Part 2: Legacy of Sorrow.

"What gains a man if he wins the world but loose his soul? Or, what can a man give in return for his soul?"

Mathew: 16. 26.

Chapter '5: Deathly ambitions.
Tower of art, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Light eluminated the simple medical facility. "The operation is complete." They informed. "The patient is alive." The lizard shaman smiled. "Good." The medical droids withdrew. Lassaralin stepped forward. Her black shroad nearly dimmed the bright operation lights. "Acrya." She asked. "Acrya, can you hear me?" To some, the creation would've been disgustive. To her, it was glorious. A jewel box in which they could display their wonderful technology. There was silence. Finally their came a replay. "Am I complete?" Lassaralin would've frowned, if it had been possible to her species. Never before had a patience acted so rudeless. She didn't like it. She didn't like it at all. The assistant released the figure which lay on the table. With presize grace, the being rised. Acrya threw back her shoulder-length cape. The pitch black armour exposed her body. Her tail they'd equipped with the same adition which the scientists first used on Zera. The fox had no mask or covering helmet. Their doctors did slightly alter her features. "Here." She slightly shivered. Lassaralin gave her the holo-plate. It projected a tiny image of their lieutenant. Acrya viewed it carefully. Then she simingly dismissed it. "Well." She said. "Then that is over with." Lassaralin turned away. The suit had become part of her organism. Ceveral key-connections where installed in the spine. It couldn't be that which altered her personality. She never heard about a patient who lost their integrity. They'd created a predator. Lord Dracula would be pleased. Lassaralin wasn't so sure. This was her way of life. Acrya moved to stand beside Morrin. Lassaralin hissed. Without warning, the lieutenant fired her shoulder-placed gun. Morrin's brain was spread all over the instruments. "Remain calm." She demanded. "I just had to try my new equipment." Lassaralin knew otherwise. Acrya hated the elf for years. Still, the cold brutality disturbed her. She noticed her stare. Lassaralin looked away. "Clean up this mess." She told her assistants. The male lizard lowered his head. "I wonder if we may ever make it." Lassaralin got his point. "Congratulation with your promotion." Acrya chosed Brenda Hamilton as the new head of staff. The red-head vampire stepped forward. With an empty face, she got into her position. Some members of the crew exchanged glances. They all looked nervous. Sargent C3 came to report. "There is no information available." He informed. "The intruder has eluded our investigation." Acrya seemed to contemplate the matter. "Dismissed." She then said. The lieutenant put the arms behind her. Lassaralin kept a close eye with the wrist-placed systems. "He must have escaped." Acrya said. The crew was complete. Rashid began preparing for the wounded. Lassaralin didn't need to tell them what to do. They knew it already. She just hoped there wouldn't be others like Morrin. Med-droids already had secured his body. His organs might still be useful.

Execution tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Amy landed upon the tower. This was their "mother's" nest. The catwalk went between their structure to the tower of science. Anna had summoned the flock. Amy was anxious to hear what this was all about. Rita sat beside her. Nearly half the flock was there. They came from all nations. Jacob had been a friendly man. He'd invited ceveral people into his household. Amy wondered if any of her "sisters" remember about him. A gust of wind told of Anna's approach. Amy couldn't help but gasp. Still after all this time, she became impressed. Anna had been an escort before Chaos. Strings of dark blonde hair framed her features. Her feathers was truly extraordinary. She carried an evil star medallion around her neck. Some said lord Dracula gave it to her. Rita told it was after that he spent a night with her. Amy wasn't quite sure. The harpies became silent. "Daughters." Anna began. Her voice was like a perfect musical instrument. "Vampire hunters have infiltrated the castle." Gasps where heard. Some even muttered hatefully about it. "How do you know?" Amy asked. She didn't know where she got the courage. Usually she would hide in the crowd. Anna smiled. "You have reasons to know." The flock went silent. Then some other harpies landed upon the walkway. The sight made her nervous. Lizbeth and Vera had bad reputation. Amy once watched them torture people to death. Still, Simona was worse then bogh of them. The blonde harpy was from France. She'd been Jacob's secretary. Amy heard rumours that she'd also been Susan's mistress. "I saw them in the entrance." Simona decleared. Amy felt chills down her spine. The bitch described Patrick like she knew him. Of course she knew him. She'd known them all, back when this was an ordinary home. She also described a man Amy didn't recognize. The harpies reacted with fear when Simona mentioned the stranger presented a whip. "He has to be of Belmont linage!" Rita shouted. "We're all doomed!" Gretchen almost sobbed. Amy felt sorry for her. She'd only been 13 when Dracula came to power. "Silence." Anna demanded. "All isn't lost." The crowd went silent. "Even the house of the vampire hunter aren't immortal." Anna smiled. Amy always thought she looked beautiful when smiling. This time, she felt bad about it. "They entered the mansion." Vera interjected. "I saw them myself." Anna nodded. Amy figured this was part of the show. "They must've entered the castle." Their "mother" continued. "It's the only way to explain the earthquake." Lizbeth, she came from Norway, extended her claws. "The queen will kill him." Amy said. "We don't need to worry." She hoped they didn't know. Patrick was here. She had to elude them somehow. Anna made them go quiet. "Rita is right. He must be of Belmont linage." The reminder made the harpies exchange glances. "He might kill the queen." Anna continued. "I sent half the flock to the castle center." Amy flapped her wings nervously. Anna was no fool. "It might not be enough." Simona said. Amy really hated that harpy. "I suggest we investigate the towers." If she could, the comment would've made her turn pale. "I agree." Anna said. "What're we going to do?" Rita asked. "I mean, if I find them, what should I do?" Good question. Amy waited anxiously for Anna's response. "Kill him." Anna said. Then malice twisted her features. "But if possible." She said while licking her lips. "Bring them to me." Anna let a hand go down her body. "You might do whatever you want with them." Then Anna blew a kiss. "But it's I who's going to eat their hearts." The harpies shrieked. Then the flock took off. Amy was among them. She would have to pretend. She'd maid up her mind. Amy wasn't going to let Anna have him. She would warn Patrick. Amy only hoped she would find him first. The thoughts of what they might do was truly terrifying.

Alastor Lupine patiencely awaited the return of his enemy. The blade was ignited. He was ready. This time, Alastor promised. The man-beast wouldn't get away. Alastor activated the wrist-placed holo-projector. It gave him access to the enemy's approach. The lizards did what he instructed. The Dark Lord gave them orders to dicect him. The memory pained him. Never the less. The new mechanics also granted additional power. It was a mere accident he'd failed the first time. Patrick pushed him off of the battlefield. There had been no response. Lemya should've contacted him already. The aliens must've failed. Not that it mattered. He didn't care if they all became cut down. They where disgustive. Alastor hated them. The aliens where useful. Alastor growled. He cut through the air. He inhaled in an effort to calm himself. The warlocks said anger was a way to power. Never the less, it made you clumpsy while in battle. Alastor threw it aside. He'd failed Mae Lin. She'd bestowed lord Dracula's power upon him. He'd given it away. Alastor wasn't the type to lead the dark army into battle. After the operation, he was sent here. Alastor's eyes lit like polished gold. The enemy was approaching. Alastor got into a ready position.

Patrick reloaded his pistol. He was back. The execution tower lay in silence. Patrick didn't like it. He was mid-way up the building. Patrick toutched his crucifix. The children where safe. Except from Iori. The boy was gone. He'd simply vanished. Patrick wondered if the boy lay dead upon the bottom of the tower. No. It couldn't be that way. Patrick toutched his crucifix. Somehow he was sure he would've felt it. Patrick threw it aside. Then he closed the door behind him. Perhaps it would protect him from those blasted red guards. Patrick put the keys back on his belt. Patrick gave the crown to Renon. That way he didn't need to pay. Still, Patrick was unsure if he'd done the right thing. He didn't trust the mystic salesman. Either way, Patrick decided he would continue. The sound of moving bones broke through his line of thought. Bones flew through the air. Upon the platform above him, the skeleton prepared for another round. Patrick snarled. He just barely managed to dodge. He'd forgotten about these monsters. Bones shattered against the floor. Patrick managed to not look down. The fall would've been fatal. He pulled the trigger. The bone-man was shot to pieces. Patrick tried to get a hold on himself. He riminded himself that Alfred, who'd been wounded, made the jump. Patrick reached for the cross. Then he gathered himself. Patrick ran forward. Winds whipped his face while in the air. Patrick felt grateful when he again stood upon solid ground. At least, it was somewhat stable. The impact made pieces of rock fall down. Patrick quickly got out of reach. This was another reason for getting out. The execution tower was a shamble. Patrick wondered why his father never fixed it. Patrick began to climb the staircase. The sound of flapping wings was the only warning. Bats came at him. Patrick fired his sidearm. The mammals where shot away. Some continued to circle his position. Patrick snarled. He hated these creatures. They'd chased him the moment he entered the castle. Patrick reloaded his weapon. The step suddenly gave way. Patrick jumped just in time. He landed atop the staircase. Behind him, the stair fell into the abyss. Patrick breathed heavily. He wasn't Simon Belmont. This wasn't 1688 either. Things changed. Either way, the steps already collapsed on two ocations. Patrick tried not to think of it. Hidden openings inside the floor moved aside. A group of battle-droids emerged. "Stop!" One of them commanded. "Hand over your weapons." Patrick put away his shotgun. "Roger. Roger." The other droids repeated. Patrick didn't care. He pulled out his weapon. Patrick retained his true form. The sword blazed with man-beast plasma. The robots fired. Patrick blocked their offensive. Soon, the robots where all destroyed. Patrick kicked the remains aside. He wondered if he shouldn't just go back to the villa. The children where safe. Heinrich and Torah must've reached the castle by now. Patrick sent some bullets at the still circling bats. Then he dismissed it. He could reach the center before they arrived. Patrick wondered if they'd found Saria. Or if Heinrich got to clean the water. He frowned. Dracula might still have some tricks up his sleeve. He toutched his cross. He knew this was a waste of time. "Let's get it over with." He muttered. Patrick jumped into the air. He absently wondered why the catwalks where destroyed. No matter. Patrick almost got hit when new rocks fell from the ceiling. He smirked. This wasn't like the elegance within the tower of art. Then again, in here, there was a straight path forward. Patrick dismissed the matter. It was rubbish anyway. Then the wall suddenly collapsed. Patrick watched into a hidden grave. A skeleton came for him. The sudden move made Patrick retreat. The bone-man came closer. Patrick snarled. He shot the thing to pieces. This wasn't the first grave he discovered. Somehow Patrick was sure they belonged to women. "Damn it altogether." His mother had been found of the English wrighter, Alfred Lord Tenisson. He began to climb upward. This time, the sound of wings where much more powerful. Patrick's eyes grew wide. A trio of harpies appeared. Together, they carried a giant boulder. "Good God in Heaven!" Patrick jumped. The rock easily destroyed the staircase. The harpies shrieked. "Tell me." Patrick said, matter of factly. "Do you know?" He pulled a weapon from his belt. "Where the wild roses grow." Then he threw the flower. Patrick got two of them in one. The wild rose exploded. Patrick shielded his eyes. This wasn't like the garlic. The rose was like a bomb. He shook his head. Nice weapon anyway. The remains of the harpies fell to the floor. The last of the monsters seemed to be at a loss. She was blonde. Patrick somehow recognized her. "Simona Depont." She'd been his father's secretary! The harpy spread her wings. Patrick blushed. Like Amy, she was all nude. He made the sign of the cross. The image made Simona scream. Patrick struggled to get hold on himself. She was an enemy. Susan and Aron had made her so. Simona shot forward. Before he could stop her, the harpy had her arms around him. "Girls want to have fun." Patrick struggled to get free. Somehow her words sent echoes through his mind. Simona flapped her wings. They lifted off of the platform. Patrick shivered. He just couldn't help it. Without mercy, he struck her with his forhead. Simona shrieked. She finally let go of him. Patrick landed cat-foot and ready. He snarled. For once, he didn't become taken aback by her attraction. Simona circled his position. Thee harpy then lifted into the air. She cursed him before taking off. Patrick sent her a bullet. He knew it was no use. She was already out of reach. Never the less. This little confrontation warned him to stay on guard. Patrick promised he wouldn't underestimate the power of the Dark Lord. He reached for the cross. It disturbed him that Dracula could do things like this. Legends told his followers used Chaos to morph the home of his ancestor into the demon castle. Patrick's grasp tightened. History repeats itself. At least on twise occations. He tried to threw it aside. Patrick was no philosopher. He would find Iori. That was his reason. That was why he came here. To save the children taken by the vampires. There was one other problem though. Patrick frowned. The harpies destroyed the staircase. How was he to get onward? He had a look through the cracked wall. The landscape lay before him. He could see the cursed land. Patrick shook his head. Beyond, the winter ruled the countryside. It was nice to see. Like he got a breath of fresh air. The tower of art lay behind him, and a little to the right. The structure loomed high above him. Patrick looked down upon the castle. From where he stood, he could see the main entrance. The area was heavily guarded. Patrick gathered himself. This was getting him nowhere. If only he could go outside and climb up the side of the building. Patrick noticed he actually could move through the hole. Carefully, he tested the foundation outside. Patrick almost couldn't believe it. There actually was space enough for him to stand. Determined, Patrick pressed through the opening. The harpy just suddenly seem to rise from the pavement. Patrick almost fell backward. The monster clawed at him. Patrick fired his shotgun. Nearly half her head was shot away. Patrick watched with disgust as the remains fell down from the castle. Then he noticed the reason for the sudden assault. Patrick stepped right into her nest. Every creature would defend its hide. Patrick figured he stood upon some old building structure. Perhaps Jacob was trying to repair the building after all. He had a look around. There wasn't much left of the thing anyway. Then he found something which reminded of a ladder. Grateful, Patrick began to advance. Then bones nearly hit him. Patrick noticed the skeleton was just above him. "The dead wander where they don't belong." Patrick muttered. The bone-man seemed to agree. Never the less, it threw more bones. Patrick prayed this bag of bones wouldn't explode. He remembered the entrance all to well. His prayer was answered. This wasn't a blue skeleton. A bullet ended its misery. Patrick reached the next level. He was breathing heavily. This really wasn't what he would mention as "fun". With a mental shrug, he dismissed the matter. Another trio of harpies where already approaching. The sun was about to set. Soon, it would be nightfall.

