ambush. Torah went into battle. The skeletons got impaled. "Orbs of sorcery!" The conflict was over before it could begin. Torah was smart enough not to use explosives. Not in this narrow quarters. The rangers could've forced her to go with them. Instead those idiots tried to run. Torah let them have the stakes. Bogh got nailed in the back. She shook her head. Torah was really grateful her grandmother forced her to train this hard. Gymnastics never was this hard anyway. Though she had a mind for combat. Mathilda said so. Torah hoped the vampires hadn't killed her as well. Although she called her "aunt", they where only more distant related. Mathilda Erlanger had to be alive. Torah had sent her an E-meil before she went to Europe. Torah put the speculations aside. She never met Mathilda's granddaughter. Although Leslie where only five years older then her. Torah reached the pit. The heads where on the move. Torah was prepared. The smash tore it to pieces. Before another could arrive, Torah jumped on the platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" There where more bats coming. The plasma made them scatter. Torah threw garlic. The head got blasted. Torah lept for the second platform. She dodged the other Medusa head. "Orbs of sorcery!" She was able to nail some of them this time. The smash removed the head. This was no nice spot. Torah lept back into the mine. She landed on shore. The mammals where in presuit. Torah noticed there was another platform here. The cave started some distance ahead. Torah didn't care. Roses caused new explosions. The cluster got swallowed. Torah inhaled. She hated those monsters. She let it go. Torah picked herself together. She had to stay focused. The mammals where themselves slaves beneath Dracula's curse. Torah picked the crystals. She went into the mine. Everything seemed alright. Even so, things where never what they appeared. Torah reached for the cross. Shouldn't she know. She smiled. Though it never reached her eyes. Torah began walking. The tunnel became wider, much wider. five giant huge pillars, carved out of the very bedrock, rised high into the ceiling. Torah looked upward. There was nothing she could see. The ladder must've led her quite some distance. At the far end went another corridor. Candles where the only source of light. Torah stepped carefully forward. Anything might happen. Rocks fell from the ceiling. Torah dodged. They all rolled into a pool of lava. Torah stepped forward. It must be the system's doing. Why else should there be a pool around here? Torah went back toward the first tunnel. Then she noticed something which made her skin crawl. Climbing down the nearest pillar came something which looked like a small dragon without wings. Torah knew what it was, of course. The beast was one of those legendary salamanders. Torah noticed that some others also where going down. Mathilda told her how to slay them. That could be rather dangerous. Torah was grateful she got the roses. That might be powerful enough. The first lizard-like creature had reached the floor. It walked on four legs. Like a monstrous toad. Or perhaps some sort of dinosaur. Torah put the questions aside. She ran as the monster breathed one huge wave of fire. The flame left black spots on the wall. Even the floor bore mark of its approach. Tiny flames seemed to dance along the red scales on its body. The horned collard made it look like some monster's world priest. Torah ran before it could turn. Though powerful, it was rather slow. Metal bars closed the exits. Torah screamed as the tail suddenly caught fire. The large demon, double the size of her body, swung at her. Torah screamed a second time. She just couldn't help it. Then she bit together. The salamander opened its jaws. Rows of monstrous teeth got revealed. Torah was able to circle its approach. She put a garlic down right at its back. She then lept. The dino-like creature gave her a sort of dumb look. Then the flower exploded. The monster fell down on all four legs. The creature wasn't much taler. Although it really was much larger then she could ever be. Torah thought it looked quite silly. But then it got back up. It breathed another heavy flame. Torah threw herself sideways. The monster went forward. Torah tried to circle her opponent. The tail burned red with flame. Torah franticly threw herself backward. She got out of reach. But only barely. The lizard creature turned around. Torah ran. She got behind. Torah licked her lips. She hoped Mathilda was right about this. She put another garlic in place. Torah placed another flower. She barely got out of reach. The explosion threw the salamander flat on the floor. Torah tried to figure out what to do when the monster got back on foot. Torah felt sweath on her brow. This wasn't working. Her cousin must've been mistaken. Torah decided she would try one last time. The monster scratched its giant claws before gaping wide. Waving flames shot forward. Torah sidestepped. The devil just would continue until she was dead. Torah knew she should've expected to find these monsters downstairs. Torah ran behind. The dragon-like beast whipped its tail. Torah dodged. The enemy breathed another wave. Torah placed the flower down. The rose exploded. Speak of flower power. Torah giggled. Then she got simply dumbbfounded. A sudden flame lit up from within its body. The roaring pyre reduced the beast to ashes. Torah toutched the cross. This was heavy stuff. A pile of crystals marked the place in which it perished. Torah eagerly picked the crystals. The floor shook. Torah spun around. The beast which climb down the leftmost pillar had reached the floor. She licked her lips. This wasn't good. Although she might kill it, that wouldn't be easy. She ran forward just as the monster breathe its flaming breth. The floor got stained on the approach. Torah got behind. The enflamatory tail swung. Torah threw herself backward. The head got right in front. The jaws opened. It might've bitten her in half. Torah managed to sidestep. The demon breathed. Torah got behind. She placed her roses. Then she ran. The explosion sent it down. Torah was getting close when it suddenly rised. Heavy flames burned toward her. Torah was forced to execute a frantic series of back-flips. That was close. Real close. The devil throtted after her. Torah was able to circle it out. The demon whipped with its flaming tail. Torah ducked underneath. The salamander had turned the whole way round. The monstrous enemy breathed heavy flames. Torah sidestepped the assault. She got behind. Torah placed down another flower. The explosion sent her backward. Above the third monster roared. The echo sent shock-waves throughout the area. Rocks fell from the ceiling. Somehow Torah got back on foot. She lept across that heavy wave. It wasn't something she wished to do. But it was all she could to save herself. Tora avoided the heavy tail. The salamander breathed. This was not like Edward's DSS-cards. She toutched one pocket. The monster again throtted toward her location. It opened its mouth. Torah ran. She put down her rose. The flower exploded. This time she got away. The salamander roared. Blazing flames burned through its body. Soon there was nothing left but ash and crystals. Still somewhat shaky, Torah picked them up. The third demon reached the floor. The solid impact made Torah shiver. The enemy breathed a wave of flame. Torah was able to glide underneath. That was so close she actually felt the heat toutch her hair. The blue ring protected her from damage. She never would test it again. The blue ring was no match against such natural rage. The flaming monster whipped its tail. Torah blinked. It made a full circle. A pyre lit on its mobility. She hadn't noticed that earlier. Torah ran. The salamander opened its jaws wide. Torah got behind. The enemy was really slow. The flower exploded. Torah was thrown to the floor. The dino-like devil came throtting forward. Torah rolled aside. The enemy breathed. The heavy flames burned the very stone floor. Torah tried to get behind. The heat of the pyre made her step backward. It was like she expected. This was to much even for her family's ring. The monster opened its mouth. Flames burned forward. Torah was able to circle out the enemy. She was smaller but much quicker. Torah placed the garlic. She was able to avoid the impact. The demon fell down on all four. Never the less, it struggled back up. Torah hadn't achieved victory. She didn't expect it either. Flames blazed along the burning red scales. Torah doubted even a red dragon would find it tasty. A circular pyre marked its mobility. Torah tried to follow suit. Only when turning it was faster. They faced one another. The large yellow eyes burned like twin blazing suns. Torah licked her lips. She felt so small in comparison. Torah gathered. The Lord picked humans above this creature. The demon roared. Rocks fell from the ceiling. The monster made flames track along the floor. They collided against the wall. Torah got behind. Although it was no trip in the park. "Be the will of God!" Torah shouted when placing the flower. The blazing explosion threw her hard against the floor. She prayed the bottles didn't crash. The demon burned into ashes. Torah watched it happened. She struggled back up. Her body was aching all over. Torah pulled off the backpack. They where intact. Torah praised the Lord while she had some of the red medicine. There still where three dozes left. There also was one sample of the blue medicine. She thought of throwing away the empty bottle. But who knew? It might come in handy. She picked the crystals the monster left behind. She felt strangely replenished. The bars got removed. Torah went into that other tunnel. Not far away was another pool of lava. Torah went to have a closer look. The heads noticed. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired. The head got shot into oblivion. Torah lept. She got upon the nearest platform. The head came in a wavy pattern. The cross made it burn. Torah slashed the next enemy. She jumped. Torah landed upon the platform. A trio of bats came for her. Torah charged the spell. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma went home. Torah removed the second Medusa head. She then lept back on shore. There was no platform here. Torah went straight into the mine. The tunnel kept going onward. Then it began turning slightly downward. Torah had the smash ready. Some mammals where about. Torah kept watch on their mobility. They came from multiple angles. Torah slashed. They got cut to pieces. Torah turned. There where more of them. The smash had work to do. Torah moved with all the speed in her little body. Then it suddenly was over. Torah was breathing heavily. She pulled together. Torah picked the crystals. She was grateful they didn't gather into another big bat. That might still happen. Torah heard their flapping wings. Though they kept out of sight. Torah knew they where chasing her. Blood attracted them like angry bees. Torah toutched the cross. She was allergic to bees. That was a problem she would have to deal with later. Legends told the Dark Lord could control even the lesser forms of life. The tunnel went on. Torah entered into another oval area. She kept the ring-smash handy. Then Torah began walking. Nothing seemed to happen. The bats came inside. This place at least wasn't frozen. No pyre lit the stage either. Torah was unshure what to expect. She went for the other exit. Then metal bars closed the openings. A duo of lizard dancers lept from the stage. Torah hung up the rings. They wouldn't work on this type of foes. The dancers threw daggers at her. Torah got into motion. She still had to keep an eye out for those mammals. Torah knew she wasn't fast enough. Her stakes only served to amuse them. That wasn't the point. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. Some mammals got shot. Torah almost got nailed herself. She better stay more focused. "Straight ahead." She muttered. Where did that slogan came from? No matter. Torah dodged another series of knives. They really where quite clever. Bats where closing in. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The homing plasma was no doubt the best way to counter their assault. This time she dodged in time. The lizard hissed with frustration. Torah threw garlic. The explosion forced her backward. Torah advanced while she was stil off balance. The cross made her burn. The monster lept backward. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah twirled. The bats scattered. Torah threw herself flat. The daggers went above. Torah rolled. She got up straight in front of the other dancer. Torah got the smash. She made that doubled onslaught. The dancer dodged. Torah sidestepped. Yoko told of the mad butcher. They also got an endless supply of knives. She threw roses toward the mammals. Torah ducked when other daggers came her way. Other explosions shook the battlefield. Torah put the smash away. One dancer then fell on the floor. The bomber flowers had tore her open. Torah looked away. The corpse burned. Torah picked herself together as best she could. It had to be done. The other dancer, the one she'd burned, was still alive. She got closer, knives in hand. Torah got back from the approach. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats where her main concearn. There wasn't that much left of them. No matter. Only one was needed to bite her. Torah toutched the cross. She dodged some other daggers. The lizard-dancer never gave up the assault. Torah answered with a quick trio of stakes. The monster didn't react fast enough. One stake went home. Torah knew it wasn't anything fatal. The enemy pulled it out. She threw it on the floor. Torah presented the cross. The mammals where drawing near. The symbol made them burn. She lept. The daggers almost got her this time. They flew just past her location. Torah licked her lips. This wasn't good. Not at all. She had to end this dangerous game before something fatal occurred. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The spell reduced the mammals into ashes. Then Torah spun. She threw stakes about. The dancer dodged. While she where still in motion, Torah spread her fingers. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing plasma shot her. The dancer collapsed. The battle was over. Torah picked the crystals. She let be the candles. They would lit the path back out. The bars got removed. Torah went back into the mine. The corridor was going slightly upward again. Torah got the smash out. There might be other demons about. Nobody seemed to be lurking about here anyway. The tunnel then went right. At the far end was another pit. Torah kept on going. Though she where more careful then ever. Black smoke obscured her sight. The boiling sound grew louder. The heads came flying forward. Torah cut it to pieces. She even slashed the successor. Torah jumped. She climbed upon the platform. The pillar was surrounded by lava. Torah looked about. "Orbs of sorcery!" The trio of mammals got shot into oblivion. Torah impaled the Medusa head. She lept for the other platform. Torah got ontop. The mine was close. Torah threw garlic toward the next trio. The mammals exploded. Torah inhaled. The head came in a wavy pattern. Torah cut it into submission. She then lept back on shore. There was no platform here. Torah went into the mine. Some ore striped the ceiling. Torah wondered if it was the same resource as before. She put it aside. The tunnel came to an abrupt halt. Two really narrow tunnels went forward. Torah frowned. The wall in front really had such a strange fabric. It seemed polished and almost rounded. Like that of an enormous pillar. There grew some rocky spiked right out from the floor. Torah had a look. She thought they would remind her of this particular entrance. She then began walking down the leftmost passage. Torah hadn't been mistaking. The path went around an enormous pillar. The thing was decorated with ancient markings and pictures she didn't understand. Her grandmother Yoko had began teatching her some basic runes. Mathilda showed her some images of Shanoah's glyphs. They didn't look the least like this. Then they looked more like the markings described by Leon Belmont. He'd painted some samples in the journal from 1094. Torah shuddered. She hoped it was no rune spirits. She kept walking. Nothing happened. She frowned. The way led back to where she'd just started. Torah shook her head. This time she went the other way. Again she got absorbed by the strange markings. Torah blinked. She was back at the beginning. Torah toutched the cross. Perhaps that was the reason? Perhaps the runes where ment to occupy an intruder so that she would go on forever? Torah reached for the cross. She inhaled. Torah beheld the symbol. Perhaps it could help her. Torah began walking while she kept looking on the cross. It was no use. Again she was led astray. The markings where crafted with ancient magic. It wasn't evil at all. At least they didn't have to be. This was like having to deal with Soma Cruz. Although he was the Dark Lord incarnate, having been born with the spirit of Dracula, he didn't had to choose that path. Then what about that girl the circle wished to sacrifice? What about the robbery of Malus's grave? Torah put the matter aside. She had unfinished tasks of her own. She tried to walk the path with her eyes closed. The runes just wouldn't let go. She again became preoccupied. Torah was back at the beginning. She tried to remain calm. Torah knew she had to get through. Mathilda told her some tricks. They where methods how to stay focused when magic tried to capture someone's attention. Torah inhaled. She had to be absolutely calm if this should work. Then she began building an image of herself. Torah tried to remember how she looked in the mirror. Her reflection. Her shadow. Torah tried to make the image as live as possible. When the figure was all but complete, Torah began walking. They tried to steal her consentration. Torah could almost hear how they called her name. Torah struggled to keep building her image. Her own figure was all she had to might get through. By now they began roaring, screaming for her to look. "Look on us Torah!" The image beaconed. "Look how wonderful we are. How magical and mysterious!" It was like a fierce storm blew all about. Torah stumbled into another corridor. This was worse then anything else. Not even the bone-troopers could challenge this peril. The storm suddenly stopped. Torah fought not to look back. She kept on walking. Finally she let go. Torah opened her eyes. She was back inside the mine. Ore lined the wall and ceiling. Torah pressed the cross tight to her. "Thank you." She whispered. That was the least she could do. Torah exhaled. She began walking. The corridor went straight for quite some distance. The red glow grew brighter. Soon Torah found herself before another pond. She got the smash out. They got in handy. The Medusa head got cut to pieces. Torah jumped across. She landed atop another metal pillar. Some mammals attacked. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot them into oblivion. The head got shredded. Torah lept. She landed upon the second platform. Other bats approached. Torah threw garlic about. The explosive onion cleared the area. Sort of anyway. The black smoke still made it difficult to see. Torah toutched the cross. Then she jumped. Torah reached the shore. This time there actually was a platform in front. Torah had a look around. Out on the open area stood two large sculptures. Torah stepped back as she noticed. The statues where bogh images of Medusa. Torah was sure not to look back. Their eyes might turn her into stone. Torah felt cold beyond the hot atmosphere. She really didn't like this place. The sculptures made her blush anyway. The upper human body was all naked. The woman was real muscular, with slender waist and a flat stomach. Torah went into the mine. The corridor was wider then before. The floor seemed like it'd been polished. Once upon a time, however. Torah noticed there was no ore. Not that it mattered. She kept on walking. There was deep layers of dust. The cave led slightly downward. Torah almost tripped on the rubble. She felt chills down her spine. This wasn't right. There lay pieces of ancient weaponry and old arm among the ashes. Torah toutched the cross. This wasn't dust at all. It was ash. Everything was ash. All grey and dry. Torah licked her lips. They felt salt. This was a desert. A wasteland where nothing could trive. Torah turned. She thought to have heard something move. Nothing. All was quiet. Quiet as a tomb. When Torah looked back, the bone-trooper had arrived. This bulk was armed with a sword and shield. Before she could react, the enemy dashed forward. Torah was able to glide underneath. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The homing plasma went home. The demon staggered forward. If only she deared stamp the pendant. That was no option. The enemy turned. It dashed forward. Torah sidestepped. The trooper turned. Torah threw garlic straight into the formation. The explosion sent her sideways. The corridor wasn't wide enough to offer a real battlefield. Torah got back up. The enemy swung its sword. Torah screamed. The enemy almost cut through her face. Torah threw herself backward. The enemy came forward. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah was able to push it backward. It wasn't enough. Torah threw a rose right into its defence. The flower exploded. Torah was thrown to the floor. She rolled backward. The enemy almost impaled her body. The ash saved her from getting hurt when falling. Though it slowed her in this situation. No matter. Torah continued rolling. She'd thrown away her backpack. The trooper kept on coming. Then the sword came in contact with Torah's cross. The image made the enemy glow with shining frost. Torah felt the barrier collapse. She let it have all the energy kept up inside. The demon fell. Torah placed more garlic in front. The barrier slammed shut. Torah felt all dirty. Her clothings where covered with dried blood and ashes. Torah tried to dust off herself. She got out of reach. The explosion only left some crystals behind. Torah picked them up. They became objects. Torah refilled her arsenal. The sence of evil was still powerful. Torah wasn't surprised when another trooper emerged. This skeleton was armed with a heavy axe. It came forward. Torah thought of the tin man which where told of in Belnades legends. She pulled away from that crazed lumberjack assassin. She didn't dare to try channel its energy. Instead Torah threw more roses. The impact was spectacular. The skeleton got blasted sky high. It fell hard against the floor. Torah rashed forward. She stamped with the cross. A distant scream came from somewhere deep within the trooper. Then it got back up. Torah made a back-flip. The trooper advanced. "Orbs of sorcery!" This was no game. The magic only made it stumble. Then it was back in motion. Torah pulled together. This had to end. It had to end now. Torah threw more roses. That was the payoff. The skeleton fell into a heap. Torah put garlic in front. She got out of reach just in time. Another explosion rammed the battlefield. Torah claimed the crystals. She hoped there was no more of them. That hope got shattered. A third trooper had arrived. This devil was armed with a sword and shield. It went forward. It came in that crouched position which made it impossible to get beneath. Torah threw more flowers. The tripled onslaught flew from bogh hands. The impact shook it backward. It came again. Torah was able to sidestep this time. "Orbs of sorcery!" She'd promised not to use any magic, beside Carrie's spell. The impact threw the skeleton sideways. The giant sword struck the wall. Torah got beneath. "Orbs of sorcery!" She repeated the offensive from within her kneeling position. The enemy shook. Then it struck. Torah rolled. This was not funny. The enemy came in presuit. Torah managed to jump back on foot. The skeleton dashed. "Take this your devil!" Torah shouted when throwing the flowers. The roses exploded on contact. Torah was thrown hard against the floor. Somewhat shaken, torah got up. She placed garlic in front. This time Torah dodged the explosion. The area went silent. All felt right again. Torah retrived the crystals. This time it was real close. She put the backpack back on. Torah then began walking. The ashy area soon came to an end. The corridor continued. Torah kept walking. She slashed the mammals. There was not that many of them this time. Torah didn't care. Just one bite and it would be over. She knew that. She knocked a few candles. There was nothing really interesting inside. Torah found a green medicine. She shrugged. The other bottle got filled. Torah kept walking. The dimmed glow grew brighter again. Torah reached the pit. The heads where already in motion. The smash settled the matter. Torah jumped across. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The mammals got shot. She impaled the Medusa head. She lept. Torah landed ontop of the second platform. She stamped with the cross. The head burned on impact. She dodged the next villian. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing plasma still was the best way to track those demons. Torah made another jump. She landed upon the shore. Torah was back in the mine. There was another platform. Torah noticed some other sculptures. She realized this wasn't the first time she saw them. There had been such statues on every platform down here. Torah toutched the cross. Legends told that when Simon Belmont fought the eternally-suffering snake-woman, back in 1688, her head came from a statue. Although that was a little diferent. The sculpture was of some Greek warrior, he who slaied Medusa in ancient time. It made no diference. Torah was sure not to return the gaze. The tunnel was wide, wider then she'd ever seen. A hot wind went through her short-cut blonde hair. Torah put the dark strings behind her ears. At the far end was another pond. Torah began walking. The eerie hot wind made the light of the candles to flicker. When Torah went inside, the wind picked up. IT roared forward. It was like the scream of a million voices screaming out in grief and sorrow. Torah shivered. Though the wind was hot. Torah wished to shield her ears. That was no option. She had to press onward. The passage was perhaps only some 60 meters long. That was more then enough. This storm wasn't natural. Torah was certain. She hadn't come far, less then 10 meters actually, when another Medusa head approached. Torah slashed it into oblivion. She kept on walking. The wind did its best to push her backward. The storm got the heat of an open fire-place. Torah shredded another head. She really got pushed backward for every time she stopped to fight. No matter. Torah kept on walking. "Only the song of a dryad might tame the wind." That grandmother Yoko told her. Torah defeated another head. Torah knew she could sing. She'd done it already. Torah knew she couldn't control it. To try might be fatal. The smash removed the Medusa head. She'd reached at least 40 meters. The heads kept on coming. Torah didn't dare using magic. Not here. The storm might thus caught fire. It wasn't likely. Torah didn't dare try that statement. If only Rose was here. Together they could dare anything. Well, not really. But that wasn't the point. The fay made her comfortable. Torah bit together. She slashed another head. Then a second and a third. They came with much greater haste. Only the final approach remained. Torah bit her teeth together. The smash kept at work. Torah left a track of stoned remains behind her. Five meters left. Torah already recognised the platform. She shredded another head. Then she where back out. The wind stopped blowing. At first Torah didn't understand. Then she figured it was the silence which bottered her. She shook her head. The lava was still boiling. Torah had a look at the statues. Was it they which preduced the heads? She put the matter aside. It wasn't important. She went toward the pool. No sooner did other heads arrive. Torah felt somewhat tired. There was nothing she could do about the matter anyway. She shredded the thing to pieces. Torah impaled the successor. The constant black smoke obscured her view. She though to make out the platform. It wasn't far off. She jumped. Torah landed upon the pillar. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals had returned. Torah shot them away. The heads where a constant threat. Torah slashed the enemy. She threw garlic at the cluster of mammals. The bats scattered. Torah didn't relax. She knew that wasn't the end. She shredded another head before leaping. She landed upon the second platform. The bats advanced. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The trio of orbs went home. There still where more of them out there. Torah removed the head. She ducked. The next Medusa head almost stoned her. This time Alicia wouldn't save her. Torah got up in time to slash the successor. She jumped. Torah was back in the mine. Although the opening where marked with other sculptures, there was no platform. Torah didn't mind. She went into the tunnel. Stoned spikes went down from the ceiling. Other seemed to rise out from the very floor. She didn't like this place. It was like walking down a demon's jaws. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot the mammals. Something made her stop. She looked around. Torah licked her lips. She got the smash. Torah kept walking. Though very slow. Suddenly she ducked. Torah knew that sound. An arrow came down the passage. Torah sidestepped the projectile. The ranger got assistance. Torah noticed as the swordsman and skeletons appeared. They hid among the spike-like formation. "Orbs of sorcery!" She had to get rid of them before the archer might fire another round. The trio of orbs exploded on impact. The enemies collapsed. Torah threw garlic toward the mammals. The blast removed the last of their numbers. Torah picked the crystals. She felt no victory. The ranger fired. He was brave. One of the fiew she'd met. Torah dodged the objective. She fired some of her own. "Orbs of sorcery!" The battle was over. The archer got blasted away. Not much of a fight anyhow. Torah shrugged. She was no battle-mage. No matter. This was no game. Torah advanced. The tunnel seemed like it would continue on forever. Torah kept a stern watch in case other mammals where about. She better. Something moved. Torah threw herself sideways. Another arrow came for her. The wide cave made it no nice place for archery. Not that the aim was that good to begin with. These folks where no trained rangers. The cracking of bones got her on guard. They approached from behind the fang-like spikes. The bone-men where armed with swords in bogh hands. Torah quickly turned. She threw stakes at them. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. Her aim was perfect. It should be, as the plasma homed on to their archer. The fight was over before it could realy begin. Torah picked the crystals. The flapping of many wings made her look skyward. Torah threw roses about. The explosions where truly breathtaking. Torah didn't care. She never was found of spoiling matters. There still where some which survived. They kept some distance. So be it. Torah began moving. She hadn't gone far when she heard.. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. Three new skeletons and a lizard club approached. Torah got up into a kneeling position. The mammals advanced. Torah got the garlic. She threw a trio of them in arches. That should occupy them for some time. Torah dodged another arrow. "Orbs of sorcery!" The lizard and two skeletons got nailed. The third bag of bones went in for the kill. Torah was able to get behind. The smash settled the matter. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell got bogh the ranger and some mammals. The surviving bats still circled about. Torah inhaled. She had to get rid of them. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged. The flock scattered. Torah toutched the cross. They would be back eventually. No matter. She would be waiting for them. She resumed her approach. The cave went going straight forward. Nothing ever changed. Torah wondered if some magic might be at work. The bats reappeared. They always seem to come from above. Torah spread bogh arms. "Orbs of sorcery!" The tripled orbs of plasma shot from between her fingertips. The bats didn't got scratched. Instead there was someone else who exploded. The ranger fell on the floor. The group of foes attacked. Torah dashed forward. The smash went deep into his body. The lance collapsed. Torah spun. The cross sat the club on fire. "Orbs of sorcery!" The skeletons got knocked to pieces. A second archer fired. Torah dodged the arrow. The roses finished the battle. Torah hadn't time. The mammals where all about. Tripled garlic flew from her hands. Torah followed up with roses. Ceveral explosions made the cavern shake. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The plasma blasted bats into oblivion. Torah picked the crystals. Other bats where still about. Torah threw more garlic. She had to end this threat here and now. The onion exploded on contact. Some where already to close. The smash where working. Torah slashed the enemies. She cut them into pieces. Her back was pressed against the wall. This was Ravenberg over again. Torah was breathing heavily. Explosives went through the air. Torah made other flowers absorb the enemies. Finally it was over. Torah almost fell to the floor. For a moment she just sat there. Then she got up. Torah picked the crystals. It had been real close this time. Torah toutched the cross. She continued going forward. Torah had to find the switch. Some few surviving mammals still where about. Torah didn't care. They kept their distance. She would let it stay like that. The passage suddenly opened up into a much larger area. Torah stepped into another oval chamber. The stage was lit with fire. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah figured it out a moment to late. The surviving bats flew right into the pyre. She got some of them. But it wasn't nearly enough. The mimic scattered. A set of steel bars closed the exit. Torah hung up the smash. She praised God for having obtained the blue ring. The eerie laugher cut through her line of thought. The flare-dancers had arrived. A trio of illuminated lizard females lept from within the flame. They where exelent dancers. Torah got into motion. She had to be careful. Flickering flames lit on their mobility. Torah twirled and danced the best she could. She had to get through their protection. She might use magic. The mere thought made her shiver. The cross made the mimic burn. Torah knew of that method already. The flare-dancers kept to great distance. She struggled to break through the barrier. If only it would collapse! Torah threw stakes about. At least that could throw them off balance. The blockage suddenly became removed. The stakes she threw glowed all blue, like shining sapphire. "Jesus!" Torah cried with joy. The wooden icicles smashed against the dancer's body. The illumination faltered. Torah lept. The dancer was already off balance. The jump-kick threw her on the floor. Torah spun. The cross made her burn into ashes. Torah got thrown back as the flames burned her location. She forgot about the mimic. The dancers approached. Their laugher echoed throughout the battleground. The blue ring shielded her from damage. At least that type of damage. No matter. Torah still felt like being struck with sun. She got back up. The barrier had rebuilt itself. Torah almost wept. No time for that now. With her cheeks stained, she got back into battle. The mimic devils still made efforts to drink her blood. Torah presented the cross. Their heat pressed against the barrier. Torah felt like being squeezed together. No matter. She made them burn with flames they couldn't resist. Not that it really was her doing the burning. The symbol glowed with holy energy. Torah realized the mimic had become real demons. That was why the cross might burn them. Torah danced. She dodged their mobility. This couldn't go on forever. If only she got a bow-and-arrows. Something which might make an impact. Torah sidestepped. The flare-dancers spread flames all about. Torah threw garlic in turn. The onion exploded on impact. The lizard staggered. Torah used the opportunity to advance forward. The cross got through the magic flame. The demon shrieked. Torah wanted to shield her ears. That was no option. Torah pulled a garlic into her mouth. The head just exploded. Torah got back on foot. The blast had thrown her backward. She picked the crystals. The mimic had advanced. Torah got the smash. The razor rings was untoutched by fire. It couldn't be ordinary steel. Otherwise they might have melted. Torah didn't care what so ever. There still where quite some numbers left. Beside, and more importantly, the final dancer still burned the place. Torah had to be quick about it. The ring protected from heat. But this was no ordinary flare. Torah threw roses toward the mammals. The explosion was more then the magic could handle. The impact sent them blasting into oblivion. Torah threw herself sideways. The dance almost brought her into one of the enemy's roaring flames. Torah didn't knew how much longer she could keep up with this madness. The frantic dodge sent her against the side of the podium. The dancer laughed. Torah threw herself forward. The enemy where in front. Torah stamped with the cross. The symbol got through the fire. Torah grasped hold. The gauntlets channelled the flaming magic straight through her body. Torah screamed in unison. She really wasn't that resilient against hot tempratures. The illumination faltered. Just then did the barrier collapse. Torah gasped. Her grasp became shining gold. The lizard's eyes grew wide with horror. She tried to break free. She managed. The door got closed. Torah got hit in the face. She staggered backward. The dancer made a summersault back among the pyre. Torah gathered together. The mimic where getting awefully close. She got the ring-smash out. Torah was busy defending herself as the flare-dancer remerged. She looked damaged. Either way, she kept her dance alive. Torah licked her lips. Mimic monsters where all about. This where the last of them. But that didn't matter. They kept her occupied as the flare-dancer approached. Torah decided it was time for desperate messures. Without thinking, she closed her eyes. Then Torah pulled off another jump-kick. She marked the dancer right in the middle. Flames burned her body. Torah screamed. Her cross was blazing. The enemy burned into ashes. Torah staggered back up. She spun while throwing flowers. Torah fell back down. She collected crystals. She again struggled back on foot. The mimic had arrived. Torah threw a final round of garlic. Then she fell back on the floor. Torah pulled out the red medicine. She drank what was left. She became healed. Torah almost didn't notice. She put back the empty bottle. She just sat there, shivering all over. Her eyes where closed. Torah didn't mind the battle was over. This round almost finished her off. She was weeping again. Carrie never did. Or so she remembered. Torah tried to pull together. Yoko always said tears was one of the greatest gifts of all. Torah never understand. She still didn't. The bars had become removed. Torah dryed off her tears. She got back up. The war continued. Torah exhaled. She had to keep her faight. Torah toutched the cross. Torah felt some slightly better. She whished to have a bath and a long good sleep somewhere safe. That was no option. Torah knew. Not if she didn't accept Actrise of course. That was no option either. Never was she to do that. No matter how bad she felt. Torah climbed upon the stage. The button was there. Torah pulled it. The dim red glow slowly subsided. Torah went for the opening. The corridor was rather dark. The spiked formations where still in place. Metal plates covered where the lava had been. No hot wind blew in the corridor. Torah noticed that the ash lay all silent. Not even the bats seemed interested. Not that it where any around. The runes seemed to have lost their power. Not that she stayed to clear the matter. The pond inside the room where she met the salamanders, where the only which was still open. Torah noticed there where other runes carved about the pit. She didn't dare to investigate. She instead went toward the crater. The sculptures where still in place. She didn't spoil time with inspecting if they really where magical. Finally Torah reached the crater. The bridge had been extended. Torah stepped outward. Everything was silent. Like when she climbed the ladder down to this area. Torah didn't like it. She would rather have it with bats and heads about. The fright suddenly appeared. Torah stepped backward. The shrouded figure made a bolt of lightning strike the bridgeway. Torah dodged. She even avoided the currents which went along. The rotting female had vanished. She appeared somewhere else. Torah charged. "Orbs of sorcery!" A bolt of lightning missed her altogether. The trio of orbs went home. The enemy burned into ashes. Still nothing else happened. Torah reached for the cross. This wasn't right. She kept on going. The crater was really wider. Torah guessed it had the size of a football stadion. A miracle the metal bridge went all the way long. The other fright came without a sound. Torah got taken aback. Lightning struck. Strange the bridge didn't collapse. Most likely it was built to withstand great pressure. No matter. Torah didn't trust things built by Dracula's henchmen. Torah threw garlic. The flouting figure disappeared. Torah looked around. Nothing was to be seen. The thick black smoke obscured everything. Suddenly it was there. Torah had the onion ready. The garlic exploded. The strange figure was nowhere to be seen. Torah hoped this ment it was over. She looked down. Something big and black where approaching. Torah frowned. It, whatever it was, where darker then the smoke itself. Then she realized it was a swarm of bats. Torah waisted no time. She ran forward. The heads where back. Torah shredded the first enemy. She didn't mind about the crystal. She made the second burn. The cross blazed with energy. Torah could hear them by now. The flapping of countless black wings. They shrieked with bloodthirst. Torah didn't want to listen. There was nothing she could do. She shredded another head. Torah reached the other end. The cave was in front. Torah dashed inside. All went silent. Torah inhaled. Where did all of them came from? She didn't wish to know. Torah put herself together. She better have a look around. Not far off was another pool of lava.

The lizard men left their priest behind. Griffon and Jade had bogh offered their individual reports. "He didn't seemed impressed." Jade finally stated. Griffon gave no clear answer. "He'll do something." But what? That was the real question. She rested downstairs. Griffon licked his lips. Jade made no comments about it this time. "You don't think he is that stupid, do you?" He seemed to be reading his mind. No difficulty. They where all thinking the same about "her" these days. He tightened the bucle which held the armour together. He wouldn't really have to anser that question. "I don't know." He finally confessed. She made his blood chill with fear. Jade nodded. "He told us to gather." Griffon said, trying to change the subject. HE didn't wish to think further about that other case. Jade muttered something he didn't figure. It wasn't important. "I said we should've done that all to begin with." He then said aloud. Griffon agreed. Though he'd been to busy with work to realy care when the first warning arrived. He had reasons to regret. It was to late for that. "I'm not sure they'll listen." HE finally stated. "Neither of us have any rank to speak about." Jade continued his muttering. "I'll do what I must." HE finally stated. "I think we all want." Griffon answered.

Torah reached the pond. Thick clouds of black smoke made it difficult to see beyond the point. Torah threw it aside. The heads attacked. Torah impaled the first in line. She lept over to the nearest platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals got fried. Torah cut the head to pieces. She claimed the crystal. Torah waisted no time. She jumped upon the second platform. The heads kept coming. Torah stamped with the cross. The head burned into ashes. Torah threw garlic at the cluster of mammals. The bats exploded. Torah got ontop of the third pillar. Something got her on edge. Torah knew that sound. Arrows came her way. They'd gathered here to meet her in combat. The smoke obscured their aim. Nobody reached her. She lept back into the mine. There was another platform at this point. Two sculptures of the snake-woman Medusa stood to either side. Torah wasn't interested. The enemies advanced. "Orbs of sorcery!" The blast exploded against their magic shields. Though the impact caused some confusion. Torah used the opportunity to advance her momentum. She got beneath their defensive. The lizard club got smashed in the middle. Torah threw roses about. The flowers created new explosions. This close the shields where no use. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah cried. The orbs shot them sky high. Torah ducked. The sword went through open air. Torah smashed the skeleton into submission. Other had arrived. Torah threw stakes at them. The bone-men collapsed. Even the club got impaled. The bats where closing in. Thank God they where not as many as out in the crater. Torah spun. The smash cut deep gashes into their bodies. Torah hated having to do things like this. The cross burned on contact. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah had no choise. The orbs exploded on contact. Even the lizard shaman must've lost hold on things. Torah stamped with the cross. Another row of arrows went home. Torah ducked behind the monster she fought. The smash cut his stomach. The sword fell from his grasp. Explosive arrows finished the ordeal. Torah lept. Garlic was thrown outward. Torah made a quick turn. The lance got burned by the cross. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The mammals got blasted away. Torah ducked. She threw stakes about. Torah got back on foot. The archers gathered at the entrance. The shaman made a row of icicles rise in front. Torah dodged. She answered with another series of quick wooden stakes. The monster magician got nailed all over. HE staggered. Torah dashed forward. HE spoke words she didn't understand. An arching flame shot through the air. The spell exploded on contact. The smash cut through his cloack. Blood stained the pavement. The enemy fell on his knees. Torah stamped with the cross. A roaring flame burned straight upward. The shaman was no more. The rangers let loose another onslaught. Torah was to close. She threw onion right into the group. The sound of cracking bones made her turn. A group of skeletons advanced. Torah threw stakes at them. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell made the bats scatter. There still where other foes left alive. Torah dashed. She cut through his mid-sections. She sidestepped before he could collapse. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged. The skeletons where not through yet. Torah threw roses about. The explosion cleared the battlefield. The archers released a final round before even they did retreat. Torah was left alone on the battlefield. Only some mammals still fluttered about. Torah picked the crystals. It'd been a long day. She entered the tunnel. Torah guessed this had been part of the original mine. Some ore was still visible. Piled rock made it dificult to get forward. Torah got to work her way round. This would be the perfect place. Torah got the smash ready. No sooner crashed an arrow against the rock behind her. Torah ducked. A trio of skeletons was ready. The enemies advanced. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah got back up. The skeletons got shot to pieces. The lizard seemed nervous. Before he could run, Torah impaled him. The archer collapsed. Torah picked the crystals. It must be the monsters who made the Medusa statues. Patrick's family would never had any use for them. Torah threw herself flat. She knew that sound. The arrow missed by inches. Torah licked her lips. She really was lucky. Torah toutched the cross. Two lizards, and a skeleton, approached. Some mammals seemed to have noticed. The club struck for the head. Torah threw herself backward. The impact with that rock made her groan. The monsters laughed. Torah dashed. Though a little shaky, she got beneath his offensive. The club collapsed on the floor. Another arrow came her way. Torah dodged. The skeleton got smashed into oblivion. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired. The final foes lay dead on the floor. Torah had no time. The bats landed on her body. Torah screamed with disgust and horror. She stamped all over her body. If only she got some holy water. Or the Aguwen for that matter. She managed to get free. Still trembling, Torah claimed the crystals. That was close. She inhaled. The air was bad. No matter. Torah picked herself together. She better keep forward. Torah hadn't come far when she became attacked. The archer fired. "Orbs of sorcery!" The ranger burned to ashes. The duo of skeletons also got shot. The lizards advanced. Torah threw garlic about. The battle was over before it could really begin. She picked the crystals. They became items when toutching. No passage was ever the same. This seem to go directly forward. The boiling sound got closer. The rocks made it impossible to locate the area. Suddenly the passage got clear. The archer where in front. He fired so sudden that Torah had no chanse for ofensive. She threw herself flat on the floor. She got back up. The ranger had another arrow. Torah threw stakes at him. The enemy dodged her assault. The skeletons where back. Torah threw herself in among their numbers. The ring-smash crashed their ribs. The last bag of bones withdrew. Four lizard monsters came in support. The archer fired. Torah threw herself on the floor. She dropped the backpack. Torah rolled. The arrow nearly struck. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. Although the aim was terrible. The homing balls went home. The ranger, the skeleton and the spearman collapsed. The surviving monsters dashed before she could even rise. Torah rolled. The club hammered the position. The other swordsman was ready for the kill. Torah reached for her belt. She'd missed the rings. The rose would have to do. She left them behind while she where still rolling. The explosion threw her further away. Bogh enemies got blasted. For some time she lay still while breathing. Torah was grateful for being alive. Finally she got up. Torah retrived her items. She put the backpack back on. She hung up the smash. Torah then picked the crystals. The pit wasn't far off. Torah prepared herself for battle. The heads where approaching. Torah slashed. The Medusa head got cut to pieces. Torah impaled the second head. She then lept across. Torah landed upon the pillar. A trio of mammals came from the ceiling. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah dodged the head. She cut the second away. Torah jumped. She got ontop of the other pillar. Other bats attacked. Torah threw garlic at them. The smash settled the matter. The Medusa head got cut. She shredded the next head. Torah made another jump. The smoke made it dificult to see. Torah managed to land safely upon the platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals got blasted into oblivion. Torah impaled the head. She didn't care about the crystals. Torah jumped. She was back within the mine. There was no platform. Torah head right into the cave. She almost expected to find another high area with salamanders about. Instead the passage led toward another pit. Torah toutched the cross. She went forward when the wave of mammals came from above. "Orbs of sorcery!" That wasn't enough. Torah threw garlic about. She followed up the assault with tripled flowers. The explosions where quite impressive. She still got work to do. Torah stamped those who'd managed to land. The smash cut through other mammals. Torah was just grateful they didn't gathered into another big bat. There still where more of them. Torah withdrew. She threw other roses. A trio of garlic grenades went in high arches. Torah had no time for the crystals. She again had to stamp herself. She shivered with fear. They would drink her blood. Torah threw another onslought of roses. The impact threw her backward. Torah got back on foot. She stamped with the cross. The bats burned into ashes. Torah forced back her screaming. The ring-smash cut them to pieces. Blood and disgustive remains stained the corridor before burning. Torah was breathing heavily. She threw more garlic. She looked around for the candles. Then she blinked. The battle was over. Torah kissed the cross. That was the least she could do. "Thank you God." She said. She retrived the crystals. The arsenal really could need a refill. She let be the candles. She might need them later. Torah went to the pond. Lava boiled beneath. Torah slashed the Medusa head. She then lept. The girl landed upon the pillar. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals got shot. Torah shredded another head. She jumped. Torah got upon the platform. The pillar was made of the same strange metal as before. Torah removed the Medusa head. Garlic made the mammals scatter. Torah went for the final platform. She got upon the pillar. The bats gathered. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The flying monsters got fried on contact. Torah defeated the Medusa head. She waisted no time. Torah jumped upon the shore. She was back in the mine. There was no platforms here. Torah dismissed the matter. She went into the tunnel. Rich ore went along the walls. There still where plenty of rocks about. Torah was careful while walking. Monsters might be waiting for her. Nothing happened. Small clouds of ash got spread on her approach. Torah had some dificulty with breathing. Though she kept moving. She had to release the ladder. Torah almost tripped on the items concealed among the ash. Torah stopped. The cave had opened up. She recognized this place. The ash shivered. Torah hung up the smash. She went out on the battlefield. A bone-trooper, armed and armoured, brandishing a ball-and-chain, occupied the center. It immediately began smashing the weapon. Torah ran sideways. Three other foes also emerged. Two of them where armed with a sword and shield. The third with a huge battle-axe. Torah had to slow them or all was lost. The spiked ball hammered against the floor, spreading ashes all about. Torah ran. "Orbs of sorcery!" The axe staggered. Then he came like a crazed lumberjack. Torah threw a row of garlic. The swordsman got stopped. Torah threw roses about. The third trooper dashed forward. The flowers threw him on the floor. Torah knew they would gather eventually. She dodged the plate. He continued smashing. Torah managed to get behind. The elongated chain became withdrawn. Torah waisted no time. The flowers exploded. The huge skeleton was brought to its knees. Torah dodge another assault. The swordsman dashed. Torah managed to glide underneath. "Orbs of sorcery!" The tripled orbs shot him in the back. Torah ran. The ball-and-chain almost got her this time. The swordsman was struggling back on foot. Torah approached. She stamped with the cross. The ill medalion burned. A distant cry came somewhere from within the enemy. The trooper collapsed. Torah placed garlic in front. Then she ran to save herself. The central trooper continued to hammer the floor. The axe and sword continued the chase. "Orbs of sorcery!" The axe stumbled. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired another round. The plate staggered. The other troopers where on the move. Torah retrived some of the crystals left by that other skeleton. Roses got thrown in a high arch. The axe was brought to its knees. Torah gave him the rest of her garlic. She placed a rose in front. The enemy exploded. Torah gratefully claimed the crystals. They became objects while colecting. The swordsman dashed. Torah managed to glide beneath. "Orbs of sorcery!" The onslaught threw him forward. The plate collided against the floor. Torah jumped the alongated chain. "Orbs of sorcery!" The enemy got thrown off balance. She threw more garlic. The skeleton collapsed into a pile of bones and armour. Torah placed roses in front. The demon exploded. The blast threw Torah against the floor. That saved her life. The swordsman dashed. HE went above her location. Torah got back up. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged her objective. The skeleton staggered. Torah was able to colect some other crystals. The skeleton trooper advanced. This time it came in that crouched position which made it impossible to get beneath. Torah instead sidestepped the assault. He turned to face her. The bone-trooper was at least tripled the size of her body. He was even broader then Father Chrismuss. Torah jumped. The evil pendant was just in front. Torah stamped with the cross. The holy symbol made the skull-shaped medalion burn. A pillar of flame rised from within the enemy. Torah was thrown backward. A distant cry echoed throughout the area. Torah got back up. She placed garlic in front. The pile of bones exploded. Torah went to pick the crystals. She was able to replenish her stock. Torah then leaned against the wall. The sence of evil had vanished. Torah hoped the place was purified. She shook her head. They pledged fealty to lord Dracula. Torah toutched the cross. She never would do that. Although Gwendolyn, another of her cousins, did that. Torah shivered by the memory. She'd been forced to kill her herself. Torah toutched the blue ring. The jewlery was a family treasure. Torah gathered. She went through the other opening. More rocks slowed the approach. No matter. Torah heard the boiling sound grew nearer. The passage suddenly stopped. Torah almost went headfirst into the lava. She threw herself backward. She tightened the grip on her cross. That was close. The Medusa head attacked from a wavy pattern. Torah stamped it out with fire. The cross shone with mystic energy. Torah preduced her ring-smash. There where other of them. She slashed the successor. Then Torah jumped. She landed upon the first platform. Flapping wings told her of their approach. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the trio away. She impaled the Medusa head. Torah lept. She reached the next platform. Another head was on the way. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot it. She then impaled the next head. She lept. Torah got ontop of the final pillar. She threw garlic toward the mammals. The cluster exploded. Torah slashed the Medusa head. She then jumped toward the shore. Torah almost didn't reach it this time. She managed to climb back up. That moment, when she hung on for dear life, was the worst experience of all. Torah couldn't help but shiver. She put together. She had to continue. The tunnel went directly into the mountain. She entered. The cave went straight to the other pool. Torah kept stern watch for any approaching mammals. Nothing happened. She knocked a few candles. There was nothing really important inside. Though she felt better afterward. She went toward the pit. The heads attacked. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot them into oblivion. She jumped before other could arrive. Torah got upon the pillar. This time bats attacked. Although there was not that many of them. Torah threw garlic about. She slashed the head. "Orbs of sorcery!" The last mammals got blasted. Torah lept. She reached the other pillar. The heads kept on coming. Torah threw another rose. The head exploded. Torah impaled the second. She was able to claim the crystal. Torah jumped. She managed to get ontop of the platform. Another trio of bats came downward. Torah barely realized in time. She stamped herself repeatedly. The mammals burned. Strangely, the flames left no trace on her outfit. Torah reached for the cross. She even stamped the Medusa head. The demon burned. Torah picked the crystal. She dodged the next head. She slashed the successor. Torah jumped. She was back inside the mine. There was no platform. The cave just kept on. Torah had a look around. She hadn't seen one for quite some time. She dismissed the matter. Torah instead began going forward. The tunnel went forward. No ash or rocks blocked the approach. Torah frowned. This could be no natural part of the mine. There was no ore about the place. She kept on going. Some mammals noticed. They fluttered about. Torah kept track of their mobility. The glow seemed to get brighter. Torah got mystified. No boiling sound was to be heard. The bats seemed to be nervous as well. They left her behind. Torah didn't like their behaviour. Finally she entered into an oval area. Torah toutched the cross. The entrance was blocked. She steped forward. The cave was monstrous. A flight of stairs led down to something which looked like a mauth of fire. Torah went down. There only was a single wide platform which led across. At the other end was something which looked like a big larva-infested apple, turned into stone. Torah jumped upon the platform. She almost expected other heads to attack. Nothing of the sort did happen. Instead, the very platform seemed to extend down into the livid flame. Torah jumped. She landed upon the isle. Behind her, the pillar collapsed. Torah inspected it carefully. She might manage to jump back. But that wouldn't lead her anywhere. The gate was still blocked. A roar, which seemed distant, but made the chamber whibrate, made torah turn back. From the fire came three large bone dragons. She toutched the cross. This really wasn't good. Torah ran as the trio spat fireballs at her. One skeledragon dived back down into the fire. The other s streached their neck out. Torah knocked one candle. Inside was something which looked like a rosary. Torah picked it up. She wasn't really Catholic. The rosary flashed bright with holy flame. Then the duo of white dragons burned into ashes. Almost dazed, Torah picked the crystals. This was almost to much. Then her confused joy got shattered. Through one of the many holes found throughout the rock, came the third bone dragon. Torah dashed. But then the enemy breathed heavy flames. Torah threw herself sideways. This was like fighting the salamanders again. The enemy popped back down. Torah licked her lips. This might be more difficult then she thought. The white dragon was back. It reached out from the fire while streaching its neck. Torah's eyes grew wide with horror. The giant monster hammered its skull against the ceiling. Huge boulders fell down. Torah ran. She got an idea. She prayed it would work. She hung down from the battlefield. The multiple cracks and openings almost working as a ladder. The skeledragon withdrew. Torah climbed back up. She got her weapons ready. The enemy suddenly reappeared through another opening. This time she was able to track it. The bone dragon was shrouded in a sort of flickering light. It shone through on its approach. Torah threw garlic at it. The onion exploded. The skeledragon was knocked sideways. The glow subsided. Torah licked her lips. Then she ran forward. She dug the smash into the skeledragon. The enemy got thrown backward. Then it withdrew back down. Before it went, the demon got illuminated anew. Torah toutched the cross. This was no ordinary white dragon. Although it looked like those she met earlier, it was somehow different. That wasn't important. The dragon reached out from the flame. The devil shot another round of fireballs. It turned with her mobility. Torah was forced to run. The ring-smash could repel the flames. But not in this magnitude. Finally the bone dragon went down. Torah looked about. One hole got illuminated. Torah approached. This time it was to quick. Heavy flames went along the area. Torah was able to jump across. The enemy retreated. No sooner did the skeledragon hammer the ceiling. Torah ran as rocks fell on the area. She climbed down the side of the isle. The skeledragon had vanished. Then the hole got illuminated. Torah had climbed back up. The white dragon showed its skul. Torah threw tripled roses. The enemy got knocked to the floor. Torah threw a set of stakes. The enemy roared that distant howling sound. Torah shivered. She couldn't help it. The white dragon caught fire. Torah watched it retreat. Soon it was back. The enemy spat another round of fireballs. Torah was forced on the defensive. She ran to save herself. Before it could retreat, Torah sent it a second round of garlic. The enemy was knocked against the wall. The glow went out. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged. The impact knocked bones off of its spine. Torah was barely able to dodge. The devil was on fire. It struck the ceiling. Rocks fell all about. Torah climbed down the side of the platform. The enemy appeared through another hole. Torah climbed back up. She had no chanse to hit it. The blazing skeledragon breathed heavy flames. Torah was somehow able to duck underneath. She threw herself flat on the floor. The enemy popped back into the opening. Torah got back up. She didn't dare to knock more candles. Where was the switch? The dragon streached high above. The solid impact made other rocks fall down. Torah went down the side of the battleground. She quickly got back up. The white dragon reached out from the fire. It shot fireballs at her. Torah dodged. The cross blocked some shots. Torah praised the Lord. "I believe!" She made manifest while reaching her arm skyward. The barrier collapsed. Torah immediately reacted. She threw tripled stakes. The frozen stakes went home. The bone dragon was sent back against the wall. "Orbs of sorcery!" Other bones became knocked off of its frame. Torah held the cross high in front. The bones got thrown backward. They burned upon contact. The white dragon had withdrawn. Torah knew the battle was far from over. A distant glow shone through the hole. Torah turned. Then she got confused. The same glow seemed to appear from other openings as well. Torah decided to go for the leftmost opening. The enemy appeared in the middle. The barrier was back in place. Torah kept her faight. She dodged the flame. The devil disappeared. Then the bone dragon streached out its neck. Other rocks hammered against the floor. Torah barely saved her life. She quickly climbed back upon the battlefield. Ceveral openings got illuminated. Torah went for the rightmost opening. This time she chosed correctly. The skeledragon appeared. Torah let it have the roses. The flower went in a high arch. The rose exploded on contact. Torah ran forward as the enemy's glow went out. She impaled it repeatedly. The white dragon disappeared back down into the hole. Torah looked around for the next approach. The enemy seemed to have vanished. She didn't believe that. Then the bone dragon was back. The elongated enemy struck the ceiling. Torah was forced to run. Boulders fell on the ceiling. Torah climbed as fast she could. Finally the downpour was over. She got back up. The skeledragon was nowhere to be seen. Then it reappeared. A mystic glow lit the openings. Torah was unsure which was the right one. Then the white dragon appeared in front. She was at the leftmost opening. The enemy opened its jaws. Torah stamped with the cross. Although the ring protected her, it hurt. The hand felt numb for quite some time. Never mind. The white dragon got knocked down. Torah placed roses in front. The whole thing exploded. Torah watched as the enormous enemy rised out of the opening. Then the entire carcass fell back down. The battlefield shook by the impact. Torah shook her head. She couldn't believe this was her doing. Then the enemy resolved. Right before her eyes, the enemy collapsed into a heap of ashes. Although the same had happened before, it always became obscured by the smoke. This time she saw what happened. The mighty skeledragon only left behind a track of crystals. Torah picked them altogether. She finally noticed the switch. Torah stepped upon it. The fire went out. Huge metal plates closed over the battleground. Torah had to jump to not get captured. The barrier before the exit had disappeared. The only source of light came from the lit candles. Torah went back toward the crater. Even the enemies seemed to have left. Torah almost whistled while moving along. Even so, she got the smash ready. The cross was tied around her wrist. She would stamp enyone who approached. The school uniform looked shabbier then ever. There was nothing she could do. "Orbs of sorcery!" Their flapping wings told her of the arrival. The mammals got shot away. There where more of them coming. Torah threw garlic about. The explosion cleared the area. She picked the crystals. They became items. Mostly by the way. Some of them also replenished her magic energy. Torah kept walking. The red glow grew brighter. Torah was careful when approaching. She didn't forget about the cloud of bats. There was nobody outside. Torah went to search for the ladder. It'd been released. Torah smiled. A real smile this time. She began climbing. Then the Medusa head attacked. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell flew from her left hand. The head exploded. There where more of them. Torah tried to quicken her pace. She threw roses about. The enemies got blasted. Torah had no chanse to take their crystals. She didn't care. There where other things of importance. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals got nailed. They always seemed to know her position. Garlic went in high arches. Torah impaled the Medusa head. This was no easy approach. The enemies resumed their attack. "Orbs of sorcery!" she charged the magic. Onion and flowers caused repeated explosions. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired. Another trio of homing balls shot from between her fingertips. The bats got fried on contact. The ladder continued. As did the battle. It seemed to go on forever. Torah thought of climbing down into Hell. She threw more garlic. The head exploded. The climb came to an end. Torah spread bogh hands wide. "Orbs of sorcery!" Blazing balls of plasma erupted from bogh palms. The mammals was burned to submission. Torah was breathing heavily. There was no more enemies. At least she got this short breather.