Amy watched Patrick from her hideout. She'd been to late. Her "sisters" had already noticed. Even now, she couldn't decide what to do. She wished to help him. Her heart screamed for her to do something. Anything! At the same time, there was something within Amy who forbid such action. She felt tears down her cheeks. Amy knew it was the power of Dracula. Chaos enslaved her soul. Just look what it did with the servants. The harpies was her family. They where all she got. Amy closed her eyes. Together with Patrick, they could create a family of their own. She was no born harpy. Amy tried to resist the dark side's temptation. She knew it would consume her. Why didn't she just give in? Amy knew she couldn't do that. It would be to betray everything. Susan once tried to flirt with her. Amy wished she'd told Jacob about it. Master Oldrey would've fixed everything. It was all her fault. Simona sat beside her. She'd told her about it. Patrick killed bogh Vera and Lizbeth. Amy tried to hide it. But she was happy. He'd killed Gretchen too. She knew it had to be this way. Gretchen was so young. She never should've come here. They watched as Patrick shot their sisters. Simona shrieked. "We should've come at him." The harpy argued. "Anna should've gathered the flock against him." Amy didn't answer. Simona muttered. "If only the darkside could've flied out in daylight." The comment made Amy shiver. "You shouldn't speak like that." She argued. "Nobody should've be given to those monsters." Simona shrugged. "I once spent a night with them." The French harpy smiled. "I actually liked it." Amy again shivered. This was why most harpies hated her. Simona was the darkside's escort. "You're a freak." Amy stated. Simona smiled. "Why not enjoy the pleasures of the flesh?" She looked down at Patrick. "I know you desire him." The comment made blood drain from her cheeks. "I knew it." Simona triumphed. "I saw it in your eyes." She licked her lips. "The flock will banish you for this." Amy was confused. Anger and despair clouded her judgement. Without really knowing what she did, Amy threw herself upon her enemy. For some time, they struggled. Amy broke the wing of her opponent. Simona screamed. Then Amy pushed her off of the platform. The scream seemed to echo in her ears. Horrified, she watched her sister fall. Amy felt chills all over her body. She'd murdered her sister. The tribe would surely kill her for this. What should she do? Amy sobbed like she hadn't done for years. Then she figured it out. There was no way back. Either count Dracula would kill her. Or, she could join the hunters. Amy didn't notice she spread her wings before she already was in the air. Her heart resonated with joy. Amy only hoped Patrick would like her.

Tower of art, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Acrya beheld her opponent. She had decided to continue her training. Acrya knew that, if she became a warlock, nobody would stand in her way. Morilin Cerebrindel was the magician of the red guard. The elf was not like Morrin. Morilin broke through her concentration. His green shroud never seem to be in the same spot. Although his blonde hair was stained with sweath, he never seemed to grow weary. With a quick series of blows, he knocked the whip from her grasp. Morilin insisted to use traditional weapons. He was a true master of the sword. She was no bad fencer. But she'd decided to try a whole new type of offensive. The nine-tail was a master's weapon. The different tails where made of all sorts of material. Some treads even where made of pure energy. "Exelent." Morilin stated. "But you still need control." Acrya acknowledged the statement. She always had been quick and athletic. But this was all new to her. Still, the adition to her body made her quicker then ever. "You must decide." Morilin reminded while scratching his beard. "Anger is a powerful weapon." She knew this. He had repeated it several times. Still, she never grew angry. The elf meant what he said. "But even anger burns out." Morilin folded his arms within the sleeves of his robe. "In time, even stars burn out." Acrya did not seem to notice. She instead coldly speculated the best way to attack. "Hat is cold." Morilin said. "Hatred focuse and makes it stronger." Her expression never changed. "Anger, hate and agony is the basis for shadow." Suddenly Acrya moved. Morilin was on the defensive, sword in hand. Although she remained calm, she hated him. She knew it was part of her training. Acrya knew she could not master the fury of anger. Hate was different. It was not like agony. Aguny granted power. But you need to hunger. You need to decire the thrill of it. Acrya was not like that. The battle continued. She made an effort to focuse her hatred. She managed to force him backward. Even so, Acrya never broke through. Morilin achieved his power through the very battle. The thrill of their challenge was all he needed. Acrya had learned he was a level III master in the art of Aguny. She finally stepped backward. The feel someone was behind her made Acrya spin. It was Rowdain. "I have assembled the prisoners, as you requested." She lowered her head. Von Harrhausen deserved her respect. "Thank you." She said. A group of men was brought in. "You may leave." Rowdain's empty sockets seemed to view her carefully. "Very well, my lady." Acrya felt triumph rise inside her. It was the rank of a warlock. There still was much to do. The second step on the dark path was to release the power upon an object of choise. She would release her hatred upon Patrick Lecarde. He wasn't here. Then Acrya would release it upon his tribe. Patrick was human. She hated humans. Their species thought they ruled the world. They where ignorant fools. They knew nothing. The globe was home to multiple species. Which they all refused to recognize. It was an insult. Without mercy, without regret, she began to kill them. They tried to stop her. Fools! They could never stop her. She could aprishiate the power. She hurled them around by merely rising her hand. She summoned her hate in the form of blue fire. The cold flames tore her victims apart. Finally they where all dead. Gasping, she noticed someone was applauding her efforts. Morilin viewed her work. "Exelent." He said. "Really exelent." Acrya nodded. She did agree. "I feel your power." Morilin smiled. "You have awakened." Acrya lowered her head. She could feel it. A spark of coldness somewhere within her spirit. She could summon it whenever she choosed. It was marvellous. "Come." Morilin said. "Now it begins." He became serious. "The way of the dark side." He reached for her. "The way of the warlock." His words made her shiver. Suddenly she was afraid. "We need blood." Morilin remarked. "Your blood." There was a chapel inside the castle. Or, at least, there had been one, once upon a time. Acrya gave her command to Brenda Hamilton. She would be the lieutenant. For the next step. They needed solitude. Together, they would reveale her true name in shadow. That could only happen in a place which once was sacred ground. Acrya went with her master. She already had preseded the initial rituals. The science of the lizard shamans made the first step rather easy. To control your body. That was the first step. The second rite awakened her power. Morilin was right. This truly was exelent.

Execution tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Alastor was furious. The blasted man-beast had eluded him. The image showed that Patrick Lecarde was outside the tower. He was above him. The harpies destroyed everything. There was nothing he could do about it. The flock was outside his command. Anna was in charge. She answered only to the circle of blood. A pitty Giles De Reis or Actrise wasn't here. They would make her obey. Never mind that now. He would find him. Even if he was to chase him a century. Alastor put away his weapon. He turned and began to climb the staircase. There was one thing he could do. Over the net, he heard of the new delivery. "Let's see what he do now." Alastor growled. He activated the implant holo-comunicator. "Sargent." He instructed. "I want you to release the vulture-droids immediately." The image of the armourd division's sergeant, gave its salute. "I give you the coordinates." "Exelent sir." The sergeant answered. "I will be delivering the robots at once. Hail the count." Alastor returned the salute. The bucket better keep its promise. This wasn't like the old days. Then he would've led living undead into battle. Alastor threw it aside. He would have to focuse on the task at hand. He wasn't going to be fooled one more time.

Powerful winds made the fragile structure shake. Patrick didn't like it. He was afraid the thing would actually collapse. He tried not to think of it. Heavy rain fell upon the structure. The skeleton threw bones at him. Patrick fired his pistol. The bag of bones was shot to pieces. Patrick knew he had to be careful. There wasn't really plenty of candles up here. Amunition was rare. Patrick could've used plasma. But that would've drained his energy. Patrick reached for the crucifix. "Patrick!" The harpies where back. Patrick frowned. How did they knew his name? Never mind. The heavy rain somewhat obscured his view. The weather just suddenly altered. The rain began some minutes ago. His mixed bloodline gave him the sight of the wild. Never the less, even he got difficulty with spotting the enemies. The drowned little figure landed in front of him. "I mean you no harm." Patrick didn't trust her. "It's me." The creature said. She lifted bogh hands, as if to show him she wasn't armed. Patrick frowned. He almost recognized this being. "Amy?" He asked. "Is that you?" The little black girl really smiled. It lit up her features. "You remember me." She told nobody in particular. Patrick still got his weapon aimed at her. "Why are you here?" This might be a trap. "I'm not sure." The smile faded. Patrick actually saw tears down her face. "I surrender." She suddenly said. "I refuse the power of Dracula." Then she began to sob. Patrick didn't know what to do. Something inside him made Patrick embrace her. She held so tight to him. Patrick almost thought his ribs might snap. It didn't happen. "Oh Patrick!" The harpy almost screamed. "I killed my sister!" He didn't understand. Then she told him about it. "Simona discovered that I helped you." She looked away. Patrick got a feeling she didn't tell him everything. Then she looked back up. Her eyes where so naked. Pain radiated from her stare. "The tribe would've banished me if they knew." Again she began to sob. Patrick tried to calm her. Though he didn't know how. In situations like this, he felt so helpless. "We faught." Amy said. "I broke her wing." Fear filled her face. "I pushed her off of the tower. She's dead." Patrick didn't know what to say. Simona had been a human. He threw it aside. "I don't know what to say." He toutched his cross. "You didn't mean it." He exhaled. How could he tell what was the best? "You might hope she's free of Dracula's curse." The words seemed to give comfort. Amy cleaned her face. "What shall I do?" She asked. "I'll do whatever you ask of me." Something hit him. Patrick realized she really ment it. "Come with me." He said. "You don't need to do anything." Then he frowned. "I'm sorry." Patrick aimed at his shotgun. "But I think I'll be forced to kill other harpies." A look of loss went across her face. She really was such a cute little thing. She hung her head. "I know." He could barely hear her voice. "They hate you." Patrick nodded. He'd already noticed. Suddenly he bent down to kiss her. Patrick blushed. "Sorry." He said. "I didn't know why I did that." She didn't act like he expected. Amy's eyes actually lit with joy. "I know." She said. "You're stressed." The fact hit him like a fist. She was right. "You need to relax." Patrick shrugged. "It'll have to wait." He could rest when he was dead. Or, at least, when Dracula was gone. Amy let go of him. She acted a little shy. Patrick blushed. To late he figured she was naked like the last time he saw her. He inhaled. Patrick couldn't afford to be distracted. The statement was proven upon the second. An enormous boulder nearly hit him. Other harpies came his way. Was this a trick after all? "Amy!" One of them shouted. "Get away from him." Patrick didn't get it. She'd actually thrown herself in front of him. "I won't!" Amy decleared. "I love him!" Patrick was shocked. Was this what she concealed? "If you don't get away." Another harpy challenged. "You're dead." Patrick fired. The harpy who'd threatened Amy, got hit between her breasts. "Fear well Rita." Amy mumbled. The harpy was dead before reaching the floor. The remaining harpies shrieked. Then they arched down at them. Amy met the first in mid-air. Patrick threw himself sideways. The other monster then collided against the wall. Before she could react, Patrick ended her misery. The harpies faught like animals. Patrick didn't know what to do. He couldn't fire when they where so close together. Amy was wounded. She let go of her opponent. Patrick pulled the trigger. The bullet pierced her heart. Amy landed beside him. The harpy then fell to the floor. She got countless deep gashes on bogh shoulders and forearms. Patrick tried to pull her up. His gloves where stained with blood. "Sorry." She whispered. "I failed you." Patrick growled. He desided this woman shouldn't die. Almost forcefully, he made her to drink one of his potions. Patrick was unsure it would work on her species. The Lord was with them. He blessed Amy so she became healed. Patrick made the sign of the cross. Amy flapped her silvery wings. "Thank you." Patrick said, his face turned skyward. That was why he spotted their approach. Without warning, they came through the air. "What are they?" Amy asked. "Trouble." Patrick said. Then he reloaded the shotgun. This really wasn't good. The robots where unlike every he'd seen before. There was five of them in total. Lanky skeletal machines which looked like vultures. Razor wings buzzed through the air. "Hand over your weapons." This time, it didn't sound like a pre-programed order. Patrick reached for his crucifix. "I don't think so." The robots seemed to notice his statement. Without further warning, they opened fire. The rapid Ion struck where he'd just been. There wasn't much space to manouver. Patrick felt his hair stand on end. The metal exploded. He howled when hurling roses. The vultures dodged the offensive. Amy flew at them. The sudden attack seemed to confuse their enemies. They at least altered direction. Two of them continued to open fire. Patrick had to escape. Amy bombarded them with a rain of rocks. Patrick wondered where she got them. Never mind. Patrick released fire. He'd loaded the pistol with those blue bubble shots. He worried they might not work while raining. The enemy froze. Then it shattered. Patrick smirked. They might still defeat them. Then the second droid almost got him. Amy managed to harm one of the vultures. They didn't seem to boust shiled-generators. No matter. They wasn't going to give in. Although they could take several hits, Patrick knew he only needed to be shot once. Then they would win. "Aim for the rockets!" Amy shouted. Patrick almost couldn't believe it. The clever little harpy had figured their weak spot. Then the wall behind him collapsed. Patrick was almost buried. Within the opening, Alastor stared at him. Patrick dusted off his armour. He put away the pistol. "I thought you was dead." He said in an effort to hide his concearn. "I'm not defeated that easily." The werewolf-cyborg coldly remarked. Then Alastor ignited his blade. Patrick unsheated his own sword. This wasn't going to be easy. Alastor almost killed him the last time. He dismissed it. Patrick retained his true form. He made the sign of the cross. "Be with me." He whispered. Then his blade lit with man-beast plasma. They howled their challenge. Then they moved forward.