Castle center, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
Actrise beheld her apprentice as the young vampire closed the door behind. The witch had decided to return to the center. Actrise felt unsure. Though she would never admit her feelings. Nobody beside lord Dracula, or the Master, of course. She could not. Although she might hold a ceremony to might summon the wraith of the fallen Dark Lord. The count's spirit and soul where captured on different planes. No matter. The loyal knew how to summon his presence. Someday he would be released. Someday soon, very soon. Her desiple made a comment. Isabella Von Krohnquist acknowledged the truth of her statement. Nothing she had done had achieved their goal. The blood of Sypha Belnades could unlock wonderful secrets. Though the linage had grown thin over time. Never the less, the blood still went strong in the vains of young Torah Fernandez. Actrise did desire her. She desired her potency. The power she might one day achieve. The witch suppressed her lust. Until that day did arrive, she would have to act carefully. The little sorceress had to surrender by her own free will before anything could be achieved. Actrise prepared herself for what she had come here to do.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
Torah had reached the 12th. hight. She had a look around. The crater was enormous. Torah toutched the cross. The faint red glow was brighter then ever. Torah blinked. From the left came a dimmed blue light. Torah lowered her head. Black smoke almost made it impossible to detect what where ahead. She frowned. There was no narrow walkway carved into the cliff. She wondered about that. There was no fences either. Torah was brought back from her reverie. Something really was approaching. "Orbs of sorcery!" The head got blasted. Torah preduced her ring-smash. Other heads where already advancing. Torah removed the enemy. She presented the cross. The third Medusa head burned on impact. Torah inhaled. She almost had grown used to the stench of spoiled chemicals. No, she corrected herself. Nobody could ever grow used to such ill matters. Torah almost felt sick. She knew that sound. Leathery wings where on the approach. A cloud of bats approached from beneath. Torah threw roses right into the flock. Although she knew it wasn't enough. Torah threw some garlic. The heads exploded. The surviving mammals came her way. Torah withdrew into the cave. Strange, but suddenly all went quiet. Torah exhaled. She didn't like this. Still, she got to extend the walkway. Torah began moving. The boiling sound grew closer. Torah was in front of another pit. She frowned. Something was wrong. This pool was further across then any she'd seen before. There was no more time. The head approached. Torah cut it to pieces. She then lept into the air. Torah landed upon the first platform. That was ordinary enough. Not that anything where ordinary down here. Torah smirked. Her joy didn't last for long. A swarm of bats came down at her. Torah threw garlic about. The explosion cleared the area. At least she got the opportunity to get across. This pit really was wider. The mine was still far ahead. Speaking of which, the head came in a wavy pattern. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot it into oblivion. The other plasma nailed the mammals. They still chased her. Torah threw stakes at them. Although the aim was aweful, they kept some distance. Torah jumped. She landed upon the third pillar. Torah slashed. The head got shredded. Torah felt no victory. She had to get across. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. The bats exploded. Torah made another jump. She got upon another platform. Torah barely dodged the head. The stakes removed the successor. Torah inhaled. The stench was terrible. No time to think further about that. She lept. Torah was back in the mine. Just then came arrows her way. Torah had no choise. "Frozen flash!" The arrows got blocked. Though they exploded on impact. Torah almost got thrown back into the lava. Another shaman had to be around. Torah got back on the offensive just as the enemies emerged. Lizard men and armed skeletons came rushing forward. Torah met them with onslaughts of garlic. She threw roses about. The flowers exploded on contact. The shaman couldn't protect them against the laws of nature. Darkness always seemed to be repeled by roses. It was a mystery. Torah didn't mind. Not now at least. She got the smash. Torah went into closer hand-to-hand combat. She ducked beneath the lance. He got the smash right into his stomach. Torah stamped the cross. He was dead before reaching the floor. That didn't mean it was over. Torah spun. The skeleton got knocked to pieces. She threw other stakes. The lizard club staggered backward. He fell among his companions. "Orbs of sorcery!" The shield didn't work properly. Not at this range anyway. Torah advanced. The trio of skeletons became defeated. Torah stamped with the cross. Another row of arrows struck the battlefield. Torah was able to dodge. The explosions which followed only caused more comfusion and chaos. Torah smashed the ribs of a lizard swordsman. The cross made the comrade burn. She ducked beneath another club. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the magic. The orbs exploded on contact. A series of stakes removed the closest enemies. Torah threw out an onslaught of roses. The tripled flowers removed quite some mammals. She threw more stakes. Torah was certain to collect the crystals. The battle fought out in the crater had really been expensive. Torah got through to the band of rangers. They just released a third onslaught. Torah held the cross high in defience. "I believe in Jesus Christ!" She challenged. The arrows where blocked. The explosion faught her backward. Although the archers got the brunt of the attack. Burning corpses lay spread all over the place. One of them carried the black cloack of a lizard shaman. Torah shook her head. This truly was such a waste of lives. There still where monsters about. The mammals dined upon the blood of the dead and dying. Torah threw garlic about. They where just disgustive. It was the way of life. She didn't like it what so ever. She didn't have to. Torah threw more stakes. The skeletons collapsed. They where such weak enemies. Though Torah knew better. Even the weakest could kill. Only the wise knew that it was a waste and a pitty. Torah dismissed the matter. Although Yoko and Mathilda where bogh right. The battle was mostly over however. The survivers vanished into another hidden exit. Torah let them go. It was no need to chase them. Torah collected the crystals. She really needed to replenish her arsenal. When that was dealth with, she finally had a look around. There where two statues of Medusa. Torah was careful not to return the gaze. That could be dangerous. Some candles where stil lit. Torah went into the mine. There was no ore about the area. She wasn't interested. Even here where some candles. Torah let them be. She might need them later. The tunnel went like a drunken snake. Piles of boulders and smouldered rock made it difficult to move about. Torah was careful. She better. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the trio away. The bats didn't come alone. Another cluster came from the ceiling. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The bats got shot to pieces. Torah went to pick the crystals. She just bent when the arrow went past. A trio of armed skeletons appeared. Torah got back up. The crystals would have to wait. The series of stakes made them collapse. "Orbs of sorcery!" The ranger got caught before he could fire a shot. Torah picked the crystals. She went to pick those left by the ranger when more bats arrived. "Orbs of sorcery!" Why could they never leave her alone!? Such questions had no answer. Another cluster advanced. Torah threw her flowers. The rose made the flock explode. Three new skeletons and a lizard lance came from behind the boulders. Torah withdrew. The lance could keep her at bay while the skeletons finished the job. Torah got other tricks up her sleeve. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bone-bags got blasted before they could approach. The lance looked like he would leave the battlefield. Torah would have nothing of the sort. The garlic ended his misery. She picked the jewels. They replenished her stock. Torah resumed walking. The tunnel continued deeper into the mountain. Something made her stop. Suddenly Torah threw herself sideways. The arrow missed. Four lizard monsters, and another skeleton, approached. Just then came another cluster of the accursed bats. Torah had no choise. She dashed forward. The smash cut through the skeleton. The lizard club got stamped with the cross. The symbol made him burn. The second club got nailed by his own ranger. They really where no experts. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The swordsman and the archer got shot. Torah had other trouble. The cluster landed on her body. Torah stamped. She screamed with horror. The mammals might drink her blood. That was bad enough. But they might inflict a cursed state. Torah chilled by the mere possibility. The boiling sound grew nearer. Torah kept forward. "Orbs of sorcery!" This time she managed to blast them away. Crystals fell on the floor. Torah collected their numbers. The battle wasn't over. Three skeletons approached. They where followed by four other monsters. Torah threw stakes before dashing forward. The lance got impaled. Torah praised the Lord he burned. Two of the skeletons also collapsed. Torah got beneath the club. The smash dug deep into his body. Torah stamped with the cross. The swordsman also burned. The skeleton got crashed. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah withdrew before casting her spell. The ranger and that other lizard man got removed. Torah inhaled. That was close. She picked the crystals. The pit was already in front. Torah went toward the abyss. Molton lava boiled beneath. Black smoke obscured her view. This pond was not as wide as the first had been. No matter. The heads where on the move. Torah slashed the opponent. She was able to impale the successor. Torah went across. She landed upon the first platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats got shot. Torah shredded another head. She jumped. Torah got upon the next pillar. The mammals still where on the offensive. Torah threw garlic about. That cleared the area. At least for a while. The head also got blasted. Torah cut the next away. She then made another jump. Torah landed upon the pillar. The shore was near. The bats came from above. Torah threw roses at them. The flower bombs made them scatter. Torah slashed the Medusa head. She jumped back into the mine. There was another platform here. Torah noticed another duo of Medusa sculptures. The lit candles illuminated the area. Torah entered the mine. Ore lined the walls and ceiling. Somehow Torah felt slightly better. She dismissed the matter. There where bats about. Torah threw more garlic. She picked the crystals. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing plasma made them explode. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot another round. The mammals scattered. The homing plasma chased after them. Torah watched them burn. She claimed more crystals. They became items when toutching. Torah replenished her stock. The tunnel was empty. No boulders or rocks lay on the floor. Torah noticed it was no dust or ashes either. She was grateful about that. The tunnel went forward. Torah toutched the cross. Normally the mine didn't reach this far. Something ill was in the cards. Torah was certain. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the bats away. The trio had no chanse. Torah dismissed the matter. The cavern suddenly opened up into a much larger area. Torah stepped out on the floor. The chamber was enormous. Huge pillars climbed toward the ceiling. Torah turned. The gate was closed. Something hit the floor. Torah toutched the cross. The large red lizard-like salamander breathed a wav of flame. Torah barely managed to dodge. The red dragon-like creature really was such a wonderful being. The lords of shadow never should've been permitted to summon their kind. The creatures tail caught fire. Torah dodged the flaming spin. The salamander had turned the whole way round. Torah managed to get behind. She put a rose on the tail. The explosion brought it down on all four legs. Then it suddenly got back up. Mathilda had been right on how to fight them. Though she never told how dificult it could be. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. The heavy flames went straight over her location. Her hair stood on end. That was close, real close. The monster made a tail-whip. Torah threw herself backward. The salamander came throtting forward. It really was slow. Torah was able to round the enemy. She threw another flower. The explosion was amazing. The salamander collapsed. It soon got back up. Torah sidestepped the offensive. Torah wondered if this was like fighting an Efreet. Hector fought those flaming monsters in 1499. Maria Renard faced them some 300 years later. She put the question aside. She would ask Christian about it if she ever met him again. They got separated after the showdown at the ruins of Castlevania. The monster tried to whip her with its blazing hot tail. Torah made another back-flip. The salamander breathed. Torah ran in circles. She got behind her opponent. The rose made a roaring pyre to rise from somewhere deep within the monster. The salamander burned into a crisp. All which remained was a pile of crystals. Torah gathered them quickly. The second foe had landed upon the area. Torah noticed that even a third monster where on the approach. She would have to think further about it later. The second creature already breathed its enflamatory breth. Torah was forced to jump across. This really wasn't funny. The salamander whipped the tail. The flaming spin almost brought her off balance. The enemy came toward her location. Torah withdrew. The giant monster already opened its jaws. Torah moved behind. She threw another flower. The rose exploded. The enemy got brought to its knees. That didn't last. The salamander got back on foot. It throtted forward. Torah screamed when it released the fire. She threw herself upon the floor. The flare almost killed her. Torah got back up. She was able to avoid the spin as the enemy turned. The flaming foe released another terrible release. Torah jumped across. She even managed to get behind the large chrocodile. The rose exploded on contact. The monster collapsed. Torah almost felt pitty on it. The salamander was so big and strong. It shouldn't have to be a plaything for shadow. That was something which couldn't be changed. Perhaps the monster's spirit would be reborn as a free and happy creature. Torah prayed it was like that. The mystics told beast always became reincarnated. The salamander struggled back up. Torah made a back-flip and then she threw herself sideways. The enemy breathed. Then it came throtting forward. Torah was frightened. She just couldn't help it. The monster could kill her in one piece. She avoided the flaring spin. The enemy breathed another heavy flame. Torah was able to sidestep the onslaught. She got around. The flower caused another blazing explosion. She watched the being roar. Then it burned into ashes. Torah picked the crystals. She felt no joy. The salamander was a slave. She was certain. The DSS-card creatures where friends. These folks where incarnated as mere beasts. The final demon reached the floor. They really where slow. That wasn't important. The giant salamander breathed its flaming breth. Although it was some distance away, the flare marked the distance. Torah avoided the wave by mere inches. She approached. Torah had no choise. The huge lizard made a giant sweep. The tail made the mobility into a spinning flare. Torah dodged. The salamander prepared for another onslaught. Torah got beyond. The flower made it collapse. Torah was anxious if her plan might work. She dug her rings deep within the tail. The enemy roared. It got back up. Torah threw herself backward. The large monster breathed. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. The flames barely missed. The salamander throtted toward her location. It sniffed at her. Torah thought of a giant dog. "Sorry." She mummbled while getting up. Hounds mostly frightened her. Strange though, she didn't get horrified. Instead, she felt more pitty for it. The salamander roared. Torah rolled aside. The beast breathed another wave of fire. She got back up. Torah got back as the enemy created another flaming tail-whip. The spin made it turn all the way round. Torah chased its mobility. The demon breathed. Torah threw her flowers. The rose exploded. "Be the will of God!" Torah shouted when executing her offence. The creature exploded. A rising flare made it burn. Her tactic had worked. Torah picked the crystals. She felt strange. Then she realized she was weeping. Torah didn't tend to do that. Not really. The murder of her grandmother had shaken her. The constant fight didn't made things easier. Torah dried her face. She went through the opening. The pit was just in front. She went down the corridor. When Torah approached the pond, the heads where there to meet her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah blasted the head into oblivion. She then impaled the successor. Torah jumped upon the platform. Some mammals also seemed to have been atracted. "Orbs of sorcery!" The trio got shot. Torah picked the crystals. She shredded the Medusa head. Torah got ontop of the next platform. Black smoke made it impossible to see long distances. Torah ducked. The head went above. Torah cut the next enemy to pieces. She then jumped. Torah landed upon the third pillar. The bats came back. Torah threw onion about. The garlic exploded. Torah slashed another head. She then lept for the final platform. Torah climbed ontop. She almost fell into the lava. That would've been the end. Torah toutched the cross. She managed to impale the Medusa head. The roses made the mammals keep their distance. Torah got back into the mine. A platform marked by dual statues of Medusa where in front. Torah looked back. The smoke somewhat cleared. She wasn't sure. But two more statues where abroad. She put the matter aside. Torah got other troubble. The bats had gathered. Torah threw garlic about. She then stamped with the cross. Some of those creaps actually landed on her. She made them burn. The survivers still fluttered about. Torah went into the mine before they could mount another assault. The cave went straight for quite some distance. Torah was unsure if this really was part of the original area. Ore lined the walls with their colours. Torah toutched it. The resource was real. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals got shot. Torah smiled, though it never reached her eyes. She'd kept track of their mobility all since venturing the tunnel. Torah picked the crystals. There came another cluster. Torah threw roses at them. The flock exploded. She picked the items. She kept on walking. The place seemed avoided. Torah toutched the cross. Not far off shone an eerie blue light. Torah went into the oval chamber. There where no pillars. The openings became closed by rising icicles. Torah hung the rings up. The stage was afire with a bluish glow. Torah stepped across the white floor. The area was frozen over. The flapping of leathery wings warned her in time. Some mimic monsters where about. "Orbs of sorcery!" Her plasma burned through their magic. The sound of malishious laugher made her turn. A duo of ice-dancers left the stage. They made frost rise while moving. Torah got into motion. She had to be careful. She threw stakes at them. They froze on impact. The enemies laughed. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot at the mimic. They could freeze her in place. That made it easier for them to get their will with her. Torah shivered. The mammals would dine on her blood. She managed to avoid the lizard's approach. Then she reached out with bogh hands. The dancer got taken aback. Torah knew it would hurt. She had no choise. The ice magic got channelled through the gauntlets and then right into her own body. Yoko said earlier members of the Belmont clan, like Gabriel and Leon, could channel the magic into useful energy. Torah could not. She only hoped the evil didn't stain her soul. Her own disuse of magic already had an impact on her chromosomes. The aura flickered. Torah let go. The dancer withdrew. She still made frost rise while dancing. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mimic where a constant threat. The other lizard would protect her partner. Torah was on the offensive. She threw garlic about the place. The monster got rammed. The explosion made her stagger. Torah advanced. It would hurt. It did. Torah stamped with the cross. The frost chilled her spirit, or so it felt. The symbol burned on contact. The aura faltered. Torah waisted no time. This had to end. The smash was out. The dancer got slashed. The surviver lept back into the blue glow. Torah got captured. She forgot about the mammals. The mimic froze her in place. Torah shivered. She felt like frozen nails tore deep into her soul. The mammal would drink her blood. Shivering, Torah fell on her knees. She only wished to huddle together forever. Somehow she managed to get the backpack down. Torah preduced the blue medicine. She drank the last of that preshious liquid. Her temprature returned. Torah lept back up. The backpack was on. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The oncoming mammal got shot. The blast also consumed two more mimic. There still where some left. Torah put the bottle into her bag. It was empty now. But it might still come in handy. The dancer was back. Her eerie laugh echoed throughout the oval area. Torah threw herself sideways. Rising icicles came through the floor. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell made her stagger. Even so, the aura didn't falter. Torah dashed. "Orbs of sorcery!" The ice-dancer made more frost spread about. The mimic monsters got shot to pieces. Torah went in presuit of the lizard. She was rather elegant. The baggy white trousers and black leather west did nothing to conceal her shapelyness. The jewlery shone bright with blue and white colours. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell might melt the ice. Torah discovered that just now. The dancer got taken aback. Though she continued her approach. Torah danced the best she could. "Orbs of sorcery!" She got to get her off balance. The enemy continued her mobility. Torah threw flowers toward the mimic. They where not to take her by surprise this time. As if on instinct, she threw tripled garlic in high arches. The barrier vanished. A golden explosion hit the battlefield. Torah got thrown backward. She struggled back up. The mimic or that dancer might freeze her. Torah looked about. Then she realized the battle was over. The ice-dancer where nowhere to be seen. The bats had gathered. Torah shook her head. She picked the crystals. That last spell really had been expensive. She could need all the crystals she could get. The area had melted. Torah didn't mind. But she wondered if this ment she'd broken a part of the curse. Not likely. Torah went through the other opening. She'd reached another corridor. Down at the end was another pool of lava. Torah went forward. "Orrbs of sorcery!" The bats had arrived. Torah was able to blast them away. She didn't wait for other to appear. She quickly went for the pond. The heads where in the air. Torah was able to impale the first opponent. The smash removed the successor. Torah didn't return the gaze of the twin sculptures which stood on the platform. She instead lept for the initial pillar. She just landed when the head approached. Torah slashed it. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats got shot as well. Torah lept. She reached the second pillar. Torah threw stakes about. Somehow she nailed them. The bats burned. Torah gathered the crystals. She removed the Medusa head. Torah jumped before other could appear. She only just arrived when the head came in a wavy pattern. Torah dodged. Then she slashed the next head. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats got blasted. Torah shredded another Medusa head. She lept. Torah climbed ontop of the fourth pillar. The bats where still about. Torah threw roses at them. That made them scatter. Torah knew it wouldn't last. She slashed the head. Torah jumped. She was back inside the mine. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot the mammals. There where more of them. Torah threw other garlic. The onion exploded on impact. Torah picked the crystals. Finally she got time to look about. She stood upon a platform. Dual sculptures of Medusa stood to either side. Torah didn't look back. Somehow those statues made her feel nervous. The corridor led forward. A strong wind toutched her features. The next pool wasn't that far ahead. Torah went into the passage. The howling storm almost pulled her backward. Torah pressed onward. This couldn't be natural. Torah thought of the last time she went through a wind corridor. The memory made her beware. The heads arrived. Torah didn't dared to use magic. Who knew? Her orbs might turn the wind into an actual firestorm. She shredded the enemy. The wind pushed her backward. Torah bit together. She continued. Torah slashed another head. The passage couldn't be much longer then some 60 meters wide. Though it felt like a mile. Torah continued to slash Medusa heads. Their remains became turned to stone. Torah was careful not to toutch them. Another head advanced from a difficult angles. They always came in front. Torah slashed. The head got shredded. The storm roared with a hate she could almost taste. This was the art of a magician. Torah was certain. The next head got cut to pieces. Torah knew they where able to inflict a stoned state. She pressed her momentum. She couldn't dash. That only threw her some meters backward. She already tried. There only was some ten meters left. The storm got angrier then ever. Torah struggled. This wasn't easy. She impaled the next head. Then the enemy which came behind. Torah didn't even try to pick the crystals. A pitty she didn't have that hookshot-cross of Gabriel Belmont. If that really had been. Then she just could've swung about. Torah threw garlic about. The storm made her less accurate then usual. Torah had made her play ball or TV-games in the effort to train her accuracy. Never mind that now. Torah inhaled. She got through the corridor. The pit where in front. Torah got the smash ready. The heads kept on coming the moment she approached. Torah almost snarled when cutting. They really had began to anoy. She tried to calm herself. She knew anger was a threat bigger then any Medusa head. Speaking of which, there came another Medusa head. Torah cut it away. She then lept. Torah got upon the pillar. She looked back. The Medusa statues glared back. Torah quickly turned around. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats where back. Torah released another onslaught. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma homed onto her enemies. Torah impaled another head. She lept through the air. Torah landed upon the platform. The heads kept attacking. Torah slashed them into submission. She didn't waist more time. Torah jumped. She landed ontop. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals got blasted. Torah threw garlic about. The onion absorbed the remaining bats. Torah slashed the Medusa head. Before other could arrive, she was back in the air. Torah landed upon another pillar. No bats where about. Then came a row of arrows. The smoke made her into a difficult target. Torah slashed the head. She then went for the mine. Torah climbed upon the shore. Two sculptures of medusa stood to either side. She wasn't interested. A combined group of lizard men and skeletons came rushing forward. Torah spread out some garlic before approaching. The monsters roared, cursed and cried while approaching. Only the skeletons advanced without a sound. Torah smashed them down. She stamped with the cross. "Orbs of sorcery!" Three monsters got defeated. She impaled another lizard. She threw herself sideways. Torah collided with another lizard. He was dead before even noticing her arrival. Torah was able to shatter the skeletons before they got to close. The flowers made them explode. "Orbs of sorcery!" That was just what she needed. The mammals had arrived. Torah threw stakes into the opponent. The club collapsed while he still struggled for breth. Torah stamped those mammals which had landed. The burned mammals left no trace behind. Nothing but ash that was. Torah continued. She would have to kill or get killed. The smash dug deep into his body. The swordsman died without a sound. Torah ducked beneath the spear. The lance struggled to get forward. HE got blocked by two more aggressive comrades. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot from her croutched position. She rolled as the swordsman trid to impale her. Torah threw more roses. She eagerly picked their crystals. Laying on her back, Torah sent flowers outward. "Bed of roses." She muttered while getting up. MAthilda liked that song very much. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing plasma went home. Torah sent them another series of stakes. She then lept. The lance fell without his head. She swung bogh rings. The skeletons got knocked to pieces. She was just tall enough to strike beneath their ribs. The rangers fired. Other explosions hit the area. They didn't care who they killed as long she died. Torah pressed through the enemies. She threw garlic about or slashed with her ring-smash. The chaos worked to her advantage. Torah stamped with the cross. The enemies burned on impact. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats got shot. Torah toutched her symbol. They might dine on her blood. She went through the opening. Torah was inside the mine. The archers hid just behind. Strange. Why where there never no skeleton rangers? Torah shrugged. She guessed the skeletons just served as deadmeat anyway. The shaman made arching flames to fly at her. Torah was to quick. Flowers caused repeated explosions. The lizards fled in every direction. The shaman got all confused. Torah put a garlic into his mouth. The monster's skull exploded. Torah turned. The monsters had advanced their position. Torah threw out more garlic. The confusion where complete. Torah picked some crystals. She then let out some other roses. While the explosion still echoed, Torah went into the mine. She turned a corner. The passageway was rather narrow. Rocks and pieces of stone didn't make things easier. Torah ran right into another group of skeletons. Stakes made all three fall. The ranger got so confused he didn't react before it was to late. "Orbs of sorcery!" Bogh he and the mammals got spread all over the place. She picked the crystals. Then she where ready for the band which came to the rescue. Torah threw tripled garlic. The explosion went of right between the monsters. The fight was over before it could begin. Torah picked the crystals. She went further downward. Just then came another arrow. Torah ducked. Three lizards, and a skeleton, appeared from behind the boulders. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The skeleton got blasted. Two lizards went along. Torah dashed. The ring-smash went through his body. He fell without a sound. Torah sidestepped the arrow. "Orbs of sorcery!" The archer exploded. Torah inhaled. Things where happening a little to quick. She retrived the crystals. They became items when collecting. Torah turned the corner. The pool wasn't far away. The archers fired. They came from behind. Torah threw herself on the floor. Had they kept up with her? No matter. Torah turned. "Orbs of sorcery!" The balls of homing plasma ended their assault. Five monsters attacked. Torah threw stakes at them. Two skeletons collapsed. Torah got behind their defensives. The smash cut through his mid-sections. The club was dead. The lance forced her backward. The monster smirked. The swordsman advanced. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell caught them off guard. Bogh monsters where defeated. One last skeleton appeared just behind. Torah spun. He nearly cut her down. Torah felt chills down her spine. The skeleton attacked. He kept the weapons close enough for her to not get behind. Torah bit together. They really where getting smarter. But not smart enough. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell made it shatter. Torah claimed the crystals. There hung some candles upon the wall. Torah let them in peace. She might need them later. The heads arrived. Torah where in front of the pit. She impaled the enemy. Torah slashed the next in line. She then lept. Torah got upon the platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" The Medusa head got blasted into oblivion. Torah jumped. She reached the second platform. Torah had a look around. To the side of bogh openings where statues of Medusa. This place where much more elegant then other areas she'd explored. Torah put it aside. The bats had arrived. Torah threw more garlic. The bats exploded. She shredded the head. Torah lept into the air. She landed ontop of the pillar. Some bats where still around. Torah presented the cross. That made them scatter. More so when she stamped the Medusa head. She went for the fourth platform. The shore was ahead. That was also another Medusa head. Torah impaled the enemy. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals where defeated. Torah even gathered some crystals. She shredded the Medusa head. Torah then jumped back into the mine. She knocked some candles. There was nothing of real interest. Torah refilled her stock before entering the tunnel. There where no bats around. Torah carefully inspected her surroundings. The corridor went forward. Then she came to a crossroad. Torah reached for the cross. She remembered what happened the last time. The runes would confuse her and make her walk forever. Torah closed her eyes. She again began that struggle it was to build a complete alive image of herself. When she where ready, Torah began walking. The markings wouldn't leave her alone. They seemed to call to her, telling about wonderful secrets. "Look upon us." They seemed to say. "Look how wonderful we are. What secrets we do hide." Torah struggled to keep the image alive. They roared and teased. All for her to loose control. Torah almost wept. She didn't knew how much longer she could keep on with this madness. Then the voices suddenly became silent. Torah didn't open her eyes before some minute had passed. She gasped. Torah almost went right into the lava. She threw herself backward. Torah made a back-flip. The statues of Medusa seemed to laugh. Torah heard no sound. Even so, she was certain. Torah didn't look back. She went forward again. The Medusa head came from a wavy pattern. Torah cut it to pieces. She then jumped across. A trio of bats came from above. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot them away. She shredded the head. Torah lept. She got ontop of the platform. Black smoke almost obscured her view. No matter. She noticed the mammals. The garlic made them scatter. Torah slashed the Medusa head. She jumped forward. Torah almost missed. Though she managed to climb back up. She was just in time to dodge the Medusa head. The mammals had gathered. Torah threw roses about. The explosive consumed the enemies. Torah got upon the last pillar. The heads kept on coming. Torah shredded her enemy. She stamped with the cross. The head burst into flame. Torah picked the crystal. Then she got upon the shore. Torah was back in the mine. She spent no time upon the platform. Instead she went into the mine. Some ore marked the wall. Though it was nothing to mind about. Torah instead kept watch for any would-be assassin. The cave was silent as a tomb. Torah toutched the cross. That was something she didn't want to think about. Torah hoped this was no resting-place for the undead. She didn't see anything. The faint glow grew brighter. "Strange." Torah muttered. There was no boiling sound. She kept walking for quite some distance. Then the passage opened into a much larger room. Torah toutched the cross. This place wasn't oval. The cave was square in shape. Never the less, at the center was an elevated platform. Torah hung up the smash. The stage was afire. Torah advanced. The entrance was blocked. Torah looked upward. The sound of leathery wings made her feel sick. She felt worse when realizing it was glowing mimic about. That eerie malishious laugh filled the room. Torah toutched the cross. "I believe." She whispered. A trio of flare-dancers lept from the stage. Torah got into motion. The blazing bats came down from the ceiling. Torah threw three quick garlic in high arches. The explosion made them scatter. Torah focused her mind on the most powerful enemies. The lizard women made flames and fire erupt while dancing. Torah moved as quick she could. This battle would not be easy. The blue ring would protect her, to some degree anyway. Torah lept across the track of fire. She dodged the rising pyre. Torah made a twist. Then a back-flip. Freestyle always had been among her top 10. She smiled. That was such a long time ago. Less then some months actualy. Torah threw stakes at them. She whished to charge them with magic. That wasn't possible. The barrier was still intact. The wooden stakes burned on impact. They laughed. Torah lept. She got across their flaming hobby. Garlic flew from her grasp. The floor became an actual mine field. The rightmost dancer lept back onto the blazing stage. Torah expected she would. She dashed forward. The roses exploded on impact. The flare-dancer was torn to pieces. Torah swollowed. Pieces of her body was spread around before burning. Torah held the cross high in defience. The mimic spread. Torah was forced backward by the remaining monsters. She did all she could to keep them at bay. They got so focused the dancers forgot about her garlic. The onion where still spread about the battlefield. The garlic erupted on impact. The lizard got thrown against the floor. The flary aura faltered. Torah dashed. The right smash pierced her heart. The other ring removed the head. Torah didn't wait to watch her burn. Instead she avoided the final dancer. The enflamatory female went in a seemingly crazed frency. Flames and fire where everywhere. Torah had no choise. She went straight through one track. Torah felt like being struck by sun. The enemy laughed. Torah appeared in front. "In the name of Jesus!" She shouted. Then Torah grasped her enemy. The gauntlets shone bright. The barrier got removed. The freezing grasp was like winter's heart. Torah refused to surender. "In the name of Christ!" She challenged. The wicked could not avoid the impact. She was brought down on her knees. Torah felt almost striken. A little girl, she was a girl, no matter what, shouldn't been able to do that. Finally Torah let go. The flare-dancer got back up. Torah put a garlic into her mouth. Then she threw herself backward. The enemy was no more. The entire lizard simply evapporated. Torah picked the crystals. Torah then retrived what garlic which still lay about. This had been extraordinary. The barrier before the exit had vanished. The mimic monsters still fluttered about. Torah climbed upon the stage. She pulled the button. The dim red light went out. The candles where now the only source of light. Torah got down. She went through the cave. The mimic went in presuit. Torah was unsure how to challenge their numbers. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The spell made their aura fade. She wasn't fast enough. They landed upon her body. Torah stamped with the cross. The enemies burned. Torah threw roses about. The other mimic got consumed by the explosions. She picked the crystals. The battle was over. Torah realized she'd reached the area in which she fought the ice-dancers. Then it was appropriate the final mimic got defeated in here. Torah reached for the cross. Soon she would be back inside the crater. The place was strange. It didn't look like the other places where she'd found blue areas. Torah thought about it while walking. She reached no conclusion. Though she was certain something was diferent. Take the number of pillars for instance. There wasn't four of them before. Torah put the matter aside. She'd returned to the main area. This time Torah was certain. There was no fence below. Then something else caught her attention. The metal bridge had been extended. True, but it didn't go right in front of the opening. Instead it went to the right of the entrance. Torah thought about that for quite some time. Then she went upon it. The crater was so large. Though the blue and the red glow mixed into a bright light. They couldn't illuminate the walls of the area. Torah got other problems. The moment she stepped on the bridge, the heads attacked. "Orbs of sorcery!" The blast shot two in succession. She felt no victory. The bridge went on forever. Torah at least covered some 30 meters. She shredded the head. Torah impaled the next Medusa head. Something appeared out from the smoke and gloom. Torah figured the bridge went through some sort of rock formation. She realized it just in time to save herself. The bone dragon was chained to the formation which the bridge had to cross. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The only result was that another trio of heads got blasted. The skeledragon breathed a series of fireballs. Torah was forced backward. The enemy waved about. Then it streached out with its elongated neck. Torah figured it was about to hammer the bridgeway. "Not today!" Torah muttered. The white dragon approached. Torah rammed with tripled garlic. The explosion threw it backward. The skeledragon soon answered by breathing heavy flames. Torah threw herself flat on the bridgeway. "Orbs of sorcery!" The heads got shot away. Torah better keep track of their mobility. Those monsters might inflict a stoned state. The white dragon shot out an onslought of fireballs. Torah cut them away. The bone dragon waved about. Torah sent it some of her roses. Two of them just vanished. The third went home. The white dragon almost disappeared down among the smoke. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot some other Medusa heads. A heavy flame came from below. Torah threw herself forward. She nearly fell off of the narrow walkway. The skeledragon was back. "Orbs of sorcery!" This time she scored hits. The white dragon hammered against the walkway. Torah knew it couldn't take another impact. She had to do it. She had to do it now. Torah ran forward. While the bone dragon lifted back into the air. She let it have the flower. The rose made the undead beast to explode. The entire construction shattered into a pile of ashes. Torah colected the crystals. "Orbs of sorcery!" The heads kept on coming. Torah shot them into nothingness. She went beyond the rocky formation. Torah wasn't surprised when she noticed the statue of Medusa which stood to her side. The bridge went further into the mist. Torah managed to impale the Medusa head. A cluster of bats seemed interested her adventure. Torah threw garlic about. The walkway had no endpoint, or so it seemed. The surviving mammals landed on her body. Torah stamped with her cross. "Orbs of sorcery!" The Medusa head got shot. Even the successor exploded. Torah kept on walking. She threw other flowers about. The cluster of mammals got consumed. This group couldn't be compared with the flock which first appeared. Torah hoped it'd disappeared. Speaking of which, more mammals attacked. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah made them scatter. In front was another rocky formation. Torah impaled the Medusa head. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell removed some enemies. Other bats got closer. Torah presented the cross. That made them keep some distance. Then the bone dragon arrived. The huge monster was chained to the second rock formation. Torah inhaled. The skeledragon breathed a heavy flame. She withdrew. She managed to duck beneath the attack. The mammals used the opportunity. They landed upon her body. Torah stamped with the cross. The bats burned into ashes. The white dragon shot fireballs. The smash knocked them away. The bone dragon streached its long neck forward. Torah threw roses in a high arch. They exploded on impact. The skeledragon got struck backward. Then the white dragon waved about. It shot repeated fireballs. Torah dodged. She knocked away those who came to close. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged. The mammals burned. Torah impaled the Medusa head. She slashed the next enemy. The white dragon breathed a heavy flame. It made her think of the dragons told of in legends. Torah withdrew. She threw garlic about. The enemies exploded. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bone dragon got struck. Bones where knocked off of its spine. Torah held the cross high in defience. She burned those bones which came close. The skeledragon gathered. The enemy shot another round of fireballs. Torah nearly got shot. The blue ring was no real protection against this malice. "Orbs of sorcery!" The Medusa head got shot. Torah threw stakes at the mammals. The cross made the survivers scatter. The white dragon struck against the bridge. The construction somehow kept through. Torah ran forward. She couldn't allow this to happen. Torah made garlic fly forward. Although the enemy waved about, it didn't dodge altogether. Some onion went home. The impact made other bones become knocked off. Torah got hit. That felt like frozen nails tearing into her body. Torah screamed. The bats approached. Torah stamped with her cross. They burned on tontact. Torah gathered. The bone dragon was still about. The white dragon breathed other flames. Torah withdrew. "Orbs of sorcery!" The heads where blasted. The cross kept the bats away. Torah advanced. She was directly in front of the enemy. The skeledragon streached out its neck. "Jesus!" Torah shouted. Then she threw another flower. The single whild rose exploded. The white dragon got knocked to pieces. Torah watched it burn. She then gathered the crystals. She looked sideways. The smoke cleared enough for her to see. Though in reality, she didn't see that passage. Torah felt it in her soul. A dark illumination which seemed to darken even the glow from the crater. Torah toutched the cross. The wild fled when something dark fell on the trance. Was this what they'd discovered? Torah licked her lips. She might get across. The great distance might be a problem. Torah knew she might make it. If she went some meters backward at least. That would make her face the opening head on. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot plasma from between her fingertips. The bats exploded. Torah dismissed the matter. Smoke obscured her view. Torah shredded the Medusa head. The matter was taken out of hand. Torah knew that sound. It came from multiple flapping wings. She looked down. There came another swarm. Torah ran. She slashed another head. She reached the formation. Torah noticed another statue. She didn't mind. Torah stopped to throw roses about. It could never be enough. There where thousands of them. Torah kept running forward. The tiny metal walkway led back toward the mine. The opening wasn't far off. Torah only stopped to throw garlic or flowers about. The impacts made countless crystals fell down. She couldn't claim any of them. The entrance was ahead. Torah noticed the walkway ended near the right side of the opening. It wasn't in front, like it used to be. "Expect the unexpected when searching the demon castle." Yoko said that. This wasn't Castlevania. Then again, Gabriel Belmont investigated buildings before the demon castle was created. That was in 1047. Leon did the same, in 1094. Torah got into the mine. The bats didn't come after her. Torah drew sweath from her brow. When thinking about the matter, she remembered other occations when the Belmonts searched through other haunted places. Desmond, and his sisters, Zoe and Dolores, explored a sort of mansion. Her grandmother had personally scoured the order's hideout in 2036. Torah had a look around. The curse was to blame, Torah was certain. She wondered if "White Light" was still active. Not likely. But who could know? Dimitri Blinov had escaped from the neitherworld. During the final battle, they'd seen bogh Dario Bosi and Celia Fortner. Although it'd been rather confused, she didn't doubt it. The sound of boiling lava grew closer. Torah got the smash. Dario escaped from the castle. He might very well have found new power. Celia perished within the abyss. As had Dimitri. The return of the demon castle Dracula might make multiple evil spirits to rise. Torah put the matter aside. She'd reached the pond. The Medusa head attacked in a wavy pattern. Torah cut it to pieces. She waisted no time. Torah jumped. She landed upon the platform. This at least felt like earlier. Torah defeated another head. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats got blasted. She got upon the second platform. Torah looked back. Two sculptures of Medusa stared across the lava. Torah was careful not to return the gaze. The next head was defeated. Torah threw stakes. The mammals got impaled. She really was getting clever. Torah jumped. She reached another pillar. Just then came another round of arrows. Torah knelt. She had the cross in front. Those projectiles which hit, exploded. Torah realized they had to have a shaman in toe. Torah lept before they could fire anew. She landed upon the platform. Two statues glared at her. Torah didn't care. The enemies where approaching. Torah threw roses before advancing. The flowers exploded. Torah got behind their defensive. The smash dug into his body. The lizard man dropped his weapon. Torah spun She threw stakes at the skeletons. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals had no shielding. She ducked. The smash cut the leg from beneath his location. Torah smashed him before he could mount another attack. She lept back up. "Orbs of sorcery!" This close the shielding where useless. The rangers released other arrows. Torah knelt. She held the cross high in front. The cluster was to great. The explosive projectiles only killed their own comrades. Torah never figured why they where so careless. She stamped the cross. The swordsman burned to ashes. Torah advanced. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot straight into the nearest enemies. Garlic got thrown into the air. They exploded like actual grenades. Torah stamped her own body. The bats had landed. The monsters burned before they might inflict a cursed state. The flowers caused other explosions. The monsters where starting to look sideways. She knew it was a sign of uncertainty. She dashed forward. The skeletons marched forward. Torah impaled their numbers. "Orbs of sorcery!" She released another spell. Then an arching flame went through the air. The impact made the cavern shake. Or so Torah felt. Then came another onslaught. The arrows also exploded. Torah got down behind her cross. The symbol would protect. Torah was certain. "Jesus!" She cried before leaping into battle. The remaining skeletons got crushed. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals burned. Torah threw herself flat. The spear forced her backward. Torah threw garlic. The onion finished him off before he could even retreat. Torah sent them some other stakes. Rising icicles forced her sideways. The rangers fired. The battlefield was all achaos. Torah stamped with the cross. The monsters burned. She managed to get through. The shaman stood among his rangers. The shaman created a black rain. Torah managed to get forward. She dug the smash right into the nearest ranger. He fell on the floor. Torah shielded herself beneath his body. The shaman cursed. Torah got back up. She threw wild roses about. The area shook with other explosions. The smoke finally cleared. Torah was victorious. She claimed the crystals. The survivers must've fled. Torah noticed there where two new sculptures of Medusa here. Torah toutched the cross. They had to be some sort of decoration. Not that she really did mind about the matter. The mine went on beyond the battlefield. She let be the candles. Torah went inside. The tunnel was wide. Huge boulders and pieces of rock still made it dificult to continue. The glow shone brighter. The pond had to be close. Torah kept the ring-smash ready. There where some bats about. The sound of a released bowstring made Torah duck. The arrow struck the wall. Two lizards, and a skeleton, attacked. They'd hid behind the rocks. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The monsters got shot. The mammals advanced. The archer released. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah ducked while releasing her magic. The ranger got defeated. Torah even nailed some bats. Another ranger suddenly fired. He'd hid behind her. Torah twirled, like when fighting the lizard-dancers. The lizard missed. A group of armed skeletons lay in ambush. Torah threw stakes at them. The trio collapsed. The mammals had landed. Torah stamped with the cross. The archer fired. "Orbs of sorcery!" Bogh he and his projectile got blasted. Torah inhaled. That was close. She claimed the crystals. She hoped there would be no other monsters. Torah began walking. She kept track of the mammals. There still where some of them about the location. She hadn't come far when five monsters revealed themselves. Torah drew backward. The trio of skeletons where first in line. Torah threw garlic about. The onion exploded. "Orbs of sorcery!" The lizards got shot. Torah retrived the crystals. Their lord had to be a real hard person. Torah figured that was why they kept attacking. She whondered who he was. The pit where in front. A duo of lizard rangers fired. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah let loose the spell. Homing orbs of plasma shot from between her fingertips. The monsters burned. Then another group of villians appeared. They'd hid among the rubble. Torah advanced. She smashed the skeleton to pieces. Torah ducked beneath the club. The ring-smash settled the matter. Torah stamped with the cross. The other bone-men where defeated. "Orbs of sorcery!" The remaining lizards got blasted. Torah picked the crystals. Then she went for the pool. There was another platform in front. Torah discovered another duo of Medusa sculptures. Speaking of which, the heads had arrived. Torah slashed the first Medusa head. She was able to impale the successor. Torah jumped. She climbed upon the pillar. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals where shot. Torah shredded the Medusa head. She then jumped. Torah landed upon the second pillar. She threw roses in arches. The explosions cleared the area. But not for long. Torah cut another Medusa head into submission. She lept for the next platform. Torah got ontop. Other mammals where about. Torah threw garlic at them. She impaled the Medusa head. Torah jumped back into the mine. She had a closer look upon the sculptures. Torah wondered if they might have spawned the heads. Nothing happened. She put the matter aside. The cave led directly to another pond. She barely entered when bats came from above. Torah threw tripled flowers. The explosions where breathtaking. No matter. Multiple mammals had survived. She picked the crystals. The monsters had gathered into a big bat. The devil came for her. Torah toutched the cross. The gesture was almost an imitation of Heinrich Schneider. Then the mammal advanced. Torah was able to glide underneat. The monster came back. Torah stamped. The big bat shattered into a swarm of smaller bats. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired. Although some burned, she didn't get all of them. The big bat gathered. Torah colected the crystals. The monster chased her about. Torah spun. She then made a sidestep and a back-flip. The monster got thrown off the chase. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired. The enemy scattered. She threw garlic at them. The mammals mostly avoided the impact. She picked what crystals they left. The big bat had arrived. Torah ducked. The claws tore her shoulder. Torah shreeked. Blood ran down her forarm. The giant monster advanced. Torah managed to dodge. "Take this!" She shouted while stamping with the cross. The monster shreeked. Torah shielded her ears. The big bat spread into a swarm of smaller bats. Torah threw her flower. The explosions got rid of at least half the flock. Torah picked other crystals. That wasn't enough. The survivers had reformed. The big bat made another attack. Torah got beneath. It came back. Torah sent it tripled garlic in high arches. The monster exploded. Torah wasn't finished. While the flock was still gathered, she let them have tripled roses. The impact made them all burn. Torah gathered their crystals. She then tied up the wound. It wasn't really that much. But it might be infected. Torah hoped that wouldn't happen. She went for the pond. There where other statues about. Torah didn't even look. The Medusa head attacked from a wavy pattern. Torah shredded the monster. She even cut the next to pieces. Before other could arrive, she jumped. Torah got upon the platform. Other heads had arrived. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma shot them away. She managed to get across. There still where other heads. Torah impaled the enemy. She even got the successor. Torah picked the crystals. She then lept into the air. Torah got upon the platform. She threw a garlic toward the next Medusa head. The enemy exploded. Torah lept back upon the shore. She went between the sculptures of Medusa. The cave was really narrow. Some bats where about. Torah kept track of their mobility. For now they kept their distance. Torah was ready. She had the ring-smash. Dust lay on the floor. The stuff made it even more dificult breathing. The blue ring protected her. Although it wasn't quite enough. Torah tripped. There lay pieces of old arm and armour among the ashes. Torah frowned. She had a bad feeling about this. The tunnel got even narrower. Torah reached for the cross. "Help mee." She prayed. "Give me strenght." She would need it. The bone-trooper rised from the rubble. The monster was armed with a heavy battle-axe. The skeleton came forward like a crazed lumberjack. Torah sent him some tripled garlic. The onion made him stagger. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired at the mammals. They might make things even more dificult. She'd hung up the smash. They wouldn't be of use in this kind of battle. The skeleton trooper was back on foot. Torah threw more roses. The tunnel was to narrow for anything fancy. The bulk was brought down on one knee. Then it came again. Torah made a back-flip. "Orbs of sorcery!" The enemy got struck backward. While it was still confused, Torah let it have another flower. The trooper was thrown sky high. Torah ran forward. She placed garlic in front. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired while running. The following impact threw her on the floor. The enemy was defeated. Torah went back to pick the crystals. They became items when toutching. The remaining bats where about. Torah thought of what to do when another huge trooper emerged. This bulk was armed with a sword and shield. This might be dificult. The skeleton dashed. It came in that croutched position which made it impossible to glide beneath. Torah was forced backward. "Orbs of sorcery!" The impact made it stumble. But then it kept coming. Torah was forced to make repeated back-flip. If this where to continue, she might be pushed into the lava. Torah shivered. "Orbs of sorcery!" The enemy tripped. Torah dashed. She stamped with the cross. There was no time to attack the pendant. The skeleton swung. Torah threw herself away from the massive blade. Some inches and he would've cut through her face. "Orbs of sorcery!" She fired right into his structure. The enemy didn't collapse. Instead the bone-trooper made another dash. Torah made repeated back-flips. If only she could slow him down. Then she noticed. Torah was able to glide underneath. The enemy forgot to croutch. She waisted no time. The roses made it explode. Torah put garlic in front. She ran from the area. Just then did the bats land on her. Torah stamped with the cross. They burned to ashes. The explosion sent her against the floor. Somewhat shaky, she still got up. The enemy was defeated. Torah claimed the crystals. She went back down the corridor. The scent of evil had vanished. Torah almost began sining. Then she reached the pit. Molton lava boiled just beneath her position. The Medusa head attacked. It came in a wavy pattern. Torah was able to impale the monster. She slashed the other head. Torah jumped. She got upon the pillar. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats where removed. Torah cut down another head. She lept into the air. She got upon the second pillar. Other bats came from above. Torah threw garlic at them. The impact settled the matter. Torah shredded the head. She impaled the successor. She then jumped. Torah climbed upon the third platform. She threw flowers toward the bats. The Medusa head attacked from a wavy pattern. The smash cut it into oblivion. Torah picked the crystals. She then lept upon the shore. She was back within the mine. Here was another open area. Torah went past the sculptures. The tunnel went directly into the mountain. Some ore lined the walls. Torah didn't recognize the origin. "Orbs of sorcery!" She where to busy frying mammals. "Orbs of sorcery!" They finally scattered. Torah went into another area. Torah had seen such runes before. She closed her eyes. That was typical. Nothing where ever easy. Torah build an inner image of herself before going onward. The symbols seemed to burn her mind. "See us!" They seemed to shout. "Look upon us!" Torah shivered. She had to stay put. "Look! Look how wonderful we are! How mysterious!" They shouted like if she where in a storm. Torah staggered. Then she kept moving. The image seemed to get thinner, less real. Just when she thought it was to much, it went quiet. Torah struggled not to look back. She instead went for the pool. The pit wasn't that far away. "Orbs of sorcery!" Some bats where about. They came from above. Torah shot them into oblivion. She went beyond the sculptures. Other bats attacked. Torah threw roses at them. The mammals exploded. The Medusa heads came forward. Torah slashed the first in line. She shredded the next head. Torah jumped. She landed upon the pillar. Black smoke almost obscured her view. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot for the bats. The heads kept coming. Torah slashed her enemy. She cut the next into submission. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot some other bats before jumping. Torah landed ontop of the platform. The size wasn't really that big. She was grateful she made it. Torah impaled the Medusa head. She shredded the successor. Torah lept before more mammals could arrive. She climbed upon the pillar. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged. The bats got fried on impact. She shredded the head. Torah impaled the next enemy. She picked some crystals. Then Torah was back in the mine. She jumped on shore. No sooner came a cluster of arrows. Torah hid behind the cross. Those which hit, exploded. Torah nearly got thrown back into the lava. That didn't happen. Torah went on the assault. The monsters attacked. Torah made no sound. She threw garlic right into the shouting, snearling flock. She went in behind the explosion. The smash cut his mid-sections. The lizard was dead before reaching the floor. The skeletons got knocked to pieces. Torah threw stakes at them. She ducked beneath the blade. Torah made a double slash. The creature screamed as blood ran from what remained of his chest. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma caused more missery. Torah spun. The cross made them burn. Torah got into closer hand-to-hand battle. The skeletons fought with great speed. Torah blocked the offensive. Then she smashed their ribs. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell defeated the lance before he could approach. Torah let the others have the garlic. Another round of explosive arrows followed. Torah went straight into the club. He fell ontop. That shielded her from the black rain. Torah got up. She spread roses about. She stamped the cross. The skeleton got knocked to pieces. The battle continued. Torah was pressed backward. She threw other flowers. Torah picked the crystals. She then lept. Two monsters fell without the head. She made a dual smash when landing. The enemies tried to push backward. An arching flame struck down among them. That caused flames to spread outward. Torah managed to dodge. Other arrows went home. Then came a row of icicles. Torah barely sidestepped. The area was consumed with chaos and conflict. Some enemies even fought each other. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the skeletons in front. She then went beyond the sculptures. Within the tunnel where more enemies. "Orbs of sorcery!" The cluster where so tight she could blast them altogether. She threw garlic while running forward. Behind where the archers. The shaman got blasted by one of her earlier attacks. Torah threw flowers while advancing. Those which survived, went through hidden openings. They slammed shut before she could get through. Torah gathered the crystals. She went forward. The tunnel wasn't that large. Huge rocks or boulders lay on the floor. Someone was shooting. Torah threw herself sideways. A band of lizard men appeared. Torah threw stakes at them. She stamped with the cross. The mammals almost drained her blood. "Orbs of sorcery!" The ranger got shot. Torah picked their crystals. Some bats where still about. Torah still got the smash ready. She kept walking. Torah knew she had to release the ladder. The cracking of bones where the only warning. Four skeletons, armed and ready, appeared from behind the stones. Torah advanced. They where real quick. Torah ducked. She was tiny enough to get behind their defensive. She cut their ribs. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired. The fight was over. She claimed the crystals. They became items when toutching. Torah went forward. Although she was really careful. There might be other monsters about. They just suddenly arrived. Torah was forced backward. The lance where at the lead. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired. The skeleton, the sword and club got hit. The final skeleton went forward. Torah got down on one knee. She cut the spine. The bone-man collapsed. The spear stabbed. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. The lizard man attacked. Torah held the cross up in defence. Bogh the weapon and the monster burned to ashes. Torah lay breathing. Finally she got back up. She obtained the crystals. She let be the candles. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals where removed. Torah went forward. The tunnel seemed to go on forever. Then came another ambush. The rangers fired. There was two of them. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma went home. Even a skeleton got blasted. The two surviving bones came in approach. Torah threw garlic. The explosion knocked them to pieces. The lizards exchanged glances. Torah knew there was no other way. "Orbs of sorcery!" The fight was finished. Torah claimed the crystals. Not far was another opening. Torah entered. The oval area was empty. She climbed upon the platform. The switch was diferent this time. It looked all rusty. Torah tried to pull it. Nothing happened. She jumped on it. The switch wouldn't move. "Orbs of sorcery!" She fired. The mammals got shot. There where more of them. "Orbs of sorcery!" She tried to activate the buttion. Not even the magic made it move. Torah threw garlic about. The mammals exploded. She put some onion in front of the button. The explosion had no effect. "Orbs of sorcery!" She fired toward the mammals. She managed to impale the nearest group. Torah stamped with the cross. No evil spell made the rusty switch withstand. Torah really didn't knew what to do. She threw flowers about. Torah tried to even impale the switch. But of course it didn't work. Torah put roses in front. Three repeated explosions shook the area. When Torah climbed back up, she noticed it finally had activated. The red glow dimmed out. Torah picked the crystals. The bats seemed to have scattered. Torah went back down the tunnel. The runes where just ordinary markings. She noticed metal plates had been placed over the lava. The pools must've been drained. At last she reached the crater. Torah looked out. The smoke had cleared. Some of it anyway. Enough for her to see. There where no bars beneath. The switch only made another bridgeway to become extended. Though it was all to the left of the opening. Torah went upon the bridge. The walkway was made of metal. No bats where about. Then the Medusa heads attacked. Torah slashed the monster. She shredded the successor. She even impaled the next head. The opening through which the blue light shone approached. There was at least some five meters across. Torah didn't care. She'd reached another cliff formation. The white dragon appeared from below. Torah noticed the skeledragon was chained to the formation. Her enemy released a series of fireballs. Torah dodged. She even cut some of the objectives. The enemy streached its elongated neck. Torah knew what might happen. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot the heads away. The skeledragon struck the bridge. Torah dodged. She then nailed the white dragon with tripled garlic. Although just one went home, bones became knocked off of its spine. Torah was ready. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the magic. The homing balls protected her location. Stories told the bones of a white dragon might inflict a cursed state. Torah shook her head. She wasn't quite sure. She put the matter aside. The bone dragon breathed a heavy flame. Torah made a back-flip. She managed to hold on to the bridge. Torah might otherwise have fallen into the abyss. The skeledragon breathed another flame. Torah withdrew. Then she lept forward. Roses flew from within her grasp. The impact threw the white dragon backward. Bones became knocked off of the spine. She shredded the Medusa head. Torah impaled the successor. Other heads where approaching. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah blasted them away. The bone dragon streached out with the neck. Torah charged. "Orbs of sorcery!" The impact made the enemy withdraw. Torah was unsure what to do. Then the skeledragon answered. The white dragon shot another round of fireballs. Torah was forced backward. The skeledragon struck against the walkway. Somehow it didn't break. Torah approached. The giant spine was retreating. "Jesus!" Torah shouted before jumping. The cross made flame burn along the entire enemy. Somehow it gathered. Torah climbed back on the bridge. She nearly was thrown off. She was grateful that didn't happen. The white dragon breathed. The heavy flame went forward. Torah retreated. "Orbs of sorcery!" The heads where back. Torah charged the spell. The enemies exploded. The bone dragon shot another series of fireballs. Torah cut those closest to her. The enemy reached out with the elongated neck. She sent it other flowers before the huge skeleton could react. The foe erupted. Flames made it burn. The skeledragon then collapsed into a heap of ashes. A pile of crystals was all which remained. Torah eagerly picked them up. There was a statue of Medusa placed on the rock. Torah didn't return the gaze when moving along. The bridge was long. The heads kept coming. Torah impaled the first in line. "Orbs of sorcery!" The next group got blasted. Torah even managed to impale three in row. She collected the crystals. She where in front of the blue opening. Torah watched the distance. She hadn't been all that wrong. Torah guessed it was some five meters abroad. She shook her head. Torah decided she better find out where the bridge led. "Orbs of sorcery!" The heads where shot away. Torah shredded the successor. She even slashed the third in line. The black smoke obscured her view. Though only a little. Ahead was another rock formation. She toutched the cross. Torah wasn't surprised when the white dragon emerged from below. The enemy breathed a heavy flame. It reminded about the salamanders. Torah was able to glide beneath. She rised right in front of the enemy. Torah stamped with the cross. Flames lit the skeledragon. The demon waved back and forth. Torah found it best to retreat. She nearly got hit as the white dragon struck against the bridgeway. The mechanism had to relay on more then plain science. How long would it work? Torah decided she didn't want to know. The skeledragon spat a series of fireballs. Torah dodged or cut the projectiles. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The heads got shot. She slashed the next enemy. The bone dragon breathed another flame. Torah withdrew. She impaled the Medusa head. The head streached out with its elongated neck. Torah wondered if this was like fighting the angel mummy. Christopher Belmont fought that monster in 1591. So be it. Torah nailed with wild roses before he could reach home. The flowers exploded. The bone dragon waved back and forth. Bones where knocked off of its spine. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing plasma shot the bones away. Those which went her way however. The heads approached. Torah threw stakes at them. She really was getting such a nice shooter. Training, the late month and the dryad bloodline was kind of helping. Never mind. "Orbs of sorcery!" The blast removed the next heads. The white dragon shot more fireballs. Torah advanced. She cut them away. She threw garlic in high arches. They missed. The dragon was to quick. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing orbs went home. The skeledragon went forward while breathing more flames. Torah ran. The white dragon was to close. It kept breathing. Torah turned. She held the cross high in defience. Then she threw another row of roses. The cross held through. The enemy got blasted. Only ashes and crystals remained. Torah picked them altogether. She then went upon the rock formation. Torah almost expected she would find a spiral staircase leading downward. There where nothing of the sort. Only another sculpture of Medusa was to be seen. Torah shrugged. Somehow she didn't expect it would be that easy. She kept walking. "Orbs of sorcery!" The heads got blasted. Torah wondered if Dracula had a warehouse ful of those buddies. Never mind. She impaled another Medusa head. They came out from the smoke like birds in a nightmare. The garlic removed another head. She shredded the successor. The third got slashed. Torah stamped with her symbol. The cross made the head burn on impact. The formation vanished from sight. Torah held the smash ready. For the moment, there was a breather. Torah checked about for villains. "Orbs of sorcery!" The Medusa head got blasted into oblivion. Torah cut the next head to pieces. The third enemy got shredded. "Orbs of sorcery!" The enemies where removed. The road was long. Torah toutched the cross. She still kept it tied around her wrist. The smoke slightly cleared. Torah impaled all three heads. She claimed the crystals. The cave wasn't that far away. Torah slashed another Medusa head. The garlic removed the successor. Torah then shredded the Medusa head. Stakes removed the next group. Torah reached the cave. She almost cried. This was the same. The ladder was sstill there. There was no way downward. Torah picked herself together. There where two other openings. The blue and the black. Neither of them looked rather inviting. No matter. The heads kept attacking. Torah impaled the group. She went into the mine. Things where like she left. Torah got shelter from the enemies. Neither of them where in sight. Not even the mammals. Torah inhaled. The air was bad. No matter. She went back out upon the bridgeway. The heads attacked. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged her spell.

Zophran knelt before the alter. He ended the prayer some while ago. He still kept his head low. The Dark Lord would be pleased. The priest was unsure it would do him any good. The situation was chaotic. He just got information the last of the eight had fallen. Zophran was alone. She would blame him for not taking this seriously. She would be right. Neither of them had concearned the matter. She was a machine of war. Nobody seemed to stop her. Not even the most powerful spells seemed to obstruct her wandering. He got up. The intruder would not defay him much longer. The assassin had become released. He commanded a gather. The workers would soon come from all places within the mine. He would lead them into battle. So few where trained fighters. He had been so certain. Zophran would accuse himself for insignificance. The mistress slept. He would consider to awake her. Zophran decided. He would still wait. There was more time. He would not disturb her for such information. Zophran knew he would be punished. Perhaps not. His superiors might reward him if he could defeat the sorceress. He went behind the alter. There was a hidden area. He pulled out the treasure inside. He would be ready.

Torah stepped on the formation. Behind lay the remains of countless slaughtered Medusa heads. Many more had disappeared into the abyss. Torah was careful not to meet the gaze of the Medusa statue. Instead she kept walking. Other heads where on the move. "Orbs of sorcery!" She would gather those crystals left behind. The enemies got shot. Torah slashed the Medusa head. She was back on the bridge. Torah impaled another head. She presented the cross. The third villain burned into ashes. Torah knew she had to time this carefully. The lava boiled underneath. Torah wouldn't like to fall. The blur of blue and red obscured her view. The layers of black smoke didn't make things easier. Torah licked her lips. "Orbs of sorcery!" The enemies got shot away. There where more of them. Torah impaled the Medusa head. She kept walking. The garlic exploded on contact. Torah inhaled. The air was bad. No matter. She got the ring-smash. The head got slashed. Torah removed the successor. The third Medusa head got cut to pieces. Torah picked the crystals. Then another group emerged. Torah screamed. She couldn't help it. Roses flew in high arches. The three enemies got blasted altogether. Torah was breathing heavily. Another trio of Medusa heads arrived. Torah threw stakes at them. She picked the crystals. A pitty there was no bridge or walkway leading to the blue area. Perhaps not. Torah never liked those narrow passages which went around the crater. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The heads exploded. Torah hoped she made the right decision. This had to be it. Torah was unsure it was that easy. She might crush her head against the low ceiling. She reached for the cross. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah released another round. The Medusa heads got blasted into oblivion. Torah claimed the gemstones. "I believe." Torah decleared. Then she jumped. Her small frame went through the air. Hot winds went through her hair. Torah's grasp painfully around her symbol. She hit something. Torah pulled herself forward. The barrier collapsed. Torah sang. The tone was wild and free. Like that of the life of the dryad. Torah felt tears down her cheeks. There was something about that lyric. Something which made her think of her sister. "Saria." She whispered. "This is your song." Warm breezes, those which blew through the summer in the wood, seemed to toutch her. She could smell the freshness and the pure love of the wind blowing in the medow. Cold shattered her dream. The barrier rebuilt itself. Torah got back on her feet. She made it. Torah had entered the blue area. She let go of the cross. It still was tied up around her wrist. Torah stepped forward. She was beware of the dangers. The cave was monstrous. Torah gussed it must've been there for centuries. No workforce could ever create such wonders. Torah thought of the Norwegian ice caves. Although she'd only seen images of such places, they where wonderful. The floor was white. White as a sheet of paper. The crystalline walls seemed to continue forever. Torah stepped out on the white field. No heads followed from behind. Torah felt no better. The melancolly atmosphere made her feel more alone then ever. She always felt like that when in here. This time it was stronger then ever. Torah picked together. She had to continue. This might be it. The wild had been sure there was a treasure she needed. Torah reached for the cross. Then she kept walking. The tunnel was wide as a stadion. Torah felt very little. If only Rose had been here. At the heart was another elevated podium. Torah recognised the eerie glow which illuminated the stage. Tiny blue sparks seemed like to fall from the ceiling high above. Torah got the smash out. The mimic monsters stalked the area. Her thoughts where cut short as the malicious laugher echoed throughout the cavern. Torah had no choise. She hung up the smash. They had no place here. At least not yet. The trio of ice-dancers lept from the stage. Torah knew them altogether. They where so artistic and graceful. Frost rised on their every move. Torah began dancing. That was all she could do. The mimic swarmed about. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The nearest mammals got shot. Torah claimed the crystals. She dodged the best she could. Torah only had one sample left of the blue medicine. She would need it. The mimic might freeze her. They would suck her blood. Torah almost snarled. That wasn't going to happen in this millennia. She threw garlic all about the area. The onion exploded. Torah nearly got captured within their mobility. She better concentrate some more against the lizard dancers. Frost made the area shine with blue. The garlic made them keep some distance. Those which didn't exploded, still lay around. Torah thought of Simon Belmont. In 1691 he used that stuff to rid himself of Dracula's curse. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The dancers immediately retreated. One of them made a summersault back among the frost. Torah knew it wasn't over. She would return. "Orbs of sorcery!" She repeated the magic. Torah danced while retriving onion and crystals alike. The dancers kept stalking her. Torah presented the cross. The mimic kept their distance. Torah lept. She got across the rising barrier. Was this like fighting Actrise? She shuddered. The gauntlets channelled their evil magic right through her body. Though it was an open channel, it hurt real bad. Torah screamed, in unison with the ice-dancer lizard. The aura faltered. Torah felt more then a little shaken. She stamped with the cross. The image burned her body. Torah felt disgusted. The smell of fried flesh made her feel sick. This wasn't nice. War never was. Torah fell back. The dancer made an effort to retreat. She couldn't. The monster was to damaged. Torah had the smash. Carrie's weapon finished her misery. Torah spun. She made some quick steps. The other two lizards where still around. Torah knew that. She held the cross high in defience. The mimic kept their distance. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing plasma shot them into oblivion. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah turned. The third ice-dancer was back. She got hit by the plasma. Though it slammed her against the floor, the aura didn't went out. Torah got other trouble. The other monster kept pestering her mobility. Torah had no choise. She lept straight forward. The cross went through the barrier. Torah felt her own blocking waver. A flash of gold made the aura falter. Torah inhaled. "Orbs of sorcery!" The lizard monster was dead before reaching the floor. Torah inhaled. The air was cold, so cold. Torah tried not to mind. The third monster got back on foot. She made frost rise while dancing. She even threw icicles about. That was another experience. Torah dodged as best she could. The mimic grew near. Torah threw garlic about to might shield herself from being frozen. She answered the dancer's approach with sets of stakes. The tripled onslaughts froze on impact. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired repeatedly. Balls of plasma went all over the place. The ice-dancer made a summersault back among her pyre. Torah picked the crystals. The eerie laugh echoed through the battlefield. Torah made no comment. The dancer had returned. Again she made frost spread outward. Torah dodged. The barrier was back. "Orbs of sorcery!" The impact threw her off balance. Torah lept accordingly. She held the cross high in front. The lizard did cowar in fear. Torah threw roses in high arches. The explosion sent even Torah backward. She blinked. The battle was over. The dancer burned into ashes. Torah claimed the crystals. Some mimic monsters still fluttered about. Strange though, Lydie Erlanger described them as mechanical owls of sort. That was way back in 1747. Things changed. Maria Renard insisted they where sort of money bags or possessed boxes spread out throughout the castle. Maria fought against the Dark Lord bogh in 1792 and in 1797. No matter. The pyre went out. There was no switch atop the stage. Torah went forward. The frozen waste seemed to continue on forever. She kept watch in case they would keep up with her. The snowy plain suddenly stopped. The red glow almost dimmed against the bright blue light of this area. The lava was boiling hot. The abyss where wider across then she remembered. Though there was no black smoke. Torah jumped upon the initial platform. Bats came from above. Torah threw onion about. The garlic grenades exploded on contact. Torah worked franticly to chase them off. The smash slaughtered ceveral monsters. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mimic blended with the ordinary mammals. Torah fried them into submission. There was a momentary breather. Torah went for the second platform. The chase was on. The bats where in presuit. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah almost considered using magic to defend herself. Life as a dryad wasn't all that bad. No way. Torah shivered. That was the voice of Satan. She had to keep her bloodline alive. Torah almost snarled. She fought with all the will of her determined soul. Finally they scattered. Torah toutched the cross. She jumped back into the mine. This area was even further across. Torah shrugged. She wasn't really sure about that judgement. After all, it might be her own imagination. Torah put it aside. There seemed to be snow on the floor. Torah licked her lips. It always was snow inside the blue areas. How could it be? Never mind. This was somehow different. Torah bent to inspect it closer. She brushed away the fabric. There was ordinary snow beneath. Torah sniffed the fabric. Then she let go. She was back up in a minute. It was ash. Cold and bitter, crystallized ash. It couldn't be possible. Ash couldn't freeze. Or could it? Torah forcefully put the matter aside. She began walking. The mimic where still a problem. She tripped. There lay pieces of arm and armour among the ashes. The mimic monsters where there in an instant. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. She even hurled flowers about. The roses caused other explosions. Torah picked the crystals. They became items when toutching. Torah refilled her stocks. Her trouble wasn't over. Four bone-troopers had arrived. The one in the middle was armed with a heavy ball-and-chain. The undead monster smashed it against the floor. Torah barely avoided getting crushed. Two where armed with large battle-axes. Torah imagined they might look like the dead kings which Shanoah faced in 1810. The fourth and final was armed with a sword and shield. Torah knew she had to slow them down or the mace would take her. The sword dashed. "Orbs of sorcery!" That made it collapse. Though it soon was back in action. Torah dodged another onslaught. The axes went like crazed lumberjacks. Torah was just grateful they where no tin men. She managed to nail the ball-anc-chain while it gathered. The flowers exploded on contact. The axes where getting awefully close. Torah sent them a row of garlic. The first monster was thrown backward. The swordsman dashed. Torah managed to get underneath. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot him through the back. The axe jumped high before landing. The enemy where in front. Torah gave it all the onion. The blast sent it backward. Torah avoided the impact. The iron ball hadn't stopped its attempts on killing her. "Orbs of sorcery!" The magic balls at least made it stagger. Torah advanced. She managed to stamp with the cross before it could gather. She didn't reach the pendant. That was no option. Torah sidestepped the swordsman. He turned for another dash. Torah stamped with the cross. He fell backward. Torah lept into the air. Her cross made the evil skull symbol shatter. The evil force left the manifestation. Torah placed garlic in front. The explosion actually saved her from the axe men. The ball-and-chain made snow and ash fly skyhigh. Torah let it have the roses. The flowers made it collapse into a heap. Torah placed another flower in front. The axes where still very much alive. Torah collected the crystals. They jumped. Torah rolled sideways. "Orbs of sorcery!" The trooper staggered. Torah ducked. The second skeleton almost cut her head off. She stamped with the cross. If only the barrier would go away. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bone-trooper got hit head on. It fell to one knee. They where to close. She had no choise. Torah stamped the skull medallion which exploded. The final axe moved in for the kill. "Jesus!" Torah shouted. She made another back-flip. The trooper jumped. It landed in front. Torah threw herself sideways. She threw garlic. The trooper shook. There was no other way to describe it. Then it gathered. "Not today." Torah muttered. She pushed the roses forward. The explosion made the bone-trooper collapsed. Torah put garlic in front. She dodged the last eruption. When it was over she retrived the crystals. The troopers left plenty behind. Torah felt strangely refreshed after the collecting. The mimic monsters still where about. The battle seemed to have confused their approach. Now they came. Torah threw more garlic about. "Orbs of sorcery!" She followed up with charged balls of homing plasma. They circled her position. Torah turned accordingly. "Orbs of sorcery!" She repeated her magic. The enemies got fried on contact. Finally they left her behind. Torah didn't trust them. They would most likely be back someday. She put it aside. Torah collected the crystals they left. She then went to investigate the area. There really was such a long walk until she reached the next stream. Lava boiled beneath. Torah toutched the cross. She jumped. Torah reached the pillar. The bats used the opportunity to come down at her. Torah waisted no time. "Jesus!" She shouted while hurling garlic through the air. The explosions caused so much chaos she managed to get across to the second platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah turned. She fired right into the flock. She threw roses in high arches. The mimic had returned. Torah knew they would. She lept back onto the blue area. Another wide open area lay in front. The walls shone like polished zapphire. Mimic and bats chased her across. Torah presented the cross. The enemies slightly fell back. It wasn't enough. Torah hurled garlic all over the place. She even nailed with stakes, though that was very difficult. She stamped those who got to close. The smash was busy at work. The enemies refused to give in. Torah was forced even further backward. The cave seemed endless. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah threw in with all her force. The ball became one giant globule. The sphere shot forward. Torah watched with amazement how the blast seemed to swallow the flock. A few mammals survived. They kept their distance. Torah toutched the cross. She really was getting more powerful. Torah wondered if that was a good thing. Actrise would only grew more hungry of her power. Carrie Fernandez disappeared before her abilities where fully realized. Torah wondered what might become of her. That was the end of the breather. From the cave further away came a group of armed skeletons. Torah almost snarled. The bats got their opportunity. Torah went into battle. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The bats got blasted. There where more of them. Torah threw stakes at the bone-men. She then went into closer hand-to-hand combat. The smash cut through their cages. Torah stamped with the cross. The skeleton frame collapsed. Torah dodged their offensive. This was not real scimitars. Torah was unsure if they where even real bone-throwers anyway. Those she'd met earlier had a complete alternative effectiveness. She used her advantage to press them back through the corridor. "Orbs of sorcery!" She sent other plasma toward the presuing mammals. They could inflict a cursed state. Torah stamped with the cross. The bats went skyward. Torah bit together. She'd entered another square area. Torah threw garlic about. The last of the enemies where defeated. Not really. The stage was lit by another eerie glow. The blue light got reflected against the walls and ceiling. Torah reached for her symbol. This wasn't like it used to be. Usually she met shade-dancers in here. An eerie laugh filled the room. A frozen barrier blocked the exit. She let go of the cross. Torah hung up the ring-smash. They had no place in this battle. A trio of ice-dancers lept from the stage. They made ice rise while dancing. Torah began moving. She had to be careful. The monsters threw icicles. Torah sent stakes in return. The mimic came down from above. Torah pressed on to keep them off balance. "Orbs of sorcery!" She fired. The monsters burned. She spread garlic out on the battlefield. It wasn't as effective as the enemie's approach. But it would have to do. It at least made them more careful. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah followed her assault. The dancer got pushed backward. The cross went through her defensive. She screamed. The aura went out. Torah inhaled. She hated having to do things like this. "Orbs of sorcery!" The monster was dead. It had to be done. Torah picked herself together. The dancers made frost spread outward. They hurled icicles about the area. Torah blocked by using stakes. The garlic exploded. The dancer forgot. Her aura faltered. Torah dashed. The smash cut her down. The last dancer withdrew. Torah picked the crystals. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mimic where a constant threat. Torah presented the cross. They kept some distance. Torah threw more stakes. They blocked against the enemy's objective. Frost was risen along the floor. They had the shape of frozen icicles. Torah cut through the barrier. It wasn't really that dificult. Though it slowed her down. The ice-dancer seemed to pass right through. Torah toutched the cross. This had to end. The dancer came around the stage. The blue glow illuminated her jewleries. Her scalled feet, barely concealed by the pair of baggy white trousers, moved with bogh elegance and speed. Torah met her face to face. She grabbed hold with her gauntlets ready. The lizard's magic got channeled right through her own body. Torah was young and healthy, her body stong, though the pain was terrible. Torah managed to endure. The monster struggled to break free. The cross which Torah tied around her wrist came in contact with her. The female threw her head backward while screaming. The symbol made her burn. Even that emotion got sent into Torah. She couldn't hold on. Torah released herself. The aura had burned out. The lizard staggered. Torah felt almost as dizzy. She then let her have the roses. Torah was thrown backward. She managed to get back up. The stage was clear. Torah got up. She picked the crystals. Torah even had a sip of the red medicine. It only was one doze left. Torah put back the bottle. The barrier was gone. Even the mimic seemed to have vanished. Torah went for the stage. She climbed upon the platform. Torah pulled the switch. She got back down. Shadow fell on the area. Torah retreated. Something was wrong. This wasn't supposed to happen. "Sorceress." That voice… "Is it to dark for you?" Torah could do nothing but nod. The voice laughed. Something hit the floor. Torah thought of an object made from mud. Then came a sound like someone spat. A faint red glow shone from the goblet. Someone was approaching. Torah presented the ring-smash. "They call me Cabrina the red." The shrouded figure decleared. Long coils of thick red hair fell from within the hood. "Though I prefear the name, Cabrina of the flames!" The redhead threw back her cloack. Fire illuminated her body. Torah stepped back. The highnecked black dress let her arms and legs to be free. Torah hid her face. The light copper skin had a redish colour to it. Who was this creature? What was this creature? Then it clicked. Torah remembered what Yoko told her. "Barbaricia." She breathed. It was no question. "The priestess of Hell. The mistress of Satan. The bodyguard of the ultimate evil." The bodyguard smiled. Her teeth carved into sharpened fangs. Torah toutched the cross. Cabrina's jewleries was made of ivory, jade or iron. Large pearls shone in the flickering light. "Jesus!" Torah shouted. Fire was lit behind her features. Suddenly Cabrina's eyes and mouth appeared to be like endless caverns of flame. "Fury of the Flame!" Cabrina moved with skill and agility which she didn't expected. The skirts of the black dress moved like great wings. Cabrina breathed. A wave of flame came from between her lips. Then Cabrina leached. It was like the hit of a giant's whip. "Zapphire curtain!" The shield was shattered. Torah screamed. She felt like being pressed against the backside of her own skull. The flame seemed to become more solid or compact. The heat appeard to shape into the form of a naked woman. Cabrina laughed. The sound should've been sweet or pleasant. Instead, Torah felt like being played with by devils. She almost missed the cold blue light from the third area. Somehow the demon lady must've extinguished that illumination. Torah pulled together. She knew her own power. "Fury." Mathilda teached her of the schools of magic. She also told Torah about the ranks of the mystic world and the elder species which populated the land. The enemy advanced. They where the court of Eryne, the goddess of vengeance. They would bring justice upon those commanded by their mistress. No matter their rank or dignity. They might adapt to any terrain. Nobody could ever be safe. Such thoughts went through Torah's mind as the enemy spat fire. Then Torah put everything aside. This place stood on cursed land. The haunt was in the shadow of Castlevania. There, Eryne was Dracula's slave. Yoko told her about the revived goddess. "Jesus!" She shouted. Torah had no choise but to use magic. She was prepared to pay the price. But if He wanted, she would keep enough blood for Sypha's lineage to live on. Fury spat fireballs. This wasn't like fighting elementals. Even so, the method was the same. Torah knew that. "Orbs of sorcery!" She channeled the homing magic straight forward. The tripled orbs of plasma shattered the fireballs. The flames howled with Fury as she threw herself forward. Cabrina laughed. Torah dodged. "Behind blue eyes!" Torah's eyes changed colour as parallell beams of solid frost shot forward. The enemy screamed. Torah whinched. That sounded all to human. She picked together. Fury was a beast from Hell. The demon gathered. She threw more flames or fire about the area. Strange though, the snow on the floor didn't melt. Never mind. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah used the "safe" spell to counter the assault. The plasma made the fireballs explode. No need to waist blood without reason. "Flames roared with frustration. "Winter's heart!" Torah threw the cluster of frost toward the enemy. She froze all over. Then Fury broke free. Torah licked her lips. This wasn't good. She dodged the offensive. The enemy shot flames or fireballs all over the place. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Torah felt released while dancing with the fairies of nature. They felt so happy to see her again. The devil froze into place. Torah struck with the cross. Fury was no more. Torah gapped. This couldn't be true. It wasn't real. This was far to easy. "You." Torah said. "You laier!" She was still breathing heavily. "You tried to threaten me by crafting some fake Fury." Cabrina snarled. Her mouth and eyes where endless caverns of flame. "Foolish kid!" She boomed. "I shall show you this is more then real!" She breathed. A breth of cold air went from her lips. "Fury of Frost!" She beconed. "Do my bidding!" She leached. Torah didn't try to block. She instead sheltered behind the stage. No matter. The blue Fury was a reality. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah blocked against the sieries of icicles. The demon breathed heavy mist. Torah knew it might turn her into a frozen statue. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged. The orbs went home. Fury screamed. Torah drew backward. The sound was so human. Torah almost thought she'd inflicted real pain. Her line of thought got shattered. The frozen Fury released blocks of ice. Torah threw garlic. It was almost a joke. But it worked. The onion made the magic force explode. The chilling wind had forged into the form of a naked woman. Torah almost felt a little shy. That was part of the plot. Torah gathered. The devil shot more icicles. Torah blocked with flowers. The roses went through the figure. Barbaricia laughed. Cabrina leaned against her spear. She obviously was enjoying the battle. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. Frozen blocks blocked the offensive. Torah hid behind the stage. "Orbs of sorcery!" She ran from the other side. The enemy was taken aback. The mist almost seemed to struggle. Then it retained its original state. The scream was that of an angered human. Torah wasn't foiled this time. She presented the cross. Cabrina's face was afire. The demon answered with more frost. The mist might freeze her in place. Torah avoided the impact. "Orbs of sorcery!" Fury seemed liked pathrified. Torah advanced. She stamped with the cross. The demon shattered into countless black shards. Torah was careful to not get nailed. "Dark ocean creature." Torah muttered. Yoko said some demons might use samples of that dark liquid. Turn it alive or do other terrible things. She put it aside. Cabrina spat. The oiled substance seemed like an endless stream coming from her mouth. Then Torah realized. She pulled back. Barbaricia leached. "Fury of Earth!" The Hellish bodyguard demanded. "Do my biddings!" The spit seemed to turn more solid and compact. The figure was created of soil. Fury had the form of a human woman. Torah felt actual distaste. She was no feminist, but this was just rude. She had to relax. Her own emotion might become a weapon of evil. Earth Fury threw rocks about. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah managed to block. She had to be quick. She had to figure out a way how to defeat this villain. Torah withdrew as Fury released waving vines. It was like a forest armour of Nathan Grave's quest had returned. Torah didn't want to be captured. "Rainbow flame!" The impact made it stagger. Fury made an effort to gather. "Winter's heart!" Fury groaned. It was such a human sound. Barbaricia roared with frustration. Torah made no comment. Poison mist where released from between her lips. Torah ran. There was nothing she could do to defend herself against such attacks. She thought of the green medicine. No way. She better be more careful. "Orbs of sorcery!" The impact made the enemy crumble into a pile of dust. Then Fury reformed. Like Dracula, every 100 years. Torah mentally shrugged. It wasn't funny. The enemy threw rocks about. Torah dodged. The impact might break her body. Torah knew she didn't possess any great stamina. No matter. She might start training herself when growing up. IF she ever did. The devil made a hard effort to kill her. "Zapphire shards!" The onslaught of icicles brought the enemy to her knees. Torah advanced. She stamped with the cross. Fury was no more. Only a gasp of relief was to be heard. Torah didn't understand. Then she realized. "You captured their nature!" She accused. Cabrina made no comment. Her face was all afire. Torah grasped the cross. "You have no right." For once bogh side of her bloodlines agreed. Barbaricia suddenly lept into the air. She came looping diagonally downward with the spear at the ready. Torah was able to glide underneath. The Devil's concubine breathed. Torah was unsure. Cabrina leached. "Fury of wind!" She beconed. "Do my bidding!" The figure was almost entirely transparent. Torah stepped backward. Fury threw series of red discs. She was able to sidestep. Frost. Torah gathered. The enemy threw an actual hurricane. Torah was thrown far backward. She collided against the wall. Cabrina laughed. Torah got back up. "Behind blue eyes!" The enemy was cought off guard. She became frozen into a sculpture. Torah shook her head. She still was slightly dazed. The colour of her eyes returned to normal. "Love is the power of the wind." She muttered. Torah actually felt angry. Barbaricia had no right to tangle with the supernatural. Fury broke free. A whirlwind wecked havoc upon the battlefield. Torah inhaled. "Dance of the Nutcrackers!" Faries danced with her. Fresh cold air cleared up the evil storm. The enemy fell back. Even Cabrina looked shaken. Fury broke loose. She came forward while throwing discs. Torah withdrew. The impact would be painful. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing plasma at least blocked the onslaught. The storm was picking up. Torah felt the breth all along the area. "Winter's heart!" Torah howled. The hurricane shattered into multiple frozen pieces. Before Fury could react, Torah cast another spell. "Zapphire shards!" The spreading of icicles froze the figure into a transparent statue. It really was so beautiful. Torah advanced. Cabrina roared with anger. "Jesus!" Torah shouted. "I believe!" It was no lie. She stamped with the cross. The enemy snapped. She was free. Torah knew. "It's over." She decleared. "Not yet." The emotions of her enemy where that of Hell. She was like the personification of the evil core. Torah shook it off. A tear went down her cheek. Torah didn't believe it. No demon could cry. Not even Alucard. "Fury of Water!" Cabrina boomed. "Do my bidding!" The tear, or whatever it was, evolved. That was the only way to describe what happened. Soon stood another naked female figure in place. She was made of liquid. Torah thought of the mermaid. Some pledged fealty to the Dark Lord. What the Belmont clan told was gathered from the remains of the memorandum made by Isaac Nicolai Graves from 1810. Shanoah fought Lorelai during her campaign to banish the wrongdoings of the Eclesia. Her line of thoughts where cut short. Fury released a stream of compact water. Why should she think about those matters anyway? "Opal flash!" The sudden shield deflected her liquid. Torah pulled back. She hoped the battle wouldn't steal all her human blood. It was time to settle herself within the arsenal of a human. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged with all her force. The large glowing globule threw her enemy far back. Torah advanced. She threw garlic about. The onion exploded. Though it had no real effect. Torah bit together. Fury got back up. She released solid blocks of water. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. "Orbs of sorcery!" Carrie's spell had no backflash. Why was it so? No matter. Although the plasma went home, Fury gathered. Ice would've been a much better weapon. Torah didn't dare. A stream of water went across the floor. Torah jumped sideways. The liquid didn't melt the snow. Why didn't it happen? The blue glow was perhaps simply more powerful. If only the barrier would go. Not likely. Torah would never try channel the magic through the gauntlets. Fury released another beam of solid aqua. Torah felt thirsty. That would have to wait. She ran in circles. The enemy turned accordingly. Then Torah suddenly went away. Fury seemed to be at a loss on how to react. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. Three orbs of homing plasma circled her body before going outward. Fury got nailed. Cabrina howled in anger. Fury advanced, firing blocks of water. Torah ducked. The enemy got closer and closer. Suddenly Torah made a glide forward. She had the cross in hand. The symbol made contact. Fury was defeated, or released. Torah picked the crystals. She toutched her features. No change. "Thank you God." She whispered. Barbaricia jumped. Torah was able to glide underneath. Though small, she was quick and agile. The demon bodyguard missed her momentum. "Orbs of sorcery!" Cabrina got struck in the back. She turned. Blood stained her black dress. Torah toutched the symbol. Cabrina then threw the spear. Torah dodged. The weapon was back in her hands. She lept. Barbaricia came diagonally downward with the spear at the ready. Torah sidestepped. It was in the last second. The Devil's priestess stabbed. Torah dodged repeatedly. Cabrina pushed her further backward. Torah made a sudden back-flip. Barbaricia threw her weapon. Torah ducked. She threw tripled roses in high arches. Cabrina screamed. Though they exploded on impact, she somehow survived. Though wounded, she kept the presuit. Torah licked her lips. She was afraid. Barbaricia was an evil spirit who had been able to embody. Such where all demons or devils. No matter. When taking form, they went with the weakness which where the mortality of all living. Change, and the Trinity, was all which where constant. Torah knew that. Mathilda was right. Through the grace of God, she would achieve victory. It didn't seem likely. Barbaricia jumped. She came down diagonally with the spear pointed forward. Torah threw herself to the right. The que was not to become cornered. Torah wondered how Soma Cruz could survive having to fight a bunch of these monsters. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing ball struck Cabrina in the side. She staggered. Demon blood painted the snow with almost blackness. Torah was afraid shadow dancers might emerge from that liquid. It didn't happen. Cabrina stabbed. Torah ducked. She stamped with the cross. Cabrina screamed. Her features seemed to have collapsed. Barbaricia wasn't attractive anymore. Her face was darkness and flame. Torah realized she was a demon from the caverns of Hell. "In the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost!" Torah knew she sounded like Heinrich. No matter. He was right. To summon the Lord while in peril was no wrong. The smash seemed to appear into her hand. Torah didn't notice she'd preduced that weaponry. Perhaps she hadn't? It wasn't important. The fight was over. The heart got pierced. Torah jumped. She made another slash. Her head fell to the floor. She acted like it was a vampire. Somehow it was appropriate. Dracula was the reason behind all which happened. His servants summoned this demon out from the abyss. Cabrina's scream went even more distant. Torah closed herself. Yoko had teached her how to do it. To block oneself was the first rule of vampire hunting. That way she couldn't become possessed. It wasn't fully effective. But it might work. This time it did. Torah was alone. The shadow had passed. The blue glow, and the coldness of the area, returned. Torah almost felt glad about it. Although she knew this was a result of a much more powerful curse. She gathered. Torah picked the crystals the demon left behind. She then went from the place. The frozen barrier which blocked the exit had gone. Torah was back within the huge area. She went across. Nothing happened. She jumped the pillar. No bats where about. Torah reached for the cross. "Strange." She muttered. Everything was quiet. She went across the second pool. Soon she would be back within the crater. The red glow grew brighter. Soon Torah where in front of the opening. She felt frustrated. Instead of going straight from the middle of the blue area, the bridge went from the leftmost side. Torah wondered what it might mean. Then she dismissed the matter. Perhaps the wild had been wrong. The dark area might be the place where the treasure was held. She didn't believe that. Never the less, Torah went upon the walkway. The heads didn't appear either. Torah was afraid. Why was it so quiet? Black smoke still obscured ther view. The boiling sound was all she could hear. Then the sound of flapping wings worned of their approach. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot them away. More where coming. Torah quickened her steps. She threw garlic about. The mammals exploded. She gained some crystals. The bats came bogh from below and above. She shredded those monsters which came to close. She stamped herself with the cross. Those which landed got fried. The battle continued. Torah noticed a figure in front. She prepared for another fright. Then she realized it was simply the Medusa sculpture. Torah was back on the first formation. The other bridge went through the formation. Torah continued forward. The other walkway would just lead back to the beginning. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired. She slashed the mammals. Soon the rock formation was left behind. Torah knew the second was somewhere in front. The bats kept hunting her. They got attracted by her blood. Torah was certain. She threw roses at them. The flowers absorbed the flock. She got a momentary breather. Torah used the opportunity to gather the crystals before going forward. The gems become items when toutching. Someone just would rise her magic energy. Torah didn't mind. She needed all she could gather. There where no candles about. No matter. The sound of flapping wings told her they where back. Torah shredded the trio. "Orbs of sorcery!" The enemies exploded. The bridge wasn't that large. It didn't have a fence either. Torah knew a fall would be fatal. She held together. She shredded those mammals which get to close. She threw garlic about the place. Torah was even able to impale with stakes. She hoped the commanding vampire could feel their pain. Not likely. The beast got nothing from the undead which controlled their numbers. Torah reached the second formation. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot the bats away. She then let them have the roses. The impact was awesome. Torah picked the crystals. She was careful not to return the statue's gaze. Torah went out on the walkway. The one which led forward. The other bridge would just go back to the ladder. That was no option. Torah had nowhere left to go beside the darkened area. Bats where about. Torah defended as best she could. They where not going to dine on her. "Orbs of sorcery!" She fired repeatedly. The plasma made them keep some distance. Torah threw garlic. The onion destroyed the group. She claimed the crystals. The mammals kept attacking. Torah stamped with the cross. The smash shredded their approach. Torah threw stakes at them. The bats where impaled. This couldn't continue. It had to end. Torah threw another round of flowers. The massive impact made them scatter. Torah ran. The opening where in front. She got inside. They didn't follow. Torah didn't care why they didn't. For a moment she just stood breathing. The air was terrible. It was worse then anything she'd ever experienced. Torah reached for the cross. The cold metal made her relax. Strange, but it happened. Torah inhaled. She then went forward. Although unsure of what might happen, she knew this was the only way. She suddenly stopped. This place once was a prison. That wasn't the problem. Torah was appalled. Poor, poor creatures. Their moaning and pleading where terrible to hear. The cages where populated. Sick and lonesome, they had been put away from life and light. Torah knew they couldn't hurt her. The doors where closed. That was no comfort. The scent of decease and decay lay heavily upon the tunnel. Torah was almost glad for the lack of light. Hooded and cloaked they hid their deformity. Plauge. And unclean. The words seem to echo through her mind. A slimey, unhealthy stream went through the cavern, filled with sewer and garbage. Even a person without dryad blood in their linage, would've been disgusted. Was this shadows of what have been, or was it the curse? Could this even be a mass illusion created by the dark side? Torah didn't knew. She didn't wish to either. The cry of a baby sent chills down her spine. Unlike most girls her age, Torah disliked babies. Yoko told it was because of her mixed bloodline. Dryads liked to make out, when in the season. But they disliked giving birth. Their men brought their male children back home. Torah knew she only tried not to get taken by the sight. If she lost control, she might turn crazy. That was the real point. But if she wished to get out of here, Torah had to pull together. She looked back toward the opening. Distance and shadow already concealed the exit. This was Hell. No matter. Soma Cruz made it home. Then she could too. Torah wondered what might've happened with that girl they met earlier. She was of his linage. Germain told as much. Torah could escape while thinking about her good memories. Germain came to visit during Chrismus. Their voices shattered the concentration. Torah felt tears down her cheeks. "Help me." She whispered. "Give me strength." She held the cross tight to her. Then she began walking. Their screaming and pleases where terrible to hear. "You aren't here." Torah whispered. Legends said Gabriel Belmont could remain balanced between light and dark. That was long ago, in 1047. Nathan Graves could, that was for sure. He brandished shadow as a tool of destruction while exploring the castle in 1830. She put it aside. Torah almost whished she hadn't. The prisoners crept for her location. Torah almost threw up. That was no option. She hadn't eaten much these days. She would need her strenght eventually. Torah jumped across the small stream. The liquid really was disgustive. It was lava. It had to be. Though the curse, or whatever it was, made it look like a sewer. Torah continued her journey. She had to pull through. There was no exit. This was all the place she'd left to investigate. Tears stained her cheeks. She was no knight of Light. Torah almost felt ashamed. Yoko said she should be proud of her abileties. At the end of the passage hung something which looked like a pair of curtains. Torah toutched the fabric. It was all made of poison silk. Torah frowned. Maria Renard had told that, in her journal from 1797, green was Orlock's boyar colour. She turned them aside. Perhaps the lizards where found of it too? She better ask them. No sooner had she pulled the curtains aside, when the monsters attacked. Torah got her ring-smash. She dashed forward. The armed lizard men and skeletons advanced. Torah threw garlic about. The onion exploded. Someone tried to shield them from damage. Not against the laws of nature. Torah got in among them. The smash crushed the skeleton to pieces. The weapon of Carrie Fernandez went deep into his body. Torah stamped with the cross. The swordsman burned into ashes. Her stakes made the skeletons collapse. "Orbs of sorcery!" The shield magic was useless at this range. Some mammals circled her position. "Orbs of sorcery!" She fired. The enemies got defeated. Torah pressed forward. She threw garlic toward the bats. Torah lept. Two lizard monsters fell without the head. She landed into a ready position. The club immediately got cut down. Torah felt no victory. The flowers caused repeated explosions. The mammals scattered. Torah continued. The battle was over, sor of. The skeletons still marched into battle. Torah withdrew. The stakes made them collapse. Torah went forward. At the other end of the short passage hung another pair of curtains. Torah was careful when moving them aside. There was no need. The chamber beyond was abandoned. Torah stepped into the oval area. There was no stage. Instead there was a sort of alter. The high pillars created small niches all the way round. Each opening was hung with green tapestries. Torah was unsure on what to do. The place looked deserted. Even so, this area stenched of the same evil which haunted the cages outside. The lizard shaman just suddenly appeared. Torah toutched the cross. The wicked being carried some sort of staff. It was the length of an arm and made of iron. At the far end sat a smoldering hot gemstone. Torah stepped backward. Underneath the hood, the lizard's eyes was afire. Torah reached for the cross. A purple serpent closed the cape at the neck. Why did she mind? The devil cut short her speculation. Ugly smouldering flames shot from the tip of the rod. Sick green and yellowish stripes made it seem all ugly. Torah felt bad just by the sight of it. "Zapphire curtain!" Blazing energy, like that of shattered diamonds, exploded against her barrier. Torah screamed. She felt like being crushed against the back of her own headskull. She fell on her knees. The lizard shaman laughed by her misery. Torah struggled back up. The monster was not going to take her down. Another beam shot forward. Torah felt sick by the very blast. Never mind that now. Torah didn't try to block this time. Instead she ran to dodge the wave alltogether. The shaman's laugh sounded like the dancers she'd met earlier. Torah knew better then to make it reach her. Frustration in this kind of situation might be her undoing. Torah spun as he fired another disgustive laser. She answered with a series of stakes. The lizard coward in fright. Torah blinked. That wasn't the reaction she expected. Then she realized. The stakes didn't quite penetrate his black cloack. Torah mentally kicked herself. She should've remembered. The shaman fired. Never was she to get used to that darkside weapon. The blast made the curtains burn. Torah wasn't interested. "Orbs of sorcery!" The blast didn't get through. She didn't expect that to happen. The impact made him stagger. Torah immediately advanced. She stamped with the cross. But not upon his body. Instead she marked the ugly gemstone. The cross blazed even brighter then his ugly glow. Torah was thrown backward. The crystal had exploded. The cross looked unharmed. It was impossible. Never the less, it'd happened. The shaman's hands became fists. "Your fool!" He shreeked. "That relic was priceless." Torah didn't care. "That was a thing crafted by missery." She just stated. "Missery? Missery you say!" The shaman fumed with rage. "I shall show you the true meaning of that word!" He then turned into a language she didn't recognize. So be it. The result was obvious. A row of icicles went across the floor. Torah dodged. She didn't have the Belmont ability to see beyond the obvious. No matter. This clearly was black magic. No questions asked. The enemy still was chanting curses in his strange thung. An arching flame went toward her location. Torah didn't withdrew. Instead she dashed forward. The jumping kick hit the shaman right on. The enemy staggered. She saw pain on his face. Torah felt no guilt for this action. "Jesus!" She shouted. The symbol got through his strange outfit. The cross burned his flesh. The evil shaman threw her away with brute strenght. He was after all a grownup person. Torah got back up. She was glad to not have fallen into the liquid pool behind the alter. The shaman spoke. Rising icicles came forward. Torah dodged. The evil shaman created a sort of black acidic rain. Torah knew how to react. She dashed, shoulder ready, straight into her enemy. The lizard grunted. Torah impaled him. Blood stained his cape. Torah knew she'd missed the heart. She went away before he could hit her. The monster pulled the stake back out. "I shall impale you." The cold malice in his voice made her shiver. Torah had an idea of what he ment. She blushed. "Pedophile devil!" She shreeked. The lizard shaman pulled out a long sharp sacrifisial knife. Torah licked her lips. Perhaps he wasn't like that at all. No matter. She wouldn't let him toutch her what so ever. The lizard talked. An arching flame flew from his other hand. Torah noticed it erupted from within his palm. Torah dodged. The flame left marks on the pavement. He cursed, or so she guessed. Another row of icicles rised in front. Torah jumped across. He stabbed with his dagger. Torah managed to duck beneath. Still at a croutched position, she stamped with her cross. The lizard groaned in pain. She prepared the garlic. Then he kicked her aside. Torah dropped the onion. The lizard shaman stabbed. Torah rolled. "Orbs of sorcery!" It was to close. The spell went home. The enemy groaned. Torah jumped back up. She impaled his heart just as giving him the roses. The dagger fell on the floor. The enemy collapsed into a heap of ashes. Torah fell back on her knees. For a moment she just sat there, breathing heavily. The stench of decay and pestilence had vanished upon his death. Though the scent of spoiled chemicals was every bit alive. Torah picked herself together. She managed to stand on foot. Torah had to find the switch. It was no mistery when finding it atop the alter. Torah climbed ontop. She was no radical. But even so Torah felt this evil place should be destroyed. The dark cavern held to many evil secrets. The pond behind closed. The dimmed red glow, which shone bright after the shaman's demise, faded. Soon, only the lit candles shone forth. Torah toutched the cross. She almost expected the shadows to appear. Nothing of the sort happened. Torah had a hope they might be released. Not likely, if they where just memories of ancient time. Torah dismissed the matter. The switch should've opened the way forward. Torah still wondered where it might lead. She went back into the corridor. The cages where empty. Torah felt grateful. Only some bats where about. Torah kept track of their mobility. It wasn't as many like in the crater. No matter. Just one might inflict a cursed state. She noticed the sewer had been closed. Then it'd been a pool of lava after all. Torah threw some garlic toward the mammals. They scattered. Torah knew they might return eventually. She knocked a few candles. She picked the crystals inside. Torah also claimed those left by the bats. The opening where in front. No bridgeway led forward. Instead there was one at the other side. Torah didn't know how to react. This was a labyrinth. Torah toutched the cross. She hoped God would guide her. She stepped upon the bridge. She was back within the crater. The black smoke had cleared. Sort of anyway. The area below was still obscured. Though this area was cleared. No bats appeared. The place was silent as a tomb. Torah didn't like the remark. No matter. It was true. She went for the nearest formation. Torah had a look around. The crater was huge. Then she noticed something she hadn't seen before. At the heart of the area was sort of a fifth cliff formation. Torah toutched the cross. This was interesting. Perhaps the ladder was there. Torah went a slight distance until she faced the platform. One mistake would be fatal. Torah inhaled. The smel of toxic chemicals was terrible. No matter. Torah gathered her momentum. Then she lept. She went through the air. The blackness of the abyss below frightened her. She at last landed upon the formation. Torah inspected the area. No ladder was visible. For a moment she was frustrated. Torah then recognised the switch. The button was rusted. Torah had found such before. She placed garlic in front. Then Torah lept back toward the bridgeway. She nearly missed. While her blood was still chilling, Torah climbed back up. Behind the onion exploded. Torah didn't want to do this job. No matter. She had no real option. Torah jumped back. The switch had released some service platform which seemed to go further downward. Torah stepped aboard. When she was secured, the elevator started going downward. Somehow this felt strangely familiar. Torah shook the feeling. She was about to enter the real bottom of the mine. Torah preduced the smash. She would be ready.