Patrick got one of the machines. Amy already destroyed two of them. But the remaining duo seemed to have figured her strategy. The vultures remained stationary while firing their weapons. Below her, Patrick faught against the lieutenant. Amy didn't mind about the cyborgs. They came from the demon castle. Or so she'd heard. The robots got other weapons up their sleeve. One robot released strange square devises. They exploded upon impact. The rain made it more difficult for the duo to nail her. She threw new stones. They made the flouting mines explode. She wished she got some of Patrick's explosives. Her lips still felt where he'd kissed her. Amy knew it had been a stressed reaction. Still, it gave hope. Hope he would one day kiss her because he want to. Amy shook her head. Why was she thinking such things? This was war. Love would have to wait for another time. She screamed. The sound somehow seemed to disturb the vultures. Before they could continue, Amy nailed one machine. She'd picked up the metal fragment from the ravaged structure. Funny, they'd themselves produced it. The remaining robot shot a single blue beam at her. She just barely managed to dodge. The sheer brute of the attack almost changed her prespective. The metal demon continued firing. Soon night would fall. Then the darkside would appear. Amy shivered. That couldn't happen. They had to defeat the robots and then escape. She went right beneath it. The robot turned. She shrieked. The robot had the agility of a living person. Rita almost killed her. Amy swore she wasn't going to die just yet. The robot shot quick bursts of strange bubbles. She'd seen their effect on the tower. She dodged and leapt. Amy even looped. She was no true air-acrobat. Her few experiences would have to do. She spun down upon her enemy. Amy screamed. The impact made the robot clumpsy. It tried to shake her off. No chanse. She wasn't going to release it in this millennia. The robot tried to open fire. The aim was terrible. Without mercy, she tore out the wirings which kept its jetpack working. "Send me a letter." She said while the machine fell to its death. She had to help her loved one. Patrick was involved with battle. Their blades eluminated the rainy afternoon. The hunter withdrew. Then he threw garlics at the werewolf. Somehow, Alastor simply seemed to block it. Then enflamed discs shot forward. Patrick deflected most of them. The rest he shot away with bursts of plasma. The werewolf snarled. Patrick threw himself forward. He was met by Alastor's blade. Amy shrieked. The sword was made of pure red energy. The weapon roared like a naked flame. It seemed like it would crush Patrick's weapon. The fencers whirled and dodged. Blazing plasma protected her beloved. "Kill him!" She shrieked like a cheer-leader. "I know you can do it." Then she was forced to dodge. Alastor shot enflamed projectiles at her. It gave Patrick an opening. Amy screamed with victory. Patrick's blade struck the werewolf's chest. Somehow, his armour protected him from damage. Sparks lit the area. Alastor growned. She heard the sound of flapping wings. Three of her sisters where approaching. They carried a boulder they'd taken from the rooftop. Amy shrieked her defience. All who knew where dead. Still, Amy didn't change side. "I love Patrick Lecarde!" She shouted. It became a slogan. The harpies shrieked. "You're a traitor!" Sara shot back. "You've betrayed us to the Belmont clan!" "Because of Dracula and his Chaos!" Amy answered. "You where humans once." They didn't seem to care. They let go of the rock. "We'll rape you for what you've done." Lena, she came from Sweeden, decleared. "Then we'll kill you." Cabrina said in a low voice. Amy felt nervous. She wasn't really a soldier. Then again, neither of them where trained fighters. She threw the last projectile. A rock of the size of an apple. Patrick's God made it hit Lena in the neck. Amy felt bad. The sound of crushed bones nearly made her throw up. The Swedish harpy was dead already. Sara screamed. The harpies tried to come at her from bogh sides. Amy let herself drop just as they came. Sara and Cabrina collided in mid-air. Amy laughed. Then they flew at her again. Sara seemed a little dizzy. Cabrina's face was twisted by hatred. "You'll die!" She threatened. "Not today!" Amy answered. She shot into the air. They continued chasing her. Amy hoped this would work. She'd often trid, but failed. This time, it just had to work. Amy spread her wings. Then she flapped them like Anna told her. A spreadshot of pointed feathers was released from her wings. She shrieked. Multiple feathers buried themselves within Sara's body. Blood rained down at the courtyard. Suddenly a blue bubble shot ended her misery. Amy had no time to worry about him. Cabrina wasn't down. The falling rain made it difficult to spot her opponent. Finally she saw her. Cabrina had gotten enough. She already was out of reach. Amy felt no victory. She would warn Anna about this. Amy was sure. This could only end with disaster. She got to warn Patrick.

Alastor got back up. That blow was not expected. Somehow the man-beast was better then he remembered. He snarled. Patrick smiled. "Human's pet!" Alastor spat. The man-beast howled. He threw garlics at him. Alastor channelled flames into his forearms. He crossed them in front of his face. The arms wasn't his own. The charged metal blocked the attack. His blade roared. Again red and yellow crossed each other. The narrow catwalk ment nothing to him. Patrick withdrew. "Coward." Alastor scolded. "You're no match for me." Patrick didn't answer. Alastor howled. The man-beast fired his weapon. The bullet hit his protection. "No!" The metal froze all over. "Ice!" It was hardly he could breathe. "How could you… " Patrick smirked. "Oh nothing really." The man-beast drew further backward. "Just something I picked up from Rouge." So, that explained it then. Rouge really was dead. The fox told the truth. Never the less. Patrick would die! Alastor threw himself forward. The next shots he blocked with his crystal. This sword-crystal they'd created expecially for him. Alastor was no warlock or wizard. But he got a faint talent for anger. The man-beast met him. For a moment they struggled for control. Then Alastor's other hand came up. Flames threw the man-beast into the abyss. Alastor watched as he tried to hold on. "Not as funny when you're the one hanging?" He scolded. "Good bye." He kicked Patrick's hands away. The man-beast threw him a final garlic. Alastor almost playfully blocked the explosive. "I won!" Alastor couldn't help but to howl his victory. "I don't think so." The werewolf blinked. How was this possible? "The game isn't over yet." The harpy shot upward. She carried Patrick in her arms. They landed in front of him. "You won't be so lucky next time." Alastor warned. "Are you sure?" Patrick challenged. "I am." The werewolf said in a low voice. Then he released fire. He didn't aim for his enemy. Instead he made the harpy burn. She screamed like a forsaken soul. "Amy!" The man-beast threw himself forward. He was so quick. Alastor didn't manage to block in time. The sword cut through his armour. Just where it was weakened after their last battle. "I'll kill you!" Patrick shouted. Alastor met him. The frenzy in his eyes told him he was telling the truth. Patrick would kill him. Alastor snarled. This really was the way he enjoyed it. The storm continued northward. Again the sky was clear. It was dusk. The contest waged on. Alastor laughed. This was it.

Tower of sorcery, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The sun was down. Night had fallen. Acrya looked calm. She went to kneel upon the open space to which Morilin Celebrindal beaconed her. "This place." The black elf said. "Is strong with the dark side." He smiled. "This was the worshipping ground of the castle." Acrya didn't answer. She where told only to speak when she was questioned. In her heart, she was afraid. "The time has come to submit." Morilin stated. "You have to embrace the power of the dark side." Acrya nodded. A warlock possessed wonderful abilities. They could manipulate the elements. They could command spirits to do their bidding. Acrya was ready. "I was Shaft's apprentice." Her mentor explained. "I am consecrated as priest in the old religion." Acrya acknowledged this statement. It explained much. Suddenly, without warning, Morilin threw strange green pouder into the fire. The torch lit with sudden blue flame. Green smoke filled the air. The scent was terrible. Shrouded in complete silence, the wizard summoned the three names of the Master. "Mephisto! Baal! Diabolo!" Acrya screamed. A circle of blue fire encaged them. Eerie disturbed voices, tortured beyond reason, filled the air. Then he came. Three enormous hooded faces emerged from the depht. "Time is short." Acrya felt like a trap was closing in around her. "You stand in the pressence of Shadow." One of the concealed faces warned. "Chaos is near." Another breathed. "I bring before you this soul." Morilin said with struggled calm. "See through you, we can." The three voices spoke in unison. Even in this form, their presence nearly destroyed her. Through dread and disgust, hate kept her focused. Hate was her only solitude. "I sence much hate in you." One of them whispered. Never the less, the voice threatened to crush her against the backside of her own skull. "Then make the sacrifice." Acrya knew what had to be done. She removed one of her metal coverings. "I give this blood for power." Acrya said as Morilin cut deep into her palm. The crimson liquid stained the floor. Then yellow light lit between the faces. For a brief moment, Acrya looked into the heart of Darkness. The core opened to reveal what was the right of a warlock. "Open yourself." The voices demanded. "Give in to the power of the dark side." The evil star symbol landed within her grasp. Acrya gasped. The metal was so cold. There was like something within her froze. Then it snapped. "Give yourself to Chaos." She felt like something preshious was stolen from her. Everything altered. Fear and disgust faded. She felt nothing but desire. Hate was what kept her from throwing herself into the abyss. "I feel the power." Acrya breathed. "Darkness is generous." They told her. "They hide from us the truth of ourself." The first voice boomed like thunder. "It grants gentle dreams to hide from us what we cannot accept." The second voice was colder then winter's heart. "Our truth lay in shadow deeper still." The third voice spoke. It sounded like poison. Acrya put on the neclase. "They hide our secret within name behind name." They seemed to look right into her soul. "I understand." Acrya was quick to say. "Do you?" The voices asked. Acrya didn't know what to say this time. She really didn't know what they where speaking about. Then the full intensity of their presence hit her. Acrya was thrown, face first, upon the floor. "You are Black Inviktus." The voices decleared. "The world shall fear your name." The warlock shreeked. The pain then became pleasure. She gasped. Then Acrya achieved control. She rised. "Thank you, my Master."
She meant every word. "Time is over." The voices howled. Again they where chained. The faces disappeared. The fire went out. The rite was over. Although it left them drained, and with certain sadness, it was worth everything. Black Inviktus felt her power. Morilin looked shaken. "It is done then." His cape was black. The colour-cloth altered due to its person's condition. The warlock didn't mind. She made her move. Black Inviktus threw her whip at him. Then she ignited her weapon. The saber was the second gift from shadow. Morilin was prepared. He met her, sword at the ready. "I don't think so." He said. A sudden smile went across his face. "You are not ready for the sixth step." Although she concealed it, she was shocked. "They bestowed Dracula's power upon you." He stated. "But it was I who destroyed your soul." So, that was what they took from her. The warlock was not concearned. "I have achieved greater power." She figured it out then. Morilin was still one step ahead of her. Black Inviktus smiled. She would destroy the soul of her enemy. Thus, she could gain revenge, and also gain more power. She put away her weapon. "You are right, my master." She lowered her head. Morilin returned the favour. "No longer." He said. "You have to decide for yourself." His face adapted a grave expression. "Your jouerney begins." The warlock lowered her head. "The Master will use you." She said before leaving.