Castle center, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The giant lizard man lay the sheet of paper upon his desc. Though old and shabby, he could still make out the text writtened upon it. That was old and dark words which stood there to be red. He should know. Mr. Hyde wrote it in his own hand. The creature felt sick. All because of him. He was the one to blame. He told Victor Frankenstein how machinery would work. He told it to him. Together they did craft the machine tower in 1830. The undead built it with brute force and magic. Their experiments, the clock tower, Eneomaos tower and those others had worked perfectly. HE felt disgrace. He felt disgust. The Devil take all of that. But he did. The giant lizard man had a doze of his medicine. He made a personal note to produce more of that liquid eventually. He more then once had tried to burn that contract when sane. It was to no avail. The contract was made by Renon and witnessed by the angel of Death. Nothing outside the grace of God might destroy it. It did not matter it was Mr. Hyde who signed it. He and the mr. was the same person. Nothing could be done to alter that state of things. Not when he himself did willingly made it so. He accursed that very day he drank the first potion. Nothing of this mattered. It was the landmap which where important.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
"A daughter of the Night command you to awaken!" She had that right. The Dark Lord long ago bestowed her with his power. The nine souls would answer her request. Their souls where trapped in Limbo. "We answer with pleasure, my league." She could hear their voices. "Exelent." She breathed. The gate was open. She had, after all, been considered a goddess by lesser men who lived during those early years. They appeared around. They had changed. The frenzy of rage made it that way. "You are already." She noticed. Such was the way of transfusion. Such they might be even more useful. It was fitting. "We salute you, daughter of Night!" They hailed. She was pleased. The intruder might have been of use. She had made them less restrictive. She almost laughed. "Kill her." She commanded. "Or bring her to me." They all disappeared from sight. She curled together. She would sleep and dream of victory. They would serve her. Such was fitting. The Dark Lord would acknowledge her activeties. He enlisted their services some while ago. Her time would come eventually.

The elevator stopped. Torah stepped out. There was some time until her eyes could adapt to that bright red glow. She toutched the cross. This really was Hell on earth. Torah stood on a rocky isle, surrounded by lava. Molton rock was all about. Torah closed her eyes. This was unbearable. How could she ever find that item? Torah opened her eyes. She frowned. There was more out there then liquid flame. Rocks or solid pillars marked where to go. She licked her lips. They where dried by the heat. Should she even dare to consider doing this. One mistake would be fatal. Suddenly Torah decided. She put all her worry aside. This was why she came down here. Beside, she got no choise. It was either this or captivity. Torah went out on the shore. There stood a single burned tree. Torah felt a sudden sadness. The plant shouldn't have been here. Somehow she felt like that poor shrub. The initial rock wasn't that far of. Torah gathered. Then she jumped. The liquid rock burned beneath. Torah felt chills down her spine. She landed safely upon the flouting stone. Why didn't it melt? Torah put the question aside. It wasn't important. The smoke wasn't that bad down here. Torah noticed the Medusa head in time. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the spell. The head exploded. Torah discovered another rock. She impaled the Medusa head. Then she lept across. She barely landed ontop. There was quite some distance. Torah toutched the cross. Something made her look skyward. Although black smoke obscured her view, she was certain. A lizard man, who brandished a hangglider, came above her location. He made a giant boulder fall down. He missed by inches. Torah reached for the cross. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The monster caught fire. Bogh he and his glider fell into the lava. Torah turned. The Medusa head flew in a wavy pattern. Torah slashed the objective. There was another stone. Torah jumped. She was able to land ontop. She looked skyward. There came other hanggliders. The lizards threw rocks at her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The monsters got shot. Torah acknowledged. Then she slashed the head to pieces. She cut the successor away. Torah then lept. The fourth stone was octagonal, like the other platforms down here. The size was that of a tennis sportfield. Torah impaled the Medusa head. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals got burned. Something then seemed to gather in front. Torah stepped back. "You shall pay for what you did to me!" The figure boomed. Torah thought it looked like the image of a Muslim Efreet. This wasn't the time for speculation. The fiend released a wave of rapid steam. Torah pulled back. It was like the projectile of a flame-thrower. Torah got back up. She threw stakes at him. The wood burned on impact. His lower body, which looked like a burning vertion of a typical Genie, was composed of fire. The Efreet laughed. Then he sent a single blue fireball. The blast homed onto her position. Torah felt like her own spell had been turned against her. No way. That was all she really inherited from Carrie. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged with sudden anger. Carrie's power was in her bloodline. Nobody was to steal it from her. Not even herself. The magic forces clashed. The energy exploded. Efreet released another wave of steam. Torah dodged. She threw roses in high arches. The flowers exploded on impact. The demon screamed. Torah advanced. The Efreet threw more steam. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. "Orbs of sorcery!" The tripled orbs of blazing plasma went home. The suncoloured magic seemed to tear the monster apart. It burned into ashes. Torah picked some of the crystals. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats got shot. Torah waisted no time. She lept for the nearest platform. She got across. Torah slashed the head. She shredded the successor. Strange how that fiend reacted to magic. Either she was growing more powerful, or the devil from the pit was still young. Torah put the matter aside. She threw stakes at them. Torah actually impalled the mammals. She claimed the crystals. Torah jumped across. She reached the sixt platform. Rocks fell from above. Another lizard hangglider approached. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired. The monster burned. Torah slashed the Medusa head. She impaled the next in line. She threw garlic toward the mammals. When they exploded, Torah jumped. She got upon another actagonal platform. The seventh pillar wasn't that much different from the others. Torah defeated the Medusa head. She then impaled the next in line. Torah ducked. The third head almost went home. Somebody laughed. Torah first thought it where the lizard dancers. Then she realized it was another Efreet. Flames burned around and obscured its upper body. Only the face was really visible. Torah looked away. Although not as terrible as the darkside, it wasn't pleasant. Torah gathered. The fiend threw waves of steam. Torah dodged. She threw garlic. The onion exploded. The demon was thrown backward. The devil laughed no more. Torah waisted no time. She dodged the next wave. The steam left markings upon the stone. She got an aweful feeling the platform might break. Torah presented the cross. That wasn't going to happen. Another wave of steam made her retreat. The Efreet felt confortable. It laughed some more. Then it fired more steam. Torah sidestepped the offence. She dashed. The ring-smash went through his body. Even though he was the embodiment of evil spirits, the demon roared. The slash made him less appearent. Torah withdrew. The fiend shot a ball of homing orange flame. Torah was forced on the defensive. The orb was quick. It would be her onduing if it ever reached home. Torah threw stakes. The wooden projectile made the orb explode. "Thank you." Torah held the symbol close. The Efreet wasn't finished with her yet. Another wave of steam almost hit her. The blue ring might keep her from harm. Torah doubt it would work. Not down here. In this place, flame was everything. Her enemy snarled. He intensified the objective. Torah ducked beneath. The devil was furious. He released more steam. Torah stepped forward. "Jesus!" Torah shouted. "Into Your hands I surrender my soul!" She held the cross high. The blue ring might be useless. But ther faight might help. The image repeled the onslaught. Efreet roared, waving its powerful limbs. Torah shook her surprise. She advanced. Garlic flew from bogh hands. The onion exploded on contact. Her opponent was no more. Torah picked the crystals. She might have greater faight in her abilities. God would guide her. Torah had no doubt. Not after what He'd just done. The mammals where back. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The crystals gave the energy she needed. Those who got shot burned into ashes. Torah claimed the gems. Then she jumped. No heads where approaching. Torah got upon the octagonal platform. The lizards threw rocks at her. Torah answered with onslaughts of roses. The flowers made them keep some distance. The bats had gathered. Torah turned. "Orbs of sorcery!" Balls of blazing plasma shot from between her fingertips. The mammals burned. Torah threw stakes at them. The head got impaled. Torah stepped forward. She shredded the next head. Another stake removed the last member of their group. Torah had no mind about it. The hanggliders approached. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. That was all she could do to keep them at bay. The homing plasma made them burn. Torah watched them disappear among the lava. Bats still fluttered about. Torah didn't wait for them to gather. She lept into the air. There was quite some distance until the ninth stone. She rolled forward. Torah got back up. That was close. She didn't want to think further about the matter. There was no great differences about this platform. The heads had kept up with her. Torah threw tripled stakes. The group got impaled. Torah presented the cross. The symbol made the mammals scatter. Torah threw garlic at them. Some onion really got home. Torah didn't wait for other villains to appear. She jumped. Torah got above the lava. This was worse then anything she met upstairs. The boulders almost crushed her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot at them. One monster was able to escape. Torah knew he would be back eventually. She threw flowers at the opproaching bats. She avoided the Medusa head. She cut the successor to pieces. She stamped with the cross. The third head burned into ashes. Torah picked the crystals. She then lept. Torah landed ontop. Nobody was there to challenge her approach. Torah got into a defensive posture. She didn't like this. Torah had a bad feeling about the matter. The eerie laugh made her react. The Efreet demon seemed to appear out from nothing. She toutched the cross. "You killed me." The enemy almost whispered. "You shall die!" The sudden roar made her retreat. She better. The monster released a wave of heavy steam. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. The onslaught went straight above. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah got back up. She shot the spell right into his face. The blast made him less impressive. No matter, he returned the gesture with a blast of steam. Torah got struck down. The blue ring protected her against flame magic. Even so, she felt like being struck by a meteor. She got back up. Torah held the cross. She presented the symbol. "Jesus!" The cross deflected the objective. Torah kissed the symbol. Efreet was furious. Flames burned red about his position. Torah got up into a kneeling position. Her enemy threw steam forward. He circled the area, making things even more difficult. So be it. Torah suddenly lept up into an offensive posture. Flowers went in a circle. Although he dodged the onslaught mostly, some roses went home. Efreed roared with fury. Torah still held the cross. "Orbs of sorcery!" The magic spel blocked his homing fireball. Torah inhaled. The demon moved forward with a sudden slash. The claws might've tore her apart. Torah gathered. Instead of evading the offensive, she was ready. Upon approach, Torah stamped with the cross. Efreet was gone. There was nothing left beside the crystals. Torah gathered them up. The bats had arrived. Torah threw more garlic. The onion made them scatter. Torah waisted no more time. She went into action. Torah went toward the platform. She just landed when the heads attacked. Torah threw stakes at them. Somehow she was able to impale her. Torah slashed the next enemy. She even cut the successor into submission. Torah was breathing heavily. The bats attacked. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the offensive. The mammals burned. Torah picked the crystals. She went to look for next platform. Torah licked her lips. There where none in sight. She toutched the cross. Was this a trap? Candles burned around the stone pillar which rised from the center of each platform. She knocked some of them. Torah found some crystals. They became items when toutching. Torah replenished her stock. She looked back at where she fought Efreet. She hadn't been mistaking. This was the right platform. So far it'd all been in a straight line. There. Torah fought to focuse. Some distance away, was another platform. Though it was to the right side, it seemingly was the only opportunity. Still, there was something about this pillar. Torah figured. There was a Medusa sculpture just ahead. She was careful not to return the gaze. If only she could figure it out. No matter though. This she had to do. Torah gathered her momentum. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot at the mammals. The bats scattered. Torah reached for the cross. Then she turned aside. Torah flew through the air. She put away everything. The sole thought was to reach the platform. She blinked. Torah was there. She looked back. The jump wasn't really that difficult. The black smoke might still obscure her view. Torah put it aside. There still where other platforms ahead. The boulder fell into the lava. Torah caught the hangglider with onion. Even the lizard disappeared among the flames. Torah swallowed. There where more of them coming. Torah pulled together. "Orbs of sorcery!" Homing plasma shot them to pieces. Still, the boulders rammed the platform. The rock didn't break. Why didn't it break? The boulders did. She threw the matter aside. Torah threw stakes at them. The Medusa head got impaled. Torah was on the offensive. She cut the second foe. She even shredded the third in line. They always came in groups. Torah had a look around. There was another rock. Torah jumped. She just landed when the bats attacked. Torah presented the cross. The symbol kept them at a distance. Torah threw garlic into the air. The onion exploded. The mammals came like a wave. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged the spell. Instead of hurling the onslaught, she kept it blazing between her hands. The bats got burned to ashes. Torah inhaled. She hadn't been quite sure it would work. It was no "Rainbow flame". Though it served her purpose. Torah got the ring-smash. The head got cut away. She ducked beneath the second. Torah stamped with the cross. The last vilian was burned. Torah picked the crystal. She then lept. The next platform was ahead. Torah managed to land ontop. She knocked some candles. Torah picked it up. What was this thing? The bottle was made of a brilliant yellowish stone. Though they where not preshious, it still was something about the matter. Torah recognised the feeling. The bottle seemed to glow with the intensity of the sun. Before she even realized, Torah had opened the bottle. It was closed with a wax seal, like they did in old time. Torah knew the rune. It was the symbol of fire. No, it was more then that. It was the symbol of the fire. The flame of the Holy Grail. Torah felt frightened. The liquid was hot. But not in any uncomfortable manour. She drank it altogether. A devine sensation went through her body and soul. She felt invincible. It was like her very being was blazing. The hanggliders threw rocks at her. Torah let them. The rocks seemed to go right through her. The invisibility potion really made her invicible. Torah went straight past the Medusa heads. She lept. Torah landed upon the next platform. The gliders tried to nail her. Torah beamed. "Orbs of sorcery!" The potion didn't add anything to her power. That didn't matter. She was able to defend herself. She cut through the bats. The mammals just went through her location. She focused. The sensation was suddenly gone. Not even the vial was left behind. Torah almost wept. No matter. She knew it would happen eventually. The invicibility potion never lasted. That much was clear from the history of her ancestors. Torah wasn't disappointed. She was glad just to have experienced the transformation. She threw garlic at the approaching bats. The mammals got blasted. She stamped with the cross. Torah then collected the crystals. Some became items when toutching. She replenished her arsenal. Torah was ready. The stake impaled the head. Torah dodged the next in line. The cross burned on contact. Torah picked their gemstones. She jumped. Torah landed upon the octagonal pillar, cat-foot and ready. "Orbs of sorcery!" The orbs went in a complete circle around her body. The bats where burned. Torah threw garlic in high arches. The airborne lizard men exploded. Torah picked the crystals. She didn't knock the candles. It was a habit she'd adapted from upstairs. Who knew? She might need them later. Torah went from the platform. She just landed upon the next one. The cracking of bones where the only warning. From somewhere, they simply emerged. Torah guessed they might've been hiding upon the next platform. There where three in total. Torah ducked. They where not real bone-men anyway. Not in that sence. They carried swords in bogh hands, although they bousted no armour. "Orbs of sorcery!" The enemies collapsed. Torah stamped with the cross. Some mammals actually had landed upon her body. Torah shivered. The heat couldn't warm her. Just one bite… She put it aside. She gathered. Torah jumped. The platform was the same. There where no skeletons around. Not to say there was any peace and quiet. The Medusa head came in a wavy pattern. Torah just sidestepped. She shredded the successor. She even slashed the third in line. The bats where back. Torah was busy clearing them away. Then came another head. Torah stamped with the cross. She still kept the cross tied around her wrist. She threw stakes at them. The heads got impaled. Torah picked the crystals. "Orbs of sorcery!" The boulders collided against the platform. Torah wondered if magic might be in work. Could really a simple hangglider carry this much waight? Never mind. The homing balls of plasma shot them into oblivion. She inhaled. Torah claimed the crystals. They replenished her energy. Torah gathered herself. She had to keep going. Torah lept across the lava. The boiling liquid still made her terrified. Another group of skeletons approached. Torah threw stakes at them. Two monsters collapsed. Torah struck. The ring-smash crushed his ribs. The enemy was shattered. Torah was just glad there where no bone-troopers. With this tiny space to manouver it might be fatal. Torah presented the cross. The mammals scattered. Torah prepared for the next jump when the bone dragon emerged. The skeledragon roared. Though without a sound. Torah drew sweath from her forhead. This was the last she needed. No option anyway. The white dragon was somehow chained to that other platform. At least it looked that way. The enemy shot fireballs at her. Torah didn't even try to block. The enemy was to strong for her to take any chanses. The bone dragon streached forward. Torah threw a single rose. Strange though. That she hadn't realized before. Some flowers where red, while other where white. No matter. The white rose exploded on contact. The giant skull head was thrown backward. That wasn't enough. Torah knew that. Not against such a foe. Then it leached. The heavy flame might've burned her into a crisp. Torah managed to glide underneath. It was something of the worst she ever did. The blue ring might protect her. It was no comfort. The heat was almost to much. Torah struggled back up. Just then the head struck the platform. Torah was sure it was the pay-off. She snarled. The demon was not going to get away. She struck with bogh rings. The white dragon withdrew. The rings had an impact on that monster. There was no time to celebrate. The giant devil was at her again. The skeledragon spat another row of fireballs. Torah was able to dodge altogether. This was no trip in the park. That thing was dangerous. No questions asked. The enemy made another leach. Torah was ready. The moment it struck, she stamped the cross. The bone dragon pulled back. Torah almost got thrown into the lava. The battle wasn't over. The skeledragon breathed flames. Torah ducked. This really wasn't good. Torah answered with garlic. The onion exploded on contact. The beast was dead. Not nearly dead enough. The series of fireballs collided against the platform. They left markings upon the stone. Torah was able to smash the projectiles. The razors really where quite useful. Torah smirked. Though it never reached her eyes. The white dragon breathed heavy flames. Torah sidestepped. She threw another rose. This flower was red in colour. The impact was awesome. The entire bone dragon was blown to pieces. They left a row of big crystals behind. Torah picked those closest. She lept. Torah landed upon the platform. There was another switch. This button was however rusted. Torah muttered about that. She placed garlic in front. She lept back toward the other pillar. The explosive onion made the button react. Far back she heard the sound of moving metal. Torah toutched the cross. The mammals where gathering. She inhaled. Torah presented the cross. She better get back on the original course. That wouldn't be easy. The monsters where still about. Torah let go of her symbol. Then she got into a defensive posture.

Jade was busy showing Ashto how to use the glider. Griffon watched as the next group left. From this point they had an exelent view of the crater. He was in command now. Griffon acknowledged his responcebility. The intruder was down there. He was certain. The queen would handle the situation. She already had shown as much. Griffon would've licked his lips. That was a habit he'd left behind. The leader had to be certain. That was another lesion well worth to remember. Griffon put his hands behind his back. It was a pose learned at the academy. It sometime had its advantages. He and Jade was among the very few trained fighters. Although he'd worked at the mine for quite some time, he hadn't forgotten about his training. He wished things where different. Though, this affair had told him not to trust such dreams. Such was distraction. The group was off. Luckily Mould knew how to strengthen the gliders. Without such magic they might never have made it. Jade came to stand beside him. "I've told them about the matter." HE acknowledged. Griffon knew. This might be very interesting. "Be ready." HE told. "As you say." Jade said with a joeked salute. Griffon had no mind. The battle was to important for anything else to get in the way.

Torah held the cross high in defience. The mammals scattered. Torah shredded the Medusa head. She threw stakes at them. The next enemy got impaled. Torah cut the third to pieces. She picked the crystals. They became items when toutching. Torah replenished her arsenal. She then stepped upon the bridge. The metal catwalk had been extended when that switch was activated. Torah wasn't quite sure, but something just didn't feel right. It was to quiet. Why didn't the monsters attack? Something jumped from the lava. There where more then one. First Torah thought the Efreet was back. Then she realized they where something else. They looked like lizard men. Though they where more sleek and spiky. Torah thought of the aliens from upstairs. Although it wasn't like that. Her thoughts where cut short. She threw herself flat on the bridgeway. The devils shot acid beams. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah immediately got back up. The lizards jumped. Their martial arts where incredible. No matter. The homing balls shot them away. Torah kept walking. Another trio emerged. Torah got down on one knee. She was ready. The duo twirled. They got behind her location. Torah dashed. The third villain curled into a rebounding ball. Somehow she got above. The creature from the crater came at her. Torah almost fell into the lava. Still shaking, she got into a defensive posture. The deviant shot an acid blast. Torah was able to glide underneath. She got the smash. The monster was slashed through the mid-section. Torah watched it collapse into a heap of ashes. The other enemies suddenly arrived. Torah hadn't forgotten. The devil had the claws outstretched. Torah knew it might slash her to pieces. The stakes impaled its body. Torah got forward. She nailed the final lizard with a double slash through the chest. They all burned. Torah claimed the crystal. She was alone on the walkway. There still where some distance left. The catwalk went from one platform to the other. Torah kept the smash ready. She began walking when another group emerged. They went for her. Their claws where extended. Torah threw garlic in high arches. The one in front got shot. Torah twirled. She ducked beneath. She got back up. Torah stamped with the cross. Flames erupted upon contact. Torah swallowed. The last enemy got behind her location. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot. The plasma blocked the acidic blast. The enemy curled into a rebounding ball. Torah got above. The enemy shot more acid. Torah threw herself upon the metal walkway. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma went home. The battle was over. Torah picked the crystals. She went upon the platform. The bridge didn't reach beyond. Torah had a look around. There where other platforms in front. Here was another sculpture of Medusa. Torah was careful not to return the gaze. "Behind the gaze." She muttered. The sound of flapping wings where the only warning. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah threw homing balls. The mammals burned on impact. Torah held the cross high. The symbol made them scatter. The Medusa head had arrived. Torah threw stakes at them. She missed. Torah still managed to sidestep. There where other monsters. Torah got the smash. She cut the successor into submission. Torah threw another garlic. The third head exploded. Torah picked the crystals. The area was clear. At least for a while. Torah lept. She landed upon another octagonal platform. A single pillar was at the center. Some candles where about. Torah fell into a slight trance. The surroundings changed colour. Torah didn't leave her body. The wild gathered. They would teatch her the right direction. Torah broke out from the trance. She signalled the end of the ritual. Rocks hammered against the platform. The hanggliders where back. Torah avoided another boulder. She threw garlic at them. The onion made them explode. Other bats attacked. Torah threw roses at them. The white flowers sent them blasting into oblivion. Torah picked some crystals. She then lept. Torah flew across the lava. She got upon the pillar. This place wasn't that much different from the other platforms. Boulders came down. The black smoke shrouded her prespective. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing plasma shot them away. Torah threw stakes. The Medusa head got impaled. Torah dashed forward. She slashed the second head. The third had arrived. Torah stamped with the cross. The symbol made it burn. Torah picked the crystals. They replenished her energy. Some became items when picking. Torah was able to replenish her stock. She went before other monsters might arrive. When she got on the fourth platform she got a momentary breather. The eerie laugh boomed from a great distance. Torah reached for the cross. From somewhere the demon gathered. "Your time is over." Efreet challenged. Torah made no coment. Her enemy released a wave of solid steam. Torah sidestepped the objective. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma blocked the next onslaught. "You will not escape." Efreet released more steam. Torah blocked with a proclaimed cross. The devil snarled. Torah advanced. She threw garlic at him. The onion exploded. For a moment he seemed less present. Then he shot a homing orange ball toward her location. Torah struggled to break through her barrier. That blob might kill her. Torah threw stakes. The wooden projectiles made the orb explode. Then the barrier suddenly collapsed. Torah threw three other stakes. They shone a bright blue as they barried themselves deep within the demon's flesh. Torah ran forward. The source of power was still to her disposial. Torah stamped with the cross. Efreet roared. The explosion which followed tore him to pieces. Torah was thrown hard against the platform. She got back up. The enemy was gone. The barrier was rebuilt. Torah muttered about that. There was nothing she could do about the matter anyway. She gathered the crystals. Torah lept. She landed upon the pillar just as the bats gathered. Torah inhaled. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing balls circled her body before going outward. That made them keep some distance. She picked the crystals. Torah slashed the Medusa head. She stamped with the cross. The next head got burned. She dodged the third in line. The mammals came from multiple directions. Torah threw garlic. She made a complete circle. The onion made them explode. She picked the crystals. Some became items. She replenished her arsenal. Time to get going. Torah lept into the air. She went across the boiling lava. She landed upon another octagonal platform. Then rocks came falling down. Torah did whistle "Londong bridge is falling down". Though it wasn't funny. The gliders threw other rocks. Torah dodged. "Orbs of sorcery!" The trio of homing orbs made them burn on impact. They eventually disappeared among the liquid flames. Torah toutched the cross. The head came in a wavy pattern. Torah threw stakes. She missed the objective. Though she managed to sidestep. The successor got burned. Torah jumped the third head. She better keep jumping. Torah went across. She got upon the pillar. She got the ring-smash ready for battle. Nothing happened. Torah licked her lips nervously. What could it mean? The Efreet then emerged from below. Torah lowered her head. Then she was back in action. The demonic essence threw heavy steam. Although Torah avoided the onslaught, it left markings upon the stone. The Efreet was very aggressive. Torah was kept running. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah managed to score one hit. That wasn't enough. The demon kept firing. He threw orb after orb of homing orange flame. Torah worked her best to block the offensive. The cross deflected his evil magic. Torah even threw stakes about. The wooden projectiles made the blobs explode. If only the barrier could go away. Torah bit together. That was no option. The demon laughed. The same eerie laugher which had echoed upstairs. Torah got a bad feeling this was the lizard shaman having come back for vengeance. She dismissed the matter. Anything might be possible within the halls of the demon castle Dracula. Torah threw out an onslaught of garlic. The steam got blocked. Torah dashed forward while throwing roses. The demon withdrew. The flowers might tear him apart. Torah presented the cross. "He is a spear in the side of Him who died for us." The words of Abraham Van Helsing echoed throughout her mind. "They might be repelled by crosses or crucifixes and the star of David." That was Rachel speaking. Rachel Van Helsing fought against the Dark Lord in 1984. The Efreet was a demonic fiend associated with the abyss. Christopher Belmont, who challenged Dracula in 1577, realized the prince of Darkness had become a demon king. The enemy threw more steam. The cross sent it sideways. Though not without difficulty. "In the name of Jesus of Nazareth!" Torah challenged. The name of Christ had an effect upon the demon who coward in fear. Torah stamped with the cross. The symbol burned his bear chest. He only bousted a pair of gauntlets and a turban headpiece. He hit her in the face. The fist was of burning flame. The blue ring offered some protection. It wasn't enough. Torah got struck backward. The demon roared in triump. He shot steam forward. Torah rolled aside. "Orbs of sorcery!" She got up on one knee. Her body was aching all over. Torah felt like being struck with sun. She shook her head. She was more then a little dazed. No matter. The homing plasma ended the objective. The Efreet was able to dodge. Torah didn't care. She got time to gather. The efreet disappeared. Torah licked her lips nervously. She slowly turned. The devil reappeared. HE shot from behind. The homing orange fireball went for her location. This time she didn't dare to block. The stakes blocked the projectile. "Orbs of sorcery!" The enemy dashed. HE came with the sound of multiple tortured souls. Torah fought the urge to shield her ears. She stood tall, ring-smash in bogh hands. The demon suddenly stopped. Right in front he shot the heavy steam. Torah ducked underneath. "Orbs of sorcery!" The blast went straight home. The demon roared. Torah waisted no time. Before he could react, she put the garlic right into his mouth. Then she threw herself backward. The impact was impressive. The flaming explosion seemed to wipe the area clean. Torah got up. Somehow the blue ring saved her life. Torah picked the crystals. This really was no holiday. She shook it off. Things never went easy since Yoko died. Torah gathered. She then lept beyond the lava. The cracking of bones warned her in time. Torah fell back. The group advanced. Rocks hit the platform. The lizard hanggliders where back. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The homing balls went home. The flapping of leathery wings told of the mammals approach. The skeletons where the main problem though. Torah went forward. She ducked underneath their swords. The smash crushed through its midsections. The skeleton collapsed. Torah twirled. She threw stakes about.. Three new villains where defeated. The final bones seemed to consider. Then they advanced. Torah threw onion into the air. The garlic exploded on contact. Torah stamped with the cross. Some bats had already landed upon her body. The mere toutch was disgustive. They searched for where to bite. The symbol made them burn. Torah shivered. That was to close. She collected the gemstones. Some became items. The Medusa head attacked. Torah sidestepped the offensive. There where others about. Torah slashed the successor. She shredded the third head. She put away the ring-smash. Then Torah got above. She landed upon another platform. Lava boiled around. Torah knocked a few candles. Not that she found anything important. Boulders rammed the platform just as another band of skeletons emerged. Torah dashed forward. Other rocks collided against the battlefield. "Orbs of sorcery!" Three bony adversaries got shot. Torah smashed. The razors got straight through his ribs. Torah ducked. She cut him down by the knee. Then she threw flowers about. The white roses removed the mammals. Where had the gliders gone? She dismissed the matter. They would soon be back anyway. She lept. Torah just got upon the next rock when the heads attacked. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. The head passed above. Torah got back up. She threw stakes as the presuing creatures. The snake monsters spawned from Medusa got impaled. Torah picked the crystals. Other boulders hit home. Torah barely dodged this time. "Orbs of sorcery!" She got to shoot them this time. The monsters disappeared among the flame. Torah went for the next platform. The octagonal platform was the same as the other. Torah had no time to consider. The bats where already coming in. Torah twirled. She threw garlic in high arches. The onion exploded. There where still more of them. Torah sent wild roses about the area. The blast was extraordinary. Torah felt like it was raining gemstones about. She picked as much she could. The head came in a wavy pattern. Torah stamped with the cross. The beast burned to ashes. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the next in line. She even got some other mammals. Torah sidestepped the third monster. She waisted no time. Torah got across. She had the smash out and ready. Nothing happened. She had a look around. Things seemed just normal. Then again, she could be flexable. The Efreet appeared from nowhere. Or so it seemed. Torah got into a defensive posture. The demon smiled. Torah felt chills down her spine. She tried not to let it look. The sudden wave of steam almost caught her off guard. HE was quicker then any she'd met before. She held the cross in front. The blast was repelled. He didn't seem to care. He instead continued his objective. Torah was forced on the defensive. He seemed to counter every offensive manouver. Perhaps she should play defensive then. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah blocked one of those homing orange fireballs. Efreet sent out another wave of steam. Torah held the cross. When it struck, she recalibrated his aim. The shot got sent right back into his face. Torah worshipped the Lord as He made it work. The demon snarled. His redish skin suddenly seemed to come alive with fire. She almost yelped. Then he came howling forward. The devil seemed to leave a track of fire. Torah stood tall. When he approached, Torah got the smash out. She cut through with a sort of a double-handed sweep attack. The flaming appearition howled like a forsaken soul in Hell. Torah wished to shield her ears. That was no option. Though he was really just a manifestation of evil's will, he knocked her square across the platform. Torah managed to roll. She got up into a kneeling position. The demon came for her. "Orbs of sorcery!" He somehow dodged her plasma. Instead the vile being released another wave. Torah avoided the steaming blast. Efreet snarled. His dark eyes gleaming with fire. Torah stepped sideways. The devil then suddenly released another orange fireball. "Blast you!" She shouted. Then she hurled roses into the air. They went in a high arch. The devil got shot into oblivion. "Orbs of sorcery!" She blocked his final fireball. Then she picked the crystals. They replenished bogh her stocks and energy. Torah put the matter aside. She better keep going before more monsters arrived. She lept across the lava. The boiling liquid still made her blood chill. One mistake and it would all be over. She landed upon the platform. The pillar was occupied by another sculpture of Medusa. The bats approached. Torah threw stakes at them. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing plasma went home. Torah claimed some jewels. The boulders which hammered into the floor made her look skyward. The gliders went above. Torah threw roses at them. Burning, they disappeared into the sea of lava. She shook her head. That wasn't nice. Nothing had since the circle of blood killed her grandmother. She picked together. Torah looked for the next platform. There where none ahead. Torah looked upon the statue. She was careful not to return its gaze. Was this the dead end? She would have to solve the puzzle later. A group of skeleton emerged from the left. Torah threw herself forward. She got the smash in hand. The bone-men where armed with swords in bogh hands. She ducked beneath. Torah cut through its spine. The skeleton fell into a heap. "Orbs of sorcery!" The plasma knocked them all down. There still where two more of them. Something made her turn. A third skeleton came from behind. The other duo advanced. Torah spun. She threw stakes at them. They all collapsed. Torah picked the crystals. She went to look in the direction from which they came. There where other platforms out there. Torah toutched the cross. Then she lept. Torah got upon the octagonal platform. There was nothing new about this area. Only that there where no sculptures about. The Medusa head came in a wavy pattern. Torah stamped with the cross. She impaled the successor. The third beast almost got her. Torah threw herself sideways. A miracle she didn't fall into the lava. Some bats had gathered. Torah threw roses at them. The explosions made them scatter. At least for a while. Torah picked the crystals which they left. She thought to might knock the candles. Then she put the matter aside. She might need them later. Torah made another jump. She got upon the platform just as the lizard hanggliders began throwing rocks. Torah dodged as best she could. "Orbs of sorcery!" They where getting smarter. Instead of letting themselves become blasted, they let go of the gliders. The monsters landed in front. There where three of them in total. Two clubs and one spear. Torah slightly withdrew. They tried to corner her against the pillar. Torah knew the spear was the greatest threat. She suddenly swept out toward the nearest club man. He looked confused by the sudden attack. Torah crushed his midsections. She didn't reach higher. Not in her croutched position. The other advanced. "Orbs of sorcery!" She got the distance she needed. The plasma shot them bogh down. Torah picked the crystals. She jumped. Torah then landed upon the third platform. The heads had arrived. Torah slashed the first in line. She managed to dodge the successor. Torah threw a stake forward. The third snake creature spawned from Medusa got impaled. She claimed the gemstones. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The homing orbs circled her body before going outward. The mammals got burned anyhow. Torah inhaled. She picked some other crystals before leaping across. Torah got ontop. A group of skeletons where ready to meet her. She fell back. Though only a little. Then she threw flowers into the air. The impact was really breathtaking. The group got blasted even before they could get into battle. When it cleared, only three bone-men where left. Torah advanced. She ducked beneath their offensive. The smash crushed their ribs. Torah beheaded the second skeleton. The fight was over. She picked their crystals. Torah made another jump. She just got upon the next platform when rocks went home. "Orbs of sorcery!" This time she was quick enough. The enemies got blasted before they could reach the floor. The bats had landed upon her body. Torah shivered. She stamped with the cross. Those disgustive beings got fried. She shook it off. That was to close. She went forward. Torah jumped above the boiling liquid. The heads where back. Torah almost got rammed by the first in line. She got underneath. Then came another head. This time she was able to impale the villain. She stamped the next head. The symbol made it burn. A trio of skeletons advanced. Torah almost was taken aback. Then she gathered. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing plasma shot them to pieces. Torah got their crystals before jumping across. Other boulders hammered against the platform. Torah threw garlic at them. The gliders got away this time. The monsters let go of the gliders. They landed in front. A club and two rangers. Torah licked her lips. Arrows went toward her location. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah made a complete circle. They where to few to make a real threat. Not against a sorceress. Torah smiled, though it never reached her eyes. The lizards where down before they could fire another shot. The club dashed forward. Torah was able to get around. She cut him down. There where nothing she could do about it. The monster was dead before reaching the floor. They all burned into a crisp. Torah collected the crystals. She went for the next platform. She immediately got into a defensive posture when landing. The monsters where certainly still about. The sound of leathery wings made her feel almost sick. No matter. The mammals where around. Torah threw garlic in high arches. The explosive onion made them scatter. Torah threw stakes. She was able to impale the Medusa head. She stamped with the cross. The successor got burned. She even impaled the third in line. Torah went forward. She picked the crystals while walking. Another platform was ahead. She gathered. The bone dragon rised out of the lava. The ripped-out dragon spine was chained to the castle structure. Torah licked her lips. She didn't like this. No surprise. The white dragon breathed heavy flames. Torah sidestepped. The blasted skeledragon almost pushed her off of the platform. Torah gathered herself. She had to defeat the monster. The monster, to be exact, collided against the floor. The octagonal platform shook. Torah held on to the pillar. The bone dragon wouldn't give in that easily. It shot out a row of fireballs. Torah blocked or slashed with the ring-smash. They where protected against magic. No matter though. The skeledragon hammered against the platform. Torah bit together. She lept forward. Before it could move, she crushed the razors right into its skull. The demon pulled back. It shot another wave of flame. Torah threw herself flat on the floor. The flaming wave went above. The matter still made chills go down her spine. It was to close. All to close. Torah went back up. The white dragon leached for her position. Torah threw a single red rose. The wild flower exploded on contact. Torah was grateful the blast didn't knock off any bones. Then again, this was no bone dragon king. It could make her burn anyway. The skeledragon withdrew. Torah licked her lips. She was unsure of its next move. The onslaught of fireballs nearly caught her off guard. She somehow managed to get aside. Torah got a feeling the monster was making fun of her. She had to remain calm. "Your own emotions might turn against you in the presence of castle Dracula." That Yoko told her. Torah didn't doubt her teatching. Mathilda also told as much. The white dragon leached forward. Torah managed to dodge this time. The skeledragon shot out a row of fireballs. Torah managed to jump across. She really was getting quite agile. She stamped with the cross. The bone dragon roared. Though it was without a sound. Torah thought she heard it somewhere deep within her own mind. That wasn't important. The skeledragon breathed another heavy flame. Torah sidestepped the offensive. The damned bag of bones followed suit. Torah bit together. She had to do something or risc falling into the lava. Suddenly she lept across. The white dragon was unprepared. Torah threw tripled garlic in high arches. The demon seemed to fall back into the lava. Torah was speculating on what to do when it returned. The vile being struck into the foundation. Torah withdrew. She felt like the spectre altered with some 90 degree. The wicked being opened its jaws. Torah didn't want to become of that. She instead threw roses right into its maw. The bone dragon snapped. It was the only way to describe what happened. The devil burned. Soon all which where left was ashes and crystals. Torah picked them all up. She felt like deserving their energy. After a short breather she jumped across. It was like she'd expected. Another switch was placed beneath the sculpture of Medusa. Torah tried to pul it. Nothing happened. The button was rusted. Torah bit her lip. Then she placed garlic in front. It worked the last time, so why not? She jumped back over. Then came another explosion. Torah felt like the crater shook. That must've been her own imagination. She shrugged. Torah guessed it worked. She jumped toward that "straight" line. No sooner had she landed when the Medusa heads attacked. Torah muttered. Then she got serious. Torah threw stakes at them.

They watched her emerge. The lava was no trouble. Not to them at least. Myths among their species told they where desending from the Scuba tribe. The deep which served Dagon of the dark ocean world. Others told they originated from those elite bodyguards which protected the queen sorceress of the Aceron empire. So be it. They where called upon to guard the chosen of the Dark Lord. They where ready to act. But only if one trespassed upon the guarded bridgeway. They obeyed only. Nothing was to disturb in their objective. From below they watched her defend against those others which dwelled in the deepest regions of the world. They would not fail. Not again. The last time they where porly experienced against her form of battle. They possessed no magical power. Not anymore. That had been taken from them a long time ago. The great dragons possessed powers which where by some seemed as unnatural. Such was the nature of their mandate. Not that anyone thought of it lately. They where ment to kill. Nothing more. Nothing less. That they should do.

Torah stepped on the metal walkway. She'd just returned. Torah toutched the cross. It'd been a real battle. Now all was quiet. She didn't like it when that happened. Somehow she knew it was bad. Torah hadn't gone beyond 10 meters when the villains emerged. There where three in total. Torah immediately recognised her enemies. The sleek spiky salamanderish lizard demons formed a circle around. Not that the bridge was that very wide across. They quickly changed places while spitting acid liquid. Torah knew fishmen tend to do that. Not that they where real fish creatures anyway. Torah blocked their objective. She dodged and parried the best she could. The cross somehow repelled the acid. Strange. "Orbs of sorcery!" She finally broke free. The homing plasma exploded on contact. The surviving monsters approached with their claws outstretched. Torah was about to spon when they suddenly summersaulted away. They changed places. Torah reached for the cross. The symbol made the one in front retreat. Torah suddenly spun around. The second beast was almost in range. Torah threw stakes his way. They buried deep within his flesh. Torah blinked. How was it possible? Lava had no effect while her stakes could penetrate. No time to think further about the matter. The final demon spat more acid. Torah threw herself flat on the metal floor. The sudden slide-kick came unexpected. Still Torah managed to roll beneath. She hoped the equipment within her backpack was safe. Torah got up behind. Before he could turn, she was on the approach. He might be sliqer then her. But Torah was faster. The ring-smash cut through his spine. The limb corpse fell into a heap. Torah watched it burn. She picked the crystals. Some became items when toutching. All was still quiet. Torah really had a bad feeling about this. She kept walking. Torah still got the smash out and ready. They just seemed to appear. Torah was taken aback by the sudden approach. The trio attacked with their claws extended. Torah didn't want to be slashed to pieces. "Orbs of sorcery!" The blast went home. They had no chanse to block her magic. The duo which remained kept circling her position. Torah tightened the grip on the smash. This wasn't the way she liked it. They kept changing places. Torah was certain they just tried to confuse her. They where to close for anything fancy. The demonic being suddenly spat acid liquid. Torah threw herself upon the metal. That acid might boil her body. No pleasant picture. Torah got back up. The devils had already altered position. Torah threw garlic into the air. The one which spat got knocked to pieces. Torah felt no victory. There still where one monster left alive. It could very likely be her end. She put the matter aside. Torah still had some tricks up her sleeve. The monster withdrew while spitting acid. Torah ducked each and every blast. The monster seemed frustrated. Torah smiled. Though it never reached her eyes. The monster suddenly approached. Torah threw herself backward. He was to close. She then threw the rose. Torah almost got thrown into the lava upon the impact. Somehow she managed to climb back up. The monsters where all gone. Torah picked their crystals. The platform was nearly ahead. Torah went forward. Then another group attacked. Torah almost expected that would happen. This was no trip in the park. They eagerly circled her position. Torah threw other flowers about. She missed. Torah tightened the grip on her weaponry. The demon spat. Torah was able to glide beneath. The others came with their claws outstretched. Torah got straight up. She stamped with the cross. The devil burned. Torah twirled. The second monster got cut through the chest. Torah almost got scorched by its acidic blood. She was really grateful it didn't happen. There still was one last demon to consider. Torah had a look around. Suddenly he landed right in front. Torah screamed. She just couldn't help it. He slashed the claws. Torah quickly made a retreat. The devil kept following. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired. The evil creature somehow avoided the impact. Torah licked her lips. Then she suddenly went forward. She threw the smash. The enemy was taken completely by surprise. The smash went right through his body. Torah went to pick up her weapon. The battle was over. The final demon lay dead on the bridgeway. She watched it burn. Torah retrived their crystals. Then she stepped upon the octagonal isle. The cracking of bones warned of their approach. The group of skeletons came dashing forward. Torah met them in direct hand-to-hand combat. Rocks collided against the platforms. The lizards came in toe. The trio mixed with the skeletons. That made things even worse. The archer shot for her position. Torah nearly got hit by the boulders. Luckily some bones went along. Then came the mammals. Bats attacked her position. She really was getting pressed. Torah held her ground behind the sculpture of Medusa. There was another statue right across the bridge. Strange how details seemed important while in battle. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged with all the force she could gather. The show of force got quite some mammals. The villains withdrew. Torah threw herself toward the ranger. He got cut down before he could release another shot. The monsters gathered. Though it was to late. Torah had gotten behind. She threw garlic about the place. She dashed forward while they where still confused. Soon it was over. Torah gained the gemstones. She lept above the lava. Torah landed upon the next platform. The heads came in wavy patterns. Torah shredded the enemy. She threw stakes at them. The successor got impaled. Torah was able to sidestep the final head. She waisted no more time. Torah got across. This platform was just like those other rocks. Speaking of which. Boulders fell from above. Torah barely managed to dodge. She threw roses in high arches. The hanggliders got blasted into oblivion. Torah presented the cross. That made the mammals scatter. At least for some time. Torah threw onion at them. The impact seemed to consume their flock. Torah dismissed the matter. She lept into the air. She managed to land ontop. Although the platform looked the same, there was something different. Torah toutched the cross. The symbol seemed to provide such strength and comfort. She shook her head. That might be idolatry. Torah would have to find the answer later. The Efreet just suddenly appeared. "Time is up." He decleared. Torah made no comment. No need to irate these mad people anyhow. Then again, that might make him less calculated. "You're already dead." She said. "I don't have to kill you again." Torah wasn't really sure if her guesses where correct. It didn't matter. The devil reacted. Torah dodged the blast of heavy steam. He kept channelling. Torah was forced to retreat. She was able to recalibrate the offensive. Efreet managed to avoid contact. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The enemy reappeared somewhere else. The orange fireball shot her magic away. Torah toutched the cross. He released more steam. Torah blocked. The enemy came howling forward with his body on fire. Torah sidestepped. She threw garlic into the air. One onion actually went home. Efreet roared. Smoke became released through his very presence. Torah reached for the cross. This being was dangerous. More so then she expected. "Away from me Satan." She whispered. Suddenly Efreet had gathered. He threw out another wave of steam. Torah sidestepped. The devil kept blasting. Torah deflected his onslaught. The enemy hissed like a wild cat. Then he shot another orange fireball. Torah gathered her magical energy. To begin with, when she had began learning, this had been so difficult. Now it was just so easy. Not with the barrier of course but.. Torah put the matter aside. She was caught of guard as the Efreet went behind his projectile. Torah licked her lips. She was not sure what to do. Bogh forces came rocketing toward her location. "Jesus!" She shouted while dashing forward. "Orbs of sorcery!" The single orb of blazing plasma shot the other fireball away. Torah then smashed through with her razors ready. The enemy became transparent. Torah felt the flow of evil magic. Not sure of what she did, Torah reached out with her hands. The gauntlets drained off his source of power. Torah felt connected with his magic. The sensation was disgustive. The source stenched of evil. It was like Efreet was rotting in front. Torah suddenly let go. She stamped with the cross. The enemy got thrown backward. Then he simply dispatched. Torah watched him fall into darkness. The sight was terrible. Torah dried her cheeks. She somehow picked together. Although she just wished to crawl into a ball and stay that way, she managed to leap across. Torah landed upon the octagonal platform. The heads arrived. Torah was ready. At least she hoped. The smash cut the first head to pieces. Torah stamped with the cross. The second got burned. Torah impaled the third in line. She picked the crystals. They replenished her energy. Torah actually felt better. She'd been to shaky to colect those left by the Efreet. Torah threw garlic grenades toward the mammals. The onion exploded on contact. Torah picked some other crystals before jumping over. The sea of lava passed underneath. Torah got upon the platform. A group of skeletons where ready to meet her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah met them in turn. She threw stakes at them. The fight was over before it could really begin. Rocks fell upon the platform. The gliders passed over the location. Torah threw roses at them. They came down. Torah watched them burn. It was nothing she wished to witness. She jumped. Torah got upon the platform. The place was silent. Torah reached for the cross. "Is anybody here?" Torah asked. The Efreet didn't answer. Instead it shot out a wave of heavy steam. Torah managed to glide underneath. The demon cursed. Torah didn't wait for his next move. Instead she threw stakes at him. The wood burned on contact. The villain smiled. He then released more steam. Torah managed to block his objective. The demon came howling forward. Torah let him have the flowers. The explosion sent him far backward. Torah knew it wasn't enough. These fiends where powerful. Efreet proved her statement when throwing orange fireballs. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah knew how to blast his bullets. The Efreet disappeared. Torah slowly turned. She still had the smash at hand. He suddenly reappeared. Like a coild of his own steam. Speaking of which, he blasted outward. Torah sidestepped. He kept firing. Torah noticed the blast left markings upon the platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing orbs shot past his steam. A pity she just shot one this time. No matter. Although having been struck, the devil gathered. He came like a howling wind from the lowermost regions of Hell. Torah shivered. She just couldn't help it. Efreet collided against the floor. The platform seemed to go upward. Torah shrieked. The demonic essence laughed. Torah came tumbling down. She slashed him upon the way. Then she kept hold on the pillar. The explosion which followed could've thrown her into the crater. Through the grace of God she was able to hold on. Things returned to normal. Well, as normal as things could be when having been infested by an ancient curse. Torah giggled. She knew it was a nervous reaction to what happened. Torah hoped she didn't become hysterious. Finally she got hold of herself. Torah picked what gems he left behind. Then she made another jump. Torah landed upon another platform. The bats had gathered. Torah threw garlic about the area. The blast seemed like it consumed their numbers. No matter, some survived. Rocks fell toward her position. Torah was able to dodge. This time the lizards landed. It was two swordsmen and another ranger. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the magic. The battle was over before they could even reach home. Torah felt disgusted. That was slaughtering. She hated having to pull off this stuff. No matter. They would kill her in turn. Torah jumped across. When she landed, the mammals had as well. Torah shuddered. She really disliked when they did that. She stamped the cross upon her body. They all burned into a crisp. Strange though. Why didn't the heat effect her clothings? She put the matter aside. The heads came from a wavy pattern. Torah managed to dodge its passing. There where more of them. Torah slashed the next head. She even shredded the third in line. There where nobody left. Torah gathered the crystals. She then jumped. Torah flew over the liquid flame. She was glad she made it. Torah felt no joy. The enemies where ahead. Rocks hammered against the platform. A group of skeletons seemed to appear from nowhere. This time the lizards where all rangers. That was a problem. No time to figure it out. The skeletons advanced. Torah met them in close hand-to-hand combat. She dodged the swinging blades. The smash went through the ribs. Torah lept. She dodged the arrows. Two skeletons fell without the head. "Orbs of sorcery!" She managed to nail the archers. One of them at least. The skeletons, those which where left, kept coming. Torah threw stakes at them. She nearly got shot. Torah spun. She stamped with the cross. The bag of bones collapsed. Torah smirked. Though it didn't come from the heart. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals got shot. Torah threw garlic about. The final villains got defeated. Torah picked the crystals before leaping into the air. The next platform was octagonal in shape. Nobody was there to meet her. Torah licked her lips. She didn't like this. Although she expected it would be this way, the knowledge gave no comfort. The Efreet came from above. That was different. None of the others used that direction. No matter anyway. Torah got into a defensive posture. Steam went along the floor of the platform. "I am back!" Efreet decleared. "Zophran lives!" Torah toutched the cross. Then she had been right. "May he make mercy upon your soul." Torah didn't even knew if the lizards had soul at all. She hoped her defeat of their present form might release them from Darkness. Not likely, but she could hope. The devil threw more steam. Torah dodged the objective. Her enemy disappeared right into the very platform. Torah licked her lips nervously. This spirit was clever. Suddenly he was back. He reached out for her. He couldn't really toutch her. The blue ring and the cross kept him out. Torah closed her eyes. Then she reached out. The gauntlets made her channel his evil magic. That burning sensation of malice and decay which she'd experienced earlier fell upon her. The sensation was disgustive. The devil forced to break free. They said Alucard had mastered this kind of power. That he could absorb certain energy and turn it into health and magical power. Torah let go. They where bogh shaken after what happened. Torah was able to stamp with the cross. Efreet roared like a demon emerging from the abyss. Then he knocked her over the platform. Although he couldn't reach her, his fist was very much a reality. Torah landed into a heap. He came for her. His body was on fire. Torah shook her head. She might seem small and fragile. Torah was only 13 years old. Even so, she was not ready for picking. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing balls of plasma shot into him like a hurled meteor. He seemed to disappear from sight. Torah got back upon her feet. She knew the battle wasn't over. He appeared above her location. Torah gasped. She couldn't help it. He was like a bright evil sun setting above the platform. A homing orange fireball became shot forward. The close range almost made it impossible for her to block. "Jesus!" Torah summoned the name of God. Then she charged. "Orbs of sorcery!" The impact threw her flat on her back. The devil felt no real reaction. He laughed by her condition. Torah rolled aside as Efreet fired more steam. Torah bit together. That monster wasn't going to kill her. That she'd decided. He came sideways while throwing heavy steam. Torah was able to recalibrate the blast. The cross repelled his objective. The devil escaped. He then came howling in from another direction. Torah sidestepped the offensive. HE came again. This time she was ready. Torah stood tall as he came forward. Then she hurled tripled wild roses into the air. The arching flowers exploded. Torah was thrown backward. She shook her head. Efreet was no more. Torah got back up. She collected the crystals. Then she jumped. Torah stepped upon the isle. Lava boiled all around. No path led beyond this point. Torah acknowledged. She'd finally reached home. But where was the treasure? The platform was barren. There was another sculpture of Medusa. She didn't mind. Torah was more interested in the little figure which knelt beneath the statue. No, not knelt. The person had huddled together. Torah stepped closer. Was this the creature the wild warned about? It didn't seem likely. Then she noticed it was just another statue. Torah toutched the cross. She didn't like the image. The figure looked like a dryad turned into stone. Was this Saria's fate? Torah tried to hold together. If that was true, there had to be a way to lift the curse. She had a look around, searching for clues. The isle was large. Larger then any she'd seen before anyway. Some candles where about. They shone bright in the gllomed atmosphere. Torah didn't toutch them. They could be trap candles. All was quiet. Torah noticed something particular about the Medusa sculpture. It didn't stood upon a pedestal. How strange. Torah went closer. Smoke and gloom slightly obscured her view. The statue was a real masterpiece. Torah thought the figure looked like if it was truly alive. Her head moved. Torah shuddered. This wasn't possible. Then again, she could be flexable. Torah was careful not to return the gaze. Medusa seemed to behold the statue in front. Then she suddenly whipped it to pieces. The tail moved faster then any mere human might muster. Torah screamed. "Saria!" She dashed forward. Medusa blocked the smash when rising her shield. The bulk was made of some sort of solid rock. Torah was instead pushed backward. Medusa shot a form of beaming gaze. Torah was able to dodge that attack. "Twise your bloodline have defeated me during this rebellion." Medusa hissed. "It will not happen again." Torah didn't understand. Did she speak of Sypha and Carrie? They faught against the snake-woman in 1496 and in 1852. Then she remembered about the tales told during Christmus. Then she put it all aside. "You killed my sister." Torah said through clenched teeths. For a moment the villain seemed taken aback. "I do not know your sibblings." She stated. "Laier!" Torah shouted. The snake-woman threw out multiple snakes. Torah knew they came from her hear. Though her mane looked just ordinary to her perspective. No matter. The reptiles might poison her. Torah threw garlic about the area. Medusa attacked with several tail-whips. Torah was quick enough to avoid the assault. Then the snakes was still the greatest threat. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot them into oblivion. Medusa hissed. She fired arrows at her. This was the first time Torah noticed she carried a bow and quiwer over her shoulders. Somehow Torah just knew they where poisoned. She answered with a sudden series of arching flowers. The wild roses exploded on contact. Medusa blocked the impact. Nothing seemed to get through that blasted shield. Torah toutched the cross. The shield was marked with the evil star symbol with a whirlwind behind. Mathilda told that was the symbol of a high ranking dark side dignitary. Torah licked her lips. Perhaps she would be forced to use magic. That was something she really didn't want to do. Medusa came forward while executing another round of tail-whips. Torah was able to dodge the offensive. They bogh knew of the other's abilities. "Your sister is not here." Medusa told. Then she threw snakes about. Torah made no remark. Why should she trust an enemy? She proclaimed the cross. The symbol kept them at some distance. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah then followed it up with more magic. The wyrms burned. "She is with the prince of Darkness." Torah blinked. That was what Iori told them. She tried to pick together. Torah threw stakes at her. Medusa blocked with the shield. OR at least tried to. One stake went below her defensive. Torah knew it was no use. The stake went to low. Ugly green blood stained the battlefield. Could that initial show simply been a threat? Had Medusa showed off just to explain what turning up against her would cost? Torah desided she would find the answer. Medusa suddenly approached. She threw snakes all over the place. Torah threw flowers about the spot. The ceveral explosions made things less clear. Torah dodged another beaming gaze. That would've turned her into stone. Torah wouldn't let it happen. No Alicia would come to the rescue this time. Torah knew it was true. This time Torah advanced. She repeatedly attacked the snake-woman. Medusa blocked with her shield. There was nothing she could do to get beyond. Torah then changed her strategy. Before Medusa could react, she stamped with the cross. Not upon the shield. It wouldn't worked. Instead, Torah marked her lower sections. Flames rised on impact. Medusa had become Satan's concubine when pledging aligience to count Dracula. The tail-whip sent her flying. Torah landed hard against the platform. The snake bit her in the arm. Medusa had been throwing others about. Torah slashed the reptile. "Orbs of sorcery!" She burned the other enemies. She then pulled off her backpack. She searched inside. Torah knew she had to be quick. She already felt the effect of the poison. Her body was getting less mobile. She felt dizzy and sick. Thank the Lord there was no instant killer among the reptiles. Torah got the green medicine. She had a doze of the liquid. She felt like a whirlwind went through her blood. Torah felt healed of her status. Suddenly she dashed right back up. Medusa withdrew while throwing other snakes. Torah sidestepped another beaming gaze. She threw roses about the area. The flowers took the brunt of the worm attack. Torah toutched the cross. Medusa sent out another gaze. Torah managed to get beneath. She threw a stake. More on instinct then with a hope of success. Medusa easily blocked the impact. Torah ducked underneath the whipping tail. She got up behind the snake-woman. Medusa span back around. Torah almost got struck by the shield. The barrier collapsed. Torah grasped. The gauntlets channelled flaming energy straight into her opponent. Medusa shrieked. The snakes came to climb on her body. Torah was disgusted. They burned on contact. Thus the snake-woman was able to break free. Torah staggered backward. She better. Medusa attacked with a series of leaches which should've knocked her down. Torah presented the cross. Medusa hissed. She pulled backward. Torah smiled, though it never reached her eyes. Then Medusa fired three swift arrows in succession. Torah managed to step aside. Mostly. Blood went from her wounds. Torah felt another poison state was ahead. Of course that blasted worm had poisoned her projectiles. Torah had another doze of the green medicine. Even though it removed her poisoned status, Torah was still damaged. Torah put the bottle away. Medusa threw other snakes. Torah dodged the beaming gaze. Medusa only had to stare her once and then it would be over. She felt chills down her spine. Torah threw more garlic to might counter the assault. The barrier was back. Torah knew there was nothing she could do about the matter. Medusa sent her a tail-whip which should've sent her flat on the floor. Torah jumped back. She nearly fell into the lava. Medusa smiled. Torah stared hard at her neck. She had to remain calm. Torah dismissed the wish to behead the woman. Medusa tried to push her off of the platform. That was no pleasant thought. No matter. It was the true. Torah drew up sideways. The smile vanished from Medusa's lips. She threw snakes in a failed attempt to push her backward. Torah threw roses about. The explosions forced even the ancient being to withdraw. Torah held the cross high in defience. The symbol forced Medusa even further backward. Torah was unsure what to do. She still couldn't penetrate that accursed shield. The snakes where getting awefully close. Torah threw garlic in high arches. Medusa approached with another series of tail-whips. Torah was agile enough to avoid getting struck. She went down on one knee. When the enemy tried to whip her head off, Torah slashed with the ring-smash. Medusa hissed. Ugly green blood stained the battleground. Torah fell back. She was truly disgusted. Other worms pressed out from within the wound. They seemed to repeair the damage. But not before multiple reptiles had spread throughout the area. Torah threw flowers into the air. She followed up with rounds of garlic. Medusa got out of range. Though Torah defeated the snakes, it was no victory. Torah's mouth fell open. Medusa had vanished. A coil of mist suddenly appeared in front. Torah closed her mouth. The snake-woman had been bestowed with Dracula's magic. Torah was certain about the matter. Perhaps Medusa told the truth after all? She'd been entrusted with responcebility all since the 9th. Century. Torah dismissed the it altogether. Medusa fought hard to push her into the lava. Torah really had to be quick to avoid that fate. She threw garlic at her. The onion exploded against the shield. Torah stamped with the cross. Sparks flew about. The tail-whip sent her hard against the floor. Medusa loomed above. She shot a beaming gaze. Torah rolled aside. Before the snake-woman might counterstrike, she was back up. "Orbs of sorcery!" The impact struck against the shield. Torah threw stakes. All three went home. Ugly green blood stained the area. Poison green snakes crawled about. Medusa somehow picked together. She disappeared like mist. Torah got other problems. The reptiles where all around. She toutched the cross. "Orbs of sorcery!" The initial onslaught burned those closest to her. Torah pulled backw while throwing roses about. The explosives seemed to clear the battlefield. Or perhaps not? Medusa had arrived. The eternally-suffering snake-woman executed another series of quick tail-whips. Torah was forced backward. Medusa hissed. She fired repeated beaming gazes. Torah threw herself sideways. Medusa kept tracking. Torah threw a row of flowers. The tripled wild roses exploded against her shield. Torah threw garlic at her. The onion got blocked. Torah stamped with the cross. The holy symbol couldn't break through. Even so, the cross made Medusa cowar. Torah held the symbol high. Medusa tried with a tail whip. Torah got across. She stamped the cross above the belly button. The splash of poisonous green blood splashed over her body. Torah felt dazed. She had become poisoned. Torah managed to pull out the green medicine. The potion removed the status. Torah was happy just being healed. Though there only was one doze left in the bottle. Medusa gathered. She shot arrows at her. Torah ducked. She threw herself flat on the floor. Medusa was bleeding. Green snakes crawled about. Torah presented the cross. The snakes where born from Medusa's blood. They wheren't natural. The symbol made them pull back. Torah waisted no time. She threw an onslought of roses and onion about the place. The stock was getting out. The serpents left no crystals behind. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged. The homing plasma got struck aside. The shield still gave enough protection. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah kept firing. Medusa threw other snakes from her hair. Torah bit together. The snake-woman disappeared like mist. Torah was left to battle the serpents. She threw garlic at them. They exploded on contact. Medusa fired another round of arrows. Torah dodged. One projectile still went home. Torah got poisoned, again. She had a last sip of the bottle. The state was cured. Torah put the empty bottle into her backpack. The wounds where still there. Torah slitly winched with pain. Medusa hissed like her worms. The gorgon was bleeding in turn. More snakes where already released. The battle continued. Medusa fired another beaming gaze. Torah got underneath. She struck with the ring-smash. Medusa blocked the attack. She pushed Torah backward. Torah managed to slide-kick the enemy. Medusa didn't seem to realize. She attacked with more tail-whips. Torah was forced backward. The lava was getting close. "Look." Medusa pointed. "Look out there." The boiling liquid was behind. "This is where they gathered." Medusa whistled. "Aaron broke the seal which kept them inside." Torah made no comment. Most likely the gorgon was speaking about the curse. Medusa pulled off another tail-whip. Torah managed to dodge. The snake-woman fired a beaming gaze. That blast might turn her to stone. Torah paled by the mere possibility. Medusa advanced. Torah threw garlic to might block her off. Torah was thrown back just as the onion exploded. Medusa was crying. "Tears of blood." Torah shook her head. She didn't knew it was possible. Poison blood oozed out from her damages. Torah was no doctor. She was unsure how dangerous it was. Then the enemy faded. The coil of mist appeared somewhere else. Torah got time to handle the snakes. She let out what ammunition she got left. Though she still got some vegetables, Torah didn't dare to use them. The serpents where defeated. Torah was grateful about that. Medusa had arrived. She fired arrows. Torah managed to dodge this time. Medusa threw other snakes about. Torah presented the cross. It was all she could do to keep them away. She ran to encounter the gorgon. Medusa blocked the smash with her rocky shield. The snakes where getting closer. Torah held the cross high into the air. The poisonous reptiles where forced away. Medusa sent her the tail-whip. Torah jumped across. She stamped with the symbol. Sparks flew from the impact. Medusa pushed her backward. She sent another whip. Torah lept forward with the cross in hand. Medusa went low to defend against the symbol. Though the snake-woman was taller, it made no diference. Torah lept high. She avoided getting hit. Torah went back down. Medusa fell along. The thrown ring-smash had beheaded the gorgon. Green blood rained down on the area. Torah was poisoned. It didn't matter. The battle was over. Medusa was burning. All the serpents also collapsed into ashes. Soon nothing was left then dust. Torah managed to claim the mystic orb. The crystal beamed between her fingertips. Torah closed her eyes. She felt refreshed and renewed. The mystic orb had returned her back to the original state. The poison was removed. Torah inhaled. The darkside beheld her with eyes of fire. Even its nosedrills where aflamed. Torah tightened the grip on the strange crystal orb. She begged it wouldn't disappear. "Stay back." The hooded cloack was closed with a gold skull at the neck. Torah felt the blood leave her face. They'd met before. "The lord of shadow is close." The rasping breth was all which was heard above the sound of boiling lava. "You cannot defeat us, the tribe of evil, when we are armed with the ancient power." Torah made no comment. She held the orb high in one hand. The other proclaimed the cross. "I don't believe you." She stated. Torah hoped this wouldn't end in battle. She could almost smell his corruption and power. "I have summoned the name of the Lord." That was true. The enemy still beheld her carefully. Would he kill her? Or would he just make malice awake, like he did upstairs? Torah decided she didn't care. "In my faight, I shall vanquish you." Why where she talking like that? Torah knew she was only in-training. Yoko might've defeated him in actual combat. Torah knew she couldn't. Black wings reached out from bogh sides of his back. The orb shone bright. The cross was alive with silver power. The demon beheld her still. "Do not underestimate the power of the dark side." He rasped. "We have the Arien." Torah tightened the grip on the artefact. Her sister was more then that. More then the chosen one. She was Saria, a living dryad. Torah loved her with all her heart. Suddenly the darkside spread its wings. He disappeared among the shadows. Torah was left alone. Then the orb suddenly vanished. Torah knew it'd become a part of her spirit. That was no comfort. She was still captured down here. The villains might know other ways out of this place. Torah didn't have such knowledge. Saria was alive. Medusa was defeated. Nothing had changed. She hadn't found the treasure which the wild showed her. The snake-woman had to be the shadow which scared them off. Torah went to knock the candles. There had to be something she might do. She picked the crystals. Some became items when toutching. Torah was able to replenish her arsenal. She would need every arm. The candles where placed upon the pillars which stood about the area. Torah knocked another candle. A sort of book fell out. Torah picked it up. She opened the pages. The mystic book contained much lore. Torah wondered if this was another result of Chaos. The candles appeared as a result of its presence. Order had to be mentained. Torah put the matter aside while studying the text. She didn't understand all which where inside. The tome told of the dryad mysticism. How to combine different forms of power. A druid might understand. She came upon another part. This stage told of the magical tones of the four seasons and the elements. Torah gasped. If this was true, she had the means to get out of here. But was it real? Torah suddenly decided to test its potency. The "Serenade of Water" seemed most fitting somehow. Torah followed the lyrics aacordingly. She sung. The music was beautiful. She felt like being out on the deep blue sea. She fell from the sky. A single drop in the large ocean, which where filled by all sorts of life. It was wonderful. Torah felt more alive then ever before. Water went through her spirit. The clashes of salt waves. The spring of fresh water. Torah noticed she was kneeling upon the isle. All was silent. Even the sound of the boiling liquid seemed to have vanished. Torah got back up. She felt… Torah just couldn't describe the sensation. She closed the book. Torah gapped. The lava was all gone. Or not really. The molton lava had changed into clean ordinary water. Torah kissed the cross. "Thank you God." She whispered. That was the least she could do. Torah felt better then in a long while. She would've felt even better if she could just get a bath. She went for the ocean. Then she stopped. Torah looked into the water. There might still be monsters down there. Torah told about the adventure in Ravenberg. Not that Torah hadn't been there. But she hadn't gotten the overview. No matter. She wasn't Edward. He might fight underwater how much he liked. Torah wouldn't do that. She lept for the other platform. Nothing happened. Torah knocked some candles. The bright red light of the crater had vanished. The candles now where the only real source of light. The crystals replenished her energy. Some bats came downward. Torah threw garlic at them. The frozen explosion which followed almost sent her backward. The mammals where shot. Torah shook her head. What happened? Then Torah realized the barrier was gone. How was it possible? She didn't feel that same odd sensation either. That she felt like when usually using magic. Somehow the items took the backflash. Torah opened the mystic book. Something she'd red earlier suddenly made sence. "When opposing bloodline are in conflict." Torah said alaoud. "The consequences of using magic might draw upon the blood which is the strongest. This to restore the balance and the laws of nature." She seemed to have found the right chapter. "This might have a dire effect upon an untrained being's mentality or spiritual status. Some alteration is certain to come in effect." Torah red quickly through the next pages. There it where told of the different impact disuse might have. Torah recognized her own situation. She hadn't been wrong at all. Yoko knew what she'd been speaking about. Then came the important part. "When the bloodline of two natures find a common platform and a catalyst of equal power, they might meet on certain instances. The balance will be uphold as decreed by the law. The effect of disuse will still be present although these matters are required." Torah stopped reading. She put the book back into the backpack. This was miraculous. She was safe. Although altered, things wouldn't get worse. She kept jumping about. The mammals came from difficult angles. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot them away. She picked the crystals. There still where quite some distance until she reached the mine. Torah threw flowers into the air. A flaming flash dissolved the bats. Crystals fell down. Torah claimed as many she could. She reached the other side. Torah kept moving. There where no lizards about. Torah wondered what was going on. She dismissed the matter. No need to worry about things until they actually happened. A row of bats suddenly approached. Torah stamped with the cross. She struggled to stand tall. She let loose the magic. The mammals froze on impact. They shattered against the floor. Torah smiled. This time it really was more then a grimace. God would guide her. She picked the crystals. Torah jumped. She better be off. Torah had to find out what this actually ment before she might settle. She was certain. But what if she'd been mistaking something? She didn't want to think about what might happen. Torah reached the second bridge. Things where quiet. She didn't like that. Why didn't they attack? She preduced the ring-smash. Armed and ready, she jumped from platform to platform. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot the bats away. They kept coming. Torah threw garlic at them. This time she didn't charge. No need. The monsters still exploded. The enemies scattered. Torah kept track of their mobility. They seemed to have lost their interest. She didn't trust them for a second. Torah lept. She let be the candles. She would need their illumination. Then she was back. Torah landed upon that lone square platform. Something had changed. The rock was covered by rich brown earth. Torah toutched the cross. Had she done this? If that was true, it was a miracle. Speaking of which. The tree flowered again. Torah knelt in prayer. Although the battle wasn't over, she just had to show her gratitude. The sound of flapping wings made her rise. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing orbs shot them into oblivion. Torah picked the crystals. There would be trouble upstairs. Torah just knew it would be that way. She better inspect her weapons before going upward.