Tower of science, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Armageddon stood upon the walkway. The winds where terrible up here. The droid-captain didn't mind. The information was astonishing. "You are sure?" He repeated his question. Although the inplant communicator gave no visual image, he could imagine the sargent's certainty. "The data is correct." He insisted. Although his voice was blank, like his armour, he recognised the urgency. "Sting is in charge. Black Inviktus is ready to take up command if you wish for it." This was glorious. It was more then he could ever expect. "Tell the lieutenant and warlock that they have my respect." The robot acknowledged. Then it gave the salute. "Hail the count." Armageddon returned the salute. Then he ended the communication. This settled the matter. The line would not be broken. Armageddon inspected his systems. He'd instructed the sergeant to send him the robots. The new development made it impossible. However, it didn't mean anything. Armageddon could wait. The catwalk between the towers where the perfect battle ground. The man-beast would arrive. The last repport came from this area. Armageddon was ready. He'd instructed the personel to give him the coordinates if any new development was discovered. He would do what he must. Patrick Lecarde would pay dearly for having killed his officers. Alarms made the silence shatter. Armageddon immediately activated his communicator. "Intruder alert!" The group-leader informed. "Intruder… " The transmission ended. Armageddon charged his weapons. The enemy was near. Armageddon withdrew. The bodyguards stepped in fromt. The battle began.

Execution tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Lucy flapped her wings nervously. She, Angela and Jasmine approached the scene of the battle. Alastor and the intruder was involved in combat. "They're really good." The German harpy commented. Jasmine nodded. Lucy didn't know what to say. The men where to close. They couldn't let go of their boulder. Not without taking bogh of them. Anna wouldn't like it if they killed the lieutenant. Suddenly the Chinese harpy shrieked. "Amy is wounded!" Jasmine was Amy's friend. Lucy cried her anger. If the vampire hunter had even toutched her… "He shall pay with blood!" Angela decleared. They let go of the stone. "I see what I can do." Lucy said. "Roger." Jasmine answered. "We'll kill him, sister." Angela promised. They then shot toward the battle. Lucy settled beside the black harpy. She didn't like this. Amy looked bad. She'd been burned. Lucy didn't know what to do. Anna was their mother. She'd decreed that her daughters always should carry medicines with them. Lucy carried a med-box. She became busy with cleaning Amy's wounds. There was not much she could do. Lucy wished she'd contacted the salesman. Renon would give her his potions. Lucy had no money. But she kept other things of value. Behind her, the vampire hunter released stakes. Jasmine was dead. Angela got difficulty with getting close. Lucy hardly got it. The man could face bogh them and Alastor at the same time. Lucy shrieked. Her friend was dead. Alastor moved. The hunter shot him in the side. Frost covered the impact. The werewolf howled. Lucy was unsure of what to do. Amy moved. Lucy turned. Perhaps they could still kill him. Then nails cut into her wings. Lucy screamed. "Traitor!" She accused. "Backstabber!" Amy didn't argued. Burned and wounded, she was still more then a match to her. Lucy felt a sudden sadness. She knew she would die. "Sorry, sister." Amy whispered. "But I love him." Lucy closed her eyes. Then the vampire hunter shot her. A great weariness settled upon her. She was hit in the heart. Lucy fell forever.

The werewolf kicked him. Patrick nearly fell from the tower. He groaned with pain. Alastor hit him across the chest. Glory be God! The armour didn't break. Still, Patrick got the air pressed from his lungs. The ribs ached. He was afraid they might be broken. No time for that now. Alastor clawed him in the face. Patrick sent him some garlic. The explosion forced him backward. Patrick knew he'd missed. Alastor struck at him. The roaring blade went just beside him. Patrick growled. He met the werewolf hand to hand. The cyborg was good. He had to admit it. Again they faught. Patrick had to do something. He was growing weary. He couldn't keep this up forever. Alastor would even kill him or push him off from the building. Plasma or garlic couldn't help him. Alastor was prepared. Patrick pressed forward. Although Alastor was forced to retreat, he didn't get through. Alastor just was better then him. Patrick threw stakes at him. The werewolf got hit in the side, the one he'd wounded already. Alastor snarled. Patrick grinned, although it never reached his eyes. Then Patrick became shot himself. The werewolf was back up. He threw enflamed discs. Patrick howled. The pain seemed to consume him. He tried to keep moving. Patrick brought up his sword just in time. The battle continued. "You're good." Alastor admitted through griened teeth. Patrick didn't answer. He was burned. His body ached. Alastor was also damaged. It was only a question who would give in first. Patrick grimaced. This was like when he faced Rouge. The cyborg where powerful. If only Heinrich was here. Patrick blocked another series of discs. He was weary. He'd been fusing his blade for quite some time. Alastor seemed to notice his condition. "You don't get away this time." Patrick shook his head. He stepped backward. Then he tripped upon one rock. He fell on his back. Patrick hoped he didn't break the vials. Patrick lost his weapon. Alastor smiled. "So it end." Patrick saw the blade go for him. He desperately tried to reach his weapons, any weapon. Then Amy was there. Although she looked beaten, the harpy was determined. Alastor was caught of guard. "Get away you blasted bird!" He shouted. Amy didn't react. She dived beneath his blade. She screamed when he cut her feathers. Alastor laughed. Then Amy pushed him backward. The werewolf staggered, then he fell. Patrick got back on his feet. He looked down the structure. Alastor used some sort of claw-shot to climb back up. Patrick looked for his weapon. "Here." Amy picked it up. "Thanks." He smiled. Patrick got to work. He channelled the blade with new plasma. "Patrick!" Alastor shouted. He must've figured his approach. "You don't dare!" Patrick was immovable. He didn't like it. Sometime, you have to do what must be done. Without mercy, he cut the claw. Alastor howled. Then the werewolf disappeared among the shadows. Patrick watched him fal. "May the Lord forgive you of your sins." He muttered. Then the wounds caught up with him. Patrick fell to his knees. "Amy." He said through griened teeth. "In my backpack." The harpy opened the bag. "The potions." He instructed. He couldn't breath. The ribs must've pierced his lungs. "Quickly." He said. "Or it'll be to late."

Amy winched. Although Lucy did her best, the burns where still painful. She gave Patrick his medicine. The potion was powerful. It healed every bruishes. Patrick removed his armour. Amy gasped. Beneath the metal, and that heavy old tunic, he was clad only in a plain shirt and military-type trousers. His upper body was cowered with scars. Patrick was busy cheking his rib-cage. Amy couldn't believe it. Why hadn't he trouble? Why wasn't he crying? "He didn't fooled me." Patrick commented. Amy threw it aside. "Is there someway I can help you?" The man-beast shrugged. "Not really." He tore his eyes off of her. Amy blushed. She realized her nudity confused him. Amy tried to hide it. "Don't be shy." Anna told her. "You have a nice body. Young and healthy." Amy faught back the memories. This wasn't the time. Patrick mumbled something she didn't figured. Then he unfolded the contract. "How may I be of… " Renon became silent. "How rude." The salesman frowned. "But I must say, young lady." Amy smiled. She couldn't help it. Renon was, after all, a rather conservative being. "Sorry about that." Patrick tried to hide his glee. "I summoned you because you might do something about it." Amy grew rigid. He wasn't going to choose her way of life. "I wondered if you might get me something." Suddenly, Patrick smiled. "Something sexy which fit a harpy." The salesman crossed his arms in front of himself. Amy giggled. "Sorry for being rude." She said. "But I made you an injustice." Patrick threw it aside. "It doesn't matter." He turned his back. "But this is serious." Amy got it. "I know." He was in the midst of war. Patrick couldn't aford to be distracted. The thought the man-beast got nervous by her looks, was almost funny. "I think I might have something." Renon said. "Here." He presented the sort of armour Ruth would wear. Ruth was Dracula's bride. She served in the military. Shanoah killed her in 1810. Because of her, the female vampires in the army, all got the same name. Amy dismissed it. Rumours where about. She put on the outfit. The bra and ounderwear was produced by nice leather. Amy put on the metal plates. Strange, but it felt good to dress again. "Here." The salesman handed her a pair of sandals. She put them on. Patrick gave her a potion. It healed her burns. "How much?" Patrick asked. "500 Euro, sir." Renon explained. Patrick muttered. "That's robbery!" Amy shouted. "It can't be that much." Renon tipped his hat. "Excuse me." He said. "But times are hard." "Just drop it." Patrick said. Amy crossed her arms in front of herself as Patrick gave him the money. "Thank you sir." Renon bowed. He disappeared. "Strange fellow." Patrick commented. Amy shrugged. "There are strange stories about him." The man-beast nodded. "I guess." He began to redress himself. Amy flapped her wings. "I guess we better get going." Her sisters might be back any time now. The battle must've attracted attention. "I'm ready." Patrick put on his gloves. Then he pulled out his pistol. Amy sent it an interested look. "Nice thing you got there." She said. Patrick shrugged. "It's a hairloom." He said. "They say Collor made it." Amy frowned. Back when she was a servant, she'd heard about him. Legends told he was the husband of Carrie's cousin. She dismissed it. Patrick began to climb the ladder. Amy wished she'd purchased some weapons while Renon was still around. She felt wounrable. She might find something within the candles. Not that it was many of them up here. The wall collapsed. Amy almost expected Alastor to be back. The skeleton threw bones at them. Amy didn't get it. This was Susan's tower. She amused herself by laying bricks on her brides. Patrick muttered something about the dead. Then he shot the bones to pieces. A second came through the wall. "This is Christie." Patrick said. Amy didn't understand. She dropped it. Amy got to figure out a way to aid him. She knocked down one candle. Amy frowned. Inside, she found an axe. The harpy guessed this was what the Belmont clan would call a throwing axe. She couldn't do that. It was to heavy. Amy picked it up. Although she couldn't hurl it, she could use it as a weapon. The bone-man threw at her. Amy dodged as she moved in close. She bit her teeth together. Then Amy beheaded the skeleton. The bone-man fell into a heap. "Get away from there!" Patrick shouted. Amy turned. She didn't understand. Then the skeleton exploded. "That's why I warned you." Patrick explained. "It was one of those explosive skeletons." Amy hung her head in shame. She forgot he knew more about Dracula's monsters then she did. Strange, when she was one of those monsters. "You don't need to… " Patrick began. She cut him short. "I have to." She stated. "Wherever I go, whatever I do, nobody will be waiting for me." Patrick looked her right in the eyes. "I'll see to that my clan, the man-beasts, will take you in." Amy almost began to sob. The man-beasts where one of the few who still bid them welcome. Because of Coenell. He received help from one of their species. "You don't need to." She tried to tell him. But the tears made it impossible. "It'll be alright." He assured her. Amy wasn't so sure. The harpies was feared, and hated. "The Belmont clan might help." Patrick said. The name sent chills down her spine. She hadn't listen that carefully when Simona told of her discovery. Now she got it. Amy folded her wings protectively around her. "The Belmonts." She hissed. "They hate me." She was terrified. "They'll kill me!" She almost shrieked. "How can you deal with them!?" "They're my friends." Patrick simply stated. Amy remembered. Back when this was an ordinary home, Heinrich and Alicia Schneider used to come on visit. "Listen up." Patrick said. "When Thomas and I was forced to leave, the Belmonts protected us." Amy couldn't believe it. "They know of your linage?" She asked. After she became a harpy, she got to know many things. The Dark Lord's followers often spoke of his ancestors. About young master Alucard and Jeremiah Oldrey. They where vampires. "Corenel could've been a powerful lord of shadow." She pointed. "They still honour him you know." Patrick looked away. "He sacrificed the beast side because there was no other choise." He return her gaze. "Corenel loved his sister. Ada was the mother of the Oldrey family." He got serious. "She gave us her power." His hand lit with man-beast plasma. "Love was the reason why we survived the demon castle war." Amy looked away. "The marage between Cathrina and Peter was important." Patrick continued. "The mixed bloodline made us become dark-breeds." He reached for his crucifix. "But it doesn't matter. Even though we wander in the night, we might choose to stand in the light." Amy nodded. He was right. "The Belmont clan knew about this." Patrick said. His eyes searching for enemies. "Julius Belmont was there when it happened. He told his family." Patrick actually smiled. "Alucard gave them support when needed. He helped them bogh in 1496 and 1797." Suddenly he fired. A harpy fell from the sky. Amy almost jumped. "She spied on us." Patrick said. Then he jumped across the open air. The explosion made part of the structure collapse. Amy could've flown him across. She instead poundered the information he gave her. She always heard the Belmonts where brainless slaughters. The Schneider cousins seemed friendly. Amy hoped they where around. Simona said it was a man. She didn't know much of the family anyway. She'd once heard the Morris clan still lived in Warakiya. Although she never saw them. Alicia and Julia once argued about the state of the Graves and Kishine fractions. Amy dismissed the matter. It wasn't her business. She went to reach up with Patrick.

The villa mansion, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Diter Hauser snapped to attention. "Watch out!" He called for his comrades. The body fell upon the pavement. The red knights moved into position. Diter had been a vampire since the second great war. He originated from Sudetenlandt. "Move on." He commanded. Narsil and Nichu went to inspect. "It's a werewolf." The elf reported. "The Master use us!" The fox exclaimed. "It's Alastor Lupine, the droid-lieutenant." Diter turned to give the robots instructions. Then he suddenly lay on the floor. The corpse had exploded. Diter got up. The vampire was grateful he bousted no armour. It just would've made things more difficult. The knights which went to inspect, where bogh dead. The debries even destroyed some of the robots. The corporal was already busy with the report. The sergeant would have to know about this. The captain had to be informed. Celia was dead. He'd been interested in her. The med-team had arrived. Diter wondered who might've killed Alastor. The officer was known as a hard and seasoned warrior. "The captain is informed." The corporal relayed. "He has moved into action." Diter shrugged. "What're we going to do?" Nibera, another fox, asked. "Until we get new orders." Diter answered. "We are to remain here." The shamans where about to remove the corpses. Some organs might still be useful. Diter was a vampire. He didn't mind about eternal rest. His coffin was down in the basement. The knights moved into position. The training had been worth it. He gave Celia a last look. She'd been one of the renegades until she joined the Dark Lord. He let her go. There would be other women. He got back to his post. The Master would use them anyhow. Nobody was going to get beyond this point. That he was sure of. Diter reached for his evil star symbol. The beast-riders retained their patrolling. They got a whole little army, just in case. This was one of the key-locations within the castle. Diter was proad to command such a company. He would serve count Dracula, no matter what. "Hail the count." He muttered.

Execution tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Anna was furious. "Are you sure?" Maria stood her ground. "The hunter killed my sister." This was impossible. Not since the 19th. Century something like this had occurred. So said the storytellers. "She betrayed us mother." Maria was actually close to tears. "You don't need to be sorry." Anna was no born harpy. But even those who came from the castle, looked to her for leadership. Anna did not intend to disappoint them. "They'll be here soon." Maria cut into her line of thoughts. "Then so be it." Anna said. She flapped her wings. "Gather as many of my daughters as you can reach." She could at least make an effort to clear up this mess. "Prepare for battle." Maria lowered her head. Lord Dracula bestowed his power on her. She hoped he would be proad of her. She watched the harpy leave. The hunter got to die. That was the law. Anna threw a look down the walkway. Should she tell the cyborgs about this? She dismissed it. This was a case between her own species. Amy had to be brought to justice. Nobody betrayed the flock. Nobody, not now, not ever. Anna spread her wings. She was ready. Anna felt Dracula's power rise inside her. She'd been an escort all her life. She'd learned to please her customers. The Dark Lord was different. He gave her what she wanted. As a harpy, she got to decide her own destiny. Anna promised herself she would grow powerful. Nobody was to harm her ever again.

Patrick groaned. The bones felt like nails dugging into his flesh. Amy shrieked. The skeleton threw more bones. Patrick shot it with his pistol. Somehow he missed. "Damn it." That was the last of this round. He would have to reload it later. He dodged as another row of bones came his way. This was another of those blasted explosive skeletons. Then Amy flew in. She picked the skeleton up from the building. Patrick shook his head. He hardly believed this. "Bye bye boney." Amy said as she let go. "Oh bring back my boney to me." Patrick muttered. It where words from an old song. One he heard in school. Never mind that now. Patrick didn't wait for the harpy's return. He still was somewhat confused by her. She said she loved him. Amy was attractive, no questions asked. She even could become a convert. Dracula still had no hold on her soul. Who knew? The defeat of that devil might give her back her future. The problem was that, even if he was to bind with her, they would get no children. Patrick wondered if she knew about that. He guessed part of her wished for a normal life. Not that all women demanded descendants. Patrick stood his ground. Until Jesus returned, he had to keep up the linage. That was the only way to counter the threats from the underworld. Amy got involved with another harpy. Patrick used this opportunity to reload his pistol. Amy made quick work of her. The other harpies kept no arm. Patrick felt slightly pitty about them. They where all females from his childhood. This way was the only possible if he wished to release them from Dracula's curse. Some of them may already have chosen this destiny. It was Aaron's fault! He released the curse. Susan helped him. Patrick hoped she where in Hell. It was a bitter thought. But she deserved it. He climbed another ladder. Amy's shriek reached him just as another harpy picked him up. Amy was involved with battle. They'd taken the axe from her. The third harpy brought him away from the structure. Patrick watched Saria's medallion fall into the abyss. This way he couldn't keep his promise. He would have to think further about it later. He struggled to break away. They reached the top of the tower. A walkway reached further toward the castle. Patrick didn't mind about the overview. The other birds of Greek mythology carried Amy to their position. "Anna!" Amy shouted. "Let go of him." Patrick hoped she didn't mean it the way it sounded. "But of course, daughter." The harpy teased. "But then your beloved would die." Patrick figured they knew it. This might be a test. "Keep quiet." He thought. "Tell her to let me go." They wasn't that high up from the tower. If she let him fall, Patrick might still save himself. "Anna, please." Amy pleaded. "Let him go." The harpy shrieked. "He'll die!" Then she really let go of him. Patrick prayed with all his heart. The Lord was with him. Patrick managed to land cat-foot and ready upon the platform. The harpies shrieked about it. "Hold her." Anna demanded. He looked up. The monsters kept Amy away. The one she called Anna dived among the shadows. A layer of transparent mist obscured the landscape. Patrick wondered if the vampires controlled the weather. Anna suddenly emerged. She rised like a deva from Hell. She was glorious. Strings of dark hair framed her features. She carried nothing but an evil star symbol. Patrick shuddered. She really was desirable. He shook his head. "Give in Venus." He muttered. "I'm not going to be fooled this time." He thought of the lady in the well. She was disgustive. The memory cleared his mind. He thought of Amy. Patrick reached for the crucifix. "Let's dance." He muttered. The harpy shot at him. Patrick made the sign of the cross. The pistol wouldn't help him. Anna was to quick. It was just barely he dodged her. The harpy returned. She flapped her wings. Patrick almost got blown off of the platform. The air chilled him. Patrick refused to give way. This bad excuse for a woman wasn't going to kill him. She shrieked. Patrick smiled, though it never reached his eyes. "Come on." He challenged. "Dinner is ready." Anna's shreek summoned other harpies. This was bad. Patrick licked his lips. Then he gathered more power. The harpies where shot down. Smoldering holes revealed where plasma hit home. Patrick felt somewhat pitty about them. He got no time. Anna spread her wings. This time he nearly got thrown off of the building. This really was the execution tower. Patrick mentally kicked himself. It was all rubbish. Anna came for him. Patrick shot her. The harpy shrieked like a forsaken soul. Smoke rised off from her leg. Patrick snarled. He'd missed. The harpy spread her wings. A spread-shot of pointed feathers was released on the battlefield. Patrick winched. Some of them went through his armour's openings. Then Anna picked him up. Patrick buried a stake into her side. An obscure image entered his mine. What if he dug it into her… It was the power of Dracula. Never would he do things like that. "Forgive me." He landed upon the tower. Patrick reached for his cross. He would tell father Nathan about this. Perhaps he knew how to pay for it. Anna released more feathers. They where a strick reminder to keep focused. Blood went down the side of her body. Patrick picked feathers from his protection. He released a flurry of plasma. Still, he missed altogether. The shreek made other harpies to gather around the area. Three of them threw one of those boulders. The impact made a hole in the floor. Patrick threw garlic at them. The trio simply exploded. Two more brought him away from the battlefield. "Time to roll the dice." Patrick muttered. He stamped them with his crucifix. The harpies burned. Patrick managed to save himself. He climbed back on the rooftop. Anna was there to meet him. Patrick threw himself sideways. The feathers missed him this time. "Glory be the Father, the Son and to the Holy Ghost!" Patrick summoned. He made the sign of the cross. Anna cursed him. Patrick didn't care. He awaited her move. Anna suddenly came for him. Patrick knelt. Then he threw a wild rose. She managed to dodge the explosion. Never the less, the blast sent her hard against the floor. Patrick was on the move. He threw stakes at her. One of them actually pulled through. She was hit in the stomach. Patrick smirked. The harpy screamed. Other harpies came to throw boulders at him. Things began to get out of hand. Patrick dodged. He burned them with plasma. Patrick threw other stakes. Four harpies was exterminated. Then the last harpy picked him up. Before he could stop her, she brought him far away from the platform. "Time to die little hunter." She hissed into his ear. Patrick tried to gather himself. The harpy let go of him. The man-beast fell toward the floor. A miracle had to happen, or he was dead.

Amy strangled her sister. She shouldn't really be forced to do this. The blue face would haunt her forever. Maria was no bad person. She kicked the corpse away. The other harpy she'd already gotten rid off. Amy watched Patrick fall. She flew to retrive him. "I'll never let you fall." She told him. Patrick muttered. His armour was still weath with rain. It didn't smell good. Amy had no mind about it. Although she was smaller then him, she could easily carry two grown men. Her strength had multiplied since the transformation. Amy put him down on the tower. "So lovely." Anna scolded. "You saved your loved one. Beauty gained the beast. And there is a happy ending." Then Anna shrieked. "I'll make you suffer!" Patrick made the sign of the cross. The gesture made Amy a little nervous. She expected lightning to strike her. She'd seen his cross burn her sisters. Anna spread her wings. Multiple pointed feathers rained across the area. Or so it seemed. Patrick muttered about it. Amy wasn't quite sure what to do. Should she attack her own mother? The man-beast shot plasma to might protect himself. The floor was broken on two occations. Anna came at them. Amy nearly gasped. She was so quick. Patrick threw himself sideways while hurling garlics. One of them actually hit her mother. "The feathers might curse you." Amy whispered. "She holds Dracula's power." Patrick merely nodded. "No surprise." Was his only comment. Another group of harpies emerged. Amy got into the air. She got to protect him. Her sudden assault made her sister drop the boulder. Amy wondered where they got it. Never mind. They circled around her. The armour gave her some protection. She kicked Malina in the chest. Her claws made quick work of her. Coney and Petronella kept their distance. Amy spread her wings. She released feathers. It was nothing compared with their mother. But the harpies where confused. She get into close hand to hand combat. Amy managed to break the neck of the Russian sister. Then Coney brooke loose. She went for Patrick. The man-beast threw wild roses. There was no candles around. Amy wondered how long he would be able to keep up. Patrick made her sisters explode. She couldn't help but to shed a few tears. Her sisters left behind new items. It was the nature of Chaos. Their energy would turn into objects which could help the hunters. Anna was alone. Their mother was furious. She almost pushed Patrick away from their nest. The strong winds made it difficult to manouver. Amy flapped her wings hastefully. Patrick climbed back up. "Stronger we are in the name of the Lord!" He shouted, presenting his cross. Anna shrieked. She shot directly into him. She hammered him against the floor. "Patrick!" Amy screamed. She couldn't let this happen. Patrick was ahead of her. Her mother burned. Patrick must've used his cross on her. Anna still managed to lift into the air. She made feathers rain down upon him. The man-beast staggered. She couldn't allow this to continue. Amy did what she had to. She collided with Anna. "Get away from me." Anna demanded. Amy didn't answer. She clawed her at the neck. The evil star symbol was tore away. The harpy screamed. "Sorry." Amy said. She then tore her neck open. Blood splashed all over her. Anna was already dead. Her body began to burn. Strange, the flames didn't hurt her. She landed upon the walkway. Before her lay a strange crystal ball. Patrick leaned heavily upon the fence. "It's a soul container." The man-beast explained. "It might restore anyone who toutch it." Amy looked upon him. Patrick knew many things. He shrugged. "Heinrich told me about them." He said. Amy shrugged. "Then you should have it." Although the battle left her weary. It was Patrick who needed it. He should fight against Dracula. "Take it." She encouraged. Patrick returned her gaze. Then he nodded. He didn't seem to like it. But he did. He picked it up. Light seemed to consume him. Amy blinked. He was there. Patrick seemed alright. Amy smiled. Before she knew it, she got her arms around him. Patrick answered her gesture. For a moment they just stood there. Then Patrick let go of her. "I'm sory." He said. "It was I who should've killed her." Amy looked down. She wasn't proad of herself. She tried to act cool. "It had to be done." The image of Anna's face would hunt her forever. The look of betrayal was terrible. Anna looked so alone. The mist still obscured the landscape. She dried away tears. "Get down." Patrick said. Amy heard them before they approach. She immediately did as she where told. The destroyer-droids then outfolded. Patrick got away just as the robots opened fire. Two new destroyers unfolded right behind them. Amy got into the air. The four robots made the area into a minefield of destruction. A flash of plasma marked Patrick's location. He blocked their shooting with incredible speed. He dived sideways. Then he got close enough. His blade cut one destroyer in half. The second was soon reduced to scrap. The battle continued. Row after row of super battle-droids came marching down the catwalk. Amy wished she could help. There was no way. She was no match against a battle-droid. Not without some weapon. Patrick was among the robots, cutting them down. Amy watched with amazement. He was truly incredible. The remaining destroyer-droids where blown to pieces. Patrick still got some roses. He retrived the items they left behind. The remaining droids withdrew. Then two lanky robots she hadn't seen before moved into action.