Castle center, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
The angel of Death appeared out from the shadows. Where darkness where, he could trive. He sat upon his bleak horse. Uriel knew John saw him in his revelation. That where of no concearn. He visited those who where marked. Where Dracula where, Death was his servant. So the old saying said. It was more true then anyone realized. One day the Dark Lord would return. But not now. Not here. The angel of Death was here for a certain reason. It was time he acted. The prince of Darkness did command. Death would assist those who yearned for the return of count Dracula. Many who did not even know about it, held that wish in their heart. Barlowe spoke the truth. "It is in man's nature to yearn for the return of count Dracula." The angel had been there when he spoke those words. Although neither he, nor Shanoah did realize. That was long ago. What happened in 1810, was history. History always repeat itself. At least on twice occations. Death knew that. Barlowe would never return. He became one with Chaos when sacrificing his soul to secure the rising of Dracula's power. Many had done the same mistake. Death sacrified his soul once. In 1944. That did not mean anything. The time had come. The vampire stepped out to meet her destiny.

Underground mine, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Jade was horrified. This couldn't be possible. Mould, who went out with the last gliders, had seen it for himself. No matter. Jade didn't trust him. The queen couldn't die. He had to be mistaken. He wished he could just knock some sence into that man. Griffon just stood there. Why didn't he do anything? Why didn't he just kill that traitor? As if the thoughts had been a calling, his comrade finally reacted. Instead of pulling out his sword, the lizard simply checked the meter he carried upon his belt. "Pressure is rising." He commented. Jade's eyes grew wide. He hadn't thought about that. How could he've forgotten something so important? Mould licked his lips. "What shall we do?" He asked. The workers, those who where still alive, had gathered around Griffon. "Comunication is still out." Griffon remarked. Jade knew. That was another reason to get things started. Griffon lowered his head. "Leave the gliders behind." He then said. "Leave all the equipment and the skeleton crew." Jade wished to interrupt. He wished to tell him there was still time. Although he knew it was just rubbish. "Take what weapons you might handle." Griffon instructed. The orders where soon executed. Without another word, the lizard men began the evacuation of the underground mine.

Torah inspected the arsenal. She'd obtain quite some weapons while moving along. The reason she couldn't use them was because of the barrier. Now that problem was dealt with. Or so she hoped. Torah found the stakes in the forest. The gauntlets she found in the castle entrance. Torah smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. She'd seen what Patrick could do with the garlic. The onion and the roses she obtained down here. Torah toutched the cross. She'd tied it around her wrist so that she always got it close. Strange though. The items where all made open to her because of the mystic book. The song had broken that strange inner resistance between her and the inner source. Had it really? She dismissed the matter. Torah got up. She still had to climb back up before she could put any of this to use. Torah stepped into the elevator. There still was work to be done. Although she would never admit it, she was happy it was this way. Torah was a sorceress in training. The magic she'd used this far didn't come without a price. Grandmother Yoko knew how to control her abileties. Torah hadn't gained such control. This way the arsenal would take the backflash. Even so, it might already be to late. The mystics changed her. Torah already noticed. Her dryad side was taking over. Torah didn't wish that to happen. Torah's human blood was what made her into a Belnades clanswoman. She couldn't afford to let her magic burn it away. If that happened, her bloodline was lost. Torah toutched the cross. Sypha's linage would continue. She promised it would become that way. The elvetaor stopped. Torah was back on the 12th. hight. Bats came at her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot them all down. At least that spell she knew was safe. Why she didn't know. Perhaps it was something within her soul. Torah put it aside. She was Carrie's desendant. She would make it come true. A strange rumbling sound brought her back to the situation at hand. From all four openings came running water. Torah lept upon the bridgeway. This wasn't good. From beneath she heard other sounds. Torah didn't look down. She ran toward the ladder. This was like the dragon's nest. Torah didn't want to think about Ravenberg. Not now at least. The water was rising. Torah climbed with all her speed. Bats came from within the tunnels. "Orbs of sorcery!" The spell dismantled some enemies. Torah threw roses at them. The explosion made them scatter. Torah reached the next hight. She ran along the walkway. Torah didn't want to drown. She fiercely began climbing. "Orbs of sorcery!" The bats got shot away. They where just ordinary mammals. At least as normal as they could be. Torah went upon the catwalk. She was grateful the Medusa heads where no longer visible. They could've occupied her long enough for the water to reach her. Torah went up another ladder. The ninth level was abandoned. Torah paied it no attention. She just ran toward the other ladder. The water was rising more quickly now. Torah almost regret having sung the song. This was like a nightmare. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah threw magic at them. She threw garlic. She ran and climbed. Then she ran a little more. She'd reached the 7th hight. Things really was getting complicated. The mine began shaking. Torah got a feeling a giant had awaken. The walkway shook beneath her feet. Torah began climbing. Beneath the walkway collapsed. This really wasn't good. Torah prayed the other bridges still where intact. Just barely. Torah got across just as the catwalk was shattered. The pressure was to much for the construction. Torah went up the ladder. The fifth level was in front. Torah went out on the walkway. The mammals screamed. Torah wished to shield her ears. No chanse. The walkway shook beneath. Torah released an onslaught of roses. That made them keep some distance. Torah got across. She began climbing. The water really was rising much quicker. She heard the liquid bubble beneath her location. Torah crossed another bridgeway. The bats seemed more frantic. They stopped chasing her. Instead they flew upward. Torah didn't mind. She got upon the bridge. The entire construction shook. Torah reached the ladder just in time. She wondered if even they where collapsing. Torah was upon the third hight. This was where she found the second fence. It was gone. Thank the Lord. Torah had been worried they might be removed back into position. The walkway was unstable. Torah ran as quickly she could. The catwalk cracked. Torah lept. She managed to hold onto the ladder. Torah tried to remain calm. It was impossible. All was chaos. She climbed upward. Torah knew she had to keep moving. The crater wasn't that wide across up here. Torah got over the next bridgeway before it collapsed. She climbed the last ladder. Torah was back at the highest level. She ran over the final walkway. She just reached the cave when it fell. Late sunlight shone through the opening far above. Torah felt blinded. But only at first. Then she rejoiced in the warmth and comfort. She'd got back up. The boulders might still be in place. Torah didn't care. For the moment she was just grateful she'd survived. She finally looked back. Torah gasped. The crater had become a pond. The tunnels where still there. Torah didn't mind. Upon the pool was a tiny island. Grass covered the earth. Torah recognised the white and green flowers. There where other she didn't knew. What amazed her, was the tree. It stood there, like she'd seen it down at the lakeside. But it was here. It was alive. A sculpture stood beneath. Torah recognised the apprentice which saved her life earlier. She smiled. The Lord forgave her. "Rest in peace." Torah whispered. "The Lord is with you." She toutched the cross. The water was so clear. Torah put down her backpack. Then, still wearing her attire, Torah jumped. She splashed into the liquid. The water was cold. But it was refreshing as well. Torah laughed. If only Rose was here. Torah grew serious. Though the lack of her fairy didn't kill her pleasure. Torah finally got back on dry land. She brought of her claouthing. Torah still got some soap with her. She had a real bath. It felt good being clean again. Torah even washed her outfit. She put in another sample from Renon's package. She was grateful Rose told her how to do this. Torah used magic to dry her claouthing. She put them back on. This was really nice. Torah got her backpack. She then turned. Torah left the sunlit meddow behind. There still where other places which needed to be purified. The red glow had vanished. The only source of light was that of the candles. Either they'd been lit anew, or Torah hadn't knocked them all down. She put the matter aside. The bats had all vanished. Torah wondered what might have happened. She almost hoped they'd become ordinary animals again. That was unlikely. Torah knew of the undead's power. They might control the lesser forms of life. Torah presented the ring-smash. She was careful when moving beside the other openings. No darkside where around. Torah was grateful. She felt tired after the long day. The tunnel went steadily upward. She soon reached the spot in which she'd waken. Someone must've brought her to this spot. Or, Torah fancied, she might've rolled to that position. Whatever the case, she moved beyond. The boulders still where in place. Torah knew they would be. She didn't become discouraged. Torah knew she got the power to move them aside. She reached into her backpack. Torah preduced the mystic book. She didn't understand all which was inside. But the music she knew. Torah had used it already. Though she poundered the question which lyric she might use to remove the barrier. Torah opened the pages. Lydia Erlanger, one of her ancestors, told that Juste Belmont used mystic book to create spell-fusion. That was in 1747. Torah dismissed the matter. This was different. The Belmonts didn't have strange blood in their family. Dryad mysticism mostly ran strong on the female side of a bloodline anyway. She made her dissision. Torah prayed it would work. Only because it worked downstairs, it was no promise it would do it up here. She inhaled. Then Torah began singing. She followed the text accordingly. The music ran deep. Torah frowned. Though she kept on. Somehow she just stopped thinking about it. It was like she smelled rich flowers. A forest at summer. Growing in good soil. She smiled. The "symphony of Earth" just carried her along. Through Spring, summer, fall and winter, the earth was the same. Torah smiled. Then she blinked. The rubble really was removed. This was incredible. Still somewhat dazed, Torah stepped beyond. She entered another oval area. The music filled her mind. She wasn't afraid. The power was extraordinary. The ceiling had somewhat collapsed. Not even the possibility of getting berried alive discouraged her. Torah made an effort to pull together. She knew she where excited. Though it somehow didn't matter. Someone stood in the middle of the room. A man. Torah smiled. He was tall and handsome. She wondered who he might be. He returned her smile. She'd been alone for such a long time. Torah kept walking. There was something about his eyes. The stranger was clad simply in a pair of black leather trousers. "Come." He said. "I have been looking for you." Torah looked down. She'd tied the cross around her wrist. She frowned. Torah felt like it should've told her something. It just hang there. Torah looked at the man. His smile widened. She let it be. With the cross hanging there, like any other mondaine talisman, she approached. Her mond filled with images her body where still to young to understand. The stranger spread his arms wide. Torah only became a little confused when a whip suddenly creddled around his neck. The man screamed.

Heinrich got out of his reverie. Torah went toward the demon. Her eyes looked like they'd been glazed over. She spread her lips. This couldn't continue. Heinrich leached forward. He cracked the whip. The morning-star whip got the Inccubus around the neck. The seductive monster spun. A series of fireballs came his way. Heinrich threw the cross. He summoned water to his aid. The cross rotated above the position. Pillars of water rised in protection. The flames couldn't harm him. Heinrich summoned even more power. The jewel whip hummed with supernatural power. Water might be the best element when fighting demons. The Inccubus where swifter then he expected. The sudden jab almost went home. Heinrich held the crucifix high in defience. "Stronger we are in the name of the Lord!" He challenged. His symbol was alive. His enemy retreated. Where was Torah? Never mind that now. Other fireballs came his way. Heinrich whipped them away. The morning-star whip possessed such power. Legends told the Vampire Killer could do that. No matter its current incarnation. He put it aside. This was far to important. Heinrich was risen into the air. Flames flashed behind his back. The large crucifix shattered into multiple flames. The demon got hit in the chest. Somehow it survived. The floor was made of solid stone. Unes bloomed. Such was the power of Chaos. Heinrich threw the axe. Thunder was in his blood. Trippled axes rammed the floor just as lightning killed the flowers. Torah was half dryad. Heinrich figured she might forgive him this time. That was no real vegetation. The Inccubus shot fireballs. Heinrich dodged. He threw the dagger. His bloodline abilities made it split into a duo of liquid knives. The enemy lifted into the air. Heinrich thought of the darkside. This demon couldn't enslave him. He was a man. A storm of fireballs shot down at his position. Heinrich tightened the grip on his crucifix. Spirit made a circle of crosses to rise in defience. Heinrich lept forward. His whip became a bar of gold. Flames lit on impact. His opponent fell on the floor. Torah still seemed like being in trance. If only he could do something to break the spell. Unes bloomed on the demon's command. Heinrich threw the axe. Flame made four axes burn the wicked plantlife. They might dine on him. Heinrich was grateful they burned. Another series of fireballs came his way. Heinrich threw the cross. Earth made rocky pillars rise in protection. Heinrich got face to face with the enemy. The Incubus smiled. Heinrich unsheated his sword. Through a combined combo of sword slashes and whip leaches he blocked the jabs. Heinrich made flame illuminate bogh weapons. The chain-whip struck him above the chest. The demon made a swift back-flip. The sword which should've removed the head, only cut through open air. Heinrich dropped the blade. He whipped away another round of fireballs. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. This was like fighting Gaibon. The enemy met him with another combo of swift jabs. The chest-plate saved his life. Although it hurt. Heinrich stamped with the crucifix. The Inccubus screamed. Heinrich felt like going deaf. Then the devil hit him. Heinrich felt how the oxygen got pressed out of his lungs. Gasping for breth, he still managed to deliver a series of whip slashes. Flames lit the demon's flesh. Though it refused to surrender. Heinrich was forced on the defensive. Fireballs went his way. The Incubus forced him further backward. Suddenly Heinrich made a back-flip of his own. Fire was in his blood. Heinrich threw the dagger. The knife split into tripled enflamed daggers. The enemy got no chanse to block this attack. All three knives buried themselves deep within his flesh. "Be the will of the Lord." Heinrich said, making the sign of the cross. The Incubus burned into ashes. Heinrich retrived the crystals. Then he went to pick up his items. Heinrich resheated his blade. He hung up the whip. It looked like Torah was released from the spell. Heinrich was glad. Though she seemed rather frustrated. He hoped she wasn't angry because of the flowers. Then she changed expression. Heinrich stepped forward. She looked so sad.

Torah shook her head. She finally snapped out of it. Heinrich was involved with battle. Torah could see who he was by now. The daze kept her servile. Not anymore. Torah almost shrieked with frustration. She would no longer be a plaything for Shadow. Although the Inccubus was the greatest threat imaginable. For a dryad anyway. Torah was no dryad. Not entirely. Heinrich made the demon burn into ashes. Torah felt she could move. She inhaled. She really felt better. The enemy must've charmed her. The music was safe. She was sure of that. Heinrich hung up the whip. Torah wondered why he looked so concearned. Was it because she'd changed? "It's nothing dangerous." She assured. "I'm still me." She smiled. Heinrich frowned. "I don't understand." The Belmont clansman began. Torah lit her cross. Then she spread her arms. The light shone upon her features. Finally he seemed to notice. "What happened?" Heinrich asked. His voice sank to a whisper. "You aren't like I remember." Torah let go of the magic. She understood his concearn. Torah had noticed earlier. Through the reflection in the water. She'd altered. Though only a little. Subtile is was. Torah always had been somewhat pale in complecture. Now she'd become Slightly brown, with a greenish hint to it. Torah guessed the somewhat pointed airs Also altered her appeal. Never mind. Her built hadn't changed much. Dryads tend to be small and skinny anyway. "It's because of the magic." Torah explained. "Yoko died before she could learn me how to counter the backflash." She dried away a tear. "The result was an actual reaction with my chromosomes." Heinrich looked mystified. Torah smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "It's burning away my human bloodline." The Belmont made the sign of the cross. "You don't tell me that yo've become an actual dryad?" Torah shook her head. "You see that I only changed a little." Heinrich nodded. "I simply have to stop using magic." She turned silent. "That kind of it anyway." Torah added. "I can still fight." She assured. "I've learned how to counter the effect." Torah toutched her cross. "When I channel it through the sub-weapons, they take the brunt." She again made the symbol lit with flame, as if to prove it. "Because of their own mystic origin, they don't really notice." Heinrich scratched his beard. "I'm no magician." He confessed. "But I hope you know what you're doing." Torah smiled. Though it was only a grimace. "Yes." She acknowledged. "I hope so too." Heinrich made the sign of the cross. "In any rate." He said. "May the Lord make mercy upon your soul." Torah dried away another tear. "Thanks." She whispered. Heinrich put a hand on her shoulder. "Anyway." She said with false optimism. "Leslie Miranda Erlanger is still alive." At least she hoped so. Not that Torah ever saw her cousin. "I don't think that is necessary." Heinrich said. "You'll always be you. Whatever might happen." Then he got serious. "Where is Rose?" Torah opened her mouth. Though she never answered. Their conversation was interrupted. Heinrich spun around. Torah got the ring-smash. Through the opening came red knights. She recognized their uniforms. "Get her!" From the other tunnel there stormed lizard monsters. Torah had hoped she would never face them again. That hope got shattered. "Get behind me!" Heinrich shouted. Torah was about to tell him she could take care of herself. Then she remembered. Torah could no longer relay on the curtain. She got behind the Belmont warrior as multiple crosses rised around their location. That blocked the first row of projectiles. Torah waisted no time. She dashed forward. Torah then made a complete circle. She threw garlic at them. Then she channelled magic. Ceveral explosions hit the area. Flames burned on impact. "Impressive." Heinrich admitted. Torah blushed. The vampire hunter threw the cross. The boomerang split in four. Torah watched as electric currents boxed in the first line of lizards. Torah dashed. The red knights where in front. They got their swords ready. Torah got the smash. "Orbs of sorcery!" They where more resistant then the lizards she met downstairs. So be it. The smash went deep. The first knight fell on the floor. The second blocked with her shield. Torah stamped with the cross. The foe let it go. Her hand got burned. Torah licked her lips. This was a living creature. The fox swung her blade. Torah ducked. Suddenly Heinrich was at her side. The whip was on fire. He whipped her into ashes. "Get easy." He muttered. Torah didn't understand. No time. Torah threw stakes at them. Flames lit on impact. The red knights burned. "This way!" Heinrich shouted. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah fired another round. The archers suddenly where in front. A spaniard vampire tried to command a fire. She where to close. Torah's garlic caused new explosions. Heinrich was risen into the air. Flames cleared the battlefield. Though they didn't retreat, the knights burned while they still tried to attack. Heinrich led the way up the corridor. The fox fired. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot her down. Then she followed him up the cave. Three new foxes stood in the way. Heinrich somehow immobilized their approach. He was using the stopwatch. Torah recognized the effect. "Orbs of sorcery!" The tripled orbs of homing plasma shot them all down. They where through the line. Heinrich led the way forward. Torah turned to throw more roses. She climbed some steps before she began running again. The monsters where in presuit. The tunnel came to a halt. They'd reached a large square chamber. There was another pool. Heinrich looked about. "We're back inside the underground tunnel." He explained. Torah nodded. Arrows went through the opening. She threw stakes at them. The sheer frost made them retreat. Heinrich sent some daggers. The rain made the villains pull even further backward. "This way." Heinrich shouted. Torah went along. She only hoped he knew what he was doing.

Castle center, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
He bent over her cage. "I know what is wrong with you." He smiled. His fangs where exposed. Rose huddled together. She didn't want him to tangle with her. "You have not been evolved." The man said. "But I might remedy that." He laughed. Rose didn't know how to react. What was he speaking about? Rose knew she didn't have the ability to grant wishes, not really anyway. "This I have went long to obtain." The undead put a tiny jewel on the table. Rose knew her glow was dimmed. What lay there, was a forest emarald. Nobody should hold such a treasure. Only the mother could grant such hairlooms. The man noticed her state. "Yes." He said. "I took it from the fountain in Dabi's path." Rose screamed. She couldn't help it. "Murderer!" She accused. "You killed my mother!" The man laughed. "Do not resist." Suddenly he became serious. "Take it." He demanded. "Take it now." He pushed the gem over to where she was imprisoned. Rose didn't want to have it. The relic was stolen. The shining green stone lay before her. Rose never knew why she bent over. She held it up. The jewel had the size of a human coin. The preshious stone was shaped like a green leaf. Tears fell from her eyes. It made no diference. The glow consumed her.

Underground tunnel, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. of January 2099 A.D.
Thris Malmaiden made an effort to control the situation. This was like nothing he'd expected. Griffon gave the salute. He, Jade and some other lizards where the only which remained. "This is not good." Topaz muttered. She'd lost the archers. Thris agreed. The final battle almost wiped them out. Topaz Hernadez played with her evil star symbol. She tend to do that when nervous. He acknowledged her statement. They where running out on tactics. The elf put it aside. He still could do his duty. Thris reached into his purse. "No." Topaz put a hand on the purse. "There still is other alternatives." The Spaniard stated. Thris returned her gaze. His expression where blank. The hypnotic influence of the undead had no impact. Though she was quite attractive. Thris dismissed the matter. He made a note of the situation. She was right. Although matters where getting out of hand, desperate messures would have to wait. There would be other troopers upstairs. Thris Malmaiden would have to give away command. That might be the best solution. So far he had failed altogether. Sting would not be pleased. So be it. "Alright everyone." He stated. "Let's be off." The shattered band began moving.

Heinrich led the way. They hadn't gone far before reaching those stairs. Torah was behind. She kept watch if the red knights might keep up. Heinrich smiled. Back together again. That was the way it should be. The sorceress had the smash ready. She looked strangely alone without the fairy. They'd spoken about their adventures. Heinrich where impressed by her actions. Together they'd purified the water. The curse might be weakened. But only eventually. Saria was the key. So much was clear. He whipped some bats into oblivion. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah was on constant guard. She shot the phantom skull to pieces. She shrugged. Heinrich scratched his beard. They continued climbing. The tunnel was silent. This was nothing when compared with the battle downstairs. He reached the top of the stairway. Torah went in front. A swarm of bats came like a wave. Heinrich watched her freeze them into submission. They shared the crystals. The candles where the only source of light. Heinrich whipped another phantom skull. "Clever." Torah commented. Heinrich shrugged. "A man got to do what a man got to do." He joked. The sorceress reached her thung at him. Then she laughed. Although she was slightly altered in appearance, she still where herself. He felt good in her company. Heinrich wondered if Reinhardt Schneider ever felt the same for Carrie Fernandez. He got no sisters. Although he was quite found of Alicia. But somehow the sorceress felt like a little sister to him. Strange. She wasn't entirely human. He put the matter aside. Her blood, or lack of that quality, wasn't his concearn. A few doors led out from the tunnel. "Be careful." Torah warned. Heinrich arched an eyebrow. She blushed. They opened a door of choise. A small store where inside. Heinrich dismissed the matter. The room was dusty and deserted. It haven't been in use for years. None other openings led from that closet. "Nothing of interest in here." He remarked. Torah seemed to agree. Heinrich hung up the whip. He unsheated his blade. It might be a better weapon in these narrow quarters. He closed the door. They continued. This time Torah was in the lead. She threw garlic at some bats. He let her have the crystals. They'd reached another flight of steps. The way was clearly going upward. Heinrich hoped they wheren't going for the castle hall. That boy in the garden maze warned them about that area. He swung at the phantom skull. The flaming phenomenon shattered against the floor. "Orbs of sorcery!" The mammals burned. Torah let him take the gemstones. He shrugged. No argument though. They bogh could need some refreshment. The candles where lit. They'd reach the top of the stairs. The robots just seemed to appear. "Hand over your weapons." The battle-droid instructed. "Roger, roger." The others chirped. That had to be a pre-programed instruction. Heinrich didn't care. They got their blasters aimed. Torah held the smash ready. The razors blocked their shooting. Heinrich approached. His sword was on fire. He repelled the shots right back at them. The battle was over. Not that it was any real fight. Those buckets had no mind. Heinrich dismissed the matter. He hoped the trio was alone. The destroyer-droids might held them up. Nobody appeared. The tunnel continued. "I think this is a part of the castle." Torah commented. Heinrich looked about. "I think you're right." He said. The tunnel was still made of solid stone. But it seemed like men had been at work. "It's the basement." He commented. Torah nodded. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot the bats away. Another phantom skull came through the floor. Heinrich struck it down. There where others coming. Torah smashed the skull. Heinrich pulled back while throwing the boomerang. He didn't use his abilities. No matter. The throwing-cross defeated those flaming appearitions. There was a door ahead. Heinrich gave the thing a concearned look. The heavy door was secured with huge metal bands. Torah put a hand on it. "Strange." She muttered. "It isn't closed." Heinrich made the sign of the cross. "Let's be off." He suggested. Torah agreed. She kept her smash ready. Heinrich made no comment. He resheated his weapon. Then he cracked the whip. They went inside. The tunnel continued.

Castle center, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The fox and the rat sat upon her bed. The Garoyan priest pulled back the hood of his plain brown garb. Nigo got her permission. She was free for the rest of the day. "I really have waited for this such a long time." Grisp said. His nose was all grey with age. Nigo was only 16 years old. She just barely joined the New Order. Nigo knew Grisp had waited for her for more then a year. He could've had her already. But he was patient. Grisp really was in love with her. Nigo was flattered. She never expected anyone to be interested in plain her. Not someone like him anyway. The lit candle illuminated her soft red fur. Nigo removed her armour. She was clad in a plain skirt and white T-shirt. Her tail lay streached out behind her. Grisp had a hand around her waist. Although she still was quite a virgin, she knew. Grisp went so easy with her. Nigo playfully kicked the air with bogh legs. She only bousted a pair of plain open sandals. Not that his simple grey footwear was more elegant. She better show some responce. Nigo bent over. The evil star symbol fell from within her shirt. His burning-eye symbol somehow got in the way. Although they kept to different religions, it didn't matter. Nigo wished to tell him. But then chaos was loose.

(A.N: This chapter might be rather boring. I hope you don't think so. I've tried to make a chapter like the more older tradition. Neither the Islamic religion nor the Arabian tribes I look upon as enemies. The lizard tradition is entirely made by my imagination and has nothing to do with living or dead traditions. Have a nice time.)