Tower of science, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Black Imperius watched with amusement. The man-beast was exelent. Like he expected. The captain had no idea he was watching. The Phantathian priest trailed him from the tower. The man-beast proved well against the lesser robots. They where useless things anyway. The shadow droids had been sent into battle. They would surely kill the opponent. There was only created some 100 of these series. The programmers noticed a flux in their bild-up. Not that Imperius really cared about microprocesors nor hardware, he knew of this condition. Victor Frankenstein fused them with shadow. It made unclean spirits dwell inside them. Imperius hissed. They had become like individual beings. He was not, like his lesser cousins, marvled by technology. Science should be the way to produce a better way of life. Nothing more, nothing less. The shadow droids attacked with electrified weapons. They twirled and twisted like intelligent creatures. Although shaped like black skeletons of metal, their dark robes made them become shadows deeper still. The man-beast met them hand to hand. Imperius tightened the grip on his cane. He held off against bogh of them. Gloved hands twirled staffs almost quicker then the naked eye could see. The robes left their naked legs and arms to be seen. The man-beast cut through one skull. He was a fool if he thought that was the end. The body-guard still had one receptor left to continue the battle. The second droid was hit in the chest. Their shielding held off against his efforts. Imperius let go of his rod. They would eventually kill him. Then a rain of metal pieces obscured the view. Imperius hissed. Of course. He had forgotten about the harpy. She distracted the body-guard robots. Patrick beheaded one of them. Its head fell to the floor. The headless body continued the battle. The second withdrew. Then it fired the input lasers they carried on bogh arms. Extraordinary! The enemy blocked each and every shot. He threw roses. The headless guard exploded. The man-beast leapt for the second robot. The battle continued. Imperius wondered what the captain would do when his beloved robots where destroyed. Interesting question. Armageddon was not to be underestimated. The man-beast ducked. He got back up, he could not believe it. The man-beast cut through its weapon. The robot fired. The enemy returned fire. The bolts went off the armoured mirror-glass which protected the shadow-droid. Then he got close enough to end the ordeal. Imperius watched as the dark-breed released a final flurry of garlic. He turned. Imperius got to reach the battlefield in time.

Execution tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Armageddon stepped forward. "Patrick Lecarde." He said. "You have to face me now." The man-beast viewed him carefully. The captain knew the recycled water, and the boubbles, obscured his features. "I am a shark." He said. "One of the very few which is left." The dragons nearly wiped out their species. Although it was almost a century ago, they hadn't forgotten. "I must congratulate you." He made a last internal test. All was ready. "You have reached the tower of science." The vocabulator worked perfectly. The mechanism revealed his distain. "I should've come for you the moment I was aware." The dark-breed moved into a defensive posture. "Then you didn't have all those fancy toys and equipment." The Lecarde clansman didn't answer. Armageddon acknowledged this. His opponent had become a warrior. He was dangerous. But then, he wasn't without weapons of his own. "You have only to defeat me." He challenged. "Then you might deactivate the central control-mechanism." Enough talking. Time to move along. "The computer controls the machines." He revealed. "It's destruction will immobilize my entire work-force." Finally, the man-beast nodded. A harpy drew close. This was unusual. He never saw a clad harpy before. She whispered in the man's ear. His scanners picked up their conversation. "Be careful." The harpy said. "That's Armageddon. He's the captain." The man-beast didn't seem alarmed. "I got weapons to defeat the cyborgs." The statement amused him. Armageddon got more then enough fire-power to vaporize a small army. "Put away your blade." Armageddon stated. "Such rubbish has no place here." The Lecarde descendant reached for his cross. Then he resheated his sword. Before he could produce another sidearm, Armageddon fired. Trippled missiles flew from the left-most side of his body. To top it of, he even released the harpoon. The weapon was concealed within his right shoulder. The harpy preceded him. She blocked off the rockets with pieces from his own droids. Patrick Lecarde easily ewaded his harpoon. The man-beast shot bullets at him. Armageddon crossed his arms in front. The energy-shield was activated. The flames couldn't harm him. The impact however sent him sprawling. He quickly got back up. They exchanged glances. The harpy circled the hunter. "Nice pet you got there." He taunted. "I agree she's a cute creature." Patrick Lecarde reloaded his weapon. "I hope you've got her already." Armageddon reset his weapons. "It's the last sex you're going to have." The harpy shrieked. His enemy fired. Armageddon blocked the offensive. Then he released his own projectiles. The explosion made the walkway shake. Black smoke concealed the surroundings. Armageddon activated his night-scan. The enemy wasn't going to escape.

Patrick felt his enemy move. It was the only way to describe it. The harpoon shot past him. He was quicker now. His father said it would be that way. Each man-beast would develop his or her power while training. The thought of Jacob was mournfull. He reached for the crucifix. Patrick's mixed bloodline was the source of many wonderful abilities. He didn't care. "Let's see if he might block this." Patrick muttered. He'd put in additional bullets. Two discs, two bubbles, and so on. He fired. The cyborg crossed his arms. Patrick smiled, though it didn't come from the heart. "Ice!" The cyborg shouted. "How could you… !" The shield froze over. The captain continued screaming. Patrick didn't mind. He fired another bullet. This time the armour actually froze. It didn't crack. Patrick summoned the Lord in his heart. "Watch out!" Amy shrieked. Another group of rockets came his way. Then Armageddon rised his hand into the air. "Never underestimate the power of the dark side." He said, sounding like a Darth Vader imitator. Patrick shivered. An electric spark lit in his hand. Patrick threw himself away. Electricity went along the floor. The sudden flash made portions of the bridge collapse. Patrick was grateful he didn't fall. Amy hurled stones at the cyborg. Trippled torpedoes rammed the side of the museum tower. Pieces of stone was scattered along the area. The harpoon nailed his shoulder. The potion healed the wounds like they'd never been there. Without the medicine, he would've got multiple scars already. The captain pulled back his weapon. The metal chain reminded about the Cyclops droid within the villa. That blasted beast already sent another bolt along the floor. Patrick fired his pistol. The shot made the next round of rockets explode. He sent some roses. The impact sent the cyborg sprawling. He immediately got back up. His helmet crached like an egg against pavement. Water stained the floor. Armageddon brought off the remains. He then threw it on the floor. The shark looked even more terrifying when without the mask. He showed his teeth. "Did you really think that would defeat me?" His voice sounded somewhat different. "Like a fishman, I might breathe in oxygen-rich surroundings." He actually sounded like being underwater. Patrick nervously licked his lips. Armageddon looked like a vilian he once saw in a comic-book. Never mind about that now. Armageddon fired. Trippled missiles where released through holes in his body. Where was Amy? Patrick used garlic to defend himself. The cyborg officer made electricity go along the floor. Patrick jumped across. Luckily it was only a single bolt. Amy was involved with battle. Other harpies had arrived. Patrick fired his weapon. Armageddon blocked his offensive. He would have to reload his pistol. He wondered how much ammunition that shark got left. The captain seemed to have an endless supply. Another electrical current went across the walkway. Patrick was hit. He smashed against the wall. He felt like being stunned. He shook his head. Patrick was grateful he was alive. Armageddon shot his torpedoes. A single rose blocked the onslaught. "A pocket filled with flowers." Patrick muttered. His mother really was found of old lyrics. Armageddon aimed his harpoon. Before he could fire, Patrick sent him some blue bubble shots. The armour hold off. The impact made the shark turn all pink. Patrick smirked. He'd often gone fishing in the Uta lake. He knew how a healthy fish should look. Armageddon spat blood. He guessed it was blood. The liquid looked more like ink to him. "You're dead." The fish bubbled. The harpoon nailed him. Patrick graoned. The weapon hit him right where his arm joined with the shoulder. He was dragged toward Armageddon. Patrick gasped. The pain was terrible. "I'm going to dine royaly tonight." Armageddon taunted. "Let's see." Patrick groaned. He fired the remaining shots into his enemy. The shark groaned. He didn't let go. The armour cracked. Water, mixed with inkish blood, stained the battlefield. Amy was back. "You won't get him!" She shrieked. Her body was stained with other creature's blood. Patrick was proad he knew her. Amy looked like a princess of war. Somewhere she'd picked up a dagger. The weapon was large enough to work like a short-sword. Armageddon finally let go of him. The cyborg was busy dodging Amy's attack. Patrick got time to reload his pistol. "I warn you." The shark threatened. "Get away!" A spread-shot of ball-like projectiles shot from his arm. The flurry of explosives made the walkway shake. Rocks fell into the abyss. Patrick toutched his cross. Armageddon was crazy. Then the shark turned on him.

Amy watched the battle continue. She felt so helpless. Nothing she could do would help him. The captain was damaged. It didn't seem to stop him. Armageddon fired his missiles. Then he rammed the area with more of those bomb-like explosives. Patrick somehow escaped. He made multiple stakes hammer against his enemy. Amy was impressed. Still, the stakes didn't came through. He'd managed to destroy his shield. Armageddon tried to nail him. Patrick dodged the harpoon. Repeated explosions rammed the side of the tower. Armageddon was a berserker. Patrick got in from the side. He fired shots at him. The flames made the shark stagger. Patrick had one of his potions. Amy wondered how many he actually got of those. They really got in handy. A single harpy came into view. Amy was taken aback. She came with such speed that Amy didn't managed to block. Miranda clawed at her neck. Amy shrieked. She kicked the harpy in the stomach. Miranda got thrown into the side of the structure. A nasty sound of shattered bones made Amy feel sick. Miranda left a track of blood as she fell down the wall. "Forgive me." She whispered. Amy looked down on her hands. They where stained with the blood of multiple harpies. She was a kinslayer. Amy almost hated herself. Not even the love for Patrick seemed worth it. She didn't want to kill another of her sisters. Still, she knew she had to. Amy had pledged fealthy to the other side now. Patrick wouldn't understand if she turned on him. Amy didn't want to either. It was so simple. Her sisters, or Patrick. Amy thought she already had decided. Then why did it pain so much? Beneath her the battle waged on. Patrick was bleeding from new wounds. The cyborg seemed more unstoppable then ever. Although his armour cracked, and blood stained the floor, he continued fighting. Patrick fired. Armageddon was hit in the shoulder. Frost made the harpoon's launcher shatter into pieces. Armageddon answered with another bolt of electricity along the floor. Patrick was shot. He howled like a wolf. Amy didn't know what to do. Patrick seemed like being numb. He didn't move. Armageddon moved in for the kill. She wouldn't allow it. Before Amy really could consider it, she went for the captain. Without mercy she buried her blade into his back. The impact made the knife pierce his body. The cyborg fell backward. His eyes glazed over. Armageddon was dead before reaching the floor. Amy didn't mind. She flew to Patrick. "You made it." Patrick sounded like he didn't believe it. Amy blushed. "I didn't want you to die." She honestly said. Patrick nodded. Although he was damaged, although he was stained with blood, he was the most wonderful sight. More so when he put his arms around her. He held her forever. Then Patrick let go of her. She felt a little disappointed. Amy knew there was work to do. Never the less, she hoped they would get some moments to themselves. Patrick went to pick up some new bullets. Amy noticed they looked like smaller vertions of the captain's explosives. "Shock bombs." Patrick explained while reloading his pistol. Amy shrugged. She wished to fly back to the villa. There Amy could wash herself. Patrick looked like he could need a bath too. Something caught her attention. "Oh no." She exclaimed. The warlock had arrived. Like a Phantathian style vertion of Death, the snake-priest advanced. "Stay back." Patrick said. "I must face him alone." Amy only nodded. She was terrified. She'd seen the warlock only once. But even then, he'd struck her with horror. There was something about the children of Seth which made her feel tiny. Patrick unsheated his sword. The battle was about to begin.

Oldhill village, Warakiya. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Reichardt and Simon stood atop the stairway. "I wonder if he's still alive." Reichardt wondered. Simon shook his head. "Patrick is powerful." Reichardt smiled. Though, he was doubtful. "He isn't a Belmont." Simon made the sign of the cross. "Heinrich Schneider will keep his promise." Simon said. "I saw it in his eyes." Reichardt agreed. Heinrich kept his promise to hunt the night very seriously. Reichardt liked him. They'd spoken much during the holiday. "He won't stop for lack of trying." Simon agreed. More then 1000 years had passed since Leon Belmont. Sonia Belmont faught against Dracula in 1476. Alucard trained her. He only recently became a vampire. Reichardt was proad the Belmont clan trusted him with such information. Not much was known about the Belmonts in common lore. "Night is falling." Simon said. "I know." Much changed. Some of the villagers had returned. They said the undead only could produce children after seven years. Reichardt wondered how old Alucard was. He must've been born either before Dracula's captivity, which lasted from 1448 to 1456, or while being held at the court of the Hungarian king. The library wasn't one of the damaged buildings. The study was like before the ice. Not that Reichardt knew how to use a computer. He was just happy the books where still there. Not much literature had been preduced since those three years ago. "If Heinrich could release the prisoners." Simon said, breaking into his line of thoughts. "He might also defeat Dracula." Reichardt slightly shivered. It was cold out here. Simon noticed his condition. "Let's get indoors." He suggested. Reichardt agreed. They'd become friends. Strange, they didn't have much in common. Never the less, Reichardt was glad it happened. The church felt like a home. All since he left the forgotten village he didn't got a home. Simon went to kneel at the alter. Reichardt watched him pray. Simon was a better Christian then he would ever be. Reichardt knew they could never live ordinary lives. They where magicians. Not only magicians. They where the chosen children. They carried the crests of nature. Reichardt would have to find his own way of life. He went to kneel beside his friend. He really hoped God would listen to them. They really could use a miracle. Although some villagers had returned, Victoria's group didn't trust them. Deborah approached. She looked to be at peace. She'd been so worried when Alfred was gone. Reichardt thought she really loved him. He was glad on her behalf. "They told me about it." Deborah said. "Victoria and Wolfgang sent their own hunter." Reichardt gapped. "They didn't." Simon stated. "That's suicide." Deobrah lowered her head. "I know." "Who is it?" Reichardt asked. "Joseph Vincent." The redhead explained. Reichardt reached for his cross. This couldn't be. "It seems like Sora was right." Deborah smiled. It didn't look like she ment it. "History repeats itself." Reichardt nodded. He didn't agree. Nothing was ever the same. Still, the mere possibility frightened him. Heinrich told him about his family. "I hope the Lord will guide them." Simon said. "Let's hope." Reichardt said. He used to be good at school. Reichardt got a bright brain and a sharp eye for details. Now he was just afraid. Although things seemed to go their way, there still was long before sunrise.

Tower of science, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Black Imperius knew they where aware of his presence. The hissed breth was not something he could conceal. So be it. The warlock aimed his rod. Green flames shot at his enemies. The man-beast made plasma enchant his weapon. The flames where blocked. The priest hissed. The hunter was wounded. Never the less, he was not going to make mistakes. He knew the man was dangerous. He had proved his worth. Imperius hissed heavily. Like he got difficulty with breathing. "It is an illusion." He hissed. "You cannot defeat us. The emerald empress never will allow it." The man looked mystified. "He's a Phantathian snake-priest." The harpy whispered. "You do not know anything of our secrets." He breathed. "You have not been at the skull of Seth." The dark wanderers came to their holy of holiest. They came on behalf of the Dark Lord. The elders long spoke with them. The oracle told the truth. Imperius suddenly aimed his staff. The man-beast moved into a defensive posture. "Things are not always what they seem." Imperius hissed. The staff was shaped like that of a uprising snake. The head was made of perfect green jade. The man-beast looked confused. Imperius made a finishing gesture. He made four death masks appear. They would obey his every command. They spun into the air. His enemy moved. He threw boomerangs to might defend himself. Imperius gathered his power. Then he attacked. Four spheres of magic energy appeared. Elizabeth Bathory was not the only individual who knew about the four soul summoning. He moved. Imperius could appear at will. It was a craft afforded to him by his master. The spheres began to move. "Blasted!" The man-beast discovered his plot. Imperius reappeared. He threw green flames from his rod. The beast deflected his spell. The orbs would gather in time. Imperius summoned other masks. The harpy crushed them. He was hit by the boomerang. It cut through his cloack. He got difficulty with breathing. But he did not loose control of his spell. The man-beast shot him with his pistol. The warm and cold bullets had no effect on him. The empress's medallion protected him from such plain magic. The harpy threw rocks at him. Imperius made a gesture. He drained the rocks of their energy. He threw away the dust. Then he was hit by an explosion. "I too got other tricks up my sleeve." The opponent smiled. This was impossible. How could he be restored? He vanished. The warlock reappeared. The orbs almost reached the centre. The harpy surprised him with some of their pointed feathers. Green blood stained his cloak. "You will not defeat us." The warlock sent other masks to deal with that troublesome bird. The orbs reached each other. Just then the vampire hunter stamped him with the religious symbol. The spell collapsed. "I curse you." Imperius breathed. He would have to begin all anew. "Be the will of the Lord in Heaven." The opponent declared. "So be it." He aimed his rod. The man-beast deflected his shot. Four new orbs already had appeared. This time they would not escape. He would not allow it.

Patrick reloaded his pistol. What was this creature? He'd sent it bough his shot. But the snake hadn't even blinked. He had to be protected. The shock bomb shot he got from Armageddon had shaken him. Those four orbs reminded him of Eric Lecarde who, in 1917, fought against Elizabeth Bathory. He threw it aside. The pistol was ready. Amy continued to confuse the priest while he made himself ready. The orbs was getting awfully close. Patrick made the sign of the cross. The snake threw flames at him. The fused blade turned them aside. "You are going to die." The snake hissed. "It is I, Black Imperius, who is going to kill you." Patrick summoned the Lord. "I'll not give in." Then he dashed forward. The warlock met him, hand to hand. The snake rod blocked each of his blows. The orbs met. The ugly green orb suddenly lit. "Your time is over." Imperius stated. Patrick didn't answer. Instead, he jumped. "Patrick!" Amy shrieked. She shot to fetch him. "Why did you do that?" She grasped him just as a rain of sickly green liquid was released across the walkway. "I had to." Patrick explained. "I knew you would get me." He then said. Amy's eyes shone. "Let's get back to work." Amy smiled. "I really love you." She said in his ear. She let go of him. Patrick moved into a defensive posture. The warlock hissed like hot iron who suddenly was put under water. Patrick smiled. He tried to show a confidence he didn't really have. He wasn't really the man Eric had been. Again he wished Heinrich was with him. The priest made masks attack him. "No portraits." He muttered. The warlock seemed confused. "What?" Patrick made the sign of the cross. He released the boomerang clipper. The masks got shattered. Amy threw rocks at him. Imperius made them disappear. Patrick licked his lips nervously. Four new orbs had arrived. They circled toward the centre. Imperius showed up. He threw flames from his staff. Patrick repeled the shot. Imperius hissed. Patrick fired. Plasma shot from the blade. The gest was a rather theatrical. But it was what he must do. The snake was thrown backward. Amy was back. She threw other rocks. This time Imperius didn't have time to block. Patrick sent him the clipper. Only just in case. Somehow Patrick figured how to fuse his abilities with those weapons he obtained from the machines. The clipper split in two. Bough clippers cut through their enemy. The orbs exploded. It was impossible. The warlock raised. Patrick gapped. He made the sign of the cross. "He's the Order's warlock." Amy said, fear in her voice. "He is no ordinary man." Patrick gathered himself. He was no ordinary man either. He'd chosen destiny. He was a man-beast. He howled while retaining his true form. Patrick would learn this snake why they called him silver. The warlock already released other masks. Patrick really didn't like them. They reminded of Eric's fate. He trusted Amy to handle the items. Patrick instead moved against the warlock. Imperius. Threw flames at him. The spheres where moving. Imperius decided to stand tall. Although Patrick deflected him, again and again, Imperius didn't move. Finally he figured it out. "Amy!" He shouted. "We must get out of here!" She lifted him off of the battlefield just as the spheres combined. A storm of daggers stabbed the walkway through. "He's powerful." Patrick commented. Amy didn't answer. She moved toward the platform. Imperius sent masks at them. Some new harpies arrived. Amy let go of him just as the sisters attacked. Patrick hoped she would be alright. He rolled underneath the flames. Patrick got up in time to fire his shotgun. The boom sent the priest sprawling. He snarled. Patrick picked up the priest. He would tear his head off. Somehow he didn't quite reach the warlock. Imperius was protected. His enemy lifted one hand. The ring on his finger caught Patrick's attention. The deep green stone seemed to shine with its own light. A sudden burst of green energy threw him backward. Patrick got up. He forgot this was a warlock. Imperius could manipulate with spirits. The spheres continued spiralling. The enemy fired. This time he was taken aback. The sword was struck from his hand. The blade fell from the catwalk. "So it end." Imperius came toward him. "Not just yet." Patrick challenged. He'd made it without the sword before. He could do it again. Before the priest could react, Patrick hit him with the clipper. Imperius staggered. The spheres where getting awefully close. Patrick gave him some quick shots before he ran. Imperius got difficulty with breathing. The spell collapsed. Patrick had no time for celebration. The masks came at him.

Amy kicked the last harpy. Her sister screamed. Ester had been her friend once. She tried to kill her. Amy couldn't allow that to happen. Ester released multiple pointed feathers. Amy dodged the offensive. She spread her own wings. Ester countered with tripled beams of red energy. The harpy always was Anna's favourite. Amy snarled. That only because Ester could summon magic force. Amy flew to save herself. Ester shot after her. Amy hid among the many pillars and statues which decorated the side of the museum tower. That blasted Phantathian had summoned other masks. The evil spirits conjured more magic. They spat icicles at her. They made the architecture freeze and shatter. Amy managed to take two of them. Ester shot new beams. They nearly got her. Amy released feathers. Ester was taken aback. She got enough time to break the third mask. The chase continued. They tried to coner her. The death mask released other icicles. Amy got an idea. She ducked beneath the enemies. Ester tried to escape. The mask wasn't that lucky. Ester's beams made it shatter. "Help me!" Patrick's voice hit her like a hammer. She dived to fetch him. Amy lifted him off of the battlefield. It was just in time. An allpowerful blast of pure heat was released. Patrick made the sign of the cross. "Thanks." He said. "I really needed that." Ester made tripled beams go her way. Amy shrieked. Patrick shot her with the pistol. Ester fell among the shadows. She let go of him. Patrick continued the battle. Amy didn't care. She couldn't help it. She felt like being stabbed whenever her sisters died. She watched how Patrick dodged the warlock's flames. He was quicker then any mere human. The orbs reappeared. Patrick grasped Imperius by his rod. Solid heat made the staff melt. Imperius threw the thing aside. Imperius threw bursts of energy. The green power looked to originate from his ring. Patrick was able to deflect these bursts. The spheres drew close. Amy came to rescue him. Again the battlefield was hit by massive flames. "He really loves what he's doing." Patrick commented. Amy didn't answer. More harpies where on the road. The priest was summoning other death masks. Patrick reached for his crucifix. "Let's get moving." He muttered. Amy agreed. This didn't look good. They would have to work together. Patrick made the sign of the cross. Then Amy moved against her sisters. Patrick reloaded his shotgun. Daniella, Tera and Ishbelle knew how to fight. Things really wasn't easy. Ishbelle spread her wings. Multiple pointed feathers where scattered through the air. Patrick ended the ordeal with a sudden burst of plasma. Amy watched while her sister died. She hated it! Just hated it every time. Amy didn't have time. Daniella and Tera was on the move. They came at a difficult angle. Patrick held his cross high in defience. Death masks joined in the contest. Icicles fell around them. Her loved one returned the ordeal. Plasma lit the air. Daniella was hit. Then the masks shattered. Amy let go of him. This final sister she could handle alone.

Duel tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The sword hang in the air. He calmly went toward it. The blade pointed downward. Aaron sniffed the air. Rowdain told the truth. The knight's sword stank of his enemy. Aaron growled. Hate filled his heart. Aaron calmed himself. It still was not the time. His plot unfolded. Patrick Lecarde had a connection to this item. Aaron reached for it. His hand was stopped. He smiled. The spell worked. The life-force connection was discovered by the ancient dragons. But it worked to his advantage. The lords of shadow discovered how to use the connection for other purposes then the plain Dragonheart connection. Aaron smiled, though it never reached his eyes. The Dark Lord once used it. Count Dracula used the souls of four powerful spirits to revive himself. That was in 1592. The Dark Lord told him so. Aaron broke his line of thoughts. His time would come. Soon his enemy would arrive. Aaron turned to look upon the skeleton knight. "You did well." He said. Already he had fused the bag of bones with enough power to rise its soul. Rowdain Von Harrhausen was alive, sort of. He got his own will, his own purpose. It was good. The prince of darkness would be pleased. The knight was one of his most fateful servants. Aaron agreed. The knight was usefull. "Thank you, my lord." Rowdain spoke with Death's voice. Though he did not possess the presence nor the enigma of that devine being. "Dismissed." Aaron told him. He did not need the knight anymore. He could do what he wanted. Most likely the skeleton would run away to the demon castle Dracula. No matter. Aaron inhaled. He could feel the power which he commanded. It was glorious. Patrick would come. Aaron was sure about it.

Tower of science, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Imperius was furious. That imbecile destroyed his cane. He took the weapon. But it meant nothing. The man-beast could defeat him. The Phantathian priest summoned other masks. They would keep the harpy at work. Imperius threw back his cloack while casting his spell. The ring shot bursts of energy. The enemy blocked with plasma. Imperius hissed. He summoned four new spheres. They began to spiral inward. The man-beast shot him. The explosion was somewhat consumed by his medallion. But the impact threw him backward. Imperius almost lost control of his magic. Never was that going to happen. This time Imperius sent his masks against the man-beast. "Patrick!" The bird shouted. She threw rocks toward his spirits. The warlock breathed. The masks where destroyed. He got back on his feet. The spheres where approaching. The hunter's clippers hit him in the chest. Imperius felt how his lungs where emptied of oxygen. He still managed to hold on to the spell. He shot green energy. The ring was a gift from one lizard dancer. She claimed it once belonged to the Phantathian brotherhood. She was wrong. This item was an artefact created by the elves who pledged fealty to the dark side. The beast hit him with plasma. The medallion absorbed the objective. But then the vampire hunter dug deep into his chest. Imperius hissed. The medallion could protect him from magic force. But it was less effective against martial arts. Blood stained his clothing. He shot the beast in return. The hunter blocked with a screen of plasma. The man-beast then forced a garlic into his mouth. The taste was terrible. The sudden offensive made the spell collapse. Faith fusion was not something he was schooled to deflect. The garlic would never dealt him real damage. But the beast's belief, that it could, gave it a supernatural power the Phantathian seldom experienced. Imperius gathered himself. This was wasteless speculation. His enemy reached for his pendant. Black Imperius held up his ring. "Curse you." He breathed while releasing the blast. The burst forced the hunter backward. The warlock got on the offensive. He summoned two groups of his spirits. The death masks shot icicles. He began another cycle. This time he should not escape. Imperius was protected against his own magic. The spheres where approaching. The bird hurled rocks which made some masks shatter. But it was to late. The spheres united. Imperius watched with triumphant glee while massive frost was released upon the battlefield.

Patrick screamed. The frost froze his soul. He still retained his true form. The man-beast could withstand cold which would've killed an ordinary man. The vampire could survive frost, heat and plouges which killed whole nations. Patrick knew he should've been dead. Amy spread her wings, creating a protective screen. "You won't get him!" She shrieked. The frost cracked. Patrick fell to his knees. He shivered like in a feaber. Somehow Amy must've taken out the remaining masks. Patrick reached into his backpack. He hoped there still was one potion left. "Get away bird." Imperius hissed. "That man-beast is going to give me power." Patrick toutched his cross. Greed was a curse for all the people. "I love him!" Amy decleared. "Either I'll have him or nobody will." The determined certainty in her voice almost scared him. Amy really was obsessed with him. There he got one. Patrick knew her reasons. The Belmonts took him in. Without them, he and Thomas would've been nothing but outcasts. Amy gave up everything for him. "So be it." The priest said. The chilled poision in his voice almost broke his girlfriend. Time to end this little argument. Patrick reloaded his shotgun. "Get down!" He shouted. Amy emmediately fell on the floor. The snake was hit head on. Four orbs where already approaching. Patrick howled. Never was he to give in. Silver wouldn't die here. Patrick determined it would be that way. Another green burst hit him. The ring wasn't powerful enough to destroy him. But it knocked the pistol from his grasp. Amy went to fetch it. Patrick threw garlic upon the priest. The explosions sent his enemy sprawling. The orbs almost reached center. Patrick got hit by another burst. He felt like being teared apart. He snarled. Patrick blocked the next onslaught. He threw the clippers. Patrick fused them with plasma. Imperius hissed as the boomerangs went home. The repeated impact sent the priest on his back. The orbs collapsed. Imperius struggled back up. "Here." Amy gave him the shotgun. "Thanks." Patrick howled his challenge. The Phantathian shot at him. Patrick ran to retrive the clipper. Somehow that weapon, and the shock bomb shot, where the only items which could inflict real damage. Four death masks appeared. They shot icicles. "I'll handle it." Amy promised. "Get to it." Patrick encouraged. "May the Lord bless you." Amy smiled. The harpy blew him a kiss. Then she where off. Patrick shot plasma to counter the snake's attack. The bursts where wearing him down. Patrick knew it. The spell was like poison. The more you got, the greater effect it had on you. He toutched the crucifix. The priest made four other orbs appear. Patrick sent some bullets at them. They had no effect. "Blasted." Patrick cursed. The snake shot at him. Patrick managed to dodge. The spheres continued their journey. There was only three bullets left in his sidearm. Patrick reached for his crucifix. The enemy shot at him. Patrick blocked the offensive. He had to be quick about it. The orbs where closing. Imperius made other masks appear. Patrick got hit by the icicles. He shook the frost. The priest folded his arms. Patrick got a feeling he was somehow amused. Patrick growled. The orbs reached center. Amy was there. She lifted him off of the walkway. Another rain of poison soaked the battlefield. "Watch out!" Imperius made the masks go rigid. Amy had to let him go. Patrick landed upon the catwalk. The priest was prepared. Four new spheres had arrived. Patrick howled. He sent stakes toward his enemy. Imperius seemingly was taken aback. "I know about your powers." Imperius teleported, dodging the offensive. "You cannot defeat me." How was it that villains always spoke like that? Never mind. Patrick let him have it. The roses hurled the enemy hard against the wall. Patrick heard the nasty sound of broken ribs. The priest gasped for breth. Four other masks showed themselves. Patrick fired another shock bomb shot. Imperius teleported. The orbs where on the move. Imperius reappeared. He fired green bursts of energy. Patrick blocked it with plasma. He was weary after the battle with Armageddon. This had to end. He couldn't keep on like this for much longer. Patrick sent him the remaining shocks. The priest dodged one bullet. The other nailed him. Patrick ran forward. The sound of flapping wings told him that other harpies had arrived. No matter. Patrick grasped the priest. Imperius struggled to get free. Patrick tore him by the neck. Some strange medallion hung from his fist. The neclase was broken. "No!" Imperius hissed. "That's mine!" Patrick didn't care. He tossed it into the abyss. The orbs reached center. Imperius franticly tried to get away. Patrick finally figured it. That thing protected the warlock from his own evil force. "I got you." He muttered. "Your own evil will be your undoing." Imperius's eyes grew wide with horror. "Emarald empress!" He shouted. Patrick grasped his cross. Flames washed the area clean. The battle was over.

Amy helped Patrick out of his armour. It was a miracle he was still alive. Amy shuddered. She tried not to look upon the still burning remains of the warlock. The stench of fried snake made her feel sick. Amy gave her boyfriend one of his own medicines. Although the potion healed him, Patrick looked bad. The flames almost got him. Amy was angry. Why didn't he take more care of himself? Patrick smiled. Amy felt her heart leap. She tried to hide it. He wasn't going to get away with it that easily. "Thanks." Patrick said. He sounded like he really meant it. "For what?" Amy asked, somewhat defensivly. Patrick shrugged. "Those masks." He explained. "I'm not sure I could've taken him alone." The harpy blushed. His gratitude made her all warm. "How are you by the way?" Patrick suddenly asked. "Those sisters of yours really let you go through a good deal." Amy flapped her wings. She got some bruishes of her own. They couldn't be compared with his. But some of them felt like being infected. "You don't need to worry about it." Amy said. "I'm alright." She knew it was a lie. "We have to get away before the darkside arrive." Amy unfolded her wings. She got a nasty scratch on her left hip. The mask hit her with an icicle. She also got some specles upon her stomach. Her sister hit her hard against the wall. Amy tried to forget about it. "Don't be silly." Patrick said. "Let's have a look." Amy shivered. She feared those wicked spirits. But Patrick sounded serious. Amy got out of her armour. The hunter looked a bit nervous. Amy almost giggled. He was so strick about certain things. "The medicines comes in three colours." Patrick remarked. "The green is for bruishes inflicted by magic. The blue is for inner damage, or for broken bones." He sent her a quick look. "The red." He held up a vial. "Is for the martial type of damage." Amy nodded. That was why he was so curious about his condition after big battles. He better use the correct potion. She drank the mystic liquid. The fluid felt bogh hot and cold at the same time. Amy twisted when feeling her skin and muscles return to their original position. "It's not what I would consider funny." Patrick dryly remarked. Amy gave him the empty bottle. She wondered why he always kept them. They exchanged glances. Amy got a stomach ache. The situation was rather complicated. Amy wished he just did it. It was what she'd wished for since she first met him. Patrick leaned forward. "May the punish come upon me." She thought he muttered. Amy didn't understand. She didn't care anyway. "Just kiss me." She whispered. Amy experienced heaven as Patrick finally put his arms around her. Amy's back was healed. She leant backward while folding her wings around him. She didn't mind about the darkside. She didn't mind about anything. He was her's. Nobody could doubt it. Patrick penetrated her. Amy moaned. She was no monster. Come what may be. She wasn't afraid. Not anymore. Amy was free.

He watched from the shadows. Everything was going as predicted. He smiled, exposing his fangs. The dark angel stood beside him. Death was silent. The information he brought settled the matter. Soon they would arrive. The young master had to die. The ancient power was of no significance here. The matter truly was settled now. He would do what he have to. The forgermaster would gain his price. If he could handle it that was. Of course, he could fail. They all could. So be it. They where all parts of the same much greater picture. The devine spirit lowered his head. He watched him leave. The angel knew what he did. It was all part of the plot. The Dark Lord would return. There was only a matter of time. Death had assured him as much. Although much was still unclear, he had no trouble with accepting the situation as it currently was. He moved deeper into the shadows. He would have to reveal himself for those who wished to vanquish his master. He felt their presence. They had arrived. This was his moment. He moved into position. Everything was ready.

The villa mansion, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Rowdain Von Harrhausen stepped into the library. His horse was settled in the front yard. He would leave this forsaken place very soon. But first the skeleton knight got things to do. Aaron resurrected him. But it was Death, and lord Dracula, who he owed his fidelity. He actually met the angel. Rowdain knew what he was looking for. Death told him what to do. There it was. The skeleton knight had served lord Dracula when he was still a living human. Rowdain was one of the voivode's knights. He was first resurrected in 1496. Trevor Belmont fought him on twise occations. Rowdain Von Harrhausen was not trained in the arts of wizardry. He could feel the tome's importance. He was risen again in 1499. Hector faced him in the fountain. Rowdain pressed the Dark Lord's book against his ribs. He felt the echo. Uriel spoke the truth. His third rising was in 1688. The great Simon Belmont brought him down. There was no time to spare. The bone knight turned. He had to go on a long journey. Although Maxim Kishine accidently revived him in 1747 it was not important. He was not to become involved. Shaft brought him back in 1797. The skeleton leader dismissed the matter. He got work to do. He saw Torah Fernandez when he brought Aaron that blade. Carrie Fernandez destroyed him during the battle in 1852. Since then Rowdain rested in his deep grave. He would do as the master told him. Rowdain went down the front stair. The horse waited for him. Ilmarin was a steady steed. She was brought to life in the form of a fish. Although it was centuries ago, Rowdain could not forgive it. They proved their fealty in 1688. Rowdain got up. He hit the rains. The horse was moving. The journey would be a long one, to castle Dracula. But it had to be done.

Tower of science, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Amy sat cross-legged upon the side of the walkway. She was playfully kicking the air. She'd become a real woman. Amy smiled. She didn't mind being a harpy. Amy had chosen her destiny. She was sure of it. Patrick was busy inspecting his arsenal. Amy thought he might pay somewhat more attention. She did look attractive when taking this pose? Patrick reached for his cross. The crucifix toutched her many times while they… Amy blushed. While they made love. It didn't burn her. Then she noticed her boyfriend's concearned expression. "What's wrong?" She asked. Patrick reloaded his shotgun. "The darkside." He said. "They should've found us by now." Amy shuddered. She didn't wish to think about them. Something landed on her shoulder. Amy dried it off. "What's that?" Patrick at last looked upon her. Amy wasn't sure. Another of those white flakes landed on her forarm. She beheld its buty. The flake was perfect. Amy knew what it was. "Snowflakes on your body." Patrick muttered. She didn't understand. It began snowing. Although she'd noticed the heavy clouds earlier, she'd been to consumed with battle. Patrick made the sign of the cross. "Glory be the Father, the Son and to the Holy Ghost." He whispered. "The weater has returned to normal." Amy wasn't that extatic. The weater cooled her. The snow chilled her body. Amy was about to tell him, when sudden screams filled the air. "They aren't happy about it." Patrick said with more then a little glee. Amy shook her head. She didn't knew much about them. One thing was for sure. "The curse isn't broken." She said. "The darkside is still out there." Patrick nodded. The playfulness vanished. Amy felt a little sorry for it. He never was as handsome when during that moment. The wind was picking up. Amy shuddered. "Let's go." She said. "Wait a moment." Patrick was searching inside his backpack. "Let me summon Renon." He presented the contract. "Maybe he can give you some clothing." Amy put her hand upon it. "You don't have to." She said. "I'm a harpy. We adapt to climate soon enough." Patrick looked unsure. Amy was determined. He wasn't going to get in trouble for her sake. Finally Patrick put away the paper. "I hope you know what you do." He said. Amy smiled. She'd learned about her powers. "I went outside the castle." She explained. "The ice ruled the countryside." Patrick nodded. "Just because I'm black, you don't have to think I've never seen the winter before." She somewhat strickly remarked. Patrick spread his arms in surrender. "You're right." He said. "I just have to get used to it." Amy got up from her position. She seldom flied during snowfall. But now she had to. Amy would be the first to notice if the enemy arrived. Patrick pulled out his pistol. The walkway had been damaged during the battle. The way back was blocked. She could've taken him across. Amy knew his goal. He was here to defeat the Dark Lord. She really hoped he would emerge victorious. The catwalk seemed to go on forever. Amy felt somewhat unsure. There was no bats around. Not even a single robot approached them. The walkway ended upon the square. Amy had a magnificent view of the countryside. The south and east seem to lay before her. Three different stairs continued forward. The high towers loomed into the night. There was a single door, made of metal plates. Her boyfriend frowned. "This elevator wasn't here before." Amy was about to answer, when the controls lit. Someone was approaching. "Take cover." Patrick instructed. Amy did as she where told. She got a few tricks at the ready. The door moved aside. She beheld their enemies. They where not as she'd expected.

(A.N: Here ends another chapter in my story. I hope you liked it. The four cyborgs in Patrick's quest where of course based on MMI. I'll soon return to the "true" chapters 4 and 5. In the meanwhile, have a nice time.)